The Brundage Plot

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18625, 2 May 1932, Page 4

The Brundage Plot

P A Serial Story of Mystery, Love and the Turf. ||

(By E. C. BULEY.) (Author of “The Mad Tremaynes," “The Wives of David," etc., etc.)

SYNOPSIS, Marlso FormDy, tne ramous cinema star, is determined that her wedding shall eclipse all the fashionable and spectacular weddings of the past. Arrived at the Church, her beautirui smile Is riot disarranged even when she discovers the bridegroom, Lord Burr-ano-Asclie, pronounced Brundlah,. known to his intimates at Eton and Oxford as Bonzo, is missing. ' „ « That woman has put one over on me, she remarks to Jimmy Keegan, her partner and producer. “ That woman ’’ being Lady Burr-and-Asche, Bonzo’s mother, who, determined to save her son. (seven years’ Marlse’s Junior) from this woman who merely- wants a title, has that morning sent to the papers the following notice: ‘‘ln company with his cou3ln■ Lord Burr-and-Asche left England by aeroplane this morning, for a big game shooting expedition In East Africa... .Lord Burr-and-Asche Is expected to be absent from England for some years.’’ . ~ « “ I’ll get even with her for this trick If I have- to spend the rest of my life on It,” vow 3 M.arlse. . „ Jane Chalmers, half-sister to Lady Burr-and-Asche, accompanies the latter to Sandown Park Races, for which event Lady Burr-and-Asche has her steeplechaser, Jabez, running. Immediately this Is known Marlse enters her horse Hummlngtop. An exciting chase takes place, during which Humming-top throws his rider,, Burke, out of the saddle. Riderless, Hum' .mlngtop makes for the. next ferice. Suddenly a ngure in tweeds dashes forward, catches the loose reins, and brings Hummlngtop cleverly to a standstill. Swinging hlmseir into the saddle -like an- expert, he urges Hummlngtop in pursuit of the field. Can he catch the others alter such a check? Yes, .he now has second place, now in pursuit of the leader. Amidst a terrific din Hummlngtop races past the winning post, beating Jabez by a neck. Lady- Burr-and-Asche and Jane are struck by the likeness of Hummlngtop s rider to Bonzo. Marlse also ses In him an older and more manly edition of her once brldegroom-to-be. " Who are you? she asks. “Name or Brundage,’’ Is the answer.' - ■ . ! - , Who is Brundage7 That Is the question on everyone’s lips. Marlse determines to nnd out. - She asks him to rldo Hummlngtop In the. Grand National. . He consents, but beyond the fact that he has Just come Trom Australia, where he has a sheep rarm, Brundage Is very reticent. Marlse scents a chance to make that woman’-’ squirm. “I’ll bet there's some old Burr-and-Asche scandal to be dug out; and dug out It shall be,” she solllo* QU Lady Burr-and-Asche confesses to Jane that she has a good idea who Brundage Is. “Brunage Is the name of our ramily skeleton. The story begins over a hundred years ago, when the eldest son ° r the eleventh Lord Burr and Asche had to flee the country. Good care was taken that he never returned. When the old lord died, the title was. assumed by the second son. But the real Baron was not dead, by any moans. He was alive and kicking,- out In Australia,’’ 7 “The absent one took the name of Brundage, which is very near the bone, you 11 agree, married and settled down to be a wool barOn, instead or a titled one. He got rich, and this is hi 3 grandson, or greatgrandson, who may have different views from his ancestors about an arrangement that has endured for more than va century. The family skeleton, and in Marlse Formby’s hands!” Jane determines to enter the fight, ana. sets out to make the acquaintance or Brundage. Frank Burke, the jockey, Is an angry man when he hears that Brundage is to be given the mount at Atntree on the noise which he had been engaged to ride. He consults one Aleck Pawie. Marlse receives, a visit Trom Fay Delacourt, a one time secretary to Lady B.urr-and-ASChe. In return for a chance ,to start on the nims she tells Marlse that she has every reason >to believe that Mr Brunclasre is tho real Lord Burr-and-AscJie. She also mentions that she knows where certain family papers are kept which would prove It. ...... <--. T Marlse .sees a chance of still becoming Burr-and-Asche, and sets out to _ attract Brundage. She Is somewhat ruffled, however, at finding Jane and Brundage on familiar terms, . Frank Burke, the jockey, is an angry man when ho hears that Brundage Is to be given the mount at Aintree on the horse which he has been engaged to ride. He consults one, Aleck Pawie. The result of these two rascals’ conversation is that at the Grand National Burke deliberately rides to bring Hummlngtop down.

keeps nothing valuable In It; not jewels or the gold plate." “Are you proposing . . ” Marlse gasped. "Will you kindly tell me Just what you mean, Miss Delacourt?" "If your friend Is the rightful holder of the title, It would J>e only justloe to prove It," Fay said, with her air of unsullied Innocence. “It would be a righteous aot, and not any crime.” ; - f ,

“I said before that you ought to write film -stories, before trying to aot In them."

Fay shook her head.. “I’d do anything for that part," she said. “Look, I made a .plan of the house for-you. This Is Redleap; arid see, here Is the library. Tho strong room Is behind some movable bookshelves; where I’ve marked the cross."

Sh% fairly thrust the paper upon Marise, who dropped her hands, to •find it lying in her lap. “No wonder Lady Burr-and-Asche sent you packing!” Marlse exolaimed. “I think you are a very dangerous girl." “But 1 get my part; on merit 1” Fay retorted, with a funny little courtesy. ■She drifted away like a wraith, leaving Marise staring at the sheet of paper in her hands. As her fingersplayed with the plan—a very detailed and -workmanlike effort, she noted — her mind played-with -the idea which it suggested. With that idea, and with another one, which GouglL-Chade had implanted there. The more she Considered these two suggestions, the more Marlse was taken by them, They provided two moves In the game whloh she was playing; both desperate moves, but -both quite safe, under the -circumstances. She rang Keegan -on the telephone. "I've been talking to, y-our baby Jezebel, Jimmy," she said. “She ought to be made to carry a red light by law.” Anybody less familiar with the Intricacies of Marise’s Intellect would have reminded her that Fay was her own protegee; but Jimmy contented himself by repeating his formula: “I could use her,- Marise; and -save myself the trouble of looking for her double somewhere."

“•Very well, then," Marise said. “Tell her that you have -overcome my unreasonable prejudice against her, and •that she must make good."

“Okay, Marlse,!’- Keegan agreed. "Chade can attend to a little publicity for her, -of the right .sort," Marlse continued. “The papers would be glad t-o publish that still you showed me. As you -say, she’-s rather unusual", She hung up the ’phone, murmuring to herself.”

“It bught to throw a scare Into that woman, when she sees that little Fay is working for me.’ 1 ,- If Marise -had witnessed the -effect upon Melissa of the publication of Fay's photograph, she would have -been more than satisfied. After the excitement of the 'Grand National, a reaction had set in with Lady .Burr-and-Asche. -Jane had -promised her that some light wbuld be thrown upon the intentions of the- mytefious visitor from Australia, who provided so much- worry; but ;the mystery seemed to have deepened. ' - ‘ * ; " "Look at that, Jane!" Melissa said dramatically.' ' “Marlse F-orrriby has discovered a talented yound film aotres-s, and given -her a small part. Fay Delacourt! What -does It mean?" "What it says, I expeot,” Jane replied reasonably. “Why shouldn’t a girl like that get a small part In a film?" “She’s a snake,” Melissa -oped. “She was always up to 'something. I couldn’t leave a letter about, if I didn’t want her to read it. She -rolled her hig eyes, and stuok flowers in my husband’s coat. She nearly married Bonz-o. And she listened at keyholes, and rummaged In desks. - -Goodness knows, what she 'heard, or what she suspects." ' - “But what can you do about it?’ Jane asked. "I’m sorry to see you so worried! but I think you are exciting yourself needlessly. Granted those two women would like to do 'something against you and Bonzo; but -they are helpless to injure you, unless- Brundage ■plays their game.” “And what is he doing?” Melissa asked. “You said that he would come ■out into, the open, after he had ridden that horse. Instead of that, 'he is behaving more myteriously than ever, it seems to me. Really, Jane, your attitude -on tho subject of that man dismays me.” "I don’t see it," Jane retorted coolly. -“You say .he’s the real Burr-and-Asche; and maybe you’re right, and if so, he knows it, and probably •has proof -of It. -He doesn’t want to bother with any claim; and because 'he goes about his business, and does not trouble you,- you get the wind up.” “I will see what Sharpies says about -that," Melissa said. “I’m assuming too much responsibility. The title is not in my keeping. It is Bonzo’s affair." “See- the family ' solicitor -by all means,” Jane agreed. “We both know what Sharpies will do. He’ll cable for Bonzo to come -bade. And if Marise is -still bent on baby-stealing, where will you be?” “.Perhaps you are right,” Melissa •sighed. “I will keep that boy out -of it as long as I can. But it is rather awful, Jane, to feel that whatever you may do is sure to be the wrong thing.”

CHAPTER XIV. “I could use that artful baby you sent me for a test,” Jimmy Keegan said, when he was discussing a cast with Marise. “Want to see her stills, Marise? Nothing wonderful, of course, but she’s unusual, and very keen.’’ . “I know the one you mean,” Marlso said. "She calls horself Fay something. A nasty little cat, Jimmy.” “I thought you were interested,” Keegan said. “It’s nothing to me; but I’m looking for somebody of her type. She fills the bill, if you wanted her for a small part." “I am Interested, in a way," Marise admitted. "I’ll talk to her myself, Jimmy.” “I could use her,” Keegan repeated. "Save me the trouble of finding somebody for a small part." Fay Delacourt came to her second interview with Marise, displaying the worshipping timidity which had marked her earlier demeanour,. It annoyed'Marise, because it was well done, but identifiable as good acting by an expert in such . matters. Her downcast eyes and lettering hands were effective; merely as film stuff. "I’ve been hearing about you, Miss Delacourt,” Marise began, in her brisk, businesslike way. "Mr Keegan is not dissatisfied with your tests, and mentioned you to me for a small part in his next production.” "Oh, but that is marvellous, Miss Formhy,” .Fay gushed. “And to think that I owe it all to your kindness." “Stop that nonsense,” Marise commanded. "I told you that your tests would -be exacting. Mr Keegan takes no duds merely to oblige me, or anybody else. If you get your part, you are getting your chance in a businesslike way. And if I hear anything of your personal obligation to me " “I’m ever -so sorry," Fay said quickly. “I onlyhneant that you were good enough to have me tested." “And I hope that you have not told anybody of the means you employed to catch my attention." “As if I should!" Fay exclaimed, deeply hurt. “Why shouldn’t you?” Marlse asked sharply. “You admit you pried and eaves-dropped; and that you came to me to make capital out of the secrets of your former employer." “After she had sent me off, in the most unjust way,” Fay defended. “I am -sorry, Miss Formhy, if you think that I -acted wrongly.”

CHAPTER XV. “Australian-bred horses arc not soen on English courses as frequently as was the case a generation ago," wrote “Gimlet” in the "Sporting Banner" a few days later; “But visitors to Nottingham yesterday were afforded a sight of a typical Waler, in the sixfurlong -handicap. Winsome Hoof, the animal In question, is an angular gelding, with a Roman nose that reminded old-timers of The Grafter; 'but evidently he can go a hit. "For half a mile 'he led his field a merry dance, and at one time the dark blue jacket, adorned by the white stars of -the Southern -Cross, was a good six lengths clear of the field. Lack of condition told before the finish; but so speedy a beginner is not likely to go through the -season without annexing one or two sprint races. . . "Winsome IToof —the II is silent, by the way, as in many words used on the racecourse —ran in the nomination of Mr Rrundngc, who will be remembered as the hero of two sensational steeplechase rides on ltummlngtop. Since this amateur’s venture at AinIroe ended in -an impromptu dip in the canal, nothing has been seen or heard -of him; but we are glad to see that fills enterprising horseman is interesting himself in flat racing as well. "The Australian gelding, which has been in England long enough to become thoroughly acclimatised, is in charge of Harry Godsoll at Swclherton - and racegoers will lie- on the 192i.-Ciil.X9j: Jiiiu. .wJuiflu..Jic—next- -tax-

“I expect I should have done what you did,” Marise said. “When it was a question of trampling on her secretary, I should imagine that woman .was capable of almost anything. But what you were able to tell me was so vague, you see. I bad not given it another thought, until the sight of you reminded me of it.” “If you could only see the papers, which his lordship !ooic from the strong room," Fay said, accepting her cue in a way which Marise wished Brundage could he made to imitate. “Has -Mr Brundage never said anything about bis rights?” “If you knew what those papers were,” Marise countered, evading Iho innocent-seeming question.

“Tlicy could he got easily enough," Kay replied simply. “That strongroom is an old-fashioned affair. I heard his lorsliip say that- any competent. burglar could have it open in fifty

rles the colours. He started without a Quotation yesterday, and Ms owner does not appear to have been present, to see his promising debut." “Ring up Godsell," Marlse directed, as soon as her attention was drawn to this pleoe of news. “Ask him why 1 was not told'that the horse was to run,"

' “I think you had better speak to him yourself, Miss Formby,” said the secretary-who had carried out the instruction,; after some talk with the trainer..

“Certainly," Marlse agreed. “What’s all this, Mr God Sell?" "Written instructions of the horse’s owner," Godsell answered shortly. "I was asked to send the horse to Nottingham, and say nothing about it. I -carried out instructions, just as I would your own, Miss Formby.”

“What address did Mr Brundage give?" “None, to me," Godsell told her. “His letter of instruction came to me through his- man White." ' “And you saw. nothing of him at the racecourse?" Marlse persisted. “Have you no means of communicating with him, Mr Godsell?" “Only through White," the trainer replied. "It’s preposterous," Marlse said crossly. "Will you tell this man White that I want to get in touch with his master. , -Say it is of the utmost importance that I should.” "I’ll tell him, of course, Miss Formby. But I warn you that it will not be an atom of use," Godsell said. "White is not best.pleased about what the papers have this morning. There will be no price about the horse, when he runs again; and they blame that film business before the National.”

“They?" Marlse Interposed, cocking her ear. “White does," Godsell corrected. “And he says what Brundage thinks, where a horse is concerned.” ,

Marlse shut the telephone violently. Her -stock of patience had about run out. Here was a man, with a peerage waiting for him, as well as a famous wife with an income of a quarter of a million per annum. And he disappeared into the shadows, with nothing to show but a stableman and a horse! both as mysterious as himself. She paced the floor, raging at the obstacles which seemed to be piled in her path, by those whom she wished most to benefit.

Finally, with a vicious click of her fine teeth, she ‘ came .to a resolution. The two cards she held in her hand were still as good as ever. She would play the first one, and see what came of it. ,

Long sessions with Gough Chade followed. The publicity man drafted and re-drafted the press cation which Marlse proposed to issue; and they wrangled for hours at a time over a phrase.

“It is all very well for you, Miss Formby,"- Chade said. “If I sell the newspapers a pup, you can get out of It, with a laugh and a -sneer at my Incompetence. But the London Press will no: give a publicity man two bites."

“But nobody oan say- a word, if they print what I want you to put out,” Marlse argued.

“I know that,” Chade agreed. "The trouble is that they like to put it in their own words. That’s why newspapers pay/an expensive staff of subeditors, don’t, you see. And I’m not -sending out any -stuff that is phrased •so as to trap the boys into making a direct statement, when it isn’t so.” ;h, - “Tell them' it must be printedvas; .we have worded it,” Marise , advised. ‘ ~ “And’ -then they’ll splice it," Chado retorted. “What do you think newspaper.' men, '.a.re,' anyhow.? If ~ yoursound I 'rhah',- ’"or your camera man, told you something or other in the studio, ‘you’d accept expert opinion, wouldn’t you? Why do you hire me, Miss Formby, if you think I don’t know my job? ' My God, how is it ■ -that everybody thinks newspaper work, is simple, and flying an aeroplane'something wonderful?" • "That was pretty good,- Chade. Marlse admitted. "I’ll allow you to know. But If you bungle this for me, it will be wor.e for you than, if you -sold a pup, as you call it, to the papers." ■" “I’ve lost good Jobs- before now, •Chade retorted, ‘,‘and always got others. But I’ve'hever had a libel action; and I don’t propose to have one, not even to please you.” “Then do your own stuff," Marlse consented. ' ’ , “And when they call, or 'phone, say exactly what I give you," Chade directed. “Not a word less or more. ’ Two mornings later Jane Chalmers •woke, to a lovely spring day, and sat up in bed in her room at Redleap. She sipped her orange juice, and wrinkled her nose at -some letters which looked, remarkably like bills. The tea had drawn too long, and was bitter and none too hot. Tea made iher think of Brundage, who drank his boiling hot, and flavoured with wood smoko, for choice. Jane had the feeling that something would break in connection with Brundage. He must have exhausted the business of wool selling, •or very nearly. Presently he would -turn up again, and amusing things would certainly happen. In the meantime, there -wad* no real news, and no nows -of .Brundage was tolerably good news. ■Here Melissa entered the room, in rather an overpowering dressing-gown, and with a face that reoalled Lady Macbeth. To heighten the resemblance, Lady Burr-and-Asche carried in one hand a crumpled newspaper, which she gripped daggerwise. She even made a stabbing motion at Jane, as she asked —? “What about your Brundage now? “Has he come to the surface again?” Jane asked cheerfully. “He is engaged to marry ( that abominable Marise Formby," Melissa declared. “Why didn’t I «o .to Sharpies, instead of listening to you? (To be continued.)