(Published by Special Arrangement.) THE LADY FROM NOWHERE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIII, Issue VIII, 19 August 1899, Page 275

(Published by Special Arrangement.) THE LADY FROM NOWHERE.

A DETECTIVE STORY.

By

FERGUS HUME,

Author of The Mystery of a Hansom Cab,’ The Third Volume,’ ‘For the Defence,’ The Lone Inn.’ Ac., Ac.

CHAPTER XVII. AN EXPLANATION.

It took Gebb some time to grasp the meaning of Miss Wedderburu’s remarks; for the information it conveyed seemed impossible for belief. He looked so doubtful that she repeated her speech with some impatience. ‘I tell you Miss Gilmar gave me that necklace on the night she was murdered.’

‘At what hour?’ gasped Gebb, not quite master of himself. ‘Shortly after nine o’clock.’ ‘Did you see her on that night?’ ‘Of course I did!’ said Edith sharply. ‘How else could I have got the necklace ?’

‘But you told me at Kirkstone Hall that you did not know Miss Gilmar was in Grangebury.’ ‘That is perfectly true,’ rejoined Edith, colouring, ‘but I told you many things that were false. I was forced to do so, to protect Arthur and myself.’ ‘So you knew of the murder when I paid my first visit?’ ‘Yes; and when you inquired after Arthur I fancied you had discovered his pawning of the necklace; and that you intended to accuse him of the crime. Naturally, I was anxious to save him.’

‘That was why you fainted,’ said Gebb, suddenly enlightened. ‘lt was; in a moment I saw Arthur's danger, as I knew well he would not say that I gave him the necklace; so the thought made me faint. When I learned later that you knew nothing, I held my tongue.’ ‘You did, and to some purpose. I congratulate you on your power of acting, Miss Wedderburn. You deceived me completely.’

‘What else was I to do?’ said Edith, resentfully. ‘You would not have had me betray myself or Arthur? How did you find out that the necklace was pawned?’ ‘That I shall explain later,’ replied Gebb, annoyed by her attitude. ‘And in my turn, may I ask you why you killed Miss Gilmar?’ Edith stared at him in surprise, and laughed. ‘You are making a mistake!’ she said with haughty coolness. ‘I did not kill Ellen Gilmar.’ ‘But you were with her on that night?’ ' ' 1 ‘So I was; but I left her at nine o'clock, and then she was alive and well. Why should I kill her?’ ‘To obtain the necklace.’ ‘What nonsense you talk, Mr Gebb. She gave me the necklace for Arthur, of her own free will. Even if she had refused to give it to me I should certainly not have murdered her. I love Arthur very much, it is true, but hardly enough to commit so wicked a deed for his sake.’ ‘Do you swear that you » are innocent?’ asked Gebb, looking at her keenly. ‘Yes, I swear I am,’ she answered, meeting his look with much frankness. ‘lf necessary T can prove my innocence, and that of Arthur.’ ‘Oh, Mr Alder has proved his innocence already.’ ‘Very kind of him,’ said Edith, with sarcasm, ‘for I daresay he was glad enough to hear of Arthur's arrest.’ ‘You do him wrong. Miss Wedderburn. On seeing the case in the paper Mr Alder came round at once to see me. He stated that Mr Ferris was present in the Town Hall at Mr Basson's lecture, and, therefore, could not have been with Miss Gilmar at ten o’clock, the hour when she was killed. He proved your lover’s innocence.’

Edith raised her eyebrows and looked surprised. ‘Why did Mr Alder

do that?’ she said half to herself. ‘He hates Arthur because ’ ‘Because he is engaged to you,’ finished Gebb. ‘That is a mistake, miss; for Mr Alder is quite friendly with Mr Ferris, and bears him no grudge for winning your hand. You may not credit it, but Mr Alder is a real gentleman.’

‘The leopard can change his spots then,’ said Edith, iptill puzzled. ‘I should never have thought that Mr Alder was so generous. It is very strange,’ she finished, musingly, ‘very strange indeed.’

The dectective quite agreed with her. He thought that the whole affair was wonderfully strange, particularly as he was ignorant of how Edith had obtained a valuable necklace from an old miser like Miss Gilmar; and. also, he eould not understand her reason for taking it. He quite saw that she had deceived him in order to save herself and Ferris from being accused of the murder, but he was doubtful if she was so innocent of all knowledge concerning the death as she feigned to be. With this idea in his mind he addressed her with some sharpness, and asked her a leading question. ‘lf you did not kill the woman yourself.' said he, ‘who did?’ ‘I don’t know,’ answered Edith, candidly. ‘She was alive when I left her at nine o’clock, and when I saw her death in the paper I was as much surprised as anyone.’ ‘You knew, then, that she called herself Miss Ligram at Grangebury?’ ‘Oh, yes, else I would not have known she was the victim; though, to be sure,’ added Edith, with a nod, ‘the description of the Yellow Boudoir would have made me suspect. I spoke falsely for my own ends when I told you that I saw no newspapers at Norminster.’ ‘Well, Miss Wedderburn,’ said Gebb, after a pause, ‘I see no reason to doubt your innocence, but I should like to hear your reasons for getting the necklace.’ ‘l’ll tell you the whole story, Mr Gebb. Indeed, I am sorry now that I did not do so when you called to see me, but I was afraid of getting Arthur into trouble, and so held my tongue.’ ‘lt was your silence w-hieh caused his arrest,’ said Gebb. ‘Had you spoken out, he would not have been •arrested.’ ‘He eould have exculpated himself,’ protested Edith, earnestly. ‘I daresay; but in order to shield you—as I now see —he refused to speak. However, we can talk of these things later, Miss Wedderburn. Tell me your story.’ ‘Certainly; I shall explain fully,’ said the girl, quickly, ‘and anything you do not quite understand you can ask me about afterwards. Well, Mr Gebb, you must know, first of all, that Arthur is the son of Marmaduke Dean, who ’ ‘I am aware of that fact.’ interrupted Gebb. ‘Prain told me.’ ‘Very good,’ said Edith, composedly. ‘lt makes my task the easier. Yes, he is the son of Dean, and when his father escaped from prison some years ago, he came down to Kirkstone Hall to see if the poor man had returned there. You know that Dean desired to revenge himself on Miss Gilmar for her share in his condemnation. Well, Arthur thought that his father might have gone to the Hall to punish her; so he came down to warn Miss Gilmar and prevent a second crime, if possible.’ ‘And what did Miss Gilmar do?' ‘She was greatly alarmed by the news; and, terrified lest Dean should really come, she went away, as I told you before, and hid herself in

London under those several names. It was in this way that I became acquainted with Arthur, and we were very friendly. He used to visit me frequently, and in the end we fell in love with one another.’

As was natural,’ said Gebb, smiling. ‘But before you proceed, tell me if Dean ever came to the Hall, as he was expected.’

‘No,’ replied Edith, vehemently, ‘he never did. I don’t know where he is.’ ‘Does Ferris know?’ asked the detective, eagerly. ‘Not he. Neither of us have set eyes on his father. The poor man may be dead for all we know.’

‘l’m not so sure of that,’ said Gebb, thinking of the murder. ‘Go on, please.'

I would not tell you about my engagement,’ said Edith, who did not relish the smiles of the detective, and, therefore, spoke with some resentment, but that it is necessary- for the safety of Arthur and myself that I should speak freely. Mr Ferris’— she adopted this more formal style mention to keep Gebb in order Mr Ferris came to see me frequently, and confided to me all his troubles He was greatly in want of money, as his pictures did not sell, and he had no one to help him. I could not, as I had no money, and I was simply earning my living as my cousin’s housekeeper at Kirkstone Hall. In July Ar , that is, Mr Ferris, was m such distress that I resolved to aid him by obtaining from Miss Gilmar the diamond necklace which had belonged to his father.’

I know, said Gebb, who was listening attentively, ‘the necklace which Dean gave Laura Kirkstone.’

‘Yes. it was a family jewel, and Dean gave it to Laura only- because she was to be his wife. When she died, it should have been returned to Dean—or, as he was a convict—to his son. Miss Gilmar, however, seized it. and all the rest of Laura’s jewels. With the other jewels I Iftid nothing to do, but I was resolved to obtain the necklace for Arthur. Was it not right to do so?’

‘Yes,’ rejoined Gebb, promptly, ‘the necklace certainly belonged to Mr Ferris, as his father could not benefit by it. But my wonder is how you got it. From what 1 have heard' of Miss Gilmar I should have thought the task an impossible one.’

‘lt was difficult to obtain it, but I did so in the end. I told you.’ said Edith, with some colour,‘that I did not know Miss Gilmar was at Grangebury. Well, that was not true; for she wrote to me stating that she was living in Paradise Row under the, name of Ligram, and. in her letter, she asked me about some business. I resolved to visit Grangebury, but as I did »ot know where it was, I asked Arthur to escort me.'

‘Did he know of your intention?’ ‘No; but curiously enough the week I wrote to him he was going down to Grangebury to hear a friend lecture. That was on the 24th July; so I came up to town, and went with him on that night.'

‘To the lecture?’ ‘Well, not at first. The lecture did not begin until close on nine o'clock, and I wished to see Miss Gilmar; so I sent Arthur into the Town Hall, and intended to join him when I got the necklace. I then visited Miss Gilmar. She was alone in the house, and admitted me herself. She was much alarmed at seing me, and still more so when I demanded the necklace.' ‘I don’t wonder at it. Did she refuse to give it up?*

‘les. Although she was wearing it at the time. I told her then that if she did not give it up to me for Arthur, I should search for Dean and tell him where she was. Indeed,” said Edith, reflectively,‘l am not sure but what I did not say that I knew where Dean was.’

‘But you did not, said Gebb, looking at her keenly. ’No, certainly not,’ she rejoined hastily,‘but I said so to frighten Miss Gilmar. She was terrified, and implored me not to take the necklace or tell Dean, but I knew that I was acting rightly, so in the end she gave me the necklace, which I put into my pocket, and left at once.’ ‘About what time?’

‘About half-past nine, I think. Miss Gilmar seemed anxious to get me away- from the house, and almost pushed me out of the front door, which she locked after me. I then went to the Town Hall, but as Arthur was in one of the front seats, and the lecturer was speaking, I did not wish to create a disturbance by joining him, so I sat down near the door. I had some conversation with the doorkeeper as to where Mr. Ferris was seated so if you ask him, he’ll tell you that I sat'near him until the lecture concluded at half-past ten o’clock. Then Arthur joined me in much alarm, as he thought I had got into trouble. We returned to London, where I gave him the necklace, and told him to pawn it and pay his debts. I slept at the Grosvenor Hotel, near the Victoria Station, and Arthur went back to his rooms in Chelsea. So you see, Mr. Gebb, both he and I are quite innocent.’

‘lt seems so,’ said the cautious Gebb, not committing himself. ‘lt is so,’ insisted Edith, haughtily. 'The doorkeeper can tell yop that both Mr. Ferris and myself were in the Town Hall before and after ten, and it was about that time Miss Gilmar was murdered.’ ‘Was anyone with her when you called?’ ‘No. I told you she was alone; but there was wine on a small table, and with that and the way she pushed me out I was sure she expected some one.’ ‘Did you meet anyone in the street going there?’

‘Not a soul. I saw no one. Everybody in Grangebury seemed to be at the lecture.’ ‘Did you write and tell Mr. Ferris about my visit to you?’ ‘Yes. 1 did, and warned him not to pawn the necklace, as he might be suspected. But it was too late, for he pawned it the day after I gave it to him. But he is innocent, as you see, Mr. Gebb. Surely he will be released.’

‘When his trial takes place he will,’ said Gebb. ‘He would have been let off before if he had told this story to the magistrate.’

‘Ah!' said Edith, in a low voice ’he held his peace for my sake. Good brave Arthur! No wonder 1 love him.

CHAPTER XVIII. WHAT MRS. PRESK FOUND.

Gebb continued to question and cross-question Edith until he became thoroughly- acquainted with the details of her visit to Miss Gilmar at Grangebury. When in full possession of the facts he permitted her to depart. but took the precaution to ask for her London address in case he should require her further evidence. Edith informed him that since leaving Kirkstone Hall she had been staying with an old schoolfellow in Bloomsbury Square, and was likely to remain there for some time, or at all events until she could find a situation.

‘I must work, you know. Mr. Gebb,’ she confessed frankly. ‘I am very poor.’

‘Yet had you accepted Mr. Alder von would ’

‘Accept Mr. Alder!’ interrupted Edith, colouring, ‘I would sooner sweep the streets than marry anyone but Arthur. Mr. Gebb.’ she added, imploringly-, ‘now that you are convinced of his innocence do got him out of prison.’ ‘l’ll do my best,’ promised the detective. ‘He will come up for trial in a week or two. but in the meantime if I place the actual facts of the case before the magistrate who committed him. I have no doubt he will be admitted on Ixiil.’

•Anything — anything, dear Mr. Gebb, as long as he is set free!’ The detective proved to be as good as his word, and worked zealously in the interest of Ferris. As the

forthcoming trial would probably be a mere matter of form, seeing that the later evidence acquitted him. the magistrate readily accepted bail for a small amount, and, to Edith’s astonishment, the person who guaranteed it was Mr. Alder. He came forward in the most friendly way to stand security for his rival, and would not even hear of Edith thankhim when Arthur was released through his generosity. ‘1 knew he was not guilty,’ said this benefactor to Edith, ‘and I told Gebb it was a shame keeping an innocent man in prison.’ ‘How can we ever thank you?’ said Edith, tearfully. There is no need to thank me. Miss Wedderburn. Of course I should like you to marry me. but as Ferris proves to be the lucky man I can only make the best of my misfortune.’

In her own heart Edith could not understand the kindness of Mr Alder, for up to the present she had always thought him hard-hearted and selfish. Perhaps the succession to the Kirkstone estates had wrought this change, for previous to the death of his cousin the barrister had been in deep water, as Basson frankly told Gebb. ‘lt’s an ill-wind that blows nobody any good,’ said the Bohemian lawyer, ‘and the wretch who killed that old woman put a power of money into Aider’s pocket. He isn’t the man to live on nothing, and has rather expensive tastes; so, it he hadn't come in for that property, he’d have been in Queer street. It’s truth I’m telling you.’ To which latter iemark Gebb quite assented, as Alder had rather the worn look of a man who lived hard, and made the most of his life.

‘lt’s a pity Miss Wedderburn doesn't marrv him? he observed. ‘She might keep him in order. He's a ship that needs an anchor in my opinion. ‘Well, well, Mr Gebb. Ferris is the better man of the two.' •But not the richer. Mr Alder has offered two hundred pounds reward for the capture of Miss Gilmar’s assassin.’

’And you intend to earn it. I suppose.' said Basson, smiling. •If I can. but at present I see no chance of finding the criminal. Vpon mv word,’ cried Gebb, in disgust, •against my better judgment I'm beginning to believe that Dean is guilty after all.’

•I don't think so: but if that is your idea, why don't you find Dean and tax him with the crime? An interview with him would put the matter bevond all doubt.

•I don’t know here to look for him.' said Gebb. eTumbling. ’I think I shall look up Parge about the matter. If anvone knows where Dean is to be found. Parge is the man. Yes, I'll see Parge.' •You may see Parge.’ said Basson in a tone of contempt, ’but it's doubtful if vou'll ever see Dean. He has vanished so completely that I should not be at all surprised to learn that he is dead. If he was alive and in hiding, surely the police would have found him out before now.’

The police only perform miracles in novels,' replied Gebb dryly, and went off to see Parge. The fat ex-detective received him almost as wrathfully as he had done on the occasion of the previous visit. Gebb had been so busily employed in searching for Miss Gilmar's assassin that he had foolishly omitted to pay Mr Parge the attention which that gentleman considered his due: therefore he was greeted by his chief in anything but a friendly way. ’And I don’t want to hear any more excuses,’ said Parge, scowling: ‘too much time is lost in telling nneeessary lies. Let- me know how much further you have got on with the case.’

Glad to escape further blame, the detective related all he had discovered in relation to Ferris and Miss Wedderburn. Parge listened attentively, and was gracious enough to signify his approval of Gebb’s conduct. ‘Yon have not done badly.’ he said with a nod. ‘Although your discoveries have been due more to good luck than to your own intelligence. If the girl had not confessed about her visit, and her giving of rhe necklace to Ferris, vou would still be in doubt about his innocence.'

‘No. I wouldn't.' protested Gebb. "Before Miss Wedderburn spoke I was unite sure that Ferris was guiltless. Aider's evidence proved that he was at the lecture at the time the crime was committed.’ ‘lt didn’t prove how Ferris became possessed of the necklace, however.’ snapped Parge. ‘But I don’t see that

you are much further on than before. Have you examined that doorkeeper as to Miss Wedderburn’s presence in the lecture hall on the night and at the hour of the murder?’ ‘I have not had time. Simon. Tomorrow morning I am going down to see him.’

‘At Grangebury. I suppose,* said Parge. ‘Will you find the man there?* ‘Yes. the doorkeeper is also the caretaker of the hall.’ Then at the same time you had better call on Mrs Presk. I suppose the goods of Miss Gilmar have been moved by Alder as her heir.’ ■Yes. The body was exhumed and has been identified, and now Alder has taken possession of the estates. Prain is attending to all legal matters concerning the will. and. by Aider's direction. he dismantled the Yellow Boudoir. I don’t see what I shall gain by seeing Mrs Presk.’ "You can find out if she has discovered anything touching on the first or second murder.’ "I don't quite understand.’ ‘Hah!’ cried Parge, angrily. “Can't you understand that a woman would not be left in possession of a dead woman's goods, without satisfying her curiosity in some way. I'll bet you. Absalom, that Mrs Presk has searched in all Miss Gilmar's boxes, and clothes, and papers, to find out what she can about her. Now it is just possible that Mrs Presk may have come across that confession you talk about.’ ‘Do you think it exists?’ asked Gebb with some scepticism. ‘Yes. I do: that hint in the anonymous letter written to Basson shows that Miss Gilmar had it in her mind to do justice to the man she wronged.’ “But you declared that Dean was guilty.’ said Gebb. recalling his first conversation. ‘So I did: it seemed so at the time.’ rejoined Parge promptly. 'But I have a’iered my mind: especially since you told me about that letter written bv Miss Gilmar to Basson. Either she or Laura Kirkstone killed the man. I don’t know which, neither do you: so. for the gratification of our mutual curiosity and the clearance of Dean, you had better find that confession.’ ‘Well. Simon, if that confession is nnvwhere. it is hidden at Kirkstone Hall.' Tt might be.' replied Parge, cautiously. ’On the other hand. Miss Gilmar might have written it after she fie<i from the Hall, and have carried it at out with her from place to place. If Mrs Presk has found it. she is just the kind of woman, from your description. to make money over it. by refusing to give it up until she gets her own terms. Call on Mrs Presk. Absalom, and find out the truth.’ 'l'll do so!' said Gebb. making a mental note of this, 'but what about Dean?' •Well. I believe that Dean is guilty of murdering Miss Gilmar.' said Parge, "even if he is innocent of the first crime. He committed the second in order to punish the woman who unjustly condemned him. I am sure he had every cause to wish her ill. She treated him most vindictively.' ‘lt is no use our discussing that matter.' said Gebb. tartly. 'I believe —on arguments I furnished you with before —that Dean is innocent. You think he is guilty: time and discovery may prove which of us is right. The question now is. where is he to be found ?'

"I can't say. Absalom. He escap.-d front prison in 1893, and we hunted for him high and low. but without success. He vanished as completely as though the earth had swallowed him up. I thought myself he might have gone to Kirkstone Hall to kill Miss Gilmar; and I searched the neighbourhood, but he was nowhere to be found. From that day to this not a word has been heard of him.’ 'I suppose there is no use hunting for him.’ "It is waste of time to my mind.’ retorted Parge, crossly. ’You see what Mrs Presk is doing. Question her; question, the servant who By the way. what is the servant's name?’ 'Matilda Crane; but she knows nothing.' ’lt's as well to ask her. however.’ warned Parge. The people who seem to know least usually know most. Now go away. Absalom, and don’t be so long in looking me up again. I'm anxious to get to the bottom of this case.’ A ou can't lie more anxious than 1 am,' replied Gebb. disconsolately. 'At all events, I am more hopeful.’ rejoined Parge, ami dismissed his pupil, who went away with the conviction that the old man was worn-out—-

that he was past work—and that no aid or useful advice could be expected from him. Rut Gebb still bail sufficient reverence for his elder not to hint at these things. Besides Parge might hve turned the tables on him had he been too frank. The next day he went down to Grangebury. and called at the Town Hall to interview the caretaker. He proved to be a smart ex-soldier, with an observant eye and a good memory, which gifts he made use of on the present occasion for the benefit of Gebb. and also of his own pocket. ’I remember the lady quite well!' he said, after some thought. The young gentleman called himself Mr Ferris, and told me he was going in. but that a lady, by name Miss Wedderburn. would come afterwards: and he asked me to bring her up to where he was sitting in the front seats. She came in about half-past nine o’clock, but refused to let me take her up to the front, as she did pot wish to disturb the lecturer. She sat down near the door, and when the lecture ended the young gentleman joined her. and they went out together.’ ’Were they in the hall before ten o'clock?’ asked Gebb.

’Yes. sir. Before ten and after ten. I saw them both.’

This unprejudiced testimony put the matter beyond all doubt. So Gebb gave the man a florin, and went away quite convinced that Ferris and Edith were innocent. He next called upon Mrs Presk. and had an interview with that lady, and with her sezvant. What the landlady told him may be gathered from a conversation later in the day which Gebb had with Edith. It was in the afternoon when Miss Wedderburn saw him. She was sitting with Arthur in the drawing-room of Mrs Barrington at Bloomsbury, and -y were anxiously discussing the case of Miss G Imar's death when Gebb was announced. Neither Edith nor her lover was particularly glad to see the detective, as their associations with him had been anything but plea-

sant. However. Gebb took black looks and short answers as a portion of the ills incidental to his profession, and conversed with the pair in his most amiable and persuasive fashion.

’I have been down to Grangebury to-day,’ he said, addressing Edith, ■and I saw Mrs Presk. the landlady of your late cousin. From her I obtained a railway ticket; and it is a piece of evidence of such importance that I have come to you and Mr Ferris about it.’

‘A railway ticket!’ repeated Edith, taking puzzled. ’From what station?’

The ticket.' said Gebb. producing it from his pocket-book, "is dated the 24th July, and is a return portion from London to Norminster!’

’lt is not mine then.’ cried Miss Wedderburn. ‘I did not take a return ticket.’

’But you came up on the 24th July from Norminster, did vou not?’

•Certainly: to see Ellen. But I bought a single ticket, second class.'

'Second class.’ said the detective, looking at the ticket, ‘that is a third class return. Are you sure it isn’t vours?’

■Quite sure,’ said Edith, decisively. ’Why should I deceive you about it?'

'Why. indeed!’ said Gebb. ironically, with a hint at her former deception. ’ls it yours. Mr Ferris?’ Arthur shook his head. ‘No. If I travelled at all it would be third class, I admit. But I did not go to Norminster in the month of Julv.

’I thought so" said Gebb. with an air of relief. Then as this ticket belongs to neither of you. some third person must have travelled from Norminster to Grangebury on the 24th July. And I believe that person.* added Gebb emphatically, to be the murderer of Miss Gilmar.’

•On what grounds?’ cried Edith and Arthur together. •Because Mrs Presk found this ticket in the Yellow Boudoir. It must hav e been dropped there by the assassin.’ (To be Continued.)