By Decree of the Seven.

Southern Cross, Volume 8, Issue 32, 1 December 1900, Page 13

By Decree of the Seven.

BY EDMUND MITCHELL, Author of “ The Temple of Death,” “ Towards the Eternal Snow,” “ The Legacy of Jean Baptiste,” &c., &c.

[PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT.]

(COPYRIGHT.)

CHAPTER XVl.—(Continued). Comrades in Adventure. The remarkable resemblance in the features of the marble child and those of the Italian girl that had attracted the attention of others besides Hamilton would, of course, have been insufficient by itself to to suggest the thought that the sculptor, Caradini, was no other than Carlotta’s lover, Henri Poiteou. But the reproduction of the ring in the woik of art, taken in connection with other known circumstances, quite precluded the notion that this was merely a case of chance coincidence. Poiteau was a Socialist, an avowed member of secret societies, and a bird of passage —all facts compatible with his assuming different names for different purposes, and in different places. lie was an artist, working in the department of sculpture ; and the sculptors of every nation added together form, after all, only a small community. Poiteau knew Carlotta intimately, and the passion he felt for the girl would impress her features on his mind. He had also on one occasion modelled her hand, when wearing, according to invariable custom, a ring of striking and distinctive appearance. The work of art signed by Caradini reproduced features, band and ring. The only possible inference was that Caradini was Henry Poiteau. Although no such clear and precise proofs could be adduced to show that Poiteau was likewise M. Felix, the presumption of identity in this case also, which had become so firmly fixed in Hamilton’s mind, had several arguments to support it. That Poiteau and the unfortunate Stephano Garcia had belonged to the same secret society was proved by the signs engraved upon their arms. That Garcia and Felix had been members of the self-same organisation was shown by the manner in which each was summoned to its conclaves. A Poiteau-Felix link was thus established between the perpetrators of the crime and their victim. The record of M. Felix’s movements as known to Hamilton was compatible with the theory that it was he who had been the prime mover against Garcia both in Paris and in London. He had left his Bloomsbury lodging a few days before the disclosure of the bomb manufactory to the French police ; he had returned a few days prior to the deed of assassination. It might well be, therefore, that M. Felix was no other than Poiteau himself.

However, apart; from this still doubtful point, the incontestible and all-important fact remained that Poiteau and Cardini were one and the same individual. Therefore, to get once again on the track of Garcia’s murderers, to ensure just punishment for a dastardly crime, while at the same time freeing Carlotta from an odious persecution, releasing Hamilton from a permanent menace to his peace of mind and personal safety, and ridding the world of a gang of plotters who apparently dealt wholesale in outrage and assassination, the first step to be taken was to follow the one available clue and find the sculptor Caradini. But .if he were a man of many names, could he be found? Hamilton thought so. Macropolo himself had all unconsciously given an important hint that might facilitate the quest. The name of Alpbonso Caradini was as yet not well known in the world of art, but, as the Greek had said, he was a coming man— ‘ an artist of very gi eat promise,’ to use his precise words —who did a good deal of work in this country, and was

frequently in London. [To discover the whereabouts of one who had established such claims to distinction would not be a task of formidable difficulty. The line of thought, however, prompted further considerations. According to Stephano Garcia’s references to the secret brotherhood its members did not know each other in everyday life —they had no chance of becoming acquainted with each other’s features, names or occupations. This principle was the very keystone of the conspiracy. But in Macropolo’s case an exception to the rule appeared to exist, doubtless from the very exigencies of the combination. The meetings had been held in his premises, and, as Hamilton had noted as he watched from behind the balk of timber, he alone of the seven confederates had entered unmasked. It was to be inferred that the Greek had occupied some such position as organising agent — that he was the man chosen to operate the machinery of the council, and bring its members into regular contact. A centre point of communication was indispensable ; the personality of the individual occupying it could not but be revealed to all, a condition that in itself would be a pretty sufficient pledge for his faithfulness. For a man willing to take a post of such undoubted risk as compared with his fellow-conspirators, there would no doubt be compensations of some kind or other, as well as special safeguards. The entire theory would accord with the account given by Cevanci, who, even with his limited knowledge in one of the outermost circles of the conspiracy, had come to know Zanakis as a sort of professional organiser—the recognised communicating agent between different groups of the affiliated societies.

But while Macropolo would be known to the sis. other members who completed the Council of Seven, the extreme precautions taken in the manner of summoning the meetings went to prove that not even be was entrusted with the secret of his fellow-plotters’ identity. The organising agent sent round at appointed times the signal for a meeting and the password that secured admission ; but each messeng-er delegated by him or the woman, Angelina, to proceed to one particular house recognised that house only by an arbitrary sign, and the chief conspirators themselves passed into the council chamber masked beyond the possibility of recognition, None of these safeguards would be necessary if Macropolo held a position of supreme trust as regards all the others ; and by this machinery not one of the gang would put his real name, his life and his liberty, any more in the power of the organiser than of the other members of the council the ideal state of security which Sfcephano Garcia had spoken of with such enthusiasm.

It followed, therefore,, that Macropolo, the dealer in statuary, would be acquainted with Caradini, the sculptor ; but Macropolo, the organiser of conspiracy, would have no real knowledge of Caradini, the conspirator, and so long as the latter did not betray himself the double personality would never be disclosed. Hamilton was working out these several lines of argument while slowly walking in Hyde Park on Sunday afternoon subsequent to leaving Mr St. John’s room at Scotland Yard.When this last reflection came to his mind he paused abruptly.

heavens !’ he muttered to himself. ‘ Was there ever such a Chinese puzzle in real life invented-

before P . Was human mind ever involved in a more bewildering maze

than mine is at the present moment P 1 There appear to be ramifications { within ramifications, and yet there is no one to whom I can go for consultation and advice.’ But yes ; on reflection, there was one whom he would consult, and from whom he would ask advice.

Carlotta Garcia had still stronger motives than he himself had to lay at rest once and for ever the doubts in regard to her father’s death. Now that the assassins were alarmed at the possibility of their detection, her life was in all likelihood just as seriously menaced as his own or Cevanci’s. Again, Poiteau, or Caradini, was probably only biding his time, and waiting for the events of the past few weeks to blow over, so that he might reappear before her and renew his odious proposals. Despite his repulse, he had vowed never to give up Carlotta, and with a dangerous and unscrupulous scoundrel of this type, there was no saying to what extremities he might proceed to gain his ends. For the young girl, therefore, permanent and complete safety would only lie in her being able to bring the man face to face with full responsibility for his crime, and to send him to quarters, in this world or the next, where he could trouble her no more. Any first and perfestly natural thoughts of vengeance in her mind now became merged in the condign punishment which was not merely necessary for her own protection but, in the light of fuller knowledge, was practically imposed upon her as a duty to society, to be carried through sternly and unrelentingly to the bitter end. Yes; Fate certainly seemed to be willing it that Carlotta and Hamilton should have a common object to pursue. And that they should henceforth pursue it together, consulting each other at every important step and unfolding to each other every plan which either thought might conduce to the desiderated result, he now resolved. It was Sunday afternoon, but Mr and Mrs Ravendale’s intense interest in the events which they knew to be in course of development would no doubt justify his calling at Bayswater Drive. So thither he turned his steps ; and he was not disappointed in the extremely cordial greeting which awaited him.

Carlotta was present when, under the seal of secrecy until Mr St. John and the officers of his department should see fit to take the public into their confidence, Hamilton related the adventures of the previous night —the police raid on Macropolo’s premises, the escape of the Anarchists, the discovery of the subterranean passage, the explosion, and the resulting conflagration. The last event the Ravendales had read about in their Sunday paper, and, from the mention of Macropolo’s name as the tenant of the premises where the fire originated, they had guessed that the journalistic account had by no means told the story in its entirety. J3ut Hamilton’s additional information, although some new light was expected, carre to them as a thrilling surprise. He went no further with his narrative, however, than was necessary ; he spoke nothing about his own private hopes and projects, nor did he introduce the name of Caradini. As neither Mr nor Mrs Ravendale were good Italian scholars, he had told his story in English. Carlotta had listened, but, except for an occasional word or gesture, she had not understood. It was natural, therefore, that he should ask, and obtain, permission to repeat the tale for the young girl’s benefit in her own language. After this conversation in Italian had proceeded for a few minutes, Mr Ravendale lit a cigar and resumed his newspaper, while the lady of the house busied herself over the afternoon tea table. Hamilton and Carlotta were, therefore, to all intents and purposes, alone. ‘ Signorina, I have something more to say to you,’ added the doctor, at the close of bis narrative. ‘ Tomorrow it is most essential that you

and I should discover where the" sculptor Alphonso Oaradini is to be found in England. The conviction grows upon me that Caradini, Henri Poiteau, and M. Felix are all one and the same individual.*

‘ I share with you the belief—implicitly,’ she said, significantly touching the ring on her finger. ‘ Well, M. Felix was in London last night, for a police detective followed him from his apartments right to the rendezvous at Macropolo’s shop. But M. Felix has not reappeared at his lodgings, and it is extremely unlikely that, now the alarm has been given and he has received warning of my supposed part in last night’s business, I shall in the future haye him fora neighbour. As Signor Oaradini, however, we may find him once again.’ ‘ Unless they have all fled the country.’ ‘ That I don’t think likely. Macropolo and the woman Angelina know the police methods too well to attempt the Channel passage yet awhile, when they are perfectly aware that the fall hue and cry is after them. So they will lie perdu in London, in whose crowded quarters they are probably safer from detection than anywhere- else. And in the case of M. Felix there can be no motive whatever for instant flight. If he really be Caradini, then he has work on hand in this country, as Macropolo let fall during his conversation in this house ; and it w ill be doubtless sufficient for him to pass from the role of conspirator to that of sculptor to throw the police off his track. You and I alone hold a possible clue as to his future movements. And it is our duty, our only safety, to follow it up without a day’s unnecesaarry delay.’ The flash of her eyes showed that his impulsive words had kindled a responsive fire within her bosom. ‘ I am with you, heart and soul,’ she said, eagerly. ‘ I have sworn to avenge the death of my father.’ ‘ There are higher objects than vengeance now to be served,’ interposed Hamilton. ‘Be it so,’ she replied. ‘ Call it retributive justice, a duty to society, what you will. The end will be the same. How shall we attain it ?’ ‘ 1 have thought of a plan. But perhaps you may suggest a better.’ ‘ What is your plan ?’ ‘ There is some big firm in Regent street —I cannot recall their name at present, but the directory will tell us that—a firm that undertakes artistic stone work of all classes ; sueh as the restoration of cathedrals, the renovation of marble staircases and fireplaces in great mansions, mosaics, mausoleums, monuments, and so on.’ £ They are Neapolitans,’ exclaimed Oarlotta. ‘ I have heard my father speak of them. They have a branch establishment in Paris as well.’

4 Yes ; the firm I refer to is Italian. Well, we shall go to them. It is quite likely that the name of Caradini will be on their books. Any young’ sculptor coming to this country for work of a high class would almost for certain present himself first of all to this firm.’

4 That is so. They may be employing him, or be able to tejl us where he is employed.’ ‘ Exactly. So, Signorina, if you do not flinch from this undertaking— ’ ‘ I flinch ? Never !’ she murmured, clenching her hands. 4 1 thought not. Then, as you are glad to be associated with me in the enterprise, we shall together track this man, Caradini, till we clear up the question of his real identity. I shall beg of Mrs Ravensdale to give you a day of freedom to-morrow. Together we shall make enquiries at. this firm’s place of business. Thereafter I shall go wherever Caradini ia to be found.’

4 Alone ?’ she asked, in a faltering' tone.

‘ Alone. Certainly. It must be so. I know what is in your thoughts, Carlotta ; ’ —it was the first time he had addressed her by her Christian name, and he did so unconsciously—--4 you think there will be risk in such, an undertaking.’

‘ I know it,’ she replied. ‘ Your task will be one of great peril.’ ‘Be it so. The peril must be faced. But in you will lie my protection. You alone will know exactly where I .go, why I go, and to meet whom I go. If I need help, you will send it to me.’ ‘ But if you should be prevented from letting me know that help is required F’ she asked, with deep anxiety expressed in word and in look. * Yes,’ he answered, with a grateful smile, ‘ We have to think of that also. Well, should twenty-four hours pass without your receiving some sort of communication from me— a letter, post card, or telegram —then you will Lave sufficient warning that danger threatens me.’

Their eyes were looking into each other’s, and Carlotta’s were becoming filmed with tears. ‘ And then ?’ she whispered. ' You will send to save me,’ he said, quietly. ‘ Tea is ready, gentlemen.’ It was the cheery voice of Mrs Ravendale that interrputed, and as Hamilton rose to fetch the Signorina her cup, he did not hear the murmured words : ‘ I shall come to save you.’ CHAPTER XVII. In Quest op Caradini. Hext morning, before ten o’clock, Hamilton called for Carlotta, and together. they made their way to Regent street. He had previously .searched the London Directory, and had experienced little difficulty in finding the exact address of the firm to which he had resolved to apply for information. He made no attempt to conceal his movements, for he felt that if Maciopolo or his agents were still shadowing him he was practically powerless to shake them off, unless, indeed, he were to make up his mind to abandon the quest entirely and leave London for good. His continued association with Carlotta would tell them nothing new. His visit to the Regent street establishment could awaken no fresh suspicion, for the presumption was that Caradini, the sculptor, was, in that name and profession, quite unknown to the conspirators. In" any case, as he had come to the firm resolved to entrust the business to no third party, a personal and unobtrusive call was the least hazardous coarse open ; for any letter of enquiry would certainly be referred to the man whose whereabouts be was trying to discover, and would therefore be precisely the best means calculated to give him the alarm and put him on his guard. Moreover, by making the investigation in person, Hamilton would be best able to guess the lie of the land, and be prepared to adapt himself to the development of events. He deemed it wise, however, not to bring Carlotta on the scene unnecessarily, so he left her at a tea shop a few doors away, and entered the offices alone. A request to see the secretary met with prompt and courteous acquiescence. He was glad to find that the gentleman in question was a young Englishman, frank, of engaging manners, and most willing to oblige. Hamilton was sick of breathing the atmosphere of mystery, and he decided to get to the point at once.

‘I wish to ascertain the present address of Signor Caradini, a sculptor who I am led to understand may have been lately employed by your firm.’ ‘ Ah, Caradini Alphonso Caradini ? He is working for us now.’ ‘ I’m glad of that,’ replied Hamilton, repressing the exultation he could not but feel at this almost unhoped-for immediate success. ‘ May I ask where ?’

‘ Let me see,’ murmured the secretary. ‘ Yes. He is to be all this week at Lord Yanstone’s place, near Staines. You have heard, I suppose, of the big mausoleum our firm has put up there.

‘ Oh, yes,’ answered Hamilton, discreetly. He had, indeed, read a

newspaper paragraph some time about the superb and costly Vanstone memorial in process of erection.

‘ Will be one of the finest in England when completed. The whole of the old Vanstone monuments, and tablets have been preserved and incorporated into the new building. All the marble has been specially selected in Italy, and most of it worked there. But we’ve had some first-class men over to put on the finishing touches.’ ‘ And when will the building be completed ?’ asked Hamilton, just to manifiest polite interest in the other’s conversation.

‘We hope it will be out of our bands in a couple of weeks’ time. In fact, Caradini is the last man now on the sculpture work. We have only the erection of the railing to finish, and a few other details here and there.’

‘ I am much obliged to you for your information,’ said Hamilton, rising to take his leave.

‘ Of course,’ replied the secretary, ‘ifit is a commission for Caradini, I should be glad for you to put it through the firm.’ ‘Ho ; it is only a personal matter, of small importance. But you have saved me a lot of trouble by your kindness.’

* Oh, don’t mention it. Good morning.’ Hamilton for a moment liad thought of asking for an order to view the mausoleum at Vanstone Hall ; but another and a better plan had straightway occurred to him, and he dismissed this first idea from his mind. Everyone knew the name of Vanstone that of one of the oldest and most honoured families in England. The present lord was an invalid, and invariably spent the winter on the Riviera. . He had once been in the diplomatic service, and Mr Ravendale from his official position would know him well. So Hamilton’s next objective would be the Foreign Office ; and, calling a cab, he resolved for the present not to trouble Carlotta with detailed explanations.’ ‘ I have learned where Caradini is to be found,’ he simply said. ‘ How, I must see Mr Ravendale.’ and both remained silent during the short drive.

He left Carlotta in the vehicle, while he entered the corridors of the big building. He pencilled some words on his visiting card, asking for a few minutes’ interview if at all possible, and sent in his name. When admitted to Mr Ravendale’s rooms, that gentleman looked up protestingly from a mass of partly opened correspondence. 4 A bad hour to call, Dr Hamilton.’

4 1 won’t keep you two minutes, sir. You may know that I have not intruded on you here without due cause. You are of course acquainted with Lord Vanstone.’ 4 Lord Vanstone P Yes. I used often to meet him up till a few years ago, when he left the service.’ 4 Well, his lordship is, 1 know, on the Riviera just now. But I want you to give me a note to the factor, or house steward, or whoever will be in authority at Vanstone Hall. A friend of mine named Frank Middleton is compiling a book on family monuments in England—please don’t laugh —and he requires permission to copy the inscriptions on those celebrated ones at Lord Vanstone’s ancestral home.’ 4 You are one of the most inscrutable young men I have ever met, Dr Hamilton.’ 4 Ob, well, don’t-trouble about that. Will you let me have such a letter of introduction for —my friend, Middleton P A request from you, you know, will carry all the authority of an order.’

‘ This Anarchist business again, I suppose ?’ ‘ Naturally ; you may guess that; but I don’t care to say more at present.’ 4 Well, I’m bound to help you all I can in your self-imposed task, Doctor. You shall have the letter for this mythical friend. But be careful;

think of the grave personal risk yon incur in meddling in such matters.’ ‘ Oh, I’ll be all right,’ replied Hamilton, laughing away the other’s fears.

Ten minutes later be had rejoined Carlotta with the invaluable missive in bis pocket. ‘ Come,’ he said, assisting her from the cab. ‘I wish to show you the glories of Westminster Abbey. We shall walk that little distance.’

He led her around the old Abbey chapels for about half -an - hour, interesting the young Italian in their wondrous beauties and undying memories. Then they sat down in a quiet corner, and he commenced to unfold his plans. ‘ Carlotta,’ he began—he seemed to have now dropped quite naturally into the use of the name —‘ lam leaving London to-day, and I shall not return until my object is accomplished.’ ‘ You are going—where that man is ?’ she murmured.

‘ Yes, and I have as yet no idea exactly how I shall set to work, Events must decide that for me. But I want you to remember carefully and precisely every thing that I propose to do, so far as my present knowledge enables me to decide. Caradini is to be engaged during the whole of the present week at a place called Yanstone Hall. Here on one of my cards, I shall write down the name, also that of the nearest railway station, which is Staines. It is not far away—only a few miles up the Thames.’

She listened with deep interest to his every word, bat offered no interruption. ‘ Caradini is working at a magnificent new mausoleum just being completed tor the Yanstone family. I shall make certain changes in my personal appearance, and rely on the help of Mr St. John and his officers to get me smuggled safely out of town, in case Macropolo’s spies are still keeping an eye on my movements. At Yanstone Hall I shall work alongside of Caradini ; for through Mr Ravendale I have arranged to go down with the excuse that copies of the inscriptions on the family monuments are required for a literary purpose. You follow me P’ ‘ Yes, I understand.’ ‘ Well, I shall devise means, somehow or other, to have a look at Caradini’s arm. If it bears the marks you and I know, then the proof will be absolutely complete that Caradini is Poiteau. Beyond this stage I have not yet clearly formed my plans. But I’ll work unaided so long as I can. Of course, if I require assistance I shall send to Scotland Yard at once, for Poiteau must never again be lost sight of till Macropolo and ‘ the Angel ’ are run to earth as well.’

‘ Bat if actual danger threatens you ?’ We shall provide for that emergency as we arranged last night. I shall write to you every evening—just the shortest of notes and without giving any address, probably also without any reference to what I am trying to find out, lest by chance my letters should fall into wrong hands. For the same reason, to avoid all possible risks, you must address no letters to me, and I shall expect none. When 1 write I shall sign the name I propose temporarily to assume, that of an old college chum —Frank Middleton. You will remember chat ? * ‘ Assuredly. ’

‘ You may, therefore, expect a letter from me each morning by the first post. But if none comes, don’t be anxious at first; wait at least until ten o’clock, for if by any unforeseen cause I am prevented from writing to you overnight I shall not fail to telegraph to you by that hour in the morning. ’ 4 And if no telegram comes ? ’

4 You will understand then that I am prevented both from telegraphing and from writing. In that case lose no further time in telling Mr Ravendale everything about the exact object of my visit to Vanstone Hall. He will communicate with Mr St. John, who will know what to do. ’

‘ Bat if we should be too late F asked the girl, a tremor in her voice; 4 We won’t think of that, Carlotta, be answered, with a bright smile‘You see, I have quite made up my mind that no one shall be too late. ’ She seemed to be on the point of further protesting, but he gave her no chance to speak. ‘ Besides, it is useless now to set about counting the costs or weighing the risks. We are comrades in the adventure, remember. We have put our minds resolutely to this task, and shall not look back. I • may seem like a swimmer taking a plunge into the boiling surf, but in your bands I leave the rope which will drag me again to safety, should I fail to keep my head above w r ater.’ ‘ You are brave ; God guard you,’ she murmured fervently. ‘ There is just one thing I would ask of you. Will you trust me with the. antique gold ring you are wearing —the one reproduced on the hand of the marble child P’ ‘ For what purpose ?’ she asked, while in the act of drawing it from her finger. ‘ I don't know exactly yet,’ he answered. ‘ But both Caradini and Poiteau would know that ring if either saw it again, and I may find such a thing useful in getting to a knowledge of the truth.’ He placed the ring in his watch pocket, while at the same moment the girl opened her purse and carefully bestowed there the visiting card on which he had written the names of the places she was to remember. ‘ Thank you, Carlotta,’ he said. ‘And now, I think is everything we have to talk over, I have no time to lose, so I shall put you in a cab outside, and direct the driver to take you home.' A minute or two later they parted with an affectionate pressure of the hands and a steadfast look into each other’s eyes that told more of the real emotions that were beginning to stir both their hearts than the simple words of good - bye. Hamilton especially, by a sort of instinctive premonition, seemed to feel the full significance of that ‘ adieu,’ spoken on the eve of events which could not but prove momentous for both their lives. For his face wore a grave and anxious look as he watched the retreating cab until a dozen other vehicles following in its wake hid it from his view. At Scotland Yard he found that Mr St. John was not in his room, but after a few minutes’ delay he secured an interview with Mr Scott, to whom he soon made his wishes known. ‘ I am going into the country for a few days’ change,’ he explained, ‘ and I want to be absolutely certain that none of those secret society people shall have any inkling as to where I have gone.’ ‘We can easily manage that,’ replied the detective. ‘ So, please, after I have started, send this telegram to my landlady, telling her not to expect me probably during the remainder of the week. And perhaps you will also lend me a band to alter my personal appearance as much as may be necessary.’ In Scott’s dressing-room the desired transformation was speedily effected. Hamilton had no idea that the shaving of moustache and side whiskers would have made such a difference in his physiognomy, dispensing with any necessity for wig or complexion pigments. A simple change of coat and hat fitted him quite well to the character he intended to assume, and a borrowed portmanteau, with a rug and a capacious waterproof, completed his equipment as a railway traveller of the ordinary type. Under his friend’s guidance he left the Yard by a means of egress unsuspected by anyone not in the secrets of the police, and within the hour he was steaming out of Waterloo secure in the positive knowledge that this time at least no one could possibly be upon his trail. Even the detective did not for the present know his destination or the real objects of his journey, although Hamilton had promised to send an

address to Scotland Yard in the course of a day or two in case the Department should have any reason for wishing to communicate with him. And thus it was with a lightened heart that Hamilton shook the dust of London from his feet, and with it the already scarce tolerable burden of dread, ever-present consciousness that around him were the eyes of ceaselessly vigilant spies, only waiting, perhaps, for the opportunity to sheath an assassin’s dagger in his breast. (To be continued)