THE BLACK YACHT,

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 426, 23 June 1904, Page 2

THE BLACK YACHT,

By Hume, Author ef "The Mystery of a Hanaom Cab," « The Third Volume," " The Vajxrahing of Tera," « The Lone Inn," «For the Defence," &c., &c.

OOPYBIGHT.

CHAPTER IX,-{ContinGed.) 'What do yon think, Paulf said Mrs. Marohand, in a tone of despair.' • I hardly know what to think,' I replied. The situation seemed impossible. ' His denial and his demand astonish me. He is either innocent or he is the most crafty of scoundrels.' ' D •> you advise me to grant his request?' 'That's just where it is. We can't. Lilian is the only person who can do that. The money is left to her, *nd not to us. Faawick knows that, and he would bring her back if he could. If he had her in his power he could make her eign a promise to that effect without consulting us. I must confess that it all points to his innocence, At any rate, we have a week before ua, so we must make every effort to «-. rfia'aHLilian, and assure her safety by get- £ ~ V tog ho to consent to Fen wick's demands. We are dealing with so reckless a man that wa can do nothing else.' With this attempt at consolation I left v . - the house, and took my way down to the ... ..village in no very amiable form of mind. /- Circumstantial evidence pointed strongly to the owner of the 'Negress' j and yet all that ha had said and done seemed as strongly to slim his innocence. The ": v most doubtful point was his refusal to . \ {* T8 the nane of tk e woman with whom .' \-ne had.kept the two appointments. It w« not Mrs Marohand, and it was not * Lydia—neither could it be Hester, the ■-/ maid. Failing these three I wae comi pletely at a loss. Worried and anxious over the dilemma in which I found myself, I retired to bed in a most despondent frame of mind. As once before Garrett had roused me - to announce the disappearance of Lilian, the next morning brought him to my bed- . aide with a still more startling piece of news. •• «I guess there's something wrong, mister,' he said, when I sat up and rubbed my eyes. t ' Miss Maxch&nd ' ' Oh, no, she ain't, sir. She's still want- ' ingj but two more of them folks up yonder are missing.' ' Two more,' I repeated, stupidly. 'That's so, sir. Lydia Barber and Bax have cleared out. Mrs Marohand has just sent the little maid down to tell you.' Did this flight point to guilt P I was inclined to think so. The.answer came within the next twenty-four hours. . CHAPTER X —BAX. Three people had now disappeared from r HjESgisft Tower, vin ihe most mysterious fashion. First Lilian, and now, after a fortnight's interval, Lydia and Bax. For 1 these latter we made an anxious search during the day, bnt with no result. The black yaoht still lay at anchor in the bay, so-allowing evsn that they were the accomplices of Fenwiok, it would seem that - he could have no hand in their disappearance. The incident was odd—eves unoanny—and it tended to still further ',_. "disturb our minds. All that day I saw nothing of Fenwiok. My time was spent at Hengist Tower, consoling and pacifying Mrs Marcband. She was almost distracted. ' What does it mean—what does it all mean ?' waa her constant cry. "--,. .* Jit is impossible to say/ I would re.r; «Pond, philosophically. 'To me their Sight looks like guilt. I should not be surprisid to find that they were in the i pay of Fenwick.' . 'I can hardly think that after last ... night'. * " ** I don't think we must allow ourselves to be deceived by appearances. I cannot help thinking that he is at the bottom of all this trouble —he and the veiled woman.' * ' Well, well,' cried Mrs Marchand, impatiently, 'itis no use indulging in sur- •« - arises. They have not helped ns so far. What shall we do f' 'I shall go to Fenwick and prcnoEe terms. He is too strong for us j and if he "*-•' knows of Lilian's whereabouts he will aid us for his own sake.' .-• Bat Bax and Lydia P» - * I confess their conduct puzzles me.' . .'lfcwill be best for you to see Captain Fenwick,' said Mrs Marocand, as she came -with me to the door. * But it's a ■ . vild night, for you to go on board the yacht.' blowing: strongly from the sea, rolled mighty billows against the Headlands, and the t'.ouds of spray dashed halfway up the clif j. Dirk stormelouds swept across the starless sky, and I was almost deafened >by the rear of the wind and sea as I 'descended to the village. The driving soaked me to the skin. Breathless ~~ and drenched I arrived at the inn. Garprescribed a jorum of hot rum, and clothes. *y~ .' Don't mind the clothes, Garrett,' I _.i aaidj *I shall be wet through again in j,".. half ata hour.* * ? You ain't going out again, sir V 4 Yea, I am—aboard the 'Negress' to see Captain Fenwiok' ' I guess you won't get anyone to take -.•you out in that sea.' ' I gueM I shall,' was say retort * I ~ must see Benwick this night on important business.' ' 100 ain't found them two, sir V ' No j I have heard nothing about them.' * ' 'Maybe you'll strike them on the schooner,' said the garrulous creature, and ao retired. Outside the rain poured ceaselessly. The wind roared down the street as through a narrow funnel, and the dominating roar of the breakers thundered Incessantly. Thunder and lightning and the powers of the air were in commotion It was a terrible night All the evil forces of nature seemed to have broken loose. The tumult was at ite adgfct when the door opened, to admit—

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Bar. With streaming clothes, and limbs trembling with cold, he entered in the jtake of Garrett— a deplorable-looking object Yet when he advanced into the circle of light I saw that he had lost hie meekness. He met my gase with steadfast azsuranee. Even Garrett noted the change, and commented thereon after his own fashion. * Guess the old man's been playing 'possum,' said he, placing the grog; before me. 'He's gob the inside running this trip somehow.' •Bax,' I exclaimed, paying no attention to the landlord- • Where have you been f Where is Lydia P* •It's a long story, MrWalcott,' he replied, quietly, 'and if you will let me sit down, sir, I will tell you—all of if «Bit down, man, in heaven's name, and drink this.' Bax finished the drink, and glanced expressively at Garrett, who still stood near the door. In no wise offended the landlord took the hint. •I'll make myself scarce,' said he to Bax, 'but before I go, tell me, have yon lighted on Miss Marchand P* 'I think so,' said Bax, simplj, whereupon Garrett left the room, and I drew my chair olose up to him. • Yeu thought that I was in league with Lydia, sir, did you not P' he asked. ' Well, Bax, I own that I did; your conduct——' «Oh, that was all acting, Mr Walcott I wanted to deceive her, and I did. She knows the truth by this time.' ' Is she here P' ' I'm not sure on that point, sir j but I think she is.' ' And Lilian—Mies Marohand P' ' Lydia has her in charge.' 'ltwas Lydia, then, who carried her eff r Bax nodded. ' And Lydia was the veiled woman P' Again Bax nodded. ' Why did she aot in this way P' ' Bacause she is in love with Captain Fenwiok, sir. He promised to marry her if he came in for the money.' 'Bat the wretched man is already married.' 'I heard that from Mr Garrett. Bat Lydia does not know it When she does flhe'll turn on him, and then we'll get Miss Lilian back.' ' Where is Mise Marohand now P' «I can't eay, sir; but if you'll listen to my story—' 'One moment, Bax, I won't interrupt you again. Was Fenwiok cognisant of Lydia's doings P* ' I don't think so, sir. He must have had some suspicions, and to-night he'll know all.' •How eoP* 'Because to-night Lydia is going on board his yaoht She won't dare to return to Hengist Tower, so she'll have to throw herself on the Captain. And now, sir, I may tell you that the plot is quite unsuccessful, for in place of robbing Mies Lilian of the money Lydia has aided her to keep it.' ' How do you make that out P' I asked; not seeing his meaning. Bax produced a paper from the inner pocket of his ooat. 'This is the second will of Mr Cole. I destroys the first' I was astounded at Bsx's information about the second will, and urged him to (ell me all without farther parley. 'I shall not take long, sir,' said Bax, hastily., 'You know tbat Captain Fenwick is the cousin of my late master. He is vpj-j poor, and he was always trying to iodce* my master to leave him hie money. I think Mr Cole would have done so if he hadn't found that the Captain spoke of him as a miser. Then he was precious angry, and sent for me. Ton knew, sir, that I was with Mr Cole for twenty years, and he trusted me in all things. ' Bax/ he said to me, ' I have -been making inquiries about Captain Foawick, aad I learn that he is a scoundrel p-nd a reckless adventurer. He wants me to die so that I may leave him inymoney. Now, I intend to punish him by leaving my property to my niece, Lilian Marohand.' As you know, Mr Walcott, I had no love for the Captain, who had always treated me like a dog. I pointed out to my master that be would try and Marry Miss Lilian for the money. At that time I did not know, sir, that he had a wife. ' I have thought of that, Bix,' said my master j • so I am makisg two wills, one of which Bhall be drawn np by my lawyer, and—be-read after the funeral,""end a second, which I shall leave in your possession, ■*> ' Bat why two wills. Bax P* •Ah, sir, that'B just the point In the first will the monsy was left to Miss Lilian if she remained unmarried at the Hengist Tower for a certain time. The second will, dated a few weeks later, gave her the property on condition that Bhe left the Tower, Now you see, sir P' 'No, Bax; I conf ess I do not' \ Well. Mr Walcott, my master put it in this way: 'lf I leave the property to Lilian unconditionally,' said he, 'Fenwick may deceive her into marriage, and Bhe may yield in ignorance of his true character. Now, I make it a condition in the first that she must stay at Hengist Tower. Fenwick may try aad carry her off, bo as to render the will void. In that way he will show her h's true character, and will not only refuse to marry him, but will be on her guard against him.' ' That id exactly what has happened,' I said. 'Yes, sir. Only 1 think that Lydia carried off Miig Lilian—not the Captain' ' Well,' said I, ooonpied with my own thoughts. 'I suppose the second will destroys the first.* * That's what my master said. « When she kaows the trae oharacter of Fenwick,' ha said, ' you go to London and give the second will to the lawyer. That provides that Lilian loses the money if she stays at the Tower | so, as it is probable that Fenwick will have carried her away by >

then, he will have defeated his own object' •That is very ingenious, Bax. Your late master has made Fenwiok his own worst enemy. But what about this mysterious disappearance of Miss Lilian P' 'Lydia's work, sir. As soon as she heard the will read she plotted to get rid of Miss Lilian, so as to secure the property for her hoped-for husband. Hester was the accomplice, and I made her confess the whole scheme. Lydia sent for her brother, and he chloroformed Miss Lilian, and carried her ofl. To avert suspicion they broke the window fastening and trampled the grass, and they also dressed Miss Lilian m boy's clothes before they took her from the Tower/ «Where did they hide her f' 'ln London, sir. How they keep her qaiet I don't know. Last night Ljdia drove to Calchester, so, as I knew all about it from Hester, I followed, and caught the night express. Gjing to London by the same train, I tracked her to a house in Battersea, and marked it. Then I went to the lawyer next morning and gave him the Bfloord will, keeping a copy to Bhow you. I returned to the house this afternoon, and watched till Miss Lilian, dressed as a boy, was brought out by Lydia and her bzother.' 'Whydid you not speak to her P' ' She was drugged, sir, Lydia's brother put her in a cab, and I heard Lydia tell the guard-at Waterloo that she wanted a carriage to herself for her sick brother. T came down to Calchester by the same train, and saw Lydia drive off at Holyport' ' And where is Mies Lilian now, Bax f' ' I don't know, sir. But it is my opinion that lydia has taken her on board the • Negress.' I jumped up from my seat, put on cap and coat; and made for the door, followed by Bax. , ' Where are you going, sir P' i 'On board the ' Negress' to rescue Lilian.' Then came the most terrible episode of the whole affair. CHAPTER XL—ON BOARD THE 'NEGRESS.' Not a soul was aboard as we made our way down to the pier, The fierce gusts of wind drove the rain like whips in our faces, and at intervals a pallad moon glimmered from behind the landward flying clouds. Such was the fury of the gale that it was with difficulty we could make out way at all. However, at length we managed to reaoh the shore, and through the semi-darkness we could see the huge waves breaking over the quay. The only evidence of the boat herself wasa fitful gleam of her port and starboard lights as she strained either way at her anchor. I cculd not believe that Lilian was on board, 'lt's impossible,' I shouted to Bax. 'No woman would dare such a sea!' ' Bat she must have gone,' roared Bax. 'No other course was open. We must follow. I know where we can got a boat, apd one which will carry us well, too. I've been out in her in many a bad sea with Mr Cole, and the Dagoes are on 1 shore, so we shall catch Fenwick alone. I've got a couple of revolvers with me. Here's one for you to use if necassary' He thrust the revolver into my hand, and we struggled on to the beach. I was amazed at the forethought and determination of the old man. From feebleness he had advanced to strength; no longer 1 servant, he had now become master. I recognised the deep game of deception he must have played with Lydia, and from that moment, I put myself unreservedly into his hands. The boat, was high and dry under the Bhelter of the pier. With almost superhuman force we got her into the water. Roller after roller reared itself on the | beach, and then fell in sheets of foam. ' We were waist deep in that turbulent sea. Then Bax leaped in and grasped an oar, while I held her. ' At last we got her afloat. Then—by some'miracle, I swear—l scrambled in and J took the other oar. Pulling with the force • of sheer desperation we drew away from the beach, until we found ourselves in | deep water. One moment we were poised on the or est of the wave; the mxb found us rolling in a very abyss of saa. Some--1 timeß our boat would spin round like a teetotum, and leap, and strain, and creak 1 till I thought every timber of her mußt ' splinter into matchwood. How we reached 1 the yacht I shall never know, and when we did it was by God's mercy we were not crashed against her hull, so unexpectedly did we come upon her. Her port light glimmered at us like a baleful star through the drizzle of fine rain, and then we discerned a rope dangling above our ; 'beads." Bat it was too high up for us to grip. Bax a umbled aft, and caught me by the shoulders. •Collar hold of it when she rises.' he sboated. At this moment she mounted the crest of a wave, and I made a snatch at the rope. By chance I caught it, and pulled myself up the side. One instant I hung there like a spider, the next I was safe on deck lowering the rope to Bax. With astonishing celerity for a man of his years, he made the ascent, and we thus found ourselves on the yacht, while our boat, drifted into the surrounding darkness, So far fortune had favoured us. The vessel lurched heavily as we made our way to the saloon. A ray of light beamed through the cabin door, and above the tumult of wiad and wave I could hear the sound of excited voices. I recognised the faint tones of Lilian, and, without a moment's hesitation I buret into the saloon calling her by name. In male attire she lay on the divan at the end of the cabin, her terrified face lighted by the swinging lamp On ona side of the table stood Lydia with an evil smile on her face; on the other was Fenwick Bullen and savage. All three looked at me as I entered, and Lilian uttered a -cry-ofjoyas she-threw herself into my aims. Fenwick turned from me to Bjx, and recoiled as he saw the shining barrel of a revolver levelled at his head. Yet to do him justice he Ehowed no fear. 'Qaite dramatic, upon my word ' he cried, hoarsely. r So you know the truth at last.' ' Paul,' murmmed Lilian, drowsily, for she was still under the influence of the drug. ' Save me from that woman.' (To be concluded )