THE REFORMATION OF JACK DISBLAIR.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXVIII, Issue 5245, 11 April 1908, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE REFORMATION OF JACK DISBLAIR.

By DAVID LECHMERE. • w ould have gone hard with Frank. y bad it not been for Jack Disfor, turning Into a quiet street wr ’a September race meeting, he had pjjgnly found himself surrounded by brawny ruffians, who peremptorily Janded the handing over of his valuHeavy as the odds against hTm Frank hud shown fight, but the had promised to be of the for a heavy blow /struck him -j upon the temple. As he staggered a sinuous hand had grasped his and, gasping for breath, he wa3 upon his knees. *ll was at this moment Jack DJsblalr ffitei, and whether it was that the were too intent upon their work, f that his evening shoes made little jpginJ upon the pavement, they were conscious of his presence until, af--0 burling two of them aside, he had, jKj, a well-directed blow, laid the one was choking Ellerby's life out ifuoe uP° n the Pavement. -fou cowards!” he cried, his rich pulsating with anger, but bef( re words had died away they had flung pgurivcs upon him. Deftly he placed his back to the wall io tbit they could not take him in the and his well-aime.l blows fell like upon their faces. A perfect master pf the manly act, he seemed to know by jgftir.ct when to guard and when to Ptcfte. and, so calm was he, that his lifted cigar retained Its steady glow, jet, in spfi e of h,s strength and skill, lip antagonists must, in the end, have grovel too much for him, for the man £ had struck down had recovered sufIrfently to lend the others a helping fcnl- The punishment he had received lad made him cautious, and making no effort to regain his feet, he sidled along 0* ground, meaning to link his arms round DUblair’s knees and jerk h : m off Hi feet.

Hi* r u«e must have proved successful li.j it not lwen for Ellerby, who, with recovering scn.*r>, had struggled to his feet, and seeing what was about to happen, with a hoarse cry, flung him.relf upgpuo the man Just as he was about to tarry his plan into execution. Probably the others had had enough of the fight, for they suddenly took to their heels, while the one Ellerby had seized, with uu eel-like movement, slipped out of the land that held him. and, leaping to his f*<, vanished after them. Disblair could readily have caught him. but 1» let him go. "Every man to his trade,” he muttered jrtmly. ‘Prison won’t help to cure them l*. my have done, poor rogues!” For the moment It seemed as if he hal forgott**n that he was not alone, not until Ellerby spoke did he turn to ha. y haven’t seriously damage m h | with a I h' erjp smile, “and I hore I arrived in time to prevent you fr*,m being robbed. Your watch is safe, ,t in events.” KHerby's watch was dangling loose. Flipping it into h s pocket he quickly assured himself of the safety of his poeket"Everything is all right.” he answered, ttetj, seeing Disblair about to turn nay, he added reproachfully, "but I cinnot let you go without at least knowing who I have to thank. My iuae is Ellerby. Surely you will odd to my indebtedness by spending the rest cf the even iig with me? lam staying at the Crown Hotel.” “I also am living there," said Disblair, ■ . ■ . e also g&\hi- name. “Any relation of Fir .Tames pisbfa:fir asked Ellerby as they walked off together. He Is my father s brother, but I have not teen him for years," answered DisKi.r I . oilginally from Devon; mr father was a vicar there." ken they chatted freely, and Ellerby. who had taken a strong liking to the man who had come so bravHy to his assistance, was charmed to lint! that they had many tastes in common. # "You must come and stay with me at TroutlK-ok,” In* exclaimed, as, after a Ion t chat in the smoking-room. DisMair rose to go. "YVe have a liou.se party there at present, and I can promise you good sport. l’in leaving here to-morrow; will you emne with me?” Disblair's face flushed. "It is extremely good of you,” he iaid, hesitatingly; "but you know notnIng about me." Ellerby laughed. "It doesn't take years to know a mar. If your only objection is that you have not known me long enough, why, then, take th< opportunity to know me belter. Now, don’t say no, for I have *“t my heart upon your coming. My Jnoth. r keeps house for me, and you ■»ay b<* sure of a welcome from her *hen she knows what you did for me.” “I’ll only come upon condition that nothing is said about that,” said DisNair, firmly, and pleased to have , him I p0!l an - v , ‘‘ rms Ellerby consented to ‘w'P the matter secret. leased I am,” T* 1! ’ ! I ■ fa<c i. trayid his pleahut Disblair’s bad no answering otisfaction, and when lie left the room (aco .lull gl„„ my . doing r.«, n iimig himself into u SS“* '" : " 1 hto h. s b 2, m “ st h:»-k nut Of it," lie mut-to-o , 1 "uulit to have told hint the i, ion ever bitter tile telling might *»« been. Yet the temptation to live th " Hr. which was mine in S?J. ail ’ /"Uhl withstand. Why sp4- ' Surely it will be pnsanvin r ,nC f ’ K ° 1,,v :l wee h without ET reralling my story or recog'"tterly, and as he spoke he Zt f 1 1" 1,110 *'"■ Palms of his j. 1 hands, until they well nigh IVrhL’h' " tsh - Uun taping from »-*!,] .o ' 00,1 ,lown 08 '£ he Hi. ? n lle his thoughts. •t- „* " ry " as a sad one. The son 1 oart",?', ® ,cr * yman . he had joined Jo«d his ? ono altogether heht, tot, ’ """• with «• young n-O-lesoicss, he had soon hei ome k pin- I, 0 To retrieve himself «vt, Jf! mt " r:,r ' l gambling, and the Vnt u,l, g, ' n ' : " lth him *° such an exbngly, marvelled. Jaek lauglthky v ' ‘ them as his friends; hut " CTe to i ' r ' ,v -’ •dhering .!" ‘ ,calin K, through one thin,,.,I . llKh tly to its follow, he Klvc himself six cards inNot until he liad ex--1 “ore " h,ch had won him usually rlch po „, the had and 'hen by one N 'be ono™,! h, ' avily ' who, seated h utiuiual th?,* the tablc ’ n °ticcd "mol. “t -hness of the card preWvd rt ™*“hing out his hand he k««i , • his losses having af--1 ehtat »„ per ’ he liurled the taunt *' ''»rdW ?, lho lab,e - T hc word hint fnii™ tro Hisblair had “Tnu k no J 11 “ |,nn the lips. * •» the Khouted ' turnytuers. But j,is words ended

with a sob, for there was that in the silence of those around him that told him they believed him guilty. His known want of money, his debts, h:s wondrous run of luck, all helped to condemn him, and knowing nothing he could say would prove his Innocence. That night he handed in his papers, and from that day up to the time he had given his real name to Frank Ellerby no one knew what had become of Jack Disblair.

The iron had N entered into his soul, ruined and embittered he allowed himsolf to sink until he felt himself no longer fit to enter the society of honest men. Many a time in the years that were past, and lie pretended to himself that he did not miss the life which fate had so unjustly deprived him of; but Frank Ellerby’s hearty invitation had let him see clearly how thin was the crust of his indifference. He felt he would willingly have given his life to retrieve the past; but it was too late now. To refuse, and to toil the reason of his refusal, must be part of his punishment. Sitting lown at a writing table he dipped a pen in ink, but hardly had he commenced to write when his purpose changed.

“It will make life hell afterwards,” he said, snapping the pen In two between hi 9 fingers, "but I will go through it, will taste again the joys that were so sweet to me.”

His resolve once taken, his moroseness left him, the very risk he ran of detection and exposure served but to add flavor to his prospective visit.

Yet it was with some trepidation that he entered the drawing-room at Troutbeck next evening, fearing lest someone who had known him in the old days should he there and recognise him; but they were all strangers, and, with a sigh of relief, he sank Into a chair. Hearing the sigh, a lively girl of some two or three and twenty, to whom ne had just been introduced, laughed merrily. “A Sherlock Holmes would easily aeduce that you did not find many winners yesterday, Mr Disblair,” she said; and her vole© was sw'eet and musical. “Yet he would have been wrong.” ‘‘Then why that woeful sigh?” she asked, her blue eyes looking straight into his brown ones. ‘‘l cannot tell you,” he answered gravely, a shiver passing through him as he thought of the scorn that would leap into her fair face were she to learn the manner of man he was—"unless it was of content at finding myself in such pleasant quarters. But let us speak of something more interesting. Tell me about my fellow-guests. I have been out of the world for years.” "Beginning with myself?” she asked naively. "If you will do me so much honor,” he answered, his dark eyes lighting. "Perhaps I had better begin with my name, then, for I hardly suppose you. caught it, Frank slurs his words so. It is Tain ton—Vida to my friends.” "It is a sweet name. You know it means beloved.” The words were said without emphasis, and yet the blood surged for an instant to Vida Talnton’s cheeks, and she found herself wondering why she hacl never thought her name beautiful before. "Yours sounded familiarly,” she said thoughtfully, and as she spoke he realised how great his danger was, for his greatest friend of former years, a brother officer, had been called Tainton, i and guessing her to be his sister, he feared lest she should recall who he was. The announcement of dinner came to his relief, and to his delight he found Vida had fallen to hi 9 lot. Before the meal was over they were as old friends —so much so that on re-entering the drawing-room he turned instinctively to her. Tile C/\rty wag 9 large one, and as El- | loiby allowed his guests to amuse themselves ns they best liked, no one ever found Troutbeck dull. Bridge, as was natural, found many ardent adherents, and tables were arranged for it in a small alcove in which the players could cut themselves off from the sound of music by thick curtains. "You play, of course?" said Vida, as Ellerby asked her to make up a table, but Disblair shook his head. “I’d rather listen to music,” lie said, glancing towards the piano; and it appeared that Vida did not wish to play ©ither, for she excused herself to Frank. ‘T believe Mr Disblair sings?” she asked Ellerby. "You had better ask himself,” laughed Frank. Vida had guessed correctly, and, yielding to her entreaties, Disblair’s full rich voice soon Hooded the room, and those who had been about to take their places nt the tables remained where they were, enraptured by the beauty of his singing. Not until he had sung again and yet again did they allow him to cease. “It is too bad of you, Mr Disblair,” said a laughing voice when the last rich notes had died away; "no one will dare to sing after you.” "No one shall say that I am afraid,” said a chuckling, smiling-faced young man, and going to the piano he sat down, and vamping an accompaniment trolled out the inane tale of the dusky maiden who would not leave her wooden abode for a white suitor. It served to break the spell, and before the last notes of the refrain had died away the card tables had claimed their devotees. In some way the conversation turned on conjuring. "Do you know any tricks, Mr Disblair?” asked Vida, after several more or less commonplace ones had been performed, and she held out a pack of cards to Jack. After apparently Idly shuffling the cards for a moment or two, Jack began to deal In such a manner that the suits fell Into four different heaps, then re-

shuffling he caused four aces, four kings, four queens, and so on down to the smallest to appear before their wondering eyes. "By Jove, the bridge players must see this,” cried the singer of the comic song, and rushing into the card-room he literally forced the players to suspend their game. "You’d make your fortune on the boards, Disblair,” cried Ellerby, and his words voiced the feelings of tho onlookers, for Jack seemed able to make the cards do what he wished, yet no one could see how it was done. "Now, I nnn sure you have had enough of this,” he said at last, and sinking back into his chair by Vida’s side he could not be persuaded to relinquish it for the rest of the evening. Before the ladies retired he had learned two things. First, that blue eyes and auburn hair were perfection in a woman, and second, that it was bliss to sit by the owner of the said hair and eyes. And she? Sho knew not what to think; but if the music of his voice rang in her ears, his handsome features shone before her eyes, who can say that these are not the forerunners of love? It was indeed so. The winged god had worked cruel havoc that night, for if Vida was not actually engaged to Frank Ellerby, it was looked on as a certain match. If Ellerby loved Vida he certainly proved no jealous lover, for when day after day found Disblair by Vida’s side, it gave him pleasure to think she had taken to one for whom he had conceived a warm liking. But if he was blind, there were others Yvhose eyes

were open, and many wondered how he: could help seeing that Disblair had lost hia heart to Vida, and that she had eyes for no one else when he was in the room.

If the onlookers guessed the truth, the two most concerned were entirely ignorant of the state of each other’s feelings. All that Disblair knew was that he loved her, and that even to think of her was worse than folly. Each day he told himself that that must be his last, but each evening found him unable to tear himself away. He learnt the truth by accident, a chance word referring to the understood engagement, and there and then he decided the time had come for him to go. Alone with Vida in the conservatory, h« spoke of leaving on the following day. To his surprise she did not answer him. and turning wonderingly he found to his dismay that her eyes were full of tears. His heart throbbed with joy. “You are sorry I am going?” he asked, his deep voice sinking to a whisper, and the words of love with whicn his heart was bursting had nearly broken from his lips, but in a moment remembrance came, and he choked them back, though his lips were twitching with agony. She Joved him! She had let her heart go out to his, but, steeped in shame as hia life was, she must never know he had guessed her secret, or how deeply he loved her in return. At whatever agony to himself, he would drive his image from her heart. Not waiting for her reply, he turned away with the false excuse upon his lips that he heard Ellerby calling for him, and for the rest of the day he avoided her.

When evening came it was Vida who made a timid advance, asking him to sing a song he had sung the first evening of his visit.

“I want to play cards to-night,” he answered, turning his face away lest she should see how careworn it had grown. “I have had too long a rest from my trade, and I fear lest my hand should have lost its cunning.” “Your trade?” she repeated wonderingly, “I do not understand.”

“It has a simple explanation though,” he answered with a mirthless laugh, and as he spoke he drew back the curtains which closed off the alcove. “Behold two would-be players,” he cried, and in a few minutes he had found a place at one of the tables, but Vida declined to play, although she remained in the room talking to Ellerby, whose place Jack had taken.

From tho first the cards went with Jack and his partner, but the stakes were trivial, and he suggested that they should make them higher. “Ellerby will not object, as it is my last evening,” he said, yet although he spoke with seeming carelessness there was something in his voice which caused Eilerby to look at him, and marking the deadly pallor of his cheeks, the burning lustre of his eyes, his first idea was that Disblair was ill, and, although he said nothing, he could not help keeping a watchful eye upon him.

They rarely ’played for high stakes al Troutbeck, and, perhaps for that reasor Disblair’s proposal was the more warmly received. Soon his soorins card showed a heavy sum was due tc him.

“Double the stakes if you like,” lie said as his opponents asked for theii revenge, and once more the game commenced, but it had not gone far before it came to an end, for, leaping to hi? feet, one of the men playing against Disblair threw his cards upon the table

"I refuse to play longer to-night. Eller’oy,” he said, then turning to Disblair, he added, haughtily, "As for you sir, I refuse to pay what you have marked against me. Doubtless you understand my reason?” A silence which could be felt tilled the room, and all eyes were turned upon Disblair. Flinging bdek his chair, Jack rose. "I did not think my hands were so unskilful,” and Ellerby, watching him, saw the color had returned to his cheeks, "I cannot say you have sharp eyes, sir. though I own myself defeated. And now having made the only amends possible and acknowledged myeelt a client, I’ll hid you all good night,” and almost before they realised it he had passed through the curtains, which closed behind him. Ellerby had taken a step forward to follow him, but a strained little sob at his side caused him to turn, and be saw Vida swaying from side to side. Drawing her arm through his he prevented her from falling, but the agony in her face made him bitter against the man whom he had treated as a valued friend. Fearing lest she should betray her secret, he whispered to her to sli’p away to her room, and in the excitement no one noticed her leave the card room. Jack was standing in the hall, a light overcoat thrown over his evening dress. “You’ll send my things to the village inn,” she heard him say to the footman, whose highly-trained composure could hardly conceal hie astonishment. Unhesitatingly Vida went to his side and laid her hand upon hts arm. "Tell me it is not true,” she panted. "You did not mean to ?” To finish; her sentence was more than she could do, but he filled the gap for her.” "Cheat! Of course. Tt is my trade,” h> answered harshly, "To-morrow I go back to it.” She looked at him with quivering lips, but before she could speak again Ellerby joined him. "Leave us, Vida,” be said, sternly, and too sick at heart to resist., with a last long, lingering look at Jack she turned away. "I am saving you the trouble, of turning me out.” she heard Disblair say. "What does this nonsense mean?” be asked peremptorily. Disblair affected to laugli. “You need hardly ask. Your eyes saw wliat the others saw." "I.saw more than you supposed,” retorted Ellerby gravely, "and as your host T demand some explanation.” Then seeing Jack stare at him blankly, "I saw you cheat not once, hilt many times, and so openly that I wondered tho others could be so blind. I supposed you did it as a jest, for knowing what you can do with the cards, I knew that if you had wished to escape detection you could have done so.” "You need not contradict me,” he continued, seeing Jaek about to speak. "Explain to me, and I will clear your name. They will believe my word, in fact they already think you did it as a jest.” "It was no jest,” retorted Disblair, fiercely. "Why do you torture me?" "Then there was a reason,” said Ellerby calmly. "Do not think I doubt you. man. From the moment I first met you I knew you were a gentleman, and in spite of all you have said and done, I believe so yet.” The kindly words were more than Jaek could withstand. "I’ll tell you,” lie said, brokenly, "although I warn you it will give you pain, but not here—come out into the open air with mo.”

Without a word Ellcrby linked his arm with Jack’s.

“Whatever you have to tell I’ll swear there is no disgrace in it,” he said earnestly, hut not until they had walked far down the avenue did Jack open his lips.

“You were wrong just now when you said there was no disgrace,” he began, and he poured out all the story of his life, concealing nothing, telling everything up to the moment when Ellerpy’s invitation had proved too strong for him. Then he paused and drew a deep breath.

“Go on,” said Ellerby, “I mu3t know all.” “You know how I came, but you do not know that the moment I entered your home I fell in love with one whose name I will not sully by mentioning. I did not know until to-day that you loved her also, and when I learned It I made up my mind that I must go. I told her I was leaving, and, Ellerby—you will hardly believe it, but—somehow I know that she loved me. The joy of that knowledge was almost more than I could bear ”

“And you told her you loved her, said Ellerby hoarsely.

“I would have given all the world to tell her,” said Disblair humbly, “but thank God, I held my peace. There was only one way I could make atonement, and that was to open her eyes to the manner of man I am, to . make her despise me, to think of me with ” Jack’s sentence ended with a sob.

“I knew that I was right,” said Ellerby, and the break in his voice betrayed how deeply he was moved. "But there is one thing I do not understand. Surely you know that your name was cleared.”

Jack stared at him with dilated eyes. "What do you mean?” he panted, and he had to moisten his lips before he could ask the question.

"Did no one tell you that a few nights later the same thing happened, two cards stuck together and were only noticed as they were in your case, when Taunton, Vida’s brother, was about to claim the pool. Strangely enough the came man noticed it who had accused you. “My God, we’ve condemned Disblair wrongly!” he cried with hor-ror-stricken face, and there was not a man present who did not share his feelings. Jack dashed his band across his eyes. "Too late,’’ he said, thickly. "I disappear again to-night, as I ” "You shall not go!” cried Ellerby, "Vida shall ” “Sho must never know,” interposed Jack, and his voice was firm again, "or when the day comes that her heart returns to you, you may tell her if you will.” Breaking away from Ellerby. he had gone ten yards before the other regained his side. "You shall not leave me like this. If only for her sake you will remain under my roof to-night.” But Jack was firm in his refusal. “Then I will go with you to the hotel,” and nothing Jack could say would dissuade him. Early morning had come before Ellerby returned to Troutbeck, and before he left him Jaek had given his promise to go to America to take over the management of a ranch which Ellerby possessed. During the months which followed he heard from Ellerby frequently, but the name lie hungered to see was never mentioned. Two years passed, and then one day he received a letter which contained startling tidings. Tho news that his uncle was dead, and he was his heir, sent the blood flying from his cheeks. "Vida knows all your story,” Ellerby wrote, and Jack understood that the day had at last come when she had learnt to value his friend's honest love, and for a little the letter lay unheeded on his knee, but nerving himself, he read it to the end. "You must come home at once, and I will take it very amiss if you don’t come straight to Troutbeck.” The same mail brought a letter from the family lawyer, also urging his return. A fortnight later Jack arrived at Troutbeck. Ellerby was at the door to greet him.

“There are quite a lot of people here you know,” he said. “In fact, I have collected pretty much the party of two years ago; they wished lo meet you”—

and Jack understood that in some way Ellerby had proclaimed his innocence—“but before we join them I would like to have a quiet chat with you.”

Jack allowed himself to be ushered into a small conservatory; but hardly had he entered it than his face lost all trace of color, for, seated in a low chair under a shady palm, was the girl who for two years had never been out of his thoughts. Vida had evidently not known of his coming, for with a startled cry she sprang to her feet. "You have come home,” sho whispered, and held out both her hands. Hardly knowing what he said he murmured some reply, then he noticed that Ellerby had not followed him. Feeling that to mention Frank’s name would give him courage, he began:— “Frank let me know of your engagement,” but lie could not look at her as he spoke, and did not see her evident wonderment. “There must surely be some mistake.” He looked at her now, quickly, almost angrily. "He promised he would not tell you my story until he aslted you to be his wife.” “He kept his word,” said Vida, so faintly that it was wonderful lie heard, but a great hope sprang into his heart. “Yet he sent for me, bade me come here first. Ido not understand,” he cried, and involuntarily he held out his The action broke every barrier down. How it happened, they could not have told; but the next instant Vida was clasped to his heart and his lips were pressed to hers. "You love me!” he cried, as if his happiness was too great for relief. "I have always loved you,” she whispered. "I knew Frank was to send for' you.” "God bless him!” said Jack, and as he spoke the door opened, and Ellerby appeared. A glance was sufficient to tell him all, and next moment 'the hands of the two men clasped in a bond of friendship that nothing but death would loosen.—" Glasgow Weekly Herald.”