CHAPTER IX.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1842, 26 April 1884, Page 5 (Supplement)

CHAPTER IX.

It was unf 01 lunate for Ebby that just at! he stepped out of the widow's siiop Constable Bryan O'Shaughncssy, aged twenty, who had only joined the foice two weeks' before, should walk in. Thi3 was the young constable's first " bate," and he had a " wakened " for the widow's elder daughter, who was in a shop in the High-street. He generally looked in of a night, aud not infrequently the widow favoured him with a hot supper and ale, of ■which latlei she was fonder than she ought to be. ' " That was a quare-looking man that just went out ?" said Constable O'Shaugbnessy, after salutations had passed, and Alexandrina Elisabetta Marie Jeannette had come out from the little snuggery to ogle her stalwart, and not bad-looking, suitor. " That you may well say, Mr. O'Shaughnessy," replied the widow. "In my opinion he's committed a big burglary." Constable O'Shaughnessy pricked up his ears. He had had only one case, that of an inebriated hodman, and his soul thirsted for something higher. In nis mind's eye he at once saw paragraphs in the papers, commencing "a clever capture," perhaps with "after a desperate encounter " added, and an interview with the Chief Commissioner, ending in promotion, " You -don't mean to say so, Mrs. Wheezle," said he, all excitement. "He'd a bag full of money, about a thousand pounds in it, I think," said the widow. " And his face is just that of a desperate j burglai," added Alexandiina ; "Oh, Mr. O'Shaughnesby, don't try and catch him — you'll be killed." This was adding fuel to the flame in the gallant constable's bosom. She felt an interest in him — his love was returned. He ould show her he was worth that love. " I'd like to see the burglar that would fiighten me," he said, striking an attitude, and taking out his truncheon. "I will go after and catch him if he was twice as big. It's Spider Jem for certain. Good-bye for the present, all ; good-bye, Misss Alexandrina." Aud as he went out, amid the imploring cries of the women, his eyes met those of his freckless-faced inamorata, and he felt he was loved. That was enough to have spurred on a man more cool than Bryan O'Shaughnessy. Herbert and Alice strolled on in the moonlight, lingering by the way, each occupied with thoughts of each other, but almost silent. Their feelings were 100 deep for words. I have come to the conclusion that people who are in love can converse without using either tongue or eye. The electric circuit is so established with them that the thoughts flow from one organisation to the other. There is no need to' talk. Probably when we die, and become spirits, that will be the mode of communicating thoughts. Electricity will supplant speech, glance, and the cumbersome method by which I am now endeavouring to impart my ideas to the reader. It would be hard to give a coherent idea of their thoughts. Alice could not have done that, for her mind was in utter confusion. She had not yet had time to analyse and understand the new feelings that had taken possession of ker. She had lived a somewhat hard life, with few opportunities of making the acquaintance of young men. She had dreamed, of course, like all young maidens, but dreams are very different from reality ; there ia no feeling in a vision. Herbert's thoughts were more conneoted and clear. He knew he had fallen in love with this girl at first sight, and he endeavoured to analyse the influences that had so revolutionised his mind. He felt, even at that early period, the wrong piSiilJj|®|pto .which he had drifted

He was allowing himself to entertain a passion for a woman who should, in all reason, become the wife of the poor showman who loved her so well. It was wrong to try and take Ebby's pet lamb. It was wrong to allow his passion to grow when he knew marriage with this girl was impossible, at all events only possible by making great sacrifices, forfeiting his position and perhaps preparing for himself a miserable married life. In regard to marriage, Herbert had his idea**. He had ever dreamed of marrying a woman who would be a fit partner for him, morally, intellectually, and physically; a woman who would grow with him as he grew, elevate and adorn his position and lead society. Would this dream be realised by a woman who had been the partner of a strolling conjuror, who had been exhibited on the stage, to be criticised by sensual youth as show cattle are by agriculturists ? On the other hand, not a thought of doing this girl wrong entered Herbert's mind. He was not faultless, but there was a sin of which he had never been guilty, of which he never could be guilty, the destruction of a maiden. He looked upon that as the first of all social sins, the paient of every evil that afflicts society, save the curse of drink. At last the walk came to a close, and they reached the corner of the little by-street in which was the Mostyn's cottage. At that moment their attention was drawn to two figures. One bore a heavy bag aud rushed down the right-of-way. Herbert thought this figure was that of Ebby, but he did not feel certain. Alice knew it was Ebby, and guessed he had been replenishing the larder. The other figure was that of a policeman, which followed hard and fast, flourishing a tiuncheon. Herbert and Alice came to a full stop at the right-of-way, and witnessed the capture of the figure bearing the bag by the figure brandishing the staff. It looked wonderfully like a scene in a pantomime. " I got you at last, Spider Jem," they heard the policeman say, " and with a good swag, too. You're done for, me man, this time ; you'll be sent up for ten years." " What do you mean, in Heaven's name," they heard Ebby reply — there could be no mistaking his voice ; " I'm not Spider Jem ; I don't know what you mean." Herbert's blood ran cold. For a moment he doubted Ebby and Alice. Had his act of charity led to his becoming the companion of a burglar and his mistress ? He felt a momentaiy thrill of horror. '■Oh that won't do wid me," said Constable O'Shaughnessy, dragging his prey out of the right-of-way; "you'll have to come to the lock-up." " .For Heaven's sake," cried Alice, who was trembling like a leaf, " save poor Ebby. There is some dreadful mistake. He only ran away, poor fellow, to get some things for supper; we had nothing except bread and cheese." In a moment Herbert's faith returned. He remembered his inter/iew with Ebby, and the impression he had formed of him, his faithful .stewardship of the £50 and its return. How could he be a thief ? And how could tlii? lovely, ingenuous girl be a thief's companion ? lie felt thoroughly ashamed of his momentary suspicion, and this of course inI c?nsed him all the more against the constable for hid stupidity and officiousness. " Constable," said Herbert, stepping forI ward as the strange pair emerged from the lane, " this must be a mistake. This gentleman is Mr. Smith, a conjuror, who has only j jasfc returned from the Town Hall." " Oh, he is, is ho ? " replied Constable 0 Shaughnessy, wirking his left eye. " I'm not to be got over that way," he continued, flourishing his staff and tightening his grasp of Ebby's collar, so that the poor fellow was nearly strangled. " Come along wid ye ; if there's a mistake we'll find it out at the lock-up." "But I tell you it is a mistake," said Herbert, angrily. " And who may you be ? " sneered the guardian of the peace ; " one of his pals, pcihaps Swell Sam ?" " No, sir," replied Herbert, who was in a towering lage, " I'm a magistrate ; I am Mr. Herbert Clifford." At this the constable laughed loudly and mockingly. " A magistrate," said he, " an' Mr. Herbert Gifford, the grate millionaire that's set the people mad over him. Oh, that's likely, now. I do believe you're Swell Sam, and that gal there's Sulky Sally." " If you say another word about this lady," loared Herbert, " it will be worse ior you." " Oh, I see," said the astute policeman, putting himself " in attitude," " just as the instbiuctions say, a row and a rescue. Phew, ew "— And he gave a prolonged peculiar whißtle, at the same time making leady for battle. Herbert drew back to Alice's side, trying to think what could be done. Before he could resolve upon any cause, while it seemed to him Ebby must go to the lock-up, where Herbert and himself could be recognised, three policemen came up by different ways, and seized Herbert and Alice, while one went to the assistance of O'Shaughnessy, who had by this time nearly completed the strangulation of the unfortunate Ebby. " Burglar ! " ejaculated O'Shaughnessy, " row, rescue." " Just looks like Spider Jem," gasped his assistant, who by his stripes was a sergeant ; " what's he got in the bag ? " " Gold, silver, and notes," said O'Shaughnessy, with manifest pride. " Th 6 bagful ! " cried the sergeant ; "he must have robbed a bank." " It's only the performance money," Ebby managed to articulate ; " the rest's properties I'm taking home." The sergeant pulled out the bag of money, and then tumbled out the other contents, groceries of all descriptiptions, and bottles of champagne, spirits, and ale and porter. "It must be Spider Jem I " exclaimed the sergeant, exultantly. " That just hia game ; when he gets a hand the first thing he does is to have a big feed and a tremendous burßt. You've done a big thing for yourself this time, O'Shaughnessy, and these," the sergeant added, looking up at Herbert and Alice, "I suppose they're swell confederates." " That's it," cried the puff ed-up policeman'; " what do you think this one had the cheek to call himself— Mr. Herbert Gifford 1 " The sergeant looked at " this one," whose face was in the moonlight, and at once started back with a great curse. " And it is Mr. Gifford," he cried. " You stupid young fool, this must be a terrible mistake. Instead of' taking this bag we'll all get the ' sack ' for it." " I told him it was a mistake," saidHerberfc, stepping forward, still in great wrath, his fine figure towering over the officials, his face flushed with indignation. The men had at once removed to a distance when they heard what their sergeant said. " Put everything baok in that bag, you great calf," cried the sergeant, " and carry it where that gentleman desires. Quick now." , Poor Constable O'Shaughnessy, dumbfounded, trembling at the.jkneea, .begin |o^ help Ebby to restore the delio»pies;tpj;he;)»ag» hardly knowing what he dreams of paragraphs and p^q^Q^^^^^ftc wedding in the distance, ha^^j^&|j^|fefK stroyed quicker than Alnasc^c^^|^JHi<^!; was a relief for Mm to ta^^||M i bw|.|&jto! ; shoulders and humbly follow ?MBp^>^p||p| "I don't know what apology to offer, Mr. Gifford," said the sergeant— he knew him because Herbert had several times sat -on the local benph— --" but this i» only a yqang"police-

man a new recruit, and he was stupid and overzealous." Herbert's wrath had evaporated, mainly owing the ludicrous side of the incident presenting itself to his mind, and making it hard for him to restrain his laughter. A bettor pantomine scene he had never witnessed. " Never mind it, sergeant," he said ; " I will overlook it. You should use this incident to convey a lesson to the young constables to be more prudent. The' lives, the property, the character of the public are in the hands of the police, and that fact demands in them more than ordinary, caution. They should investigate and not act rashly." The sergeant touched his hat. •• I will take care to convey your views, which are just, to the force under my charge," he said deferentially. Goodjnight,*, sir, and thank you." Herbert took Alice's arm and walked to the cottage. She was still trembling, but ever upon her the ludicrous side of the scene was dawning, and when Herbert, after vainly attempting'to stifle his feelings, burst out into hearty prolonged laughter, she could not but join in. The Mostyn's home was a little but neat cottage with a small flower-garden in front 1 that told of Alice's loving care. Herbert was ushered into a pleasant little room, scantily furnished, but arranged with great taste. In the corner was a small piano. " That was got on time-payment, when we were prosperous," sighed Alice, when ''she saw Herbert looking at it. " I feared I would have to part with it, but, through your kindness" — here she looked at him in a manner that made the blood rush to hia face and his heart beat. " I hope we will keep it — my dearest companion. Pardon me for a moment until I see if mother is asleep." She stepped lightly out, and Herbert occupied her absence in looking round the room. There was unmistakable evidence of the most refined tastes, though the means of displaying them were limited. In all that he looked upon he saw the evidences of a refined women and a good housewife ; not of a female whose factory and stage life had destroyed her womanliness, Presently Alice entered, leading by the hand, a thin bowed down- woman, with a pale pinched face, yfho for all that looked more like an elder sister than Alice's mother. The lady appeared greatly agitated. It was plain she had once been very beautiful, even as lovely as her peerless daughter. Time and illness had worked havoc. "My mother, Mr. Gifford," said Alice; " I have just told her our adventure." " Sir," said the invalid in a trembling voice, "I thank you from my heart. You have saved us from a greaty calamity. I trust," she added sinking into an armchair, " that my daughter will not go upon the stage any more. It was against my will, even against her own, but beggars must not be choosers. Ebby must get some other help, the dangers are too great. But he was her cousin, sir, and I felt that with him she would be safe, for he is the soul of honor." " Poor Ebby," said Alice, whose face was full of smiles, "he is the strangest being, and the most forgiving. What do you think, Mr. Gifford ? When I went out to the kitchen I fond him helping the stupid constable to ohampagne, and swearing eternal friendship with him." The scene in the lane came up again to Herbert's mind and, added to that now narrated, set him off again, and he was joined by Alice and her mother. In the midst of the merriment in walked Ebby leading Constable O'Shaughnessy by the hand, looking as if he were being taken to execution. "Mr. Gifford and Alice," said Ebby, "here's Constable O'Shaughnessy ooine to beg your pardon. He's a decent fellow, and remember he's quite young and has only been a few weeks in the force." " Oh, there's no necessity, constable," said Herbert. " We've forgiven you and fofgotten all about it." And he burst out again in spite of himself, and his bright, clear, contagious laugh set the others going, even Ebby. The constable looked very foolish, and muttering a sort of " thank you " and " good-night," walked out. That night he did not visit Mrs. Wheezle's to allay the anxiety of Alexandrina ; indeed, he debated whether to run away or to commit suicide. He thought better of matters, however, but was almost driven crazy when he got to the barracks where his comrades nearly roasted him to death. The scene got wind very quickly, and the suburb next day was full of wonderment as to what took Mr. Gifford out with a girl at night. Gradually the matter became magnified, and all who had held Herbert up as a Sardanapalus triumphed. Here was proof of his wickedness. As for Constable O'Shaughnessy an early customer brought the news, got from a constable's wife, to Mrs. Wheezle, adding that he was to be dismissed. When he called in the afternoon he was coldly received by Mrs. Wheezle and the freckled Alexandrina, and made to understand the latter was not for him. The constable after again contemplating suicide decided to ask for an exchange to another locality, and thus get rid of his tormentors. A happy, a very happy, evening was spent at the cottage ; an evening that sank into the hearts of all and became a living memory for ever. The table was laid, as it had not been for years, with unheard of luxuries. Herbert watched Alice doing this, and he was delighted with her deft housewifeliness. He saw that for years she had had to do the work, and it pleased him to see her so clever. As for Ebby, he ran about fetching things, blundering at every turn, and altogether quite a pantomime hero. When the tea was made, and they all sat down, everyone was happy beyond compare. Even Mrs. Mostyn's face seemed to fill oat and to have called back the look of other times. When all were satisfied, and Ebby, after carefully filling the glasses with champagne, rose to propose the toast of Herbert [Gilford, there could be no happier party in the world. Herbert had dismissed the doubts of the night ; he was resolved only to enjoy the present. He was intoxicated with new and unanalysable feelings. The time came for parting. The champagne had made Herbert's blood warm, and when he shook hands with Alice he pressed the little hand with fervor. Their eyes met at the same moment and the blood rushed to their faces. ' The little god had conquered. Ebby walked part of the way home with Herbert, and talked all the time. Herbert could not ; his heart was full. " I was glad you came to-night," he said ; " you saved me the second time, indeed, the third. I couldn't have asked her to-night. She would have remembered the scene in the lane, and laughed afc me. It was funny, wasn't it? But I'll ask her to-morrow. I know her mother wants her to leave off the stage. Perhaps you might add to your kindness and give me something to do. I'll do anything. The conjuring profession isn't good enough for' that angel." And so he ran on, hardly listened to by Herbert, until they parted. Herbert did not sleep ith^nigbt; he lay mfctejjed^ththe3nuiginifinfmt * uiQonligJit* S«wdiuifVt«^ ? "Ot^flSiher, ' stealing potatoes from their, field., : Such conduct is tuber-rqotiUor %nyVawg.-r-PitttburgK -, -'**!&; -X^tC ---■%.■ ~- 5.^1-^-f-v"^/',;^