The Gay Adventurers

Taranaki Daily News, 1 November 1935, Page 13

The Gay Adventurers

By

Capt. E. C. Cox

(Author of “Achievements of John Carruthers,” etc., etc.)

Bingo took some notes from his pocket. “Here’s twenty pounds. That’ll help you to go to hell your own particular way. You adder, to sting your best friend.” Without a word of thanks Fletcher pocketed the notes. “What a foul swine!” Bingo said to himself as he opened the front door and let himself out. The car was there, and he was soon back at Aldington house; Jenkins opened the door for him.

An excited group of men were standing in the great entrance hall. There was Lord Aldington, the bridge players, and several police officers. All stared at Bingo as he entered. He walked straight to Lord Aldington. • “I’ve got everything back. The first thing is to get rid of the police. Tell them it’s all a mistake, and you’ve no need of their services. I’ll explain later. We don’t want any scandal or publicity,” he added in a whisper. Lord Aldington was a man who never wasted words. He pressed B.ngo s hand and courteously informed the police that after all there was no need to trouble them. They thanked him, and went. Bingo then opened the attache case and carefully arranged all the glittering ornaments on a table, while the men looked on in speechless amazement. “Now, send for Lady Aldington,” he said. Lord Aldington went himself on the glad errand. “Come down at. once, there’s good news for you,” he said, but he would not tell. her what it was. She flew down the stairs, Sally with her, and gave a cry of delight as she saw her sparkling treasures. “Oh, how lovely, how joyful!” she exclaimed. “Where have they come from? Who found them? And who was it took them?” „. • , , r>Lord Aldington pointed to Bingo. “Here is the hero of the occasion, but where he got them from, no one knows but himself.”

“Oh, Lord Wavenden, you are an angel! You’ve saved my life, and now you have saved my d-.rling trinkets. How can I thank you? I haven’t words. And she seized both his hands and shook them with the warmest affection. “But do tell us all about it; I’m dying to know.” , <IT , Bingo looked round the room. I m afraid I must try your patience a little longer, Lady Aldington. There is a state secret in reserve for you.” “You are indeed mysterious, -she laughed. “But I am in your hands.” The bridge players grasped the situation, and' paid their adieux, heartily congratulating their hostess on her good fortune. “Now I can enlighten you,” said Bingo, “but I warn you that you will have an unpleasant surprise.” He took Fletcher’s paper from his pocket and handed >it to Lord Aldington, who read it out. A “Good heavens!” cried Lady Aldington, “you mean that he—”? “I do, unfortunately.” And he related how he had seen the shadowy figure in the balcony from the darkened room, and felt sure from the figure and the voice that it was Fletcher, and when the alarm of the theft was raised he dashed off to Fletcher’s flat. Lady Aldington was indescribably shocked. “I trusted him a- if he had been my own brother,” she gasped, and

THE END.

tears rose in her eyes. “This is dreadful.” Her husband put his arm round her. “We must forget all about him,” he said, “and only think of the wonderful thing that Lord Wavenden has done.” He touched a bell for the butler. Jenkins, whiskies and sodas at once. The occasion demands it.” “Adventures never cease, do they, old dear?” said Sally when she and Bingo were alone. “I am frightfully proud of you, but it was horrible of you to keep it all to yourself, and not let me have a look in. And, d’you know, I’m not a bit surprised. I was sure that man was a wrong ’un from the first.” “Yes, Sal, he struck me as a first class rotter from a very early stage. But now I think it’s time for shut eye. Pleasant dreams, and sweet repose." One last glimpse of Bingo and Sally before we leave them. It was early spring, nearly a year after they had settled in Wavenden. They were having tea in Sally’s cosy little boudoir, and Charlie Gilmore was with them on one of his periodical visits. “Oh, Sally do let me hold him just for a minute,” he pleaded. “I promise to return him in good condition, right side upwards. “Be frightfully careful,” said Sally, and Gilmore was privileged to take into his arms a very youthful Viscount Petterbridge who had > been christened Edward Charles after his godfather. “Goo, goo!” said Gilmore, “I’m quite at home in baby language, aren’t I, Sally?’ and he returned the heir of Wavenden to his proud mother. “Well played, old man,” said Bingo. “Congrats on your score.” , Gilmore was just departing. Theres one thing that puzzles me sometimes, he said. “We haven’t 'heard anything of that old sport Joseph Pickering for ages. He’s quite a loss to society. One could always count on him for a sensation.” , “OH, I have a sort of feeling that ne s a reformed character,” laughed Sally. “Well, that’s really a pity,” said Gilmore as they shook hands, and he reluctantly bade them farewell. “Dear, good souls!” he said to himself, as the car glided down the drive.