THE BLACK YACHT.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 426, 16 June 1904, Page 2

THE BLACK YACHT.

v -vH '<* JOT Ve/vffam Humei

PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT.

COPYRIGHT.

r. TO,r-(o<«tinued.) gt| "Bat all search was vain. Tor miles !fe . round not a spot was left unexplored.W'l I employed detective?—indeed, there was ~z*., nothing I did not try—to track the hiding • *S? P'*c». but without success, Lilian vanished completely. After two days of giaagffigyt aaxtotyamtrfetatith activity, • --■ JaOMjA : sae Jn-tharlaca. Standing i t r,«afri the pier I ;looked jsaaward, and I could "do to recover my And almcst at that moment headland swept the « ZggmtX *?oht footed icthe spot, I witchid her way In and cast 45% afMMtf ia thiraay.-Alttralb Aiding had won his bet. Fenwick had returned to satisfy .himself that his vile scheme had *=*; he would : - interview >with * i -rgjgpi * constant, watch on his *- movements I might discover her place of concealment. At all events that seemed my only chance. :-.£ CHAPriß.vni—the veiled WOMAN. All day the black yacht lay sullen and r" fnasjjhtc in the bay. Neither Fenwicx '-, t - his Dsgces came ashore, and I ■V . wandered what could be the reason for %,. Our pexsiatant seclusion. Several times i"> I was.oa .the point of boarding the < -J±. echooner, and forcing Feawick to accord '-' ■ k-ma sn interview. But Garrett dissuaded V: r iav • ""■ '" I? - 'Don't give him a slant, mister,' said he. 'Cap'n F. has seme idea in his head, .... six.. You let him straighten it out, an' l thapput the set en it' 'Wheadbyou think he'll eome ashore, - GwrettP' 'After dark, maybe. Bat it depends where he meets that lady.' 'Whatl Bo you think she'll turnup again f a ■' ' I reckon es muoh, mister. She's conducting the bis ashore, I take it; so I m .. guess come here to see how she's run ' the circus ' Oh, Cap'n F. ain't no chump -*«' , —you can bet your Davey on thet.' jis»? •' 'Tell me, Garrett/ I said, after a few moments' refection, 'do yoa thisk that this veiled woman is Mis Marchand t' -...' Lord no, sir: now*-whatever made you *.-*' think es I meant herf. * Tour Le utab'en a k»i yoa spoke about this person. You ee: m ed afraid to name her to ■».' ' 'Canes I ain't sure what her name fr, - Mr Waleotfe* \lti%\ .a dead cert, you ate, sir: I only surmit'e like.' ' Well, tell me. your suspicions,' I said, .-: impatiently. 'I will eptak of them to no - _ one: and they may help me to solve the r^£mystery. Who is this woman?' T-Wkr-al I ain'e sure. Bat if you :■._■**• hfiled her es Ljdia Barber, maybe eb^d^. asswev.' : gag c\*lq dia Barber P What on ear|h makes j j% :•; 'mfc th-nk sb e's mixed up la the affair P "-'Why should she harm M^>MarchandP' -"--": •:'■ * I gueea the'sa female, sir,'an' females r ,, are jealous, From what I've seen an' heard, an' aised ap, that gal's gene on OapVlV ~-■-: 1.-*-Conicund ..the man-! He seents to be -^a kind of exaggerated Don Juan. Deesshe knew that ha ia maided V - - 'Not ehe, mister. She'd make things ,i« _r hot..fox him ef thet came cut. No, sir,' >v , Ganeit,-complacently, ' she's : .'_. ■■ love with Cap'n f.\ and I've no doubt he's promised to marry her sf she gets Mus Marchsad out of the way.' 'ln that ease. Garrett, the young lady ■ ; must be ashore—in the neighbourhood.tji*~J sydJS"hiß not hcea a day absent from lit Tvwerj so she can't have concealed U" . Mies Marchat'd very faraway.' That's a faot, eirj an'now, es Csp'h ft come back to hear how she's earned oat the job, shell meet him to-night fer. itaiig t ' Where P* *vs <■ «Dinno, mister; you ketp your eyes peeled, an' you'll see.' I left the inn shortly after nightfall, ;?; -and took my way tap toHeagiatTower. -'■* To see Fenwick it would be neoeseary for Lydia to descend the hill to the shore, .. and I hoped to intercept her as Bhe did so § It was just possible that Garrett might be right abcoc the identity of this veiled * woman. But hearing in mind Mrs Fenwick V assertion that the lady was marked,. I hesitated to adopt entirely the *•" r '' kidlord's view. However, I hoped that . by vigilant watching I mhou!d be able to .r-*>vTbc*tb the riddle, -aJert and anxious, I Ked the 'Slope of the hill immediately iw Hengiat Tower. There, was no moon, but the night was &£&*££* nf>i..rglsis I had no tbficulty in making out the black bulk of the 'Negress' lying, as " ~ she apptared from above, ia the hollow of the waters. I had taken up my position *•'*-■ ea the-only road leading to Holyport. Along this route Lydia would be forced to i eome, did she design to embark from the aier. There was, indeed, another path; bat it was narrow, and most dangerous, and sen down the sheer face of the precipice which jatted out into the bay, I feit enrtaia that she bad not sufficient m. eearage to attempt it, and I momentarily tapeeted her appearaace. Bat in vain. Towaids nine o'clock I saw.a black -*- H object shoot out from the side of the yacht, and move rapidly towards the Hengist Headland. I ctu'.d no longer * atlatak) the tryttingplace. Lydia had laoed the dangers of the path down the cliff, and she would meet Fenwick among tke broken rocks at the baee. I xaeed up the road at top speed, passed the dark column of the Tower, and made my way to the point w hence the path dipped downward. Mjr fear- was that I should mice ■hem, for it was possible that instead of staying down among the rocks Lydia—if . she, indeed, it we *e— might go on board Z the yacht,

Author af "The Mystery of a- Hansom Cab," « The Third Tolume," « The ..- Ynuisdriuy of'Texa," w The Lone Inn," "For the Defence," &c., &«.

With much trouble and -many narrow escapes I arrived at last at the bottom of the cliff. I foand myself in a chaos of Titanic atones, which at high tide were -surrounded by water.. The tide was out, and I moved cautiously through the narrow passages, pausing now ana again to listen for the voices 1 expected to hear But the clamour of the waves was too loud. And I emerged suddenly into an open spsce, Fehwicfc "was before me ie earnest converse with a woman, thickly veiled..-, ~. •,. , ;.-. e . ~,: I cannot deny that my heart was in my month at that moment Fenwick ran at ae with a savage oath, and -together we tumbled on the wet sand., Amid the excitement of the conflict I heard the cry of a woman as she vanished between the rooks. -~ For quite' three" minutes we struggled with varying fortune, till at leflgth Fenwick got me down, and shouted hoarsely for his sailors;s They came running up. and one held a lantern to my face. Fenwick uttered an exclamation of surprise, and started to his feet. I rose also, . and stood confronting him, •This ie a strange meeting, sir,' ha said, clutching his beard. 'May luk why you spy on me in this fashion P' 'You know the reason well enough, Captain Fenwick,' 'What!' he cried, mockingly. «Do you still think that I have stolen your pet dove P* ■ •Sendyour sailors away, and I'll speak freely,* was my -reply, as I wiped the blood from my face. He dismissed them with a contemptuous shrug of his shoulders, and we Btood alone in the Druidicil circle of stones, I looked at him-for a moment—then turned en my heel. ♦Where are you goingP This is unhandsome,' said he, following me. <I send off my sailors, and you turn tail. I thought yoa were a man of courage.' ' Ihis is no question of courage, as yoo know. Captain Fenwick, but rather one of prudence. It is Lydia Barber I want. I must tax her with this business. 3 •What nonseaee are yott talking about Ljdia Barber 1' ha said, contemptuously. 'D3 you thiakl make appointments with kitphon wenches P She has nothing to do wjth the disappearance of my cousin.' •I am not so sure of that. She is your tool; While, you led me on a false trail she hid Lilian safely away.' 'Upon my word, sir, you are remarkably caEdid. But yon are: wrong I ;do not see why, because I have told you that I look upon C de's money as rightfully mine, you should inaiet that I have carried off Lilian. I tell you I keow nothing of her whereabouts, and the woman I met tonight is just as ignorant of them as I am. Will that content you P\ not believe you.' • Take care, man. Bemember where you asa. As we.stand here now it would be no very diffijult job to Bilecce.that insolent tongue of yours, once and for ever, and I warn you I am not inclined to Btand much more of your' plain speaking.' 'From what T know of you, Captain Fenwick, I don't think you are the sort to s risk your neck* 1 ib "no risk. You came down by the cliff. If you are found dead and shattered on the beach,-who is to prove that it was not accident P' ■ '~ What said was feasible enough. I feit I waa changing colour in spite of myself. •-.<» waanot a pleasaht'positioa. ? However, I am not a blood-thirsty man, and I fear jou, too. little to harm . you. I don't want to marry your LUian One venture & matrimony is - more thari enough for me.' - 'Bo Mrs .Fenwick also seems to think, judging from her looks,' -"' .">:••-.■- 'Wberejid you see her ?'he demanded, withastart. m «At Y arm6uth And her old lover, Nat Tame, saw her, too.' I could see his great hands open and '"£??!.** . BtroTß te kee P down his anger. Striding forward he laid a heavy hand on my shoulder. 'Hark yoa, Mr Walcott;' he said, in a thick voice, 'TL on are. playißg a daager. oua game—a very dangerous game. I am a reckless and a ruined man, and I care nothing for yonr life or my own This time 1 spare you. The next, I swear that -1 will kill you.' • Melod'am \; my good sir!' .-' C*ll it what you like. I mean what I say. Take your LUian; keep her; marry her; do what pleases you, but don't come my way again.' ' I have no wish to meet you/ I replied, shrugging my shoulders. 'But I must know where I am to find Lilian.' ' I tell you I don't know.' ' Does the woman who was with you just now know ?' ' She knows nothiHg.' - ♦WhoissheP' .- 'That's hardly your business,' he sneered. 'I think it is. I believe she is Lydia Birbsr.' 3 'ladeedf said he, taking me by the arm. "'Then come up to Heßgist Tower, and we will ce9 if Lydia has been absent this night. Will that satisfy you t' • Yes. It ia a fair test.' 'Go on, then,' he cried, roughly relear in» me. -* Lead the way up the cliff' ' l J i;doa me,' I said, hanging back. I did not trust the man. 'What do jou fearP That I shall npset. you..midwayP" he cried, with another sneer. ' I'll go first* by all means. I keep others to do my dirty work, Mr Walcott.' ... ;. ; •' Aid with a laugh which made ray blooc! bail he aprang up the incline. I followed, on wondering what would be tho end-* CHAPTER IX—ANOrHEBMYSTEBY Mrs Marchand received us with astonishment and anger. Astonishment' at the

]*te hour of our visit, and anger that \ Fenwiok should dare to present "imsel? before her. She rose to her feet when he entered the room. 'What does this mean P' she demsaded, indignantly. " Why does that man come tereP' 'That yon will soon learn, Mrs Marchand.' was the insolent rejoinder of Fenwick; ' bnt in the meantime yon had ( better address yonr remarks to onr friend.' • Where is my ohild P' she said, taking no notice of this speech. • I have not set eyes on her since I left her in this room in yonr company.' 'Tontold Mr Walcott what yon meant to do.* •Certainly. I intended doing so. Bnt it appears that some unknown person has saved me the trouble.' With a gesture of anger Mrs Marchand turned to me. 'la this man lying, Paul P' ' No. I believe he is speaking the truth j to some extent.' ' Why the reservation P' asked Fenwidk sonrly. * Because, as yon know, I believe you to be implicated in the affair You know where she is.' 'Confound it, man, I tell you I don't!' he almost shouted. ' The whole sffair is as great a surprise to me as to you.' 'lf yon are innocent, why did you drug herP' asked Mrs Marchand. 'The powder——' ' Was merely phenactin given to me by my wife,' he interrupted. ' I gave it to you solely to ease the girl's head, aa she was suffering. It was my intention to be. kind, not cruel.' * That is so,' I said, in answer to Mrs Marohand'B look of interrogation. ' His wife told me the same story.' 'My wife seems -to have told yon a great deal,' sneered Fenwick, looking uncomfortable.

'She has/ L replied, significantly; 'much more than you would care to hear.' He changed colour and bit his lip. ' I can't stay here all night,' he muttered, sullenly. 'Say what you have te say, and let me go.' '.By all means, Mrs Marchand,' I said, turning towards that lady. 'An hour ago Captain Fenwick met a woman on the'beach. I have reason to believe that her name is Lydia Buber, Will you please to ascertain if she was out of the house to-night ?' 'Lydia Barber,'repeated Mrs Marchand, touching the bell; 'was she the veiled woman who went on board the ' Negress' on the night Lilian disappeared P' * No,' said Fenwick, promptly. 'Yea/ said I, with equal sharpness. 'The woman you met to-night and the woman who boarded your yacht a fortnight ago are one and the same.' * But not Lydia Barber.' • That we shall see,' said Mrs Marchand, quietly. 'Here is Lydia,' The girl entered the room -with as much insolence as ever, and recognised the presence of Fenwick with a giggle. He took no notice of her, but looked moodily at the floor, while Mrs Marchand made her examination. • Did you leave the house this evening, Lydia P' ' No, ma'am. I have been working in my room,' ' Did you net go down to the beach to meet Captain Fenwick P' Lydia threw up her hands with a cry of amazement, ' Lawk amercy, ma'am! am I the sort as the Ckptain would meet, and on the beacb, too P I wouldn't go down tbat path for a thousand pounds.' ' I hope you are satisfied now, madam,' sseered Fenwick; 'and you also, Mr Walcott?' Without replying, Mrs Marchand rang the bell. When Bax answered it she sent him at once for Hester, the m ud. ' Hester, was Lydia out of the house tonight P'

' Oh, no, ma'am. She has been sewing in her room.' * You are eure P' 1 Yes, ma'am; I have been in and out of the room several times' ' Bax, was Lydia out of the house this evening P' ' No, ma'am—not to my knowledge.' 'Very well,' said Mrs Marchand, in a disappointed tone,' you. can all three go.' Bax and Hester went in silence, but Lydia, her innocence vindicated, paused at the door to deliver a parting shot. ' Four witnesses/ she said, viciously. 'l'll have you up for taking away the character of a poor servant. You're no lady.'

- When Bhe had flounced out of the room Mrs Marchant looked at me, and by mutual consent we looked at F.mwick. He had risen to his feet. in insolent triumph. «I think that settles it,' he said, with a defiant glance at me. ' It is not quite conclusive to my mind,' I replied, 'though it seems that the woman who was with you did not come out of this house. At the same time I am convinced that both you and this mysterious female are concerned in Liliau's disappearance.' *I am of the same opinion,' said Mrs Marchand. Fenwick shrugged his shoulders and laughed. 'None eo blind as thos9 who won't see. Think what you please. Fjr my part I am content to wait so long as my-.-consin is absent from the Tower. -Every.day brings me hearer the possession of the money which should be mine. If Lilian returns I give you fair warning that I shall do all in my power to nullify the will by preventing her stay under this roof. On one condition only will I leave you in peace.' 'L"t U3 hear your condition,' said I, coldly. f Give me two thousand a year of Cole's money—that will leave three thousand for you and Lilian. I am poor and desperate, and I am justly entitled to share in the bequest. Act fairly by m% and I will go away, and never return to England. Refuse, and I swear that should Lilian return I will do what you already credit me with having done—l will kidnap her at the first opportunity.' 'You forget that this ie a civilised country,' exclaimed Mrs Marchand. ♦I forget nothing, madam—not even how badly I have been treated. Think over what I have said, and let me have your answer this day week I have told you what I intend to do.' With a curt nod he left the room. The man was ia earnest. He was so hard pressed that he would stop at nothing to get this money. (To be continued)