Fast as the Wind: A Novel
by Nat Gould · English · Gutenberg #35618 · 326,442 chars · public domain (US)
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Title: Fast as the Wind: A Novel
Author: Nat Gould
Release date: March 20, 2011 [eBook #35618]
Language: English
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FAST AS THE WIND: A NOVEL ***
Produced by Matthew Wheaton, Suzanne Shell and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
file was produced from images generously made available
by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
FAST AS THE WIND
A NOVEL
By NAT GOULD
AUTHOR OF "The Rider in Khaki," Etc.
[Decoration]
A. L. BURT COMPANY
Publishers New York
Published by arrangement with Frederick A. Stokes Company
_Copyright, 1918, by_
FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY
_All rights reserved_
CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
I. THE BOOM OF A GUN 1
II. STORY OF AN ESCAPE 10
III. THE MAN ON THE ROAD 20
IV. THE WOMAN AT THE TABLE 30
V. PICTON'S WINNING MOUNTS 40
VI. IN BRACK'S COTTAGE 50
VII. A CRITICAL MOMENT 59
VIII. ON BOARD THE "SEA-MEW" 69
IX. LENISE ELROY 79
X. HAVERTON 88
XI. TEARAWAY AND OTHERS 97
XII. "I THINK HE'S DEAD" 106
XIII. A WOMAN'S FEAR 115
XIV. NOT RECOGNISED 124
XV. "THE ST. LEGER'S IN YOUR POCKET" 132
XVI. HOW HECTOR FOUGHT THE BLOODHOUND 140
XVII. AN INTRODUCTION AT HURST PARK 149
XVIII. CONSCIENCE TROUBLES 158
XIX. "WHAT WOULD YOU DO?" 165
XX. RITA SEES A RESEMBLANCE 174
XXI. BRACK TURNS TRAVELER 182
XXII. DONCASTER 191
XXIII. THE CROWD IN THE RING 200
XXIV. "BY JOVE, SHE'S WONDERFUL" 208
XXV. FAST AS THE WIND 216
XXVI. THE STRUGGLE FOR THE CUP 224
XXVII. THE RESERVED COMPARTMENT 233
XXVIII. HOW HECTOR HAD HIS REVENGE 241
XXIX. AN ASTONISHING COMMUNICATION 250
XXX. TEARAWAY'S PROGENY 258
FAST AS THE WIND
CHAPTER I
THE BOOM OF A GUN
A small but splendidly built yacht steamed slowly into Torbay, passed
Brixham and Paignton, and came to anchor in the outer harbor at
Torquay. It was a glorious spring morning, early, and the sun shone on
the water with a myriad of dancing reflections; it bathed in light
the beautiful town, the scores of villas nestling on the heights
surrounding it, the palms on the terrace walk, on the mass of greenery
clothing foot to summit, on the inner harbor, and on the rocky coast
stretching out towards Anstey's Cove and Babbacombe Beach. It was a
magnificent sight, the arts of man and nature mingled together, for
once harmonizing, for Torquay has not been spoilt by builders, at
least as seen from the bay. Behind, Brixham way, the red sails of the
fishing boats flapped lazily in an idle breeze. Four men-of-war lay
still in the bay, guardians of the peace, comforting, reassuring,
a hint of what lay behind. How peaceful these monsters of the deep
looked. Slumbering surely were they. What was that? A puff of white
smoke, then a solemn sound, which sped across the bay, and echoed over
the hills. One of the monsters had spoken, just to show it was wide
awake.
It had a curious effect on the man leaning over the side of the
_Sea-mew_, the yacht that had just come to anchor. It startled him
from his reverie, from his contemplation of all that was so beautiful
around him.
For a moment he looked across at the warships, and saw the smoke
drifting away, then he turned and looked over the town and its
heights, and his thoughts went far and landed on Dartmoor.
Another gun boomed out. This time it seemed more natural. Again the
echo ran over the hills, and again he turned and looked towards that
vast moor which lay behind.
"Supposing it were true," he muttered. "Would to God it were, and that
he were safe on board my yacht. All for a woman, and such a woman!"
He clenched his fist and struck the rail.
Picton Woodridge, owner of the _Sea-mew_, was a man of about thirty,
tall, good looking, genial, popular, but lonely, if a popular man
can be described as lonely, and there are such men. He was rich,
a sportsman. His stable at Haverton contained good horses: a Derby
winner in prospect, one of the best stayers in England, and above all
Tearaway, a black filly, three years old, described by her trainer,
Brant Blackett, as "a beauty, a real gem, and fast as the wind."
He ought to have been a happy man. To all outward appearances he was,
but behind a smiling face there is sometimes a heavy heart. It was not
exactly so in his case, yet there was something of it. There was one
black shadow cast over his gilded path, and the echo of the gun from
the man-of-war had deepened it.
"Why the deuce did I come here?" he muttered. "Why did I promise Dick
I'd ride for him at Torquay races?"
He sighed; he knew why he had promised Dick Langford to ride for him;
he would do a good deal more than this for Dick, for the sake of his
sister Rita. He had no other companion on the yacht than Ben Bruce,
captain of the _Sea-mew_, who stood towards him in the light of his
best friend.
Ben Bruce was a character in his way. He had been in the Navy, on the
same ship with Picton's father, and Admiral Woodridge and the young
officer had esteem and affection for each other. Lieutenant Bruce
often came to Haverton in the Admiral's time and was always a welcome
guest. He had known Picton from a boy, and shared the Admiral's
fondness for the somewhat lonely child, whose mother died at his
birth, and whose elder brother was generally away from home, training
for the Army. Bruce remembered the elder boy, Hector, but had not seen
so much of him, or become so attached to him as to Picton. Hector was
of a different disposition, hasty, headstrong, willful, and yet the
brothers were much attached, and when at home together, were seldom
apart. There were ten years between them; consequently Hector regarded
himself in the light of a protector to Picton.
The Admiral loved them and endeavored to treat them equally in
his affection, but it was not difficult to see the younger had the
stronger hold over him. Hector saw it and smiled. He was not at all
jealous; he felt if it came to choosing, and one of them had to be
relied upon, his father would select him. And such would probably have
been the case had occasion occurred, but it did not, and everything
went on the even tenor of its way until the fatal day when a terrible
thing happened and Hector became, so Picton was positively certain,
the victim of a woman's wiles. What this happening was we shall learn.
Sufficient to say, it caused the Admiral to retire. He never got
over the shock, and died soon after he left the Navy. The bulk of his
fortune was left to Picton, who was determined, when the time came,
to surrender to Hector his proper share. Captain Ben Bruce left the
service soon after the Admiral he had loved and served. He was, so to
speak, a poor man, and when he came to Haverton, to his old chief's
funeral, Picton begged him to stay with him for a few months to
relieve his loneliness. This he readily consented to do. The months
extended, and Picton would not let him go; he relied on the stronger
man, who had carved his way upward by his own exertions. Ben Bruce
protested, all to no purpose.
"I can't do without you," said Picton. "You were my father's friend,
he had every confidence in you; you are one of the executors, you are
the proper man to remain here and run the show."
Ben Bruce laughed.
"Run the show!" he said. "Not much chance of that even if I wished
it. You've a good head on your shoulders, and one quite capable of
managing your affairs. If I stay, mind I say _if_, it will not be on
that account."
"It doesn't matter to me on what account you stay so long as you
consent to remain," said Picton. "There's so much to do here; I am
short of a companion--you know I don't take to everyone. There's
another thing--although you're a sailor you are fond of horses, and a
good rider, and I say, Ben, I've a proposition to make."
Again Ben Bruce laughed.
"You've got a fresh proposition almost every week, and it's nearly
always something in my favor."
"This will be to your liking, as well as, if you think so, in your
favor."
"What is it?"
"Take charge of the Haverton horses--be my manager."
"What about Blackett?"
"He'll not mind; in fact he'll like it. I put it to him; he seemed
rather enamored of the prospect of being closely connected with
Captain Bruce, the friend of his adored Admiral. There wasn't a
man living Blackett loved more than my father; I think it was the
combination of the sea and the stable appealed to him. Blackett
always had an idea, so he told me, until he became acquainted with the
Admiral, that sailors were duffers where horses were concerned. 'But I
soon found out the difference,' he said; 'the Admiral knew pretty near
as much about a horse as I did. Of course I taught him a thing or two,
but he was a good judge, he knew the points of a horse pretty near as
well as he did the parts of a battleship.' That's Blackett's opinion,
and he has an idea Captain Bruce has leanings in the same direction as
the Admiral, so you can't raise any objections on that score."
It did not take much persuasion to induce Captain Bruce to consent,
and he became manager of Haverton Stables and, as a natural
consequence, remained with Picton Woodridge.
At the same time Picton said to him, with a serious face: "There's
something else, far more important than anything I have mentioned.
You've to help me to clear Hector; you believe him innocent, don't
you, Ben, you can't do otherwise?"
Ben Bruce was silent for a moment--Picton watched him anxiously--then
said, "Yes, I am sure he is innocent. He couldn't have done that, not
to secure any woman for himself; but it's a mystery, Picton, a grave
mystery, and it will take a far cleverer man than myself to unravel
it. I'll help you, I'll stick at nothing to help you and Hector."
"Thanks, old friend, thanks a thousand times. With your help there is
no telling what may be accomplished. There must be some way out of it;
such a terrible injustice cannot be allowed to go on for ever," said
Picton.
And so Captain Ben, as he was called, became the constant friend and
companion of Picton Woodridge. When the _Sea-mew_ was purchased it was
Captain Ben who clinched the deal, and was appointed "skipper."
"So I'm your stud manager and captain of your yacht, that's a queer
combination," said Ben.
"And you're as good in one capacity as the other," said Picton.
"I think I'm safer on deck than on a horse," said Ben.
It was Captain Ben Bruce who came quietly along the deck of the
_Sea-mew_ and looked at Picton Woodridge as he gazed over Torquay bay.
A kindly look was in his eyes, which were always bright and merry, for
he was a cheerful man, not given to look on the dark side of things.
His affection for Picton was that of a father for a son, in addition
to being a companion and a friend. He noticed the sad far-away look on
Picton's face, and wondered what it was that caused the shadow on this
beautiful April morning.
"I'll leave him to his meditations," he thought; "he'll be down for
breakfast, and I'll ask him then."
He was about to turn away when Picton looked round and said with a
smile: "Something told me you were there."
"Telepathy," said Ben.
"Sympathy," said Picton. "Do you know what I was thinking about?"
"No; I saw you were pensive. I'd have asked you at breakfast, you
looked so serious."
"I was serious."
"What caused the passing cloud on such a glorious morning?" asked Ben.
Picton took him by the arm, his grip tightened; with the other hand he
pointed to the battleship.
"The boom of a gun," he said; and Ben Bruce understood.
CHAPTER II
STORY OF AN ESCAPE
"Row me to the _Sea-mew_," said Dick Langford, and old Brackish touched
his cap and replied, "Yes, sir; she's a beauty, she is. Hear the news,
sir?"
"No; anything startling?"
"Nothin' out o' the common, at least not in these parts, but it's
summat different to most."
"You're always long-winded, Brackish--Yorkshireman, I suppose," said
Dick impatiently.
Brackish was a Yorkshire boatman, hailing from Scarborough; he came
to Torquay because his mother, nearly ninety, could not stand the cold
blasts of the North East coast, and the old salt had a heart. "Brack"
had a rough red face, eyebrows lapped over a pair of blue eyes; his
throat and chest were always bared, tanned the color of leather; black
hair covered his chest; his hands were hard, a deeper brown than
his chest, the hands of a son of toil, and a boatman. Brack had been
popular at Scarborough; he was well known in Torbay as a brave hardy
seaman, whom no weather daunted. At first he had joined the Brixham
fishing fleet, but soon tired of it, and when he saved enough money he
bought a couple of boats, and made a decent living in Torquay harbor.
Brack was fond of gossip, and on this particular morning he was eager
for a talk; it was his intention to have it out with Dick before he
put foot in the boat, so he stood looking at the young man, barring
his entrance to the craft he was eager to put his foot in. The old
boatman was a sturdy figure in his rough seaman's clothes as he eyed
Dick Langford, and, although impatient, Dick could not help smiling at
him. He liked Brack, and the sailor returned the feeling.
"Let me get in and you can tell me about the news as we row to the
yacht," said Dick.
"All right, sir; no hurry, you're here early. It's Mr. Woodridge's
yacht, ain't it?"
"Of course it is; you know the _Sea-mew_ as well as I do."
"Nice gentleman, Mr. Woodridge," said Brack.
"If you don't let me get into the boat I'll take another," said Dick.
Brack grinned.
"You'll not be doin' that, I'm thinking, after all I've done for yer."
"What have you done?" asked Dick surprised.
Brack looked indignant.
"Yer don't recollect? Well I'm blessed! Fancy forgettin' things like
that!"
"Out with it," said Dick.
"I give yer the winner of the Leger three year runnin', and it's
forgotten. Lor' bless us, what memories young gents has!" growled
Brack.
Dick laughed heartily as he said: "So you did, old man. You're a real
good tipster for the Yorkshire race."
"So I ought'er be. Don't I hail from there? I can always scent a Leger
winner, smell 'em like I can the salt from the sea, comes natural
somehow," said Brack, as he moved away and allowed Dick to step in. He
pulled with long steady strokes and was soon out of the inner harbor,
making for the yacht.
"By jove, this is a lovely morning!" said Dick, looking at the
glorious hills he knew so well.
"Nowt like Yorkshire," growled Brack.
Dick laughed as he said: "You're a lucky man to be at Torquay, all the
same; much warmer, fine climate."
"Hot as----," said Brack with a grunt.
"You haven't told me your news," said Dick.
"It'll keep," said Brack.
"Bet you a shilling you let it out before you reach the _Sea-mew_,"
said Dick.
"I don't bet," said Brack.
"You mean you dare not in this case, or you would lose."
"Very like I should, because I see yer burstin' to hear it, and I
wouldn't like to disappoint yer," said Brack, as he ceased rowing and
leaned on his oars.
"Tired?" said Dick.
"With that bit of a pull," said Brack, disgusted; "I should think
not!"
"Then what are you resting for?"
"I baint restin', I'm easin' my oars."
"Oh, that's it: the oars are tired," said Dick.
"No more tired than I am, but when I gives 'em a spell for a few
minutes they seems to work better," said Brack. "What's more, I talks
better when I leans on 'em, sort o' gives me composure, and time to
think; I'm a beggar to think."
Dick was amused; he wanted to reach the _Sea-mew_, but on this sunny
morning it was good to sit in the boat on the blue smooth water and
listen to old Brack for a few minutes.
"You must have done a lot of thinking in your time," said Dick,
falling into his humor.
"I'm thinking now," said Brack.
"What about?"
"That poor devil who escaped from Dartmoor five days ago."
Dick smiled.
"Is that your news?"
"Yes."
"There have been several escapes lately."
"But they've all been caught in no time; this chap ain't, and by gum,
lad, if he come'd my way I'd help him out. I don't believe they'll get
him; at least I hopes not."
"They'll have him right enough," said Dick. "A convict at large is a
danger to all on the moor."
"This one ain't," said Brack. "'Sides, he may be innocent."
"Innocent men don't get into Princetown," said Dick.
"That's just where yer wrong," said Brack. "I've a brother in there
now, and he's innocent, I'll swear it."
Dick maintained a diplomatic silence.
"Of course you'll not believe it, but it'll come out some day. He was
on a man-o-warsman, and they lagged him for knocking a petty officer
overboard; the chap was drowned, but Bill swore he never had a hand
in it, and I believes him. At the trial it came out Bill had a down on
the man; and no wonder--he was a brute, and a good riddance."
"Do you know who knocked him over?"
"No, but it's my firm belief Bill does, and that he's sufferin' for
another, won't give him away."
Dick smiled.
"You don't know Bill; I does," said Brack emphatically.
"But what about this man who escaped? Why do you think he'll get
away?"
"'Cause he's a good plucked 'un, a fighter, a brave man," said Brack.
"In what way?"
"They put bloodhounds on his track. One brute got away, they didn't
find him for three days, when they did----," Brack hesitated; he wished
to rouse his listener's attention. He succeeded.
"Go on," said Dick eagerly.
"The trackers found the hound dead, and alongside him was a suit of
convict clothes--nice well marked suits, ain't they; you can't mistake
'em," said Brack.
"You don't mean to say the fellow killed the hound, and left his
clothes beside it!" exclaimed Dick.
"That's just what I have said, mister. Clever, weren't it? When the
other hound found his mate, he found the clothes, and he lost the
scent."
"How?"
"'Cause the man must have fled stark naked, and the hound only had the
scent of his clothes; must have been that, 'cause he couldn't follow
him. He'll get off right enough--you see if he don't. I wish Bill
could do the same."
"How did he kill the hound?" asked Dick. "And where did you hear all
this?"
"Strangled it. He's a good 'un he is; I'd like to have seen it. As for
how I come to know by it, one of the men from the prison was here. He
questioned me," said Brack with a grin. "Asked me if I'd seen a man
like the one he gave a description of."
"What did you say?" asked Dick.
"Kept him talking for half an hour or more, gave 'im heaps of
information. I filled him up, never you fear."
"But you didn't see the man?" said Dick.
"Lor' no! Wish I had, and that he was stowed away somewhere. I told
the fellow I'd seen just such a man as he described, with his hands
bound up in bandages, and a cloth round his neck. Said he'd a suit
of old sailor's togs on, and that he went out in a boat with a lot
of rowdy fellers to a 'tramp' in the Bay, and he didn't come back,"
chuckled Brack.
"And what was the result of your false information?" asked Dick.
"I'll tell you what the result will be. It will put 'em off the scent;
they'll think he's gone off on the 'tramp' to London, and they'll give
him a rest on the moor for a bit," said Brack.
"You think the man is still on the moor?"
"'Course; where else should he be?"
"Then he's sure to be caught."
"Wait a bit--a man who can tackle a bloodhound and choke the life out
of him is pretty determined," said Brack.
Dick acknowledged as much and said the circumstances were out of the
common. He was interested in the old sailor's tale. He did not know
whether to admire what Brack had done or to condemn it; he put
himself in his place, wondering how he would have acted under similar
circumstances.
Brack watched him, a peculiar smile on his face.
"Goin' to give me away?" he asked.
Dick laughed as he answered: "I was thinking whether you were right or
wrong."
"Guessed as much. I was right to give such a man another chance. He's
no coward, not he, and guilty men are all cowards," said Brack.
"Who is the man?"
"Don't know; he wouldn't tell me, but he said he was a lifer. He
didn't seem very keen about his capture."
"You mean he seemed glad the man had escaped?" said Dick, surprised.
"I guessed as much from his face," said Brack, "and I reckon there's
worse judges than me of human nature--that's what makes me think he's
innocent--like Bill."
"It's all very interesting, but pull to the _Sea-mew_," said Dick.
"About time," said Brack, as he started rowing again. They were soon
alongside the yacht.
Picton had just come on deck again from the saloon. He hailed Dick
cheerfully.
"Well, early bird, what's brought you here at this time?" he said,
smiling.
"Wished to welcome you, most mighty rider of winners," laughed Dick
as he got out of the boat and stood on the steps of the gangway. "Here
you are, Brack, and thanks for your story; it was thrilling."
Brack touched his cap as he said: "And it's true, and there's heaps of
things thrilling that ain't true," and he pulled away.
"Brack been spinning yarns?" said Picton, who knew the old man.
"A real shocker this time."
"What about?"
"A fellow escaped from Dartmoor the other day. It's worth hearing;
I'll tell you all about it later on," said Dick.
Picton Woodridge staggered backwards. At first Dick thought he was
about to fall. He looked at him in astonishment.
"What's the matter, Pic?" he asked.
"Curious fit of faintness came over me; I'm all right now," said
Picton, but Dick thought he didn't look it.
CHAPTER III
THE MAN ON THE ROAD
Dick Langford told Brack's story to Picton Woodridge and Captain Ben.
Both listened attentively: it was immensely interesting to them. From
time to time Ben looked at his friend to see how he took it. Dick,
absorbed in his tale, did not notice the look of strained attention on
their faces. They were silent when he finished.
"Not bad for Brack, eh?" said Dick.
The simple question made them start.
"You fellows seem all nerves this morning," said Dick. "When I told
Pic on deck, he staggered; I thought he was going to faint. You're not
afraid the fellow will board the yacht, are you?"
Ben laughed as he said: "No, I don't think we're afraid, not of one
man, even if he be an escaped convict."
"You'll want all your nerve to-morrow," said Dick to Picton. "There's
three of my horses to ride, and two of 'em are brutes."
"Thanks," said Picton, smiling; "a pleasant prospect. Worth coming all
these miles for, isn't it, Ben?"
"Depends upon what Langford calls a brute," replied Ben.
"Pitcher's not so bad; he's what I call a humorous horse, full of
pranks and no vice about him. He's number one. Now we come to the
first brute, Planet, a gelding with a temper; as likely as not he'll
try and pitch you into the crowd."
"Then he ought to have been named Pitcher," said Picton.
"We don't all get our right names, I mean names that fit; we're
saddled with 'em by unthinking parents. Sis has a maid, Evangeline
Mamie; now that's what I call a big handicap for the girl," said Dick.
They laughed, and Picton asked him to pass on to number two brute.
"The Rascal," said Dick; "he's a terror. He's lamed a couple of my
chaps, and Pete's right when you're in the saddle, but it's a deuce
of a job to get there. He rises on his hind legs, and conducts an
imaginary band with his fore legs, but he's got a rare turn of
speed, and he ought to win the West of England Handicap Steeplechase
to-morrow, and the Torbay and South Devon Steeplechase the next day."
"Then you expect to bring off the double with him?" said Picton.
"Yes, and if you do not, Sis says she'll never speak to you again."
"Then I'll do it if I die in the attempt," said Picton.
"Don't be heroic, no one wants you to die. You can kill The Rascal if
you like, but promise me to come off unscathed," said Dick, laughing.
"I'll try," said Picton.
"Pitcher ought to win the Maiden Hurdle Race, and Planet the St.
Marychurch Hurdle Race. Now you have a nice little program mapped out
for you, and I fancy you'll win the four events. If you do, it will be
a day for rejoicing at Torwood, and the wearer of the pink jacket will
be an honored guest if he cares to desert the _Sea-mew_ for my humble
abode."
"Dick, you're incorrigible," said Picton, laughing. "You really expect
to win four races?"
"I do; Gordon won the lot at a meeting not far away on one occasion."
"That's quite possible--he's a good rider."
"So are you."
"He is," said Ben; "few better."
"What are you doing to-day?" asked Dick.
"Nothing in particular; basking in the sunshine in your glorious bay."
"Then you like Torquay?" said Dick.
"Who could help liking it? And what a county lies behind it! I envy
you the Devonshire lanes, Dick."
"Then come and live among them. I can pick you an ideal spot, and it
shall be well within your means, Mr. Millionaire."
Picton laughed.
"No millions here--a few thousands," he said; "just sufficient to keep
my head above water."
"And the _Sea-mew_ afloat," said Dick.
"I'll manage that," said Ben.
"Will you come ashore and have a look at Pitcher and the two brutes?"
said Dick.
"What do you say, Ben? Shall we?" asked Picton.
Ben knew he wished to go--Rita was at Torwood--it was not the horses
so much, although they were an attraction.
"Yes," said Ben promptly, and the matter was settled.
They went ashore. Dick Langford's dog-cart was at the Queen's and
thither they adjourned. In a quarter of an hour they were going at
an easy pace to Torwood, which lay about midway between Torquay and
Newton Abbot.
How fresh everything looked! The trees were just budding, tingeing the
almost bare branches with tips of green. The air was cool and soft;
there were no motors about--only an odd one or two, the tourist season
had not commenced--but there would be plenty of people at the races on
the following days.
"Wonder what that fellow's up to!" exclaimed Dick, as he saw a man
push through the hedge and disappear down the hill and across the
meadow.
"Probably belongs to the place," said Picton.
"Then what the deuce did he get through the hedge for? Why didn't he
go to the gate?" said Dick.
"Short cut, perhaps," said Picton.
"Wonder if he's that chap from Dartmoor?" laughed Dick, and he felt
Picton start.
"The man's got on your nerves," he said. "I'll say no more about him."
Picton was looking at him as he went rapidly across the meadow;
something about the figure appeared familiar, so did the long stride;
he wondered if Ben noticed it, but the Captain was otherwise occupied.
The incident was forgotten, and when they came in sight of Torwood,
Picton became animated. He saw a figure on the lawn, and knew who it
was. She recognized them and waved her handkerchief. This met with a
quick response.
Torwood was a typical Devonshire home, not large, but a commodious,
comfortable, well-appointed house, standing on the hillside; trees at
the back, a terrace, then a level stretch of lawn, then a sweep down
to the road; a small lodge and gate at the drive entrance; a steep
incline to the house. On the right were the stables, half a dozen
loose boxes, and a three-stall building. Dick Langford was far from
being a rich man, but he was happy and contented, with his sister.
He was a partner in a firm of auctioneers at Newton Abbot, and was
accounted a ready salesman; there was always laughter in front when he
wielded the hammer; quick at repartee, there were many people prompt
to draw him out, but he got his prices, and that paid the firm and the
customers.
Rita Langford was like her brother, of a bright and cheerful
disposition, was popular in the neighborhood, and Torwood was a
favorite house.
"So glad to see you, Mr. Woodridge, and you too, Captain Bruce. When
did you arrive in the bay?"
"In the morning, yesterday; it was beautiful. How grand the country
looks, and Torwood even prettier than ever!" said Picton.
"I induced him to leave his floating palace, and visit our humble
abode, by asking him to inspect the horses he is to ride," said Dick
with a wink at Ben.
"That is so, but there was a far greater inducement," said Picton,
looking at Rita.
"Must I take that to mean me?" she said, laughing.
"Please," said Picton, thinking how charming she was.
They had a quiet luncheon, then went to the stables. Dick engaged
no regular trainer, but he had a man named Arnold Brent, who was a
first-rate hand with horses, and at the same time an expert gardener;
the combination was fortunate for the owner of Torwood. The horses
were trained in the neighborhood, where Dick had the privilege of
using some good galloping land, with natural fences--an up and down
country, but excellent for the purpose. He had two lads who rode
most of the work; sometimes he had a mount, and occasionally Brent.
Altogether they did very well, and the Torwood horses generally
secured a win or two at the local meetings. Dick Langford's favorite
battle-grounds were Torquay and Newton Abbot. At the show at the
latter place he often took prizes for dogs, poultry and garden
produce; the money generally went into Brent's pocket. Brent knew both
Picton and the Captain, and admired the former because he knew he was
a first-class gentleman rider, although he had not seen him in the
saddle. It was Brent who suggested to his master that Mr. Woodridge
should ride at the local meeting for them.
"Not a big enough thing for him," said Dick doubtfully. "He rides at
some of the swell meetings."
"You try him, sir," said Brent, adding, as he caught sight of Rita,
"I'll bet he accepts."
"I hear a terrible account of these horses I am to ride," said Picton,
smiling.
Brent smiled.
"I expect Mr. Langford's been pulling your leg, sir," he said.
"Isn't The Rascal a brute, isn't Planet another; and Pitcher was
described as harmless, I think?" said Picton.
"The Rascal's all right if you humor him," said Brent. "He's bitten
a lad, and crushed another against the wall, but he's not half a bad
sort, and he'll win the double easily enough in your hands, sir."
"If I can mount him," laughed Picton.
"I'll see to that; he'll stand steady enough with me at his head.
That's him--the chestnut with the white face."
Picton looked the horse over.
"Bring him out," he said, and The Rascal was led out of his box. As
Picton went up to him he laid back his ears, and showed the whites of
his eyes; it was a false alarm, he let him pat his neck and pass his
hand over him.
"I like him," said Picton; "he looks a good sort."
"He is, sir," said Brent.
"Your favorite?" laughed Picton.
"Yes, sir."
Planet and Pitcher were both browns, handy sorts, and Picton thought
it highly probable the three would win the races selected for them. He
expressed this opinion, at which Dick and his sister were delighted.
"It is very good of you to come and ride for my brother," she said to
him.
"It is always a pleasure to me to do anything to please you and Dick,"
he replied.
They chatted for some time; then she said: "I had an adventure not
long before you arrived."
"Your country has always been full of adventures," he said, smiling.
"And adventurers, but the man who came here to-day was not an
adventurer, poor fellow," she said.
He looked at her quickly and she went on.
"I was at the bottom of the garden, near that thick-set hedge, when I
heard some one groan. It startled me; some tramp, I thought, and went
to the gate. I saw a man sitting by the roadside. He looked up when he
saw me, and I shall never forget the suffering in his face, the
hunted look in it. I shivered, but I was quite sure he was harmless.
I beckoned him; he came, turning his head from time to time in a
frightened manner. He said he had tramped many miles, that he was
hungry, footsore, weary to death. I took him to the back of the house,
gave him something to eat, and offered him money. He refused the money
at first, but I insisted and he took it. I gave him one of Dick's old
top coats; when he put it on he seemed a different man. I hunted out
a pair of old boots--he was very grateful for them. I am sure he was
a gentleman; he spoke like one, he expressed himself as such when he
left, there was a natural pride about him. He walked in the direction
of Torquay; I wonder if you met him on the road."
Picton Woodridge greatly astonished her by asking her the following
questions:
"Have you told your brother about this?"
"No."
"Did any one see him?"
"I don't think so. I am almost sure they did not."
"Will you do me a favor?"
"Willingly."
"Then do not mention this to a soul," said Picton earnestly.
CHAPTER IV
THE WOMAN AT THE TABLE
She promised readily, not asking questions, for which he was grateful.
She knew there was something she could not penetrate, some mystery;
her curiosity was aroused but she restrained it.
"Thank you," he said. "I have good reasons for asking you to remain
silent; some day I will tell you them, whether my conjectures prove
right or wrong."
"I shall not ask your confidence," she said.
"I will give it to you. I would give it to you now if I thought it
would be of any use."
"I am sure you would."
"Rita----"
"Hallo, where are you, Picton?" shouted Dick.
"Here!" he called. "On the seat near the hedge."
"Oh, down there. Is Rita with you?"
"Yes."
"Sorry I shouted; hope I didn't disturb you," sang out Dick.
"Not in the least," said Picton; "we were just coming up."
"I wonder what he was going to tell me when he said 'Rita,'" she
thought as they walked up the hilly garden path.
Picton said he would rather return to the yacht for the night; he
loved being on the water, it always had a soothing effect and he was
not a good sleeper.
"I must be in tip-top condition for to-morrow--so much depends upon
it," he said, smiling.
Rita thought a good deal about her conversation with him when he left,
tried to puzzle out the mystery, but failed.
"I'll wait until he tells me," she said. "I wish Dick hadn't shouted
when he said 'Rita'; it interrupted a pleasant sentence. I wonder how
it would have finished?" and she smiled quietly to herself.
Dick drove them to Torquay, then returned home. Brack rowed them out
to the _Sea-mew_. He was loquacious as usual.
"Nice night, gents," he said.
"Beautiful, Brack. Isn't it rather dark though?" said Ben.
Picton seemed moody.
"Yes, there's no moon to speak of; it's darker than I've known it at
this time o' year."
The old fellow chatted until they came alongside.
Picton paid him and said good-night. Brack thanked him and said:
"Goin' to ride any winners to-morrow, sir?"
This roused him and he told Brack the names of the horses and the
races they were going for.
"You back The Rascal for the double if you can find any one to lay it
to you," said Picton.
"We've a bookie among us," said Brack. "He's a young 'un and as good
a sailor as the best of us, but he's artful, very artful, and he's had
many a bob out'er me, and the rest. I'd like to take him down, and I
will. The Rascal for the double, you said?"
"Yes, and here's half a sovereign to put on him," said Picton.
Brack gave an audible chuckle as he said: "Lor' love us, that'll just
about bust him if it comes off."
They laughed as he rowed away, whistling softly to himself.
"I'll turn in early," said Picton.
"The best thing you can do," said the Captain. "You seem a bit out of
sorts to-day."
"I am; I can't get the sound of the gun out of my ears."
Ben looked at him sympathetically.
"I knew what you meant, felt what you felt, when you spoke about it,"
he said.
"Strange some one should have escaped from Dartmoor a day or two
before," said Picton.
"Escapes are often occurring," said Ben.
"What did you think about that man on the road, who pushed through the
hedge to avoid us?" asked Picton.
"Didn't give it more than a passing thought," said Ben.
"What was the passing thought?"
"I said to myself, 'I wonder if that's the man who escaped?'"
"Good-night," said Picton; "I'll turn in."
"Good-night," said Ben, as he sat on a deck chair.
"He's in a curious mood to-night," he thought. "I'm sorry for him. We
ought not to have come here, it brings up painful recollections, the
vicinity of Dartmoor; and yet it has its compensations--there's Miss
Langford, lovely girl, and as nice as she looks. I hope he'll win
to-morrow, it will cheer him up."
Ben's mind went back to the time when Picton and Hector were lads
together, and the Admiral was alive. His heart was sore for Hector,
although he was half inclined to believe him guilty, but tried to
convince himself to the contrary by expressing his firm belief in his
innocence, in order to be of the same mind as Picton.
One thing Captain Ben had long determined upon: if ever he got a
chance, he would help Hector, no matter at what risk or cost. He was
a man who had run into many dangers, not useless dangers, necessary
perils, with his eyes open, knowing the consequences of failure,
therefore he was a brave man. Blindfolded, impetuous, blundering
rushes against great odds excite the admiration of the crowd, but it
is the Captain Bens who are to be relied upon in times of emergency.
The air became cooler. Ben rose from his chair and went to his cabin;
looking into Picton's as he passed, he was glad to see him asleep.
The _Sea-mew_ swung round with the tide, quietly, without a sound;
it was very still and calm; she looked like a dull white bird on the
water. So thought a man who crept stealthily along the wall toward the
inner harbor.
"I wish I were on her and out at sea," he muttered. He could just
discern her outline, the white hull and the lights.
He heard footsteps, a measured beat, a policeman, he knew by the
tread. He put his hand on the wall to steady himself, shivered, then
groaned. There was no getting out of it, he must face the man, and
it was late. He staggered forward with a drunken reel, but not too
unsteady on his legs. He lurched, just avoiding the constable, who
merely said: "Now, my man, get off home, and mind you keep quiet."
"All right, sir, I'm a'goin'," was the reply.
The constable moved on, blissfully ignorant that he had probably
missed a chance of promotion. The man walked past the pier, past
the Torbay Hotel, where there were lights in one of the rooms on the
ground floor, evidently a late supper party, at least so thought the
man outside. Do what he would, he could not resist the temptation to
cross the road and see what was going on. There was a chink in the
blind. At first he saw little, his eyes were curiously dim and heavy
from lack of sleep, gradually the mist in them lifted. He saw four
people seated at a table, brilliantly lighted, a dainty supper spread.
It was long since he had seen such things, but he had been used to
them. Naturally, being hungry, he looked at the well-laden table; then
his eyes went to the people sitting there, two men and two women. He
saw the men first, then one woman, then the other woman, and his eyes
started, his hands clenched, his face went livid, his teeth met with
a snap; for a moment he stood thus, regarding the woman with a fixed
stare of horror. She was a beautiful woman, voluptuous, with a luring
face, and eyes which knew every language in every tongue of unspoken
love. She was smiling into the eyes of the man at her side as she
toyed with a dainty morsel on a silver dessert fork. She was dressed
with excellent taste, expensively, not lavishly. She was a woman who
knew overdressing spells disaster. Her white teeth gleamed as she
smiled; the man at her side was lost in admiration--it was not
difficult to see that.
The man looking outside raised his clenched fists and said: "Is there
no God, no justice anywhere?"
As he spoke the woman dropped her fork and started, a shiver passed
over her. The man at her side hastily got up, brought her a wrap and
placed it on her shoulders. The man outside saw the fork fall, he saw
the wrap, and he muttered again: "There is a God, there is justice;
her conscience imprisons her as surely as----"
"Move on there! What are you lurking about here for?"
"All right, goin' 'ome, just met yer brother along there."
"He's not my brother," said the constable gruffly.
"Thought yer were all brothers, members of the same cloth, anyhow yer
all good sorts. Good-night."
"Be off home," said the constable, as he went on his way; and a second
man lost a chance of promotion that night.
"I must not run any more risks," thought the man, "but I'm glad I
crossed the road and looked in at that window. She suffers, she could
not have heard my voice, perhaps an internal justice carried it to her
and my words were whispered in her ears--such things have been known.
There she sits, feasting, surrounded by every comfort, but she's not
happy, she never will be, such women never are. God, to think what I
have gone through for her, what I have suffered! I have lived in hell,
in purgatory, and I ought to be on my way to heavenly peace. God, give
me a chance; I am an innocent man and You know it."
"Hallo, mate, where goin'? Yer a late bird," said Brack, as he knocked
against the man walking in a curiously wild way in the middle of the
road.
"Goin' 'ome," said the man.
"That'll not get over me; yer puttin' it on. I'm fra Yorkshire, and a
bit too cute for that."
"What d'yer mean?"
"That I've heard gents speak in my time, and I reckon you're one."
The man started; at first he was inclined to bolt; then as the light
of a lamp shone on Brack's face he saw it was honest, kindly, full of
charity, and through it he knew there was a big heart inside the rough
body.
"You are right," he said. "I was a gentleman, I hope I am one still,
although I have lived such a life that the wonder is I am not a
beast."
Brack looked hard at him; from his face his gaze wandered over his
body, then he looked at his hands; one was bound up, the other had
marks on it, deep marks, like the marks of teeth. Brack made up his
mind.
"Don't move," he said, "when I tell you something. I'm a man, not a
fiend, and I've an innocent brother over there," and he jerked his
hand in the direction of the moor far away. "Maybe you've seen him."
The man gasped--this old sailor knew! Should he--no, the face was
honest, he would trust him.
"Perhaps I have," he said.
"Are you the man that throttled that bloodhound?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Because if you are I'd like to clasp yer hand and say I think yer
brave."
The man held out his bandaged hand; the old sailor took it in his big,
horny palm tenderly, pressing it gently.
"The other one," he said.
The man held out his other hand.
"I'm glad I've held 'em both, the hands that strangled that cursed
hound. Come along with me. I'll see yer safe, never fear. There's not
a man jack of 'em in Torquay or Princetown, or anywhere, would ever
suspect old Brack of harboring a--gentleman."
Without a word the man went with him. As he walked at the honest
Brack's side he thought: "My prayer has been answered."
CHAPTER V
PICTON'S WINNING MOUNTS
It was Easter Monday, and a holiday crowd gathered on the slopes of
Petitor racecourse at St. Mary Church. More than usual interest was
shown in the meeting owing to the presence of Picton Woodridge, whose
fame as a gentleman rider was well-known. Dick Langford was popular
and the success of the pink jacket eagerly anticipated.
Petitor is not an ideal course; it is on the slope of a hill, and a
queer country to get over, but some interesting sport is seen and the
local people take a pride in it; as a golf links it is admirable.
Picton had not seen the course before, at least only from the road,
and as he looked at it he smiled.
"I may lose my way," he said to Rita; "go the wrong course."
"You will find it easy enough, and you are not likely to make
mistakes. Look," and she pointed out the track to him, and the various
obstacles.
There were bookmakers there--where are they not when races are on, no
matter how small the fields, or the crowd?
Picton wore the pink jacket, ready to ride Pitcher in the Maiden
Hurdle Race, the opening event. There were only three runners, and yet
the books accepted six to four on Dick's horse; there was a strong run
on Frisco; and Fraud was nibbled at.
"Come along," said Dick; "time to mount."
"Good luck!" said Rita with a smile. "You'll find Pitcher easy to
ride. I've been on him several times."
"He'll find me rather a different burden," said Picton.
The three runners came out, and Picton received a hearty welcome,
which he acknowledged.
"Sits his horse well," said one.
"A good rider, anybody can see that."
"Here, I'll take seven to four and it's picking up money!" shouted a
bookmaker; and so thought the backers as they hurried up with their
money, and Pitcher quickly became a two to one on chance.
The distance was two miles. Picton indulged Frisco with the lead until
half a mile from home, when he sent Pitcher forward, had a slight
tussle with Frisco, then forged ahead and landed the odds by ten
lengths amidst great cheering.
"Win number one," said Dick triumphantly; "when the meeting is over
they'll bar you from riding here again."
Rita was delighted, her face all smiles; she was proud of the
good-looking man who had carried her brother's colors to victory.
Picton, as he walked about with Rita, Dick, Captain Ben and a host of
friends, was the cynosure of all eyes; but he was accustomed to being
stared at.
"Now comes the tug-of-war," said Dick. "There's The Rascal. See how
he's lashing out, scattering the crowd. I believe he's in a nasty
temper, confound him."
There were five runners in the Steeplechase, and although The Rascal
had Picton up, the favorite was Anstey, who had Hordern in the saddle.
The Tor, Moorland, and Stream, were the other runners, but wagering
was confined to the favorite and The Rascal.
Picton walked up to his mount; The Rascal switched round, despite
Brent's efforts, and refused to be mounted. His rider watched him with
an amused smile; Dick and his sister looked anxious, while a crowd
gathered round at a respectful distance.
Picton bided his time, then, when The Rascal had his attention
attracted by Brent, slipped up to him, took the reins and swung
into the saddle, and before the astonished horse recovered from his
surprise he had him well under control. The spectators cheered; it was
a clever piece of work, deserving of recognition. Once mounted, The
Rascal seemed tractable enough; but Picton knew the horse was not in
the best temper, and required humoring.
"You've not got a very nice mount," said Hordern as they rode
together.
"I'm told he's queer-tempered," said Picton; and as he looked at
Anstey he thought: "Your mount will take a bit of beating."
They were soon on their journey. At first The Rascal made a deliberate
attempt to bolt; he discovered he had a rider who refused to put up
with his inclinations in this direction. Finding bolting stopped, he
tried to swerve at the first fence; this object was also frustrated
and he received a few stinging cuts from the whip, wielded by a strong
arm. These vagaries allowed Anstey and the others to forge ahead, and
The Rascal was in the rear.
Dick looked glum, but Brent said: "There's plenty of time. He's a rare
turn of speed--and a grand rider up."
At the end of the first mile The Rascal was still last. He began to
improve his position; quickly passed Stream, and Moorland, then the
Tor; but Anstey was a dozen lengths ahead, fencing well. Two more
obstacles then the run home. Picton rode The Rascal hard to find if he
would respond to his call. Whatever else he was, the horse was game,
he did not flinch, and Picton was surprised how easily he went ahead.
Anstey blundered at the next fence, Hordern making a fine recovery;
this cost the favorite several lengths. At the last fence The Rascal
was only three or four lengths behind. Anstey cleared it well, The
Rascal struck it, stumbled, threw Picton on his neck, struggled up
again; and Picton was back in the saddle and riding hard before the
crowd realized what had happened. Then a great cheer broke out, for a
splendid bit of jockeyship.
"Not one man in a hundred could have done that," said Brent
enthusiastically.
Hordern thought he had the race won. The Rascal on his knees, with
Picton on his neck, was good enough for him. He took a pull at Anstey;
he intended winning the double, and did not wish to press him too
hard. It was a blunder; he found it out when he heard the cheering and
cries of, "Well done, Picton!" "Rascal's catching him!" The stumble
seemed to put new life into The Rascal, for once again he showed what
a rare turn of speed he possessed.
Picton rode his best.
"Rita expects me to win--I will," he thought; and something told The
Rascal it would be bad for him if he failed to do his best.
Two hundred yards from the winning post Anstey led, but it had taken
Hordern a few moments to get him going again when he realized the
situation. It was dangerous to play these games with Picton. The
Rascal came along, moving splendidly; he gained on Anstey, drew level,
held him, then got his head in front. Hordern rode well, but he
had met his match. The Rascal drew ahead and won by a length amidst
tremendous cheering--Picton Woodridge was the hero of the day. Rita
was proud of him and told him so at Torwood the same night. The Rascal
had been backed to win the double with every man who had a book on the
races, so next day the excitement rose to fever heat when the Torbay
Steeplechase came on for decision.
The Rascal was in the best of tempers, he actually allowed Picton to
stroke his face, pat his neck, and pay him sundry attentions; Rita
gave him lumps of sugar, and said he was the dearest and best of
Rascals.
"You will win the double," she said to Picton. "I am sure of it."
"And I'll try to win a far richer prize before long," he said, looking
at her in a way that caused the red blood to mount to her cheeks.
Anstey ran again, but the main opposition was expected to come from
Sandy, a Newton Abbot horse. Dick's horse had to give him a stone,
which was a tall order, but Brent said he could do it, unless Sandy
had improved out of all knowledge.
"I'd take The Rascal to the front this time," said Brent to Picton;
"he's in a good temper and when that is the case he likes to make the
pace, and he jumps freer."
"If he'll do it, I'll let him," said Picton. "Will he stay there?
Remember he's giving lumps of weight away."
"He can do it," was the confident reply.
Six runners went out, a field above the average at Petitor.
Most people thought some of the runners would have been better out
of it, they would only be in the way, a danger to the others at the
fences; a blunderer is often a veritable death trap.
It astonished Leek, who was on Sandy, to see Picton take The Rascal to
the front. He smiled as he thought, "He's making a mistake this time."
Evidently the others thought the same, for they patiently waited for
the leader to come back to them.
Arnold Brent smiled.
"I gave him good advice. They're doing exactly what I thought they
would, waiting. Let 'em wait."
The distance was two miles and a half. The Rascal held a big lead at
the end of a mile and a half. Leek on Sandy thought it was about time
he came back to him, but The Rascal showed no sign of this; on the
contrary, he gained ground. To go after him was the best thing and
Leek tried. Much to his astonishment, he discovered the pace was
much faster than he thought; Sandy made very little headway. At first
Picton's policy of making the running was considered a mistaken one;
this opinion changed as the race progressed; and when they saw Leek
hard at work on Sandy in second place and making hardly any headway,
The Rascal's numerous backers were jubilant. The cheering commenced,
it became deafening as Picton drew near to the winning post. It was an
extraordinary race. The Rascal, the top weight, made all the running
and won by twenty lengths; more than that, he was not in the least
distressed.
Picton was congratulated on all sides. Turning to Dick and Rita he
said: "He's one of the best horses I have ever ridden over fences;
there's a National in him."
Dick shook his head.
"You're too enthusiastic. Wait until you've cooled down," he said.
"I shall not alter my opinion," said Picton. "Where's Planet?"
"Over there," said Dick, and they walked across.
The next race was the Marychurch Hurdle Plate, and Picton rode Planet.
The race needs little description; there were three runners, and
Dick's horse won comfortably.
At Torwood that evening there were great rejoicings; but as Picton
wished to sleep on the _Sea-mew_ he and Ben were driven to Torquay.
* * * * *
Before he left, Picton said to Rita: "Next time I am here I have a
very important question to ask you."
"Have you?" she said. "I wonder what it is."
"Cannot you guess?"
"I'll try," she answered, smiling happily.
"It's too important to put in a hurry," laughed Picton, "and I haven't
the courage to do it now."
"Not after four victories," she answered, laughing.
He shook his head, as he got up beside her brother in the trap.
"If you won't sell The Rascal, send him to Haverton," said Picton as
they bade Dick good-night.
"All right, I will, and you can do what you like with him," said Dick
cheerily.
"Brack's not here; that's strange. We shall have to get some one
else," said Ben.
They hired a younger man. He happened to be the boatmen's bookie.
"Where's Brack?" asked Ben.
"He backed the double with me for half a sov.," said the man. "He's
about broke me, sir, but I don't begrudge it him; he's a real good
sort. I expect he's celebrating it in town."
Brack was not celebrating it; he was biding his time, and opportunity.
CHAPTER VI
IN BRACK'S COTTAGE
Brack's was a humble abode not far from the inner harbor. He lived
there with his mother. The old woman idolized him; he was a very good
son. She attended to their small wants and kept the house scrupulously
clean.
"I've brought a mate, mother," said Brack as he entered with his
companion.
"He's welcome, my boy." She always called him her boy, and somehow it
did not sound strange.
"Come in, don't be afraid," said Brack.
The man stepped into the small room, looking round suspiciously. Why
had Brack brought him here, had he any particular reasons for doing
so, reasons that would benefit himself?
Brack gathered something of what was passing in his mind and
whispered, "You'll be quite safe here, sit down."
They had a fish supper; to the stranger it was the most wonderful meal
he had partaken of for some years. He ate greedily, he could not help
it, but Brack, watching him, knew he was a well-bred man.
The old lady asked no questions, she never questioned what her son
did; she bade them good-night and went to her room. It was then Brack
learned something of the man he had brought to his home; and the tale
harrowed his feelings, froze the marrow in his bones, horrified him;
he shuddered as he imagined what this highly cultured man must have
suffered.
They talked until the small hours of the morning, Brack considering
what he should do, how to get his companion away from Torquay?
Suddenly he said, "Do yer mind telling me yer name? I'd like to know
it in case I hear of yer in the world sometimes. You'll be far away
from here, but I'd like to have something to remember yer by and I
reckon yer name's the best thing."
The man was startled; again the suspicious look came into his eyes.
Would it ever be entirely absent, that haunted gaze; it was pitiable.
"I don't want it if you don't care to give it to me."
"I beg your pardon. You deserve my entire confidence. You are running
grave risk for my sake, an unknown man, a stranger, worse--an escaped
prisoner from Dartmoor."
"Never mind the risk; we'll not trouble about that," said Brack.
"Do you know what the consequences would be if it were known you had
hidden me?"
"I don't know and I don't care," said Brack.
"Think of your mother."
Brack laughed as he said: "She'll glory in what I've done when I tell
her; she's Bill out there."
"I forgot; that makes all the difference. And he's innocent."
"Like you."
"How do you know I am innocent?"
"Yer face tells me. I'd trust a man like you anywhere and anyhow."
"If ever I come into my own again, if ever my innocence is proved,
I'll see to you and your mother for life, and I'll promise to do all I
can for Bill, your brother."
Brack's face glowed.
"Damn me but you're a man!" he said and seized his hand. "I forgot,
I'm a fool," he added, as the man winced. The pain from Brack's honest
grip was intense.
"I will tell you my name. You may have heard it before--we receive
news sometimes--my brother is a famous rider. You are a bit of a
sportsman?"
"I am," said Brack. "I've had a tip for the races here, for the
double, and I've got ten bob to put on; the gentleman who's goin' to
ride gave it me. He says to me as I left the yacht--I'd rowed him out
there--he says, 'Here, Brack, there's half a sov. for you. Back The
Rascal for the double.' And I mean to."
"The Rascal?"
"That's the name of the horse--funny, isn't it?"
"Who was the gentleman?"
"The owner of the _Sea-mew_, the yacht lying at anchor in the bay."
"The yacht with such beautiful lines, painted white? I just saw her as
I came along by the wall before I met you, my good friend."
"That's her. She's not big but she's a gem. She's been here several
times."
"And who is the owner?"
"The same as rides Mr. Langford's horses at the races."
"But you have not told me who he is."
"Ain't I? No more I have! It's Mr. Picton Woodridge."
The man stared at Brack; he seemed on the point of falling off his
chair.
"Picton Woodridge," he said in a hoarse voice.
"Yes; have you met him in days gone by?" asked Brack.
"He is my younger brother," said the man. "I am Hector Woodridge."
It was Brack's turn to stare now. This man he had brought to his home
Picton Woodridge's brother? Was it possible? This was indeed a
strange chance! He peered into his companion's face, trying to trace a
resemblance, and found one.
"Yes," he said, "you're like him, or you were once."
Hector Woodridge sighed.
"Once," he said; "it all seems such a long while ago."
"I remember, I recollect now," said Brack. "I wonder it did not strike
me afore. Yer a Yorkshire family. I know, at Haverton. I was a boatman
at Scarborough when it happened. I always said you were innocent; I
call to mind the trial well. Yer Mr. Hector Woodridge, thank God for
that; I see a way out of it all. You must bide here and I'll pick the
night when I can get you away."
"Get me away!" exclaimed Hector. "How, where shall I go?"
"Leave that to me. There's a man on the watch here. His name's Carl
Hackler. He's from Dartmoor, and he's prowling around here on the
lookout--has been for a week or more."
"I don't remember his name," said Hector.
"Likely enough not; there's plenty of 'em there as you'd never see,
but he's seen you, and he'd recognize you. I've fooled him once and I
think he knows it; I'll have a stiff job to do it again; but I will do
it, and you'll get clear away."
"What is your plan?"
Brack hesitated; he wondered if Hector Woodridge would care to go
on board the _Sea-mew_, whether he would be afraid to implicate his
brother. He decided it would be better for his purpose not to say what
his plan was until he had his man safe in his boat on the way to the
yacht.
"I'll tell you that when the time's ripe. You'd best turn in and have
some sleep; you look as though you could do with it."
"I can. Where shall I go?"
"In there," said Brack, pointing to a small room.
"It is your room."
"Never mind me. Go in and rest."
Hector was dead beat. He opened the door, he was so exhausted he fell
fast asleep before he had time to undress.
Brack sat ruminating until an early hour. This discovery that his
guest was Hector Woodridge stunned him, he could not comprehend it.
He recollected all about the celebrated trial which resulted in Hector
Woodridge being condemned to death for the murder of the husband
of the woman he had become entangled with. All Yorkshire signed
the petition for a reprieve and the sentence was commuted to penal
servitude for life. He remembered how the shock killed Admiral
Woodridge, Hector's father.
Brack went to the old black horse-hair sofa and lay down. He was soon
asleep, dreaming in a few minutes, strange dreams in which convicts,
Dartmoor, the _Sea-mew_, The Rascal, Carl Hackler, and divers and
other persons and places were mixed up in the most extraordinary
manner.
A knocking at the door roused Brack.
Sitting up, he rubbed his eyes, yawned, struggled to his feet. He had
his sailor clothes on.
Another knock.
"Comin'. Don't be in such a hurry. Leave the milk can, yer fool."
Another knock.
"Must be deaf. Drat the lad, what's he wakin' an honest man up at this
hour for?"
He went to the door, unlocked it, pulled back the bolt, opened it, and
found Carl Hackler standing before him.
As Brack said afterward: "I wish I could 'ave pushed him into the
harbor, me a'top of him."
"'Morning, Brack. I want a boat; can you come quick?" said Carl.
Brack's relief was so great that he gave a loud, startling laugh.
"What the deuce is the matter with you? Have you suddenly gone mad?"
"Sane as you are, Mister Hackler," said Brack. "Maybe a bit saner at
times."
"I believe you fooled me about that man being rowed out to the tramp.
Anyhow the tramp's here, put back for something I suppose, and I'm
going to board her before she leaves again, and question the skipper.
I particularly want you to row me out because I mean to tell him who
gave me the information while you are alongside," said Hackler.
"Now I call that nice of you," said Brack. "Here I gives you the best
tip I can and you want to get me into trouble if it's correct. I did
my best for yer, Mr. Hackler, on my honor."
"Will you row me out?" said Hackler impatiently.
"What's it worth?"
"Five shillings."
"I'll be with you in a minute," said Brack. "I'll just tell mother."
"Let her know her little boy is going out in good company," said
Hackler.
"I'll tell her who I'm goin' with, then she can judge for herself,
whether the company's good or bad," replied Brack.
Hackler laughed as he said: "You're a smart chap, Brack."
"Am I? Then perhaps you can find me a job out your way."
"Better where you are," said Hackler, with what sounded very much like
a sigh.
Brack went into his mother's room. She was awake.
"What is it, lad?" she asked.
"Hush, mother! I'm goin' out with Hackler in my boat. He's the man
from Dartmoor, on the lookout for the escaped prisoner. I'm rowin' him
out to the tramp; she's put back again."
She smiled; she knew all about it.
"Tell him not to stir out of that room until I comes home. He'll sleep
a good while. He must not come out, not even in here--you understand,
mother?"
"Yes, but who is he?"
"He's the man Hackler's after; the man who strangled the bloodhound.
He knows our Bill. He's a gentleman; he'll do what he can for him when
he's proved his innocence. He is----"
"Come on, Brack; don't be all day," called Hackler.
"I'll see to him, lad, never fear; he's safe with me," said his
mother.
"Comin'," said Brack as he went out and joined him.
CHAPTER VII
A CRITICAL MOMENT
"Brack, as I remarked before, you are a smart fellow. Were you putting
me off the scent when you said the man I am looking for went off in
the tramp?" said Hackler.
"I never said he were the man; I said there were a man went off with
the boat's crew to the tramp."
"I gave a description of him."
"It seemed like him to me," said Brack.
They reached the harbor; Brack pulled in his boat; Hackler stepped in
and was rowed toward the tramp. The dirty looking steamer was farther
out than anticipated, and Brack took his time; his practiced eyes
discerned something invisible to Hackler.
"Steam up," said Carl.
"Most likely she'll be going in an hour or two."
"I wonder what she put back for?" said Hackler half to himself.
"Short o' coal," grinned Brack.
"Shut up and don't be a fool," growled Carl.
Brack could see the steamer as he looked sideways over his shoulder. A
humorous smile stole over his face.
"She's movin'," he thought.
There was a stir at the stern of the tramp, the screw revolved, she
was steaming away, and Carl Hackler was too late. When he recognized
this he lost his temper; he had taken his journey for nothing.
Catching sight of Brack's face, he fancied he detected laughter there;
this did not improve matters.
"Confound you, I believe you knew she was going!" he said angrily.
"Not until the screw turned," said Brack.
Hackler stood up in the boat and waved; some one on the tramp answered
the signal but she continued on her way.
"D----n the fellow, why doesn't he stop!" raged Carl.
"Looks suspicious, but he doesn't know who you are. If he did he'd be
sure to slow down," said Brack.
Carl turned round quickly; he had an idea he was being chaffed and
didn't like it. He stumbled, barked his leg on the seat, fell forward,
and sprawled in the bottom of the boat. He did not know a sudden spurt
by Brack caused this.
He floundered about, smothered his rage as best he could, then ordered
Brack to row him back.
"Hope yer not hurt," said Brack sympathetically.
No answer was vouchsafed to this polite inquiry.
"Looks as though he might be aboard that tramp," said Brack. "They got
off pretty sudden; perhaps you were recognized."
"Who'd have recognized me?" asked Carl.
"Him as yer looking for."
Carl laughed.
"Not likely; I don't think he ever saw me."
"But you've seen him?"
"Scores of times."
"You'd know him again?"
"Of course; he's easy to recognize. But they've probably got him by
now."
"Poor chap."
"Call him that, do you? You'd not do it if you knew what he was there
for."
"Tell me."
"He shot a man whose wife he had been carrying on with. It was a
brutal, cold-blooded murder. The husband found them together; they
were fairly trapped, so the fellow shot him."
"Funny he should carry a revolver about with him," said Brack.
"It wasn't his revolver, it was the husband's; that's why he was
reprieved. It was argued that the weapon was in the room, that on the
spur of the moment he picked it up and shot him."
"Oh," said Brack meditatively. "I suppose it never occurred to you, or
the larned judge, or the blessed jury, that some one else might have
shot him."
Carl laughed.
"Who else could have shot him?"
"It's not for me to say; I'm not clever enough. She might 'a' done
it."
"Who?"
"The wife."
"What nonsense! He confessed he did it."
"Eh!" exclaimed Brack.
"I say he confessed he fired the shot."
"And he says he's innocent," said Brack.
Carl stared at him.
"Says he's innocent!" he exclaimed. "How do you know?"
Brack saw his mistake and quickly covered it.
"I lived in Yorkshire at the time. I know all about the trial; I read
it."
"Oh," said Carl. "If you read it you know more about it than I do."
"Very likely," said Brack as the boat went alongside the steps.
Carl landed; he gave Brack half a crown.
"Five bob," said Brack.
"But you didn't go to the tramp."
"I couldn't; she was away."
"Then you can't claim the lot," said Carl, who was annoyed at missing
the steamer.
"I suppose not exactly," drawled Brack, "but betwixt gents, I should
say it holds good."
Despite his annoyance, Carl could not help laughing.
"I suppose you must have it," he said, and handed him another
half-crown.
"Goin' home to-day?" asked Brack.
"Home!"
"To Dartmoor."
"That's not my home."
"It's where yer located, at any rate."
"I don't know. There's no trace of the man. It's queer where he's got
to; I fancy he's dead--fallen down a mine, or been starved out."
"That's about it," said Brack. "Fancy looking for him round here!
Seems a bit soft to me."
"You take a lot of interest in this man," said Carl eying him closely.
"No more than I do in any man who makes a fight for liberty."
"Would you let 'em all loose on Dartmoor?" sneered Carl.
"I'd chance it if there were any innocent men among 'em."
"There are none."
"There's one I know of."
"Who?"
"My brother Bill."
Carl laughed as he said: "Your brother Bill was lucky not to be
hanged," and walked away.
Brack scowled after him and muttered: "And you'll be lucky not to be
drowned if yer not careful."
When Brack arrived home he told Hector Woodridge what happened.
"By gad, he gave me a shock when he came to the door this morning,"
said Brack. "You must wait for to-night; I'll come and fetch you if
the coast is clear. You'll have to trust me, leave it all to me."
"I will," said Hector. "I can do nothing for myself."
"You can do a lot. If there's danger keep cool and don't betray any
alarm--face it out."
"I place myself entirely in your hands," said Hector.
There was no chance that night. Brack stayed about the harbor until
ten o'clock. Just as he thought the opportunity favorable Carl Hackler
turned up, and Brack made for home, thinking he had not been seen. He
was mistaken.
"Something mysterious about the old fellow lately," thought Carl. "He
can't know anything; it's absurd, of course; but I'll swear he put me
off the scent about that tramp. Confound him, he's a shrewd 'un, he
is. It's my belief No. 832 is in Torquay somewhere. There'll be a
shindy if he gets away, because he's got a lot of rich relations I
believe; somebody's sure to say it's a put up job. There wasn't any
put up business about strangling that dog; I can't help admiring the
fellow for that. He bore a good name in the prison too."
"No go to-night," said Brack as he came in, "but I've got a bit of
news."
"What is it?" asked Hector.
"I've won the first part of my bet with The Rascal."
Hector could not help smiling; it seemed a curious piece of news under
the circumstances. He said: "I hope you'll win the double."
"It'll mean a fiver to me," said Brack, "and that's a lot to a poor
man."
"You shall have a pocket full of fivers when I prove my innocence,"
said Hector.
"I'd not take 'em," said Brack. "I'd be satisfied to know I'd done you
a good turn, that I would," and he meant it.
Next evening Brack was very well pleased with himself when The Rascal
won the double. He proceeded to draw his money and enlighten the
youthful bookie on the follies of gambling; he also exhibited some
liberality in the matter of drinks to several mates.
He saw nothing of Carl Hackler, although he walked about the streets
and loitered near the water.
"I'll try it to-night," he thought. "The races are over and maybe the
_Sea-mew_ will sail before morning. There's no telling, and it's the
best chance there is; it can't be missed; it's too good, even if we
run some risk. If I only knew where that Dartmoor chap was. I'd give
half my winnings to know--I'd give the whole blessed lot to get him
safe on that yacht."
Brack went home full of his plan, and how best to manage it without
exciting suspicion.
It was after ten o'clock when he slipped out of the house. Hector
Woodridge followed at some distance, keeping him in sight.
"He's going to the harbor," thought Hector. "What will he do there?"
Brack looked round in every direction as he went down the steps and
hauled in his boat. It was no unusual thing for a boat to go out at
night to a man-o'-war, or to some craft lying in the bay, but he was
not fond of such work and knew if any of his mates saw him it would
attract notice. Looking up, he saw Hector leaning over, and beckoned
him to come down.
"Once we're out of the inner harbor there'll not be much danger," said
Brack. "Chuck that waterproof over yer shoulders; it'll keep yer warm
and it looks seaman-like. Now we're ready."
"Hallo, Brack!"
He looked up and saw Carl Hackler on the steps peering at the man in
the boat. Brack had wonderful control. It was a matter of more than
life or death to Hector Woodridge; if Hackler got him he would be sent
back to his living tomb, for such it was to him.
"Oh, it's you!" said Brack with as much contempt as he could master.
"And pray what are you doing here? Want another trip in the bay? If
you do, jump in and I'll take you. I've got the mate of the _London
Belle_ here; he's a bit overseas and I'm taking him out. Ain't that
right, Harry?"
"That's the job, Brack, that's it," hiccoughed Hector, who guessed the
danger was great.
"I've half a mind to come," said Carl, not quite satisfied, but
utterly deceived by Brack's cool manner.
"You'll have ter make up the other half quick," said Brack.
"I'll leave you to it. Mind your mate doesn't fall overboard," said
Carl.
"I'll see to that," said Brack.
A hoot came across the bay, a peculiar sound. Brack knew it; it came
from the _Sea-mew_.
He sat down and pulled his best. Would he reach her in time?
Carl Hackler watched the boat until it was out of sight.
The hoot came again.
"What's that steamer sounding?" he asked a sailor close to him.
"The _Sea-mew_; she'll be leaving to-night, I reckon."
Carl started. Was it possible? No, of course not. What a fool he was;
and yet, Brack was rowing as though his life depended on it.
"Better make sure," he muttered, and turning to the boatman said:
"Will you row me out to the _London Belle_?"
"Yes, sir, how much?"
"Half a sovereign," said Carl.
Another hoot came across the bay from the _Sea-mew_.
CHAPTER VIII
ON BOARD THE "SEA-MEW"
"I wonder if the beggar'll follow us," gasped Brack, between his
spurts; "seemed mor'n half inclined to it--cuss him for his meddling!"
"Where are you going?" asked Hector.
"To the _Sea-mew_."
Hector started--his brother's yacht. He must not go there. What would
be the consequences if he were taken on her, found concealed? Picton
would be compromised, in grave danger, probably of imprisonment.
"I cannot let you go there," said Hector; "it is impossible."
"Just you sit still. You're a'goin' there whether you like it or not,"
said Brack doggedly.
"I will not place my brother in a false position."
"What'd you do if he were in your place and came to the yacht as
you're doin'?"
Hector made no answer; he knew he would take the risk.
"There y'ar," said Brack triumphantly; "I knew it. You'd take him
aboard and gie him a hearty welcome."
"Put back; I won't go," said Hector.
"Put back, eh, and land yer right in his arms. Not me, not for Brack,
oh dear, no; you just sit still, will yer?"
Brack had a peculiar habit of saying "you" and "yer," and sundry other
words, changing them as the mood took him.
"Now I'd not be at all surprised if he'd hired a boat and was on his
way to the _London Belle_, just to scent out things; he's a human
bloodhound, d----n him, that's what he is."
"If he goes to the _London Belle_ he'll find out we have not been
there and he will guess we have come to the _Sea-mew_," said Hector.
"I cannot risk it, Brack."
"Leave him to me. We'll reach the _Sea-mew_ long afore he can get to
the _Belle_. That's her out there, right beyond the yacht. I'll put
you aboard and row round to her like h----, and I'll meet him comin'
to her if so be he's set out; I'll see he doesn't board her if I have
to run him down."
Brack was pulling with all his might; the boat seemed to skim through
the still water of the bay like a skiff; they were nearing the
_Sea-mew_.
Captain Ben Bruce was on deck, looking over the side. They were about
to leave the harbor; Picton was anxious to get away. He was in the
cabin. Ben left him reading; probably he had fallen asleep after the
excitement of the day.
He heard the sound of oars, and in another minute or two saw the boat
shooting toward the yacht.
"Who's this coming here?" he wondered.
He made no sound, merely watched, wondering what would happen.
Brack did not see him as he came alongside; the gangway steps were up;
how was he to get Hector aboard?
"Is that you, Brack?" said Ben.
"It's me, sir. Let down the steps quick. I've something to say to you,
something that won't keep."
"As particular as all that?"
"Yes, a matter of life or death," said Brack.
"We're just about to leave the harbor."
"For God's sake, let down the steps!" said Brack.
Hector did not move or speak; his nerves were strung to the highest
pitch, he quivered all over.
Captain Ben called a hand and they opened the gangway and lowered the
steps.
"Now's yer time--go up quick!" said Brack.
"Who's that?" asked Ben, as Hector rose up.
"He's comin' aboard; he's a friend of Mr. Woodridge's."
"Who is he?"
"He'll tell you when he's aboard," said Brack.
"That won't do for me," said Ben.
"Don't yer trust me?" asked Brack.
"Yes."
"Then, for God's sake, let him aboard or you'll regret it for the rest
of your days."
"Come up," said Ben, thinking it passing strange the man did not give
his name.
Hector hesitated; Brack urged him on.
"Go, go! Think what I've got to do--row round by the _Belle_ in case
he's after us."
Hector hesitated no longer; he could not leave Brack in the lurch, and
if Hackler found out they had not rowed to the _Belle_ there would be
trouble. He got out of the boat; no sooner was he on the steps than
Brack pushed off and shot away. Ben called after him but he did not
stop; he was making for the _London Belle_ as fast as he could row.
"Who are you?" again asked Ben as he came on deck.
Hector trembled with excitement; he was unstrung, he had suffered
much; the chase over the moor, the battle with the hound, the naked
flight, hunger, exposure, the fear of being taken, the suspense of the
past few days brought on a burning fever. He tried to speak but could
not; his tongue clove to the roof of his mouth; his lips were parched;
he held out his hands in a helpless fashion; he staggered, reeled
across the deck. Ben gazed at him in wonder. He could not make it out.
There was something very mysterious; Brack must have known what he was
doing.
Hector groped along the deck like a man walking unsteadily in his
sleep; he mumbled to himself, looked from side to side furtively,
began to run, stopped, knelt down, put his face close to the deck in
a listening attitude. Ben watched him, followed him. Was this a madman
Brack had put on board?
Presently Hector came across a coil of rope. He seized it with both
hands and wrestled with it in his fierce grasp.
"Strangling some one," thought Ben.
"You beast, you're dead, ha, ha, ha, I've done for you!" and the weird
laugh sounded doubly strange on the water.
Hector rose and pulled off his coat, then stripped off his shirt.
"I must stop this," said Ben. He stepped forward and was about to take
him by the arm, when Hector whipped round and flung himself on him.
"You'll never take me alive, never, I'll die first! Kill me if you
like--I'll never go back!" hissed Hector, as he clenched Ben by the
throat. It was an easy matter for the Captain to hold him off at arm's
length, a strong man against a weak, and as he did so he saw into his
face by the light of the lamp behind him.
Something in the face roused memories in Ben. He looked long and
earnestly. The fever-stricken man returned his gaze; the poor tired
brain had a glimmering of reason again. Thus they stood, gazing,
forging the past, piecing links together in a chain of recollection.
"Ben, Ben, don't you know me?"
It was a bitter, heartbroken cry, a wail of anguish, and it struck Ben
like a knife, it seemed to cut through him. As Hector's cry ceased he
fell forward into Ben's arms. Like a flood the incidents of the past
few days rushed into Ben's mind. The boom of the gun, the escape of
the convict, Brack's story, the strangling of the bloodhound, the man
on the road to Torwood.
"Great heaven, it's Hector!" said Ben. "Poor fellow! My God, what a
wreck!"
Then his thoughts flew to Picton. It would never do to let him know
to-night; he must be prepared for the shock. Where to conceal Hector?
For the present, at any rate, he would put him in his cabin. The
hands on board--could they be trusted? Some story would have to be
concocted. There was a man near and Ben called him.
"Help me to carry him into my cabin," said Ben.
The sailor obeyed without a word. He was an elderly man; he had served
with Captain Bruce on the _Tiger_.
"Say nothing of this until I give you permission," said Ben.
"Right, sir," said Abe Glovey.
"Abe, you are much attached to Woodridge and myself?"
"I am, sir."
"Can you persuade every man on board to keep this man's presence here
a secret? It's very important."
"It shall be done, sir. They are all good men and true."
"Mr. Woodridge will reward them handsomely if nothing transpires
ashore."
Hector lay on Captain Ben's bunk, and they stood looking at him.
Ben took a sudden resolution.
"Abe, I will confide in you, tell you a secret, which if disclosed
means ruin to us all, and a living death to him."
"I think I understand, sir."
"You guess who he is?"
"I know, sir. A terrible change has come over him, and no wonder, but
I can recognize him, for I knew him and loved him in the old days.
There's not one in a thousand would know him, but I do--it's Hector,
sir, is it not?"
"Yes, it's Hector Woodridge, or what's left of him. He's in a bad way,
Abe."
"He is, sir."
"And we can't have a doctor to him."
"No, sir, but we'll pull him through. Every man of us will help. Give
me permission to tell them. They'll stand by him and Mr. Picton; you
need have no fear of that, sir."
"Trust them all; yes, that will be the best," said Ben.
"I'm sure you're right, sir; quite sure."
Captain Ben gave orders for the _Sea-mew_ to leave Torbay, and she was
soon moving slowly toward the sea.
He sat beside Hector and listened to his moaning and muttering. He
saw the wasted form, the haggard, drawn face, the gray hair, then he
noticed the hands and shuddered. What an awful chase that must have
been across the moor, bloodhounds on his track, every man's hand
against him, no hope, no place to hide in. Yet there must have been
one man whose compassion had been aroused on the moor, the man who
clothed Hector, when he found him almost naked. Ben vowed when he
knew that man's name he should receive his due reward. And there was
another man, Brack, honest rough old Brack, with a heart of gold, and
the courage of a bulldog. Ben felt it was good to be a sailor and be
one of such a class.
Brack must have discovered Hector in Torquay, and hidden him until he
could get him on the _Sea-mew_. Where had he found him? That story was
to be told. They were only just in time; Ben thought what might have
happened had they missed the _Sea-mew_ and had to return to Torquay,
and shuddered. He vowed again that Hector should not be recaptured;
no, not if he had to sail the _Sea-mew_ half the world round,
and fight for him. It would be weeks, perhaps months, before the
fever-stricken man became well, and there was no better hiding-place
than the _Sea-mew_, and no better doctor than the sea and its
attendant breeze.
Brack, rowing from the _London Belle_, saw the _Sea-mew_ moving slowly
toward the entrance to the bay.
"He's safe; they'll never part with him. Brack, you're not such a bad
sort after all! I wonder where's Hackler got to--perhaps he didn't
follow us," thought the old boatman.
He lay on his oars and watched the _Sea-mew's_ lights until they
disappeared.
"There's a boat comin' now--wonder if it's him?" he said with a
chuckle. "I'm ready for him, anyway."
CHAPTER IX
LENISE ELROY
"You'll have to hurry," said Hackler impatiently as the seaman
slouched round for his boat.
"That's my craft over there; I'll have her alongside in a bit," said
the man.
"Can't we take this boat?"
"No, I'll get my own; besides, I'm used to her."
It seemed a long time to Carl before the man brought the boat
alongside and he was seated in her.
"Row faster!" said Carl.
"Wait until we're out of the harbor; it's rather dark."
"Go ahead, pull!"
The man obeyed. He was not such a skillful pilot as Brack; as they
reached the wall he pulled hard with his right and the boat crashed
into the stonework. Carl shot forward, bruising his face; there was
a sound of splintering timber; the boatman fell forward. When they
recovered, Carl cursed him for a blundering fool. The man found the
boat leaked badly; there was nothing for it but to row back as fast as
possible and take another.
This caused a delay and enabled Brack to put Hector aboard the
_Sea-mew_ and row round by the _London Belle_ in time.
"Who goes there?" shouted Brack.
Carl was sick of the whole business; he was glad to hear Brack's
voice. He had been to the _London Belle_, his story was correct. What
a fool he, Carl, had been for his pains!
There was no answer to Brack's hail. Carl said to the man: "Keep on
rowing; never mind him."
This did not suit Brack's purpose. He had no desire for Carl to go on
board the _London Belle_; that would upset everything.
Brack went after the boat, quickly overtaking it. By the dim light he
saw who was in it.
"You again!" he said with a laugh. "What yer scouring the bay at this
time o' night for? Looking for pirates?"
"No, smugglers!" said Carl.
"Hope ye'll catch 'em. Where do they hail from? I thought the days of
smuggling in Torbay were over. Better come with me; I'll row you back
quicker than him," said Brack.
An altercation ensued between the seamen. Brack had insulted Carl's
man; the wordy warfare became furious.
"Row back to the harbor!" shouted Carl in a rage. "And you sheer off
or it will be the worse for you."
This was all Brack wished to hear. If Hackler returned, there was no
danger.
"Keep cool," shouted Brack. "I reckon I'll be home first."
His mother was sitting up anxiously awaiting the news when he came.
"He's got safe away, but we had a narrow squeak for it," he said, and
told her what happened.
"I wish our Bill were on the _Sea-mew_," she said with a sigh.
"Maybe he will be some day, mother," said Brack.
The _Sea-mew_ forged ahead toward the North and Captain Ben watched at
Hector's bedside. The unfortunate man slept heavily but uneasily; he
groaned and raved incoherently, tossed from side to side, sometimes in
danger of falling out of the berth.
Toward six o'clock Ben sent for Abe Glovey, who came and took his
place while he went to meet Picton.
Ben had a difficult task before him. He wished to break the news
gently; the shock would be great; then they would have to think what
was best to be done.
Picton was out early; he had not slept well; strange dreams caused him
uneasiness.
"I've had a restless night. You look as though you had," he said to
Ben.
"I have; it has been a strange night. I've something to tell you," and
he proceeded to explain about Brack coming to the yacht.
"What on earth did he want at that hour of the night?" said Picton.
"He brought some one to see me."
Picton was surprised.
"Who was it?"
"A man," said Ben. He was not a good hand at this sort of thing; he
wanted to blurt it all out in his blunt way.
Picton smiled.
"Don't beat about the bush, Ben; you can't do it."
"That's a fact, I can't. You'll stand a shock, Picton, a very great
shock."
"Is it tremendous?"
"Yes," said Ben seriously. "The man Brack brought here last night is
aboard now; he's asleep in my cabin; he is very ill; he has suffered
a lot; he will require a great deal of care. We shall have to be very
careful."
Picton looked at him wonderingly. Gradually a light broke in upon him;
he turned pale and felt giddy. Ever since the boom of the gun startled
him he had had Hector in his mind.
"Was it Hector who escaped?" he asked.
Ben nodded.
"Was it Hector Brack brought to the _Sea-mew_?"
Again Ben nodded.
"Let us go to him," said Picton.
Ben wondered at his taking it so calmly, but he knew the strain must
be great. They went to Ben's cabin.
"Glovey's inside; I'll send him out," said Ben.
When the man was gone Picton stepped inside and looked at his brother
with tears in his eyes.
"What a wreck, Ben; it's awful."
Captain Ben turned away his head. There are some things worse than
death to look upon, cause more sorrow and pain.
Hector lay on his back. His face told a tale of misery such as few
care to hear, and none to suffer.
"Leave me, Ben; I'd rather bear this alone; I may get used to it in
time," said Picton in a hollow voice.
Ben put his hand on the younger man's shoulder for a moment, then went
out of the cabin; he never wished to feel again as he felt then,
in the whole course of his life. Picton watched Hector, heard his
ravings, shuddered at them, and wondered how it were possible for a
man to suffer so much and live. He stayed there over two hours,
and what his thoughts were during that time no one knew; there was,
however, throughout, one predominant resolve: Hector should never
go back to Dartmoor. He would sooner see him dead; it would be more
merciful. What roused Picton was the thought of the woman who had
done this thing; he held her responsible. She was older than Hector, a
woman subtle, versed in the wiles of the world, and she had lured him
to destruction. If ever a woman should suffer she ought. He wondered
how she would feel if she stood where he stood now, looking down at
the awful disaster of this man's life. Would she smile? She might; he
thought she would; he believed at that moment she was the worst woman
he had ever heard of. She must pay the penalty sooner or later; no
atonement on her part could wash out that. These thoughts stifled
him; he opened the door for fresh air. Ben's cabin was on deck; as
the light streamed in Hector awoke. Before Picton realized what had
happened his brother sprang from the berth, rushed past him, and had
Abe Glovey not caught him round the waist would have flung himself
overboard.
With difficulty they carried him, struggling, back to the cabin, and
laid him down exhausted.
"He's mad," said Picton.
"Temporarily, but we'll cure all that. I'm a bit of a doctor; leave
him to me," said Ben, trying to make the best of it.
"What are we to do?" asked Picton.
"You mean about concealing him?"
"Yes."
Ben said he had taken Abe Glovey into his confidence, and they had
decided the whole of the crew should know the facts.
"Will it be safe?" asked Picton.
"I am sure of it; they are all real good fellows, and it is our only
chance."
"You must call them together and explain it all," said Picton.
Ben said he would, and went on: "This is the opportunity we have
waited for--Hector's escape. How fortunate we came here! Providence
had a hand in this, it's more than mere coincidence, and as Providence
helps those who help themselves we must lend a hand. When Hector
recovers, it will be some weeks; he must remain on the _Sea-mew_ until
he becomes a changed man. In twelve months no one will know him who
has seen him now; the change will be wonderful, and it will be quite
as wonderful a change from what he was before the trial. Hector
Woodridge must cease to exist; he is dead; his body was never found
on the Moor because he probably fell down some disused mine or was
drowned in a still pond. That way safety lies, but there may be one
stumbling block."
"What is that?" asked Picton.
"Hector's desire to prove his innocence," said Ben.
"He must be persuaded that will be easier to do if it is thought he is
dead; we must try and do it."
"We have tried; there is only one person in the world who can prove
his innocence," said Ben.
"Lenise Elroy," said Picton.
"Yes, Lenise Elroy. There were three persons in the room at the time:
Raoul Elroy, Lenise Elroy, and Hector," said Ben.
"Hector said at the trial the weapon went off in a struggle," said
Picton.
"Lenise Elroy, with apparent reluctance, said Hector shot her
husband," said Ben.
"If this were not true, why did she say it?" asked Picton.
"She may have thought it true. Heaven knows what is in the mind of a
woman like that! But the truth will come out some day."
"Still, she ought to have shielded him, corroborated his story that it
was an accident," said Picton.
"The strangest part of the whole thing is that Hector has not told
even you what actually happened," said Ben.
"And I don't believe he will," said Picton.
CHAPTER X
HAVERTON
When the _Sea-mew_ arrived at Bridlington Bay Hector Woodridge lay
at death's door, but the fever had somewhat abated and the ravings
ceased. He was completely exhausted, worn out, and Picton doubted if
he would have strength to struggle back to life.
Captain Ben had seen a good deal of illness and was confident he could
pull Hector round in time, but he said it would take many weeks.
What was to be done? Picton could not remain on the _Sea-mew_; his
absence would be noted at Haverton, where Brant Blackett was busy with
the horses and expecting his arrival daily.
"Abe Glovey is a good seaman, quite capable of looking after the
_Sea-mew_," said Ben. "There is no reason why she should not remain
here for a time; there will be nothing unusual about it. I will stay
until Hector is convalescent, or nearly so, and then join you at
Haverton. Glovey can take the _Sea-mew_ short cruises; when they are
away from the coast Hector can come on deck freely without danger.
Leave it all to me; I'll explain to him when he is well enough."
Picton thought this the best thing they could do.
He went ashore at Bridlington and from there traveled to Haverton. He
knew he was running a grave risk in having Hector on board his yacht.
He cared very little about that; all he wanted was for his brother
to get well. He was certain no one would recognize him, he was so
changed. It was a long, tedious journey to Haverton, and Picton was
glad when it was over, and he was in his own house again.
Mrs. Yeoman, the housekeeper, was surprised not to see Captain Bruce;
he was seldom away from Picton. He explained in answer to her question
that the Captain had remained on the _Sea-mew_ to see to some repairs
in the engineers' department. This only half satisfied her; she knew
McTavish was a capable man and could look after repairs himself. She
had a very kindly feeling toward Jack McTavish, who sometimes came
to Haverton and was not at all averse to a mild flirtation with the
buxom, comely widow.
When she saw Blackett she asked him what he thought about it.
"Why hasn't the Captain come with him? It's all moonshine his staying
on the _Sea-mew_ to see to repairs in the engine room. Mac's quite
good enough for that job," she said.
"It's none of your business, anyway," said Brant; "and as for
McTavish, you're prejudiced in his favor--I shouldn't wonder if you
aren't Sarah McTavish some day."
"Nonsense, Brant! I've had one dose of married life; I don't want to
try it again," she said.
"Give the poor man a chance; he's only one thing against him," said
the trainer.
"And pray what's that?" she asked.
"His name."
"Jack McTavish. I reckon it's the equal of Brant Blackett, anyway,"
she said.
He laughed as he answered: "You're always a bit touchy where the
McTavish is concerned. I wish you luck with him, Sarah. We'll see you
a Highland chieftainess before many months are passed. I'll put myself
in training and dance a reel after the ceremony's over."
"You're old enough to know better, and you ought to have more sense,"
she snapped, and walked away.
Picton had been at Haverton a week and still Captain Ben did not come.
He was anxious, but knew he could do no good if he went to the yacht;
he was better away. He rode several of the horses at work to keep
himself occupied, and was constantly roaming about the estate. He felt
lonely; he missed Ben sadly; he was such excellent company.
Haverton was a large mansion situated in one of the most beautiful
districts in Yorkshire. The mansion had an aspect of gentility, and
its various forms of architecture made it doubly interesting. The
strong tower on the North East dated from Plantagenet times, and was
a fine example of those peel towers on the border, of which the most
southern are in the north of Yorkshire. The west side was in the Tudor
times, showing the domestic architecture of the period. The two towers
were commanding features of the fine old mansion. The gardens were
lovely old-world places; clipped yews and flower beds intermingled on
the south terrace The entrance was imposing and the gates were
always open, as though the visitors were expected; the hospitality of
Haverton was proverbial, even in such a county as Yorkshire.
Picton was very proud of the old mansion, which had been in the
possession of the Woodridges for many generations. He loved the
glorious park with its magnificent trees, and undulating stretches of
land. Oaks of great age, with their knotted arms outstretched, studded
the landscape in all directions. There was a large lake, a mile long,
half a mile wide, and in it were pike of great size and weight. In
the river Aver, which flowed through the park, were trout, perch,
grayling, and many other kinds of fish, and here they were safe from
the voracious pike in the lake. Picton was a good angler, and he loved
to have a tussle with a twenty-four-pound pike, or a thirty-one-pound
trout in the river. He was the owner of the land for many miles round,
numerous farms, which had been in the same families for ages, and the
famous downs of Haverton, where so many good horses had been trained.
These downs were magnificent galloping grounds, and there was a clear
stretch of three miles straight--small wonder that Brant Blackett
turned out some good stayers.
Picton gloried in a good gallop on the downs, where the wind whistled
in freedom, and where there was no occasion to ease a horse until he
had done a four- or five-mile burst.
He was happy at Haverton--at least he always appeared to be--but there
was one thing cast a gloom over the place at all times: that was
the Admiral's death, and the cause of it--Hector's sentence to penal
servitude, after his reprieve. This was why Picton did not care to be
alone in the great house, why he always wished Captain Ben to be with
him. He had many friends who came to see him, but his best friend next
to Ben was Dick Langford, and he was far away in Devonshire. Sarah
Yeoman, at the end of a week, took it upon herself to speak to Picton.
"You're lonely, sir; you're brooding. It's not good for young folks
to brood. Wait till you're my age; then you can start if you are so
minded. The Captain ought to come, sir. He's been gallivanting on
the _Sea-mew_ long enough; I hope there's not a lady in the case, Mr.
Picton," she said.
Mrs. Yeoman was privileged; she had been at Haverton since she came
as a girl over thirty years ago and by sheer worth had risen to the
position of housekeeper, and ruler, at Haverton. Her husband had been
a groom there. Sarah Yeoman practically ruled everybody and everything
at Haverton; even Robert Rose, the butler, Amos Kidd, the head
gardener, and all the rest of the male and female kind bowed down to
her will. They bowed but did not worship; some of the maids--there
were four--would have liked to pull her back hair at times and scratch
her, but Sarah, although aware some feeling of this sort existed, went
on her way serene and calm, knowing she was doing her duty. There was
one thing about her: she was just, she held an even balance when there
was a dispute; and Fanny, the head housemaid, who at times almost
hated her, said she'd trust Sarah Yeoman under any circumstances to
arrive at a right decision. She was slow to anger but when roused "all
hands" fled from her wrath. With all her faults, there could have been
no better woman chosen to take the helm at Haverton. She was loyal
to the backbone; she considered the Woodridges the best family in
Yorkshire, or any other shire. She felt the blow when Hector was
condemned, and had not forgotten it, never would forget. She loved
both boys in her motherly way, and, although Picton was her favorite,
she held Hector in high esteem. She was surprised at Hector's falling
a victim to a woman, she would not have been surprised had Picton done
so.
"No, I don't think there's a lady in the case," replied Picton,
smiling. "At least I am not aware of it."
"Sailors are sly," she said.
"I thought Captain Ben was a favorite of yours," he said.
"So he is, but sailors are sailors all the same, and there's no
telling what he's up to on board the _Sea-mew_," she said.
Picton thought she would be astonished if she knew what Captain Ben
was up to.
"I think I'll go to Bridlington to-morrow and see him," he said.
"If you do, bring him back with you."
"I will if possible."
"Why should it not be possible? What's to hinder him from coming?" she
asked.
They would need her help later on, when Hector came to Haverton; he
might as well tell her now: she was thoroughly trustworthy.
"A strange thing happened when we were at Torquay," said Picton.
She waited for him to go on.
"Late one night, just before we sailed, an old boatman rowed across
the bay to the _Sea-mew_ bringing a man with him."
"Well?" she said anxiously.
"Captain Ben was on deck, the boatman hailed him and said the man
had come to see me. Ben asked his name, it was not given, but the
boatman--Brack we call him--implored him to permit the man to go on
board. So earnestly did he plead that Ben opened the gangway and let
down the steps. The man no sooner set foot on them than Brack cleared
away as fast as he could. The man came on deck, he seemed dazed,
behaved like a madman. He flung himself on Ben, who easily held him
back, the poor fellow was terribly weak and starved. Ben looked into
his face, the man looked back; they recognized each other. That man
is on the _Sea-mew_ now. Captain Ben is watching over him, nursing
him back to life and sanity. A great and grave task lies before us.
We have to shield this man, hide him, until such time as he can come
ashore without danger of being recognized. There was an escape from
Dartmoor when we were at Torquay, Sarah."
She gasped; she felt faint; she pulled herself together.
"An escape from Dartmoor--not----"
"Hector. He is on the _Sea-mew_. That is why Captain Ben is not here,"
said Picton.
CHAPTER XI
TEARAWAY AND OTHERS
There was no occasion for Picton to travel to Bridlington. Captain Ben
arrived next day and was very pleased to see him.
"He's much better," said Ben; "making a wonderful recovery. He's quite
sane, remembers everything, but his health is terribly shattered and
a long rest on the _Sea-mew_ will do him a world of good. He has no
desire to come to Haverton, or to leave the yacht; he thinks he is
safer where he is, and he is right. There was no need to caution him
to be careful, he knows what it means for all of us if there is the
slightest suspicion about the _Sea-mew_. Glovey will attend to him, so
will Mac, and the crew to a man have sworn to keep everything secret.
Don't worry yourself about it, Picton; it will do no good; and I will
return in a week or so to see how he is going on."
"Mrs. Yeoman knows," said Picton.
"She can be trusted, and it is better she should; it will prepare her
for his coming," said Ben.
It was no use worrying, as Ben said, and as Brant Blackett was anxious
to put the horses through the mill, several trials took place on the
moor.
Tearaway proved herself a veritable flyer; she easily disposed of the
lot pitted against her, and fully bore out the trainer's opinion of
her, that she was as fast as the wind. She was a beautiful mare, black
as coal, not a white speck on her, and stood sixteen hands high. No
fault could be found with her; she was sound in her wind and limb,
possessed terrific speed and was also a stayer. Blackett idolized her;
he was desperately cut up that she had not been entered in any of the
classic events, with the exception of the St. Leger. How she came to
be entered in the great Doncaster race was peculiar. Her breeder, a
Yorkshire squire, always entered his youngsters freely in the classic
races. Somehow Tearaway had been overlooked until the last moment and
a telegram was sent to enter the filly by King Charles--Far Away, in
the St. Leger only. This was Tearaway, who was named afterward.
Picton bought her at the sales at Doncaster for five hundred guineas,
at which price she was a bargain.
She ran only once as a two-year-old because Blackett saw she was
growing fast and required time; to hurry her thus early in her career
might, he said, ruin her.
Picton was immensely proud of her, and desirous of bringing off
a great coup by winning the St. Leger. It had been the Admiral's
ambition to win the Doncaster event, and more than once he had been
within an ace of doing so. Every Yorkshire owner of horses, on
any pretensions to a large scale, is anxious to win the Leger, the
greatest race in the North.
Tearaway was practically an unknown quantity and Picton decided she
should not run in public before September. With some fillies this
would have been a risky policy to pursue, but Tearaway was so quiet
and docile that there was no fear of her being frightened by a crowd,
no matter how large, or by any amount of noise. The trainer agreed
with this plan: Blackett was quite as anxious to win a Leger as his
master. He was a Yorkshireman, and patriotism was strong within him.
Brant Blackett was intended by his father for an auctioneer and had
been sent to a local firm in Whitby. He hated office work and was
always slipping away and going out to sea on one of the fishing boats.
The firm declined to have anything to do with him, and in some way or
other he drifted to Middleham and took a situation in a racing stable.
He was small, weighed under eight stone, and soon learned to ride
well. He never rode in public but was considered as good as the best
of them in getting the strength of a trial. He was recommended to the
Admiral, when he wanted a private trainer, and came to Haverton, where
he had been for many years. He was much attached to the family, and
the place, and, like the rest of them, he was cut up over Hector
Woodridge's trial. He had won many races during the time he had
been at Haverton, but vowed no such flier had been in his hands as
Tearaway. He was fond of the breed, and fond of the mare, and she
repaid his kindness by being as obedient as a child.
"She's the sweetest-tempered filly I ever handled," he said. "Her
temper's just lovely. She never flares up, or misbehaves; a perfect
lady, that's what she is."
Everybody who saw the filly agreed with him, and in the Haverton
district Tearaway was regarded as a good thing for the St. Leger.
"It's a long way off to September," said Picton as he and Ben sat on
their hacks and looked at her after a morning gallop. She had been
two miles at a fast pace and pulled up without the slightest sign of
blowing. Her glorious black coat shone like satin in the sunlight; she
tossed her head proudly, looking round with intelligent eyes that took
in all her surroundings.
"No need to hurry her," said the trainer; "and there's nothing will
happen to her, I'm sure. A sounder mare never stepped."
"We have hardly anything good enough to try her," said Picton.
"That's a fact," said Blackett. "It takes something out of the common
to extend her."
There were a dozen horses at work, some cantering, others having spins
over five and six furlongs.
As Picton rode back with Ben and the trainer he said: "What with one
thing and another I forgot to tell you Mr. Langford is sending The
Rascal here and he says I am at liberty to do what I like with him.
He's a real good 'chaser, the same I won the double on at Torquay. It
would be rather a joke if we won the St. Leger with Tearaway, and the
National with The Rascal. I wonder if a trainer ever accomplished that
feat?" said Picton, smiling.
"Never heard of it," said Blackett; "but I don't see why it should not
be done. We've a pretty good schooling ground here."
"The Rascal is one of the best horses I have ridden over fences. He's
a bit queer-tempered, but once he settles down to his work you can
depend upon him to do his best," said Picton.
"Then, if he'll do that, he must be a good horse no matter what his
temper may be," said the trainer.
During the week The Rascal arrived at Haverton and the white-faced
chestnut created a favorable impression.
Picton found the same difficulty in mounting him, but once in the
saddle all went well, and the way the horse took the stiffish fences
on the Haverton schooling ground convinced the trainer there was a
good race in him; but whether The Rascal was up to National form was
another matter.
Picton wrote to Dick Langford, stating The Rascal had arrived safely,
and saying he wished he, Dick, had come with him.
When Dick received this letter he said to his sister: "This is as good
as an invitation. I'll avail myself of it and go down to Haverton for
a few days. You don't mind, Rita?"
"Indeed, no; I think Mr. Woodridge is a very good friend," she
replied.
"He is, and he'll make a very decent sort of brother-in-law," said
Dick.
"Don't be silly," said Rita, her cheeks glowing.
"Is it silly? Not a bit of it--you know it's not. Picton's fond of
you, and you're fond of him--that ends the matter. I wonder he hasn't
asked you before."
"Asked what?"
"To be his wife."
Rita laughed as she said: "I think you spoilt an opportunity when you
called to us in the garden that night. You remember?"
"Yes, I remember, and I also recollect I thought what a fool I was at
the time," he said.
Picton was glad when Dick Langford arrived at Haverton; it gave Ben a
chance to go back to the _Sea-mew_ for a few days.
Dick always enjoyed a visit here, and small wonder, for such a lovely
place could not fail to attract. He was fond of horses and Brant
Blackett liked him.
"I hate showing a fellow round who pretends he knows a heap and knows
nothing," said the trainer. "With Mr. Langford it's different; he's a
very fair judge, and he's willing to learn; he's never cocksure about
anything. He makes some shrewd remarks too, and he's clever--yes, I
like Mr. Langford; there's grit in him."
Mrs. Yeoman gave Dick the hall-mark of her approval.
"He's a cheerful soul, not given to moping, and he's easily pleased;
he always cheers Mr. Picton up, and he wants it at times--more than
ever now," she thought.
It had come as a shock to her when Picton told her Hector had escaped
and was on board the _Sea-mew_. She wondered if he were safe there.
Picton told her Hector would be so changed when he left the yacht that
no one would recognize him, and that he would change his name. Hector
Woodridge would be dead to the world.
"Unless he can prove his innocence," he said.
"Oh, I wish that could be done!" she said. "Some day I think it will
come to pass. He's innocent, I'm sure of it. Do you know what I think,
Mr. Picton?"
"No; what is it?"
"I believe Mrs. Elroy killed her husband."
"Good heavens!" exclaimed Picton. "What makes you think that?"
"I read every scrap of evidence at the trial. I am almost certain Mr.
Hector was shielding her; he's just the sort."
"If your surmise is correct his innocence will never come to light,
because he will never betray her," said Picton.
"Perhaps not, but she can't stand that on her conscience forever,
she'll have to confess sooner or later, the burden is more than any
woman or man can bear," she said.
"She may have done it," said Picton. "Her punishment must already be
great if she did."
"If I were Mr. Hector, I'd seek her out and make her own up to it,"
she said.
"That's all very well, but you may be mistaken. In any case it is
in Hector's hands, and he will not allow any one to interfere," said
Picton.
CHAPTER XII
"I THINK HE'S DEAD"
It was Lenise Elroy who was supping at the Torbay Hotel when Hector
Woodridge looked through the chink in the blind and saw her with her
friends. The man who brought her the wrap to put on her shoulders was
Fletcher Denyer.
Denyer lived mainly on his wits. He was a dark, handsome man, about
ten years younger than Mrs. Elroy, and made her acquaintance some two
years back at a ball at a large London hotel. He was a man likely to
attract such a woman. He was unscrupulous; of his morals the less said
the better; he possessed unlimited confidence in himself. Who he was,
or where he came from, no one appeared to know, but he had wormed
himself into a certain class of society, had become known on the
racecourse, and in financial circles, and acted as a kind of tout to
more than one firm of wine merchants, also to a big turf commission
agent, who treated him liberally when he introduced business. His
address was Marine View, Hove, Brighton, and he was frequently to be
seen in the gay city by the sea.
Marine View was a small house off one of the main streets, comfortably
furnished, and Denyer was the sole tenant. Two half caste servants, a
man and his wife, looked after the place. The man's name was Antonio
Tobasco, his wife's Lucille, and they knew more about their master
than any one.
Tobasco seemed devoted to Denyer; so did his wife; they attended to
his wants, and looked after the house during his absence. Tobasco's
father was an Italian emigrant who went to America in the fifties,
and gradually drifted to Mexico, where he married a native woman.
Lucille's mother was an Italian, her father a dark man in the Southern
States. There was plenty of black blood in them, and with it mingled
a certain amount of treachery. Denyer had lived in Mexico; it was here
he became acquainted with them, through Lucille, whom at one time he
admired--it was his money that gave Tobasco the chance to marry her,
but the man did not know of the relations which at one time existed
between Denyer and Lucille. She was quite contented to marry him, and
the union had proved satisfactory for several years.
It was Lucille who persuaded Denyer to bring them to England with him.
At first he refused, but she knew how to handle him and succeeded in
having her way.
Lenise Elroy had seen Hector's face at the window, just a glimpse,
but sufficient to frighten her. She thought she recognized him, then
wondered why she had been such a fool; he was safe in Dartmoor, and
not likely to come out again. At the same time she could not get rid
of the impression, nor could she make an excuse for her sudden alarm.
She came to Torquay with Denyer at his request; he said he wanted a
change, and her society. There was no question of love on his side,
although Lenise was a handsome woman, but he was to a certain extent
infatuated with her, and proud of being seen in her company. What her
feelings were toward him she hardly knew. She was at a critical age,
when a woman sometimes loses her head over a man much younger than
herself. She would have been very sorry to lose Denyer's friendship,
but she had no intention of letting her inclinations run away with
her common sense. She kept on the right side, there was nothing wrong
between them; they were familiar, but it had been carried no farther,
and she was determined to be his wife, if she wished--at present she
did not wish it.
She tormented him, but at the same time attracted him; moreover, she
was useful to him. She had a settled income, he had not; occasionally
he found himself short of money, hard up. She helped him, he pocketed
the cash and felt grateful for a few days. She did not despise him for
taking the money from her; she wished to bind him to her, and this was
a sure way.
It was during her brief stay at Torquay that Lenise Elroy came across
Brack. She was fond of the sea, had a liking for rowing in small
boats.
"Can't understand what you see in 'em," said Denyer; "beastly cockly
things, might go over at any moment."
"Well, I do like them, and I'm not going to explain why. If you don't
care to go out, stay here until I come back; I'm going to have a row
round the men-of-war," she said.
"Please yourself, but it's a waste of time. Why not go for a motor
drive instead?"
"I prefer the row; you take the motor."
"I will. Brady's doing business, so I'll take his wife for a spin;
she's good company."
"Very," said Lenise. "She's not at all a bad sort."
She knew very well Mrs. Brady would not go out alone with him; if he
didn't know it, he was not quite so wide awake as she imagined.
She went to the harbor, and, seeing Brack, took a fancy to him.
"Want to go for a row?" he asked.
"Yes, round the warships."
"I'm yer man. I get a lot of patronage from ladies; they're safe with
me, I'm a steady goin' old 'un."
He took his blackened pipe out of his mouth and slipped it into his
pocket.
"This is my boat, _The Dart_," he said. "Wait till I put the cushion
right for you."
She got in. Brack thought what a handsome woman she was.
He was about to push off when he looked up and saw Carl Hackler.
"So yer here still, messin' about! Wonder yer not tired of it," he
said.
"I am," said Carl. "Dead tired of it! Nothing can be done here. My
belief is he's dead."
"And mine too; he couldn't have stood it all this time, wandering
about the moor," Brack said.
When they were out in the bay she asked:
"Who is dead? What were you talking about?"
"It's a long story, mum, a sad story; I don't suppose it would
interest you."
"Who was that man on the quay?" she asked.
"He's from Dartmoor, from the prison," said Brack.
He did not see the look of interest on her face as he spoke.
"A warder?" she asked.
"Not exactly that; I fancy he's one of the fellows turned on for
special duty at times."
"And what is he doing at Torquay?"
"A week or so back a man escaped from Dartmoor prison. They've not
caught him yet; it's my opinion they never will," he answered with a
chuckle.
She felt that peculiar feeling come over that she experienced when she
fancied she saw Hector's face looking through the window of the hotel.
"What nonsense!" she thought. "There are hundreds of prisoners there;
why should he be the one to escape?"
She was restless, all the same, and wished Brack would tell her more.
"I suppose it is no uncommon thing for a prisoner to escape?" she
asked.
"No; they do a bolt sometimes. They're generally caught inside
twenty-four hours."
"But this man is not taken?"
"No, and Hackler's been mooning about Torquay looking for him for a
week, just as though the fellow would be likely to come here," said
Brack.
"I wonder who he was?"
"Don't know, but he was a good plucked 'un," said Brack, and proceeded
to tell her all about the throttling of the hound.
"He must be a very desperate character," she said.
"It's enough to make a man desperate," said Brack.
"What was he in prison for?" she asked.
"Murder, so I've heard," said Brack.
She started.
"What murder, where?"
"Somewhere up in Yorkshire, I believe," said Brack, who was now
watching her. He saw her turn pale and clutch the side of the boat
with one hand.
"Takes an uncommon interest in it," he thought. "Wonder who she is?"
"Do you know anything about the murder--the trial I mean? You come
from Yorkshire, do you not--I can tell by your accent," she said with
a faint attempt at a smile.
"Yes, I'm fra Yorkshire," said Brack. "Used to be at Scarborough some
years ago."
"I come from Yorkshire too," she said. "I remember some years ago
there was a celebrated trial there, a murder case, the man who was
convicted shot the husband of some lady he had been compromised with.
It was a very sad case, a very old Yorkshire family, I forget the
name, it was Wood something--oh, I have it, Woodridge, that's it. Do
you recollect it?"
Brack was on the alert. She knew a good deal more about it than she
pretended; he was sure of it. Who was she?
"I remember it; most folks up our way will remember it to their dying
day," he said.
"Why?"
"Because no one believed him guilty."
"But he was found guilty and sentenced."
"Many an innocent man suffers for another's crime," said Brack.
"Perhaps it was this man who escaped," she said.
"If it were, the poor fellow's dead by now," said Brack. "They did say
at the time it was the woman, the wife, that got him into his trouble.
Women's generally at the bottom of these things. I believe she was a
mighty fine woman too; but she must have been wicked."
Lenise was restless.
"Don't you think we had better put back?" she said.
"I thought you wanted to row round the men-o'-war," he said.
"It is too far; I want to be back for lunch."
"Shall I turn round?"
"Yes, please."
"Do you think they'll catch the man who escaped?" she asked before
they reached the landing steps.
"I think he's dead or they'd have got him afore now," said Brack.
She gave a sigh of relief, as she handed him half a sovereign.
"I haven't got any change," said Brack.
"You can keep that; you interested me in your conversation. What did
you say was the name of the man from the prison?"
"Carl Hackler," said Brack.
"Thank you; if I wish to go out again I will take your boat."
"Very good, my lady, always at your service," said Brack; adding to
himself, "I'd like to find out who she is, and why she's so mighty
interested in it all."
CHAPTER XIII
A WOMAN'S FEAR
Lenise Elroy was troubled; she felt uneasy, afraid of something, she
hardly knew what; she had a presentiment that a calamity hung over
her, that much trouble was in store.
Fletcher Denyer was irritated. She was not at all like the gay woman
of a few days back; what ailed her? He questioned her, received no
satisfactory reply.
"I want to go to town," he said.
"I don't; I like being here."
"But I must return to London, I have a lot of business to see to."
She smiled; when he talked about business it amused her.
He noticed it and said angrily: "You never think I do anything in the
way of business."
"I judge by results," she answered.
"And I don't show any, is that it?"
She nodded.
"Look here, Len, we've been together for a couple of years and been
good friends; we don't want to quarrel now."
"I'm sure I've no wish to do so."
"There's a good deal more in me than you imagine. Why didn't you
speculate in those Mexican shares I told you about? You'd have made a
pile."
"I should; you were right in that instance. It has always struck me
you know a good deal about Mexico."
"Perhaps I do; it's a great country, I'm told."
"I suppose you have not been there?" she said.
"If I had, I should probably be better off."
"If you must go to London, go. I'll follow in a few days," she said.
"You seem to have suddenly taken an interest in the place."
"I have, I like it. It is my first visit. I think it beautiful," she
said.
He wondered why she wished to remain, but did not question her
further. In the afternoon he went to London. She was glad to be alone;
she wanted to be quiet and think. Supposing Hector Woodridge had
escaped from Dartmoor, and was not dead, what would happen? What would
he do to her? She trembled, felt faint; there was no telling to
what lengths such a man infuriated at the cruelty and misery he had
suffered, might go. She must find out more about it. The man to see
was Carl Hackler, but how to approach him?
She meant to converse with him at any cost, and went out with that
intention.
Carl had nothing to do but idle time away; he was quite certain the
prisoner had either got clear off, or was lying dead on the moor. He
saw Mrs. Elroy coming toward him, and recognized her as the lady Brack
had taken out in his boat. She evidently intended speaking to him.
"You are Mr. Hackler, I believe?" she asked.
"I am; at your service."
"The boatman told me who you were. You come from the prison at
Dartmoor?"
"I do."
"A man has escaped, I want to know more about it. The boatman gave me
to understand he was tried for murder in Yorkshire some years ago. If
this is the man who escaped I know him, I know the family," she said.
"What name?" asked Hackler.
"Woodridge. Hector Woodridge," she said.
"I believe it's the same man," said Hackler, interested.
"Will he be caught?"
"If he's alive he's sure to be taken."
"But you think it probable he is dead?" she questioned.
"I think it quite possible."
"Are you here on the lookout for him?"
"Yes."
"Surely he would not be likely to come to Torquay."
"I don't know so much about that. You see he might be able to get
away by sea if he had friends, or some one willing to help him," said
Hackler.
"Who would help him? The risk would be too great."
"There's many men take risks for each other. You seem interested in
him."
"I am. I know him, a dangerous man, I should not care to meet him
again," she said.
"He had not that reputation at Dartmoor. He was quiet and inoffensive,
about the last man we'd have thought would try to escape," he said.
"And you have no doubt he is Hector Woodridge?"
"No, I don't think there's much doubt about that; in fact none at all.
It is improbable he will meet you again. Even if he has got away he'll
go out of the country into some safe hiding-place; he's not likely to
roam about England," he said.
She thanked him, asked him to accept a sovereign, which he did not
refuse.
Carl Hackler watched her as she walked away; she looked stately,
carried herself well, what he called a "stunner."
Carl wondered why she was so anxious to find out who the escaped
prisoner was. She must have some personal interest in him; she did not
seem like a woman who wasted her time over trifles. He determined to
see Brack and hear what he had to say about the lady. He had a good
deal of regard for Brack, also a shrewd idea that in some way or
another the boatman had the better of him.
Brack was nothing loath to chat when Carl came up.
"All the ladies seem fond of you, Brack," he said.
"Yes, I don't say as they're not; I often has ladies in my boat," he
said.
"Rather a smart woman you took out to-day."
"A very pretty craft, built on fine lines," said Brack.
"I've had a talk with her. She's interested in the man I'm on the
lookout for."
"Is she?"
"You know she is. Didn't she speak about him when you took her out?"
"Maybe she did, maybe she didn't."
Carl laughed.
"You're a sly old sea dog," he said. "Now Brack, listen to me. That
lady is interested in Hector Woodridge, No. 832; that's his name,
certain of it, no mistake. Another thing, she's afraid of him; afraid
he'll do her some bodily harm if he comes across her. Now why should
he? There must be some good reason."
"Afraid of him, is she? By gad, I thought the same thing."
"Then you talked about him in the boat?"
"Yes, that's so."
"What did she say?"
"Not much; she knew the family, his family, knew all about the trial."
"Did she now? What was the woman like?"
"Which woman?"
"The wife of the man Woodridge shot."
Brack was thoughtful.
"What yer drivin' at, Carl, my boy?"
"I've got a kind of notion she must have been mixed up in the case,"
said Carl.
"There was only one woman in it--the wife," said Brack. "Gosh!" he
exclaimed, and looked at Carl with a startled expression.
"Well?" said Carl.
"I thought I'd seen her face somewhere afore, pictures of her, photos,
or something."
"Yes; go on."
"I may be mistaken; I'd not like to say as much without being
certain."
"You can trust me; it shall go no farther."
"She's like the wife, the woman whose husband he shot," said Brack.
"You've hit it," said Carl. "That accounts for it; she is the woman,
no doubt."
"Don't hurry; it may be only a likeness."
"You'd not have remembered it if she'd not been the woman," said Carl.
"It's stuck in your memory."
"If she's the one, no wonder she's afraid to meet him--he'd do for
her."
"I don't think so. He must have been precious fond of her, or he'd
never have done time for her."
"Come home with me and have a talk," said Brack, and Carl went.
Mrs. Elroy found it slow at night, but her thoughts were busy. She was
restless, ate very little dinner, hardly spoke to Mrs. Brady, or her
husband, and left them as soon as she could decently do so.
"Seems out of sorts," said Brady.
"Fletcher Denyer has gone to town," was Mrs. Brady's comment, and she
spoke as though that explained everything.
"Do you think she's fond of him?" he asked.
"Yes, but she hardly knows it."
"Is he fond of her?"
"He's not in love with her; he's infatuated, that's all. Lenise has a
way with the men that's hard to resist," she said.
Mrs. Elroy, for want of something better to do, looked over some
back copies of the Torquay _Times_, and came across an account of
the races. She saw Picton Woodridge had ridden four winners, which
surprised her not a little; she had not seen him for years, had no
desire to meet him.
Then she read about the escape from Dartmoor; there was not much about
it, she gleaned very little fresh information.
A paragraph that attracted her close attention was about Picton
Woodridge's yacht, the _Sea-mew_. A description of it was given and at
the end it stated, "She left the bay during the night, her departure
was rather unexpected."
Picton Woodridge's yacht in Torbay at the time Hector escaped from
Dartmoor. Was this a coincidence, or was it part of a well-laid plan?
She shivered, felt cold, a chill passed over her. She rang the bell
and ordered a brandy; this put new life into her for the moment. Her
brain worked actively; she was piecing things together. The _Sea-mew_
left in the night unexpectedly. Why? Had Hector Woodridge contrived to
board her? Had Picton and Captain Ben Bruce helped him?
The thought tormented her, she could not sleep, she tossed uneasily on
her bed.
"He's dead! Hackler says so, the boatman says so; he could not live
on the moor. It is impossible. How could he reach the _Sea-mew_?
Supposing he seeks me out, what would he do?"
A cold perspiration broke out over her body.
"He'd kill me if I didn't speak," she said with a shudder.
CHAPTER XIV
NOT RECOGNIZED
The _Sea-mew_ cruised about from one place to another and Hector
Woodridge recovered his health and strength; but he was a changed man.
Even Picton thought it difficult to recognize him; he would not have
done so had he met him in the street.
Captain Ben said: "It is quite safe for you to go ashore. You are
supposed to be dead; you must take another name."
"William Rolfe--how will that do?" said Hector.
"As good as any other," said Picton. "We'll test it. You come to
Haverton as William Rolfe to look at the horses, and if Sarah Yeoman
and Blackett don't recognize you it will be proof positive there is no
danger."
It was early in August when Hector Woodridge, as William Rolfe, came
to Haverton. Mrs. Yeoman did not recognize him, nor did the trainer,
although the former thought his face familiar.
The change in Hector was extraordinary. Not only was his appearance
entirely different, but his voice, manner, everything about him was
that of another man.
Mrs. Yeoman and Blackett were not enlightened as to his identity.
Hector was glad they did not recognize him; he was careful to give
them no clue to his identity, although occasionally when off his guard
he almost betrayed himself by showing his knowledge of the house and
its surroundings. Amos Kidd, the head gardener, as he saw him walking
about, thought: "He must have been here before, but I don't recollect
seeing him."
It was a sore trial to him to come back to the old home as a stranger.
Everything revived recollections of the misery he had caused, and of
the Admiral's death, and at last these became so vivid and painful
that he told Picton he could stand it no longer.
"I shall go mad if I stay here," he said. "I must get away."
"Where will you go?" asked Picton.
"To London for a time; it is a safe place--such a vast crowd--and
probably I am forgotten at Dartmoor. There is an advantage in being
dead, is there not?" he said, smiling grimly.
"Perhaps it will be for the best. In London you will see so many
sights, your attention will be taken away from the past. I quite
understand how you feel about Haverton, but you will grow out of it in
time," said Picton.
"Never; at least not until my innocence is proved."
"You think it will be?"
"Yes, it must; I mean to prove it."
"How?"
"Leave that to me. I have a plan which may prove successful, but it
will be risky; everything will depend on the first bold step."
"Don't rush into danger," said Picton. "Where's the use? You may fail;
you may be recognized; and then, think what would follow."
"You fear I might be sent back to prison," he said, smiling. "There is
no fear of that. I promise you I will never go back to Dartmoor."
"You must have all the money you require, Hector," said his brother.
"I shall want money; there is plenty for both."
"Ample; it costs a lot to keep up Haverton, but half of what I have is
yours."
"Too generous, Pic; you always were. I shall not want half, nothing
like it. Place a few thousands to my credit in a London bank."
"That would not be safe. I will draw ten thousand pounds in notes, and
you can use it as you think best," said Picton.
"Very well. That is a large sum, but I shall probably require it.
The scheme I have in my mind will cost money, a lot of it, but I'd
sacrifice all I have to prove my innocence," said Hector.
"And I will help you. I want to keep up Haverton, but you shall have
the rest. I'll tell you what. Hector, I'm going to back Tearaway to
win a fortune in the St. Leger. Already money is going on at forty
to one; I may get a thousand on at that price, perhaps more," said
Picton.
"I'd like to see her have a spin before I leave," said Hector.
"And you shall. Blackett has obtained permission from Sir Robert
Raines to use his famous Cup horse Tristram in a trial gallop. The
horse will be here to-morrow, and we can put them together with one
or two more the next morning. Sir Robert is coming over to see it. He
takes a great interest in her; he owns her sire King Charles."
"Sir Robert coming?" said Hector doubtfully.
"He'll never recognize you--no one would, not even----"
Picton pulled himself up short. He had spoken unthinkingly and stopped
just in time; but Hector was not satisfied.
"Not even--whom did you mean?" he asked.
"Never mind; it was a slip; I forgot."
"Lenise Elroy?" asked Hector calmly.
"Yes, I thought of her."
"And you think she, even that woman, would not recognize me?"
"I am certain she would not. She might have done so when you escaped,
but not now. Your illness has changed you in a very strange way. I can
hardly believe you are Hector sometimes," said Picton.
"Then I must be safe," he said, smiling. "Speaking of Mrs. Elroy," he
went on, "did I tell you I saw her in Torquay?"
"No," said Picton surprised. "Where? Are you sure?"
"I was passing a hotel when something prompted me to cross the road
and look in at the window. I saw her seated at the supper table,
laughing gayly with people, a man beside her, probably her lover,
he seemed infatuated with her. She is still very beautiful, the same
luring smile, and eyes like stars; you can imagine how I felt. The
sight was too much for me, as I contrasted her position with mine.
I raised my hands and appealed to God for justice. My prayer was
answered, for a little farther on, as I staggered down the road, I
came across that great-hearted fellow Brack. You know the rest."
"Yes, I know the rest," said Picton.
They were in the study and could talk freely. No one ventured in
except Captain Ben, and he came at this moment. He saw something
serious was going on; shutting the door quietly he sat down.
"Hector is going away, to London. He can't stand the associations at
Haverton. It is not to be wondered at," said Picton.
"I'm surprised he stood it so long; I know what it must have cost him.
You're brave, Hector, far braver than we are. By God, you're a man if
ever there was one!" said Ben in his straight manner.
"A man can bear far more than he imagines. Torture of the mind is
greater than torture of the body," said Hector.
"You're right, no doubt," said Ben. "But why London, why go there?"
"I have my reasons; they are powerful. On board the _Sea-mew_ I laid
my plans; I think I shall succeed," said Hector.
"Would you like Ben to go with you?" asked Picton.
"No--he'd be too merciful," said Hector calmly.
They looked at him; he spoke quietly, but there was that in his voice
and face boded ill for somebody.
"When are you going?" asked Ben.
"After Tearaway has had her trial with Tristram," said Hector.
"That will be worth seeing," said Ben.
"And the filly will beat Sir Robert's horse," said Picton.
"I doubt it," said Ben. "Think what he's done, and Ascot Cup winner,
Doncaster Cup Cesarewitch, Metropolitan, Northumberland Plate--he must
be the best stayer in England."
"So he is," said Picton, "but Tearaway will beat him for speed at the
finish. Blackett says he'll put them together over two miles, with
only seven pounds between them. I suggested level weights but he
doesn't want to take the heart out of her."
"If she can beat Tristram at seven pounds she's the best filly ever
seen," said Ben.
"And I believe she is," was Picton's enthusiastic comment.
Hector Woodridge sat in his room, when everything was still in the
house, and thought over his plans. No one recognized him, Picton said
even Lenise Elroy would not recognize him; so much the better, for he
had dealings with her.
How he hated this woman, who had fooled him to the top of his bent and
done him so great an injury! She must suffer. Did she suffer now? She
must, there was some sort of conscience in her. Her beauty appealed
to him once; never would it do so again. She knew he was innocent, the
only person who did, and he intended wringing a confession from her.
Fortunately he had money. His brother was generous, and offered him
more than he had a right to expect; he would make it up to him some
day, when he had completed the work he intended.
There was a man on Dartmoor, and there was Brack: they must be
rewarded for their kindness, for the help they had given him. And
there was that gracious lady who assisted him as he tramped to
Torquay. He had not forgotten her face, it was engraven on his memory.
He was thinking of her now, how she gave him the coat, the boots,
food, and spoke kindly to him. When times were changed, and his work
done, he would seek her out again and thank her. His heart warmed
toward her; he contrasted her purity with that of the other woman, and
wondered how he could have been caught in Lenise Elroy's toils.
Elroy was a weak-minded, foolish fellow; she married him for his
money. He recalled his first meeting with her; they were mutually
attracted, and so it went on and on, from bad to worse, until the end,
when the fatal shot was fired.
And since then? He could not bear to think of it all. He vowed Lenise
Elroy should pay the penalty as he had, that her tortures of mind
should equal his; then she would know what he had suffered; no, not a
tenth part of it; but even that would overwhelm her.
CHAPTER XV
"THE ST. LEGER'S IN YOUR POCKET"
Tristram arrived at Haverton; Sir Robert Raines came the same day;
everything was in readiness for the trial next morning.
Sir Robert was a great racing man, came of a sporting family, had a
fine seat about forty miles from Haverton, called Beaumont Hall, where
he kept a stud of horses and about thirty or forty racers. He was well
known as a plunger, and had landed some big stakes; occasionally he
was hard hit, but so far the balance had been on the right side.
He and the Woodridges had been friends for years; he had known the
Admiral and admired him. He had also known Raoul Elroy and his wife,
and been present at Hector's trial, on the grand jury, and after. Sir
Robert was loath to believe Hector guilty, but on the evidence
could arrive at no other conclusion. The result of the trial made no
difference in his friendship with the Admiral and Picton; when the
former died he helped his son to the best of his ability. He had a
great liking for Captain Ben, which was returned.
It was a critical moment when Hector was introduced to him as William
Rolfe, "a friend of mine from Devonshire," said Picton.
Sir Robert shook hands with him; it was easy to see he had no idea it
was Hector Woodridge, and all breathed more freely.
"So you imagine you've got the winner of the St. Leger at Haverton,
eh, Pic?" he said as they sat smoking after dinner.
"It's more than imagination. I think Tearaway is the best filly I
ever saw; so does Blackett; he says she's as fast as the wind," said
Picton.
"Is she? The wind blows at a pretty pace over the wolds sometimes,
sixty miles an hour or more; she's not quite up to that," said Sir
Robert.
"No, not quite," laughed Picton; "but she has a rare turn of speed,
and can stay as long as she's wanted."
"I haven't seen her for some time," he said.
"She's improved a lot, a real beauty; I'm sure you will say so. You
ought to back her to win a good stake."
"I'm told Ripon will win. They fancy him a lot at Newmarket; they also
think he had bad luck to lose the Derby."
"Suppose Tearaway beats Tristram in the morning at seven pounds
difference?" said Picton.
"It will be the biggest certainty for the St. Leger ever known," said
Sir Robert.
Hector joined in the conversation. Sir Robert liked him, but no look
or word reminded him of Hector Woodridge.
"I'm safe," thought Hector. "Sir Robert ought to have been one of the
first to recognize me."
Next morning they were all on the moor early. Four horses were to take
part in the trial: Tristram, Tearaway, Rodney and Admiral, and the
filly was giving weight to all except Sir Robert's great horse.
"By jove, she has grown into a beauty!" exclaimed the baronet when
he saw the beautiful black filly with Fred Erickson, the popular
Yorkshire jockey, in the saddle. Erickson lived at Haverton village,
but was not often at home, as he had an enormous amount of riding,
going to scale under eight stone easily.
"Good morning, Fred," said Sir Robert. "You're on a nice filly."
"She is, Sir Robert; one of the best."
"Can she beat Tristram? You've ridden him."
"I wouldn't go so far as that, but she'll give him a good race," said
the jockey.
Abel Dent came from Beaumont Hall to ride Tristram in the gallop. He
was always on the horse's back in his work and knew him thoroughly.
"You'll have to keep him going, Abe," said Sir Robert, smiling.
"I'll keep 'em all going," was the confident reply.
Rodney and Admiral were more than useful; the latter was to bring them
along for the last mile, it was his favorite distance.
Brant Blackett greeted them as he rode up on his cob. He was brimful
of confidence as to the result of the spin. He set Tearaway to give
Rodney and Admiral a stone each.
"I'll send them down to the two-mile post," he said.
"This is the best long gallop anywhere, I should say," said
Sir Robert. "I often envy it you, Pic, my boy. Fancy four miles
straight--it's wonderful."
It was indeed a glorious sight. The moor stretched away for miles,
undulating, until it was lost in the hill in the distance. The
training ground had been reclaimed from it, snatched from its
all-devouring grasp, and been perfected at great expense. Beside the
somber brown of the wild moorland it looked a brilliant, dazzling
green.
Haverton Moor harbored vast numbers of birds, and the grouse shooting
was among the best in Yorkshire. Picton Woodridge owned the moor; it
was not profitable, but he loved it, and would sooner have parted with
fertile farms than one acre of this brown space. It was not dull this
morning; the sun touched everything, and as far as the eye could see
there were billows of purple, brown, green, yellow, and tinges of red.
A haze hung over it when they arrived, but gradually floated away like
gossamer and disappeared into space. The air was bracing; it was good
to be out on such a morning, far away from the noise and bustle of the
busy world; a feeling of restfulness, which nature alone gives, was
over all.
To Hector, however, it recalled memories which made him shudder. He
thought of that great moor he had so recently been a prisoner on, and
of his escape, and the privations he suffered. There was not the cruel
look about Haverton, and there was no prison in its space.
Blackett sent his head lad to start them. Looking through powerful
glasses he saw when they moved off and said, "They're on the way; we
shall know something."
The three were galloping straight toward them at a tremendous pace.
Rodney held the lead; he would be done with at the end of the first
mile, then Admiral would jump in and pilot them home.
Abe Dent meant winning on Tristram; he had little doubt about it. How
could Tearaway be expected to beat him at a difference of only seven
pounds? It was absurd!
Rodney fell back, and Admiral took command with a six lengths' lead.
The lad on him had instructions to come along at top speed, and was
nothing loath; he knew his mount was a smasher over a mile.
Tearaway was in the rear, Erickson keeping close behind Tristram.
When Admiral took Rodney's place the jockey knew the filly was going
splendidly; he felt sure he could pass Tristram at any time.
Dent saw Admiral sailing ahead and went after him; the gap lessened,
Tristram got within three lengths and stopped there. Sir Robert's
horse was a great stayer, but he lacked the sprinting speed for a
lightning finish. This was where Tearaway had the advantage.
"What a pace!" exclaimed Sir Robert. "By jove, Pic, you've got a
wonder in that filly, but she'll not beat my fellow."
"They have half a mile to go yet," said the trainer. "There'll be a
change before long."
So great was the pace that Admiral ran himself out at the end of six
furlongs and came back to Tristram. Fred saw this, and giving Tearaway
a hint she raced up alongside the Cup horse.
When Dent saw her head level with him he set to work on his mount.
Tristram always finished like a bulldog, and had to be ridden out. He
gained again.
Sir Robert saw it and said: "He'll come right away now."
So thought the others, with the exception of the trainer; he sat on
his cob, a self-satisfied smile on his face.
"Wait till Fred turns the tap on," he thought.
Erickson was not long in doing this. He knew Tearaway's speed was
something abnormal; in his opinion nothing could stand against it.
In answer to his call, Tearaway swooped down on Tristram again,
drew level, headed him, left him, and was a length ahead before Dent
recovered from the shock. On came Tearaway. They looked in amazement.
Sir Robert could hardly believe his eyes. What a tremendous pace at
the end of a two-mile gallop.
"What did I tell you!" exclaimed the trainer triumphantly. "Fast as
the wind, you bet she is."
The black filly came on, increasing her lead at every stride; she
passed them a good couple of lengths ahead of Tristram, Admiral
toiling in the rear.
"Wonderful!" exclaimed Sir Robert. He seemed puzzled to account for
it. Was Tristram off color? He must ask Dent.
The pair pulled up and came slowly to the group.
"Anything wrong with my horse?" asked Sir Robert.
"No, sir; he galloped as well as ever, but that filly's a wonder, a
holy terror, never saw anything like it, she flew past him--her pace
is tremendous," and Dent looked at Tearaway with a sort of awe.
"Won easily," said Fred. "Never had to press her. I had the measure of
Tristram all the way; I could have raced up to him at any part of the
spin. Look at her now. She doesn't blow enough to put a match out; you
can't feel her breathing hardly. She's the best racer I ever put my
leg across."
"Pic, the St. Leger's in your pocket," said Sir Robert, as he shook
him heartily by the hand.
CHAPTER XVI
HOW HECTOR FOUGHT THE BLOODHOUND
The night before Hector was to leave Haverton he sat with his brother
and Captain Ben in the study. They had been talking over Tearaway's
wonderful trial, and Picton said he should back her to win the biggest
stake he had ever gone for.
"And you shall have half if she wins, as I feel sure she will," he
said to Hector.
"You are too good," said Hector; "but I won't refuse it. I may want
it. I have a difficult and expensive game to play."
"Don't run into danger," said Ben.
"I'll avoid it where possible," said Hector.
"You have not told us how you escaped from prison," said Picton.
"Perhaps it is too painful a subject."
"Painful it is, but I fully intended telling you. I may as well do
it now. I want to recompense the man on the moor, also Brack, without
whose assistance I should not have boarded the _Sea-mew_. I protested
but he insisted on taking me there. I thought my presence on board
might compromise you. Brack asked me what I would do if you and I
changed places and I confessed to myself I would help you to escape."
"Did you doubt what I would do?" asked Picton.
"No, but I did not wish you to run any risk for my sake."
"That was unkind; you know I would do anything for you," said Picton.
"Anyhow, I am glad Brack insisted on my going on the _Sea-mew_," said
Hector, smiling. "I had some luck in getting away. I do not think the
warders thought I would try to escape--I had been quiet and orderly
during the time I had been there. When the gang I was in returned to
the prison I managed to creep away and hide in some bushes. I had no
irons on, I had a good deal of liberty, most of the men liked me, one
or two of them were kind and pitied me. It was much easier to slip
away than I anticipated. When I was alone I ran as fast as I could
across the moor. They were not long in discovering I was missing, and
as I fled I heard the gun fired, giving warning that a prisoner had
escaped. The sound echoed across the moor; I knew every man's hand
was against me but I meant making a fight for liberty. Even the hour's
freedom I had enjoyed helped me. I was out of prison, alone on the
moor, I determined not to be taken back--I would sooner die. I knew
there were many old disused quarries, and limekilns, about. Could I
not hide in one of these? No; they would be sure to search them.
I must get into densely wooded country, among the bushes and
undergrowth, and hide there. I was weak in body, for my health had
broken down, but I kept on until nightfall, when I sank down exhausted
in a mass of bracken and fell asleep. The sun was up when I awoke. I
looked cautiously round, starting at every sound; a bird in the trees,
or a rabbit scuttling away made me nervous. I saw no one about, so I
hurried along, taking advantage of every bit of cover. I passed the
back of a huge Tor, which reared its granite head high above
the country, like a giant hewn in stone. It looked cold, bleak,
forbidding, had a stern aspect, made me shudder; I hurried away from
it across more open country. How to get rid of my clothes and obtain
others puzzled me. I had no money; if it came to the worst I must
watch some farm house where there was a chance of making an exchange.
I dare not face any one; when I saw a man coming toward me I hid until
he passed. I knew the trackers were after me, that a thorough search
would be made, and the feeling that I was being hunted down almost
overwhelmed me. I had nothing to eat except a few berries and roots;
the nights were cold and I lay shivering, ill, and worn out. Two days
passed and I began to think I had a chance. My prison clothes were the
great hindrance. I could not leave the moor in them: it meant certain
capture. I did not know in which direction I was traveling; my one
object was to go on and on until an opportunity offered to rid myself
of the tell-tale garments.
"Almost done up for want of food, and the long tramp, I sat down to
rest on a rock, from which I had a good view of the moor, although I
was hidden from sight. I knew telescopes and glasses would be used,
and that I should be discovered if I showed myself.
"I saw no one about, but about a mile distant was a farm house. It was
in a lonely, bleak spot. I wondered if the people in it were as cold
as the country; they could hardly be blamed if their surroundings
hardened them, made them callous to human suffering. I don't know what
it was, but something prompted me to go toward this house. I walked
along, keeping under cover where possible, until half the distance had
been traversed.
"As I walked I fancied I heard a peculiar sound behind me. It chilled
my blood in me; it made me tremble. I dare not look back, I stood
still, panting with horror. It was not the sound of human footsteps,
and yet something was coming after me; I distinctly heard the thud on
the ground, and whatever it was it must be drawing nearer.
"I cannot convey to you any idea of the peculiar unearthly sound I
heard, no description of mine could be adequate, but you can imagine
something of what I felt, weak and overtaxed as I was, my mind in a
whirl, my legs deadly tired and numbed, every part of my body aching.
The sound came nearer. Then a noise which increased my horror--I
had heard it before, near the prison--it was the bay of a hound--a
bloodhound was on my track. I knew what such a brute would do, pull
me down, tear me, fasten his teeth in me, worry me to death. In
desperation I turned and stood still. I saw the bloodhound coming
along at a fast pace, scenting the ground, then baying from time to
time. He lifted his huge head and saw me. I fancied I saw fire flash
in his eyes, his mouth looked blood red, his huge jaws and cheeks hung
massively on each side. He was a great beast, savage, with the lust of
blood on him, and he came straight at me. There was a chain attached
to his collar, so I judged he must have wrenched away from the man who
held him in leash. He was within fifty yards of me and I prepared
to grapple with him; I had no intention of allowing my weakness to
overcome me. Fight him I must. It was his life or mine; but how could
I wrestle with so much brute strength in my feeble condition? He came
at me with the ferocity of a lion. He leaped upon me, and I caught him
by the collar. He bit and scratched my hands, but I did not let go.
For a moment I held him, his savage face glared into mine, his huge
paws were on my chest, he stood on his hind legs, the incarnation of
brute strength. We glared at each other. Like a lightning flash it
crossed my mind that I must loose my hold on the collar and grasp his
throat with both hands, throttle him. This was easier thought than
done, for once I loosened my grip on the collar he might wrench
himself free and hurl me to the ground; then his teeth would be at
my throat instead of my hands at his. I did it in a second. He almost
slipped me; he was very cunning--the moment I loosened my hold on the
collar he seemed to know my intention. But I had him, held him, put
all my strength with it and felt his windpipe gradually being crushed
closer and closer. At that moment I think I was as great a savage as
the bloodhound, I felt if it had been a man I held by the throat I
should have done the same to free myself. How he struggled! We fell
to the ground and rolled over, but I never loosened my hold and hardly
felt the pain in my hands. He tore me with his feet, scratching,
striving to bite me and failing. We rolled over and over but I did not
let go. I was almost exhausted when the hound's struggle relaxed--in a
few minutes he was dead. No one can imagine the feeling of relief and
thankfulness that came over me. I offered up a prayer for my delivery
from a terrible death, then sank down in a faint by his side.
"When I came to I thought what I should do. There would be another
hound on the track, I must put it off the scent. The smell of my
clothes was what they were following; I knew this from what I had been
told in the prison. I must get rid of the clothes. I stripped them off
and laid them on the bloodhound, then I tied my coarse vest round my
loins and started toward the farm house. As I went I saw a man come
out at the gate with a gun. I determined to face him, risk it,
throw myself on his mercy. He saw me and stood still, staring in
amazement--and well he might. At first I think he thought I was mad.
"I sank down at his feet, utterly overcome, and I saw a look of pity
in his somewhat stern face and eyes.
"'You are an escaped convict,' he said.
"I acknowledged it and pleaded my innocence.
"He smiled as he said: 'They are always innocent.'
"I asked him to come and see what I had done.
"'Here, put this coat on,' he said.
"He wore a long coat, almost to his heels, and it covered me. We
walked to where the hound lay. I explained what had happened, that I
had wrestled with the brute and after a long struggle throttled him.
He was amazed and said I was a good plucked 'un. There was no one in
the house but himself, he said; the others had gone to Torquay; would
I come with him and tell my story? I went, and made such an impression
upon him that he said he believed my tale and would help me. He gave
me some old clothes, food and drink, then hurried me on my way. He
advised me to go to Torquay and try and communicate with some friends.
He promised to put the searchers off the scent if they made inquiries.
I said he would reap a reward for what he had done, but he did not
seem to care about this. He urged me to get off the moor as quickly as
possible.
"Before I left he filled my pockets with cheese, meat, and bread, and
gave me an old cap, and worn-out boots. I said I should never forget
him; he answered that he hoped he had done right in helping me.
"I tramped to Torquay, I--" he hesitated. No, he would not tell them
of the gracious lady who assisted him and treated him as a man, not a
tramp.
"I found Brack. He took me to his home, concealed me there until he
contrived to smuggle me on board the _Sea-mew_," said Hector, as he
finished his story.
"What an awful experience!" exclaimed Ben.
"Terrible!" said Picton with a shudder.
"Can you wonder that I hunger for revenge?" said Hector; and they
understood him.
CHAPTER XVII
AN INTRODUCTION AT HURST PARK
It was pure chance that led to the introduction of Hector Woodridge,
as William Rolfe, to Fletcher Denyer.
Hector had been in London a week; he visited various places of
amusement, showed himself openly, made no attempt at concealment.
He went to the races at Hurst Park and Gatwick. It was at the famous
course on the banks of the Thames that he was made known to Denyer, by
a man he became friendly with at his hotel. There is much freedom on
the racecourse, and men, often unknown to each other, speak on various
topics connected with the sport, without introduction.
Denyer and Hector were soon in conversation, discussing the merits
of various horses. Denyer received a word from the man who introduced
them that Mr. Rolfe had money and might be exploited profitably to
both. A hint such as this was not likely to be neglected; he thought
if he could put this newly made acquaintance on a winner it would
probably result in future business. He had been advised to back Frisky
in the Flying Handicap, and told Hector it was a real good thing, and
likely to start at a long price.
Hector wondered why he should tell him. As he looked at Denyer he
fancied he had seen him before, but where he could not for the moment
recall. Denyer walked away to speak to a jockey, and Hector stood
trying to remember where he had met him. It flashed across his mind so
vividly and suddenly that he was startled--Denyer was the man he had
seen at the supper table in the hotel with Lenise Elroy. There was no
doubt about it; he remembered his face distinctly. Here was a stroke
of luck. Some guiding hand had led him to this man. He must cultivate
his acquaintance; through him he could be brought face to face with
the woman who had ruined him.
Frisky won comfortably, started at ten to one, and Hector landed a
hundred pounds. He also backed the winner of the next race, the Welter
Handicap, and doubled his hundred. This was encouraging; it was to be
a day of success--at least it appeared so.
Denyer he did not see for some time. Shortly before the last race he
noticed him walking across the paddock with a lady. It was Mrs. Elroy,
and Hector's heart almost stopped beating. For a moment he trembled
with nervous excitement, which by a great effort he suppressed.
They came up; Denyer introduced her. She held out her hand, Hector
took it, they looked into each other's eyes. There was not a shadow
of recognition on her part, but there was something else there--Lenise
Elroy had by some strange intuition thrilled at the sight of this man,
felt a wave of emotion flow through her body. She was sure she would
like him, like him very much indeed, and she immediately resolved to
better the acquaintance. Hector divined something of what passed in
her mind and smiled. He could have wished for nothing better; it was
what he most desired, but had not dared to hope for.
Denyer left them together for a moment.
"You are a friend of Mr. Denyer's?" she said in a soothing voice.
"I was introduced to him here," he said. "I have not known him more
than an hour or so. He put me on a winner, Frisky, and I also backed
the last winner. My luck is in to-day," he added, as he looked
meaningly at her.
Lenise Elroy returned his glance; she understood men. She thought she
had made a conquest and that he was worth it.
"Will you ride back to town with us in my motor?" said Denyer, as he
joined them again.
"Yes, do, Mr. Rolfe; we shall be delighted if you will. And perhaps
you will dine with us at the Savoy," she said.
Hector said he would be delighted. Fortune was indeed favoring him.
They rode to town together, and dined at the Savoy; later on they went
to the Empire. It was an eventful day and night for Hector. Before he
left, Denyer was half inclined to regret introducing him to Lenise; he
did not care for her to show preference for another man; where she was
concerned he was jealous. He reflected, however, that if she and Rolfe
became good friends it would facilitate the process of extracting
money from him, and this was his intention; every rich man he regarded
as his lawful prey. To him Rolfe appeared rather a simple-minded,
easy-going fellow; probably he had traveled a good deal, he looked
tanned with the sun, as though he had been in hot climates; such men
were generally free with their money, fond of company, and the society
of an attractive woman like Lenise, who had very few scruples about
the proprieties.
When he left, Hector promised to lunch with them the following day.
Fletcher Denyer went home with Lenise. Her maid was accustomed to
seeing him in her rooms at all hours; she had never known him remain
in the house for the night; she judged, and rightly, there was nothing
improper in their relations. The fact of the matter was, they were
mutually useful to each other. Lenise wanted some one to go about
with; and Denyer not only liked her society, but found her help to him
in many of his schemes.
She took off her cloak, handing it to her maid, then sat down on the
couch and made herself comfortable, and attractive; she knew the
full value of her personal appearance, and fine figure, and posed
accordingly. Fletcher Denyer always admired her; to-night she looked
so radiant and alluring he was fascinated, under her spell. He forgot
his caution so far as to come to the sofa, bend over her, attempt to
kiss her. She pushed him back roughly, and said: "Keep your distance,
Fletcher, or we shall fall out. You have had too much champagne."
"It's not the champagne," he said hotly; "it's your beauty; it acts
like wine. You are lovelier than ever to-night. That fellow Rolfe
admired you, any one could see it. You're not going to throw me over
for him, are you, Len?"
"Don't be a silly boy. As for throwing you over, there is no
engagement between us; we are merely good friends, and if you wish to
maintain the relationship you had better not try to kiss me again. I
hate being kissed; kisses are only for babes and sucklings," she said.
He laughed; it was no good quarreling with her. He was satisfied to
think that had any other man attempted to kiss her she would have
ordered him out of the house.
"Not much of the babe about you," he said.
"More than you think, but I'm not made to be kissed."
"That's just what you are, the most lovable woman I ever met."
She laughed.
"That champagne was certainly too strong for you," she said.
She never seemed tired; all go, no matter how late the hour; her
flow of spirits seldom flagged, her eyes always shone brightly, her
complexion never failed her; she was really a remarkable woman. No one
knew what an effort it cost her to keep up appearances--alone a change
came over her, the reaction set in. She did not care to be alone, at
times she was afraid.
"What do you think of Rolfe?" he asked.
"In what way?"
"All ways, as far as you can judge from what you have seen to-day, and
to-night," he said.
She was thoughtful. He watched her; the jealous feeling came uppermost
again.
"I think," she said slowly, "he is a man who has had a great deal of
trouble, suffered much, probably on account of a woman. I think he is
a strong man, that he is determined, and if he has an object in view
he will attain it, no matter what the obstacles in his way.
Probably he has traveled, seen a good deal of the world, had strange
experiences. He has remarkable eyes, they pierce, probe into one,
search out things. He is a fine looking man, well built, but has
probably had a severe illness not long ago. I think I shall like him;
he is worth cultivating, making a friend of."
She spoke as though no one were present. Fletcher Denyer felt for the
time being he was forgotten and resented it.
"You have analyzed him closely; you must be a character reader. Have
you ever turned your battery of close observation on me?" he asked
snappishly.
She smiled.
"You angry man, you asked me what I think of him and I have told you.
I have turned the battery on you, Fletcher. I know your worth exactly.
I am useful to you; you are useful to me--that is all."
"All!" he exclaimed.
"Well, what else? We are not in love, are we?"
"No, I suppose not. Has it ever occurred to you, Lenise, that I want
you to be my wife?" he asked.
"No, it has not occurred to me, nor has it occurred to you before
to-night," she said.
"Yes, it has."
"I doubt it. Besides, things are much better as they are. I would not
be your wife if you asked me," she said.
"Why not?" he asked.
"Because--oh, for the very sufficient reason that you could not keep
me, and I have sufficient to live upon," she said.
He saw it would be better to drop the subject and said: "You have no
objection to giving me a helping hand?"
"In what way?"
"This man Rolfe has money. I don't agree with your estimate of him as
a strong man; I think he is weak. He may be useful to me."
"You mean he may be induced to finance some of your schemes?" she
said.
"Yes; why not? Where's the harm? His money is as good as another's, or
better."
"And you think I will lure him into your financial net?" she said
calmly.
"Not exactly that; you can hint that I sometimes get in the know,
behind the scenes, and so on, then leave the rest to me," he said.
"Take care, Fletcher. This man Rolfe is more than your equal; I am
sure of it. If he is drawn into your schemes it will be for some
object of his own. Don't drag me into it."
"There's no dragging about it. You have merely to give me a good
character, say I am clever and shrewd--you know how to work it," he
said.
"Yes, I think I know how to work it," she said quietly.
CHAPTER XVIII
CONSCIENCE TROUBLES
Lenise Elroy sat in her bedroom long after Fletcher Denyer left the
house. She dismissed her maid before undressing, who, accustomed to
her mistress's moods, thought nothing of it.
"I hate being alone," she said to herself, "and yet it is only then I
can throw off the mask. I am a wicked woman; at least I have been told
so, long ago. Perhaps I am, or was at that time. I wonder if Hector
Woodridge is dead, or if he escaped? It is hardly likely he got away.
I could wish he had, if he were out of the country and I were safe.
It was not my fault altogether; he has suffered, so have I, and suffer
still. I loved him in those days, whatever he may have thought to the
contrary, but I don't think he loved me. Had Raoul been a man it would
never have happened, but he was a weak, feeble-minded mortal and bored
me intensely. I ought not to have married him; it was folly--money
is not everything. I could have been a happy woman with such a man
as Hector. How he must have suffered! But so have I. There is such a
thing as conscience; I discovered it long ago, and it has tormented
me, made my life at times a hell. I have tried to stifle it and
cannot. Ever since that night at Torquay I have been haunted by a
horrible dread that he got away on his brother's yacht, the _Sea-mew_.
Captain Bruce is devoted to them, he would do anything to help them.
Perhaps it was part of the plan that the _Sea-mew_ should lie in
Torbay waiting for his escape. Money will do a great deal, and bribery
may have been at work. It seems hardly possible, but there is no
telling. The boatman said he was dead, Hackler said the same; they may
be wrong--who knows--and at this moment he may be free and plotting
against me. I can expect no mercy from him; I have wronged him too
deeply; it is not in human nature to forgive what I have done."
She shuddered, her face was drawn and haggard, she looked ten years
older than she did an hour ago.
"Do I regret what happened?" she asked herself. She could not honestly
say she did; given the same situation over again she felt everything
would happen as it did then. It was a blunder, a crime, and the
consequences were terrible, but it freed her, she was left to live her
life as she wished, and it was an intense relief to be rid of Raoul.
She knew it was callous, wicked, to think like this, but she could not
help it. She had not been a bad woman since her husband's death, not
as bad women go. She had had one or two love affairs, but she had
been circumspect, there was no more scandal, and she did no harm.
She prided herself on this, as she thought of the opportunities and
temptations that were thrown in her way and had been resisted.
"I'm not naturally a bad woman," she reasoned. "I do not lure men to
destruction, fleece them of their money, then cast them aside. I have
been merciful to young fellows who have become infatuated with
me, chilled their ardor, made them cool toward me, saved them from
themselves." She recalled two or three instances where she had done
this and it gave her satisfaction.
Her conscience, however, troubled her, and never more than to-night.
She could not account for it. Why on this particular night should
she be so vilely tormented? It was no use going to bed; she could
not sleep; at least not without a drug, and she had taken too many of
late. Sleep under such circumstances failed to soothe her; she awoke
with a heavy head and tired eyes, her body hardly rested.
She got up and walked to and fro in the room. She was debating what to
do, how to act. Never since her love affair with Hector Woodridge had
she met a man who appealed to her as William Rolfe did. The moment she
was introduced to him at the races she knew he was bound to influence
her life for good, or evil. She recognized the strong man in him, the
man who could bend her to his will; she knew in his hands she would be
as weak as the weakest of her sex, that she would yield to him. More,
she wished him to dominate her, to place herself in his power, to say
to him, "I am yours; do what you will with me." All this swept over
her as she looked into his eyes and caught, she fancied, an answering
response. She had felt much of this with Hector Woodridge, but not
all; William Rolfe had a surer hold of her, if he wished to exercise
his power, she knew it.
Did she wish him to exercise the power?
She thought no, and meant yes. Fletcher Denyer was useful to her, but
in her heart she despised him; he took her money without scruple when
she offered it. She was quite certain Rolfe would not do so, even if
he wanted it ever so badly. She had no fear of Denyer, or his
jealous moods. She smiled as she thought of him in his fits of anger,
spluttering like a big child. Rolfe was a man in every respect, so she
thought; she was a woman who liked to be subdued by a strong hand. The
tragedy in her life had not killed her love of pleasure, although the
result of it, as regards Hector Woodridge, had caused her much pain.
Still she was a woman who cast aside trouble and steeled herself
against it. She had not met a man who could make her forget the past
and live only in the present, but now she believed William Rolfe could
do it.
Would he try, would he come to her? She thought it possible, probable;
and if he did, how would she act? Would she confess what had happened
in her life? She must, it would be necessary, there would be no
deception with such a man. What would be the consequences--would he
pity, or blame her?
At last she went to bed, and toward morning fell asleep, a restless
slumber, accompanied by unpleasant dreams. It was eleven o'clock when
she dressed; she remembered she had to meet Fletcher and William Rolfe
at luncheon. She took a taxi to the hotel, and found Rolfe waiting for
her. He handed her a note; it was from Denyer, stating he was detained
in the city on urgent business, apologizing for his unavoidable
absence, asking Rolfe to meet him later on, naming the place.
He watched her as she read it, and saw she was pleased; it gave him
savage satisfaction. He had not thought his task would be so easy;
everything worked toward the end he had in view.
"I hope you will keep your appointment, at any rate," he said.
"I have done so, I am here," she answered, smiling.
"I mean that you will lunch with me."
"Would it be quite proper?" she asked with a challenging glance.
"Quite," he said. "I will take every care of you."
She wondered how old he was. It was difficult to guess. He might be
younger than herself--not more than a year or two at the most. What
caused that look on his face? It certainly was not fear; he was
fearless, she thought. It was a sort of hunted look, as though he were
always expecting something to happen and was on his guard. She would
like to know the cause of it.
"You cannot imagine how difficult I am to take care of," she said.
"I am not afraid of the task," he said. "Will you lunch with me?"
"With pleasure," she replied, and they went inside.
The room was well filled, a fashionable crowd; several people knew
Mrs. Elroy and acknowledged her. To a certain extent she had
lived down the past, but the recollection of it made her the more
interesting. Women were afraid of her attractions, especially those
who had somewhat fickle husbands; their alarm was groundless, had they
known it.
"Wonder who that is with her? He's a fine looking man, but there's
something peculiar about him," said a lady.
"What do you see peculiar in him? Seems an ordinary individual to me,"
drawled her husband.
"He is not ordinary by any means; his complexion is peculiar, a
curious yellowy brown," she said.
"Perhaps he's a West Indian, or something of that sort."
They sat at a small table alone; she thoroughly enjoyed the lunch. She
drank a couple of glasses of champagne and the sparkling wine revived
her.
"Shall we go for a motor ride after?" he asked.
"Yes, if you wish, and will not be tired of my company," she said.
"You do yourself an injustice," he said. "I do not think you could
tire any one."
She laughed as she said: "You don't know much of me, I am dull at
times, rather depressed." She sighed, and for a moment the haggard
look came into her face. Hector wondered if remorse were accountable
for it; if she ever repented the injury she had done; no, it was not
possible or she would have stretched out her hand to save him.
He steeled his heart against her; he hated her; he would have his
revenge, cost her what it might.
They entered a taxi and were driven in the direction of Staines and
Windsor. She felt a strange thrill of pleasure as she sat close beside
him.
CHAPTER XIX
"WHAT WOULD YOU DO?"
They went along the Staines Road, then by the banks of the Thames
past Runnymede, came to Old Windsor, and from there to the White Hart
Hotel. She thoroughly enjoyed it; the drive nerved her; she forgot
the painful reflections of the previous night. He talked freely. She
noticed with satisfaction he seemed attracted by her, looked at her
searchingly as though interested. They went on the river and were
rowed past the racecourse. It was warm and fine, the flow of the water
past the boat soothed her. They had tea at the hotel, then returned to
town.
"Where to?" he asked when they were nearing Kensington. She gave the
name of her flat and they alighted there.
"I have been here some time," she said. "I find it comfortable and
quiet. Will you come in?"
He followed her. He noticed her room was furnished expensively and in
excellent taste; there was nothing grand or gaudy about it.
"I am alone here, with my maid," she said. "They have an excellent
system: all meals are prepared downstairs and sent up; there is a very
good chef."
"The least possible trouble," he said. "How long have you been here?"
"Three years. It suits me; I do not care to be away from London. In my
married days I lived in the country, but it bored me to death. Do you
like the country?"
"Yes, I love it; but then much of my life has been spent in solitude."
"You have traveled?"
"Yes."
"I thought so."
"Why?"
"Your complexion denotes it. I like it, there is a healthy brown about
it."
"I have done much hard work in my time," he said.
"Mining?" she asked.
"Yes, I suppose you would call it that."
"Where?"
"On Dartmoor," he said.
She was so astonished she could not speak. She looked at him with fear
in her eyes.
"Dartmoor?" she whispered. "I did not know there were mines on
Dartmoor."
"Oh, yes, there are--copper mines. I was fool enough to believe there
was money in them, but I was mistaken; there is copper there, no
doubt, but I did not find it," he said.
She felt as though a snake fascinated her, that she must ask questions
about it.
"I have been to Torquay, but I did not go to Dartmoor," she said.
"You ought to have done so; it is a wonderful place. I was there a
long time. When were you in Torquay?"
She told him.
"Strange," he said; "I was there at that time."
She felt a curious dread, not of him, but of something unknown.
"I went to the races--a friend of mine was riding there. He won four
events. Lucky, was it not?"
"Yes," she said faintly. "Who was he?"
"Picton Woodridge. His yacht the _Sea-mew_ was in the bay. I was on
it."
"You!" she exclaimed, and he saw the fear in her eyes.
"Yes, why not? Is there anything strange about it?" he asked, smiling.
"He lives at Haverton. He is rich, but he is not quite happy."
"Why not, if he has everything he wants?"
"He has not everything he wants; no one has, as a matter of fact. It
would not be good for us. You have not all you want."
"No, I have not; but I get along very well."
"What is missing out of your life?" he asked.
"I can hardly tell you."
"My friend's life is overcast by a great calamity that befell his
family some years ago."
"What was it?" she asked, and a slight shiver passed through her.
"His brother was accused of murder, of shooting the husband of the
woman he had fallen in love with. He was condemned and reprieved; he
is at Dartmoor now. That is enough to make his brother's life unhappy;
it killed the Admiral, their father."
"How shocking!" she said.
"I never thought of it before, but, strange to say, the man's name was
Elroy. It is your name," he said.
She laughed uneasily; she could not tell him now.
"I hope you do not connect me with the lady in question?"
"No, of course not. How absurd! But still it is strange--the name is
uncommon," he said.
"I suppose you never saw his brother at the prison?"
"I did--I wish I had not."
"Did he look very ill, broken down?"
"He was a terrible wreck. He suffered awful agony, of mind more than
body. I never saw such a change in a man in my life. When I knew
Hector Woodridge he was a fine, well set up, handsome man, in the
army, a soldier's career before him. The breakdown was complete; it
made me suffer to look at him. I never went again and I do not think
he wanted it. If ever a man was living in hell upon earth he was; the
wonder is it did not kill him."
"How terrible!" she said.
"I wonder if the woman suffers? He did it on her account. I do not
believe he is guilty--I am certain he is not. His brother believes in
his innocence, so does Captain Bruce, and all his friends. I believe
it is the knowledge that he is innocent sustains him in his awful
life; he told me he hoped one day to prove his innocence, but that
his lips were sealed, he could not speak. I told him that was foolish,
that it was due to himself to speak, but he shook his head and said,
'Impossible!'"
"Is it a very terrible place at Dartmoor?"
"I suppose it is like all such prisons; but think what it must be for
an innocent man to be caged there with a lot of desperate criminals,
the scum of the earth. What must it be for such a man as Hector
Woodridge, cultured, refined, an army man, well-bred--and on the top
of it all the knowledge that the disgrace killed his father. It would
drive me mad."
"And me too," she said. "You say he is there still?"
"Yes; there is no chance of his escaping. I wish he could."
"A prisoner escaped when I was at Torquay. I saw it in the local
paper," she said.
"So did I; the fellow had a terrible fight with a bloodhound and
strangled it. A desperate man has desperate strength," he said.
"I met an old boatman named Brack there; he told me the man must be
dead."
"No doubt; fell down a disused mine, or drowned himself, poor devil. I
don't wonder at it," he said.
"I wonder how the woman feels about it?" she said in a low voice. "She
must suffer, her conscience must trouble her, in a way her life must
be as hard to bear as his."
"That depends on the woman," he said. "I believe she can prove his
innocence; something tells me she can; his brother believes it too. If
this be so, she ought to speak and save him, no matter at what cost to
herself."
"Do you think she will?"
"No; or she would have spoken before. She must be callous,
hard-hearted, dead to all sense of human feeling. Such a woman would
make me shudder to come in contact with her," he said.
She smiled as she thought: "He little knows I am that woman. I must
wait. If he loves me later on I can tell him."
"Perhaps the woman cannot prove his innocence. She may believe him
guilty."
"Impossible. There were only three persons present: the husband, the
wife, and Hector Woodridge."
"It seems very strange that if he is innocent she has not declared the
truth."
"Steeped in wickedness and sin as she is, I do not wonder at it; she
is probably living in the world, leading a fast life, ruining men as
she ruined him."
"Or she may be suffering agonies and be too much of a coward to speak;
she may be an object of pity; perhaps if you saw her you would be
sorry for her, as sorry as you are for him," she said.
"He is in prison, she is free; she has the world to distract her, he
has nothing."
"You spoke of torture of the mind. Perhaps she is a sensitive woman;
if so, her sufferings are as terrible as his."
"If you were the woman, what would you do?" he asked.
The question was put with an abruptness that startled her; again a
feeling of fear was uppermost. It was strange he should know Hector
Woodridge; still more curious that he was on the _Sea-mew_ in Torbay.
He must know if Hector Woodridge boarded the yacht; was he concealing
something?
"I do not know what I should do. It would depend upon circumstances."
"What circumstances?" he asked.
"If I knew he was innocent, I should speak, I think--that is, if I
could prove it."
"She must be able to prove it," he said. "I believe he is suffering,
keeping silent, to save her."
"If he is, his conduct is heroic," she said.
"Foolish--a sin and a shame that he should waste his life for such a
woman."
"You think her a very bad woman?"
"I do, one of the worst," he said.
She sighed.
"I am glad I have never been placed in such an unfortunate position,"
she said.
"So am I, but I am sure if you had been, Hector Woodridge would be a
free man," he said.
"I wonder if he loved her?" she asked quickly.
"Loved her? He must have done so. Think how he is suffering for her;
he must love her still," he said.
"Perhaps she does not know this."
"She ought to know; all his actions speak of love for her. No man ever
made a greater sacrifice for a woman," he said. Then, looking at his
watch, he added, "It is time for me to go, to meet Mr. Denyer. He is a
great friend of yours, is he not?"
"I should not call him a friend exactly, although I have known him a
long time; he is useful to me in business matters," she said.
"Can I be of any use in that way?" he asked.
"You might; I will ask you if I require anything."
"And then I shall be an acquaintance," he said, smiling.
"Would you rather be my friend?"
"Yes."
She held out her hand.
"I do not think that will be difficult," she said, her eyes flashing
into his.
CHAPTER XX
RITA SEES A RESEMBLANCE
Some acquaintanceships ripen fast into friendship; it was so with
Lenise Elroy and Hector, at least on her side. She knew him as William
Rolfe and as such he appealed to her. At times he reminded her in a
vague way of Hector Woodridge; she liked him none the worse for this,
although it brought back painful memories. She was fast drifting into
the ocean of love where she would be tossed about, buffeted by the
waves, and probably damaged. The impression he made on her was not
easily effaced; she began to neglect Fletcher Denyer, much to his
mortification. Before she met Rolfe their connection had been smooth,
going on the even tenor of its way, with nothing to mar the harmony,
but this new acquaintance proved a disturbing element and she was no
longer the same to him. He resented it but could do nothing; he was
powerless. He spoke to her, remonstrated, and she laughed at him; it
was of no use tackling Rolfe, who would probably tell him to mind his
business.
He had, however, no intention of relinquishing what little hold he
had over her, and tried to make himself more indispensable. Rolfe was
friendly, took a hint as to some speculative shares and made money.
It was September and the St. Leger day drew near. Hector had not
forgotten Tearaway. He did not write to his brother; he thought
it better not, safer. He watched the papers and saw the filly
occasionally quoted at a hundred to four taken. The secret of the
trial had been well kept, nothing leaked out about it. Ripon was a
firm favorite at three to one, and all the wise men at Newmarket were
sanguine of his success. Bronze was much fancied in certain quarters,
and Harriet, The Monk, and Field Gun, frequently figured in the list;
there was every prospect of a larger field than usual.
Fletcher Denyer often talked about racing with Hector, who was quite
willing to discuss the chances of horses with him.
"I am told on the best authority Bronze will win," said Fletcher.
"What do you fancy, Rolfe?"
"I haven't thought much about it," replied Hector. "If Bronze is as
good as they make out, he must have a chance."
"If you want to back him I can get your money on at a good price,"
said Fletcher.
"I'll think it over," said Hector.
Mrs. Elroy was also interested in the St. Leger. She knew the owner of
Ripon, who told her he did not think his horse had anything to fear.
This news was imparted to Hector.
"Are you going to Doncaster?" she asked.
He said he was, that he always liked to see the St. Leger run.
"I think I shall go," she said. "I have been asked to join a house
party near Doncaster."
Hector wondered how it came about that a woman who had behaved so
badly could be so soon forgiven, and her past forgotten.
"Then I shall have the pleasure of seeing you there," he said.
"I hope so. Your friend Mr. Woodridge has something in the
race--Tearaway, is it not? I suppose she hasn't got much of a chance,
it is such a good price about her," she said.
"No, I don't expect she has or she would not be at such long odds," he
answered.
"There have been some big surprises in the St. Leger," she said.
"It doesn't look like one this year," he replied.
A few days before the Doncaster meeting, Hector went to Haverton,
where he had a warm welcome. Sir Robert Raines was there, Captain Ben,
and one or two more, including Dick Langford, and Rita. Lady Raines
came to act as hostess for Picton and brought two of her daughters;
it was the knowledge that she would be there induced Rita to come with
her brother.
At first Picton hesitated to ask her; she had never been to Haverton;
but finally he decided. Lady Raines and her daughters would be there,
it would be all right and proper. He was delighted when he heard she
had arranged to come with Dick.
Hector came the following day after their arrival. He first saw Rita
in the garden with Picton. He recognized her at once: it was the lady
who had been so kind to him on his way from Dartmoor to Torquay. He
saw how close they walked together, how confidential was their talk,
and guessed the rest. He recognized this with a pang; he had built
castles in the air about her, which, like most such edifices, are
easily shattered. Would she know him again as the tramp she helped
on the road? It was not likely. In the first place, he was greatly
changed, and secondly she would never expect to find him here. He
smiled grimly as he thought of the condition he was in the last time
they met. He went out to face her and walked toward them.
Picton introduced them. She started slightly as she looked at him.
"I thought I had seen you somewhere before," she said with a bright
smile. "You quite startled me, but I dare not tell you about it, it is
quite too ridiculous."
"You have roused my curiosity. Please enlighten me," he said.
"You are quite sure you will not be offended?" She looked at them
both.
"I shall not, and I am the principal person to consider," said Hector.
"Then, if you promise not to be angry with me, I will; after all, I am
sure he was a gentleman although in reduced circumstances," she said.
"Who was a gentleman?" asked Picton.
"The man I for the moment fancied resembled Mr. Rolfe," she said. "It
was the day you came to Torwood."
Rita told them about the tramp she had befriended, and added:
"He was a well-bred man who must have met with some great misfortune.
I pitied him, my heart bled for him; he was no common man, it was easy
to recognize that. He thanked me courteously and went on his way down
the road. I have often thought of him since and wondered what became
of him. When you first came up, Mr. Rolfe, you reminded me of him, in
looks and build, that is all. Have I offended you?"
"Not at all," said Hector. "You are quite sure I am not your gentleman
tramp? Look again."
"Don't be absurd! Of course you are not the man; it was a mere passing
resemblance," she said.
"You did a very kindly action, and I am sure the man, whoever he is,
will never forget it, or you. Perhaps at some future time he may repay
your kindness. Who knows? There are some strange chances in the world,
so many ups and downs, I should not at all wonder if you met him again
in a very different sphere," said Hector.
Lady Raines and her daughters came on to the terrace and Rita joined
them.
"Whew!" said Hector, "that was a narrow squeak, Pic. I went hot and
cold all over when I recognized who it was with you, but I thought I
had better come out and face the music."
"That's about the closest shave you've had, but even had she been
certain she would only have known you as William Rolfe."
"I forgot that," said Hector. "Still, it is better as it is. I say,
Pic, is she the one?"
"I hope so," his brother replied, laughing. "I mean to have a good
try."
"Lucky fellow!" said Hector with a sigh. "There's no such chance of
happiness for me."
"There may be some day," said Picton. "You have not told me what you
have been doing in London."
"Plotting," said Hector. "I am on the way to secure my revenge--I
shall succeed."
"Can't you give me some idea how you mean to be revenged?" asked
Picton.
"Not at present. You may get an inkling at Doncaster, if you keep
your eyes open; but I expect all your attention will be riveted on
Tearaway," said Hector.
"That's highly probable. One doesn't own a Leger winner every year,"
said Picton.
"Then you think she is sure to win?"
"Certain, and Sir Robert won't hear of her defeat. He has backed her
to win a large stake, and he's jubilant about it."
"It seems strange she does not shorten in the betting," said Hector.
"I don't take much notice of that; she's not a public performer, and
it is a field above the average. If it had leaked out about the
trial it would have been different, but we have a good lot of lads at
Haverton; they know how to hold their tongues," said Picton.
"I'll tell you what, Pic, I'd like to let old Brack know. Wouldn't the
dear old boy rejoice at getting on a twenty-five to one chance; he'd
think more of it than anything. Brackish, boatman, Torquay, would find
him," said Hector.
"He shall know," said Picton. "I'll tell you what, it would be a joke
to get him to Doncaster for the St. Leger. I'll send Rose down to hunt
him up and bring him."
"I'm afraid Rose would look askance at Brack, he's such a highly
superior person," said Hector.
"I fancy Brack would break his reserve down before they reached
Doncaster," said Picton. "I shall send him, anyway."
CHAPTER XXI
BRACK TURNS TRAVELER
"Rose, I am about to send you on an important mission to Torquay,"
said Picton.
"Yes, sir."
"You are to find an old boatman named Brackish, generally called
Brack. He is a well-known character; there will be no difficulty about
it. You will hand him this letter, and if he requires persuading you
will use all your eloquence in that direction. You will give him ten
pounds and pay all his expenses, and you must land him in the paddock
at Doncaster at the latest on the St. Leger day. You understand?"
"Yes, sir. May I ask what kind of an individual he is?"
"Rough and ready. He was formerly a boatman at Scarborough. He is a
Yorkshireman. He will don his best clothes; perhaps he will require a
new pilot coat--if he does, buy him one."
"And what am I to do when I land him in the paddock, sir?"
"Wait until I see him."
"Very good, sir. Is that all?"
"Yes, I think so. Look after him well; he once did me a good turn.
You'll find him interesting, also amusing."
"When shall I go, sir?"
"To-morrow; that will give you ample time--a day or two in Torquay
will be a pleasant change."
"Thank you, sir; it will," said Rose.
"Come to me in my study to-night and I will give you the money," said
Picton.
Robert Rose thought, as he watched him walk away: "I hope he doesn't
expect me to make a friend of the man. No doubt he'll smell of the
sea, and fish, tar, oil-skins, and other beastly things; it won't be
a pleasant journey--we shall have to put the windows down. I wonder
if he washes, or whether he's caked with dirt, like some of 'em I've
seen. It's coming to a pretty pass when I am dispatched on such an
errand."
He complained to Mrs. Yeoman but got no sympathy.
"If Brack's good enough for your master he's good enough for you,"
she snapped, and he thought it advisable not to pursue the subject
farther.
Rose arrived in Torquay in due course, late at night, after a tiring
journey. Next morning he went forth in quest of Brack. A policeman
pointed the boatman out to him. Brack was leaning against the iron
rail protecting the inner harbor. Rose looked at him in disgust.
Brack had met a friend the night before and they had indulged somewhat
freely in ale. He was all right but looked rather seedy and unkempt.
Rose walked up to him, putting on his best air. Brack saw him and
summed him up at once.
"Somebody's flunkey," he thought.
"Are you Mr. Brackish?" asked Rose in a patronizing manner.
"I'm Brack, name Brackish, don't know about the mister, seldom hear it
used when I'm addressed. Now who may you be, my good man?" said Brack,
mischief lurking in his eyes.
To be addressed by this clod of a boatman as "my good man" quite upset
Rose's dignity. He put on a severe look, which did not abash Brack in
the least, and said: "I am from Haverton in Yorkshire. I represent Mr.
Picton Woodridge. He desired me to see you and deliver this letter,"
and he handed it to him.
Brack took it, opened the envelope, and handed it back.
"I've lost my glasses," he said; "must have left them in 'The Sailor's
Rest' last night. Me an' a mate had a few pints more than we oughter.
Why the deuce didn't he post the letter and save _you_ the trouble of
comin' to see _me_?"
"It suited Mr. Woodridge's purpose better that I should personally
deliver it. I will read it to you if you wish."
"That's what I gave it to you for," said Brack.
Rose read the letter. It was written in a kind and friendly way;
Robert thought it too familiar. Brack listened attentively; at first
he hardly grasped the full meaning.
"Would you mind reading it again?" he asked.
Rose did so with ill-concealed impatience; then said: "Now do you
understand its import, or shall I explain more fully?"
"Don't trouble yourself. I wouldn't trouble such an almighty high
personage as yourself for the world," said Brack.
"No trouble at all, I assure you," said Rose.
"As far as I understand," said Brack, "I'm to put myself in your
charge and you are to convey me safely to Doncaster to see the Leger
run for."
"That's it; we will leave to-morrow," said Rose.
"Will we? Who said I was goin'?" asked Brack.
"Of course you'll go; Mr. Picton wishes it."
"He ain't my master, just you remember. Brack's got no master. I'm
my own boss, and a pretty stiff job I have with myself at times. Last
night, for instance. As boss I ordered myself home at ten; as Brack I
went on strike and declined to move--see?"
"But he will be very much disappointed if you don't go to Doncaster
with me. All your expenses will be paid. You'll have ten pounds to
invest on the course, and you'll back Tearaway, say at twenty to one
to a fiver," said Rose.
"Shall I indeed? And pray who says Tearaway will win the Leger?"
"I do," said Rose confidently.
"And I suppose that settles it. If you say so, she must win."
"Mr. Picton says she will; so does Sir Robert Raines."
"Do they now? And I'm to take all this for gospel?"
"It's quite correct. They have all backed Tearaway to win large sums,
thousands of pounds," said Rose.
"Well, it's worth considering," said Brack. He wondered if H
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