ON THE BRINK OF A CHASM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3328, 21 September 1911, Page 3

ON THE BRINK OF A CHASM.

(By L. T. Meade, author of “A Son of Isbmael.” etc.) A RECORD OF PLOT AND PASSION. / CHAPTER LVI. £ ‘IMPOSSIBLE!” The. train arrived at Paddington. Target saw Mrs Pelham into a cab, and the driver was desired to go straight to Carrolls chambers in Holies street. Carroll happened to be in, and he. raw Mrs Pelham at once. Her agitation, and tli© strained locfc on her fac© frightened him. He asked her to sit down and questioned her eagerly as to what was t'bo matter.

“I have come to consult you; about the most awful matter,' she said. “What is it, Mrs Pelham. What cam possibly agitate you to such a fearful extentP”

“It is something that Luke Tarbot has just told me. On hearing the news I cam© to town. Luke Tarbot lias discovered that my child, my little Piers, cam© by liis death by the administration of the most subtle poison. An awful stuff called hyocene was put into his medicine.”

“Impossible ” said Carroll. “Who has told you this?”

“Dr Tarbot. For some reason he had his suspicions and he analysed the medicine.” “But Tarbot was the doctor who attended the case. He ordered the medicine to he given himself. The man must be mad.”.

“He says the hyocene must have been put into the medicine after it arrived from the chemist’s.- But the tenable fact that I am coming to is this: Dr. Tarbot says that Dick did it.’ “Richard Pelham!” cried Carroll. ♦* “Richard Pelham try to murder Piers! Impossible, monstrous! My dear madam, you are the subject of a terrible hallucination.’

‘I wish I were.’” The poor woman clasped and unclasped her hands. Her face was full of terror and distress.

‘lt is true,” s‘he repeated. “I could not believe it myself at first, but I do now. The circumstantial evidence is fearfully strong, and it ■is all against Dick. I must prosecute him. My child’s death must be avenged. I have come to town for the purpose.” “Where is Tarbot ? When did lie bring you this cock-and-bull story?”

“It is mot a cock-and-bull story. You may think so at first, but you will not when you "know all. Dick was in a fearful state after the death—his agitation: was unnatural. It points strongly to his guilt.”

“Not to those who know the man,” said Carroll. “I should be more than thankful if anybody could clear him,” replied Mrs Pelham, “but at present I think, nay, more, I am certain he is guilty.” “You are overwrought, and no wonder,” said Carroll kindly. “Of course, I will look into this matter. You must leave it- to me. Will you stay here while I interview' Tarbot ” “You will find him at liis house in Harley street. Yes, I wall remain here until you return.” “That is good. I will order the servants to bring you some refreshment. You must have something; it is necessary lor you: to harbour yo-ur strength. I will he off at once new to Tarbot and then return to you.” Carroll left the room. He was absent nearly an honr. At the end of that time he came hack, and his face was very grave.

“I saw Tarbot,” he said, “and he has certainly confided a strange tale to me. I don’t even now believe in- Dick’s guilt; but you arc- right, Mrs Pelham —the circumstantial evidence is terribly strong. Have yo-u quite made up your mind to> prosecute?’

“I have. . Can I allow the child’s death to be unavenged?”

“I have pot a word to say if such is your wish. I will take you now to a. solicitor whom I know.” “Dr Tarbot wishes me to- consult a solicitor of the name of Wilkinson.” “He is a smart- man, hut I think I prefer Cornish. John Cornish is very just and has had a vast amount of criminal practice. ’ ’ “Just as you please, Mr Carroll. I will put myself into your hands.” “Then we’ll go to Cornish. I will have a hansom whistled for, and we’ll drive there at once.” Mrs Pelham rose. In a few moments’ time, the- pair were driving- in the direction of Cornish’s chambers in Lincoln’s Inin! Fields. They found him at home. Carroll had a. brief interview with the lawyer first; afterwards Cornish saw the widow and took her directions':

“I will get a warrant immediately from the magistrate of the district where the child died,” he said. “Sir Richard Pelham will he arrested tomorrow morning.” (To he Continued: To-morrow.)