 CHAPTER XXI. Peverell is Taken for a Ghost. The situation in which the two principal characters of this story were left at the close of the preceding chapter was so embarrassing to both that for several seconds they continued to stare at each other in silent amazement. Mary Darrell, her face alternately flushing and paling with confusion, seemed fascinated and incapable of motion. In spite of Peverell's astonishingly disreputable appearance she had once recognized him as being the young stranger whom she had seen twice before, and had even helped out of an awkward predicament. She also knew that he had in some way aroused her father's enmity. But he had taken his departure from that vicinity several days earlier, and though she had wondered if he would ever come back, she had not really expected to see him again. Now to come upon him so suddenly looking so dreadful and to realize that, incredible as it seemed, he must have learned the secret of the cavern, was also bewildering and startling as to very nearly take away her breath. So she simply stared. It must be confessed that Peverell's present appearance was not so prepossessing as it had been at other times, and might be again. He had lost his hat, his hair was uncombed, his hands were bruised and soiled, while his clothing was torn and covered with dirt from the underground passages through which he had so recently struggled. But his face was quite clean, for he had just given it a thorough scrubbing, and, to it, the girl's gaze was principally directed. It was Peverell who first broke the embarrassing silence. I am very glad to see you again, he said, and find that you are a real flesh-and-blood girl instead of only a vision, or a sort of rock-nymph, as I imagined you might be from the way you disappeared that other time. What makes you think I'm a girl? asked Mary Darrell, whose face was the only part of her that Peverell could see. Why, because he began hesitatingly, because you are too good-looking to eat anything but a girl, and because—oh, well, because I am certain that you are. What else could you be, anyway? Mary Darrell's face was crimson, but still she answered stoutly. I might be a boy, you know. No, indeed. No boy could blush as you are doing at this moment. In reply the girl rose to her feet and stepped out on the ledge in full view of the young man. She was clad in a golf-suit, neat-fitting and becoming, but masculine in every detail. She had become so accustomed to dressing in that way that she was perfectly at her ease in the costume, and even preferred it to her own proper garments. I beg your pardon, stammered poor Peverell, as he gazed in bewilderment at the apparition thus presented. I'm awfully ashamed to have made such a stupid mistake, but really, you know. Oh, it's all right, replied the other, and you needn't apologize. I have so often been taken for a girl that I am quite used to it. And now may I ask you who you are, why are you here, what you are doing down there, and how you propose to get away? And— Hold on, my dear fellow, interrupted Peverell. Don't you think your list of questions is already long enough without adding any more? I suppose it is, laughed the other, assuming a seat in an expectant attitude at the base of the stunted cedar. The novelty of the situation, combined with its absolute safety, so far as she was concerned, was fascinating to the lonely girl. Now you may begin, she added, and tell me everything you know about yourself. That would be altogether too long a story, replied Peverell, a little nettleed at what he mentally termed the cheek of the youth. Besides, he continued, I am too nearly starved to do much talking, seeing that, for more days than I can remember, I have had nothing to eat but a rat, and— A rat, cried the other in a tone of horror. You didn't really eat a rat. Indeed I did, and I would gladly eat another at this very minute, I am so hungry. Don't you think you could get me one? Or if you had any cold victals that you could spare? At that moment, Mary Daryl, without waiting to hear another word, jumped up and disappeared, leaving Peverell to wonder what had struck the young fellow, and hoping that he had gone for something in the shape of food. I wish I'd got him to let down that rope again first, he said to himself, as he paced back and forth across the ledge. Then I could have pulled myself up and gone with him, thereby saving both time and trouble. I would have sworn, though, that he was a girl, never was so deceived in my life. He must have a sister, and perhaps they are twins, for it surely was a girl that I saw here the other time. All the same, I'm rather glad she isn't on hand just now, for I should hate to have any girl see me in my present disguise. My appearance must be decidedly tough and tramp-like. Wonder if I can't do anything to improve it. That chap might be just idiot enough to bring his sister back with him. Thus thinking the young man attempted to get a look at himself in the water mirror of the lake, and was trying to comb his hair with his fingers, when a Mary laugh from above put an end to his toilet, and caused him to start up in confusion. His young friend of the golf-suit had returned, and was letting down a small basket attached to a stout cord. Why don't you drop the tackle and let me come up there to you? Suggested Peverell, who was not only very tired of the ledge, but curious to make a closer acquaintance with his new friend. Oh, no! said the other hurriedly. I can't do that. But look out! Catch the basket. I'm sorry not to have brought you a better lunch, but you seemed in such a hurry that I thought you might not be particular. It's fine, rejoined Peverell, who was already making a ravenous attack on the bread and cold meat contained in the basket. You couldn't have brought me anything that I should have liked better, or that would have done me more good, and I am a thousand times obliged. A few minutes of silence ensued after this, while the one in the golf suit eagerly watched the other satisfy his hunger. When the last crumb of food had disappeared, Peverell heaved a sigh of content. I feel like a new man now, he said, and if you will only be so kind as to throw down that tackle. But you haven't answered a single one of my questions, interrupted the other. Can't I do that up there as well as here? No, I want them answered right off, now. Well, you are a queer sort of a chap, retorted Peverell. But seeing that you were so kind about the lunch, I don't mind humoring you a bit. Let me see. What were they? Oh, first, who am I? Well, I am Richard Peverell. But beyond that I hardly know how to answer. Second, why am I here? Because I can't get away. Third, what am I doing? Answering questions. Fourth, how do I propose to get away? By climbing the rope that you will let down to me, of course, and then have you show me the same way out of the cavern that you take? Oh, but I can't do that. Why not? Because I have promised never to show it to anyone. But if you don't know the way, how did you get into the cavern? If you'll show me your way out, I'll show you mine. Richard Peverell, who was growing impatient. I tell you I can't. It is simply impossible. Oh, well, I won't urge you then. Only let down the rope so that I can get up to where you are, and I'll manage to find my own way out. But I don't dare even to do that, answered the other in genuine distress. You don't mean to leave me down here forever, do you? No, of course not. But oh, I know, I'll send a boat for you. So just wait patiently a little while longer, and you shall be taken off. I say, hold on," cried Richard, but his words were unheeded. For acting on the impulse of the moment, the other had disappeared, and he was talking to empty space. Confound the boy, he exclaimed impatiently. I never heard of anything so utterly absurd. Why in the name of common sense should he object to showing me the way out of his old cave? One would think that ordinary humanity. But boys are such heartless young beggars that there's no such thing as appealing to their sympathies, if it had only been his sister now. In the meantime Mary Darrell had hastened from the cavern full of her new plan for rescuing the prisoner without betraying the secret of the underground passage. She had first thought of appealing to her father for aid, but remembering his bitterness against the young man, decided to act without him. So she called two minors who were at work about the mouth of the shaft, and bade them follow her. As they did so, she led the way to the basin, and entering a boat, ordered the men to row her out into the lake. They obeyed without hesitation, and as Mary steered, she soon had the satisfaction of seeing her prisoner just where she had left him. He was at the same time relieved of a growing anxiety by the approach of the boat, in which he finally recognized the young fellow who, although acting so curiously, had on the whole proved himself a friend. The boat approached so close to the ledge that Mary had given the order to cease rowing before the oarsmen turned their heads to see where they were. As they did so, they uttered a simultaneous cry of terror, again seized their oars, whirled their light-craft around, and in spite of Mary Darrell's angry protestations, began to row with frantic haste back in the direction from which they had come. Although Peverall was not so much surprised at this proceeding as he might have been, had he not recognized the villain Rothsky in the bow oarsmen, he was bitterly disappointed, and paced up and down his narrow prison with restless impatience. Oh, if I ever get out of this scrape, he cried. Less than an hour afterwards, when Mary Darrell again entered the cavern, but this time in company with her father, to whom she had confided the whole story, Peverall had disappeared. There was no boat to be seen, and they were confident that none had been on the coast that day. The derrick, with its tackle, was just as Mary had left it, yet neither in the cavern nor on the ledge was a trace of the young man to be seen. CHAPTER XXI Mike Connell To The Rescue On the very day that the white pine logging expedition had been so completely disbanded, the tug Bronco had been sent up the coast in a hurry after a supply of timber. She reached Laughing Fish Cove in the evening after Peverall's departure from his camp, and spent the night there awaiting him. Her captain was greatly perplexed by the failure of any of the party to put in an appearance, and the more so when he learned from the fishermen that Peverall had returned alone only to depart again on foot soon afterwards. By morning he dared not wait longer, for his instructions were to start back immediately with such logs as had been collected. He also imagined that having picked up all the timber they could find, and becoming tired of waiting for him, the wreckers might have set out for a red jacket on foot. So taking in tow the raft that he found in the Cove, he headed down the coast, arriving at his destination that same evening. Mike Connell, who had been anxiously awaiting Peverall's coming, was at the landing to meet his friend, and was much disappointed at his non-appearance. After gaining all the news concerning the missing party that Captain Spillings could give him, he hastened back to red jacket, and went at once to the trefethan cottage with a faint hope that Peverall might be there. The inmates of the little house had also pleasantly anticipated the return of the young man, in whom they were so interested, and had made such simple preparations as came with them their means for welcoming him. Now their disappointment at Connell's report was mingled with a certain anxiety that increased as they discussed the situation. I'm feared lads got into some trouble along of they foreigners, reflected Mark Trefethan, as he puffed thoughtfully at his short pipe. Not but he'll find way out in it, though, for he's finally strong and handy with his fists. Still there's always the knives and deviltry of they ferners to be reckoned with. They do tell as hits a cruel country up yon, full of thieves and murderers to say not of smuggling pirates, put in his wife, which as I was saying to Miss Penny no longer ago than yesterday when me and her was looking in at company store, the same as Maester Peril should be run in this blessed minute if he adds its rights. Miss Penny says I, that poor young man'll never get it in this world. Now he's gone for a sailor, mark my words. Little thinking they'd so soon come true. If I was a man, said Nellie Trefethan, at the same time casting a meaning glance at her sweetheart, I'd not be sitting here wondering how he's to be got out of trouble, especially if he'd done for me what he has for some. No more will I, spoke up Mike Connell, for I'm going to find him, which is what I came to say along with tellin' the news. And I'll go with you, exclaimed Tom Trefethan, springing to his feet as though for an immediate start. No, Tom, glad as I'd be of your company, it's best I should go alone, seeing as I know that country well and one man can get along in it when two couldn't. Besides, you are needed here while I'm not. In spite of young Trefethan's protests the Irishman remained firm in his decision to set forth alone in search of his friend, and as he left the house, Nellie, who with the others accompanied him to the door, managed to give his hand in a proving squeeze. Although Major Arkel gave orders for the tug to return to the laughing-fish, in search of the missing loggers the moment her services could be spared, it was not until twenty-four hours after bringing in the raft that it was possible for her to do so. In the meantime, Mike Connell, starting at the break of day and walking briskly northward, reached the cove that still held Peverell's deserted camp that same afternoon. Through an intimacy with several of his countrymen, who were successful peddlers of Ralph Darrell's smuggled goods, Connell had learned much concerning that section of country, and the various operations conducted within its limits. He had at one time seriously contemplated going into the peddling business himself, and had made so many inquiries in regard to its details that he was even familiar with Darrell's folly, though it was a place he had never visited. Knowing it to be a headquarters for smugglers, and believing that, if Peverell had really got himself into trouble, it would be in connection with some of those people, he felt that it was a likely locality in which to search for information. Accordingly, he headed directly for it, only going a short distance out of his way to visit Laughing Fish Cove. Having heard that the fisherfolk were in league with the smugglers, he did not care to betray his presence to them, and so did not show himself in the little settlement, but only skirted it until certain that his friends were not there. And he proceeded towards his destination by the same trail that Peverell had followed only two nights before. As he walked slowly along the narrow pathway, trying to invent some plausible excuse for presenting himself before the irascible old man, who, he had heard, excluded all strangers from Darrell's folly, his steps were arrested by the sound of voices approaching from the opposite direction. In another moment he saw three men hurrying towards him, waiting wildly and talking loudly in an unknown tongue. As they drew near he recognized in them the three car-pushers recently driven from the white pine mine. It also flashed into his mind that these were the men whom he had urged to make a cowardly attack on the young fellow he had then considered an enemy, but for whom he was now searching as for a dear friend. The newcomers also recognized him, and regarding him as of one purpose with themselves in all that concerned Peverell, did not hesitate to advance and speak to him. After an exchange of greetings, Connell broadened the business in hand by asking if they had seen anything in those parts of the chap who had driven them from white pine. The men glanced at each other hesitatingly for a moment, and then Rothsky answered, Yes, my friend, indeed we have seen him, and to our sorrow, and it is but now that he has driven us from another job better even than that. How so, inquired Connell, perking up his ears, it is this way we are working at good wages for that old fool over yonder when that devil of apparel comes and tries to steal our timbers. Then the boss compels us to seize him and put him in his boat, which we tow far out in the lake. Then as he makes a try to escape, the boss, who is like a man crazy, shoots him with a pistol through the head, and we all see him fall without life in the bottom of his boat. He is so very dead that he does not even move, and so is let go to drift, him and his boat, while we return to shore. A fine way of treating trespassers be dead! exclaimed Connell, but all the same there is folks who could call it murder. Yes, was it not? But wait, all that was three days ago, and yet, but one hour since, two of us have seen the ghost of this beast peril standing on the black rocks, with the white face of death, the wet hair of the drowned, and his clothing torn by the teeth of fishes. He said not one word but waited for us, and would have dragged us to the bottom if we had not fled in time. Now, with such things allowed, we can no longer work in this place, and so for the second time has he driven us from our good job. It's a cruel shame and an outrage on decency, nothing less, cried Connell, in pretended indignation. At the same time, Roth's ski-man, I'd like to have been with you, for do you know I've never laid eyes on a ghost at all, but would like mightily to have the experience. Would you mind telling me now where could I find this one, just for the pleasure of the sensation? No, no, Miss Connell, don't go near it, for you'll be going to your death if you do. But if I'm willing to risk it, why not? So the Irishmen insisted that they should permit him to share with them the glory of having seen a ghost, and finally one from them full directions how to discover the place from which they had fled in terror. The sly fellow even made pretense of wishing them to go back with him, and, when they declined to consider his invitation, declared them to be a set of cowards and set forth alone. It's my belief, he said to himself, as he made his way towards the place where they had told him he would find a boat, that them divils of dagos have played some dirty trick on Mr. Perel. If there had been but two of them, I'd found some way of extorting a confession from their lying mouths, but odds of three to one is too big to risk. So I had to blarney them. But maybe I'll be able to help the lad some way, and anyhow, here's for the try-in. It was dusk when Connell, having found the boat, pulled unobserved out of the landlocked basin, and by the time he reached the ledge where he had been told he would find Perel's ghost, darkness had so closed in that he could not tell whether it was occupied or not until he had left his craft and explored its limited area. Mr. Perel, he called softly, come out if you're hiding, for it's only me, Mike Connell, come to take you away from this. Oh, bad sess to it! He's not here at all, and it's a great song and dance them dagos gave me. Now I'll have to go and beg a night's lodging of the old man, and maybe he'll give me a job in place of them as has just left him. In that case I'll find out something, or me name's not. Holy smoke, where's my boat? Bad luck to the slippery craft. It's gone entirely, and here I am left to spend the cruel night alone on a bit of a rock in the sea. If I was in jail I'd be better off. It was only too true. The light skiff, carelessly left to its own devices, had been caught by a gentle breeze and borne without a sound beyond sight or hearing. As the second prisoner claimed by the black ledge that day stood dismally bemoaning his hard fate, a light flashed out above him, and glancing upward he saw what he took to be a man in the act of hanging two lanterns in a bit of a tree. It was a danger signal, warning the smugglers to keep away, and Mary Darrell was placing it by order of her father, who feared Peverell might still be lingering in that vicinity. Hey, lad, cried Connell, noting her slight figure, will you help a fellow creature in distress by tossing down the end of a rope? Are you really still there? exclaimed the girl in a tone of dismay and striving to peer down through the darkness. I am that, but most anxious to get away. And if I do let down the rope, will you promise to depart at once the same way you came? I'll promise anything if you'll only let me up. Well, then, there it is. I know I am doing wrong, but I can't leave you down there all night, for you would be dead by morning. True for ye, answered Connell, as he began briskly to decline the rope hand over hand. As his face appeared within the circle of lantern-light, the poor girl who was waiting with trembling anxiety uttered a cry of terror and fled into the gloom of the cavern. Well, if that don't bait me time, exclaimed the newcomer, as he gained a foothold on the ledge, whatever could the lead be frightened of? End of Chapter XXI. Chapter XXII of the Copper Princess. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Read by Betsy Bush. October 2009. The Copper Princess by Kirk Monroe. Chapter XXII. The signal is changed. Peverell had been amazed and disgusted at the sudden turning about and departure of the boat that had so nearly effected his rescue. Of course, on recognizing the Oresmen he understood why they declined to help him, though it did not enter his mind that they regarded him as a supernatural being. What cowards they are, he reflected bitterly. They are determined to kill me, though, that is evident. And I don't believe they will be content with simply leaving me here to die of exposure. It's more than likely they will roll rocks down on me from the cliffs during the night. There's a cheerful prospect to contemplate, with darkness already coming on, too. That young fellow seemed willing enough to help me. Only he was bound to do it in his own way. But now I suppose those wretches will prevent him from making any more efforts in my behalf. What is he doing with that gang of murderers, I wonder? Apparently he is about as far removed from that class as a person can be. Well, that's neither here nor there. The one thing to be considered just now is, how am I to get out of this fix? I wonder if there is any possibility of that cord bearing my weight. The cord, thus referred to, was the one by which the basket of food had been lowered. As it still hung close at hand, Peverell gave it a sharp pull. Although it yielded slightly, it did not break, and encouraged by this he threw his whole weight on it as a conclusive test of its strength. The result was sudden, surprising, and well-nigh disastrous. The cord gave way so readily that Peverell sprawled at full length on the rocks, while at the same time something heavy fell with a rush down the face of the cliff and struck with great force close beside his head. Springing to his feet an alarm at this most unexpected happening, the prisoner found to his amazement and also to his delight that he had pulled down the derrick tackle by which he had descended. To be sure, the block at its lower end had very nearly dashed out his brains, but what did he care for that so long as he had been given the benefit of the miss? For a moment he was puzzled to know how his pull on the cord could have affected a so desirable result, but upon an examination of the tackle he laughed aloud at the simplicity of the proposition. For want of something better to hold her end of the cord, Mary Daryl had tied it to the block of the derrick tackle, intending, of course, to draw up the basket again as soon as her starving guest had emptied it, then absorbed in a suddenly evolving plan for releasing him from his predicament and at the same time preserving her father's secret she had gone away and neglected to do so. Peverell was not slow to avail himself of the means of escape thus provided, and a few minutes later stood once more within the portal of the great cavern. His first care was to haul up the tackle and dispose it, as he imagined it, to have been left, with the attached cord hanging down the face of the cliff. There, he said, when this was done to his satisfaction, the young fellow is almost certain to come back for another look at me, and though I fancy he'll be somewhat surprised to find me gone, it will never enter his head that I am up here. Then when he leaves I will simply follow his lead, and so find the way out of this mysterious place. Perhaps though I can discover it for myself. Thus thinking Peverell made as careful an examination of the cavern walls as the fading light would permit, but could find no sign of an opening. Finally deciding to carry out his original plan, he selected a hiding-place, and settling himself in, as comfortably as possible, began to await with what patience he might the return of his young friend. By this time the cavern was quite dark, save for a dim twilight at its opening, and having nothing to distract his attention he began to realize how very weary he was after the exertions and nervous strain of the past three days. He had also just eaten a hearty meal. It is little wonder, then, that within five minutes, and in spite of his strenuous exertions to keep awake, he fell fast asleep. Fortunately he did not snore, nor make any sound to betray his presence. But, unfortunately, also his slumber was so profound that when, a little later, Mary Daryl and her father softly entered the gallery, and cautiously proceeded to its mouth for a look at the prisoner, whom they supposed still to be on the black ledge, he did not waken. As old as they were at his disappearance, they were also greatly relieved to have him gone. They never for a moment imagined that he could have regained the cavern, and so, after drawing up the basket, they retired as they had come, leaving Peverell undisturbed to his nap. While it was not certain that the expected smuggling schooner would reach the coast that evening, she might do so, and with the cautiousness marking all of his operations, Ralph Daryl decided that it would not do for her cargo to be landed, while there was a chance of a stranger, who was at the same time an enemy, being in the neighborhood. He felt assured that the young man, who had so mysteriously appeared and disappeared that day, must be an enemy. For though Mary had not mentioned his name, she had described him as being the one who had recently attempted to steal his logs from the landlocked basin. Now he had no doubt that the chap was a revenue officer who had come to spy out his smuggling operations, and only pretended to be in search of wrecked timber as a cloak for his real designs. Else why should he still hang around, and especially in the vicinity of the cavern, where there were no logs? Mary even declared to belief that he had been in their carefully concealed hiding-place, but, of course, she must be mistaken. Still, no more cargo must be landed until the spy was located and driven from that region. I shan't need to carry on the business much longer," said the old man to himself, but so long as I choose to remain in it I don't propose to be interfered with. So Mary was directed to go and display her lanterns at the moth of the cavern as a signal that no goods were to be landed that night, while her father went out for the final look at his precious mining property that he took every evening just after the men had quit work. Ralph Daryl's heart was bound up in the new work he had recently began, and so anxious was he to push it that he was engaging all laborers who came that way. As yet his force was very small, but he was in hopes of speedily increasing it. Thus, to discover that three of his strongest men had suddenly thrown up their jobs and left him without warning filled him with anger. So furious was he, even after he entered the house, that poor Mary, who had just returned badly frightened from the cavern, dared not confess to him that, through her own carelessness, another stranger had been admitted to the hidden storehouse of the cliffs. Perhaps by morning this unwelcome visitor would have disappeared as the other one had, and at any rate he could never find the secret passage, for it was too carefully concealed. By morning, too, her father would be restored to his ordinary frame of mind, and it would be easier to tell him what she had done, if indeed it should prove necessary to tell him at all. In the meantime Mike Connell was much puzzled by the nature of the place in which he found himself after his climb, as well as by the abrupt disappearance of the lad upon whom he had counted for guidance. The darkness with its accompanying profound silence so affected him that, while he called several times, Wist now, where are you? Come out, O that young feller, and have done with your fooling. He did so in an odd tone, but little above a whisper. All right, stay where you are, then, he added, after listening vainly for a reply. If it's a game of hide and seek you want, I can soon accommodate you, seeing as how you've been so kind as to leave me a couple of glimpse, though it's only one of them I'll need. Thus saying, the newcomer removed one of the two lanterns that had been hung out as a warning to the smugglers, and unwittingly changed the danger signal into one of safety and invitation by doing so. With the lantern thus acquired to lay his footsteps, he began a careful survey of the cavern, hoping to discover either an exit from it or his vanished guide. With his previous knowledge of the principal industry of that region it did not take him long to conjecture the meaning of the bales and boxes upon which he soon stumbled. Holy smoke, he cried, it's a cave of smugglers you've broke into, Mike Connell, no less, and a sorrowful time you'll have of it if the folks come home and catch you at the trespassing. Where the dival is the back door, I wonder, for the one in front is no good at all. Saints preserve us. What's that? With this last exclamation the frightened Irishman began to retreat slowly backward, holding his lantern so that, while it revealed his own terror-stricken face, its light also fell full on the form of Richard Peverell standing before him and staring in blankest amazement. Please, good Mr. Spook, I mean your honor, oh holy fathers, what will I say? stammered the poor fellow in such faltering accents that Peverell broke into a roar of laughter. Mike Connell, he cried, where ever did you come from? And what has happened? You look as though you had seen a ghost. And haven't I, retorted the other, still staring dubiously, is it yourself, lad? But sure it must be, see, and you have a voice of your own, which is a thing never yet given to a Spook. Glory be to goodness, Mr. Peverell, that I've found you just as I've lost you entirely, and me self as well. But how do you happen to be here, asked the still bewildered Peverell? Sure I just came, thinking you might want me. Which way did you come? Through the front door, the same as yourself. But I came in by a back entrance. Then we'd best be getting out that way, for I'm afeard there will soon be others here as won't be pleased to see us. We can't, for that way is barred, answered Peverell, but let us sit down and try to arrive at some understanding of this mysterious affair. So for nearly an hour the two talked over the situation, and though each frequently interrupted the other with questions or exclamations they finally gained a pretty clear comprehension of their position. At the end of the conference Peverell exclaimed, then, so far as I can see we are shut up here like two rats in a trap. Yes, cried Connell, and here comes the grat catchers after us now. As he spoke he pointed to the outer entrance, where the head and shoulders of a man had just appeared above the rocky ledge. End of Chapter XXII CHAPTER XXIII OF THE COPPER PRINCESS This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. Read by Betsy Bush, October 2009. THE COPPER PRINCESS by Kirk Munrow CHAPTER XXIII A BATTLE WITH SMUGGLERS After supper that same evening the violence of Ralph Daryl's rage had so subsided that his daughter ventured to inquire concerning its cause. When he had informed her she said, Why should you let a little thing like that worry you, Papa? Surely you can engage plenty more minors if you want them. I don't see why you should bother with the old mine, though. It don't seem to be worth anything. Not worth anything? cried the old man standing up in his excitement. Why, child, it is worth millions! It is one of the richest copper properties in the world, and in one week's time it will be all my own. Rather it will be yours, since it is for you alone that I have lived in this wilderness all these years, thereby saving it from destruction, and warding off the conspiracy that would reduce you to beggary. For your sake only have I so guarded the secret of its wealth that no living soul suspects it. Even the men who delve in its depths know not the value of the material in which they toil, for I have not told them. Nor have I allowed an assay to be made of its smallest fragment, but I know its worth, its fabulous value, that will make the owner of the copper princess one of the richest heiresses in the world. Who is the copper princess, Papa? asked the girl, who, though bewildered by the old man's extravagant statements, could not help but be interested in them. You are, my darling. You are a copper princess. But the name also applies to your mine, and was given to it before you were born. Daryl's folly is what men in their ignorance call it now, but in one week's time it may assume its rightful title, and thereafter the fame of the copper princess will spread far and wide. But why not let people call the mine by its real name now, Papa? What difference will one week make? Because, replied Ralph Daryl, bending towards his daughter and lowering his voice almost to a whisper, as though fearful of being overheard. In one week's time, only one week from this very day the contract will expire, and the heirs of Richard Peverall can make no claim. Richard Peverall, cried the girl with a sudden recollection, why, Papa, that is the name of the young man who was in the cavern today, for he told me so himself. He is the same, you know, who came for your logs. For an instant the old man glared at his daughter with an expression so terrible that she shrank from him frightened. Then it cleared, and in his ordinary tone he said gently, I wish, dear, you would go and change your dress. I don't like to have you wear your boy's costume in the evening. With only a moment of hesitation the girl obeyed him and left the room. She had no sooner disappeared than the strange expression that he had so successfully banished for a minute returned to the man's face, and possessing himself of a revolver he proceeded to load it. As he did so he muttered, I must do it for her sake, though she must never know. Richard Peverall shall not be given an opportunity for making his claim. If he is really in the cavern he must not be allowed to escape from it alive. So saying the old man left the room, while Mary Darrell, who had been anxiously watching his movements through a crack of the opposite doorway, followed swiftly after him. In the cavern at that moment two groups of men were confronting each other suspiciously, but hesitating as to what attitude they should assume. The expected schooner had reached the coast that evening, and assured of safety by the single light displayed from the cliffs, had run boldly into her accustomed anchorage. As the operations of the smugglers were necessarily conducted with great promptness, a portion of her valuable cargo was immediately transferred to a small boat, and four men accompanied it to the usual landing-place on the black ledge. Here the goods were taken out, and two of the men returned to the schooner with the boat, while the others remained on shore. These became so impatient at not receiving the usual intimation from above that all was in readiness for hoisting, nor any answer to their repeated signals that they finally decided to avail themselves of the tackle hanging ready beside them to go up and investigate. The captain of the schooner, who was an Englishman, went first, and the other, who was a French-Canadian, followed closely after him. To their amazement they found the cavern which they had been told was never entered except by old man Daryl or his son in possession of two strangers, who appeared equally surprised at seeing them. What are you chaps doing here? demanded the Englishman. We by gar that you do in this place, added his follower. I was about to ask that same question, said Peverall. What are you doing here? Yes, be jebbers. That's what we want to know. What be yous doing here? chimed in Mike Connell. At that moment a wild-looking, white-headed figure suddenly appeared on the scene, and with one searching glance at Peverall, who stood fully revealed in the light of Mike Connell's lantern, leveled a pistol full at him. As he did so a cry of terror rang through the rock-hewn chamber, and a pair of soft arms were flung about the old man from behind. By this his aim was so disconcerted that, though the shot still rang out with startling effect in that confined space, its bullet flew wide of the intended mark, and Peverall stood unharmed. In another second the schooner's captain had sprung upon the madman and wrenched the pistol from his hand, crying out, No, no, Mr. Darrell, there must be no murder connected with this business. It is bad enough. God knows, without having that added. Sèvres, certement by gar, shouted the Canadian. You bet your sweet life, old man, that sort of thing don't go down in the copper country, and it's mighty lucky for you that the young feller was on hand to keep you from carrying out your murderous intentions, said Mike Connell sternly. Peverall seeing that the man, whom he had already recognized, was rendered harmless by the loss of his pistol, remained coolly silent, waiting for some cue by which his own course of action might be determined. I see I have made a mistake, gentlemen, said Ralph Darrell, changing his tactics, with all a madman's cunning and readiness, and I beg, Mr. A- Peverall, said the young man, Richard Peverall is my name, sir. Yes, of course, and as I was saying, I beg Mr. Richard Peverall's pardon for being so hasty. But my daughter here, having informed me of his suspicious presence in the vicinity of this warehouse, I came to protect my property from possible depredation. Finding him in the very place that I was most anxious to guard, I very naturally took him for a burglar and acted accordingly. I am sorry, of course, if I have made a mistake. But if I remember rightly I have already had occasion to accuse Mr. Peverall of trespassing and order him from my premises. You did, sir, and I refused to go until I had recovered a certain property to which I have acclaimed. Do you refuse to go now, when I tell you that the property in question has been removed beyond your reach? I do not. Will you promise never to return? I will not. Will you go with these men on their schooner? Certainly not, unless compelled by force, for I have no inclination to trust myself with a gang of smugglers. By this time two more of the schooner's crew who had reached the ledge, with a second boatload of goods in time to be attracted by the pistol shot in the cavern, had made their appearance on the scene and stood wonderingly behind their captain. To this individual the old man whispered, I will give you one thousand dollars to capture the spy who threatens to break up our business, carry him on board your schooner, and keep him there for one week. One whole week, remember? Five hundred down and the remainder at the end of the week, if you have him still on board. Done, said the captain, eagerly, and turning to his men he muttered a few words to them in a low tone. Peverell and Connell watched this by-play with considerable anxiety, for they had no idea what action would be best to take. It would be folly to make an attack on so strong a force, especially as they had no direct provocation for so doing. Even should they succeed in driving them from the cavern, they had no clear idea of what would be gained. At the same time they did not relish the idea of waiting quietly while the others carried on their secret consultation. The divils mean mischief, Mr. Peverell, whispered Connell. Cape your eye on them, and mind, if we get separated in the shindy, I'm not the lad to desert a friend. Look out, here they come. Take that, you imps of Satan! With this final exclamation the Irishman hurled his lighted lantern full into the faces of the group at that moment rushing towards them. Peverell struck with a crash of glass, and then everything was enveloped in darkness. The fight was fierce, but short-lived. Peverell found himself striking out wildly, was conscious of delivering several telling blows, and of receiving twice as many in return. Then he was overwhelmed by numbers, and, still fighting stoutly, was born to the rocky floor. When all was over and a lantern was brought, it revealed several bloody faces and blackened eyes. Peverell was lying flat on his back, with three men holding him down. Connell had disappeared, and so had Mary Darrell, who was still looked upon by all present except her father as being a boy. The old man, held the lighted lantern and the captain of the schooner swearing savagely, was holding his hands to his face, which had been badly cut by the Irishman's missile. A cord was brought, the very one that had lowered the lunch basket, and with it Peverell was trust like a fowl for roasting. Then he was swung down to the ledge at the base of the cliffs, tossed into a boat and rode away. A few minutes later he was handed aboard the schooner, taken below, and chucked into a small evil-smelling stateroom, the door of which was locked behind him. It was a very unpleasant position to occupy, and yet his thoughts were not dwelling half so much upon it as they were upon the fact that the young person in golf-costume, who had saved his life that evening, had been spoken of as a daughter. End of Chapter 23 Chapter 24 of The Copper Princess This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Read by Betsy Bush, October 2009. The Copper Princess by Kirk Monroe Chapter 24 Connell Makes Good His Escape From the very first Mike Connell had determined not to be captured if he could possibly help it, wisely concluding that he would stand a better chance of serving his friend in freedom than as a prisoner, he realized that Ralph Daryl's enmity was especially directed towards peverell and believed that he therefore would be the principal object of attack. At the same time he knew that, no matter how desperately two might fight against six, there was little hope of success in face of such overwhelming odds. So while he was prepared to throw himself heart and soul into the fray, he was also on the watch for a chance of escape. The entrance of the Daryls into the cavern had been so precipitate and both of them had been so intent upon the object of their coming that they had forgotten their usual precaution and neglected to close the door giving them admittance. It was a slab of stone carefully fitted in its place, ringing easily on iron pivots and usually fastened by a stout spring. Being left open it disclosed a patch of blackness a shade darker than the wall on either side, and this caught Connell's eye just as the rush was made. Believing that here was offered a chance of escape that could be utilized better in darkness than in light, and knowing also that a battle against odds could be more successfully waged under the same conditions, he used his lantern as a weapon of offense, and thereby dashed out its flame at the very beginning of the fracas. For a moment he entertained a vague hope that he would be able to draw peverell with him into the place that he had discovered, and that thus they might effect an escape together. Quickly finding this impossible he sprang to one side after knocking down one of his enemies, groped along the wall until he found the desired opening and entered it. As he did so, he came in contact with the slight figure of Mary Darrell, who had here taken refuge at the outbreak of the struggle, and was awaiting its termination and trembling anxiety. Now thinking the newcomer to be her father and desirous of saving him from harm, she gave the stone door a push that closed it. Then she said, I am so glad to have you safely away from those dreadful men, dear Papa. Now you will go back with me to the house, won't you? For I am afraid to go alone. Yes, only hurry, whispered the Irishman, readily accepting the situation, but not daring to speak aloud for fear of betraying his identity. At the same time he thought, What a coward the young fellow is to be sneaking away from an elegant shindy like the one behind us. I have a mind to give him a taste of me fist for luck when we get out of this black hole. No, I will not, though. I'll leave him be, for wasn't it him saved Mr. Perrell's life after all? In one hand lightly on his guide's shoulder he followed her closely and had barely reached the foregoing conclusion when the girl flung open a door, and the two stepped into a lighted room. For a moment their eyes were completely dazzled by its brightness. Mary was the first to become accustomed to the glare of light and turned to speak to her supposed father. Upon seeing the face of a perfect stranger she uttered a cry of dismay and started as though to fly, but the other clutched her arm. Out of that young fellow, he said sternly, Now that you've brought me so far you'll see me farther and show me the way out of here. You're a fine bold chap, ain't you? He added in a tone of scorn. Look like you is fitter to be a girl than a lad any day, and if it wasn't for the good turn you'd done me friend back yonder I'd be tempted to give you a kindergarten lesson in the manly art of self-defense. As it is I'll let you off this time provided you'll show me the way out, but you want to get a move on. Terribly frightened as she was the girl still found strength to open a door on the opposite side of the room and motion for the man to pass through. As he did so she slammed it behind him and locked it. Then her overwrought feelings gave way and she sank into a chair sobbing hysterically. Furious at finding himself thus tricked the Irishman's first impulse was to turn and batter down the door, but a couple of heavy kicks delivered against it for this purpose brought forth a loud cry from some lower region. Hi, up-dar, what you all a-doin'? At the same time it flashed into Connell's mind that his recent enemies of the Cavern might appear at any moment and open the door in such a way as to cause him to regret that it had not remained closed. Besides, was he not capable of finding his own way out of a house? Of course I am, he muttered, and I'd best be doin' it in a hurry, too. So good-bye, young feller, and here's hopin' we'll meet again. Then he made his way downstairs, opened a door, and found himself in a kitchen, confronted by a resolute old-colored woman, who, after one glance at his strange face, let fly at it a ladle of hot water. This assault was immediately followed by such a well-directed shower of plates, pans, and culinary utensils as caused the intruder to utter howls of pain and make a blind dash for an outer door. Even outside the house his troubles were far from ended, for shouting men were running towards him through the darkness, while at the same time a dog leaped at him. Throttling the animal and flinging him off after a vigorous struggle, Connell had next to knock down a man who was attacking him on the opposite side, receive a blow from a broom-handle wielded by anti-nemo, dodge several other assailants, and finally to run for his life. When the poor fellow at length found himself alone and safe from present pursuit, he sat breathlessly on a log, over which he had just pitched headlong, and began to consider his situation. "'You may talk about your dynamite and gunpowder,' he said, but being blown up with either of them ain't a patch to what I've gone through this night. What with being racked on a rock in the sea, fighting smugglers, nuggers, and polliners, to say nothing of dogs and other wild animals, beaten, battered, torn, and scalded, tripped up and lost in the wilderness, and all in the middle of a cruel blackness, is an experience that any man might be grateful to be done with. If I have a whole bone left inside of me skin or a rag to me back, it's more than I'm hoping. Now what'll I do next? Will I go back to the house? Indeed I will not. Will I make another try for the cave? Not so long as I have me right mind. Will I go back to redjacket, and meet them as would ask me what had I done with Mr. Peril not on your life? Where is Mr. Peril at this blessed minute anyhow? At sea on board the smuggler, or I miss me guess, how will I get to him? By taking a boat, of course. Where will I find one? At Laughing Fish Cove, to be sure. That's the very place, be dad, and the sooner I'm getting there the better. The tug-branco had reached Laughing Fish about an hour before Mike Connell arrived at his decision. She had come in search of the party of log-wreckers that she had brought to that place more than a week earlier, and now those on board were greatly troubled at not finding a trace of the missing men save their deserted camp, nor could they obtain any information concerning them from the fisherfolk of the Cove. On board the tug was Major Arkel, who had been led by curiosity to take the trip. He was curious to know what had become of the young man whom he had sent into the region to pick up wrecked logs, and he was also curious to ascertain what had become of a large number of those same logs that still remained unaccounted for. At the same time he would like to investigate certain reports that had reached him of the reopening of some old mine-workings in that neighborhood. He had hoped that his researches might not take him beyond laughing-fish where he anticipated finding Richard Peverall prepared to answer all his questions. Failing to discover the young man, or any trace of him, the problems that he had set out to solve became more interesting than before, and he ordered Captain Spillins to start at daybreak on a cruise still further up the coast. Early on the following morning, therefore, everything was in readiness on board the tug, and its crew were getting up the anchor when their attention was arrested by the shouts and gesticulations of a man on the beach. "'Send a boat in and see what he wants,' said the manager, and ten minutes later Mike Connell was on board telling his story to a highly interested group of listeners. Within an hour after receiving her new passengers the Bronco, under full head of steam, was several miles to the northward of Laughing Fish and well out to sea in hot pursuit of a small schooner. The ladder was slipping easily along before the fresh morning breeze that had recently set in after a night of calm. The water rippled merrily past her flashing sides, and she was making some six miles an hour. At the same time the Bronco, pouring forth great clouds of soft coal smoke and heaping the smooth water into double white-crested billows as she rushed through it, was doing two miles to her one, and would soon overtake her. "'Whatever can that bloomin' teakettle want of us?' growled the captain of the schooner as he blinked with half-closed eyes at his pursuer. She ain't no revenue boat as I can see. Tom hoist our ensign as a hint for him to keep away. Sailor obeyed, and a minute later ran the crimson flag of Great Britain to the main peak, where it streamed out bravely in the freshening breeze. "'Got a flag aboard this boat, Captain Spillens?' asked Major Carkell as he watched the schooner from the Bronco's pilot house. "'Yes, sir, two of them.' "'Good. We'll see that fellow and go him one better. Set him both.' In consequence of this order the stars and stripes were quickly snapping defiantly from both the forward and after jackstaffs of the onrushing tug. "'Shear off, blast you, or you'll run us down,' bellowed the captain of the schooner as the tug ranged close abreast. "'Is that your man?' asked the manager of Mike Connell. "'He is. Sure I'd know him from a thousand by me own frescoes on his pretty face.' "'Have you a man named Richard Peverell aboard your craft?' demanded Captain Spillens. "'None of your damned business!' "'Run him down,' ordered Major Arkell sternly, and the words had hardly left his mouth before the two vessels came together with a crash. CHAPTER XXV A SEAFIGHT ON LAKESAPIRIER As no other schooner was in sight, and as this one was standing off the coast when discovered, the Bronco people had from the very first believed her to be the one they wanted. Her hoisting of British colours strengthened this belief, and it was finally confirmed by Connell's recognition of her captain. Until that moment, however, they had entertained serious doubts as to whether they should find Peverell on board, for it did not seem credible that even a smuggler accustomed to running great risks would dare abduct and forcibly carry off an American citizen. They did not know of the tempting reward promised to the schooner's captain for doing that very thing, nor of his determination to make this his last voyage on the Great Lake. So they anxiously awaited his answer to the question. "'Have you a man named Richard Peverell aboard your craft?' When it came, although it was neither yes nor no, it so thoroughly confirmed their suspicions that they had no hesitation in attempting to rescue their friend by force, and the Bronco's men gave a yell of delight as the two vessels crashed together. On board the tug this moment had been foreseen and prepared for. Two small anchors had been got ready to serve as grappling irons, and each man had been told off for special duty. The regular crew of four men had been materially strengthened by the addition of the two passengers, but as the engineer must be left on board under all circumstances the available fighting force was reduced to five. As it happened this was the exact number on board the schooner. So as the Bronco's scrambled to her deck each singled out an individual and went for him. The vessel had been thrown into the wind by the collision. Her sails were thrashing to and fro with a tremendous clatter which, combined with a roar of escaping steam from the tug, created such dire confusion among the smugglers as rendered them almost incapable of resistance. In fact their captain was the only one who made a show of fighting, and springing at him with a howl of delight Mike Connell sent him sprawling to the deck with a single blow. Then the Irishman dove down the companion way, cast a hasty glance about the little cabin, and made for the only door in sight. A couple of vigorous kicks burst it open, and in another minute Richard Peverell was again a free man. As the two friends reached the deck Connell uttered a wild Irish yell of triumph, while the released captive, who now gained his first inkling of what had taken place, stared about him in bewilderment. Then he burst into a shout of laughter at the spectacle of four men, one of whom was the dignified manager of the great White Pine Mining Company, calmly sitting on the prostrate bodies of four others, while a fifth who had just struggled to his feet with a very rueful countenance suddenly dropped to the deck again as he caught sight of Connell. Greeting Peverell with a hearty cheer and carrying him with them, the Broncos regained their ship and cast off the lines that held her to the schooner. As these were loosed her jingle bell rang merrily, her screw churned the dimpled water into a yeasty foam, and with a derisive farewell yell from her exultant crew she dashed away leaving her recent antagonist enveloped in a cloud of sulfurous smoke. The whole affair had occupied just five minutes. There was no lack of entertainment on board the good tug Bronco as she again headed southward and plowed her way briskly towards laughing-fish, for everyone had thrilling stories to tell or to hear. "'It seems to me,' remarked Major Arkell to Peverell, after listening attentively to the young man's narration, that you have managed to compress a greater number of desperate adventures and hare-breath that escapes into a short space of time than any other man in the copper country. I, for instance, have been here for ten years and haven't yet had an adventure worth the telling. Not even the one of this morning? Oh, that was only an incident compared with what has happened to you. How do you manage it? Do you always find such stirring times wherever you go?' "'No, indeed,' left Peverell, until very recently I have led a most quiet and uneventful life. Even now I would gladly exchange all my adventures, as you are pleased to call them, for the smallest scrap of information regarding the mine that I came out here to find. Haven't you learned anything concerning your copper princess yet?' Not one word. "'That's strange. I wonder if it can be located in the Aunt Noggin region. I had just about made up my mind to visit that section and find out,' replied Peverell. "'That is, if I have earned enough money while working for you to pay my travelling expenses.' "'I guess you have,' laughed the Major, "'but I can't let you go yet awhile, for I shall want you to help me settle accounts with that old fellow who stole our logs. Besides, you have so aroused my curiosity regarding those prehistoric workings of yours that I should like very much to visit them. Do you think you could find the entrance again?' "'Witch entrance, the hole down which I was thrown, or the one through which I crawled out?' "'The one by which you were introduced to them, of course. From your own account, the other is altogether too small for comfort, and the chances of being shot for trespass are altogether too great in its vicinity. I expect I could find the locality, but I hate the idea of ever going near it again. I don't think you can imagine what I suffered while down there. I am sure the place will haunt my worst dreams during the remainder of my life.' By going down again with plenty of light, company, and an assured means at leaving at any moment, the place will present a very different and much more cheerful aspect. Besides, the ancient tools that you mention as existing in such numbers down there are becoming so scarce as to be very valuable and well worth collecting. So on the whole I think we had better go and take a look at your prehistoric diggings this very day. "'Very well, sir. Since you insist upon it, I will act as your guide. But I must confess that I shall be heartily glad to leave this part of the country and return to the Civilization of Red Jacket.' "'Civilization of Red Jacket is good,' left the other. How long since you considered it as civilized? Ever since I left there and found out how much worse other places can be.' As a result of this conversation, four men left laughing fish soon after the tug again dropped anchor in its cove, and took to the trail that two of them had followed before. These two were Peverell and Connell. The others were the White Pine manager and Captain Spillins. Arrived at the point from which Daryl's folly could be seen, they turned abruptly to the right and plunged into the woods. Only too well did Peverell remember the path over which he had been dragged a helpless captive only three days before, but the way seemed shorter now than then, and he was surprised to discover the dreaded shaft within a few hundred feet of the trail they had just left. They had brought ropes with them as well as an axe and candles in abundance. Now after cutting away the bushes from the shaft-mouth and measuring its depth by letting down a lighted candle until it was extinguished in the water at the bottom, they prepared for the descent. The major was to go first, and Peverell, whose dread of the undertaking had been partially overcome, was to follow. The others were to remain on the surface to pull their companions up when their explorations should be finished. So Major Arkel, seated himself in a loop of the rope, swung over the edge of the old shaft, and was slowly lowered until the measured length had run out. Then the others, peering anxiously down from above, saw his twinkling light swing back and forth until it suddenly disappeared. A moment later the rope was relieved of its strain, and they knew that its burden had been safely deposited on the rocky platform described by Peverell. He went next, and was quickly landed in safety beside his companion. "'It is an old working, sure as you live,' exclaimed the Major, who was examining the walls of the gallery with a professional eye. "'And here are the tools you spoke of. Beautiful specimens by Jove, finest I ever saw. We must have them all up, every one. But let us go back a piece and examine the drift. First time I ever knew of those old fellows drifting, though, they generally only worked in open pits until they struck water and then quit. Didn't seem to have any idea of pumps.' Still filled with its recent horror of the place, Peverell tried to dissuade the other from penetrating any further into the workings, but in vain, and so, each bearing a lighted candle they set forth. At the several piles of material, previously noted as barring the way, the Major uttered exclamations of delight and astonishment. "'It is copper,' he cried, mass copper, almost pure, the very richest specimens I have ever seen. Why, man, the old mine must have been a bonanza if it all panned out stuff like this. These piles were evidently ready for removal when something interfered to prevent. Under what it could have been. Didn't find any bones, did you, or evidences of a catastrophe? No, nothing but what you see. Good heavens, Major, what's that?' With blanched faces the two stood and listened. Strong men as they were, their very limbs trembled while their hearts almost ceased beating. Again it came from the black depths beyond them, a cry of agony, pitiful and pleading. "'Let's get out of this,' whispered the Major, clutching at Peverell's arm and endeavouring to drag him back the way they had come. I've had enough.' "'No,' replied the other, resolutely. We can't leave while some human being is calling for deliverance from this awful place. You don't think it's a human voice?' "'I do, and at any rate I am going to see.' "'There, hear it?' Again came the shrill cry echoing from the rocky walls. "'Help! For God's sake, don't leave us here to perish!' At the sound Peverell sprang forward and the Major tremblingly followed him. Back in the gloom a hundred yards from where they had halted they came upon a scene that neither will ever forget so long as he lives. Islender youth and a white-haired man stood clinging to each other and gazing with wildly incredulous eyes at the advancing lights. "'It is Richard Peverell, father. Oh, thank God! Thank God, sir, that you have come in time,' cried the younger of the two. "'Richard Peverell,' repeated the old man huskily, "'No, no, Mary. It can't be. It must not be. Richard Peverell is dead, and the contract is void. He has no claim on the copper princess. It is all mine, mine and yours. But don't let him know. Keep the secret for one week longer. Only one little week. Then you may tell it to the world.' End of Chapter 25. Chapter 26 of the copper princess. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Read by Betsy Bush, October 2009. The Copper Princess by Kirk Monroe. Chapter 26. First News of the Copper Princess. When Peverell made his miraculous escape from the old mine, he left his place of exit open. In his impatience to get away from the scene of his sufferings, he had not even given another thought to the great stone slab that he had raised with such difficulty and precariously propped into position by a few fragments of rock. So the narrow passage leading down from the cavern into the ancient workings that had been so carefully concealed for centuries was at length open to the inspection of any who should happen that way. Thus it remained during the day of exciting incidents in the cavern, and through the struggle that was ended by the smugglers bearing Peverell away a captive to their schooner. Having thus disposed of the person whom of all in the world he most dreaded and placed him where it was apparently impossible for him to make a claim on the copper princess before the expiration of the term of contract, Ralph Daryl rejoined his daughter. She noting his excitement in fearing to increase it made no mention of her own encounter with the other stranger, whose presence in the cavern seemed to have escaped her father's notice. So they only talked of Peverell, and the girl picturing him as he had appeared on the several occasions of their meeting wondered if he could really be trying to rob them of their slender possessions as her father claimed. The latter talked so incoherently of a conspiracy, a contract, and of the great wealth that would be theirs in one week from that time that she was completely bewildered and for the first time in her life began to wonder if her papa knew exactly what he was saying. Thus thinking she soothed him as best she could, and finally succeeded in getting him off to bed. But in the morning the subject was again uppermost in his mind, and he would talk of nothing else. Now he wondered how Peverell could have found his way into the cavern, and as Mary was also very curious on that point she willingly accompanied him on a tour of investigation. In this search it was not long before they discovered the upraised stone slab at the rear end of the cavern and peered curiously into the black passage beneath it, which from the very first Ralph Daryl was determined to explore. It is a part of our own mind, he said, and so I must find out all about it. There is no danger, for I can go very carefully and return when I please. I must go, though, for it is clearly my duty to do so. Who knows, but what I may strike another vein down there, as valuable as the one we are already working. So dear, do you wait here, and I will come back to you very shortly. But brave Mary Daryl would not agree to any such proposition, and declared that if her father insisted on going into that horrid place she should follow him. So the old man and the girl, the former filled with eager curiosity and the latter with a premonition of danger, crept under the great slab and entered the sloping passage. They had but a single candle with them, and of this Mary was glad, for she knew it would limit their exploration and compel a speedy return. Both of them being of much slighter frame than pevereal, they found little difficulty in slipping through the passage and reaching the ancient workings to which it led. Here Daryl began to find copper, and went into ecstasy over its richness. Forgetful of everything else he pushed eagerly forward from one pile of the valuable metal to another, and Mary, inspired by his enthusiasm, almost forgot her dread of the gloomy place in which so much wealth was stored. So absorbed were they that neither of them paid any attention to a dull sound as of some heavy body falling that came from a distance. Suddenly their candle burning low warned them to hasten their return, but their consternation, when they again reached the end of the passage, they found its entrance closed. The great slab, insecurely supported, had fallen into place, and the utmost exertion of their feeble strength was insufficient to move it. As they realized the full extent of the disaster that had thus befallen them, the girl was odd into a despairing silence, while the old man's impaired intellect gave way completely beneath the awful strain of this situation, and he broke into incoherent ravings. At length Mary Daryl knew that her beloved father had lost his mind, and that she must share her living tomb with a madman. In his ravings he declared that the situation was exactly as he wanted it. For now no one, not even Richard Peverell himself, could share their new found wealth. With the next breath he expressed an intention of getting back to the piles of copper as quickly as possible, that he might defend them with his life against all claimants. Terrible as it was to the girl to hear her father talk in this way, his mention of Peverell brought a faint ray of hope. If the young man had indeed gained access to the cavern from this direction, then the old workings must possess some other exit. If they could only discover such a place, it was barely possible that they might still escape. Thus thinking she humored her father's desire to return to the piles of copper, and even hastened his steps in that direction, for their candle was burning perilously low. So nearly had it expired that they had hardly regained the old workings before its feeble flame gave a final flicker, and they were plunged into blackness. Through this they still groped their way until the old man's strength was exhausted and he refused to go farther. Then, clinging to him in an agony of despair, the poor girl closed her eyes and prayed, Dear Christ, help me in this time of my bitter trouble, for I have no strength save in thee. Her cry was heard and her prayer was answered even as it was uttered, for with the opening of her eyes she caught a faraway gleam of light. A minute later, when Richard Peverell came to her, he seemed like one sent from heaven, and at that moment she could have worshipped him. Peverell's heart leaped at the sound of her voice, and he received two other distinct thrills of delight from her father's incoherent words. One was when he addressed the slight figure at his side as Mary, and the other was caused by his mention of the copper princess. By the first, Peverell's recently aroused suspicion concerning the sex of the wearer of that golf-costume was reduced to a certainty, while by the other he gained his first clue to the mind of which he was in search. At the moment, however, these things merely flashed through his mind, for he realized that the present was neither the time nor the place to discuss them. The two helpless ones, so wonderfully entrusted to his care, must be removed at once from the place in which they had suffered so keenly. Both he and the Major agreed that it would be best to take them out by way of the shaft, and though they were full of curiosity as to how the Daryls came into their distressing position, both manfully refrained from asking questions until they had escorted them to the entrance. For this forbearance the Major deserved even greater credit than his young friend, for as yet he had no knowledge of who the strangers were, nor how it happened that they seemed to know Peverell. Arrived at the shaft it was decided that the Major should ascend first to prepare those at the top for what was coming, as well as to receive the old man who would be sent up next. As he adjusted the rope around his body he whispered to Peverell who was assisting him. Who are they? Daryls was the laconic answer. Not old man Daryl of the folly? Yes. And his daughter? I believe so, replied the young man, at the same time wondering how the other had discovered so quickly the rightful sex of the apparent lad. But how on earth do they happen to know you? They ought to, seeing that the old man has shot at me twice, while Miss Daryl and I have met several times, and on one occasion at least she saved my life. You! No wonder you greet each other like old friends, rejoined the Major as he swung off over the black pool and began slowly to ascend the ancient shaft. When the rope was again lowered it brought some bits of stout cord for which Peverell had asked, and with these he fastened the old man so securely into the loop that there was no possibility of his falling out. Although Ralph Daryl was still highly excited and talked constantly, he readily agreed to every proposition made by his daughter, and offered no objection to going up the shaft. As he swung out from the platform, and those above began to hoist on the rope, his daughter bent anxiously forward to note his progress. Apparently unconscious of her own danger, she leaned out farther and farther until Peverell, fearful lest she should lose her balance and plunge into the pool, reached an arm about her waist and held her. The girl was so intent upon watching her father that for a moment she paid no attention to this. Then suddenly becoming conscious of the strong support against which she was leaning, she quickly stepped back to a position of safety. I didn't suppose you would think it necessary to take such care of a boy, she said with an attempt at dignity. I shouldn't, laughed Peverell, but why didn't you tell me yesterday that you were a young lady and that your name was Mary? I don't remember that you asked me. That's so. It was you who asked all the questions, and I who answered them. So now it is my turn. I shain't promise to answer, though. Oh, but you must, for there are some things that I am extremely anxious to know. For instance, why do you dress in boy's costume? Because my father wished me to. An excellent reason. Now I want to know if Daryl's folly and the copper princess are one and the same. I believe the copper princess has been called by that other name, which, however, I will thank you not to repeat in my presence. All right, I won't, but tell me. Here is the rope, Mr. Peverell, and thanking you over and over again for your very great kindness I will bid you au voie," said the girl, hurriedly adjusting the loop and preparing to ascend. There was never a more amazed or abashed man in this world than was Mike Connell when the young lady, whom he full of curiosity was helping to hoist from the old shaft made her appearance, and he discovered her to be the lad whom he had treated with such freedom the evening before. He was so staggered that he could not utter a word, but simply stared at her with an expression in which mortification and admiration were equally blended. The moment the girl gained a footing on the surface she made a comprehensive little bow to the men assembled about the shaft mouth and said, My father and I thank you, gentlemen, from overflowing hearts, for your great kindness to us, and shall hope to see you at our home for supper after you have been rejoined by Mr. Peverell. Come, Papa, let us go and make ready for company. With this she led the old man away in the direction of his folly. Half an hour later the four men from White Pine were received at the door of the Daryl House by a dignified young lady, simply but becomingly dressed in the usual costume of her sex. Looking directly at one of them she said, I bid you welcome, Mr. Peverell, to your own copper princess. CHAPTER 27 A NIGHT WITH A MAD MAN When left alone at the bottom of the ancient shaft, with the impenetrable gloom of the prehistoric workings crowding him close, Peverell had found a few minutes in which to reflect upon the strange happenings of the past half hour. Daryl's folly was the copper princess, the mine in which he owned a half interest, the one for which he had searched so long and had almost given up hopes of finding. Was it of any value, or did the name applied in derision rightly describe it? And the old man who had twice attempted to take his life, whom he had just rescued from a living tomb, was his partner. How could they ever work harmoniously together? He certainly could not agree to the carrying on of further smuggling operations, and so there was a barrier to their amicable relations at the very outset. But was that man the person with whom he would have to deal after all? He was evidently crazy, and probably had been from the very first. But Peverell now remembered that Mr. Ketchum had hinted at something of the kind during their last interview. As a crazy man could not legally transact business, his dealings would then be with Ralph Daryl's heirs or legal representatives. Who were those heirs? Were they any other besides his daughter, Mary? He hoped not. What a brave splendid girl she was, and how pleasant it would be to discuss business plans with her. How absurd of him not to have recognized her at once, even in her boyish costume, and how stupid she must think him. He wished those fellows up above had not been in such a hurry with that rope, for there were a lot more questions he wanted to ask her. So many that he would not have objected if he and she had been left down there together ever so much longer. How different the old mind seemed now to what it had when he first knew it. Hereafter it would always be associated in his mind with memories of a slight figure that he had been permitted to hold for a single minute, a flushed face, a pair of glorious eyes, and a voice that he should never forget. How shy she was, and at the same time how dignified, how sweet and womanly in her anxiety about her father. He hoped they could be friends, as all business partners should be. Of course they could never be anything more than that, for he was not forgetting his obligation to Rose, oh no, not for one minute. How infernally slow those chaps up above were now, and why didn't they let down the rope? Were they going to keep him waiting in that beastly hole forever? It really seemed so. By a simple process of reasoning, and the putting together of the various bits of information gained from her father, Mary Daryl had reached the conclusion that the young man whose fortunes had been so strangely interwoven with hers during the past ten days was the rightful owner of the mind that her father had claimed for so many years. She was too loyal to the latter to believe for a moment that he had consciously attempted to defraud Peveril of his rights, but credited all his actions to the sad mental condition of which she had only now become aware. Poor dear Papa, she said to herself, he has done splendidly to take care of me for so long as he has, and now I will take care of him. We will go away from this horrid place where he gets so excited and find some little home in the East where he can rest until his mind is wholly restored. In the meantime this Mr. Peveril can have the old mind to do with as he pleases. I shall let him know that we consider it his property before he has a chance to even make a claim against it. I mustn't let him see for a moment how badly we feel about it though, for he seems very nice and has certainly placed us under a great obligation by coming to our rescue so splendidly. I wonder how he knew that Papa and I were down in that awful place. Having got her father to his room, told Auntie Nemo to prepare for company and hurriedly changed her dress, Mary Darrell greeted the expected guests according to her privately arranged program and invited them in to supper. After seeing them seated at the table and provided with a bountiful meal, she left them on the plea that her father needed her attention. The girl had not been gone many minutes, and Peveril's friends were still congratulating him upon having come into his fortune at the same time speculating whether the folly was worth anything or not. When she re-entered the room with a frightened expression on her face, addressing herself to Major Arkel, she said, Would you mind coming up to see my father, sir? I fear he is very ill. The Major at once complied with his request, and after he had gone Captain Spillens said, I shouldn't wonder if the old fellow played out and left you in sole possession of the Princess after all, Mr. Peveril. Which Princess are you meaning, Captain? asked Mike Connell. Sure it seems to me there's two of them. Have a care, Connell, said Peveril warningly. Remember the circumstances under which we are here. I beg your pardon, Mr. Peril, exclaimed the Irishman contritely. I'd near forgot that you are already bespoke. A hot flush sprang to the young man's cheek, but ere he could frame a reply Major Arkel reappeared looking greatly worried. Boys, he said, we have a very serious case on our hands and one that demands immediate action. The old man upstairs is fairly out of his head, besides being in high fever. He needs medical attendance as quickly as it can be got to him and careful nursing. I have given him an opiate, which I hope will keep him quiet for a while, and now I propose to go to Redjacket in the tug for a doctor and a nurse. Captain Spillens will, of course, go with me, and we shall try to be back by morning. In the meantime the poor young lady must not be left alone, or with only that old auntie who is nearly frightened out of her wits, and so I think you, Peveril, ought to stay here with Connell and do what you can. You are, in a sense, the proprietor here, you know, and as Connell has also been here before, maybe the old man will be more reasonable with you than he would be with entire strangers. I quite agree with you that some of us ought to stay here and do what we can, said Peveril, and under the circumstances I suppose Connell and I are the ones to do so. At the same time I haven't had much experience in caring for madmen. No more have I, said Connell, but I'll do me best, for sake of the young lady, and maybe she'll forgive me for treating her the same as I would a lad. And Major, added Peveril, if you will kindly fetch my luggage from the trefathons I shall be greatly obliged. So the party separated, and while two of them wended their way back to the tug at laughing-fish, the others prepared for the long vigil of the night. After the effect of the opiate had passed, their patient was seized with paroxysms of raving and frantic efforts to leave his bed for the purpose of protecting his property. At such times it required the united efforts of the two volunteer nurses to restrain him, and after each attack he was left weak and helpless as an infant. Then he would weep and beg piteously not to be abandoned to the mercy of his enemies. Or he would fancy himself still in the awful blackness of the ancient workings and plead with his attendants not to be left there to die. For the sake of my daughter, gentlemen, my only child, who has no one else in the world to love her or care for her, I beg of you to save me. If you are human, take pity on her and let me go!" he would cry. At such times no voice, not even Mary's, seemed to soothe him as did that of Peverell, and his most violent struggles were controlled by the gentle firmness of the young athlete. All through that dreadful night Mary Daryl watched Peverell with tear-filled eyes, wondering at his strength and gentleness and unconsciously loving him for them. Not that she would for an instant have admitted such a thing even to herself. She tried instead to believe that he was the cause of all this sorrow and that she hated him for it. In whatever he does, she said to herself, he is actuated by remorse and a desire to atone in some way by ruining my father's life. The anxiously awaited Don found Ralph Daryl lying quietly with closed eyes and Peverell keeping wakeful watch beside him. Auntie Nemo had been sent to her bed long since and Connell was fast asleep on the floor of the hall just outside the sick room door. Mary Daryl sat in an easy chair overcome by exhaustion, also sleeping lightly. As the growing light fell on her tear-stained face, crowned by a wealth of close-clipped hair, curling in tiny ringlets, Peverell looked at her curiously and wondered why he had never thought her beautiful until that moment. Apparently conscious of the young man's gaze, the girl suddenly opened her eyes, and a faint flush suffused her pale cheeks. Where either she or Peverell could speak, the muffled sound of a steam-wistle broke the morning stillness. Our friends have come, Miss Daryl, whispered the watcher. You have just time to go to your room and refresh yourself with the dash of cold water before they appear. Notting assent the girl accepted the suggestion and departed. Then Peverell sent Connell to meet the newcomers, who, as he knew, would steam directly into the landlocked basin and remained to finish his vigil alone. Suddenly, as he sat absorbed in meditation, the madman, who had been watching through half-closed eyes, sprang upon him without a sound of warning and clutched his throat with a vice-like grip. Not even the utmost exertion of Peverell's splendid strength served to loose that horrid hold. In silence he fought for his life until he grew black in the face and his eyes started from their sockets. His head seemed on the point of bursting. He reeled, staggered, and then together with his terrible assailant fell heavily to the floor. As they did so, the old man's head struck on a sharp corner. He uttered a moan, and at last the deadly clutch on Peverell's throat was relaxed. With his next moment of consciousness Peverell was sitting on the floor, gasping for breath, and Ralph Daryl lay motionless beside him in a pool of blood. Then came quick steps on the stair, and Mary Daryl, need to buy Major Arkel, and the doctor from Redjacket, entered the room. For an instant the girl stared horror-stricken at the scene before her. Then she darted forward and clasped her father's body in her arms, crying out as she did so. "'You have killed him, Richard Peverell! Killed an old man! Sick and helpless!' Robbed him of his all, and then murdered him. "'Oh, Papa! Dear, dear, Papa! How did I leave you for a single minute?' "'My! How she hates poor Mr. Peverell!' whispered Nellie Truffethin, who had come to act as nurse, and who, guided by Mike Connell, reached the doorway in time to witness the tableau, as well as to hear Mary Daryl's cruel words. CHAPTER XXVIII. LEFT IN SOUL POSSESSION Although Ralph Daryl was to all appearance dead, the doctor pronounced him to be still alive, and caused him to be lifted back to the bed, where he dressed his wound at the same time administering restoratives. While this was being done, Major Arkel, taking charge of Peverell, led him to another room in which his things, brought from the Truffethin house, had been placed. The young man was still trembling from his recent awful experience. In another minute all would have been over with me, he said in describing the incident to his friend, for I could no more loosen his clutch than if it had been a band of steel. "'That fall was a mighty lucky thing, then,' commented the other. Yes, I suppose it was, for apparently nothing else could have saved me. At the same time, think how unpleasant it would have been for me if it had killed him, and I had been charged with his murder!' Opshaw! No one would have imagined such a thing. His daughter did, replied Peverell, in whose ears Mary Daryl's terrible accusation was still ringing. She didn't know what she was saying. You must remember the trying circumstances of her position, and forgive and forget everything else. If I am any judge of human character, she is just the girl to bitterly regret her hasty words, if she ever recalls having uttered them. Of course I forgive her, said Peverell, but I doubt if I can forget as long as I live. A bath in water as hot as he could bear it, followed by a cold douche and a brisk rubbing with the coarse towels procured from anti-nemo, restored the young man to his normal condition. Then he exchanged the ragged gear of a miner that he had worn ever since leaving red jacket, for a suit of his own proper clothing. With this the transformation in his appearance was so complete that when, a little later, Mary Daryl passed him in the hall, it was without recognition. She only regarded him as one of the many strangers who seemed suddenly to have taken unauthorized possession of her home. At breakfast time the doctor reported that his patient was sleeping quietly and doing wonderfully well. In fact, said the medical gentleman, I believe the bloodletting that resulted from his fall was just what he needed, and as he seems to have a vigorous constitution, unimpaired by intemperate living, I predict for him a speedy recovery. This prediction was so far fulfilled that, within two days, Ralph Daryl was sitting up, and by the end of a week, he had very nearly regained his strength. At the same time his excitability had wholly disappeared, leaving him very quiet and as docile as a child, but with little memory of past happenings. His daughter was the one person whom he recognized, and to her he clung with passionate fondness, readily accepting her every suggestion, but always begging her to take him back to his eastern home. His rapid convalescence was largely due to her devoted care and to the capital nursing of Nellie Trefithan, who proved most efficient in the sick-room. During that week the night-watches were taken by Mike Connell, whom Miss Daryl engaged expressly for the purpose, but Peverall was not asked to share them. On the few occasions when he and Mary chanced to meet, she treated him with formal politeness, but rarely spoke, and never gave him the opportunity of exchanging with her more than a few commonplace remarks. At the same time she watched him furtively, and he seldom left the house or entered it without her knowledge. She had learned his history so far as Nellie Trefithan knew it, and by her readiness to listen encouraged the girl to talk by the hour on this theme. She also learned one thing about him that was not told her, and that was that he was engaged to be married. One evening Nellie and Connell, coming back from a walk, encountered Peverall near the house, and close under a window at which Mary happened to be standing. As the young man was about to pass them the Irishman stopped him saying, Oh, Mr. Perl, would you mind telling Nellie here the thing you told me down the new shaft that time? I don't think I remember what it was. About your being bespoke. Oh, about my engagement. Yes, I remember now that you did want me to tell Miss Nellie of it, though I am sure I can't remember why it should interest her. Oh, Mr. Perl, don't every young woman be interested to know if she's to smile on a young man or give him the cold stare? If that is the case, laughed Peverall, I am afraid all the girls must give me the cold stare, for I certainly am engaged. And by the way, Miss Nellie, do you know if there is a letter awaiting me at your house? I received one from my sweetheart on the very day that I left red jacket, and with most unpardonable carelessness managed to lose it without having even opened it. I don't know, Mr. Perl. I mean I didn't hear Mother speak of it. Stammered the girl, so frightened that for a moment she had no idea of what she was saying. I do mind, though, seeing one advertised in the post office with a name something like yours, she added more coherently. Then I must have dropped it on the street, and whoever found it must have been honest enough to return it to the post office. I will write it once for it, and a much obliged for your information. Some days later Peverall did write to the red jacket postmaster and received prompt answer that the bit of mail matter in question had been sent to the dead letter office, so he wrote to Washington concerning his missing letter, and in due time learned that it had been returned to Sender. Then as he had no idea of Sender's present address he decided to wait until hearing from her again before attempting to forward his explanation of how it all happened. In the meantime he was extremely interested in other affairs that engrossed more and more of his attention. On that very first morning he had shown to Major Arkel several papers that came to him with his baggage. Among these were Boyce Carson's letter, Lawyer Ketchum's note of identification, and the famous contract under which he claimed a half ownership in the Copper Princess. At a later date he also attempted to show these papers to Mary Darrell, but she declined to look at them, saying that, as she did not doubt the validity of his claim, she had no desire to discuss it. Major Arkel, however, examined the papers carefully and expressed himself as thoroughly satisfied that his young friend was a half owner in the mine here too fore known as Darrell's Folly. And now, he said, let us examine the property and see whether it is worth anything or not. So these two set forth on a tour of inspection. They found the several buildings to be in fair order and all machinery in an excellent state of preservation. Then they descended the shaft and examined the material through which the several galleries had been driven, and which the white pine manager pronounced as barren even of promise as any rock he had ever seen. The trouble seems to be, he said, that they persistently drifted in exactly the wrong direction and went away from the true vein, which I believe to be indicated by those ancient workings over yonder instead of towards it. Thus the engineer who laid out this mine either displayed great ignorance or else their property does not include that strip of territory. But I'll tell you what we'll do. You stay here and hold the fort for a few days while I go and look the thing up. I don't like to have you take so much trouble, protested peverell. No trouble at all, my dear fellow, purely a matter of business. I want, if possible, to become associated with you in this proposition. As it now stands, your mine is worthless unless it includes or can be made to include those old workings. I believe they will make it extremely valuable, for I am persuaded that the vein indicated by them can be reached at a lower level from this very shaft. So the major took his departure and peverell waited a whole week for his return. In the meantime he familiarized himself with his property, and by means of a careful survey established the relative positions of the prehistoric mine and the shaft of the copper princess. During this week, as had been said, he saw very little of Mary Darrell and often wondered how she occupied her time. Finally there came a day when Miss Darrell informed Mike Connell that, as her father was now so much better, it would no longer be necessary to watch with him at night. So the honest fellow, who had been working hard with peverell on his measurements, and was rejoiced at the prospect of an unbroken knight's rest, retired early to the quarters that he and the young proprietor occupied together at some distance from the Darrell's house. Very early on the following morning the two men were awakened by a loud knocking at their door, and the voice of Nellie Trephethon calling as though in distress. Coming, shouted peverell, as they both sprang from bed and hurriedly dressed. As they emerged from the house the girl exclaimed, They're gone, Mr. Perrell, gone in the night, and I never heard a sound. How they went, no one can tell, for all the outer doors were left locked, where the key is on the inside, but they're gone, for I have hunted high and low without finding a sign of them. Who have gone? demanded peverell. Miss Mary and her father and the old-colored woman. That these three had taken a mysterious departure was only to a parent when the two men returned with Nellie to the house and searched it from top to bottom. Then, under Connell's guidance, they went through the secret passage to the cavern. There they found a lighted lantern hung on the stunted cedar just outside the entrance, the canvas curtain drawn aside, the derrick swung out, and its tackle hanging down to within a foot of the black ledge, but that was all. Three months after that time, peverell received the following letter. Dear Mr. Peverell, I feel it a duty to tell you that my dear father has at length passed peacefully away, and so will never trouble you again. At the very last he spoke lovingly of Richard Peverell and said he was a splendid fellow, but I am inclined to think he referred to your father rather than to yourself. He was also perfectly rational on all subjects except that of the princess, which he persisted in declaring was one of the richest copper mines of the world. I, of course, know better, for I realized long ago how truly the name at Daryl's Folly described that unfortunate venture. For a pleasure you may find in owning such an unremunerative piece of property you may enjoy without any fear of molestation, for I, as my father's sole heir, shall never lay claim to any share in it, and hereby authorize you to do with it as you think best. We have been very happy since we left you so suddenly and unexpectedly. The opportunity for departure came and we embraced it. I have but one more thing to say before closing this one-sided correspondence for ever. I humbly beg your pardon and crave your forgiveness for the cruel injustice that I once did you in a moment of agony. Trusting that you're happy, I knew of your engagement, and prosperous, I remain always under obligations, your friend Mary Daryl. With this letter there was no date nor address, and its only postmark was the stamp of the railway postal service on a distant eastern road. End of chapter 28.