THE FREEDOM COMPANY

Taranaki Daily News, 20 January 1933, Page 11

THE FREEDOM COMPANY

Sy

CARMINE GRACE

CHAPTER VIII.— (Continued.) As you know, he saved my life in Copenhagen, And I wanted to pay my debt. He denied the rumour, and said that Enid was never In love with him. I told him I could not afford to marry Until my affairs were settled, and wOuld go away if he liked. And then I mentioned that I thought I saw Elsie Cross in the hall. He laughed at that, though he admitted she had escaped and had been traced to London. I wanted to stay, but he told me to go back to ■Enid, as he had some work to do. I went Straight back to Montague square." “You’ll have to be at the inquest—it may be to-morrOw. It depends on the coroner. Walter, you’ve done: me good. I feel sane.”' “It’s the food that’s done you good, old bean. What are your plans, now that your job has gone?” “I am going to follow my Chief. They will £md me a job at the Yard. I know his methods and shall continue his work. Take a small house or rooms ih Westminster, so as to be on the spot.” • “Will you sleep here to-night, Temple? I expect they have a bed.” ‘.‘NO thahks. I must sleep at Hark Street. I expect the coroner’s officer to-morrow, perhaps to-night, so must be rOady. Purvis is there. I expect you’H get a summons from the coroner in the morning. I must be going, or Purvis will think I am lost." “Well, good-night, old chap. I wish' you could have stopped. It was good of you’to come and tell me. I should have had an awful shock if I had seen it in the papers.” They shook hands and Temple left.

The inquest took place the next day. Sir Hylton, had died unmarried, and the title went tb his uncle, Rupert Clive.

Meyrick Temple, Purvis, Lord Winscombe, Dr. Mendip, Sir Hylton’s solicitor, Thoffia& Craddock, were present, add gave theifr evidence to the Coroner, And a verdict bf wilful murdbr WAs returned AgAinst Elsie Cross, who was thCi-eupdn committed oh the Coroner’s wArrant to take heir trial for thAt offence at thb next sessions bf the Central Criminal Court. The funeral was arranged for the following ’ day At Golder's Greeen, as Sir Hylton had stated that lie wished to be cremated. The will was tb bb read after the funeral. . ~v Mr Craddock turned to Temple. “I. shair want' you - And Lord ■winscombe to- be present at the reading of the will, as it concerns you both. X received « letter from my late client by messenger yesterday, which Was a codicil tb his will, and which entirely alters the will, with the exception of some legacies. I shall also require Sir Rupert Clive and his daughter.”

Walter looked frankly “Are you sure you want me? , I haven’t known Sir Hylton very long.” Craddock smiled enigmatically. “That does not alter the case. ’ I Want you.” “Very wbll, then, X will c6me. Luckily I Am frbe just now. I AfArt work next week."

“And what work Is that, if I may ask?” demanded Mr Craddock. “I start work In Hferr Friis' dfflce. He is the London ag?ht for Hast add Sons whom I was with In Copenhagen,” Walter explained. Thomas Craddock looked thoughtful. “Are you obliged to work?” “Yes. You see I came into an impovferished title, and until my affairs are settled I can’t touch what little money there is. So I (have to work for my living.” ,

Craddock nodded. “I see. Now I can understand my client’s letter,. Which I own puzzled me at first. But you: will hear the wllli to-morrow, and then you also will understand.’’ “It sounds quite mysterious. I anti very grateful to Sir Hylton—he saved my life once. It was awfully decent of him to take any trouble over me. I know he thought me an awful fool —he told me I Was, and he couldn’t stick fools. I had a great admiration for him, And I regret his death terribly.” Walter’s eyes were misty as he spoke. Craddock put his hand on his shoulder. “He must have thought your life was worth saving, and I think- he was right. We all regret his death. Good-bye until tomorrow,” and he shook hands and left the house. When the funeral Was Over, they all assembled in the dining-room at Park Street. Sir Hylton Clive’s will was sworn under a quarter of a million.* With the exception Of A substantial legacy to Purvis, and a smaller sum to Gleeson, he left the half of his money to Walter Hanson—Lord Wlns-combe—-and the other half to his secretary, Meyrick Temple. His shooting-box in Scotland was left to "My -cousin, Enid Clive. All my notes and papers referring to my work, I leave to Meyrick Temple. Also my books of reference for my work. The rest of my library to my uncle, Rupert Olive.”

When Mr Craddock had finished feeding, he looked up at Temple and Walter. “I must congratulate you two young men on my late client’s generosity.” Walter looked bewildered at firstthen his face cleared.

He turned to Enid who was beside him. "I know now why Sir Hylton left me his money. It’s because of you,” Enid shook her head in denial. Bill Walter was wrong iff his ,surmise. Sir Hylton had liked _ him against his will. As he had said, he thought him. "a decent young cub.” But what'really turned the scale in his favour was Walter’s face —too beautiful a face not to be handed down to future generations.. CHAPTER IV. Four years later: Lord and Lady Winscombe were standing on a hill—part of the Wildacres estate —looking out over a wonderful view. The wide sweeps of parks and woodlands spread as far as eyes could see. A trout stream ran at the foot of the hill on which they were standing, which was spanned by a bridge, and led down the towards ths gardens, „,JWalter

realised, with_ a throb of pride, that it was a heritage.’* ’ Tt was one of England’s best summers, and the country was bathed in sun. They stood. In silence for some moments, then .Enid spoke. “Walter, it's wonderful what you have dOne to this place ,and yOu onl| had a year to do it.” Walter laughed. “Y6s, and thanks to Sir Hylton I was able to do It. As you know I put in a month ‘with Herr ■Frlls In his Office, and then Old HAddow urged me to come up here and loOk after the place. lam sure Friis thought I was balmy when I told him 1 had come into a fortune and needn’t work in an Office any longer. I found Out, through Ford, where Reading was. He had only ■had three months sentence, and so he was free. I persuaded him to oome with me to Wlldacres to help me with the work until he had decided what he Was going to do, and until Ford was free. Slater got two rooms ready fdr us, and fed us royally while we worked. I went to see Mrs Ford while 1 was in London, and found her in rooms near the City. She nad been ill a long time and. the doctor ordered her country air, so with Ford’s permission I had. her up here and established her at the Cottage Hospital, where she could ba properly looked After till Ford came. When Reading and I came up here we had to get • busy; the place had neen so neglected; but then it was always let, and no one’s business to do repairs. The former bailiff did nothing. He was a totter, so I shipped him Off to Australia. I have Ford now as my Land Agent. He and Reading were the Only decant chaps in The Freedom Company. Ford had six months’ sentence. I kept in touch with him and Offered him this job as soon as he Was free. I went to see him While L was with FTils, and heard his history. He was an engineer and 'went through the war. He couldn’t , get a jdb When he Was demobilised. HIS wife was an invalid, and he was desperate for work. Bryant got hold of him and took him up to Jellied whb offered him a godd screw fOr his old JOb of engineering. They wanted ah engineer to Work the underground passages when they were-planning a raid on jewellers. And he had to do plumbing jobs too, and put taps and things in the Office. Poor old Ford, he waS up against it. I suggested The Firs to Ford when he came up-— that house the other . Bide of the pai*k—because the former bailiff livedthere. Ford took to it at once; it’s a roomy house, and he wanted a room for Reading. Those two get on famously, and always ride round the ■ place together. I wanted Heading to stay on at the big house with -us, but he’s a wild bird at present and preferred to go to Ford. . Mrs Ford is much better for country air; looks quite pretty and healthy. I expect it’s because she is free from worry."' Enid put her hand through his arm. “It Was good of you to have Mr Ford •As your Land Agent. He seems to be the right man in the right place. And T. thought Airs Ford Was ’ charming when I went tp see her. She is sb gentle, and-reflned; I didn’t see Reading when I went there. He was . out riding."

“Yes, he is breaking in a mare for you to ride. Jellico taught him to ride when he was a kid. He wants to'go out to Canada and be on a ranch. He is fed up with England—-and 1 dofi’t wonder. lie is selling , the building dt the office to (torn Street, and will use the proceeds from it for hit Canadian Stunt. I wanted to pay expenses, but he’s so beastly proud hfe won’t take it. I am so glad he and’Ford are such chums. Ford has been a godsend to me. I don’t think I could have got the place ready for You without hlrh." “When we came home, after our short honeymoon in Copenhagen, I thought What a nice capable man he was. I didn’t realise then that he was an old friehd,” Ehid said.

“No, I hadn’t time to tell you—it was all such a rush. I left Ford here, with Reading to help him, to get on with the work, while I was busy being married. He put his back into it and got things done. Your mater fell in Idve with him when she came here for Hylton’s birth.” “I’m so glad we named our son Hylton; and it was lovely having mother here during that time. There is one thing that endears Reading to me—he adores Hylton. I often find him in the nursery playing games with Hylton. But he’s too shy to go on with the games when I am there. Hylton will miss him terribly when he goes to Canada.” “Yes, I know he loves Hylton, and I hoped it might keep him here. I offered him a job as my secretary, but it was no good. The boy is a born rover. But he loves kiddies; I hope he will marry in Canada and have a litter of his own. He’ll settle down then. There is plenty of time —he’s only twenty-four. He was only twenty when I saw him in the office.” Enid laughed. “You’re still only a boy yourself, Walter I" Walter drew himself up. "I am twenty-eight, and a staid married man. And I have- grown up. Someone ■once called me Peter Pan—she wouldn’t call me that now.” He looked thoughtful. “Was that a woman who was In love with you?” Walter nodded. “She thought she was in love with me, but when I met you I knew that what the other woman offered me was not love. But she startled me; she woke me up, and. I was ready for you, little girl. I am grateful to her for waking me up. But I nearly fell—l nearly fell,” Walter’s eyes darkened. “You wouldn’t be human if you hadn’t been tempted,” Enid said. Then, as she saw his face sadden, she changed the subject. “Walter, What became of Purvis, Hylton’s man?” “Purvis now has a small hotel, and is doing very well. 1 have promised him. our custom when we go to London.” “You seem to have . thought of everything. Mollie O’Shea simply worships you. She makes a splendid little maid for me; it was such a good idea of yours to suggest her for my maid, as 1 couldn’t have Janet. She married the year after i did. and I have

promised to be godmother to her first baby. Father is coming here with mother next month.” “Yes, that will be topping. And after that we will go to Scotland to your shooting-box.” •■I wish you wouldn’t call it mine. You know we share everything." Walter put his arm round her. “Did I tease it then! It’s Only because I am happy, sweetheart. And We shall be even happier in the spring—when Hylton has a little brother or sister!" Enid turned and kissed him. 1 almost hope it will be a girl. You are forgiven for teasing me. When Js Mr Temple coming to us, Walter?’ "For Christmas, I hope. He’s making good the Y&rd ,&nd won’t takfc a holiday at present. He is not going to be a specialist, like Sir Hylton. He has begun at the beginning, and means to be a superintendent when he has finished. He is only a uniformed constable now; but he is going In for exams, and with his back, I expect he will be a C.I.D. man by Christmas. When he comes he is bringing Joe Congdon with him, Sir Hylton’s scout. Temple wrote to me. ■about him. It seems that Joe wants to be a gardener. I shall put him under Gremlin; he’ll shape him. JOe is with Temple at .present, as a general factotum, but he Will bring him here iat Christmas. I think he didn’t mean tb come before. He was in love with you, Enid.” “I know," she said softly. And I was so sorry. I always hoped he would fall in love with Mamie Tyler. It was Mamie .who first told me about you—-she Said she was in love with you, and always • called yPu Adonis. When I met you I realised what a good soubriquet it was. No—you needn’t be conceited, you kndw it’s true.” “I am not a patch on you. But it’s & good thing we Are both nice looking, because we shall have beautiful children!” “Walter!” Enid blushed. “Here is Slater coming to summon us to tea. 1 told nurse to bring Hylton down for tea. We mustn’t keep them waiting." “Tea is ready,, my lady,” Slater said as he reached them. “We are just coming, Slater,” and they followed Slater to the house. “This is rather a change from The Grande Drive, Raynes'Hark, isn’t it, Slater?” Walter said, laughingly. “This is a beautiful place, Mr Walter. But I had a happy time at Raynes Park, When you came down, Mr Walter.” “GOOd old Slater,” Walter said, and his Voice was not puite steady.

They went into the mbrhing-rbom where tea was awaiting them. Ths niirSe wAs there with Hylton, aged two years. Walter took him from the nurte. “Hei‘e is my son and heir,” he Said with intense pride, and tossed him in the air, Hylton chuckling with delight. ’ Slater stood in thb doorway watching the .picture of. hl A .beautiful young,, master and mistress,-.-and he asked for nothing better that! to be with them till his life ended- . 1 ;

A figure appeared behind Slater, and came into the room as Slater withdrew. It was Reading, brown and sunburnt. He gave an elfin smile as he shook hands with Enid, wno came forward when she saw him with a welcoming smile. Walter and Hylton gave a whoop of joy. “Weeding! Weeding 1" Hylton shouted When he saw his playfellow. Reading went to him. “Well, sonny, you’ve gbt good lungs! No-—we can’t play-now; we’re going to have tea. May I have somb tea, Lady Wlhscom'be?" ■ .

■“You know you are always welcome/ Reading," Enid said. “It’s topping of you to drop into tea. I wish you’d do it oftenen, Been exercising Stella?" Walter asked. “YCs. The mare is ready for you to ride now, Lady Winscombe,” Reading Said. “That’s good neys. lam longing to try her.” “I would rather you rode her for another week, Reading,” Walter said quickly. “She seemed to me a bit gay when you rode her yesterday. I don“t want Enid to run risks.” “AH right, I’ll ride her another week. Then it will be quite safe. I tried her with a side saddle lately, andta skirt. You ought to have seen would never have stopped laughing. .'Stella took it like a lamb; never turned a hair. I wish I could have taught sonny to ride, but he’s not ripe for it yet—and I shan’t be here when he is.”.-

“When do you go? . Must you go?” Enid asked.

Reading gave ah elfin laugh. “’Frald I must, Lady WinsOombe. . I hope to make good on a ranch. I don’t love England at present.” “When you are settled on your ranch, Walter and I will come out and see you,” Enid said. Reading’s eyes lit up. “My goodness I Will ybu reAliy? .That will be topping!” “Of course, we shall dome and see you in Canada. We don’t mean to lose you,” Walter said; “I wish you could have stayed, Reading; but I quite know how you feel about it. England is not very healthy for you just yet.” “Nor for you, Winscombe, while I am here. You know every time you see me you are reminded of The Freedom Company,” Reading spoke tersely.

“That doesn’t worry me At all. I have no quarrel with The Freedom Company,” Walter -said, calmly. “It taught me a lot. If it hadn’t been for The Freedom Company I should’t have seen yOu and Ford; and I wouldn’t have missed you two fellows for worlds. And above all, If it hadn’t been for The Freedom Company, I should never have..met my little lady of Creme Treflel” Walter’s eyes softened as they rested first oh Reading, apd then on Enid and his son. He added with emphasis: “I am jolly grateful to The Freedom Company!” THE. END.