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ABINET CRETt
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Presented to the
LIBRARY of the
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
by
DAVID STAFFORD
G.
JERi ST., S.W.
A Cabinet Secret
SHE STOOPED OVER ME.
'A CABINET' SECRET.' (Frontispiece. )
Page ii 8.
n
A Cabinet Secret
n
By Guy Boothby
Author of "Dr Nikola," "The Beautiful White Devil," " Tharos the Egyptian," " A Sailor's Bride," etc., etc.
With Illustrations by A. Wallis Mills
London
F. V. White & Co.
14 Bedford Street, Strand, W.C.
1901
INTRODUCTION
THE Author deems it right to preface his work with the remark, that while the War between England and the South African Re- publics forms the basis of the story, the characters and incidents therein described are purely fictional, and have no sort of resem- blance, either intended or implied, with living people. The Author's only desire is to show what, under certain, doubtless improbable, conditions, might very well have happened, had a secret power endeavoured to harass the Empire by taking advantage of her temporary difficulties.
A Cabinet Secret
A CABINET SECRET
INTRODUCTION
was falling, and Naples Harbour, always picturesque, appeared even more so than usual in the warm light of the depart- ing day. The city itself, climbing up the hillside, almost from the water's edge, was coloured a pale pink by the sunset, and even old Vesuvius, from whose top a thin column of black smoke was issuing, seemed somewhat less sombre than usual. Out Ischiawards, the heavens were a mass of gold and crimson colouring, and this was reflected in the calm waters of the Bay, till the whole world was a veritable glow. Taken altogether, a more beautiful evening could scarcely have been desired. And yet it is not with the city, the mountain, or the sunset, that we have to do,
A
2 A Cabinet Secret
but with the first movement of a conspiracy that was destined ultimately to shake one of the greatest Empires, the earth has ever seen, to the very foundations of its being.
Though the world was not aware of it, and would not, in all human probability, have concerned itself very much about it even if it had, the fact remains that for some hours past two men, from a house situated on one of the loftiest pinnacles of the city, had been concentrating their attention, by means of powerful glasses, upon the harbour, closely scrutinizing every vessel that entered and dropped her anchor inside the Mole.
" Can anything have happened that she does not come ? " asked the taller of the pair, as he put down his glasses, and began to pace the room. "The cable said most distinctly that the steam yacht, Princess Badroulbadour passed through the Straits of Messina yesterday at seven o'clock. Surely they should be here by this time ? "
" One would have thought so," his com- panion replied. "It must be borne in mind, however, that the Princess is a private yacht, and it is more likely, as the wind is fair, that the owner is sailing in order to save his fuel,"
Introduction 3
" To the devil with him, then, for his English meanness," answered the other angrily. "He does not know how anxious we are to see her."
" And, everything taken into consideration, it is just as well for us and for the safety of his passengers that he does not," his friend retorted. "If he did, his first act after he dropped anchor would be to hand them over to the tender mercies of the Police. In that case we should be ruined for ever and a day. Perhaps that aspect of the affair has not struck you?"
" It is evident that you take me for a fool," the other answered angrily. " Of course, I know all that ; but it does not make me any the less anxious to see them. Consider for a moment what we have at stake. Never before has there been such a chance of bringing to her knees one of the proudest nations of the earth. And to think that if that vessel does not put in an appearance within the next few hours, all our preparations may be in vain ! "
" She will be here in good time, never fear," his companion replied soothingly. " She has never disappointed us yet."
" Not willingly, I will admit," the other returned ; " but in this matter she may not
4 A Cabinet Secret
be her own mistress. She is a beautiful woman, and for all we know to the contrary, this English milord may be prolonging the voyage in order to enjoy her society. Who knows but that he may carry her off altogether ? "
"In that case his country should erect a memorial to him, similar to the Nelson Monu- ment," said the smaller man. " For it is certain he will have rendered her as great a service as that empty-sleeved Hero ever did."
The other did not reply, but, after another impatient glance at the Harbour, once more began to pace the room. He was a tall, handsome fellow, little more than thirty years of age, and carried himself with soldierly erectness. The most casual observer would have noticed that he was irreproachably dressed, and that his manners were those of one accustomed to good society. His com- panion, on the other hand, was short and stout, with a round bullet head, and closely cropped hair. He was also the possessor of a pair of small twinkling eyes, and a neck so thick, that one instinctively thought of apoplexy and sudden death in con- nection with its owner. The room they occupied was strangely at variance with the
Introduction 5
appearance of the younger and taller man. It was little more than a garret, very dirty, and furnished in the poorest fashion. But it had one advantage : it commanded a splendid view of Naples Harbour, and, after all, that was what its present occupants required. At last, the younger man, tired of his sentry- go up and down the room, threw himself into a chair and lit a cigarette. For some minutes not a word passed between them ; all the time, however, the shorter man remained at the window, his glass turned seaward, watch- ing for the smallest sign of the vessel they were so eagerly expecting. Suddenly he uttered an exclamation which caused the other to spring to his feet.
"What is it?" cried the latter; "what do you see ? "
" I fancy she is coming up now," his friend replied. "If you run your glass along the sky-line, I fancy you will be able to detect a white speck, with a tiny column of smoke above it."
The other followed the directions given him, and, after a careful scrutiny, gave it as his opinion that what his companion had said was correct. Nearly an hour elapsed, however, before they could be quite certain upon the
6 A Cabinet Secret
subject. At last the matter was settled beyond doubt, and when a magnificent white yacht rounded the Mole and came to its anchorage in the Mercantile Harbour, they prepared to make their way down to the water-side in order to board her. Before they started, how- ever, the elder of the two men effected sundry changes in his attire.
" Forgive the mummery," he remarked, as he took a somewhat clerical hat and cloak from a peg, " but, as they say upon the stage, 'the unities must be observed.' If our beauti- ful Countess has played her cards carefully, Monseigneur should be of great benefit to us hereafter. It would be a thousand pities to scare him away at the beginning. For this reason it will be as well for you to remember that I am her Excellency's lawyer, who has hastened to Naples in order to confer with her on a matter of considerable importance, connected with her Styrian estates. No sus- picion will then be excited."
By the time he had finished Speaking he had donned the hat and cloak, and when he had given another expression to his face — for the man was a consummate actor — he was satis- fied that he looked the part he was about to play. After that they descended the narrow,
Introduction 7
rickety stairs together, and passed out into the street. It was a warm afternoon, and in con- sequence Naples was in her most unsavoury humour. The two men, however, did not appear to trouble themselves very much about it. Side by side they made their way through the crowded streets, almost in silence. Each was thinking of the approaching interview, and of what was to result from it. Reaching the Harbour, they chartered a boat and bade the rower convey them to the white yacht which had just dropped her anchor. The man obeyed, and in less than five minutes they were lying alongside one of the most beautiful pleasure vessels that has ever upheld the shipbuilding honour of the Clyde. The Port formalities had already been com- plied with, and now the accommodation ladder was hanging at the side in readiness for visitors. When they drew up at its foot, the tall man, addressing the quartermaster on duty at the gangway, enquired whether Madame la Comtesse de Venetza were aboard, and, if so, whether she would permit visitors to pay their respects to her.
It was noticeable that he spoke excellent English, with scarcely a touch of foreign accent.
The man departed with the message, to
8 A Cabinet Secret
presently return with the report that Madame would be pleased to see the gentleman if they would " come aboard." They accordingly climbed the ladder, and followed the quarter- master along the deck to a sumptuous saloon under the bridge. The owner of the beautiful craft was in the act of leaving the cabin as they approached it.
" Won't you come in ? " he said, pausing to open the door for them. " The Countess will be very pleased to see you."
As he said this he glanced sharply at the two men, with an Englishman's innate dis- trust of foreigners. He saw little in them, however, to criticise, and nothing to dislike. They, on their side, found him a tall, stalwart Englishman of the typical standard — blue eyes, ruddy cheeks, close cropped hair, the latter a little inclined to be curly, well, but not over dressed, and carrying with him an air of latent strength that, in spite of his good- humoured expression, would have made most people chary of offending him. When the two men entered the cabin, he closed the door behind them and ran lightly up the ladder to the bridge.
After his departure there was a moment- ary, but somewhat embarrassing, silence. A
Introduction 9
long shaft of sunlight streamed in through one of the windows (for they resembled windows more than port-holes) and revealed the fact that the lady, who was reclining in a long easy-chair, was extremely beautiful. Despite the cordial message she had sent, her visitors could scarcely have been welcome, for she did not even take the trouble to rise to receive them, but allowed a tall grey-haired man, who might very well have passed for her father, to do the honours for her.
" My dear Luigi — my dear Conrad," he said, offering his right hand to the smaller of the two men and his left to the other. "It is indeed kind of you to be* so quick to welcome us. The Countess is a little tired this afternoon, but she is none the less delighted to see you."
The scornful curl of the lady's lips not only belied this assertion, but indicated that miladi was in a by no means pleasant temper. The impatient movement of the little foot, peeping from beneath her dress, said as much, as plainly as any words could speak.
" We have been waiting for you all day," the younger man began. " There is news of the greatest importance to communicate. Every hour that passes is now so much time wasted."
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Then, for the first time during the interview, the lady spoke.
" You infer that I might have been quicker? " she said, with a touch of scorn in her voice. " You evidently forget that, had it not been for this English milords kindness, I should not be here even now."
It looked as if the younger man, while really uncomfortable, were trying to act as if he were not afraid of her.
" Is there not such a thing as the Oriental Express?" he asked. "Had you used that, we might have met at Turin, and have saved a great deal of trouble and valuable time."
The lady turned impatiently from him to his companion.
"What form does your news take?" she enquired. "Is it contained in a letter?"
" No, Excellenza, it was to be delivered by word of mouth," the other replied. " The Council, who were in Prague at the time, paid me the compliment of trusting to my discretion, and despatched me immediately to you. We heard that you were in Constanti- nople, and the Secretary undertook to have a message transmitted to you there. Our friend, Conrad here, is perhaps not aware that the Oriental Express is occasionally
Introduction 1 1
an impossible medium. But, while condoling with you on that score, I must congratulate your Excellency in having pressed the Duke of Rotherhithe into your service."
" Pray spare yourself the trouble," the lady replied. " I do not know that I am particu- larly fond of obtaining hospitality, such as his, under false pretences. It is sufficient for your purposes, is it not, that I am here, and ready to do the Council's bidding, whatever that may be. Perhaps you will be good enough to tell me what is expected of me ? "
" Is it safe for me to tell you here ? " Luigi enquired, and as he said it he looked anxiously about him, as if he feared the presence of eavesdroppers.
" As safe as it will be anywhere," the lady answered. "It is an Englishman's yacht, and, whatever we may say of them, they are not in the habit of listening at keyholes. Now what have you to tell me ? "
The man hesitated once more before he replied. He was the chosen mouth-piece of one of the most powerful organisations in Europe, and ere now affairs involving death, and worse than death, had been entrusted to him, and he had brought them to a satisfac- tory issue. As a rule, and certainly when
12 A Cabinet Secret
dealing with men, he did not know what fear was. In this lady's presence, however, he was strangely nervous.
" Come," she said, " you are a long time telling me. Is it so very difficult to explain ? Or am I to anticipate a repetition of the Palermo Incident?"
Whatever the Palermo Incident may have been, it was certainly not a pleasant recollec- tion to either of the men before her ; the elder man became uncomfortable, while the younger moved uneasily in his seat.
" You hit hard, madam," the elder man returned ; "but, thank goodness, I am not thin- skinned. That the Palermo affair was a mistake, I am quite prepared to admit ; it is possible, however, the success which will doubtless attend this affair, will make ample amends for it."
"You have not told me what the affair is," the lady replied. " Unless you make haste, I fear I shall not be able to hear it to-night. It would be as well for you to remember that I am not my own mistress, and that, in return for his hospitality, my host has at least some claim upon my society."
" I will not detain you longer than is ab- solutely necessary," the other replied. " With your permission I will now explain my
Introduction 1 3
mission. Of course, your Excellency is aware that the British Empire is on the eve of a serious struggle with the two South African Republics. The Republics in question have been arming for several years, and there can be no sort of doubt that the war, which is now about to begin, will make the most enormous demands upon the resources and capabilities of even that great Empire. That the country, at least so far as its military organisation is concerned, is not properly pre- pared for such an encounter, admits of no doubt. Her armament is well known to be deficient, if not defective ; she possesses but few Generals whose experience entitles them to the right of leading her troops as they should be led against a foe which will have in its ranks some of the best fighting men in the world ; while the nature of the country in which she will have to fight, and the peculiar tactics of the enemy, are unfavourable to her in the highest degree. Apart from this, it has been her boast that she occupies an isolated position in Europe, if not in the world. France, Russia, Germany and Holland are avowedly unfavourable ; Spain remembers Great Britain's sympathy with America in the Cuban affair ;
14 <d Cabinet Secret
Portugal will wait to see what turn events take before she commits herself; while America will stand strictly neutral. We all remember that the larger Republic has beaten her before : it is possible that it may do so again. All these things having been taken into consideration, it must be quite clear to an observant mind that if England is ever to be humiliated, now is the time to do it. With this end in view, the Council was summoned hastily to meet in Prague. The result of their deliberations was the drawing up of a plan of action, and as soon as this had been agreed upon, I was ordered to place myself in communication with you. You were in Con- stantinople, and, as I have said, a message was immediately despatched by the Secretary to you."
" I received it, and am here. What am I to do?"
" I can tell you no more than that you are to make your way to England at once, via Rome and Paris. Von Rosendell is in Rome. He will meet you, and give you full particulars of the scheme which has been proposed."
''And when am I to leave Naples in order to meet him ?"
"As soon as possible," the other replied;
Introduction 15
" there is no time to waste. I was to invite you to make your arrangements at once, and to telegraph the hour of your departure in the usual way."
"In that case I need not detain you any longer," she answered with chilling politeness. " Should it be necessary for me to communicate with you, I presume the usual address will find you ? "
" But "
" But what? Is there anything else I am to hear ? "
"There is this — that I am to go with you," the younger man put in, almost apologetically. " I received my orders from the Council this morning. I hope you do not disapprove?"
He looked at her almost beseechingly ; the expression upon her face, however, betrayed neither pleasure nor annoyance. Do what he would, he could not prevent a sigh from escap- ing him as he became aware of it. All day he had been hoping that she would be pleased when she heard that he was to co-operate with her ; now, however, his heart sank like lead. It was just the sort of enterprise he liked. It was daring, reckless to a degree ; they would carry their lives in their hands, as they had so often done before; indeed, the mere fact that
1 6 A Cabinet Secret
he was to share the dangers with her had been the greatest pleasure he had known for months past.
"If you are to accompany us," she said, scarcely looking at him, " you had better hold yourself in readiness. It will be safer if we travel apart during the time we are in Italy, and afterwards other arrangements can be made so that we "
"We will leave you and return to the shore," interrupted the man called Luigi, who did not altogether approve the turn affairs were taking. " I have carried out my instructions, and so far as I am concerned, individually, the matter is at an end."
Five minutes later they had left the yacht, and the Countess de Venetza was apologizing to the Duke of Rotherhithe for the intrusion of her lawyer people on his yacht.
" It is really too hard," she said pathetically ; " they give me no peace. When my husband died and I inherited his estates, he had no thought of the trouble and anxiety the management of them would cause me. My lawyers are perpetually grumbling because they cannot obtain interviews with me. I often think that they look upon me as a sort of Will-o'-the- Wisp, flickering about Europe, and impossible
Introduction 1 7
to catch. Why they could not have transacted the business with my father instead of bother- ing me with it, I cannot imagine. However, you will forgive me, will you not ? "
The Duke, who by the way, was extremely susceptible, looked unutterable things. He had first met the Countess in Algiers a year before, and had fallen desperately in love with her before he had known her twenty-four hours. The mere fact that she did not encourage his attentions only served to attract him the more. They met at Cairo six months later — and now, when he discovered that it was in his power to do her a service by conveying her from Constantinople to Naples, he was only too glad to avail himself of the opportunity.
" It is a shame, indeed, that they should worry you so," he said sympathetically, looking as he spoke into his fair friend's eyes in a manner that would have carried consternation into the hearts of not a few mothers in England. " They worry me at home in much" the same way. As I say to them, what's the use of employing lawyers and Estate Agents, and all those sort of people, if they cannot do their work without your assistance ? You might just as well do it yourself in the first instance, and save their salaries. But then,
B
1 8 A Cabinet Secret
you see, I am not so clever as you are, Countess, and that makes all the difference."
"What makes you think I am so clever, pray ? " she enquired, looking up at him with innocent eyes.
"Oh, I don't know," he replied; "I've noticed it on lots of occasions. Do you remember the day that plausible Greek beggar worried us so in Constantinople, and you whispered something to him that sent him off about his business like a shot out of a gun. And in Algiers, when that Frenchman made himself so objectionable and you managed to send him to the right-about after a few moments' conversation. How you did it I never could understand, but it was jolly clever all the same."
The Countess regarded him attentively for a moment. Was he really as innocent as he made out to be, or had he noticed anything else ? No ; one moment's examination was sufficient to convince her that, so far as he was concerned, all was as it should be. Strolling to the port side of the bridge, she looked down at the boat-load of musicians who were strumming guitars, and bawling " Finiculi Finicula" with all the strength of their Southern lungs.
Introduction 19
"What a way in which to spend one's life," said the Duke, as he joined her, and tossed some silver into the boat. " Fancy shouting that wretched thing, week after week, and year after year ! Italy is a funny country — all bandits, soldiers, beggars and musicians. I suppose, if the truth were known, each of those men belongs to some secret society or another. Either the Cammoristi, or the Mafia, or some such organisation. How would you like to be a conspirator, Countess, and be always in terror of being caught ? "
The Countess's hand clenched the bar before her, and, for a moment, her face turned deathly pale.
"What an extraordinary question to ask," she began, fighting hard for her self-possession. " Do you want to frighten me out of my wits ? I am afraid I should make the poorest con- spirator imaginable. I should be too deficient in courage."
" I am not inclined to believe that," said the Duke, reflectively. " I think you would have plenty of courage when it was required."
" I am afraid you must think me an altogether remarkable person," she returned. "If you go on in this way, I shall scarcely have presence of mind enough to remain in
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your company. Seriously, however, Duke, I don't know how to thank you for the services you have rendered my father and myself. But for your assistance we should not be in Naples now, in which case we should have been too late to have joined the party with whom I am proceeding to England."
"You are going to England then after all ? " he cried in great astonishment and delight. " I thought you were only going as far as Rome ? "
"That was our original intention," she replied. " However, some letters that we received to-night have altered our plans. But why do you look so astonished ? Are we poor foreigners not to be allowed to enter your country ? "
" It is not that," he said. " I was so pleased to hear that you intend honouring us with a visit. When do you think you will reach England, and where will you stay while you are there ? "
She shook her head.
"Those are questions I cannot at present answer," she said. " It will depend upon circumstances. As our arrangements stand at present, I think it is extremely likely that we shall be in London in less than a week's time."
Introduction 2 1
"And will there be any means of learning your whereabouts?" he asked. "You will surely not be cruel enough to visit England without permitting me to call upon you ? "
"Call by all means," she answered. "At present, however, I cannot tell you what our address will be, for the reason that I do not know it myself."
" But perhaps when you are settled you will let me know. You know my house, I think?"
" I will do so with pleasure," she replied. " Then you will come and see me, and I shall be able to thank you again for the kindness you have shown my father and myself in our present trouble."
"It has been a very great pleasure to me," he said, "and I cannot thank you sufficiently for honouring my yacht as you have done."
At that moment the elder man, to whom she had referred as her father, made his appear- ance on the bridge and came towards them.
"My dear," he began, "has it not struck you that it is time for us to be thinking of bidding His Grace farewell ? Remember we have to start for Rome by the early train to-morrow morning. It behoves us, therefore, to make our preparations as soon as possible."
22 A Cabinet Secret
The Duke, however, would not hear of their leaving the yacht before dinner, and in conse- quence it was quite dark when the Countess de Venetza and her father, or, to be more correct, her reputed father, were rowed ashore by four stalwart yachtsmen, steered by the Duke of Rotherhithe himself. He would have accompanied them to their hotel, but this the Countess would not permit.
" You have done too much for us already," she said ; " we cannot let you do more. We will not say aaieu, but au revoir, since, in all probability, it will not be long before we meet
again.
" I hope, with all my heart, it may not be," he replied, and then the cab they had engaged rattled away over the stones and was soon lost to view.
The Countess's stay in Naples was a short one, for next morning she left by an early train for Rome. According to the plan he had prepared, His Grace of Rotherhithe, having made enquiries as to the trains leaving Naples for the capital, was present on the platform when the first took its departure. With an eagerness that could only be accounted for by his infatuation, he scanned the faces of the passengers, but the lady for whom he
Introduction 23
had been so anxiously waiting was not among them. Greatly disappointed by his discovery, he went off in search of breakfast, only to return a quarter of an hour before the next train was due to leave. Unfortunately, on this occasion, he was no more successful than before. The train was well filled, but among the passengers there was not one who bore any sort of resemblance to the lady he was hoping to see. So anxious was he to make sure that he did not miss her, that, just before the train started, he came within an ace of being run into by an invalid chair, in which was seated a man closely muffled up with shawls. By the side of the chair walked a nurse in English hospital uniform, who wore large blue glasses, and carried more wraps and a couple of cushions upon her arm. Even had he been aware of their identity, the Duke would have found it difficult to recognise in the pair his guests of the previous day. It was not the first time in their careers that they had been compelled to adopt such disguises, and only that morning news had reached them to the effect that, if they desired to get safely out of Naples, disguises such as they had assumed would be imperative necessities. A carriage, it appeared, had been reserved for the invalid
24 A Cabinet Secret
Englishman, and towards it they made their way. Having seated the old gentleman in one corner, the nurse took her seat opposite him, and busied herself preparing for the journey. It was not until Naples was far behind, however, that she removed her spectacles and the invalid discarded his wraps.
' ' That was as narrow an escape as we have ever had," said the former. " The Head of the Police was upon the platform, and I re- cognised two detectives in the crowd. How- ever, all is well that ends well, and if Luigi's arrangements have been properly made, we should be in Paris before they know we have left Naples, and in London forty-eight hours afterwards."
" Then you still feel certain that they were aware of our presence in Naples ? "
" Luigi's message said there was no doubt about it. Though he did not know it, they must have been watching him, and have followed him to the yacht. It was foolish of him to run such a risk. Let us hope, however, he will be able to get out of Naples without their laying hands upon him."
Shortly after one o'clock the train reached Rome and they alighted from it. Such travellers as had witnessed the arrival of the
Introduction 25
invalid at the Neapolitan railway station, would have observed now that he seemed greatly fatigued by the journey. He was even more muffled up than before, while the nurse was, if possible, more assiduous in her attentions than she had been at the southern station. It was noticeable also that she was a poor Italian scholar. Indeed, her pronunciation of such words as she did know was of the most erratic and elementary description.
Later in the day, just as dusk was falling, an artist's model, in the picturesque dress of the country, might have been observed making her way slowly down the Via Sistina in the direction of the Piazza S. Trinita de' Monti. She appeared to be familiar with the neigh- bourhood, though, on the other hand, no one seemed to have any acquaintance with her. She had reached the Casa Zuccheri, when she was stopped by a tall artistic-looking man, who walked with great uprightness, and carried a portfolio beneath his arm. For the benefit of the passers by, he enquired in broken Italian, whether the girl could inform him as to the locality of a certain artist's studio, whereupon she personally offered to conduct him to it.
26 A Cabinet Secret
He thanked her courteously, and proceeded with her in the direction indicated. They had no sooner left the vicinity of the Via Sistina, however, than he turned to her and said, in the purest Italian : " I was afraid you were not coming. You are very late."
" I am aware of that," the girl replied. " I had a suspicion that I was being watched. Now, what have you to tell me ? "
" You saw Luigi in Naples, I believe ? "
" He met me there, with Conrad," the girl answered. " I could not help thinking that it was an imprudence on his part."
" Luigi is always imprudent ; and yet I can- not help feeling that he is safer in his folly than we are in our care. He told you of the scheme the Council had originated ? "
The girl nodded an assent.
" He gave me to understand, however, that you would furnish me with full particulars," she said.
" I am prepared to do so now," her com- panion replied.
As he said this, he led her from the main street into a dark alley, where, having con- vinced himself that they had not been followed, he set to work and told his tale. So anxious was he that there should be no mistake
Introduction 27
about the matter, that when he had finished it he began it again, only to repeat it a third time. The woman listened with rapt attention.
" In conclusion," said he, " I might add that the money will be paid to your credit at what- ever London Bank you may select. One of the- most handsome residences, replete with all the necessaries, has been taken for you in a fashionable quarter, and on your arrival in London you will be left to act as your knowledge of the situation and the dictates of the Council may determine. It is needless to caution you as to the risks you may be called upon to run. The Council has, more- over, authorised me to say that it places implicit trust in your discretion. Should you require further advice, it will be furnished you at once, with any help that may be con- sidered needful."
" In the meantime, Paris is the first stage," the girl answered. " You are quite certain that this Englishman, Sir George Manderville, has not yet returned to England?"
" No, he is still there," her companion replied. " We have learnt, however, that he will cross the channel on Friday next."
"On Friday next?" she repeated. "In
28 A Cabinet Secret
that case there is no time to lose. At first glance it would appear that he is the key to the situation."
" That is exactly the opinion of the Council," the man answered. " Now, farewell, and may good luck attend you ! "
So saying they retraced their steps to the main street. At the entrance to the alley they separated, the girl returning to the Via Sistina — the man going off in an opposite direction.
By the first train next morning the Countess de Venetza made an unostentatious departure from Rome, for Paris, accompanied by her father and her cousin, Conrad, Count Reiffen- burg.
CHAPTER I
A S a preface, I might explain that I have 7* had the pleasure of knowing Paris and De Belleville for more than twenty years. Both are, therefore, old friends, the city and the man. The fact, however, remains, that De Belleville, though a most charming com- panion, has one fault. Few people would be prepared to admit it, but unfortunately, I am not only compelled to recognise it, but to proclaim it to the world. As a friend, he has not his equal — at least so far as I am concerned ; he is certainly not punctual, how- ever. It is of that I complain. I have remonstrated with him on the subject times out of number, but it makes no sort of difference. If one has an appointment with him, he is invariably late, but when he does put in an appearance, he will greet you with such charming assurance, that you feel angry with yourself for having been led into com- menting upon the lapse of time.
3O A Cabinet Secret
On the particular afternoon which I am now about to describe to you, we had arranged to meet at my hotel and then to go on together to call upon the D'Etrebilles, who were just off to Cairo and the Upper Nile. He had promised to be with me at three o'clock, and, as usual, at twenty minutes past the hour he had not put in an appearance. Now, I flatter myself that I am a punctual man in every respect, and when one is ready to go out, a twenty minutes' wait is an annoyance calcu- lated to test the serenest temper. In my case it was certainly so, and, as I sat in the pictur- esque courtyard of the hotel, you may be sure I called down the reverse of blessings upon De Belleville's handsome head. Carriage after carriage drove up, but not one of them contained my friend. I took a third cigarette from my case and lit it, and as I did so, lay back in my chair and amused myself watching my neighbours.
To my thinking, there are few places more interesting (that is, of course, provided one has a weakness for studying character) than a hotel courtyard. In sheer idleness I specu- lated as to the nationality and relationship of the various people about me. There were several probable Russians, one or two un-
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doubted Germans, two whom I set down as Italians, one might have been a Greek, but the majority were undoubtedly English. And that reminds me that, as I waited, I was the witness of an amusing altercation between a cabman and an English lady of considerable importance and mature years. Both were playing at cross purpose, and it was not until the Hotel Commissionaire, the deus ex machina, so to speak, appeared upon the scene and interposed, that the matter at issue was satisfactorily adjusted.
"Your pardon, Madame," he said, bow- ing low, "but ze man meant no harm. It was his misfortune that he did not com- prehend the words what Madame said to him."
For a person who prided himself upon his tact, the poor fellow could scarcely have said a more unfortunate thing. The matter of the overcharge, Madame could have understood and have forgiven, but to be informed in so many words that her knowledge of the French tongue was deficient, was an insult not only to her intelligence, and to her experience, but also to the money that had been spent upon her education. Casting a withering glance at the unhappy functionary, she departed into
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the hotel, every hair of her head bristling with indignation, while the Commissionaire, shrugging his shoulders, went forward to receive a tall, picturesque individual, who at that moment had driven up.
The new-comer interested me exceedingly. In my own mind I instantly set him down as a dilettante Englishman of good birth and educa- tion. He looked the sort of being who would spend the greater part of his time in foreign picture-galleries and cathedrals ; who would carry his Ruskin continually in his pocket, and who would probably end by writ- ing a volume of travels "for private circula- tion only" I should not have been surprised had I been told that he dabbled a little in water-colours, or to have heard that he regarded Ruskin as the greatest writer, and Turner as the greatest painter, of our era. One thing at least was self-evident, and that was the fact that he was a person of consider- able importance at this particular hotel. The Commissionaire bowed before him as if he were a foreign potentate, while the maitre cChdtel received him with as much respect as if he had been an American millionaire. When he in his turn disappeared into the building, I beckoned the Commissionaire to my side.
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" Who is that gentleman that has just entered the hotel?" I enquired.
"Is it possible that Monsieur does not know him ? " the man replied, with an expression of wonderment upon his face.
His answer more than ever convinced me that the other was a very great man, at least a German princeling, perhaps an Austrian arch- duke.
" No," I said, " I do not know him. As a matter of fact, I do not remember ever having seen him before. Who is he ? "
" He is Monsieur Dickie Bucks," answered the Commissionaire, with as much respect as if he were talking of the Czar of all the Russias.
My illusion vanished in a trice. " Dickie Bucks, — Dickie Bucks," I repeated to myself. " Gracious heavens ! what a name for such a man ! And pray who is Mr Dickie Bucks, for I assure you his fame has not yet reached me?"
" Monsieur surely knows the great book- maker," said the man, with an air of incred- ulity. "He is the great bookmaker, the very greatest, perhaps, in all England. Monsieur is not perhaps aware that there are races at Auteuil to-morrow."
And so my dilettante Englishman, my artist,
c
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my amateur author, was, after all, nothing more than a famous betting man, who, had I spoken to him of Ruskin, would probably have offered to lay me five to one against him for the Lincolnshire Handicap, and would have in- formed me that there was a general opinion in Sporting Circles that " Sesame and Lilies" was not the stayer she was popularly supposed to be. Well, well, it only proves how little our judgment is to be trusted, and how important it is that we should not pin our faith upon externals. I was still moralising in this fashion when a smart equipage drove up to the steps, and the Commissionaire once more went forward to do his duty. In the carriage a lady and gentleman were seated, and it was evident, from the fact that a man, — who until that moment had been sitting near the hotel door — hastened forward to greet them, that their arrival had been expected by one person in the hotel at least. As the trio I am now about to describe to you are destined to play an extraordinary part in the story I have to tell, I may, perhaps, be excused if I bestow upon them a little more attention than I should otherwise feel justified in doing. Out of gallantry, if for no other reason, it is only proper that I should commence with the lady.
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That she was not English was quite certain. It was difficult to say, however, to what Euro- pean nation she belonged. Her face, from the moment I first saw it, interested me strangely. And yet, while it was beautiful, it was not that which altogether attracted me. I say altogether, for the reason that it owed more, perhaps, to its general expression than to the mere beauty of any individual feature. It was a countenance, however, that once seen would not be likely to be forgotten. The eyes were large and thoughtful, and of a darkness that suggested Southern birth. The mouth was small, but exquisitely moulded, the lips full, and the teeth, when they showed themselves, delightfully white and even. Her hair was black and, what is not commonly the case with hair of that colour, was soft and wavy. Though it would have been difficult to find fault with her attire, a fastidious critic might have observed that it was not of the very latest fashion. In London, it is possible it might have passed muster, but in Paris it was just one pin-prick behind the acme of the prevailing mode. As I looked at her I wondered who she might be. The eyes, at a hazard, might have been set down as Italian, the hair as Spanish, the nose had a suggestion of the Greek, while the sum
36 A Cabinet Secret
total spoke for Southern France, or, at any rate a country bordering upon the Mediterranean.
As I have already said, her companions were two in number. The elder, who had driven up with the lady I have been endeavouring to describe, was a tall and handsome man of a little past middle age. He carried himself with considerable erectness, might very well have once been a soldier, and was possibly the lady's father. When he descended from the carriage, I noticed that he was a little lame on his left leg, and that he walked with a stick. Like his companion he was the pos- sessor of dark eyes, but with the difference that they looked out upon the world from beneath white bushy eyebrows, a fact which, combined with his fierce grey moustache, pro- duced a most singular effect He also was fashionably attired, that is to say, he wore the regulation frock coat and silk hat, but, as was
o *
the case with the lady, there was the suggestion of being just a trifle behind the times.
As much could not be said of the second man. the individual who had been seated near the door awaiting their coming. So far as outward appearances were concerned he was the pink of fashion, and not only of fashion, but of everything else. Tall, lithe,
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handsome, and irreproachably turned out, from the curl of his dainty moustache to his superbly shod feet, he appeared at first glance to be a typical boutevarditr. Yet when one looked more closely at him, he did not strike one as beine the sort of man who would idle his life
Q
away on the pavements or in the clubs. I could very well imagine his face looking out from beneath a helmet or kepi, under a tar- busk with Arabi, or a sombrero with Balma- ceda — anywhere, in point of fact, where there was vigorous life and action. He would certainly be a good shot, and, I reflected, not very particular what he shot at, that is to say, whether it was at man or beast, or both. For the moment, however, he was content to hand his fair friend from her carriage with the most fastidious politeness. They stood for a moment talking at the foot of the steps. Then they ascended, and, enter- ing the hotel, were lost to my sight ; where- upon I resettled myself in my chair with the reflection that they were the most interesting people I should be likely to see that afternoon, and then went on to wonder why De Belleville did not put in an appearance. Then another carriage drove up, and a moment later he stood before me.
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"I must offer you ten thousand pardons, cher ami" said he, as we shook hands. " I fear I have kept you waiting an unpardonable time. Forgive me, I implore you ; I am prostrated with sorrow."
The words were apologetic enough, but the face belied the assertion. A more cheerful countenance could scarcely have been dis- covered in all Paris. I had promised myself that I would give him a good rating for his unpunctuality, but, as usual, I found that when he did arrive it was impossible for me to be angry with him. De Belleville, as I have already remarked, boasts the most in- gratiating manners I know ; is an ideal companion, for the reason that he is never put out or, apart from his unpunctuality, puts others out. He is one of the best hosts in Europe, and regards life as life regards him, that is to say, with invariable cheerfulness and goodfellowship.
Having taken our places in the carriage, we set off for the D'Etrebilles' residence in the Faubourg St Germain. Throughout the drive my companion rattled on continually. He was well up, none better, in the gossip of the day, and could use his knowledge to the wittiest effect. Fortunately, the D'Etrebilles
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were at home, and appeared delighted to see us. They were, moreover, kind enough to congratulate me upon my acceptance of my new position in the English Cabinet.
"As you are strong, be merciful," said D'Etrebille, with a smile. " Remember, the peace of Europe is in your hands, and at the end of your term of office we shall require it of you again intact."
"A life-long study of European politics," said De Belleville, " has convinced me that the peace of Europe is never so much assured as when the various nations are struggling to be at each other's throats. This is a point of which so many people, renowned for their political perspicuity, seem to lose sight. Our very good friend and visitor, the Czar, would have us disarm and turn our swords into ploughshares. By this time, however, he must agree that, if only from a humanitarian point of view, he has made a mistake. It may appear paradoxical, but there is certainly nothing that promotes peace so much as war. I never feel sure in my own mind that the next year will be a quiet one until I am told that the military bloodhounds are about to be unchained. By the way, what do you think of your country's prospects of war in South Africa?"
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" If I am to judge the situation by your own theory, I should say that the possibilities are remote," I replied. " From my own stand-point, however, I am by no means so optimistic. The look-out is undoubtedly a grave one, and, while I have the greatest faith in our strength to assert our own supremacy, I cannot help thinking that matters may in the end prove somewhat different to our expectations."
Without wishing to pose as a prophet after the event, on looking back on all that has happened, I cannot help being struck by the aptness of my prophecy. This, however, is no place for such reflections. What I have to do is to tell my story as quickly and con- cisely as possible, and, above all, to avoid undue digressions.
Strange indeed is the way in which a face or a voice once seen or heard, if only for a moment, has the power of seizing and taking possession of the memory, when there is little or no reason that it should not be forgotten. It was certainly so in my case on this particular afternoon, for, during the time I was with the D'Etrebilles, during our drive in the Bois afterwards, and in fact for the remainder of the evening, the face of the
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woman I had seen entering my hotel a few hours before, haunted me continually.
It went to the Opera with me, accompanied me to a supper at the Amphitryon Club afterwards, and returned with me again to my hotel. The memory of a pair of beautiful eyes, such as hers undoubtedly were, might appear to many men a light burden to have placed upon them. By some strange irony of Fate, however, it was otherwise with me. Instead of being charmed by them, I dreaded them with a fear that was as inexplicable as it was unpleasant. I laughed at myself for my folly, ascribed my absurd condition to indigestion, and endeavoured by every means in my power to drive the matter from my mind. I went to bed and tried to sleep. I was not successful, however. When I closed my eyes, the eyes of the woman were still there, gazing at me with a steadfastness that produced a sensa- tion almost describable as hypnotic. I tried to picture other scenes, recalled the events of the day — De Belleville's prophecies for the future — his witty remarks on Paris topics — but without success. At last, unable to bear it any longer, I rose from my bed, turned on the electric light, and, having donned a dressing-gown, began to pace the room. I
42 A Cabinet Secret
had drunk scarcely any wine that evening, so that my condition could not be ascribed to that source. Nevertheless, an ill defined, yet none the less real, fear was steadily taking possession of me. I could not remember ever having been affected in this way before. Could it be that I had not the same power over my intellect as of yore? In other words, was this the beginning of some brain trouble that would eventually land me in a lunatic asylum ? I knew in my inmost heart that such was not the case. Yet how to account for the eyes that haunted me so peculiarly, I could not say. Until I had seen the woman's face that afternoon, I had been as rational and evenly balanced a man as could have been discovered in the French capital. No ! it was all nonsense! My internal* economy was a little out of gear, my nerves and brain were indirectly affected, and this illusion was the result. In that case the eyes, haunting as they were, would disappear before the magic wand of Calomel.
Being too wide awake to return to bed, I seated myself in a chair and took up a book on the Eastern Question which I had been reading during the day, and in which I was greatly interested. The fact that I did
A Cabinet Secret 43
not entertain the same views with regard to
o
the Russo - Chinese - Japanese entente as the author only added to my enjoyment of the work. I remembered that when I had taken it up in the morning I had found it difficult to lay it aside again ; now, however, though I glued my eyes to the pages by sheer will pressure, I was scarcely conscious of the printed words before me. As I read, or rather tried to read, it appeared to me that somebody was standing in the room, a few paces from my chair, intently regarding me. More than once I involuntarily looked up, only to find, as it is needless to state, that there was no one there. At last I put down the book in despair, went to the window and, leaning my arms upon the sill, looked out. Sleeping Paris lay before and around me, scarcely a sound was to be heard ; once the roll of distant carriage-wheels, from the Rue de Rivoli, came up to me, then the irregular striking of the clocks in the neighbourhood announcing the hour of three.
As I stood at the window, I thought of the crisis which England was approach- ing. Many years had elapsed since she had been involved in a great war. In these days epoch succeeds epoch with incredible
44 ^ Cabinet Secret
rapidity, and public opinion has the knack of changing with each one. The stolidity, the self-reserve, the faculty of being able to take the hard knocks and yet continue the fight, that had characterised us at the time of Waterloo and the Crimea, did that still exist ? Then again, were we as fully prepared as we might be ? Were our Generals as competent as of yore, or had the long spell of peace wrought a change in them also ? They were weighty questions, and a man might very well have been pardoned had he asked them of himself with an anxious heart. Our "splendid isolation " had been the jeer and taunt of the world. Would that very isolation prove our downfall, if by any evil chance matters took a wrong turn with us ? For a moment I could see England as she would be were her armies to be defeated in the present struggle. The croaking prophecies of her enemies would have proved too true, and she would be at the mercy of the yelping mob that had once only dared to bark and snap at her from a distance. " O God ! grant that such a thing may never come to pass," I muttered, and, as the prayer escaped my lips, there shaped themselves in the darkness in front of me, the eyes that had haunted me all the afternoon and evening.
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As I gazed into their soulless depths, a sensation of icy coldness passed over me.
" This will never do," I said to myself. " If I go on like this I shall have to see a doctor ; and yet how ridiculous it is. Why that woman's eyes should haunt me so I cannot understand. In all probability I shall never see her again, and if I do, it will only be to discover that she is very beautiful, but in no respect different to other people."
But while I endeavoured to convince myself that it was all so absurd, I had the best of reasons for knowing that it was not so silly as I was anxious to suppose. At any rate, I did not go to bed again, and when, some hours later, my servant came to call me, he found me seated at my table, busily engaged writing letters. Years seemed to have elapsed since I had bade him good-night.
The last day of my stay in Paris had dawned, and, after my experience of the night, I began to think that I was not altogether sorry for it. A cold tub, however, somewhat revived me, and when I left my room I was, to all intents and purposes, myself once more.
It is one of those little idiosyncrasies in my character which afford my friends such an
46 A Cabinet Secret
excellent opportunity for making jokes at my expense, that when I go to Rome, Paris, Berlin, St Petersburg, or any other city I may be in the habit of visiting, that I in- variably stay at the same hotel and insist on being given the same bedroom I have occupied on previous occasions. For some reason a strange room is most obnoxious to me. In Paris, worthy Monsieur Frezmony is good enough to let me have a suite of apartments at the end of a long corridor on the first floor. They boast an excellent view from the windows, of the gardens of the Tuileries, and the whole suite is, above all, easy of access at any hour of the day or night. On this particular occasion, having dressed, I left my room and passed along the corridor in order to descend to the hall below. I was only a few paces from the head of the stairs when a door directly opposite opened, and a lady emerged and descended the stairs in front of me. She was dressed for going out, but, for the reason that my letters had just been handed to me and I was idly glancing at the envelopes, beyond noticing this fact, I bestowed but little more attention on her. She had reached the first landing, and I was some few steps behind her, when the chink of something
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falling caught my ears. Surely enough when I, in my turn, reached the landing I discovered a small bracelet lying upon the carpet. I im- mediately picked it up with the intention of returning it. But the lady was too quick for me and had reached the courtyard before I could set foot in the hall. A carriage was awaiting her coming at the foot of the steps, and she had already taken her place in it when I approached her. For the reason that she was putting up her parasol, it was impossible for me to see her face, but when she lifted it on hearing my voice, I discovered, to my amazement, that she was none other than the lady whose arrival I had witnessed on the previous afternoon, and whose eyes had had such a strange effect upon me ever since.
" Permit me to ask if this is your property, madam ? " I began, holding out the bracelet as I spoke. " I had the good fortune to discover it on the stairs just after you passed."
"Ah, yes, it is mine," she answered in excellent French, and in a voice that was low and musical. " I would not have lost it for anything. It was careless of me to have dropped it. I thank you most heartily."
She bowed, and at a signal from the Com- missionaire, the coachman started his horses,
48 A Cabinet Secret
and a moment later the carriage had left the courtyard.
For some moments after it had passed out of sight I stood looking in the direction it had taken. Then turning to the Commissionaire who stood before me, I enquired if it were in his power to tell me the name of the lady to whom I had rendered so small a service.
" She is Madame la Comtesse de Venetza," the man replied.
" The Countess de Venetza ? " said I to myself, " that tells me nothing. It sounds Italian. At the same time it might be almost anything else."
Circumstances forbade me that I should question the man further, though the tempta- tion was sufficiently great. Nothing remained, therefore, but to withdraw and to derive what consolation I could from the fact that I had spoken to her and knew her name.
" The Countess de Venetza," I repeated, as I made my way up the steps once more. The name had suddenly come to have a strange fascination for me. I found myself repeating it again and again, each time deriving a new sensation from it.
Having procured a morning paper, I returned to the verandah, seated myself in the place I
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had occupied on the previous afternoon, when I had first seen the Countess, and turned my attention to the English news. If the in- formation set forth there were to be believed, there could be no sort of doubt that we were distinctly nearer the trouble which had been brewing for so long. The wildest rumours were afloat, and the versions printed in the Parisian papers were not of a nature calculated to allay my fears. If what they said were correct there could be no doubt that England was standing face to face with one of the greatest dangers that had threatened her in her life as a nation. And yet it was im- possible to believe that the Might, Majesty, Dominion, and power of Great Britain could be successfully defied by a rabble horde such as we knew the Boers to be. But had we not the remembrance of '81 continually with us to remind us that on another lament- able occasion we had been too sanguine ? This time, I told myself, it was vitally necessary that it should be all going forward and no drawing back. If we set our hands to the plough, it must be with a rigorous deter- mination not to remove them until the task we had set ourselves should be accomplished. At last I threw down my paper in disgust. D
50 A Cabinet Secret
An overwhelming desire to thrash every journalistic cur who yelped at the heels of the British Lion was fast taking possession of me. For the first time since I had known her, Paris was positively distasteful to me.
" Perhaps monsieur will pardon me if I ask permission to glance at the paper he has just thrown down," said a polite voice at my elbow. " I have tried to obtain one at the hotel, but without success."
Turning, I saw beside me the taller of the two men I had seen with the Countess de Venetza on the preceding afternoon — the man with the bushy eyebrows who had driven up with her in the carriage, and who was lame.
"Take it by all means," I replied, handing it to him as I spoke. " I doubt, however, if you will find anything in it but a series of insults to England and her soldiers. That seems to be the metier of the Parisian Press just now."
" It is a thousand pities," the stranger replied, slowly and solemnly ; u and the more to be regretted for the reason that it does not voice the public sentiment."
I had no desire to be drawn into a political controversy with a man who, for all I knew to the contrary, might be an anarchist, a police
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spy, or an equally undesirable acquaintance. I accordingly allowed him to seat himself at some little distance from me and to peruse his paper in peace. He was still reading it when a carriage drove up, bringing the Countess de Venetza back to the hotel. Seeing her friend she approached him, whereupon he rose to greet her, still retaining the newspaper in his hand.
A few moments later another carriage drove up, and, when it came to a standstill, the weD- dressed individual who had waited in the verandah on the previous afternoon, alighted. That he was much agitated could be seen at first glance. I noticed also that he was doing
o o
his best to conceal the fact. As he approached his friends, he raised his hat with ceremonious politeness. Then he said something in an undertone which would have been inaudible more than a few paces away. The effect upon his comrades was electrical. The man gave a start of astonishment and horror, while the woman turned deathly pale, and for a moment looked as if she were about to faint. With an effort, however, she recovered her self- possession, and as she did so I noticed out of the corner of my eye (for the life of me I could not help watching them), that the man who
52 A Cabinet Secret
had brought this disconcerting intelligence turned quickly round as if to satisfy himself that her agitation had not been noticed by any one near at hand. Next moment they were walking slowly towards the main entrance, the woman's hands clenching and unclenching at every step. It was no business of mine, of course, but I felt as certain that the drama I had seen acted in front of me was of vital importance to the trio, but more especially so far as the woman was concerned. Had I known what the communication was, it is just possible I might have been able to avert what promised to be a great National calamity, and one which even now I can scarcely contemplate without a shudder.
How I came to know these things and how innocently I walked into the trap that had been so artfully laid for me, you shall hear. Believe me, if I say, without conceit, that the story is an exceedingly interesting one.
CHAPTER II
TV/TY arrangements were completed, and in spite of De Belleville's entreaty that I should remain for at least another day, I was adamant in my determination to leave Paris for England that night. I n view of the existing state of affairs there, it would be a truism to say that there was much to be done before the assembling of Parliament ; it behoved us all, we knew, to put our shoulders to the wheel and to do our utmost to help our country in her hour of need. Accordingly, the appointed moment found me at the railway station, whither my servant had preceded me. Williams is the best courier as well as the best servant in existence, and when I reached the platform it was to find my compartment reserved for me, my books and papers spread out to my hand, my cap and travelling rug in readiness, and the faithful man himself on guard at the door. It only wanted three minutes to starting time, and already the
53
54 A Cabinet Secret
various functionaries were busying themselves with intending passengers.
"It looks as if we shall have a full train, Williams," I said, as I stood at the door gazing down the platform. " Let us hope we shall have a good crossing ! "
" The weather report is favourable, sir," he replied.
I returned to the other end of the carriage to look for my cigar-case and was in the act of cutting a weed when I heard Williams' voice raised as if in expostulation.
" I must beg your pardon, sir," he was saying in his curious French, that no experience ever makes any better or any worse, " but this is a reserved compartment."
" But, my good fellow, there is no more room in the train," said a voice I instantly recognised. " Pray speak to your master and I am sure he will not deny our request."
I walked to the door where this conversation was being carried on, to discover the lady and the two men who have already figured so prominently in my narrative, standing upon the platform.
" I am afraid we are taking an unwarrantable liberty in asking such a favour from you," the elder man began, " but by our carelessness we
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are placed in a dilemma. We omitted to secure a compartment, and now the train is so full that we cannot procure seats. It is most necessary for us to cross to London to-night, and unless you will go so far out of your way as to permit us to share your carriage with you, I fear we must remain behind. The train is about to start even now."
Though I had no desire for their company, courtesy forbade that I should insist upon my rights. Nothing remained for it, therefore, but for me to submit with as much graciousnes as I could assume.
" Pray step in," I said. " It is the fault of the Railway Authorities who should provide sufficient accommodation for travellers. May I ask which seat you prefer, madame ? "
With an expression of her thanks she chose the corner at the further end of the compart- ment, and opposite the corner Williams had prepared for me. Her companions followed her, and a moment later the train moved slowly out of the station and our journey had com- menced. That journey will be remembered by two of our number, at least, so long as they can recollect anything. I am not going to pretend that I felt at my ease for the first part of it. Far from it. I fancy the
56 A Cabinet Secret
Countess must have noticed this, for she did not address me for some time, vouchsafing me an opportunity of becoming accustomed to the novelty of the situation. Then, feeling that it was incumbent on me to do the honours of the compartment, I offered her her choice of papers. She chose one, and, when she had opened it, assured me that I was at liberty to smoke, should I care to do so. Her com- panions had also made themselves at home, so that by the time our train ran through Ailly- sur-Noye we might have been said to have been on comparatively intimate terms with each other.
" I have an idea that my father and I have had the pleasure of meeting an old friend of yours lately," said the Countess, when the station to which I have just referred was a thing of the past and we were speeding on towards the sea.
" Really ! " I replied, with some little astonishment. " Pray, who might that friend be?"
"The Duke of Rotherhithe," she returned, and, as she said it, she neatly folded the paper she had been reading and laid it on the seat beside her.
"A friend of mine, indeed," I answered.
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" I fancied, however, that he was yachting- in the Mediterranean ? "
"Exactly! He was! We met him quite by chance in Constantinople, and, finding that we were anxious to reach Naples as quickly as possible, he offered to convey us thither in his yacht. I remember that he spoke most kindly of you."
" The dear fellow ! " I replied. " We were at school together and afterwards at the 'Varsity."
So easily impressed is the human mind by former associations, that the mere fact that the Countess de Venetza and her father had lately been the guests of my old friend, Rotherhithe, was sufficient to make me treat them in an entirely different fashion to what I had hitherto done. Until that time I had rather prided myself upon being a somewhat sceptical man of the world, but, now I was giving splendid proofs of my peculiar suscepti- bility. There was, however, a grain of suspicion still lingering about me. I accord- ingly proceeded to indirectly question her concerning my friend, and, as I noticed that she answered without hesitation or any attempt at concealment, my doubts faded away until they vanished altogether. We talked of the Princess Balroubadour with
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the familiarity of old friends ; Rotherhithe's antipathy to those whom he described as "foreigners" afforded us conversation for another five minutes ; while the Malapropisms, if I may coin a word, of his head steward, were sufficient to carry us through two more stations without a single break in the conversa- tion. We discussed the various Ports of the Mediterranean, ran up to Assuan in a dahabiyeh) and afterwards made a pilgrimage to Sinai together. The Countess was a witty conversationalist and, as I discovered, a close observer of all that went on around her. Her father and cousin, beyond putting in a word now and again, scarcely spoke, but seemed absorbed in their books and papers.
At last we reached Calais, and it became necessary for us to leave the train. It was a beautiful evening ; the sea was as smooth as glass, while there was not enough wind to stir the pennant on the steamer's masthead.
" I am sure we cannot thank you enough for permitting us to share your carriage," said the Countess as we left the train and prepared to go on board the steamer. "Had it not been for your kindness, I fear we should still be in Paris, instead of being well on our way to England."
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I returned something appropriate to this remark, then, side by side, we boarded the steamer.
" Since you have been yachting with the Duke of Rotherhithe," I said, when we had gained the deck, "it is only fair to suppose that you are a good sailor, Countess ? "
" Oh, yes ! " she answered, with a little laugh; "I am an excellent sailor. But— forgive my asking the question — how did you become aware of my identity?"
" I happened to hear your name at the hotel this morning," I replied. "It was told me after I had restored the bangle you so nearly lost."
At this moment her father put in an appearance and caused a diversion by en- quiring after the safety of her jewel-case, which, it appeared, stood in continual danger of being lost. A few seconds later the boat was under weigh and we had said good-bye to French soil. As we left the place of embarkation it seemed to me that my com- panion gave a little sigh, and noticing that it was followed by a slight shiver, I enquired whether she felt cold. She replied in the negative, though at the same time she drew her furs a little closer round her.
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" I wonder whether certain places affect you as they do me," she said, when the French port lay well astern and we were heading for the white cliffs of England. " It is strange that I never leave Calais without undergoing a decided feeling of depression. I don't know why it should be so ; it is a fact, nevertheless."
" I hope it is not the thought of visiting England that causes it ? " I replied with an attempt at jocularity. " You have visited our country before, of course ? "
" Very often," she answered ; " we have many friends in England."
"In the list of whom I hope you will permit me some day to number myself?" I continued with an eagerness that was not at all usual with me.
" I shall be very pleased," she returned quietly, and then looked away across the still water to where a French pilot cutter lay be- calmed half a mile or so away.
An hour later we reached Dover.
Just as we were entering the harbour, the Countess's father approached me and thanked me effusively for my kindness in permitting them to share my carriage from Paris.
" But you must not let my generosity, such
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as it is, cease there ! " I replied. " I hope you will also share my carriage to London, that is to say if the Countess is not already too tired of my society."
"It would be ungenerous to say so if I were," she answered with a smile. " But if you, on your side, do not feel that we have trespassed too far already, I am sure we shall be only too glad to accept your kind offer."
The Custom authorities having been satis- fied as to the innocence of our baggage, we took our seats in the carriage which had been reserved for me. My indispensable Williams made his appearance with an armful of papers, and then we started upon the last stage of our journey. When I had handed the Countess a copy of the Globe, I selected a Pall Mall for myself, and turned to the page containing the latest war news. From what I found there, there could be no doubt that the situation was hourly increasing in danger. There were complications on every side, and the position was not rendered easier by the fact that a certain number of prominent politicians were en- deavouring to make capital out of the difficulties of the Government.
" I suppose there can now be no doubt as to
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the probability of war?" said Count Reiffenburg, looking up from his paper as he spoke.
" None whatever, I should say," I an- swered. "If the papers are to be believed the clouds are blacker and heavier than they have yet been. I fear the storm must burst ere long."
The Countess did not take any part in our conversation, but I fancied that she was listen- ing. Not feeling any desire to continue the discussion with the younger man, I returned to my paper, leaving him to follow my example. A few minutes later the Countess put down her Globe, and sat looking out upon the country through which we were passing.
" I see they have captured another notorious anarchist in Naples," I said, after we had been sitting in silence for some minutes. "So far as can be gathered from the report given here, the arrest is likely to prove important in more respects than one."
" Indeed," said the Countess, looking steadily at me as she spoke. " The police are certainly becoming more expeditious in the matter of arrests. The only difficulty they experience is the finding of any substantial crime against their victims when they have brought about their capture. Pray, who is this particular man?"
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" An individual rejoicing in the romantic name of Luigi Ferreira," I answered. "It appears that they have been endeavouring to lay their hands upon him for some time past. Until now, however, he has managed to slip through their fingers."
"Poor fellow!" said the Countess, still in the same even voice. " I hope it will not prejudice you against me, but I cannot help feeling a little sympathy for people — however misguided they may be — who imperil their own safety for the sake of bringing about what they consider the ultimate happiness of others."
Then, as though the matter no longer interested her, she returned to the perusal of her paper. Her cousin had all this time been drumming with his fingers in an im- patient manner, so I thought, upon the glass of the window beside which he sat. For my own part, I scarcely knew what to make of this young man. Though he did not show it openly, I could not help thinking that he was jealous of the attention I was paying his fair cousin. As the idea crossed my mind I remembered the previous afternoon, when I had sat in the portico of the hotel, speculating as to the nationality and lives of
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the people about me. How little I had thought then that twenty - four hours later would find me seated with them in an English railway carriage, discussing the for- tune of another man with whom neither I, nor they, for the matter of that — at least, so I then supposed — had even the remotest connection.
It was not until we were approaching the end of our journey that I spoke to my vis-a-vis concerning her stay in London.
"We shall in all probability remain in London for some three or four months," she said. " I hope, if you can spare the time, that you will call upon me. I have taken Wiltshire House, by the way, and shall be most pleased to see you."
I must confess that her announcement caused me a considerable amount of surprise. All things considered, it was rather a strange coincidence, for, only that morning, I had received a letter from my sister Ethelwyn, who, as you are doubtless aware, is the Countess of Brewarden, in which occurred the following significant passage (Ethelwyn, I might here remark, is somewhat given to the florid style) : —
" Existence is now altogether a blank ! the dream of mv life — Wiltshire House — has vanished. Some rich
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foreigner has taken it, and in consequence George (my brother-in-law) and I have quarrelled desperately. He declares it is a good thing it is let, as he couldn't think of it. He moreover avers that it would cost a king's ransom to keep up. Nevertheless, I shall detest the foreigner whoever she or he may be."
I can scarcely say how I derived the im- pression, but, until that moment, I had not supposed my fair friend to be the possessor of any great wealth. It was the more surprising, therefore, to hear that she was not only a rich woman, but also that she was to be the temporary mistress of one of the most beauti- ful and expensive dwellings in the Metropolis. Needless to say, I did not let her become aware of the surprise she had given me, but contented myself with thanking her and ex- pressing the hope that shortly I should be able to do myself the honour of calling upon her.
"You won't allow your public duties to make you forget your promise to come and see me, I hope," said the Countess, as we shook hands.
" You may be quite sure that I shall not," I replied.
" Then, au revoir, and many thanks for the kindness you have shown us."
" It has given me the greatest possible E
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pleasure," I answered, and, as I said it, I had a guilty remembrance of my uncharitable feelings that morning, when I had discovered that my privacy was destined to be disturbed. Yet so pleasantly had the time passed, that I felt as if I had known the Countess for years instead of hours.
When I reached my house it was to find everything just as I had left it. A cheerful fire blazed in my study, the latest evening papers lay, cut and folded, upon a table beside my favourite chair ; a subdued light shone above the table in the dining-room adjoining, and everything denoted the care and comfort which a master possessing good servants has a right to expect. Having removed the stains of travel, and changed my attire, I sat down to dinner, afterwards spent an hour skimming my correspondence, then, to fill up the time, I ordered a cab and drove to my favourite Club.
Though I had only been absent from England a short time, and had not been further than Paris, I discovered that I had a vast amount of news to hear. Men imparted their informa- tion to me as if I had that day returned from Central Africa or the Australian Bush. Young Paunceford, the member for Banford, for which place his father had sat before him,
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was good enough to give me his views on the Crisis. His complaint was that no one would listen to him, and, in consequence, he was only too glad to find some one who required bringing up to date. That I happened to be a Cabinet Minister as well as an old friend made no sort of difference.
" By Jove, I envy you," he said, as he lit a fresh cigar. " I can tell you, if you play your cards carefully, you'll be no end of a swell over this business. Why on earth couldn't I have had such an opportunity ? "
" For the simple reason that you know too much, my boy," said a man in the Guards, who happened to be sitting near. " Haven't you heard that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing? They know Manderville's safe on a secret, so they gave him the job. What's the use of a secret unless there's some mystery about it. By the way, talking of mysteries, what's this about Wiltshire House ? Somebody tells me that it has been let to the prettiest woman in Europe. Do any of you know anything about her ? "
Paunceford was as well informed upon this as upon all other subjects.
" Of course," he replied ; " the news is as old as the hills. I heard it from Bill Kingsbury,
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who was in the agent's shop, or office — whatever they call it — when the business was being arranged. But it's all nonsense about her being the prettiest woman in Europe. Hailed from Jamaica, I believe ; has to own to curly hair and to just one touch of the tar-brush."
" Paunceford seems to know all about her," said another man. "He always is well informed, however, upon any matter, whatever it may be. If there's going to be a war the House ought to vote a sum sufficient to send him out, in order that he may keep the Authorities posted on the progress of affairs. You've missed your vocation, Paunceford ; you'd make an ideal War Correspondent."
" Too much imagination," said the man in the Guards ; "military matters must be taken seriously. But nobody has answered my question yet. Who is this lady who has taken Wiltshire House ? "
" I have already told you," said Paunceford sulkily. " I never came across such a set of unbelievers."
"Elderly, coloured, and of West Indian origin ? " said the Guardsman. "It doesn't sound well."
I could stand it no longer.
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"For goodness sake," I put in, "don't go about the town spreading that report. I assure you Paunceford is, as usual, altogether out of it."
"How do you know that?" asked Paunce- ford suspiciously.
" Because I happen to have had the good- fortune to travel with the lady from Paris to-day," I replied, with just that little touch of satisfaction the position warranted.
" And yet you kept quiet about it," said another man. "Well, you are a reticent beggar, I must say. Don't you know this has been one of the mysteries of the town. My goodness, man, you shan't escape from this room until you have told us all about her ! Who is she ? What is she ? What is her name? How much money has she? Above all, is she pretty ? "
" She is the Countess de Venetza," I replied. " Italian, I should say ; rich — since she has taken Wiltshire House ; and as for her personal appearance — well, when you see her, you will be able to judge of that for yourselves."
" Excellent ! " said the Guardsman. " I prefer Manderville's report to yours, Paunceford. Is she married ? "
" A widow, I fancy," I replied.
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"Still better! If she is kind to me I will make her reputation, and Wiltshire House shall be the smartest caravanserai in London. Not shooting in your wood, Manderville, I hope ? "
" I wish to goodness you men wouldn't spend your time so much in inventing new slang," I answered. " But some of you seem to have nothing else to do. Now that I have satisfied your curiosity, I shall go home to bed. The early bird catches the early news. In these days one lives for the morning papers."
Paunceford saw another opportunity.
" Talking of morning papers " he began,
but before he had finished the sentence I had left the room.
Being tired when I reached home I went straight to bed. Remembering my experi- ence of the previous night, I was determined that this one should make up for it. To my disappointment, however, I discovered that, tired though I was, sleep would not visit my eyelids. I was as wide awake when I had been two hours in bed as I was when I entered my room. Once more, as on the previous night, I was haunted with the re- membrance of the Countess's eyes ; do what I would, I could not get them out of my mind.
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Tired at last of tumbling and tossing, and thoroughly angry with myself, and the world in general, I rose, donned a dressing-gown, and went into the small study that adjoins my bedroom. The fire was not quite ex- tinguished, and with some little coaxing I was able to induce it to burn again. Taking a book I drew up my chair, seated myself in it, and tried to read. I must have done so to some purpose, for after a time I fell asleep. Possibly it may have been due to the fact that I had had no rest on the previous night, and that my mind was naturally much occupied with the gravity of England's situation, and the part I had to play in the coming strife ; at any rate, my dreams were not only vivid but decidedly alarming. I dreamt that I was in a transport en route to the Cape, and that the vessel struck a rock, and sank with all the troops on board. There was no time to get out the boats, and, in company with some hundreds of others, I was precipitated into the water. While we were still struggling with the waves, a life-boat made her appearance, and, to my intense astonish- ment, standing in the bows was no less a person than the Countess De Venetza. What was stranger still, she carried in her hand a
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heavy spear, or harpoon, with which, whenever a drowning man approached the boat, she stabbed him in the back, laughing as she did so. Then, by means of that wonderful mechanical ingenuity with which the theatres of the land of dreams are furnished, the scene changed to a lonely plain at the foot of a rugged mountain-range. A battle had been fought upon it, and the dead and wounded still lay where they had fallen. So real did it appear to me, that when I recognised here and there the faces of friends, I found myself wondering what I should say to their loved ones when I returned to England. Suddenly, in the weird light, for the moon was shining above the mountain-peaks, there appeared from among the rocks on the further side of the plain a woman, whose face I instantly recognised. With stealthy steps she left her hiding-place and descended to where the wounded lay thickest. In her hand she carried the same spear that I remembered in my previous dream, and with it she stabbed every man who remained alive. So terrible was the expression upon her face as she did so, that I turned away from her in loathing and disgust. When I looked again she was bending over the body of a man who still lived, but who was bleeding
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from a deep wound in his side. Picture my consternation when I discovered that he was none other than the Guardsman who had been so persistent in his inquiries that night concern- ing her. As I watched, for I was unable to move hand or foot to save him, a low moan escaped his lips, followed by an appeal for water. With the same expression of fiendish rage upon her face that I had noticed before, she raised the spear, and was about to plunge it into his breast, when with a cry I awoke, to find the sun streaming into the room, and my respectable Williams standing before me.
" Good gracious, Williams, how you startled me ! " I said. " What on earth am I doing here ? Ah, I remember ! I could not sleep, so I came in to get a book. I suppose I must have fallen asleep over it. What news is there this morning ? "
There was an air of mystery about Williams that I knew heralded the announcement of some extraordinary information.
"Yes, sir," he said, "there is some important news. The papers do say that ' War is de- clared.'"
CHAPTER III
TOURING the week which followed my **** return to London, events followed thick and fast upon each other. The now famous Ultimatum issued by the enemy, though sur- prising enough at the time, was not altogether unexpected. Its presumptuous tone, however, was the cause of general comment. As a matter of fact, it was not until it became known that the enemy, instead of waiting to be at- tacked in their own territory, had invaded that of Her Majesty the Queen, that the first feel- ing of amazement changed to one of anger, and, if the truth must be told, to one of no little anxiety. Our Force at the front was well known to be inadequate, and, as we had the best of reasons for being aware, a considerable time would have to elapse before it would be possible for it to be supplemented.
In my new capacity as a member of the Cabinet, my knowledge of the country in which
74
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we were about to fight stood me in good stead ; consequently, I was kept busily employed after my return to England. The situation, as I have already said, was one of considerable anxiety, but as soon as it was announced that that popular soldier, Sir William Woller, had been selected to proceed to the South, in order to take up the Chief Command, the public fears were in a great measure allayed. With perhaps but three exceptions, no more popular choice could have been made, and I do not think I am breaking faith with my colleagues when I say that we were all agreed upon this point. The decision was arrived at on Wednesday afternoon, and orders were issued that the General in question should sail from South- ampton on the following Saturday. On the Friday morning he was to be present at an important Council at the War Office ; in the afternoon he was to be received in Audience at Windsor, and at eleven o'clock on Saturday morning he was due to leave Waterloo for Southampton Docks.
Now, Woller and I had been friends for many years, and immediately his appointment was made known, I hastened to write him a letter of congratulation. In it I said that if he should have sufficient time at his disposal to
76 . A Cabinet Secret
allow me a chance of seeing him, before he left London, I should like to shake him by the hand and wish him God-speed. He replied to the effect that he would be dining with the Commander-in-Chief on Friday evening, and informed me that I was to be one of the party. In confirmation of this the next post brought me an invitation which I hastened to accept.
In due course Friday evening arrived, and the appointed hour found me at the Com- mander-in-Chief's residence in Bruton Street. I had already been informed that it was to be quite a small and friendly affair — as a matter of fact, the guest of the evening, myself, and two other friends, constituted the party. I was the first to arrive, Sir George Brandon followed me, Berkeley Burroughes came next, and as soon as he had put in an appearance, we only required Woller to make the number complete. He was late, however. Eight o'clock struck, and still there was no sign of him. Our host, in apologising for the delay, reminded us that, owing to the multitudinous claims upon Sir William's time, it might be impossible for him to avoid being just a little late. When, how- ever, the clock upon the mantel-piece stood at half-past eight, we began to look at each other and to wonder what could have become of him.
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At last the Commander-in-Chief was unable to bear the suspense any longer.
" If you will excuse me," he said, " I will tele- phone to his house, and find out at what time he left there. Woller is such a punctual man that this delay is, to say the least of it, extraordinary."
He left the room, and during his absence we kept up that desultory kind of conversa- tion with which one endeavours to cover the uneasiness caused by the non-arrival of an anticipated guest. A few moments later the Commander-in-Chief returned with a puzzled expression upon his face.
"It becomes more inexplicable every minute," said he. " From what I can gather Woller has not been seen at his house since he left it for Windsor. It is really most singular, and I am at a loss to know what construction to put upon it. However, if you have no objection, we will give him another quarter of an hour's grace, and if he is not here then, go into dinner."
We waited the allotted time with what patience we could command, and when it had expired, left the drawing-room and proceeded to the dining-room, where we sat down to the long-delayed meal.
I cannot pretend for a moment that the
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meal was a success. The non-appearance of our old friend, the man who on the morrow was to leave England on one of the most important errands she has ever intrusted to a son, sat like a wet blanket upon us. If at the last moment he had been prevented from coming, how was it that he had not sent a note of apology and explanation to his host? Had he met with an accident, or been taken suddenly ill, he would at least have given instructions that a telegram should be sent. Woller, as we were well aware, was the pink of politeness ; he was also a strict disciplinarian, not only of others, but also of himself. That he would, therefore, have treated with discourtesy a man who besides being his senior officer was also his old friend, was the most unlikely thing in the world. There were special reasons that prevented us discussing the matter in all its bearings just then, but that we were all equally disquieted by his absence was quite certain. I was the first to leave the house, and I can remember that it was exactly a quarter past eleven when the front door closed behind me. Up to that moment no word of apology, excuse, or explanation had been received from the missing man.
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"It's just possible that I may find a message from him awaiting me when I reach home," I said to myself as I took my place in my brougham.
I was destined to be disappointed, however.
There were several letters and two telegrams lying upon my table, but not one of any sort from Woller.
" Are you quite sure that no messenger has called from Sir William Woller?" I asked Williams, when he came to my dressing- room, a quarter of an hour later.
" No, sir, I am quite sure of that," he replied ; " had any one called I should have been informed of it."
With that assurance I was perforce com- pelled to be content. I can give you my word, however, that I was by no means easy in my mind concerning Sir William's silence.
Next morning, when I was in the middle of my breakfast, a note was handed me from the Commander-in-Chief. It ran as follows : —
" DEAR MANDERVILLE, — Could you spare me ten minutes as soon as possible after your receipt of this ? I would call upon you myself, but for various reasons, which I will explain to you when I see you, I am unable to leave the house until I go down to Pall Mall."
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Here followed an assurance that the writer was very truly mine, his signature, and a post- script to the effect that the bearer would wait for an answer. I scribbled a hasty reply, saying that I would come round to Bruton Street at once, and as soon as I had made my toilet, called a cab and set off. On my arrival there I was shown direct to the Commander-in-Chiefs study, where I found him awaiting my coming with considerable impatience.
"It is very good of you to come so promptly," he said. "To tell you the truth, I am very uneasy, and as we are both old friends of the man, I thought I would consult you in an ex-officio capacity, before going to the Secretary of State for War."
" I am to gather from this, I suppose, that up to the present, you have not heard any- thing of Woller," I answered, with a little sinking of the heart, for I made sure that morning would dispel the mystery that en- veloped his behaviour.
" You have guessed correctly," he said. " 1 have caused the most careful enquiries to be made, and have learnt that he left Windsor by the 3.25 train, reached Pad- dington at 4.2, entered a cab there, and has
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not since been heard of. Unfortunately, as nobody seems to have been aware of his identity, the number of the cab was not taken, and, so far as we are able to ascer- tain, none of the drivers in the station-yard at the time appear to be able to recollect whose vehicle it was that he employed. If you reflect that it has been arranged that he shall leave London for Southampton at eleven o'clock this morning, and that an enormous crowd will be at the station to see him off, it will at once become evident to you that his non-appearance will be far from making a good impression upon the public mind."
" But what has become of him ? He can't have vanished into space."
"There are many other ways in which he might disappear," said my companion gloomily.
" Surely you don't suppose he has been the victim of foul play ? "
I put the question hesitatingly, for I knew the thoughts that were in my own mind.
" I scarcely know what to think," the other replied. " I can only confess that I am alarmed, seriously alarmed, by his prolonged absence. Woller, as you know, is a man who realises to the full the responsibilities entailed
F
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by his present position. Duty with him is more than duty, it is a matter of life and death ; he knows that the eyes of England, of Europe, and I might even say of the whole world, are upon him, and for that reason alone I feel sure he would not cause us so much anxiety of his own free will."
" In that case, what do you intend doing?" I enquired, for I could well foresee the terrible trouble to which the situation would give rise. "It is now a quarter to ten, and in little more than an hour he will be expected at Waterloo. If the crowd don't see him they will begin to wonder, the man in the street will begin to talk, the newspapers will take up the tale, and in a few hours we shall have entered on a new phase of the situation."
The Commander-in-Chief rose and began to pace the room.
" I have already sent a special messenger with a letter to the Secretary of State," he replied. "In it I have told him what I fear and also what I have done. I shall consult the various heads of Departments as soon as I reach Pall Mall, on the bare chance that one of them may be able to elucidate the mystery.
" At the same time I should communicate
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with the railway authorities, if I were you," I continued. " I should inform them that, owing to the fact of his being detained by matters of the greatest importance, it is possible that Woller may not be able to travel by that particular train."
"That is a good idea," the Commander-in- Chief replied ; " I will act upon it at once. In the event of our receiving no news, that should be sufficient to give us time to arrange some other plan. It will mean delaying the vessel at Southampton, however, and — good gracious me ! — what a pile of difficulties it will land us in ! The Colonial Secretary must be informed, and the matter must come before the Cabinet. As you said just now, if by any chance it should leak out and the Press get hold of it, there is no telling where it will end."
"You have communicated with Scotland Yard, of course ? "
" I sent a messenger to them shortly after midnight, that is to say, as soon as I had found out that Woller had left Windsor, and that he had not been to his Club, or to his own house. Their best men are at work upon it, but so far without any satisfactory result."
" And can his own servants throw any light upon the matter?"
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" None whatever ! " the Commander- in Chief replied. " When he left for Windsor he in- formed them he should be back early, in order to dress for my dinner in the evening. They say he appeared to be in the best of health and spirits, and seemed greatly pleased with the arrangements made for his journey to-day. Lord Laverstock accompanied him from the Castle, and was the last to speak to him at Windsor Station. From the conversation I have had with him by telephone, I gathered that Woller was looking forward to his dinner with us last night. The guard of the train corroborates the fact that he travelled to Paddington. For the reason that the Railway Authorities expected him by the next train, there was no crowd upon the platform to witness his arrival. On alighting he simply called a cab and drove away. After that he vanishes completely."
"There is no way, I suppose, in which we can make further enquiries concerning him ? "
" There is nothing so far as I can see. We are doing all that is possible, but our position in the meantime is a most anxious and un- pleasant one. Now I shall hasten along to see the Secretary of State for War, and hear what he thinks of the situation. He will
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doubtless consider it necessary to call an immediate meeting of the Council, when the situation can be discussed in all its bearings."
" Let us hope that he may be heard of before very long," I replied.
So saying I left him and drove home again, feeling sadly upset by the untoward turn events had taken. What could have become of poor Woller ? Had he been decoyed into some slum and murdered ? A hundred fears for his safety assailed me, each one equally probable and equally cruel.
When I reached my house I found that the letters had arrived, and were spread out upon my study table. Still thinking of Woller, I opened the envelopes and scanned their contents. One was larger than the others, and on opening it I found that it contained a card, upon which the following words were printed : —
" The Countess de Venetza at Home on Wednes- day, November the 2ist, from nine until eleven o'clock."
In the bottom left-hand corner was the address, "Wiltshire House."
As I stood with the card in my hand, the memory of my first meeting with the Countess came back to me. So rapidly had events
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moved of late, that it seemed as if a year had elapsed since I had last seen her. I recalled the impression her dark haunting eyes had made upon me, and, discourteous though it may be to say so, I must confess that a shudder passed over me at the recollection. I placed the card upon my mantel-piece, and, for the time being, thought no more about it. There were other and more weighty matters than an invitation from a pretty woman to be considered that day.
Every one who has followed the progress of the war — and there are few who have not — will recall the wave of consternation and dismay that swept over England when the news became known that Sir William Woller, the newly-appointed Commander-in- Chief for South Africa, had disappeared, and could not be found. A thousand rumours, all of them equally sensational, and all equally wide of the mark, flew about the country ; but despite the efforts of the police, the jibes of the Press, the scarcely veiled sneers of Little Englanders and the openly-expressed contempt of our Continental neighbours, not a trace of the missing man could be discovered. A meet- ing of the Cabinet was immediately summoned, with the result that General Grey- Mortimer, a
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gallant gentleman and an experienced soldier, was at once despatched to the front, in tem- porary command. In the meantime, the wildest excitement prevailed in England. Transports were leaving the various ports every day, the Reservists were called up, the Militia and Volunteers were being equipped and drilled, if necessary, for active service. Plainly the heart of the country was stirred to the very centre of its being.
Such was the Public Temper at the time that few entertainments were given by Society. Such as there were, and to which I was in- vited, I, for the most part, declined. An exception was made, however, where the Countess de Venetza was concerned. The temptation to see her play the part of a hostess was more than I could resist, and for this reason, ten o'clock on the night set forth upon her card found me mounting the magnificent staircase of Wiltshire House. From the number of arrivals and the crowd- ing of the stairs, it was plain, despite the excitement of that period, that her " At Home " was likely to be a crowded one. Her beauty, her wealth, the fact that she was for the time being the possessor of Wiltshire House, her famous team ^of black
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Orloffs, behind which she drove in the Park, had combined to make her one of the year's sensations. The grandeur of her entertain- ments had quickly become proverbial, and in consequence, to admit that one had not the entree to Wiltshire House, was to argue oneself unknown. Ascending the staircase by my side, cool, calm and collected, as if the enormous weight of responsibility he was then carrying were of no account, was no less a person than the Colonial Secretary. When the history of the century, and of this war in particular, shall come to be written, the character of the Honourable Benjamin Castellan will shine prominently out. The possessor of a serene imperturbability that nothing could disturb, a keen observer, a born leader of men, and boasting that most necessary of all qualifications, a firm belief in himself, a better man for the arduous post he occupied could not have been discovered.
" I was not aware that you knew the Countess," I said, as we climbed the stairs together.
"Nor did I that until a few days ago," he answered. " May I ask where you made her acquaintance?"
"In Paris," I replied. "We stayed at the
WE WERE RECEIVED BY THE COUNTESS.
To face frige Sy.
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same hotel. She and her father had just returned from a yachting trip in the Mediter- ranean with the Duke of Rotherhithe."
Now, I am sorry to have to confess it, but that little speech of mine was destined to work an incalculable amount of harm. Castellan has confessed to me since that he was at first inclined to be somewhat distrustful of the Countess. When I informed him, however, that our hostess had been the guest of such a well-known personage as the Duke of Rotherhithe she figured in his eyes in a different light, with what result you shall presently hear.
On the broad landing at the head of the staircase we were received by the Countess. A more beautiful figure than she presented at that moment it would have been difficult to find. Perfectly dressed, carrying herself with a graceful assurance as to the manner born, she made an ideal hostess. If further evidence of her wealth were wanting, it might have been found in the magnificent diamond tiara she wore upon her head, in the broad collet of the same precious stones about her neck, and in the beautiful bracelets that encircled her wrists. Only once before could I recall such a display, and then the wearer was an
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Emperor's escort As you may remember, when I first saw her in Paris, it had struck me that her attire was just one little point behind the "prevailing mode." Now, however, it was as near perfection as it was possible for human hands to make it. She greeted Castellan first
" It is indeed kind of you, Mr Castellan, to come to me when every moment of your time is of such value," she said, as she shook hands with him. " I follow your doings with the greatest eagerness, and marvel that you should have the strength to accomplish so much."
" Have you ever discovered that stress of work promotes growth of power," said the Colonial Secretary. Then, with one of his inscrutable smiles, he added : " Pardon me, Countess, I had forgotten for the moment that your power does not depend upon your work ! "
"Ah! I fear you intend a compliment," returned the lady with a smile. " Must it remain for a foreigner to remind you of your own Milton ?
' What is strength without a double share Of wisdom? vast, unwieldly, burdensome, Proudly secure, yet liable to fall By weakest subtilities; not made to rule, But to subserve where wisdom bears command.'"
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It was not difficult to see that the aptness of the quotation astonished the Colonial Secretary. The purity of the Countess's English was also a surprise to me ; but for certain unmistakable indications it would not have been thought that she was a foreigner. When Castellan had passed on his way, she turned to me with a little gesture, as if she were pleased to welcome an old friend.
" Ah ! Sir George," she said, " I am so pleased to see you. But I think I should give you a scolding for not having been before."
I hastened to excuse myself on the plea of over-work, and, having obtained forgiveness and promised to amend my conduct in the future, I passed on to shake hands with her father. When I had been again thanked for my kindness in the matter of the French train, I followed the Colonial Secretary into the ball-room. I had not been there many minutes before I was greeted by a voice, which I instantly recognised, saying : " How do you do, Sir George," and turning, I found myself face to face with the handsome young Count Reiffenburg, Madame's cousin.
"And how do you like London?" I enquired, after the usual polite salutations had
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passed between us. "I think I understood you to say, on the occasion of our crossing from Paris, that this was your first visit?"
" I like it very much," he replied, " but, to be candid, not so much as Paris. I trust that is not a rude thing to say in London ? "
" Every one is entitled to express his own opinion," I answered, somewhat coldly, for I had taken an instinctive dislike to this young fellow. " You must remember that you are seeing England at her worst just now. The times are too anxious for us to be very
gay."
" You refer to the war, I suppose ? " he answered. Then he added with what I could not help thinking was intended for a sneer : " The war is the sensation of the moment."
"It naturally would be," I replied. " Though proverbially phlegmatic, we still have sufficient feeling left to be patriotic ; but perhaps your sympathies are with the other side ? "
"One can scarcely help feeling some sym- pathy "
" My dear Conrad," said the Countess, who had come upon us unperceived, " I really can- not let you talk politics in my ball-room. Go away and find your partner at once. Prove to her that you have learned to valse in Vienna."
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She tapped him playfully on the arm with her fan, but for my own part I could not help thinking that her words were not meant to be taken as lightly as she had spoken them. At any rate, the young man muttered something under his breath and left us."
"Conrad is a foolish but a warm-hearted boy," said the Countess, looking after him. " Because Messieurs les Boers don't wear uniforms, and are not nice to look at, he calls them patriots fighting for their country, and honours them as such."
" I fear there are many like him," I replied. " I trust, however, Countess, that we have the good fortune to possess your sympathy ? "
" Could any one help sympathising with the handsome British officers ? " she answered. " I have no doubt "
At that moment a sudden buzz of excite- ment ran through the room, and she stopped without completing her sentence. It began near the door, and quickly spread from group to group. Whatever the news was, it caused a look of consternation to appear on every face.
" What can be the matter ? " asked the Countess. " I wonder what they are all talking about ? "
94 ^4 Cabinet Secret
As she finished speaking the Colonial Secretary came up to us.
" I hope that you are not the bearer of evil tidings," said my companion to him. At the same moment I noticed that her face was very white, and that there was a frightened look in her eyes.
" We have just received terrible intelligence," he replied. " The steamer, Sultan of Sedawg, with Sir Grey-Mortimer, his staff, and the first Midlandshire Regiment on board, has been blown up at Madeira, and only three men saved."
The shock was so terrible, that for a moment I stood as if tongue-tied.
"And Grey-Mortimer?" I asked, when I could speak.
" Killed," was the reply.
" Good Heavens ! how terrible ! " I said. " Are you quite sure it is true ? How did you hear the news ? "
" A message has just reached me from the Office," he replied. " There can be no doubt about it ! "
" Woller first, now Grey- Mortimer," I said to myself. "What can it mean? I shall go to the Admiralty and obtain full particulars."
" I will accompany you," said the Colonial
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Secretary. " Good-night, Countess, and many thanks for your hospitality. I am sorry indeed that this news should have reached us at such a time."
"And I too," she answered. Then, turning to me, she continued : "I hope you will come and see me again, Sir George ? "
As she said it, she looked into my face with a glance that would have set many hearts, less susceptible than mine, beating with unusual vigour. The memory of that look accompanied me down the stairs and remained with me for some time after I was seated in the Colonial Secretary's brougham. Then we set off to the Admiralty to learn the details of the disaster. Alas ! as Castellan had said, it proved only too true. The steam- ship Sultan of Sedang had reached Madeira safely, and had anchored in the Bay. Nothing of a suspicious nature occurred, nor was any boat seen near the ship after dark. Suddenly a terrific explosion was heard, and the great vessel was blown to pieces, the only men who escaped with their lives being a stoker, a sergeant in the Midlandshire regiment, and an officer's servant. At the time of telegraphing, boats were out searching the Bay, while the most careful investigation
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as to the cause of the disaster was proceeding on shore. The Colonial Secretary and I left the Admiralty when we had heard all there was to be told, and proceeded into the street once more. The coachman had been ordered not to wait, as we had decided to walk on home.
Late as . the hour was the alarming intelli- gence had spread like wildfire through London, and already a considerable crowd had collected in Whitehall. Fortunately, Castellan and I were able to slip out unrecognised, and then we set off in the direction of Trafalgar Square. The Colonial Secretary's residence, as all the world is aware, is in Carlton House Terrace. At the corner of the small thoroughfare that winds its way from Cockspur Street into Carlton House Terrace, we stopped, and stood for some moments conversing there together. Then we wished each other good- night, Castellan going down the narrow street of which I have spoken, while I proceeded along Pall Mall and Piccadilly in the direction of my own abode. My thoughts were the reverse of pleasant as I strode along. A Cabinet Council had been summoned for the following morning, and, with this sad intelli- gence to be brought before it, there could be
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no doubt that it was likely to be a gloomy one.
Next morning I rose early. I had a large amount of work to get through before the meeting, which was to take place at eleven o'clock. At a quarter to that hour I drove down to Whitehall, and made my way to the Foreign Office.
"This is terrible news indeed, Manderville," said the Prime Minister, as we shook hands. " Poor Grey- Mortimer and all those gallant men ! I scarcely like to think of the effect it will produce upon the country. First, that succession of disastrous defeats, then Woller's extraordinary disappearance, and now this new catastrophe. However, as we shall have to discuss that directly, I will say no more at present. Are we all here ? "
There was only one person who had not arrived, the Colonial Secretary.
" It's not like Castellan to be unpunctual," said the Prime Minister. " Doubtless, how- ever, it won't be long before he puts in an appearance."
When ten minutes had elapsed and still he did not come, a messenger was despatched to the Colonial Office in search of him. It was not long before he returned with the informa-
G
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tion that Castellan had not yet arrived at his office. Close upon the heels of this message came another from Mrs Castellan anxiously inquiring for her husband, who, it appeared, had not come home on the previous night, nor had any communication been re- ceived from him. As I heard this a great fear took possession of me. I had said good- night to him in Cockspur Street, only a few paces from his own front door, and had seen him walk in that direction. How was it~ then, that he had not reached it ? Was he the victim of a plot ? Had he disappeared like Woller, never to be heard of again ?
CHAPTER IV
COME idea of the wave of consternation which swept over England, when it be- came known that the Right Honourable Benjamin Castellan, Secretary of State for the Colonies had disappeared as mysteriously as Sir William Woller had done before him, will be derived when I say that edition after edition of the evening papers had been sold by three o'clock in the afternoon. It was in every sense a grave national calamity, for, as we all know, at this particular juncture in the country's history, Benjamin Castellan, of all others, was the man who could least be spared.
"You are sure, I suppose, Sir George, that Castellan intended going home after you parted in Cockspur Street," the Prime Minister enquired, looking at me along the table.
" As certain as I am of anything," I replied. " He complained of feeling tired, and laugh-
99
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ingly declared his intention of going to bed early, in order that he might be fresh for our meeting this morning."
"He did not seem depressed in any way, I suppose ? " put in the First Lord of the Admiralty.
"He was naturally extremely downcast by the news we had received concerning the Sultan of Sedang, but in no other sense," I answered. " I am sorry now that I did not walk with him to his door as I originally intended doing."
"It is, perhaps, as well that you did not," asserted one of the others, "for in that case we might have lost you too. Surely my Lord," he continued, addressing the Prime Minister, " the Police Authorities should be able to obtain some clue respecting his dis- appearance ? Deserted as the passage usually is at that hour of the night, for I have passed through it myself, there must have been some one in the main thoroughfares at either end who would have given the alarm had they noticed anything out of the common."
" It is not altogether certain that tfte crime, if crime it is — and of that we have as yet no evidence — was perpetrated in the passage of which you speak," said the Prime Minister ;
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"but wherever, or however, the deed was committed, the Police I am sure will do their utmost to unravel the mystery. The mere fact that General Woller's disappearance has not yet been accounted for is giving rise to a vast amount of uneasiness. That the same fate should have befallen Mr Castellan will not be likely to add to the public peace of mind. I am sure the Secretary of State for the Home Department will do all that lies in his power to see that no time is lost in bringing the offenders to justice."
When the meeting broke up I made my way with all haste to Carl ton House Terrace, in order to assure my friend's wife of my sympathy, and to help her in any way that lay in my power. Prostrated with grief though she was, she consented to see me, and I was accordingly admitted to her presence.
" Oh, Sir George ! " she cried, hastening forward to greet me, "is it possible that you bring news of him ? Ah ! I can see you do not."
She threw herself into a chair with a little cry of despair, and for a moment I scarcely knew what to say to comfort her.
" We must hope for the best, Mrs Castellan,"
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I said at last, and then added with an assur- ance that my heart was far from sharing — "no one knows what the next few hours may bring forth."
"But where can he be?" she cried — "and who can have been base enough to harm him ? I know that he has enemies, as every man who has made a great name for himself must have, but I cannot think of one who would go so far as to rob me of him. Oh ! it is too cruel ! too cruel !"
We were still talking when news reached us that two members of the Police Department had arrived, and were anxious for an inter- view.
" I cannot see them," the poor lady declared. " I can tell them nothing that they do not know ! "
"Then let me see them for you," I said. " I think I can answer any questions they may ask, and at the same time it will spare you the pain such an interview would entail."
" God bless you for your kindness ! You are a true friend."
I thereupon left her, and followed my col- league's secretary along the hall in the direction of the study.
" This is a sad affair indeed, Mr Gedge,"
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I said, after we had left the morning-room. " I presume you have never heard Mr Cas- tellan say anything as to his being shadowed by any one ? "
" Never," he replied ; " though I will confess that I have suggested to him on numerous occasions the advisability of having a companion with him when he walked home late at night from the House. That, you remember, was a favourite habit of his. He used to say that the fresh air revived him after a long debate."
" And he was quite right," I replied. " Now let us hear what the police have to say."
The two members of the Detective Force, who had been detailed to take charge of the case, rose as we entered the room. They seemed somewhat surprised at seeing me, but upon my informing them how I came to be connected with the matter, willingly excused Mrs Castellan from attendance.
" Do I understand you to say that you were the last of his friends to see Mr Cas- tellan before his disappearance ? " asked the taller of the two men, who looked more like a burly Yorkshire farmer than a member of the Scotland Yard Detective Force.
"It would appear so," I replied. "We
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left Wiltshire House on hearing the news of the disaster to the Sultan of Sedang, drove to the Admiralty to learn the latest particulars, and then, having dismissed the carriage, strolled as far as Cockspur Street in each other's company."
"And you parted at the passage that leads from Cockspur Street into Carlton House Terrace, I believe ? " said the other man. "You did not happen to notice whether any person was following you, I suppose ? "
" I don't fancy either of us looked round during the whole distance," I answered, with an inward wish that I had been suspicious enough to have taken that simple precaution. " We had too much to occupy our thoughts without observing the actions of other people."
"And how long did you remain on the pavement? I should be obliged if you would endeavour to be as accurate as possible, sir, in your answer to this question."
I considered a moment before I replied.
" Between eight and ten minutes I should say, certainly not more. I remember com- paring my watch with a clock above the shop window at the corner, and remarking as I did so that I was nearly three minutes slow."
" In that case you should be able to fix
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the time of his leaving you to within a minute or two," said the elder of the two men, taking a note-book and pencil from his pocket as he spoke.
" I can do so exactly. It was five minutes past twelve when we bade each other good-night."
" Was any one near you on the pavement while you were standing talking ? "
" No one, the street was almost deserted."
" I notice that you say almost deserted, sir. Then there were other people in sight. Do you happen to remember if any one was standing near you — that is to say, within fifty feet or so ? "
" I recollect that there was a policeman on the opposite side of the road. , Two youths in evening dress, both far from sober, passed at the moment that we stopped. Stay, now I come to think of it, there was an old woman near us just before we said good - night to each other, and, if my memory serves me, she disappeared down the narrow passage. It is strange that I should have forgotten the circumstance."
" An old woman ? Can you give me a rather more detailed description of her? Of what class was she?"
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" Of the very poorest, I should say, and half witted. She was in rags, and was muttering some gibberish to herself. I am afraid I cannot tell you any more about her."
"That is rather a pity," said his companion. " I should like to have a little conversation with that good lady."
" You surely don't think she had anything to do with the Colonial Secretary's disappear- ance ? " I replied with some surprise. " Why, she couldn't have had sufficient strength to harm a child, much less a strong, active man such as Mr Castellan was."
" Perhaps not, sir ; it's just possible, however, that she may have had friends to do the work for her. I don't say, of course, that she had anything to do with it, but it is our duty to look after every detail, and my experience has taught me that the most unexpected places often provide the most likely clues. Let us suppose, for instance, that she was only the decoy bird, and that the real perpetrators of the crime were concealed in the passage. As soon as she had discovered Mr Castellan, she passed into the lane and bade her confeder- ates be on the alert ; then, when he appeared, they would be ready to effect his capture. Doesn't that plot seem feasible enough, sir?"
A Cabinet Secret 107
" Very feasible," I felt compelled to admit ; " but your case, like the proverbial figures, can be made to prove anything. However, if you think the old woman had anything to do with it, what action do you propose to take ? "
" I shall try the street first, and endeavour to discover whether any one heard a scuffle or cries for help last night. Then it's possible the police on the beat may know something of the old woman, and be able to give us an insight into her character and identity. In the mean- time, if Mrs Castellan will permit it, I will interview the servants and endeavour to dis- cover whether they noticed any suspicious characters loitering about near the house."
" I am sure Mrs Castellan will be only too pleased if you will do what you deem necessary," I replied.
The man thanked me, and the necessary orders were given for the servants to be ushered into the room. One by one they were subjected to a rigorous cross-examination at the hands of the two detectives. Neither the butler nor any of the men-servants had noticed anything suspicious in the front of the house, nor had they seen any old woman, answer- ing to my description, hanging about the
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premises. The housekeeper and cook were equally positive in their assertions ; indeed, the only person who had noticed anything peculiar was a young housemaid, who declared that she had seen two well-dressed men pass the house on three different occasions during the day. Each time they used the small passage to which reference has been so often made. When pressed to describe them more accurately, she was unable to do so.
" They were just ordinary gentlemen," she said, "dressed in frock coats and silk hats, and they might have, or might not have, carried umbrellas in their hands." Further than this she declared she could not go, not if her life depended upon it.
" What makes you so sure that they passed three times ? " asked the smaller of the two detectives.
" Because I saw them first after breakfast, sir," the girl replied, "then in the middle of the morning, and the last time just before dinner."
This being all that could be extracted from her, the girl was dismissed from the room, and Mr Castellan's valet was recalled. From him an exact description of the clothes the missing man was wearing, and a record of the
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jewellery he had about his person, was obtained.
" This is no ordinary case of robbery," said the elder detective, "but it is always as well to know these things. One never knows how useful they may prove later on."
After asking a few more questions, they thanked me for the information I had given them and prepared to leave the house.
"You will be sure to acquaint Mrs Castellan with any discovery you may make ? " I said. " I should like to be able to assure her of that ? "
"You may, sir. She shall know directly we hear of anything."
Then they bowed themselves out, and I was at liberty to make my missing colleague's wife acquainted with the result of our interview. I found her still prostrated with grief and anxiety, a prey to the most agonising thoughts. I did what I could to comfort her, though I felt that my ministrations could do her no good. In my own heart I was quite certain that Castellan had been spirited away by the same mysterious agency that had deprived us of Woller. What that agency was, however, was more than I, or any one of us, could determine. When I left Carlton House Terrace
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I drove to the Foreign Office, where I had a consultation with the Prime Minister which lasted upwards of an hour, after which I re- turned to my residence.
I had intended going into the country that afternoon, but, in the light of this new calamity, I changed my mind and resolved to remain in Town. Accordingly, after lunch I drove to my office, and remained there until towards evening. By three o'clock, as I have already said, the terrible intelligence was known all over the town. In all my experience I can- not remember a scene of greater excitement. Downing Street, in particular, was filled with an enormous crowd, eager to learn the latest news. In the public mind Castellan's dis- appearance figured as the work of an enemy, very probably by reason of the prominent part he had played in the history and development of the war. The wildest rumours were afloat concerning the affair, and every edition of the evening papers contained some new item con- nected with it. At four o'clock I bade my secretary telephone to Scotland Yard and enquire whether they had any information to impart. The reply was to the effect that their labours had so far been entirely fruitless. As in poor Woller's case, not a trace of the
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missing man could be discovered. Castellan could not have vanished more completely had he been caught up to the sky at the very moment that I had said " good-bye" to him.
" It is really most uncomfortable for every one concerned," my secretary remarked. " If this sort of thing is to continue, one does not know who the next victim may be."
He was quite right ; one certainly did not know. This much, however, was quite certain : whoever the persons might be who perpetrated the crime, they were past masters of their art. Their arrangements and the general conduct of the affair was perfection itself, and against such science it was almost impossible to guard. For my own part — and I don't think my worst enemies can accuse me of cowardice — I must confess to a distinct feeling of uneasiness when I reflected that this mysterious individual, or band, might possibly try his, or their, hand upon me. The suggestion emanating from Scotland Yard to the effect that we should avail ourselves of the offer of police protec- tion, I politely, but firmly declined. The idea of being shadowed night and day by detectives was more than distasteful to me,
112 A Cabinet Secret
" Yet we do not desire to lose you, Sir George," said the Prime Minister later, and in saying it he was kind enough to pay me a compliment which my modesty will not permit me to repeat here. I owe him an apology in this matter, however, for I now see that he was right. If I should have to go through it all again, however, I feel that I should act as I did then.
At half-past four o'clock I left the office —by the back door this time, for I had no desire to be recognised by the crowd — and when I had crossed the Horse Guards Parade, set off in the direction of Marlborough House. As I walked along I thought of Castellan and of our meeting on the previous night. How little he had dreamt when he had carried on his airy badinage with Madame de Venetza that in less than three hours he would be gone from the sight of men ! This naturally led me to think of the Countess. I recalled the expression upon her face, and the look in her eyes, when she had invited me to visit her again, and though, as I have said before, I do not in any way consider myself a lady's man, I am willing to confess that the recol- lection of her condescension gave me con- siderable satisfaction.
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Not feeling in the humour for Piccadilly, and the raucous voices of the newsboys shouting—
"DISAPPEARANCE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
FOR THE COLONIES : DISAPPEARANCE OF MR CASTELLAN!"
I continued my walk across the green Park in the direction of Hyde Park Corner. It was a beautiful evening, and in the twilight the Park presented as peaceful a scene as the soul of man could desire. Reaching the exit opposite Hamilton Place, I stood for a moment wondering whether I should cross into Hyde Park or stroll leisurely home. What it was I cannot say, but for some reason or another I had a strange desire for the companionship of my fellow men or women. It may have been that the sudden disappearance of Castellan had upset me more than I supposed. At any rate, I was far from being myself. As I stood there an idea struck me, and I wondered why it had not occurred to me before. What wa£ there to prevent my visiting the Countess that evening ? She had declared that she would be very glad to see me whenever I might call.
H
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My mind was no sooner made up than I crossed the road and steered a course for Wiltshire House. On the way many friends would have stopped me had I permitted them to do so, but I strode resolutely along, paying no heed to them beyond returning their salutations. At last I reached the Countess's house and learnt that she was not only at home but would receive visitors. I found her in her boudoir seated before a bright fire, though the day had been comparatively warm.
" It is kind indeed of you to take pity upon my loneliness, Sir George," she said, as she rose to receive me. " No one could be more welcome. I have been feeling so very sad this afternoon, and now your society will cheer me up."
"You have heard of Mr Castellan's dis- appearance, I suppose ? " I remarked, as I seated myself in the chair she indicated. "It has shocked you as it has done all of us ! "
" Have you any way of accounting for it ? " she asked.
" None whatever," I replied. " The whole affair is shrouded in mystery. The police are unable to discover the faintest clue to work upon."
"It will have a very serious effect upon the
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country, will it not?" she enquired. "He has played such a conspicuous part in politics of late ! "
"He will be missed, I fear," I answered, and stopped there, for I had no desire to discuss current politics just then.
Putting the topics of the day on one side, we at last came to the duration of her stay in London.
" I scarely know how long we shall remain," she said. " I fancy my father is growing tired of London already. The war is perhaps accountable for it, but England is too sad just now. I do not like sad places. I prefer the sun, the warmth, the glitter, and to have smiling faces about me. I am afraid I must be peculiarly constituted, for the least thing is sufficient to raise or depress me." Then suddenly brightening up, she continued : " But there ; what a foolish hostess I am to talk to you in this fashion. I shall frighten you away, and then you will not come and see me any more. I have no desire to lose so good a friend."
Man of the world though I was, the compli- ment tickled my vanity, and I hastened to reply in a suitable fashion. Then I con- gratulated her upon the success which had
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attended her " At Home " on the previous evening.
" In the matter of an ' At Home ' it is not so very difficult to be successful," she replied. "One has only to give carte blanche to one's cook and house-steward, dress oneself in one's best, and stand at the head of the stairs to receive one's guests with a conventional smile upon one's face. A dinner is a somewhat more difficult affair, and there, I think, without vanity, I may justly pride myself upon my ability. A cosy little dinner for, let us say, not more than eight people, each to be most carefully selected. Will you make one of them ? "
" I shall be delighted," I replied. " But may it not be a competition ? My man has ambition. Why not let me try to equal your effort, even if I cannot excel it ? "
" Try, by all means. And the prize ? "
" The knowledge of success ! What prize could be more worth winning ? "
"It is settled then?" she returned. "We are each to give a dinner and to endeavour to outdo each other. I shall make my arrange- ments accordingly."
After that we drifted into a discussion upon books, pictures, and, by the natural transition
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of things, came at last to music. On this subject she was as well informed as upon every other.
"It is my passion," she said in explanation. " My piano is the greatest treasure I possess. I could not live without it."
" I felt certain from the first that you were a musician," I replied. " I wonder if I could induce you to play to me ? "
" I will do so with pleasure if you wish it?" she answered, and accordingly crossed the room to the corner where the piano stood. Prepared as I was to find her a good pianiste, I did not dream for a moment that her talent was so great. As it was, she fascinated me from the moment that her fingers touched the keys. In explanation I might here remark that I am particularly susceptible to music, and now, under her influence, I sat spell-bound. The work was Saint Saen's " Danse Macabre," and in her hands the fierce madness of that remarkable composition was brought out with more than its usual diablerie.
In order to understand what is to follow, it must be remembered that I was seated near the fire-place, and that her piano was at the further end of the room, so that, placed as I was, I could not see my hostess.
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Having once felt the divine afflatus, she played on and on, without stopping to enquire whether I was tired, wandering from master to master as the fancy seized her. Such was the effect of the music upon me, that in a short time I became scarcely conscious of mundane affairs. A delicious languor was stealing over me, and little by little I felt my eyes closing. The music appeared to be growing gradually fainter, until it could scarcely be heard. I tried to rouse myself, but was unable to do so. At last, even the inclination to battle with the feeling of drowsiness left me, and I abandoned myself to my fate.
Whether I fell asleep and dreamt what I am about to describe, or whether the Countess, in the exercise of a deadly power which I feel convinced she possessed, had hypnotized me, I cannot say. The fact re- mains, that in my mind's eye, for my eyes were closed, I saw her rise from the instrument and approach me. Then, she came closer, stopped, and stooped over me until her eyes were close to mine. There was a light in them that pierced my eyelids and penetrated to the centre of my brain.
" It is useless for you to strive with me,"
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she said ; " you are mine, and must do my bidding."
Then she began to question me on certain matters connected with the war and with European politics. I appeared to be telling her secrets, so vital in their importance, that to have breathed them aloud to the world would have been to run the risk of causing the most serious international complications. Yet, still powerless to resist, I answered the questions as they were put to me, keeping nothing back. When she had learnt all that she wanted to know, she moved away from me, and returned to the piano. Then once more she began to play, the music growing louder and more distinct as it progressed. Then I woke, to find her still playing the same piece as when I had closed my eyes. When she had finished it, she rose from her seat.
" I think of all the great masters, I prefer Chopin," she said, as she crossed the room. "Yes, I am certain that he stands first in my admiration."
Her manner was so open, so sincere, that the suspicion I had been tempted to entertain against her vanished in a trice. It was all imagination, I told myself. Under the influence of her music I must have fallen asleep and
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dreamt it all. Had I not good proof of this ? Had it really happened, it would have taken nearly a quarter of an hour for me to impart the information she had asked of me. Yet the long hand of the clock upon the mantel-piece had only advanced three minutes since I had last looked at it. How comforting this assurance was to me I must leave you to understand. It was the most singularly vivid dream, however, I had had in my life, and, but for the evidence of the clock, and the sincerity of the Countess's manner, I could have sworn that the incident I have just described had really occurred. Yet there was another side to the question. I had fallen asleep while paying an afternoon call, and the idea disquieted me more than I cared to admit. Then a servant entered with tea, and under the influence of the Countess's Pekoe and fashionable chit-chat my powers of con- versation returned to me. At last I rose to take leave.
" I fear I have paid you an unconscionably long visit," I said. " Your beautiful music, however, must be blamed for my over-stepping the bounds of politeness. I hope you will forgive me ? "
"It has been a pleasure to me to play to
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you," she answered. " One does not always have such a sympathetic audience."
With that I left her, and on reaching the street turned in the direction of the Park.
" I should have just time enough for a sharp walk before I dress," I said to myself, and took my watch from my pocket and glanced at the dial. The clock on the mantel-
O
piece of the Countess's boudoir, when I had said good-bye to her, had pointed to half-past five. My watch showed a quarter to six. This was very singular, for I remembered looking at my watch as I stood in the portico, after ringing the bell, and also my laughing remark to the Countess to the effect that I was glad to have found her at home at such an hour, glancing at the clock as I did so. Yet now there was a difference of rather more than a quarter of an hour between the two ? What did this signify ? Could the Countess's clock have stopped while she was playing and then have gone on again of its own accord ? It was scarcely likely that, while I was asleep, she had risen from the piano and had set it going, for going it certainly was when I bade her good-bye. The remembrance of the dream I had had still weighed heavily upon my mind, and, do what I would, I could
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not throw it off. Yet how absurd it was. Moreover, though I had more than once suspected her of taking an interest in European politics, she had always denied the fact to me. Besides, even if this were so, and granted that she had the power, what reason could she possibly have had for extracting secrets from me ? At this point the remem- brance of her eyes and the singular influence they had had over me in Paris, returned to me.
"What does it all mean?" I asked myself, as if in despair of arriving at a definite conclusion.
I was to find that out, however, in good time !
CHAPTER V
A/OU will remember that in the preceding chapter I described to you the conflicting emotions with which I viewed my now famous call at Wiltshire House. Beyond remarking that I was quite at a loss to account for it, and that the passing of time did not throw any further light upon the mystery, I need say no more about it. There is so much to tell of vital importance, that it behoves me to be economical of space. Needless to say, the Colonial Secretary's disappearance continued to attract its full measure of public attention. Despite the endeavours of the police, how- ever, no clue of any sort could be discovered, either as to his present where- abouts, or as to the manner of his departure. Enormous rewards were offered, but without success. He was gone, and that was all that could be said about it.
Meanwhile, the most alarming telegrams were being received from the Front. Day
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after day the news of reverses filled the columns of the Public Press, until it began to look as if the prestige of England would be destroyed for ever and a day. Parliament had by this time assembled, and questions innumerable were addressed to the Secretary of State for War as to the reasons for the deplorable condition of affairs at the Front. Public opinion was at fever heat, and only a small spark was needed to bring about an explosion. Troops were pouring out of England by every available boat, while the Home Defence Force was being increased to its utmost limit. Never since the Crimea had such a state of affairs been known, and never had the resources of the Empire been so severely taxed. Then came the news of the loss of another transport at sea, a catastrophe ascribed to the presence on board of a clock-work infernal machine ; this was followed by the stranding of the Son of Neptune, with the 36th Lancers on board, at Las Palmas, by which the horses and men, so badly needed at the seat of war, were detained on the Island inactive until an- other vessel could be sent from England to pick them up and convey them to their destination. By this time every one, save those whom
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the most visible proof would not convince, had arrived at the conclusion that we were fighting, not only our ostensible and declared enemies, the two South African Re- publics, but also another powerful yet mysteri- ous foe, whose machinations were responsible for the disappearance of Woller and the Colonial Secretary, for the blowing up of the Sultan of Sedang, the destruction of the Son of Neptune, and sundry other occurrences so vividly and painfully impressed upon the public mind. Then, for upwards of a fortnight, a respite was given us, and the British tax- payer was able to take up his paper without finding the news of some new misfortune, for which he would eventually be called upon to pay for both in money and self-esteem, described in its columns. It was fortunate that we could not foretell the even greater troubles that were still in store for us.
One memorable Friday morning, exactly a fortnight . after my call at Wiltshire House, a rumour ran through the town to the effect that Woolwich Arsenal had been destroyed. Know- ing the precautions that were taken at that splendid institution to guard against such a thing, the report was at first discredited. It was soon found, however, to be only too true.
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A terrific explosion had taken place, a large number of employees had been killed and wounded, while the works, then so vitally necessary, were placed at a complete stand- still. The lamentable occurrence was reported to the House by the Home Secretary that afternoon, and, as usual, the authorities declared there was no clue to guide the police in their search for the author of the dastardly deed. It was in vain that questions were asked in the House ; in vain that public orators de- manded of the authorities that they should exercise more care in guarding their institu- tions ; in vain that the man in the street for- warded his theories, and suggested remedies, to the Press. England had a mysterious enemy who could think as well as act, and who, when he has finished his work, left no trace behind to lead to his identification.
In consequence of the excitement caused by the last disaster, the guards upon all the public buildings were doubled, no precaution was omitted that wisdom could dictate, and then we waited to see where the next blow would fall. In this fashion another fortnight went by, during which an incident of no small importance occurred. Quite by chance an ex- planation was forthcoming as to how the news
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of the series of disasters that had been our por- tion in South Africa during the last few weeks reached our shores. It was discovered that the cable, the only one then working, had been cleverly tampered with, the wires milked, to use an American expression, and a doctored version sent home for consumption. This was corroborated by the mail reports, and despatches describing the course of events in South Africa. Henceforth the most rigid precautions were taken to guard against a repetition of this practice, and then once more we sat down to wait.
I had seen nothing of the Countess for some time. The fright I had received on the last occasion that I had called upon her, was still sufficiently impressed upon my memory to make me a little chary of allowing her to obtain so much influence over me. As will doubtless be agreed, this was a somewhat contradictory decision on my part, for in arriving at it, I had no excuse to offer, save that I entertained for her a mixture of admiration and, I might almost say, of innate distrust. The admiration was easily accounted for ; the distrust was somewhat more difficult to explain. Was she not the bosom friend of many of the greatest people in the land ? She was to be met everywhere, and was
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as well known a personage in London Society as Royalty itself. Her father, it appeared, had left England for the Continent, and it was doubtful when he would return. Her cousin was still with her, and was to be encountered at every social gathering of importance. Young, handsome, and the reported possessor of con- siderable wealth, it was small wonder that he found himself in request, when so many young men were absent from England. I have stated that I did not care for the young Count Reiffenburg, and now I will go even further by saying that the more I saw of him the less I liked him.
At this point in my story it is necessary for me to describe a circumstance, which, though at the time it puzzled me considerably, can now be very easily explained. It occurred on a night when the House sat scarcely so late as usual. As a matter of fact it was but little after midnight when I set off to walk home. For a time after the disappearance of the Colonial Secretary, I had declined to be shadowed by a detective, but now, hearkening to the voice of Prudence, I had consented to be shadowed by a detective whenever I took my walk abroad. Since I am fond of walking, particularly at night, I am afraid my
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own particular shadow had rather a hard time of it. He never complained, however, but, faithful to his duty, kept me continually in view, obtruding himself upon my notice as little as possible. The feeling engendered by the knowledge that a man is continually behind one, watching all one does, is the reverse of pleasant. However, like everything else in life, one gets used to it, and after a time I took no notice of it. On this particular occasion, the night being so beautiful, the moon was full, I remember, I strolled leisurely home, my thoughts centred on the debate that had taken place that night. There is a solemnity about Trafalgar Square at midnight, particularly when viewed by the light of the moon, that is far from being its principal characteristic by day. As I passed the spot where I had said good-bye to poor Castellan a few weeks before, I could not suppress a shudder.
Leaving Cockspur street behind me, I passed on to Piccadilly, afterwards proceeding by way of Berkeley Square to my abode. By the time I reached my own door I was in the full enjoyment of the night. It seemed a pity to shut oneself up in the house when it was so lovely outside. I therefore waited until my faithful follower came up to me, and then
I
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informed him that I intended going on for a further stroll.
" There is not the least necessity for you to come," I said. "You may go home to bed as soon as you like."
" I think I would prefer to accompany you, sir," the man replied. " I am on duty all night, and if anything were to happen to you, it would be my fault."
" Very well, then," I answered, " come along."
So saying, we resumed our walk, with the difference that on this occasion I kept the man beside me. He proved an interesting companion, having seen life under a variety of aspects, and in so doing had naturally come in contact with many strange characters. What was more, he had the faculty of being able to put them before you in a novel and interesting light. He had been three times to America in search of criminals, once to India, and once to Australia.
By the time I had heard his experiences in the last-named country we had reached Park Lane, and were drawing near Wiltshire House. At the corner we called a halt, while I felt in my pocket for a match for my cigar. We were standing in deep shadow, Wiltshire House being on the
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further side of the road, and in the full light of the moon. Having found a match, I was about to strike it, when the figure of a man on the opposite side of the street attracted my attention. The moonlight was so bright that I could see him quite distinctly. He was of the poorest class, evidently a street loafer of the description to be seen any night stretched out on the grass of the Park. My astonishment may be imagined, therefore, when I saw him deliberately ascend the three steps leading to the side door of Wiltshire House. He paused for a moment, then the door was softly opened to him, and he passed inside. Scarcely able to believe the evidence of my eyes, I turned to the man beside me and enquired if he had noticed it ? He ad- mitted that he had.
"What does it mean?" I asked. " Is it a case of burglary, do you think?"
" It looks like it, sir," he replied. "What- ever it is, he has got a confederate inside."
" What do you think had better be done ? " I enquired. " The Countess de Venetza is a personal friend, and I cannot allow her house to be robbed without making an effort to prevent it."
" We had better call the policeman on the
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beat," the man replied ; " after that we can arouse the household. There shouldn't be much difficulty in securing the fellow. If you wouldn't mind keeping your eye on that door for a few minutes, sir, I'll go off and find the constable."
I willingly agreed to watch the door, and the detective departed on his errand. In something less than five minutes he returned, bringing two policemen with him. The men had evidently been informed of my identity, for they saluted respectfully, and one of them enquired what I wished done in the matter.
" I think the better plan would be to call up the house-steward and inform him of what we have seen," I replied. "You will then be able to search the house and effect the capture of the burglar."
Leaving us to guard the door through which the old man had entered, one of the police- men went round to the front of the house. The other ascended the steps and rang the bell. To his first summons there was no response, so he rang again. The bell echoed in the basement of the great house, this time to some purpose, for a few minutes later a shuffling footstep was heard within. Then the key turned in the lock and the door was
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opened on the chain to the extent of a few inches.
"Who's there?" asked a man's voice.
" Police," answered the officer. " I'm here to warn you that there's a man has just got into the house. Somebody let him in at this door."
" Man got into the house ? " was the alarmed response. " You don't mean that, I hope, policeman ? "
" I do," replied the constable. " You had better let us come in and have a look round. We've been watching the house and he hasn't come out yet. My mate's round at the front, and there's a detective officer here. Get a candle and we'll go through the rooms with you."
The thought that he was to be called upon to assist in the arrest of a burglar was too much for the old man. He tremblingly invited the officer to lead the way down the stairs to the basement. While they were absent we remained at the door, expecting every minute to hear the sound of a scuffle from within. Five minutes or so later they ascended once more and the constable shook his head.
" Wherever else he is, sir," he said, address- ing me, "he's not down there."
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The words had scarcely left his lips before the door at the further end of the passage opened, and the Countess herself stood before us. Much to my astonishment I saw that she was in full evening dress. Her appearance was so entirely unexpected that I could only stare at her in surprise.
" What does this mean ? " she enquired, with a haughtiness that sat well upon her. " Why, surely it is Sir George Manderville ! What can have happened ? This is rather a late hour for a call, Sir George ! "
I explained what had occurred, told her of the man I had seen enter by the side door, and whom I was perfectly certain had not come forth again.
" Then he must be in the house now," she cried in a voice of alarm. " Who can it be, and who could possibly have let him in ? "
" Some dishonest member of your house- hold," I replied. " It would be as well if you were to find out who that person is. In the meantime, let me beg of you to permit the officers to search the house."
To this she willingly assented, at the same time bidding the steward rouse the house- keeper.
" While the search is proceeding won't you
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come to my boudoir, Sir George ? " she said. " I have been sitting there reading since I returned from the theatre, and I am quite sure that the wretch, whoever he may be, is not in that part of the building."
I followed her to the room in question, which was on the other side of the house, and we were about to enter it, when the sound of a footstep upon the stairs attracted my attention, and I looked up, to see her cousin, Count Reiffenburg, descending towards us.
"What is the matter?" he asked. "Why, Sir George Manderville, I did not expect to find you here ! "
I briefly explained the situation to him, whereupon he remarked, with that curious smile upon his face : — " It seems that you are destined always to prove our benefactor. But while we are talking here the man may make his escape. I think I will go round with the police, and see if I can be of any assistance to them."
He left us, and for something like ten minutes the Countess and I waited for the sound that was to proclaim the capture of the intruder. But no such good fortune rewarded us. If the man were in the house — and of this I had no doubt — he had managed to
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conceal himself so effectually that the police could not find him. In the meantime the housekeeper had put in an appearance, and was despatched to interrogate the female domestics, and discover, if possible, who it was that had opened the door. She returned with the information that she had found all the maid-servants in bed and asleep, while the steward was equally certain that none of the men under his charge had anything to do with the occurrence. At last, after searching the house, the police were compelled to confess that they were at a loss to understand what had become of him.
" But there can be no doubt about his being here," I declared ; " I distinctly saw him enter. He was an old man, very ragged, with long grey hair, and stooped as he walked. The detective officer who was with me at the time can also corroborate what I say, if necessary."
" That is not necessary, for of course we accept your word," said Reiffenburg with elaborate politeness. " The question is : if, as you say, he entered, where is he now ? He cannot have vanished into space, and we have searched every corner without success."
"Then he must have an accomplice in the house who is hiding him," I returned. "If
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both exits have been guarded, he cannot have got out."
By this time I was beginning to wish that I had had nothing to do with the matter. The Countess, however, was profuse in her thanks to me, for what she described as "a most considerate and friendly act."
Seeing that I could be of no further use to her, I apologized for my intrusion and bade them good-night.
" Should we by any chance manage to secure the fellow, I will let you know," said Reiffenburg, as we stood together at the front door. " I fear, however, we shall not be so fortunate."
There was a sneer in his voice, for which I could have kicked him. However, I kept my temper, and murmuring something to the effect that I was glad to have been of service, I took my departure, and the door closed behind me.
"That was one of the most extraordinary affairs I have ever known," I said to the detective, as we turned our faces homewards. " I am quite at a loss to account for it."
The detective stopped suddenly and looked at me.
"The lady and gentleman are particular
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friends of yours, sir, I understand, and I don't know in that case whether I ought to tell you what is in my mind. But I fancy I could throw a rather unexpected light upon the affair."
" Speak out, then, by all means," I answered. "What was it you noticed?"
"This, sir," he said, and as he spoke he took from his pocket a small piece of black matter about half the size of a pea. He handed it to me and asked if I had seen it before. I informed him that I was quite sure I had not.
" It only bears out, sir, what I was saying as we came down Park Lane, just before we reached Wiltshire House. If it weren't for little things, that they overlook, we shouldn't be able to lay our hands on half the criminals we want. Now mind you, sir, I don't mean to infer by that that your friend Count Reiffenburg is a criminal. Not at all ; that would be a very wrong thing to say. He's probably been playing a practical joke, as gentlemen will. The fact, however, re- mains that he gave himself away with that little lump of black stuff, just as surely as Bill Coakes of the Minories did when he gave his sweetheart the silk handkerchief
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that he picked up in old Mrs Burgiss's bed- room. He didn't think it was of any im- portance, but she wore it, quarrelled with a girl over it, the police came to hear of it, and Bill was caught. So it was just that slip that brought him to the gallows."
" I do not understand you," I replied, still holding the tiny bit of black stuff in my hand. "What is the connection between this substance and Count Reiffenburg ? "
" It's the key tt> the whole puzzle, sir," he said, and took it from me.
Turning his face away, he put his hand to his mouth, and then wheeling round again, parted his lips and showed me his teeth. The eye-tooth on the right-hand side was missing. He put up his hand once more, and lo ! it was restored to its place.
"That's what I mean, sir," he said. " Now I noticed, when the gentleman came down- stairs, that one of his eye-teeth were missing. He wanted to make himself look old, I suppose, and when he had taken off the other pieces, had forgotten to remove that one. Then he must have remembered it, for his hand went up to his mouth, and next minute it was on the floor, where I managed to get hold of it."
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" Do you mean to infer that the old man we saw enter the house was the Count Reiffenburg ? " I asked, aghast.
"That is my belief, sir," said the man ; "and I feel certain that if I were allowed to search his bedroom, I should find my suspicions corroborated."
" But what possible reason could he have for masquerading as a pauper outcast, and who let him in?"
"As to his reason, sir, I can hazard no sort of guess," he continued. " But it was the lady herself who let him in."
" How on earth do you know that ? "
"By a process of simple reasoning, sir. Did you happen to notice that, when we returned to the hall after our search of the first section of the house, the gentleman carried a book in his hand ? "
" Now that you mention the fact I do re- member it," I answered. " But what has the book to do with it ? "
"A great deal," he answered. "You may not be aware of the fact, but there's a small sitting-room near that side door — a tiny place where the housekeeper does her accounts. The book, when we first searched the room, was lying upon the table."
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" May not the housekeeper have been read- ing it before she went to bed ? "
"The housekeeper is an Englishwoman, sir, and not very well educated. I should call it remarkable if she knew Italian, and little short of marvellous if she read Dante in the original. Now, sir, when Count Reiffenburg entered the lady's boudoir, he brought that book with him and placed it on one of the tables. He wouldn't have done that if it had been the property of the house- keeper, would he ? No, sir ! Count Reiffen- burg was out, and the young lady, who is his cousin, I think I understood you to say, sir, sat up for him in order to be near the door. That's the way I read the riddle."
" And I must confess that you have a certain amount of probability on your side," I answered. " At the same time, if I were you, I should say nothing about the discovery. It can serve no good purpose to bruit it abroad. Do you think the two policemen noticed any- thing of the kind ? "
The detective gave a scornful little laugh. " I don't think you need have much fear on that score, sir," he answered. " I doubt very much whether the man who went round
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with me noticed the book at all. His theory was that the fellow we saw enter was one of the servants who had been out late, and not a burglar at all."
By this time we had reached my own residence, and I bade the man good-night upon the steps. Having let myself in, I went to my study to deposit some papers I had brought with me from the House, then to my bedroom and to bed. The incident at Wiltshire House annoyed me, if only for the reason that I could not understand it. What could the young Count Reiffenburg have been doing — if it were he, as the detective declared — wandering about London in that attire ? That in itself was bad enough, but it was made much worse by the knowledge that his beautiful cousin had been conniving at his escapade. One thing was quite certain ; if I had entertained a dislike for Reiffenburg before, it was doubled now. At last, tired by my long day and the events that had concluded it, I fell asleep, and did not wake until I opened my eyes to find Williams standing beside my bed, overcome with excitement and horror.
"What is the matter, man?" I cried. "What makes you look like that?"
" There's terrible news, sir," he faltered.
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" There's been a lot lately, but this is the worst of all."
"What is the matter, man?" I cried for the second time. " Don't stand there trembling. Tell me what has happened."
" I scarcely know how to tell you, sir," he answered, his voice almost failing him.
" Then give me the paper and let me look for myself," I said, and took it from him. On the page before me, in large type, was an announcement that made me feel sick and giddy :—
"ASSASSINATION OF THE PRIME MINISTER!"
My horror was greater even than Williams's had been. I read the heavy black lines over and over again, as if unable to grasp their meaning. The Prime Minister dead ! My old friend and Chief murdered ! Could it be possible ?
When I had recovered my composure a little, I took up the paper, and tried to read the account there set forth. There had only been time for the insertion of a short paragraph, but its importance was such that it would ring throughout the world. It ran as follows : —
" It is with a sorrow that cannot be expressed in words, that we record the fact that the Right Honour-
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able, the Earl of Litford, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and Prime Minister of England, was assassinated soon after midnight. The Prime Minister was last seen alive by his private secretary, in the study at his residence at Grosvenor Square. He had left the House of Lords early, but, with the exception of a slight headache, appeared to be in the best of health and spirits. The presumption is that he was stabbed in the back, but how the wound was inflicted, and by whom, are matters which, at present, cannot be explained."
I could find no words to express my horror and surprise. It was only a few hours since he had congratulated me upon my speech in answer to the accusations of certain members of the Little Englander Party ; now England was bereft, by as foul an act as had ever been committed in the annals of crime, of one of her greatest statesmen and of one of her noblest sons.
Craving further particulars, I dressed with all speed, and then drove to his residence in Grosvenor Square. Leaving my cab, I walked towards the well-known house, before which a large number of people had collected. Recog- nising me, they allowed me to pass, and so I gained the front door of the house I had so often entered as the friend and colleague of
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the dead man. I was shown into the morning- room, where presently I was joined by the secretary, who, as the newspapers had reported, had been the last to see him before the tragedy took place.
" Tell me about it," I said, after we had greeted each other.
From his narrative I gathered that the dead man, on his return from the House, after spending half-an-hour with his wife, went to his study. His secretary followed him there, to ascertain if he could be of any further assistance to him. He found him seated at the table writing, and was informed by him that he required nothing more, and that it would not be very long before he himself retired to rest.
" Was the window in the study open ? " I asked.
" No," he answered; "it was closed, and the shutters were barred. That was at half-past eleven. At half-past twelve, wonder- ing why her husband did not come upstairs, Lady Litford went in search of him. Her horror may be pictured when she dis- covered him, seated in his chair, quite dead. He had been stabbed to the heart from behind."
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"And were there no traces of any one having entered the room ? "
" Not one. The police have taken posses- sion of it, but so far they have been unable to discover any trace of the assassin's entry or the means by which he effected his de- parture."
"And Lady Litford? How does she bear up under the blow ? "
" So bravely, that it makes one's heart ache to see her."
Then, at my request, he conducted me up- stairs, and I was permitted to gaze upon the face of the dead man. It was as peaceful as in life's serenest moments, calm and dignified — the face of a man who has done his duty to his Sovereign and his country, and whose life has been given in her service. Then, with a sorrow in my heart greater than I had known for many years, I looked my last upon the face of the dead, and I left the room.
When I had sent a message of deepest sympathy to the widow, I bade the secretary good-bye, and left the house. So awe-struck was the crowd by the magnitude of the tragedy, that scarcely a sound came from it, though, as if in proof of sympathy, here and there a hand was stretched out to me.
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" He was a good man and a proper gentle- man," said a burly costermonger. " It's a pity we hadn't more like him."
It seemed to me that that homely speech was as fine an eulogium of the dead as could have been spoken by the most cultured tongue.
I often wonder now what I should have done, had I known the part I had uncon- sciously played in that terrible drama. At that moment, lying, no one knew where — per- haps in the crevice of some paving-stone, or carried into the water-table by a passing shower — was a small piece of black wax, which, could it have spoken, would have been able to tell a tale without its equal for treachery and villainy in all the world. How I became aware of this, you will learn as my story progresses.
CHAPTER VI
HP HE catalogue of woes, which it has been my ill- fortune to be compelled to chronicle, is indeed a long one, but of all the items I have set down, none had had such a terrible effect upon the public mind as the assassination of the Prime Minister. Ex- pressions of genuine sorrow poured forth from every side, and party feeling, for the time being at least, was forgotten. Even the most antagonistic of the Continental journals, though perhaps rejoicing in their hearts at Great Britain's misfortune, admitted that she was passing through a time of severe trial, and while they prophesied our ultimate downfall, showed very plainly their admiration for our fortitude. Indeed the self-control of the nation at this particular period was a little short of marvellous. The war was draining her of her best blood ; those at the helm of the Ship of State were being one by one mysteriously done away with ; she had been the victim of a
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vast scheme of false intelligence, her great arsenal had been blown up and the supply of munitions of war thereby seriously imperilled at the most critical juncture ; a large proportion of her army were prisoners in the enemy's hands, and three other portions were locked up in beleagured towns. Yet, with it all, she continued the struggle with as much deter- mination as she had first entered upon it. The bull-dog tenacity permeated all classes ; it was shared by the peer, the country squire, the small farmer, the tradesman and the artizan ; it was voiced by the Prime Minister, and echoed by the costermonger. Whatever it might cost, England was resolved to win in the end. That end, however, was still far off, and much blood would have to be spilt and a large amount of money spent before we should be able to call ourselves the victors.
Meanwhile, troops were still pouring out of England, and more were hastening to her assist- ance from Australia and Canada. Even in these loyal portions of the Empire, however, strenuous efforts were being made by some mysterious power, upon which it was impossible to lay hands, to undermine their affection for the mother country. Treasonable pamphlets were distributed broadcast ; an infernal machine
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was discovered on board a troop-ship on the point of sailing from a Queensland port ; another was discovered on board a transport in Sydney harbour; while a third vessel, owing to the wilful carelessness of the captain, who was afterwards arraigned on a charge of High Treason, but was acquitted for want of sufficient evidence, was put ashore, with all her troops on board, on the coast of South Australia. It was in Canada, however, that the trouble was worst. Its proximity to the United States favoured the Fenian propa- ganda, and, despite the loyalty of the French Canadians — of which no one felt a doubt — an attempt was made to induce them to swerve in their allegiance to the Empire. Such was the state of affairs when Lord Litford's successor took up the reins of office.
It must not be thought that, because they achieved no result, the police were lax in their attempts to discover the perpetrator or perpe- trators of that cruel crime. To employ again that well-worn phrase, not a stone was left unturned to arrive at an understanding of the manner in which the deed was done. One thing was quite certain, it had been carefully planned ; but then so had the disappearance of Woller and the Colonial Secretary. The
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destruction of Woolwich Arsenal was a work of devilish ingenuity ; while the blowing up of the transport Sultan of Sedang 2& Madeira was arranged to a nicety. In the case of the Prime Minister, the servants and members of his household were interrogated, but were all dis- missed from the case as being beyond suspicion. They unitedly declared that, to the best of their belief, no stranger had entered the house up to the time of their going to bed, nor had any suspicious person been seen in its vicinity during the day. Moreover, the police on duty in the Square had been instructed to keep a watchful eye upon the house, and they were able to affirm that they had seen no one loiter- ing near the Prime Minister's residence from the earliest hours of morning until the time that the news of the tragedy was made known. Yet the fact remained that some one had entered the house, and had been able to make his way unobserved to the library, where the crime was committed, and afterwards to get out again undiscovered. Needless to say, a large reward was offered by the authorities for any information which would lead to a convic- tion ; but though a multitude of communications were received in answer to it, from all sorts and conditions of people, not one was of any value.
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On the Friday following the assassination of the Prime Minister, and the day before the funeral, according to custom I took a consti- tutional in the Park before going down to my office. As a matter of fact I was somewhat earlier than usual, and for that reason, with the exception of a few riders in the Row, and the customary bicycle contingent, the Park was comparatively empty. I entered by the Gros- venor Gate, walked as far as the Barracks, and then retraced my steps towards Piccadilly, passing along the north bank of the Serpentine. I had several difficult problems to work out that day, and one of them was occupying my mind as I walked beside the lake. Suddenly a voice I recognised fell upon my ear, and I looked up to find, seated a few paces distant from me, no less a person than the Countess de Venetza. She was engaged in an earnest conversation with a dark, foreign-looking in- dividual, an Italian, without the shadow of a doubt. The Countess did not see me at first, but, as soon as she did, she said something hurriedly to the man beside her and came forward to greet me.
" You are out early, Sir George," she began. " The Park is delightful at this time of the day, is it not ? "
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"Delightful indeed," I replied. "I did not expect, however, to have the pleasure of meeting you in it."
" I walk here almost every morning," she answered. And then, after we had uttered a few commonplaces, she continued : " And now, while I think of it, let me apologize to you for my rudeness in having omitted to thank you again for the great service you rendered us on the occasion of the burglary at Wiltshire House. Had it not been for your prompt action, we should have been more seriously robbed, while it is quite possible that something worse might have happened."
"You say that you might have been ' more seriously robbed"1 ?" I returned. "Am I to understand, then, that the man was found in the house after all ? "
"He was not found in the house" she replied. " But we have discovered by what means he effected his escape from it. While Conrad and the police were looking for him downstairs, he was hidden in a dressing- room adjoining that which used to be my father's apartment, at the back of the house. When they ascended the stairs he opened the window and lowered himself down to a roof below. Then he must have made his
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way through the mews at the back and reached safety again. In proof of this a small silver ornament, one of the few missing things, was found next day in the guttering of the roof." If this were so, then the detective's statement to the effect that the man who had entered the house was none other than young Reiffen- burg was altogether beyond the mark, and would only serve to show the folly of judg- ing by purely circumstantial evidence.
"In that case, who do you suspect of having admitted him to the house ? " I enquired, for this was a point of considerable importance.
"An under-footman," she replied, "who has since been discharged. His behaviour struck Conrad as being rather suspicious at the time, but it was not until other things were found to be missing, that we derived a real knowledge of his character."
" I am rejoiced to know that the mystery has been solved," I said. " But pray for- give me, Countess ; see, I have driven your friend away."
She gave a start before she replied.
" He is not my friend," she answered some- what hurriedly, " merely a begging compa- triot. The poor fellow is a teacher of music,
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who puts forward his art as a claim upon my bounty. He is anxious to return to Italy, but cannot do so for want of means."
Now there was one point about this speech that I did not understand. As I had approached the seat, I distinctly heard the foreigner say authoritatively in Italian : " It is the order of the Council and must be obeyed." Of course the words might have meant anything, but the tone was certainly one of authority. It struck me as being peculiar that an impoverished music-master, soliciting the Countess's assistance, should address her in such a tone. Why I should have bothered myself with the fellow's affairs I cannot say. The impulse, however, was irresistible.
" To be stranded in a strange country is a hard fate," I said. " Since I am also a devotee of his beautiful art, will you not permit me to assist you in your work of benevolence. If you will furnish me with the man's name and address, I will see that he is helped to attain his object."
As I said this I could not help thinking that I detected a frightened look in her face.
"Oh, no, you must not do that," she said hurriedly. "He is a very proud man, and
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would only accept help from me because I am a compatriot and happen to know some- thing of his family. I feel sure that he would be extremely angry with me if he knew that I had said anything to you upon the subject."
" I am sorry that you will not let me assist him," I said. " I have no desire, however, to hurt his feelings. Forget that I said anything about it."
" Ah ! now I have offended you," she con- tinued, with a look of pain upon her face. " For- give me, I am very thoughtless. Had we been speaking my own Italian it would have been different. Your English is so hard, so un- sympathetic."
Her voice was so full of entreaty, her whole demeanour so expressive of sorrow, that I almost repented me of the trick I had en- deavoured to play upon her. What did it matter to me whether the man were an old friend, or only the stranger she had repre- sented him to be ? I accordingly begged her to say no more upon the subject, assuring her that I was not in the least hurt at her declining my offer. This seemed to soothe her, and presently, when we had walked some little distance beside the water, her cheerful- ness returned. She had been amusing herself
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of late, so she informed me, by working out a sketch for the dinner-party to which she had invited me. It was to be an unique affair of its kind.
" All that remains to be settled is, when shall it be?" she asked. "How would Thursday next suit you ? "
" Impossible, I am afraid," I answered. " I have promised to go to Aldershot on Wednesday, to be present next day at an inspection of the men who are to sail on Saturday for the South."
" Then would the Wednesday following suit you ? "
" Admirably," I replied. " It would be more convenient for a variety of reasons."
" Then it is settled that we are to dine together on Wednesday week at eight o'clock. You will not forget ? "
" Is it likely that I should be guilty of such rudeness?"! asked, and then added, with what was for me unusual gallantry, " I shall count the days that must elapse before the time can arrive."
" I am hopeful of being able to get the Duke of Rotherhithe to meet you," she said. " Do you know that he is in England ? "
" I was not aware of it," I answered ; " but I am very glad to hear it, nevertheless."
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I did not say that one of my reasons for being glad was that I hoped to be able to obtain from him some particulars concerning my fair friend. I remembered the statement she had made during our journey from Paris together, to the effect that she and her father had been yachting with Rotherhithe in the Mediterranean. If they were on such intimate terms it was more than likely that my old friend would know more about her than any one else in our world of fashion would be likely to do.
When we reached Hyde Park Corner we paused for a few moments. I do not think she could ever have looked more beautiful than she did then, certainly never more dangerous.
" I wonder if, after we part, we shall ever meet again ? " she said, with what was almost a touch of sadness in her voice.
" Are you, then, thinking of leaving England soon ? " I asked in some surprise, for until that moment she had not spoken of terminating her visit.
" I do not think we shall remain very much longer," she replied. " I have duties abroad that are calling for my attention."
" I hope when you go that you will be able
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to say you have enjoyed your stay with us ? " I said.
" I should have," she replied, " had it not been for this dreadful war. But as things are, how could one enjoy oneself?"
Had I known then all that I now know, I should have realized the double meaning con- tained in her remark. But more of that anon. At last we bade each other good-bye, and separated, she crossing the Park in the direc- tion of Wiltshire House, while I passed out and made my way over Constitution Hill towards Pall Mall.
On the Wednesday following the event I
have just described, I accompanied the Com-
mander-in-Chief and several other members
of the Government to Aldershot, to inspect
the large body of troops then about to leave
for the front. We were to be the guests of
Lord Beckingdale during the time we were
there, and were to return to London on the
Thursday evening after the inspection. We
accordingly left Waterloo together, proceeded
by train to Farnborough, and then drove to
Lord Beckingdale's residence by coach. It
was a glorious afternoon, and the change
from London to the country was delightful.
I commented upon this, whereupon Beck-
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ingdale, who is one of my oldest friends, began to rally me on my preference for the Metropolis.
" I thought you would get over it in time," he said with one of his hearty laughs. "Why don't you marry, George, and settle down in the country? You would make an ideal Squire."
" I should be bored to death in a week," I replied. " Besides, who is there that would take pity on me ? I am not so young as I was, and I am afraid that I have had my liberty too long to make a good husband."
As I said this the image of the Countess rose before my mind's eye, though why it should have done so at this particular moment is more than I can say. Though I admired her intensely, my admiration went no further. She was a delightful hostess and an exceed- ingly clever woman, but I should no more have thought of making her Lady Manderville than I should have tried to jump from the Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament into the river.
At that moment we were descending a steep hill, through a closely-wooded plantation. We were half-way down, when I happened to catch sight of a man standing among the trees, some
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fifty yards or so from the road. Strange to say, he was watching us through a pair of field-glasses, and was evidently much interested in our movements, though it looked as if he himself had no desire to attract attention. Then he disappeared amongst the brushwood, and, for the time being, I thought no more about him.
On reaching the Park, we were most cordially received by Lady Beckingdale, and partook of afternoon tea with her in the hall, which is one of the most charming features of that beautiful house. A stroll round the grounds, and a visit to the stud farm afterwards, wiled away the time until the dressing gong sounded. Then we re- turned to the house, and made our way to our various rooms. Before commencing to dress I went to the windows and looked out. The gardens on that particular side of the house slope upwards until they reach the small paddock which separates them from the woods behind. Now I have a fairly sharp eye, and a faculty of noticing, which some- times stands me in good stead. On this particular occasion I was watching the even- ing light upon the trees in the plantation opposite, when suddenly I saw a brace of
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pheasants fly quickly out, followed by half- a-dozen more. They had evidently been disturbed by some human being.
" Just give me my glasses for a moment, Williams," I said, and in a trice he had handed me the pair I had brought down for the inspection next day. Seating myself in the window, I brought them to bear upon the spot where the birds had flown out. For a moment I could see nothing. Then I thought I could detect what looked like a grey trouser-leg, peeping