CHAPTER XX. IN THE TRAP.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 317, 17 November 1888, Page 6

CHAPTER XX. IN THE TRAP.

At an early hour of the morning following Michael Kildare's visit to Yew Cottage,,, as described in the preceding chapter, a box arrived ab fcbe cottage addresseJ to Mrs Fogarty. As the widow knew nothing of hib and the lawyer's plans, and was to know nothing of them, the fugitive seized the box on its arrival, and transported it to his own chamber, a small room upsta'vsat the rear of the house. Then he locked his door and unpacked the box. As had beon promised, it contained a I full and complete disguise. Darkening his window and lighting his candle, ifogarty proceeded to effect his toilet. 1 Half an hour later he emerged from his room in the guise of a sailor, with garments* that had seen wear and whiclrfitted their new owner easily. , He woi'e a sailor's tarpaulin over a new brown wig. The scar on i his forehead was not to be concealed, bub

I his face was cleverly disguised by ,bhe adj dition of a short, full beai-d;ibrown in > hue, ! and tangled and dishevelled enough to belong to the most careless sailor in existence. . But for Iho sear on his forehead, his own mother might not have known him. As he came out, Mrs Fogarby, who was lurking suspiciously near the keyhole of his room, uttered an exclamation which i I rang through the hall, reaching even the ears of the young captive. , ' What does this mean, Tim f cried his mother^ staring at him in amazement. 'It means,' aaid Tim, coolly, * that the beagles are aftor me, and I've gotto lie hid. A bit of a disguise is necossary, especially as I'm going out for a walk.' ' A walk ! With the police looking for you ? Are you crazy, Tim, dear? How will you lio hid if you go out for a walk ?' ' You answer that,' roturned Tim. * I'm not good at conundrums. , Stand aside, old ' lady. Keep your weather eye open till 1 1 come back, which will be some time to-day.' ' One word, Tim. . Won't you tell rue this morning what Mr Kildare wanted of you la&fc night V whined the widow, anxious to gain possession of her ton's secret. ' Ifover a word ! Let me alone, can't you V This it a purby welcome home, after years of roamin 1 1 Hold your tongue now ! I'm off !' He pushed by her rudely, descended the i stairs, and departed from the house. He I traversed the ground cautiously, and peered out ovor the palings into the street. Relying upon hie disguise, he proceeded boldly to a place which he remembered a& having years before kept horses on hire. He found that horse 3 were still to be had there, und he hired one, mounted him, and set off for Kingstown at a gallop. The ride across the country, bhiough pleu&ant villages and hamlets, was without incident, and in due time he arrived at Kingstown, stabled his horse, and strolled out upon the great granite pier which is justly the pride of the pleasant seaport town. I The mail packets from Lherpool and liolyhead were just streaming into the bar- i hour, which was thronged with sails, i Fogarby strolled out to the extreme end of Ihe pier, and examined the various vessels with a critical eye. Presently he matked a small, neat sloop, new and clean, which was of the sort usually kept on hire for the use of visitors to the town, or for pleasure parties. The only man on board this sloop was a weather-beaten old sailor, who was sunning himself on a pile of ropes. I Kogarty caught this man's ga/o and beckoned to him. The man called to him, demanding what he wanted. ' I want to come aboard,' replied Fogarly. The sloop-master arose, drew up his anchor, and conveyed his vessel to the pier. As it came near, Fogarty, who was an expert sailor, caught a rope flung to him, and jumped aboard. * All alone ?' he asked. ' All alone !' growled the sloop - master. ' Want to be takeu off to a vessel ?' ' No. F want to hire your sloop for a day or two, for a run to Scotland,' said Fogarty, who had thought much on this morning's ride, and had got his lesson by heart. ' I shall want her to-night, to-morrow, und tomorrow niahfc. You shall have her by the second morning. What will you take for the loan of her V 'Want me too?' asked the sloop-master, doubtfully. ' "Not you, old man,' said Fogarty with a glance down at his garments. ' I'm a .sailor myself, you see.' ' Is it smuggling ye want her?' ' No. Is it blind ye are, Captain ?' asked Fogaity, with a leer and a laugh. ' Did ye nt^er run after the petticoats, man ? There's a gal in the case — the saints bless her ! And there's an ugly, old step-father to the tore, and he don't like sailors, inore's the pity, and he won't have one at no price for a sou-in-law. " 'He might do worse,' ejaculated the sloop-muster, touched in a tender point. ' The byes that wear the blue jackets are the byes for me !' 'So my lass says — the saints keep her !' said Fogarty, leering. •My name is Jim Doolan, and my girleen likes the name and wants to share it. And so it's Scotland and a Scottish wedding, and a fig for old Flaherty ! And it's ten pound I'll yivo you for the ufee of your sloop for the time I've mentioned.' ' Tin pounds ! That's a big sum. I'll do it. But what if you shouldn't come back with the beat ?' added the sloop-master, suspiciously. ' Ye want security?' The sloop-master assented. Fogarty reflected. The lawyer had forgotten to provide for this emergency, and this want of provision was likely to cause a balk in their plans. Presently a bxughb idea occurred to the fugiti\ p. ' How would a watch suit you ?' he asked. * A real gold ginewine watch* ?' 1 That would suit me. I would take it as a security.' i • Then, to ' make you look sharp and lhcly, I'll give you five pounds now in advance. To-night, at midnight, be off the pier nt Black Rock, and I'll" be there with the girleen, the other five pounds, and the pold watch. D'ye mind ? At midnight, off the pier, at Black Hock.' ' I'll be there,' said the sloop-master. Fogarty drew out and gave the captain five sovereigns, being careful to display the fifteen he had remaining. Then, having made the impression-he desired as a spendthrift sailor-lover bound on an elopement to Scotland with a willing maiden, he leaped on the pier and hurried shoreward. A few minutes later ho was in the saddle again, and on his return to Clondalkin. 1 So far I have done as Mr Kildare commanded,' he said to himself as he left the town, striking out into the country. 'He told me to engage a sloop. Done. He told me to get rid of the master. Done. He told me to get the girl abroad to-night. That I shall do. He told me, when I got her well out, say in> the middle of the channel, to push her overboard, and leave her to her fate. 1 know a brick worth two of that ! We'll see what my trick amounts to. Clever story I bold that innocent old sloop-master ! But better let him think that it's a wedding that's up than to get a hint of the truth. A wedding ! Ha !ha ! A queer kind of a wedding that's nigh being a wake !' He laughed grimly, and hurried on over the pleasant roads. It was toward the middle of the afternoon, when, having returned his horse to its owner, and, having taken a roundabout way home from the stable, to avoid being followed^ be entered the gate of Yew Cottage, strolled up the path, and entered the dwelling Mrs Fogauby was in the basement, and he went down, to her and procured his dinner, which i\acl been kept for him. Eluding all the . widow's inquisitive and insinuating queries, he went up to his room, and remained %ej:e till evening, ;'; ' About dusk he earae^ down to supper. Then he sauntered aboqfejthe garden and smoked a pipe, after ivhiph'H'e' returned to the' house and to his mothec's, -sitting-room in 'the basement. ' " '' ' * *•' ' I believe I'll qo f to bedi' ho said, 1 ya^vhing, knowing that his niother had,: a great weaknessfor early hours. " It's sleepy I 'am.'

' Surely you won't go to. bed, Tim, without telliug me' the Becreff feebwixfc you and Mr Kildare V wheedled his mother, laying her skinny hand on 'hid shoulder. ■• TllfcelJ you in the morning,' said Fofarty. * The lawyer said F wasn't to tell, but '11 tell you in the morning sure, if you'll keep the secret.' ' 4 J will,' cried the widow, eagerly. 'Is it about the Lady Nora, Tim V 4 Yes ; don't be asking me more now. You'll know in the morning.' Breaking from his mother'? detaining clasp, he took up his light » and ascended to his own room. Mrs Fogarty lingered to take what she termed ' a sip 'of porter —a pint bofcbleful — and soon after she went up to pay her captive a visit and to convey to her her brief rations of bread and water. Half an hour later she secured the door of i the Lady Nora's cell, put the key in her /pocket, and went to her own room, which, as was her habit, she left ajar. In the course of an hour or more she extinguished her light and went to bed. Before ten o'clock the house was wrapped in silence and in darkness. The clock in the hallway had struck ten, when Fogarty's door soitly opened, and he came out with mufTlcd feet, his shoos in his hands. He set down his shoes and crept to his mother's door, listening. 'Good!' thought Fogarly. 'Now for the key of the dark room !' He pushed open the door more widely and peered into the dusky chamber. As ho expected, he saw in the very centre of the floor his mother's day garments. Upon their top was her brown stuff drehs. He crept into the room, took up the ! dress and sought for the pocket. The key I was in it. He took the key, crept back to I the hall, closed his mother's door, and stealthily moved to the door of the dark room. •Here he also listened. The young prisonor within was astir, moving with slow and weary step about her cell. 1 If t go in sudden, J'Jl scare her, and the fat will be in the lire,' he thought. ' I must prepare her to &cc me :' He stooped and put his mouth to the keyhole. 4 Lady Nora," he whispered, and thesound was hardly louder than the whistling of a light autumn wind. There was a stait in the dark room. Low and unsteady step? approached the door. ( Who is it ?' the Lady Nura asked, lowly, fearfully, eagerly. 4 Whi&b ! not a word, or you'll awaken the old woman ' It's a friencl !' There was * a low, eager gasp, as of hope. ' A friend !' whispered the sweet eager voice within. ' A friend, did you say ?' ' Yes, my lady. IFushnow. I'm coming in !' \ ,He put the key in the lock, turned it, opened the door softly, and t-tood on the threshold. The poor young captive met him face to face. It was too dark for her to see the gleam of his eyes, the glow on his face — too dark for him to see how trembling and pale and eager she was. RHe put her hand on his arm. 4 Who are you ?' she asked. *My name is Tim Fogarty. I'm the son of the old woman who keeps this house.' The girl sighed heavily. 4 Her son !' 4 Yes, my lady. I came home from sea labt night. I'm only a rough sailor, my lady, bun, rude and uncouth as I am, 1 have got a sailor's heart. And I've found out, my lady, that you were shut up here against your will, and says I to myself, 'Blow me, Tim Fogarty, if I'll stand by and see an innocent young gal harmed !" ' He talks kindly,' the girl said to herself. 1 And my mates know I won't never see injustice done, not e\en to a lame kitten. And I've watched till the old woman is asleep, and have stolen this key,* continued Fogarty, fluently. 'And lam going to help you escape. Softly now, my lady. Are you ready for a journey ?' ' I can be in a moment,' said the young Lady Nora, almost persuaded that she was dreaming, and that would presently awaken to find herself in her cell. 4 T have but to put on my hat and wrappings..' ' Let me bring you alight,' said Fogarty. He hastened to his room and returned with one. By the light thus furnished the Lady Nora and he surveyed each other. Thore Avas little of the prepossessing in Fogarty's appearance, yet, thanks to his false beard and sailor garb, he looked like a sturdy, honest, respectable sailor. And sailors, as the Lady Nora reflected, are celebrated for their kindness of heart. The scar on his forehead, which gave a sinister cast to his eye, was scarcely marked by the young girl. And one who came to rescue her must necessarily seem to her nn angel of goodness. She hastened to put on her cloak and hat, and to gather up a few articles of her own which she desired to take with her. Fogarty watched her at the task. He had seen some noble ladies, the Lady Kathleen Connor among others, but he had never seen a being so beautiful, so spirited, so lovely as the Lady Nora. Her bright looks and dainty ways struck him as something he had never seen in any person before, and he regarded her as one might regard some glorious bird of paradise. ' She's magnificent !' he thought. 4 But Lord Kildare would be welcome to her for all me. I'd rather have her maid Alleen for my wife. Like to like, that's my motto ?' The preparations of the Lady Nora were soon completed. Her small hat with its scarlet bird's wing was perched above her forehead, and her sacque buttoned over her chest. Then, with awaterproof cloak on her arm, she burned to Fogarty, requesting him bo lead on. He extinguished the light, took up his shoes, and led the way downstairs. The Lady Nora followed him swiftly and almost as noiselessly as a shadow. 4 Oh, how can 1 ever thank you ?' she said, brokenly. 4 Let me take you to a place of safety, my lady ; that is ail the reward I want. Where would you like to go to ? To Dublin ?' 'Oh, no ! not there.' ' To Point Kildare ?' * Nob there, just yefc. Oh S I am very friendless, Mr, Fogarty. _ I have a guardian who lives in England. He is a just man, and an honest one., \ I must go to him.' 4 Your ladyship can sail from Kingstown on to-morrow's packet,' said Fogarcy, with apparent sympathy. 'I'll take you to Kingstown," my lady. It's nob far from where my boat is lying. I leffc my sloop at Black Kook, my lady.' ' 'A sloop ! Do you own one ?' * Yes, niy lady. I own her, and run her up and down the coast on excursion trips, and how and then I take a party over to Liverpool.' The young Lady Nora inberrupbed him eagerly. } 1 Oh, Mr Fogarty ! : she cried in her eager, passionate vdiceV 'Yous'musb know that' my ' guardian : and' kinsman, ' Mr Michael Kildare, sluit mejjup in this house. It is^he who Kolds^me* '"prisoner. Your mother will detect my escape in 1 'the I ' 'na'ovri-"

ing, and will send a message to him. He ■ will be at Kingstown before the boat goes out, and bring me back ! He is my guardian, and has the right to control my movements ! O, Mr Fogarty, take me to Liverpool in your sloop ! Let us start tonight before my guardian learns of my escape. I have money in my pocket. For the love of heaven befriend me !' Fogarty appeared to be touched by her appeal. ' I'll do it ! Shiver my timbers if that land-shark shall get bold of you !' he cried, in his beßt nautical style. ' You shall be in England ahead of the packet, and along of your other guardian, while this one is searching higfi and low for you !' The young girl expressed her gratitude in earnest terms. c Jest wait here, my lady, while I go into the house for a basket of provisions. We may have a long sail, if the wind ain't right,' said Fogarty. He went back into the house, soon returning with a basket of food. This he carried on his arm, and the two stole along the garden to the front gate. ' I've got to go for the horse and waggon,' said Fogarty. ' I engaged it to be here just at ten, and it's behindhand. Ah ! here Jt comes.' The Lady Nora retreated into the shadow of a tree, as a vehicle, drawn by a large, powerful horse, came up and halted at the ■ gate. The driver, a youth of twenty, sprang out, giving the reins to Fogarty. The pretended sailor tossed him a halfcrown, and said : 'All right, my line fellow. You shall have your horse in the morning.' The driver nodded assent and hurried away. The Lady Nora then emerged from her concealment, and was assisted into the vehicle by Fogarty, who was very courteous in hie role of gallant deliverer. He sprang in affcer her, touched up his horse, and they went swiftly down the street. ' Free ! free !' said the poor young f.ady Nora, in the very ecstasy of joy. Alas ! she did not know what was before her ! If she could but have read the heart of the villain at her side ! (To be Continued.)