THE DAUGHTER OF A PRODIGAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3243, 13 June 1911, Page 3

THE DAUGHTER OF A PRODIGAL.

BY BERTHA M. CLAY.

Authoress of “The Ironmaster’s

Daunhter,” Etc.

CHAPTER NXXIII

THE SOLVING OF THE MYSTERY.

There was something in the air at Tredcroft. Everybody felt it, breathed' it, enjoyed it. The sedate servants joked with one Another, without knowing exactly" why. For one thing the house. had been prepared for the reception of guests—not two or three, but a dozen . Slmall wonder; then, that excitement ran rife, after a full year of mystery and depression, gates and doors locked and barred, growls and whispers, c ' ■ y ■ One of the first to arrive on the eventful morning-was John Russell, although he had been a very late guest on the previous night. He had motored home in Mr. Trederoft’s car,-and motored back, actually reaching the hall in time for breakfast. J Tredcroft shook him by the hand most heartily, and eyes beamed into eves. ‘.‘You’re looking fit,” said-Tredcroft. “And I’m feeling fit. . Miracles have happened since this time yesterday.”

“Wliat have" you gathered concerning Corston and Barker?” “Can’t quite make it out. They certainly went down the shaft late on Saturday night, and the ground bailiff did the part of engineer. ‘ He seems to have lost his head, and brought up the cage without them. He must have lost his head. He had no interest" in injuring either man.” “Strange,” mused Tredcroft. “Remarkable thing. I don’t think we shall ever know the real facts. Miss Hope .—or rather Miss Lynn—is in the parlor. The mantle of youth has returned to each of you. Ten minutes until the breakfast bell.” And, oh, that memorable breakfast to which three people sat down ! Vera and her lover were brimming over with quiet happiness, while Tredcroft was smilingly alert. Every strange sound caused him expectant pleasure. He craned his neek to listen, or to peer along the drive; he fidgeted with his serviette, and gave every other evidence of suppressed excitement. “I have to get my hands in,” Ire naively explained. “My two little ones should be here about twelve with their mother and grandmother. They left Penzance yesterday. The foreign guests are timed for one o'clock. . Four Americans, and two dusky emissaries from India. The others may come at any minute. I’m going to look after my anarchist, and to wait for developments. I’m sure you two will know how to amuse yourselves!”. Vera’s face flamed with color, and her retort was charmingly impudent. John looked out upon the flower-bcrdered lawns, and- up at the shining skies. The birds were singing of love, the trees whispered of it, and love was in the heart of every blossom. “Shall we go out there?” John asked softly. • ■ . “To the woods,” Vera made reply. “The ring-dove is calling!”

It was eleven o’clock, and Tredcroft walked to the gates of the lodge. They were thrown open wide, and a- burlylooking countryman was gazing curiously about him. “I ain’t seen-these ’ere gates open afore for a year, mister,” he said, touching his cap, and adding “Good marnin’ to ye, sir.” “Indeed,” Tredcroft answered sweetly. “If I were to express an opinion I should say that you have never seen these gates before, either open or closed.”

The countryman grinned to hide his chagrin. “A poor disguise, my friend. Your feet give you away. What time are you expecting Barker?”

“He’s due now.” “And Mr. Jabez Corston?” “Yes* sir.'” “You’re from Scotland 5 Yard. Have you got your warrant?” “That’s all right ; sir.”

“How generous and patient you are, officer! Come indoors with mb and have some refreshment. It’s a pity you have made such a guy of yourself, as this is a festal day at Tredcroft .Hall.” The officer watched Tredcroft warily. He glanced up and down the highway, then towards the house. He saw a couple of 'gardeners at work, and judged that he was taking no risks. This handsome, smiling, tranquil-looking gentleman had assisted in the assassination of a Russian Grand Duke, had led a.-gang of ruffians to an Indian temple, killed several priests, and stolen a priceless ruby from, the image of one of their gods 1

“Thank you, sir,”"he said. “No tricks, I hope?” “Mv clear fellow, I’ve' known Barker’s game from the hour he sot foot in mv house. He has made an absolute fool of himself, and you, too. No matter, we shall make a merry party! If you like, I will lend you some, decent clothes. We are alxnit the same build.” The officer blushed, and walked by the side of his host warily, and determined. No wonder that this man’s achievements were almost without parallel. He could whistle a bird from a- tree I ‘

“This room, through the French win- ■ dow. ,1 know That ;I am practically under arrest, so I won't attempt to get away. There, help yourself, to whatever you' fancy.'” Tredcroft pointed to a sideboard. •. \ ; ; “I’ll sit down, sir, but I won’t have anything to eat or drink until Mr. Barker comes.” / «>

“Please yourself.” Tredcroft went to . the window, liis watch in his hand. »„

“Half-past ’ eleven,” he observed. 'And here come Barker and Corston. Show yourself to them, officer, and they will know l it’si all right.” "Within a few seconds Barker and Corston ■were standing inside the library, and Tredcroft wasUurveying them with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. ‘ His, eyes rested particularly upon Jabez Corston. In a, few seconds the amazed Corston blurted out:

“This man isn’t Frank Marchpane! Tlie same big frame, but the face is entirely different. ’ ’ ' “There tvas a surgical Operation,” Barker said, gently and pityingly.' “One of the greatest surgeons in America altered the shape of the man’s nose, and reduced the size of the cheekbones. The heavy beard does the rest.” He turned to Tredcroft. “This ‘is about the hardest bit. of duty I have ever had to face out. Frank Marchpane ” “Nonsense!” Tredcroft interrupted. “Put back your, warrant, officer, until I’ve had my say. Mr. Corston is perfectly right; I am not Frank Marchpane. The poor fellow died under the dreadful operation upon ’which he insisted. I knew that there was only one chance of success in a thousand —” “You knew!” exclaimed Barker.

“I am George Wingate, the American surgeon who operated upon him! Proof from America will be here in an hour or an hour and a- half. The Governor of a State, two lawyers, and an eminent New York doctor are now on their way from. Southampton. The doctor was present during the operation, and actually assisted me.” t ; “Then I suppose we shall have to take you upon another charge,” Barker said. “‘Upon my word!”

“I don’t think so. I’m not Frank Marchpane, blit I’m legally Julian Tredcroft. "When I informed Marchpane that his case was well nigh hopeless, he inadeliis will in my favor on certain conditions. I was to take the name of Julian Tredcroft, and for a specified time wage war upon a certain man who had been the cause of Marchpane’s downfall. I took upon myself the mantle of a convict, a self-confessed murderer, and thief. And the bait, gentlemen, was a colossal fortune. I was poor, as most men are who devote their, lives and energies to the public weal; I was harassed bv creditors, and with an aged mother, a beloved wife, and two idolised ■ children looking to me for support and comfort, I agreed to play the. part of a despicable scoundrel. Marchpane was satisfied; the will and conditions were drawn up, signed, and attested. For days and days I studied and rehearsed my new character, and a more stagy villain I don’t think you have ever beheld, Mr. Barker!” He laughed. “You may be surprised to learn that one of Marchpane’s conditions was that I should keep his mother in luxury. Heaven will pardon a great deal for that one beautiful deed! Gentlemen, my witnesses will now soon be- here. The four Americans are notable men in their own country. I have also arranged to return the ruby stolen by Marchpane from the Great Temple in India, to envoys 6ent direct by the priests. They are due at one or thereabouts.”

He walked over to Jabez Corston, and held out his hand. “Let us be friends. If you talk to John Russell he will tell you what 1 propose doing with your coal pits.. Although I have proved you to be a hard grasping nian. I don’t think you are quite the cold-blooded fiend Gentlemen, excuse me. My wife, my mother, and my little ones!” A big automobile was gliding along the drive. Tredcroft ran to meet it. He assisted two ladies to alight, warmly embracing them in turn. He returned kissing and hugging a small girl and a smaller boy. “Well, my word,” exclaimed Barker, slowly passing his fingers through his hair. >

It was the evening of that same epoch-making day. Vera and Russell were walking in the garden, while the other guests were making merry, as men do upon exceptional occasions. The Americans from America and the envoys from India, were fraternising through the'medium of an interpreter. The white men wanted to know all about the East. The interpreter smiled sadly; there were some things lie could not translate. But the good wine was consumed, and cigars of rare flavor made odorous the circumambient air; there was much laughter and joking, and Mr. Va-rden, Tenby, and Barker joined’in it all \Vith gusto. Julian Tredcroft and hie family were celebrating their re-union in another room —now that dinner was over.

And all the while "Vena Lynn and John Russell continued their walk in the garden. They seemed to find much to say 5 and the woman evidently found the saying of it pleasant. Russell lifted his'eyes to her at last. “There’s no reason why we should wait at all,” said he boldly. “Three months,” Vera decided, with a flutter of laughter and flaming cheeks. . • ■ “Angel eyes!” lie murmured. (The End). *