 CHAPTER 7 OF THE SEALED MESSAGE BY FERGUS HUME Haskins, being genuinely Anglo-Saxon, had not the plodding instincts of a conspirator, and he was therefore somewhat rough and ready in arranging for a secret meeting with Mavis. However, Love sharped his wits, and he excused himself to the landlady of the prince's head for being absent after midnight on the plea that he had to write out and see an old friend. In the ordinary course of things there was no reason why he should explain it all, but, to make matters entirely safe, should Mr. Geary play the spy, which was just what the creature would do, Haskins thus arranged for an explanation. After dinner he called in Mrs. Jennings and ordered a horse, obtaining at the same time the key of a side door, so that he could admit himself when he returned somewhere about one o'clock in the morning. Then he gave orders that he was to be called in time for the early morning train, and afterwards snatched forty wings in order to prepare himself thoroughly for the fatigues of the night. Owing to the excessive heat of the weather, Haskins usually wore loose white flannels from morning until evening. But on this occasion to escape the possible watchfulness of Bellaria, he donned a dark-hued riding dress with brown gaiters and a tweed cap. In this guise and when shielded by the semi-gloom of the summer night he would certainly avoid observation. And, of course, the chances were that the woman tormented by her fears would not venture out of the house after dark. Still, it was best to be on the safe side and dress as inconspicuously as possible. The animal supplied by the stables of the prince's head was not exactly a derby winner. He proved to be a wary quadruped remarkably old and extra-ordinarity slow, but having the great merit of knowing every inch of the surrounding country, no mean qualification considering the rider's comparative ignorance. However, Gerald had a fair idea of the five miles route to Leegarth, and in due time the horse got over the ground, although it must be admitted that he did not hurry himself. Haskins reached the village shortly after ten o'clock and skirted round the houses so that he should not be observed. An unknown stranger arriving in so secluded a hamlet would assuredly awaken the suspicions of the weary Geary, and news travels fast in country districts. So Gerald kept well out of the way, and after a somewhat circuitous route came to the banks of Mother Kerry's peace-pool. Here he fastened his horse to the trunk of an ancient oak with permission to crop the lush grass and launched his faithful canoe. Shortly he was perched for the fourth or fifth time on the top of the wall. One night was perfect. A Romeo and Juliet night, warm and still with a cloudless sky radiant with ivory moonlight. Gerald looked down on the quaint peaceful quadrangle sleeping in the chill likeness, at the range of buildings with their fantastic architecture, and at the dark solemn trees which girdled this enchanted palace. Then he became aware of a slight white-cloth figure flitting across the shaven lawns, like a ghost of dead and gone beauty. A musical whisper stole through the warm stillness and the adventurer, with a fast throbbing heart, flung himself on to the boughs of the Copper Beach, to use it as a stair for descent. In a few minutes he found himself standing in the shadow of the tree clasping a cool slender hand and looking into two wonderful eyes which flashed like the stars overhead. Oh, you are not in white, Prince," said Mavis, disappointed. Gerald explained. I thought it best to wear dark clothes since malaria might be on the watch. There is no chance of that. She is fast asleep and would not leave her bed unless the house went on fire. Then again went on Gerald, pressing her hand. I had to ride here from Silbury. I could scarcely do that in flannels. Well, Mavis dragged him into the radiant moonlight and surveyed him critically. It doesn't matter. I like you in this suit of clothes. You look so tall and straight and slim and— Oh, my dear! Gerald laughed. You will make me vain. But you are vain already, she said naively. Bilaria says that all young men are vain. How can this particular young man be otherwise? questioned the lover, when the most charming girl in the world makes an appointment with him in the realms of romance. Am I charming, Gerald? Am I? Oh, Mavis clapped her hands. How delightful to be told that. Say it again. You are charming, Mavis, and also rather reckless for laughing so loud. Poo! Everything is safe, for the gates are locked and Bilaria is asleep. In all these white gardens only you and I are awake unless—added Mavis seriously, you count the fairies— and the nightingales and the crickets, and Gerald smiling. Mavis smiled also, and they stood hand in hand like a couple of schoolchildren out on a frolic. Come, she cried, loosening her grip. You must catch me, catch me, my prince. And like an arrow from the bow she shot across the turf towards the archway, followed rapidly by her lover. Haskins was swept afoot, but Mavis ran like an Atalanta and was flitting about the gardens on the other side of the archway before he could range alongside. You are the fairy queen, panted Gerald when he reached her. I saw you spread your large white wings. Oh, no! said Mavis seriously and prosaically. I used my legs. The queen of Spain has no legs, quoted Haskins laughing. Oh, how dreadful! How very, very dreadful! And he laughed again to see that she took him seriously. The gardens were very lovely and much less orderly than the quadrangle. Following Disraeli's dictum they had been cultivated to excess, and then nature had been allowed to decibelize them. The result was charming and wonderfully artistic. There were beds of brilliant flowers wherein slim saplings grew at will. Statues of God and goddess reed than greenery. Ponds of placid water rimmed with stone wherein white lilies slept on broad leaves floating amid slender reeds. The façade of the house with its tutor battlements and long ranges of lattice windows rose picturesquely in the still calm light of the moon which rendered all things ethereal and fairy-like. Before the mansion stretched a shallow terrace of gray stone, diapered with lichens and emerald moss. A wide flight of steps descended from this to meet a broad path which melted imperceptibly into a jungle of tall bushes and wiry grasses. And all around the trees sprang like sentinels to guard this magic domain from the prose of the outside world. Everything was bathed in a luminous white radiance, and in this colorless world Mavis flitted here and there like a moth of snow. It is too lovely for mere words, murmured Gerald gazing at all this beauty with his poetical feelings uppermost. Are you speaking of me? asked Mavis joyfully. He laughed. In spite of your seclusion, my dear, you are a true woman, for you will not allow even the landscape to be complimented when you are present. Human beings are so much nicer than landscape, she pouted. One is at least. I wonder who she can be. Me! said Mavis triumphantly. How clever of you to guess that, my angel. Mavis flung up her arms with a silvery laugh. I am a fairy tonight and no angel. They are stiff things with goose wings. Rhyme and reason both together, said Gerald sitting down on a mossy stone fronting a smooth greenswort. Well, then, you are Titania, and I the rash mortal who has intruded on your privacy. Take care that I do not enchant you, poor mortal. You have done that already. Hark! he raised a finger. The wind is rising, your Majesty. To play for my dancing. Then Gerald saw a wonderful thing. While the wind played with viewless fingers on the lyre of the surrounding woods, Mavis danced to the rhythm in exact unison with a gentle breath which came and went. She bent her golden head to listen critically to the murmurings, and swung and swayed and floated to the melody of nature. Her feet and arms scarcely moved, her slender body was almost still, yet by subtle movement she contrived to interpret the meaning of the hour. A low, low note from the treetops would send her floating across the grass. A pause would bring her to a statue stillness, and a dying sigh as the wind lost heart stirred her limbs to gentle movements like the trumblings of a flower on its stalk. Poised gracefully in the radiant light in her white garb and with her mystical gestures timed to the nature sounds, she looked like the spirit of the woods. Gerald faintly grasped for one fleeting moment the idea of the sacred dances of old when every gesture and every pose was a sign of power to draw down the hierarchy of heaven to the physical plane. Then the wind died away and the golden notes of the nightingale floated through the trees. One bird trilled wild music and another replied with a scattering of liquid notes like falling rain. All the marvellous enchantment of the night was in that speechless song and the young man's heart beat in measure with the pulse of nature. He rose abruptly to his feet and when Mavis floated within the circle of his arms they went round her passionately. Like a tamed bird she rested on his heaving breast and looked up smilingly into his brown eyes. Mavis read therein all that the wind and the nightingale had been trying to tell her and when the man's lips were pressed ardently to her own she felt as though she had stepped from the twilight of unformed things into the glory of sunlight and song. Oh! she panted nestling to his heart. What does this mean? Love! he breathed. Love! which changes man into God and again his lips sought hers. With a thrill she yielded to the first caress she had ever known and the nightingale sang triumphantly in the ticket. But now the song was no longer wordless. She knew all that the bird could tell. Which is love, love and love again, whispered the fairy prince. Then Mavis began to weep with the natural fear of the unknown and Gerald consoled her as the mother consoles a child. She clung to him in the shadow of the tree silent and wondering and with something of pain the pain of the reborn when the fire of love purifies the soul. A veil had fallen from her eyes and beholding the secret shrine of the God she trembled and wept and joyed all in a breath. It is wonderful, wonderful, terrible! she murmured. Oh, Gerald, if you leave me I shall die. You are part of me. Your soul is blended with mine. You love me. Oh, say that you love me! As I love truth and beauty and wisdom and all things that make up our conception of God. There was silence for a few minutes and the two human beings who were really one felt that they were alone in this wonderful white world, alone with God. And this is love, murmured Mavis dreamily. Part of love said Gerald softly. What do you mean? Dearest, the veil of love is beauty. Yes? We must remove that veil. We must look behind it to see what love really means in the innermost. Can we? We are about to. He drew her closer to his breast. The inner meaning of love is sacrifice. Sacrifice? said Mavis puzzled. And that sacrifice we must make if we would know the real and true meaning of love. Do you mean that we must part? She gasped withdrawing herself. For a time, he assured her, only for a time, say a week. Oh! Mavis stretched out her arms languishly. How can I live through seven days without you? By knowing that sacrifice is the soul of love. But why must you go? She entreated. Oh! Do not go, darling. Let us be always together in this garden. I fear Bilaria will object, said Haskin, smiling. She will never know. Oh, yes! We cannot always meet by stealth. Bilaria is a woman and will sooner or later discover our secret. Then there is Geery and your guardian. Mavis shivered. I am afraid of Geery with his big knife, but not of Bilaria or my guardian. She will be a little angry, but when I tell her how happy I am, she will be glad. And my guardian is always kind. Oh, Gerald, tell him that you love me and wish me to be your wife. Then he will stop Geery from coming here and we can be happy. Haskin's hugged her to his breast and smiled grimly in the darkness. He was very surgeon that if he told Major Reb there would be no end of trouble. In order to arrive at some conclusion it was necessary to make inquiries as to why Reb kept the girl in the Pixie's house. When that was known, steps might be taken to release her, and when she was released she could be presented to the world as Mrs. Gerald Haskin's. But to make inquiries it was necessary that he should go to London and consult Todd, who was sharp enough in professional matters and a visit to London meant a seven-day separation from Mavis. I don't think that the Major will be over pleased at my wooing you by stealth," said Gerald, choosing his words so as not to alarm her. You see, I should have come openly and with his permission. He would not have given it until I was twenty-one, cried Mavis. He said that I was to see no one for the next ten months. Precisely. And that is why I have made love to you secretly," explained Haskin's cheerily. Now, darling heart, I wish you to be brave and to help me. Only tell me what you wish me to do and I'll do it," said Mavis with a little shudder. Only I don't like pain. To love truly we must suffer pain, my sweetheart. Pain and sacrifice are the demands of love. Had we an eternity of pleasure, without any disagreeables, even you and I should grow weary. Oh, no, no," she clung to him. Ah, my sweet, he said sadly, we are but flesh and blood and so may grow weary of too perfect bliss. The flower that is always in the sun wilts and dies. And after all, the delights of life lie in contrast. What do you mean by that, Gerald? Haskin saw that he was speaking too highly for her comprehension so talked on a lower plane, for the night was passing and he had to ride back to Silbury. My dear, he said slowly, I should like to stay here forever with you and then we would be as gods. But if we wish to know the true meaning of love as I explained, we must sacrifice ourselves to the necessities of life. We must part for seven days. I have to go to London, Mavis, and search out matters. What matters? But Haskin's wisely declined to explain in detail lest he should alarm her, for she must never know the true character of Major Reb. Gerald did not know it himself at the moment, but he suspected that when the past of Reb was searched into there would be some things found which would not bear the light of day. I have to go on private business, he said evasively. When I return you shall know what is necessary. In the meantime, my own brave girl, you must hold fast our secret and not allow Balaria to guess that we have even met, much less that we are engaged. Mavis stood up slim and strong with a brave light in her wonderful eyes. I promise, she said simply, I promise. Sweetheart, he rose also and kissed her, and then they walked slowly up the path through the archway and stopped again under the beach. I shall return in seven days, said Gerald. Anxious to go, yet loathe to depart. Only be silent. Live as you have hitherto lived, and— I can never do that, my dearest, she said, fleshing. The world is all changed. You are my world. You are my—oh! She broke down. Haskin's folded her in his arms and their lips met in one last long kiss. Then he left her, silently. That was true wisdom, for a single word might have detained him forever in that enchanted garden. End of Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Of the Sealed Message by Fergus Hume This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. 8. Legal Advice It's nutty, but not what I call top-hole straight. Mr. McAndrew, I am consulting you professionally, so I must ask you to use the king's English. It can't explain my feelings, Jerry. It can't, indeed. What am I to say when you tell me that you have fallen in love in five minutes? You love charity when you first set eyes on her, Todd. That's different, snapped the solicitor. She's an angel. It's only right to love an angel like Winking when you spot her. I quite agree with you, and so I loved Mavis. Is this girl pretty? Ask and smile to himself, as he had not yet informed Todd of the marvellous resemblance between the dancer and the recluse. Yes, she is pretty, he said calmly. Huh, from Todd. That doesn't sound enthusiastic. If you wish me to give details. No, no! McAndrew looked alarmed. None of your beastly blank verse. I understand that you wish to consult me professionally. Well, replied Haskins leisurely. I have been trying to ram that into your thick head for the last ten minutes. Clients, retorted Todd with dignity, do not call their legal advisor silly cuckoo names. He arranged his blotting paper, flattened out a sheet of paper and seized a pencil. You have my best attention. Gerald grinned. Todd's professional layers were too absurd. All the same he knew that he could not come to a better man for advice. Also, Todd, being in love himself, was likely to be more sympathetic than a regular dry-as-dust lawyer. One moment, Toddie, said Haskins taking out a silver case. I want to light a cigarette first. Have one. These, said the outraged Todd significantly, are business hours. So I should think from your ridiculously serious face. Nature intended you for a chubby back-ass without any clothes, Toddie, but circumstances stuffed you into a stupid little office to mislead people on points of law. The office is capital, said Todd heatedly. I pay a very high rent. You are being cheated, then. I'll—I'll—I'll have a cigarette," ended Todd weakly. It was too hot to argue. Haskins had come up on the previous day and having slept on his business had repaired to the grimy office in Chancellery Lane to consult his solicitor. Mr. James Ian Robert Roy McAndrew, which was the lawyer's gorgeous name, usually shortened to Todd by his friends because of his ruddy hair, possessed two rooms sparsely furnished. The outer room contained two lean clerks and an office boy who labored to increase a gradually growing business while the inner room was sacred to the master-brain that was building up that same business. There was a green painted safe, an important-looking escorteur with a sliding lid, three or four chairs, a battered bookcase containing Todd's somewhat limited library, and piles of Japan deed-boxes in iron frames. Everything looked very legal and very dry and very dusty, with the exception of Todd himself, spick and span, and far too fashionably dressed for Chancellery Lane. He should have been strolling in the row, and if dead and gone McAndrews had not squandered their money, he probably would have been beside Charity Bird if possible. As it was Todd, looking fresh and well-fed and well-groomed and alert, dwelt for many hours daily in a dull room which his ancestors would have scorned. But Todd had been compelled to lay down the ancestral claymore and take up the pen, which was hard on Todd who much preferred a kilt to a lawyer's wig. However it was useless to be dignified with Jerry Haskins as Todd decided, so after a glance at the door to see that it was closed he unbent. He lighted a cigarette and produced a bottle of whiskey and two glasses and a siphon. Not wishing that his clerk should see him unbent to this bacchanalian extent, Mr. McAndrew cast a second look at the door and advised Gerald in scarcely legal language to fire away. You've been playing the high kick, oh hoopla, since I left you," said Todd with a jolly grin. I've been doing nothing of the sort, cried Haskins indignantly. This is very serious. Is it now? bantered the lawyer. Well, when a man decides to marry a girl whom he has only seen for five minutes I rather think it is infernally serious. How did she manage to hook you? What a beastly low mind you have, Todd. Hmm, shut up and hold yourself tight. I am going to startle you. Startle away! Todd gripped the arms of his sedate chair. Well then, this mavesturum is the living image of charity bird. McAndrew stared and glared. You're a rotting boy. There can only be one angel in the world and... There are two of this a special make, insisted Gerald leaning back. I say, Toddie, do be serious. But are you serious? I am confound you. Don't I look it? McAndrew stared and glared again. There is a change in you," he admitted. Love, I suppose. It's the same with myself. Todd, you don't know what love is. Oh, don't I? Hang your beastly conceit. Well then, I just do. I love my heavenly charity no end. So there. But aren't you pulling my leg when you say that charity is the image of this mavest girl? Don't call her a mavest girl. Miss Durham to you, Todd. Very well then, Miss Bird to you. Ask inside, resignedly. We'll never get on at this rate. I am really and truly in trouble, McAndrew. Dude, listen. Todd nodded and his face grew serious. Haskins seized the fortunate moment and detailed everything from the finding of the sealed message, which was scarcely necessary since Todd had hooked the cylinder to the parting with Mavis on that enchanted night. What do you think of it, Toddie? Question Haskins anxiously. It's very rum, murmured Todd, making pencil marks on his blotting paper. Why does Reb keep this girl shut up? That is what I wish to learn. You must help me. I'm only too glad. But how? Don't you remember how Mrs. Geary said that if Mavis left the Pixie's house, the major would not be able to dash about in his motor-car? Yes, what of that? It hints at money belonging to Mavis which the major is using. Oh, I say. Todd fell back in his chair. You go too far. I don't hold a brief for Reb, but he wouldn't be such a black guard as that. Besides, he has six thousand a year. I know that for a fact. Who told you? Mrs. Birch. What? Mrs. Crosby's mother? Yes, a grim old lady, ain't she? Rather like my grandmother. She is not very fond of Reb as he is not very polite to her. Still, she wants Mrs. Crosby to marry him because of the money. How she found out, I can't say. But she certainly stated that Reb had the income I mentioned. But I thought that both Mrs. Birch and her daughter were well off. They assumed to be, answered Todd with a shrug and a wink. That is, they have a slap-up flat and go everywhere and Mrs. Crosby wears expensive frocks, although the old woman looks like a rag-shop at times. That may not be lack of money but indifference to dress. Huh! As if any woman old or young could be indifferent to frocks. Anyhow, Mrs. Crosby is supposed to be a wealthy widow in the market. But if she wants to marry major Reb, who is not a nice man, and if Mrs. Birch wants to be Reb's mother-in-law, it strikes me that the two may not be so rich as they pretend. Well, well, well! cried Gerald impatiently. We are wandering from the subject. Reb, you say, has six thousand a year. On the authority of Mrs. Crosby's mother, yes. Well, then, Todd, I want you to know how Reb comes to be possessed of that six thousand a year. Can you find out? Well, no, you might ask the income tax people. I can't help thinking, said Haskins staring at the dusty carpet, that the money belongs to Mavis. If you think that on the few words let slip by Mrs. Geary, said Todd scornfully, you haven't got a leg to stand on. I go by my intuitions also, Toddie. They rarely deceive me. Witness my distrust of Geary. I was right in thinking that he had to do with Reb and the Pixie's house. McCandrew nodded. Yes, you were right so far, but you assume too much an accusing major Reb of taking Miss Durham's money. It is only a guess, said Gerald impatiently. I may be wrong, of course, Todd. Still, you must see that there is something queer in Reb keeping Mavis shut up and in putting about this rumor of her being affected with a homicidal mania. You are sure that isn't true? ventured McCandrew cautiously. Haskins grew wrathful. Good heavens, Toddie, do you take me for a nest, you silly blighter? I tell you the girl is as sane as I am and a deal more sane than you are. Then why does Reb shut her up? I want to find that out, I tell you, snap the other savagely. Todd reflected. Perhaps this girl is Reb's daughter, he guessed. Haskins started as well he might. I can't believe that, he declared violently. She hasn't a drop of Reb's blood in her body, and even if she were his daughter, he went on in a contradictory fashion. That is no reason that he should shut her up in that jail and set a beastly nigger to keep his eye on her. No. Drawed McCandrew, his eye on the blotting paper. You say that this girl is like charity. The very image of her. That is partly why I fell in love so rapidly, Todd. Before you came along I did love charity in a way. Admired her beauty and all that. But somehow she never made my heart beat. Now Mavis is just as lovely as charity, and more so. No, no, no! growled Todd, striking his desk. Yes, yes, yes! Insisted Haskins. Besides, there is something in her personality which charity lacks. I feel my heart beat and my falsest thrill and my whole being raised to heaven when Mavis looks at me. So do I when I look at charity, retorted the lawyer. For heaven's sake, Jerry, don't let us pit the girls against one another. Mavis suits you and charity suits me. There's no more to be said. Save that the girls might be twins. I never heard that charity had a twin. Nor did I, but then we don't know charity's history. I do in part, said Todd quickly. When Mrs. Bellum Oden was travelling with her own comedy company in India, fifteen or sixteen years ago, she found charity at Calcutta. The child was then five years of age and belonged to a native woman of the juggler caste. Native? Do you mean to say that charity has nigger blood? No. Snapped Todd sharply. I don't. You have only to look at her to see that she is purely European. The native woman confessed to Mrs. Bellum Oden that she had picked up the child from Anaya at Simla for a few rupees. The Aya had perhaps stolen the child from some English people, or perhaps the mother was dead. At any rate, the native woman bought the child and taught her to dance in the show she and her husband went round with. Mrs. Bellum Oden took a fancy to the child's beauty and bought her from this native woman and adopted her as a daughter in a way. She called her charity because of the way she was found, and burred because of her silvery voice. Ha! Gerald started, another point of resemblance. Mavis has a voice like a nightingale. Todd, I must learn Mavis's past life. These two girls must be connected in some way. The resemblance is too wonderful. There are chance likenesses, hinted Todd slowly. I dare say, but nature doesn't turn out two girls line for line the same unless she sends them into the world as twins. Mavis was brought to the pixie-house when she was five years of age, but she doesn't remember where she lived before that. She is twenty-one in ten months. By Jupiter! Todd hoisted himself up with a curious look. That's odd, for charity told me that she would be twenty-one next year and then could run away with me. Perhaps there is something in what you say, Jerry, after all. What's to be done? Haskins pinched his chin. Let us leave the question of the resemblance alone for the moment, Todd. What I want you to do is to go to Somerset House and look up the wills. The wills? Whose will? What will? Look up any well made by anyone called Durham. Go back fifteen or twenty years. Of course, said Gerald apologetically, it is only my fancy based upon the few words let drop by Mrs. Geary, but I feel somehow, in my bones, as the old women say, that Mavis is being kept a prisoner on account of money. Todd fidgeted. It's such a wild idea, he protested. Wild or not, it is six and eight pence in your greedy legal pocket. Reb might not like my prying into his private affairs. I don't see that Reb need know anything about it, said Gerald impatiently. In fact, I want to keep my doings dark in the Reb direction, for if there is anything in my belief the major will do his best to queer my pitch. If you look up the will of a man or of a woman called Durham, Reb cannot say anything, as neither you nor I are supposed to know anything about the Pixie's house business. Well? Todd nodded and made a note. I'll search, he assented. And he will by someone called Durham man or woman and dated some fifteen or twenty years ago. Suppose I find nothing. And suppose you do? Retorted his friend, rising. We are searching for a needle in a haystack, remember, Toddie, and must spoke about in every direction. We'll look into the money business first, and then we can question Mrs. Palomotin and Balarria as to the possibility of there being any relationship between these two girls. See here, remarked McAndrews slowly, all this talk is first rate if you were writing a story and knew the end, but it seems to me that as we have to deal with real life you are making circumstances to fit in with your theories. Perhaps I am, replied Haskins with a shrug, but I am so much in love with Mavis that I shall move heaven and earth to get her. Why not be bold and ask Reb straight out? Then he could tell you the story of the girl's birth and perhaps may explain why she is so like charity. If Reb dislikes this Mavis so much that he shuts her up he won't mind your taking her off his hands. Oh yes, he will if money goes with her, said Gerald Grimly. I don't want to make Reb think that I am in love. The whole business is shady. Do you mean your love-making? Ask Todd slyly. No, you rotter. My love-making is as straight as Reb's ways are crooked. Do what I say, and when we learn if there is a will. Well? We'll know how to move next. Meanwhile I intend to tell the story that I have told you to Mrs. Crosby. But I say she'll go straight and tell Reb. No, said Haskins decisively. I have known Mrs. Crosby for years and she is as honest and good a little woman as ever lived. Mrs. Burch is also a ripping sort if somewhat funerial. If Major Reb is a villain and I really believe that he is, I don't want Mrs. Crosby's life to be made miserable by marrying him. Or Mrs. Burch is either. You know how she adores her daughter. All the same Mrs. Crosby may tell Reb, insisted Todd McAndrew. I don't think so. I shall enlist her sympathies on my behalf. Every woman loves a love affair. Then my story will put her on her guard against Major Reb, and she'll probably contrive to find out the truth of the business without his knowing. Good day, Toddie Boy. Haskins shot out of the office rapidly but McAndrew sat soberly at the desk shaking his red pole. It appeared to him that Gerald was about to climb the hill difficulty and might not reach the top. End of Chapter 8 Chapter 9 of The Sealed Message by Fergus Hume This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. 9. Mrs. Crosby That same afternoon when Mr. Haskins was arraying himself in a Bond Street kit to call on the fascinating widow, he was seized with a sudden calm as to the wisdom of his intention. After all, as Todd very truly observed, Mrs. Crosby was supposed to be engaged to Major Reb although no official announcement had appeared in the morning post. If then he related the secret which was connected with the Pixie's house and with a pretty girl, Mrs. Crosby inspired by jealousy might forthwith demand an explanation from Reb. In that case, vulgarly speaking, the fat would be on the fire and there would be a fine blaze. On the other hand, Gerald wished to enlist Mrs. Crosby on his side for two reasons. Firstly, she had been the close friend of his mother to whom he had been tenderly attached and as a boy he had flirted with her in the calf-loved stage. They now were what Todd would call pals and Gerald usually took all his troubles to her for she was a wise little woman. Of course there were nasty people who called Mrs. Crosby an adventurous and who said that she nagged her late husband to death, but these were in the minority. So far as Haskins could read character and he prided himself thereon, Mrs. Crosby was a good woman who certainly ought not to marry a rascal like Reb. And that the major was a rascal Gerald believed, perhaps on insufficient premises. For after all there might be an honest explanation of the Pixie's house mystery. In the second place, Haskins wished to remove Mavis from her prison and as some time would necessarily have to elapse before he could marry her he desired to place her under the wing of Mrs. Crosby. Since the widow was connected with Reb, this seemed rather like putting Mavis into the lion's cage. But Mrs. Crosby was the sole woman of Haskins acquaintance of whom he could ask the favour of chaperoning a young girl. Also, once Mavis was at the flat and practically beyond Reb's reach, since he then could not hide her again, there would be no necessity for further concealment and the major would have to account to Mrs. Crosby for the detention of his ward in Devonshire. The explanation, which would have to precede the marriage of Mrs. Crosby to Reb, could then be detailed to Haskins and all things would be made straight. Of course, there was always a chance that they might be too crooked to be straightened. If so, it was the more necessary that Mavis should be placed in Mrs. Crosby's guardianship and that the little woman's eyes should be opened. Bearing these things in mind, Haskins descended into the street to call a handsome and proceeded to visit Mrs. Crosby. She dwelt along with her mother in a palatial block of mansions known as Lady Smith Court and which had been erected by a financier of South African fame. The mansions were situated near Mary LeBone Road and although the address was not ultra-fashionable, the rents were high. When Gerald paid his cab at the foot of the marble steps and surveyed the huge pile of red brick buildings, he reflected that Todd must be wrong about the widow's financial position. Only a rich woman could afford to live here and there could be no money-grubbing idea in connection with the Reb marriage even though the major had six thousand a year. Nevertheless, it was strange that Mrs. Crosby should marry Reb when he was so much disliked by Mrs. Birch of whom her daughter was extraordinarily fond. Mrs. Crosby's flat was on the second floor and Gerald was shown into a small but smart drawing-room by a neat-made servant. It was a true woman's room, luxuriously furnished, prettily decorated and filled with all manner of useless knick-knacks and fancy china and silver-framed photographs and Japanese draperies and finally with masses of flowers and many huge vases. The scent of the blossoms and the perfume of a burning pastille made the atmosphere fragrant but somewhat heavy in spite of the rose-curtained French windows which opened on to a tiny balcony. Near one of the windows Mrs. Crosby was seated, looking somewhat pale and disturbed and facing her was an overdressed man with white hair and mustache who looked like a foreigner. How are you, Gerald? asked Mrs. Crosby when Haskins was announced and addressing him by his Christian name according to custom. I have not seen you for ages. She shook hands and looked at him. How brown you are, my dear boy! Allow me to introduce you two men. Senor Venosta, Mr. Haskins. Mr. Haskins, Senor Venosta, who has been amusing me. Do sit down. Tee will be in presently. I have been with you one hour. Alas, madam, but I must depart. Said Senor Venosta, who was a stout oily-looking Italian of the tenor type, dressed in two gaudier style to satisfy Gerald's fastidious taste. I have been with you one hour. You should add that it has seemed like one minute, said Mrs. Crosby with a pretty little laugh and waving a fan for the heat was stifling. Well, if you must go, you must. She rose and walked with her visitor to the door glancing over her shoulder, meanwhile. Excuse me, Gerald, I shall return soon. And she left the room with the Italian. This marked courtesy was not usual with Mrs. Crosby as she was a spoiled beauty who preferred that others should wait on her rather than that she should trouble herself about others. Haskins wondered at herself denial and especially in the face of such heat. Wondered also that she should look so pale and worried. Apparently something was wrong with Mrs. Crosby and he began to conjecture whether Todd was correct as to money matters. Gerald was not over-rich himself, but he determined to question his mother's friend and learn if possible what bothered her so that he could prefer help. His hostess returned after some minutes and looked quite herself, but the renewed color might have been due to the reflection of the rose-hued curtains. She tripped across the olive-green carpet like a fairy and resembled one being delicate and tiny and beautifully formed. People said that Mrs. Crosby's blonde hair and pink and white complexion were due to art since a woman of 40 could not possibly look so young without artificial aids. Be this as it may, she certainly appeared wonderfully pretty in her white silk tea gown, which was draped with expensive lace. Haskins complimented her on her looks when she sank again into her chair and took up the cigarette case lying on the table at her elbow. And yet, you know, added Gerald thoughtfully. I fancied that you looked worried and pale when I came in. Mrs. Crosby lighted her cigarette and shot a clean glance at him. We all have our worries, my dear boy, she said, blowing a wreath of smoke. You should not have any, Mrs. Crosby, and if there is anything that I can put right, you know that I— Yes, yes, I know, she interrupted hurriedly, but you can't. It really is nothing, oh, nothing at all. It is the heat that makes me look pale and washed out. Mother is lying down quite exhausted but will be into tea. I hope no one else will come, Gerald, and then we can have a nice long talk. That is what I have come to have, he said soberly and produced his own cigarette case which he laid on the table. Give me a match, please. Thank you. He lighted up. I am in trouble. And you have come to me as usual. Yes, I hope that I don't carry calls to Newcastle. Mrs. Crosby shrugged. My troubles are only minor ones such as come to every woman when she gets past her youth. You are in the flower of it. And you have known me for years. Gerald, you certainly must have Irish blood in you to pay such extravagant compliments. Don't think too well of me, my dear boy. I have my faults. Why not? Look at the upbringing that I have had. She ended bitterly. Why, your mother is. All that a mother can and should be, interrupted the little woman. I know that, Gerald. But her husband, my father, was a brute. My husband, whom he made me marry in my teens, was a brute. Both my mother and I have suffered poverty and nearly open shame. Poverty? Gerald glanced round the luxurious room crowded with such splendid things. Mrs. Crosby shrugged again. These are only necessities, she said contemptuously, fancy a woman of my taste having to live in a flat and being bothered by tradespeople. I want a townhouse, a country house, a yacht, a chance of travelling all over Europe like other rich people. In fact, I want thousands a year and I have not got them. Gerald looked down meditatively. So Todd was right after all and Mrs. Crosby was hard up even to the extent of being done by tradespeople. He wondered if he could help her. You have known me long enough to accept a check. He stammered. She whipped away the offer contemptuously. Although I thank you very much for offering the money, she said graciously. You always were a dear boy. But the amount of money I want would ruin you since I am aware that you have but the five hundred a year left by your dear mother. There, there, she tapped him with a closed fan. We won't talk further of these disagreeable things. All will be well. When you marry Major Reb, asked Haskins pointedly, why not? The major is not bad-looking and has a good position and at least five thousand a year. Six, I believe, corrected Gerald. Who told you that? Todd McCandew, he heard it from your mother. Mrs. Crosby nodded. Yes, I believe that my mother asked Mr. McCandew some questions regarding settlements that I should marry Major Reb. But Mr. McCandew should not have spoken about this. He did not, said Gerald hastily. You can still trust McCandew as your legal advisor. He has not betrayed your confidence regarding settlements. He merely mentioned Major Reb's income. How did you come to be talking of Major Reb? Gerald flung the fag end of his cigarette into a silver ashtray and rose to pace the room. I want you to help me, Maj. He remarked. You must call me Maj. Said Mrs. Crosby with a look at the door. Major Reb would not like it. Then you are engaged. Well, yes, I want money and... Are you quite sure that Reb has money? Mrs. Crosby started to her feet and crossing the room gripped the young man by his arm. Her face was perfectly pale and her voice sounded uncommonly hoarse. What do you mean? I don't mean anything, said Gerald astonished by her emotion. Reb is no doubt as wealthy as King Solomon. I only meant that you should make sure of the settlement. As your friend I could say nothing else. But Mrs. Crosby was not satisfied. You have heard no rumour to the effect that Major Reb is poor or is likely to lose his money. No, no, no, said Haskins in perfect good faith. Do sit down and compose yourself. If anything were wrong in that way I should speak out. He could say nothing else as of course his idea regarding the possible will and money having been taken from Mavis was mere theory. Mrs. Crosby looked at him piercingly after which scrutiny she returned to her seat. Apparently she counted upon this marriage releasing her from terrible trouble and dreaded lest it should fall through. I wish you would not frighten me. She said quarellously, my nerves are not strong. Mother and I are going to Bognor next week for the change. We both need one very badly. Well, she selected another cigarette and became more her bright self which she knew so well. So you wish me to help you. Yes, and I wish you to keep what I say to yourself. Promise. She looked at him hard. You are very mysterious. I am very much an earnest. He rejoined dryly. Mrs. Crosby shuffled. I can't promise until I know what you are going to say. She observed irritably. Her nerves as she had said were certainly very bad. There is something in that, replied Haskins, and felt inclined to withdraw without telling his story. But after some reflection he compromised. At all events you must hold your tongue about my secret for a month, and by naming this time he hoped to deliver Mavis from her imprisonment within three weeks. I promise, said Mrs. Crosby curiously, but I know your secret. You are in love. Gerald was startled. How could you tell that? He demanded astonished. She laughed. I am a woman and observant as well as intuitive. Look at your eyes in yonder mirror. Had the expression of your face your whole bearing? Hmm, said Haskins, but half satisfied. Everyone is not so clever as you are, Maj. Don't call me Maj, I tell you. Yes, I shall when we are alone. Hang it, I have known you for years and besides I wish you to do me a service. I have your promise to hold your tongue for a month. Yes, yes, yes. Go on, go on. I am all ears. He turns Maj. Reb. What? Then you did mean something when you mentioned him last. I meant nothing that will stop your marriage, said Gerald Crossley, although I don't know why a nice woman like you, Maj, should marry him. Mrs. Crosby stared. Maj. Reb is supposed to be a delightful man. He may be, to those who don't know him. I believe that you are jealous, she said with a nervous laugh. Well, and how does your secret affect the major? See here, Maj. You may think me mean, speaking about Reb to you and behind his back. But I am doing so at that risk because I wish you to help someone in whom I am interested. Otherwise, I am quite ready to see Reb personally and have it out with him. Later on, say in three weeks more or less I shall. For then I hope that Mavis will be with you here and quite safe. Mavis. Ah, the girl you are in love with. What is she to Maj. Reb, may I ask? Mrs. Crossby's voice rose when she put this question and her eyes grew as hard as jade while her face colored a deep red. Ah, said Haskin, surprised. Then you love Reb? No, but he is rich, and I don't see what right you have to ask me such questions. Go on, what have you to say? If you love Reb, I can't speak. I don't love Reb. Go on, I'll keep my promise. Gerald hesitated no longer. Rising to his feet he again began to pace the room and related the same story as he had told Todd. Only in this a special instance he suppressed his theory regarding the will and the money. Mrs. Crossby listened quietly and with an expression of dismay but she made no remark until he had finished. You are telling me a fairy tale, she said quietly. Yes, isn't it? cried Gerald, delighted with her quietness. I mean that it is untrue. I swear it isn't. Mavis is kept in that Pixie's house and I found her by means of the sealed message as I have described. Now I want you to get her up here and look after her until I can marry. Who will bring her here? I shall, and within three or four weeks. Ah, said Mrs. Crossby quietly. Now I see why you asked me to hold my tongue for a month. Gerald, you are wrong to act in this way. As I have made a promise I shall keep it but it will be better for you to release me from that promise. Then I could ask Major Reb about his ward and persuade him to let me have her up here. In any case, when I marry Major Reb I shall have to do with this girl you love. What you suggest, Madge, would certainly be better and I may say more straightforward. I hate acting in this way behind Reb's back and I intend later to speak plainly to his face. But you forget how Reb has put it about that Mavis is a homicidal maniac. That is untrue. You can't be sure of that, Gerald. You have not seen sufficient of her to judge. To take a girl reputed Mad from her seclusion would be very wicked. One which she might commit would be late at your door. But surely, Madge, the action of Major Reb is not that. He may have and probably has good grounds for shutting up the girl. Gerald bit his lip beginning to see that with all his caution he had made a dire mistake. Then you won't help me. No, said Mrs. Crosby firmly. How can you expect me to help you against Major Reb when we are engaged to be married? And how can you ask me to take charge of a girl who is Mad? She is not Mad, I tell you. And I tell you that she is Mad. Otherwise Major Reb certainly would not shut her up. What reason could he have to shut up a sane girl? It was on the point of Haskins' tongue to explain his theory, but having made one mistake, as he plainly saw from Mrs. Crosby's attitude, he did not wish to make another. You will keep your promise of silence. He urged earnestly. Yes, on condition that you make no attempt to run away with the girl from that Madhouse. I speak in your own interest. You will get into trouble if you take an insane woman from her lawful guardian. You seem to be quite certain that Mavis is Mad, said Gerald bitterly. However, as you know my secret and I am at your mercy I promise. I think that you are very ungrateful, cried Mrs. Crosby. Many another woman would have declined to keep what you call the secret at all. I have made a mistake, confessed Gerald, and he could have kicked himself that he, a man of the world, should be such a fool. Well, said Mrs. Crosby as the door opened to admit the servant with afternoon tea, let us say no more about it. I promise to hold my tongue for a month and you promise to leave the girl alone meanwhile. Gerald waited until the tea-tree was arranged and the girl had departed. No, he said decisively, I have been wrong and you have shown me my duty. I shall call on Major Reb tomorrow and explain. You cannot, replied Mrs. Crosby. The Major is in Devonshire. This announcement complicated matters. Then I follow Reb to Devonshire, said Gerald doggedly. My mistake must be put right. End of Chapter 9 Chapter 10 of the Sealed Message by Fergus Hume This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. 10. The Amulet It is admitted that man as a whole is not infallible, but each individual man has a secret belief that he is. Haskins was no more complacent than other mortals, in fact, less so. Yet he had an idea that his caution and common sense invariably prevented his making mistakes. Assuredly as a rule he was rarely an error, but to every rule there is an exception and Haskins' ill-judged frankness to Mrs. Crosby was the exception in this case. It said much for Gerald's sane view of life that he recognized his mistake at once and at the cost of some unpleasantness hastened to correct it. This entailed an interview with Major Reb, which was likely to be a stormy one. At the outset Gerald believed that he had read Mrs. Crosby's character all wrong and that even after years of close companionship, since she had been so intimate with his mother, he knew very little about her. Had she really been that which he believed her to be, she would. He thought immediately on leaving Lady Smith Court have readily helped him in his somewhat eccentric wooing. But on calmer reflection he arrived at the conclusion that he himself was an error. His first mistake lay in overlooking the relationship existing between Reb and the widow. Being engaged to him as she had admitted, she certainly could not be expected to act against what she believed to be his interests. And his second mistake consisted in hoping that Mrs. Crosby, who in many ways was particularly conventional, would take charge of a girl believed to be insane. It was only natural that Mrs. Crosby should believe Mavis to be mad as being willing to accept the major as her second husband, she could scarcely credit him with conspiracy. And if Mavis was not insane, her detention in the Pixie's house was certainly a conspiracy against her rights as a human being. Gerald took this view from personal observation and because he mistrusted Reb, but Mrs. Crosby as engaged to marry the major could not be expected to endorse a theory which would render Reb unworthy of her hand or indeed of her acquaintance. It may be here mentioned that Haskins had not mentioned the wonderful likeness which existed between Charity and Mavis since the thought had flashed across him while speaking that such a statement might implicate Todd in the mysterious business which was not to be thought of. All Mrs. Crosby practically knew was that Gerald loved a reputedly insane ward of her promised husband and desired her to side against that promised husband so that he might marry the girl. It was impossible to expect that any woman would act in this way and Gerald acknowledged to himself that Mrs. Crosby had behaved in a reasonable manner in refusing to help him. In fact, she had behaved extremely well in holding to her promise of one month's secrecy for many a woman would have told Reb then and there what had been said about him. Therefore Mrs. Crosby was not only right, but Gerald felt that he was entirely in the wrong, felt indeed that he had acted somewhat shabbily. The sole way in which he could write matters and recover his self-respect was to see Reb as soon as possible and explain himself. Man to man they could thresh the matter out. With this idea Haskins drove back to his rooms in Frederick Street Mayfair intending to change and pack and catch the midnight train from Paddington to Exeter. But while dressing he reflected that it would be better to first assure himself that Mrs. Crosby was correct in stating the major's whereabouts. Reb's rooms were also in Frederick Street and only a few doors away, so it would be just as well to run in and make inquiries. Reb might return on the moral, in which case it would hardly be worthwhile to journey to Denley so hurriedly. Also Mrs. Crosby having promised to hold her tongue for one month there was no necessity to act at once since two or three or even more days would make very little difference. Finally Gerald was unwilling to return to the Pixies house and to Mavis until he knew if his theory regarding a possible will was correct. Otherwise he would have nothing to tell her. While meditating on the desirability of calling at Reb's rooms Gerald desired to smoke to aid his thoughts after the manner of men. He mechanically took his cigarette case but found some difficulty in opening it. As his case was usually easy to open he looked down with awakened attention to see what was the matter and found that he had brought away Mrs. Crosby's cigarette case by mistake. Probably he had laid his own case on the small table alongside hers and in fact he remembered doing so and when departing had unconsciously taken the one which did not belong to him. He resolved to return it at once by post but meanwhile took a cigarette there from to smoke since there were no others in his rooms. This entailed opening the case and when it was open a small object which had been placed within fell out. This proved to be a tiny coral hand clenched and holding a dagger something like those amulets which are sold in Naples to avert the evil eye. A little gold ring was screwed into the coral so that the trinket could be attached to a watch chain or to a bracelet. After a careless glance and a passing thought as to why Mrs. Crosby should use her cigarette case as a jewel box Haskins placed the coral hand on top of the cigarette case which he laid on the mantelpiece. Then he lighted up and walked out to seek the major's rooms. These, as had been said, were only a few doors distant and Haskins speedily arrived on the first floor of the somewhat dingy house wherein they were situated. He found the door open and was looking valet talking to a veiled woman with a graceful figure. While waiting to address the man himself Gerald heard him state to the lady that his master had gone to Devonshire on the previous day and would be back within four and twenty hours. The lady appeared annoyed but declined to leave a card or to give any message. However she stepped aside fuming as Haskins guessed from the way in which she stamped her foot and clenched her hands and permitted him to speak. Gerald asked the same question as to the major's whereabouts and received the same answer upon which he produced his card. Tell Major Reb when he returns that Mr. Haskins wishes to see him on a private matter. Mr. Gerald Haskins added the young man handing the card. Then he turned away, wondering why the veiled woman should utter a muffled exclamation of surprise when she heard the Christian name. But his wonder was still further increased when, on descending the stairs and found that the strange lady was at his elbow. You are a Mr. Gerald. She said in deep contralto tones may I call you Prince Gerald. Haskins started. It was in this way that Mavis addressed him but this woman could not be Mavis for she was too thin and too tall and her voice was too worn. Could she be? Velaria? He said tentatively. Velaria? Ascented the woman softly. They were standing on the pavement by this time. Take me somewhere safe. I wish to speak to you. My rooms are close at hand, said Haskins properly and wondering this unexpected encounter with one whom he had believed to be miles away. We can go there at once, Belle. Hush! She clutched his arm again and looked over her shoulder as she had looked when in the quadrangle. They may hear. They may hear. Who may hear? Never mind, never mind. Come inside. Come inside. Oh, D.O., no mention of a my name. And she hurried away into the doorway indicated by Gerald. In a few minutes they were in Haskins' sitting room and again Velaria's nervousness betrayed itself. There is no one again to hear us. He asked her veil up and her eyes roving round the room. No, no, replied the young man soothingly. The man and his wife who attend to me in these chambers are below. You can talk freely. By the way, he asked abruptly, how did you know my name? Velaria, looking more aged and haggard than ever, flung herself into an armchair and laughed uncomfortably. Prince Gerald. Haskins. Mavis does, but then it is true what she confesses to me that you love her and she loves you. Quite true. We joined Haskins quickly. We met by chance and by a chance repeated Velaria scornfully. When you deliberately came where you had no business to come, I a no while. How did you find out? Gerald was perfectly calm when he asked this question as she did not seem to be hostile. I saw that Mavis was not herself that she was a disturbed and guessed that she was keeping something a secret from me. I watched and saw her lead a man across the quadrangle. When she came in that night I told her what I had seen and so she confessed about the sealed message and about her secret meetings with you. Also that you are desired to marry her. Fool! cried Velaria, pointing a scornful finger at her host. Would you marry a mad woman? Not in making Mavis Durham my wife. said Haskins coolly. She is perfectly sane. And I, a Belaria dandy say that she is a knot. Are you sane yourself? asked Haskins turning the tables on her. The woman reared herself in her chair gripping the arms and directed a fierce gaze at him. What do you mean? she demanded. Why did you not come out and face me when Mavis topped with me in the garden? he remarked, meeting her gaze firmly and fairly. Because, because, oh, there is no explanation. I think there is. You dare not venture out after dark so you waited until Mavis entered the house to question her. How do you know that I dare not venture out after dark? she asked and her figure seemed to dwindle and shrink. Mavis told me. Mavis knows a nothing, nothing, do you hear? God forbid that she should ever know anything. But my business is my own business and has a nothing to do with you Prince Gerald. Mavis is a crazy. She would kill you as soon as I look at you at a certain times. I don't believe that for one moment. You must, you shall. If Mavis is not mad, why should her guardian shut her up in a lonely house? That, said Gerald very dryly, is what I went to Major Reb's room to ask when I met you. Beleria arose much astonished. You will dare to face the major. Haskins laughed. Do you take me for a school girl? Of course I shall face the major and it doesn't like him if necessary. You are a brave a man. And Major Reb, what is he? The kindest and best a friend that a miserable woman ever had, retorted the woman fiercely, not a word against the major. I want to hear a word I tell you. What he does is right. He has been shutting up Mavis. She is a mad, I tell you, mad and dangerous. Beleria came close to where Gerald was sitting and looked down into his face with a determined expression. On learning what I did to learn from Mavis, I came up at once to tell Major Reb so that he might stop it. I fear Major Reb will find it somewhat difficult to stop it. He is not the ruler of the earth so far as I know. He is a my ruler, cried Beleria grandiliquely. So I should think when the mere wish to give him information makes you risk. Risk what? She demanded quivering. Haskins shrugged his square shoulders. Your life, for all I know. She stood looking at him with clenched hands the expression on her worn face hovering between terror and defiance. You talk of what you do not understand, she said breathing hard. Quite right, but I should like to understand. Understand what? Why Beleria Dondi who was a famous singer should bury herself in a lonely Devonshire house to keep a sane girl prisoner? You have been a listening, she cried out in terror. How do you know that I was a singer? I heard you sing the shadow song from Donora during one of my visits and when hidden behind the beach-tree near the wall I heard you say that you had been a great singer. Beleria covered her face with two thin hands and the tears fell through her fingers. I was a great. I was a famous. She sobbed. I was a happy until jealous he undid me. But she let her hands drop and flung back her queenly head. I only did what any Italian he betrayed me. Why should I not betray him? Major Reb? No. Enrico Salviati who swore that he loved me yet left me for another. But I punished him. He died and perhaps I shall die as he did for all of my care. They will find me and then. Oh, what agonies I have suffered for many, many years. This face, she struck it, was a handsome. Enrico loved it. These lips Enrico kissed them with the kiss of a Judas. And what better am I? What better am I? She rushed to the mirror over the mantelpiece to address herself. Beleria Dondi you can hide in the depths of the sea but they will find you. You can. Ah! Her eyes fell on the silver cigarette case of Mrs. Crosby upon which lay delicately the clenched coral hand with the dagger. Ah! She repeated and staggered back. What is the matter? Gerald rose and came forward. Beleria repelled him with both hands shaking with dread. Keep a buck, you English spy. You have a brat of me here. You are a one of them. But if you use the knife I shall scream. Keep a buck, keep a buck. I don't understand. Gas Tascans amazed at this outburst. The hand, the sign, the token of a death. She groaned. Then keeping her terrified eyes on Gerald stole stealthily to the door. Tana ahitana la somi si davero. Tana, tana! Uttering these words rapidly and almost in a scream she made the sign of the cross on her breast and vanished. By the time that Tascans in pursuit had reached the top of the stair she was at the foot. A moment later and she ran swiftly into the street holding her veil closely over her pallid face. What the deuce does it mean? Gerald asked himself as he returned to his sitting room and examined the coral hand. This thing seems to have terrified her almost to death. Tana, Tana! I must learn what that means. It is an Italian word I expect. Now what? He went on musing on the strange behavior of Signora Dundee much perplexed and did not notice that a lady was standing in the doorway. Her cough made him look round and so unnerved was Tascans by his late experience that he fairly jumped. Mrs. Birch! He said recognizing the lady at once. I apologize for not seeing you. I apologize also, said Mrs. Birch, in the stern voice habitual to her. Apologize, that is, for entering unannounced. But the door was open, Gerald, so I took the privilege of old friendship and entered. Delighted to see you, Mrs. Birch, said Tascans, wondering why she had come. Won't you sit down? For one minute and she took a chair. Mrs. Birch was a tall, thin woman with a worn white face as fair as black as her eyes, not withstanding her age which was over sixty. She was dressed in some lustrous dark material without any trimming and carried herself very erect. In fact, there was something of the Roman matron about her, so stern and proud did she appear. Gerald liked her as she had always been kind to him. But Mrs. Birch was something of an enigma to him. He could not understand why so bold and determined a woman should have submitted to the brutality of her husband. Yet Mrs. Crosby's father had behaved like a demon to his wife as Gerald had learned from his mother. She adored her daughter and, as the saying is, lived again in her child. You wonder why I have called, said Mrs. Birch in an unemotional voice which always reminded Tascans of one talking in sleep, especially when I was lying down with a headache when you came. But Madge asked me to bring you this Thank you, I left it behind by mistake and took Madge's. Here it is. Mrs. Birch arose and received the dainty trifle. That is all I called about Gerald. I shall take it back to Madge at once. She was much disturbed at losing it. I don't know why she should have been, said Tascans. She must have guessed that I had taken it and would send it back. Oh, by the way, you may as well put this into it. I found the case for a cigarette and found this. It fell out and he passed along the coral hand. Mrs. Birch's dead white face flushed and her black eyes glittered. I am glad that is not lost, she said eagerly. It was this that Madge was anxious about. What is it? Some ornament to which Madge attaches some value, I fancy. Huh! Is it the badge of any society? Mrs. Birch's flushed face faded to a chalky white. Why do you ask? Gerald asked a question in his turn. Did Madge tell you what I came to see her about? No, Madge never betrays anyone's confidence. But I heard your story. You heard it? Tascans stepped back a pace in his astonishment. Yes, said Mrs. Birch coldly and slipping the case along with the coral hand into her pocket. I was asleep on the sofa in the other room which is, as you know, opened from the drying room by curtains. I woke to hear what you said about that girl and Major Reb. In the interest of my daughter I listened. And you intend to tell Major Reb? No, Madge asked me to hold my tongue. And indeed, Gerald, I would do so for your own sake. Major Reb is an ill man to meddle with. Tascans threw back his head defiantly. I am not afraid of Reb. He said in a hearty tone. I went to see him today to explain myself, but he is in Devonshire, gone to see his unfortunate ward, I expect. When he returns I shall demand an explanation. He may not give it to you, said Mrs. Birch, piercing up her mouth. He must. I love Mavis and I intend to marry her. But if she is mad, she is not mad. And, well, Mrs. Birch, there is no use in my talking to you on the matter. I did wrong to speak to you on the matter. I did wrong to speak to Madge about it since she is to marry Major Reb. Madge will hold her tongue as she promised and so shall I, Gerald. Thank you both, replied Gerald courteously, but there will be no need after tomorrow. I intend to see Reb, as I said. To learn what? To learn, said Tascans, why he shuts up his ward seeing that she is not in my opinion insane. Also to learn why Mavis buries herself in the Pixie's house. I heard you talk of the woman, said Mrs. Birch in her chilliest manner, and I presume that Belaria stops in the Pixie's house because she is Major Reb's servant. There is more in it than that. Belaria came to see Major Reb this very day and came also here to me since she knows that I visited Mavis. Belaria is terrified out of her life because of some people who seek her life. When she saw that coral hand which was lying by chance on the mantelpiece, she rushed away, accusing me of being in league with some society to kill her. At least that was what I gathered from what she said, but it was sheer raving. I think so indeed, said Mrs. Birch quietly. This coral hand is merely an ornament given by Sr. Venosta, whom you met today to match. It means nothing, Gerald, so think no more about it. But when she departed, Gerald did think, and it was little wonder that he did so. END OF CHAPTER X CHAPTER 11 OF THE SEALED MESSAGE BY FERGUS HUME This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. 11. THE OTHER GIRL During the next three days Gerald found ample time to reflect upon the strange circumstances which environment him. Anxious to see the Major and place affairs on a proper basis, he caught thrice at his rooms. On the first occasion he learned that Reb had not returned to London. On the second it appeared that he had come back but was absent visiting Mrs. Crosby. While on the final occasion Haskins was told by the mild-looking valet that his master had gone again to Devonshire and would not return for at least a week. He had left no message, said the man. From this circumstance Gerald inferred that Reb was afraid of the interview. It then struck him and very naturally that as the Major during his hurried stay in town had called upon Mrs. Crosby the widow had broken her promise. If this was the case Reb had been placed on his guard and so not only avoided Haskins but had gone back to the Pixie's house to make arrangements for thwarting the young man's curiosity. Gerald therefore paid a visit to Lady Smith Court only to learn that the widow and her mother had departed for Bognor on a month's holiday. It was thus apparent that in these two quarters Gerald could do nothing for the moment. And indeed the more Haskins thought about the matters the more difficult did it appear to set them straight. If he saw Reb and the Major held to the story of his wards madness as he assuredly would Gerald felt that for some time at all events he could do nothing. Of course, if his theory about the will proved to be correct and if he could be certain that Reb was shutting up Mavis would enjoy an income which should rightfully be hers then he could take steps to have the matter inquired into. To make any beginning at all it was necessary to see Todd McAndrew so Gerald determined to look him up. Just as he did so the morning post brought a Sunday supper invitation from Mrs. Palamodin. This was what Todd would have called a coincidence but Gerald believing that nothing happened by chance saw in the incident a sign pointing to the path he should tread. He hadn't seen powers who were he believed about to unravel the mystery. He had not to see Reb or Mrs. Crosby immediately nor had he to proceed at once to Denly. His duty was to visit Mrs. Palamodin's flat and learn what he could about Charity Bird. If she was related in any way to Mavis Durham and the marvelous likeness between the two girls hinted as much he might learn from the old actress sufficient of her adopted daughter's past to give him a clue to the intrigues of Major Reb. It will be seen that Gerald had not proceeded to inquire into the mystery of the coral hand or Bellaria's fear of the same. He could have learned somewhat about the matter of the trinket by seeing Signore Venosta who according to Mrs. Birch had given the amulet to the widow but Gerald did not know where Venosta lived and could not make inquiries for Mrs. Crosby without her wanting to know his reasons. Moreover he desired to solve the mystery of Mavis and of her detention before searching for Mrs. Bellaria's past. Certainly he had a shooed idea that Mavis's detention and Bellaria's dread and Major Reb's behavior and Mrs. Crosby's possession of the coral hand were all of a piece but these were like the separate parts of a puzzle and he could not fit them together. There was nothing for it but to see if he could find a clue into the labyrinth when visiting Mrs. Palamodin. He therefore dressed himself with great care and proceeded in a handsome to Bloomsbury as he had dwelt. Her abode was scarcely a flat in the accepted sense of the word but rather a collection of rooms on the first floor of a fine old Georgian mansion on Caroline Street. Her retired butler and his wife who had been a cook owned the house and attended to the various people who dwelt therein. Mrs. Palamodin was thus spared the trouble of domestic details for which as she said herself she had no head and was very comfortably placed at a moderate charge. With the obstinacy of old age she called her abode my flat and no argument could persuade her that the name was wrongly applied. Haskins entered the large square room with a painted ceiling which was Mrs. Palamodin's drying room. Adjoining was the dining room equally spacious while the two bedrooms occupied by the old lady and her adopted daughter were across the landing. The room looked pretty and picturesque as Mrs. Palamodin had great taste not cram her apartments with furniture or indulge in a multiplicity of patterns on carpet or walls or on the upholstery of the chairs. A great quantity of flowers adorned her room deftly arranged by charity and it was lighted with rose shaded lamps on tall wrought iron pedestals. On entering the door from the staircase three narrow windows could be seen opposite opening onto a small balcony but as the night was a trifle cold these were closed and the yellow curtains were drawn. The room looked comfortable and Mrs. Palamodin was the most comfortable person in it. She fitted the apartment as a hermit crab fits its shell. The actress with a great sense of the fitness of things had grown old gracefully that is she had not resorted to die and paint to improve her waning looks. She was a small woman and very stout but her dignity was tremendous. In a black velvet gown trimmed with lace that might or might not have been priceless with her silvery hair worn in the regal style of Marie Antoinette with a somewhat massive set of features irradiated by a gracious smile Mrs. Palamodin received her guest as a queen might have done. From a long experience in playing aristocratic old dames in comedy and imperious heroines in tragedy dignity had become a second nature to the clever old actress. It is said that Gibbon was so long in writing The Decline and Fall that he ended in believing himself as an empire. In a like manner Mrs. Palamodin believed herself to be the Marciennes in cast or Helen McGregor or Volumnia perhaps a mixture of the three. She certainly was tremendously dignified and no stage manager ever dared to take a liberty with her. She still appeared on the boards when she found a part worthy of her grandiose style. I am glad to see you Mr. Haskins said Mrs. Palamodin apparently suppressing an inclination to use the royal we and preferred her hand to be shaken or kissed as the visitor preferred. Gerald having something to gain from a little timely fluttery kiss the jewelled fingers he knew that this old world attention appealed to Mrs. Palamodin as nothing else did. You are looking like yourself I can pay you no higher compliment. Mrs. Palamodin laughed her celebrated silvery laugh which critics always mentioned and took the stage that is she walked the length of the drawing-room. Ever a courtier Mr. Haskins? Where did you living in this present generation of hurry learn such Versailles manners from the queen of the English stage madam from me Mrs. Palamodin fell into her famous startled fawn attitude also much noticed by critics oh no no I am but a humble survivor of the past and you have survived to show us what grace and dignity once existed the old actress flooded her fan with a gracious smile and bowed her head to the compliment neither grace nor dignity are necessary in this age of motor-cars she said sighing however we must take things as they are and be cheerful you don't ask for charity I am much taken up with you at present madam ah you Irishman with your blarney well charity is in the dining-room with Mr. McAndrew she is showing him some new photographs of herself so will not be here for a few minutes which is just as well why? asked Gerald taking the seat she indicated Mrs. Palamodin thrown herself queen-like on a sofa what do you think of Mr. McAndrew she asked abruptly he is the best fellow in the world replied Haskins promptly for he guessed why she asked the question and was willing to act as Todd's trumpeter also he is very clever and someday will be wealthy charity wants to marry him and he wants to marry charity my dear lady I knew that years ago Mrs. Palamodin nodded of course it is stale news all the same I asked you here to chat over the matter hitherto I have set my face against such a marriage as the match is not a good one for my girl Gerald dissented if Miss Bird marries McAndrew she is a lucky young lady to my mind he is a good family he is clever he has a good profession and he is an honest man certainly he has no money but that's just it interrupted the other I've been lately for a legacy of 2,000 pounds that is something but not much still charity is so bent upon this marriage that if you can really swear to all you say about Mr. McAndrew I am willing to consent I certainly should do so come Mrs. Palamodin don't part two hearts in this cruel way let your daughter marry McAndrew the actress sighed I think I shall have to she said after a pause circumstances and charities will are too strong for me it shall be as you say and she held out her hand Haskins kissed it again I am sure that you will have no cause to regret having taken my advice I hope not Mr. Haskins and after all this may be one of those marriages which are said to be made in heaven but Mr. McAndrew wants to marry charity at once and she has yet to fulfill one month's engagement at the Belver Theatre McAndrew can wait for one month surely he must charity cannot break her engagement without paying forfeit and the managers will be sorry to lose her certainly she has only one dance in the moon-fay but she is a great favorite with the public and when she retires from the stage I assure you Mr. Haskins that charity is giving up a very brilliant career to become the wife of an obscure solicitor McAndrew will not always be obscure he will rise high in his profession and will make plenty of money of course Lady Euphemia is against the marriage what of that McAndrew is the chief person to be considered Mrs. Palamodan did not pay strict attention to this speech her eyes were on the polished floor and she was thinking deeply I can guess why Lady Euphemia McAndrew disapproves she said hesitatingly my girl is a dancer for one thing and she is also a wife Haskins looked up suddenly Mrs. Palamodan was touching on the very point which he wished to discuss you told McAndrew something about that he remarked eagerly yes because I wished Mr. McAndrew to know exactly what he was doing and to tell you the truth Mr. Haskins as I did not wish the marriage to take place I thought that the discovery of charity's birth might put him off since he is well-born himself love laughs at rank said Gerald I thought you knew nothing of Miss Bird's birth nor do I save that I bought her from a native woman in Calcutta for a small sum it sounds quite like Uncle Tom's cabin doesn't it and Mrs. Palamodan laughed again in her silvery manner didn't the woman tell you where she got the child? no that is she explained that she had taken over the child from Anaya at Simla charity was pretty and I was sorry to see a European child with a juggler and his wife so I took her with me and have brought her up as my own daughter my name do you ever hope to learn about her parents? no that is impossible I fear it is quite fifteen or sixteen years since I took possession of her the native woman and the Aya may be dead quite a romance isn't it I can tell you something even more romantic said Gerald if you will promise to hold your tongue how delightfully mysterious you are Mrs. Palamodan in her lively comedy manner I promise of course well Haskins thereupon and without further preamble detailed the history of his love affair and commented strongly on the wonderful likeness which existed between the two girls Mrs. Palamodan interrupted him with little cries of astonishment but gave no opinion until he finished his recital what do you think of it ask Haskins it is like a play like a melodrama but of course there are casual resemblances such as you describe this is more than a casual resemblance interrupt it Gerald quickly the two girls might be twins oh what a pity that charity is leaving the stage said Mrs. Palamodan her theatrical instinct uppermost a comedy with twin girls in it would draw all the town and that gives me an idea I can assist you if you can swear she later had on his arm that this mavesturum is not crazy I can swear certainly would I wish to marry her if she were love may love at lunatic asylums as well as at rank said the actress merrily but if you are certain that the girl is sane why not let her take charity's place in the moonfay Haskins started to his feet are you serious of course I am you want to run away with this girl if you do Major Reb I know him and a nasty man he is will follow you and make himself unpleasant what you want to do is to conceal the girl somewhere until you can prove that her guardian is shutting her up illegally well then Major Reb must know of the wonderful resemblance of charity to Mavis if charity marries Mr. McAndrew quietly she can go with him to Switzerland for a month's honeymoon and even longer I can teach Mavis the one dance which charity performs in the ballet at the Belver theater and she can take my girl's place but the theater people will guess oh dear me no rejoin Mrs. Palom Oden promptly I always go to the Belver myself to look after charity she scarcely speaks to a soul my dear Mr. Haskins you can take your Mavis there and back without anyone being the wiser if the resemblance is as you say Gerald caressed his chin it certainly is an excellent idea he murmured Major Reb not knowing of Miss Bird's marriage would not suspect the substitution thank you Mrs. Palom Oden I shall think over the matter I go down to Devonshire next week or rather this week I know the actress nodded one always does get mixed up about Sunday being the first day of the week well then go down and make what arrangements you like if you run away with the girl and I quite think you should if only to spite Major Reb whom I detest you cannot conceal her better than in the way I suggest it is quite a variation of pose perlined letter the scheme is so daring that it must succeed gosh! she made a dramatic pause and raised her finger here comes Romeo and Juliet not a word before Haskins could reply charity entered from the dining room with Todd at her heels and Gerald could not help starting when he saw how wonderfully she resembled the girl shut up in the Pixie's house she had the same figure the same coloring the same graceful way of walking only in the manner of speaking was there a difference and that would not be noticed by a casual spectator charity was more wordly more material and, as Gerald thought, less lovable but then he was prejudiced in favor of the young lady whom he wished to marry Todd's opinion would have been quite the reverse how are you Mr. Haskins said charity offering her hand calmly you have not been to see us for years and years all the same I have been hearing about you replied Gerald glancing at Todd who nodded gaily I have to offer my congratulations well said charity slowly and looking at Mrs. Palamodan I am not so sure of that my mother doesn't yes she does interpose the actress quickly and took the girl's hand in her own Mr. McAndrew I bestow upon you a priceless treasure and joining the hands of the two lovers she sank back on the sofa with a tiny lace handkerchief to her eyes it was very neatly done and only needed limelight and applause to form an effective curtain oh cried Todd clasping charity's hand convulsively do you mean to say that we can marry now that you have enough to keep the wolf from the door I do my dear Mr. McAndrew or shall I say James since you are to be my adopted son-in-law James call me Todd that is the Scottish for Fox and you are not Foxy never mind mother cried charity whose eyes were dancing with delight the name of Todd suits him and Toddy is the name of a Scottish drink come now come now protested Todd when I am so sober you ought to be drunk with happiness said Haskins laughing perhaps the poor deer needs food said Mrs. Palamodan leading the way to the dining room let us see what the cook has done in the way of supper my marriage feast giggled Todd taking his seat you'll be best man of course Jerry we can talk of these things later said Mrs. Palamodan hurriedly in consequence of my age I think the marriage will have to be a very quiet one yes not a charity I don't want Lady Euphemia to forbid the bands as if she could cried McAndrew in the highest spirits it was a very merry supper and Mrs. Palamodan dragged the health of the future bride and bridegroom in foaming champagne also she went in rather an undignified way at Gerald to intimate that she included himself and Mavis in the toast then she related various stage experiences connected with her own marriage and eulogized the late Mr. Palamodan he is an angel now said the widow and wept until Gerald made her laugh again end of chapter 11 chapter 12 of the sealed message by Fergus Hume this LibriVox recording is in the public domain 12 a wonderful discovery Todd McAndrew was the happiest of men when he and Gerald left Mrs. Palamodan's flat on that night it was all that Haskins could do to keep Todd from executing a war dance on the street remember that you are a solicitor warned Gerald surely you don't want to appear in the police court otherwise than in a professional capacity I am also a lover cried Todd fervently and I care nothing for the opinion of other people legal, magisterial or otherwise ass muttered his friend and shook the arm he was holding a summer night dream and helped me in what way asked Todd more soberly I wish to marry Mabes Durham oh Todd became more sober than ever haven't you forgotten her yet Gerald stopped in surprise why in heaven's name should I forget her you unsympathetic idiot I love her and I love charity interpolated McAndrew enthusiastically then show a trifle of it retorted Haskins pining on the name by helping me as I have helped you if it had not been for me Mr. Toddy your future mother-in-law would not have consented to this marriage Todd shook his friend's hand vigorously hear one of the best anything I can do by the way what am I to do forget charity for ten minutes in the first place and get into this approaching handsome in the second to my rooms what Todd pulled out his watch to read the time by the light of the street lamp under which they were standing it's past twelve James Ian Robert Roy McAndrew are you or are you not my legal advisor of course I am and oh Todd broke off hastily I knew that I had something to tell you about that will you know will then there is a will of Gerald signaling to a handsome yes the will of Captain Julian Durham who get in get in interrupted Haskins testily as the cab drew up long side we have much to say to one another Todd jumped into the cab and shortly Gerald slipped in beside him after giving his address when the handsome was spinning along Gerald turned on Todd sharply why didn't you communicate with me about this how anxious I was I only learned the truth yesterday said Todd quickly and wrote a letter asking you to call you should have received it this morning well then I didn't it's that infernal office boy I'll sack him probably he has never posted it well then I searched for wills in the name of Durham made about the time you mentioned there are plenty of people of that name and I had to read through a lot of documents finally I found that Captain Julian Durham was your man how do you know because the property of Captain Julian Durham is left to his daughter Mavis Gerald uttered so loud an ejaculation that the cab man looked down through the trap thinking that he was receiving an order no no cabby it's all serene drive on to Frederick street when the trap was closed he addressed himself to McAndrew then I was right quite right assented Todd admiringly though how the deuce you knew I didn't know but I had an intuitive feeling Todd groaned some more of your confounded occult stuff very good said Gerald Riley I accept the rebuke but explain my intuition if you please what is your intuition exactly I believe said Haskins seriously and choosing his words carefully that Mavis has been shut up by Reb to keep her out of the way while he enjoys her income this time Todd uttered an ejaculation I believe that there is something in your occult rubbish after all he said in a wondering manner for the situation is exactly as you say ah Gerald was triumphant and would have uttered an exultant speech but that the cab stopped in Frederick street here we are Todd get out how much cabby two shillings there you are wait till I open the door McAndrew there run upstairs I'll follow rattling on in this way Haskins and his friend went up the dimly lighted stairs for the gas was not full on and soon found themselves in Gerald's comfortable sitting room Haskins lighted the lamp he detested electric and gas and passed along a box of cigars to his visitor Todd was also accommodated with a glass of whiskey and soda at a comfortable armchair Gerald being similarly provided leaned forward eagerly now Toddie tell me exactly what the will says Todd's eyes strayed to an adjacent table why there's my letter after all that infernal boy did post it I dare say your man didn't bring it up you should row him Jerry and oh bother tell me about the will I can read your letter later well then said McAndrew deliberately Julian Durham made a will at Brighton more than twenty years ago disposing of six thousand a year Ha! Reb's exact income yes only I think Reb has five or six hundred a year of his own in addition the income of Durham was left to his infant daughter Mavis and Michael Reb was appointed her guardian and a pretty guardian he has been muttered Gerald savagely you may well say that Jerry the will says that Reb is to enjoy the whole income on condition that he educates and brings up the child in a proper way which he has not done since Mavis can neither read nor write couldn't the will be upset by that Todd? we'll come to that later but I would point out that the will provides for Reb only until Mavis marries when she marries the six thousand a year Reb passes to her at once on her wedding day in fact only Reb is not forced to account for what he has used up to that date Haskins jumped up and began to walk up and down as he was accustomed to do when much excited then I am to understand that if I marry Mavis major Reb loses six thousand a year exactly he reverts to his original five or six hundred which apparently he possessed before getting his brother officer to make this preposterous will in his favor as it practically is Haskins stopped his brother officer yes Durham was in a Gorka regiment and so was Reb later I dare say Reb exchanged to the West Indies I always heard that he came from that place yes, Jamaica said Haskins mechanically thinking of Geary so this is why Reb has shut up the girl and put about the rumor that she is crazy the plotting beast he's all that not at the solicitor emphatically in that way he prevents Mavis ever getting a husband and so while she remains unmarried he can enjoy his income or rather her income in a legal way in a legal way echo Gerald disgusted why the man ought to be hanged and quartered you can punish him more by depriving him of his income oh I'll do that so far as I am personally concerned I'll do straws for the income oh come now human nature I don't go by human nature interrupted Haskins sharply I go by my own feelings I would marry Mavis without one penny since my five hundred a year and what I make by writing is enough to keep things going but Reb must be punished and I shall do all I can to deprive him of this six thousand a year there is no necessity to bother soothingly the thing acts automatically as you might say when Mavis becomes your wife the money is paid over or rather the income is transferred to her on the wedding day the sole chance that Reb has of keeping his money is to prevent the marriage oh he'll do his best to do that said Gerald with a frown I'll tell you what Todd that man won't stop short of murder oh you shouldn't yes I should it is under the impression that all girls are brought up in conventional seclusion and are not allowed to see young men Reb, for obvious reasons told her so but she understands that she is to be taken into the world when she is one and twenty her twenty first birthday is only ten months distant nine months in fact when that time arrives she will want to come out if Reb lets her out she will probably be asked in marriage and then he would finished McAndrew not at all Reb is too clever a man to place his precious neck in a noose when her birthday came and she turned restive he would simply have called in a doctor to pronounce her insane and unfit for marriage no doctor would dare to say that Mavis is quite sane much can be done with money said Todd dryly and Reb has six thousand a year at his command besides even if he could find no doctor to swear to her insanity the mere rumour of such a thing would prevent any man from marrying her I am not so certain of that said Gerald Grimly as you said just now much can be done with money however Reb won't have a chance of working out his rascally plot whether he means murder or not I shall go to Devonshire and interview him and how do you know that he is there questioned Todd quickly the question recalled Haskins to a sense of his folly interesting the widow with his secret I have made a fool of myself, McAndrew he remarked soberly and resumed his seat it is my belief that Mrs. Crosby has put Reb on his guard and that Reb has gone down to Denley to thwart my plans for carrying off Mavis Mrs. Crosby Jerry, I warned you I know that and I wish I had taken your warning listen and Jerry related his interview with the widow with an emphatic declaration that he did not believe she had kept her promise of secrecy McAndrew nodded as he quite agreed with him as Mrs. Crosby is engaged to Reb she will not wish him to lose his income so do you think she knows of Reb's position of course she may not have known it before you confided in her but she certainly would demand an explanation from the major in spite of her promise when she heard that he was keeping a pretty girl shut up Mrs. Crosby is a woman and as a woman is jealous Reb would be forced to tell the truth that is how his income depends upon Mavis being imprisoned when Mrs. Crosby knew that she certainly would do all she could to prevent you marrying the girl but Match has always been my friend protested Haskins friendship goes when money is in question retorted Todd I told you that I suspected the widow of being hard up if I am right she is marrying Reb for the money and both she and he will do all they can to keep that 6,000 a year but added Todd slowly I do not think there will be any murder needed the insanity rumor is enough to prevent a possible marriage not with me Rage Gerald jumping up once more quite so therefore Reb on his guard has gone to Devonshire to work against you I'll follow by the first morning train take care Haskins warned the solicitor Reb is dangerous a man who would act as he has done will not stick at a trifle if there is to be murder you will be the victim Gerald held his head very high I am not so easily got rid of he remarked quietly however Mrs. Crosby and her mother are at Bognor so they are out of the way now I don't like doing underhand things Todd as you know but in this case it seems necessary that these two women should be watched to see if Reb goes down to see them at Bognor McAndrew nodded I can arrange that I'll send a confidential clerk down it is dirty work but when dealing with a rascal like Reb one cannot be too careful and you will take a revolver with you yes I may have to reckon with Geary who is Reb's spy and bully and then there is Bellaria who Todd broke off Haskins have you been in Italy and know something of Italian so I know a great deal corrected Todd indignantly I am excellent at languages you know that all right old boy don't get your hair off what is the meaning of the word Tanna Tanna it means a den Kavelna Tanna Andrew all mean a den he paused reflectively and Todd threw up his hand before Gerald could answer where have I heard that word it seems familiar no doubt when people speak in Italy I don't mean that I have heard the word used in a peculiar way Haskins reflected with his eyes on McAndrew do you know anything in connection with the word about a red coral hand grasping a pedagger cried Todd rising quickly yes of course when I was in Naples there was some talk of a society I thought so I thought so it is called the Tanna society the den society in English I believe that it is a collection of cutthroats who terrorize people with the symbol of the coral hand the name comes from the idea of the society hiding in a den and emerging to do justice it is something like the Sicilian mafia quite so Haskins nodded I now understand Balaria's fear she ran out of this room as though she were crazy and indeed she was for the time being she apparently thought that I was an emissary of the Tanna appointed to kill her was Balaria in town cried Todd astonished yes she found out about myself and Mavis and came up to tell Reb I called to see Reb and we met she came back with me and we had a long talk she hinted about betraying a man called Salviati with whom she was in love and talked about hiding from the vengeance of certain people when she saw the coral hand she ran out crying Tanna, Tanna but how did you get the coral hand? asked Todd open mouth Haskins described how he had taken away Mrs. Crosby's cigarette case by accident and how he had found the hand in fact he told McAndrew everything the conversation with Balaria and the subsequent visit of Mrs. Birch to recover the amulet and this senior Venosta gave the coral hand to Mrs. Crosby and at Gerald what do you think of it Todd? McAndrew sat down gasping it's like a confounded penny dreadful he remarked ruffling his ready hair girls shut up income stolen and secret societies oh lord there is going to be trouble in what way? don't ask me Todd rose and began to put on his overcoat if I were you Jerry I should chuck the whole business what? leave Mavis? yes if you don't want to get into a row Reb may be connected with this Tanna society and no interrupted Haskins decidedly on the contrary he is protecting Balaria from assassination by the Tanna and so is himself in danger of death but why should Mrs. Crosby possess this coral hand? you had better ask senior Venosta who gave it to her he is probably a Count Fosco of modern days but if you insist on marrying this girl you will involve yourself in heaps of trouble I intend to go down to Denly tomorrow and face Reb said Gerald determinately Mavis shall be my wife meanwhile you must have Mrs. Crosby watched Gerald winced I don't like it but I must save the girl I'll do all I can but I tell you what Jerry if you don't return to London in a week I'll set the police on your track very good it's a case of marriage or death Haskins was gay but Todd departed filled with forebodings End of Chapter 12