CHAPTER 111.

Otago Witness, Issue 2811, 26 August 1908, Page 70

CHAPTER 111.

RESSED for dinner, Lord Ballina was lounging in, a comfortable ' chair before the heavily-decorated mantelpiece in his sitting room. By his side stool a. rich, Japanese, silk-covered table, on which stood several framed photographs of the world's principal celebrities. On the opposite side of the table, also in evening dress, sat his firm friend and partner, Michael Dundas, who, with his elbowa on his knees, was engaged in smoothing down certain rebellious hairs that defied hard brushing and refused to be coerced into harmony with the rest. '"This is a big thing, Bally," he said after a few further attempts at reducing the rebellious hairs ; "the fellow who drew up those plans for that car was a genius, and no mistake." "Yes! And a curious thing," remarked the other lazily ; "in fact, I may say the raiest coincidence known, a genius wiih unlimited capital." "True," laughed the other. "Tirst time I ever ran across a genius whose banking references have proved so remarkably satisfactory a 6 this one. A Utopia ! Bra : n and wealth, hand in hand. It's a strangelooking creature now that it's nigh on completion." "There's many a queer thing about it that beats my jompreheneion,"' replied Lord Ballina thoughtfully. "I wonder why the well in the body of the chassis ie so extraordinarily deep." "Licks me altogether," replied his friend. "Anyone sitting in it would barely show head and shoulders. The wheels of the tonneau are higher than the ordinary run, too. I'd stake a trifle there are few cars would top her speed." "Then there's that curious vacant space left in the midlle of the floor," wmtinued the other. "Picnic basket — luggage? No, wouldn't fi f in." "Ambulance work- on. the Continent perhaps?" "No, there's mystery in the creature from beginning to end. Let me see! It's a full month since "Mil — hem! — Mifcs Archer paid us a visit, Mike? I've rarely eeeu her or liei father bin.cc."

J "Curious ! Mr Archer stumped up hand1 somely for the car. However, if he did the handsome, I think we can say the same, for a better machine xve can proudly assert never spun on tyres. Moreover, the secret has been closely kept ; not % word has ever leaked out." "Not much to be got out of the partners," said Lord Ballina, toying with the handle of a carved ivory paper knife."Yes there's a lot in this that one can't fathom. Did Mr Archer conceive the idea or did he not? This is the puzzle. Now, Mike, I think we know that machine inside out, and you'll agree with me that it shows_ the conception of a wonderful master mind." "I'm with you there, Bally," his friend returned quickly. "Well," said Lord Ballina, with a nod, "I respect Mr Archer, and feel not only a certain regard, but I may" say a certain friendship for him— and his familyv He has always struck me as a typical American gentleman— keen, sharp, with wits stropped to the fineness of a razor's edge. One who could hold hk own bravely in the world, yet at the, same tim,e whose mind, I think, could hardly have given such a brilliant flash of intellectual power as to conceive the idea of such a machine. Keep you eye on the time, Mike. Your aunt, Lady i»eaf, would never forgive us if we were late to-night — seven-thirty, Ithink." ' "Wait till you know her, old fellow," was his retort ; "you'lr^find she'll forgiveanything in you. Look here, old man, do make a confidant of your old friend. I've' noticed you've not been in your usual good spirits for ever such a while. Let us fay — hum ! — ever sinee — why, ever since Miss Archer came to-'the works. Ha, Bally! you ©howed her the works ; ehe show-ed you the broad road, to love." "Don't chaff, Mike," the other replied j somewhat impatiently ; "a careless word, flung may hit the mark neareo than you imagine." "Well, old man, you know that you've my sympathy and hearty support in. every way possible. Now, there's nothing like meeting difficulties for us two, I think. ; Difficulties have been our tonics in life. And there's a{ vast amount of that ahead. I see. So, Bally, I'm with you, storm and sunshine, through thick «n<i thin." "Thanks, Mike, old man," said his friend, leaning over and stretching out a hand. "I've got you always at my back, I know. Yes, I've had a month to allow a wish, to grow into a strong, vigorous yearning. Like the proverbial parrot, I've done a powerful deal of thinking these last four ■ weeks, and I mean to make Muriel Archer my wife. Never mind the rocks ahead." "As for the rocks, " the other answered stoutly, 'Til — we'll, all help ,to get you . over them." I've .got a bright idea. I'll r_ get my aunt, Lady Leaf, you know, to give us her aid. She's a power .in the, matrimonial market, and her husband, Sir Alfred, is uncommonly popular at thia moment with all parties in the House. He's ' going to make a stir to-night, I hear. The whips have been uncommonly busy ' l You're a igood fellow, ■Dundas, and I'll not forget the many services you've done , me. Perhaps this one will be the most iirportant of all." - | "Trust /me, Bally," was his Tesponse. I -"Yes, I'll foot a measure at your wedding, that's certain, before long. I wonder if you'll do the same at mine. Mej thinks mine is meant to be spent ip i At' this moment the nretty Louie XI clock on the mantelpiece rang out its silvery chimes, warning them >hat there ! was no time to lose. They jumped up hastily, gave O'Malley orders for a cab, 'and soon they were speeding on their way to Grosvenor square, where Michael Dundas's ever-popular aunt, Lady & h resided with her distinguished husband, Sir Alfred, known to both Houses as the hardest hitter to Socialism. Indeed, that night he was down to speak, and Labour candidates were quaking in their shoes. As soon as they arrived a powdered ' footman relieved them of their outer coverj ings, and then another led the way up th© 1 broad staircase leading to the drawing [ room. As they mounted Lord Ballina. • noticed v/ith what extreme taste everyI thing was decorated. ( At the foot of the i stairs there 6 tood two large blue china i vases in which a pair of palms waved then spikey broad leaves in the soft air. The stairs were covered with thick electric I blue carpet, and the marble banisters were chiselled from the finest Carrara marble. Lady Leaf received them standing be- . ! neath a large standard lamp, the brilliant j electric light of which was softened by a square "pink silken shade of Libertyhue. Her figure was tall and comniandI incr and of perfect form, which time had I found so beautiful that he had left no ! traces of his handiwork. Her pleasant features, not altogether regular, were yet very beautiful, and her dark hair, drawn in shining waves from an alabaster brow, had but a soupcon of a dawning autumn kid on it. , "Indeed, it is very good of you, Lord - Ballina," she said, smiling, as she gave him her arm preparatory to descending to the dining room. "I know you and my nephew are hard workers, and deservei better reward in the evening than to ' escort an old lady to hear th© boredoms of a dull House. You see, lam all alone at present, with no cheerful young I company to entertain you, My daughter 1 is in Ireland with her husband,_ whilst i your cousin, Michael, is with his regiment in Hawal Pindi." "So much the better, Aunt Leaf,", her nephew replied, as he followed them to the dining room. "I've got heaps to j tell you that is only for ytfur ears at present, so I am glad we are alone." The dinner was served' with exquisite taste, and the conversation flowed in easy strains. By degrees Michael adroitly led , the conversation into the channel he so much desired — namely, that of soliciting I his aunt's valuable services for his friend. i She needed but little persuasion, for it

was a ma-tter entirely after her own heart. She delighted in nothing better than to aid the love affairs of the young j for as her own marriage had been an extremely felicitous one, she ardently desired that the earn© fate should overtake all her young acquaintances, particularly, perhaps, in Lord Ballina'e case, as her affectionate nephew was never tired of singing his praises, in her ear. \ "Rely on my services," she said with en encouraging emile. "I must call' upon this winsome young lady. So she is an American. " Well, next to an * Englishwoman, X- should prefer a cousin, across - the" pond. I wish you could tell me more about her parents." "There is little we know," her nephew ' Teplied. "We .got acquainted in — in a business concern. Met at an hotel. Young lady shown over tße works. - A few chance meetings, and much private communing on Lord BaHina's partr— doubtless also on- her part ! Hearts beating in unison, -thoughts- in common;; ,and there, aunt, .-you.. have the whole situation." ""Sentimental, certainly, but not very practical," .his aunt answered. "However, love goes 'ever' the "same way. Do. you ', know- anything about — about the position of f ;ihe r child'9 father?" • , - |1 can' oily say,"- Lord Ballina replied, hastily, "without -betraying- any business/Secrete, that' he seems to have the mines of '■ Golcorida, at his back. However, that counts for nothing with "me. Thanks to. luck and our brains the firm is now on a sound bask, and Muriel need never know what a ghastly social crime poverty is." "This is all that is necessary, I think," she' added, after a- moment's thought. "You must not mind my taking my hus1 band into our confidence, Lord Ballina. I never do anything without his advice j but you need- not fear, a# I am sure he will be , only too pleased to further your interests in every way. Perhaps he has had the pleasure already of ineefcing your future father-in-law." "I hardly think so, for I, think Mu — Mles Archer, would have mentioned it somehow, as she ''knows Michael well. True, I've only -seen her but rarely this last month," he concluded, a little ruefully. " Never mind," she said, encouragingly ; "you know the old adage — 'absence makes 1 the heart grow fonder.' Sir Alfred *&nt to the House .early, as there are affairs of importance on the tapis. The ever hydra-headed monster, Socialism "is ■ beginning to show activity again. -They have a dangerous leader." ' 'Indeed?". Lord, \ Ballina asked in sur- - prise. -'We've > been so terribly busy, at r the works lately that we have heard tut little news. May I ask what his name -is T" >' Dalton," she answeredi- "A ■vfery dangerous, energetic man, who is well known as the famous Socialist leader." "Ah ! I've heard ol him," her nephew replied, as he refilled his glass of port from a magnificent cut glass decanter — "a thoroughly unscrupulous. blackguard, I believe, the shame, I say, , being an Englishman." ' * "He certainly bears a very unenviable character. Indeed, Lord Ballina, my husband lias told me that he ought to re closely watched. The report goes about in inner circles of well-informed people that he is in league with and controller of some mysterious secret organisation." "This is a very grave report," Lord Balhna I said quickly. "An educated criminal is about the most dangerous creature" on earth. Surely Scotland Yard has us watchful eye on him?" "Who knows?" queried Michael Dundas dubiously. " "He must belong to the highest criminial ckss, which comes under the title of 'unsuspects.' However, if there's villainy it's sure to meet with its own reward sooner or later." "Yes, Mike," said hi@ friend, leaning back in his chair ; "I know that lot ; they're a dangerous brood. Few in nunbers, perhaps, but all tke more .to be feared for the deadliness of their purpose. Goodness only knows where their unscrupulous designs may end." "Ah, yes, indeed!" remarked the old lady- "mv husband and I had a long discussion about this very subject to-day, during lunch." "And -bis views "were, aunt?" asked her nephew. "Just f he. same as your friend's. - Butthat is not all. Be even said that he would-be in no way surprised to learn one day that such a man— a leader of a party whose one^aim is the destruction of order — was .connected in some manner with a certain mysterious secret society whose* one aim is directed against the property, ' or even the lives, of the upper classes.'" "Things have come to a pretty pass :f such is the case," retorted Lord Ballina, "However, Lady Leaf, we die fortunately in the twentieth century of civilisation; such things are practically impossible nowadays. The authorities have every thing completely under control. Look, since the war, how alarmists have dinned this or that in our ears, and what has been the result of these fantastic pessimistic croakers? Smoke! Nothing." "Ah, young men, young men!" said Lady Leaf, shaking her head. "Youth «s ever th© same, heedless of the past, and 'careless of the future^ — the present is Hs sunshine."- 4 "And why not, aunt?" said her nephew gaily. "There must be a time for making hay,, so let. us do sp while the sun «hin©s. Pooh! I for one am of Ballina's opinion The- present generation has an entirely, different; way of using thought to the past. No one dreams of ever going beyond words novr. It's their peculiar way of letting off steam." "Like a motor," ejaculated his friend. "Precisely, just like a car. Phrrr !— bang, and then silence. But no shop, Bally, after office hours, you know." "Yes, young men," Lady Leaf inter posed, "as I can see by the clock it is t.*me we made a move. I will order the

closed brougham for to-night. I thiift we can manage with a tight fit." Ab they were driving to the House the conversation they had had at the dinner table somehow remained obstinately impressed on Lord Ballina's mind. He felt, despite his attempts to ridicule the wholo thing, that there might be something in. it after all. Yet- what mischief could a secret society do, beyond dooming aa innocent subject to death or betraying some State secret, army or navy? The machinery bo control law, decency and order after nigh on 20 centuries of study and trial had surely arrived at ?i state of absolute perfection! Providvt no foreign foe attempted invasion, or a private assassination, there was nothing tc fear. But all the same he determined to pay all heed to Sir Alfred Leaf's speech that night. They arrived just in time, for they ha<J hardly taken their ..places in the galU:y when they saw Sir Alfred rise and with a. bold front he began his? strong denuncivtion of the gathering strength of Socialism. '. The^ House was more than ordinariLy full; the Whips had nobly dene their duty. " Few had been the occasions lately on which the House had been treated to sue a a trenchant discourse. At first the • Opposition had endeavoured by every means to hinder the -speaker. But the thunderous accusations hurled with powerful effect at the head .of his opponents silenced eve.i Mr Francis. Dalton, his bitterest opponent, and Sir Alfred was eventually allowed to finish hie striking speech without hindrance. A strong moral victory rested with the Government, and "Socialism had received another severe blow. Amidst an indescribable scene of uproar Lady Leaf descended to the lobby with Lord Ballina and her nephew, who were eager to offer their congratulations to the victorious speaker. "Thank you," replied Sir Alfred in a quiet voice, very different to that which he had lately used. "I fancy <we hay« , given another knock-down blow to the hydra-headed monster. But, gentlemen, I would like to draw your attention to that group -over in that corner. There's where the mischief lies. The excited speaker who is so 'energetically pounding the palm of his hand with his fist is no other than the celebrated Dalton, the champion of — of Retrogression." It certainly was a striking group of four which stood in a knot engaged in 'low, earnest conversation. The speaker, who seemed by fores of character to be the principal person, was a tall, loosely set man, with long, powerful arms, having a strong, though somewhat aesthetic face, which he kept In, constant motion. His massive features but illaccorded with the size ,of his head, which .he shook from side to- side with nervous jerks. By' his side stood a' short, dapper foreigner, apparently an Italian, who kept continually- pulling at a red-bordered handkerchief concealed in '- : - sleeve. He was clad in a pair of light-coloured trousers, and wore elastic-side boots with heels much worn*. The third individual in the group evidently belonged to the working classes. His heavy jaw showed obstinacy of will, which was confined in a narrow cranium. He was listening with wrinkled brows to his leader, and his clear blue eyes had a look of wonder as he gazed on the countenance of his champion — his god! As the eyes of the young men wandered to the fourth party they both 'gave an involuntary start, as they simultaneously exclaimed : "Mr Archer !" There was no mistake. The American was standing slightly on one side, and appeared 'to be the coolest of the party. He stood in an attitude that betrayed a certain boredom, whilst he allowed his attention to wander elsewhere, though he had evidently not as yet discovered those who were paying such attention to him and his companions. "Mr Archer, did you say*" said Sir Alfred, consulting his watch, "Humph ! Don't know the individual. There's a • strong Yankee look about him, though. But, gentlemen, I am afraid I must leave you for the present, as - 1 have an important meeting. Michael, you will tee your aunt safely home. Lord Ballina, thank you for your appreciation of my .humble efforts. * If can be of any service, command me." As they returned to Grosvenor square a deep" silence rested on, the party, they being deeply engrossed with their own private thoughts. Yet as Lady Leaf took leave of the young, men she said with a quick earnest look at Lord Ballina, "It is needless for me to ask such a question, but I suppose this Mr Archer is none other than the father of your — your Muriel." "Precisely, Lady Leaf," Ballina replied, bowing. "Then can you guess what he was doing in such company?" "Indeed, I cannot/ he answered, earnestly. " "I have not the faintest idea." "It's very strange — very strange." v As they departed, after seeing her enter the mansion, Lord Ballina turned to his friend and. taking his arm, said abruptly : "Look here, Dundas, old fellow, it is quite early, and the night is as fine as one could wish. Let me drive you down in my car — Mitcham Common is within easy* reach. I feel inclined for a spin, and — a chat. First to my rooms for a whisky and soda.*' "Right you are, Ballina. Just the very thin?. We can have a talk, by the way. for I want -to get to the bottom of it all. It beats me altogether, seeing MiArcher in such company. One needs a stimulant after such a shock." "Xow, then, Dundas," said Lord Ballina, as they began to get clear of the crowded streets of the metropolis, and to feel the balmy breezes of the night country air fanning their cheek 6, "we can have

a quiet chat together. Have you been able during our run to arrive at any conclusion as to Mr Archer's strange appearance there in the lobby?" "None whatever, old. chap. I have not the remotest idea," replied his friend promptly. "What I've been trying „0 arrive at •is what this American millionaire can j have to do with a man of Dalton's stamp? ! Magnates don't consort with Socialists as ! a rule." j "It's altogether too deep for me," the ' other replied. "Then there wers those othei two fellows — one an Italian, I take it — there was a certain macaroni, ice-cream look about him. Did you ever see him before?" "Never !" " Or the other briek-and-mortar Johnny? " "Again, no! Somehow his face lias made a great impression on me. I never saw such an iron obstinacy of will confined in so narrow a box, a regular ' Daltonian. By the way, you notio&d the colours that Italian fellow was running under ?" "By .Jove ! yes, Mr Dalton's. Anarchist out- of crime. Once first favourite, now scratched, thanks to Sir Alfred's speeeb. > But I'm puzzling over Araher'e presence.^ He never struck me as being the sort of chap . who would . associate with . such truck." "tyly impression also," his companion returned quickly. "Mr Archer always impressed me not only by his extremely refined, gentlemanly appearance, but also by the soundness of his principles. Once or twice I've heard him utter certain sentiments that were anything but in harmony with Socialistic opinions. However, I noticed that he was paying slight heed to Dalton's fierce invectives. I'm glad he didn't spot us." "Yes, it was a lucky chance," Dundas replied. "It's all a confounded mystery, and perhaps nothing after all. What's the good of bothering our brains any more about it? Things will pan out some way or the other/ if we only wait " "And watch," Loral Ballina added. "Yes, and watcb. Look here, Bally, an extra twist to clo the last mile; we've the Common to ourselves. Let's see what the old lady's limbs will do." "Right, here goes, old fellow, to escape thought," Lord BalKma returned, as with a slight turn he increased to three-quarter speed. "There's rather a sharp v turn, isn't, there, down your lane? Give me- the signal when we come near it." "Go ahead, I'll look out. Not even the proverbial chicken ; we've the common all to ourselves. Now for ihe next Gordon Bennett Cup." Obedient to the will of the experienced driver the motor leapt forward "with increased speed, her Jjwo lights making a brave track in front. "Near the turn, Mike?" shouted Lord Ballina, with, eyes fixed earnestly ahead. "Class by, old fellow," came the response. "Stand by to go about when I give the signal. Eeady ! Up helm, man." "The syren," the other shounted. "Quick, now. One never knows, even, at this time, who may be prowling about." However, he was a trifle too late, for as the car swished, round the sharp turn, and ere the loud grunt of the horn was sounded, there came a wild, ear-piercing scream, a brief glimpse of something dark tossed sideways, and then, bump ! bang! crash! as the car bumped- forward, slowing down till it stopped in the roadside ditch, brought up in a few paces by the powerful brakes. "What has happened? You heard that, Mike? That cry was human." "Aye, and a woman's, if I heard right. I caught a glimpse of a dark form. Quick, Ballina, with the lamp. I trust there is no damaige. " The two immediately jumped out and hurried up to a form lyin<r by the roadside. As tlie light flashed on the prostrat figure they saw that it was a woman. "Quick, Dundas!" Lord Ballina exclaimed. "We must carry "her into the house. Fortunately, it's only a couple >f yards away." No time was lost, and as they laid Tier on the sofa in Dtmdas's comfortable study lie said quickly, "Now, turn on the light while I get the decanters." At that instant they heard a deep sigh, and as' Lord Ballina switched on the current they glanced at the recumbent figure on the sofa. What was it that made them give that start backwards? The mystery had deepened. For there on the sofa lay the figure of a young 3voman, and on her face was stamped the mask of the third party, the Labour candidate who was hanging on the words of Francis Dalton in the House of Commons. (To be continued.)

— A London express was travelling at full speed » few miles north of CarLi&lo when the drivei noticed a red object at the side of the line which he took for al danger signal. "When the train pulled up it was found the object was a red parasol bc-longing to a lady standing at the level crossing awaiting the passing of the express. — The Rotterdam, the newest vessel of the Holland-American line, is the heaviest vessel afloat, her gro=s tonnage being 25,000, and she has accommodation for 3535 passengers, while the crew consists of 475 m-en. MaJiy striking features have been introduced, the most novel of .which is the palm court. Here flower beds, palms, and ferns abound, and the centre of the court is surmounted by a majesticdome of stahred gLass. Mrs T. Burton, Albert road, Epsom, New Zealand, writes: — "We all use Chamberlain's Cough Remedy, and think a lot of it. My husband, who is a conductor on the Auckland trains, takes it when ho has the lea6t symptom of a, cold, and it always lesoena the attaok. Have given it to our children many times for coughs or croup, and it has never failed to cure." IW eale everywhere.