OUR VISIT TO KIWI FARM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2390, 21 December 1899, Page 53

OUR VISIT TO KIWI FARM.

[Pbize Competition", 1899.]

HE approaching marriage of Harry takes my mind back to the happiest day ol my life, Euth,"' my husband said, turning lazily round to look at me. "How time flies, to be sure! Do you know, Jack," I said, "that we have been married nearly two years,

and are becoming quite an old man-ieci couple." . Settled comfortably in his easy, chair and puffing clouds of smoke from his old black pipe, he soon became merged in deep thought. . "Of what are you thinking? I said, after waitincr for another remark from him. "Well, to tell you the truth, my girl, I •was deliberating as to whether or not I should tell you of an incident in my life which has just recurred to me.'' • '"-Go on," I said. " You-'willhave to tell me about it now, you know, although I was "under the . impression that I knew of all the incidents in yout life." :' Smiling to himself, he took his pipe out of his mouth, looked fondly at the bowl of" it,' and,' pushing back his curly hair, began : — " Well, you know, Ruth, when I was -lodging with Whitely and his wife they got a new governess for the youngsters. .She ■was a tine, handsome, well-educated girl, with plenty of spirit. bhe became very much attached to your humble servant, and as she constantly paid ma delicate attentions it became very "noticeable, so much so that I determined to find other lodging.'. When I intimated that I was going to leave she became very depressed and seemed quite ill. I was really sorry for her. • Her mother, a Frenchwoman, came to visit her, and seemed very anxious about her daughter. Never have I seen one woman so fond of another as she was. Strange to say, she seemed to know intuitively what •was the matter, and after accusing me unjustly of naving tried to gain her daughter's affections, quite altered her tactics and, apologising humbly, beseeched me to marry her daughter. When I told her that the thing was out of the question, as I did not care sufficiently for Eloise to make her my wife, she looked just as if she would annihilate me there and then. Things were decidedly unpleasant. The daughter resented Lei mother's interference ; and the last that I heard" of them was that they had left, and taken situations together somewhere in the countTv."

" How liorrible. Fancy a woman showing her feelings to you' like that? Why didn't you many her, Jack?" "Well, you see, I had met with you, little woman. Isn't that reason enough?"

" Have you ever seen her since?" - "No," ho said, "and I don't want very much to meet either of them again. It is four years ago, and I expect that they have dismissed me from their minds long before now, and we will do the same. As it is getting late and we are to make an early start to-morrow, I think that we had better have supper. What do you say? " The next morning was beautifully fine, the frost still lay unmelted beneath the hedges, and where the sunlight touched it it sparkled like thousands of diamond chips. Our footfalls rang out in the clear air and resounded again as we wended our way towards the Dunedin railway station. Our spirits Avere bright as the morning, for wo were on pleasure bent, and Jack had obtained a fortnight's well-earned holiday. By the way, all wives think their husbands' holidays* well-earned, so my sister tells me, but she is not even engaged. My brother-in-law's wedding was to take place at the bride-elect's horne — Kiwi Farm — at Purakanui. Jack was fortunate to get his holiday just then, and we looked forward to having a really happy time. On nearing the station we were surprised to see Jack's employer coming to meet us. In a few moments I learned that my husband could not possibly leave town that morning, owing to some cablegrams arriving from London requiring his attention. "Bother the cables," I said. "Well, I won't go without you. We will go out together to-morrow in time for the wedding." My enthusiasm, my good s>piTits, and good temper had all vanished ; in fact, I felt "quite limp. " You must go, Ruth. You know you promised to help Mrs Hornsby, and in all the excitement you will not miss me in the least. After' all, I think that men are rather in the way on these occasions."

In two minutes more the train woidd start, so hurriedly I consented to go alone. Had I any idea of what was to follow — but I am anticipating. " Try to come to-night," I said, as the train steamed away. " I shall do my utmost to be there," he replied. " I am just going now to wire to Harry to meet you. Good-bye." After all, I thought, I should have been stupid tc go home again. I should have spent a miserable, indefinite sort of day, and I had dismissed my maid. Besides, thinks of one's clothes — imagine having to refold my new grey .silk trimmed with chiffon. Having satisfied myself on these points, I interested myself in my surroundings. Surely there is no place in the ■world prettier than Dunedin harbour on a fine, sunshiny morning. The hills were clothed in green, which in the early light looked smooth as velvet, save in the gullies, where the beautiful ever-varying bush nestled in little patches. Each turn in the railway line presented to one's view a panoramic scene not easily surpassed, culminating in a view of Port Chalmers from tho hillside. Two ladies, evidently residents of Blueskin, were seated opposite to me in the American carriage, and I could not avoid hearing their conversation. Apparently a woman had escaped from the Seacliff Asylum, -nd, although she had been seen by some of the' Waitati children, and the neighbourhood had been searched, ihe was §tili at large. She was kntnvp iQ

be a very dangerous lunatic. My attentions had been so engrossed that I was surprised to find that Are were nearing Purakanui. It was time to collect my luggage. In a few moments I heard Harry's cheery voice saying, " Good morning, Ruth ; I'm sorry that Jack was unable to come. Never mind, he'll have a day longer at the other end of his holiday. I&n't it glorious weather?. You ca'u't beat New Zealand when the weather is good. I only hope it will be as fine to-morrow. Isn't that a splendid specimen of a broadleaf?"' Then, he chatted about his fiancee, Mabel Hornsby, until we reached the homestead. Kiwi Farm is situated on the side of a hill, and is surrounded by trees, through which you get glimpses of the ocean, and a long stretch of sandy beach. The buildings consist of one centre house, which has been added to over-much, and numerous smaller ones, each containing tw r o or three rooms. Painted white and grown over with creepers, they looked quite picturesque. Mrs Hornsby and Mabel welcomed me on the lawn, where I renewed acquaintance with many of the guests ; most of them, having travelled from long distances, were staying for a few days. Mrs Hornsby is an admirable hostess, and with her gentle, kindly face gains the heart of everyone. She is a handsome woman, with a splendid carriage. Her blue eyes still retain their brightness, and -her cheeks are tinged^ witlv-; pink. Age shows morepl2i;vi^-itnier hair, which is snowy-^vnTEeTand brushed in a becoming manner back from her forehead. Excitement reigned everywhere ; presents were inspected, parcels and buggies kept arriving, and decorations were -being completed in every direction. ,Our cottage consisted of a bedroom, with a dressing room beyond, and when Mrs Hornsby found that Jack had not come she was quite perturbed, and wished that she had allotted us rooms in the centre house. . I assured her that I was not nervous, and that I hoped my husband would arrive before evening. After partaking, of high tea in a festively-deco-rated barn, we separated for the night to rest i>fter the tiring day. Mrs Hornsby accompanied me to my room, and after puttiny another log on the already blazing fire, sat down to have a chat with me before retiring. On our way we had met tlie housekeeper, a peculiar looking woman, who locked very intently at me. 1 asked Mrs Hornsby were she had met with her. She replied that she had advertised for a governess. In answer a young lady had applied for the post and was accepted, her credentials being satisfactory. Some days afterwards her mother appeared, and asked to be allowed to live- here, to be near her daughter. She was willing to do any work in the house. I told her that I did not require the service of anyone. However, she begged so to be taken that I consented. She makes and mends the children's clothes and superintends the housekeeping, and will not accept payment. Although I do not care much for her, I find her invaluable."

"Is the daughter's name Eloise?" I inquired. "Yes, do you know her?" " No," I answered, "I have heard of her. Where is she now?"

" For some reason or other she objected to be here for the wedding, and asked if she might have a holiday.'' As my husband had not arrived, Mrs Hoinsby insisted upon inspecting the windows of the cottage, and beemed loath to leave me. She was surprised to see that there was not a safe lock on the inside of th-i door. So she insisted on getting a padlock and locking it on the outside, saying that she was going to make a prisoner of me. I did not much care about it, but submitted to the imprisonment, as she seemed so anxious about me.

Truth to tell a short time ■ only had elapsed when a lonesome feeling began to steal over me, and had it not been for the reluctance which I felt to upset the* household arrangements I would have called to good Mrs Hornsby to allow me to sleep on the floor of the centre house. Eloise and her mother haunted me. I could not tell why. How stupid to make myself nervcus, I thought I will lead for a little while and put them out of my mind. Still it seemed strange that I .should only have heard of the woman last night, and come into contact with her to-day. I 4;I 4 ; wxs no use, I could not read, tr/ ns I would to concentrate my thoughts. Having an uneasy feeling I did not undress, but slipped on my dressing gown, and, extinguishing tho lamp, lay down on the top of the bed, cove-ring myself with my opossum nig. I made up my mind that being locked in was all the cause of my nervousness, and I would not give way to it. I was just becoming drowsy when I heard the sound of loud, even breathing quite near to me. It is piobably some animal asleep, I thought — a dog, perhaps, or stray horse lying against the wall outside. Yet it seemed very near, too. Whilst my attention was so strained I felt a movement under the bed, and all at once an uncanny laugh fell on my startled ears. Again, the uncanny laughter. Oh ! I knew now what it was ; I was locked in, and my companion was the missing maniac, who had fallen asleep wdiilst in hiding under my bed. My heart seemed to stop beating. I felt perfectly helpless and could not scream or speak. The movements stopped again, and the regular breathing continued.

Fortunately, at this stage my presence of mind returned to me. If I wished to move I must dc so at once. Tlij fire was still burning brightly, and .shone right on the bed. Move I must. So slowly, inch by inch, it seemed to me, I ciept towards the foot of my bsd, dragging with me the opossum rug. It must have been ten minutes before I could place my foot on the floor. What if the mad woman should grasp it? At last I managed it, and gathering tEe rug around me, moved with trembling, stealthy steps to the inner room, hoping to be able to open, the window. I unfastened the latch of the door, nnd reaching the window, put aside the blind, and tried to raise the sash. It was held fast, and by a woman's hands. Whilst dropping the curtain I saw the evil face of the housekeeper. The noise I had made quite awakened thi mad .lyontfin* who rolled to

the middle of the room. Again she commenced her uncanny" laughterr-- ! shrank back" into~~t!te dark, corner of the room, and, crouching there. I peered thiough the open doorway, watching, like some fascinated animal, every movement of thi lunatic. A more hideous spectacle than she was it would be in>»DSsible to see.

She was a powerfully-made woman, immensely strong, with dark piercing eyes her straggling, black lliair was intermingled with dank, trailing seaM-eed. She wore a woollen jacket, which was rent and jagged with her long straying through the dense bush, whilst her striped -skirt was stained with blood, which came from the heads of fowls, rabbits, and other animals, which depended from her waist, attached to pieces of flax. Such a demented, weird-looking creature, and so strong withal !

Whilst I gazed upon this object she had noticed my shoes, bonnet, etc., in the room; each article she threw into the fire, laughing meanwhile. Suddenly she stopped, and, with a growl, approached a cupboard, and, taking out some meat, proceeded to devour it, tearing it asunder with her fingers ; then to my horror she brought forth a bottle of brandy. Where could she have obtained these things? She kept looking, around si!MjiGkrt-iiy-~every- now and again. , Could those eyes pierce to the.^OTi«resr"ol my hiding-place, Tjv^-.-ieTSd. Why did I noV wait for my husband? Poor Jack, what a, holiday for him! What if this day — the very day of the wedding toe — they should find me murdered by that fiend. " Oh, yo" wretch," I mentally ejaculated, as she Bung the half-emptied brandy bottle into the flames. Would not someone see the blaze? I wondered. Then the woman outside?

I could not think any more. I was weak, and trembling like the veriest schoolgirl. The next object to attract her attention was my Gladstone bag. This she cast into the, fire, and when it was half burnt through dragged it forth again to the centre of the floor, and tried to force open the lock. Being unable to do this she left it smouldering on the floor. Meantime the rooms became filled with dense smoke. That and the fumes of the smouldering leather made me choke, as I was terrified it might do. Like a lion disturbed at his evening meal, she looked around, and peered suspiciously into eveiy part of the outer room, chattering and muttering incessantly.

Meanwhile a low, roaring sound caught my attention. The flaming brandy and other inflammable materials had set fire to the chimnej r . Suddenly the creature noticed the dressing-room. With stealthy steps, and ever muttering, she came near and yet nearer to me. The smoke was now becoming insufferable. If I coughed nothing cculd save me, What a fiend? Would she find me? "Oh! Jack, help me," I frantically screamed. Hurriedly she turned, and drawing a blazing stick from the fire came towards me once again. What followed I krow not, unable longer to bear the strain I fainted. ... When consciousness returned I was lying in a pleasant room, and Jack was holding my hand. Slowly the remembrance of what had passed came to me. Poor, dear Jack, how worried he looked. I might never have seen him again. At this thought I burst into tears. A glad smile came to his blue eyes, as he gathered me to him.

"My dear wife," he said, " the doctor told me that a good cry would be the best thing in the world for you."

There was no fear now of brain fever. Then as I begged him to tell me how I had been saved, he said:

" Having made up my mind to be with you for breakfast this morning, I cycled to Waitati late last night, intending to come on eariy to-day. " To my surprise, whom should I see near to the hotel but Eloise Russouw. She was walking about in an excited mamer, and, on recognising me, she rushed up and implored me to go at once to the farm, as she feared from a message which she had received that something had happened to you, Ruth. Thinking that it must be a fabrication — for I could not believe that you could be in danger — I concluded that some plot was being laid for me, or that the girl was demented. Noticing my hesitation she became most agitated, and implored ma to go on at once, and on my promising not to betray her mother, she told me the whole horrible truth, Ruth. Knowing, Ruth, that you were to &leep in the cottage, her mother had concealed ihe mad woman in your room, and provided ht'i' with food. When she had broken uhe inside lock, she suggested \he padlock to Mrs Hornsby, who unwittingly aided lier in hur plans. Eloise conducted me through a bush track to the farm. iSoon we saw Ihe flames from the chimney, and then I fearsd thi worst. Rushing to the door, [ l'eaid you calling, " Oh, Jack! Come to me, 1 ' and right glad I was to hear the sound of your voice. One of the faun hands was there already, and we forced the door open. As soon as the lock gave way, the mad woman rushed out enveloped in flames. Eloii-.e and the labourer pursued her, whilst I hurriedly (-canned the rooms for you. I found you in an unconscious state with part of the rug in your mouth. Other help soon came, and Harry rode off for the doctor. I explained things as far as I could to Mrs Hornssby and Harry, but the real facts of the case have been kept from Mabel and the guests. Eloise and her mother disappeared in the confusion, and I am sure that we .shall never hear ot them again. The marriage took place about an hour ago, and if you feel equal to it we will send for the happy couple, and tender our congratulations.

Everyone seemed overjoyed to learn of my recovery, and in a few "days' time Jack took me foi a quiet holiday to Moeraki. The poor mad creature succumbed to her burns, although all possible help was tended her. Eloise told Jack that her mother considered that I had spoilt her life, and in her jealousy, plotted the wret'ehed scheme, with what success you already know. We have never revisited Kiwi Farm. Mru Hornsbj; has never invited us there A thiuk-

ing, I suppose, that it would upset me to -return. Jack and I were talking about.it. this moTnii)g,~aifd"~l proposed to him that we should go uninvited.

"Well said, little woman," he replied. "We will just run out to Purakanui, and wish them 'A Merry Christmas.'" "1 will not go alone," I said. "There n>ay be still another incident in your life untold, and I may again become the victim."

" I think not, Ruth,"' he replied. " You were the heroine of nry other love tale, and things have always run smoothly with us." Why should they not, with 'Jack for my husband? ~

BY PENGUIN.