THE DAUGHTER OF A PRODIGAL

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3231, 30 May 1911, Page 3

THE DAUGHTER OF A PRODIGAL

BY BERTHA M. CLAY.

Authoress of “The Ironmaster’s Dauahter,” Etc. . CHAPTER XX. \ STRANGE TACTICS.

“You have ruined me.” “You instigated it. I have really done nothing. My reputation, I suppose. ‘ I am* like the General who is content to sit without the gate while his foe starves to death.” “You: are a terrible man. In one hand you carry gifts, in the other a sword. In the midst of your ruthless carnage you smile and smile.” She broke off with a shudder, and lie added —

“And smile!” He appeared to be amused 1 . , “Now. let me warn you,” slie flashed. “And in so doing I feel utterly mean and degraded. I made a promise, and I will fulfil it against my better judgment. Mr. Barker is a detective.” She hurled' the words at him, and waited to see the effect of what she believed to he a veritable bombshell.

“Ob, that’s no- news,” he said coolly. T knew it before he came here, and I took him, in so that the Agency he represents should not send a better man. He is rather good at some, things, but ’’ Then a scowl disfigured his brow. “Why in the name of wonder did he disclose himself to you P H’m, there’s no accounting for what a man will do under the battery of the eyes of a beautiful woman. I’ve felt the same myself on occasion. I suppose that Mr. Barker warned you against me ? Please don’t content yourself with telling me half a truth. Is he taking action?” Behind bis smiling face was there not a touch of anxiety? A sudden and wicked light had sprung into his eyes, and his clenched hands showed that the knuckles were as white as ivory. “I can toll you no more,” Vera said faintly. He was on his feet now, and pacing up and down. At last he stopped directly in front of her.

“I know of what you are thinking, Miss Hope,”" he said gently. “Here am I, menaced by a multitude, and you are giving me a* chance to ” He threw himself into his chair and covered his eves with his hands. “Anarchist avengers, and emissaries to wreak, vengeance upon the barbarian who violated the. Indian temple, . stole the celebrated ruby, and murdered several priests. And yet I am unafraid. I go about unarmed, I employ no bodyguard, I sleep with by bedroom window, open, and doors unlocked. Some avenging native may turn up, at any moment.” Vera’s teeth were chattering. She felt as cold as ice.

‘ ‘Someone is prowling about the place now,” she told him. “The postern gate was open yesterday—l found it open—and there were footprints.” “But my dear girl”—Tredcroft looked up —“I left the key with you. Perhaps Barker has managed to secure a duplicate.” His teeth clicked. “It was very good of you to send for me, and to warn me—particularly good of you after satisfying yourself that I am the most hopeless sort of scoundrel that was ever let loose. I’m not a canting hypocrite, and there will never be any repentance on my part. What I’ve done I would l do again in the like circumstances, and I can almost find pity in my black heart for man or woman who crosses me ! That was a fine bit of melodrama, eh?” He laughed, and Vera began to fear for his sanity. His voice broke -dri upon her ; agonised thoughts, ■and it was -soft and. caressing., . / “Trierp is’ri’t an atom-of danger at the nioirierit,/rVliss Hope. The fates are ■generally with me, and I should -like you to stay here until the end comes. At any rate, think it over for a day or two. Be frank with me, as I have ever been with you.” “You horrify me; I can’t breathe here. Can you release me on Monday —the day after to-morrow?”

A look of 'pain crept into his eyes. “If you wish it, Miss Hope. But I must know whither you are going. You confided to me a little of your story, and I am, in a way, responsible for you. In a brotherly, or a fatherly sense, lam very fond of you. Pray have confidence in me for a little longer.” He spoke pleadingly, and his voice shook with emotion. “How can I have confidence in one who confesses to being a human monster?”

“There’s some good' in me. Have I not been kind to you?” “Yes —yes.” “You ore completely unstrung, and dangerously bordering upon fever. I blame myself for this. Confound that meddler, Barker.” He took Vera’s hand, and scrutinised her face with eyes full of apprehension. She was hot, with a clammy sort of heat; her hand' throbbed; her limbs ached. He touched her pulse with a firm finger, and spoke seriously. “Put out your tongue, Miss Plopc. Nay I command it. I am something of a doctor, and I am afraid that you are going to be ill.’’ “More of your accomplishments!” She tried to be scornfully disdainful. “X will do nothing, promise nothing, until you cease persecuting John Russell. You have broken his heart—you have ruined him.” “I?” he smiled grimly. “I’ve done nothing; 1 admire the young fellow. He

was a fool to link himself with a man like Corston. You had better go to your bedroom, and I will send the housekeeper to‘you. You must obey me through her. No more of this folly, Miss Hope, for you will be ill, very ill, and for a long’ time.” He rang the housekeeper’s bell. “I will obey you in nothing,” Vera said fiercely. am going away on Monday.’’ She rose from her chair, only to sink back limply. “What’s the matter with me, you evil one? I was well enough before you entered the room!” He faced her angrily, then turned away with a snap of his great square jaws. “That . fool,; ■ Baker!”' he muttered. “He must be removed.” There was something in the words so horribly sinister, so pregnant of foul play, that Vera gave one horrified gasp, and everything became black. The faint was of very short duration, and she heard the housekeeper’s gentle voice, apparently far away. “She’s got some trouble on her mind, sir, I’m sure. She never speaks a word to anybody, but wanders about like a lost soul.”

“Stuff!’’ snapped Tredcroft. “Get the young lady to bed, and I will instruct you what to do. I must telegraph to Birmingham for a nurse.” “No —no,” panted Vera. “Take me away from this dreadful place, Mrs Palmer, please do.” “Very well, miss. Come along dearie.” She helped Vera to her feet, and led her gently away. And when they were gone Julian Tredcroft vented his pent-up feelings in a savage paroxysm of passion. (To be Continued.)