THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR

by

Maynard Barbour

CONTENTS

 I THE MAINWARINGS II FAIR OAKS III THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF HUGH MAINWARING IV A TERRIBLE AWAKENING V IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES VI THE INQUEST VII A LITTLE ROYAL VIII THE WEAVING OF THE WEB IX TANGLED THREADS X BEHIND THE SCENES XI SKIRMISHING XII X-RAYS XIII THEORIES, WISE AND OTHERWISE XIV THE EXIT OF SCOTT, THE SECRETARY XV MUTUAL SURPRISES XVI MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS XVII LOVE FINDS A WAY XVIII AN UNFORESEEN FOE XIX MUTUAL RECOGNITIONS XX OPENING FIRE XXI THE LAST THROW XXII SECESSION IN THE RANKS XXIII FLOTSAM AND JETSAM XXIV BETWEEN THE ACTS XXV RUN TO COVER XXVI MAINWARING VS. MAINWARING XXVII THE SILENT WITNESS

CHAPTER I

THE MAINWARINGS

The fierce sunlight of a sultry afternoon in the early part of Julyforced its way through every crevice and cranny of the closely drawnshutters in the luxurious private offices of Mainwaring & Co. , StockBrokers, and slender shafts of light, darting here and there, lenta rich glow of color to the otherwise subdued tones of the elegantapartments. 

A glance at the four occupants of one of these rooms, who haddisposed themselves in various attitudes according to theirindividual inclinations, revealed the fact that three out of thefour were Englishmen, while the fourth might have been denominatedas a typical American from the professional class. Of ratherslender form, with a face of rare sensitiveness and delicacy, andrestless, penetrating eyes, his every movement indicated energy andalertness. On the present occasion he had little to say, but wasengaged in listening attentively to the conversation of the others. 

Beside a rosewood desk, whose belongings, arranged with mathematicalprecision, indicated the methodical business habits of its owner, sat Hugh Mainwaring, senior member of the firm of Mainwaring & Co. , a man approaching his fiftieth birthday. His dress and manners, less pronouncedly English than those of the remaining two, betokenedthe polished man of the world as well as the shrewd financier. Hewore an elegant business suit and his linen was immaculate; hishair, dark and slightly tinged with gray, was closely cut; hissmoothly shaven face, less florid than those of his companions, was particularly noticeable on account of a pair of dark grayeyes, cold and calculating, and which had at times a steel-likeglitter. Though an attractive face, it was not altogether pleasing;it was too sensuous, and indicated stubbornness and self-will ratherthan firmness or strength. 

Half reclining upon a couch on the opposite side of the room, in anattitude more comfortable than graceful, leisurely smoking a fineHavana, was Ralph Mainwaring, of London, a cousin of the New Yorkbroker, who, at the invitation of the latter, was paying his firstvisit to the great western metropolis. Between the two cousinsthere were few points of resemblance. Both had the same cold, calculating gaze, which made one, subjected to its scrutiny, feelthat he was being mentally weighed and measured and would, in allprobability, be found lacking; but the Londoner possessed a morephlegmatic temperament. A year or two his cousin's junior, helooked considerably younger; as his hair and heavy English sidewhiskers were unmixed with gray and he was inclined to stoutness. 

Seated near him, in an immense arm-chair which he filled admirably, was William Mainwaring Thornton, of London, also a guest of HughMainwaring and distantly connected with the two cousins. He wasthe youngest of the three Englishmen and the embodiment ofgeniality. He was a blond of the purest type, and his beard, parted in the centre, was brushed back in two wavy, silken masses, while his clear blue eyes, beaming with kindliness and good-humor, had the frankness of a child's. 

Hugh Mainwaring, the sole heir to the family estate, soon afterthe death of his father, some twenty-five years previous to thistime, became weary of the monotony of his English homelife, and, resolved upon making his permanent home in one of the large easterncities of the United States and embarking upon the uncertain andtreacherous seas of speculation in the western world, had sold theestate which for a number of generations had been in the possessionof the Mainwarings, and had come to America. In addition to hisheavy capital, he had invested a large amount of keen business tactand ability; his venture had met with almost phenomenal success andhe had acquired immense wealth besides his inherited fortune. 

His more conservative cousin, Ralph Mainwaring, while never quiteforgiving him for having disposed of the estate, had, nevertheless, with the shrewdness and foresight for which his family were noted, given to his only son the name of Hugh Mainwaring, confident thathis American-English cousin would never marry, and hoping therebyto win back the old Mainwaring estate into his own line of thefamily. His bit of strategy had succeeded; and now, after morethan twenty years, his foresight and worldly wisdom were about tobe rewarded, for the occasion of this reunion between thelong-separated cousins was the celebration of the rapidlyapproaching fiftieth birthday of Hugh Mainwaring, at which timeHugh Mainwaring, Jr. , would attain his majority, and in recognitionof that happy event the New York millionaire broker had announcedhis intention of making his will in favor of his namesake, and onthat day formally declaring him his lawful heir. 

This had been the object of the conference in the private officeof Hugh Mainwaring, and now that it was over and all necessaryarrangements had been made, that gentleman turned from his deskwith a sigh of relief. 

"I am heartily glad that this business is over, " he said, addressing his guests; "it has been on my mind for some time, andI have consulted with Mr. Whitney about it, " with a slight nodtowards the fourth gentleman, who was his attorney and legal adviser. "We have both felt that it should have been attended to before this;and yet, as I considered this would be the most fitting time to makea final adjustment of affairs, I have on that account delayedlonger than I otherwise would have done. Now everything is arrangedin a manner satisfactory, I trust, to all parties immediatelyconcerned, and nothing remains but to draw up and execute the papers, which will be done to-morrow. "

"You are not then troubled with any unpleasant superstitionsregarding the making of a will?" commented Mr. Thornton. 

"No, " replied the other, slowly. "I am not of the opinion that itwill hasten my exit from this world; but even if it did, I wouldhave the satisfaction of knowing that my own wishes would becarried out in the settlement of my estate, and that no one wouldderive any benefit from my demise excepting those whom I considerlegally entitled thereto. "

Ralph Mainwaring looked curiously at his cousin through half-closedeyes. 

"I suppose, " he remarked, very deliberately, "that even in casethere were no will the property would revert to our branch of thefamily; we are the nearest of kin, you know. "

"Yes, I know your family would be considered the lawful heirs, "Hugh Mainwaring replied, while he and Mr. Whitney exchanged glances;"but this is not England; here any common adventurer might comeforward with some pretended claim against the estate, and I preferto see affairs definitely settled in my own way. "

"Of course, " responded the other, resuming his cigar. "Well, speaking for myself, I am more than willing to relinquish any shareI might have had for the boy's sake, and I don't suppose, Thornton, that you have any objections to raise on Edith's account. "

"Oh, no, no, " replied that gentleman, with a pleasant laugh. "Inever considered Hugh a bad son-in-law to begin with, but I'll admithe is a little more attractive now than ever. "

The little clock on the marble mantel chimed the hour of four, causing a general movement of surprise. "'Pon my soul! had no ideait was that late, " exclaimed Mr. Thornton, taking out his watch, while Hugh Mainwaring, touching an electric button, replied, --

"This business has detained us much longer than I anticipated. Iwill give some instructions to the head clerk, and we will leave atonce. "

He had scarcely finished speaking, when a door opened noiselesslyand a middle-aged man appeared. 

"Parsons, " said Mr. Mainwaring, addressing him in quick, incisivetones, "I am going out to Fair Oaks, and probably shall not be atthe office for two or three days, unless something of unusualimportance should demand my presence. Refer all business callersto Mr. Elliott or Mr. Chittenden. Any personal calls, if speciallyimportant, just say that I can be found at Fair Oaks. "

Parsons bowed gravely, and after a few further instructions retired. 

"Now, Mr. Whitney, " Hugh Mainwaring continued, at the same timetouching another electric button, "you, of course, will be one ofour party at Fair Oaks; my secretary will accompany us, and thepapers will be drawn up to-morrow in my private library, after whichyou will do us the honor to join us in the pleasures of the followingday. "

"I am at your service, Mr. Mainwaring, " responded the attorney; "but, "he added, in low tones, intended only for Hugh Mainwaring's ear, butwhich were heard distinctly by the private secretary, now standingbeside the desk, "would it not be better to draw up the will here, in your private office? My presence at the house on the presentoccasion might attract attention and arouse some suspicions as toyour intentions. "

"That makes no difference, " replied Hugh Mainwaring, quickly, butalso speaking in a low tone; "my private papers are all at the house, and I choose that this business shall be conducted there. I believethat I am master in my own house yet. "

Mr. Whitney bowed in acquiescence, and Hugh Mainwaring turned tohis secretary, --

"Mr. Scott, just close up everything in the office as quickly aspossible and get ready to accompany me to Fair Oaks; I shall needyou there for two or three days. "

It was not the first time the private secretary had accompanied Mr. Mainwaring to his elegant suburban residence, and he understoodperfectly what was expected of him, and immediately withdrew tomake his preparations as expeditiously as possible. 

For some reason, which Hugh Mainwaring had never stopped to explaineven to himself, he always accorded to his private secretary muchmore respect and consideration than to any one of his other numerousemployees. 

Harry Scott was not only a young man of superior education and goodbreeding, but what particularly impressed his employer in his favorwas a certain natural reserve which caused him to hold himself alooffrom his associates in the offices of Mainwaring & Co. , and an innaterefinement and delicacy which kept him, under all circumstances, from any gaucherie on the one hand, or undue familiarity on theother; he was always respectful but never servile. He had been inthe employ of Hugh Mainwaring for a little more than a year, and, having frequently accompanied him to Fair Oaks to remain for a dayor two, was, consequently, quite familiar with the house and grounds. 

As he re-entered the room, having exchanged his business suit forone more suitable to the occasion, there was not one present butwhat instinctively, though perhaps unconsciously, recognized in hima true gentleman and treated him as such. Tall, with a splendidphysique, finely shaped head, dark hair, and eyes of peculiar beauty, he was far from being the least attractive member of the party which, a few moments later, entered the Mainwaring carriage, with its coatof arms, and rolled away in the direction of Fair Oaks. 

CHAPTER II

FAIR OAKS

The home of Hugh Mainwaring was one of many palatial suburbanresidences situated on a beautiful avenue running in a northerlydirection from the city, but it had not been for so many years inhis possession without acquiring some of the characteristics of itsowner, which gave it an individuality quite distinct from its elegantneighbors. It had originally belonged to one of the oldest andwealthiest families in the county, for a strictly modern house, without a vestige of antiqueness lingering in its halls and with nofaint aroma of bygone days pervading its atmosphere, would have beenentirely too plebeian to suit the tastes of Hugh Mainwaring. 

From the street to the main entrance a broad driveway wound beneaththe interlacing boughs of a double line of giant oaks, from whichthe place had derived its name. Beautiful grounds extended in everydirection, and in the rear of the mansion sloped gently to the edgeof a small lake. Facing the west was the main entrance to the house, which was nearly surrounded by a broad veranda, commanding a fineview, not only of the grounds and immediately surrounding country, but also of the Hudson River, not far distant. 

The southwestern portion of the building contained the private roomsof Hugh Mainwaring, including what was known as the "tower, " and hadbeen added by him soon after he had taken possession of the place. This part of the house was as far removed as possible from the largereception-rooms, and the apartments on the second floor comprisedthe suite occupied by Mr. Mainwaring. The first of these rooms, semi-octagonal in form, constituted his private library, and itselegant furnishings and costly volumes, lining the walls from floorto ceiling, bespoke the wealth and taste of the owner. Across thesouthwestern side of this room heavy portieres partially concealedthe entrance to what Mr. Mainwaring denominated his "sanctumsanctorum, " the room in the tower. This was small, of circular form, and contained an immense desk, one or two revolving bookcases, anda large safe, which held his private papers and, it was rumored, theold Mainwaring jewels. Back of the library was a smoking-room, andin the rear of that Mr. Mainwaring's dressing-rooms and sleepingapartments. 

This suite of rooms was connected with the remainder of the buildingby a long corridor extending from the main hall, but there was onthe south side of the house an entrance and stairway leading directlyto these rooms, the upper hall opening into the library andsmoking-room. From this southern entrance a gravelled walk ledbetween lines of shrubbery to a fine grove, which extended backand downward to the western shore of the small lake already mentioned. 

But the especially distinguishing characteristic of Fair Oaks sincecoming into the possession of Hugh Mainwaring was the general air ofexclusion pervading the entire place. The servants, with theexception of "Uncle Mose, " the colored man having charge of thegrounds, were imported, --the head cook being a Frenchman, theothers either English or Irish, and, from butler to chambermaid, oneand all seemed to have acquired the reserve which characterizedtheir employer. 

Comparatively few servants were employed and few were needed, fornever, until the present occasion, had Fair Oaks been thrown opento guests. Occasionally Mr. Mainwaring brought out from the citytwo or three gentleman friends, whom he entertained in royalfashion. Sometimes these guests were accompanied by their wives, but such instances were extremely rare, as ladies were seldom seenat Fair Oaks. 

In the entertainment of these occasional guests Mr. Mainwaring wasfrequently assisted by Mrs. LaGrange, known as his housekeeper, butin reality holding a position much more advanced than is usuallyimplied by that term. Among those who had been personallyentertained by Mrs. LaGrange, this fact, of itself, excited littlecomment; it being evident that she was as familiar with thefashionable world as was their host himself, but surrounding her wasthe same dim haze of mystery that seemed to envelop the entire place, impalpable, but thus far impenetrable. 

She had come to Fair Oaks some fifteen years previous to this time, dressed in deep mourning, accompanied by her infant son, about threeyears of age, and it was generally understood that she was distantlyrelated to Mr. Mainwaring. She was a strikingly handsome woman, with that type of physical beauty which commands admiration, ratherthan winning it; tall, with superb form and carriage, rich oliveskin, large dark eyes, brilliant as diamonds and as cold, but whichcould become luminous with tenderness or fiery with passion, asoccasion required. To those whom she sought to entertain she couldbe extremely charming, but to a few even of these, gifted with deeperinsight than the others, it seemed that beneath that fascinatingmanner was a dangerous nature, a will that would brook no restraint, that never would be thwarted; and that this was, in reality, thepower which dominated Fair Oaks. 

After years of mysterious seclusion, however, the beautiful home ofHugh Mainwaring, while maintaining its usual reserve towards itsneighbors, had thrown open its doors to guests from across the water;and on the particular afternoon of the conference in the privateoffices of Mainwaring & Co. , there might have been seen on one ofthe upper balconies of the mansion at Fair Oaks a group of fiveEnglish ladies, engaged in a discussion of their first impressionsregarding their host and his American home. The group consisted ofMrs. Ralph Mainwaring and her daughter Isabel; Miss Edith Thornton, the daughter of William Mainwaring Thornton and the fiancee of HughMainwaring, Jr. ; Miss Winifred Carleton, a cousin of Miss Thornton;and Mrs. Hogarth, the chaperone of the last named young ladies. 

Understanding, as they did, the occasion of this their first visitto the western world, and being personally interested in the happyevent so soon to be celebrated, they naturally felt great interestin their new surroundings. The young ladies were especiallyenthusiastic in their expressions of admiration of the house andgrounds, while Mrs. Mainwaring, of even more phlegmatic temperamentthan her husband, remarked that it was a fine old place, really muchfiner than she expected to see, which was quite an admission on herpart. 

"It is just as lovely as it can be!" said Winifred Carleton, comingfrom the railing, where she had been watching the broad expanse ofocean visible in the distance, and seating herself on a divan besideher cousin. "I do think, Edith, you are the most fortunate girl inthe world, and I congratulate you with all my heart. "

"Thank you, Winnie, " replied Miss Thornton, a pronounced blondelike her father, with large, childlike blue eyes; "but it will beyours to enjoy as much as mine, for you will always be with me; atleast, till you are married, you know. "

"That is a very reckless declaration on your part, for I am likelynever to marry, " responded Miss Carleton, lightly. She was anorphan and an heiress, but had a home in the family of WilliamMainwaring Thornton, who was her uncle and guardian. 

Isabel Mainwaring, reclining in a hammock near Miss Thornton, smiledlanguidly. She was tall, with dark hair and the Mainwaring cold, gray eyes. "You seem to ignore the fact, " she said, "that our cousinis likely to live in the exclusive enjoyment of his home for manyyears to come. "

"You mercenary wretch!" retorted Miss Carleton; "are you alreadycounting the years before Mr. Mainwaring's death?"

"Isabel, I am shocked!" exclaimed Mrs. Mainwaring. 

"I don't know why, " replied that young lady, coolly. "I was onlythinking, mamma; and one is not always accountable for one'sthoughts, you know. "

"But, " said Miss Thornton, wonderingly, raising her large eyes, fullof inquiry, to Mrs. Mainwaring, "after our cousin has announced hisintention of making Hugh his heir, don't you think he will be likelyto extend other invitations to visit Fair Oaks?"

"Undoubtedly, my dear, " replied Mrs. Mainwaring, "there will probablybe an exchange of courtesies between the two branches of the familyfrom this time. Though I must say, " she added, in a lower tone, andturning to Mrs. Hogarth, "I do not know that I, for one, will beparticularly anxious to repeat my visit when this celebration is onceover. So far as I can judge, there seems to be no society here. Wilson has learned from the servants that Mr. Mainwaring lives veryquietly, in fact, receives no company whatever; and, I may bemistaken, but it certainly seems to me that this Mrs. LaGrangeoccupies rather an anomalous position. She is here as his housekeeper, a servant, yet she entertains his guests, and her manners are anythingbut those of a servant. "

"Why shouldn't she, mamma?" inquired Isabel, rather abruptly. "CousinHugh has never married, --which is a very good thing for us, by theway, --and who would help him entertain if his housekeeper did not?"

"It is not her position to which I object so much, " remarked Mrs. Hogarth, quietly, "though I admit it seems rather peculiar, but thereis something about her own personality that impresses me veryunfavorably. "

"In your opinion, then, she is not a proper person, " said Mrs. Mainwaring, who was fond of jumping at conclusions; "well, I quiteagree with you. "

"No, " said Mrs. Hogarth, with a smile, "I have not yet formed sodecided an opinion as that. I am not prepared to say that she isa bad woman, but I believe she is a very dangerous woman. "

"Dear Mrs. Hogarth, how mercilessly you always scatter my fanciesto the winds!" exclaimed Miss Thornton; "until this moment I admiredMrs. LaGrange very much. "

"I did not, " said Miss Carleton, quickly; "from my first glimpse ofher she has seemed to me like a malign presence about the place, averitable serpent in this beautiful Eden!"

"Well, " said Isabel Mainwaring, with a slight shrug, "I see noreason for any concern regarding Mrs. LaGrange, whatever she may be. I don't suppose she will be entailed upon Hugh with the property;and I only hope that before long we can buy back the old Mainwaringestate into our own branch of the family. "

"That is just what your father intends to have done whenever theproperty comes into Hugh's possession, " replied Mrs. Mainwaring, and was about to say something further, when a musical whistleattracted the attention of the ladies, and, looking over thebalcony railing, they saw Hugh Mainwaring, Jr. , approaching thehouse, on his return from a day's fishing, accompanied by WalterLaGrange, a young sophomore, home on his vacation. 

The former was a typical young Englishman, with a frank, pleasantcountenance. The latter, while inheriting his mother's beauty andresembling her in a marked degree, yet betrayed in his face aweakness which indicated that, lacking ability to plan and executefor himself, he would become a ready tool to aid in carrying out thedesigns of others. 

The ladies, having discovered the hour to be much later than theysupposed, and knowing that the gentlemen would soon return from thecity, speedily adjourned to their dressing-rooms to prepare fordinner. 

CHAPTER III

THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF HUGH MAINWARING

Immediately after breakfast the following morning, Hugh Mainwaring, having excused himself to his guests, retired to his privatelibrary, in company with his secretary and Mr. Whitney, his attorney. A number of fine saddle horses having been brought around from thestables, the young people cantered gayly down the oak-lined avenue, intent upon a morning ride, their voices echoing musically throughthe grounds. The elderly people, after a short chat, graduallydispersed. Mrs. Mainwaring retired to her room for her accustomedmorning nap; Mrs. Hogarth sought the large library and was soonabsorbed in the works of her favorite author, while Ralph Mainwaringand Mr. Thornton strolled up and down the gravelled walks, enjoyingtheir cigars. 

"This is a very good bit of property, " remarked Mr. Mainwaring atlength, running his eye with cold scrutiny over the mansion andgrounds; "taking into consideration the stocks and bonds and variousbusiness interests that will go with it, it will make a fine windfallfor the boy. "

"That it will, and Hugh certainly is a lucky dog!" responded Mr. Thornton, "but you seem to have some definite knowledge regardingour cousin's finances; has he given you any idea as to what he isreally worth?"

"He? Not a word. " Then noting an expression of surprise on hiscompanion's face, Mr. Mainwaring continued. "I have a number ofbusiness acquaintances on this side the water, and you may restassured I have kept myself well posted as to the way things weregoing all these years. I have had something of this kind in viewall the time. "

"I might have known it, " replied Mr. Thornton, with an amusedsmile. "I never yet saw a Mainwaring who did not understand howto feather his own nest. Well, as you say, it is a fine piece ofproperty; but, do you know, Mainwaring, it strikes me that the oldboy seems a bit anxious to get it disposed of according to his ownliking as quickly as possible. "

"It does look that way, " the other acknowledged. 

"Well, now, doesn't that seem a little peculiar, when, with nodirect heirs that we know of, the property would in any case revertto your family?"

Ralph Mainwaring puffed in silence for a few moments, then removinghis cigar and slowing knocking off the ashes, he replied verydeliberately, --

"It is my opinion that he and that attorney of his are aware of somepossible claimants, of whom we know nothing. "

"That is my idea exactly, " said Mr. Thornton; "and, don't you know, it has occurred to me that possibly, unknown to us, Harold Mainwaringmay have left a child, whose existence is known to Hugh. "

"That would cut no figure in this case, " Mr. Mainwaring answered, quickly. "Even had there been a living child, --which there wasnot, --he could make no claim whatever, for Harold was disinheritedby his father's will. "

"Yes, I know the old gentleman disinherited Harold, but would hisheirs have no claim?"

"Not under that will. I was present when it was read, and I rememberit debarred 'both him and his heirs, forever. '"

"Poor Harold!" said Mr. Thornton, after a moment's silence; "he wasthe elder son, was he not?"

"Yes, and his father's favorite. It broke the old man's heart todisinherit him. He failed rapidly after that occurred, and he neverwas the same towards Hugh. I always thought that accounted forHugh's selling the old place as he did; it had too many unpleasantmemories. "

"Harold died soon after that unfortunate marriage, I believe. "

"Yes; he learned too late the character of the woman he had married, and after the death of their only child, he left her, and a few yearslater was lost at sea. "

"Well, " continued Mr. Thornton, after a pause, "have you the remotestidea as to who these possible claimants against the property may be?"

"Only the merest suspicion, as yet too vague even to mention; but Ithink a day or two will probably enable me to determine whether I amcorrect or not. "

At that moment, Harry Scott, the private secretary, appeared, with amessage to the gentlemen from Hugh Mainwaring, to the effect that hewould like to have them join himself and Mr. Whitney in his library. 

As they passed around to the southern entrance with the secretary, they did not observe a closed carriage coming swiftly up thedriveway, nor a tall, slender man, with cadaverous features andsharp, peering eyes, who alighted and hastily rang for admittance. But two hours later, as Mr. Thornton was descending the windingstairway in the main hall, he caught a glimpse of the strangecaller, just taking his departure. The stranger, hearing footsteps, turned towards Mr. Thornton, and for an instant their eyes met. There was a mutual recognition; astonishment and scorn were writtenon Mr. Thornton's face, while the stranger cowed visibly and, witha fawning, cringing bow, made as speedy an exit as possible. 

At luncheon that day both Hugh Mainwaring and a number of his guestsseemed rather preoccupied, and the meal passed in unusual silence. Mrs. LaGrange exerted herself to be particularly entertaining to Mr. Whitney, but he, though courteously responding to her overtures, madeno effort to continue the conversation. Even the genial Mr. Thorntonwas in so abstracted a mood that his daughter at last rallied him onhis appearance, whereupon he turned somewhat abruptly to his hostwith the inquiry, --

"Are you personally acquainted with Richard Hobson?"

For an instant, Hugh Mainwaring seemed confused, and Mr. Whitney, always on the alert, noted a peculiar expression flash across theface of Mrs. LaGrange, and was also conscious of an almostimperceptible start on the part of the young secretary seated nearhim. 

Mr. Mainwaring quickly recovered himself and replied, deliberately, "Richard Hobson, the attorney? I believe I met him once or twice, years ago, in London, but I cannot claim any acquaintance with him. "

"Dick Hobson does not deserve the name of attorney, " remarked RalphMainwaring; "he is a shyster and a scoundrel. "

"He certainly bears a hard reputation, " rejoined Mr. Thornton; "andI would not have mentioned his name, only that I met him here abouthalf an hour since, and that caused me to make the inquiry I did. "

Hugh Mainwaring paled visibly, though he remained calm. "Met himhere, in my house? Impossible!" he exclaimed, at the same timeglancing towards the butler, but the face of that functionary wasas immobile as rock. "I did not suppose the man was in thiscountry!"

"Oh, yes, " replied Ralph Mainwaring; "he left England about twoyears ago; he played one too many of his dirty games there and tookthe first steamer for America, hoping, I suppose, to find a widersphere of action in this country. "

"Possibly I may have been mistaken, " remarked Mr. Thornton, quietly, realizing that he had unconsciously touched an unpleasant chord, "but the resemblance was certainly striking. "

An awkward silence followed, broken by young Scott, who excusedhimself on the plea of important work and returned to Mr. Mainwaring's library, where he was soon joined by all the gentlemenexcepting young Mainwaring. In the hall, Hugh Mainwaring paused fora few words with the butler, and the attorney, passing at thatmoment, caught the man's reply, given in a low tone, --

"No, sir; Mrs. LaGrange. "

A little later, the last will and testament of Hugh Mainwaring wassigned by the testator, and duly attested by Ralph Mainwaring, William Mainwaring Thornton, and William H. Whitney. As the lastsignature was completed, Hugh Mainwaring drew a heavy sigh, sayingin a low tone, --

"That is as I wished, my namesake is my heir;" then taking thedocument, he placed it in the hands of his secretary, adding, "Laythis for the present on my desk. To-morrow I wish it to be read inthe presence of all the members of the family, after which, Mr. Whitney, I desire to have it put in your possession for safe keepinguntil it is needed; when that will be, no one can say;--it may besooner than we think. "

A marked change had come over his manner since luncheon, and histones, even more than his words, made a deep impression on the mindof every one present. The shade of melancholy passed, however, and, ringing the bell, Hugh Mainwaring ordered carriages for himself andhis guests for the afternoon and departed, leaving his secretaryto attend to some private work in the library. Harry Scott's manner, upon finding himself alone within the private rooms of HughMainwaring, betrayed intense excitement. He pushed his workimpatiently from him and, rising, began to walk swiftly, thoughnoiselessly, back and forth, the entire length of the two apartments. Twice he paused before the large desk, and taking therefrom the will, already familiar to him, read its contents with burning eyes whilehis face alternately flushed and paled. Then folding and replacingthe document, he turned towards the safe, muttering, --

"It is no use. I have searched there once before and could findnothing. "

Suddenly he exclaimed, "No one knows what may happen; this may be mylast opportunity! I will search once more and leave not a cornerunexplored. "

Having locked the library, he returned to the safe. He knew thecombination, and soon the great doors swung open, revealing thecontents arranged with the precision for which Mr. Mainwaring wasnoted in his business habits. Conscious that he had abundance oftime for the work he had undertaken and that he was secure frominterruption, he began a careful and methodical search through allthe compartments. Various private documents were examined and thenreplaced in exactly their original position, but all seemed of noavail. He discovered no trace of that which he hoped to find. 

At last he came to a metallic box, which he surmised, from itsweight and general appearance, contained the old family jewels. Should he open that? A moment's thought decided the question; hewould leave nothing unexplored. Further search revealed the keyconcealed in a tiny drawer. He applied it to the lock; the coverflew backward, and a dazzling light flashed into his face as a rayof sunlight fell across his shoulder upon the superb gems, gleamingand scintillating from the depths of their hiding-place. But hepaid little heed to them, for, in a long and narrow receptacle withinone side of the box, his keen eye had discovered a paper, yellow andmusty with age, the sight of which thrilled him with hope. Hequickly drew it forth, and a single glance at its title assured himit was indeed the object of his search. With a low cry of joy, helocked and replaced the metallic box, and, opening the ancientdocument, he eagerly scanned its contents, an expression of intensesatisfaction overspreading his features. 

He was still perusing the paper when he heard footsteps approachingthe library through the long corridor, followed an instant later by aknock. Depositing the precious document safely within an insidepocket, he swung the doors of the safe together, turning the handleso as to lock it securely, and, crossing the library, unlocked andopened the door. 

The butler was standing there, and, handing Scott a card, said, briefly, "A gentleman on private business; must see Mr. Mainwaring or hissecretary at once. "

Scott glanced at the card: it bore the name of "J. Henry Carruthers, "with a London address, and underneath had been hastily pencilledthe word "Important. "

"Show the gentleman up, " he said. The butler bowed and was gone, and in an incredibly short time, while yet Scott's pulse throbbedwildly from his recent discovery, the stranger entered the room. 

He was a little above the average height, with a somewhat commandingpresence, rather pale face, dark moustache, and black curling hair. He wore dark glasses, and was dressed in a tweed suit, slightlytravel-worn, but his manners were those of a gentleman. 

"Mr. Scott, I believe, " he said, addressing the secretary. 

"That is my name, sir; please be seated. What can I do for you, Mr. Carruthers?"

"Will you inform me, Mr. Scott, of the earliest hour at which I cansee Mr. Mainwaring? I called at his city office and was directedhere; but the butler states that Mr. Mainwaring is away from home, andis unable to say when he will return, or how soon he would be atliberty to see me. "

"Mr. Mainwaring will probably return about five o'clock; but it israther difficult for me to state when you could see him, as he isentertaining a number of guests, and it is doubtful if he would careto attend to any business just at this time, unless it were of specialimportance. "

"My business with Mr. Mainwaring is of special importance, " repliedthe other; "and I would be very glad if he could give me a littletime to-morrow. "

"Perhaps, if you would give me some intimation of its nature, "Scott suggested, "Mr. Mainwaring might consent to make an appointmentfor the following day. I hardly think he would see you sooner. To-morrow is his birthday, and, as it is to be celebrated by him andhis guests, it is doubtful whether he would attend to any businesson that day. "

"Indeed!" said Mr. Carruthers, rising, while Scott was conscious ofa peculiar scrutiny fixed upon himself from behind those dark glasses;"it had escaped my mind, but now I recall that Mr. Mainwaring is tocelebrate his birthday by making his young English cousin and namesakehis heir. I certainly would not intrude at a time so inopportune. "

The secretary started. "I was not aware that Mr. Mainwaring'sintentions were generally known, " he remarked. 

"Perhaps not, " replied the other, in a peculiar tone. "I merelyheard it mentioned, and all parties have my congratulations and bestwishes. Kindly say to Mr. Mainwaring that when the happy event isover I hope he will give me his earliest consideration. My addressfor the present will be the Arlington House. . Do not take thetrouble to ring, I can find my way. "

"You will find this way much shorter, sir, " Scott replied, openingthe door into the southern hall. Mr. Carruthers thanked him and, with a profound bow, took his departure. 

As the hour was late, Scott found it necessary to devote himself atonce to his work, and he had but just completed it when the soundof wheels was heard outside, and a few moments later his employerentered the room. 

The latter studied Mr. Carruthers's card quite attentively, andfrowned upon learning that his intentions regarding the making ofhis will had become known by outsiders, but he soon seemed to forgetthe occurrence. Soon all were gathered about the dinner-table, andthe evening passed very pleasantly. 

When, at a late hour, Hugh Mainwaring, in the dimly-lighted veranda, bade his guests good-night, he grasped the hand of his namesake andsaid, in a tone remarkably tender, --

"Hugh, my boy, the distance is long between the twenty-first and thefiftieth mile-stones on the journey of life. Heaven grant, when youshall have reached the latter, you may look back over a brighterpathway than I do to-night!"

Then, as the young man passed, he murmured to himself "If I couldbut have had just such a son as he!"

He did not see, though there was one who did, a woman's form glideaway in the dim light, her eyes gleaming with malignant fire. 

CHAPTER IV

A TERRIBLE AWAKENING

For some time after his guests had retired, Hugh Mainwaring remainedoutside, walking up and down in the starlight, apparently absorbedin thought. When at length he passed into the house, he met hissecretary coming out for a solitary smoke. 

"Come to my library, Mr. Scott, before you retire for the night, "said Mr. Mainwaring. 

"At once, sir, if you wish, " the secretary replied. 

"No, there is no hurry; any time within an hour, " and he passedup-stairs. 

Half an hour later Harry Scott passed down the corridor towards thelibrary, but paused on hearing an angry voice within, which he atonce recognized as Mrs. LaGrange's. 

"Where would you be to-night?" she cried, "where would you have beenall these years, if I had but exposed your dishonesty and duplicity?You defrauded your only brother during his lifetime; you havepersistently ignored your son, your own flesh and blood; and now youwould rob him, not only of his father's name, but of his father'sfortune, --cast him off with a mere pittance, --and put this strangerin the place which is rightfully his, and wish that you had beengiven such a son as he! You are in my power, and you know it onlytoo well; and I will make you and your high-born, purse-proud familyrue this day's work. "

Hugh Mainwaring's reply to this tirade was inaudible, and Scott, feeling that he already had heard too much, withdrew, and continuedwalking up and down the halls until the library door opened and Mrs. LaGrange came out. She swept past him in a towering rage, seemingscarcely aware of his presence until, as he passed down the corridorand entered the library, he was suddenly conscious that she hadturned and was watching him. 

He found Mr. Mainwaring looking pale and fatigued. 

"I will detain you but a moment, Mr. Scott, " he said, speakingwearily; "I have a few instructions I would like you to carry outearly in the morning; and I also want to say that I wish you toconsider yourself as one of my guests to-morrow, and join with usin the festivities of the occasion. "

Scott thanked his employer courteously, though there might have beendetected a shade of reserve in his manner, and, after receivingbrief directions for the following day, withdrew. 

He went to his room, but not to sleep. His mind was too full ofthe events of the day just passed, as well as of the expected eventsof the morrow. His thoughts reverted to his discovery of theafternoon, and, taking the shabby document from his pocket, he readand re-read it carefully, his features betraying deep emotion. Whatshould be done with it? Should he let his employer know at once ofthe proof which he now held against him? Or should he hold it for afew days and await developments?

It was nearly three o'clock when he was aroused from his abstractionby a slight sound, as of stealthy footsteps in the rear of the house. He listened intently for a moment, but hearing nothing further anddiscovering the lateness of the hour, he hastily extinguished thelight and, too exhausted and weary to undress, threw himself as hewas upon a couch and was soon sleeping heavily. 

The sun was shining brightly into his room, when Harry Scott wasawakened the next morning by a woman's scream, followed by cries andsobs and a confused sound of running to and fro. Almost before hecould collect his thoughts, he heard steps approaching his room, and, rising, hastily exchanged the smoking-jacket in which he hadslept for a coat. He had barely time to make the change when therewas a loud knock, and some one called his name in quick, sharp tones. 

Opening the door, he saw Mr. Whitney standing before him, while inthe background servants were running in different directions, wringing their bands and moaning and crying hysterically. 

"Mr. Scott, " said the attorney, in tones trembling with excitement, "come to the tower-room at once. Mr. Mainwaring has been murdered!"

"Mr. Mainwaring murdered!" he exclaimed, reeling for an instant asif from a blow. "Great heavens! it cannot be possible!"

"It is terrible, but a fact, nevertheless, " replied Mr. Whitney;"he was murdered last night in his private rooms. "

"How and when was it discovered?" Scott inquired, his mind stilldazed by the wild torrent of thought surging through his brain ashe recalled the events of the previous night. 

"Hardy, his valet, was the first to discover it this morning. Wehave telephoned for his physician and for the coroner; they will beout on the next train from the city. "

Harry Scott shuddered as he entered the familiar room where he hadtaken leave of his employer but comparatively few hours before. Even amid the confusion, he noted that in the outer room everythingappeared the same as when he last saw it, but the portieres at thefarther side, pushed widely open, revealed a ghastly sight. 

Upon the floor, about half-way between the desk and safe, his headresting in a small pool of blood, lay Hugh Mainwaring. He wasinclined slightly towards his right side, his arm partially extended, and on the floor, near his right hand, lay a revolver, while an uglywound just above the right eye and near the temple showed where theweapon had done its deadly work. The closely cut hair about thetemple was singed and his face was blackened, showing that the fatalshot had been fired at close range. There were no indications, however, of a struggle of any kind; the great revolving-chair, usually standing in front of the desk, had been pushed aside, buteverything else was in its accustomed place, and the desk was closedand locked. 

Ralph Mainwaring was already kneeling beside the body; Mr. Thorntonand young Mainwaring, who had entered immediately after Scott andthe attorney, stood speechless with horror. With what conflictingemotions the young secretary gazed upon the lifeless form of hisemployer, fortunately for him at that moment, no one knew; as hismind cleared, he began to realize that his position was likely toprove a difficult and dangerous one, and that he must act withextreme caution. 

The silence was first broken by Mr. Thornton, who exclaimed, --

"Terrible! Terrible! What do you think, Mainwaring? is this murderor suicide?"

"Time alone will tell, " replied Mr. Mainwaring in a low tone; "but Iam inclined to think it is murder. "

"Murder without a doubt!" added Mr. Whitney. 

"But who could have done such a deed?" groaned Mr. Thornton. 

Hugh Mainwaring was attired, as when Scott had last seen him, in arich dressing-gown; but as the secretary knelt beside the silentform and touched the left hand lying partially hidden in its folds, he gave a slight start, and, quickly passing his hand within thedressing-gown, announced in a low tone, --

"His diamond ring and his watch are both gone!"

"Robbery!" exclaimed young Mainwaring; "that must have been theobject of the murderer!" While his father, glancing towards thesafe, remarked, --

"We must ascertain whether anything else is missing. "

"We will make a thorough examination of the room after the coroner'sarrival, " said Mr. Whitney, "but, for the present, everything mustremain as it is. "

"Should we not send for a detective at once?" Mr. Thornton inquired. 

"I have already telephoned for one upon my own responsibility, "replied the attorney. 

"When were you last in these rooms, Mr. Scott?" asked RalphMainwaring of the secretary, who had risen to his feet and was makinga careful survey of the room. 

"About twelve o'clock last night, sir, " was his reply; then noting alook of surprise on the faces about him, he added, --

"I came at Mr. Mainwaring's request, as he wished to give directionsregarding some work to be done this morning. "

"He was alone at that time?"

"Yes, sir. "

"How did he appear?" inquired Mr. Thornton. 

"The same as usual, except that he seemed very weary. "

"Was he in this room?" asked Mr. Mainwaring. 

"No, sir; he was seated in the library. "

The sound of voices in the corridor attracted Mr. Mainwaring'sattention, and he turned quickly to his son, --

"Hugh, I hear your mother's voice; go and meet her. The ladies mustnot be allowed to come in here. "

Mr. Thornton turned to accompany young Mainwaring. Near the door hemet his daughter and Miss Carleton, while a little farther down thecorridor were Isabel Mainwaring and her mother. With terror-strickenfaces they gathered about him, unable to believe the terrible reportwhich they had learned from the servants. As best he could, heanswered their numerous inquiries, and, having escorted them toanother part of the house, left them in charge of young Mainwaring, while he returned to the library. 

Meanwhile, the news of the murder had spread with lightning-likerapidity, and already crowds of people, drawn by that strangefascination which always exists for a certain class in scenes ofthis kind, were gathering on the grounds outside the house, formingin little groups, conversing with the servants, or gazing upwardwith awe-stricken glances at the closely-drawn shutters of the roomin the tower. The invisible barriers which so long had excludedthe public from Fair Oaks had been swept away by the hand of death, and rich and poor, capitalist and laborer, alike wanderedunrestrained up and down the oak-lined avenue. 

At the door of the library, Mr. Thornton found Ralph Mainwaring andthe attorney conversing together in low tones. 

"Yes, " Mr. Mainwaring was saying, "as you say, it is undoubtedlymurder; but I confess I am at a loss to understand the motive forsuch a deed, unless it were robbery; and you do not seem to givethat idea much credence?"

Mr. Whitney shook his head decidedly. "Unless we find very strongevidence in that direction, I cannot believe that this is any caseof common robbery. "

"But to what other motive would you attribute it?" inquired Mr. Mainwaring. 

"Until further facts have been developed which may throw light uponthe subject, I do not feel prepared to say what the motive mighthave been. "

"You evidently have your suspicions, " remarked Mr. Mainwaring, whileMr. Thornton inquired, --

"Had our cousin any enemies that you know of?"

Mr. Whitney turned a keen, penetrating glance upon Mr. Thornton foran instant, and the latter continued, --

"I thought it possible that in his business relations he might haveincurred the enmity of some one of whom you knew. "

"No, " the attorney answered, quickly, "I am not aware of anythingof that nature. Mr. Mainwaring made few intimate friends, but hewas universally respected by all who knew him. If he had anyenemies, " he added, very slowly, "they were within his ownhousehold. "

Ralph Mainwaring looked sharply at the attorney, butMr. Thornton exclaimed, --

"'Egad! sir, but you surely do not think this deed was committed byany one of the inmates of this house?"

"As I have already said, " replied Mr. Whitney, "I am not preparedto state what I do think without further knowledge of the facts inthe case. "

"Of course we understand that, " rejoined Mr. Mainwaring; "but wedesire to have the benefit of your opinions and judgment regardingthis case so soon as you do feel justified in expressing them, and, since you are vastly more familiar with the circumstancessurrounding it than we, we wish to rely on your suggestions inthis matter. "

The attorney bowed. "My advice for the present would be to takecare that no one leaves the premises, and that you also send forMrs. LaGrange; I wish to see her, " he said briefly, and passedinto the library. 

Ralph Mainwaring beckoned to the butler; who was standing at alittle distance, awaiting orders. 

"Call the housekeeper at once, Mr. Whitney wishes to see her in thelibrary; and send Wilson to me, and also the coachman. "

With a silent acknowledgment of the order the butler withdrew, anda moment later, John Wilson, a middle-aged man and a servant of RalphMainwaring's who had accompanied him from London, appeared, followedby Brown, the coachman at Fair Oaks. 

Mr. Mainwaring first addressed the latter. "Brown, for the nexthour or so, I wish you to be stationed in the hall below. Keep backthe crowd as much as possible; when the coroner and physician arriveshow them up at once, but on no account allow any one else to comeup-stairs. "

Then turning to his own serving-man, as Brown departed to the dutiesassigned him, Mr. Mainwaring continued, "'For you, Wilson, I have a task which I cannot intrust to any oneelse, but which I know you will perform faithfully and discreetly;so far as you are able, keep a close watch upon every one withinthis house, without seeming to do so; pay close attention to allconversation which you hear, and if you hear or see anything unusual, or that seems to have any bearing on what has occurred, report tome at once. Above all, do not let any of the servants leave thepremises without they have my permission. "

"Very well, sir, " Wilson replied; as he moved away the butlerreappeared. 

"The housekeeper has not yet left her room, sir, " he said, addressingMr. Mainwaring. "I gave the message by the chambermaid, and shesent word that she had been prostrated by the terrible news thismorning, sir, but that she would see Mr. Whitney in a few moments. "

As the man retreated, Mr. Thornton paused suddenly in his walk upand down the corridor, --

"'Pon my soul, Mainwaring! it strikes me--particularly since hearingthat will read yesterday--that there must have been something withreference to that woman--well--rather peculiar, don't you know. "

"It strikes me, " replied Mr. Mainwaring with marked emphasis, "thatthere may be something rather 'peculiar, ' as you call it, in thatdirection at present, and I believe Mr. Whitney is of the sameopinion. "

"How is that? You surely do not think it possible that in his mindshe is in any way associated with this murder--if it is a murder?"

"He evidently suspects some one in this house, and for the presentwe can draw our own inferences. Regarding those provisions in thewill to which you just now alluded, I can assure you I was not toowell pleased; but I knew it was useless to raise any objections orquestions; to my mind, however, they furnish a clue as to thepossible claimants against the estate, which we were discussingyesterday, and perhaps a clue to this latest development, also. "

"By my soul! it looks like it; but surely she could have no validclaim. "

"Valid or not, " replied Ralph Mainwaring, "there must have been apowerful claim of some kind. When a man of Hugh Mainwaring'stype leaves a handsome annuity to his housekeeper, and an interestin his business worth fifty or seventy-five thousand to her son, it may be considered pretty strong evidence that--"

At a warning glance from Mr. Thornton, Ralph Mainwaring pausedabruptly and, turning, saw Mrs. LaGrange coming noiselessly downthe corridor. She was dressed with even more than usual care, with quantities of rich lace fastened loosely about her shapelyneck and falling in profusion over her beautifully moulded wristsand hands. Her dark, handsome features bore no trace of recentprostration, but betrayed, instead, signs of intense excitement. She bowed silently and passed onward, entering the library soquietly that the attorney, absorbed in thought, was unaware of herpresence until she stood before him. He started slightly, and foran instant neither spoke. Each was silently gauging the power ofthe other. 

For some time, Mrs. LaGrange had been conscious that Mr. Whitneywas one of the few whose penetration could not be blinded by herblandishments. In addition, the fact that he was the privatesolicitor and legal adviser of Hugh Mainwaring did not tend toinspire her with confidence regarding his attitude towards herself. Nevertheless, he was an eminent attorney and this was a criticalmoment; if she could gain his favor and his services in her behalf, it would be a brilliant stroke of policy. Her plans were well laid, and she was prepared to assume whatever role was necessary, so soonas his words or manner should give her the desired cue. 

For this, she did not have long to wait; one searching glance, andshe had read in the piercing scrutiny and cold scorn of his keenblue eye that, so far from winning favor from him, he would proveher most bitter opponent, and as quickly she determined upon herfuture course of action. 

Mr. Whitney, on the other hand, though a frequent visitor at FairOaks, and familiar with the fascinating manner with which, when shechose, Mrs. LaGrange entertained the guests of Hugh Mainwaring, wasnow forced to acknowledge to himself that never had he seen thishandsome woman so beautiful as at the present moment. The eyeslooking into his with such depth of meaning, --the expression, theattitude, --all were utterly unlike anything which he had ever seen;but his face grew only the more stern, for the thought then andthere occurred to him that perhaps here was the solution of themysterious power which this woman had wielded over the man whoselifeless form was now lying in their presence. 

He observed that the luminous eyes grew suddenly cold, while herhead assumed its usual haughty poise; the brief spell was over, andeach understood the other. 

After a few general directions, Mr. Whitney remarked, "This day'sevents will be far different from what we had anticipated. "

"Yes, " she replied, with a mocking smile, "in that it brings to theguests of this house, instead of future expectations, the immediaterealization of their wishes!"

"It is not to be conceived for one moment that any of them take thatview of what has occurred, " he replied, in a tone of displeasure. 

"Possibly not, " she rejoined, "although the prospective long lifeof their host seemed to greatly detract, at least in the case of oneof their number, from their enjoyment of the occasion which they hadcome to celebrate. "

"To whom do you refer?" he inquired. 

"It is unnecessary to give names, " she answered, coldly; "but hadthe Mainwarings of London known the facts which I know, they wouldnever have crossed the water to take part in the farce which wasenacted here yesterday. There are Mainwarings with better rightand title to this estate than they, as they will soon learn. "

Neither by look nor gesture did she manifest the least consciousnessof, or concern for, the inanimate form visible in the adjoining room. With sudden directness, and ignoring the implied threat in her lastwords, Mr. Whitney asked, --

"Mrs. LaGrange, at what hour did you last see Hugh Mainwaring?"

She was about to reply, when Scott entered from the tower-room. Hehad heard her last remark, and his dark, piercing eyes were fixedupon her face in keen scrutiny. She was quick to note the fact andhesitated an instant, while a change, inexplicable to the attorney, passed over her face, --surprise, a shade almost of fear, andhaughty defiance were visible in quick succession; then, turningagain towards Mr. Whitney, she answered, indifferently, --

"It was quite late last night; I do not recollect the hour. "

As the attorney was about to speak, Mr. Thornton appeared at thedoor of the library. 

"Beg pardon, Mr. Whitney, but I believe the coroner and others havearrived; as you know the gentlemen, will you kindly meet them?"

"Certainly. Mr. Scott, you will please remain here, " and theattorney hastened out into the corridor. 

Again Mrs. LaGrange and the secretary faced each other in silence, each apparently trying to read the other's thoughts and probe thedepth of the other's knowledge; then, as the gentlemen were heardapproaching, she withdrew, leaving him alone. 

CHAPTER V

IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES

As the attorney, in response to the summons from Mr. Thornton, hastened from the corridor into the main hall, five gentlemen wereslowly ascending the broad stairway, conversing together in subduedtones. One, younger than the others and evidently more familiarwith the surroundings at Fair Oaks, stepped quickly in advance ofthe rest and extended his hand to Mr. Whitney in silent greeting. This was Dr. Hobart, Hugh Mainwaring's physician and one of his mostintimate friends, although a number of years his junior. Followinghim were Mr. Elliott and Mr. Chittenden, of the firm of Mainwaring& Co. , while bringing up the rear were the coroner and a gentleman, somewhat below medium size and of modest appearance, whom theattorney greeted very cordially and afterwards introduced to Mr. Thornton as Mr. Merrick. Proceeding at once to the library, theywere joined a moment later by Ralph Mainwaring and his son. Thenecessary introductions followed, and Mr. Mainwaring having giventhe butler instructions to admit no one into the library, Mr. Whitneymade a brief statement regarding the discovery of the murder, andall passed into the room in the tower. 

Dr. Hobart at once bent over the prostrate form with genuine sorrow. The millionaire broker had been one of his earliest patrons, andtheir acquaintance had soon ripened into a mutual attachment, notwithstanding the disparity in their ages. After a long look atthe face of his friend, he gave place to the coroner, who was alsoa physician. They partially lifted the body and both examined thewound, the small man who had accompanied the coroner looking onsilently. It was found that the bullet had entered just above theright eye and had passed through the brain in a slightly downwarddirection, coming out near the base upon the same side. The mostcareful search failed to disclose the bullet, and attention wasnext directed to the revolver lying upon the floor near the righthand. It was a Smith & Wesson, thirty-two calibre, with but oneempty chamber, that from which the fatal bullet had probablybeen discharged. 

"Can any of you gentlemen tell me whether or not this belonged tothe deceased?" inquired the coroner, holding up the revolver. 

There was an instant's pause, and Mr. Whitney replied, "I knowthat Mr. Mainwaring owned a revolver, but, having never seen it, am unable to answer your inquiry. Perhaps his secretary couldgive you the desired information. "

"I have often seen a revolver lying in Mr. Mainwaring's desk, "said the secretary; "but I doubt whether I could identify it, asI never observed it closely. I should judge, however, that thiswas the same size and make. "

"Would it not be well to see if it is still there?" suggestedthe attorney. "I suppose you have a key to the desk. "

"I have, sir, " he replied, at the same time producing it. Crossingthe room, he unlocked and opened the desk. An instant later, heannounced, as he closed the desk, "It is not here. "

There was a subdued murmur, and Mr. Thornton was heard to exclaim, "Suicide! That has been my impression all along. "

Ralph Mainwaring glanced inquiringly at the attorney, who shookhis head emphatically, while the coroner once more inspected thewound with an air of perplexity. 

"Doctor, " inquired Ralph Mainwaring, "in your opinion, how long haslife been extinct?"

"I should judge about eight or nine hours, " replied Dr. Hobart. "What would you say, Dr. Westlake?"

"That would be my judgment, also. "

"You would say that death was instantaneous?" questioned theattorney. 

"Without a doubt. It could not have been otherwise?" RalphMainwaring consulted his watch. "It is now half after nine; in yourjudgment, then, this must have occurred about one o'clock thismorning?"

"About that time. "

"At what hour was Mr. Mainwaring last seen by any one in thishouse?" asked the coroner. 

"As nearly as we have ascertained thus far, at about twelve o'clock. "

"Twelve? Indeed! By whom? and where?"

"By his private secretary, and in the library adjoining. "

"Very well, " said the coroner, after a pause, during which he hadmade a memorandum of certain details which he considered of specialimportance; "the undertaker can now be summoned as I believe he iswaiting below, and we seem to have ascertained all the facts possiblein this direction; and, Mr. Whitney, I will next see the valet, whomyou say was the one to discover the situation this morning. "

In the slight confusion and delay which ensued, Mr. Elliott and Mr. Chittenden took their departure, with the usual expressions ofcondolence and regret, followed a few moments later by Dr. Hobart, who was accompanied downstairs by young Mainwaring. 

Meanwhile, Mr. Merrick, having made a close scrutiny of the lifelessform, had been slowly walking back and forth in the tower-room andlibrary, his hands in the pockets of his short sacque coat and hiseyes apparently riveted on the floor. Several times in the libraryhe paused and, bending downward, seemed to be intently studying thecarpet; then, after two or three turns about the room, he saunteredtowards the windows and doors, examining the fastenings of each inturn, and, on reaching the door opening into the southern hall, suddenly disappeared. 

"A very mysterious case!" commented the coroner, when he had finishedhis interview with the valet. "Thus far nothing can be learned whichthrows much actual light on the subject one way or another, but ifanybody can unravel the mystery, Merrick can. "

"Merrick!" repeated Mr. Thornton, turning to Mr. Whitney in surprise. "Is Mr. Merrick a detective?"

"He is. I did not introduce him as such, for the reason that in acase of this kind he usually prefers to make his first visit incognitoif possible. "

"Very well; you have taken the responsibility in this matter. Youunderstand, of course, Mr. Whitney, that we want no amateur work ina case like this. "

"Mr. Merrick is no amateur, " said the attorney, quietly; "he is oneof the most trusted and one of the surest men on the force. "

"Before we go any farther, " interposed Ralph Mainwaring, "I suggestthat we ascertain whether or not there has been a robbery. We canat least satisfy ourselves on that point. "

"Acting on your suggestion, we will examine the safe, " said Mr. Whitney; "though I, for one, am not inclined to think there has beenany robbery. Without a knowledge of the combination, the safe couldnot be opened unless force were employed; and it certainly bears noevidence of having been tampered with. "

"Proceed with your investigation, Mr. Whitney, " said the quiet voiceof the detective, who had entered unobserved from the smoking-room;"unless I am greatly mistaken, the person we are after is some onepretty familiar with various 'combinations' in these apartments. "

There was a general expression of surprise, and all turned towardsMr. Merrick for an explanation, but a glance at his impassive faceconvinced them that questions would be useless. 

With a few swift turns the secretary unlocked the safe and theponderous doors swung open, showing books and papers in theiraccustomed places. Everything appeared in perfect order; but as theattorney began a rapid examination of the interior, he suddenlyuttered a sharp exclamation, while, as he continued his search, hismanner betrayed considerable excitement. 

"Anything wrong, Mr. Whitney? anything missing?" queried RalphMainwaring. 

"Everything is missing!" the other exclaimed, after a moment's pause, turning around with a pale face and holding in his hand an emptycash box; "there is absolutely nothing left but an old cheque-book, a few drafts, and some other papers of no value whatever except toHugh Mainwaring himself!"

Half a score of questions were instantly raised: "Was there a largeamount of money in the safe?" "Did it contain anything of greatvalue?"

Scott, standing silently in the background, seemed to seeagain the brilliant gems flashing in the sunlight, as he hadseen them in his search on the preceding day, but he saidnothing. 

"There was a considerable amount of cash, " the attorney was saying. "Mr. Mainwaring deposited a large sum there when he last came outfrom the city, and, " he added more slowly, "the old family jewelswere kept in the safe. "

"The Mainwaring jewels!" echoed both the Englishmen. "Impossible!incredible!" While Ralph Mainwaring exclaimed, "Why, they wereworth a fortune several times over in themselves!"

"I am aware of that, " answered the attorney. "I often remonstratedwith Mr. Mainwaring, but to no purpose; for some reason which henever explained he always kept them there. "

"I would never have believed him capable of such recklessness, " saidMr. Thornton. 

"Recklessness!" exclaimed Ralph Mainwaring; "it was the biggestpiece of imbecility I ever heard of! What is your opinion now, Mr. Whitney, regarding a robbery in connection with this case?"

"That there has been a robbery I am forced to admit, " the attorneyreplied, courteously but firmly; "but my opinion of the matter isstill unchanged. I regard the robbery as only incident to themurder. I do not yet believe it to have led to the deeper crime. "

"Do you know, Mr. Scott, whether any one beside yourself understoodthe combination of the safe?" Ralph Mainwaring inquired. 

"I do not, sir, " the secretary replied, conscious that all eyes hadturned upon him at the inquiry and that the detective was observinghim closely. 

Meanwhile Ralph Mainwaring loudly lamented the missing jewels, untilit was evident to all that their loss, for the time at least, hadcompletely overshadowed all thought of the tragedy they wereinvestigating. 

"They must be recovered at all hazards and at any price, " he said, addressing the detective. "There were single gems in thatcollection which cost a fortune and which have been heirlooms inthe family for generations. "

After further search which failed to disclose anything of importance, or any clue regarding either the murder or the robbery, arrangementswere made for the inquest to be held at three o'clock that afternoon, and the party was about to leave the apartments, when Mr. Whitneypaused. 

"One moment, gentlemen; there is one more point I would likeinvestigated. I maintain that we have not yet discovered the mostessential clue to this case--something to throw light on thepossible motive which prompted the murder of Hugh Mainwaring. Inow wish to make a final trial. Mr. Scott, will you once more openMr. Mainwaring's desk for us and take out the will that was depositedthere yesterday?"

Ralph Mainwaring started. "The will? You surely do not think--"

"I think it might be safer in our own possession, " said the attorney, with a peculiar smile. 

"And right you are!" added Mr. Thornton, approvingly. "I wonder youhad not thought of that yourself, Mainwaring. "

Meanwhile, Scott, having opened the desk in compliance with theattorney's request, had looked for the will where he had last seen iton the preceding day, and, failing to find it, was searching throughthe numerous receptacles containing Mr. Mainwaring's private papers. The silence around him became oppressive, and suddenly looking up, he encountered the glance of both Mr. Whitney and the detective, theformer with an expression of triumph in his keen eyes. Perplexed andbewildered, Scott exclaimed in a mechanical tone, --

"The will is gone; it is nowhere to be found!"

"I thought as much, " said the attorney, quietly. 

CHAPTER VI

THE INQUEST

The crowd, which early in the day had gathered about Fair Oaks, instead of diminishing, seemed rather to increase as the hoursslipped away. Little by little the facts became known tooutsiders, --the loss of the old family jewels, concerning whose existenceand probable value vague rumors had been circulated in the past, thedrawing up of the will on the preceding day and its strangedisappearance in connection with the sudden and mysterious death ofthe testator, --all combined to arouse public interest and curiosityto an unusual degree; it seemed the culmination of the impenetrablemystery which for years had shrouded the place. 

As the hour for the inquest approached, the crowd was augmented byeach suburban train, until a throng of business men of all classes, interspersed with numerous reporters eager for the details of theaffair, covered the grounds and even sought admittance to the house, for the millionaire broker, though a man of few intimate friendships, was widely known and honored in the financial and commercial world. 

Shortly after the arrival of the 2. 45 train from the city, theMainwaring carriage came rapidly up the avenue, two or three othercarriages following in the rear. As it stopped, Mr. Whitneyalighted, followed by an elderly gentleman of fine appearance andtwo officers of the special police, who immediately began to forceback the crowd, while the attorney and his companion hastily enteredthe house and were met by the butler, who, in response to a hurriedinquiry, directed them up-stairs. 

In the private library they found the detective who had been leftthere alone at his own request. There was a brief interview betweenthe three, after which Mr. Whitney begged his companion to excusehim for a moment, and beckoning Mr. Merrick into the tower-room, asked eagerly, --

"Well, what success? Have you struck the trail?"

With an enigmatical smile, the detective replied, "The game hasdoubled back on the trail pretty adroitly, but I have made one ortwo little discoveries that may be of value later. What do youthink of this?"

Opening a small note-book, he took therefrom several pieces of burntpaper, most of which were so blackened that the faint traces ofwriting which they bore were illegible. On a few pieces, however, words and parts of words could be distinctly read. 

Mr. Whitney studied the bits of discolored paper for a moment, andthen exclaimed in excited tones, "Good heavens, man! it is the will! The will drawn up in theserooms yesterday! See, here is the date, 'this seventh day of July, in the year of our'--the rest is gone. "

"Here is part of a name, " said the detective, "'nor HoughtonLaGra'--"

"Eleanor Houghton LaGrange!" exclaimed the attorney, "and belowyou can just trace the words, 'this amount of annuity to be'; andhere are other bits, 'as to my estate and all property, ' 'to holdthe same forever, together with. ' Well, I should say these wereof value; where did you find them?"

For answer, Mr. Merrick pointed to a small fireplace behind thesafe, near which a large screen was standing. 

"Strange!" exclaimed the attorney. "I never noticed that before, much as I have been here. "

"It escaped my observation for some time, " replied the other. "Isearched the fireplace in the library, but this grate is very smalland was concealed by that large screen, as well as by the safe. Evidently, it was seldom used, and was selected for that reason bywhoever destroyed the will, as more likely to escape notice. "

"Rather a bungling piece of work, " commented the attorney, "leavingthese partially burned scraps. I wonder that he or she, whoever itwas, did not make sure that they were entirely consumed. "

"The person may have heard some sound and, fearing detection, hastened away before the job was completed, " suggested the other. 

"Well, it is past three, we must hasten; you found nothing more?"

"Nothing of special importance. I have learned one fact, however;the murder was never committed in this room, but in the library. "

"The library! Why do you think that?"

"I do not think it, I know it, and was confident of it while wewere making the examination this morning. Say nothing about it, however, for the present. We will go now, if you are ready. "

Joining the gentleman still awaiting them in the library, theydescended into the lower hall, where the detective suddenlydisappeared. 

Meanwhile, the coroner and members of the jury, after alightingfrom their carriages, marched gravely up the broad stairs and wereconducted by a servant into one of the private apartments where laythe body of the murdered man. Under the direction of Dr. Westlake, the jury individually viewed the wounds, noting their location andcharacter, and, after a brief visit to the room in the tower, allpassed downstairs and were shown into the large library on the firstfloor. 

The coroner occupied a large arm-chair at one end of a longwriting-table in the centre of the room, the jury being seatedtogether near his left, while on each side of the table chairs hadbeen placed for the accommodation of a few of the more prominentreporters, the others, less favored, stationing themselves at thedoorways and open windows. 

In the room back of the library were the servants, the women groupedabout the great arched doorway with white, frightened faces, the menstanding a little farther in the rear, while in a dim corner, partially concealed by the heavy portieres and unseen by any oneexcepting the servants, was the detective. 

When everything was in readiness, Mr. Whitney entered the room withthe gentleman who had accompanied him out from the city and followedby the London guests. In the lead were Ralph Mainwaring and hisson, the entrance of the latter causing a small stir of interest andexcitement, as a score of pencils at once began to rapidly sketchthe features of the young Englishman, the intended heir of HughMainwaring. The young man's face wore an expression of unconcern, but his father's features were set and severe. To him, the loss ofthe will meant something more than the forfeiture of the exclusiveownership of a valuable estate; it meant the overthrow and demolitionof one of his pet schemes, cherished for twenty-one years, just onthe eve of its fulfilment; and those who knew Ralph Mainwaring knewthat to thwart his plans was a dangerous undertaking. 

Mr. Thornton followed, escorting Mrs. Mainwaring and her daughter, the cold, gray eyes of Isabel Mainwaring flashing a look of haughtydisdain on the faces about her. Bringing up the rear was Mrs. Hogarthwith her two charges, Edith Thornton and Winifred Carleton, the faceof the latter lighted with an intelligent, sympathetic interest inher surroundings. 

Harry Scott next entered, pausing in the doorway for an instant, while just behind him appeared Mrs. LaGrange. The room was alreadycrowded, and Miss Carleton, seated near the door, with a quickglance invited the young secretary to a vacant chair by her side, which he gracefully accepted, but not before a tiny note had beenthrust into his hand, unseen by any one excepting the detective. 

Pale, but with all her accustomed hauteur, Mrs. LaGrange, accompanied by her son, passed slowly around the group of reporters, ignoring the chair offered by the attorney, and seated herself in aposition as remote as possible from the guests of the house andcommanding a full view of the servants. Her gown was noticeablefor its elegance, and her jewelled hands toyed daintily with asuperb fan, from whose waving black plumes a perfume, subtle andexquisite, was wafted to every part of the room. 

In the silence that followed, the coroner, with a few brief words, called for the first witness, George Hardy. A young man, with afrank face and quiet, unassuming manner, stepped forward from thegroup of servants. After the usual preliminaries, the coronerinquired, --

"How long have you been in the employ of Mr. Mainwaring?"

"Nearly four years, sir. "

"During that time you have held the position of valet?"

"Yes, sir. "

"At what time this morning did you discover what had occurred?"

"About seven o'clock, sir. "

"You may state how you came to make this discovery, giving fullparticulars. "

"I had gone as usual to the bath-room to prepare the bath for Mr. Mainwaring, and when everything was in readiness I knocked at hisdoor to waken him. There was no answer, and, after knocking severaltimes, I unlocked the door and looked in. I saw he had not occupiedthe room, but I didn't think much about that, and went on throughthe smoking-room into the library, and then I saw Mr. Mainwaringlying on the floor in the next room. At first I thought he was sickand went to him, but as I got nearer I saw that he was dead, andthen I noticed the revolver lying beside him. "

"What did you then do?"

"I was frightened, sir, and I went to call help as quick as I could. "

"Who was the first person whom you met and told of your discovery?"

"Well, sir, I went first for Mr. Whitney, because he was a friendof Mr. Mainwaring's and a lawyer, and I thought he would know whatto do; but on my way to his room I met Wilson, Mr. Ralph Mainwaring'svalet, and I told him what had happened; then I called Mr. Whitneyand told him Mr. Mainwaring had shot himself. "

"Did you get the impression that Mr. Mainwaring bad shot himselffrom the fact that the revolver lay near his band, or had you anyother reasons for that inference?"

"No, sir, that was the only reason. "

"Can you state positively whether this revolver belonged to Mr. Mainwaring?" asked the coroner, at the same time passing the weaponto Hardy. 

"Yes, sir, " replied the latter, promptly, handing it back after amoment's inspection, "that is Mr. Mainwaring's revolver. I'vecleaned it many a time, and there's little marks on it that I knowsure. "

"Very well. After summoning Mr. Whitney, did you call any othermembers of the household?"

"Mr. Whitney sent me to call Mr. Ralph Mainwaring; but I met Wilsonagain, and he said he had just told Mr. Mainwaring and Mr. Thornton, and was on his way to the room of young Mr. Mainwaring. Down thehall I met the butler and told him what had happened, and we bothwent into the library, and I stayed there till Mr. Whitney came. "

"When did you last see Mr. Hugh Mainwaring?"

"Shortly after dinner last evening, between seven and eight o'clock, I should say, sir. "

"Where was that?"

"In the main hall down-stairs, sir. He stopped me to say that hewould not need me last evening, and that after locking up his roomsfor the night I could have my time to myself. "

"Was the locking of his rooms usually included among your duties atnight?"

"Yes, sir; his private rooms and the hall on the south side. "

"Did you have any stated time for doing this?"

"At nine o'clock, sir. "

"You locked the rooms as usual last night?"

"Yes, sir; that is, I locked them all right, but it was later thanusual. "

"How was that?"

"About half an hour after Mr. Mainwaring spoke to me, the housekeepercame and asked me to keep the rooms open till about ten o'clock, asshe was expecting callers and wanted to receive them by the southhall into her private parlor. "

"At what time did you lock the rooms?"

"A few minutes after ten, sir. I felt kind of uneasy, because itwas Mr. Mainwaring's orders that the rooms be shut at nine; so soonas 'twas ten o'clock I went around outside, and, seeing no light inher parlor, I went in and locked the hall and then went up-stairsto lock the rooms there. "

"Did you see any strangers about the place at that time?"

"No, sir. "

"You saw no one in any of Mr. Mainwaring's private rooms?"

"No strangers, you mean? No, sir. "

"Was there any one in his rooms?"

"The housekeeper was in the library. She had gone up-stairs thatway, she said, and had found the door into the main hall locked, and hearing me come, she waited for me to open it. "

"Had you locked the door into the main hall?"

"No, sir; that door wasn't usually locked in the evening. I don'tknow who locked it, but I opened it for her and then locked itagain. "

"Are you positive there was no one else in those rooms at that time?"

"Yes, sir, pretty sure, " replied Hardy, with a smile, "for I lookedthem over uncommon thorough last night. I thought at first that Ismelled smoke, like something burning, but I looked around carefuland everything was all right. "

At this point Mr. Whitney held a whispered consultation with thecoroner for a moment. 

"You say, " continued the latter, "you thought you smelled somethingburning; could you state what the material seemed to be?"

"Well, sir, I thought it was like paper burning; but I must havebeen mistaken, for the papers on the table was all right and therewas nothing in the fireplace. "

"Did you see or hear anything unusual about the place at any timelast night?"

"No, sir. "

For a moment the coroner was occupied with a slip of paper whichhad been passed to him through a number of hands; then he said, --

"Before you are dismissed, will you describe the locks used on thedoors of Mr. Mainwaring's library and the south hall. "

"They had the ordinary locks, sir; and then, in addition, a small, patent lock, that when a certain spring was turned the door lockedof itself and could not be opened from either side unless one hadthe key and understood the working of the spring. "

"Who had keys to fit these locks?"

"No one but Mr. Mainwaring. When he was home and wanted the doorsunlocked, he hung the keys in a particular place in the librarywhere I could find them, and when he went away he always took themwith him. "

"Did you unlock the library doors this morning?"

"Only the door into the main hall when I went to call Mr. Whitney, --thathad nothing but an ordinary lock; but the other door, intothe south hall, was unlocked and the keys gone when I first wentinto the library. "

"One question more. Do you know whether any one else in the househad knowledge of or access to, these particular keys?"

"I don't know for certain, sir, but I think not. "

The attorney was next called upon, and came forward, while Hardyresumed his former place among the servants. 

"Mr. Whitney, " said the coroner, after the witness had given thedetails of his arrival in the tower-room in response to the valet'ssummons, "will you please state when, and under what circumstances, you last saw Hugh Mainwaring living. "

"At nearly eleven o'clock last night. Mr. Mainwaring had justbidden his guests good-night, and I believe they had all retired totheir rooms, leaving him and myself together upon the veranda infront of the house. I remained with him about ten minutes, I shouldjudge, talking over the events of the day which had been of unusualinterest. I remember his remarking that he should not retire for anhour or so, as, to use his own expression, his thoughts would notlet him sleep. We clasped hands with an exchange of good wishes. That was the last I ever saw him living or heard him speak. "

Mr. Whitney's voice trembled slightly towards the close of hisrecital, but as he repeated Hugh Mainwaring's words a smile of scornpassed over the face of Mrs. LaGrange, who was seated directlyopposite. 

"Will you please state, " said the coroner, "how Mr. Mainwaring hadbeen engaged during the day, yesterday. "

"Until about half-past two his time was spent in the preparation, with the assistance of his secretary and myself, and the executionof his last will and testament. The remainder of the day was devotedto the entertainment of his guests. "

"Will you give briefly and in general terms the conditions of thewill. "

"With the exception of an annuity to his housekeeper and a handsomebequest to her son, it conveyed everything to his cousin andnamesake, Hugh Mainwaring, Jr. , whom he intended to-day to formallydeclare his heir. "

"Where was this document placed, Mr. Whitney?"

"It was, at Mr. Mainwaring's request, placed by his secretary on hisdesk in the tower-room. "

"You can give no further information regarding this will, nowmissing?"

"Only this, " replied Mr. Whitney, with marked emphasis, "that wenow have positive proof that the will was burned. "

There was a general movement of surprise, both among the membersof the household and outsiders; and the attorney, closely observantof Mrs. LaGrange, saw her cheek, which but a moment before, at hismention of the annuity contained in the will, had flamed with anger, suddenly assume a strange pallor. 

"Mr. Whitney, " continued the coroner, having consulted a smallmemorandum which he held, "do you know whether there were anystrangers at Fair Oaks yesterday?"

"I have no personal knowledge on that subject. The secretary informsme that a stranger inquired for Mr. Mainwaring in the afternoon, andremarks were made at luncheon, that impressed me considerably, regarding some one who had called in the forenoon, whether to see Mr. Mainwaring I am not prepared to state. "

"Will you state the nature of those remarks?"

"I should prefer to be excused until later in this examination. Forthe present, I will merely say that one of Mr. Mainwaring's guestsincidentally met and recognized this caller; that the latter wasevidently well and unfavorably known by both Mr. Mainwaring and hisguests, and, if I am not mistaken, by the secretary also, and thatthe mention of the man's name seemed to affect Mr. Hugh Mainwaringvery unpleasantly. "

"In what respect, Mr. Whitney?"

"He grew very pale and appeared confused, if not alarmed, onlearning that the man was in this country and had been seen at thishouse, and he seemed abstracted and very unlike himself for fullyan hour after the occurrence. "

"Will you state the name of this man?"

"He was spoken of as Richard Hobson, formerly an attorney, of London. "

CHAPTER VII

A LITTLE ROYAL

"Harry Scorr, private secretary of Hugh Mainwaring, " announced thecoroner, when Mr. Whitney had resumed his chair. 

As the young secretary walked deliberately through the crowded room, there were few who failed to remark his erect, athletic form, hissplendid bearing, and especially the striking beauty of his darkface, with its olive tint, clear-cut features, indicative of firmnessand strength, and large, piercing eyes, within whose depths, on thepresent occasion, there seemed to be, half hidden, half revealed, some smouldering fire. Instantly a half-dozen pencils weretransferring to paper his form and features. 

"Say, what are you 'doing' him for?" whispered one reporter to hisneighbor. "He isn't anybody; only the old man's secretary. "

"Can't help that, " replied the other; "he's better looking than theEnglish chap, anyhow; and, in my opinion, the old fellow would haveshown better sense to have left him the 'stuff. '"

Meanwhile, young Scott, having answered a few preliminaryinterrogatories, turned slowly, facing Mrs. LaGrange, who waswatching him with an intensity of manner and expression as though shewould compel him to meet her gaze. 

As his glance met hers, a look of inquiry flashed from her eyes tohis, accompanied by an expression persuasive, almost appealing. Butthe only reply was an ominous flash from the dark eyes, as, with agesture of proud disdain, he folded his arms and again faced hisinterlocutor, while, with eyes gleaming with revenge from undertheir heavily drooping lids and lips that curled from time to timein a smile of bitter malignity, she watched him, listening eagerlyfor his testimony, losing no word that he said. 

The young secretary well understood the character of the enemy withwhom he had thus declared war, though he was as yet in ignorance ofthe weapons she would use against him, but the honeyed words of thelittle note crushed within his pocket had no power to swerve him foran instant from the course upon which he had determined. 

After a few general questions, the coroner said, "Please state when and what was the first intimation received by youof any unusual occurrence. "

"I was awakened this morning by a woman's scream and heard sounds ofconfused running in different directions. A few moments later Mr. Whitney came to my room and informed me of what had occurred, and Ithen went with him to the private rooms of Mr. Mainwaring. "

"You were associated with Mr. Mainwaring yesterday during the greaterpart of the day and evening, were you not?"

"I was during the day, but I did not see him after dinner until lateat night. "

"Did you notice anything unusual in his appearance at any timeyesterday?"

"He appeared rather depressed for about an hour after luncheon, during the execution of the will. "

"Did you know any cause for such depression?"

"I attributed it, in my own mind, to the conversation at luncheon, to which Mr. Whitney has referred. "

"Regarding one Richard Hobson?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Do you know what, if any, relations existed between Mr. Mainwaringand this Hobson?"

The black plumes of Mrs. LaGrange's fan suddenly quivered, her cheekpaled, and her breath came and went quickly, but these were the onlysigns of agitation which she betrayed, as Scott replied, --

"I have no knowledge as to what relations existed between them oflate. I only know that Mr. Mainwaring had, years ago, some importantprivate business with this man. "

"Will you state the nature of this business?"

"Without giving exact details, " Scott replied, speaking deliberatelybut with no hesitation, though conscious of the surprise andindignation depicted on some of the faces about him, "this man wasemployed as an attorney by Mr. Mainwaring before the latter came tothis country, and has since, at various times, extorted money fromhim by threats of exposure regarding certain transactions. "

The silence that followed this statement was of itself eloquent. The young secretary felt every eye fastened upon himself, and, though his own eyes were fixed on the coroner's face, he sawreflected even there the general expression of mingled astonishment, incredulity, and resentment. Unmoved, however, he awaited, coollyand impassively, the next words of the coroner. 

"Mr. Scott, " said Dr. Westlake, a touch of severity in his tone, "this is a serious assertion to make regarding a man so widely knownas Mr. Mainwaring, and so universally considered above reproach inhis business transactions. "

"I am aware of that fact, sir, " replied Scott, calmly, "but referenceto the private letter-files of Mr. Mainwaring will prove the truthof my assertion. I made this statement simply because the time andplace demanded it. You were endeavoring to ascertain the cause ofMr. Mainwaring's perturbation on learning yesterday of the arrivalof Hobson. I have given what I consider the clue. "

"How recently had this man Hobson extorted money from Mr. Mainwaring, and in what amount?"

"The last money sent him was about three years ago, a sum of fivethousand dollars. Hobson wrote a most insolent letter ofacknowledgment, stating that, as this money would set him on hisfeet for a time, he would not write again immediately, but assuringMr. Mainwaring that he would never be able to elude him, as thewriter would keep posted regarding his whereabouts, and might, sometime in the future, call upon him in person. "

"Can you describe this man's appearance?"

"I cannot, having never met him. "

"Will you describe the stranger who is reported to have called inthe afternoon. "

"He was tall, quite pale, with dark hair and moustache. He wasdressed in a tweed suit, somewhat travel-worn, and wore darkglasses. "

"Did he state his errand?"

"Only that he wished to see Mr. Mainwaring on business of specialimportance. He at first seemed rather insistent, but, on learningthat Mr. Mainwaring was out and that he would receive no businesscalls for a day or two, he readily consented to defer his interviewuntil later. "

"Did he leave his name or address?"

"His card bore the name of J. Henry Carruthers, of London. He gavehis present address as the Arlington House. "

"You noticed nothing unusual in his appearance?"

"The only thing that struck me as rather peculiar was that Mr. Carruthers seemed well informed regarding events expected to takeplace here, while his name was wholly unfamiliar to Mr. Mainwaring. "

At this point a pencilled note was handed by the coroner to Mr. Whitney, who immediately summoned George Hardy and hastilydespatched him on some errand. 

"Mr. Scott, " resumed the coroner, "were you in Mr. Mainwaring'sprivate library at any time during last evening?"

"I was not. I spent the entire evening in my own room. "

"When did you again see Mr. Mainwaring?"

"Not until after eleven o'clock. I had come down for a smoke inthe grounds outside and met Mr. Mainwaring in the lower hall onthe way to his rooms. He asked me to come to his library beforeretiring, as he wished to give some final directions for the nextday. About half an hour later I went to the library door, buthearing loud and angry talk within, I waited in the hall somefifteen or twenty minutes until I knew Mr. Mainwaring was alone. I then entered, received his instructions, and went directly tomy room for the night. "

"Were you able to recognize the voices or hear any of theconversation?"

"I was. I recognized the voice of the housekeeper, Mrs. LaGrange;but feeling that I was hearing what was not intended for me, Iwalked back into the main hall and remained there until Mrs. LaGrange came out. "

"You saw her leave the library?"

"Yes, sir; I passed her in the corridor. "

"She saw you, of course?"

"She seemed scarcely conscious of my presence until we had passed;she then turned and watched me as I entered the library. "

"What was the nature of the conversation which you heard?"

"I only heard what Mrs. LaGrange said. She evidently was veryangry with Mr. Mainwaring. "

"Can you repeat her words as you heard them?"

"Not entirely. She accused Mr. Mainwaring of dishonesty, sayingthat he had defrauded his only brother, and had ignored and robbedhis own son to put a stranger in his place. The last words I heardwere, 'You are in my power, and you know it only too well; and Iwill make you and your high-born, purse-proud family rue this day'swork. '"

Harry Scott, with the proof of his employer's crimes in hispossession, repeated these words with an indifference andimpassiveness that seemed unnatural, while the smouldering fire inhis eyes gleamed fitfully, as though he knew some secret of whichthe others little dreamed. 

But, if spoken indifferently, the words were not received withindifference. The reporters bent to their task with renewed ardor, since it promised developments so rich and racy. Ralph Mainwaring'sface was dark with suppressed wrath; Mr. Thornton seemed hardlyable to restrain himself; while the attorney grew pale withexcitement and anger. Mrs. LaGrange alone remained unmoved, as muchso as the witness himself, her eyes half closed and a cynical smileplaying about her lips as she listened to the repetition of her ownwords. 

"Did Mr. Mainwaring make no reply?" inquired the coroner. 

"He did, but it was inaudible to me. "

"You went into the library as soon as he was alone?"

"I did. "

"At what hour was this?"

"A few minutes past twelve. "

"Was that the last time you saw Mr. Mainwaring living?"

"It was. "

"Can you state whether any one was in his rooms after you left?"

"I cannot. "

"Mr. Scott, by your own statement, you must have been in Mr. Mainwaring's library within an hour preceding his death;consequently, I would like you to give every detail of thatinterview. "

"I am perfectly willing, sir, but there are few to give. Theinterview occupied possibly ten minutes. Mr. Mainwaring appearedvery weary, and, after giving directions regarding any personalmail or telegrams which might be received, stated that he wishedme to consider myself his guest on the following day and join inthe festivities of the occasion. I thanked him, and, wishing himgood-night, withdrew. "

"In which room were you?"

"We were both in the library. When I first entered, Mr. Mainwaringwas walking back and forth, his hands folded behind him, as wasusually his habit when thinking deeply, but he immediately seatedhimself and gave me my instructions. The tower-room was dimlylighted and the curtains were drawn quite closely together at theentrance. "

"Did you hear any unusual sound after reaching your room?"

"Not at that time. I was aroused about three o'clock this morningby what I thought was a stealthy step in the grounds in the rear ofthe house, but I listened for a moment and heard nothing more. "

"That will do for the present, Mr. Scott. You will probably berecalled later, " said the coroner, watching the secretary rathercuriously. Then he added, in a different tone, --

"The next witness is Mrs. LaGrange. "

There was a perceptible stir throughout the crowd as, with amovement of inimitable grace, Mrs. LaGrange stepped forward, dartinga swift glance of such venomous hatred towards Scott, as he againseated himself beside Miss Carleton, that the latter, with a woman'squick intuition, instantly grasped the situation and watched theproceedings with new interest and closer attention. As Mrs. LaGrangetook her place and began answering the questions addressed to her, the eager listeners pressed still more closely in their efforts tocatch every word, feeling instinctively that some startlingdevelopments would be forthcoming; but no one was prepared for theshock that followed when, in response to the request to state herfull name, the reply came, in clear tones, with unequivocaldistinctness, --

"Eleanor Houghton Mainwaring. "

For an instant an almost painful silence ensued, until Dr. Westlakesaid, --

"Will you state your relation to the deceased?"

"I was the lawfully wedded, but unacknowledged, wife of HughMainwaring, " was the calm reply. 

"Please state when and where your marriage took place, " said thecoroner, watching the witness narrowly. 

"We were married privately in London, about three months before Mr. Mainwaring came to this country. "

"How long ago was that?"

"A little more than twenty-three years. "

"You say that you were privately married, and that in all theseyears Mr. Mainwaring never acknowledged you as his wife?"

"Yes. I was at that time a widow, and, owing to certain unpleasantcircumstances attending the last months of my former husband's life, Mr. Mainwaring insisted that our marriage be strictly private. Iacceded to his wishes, and we were married as quietly as possible. At the end of three months he deserted me, and for four years I didnot even know where he had gone. During that time, however, Ilearned that my husband, who had been fearful of soiling his proudname by having it publicly joined with mine, was, in the sight ofthe law, a common criminal. I finally traced him to America, andfive years after he deserted me I had the pleasure of confrontinghim with the facts which I had obtained. With passionateprotestations of renewed love and fair promises of an honorablemarried life, he sought to purchase my silence, and, fool that Iwas! I yielded. He claimed that he could not at once acknowledgeme as his wife, because he was already known as an unmarried man, but in the near future we would repeat the marriage ceremony and Ishould be the honored mistress of his heart and home. I believedhim and waited. Meantime, our child was born, and then a new rolehad to be adopted. Had he not known that he was in my power, Iwould then have been thrust out homeless with my babe, but he darednot do that. Instead, I was brought to Fair Oaks dressed in widow'sgarb, as a distant relative of his who was to be his housekeeper. So, for my son's sake, hoping he would some day receive his rights, I have lived a double life, regarded as a servant where I shouldhave been mistress, and holding that poor position only because itwas within my power to put the master of the house in a felon'scell!"

"Can you produce the certificate of this marriage?" inquired thecoroner, regarding the witness with a searching glance as shepaused in her recital. 

"Unfortunately, " she replied, in a tone ringing with scorn anddefiance, "I cannot produce our marriage certificate, as my husbandkept that in his possession, and frequently threatened to destroyit. If it is in existence, it will be found in his safe; but I canproduce a witness who was present at our marriage, and who himselfsigned the certificate. "

"State the name of this witness. "

"Richard Hobson, of London. "

"You are then acquainted with this Hobson?" the coroner inquired, at the same time making an entry in the memorandum he held. 

"Naturally, as he was at one time my husband's attorney. "

"He called at Fair Oaks yesterday, did he not?"

"He did. "

"Do you know whether he called more than once?"

"He came a second time, in the evening, accompanied by his clerk. "

"Was his object at either time to secure an interview with Mr. Mainwaring?"

"He called to see me on private business. "

"Had he any intention of meeting Mr. Mainwaring later?"

"I know nothing regarding his intentions. "

"Mrs. LaGrange, " said the coroner, after a pause, "you were in Mr. Mainwaring's library between the hours of eleven and twelve lastnight, were you not?"

Her face darkened with anger at his form of address. "I was inmy husband's library at that hour, " she replied. 

"How long were you there?"

"I cannot state exactly, " she answered, indifferently; "perhapshalf an hour. "

"Did Mr. Scott repeat correctly your words to Mr. Mainwaring?"

"I have no doubt that he did. His memory on the subject is muchbetter than mine. "

"What was the meaning of your threat to Mr. Mainwaring, that youwould make him and his friends regret the day's proceedings?"

"He understood my meaning. He knew that I could set aside thewill, and could ruin him by exposing his duplicity and fraud. "

"What reply did he make?"

"He answered me, as usual, with sneers; but I saw that he feltsomewhat apprehensive. I wished to give him a little time toreflect upon a proposition I had made, and I left the library, intending to return later; but, " she added, slowly and significantly, "I was superseded by another visitor. "

"Explain your meaning, " said the coroner, briefly. 

"My husband's private secretary entered the library directly afterI left. Some thirty minutes later I passed down the corridortowards the library, and was startled to hear Mr. Mainwaring, inloud and excited tones, denouncing some one as a liar and animpostor. The reply was low, in a voice trembling with rage, butI caught the words, 'You are a liar and a thief! If you had yourdeserts, you would be in a felon's cell to-night, or transportedto the wilds of Australia!' There was much more in the same tone, but so low I could not distinguish the words, and, thinking Mr. Mainwaring was likely to be occupied for some time, I immediatelyretired to my room. "

"Was the voice of the second speaker familiar to you?" inquiredDr. Westlake, in the breathless silence that followed this statement. 

A half smile, both cunning and cruel, played around the lips of thewitness, as she answered, with peculiar emphasis and with a ringof triumph in her tone, --

"The voice was somewhat disguised, but it was distinctly recognizableas that of Mr. Scott, the private secretary. "

To Scott himself, these words came with stunning force, not so muchfor the accusation which they conveyed, as that her recital of thosewords spoken within the library seemed but the repetition of wordswhich had rung in his brain the preceding night, as, alone in hisroom, he had, in imagination, confronted his employer with the proofof his guilt which that afternoon's search had brought to light. His fancy had vividly portrayed the scene in which he would arraignHugh Mainwaring as a thief, and would himself, in turn, be denouncedas an impostor until he should have established his claims by theindubitable evidence now in his possession. Such a scene bad inreality been enacted, --those very words had been spoken, --and, for an instant, it seemed to Scott as though he had been, unconsciously, one of the actors. 

The general wonder and consternation with which he was now regardedby the crowd quickly recalled him, however, to the presentsituation, and awakened within him a sudden, fierce resentment, though he remained outwardly calm. 

"At that time, " continued the coroner, "were you of the opinionthat it was Mr. Scott whom you heard thus addressing Mr. Mainwaring?"

"Yes, I had every reason to believe it was he, and I have nowadditional reasons for the same belief. "

"Are these additional reasons founded on your own personalknowledge, or on the information of others?"

"Upon information received from various members of the household. "

"Did you see Mr. Scott leave the library?"

"I did not. "

"Can you state about what time you heard this conversation?"

"I went immediately to my room, and there found that it lacked onlyten minutes of one. "

"Did you hear any unusual sound afterwards?"

"I did not. I heard no one in the halls; and Mr. Mainwaring'sapartments were so remote from the general sleeping-rooms that nosound from there, unless very loud, could have reached the otheroccupants of the house. "

Further questions failed to develop any evidence of importance, andthe witness was temporarily dismissed. Glancing at his watch, thecoroner remarked, "It is nearly time to adjourn, but if Mr. Hardy has returned wewill first hear what he has to report. "

As the valet again came forward, Dr. Westlake asked, "Were you ableto learn anything concerning the strangers who were here yesterday?"

"Not very much, sir, " was the reply. "I went to the Arlington firstand inquired for Mr. J. Henry Carruthers, and they told me therewas no such person registered there; but they said a man answeringthat description, tall and wearing dark glasses, came into thehotel last evening and took dinner and sat for an hour or so in theoffice reading the evening papers. He went out some time betweenseven and eight o'clock, and they had seen nothing more of him. "

"Was Richard Hobson at the Arlington?"

"No, sir; but I went to the Riverside, and found R. Hobsonregistered there. They said he came in in the forenoon and ordereda carriage for Fair Oaks. He came back to lunch, but kept his roomall the afternoon. He had a man with him in his room most of theafternoon, but he took no meals there. After dinner Hobson wentout, and nobody knew when he came back; but he was there tobreakfast, and took the first train to the city. I made someinquiries at the depot, and the agent said there was a tall man, in a gray ulster and with dark glasses, who took the 3. 10 trainthis morning to the city, but he didn't notice him particularly. That was all I could learn. "

As the hour was late, the inquest was then adjourned until teno'clock the next morning. Every one connected with the householdat Fair Oaks was expected to remain on the premises that night; and, dinner over, the gentlemen, including Mr. Whitney, locked themselveswithin the large library to discuss the inevitable contest thatwould arise over the estate and to devise how, with the leastpossible delay, to secure possession of the property. 

Later in the evening Harry Scott came down from his room for abrief stroll through the grounds. A bitter smile crossed his faceas he noticed the brightly illumined library and heard the eager, excited tones within, remembering the dimly-lighted room above withits silent occupant, unloved, unmourned, unthought of, in markedcontrast to the preceding night, when Hugh Mainwaring lavished uponhis guests such royal entertainment and was the recipient of theircongratulations and their professions of esteem and regard. 

As he paced slowly up and down the avenues, his thoughts were notof the present, but of the past and future. At the earliestopportunity that day he had returned to the city, ostensibly, toattend to some telegraphic despatches, but his main errand had beento consult with an eminent lawyer whom he knew by reputation, andin whom both Hugh Mainwaring and Mr. Whitney, in numerous legalcontests, had found a powerful and bitter opponent. To him Scotthad intrusted his own case, giving him the fullest details, andleaving in his possession for safe keeping the proofs which weresoon to play so important a part; and Mr. Sutherland, the attorneyretained by Scott, had been present at the inquest, apparentlyas a disinterested spectator, but, in reality, one of the mostintensely interested of them all. 

CHAPTER VIII

THE WEAVING OF THE WEB

Ten o'clock found an eager crowd assembled in and about the largelibrary at Fair Oaks, drawn by reports of the sensational featuresdeveloped on the preceding day. The members of the householdoccupied nearly the same positions as on the preceding afternoon, with the exception of the secretary, who had entered the room alittle in advance of the others and had seated himself near thecoroner. 

Notwithstanding the glances of doubt and distrust which Scottencountered, and his own consciousness that suspicion againsthimself would deepen as all the facts in the case became known, he was as impassive as ever. Even Mr. Whitney was wholly at aloss to account for the change in the bearing of the secretary. He was no longer the employee, but carried himself with a proudindependence, as though conscious of some mysterious vantage-ground. 

On the other side of the coroner, but conveniently near Scott, wasMr. Sutherland, while in the rear, commanding a good view of bothgentlemen, as well as of nearly every face in the room, sat Mr. Merrick, though to a stranger his manner would have implied theutmost indifference to the proceedings. 

The first witness called for by the coroner was Johnson, the butler. For the first five or ten minutes his testimony was little morethan a corroboration of that given by the valet on the precedingday, of the discovery of the death of Hugh Mainwaring. 

"You say, " said the coroner, "that at Mr. Whitney's request youremained in the upper hall, near the library and within call?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Will you state how long a time you should think elapsed betweenthe alarm given by Hardy and the appearance of the entire household, including both the guests and the servants?"

"Well, sir, Hardy gave the alarm a little after seven. The servantswere already up and crowded around there immediately, and I shouldsay that every one, including the ladies, was out within twentyminutes, or thirty at the latest, with the exception of Mrs. LaGrangeand her son. "

"At what time did the latter appear?"

"It must have been considerably after eight o'clock, sir, when shecame to the library in response to a message from Mr. Whitney. "

"And her son?"

"I did not see Mr. Walter LaGrange at all during the forenoon, sir. "

"How was that?" inquired Dr. Westlake, rather quickly. "Was he notat Fair Oaks?"

"I cannot say, sir. I did not see him until luncheon. "

"When did you last see Mr. Mainwaring?"

"A little after eleven o'clock night before last, --Wednesday night, sir. I was in the hall as he passed upstairs to his rooms, and Iheard him ask Mr. Scott to come to his library. "

"Did there seem to be any coldness or unpleasantness between them?"

"No, sir; they both appeared the same as usual. "

"Did any strangers call at Fair Oaks Wednesday aside from thosementioned yesterday?"

"No, sir. "

"Will you describe the strangers who were here, stating when theycalled and any particulars you are able to give?"

"The man giving his name as R. Hobson called between eleven andtwelve, Wednesday morning. He was tall, with thin features, small, dark eyes, and a very soft voice. He came in a carriage, inquiredfor Mrs. LaGrange, and seemed in considerable haste. He stayedabout an hour. The gentleman who called about four in the afternoonalso came in a carriage and inquired for Mr. Mainwaring, saying hehad been directed to Fair Oaks at the city offices of Mainwaring &Co. On learning that Mr. Mainwaring was out, he asked for thesecretary; and I took his card to Mr. Scott, who gave directionsto have him shown up into the library. I do not know when he left. He was tall, with black hair and moustache and dark glasses. "

"Mr. Hobson's call occasioned considerable comment at luncheon, didit not?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Did you observe that it had any effect on Mr. Mainwaring?"

"Well, sir, I thought he appeared considerably annoyed, and afterluncheon he asked me whether Mr. Hobson had inquired for him. "

"Did you admit Hobson when he called in the evening?"

"I did not, sir. I merely met him at the door and directed him tothe south side entrance. "

"At Mrs. LaGrange's request?"

"Yes, sir; in accordance with her instructions. "

"Did she give any reason for such instructions?"

"Merely that his former call had caused so much remark she wishedto receive him privately. "

"Was he alone when he called the second time?"

"No, sir. "

"Can you describe the person who accompanied him?"

"No, sir. The man stood so far in the shadow that I could only seethe outlines of his form. I should say he was about the same heightas Mr. Hobson, but considerably heavier. "

"Do you know at what hour they left?"

"No, sir. "

Further questions failing to elicit any facts bearing upon thesituation, the butler was dismissed, and Brown, the coachman, tookhis place. The latter was far less taciturn than the butler, seeming rather eager to impart some piece of information which heevidently considered of special importance. 

After a few preliminary questions, the coroner said, --

"At what time, and from whom, did you first hear of Mr. Mainwaring'sdeath?"

"About half-past seven, yesterday morning, sir. I was a-takingcare of the horses, sir, when Uncle Mose--he's the gardener, sir--hecomes past the stable on his way to the tool-house, and hetells me that Mr. Mainwaring had been murdered in the night, rightin his own rooms, and then he tells me-"

"How long had you been up and at work in the stables?"

"Before I heard of the murder? Well, about an hour, I should say. I generally gets up at six. "

"Had you been to the house that morning?"

"No, sir; but I went right up there after seeing Uncle Mose, and Iwas in the kitchen telling what I had seen the night before, whenthe butler he comes down and said as how Mr. Ralph Mainwaring wantedme, and that I had better keep my mouth shut till I was asked totell what I knew. "

"Where were you last Wednesday night?" asked the coroner, ratherabruptly. 

Brown looked surprised, but answered readily, "I was out with somefriends of mine. We all went down to the city together that nightand stayed out pretty late, and it seems a mighty good thing wedid, too. "

"Why so?" asked the coroner. 

"Well, sir, " said Brown, deliberately, glad of an opportunity totell his story and evidently determined to make the most of it, "asI said, we stayed out that night later than we meant to, and I didn'twaste no time getting home after I left the depot. So, when I gotto Fair Oaks, I thought I'd take the shortest cut, and so I come inby the south gate, off from the side street, and took the patharound the lake to get to the stables. "

"What lake do you mean?" interrupted the coroner. 

"The small lake back of the grove in the south part of the grounds. Well, I was hurrying along through that grove, and all of a suddenI seen a man standing on the edge of the lake with his back towardsme. He was very tall, and wore an ulster that came nearly to hisfeet, and he looked so queer that I stepped out of the path andbehind some big trees to watch him. I hadn't no more than done so, when he stooped and picked up something, and come right up the pathtowards me. The moon was shining, had been up about two hours, Ishould say, but his back was to the light and I couldn't see hisface, nor I didn't want him to see me. After he'd got by I steppedout to watch him and see if he went towards the house, but hedidn't; he took the path I had just left and walked very fast tothe south gate and went out onto the side street. "

"In which direction did he then go?" asked the coroner. 

"He went up onto the main avenue and turned towards the town. "

"Can you describe his appearance?"

"Only that he was tall and had very black hair; but his face was inthe shadow, so I couldn't tell how he looked. "

"What did he pick up from the ground?"

"I couldn't see very plain, but it looked like a small, square boxdone up in paper. "

"You did not try to call any one?"

"No, sir. The man didn't go near the house, and I didn't thinkmuch about it until Uncle Mose told me yesterday morning that thenight before he seen--"

"Never mind what he saw; we will let him tell his own story. Wasthat all you saw?"

"No, sir; it wasn't, " replied Brown, with a quick side glancetowards Mrs. LaGrange, who occupied the same position as on thepreceding day. "I was going along towards the stables, thinkingabout that man, and all of a sudden I noticed there was a brightlight in one of the rooms up-stairs. The curtains wasn't drawn, and I thought I'd see whose room it was, so I walked up towards thehouse carefully, and I saw Mr. Mainwaring's secretary. He lookedawfully pale and haggard, and was walking up and down the room kindof excited like. Just then I happened to step on the gravelled walkand he heard me, for he started and looked kind of frightened andlistened a moment, and then he stepped up quick and extinguished thelight, and I was afraid he'd see me then from the window, so Ihurried off. But I thought 'twas mighty queer-"

"Mr. Scott was dressed, was he?" interrupted the coroner. 

"Yes, sir, " Brown answered, sullenly. 

"Did you go directly to your room?"

"Yes, sir. "

"What time was this?"

"I heard the clock strike three just after I got in. "

"You saw or heard nothing more?"

"No, sir. "

"You knew nothing of what had occurred at the house until thegardener told you in the morning?"

"N--yes--no, sir, " Brown stammered, with another glance towardsMrs. LaGrange, who was watching him closely. 

"What did you say?" demanded the coroner. 

"I said I didn't know what had happened till Uncle Mose told me, "Brown answered, doggedly. 

"That will do, " said the coroner, watching the witness narrowly ashe resumed his place among the servants. 

During the latter part of Brown's testimony, quick, telegraphicglances had been exchanged between Scott and Mr. Sutherland, andone or two slips of paper, unobserved by any one but Merrick, hadpassed from one to the other. 

Scott was well aware that the statements made by the coachman haddeepened suspicion against himself. He paid little attention tothe crowd, however, but noted particularly the faces of the guestsat Fair Oaks. Ralph Mainwaring's, dark with anger; that of thegenial Mr. Thornton coldly averted; young Mainwaring's superciliousstare, and his sister's expression of contemptuous disdain; and ashe studied their features his own grew immobile as marble. Suddenlyhis glance encountered Miss Carleton's face and was held for amoment as though under a spell. There was no weak sentimentalitythere, no pity or sympathy, --he would have scorned either, --butthe perfect confidence shining in her eyes called forth a quickresponse from his own, though not a muscle stirred about thesternly-set mouth. She saw and understood, and, as her eyes fell, a smile, inexplicable and mysterious, flashed for an instant acrossher face and was gone. 

"John Wilson, " announced the coroner, after a slight pause. 

A middle-aged man, rather dull in appearance, except for a pair ofkeenly observant eyes, stepped forward with slow precision. 

"You are Mr. Ralph Mainwaring's valet, I believe?" said the coroner. 

"That I am, sir, " was the reply. 

"Have you been for some time in his employ?"

The man peered sharply at Dr. Westlake from under his heavy brows, and replied, with great deliberation, "Nigh onto thirty years, sir. "

Then, noting the surprise in his interlocutor's face, he added, withdignity, "The Wilsons, sir, have served the Mainwarings for threegenerations. My father, sir, was valet to the father of the deadHugh Mainwaring, the Honorable Ralph Maxwell Mainwaring, sir. "

A smile played over the features of young Mainwaring at these words, but Scott started involuntarily, and, after studying Wilson's faceintently for a moment, hastily pencilled a few words on a slip ofpaper which he handed to Mr. Sutherland, and both watched thewitness with special interest. 

His testimony differed little from that given by Hardy and by thebutler. He stated, however, that, after accompanying Mr. RalphMainwaring to the scene of the murder, the latter sent him to summonMr. Scott; but on his way to the young gentleman's room he saw Mr. Whitney in advance of him, who called the secretary and immediatelyreturned with him to the library. 

"Was Mr. Scott already up when Mr. Whitney called him?" the coronerinquired, quickly. 

"He was up and dressed, sir, " was the reply. 

Wilson also corroborated the butler's statement that Walter LaGrangewas not seen about the premises until luncheon, and stated, inaddition, that the horse belonging to young LaGrange was missingfrom the stables until nearly noon. Having mingled very little withthe servants at Fair Oaks, he had but slight knowledge concerning theoccurrences of the day preceding the murder. His testimony wastherefore very brief. 

"Katie O'Brien, chambermaid, " was next called; and in response ayoung Irish woman quietly took her place before the coroner. Sheanswered the questions addressed her as briefly as possible, butwith deliberation, as though each word had been carefully weighed. 

"Did you have charge of the private rooms of Mr. Mainwaring?"

"Yes, sir. "

"You took care of his rooms as usual Wednesday?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Did you see Mr. Mainwaring during the day or evening?"

"I met him once or twice in the halls. "

"When did you last see him?"

"About two o'clock Wednesday afternoon. "

"State how you first heard of his death. "

"I was working in the halls up-stairs about seven that morning andheard running back and forth, as if there was trouble. I went outinto the front hall and met the butler, and he told me Mr. Mainwaringhad been murdered. "

"Did you go in to see him at that time?"

"Yes, sir, for a moment. "

"Did you notice anything unusual in his rooms?"

"I didn't notice anything unusual in Mr. Mainwaring's rooms. "

"Did you in any room?"

"Yes, sir. "

"In what one?"

"In Mr. Scott's room, a little later. "

"State what you observed. "

"A few minutes after I left the library I saw Mr. Scott come out ofhis room and go away with Mr. Whitney, and I thought I would go inand do up the room. So I went in, but the bed was just as I hadmade it up the day before. It hadn't been slept in nor touched. Then things was strewn around considerable, and the top drawer ofhis dressing-case was kept locked all the forenoon until he went tothe city. "

"When did he go to the city?"

"About noon. "

"Did you see Mr. Scott the day or evening preceding Mr. Mainwaring'sdeath?"

"No, sir; but I know he was locked in Mr. Mainwaring's library allthe afternoon, after the folks had gone out driving. "

"How do you know the library was locked?"

"I was sweeping in the corridor, and I heard him unlock the doorwhen the butler came up with some gentleman's card. "

"Did you see the gentleman who came up-stairs later?"

"No, sir. "

"Did you see Walter LaGrange at any time during yesterday forenoon?"

The witness colored slightly, but replied, "I think I met him onceor twice; I don't remember just when. "

"He was away from home part of the time, was he not?"

"I don't know where he was. "

Nothing further of importance could be learned from the witness, and, as it was then past twelve, a short recess was taken untilafter lunch. 

Scott took his place at the table with the guests, seemingly alikeindifferent to cold aversion or angry frowns. He was conscious thatMiss Carleton was watching him, her manner indicating the same frankfriendliness she had shown him on the preceding day, and in responseto a signal from her, as they rose from the table, he followed herinto one of the drawing-rooms, joining her in a large alcove window, where she motioned him to a seat on a low divan by her side. 

"You have made a bitter enemy in Mrs. LaGrange, " she said, archly;"and she has marshalled her forces against you. "

"Do you think so?" he asked, with an amused smile. 

"Certainly. She displayed her tactics this morning. I am positivethat much of the testimony was given in accordance with her orders. "

"For the most part, however, the witnesses stated facts, " Scottreplied, watching her closely. 

"Yes; but facts may be so misrepresented as to give an impressionquite the reverse of the truth. "

"That is so. And a misrepresentation having a foundation of truthis the hardest to fight. But, " he added, in a lighter tone, "allthis testimony against me does not seem to have produced the sameimpression upon you that it has upon the others. Your suspicionsdo not seem, as yet, to have been very thoroughly aroused. "

"Perhaps my suspicions are as dormant as your own apprehensions. I fail to detect the slightest anxiety on your part as to theoutcome of this, one way or another. "

"No, " he replied, after a pause; "I feel no anxiety, only resentmentthat circumstances have conspired against me just at this time, andcontempt for people who will be led by appearances rather than theirown judgment. "

"People sometimes use very little judgment where their own personalinterests are concerned. "

"In that case, " said Scott, as they rose to return to the library, where the others had already preceded them, "I suppose the word ofone unprincipled woman and of three or four ignorant servants willbe allowed to outweigh mine. "

They had reached the library and Miss Carleton made no reply, butScott again saw the same inscrutable little smile play over herfeatures, and wondered at its meaning. 

CHAPTER IX

TANGLED THREADS

Upon resuming the examination, the first witness called for wasMary Catron, the second cook, a woman about thirty-five years ofage, with an honest face, but one indicative of a fiery temper. Her testimony was brief, but given with a directness that wasamusing. When questioned of the occurrences of the day precedingthe murder, she replied, --

"I know nothing of what went on except from the gossip of the rest. My place was in the kitchen, and I had too much to do that day tobe loitering round in the halls, leaning on a broom-handle, andlistening at keyholes, " and she cast a glance of scathing contemptin the direction of the chambermaid. 

"Did this 'gossip' that you speak of have any bearing on what hassince occurred?" the coroner inquired. 

"Well, sir, it might and it mightn't. 'Twas mostly about the willthat Mr. Mainwaring was making; and as how them that got littlewas angry that they didn't get more, and them as got much wasgrowling at not getting the whole. "

"How did the servants gain any knowledge of this will?"

"That's more than I can say, sir, except as I knows the nature ofsome folks. "

Upon further questioning, the witness stated that on the night ofthe murder, between the hours of two and three, she was aroused bya sound like the closing of an outside door, but on going to oneof the basement windows to listen, she heard nothing further andconcluded she had been mistaken. 

"Did you see the coachman at that time?" she was asked. 

"A few minutes later I looked out again and I see him gaping andgrinning at the house and jabbering to himself like an idiot, andI was minded to send him about his business if he hadn't a-tookhimself off when he did. "

"He was perfectly sober, was he not?"

"Sober for aught that I know; but, to my thinking, he's that daftthat he's noways responsible for aught that he says. "

"Were you up-stairs soon after the alarm was given?" asked thecoroner, when she had told of hearing from the butler the news ofthe murder. 

"Yes, sir; I went up as soon as ever I heard what had happened. "

"Who was in the library at that time?"

"Nobody but some of the servants, sir. I met Mr. Whitney just asI came out. "

"Did you meet any one else?"

"I met no one, but I saw the housekeeper coming out of her son'sroom. She didn't see me; but she was telling him to get readyquick to go somewheres, and I heard her say to hurry, for everyminute was precious. "

Louis Picot, the head cook, could give no information whatever. When the alarm was given, he had rushed, with the other servants, to the scene of the murder, and in his imperfect English, accompanied by expressive French gestures, he tried to convey hishorror and grief at the situation, but that was all. 

The two maids who attended the English ladies were next called upon;but their testimony was mainly corroborative of that given by thechambermaid, except that Sarah Whitely, Miss Carleton's maid, stated, in addition, that she had seen Mr. Walter LaGrange leavehis mother's room in great haste and go down-stairs, and a littlelater, from one of the upper windows, saw him riding away fromthe stables in the direction of the south gate. 

But one servant remained, "Uncle Mose, " as he was familiarly called, the old colored man having charge of the grounds at Fair Oaks. Hissnow-white hair and bent form gave him a venerable appearance; buthe was still active, and the shrewd old face showed both humor andpathos as he proceeded with his story. He had been a slave in hisyounger days, and still designated his late employer by the old term"mars'r. " He was a well-known character to many present, includingDr. Westlake, who knew that in this instance questions would haveto be abandoned and the witness allowed to tell his story in hisown way. 

"Well, Uncle Mose, you have been employed at Fair Oaks for a longtime, haven't you?"

"Moah dan twenty yeahs, sah, I'se had charge ob dese y'er grounds;an' mars'r Mainwaring, he t'ought nobody but ole Mose cud take cyahob 'em, sah. "

"You were about the grounds as usual Wednesday, were you not?"

"I was 'bout de grounds all day, sah, 'case dere was a pow'ful lotto do a-gittin' ready for de big doins dere was goin' to be onmars'r's birfday. "

"Did you see either of the strangers who called that day?"

"I'se a-comm' to dat d'rectly, sah. You see, sah, I wants to sayright heah, befo' I goes any furder, dat I don' know noffin 'ceptwhat tuk place under my own obserbation. I don' feel called uponto 'spress no 'pinions 'bout nobody. I jes' wants to state a fewrecurrences dat I noted at de time, speshally 'bout dem strangersas was heah in pertickeler. Well, sah, de fust man, he come heahin de mawnin'. De Inglish gentlemens, dey had been a-walkin' inde grounds and jes' done gone roun' de corner oh de house to goto mars'r Mainwaring's liberry, when dis man he comes up de av'nuein a kerridge, an' de fust ting I heah 'im a-cussin' de driver. Den he gets out and looks roun' kind o' quick, jes' like de possumin de kohn, as ef he was 'fraid somebody done see 'im. I was fixin'de roses on de front poach, an' I looked at 'im pow'ful sharp, an'when de dooh opened he jumped in quick, as ef he was glad to getout o' sight. Well, sah, I didn't like de 'pearance ob dat man, an' I jes' t'ought I'd get anoder look at 'im, but he stayed amighty long time, sah, an' bime'by I had to go to de tool-house, an' when I gets back the kerridge was gone. "

"Could you describe the man, Uncle Mose?" the coroner asked. 

"No, sah, I don' know as I could 'scribe 'im perzacly; but I'd know'im, no matter where I sot eyes on 'im, and I know'd 'im the nex'time I see 'im. Well, sah, dat aft'noon, mars'r Mainwaring an' defolks had gone out ridin', an' I was roun' kind o' permiscuous like, an' I see anoder kerridge way down de av'nue by de front gate, an'I waited, 'spectin' maybe I'd see dat man again. While I was waitin'by de front dooh, all oh a sudden a man come roun' from de side, asef he come from mars'r Mainwaring's liberry, but he was anoder man. "

"Didn't he look at all like the first man?" inquired the coroner. 

"No, sah; he looked altogedder diff'rent; but I don' know as I couldstate whar'in de differensiashun consisted, sah. Dis man was berrygood lookin' 'ceptin' his eyes, an' dem yoh cudn' see, 'case he hadon cull'ed glasses. Mebbe his eyes was pow'ful weak, er mebbe hedidn't want nobody to see 'em; but I 'spicioned dem glasses d'rectly, sah, an' I watched 'im. He goes down to de kerridge an' takes outa coat an' says sump' in to de driver, an' de kerridge goes awaytow'ds de town, an' he walks off de oder way. Bime'by I see 'imgwine back again on de oder side ob de street-"

"Was he alone?" interrupted the coroner. 

"Yes, sah; an' I done kep' my eye on 'im, an' he didn' go on to detown, but tuhned down de fust side street. Well, sah, I didn' seeno moah ob 'im den; but dat ebenin' I'd ben a-workin' roun' dehouse, sprinklin' de grass and gettin' ready foh de nex' day, whenI happens to pass by de side dooh, an' I sees dem two men comm'out togedder. "

"What time was this, Uncle Mose?" the coroner asked, quickly. 

"Well, sah, " said the old man, reflectively, "my mem'ry is a littlederelictious on dat p'int, but I knows 'twas gettin' putty late. "

"Are you sure these were the same two men you had seen earlier inthe day?"

"Yes, sah; 'case I stepped in de bushes to watch 'em. Dey talkedtogedder berry low, an' den one man goes back into de house, an' Iseen 'im plain in de hall light, an' he was de fust man; an' whileI was a-watchin' 'im, de oder man he disappeahed an' I cudn' see'im nowhar, but I know'd he was de man dat came in de aft'noon, 'case he look jes' like 'im, an' toted a coat on his arm. Well, sah, I t'inks it a berry cur'is sarcumstance, an' I was jes' comm'to de preclushun dat I'd mention it to some ob de fambly, when defust man, he come to de dooh wid de housekeeper. I was in deshadder and dey didn' see me, but I heah 'im say, kind o' softlike, 'Remember, my deah lady, dis is a biz'ness contract; I doesmy part, an' I 'spects my pay. ' An' she says, 'Oh, yes, yoh shallhab yohr money widout fail. ' An' I says to myse'f, 'Mose, yoh olefool, what you stan'in' heah foh? Dat ain't nuffin dat consarnsyoh nohow, ' an' I goes home, an' dat's all I know, sah. But I'seben pow'ful sorry eber sence dat I didn' let mars'r Mainwaringknow 'bout it, 'case I has my 'spicions, " and the old darkey shookhis head, while the tears coursed down his furrowed cheeks. 

"How did you hear of Mr. Mainwaring's death?" asked the coroner. 

"De coachman, he done tole me, sah. "

"Why, the coachman stated that you told him what had occurred. "

"No, sah; he done tole me; I'd come up to de place pow'ful ahlydat mawnin' 'case dere was to be such big doings dat day, an' Iwas gwine to de tool-house foh sump'in, an' I see mars'r Walterridin' away from de stables pow' ful fas' on his hoss-"

"Do you mean Walter LaGrange?"

"Yes, sah; an' de coachman he came out an' I ax 'im whar de youngman was gwine dat ahly, an' he say mars'r Mainwaring ben killed, an'mars'r Walter had to go to town as fas' as his hoss cud take 'im. "

"Do you know when he returned?"

"He came back, sah, befo' berry long, an' den he went away agin anddidn't come back till mos' noon. "

When the old darkey had been dismissed the coachman was recalled. 

"What did you mean by stating that you first heard of Mr. Mainwaring's death from the gardener, when the reverse was thetruth?"

"I don't know, " he replied, carelessly; "I s'pose I got mixed. Iremember talking with him about it, and I thought he told me. "

"You had forgotten the interview with Walter LaGrange, I presume. "

Brown made no answer. 

"Why did you not mention that?"

"I wasn't asked to, " he replied in insolent tones; "you said nothingto me about Mr. LaGrange. "

"You are expected to state in full every occurrence having anybearing on the situation. You may give the particulars of thatinterview now. "

"There's nothing to tell more than Uncle Mose told. I was workingin the stables as usual, and Mr. LaGrange came in in a big hurryand ordered me to saddle his horse as quick as I could, that Mr. Mainwaring had been murdered, and he'd got to go to town. "

"At what time was this?"

"About half-past seven, I should say. "

"Did he state his errand?"

"No, sir. "

"When did he return?"

"I saw his horse standing in the yard outside the stables about halfan hour after, and then 'twas gone, and I didn't see it again tillnoon. "

Walter LaGrange was next called. He stated that he had spent thegreater part of the day preceding the murder away from Fair Oaks;he had not been at home to luncheon or dinner, and consequently knewnothing of the strangers seen on the place that day. He had returnedabout half-past ten that evening, and remembered seeing Mr. Mainwaring and his guests seated on the veranda, but he had gonedirectly to his room without meeting any one. The first intimationwhich he had received of any unusual occurrence the next morningwas when his mother entered his room and told him that Mr. Mainwaringhad either been murdered or had committed suicide, no one knew which. 

"Was that her only object in coming to your room?"

"No, sir; she wanted me to do an errand for her. "

"Will you state the nature of this errand?"

"It was only to deliver a note. "

"To whom?"

"To Mr. Hobson, " the young man answered weakly, while his motherfrowned, the first sign of emotion of any kind which she hadbetrayed that day. 

"Did you deliver the note?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Then, under your mother's orders, you went to the city on yoursecond trip, did you not?"

"Y-yes, sir. "

"Were you successful in finding Mr. Hobson there?"

"Yes, sir, " the witness answered sullenly. 

"You had other business in the city aside from meeting him, had younot?"

Between the coroner's persistence and his mother's visible signs ofdispleasure, Walter LaGrange was fast losing his temper. 

"If you know so much about this business, I don't see the use ofyour questioning me, " he retorted angrily. "It's no affair of mineanyway; I had nothing to do with it, nor I won't be mixed up in it;and if you want any information you'd better ask mother for it; it'sher business and none of mine. "

After a few more questions, which the witness answered sullenly andin monosyllables, he was dismissed. 

"Mr. Higgenbotham, " announced the coroner. The greatest surprisewas manifested on every side as the senior member of a well-knownfirm of jewellers stepped forward; the same gentleman who hadaccompanied Mr. Whitney on his return from the city on the precedingday. 

"Mr. Higgenbotham, " said the coroner, "I believe you are able tofurnish some testimony which will be pertinent at this time. "

"Yes, Dr. Westlake, " responded the other, in deep, musical tones, "I think possibly I can render you a little assistance in yourinvestigations. "

"Mr. Higgenbotham, do you recognize the young gentleman who has justgiven his testimony?"

"I do, sir, " said the witness, adjusting a pair of eyeglasses andgazing steadily at Walter LaGrange. "I recall his featuresperfectly. "

"You were personally acquainted with the late Hugh Mainwaring, Ibelieve?"

"Yes, sir, intimately acquainted with him. "

"You are, I believe, familiar with the Mainwaring jewels which arenow missing?" continued the coroner. 

Walter LaGrange looked uncomfortable and his mother's cheek paled. 

"I am, sir; having had them repeatedly left in my possession forsafe keeping during their owner's absence from home; and I havealso a complete list of them, with a detailed description of everypiece. "

"Very well, Mr. Higgenbotham, will you now please state when, andunder what circumstances, you saw this young gentleman?"

"I was seated in my private office yesterday morning, when my headclerk came in and asked me to step out into the salesrooms for amoment, as he said a young man was there trying to sell some veryfine jewels, and, from his youth and his ignorance of their value, he feared something was wrong. I went out immediately and saw thisyoung gentleman, who handed me for inspection a superb diamondbrooch and an elegant necklace of diamonds and pearls. I instantlyrecognized the gems as pieces from the old Mainwaring collection ofjewels. Simultaneously there occurred to my mind the report of themurder of Hugh Mainwaring, which I had heard but a short time before, although then I knew nothing of the robbery. Naturally, mysuspicions were awakened. I questioned the young man closely, however, and he stated that his home was at Fair Oaks, and that hismother was a distant relative of Mr. Mainwaring's; that the jewelswere hers, and she wished to dispose of them for ready cash to meetan emergency. His story was so plausible that I thought possiblymy suspicions had been somewhat hasty and premature. Still, Ideclined to purchase the jewels; and when he left the store Iordered one of our private detectives to follow him and report tome. In the course of an hour the detective returned and reportedthat the young man had sold the jewels to a pawnbroker for lessthan one-fourth their actual value. About half an hour later Iheard the news of the robbery at Fair Oaks, and that the familyjewels were missing; and knowing that Mr. Whitney was here, Iimmediately telephoned to him the facts which I have just stated. He came in to the city at once, and we proceeded to the pawnshop, where he also identified the jewels. "

Mr. Higgenbotham paused for a moment, producing a package from aninner pocket, which he proceeded to open. 

"We secured a loan of the jewels for a few days, " he continued, advancing towards the coroner. "Here they are, and here is a copyof the list of which I spoke. By comparing these gems with thedescription of those which I have checked on the list, you willsee that they are identical. "

He placed the open casket on the table. There was a moment'ssilence, broken by subdued exclamations of admiration as Dr. Westlake lifted the gems from their resting-place. 

"You are correct, " he said; "the description is complete. There isno doubt that these are a part of the collection. I see you havemarked the value of these two items as seven thousand dollars. "

"Yes; that is a moderate valuation. And were the prices of theother articles carried out, you would see that, with the exceptionof a few very small pieces, these have the least value of the entirelot. I believe I can be of no further service. "

Mrs. LaGrange was next recalled. 

"Have you anything to say in reference to the testimony just given?"the coroner inquired. 

"I have this much to say, " she replied, haughtily, "that I couldhave given you the history of those jewels, including, perhaps, some facts of which even Mr. Higgenbotham and Mr. Whitney are inignorance, and thus have spared you the infinite pains you havetaken to make public the straits to which I was reduced, becauseof my position here, when in need of a little ready money. I couldhave informed you that they were originally a part of the oldMainwaring collection of gems, until they were given me by myhusband. "

"It hardly seems consistent that a man who treated his wife in themanner in which you claim to have been treated would bestow uponher gifts of such value as these, " the coroner remarked withemphasis. 

"They were of little value to him, " she answered, with scorn; "asyou have been informed, they were the poorest which he possessed. Besides, there were times when I could persuade him to almostanything, --anything but to acknowledge his lawful wife and hislegitimate son. "

"Was the money which you were forced to raise by the sale of thesejewels to be paid to Hobson?"

"It was. "

"In accordance with the terms of your contract with him, made afew hours preceding the death of Mr. Mainwaring?"

"Yes, " she replied, defiantly. "And as you probably would ask thenature of that contract, I will save you the trouble. Knowing thatmy son and I were likely to be defrauded of our rights in the samemanner in which Hugh Mainwaring had defrauded others, I engaged Mr. Hobson as my attorney, as he, better than any one else, knew thefacts in the case. When I learned yesterday morning of my husband'sdeath, I realized that I would have immediate need of his services, and accordingly sent him word to that effect. He demanded a largecash payment at once. The result of this demand Mr. Higgenbothamhas already told you. "

"How was Hobson to secure for you your rights from Hugh Mainwaring?"

"That was left entirely to his own discretion. "

"Will you describe the appearance of Mr. Hobson's clerk?"

"Unfortunately, I am unable to do so. He was merely brought as awitness to our contract. I knew that he was present, but heremained in the shadow, and I took no notice of him whatever. "

"Your contract, then, was a verbal one?"

"It was. "

Upon being closely questioned, Mrs. LaGrange reiterated herassertions of the preceding day, laying particular stress upon thealleged interview between Hugh Mainwaring and his secretary, afterwhich she was dismissed, and Harry Scott was recalled. 

"Mr. Scott, " said the coroner, "what were the relations existingbetween Mr. Mainwaring and yourself up to the time of his death?"

Scott flushed slightly as he replied, "Those ordinarily existingbetween employer and employed, except that I believe Mr. Mainwaringaccorded me more than usual consideration, and I, while dulyappreciative of his kindness, yet took especial pains never toexceed the bounds of an employee. "

"Were there ever any unpleasant words passed between you?"

"None whatever. "

"Was your last interview with Mr. Mainwaring of a friendly nature?"

"Entirely so. "

"What have you to say in reference to the testimony given to theeffect that your voice was heard and recognized in angryconversation with Mr. Mainwaring at nearly one o'clock?"

"I have to say that it is false, and without foundation. "

"Do you mean to say that the statement of the witness was whollywithout truth?"

"I do not deny that such an interview, as alleged by the witness, may have taken place, for that is something concerning which I haveno knowledge whatever; but I do deny that she heard my voice, orthat I was in the library at that time, or at any time after abouttwenty minutes past twelve. "

"Was that the time at which you went to your room?"

"Very near that time, as my interview with Mr. Mainwaring could nothave exceeded ten minutes. "

"At what time did you retire?"

"I sat up very late that night, for my mind was so occupied withsome personal matters that I felt no inclination for sleep. Ilighted a cigar and became so absorbed in my own thoughts that Iwas totally unaware of the lapse of time, until I was aroused bywhat I thought was a stealthy step outside. I then became conscious, for the first time, that I was very weary, both physically andmentally, and I also discovered that it was nearly three o'clock. Astonished to find it so late, and exhausted by hours of protractedthought, I threw myself as I was upon a low couch, where I sleptsoundly until awakened in the morning. "

Further questions failed to reveal any discrepancy in his statement, and he was dismissed. 

The testimony of Ralph Mainwaring and of his son added nothing ofinterest or importance. Mr. Thornton testified to his incidentalmeeting with Hobson and to the reputation which the man had borne inLondon. When he had resumed his seat the coroner remarked, --

"As a matter of form, I will have to call upon the ladies, thoughit is not expected they will be able to furnish any informationthrowing light on this mysterious case. "

It was, as he had said, little more than a ceremony and occupiedbut a few moments. Miss Carleton was the last one called upon. Shestated that it was nearly eleven o'clock when she reached her room, but added that she did not retire immediately, as her cousin, MissThornton, had come in, and they had chatted together for more thanan hour; that while so engaged, she heard Mr. Scott come up-stairsand enter his room, which adjoined hers, and lock the door for thenight. 

"At what hour was this?" inquired the coroner. 

"It could not have been more than twenty minutes after twelve, asit was twenty-five minutes after twelve when my cousin went to herroom, and this was about five minutes earlier. "

"Can you state whether or not he left his room within the nexthalf-hour?"

"I know that he did not, " she replied. "I can testify that heremained in his room until after one o'clock. After my cousin leftI discovered that the moon was just rising, and the view across theHudson being extremely beautiful, as well as novel to me, Iextinguished the light in my room and sat down by the open windowto enjoy it. I heard Mr. Scott stepping quietly about his room fora few moments; then all was still. I sat for some time admiring thescenery, until I was aroused by hearing him pacing back and forthlike a person in deep thought. I then found it was much later thanI supposed, --nearly one o' clock, --and I immediately retired; butso long as I was awake I could hear him walking in his room. "

As Miss Carleton finished her testimony it was evident that thetide of general opinion had turned somewhat in favor of the youngsecretary, but the latter quietly ignored the friendly glances castin his direction. 

It was generally supposed that all testimony in the case had nowbeen heard. Considerable surprise was, therefore, manifested whenthe coroner nodded to Mr. Whitney, who, in turn, beckoned to some onein the hall. In response the butler appeared, ushering in a tallman, with cadaverous features and small, dark eyes, which peeredrestlessly about him. 

"Richard Hobson, " announced the coroner. 

"At your service, sir, " said the man, advancing with a cringing gaitand fawning, apologetic smile. 

"Mr. Hobson, " said the coroner, after a few preliminaries, "Iunderstand you were somewhat acquainted with the late HughMainwaring. "

"Well, yes, sir, somewhat, " the other replied in soft, insinuatingtones, but with peculiar emphasis on the word used by Dr. Westlake. "Indeed, I might say, without exaggeration, that I was probablybetter acquainted with that estimable gentleman than was any onein this country. "

"When did you last see Mr. Mainwaring?"

"I have not seen him to speak with him for fully twenty-three years. "

"You have corresponded with, him, however, in that time?"

The witness showed no surprise. 

"We exchanged a few letters while I was in England. I have neitherheard from him nor written to him since coming to this country. "

"When did you last see him, regardless of whether you spoke to himor not?"

"Probably within the last two or three weeks. I have occasionallymet him on the street. "

"Did Mr. Mainwaring see you at any of these times?"

"If he did, he did not recognize me. "

"Did you see him when you called at Fair Oaks, Wednesday, --eithermorning or evening?"

"I did not. "

"Mr. Hobson, will you describe the man who accompanied you whenyou called in the evening, Wednesday?"

"I could give you a general description. He was a large man, aboutmy own height, but heavier, and rather good looking, on the whole. But I am not good on details, such as complexion, color of hair, andso on; and then, you know, those little things are very easilychanged. "

"What was his name?"

Mr. Hobson smiled blandly. "The name by which I know him is JohnCarroll, but I have no idea as to his real name. He is a veryeccentric character, many-sided as it were, and I never know whichside will come uppermost. "

"He is your clerk and in your employ, is he not?"

"Agent, I think, would be a preferable term. He is in my employ, he transacts certain business for me, but he does it in his own way, and comes and goes at his own discretion. "

"Where is he at present?"

"I have no idea, sir. "

"Did he leave for the city that night, or did he remain with you atthe Riverside Hotel?"

"He was not with me at the hotel except for a few hours. I have notthe slightest idea from whence he came to see me, when he went away, or in what direction he went. He was in haste to be excused as soonas our joint business was done, and I have not seen him since. "

"Did he have on dark glasses that day?"

"Not when I saw him, but that was only in my room at the hotel, andfor a few moments in this house; he would have no need for them ateither place. "

"Did he not accompany you from the hotel to Fair Oaks?"

"No, sir; we met here by prearrangement. "

"When do you expect to see your agent again?"

"Whenever he has any business reports to make, " Hobson replied, with an exasperating smile; "but I have no idea when that will be. He has other commissions to execute; he is in the employ of othersbesides myself, and transacts some business on his own account also. "

"I understand, Mr. Hobson, that you have repeatedly extorted moneyfrom Mr. Mainwaring by threatening to disclose facts in yourpossession regarding some questionable transaction. "

"No, sir; my action could not be termed extortion or blackmailwithin the meaning of the law, though to any one conversant with Mr. Mainwaring's private correspondence it may have had that appearance. I was, however, merely making an effort to collect what was legallydue me. Mr. Mainwaring, before leaving England, had voluntarilybound himself to pay me a certain sum upon the condition that Iwould not reveal certain transactions of considerably more thanquestionable character. I kept my part of the contract, but hefailed in his. I wrote him, therefore, threatening, unless hefulfilled his share of the agreement, to institute proceedingsagainst him, which would naturally involve a disclosure of his secret. He never paid me in full and the secret is still mine, " he paused, then added slowly, "to keep or to sell, as will pay me best. "

"Was Hugh Mainwaring ever married?" the coroner asked, abruptly. 

"I believe he was not generally considered a married man, sir. "

"Was there ever any private marriage?"

Hobson smiled enigmatically. "You already have the word of thelady herself, sir; that should be sufficient. I cannot reveal anyof Hugh Mainwaring's secrets, --unless I am well paid for it!"

Hobson was dismissed without further questions, and the examinationbeing now at an end, the coroner's jury retired to the room in therear of the library. Very few left the house, for all felt thatlittle time would be required for the finding of a verdict, andcomment and opinion were freely exchanged. 

"Well, " said Mr. Sutherland, turning towards the secretary with asmile, "they did not learn one fact from that last witness, for Idoubt whether one of the few statements he did make had an iota oftruth in it. By the way, Mr. Scott, it's a very fortunate thingthat you've got the proofs you have. It would be a risky piece ofwork to depend on that man's word for proof; he is as slippery asan eel. With those proofs, however, there is no doubt but thatyou've got a strong case. "

"It will be hard to convince Ralph Mainwaring of that fact. "

"Yes, he looks as though he would hold on to his opinions prettytenaciously. "

"Not so tenaciously as he would grasp any money coming within hisreach!"

At a little distance, Mr. Whitney was engaged in conversation withthe Englishmen. 

"I never thought he could be in any way connected with it, " he wassaying. "In the first place, there was no motive, there could benone; then, again, I believe he is altogether above suspicion. Iknow that Mr. Mainwaring had the most implicit confidence in him. "

"Well, " said Mr. Thornton, "for my part, I'm heartily glad if thereis nothing in it. I always liked the young fellow. "

"That's just where I don't agree with you; I don't like him, " RalphMainwaring replied in a surly tone. "He may be all right so far asthis matter is concerned; I don't say yet that he is or isn't; butI do say that to defame a man's character after he's dead, in themanner he has, is simply outrageous, and, you may depend upon it, there's some personal spite back of it. "

"Oh, well, as to Hugh's character, I don't think you or I are goingto fret ourselves about that, " laughed Mr. Thornton. "He probablysowed his wild oats with the rest of us, and there may have beensome reason for his leaving England as he did. "

"I don't believe it, " Ralph Mainwaring retorted, angrily; but beforehe could say more, the doors opened and the coroner's jury filedinto the room. There was instant silence, and a moment later theverdict had been announced. It was what every one had expected, andyet there was not one but experienced a feeling of disappointmentand dissatisfaction. 

"We find that the deceased, Hugh Mainwaring, came to his death bythe discharge of a revolver in the hands of some person or personsto us unknown. "

CHAPTER X

BEHIND THE SCENES

The crowd dispersed rapidly, passing down the oak-lined avenue intwos and threes, engaged in animated discussion of the details ofthe inquest, while each one advanced some theory of his ownregarding the murder. Mr. Sutherland had taken his departure aftermaking an appointment with Scott for the following day, and thelatter now stood in one of the deep bow-windows engrossed with hisown thoughts. Suspicion had been partially diverted from himself, but only partially, as he well knew, to return like a tidal wave, deepened and intensified by personal animosity, whenever the factshe had thus far so carefully concealed should become known. He gavelittle thought to this, however, except as it influenced him inplanning his course of action for the next few days. 

He was aroused from his revery by the sound of approaching steps, and, turning, met Mr. Whitney. 

"Ah, Mr. Scott, I was just looking for you. I thought possibly youhad slipped back to the city with the crowd. I wanted to say, Mr. Scott, that, if it will be agreeable to you, I wish you would remainat Fair Oaks for the next few days, or weeks, as the case may be. Mr. Ralph Mainwaring has retained my services to aid in securinghis title to the estate, and the will having been destroyed, complications are likely to arise, so that it may take some time toget matters adjusted. Much of the business will, of necessity, haveto be transacted here, as all of Mr. Mainwaring's private papers arehere, and if you will stay and help us out I will see, of course, that your salary goes right on as usual. "

An excuse fur remaining at Fair Oaks was what Scott particularlydesired, but he replied indifferently, "If it will accommodate you, Mr. Whitney, I can remain for a few days. "

"Very well. I cannot say just how long we may need you, though Ianticipate a long contest. "

"Against Mrs. LaGrange?"

"Yes; though she has, in my opinion, no legal right whatever, yetshe will make a hard fight, and with that trickster Hobson to helpher with his chicanery, it is liable to take some time to beat them. "

"You expect to win in the end, however?"

"Certainly; there is no doubt but that Ralph Mainwaring will win thecase. He will get the property either for his son or for himself. We are first going to try to have the will upheld in the courts. Failing in that, the property will, of course, be divided betweenthe nearest heirs, Ralph Mainwaring and a younger bachelor brother;in which event, the whole thing will, in all probability, finallyrevert to his son Hugh. "

"Mr. Whitney, what is your opinion of Mrs. LaGrange's story of aprivate marriage?"

The attorney shook his head decidedly. "One of her clever lies; butif she ever undertakes to tell that little romance in court, I'lltear it all to shreds. She never was married to Hugh Mainwaring;but, " he added, slowly, "I may as well tell you that Walter was hisson. Mr. Mainwaring the same as admitted that to me once; but Iam certain that, aside from that fact, that woman had some terriblehold on him, though what I never knew. By the way, Mr. Scott, doyou know anything of the particulars of that transaction to whichthose letters referred and to which Hobson alluded to-day?"

"Yes, sir. "

Mr. Whitney looked keenly at the young man. "You obtained yourknowledge originally from other sources than Mr. Mainwaring'scorrespondence, did you not?"

"Yes, sir. "

"I thought so. Do you know, Mr. Scott, I would denounce the wholething as a lie, a scheme of that adventuress, or that impostor, Hobson, or both, by which they hope to gain some hold on the heirs, were it not that, from your manner, I have been convinced that youhave some personal knowledge of the facts in the case, --that youknow far more than you have yet told. "

Mr. Whitney paused, watching the young secretary closely, but therewas no reply, and, with all his penetration, the attorney could readnothing in the immobile face before him. He continued, --

"Whatever that transaction may have been, I wish to know nothingabout it. I was much attached to Mr. Mainwaring and respected himhighly, and I want to respect his memory; and I will tell youfrankly what I most dread in this coming contest. I expect nothingelse but that either that woman or Hobson will drag the affair outfrom its hiding-place, and will hold it up for the public to gloatover, as it always does. I hate to see a man's reputation blackenedin that way, especially when that man was my friend and his ownlips are sealed in death. "

"It is a pity, " said Scott, slowly; "but if one wishes to leavebehind him an untarnished reputation, he must back it up, whileliving, with an unblemished character. "

"Well, " said the attorney, tentatively, after another pause, "Mr. Mainwaring's character, whatever it may have been before we wereassociated with him, certainly had no effect upon your life or mine, hence I feel that it is nothing with which we are directly concerned;and I believe, in fact I know, that it will be for your interest, Mr. Scott, if you say nothing regarding whatever knowledge you may haveof the past. "

Mr. Whitney, watching the effect of his words, suddenly saw anexpression totally unlike anything he had ever seen on the face ofthe secretary, and yet strangely familiar. 

Scott turned and faced him, with eyes cold and cynical and thatseemed to pierce him through and through, remarking, in tones ofquiet irony, "I am greatly obliged for your advice, Mr. Whitney, regarding my interests, but it is not needed. Furthermore, I thinkall your thought and attention will be required to look after theinterests of Ralph Mainwaring, " and without waiting for reply, hestepped through one of the low, old-fashioned windows opening uponthe veranda and disappeared, leaving the attorney alone. 

"By George, but that was cool!" ejaculated the latter. "And thatlook; where have I seen it? I believe that Ralph Mainwaring ismore than half right after all, and there is something back of allthis!"

So absorbed was he in his own reflections as to be wholly unawareof the presence of the detective in the hall, near the doorway, where he had paused long enough to witness the parting betweenScott and the attorney, and who now passed quietly up-stairs, remarking to himself, "Whitney is pretty sharp, but he's more thangot his match there. That young fellow is too deep for him or anyof the rest of 'em, and he's likely to come out where they leastexpect to find him. "

Half an hour later, Mr. Merrick, stepping from the private libraryinto the upper southern hall, heard the sound of voices, which, from his familiarity with the rooms, he knew must proceed from Mrs. LaGrange's parlor. He cautiously descended the stairs to thelowest landing, in which was a deep window. The shutters weretightly closed, and, concealing himself behind the heavy curtains, he awaited developments. He was now directly opposite the door ofthe parlor, and through the partially open transom he could hearthe imperious tones of Mrs. LaGrange and the soft, insinuatingaccents of Hobson. For a while he was unable to distinguish aword, but the variations in Hobson's tones indicated that he wasnot seated, but walking back and forth, while Mrs. LaGrange's voicebetrayed intense excitement and gradually grew louder. 

"You are not altogether invulnerable, " Merrick heard her say, angrily. "You were an accessory in that affair, and you cannotdeny it?"

Hobson evidently had paused near the door, as his reply wasdistinctly audible. "You have not an atom of proof; as you wellknow; and even if you had, our acquaintance, my dear madam, has beentoo long and of too intimate a nature for you to care to attemptany of your little tricks with me. You play a deep game, my lady, but I hold the winning hand yet. "

"If you are dastardly enough to threaten me, I am not such a cowardas to fear you. I have played my cards better than you know, " sheanswered, defiantly. 

"My dear lady, " Hobson replied, and the door-knob turned slightlyunder his hand, "those little speeches sound very well, but we bothunderstand each other perfectly. You want my services in this case;you must have them; and I am willing to render them; but it isuseless for you to dictate terms to me. I will undertake the casein accordance with your wishes, but only upon the conditionsmentioned. "

The reply was inaudible, but was evidently satisfactory to Hobson, for, as he opened the door, there was a leer of triumph on his face. He glanced suspiciously about the hall, and, on reaching the door, turned to Mrs. LaGrange, who had accompanied him, saying, in hissmoothest tones, --

"I shall be out again in two or three days. Should you wish to seeme before that time, you can telephone to my office or send me word. "

She bowed silently and he took his departure, but as she returnedto her room, she exclaimed, fiercely, "Craven! Let me but once getmy rights secured, and he will find whether I stand in fear of him!"

Having taken leave of Mrs. LaGrange, Hobson carefully avoided thefront part of the house and grounds, taking instead the gravelledwalk leading through the grove towards the lake in the rear and outupon the side street. As he was hurrying along this rather secludedavenue, he was suddenly confronted by Scott. Although strangers toeach other, Hobson instantly conjectured that this must be thesecretary who had betrayed such familiarity with the correspondencewhich had passed between himself and Hugh Mainwaring, and that itmight be to his own interest to form the acquaintance of the youngman. 

Quick as thought he drew from his pocket a card, and, pausingsuddenly in his rapid walk, said, with a profound bow, --

"I beg pardon; I cannot be mistaken; have I not the pleasure ofaddressing Mr. Scott?"

"That is my name, " replied the secretary, coldly. 

"I beg you will accept this card; and allow me to suggest that youmay find it conducive to your interests to call upon me at theaddress named, if you will take the trouble to do so. "

Scott glanced from the card to the speaker, regarding the latterwith close scrutiny. "You seem very solicitous of the interests ofa stranger, as it is not to be presumed that you have any ulteriormotive in making this suggestion. "

Hobson appeared to ignore the sarcasm. "It is barely possible, " hecontinued, in his most ingratiating tones, "that I may be inpossession of facts which it would be to your advantage to learn. "

"In case you are, I suppose, of course, you would impart them to mesimply out of pure disinterestedness, without a thought of pecuniarycompensation?"

Hobson winced and glanced nervously about him. "I must hasten, " hesaid; "I cannot stop for explanations; but you will find me in myoffice at two o'clock to-morrow, if you care to call. Meantime, my young friend, I am not perhaps as mercenary as you think, and Imay be able to be of great assistance to you, " and with a final bow, the man hastily disappeared around a turn of the winding walk. 

Scott proceeded in the opposite direction in a deep study. "Is itpossible, " he soliloquized, "that that creature is on my track andhas any proposition to make to me? Or, is he afraid that I know hissecret, and that I may deprive him of his hold upon the Mainwarings?More likely it is the latter. A week ago I was looking for thatman, and would probably have endeavored to make terms with him, though it would have involved an immense amount of risk, for acast-iron contract wouldn't hold him, and his testimony would beworth little or nothing, one way or the other. " Scott glancedagain at the address on the card. "Not a very desirable locality!It probably suits him and his business, though: I believe, I willgive the scoundrel a call and see what I can draw out of him. "

Dinner was announced as Scott returned to the house, and a numberof circumstances combined to render the meal far pleasanter andmore social than any since the death of the master of Fair Oaks. Mr. Merrick was nowhere to be found, and the slight restraintimposed by his presence was removed. Mrs. LaGrange and her sonwere also absent, preferring to take their meals privately inan adjoining room which Hugh Mainwaring had often used as abreakfast-room. The silence and frigidity which had latelyreigned at the table seemed to have given place to almost universalsociability, though Ralph Mainwaring's face still wore a sullenscowl. 

As Mr. Whitney met the secretary, his sensitive face flushed at theremembrance of their late interview, and he watched the young manwith evident curiosity. Scott was conscious, however, of anincreased friendliness towards himself on the part of most of theguests, but feeling that it was likely to prove of short duration, he remained noncommittal and indifferent. As they left the table, Miss Carleton rallied him on his appearance. 

"Mr. Scott, you are a mystery!"

"Why so, Miss Carleton, if you please?" he asked, quickly. 

"Just now, when everybody's spirits are relaxing after that horribleinquest, you look more serious and glum than I have ever seen you. I threw myself into the breach this afternoon to rescue you from theenemy's grounds, whither you had been carried by the sensationalstatements of Mrs. LaGrange and the coachman and chambermaid, and Ihave not even seen you smile once since. Perhaps, " she added, archly, "you didn't care to be rescued by a woman, but would havepreferred to make your own way out. "

"No, " said Scott, smiling very brightly now; "I'll not be soungrateful as to say that, though I believe I am generally able tofight my own battles; but I will confess I was somewhat disappointedthis afternoon when you gave your testimony. "

"How could that be?" she inquired, greatly surprised. 

"Up to that time I had flattered myself that I had one friend whohad faith in me, even though circumstances conspired against me. Idiscovered, then, that it was no confidence in me, but only aknowledge of some of the facts, that kept her from turning againstme like the rest. "

Scott spoke in serio-comic tones, and Miss Carleton looked keenlyin his face to see if he were jesting. 

"No; you are mistaken, Mr. Scott, " she said, slowly, after a pause. "My confidence in you would have been just as strong if I had knownnothing of the facts. "

"Thank you; I am very glad to hear that, " he answered. Then added, gently, "Would, it be strong enough to stand a far heavier strainthan that, if it were necessary?"

His tones were serious now, and she regarded him inquiringly for amoment before speaking; then seeing young Mainwaring approachingwith his sister and Miss Thornton, she replied, in low tones, --

"I have no idea to what you refer, Mr. Scott, and I begin to thinkyou are indeed a 'mystery;' but you can be assured of this much: Iwould never, under any circumstances, believe you capable ofanything false or dishonorable. "

Scott's eyes expressed his gratification at these words, and hewould then have withdrawn, but neither Miss Carleton nor youngMainwaring gave him an opportunity to do so without seemingdiscourteous. Both drew him into conversation and found himexceedingly entertaining, though reserved concerning himself. Isabel Mainwaring still held herself aloof and took little part inthe conversation, but to make amends for this Miss Thornton bestowedsome of her most winning smiles upon the handsome young secretary, her large, infantile blue eyes regarding him with wonderingcuriosity. 

After a pleasant evening, Scott excused himself and retired to hisroom; but an hour or two later there was a knock at his door, andon opening it he saw young Mainwaring in smoking-cap and jacket. 

"I say, Scott, won't you come out and have a smoke? I've got somefine cigars, and it's too pretty a night to stay in one's room;come out on my balcony and we'll have a bit of a talk and smoke. "

Scott readily consented, and the two young men proceeded to thebalcony upon which Mainwaring's room opened, where the latter hadalready placed two reclining chairs and a small table containinga box of his favorite Havanas. 

For a few moments they puffed in silence, looking out into thestarlit night with its beauty of dim outline and mysterious shadow. Mainwaring was the first to speak. 

"I say, Scott, I'm awfully ashamed of the way that some of us, myfamily in particular, have treated you within the last day or two. It was confoundedly shabby, and I beg your pardon for my share init, anyhow. "

"Don't waste any regrets over that matter, " Scott answered, indifferently; "I never gave it any thought, and it is not worthmentioning. "

"I do regret it, though, more than I can tell, and I haven't anyexcuse for myself; only things did look so deucedly queer therefor a while, don't you know?"

"Well, " said Scott, pleasantly, "we are not out of the woods yet, and there is no telling what developments may arise. Things might'look queer' again, you know. "

"That's all right. I know a gentleman when I see him, unless Ihappen to lose my head, and that doesn't occur very often. Nowit's different with the governor. He's got so confoundedly wroughtup over that will, don't you know, that he can't think of anythingelse, and there's no reason in him. "

"As I understand it, " remarked Scott, "Mr. Mainwaring expects towin the property in any case, either for you or for himself. "

"Yes; and naturally you might think that the loss of the willwouldn't amount to much, one way or the other; but it's like this:the governor and I are very different; I know we've got plenty ofducats, and that's enough for me, but not for him; he is ambitious. It has always galled him that we were not in the direct line ofdescent from the main branch of the Mainwarings; and it has beenhis one great ambition since the death of old Ralph Mainwaring, Hugh's father, a few years before I was born, to win into his ownfamily the old Mainwaring estate. He had an idea that Hugh wouldnever marry, and gave me his name, hoping that I would be madehis heir. Should the governor succeed in this scheme of his, hewill immediately buy back the Mainwaring estate, although he knowsI don't care a rap for the whole thing, and we will then have thehonor, as he considers it, of perpetuating the old family line. On the other hand, if the property goes to the nearest heirs, itwill be divided between him and his younger brother. Uncle Haroldhas no more ambition than I have, and though he is at present abachelor, that is no guarantee that he will remain one; and, anyhow, it isn't likely that there will be much of his share left when hegets through with it. So you see how much importance the governorattached to that will. "

"I understand, " said Scott, as his companion paused. Then he added, musingly, "Your uncle's name seems to be rather unusual among theMainwarings; I do not recall your having mentioned it before. "

"What, Harold? On the contrary, it is the great name in our family, especially in the main line. I would have been given that name ifthe governor had not been looking out for Hugh Mainwaring's money. There was a direct line of Harolds down to my great-grandfather. He gave the name to his eldest son, but he died, and the next one, Ralph, Hugh's father, took up the line. Guy, my grandfather, wasthe youngest. "

"One would almost have thought that Hugh Mainwaring would have bornethe name of Harold, " commented Scott. 

Young Mainwaring smoked for a moment in silence, then said, in lowertones, "Old Uncle Ralph had a son by that name. "

"Indeed! Had Hugh Mainwaring a brother?" Scott asked in surprise. 

"Yes, there was a brother, but he died a great many years ago. There is quite a story connected with his name, but I don't knowmany of the particulars, for the governor seldom alludes to it. Iknow, however, that Harold was the elder son, but that Uncle Ralphdisinherited him for marrying against his wishes, and afterwardsdied of grief over the affair, and soon after his father's deathHarold was lost at sea. "

"You say he married; did he leave any children?"

"No, I believe he had no children; but even if he had, they would havebeen disinherited also. Uncle Ralph was severe; he would not evenallow Harold's name to be mentioned; and Hugh also must have turnedagainst his brother, for I have heard that he never spoke of him orallowed any allusion to be made to him. "

"Well, " said Scott, after a pause, "I believe Hugh Mainwaring's lifewas far from happy. "

"You are right there. I'll never forget the last words he everspoke to me as I took leave of him that night. They were to theeffect that he hoped when I should have reached his age, I would beable to look back over a happier past than his had been. It is myopinion, too, that that woman was the cause of his unhappiness, andI believe she is at the bottom of all this trouble. "

Their conversation had drifted to the mystery then surrounding them, and for more than an hour they dwelt on that subject, advancing manysurmises, some strangely improbable, but none of which seemed tobring them any nearer a solution of the problem. 

"My first visit to this country has proved an eventful one, " saidyoung Mainwaring, as, at a late hour, they finally separated for thenight, "and I don't know yet how it may terminate; but there's onething I shall look back upon with pleasure, and that is my meetingwith you; and I hope that from this time or we will be friends; andthat this friendship, begun to-night, will be renewed in old Englandmany a time. "

"Are you not rather rash, " Scott inquired, slowly, "considering howlittle we know of each other, the circumstances under which we havemet, and the uncertainty of what the future may reveal?"

"No; I'm peculiar. When I like a fellow, I like him; and I've beenstudying you pretty closely. I don't think we need either of us betroubled about the future; but I'm your friend, Scott, and, whateverhappens, I'll stand by you. "

"So be it, then, Hugh, " replied the secretary, clasping the hand ofthe young Englishman and, for the first time, calling him by name. "I thank you, and I hope you will never go back on that. "

CHAPTER XI

SKIRMISHING

On the following morning the gentlemen at Fair Oaks were astir atan unusually early hour, and immediately after breakfast held a briefconference. It was decided to offer a heavy reward for theapprehension of the murderer of Hugh Mainwaring, while a lesserreward was to be offered for information leading to identificationand arrest of the guilty party. Preparations were also to be madefor the funeral, which would take place the next day, and which, inaccordance with the wishes of Ralph Mainwaring, was to be strictlyprivate. 

Their conference at an end, Ralph Mainwaring ordered the carriage totake himself, Mr. Whitney, and the secretary to the depot. 

"I believe I will ride down with you, " said Mr. Merrick. 

"Certainly; plenty of room. Going to the city?"

"Yes; but not with you gentlemen. We will part company at thedepot and I will take another car. "

"How are you getting on, Mr. Merrick?" inquired Mr. Thorton. 

"As well as can be expected, all things considered, " was thenon-committal reply. 

"Going to be a slow case, I'm afraid, " commented Ralph Mainwaring, shaking his head in a doubtful way, while Mr. Thornton addedjokingly, --

"We've got some mighty fine fellows over home there at the Yard; ifyou should want any help, Mr. Merrick, I'll cable for one of them. "

"Thank you, sir, " said the detective, with quiet dignity; "I don'tanticipate that I shall want any assistance; and if I should, I willhardly need import it from Scotland Yard. "

"Ha, ha! That all depends, you know, on what your man is. If therascal happens to have any English blood in him, it will take aScotland Yard chap to run him down. "

"On the principle, I suppose, of 'set a rogue to catch a rogue, '"Merrick replied, smiling. 

He bad scarcely finished speaking when Hardy suddenly entered theroom. 

"Beg pardon, sir, " he said, addressing Ralph Mainwaring; "but thecoachman is gone! We've looked everywhere for him, but he's nowhereabout the place. "

"When did he go?" asked Mr. Whitney, quickly. 

"Nobody knows, sir. Joe, the stable-boy, says he hasn't been aroundat all this morning. "

"Bring the boy here, " said Mr. Mainwaring. 

There was instantly recalled to every one present the memory ofBrown's insolent manner at the inquest, together with his confusedand false statements. In a few moments Hardy returned with thestable-boy, an unkempt, ignorant lad of about fourteen, but with aface old and shrewd beyond his years. 

"Are you one of the servants here?" Mr. Mainwaring inquired. 

"I works here, ef that's wot yer mean; but I don't call myselfnobody's servant. "

"How did it happen that you were not at the inquest?" he demanded. 

"Didn't got no invite, " was the reply, accompanied by a grin, whileHardy explained that the boy did not belong to the place, but hadbeen hired by the coachman to come nights and mornings and attendto the stable work. 

"What do you know about this Brown?" inquired Mr. Mainwaring, addressing the boy. 

"Wal, I guess he's ben a-goin' it at a putty lively gait lately. "

"You mean he was fast?"

"I guess that's about the size of it. "

"When did you see him last?"

"Hain't seen nothin' of him sence las' night, an' then he was sortercrusty an' didn't say much. I come down this mornin' an' went towork, --he allus left the stable key where I could get it, --but Iham' t seen nor heard nothin' o' him. Me'n him, " with an emphaticnod towards Hardy, "went up to his room, but he warn't there, norhadn't ben there all night. "

"Why do you think he was fast?"

"Wal, from all I've hearn about him I guess he's ben goin' with akinder hard set lately. I've seen some putty tough-lookin' subshangin' 'round the stables. There was a lot of 'em waitin' for himWednesday night. "

"Wednesday night!" ejaculated Mr. Whitney. "At what time? and whowere they?"

"I dunno who they was, but they was hangin' 'round about eighto'clock waitin' for him to go with 'em. An' then he's had lots ofmoney lately. "

"How do you know this?"

"I've hearn him a-jinglin' it in his room; an' night afore las' Iclim' up-stairs and peeked in, an' he had a whole pile of goldpieces 'bout that high, " measuring with his hands; "but he see me, an' he said he'd gimme a whalin' ef he catched me at it agin. "

"Did you watch him last night?" asked Mr. Mainwaring. 

"Yas; he acted so kinder queer that I waited 'round to see what hewas goin' to do. After 'twas still an' he thought I'd gone, he comedown an' started off towards the side street. Jes' fer fun Ifollered him; an' when he got to the lake he stopped and looked all'round, as ef to make sure there warn't nobody to see him, an' thenhe takes somethin', I couldn't see what, out from under his coat an'chucks it quick into the lake, an' then he started on a run downtowards the street. "

"Couldn't you see what he threw?"

"No, I couldn't see what 'twas; but it struck the water awful heavy. "

"Is that all you know about the affair?"

"Yas, that's all. "

"Wait a moment, " said Mr. Merrick, as the boy turned to leave theroom. "Can you tell how many, or what kind of looking men were withBrown on Wednesday night?"

"There was three of 'em. One was a big feller with kinder squinteyes, the other two was ornery lookin' fellers; one of 'em was darklike a furriner, an' t'other one had sorter yeller hair. "

"How long were they there?"

"About half 'n hour, I guess. They was all gone 'fore nine o'clock. "

"Did you hear anything that was said?"

"I hearn 'em talkin' somethin' about the boss. "

"Mr. Mainwaring?"

"Yas. He'd made a kick about somethin' or 'nuther that afternoon, an' Brown he was cussin' mad, an' then when they went away I hearnone of 'em say somethin' about 'makin' a good job of it. '"

"How was this, Hardy?" inquired Mr. Whitney. "Had there been anywords Wednesday between Mr. Mainwaring and the coachman?"

"Yes, sir; I had forgotten it; but now I remember that when he cameback that afternoon, he found some fault with the coachman, andBrown was very insolent, and then Mr. Mainwaring threatened todischarge him. "

"'Pon my soul! I should say here was something worth looking into, "said Mr. Thornton, as the boy left the room, accompanied by Hardy. 

"A great pity that we could not have had his testimony at theinquest, " commented the attorney. "We might then have corneredBrown; but I was not aware that there was such a person employed onthe place. "

Meanwhile, a carriage ordered by telephone from the Arlington hadalready arrived at Fair Oaks. 

"Well, " said Ralph Mainwaring, "the carriage is waiting. We hadbetter proceed to the depot; we can talk of this latest developmenton our way. "

"You will excuse me, gentlemen, " said Mr. Merrick, quietly, "I havechanged my mind, and will postpone my trip to the city. "

"Struck a new trail, eh?" queried Ralph Mainwaring, with a peculiarexpression, as he paused to light a cigar. 

"On the contrary, sir, only following up an old one, " and, with asomewhat ambiguous smile, the detective withdrew. 

The coachman's sudden disappearance, together with the facts learnedfrom the stable-boy, formed the subject of discussion for the nexthalf-hour between Ralph Mainwaring and the attorney, Scott listeningwith a thoughtful face, although taking little part in theconversation. Upon their arrival at the offices of Mainwaring &Co. They were given a cordial greeting by Mr. Elliott and Mr. Chittenden, after which they passed on to the elegant privateoffices of Hugh Mainwaring. Mr. Whitney was visibly affected ashe entered the familiar rooms, and to each one was forciblyrecalled the memory of their meeting a few days before. A briefsilence followed, and then in subdued tones they began to discussthe business which had now brought them there. 

At about two o'clock that afternoon, Scott found himself enteringan ancient and dilapidated looking block in a rather disreputablepart of the city. He had fulfilled his appointment with Mr. Sutherland, and after an hour's conversation both gentlemen appearedvery sanguine regarding the case under consideration. As Scott wastaking leave, he produced Hobson's card and related the particularsof their incidental meeting at Fair Oaks, and Hobson's urgentinvitation to call upon him at his office. 

Mr. Sutherland laughed. "About what I expected, " he said. "It wasevident from his remarks at the inquest that some one--probablyMrs. LaGrange--had posted him concerning you, and he is afraid youare onto his secret. "

"I had questioned if it were that, or whether possibly he might beonto mine. "

"Not at all probable, " said the attorney, after a moment'sreflection. "If he really understood your position, he would befar too cunning to allow you to get sight of him. You have thescoundrel completely in your power. "

"Yes, as much as he is in anybody's power; but it is doubtful ifany one can hold so slippery a rascal as he. I believe I will givehim a call, however. "

"It would do no harm, taking care, of course, that you give him noinformation. "

"Oh, certainly, " said Scott, with a smile, as he paused for aninstant in the doorway; "my object will be to get, not give, information. "

"His object will probably be the same, " was Mr. Sutherland's partingshot, as he turned with a laugh to his desk. 

Scott, having ascended a narrow, crooked stairway, found himself ina long, dark hall, poorly ventilated, and whose filthy condition wasonly too apparent even in the dim light. Far in the rear he saw adoor bearing the words, "R. Hobson, Attorney. " As he pushed openthe door, a boy of about seventeen, who, with a cigarette in hismouth and his feet on a table, sat reading a novel, instantly assumedthe perpendicular and, wheeling about, faced Scott with one of themost villainous countenances the latter had ever seen. Something inScott's appearance seemed to surprise him, for he stared impudentlywithout speaking. After silently studying the face before him foran instant, Scott inquired for Mr. Hobson. 

"He is in, sir, but he is engaged at present with a client, " saidthe boy, in tones which closely resembled Hobson's. "I will takein your card, sir. "

The boy disappeared with the card into an adjoining room, returninga moment later with the most obsequious manners and the announcementthat Mr. Hobson would be at liberty in a few moments. Scott rightlyjudged that this ceremony was merely enacted for effect, and contentedhimself with looking about the small, poorly furnished room, whilethe office boy opposite regarded him with an undisguised curiosity, which betrayed that this client--if such he could be regarded--differedgreatly from the usual class. Young and untaught thoughhe were, he had learned to read the faces about him, and that ofhis employer was to him as an open book, and the expression whichflashed into Hobson's eyes as they fell upon Scott's card indicatedplainly to the office boy that in this instance the usual conditionswere reversed, and the attorney stood in fear of his visitor. 

A few moments later the door of the next room opened noiselesslyand Hobson, attired in a red dressing-gown and wearing his mostingratiating smile, silently beckoned Scott to enter. With a quickglance the latter took in every detail of the second apartment. Itwas somewhat larger than the first, but the furnishing was meagreand shabby in the extreme, and, with the exception of a small setof shelves containing a few dilapidated volumes, there were novisible signs of an attorney's office. 

Hobson did not speak until he had carefully closed the door, thenhe said, in low tones, --

"As our conversation is likely to be of a confidential nature, youwould perhaps desire greater privacy than can be secured here. Stepthis way. "

He opened the door into a room so dark and so thick with staletobacco smoke that at first Scott could discern nothing clearly. 

"My den!" said Hobson, with a magnificent flourish, and Scott steppedwithin, feeling, he afterwards said, as though he were being usheredby Mephistopheles into the infernal regions, and this impression wasnot lessened by the first objects which he was able to distinguish, --apair of skulls grinning at him through the smoky atmosphere. As his eyes became accustomed to the dim light he noted that theroom was extremely small, with only one window, which opened uponthe blank wall of an adjoining building, and with no furniture, savean enormous, high-top desk and two chairs. One of the latter Hobsonplaced near the window for his visitor, and then busied himself fora moment at the desk in hastily concealing what to Scott looked likesome paraphernalia of the black arts. Upon the top of the desk werethe two skulls which had first attracted Scott's attention, andwhich he now regarded rather curiously. Hobson, following hisglance, said, by way of explanation, --

"Rather peculiar ornaments, I dare say, you consider those, Mr. Scott; but I am greatly interested in phrenology and devote much ofmy leisure time to its study. It is not only amusing, you know, butit is of great assistance in reading and understanding my fellow-men, and enables me to adapt myself to my clients, so to speak. "

Having satisfactorily arranged his belongings, Hobson locked thedoor, and, seating himself behind his desk, appeared ready forbusiness. 

"Well, my young friend, " he began, "I rather expected you, for Iflatter myself that I understand enough of human nature to know thatthere are very few who will pass by an opportunity of learningsomething for the advancement of their own interests or thebetterment of their own condition in life. "

"That may be perfectly natural, " Scott replied; "but you flatteryourself altogether too much if you think that I have come herewith any expectation that you can advance my interests or bettermy condition. "

"That remains to be seen. Much also depends upon yourself, for Itake it that a young man of your calibre is not without ambition. "

Hobson paused, regarding his visitor with sharp scrutiny, butreceiving no reply, continued, "I might add, that to a young manwith ambitious designs such as yours, I would probably be able torender great assistance. "

"I am not aware of any unusual ambition on my part. "

"Oh, no, nothing unusual. You simply had no intention of remainingHugh Mainwaring's secretary any longer than was necessary. Thatwas perfectly natural, perfectly laudable, my young friend, and Iadmire the shrewdness and foresight with which you set about toaccomplish your designs. At the same time, I believe I am in aposition to give you just the information and advice you need inorder to insure your success. "

Both men had the same object in view. Each wished to ascertain whatthe other knew concerning himself. Scott, unable to determinewhether Hobson had spoken at random or with an inkling of the facts, answered, coldly, --

"I do not know to what you refer, or on what grounds you base theinference which you seem to have drawn. "

"No? Then you will allow me to remark, Mr. Scott, that suchfamiliarity as yours with a portion of Hugh Mainwaring's privatecorrespondence, extending back over a period of fifteen or moreyears, taking into consideration the facts that you cannot be muchmore than twenty-five years of age, and have only been about twoyears in Mr. Mainwaring's employ, would indicate that you had soughtto acquaint yourself with some facts connected with your employer'searly life with the express purpose of using the same to your ownadvantage. "

"You must see the inconsistency of such a supposition, when youconsider that I have been in possession of these facts for sometime--it is unnecessary to state how long--and have made no useof them whatever. "

"Possibly, " said Hobson, with emphasis, "your knowledge of thefacts may not have been definite enough to warrant your use of them. "

His voice and manner unconsciously betrayed the importance which heattached to Scott's reply. The latter detected this, and answeredevasively, --

"It is sufficiently definite for any own personal satisfaction inany event. "

Hobson shook his head. "It is useless to evade the point. You hadan object in looking up that correspondence; you intended to makea good thing out of the facts you got hold of; and, if yourinformation is sufficiently complete, you can make a good thing outof them yet. "

"If I have not attempted anything of that kind in the past, wouldI be likely to try it at this late day?" Scott asked, with the airof one who is open to any available suggestion. 

Hobson at once assumed a confidential manner, and, moving a littlenearer his visitor, replied, in a low tone, --

"Look here, Mr. Scott, that's just why I wanted to meet you. Yousee I knew more about you than you think. I've taken an unusualinterest in you, too; and, seeing the little game you were playing, and knowing that I held the trump card myself, I naturally wouldlike to take a hand and help you out at the same time. Now, thepoint is just this, Mr. Scott: What do you really know concerningthe transaction referred to in that correspondence? I supposeyou are familiar with all the letters that passed on both sides?"

"Perfectly so. "

"Certainly. But you will acknowledge, Mr. Scott, that those letterswere expressed in very guarded terms, and, with the exception ofpossibly one or two, gave no hint of the nature of that transaction. Remember, " he added, impressively, "I have an exact copy of thecorrespondence on both sides, and no one could ever assume anystatement or admissions that were not there. "

"I presumed that, of course, " said Scott, calmly. 

"Now, my young friend, let us get down to the actual knowledge whichyou have of the facts. You are, I suppose, aware that there was amissing will involved in the case?"

"I am; and that one or two of your letters purported to show thatthe missing will was destroyed by Hugh Mainwaring. "

"Did I make any such allegation?"

"Not directly; but your allusions and references would be clear toany one having a knowledge of the English statutes. "

Hobson started, and inquired quickly, "Are you familiar with Englishlaw?"

"I made myself familiar with your citations and references in thiscase. "

"I see; you have indeed made a study of the case. Well, Mr. Scott, permit me to say that I accused Hugh Mainwaring of nothing which hehad not previously confessed to me himself. Have you any knowledgeconcerning that will, --its terms or conditions, or the names of thetestator or beneficiaries?"

"There was nothing in the correspondence to give any clue to thoseparticulars. I could only gather that Hugh Mainwaring had defraudedothers and enriched himself by destroying this will. "

Hobson looked relieved. "Without doubt, he did; but allow me tocall your attention to one point, Mr. Scott. You see how littleactual knowledge you have of this affair. There are others--Mrs. LaGrange, for instance, and the mysterious individual whom she heardconversing with Mr. Mainwaring on the night of the murder, --all ofwhom know as much or more than you; and while this meagre knowledgeof the case might perhaps have been sufficient to bring to bear uponMainwaring himself, personally, it would have little or no weightwith those with whom we would now have to deal. You know nothingof the terms of the will, or of the persons named as beneficiaries, whom, consequently, Hugh Mainwaring defrauded. You have no proofthat he destroyed the will. In fact, my dear young friend, youcould produce no proof that such a document ever existed at all!"

"Do I understand you, then, that those letters, Mr. Mainwaring'sincluded, would not be regarded as proof?" Scott asked, withwell-feigned surprise. 

"Not of themselves with these people; I know them too well. "Hobson shook his head decidedly, then continued, in oraculartones, "Remember, I am only speaking of your chances with them. Mainwaring's letters were very guarded, mine scarcely less so. They would have no weight whatever with men like Ralph Mainwaring orWilliam Thornton. They might even charge you with forging the wholething. The point is just this, Mr. Scott: in order to be able toget anything from these parties you must have complete data, absoluteproof of every statement you are to make; and such data and proofsare in the possession of no one but myself. So you see I am theonly one who can assist you in this matter. "

"And what compensation would you demand for 'assisting' me?"

"We will not put it that way, Mr. Scott, " Hobson replied, his small, malignant eyes gleaming with delight at the ease with which hisprey was falling into his clutches. "It is like this: RalphMainwaring and Thornton are prejudiced against me; I might not beable to work them as successfully as I could wish, but you and Icould work together very smoothly. I could remain invisible, as itwere, and give you the benefit of the information I possess and ofmy experience and advice, and you could then successfully manipulatethe wires which would bring in the ducats for both of us. What doyou say, my young friend?"

"Do you think that either Ralph Mainwaring or Mr. Thornton wouldcare enough for any secrets you might be able to disclose to payyou hush money?"

"I object to the term of 'hush money. ' I am merely trying to getwhat was due me from Hugh Mainwaring. As he never paid me in full, his heirs must. Yes, I could work them after they return toEngland and set up in style on the old Mainwaring estate. Theywould be rather sensitive about the family reputation then. "

"Where are the beneficiaries of that will that was destroyed?" Scottsuddenly inquired. 

Hobson looked sharply at him. "Dead, long ago. Why do you ask?"

"I was thinking that if they or their heirs were living, it wouldbe better to go to them with this information. They would probablypay a good price for it. "

"You're right, they would, " Hobson replied, approvingly; "but theyare all dead. "

"Were there no heirs left?"

"None whatever, more's the pity. However, I've got a good hold onthese English chaps and will make them hand over the sovereigns yet. "

The contempt which Scott had hitherto concealed as Hobson unfoldedhis plans was now plainly visible on his face as he rose from hischair. 

"Don't hasten, my young friend, " said Hobson, eagerly. "Sit down, sit down; we have not laid our plans yet. "

"No, nor will we, " was the reply. "If you think to make a cat's-pawof me in any of your dirty, contemptible pieces of work, you aremistaken. If you think that I came here with any intention oflistening for one moment to any of your vile propositions, you aremistaken. I came here simply to satisfy myself on one point. Myerrand is accomplished, and I will remain no longer. "

Hobson had sprung to his feet and now faced Scott, barring the wayto the door, while fear, anger, defiance, and hate passed in rapidsuccession across his evil countenance, making his appearance moredemon-like than ever. 

"You lie!" he exclaimed, in a hoarse whisper. "I have not givenyou one word of information!"

"No, " Scott interrupted, "you have given me no information, and youcould give me none, for the reason that I know more concerning thiswhole affair than you do. I also have knowledge of certain othermatters regarding one Richard Hobson, alias Dick Carroll, and hisLondon adventures. "

Hobson's face had become a livid hue, and Scott detected a suddenmovement of his right hand towards his desk. 

"None of that!" he cried, warningly, at the same time springingquickly upon him with two well-aimed blows, one of which knocked arevolver from Hobson's hand, while the other deposited him in a heapupon the floor. While the latter was recovering from the effect ofthe stunning blow he had received, Scott picked up the revolver and, having examined it, slipped it into his pocket, saying, --

"I will keep this for a while as a souvenir of our interview. Itmay be needed as evidence later. "

Hobson crawled to his feet and stood cowering abjectly before Scott, rage written on every lineament of his face, but not daring to giveit expression. 

"Who in the devil are you, anyway?" he growled. 

"That is none of your business whatever, " Scott replied, seizinghim by the collar and dragging him to the door. "The only thing foryou to do is to unlock that door as expeditiously as possible, asking no questions and making no comments. "

With trembling fingers the wretch complied, and Scott, stillretaining his hold upon his collar, reached the door of the outerroom, where, with a final shake, he released him. 

"Wait a moment, " Hobson whispered, eagerly, half-paralyzed with fear, while his eyes gleamed with malign hatred. "You've got no hold onme by anything I've said, and you've no proof of that Carrollbusiness, either. "

Scott looked at him an instant with silent contempt. "You cowardlyscoundrel! all I have to say to you at present is, be careful howyou interfere with me! I'm only sorry I soiled my hands with you, but I'll do it again if necessary; and the next time you will fareworse!" and, opening the door, he passed quickly through the outerroom, conscious of the amazed stare of the office boy, who hadoverheard his last words. Hobson did not attempt to follow him, butpaced up and down his room, trembling with fear and rage combined, and vainly striving to imagine who his visitor might be. At lasthe sat down to his desk and began to write rapidly, muttering tohimself, --

"I half believe--only that he's too young--that he is some houndover here trying to scent out the whole thing. But, " he added, withan oath, "whoever he is, if he crosses my track he'll be likely tofollow Hugh Mainwaring before long, that's all!"

CHAPTER XII

X-RAYS

On the morning following Scott's interview with Hobson, he awoke atan early hour, vaguely conscious of some disturbing influence, though unable to tell what had awakened him. He lay for a momentrecalling the events of the preceding day, then suddenly rememberedthat this was the day fixed for the funeral of Hugh Mainwaring. None of the servants were astir about the house, but Scott soonbecame conscious of the sound of stealthy movements and subduedvoices coming through the open window, and, rising, he looked out. At first he could see nothing unusual. It was just sunrise, and theriver, at a little distance shimmering in the golden light, heldhim entranced by its beauty. Then a slight rustling in theshrubbery near the lake attracted his attention. The golden shaftsof sunlight had not yet reached that small body of water, and itlay smooth and unbroken as the surface of a mirror, so clear atthat hour that one could easily look into its depths. Suddenly alight boat shot out from the side nearest the grove, breaking thesmooth surface into a thousand rippling waves of light. In the boatwere two men, one of whom Scott instantly recognized as thedetective; the other, who was rowing and had his back towards thehouse, seemed to be a stranger. Some one concealed in the shrubberycalled to the boatmen, whereupon they rowed across in that direction, stopping a few yards from shore. Here they rested a few momentstill the surface was again smooth, when, both men having carefullypeered into the depths of the little lake, the detective proceededto let down a drag into the water. 

"By George!" Scott ejaculated, "the sly old fox is improving theopportunity, while every one is asleep, to drag the lake in searchof whatever the coachman threw in there. All right, my dear sir, go ahead! But I'm somewhat interested in this affair myself, andI don't intend that you shall monopolize all the facts in the case. "

Keeping an eye on the boat, he dressed quickly and, letting himselfout at the front entrance, he hastened down the walk through thegrove to the edge of the lake, keeping himself concealed among thetrees. The boat was moving slowly back and forth, and was now insuch a position that Scott could see the face of the man rowing, who proved to be, as he had thought, a stranger. On the other side, seated under the flowering shrubs and trees bordering the lake, wasJoe, the stable-boy, watching proceedings with intense interest. With a smile, the young secretary followed his example, seatinghimself at the foot of an ancient elm whose branches drooped nearlyto the ground. 

"All right, Mr. Detective!" he said, "I can stay as long as you. If you fail to make a success of your work this morning no one willbe the wiser, but in case you find anything I propose to knowsomething about it myself. "

The sun was now shining brightly, but the hour was yet so early thatthere was little danger of any one else appearing on the scene, especially as it was Sunday morning. 

For nearly an hour Mr. Merrick and his companion rowed slowly backand forth in constantly widening circles, meeting with no successand saying little. Suddenly, while Scott was watching the face ofthe stranger, wondering who he might be, he heard a low exclamationand saw that the drag had fastened itself upon some object at thebottom of the lake. He watched eagerly as they drew it to thesurface, and could scarcely restrain a cry of astonishment as hesaw what it was, but before either of the men could secure it, ithad slipped and fallen again into the water. With language moreforcible than elegant, the drag was again lowered, and the boatonce more began its slow trailing. 

This time they had not so long to wait for success. The drag wasbrought to the surface, but carrying in its clutches an entirelydifferent object, and one with which the young secretary was totallyunfamiliar, --a somewhat rusty revolver. 

Mr. Merrick's back was now towards Scott, but the latter saw himtake something from his pocket which he seemed to compare with therevolver, at the same time remarking to the stranger, who waswatching with an appearance of great interest, "A pretty good find, Jim, pretty good! However, we'll have anothertry for that box, whatever it is. It may amount to something or itmay not, but it will do no harm to make a trial. "

Having let down the drag once more, he glanced at the house, then athis watch, saying, "No signs of any one astir; we're all right foranother hour yet. "

After a few more turns, Scott saw them suddenly pulling in theropes, and once more the box appeared, rusty and covered with slime, but still familiar. He at once sprang to his feet and saunteredcarelessly down the walk, humming a tune and watching the occupantsof the boat with an air of mild curiosity. The stranger was thefirst to see him, and with an expression of evident disgust gaveMerrick warning of his approach. If the detective felt anyannoyance he did not betray it as he turned and nodded to Scott inthe most nonchalant manner possible, as though dragging the lakewere an every-day occurrence. 

"You've been fishing, I see, " said Scott, pleasantly. "How did youmake out?"

"Well, I've made this find which you see here, " answered Mr. Merrick, as the boat headed for shore. "I don't know yet what it is, but ithas not lain long in the water, and it may be worth looking into. "

Scott made no reply until the detective had sprung ashore; then, asthe latter proceeded to examine the box, leaving his companion totake care of the boat and drag, he said, in a low tone, --

"That is likely to prove an important discovery, Mr. Merrick. "

"You are familiar with it then?" queried the latter. 

"I have seen it in Mr. Mainwaring's safe. That was the box in whichhe kept the old jewels that were stolen on the night of the murder. "

Mr. Merrick whistled softly and studied the box anew. "Well, thereare no jewels in it now, but we will open it. There is no one upyet to let us into the house, so suppose we go to the stables; we'llbe safe there from intrusion. "

They proceeded to the stables, and, arriving there, Scott was puzzledto see Merrick's companion at work and evidently perfectly at home. 

"We are going to use your room a while, Matthews, " said Merrick, carelessly. Then, noting the surprise on Scott's face, he added, "This is Matthews, the new coachman, Mr. Scott. I thought you knewof his coming. "

"At your service, sir, " said Matthews, respectfully lifting his capin response to Scott's greeting, while the latter inquired, as heand the detective passed up-stairs together, --

"When did he come?"

"Yesterday afternoon. He applied for the position, and, as hehappened to be an acquaintance of mine, Mr. Mainwaring hired himupon my recommendation. Now, " as he locked the door of the roomthey had entered, "we will open this box as quickly as possible. I suppose there is no key to be found, and, if there were, thelock is too rusty to work. "

With the aid of a file and chisel the box was soon opened. Thesatin linings were somewhat water-soaked and discolored, and thebox appeared to be empty, but on opening an inner compartment therewere exposed to view a pair of oddly shaped keys and a blood-stainedhandkerchief, the latter firmly knotted as though it had been usedto bandage a wound of some kind. 

"Ah!" said the detective, with peculiar emphasis, examining thehandkerchief, which was of fine linen, with the initials "H. M. "embroidered in one corner. "Did Mr. Mainwaring carry a handkerchiefof that style?"

"Yes; he carried that, or one precisely like it, the last day ofhis life. "

"Very good!" was the only reply, as the detective carefully foldedand pocketed the article with an air that indicated that he wishedto say no more about it. "And these keys, do you recognize them?"

"They were Mr. Mainwaring's private keys to his library and thesouthern hall. "

"The ones the valet said were missing?"

"The same. "

Mr. Merrick, after studying them curiously for a moment, consignedthem to his pocket also, and then began a careful inspection of theinterior of the box. Scott watched him in silence, thinkingmeanwhile of the old document which he had found hidden away in itsdepths, and inwardly rejoicing that it had not been left to bediscovered by the detective. Nothing in Mr. Merrick's manner orexpression betrayed the nature of his thoughts, and, so long as hechose to remain silent, Scott refrained from questioning him. 

At length he closed the box, saying, indifferently, "Well, I don'tknow as there is any reason why I should detain you any longer, Mr. Scott. We have satisfied ourselves as to the contents of the box, and you have identified the articles. For the present, however, Iwould prefer that you say nothing of this. "

"Certainly, Mr. Merrick. The discovery, whatever its import, isyour secret, and I shall make no mention of it whatever. "

"I don't know that it is of any special importance, " said thedetective, carelessly, as they prepared to descend the stairs; "butit only confirms the opinion that I have had all along. "

"Don't you think that this tends to show that the murder and robberywere connected, notwithstanding Mr. Whitney's theories to thecontrary?" Scott inquired, as they were about to separate. 

"Possibly, " replied the other, gravely. Then added, with a smile, "Mr. Whitney has his own preconceived ideas of the case and triesto adapt the circumstances to suit them, when, in reality, one mustfirst ascertain whatever facts are available and adjust his theoriesaccordingly. "

They parted company at the door of the stables, but Scott had notreached the house when the detective, with a peculiar smile, returned to the room up-stairs, and once more opening the box, drewforth from underneath the satin linings a folded paper, yellow withage and covered with closely written lines; which he read with greatinterest, after which he remained absorbed in thought until arousedby the entrance of his friend, the coachman. 

Several hours later Scott stood alone beside the casket of themurdered man. The head had been turned slightly to one side and aspray of white blossoms, dropped with seeming carelessness withinthe casket, concealed all traces of the ghastly wound, their snowypetals scarcely whiter than the marble features of the dead. 

It lacked more than an hour of the time set for the funeral. Noneof the few invited friends would arrive for some time yet. Thegentlemen of the house were still in the hands of their valets, andthe ladies engrossed with the details of their elegant mourningcostumes. Scott, knowing he would be secure from interruption, hadchosen this opportunity to take his farewell look at the face of hisemployer, desiring to be alone with his own thoughts beside the dead. 

With strangely commingled emotions he gazed upon the face, sofamiliar, and yet upon which the death angel had already traced manyunfamiliar lines, and as he realized the utter loneliness of therich man, both in life and in death, a wave of intense pity sweptacross heart and brain, well-nigh obliterating all sense of personalwrong and injury. 

"Unhappy man!" he murmured. "Unloved in life, unmourned in death!Not one of those whom you sought to enrich will look upon you to-daywith one-half the sorrow or the pity with which I do, whom you havewronged and defrauded from the day of my birth! But I forgive youthe wrong you have done me. It was slight compared with the fargreater wrong you did another, --your brother--your only brother!A wrong which no sums of money, however vast, could ever repair. What would I not give if I could once have stood by his side, evenas I stand by yours to-day, and looked once upon his face, --theface of your brother and of the father whom, because of your guilt, I have never seen or known, of whom I have not even a memory!Living, I could never have forgiven you; but here, to-day, in pityfor your loveless life and out of the great love I bear that fatherin his far-away ocean grave, --in his name and in my own, --Iforgive you, his brother, even that wrong!"

As Scott left the room, he passed Mr. Whitney in the hall, who, seeing in his face traces of recent emotion, looked after him withgreat surprise. 

"That young man is a mystery!" he soliloquized. "A mystery! Iconfess I cannot understand him. "

A little later the master of Fair Oaks passed for the last timedown the winding, oak-lined avenue, followed by the guests of theplace and by a small concourse of friends, whose sorrow, thoughunexpressed by outward signs of mourning, was, in reality, the moresincere. 

Mrs. LaGrange, who, as housekeeper, had remained at Fair Oaks, seemed, as the last carriage disappeared from view, to be on theverge of collapse from nervous prostration. No one knew the mentalexcitement or the terrible nervous strain which she had undergoneduring those last few days. Many at the funeral had noted herextreme pallor, but no one dreamed of the tremendous will powerby which she had maintained her customary haughty bearing. Whenall had gone, she rose and attempted to go to her room, but in thehall she staggered helplessly and, with a low moan, sank unconsciousto the floor. The screams of the chambermaid, who had seen herfall, summoned to her assistance the other servants, who carriedher to her room, where she slowly regained consciousness, openingher eyes with an expression of terror, then closing them again witha shudder. Suddenly she seemed to recall her surroundings; with agreat effort she rallied and dismissed the servants, with theexception of the chambermaid, saying, "It was nothing, only a littlefaintness caused by the heat. The room was insufferably close. Saynothing of this to the others when they return. "

With Katie's assistance, she exchanged her heavy dress for a lightwrapper of creamy silk, and soon seemed herself again except forher unusual pallor. 

"That will do, Katie; I shall not need you further. By the way, did Walter go with the others, or did he remain at home?"

"Mr. Walter is in his room, ma'am; and I heard Hardy say that hewas packing up his clothes and things. "

Mrs. LaGrange betrayed no surprise, no emotion of any kind. "Sayto him that I would like to see him in my room at once. "

The girl disappeared, leaving Mrs. LaGrange to her own reflections, which seemed anything but pleasant. The look of terror returnedto her face; she clinched her hands until the jewels cut deeply intothe white fingers; then, springing to her feet, she paced the roomwildly until she heard the footsteps of her son approaching, whenshe instantly assumed her usual composure. 

Walter LaGrange had left Fair Oaks immediately at the close of theinquest, and had not returned except to be present at the funeral, and even there his sullen appearance had caused general remark. Very little love had ever existed between mother and son, for neitherhad a nature capable of deep affection, but never until now had therebeen any open rupture between them. Though closely resembling eachother, he lacked her ability to plan and execute, and had hithertobeen content to follow her counsels. But, as he now entered hismother's room, a glance revealed to her that her authority andinfluence over him were past. 

"You sent for me, I believe. What do you want?" he asked, as shelooked at him without speaking. 

"Do you consider your conduct becoming towards a mother who isrisking everything for you and your interests?"

"Oh, my interests be hanged, " he exclaimed, petulantly. "I don'tsee that you've accomplished much for my interests with all yourscheming. A week ago I could hold up my head with any of thefellows. I was supposed to be a relative of Hugh Mainwaring's, with good prospects, and that I would come in for a good roundsum whenever the old fellow made his will, --just as I did. Nowthat's gone, and everything's gone; I haven't even a name left!"

"Walter LaGrange, what do you mean? Do you dare insinuate to yourown mother-"

"Why don't you call me Walter Mainwaring?" he sneered. "As toinsinuations, I have to hear plenty of 'em. Last night I wasblack-balled at one of the clubs where my name had been presentedfor membership, and a lot of the fellows have cut me dead. "

"Walter, listen to me. You are Hugh Mainwaring's son and I washis wife. I will yet compel people to recognize us as such; butyou must--"

"Tell me one thing, " he demanded, interrupting her. "If I was HughMainwaring's son, why have I not borne his name? Why did he notrecognize me as such? I'll claim no man for my father who wouldnot acknowledge me as his son. "

Then, before she could reply, he added, "If you were the wife ofHugh Mainwaring, what was the meaning of your proposal of marriageto him less than three months ago?"

She grew deathly pale; but he, seeming to enjoy the situation, repeated, sneeringly, "Less than three months ago, the night onwhich he gave you the necklace which you commissioned me to sellthe other day! You urged your suit with a vengeance, too, Iremember, for you threatened to ruin him if he did not come toyour terms. 

"I only laughed then, for I thought 'twas another scheme of yoursto get a tighter hold on the old man's purse-strings. It's nothingto me what your object was, but in view of the fact that I happenedto overhear that little episode, it might be just as well not totry to tell me that I am Hugh Mainwaring's son. You will naturallysee that I am not likely to be interested in helping carry out thatlittle farce!"

Still controlling herself by a tremendous will power, the wretchedwoman made one more desperate effort. In low tones she replied, --

"You show your base ingratitude by thus insulting your mother andrunning the risk of betraying her to listening servants by yourtalk. Of course, this is all a farce, as you say, but it must becarried through. You and I were distantly related to HughMainwaring, but what chance would we have against these people withno more of a claim than ours? I am compelled to assert that I washis wife and that you are his son in order to win any recognitionin the eyes of the law. "

For an instant her son regarded her with an expression of mingledsurprise and incredulity, then the sneer returned, and, turning toleave the room, he answered, carelessly, --

"You can tell your little story to other people, and when you havewon a fortune on it, why, I'll be around for my share, as, whatevermy doubts in other directions, I have not the slightest doubt thatyou are my mother, and therefore bound to support me. But, for thepresent, if you please, I'll go by the old name of LaGrange. It'sa name that suits me very well yet, even though, " and a strange lookflashed at her from his dark eyes, "even though it may be only aborrowed one, " and the door closed, for the last time, betweenmother and son. 

A low moan escaped from the lips of the unhappy woman. "My son--theonly living being of my flesh and blood--even he has turnedagainst me!" Too proud to recall him, however, she sank exhaustedupon a couch, and, burying her face in her hands, wept bitterly forthe first and only time in her remembrance. 

Meanwhile, the guests of Fair Oaks, having returned from the funeral, had assembled in the large library below, and were engaged inanimated discussion regarding the disposition to be made of theproperty. Ralph Mainwaring and Mr. Thornton, with pencils and paper, were computing stocks and bonds, and estimating how much of a marginwould be left after the purchase of the old Mainwaring estate, whichthey had heard could be bought at a comparatively low figure, thepresent owner being somewhat embarrassed financially; while Mrs. Mainwaring was making a careful inventory of the furniture, paintings, and bric-a-brac at Fair Oaks, with a view of ascertaining whetherthere were any articles which she would care to retain for theirfuture home. 

Mr. Whitney, who, as a bachelor and an intimate friend of HughMainwaring's, as well as his legal adviser, had perhaps more thanany one else enjoyed the hospitality of his beautiful suburban home, found the conversation extremely distasteful, and, having furnishedwhatever information was desired, excused himself and left the room. As he sauntered out upon the broad veranda, he was surprised to seeMiss Carleton, who had made her escape through one of the longwindows, and who looked decidedly bored. 

"It's perfectly beastly! Don't you think so?" she exclaimed, looking frankly into his face, as if sure of sympathy. 

She had so nearly expressed his own feelings that he flushedslightly, as he replied, with a smile, "It looks rather peculiar toan outsider, but I suppose it is only natural. "

"It is natural for them, " she replied, with emphasis. 

"I did not intend to be personal; I meant human nature generally. "

"I have too much respect for human nature generally to believe itas selfish and as mercenary as that. I have learned one lesson, however. I will never leave my property to my friends, hoping byso doing to be held in loving remembrance. It would be the surestway to make them forget me. "

"Has your experience of the last few days made you so cynical asthat?" the attorney inquired, again smiling into the bright, fairface beside him. 

"It is not cynicism, Mr. Whitney; it is the plain truth. I havealways known that the Mainwarings as a family were mercenary; but Iconfess I had no idea, until within the last few days, that theywere capable of such beastly ingratitude. "

"Do you mean to say that it is a trait of the entire Mainwaringfamily, or only of this branch in particular?" he inquired, somewhatamused. 

"All the Mainwarings are noted for their worship of the golden god, "she replied, with a low musical laugh; "but Ralph Mainwaring's loveof money is almost a monomania. He has planned and schemed to getthat old piece of English property into his hands for years andyears, in fact, ever since it was willed to Hugh Mainwaring at thetime his brother was disinherited, and the name he gave to his sonwas the first stone laid to pave the way to this coveted fortune. "

"I see. Pardon me, Miss Carleton; but you just now alluded to HughMainwaring's brother. I remember some mention was made at theinquest of a brother, but I supposed it must be an error. Had hereally a brother?"

"Ah, yes, an elder brother; and he must have been less avariciousthan the rest of them, as he sacrificed a fortune for love. It wasquite a little romance, you know. He and his brother Hugh wereboth in love with the same lady. The father did not approve, andgave his sons their choice between love without a fortune or afortune without love. Hugh Mainwaring chose the latter, but Harold, the elder, was true to his lady, and was consequently disinherited. "

"Poor Hugh Mainwaring!" commented the attorney; "he made his choicefor life of a fortune without love, and a sad life it was, too!"

Miss Carleton glanced up with quick sympathy. "Yes, it seemed tome his life must have been rather lonely and sad. "

There was a pause, and she added, "And did he never speak to you, his intimate friend, of his brother?"

"Never. "

"Strange! Perhaps he was like the others, after all, and thoughtof nothing but money. "

"No, I cannot believe that of Hugh Mainwaring, " the attorney replied, loyally; then added, "What became of the brother, Miss Carleton?"

"He was lost at sea. He had started for Africa, to make a fortunefor himself, but the boat was wrecked in a storm and every one onboard was lost. "

"And his family, what of them?" queried the attorney. 

"He had no children, and no one ever knew what became of his wife. The Mainwarings are a very prosaic family; that is the only bit ofromance in their history; but I always enjoyed that, except thatit ended so sadly, and I always admired Harold Mainwaring. I wouldlike to meet such a man as he. "

"Why, I should say there was a romance in progress at present inthe Mainwaring family, " said Mr. Whitney, smiling. 

"What! Hugh and Edith Thornton?" She laughed again, a wonderfullymusical, rippling laugh, the attorney thought. "Oh, there is nomore romance there than there is in that marble, " and she pointedto a beautiful Cupid and Psyche embracing each other in the centreof a mass of brilliant geraniums and coleas. "They have beenengaged ever since their days of long dresses and highchairs, --anotherof Ralph Mainwaring's schemes! You know Edith is Hugh'scousin, an only child, and her father is immensely rich! Oh, no; ifI ever have a romance of my own, it must spring right upspontaneously, and grow in spite of all opposition. Not one of thesort that has been fostered in a hot-house until its life is nearlystifled out of it. "

Mr. Whitney glanced in admiration at the fair English face besidehim glowing with physical and intellectual beauty. Then a momentlater, as they passed down the long hall in response to the summonsto dinner, and he caught a glimpse, in one of the mirrors, of atolerably good-looking, professional gentleman of nearly forty, hewondered why he suddenly felt so much older than ever before. 

Miss Carleton was seated beside him at dinner, while nearly oppositewas Harry Scott, conversing with young Mainwaring. He was quietlybut elegantly dressed, and his fine physique and noble bearing, aswell as the striking beauty of his dark face, seemed more markedthan usual. Mr. Whitney watched the young secretary narrowly. Something in the play of his features seemed half familiar, and yetgave him a strange sense of pain, but why, he could not determine. 

"Mr. Whitney, " said Miss Carleton, in a low tone, "did you everobserve a resemblance at times between Mr. Scott and your friend, Mr. Hugh Mainwaring?"

The attorney looked up in surprise. "Why, no, Miss Carleton, Iwould not think a resemblance possible. Mr. Scott is much darkerand his features are altogether different. "

"Oh, I did not refer to any resemblance of feature or complexion, but his manner, and sometimes his expression, strikes me as verysimilar. I suppose because he was associated with him so much, you know. "

Mr. Whitney's eyes again wandered to the face of the secretary. Hestarted involuntarily. "By George!" he ejaculated, mentally, "HughMainwaring, as sure as I live! Not a feature like him, but the sameexpression. What does it mean? Can it be simply from association?"

In a state of great bewilderment he endeavored still to entertainMiss Carleton, though it is to be feared she found him ratherabsent-minded. He was passing out of the dining-room in a brownstudy when some one touched his arm. He turned and saw Merrick. 

"When you are at liberty, come out to the grove, " the latter said, briefly, and was gone before the attorney could more than bow inreply. 

CHAPTER XIII

THEORIES, WISE AND OTHERWISE

Half an hour later, having excused himself to Miss Carleton, Mr. Whitney hastened to the grove, where he found the detectivesauntering up and down the winding walk, his hands behind him in areflective mood, absorbed in thought and in the enjoyment of a finecigar. He nodded pleasantly as the attorney approached. 

"Going to be at liberty for some time?" he inquired, at the sametime extending his cigar-case. 

"Yes, for any length of time you please; it's a relief to get awayfrom those egotists. "

"H'm!" said Merrick, as he returned the cigar-case to his pocketafter the attorney had helped himself; "I didn't think that youlooked particularly anxious to be relieved of your company when Isaw you. I really felt considerable delicacy about speaking as Idid. "

"Oh, to the deuce with your nonsense!" the attorney replied, hischeek flushing as he lighted his cigar. "If you had listened tothe twaddle that I have all day, you would be glad to talk to almostany one for a change. "

"In that event, perhaps you won't mind talking to me for a while. Well, suppose we go down to the stables, to the coachman's room; heis probably with his best girl by this time, and we will be safefrom interruption or eavesdroppers. "

"That suits me all right so long as Ralph Mainwaring doesn't thinkof looking for me there. That man makes me exceedingly weary!"

"Anxious to secure the property according to the terms of that will, I suppose. "

"Anxious! He is perfectly insane on the subject; he can't talk ofanything else, and he'll move heaven and earth to accomplish it, too, if necessary. "

"Don't anticipate any difficulty, do you?"

"None whatever, unless from that woman; there's no knowing to whatshe may resort. It will only be necessary to prove that the will, if not in existence at the death of the testator, was fraudulentlydestroyed prior thereto, and I think we have a pretty clear case. By George, Merrick!" suddenly exclaimed the attorney in a differenttone, as he paused on the way to the stables. "I hadn't thought ofit before, but there's one thing ought to be done; we should havethis lake dragged at once. "

Merrick raised his eyebrows in mute inquiry. 

"To find whatever Brown threw in there, you know; it might furnishus with an almighty important clue. "

"H'm! might be a good idea, " Merrick remarked, thoughtfully. 

"Of course it would! I tell you, Merrick, I was cut out for adetective myself, and I'm pretty good for an amateur, now. "

"Haven't a doubt of it, " was the quiet response, and the pair resumedtheir walk. Both were soon comfortably seated in the coachman'sroom, their chairs tilted at just the right angle before a largedouble window, facing the sunset. Both smoked in silence for a fewmoments, each waiting for the other to speak. 

"Well, my friend, what do you know?" inquired the detective, whilehe watched the delicate spirals of blue smoke as they diffusedthemselves in the golden haze of the sunlight. 

"Just what I was about to ask you, " said his companion. 

"Oh, time enough for that later. You have been looking into thiscase, and, as you are a born detective, I naturally would like tocompare notes with you. "

Mr. Whitney glanced sharply at the detective, as though suspiciousof some sarcasm lurking in those words, but the serious face ofthe latter reassured him, and he replied, --

"Well, I've not had much experience in that line, but I've madequite a study of character, and can tell pretty correctly what aperson of such and such evident characteristics will do under suchand such conditions. As I have already stated to you, I know, bothfrom observation and from hints dropped by Hugh Mainwaring, that ifever a dangerous woman existed, --artful, designing, absolutelydevoid of the first principles of truth, honor, or virtue, --thatwoman is Mrs. LaGrange. I know that Mainwaring stood in fear ofher to a certain extent, and that she was constantly seeking, bythreats, to compel him to either marry her or secure the propertyto her and her son and I also know that he was anxious to have thewill drawn in favor of his namesake as quickly and as secretly aspossible. 

"Now, knowing all these circumstances, what is more reasonable thanto suppose that she, learning in some way of his intentions, wouldresort to desperate measures to thwart them? Her first impulsewould be to destroy the will; then to make one final effort tobring him, by threats, to her terms, and, failing in that, her furywould know no bounds. Now, what does she do? Sends for Hobson, theone man whom Hugh Mainwaring feared, who knew his secret and stoodready to betray it. Between them the plot was formed. They haveanother interview in the evening, to which Hobson brings one of hiscoadjutors, the two coming by different ways like the vileconspirators they were, and in all probability, when Hugh Mainwaringbade his guests good-night, every detail of his death was plannedand ready to be carried into execution in the event of his refusingto comply with that woman's demands made by herself, personally, and later, through Hobson. We know, from the darkey's testimony, that Hobson and his companion appeared in the doorway together; thatthe man suddenly vanished--probably concealing himself in theshrubbery--as Hobson went back into the house; that a few momentslater, the latter reappeared with Mrs. LaGrange; and the darkeytells me that he, supposing all was right, slunk away in the bushesand left them standing there. We know that the valet, going upstairs a while after, found Mrs. LaGrange in the private library, and at the same time detected the smell of burning paper. Youfound the burnt fragments of the will in the grate in the tower-room. 

"Now, to my mind, it is perfectly clear that Mrs. LaGrange andHobson proceeded together to the library and tower-room, where theyfirst destroyed the will, and where she secreted him to await theresult of her interview with Mainwaring, at the same time providinghim with the private keys by which he could effect his escape, andwith Hugh Mainwaring's own revolver with which the terrible deed wasdone. Later, finding that Mainwaring would not accede to herdemands, I believe she left that room knowing to a certainty whathis fate would be in case Hobson could not succeed in making termswith him, and I believe her object in coming down the corridorafterwards was simply to ascertain that her plans were being carriedinto execution. Now there is my theory of this whole affair; whatdo you think of it?"

"Very ingeniously put together! What about the jewels? Do youthink Hobson took them?"

"No. I think Mrs. LaGrange got possession of them in some way. Shehas no means of her own to hire that scoundrel, yet the darkey heardher promise to pay him liberally, and you see her very first attemptto pay him was by the sale of some of those jewels. I'll acknowledgeI'm not prepared to say how or when she secured them. "

"Could she open the safe?"

"That I cannot say. Mainwaring told me, some months ego, that hefound her one day attempting to open it, and he immediately changedthe combination. Whether she had discovered the new combination, Iam unable to say; but she is a deep woman, and usually finds some wayof accomplishing her designs. "

"Brown, the coachman, seems to have no place in this theory ofyours. "

"Well, of course we none of us thought of him in connection withthis affair until since his sudden disappearance yesterday, but Iam inclined to think that he is to be regarded in the light of anaccessory after the fact. I think it very probable that Mrs. LaGrange has employed him since the murder to assist her inconcealing evidences of the crime, and that is why I suggesteddragging the lake in search of what may be hidden there; but, according to his own story, he was in the city that night untilsome time after the murder was committed. "

"Yes, according to his own story, but in reality he did not go tothe city at all that night. More than that, he was seen in thisvicinity about midnight with a couple of suspicious lookingcharacters. "

"By George! when did you learn that?"

"I knew it when Brown gave his testimony at the inquest. "

"The deuce you did! and then let the rascal give you the slip, after all!"

"Don't give yourself any anxiety on that score; I can produce Brownany hour he's wanted. One of my subordinates has his eye on himday and night. At last reports, he and Brown were occupying thesame room in a third-class lodging house; I'll wager they're havinga game of cards together this evening. "

"Well, well! you have stolen a march on us. But, if I may ask, whydon't you bag your game?"

"I am using him as a decoy for larger game. Whatever Brown is mixedup in, he is only a tool in the hands of older and shrewder rascals. "

Before the attorney could say anything further, Merrick rose abruptlyand stepped to a table near by, returning with a package. 

"What do you think of that?" he asked, removing the wrappings andholding up the rusty, metallic box. 

"Great heavens!" ejaculated Mr. Whitney, springing forward excitedly. "Why, man alive, you don't mean to say that you have found the jewels!"

"No such good fortune as that yet, " the detective answered quietly, "only the empty casket;" and having opened the box, he handed it tothe attorney. 

"Where did you find this?" the latter inquired. 

"Fished it out of the lake. "

"Ah-h! I should like to know when. "

"While you were snoring this morning. "

"Great Scott! They'll catch a weasel asleep when they find younapping! But, by George! this rather confirms my theory about thatwoman getting possession of the jewels and hiring Brown to help her, doesn't it?"

Without replying, Merrick handed over the revolver which had beenbrought to light that morning. 

"Where did you get this rusty thing? Was it in the lake, also?"

The detective nodded affirmatively, and Mr. Whitney examined theweapon in some perplexity. 

"Well, I must say, " he remarked at length, "I don't see whatconnection this has with the case. The shooting was done withHugh Mainwaring's own revolver; that was settled at the inquest-"

"Pardon me! It was only 'settled' that the revolver found lyingbeside him was his own. "

The attorney stared as Merrick continued, at the same time producingfrom his pocket the revolver in question, "This, as you aredoubtless aware, is a Smith and Wesson, 32 calibre, while that, "pointing to the rusty weapon in Mr. Whitney's hands, "is an oldColt's revolver, a 38. On the morning of the murder, after you andthe coroner had gone, I found the bullet for which we had searchedunsuccessfully, and from that hour to this I have known, what beforeI had suspected, that this dainty little weapon of Mr. Mainwaring'splayed no part in the shooting. Here is the bullet, you can see foryourself. "

Mr. Whitney gazed in silent astonishment as the detective comparedthe bullet with the two weapons, showing conclusively that it couldnever have been discharged from the familiar 32-calibre revolver. 

"Well, I'll be blessed if I can see what in the dickens thatrevolver of Mainwaring's had to do with the affair, anyway!"

"Very easily explained when you once take into consideration thefact that the whole thing was an elaborately arranged plan, on thepart of the murderer, to give the affair an appearance of suicide. One glance at the murdered man convinced me that the wound hadnever been produced by the weapon lying at his side. That clueled to others, and when I left that room with you, to attend theinquest, I knew that Hugh Mainwaring had been shot with a 38-calibrerevolver, in his library, near the centre of the room, and that thebody had afterwards been so arranged in the tower-room as to givethe appearance of his having deliberately shot himself beside hisdesk and with his own revolver. "

"By George! I believe you're right, " said the attorney; "and Irecall now your statement that day, that the shooting had occurredin the library; I wondered then what reason you had for such anopinion. "

"A small stain on the library carpet and the bullet told me thatmuch. Another thing, which at first puzzled me, was the markedabsence of blood-stains. There was a small pool of blood underneaththe head, a slight stain on the carpet in the adjoining room, butnone on the clothing or elsewhere. The solution to this I foundon further investigation. The wound had been firmly and skillfullybandaged by an expert hand, the imprint of the bandage beingplainly visible in the hair on the temples. Here is the proof thatI was correct, " and Merrick held up to the attorney's astonishedview the stained and knotted handkerchief. "This, with the privatekeys belonging to Mr. Mainwaring's library, was in that box at thebottom of the lake. Do you consider Mrs. LaGrange or Hobson capableof planning and carrying out an affair so adroitly as that?"

"You've got me floored, " the attorney answered, gazing at the proofsbefore him. "Hobson I know nothing about; but that woman I believecould scheme to beat the very devil himself; and yet, Merrick, whenyou think of it, it must have taken time--considerable time--toplan a thing like that. "

"Or else, " Merrick suggested, "it was the performance of an expertcriminal; no bungling, no work of a green hand. "

Mr. Whitney started slightly, but the detective continued. "Anotherpoint: Hobson, as you say, was the one man whom Hugh Mainwaringfeared and who evidently had some hold upon him; would he then havedared denounce him as a liar and an impostor? Would not his use ofsuch terms imply that he was addressing one whom he considered astranger and unacquainted with the facts in the case?"

"I see, " the attorney replied quickly; "you have in mind Hobson'saccomplice, the tall man with dark glasses. "

Merrick smiled. "You are then inclined to the opinion that J. HenryCarruthers, who called in the afternoon, is identical with theso-called Jack Carroll who accompanied Hobson in the evening?"

"Certainly that is a reasonable supposition. The descriptions ofthe two men agree remarkably, and the darkey was positive, both inhis testimony at the inquest and in conversation with me, that theywere one and the same person. "

"Their general appearance seems to have been much the same, buttheir conduct and actions were totally unlike. Carruthers actedfearlessly, with no attempt at concealment; while, if you will stopto think of it, of all the witnesses who tried to give a descriptionof Carroll, not one had seen his face. He always remained in thebackground, as much concealed as possible. "

"I don't deny that you are correct, " the attorney said musingly;"and they may have been two distinct individuals, Carroll evidentlybeing the guilty party; but even in that event, in my opinion, hewas only carrying out with a skillful hand the plans already arrangedby that woman and Hobson. "

"Whatever part Carroll took in the affair, he was undoubtedlyHobson's agent; and you will find that Hobson and Mrs. LaGrange havebeen more intimately associated and for a much longer time than yoususpect, " and Merrick repeated what he had overheard of the interviewin Mrs. LaGrange's parlor, just after the close of the inquest. 

Mr. Whitney listened with deep interest. "Well, well! And youheard her accuse him of being an accessory? Of course she referredto the murder. By George! I should have wanted them arrested onthe spot!"

After a slight pause, he continued. "There's one thing, Merrick, in the conduct of Carruthers which I don't understand. Why, aftertelling the secretary that he would remain at the Arlington for thenext two or three days, should he return to the city the next morningon the 3. 10 train?"

"He seems to have been an impulsive man, who acted on the spur ofthe moment, " Merrick answered; "but the strangest part of that is, that he did not return to the city at all. He bought a ticket forNew York, but the conductor informs me there was no such man onboard; while the north-bound train, which pulls out about fiveminutes later, had a passenger answering exactly to his description. The conductor on the latter train also informed me that, just asthey were pulling out of the station, a man, tall and dark, rathergood-looking, he should judge, though he could not see his face, andwearing a long, light overcoat, sprang aboard, decidedly winded, asthough from running, and immediately steered for the darkest cornerof the smoking-car, where he sat with his hat well drawn down overhis face. "

"Carroll again, by George!" exclaimed the attorney. 

"Here is a problem for you to solve, " Merrick continued, pointingto the revolver and box lying side by side. "You think Brown threwthose in the lake. Who was the man that Brown saw standing besidethe lake just before three o'clock in the morning, and what was hedoing? He was tall and dark, and wore a long coat or ulster. Wasthat Carroll or Carruthers? Did he throw anything into the lake?And if so, what?"

Mr. Whitney gazed dubiously at the detective for a moment, thenbegan to whistle softly, while he slowly shook his head. 

"No, Merrick; you've got me there! I never have had enoughexperience in this line that I could go into the detail work. Ihave to be guided by the main points in the case. Then, again, Igave Brown's testimony very little thought, as I considered himunreliable and irresponsible. "

"Well, to come back to the 'main points, ' then: what reasons haveyou for connecting Mrs. LaGrange and Hobson with this affair thatmight not apply equally well in the cases of certain other people?"

"What reason? Why, man alive! there is every reason to considerMrs. LaGrange the instigator of the whole affair. In the firstplace, her one object and aim for the past seventeen or eighteenyears has been to get hold of Hugh Mainwaring's property, to securefor herself and her son what she calls their 'rights'--"

"That is the point, " Merrick interrupted. "You consider her guiltybecause she would be interested in securing a hold upon the property, although she, personally, has no claim whatever. Has it neveroccurred to you that there might be others more deeply interestedthan she, inasmuch as they have valid claims, being the rightfulheirs?"

"I never thought of such a possibility, " said the astonishedattorney; "and I don't know that I understand now to whom you refer. "

"I have learned from various reliable sources, " the detectivereplied, "that Ralph Mainwaring has a younger brother, Harold, whois as much of a money-lover as himself, though too indolent to takethe same measures for acquiring it. He is a reckless, unprincipledfellow, and having about run through his own property, I understand, he has had great expectations regarding this American estate, depending upon his share of the same to retrieve his wasted fortune. I learned yesterday, by cable, that since the departure of RalphMainwaring and his family for this country, his brother has beenmissing, and it is supposed, among his associates in London, thathe took the next steamer for America, intending to assert his ownclaims. "

"And you think--" the attorney interrupted, breathlessly; butMerrick shook his head and continued, --

"I have also, in the course of my investigations, incidentallydiscovered Hugh Mainwaring's secret, and, consequently, Hobson'ssecret, only that I know the real facts in the case, which Hobsondoes not know. You, as Mainwaring's friend, will not care tolearn the details, and I shall not speak of them now, but I willsay this much: there are probably in existence to-day, and perhapsnot very far distant, heirs to this property, having a claimpreceding not only that of Ralph Mainwaring or his son, but ofHugh Mainwaring himself. "

There was silence for a few moments as the detective paused, Mr. Whitney's surprise rendering him speechless; at last he said, --

"Well, you are a truthful fellow, Merrick, and you never jump atconclusions, so I know your statements can be relied upon; but I'llbe blessed if I understand how or when you have gathered all thisinformation together. I suppose it would be useless to ask yourdeductions from all this, but I wish you would answer one or twoquestions. Do you think that this Harold Mainwaring, or thosepossible heirs you mention, would put in an appearance personally, or that they would work through agents and emissaries?"

"Depends altogether upon circumstances. Harold Mainwaring would notbe likely to appear on the scene unless he were pretty effectuallydisguised. As to the others, --if they were to assert their claim, --itwould be difficult to say just what course they might take. I have made these statements merely to give you a hint of thepossibilities involved in the case. It is now getting rather late, but I will give you one or two pointers to ruminate upon. Don'tthink that Hobson will run any risks or put himself to any personalinconvenience for Mrs. LaGrange. He is working first and foremostfor Richard Hobson, after that for whoever will pay him best. Another thing, don't ever for a moment imagine that Hugh Mainwaring'sprivate secretary is looking for a job. It's my opinion he'll giveyou fellows one of the hardest jobs you ever tackled; and, unlessI'm greatly mistaken, he's got brains enough and backing enough tocarry through whatever he undertakes. "

"Say! I don't know as I exactly catch your meaning; but that's onething I wanted to ask you. What do you think of that young man, anyway? I can't make him out. "

"I noticed that you had not assigned him any place in that theoryof yours. "

"No; he's been a mystery to me, a perfect mystery; but this eveninga new idea has occurred to me, and I would like your judgment on it. Has he ever reminded you of any one? That is, can you recall anyone whom he resembles?"

"Well, I should say there was a marked resemblance. I've oftenwondered where your eyes were that you had not seen it. "

"You have noticed it, then? Well, so have I; but it has puzzled me, for, though the look was familiar, I was unable to recall whose itwas until to-night. Now that I have recalled it, that, taken inconnection with some other things I have observed, has led me towonder whether it were possible that he is a son of HughMainwaring's, of whose existence no one in this country has everknown. "

"Hugh Mainwaring! I don't understand you. "

"Why, you just acknowledged you had noticed the resemblance betweenthem!"

"I beg your pardon; but you must recollect that I have never seenHugh Mainwaring living, and have little idea how he looked. "

"By George! that's a fact. Well, then, who in the dickens do youthink he resembles?"

The coachman's step was heard at that instant on the stairs, andMerrick's reply was necessarily brief. 

"Laying aside expression, take feature for feature, and you havethe face of Mrs. LaGrange. "

CHAPTER XIV

THE EXIT OF SCOTT, THE SECRETARY

One of the first duties which the secretary was called upon toperform, during his brief stay at Fair Oaks, was to make a copy ofthe lost will. He still retained in his possession the stenographicnotes of the original document as it had been dictated by HughMainwaring on that last morning of his life, and it was but thework of an hour or two to again transcribe them in his clearchirography. 

Engaged in this work, he was seated at the large desk in thetower-room, which had that morning been opened for use for the firsttime since the death of its owner. He wrote rapidly, and thedocument was nearly completed when Mr. Whitney and Ralph Mainwaringtogether entered the adjoining room. 

"Egad!" he heard the latter exclaim, angrily, "if that blastedscoundrel thinks he has any hold on me, or that he can keep me onthe rack as he did Hugh, he'll find he has made the biggest mistakeof his life. It is nothing but a blackmailing scheme, and I've morethan half a mind to sift the whole matter to the bottom and landthat beggarly impostor where he belongs. "

"I hardly know just what to advise under the circumstances, " Mr. Whitney answered, quietly, "for I, naturally, have some personalfeeling in this matter, and I am forced to believe, Mr. Mainwaring, that there is something back of all this which neither you nor Iwould care to have given publicity. But, laying aside thatconsideration, I am of the opinion that it might not be to yourinterest to push this matter too closely. "

"On what grounds, sir, do you base your opinion?" Mr. Mainwaringdemanded. 

The attorney's reply, however, was lost upon Scott, whose attentionhad been suddenly arrested by the imprint of a peculiar signatureacross one corner of the blotter upon which he was drying his work, now completed. Instantly, oblivious to everything else, hecarefully examined the blotter. It was a large one, fastened tothe top of the desk, and had been in use but a comparatively shorttime. It bore traces both of Hugh Mainwaring's writing and ofhis own, but this name, standing out boldly on one corner, wasutterly unlike either. Nor did it resemble any of the signaturesattached to the will on that memorable day when the desk with itsparaphernalia had been last used. 

Considerably perplexed, Scott suddenly recalled a small pocketmirror which he had seen in the desk. This he speedily found, and, having placed it at the right angle, leaned over to get a view ofthe name as it had been originally written. As he did so, hecaught sight of some faint lines above the signature which he hadnot observed, but which were plainly visible in the mirror. It waswell for the secretary that he was alone, for, as he read thesignature with the words outlined above, he was spellbound. For amoment he seemed almost paralyzed, unable to move. His brainwhirled, and, when he at last sank back in his chair, his face wasblanched and he felt giddy and faint from the discovery which hehad made. Gradually he became conscious of his surroundings. Againhe heard, as in a dream, the conversation in the adjoining room. The attorney was speaking. 

"I do not at present feel at liberty to give the source of myinformation, but I can assure you it is perfectly reliable, and myinformant would never have made such an assertion unless he had ampleauthority to back it up. "

"I don't care a rap for your information or its source, " the otherinterrupted, impatiently. "The whole thing is simply preposterous. The estate descended regularly to Hugh Mainwaring, and from him toour own family as next of kin. You can see for yourself that totalk of any other claimants having prior rights is an utterabsurdity. "

"Had not Hugh Mainwaring an elder brother?"

"He had; but you must be aware that he died a great many years ago. "

"But had that elder brother no issue?"

"None living, " Mr. Mainwaring replied, coldly. Then added, in thesame tone, "Even had there been, that fact would have no bearing onthis case, Mr. Whitney. The entire estate was transferred to HughMainwaring by legal process before the death of his brother, he andhis heirs having been forever disinherited, so that it is the sameas though he had never existed. "

While he was speaking, the secretary entered the library, his pallorand unusual expression attracting Mr. Whitney's attention. Inresponse to a glance of inquiry from the latter, however, he merelysaid, --

"The copy is completed. You will find it on the desk, " and passedfrom the library into the hall. 

Still wondering at his appearance, Mr. Whitney proceeded to thetower-room, and a moment later both gentlemen were absorbed in theperusal of the duplicate of the lost will; but afterwards theattorney recalled that, on taking the document from the desk, hehad noticed that the large blotter covering the top had been removedand replaced by a new one. 

There was no perceptible change in Scott's appearance during theremainder of the day, except that he seemed more than usuallythoughtful, sometimes to the verge of abstraction, but, in reality, his mind was so preoccupied with endless doubts and surmisesregarding his recent discovery that he found it exceedingly difficultto concentrate his attention upon the work required of him. Thatafternoon, however, while engaged in looking through some importantdocuments belonging to Hugh Mainwaring, kept at the city offices, a cablegram was handed him, addressed to himself personally, fromBarton & Barton, a well-known legal firm in London. The despatchitself caused him little surprise, as he had been in correspondencewith this firm for more than a year; but the contents of the messagewere altogether unexpected, and left him in a state of bewilderment. It read, --

"Have you met J. Henry Carruthers, of London, supposed to havesailed ten days since, or can you give us his whereabouts?"

Fortunately, Scott was alone, Ralph Mainwaring and the attorneybeing in the private offices, and he had plenty of opportunity torecover from his surprise. For half an hour he revolved thematter in his thoughts, wondering whether this had any bearingupon the question which for the last few hours he had been tryingto solve. A little later he sent the following reply:

"Person mentioned seen on 7th instant. No trace since. You havemy letter of 8th instant. Cable instructions. "

As the Mainwaring carriage appeared at the offices at four o'clock, to convey the gentlemen to Fair Oaks, Mr. Whitney was surprised tofind the secretary still engaged at his desk. 

"If you will excuse me, " the latter said, pleasantly, "I will notgo out to Fair Oaks this evening. I have some unfinished work here, and I will remain in the city to-night. "

Upon entering the offices the next day, however, the attorney foundthe following note addressed to himself:

"Mr. WHITNEY. 

"DEAR SIR, --I regret to be compelled to inform you that you willhave to look for another assistant, as important business callsme away for an indefinite period. Do not give yourself anytrouble concerning the salary which you kindly offered me. I amnot in need of it, and have only been too glad to render you thelittle assistance within my power, knowing, as I do, that you haveno easy case on your hands. 

"Trusting we shall meet in the future, I am, with great esteem, "Very truly yours, "H. SCOTT. 

As Mr. Whitney read and reread this note, the words of the detectiveregarding the private secretary were recalled to his mind, and hemuttered, --

"Yes, Merrick was right. It is very evident the young man is not'looking for a job;' but I'll be blessed if I know what to thinkof him!"

Upon Mr. Whitney's return to Fair Oaks, he found the guests assembledon the veranda, overlooking the river, Mr. Merrick, who had justreturned from a few days' absence, being also included in the company. There were many exclamations of surprise and considerable commentwhen Mr. Whitney told of the sudden disappearance of the secretary. 

"Now, that is too bad!" cried Edith Thornton. "He was sointeresting, and we were all beginning to like him so much. "

"I don't know that any of us were so charmed with him as one mightbe led to suppose from your remark, Edith, " said Isabel Mainwaring, with a disdainful glance towards the attorney, who had seatedhimself beside Miss Carleton; "but here, almost any one will answerfor a diversion, and he was really quite entertaining. "

"It is not to be expected that you would see or appreciate his goodpoints, " said her brother, with half a sneer; "but Scott is a finefellow and a gentleman, and I shall miss him awfully. "

Miss Carleton remained silent; but for some reason, unexplainableto herself, she was conscious of a vague sense of disappointment andinjury. She would not admit to herself that she was troubled becauseScott had gone, it was the manner of his departure. Surely, afterthe friendship and confidence she had shown him, he might at leasthave sent some word of farewell, instead of leaving as he had, apparently without a thought of her. However, she chatted graciouslywith Mr. Whitney, though, all the while, a proud, dark face withstrangely beautiful eyes persistently forced itself before her mentalvision, nearly obliterating the smiling face of the attorney. 

Meanwhile, Ralph Mainwaring was giving the detective his views onthe subject. 

"I, for one, am not sorry that he has followed the example of thecoachman and taken himself off. It is my opinion, " he continued, in impressive tones, "that we will yet find he had reasons forleaving in this manner. "

"Undoubtedly!" Merrick replied, with equal emphasis. 

"Now, that's just where you're wrong, governor, " said youngMainwaring. "Scott is as good as gold. There is no sneak abouthim, either; and if he had reasons for leaving as he has, they werenothing to his discredit; you can stake your last shilling on that!"

"Oh, I know he has pulled the wool over your eyes, " said his father;"but he has never tried his smooth games on me; he knows I can seethrough him. I detest him. One of your typical American swells!Just what one would expect to find in a country where a common clerkis allowed to associate with gentlemen!"

"But, begging your pardon, Mr. Mainwaring, " the detective interposed, quietly, "Mr. Scott is not an American. He has lived less than twoyears in this country. "

A chorus of exclamations followed this statement. 

"Not an American! Then he must be an Englishman, " cried MissCarleton, her sparkling eyes unconsciously betraying her pleasure atthe discovery. 

"Merrick, are you sure of that?" inquired Mr. Whitney, inastonishment. 

"Certainly, or I would never have made the assertion I did. "

Ralph Mainwaring suddenly turned the conversation. "How about thatwill business, Mr. Whitney? When will that come off?"

"The petition was filed this afternoon, and will be granted ahearing some time next week; I have not yet learned the day. "

"And then will you gentlemen be ready to start for home?" Mrs. Mainwaring inquired, a touch of impatience in her voice. 

"Well, by my soul! I should say not, " laughed Mr. Thornton, beforeher husband could reply. "It will probably take a number of months, my dear madam, to settle up this estate, even if there should be nocontest; and if the case is contested, it may drag on for years, eh, Mr. Whitney?"

"That will depend upon circumstances. A contest would, of course, delay the case, perhaps for several months; but I am not aware ofany contestants with sufficient means for continuing it the lengthof time you mention. "

"Mercy me!" exclaimed Mrs. Mainwaring, addressing her husband; "doyou and Hugh intend to remain here all that time?"

"Our stay will probably be somewhat indefinite, " he replied, evasively; "but that is no reason why you and the young ladies needremain against your will. "

"Indeed! Why could you not have said as much before? NeitherIsabel nor I care to remain here a day longer than is necessary;we have simply been awaiting your pleasure. Wilson, bring me themorning papers; I want to see what boats are expected. We willtake the first steamer home. Mr. Thornton, will you and the youngladies accompany us, or do you prefer to remain in exile a whilelonger?"

"Well, " replied that gentleman, smiling genially, "speaking formyself, I would more than half like to stay and see this thingthrough; but the ladies are in the majority, and I will abide bytheir decision. How is it, Edith? I suppose, as the novelistssay, you will be 'torn by conflicting emotions. '"

"You horrid old papa! Of course, if auntie is going back, I shallgo with her. What do you say, Winifred?"

"I have very little choice, one way or the other, " Miss Carletonreplied, more quietly than was usual for her; "whatever you andUncle William decide, will suit me. "

"Ab, here are the papers!" said Mrs. Mainwaring, adjusting hereye-glasses. "These dreadful American dailies!" she exclaimed, asshe scanned the pages; "one never knows where to find anything. Ah, here it is, and just what we want! The 'Campania' sails Thursday, at three o'clock. That will suit us exactly. "

"To-morrow! so soon!" exclaimed two or three voices. 

"Certainly, " she replied, rising. "I shall have the maids beginpacking at once; and, Mr. Thornton, I shall instruct Wilson toattend directly to your luggage, for you would never think of ituntil within an hour of sailing. "

Her departure seemed the signal for the breaking up of the littlecompany. Mr. Whitney lingered a few moments at Miss Carleton'sside, with a few murmured words of regret that she was to leave sosoon, to which she listened courteously, though making littleresponse. After he had gone she remained standing where he hadleft her, gazing dreamily out on the river and the distant bluffs. Merrick, slowly sauntering up and down the veranda, had observedthe whole scene, and now watched the fair young face with asuggestion of a smile in his kindly eyes. 

"H'm!" he soliloquized; "Whitney is a bigger fool than I've givenhim credit for if he thinks he stands any show in that direction. If I'm not mistaken, I know which way the wind blows, and it'sdollars to doughnuts she'll lose that far-away expression of hersbefore she's been aboard the 'Campania' many hours. I'd like to beaboard myself and watch the transformation scene. "

The attorney's voice here broke in upon his cogitations. 

"I say, Merrick, that was a regular bomb you threw at Mainwaringwith regard to young Scott! How did you discover he was anEnglishman?"

"I very easily ascertained that he was not an American; that he wasof English descent followed as a matter of course. I am not surewhether he is of English birth. "

"You seem to be keeping an eye on him. "

"It is my business just now to be posted regarding every oneassociated with this place. I've been keeping an eye on you forthe last thirty minutes. "

The attorney colored, and hastily reverted to the original topic ofconversation. "Have you seen anything of him since he left us?"

"Since his resignation of the salary as well as the position ofprivate 'secretary?" queried the detective, half to himself, witha tone of amusement, which Mr. Whitney failed to comprehend. "Yes;I met him to-day at the Murray Hill. "

"At the Murray Hill! Is he stopping there?"

"He evidently was this morning. So was I. Possibly we were both'stopping' on the same business; I cannot say. "

The detective's face was a study, as was also the attorney's. 

"I supposed, " said the latter, after a short pause, "from the tenorof his note, that he intended to leave the city at once. "

"Possibly he does, " replied the other, enigmatically, and, havingconsulted his watch, turned abruptly in another direction. 

"Say, what will you do about him? Shall you watch him?" Mr. Whitney called after the vanishing figure. 

Merrick looked back over his shoulder with a peculiar smile. "Ishall not lose track of him, " he said, slowly; "he is toointeresting. "

CHAPTER XV

MUTUAL SURPRISES

The Mainwaring party was among the latest arrivals at the pier onthe following day, owing to the dilatoriness of Mr. Thornton, Mrs. Mainwaring's efforts to the contrary notwithstanding. At the lastmoment he appeared, serenely and smilingly unconscious of thatlady's frowns of displeasure, to the infinite amusement of hisdaughter, who whispered to Miss Carleton, --

"Poor papa! See how auntie glares at him, and he does not evenknow it. "

But even Mrs. Mainwaring's facial muscles relaxed slightly at thesight of the beautiful ocean greyhound lying in the harbor, herflags waving and streamers fluttering in the breeze, awaiting onlythe captain's orders to start on her homeward course. 

The decks were crowded with humanity, for the most part laughingand chatting gayly and singing bits of song, though here and therewere sad, tear-stained faces, where long farewells, some of themperhaps the last farewells, were being spoken. 

"Thank heaven, there'll be no tears shed on this occasion!" saidIsabel Mainwaring; "unless, " she added, with a glance of scorntowards Miss Carleton's escort, "Mr. Whitney should contribute afew. I detest such vulgar demonstrations in public!"

The attorney certainly did not look very cheerful, and even MissCarleton's sunny face was somewhat overcast, though why, it wouldseem difficult to determine, since she seemed to have no regretsat leaving America. 

"Mercy me!" ejaculated Mrs. Mainwaring, "what a dreadful crowd! Itis far worse than when we came over. Hugh, I wonder if your fatherexamined the ship's list. I particularly requested him to do so. I wished to ascertain whether there would be any friends of ours onboard. One does not care to make acquaintances promiscuously, youknow. "

"I don't think the governor investigated the subject verythoroughly, " young Mainwaring replied, with a laugh. "I noticedwhen we registered there were three or four pages of names precedingours, and I don't think he gave the matter much attention. If I hadtime I would look it up for you, mother, but we must go ashore ina few moments. "

"If I am not mistaken, my dear lady, " said Mr. Thornton, who hadoverheard the conversation, "you will have little time or inclinationfor looking up acquaintances on this trip. "

"May I ask why?" Mrs. Mainwaring demanded. 

"I think, " he replied, maliciously, "that you and Isabel will be toomuch occupied in cultivating the acquaintance of mal de mer to carefor your best friends. "

"How's that, Thornton? Think it will be rough?" inquired RalphMainwaring. 

"The captain tells me the wind is freshening every moment, and we'llhave a decidedly choppy sea before night. I'm thinking we'll have anasty trip. "

"In that case, perhaps mamma and I will not be the only victims, "said Isabel Mainwaring. 

"I fear not, " responded Mr. Thornton. "Were it not or my inherentchivalry, I should turn back; but I cannot leave you ladies to meetyour fate alone. "

Amid the general confusion of leave-taking, Mr. Whitney turnedtowards Miss Carleton, saying in a low tone, as he took her hand, --

"I have received cordial invitations both from yourself and Mr. Thornton to visit your home, and I feel assured of a welcome shouldI accept your courtesy; but, pardon me, Miss Carleton, if, after sobrief an acquaintance as ours, I inquire whether I might ever hopefor a welcome from you other than that of a friend?"

The beautiful brown eyes met his own frankly, but all the laughterand sunshine had gone out of them. They were serious and had almosta look of pain. 

"I am sorry, Mr. Whitney, " she said, simply; "but it would be veryunjust if I led you to hope that I could ever regard you other thanas an esteemed friend. "

"Pardon me for troubling you, " he said, gently. "Believe me alwaysyour friend, and forget that I ever asked for more than friendship, "and, releasing her hand, he passed on to the others. 

The final adieus were spoken; Ralph Mainwaring and his son, accompanied by the attorney, went ashore; and Miss Carleton, notcaring just then to meet the curious glances of her companions, walked slowly towards the forward part of the deck. She had gonebut a few steps, however, when she caught sight of the familiarfigure of Mr. Merrick at a little distance, in conversation with atall, slender man, with dark, piercing eyes. He was speakingrapidly in low tones, but his usually non-committal face wore anexpression of unmistakable satisfaction. Suddenly he turned andwalked swiftly in Miss Carleton's direction. Their eyes met, andin response to her glance of recognition he quickly crossed towhere she was standing. 

"I have but a few seconds left, Miss Carleton, " he said, a genialsmile lighting up his face; "but I am glad of an opportunity towish you a pleasant trip. Are you a good sailor?"

"I hardly know, " she answered. "I have had so little experience onthe sea. Why? Shall we have a stormy passage, do you think?"

"Nothing dangerous; a little rough, perhaps; but with congenialcompany, such as I trust you will find, " and his eyes gleamed withkindly merriment, "you will hardly mind that. Good-by, MissCarleton; bon voyage; and if I can ever in any way serve you as afriend, do not fail to command me, " and before she could reply hehad vanished in the crowd. She looked in vain for any trace ofhim; then turning to glance at his companion of a moment before, discovered that he had disappeared also. 

A moment later the great ocean liner glided majestically out fromthe harbor amid prolonged cheers and a final flutter of farewells;but she was well out upon the tossing waves ere Miss Carleton turnedfrom watching the receding shore to join her friends, as yet havingfound no solution of the problem perplexing her, nor even themeaning which she felt must be concealed in the words of thedetective. 

They had not been out many hours before it became evident that Mr. Thornton's unfavorable predictions regarding their journey werelikely to be fulfilled. The sea was decidedly "choppy" and themotion of the boat anything but exhilarating. 

When the hour for dinner arrived, Mr. Thornton, his daughter, andMiss Carleton were the only members of their party to venture forthto the dining-saloon, the others preferring to have a light repastserved in their own apartments. The captain, having discovered inMr. Thornton an old-time friend, had ordered seats for him and hisparty at his own table, and the young ladies, finding their appetitesrather an uncertain quantity, had plenty of opportunity for observingtheir fellow-passengers, particularly an Anglomaniac of the mostpronounced type, in the person of a callow youth seated oppositethem, whose monocle, exaggerated collar, and affected drawl affordedthem considerable amusement. 

"Winifred, " said Miss Thornton, as they were leaving thedining-saloon, "do you see that young Englishman at the farthertable?"

Her cousin glanced carelessly in the direction indicated, noting thefine, athletic figure seated, back towards them, at some distance, attired in heavy English tweed. 

"Yes. What of him?"

"Nothing in particular; only the sight of him is such a relief, youknow, after that wretched caricature at our table. "

"Poor little harmless dudelet!" mused Winifred, with a smile; "hisself-complacency will be short-lived whenever he meets Isabel. Shewill simply annihilate him with one of those glances of hers!"

At Miss Carleton's suggestion, they went on deck; but Edith grew sorapidly ill that her cousin assisted her below to their own elegantsuite of apartments, which adjoined, on one side, those occupied byMrs. Mainwaring and her daughter, while on the other was comfortablestate-room belonging to Mrs. Hogarth. 

Finding Mrs. Mainwaring and Isabel already reduced to a state ofabject helplessness which required the attendance of both maids aswell as of the stewardess, Miss Carleton left Edith in Mrs. Hogarth'scare, and, wrapping herself warmly, again went on deck. The wind wasincreasing and she found the decks nearly deserted, but the solitudeand the storm suited her mood just then, and, wrapping her rugclosely about her, she seated herself in a comparatively shelteredplace, alone with her own thoughts. 

As she recalled the parting interview with Mr. Whitney, another faceseemed to flash before her vision, and a half-formed query, whichhad been persistently haunting her for the last few hours, now tookdefinite shape and demanded a reply. What would have been the resultif that other, instead of leaving without one word of farewell, hadasked for the hope of something better and deeper than friendship?What would her answer have been? Even in the friendly shadow of thedeepening twilight she shrank from facing the truth gradually forcingitself upon her. 

A solitary figure pacing the deck aroused her from her revery. Ashe approached she recognized the young Englishman of whom Edith hadspoken. Dressed in warm jacket, with cap well pulled down over hiseyes and hands clasped behind him, he strode the rolling deck withstep as firm and free as though walking the streets of his nativecity. She watched him with admiration, till something in hiscarriage reminded her of the young secretary at Fair Oaks, and inthe sudden thrill of pleasure produced by that reminder there wasrevealed to her inner consciousness a confirmation of the truth shesought to evade. 

She watched the retreating figure with flashing eyes and burningcheeks. "It is not true!" she exclaimed, to herself, passionately. "I do not care for him! It was only a fancy, a foolish infatuation, of which, thank heaven, neither he nor any one else shall ever know. "

But the monarch who had taken possession of her heart, call him bywhat name she chose, was not to be so easily dethroned. 

Meanwhile, the young English stranger passed and repassed, unconsciousof the figure in the shadow, unconscious of the aversion with whichone of his countrywomen regarded him because of his resemblance toanother. He, too, was vainly seeking the solution of problems whichbaffled him at every turn, and waging an ineffectual warfare againstthe invisible but potent sovereign--Love. 

All that night the storm raged with increasing fury, and morningfound the entire Mainwaring party "on the retired list, " as MissCarleton expressed it. She herself was the last to succumb, butfinally forced to an ignominious surrender, she submitted to theinevitable with as good grace as possible, only stipulating thatshe be left entirely to herself. 

Towards night the storm abated slightly, and, weary of her ownthoughts, which bad been anything but agreeable, and bored by thesociety of her companions in misery, she wrapped her rug warmlyabout her and ventured out on deck. The air, laden with saltspray, seemed invigorating, and without much difficulty she foundher way to her sheltered corner of the preceding evening. She hadbeen seated but a few moments, however, when the young Englishmanmade his appearance, as preoccupied and unconscious of hissurroundings and as free from any symptoms of discomfort as whenshe had last seen him. The sight of him was the signal for thereturn of the thoughts which had that day kept her company. Shecast a wrathful glance upon the unconscious young stranger justthen passing, his perfect health and evident good humor underexisting circumstances adding to her sense of injury andexasperation. She grew ill, and determined to return at once toher apartments, but found her progress against the gale slower andmore difficult than she had anticipated. Dizzy and faint, she hadjust reached the stairs when a sudden lurch threw her violently toone side; she staggered helplessly and would have fallen, but atthat instant a strong arm was thrown about her and she felt herselflifted bodily. With a sigh of relief she turned her head towardsher rescuer, supposing him one of the officers of the ship, only todiscover, to her horror, that she was in the arms of the youngEnglishman. His face was in the shadow, but the light falling onher own face revealed her features, and at that instant she heard asmothered exclamation, --

"Great heavens! can it be possible?"

Something in the tone startled her and she listened, hoping he wouldspeak again. He did not; but she noted the tenderness with whichshe was borne down the stairs and put in care of the stewardess. Again she listened eagerly for his voice, but his words were briefand in an altered tone. 

During the succeeding twenty-four hours in which Miss Carleton tossedin misery, one thought was uppermost in her mind, --to discover, ifpossible, the identity of the stranger who had come to her assistance. The only information obtainable, however, was that he was evidentlya gentleman of wealth, travelling alone, and apparently with noacquaintance on board with the exception of a young English officer. She determined, at the earliest possible moment, to meet hermysterious rescuer and thank him for his kindness, but was unableto carry her plan into immediate execution. Meantime, she learnedthat he had twice inquired for her. 

On Sunday afternoon, their fourth day out, the storm had ceased andthe weather was gradually clearing, and Miss Carleton, somewhat palebut quite herself again, came out for a promenade. She found quitea number of passengers on deck, but for some time she looked in vainfor her unknown friend. At last, after several brisk turns, shesaw him standing at a little distance, talking with the tall, dark-eyed man whom she had seen in conversation with Mr. Merrick. The younger man's cap was thrown back, revealing to Miss Carletonthe fine profile, almost classical in its beauty, of the secretaryat Fair Oaks. For a moment her pulse throbbed wildly. She felt athrill of pleasure, not unmingled with a twinge of the resentmentwhich she had been nursing for the last few days. Then she walkedcalmly in his direction, saying to herself, --

"At least, I will thank him for his kindness. I am no love-lornpeasant maid wearing my heart upon my sleeve!"

She had nearly reached his side, though he was unaware of herpresence, when the young English officer approached from the otherside and, slapping him familiarly upon the shoulder, exclaimed, --

"Well, Mainwaring, my boy, you've kept your sea-legs well on thistrip. "

The tall, dark-eyed man withdrew, and Miss Carleton, utterlybewildered, turned and slowly retraced her steps. Mainwaring! Whatdid it mean? She heard the name distinctly, and he had taken it asa matter of course, replying pleasantly and quietly, as though hehad known no other name. The mystery which she had thought to solvehad only deepened tenfold. She was aroused by the cheery voice ofthe captain. 

"Well, well, Miss Carleton, glad to see you out! I congratulateyou on your speedy recovery. How are the ladies? and how is myold friend Thornton?"

They took a few turns up and down, chatting pleasantly, till MissCarleton, looking into the face overflowing with kindliness andgood humor, said, --

"Captain, I have a great favor to ask of you. "

"Granted, my dear young lady, to the half of my kingdom!"

"May I have your permission to examine the list of cabin passengers?"

The captain elevated his shaggy eyebrows and his eyes twinkled withmerriment. "Ah! anxious to learn if some particular friend is onboard, I suppose. Some one was inquiring of me the other nightregarding your identity. "

"Indeed!" said Miss Carleton, a world of inquiry in her eyes. 

"Yes; Mr. Mainwaring, the gentleman conversing with Lieutenant Cohenover there. He and I both went to your assistance the other evening, but, much to my regret, he was quicker than I. He remarked to meafter he came back on deck that he had supposed you were a stranger, but that your face looked familiar. He asked your name, and whetheryou were with Mr. Thornton and his daughter, stating that he had metyou. Correct, I presume?"

"Quite so, " said Miss Carleton, quietly. 

"And now about that passenger list, Miss Carleton; you have mypermission to examine it, and I will accompany you myself. "

She thanked him. "Are you acquainted with Mr. Mainwaring?" sheinquired, carelessly. 

"Never met him until this trip. On first learning his name, Isupposed him to be a member of your party, as he is evidently agentleman; but I soon learned that he was alone. "

A few moments later the register was opened for Miss Carleton'sinspection, but she did not have to search long. Half-way down thefirst page she found, in the familiar writing of the secretary, thename which she sought--"Harold Scott Mainwaring. "

CHAPTER XVI

MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS

Thanking the captain for his courtesy, Miss Carleton returned toher accustomed seat on deck, and, since one is never more alonethan when surrounded by a crowd of utter strangers, she felt atliberty to pursue her own thoughts without interruption. 

She could scarcely credit what her own ears had heard or her eyeshad seen. Harold Scott Mainwaring! What could it mean? Could itbe possible that the secretary, having familiarized himself withthe family history of the Mainwarings, was now masquerading underan assumed name for some object of his own? But she dismissedthis idea at once. She had assured him at Fair Oaks that shebelieved him incapable of anything false or dishonorable, and shewould abide by that belief until convinced otherwise. But if thiswere indeed his name, what had been his object in assuming the roleof Scott, the secretary? Which was genuine and which assumed? Whocould tell? As if in answer to her thoughts, she saw the subjectof them approaching. He was alone and looking in her direction, and on reading the recognition in her glance, his own face lightedwith a smile that banished the last shade of resentment andsuspicion from her mind, albeit there was a question in her eyeswhich prepared him in a measure for her first words. With a smileas bright as those with which she had been accustomed to greet himat Fair Oaks, she extended her band, saying, slowly, --

"Mr. Mainwaring, this is indeed a surprise!" She watched himclosely, but there was not the quiver of an eyelash, only a slow, inscrutable smile, as he replied, --

"Miss Carleton, I will add to that, and say that this is thepleasantest surprise of my life. "

She blushed at the implied meaning of his words, and he added, --

"I have not seen you on deck until to-day. "

"Not last Friday evening?" she inquired, archly. His smile deepened. "I did not know that it was you at that time until after I hadstarted below. Did you recognize me?"

"I thought I recognized your voice; and I have often wished to thankyou for your kindness, but this is my first opportunity, as I havenot been out since until to-day. "

"Please do not mention it. Had I dreamed who it was thus bravingthe storm, I would have offered my assistance earlier. I have notyet recovered from my surprise on discovering the identity of myfellow-passenger that evening. "

"Indeed!" laughed Miss Carleton; "my presence here is very easilyexplained. It is simply the result of one of Mrs. Mainwaring'snumerous whims, as she suddenly decided upon an immediate return toEngland. I think, however, that the surprise was mutual. "

"Accordingly, I suppose that mutual explanations should follow, "he answered, lightly. Then added, more seriously, "Miss Carleton, I am aware that there is much in my conduct that must seeminexplicable to you. In a few weeks everything will have beenmade clear, in the natural course of events; but, if you would beat all interested to hear, I would greatly prefer that you shouldhave a perfect understanding of the situation before the factsbecome generally known. "

"I should greatly appreciate such a mark of confidence, " she replied. 

"If agreeable to you, Miss Carleton, let us pass around to the otherside; it is less crowded there. My friend and I have two chairs, and, as he has gone to his state-room to do some writing, we shallbe in no danger of interruption. "

When comfortably seated, the young man said, "It is a strange storywhich I have to tell, but I will try not to tax your patience tooseverely. One week ago this afternoon, Miss Carleton, in passingthrough the hall at Fair Oaks, I accidentally overheard a portionof your conversation with Mr. Whitney, as you related to him thestory of the unfortunate love and death of my father, Harold ScottMainwaring. "

Miss Carleton started violently, but said nothing, and, after aslight pause, the speaker continued, --

"My earliest recollections are of a home in Australia, withfoster-parents, whose name it is unnecessary to mention, but whosecare and love for me seem, as I now look back, to have equalled thatbestowed by natural parents upon their own child. Not until I hadreached the age of fifteen years did I ever hear of my own father. I then learned that he had given me, at birth, into the keepingof my foster-parents, with instructions that, unless he himselfshould call for me, I was not even to know of his existence untilwithin five or six years of my majority. I learned, further, thathis action in thus placing me in the hands of others had beensolely on account of deep trouble and sorrow, of which he wished meto know nothing until I had reached the years of manhood. Whengiving me into their keeping he had also given them a small packet, containing a sealed letter, which was to be read by me on mytwenty-first birthday, if he had not himself claimed me before thattime. I was told that, while I was too young to retain anyremembrance of him, he frequently visited me and manifested thegreatest devotion to his child, but as I grew older he remainedaway, writing occasionally to my foster-father. 

"In the last letter received from him, when I was about five yearsof age, he stated that he was going to Africa to make a fortune forhis son. Nothing further was heard from him until there came tidingsof his death at sea, in the manner which you recently related. 

"Of all this I, of course, knew nothing until ten years later, butwhat was told me at that time made a deep impression upon me. Of mymother I could learn absolutely nothing; but for my father, of whomI had no personal knowledge, and concerning whom there seemed somuch that was mysterious, I felt a love and reverence almost akin toadoration, and I longed for the day to come when I could read theletter he had left for me and learn the whole secret of that sadlife. 

"My twenty-first birthday arrived, and the mysterious little packetwas placed in my hands. It contained a few valuable keepsakes andmy father's letter, written out of the bitter anguish of a brokenheart. He told the story of his disinheritance, with which you arefamiliar; but the loss of the property he cared little for incomparison with the loss of his father's love; but even that was asnothing to the sorrow which followed swiftly and which broke hisheart. He stated that, because of this great sorrow, he had placedme in the hands of trusted friends that I should be banished fromthe false-hearted woman who had borne me and who believed me dead, as it was his wish that neither of us should ever know of theexistence of the other. "

Harold Mainwaring paused for a moment, and Miss Carleton, who hadbeen listening with great interest, exclaimed, --

"And is it possible, Mr. Mainwaring, that, in all these years, youhave had no knowledge concerning your mother?"

"It is a fact, Miss Carleton, that I do not even know her name, orwhether or not she is living. I only hope and pray that I maynever knowingly meet her, for her heart and life must be--pardonthe expression--as false and as black as hell itself. "

There was a look on his face which Miss Carleton had never seen. Gradually, however, his features softened, and he continued, --

"In accordance with my father's wish, expressed in the letter, thatI should complete my studies in England, I sailed for that countrywithin a few weeks of my twenty-first birthday; and while there Ilearned that part of my story which is of more especial interest toall parties concerned at the present time. 

"I had been but a few months in England when I felt a great desireto visit, incognito, the old Mainwaring estate. Accordingly, underthe name by which you have known me, I arrived at the estate, onlyto learn that the home of my father's boyhood, and of the Mainwaringsfor several generations, had passed into the hands of strangers. My grandfather had died within two years of my father's marriage, and the younger son had sold the estate and gone to America. Incidentally, I was directed to an old servant of my grandfather's, who yet remained on the place and who could give me its wholehistory. That servant, Miss Carleton, was old James Wilson, thefather of John Wilson, Ralph Mainwaring's present valet. "

"Ah!" ejaculated Miss Carleton, her face lighting with pleasure; "Ihave seen the trusty old fellow hundreds of times, you know. Indeed, he could give you the history of all the Mainwarings for the lastthree hundred years. "

"He gave me one very important bit of history, " Harold Mainwaringreplied, with a smile. "He told me that old Ralph Mainwaring, afterthe departure of his son for Australia, failed rapidly. He wasslowly but surely dying of a broken heart, and, though he nevermentioned the name of his elder son, it was evident that he regrettedhis own harshness and severity towards him. 

"On the night before his death he suddenly gave orders for anattorney to be summoned, and was so insistent in his demand, that, when it was ascertained that his old solicitor, Alfred Barton, thefather of the present firm of Barton & Barton, had been called outof the city, a young lawyer, Richard Hobson by name, who had formerlybeen an articled clerk in Barton's office, was called in in hisstead. A little before the hour of midnight, in the presence of hisson, Hugh Mainwaring, Richard Hobson, the attorney, and AlexanderMcPherson, an old and trusted Scotch friend, Ralph Mainwaring causedto be drawn and executed a will, completely revoking and settingaside the process of law by which Harold Scott Mainwaring had beendisinherited, and restoring to him his full rights as the elder son, McPherson and the attorney signing the will as witnesses. "

Miss Carleton's eyes dilated and her breath came and went swiftly, but she spoke no word save a single, quick exclamation. 

"James Wilson, the servant, was also present, but in an obscurecorner, and his presence seems to have been unnoticed. The nextmorning, at five o'clock, Ralph Mainwaring passed away, happy inthe thought that he had at last made reparation for his injusticeto his elder son. Within two months the old Scotchman died, andRichard Hobson was then the sole surviving witness of the last willand testament of Ralph Maxwell Mainwaring. 

"This was all the direct information I could obtain from Wilson, but from other sources I learned that Hugh Mainwaring was never thesame after his father's death. He grew stern and taciturn, andwould allow no mention of his brother's name, and within two yearshe had disposed of the estate and left England forever; while a fewyears later tidings were received of the death of Harold ScottMainwaring at sea. I also learned that about this time RichardHobson suddenly rose from the position of a penniless pettifoggerto that of an affluent attorney, though he was engaged inquestionable speculations far more than in the practice of law. 

"I visited the chambers of Barton & Barton, and learned throughthem that everything had been adjusted in accordance with the termsof the will in their possession, which disinherited the elder son;but Hugh Mainwaring's action in disposing of the estate had excitedconsiderable comment. 

"Having pledged them to secrecy, I disclosed my identity andrelated to them the story of the old servant. To my surprise, theywere inclined to give the story credence; and, acting upon theiradvice, I obtained all possible information regarding HughMainwaring, and, when my studies were completed, sailed for America, with the express determination to secure proof in verification ofthe facts which I had already gathered, and to establish my claimas the legal heir of the Mainwaring estate. I was not without meansto do this, as my father had accumulated considerable propertyduring the few years he lived in Australia, and my foster-parentsare people of wealth. 

"You will understand now, Miss Carleton, why I took the position ofprivate secretary to Hugh Mainwaring. You will realize how eagerlyI studied the correspondence between him and Richard Hobson, fromwhich I learned that the latter was extorting large sums of moneyas the price of his silence regarding some fraudulent transaction, presumably the destruction of the will; and perhaps you can imaginemy feelings on discovering, one day, among Hugh Mainwaring's privatepapers, a memorandum to the effect that the will had never beendestroyed, but was still in existence and in his possession. Iknew that to make any demand upon him for the document would beworse than useless, as he would never admit my claim. I must findit for myself. I searched for that will as for hidden treasure, and, Miss Carleton, I found it!"

"Oh!" she exclaimed, unable to repress her emotion, "I am so glad!Do tell me how and when!"

"I found it on the last day of Hugh Mainwaring's life, within twohours after he had signed his own last will and testament. "

"What a strange coincidence!"

"It was strange; and it was my discovery on that day which formedthe subject of my thoughts on the following night, the night of themurder, and which kept me pacing my room until three o'clock inthe morning. "

"Did Mr. Mainwaring know of your discovery?"

"No; I had no opportunity to see him that evening until too late, even if I had chosen to broach the subject to him at that time. "

"Might he not have discovered in some way that you had found thewill?"

"I think not. Why do you inquire?"

"It only occurred to me if it might not be possible that he hadreason to think his secret had at last been discovered, and, ratherthan face the consequences, committed suicide; but it seemsimprobable. But to think that you are the son of the one whom Ihave always considered the noblest of all the Mainwarings, and thatyou, and not Hugh, are the rightful heir to the old Mainwaringestate! I am more than glad, and Hugh will be glad also. He willnot begrudge you one shilling or have one unkind thought towardsyou, though I cannot say the same for his father. "

"Hugh is a noble-hearted fellow, " said Harold, warmly. "He haspromised me his friendship, and I believe he will stand by it. "

He spoke briefly of his plans; of his business in London for a fewdays; and, when the will should have been probated in the Englishcourt, of his return to America to establish his claim there. 

"Mr. Mainwaring, " said Miss Carleton, after a pause, "I aminexpressibly glad to learn what you have told me, and you have mysincerest wishes for your immediate success. I appreciate, morethan I can tell, your confidence in permitting me to be the firstto know of your good fortune. May I be the first to congratulateyou?"

He took the proffered hand; but, looking into the beautiful eyessparkling with happiness, his own face grew serious, as he replied, --

"I thank you for your congratulations and your good wishes, MissCarleton, but I sometimes question whether my discovery, on thatparticular day, of the will--the last link in the chain ofevidence against Hugh Mainwaring--was a matter for congratulation. "

"How is that?" she inquired, quickly. 

"Do you not see that when all these facts become known, they may beused by my enemies to direct suspicion against me as the possiblemurderer of Hugh Mainwaring?"

"Who would think of such a thing?" she exclaimed, indignantly. 

"Ralph Mainwaring will, " was his prompt reply. 

"He might try to incite the suspicions of others against you, but hewould know in his own heart that his insinuations were unfounded. "

"I have no fear of him, " said Harold, with a smile; "I only mentionedit to show that I do not anticipate upon my return to America thatmy pathway will be strewn with roses. "

He paused a moment, then added, "I had this in mind, Miss Carleton, when I asked you once whether your confidence in me were strongenough to stand a heavy strain, if necessary. "

She blushed slightly at the reminder, and a look of quickcomprehension flashed across her face, as, for an instant, shedropped her eyes before his earnest gaze. When she again lookedup the luminous eyes met his own unwaveringly, as she replied, infirm, low tones, --

"I will believe in you and trust you to the fullest extent, whateverhappens. "

"I thank you more than I can express, " he answered, gravely; "for, believe me, Miss Carleton, I value your confidence and friendshipfar above any and every other. "

"I did not suppose you needed any assurance of my friendship; though, after your sudden departure from Fair Oaks, I felt somewhat doubtfulwhether you cared for it. "

He did not reply at once, and when he did, it was evident he wasrepressing some strong emotion. "I feel that there is an explanationdue you for my manner of leaving Fair Oaks. I am aware that it hadthe appearance of rudeness, but I can only say that it was fromnecessity and not from choice. There is something more which I hopesome day to tell you, Miss Carleton, but, until I can speak as Iwish to speak, it is best to remain silent; meanwhile, I will trustto your friendship to pardon whatever in my conduct may seem abruptor inexplicable. "

The conversation was terminated at this point by the appearance ofLieutenant Cohen, whom Harold Mainwaring introduced as an oldclassmate, and presently all three adjourned to the dining-saloon. 

To Harold Mainwaring and Miss Carleton the remainder of the voyagepassed swiftly and pleasantly, and the friendship begun at Fair Oaksdeepened with each succeeding day. Though no word of love passedbetween them, and though Miss Carleton sometimes detected on thepart of her companion a studied avoidance of personal subjects, yet, while wondering slightly at his self-imposed silence, she oftenread in his dark eyes a language more eloquent than words, and wascontent to wait. 

It was his desire that the other members of her party should stillremain in ignorance of his real identity; and, as the greater partof the voyage proved somewhat rough, he had little difficulty inpreserving his secret. Mr. Thornton and daughter soon made theirappearance and greeted the quondam secretary with unaffectedcordiality, but Mr. Thornton was too deeply engrossed in renewingacquaintance with one or two old friends to pay much attention tothe younger man, while Edith felt in duty bound to devote herselfto the entertainment of Mrs. Mainwaring and Isabel, a task whichMiss Carleton was not at all disposed to share. Not until the lastfew hours of the trip, when fair weather had become an establishedfact and land had been sighted, did Mrs. Mainwaring and her daughterappear on deck, and in the general excitement Harold Mainwaringescaped their observation. 

The parting between himself and Miss Carleton was necessarily brief. She gave him her address, saying, --

"I would be delighted if you could consider yourself our guest whilein London, and I hope at least that I may see you often before yourreturn. "

"I thank you, Miss Carleton, " he replied. "If present circumstanceswould admit of it, nothing would give me greater pleasure than toaccept your invitation, but under existing conditions it is, ofcourse, impracticable. I cannot now say how long I will remain inLondon, but I wish to make my stay as brief as possible, and to thatend shall devote almost my entire time to business; but, " he added, with a peculiar smile, "I shall not repeat the offence committed atFair Oaks. You may rest assured I shall not return to Americawithout seeing you, and I hope at that time to be able to speakmore definitely regarding my future. "

There was that in his eyes as he spoke that suffused the fairEnglish face with lovely color and caused a tender, wistful smileto linger about the sweet mouth long after he had left her side. 

He was one of the first to land, and Miss Carleton, watching fromthe deck, saw, almost as soon as he had reached the pier, afine-looking gentleman in the prime of life step quickly out from, the crowd, and, grasping him cordially by the hand, enter at onceinto earnest conversation. Harold Mainwaring turned towards thesteamer for a parting salute, and, as both gentlemen raised theirhats, she recognized in the new-comer, Alfred Barton, the juniormember of the firm of Barton & Barton. She watched them untilthey disappeared in the crowd, then, turning to rejoin hercompanions, she noted, standing at a little distance, the slender, dark-eyed individual whom she had observed on previous occasions, also watching the scene with a smile of quiet satisfaction, muchlike that which Mr. Merrick's face had worn at the beginning of theVoyage. 

CHAPTER XVII

LOVE FINDS A WAY

Less than three weeks later, Harold Mainwaring entered MissCarleton's private drawing-room in Mr. Thornton's London home. Soon after her arrival in the city she had received from him abrief note of apology, stating that unexpected business of thegreatest importance would render it impossible for him to call asearly as he had anticipated; hence this was their first meetingsince the leave-taking on board the "Campania. "

As Miss Carleton stepped forward with cordial smile and handextended to welcome her visitor, she was shocked at the change inhis appearance. He was pale, almost haggard, and deep lines aboutthe mouth and eyes told of some intense mental strain. She gavea low cry of astonishment, for it seemed as though years, insteadof only a few weeks, had intervened since she had seen that face. 

"Mr. Mainwaring, you have been ill!" she exclaimed. 

"No, Miss Carleton, " he replied, his face lighting with a raresmile; "I have been perfectly well, but loss of sleep and constantcare and anxiety have told rather severely on me. Nothing moreserious, I assure you. "

"Anxiety!" she repeated, at the same time motioning him to a seatby her side. "Surely you do not anticipate any difficulty inestablishing your claim?"

"No difficulty so far as its validity is concerned. My attorneysassure me there can be no question as to that with such irrefutableproofs in my possession, but some unlooked-for complications havearisen, and we have had to prepare ourselves to meet them. But Idid not call to burden you with my perplexities, Miss Carleton. Tell me of yourself. I trust you have been well since I last sawyou. "

"Yes, I am usually well, " said Miss Carleton, who thought shedetected on the part of her visitor an avoidance of any detailsconcerning himself; "but I have been rather bored of late. " Then, in answer to his look of inquiry, she continued, "Of course, onaccount of Hugh Mainwaring's death, we have been living veryquietly since our return, but, notwithstanding that fact, societyhas been paying due homage to the prospective increase of fortuneand added social position of the Mainwarings. I am not particularlyfond of society in the ordinary sense of the word, you know, and Ihave found it exceedingly tiresome. "

"From reports, I should judge 'society' to be very fond of yourself, "he remarked, with a smile. 

"After its own fashion, " she replied, smiling in return; "but itbecomes very monotonous. It is the same old round, you know, onlythat just now it bows a little lower than formerly, while it minglescondolences and congratulations in the most absurd manner. Onehears, 'Such a dreadful affair! so shocking, don't you know!' and'Such delightful fortune! I quite envy you, my dear!' all in thesame breath. I am only awaiting what society will say when the realfacts become known. "

Harold Mainwaring made no reply, but a strange pallor overspreadhis already pale face, at which Miss Carleton wondered. 

"I have thought very often of you during these past weeks, " shecontinued, "and felt quite impatient to learn how you wereprogressing, and your note was so brief, you know. It left so muchunsaid. I fear you forget how interested I am in all that concernsyourself. "

"No, " he replied, slowly, "I do not forget; and I appreciate yourinterest in me even though I may not seem to, --even though I amforced, as you say, to leave so much unsaid which I had hoped tosay. "

Something in his manner, more than in what he said, thrilled herwith a vague, undefinable sense of impending evil, and, during theslight pause which followed, she dreaded his next words, lest theyshould in some way confirm her apprehensions. He said nothingfurther, however, and when she spoke it was with an assumedlightness and cheerfulness which she was far from feeling. 

"I hoped to have the pleasure of meeting you often ere this, andmy uncle and cousin would have been so glad to welcome you totheir home during your stay in London, but they have just gone outof town for a few days. "

"Ordinarily, Miss Carleton, " he replied, quietly, "I should bepleased to meet them, but on the present occasion, as I sail, to-morrow, I naturally care to see no one but yourself. "

"To-morrow!" she exclaimed, while her own cheek suddenly paled. "Do you return so soon?"

"Yes, " he replied, observing her emotion, and speaking rapidly toconceal his own feelings; "my business is at last completed. Ihave been detained longer than I expected, and I found thesituation more complex than I anticipated, but I shall return wellequipped for the battle. "

"And you will win, I am sure. Tell me something regarding yourplans, " she added, with a wistful smile that touched her companionfor more than he cared to betray. 

"Mr. Alfred Barton goes with me to America, " he said, speakingcheerfully; "and we have already cabled instructions to Mr. Sutherland, my New York attorney, regarding the initiatory steps. Mr. Barton and myself will be accompanied by James Wilson, the oldservant who witnessed the execution of the will, "--Miss Carleton'seyes brightened, --"and also by a thoroughly competent, first-classScotland Yard officer. "

She gave a low exclamation. "I see what a powerful witness oldWilson will make; but the detective, what will you do with him?"

"We are going to investigate the murder of Hugh Mainwaring, " hesaid, calmly. 

"Why, surely, you cannot mean--" she hesitated. "You do not thinkthat suspicion will be directed against any of the guests at FairOaks, do you?"

"My dear Miss Carleton, I cannot say at present. Perhaps, " he added, slowly, looking steadily into her eyes, "perhaps, when all is over, suspicion will be directed against myself so unmistakably that publicopinion will pronounce me guilty. "

"I cannot believe that, " she cried; "and even were it so, --shouldthe whole world pronounce you guilty, --I would still believe youinnocent; and I think, " she added, quickly, "that is your object inemploying a detective: by finding the real murderer, you willestablish your own entire innocence. "

"May God grant it!" he replied, with a fervor she could notunderstand. "I thank you, Miss Carleton, for your kind words; Ishall never forget them; and, however the battle goes, I can feelthere is one, at least, whose friendship and confidence are mine, can I not?"

"Most assuredly, Mr. Mainwaring. But why do you speak as thoughthere were a possibility of defeat or failure? I am so confidentthat you will win, after the story of your life that you have givenme, that I am all impatience to learn the outcome of the contest, just as having read one chapter in some thrilling romance I am eagerfor the next. "

He smiled at her comparison. "Real life, as well as romance, sometimes contains startling surprises, Miss Carleton. The nextchapter might prove less pleasant. "

She looked keenly into his face for a moment, and her manner becameas serious as his own. 

"There must be something, " she said, "of which you have not told me;if so, I will not ask your confidence until you choose to bestow it, nor do I trust you, personally, any the less. It only seemed to me, with your prospects of success, and the great wealth and enviableposition so soon to become yours, there could be no unpleasantanticipations for the future. "

A bitter smile crossed his face, as he inquired in low, tense tones, "Of what avail are wealth and position to one who finds aninsurmountable barrier placed between himself and all that he holdsmost precious on earth?"

"I fear I do not understand you, " she replied. "I cannot imagineany barriers surrounding you; and did they exist, my judgment ofyou would be that you would find some way to surmount or destroythem. "

"There are some barriers, some fetters, " he said, gently, "againstwhich humanity, even at its best, is powerless. "

"Yes, " she answered, a touch of sadness in her voice; "and there aresometimes sorrows and troubles in which even the closest and warmestfriendship is powerless to aid or comfort. "

"Don't allow yourself to think that of your friendship for me, " hesaid, quickly. "Assured of your confidence and sympathy, I shallbe ten times stronger to face whatever the future may bring. If Isucceed in what I am about to undertake, I shall one day tell youall that your friendship has been worth to me. If I fail, thethought that you believe in me and trust me, while it will not beall that I could wish, may be all that I can ask. "

"And if you should fail, " she queried, slowly, "would you give meno opportunity to show you, and others, my confidence in you, eventhen?"

"My dear Miss Carleton, " he replied, in tones tremulous withsuppressed feeling, "much as I appreciate your kindness, I wouldnever, now or at any future time, willingly mar your life or yourhappiness by asking you to share any burden which might be laidupon me. I would at least leave you to go your way in peace, whileI went mine. "

"And I?" she asked, reproachfully. "Would it contribute to myhappiness, do you think, to remember the sorrow and suffering whichI was not allowed to share?"

"Could you not forget?"

"Never!"

The young man sprang to his feet abruptly, his face working withemotion, and took two or three turns about the room. At last hepaused, directly in front of her, and, folding his arms, stoodlooking down into the beautiful eyes that met his own sounflinchingly. He was outwardly calm, but the smouldering firewhich seemed to gleam in his dark eyes told of intense mentalexcitement. 

"Miss Carleton, " he said, slowly, in low tones, but yet whichvibrated through her whole being, "you are almost cruel in yourkindness; you will yet make a coward of me!"

"I have no fear of that, " she answered, quietly. 

"Yes, a coward! Instead of remaining silent as I intended, andkeeping my trouble within my own breast, you will compel me inself-defence to say that which will only give you pain to hear, thereby adding to my own suffering. "

"Perhaps you misjudge, " she replied, and her voice had a ring ofpathos in it; "any word of explanation--no matter what--would beless hard for me to endure than this suspense. "

"God knows I would make full explanation if I could, but I cannot, and I fear there is nothing I can say that will not add to yoursuspense. Miss Carleton, you must need no words from me to tellyou that I love you. I have loved you almost from the first dayof our meeting, and whatever life may have in store for me, you, and you alone, will have my love. But, loving you as I do, couldI have looked forward to the present time, could I for one momenthave foreseen what was awaiting me, believe me, you should neverhave known by word or look, or any other sign, of my love. "

He paused a moment, then continued. "If that were all, I mighthave borne it; I could have locked my love forever within my ownheart, and suffered in silence; but the fact that you have given mesome reason to believe that you were not wholly indifferent to me, --thethought that I might in time have won your love, --makes thepossibilities of the future a thousand times harder to bear. It isharder to forego the joys of Paradise when once you have had aglimpse within! It was to this I alluded when I spoke of theinsurmountable barrier placed between myself and all that I holdholiest and best on earth!"

"But I do not understand!" she cried, her lovely color deepeningand her eyes glowing with a new light, until Harold Mainwaringconfessed to himself that never had he seen her so beautiful. "Whatbarrier could ever exist between you and me?"

For an instant he looked at her in silence, an agony of love andlonging in his eyes; then drawing himself up to his full height, he said, slowly, --

"Not until I can stand before you free and clear from the faintestshadow of the murder of Hugh Mainwaring, will I ever ask for thatmost precious gift of your love!"

Her face blanched at the mere possibility suggested by his words. "But you are innocent!" she cried in swift protest, "and you couldprove it, even were suspicion directed against you for a time. "

"Even admitting that I were, the taint of suspicion is sometimes aslasting as the stain of crime itself. "

She arose and stood proudly facing him. "Do you think I would fearsuspicion? To hear from your own lips that you love me and thatyou are innocent would be enough for me; I would defy the wholeworld!"

He did not at once reply, and when he spoke it was slowly andreluctantly, as though each word were wrung from him by torture. 

"My dear Miss Carleton, even to you I cannot say that I am innocent. "

There was a moment's pause, during which she gazed at him, speechless with astonishment; a moment of intense agony to HaroldMainwaring, as he watched whether her faith in him would waver. But she gave no sign, though she scanned his face, as the condemnedcriminal scans the document handed him as the fateful day approaches, to ascertain whether it contains his pardon or his death sentence. 

"Understand me, " he said at last, gently, unable longer to endurethe terrible silence, "I do not admit that I am in any way guilty, but until I am fully acquitted of any share in or knowledge of thedeath of Hugh Mainwaring, I can make neither denial nor admission, one way or the other. "

"But you still love me?" she inquired, calmly. 

"Miss Carleton, --Winifred, --how can you ask? You are, and alwayswill be to me, the one, only woman upon earth. "

"That is sufficient, " she answered, with a strange, bright smile;"my faith in you is perfect, and faith and love can wait. "

"Wait, my love! until when?" he cried. 

"If needful, until Eternity's sunlight dispels Earth's shadows!Eternity holds ample compensation for all of Earth's waiting. "

"But, my darling, " he said, half protesting, while he folded her tohis breast, "you know not the risk you may be running; I cannotaccept the sacrifice that may be involved. "

"My decision is taken, and it is irrevocable, " she answered, withan arch smile; then added, "There can be no barriers between us, Harold, for Love will find a way!"

CHAPTER XVIII

AN UNFORESEEN FOE

Though nearly six weeks had elapsed since the death of the masterof Fair Oaks, and as yet no light had been shed on that mysteriousevent, the interest of the public mind in the affair had in no wiseabated during this brief interim. On the contrary, its curiosityhad been so whetted by the partial revelations of the inquest, thatit had eagerly followed each step of the legal proceedings leadingtowards the inevitable contest over the property, ready to hailwith delight the appearance of the Mainwaring skeleton when itshould step forth from its long hiding to disclose the secrets ofthe past. 

As early as possible, a petition, setting forth the terms andconditions of the last will and testament of Hugh Mainwaring, andpraying for letters of administration in accordance therewith to beissued to William H. Whitney, the executor named in said will, hadbeen filed in the district court. A few days thereafter, thepetition of Eleanor Houghton Mainwaring, for letters to be issuedto Richard Hobson, was also filed. The hearing in the applicationfor letters of administration occupied several days; very littleevidence was adduced, however, which had not already been given atthe inquest, and in due time an order was issued by the court, appointing Mr. Whitney administrator of the estate, with instructionsthat the same be adjusted according to the terms of the lost will. From this order, Eleanor Houghton Mainwaring, through her attorney, Hobson, had appealed, and the contest had at last begun. 

For greater convenience during the legal proceedings, RalphMainwaring had closed the suburban residence, dismissing whatservants were no longer needed, though still retaining the newcoachman, and had removed to Hugh Mainwaring's city residence, where he and his son made themselves perfectly at home, diningwith Mr. Whitney at his club. Mrs. LaGrange, having beencompelled to resign her position at Fair Oaks, had also removedto the city and taken apartments in a convenient hotel until thetermination of her suit. 

The afternoon of the second day since the opening of the case wasdrawing to a close; the testimony on the appellant's side had beentaken, and it was expected that the respondent would be heard on thefollowing day, when an event transpired which completely overthrewall proceedings had thus far, and which promised the waiting publicdevelopments as startling as could be desired. 

This event was none other than the filing in the district court ofa document purporting to be the last will and testament of the fatherof the deceased Hugh Mainwaring, by the terms of which the Mainwaringestate, as it then existed, together with the bulk of his otherproperty, passed to Harold Scott Mainwaring, an elder son who hadbeen previously disinherited, but was by this will restored to hisfull rights. With this document, worn and yellow with age, was fileda petition, setting forth the claims of one Harold Scott Mainwaring, the lawful, living, and only son of the said Harold Scott Mainwaringnamed in the will, but since deceased, and sole heir of theMainwaring estate, and praying for letters of administration to beissued to George D. Sutherland, attorney for the said lawful heir. 

The court adjourned amid intense excitement, just as the newsboyswere crying the headlines of the evening papers, --

"A New Heir to the Mainwaring Property! Discovery of Will secretedmore than Twenty-five Years! Millions wrongfully withheld from theRightful Owner!"

Strangely enough, the two most interested in this unexpected turnof affairs were among the latest to learn the surprising news. Ralph Mainwaring, having felt slightly indisposed, and knowing thathis side would not come up for hearing until the following day, hadmade himself as comfortable as possible in the elegant apartmentswhich he had appropriated to his own use, while his son had leftthe court-room at an early hour to devote the remainder of theafternoon to letter-writing. 

The latter glanced up from his writing and nodded pleasantly, asMr. Whitney, pale with excitement, was ushered by the butler intothe library. 

"Mr. Mainwaring, is your father in?" the attorney inquired, hastily. 

"I believe so, " replied the young man, smiling broadly; "the last Iknew, the governor was luxuriating in his rooms up-stairs; I thinkyou will find him there now. How's the case coming on, sir?" headded, as the attorney turned quickly towards the hall. "Anythingnew developed?"

"Yes; decidedly new!" Mr. Whitney answered, rather brusquely; "youhad better join us up-stairs!" and he disappeared. 

The young man's face grew suddenly serious, and, springing from hischair, he swiftly followed the retreating figure of the attorney, arriving just in time to hear the latter exclaim, in reply to somequestion from his father, --

"Well, sir, the storm has burst!"

Ralph Mainwaring was, as his son had said, "luxuriating" in a superbreclining chair, his eyes half closed, enjoying a fine Havana, butthe attorney's words seemed to produce the effect of an electricshock. 

"The deuce, sir! what do you mean?" he demanded, instantly assumingan upright position. 

"I simply mean that what I have expected and dreaded all along hasat last come to pass. "

"Then, since it was not unexpected, it is to be presumed that youwere at least prepared for it! That shyster and his designingclient must, at the last moment, have exerted their inventivefaculties to a remarkable degree!"

"On the contrary, " said the attorney, quietly ignoring the other'ssarcasm, and handing copies of the evening papers to father andson, "I am satisfied that neither Hobson nor his client has any partin the developments of this afternoon. "

A brief silence followed, during which the attorney watched the twomen before him, noting the strange contrast between them, neveruntil that moment so apparent. Young Mainwaring's boyish face grewpale as he read, and he occasionally glanced at Mr. Whitney, asthough seeking in his face either confirmation or contradiction ofthe report, but he remained calm and self-possessed, preserving hisgentlemanly bearing to the close of the interview. The face of theelder man, however, rapidly assumed an almost apoplectic hue, theveins standing out from his temples like whip-cords, and when hespoke his voice trembled with rage. He was the first to break thesilence, as, with an oath, he flung the papers upon the floor, exclaiming, --

"It is a lie from beginning to end! The most preposterousfabrication of falsehood that could be devised! The 'will, ' as itis called, is nothing but a rank forgery, and the man who daresassert any claim to the estate is a damned impostor, and I'll tellhim so to his face!"

"I examined the document very carefully, Mr. Mainwaring, " said theattorney, "and I shall have to admit that it certainly had everyappearance of genuineness; if it is a forgery, it is an exceedinglyclever one. "

"Do you mean to tell me that you believe, for one moment, in thisbalderdash?" demanded Ralph Mainwaring, at the same time rising andstriding about the room in his wrath. "The utter absurdity of thething, that such a will ever existed, in the first place, and thenthat it would be secreted all these years only to be 'discovered'just at this critical moment! It is the most transparent inventionI ever heard of, and it is a disgrace to your American courts thatthe thing was not quashed at once!"

"That could not very well be done, " said Mr. Whitney, with a quietsmile; "and as the matter now stands, the only course left open forus is to prepare ourselves for a thorough investigation of the case. "

"Investigation be damned!" interrupted the other, but, before hecould proceed further, he was in turn interrupted by youngMainwaring. 

"I say, governor, you'd best cool down a bit and listen to what Mr. Whitney has to say; if this thing is a forgery, we surely can proveit so; and if it isn't, why, all the bluster in the world won't helpit, you know. "

His father faced him with a look of withering contempt. "'If' itis a forgery! I tell you there are no 'ifs' about it. I suppose, though, you are just fool enough that, if any man made a pretenceof a claim to the estate, you would simply hand it over to him, and thank him for taking it off your hands!"

"That's just where you are wrong, governor. I would fight him, fairand square, and he would have to prove a better claim than minebefore he could win. But the point is this, don't you know, you canfight better with your head cool and your plans well laid beforehand. "

"The young man is right, " said Mr. Whitney, quickly; "there is everyindication that our opponent, whoever or whatever he may be, is wellprepared for contesting the case. I understand he has plenty ofevidence on his side and the best of legal counsel. "

"Evidence, I suppose, " interposed Ralph Mainwaring, with a sneer, "in support of a document that never existed, and a man that neverlived on the face of the earth; for Harold Mainwaring never had aliving son. Have you seen this remarkable individual?"

"I believe no one in this country has seen him as yet, sir. He isexpected to arrive on the 'Umbria, ' which I understand is due theearly part of next week. "

The face of the other showed slight surprise at this statement, but, before he could speak, the young man inquired, --

"I say, Mr. Whitney, what sort of a man is this attorney, Sutherland?Is he another Hobson?"

Mr. Whitney shook his head significantly. "Mr. Sutherland is one ofthe ablest men in his profession. I consider him a fine jurist, aneloquent pleader, and a perfect gentleman. I had some conversationwith him after court adjourned, and while he, of course, stated nodetails, he gave me to understand that his client had a strong case. He also informed me that Barton & Barton, of London, had beenretained in the case, and that his client would be accompanied tothis country by the junior member of the firm, Alfred Barton. "

"By Jove, that looks bad for us!" ejaculated young Mainwaring, while his father exclaimed, impatiently, --

"Barton & Barton? Impossible! that is mere bombast! Why, man, the Bartons, father and sons, have been the family solicitors ofthe Mainwarings for the past fifty years. The old firm of Barton& Sons had charge of the settlement of the estate when it passedinto Hugh Mainwaring's possession at the death of his father. "

"So I had understood, " said the attorney; "I have heard Mr. Mainwaring himself speak of them. "

"And, " continued the other, "only a few days before sailing forAmerica, I called at their chambers in London and told them ofHugh's intentions regarding my son and received theircongratulations. Now, sir, do you mean to tell me, in the faceof all this, that Barton & Barton are retained by this mushroomclaimant, whoever he is? Pooh! preposterous!"

Mr. Whitney shook his head slowly. "Mr. Sutherland is not the manto make any misstatements or allow himself to be misinformed. AllI have to say is, if those attorneys are retained in the case, itcertainly looks as though our opponent must have some tenableground in support of his claim. I am inclined to think they willmake us a hard fight, but I am confident that we will win in theend. The main point is this: we must be prepared to meet them onwhatever ground they may take, and, after hearing their side andthe proof they set up, we can easily determine our line of defence. "

"To the deuce with your line of defence! I tell you, Whitney, thereis just one point to be maintained, and, by my soul, it shall bemaintained at any cost!" and the speaker emphasized his words bybringing his clinched hand down upon a table beside him withterrific force "that point is this: Harold Scott Mainwaring neverhad a living, lawful son; no such person exists, or ever hasexisted on the face of the earth, and I can prove what I say. "

"Have you absolute proof of that?" Mr. Whitney inquired, quickly. 

"I have, " replied Ralph Mainwaring, triumphantly, while his cold, calculating gray eyes glittered like burnished steel. "If any manthinks I have been asleep for the past twenty-one years, he isdeucedly mistaken. Mr. Whitney, since the day of that boy's birth, "pointing to his son, "I have had but one fixed resolve, which hasbeen paramount to everything else, to which everything else hashad to subserve, --the Mainwaring estate with its millions shouldone day be his. Not a day has passed in which this was notuppermost in my mind; not a day in which I have not scanned thehorizon in every direction to detect the least shadow likely tointervene between me and the attainment of the dearest object ofmy life. When the news of Harold Mainwaring's death reachedEngland, in order to guard against the possibility of a claim everbeing asserted in that direction, I set myself at once to the taskof finding for a certainty whether or not he had left any issue. I never rested day or night until, after infinite labor and pains, I had secured the certificate of the attendant physician to theeffect that the only child of Harold Mainwaring died within anhour from its birth. "

"Have you that certificate now?" inquired the attorney. 

"Not here; it is among my private papers at home. "

"Cable for it at once; with the death of Harold Mainwaring's childfully established, the will would cut no figure, one way or another. "

"That will, " said Ralph Mainwaring, fiercely, turning upon Mr. Whitney with an expression which the latter had never seen, "let metell you, will cut no figure one way or another in any event. Thatwill, remember, is a forgery; and, if necessary, I will prove it so, if it takes my last shilling and the last drop of my heart's bloodto do it; do you understand?"

The attorney understood, and was more than ever convinced in his ow mind that the old will filed that day was genuine. 

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Mrs. LaGrange sat alone inher apartments, awaiting the coming of Richard Hobson. It wasconsiderably past the hour which he had set and daylight was slowlymerging into dusk, yet enough light still remained to show thechanges which the last few weeks had wrought in her face. Herfeatures looked pinched and drawn, and a strange pallor had replacedthe rich coloring of the olive skin, while her dark eyes, cold andbrilliant as ever, had the look of some wild creature suddenlybrought to bay. She shuddered now, as, from her window, she saw thecringing form of Hobson approaching the building. 

"To think, " she exclaimed to herself, passionately, "that thatcreature is the only one to whom I can go for counsel or advice! Iloathe the very sight of him; fool that I was ever to place myselfwithin his power! I thought I could use him as a tool like therest; but it is like playing with edged tools; yet I dare not lethim go. "

A moment later, she heard a stealthy, cat-like tread in the corridoroutside, followed by a low, peculiar tap at the door, and Hobsonentered. 

She crossed the room slowly, keeping her face in the shadow, and, motioning him to a chair, seated herself opposite, watching himnarrowly. 

"You are late, " she said, coldly, in response to his greeting. 

"Admitted, my lady, " he replied, in his usual unctuous tones, "butI naturally wished to ascertain all the facts possible regardingthis new deal, and, seeing Whitney nosing about on the trail, Idecided to remain within ear-shot and pick up what information Icould second-hand. "

"What did you learn?"

"Nothing very definite, and yet enough, perhaps, to give us ourcue until further developments. My dear lady, what do you think ofthis new turn of affairs?"

"The whole thing is simply preposterous; a piece of the mostconsummate audacity I ever dreamed of!"

"Ha! I thought it would strike you as particularly nervy. It isthe most daring bit of invention I have seen for some time; and itmust be a pretty cleverly concocted scheme and pretty well backedwith the ducats also, for I learned to-night that the 'heir, '"laying special emphasis on the word, "has secured the services ofBarton & Barton, and those birds are too old to be caught withchaff; besides, you know as well as I the part that firm has takenin the Mainwaring affairs. "

"Barton & Barton? Incredible! The case is hopeless then for RalphMainwaring: he is a fool if he expects to win. "

"Just what I was leading up to. Whitney is no match even for thisman, Sutherland, and he will be a mere child in the hands of theBartons. Now, the question is, where do we come in? As you say, Ralph Mainwaring's case is hopeless, unless--" and he lookedsignificantly at his client. 

"I do not think I quite catch the drift of your meaning, " she answered, slowly. 

"Has it not occurred to you that there are not two people in existencewho can so quickly tear to shreds the scheme of this impostor asyou and I? There is not a human being living outside of myself whoknows the real facts concerning that will; and who could give sucheffective and convincing testimony regarding Harold Mainwaring'sson as yourself?"

"Admitting all this, what do you propose?"

"When Ralph Mainwaring has staked his highest card and finds thatthe game is irrevocably lost, what will he not give at the lastcritical moment for assistance such as we can then furnish him?"

"And which course would you pursue in that event?" she asked, atinge of irony in her tone. "Would you deny that such a will everexisted in face of whatever evidence may be brought forward in itssupport? or would you admit being a party to the destruction ofthe will?"

"My dear madam, I am perfectly capable of conducting this affairto our mutual satisfaction and without running my head into any trap, as you so pleasantly suggest. And right here allow me to say thatit would be just as well for you not to make those insinuationswhich you are so fond of throwing out at random. As I said before, no living person outside of myself, including even yourself, knowsthe facts regarding that will. You have your own surmises, but theyare only surmises, and you had best keep them to yourself as youknow enough of me by this time to know it will be to your interestto accept my suggestions and fall in line with my plans. "

Her face was in the shadow, and he did not see the scornful curl ofher lip or her peculiar expression, as she remarked coldly, --

"You are only wasting words and time in your efforts to intimidateme. You have not yet made any suggestions or outlined any plans. I have asked you what you propose to do. "

"I have not time to go into details, but, briefly stated, I propose, when the right opportunity presents itself, to prove, first, thatthis document filed to-day is a forgery. If I can show conclusivelythat the original will was accidentally lost, or intentionallydestroyed, or if I happen to have the original in my possession, --underany of these conditions I gain my first point. Then, throughyour testimony, I shall demonstrate unequivocally a still moreimportant point, that this so-called heir is a gross impostor, thatno such individual exists. "

"And for this, you expect--what?"

"For this I shall demand a handsome remuneration, to be divided, ofcourse, between yourself and myself, and Ralph Mainwaring will onlytoo gladly give the half of his kingdom for such services. "

"And your testimony would have so much weight with Ralph Mainwaringand the Bartons, and with every one else who has any knowledge ofyour London history!"

Hobson winced visibly, but before he could reply she continued:

"You are talking the most arrant foolishness. You know that thosemen would not allow your testimony in court; they would very quicklyprocure evidence to show that your word, even under oath, isworthless; that you are a liar, a perjurer and a--"

"Not so fast, not so fast, my lady. If past histories are to beraked up, I know of one which embraces a much wider area than Londonalone; Melbourne, for instance, and Paris and Vienna, to say nothingof more recent events!"

"Do your worst, and I will do mine!" she replied, defiantly. "Thatis nothing to the point, however. What I have to say is this: Youare a fool if you think that you or I can ever extort money fromRalph Mainwaring. He would give no credence whatever to anythingthat you might say, and if once my identity were revealed to him, he would go through fire and blood rather than that one shilling ofhis should ever become mine. "

"And what do you propose to do?" he asked, sullenly. "Do youintend to give up the game?"

"Give up? Never! I would give my life first! I will yet have myrevenge on the Mainwarings, one and all; and I will repay themdouble for all the insult and ignominy they have heaped upon me. "

"That is to the point; but how will you accomplish it?" said Hobson, in a more conciliatory tone, for each feared the other, and hethoroughly understood the spirit of his client. "Let us bereasonable about this; you and I have too much at stake and toomany interests in common for us to quarrel like children. "

"If I were differently situated, I can assure you we would then havevery few interests in common, " she replied, bitterly. 

"Well, supposing you were, what would you do in this case?" heinquired, softly, apparently taking no notice of her remark, butin reality making a mental note of it for future reckoning. 

"Defeat Ralph Mainwaring, by all means; if necessary, producetestimony to show that this will is genuine. If he spends his lastshilling to fight the case, so much the better. Then, when thecase is settled and this so-called heir is master of the situation, or supposes himself so, bring suit to show that he is an impostor, and assert my own claim as the nearest living heir. "

Hobson whistled softly. "A plan worthy of your ambition, my lady, but hardly feasible. It is one thing to assert a claim, andanother to be able to establish it. Through your over-ambitionyou would lose in the end, for, should you succeed in dispossessingthis stranger, Ralph Mainwaring would surely come forward with hisclaim, and you would be beaten. "

"When I lay down arms to a Mainwaring, I will lay down my life also, "she answered, proudly. 

"You think so, perhaps; but let me tell you the best course for youto pursue is to make terms, either with Ralph Mainwaring, as Ifirst suggested, or else with this new-comer--should he provevictorious--by threatening to expose his whole scheme. "

Mrs. LaGrange made no reply, and Hobson, rising to take leave, sawher face for the first time and paused, surprised at its strangeexpression. 

"Well?" he said, with a look of inquiry. 

"My thoughts were wandering just then, " she said, with a faintsmile, and her tone was so changed the voice scarcely seemed herown. "I was wishing, just for the moment, that this stranger, whoever he may be, was in reality the one he claims to be. Iwould need no attorney to make terms with him then!"

"You forget; he would be a Mainwaring!"

"Yes; but he would be the only Mainwaring and the only human beingI could ever have loved, and I would have loved him better thanmy own life. "

"Love!" repeated Hobson, with a sneer. "Who would ever havethought to hear that word from your lips! But how about your son, Walter; do you not love him?"

"Him!" she exclaimed, passionately; "the price I paid hoping towin Hugh Mainwaring! I am proud of him as my own flesh and blood, but love him? Never!"

"But you have not yet told me what you think of my last suggestion, "he said, tentatively, watching her closely. Her manner changedinstantly; rising with all her accustomed hauteur and turning fromhim with a gesture of dismissal, she replied, --

"Come to me later, when I shall have measured lances with our newopponent, and you shall have your answer. "

He would have spoken, but her dismissal was final, and withdarkening face he left the room. 

CHAPTER XIX

MUTUAL RECOGNITIONS

The sudden turn of affairs in the Mainwaring case excited no smallamount of comment, and for the next ensuing days speculation wasrife concerning the recently discovered will, but more particularlyregarding the new and unknown claimant. At the clubs and elsewhereit formed the principal topic of conversation, and Ralph Mainwaringwas loud in his denunciations of the one as a forgery, and of theother as an impostor. To all such remarks, however, as well as tothe questions of the curious, Mr. Sutherland had but one reply, accompanied by a slow, quiet smile; that on the day set for thehearing, he would not only prove the validity of the will, butwould also establish, beyond all doubt or question, the identityof the claimant. 

As a result, public curiosity was so thoroughly aroused, that uponthe arrival of the "Umbria, " an unusual crowd of reporters wasassembled at the pier, notwithstanding a pouring rain, and thegang-plank had no sooner been thrown down than a number of themore ambitious rushed on board, eager to be the first in gainingsome bit of information or personal description. Their efforts, however, were unsuccessful, as the individuals whom they mostdesired to meet remained in their state-rooms and declined to beinterviewed. Not until the crowd had about dispersed and thepatience of a few of the more persistent was nearly exhausted, wastheir zeal rewarded by the sight of a party of four Englishmen, whohastily left the boat, completely enveloped in heavy mackintoshes, and, taking a closed carriage which was awaiting them, were drivenrapidly to the Waldorf Hotel. 

At the hotel the party still remained inaccessible to all visitors, with the exception of Mr. Sutherland, who spent much of his timein their apartments. It was ascertained that the party consistedof two gentlemen, one of whom was accompanied by a valet, theother--presumably the attorney--by a clerk, but all effortstowards gaining any more definite information prove absolutelyfutile. The arrival by the next steamer of another stranger, anelderly gentleman, who immediately joined the party at the Waldoff, after having registered under an evident alias, only served todeepen the mystery. 

Upon the arrival of the day set for the hearing of the proof insupport of the ancient will, the court-room was, at an early hour, packed to its utmost capacity. Occupying a prominent place wereRalph Mainwaring and his son, accompanied by Mr. Whitney, thesensitive face of the attorney more eager and alert than ever!At some distance from them, but seated rather conspicuously whereshe could command a good view of all that occurred, was Mrs. LaGrange, while in a remote corner of the court-room, partiallyconcealed by the crowd, was Richard Hobson. 

Within a few moments preceding the appointed hour, Mr. Sutherlandappeared. His entrance caused a sudden hush of expectationthroughout the crowd and all eyes were immediately turned in hisdirection. Accompanying him was a gentleman whose bearing commandeduniversal admiration, and whom the Mainwarings instantly recognizedas the English barrister whose connection with the case they haddeemed so incredible. But a still deeper surprise awaited them. Immediately following the attorneys was a young man whose featuresand carriage were familiar, not only to the Mainwarings, but toscores of spectators as well, as those of the private secretary ofthe deceased Hugh Mainwaring, whose testimony at the inquest hadcreated so much of a sensation, and whose sudden disappearancethereafter had caused considerable comment. There was a ripple ofexcitement through the court-room, and the Mainwarings, father, andson, watched the young man with strangely varying emotions, neitheras yet fully comprehending the real significance of his presencethere. 

"The secretary!" exclaimed Mr. Whitney, in a low tone. "Can it bepossible that he is concerned in this?"

"He is probably the hired tool by means of which this has beenbrought about. I might have known as much!" replied the elder man, his old hatred and wrath reviving with greater intensity than ever, but before he could proceed further his glance fell on thesecretary's companion. 

He was a tall, elderly gentleman, with snow-white hair and beard, but with form erect and vigorous, and with piercing eyes which metthose of Ralph Mainwaring with a flash, not of recognition alone, but of disdain and defiance that seemed to challenge him to do hisutmost. 

With a muttered oath, the latter half rose from his chair, but atthat instant his attention was arrested by the two men bringing upthe rear; one, small and of uncertain age, the other, older eventhan he appeared, and bearing the unmistakable air of an Englishservant. As Ralph Mainwaring recognized James Wilson, the lastrelic of the old Mainwaring household, he suddenly grew pale andsank back into his chair, silent, watchful, and determined; whilehis son and the attorney, quick to note the change in his appearance, made neither inquiries nor comments, but each drew his ownconclusion. 

There was one other to whom the white-haired gentleman did not seeman utter stranger. Mrs. LaGrange from her post of observation hadwatched the entering party with visible signs of excitement. Herlips curled in a mocking smile as she caught sight of the secretary, but glancing from him to his companion, she involuntarily recoiledin terror, yet gazed like one fascinated, unable to remove her eyesfrom his face. Suddenly the piercing eyes met her own, their lookof astonishment quickly changing to scorn. She flushed, then paled, but her eyes never faltered, flashing back mocking defiance to hisanger and scorn for scorn. 

Meanwhile, the quondam secretary, seated between the attorneys onthe one hand and his elderly companion on the other, seemed alikeunconscious of the many curious glances cast in his direction andof the dark looks of Ralph Mainwaring now fastened on him. At alittle distance was the old servant, his immovable features expressingthe utmost indifference to his surroundings, looking neither to theright hand nor to the left. 

Not so with the remaining member of the party, the so-called "clerk!"Seated beside the English barrister, his eye seemed to sweep theentire court-room with a glance that omitted no details, not eventhe cringing form of Hobson, who quailed and seemed to be trying toshrink still further into concealment as he felt himself includedin the search-light of that gaze. But no one saw the slip of paperwhich, a moment later, was handed to Alfred Barton, and by himpassed to Mr. Sutherland. There was a hurried filling out of blankslying among the papers on the table, a messenger was despatched, twoor three men edged themselves into the crowd in Hobson's vicinity, --andthat was all!

Promptly at the time appointed the case was called. There wasperfect silence throughout the court-room as Mr. Sutherland arose, holding in one hand the ancient will, and with breathless attentionthe crowd listened for the opening words of what was to prove oneof the fiercest and most bitter contests on record, and of whosefinal termination even the participants themselves little dreamed. 

After a few preliminaries, Mr. Sutherland said, addressing the court, --

"Before proceeding farther, your honor, I will give orders for thesubpoena, as a witness in this case, of one Richard Hobson, aliasDick Carroll. "

Then turning towards the crowd in the rear of the courtroom, he added, "Let the papers be served at once. "

There was a stir of excitement and a sudden craning of necks in thedirection indicated by the attorney's glance, where three men hadsprung forward in obedience to his orders. 

Hobson, at the first mention of his name, had glanced quickly abouthim as though seeking some means of escape, but on hearing thealias--the name he had supposed unknown in America--he paused foran instant, seemingly half paralyzed with terror. But the sight ofthe approaching sheriff broke the spell, and he made a sudden lungethrough the crowd in the direction of an open window. His progresswas speedily checked by one of the deputies, however, and after ashort, ineffectual struggle he sullenly submitted. 

"Bring the witness forward, " said Mr. Sutherland, with his calm, slow smile; "we may call upon him before long, and he would probablyprefer a seat convenient to the witness stand. "

As he was seated opposite and facing the English party, it was notedthat the face of the old servant lighted up with a look ofrecognition, and he watched the new-comer with evident interest. Hobson, having carefully avoided the eyes of both Alfred Barton andthe private secretary, soon became aware of Wilson's scrutiny, andafter regarding him fixedly for a moment seemed suddenly to recognizehim in turn, and also to realize at the same time the import of hispresence there, which, apparently, did not tend to lessen hisagitation. 

Slowly Mr. Sutherland unfolded the document he held, yellow withage, the edges of its folds so frayed and tattered as to render thewriting in some places almost illegible. Slowly, in deep, resonanttones, he read the opening words of the old will; words of unusualsolemnity, which caused a hush to fall over the crowded court-room:

"In the name of God; Amen. Know all men, that I, Ralph MaxwellMainwaring, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, but nowupon my death-bed, soon to appear in the presence of my Maker, domake and publish this, my last will and testament; hereby revokingand setting aside any and every will at any time heretofore madeby me. "

Then followed, in quaint phraseology, the terms of the will; bywhich the full right and title of the first-born son, under theEnglish law, were conveyed to Harold Scott Mainwaring, and all legalprocesses theretofore entered into, depriving him of such rights, were forever annulled; restoring to the said Harold Scott Mainwaring, as his rightful inheritance, the entire family estate, includingother valuable property; the said property at his death to pass tohis eldest living son, or in case of his dying without issue, torevert to his brother Hugh, were the latter living, if not, to thenearest living heirs of the Mainwarings; but on no account was anyportion of the estate or property to pass to the wife of HaroldScott Mainwaring, should she survive him. 

As the reading of the will progressed, Hobson's feelings, too deepand genuine at that moment for disguise, were plainly mirrored inhis face. Having for years believed the old will destroyed, as henow listened to the words dictated to himself upon that memorablenight, so long ago, it was little wonder that to his cowardly soulit seemed like a voice from the dead, and that astonishment, fear, and dread were depicted on his features, merging into actual terroras the attorney at last pronounced the names of the witnesses, Alexander McPherson and Richard Hobson. 

For a few seconds his brain reeled, and he saw only the face of thedying man as it looked that night, --stern and pale, but with dark, piercing eyes, deep-set, within whose depths still gleamed theembers of a smouldering fire which now seemed burning into hisinmost soul. Trembling from head to foot, Hobson, with a mightyeffort, regained his scattered faculties and again became consciousof his surroundings, only to find the eyes of the secretary fixedupon his face, and, as he shrank from their burning gaze, the truthflashed suddenly upon him. 

"The face of old Mainwaring himself!" he muttered in horror; thenadded, with an oath, "Fool that I was not to have known it sooner!That woman lied!"

CHAPTER XX

OPENING FIRE

The first witness called to the stand by Mr. Sutherland was JamesWilson. There were many present who noted the resemblance betweenhim and his son, John Wilson, who had given testimony at theinquest, though unaware of the relationship between them. 

"Mr. Wilson, " said the attorney, after the usual preliminaries, "Iunderstand you were for a number of years in the employ of RalphMaxwell Mainwaring, the testator whose name is affixed to this will;is that so?"

"Yes, sir, " was the reply, while the attention of the crowd was atonce riveted upon the witness. 

"Will you state how long you were in his employ, and in whatcapacity?"

"I was his valet, sir, from his twenty-fifth year until the day ofhis death, a little above thirty-five years, sir; and during hislast illness, of about three months, I was with him constantly, you might say, sir. "

"Do you recognize the document just read in your hearing as anythingwhich you have heard before?"

"That I do, sir. "

"State when and under what circumstances you have previously heardit. "

"At the death-bed of Mr. Ralph Mainwaring, sir, twenty-five yearsago the seventeenth of last November. I was present at the makingof that will, sir, the night before Mr. Mainwaring died. I heardhim give those words to the lawyer, and then heard them read tohim before the will was signed. "

"By whom was it drawn?"

"By Richard Hobson, sir; the man sitting there, " pointing to theshrinking figure of Hobson. 

"Do you positively identify that man as the writer of this will?"

"That I do, sir, " with marked emphasis; "when one once sets eyeson the likes o' him, he's not likely to forget him soon. "

"Was Richard Hobson the attorney of Mr. Mainwaring?"

"Ah, no, sir, " with evident scorn; "his attorney was Mr. AlfredBarton, the father, sir, of this gentleman, " indicating the Englishbarrister, while the interest of the crowd deepened. 

"How, then, was this man employed to draw the will?"

"Mr. Barton was out of town, sir; and as Mr. Mainwaring was dyingand naught would satisfy him but to have a lawyer, they brought Mr. Barton's clerk. "

"State the circumstances under which this will was drawn; was Mr. Mainwaring influenced by any one to make it?"

"He was influenced by none but his own conscience, sir. You see, sir, three or four years before, he was very angry with his elderson, and cut him off without a shilling and gave everything to Mr. Hugh. But it broke his heart to do it, for Mr. Harold was hisfavorite, as indeed he was everybody's, though he never mentionedhis name again until the night he made the will. Well, sir, allthat day we knew he was dying, and he knew it, and he was restlesstill late at night, when of a sudden he tells us to get his lawyer. Mr. Hugh tried to put him off, and told us his mind was wandering;but 'twas no use; and the carriage was sent for Mr. Barton, andwhen word was brought back that he was out of town, it was sentagain and brought back his clerk. Everything was all ready, andhe was propped up in bed by pillows, his eyes burning as though therewas fire in them. He repeated those words while the lawyer wrotethem down, and then had them read to him, and at fifteen minutesof twelve o'clock the will was signed and sealed. "

"You were present during the drawing up of the will?"

"Yes, sir, I was present through it all, but not where the otherssaw me. When the lawyer came, Mr. Hugh told me to leave the room;but as I was going his father called me back and bade me stay, and I was standing at the foot of the bed, hidden by the curtainsof the canopy, so none but the old gentleman saw me. "

"Who else was present?"

"Mr. Mainwaring's old friend, Sandy McPherson, Mr. Hugh, and thelawyer. "

"No one else? Were there no physicians present?"

"There were physicians in the house, sir, but not in the room. "

"How long did Mr. Mainwaring live afterwards?"

"He died at five o'clock the next morning, sir; his strength wentfast after that was done, but he rested easy and seemed satisfied. "

"What was done with the will?"

"Mr. Hobson took it away with him that night. "

"Have you ever seen it since?"

"No, sir. "

"Mr. Wilson, " said the attorney, showing the witness the will, "canyou swear to these signatures as being the same which you saw affixedto the will upon that night?"

Wilson studied the document attentively for a moment. "Yes, sir, that is Mr. Mainwaring's writing, only a bit unsteady, for his handtrembled. McPherson's writing I know, and you mark that blot afterhis name? I remember his fussing that night because he had blottedthe paper. "

"And the third name, is that the signature of this man, RichardHobson?"

"I know naught about that man's writing, " the old fellow replied, with a shrewd look; "but you will mind that the name is the samewriting as the will itself, and he wrote that and signed his nameto it, for I saw him. "

"And you have neither seen that will, nor heard it read until thismorning?"

"No, sir. "

"You have remembered it all these years?"

"Maybe not word for word, sir, but I have kept the sense of it inmy mind. "

"Are you positive that this is the will drawn up on the night ofwhich you speak?"

"That I am, sir. "

"Did you ever speak to any one of this will?"

"To none but my son, sir. Mr. Hugh Mainwaring was that sort of aman, I could not speak to him about it, or ask about his brother. I asked to be allowed to stay about the old place in hopes that someday Mr. Harold would come back to have a look at his old home, andI could tell him of it, for I thought things had not gone rightaltogether. Then we heard of his death, and I thought it was toolate; I could do no good by speaking, and I held my tongue untilthe young gentleman came. "

Wilson was then dismissed and Hobson was next called to the stand. More even than the reading of the old will, the truth which haddawned upon Hobson's mind as he met the piercing gaze of thesecretary, had convinced him that the position which he had intendedto assume, adverse to the new claimant and as an ally of RalphMainwaring's, was neither politic nor safe. His views on thatsubject had undergone a decided change, and, with his usualweathervane proclivities, he was now preparing to take a totallydifferent stand and strive to ingratiate himself into the favor ofthe new heir, at the same time leaving, if possible, a few loop-holesthrough which he could retreat, should some veering wind change hiscourse in another direction. 

"Mr. Hobson, " said the attorney, somewhat abruptly, when thenecessary preliminaries were over, "did you on the night of November17, 18-, act as attorney for Ralph Maxwell Mainwaring, in the drawingup, at his request, of his last will and testament?"

"I believe so, sir, " was the guarded answer. 

"Did you or did you not?" Mr. Sutherland persisted. 

"I did, sir. "

"Have you, during all these years, had any knowledge that the willyou drew under the circumstances already mentioned was still inexistence?"

After a slight pause, the witness replied, "I had no positiveknowledge to that effect. "

"Did you believe the will to be in existence?"

Hobson reflected a moment, then replied, cautiously, "I was led tosuppose that the will did not exist. "

"You remember the form, terms, and conditions of the document drawnby yourself on that occasion?"

"I do, perfectly, " he replied, with more assurance. 

"State whether the will read in your hearing this morning isidentical with the one drawn by yourself. "

Hobson now saw the drift of the attorney's questions, but it was toolate. 

"As near as I can recollect, " he stammered, but a word from Mr. Sutherland recalled him. 

"You just said you remembered perfectly. "

"I believe they are identical in form. "

"Mr. Hobson, " said the attorney, spreading out the document beforethe witness, but still retaining his hold upon it, "will you stateto the court whether that is your writing, and whether the last name, that of the second witness, is your signature. "

With great precision, Hobson adjusted a pair of eyeglasses andproceeded to scrutinize the writing closely. "Well, " he remarked, at length, very deliberately, "I do not deny that to be my writing, nor am I prepared to positively affirm that it is such. The factis, my chirography varies so much from time to time that I oftenfind it difficult for me to verify my own signatures. "

"Here are some papers which may assist the gentleman, and may be ofsome use to the court, " said a deep voice with rich, musicalinflections, but slightly tinged with sarcasm, and the Englishattorney handed a small package to Mr. Sutherland. "They contain, "he added, "some specimens of the witness's chirography of about thesame date as the will. "

"The writing in both cases is identical, " said Mr. Sutherland, as, having examined the papers, he showed them to Hobson, but a glanceat their contents seemed rather to confuse the witness thanotherwise, for he remained silent. 

"Do you acknowledge these letters to be of your writing?" inquiredthe attorney. 

"I do, sir; and I have no doubt but that the other is my writingalso. "

"You acknowledge this, then, as the will which you wrote at thedictation of Ralph Maxwell Mainwaring the night before his death?"

"I believe it is, sir. "

"Mr. Hobson, why was this will not make public following Mr. Mainwaring's death and burial?"

"On the day after his death, I gave it into the keeping of his son, Hugh Mainwaring, at his own request, and he afterwards gave me tounderstand that it was lost. "

"And you were paid for keeping silent as to the existence of sucha will, were you not?"

"I may have been, " the witness replied, with a calmness born ofdesperation. 

"That is sufficient for the present. "

A few moments followed in which the attorneys consulted together, while comments in tones of subdued excitement and expectancy wereexchanged among the crowd. Ralph Mainwaring had sat with darkeningface throughout the testimony thus far; now he remarked to Mr. Whitney, with a bitter sneer, --

"Fine witnesses! A beggarly shyster whose oath is worthless, andan imbecile old servant, who could be bought for a half-crown!"

Young Mainwaring turned upon his father a look of indignant surprise. "Governor, " he said, "it would not be well for you if either oldJames Wilson or his son heard that remark of yours!"

"It will be well for you to attend to your own business and keepyour mouth shut!" responded his father, angrily. 

Beneath the calm exterior which the young man preserved, the oldMainwaring blood was now fast rising, but he made no reply, for atthat instant Mr. Sutherland announced the name of the next witness:

"Harold Scott Mainwaring!"

There was a sudden hush throughout the court-room, broken an instantlater by a low murmur of mingled astonishment, incredulity, andwonder as the private secretary rose and walked towards the witnessstand. A few comments reached his ears, but he seemed unconsciousof them, and, having taken his place, turned towards the audience aface cold and impassive, inscrutable to his enemies, who could readnothing of the conflicting emotions beneath that calm, immobilesurface. 

He saw the crowd of upturned faces--incredulous, wondering, curious;he caught the mocking smile of Mrs. LaGrange and Ralph Mainwaring'sdark, sinister sneer; but he took little note of these. Like anarrow speeding to the mark, his glance sought the face of young HughMainwaring. Their eyes met, and in that brief moment there wasrecalled to each a starlit night on one of the balconies at FairOaks, and the parting words of young Mainwaring to the secretary, "I'm your friend, Scott, and whatever happens, I'll stand by you. "

With swift intuition each read the other's thought, and, althoughthere was no outward sign, Harold Mainwaring knew from that instantthat there would be no retraction of that pledge. 

The slight ripple of excitement died away while the witness wassworn, and the crowd listened with interest even to the preliminaryinterrogatories. 

"Where were you born?" asked the attorney. 

"In Melbourne, Australia, " was the reply, while deep silence awaitedMr. Sutherland's next question. 

"Mr. Mainwaring, I believe you are familiar with the will just read, are you not?"

"I am. "

"Please state when, and under what conditions, you gained yourknowledge of this will. "

"I first learned that such a will had existed and knew its generalterms, between five and six years since, through information givenme by James Wilson. From data found a little over a year ago amongthe personal letters of the deceased Hugh Mainwaring, I ascertainedthat the will was still in existence, and on the 7th of July lastI discovered the document itself and became personally familiar withits contents. "

At the mention of the name of Hugh Mainwaring and of the date soeventful in the recent history of Fair Oaks, the interest of thecrowd deepened. 

"Did you discover the document accidentally, or after special searchfor it?"

"As the result of a systematic search for more than a year. "

"Please state whether you took any steps leading to the discoveryof this will during the four or five years immediately followingyour first knowledge of it; and if so, what?"

"As I first learned of the will soon after entering Oxford, mystudies necessarily occupied the greater part of my time for thenext three or four years; but I lost no opportunity for gaining allpossible information relating not only to the Mainwaring estate, but more particularly to Hugh Mainwaring and his coadjutor, RichardHobson. Among other facts, I learned that immediately after thesettlement of the estate, Hugh Mainwaring had disposed of the sameand left England for America, while about the same time RichardHobson suddenly rose from a penniless pettifogger to a position ofaffluence. 

"As soon as my studies were completed, I sailed for America, withthe avowed determination of securing further evidence regarding thewill, and of establishing my claim to the property fraudulentlywithheld from my father and from myself. In the securing of thenecessary evidence I succeeded beyond my expectations. As HughMainwaring's private secretary, I gained access to the files ofhis personal letters, and soon was familiar with the entirecorrespondence between himself and Richard Hobson, from which Ilearned that the latter demanding and receiving large sums ofmoney as the price of his silence regarding some past fraudulenttransaction. The nature of that transaction, I ascertained inthis marginal note, in Hugh Mainwaring's handwriting, upon one ofHobson's letters which happened to be more insolent in its tonethan the rest. With the permission of the court I will read it:

"'He insinuates that I destroyed the will; I only gave him tounderstand that it was lost. Little he dreams it is still in mypossession and will be, until such time as I, too, have to makefinal disposition of my estate! Why I did not destroy it, or whyI do not, now that the property is rightfully mine, I cannot say, except that I dare not! "Thus conscience does make cowards of usall?"'

"With the discovery of these words, " concluded the witness, "beganmy search for the will itself. "

"From the discovery of this letter which led you to believe the willwas still in existence, you prosecuted your search for the documentuntil the 7th of last July?"

"Yes, sir, whenever an opportunity for search was offered. "

"Where did you finally find the will?"

"In the safe, in Mr. Mainwaring's private apartments at Fair Oaks. "

"On July 7 last?"

"Yes, sir. "

"That was the day on which you, acting as Hugh Mainwaring's secretary, had drawn, at his dictation, his last will and testament, was it not?"

"It was. "

"Mr. Mainwaring, " said the attorney, deliberately, his eye quick toread the faces about him, "is there in your mind any connectionbetween that event and your discovery of this will?"

"Only the most indirect, " was the reply, given with equaldeliberation. "The fact that Hugh Mainwaring was making finaldisposition of his property naturally spurred me on to increasedaction, since, in making final adjustment of his papers, he wouldbe more than likely to destroy the old will. This incentive, together with the fact that opportunity was given me for a morethorough search than I had been able to make prior to that time, combined to bring about the discovery of the will. "

"Please state the time and circumstances of your finding it. "

"I found it late in the afternoon, while Mr. Mainwaring and hisguests had gone for a long drive. I determined to leave no placeunexplored where it could possibly be concealed; after about anhour's search I found it. "

"What did you then do with it?"

"I retained it in my possession, and at the earliest opportunitysecreted it within my own room. "

"It was in your possession during the following evening and night?"

"It was. "

"Mr. Mainwaring, " said Mr. Sutherland, with marked emphasis, "pleasestate whether you mentioned to Hugh Mainwaring the discovery of thewill, or had any conversation with him relating thereto. "

"I made no mention of the matter to him whatever. Except for a fewmoments, immediately upon his return, I did not see him alone untilabout midnight, when he appeared fatigued, and I would not introducethe subject at a time so inopportune. "

After a slight pause, Mr. Sutherland continued. "You claim to bethe lawful son of the Harold Scott Mainwaring mentioned in this will, and as such the lawful heir, under its terms and conditions, of theMainwaring property?"

"I do. "

"Has it not been generally understood among those supposed to haveknowledge of the facts in the case that Harold Scott Mainwaring, atthe time of his death, had no living child?"

"That has been the general understanding. "

"Will you explain how the fact of your existence has been keptconcealed all these years?"

The silence following the attorney's question was so deep as to beoppressive until broken by the answer of the witness, clear, cold, and penetrating to the remotest corner of the crowded room. 

"Within an hour from my birth, a dead child was substituted in myplace, and I was secretly given by my father into the keeping oftrusted friends, with instructions that until I had nearly attainedmy majority I was not even to know of his existence, or of therelationship existing between us. "

"Mr. Mainwaring, " said the attorney, "are you willing to state thereasons for such an extraordinary proceeding on his part?"

For the first time the impassive bearing and the calm, even tonesof the witness gave way; the smouldering fire in his dark eyes burstforth, as with impassioned utterance and voice vibrating with emotion, he replied, --

"It was done because of sorrow, more bitter than death, in his ownheart and home, of which he wished me to know nothing until I hadreached the years of manhood and could understand the nature of hiswrongs; it was done that I should be forever barred from allassociation with, or knowledge of, the base, false-hearted woman whobore his name only to dishonor it, --who, though she had given me;birth, yet believed me dead, --that I might live as ignorant of herexistence as she of mine; it was done because of his love for hisonly child, a love for which I would to-day gladly suffer dishonorand even death, if I could but avenge his wrongs!"

Only Harold Mainwaring's attorneys understood the spirit whichprompted his words, but they carried his audience with him in asudden wave of sympathy, and as he paused, men applauded and womensobbed, while the judge vainly rapped for order. 

One figure alone remained motionless, spellbound. Amid the generalexcitement, Mrs. LaGrange sat as though turned to stone, her handsclasped so tightly that the jewels cut deeply into the delicateflesh, every vestige of color fled from her face, her lips ashen, her eyes fixed upon the witness, yet seemingly seeing nothing. Gradually, as she became conscious of her surroundings and of thecurious glances cast in her direction, she partially recoveredherself, though her eyes never left the face of the witness. 

"Mr. Mainwaring, " continued the attorney, when order had beenrestored, "when and how did you first learn that you were the sonof Harold Scott Mainwaring?"

"My first knowledge regarding my own father I received at the age offifteen from my foster-parents, who told me of the manner in whichI had been given to them and of the death of my father a few yearslater; but the full particulars I did not learn until my twenty-firstbirthday, when I received a letter written by my father soon aftermy birth, and intrusted to the keeping of my foster-parents until Ishould have attained my majority. In that letter he gave me thestory of his life, of his marriage and consequent disinheritance, and of the yet greater sorrow which followed shortly, which led himto voluntarily exile himself from his beloved England, and whichfinally led to his sacrifice of the love and companionship of hisonly child. "

As Harold Mainwaring paused, Mr. Sutherland remarked, "I, myself, have seen the letter to which the witness refers, but I consider itof too personal a nature and too private in character to submit forexamination. I will say, however, that both my honored colleague, Mr. Barton, and myself have compared it with other letters anddocuments known to have been written by Harold Scott Mainwaring, theelder son of Ralph Maxwell Mainwaring, and have found the writingin all cases identically the same. There is yet one more questionwhich may have a bearing later upon this case, which I will ask thewitness. Mr. Mainwaring, have you, during this time, received anyclue regarding the identity of your mother, or is that still unknownto you?"

With great deliberation, the witness replied, "Until within the pastthree or four days, I have known absolutely nothing regarding eventhe name of the woman whom my father made his wife, or whether shewere still in existence. I have recently learned, however, that sheis living, and, " he added, more slowly, "I know that she is presentin this court-room. "

It was afterwards recalled that, as the witness resumed his seat, acurious sound, something between a gasp and a sob was heard, butamid the tremendous sensation produced by his last statement it passedunnoticed. 

With very little delay, Mr. Sutherland announced the name of the lastwitness, --

"Frederick Mainwaring Scott!"

Again the silence deepened as the white-haired gentleman, with greatdignity, took his place upon the stand. His heavy, sonorous tonesrang out over the court-room, while from time to time the piercingeyes beneath the beetling, snow-white brows sought the face of RalphMainwaring with their silent but unmistakable challenge. At thefirst sound of his voice, Mrs. LaGrange's agitation increasedperceptibly; her expression changed to abject terror, yet she seemedunable to move or to withdraw her gaze from his face. 

To the question, "Where were you born?" the witness replied, "I wasborn in London, but for the past forty-five years have been aresident of Melbourne, Australia. "

"Are you not connected with the Mainwaring family?"

"Distantly. The Scott and Mainwaring families have intermarried formany years, but I have waived all claims of relationship for nearlyhalf a century. "

"Were you acquainted with the Harold Scott Mainwaring mentioned inthis will?"

"Intimately acquainted with him, as we were associated together inbusiness during his entire stay in Australia. "

"In what business were you engaged?"

"In the sheep business, principally; we were also interested in themines. "

"For how long a time were you associated together?"

"Six years, or thereabouts. "

"Mr. Scott, you are the foster-father of Harold Scott Mainwaringwho has just preceded you upon the witness stand, are you not?"

"I am, and have been from the day of his birth. "

"Will you state the circumstances under which you became hisfoster-parent?"

"Harold Scott Mainwaring, the elder son of Ralph Maxwell Mainwaring, came to Australia within a year after the marriage for which he wasdisinherited. His reason for leaving England was not, as many havesupposed, on account of his father's severity, but because of thediscovery of his wife's infidelity after all that he had sacrificedfor her. He brought her to Australia in the vain hope that, removedfrom other influences--the influence of his own brother, inparticular, --she would yet prove true to him. Within the followingyear, his son was born; but before that event he had fully learnedthe character of the woman he had married, and he determined that nochild of his should be disgraced by any knowledge of its mother, orcontaminated by association with her. To my wife and myself heconfided his plans, and, as we had no children of our own, he pledgedus to the adoption of his child while yet unborn. An old and trustednurse in our family was also taken into the secret, but not thephysician employed on that occasion, as he was a man of no principleand already in league with the false wife against her husband. Whenthe child was born, Mrs. Mainwaring was very ill and the babe receivedcomparatively little notice from the attendant physician. A deadchild, born but a few hours earlier, was therefore easily substitutedfor the living child of Harold Mainwaring, while the latter wassecretly conveyed to my own home. 

"A few weeks later, the child was privately christened in a smallchurch on the outskirts of Melbourne and the event duly recordedupon the church records. He was given his father's name in full, Harold Scott Mainwaring, but until his twenty-first birthday wasknown among our acquaintances as Harry Scott, the same name bywhich he has been known in your city while acting as privatesecretary to Hugh Mainwaring. "

"Are you familiar with the letter written by Harold Mainwaring tohis son?"

"Perfectly so; he gave it into my keeping on the day of thechristening, to be given to his son when he should have reachedhis majority, if he himself had not, before that time, claimedhim as his child. "

"You can then vouch for its genuineness?"

"I can. "

"How long a time elapsed between the birth of this child and thedeath of Harold Mainwaring, the father?"

"About five years. He left his wife soon after the birth of thischild and spent the greater part of his time at the mines. Hefinally decided to go to the gold fields of Africa, and a fewmonths after his departure, we received tidings of the wreck ofthe vessel in which he sailed, with the particulars of his deathat sea. "

"Mr. Scott, did you ever hear of the existence of this will?"

"Not until the boy, Harold, learned of it, soon after he enteredOxford. "

"Do you know how he first heard of it?"

"He heard of it from Wilson, one of the old servants on theMainwaring estate, who recognized in him a resemblance to RalphMaxwell Mainwaring, and, learning of his identity, told him thehistory of the will. "

"You have been kept informed of his search for the will and ofits final discovery?"

"From the first; and though the boy has a good bit of money in hisown name, I will back him in getting his rights to the very lastpound in my possession, and that, " he added, while his dark eyesflashed ominously, "will outlast the bank-roll of any that can goagainst him. "

"Have you any further direct evidence which you can produce insupport of the identity of the claimant?"

"I have, " the witness replied, and having taken from his pocket alarge memorandum book and extracted therefrom a paper, he continued, with great deliberation, --

"I have here a certified copy of the record of the christening, atthe church of St. Bartholomew, on June 24, 18-, of Harold ScottMainwaring, the first-born son of Harold Scott and Eleanor HoughtonMainwaring. "

A piercing shriek suddenly rang out through the hushed court-room, and the crowd, turning involuntarily at the familiar name ofEleanor Houghton Mainwaring towards the seat occupied by Mrs. LaGrange, saw that wretched woman sink, with a low, despairing moan, unconscious to the floor. As several sprang to the assistance ofthe unfortunate woman, Mr. Scott, turning swiftly towards thejudge, exclaimed, --

"There, your honor, is a most unwilling witness, but one who hasvery effectively confirmed my testimony!"

The greatest confusion followed, several women having fainted fromnervous excitement, and, as it was then nearly noon, the courtadjourned until the afternoon session. 

CHAPTER XXI

THE LAST THROW

There being no further testimony in the case, but little time wasoccupied by Mr. Sutherland at the afternoon session. Briefly andforcibly he summarized the evidence already adduced, emphasizingthe strongest points and closing with numerous citations bearingupon the case taken from recent decisions of the highest legalauthorities. 

Several days would be required for consideration of the case pendingthe decision of the court, and as the crowd surged out into thecorridors and diffused itself through the various exits, there wasmuch speculation as to what that decision would be and what would bethe action taken by the opponents. Among the clubmen who had madethe acquaintance of Ralph Mainwaring, heavy bets were offered thathe would contest the case before the will was even admitted toprobate. 

"He is a fool if he does, " said one; "the young fellow has the bestshow. "

"He'll not give up, however, " was the reply; "he's got too much ofthe bull-dog about him; nothing will make him break his hold tillhe has spent his last shilling. "

"Well, he'll spend it for nothing, that's all!" said another. "I'llwager you a dinner for the whole club that the young fellow willbeat him. Anybody that knows Sutherland, knows he hasn't played histrump card yet; and you may rest assured that English lawyer isn'tover here as a figure-head!"

Ralph Mainwaring, passing hastily from the court-room, accompaniedby Mr. Whitney, overheard the last remark. His only reply, however, was a look of scorn flashed at the speaker, but the sardonic smilewhich lingered about his closely compressed lips betokened on hispart no anticipations of defeat, but rather the reverse. Even Mr. Whitney wondered at his silence, but young Mainwaring, leisurelyfollowing in the rear, knew it to be only the calm which presagesthe coming storm. 

His father, followed by the attorney, stepped quickly into theMainwaring carriage and beckoned impatiently for him to follow, butthe younger man coolly declined the invitation. 

"No, thank you, governor. I'm going for a bit of a stroll; I'lljoin you and Mr. Whitney at dinner. "

As the carriage rolled away he stood for a few moments lost inthought. His father's words to him that morning had stung hispride and aroused in him a spirit of independence altogether new, which had made him the more keen in observing his father'sexpressions and movements, and in drawing his own deductionstherefrom. He had formed some theories of his own, and as he nowstood in the soft, autumnal sunshine, he resolved to put them tothe test. 

Turning suddenly in an opposite direction from that which he hadat first taken, he found himself confronted by Harold Mainwaringand his party as they descended the court-house steps to thecarriages in waiting. 

Instantly the young men clasped hands, and the frank, blue eyesgazed into the piercing dark ones, with a friendliness of whosesincerity there could be no doubt. 

"Egad, old fellow!" he exclaimed, in low tones, "I'm glad to seeyou, though you have taken us rather by surprise. I'll not takeback a word of the promise I made you, nor of what I've said aboutyou, either. "

"I did not think you would, Hugh, " Harold replied, grasping theproffered hand heartily; "I had a great deal of faith in you and inyour word. I only regretted that I could not explain matters at thetime; it seemed like taking advantage of you and your friendship, though I warned you that the future might make some unexpectedrevelations. "

"Well, I don't regret anything. I always said you had good bloodin you, don't you know, " Hugh continued, with a boyish laugh, thenadded, a little huskily, "I'll say this much, and I mean it. Iwould rather give up what I supposed was mine to you than toanybody else that know of. "

"Thank you, Hugh; I appreciate that, I assure you. Come around tothe Waldorf, I would like to have a talk with you. "

"Indeed I will. Of course, I suppose it would be of no use to askyou up to the house; I couldn't expect you to come, but I'll seeyou as soon as I can, " and with another handclasp the young menparted. 

On arriving at the Waldorf, a note was handed to Harold Mainwaring, with the information that the bearer had been waiting nearly an hour, as there was an answer expected. He well knew the writing; it wasthe same as that of the little missive given him on the first dayof the inquest, and with darkening face he opened it and read thefollowing lines:

"I must see you at once, and I beg of you to come to my apartmentsthis afternoon at five o'clock, without fail. In the name of mercy, do not deny me this one favor. I can tell you something importantfor you to know, of which you little dream. 

 "ELEANOR HOUGHTON MAINWARING. "

After brief consultation with his attorneys, an answer was sent tothe effect that he would call in compliance with the request, and alittle later he started upon his strange errand. 

With what wildly conflicting emotions Mrs. LaGrange in her apartmentsawaited his coming may perhaps be more easily imagined thanportrayed. She had not recovered from the morning's shock, but wasnerving herself for the coming ordeal; preparing to make her final, desperate throw in the game of life. Success now, in this lastventure, would mean everything to her, while failure would leave hernothing, only blank despair. Pride, the dominant passion of herlife, struggled with a newly awakened love; doubt and dread and fearbattled with hope, but even in the unequal contest, hope would notbe vanquished. 

Shortly before the hour appointed, Richard Hobson's card was handedher with the information that he must see her without delay. Sheunderstood the nature of his errand; she knew his coming wasinevitable; her only desire was to postpone the meeting with himuntil after the interview with Harold Mainwaring, but on no accountwould she have him know of her appointment with the latter. Shetore the bit of pasteboard in two. 

"Tell him to call to-morrow, " she said to the messenger; but he soonreturned, with another card on which was written, --

"Important! must see you to-day. "

It was nearly five. Quickly, with fingers trembling from heranxiety lest he delay too long, she wrote, --

"Call at eight o'clock this evening; I can see no one earlier. "

As she gave the card to the messenger, she glanced again at thelittle French clock on the mantel. 

"Three hours, " she murmured; "three hours in which to decide my fate!If I succeed, I can bid defiance to that craven when he shall cometo-night; if not--" she shuddered and walked over to the window, where she watched eagerly till she saw the cringing figure goinghastily down the street. 

He had but just disappeared around the corner of the block when aclosed carriage was driven rapidly to the hotel, and a moment laterHarold Scott Mainwaring was announced. 

Her heart throbbed wildly as she turned to meet him, then suddenlystopped, seeming a dead weight in her breast, as her eyes met his. 

For a moment neither spoke; once her lips moved, but no sound camefrom them. Before that face, hard and impassive as granite, and ascold, the impulse which she had felt to throw herself at his feetand plead for mercy and for love died within her; her tongue seemedparalyzed, powerless to utter a word, and the words she would havespoken fled from her brain. 

With swift observation he noted the terrible change which the lastweeks, and especially the last few hours, had wrought in the wretchedwoman before him, and the suffering, evidenced by her deathly pallor, her trembling agitation, and the look of dumb, almost hopelesspleading in her eyes, appealed to him far more than any words couldhave done. 

He was the first to speak, and though there was no softening of thestern features, yet his tones were gentle, almost pitying, as hesaid, --

"I have come as you requested. Why did you send for me? What haveyou to say?"

At the sound of his voice she seemed somewhat reassured, andadvancing a few steps towards him, she repeated his words, --

"Why did I send for you? Why should I not send for you? Thinkyou a mother would have no desire to see her own son after longyears of cruel separation from him?"

"There is no need to call up the past, " he said, more coldly; "theseparation to which you refer was, under existing circumstances, the best for all concerned. It undoubtedly caused suffering, butyou were not the sufferer; there could be no great depth ofmaternal love where there was neither love nor loyalty as a wife. "

Her dark eyes grew tender and luminous as she fixed them upon hisface, while she beckoned him to a seat and seated herself near andfacing him. 

"You forget, " she replied, in the low, rich tones he had so oftenheard at Fair Oaks; "you forget that a mother's love is instinctive, born within her with the birth of her child, while a wife's lovemust be won. I must recall the past to you, and you must listen;'twas for this I sent for you, that you, knowing the past, mightknow that, however deeply I may have sinned, I have been far moredeeply sinned against. "

"Not as regards my father, " he interposed, quickly, as she pausedto note the effect of her words; "he sacrificed fortune, home, friends, everything for you, and you rewarded his love and devotiononly with the basest infidelity. "

"That your father loved me, I admit, " she continued, in the samelow, musical tones, scarcely heeding his words; "but, as I said amoment ago, a wife's love must be won, and he failed to win mylove. "

"Was his treacherous brother so much more successful then in thatdirection than he?" Harold questioned, sternly. "Within six monthsafter your marriage to my father, you admitted that you married himonly that you might have Hugh Mainwaring for your lover. "

She neither flushed nor quailed under the burning indignation of hisgaze, but her eyes were fastened upon him intently as the eyes ofthe charmer upon his victim. 

"Half truths are ever harder to refute than falsehood, " she replied, softly. "I said that once under great provocation, but if I soughtto make Hugh Mainwaring my lover, it was not that I loved him, butthrough revenge for his having trifled with me only to deceive anddesert me. Before I married your father, both he and his brotherwere among my most ardent admirers. The younger brother seemed tome far more congenial, and had he possessed one-half the chivalryand devotion which the elder brother afterwards manifested, hewould have completely won my love. The rivalry between the twobrothers led to bitter estrangement, which soon became known totheir father, who lost no time in ascertaining its cause. His angeron learning the facts in the case was extreme; he wrote me aninsulting letter, and threatened to disown either or both of hissons unless they discontinued their attentions to a 'disreputableadventuress, ' as he chose to style me. Hugh Mainwaring at oncedeserted me, without even a word of explanation or of farewell, and, as if that were not enough, on more than one occasion he openlyinsulted me in the presence of his father, on the streets of London. I realized then for the first time that I cared for him, coward thathe was, though I did not love him as he thought, --had I loved him, I would have killed him, then and there. Mad with chagrin and rage, I married your father, partly for the position he could give me--forI did not believe that he, the elder son and his father'sfavorite, would be disowned--and partly to show his brother andtheir father that I still held, as I supposed, the winning hand. On my wedding-day I vowed that I would yet bring Hugh Mainwaring tomy feet as my lover, and when, shortly afterwards, your father wasdisinherited in his favor, my desire for revenge was onlyintensified. I redoubled my efforts to win him, and I found it nodifficult task; he was even more willing to play the lover to hisbrother's wife than to the penniless girl whom he had known, withno possessions but her beauty and wit. At first, our meetingswere clandestine; but we soon grew reckless, and in one or twoinstances I openly boasted of my conquest, hoping thereby to arousehis father's displeasure against him also. But in that I reckonedwrong. He disinherited and disowned his son for having honorablymarried a woman whom he considered below him in station, but foran open affaire d'amour with that son's wife, he had not even aword of censure. 

"Your father discovered the situation and decided upon a life inAustralia. If he had then shown me some consideration, the futuremight have been vastly different; but he grew morose and taciturn, and I, accustomed to gay society and the admiration of crowds, wasleft to mope alone in a strange country, with no companionshipwhatever. What wonder that I hungered for the old life, or that acasual admiring glance, or a few words even of flattery, were likecold water to one perishing with thirst! Then new hope came intomy lonely life, and I spent months in dreamy, happy anticipationsof the future love and companionship of my child. But even thatboon was denied me. It was hard enough, believing, as I did, thatmy child had died, but to find that I was robbed of that which wouldhave been not only my joy and happiness, but my salvation from thelife which followed!" She paused, apparently unable to proceed, and buried her eyes in a dainty handkerchief, while HaroldMainwaring watched her, the hard lines deepening about his mouth. 

"After that, " she resumed, in trembling tones, "all hope was gone. Your father deserted me soon afterwards, leaving me nearly penniless, and a flew years later I returned to England. "

"To find Hugh Mainwaring?" he queried. 

"Not at the first, " she answered, but her eyes fell before thecynicism of his glance. "I had no thought of him then, but I learnedthrough Richard Hobson, whom I met in London at that time, of thewill which had been made in my husband's favor, but which he told mehad been destroyed by Hugh Mainwaring. He said nothing of the clauseforbidding that any of the property should pass to me, and Iimmediately sailed for America in search of Hugh Mainwaring, believing that, with my knowledge of the will, I, as his brother'swidow, could get some hold upon him by which I could compel himeither to share the property with me or to marry me. "

"Then you were not married to Hugh Mainwaring in England, as youtestified at the inquest?"

"No, " she replied, passionately; "I was never married to him. Ihave made many men my dupes and slaves, but he was the one man whomade a dupe of me, and I hating him all the time!"

"And Walter!" he exclaimed, "you stated that he was the son of HughMainwaring. "

"He is Hugh Mainwaring's son and mine, " she answered, with bitteremphasis; "that was another of my schemes which failed. I found Ihad little hold upon Hugh Mainwaring, while he had the same powerover me as in the days before I had learned to despise him. WhenWalter was born, I hoped he would then fulfil his promises ofmarriage; but instead, he would have turned me adrift had I notthreatened that I would then disclose everything which I knewconcerning the will. He sneered at me, but offered me a place asservant in his home, and support and education for his child oncondition that the relationship should never be known, and that Iwould remain silent regarding the will. I could do nothing thenbut accept his conditions, but they were galling, --too galling atlast to be longer endured!"

"How is it that you and Walter bear the name of LaGrange?" he asked. 

She hesitated a moment, then replied: "I married a man by that namesoon after leaving Australia. "

"Before or after the tidings of my father's death?" he questioned, sternly. 

"We heard the news of his death soon after our marriage, but he haddeserted me years before, so it made little difference. I metCaptain LaGrange in Sydney, and we sailed together for Paris andwere married there, but we soon grew tired of each other. I lefthim in about two years and went to Vienna, and from there returnedto England. In some way, Hugh Mainwaring learned of the marriage, and when I came to Fair Oaks, he insisted on my taking that namefor myself and child. "

She spoke wearily and with an air of dejection, for it was plainlyevident that Harold Mainwaring was not to be deceived bymisstatements, however plausible, nor were his sympathies to bearoused by simulated grief. A few moments of silence followed, while she watched him intently, her face again falling into thepinched and haggard outlines which he had observed on entering theroom. 

When he at last spoke, his voice was calm, without a trace of angeror bitterness. 

"Mrs. LaGrange, I have been informed that in the days before youruined my father's life you were an actress in a second-class Londonplayhouse, and I see you have not yet lost some little tricks of thestage; but we are not now before the footlights, and it will be muchbetter to lay aside everything pertaining to them. Nothing that youhave said has awakened my pity or touched my sympathies for you; infact, what you have told me has only steeled my heart against youbecause of its utter falsity. It is unnecessary to go over theground again, but if you could not reciprocate the love and devotionbestowed upon you by my father, you should never have accepted it;but accepting it as you did, you were bound by every considerationto be true and loyal to that love and to him. Instead, frombeginning to end, you have been false to him, false to his memory, false to your own wifehood and motherhood, false to yourself! Ihave not come here to reproach you, however. I will only say thatI do not believe the capacity--the capability even--of love exists, or has ever existed, within you. But, " he continued, in gentlertones, "the capacity for suffering does exist, and I can see withoutany simulation on your part that you have suffered. "

Before the look of pity which now for the first time softened thestern features, she broke down, and genuine tears coursed down herpallid cheeks as she cried, "Suffered! what have I not suffered!I am homeless, penniless, degraded, an outcast! There is no hope, no help for me unless you will help me. I know what you must thinkof me, how even you, my son, must despise me, but as a drowning mancatches at a straw, I sent for you, hoping that you would in mercypity me and help me. "

"Do you wish me to help you pecuniarily? I will willingly do that. "

"Pecuniarily!" she exclaimed, almost in scorn. "Cannot youunderstand what I need most? It is pity, sympathy, love! I wantthe love and support of my first-born son, and I am willing to begfor it, " and, rising from her chair, she threw herself upon herknees beside him, "only be my son, forget the past and let me be toyou, as I am, your mother! No, let me be!" she exclaimed, as hewould have raised her from her kneeling posture. "I have no sonbut you, for Walter, like his father, has deserted me, with tauntsand sneers. I can help you, too, " she added, eagerly, but in lowtones, "help you in a way of which you little dream. Do you knowwhat Ralph Mainwaring will attempt next? He will try to implicateyou in the murder of Hugh Mainwaring!"

"That will be no more than you yourself attempted at the inquest, "he answered. 

"Ah, but his motive is different; in my case it was but the resortof a weak woman to divert suspicion from herself; but he will seekto fasten this crime upon you to defeat you, to crush and ruin you, because he fears you as his opponent, and it is within my power toclear you from any charges he may bring against you. "

Her voice sank nearly to a whisper, her eyes were dilated, and shewas trembling with excitement. 

He watched her intently for a moment, then spoke in a tone of calmcommand. "Tell me how you could help me. What do you know of thataffair?"

"Listen, and I will tell you, " and leaning towards him, she whispereda few words in his ears. 

Only a few words, but Harold Mainwaring started as from a shock, while his face grew as pale as her own, and it was with difficultyhe could control his voice, as he demanded in quick, excited tones, --

"Do you know what you are saying? Are you speaking the truth?"

"Yes, before Heaven, it is the truth, and the horror of it hashaunted me day and night; the thought of it has driven me nearlymad, but I dared not breathe it to any living human being. "

"You have told no one else what you have just told me?"

"No, I dared not. "

He asked a few more questions which she answered, and from hermanner he was convinced that she spoke the truth. Then he sat fora moment silent, his head bowed, his eyes covered, lost in thought, while strangely commingled emotions surged within his breast. 

At last she broke the silence. "It will help you--what I havetold you--will it not?"

"It is of inestimable value to me, " he answered, but instead ofexultation, there was a strange sadness in his voice. 

"You will let me help you, and you will be a son to me, will younot?"

He looked at her with an expression of mingled pity and bitterness, and then, without replying, lifted her gently but firmly andreseated her, while he himself remained standing at a littledistance. She watched him anxiously. 

"Harold, " at last she ventured, "think what I have suffered, anddo not refuse my one prayer. "

"I can see that you have suffered, " he answered, gently; "and, as Ihave told you, I will help you pecuniarily and will befriend you, only do not ask me that which I cannot give. "

"I ask nothing more, " she exclaimed, passionately, rising to herfeet, "than that you be a son to me, and I will accept nothing less. "

"I am sorry to hear you say that, " he replied, "for you are onlyunnecessarily depriving yourself of many benefits that might beyours. I would provide a home for you where you would be unknown, and means that you could spend the remainder of your life incomfort. "

"What would I care for any home or wealth that you might providefor me, " she demanded, angrily, "if you yourself would notacknowledge me as your mother! I will accept nothing from youunder such conditions. "

"Then we may as well end this conference, " he replied, calmly, "forI hold my father in too deep love and reverence ever to permit ofmy applying to you the sacred name of 'Mother. '"

Her eyes flashed at the mention of his father, and she was about tospeak, but he lifted his hand warningly. "Hush!" he commanded; "notone word shall you speak against him in my presence! Before I go, I will give you an opportunity to reconsider your declaration of amoment ago. "

"I will not reconsider it. You are like every Mainwaring that Ihave ever known, in that you think money and shelter, such as youmight fling at some superannuated servant, will take the place ofthe true position and honor that are my due. "

"Do you then, finally and once for all, refuse any and all offersof assistance from me?" he asked. 

"I do, " she replied, proudly; "I will not accept charity from aMainwaring, --not even from you!"

"Very well; if that is your decision, I bid you adieu, " and beforeshe could reply, he was gone. 

He passed swiftly down the corridor, his head bowed slightly, looking neither to the right hand nor to the left, but his step hadan elasticity it had not possessed in weeks, and any one passingnear him would have heard the single exclamation, "Thank God!"

Upon reaching his carriage, he spoke quickly to the driver, "Tothe Waldorf at once!" and was borne away by the impatient steedseven more swiftly than he had come. 

Meanwhile, within the room which he had just left, the wretchedwoman, whose falseness and pride had wrought her own undoing, stoodlistening to the retreating footsteps; she heard them die away inthe distance, heard the carriage-wheels roll rapidly down the avenue, then sank upon a low couch with a cry of despair. 

"All is over, " she moaned, "and I have failed. I could not forcehim to my terms, and I would never yield to his. I will takecharity from no one, least of all from him. I will be first, ornothing!" and she shivered faintly. 

After a tune she arose, and ringing for her maid, ordered a lightrepast brought to her room, as she would not go down to dinner;"And, " she concluded, "you can have the evening to yourself: Iexpect callers, and will not need you. "

An hour later, Richard Hobson crept along the corridor and tappedfor admittance. There was no answer, and cautiously pushing openthe door, he entered unbidden, but started back in horror at thesight which met his eyes. The electric lights had not been turnedon, but a few tall wax tapers, in a pair of candelabra upon themantel, were burning, and in the dim, weird light, Mrs. LaGrange, still elegantly attired for her interview with Harold Mainwaring, lay upon the low couch near the grate, her features scarcely palerthan a few hours before, but now rigid in death. Upon the tablebeside her, the supper ordered by the maid stood untasted, whileon the same table a small vial bearing the label of one of thedeadliest of poisons, but empty, told the story. Underneath thevial was a slip of paper, on which was written, --

"I have staked my highest card--and lost! The game is done. "

Terror-stricken, Hobson glanced about him, then pausing only longenough to clutch some of the gleaming jewels from the inanimateform, he stealthily withdrew, and, skulking unobserved along thecorridors, passed out into the darkness and was gone. 

CHAPTER XXII

SECESSION IN THE RANKS

When Ralph Mainwaring and Mr. Whitney arrived at the club they foundyoung Mainwaring already awaiting them at their private table, butit was far from a social group which sat down to dinner that evening. The elder Mainwaring still preserved an ominous silence, and in hisdark, glowering face few would have recognized the urbane guest whomHugh Mainwaring had introduced to his small coterie of friends lessthan three months before. The younger man, though holding adesultory conversation with the attorney, yet looked decidedlybored, while from time to time he regarded his father with a cynicalexpression entirely new to his hitherto ingenuous face. Mr. Whitney, always keenly alert to his surroundings, became quickly consciousof a sudden lack of harmony between father and son, and feelinghimself in rather a delicate position, carefully refrained in hisremarks from touching upon any but the most neutral ground. 

A couple of hours later, as the three with a box of cigars weregathered around an open fire in Ralph Mainwaring's apartments, itwas noticeable that young Mainwaring was unusually silent. In afew moments, however, his father's long pent-up wrath burst forth. 

Addressing the attorney in no very pleasant tone, he demanded, "Well, sir, what do you now propose to do about this matter?"

"It is to be a fight, then, is it?" Mr. Whitney asked with a smile, knocking the ashes from his cigar. 

"Yes, by my soul, and a fight to the finish. Understand, I willhave no time lost. This farce has got to be quashed at once, andthe sooner the better, so you may enter protest and file anapplication for hearing, or whatever your mode of procedure is inthis country, at the earliest possible moment. Meanwhile, I'llsecure the best legal talent that money can get to help you. I'vea longer purse than that old Australian sheep-herder thinks, andwhen the time for contest comes, I'll meet him on his own ground. "

"If you are going to employ additional counsel, " interposed Mr. Whitney, "allow me to suggest the name of P. B. Hunnewell, of thiscity; he is one of the ablest attorneys in the United States, particularly in matters of this kind. His fees are somewhatexorbitant, but money is no object with you in this case. "

"None whatever, " the other interrupted, impatiently; "we will retainthis Hunnewell upon your recommendation, but in the morning I shall cable for Upham & Blackwell, of London. They rank right in thesame line with Barton & Barton; they have conducted considerablebusiness for me, and I am satisfied, " he added, with peculiaremphasis, "they could not be tampered with or bought at any price. I shall also cable for Graham, the expert on chirography and on allkinds of forgeries, and we will have his decision upon that will. I am going, first of all, understand, to have that document provena forgery. That done, the whole fabrication of this cunning impostorfalls to the ground, and then, when I have him completely flooredin that direction, he will find that I have only just begun with him. "

"How is that?" questioned the attorney. "You surely do not intendto dispute his identity after the unmistakable proofs submitted?"

"I care nothing about his identity, " Mainwaring retorted, with asneer. "Whether he is the son of Harold Mainwaring or of FrederickScott, matters little; both were renegades and outcasts from theirhomes. No, sir, " and there was a ring of exultation in his tone, while his steel-gray eyes glittered, "I have a surprise in storefor the young man; when he gets through with this contest, he willfind himself under arrest as the murderer of Hugh Mainwaring. "

Young Mainwaring rose suddenly and began pacing the room, whileMr. Whitney exclaimed, --

"Mr. Mainwaring, you astonish me! I certainly fail to see how youcan connect the young man with that terrible affair. "

"What else could be expected of a man who acknowledges that foryears he has been dogging the steps of Hugh Mainwaring and actingthe part of a spy, not only in his private offices, but even inhis own home, stooping to any means, no matter how contemptible, to further his nefarious designs? Would such a man, when hisschemes were finally matured, have any scruples about taking thelife of the one who stood in the way of their fulfilment?"

"But, sir, " protested the attorney, "such a deed would be whollyunnecessary. Admitting all that you have said regarding the meansemployed by him, would it not be much more reasonable to supposethat he would attempt to bring his man to terms either through apersonal interview or by bringing suit against him, rather thanby resorting to brutal crime?"

"And supposing he did have a personal interview for the purpose ofsetting forth his claims, do you think that Hugh Mainwaring wouldbe bamboozled by any of his cheap trickery? No, sir, not for onemoment. He would simply pronounce the whole thing a sham. Well, sir, if you will recall some of the testimony at the inquest, youwill see that is precisely what occurred. Hugh Mainwaring, withintwenty or thirty minutes preceding his death, was heard to denouncesome one as a 'liar' and an 'impostor. ' An 'impostor, ' mark you!Very applicable to the case we are now supposing. And in thealtercation which followed, the other party called him a 'thief, 'and made some allusion--I do not recall the exact words--to hisbeing 'transported to the wilds of Australia. ' Now, sir, there isno doubt in the mind of any sane man that those words were spokenby the murderer of Hugh Mainwaring, and I think now we have apretty good clue to his identity. "

"But the young man stated emphatically this morning that he madeno mention of the will to Hugh Mainwaring. "

"To the devil with his statements! There is evidence enough againsthim that he will be ruined when I get through with him. He hasdared to try to thwart me in the plans of a lifetime, and I'll makeit the worst piece of business he ever undertook. Understand, Iwant you to institute proceedings against him at once!"

"Governor, " said young Mainwaring, quietly, before Mr. Whitney couldrespond to this tirade, "in whose name will these proceedings beinstituted, yours or mine?"

"Well, " replied his father, with a sneer, "I don't know that itmakes any particular difference to you in whose name it is done, so long as it is for your benefit. "

"Begging your pardon, sir, I believe it does make considerabledifference. And I will say right here that I will have noproceedings entered, either in my name or for my benefit, for tworeasons: first, Harold Scott Mainwaring is no impostor; we hadabundant proof to-day that, under the terms of that will, he is thesole claimant to the property; and second, you know, sir, as wellas I, that years ago, your own servant, John Wilson, told you thatsuch a will had existed, and there is every ground for believingthat this document is genuine. I just begin to understand yourlittle game, governor, and, by Jove! I will not be a party to it. "

Up to this point, astonishment at his son's audacity seemed to havebereft Ralph Mainwaring of the power of speech, but now he demandedin thunderous tones, while his face grew purple with rage, "What doyou mean, sir, by daring to address such language to me? Youimpudent upstart! let me tell you that you had best attend to yourown business!"

"This is the second time you have told me that today, " said theyoung man, calmly, though the hot blood was fast rising; "allow meto inform you, governor, with all due respect, that henceforth Iwill attend to my own business, and will not trouble you to attendto it for me. If you had any just or tenable grounds for theproceedings you are about to institute, I would have nothing to say;but, begging your pardon, you have none whatever; it is simply apiece of dirty work with which I will have nothing to do. "

"You ungrateful dog! This is your return for my care andforethought for you, is it? Do you retract every word which youhave said, or I'll cut you off without a penny, " and with a fearfuloath he swung himself around in his chair with such violence as tooverturn the small onyx table upon which the cigars were standing, shattering it to fragments. 

The young man paused directly in front of his father. "I retractnothing, " he said, quietly but firmly. "You are at liberty tofollow the example of old Ralph Maxwell Mainwaring if you wish, butyou may regret it later, as he did. "

"And do you think Edith Thornton will marry a penniless beggar, apauper? Or do you propose to live upon her fortune?"

"No; I will not touch a penny of her fortune, " he replied, his cheekflushing; "and I am not quite a pauper, for I have the money leftme by Uncle Tom years ago; and if Edith is the girl to be turnedfrom me under the circumstances, why, the sooner I find it out thebetter. "

"A paltry twenty thousand pounds! a fine fortune!" sneered hisfather, ignoring his last remark. 

"Many a fortune has been made from a much smaller start; but it isuseless to waste words further. You understand my position, and thatis enough. Mr. Whitney, " he continued, addressing the attorney, "according to the terms of Hugh Mainwaring's will, I, and not myfather, am heir to the property, and therefore the one to contestthe claim of Harold Mainwaring if it is contested at all. I wish tostate to you here and now, distinctly, that I will not contest thecase, nor will I authorize any one to do so for me; and now, gentlemen, I bid you both good-evening!" and he quietly left theroom. 

"Zounds!" exclaimed the elder man, as the door closed upon his son, "I didn't suppose the boy had so much spirit! I've often wished heand Isabel could change places, because she was so much more likemyself and what I would like a son to be. "

"He has the Mainwaring blood all right, " replied the attorney, withmore inward admiration for the young man than he dared to express. 

"Not if he will throw away a fortune in this manner; it is probablysome boyish whim, however and the young fool will look at it in adifferent light to-morrow. "

"I think not, Mr. Mainwaring, " said the attorney, quietly; "he isenough like Hugh Mainwaring, and like yourself, that when he decidesupon a certain line of action, he will not be easily turned aside. You may rest assured that he will have nothing whatever to do withthis contest, and that if you wish to carry on the fight, you willhave to do so under your own colors. "

"I'll do it, too, " he replied, fiercely; "I'll enter proceedings inmy own name, as the nearest heir after Hugh Mainwaring. "

"In that case, your brother must be notified, as he will be entitledto share the estate with you; that may cause us some little delay, but--"

"Curse it all!" the other interrupted, angrily; "I had not thoughtof that; he will have to come in for a share; confound that boy'sfoolishness! I'll get hold of him tomorrow morning and see if Icannot talk some reason into him, " and Ralph Mainwaring relapsedinto sullen silence. It was a new experience for him to meet withopposition in his own family, least of all from his son, and he feltthe first step must be to quell it, though decidedly at loss justhow to proceed. 

A little later, Mr. Whitney, finding his client disinclined tofurther conversation, after making an appointment for the nextmorning, excused himself and took his departure for his ownapartments at the club. 

As he passed down the stairway into the spacious hall, what was hissurprise to see Mr. Merrick comfortably ensconced in a large leatherchair, reading the evening papers. 

The two men shook hands warmly, and together passed out into thecool, starlit night. 

"When did you arrive, Merrick? and from what point of the compass?"inquired the attorney. 

"Got in on the 9. 30 train, " the detective replied, seeming not tohave heard the second question; "learned you were at Mainwaring's, so I stopped in, but told the butler not to disturb you, as I wasin no hurry. "

"I noticed you were looking over the evening papers, did you readthe account of this morning's proceedings in court?"

"I did. "

"What do you think of them?"

"I am not in the least surprised. "

"Not surprised!" echoed the attorney. "Do you mean to say that thereappearance of the missing secretary as the heir to the Mainwaringestate is no surprise to you?"

"None whatever, " Merrick replied, with the most exasperatingcoolness, adding, as he noted the other's incredulous smile, "youmay recall a hint given you at Fair Oaks, one evening, of thepossible existence of claimants, perhaps not far distant, whoserights superseded those of Hugh Mainwaring himself. "

Mr. Whitney started involuntarily as the detective's words of a fewweeks before were thus recalled, then looking his companion squarelyin the face, he exclaimed, half playfully, half indignantly, "Idon't suppose you will go so far as to claim any familiarity withthat old will which has just been resurrected. "

"Well, " said Merrick, deliberately stopping to relight his cigar, "Iwas aware that there was such a will in existence, or at least thatit had existed up to the time of Hugh Mainwaring's death, and Isupposed all along that it was in the possession of Harold ScottMainwaring, otherwise known as Harry Scott, secretary. "

"By George! when and how did you get hold of all this?" questionedthe attorney, in a tone of bewilderment. 

"I was pretty well conversant with the facts in the case a few daysbefore the young man took passage for England, in the 'Campania. '"

"The 'Campania!' Heavens and earth, man! Do you mean to say thathe went over on the same boat with Miss--with the ladies fromFair Oaks?"

"Certainly; and I don't think, " Merrick continued, watching theattorney shrewdly, "that Miss--the ladies from Fair Oaks--objectedto him as a fellow-traveller, either. "

Mr. Whitney changed the subject. "Then you know that will to begenuine, do you?"

"H'm! am I on the witness stand?"

"No; but I think I ought to subpoena you to keep the other sidefrom getting your testimony; you might make a troublesome witnessagainst us. "

"My testimony might be worth much or little; I am not giving it toeither side at present. "

"Well, I would not have it go out, of course; but for my part, I aminclined, to believe not only that the will is genuine, but alsothat Ralph Mainwaring knows that it is. "

"He will fight it all the same. "

"Yes, but on rather different grounds from what he first anticipated, "and Mr. Whitney gave Merrick an account of young Mainwaring'sdefection. "In my private opinion, " concluded the attorney, "RalphMainwaring is a fool, for he has got a pretty hard combination to goagainst; they've evidently got a strong case, splendid legal talent, and plenty of money to back it all. However, I'm making a goodthing out of it. "

"Yes, " said Merrick, enigmatically, "Barton & Barton are undoubtedlymen of great ability in their professions but that 'clerk' of theirswho has come over with the party, " with peculiar emphasis, "is thesmartest man in the whole crowd!"

"The clerk! why I thought he seemed rather an insignificant sortof a fellow; what do you know about him?"

For reply the detective only gave a short, unpleasant laugh, and, touching his cap, turned abruptly down another street. 

"Hold on!" cried the attorney; "you haven't told me anything aboutyourself yet. What have you been doing? and how long are you goingto be in town?"

"A day or two, perhaps, possibly a week; I cannot say. "

"How are you getting on?"

But the detective was lost in thought and apparently did not hearthe question. "I suppose you read of the arrest of Brown, thecoachman?" he remarked, abstractedly, after a moment's silence. 

"The coachman? No! you don't say that he was really concerned inthat affair?" the attorney exclaimed, excitedly. 

"What affair, the Mainwaring murder? I don't know that I havesaid that he was concerned in that, " Merrick answered, suddenlycoming to himself and evidently enjoying the attorney's expressionof blank perplexity; "he was mixed up in a shooting affair, however, which occurred about that time, and by holding him in custody wehope to get on to the principals. Oh, " he added, carelessly, anticipating another inquiry from Mr. Whitney, "I'm getting thereall right, if that is what you want to know; but I won't havesomebody else dogging my tracks and then claiming the game by and by. "

"Man alive! what in the dickens are you driving at? You are in oneof your moods to-night. "

"Perhaps so, " Merrick replied, indifferently, then added quickly, "There is a sensation of some sort in there; see the crowd ofreporters!"

They were standing on a street corner, near a large hotel, andglancing through the windows in the direction indicated by thedetective, Mr. Whitney saw, as he had said, a crowd of reporters inthe office and lobbies, some writing, some talking excitedly, andothers coming and going. Just then one who was leaving the buildingpassed them, and Merrick stopped him. 

"What is going on? What's the excitement?"

"Suicide!" the young man replied, hastily. "That woman who wasmixed up in the Mainwaring case has suicided by poison. "

The attorney and the detective exchanged startled glances, thenboth entered the hotel. 

CHAPTER XXIII

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM

An hour later, the attorney and the detective reappeared, and, threading their way through the crowd still lingering about thehotel, walked rapidly down the street, arm in arm, conversing inlow tones. 

"A case of suicide, undoubtedly, " said the attorney "and scarcely tobe wondered at, taking all the circumstances into consideration. Do you know, I am now more than ever inclined to the belief thatshe was in some way connected with Hugh Mainwaring's death, andthat, after such a revelation of her character as was made in courtthis morning, she feared further disclosures. "

Mr. Whitney glanced at his companion, but the latter seemedengrossed with his own thoughts and made no reply. 

"I never was so completely floored in my life, " the attorneycontinued, "as when it came out that Harold Mainwaring was her son;and I yet fail to see the necessity for introducing that featureinto the testimony. I should have thought that would have beenpassed over in silence. "

"As near as I can judge from reading of the case, " Merrick replied, "it seems to have been done with a purpose. His attorneys wereleading up to that very point in such a manner that, when the climaxwas reached, she would involuntarily betray herself--as she did--thusconfirming in the strongest manner the testimony already given. "

"I believe you may be right, " said the attorney, musingly, "thoughit had not occurred to me. "

After a short pause, Merrick continued: "When I was first called toFair Oaks, I suspected some relationship between that woman and thesecretary, as he was then called; there was a marked resemblancebetween them; both had the same peculiar olive skin, while theirfeatures and carriage were almost identical. "

"Yes, I recall your mentioning the likeness to me, and at the sametime I was puzzled by the resemblance between him and HughMainwaring. Well, I always said he was a mystery, and no wonder!"

They had reached the club-house by this time, and, as Merrickdeclined Mr. Whitney's invitation to enter, both men remainedoutside for a few moments. Once again, the attorney endeavored tosound the detective regarding his work and the progress he wasmaking, but the latter suddenly became strangely uncommunicative. 

"My client is going to charge Harold Mainwaring with the murder, "said the attorney at last. 

Merrick laughed scornfully, and for the second time that eveningwheeled abruptly and turned down a side street, leaving Mr. Whitneystanding upon the club-house steps, watching the rapidly retreatingfigure with mingled vexation and amusement. 

"Something has upset Merrick, " he soliloquized, as he finally turnedtowards the entrance; "who can he imagine is 'dogging' his tracks, as he terms it? These detectives seem about as jealous of theirreputation as we lawyers are supposed to be. Ralph Mainwaring isgoing to engage 'the best legal talent that money can get!' H'm!when he comes to settle, he may find that my 'legal talent' willcome just as high as the best of them. "

Could Mr. Whitney have been present at a conference held thatevening in one of the private parlors of the Waldorf, he might havehad a better understanding of the cause of Merrick's perturbation. 

Immediately upon returning to the hotel, Harold Mainwaring hadcommunicated to the English attorney and to Mr. Scott the particularsof his interview with Mrs. LaGrange. Mr. Scott at once expressedhis satisfaction at the outcome, in that she had rejected all offersof assistance except upon her own terms. 

"That is best, that is best just as it is, " he said, emphatically;"you do not want to be hampered with any obligations she mightimpose upon you, and as for ever recognizing or acknowledging anyrelationship, it is not to be thought of for one moment. Your coursewas right, perfectly right. But what was the statement of suchimportance which she was to make?"

"That is just what I am coming to, " the young man replied; anddrawing his chair closer to those of his companions, he repeated inlow tones the secret intrusted to him by Mrs. LaGrange. The faces ofthe two men were a study as he ended his recital. 

"Are you confident that she spoke the truth?" questioned Mr. Bartoneagerly. 

"I am positive that she did; she seemed like one terror-stricken, and said that the horror of it had haunted her day and night. "

"There could be no reason in this instance for doubting her, "commented Mr. Scott, thoughtfully; "she would have no motive formaking such a statement if it were not true. "

"My dear Mainwaring!" exclaimed the attorney, "it is what I havesuspected ever since you gave me the details of the affair; youremember what I told you before we left London!"

"Certainly; but it seemed to me then too improbable. "

"The improbable is, sometimes, what we must look for in cases likethis, " he replied; "McCabe should be put on to this immediately, and we must call Sutherland. I will summon him, myself, at once, "and he left the room. 

The foster-father and son, left for a few moments to themselves, had little to say, but sat looking into each other's faces with eyesfull of meaning, each understanding what was in the other's heart. At last, as they heard returning footsteps, the elder man spoke, --

"It was a good thing you went there, my boy; come what may, you willnever regret it. "

"Never!" the other replied with emphasis. 

It seemed but a few moments ere hurried steps were heard along thecorridor, followed by a light, familiar knock, and Mr. Sutherlandentered. 

"I recognized your voice at the 'phone, Mr. Barton, " said theattorney, after greetings had been exchanged, "and something in itstone, aside from the general import of your message, led me tobelieve that the call was of special importance, therefore I lostno time in coming here. "

"You were correct, " replied the English barrister; "we have made amost important discovery, bearing not only upon the case in hand, but also upon the Mainwaring murder case. "

"Ah-h!" responded the attorney with evident interest; then drawinghis chair near the group seated about the open fire, he asked, witha swift glance about the room, "But where is your 'clerk, ' Mr. Barton? Should he not be present?"

"My 'clerk!'" replied Mr. Barton, with peculiar emphasis, and plainlyappreciating the humor of the inquiry; "my 'clerk' is, I believe, atpresent engaged in most assiduously cultivating the acquaintance ofRalph Mainwaring's coachman. "

Then, as Mr. Sutherland elevated his eyebrows in mute inquiry, hecontinued, --

"The coachman, I have understood, is a recent acquisition, taken, Ibelieve, upon the recommendation of this Merrick; and while he seemseminently satisfactory as a coachman, I have my doubts as to whetherhe will prove quite so satisfactory to his superior officer upon hisreturn. "

"Ah, I see!" ejaculated the other; "he is what might be denominateda 'sub. '"

"Yes; and so exceedingly verdant that McCabe thought it worth whileto make his acquaintance. But now to present business!"

Again the strange story was repeated, Mr. Sutherland listening withgrave attention, which deepened as the recital proceeded, until, atits completion, he could scarcely restrain his enthusiasm; exultationwas plainly written on his face, but there was a peculiar gentlenessin his manner as he first approached his young client, saying in alow tone, as he cordially grasped his hand, --

"I realize, Mr. Mainwaring, all that this means to you, and I amsure you will understand me when I say that I congratulate you. "

Harold Mainwaring bowed silently, and Mr. Sutherland, turningtowards the English barrister, exclaimed, "This explains everything!This will make our case absolutely incontrovertible; but, first, we must secure that man at all hazards and at any cost just asquickly as possible; think what a witness he will make!"

"Just what I had in mind" was the response, "and McCabe is the manto locate him if he is upon the face of the earth. But we mustdecide immediately upon our own course of action, for this willnecessitate certain changes in our plans, and we must act at once, and, at the same time, with the utmost caution and secrecy. "

Dinner was ordered and served in the privacy of their own apartmentsthat they might be entirely free from intrusion or interruptionsduring their deliberations, and it was at a late hour when, theirconsultation ended, they gathered about the open fire with theircigars, awaiting, with much self-congratulation and cheerful talk, the return of the absent McCabe. 

"Confound it!" exclaimed Mr. Barton, presently, glancing at hiswatch; "what in the deuce is keeping that fellow so late? If wehad not especially wanted him, he would have been here two hours ago. "

"Perhaps, " suggested Mr. Sutherland, "he may have found the coachmanmore communicative than he anticipated. "

"He has doubtless struck some clue which he is following, " was thereply; but at that instant there was a light tap at the door, and theman generally known as the English barrister's "clerk" entered. 

"Well, Mac, " said Mr. Barton, cheerfully, "'speak of the devil'--youknow what follows! What luck to-night?"

"Very fair, sir, " said the man, quietly taking in the situation ata glance, as he noted the eager, expectant faces of the four men, and, dropping into a chair near the group, he instantly assumed anattitude of close attention. 

Ordinarily, McCabe was, as Mr. Whitney had remarked, rather aninsignificant looking man. He was below medium stature and somewhatdull in appearance, owing to the fact that he seemed to take littleinterest in his surroundings, while his face, when his eyes wereconcealed, as was generally the case, by the heavily drooping lidsand long eyelashes, was absolutely expressionless. When, however, he raised his eyes and fixed them upon any one, the effect was muchthe same as though a search-light suddenly flashed in one's face;but this was only upon rare occasions, and few casual observerswould dream of the keen perceptive faculties hidden beneath thatquiet exterior. 

"Tell us your story first, Mac, " said Mr. Barton, after a moment'ssilence, thoroughly understanding his man, "ours will keep for alittle bit. "

"There's not much to tell, sir. "

"How are you and the coachman coming on?"

"We'll not be very intimate after to-night, I'm thinking. "

"How is that?" questioned the attorney, at the same time smilingbroadly at his companions. 

"Well, sir, there'll be no call for it, for one thing, as I've gotall the points in the case I wanted; and for another, his chiefreturned this evening, and, from the few words I overheard uponhis arrival, I don't think the coachman will feel over-confidentialthe next time he sees me, " and McCabe smiled grimly to himself. 

"So Merrick is back!" interposed Mr. Sutherland, laughing. "Didyou and he meet?"

"Meet, sir? Ah, no, not much o' that! I heard a step coming upthe stairs, and as I thought the room was hardly big enough forthree, I excused myself to Mr. Jim Matheson--alias Matthews, thecoachman--and made for the hall. We passed each other at the headof the stairs, and I cluttered down, making as much racket as Icould; then at the foot of the stairs I took off my boots and creptupstairs again, more to hear the fellow's voice than anything else, so I could recognize him afterwards. "

"What did you hear?" inquired Mr. Barton, as McCabe paused to lighta cigar which Mr. Sutherland had handed him. 

"I heard him say, 'Who was that I passed outside, Jim?' 'Only across-country friend of mine, ' says Jim. 'What friends are youentertaining here in these quarters?' says he, kind o' sharp like. 'An' sure, ' says Jim, 'it was only Dan McCoy, the clerk of the bigLondon lawyer who has come over with the young Mr. Mainwaring I'veheard you speak of, and a right clever fellow he is, too!' 'Clerk!'he roars out, 'clerk, you blithering idiot! he's no more clerkthan you are coachman, nor half so much, for you're fit for nothingbut to take care of horses all your days! Do you want to know, 'says he, 'who you've been entertaining?' That's no more nor lessthan Dan McCabe, a Scotland Yard man they've brought over, nobodyknows what for, but whatever his game, he's made you play into hishand! I didn't stay to hear more, " McCabe concluded, "I got out. "

"But how does this Merrick know you?" Mr. Barton inquired, as thelaughter caused by McCabe's recital subsided. 

"He doesn't know me, he only knows of me, " the man replied. "Ifound that out an hour or two later, when I met him in a crowd atthe Wellington Hotel;" the speaker glanced curiously in thedirection of Harold Mainwaring for an instant, and then continued, "I knew him by his voice, but I spoke with him, and he had no ideawho I was. "

"But how has he heard of you?" persisted Mr. Barton. 

"There was an American detective--a friend of his--who came overon the 'Campania' on the same trip with Mr. Mainwaring. He wasfollowing up a case in London, but he managed to keep his eye onMr. Mainwaring and kept this Merrick posted of all that he was doing. It was because of some remarks of his that I got wind of, that Idetermined from the first to get onto his game. "

"Well, Mac, " said Mr. Barton, tentatively, "are you ready to go towork now?"

The keen eyes flashed for an instant in the attorney's face, thenthe man answered quietly, "If you've nothing to tell me, I'm readyto go to work on my own hook and in my own way; if you've anythingto say, I'll hear it. "

Mr. Barton glanced at the others. "We had better tell McCabe whatwe have learned, and also just what our plans are. "

The others bowed in assent, and the chairs were drawn closer togetherwhile Mr. Barton, in low tones, told, as briefly and clearly aspossible, the discovery which they had made. McCabe listened to theattorney's story, but whether or not the secret were already guessedby him, his face gave no sign. When it was ended he glancedcuriously at Harold Mainwaring. 

"Mrs. LaGrange told you this?"

"She did. "

"At what time, if you please, sir?"

"At about half-past five. "

"Are you aware, sir, that, with the exception of her maid, you areprobably the last person who saw Mrs. LaGrange living?"

"Saw her living!" Harold Mainwaring repeated, astonished, while Mr. Barton demanded, "What do you mean, Mac?"

"I mean, sir, " said McCabe, slowly, "that Mrs. LaGrange committedsuicide at about seven o'clock this evening, less than two hoursafter Mr. Mainwaring saw her. "

"When did you learn of this?" "What do you know of the affair?"questioned the attorneys quickly, while Harold Mainwaring, moredeeply shocked than he would have thought possible, listened to theman's reply. 

"I happened along by the Wellington about two hours ago, and sawconsiderable stir around there. I learned 'twas a case of suicide, but thought nothing of it till I heard the woman's name, then Idropped in and picked up the facts in the case, " and he proceededto relate the details of the affair. 

As Harold Mainwaring listened, he recalled the looks and words ofthe wretched woman, her genuine misery, her falsehood and deceit, her piteous pleadings, and the final rage and scorn with which shehad rejected his assistance even in the face of such desperationand despair; and a sickening sense of horror stole over him, rendering him almost oblivious to the conversation around him. 

"'Twas there I saw this man Merrick, " McCabe was saying inconclusion. "I heard him questioning the maid about Mr. Mainwaring'sinterview with the woman; he evidently was onto that. I saw thegirl myself shortly afterwards and gave her a hint and a bit of moneyto keep her mouth shut about Mr. Mainwaring. She seemed prettybright, and I think she will understand her business. "

"Confound that meddlesome Yankee! what was he prowling aroundthere for?" interrupted Mr. Scott, angrily. "He has no businessprying into Harold Scott Mainwaring's affairs, and I'll have himunderstand it; let him attend to his own duties, and I think, fromall reports, he will have his hands more than full then. Mr. Sutherland, " he continued, addressing the attorney, "there's noknowing what that beastly bungler who calls himself a detectivewill do next; this thing is likely to be out in the morning paperswith the boy's name mixed up in it, and it must be stopped righthere. His name must be kept out of this at any price, and youprobably can reach the New York press better than any one of us. "

"You are right, " said Mr. Sutherland, rising hastily and preparingto leave; "our client wants no notoriety of that sort; and I willmake sure that nothing of the kind occurs. I have a friend who hasunlimited influence with the newspaper men, and I will have himattend to the matter at once, and see to it that everything of thatnature is suppressed. "

"That is best, " said Harold Mainwaring gravely, coming forward. "Iwould have rendered the woman any necessary assistance; I am willingto do whatever is needful now, but, living or dead, her name shallnever be coupled with my father's name and mine. "

"You understand, of course, that money is no object in this matter, "added Mr. Scott. 

"I understand perfectly, sir, " said the attorney, courteously;"everything will be attended to; and, Mr. Barton, you will kindlyconfer with Mr. McCabe, and I will see you in the morning regardingyour final decision. Good-night, gentlemen. "

An hour later, McCabe took his departure. Of his own theories orplans he had said little more than that he was to leave theWaldorf that night for another part of the city, but all detailsfor communication with him in case of necessity had been carefullyarranged. 

"Your 'clerk' has been suddenly called to London on importantbusiness, " he said to Mr. Barton, with a quiet smile, adding, "Youmay meet me occasionally, but it's not likely or best that yourecognize me, and when I have anything to report you will hear fromme, " and with these words he was gone. 

When at last Harold Mainwaring and his foster-father were again bythemselves, the latter, noting the younger man's abstraction, said, --

"This is naturally a great shock to you, my boy, but it is only whatmight be expected after such a life as hers. You have done nothingfor which to censure yourself; you have done all that could be doneunder existing conditions, and more than was actually required ofyou; so you need have no regrets over the affair. "

"I understand that, sir; but the thought that I cannot banish frommy mind is, knowing so well her treachery and deceit, is it possiblethat she herself had a hand in the murder, and finding at last thatthere was no hope of gaining my friendship, did she fear thedevelopments which might follow from what she had told?"

The elder man shook his head thoughtfully. "We cannot say, my boy;the thought occurred to me almost instantaneously, for, withoutdoubt, she both hated and feared him; but time alone will tell. "

CHAPTER XXIV

BETWEEN THE ACTS

For the ten days next ensuing the public craving for sensationaldevelopments in the Mainwaring case seemed likely to be gratifiedto an unusual degree. To the exciting scenes of the court-room wasadded the suicide of Mrs. LaGrange, immediately followed by news ofthe discovery that Richard Hobson, the unwilling witness in theprevious day's proceedings, had absconded, leaving not the slightestindication of even the direction in which he had vanished. By manythe suicide of the one and the sudden disappearance of the other, occurring simultaneously, were considered as prima facie evidencethat the two, so closely associated with each other, had been insome way connected with the Fair Oaks tragedy. 

From this phase of the affair, however, public attention wasspeedily diverted by the report that proceedings to contest the oldwill had been instituted, but in the name of Ralph Mainwaring andhis brother, Harold W. Mainwaring; his son, the sole heir under thewill of Hugh Mainwaring, having altogether withdrawn from thecontest. This had caused an open rupture between father and son, and the latter had established himself in a suite of apartments atthe Murray Hill. 

Young Mainwaring's course occasioned great surprise; many commendedhis wisdom, but few gave him credit for the genuine sense of honorwhich had actuated him. 

"A neat little stroke of diplomacy, " said one club-man to another, "and worthy of Hugh Mainwaring himself! There is no show for him, anyway, and it's much better policy to yield the point now, don'tyou see, than to fight it out along with that pig-headed father ofhis. "

"He understands on which side his bread is buttered, and don't youforget it, my dear boy, " was the laughing rejoinder. "It's alwaysbest to stand in with the winning side; he won't lose anything inthe long run, and he knows it. "

Such remarks occasionally reached young Mainwaring, making himexceedingly indignant. 

"You may say, once and for all, " he said to a reporter who wasinterviewing him in his apartments at the Murray Hill, "that inwithdrawing from this contest I am not currying favor with HaroldScott Mainwaring. He and I are the best of friends, but that factwould not hinder me from giving him a fair and square fight ifthere were the slightest doubt as to the validity of his claim. But there isn't; he has proved his right, legally and morally, tothe property, and that's enough for me. "

"But Mr. Ralph Mainwaring must have some tenable ground forcontesting his claim, " said the reporter, tentatively, hoping toget some of the inside facts of the case. 

Young Mainwaring froze instantly. "I have nothing whatever to say, sir, regarding the governor's action in this matter; any informationyou desire on that point you will have to obtain from him. "

The next development in the Mainwaring case was a report to theeffect that the whereabouts of Harold W. Mainwaring could not beascertained, and it was generally supposed among his Londonassociates that he had followed his brother to America by the nextsteamer. As this report was supplemented by the further facts thathe was a man of no principle, heavily involved in debt, and deeplyincensed at Ralph Mainwaring's success in securing for his son theAmerican estate in which he himself had expected to share, publicspeculation was immediately aroused in a new direction, and "thatMainwaring affair" became the absorbing topic, not alone at theclubs and other places of masculine rendezvous, but at all socialgatherings as well. 

Regarding the principal actors in this drama, however, around whompublic interest really centred, little could be definitelyascertained. To many, who, on the following morning, read thedetails of the suicide at the Wellington, it was a matter of nosmall wonder that the name of Harold Scott Mainwaring was not oncementioned in connection with that of the woman shown by thepreceding day's testimony to have been so closely related to him. Perhaps no one was more surprised at this omission than Merrickhimself but if so, his only comment was made mentally. 

"He's got the cinch on them all around, and he'll win, hands down!"

The inquest, held at an early hour, was merely a matter of form, the evidence of intentional suicide being conclusive, and theinterment, a few hours later, was strictly private. Excepting theclergyman who read the burial service, there were present only thetwo sons of the wretched woman. 

It was their first meeting since learning of the strange relationshipexisting between them, and Walter LaGrange, as he entered thepresence of the dead, cast a curious glance, half shrinking, halfdefiant, at the calm, stern face of Harold Mainwaring, who hadpreceded him. His own face was haggard and drawn, and the hard, rigid lines deepened as his glance fell for an instant on the casketbetween them. Then his eyes looked straight into those of HaroldMainwaring with an expression almost imploring. 

"Tell me, " he demanded in low, hoarse tones, "is it true that Iam--what she once said and what report is now saying--the son ofHugh Mainwaring?"

"It is true, " the other replied, gravely. 

"Then curse them both!" he exclaimed, while his hands clinchedinvoluntarily. "What right had they to blight and ruin my life?What right had they to live as they did, and let the stigma, theshame, the curse of it all fall on me? A few months since I hadthe honor and respect of my classmates and associates; to-day, notone will recognize me, and for no fault of mine!"

"Hush!" interposed Harold Mainwaring; "I know the wrong which hasbeen done you, --they have wronged me, also, far more deeply thanyou know, --but this is no time or place to recall it!"

The calmness and kindness of his tones seemed to soothe and controlhis excited companion. 

"I know they have wronged you, " the latter replied; "but they havenot ruined you! You have not only friends and wealth, but, morethan all, your father's name. I, " he added bitterly, "am a pauper, and worse than a pauper, for I have not even a name!"

For a few moments Harold Mainwaring silently studied the haggardyoung face confronting him, in which anger was slowly giving placeto dull, sullen despair; and his own heart was suddenly moved withpity for the boy. 

"Robbed of his birthright before he was born, " reared in anatmosphere of treachery and deceit calculated to foster and developthe evil tendencies already inherited; yet, notwithstanding all, soclosely akin to himself. 

"Walter, " he said, gravely, at the same time extending his handacross the casket, "I realize the truth of much that you have said, but you need not allow this to ruin or blight your life. Mark mywords, your future from this time forth is, to a great extent, inyour own hands; your life will be what you make it, and you alone. See to it that it is not blighted by your own wrong-doing! Beyourself a man of honor, and I will assure you, you can depend uponme to stand by you and to help you. " Walter LaGrange raised hiseyes in astonishment at these words, containing a pledge of probablythe first genuine friendship he had ever known in his young life. He gave a look, searching, almost cynical, into Harold Mainwaring'sface; then reading nothing but sincerity, he took the proffered hand, saying brokenly, --

"Do you really mean it? I supposed that you, of all others, woulddespise me; and it would be no great wonder if you did!"

"It will depend entirely upon yourself, Walter, whether or not Idespise you. If I ever do, it will be the result of your ownunworthiness, not because of the wrong-doing of others. "

There were signs in the boy's face of a brief struggle between theold pride, inherited from his mother, and the self-respect whichHarold Mainwaring's words had but just awakened. 

"If it were the other fellow, " he said, slowly, "the one the oldman intended to make his heir, had made me such a proposition, Iwould tell him to go to the devil; but, by George! if you willstand by me, it's all right, and I'll be man enough anyway thatyou'll never regret it. "

A few days later, Walter LaGrange, penniless and friendless, haddisappeared, whither his former associates neither knew nor cared. In a large banking establishment in one of the principal westerncities, --a branch of the firm of Mainwaring & Co. , --a young man, known as the ward of Harold Scott Mainwaring, was entered as anemployee, with prospect of advancement should he prove himselfworthy of responsibility and trust. But of this, as of many otherevents just then quietly transpiring behind the scenes, little ornothing was known. 

Meanwhile, as the days slipped rapidly away, the party at theWaldorf was not idle. There were conferences, numerous andprotracted, behind dosed doors, telegrams and cablegrams in cipherflashed hither and thither in multitudinous directions, while Mr. Sutherland seemed fairly ubiquitous. Much of his time, however, was spent in the private parlors of the English party, with frequentjourneys to the court-house to ascertain the status of the case. From one of these trips he returned one evening jubilant. 

"Well, " said he, settling himself comfortably, with a sigh ofrelief, "the first point in the case is decided in our favor. "

"That is a good omen, " Mr. Barton replied cheerfully; "but may Iinquire to what you refer?"

"I have succeeded in getting the date for the hearing set for thenext term of court, which opens early in December. "

"I am glad to hear it; a little time just now is of the utmostimportance to our interests. Did you have any difficulty insecuring a postponement until the next term?"

"Whitney, of course, opposed it strongly. He said his clientwanted the matter settled at the earliest possible moment; but Itold him that so long as Ralph Mainwaring persisted in buttingagainst a stone wall, just so long a speedy settlement was out ofthe question; it was bound to be a hard fight, and would be carriedover into the next term in any event. Then I had a privateinterview with Judge Bingham, and, without giving particulars, toldhim that new developments had arisen, and, with a little time inwhich to procure certain evidence, we would have our opponentscompletely floored, --they would not even have an inch of room leftto stand upon, --while under present conditions, Mainwaring, so longas he had a shilling, would, if beaten, move for a new trial, orappeal to a higher court, --anything to keep up the fight. So hewill grant us till December, which, I am inclined to think, will beample time. "

"It looks now, " said Mr. Barton, producing a telegram, "as thoughwe might succeed in securing that evidence much sooner than we haveanticipated. What do you think of that?" and he handed the despatchto Mr. Sutherland. 

The face of the latter brightened as he glanced rapidly over theyellow sheet. 

"The dickens! McCabe has left the city!" he exclaimed. 

Mr. Barton bowed. "Which means, " he said in reply, "that he hasevidently struck the scent; and when he once starts on the trail, it is only a question of time--and usually not any great lengthof time, either--before he runs his game to cover. "

"Well, " ejaculated Mr. Sutherland, rubbing his hands togetherenthusiastically, "I, for one, want to be 'in at the death' on this, for it will simply be the finest piece of work, the grandestdenouement, of any case that has ever come within my twenty years oflegal experience!"

Mr. Barton smiled. "My brother is evidently of the same opinionwith yourself, " he said. "I received a cablegram from him to-day, requesting me to inform him at once of the date set for the hearing, as he stated he would not, for a kingdom, fail of being present atthe trial. "

With the announcement that the case of Mainwaring versus Mainwaringhad been set for the opening of the December term of court, thepublic paused to take breath and to wonder at this unlooked-fordelay, but preparations for the coming contest were continued withunabated vigor on both sides. Contrary to all expectations, RalphMainwaring, so far from objecting to the postponement of the case, took special pains to express his entire satisfaction with thisturn of affairs. 

"It is an indication of conscious weakness on their part, " heremarked with great complacency, as he and Mr. Whitney were diningat the club on the following day. "They have evidently discoveredsome flaw in their defence which it will take some time to repair. I can afford to wait, however; my attorneys and experts will soonbe here, and while our side could easily have been in readiness ina much shorter time, this, of course, will give us an opportunityfor still more elaborate preparation, so that we will gain animmense advantage over them. "

"I suppose, Mr. Mainwaring, " said one of his listeners, giving aquick side-glance at his companions, "I suppose that during thisinterim a truce will be declared, and for the time being there willbe a cessation of hostilities between the parties in interest, willthere not?"

"Sir!" roared Ralph Mainwaring, transfixing the speaker with astare calculated to annihilate him. 

"I beg pardon, sir, I intended no offence, " continued theirrepressible young American, ignoring the warning signals from hisassociates; "it only occurred to me that with such an immenseadvantage on your side you could afford to be magnanimous and treatyour opponent with some consideration. "

"I am not accustomed to showing magnanimity or consideration to anybut my own equals, " the other rejoined, with freezing dignity; "andthe fact that my 'opponent, ' as you are pleased to designate him, is, for the present, allowed liberty to go and come at his pleasure, although under strict surveillance, is, in this instance, sufficientconsideration. "

"Harold Scott Mainwaring under surveillance? Incredible!" exclaimedone of the party in a low tone, while the first speaker remarked, "Icertainly was unaware that the gentleman in question was to beregarded in the light of a suspected criminal!"

"It is to be presumed, " said Ralph Mainwaring, haughtily, stung bythe tinge of irony in the other's tone, "that there are a number ofpoints in this case of which people in general are as yet unaware, but upon which they are likely to become enlightened in the nearfuture, when this person who has assumed such a variety of roleswill be disclosed in his true light, --not that of a suspectedcriminal merely, but of a condemned criminal, convicted by a chainof evidence every link of which has been forged by himself. "

There was an ominous silence as Ralph Mainwaring rose from thetable, broken at last by an elderly gentleman seated at a littledistance, who, while apparently an interested listener, had takenno part in the conversation. 

"Begging your pardon, Mr. Mainwaring, I would judge the chargeswhich you would prefer against this young man to be unusuallyserious; may I inquire their nature?"

The words were spoken with the utmost deliberation, but in the calm, even tones there was an implied challenge, which was all that wasneeded at that instant to fan Ralph Mainwaring's wrath into a flame. Utterly disregarding a cautionary glance from Mr. Whitney, he turnedhis monocle upon the speaker, glaring at him in contemptuous silencefor a moment. 

"You have decidedly the advantage of me, sir, but allow me to saythat the person under discussion has not only, with unheard ofeffrontery, publicly and unblushingly proclaimed himself as ablackmailer and knave, capable of descending to any perfidy ortreachery for the purpose of favoring his own base schemes, but hehas also, in his inordinate greed and ambition, unwittingly provedhimself by his own statements and conduct to be a villain of thedeepest dye; and I will say, furthermore, that if Harold ScottMainwaring, as he styles himself, ends his days upon the gallowsin expiation of the foul murder of Hugh Mainwaring, he will haveonly himself to thank, for his own words and deeds will have putthe noose about his neck. "

Having thus expressed himself, Ralph Mainwaring, without waitingfor reply, left the room accompanied by Mr. Whitney. The lattermade no comment until they were seated in the carriage and rollingdown the avenue; then he remarked, casually, --

"I was surprised, Mr. Mainwaring, that you failed to recognize thegentleman who addressed you as you were leaving the table. "

"His face was somewhat familiar; I have met him, but I cannot recallwhen or where. I considered his tone decidedly offensive, however, and I proposed, whoever he might be, to give him to understand thatI would brook no interference. Do you know him?"

"I have never met him, but I know of him, " the attorney replied, watching his client closely. "He is the Honorable J. Ponsonby Roget, Q. C. , of London. I supposed of course that you knew him. "

"J. Ponsonby Roget, Queen's Counsel? Egad! I have met him, but itwas years ago, and he has aged so that I did not recognize him. Strange!" he added, visibly annoyed. "What the deuce is he doingin this country?"

"That is just what no one is able to say, " replied the attorney, slowly. "He is stopping at the Waldorf, with our friends, theEnglish party, but whether as a guest or in a professional capacity, no one has been able to ascertain. "

"Zounds, man! why did you not give me this information earlier?"

"For the good and sufficient reason, Mr. Mainwaring, that I did notlearn of the facts myself until within the last two hours. Myattention was called to the gentleman as I entered the club. Iassumed, of course, that you knew him, at least by sight, and whenhe addressed you I supposed for the instant that you wereacquaintances. "

"But how came he at the club? None of the party from the Waldorfwere with him. "

"He was there as the especial guest of Chief-Justice Parmalee, ofthe Supreme Court, the gentleman on his left. Judge Parmalee spentmuch of his life in London, and the two are particular friends. "

"Well, it's done, and can't be undone, and I don't know that Iregret it, " Ralph Mainwaring remarked, sullenly. "If he chooses toidentify himself with that side of the case he is at liberty to doso, but he has my opinion of his client gratis. "

Mr. Whitney made no reply, and the drive was concluded in silence. 

Meanwhile, Ralph Mainwaring had no sooner left the club than achorus of exclamations, protests, and running comments arose onall sides. 

"Harold Scott Mainwaring the murderer of Hugh Mainwaring! That iscarrying this farce beyond all bounds!"

"If he cannot get possession of the property in any other way, hewill send the new heir to the gallows, eh?"

"He will attempt it, too; he is desperate, " said one. 

"He may make it pretty serious for the young fellow, " said another, thoughtfully. "You remember, by his own statements he was the lastperson who saw Hugh Mainwaring alive; in fact, he was in his librarywithin a few moments preceding his death; and after all that hasbeen brought to light, it's not to be supposed that he had any greataffection for his uncle. "

"What is this, gentlemen?" said a reporter, briskly, appearing onthe scene, note-book in hand. "Any new developments in theMainwaring case?"

"Yes, a genuine sensation!" shouted two or three voices. 

"Gentlemen, attention a moment!" said a commanding voice outside, and an instant later a tall, well-known form entered. 

"The ubiquitous Mr. Sutherland!" laughingly announced a jovialyoung fellow, standing near the entrance. 

"Sutherland, how is this?" demanded one of the elder gentlemen. "Have you a private battery concealed about your person withinvisible wires distributed throughout the city, that you seem toarrive at any and every spot just on the nick of time?"

"That is one of the secrets of the profession, Mr. Norton, not tobe revealed to the uninitiated, " replied the attorney, while aquick glance flashed between himself and the Queen's Counsel. 

"There is one thing, gentlemen, " he continued, with great dignity, "to which I wish to call your attention, particularly you gentlemenof the press. I am aware of the nature of the 'sensation' of whichyou made mention a moment ago, but I wish it distinctly understoodthat it is to be given no publicity whatever. The name of my clientis not to be bandied about before the public in connection with anyof Ralph Mainwaring's imputations or vilifications, for the reasonthat they are wholly without foundation. We are thoroughlycognizant of that gentleman's intentions regarding our client, andwe will meet him on his own ground. In the coming contest we willnot only establish beyond all shadow of doubt our client's soleright and title to the Mainwaring estate, but we will, at the sametime, forever refute and silence any and every aspersion which RalphMainwaring may seek to cast upon him. Even were there any truthin these insinuations, it would be time enough, when the chargesshould be preferred against our client, to brazen them before thepublic, but since they are only the product of spleen and malignity, simply consign them to the odium and obloquy to which they areentitled. "

"That is right!" responded two or three voices, while the reporterreplied, courteously, --

"We will certainly respect your wishes, sir; but you see the publicis on the qui vive, so to speak, over this case, and it is ourbusiness to get hold of every item which we can to add to theinterest. You have checked us off on some rather interesting matteralready, I believe. "

"Perhaps so, " said Mr. Sutherland, quietly, "but I can promise youthat before long there will be developments in the case which willgive you boys all the interesting matter you will need for sometime, and they will be fact, not fabrication. "

As the result of Mr. Sutherland's prompt action, the newspaperscontained no allusion to that evening's scene at the club; but evenhis energy and caution were powerless to prevent the spread of theaffair from lip to lip. Mentioned scarcely above a whisper, thereport rippled onward, the waves widening in all directions, withvarious alterations and additions, till it was regarded as an opensecret in all circles of society. It reached young Mainwaring inhis rather secluded bachelor quarters at the Murray Hill, and hebowed his head in shame that a Mainwaring should stoop to sodisgraceful an exhibition of his venomous rage and hatred. Itreached Harold Scott Mainwaring, and the smouldering fire in thedark eyes gleamed afresh and the proud face grew rigid and stern. Donning overcoat and hat, he left his apartments at the Waldorf;and started forth in the direction of the club most frequented byRalph Mainwaring and Mr. Whitney. 

He had gone but a short distance when he met young Mainwaring. Theyoung men exchanged cordial greetings, and, at Harold's request, hiscousin retraced his steps to accompany him. 

"Why are you making such a stranger of yourself; Hugh? I havescarcely seen you of late, " said Harold, after a little generalconversation. 

"Well, to be frank with you, old boy, I haven't been around so oftenas I would like for two reasons; for one thing, I find peoplegenerally are not inclined to regard our friendship in the same lightthat we do. You and I understand one another, and you don't suspectme of any flunkeyism, or any ulterior motive, don't you know, --"

"I understand perfectly, " said Harold, as his cousin paused, seemingto find some difficulty in conveying his exact meaning; "and solong as you and I do understand each other, what is the use ofpaying any attention to outsiders? Whether we were friends, orrefused to recognize one another, their small talk and gossip wouldflow on forever, so why attempt to check it?"

"I believe you are right; but that isn't all of it, don't you know. What I care most about is the governor's losing his head in the wayhe has lately. It is simply outrageous, the reports he has startedin circulation!"

Hugh paused and glanced anxiously into his cousin's face, but thefrank, brotherly kindness which he read there reassured him. 

"My dear cousin, " said Harold, warmly, "nothing that RalphMainwaring can ever say or do shall make any difference between us. There are but two contingencies in this connection that I regret. "

"And those are what?" the younger man questioned eagerly. 

"That he bears the name of Mainwaring, and that he is your father!"

"By Jove! I'm with you on that, " the other exclaimed heartily, "andI hope you'll win every point in the game; but I've been awfullycut up over what he has said and done recently. I know that heintends to carry his threats into execution, and I'm afraid he'llmake it deucedly unpleasant for you, don't you know. "

They had reached the club-house, and Harold Mainwaring, as he pausedon the lowest step, smiled brightly into the boyish face, regardinghim with such solicitude. 

"I understand his intentions as well as you, and know that it wouldgive him great delight to carry them into execution; but, my dearboy, he will never have the opportunity to even make the attempt. "

Young Mainwaring's face brightened. "Why, are you prepared to headhim off in that direction? By Jove! I'm right glad to know it. Well, I'll be around to the Waldorf in the course of a day or two No, much obliged, but I don't care to go into the club-roomsto-night; in fact, I haven't been in there since the governor madethat after-dinner speech of his. Good-night!"

As Harold Mainwaring sauntered carelessly through the club-rooms, returning the greetings of the select circle of friends which hehad made, he was conscious of glances of interest and undisguisedcuriosity from the many with whom he had no acquaintance. Noallusion was made to the subject which he well knew was in theirminds, however, until, meeting Mr. Chittenden, the latter drew himaside into an alcove. 

"I say, my dear Mainwaring, are you aware that your esteemed kinsmanhas you under strict surveillance?"

Mainwaring smiled, though his eyes flashed. "I am aware that hehas made statements to that effect, although, thus far, his'surveillance' has interfered in no way either with my duties orpleasures, nor do I apprehend that it will. "

"My dear fellow, it is simply preposterous! The man must be insane. "

"Is he here this evening?" Mainwaring inquired. 

"No; to tell the truth, he has not found it so very congenial heresince that outbreak of his; he seldom is here now, excepting, ofcourse, at meals. Mr. Whitney is here, however. "

"I came here, " Harold Mainwaring replied, "with the express purposeof meeting one or the other, or both; on the whole, it will berather better to meet Mr. Whitney. "

"No trouble, no unpleasant words, I hope?" said the elder man, anxiously. 

"Mr. Chittenden, when you knew me as Hugh Mainwaring's privatesecretary, you knew me as a gentleman; I trust I shall never beless. "

"You are right, you are right, my boy, and I beg your pardon; butyoung blood is apt to be hasty, you know. "

A little later Harold Mainwaring strolled leisurely across the largereading-room to a table where Mr. Whitney was seated. The latter, seeing him, rose to greet him, while his sensitive face flushedwith momentary excitement. 

"Mr. Mainwaring, I am delighted to meet you. I had hoped from thefriendly tone of that rather mysterious note of yours, upon yoursomewhat abrupt departure, that we might meet again soon, and, though it is under greatly altered circumstances, I am proud tohave the opportunity of congratulating you. "

The younger man responded courteously, and for a few moments thetwo chatted pleasantly upon subjects of general interest, whilemany pairs of eyes looked on in silent astonishment, wondering whatthis peculiar interview might portend. 

At last, after a slight pause, Harold Mainwaring remarked, calmly, "Mr. Whitney, I understand that, when the coming litigation isterminated, your client intends to institute proceedings against meof a far different nature, --criminal proceedings, in fact. "

The attorney colored and started nervously, then replied in a lowtone, "Mr. Mainwaring, let us withdraw to one of the side rooms;this is rather a public place for any conversation regarding thosematters. "

"It is none too public for me, Mr. Whitney, as I have nothingunpleasant to say towards yourself personally, and nothing which Iam not perfectly willing should be heard by any and every individualin these rooms to-night. You have not yet answered my inquiry, Mr. Whitney. "

The attorney paused for a moment, as though laboring under greatexcitement, then he spoke in a tone vibrating with strong emotion, --

"Mr. Mainwaring, regarding my client's intentions, you have, in allprobability, been correctly informed. I believe that he has madestatements at various times to that effect, and I am now so wellacquainted with him that I know there is no doubt but that he willattempt to carry out what he has threatened. But, Mr. Mainwaring, Iwish to say a word or two for myself. In the coming litigationover the estate, I, as Ralph Mainwaring's counsel, am bound to domy part without any reference to my own personal opinions orprejudices, and I expect to meet you and your counsel in an openfight, --perhaps a bitter one. But this much I have to say: ShouldRalph Mainwaring undertake to bring against you any action of thecharacter which he has threatened, " here Mr. Whitney rose to hisfeet and brought his hand down with a ringing blow upon the tableat his side, "he will have to employ other counsel than myself, forI will have nothing whatever to do with such a case. "

He paused a moment, then continued: "I do not claim to understandyou perfectly, Mr. Mainwaring. I will confess you have always beena mystery to me, and you are still. There are depths about you thatI cannot fathom. But I do believe in your honor, your integrity, and your probity, and as for taking part in any action reflectingupon your character, or incriminating you in any respect, I neverwill!"

A roar of applause resounded through the club-rooms as he concluded. When it had subsided, Harold Mainwaring replied, --

"Mr. Whitney, I thank you for this public expression of yourconfidence in me. The relations between us in the past have beenpleasant, and I trust they will continue so in the future. As Istated, however, I came here to-night with no unfriendly feelingtowards yourself, but to ask you to be the bearer of a messagefrom me to your client. Ralph Mainwaring, not content with tryingby every means within his power to deprive me of my right andtitle to the estate for years wrongfully withheld from my fatherand from myself, now accuses me of being the murderer of HughMainwaring. I Say to Ralph Mainwaring, for me, that, not throughwhat he terms my 'inordinate greed and ambition, ' but throughGod-given rights which no man can take from me, I will have myown, and he is powerless to prevent it or to stand in my way. Butsay to him that I will never touch one farthing of this propertyuntil I stand before the world free and acquitted of the most remoteshadow of the murder of Hugh Mainwaring; nor until the foul anddastardly crime that stains Fair Oaks shall have been avenged!"

Amid the prolonged applause that followed, Harold Mainwaring leftthe building. 

CHAPTER XXV

RUN TO COVER

A dull, cheerless day in the early part of December was merginginto a stormy night as the west-bound express over one of thetranscontinental railways, swiftly winding its way along thetortuous course of a Rocky Mountain canyon, suddenly paused beforethe long, low depot of a typical western mining city. The arclights swinging to and fro shed only a ghastly radiance through thedense fog, and grotesque shadows, dancing hither and thither to thevibratory motion of the lights, seemed trying to contest supremacywith the feeble rays. 

The train had not come to a full stop when a man sprang lightlyfrom one of the car platforms, and, passing swiftly through thewaiting crowd, concealed himself in the friendly shelter of theshadows, where he remained oblivious to the rain falling inspiteful dashes, while he scanned the hurrying crowd surging invarious directions. Not one of the crowd observed him; not oneescaped his observation. Soon his attention was riveted upon atall man, closely muffled in fur coat and cap, who descended fromone of the rear coaches, and, after a quick, cautious glance abouthim, passed the silent, motionless figure in the shadow and hastilyentered a carriage standing near. The other, listening intentlyfor the instructions given the driver, caught the words, "545Jefferson Street. "

As the carriage rolled away, he emerged from the shadow and jotteddown the address in a small note-book, soliloquizing as he did so, --

"I have tracked him to his lair at last, and now, unless thatinfernal hoodoo looms upon the scene, I can get in my work in goodshape. I would have had my game weeks ago, but for his appearance, confound him!"

He looked at his watch. "Dinner first, " he muttered, "the nextthing in order is to find the alias under which my gentleman is atpresent travelling. No one seems to know much about him in theseparts. "

The dim light revealed a man below medium height, his form envelopedin a heavy English mackintosh thrown carelessly about his shoulders, which, as he made his notes, blew partially open, revealing animmaculate shirt front and a brilliant diamond which scintillatedand sparkled in open defiance of the surrounding gloom. A soft felthat well pulled down concealed his eyes and the upper part of hisface, leaving visible only a slightly aquiline nose and heavy, blackmustache, which gave his face something of a Jewish cast. Replacinghis note-book in his pocket, he called a belated carriage, andhastily gave orders to be taken to the Clifton House. 

Arriving at the hotel, the stranger registered as "A. Rosenbaum, Berlin, " and, having secured one of the best rooms the house afforded, repaired to the dining-room. Dinner over, Mr. Rosenbaum betookhimself to a quiet corner of the office, which served also as areading-room, and soon was apparently absorbed in a number of Easternpapers, both English and German, though a keen observer would havenoted that the papers were occasionally lowered sufficiently to givethe eyes--again concealed beneath the hat-brim--an opportunity forreconnoitering the situation. He was attired in a black suit offaultless fit, and a superb ruby on his left hand gleamed and glowedlike living fire, rivalling in beauty the flashing diamond. Hespeedily became the subject of considerable speculation among thevarious classes of men congregating in the hotel office, most ofthem for an evening of social enjoyment, though a few seemed to havegathered there for the purpose of conducting business negotiations. Among the latter, after a time, was the tall man in fur coat andcap, who appeared to be waiting for some one with whom he had anappointment, as he shunned the crowd, selecting a seat near Mr. Rosenbaum as the most quiet place available. Having removed hiscap and thrown back the high collar of his fur coat, he appeared tobe a man of about fifty years of age, with iron-gray hair and a full, heavy beard of the same shade. He wore dark glasses, and, havingseated himself with his back towards the light, drew forth from hispocket a number of voluminous type-written documents, and becameabsorbed in a perusal of their contents. 

Meanwhile, the proprietor of the Clifton House, feeling considerablecuriosity regarding his new guest, sauntered over in his direction. 

"Well, Mr. Rosenbaum, " he remarked, genially, "you have hit onrather a stormy night for your introduction to our city, for I takeit you are a stranger here, are you not?"

The soft hat was raised slightly, revealing a rather stolid, expressionless face, with dark eyes nearly concealed by long lashes. 

"Not the most agreeable, certainly, " he answered, with an expressiveshrug and a marked German accent, at the same time ignoring theother's question. 

"Your first impressions are not likely to be very pleasant, but ifyou stop over a few days you will see we have a fine city. Do youremain here long?"

"I cannot say at present; depends entirely upon business, youunderstand. "

"I see. What's your line?"

For reply the stranger handed the other a small card, on which wasengraved, "Rosenbaum Brothers, Diamond Brokers, Berlin, " and bearingon one corner his own name, "A. Rosenbaum. "

"Diamond brokers, eh? You don't say!" exclaimed the proprietor, regarding the bit of pasteboard with visible respect. "Must be quitea business. You represent this firm, I suppose; you are theirsalesman?"

The stranger shook his head with a smile. "We have no salesmen, " heanswered, quietly. "We have branch houses in Paris, London, and NewYork, but we employ no travelling salesmen. Any one can selldiamonds; my business is to buy them, " with marked emphasis on thelast words. 

"Well, " said his interlocutor, "you're not looking for 'em out here, are you?"

"Why not here as well as anywhere? So far as my experience goes, it is nothing uncommon in this part of the country to run acrossowners of fine stones who, for one reason or another, are very gladto exchange the same for cash. "

"Yes, I suppose so. When a fellow gets down to bedrock, he'll putup most anything to make a raise. "

"There are many besides those who are down to bedrock, as you callit, who are glad to make an exchange of that kind, " said Mr. Rosenbaum, speaking with deliberation and keeping an eye upon hisneighbor in the fur coat; "but their reasons, whatever they may be, do not concern us; our business is simply to buy the gems whereverwe can find them and ask no questions. "

By this time a fourth man was approaching in their direction, evidently the individual for whom the man in the fur coat waswaiting, and Mr. Rosenbaum, thinking it time to put an end to theconversation, rose and began to don his mackintosh. 

"Surely you are not going out to-night!" said the proprietor; "betterstay indoors, and I'll make you acquainted with some of the boys. "

"Much obliged, but an important engagement compels me to forego thatpleasure, " said Mr. Rosenbaum, and, bidding his host good-evening, hesallied forth, well aware that every word of their conversation hadbeen overheard by their silent neighbor, notwithstanding thevoluminous documents which seemed to engross his attention. 

Passing out into the night, he found the storm fast abating. Stopping at a news-stand, he inquired for a directory, which hecarefully studied for a few moments, then walked down the principalthoroughfare until, coming to a side street, he turned and for anumber of blocks passed up one street and down another, plunging atlast into a dark alley. 

Upon emerging therefrom a block away, the soft felt hat had givenplace to a jaunty cap, while a pair of gold-rimmed eye-glassesperched upon the aquiline nose gave the wearer a decidedly youthfuland debonnaire appearance. Approaching a secluded house in a dimlylighted location, he glanced sharply at the number, as though toreassure himself, then running swiftly up the front steps, hepulled the door-bell vigorously and awaited developments. Afterconsiderable delay the door was unlocked and partially opened by ahatchet-faced woman, who peered cautiously out, her features lightedby the uncertain rays of a candle which the draught momentarilythreatened to extinguish. 

"Good-evening, madam, " said the stranger, airily. "Pardon such anunseasonable call, but I wish to see Mr. Lovering, who, I understand, has rooms here. "

"There's no such person rooming here, " she replied, sharply, hermanner indicating that this bit of information ended the interview, but her interlocutor was not to be so easily dismissed. 

"No such person!" he exclaimed, at the same time scrutinizing inapparent perplexity a small card which he had produced. "J. D. Lovering, 545 Jefferson Street; isn't this 545, madam?"

"Yes, " she answered, testily, "this is 545; but there's nobody hereby the name of Lovering. "

The young man turned as if to go. "Have you any roomers at present?"he inquired, doubtfully. 

"I have one, but his name is Mannering. "

"Mannering, " he repeated, thoughtfully, once more facing her; "Iwonder if I am not mistaken in the name? Will you kindly describeMr. Mannering?"

The woman hesitated, eying him suspiciously. "He ain't likely tobe the man you want, " she said, slowly, "for he don't have nocallers, and he never goes anywhere, except out of the city once ina while on business. He's an oldish man, with dark hair and beardstreaked with gray, and he wears dark glasses. "

"Ah, no, " the young man interrupted hastily, "that is not the man atall; the man I am looking for is rather young and a decided blond. I am sorry to have troubled you, madam; I beg a thousand pardons, "and with profuse apologies he bowed himself down the steps, to theevident relief of the landlady. 

As the door closed behind him, Mr. Rosenbaum paused a moment toreconnoitre. The house he had just left was the only habitablebuilding visible in the immediate vicinity, but a few rods fartherdown the street was a small cabin, whose dilapidated appearanceindicated that it was unoccupied. Approaching the cabin cautiously, Mr. Rosenbaum tried the door; it offered but slight resistance, and, entering, he found it, as he had surmised, empty and deserted. Stationing himself near a window which overlooked No. 545, heregarded the isolated dwelling with considerable interest. It wasa two-story structure with a long extension in the rear, only onestory in height. With the exception of a dim light in this rearportion, the house was entirely dark, which led Mr. Rosenbaum tothe conclusion that the landlady's private apartments were in thispart of the building and remote from the room occupied by her lodger, which he surmised to be the front room on the second floor, a sidewindow of which faced the cabin. 

For more than an hour Mr. Rosenbaum remained at his post, and atlast had the satisfaction of seeing the tall figure in the fur coatapproaching down the dimly lighted street. He ascended the stepsof 545, let himself in with a night-key, and a moment later the gasin the upper front room was turned on, showing Mr. Rosenbaum'ssurmise to be correct. For an instant the flaring flame revealeda pale face without the dark glasses, and with a full, dark beardtinged with gray; then it was lowered and the window blinds wereclosely drawn, precluding the possibility of further observation. The face was like and yet unlike what Mr. Rosenbaum had expectedto see; he determined upon a nearer and better view, without thedark glasses, before making any decisive move. 

The following evening, as soon as it was dusk, found Mr. Rosenbaumagain at the window of the deserted cabin, keenly observant of No. 545. A faint light burned in the rear of the lower floor, while inthe front room upstairs a fire was evidently burning in an opengrate, the rest of the house being in darkness. Presently a man'sfigure, tall and well formed, could be seen pacing up and down theroom, appearing, vanishing, and reappearing in the waveringfirelight. For nearly an hour he continued his perambulation, hishands clasped behind him as though absorbed in deep thought. Atlast, arousing himself from his revery, the man looked at his watchand vanished, reappearing ten minutes later at the front door, inthe usual fur coat and cap, and, descending the steps, turnedtowards town and proceeded leisurely down the street, Mr. Rosenbaumfollowing at some distance, but always keeping him in view andgradually diminishing the distance between them as the thoroughfarebecame more crowded, till they were nearly opposite each other. 

Finally, the man paused before a restaurant and, turning, lookedcarefully up and down the street. For the first time he observedMr. Rosenbaum and seemed to regard him with close attention, butthe latter gentleman was absorbed in the contemplation of anassortment of diamonds and various gems displayed in a jeweller'swindow, directly opposite the restaurant. In the mirrored back ofthe show-case the restaurant was plainly visible, and Mr. Rosenbaumnoted with satisfaction the other's evident interest in himself, and continued to study the contents of the show-case till the manhad entered the restaurant, seating himself at one of theunoccupied tables. Having observed his man well started on thefirst course of dinner, Mr. Rosenbaum crossed the street slowly, entered the restaurant and with a pre-occupied air seated himselfat the same table with Mr. Mannering. After giving his order, heproceeded to unfold the evening paper laid beside his plate, withouteven a glance at his vis-a-vis. His thoughts, however, were noton the printed page, but upon the man opposite, whom he had followedfrom city to city, hearing of him by various names and under variousguises; hitherto unable to obtain more than a fleeting glimpse ofhim, but now brought face to face. 

"Alias Henry J. Mannering at last!" he commented mentally, as herefolded his paper; "you have led me a long chase, my man, but youand I will now have our little game, and I will force you to showyour hand before it is over!"

Glancing casually across at his neighbor, he found the dark glassesfocused upon himself with such fixity that he responded with afriendly nod, and, making some trivial remark, found Mr. Manneringnot at all averse to conversation. A few commonplaces were exchangeduntil the arrival of Mr. Rosenbaum's order, when the other remarked, --

"Evidently you do not find the cuisine of the Clifton House entirelysatisfactory. "

"It is very good, " Mr. Rosenbaum answered, indifferently, "but anoccasional change is agreeable. By the way, sir, have I met you atthe Clifton? I do not remember to have had that pleasure. "

"We have not met, " replied the other. "I saw you there last evening, however, as I happened in soon after your arrival. "

"Ah, so? I am very deficient in remembering faces. "

Mr. Mannering hesitated a moment, then remarked with a smile, "I, on the contrary, am quite observant of faces, and yours seemssomewhat familiar; have I not seen you elsewhere than here?"

Mr. Rosenbaum raised his eyebrows in amusement. "It is very possibleyou have, my dear sir; I travel constantly, and for aught that Iknow you may have seen me in nearly every city on the globe. May Iinquire your business, sir? Do you also travel?"

"No, " said Mr. Mannering, slowly, but apparently relieved by Mr. Rosenbaum's answer, "I am not engaged in any particular line ofbusiness at present. I am interested in mining to a considerableextent, and am out here just now looking after my properties. Howdo you find business in your line?"

Mr. Rosenbaum shook his head with a slight shrug. 

"Nothing so far to make it worth my while to stay. You see, sir, for such a trade as ours we want only the finest gems that can bebought; we have no use for ordinary stones, and that is all I haveseen here so far;" and, having thrown out his bait, he awaitedresults. 

A long pause followed, while Mr. Mannering toyed with his fork, drawing numerous diagrams on the table-cloth. 

"I think, " he said at last, slowly, "that I could get you one or twofine diamonds if you cared to buy and would give anything like theirtrue valuation. "

"That would depend, of course, upon the quality of the diamonds;really fine gems we are always ready to buy and to pay a good pricefor. "

"If I am any judge of diamonds, these are valuable stones, " said Mr. Mannering, "and the owner of them, who is a friend of mine, beinghimself a connoisseur in that line, would not be likely to entertainany false ideas regarding their value. "

"And your friend wishes to sell them?"

"I am inclined to think that he might dispose of one or two for asufficient consideration, subject, however, to one condition, --thatno questions will be asked. "

"That goes without saying, my dear sir; asking questions is not ourbusiness. We are simply looking for the finest stones that moneycan buy, without regard to anything else. Perhaps, " added Mr. Rosenbaum, tentatively, "we might arrange with your friend for ameeting between the three of us. "

"That would be impracticable, " Mr. Mannering replied; "he is out ofthe city; and furthermore I know he would not care to appear in thetransaction, but would prefer to have me conduct the negotiations. I was going to suggest that if you were to remain here a few days, I shall see my friend in a day or so, as I am going out to lookover some mining properties in which we are both interested, and Icould bring in some of the gems with me, and we might then see whatterms we could make. "

"I can remain over, sir, if you can make it an object for me, andif the stones prove satisfactory I have no doubt we can make terms. Why, sir, " Mr. Rosenbaum leaned across the table and his voiceassumed a confidential tone, "money would be no object with me if Icould get one or two particular gems that I want. For instance, Ihave one diamond that I would go to the ends of the earth and paya small fortune when I got there, if I could only find a perfectmatch for it!" and he launched forth upon an enthusiastic descriptionof the stone, expatiating upon its enormous size, its wonderfulbrilliancy and perfection, adding in conclusion, "and its workmanshipshows it to be at least two hundred years old! Think of that, sir!What would I not give to be able to match it!"

A peculiar expression flitted over his listener's face, notunobserved by Mr. Rosenbaum. He made no immediate response, however, but when at last the two men separated, it was with the agreementthat they should dine together at the same café three days later, when Mr. Mannering would have returned from his conference with hisfriend, at which time, if the latter cared to dispose of his jewels, they would be submitted for inspection. 

Upon retiring to his room that night, Mr. Rosenbaum sat for sometime in deep abstraction, and when he finally turned off the gas, he murmured, --

"He will produce the jewels all right, and may heaven preserve usboth from the hoodoo!"

For the two days next ensuing, Mr. Rosenbaum watched closely thearrivals in the city, but, notwithstanding his vigilance, thereslipped in unaware, on the evening of the second day, a quiet, unassuming man, who went to the Windsor Hotel, registering thereas "A. J. Johnson, Chicago. " At a late hour, while Mr. Rosenbaum, in the solitude of his own room, was perfecting his plans for thefollowing day, Mr. Johnson, who was making a tour of inspectionamong the leading hotels, sauntered carelessly into the office ofthe Clifton. He seemed rather socially inclined, and soon wasengaged in conversation with the proprietor and a dozen of the"boys, " all of whom were informed that he was travelling throughthe West on the lookout for "snaps" in the way of mining investments. This announcement produced general good feeling, and there were notwanting plenty who offered to take Mr. Johnson around the city onthe following day and introduce him to the leading mining men andpromoters. 

"Much obliged, boys, " said Mr. Johnson, "but there's no rush. Iexpect to meet some friends here in a few days, and till they comeI shall simply look around on the q. T. , you understand, and makesome observations for myself. And that reminds me, gentlemen, " headded, "do any of you happen to know a man by the name of Mannering, who is interested in mines out here?"

"Mannering?" answered one of the group; "there's a man by that namehas been around here off and on for the last two or three months;but I didn't know he was interested in mines to any extent, thoughhe seems to have plenty of money. "

"I think that is the man I have in mind; will you describe him?"

"Well, he's tall, about middle age, rather gray, wears blue glasses, and never has anything to say to anybody; a queer sort of fellow. "

Mr. Johnson nodded, but before he could reply, another in the groupremarked, "Oh, that's the fellow you mean, is it? I've seen him atthe Royal Café for the last six weeks, and in all that time he'snever exchanged a dozen words with anybody, till here, the othernight, that diamond Dutchman of yours, " addressing the proprietorof the Clifton, "came waltzing in there, and I'll be hanged if thetwo didn't get as confidential over their dinner as two old womenover a cup of tea. "

Mr. Johnson turned towards the proprietor with a quiet smile. "The'diamond Dutchman!' Is he a guest of your house?"

"Mr. Rosenbaum?"

"Yes; do you know him?"

"Not by name, but I think I have seen the gentleman on my travels;engaged in the jewelry business, isn't he, and carries hisadvertisements on his shirt-front and fingers?"

"That's the man, " the proprietor replied, amid a general laugh. "Why? He's all right, isn't he?"

"All right for aught that I know, sir; I haven't the pleasure ofthe gentleman's acquaintance, though possibly I may have if we bothremain here long enough, " and he carelessly turned the subject ofconversation. 

A little later, as Mr. Johnson left the Clifton, he soliloquized, "Well, if I haven't exactly killed two birds with one stone, I thinkI've snared two birds in one trap. Since coming West I haven'tlocated one without seeing or hearing of the other; it's my beliefthey're 'pals, ' and if I can pull in the pair, so much the better. "

The following evening found Mr. Johnson in the vicinity of the RoyalCafé; having discovered a small newsstand opposite, he strolled inthither, and, buying a couple of papers, seated himself in a quietcorner, prepared to take observations. He had not waited long whenMr. Mannering made his appearance, and, after pausing a moment tolook up and down the street, entered the restaurant. He had beenseated but a moment when Mr. Rosenbaum appeared, crossing the street, having evidently left the jeweller's store, and also entered thecafé. The two men shook hands and immediately withdrew to one ofthe private boxes. Mr. Johnson had visited the Royal Café earlierin the day and made himself familiar with its interior arrangement. Knowing the box just taken to be No. 3, and that No. 4 directlyopposite was unoccupied, he at once proceeded across the street tothe restaurant. Stopping at the cashier's desk, he said in a lowtone, "I expect some friends later, and don't wish to be disturbedtill they come; understand?"

The man nodded, and Mr. Johnson passed on noiselessly into No. 4. Meanwhile, the occupants of No. 3 having received their orders, dismissed the waiter, with the information that when they neededhis services they would ring for him. Mr. Mannering was visiblyexcited, so much so that his dinner remained almost untasted, andthe other, observing his evident agitation, pushed aside his ownplate and, folding his arms upon the table, inquired indifferently, --

"Well, my dear sir, what was your friend's decision?"

For reply, the other drew from his pocket a small case, which hesilently handed across the table. Mr. Rosenbaum opened it, disclosing, as he did so, a pair of diamonds of moderate size, butof unusual brilliancy and perfectly matched. He examined themsilently, scrutinizing them closely, while his face indicatedconsiderable dissatisfaction. 

"What does your friend expect for these?" he asked at length. 

"What will you give for them?" was the counter-question. 

"I do not care to set a price on them, for I do not want them, " hereplied, rather shortly. 

"I think, " said Mr. Mannering, "that my friend would dispose ofthem at a reasonable figure, as he is at present in need of readycash with which to consummate an important mining negotiation. "

After considerable fencing and parrying, Mr. Rosenbaum made an offerfor the gems, to which Mr. Mannering demurred. 

"Show me a higher class of gems and I will offer you a better price, "said Mr. Rosenbaum, finally seeming to grow impatient. "Show me onelike this, for instance, and I will offer you a small fortune, " andopening a case which he had quickly drawn from his pocket, he tookfrom it an enormous diamond, beside whose dazzling brilliancy thepair of gems under consideration seemed suddenly to grow dim andlustreless. He held it up and a thousand rays of prismatic lightflashed in as many different directions. 

"What do you think of that, my dear sir? When I can find a matchfor that magnificent stone, we can fill an order which we have heldfor more than twelve months from the royal house in Germany. Butwhere will I find it?"

Twirling the gem carelessly between his thumb and finger, he watchedthe face of his companion and saw it change to a deathly pallor. 

"May I see that for one moment?" he asked, and his voice soundedunnatural and constrained, while the hand which he extended acrossthe table trembled visibly. 

"Most certainly, sir, " Mr. Rosenbaum replied, and, in compliancewith the request, handed to Mr. Mannering the gem which the latterhad himself disposed of less than three months before in one of thelarge Western cities. Nothing could escape the piercing eyes nowfastened upon that face with its strange pallor, its swiftlychanging expression. Unconscious of this scrutiny, Mr. Manneringregarded the gem silently, then removed his glasses for a closerinspection. Having satisfied his curiosity, he returned the stoneto Mr. Rosenbaum, and as he did so, found the eyes of the latterfixed not upon the gem, but upon his own face. Something in theirglance seemed to disconcert him for an instant, but he quicklyrecovered himself, and, replacing the colored glasses, remarkedwith a forced composure, --

"That is a magnificent stone. May I ask when and where you foundit?"

"I picked it up in one of your cities some three months ago, maybe, more or less. "

"You bought it in this country, then? Why may you not expect tomatch it here?"

"Simply on the theory, my dear sir, that the lightning never strikestwice in the same place. "

"Well, sir, " said Mr. Mannering, calmly, "I will show you a stone soperfect a match for that, you yourself could not distinguish betweenthe two. "

"You have such a diamond!" Mr. Rosenbaum exclaimed; "why then areyou wasting time with these?" and he pushed the smaller diamondsfrom him with a gesture of contempt. "Why did you not produce itin the first place?"

"Because, " replied Mr. Mannering, his composure now fully restored, "I do not propose to produce it until I know somewhere near whatyou will give for it. "

"My dear sir, " Mr. Rosenbaum's tones became eager, "as I have alreadytold you, if I can match this stone, " placing it on the table betweenthem, "I will pay you a small fortune; money would be no object; youcould have your own price. "

Without further words, Mr. Mannering drew forth a small package, which he carefully opened, and, taking therefrom an exact duplicateof the wonderful gem, placed it upon the table beside the latter. 

With a smile which the other did not see, Mr. Rosenbaum bent hishead to examine the stones; he had recognized his man in the briefinstant that their eyes had met, and now, within his grasp, lay, ashe well knew from the description which he carried, two of the finestdiamonds in the famous Mainwaring collection of jewels, stolen lessthan six months before; his triumph was almost complete. 

Meanwhile, Mr. Johnson, who had overheard much of their conversation, was congratulating himself upon the near success of his own schemes, when the officiousness of a waiter overthrew the plans of all partiesand produced the greatest confusion. Catching sight of the gentlemanwaiting in No. 4, he ignored the cashier's instructions and enteredthe box to take his order. Mr. Johnson's reply, low and brief thoughit was, caught the quick ear of Mr. Rosenbaum, who muttered under hisbreath, --

"The hoodoo! confound him!"

At the same instant a draught lifted the curtain to NO. 3, revealingto the astonished Mannering a view of Mr. Johnson's profile in theopposite box. His own face grew white as the table-cloth beforehim; he reached wildly for the diamond, but both gems were gone, andRosenbaum confronted him with a most sinister expression. 

"My diamond!" he gasped. 

"The diamonds are safe, " replied the other in a low tone, "and you, "addressing Mannering by his true name, "the more quiet you are justnow the better. "

The elder man's face grew livid with rage and fear, and, risingsuddenly to his feet, his tall form towered far above Rosenbaum. 

"Wretch!" he hissed, with an oath, "you have betrayed me, curse you!"and, dealing the smaller man a blow which floored him, he rushed fromthe box. 

In an instant Rosenbaum staggered to his feet, and, pausing only longenough to make sure of the safety of the jewels, rushed from the café, reaching the street just in time to see his man jump into a cab, whichwhirled swiftly and started down the street at break-neck speed. Twocabmen, talking at a short distance, hurried to the scene, and, calling one of them, Mr. Rosenbaum hastily took a second cab andstarted in pursuit of the first, but not before he had caught aglimpse of Mr. Johnson making active preparations to follow themboth. 

"Hang that fellow!" he muttered, as he heard wheels behind him. "This is the third time he has spoiled the game; but I've got thewinning hand, and he'll not beat me out of it!"

By this time the first cab, having turned a corner a short distanceahead, was out of sight, but Rosenbaum, convinced from the directiontaken of its destination, and knowing a more direct route, shoutedto the driver what streets to follow, and to come out upon the alleynear No. 545 Jefferson Street. 

"The old fellow will think I've lost the trail when he finds he'snot followed, " he soliloquized, amid the joltings of the vehicle, "and maybe it will throw the hoodoo off the track. "

But Mr. Johnson had no intention of being thrown off. He had seencab No. 2 a take a different course, and, having lost sight of No. 1, decided that a bird in the hand would be worth two in the bush, andthat he would follow up the "pal. "

As cab No. 2 approached Jefferson Street, Rosenbaum called to thedriver to slacken and drive on the dark side of the alley. He jumpedout to reconnoitre; a cab was just stopping at No. 545, a tall figuregot out and hastily disappeared up the steps, while the cab whirledrapidly away. 

"Turn about, drive back quietly, and answer no questions, " Rosenbaumsaid, slipping a bill into the driver's hand, and then glided swiftlythrough the shadow to No. 545. His maneuvers were seen, however, byMr. Johnson, who immediately proceeded to follow his example. 

Running quickly up the steps to No. 545, Rosenbaum produced a bunchof skeleton keys, which he proceeded to try. The first was useless, the second ditto; he heard steps approaching; the third fitted thelock, but, as it turned, a hand was laid upon his shoulder, a darklantern flashed in his face, and a voice said, --

"Your game is up, my man; you had better come with me as peaceablyas possible!"

For answer, the other turned quickly, and, without a word, liftedthe lapel of his coat, where a star gleamed brightly in the raysof the lantern. 

The band holding the lantern dropped suddenly, and its ownerejaculated, "Heavens and earth! what does this mean? Who are you?"

"I am Dan McCabe, at your service, " was the cool reply; then, as theother remained speechless with astonishment, McCabe continued: "I'veno time to waste with you, Mr. Merrick; we may have a desperate pieceof work on hand; but if you'll come with me, I give you my word forit that before this job is over you'll meet the biggest surprise ofyour life. "

Pushing open the door, McCabe noiselessly climbed the stairs, beckoning Merrick to follow. By the light of the dark lantern heselected the door leading to the room occupied by Mannering, and, after listening a moment, nodded significantly to Merrick. 

"Is he there?" the latter whispered. 

"He is there, " said McCabe, grimly, "but not the man you are lookingfor. I'll tell you who is there, " and he whispered in his ear. 

Merrick staggered as if from a blow. "Great God!" he exclaimedaloud. 

There was a sudden sound within as of some one frightened and movinghastily. McCabe again called the man by name, and demandedadmittance. There was a moment's silence, and then McCabe, withMerrick's aid, forced in the door, and as it yielded there came fromwithin the sharp report of a revolver, followed by a heavy groan. 

CHAPTER XXVI

MAINWARING VS. MAINWARING

The case of Mainwaring versus Mainwaring had been set for the openingof the December term of court, being the first case on the docket. The intervening weeks, crowded with preparation for the cominglitigation, had passed, and now, on the eve of the contest, each sidehaving marshalled its forces, awaited the beginning of the fray, eachalike confident of victory and each alike little dreaming of the end. From near and far was gathered an array of legal talent as well as ofexpert testimony seldom equalled, all for the purpose of determiningthe validity or invalidity of a bit of paper-yellow with age, time-worn and musty which stood as an insurmountable barrier betweenRalph Mainwaring and the fulfilment of his long cherished project. 

The Fair Oaks tragedy still remained as deep a mystery as on themorning when, in all its horror of sickening detail, it had startledand shocked the entire community. No trace of the murderer had beenas yet reported, and even Mr. Whitney had been forced to acknowledgein reply to numerous inquiries that he had of late received notidings whatever from Merrick, either of success or failure. 

Since the announcement of Harold Mainwaring at the club that hewould not touch a farthing of the Mainwaring estate until not onlyhis own name should be cleared of the slightest imputation of murder, but until the murder itself should be avenged, it had been rumoredthat the party at the Waldorf was in possession of facts containingthe clue to the whole mystery. Though this was mere conjecture, itwas plainly evident that whatever secrets that party held in itspossession were not likely to be divulged before their time. Theparty had been augmented by the arrival of the senior member of thefirm of Barton & Barton, while the register of the Waldorf showed atthat time numerous other arrivals from London, all of whom proved tobe individuals of a severely judicial appearance and on extremelyintimate terms with the original Waldorf party. Of the business ofthe former, however, or the movements of the latter, nothing definitecould be learned. Despatches in cipher still flashed daily over thewires, but their import remained a matter of the merest surmise tothe curious world outside. 

Ralph Mainwaring, on the contrary, since the arrival of his Londonattorneys, Upham and Blackwell, with Graham, the well-knownchirographical expert, had seized every opportunity for renderinghimself and them as conspicuous as possible, while his boasts oftheir well-laid plans, the strong points in their case, and theirultimate triumph, formed his theme on all occasions. Mr. Whitney'sposition at this time was not an enviable one, for Ralph Mainwaring, having of late become dimly conscious of a lack of harmony betweenhimself and his New York attorney, took special delight in frequentlyflouting his opinions and advice in the presence of the Englishsolicitors; but that gentleman, mindful of a rapidly growing account, wisely pocketed his pride, and continued to serve his client withthe most urbane courtesy, soothing his wounded sensibilities with anextra fee for every snub. 

On the day prior to that set for the opening of the trial, among thenumerous equipages drawn up at one of the piers, awaiting an incomingocean-liner, was the Mainwaring carriage, containing, as usual, RalphMainwaring, Upham and Blackwell, and Mr. Whitney. The carriage andits occupants formed the centre of attraction to a considerableportion of the crowd, until attention was suddenly diverted by thesight of a stylish turnout in the shape of an elegant trap and a pairof superb bays driven tandem, which passed the Mainwaring carriageand took its position at some distance nearer the pier. Seated inthe trap were Harold Mainwaring and Hugh Mainwaring, junior. Theirappearance together at that particular time and place excited nolittle wonder and comment, especially when, the gangplank havingbeen thrown down, the young men left the turnout in care of apoliceman and walked rapidly towards the hurrying stream ofpassengers, followed more slowly by Ralph Mainwaring and his party. 

All was explained a few moments later, as that embodiment ofgeniality, William Mainwaring Thornton, loomed up in the crowd, hisdaughter upon one arm, upon the other Miss Carleton, and accompaniedby Mrs. Hogarth and the usual retinue of attendants. 

"Looks like a family reunion, by George!" exclaimed one of theon-lookers, as a general exchange of greetings ensued, but to aclose observer it was evident that between some members of thedifferent parties the relations were decidedly strained. No so withMr. Thornton, however; his first greetings were for the young men. 

"Well, well, Hugh, you contumacious young rascal! how are you? Ihear you've kicked over the traces and set the governor and hissovereigns at defiance! Well, you've shown yourself a Mainwaring, that's all I have to say! Here is a young lady, however, who iswaiting to give you a piece of her mind; you'll have to settle withher. "

"Papa!" exclaimed Edith Thornton in faint protest, her fair facesuffused with blushes as she came forward to meet her lover, whileher father turned towards Harold Mainwaring. 

"Well, my dear sir, " he said, extending his hand with the utmostcordiality, "I am glad to meet you in your own proper sphere atlast; I always thought you were far too good looking for a secretary!But, joking aside, my dear boy, let me assure you that as the son ofHarold Scott Mainwaring, one of the most royal fellows I ever knew, I congratulate you and wish you success. "

Deeply touched by Mr. Thornton's kindness and his allusion to hisfather, the young man thanked him with considerable emotion. 

"That is all right, " the elder man responded heartily; "I was verysorry not to have met you in London, but I heard the particulars ofyour story from Winifred, and--well, I consider her a verylevel-headed young woman, and I think you are to be congratulatedon that score also. "

"No one is better aware of that fact than I, " said the young man, warmly, and passed on to meet the young ladies, while Mr. Thorntonturned to confront the frowning face of Ralph Mainwaring. 

"Hello, Mainwaring! What's the matter? You look black as athunder-cloud! Did you have something indigestible for luncheon?"

"Matter enough I should say, " growled the other, unsuccessfullytrying to ignore Mr. Thornton's outstretched hand, "to find youhobnobbing with that blackguard!"

Mr. Thornton glanced over his shoulder at the young people with acomical look of perplexity. "Well, you see how it is yourself, Mainwaring: what is a fellow to do? This is a house divided againstitself, as it were, and no matter what my personal sentimentstowards you might be, I find myself forced to maintain a positionof strict neutrality. "

"Neutrality be damned! you had better maintain better parentalgovernment in your own family!"

"As you do in yours, for instance. "

"You know very well, " continued Ralph Mainwaring, flushing angrily, "that if you had forbidden Edith marrying Hugh under presentconditions, he would have got down off his high horse very quickly. "

"That is something I would never do, " Mr. Thornton replied, calmly, "for two reasons; first, I have never governed my daughter by directcommands and prohibitions, and, second, I think just as much of HughMainwaring without his father's money as with it; more, if it is tobe accompanied with the conditions which you imposed. "

"Then am I to understand, " demanded the other, angrily, "that youintend to go against me in this matter?"

"My dear Mainwaring, " said Mr. Thornton, much as he would address apetulant child, "this is all the merest nonsense. I am not goingagainst you, for I have no part in this contest; my position isnecessarily neutral; but if you want my opinion of the whole matter, I will tell you frankly that I think, for once in your life, youhave bitten off more than you can swallow, and you will find it sobefore long. "

"Perhaps it might be just as well to reserve your opinion till itis called for, " the other answered, shortly. 

"All right, " returned Mr. Thornton, with imperturbable good humor;"but any time that you want to wager a thousand or so on the outcomeof this affair, remember the money is ready for you!"

The conversation changed, but Ralph Mainwaring was far morechagrined and annoyed than he would have acknowledged. Mr. Thornton's words rang in his ears till they seemed an augury ofdefeat, and, though outwardly as dogged and defiant as ever, he wasunable to banish them, or to throw off the strange sense ofdepression which followed. 

Meanwhile, amid the discordant elements surrounding them, HaroldMainwaring and Winifred Carleton found little opportunity for anybut the most desultory conversation, but happily there was littleneed for words between them. Heart can speak to heart through thesubtle magnetism of a hand-clasp, or the swift flash from eye toeye, conveying meanings for which words often prove inadequate. 

"You wrote that you were confident of victory, and your looks bearit out, " she said, 'with a radiant smile; "but I would have comejust the same, even had there been no hope of success for you. "

"I need no assurance of your faith and loyalty, " he replied, gazingtenderly into her luminous eyes, "but your coming will make mytriumph ten times sweeter. "

"Of course you will spend the evening with, us at our hotel, --unclecabled for apartments at the Savoy, --and I am all impatience tolearn whatever you are at liberty to tell me concerning your case, for there must have been some wonderful developments in your favorsoon after your arrival in this country, you have seemed so much morehopeful; and do not let me forget, I have something to show you whichwill interest you. It is a written statement by Hugh Mainwaringhimself regarding this identical will that is causing all thiscontroversy. "

"A statement of Hugh Mainwaring's!" Harold repeated in astonishment;"how did it come into your possession?"

"That is the strangest part of it, " she replied, hurriedly, forthey had now reached the carriages in waiting for them. "I receivedit through the mail, from America, a few days before I left London, and from--you cannot imagine whom--Mr. Merrick, the detective. How he ever knew my address, or how he should surmise that I wasparticularly interested in you, " she blushed very prettily withthese words, "is more than I can understand, however. "

"I think I can explain that part of it, " said Harold, with a smile;"but how such a statement ever came into his hands is a mystery tome. I will see you this evening without fail, " and, assisting MissCarleton into the carriage, he bade her au revoir, and hastened torejoin young Mainwaring. 

That evening witnessed rather a novel reception in the privateparlors of the Savoy; both parties to the coming contest beingentertained by their mutual friends. When Harold Mainwaring finallysucceeded in securing a tete-a-tete conversation with Miss Carleton, she placed in his hands a small packet, saying, --

"You will find in this the statement of which I spoke to you, andI wish you would also read the accompanying note, and explain howthe writer came to have so good an understanding of the situation. "

With eager haste he drew forth a sheet of paper little less time-wornand yellowed than the ancient will itself, upon which was written, in the methodical business hand with which he was so familiar, abrief statement to the effect that a certain accompanying documentdescribed as the last will and testament of Ralph Maxwell Mainwaringhad been drawn and executed as such on the night preceding hisdeath, its intent and purpose being to reconvey to an elder son thefamily estate, to which he had previously forfeited all right andtitle; that efforts made to communicate with the beneficiary hadproved unavailing, as he had left the country and his place ofresidence was unknown. Then followed Hugh Mainwaring's signature. At the bottom of the page, however, was a foot-note of much laterdate, which put a different complexion on the foregoing, and whichread as follows:

"It has now been ascertained for a certainty that the beneficiarymentioned in the accompanying will is no longer living. I have, therefore, a clear title to the estate, as it would revert to me athis death. The document itself is worthless, except as a possiblemeans of silencing that scoundrel, Hobson, should he attempt toreveal anything of the past, as he has threatened to do, and forthis purpose I shall retain it in my possession until such time asI make final adjustment of my affairs. 

 "HUGH MAINWARING. "

"Ah, " said Harold Mainwaring, thoughtfully, as he suddenly recalledthe morning when he had discovered Merrick and his assistant draggingthe lake at Fair Oaks, "I think I understand how this paper cameinto Merrick's possession. It was evidently kept in the samereceptacle which held the will, but in my haste and excitement atthe discovery of the will I must have overlooked it. The box inwhich these papers were kept afterwards fell into Merrick's hands, and he must have found this. "

"That solves one riddle, here is the other, " and Miss Carletonhanded her lover a small note, covered with a fine, delicatechirography whose perfectly formed characters revealed a mindaccustomed to the study of minute details and appreciative of theirsignificance. He opened it and read the following:

"MY DEAR MISS CARLETON:

"Pardon the liberty I take, but, thinking the enclosed bit of papermight be of some possible assistance to one in whose success Ibelieve you are deeply interested, I send it herewith, as, forobvious reasons, I deem this circuitous method of transmissionbetter than one more direct. 

"As when taking leave of you on board the 'Campania, ' so now, permitme to assure you that if I can ever serve you as a friend, you havebut to command me. 

 "Most sincerely yours, "C. D. MERRICK. "

A smile of amusement lighted Harold Mainwaring's face as, glancingup from the note, his eyes met those of Miss Carleton's with theirexpression of perplexed inquiry. 

"This is easily explained, " he said; "do you remember the tall, slender man whom we observed on board the 'Campania' as being ratherunsocial and taciturn?"

"Yes, I remember he rather annoyed me, for I fancied he concentratedconsiderably more thought and attention upon us than thecircumstances called for. "

"Which shows you were more observing than I. Such a thought neverentered my mind till I had been about ten days in London, when itoccurred to me that, considering the size of the town and the factthat he and I were strangers, we met with astonishing frequency. Ihave since learned that he was a detective sent over to London onan important case, and being an intimate friend of Merrick's, thelatter, who, I am informed, was shadowing me pretty closely at thetime, requested him to follow my movements and report to him, whichhe evidently did, as I have since heard that Merrick had expressedto one or two that he was not at all surprised by the developmentswhich followed my return to this country. Consequently, it is notto be wondered at if he has an inkling that you may be somewhatinterested in this case. "

"But what could have been Mr. Merrick's object in shadowing you?"

"I cannot say. It may have been only part of his professionalvigilance in letting nothing escape his observation; but from thefirst I was conscious of his close espionage of my movements. Now, however, I am satisfied that he had none but friendly intentions, and I appreciate his kindness, not only towards myself, but moreespecially towards you. "

"Will that statement be of any assistance to you, do you think?"

"I hardly think so under our present plans, " he replied, after amoment's reflection; "under recent developments our plans differso radically from what we first intended, that we will probablyhave little use for any of the testimony which we had originallyprepared. "

"But these recent developments which have so changed your plansmust certainly have been in your favor and have rendered yoursuccess the more assured, have they not?"

"Not only more assured, but more speedy and complete. To me, thecoming trial means far more than the settlement of the controversyover the estate; it means the complete and final vindication of mycharacter, so that I can stand before you and before the worldacquitted of every charge which my enemies would have sought tobring against me. "

Her face grew radiant with sympathy. "I well know what that meansto you, and I would be first to congratulate you on such a victory, for your own sake; but I needed no public acquittal to convince meof your innocence, --not even, " she added, slowly, "when you yourselffor some reason, which I hope one day to understand, were unable toassure me of it. "

His dark eyes, glowing with suppressed feeling, met hers, theintensity of their gaze thrilling her heart to its inmost depths. 

"Do not think that I can ever forget that, " he said in low toneswhich seemed to vibrate through her whole being; "do not think thatthrough any triumphs or joys which the future may bring, I can everforget, for one moment, the faith and love which stood loyally byme in my darkest hour, --the hour when the shadow of the crime, which has forever darkened Fair Oaks, was closing about my verysoul!"

Startled at the sudden solemnity of his words and manner, sheremained silent, her eyes meeting his without a shade of doubt ordistrust, but full of wondering, tender inquiry, to which hereplied, while for an instant he laid his hand lightly andcaressingly on hers, "Only a few days longer, love, and I will tellyou all!"

On the morning of the following day a dense crowd awaited, at anearly hour, the opening of the December term of court; a crowd whichwas steadily augmented till, when the case of Mainwaring versusMainwaring was called, every available seat was filled. Allparties to the suit were promptly on hand, and amid a silencealmost oppressive, proponent and contestant, with their counseland witnesses, passed down the long aisle to their respectiveplaces. 

Seldom had the old court-room, in its long and varied history, held so imposing an array of legal talent as was assemble thatmorning within its walls. The principal attorneys for thecontestant were Hunnewell & Whitney of New York, and the Londonfirm of Upham & Blackwell, while grouped about these were a numberof lesser luminaries, whose milder rays would sufficiently illuminethe minor points in the case. But at a glance it was clearlyevident that the galaxy of legal lights opposing them containedonly stars of the first magnitude. Most prominent among the latterwere Barton & Barton, of London, with Mr. Sutherland and hislife-long friend and coadjutor, M. D. Montague, with whom he hadnever failed to take counsel in cases of special importance, allmen of superb physique and magnificent brains; while slightly inthe rear, as reinforcements, were the Hon. I. Ponsonby Roget, Q. C. , another Q. C. Whose name had not yet reached the public ear, and aBoston jurist whose brilliant career had made his name famousthroughout the United States. 

Prominent among the spectators were Mr. Scott and Mr. Thornton, apparently on the best of terms, and watching proceedings withdemonstrations of the liveliest interest, while seated at a littledistance, less demonstrative, but no less interested, was youngMainwaring, accompanied by Miss Thornton and Miss Carleton. 

The first day was devoted to preliminaries, the greater part ofthe time being consumed in the selection of a jury. One afteranother of those impaneled was examined, challenged by one side orthe other, and dismissed; not until the entire panel had beenexhausted and several special venires issued, was there found therequisite number sufficiently unprejudiced to meet the requirementsof the situation. 

The remainder of the day was occupied by counsel for contestant inmaking the opening statement. A review of the grounds upon whichthe contest was based was first read by one of the assistantattorneys, after which Mr. Whitney followed with a lengthy statementwhich occupied nearly an hour. He reviewed in detail thecircumstances of the case, beginning with the death of HughMainwaring, and laying special stress upon his irreproachablereputation. He stated that it would be shown to the jury that thelife of Hugh Mainwaring had been above suspicion, an irrefutableargument against the charges of fraud and dishonesty which had beenbrought against him by those who sought to establish the will incontest. It would also be shown that the said document was aforgery, the result of a prearranged plan, devised by those who hadbeen lifelong enemies of Hugh Mainwaring and the contestant, todefraud the latter of his rights, and to obtain possession of theMainwaring estate; and that the transparency of the device inbringing the so-called will to light at that particular time andunder those particular circumstances was only too plainly evident. 

Mr. Whitney was warming with his subject, but at this juncture hewas peremptorily called to order by Mr. Sutherland, who stated thathe objected to counsel making an argument to the jury, when heshould confine himself simply to an opening statement. Mr. Whitney'sface flushed as a ripple of amusement ran through the courtroom, butthe objection was sustained, and, after a brief summary of what thecontestant proposed to show, he resumed his seat, and the court thenadjourned until the following morning. 

The first testimony introduced on the following day was to establishthe unimpeachable honesty and integrity of the deceased HughMainwaring. Both Mr. Elliot and Mr. Chittenden were called to thestand, and their examination--particularly the cross-examination, in which a number of damaging admissions were made--occupied nearlythe entire forenoon; the remainder of the day being devoted to thetestimony of witnesses from abroad, introduced to show that foryears a bitter estrangement had existed between Frederick MainwaringScott, the alleged foster-father of the proponent, and the membersof the Mainwaring family, --the deceased Hugh Mainwaring and thecontestant in particular; and also to show the implacable anger ofRalph Maxwell Mainwaring against his elder son and the extremeimprobability of his ever relenting in his favor. 

Day after day dragged slowly on, still taken up with the examinationof witnesses for contestant; examinations too tedious and monotonousfor repetition, but full of interest to the crowds which came andwent, increasing daily, till, on the days devoted to the experttestimony, galleries and aisles were packed to overflowing, whilethrongs of eager listeners gathered in the corridors about thevarious exits. 

It soon became evident that Ralph Mainwaring's oft repeatedassertions concerning the elaborate preparation he had made for thecoming contest were no idle boast. Nothing that human ingenuitycould devise had been left undone which could help to turn thescale in his own favor. The original will of Ralph MaxwellMainwaring, by which his elder son was disinherited, was producedand read in court. Both wills were photographed, and numerouscopies, minute in every detail, made, in order to show by comparisonthe differences in their respective signatures. Under powerfulmicroscopes it was discovered that several pauses had been made inthe signature of the later will. Electric batteries were introducedto show that the document had been steeped in coffee and tobaccojuice to give it the appearance of great age. Interesting chemicalexperiments were performed, by which a piece of new paper was madeto look stained and spotted as if mildewed and musty, while by theuse of tiny files and needles, the edges, having first been slightlyscalloped, were grated and the paper punctured, till it presenteda very similar aspect to the will itself as though worn through atthe creases and frayed and tattered with age. 

But the accumulation of this overwhelming mass of expert testimonyfailed to make the impression upon counsel for proponent which hadbeen anticipated by the other side. Mr. Sutherland varied themonotony of the direct examinations by frequent and pertinentobjections, while Barton & Barton took occasional notes, which wereafterwards passed to Sutherland and Montague, and by them used withtelling effect in the cross-examinations, but the faces of one andall wore an expression inscrutable as that of the sphinx. 

Only once was their equanimity disturbed by any ripple of agitation, and then the incident was so little understood as to be soonforgotten. As the third day of the trial was drawing to a close, adespatch in cipher was handed Mr. Sutherland, which when translatedseemed to produce a startling effect upon its readers. Barton &Barton exchanged glances and frowned heavily; Mr. Sutherland'sface for one brief moment showed genuine alarm, and HaroldMainwaring, upon reading the slip of paper passed to him, grew pale. A hurried consultation followed and Mr. Montague left the court-room. 

On the following morning the papers announced that at 11 P. M. Thepreceding night, the Victoria, the private car of the president ofone of the principal railway lines, with special engine attached, had left for the West, evidently on business of great importance, as everything on the road had been ordered side-tracked. It wasstated that no particulars could be ascertained, however, regardingeither her passengers or her destination, the utmost secrecy beingmaintained by those on board, including even the trainmen. Thisitem, though attracting some attention, caused less comment thandid the fact that for the three days next ensuing, neither thesenior Mr. Barton nor Mr. Montague was present in court; but no onesuspected any connection between the two events, or dreamed thatthe above gentlemen, with two of New York's most skilled surgeons, were the occupants of the president's private car, then hasteningwestward at almost lightning speed. 

On the afternoon of the sixth day of the trial, as it becameapparent that the seemingly interminable evidence submitted bycontestant was nearly at an end, the eager impatience of the waitingcrowd could scarcely be restrained within the limits of order. Achange was noticeable also in the demeanor of proponent and hiscounsel. For the two days preceding they had appeared as thoughunder some tension or suspense; now they seemed to exhibit almostan indifference to the proceedings, as though the outcome of thecontest were already a settled fact, while a marked gravityaccompanied each word and gesture. 

At last the contestant rested, and all eyes were fixed upon Mr. Sutherland, as, after a brief pause, he rose to make, as wassupposed, his opening statement. Instead of addressing the jury, however, he turned towards Judge Bingham. 

"Your honor, " he began, in slow, measured tones, "it now lacks butlittle more than an hour of the usual time for adjournment, andafter the constant strain which has been put upon our nerves forthe past six days, I feel that none of us, including yourself, yourhonor, are in a sufficiently receptive mood to listen to thetestimony which the proponent has to offer. In addition to thisis the fact that our most important witness is not present thisafternoon. I would therefore ask for an adjournment to be takenuntil ten o'clock next Monday morning, at which time I willguarantee your honor and the gentlemen of the jury that theintricate and elaborate web of fine-spun theories which has beenpresented will be swept away in fewer hours than the days whichhave been required for its construction. "

There was an attempt at applause, which was speedily checked, andwithout further delay the court adjourned. 

As judge, jury, and counsel took their respective places on thefollowing Monday at the hour appointed, the scene presented by theold court-room was one never before witnessed in its history. Every available inch of standing room, both on the main floor andin the galleries, was taken; throngs were congregated about thedoorways, those in the rear standing on chairs and benches thatthey might obtain a view over the heads of their more fortunateneighbors, while even the recesses formed by the enormous windowswere packed with humanity, two rows deep, the outer row embracingthe inner one in its desperate efforts to maintain its equilibrium. 

The opposing sides presented a marked contrast in their appearancethat morning. Ralph Mainwaring betrayed a nervous excitement veryunusual in one of his phlegmatic temperament; his face alternatelyflushed and paled, and though much of the old defiant bravadoremained, yet he awaited the opening of proceedings with visibleimpatience. Nor was Mr. Whitney less excited, his manner revealingboth agitation and anxiety. On the part of Harold Mainwaring andhis counsel, however, there was no agitation, no haste; everymovement was characterized by composure and deliberation, yetsomething in their bearing--something subtle and indefinable butnevertheless irresistible--impressed the sensibilities of the vastaudience much as the oppressive calm which precedes an electricstorm. All felt that some great crisis was at hand, and it wasamid almost breathless silence that Mr. Sutherland arose to makehis opening statement. 

"Gentlemen of the jury, " he began, and the slow, resonant tonespenetrated to the farthest corner and out into the corridors wherehundreds were eagerly listening, "as a defence to the chargessought to be established in your hearing, we propose to show, notby fine-spun theories based upon electrical and chemical experiments, nor brilliant sophistries deduced from microscopic observations, but by the citation of stubborn and incontrovertible facts, thatthis document (holding up the will), copies of which you now havein your possession, is the last will and testament of Ralph MaxwellMainwaring, executed by him on the night preceding his death, andas such entitled to stand; that this will, from the date of itsexecution to the day of its discovery on the seventh of July last, was wilfully and fraudulently withheld from publication, and itsexistence kept secret by the deceased Hugh Mainwaring. That theproponent, Harold Scott Mainwaring, is the lawful and only son ofthe beneficiary named therein, and as such the sole rightful andlawful heir to and owner of the Mainwaring estate. More than this, we propose at the same time and by the same evidence to foreverdisprove, confute, and silence any and every aspersion andinsinuation which has been brought against the character of theproponent, Harold Scott Mainwaring; and in doing this, we shall atlast lift the veil which, for the past five months, has hung overthe Fair Oaks tragedy. "

Mr. Sutherland paused to allow the tremendous excitement producedby his words to subside; then turning, he addressed himself to thejudge. 

"Your honor, I have to request permission of the court to depart ina slight degree from the usual custom. The witness for the defenceis in an adjoining room, ready to give testimony when summoned todo so, but in this instance I have to ask that the name be withheld, and that the witness himself be identified by the contestant and hiscounsel. "

The judge bowed in assent, and amid a silence so rigid and intenseas to be almost painful, at a signal from Mr. Sutherland, the doorsof an anteroom were swung noiselessly open and approaching footstepswere heard. 

CHAPTER XXVII

THE SILENT WITNESS

Approaching footsteps were heard, but they were the steps of menmoving slowly and unsteadily, as though carrying some heavy burden. An instant later, six men, bearing a casket beneath whose weightthey staggered, entered the court-room and, making their way throughthe spell-bound crowd, deposited their burden near the witness stand. Immediately following were two men, one of whom was instantlyrecognized as Merrick, the detective; the other as the man who, afew months before, had been known as the English barrister's clerk, now wearing the full uniform of a Scotland Yard official. Bringingup the rear was an undertaker, who, amid the breathless silencewhich ensued, proceeded to open the casket. This done, Mr. Sutherland rose and addressed the judge, his low tones for the firsttime vibrating with suppressed feeling. 

"Your honor, I request that William H. Whitney be first called uponto identify the witness. "

Controlling his agitation by a visible effort, Mr. Whitney approachedthe casket, but his eyes no sooner rested on the form and featureswithin than his forced composure gave way. With a groan he exclaimed, "My God, it is Hugh Mainwaring!" and bending over the casket, hecovered his face with his hands while he strove in vain to concealhis emotion. 

His words, ringing through the hushed court-room, seemed to breakthe spell, and the over-wrought nerves of the people began to yieldunder the tremendous pressure. Mr. Sutherland raised a warninghand to check the tide of nervous excitement which threatened tosweep over the entire crowd, but it was of little avail. Piercingscreams followed; women fainted and were borne from the room, andthe faces of strong men blanched to a deathly pallor as they gazedat one another in mute consternation and bewilderment. For a fewmoments the greatest confusion reigned, but when at last order wasrestored and Mr. Whitney had regained his composure, Mr. Sutherlandinquired, --

"Mr. Whitney, do you identify the dead man as Hugh Mainwaring?"

"I do. "

"But did you not identify as Hugh Mainwaring the man who, at FairOaks, on or about the eighth of July last, came to his death fromthe effect of a gunshot wound?"

"I supposed then, and up until the present time, that it was he;there certainly was a most wonderful resemblance which I am unableto explain or account for, but this, beyond all question, is HughMainwaring. "

"Will you state what proof of identification you can give in thisinstance that was not present in the other?"

"Hugh Mainwaring had over the right temple a slight birthmark, ared line extending upward into the hair, not always equally distinct, but always visible to one who had once observed it, and in thisinstance quite noticeable. I saw no trace of this mark on the faceof the murdered man; but as the face was somewhat blackened bypowder about the right temple, I attributed its absence to thatfact, and in the excitement which followed I thought little of it. On the day of the funeral I also noted certain lines in the facewhich seemed unfamiliar, but realizing that death often makes thefeatures of those whom we know best to seem strange to us, Ithought no further of the matter. Now, however, looking upon thisface, I am able to recall several differences, unnoticed then, butall of which go to prove that this is Hugh Mainwaring. "

Ralph Mainwaring was the next one summoned for identification. During Mr. Whitney's examination his manner had betrayed intenseagitation, and he now came forward with an expression of mingledincredulity and dread, but upon reaching the casket, he stood likeone petrified, unable to move or speak, while no one who saw himcould ever forget the look of horror which overspread his features. 

"Mr. Mainwaring, " said Mr. Sutherland at length, "do you know thedead man?"

"It is he, " answered Ralph Mainwaring in a low tone, apparentlyspeaking more to himself than to the attorney; "it is HughMainwaring; that was the distinguishing mark between them. "

"Do you refer to the mark of which Mr. Whitney has just spoken?"

"Yes. "

"What do you mean by designating it as 'the distinguishing markbetween them'?"

Ralph Mainwaring turned from the casket and faced Mr. Sutherland, but his eyes had the strained, far-away look of one gazing into thedistance, unconscious of objects near him. 

"It was the mark, " he said, speaking with an effort, "by which, whenwe were boys, he was distinguished from his twin brother. "

"His twin brother, Harold Scott Mainwaring?" queried the attorney. 

"Yes, " the other answered, mechanically. 

"Do you then identify this as Hugh Mainwaring?"

"Yes; and the other--he must have been--no, no, it could not be--greatGod!" Ralph Mainwaring suddenly reeled and raised his handto his head. Mr. Whitney sprang to his assistance and led him tohis chair, but in those few moments he had aged twenty years. 

A number of those most intimately acquainted with Hugh Mainwaringwere then called upon, all of whom identified the dead man as theirlate friend and associate. These preliminaries over, Mr. Sutherlandarose. 

"Your honor and gentlemen of the jury, before proceeding with thetestimony to be introduced, I have a brief statement to make. Soonafter the commencement of this action, we came into possession ofindisputable evidence that Hugh Mainwaring, the supposed victim ofthe Fair Oaks tragedy, was still living, and that of whatever crime, if crime there were associated with that fearful event, he was notthe victim but the perpetrator. We determined at all hazards tosecure him, first as a witness in this case, our subsequent actionto be decided by later developments. Through our special detectivewe succeeded in locating him, but he, upon finding himself cornered, supposing he was to be arrested for the murder of his brother, attempted suicide by shooting. The combined skill of the bestsurgeons obtainable, though unable to save him, yet prolonged lifefor three days, long enough to enable two of our number, Mr. Bartonand Mr. Montague, to reach him in season to take his dying statement;a statement not only setting forth the facts relating to the willin question, but embracing also the details of the Fair Oaks tragedyand mystery. This statement, made by Hugh Mainwaring and attestedby numerous witnesses present, will now be read by Mr. Montague. "

Amid an impressive silence, Mr. Montague stepped to the side of thecasket and, unfolding a document which he held, read the following:

"I, Hugh Mainwaring, freely and voluntarily and under no duress orcompulsion, make this, my dying statement, not only as a relief tothe mental anguish I have endured for the past few months, but alsoin the hope that I may thereby, in my last hours, help in somedegree to right the wrong which my life of treachery and cowardicehas wrought. To do this, I must go back over twenty-five years ofcrime, and beyond that to the inordinate greed and ambition thatled to crime. 

"My brother, Harold Scott Mainwaring, and I were twins, somarvelously alike in form and feature that our parents often haddifficulty to distinguish between us, but utterly unlike indisposition, except that we both possessed a fiery temper and anindomitable will. He was the soul of honor, generous to a fault, loyal-hearted and brave, and he exacted honor and loyalty fromothers. He had no petty ambitions; he cared little for wealth forits own sake, still less for its votaries. I was ambitious; Iloved wealth for the power which it bestowed; I would sacrificeanything for the attainment of that power, and even my boyishyears were tainted with secret envy of my brother, an envy thatgrew with my growth, till, as we reached years of maturity, theconsciousness that he, my senior by only a few hours, was yet totake precedence over me--to possess all that I coveted--becamea thorn in my side whose rankling presence I never for a singlewaking hour forgot; it embittered my enjoyment of the present, my hopes and plans for the future. 

"But of this deadly undercurrent flowing far beneath the surfaceneither he nor others dreamed, till, one day, a woman's face--cold, cruel, false, but beautiful, bewitchingly, entrancingly beautiful, --camebetween us, and from that hour all semblance of friendshipwas at an end. With me it was an infatuation; with him it was love, a love ready to make any sacrifice for its idol. So when our fatherthreatened to disinherit and disown either or both of us, and thefalse, fickle heart of a woman was laid in the balances against theancestral estates, I saw my opportunity for seizing the long covetedprize. We each made his choice; my brother sold his birthright fora mess of pottage; his rights were transferred to me, and myambition was at last gratified. 

"Between three and four years later, on the night of Novemberseventeenth, within a few hours preceding his death, my father madea will, revoking the will by which he had disinherited his elderson, and restoring him again to his full right and title to theestate. This was not unexpected to me. Though no words on thesubject had passed between us and my brother's name was nevermentioned, I had realized for more than a year that my father wasgradually relenting towards the son who had ever been his favorite, and on the last day that he was able to leave his room, I had comeupon him unaware in the old picture gallery, standing before theportrait of his elder son, silent and stern, but with the tearscoursing down his pallid cheeks. When, therefore, on the nightpreceding his death, my father demanded that an attorney besummoned, my feelings can be imagined. Just as the prize which Ihad so long regarded as mine was almost within my grasp, should Ipermit it to elude me for the gratification of a dying man's whim?Never! In my rage I could have throttled him then and there withouta qualm; fear of the law alone held me back. I tried to dissuadehim, but it was useless. I then bribed the servant sent to bringthe attorney to report that he was out of town, and when thatproved of no avail, I sent for Richard Hobson, a penniless shyster, whose lack of means and lack of principle I believed would renderhim an easy tool in my hands. He came; I was waiting to receivehim, and we entered into compact, I little dreaming I was settingloose on my track a veritable hell-hound! The will was drawn andexecuted, Hobson and one Alexander McPherson, an old friend of myfather's, signing as witnesses. Within twenty-four hours of itsexecution, Richard Hobson was richer by several hundred pounds, andthe will was in my possession. Two days later, I had a falsetelegram sent to our place, summoning McPherson to his home inScotland. He left at once, before my father's burial, and his death, which occurred a few weeks later, removed the last obstacle in theway of carrying my plans into execution. My brother at that timewas in Australia, but in what part of the country I did not know, nor did I try to ascertain. My constant fear was that he might insome way--though by what means I could not imagine--get someknowledge of the will and return to set up a claim to the estate. As soon as possible, therefore, notwithstanding the protests ofmy attorneys, I sold the estate and came to America. 

"Concerning the years that followed, it is needless to go intodetail; they brought me wealth, influence, power, all that I hadcraved, but little of happiness. Even when there came tidings ofmy brother's death at sea, and I felt that at last my title tothe estate was secure, I had little enjoyment in its possession. Richard Hobson had already begun his black-mailing schemes, hisdemands growing more frequent and exorbitant with each succeedingyear. Through him, also, the woman who had wrecked my brother'slife received some inkling of my secret, and through this knowledge, slight as it was, gained enough of a hold over me that life wasbecoming an intolerable burden. Through all these years, however, I kept the will in my possession. Even after hearing of the deathof my brother, a cowardly, half-superstitious dread kept me fromdestroying it, though doubtless I would have done so soon aftermaking my own will had I not been prevented by circumstancesunforeseen, which I will now state. 

"The events which I am about to relate are stamped upon my brainas though by fire; they have haunted me day and night for the pastfive months. On the seventh of July last, I made and executed mywill in favor of my namesake, Hugh Mainwaring, and on the followingday--his birthday and mine--he was to be declared my heir. Itwas past eleven o'clock on the night of that day when I retired tomy private library, and it was fully an hour later when, havingdismissed my secretary, I finally found myself alone, as I supposed, for the night. My thoughts were far from pleasant. I had just hada stormy interview with my housekeeper, Mrs. LaGrange, who hadtried, as on previous occasions, to coerce me by threats into aprivate marriage and a public recognition of her as my wife and ofher child and mine; and, in addition, the occurrences of the dayhad been of a nature to recall the past, and events which I usuallysought to bury in oblivion were passing before my mental visiondespite my efforts to banish them. Suddenly a voice which seemedlike an echo of the past recalled me to the present. Somewhatstartled, I turned quickly, confronting a man who had enteredunperceived from the tower-room. He was my own height and size, with curling black hair and heavy mustache, but I was unable todistinguish his features as he remained standing partly in theshadow. Before I could recover from my surprise, he again spoke, his voice still vaguely familiar. 

"'The master of Fair Oaks'--the words were spoken with stingingemphasis--'seems depressed on the eve of his festal day, the dayon which he is to name the heir and successor to his vast estates!'

"I remembered that a stranger had called that day during my absence, who, my secretary had informed me, bad shown a surprising familiaritywith my private plans. 

"'I think, ' I replied, coldly, 'that you favored me with a callthis afternoon, but whatever your business then or now, you willhave to defer it for a few days. I do not know how you gainedadmittance to these apartments at this hour, but I will see thatyou are escorted from them without delay, ' and as I spoke I roseto ring for a servant. 

"He anticipated my intention, however, and with the agility of apanther sprang noiselessly across the room, intercepting me, atthe same time raising a large, English bull-dog revolver, whichhe levelled at me. 

"'Not so fast, not so fast, ' he said, softly; 'you can afford towait a little; I have waited for years!'

"I stood as though rooted to the spot, gazing at him with a sortof fascination. As he emerged into the light there was somethingalmost familiar in his features, and yet something horriblyincongruous and unreal. His eyes glowed like living fire; his soft, low tones reminded me of nothing so much as the purring of a tiger;while the smile that played about his lips was more terrible thananything I had ever seen on human face. It was ten times morefearful than the muzzle of the revolver confronting me, and seemedto freeze the very blood in my veins. 

"'You take a base advantage; I am unarmed, " I sneered. 

"'I knew too well with whom I had to deal to come unarmed, ' hereplied; 'though this, ' and he lowered the revolver, 'this is notthe sort of weapon you would employ, --a thrust in the dark, a stabin the back, that is your style, coward!"

"'I demand an explanation of this, ' I said. 

"He folded his arms, still retaining his hold upon the weapon, ashe answered, 'Explanations will follow in due time; but surely, onthe eve of the fiftieth anniversary of such a life as yours, congratulations are first in order. Allow me to congratulate you, Hugh Mainwaring, upon the success which has attended and crownedthe past twenty-five years of your life! upon the rich harvestyou have reaped during all these years; the amassed wealth, thegratified ambitions, the almost illimitable power, the adulationand homage, --all so precious to your sordid soul, and for whichyou have bartered honor, happiness, character, all, in short, thatlife is worth. Standing, as you do to-night, at the fiftiethmilestone on life's journey, I congratulate you upon yourrecollections of the past, and upon your anticipations for thefuture, as you descend to an unhonored and unloved old age!'

"Every word was heaped with scorn, and, as I looked into the burningeyes fixed upon mine and watched the sardonic smile hovering abouthis lips, I wondered whether he were some Mephistopheles--somefiend incarnate--sent to torture me, or whether he were reallyflesh and blood. 

"The mocking smile now left his face, but his eyes held me speechlessas he continued, --

"'No wonder that memories of bygone years haunted your thoughtsto-night! Memories, perhaps, of a father whose dying will youdisregarded; of a brother whom you twice defrauded, --once of thehonor and sanctity of his home, then, as if that were not enough, of his birthright, --his heritage from generations of our race--'

"'Stop!' I cried, stung to anger by his accusations and startledby the strange words, 'our race, ' which seemed to fall so familiarlyfrom his lips. 'Stop! are you mad?" Do you know what you aresaying? Once more I demand that you state who or what you are, andyour business here!'

"'That is quickly stated, Hugh Mainwaring, ' he answered, in toneswhich made my heart beat with a strange dread; 'I am Harold ScottMainwaring! I am here to claim no brotherhood or kinship with you, but to claim and to have my own, the birthright restored to me bythe last will and testament of a dying father, of which you havedefrauded me for twenty-five years!"

"'You are a liar and an impostor!' I cried, enraged at the sound ofmy brother's name, and for the instant believing the man to be someemissary of Hobson's who had used it to work upon my feelings. 

"Drawing himself up to his full height, his eyes blazing, he answeredin low tones, 'Dare you apply those epithets to me, usurper that youare? You are a liar and a thief, and if you had your deserts youwould be in a felon's cell to-night, or transported to the wilds ofAustralia! I an impostor? See and judge for yourself!' and with asudden, swift movement the black curling hair and mustache weredashed to the floor, and he stood before me the exact counterpartof myself. Stunned by the transformation, I gazed at him speechless;it was like looking in a mirror, feature for feature identically thesame! For a few seconds my brain seemed to reel from the shock, buthis tones recalled me to myself. 

"'Ah!' he said, with mocking emphasis, 'who is the impostor now?'

"My first thought was of self-vindication, and to effect, ifpossible, a compromise with him. 'I am no impostor or usurper, ' Isaid, 'because, believing you dead, I have used that to which inthe event of your death I would be legally entitled even had youany claim, and I am willing, not as an acknowledgment of any validclaim on your part, but as a concession on my own part, to give youa liberal share in the estate, or to pay you any reasonable sumwhich you may require--

"He stopped me with an intolerant gesture. 'Do not attempt anypalliation of the past with me, ' he said, sternly; 'it is worsethan useless; and do not think that you can make any compromiseswith me or purchase my silence with your ill-gotten wealth. Thatmay have served your purpose in the past with your associate andcoadjutor, Richard Hobson, the man who holds in his mercenarygrasp the flimsy reputation which is all that is left to you, orwith the woman--cruel as the grave and false as hell--who oncewrecked my life, and now, with the son that you dare notacknowledge, rules your home, but you cannot buy my silence. Icome to you as no beggar! I am a richer man to-day than you, butfor the sake of generations past, as well as of generations yet tocome, I will have my own. The estate which was once my forefathersshall be my son's, and his sons' after him!'

"As I listened, my whole soul rose against him in bitter hatred, the old hatred of my youth. 'I defy you, ' I' cried, hotly, 'toproduce one atom of proof in support of your claim or of yourcharges against me! The estate is mine, and I will make you ruethe day that you dare dispute my right and title to it!'

"His eyes flashed with scorn as he replied, 'You lie, HughMainwaring! Your life for the past twenty-five years has beennothing but a lie, and the day just closed has witnessed the finalact in this farce of yours. That I have already undone, and justas surely I will undo the work of the past years. And let me assureyou I have no lack of proof with which to verify either my ownclaim or any assertion I have made, or may yet make, against you. I have proof that on the night preceding my father's death he madea will restoring to me my full rights, which you have fraudulentlywithheld all these years; and through my son, whom you have knownfor the past eighteen months as your private secretary, I have proofthat that will is still in existence, of itself an irrefutablewitness against you!'

"With the mention of my secretary the truth flashed upon me. Irealized I was completely in his power, and with a sense of myown impotency my rage and hatred increased. Forgetful of the weaponin his hand and almost blind with fury, I sprang towards him, intending to throttle him--to strangle him--until he should pleadfor mercy. Instantly he raised the revolver in warning, but notbefore I had seized his wrist, turning the weapon from myself. Abrief struggle followed, in which I soon found my strength was nomatch for his. Growing desperate, I summoned all my strength forone tremendous effort, at the same time holding his wrist in avice-like grip, forcing his hand higher and turning the revolvermore and more in his direction. Suddenly there was a flash, --asharp report, --and he fell heavily to the floor, dragging me downupon him. 

"For an instant I was too much stunned and bewildered to realizewhat had happened, but a glance at my opponent revealed thesituation. He lay motionless where he had fallen, and a ghastlywound over the right eye told the terrible story. Dazed withhorror, I placed my hand over his heart, but there was no motion, no life, --he was dead! The awful truth forced itself upon me. Mad and blind with rage, I had turned the weapon upon him and it haddischarged, --whether by some sudden movement of his hand, or bythe accidental pressure of my own fingers upon the trigger, Godalone knows, I do not! One fact I could not then, nor ever can, forget; it was my hand that gave the weapon its deadly aim, howeverblindly or unwittingly, and the blood of my brother whom I hadwronged and defrauded now lay at my door. 

"The agony of remorse that followed was something beyond description, beyond any suffering of which I had ever dreamed; but suddenly athought flashed upon me which added new horror, causing me to springto my feet cold with terror, while great beads of perspirationgathered on my brow. When that terrible scene should be revealed, not alone in the approaching morning light, but in the light of pastevents which, if the last words spoken by those lips now sealed indeath were true, could no longer be kept secret, what would be theworld's verdict?" Murder! fratricide! and I? Great God! of whatavail would be any plea of mine in the face of such damning evidence?

"I rushed to the tower-room, and hastily opening my safe, took froma private drawer therein a key and with trembling fingers fitted itinto the lock of a large metallic box which contained the familyjewels, and which for more than twenty-five years had held the oldwill executed by my father on his death-bed. I had seen it thereless than forty-eight hours before, and in my desperation I nowdetermined to destroy it. My very haste and eagerness delayed me, but at last the cover flew back, revealing the gleaming jewels, but--the will was not there! Unable to believe my own eyes, Idrew my fingers carefully back and forth through the narrowreceptacle where it had lain, and among the satin linings of thevarious compartments, but in vain; the will was gone! My brotherhad spoken the truth, and the will was doubtless in the possessionof his son, who, under its terms, was now himself heir to theestate. The room grew dim and the walls themselves seemed to whirlswiftly about me as, with great difficulty, I groped my way back tothe library, where I stood gazing at that strange counterpart ofmyself, till, under the growing horror of the situation, it seemedto my benumbed senses as though I were some disembodied spirithovering above his own corpse. The horrible illusion was like anightmare; I could not throw it off, and I would then and therehave gone stark, staring mad, but that there came to me out of thatawful chaos of fancies a suggestion which seemed like an inspiration. 'It is Hugh Mainwaring, ' I said to myself, 'Hugh Mainwaring diedto-night!'

"My fevered brain grew cool, my pulse steady, and my nerves firmas I proceeded at once to act upon the idea. Kneeling beside thedead man, I examined the wound. The bullet had entered above theright eye and passed downward, coming out at the base of the brain;from both wounds the blood was flowing in a slow, sluggish stream. Drawing a large handkerchief from my pocket, I bound it tightlyabout the head over both wounds, knotting it firmly; then carryingthe body into the tower-room, I made sure that all doors werelocked, and proceeded to put into execution the plan so suddenlyformed. By this time I was myself, and, though the task before mewas neither easy nor pleasant to perform, I went about it ascalmly and methodically as though it were some ordinary businesstransaction. As expeditiously as possible I removed the dead man'sclothing and my own, which I then exchanged, dressing the lifelessform in the clothes I had worn on the preceding day, even to thedressing-gown which I had put on upon retiring to my apartments, while I donned his somewhat travel-worn suit of tweed. Havingcompleted this gruesome task, I left the body in much the sameposition in which it had originally fallen, lying slightly uponthe right side, the right arm extended on the floor, and, to givethe appearance of suicide, I placed my own revolver--firstemptying one of the chambers--near his right hand. On going tomy desk for the revolver, I discovered the explanation of mybrother's words when he said that he had already undone my workof the preceding day, the final act of the farce I had carriedout. In the terrible excitement of those moments his meaningescaped my mind; now it was clear. My own will, executed withsuch care, and which early in the evening I had left upon my desk, was gone. That he had destroyed it in his wrath and scorn I hadabundant proof a little later, upon incidentally finding in thesmall grate in that room the partially burned fragments of thedocument, which I left to tell their own tale. 

"Having satisfactorily disposed of Hugh Mainwaring (as the deadman now seemed to my over-wrought imagination), I made preparationfor my immediate departure. This occupied little time. There wasfortunately some cash in the safe, which I took; all drafts andpapers of that nature I left, --they were of value only to HughMainwaring, and he was dead! As the cash would be inadequate, however, for my needs, I decided after considerable deliberationto take the family jewels, though not without apprehension thatthey might lead to my detection, as they finally did. These I putin a small box covered with ordinary wrapping-paper to attract aslittle attention as possible, ' and, having completed my preparations, I removed the bandage from the dead man's head and threw it with theprivate keys to my library into the metallic box which had held thejewels. Then donning the black wig and mustache which my visitorhad thrown aside on disclosing his identity, together with a longulster which he had left in the tower-room, I took one farewelllook at the familiar apartments and their silent occupant and stolenoiselessly out into the night. I remained on the premises onlylong enough to visit the small lake in the rear of the house, intowhich I threw the metallic box and its contents, then, followingthe walk through the grove to the side street, I left Fair Oaks, asI well knew, forever. While yet on the grounds I met my owncoachman, but he failed to recognize me in my disguise. My planswere already formed. I had come to the conclusion that my latevisitor and the caller of the preceding afternoon, whose card borethe name of J. Henry Carruthers, were one and the same. My secretaryhad stated that Carruthers had come out from the city that day, somy appearance at the depot, dressed in his own disguise, wouldprobably attract no attention. I was fortunate enough to reach thedepot just as two trains were about to pull out; the suburban trainwhich would leave in three minutes for the city, and the north-boundexpress, due to leave five minutes later. I bought a ticket for NewYork, then passing around the rear of the suburban train, quietlyboarded the express, and before the discovery of that night'sfearful tragedy I was speeding towards the great West. 

"But go where I might, from that hour to this, I have never beenfree from agonizing remorse, nor have I been able for one momentto banish from my memory the sight of that face, --the face of mybrother, killed by my own hand, and a discovery which I madewithin the first few hours of my flight made my remorse ten timesdeeper. In going through the pockets of the suit I wore I founda letter from my brother, addressed to his son, written in my ownlibrary and at my own desk while he awaited my coming. He seemedto have had a sort of presentiment that his interview with me mightend in some such tragedy as it did, and took that opportunity toinform his son regarding both his past work and his plans for thefuture. What was my astonishment to find that his son was, atthat time, as totally unaware of his father's existence as was Ia few hours before of the existence of a brother!

"From this letter I learned that the son had been given away atbirth, and was to know nothing of his true parentage until he hadreached years of maturity; that he himself had been shipwrecked, asreported years ago, but had escaped in some miraculous manner; thatreaching Africa at last, he disclosed his identity to no one, butdevoted all his energies to acquiring a fortune for his son. Hesucceeded even beyond his anticipations, and when nearly twentyyears had elapsed, sailed for his old Australian home, to find hisson. Arriving there, he learned that his son, while pursuing hisstudies in England, had obtained information of the will made inhis father's favor, and learning facts which led him to believe thatthe will was still in existence and in the possession of his father'syounger brother, had, with the advice of his London attorneys, goneto America, and was then in his uncle's employ for the purpose ofsecuring proof regarding the will, and, if possible, possession ofthe will itself. Upon learning these facts, my brother hadimmediately proceeded to London and to Barton & Barton, his son'sattorneys, who, upon his arrival there, informed him of his son'ssuccess up to that time, and also notified him that his brother wasabout to celebrate his approaching fiftieth birthday by naming theson of Ralph Mainwaring as his heir, Ralph Mainwaring and familyhaving just sailed to America for that purpose. My brother thentook the first steamer for America, arriving only two days laterthan Ralph Mainwaring. Though unable to obtain an interview withme at once, as he had intended, he had succeeded in catching sightof me, in order to assure himself that the marked resemblancebetween us still existed, and, to emphasize that resemblance, hethen shaved and had his hair cut in the same style in which I woremine, so as to render the likeness the more striking andindisputable when he should announce himself to me. 

"His existence and return he wished kept secret from his son untilthe successful consummation of his plans, but he wrote the letteras an explanation in case there should be any unforeseentermination. The letter was overflowing with a father's love andpride; his allusion to the difficulty with which he had restrainedhis feelings when he found himself face to face with his son on theafternoon of his call, being especially touching. The perusal ofthat letter added a hundred-fold to my own grief and remorse. Idared not run the risk of disclosing myself by sending it to mybrother's son, but I have preserved it carefully for him, and desireit to be given him as quickly as possible. 

"Through New York papers I learned from time to time of the murderof Hugh Mainwaring, the lost will, the discovery of the old will, and the appearance of the rightful heir. From that source, also, Ilearned that Merrick, the detective, was shadowing the murderer, who was generally supposed to be a man by the name of Carruthers. I had one advantage of Merrick. I knew him--my old friend Whitneyhaving often pointed him out to me--while he did not know the manhe sought. Many a time in my wanderings I have seen him, and, knowing well the game he was after, eluded him, only to fall atlast into the snare of one whom I did not know. The man searchingfor the murderer of Hugh Mainwaring encountered another, trailingthe murderer of Harold Scott Mainwaring, and I suddenly found mytime had come! A coward then, as always, I tried to shoot myself. In the darkness I held the muzzle of my brother's revolver to myown temple; instantly there flashed before me his face when I hadkilled him! I grew sick, my hand trembled and dropped; then, asmy pursuers came nearer, I aimed for my heart and fired! This isthe result. Death was not instantaneous, as I had hoped; instead, I was given this opportunity to make some slight reparation for mysin; to aid, as I said before, in righting the wrong wrought by mypast life. 

"And now, in these my last moments, I do solemnly affirm and averthat on the night preceding his death, my father executed a willrestoring to my elder brother his full right and title, which willI have for more than twenty-five years last past wrongfully andfraudulently withheld and concealed; and that my brother being nowdead, killed by my own hand, though unwittingly and unintentionally, his son, Harold Scott Mainwaring, is the rightful and sole heirto the entire Mainwaring estate. 

"Signed by Hugh Mainwaring in the presence of the followingwitnesses: William J. Barton, M. D. Montague, Joseph P. Sturgiss, M. D. , M. J. Wheating, M. D. , Daniel McCabe and C. D. Merrick. "

At the conclusion of this statement, there was shown in evidencethe rusty metallic box-dragged from the lake--with the keys andthe knotted, blood-stained handkerchief found therein. This wasfollowed by brief testimony by Harold Scott Mainwaring and theold servant, James Wilson, but the proceedings following thereading of the statement were little more than mere form. Therewas little attempt at cross-examination, and when the time came forthe argument by counsel for contestant, Mr. Whitney, who had beendeeply affected by the confession of his old friend, declined tospeak. 

All eyes were fastened upon Mr. Sutherland as he arose, as wassupposed, for the closing argument. For a moment his eyes scannedthe faces of the jurors, man by man, then addressing the judge, hesaid slowly, in clear, resonant tones, --

"Your honor, I submit the case without argument. "

In less than forty-five minutes from the conclusion of the statementthe jury retired, but no one moved from his place in the crowdedcourt-room, for all felt that little time would be required for theirdecision. In ten minutes they returned, and, amid the silence thatfollowed, the foreman announced the verdict, "for the proponent, Harold Scott Mainwaring. "

Cheers burst forth from all parts of the room, and the walls rangwith applause, which was only checked by a sudden, simultaneousmovement of several men towards the contestant. With theannouncement of the verdict, Ralph Mainwaring had risen to his feet, as though in protest. For an instant he stood gasping helplessly, but unable to utter a word; then, with a loud groan, he sankbackward and would have fallen to the floor but for his attorneys, who had rushed to the assistance of the stricken man. 

A few moments later the lifeless remains of Hugh Mainwaring werecarried from the court-room, while, in another direction, theunconscious form of Ralph Mainwaring was borne by tender, pityinghands, among them those of the victor himself, and the contest ofMainwaring versus Mainwaring was ended. 

 * * * * * * * * *

The bright sunlight of a December afternoon, ten days after theclose of the trial, crowned with a shining halo the heads ofHarold Scott Mainwaring and his wife as they stood together in thetower-room at Fair Oaks. But a few hours had elapsed since theyhad repeated the words of the beautiful marriage service which hadmade them husband and wife. Their wedding had been, of necessity, a quiet one, only their own party and a few of their Americanfriends being present, for the ocean-liner, then lying in theharbor, but which in a few hours was to bear them homeward, wouldcarry also the bodies of the Mainwaring brothers and of RalphMainwaring to their last resting place. 

Here, amid the very surroundings where it was written, HaroldMainwaring had just read to his wife his father's letter, penned afew hours before his death. For a few moments neither spoke, thenWinifred said brokenly, through fast falling tears, --

"How he loved you, Harold!"

"Yes, " he replied, sadly; "and what would I not give for one hourin which to assure him of my love! I would gladly have endured anysuffering for his sake, but in the few moments that we stood faceto face we met as strangers, and I have had no opportunity to showhim my appreciation of his love or my love for him in return. "

"Don't think he does not know it, " she said, earnestly. "I believethat he now knows your love for him far more perfectly than youknow his. "

He kissed her tenderly, then drawing from his pocket amemorandum-book, took therefrom a piece of blotter having upon itthe impress of some writing. Placing it upon the desk beside theletter, he held a small mirror against it, and Winifred, lookingin the mirror, read, "Your affectionate father, "HAROLD SCOTT MAINWARING. "

Then glancing at the signature to the letter, she saw they wereidentical. In answer to her look of inquiry, Harold said, --

"I discovered that impress on the blotter on this desk one morningabout ten days after the tragedy, and at once recognized it as myfather's writing. In a flash I understood the situation; my fatherhimself had returned, had been in these rooms, and had had aninterview with his brother! I knew of the marked resemblance betweenthem, and at once questioned, How had that interview ended? Who wasthe murdered man? Who was the murderer? That was the cause of mytrip to England to try to find some light on this subject. I needno words to tell you the agony of suspense that I endured for thenext few weeks, and you will understand now why I would not--evento yourself--declare my innocence of the murder of Hugh Mainwaring. I would have bourne any ignominy and dishonor, even death itself, rather than that a breath of suspicion should have been directedagainst my father's name. "

"My hero!" she exclaimed, smiling through her tears; then asked, "When and how did you learn the real facts?"

"Almost immediately upon my return to this country, and from Mrs. LaGrange, " and he told her briefly of his last interview with thatunhappy woman. "Up to the day of the funeral, she was ignorant ofthe truth, but on that day she detected the difference, which noneof the others saw. She knew and recognized my father. "

Standing at last on the western veranda, they took their farewellof Fair Oaks. 

"Beautiful Fair Oaks!" Winifred murmured; "once I loved you; butyou could never be our home; you hold memories far too bitter!"

"Yes, " Harold replied, gravely, "it is darkened by crime and stainedwith innocent blood. The only bright feature to redeem it, " headded with a smile, "is the memory of the love I found there, butthat, " and he drew her arm closely within his own, "I take with meto England, to my father's home and mine. "

Together they left the majestic arched portals, and going down theoak-lined avenue, through the dim twilight of the great boughsinterlocked above their heads, passed on, out into the sunlight, with never a fear for shadows that might come; each strong andconfident in the love that united them "for better for worse, forricher for poorer, in sickness and in health, . . . Till death usdo part. "