A Wild Wager,

Southern Cross, Volume 15, Issue 51, 28 March 1908, Page 13

A Wild Wager,

OUR NEW SERIAL STORY

[By Charles D. Leslie] Author of “The King’s Necklace,’’ “A wife’s secret,” “A Woman’s Trick” “The Heiress of Rixten Hall,” “A Hazardous Commission,-/ &c.

CHAPTER Xl.—(Continued),, DENNIS QUITS BERKELEY SQUARE. Witn all her command on herself a grey pallor spread over the woman’s face, her eyes glittered, and if looks could stab, two daggers were plunged forthwith into Dennis. •‘ I fail to understand you, Mr Smith.” “Oh, no. madam, your eyes alone betray you. They betrayed you yesterday afternoon when you came into the room marvelling how the poor girl had escaped from your devillish plot.” “I think you must be mad.” Dennis suddenly changed his tactics —he could wring no confession from this woman, and had not evidence enough to accuse her to the police. ‘‘Let us assume I was mad, madam—so mad that I suspect you o'f sending that snake to Miss Mo.xon yesterday, and of buying poison today for the express purpose of again attempting the life of your hired companion. But if Miss Moxon dies suddenly and mysteriously the accusation will not sound so mad when I tell the story to the police.” Mrs Carshalton, assuming- an air of boredom, made no reply, so after a pause Dennis continued, ‘‘So I ask, madam, for that little bottle of poison.” “1 baught the poison to kill a dog.” ‘‘Then why did you give a false name and address ?” “That was foolish, I admit, yet on such a frail superstructure you build this- preposterous accusation. But beware, Mr Smith, of repeating it before witnesses. There is a law of libel.” “Give me the poison, madam, and I am content. I will not accuse you to anyone, not even Miss Moxon, a s I am unable at present to offer that lady the protection of a home, but I will watch over her, nevertheless, and woe to you if harm befalls her.” ‘ 'Mr Smith, I consider your conduct crazy in the extreme, hut neither my husband nor myself care for newspaper publicity, and rather th a n appeal to the law for protection against you I will sacrifice the poison if that will content you.” "It will, madam,” and he held out his hand for the bottle.

"No, I shall not give it to you. 1 do not consider you the sort of man to trust with a deadly poison," and uncorking the bottle Mrs Carshalton poured the contents on the ground. Dennis took possession of the empty vial to assure himself no deception was being practised on him. Leaving the park he glanced back at the sombre figure seated on the bench. "I think I’ve muzzled you, wiki cat,” he soloquised, ".you dare not attempt Esther's life now.” CHAPTER XII. DENNIS MAKES LOVE. The interview with Mrs Carshalton had so delayed Dennis that ho was too late to attend the inquest. He hesitated as to his next stop. He had intended to try and trace the tar aba, but that seemed to him now of no immediate importance. Airs Carshalton was undoubtedly the foe that sought Miss Moxon's life. It might be necessary to bring home the sending of the snake to her, and again it might not. He strolled back into Oxford street, lunched at a restaurant, and wandered out again- Then as luck would have it, he heard his real name called. Heron,” cried a familiar voice, and the hand of a country neighbour dropped on his shoulder. Hullo, Aspland, what brings vou up to town ?" "Lawyer business, old man. I’m only up for the day. I go back tonight by the diner. Funny meeting you, for I was lunching with Walgrave yesterday, and asking after Aou. Tit said you were still in town.

but he didn’t know your address.” “He doesn’t. Tell him you’ve met me, and he’s not to forget that we meet at Busoni’s next Wednesday night.” “All right, let’s have a drink. No —by Jove, it’s three o’clock, and I’m due now at Lincoln’s Inn Fields ! Hi, hansom !”- Aspland departed,

Dennis, gazing after 'him, congratulated him on the encounter. Malgin ve and Aspland would meet at the parish church on the morrow, and his friead learn he had been encounteered, well-dressed, and prosperouslooking, in Oxford street on Saturday. The live hundred pounds were as good as won, mused the wagerer, rattling his sovereigns in his pocket. A craving to see the girl he loved came upon him, and carried him back to the house by York Gate. He lingered in the vicinity, uncertain whether to call or not, for it was twenty-four hours before the appointment he had made. Then his doubts were very pleasantly solved, for the door opened and Esther Moxon came out. Here was a piece of luck indeed . The girl crossed the road, and turned in the direction of the park. She walked listlessly, a sombre little ligurc in her black hat and gown ; then she noticed Dennis, and her sad face lit up with a smile. •.‘Mr Smith ! How do you do ? ere you coming to see tnc ?” •'■Yes/'’ he answered, ‘‘l wanted to see you again,” . ’‘Shall we go back ? I'm alone. Mr and Mrs Garshalton are both out.” “Isn't it nicer out of doors ? Let's go into the park.” It was, in fact, one of those glorious sunny days which we occasionally get in October, and the air was almost as mild as in summer. Leaves still lingered on the trees, for the autumn had been dam]), and there had been no gales to strip the branches. Dut the park proved too crowded to please Debnis. A line Saturday afternoon always nils it, and this day was exceptionally attractive for waL'kdng in the trim paths of London's most beautiful open pleasure ground. There seemed no chance of the privacy he desired. 'Then he had an inspiration. Londoners do not appreciate the "opportunities of rowing - which a benevolent County Council provide them with at full value. One can always get a boat on any park lake except on a bank holiday.

As Dennis had said, -they could talk undisturbed on the water. A boat, too, especially a small rowing boat for one rower and a cox, seemed primarily designed for tete-a-tetes. They walked to the landing-stage, entered a boat, and cast off. He surveyed her as they reached the centre of the small lake. The girl looked prettier than when he had encountered her ; some colour had come into her pale cheeks, and a touch of animation into her attitude. She met his glance and lowered her eyes. "I was thinking,” he said, "of the time we met at the pond. It’s onlytwo days ago, but so much has happened since then to both of us that it seems longer —and you didn’t wear black then."’ Her eves filled with tears.

‘T ought to hale you,” she said, with more vivacity than she had yet shown him, “for .you were a messenger of evil on that occasion, 'hut I don't, of course, for you have been very■ good to me since them” “I. have done little for you as yet, but I would like to do much.” He paused, and then (vent on- "-May 1 tell you why She raised her head with a shy, half-frightened gesture, and whispered an affirmative. Dennis' let the boat glide onward, and looked at her over the motionless oars. "My dear, because I love you,”- hp said with grave earnestness. The girl made no answer, the frightened look remained in her eyes, and her lips quivered.. The man read her face, and intense pity as well as love

'surged in his heart. She feared to believe him, she dared not let herself love him ; she was friendless, bereft, unhappy, but he was almost a stranger, and mystery enshrouded him. •'Don’t fear me,” he whispered tenderly, '‘my dear little girl. Why, I’d cut my hand off to save your little fing.er an ache. I want to take you out of London and all these horrors and mysteries, away from servitude and being at the beck and call of strangers. I’ve a home for you away over the trees you’re gazing at, away in the country, a house that’s been crying for a mistress ever since my mother died. And I’ll dress you in silks and 'satins, as the old' song says and put a diamond necklace round that pretty throat.” "You ask me to be your wife "I ask you to be my wife.” "And you’ve only known me two days ?” “'lsn’t two days enough when it’s you I’m asking to marry me ? Why, I’d have proposed yesterday, only Mrs Carshalton interrupted us.” Denari s’ gallant speech had brought a smile on the girl’s face ; now itclouded. ” It’s like a beautiful dream,” she said despondingly. "I feel like Cinderella when the Prince told his love. But that was a fairy tale. I can’t believe yours is real.” "Surely I’m real, and my house is as real as I am, and let me tell 1 you young lady, I’m somebody when I’m at home, and my wife will Ire somebody too.”

“Mrs Smith ?” she said interrogatively. with a half smile. "No, that’s not my real name. That I'll tell you on Wednesday.” “Why not now ? You have clone -1115 the honour to make me a proposal of marriage. Surely I can be trusted with my real name, the name I’m asked to hear in the future.” Dennis shook his head. I’m pledged not to reveal that.” “Dennis,” she said, softly, and he thrilled with pleasure at the name from her lips. “I would like to believe you, but you put rather a strain on my trust. Will there be no more mysteries after Wednesday?” “Xone, dearest,” he said eagerly. “'This is all I ask —pledge yourself to me now, but lot our engagement be a secret till Wednesday. Tell no one, neither your employer nor anyone else. Their on Wednesday evening, put on your best frock, the ,ona you wore last Wednesday at Busoni's and come with me to Busoni’s again. 'My friend will be there, the man you saw dining with me last Wednesday. Ho is my neighbour. I will introduce you to him as my future wife. We will dine together, and there will be no more secrets between us henceforward.” \ “But I can’t very well go and dine with yon at a restaurant. Mrs Carshalton would object.” “You will have done with Mrs Carshalton next Wednesday. If I could, I'd take you away to-day. Isn’t there away from her to-day. Isn’t there anybody else you could go to till Wednesday.” “The girl shook her head. T owe her money.” “How is that ?” “Fur my brother's funeral. , I borrowed my next quarter's salary to pay for it. I arranged with the man to-day.” Dennis uttered an exclamation of annoyance. You shouldn’t have done that. There was no need to pay beorehaiid. I would have arranged all that next week.” The inquest, she told him, had been over in a few minutes. The evidence had been merely formal, she had identified the body, anti a verdict of murder against some person or persons unknown had been returned. Inspector Kennion had exchanged a few words with her. “He asked for your address,” list her added, “but I couldn’t give it to him. I said I would 1)0 seeing you on Sunday. What is your address —Dennis ?” “I will give if yon to-morrow —Esther.” They smiled at one another, and by mutual unspoken consent dropped further serious talk. Instead, they gossiped on unimportant, topics. Esther opened a little corner of hexheart to the man, and that glimpse revealed she had a sweet and gentle nature as well as a pretty face.

All too quickly the autumn afternoon ended, and they left the water, traversed the still crowded gravel walks and. the road that led to the house where Dennis had called the previous day. The broken window had been mended, and no trace remained of yesterday’s adventure. ■'Will you come in?” Ksther asked her lover, rather shyly. "Det us see if the Car,shal tons are in,” he answered. They had not returned, so Dennis postponed a certain question he had invented to cover his visit, and followed Miss Moxon into the empty

sitting room. The servant went to fetch tea. ■‘''•We are engaged ?” the man said, interrogatively. “I suppose so,” echoed Dennis, and put a hand on either shoulder. "Esther,” he added, gravely, "I haven t kissed you yet.” He repaired the omission deliberately, and even repeated it, presumably to make certain the deed was done. Esther flushed rosy red, but received the kisses impassively, then with a sudden impulse she threw her arms round his neck. "‘Dennis, you’ll be good to me. I’m all alone. Xo one loves me, no one cares what becomes of me. I’ve only you, and I’m half afraid of you.”

He whispered what she wanted, extravagant protestations of devotion, and led her to the Sofa. -‘T must go now, dearest ; there is plenty for Die to do. You will see me again very shortly.” Then with a final (kiss he left her.. As he went down the steps Esther waved her hand from the window, and with that gesture she unconsciously waved away the last tiny remnant of doubt that remained in her mind concerning him. He was no longer the man of mystery, but the man who loved her, whom she trusted. Dennis had not gone two yards from the door when he encountered a middle-aged man with shrewd grey eyes, whose face seemed vaguely familiar. ‘‘Good afternoon, Mr Smith,” said Inspector Kennion. ‘T would like t 0 have a few words with you if you please.” -"I am quite at your disposal. Inspector,” answered Dennis, but his heart sank. CHAPTER VIII. ROSITA CALLS ON ESTHER. Kate, ‘‘the general,” had scented a romance when she admitted Esther and a gentleman, and she hastened to prepare tea for two, and make buttered toast. "That’s her young man,’ she soliloquised, as she toasted the bread and her own pertly pretty features. ‘‘T know by the way ahe looked at him. An’ a real proper young man, too.'-’ Great, therefore, was her disappointment when she entered with the tea tray to find Esther alone. "What, 'as the gentleman gone, miss ? Lor’. I made such nice toast.” ■‘■'That was very g'ood of you, Kate, but I’m afraid even the buttered toast would not have kepi him. He had to go.” •‘‘ls that the gent, miss, what killed the snake as come in the box yesterday ?” '‘•‘That was the gentleman who saved my life, Kate.” "Asking your pardon, miss, and I ’ope I’m not taking a liberty, but are you engaged to ’im ?” ■‘‘What an idea, Kate ! I’ve only known him a few days. He's engaged in trying to solve the mystery oi my brother’ death.” J " ’E’s a good deal more interested : in you than anything else, I reckon, i miss. Now from the way you looked i at ’im an’ ’e looked at you I’d ’ave thought you was in love with each ] other.” 1

Kate was a good-hearted girl, and Esther, starving for a confidant, could not resist embracing this female Sherlock Holmes. ‘‘You clever Kate,” she cried, ‘‘can you keep a secret ? We are engaged.” ‘■‘There, I knew it,” cried Kate, triumphantly, • ‘‘and I wish you joy, miss. ’E is ’andsome, too- : E looks like George Alexander with -a moustache on.” Her further congratulations were cut short by a knock at the, front door, and hastening to answer it she saw on the front step a tall, dark, handsome lady, very beautifully dressed. ‘■‘Does Miss Moxon live here ?” asked the visitor. ‘'‘Yes, ma’am, will you please walk in, ma’am, replied Kate. “I should like to sec her alone.” ‘•‘She is alone. Who shall I say, ma’am ?” ‘■‘Lady Rosita Annesley.” Kate gasped, then putting violent control on her emotions, opened the door and said, ‘‘Lady Rosita Hannesley,” -with empressement. •Esther stood up in surprise, and stared at the tall, beautiful woman who entered. The name was utterly unknown to her. The woman spoke with the ease of a woman of th® world. “Pray, pardon this intrusion, Mi»s Moxon, my business is important, or I would have written first..” The room was growing dark, Kaie lit the gas, and retired, leaving the two women looking curiously at ®a®h other, Esther wondering why Lad# 'Rosita Annesley, whoever she was,

I had called on her, but the lady’s first words enlightened her. "Mr Dennis Smith has told me of you,” she said. I “Oh, you are a friend of his.’-’ Esther’s bewilderment vanished. “Will you please sit down. How unfortunate ! You’ve just missed him. He only left me a few minutes ago.” Rosita’s lips tightened for a moment. ‘‘l fancied he would have been here. Are you engaged to him 7 1 ” she added with an almost casual air. •‘•‘Yes,” replied Esther, unthinkingly, and then checked herself ; her cheeks grew warm. "Really I don’t know why I told you that. Dennis asked me to keep our engagement a secret for a few days. Why do you come and ask me ? Are you a friend of his ?” The visitor ignored the question. "He asked you to keep it a secret,” she said, slowly. "Did you ask if he was free to pledge himself ?” Esther turned white. What do you know of Mr Smith ?” relentlessly pursued the other. "What do you know ?” retorted Esther. "What objection have you to our engagement ?” She spoke boldly, ; but her courage was that of a hen j partridge defending her brood. The I dark stranger terrified her. "Of what do you accuse him ?” I "I accuse him of nothing, but he will never many you. It is right v®u should know it at once.”

•‘Why, why can he never marry me ? -You don’t mean he has —a wife living ?” panted Esther, "No, but another claims him, and you must give him up to her.” "I believe yon mean yourself.” Esther’s eyes blazed. ‘‘And what if I do Y” calmly asked Rosita. ‘‘Then I say it’s false. I don’t believe in your claims. I don’t believe one word you say.” "You little fool,” hissed Rosita, with Hashing' eyes. ‘‘Don’t come between Dennis Smith and I, or it will be the worse for you.” But Esther was angry now, too angry to be afraid. ‘■You come,” she said contemptuously, and try to frighten me. "Do you suppose you can make me 'give Dennis up ?” and she laughed.. “ If you want to marry him so badly, ■‘‘why not go to him and persuade him to give me up ? Isn’t he to h a ve any voice in the matter of choosing a wife ?” ‘‘ We are all the slaves of destiny,” replied Lady Rosita, reing her air of cold superiority. ‘‘(Dennis Smith, you, and 1., The future is on the knees of the Gods. But this 1 know. His future and mine are linked together, and there is no room in it for you.” ‘■'l’ve only your word for it, and that’s hardly proof enough for me. You seem very much in love with him. Well, so am I. As his promised wife I’m not ashamed to confess it. It is he who will decide our respective futures. Let us leave it at that,”

“Child, give him up,” Rosita spoke almost humble. I can assure you I am speaking the truth- If you hold him to his word there will be nothing' but trouble for you and him. You’re very young and you’re very pretty. Listen to me. I’m rich. Listen to me. I’ll give you ten thousand pounds if you’ll promise to go away out of his life and never see him again.” But a few hours earlier Dennis was little but a mystery to the girl, a

man whom despite his protestations she somewhat mistrusted, a friend she feared to rely on. But his kisses had waked her to love, much as the Sleeping Beauty woke to the Prince’s salute. Now she would not barter Dennis for all the riches in the world. But she did not reply flippantly, she was beginning to feel sorry for her rival.” “It is too late. Yon mustn't ask me to give him up. If yod think a minute you will see how unreasonable you are.” “I suppose it is unreasonable for me to ask a very young girl to give up her lover directly after she . is engaged, but believe me. Miss Moxon, you are building up a store of unhappiness for yourself.” “I will take my risk of that.” Esther stared curiously at her visitor. “I cannot understand why you are so sure of what you say.” ‘■‘No doubt you would call it merely superstition if I told you. Let u* leave that point out of the question. Consider your own position. It is one of extreme peril ; your brother has been mysteriously murdered, and your own life attempted. Only chance, and the arrival of Mr Smith, I understand, saved you from being killed by a poisonous snake yesterday. You have bitter and relentless enemies. These people you are living with cannot protect yom I .will

take you away at once and put you in safe hands and pay you ten thousand pounds. Mr Smith cannot protect you now. He has no home, no money, no name even, and he frankly confesses that he Is masquerading at present. He says that next Wednesday will restore him to name and position. It may be so, but much may happen between now and Wednesday. If you refuse my offer I am your enemy henceforth.” Esther sat silent, her head bent, her eyes veiled, she made no answer. Rosita's eyes wandered from her round the room, and she started slightly. The door was ajar. Sbo remembered distinctly that the maid had shut It when she quitted the room after lighting the gas. Someone was listening. ■"How long have you known Denni» ?’’ asked Esther, raising her head. Her determination not to give up her “over was unshaken, but she felt curious! to know more about this strange lady and her relations; with him, but Rosita was not inclined to gratify her. She was wondering whether it would be wise to bring the interview to a close or call the girl’s attention 'to the fact that she suspected their conversation was being overheard. She decided on the former alternative, and rose. sV Yod are straying from the Point," she answered coolly. “To what decision have you come ?” ■“T have answered you already. Lady Rosita,” said Esther, also rising, and she approached the bell.

‘■‘JDo not. trouble/' said -the visitor, "I can find my way out. Should you change your mind write to me, No. 276 Berkeley Square. Good afternoon,” and with a slight bow she {walked to the door.

It was closed again. She had to .turn the handle to leave. Shutting ■the door behind her she saw standing by the front door a small middleaged lady in outdoor dress, who at Sight of her put a finger to her lips. ■‘•‘Gan I have five minutes’ talk with you in private, madam ?” whispered Mrs Carshallon.

Rosita inclined her head, and the other opened the front door, then slammed it to. Next with a gesture she invited the visitor to follow her into the room opposite to that she had just quitted. It was furnished as a dining-room. “I have been listening to a very interesting fragment of conversation,” began the older woman. •” I know you have at least, I know someone was listening ; hence 1 cut short the interview. Whom have I the pleasure of addressing ?” "I am Mrs Carshalton, the employer of Miss Moxon. And you ?” Rosita hesitated. It had not occurred to her that possibly Esther’s foes' were in the house itself. Now, gazing at Mrs Carshalton’s face, she guessed it was so. She risked something in giving her name ; still, perhaps frankness would serve her purpose best, and she remembered she had given it to the servant. ‘‘l am Lady Rosita Annesley,” she said. (To be continued).