CHAPTER X.—Continued

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13748, 10 September 1908, Page 6

CHAPTER X.— Continued

Tlio millionaire smiled. "You're- common-sense tor one thing," he answered. "The tirst question the police would ask would he why victim No. 2 — shall we call her— did not u;o last night to the authorities, the second, why you, her champion, gave a false account as to the finding of the dead man." "There is an answer to both those queries. In the first horror of my discover}' in the brougham 1 made the most plausible statement 1 could think oi. I was fearful on the lady's account, so much so that I dissuaded her from going to the police." ''Ingenious, but unconvincing. The reason, for the second edition of your story is the same that prompted the first — you are fearful for Anne Basset. More so to-day than yesterday — and with cause. 1 think, Mr. Garret, you shall now hear my version of the matter 1 have an old acquaintance on my hands — Luke Fisher — who has been my pensioner these four years. There comes to mo a woman — this Anne Basset in whom you show so much interest — who demands to see my pensioner, declaring he gave false witness against her at a trial, the particulars of which you doubtless know. I yield to her persuasions, and send for the old man hero to discuss the matter. Ho consents to see Anne Basset, and we drive together to meet her at the appointed place. She sees me tirst alone, and as I can swear, threatens both me and Fisher. Pier demeanour startles me. 1 suggest the interview should be deterred. Sho will not hear of it, and i Fisher, expressing a wibh to get it [over, I make no demur. The two drive, off together in my brougham. The next morning I read an account of a dead man found in Albemarle Street. Close on the intelligence my coachman comes and tells me of the accident he had last night with it he carriage, and your pursuit of him. He's a black man, and easily scared. Your chase frightened him. He ran away as you know. Returning later to the place of the upset he followed you to Albemarle Street, subsequently recaptured the brougham and drove it home to the stables. That's my version, Mr. Garret. Pick a flaw in it it you can. I left Fisher safe and sound with Anne Basset. When I next hear of him he's dead." 'Your inference? I want to be quite clear on this point." "It's no inference, man, it's fact!

Anne Basset poisoned him." "How?" 'I understand the post-mortem has revealed traces of poisoning by chloral." "Yon can't prove Anne administered it? That's yonr flaw, Mr. Scott, i can as easily demonstrate you drugged the old man's drink." The millionaire paused. "I think," he said, quietly, "I can satisfy you on that point." He rang the bell, and .asked if Mr. Burley, his secretary, had called, and it so what was his message. The maid returned with a slip of paper. .Scott opened and read it. His iaee grew suddenly triumphant. "Anne Basset purchased a bottle ot chloral yesterday ot a chemist named Martin, in Camden High Street. What do you say now, Mr. Garret?" Dan drew a deep breath. His quick ears had heard the clang of the door bell A moment' later lie caught the murmur of Anne's voice in the spacious hall, heard the echo of her feet going up the stairs to her interview with Lady Minnie. His attitude relaxed. He faced the millionaire nonchalantly, "•[t's a good yarn," he said, "and f suppose will go down with the police. Have you thought at all of the eltect iliss Basset's arrest may lusve on- your prospects, political and social, Mr. Scott?" "I've figured it out exactly. The whole business of Anne's trial at Kiniberley will be raked up, the story ol her engagement to me will be told at length; the tact that I was compelled to give evidence against her dwelt upon. There'll be columns and columns of sentimental drivel in which I shall he likened to Caligula and various other ancient and amiable gentlemen. Eloquent speakers on Socialism will refer to n.e as a menace to the workei . l,aboin readers will agitate against me as! a bl.mted and infamous capitalist. Well, that's not going to do me any harm. My position is too secure to be aftectcd by twaddle. I shall live down the "■toiin of newspaper abuse. Why," he laughed jeeringly, "1 could buy the press, lock, stock? and barrel, ii I chose." "And the woman herself — Anne — whom at one time you thought to make your wife — haven't you any thought for her?" "f decline to introduce sentiment into the discussion," was the retort. ■ ou came hero — T understood — to t«lk businej-s. 1 have only a lew more minutes to wast*' — hadn't yon better begin y" Scott spoke with a contempt In- did not trouble to conceal. Me l.nl not been sure of the other's gain* :.< the beginning of the interview. Dan In-longed to a type the millionaire bad learnt to mistrust. Xow, however, Ik | fame to the conclusion thai Carrot was a .stalking horse for lirowu. He was not worth a second thought. The man's insolence sent the blood rushing io Dan's head. ft was only J with an ellwrt he controlled the impulse to strike Scott, on the mouth. l(; could nol afford to lose his temper. He must play a cautious game.* "I think," said (iarret, "you've left out sin important, possibility in your 'calculations. II Aline Basset ;,<•,' ar- < rested you'll have to deal with — me." "You?" Scott laughed derisively. "We're not in the baekwoodr, of America, my friend; I make no doubt you're handy enough with a six-shooter or a bowie knife; but in England that sort of thing don't pay. It you came here to play « game of bluff, take it ironi me I'm far too old a baud lor you (o tackle." "You're talking twaddle." was the answer, "and you know it. I say you've got to reckon with me, and T J mean it. Luke Fisher wasn't <.lv.u\ when j found him." "Wasn't dead!" Scott glanced quickly at Ihe other's luce. Calm and impassive, tho blue eyes met his like ' .i point ot steel. Scot I felt the old mist niM .^oal over him. '■ "lie spoke to me. Would you lil<e lo ho.iv what h« said?" Dun glanced !

towards the door, stepped sultly .lenj.ss tlio loDin, :md turned the k<\\ in the lock. _ . '•It doesn't interest me— dead men toll no tales." The millionaire had regained confidence. It was impossible the old man could have lived t>o lout; — Garret was spinning a iftiry tale. ■I think," continued Dan, quieth, "there are others who won't bo so indifieront to Fisher's last communica-

••] hope you'll iind a market with tlieni. There's none here." As he spoke the sharp tin^ ot the telephone bell rang through the room. Scott went to the instrument and answered. '•Is that you, Harris? Hold the wire a minute, will you; Iv* 1 someone ••Mr. Carrot," ho iueed round, a big iigure oJ' y man, difficult to beat, "your last card is on the table r" Well, I "take the trick. I'm going to tell Inspector Harris on the telephone how Anne Basset murdered Fisher." With a spring Garret was beside him gripping his arms. He had yet another card to play, the biggest blufi ot his whole life.

"By Cod," he shouted, "it will cost yon dear. You tool, I've you tight as death— l know when- tbi- I'iiudiamond is hidden!"