THE MANOR MYSTERY-

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2104, 1 February 1908, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE MANOR MYSTERY-

(Bv FERGUS HUME Author of "The Mystery of a Hansom Cnh.” "The Jade Eye," "The lilnck Patch." "Jonah's Luck." "The Scarlet Bat." etc, [All Rights Reserved..] CHAPTER IX. The next morning ho refused to go in the motor-ear with his young hosts tor a spin, and when he saw them disappearing down the Axleigh road in a cloud ot dust, he strolled quietly up to the Manor, lit' desired to see Lady I'auwin, and to explain that there was absolutely no reason why Dorothy should he condemned to spinsterhood. li she—the elder woman— were only convinced ol this, she might, out of sheer gratitude for such information, he willing to persuade Mr Clair into consenting. Then everything would go well. It was a delightful summer morning. all sunshine and perfume and radiant life, quite the sort of happy day to choose for courting. Hallon anticipated being with Dorothy in the quaint Dutch garden near the tower, talking about his future and hers. But when he emerged from the avenue ho found that there was an-’ other Richmond in the field. That is. Dorothy, who was strolling on the lawn, with a scarlet sunshade over her uncovered head, had a young man walking by her side. And such a handsome man—tall, slim, and graceful. with quick blue eves, and curly yellow hair. The face, which turned towards Hallon. was oval, lair, and cleanshaven, save for a small golden moustache. This Apollo, of whom, at first sight, the lover felt jealous, was dressed in blue serge, with smart brown hoofs and a straw hat. Ho looked extremely English and aristocratic ; yet when Hallon came up Dorothy introduced her cavalier as a foreigner. ’’Count Bezkoff— Mr Hallon,’’ said Dorothy, with flushed cheeks, as she saw the jealousy in her lover’s dark eyes. "T am happy to meet you. Air Hallon." Count Bezkoff spoke wonderful English, with scarcely a trace of foreign accent. AVhat with his fair look.-, his Bond-street clothes, and Els 'accurate Saxon, ho did not seem to ho a Russian. But the way hr which he (flicked his heels together and bowed stiffly from the waist hinted at the alien. Hallon removed his panama gravely, and nodded in polite silence, then turned towards Aliss Clair. “How is your father?” he asked, quietly.

“He is in very good spirits,” she answered, composedly. “Good fortune has come liis way at .last.” “Then our visit to the vault did change the luck?” said Hallon, pretending not to'know the news. Dorothy trembled a little as the memory of the crypt and its tragedy crossed her mind. But she recovered herself immediately, and the quicker when she saw that Bezkoff was watching her curiously. “I think it lias changed his luck for the better. Poor Sir John Newhv has left my father two thousand a year for life.” “I congratulate Alt’ Clair. He will he enabled to restore the Manor to its former splendour.” “And help the good cause also, J hope,” struck in Bezkoff. “1 beg your pardon?” said HaKlon, in puzzled tones. “All! I forgot,” rattled on the Count, gaily. “You are not aware that I am a. Red Revolutionist, an Anarchist, a Socialist, a Nihilist—in fact, all that is bad in your English eyes. I was an intimate friend of Sir John’s, and had he lived it was his intention to help the party I belonged to with money. AVe need money to carry on our war against the tyrants at St. Petersburg, Air Hallon. Sir John’s millions wouP.d have come in very handy, I assure you.” fc *"** w^jvg~tliQub t,’ ’ agreed Percy, driiv. “But Air Clafr’is not in possession of Sir John’s millions. Nor do I think that ho has much sympathy with the views which you entertain regarding a rr-.v era for Russia.” Bezkoff laughed in a, boyish manner. “Right iu both cases, AH’ Hallon. AVith your solid Euglis i some, you have stated the position correctly. Sir John’s millions, with flic exception of a few legacies, and this income to Air Clair, have gone to charitable societies, with which, as an Anarchist, 1 have small sympathy. Tint- two thousand a year call do much, if properly spent.” “1 scarcely think Air Clair will spend it in Russia, Count.” “Oh, yes—that is, when J. have had a talk with him. You must not take my talk of Anarchism and Nihilism too seriously, AJr Hallon. I merely use those terms because the aims of truly patriotic Russians are inconceivable to your countrymen, and perhaps to you, unless they arc so ticketed. I hope for a Bloodless re volution myself.” “There are no bloodless revoln- ; tions,” said Hallon, briefly. “T fear you do not read the history of your own country, Mr Hallon, or you would remember the revolution which drove James 11. into exile. Thero are other instances upon which wo can talk later. And all revolutions, whether Woodless or otherwise, require money. I have every hope that Air Clair will aid our cause.” Percy lookd at Dorothy in a puzzled manner. This sudden and unexpected intrusion of Continental politics into the quiet, uneventful life of Bclt'an made 'him wonder. Nor did he think that pompous, aristocratic Air Clair was the man to lend himself to Russian emissaries,.or his money either. Dorothy, who also locked surprised, answered his unspoken question at once. “Count BezkofT’s arrival and news is quite as unexpected to me as to you,” she said. “He came down with my father last night, and proposes to Stop here for a few days.” “Not ns an unwelcome guest, I trust, Afiss Clair,” said the Count, in a graceful manner. “I am the last person, I hope, to intrude anywhere, but I was presenfhat the reading of Sir John’s will in London, in the hope that ho had loft a few thousands to the society that I represent in England, and so I met with your father. I confided to him my disapat Sir John’s oversight,

and explained mv views. Air Clair was so far converted to the desirability of helping us that he invited mo down for a few days. When lie fully uiuleiKtands our aims towards regenerating Russia, 1 have no doubt that ho will give us some money. You see.” ended Bezkoff, turning towards Hallon with a dnzJling smile, "that 1 conceal nothing. A’et you English say that we Russians are all secrecy and intrigue.”

”1 say nothing about the Russians,” said Hallon, coldly, "because I know nothing of the country, or ol the people." "1 can instruct von,” said the Count, quickly. "It would he waste ot time. 1 have very little money, and certainly none to spend upon revolutions." Bezkoff was in no wise offended ; lie si in p’ly shrugged his shoulders and laughed gaily. "You are wise, you English. You look before you leap!”

"And you Russians,” retorted Hallon, promptly, "leap before you look.”

“Naturally, with bayonets driving is," answered the Count. The two men seemed to lie oil the •ergo of a quarrel, and Dorothy inervened. "You had better discuss your views with my lather, Count, she said, quickly, “since it is my father that you have come down to see.” Bezkoff, with the swift intuition ■if the Slav, glanced rapidly from one .voting face to the other, and drew his iwn conclusions. AA ith a smile, but 'n silence, lie was about to move away mil leave the lovers to the desired solitude of two, when Hallon stopped him. “One moment. Count,” he said, abruptly, “lias Richard Newby’s secret visit to St. Petersburg anything to do with your revolution?” “Certainly. Sir John sent him to Russia at my request. AVhen ho returns, Air Hallon, the mystery of Sii .John’s death will doubtless be solved.” "Then you think —you 'know—’’ “Nothing. Mr Hallon. But Air Richard Newby is better informed.” AA’lien the Russian withdrew Hallon and Dorothy looked at one anitlier for a minute without speaking. It was the girl who spoke first. “What does lie mean ” she asked, hitting the sunshade from one shoulder to the other. Hallon shrugged his shoulders. ■Really, 1 can’t say,” ho returned. “Unless he means to hint that Richard had something to do with the crime; and that, on the face of it is ridiculous. Besides, I don’t see how Count . Bezkoff can possibly know.”

Dorothy thought for a moment, drawing patterns on the gravelled path with the tip of her shoe. “It it strange that Count Bezkoff should come down here with my father,” she observed. “1 quite agree with you. But, after all, it is your father’s business, and doesn’t concern ns in the least. What does vour aunt say?” “Nothing. She accepts his presence in silence.” “And your father?” “He has volunteered no explanation.” “Then we had better wait developments. I cannot think that your father would be foolish enough to lend himself to this man’s wild schemes. I am puzzled.” The girl took his arm coaxinglv, and led him down the path into a more secluded part of the gardens. “Don’t puzzle just now,” she said. ‘ Let us enjoy the golden moments (together. ” “My darling!” His arms went round' her fondly. “Then you do love me a little, Dorothy?” “I love you a very great deal,” she whispered, with the sweetest of blushes and the most delightful of trusting smiles. AVhat could he do but kiss her? Which he did in tlio eye of the allbeholding sun.

Then they silt down on a mossgrown stone bench, under the shadow of a marble faun, who danced on a low pedestal. Round tliem spread the trees in the- full glory of summer foliage, beneath their feet the emerald sward, and overhead the cloudless shy of midsummer. Then everywhere, amongst the trees and on tho borders of tho, lawn, and round tho pedestal of the faun, bloomed roses, red and white, perfuming the air with fragrance. It was like the garden of Paradise, and they were Adam and Eve in the midst thereof. Fortunately, the serpent, in the person of Count Bezkoff, had gone away. The two talked low, because they' tal'ked of love, and there were frequent moments of silenee, more eloquent than speech. Neither the one nor the, other thought of the changed fortunes of the Clairs, or of the murder which had so changed those same fortunes, or of the obstacles wliieh might, prevent their marriage, or of any mundane things whatsoever. They gave themselves up to the lull enjoyment of that golden hour, and Percy found himself saying things which hitherto he had thought existed only in love stories. And Dorothy listened with charmed cars. But as tho sun soared higher and grew warmer they were compelled to descend from those transcendental heights and talk common sense, which was not ncarEy so nice. “I hope, everything will go well,” sighed Dorothy, coming first to the practical, after tho manner of women, however romantic. “Of course they will, dearest. Why should they go wrong?” “My father will object to our marriage, I know.” “Ho may; I don’t- deny that. But Rady Panwin will ho on our side.” “No she won’t! Oil the day of tho inquest she said that she did not wish me to marry you or anyone else. I wonder why?” is ‘I know, for she told me,” said Hallon. Now that he knew tho truth he judged it best to telil Dorothy everything, so that she might cooperates with him to overcome the prejudices of Lady Panwin. our aunt told me. that the original of the portrait over the piano—” “General Harry Clair. Yes?” interpolated the girl. “Had died in Bedlam.” “Yes, I know,” said Dorothy, unexpectedly. “I found some old letters one day and showed them to Willy. Ho suffered from sunstroke.” “Has your aunt seen those letters?”'

"1 don’t think so. They were hidden in the secret drawer of an eld e.seretoire. AVe found them on a rainy day, when we were hunting for some dresses in one of the attics. AAliy? “Well, you see, dear, Lady Panwin thinks that such iiisanily may bo hereditary, and so did not want you to marry.” “Oh!” Dorothy turned pii.'le“Surely she is wrong.” “Quito wrong,” Hallon hastened to assure her. "And l—"Why am I wrong?” inquired a stern voice behind the pedestal; and Dio lovers started to their feet to see Lady Panwin, gaunt- and grave, in her black dress. She looked like a blot of ink in the sunshine. “Oh. auntie!” faltered Dorothy, confused at being found with Percy's arm round her waist-. “[ have been looking for you, Dorothy,” said Lady .Panwin, with tlio ail- of a judge condemning a culprit. “Go in and see about- the flowers for the dinner-table to-night. ••No,” said Hallon, detaining the girl when she would have obeyed. “] have something to say first about our engagement. ’ ••You are not engaged,” said Lacy Panwin, lie reefy. “Aon never shall be engaged. 1 warned you last uiglio. Go, Dorothy! 1 shall speak to Mr Hallon privately.” “Go, dear,” said Percy, fondly, and actually kissed her under tlio Gorgon gaze of this terrible chaperon 7 “and don’t- worry your hea l. We are engaged, and no one can part; us.” CHAPTER X. Lady Panwin put up her lorgnette as Dorothy rail across the lawn ai d disappeared round a- curve ot the path. “I think you are mistaken, Air Ha,Hon,” she said, glaring. "Also, you have taken a great liberty. “ft is the privilege of a lover to take liberties,” said Hallon, in gay tones. “Come, Lady Panwin, don’t look so angry. You have been young yourself, and know wliat love is.” Tlio stately old dame softened, as she eyed the young man standing so gallant and debonair in tlio radiance of the sunshine. In spite of "herself she felt her thin lips curve to a smile. “You arc very hold. Air Hallon, she remarked, striving to be stern. “NaturaHly. AVho would not be, to win such an angel?” “A'ou shall never win her, sir!” “It’s too late to say that. I have won her. AVe shall he married as soon as possible.” “Her father will have something to say to that,” said the chi lady, in her most freezing tones. “I look to you to persuade Midair to consent.” “You look to me?” gasped Lady Panwin, confounded by this audacity; “when you know that I don t want Dorothy to marry anyone. Let the race of the Clairs die out. Air Hallon. A’ou know the taint, and —” “There is no taint,” said HaUon, quickly. “But there is. I have seen letters about—” “You have seen some letters, but not those which Willy Afinter and Dorothy found in the old escretoire in the garret.” “Did they find letters there?” asked Lady Panwin, starting.

“Yes. Letters which dealt with the lunacy of General Harry Clair.” “I have seen them.” “Not these letters,” urged the young man. fighting every inch for his love. “If you had you would not fear for an inherited taint.’ ‘■'AVhat do you mean, sir. The letters I saw sfiid that Harry Clair died in Bedlam.” “So lie did. But did the (letters which you saw say how he lost his reason ? ’ ’ “No, I can’t call to mind that they did.” “Then there must be another packet of letters.” said Hallon, promptly, “and Dorothy will show them to you. 11l one of them it is stated that General Harry Clair had sunstroke in India, and so went out of his mind. A'ou understand?” “I confess that I don’t,” said Lady Panwin, drawing herself up. “The injury which caused the madness was local,” said Hallon, slowly, “therefore there is not the slightest clianco of the madness being inherited by tlio General’s descendants.” “Are you sure of this?” “I am certain. Dorothy will show von the letters. AA r illy Afinter told me, and I asked Dorothy to explain. J thought it was best that she should know the worst.” “A’ou do not understand what 1 mea.n, Air Hallon. If Harry Clair went mad from .sunstroke, would not. the lunacy be inherited?” “Certainly not. However, to set. your mind at rest I will get tli-r opinion of an expert doctor, when J go to London to-morrow. Now, what do you say?” “It alters the case, of course,” said Lady Panwin, thoughtfully; “that is, if your theory is correct.” “And you will help me to marry Dorothy?” “I don’t say that. But if Francis agrees I shall make no objection.” Hallon fellt disappointed. “A’ou know perfectly well that Air Clair will not agree,” lie said, decidedly. “Also, that you can influence him more than any other person. AVe depend upon you.”

Lady Panwin gave a short laugh. “A frail reed,.” she said. “A T our brother does not think so.” said Hallon, significantly, “and he may need to lean upon you soon.” “Ho always Deans upon me. But what do you mean?”

“Have you forgotten our conversation ?” “Don’t speak of it.” “I must know where I stand,” insisted the young man. “Believe me, I wish to be your friend.” “I have always found myself able to manage without help,” said Lady Panwin, stiffly. “You may need someone should anything transpire as to wliat Air Clair knows about this murder.” “He knows nothing,” said the old dame, defiantly. “Perhaps so. All the same, you feared lest he should know much. And I guessed from your glancing at that portrait that you dreaded lest lie should have stabbed Sir John in a moment of insanity.” Lady Panwin sat down and gasped. “How date you!” she exclaimed, in a furious tone. “There is not- the slightest evidence to show that my brother had anything to do with the matter.”

“But you thought—” “Never mind wliat I thought. AVliere are your facts to substantiate this charge?” “I have brought- none,” replied

Hallon , quickly; “but another person may have less hesitation. This Count Bezkoff for instance.” “1 don’t disguise from you, Air Hallon, said Lady Panwin, trying to fight down her agitation, “thnt I can’t understand why my brother should have brought this stranger hero. Ho mot him casually at the reading of the will, and asked him to the Manor. AVliy, I cannot say.” “Perhaps,” said Hallon, - significantly—perhaps lie coufld not help hiniseif, Lady Panwin.” She was silent for a moment, then looked up with a grey, drawn face. “AVhat docs this man want ” she asked in faltering tones. “From what lie said to nni on tlio lawn, I fancy he wants money from Air Clair to carry out some revolutionary schemes in Russia.” “But Francis has no money.” “He has two thousand a year now, and,” added Percy, with a pointed look, “that income was left by Sir John Nowbv.” It was useless for Lady Panwin to protest that she did not understand, for she was well aware that Ballon hinted at the Russian’s possible knowledge of Clair’s guilt. “But it is ridiculous,” she muttered. “I quite agree with you. Mr Clair is the last man to murder a—” “But if he were mad for the moment?” she interrupted.

“He was not mad; there is no inherited insanity. Put your mind at rest on that point.” “Will my mind ever be at rest again?” sighed Lady Panwin, and was silent for a few minutes. Hallon waited on her pleasure, and when next she spoke it was to state a clear case. “I accept you as a friend, Mr Hallon,” she said, stretching out her lean hand, which lie grasped, “and J will be frank. Aly brother wanted Sir John to lend him money, and met with a. refusal! unless Dorothy became Sir John’s wife. -Only Dorothy, myself, and my brother know the way to that vault where the wretched man’s body was hidden, and Francis confessed himself that lie was near the Cuckoo’s Grove about the time of the murder. AA’hat with all tlieso facts and the facts that lie nearly fainted when you came with the news, I admit that I fancied, for a moment, that Francis might have destroyed Sir John in a moment of madness.” “1 don’t think you need trouble further about the matter,” said Hallon, quietly and soothingly. “Air Clair is innocent. I’ll stake my existence on that!” And then he explained carcfulSy the reasons why he had dismissed his two theories oi the crime. “AA’homsoever killed Sir John Newby,” ended Hallon, with emphasis, “Air Clair is innocent.” “You have lifted a weight from my heart,” said Lady Panwin, gratefully, again offering her hand; “and lam glad I spoke out. But if 1' rancis is guiltless—and I never could believe him to be otherwise, in spite of circumstances —who is guilty?” “Richard Newby might be. At least, Count Bezkoff hinted as much.” “But Richard is in St. Petersburg.” “Quite so. He was sent —according to Bezkoff—by his brother on a secret errand connected with some

revolutionary business in which Sir John was interested. Bezkoff says that when Richard returns lie can explain.” “Explain what?” “The murder I presume; at least, that was the inference I drew from Bezkoff’s loose way of talking.” “But if that is so, why has this man come down?”

“I can’t say. It will bo better to wait until he shows his hand. I daresay your brother will tell you why ho asked him here.” “No.” Lady Panwin sighed and frowned. “I have asked three or four times. Francis merely says that he likes him, and desires to have him as a guest. Perhaps,” she looked up, “now that Sir John is dead he wants Dorothy to marry this Russian.” Hafllon’s face grew dark, and his eyes flashed. “If I thought that, he said, with clenched hands and a long-drawn breath, “I would—l would—but there, it’s quite impossible. Dear Lady Panwin, ask me to dinner to-night, and I’ll watch Count Bezkoff. In some way or another I will learn why he has come down. As to Dorothy—” “AVo can talk about her later,” said Lady Panwin, rising; “and in the meanwhile, believe that I am vour friend.”

So they made a treaty, and Hallon wont back to t-lie collage fcdling that he had scored. All the same, he was greatly puzzled by the arrival and

the veiled hints of Bezkoff, and wondered how he would be able to circumvent so astute a person. On tlio return of Willy and her brother he announced that Lady Panwin had asked him to dinner, and received much commiseration on Hie fact that lie would not get enough to oat. In fact, AA'illy made him partake of a hearty afternoon tea, including eggs and toast and sandwiches. Fortified in this manner, Hallon took his way to tlio Manor. Onfly then did lie remember that ho had not mentioned, in bis preoccupation, the facts of Count BezkofPs arrival. Air Clair expressed himself glad to see the young man, which lie would not have done had lie guessed his audacity in aspiring to the hand of tlio Clair 'heiress. Dorothy was also very bright, as Lady Panwin had hinted of her desire to help with the marriage, always provided—as the girl whispered to Percy —that sonio well-established doctor gave his opinion on the question of lunacy. As to Count Bezkoff. he made himself excessively charming, and was dressed in the very in test evening dress from a smart Bond-street tailor. Hallon could not be quite sure, but fancied that ho was a scoundrel; yet the young Russian was so handsome and agreeable that he began to revise bis opinion, and to take himself to task for having been too hasty. Only Lady Panwin was proof against the fascination of this accomplished stranger, and glared at him like Aledusa. Bezkoff seemed to be rather perplexed by her scarcely-veiled hostility. The dinner was no better than it bad been before, and Percy secretly congratulated himself upon having

done justice to Aliss Alinter’s ten. Throughout the meal Bezkoff chatted gaily, and professed himself charmed with everything and everyone. A’et occasionally Hallon detected Air Clair glancing at his delightful guest in a puzzled and apprehensive way. And after dinner, when the three gentlemen were seated over their wine, the host- gave Hallon a broad hint that lie might- depart to the more congenial atmosphere of the drawing-room. The young man, with a view to Dovemaking, was only too pleased. All

tho same, ho wondered for one swift moment what Mr Clair could possibly want with the Russian. For a wonder Lady Pamvin was not asleep, but had seated herseW near the window with a cup of coffee, and was listening to Dorothy playing musical scraps. Although the old woman’s dread concerning inherited insanity had been nearly removed, and sho was «l'raid of her nioco marrying, yet *he did not quite approve of HaKlon as a suitor. However, with a touch of sentiment, she mado no objection to the young man stealing to the side otUto fair musician. Busied with her own thoughts, Lady Panwin permitted the lovers to converse in whispers, which they did under cover of the music. Everything was thus quiet and pleasant, until the sound of an angry voice broke in upon the stillness. Into the room camo Mr Clair, hurriedly, and white with anger. Ho could scarcely speak for rage, and gesticulated wildly. Behind him, in strange contrast, sauntered Count Berkoff, cool and debonair, with the assured air of a man who 'knows what ho is about.

“Blackmail, Selina!” stuttered Clair, vehemently, while everyone roso in justifiable alarm. “I am l>eing blackmailed! Ho”—pointing to the calm Russian —“he says—declares —that I—that I—”

“Murdered Sir John Newby,” finished Berkoff. “I can prove it.” (To be Continued.)