FIRES OF FATE.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 18, 16 July 1920, Page 2

FIRES OF FATE.

The great moment in the lives of Guy Allenby and his chum, Panl Panting, was at hand, and both men were looking more than usually pale as they stood facing each other in the studio which they rented. Both were artists, and both had made a hard struggle to find Fame, and with it Fortune. So far, however, neither had had any appreciable success. But the next five minutes would decide which of them Fortune was to favour. Side by side at one end of the studio stood two eals, and upon each a newly finished picture. The sutoject of the two paintings was the same- — a three-quarter study of a young and very beautiful girl. These two pictures represented the best efforts of the two artists, and in five minutes' time the studies were to be critically examined by Harvey Levine, the millionaire collector, whose Knowledge of art was generally agreed to be the soundest in the world. He owned some of the greatest art treasures, and had prescnted to the nation some of the world's famous paintings. Under these circumstances it was scarcely to be wondered at that the two artists were feeling acutely nervous as they waited the coming of the millionaire, for his verdict, whichever way it went, would mean the making of the man whose painting was decided to be the best. The portrait was that of the millionaire's daughter, Patricia Levine, and in both cases the likeness was striking. It was because Harvey Levine realised the wonderfnl heauty of his child that he had caused her to be the suhject of the picture, knowing that her features would give exceptional opportunities to a clever artist and bring out the best in him. He had seen a little of the work of both men, and, believeing they showed promise had invited them to paint his daughter's picture. He had stated that when they were ready he would judge both. For the picture which he thought the better he was to pay five thousand pounds while to the unsuccessful artist he had promised a hundred pounds for his labour. His decision naturally meant a great deal to the man whose picture was selected, for, apart from the prize money, the artist | would be made for life. Backed by Harvey Levine, a totally unknown man wonld become famons in a day. Gny Allenby cast a strange, lingering glance at his picture, and then, turning to his friend, gripped his hand. "We both hope to win, of course, Paul, old man," he said ; "and the decision means even more to me than to you. But whichever way it is, it shall make no differeuce to our friendship." "Of course not," he said, a little uncomfortably. "But at the same time, I don't see that the business means any more to you than to me. After all, it would only be fair if I won, because you have already won a prize. Patricia loves you, and I would have sacrificed everything else if that could have been my fate." "It is because she loves me that I want to make a name for myself, Paul," retnrned Guy. "As a poor, struggling artist, existing on a few pounds a year, I could not and, of course, would not, ask her to j marry me. I "

He stopped suddenly at the sound of a motor car outside the house. "Mr Levine," he said. "Good luck, Paul, old man!" Two minutes later Harvey Levine entered the studio. He greeted both men cordially, and smiled as he noticed their nervous agitation. He knew well enough what his verdict of the next few minutes meant to them. He followed the two artists over to the end of the studio, and a moment later forgot all about them as he submitted the two pictures to a most critical examination. He missed no point, and while he continued his silent critieism the young men waited breathless. At last he tumed away from the two canvases. "I am pleased with the efforts of both of you," he announced," but it has not been so difiicult to make my choice as I imagined it might be. Actually there is no comparison between the two works. As a portrait one is excellent, but the other is a work of a master of his craft. Oue of you, of course, was foredoomed to dis-

appointment, but so it must always be in competitions of this sort." So far be had given no hint as to which of the two men had won his praise, and their hearts seemed to cease their beating as they waited for him to say the word which would make one of them and mar the other. The millionaire looked again at the two pictures and then, coming forward, he placed his hand upon Guy Allenby's shoulder. . "Mr Allenby, I have no hesitation whatever in awarding my decision to you. Your picture of my daughter is beyond my wildf!St anticipations, and I do not know, even amongst our famous men, one capable of such a work of artistic genius. I congratulate you, my lad. From this moment you may consider yourself a made man!" Guy Allenby could scarcely believe his good fortune, whilst Paul Panting staggered back as though he had been struck in the face. Every vestige of blood drained from his countenance, and his lips trembled under the stress oi great emotion. Harvey Levine was quick to notice the effect which his decision had had upon the disappointed man, and he lost no time in ,doing his best to console him. "I am sorry for you, Panting," he said in a kindly tone. "It is the fortune of war, and there is no I'eason why you should be discouraged. Your picture is excellent, but Allenby's is so obviously the work of a master that yours is overshadowed by it." Paul Panting did not reply, for he could not at the moment trust himself to speak. The great art critic seemed to understand this, and, moving away, took up his hat. "At eleven o'clock to-morrow morning I want you to bring both pictures to me," he told the two artists. "I will then hand over the cheques. And Panting, as you have done so wellj, I will increase the consolation prize to three hundred pounds, to eompensate you for the time which you have spent on the work." 'And without another word he passed from the studio. For some moments after he had gone neither of the two artists spoke, and the silence was broken at last by Guy Allenby, who moved towards his ehum with outstretched hand. "I — I am sorry we could not share the honburs, Paul," he said earnestly. "I know how disappointed you must be, for we have both built all our hopes on this. Shake hands, old man !" With some reluctance Paul Panting returned the grip. "I suppose old Levine's opniion counts for something," he said grudgingly, "but I'm hanged if I can see such a differenee in the two portraits. As far as the likeness is concerned, mine is every bit as good as yours, and there are probably many who would consider the execution better. Still, the luck is yous instead of mine, and I shall have to put np with it."

"You will get over the dissappointment, Paul," said Guy soothingly, "and in any case, it must not make any differenee to our friendship. After all, if I do succeed in becoming known, I shall be able to help to bring you to notice also. In the end we shall both emerge from obscurity, and you will get the success which you deserve. " It was a generous, manly speech, but it was lost upon Paul Panting, who received it in sullen silence. "Now cheer up," advised Guy. "We'll go out to dinner togetber and do a show afterwards, if you feel up to it. I am sure that we both deserve a little recreati°n after our hard work of the past weeks, and the nervous strain of the day." Panting did not receive the sugestion with great enthusiasm, but after further pressure, agreed to accompany his friend. I think I'll pack up the picture hefore I go," announced Guy, when both men bad changed and were on the point of leaving the studio, "and I advise you to do the same. It is not wise to leave them in a lock-up studio all night, and if we get the mready, we can call for them on our way home."

To this proposal Paul Panting agreed, and the two men proceeded to wrap up them ready, we can call for them on our packages were placed again st the wall together, and a little later the two men went from the studio.

II. Guy Allenby and Paul Panting dined at the Celestial Restaurant, but the dinner proved a more or less dismal affair. Panting could not overcome his gloom, and Guy did not care to show unduly high spirits in view of the disapointment which his friend had suffered. But he did his best to cheer him up, a task which was not rewarded with any success. When. the time came for them to leave the restaurant and proceed to the theatre at which Allenby had booked seats, Panting made his excuses. "I think you'll have to let me off tonight, Guy," he said. "I can't help feeling down in the dumps, and I think I'd better be off at home." "Just as you like," agreed his friend. "I don't want to press you to come out against your will, and perhaps after all your are right. " Outside the restaurant they parted. "Good-night," said Allenby. "I will see you to-morrow morning at Mr Levine's!"

Panting nodded, and then set off in the direction of the studio, intending to call there for his picture, and to take it to his lodgings with him. And as he walked, his mind was filled w-ith many strange thoughts, thoughts which grew upon him as he went upon his way. So deeply tbinking was he that he did not go straight to his destination, and it was more than an hour later when he at last r.eached the studio and let himself in with a key. He switched on the light, and, dropping into a wieker chair, stared at the two wrapped up canvases standing against the wall. "Cure him!" he muttered savagely. "He is destined to have all the luck. It was bad enough that the girl should fall in love with him, without winning the prize as well. By Heaven, I don't think it would be possible for any man to hate another as I hate Allenhly to-night." He rose from his seat and paced the studio. "If anything were to happen to his picture, he would never be able to paint it again. Such a piece of work cannot be done twice, and then, if I did not receive the five thousand pounds, my picture would gain more prominence, and old Levine would probably pay me well for it. I wonder V ' The idea pbsessed him, and he knew that he would carry it out. But how? To cut Allenby's canvas, or to disfigure it in any other way would be too apparent, and suspicion would be certain to fall upon him. Was there no other way ? "Ah ! ' The exclamation burst from his lips as the solution came to him. "If the studio is destroyed by fine, it will seem to be an accident, and no one will ever know." With his mind fixed upon his evil plan, Paul Panting crossed to some papers piled np in a further corner of the room, and, striking a mateh, he deliberately lighted them. We watched only to "see that the pile was well alight, then, crossing to where the two pictures stood, took up his own and left the studio, locking the door behind him. Thus it was, when Guy Allenby arrived at the studio that night to collect his picture, he found the firemen still fighting the flames, which had completely gutted out the entire building. He watched only to see that the pile man who had lost something more precious than life itself.

III. With a large, flat packet held under his arm, Paul Panting mounted the steps of the Park Lane mansion of Harvey Levine. He was looking very pale, but he mastered his emotions skilfully. The success of his evil scheme filled him with gratification, and he felt quite ready for the ordeal which was now before him. When the door was opened, he was ushered into Levine's library, where three people were already waiting. One was the millionaire, another his daughter, whilst the last was Guy Allenby,' who was standing upright against the desk, his pale face bearing evident traces of the hlow which he had suffered. Paul Panting set his picture down, and walked straight to where Guy stood. "Guy, old chap, how can I tell you how sorry I am!" he bagan, appearing to be deeply affected. "I only read of the business in the paper this morning, and I could scarcely credit it. I would not have believed that Fate could be so bitterly cruel to any man." Guy Allenby took his proffered hand readily. Thank you, Paul," he said uristeadily. I knew that I should have your sympathy, and I am grateful to you for it." It is a bad business!" commenteid Harvey Levine with a though tful frown. "The losr can nnver be replaced, for T am s.ure

that we shall never see the };v picture again." Ke t>! ^ A low sob broke from tL v ricia Levine. ps o| "Oh, it is too terrible," she s,;, I cannot believe that it Was ^ d' • I don't know why, but soffie seems to tell me that this has b 01 by somebody who has a S Mr Allenby." ^ Levine turned upon his daaebu • 3 patxently. ^ fer in,; "Nonsenes !" he said. "Get Sudl j ldeas out of your yohng head W ^ naturally upset, but the thing k i ^ 5,1 luck. It can't be helped now.andifnH not misjudged him, Allenby wi], , ^ like a man. The pity of it all picture would have made his reputation J the shock he has received will prc,^ make it impossible to do anythinr ^ again." * He paused, and tnrned to Paul T>anr "However, Allenby's misfortune is J good luck!" he said. "I mmn ha? portrait of my daughter, and, since I ' not have the one, I will have the I will not, of course, pay you for what I would have paid Allenby for bat I will be quite fair. I suggest a % sand pounds. It required a great effort on the partc( Paul Panting to conceal the elation whij the other man's words had caused him. His cowardly scheme had sueeeeded Ven better than he had dared to hope ]jow ever, he considered it in good tiste tc make a protest.

1 could not accept so genemnn oilor sir," he said heroically. ' 'Allenby ^ chum, and I do not wish to pront ^ \;a loss." His words had the desired cffeit upoj the old man. "It is very splendid of you to tui! that, Panting," he said, "and I 3i% you for it. But I shall insist upon payiij you the sum I have mentioned, a; j( | addition, I give you my word that M endeavour, as far as lies in -ny j.owtr to eompensate Allenby." "Thank yon, sir," said Panting "Now let ns see the picture,'' went- cn the old man. "I am sure that ni; ter would like to give her opinio i oi, the finished painting." The fingers of Paul Panting tnd/fdslightly as he nnfastened the pack Very slowly he drew it from the wrappet aai placed it upon an easel which was mitml to receive it. Harvey Levine took his dau-gTv s aic, a.id advanced towards the pictuv. "Look, child !" he said. "Yea wi'l fffld that the likeness is very striking." i He stopped suddenly and stared al th painting. The other three aiso stood looking at it in blank amazement. It was the pitcure of Patricia Levine, but Paul Panting staggered back in h.orrot at the sight of ib-«for it a as not the poitrait which he had paintei. It bore the signature of Gny Allenby! i Stricken dumb with rage and rnortifica- - tion, he stared at the beautiful face witi starting eyes. A tense silence was broken suddffll/i/;| the voice of Guy Allenby. "Great powers, this is my picture, alta 1 all!" he cried. "You must have taken A ! away in mistake for your own last night, i Paul !" Paul Panting turned upon him with 1 snarl. His passion was quite beyond con- 1 troi now, and his eyes blazed with venomous hate. Upon. the desk within reach lay a heavy paper-knife of Eastern pattern. Panting caught sight of it, and his mad fury" got the better of him. He snatche ] it up, and, with a fierce oath, rushed to j ward and aimed one savage blow-at canvas. Patricia Levine was the first to realm . his intention. , | With a cry she sprang forward, an ' with all her strength, caught at his aro to stay its downward course. The a® j moment Harvey Levine had snatche I knife from Panting's grip. .j The hate-maddened wretch quai'e 1 fore the millionaire's gaze. , 1 "Your action has made eTery^"^. \ clear," said the old man, in a , erate voice. "I am getting on m ' j but I find it hard to prevent myse ^ j giving you the horse-whipphg .v°, | serve. Disappointed because yo111 | had beaten you in fair contest J'ou 1 ° ^ j to destroy his work by setting toe ^ A studio. Fate, however, pla)'c y, i4| strange trick, and you succeede 0 i destroying your own." . pJ Cowering before this cold rec 4 perfidy, Paul Panting, all the fke J out of his nature, could only J"11 coherently. e jiil- i "There is the door!" went. °n^.]i paS3 lionaire. "If you are wise, yo" 1 ' ^ i ou through it within five sec°n ,® ^ ^ that period of grace, I will have ^ ^ out; and I warn you that, or ; sake, it will be better tha y n » never let me see or hear o Panl Panting took the first alter

and was oat of the room within the time limit. Devine followed him, and from the front door watched him steal away. When Harvey Levine returned to the Iibraxy, he reoeived another severe shock, fo". on opening the door he saw his daughter Pat sobbing quietly in th© arms of Guy Allenby, who was kissing her hair, ani murmuring soothingly to her. They were too much wrapped up in themselves to notice the entrance of the millionaire, who, being a man of common sense, with a shrewd knowledge of human nature, stepped back into the hall again and lighted a cigar, Five minntes later, after .a severe fit of coughing upon the threshold he re-entered the library. The young couple had profited by the warning of his coming, but their faces betrayed them only too well what had passed between them. The millionaire placed a hand upon the shoulder of each of them, and looked into the face of the young artist. There was a catch in his voice when he spoke. "You have given me a wonderful picture of my little Pat, Allenby', he said. "And now, in return, you are going to stea' the original of it from me. But I think I can understand now the inspiration which. prompted your masterpiece. God. bles3 you both!" The end.