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diff --git a/7486-h/7486-h.htm b/7486-h/7486-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5f55b07 --- /dev/null +++ b/7486-h/7486-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,4292 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Master of Silence, by Irving Bacheller + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Master of Silence, by Irving Bacheller + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Master of Silence + +Author: Irving Bacheller + +Release Date: July 27, 2009 [EBook #7486] +Last Updated: March 12, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MASTER OF SILENCE *** + + + + +Produced by Jeffrey Kraus-yao, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE MASTER OF SILENCE + </h1> + <h2> + A ROMANCE + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h4> + Fiction, Fact, and Fancy Series + </h4> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Edited by Arthur Stedman + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Irving Bacheller + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h5> + New York Charles L. Webster & Co. 1892 + </h5> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <big><b>THE MASTER OF SILENCE</b></big> + </a><br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h1> + THE MASTER OF SILENCE + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <p> + Near the end of my fourteenth year I was apprenticed to Valentine, King + & Co., cotton importers, Liverpool, as a “pair of legs.” My father had + died suddenly, leaving me and his property in the possession of my + stepmother and my guardian. It was in deference to their urgent advice + that I left my home in London (with little reluctance, since my life there + had never been happy) to study the art of money-making. On arriving at the + scene of my expected triumphs I was assigned to the somewhat humble + position of errand boy. In common with other boys who performed a like + service for the firm I was known as “a pair of legs.” Lodgings of a rather + modest character had been secured for me in the western outskirts of the + city near the banks of the Mersey. I was slow to make friends, and my + evenings were spent in the perusal of some story books, which I had + brought with me from London. One night, not long after the beginning of my + new life in Liverpool, I was lying in bed listening to the wind and rain + beating over the housetops and driving against the windows, when suddenly + there came a loud rap at my door. + </p> + <p> + “Who's there?” I demanded, starting out of bed. + </p> + <p> + As I heard no answer, I repeated my inquiry and stood a moment listening. + I could hear nothing, however, but the wind and rain. Lighting a candle + and dressing myself with all haste, I opened the door. I could just + discern the figure of a bent old man standing in the hallway, when a gust + of wind suddenly put out the candle. The door leading to the street was + open, and the old man was probably a straggler come to importune me for + shelter or for something to eat. As I relit the candle, he entered my room + and stood facing me, but he did not speak. His clothes were dripping and + he was blinking at me with strange, gleaming eyes. His hair was + snow-white, and as I looked into his face the deathly pallor of it + frightened me. His general appearance was more than startling; it was + uncanny. + </p> + <p> + “What can I do for you?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + Greatly to my surprise he made no reply, but with a look of pain and great + anxiety sank into a chair. Then he withdrew from his pocket a letter which + he extended to me. The envelope was wet and dirty. It was directed to + Kendric Lane, Esq., No. Old Broad street, London, England. The address was + crossed and “22 Kirkland street, Liverpool,” written under it in the + familiar hand of my guardian. A strange proceeding! thought I. Was the + letter intended for my father, who was long dead, and who had removed from + that address more than ten years ago? The old man began to grin and nod as + I examined the superscription. I broke the seal on the envelope and found + the following letter, undated, and with no indication of the place from + which it was sent: + </p> + <p> + “Dear Brother—I need your help. Come to me at once if you can. + Consequences of vast importance to me and to mankind depend upon your + prompt compliance. I cannot tell you where I am. The bearer will bring you + to me. Follow him and ask no questions. Moreover, be silent, like him, + regarding the subject of this letter. If you can come, procure passage in + the first steamer for New York. My messenger is provided with funds. Your + loving brother, + </p> + <p> + “Revis Lane.” + </p> + <p> + I had often heard my father speak of my uncle Revis, who went to America + almost twenty years before I was born. Now he was my nearest living + relative. No news of him had reached us for many years before my father + died. I was familiar with his handwriting and the specimen before me was + either genuine, or remarkably like it. If genuine he had evidently not + heard of my father's death. + </p> + <p> + Extraordinary as the message was, the messenger was more so. He sat + peering at me with a strange, half-crazed expression on his face. + </p> + <p> + “When did you leave my uncle?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + He sat as if unconscious that I had spoken. + </p> + <p> + I drew my chair to his side and repeated the words in a loud voice, but he + did not seem to hear me. Evidently the old man could neither hear nor + speak. In a moment he began groping in his pockets, and presently handed + me a card which contained the following words: + </p> + <p> + “If you can come, tear this card in halves and return the right half to + him.” + </p> + <p> + I examined the card carefully. The words were undoubtedly in my uncle's + handwriting. The back of the card was covered with strange characters in + red ink. I tore the card as directed and handed him the right half. + </p> + <p> + He held it up to the light and examined it carefully, then put it away in + a pocket of his waistcoat. The look of pain returned to his face, and he + coughed feebly as if suffering from a severe cold. The hour being late I + intimated by pantomime that I desired him to occupy my bed. He understood + me readily enough and began feebly to remove his clothing, while I + prepared a sofa for myself. He was soon sound asleep, but I lay awake long + after the light was extinguished. He was evidently quite ill, and I + determined to go for a physician at the first appearance of daylight. As + soon as possible I would go with him to my uncle. There were no ties to + detain me, and it was clearly my duty to do so. Perhaps my uncle was in + some great peril. If so, I might be of service to him. + </p> + <p> + When I arose in the morning my strange lodger seemed to be sleeping + quietly. His face looked pale and ghastly in the light of day. I stepped + close to his bed and, laying my hand upon his brow, was horrified to + discover that he was dead. What was I to do? I sat down to think, + trembling with fright. I must call in a policeman and tell him all I knew + about my strange visitor. No, not all; I must not tell him about the + letter, thought I. My uncle might not wish it to be published to the + world. I ran out upon the street and told the first officer I met how the + old man had rapped at my door during the storm; how I had given him my bed + out of pity, and how I had discovered on awaking in the morning that he + was dead. + </p> + <p> + That day the body was taken to the morgue. The sum of L100 were found in + his pockets, a part of which gave him a decent burial. But while he had + gone to his long rest, he had sown in my mind the seed of unrest. I went + about my work clinging to the thread of a mystery half told. Whither would + it lead me? + </p> + <p> + Strange as that messenger had seemed, he was certainly a good man to carry + secrets. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <p> + The multitude of legs, engaged by the pair in the service of Valentine, + King & Co., were distinguished from each other by a bit of house + slang. I was known as “last legs” among my companions for some time after + my initiation to the warehouse. At first I was inclined to resent the + reduction of my individuality to such a vulgar formula, but as I became + inured to hard tasks the sharpness of this indignity wore away. + </p> + <p> + There was one pair of legs doing service for the firm whose owner became + my most valued friend and confidant. In his business capacity he was + called “long legs,” but his proper name was Philbert Chaffin. He was a + tall, slim boy, with blue eyes and light hair, the son of a stage + carpenter, who was employed at one of the cheap theatres and who lived + within a stone's throw of my lodgings. His language was a unique + combination of bad grammar and provincial brogue; but every boy in the + warehouse allowed that he was a good fellow. He had spent many an evening + with me, and confided to me many a secret which, owing to solemn pledges + made at that time, I am not at liberty to divulge, before he invited me to + dine and spend an evening with the family. I accepted his invitation + gratefully, and the next evening Phil took me over. It was a hearty + welcome that I received at the home of the Chaffins. My enjoyment of their + simple hospitality would have been perfect but for the embarrassment I + felt at the many apologies with which it was offered. Mrs. Chaffin knew as + 'ow the tea was not as good as I was used to drinking, but she 'oped it + didn't taste “murky.” I assured her that it did not taste murky, although + a little doubtful as to the exact significance of the word when applied to + tea. But in spite of my declaration she insisted that it must taste + “murky” to one who was accustomed to better things. The ham was never too + good in Liverpool, but she 'oped that it wasn't “reesty.” I solemnly + declared that it was not “reesty.” But Mrs. Chaffin and Mr. Chaffin out of + the goodness of their hearts continued to condole with me on the score + that such ham tasted and must taste “reesty” to one not used to it. I had + no sooner satisfied their misgivings concerning the ham than I was + compelled to take issue with them as to the bread, regarding which they + entertained a lurking suspicion of staleness. During all of this + discussion about the ham, the tea and the bread, I was conscious that a + pair of big brown eyes, darkly shaded with long lashes, were staring at me + across the table. Whenever I had the courage to glance that way I observed + that they had been looking at me intently, and were suddenly averted. + These wondering eyes belonged to the only daughter in the family. + </p> + <p> + “They've all been boys,” said Mrs. Chaffin, “since Hetty was born.” + </p> + <p> + I thought it strange that the H in her daughter's name was the only one + that the good woman had shown the ability to manage. + </p> + <p> + “Hetty is the only one of the lot that takes to books,” she continued. + “The head master told me she will make a good scholar, and dear a me! she + does nothing but read books from mornin' till night.” While Hetty and her + mother removed the dishes we drew our chairs about the fire, and Mr. + Chaffin, a blunt, simple-minded man, entertained me with sage observations + regarding politics and the weather. He spoke rather loudly, and in a key + which, as I learned afterward, he only employed on very special occasions. + Presently the youngest lad in the family, who sat on his father's knee, + demanded a song. The response was prompt and generous. The selection with + which Mr. Chaffin favored us contained upward of forty stanzas, relating + the unhappy story of a fair maid and a bold sailor, both of whom met a + tragic death, in the last stanza, just before the day set for their + marriage. The song being finished, Hetty and her mother drew their chairs + up to the fire; Hetty sat next me, and after a severe inward struggle I + summoned the courage to ask her a question. She answered me in the fewest + words possible, but in a voice so sweet and low that I wondered then and + often afterward at its contrast to the other voices I had heard in that + house. She wore a home-spun frock and a neat white pinafore, set off with + a dainty ribbon tied about her throat. + </p> + <p> + “She's uncommon still when strangers is here, sir,” said Mrs. Chaffin; + “but law me! she goes rompitin' about the house like as if she was crazy + sometimes, ticklin' her father and tryin' t' snip off his beard with the + scissors.” + </p> + <p> + That night was the beginning of happier days for me. When at last I rose + to go it was near midnight. I forgot my weariness as I walked to my + lodgings, thinking of those simple, honest people and of their kindness to + me. + </p> + <p> + I enjoyed high jinks at the house of the Chaffins at least once a week + during the next year of my apprenticeship, near the close of which I began + to get ready for a visit to my stepmother in fulfilment of a promise I had + made by letter. It had been, on the whole, a happy year to me. I had known + many lonely hours, to be sure, but those visits to the little old + weather-stained house, in which I found my first friends after leaving + home, cheered me from week to week. I knew, too, that Hetty enjoyed those + long evenings as much as I did, which meant more to me than I would have + dared confess to her. I thought of her a good deal, but it always resulted + in the wretched feeling that we were both very young after all. It is not + likely that I would have decided to go home for a fortnight, but that I + thought it would be pleasant to observe the effect of saying good-by to + Hetty. I had no doubt that she would be quite overcome with grief and + loneliness after I had gone, and, reckless youth that I was, nothing could + have made me more happy than to have known that she really felt grieved on + my account. And yet when I called to bid them all good-by, the evening + before I started, she betrayed no sign of regret. In fact, she seemed so + much happier than usual that I worried about it for weeks, even after I + had gone so far away that it seemed doubtful whether we would ever meet + again. It did not occur to me that I had been less skilful than she in + concealing my emotions, and that she might be merry only because she could + perceive that I was sad. Mrs. Chaffin was the only member of the family + who seemed to entertain feelings as serious as my own. She had dreamed + that I would not come back again, and we all laughed at her then, but when + the swift years had revealed some of their secrets, we thought of this + prophetic dream with a sadness deeper than any that comes to childish + hearts. Hester and Phil walked with me to the gate when I left the house. + The radiance of a full moon fell on our faces through the flying clouds. + Phil, stupid fellow! had so much to say that I did not get a chance to + speak to his sister before she darted back to the house as if pursued. On + reaching my lodgings I was surprised to find a gentleman waiting for me. + </p> + <p> + “Don't know me, eh?” said he, shaking my hand warmly. + </p> + <p> + He was a tall, portly man, with a kindly face, clean shaven except for a + pair of close-cropped, iron-gray side whiskers. I was sure I had seen him + before, but couldn't think of his name. + </p> + <p> + “Earl,” said he, handing me a card on which his name and address were + printed as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + DAVID GORDON EARL, + Barrister at Law, + Lincoln's Inn, London. +</pre> + <p> + I remembered distinctly having accompanied my father to his office on one + occasion some years before. + </p> + <p> + “I've come up from London on purpose to see you. Just got here only a few + minutes ago,” said he, laying off his overcoat. “But upon my word!” he + added, surveying me from head to foot, “I didn't expect to find such a + big, strapping fellow as you are. Your surroundings are quite as I had + supposed they would be. Cramped quarters in a miserable tumble-down back + street! I suppose your guardian provided this place for you?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe so,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Did you know that your stepmother had married again?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Married!” I exclaimed. “To whom?” + </p> + <p> + “To Martin Cobb.” + </p> + <p> + “To my guardian?” I asked, in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + Not heeding my question, he continued: + </p> + <p> + “You're intending to go home to-morrow, I believe?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “My boy,” said he, “I have an interest in you. I was your father's friend + and adviser for many years. I came all this distance to tell you not to go + to London. Do not ask me why, I beg you,” said he, with an impatient + gesture when I attempted to speak. “It would do you no good to learn my + reason for making this request. Listen to this—it's important to + you: There's an uncle of yours in America, your nearest relative, I + believe. Of course you have heard your father speak of him. A most + eccentric fellow! but a man of fine ability. He was a graduate of Oxford + and a physician of great skill and learning. Thirty-five years ago he went + to Canada and finally settled in a large town on one of the great lakes + not far from the border. It was Detroit, I believe. Your father told me, + shortly before his death, that he had not heard from your uncle for many + years. I have written to him twice within a twelvemonth, but have received + no reply. I want you to go over and look him up. If you should find that + he is dead, there's no harm done, and you can take time to look about for + a business opportunity. If you don't like it, come back, but, if you can + content yourself there for awhile, you had better do so.” + </p> + <p> + “But, sir, I have no money.” + </p> + <p> + “You are going for me; I shall, therefore, insist upon paying the bills. + In the success of the undertaking I have, perhaps, as great an interest as + you.” + </p> + <p> + “When do you wish me to start?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “To-night. That is to say, I would like you to leave this place at once, + go with me to a hotel, and sail by the first steamer that leaves for New + York.” + </p> + <p> + Ever since that strange and silent messenger had come to me with my + uncle's letter I had been haunted by a desire to go in quest of him. Now + that it was possible, I hesitated. What would Hester say on hearing that I + had gone to America? It would be very grand to write her from New York + that I had been suddenly called abroad on important business. Would she + care? Of course she would care, and I was willing to wager a sixpence with + myself that she would cry bitterly, too, on receiving the letter. Ah, what + a punishment that would be for her coldness and indifference! + </p> + <p> + Yes, I would go. I began picking up my things and packing them into my + box. + </p> + <p> + “I conclude that you have decided to go,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir. I shall be ready in a moment,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + We were soon rattling over the pavements in a cab that had been waiting at + the door. + </p> + <p> + On arriving at the Northwestern Hotel we were informed that a steamer + would leave for New York at five in the morning. We drove at once to the + dock and having succeeded in making comfortable arrangements for my + passage Mr. Earl went aboard the steamer with me. In a retired corner of + the great cabin I confessed to him that there was a girl in Liverpool for + whom I had a feeling of extraordinary tenderness. + </p> + <p> + He laughed heartily and insisted that I should tell him all the + particulars. + </p> + <p> + “You are rather young yet to entertain so serious a passion,” said he, as + he held my hand for a moment before going ashore. “You will get over it as + easily as you got into it.” + </p> + <p> + I sat down, unable to reply or to restrain the tears that came to my eyes + as he left me alone. I went to my stateroom at once and to bed. What + thoughts came to me as I lay there inviting sleep to turn them into + dreams, while the great ship waited for the tide! I tossed about my berth; + I prayed; I listened. At length I thought I heard my father's voice + mingled with others, and a sound of casting off—but I heard no more. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <p> + One morning in early October, nearly two years after I left Liverpool that + memorable night, I found myself in the little city of Ogdensburg, N. Y., + past which the majestic St. Lawrence flows with a sleepy movement quite in + harmony with the spirit of the old town on its southern shore. All this + time I had been vainly beating about the Western Hemisphere in quest of my + uncle. He had left Detroit many years before, but I chanced to meet a + number of men there who had known him well. Although he had enjoyed a very + large practice and a wide reputation for skill, he had made no friends + that I could find. He was a man of few words, they told me, and was never + seen about the city except in the discharge of his professional duties. + Various and conflicting opinions were expressed as to whither he had gone, + in testing which I had visited no less than twenty cities, making careful + inquiries, especially among medical men. Occasionally I struck what seemed + to be a promising clew, which only increased my confusion and left me more + hopelessly in the dark. I had reported my movements to Mr. Earl as often + as once a week and I received letters from him frequently, encouraging me + to continue the search and enclosing money with which to do so. But + although I had written often to Hester Chaffin no word from her ever + reached me. I was tired of this fruitless quest among strangers, so far + from the little that I held dear, and I was on the point of giving up when + this paragraph fell under my eye in a Montreal newspaper: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A MYSTERIOUS CHARACTER. +</pre> + <p> + “One who has ever passed the city of Ogdensburg by steamer will no doubt + recall a large gambrel-roofed house standing near the water's edge, just + out of the town, surrounded by towering trees and enclosed on all sides by + a wall nearly as high as the eaves of the building. The wall suggests an + asylum, a house of detention or some like place set apart for the + unfortunate members of society. In reality, however, it is the residence + of a mysterious recluse of the name of Lane, who shut himself up there + nearly eighteen years ago and has since been rarely seen. It was built + after his own plans, they say, when he came to Ogdensburg with his wife, + who died soon afterward. Nobody knows whence he came or anything of his + past history. He is apparently a total stranger here below, holding no + intercourse with the world beyond that enclosure. His wife is said to have + been a woman of great beauty, and her death doubtless threw him into a + morbid state of mind, from which he has never rallied. Many years ago he + is known to have bought a full-grown African lion from a traveling + menagerie, and, soon after, he erected the wall, presumably out of regard + for the public safety. Passers along the street have caught an occasional + glimpse of him through the high gate, walking in the grounds surrounding + his house, with the lion at his heels apparently in complete subjection to + its master. A dense thicket runs along the wall on all sides within the + enclosure, which, according to local tradition, is alive with + rattlesnakes, bred for some strange purpose known only to himself—perhaps + to make his isolation more secure. + </p> + <p> + “He is supposed to have resigned the companionship of men for study and + scientific research. He has no children, and his only servant being a + deaf-mute, who is almost an idiot, there is little chance at present of + learning anything of his life. For more than two years nothing has been + seen of the mysterious master of the house. His disappearance would, we + think, be a legitimate subject of investigation by the authorities of the + town. May he not have been eaten by the lion, or killed by the + rattlesnakes? Who knows?” + </p> + <p> + My heart was beating fast and my hands shook as if stricken with palsy + before I had finished the paragraph. The strange old man who had come to + me in Liverpool that night was probably the mute servant to which the + article referred. In an hour I was on the way to Ogdensburg, quite + confident that the issue of my wanderings was at hand. I reached that town + next morning nearly two years, as I have said, after the beginning of my + journey to the New World. Not stopping to breakfast even, I started out to + find the house, which my busy imagination had already pictured for itself. + The first townsman I saw directed me to the place. + </p> + <p> + “Follow the turnpike,” said he. “'Sa mild or more—straight ahead. + You'll know it when y' git there. 'S' queer place an' stan's off by + itself.” + </p> + <p> + The man was going my way, evidently to begin his day's work, for it was + then early in the morning, and I walked along with him. + </p> + <p> + “Folks say,” he continued, “them grounds is full of hejious reptyles, an' + I've heerd fellers tell queer things they've seen when passin' there at + night—red lights a-flyin' about an' spooks at the winders. An' one + night, when Uncle Bill Jemson was comin' down the turnpike, they was a + storm come up, an' jest as he got opposite the big iron gate they was a + flash a lightnin'—an' Bill says he see the ole man, his long white + hair a-flyin' in th' wind, an' a lion standin' there in front a th' house. + Th' flash was out'n a minit, an' Bill whipped up his hosses an' sent em + clear to Mills' tavern on the dead run,” said he, laughing as if it were a + good joke. + </p> + <p> + “They don't nobody like th' place ner th' man, though I don' know why, fer + no one's ever passed a word with him in these parts. There 'tis, over + yender with the pines around it an' th' high wall,” said he, pointing with + his finger. But my eye had already discovered the low-built rambling house + on the high banks of the river, well in the distance, and had recognized + it at once. + </p> + <p> + Leaving my companion at the next turn in the road I walked hurriedly on, + and when I had reached the big iron gate I stopped and peered through it. + A gravel roadway, now overgrown with weeds, led from the gate to the front + of the house, which stood facing me. It was built entirely of wood and + consisted of four wings (at least there were no others visible) evidently + enclosing a quadrangular courtyard, the rear wings being lower than those + in front, and hidden by the latter from the view of one standing at the + gate as I was. It was only at a distance that one could see their roofs + above the enclosure. There was but one line of windows along the front, + but there was an oriel just under the peak of the main building, and I + could see a skylight here and there upon the roofs. + </p> + <p> + The blinds were closed and there was no sign of life about the house—evidently + planned with hospitable intentions, but now silent and forbidding. I tried + the gates. They were locked securely. A screen of closely woven wire rose + from the pavement half way up the iron work. Evidently it would be + impossible to reach the doors without scaling this barrier, and I was not + yet ready to try an expedient so desperate. Returning to my hotel I wrote + a letter to the master of the house, telling him of my long-continued + quest and of my hopes regarding our possible kinship. Day after day I + anxiously awaited his reply, until a week had passed, but no word came + from him. In passing the house at different times, however, I observed + some signs of life within it—a blind open that had been closed the + day before—a faint glimmer of light on the trees in the rear of the + grounds at night, which might have come from the back windows. Even this + slight encouragement was gratifying, but as time passed without bringing + any reply to my letter I began to think that, after all, my hopes rested + on very shadowy foundations. One day I asked the local postmaster if a man + of the name of Lane, who lived near that city, ever sent for his mail. + </p> + <p> + “Never,” said he. “The man is crazy, I guess, and it's wasting postage to + write him. He's a hermit, sir—a regular hermit, and is about the + same as dead, for nobody ever sees him. The tradesmen tell me that his old + servant comes out of an evening, once in a while, to buy provisions, but + he's deaf as a post and dumb as an oyster.” The interview had at least + shown me the futility of trying to reach him by letter. + </p> + <p> + It was clear that only one course was open to me. I must brave the unknown + perils with which this strange man had encompassed the path of the + trespasser, and gain an entrance to the house. I sought the seclusion of + my room at once, and thought over the result of my investigations. I had + not written to my good friend in London since my arrival in Ogdensburg, + and I concluded not to do so until I could give him definite information. + </p> + <p> + Late in the afternoon a slow, drizzling rain began to pour down, and when + night fell every luminary in the heavens was obscured by thick clouds. It + was a favorable time for carrying out my project, as the darkness was + intensified by a fog that had settled over the city. By the light of my + lamp I prepared for the undertaking, in such a state of excitement that I + was frequently startled by my own whispers, through which I found myself + now and then giving involuntary utterance to my thoughts. Cutting up a + pair of boots which I carried in my box, I wound my legs in leather from + my ankles up above my knees, carefully drawing on a pair of thick, long + stockings to hold it in place. This precaution would give me a comfortable + sense of security, even if there were no snakes to fear. I felt sure that + the lion, if he were still living, would be kept in some place of + confinement. + </p> + <p> + It was long past bedtime, and the lights were out in every shop and + dwelling, when I started on my daring mission. The little lamps that + glared through the fog at the street corners could scarcely be seen twenty + feet away. I was so preoccupied that I frequently lost my direction in the + mud and darkness. It seemed as if I had been traveling for hours, when at + last I felt the big wall, and saw its dim bulk rising above me and + stretching away into the night. Cautiously I groped along its base until + my hands felt the iron bars of the gate. Then I stood for some moments + leaning against them, quite out of breath. They were cold and wet, and + chilled me to a shiver when I touched them. I peered toward the house but + could see nothing. I listened, but could hear nothing except the beating + of my own heart and the mournful sound of the pines whose loftier branches + were stirring in the still air. Grasping the heavy bars I tried to climb + the gate, but, as there were no projections on which it was possible to + get a foothold, I found this an exhausting and difficult task. I climbed + repeatedly several feet above the earth, only to lose my foothold and + slide down again. Finally, by exerting all my strength, I succeeded in + supporting myself with the edge of my boot upon a crossbar about half way + up; then, taking a small rope from my pocket I threw one end of it over + the gate, holding the other in my teeth. Tying it securely by a noose I + climbed hand over hand to the top and then let myself down on the other + side. I was quite exhausted by the effort (unaccustomed as I was to such + burglarious enterprises) and my fingers were torn and bleeding from + forcing a hold between the iron work and the wire screen. I remembered the + gravel pathway, overgrown with grass, that led from the big gate to a + front door. I groped about in the darkness until I felt the gravel under + my feet. Then I moved cautiously along it, until I could dimly discern the + outlines of the house. My nerves were so wrought up, while I stood there + holding my breath to catch some sound from its gloomy interior, that I was + near crying out in abject terror at every step. An owl, startled from the + limb of a tree over my head, flew lazily into the upper air and across the + thicket, disturbing other birds that set up a chattering protest. + Stealthily I crept from window to window, but the blinds were closed fast. + Finally I came to a door that seemed to open into the main part of the + building. Desperate under the strain to which my nerves had been + subjected, I knocked loudly on its upper panels. The sound echoed through + the still house and the thickly wooded grounds around it. “God help me!” I + whispered; “will that echo never cease?” It kept repeating itself from + tree to tree, until I covered my ears to stop its weird reverberations. + Then I heard a low threatening sound, deep and resonant as the lower tones + of a great organ, that gradually grew louder until its volume filled the + air, and then died away, while its echoes went chasing each other among + the trees. In the silence which followed, my ear caught another sound the + like of which I had never heard before. A dozen clocks being wound by + quick turns on all sides of me would, I fancy, have produced a similar + effect. It was evident to me that my knocking had disturbed my uncle's + pets, but I was not to be frightened away. Hearing no movement in the + house I tried the door, and to my astonishment it swung open. A peculiar + odor, such as one notices in a house that has long stood empty, came to my + nostrils, and again I heard that fateful whirring, but in the darkness I + could discern no object. As I crossed the threshold the sound grew louder, + and to my horror the door closed suddenly behind me. Hurriedly striking a + match, I held it above my head and peered about me. Its light revealed a + small apartment finished in polished wood. Along the angle of the floor + was an opening, two or three inches high, into the side walls. And half + way up the wall in front of me I saw a face—the face of a maniac it + seemed to be—pale and wan, with strange, inhuman eyes. I had + scarcely glanced at it when the match dropped from my fingers and fell + slowly through the air, going out as it struck the floor. My hands were + cold, but so wet with perspiration that they stuck to my clothing when I + felt for a candle which I had brought with me. + </p> + <p> + There are moments in every man's life that move slowly, as if carrying the + weight of years upon their backs. I shall never cease to believe that the + few seconds it took me to light that candle must stand for as many years + in any correct reckoning of my age. When its beams at last illumined the + room, the strange face was still there. Had I seen it before? It was + marvellously like that other face which had haunted my dreams so long. If + it was the face of a man he must be standing on the other side of the wall + and looking through a panel. + </p> + <p> + “Is Mr. Lane at home?” I asked in an unnatural tone that startled me. + </p> + <p> + But no word of reply was spoken. + </p> + <p> + “I am his nephew and I have important news for him.” + </p> + <p> + The face disappeared for a moment, and presently a shrunken hand, holding + a white sheet of paper, was extended through the opening. I stepped + forward, took the sheet and, withdrawing to the centre of the room, sat + down upon the floor and wrote the following message in bold characters + with my pencil: + </p> + <p> + “Kendric Lane, son of Kendric Lane (deceased), late of London, England, + wishes to see Dr. Lane on business of importance.” + </p> + <p> + I handed the message to the strange man behind the wall, who immediately + disappeared with it, closing the panel. “The worst is over,” thought I, + while I stood in that mysterious and silent chamber waiting for his + return. But I should not have thought so had I known what was still to be + revealed to me before the dawn of another day, and in the months that + followed, during which that house and its echoing groves were my home. And + I sometimes ask myself, in the light of later events of which that visit + was indirectly the cause, whether, had I been able to foresee them, I + would still have persevered in my purpose to know the secrets of my + uncle's house? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <p> + A long time I stood waiting for some reply to my message. My candle was + fast burning out, and I began to fear that after all I was likely to leave + the house no wiser than when I had entered it. Suddenly a door swung on + its creaking hinges and a feeble old man, holding a lamp in one hand, + stood grinning at me in the opening. It was the same face that I saw + before, but it seemed less ghostly and unnatural now. Stepping back he + beckoned me to enter. As soon as I had crossed the threshold the door + closed behind me and the old man carefully bolted it. I stood in a large + room, richly furnished, of which spiders had apparently long held + possession. Great cobwebs hung like hammocks from the ceiling, and the + dust of years had settled over all. Two human skeletons completely wrapped + in cobwebs, stood facing me against the opposite wall. Following my silent + leader, I went through a long narrow passage, at the end of which was a + heavy door fastened with large iron bolts. Before opening it the strange + old man placed the lamp upon a table and turning around looked squarely + into my face. Merciful Heaven! It was the face of another man who was + looking at me now! The deep lines had almost disappeared and the eyes + looked brighter and more intelligent. No, it was the same face, for while + my eyes were eagerly scanning it that hideous grin began to deepen its + wrinkles, and its owner, taking half a dozen steps down the passageway, + made an awkward motion with both hands as if trying to indicate that I was + to follow him very closely. Then he opened the big door and I was + surprised to observe that it led into the outer air. What gulf of darkness + are we about to plunge into? I asked myself, peering through the doorway; + and as we stepped out I heard again that ominous whirring. Close upon his + heels I followed in a narrow path, through what seemed to be a large + courtyard, overgrown with thick grass. Presently he stopped, and, taking a + bunch of keys from his pocket, unlocked a door in a back wing of the + house. Reaching out until his hand touched me, as if to make sure that I + was there, he swung the door open and we stepped into a dimly lighted + apartment. My mysterious guide turned up the wick of a lamp that was + burning on a table in the centre of the room. It was a library, with great + shelves of books reaching from floor to ceiling along its walls. A large + galvanic battery, globes, charts and other contrivances that belong to the + equipment of a scholar surrounded the table. This table was used for + writing evidently, for there were pens lying on it and a human skull used + as an inkstand, the fluid being held in the cavities of the eyes. I had + seated myself in a chair and was waiting for some sign from the little old + man who had brought me there. But where was he? Turning around I looked + about me on all sides. He had left the room during my momentary + preoccupation. I had scarcely seated myself again when a door opened and a + venerable man, with snow-white hair and a smooth-shaven face that was pale + and wrinkled, walked slowly toward me. I rose to my feet and advanced a + step or two. He came forward without speaking and looked steadily into my + eyes. Slowly and sadly he turned his gaze upon the floor, apparently in + deep thought. A sigh broke from his lips as if some memory, stirring in + the caves of thought, had driven it forth. + </p> + <p> + The man who stood before me had deep-set gray eyes, almost concealed by + long shaggy brows not yet entirely white. His lips were thin, and drawn + closely together above a square, protruding chin. The nose was aquiline + and prominent, with large, but finely cut nostrils. Altogether his was the + most picturesque face I had ever seen. Suddenly he made an effort to clear + his throat. + </p> + <p> + “Kendric's child,” said he, in a strange, low voice. He spoke slowly and + with great difficulty, as if his organs of speech were partially + paralyzed. I would not have been able to distinguish his words but for the + silence of that room and the unnatural keenness of my hearing. He still + stood motionless, his eyes upon the floor. I knew that he was thinking of + my father. + </p> + <p> + “Dead?” he asked, looking at me inquisitively. + </p> + <p> + “He is dead,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “And my man—did he give you the letter?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; he is dead also.” + </p> + <p> + “Dead? I thought he was dead,” he repeated, slowly and thoughtfully. “I, + too, am dead—long dead.” + </p> + <p> + The words were separated by considerable pauses, and he faced me almost + sternly as he finished speaking them. I stood staring at him, dumb with + surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Why—how did you come here?” + </p> + <p> + He sank into a chair, exhausted with the effort it had cost him to speak. + My presence seemed to irritate and annoy him. Why, indeed, had I come + there? What should I say in reply to his question? I tried to think. + </p> + <p> + “Knaves! Knaves!” said my uncle, in a shrill voice, rushing toward me. In + a moment he had thrown his arms about my neck and was sobbing aloud. My + heart was full and I wept with him. + </p> + <p> + “Fortunate child of God,” said he, after a moment; “you have the seed of + life—immortal life. But I beg you to go. To one like you this house + will seem an uncanny place; I can only think of it as beyond the grave.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me stay, uncle,” said I. “Don't send me away. Perhaps I can help you + or comfort you.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor soul! you shall stay if you will. I am in great trouble and need + help, but you are a boy—I cannot ask you to give your life to me.” + </p> + <p> + He sat down before the table, breathing heavily, and beckoned me to a + chair beside him. I was quite dumfounded and knew not what to say. + Presently he began writing upon large sheets of paper, handing each one to + me as soon as it was covered. The manuscript read as follows: + </p> + <p> + “I am not able to talk much. To me words are a lie and an abomination. + Even these I now write are misrepresenting me and deceiving you, though I + wish them to tell the truth. They will make me out an ass or a madman. I + am neither. For eighteen years I have scarcely spoken as many words. A + word or two of Sanscrit now and then has met my needs, thank God! There is + an interior language for which speech is an imperfect medium. Through that + interior language thought is communicated directly and truthfully. I used + it long before I came here—imperfectly, to be sure, but with a small + degree of satisfaction to myself. Through it I was able to heal the sick + when others failed. I knew how they felt better than they could tell me in + feeble words. In some more perfect state of evolution, beyond the grave, + perhaps, all men will have this power and it will be perfect. I can enjoy + but an imperfect use of it until the mortal part of me has been cast off. + One trained to speech in childhood loses certain faculties that can never + be regained. + </p> + <p> + “My wife died many years ago. She left me a broken heart and a child, + newly born. I had just built this house, among strangers. We intended to + devote the remainder of our lives to the study of mental phenomena. We + desired to carry on our work without interruption. We planned to live + unknown among those around us. When she died I saw in the child an + opportunity. I determined to make its life a grand experiment; to preserve + and cultivate its native intuitions—the germ of the power of direct + communication. God has vouchsafed success to me. He lives—a man of + exalted powers the like of which the world has never seen but once, and + then in Christ, the very Son of God. But, unlike Him, my son is only + human, with weaknesses that are our common lot. + </p> + <p> + “The years are flying, and strength is failing! I must die soon and he + will live. That thought burns my brain, passing through it day by day. His + life may be long extended and he cannot live alone, nor among men, for he + would be a stranger and friendless—feared and dreaded by + superstitious fools. He has never seen a human face outside these walls + nor heard a human voice but mine. I have told you my trouble.” + </p> + <p> + He ceased writing, but before I had finished reading the statement some + strange influence came over me. I felt restless and uncomfortable. My hand + was shaking so that I could scarcely read the words on the last sheet of + paper. Suddenly I raised my eyes and saw a young man, godlike in form and + feature, standing at my side. His face wore an expression of indescribable + eloquence. As familiar as he afterward became to me, I can never forget + the first impression which that magnificent human being made upon my mind, + as he stood there—radiating a power that I felt to the tips of my + fingers. What favored son of man was this confronting me, born to such an + inheritance of majesty and grace? I asked myself, regarding him with + amazement. He had eyes dark as night, set under a broad forehead, about + which wavy masses of tawny hair fell gracefully. His stately form was + erect and firm as a statue. For a moment his eyes looked into mine; then + he advanced and took my hand. Tenderly he pressed it to his lips, stepping + back as he did so and looking at me with a half-curious, half-amused + expression. I was so startled by the unexpected appearance of this + remarkable figure that I had not, until now, noticed that a large lion had + followed him into the room and was lying quietly at his feet. I was not + afraid; indeed, the king of beasts seemed but a part of the man's + masterful presence. I do not think I would have seen the animal but that + his enormous body was lying directly before my eyes on the floor. My uncle + had been sitting with his head resting upon his hand at the table. + Suddenly he rose and a strange, guttural sound—it may have been a + word from some language wholly unfamiliar to me—passed his lips. The + young man immediately left us, the lion following closely at his heels. We + both sat in silence for some moments after he had gone. My mind had felt + strange exhilaration in his presence, and I rubbed my eyes to make sure + that I was not dreaming. When I looked at my uncle the sad expression on + his face had given way to a smile of infinite satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “He is pleased—thank God!” said my uncle, in a hoarse whisper, + sinking into a chair. + </p> + <p> + I made no answer. + </p> + <p> + “It was my son,” he continued, with animation. “Rayel—that was the + name she gave him. Rayel, the wonderful. He will love you as he loves me. + Come,” said he, rising, “the night is nearly gone.” + </p> + <p> + Taking a lamp from the table, he beckoned me to follow him. Silently we + proceeded through a narrow hallway and up one flight of stairs to a + spacious bedroom which had seemingly been prepared for my use. A candle + was burning dimly on a large dressing-case, and by its flickering light, + as soon as my uncle had gone, I looked about me and tried to think with + calmness on the experience I had passed through. Bolting the door + securely, I threw open one of the window blinds. To my surprise the first + light of dawn was visible in the sky. My room was in the rear of the + house. Between me and the high wall was a dense tangle of underbrush, + barely visible in the dim light. Hastily undressing, I went to bed without + further delay, and was soon in deep sleep. When I awoke it was near + midday. Dressing as quickly as possible, I proceeded at once to the + library, where my uncle sat waiting for me. He conducted me to the + breakfast room—a well-lighted and cheerful apartment—where he + served me with his own hands. + </p> + <p> + “You shall stay, sir—you shall stay,” said he, laying his hand on my + shoulder as he sat down beside me, with a smiling face. “Rayel loves you. + He hopes you will stay. He thinks God sent you to us.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad, for I wish to stay,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Good!” he exclaimed, in a long whisper. “You have brought the world to + him. Already he has seen it in your eyes. But it is good!” + </p> + <p> + While I ate he asked me questions touching the changes in our family since + he left England. + </p> + <p> + I told him of my life at home after my father's death; of my hard lot in + Liverpool, and of the midnight interviews with his messenger and with Mr. + Earl. He listened to me with grave and attentive interest, but stopped me + before I had finished, with an impatient gesture. + </p> + <p> + “Speak out! they meant—they meant to kill you, didn't they?” + </p> + <p> + I stared at him in amazement, while ideas that were new to me flocked into + the empyrean of thought like black birds of prey. Oh, no; I had never + suspected that! I would never before have permitted such a hideous + suspicion to enter my mind. Was it possible that Mr. Earl had sent me away + from England in order to save my life? My hands began to tremble, and I + felt my face turning red and pale under the searching eyes of my uncle. + </p> + <p> + “My boy,” said he, “if all the murders were done that men conceive, the + devil would live alone on earth. We shall know some time—I tell you + we shall know! Let us go to Rayel,” he said, rising and leading the way. + </p> + <p> + The interview had greatly excited him, and his speech seemed even more + halting and labored than before. Many of his words were mispronounced and + separated by long pauses; but his manner was marvelously expressive, and + often a peculiar turn of the eye or movement of the hand made his meaning + clear when I was in doubt about his words. + </p> + <p> + I followed him through a long gymnasium and out upon a grassy courtyard + extending along the rear of the grounds parallel with the river wall for a + hundred yards or more, and adorned with beds of flowers. It was completely + shut off from the eye of the outside world by a thick grove and an + impenetrable growth of underbrush that reached beyond the lowest branches + of the trees. Nothing but the blue sky, in which the sun was on its + downward course, the house, and the walls of living green, were visible. + Out of this Eden-like spot we passed into another wing of the building + with large windows looking out upon it. Rayel met us at the door, dressed + in a black robe of silk that hung gracefully from his shoulders. Again he + took my hand and kissed it, then looked into my eyes with the same + expression of curious interest upon his face that I had noted before. + Still holding my hand, he led me across the room. For the first time I + noticed that its walls were covered with pictures, unframed, and that an + easel stood in the light of each window. We stopped before one of them. On + a large canvas that was stretched across it I saw a likeness of myself. + The eyes wore a haggard look which seemed unnatural. But there was + something strangely real about it, in spite of that. + </p> + <p> + “Wonderful!” said I. + </p> + <p> + Rayel started at the sound of my voice, and glanced from one to the other + with a puzzled, inquiring look. Turning to his father, he uttered some + strange monosyllable in a deep voice. Then he took my hand and walked back + and forth across the room with me, smiling in great delight. I was + fascinated by one of the pictures which showed a great gleaming eye with a + suggestion of lightning in its fiery depths, as if taken at the keenest + flash of fury. To intensify its fierceness a human hand was raised in + front of it so as to throw a dark shadow across the canvas. + </p> + <p> + “It is the lion's eye,” said my uncle, who was standing near me. + </p> + <p> + There were other paintings—many of them equally strange and + wonderful—hanging on the walls, some of which contained material he + could not have derived from direct observation. It was easy to discern in + his work the fragments of nature that came within the limited command of + his own eyes—the falling snow, the changing phases of the sky and of + vegetation—for they were presented with a stronger and more vivid + touch. Until the fading twilight blended all color into gloom I passed + from one canvas to another along the wall in silence, oblivious of all + save the presence of Rayel, who followed close at my elbow, evidently + enjoying my admiration of his work. When I had finished looking at the + paintings I turned for some sign to indicate his further pleasure, and + discovered that he was gone. My uncle was standing near me. + </p> + <p> + “It is late,” said he. + </p> + <p> + We returned at once across the yard to my uncle's retreat among his books + and papers. Lighting the lamps he sat down beside me. + </p> + <p> + “The power of speech is returning,” said he. “I can talk more easily.” + </p> + <p> + “Did I not hear you speak to your son?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he answered. “Long ago difficulties arose. Sometimes he could not + command my thoughts, nor I his. I had known fifty years of life; he had + not—hence an inequality. My physical organism had been neglected. It + was an imperfect agent of the mind. Many of my faculties were lost. These + circumstances stood between us like barriers. It was the beginning of each + communication that troubled us, when our minds were working in different + channels. Something was needed for a cue—a starting-point. Ten + pregnant words of Sanscrit were all we needed. It was easy then.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think he would have lost the power of speech and hearing,” I + remarked. + </p> + <p> + “No. Music saved them—abstract music. His voice is wonderful. His + hearing is quick. Rayel knows words but not speech. His mind has command + of my knowledge. He has never seen the world, but he knows about it. I + tried to begin my life anew and to forget the past. But I could not wholly + cleanse my mind of it. Its memories faded slowly. I have avoided renewing + them for his sake.” + </p> + <p> + “He could, then, learn to speak?” + </p> + <p> + “With ease, and it were better if he could speak now. We will teach him + soon.” + </p> + <p> + As he ceased speaking, fatigued by the unaccustomed effort, I heard low + strains of music echoing through the silent halls around us. A violin! The + tone was deep and tremulous, gradually growing louder, filling the ear + with its message, and lifting the mind to lofty heights of thought and + passion. We both sat listening for hours, and midnight came before the + last strain died away. That music was like a strange story that drops its + plummet deep into life's mysteries. + </p> + <p> + “A new song!” said my uncle, turning to me with surprise on his face. “He + got the subject from you. We shall see.” + </p> + <p> + Presently Rayel entered the room, bringing something in his hand—a + picture—which he held up to the lamplight. A girl's face! and + wonderfully like that of Hester Chaffin. I sat amazed, staring at it. But + the likeness was not exact, the face was idealized—as I had seen it + in my dream the night before. I raised my eyes to Rayel's face. He was + looking at me with an expression of pain and embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> + <p> + My uncle recovered the power of speech rapidly. Before I had been a week + in his house he was able to talk with comparative ease. He seemed to enjoy + my companionship, and I spent most of my time in his library, conversing + with him or conning the musty books that had long lain unread. To me this + room was a fascinating and restful place. Somehow it reminded me of an old + cemetery. The time-worn books upon its shelves stood in solemn rows, like + headstones, sacred to the memory of the men who wrote them—their + titles like inscriptions half obliterated. I did not see Rayel for days + after the midnight episode that gave me such a startling revelation of his + power. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think that Rayel knows everything that passes in one's mind—a + vivid dream, for instance?” I asked my uncle one day when we were alone + together. + </p> + <p> + Yes, except when he is himself asleep. His command of my dreams puzzled me + at first. I thought I had put the past completely out of my mind. But I + could not hide it from him. Little by little he learned everything in my + history. One day I saw him at work on a picture. It startled me. The + canvas showed a man lying on a surgeon's table. The knife had just severed + an artery in his thigh. There were four men working over him—I was + one of them. Gradually the features took on a familiar expression. His + face grew paler under the brush. A few touches—the scene was + complete. The man was dead—his eyes wide open, staring at me. + </p> + <p> + My uncle paused and looked earnestly into my face. + </p> + <p> + “It was a bit of your professional experience,” said I. “Something had + reminded you of it.” + </p> + <p> + “The night before I dreamed about it” he answered. “My mind, released from + the command of my will, betrayed me.” + </p> + <p> + “A strange power!” I exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Incredible to you! Impossible to acquire unless the work begins at birth, + and then the possibilities are infinite,” said he, drawing his chair + closer to mine. “You know what I have done. Start the new-born mind on any + highway and see how it hurries along. You can do more, working a little + while over the cradle, than all the preachers under heaven, after its + occupant has grown beyond your ministry. I tell you, sir, the world is + indifferent to its children. Neglected by their parents, subject to hired + tenderness or none at all; left to the care of ignorant or depraved + nurses, and often taught little but selfishness and greed of gain, the + children of men are surrounded by destructive agencies. Can we wonder that + the human mind loses in infancy so much of its native power? But so the + generations of earth are growing up, bearing embittered fruit and sowing + its seed to the four winds. Who cares for the mind and body of a child has + the highest possible mission—the most sacred of all trusts. He must + give it all his time and strength. He must lead its mind into green + pastures; he must share its joys; he must know its hopes and fears; he + must give it hold on lines of thought that reach into eternity, which will + sooner or later flood it with inspiration; he must see that the brain has + a sufficient foundation of flesh and blood and bone; he must give it all + his life until the germs of power are developed.” + </p> + <p> + “Unfortunately,” said I, “most parents have other things to do and think + of.” + </p> + <p> + “Parentage is a crime under such circumstances. It has peopled the world + with fools and knaves. It delays the coming of Christ's kingdom. There are + a few wise men, but they are held down as gravitation holds the rock. + There are laws of attraction in the world of mind as in that of matter. + Good and evil are its poles. Every atom between them is held in place by + the operation of opposing forces. The general mass of mind lies within + narrow zones on both sides of the equatorial line of this imaginary world. + Its attraction prevents any men from rising far above or descending far + below it. I tell you, sir, the intellectual world has degrees of latitude + and longitude which determine every man's location. Emancipated from the + forces I have described, my son has risen to a level beyond the attainment + of men under ordinary conditions. Hypocrisy and deceit are things of which + he knows nothing. I do not ascribe to him, mind you, the possession of + saintly virtues. He is a man in whom the best potentialities of mind and + body have been developed. I have carefully avoided the danger of making + him a morbid, spiritual creature. His body is quite as wonderful as his + mind.” + </p> + <p> + My uncle had been pacing restlessly up and down the room as he spoke, + often pausing before me and uttering his words vehemently, with quick + gestures and flashing eyes. He did not, seemingly, expect an answer to his + remark, for, as he ceased speaking, he stepped before one of the windows + and stood for a moment looking out upon the courtyard. + </p> + <p> + “See!” said he suddenly, motioning to me. + </p> + <p> + I stepped to his side and, looking through the window, saw Rayel running + across the lawn with the lion on his shoulders. When the beast sprang down + he seized it by the mane and tossed it about like one with the strength of + Hercules. Here was a man who exercised his rightful dominion over animated + nature! + </p> + <p> + “The beast is very fond of him,” said my uncle, “and a movement of his + finger is sufficient to control it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why did you adopt a pet so terrible?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “To secure isolation,” he answered. “He's an object of terror to + intruders, and a source of delight to us.” + </p> + <p> + “You have snakes here, too,” I ventured. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and for the same reason, But they can't harm you now. Since you came + we have killed them. They have been good friends to me, but you were a + stranger, and your life would have been in danger every day. Years ago I + procured a score of them from the mountains of Pennsylvania and put them + into the thickets. They multiplied like rats, and so I was armed against + invasion. + </p> + <p> + “To prevent their escape I sank a screen of wire two feet below the ground + along the base of the walls; I also posted a warning inside my gate. Long + ago I began to destroy them, and there were only a few left when you came. + They were good friends to me—excellent friends!” he repeated, + rubbing his hands with a grim smile. “For eighteen years I have been able + to carry on my work unmolested. No knowledge of what was transpiring + outside this little world has ever reached me.” + </p> + <p> + “How did you begin the work of teaching this interior language to Rayel?” + I asked. + </p> + <p> + “By signs at first—gradually making them more simple and suggestive. + The elimination of signs kept pace with the development of his intuitions. + It was slow work and hard work, but I gave all my time to it. After he + became familiar with a sign, I began to make it less pantomimic, until + finally a lift of the eyebrow, a movement of the lips, or an inclination + of the head served to express my meaning. In time he could detect the + passing shades of expression in my eyes and understand them. Look at me,” + said he, laying his hand on my head and watching my eyes as the firelight + shone upon them, for it was now evening. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you know, my boy, that your eyes reflect what is passing in your + mind? Then there are countless nerves and muscles in your face which + proclaim thought. They aid my intuitions to discover what you do not + speak. You wonder—ah! you are afraid!—afraid of me.” + </p> + <p> + I started in my chair, for while he was looking into my eyes a strange + gleam came into his own. He turned about suddenly and looked into the + bright fire that burned on the grate before us. + </p> + <p> + “Never fear,” he continued, nervously twirling a lock of his white hair. + “Never fear, sir—I am not mad. Not yet. I have been afraid of it, + but my reason will outlast my life. Do you ever pray?” + </p> + <p> + “Every day,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “Then you employ the interior language. We commune directly with the Holy + Spirit. You get some message from Him every day more satisfactory than + words. It's the answer of your prayers. I tell you, sir, words are an + invention of the devil. Do you like Rayel?” he asked, turning upon me + abruptly. + </p> + <p> + “You need have no doubt of that,” I answered, “or of my willingness to + look after him if it should be necessary—to take him away with me + and cherish him as I would a brother.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! Good!” he exclaimed smiling and rubbing his hands joyfully. “I have + not long to live. When the time comes, take him out among the knaves and + fools! But we must hurry: our time is short. We must prepare him for a + second birth. You will find him an apt pupil—a very apt one. He + already knows more of the world than I thought possible. I don't think you + will find him troublesome—he can help you; he will teach you wisdom; + he will enlarge the issues of your life. My fortune will be ample for his + needs: use it as you see fit. I have one servant left,” he said, drawing + his chair closer to mine and speaking scarcely above a whisper: “I would + like this to be his home when I am dead. It will be better, however, to + place him in some public institution where he can be well provided for. I + shall leave a sufficient allowance for him. The manner of its bestowal I + leave entirely to your judgment. There were two of them—you have + seen the other. He was a faithful fellow. They were poor fools, both of + them, but uncommonly wise,” he continued. “They kept it to themselves. I + found them in an asylum twenty-five years ago. They called them idiots. + Idiots! God help us!” + </p> + <p> + That strange light seemed to kindle in his eyes again while he was + speaking, and it conveyed anything but a cheerful suggestion to my mind. + </p> + <p> + “There is this difference between idiots and madmen,” he continued. “The + former are born outside the pale of human sympathy; the latter overstep + it. In either case they are not of this earth—they are embodied + spirits living in a world of their own creation, biding the time of + liberation from the flesh. And do you know, there are more madmen in the + world than it dreams of?” + </p> + <p> + He stopped with a tone of sharp interrogation and looked squarely into my + face. + </p> + <p> + “There are undoubtedly many of them,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “The lines of monomania all lead to madness,” he continued. “The deeper + one plunges into the mysteries of life the nearer he approaches it. But, + mark you, one man may venture further than another. For years I have lived + in fear of two things—madness and death. Not on my account, but I + had Rayel to think of.” + </p> + <p> + My uncle rose to his feet before he had ceased speaking and walked + stealthily on his tiptoes to an open door, where he stood for a moment + listening. I could hear nothing but the sound of the wind whistling in the + chimney. + </p> + <p> + “Wait here,” he whispered presently, and then disappeared through the + door, closing it after him. I held my watch down to the firelight and saw + it was near eleven o'clock. I felt drowsy, and had almost fallen asleep, + when my uncle returned, carrying a lantern. “Rayel is asleep,” said he, in + a whisper. “Won't you come with me?—it will not take long.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said I, rising, and waiting for him to lead the way. He put + on his antique hat and threw a shawl over his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “It's a chilly night,” said he. “You'd better wear another coat.” + </p> + <p> + I drew on my overcoat at once, wondering what new experience awaited me. + Holding the lantern in front of him, he proceeded slowly and feebly across + the rear courtyard, and unlocked a door in one of the side wings of the + house, through which we passed into a large unfurnished room. + </p> + <p> + “I always wait till he's asleep,” said my uncle, shuffling across the room + and unlocking another door on its opposite side. “He's never been here—never + yet,” he continued, pulling the door open. The dim light of the lantern + shone out upon a thicket of fragrant spruce and cedar. As I stepped down + upon the ground, following in the steps of my uncle, I could hear the + murmur of the great pines towering far above our heads. Slowly we made our + way through the dense undergrowth, and soon entered an open space carpeted + with pine needles and moss. It was a circular plot in the thicket, and out + of its centre rose an immense pine, whose upper branches wholly obscured + the sky. My uncle hung his lantern on a knot protruding from the trunk of + the tree, and slowly knelt upon the ground, covering his face with his + hands. Suddenly he beckoned to me, and I knelt down beside him. + </p> + <p> + “Listen!” said he. “Do you hear voices? She comes to me here. Can you see + her—my wife? Look about you, do you not see her?” + </p> + <p> + He laid his trembling hand upon my shoulder. Again I saw that awful gleam + in his eyes. The gruesome suggestion he had made set my nerves tingling, + and I peered about among the shadows of that dimly lighted recess, half + expecting some vision to greet my eyes. Then there came a loud rustling of + the branches high above us. The lantern light flared up and suddenly went + out, leaving us in total darkness. + </p> + <p> + “She is here!” he whispered, in excitement. “Sit still—do not + speak.” + </p> + <p> + A deep silence, intensified by the sound of the night wind in the trees + around us, followed my uncle's words. The going out of the light he had + seemed to regard as a signal from the spirit world, and I sat still as he + bade me, not doubting that his acute senses had penetrated the veil which + limited my own vision. I had seen so many revelations of his strange power + that I now sat awestruck and afraid, waiting for some word from him to end + my suspense. I could see nothing in the darkness, but I could hear my + uncle breathing heavily, as if trying to suppress his emotion. Suddenly + there was a stir in the bushes near us. Then I heard a step like that of a + man on the thickly covered earth close by my side. I stretched out prone + upon the ground, covering my face with my hands. I could hear a sound as + of some one groping about in the darkness, and then I felt the touch of a + strange hand upon my shoulder. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> + <p> + I shrank from the hand that touched me and, moving quickly aside, struck a + match and peered around. By its light I could discern the form of a man + standing near the edge of the thicket. Rising to my feet I took down the + lantern and lighted it. There, standing before me, was the grinning mute + who had admitted me to the house. My uncle, who was still kneeling, rose + feebly to his feet, his eyes wet with tears. + </p> + <p> + “Good friend!” said he, taking the lantern from me and handing it to the + mute. “He alway comes for me here.” + </p> + <p> + We followed the old servant in silence through the thick boughs of cedar + until we came to the door of a low-roofed wooden building that stood by + itself in the thicket. The mute opened the door, ushering us into a small + room containing a bed and some simple furniture. A comfortable wood fire + was burning in a large open stove, and we both sat down in front of it, + shivering from exposure to the chilly air of the night. My uncle handed a + key to the mute, who unlocked a cupboard, taking from it a decanter of + whiskey, which he set before us with glasses. + </p> + <p> + “It will warm you,” said my uncle, pouring out the spirits: “I have seen + my wife. She always comes to me there—when the light goes out. She + knows your heart better than I. We shall leave Rayel to your care. It is + the last time I shall come here. My work is nearly finished.” + </p> + <p> + We emptied our glasses in silence, but my mind was busy thinking on those + impressive words, “She always comes to me there—when the light goes + out.” + </p> + <p> + It was strange—this going out of the light just at that moment. Was + it not possible, I asked myself, that the lantern, being always hung on + the same projection, was thus in the way of a current of air passing down + the trunk of the tree when a gust of wind struck its lofty branches? If + so, the knot would naturally conduct the current into the opening at the + top of the lantern. My reflections were interrupted by my uncle, who rose, + and, taking a candle, asked me to accompany him. I followed him into a + cellar filled with casks and barrels containing, as I supposed, wine and + provisions for future use. Returning, we passed through a large room, in + one end of which many boxes and barrels were stored. I afterward learned + that there was a large garden and poultry yard in this lonely nook where + my uncle's only servant was sequestered. + </p> + <p> + I was glad when we started back through the thicket, for the hour was late + and I felt the need of sleep. + </p> + <p> + “He gives us our food,” said my uncle, when we were at length in the + courtyard. “We have enough of everything needful—but little meat. It + destroys mental power. It is fools' food.” + </p> + <p> + Next day my uncle was unable to leave his bed. I determined to go to the + hotel for my baggage and to post some letters, one of which gave Mr. Earl + an account of my experiences since the October night when I became an + inmate of that house. + </p> + <p> + It was midwinter now, and the long stretches of pasturage and meadow land + outside the walls were blasted and sere when the old mute, whom I had seen + twice before, let me out of the big gate. When I returned he was there to + open the gate for me and help me with my baggage. + </p> + <p> + I found Rayel at his father's bedside. The sick man was asleep, and I went + at once to the library, where Rayel soon came, as was his custom in the + afternoon, for a lesson in talking. Both my uncle and myself had taken + great pains to teach him this accomplishment, and his progress had been + even more rapid than we thought possible. He caught the significance of + words with astonishing ease, but found some difficulty in producing their + sound. He went about it with great patience, however, repeating the + hardest words after me until he was able to pronounce them correctly. But + although the work was often tedious we both got much fun out of it. I had + never heard the sound of laughter in that house. One day I broke its + solemn spell by laughing heartily at the grotesque distortion of my + cousin's face incidental to the production of a difficult sound. He + stopped suddenly and looked at me, half alarmed. This made me laugh more + heartily, and he grasped my hand with the serious air of a physician + feeling the pulse of his patient. Being assured there was no danger, he + indulged in a little offhand cachinnation himself and was, I judged, well + pleased with the trial, for he repeated it frequently afterward, and + greatly to his amusement. + </p> + <p> + The word “woman,” and others related to it, puzzled him not a little, for + he had never seen a woman, except through the medium of my own mind and + that of his father. The subject interested him, and he gave much serious + thought to it, questioning me closely at some of our interviews, as if + dissatisfied with the idea conveyed to him. Our discussions, however, had + reached some slumbering chord in him, which, once touched, stirred his + blood with its vibrations. I do not think his isolation could have lasted + much longer, for he became restless and eager to see the world. + </p> + <p> + Rayel was greatly depressed by his father's illness. For months after that + night, the excitement of which had so hastened the failure of the old + man's strength, the silence of the great house was rarely broken by the + sound of our voices. My uncle lay helpless in a deep sleep most of the + time, never able to leave his bed until, revived by the freshness of + approaching summer, he had strength enough to sit in an easy-chair by the + window. Some fatal malady, the nature of which he did not disclose to me, + was evidently sapping his strength. I had urged him more than once to let + me summon a physician, but he would not permit me to do so. When summer + came at last, he grew stronger, and was able to walk, supported by Rayel, + to his chair in the open courtyard among the flowers. + </p> + <p> + The lion, which had been confined in its cage most of the time since my + uncle had grown so feeble as to need Rayel's constant attention sickened + and died in the warm days of early June. Rayel was sorely grieved by the + death of his pet, and although he stood in the shadow of a far greater + sorrow, he felt deeply the loss of this lifelong friend. The summer passed + slowly, one day like another, casting on us the same burden of anxiety and + silence. I spent much of the time in my uncle's library, poring over his + books and trying to shake off the melancholy thoughts suggested by my + daily life. + </p> + <p> + One day in early autumn, Rayel was sitting with me near an open window + overlooking the courtyard, where his father was enjoying the open air. + </p> + <p> + “He will die to-day,” said Rayel, calmly. “He told me he would die + to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “He seems the same as usual,” I said. “We cannot tell; he may live for + months yet.” + </p> + <p> + Rayel shook his head incredulously, and sat for a long time looking out of + the window in silence. + </p> + <p> + “And I will go with you then?” he asked suddenly turning toward me. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + It was the first time he had ever asked me a question, for he could read + my mind like an open book, and to him all questioning was unnecessary. + </p> + <p> + While we were sitting there, thinking over our plans, my uncle summoned us + by rapping with his cane. Rayel turned pale, and, with a whispered + ejaculation, hurried out of the room and ran down the path to his father, + followed closely by myself. My uncle was breathing heavily. + </p> + <p> + “Count it,” said he, feebly extending his hand. Rayel counted his + pulse-beats. + </p> + <p> + “Ninety-four, and growing quicker!” he exclaimed, turning toward me with a + frightened look. + </p> + <p> + “It won't increase much,” my uncle whispered, feebly, but with a cool and + professional air. “It will go down soon, and then death will follow.” + </p> + <p> + “Be calm, Rayel,” he continued, almost sternly, as his son began weeping. + “Be calm, I say! That music! do you hear it, child? Do you see what is + passing now? Tell it. Let me hear you.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot hear it,” said Rayel, looking earnestly into his father's face. + </p> + <p> + “Hallucination!” he whispered, groping about until his hand rested on the + head of his son, who was kneeling beside him. “I seem to see millions of + forms around me. I seem to hear them, but I cannot see you—nor hear + you.” + </p> + <p> + As if exhausted by the effort, his head fell back upon Rayel's shoulder, + and he lay for a time, his eyes closed, struggling for breath. The dying + man's faculties would no longer obey the whip of his mighty will. Indeed, + they had done him their final service, for in a few moments he was dead. + Tenderly and manfully, uttering no sound of grief, Rayel lifted the + lifeless body of his father, and bore it into the house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> + <p> + In accordance with my uncle's wish, which he had made known to Rayel, we + buried him the day following his death in the sunny courtyard where he had + spent the last days of his life. The funeral arrangements were made as + simple as possible, so as to exclude all except the functionaries whose + presence was absolutely necessary. A rector of the Church of England read + the service for the dead before the body was borne to its grave by the + undertaker. When this brief ceremony was over, and the great gates were + closed again upon our seclusion, Rayel said to me: + </p> + <p> + “I must talk more with you now, if you will let me. He said you would help + me after he was gone.” + </p> + <p> + It seemed idle to assure him, who already knew my heart, of the happiness + it would give me to fulfill the pledge of friendship made to my uncle. + </p> + <p> + “Do you expect to see him again?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + After a moment of the most serious reflection, he said: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, I shall see him again—when I die, then I shall see him. He + has gone to the Great Father, who gives life, and who takes it away.” + </p> + <p> + I found that Rayel, although entirely ignorant of the creeds and dogmas + prevailing among men, was profoundly religious, and that his simple faith + was built upon the deepest foundations. He evidently gave much thought to + the relationship between man and his Creator after he felt the sting of + bereavement, but it was a subject to which he never referred in our + conversation, unless, perchance, it drifted in upon us. + </p> + <p> + The weeks following my uncle's death, during which I was busy with + preparation for the new life that awaited us, Rayel spent in his studio + working over some unfinished pictures. At my urgent request, he completed + the head whose resemblance to Hester Chaffin had so startled and amazed me + the night I saw it first, and he regarded it with fonder interest than he + was wont to bestow upon the work of his brush. I believe that face was the + closest presentment of a human soul I shall ever see until standing, as I + hope to stand some time, in the presence of the redeemed, where “that + which is imperfect shall be put away.” I have said that the picture bore a + strong resemblance to Hester Chaffin, but her face contained only a + suggestion of that fine quality which was so strongly presented in my + cousin's ideal. + </p> + <p> + My uncle's fortune, as described in his will, amounted to nearly $250,000. + The greater part of it—everything, indeed, but the house and grounds—was + in cash, represented by certificates of deposit accompanying the will, and + bonds of the United States. There was a considerable bequest for me, whom + he had named as executor of the will, which, however, I determined never + to apply to my own use, except in case of Rayel's death. A handsome + annuity was provided for his only surviving servant. The remainder was + left to Rayel. + </p> + <p> + Having arranged for the maintenance of the old mute at an asylum not far + from the city, our preparations to leave were soon complete. I was elated + at the prospect of resuming my relations with the busy world outside that + lonely habitation. My first step was to visit a lawyer for the purpose of + ascertaining the legal formalities which I must observe as executor of the + will. Rayel wished to go with me, and I gladly assented, for it seemed + wise as an initiatory step in the new life that was awaiting him. He waved + his hand to the mute, who stood looking at us through the big gates after + we had passed out into the road, and then he walked on beside me in + silence. The sun-shot haze of a beautiful autumn day hung over the face of + nature, and his eyes wandered down the long stretches of landscape, and + into the depths of the distant sky, rapt by the vision that was unfolding + before him. The changing phases of the town he regarded with curious + interest, which often expressed itself in childish exclamations of + surprise as we made our way through the crowded streets. + </p> + <p> + He was constantly calling my attention to things which, though familiar + and commonplace to me, were little less than wonderful to him. + </p> + <p> + “Look!” said he, suddenly taking hold of my arm. “There is a woman!” + </p> + <p> + He spoke in an eager, excited whisper, and shyly stepped behind me as she + passed us. + </p> + <p> + “They won't hurt you,” said I, subduing my desire to laugh at his remark. + </p> + <p> + Such unfamiliar exposure to the public eye soon began to grate upon his + nerves. I did not wonder at it, for nearly every one we met took a second + look at his commanding figure, and some stared at him rudely. Remembering + my own emotions when I first stood in his presence, I was not at all + surprised that others were moved in a like manner. His were a face and + form that stood out like those of some heroic statue in the throng of + common mortals. + </p> + <p> + The proving and recording of the will was left entirely in the hands of a + reputable lawyer, who said that these formalities would not detain us + longer than a week. + </p> + <p> + We had determined to spend the winter in New York before going to England. + Since reaching America my time had been quite filled with work until my + entrance upon the utter isolation of my uncle's home. It was my earnest + desire to see something of the big metropolis on the western Atlantic. + Moreover, Mr. Earl had advised me in his letters to give Rayel a chance to + know more of life in his own country before bringing him to England. + </p> + <p> + When at last the faithful old mute had gone to his new home, and we had + turned our backs upon the silent and deserted mansion, Rayel was moved to + bitter tears. The thought of its loneliness, now that its master was dead + and we were leaving it, perhaps forever, brought sad feelings to my heart. + How calmly the old pines whispered together as we walked down the road + that morning I shall not soon forget. + </p> + <p> + We reached the American metropolis early in October, three years after my + first arrival there from England. I rented comfortable apartments on Fifth + Avenue, near Madison Square. As soon as Rayel had recovered from the + fatigue and excitement of the trip, we set about unpacking his pictures + and getting them framed. Our lightest room was reserved for a studio, and + the paintings were hung under Rayel's direction. + </p> + <p> + We were scarcely settled in our new home when we received an unexpected + call from a newspaper reporter. He had learned from an art dealer that we + had some remarkable old paintings, and humbly begged the privilege of + looking at them. We made him welcome, of course, but I explained to him + that the collection was wholly the work of my cousin, who was not yet old + himself. In answer to his questions I assured him that the paintings would + not be exhibited in the National Academy, and that my cousin's work had + never appeared in any art exhibition whatever, at which he seemed greatly + surprised. Rayel was still shy of strangers, and, as he was evidently a + little annoyed at the presence of our visitor, I shielded him from the + need of taking any part in our conversation. + </p> + <p> + The next morning an article appeared in one of the leading dailies, which + subjected us to a glare of publicity not at all to our taste. + </p> + <p> + It went on to say that Signor Lanion, a young Spanish artist, had just + arrived in New York and had taken apartments at No. Fifth Avenue. “Lanion” + was the name which had appeared on our bill for picture-framing, the clerk + who had waited on us having taken it down incorrectly. “Unfortunately,” + the article continued, “Signor Lanion does not speak English, and for that + reason the reporter was unable to interview him.” + </p> + <p> + The paper described Rayel's personal charms at much length, and claimed + the credit of having discovered a genius who, although still a youth, had + done work worthy of an acknowledged master. + </p> + <p> + We had deep respect for the influence of that newspaper before another + week ended. Art managers, tailors, advertising agents, auctioneers and + numerous men and women prompted by no motive but idle curiosity, besieged + us until we bolted our doors in dismay against all comers. The mail, too, + brought us missives of varying import from persons who had read the + article, one of which was a polite letter from Francis Paddington, a Wall + Street broker, whose name I had heard frequently during my American + travels. + </p> + <p> + “It was not stated,” said he, referring to the newspaper article, “whether + or not any of Signor Lanion's paintings are for sale. If they are, I would + be glad to look at them with a view to making some purchases for my art + collection.” + </p> + <p> + The letter suggested an idea worth considering. Rayel worked rapidly and + had already painted more pictures than we could hang to advantage in any + but the most liberal quarters. He was at a loss to understand just what + was meant by selling the pictures, but he was willing to sell them if they + were not to be destroyed—at least some of them. Accordingly I wrote + Mr. Paddington, appointing an hour when we would be glad to see him or his + representative at our rooms. The gentleman himself did us the honor to + call. After looking at the paintings, he expressed his willingness to buy + the entire collection. I told him, however, that we would not part with + more than ten canvases, and he seemed glad to buy even that number at a + price which was so far in excess of our expectations that I was loath to + accept it. Our beloved “Woman”—that was the title we had given + Rayel's strangely derived conception—was among the paintings + included in the sale to Mr. Paddington. Rayel thought he could reproduce + it, and for days after it was gone he made ineffectual efforts to paint + another woman after the ideal of our hearts. But, alas! try as he would, + that face never came back to his canvas. Many beautiful faces were + conjured by his masterful touch, but they were other faces, and none of + them satisfied us. The failure made Rayel unhappy, and tears came to his + eyes when the “Woman” was referred to, as if he were mourning the loss of + a dear friend. + </p> + <p> + Our patron had conceived a great liking for us, and we were soon invited + to visit his house “and meet a few of his friends at dinner.” It would + give us an opportunity to see the “Woman”—perhaps to buy her back + again—and we were strongly inclined to take advantage of it. Our + patron's residence was one of the largest and most elegant on Fifth + Avenue. It was a matter of common fame that his entertainments were the + cause of more envy and heartburning in the fashionable sisterhood than any + other events of the season. I had some doubt about the propriety of taking + Rayel to such a place, unaccustomed as he was to the refinements and + conventionalities of fashionable life. However, he had set his heart upon + going—he was so eager to see his beloved picture—and I did not + oppose his wish. In writing our acceptance of the invitation I corrected + Mr. Paddington's error regarding our name, and explained the rechristening + we had received in the public prints. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> + <p> + On the day of our appointment for dinner at Mr. Paddington's the + newspapers were filled with accounts of a sensational bank robbery, which + had occurred in Wall Street the night before. Between midnight and one + o'clock in the morning, thieves had entered the Metropolitan Bank, + overpowered the watchman, broken into the vaults and stolen half a million + dollars in currency without leaving any clew behind them of the slightest + value to the police. The subject interested Rayel intensely, and at our + breakfast that morning we talked of little else. + </p> + <p> + “When they have found the thieves what will they do with them?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Send them to prison,” I answered, “where thieves are kept apart from the + rest of humanity.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet these thieves were not in prison. They could not have robbed the + bank if they had been in prison.” + </p> + <p> + “True, but there are a good many thieves in the world who are not + suspected. They look like honest men and are highly successful in + concealing their dishonesty.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think,” he said thoughtfully, “that one would know a thief by + his face.” + </p> + <p> + “Remember,” said I, “that all men are not like you. Most of them are + easily deceived.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, then, Kendric!” he exclaimed joyfully, “I can do some good with this + power of mine.” + </p> + <p> + This conversation may seem commonplace enough, but it stands in close + relation to important events which will shortly claim our attention. The + subject which it introduces was not soon abandoned. We talked about it on + our way to the Paddingtons' that evening, where we were cordially received + by our host, and introduced to a large company of ladies and gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + Rayel's wonderful skill with the brush had evidently been the subject of + some discussion among Mr. Paddington's guests. It was referred to + frequently, and somewhat to the embarrassment of my cousin, in the + exchange of greetings that followed our introduction. + </p> + <p> + Greatly to the relief of my fears Rayel seemed quite at ease. He + acknowledged the compliments paid him with gravity and self-possession, + but with few words. All eyes were raised to his face, as he stood head and + shoulders above a group of ladies and gentlemen who had gathered about + him. Never had his presence seemed so magnetic and impressive since the + first time I saw him in his father's house. Now, as then, a new + inspiration was stirring his blood and charging every nerve with the + wonderful magnetism of perfected manhood. + </p> + <p> + The last person presented to us was a young lady of unusual beauty, whom I + noticed for some moments standing across the room in earnest conversation + with our host. Presently he made his way toward us with the lady on his + arm. + </p> + <p> + “My daughter, Mr. Lane, whom I shall ask you to escort to dinner,” said + he, addressing Rayel. After I had been introduced to the young lady she + took Rayel's arm, and the company proceeded to the dining-hall. My seat at + the table was almost directly opposite Rayel. His grave and dignified + demeanor was made doubly conspicuous by the coquettish airs and ready + tongue of the young lady who sat beside him. Under a steady fire of + compliments and questions and artful glances I saw that he began to grow + uneasy. + </p> + <p> + “That was a beautiful portrait you painted!” exclaimed Miss Paddington, + looking sentimental. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said he; “my cousin also admires it, but I must own that it + does not quite suit me.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you are an admirer of the lady it represents,” said she, peering + shyly into his eyes. “The Count de Montalle has fallen in love with her + and has borrowed the portrait from my father.” + </p> + <p> + “Ze picture—ah! monsieur, it is beautiful,” said the Count, who sat + near them. “But ze lady—she sat for me long ago and I had ze honor + myself to paint her portrait.” + </p> + <p> + He was a thin, wiry Frenchman, with small, black eyes, a forehead sloping + to a bald crown, an aquiline nose and a pointed chin, adorned with an + imperial. The face was almost mephistophelian in effect. He had painted + her portrait! Was the man an impostor? I asked myself. + </p> + <p> + “The Count is an artist himself, you know,” said Miss Paddington. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—an artist?” asked Rayel in a half-incredulous tone. Then he + looked inquiringly at the gentleman referred to, as if doubtful of his own + understanding of the words he had repeated. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the Count with emphasis. “For twenty years I have devote + myself to ze art.” + </p> + <p> + “To what art, sir?” asked Rayel, in a tone suggesting doubt. + </p> + <p> + I was now thoroughly frightened at the serious turn of the dialogue. Was + this “Count” a pretender and one of the many bogus noblemen of whom I had + read? Rayel was sounding him, that was quite evident. I saw now the + mistake I had made in bringing my cousin to such a place. + </p> + <p> + “Quel impudence!” exclaimed the insulted nobleman, under his breath. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me, sir,” quickly answered Rayel, “I did not know it was wrong to + ask you.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would paint my portrait, Mr. Lane,” said the young lady, who + did not seem to appreciate the gravity of the situation. + </p> + <p> + “That would be easy enough,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + “Would it? Ah, but I fear you would find me too plain a subject. I am not + beautiful, you know, but if I wore my best clothes you might think I would + do.” + </p> + <p> + For some time Miss Paddington continued to spin out threads of small talk, + while Rayel sat listening. The dinner was nearly over when the climax came + which I had already begun to fear. + </p> + <p> + “It is strange,” said Rayel thoughtfully. “You speak what is not true, + Miss Paddington. You said that the Prince of Wales gave you the beautiful + opal, but tell me—was it not your father who gave it you?” + </p> + <p> + He waited a moment for her answer. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I understand now,” he continued. “People do not always speak the + truth—do they?” + </p> + <p> + The young lady turned red with embarrassment, while an unnatural smile + played upon her lips. + </p> + <p> + “But—but what is the use of talking then?” he asked. No one seemed + disposed to answer. + </p> + <p> + “It is strange,” he continued, with childlike naivete, turning to the + young lady sitting at his left, “you have been laughing as if you were + very happy, but you have felt more like weeping. This must be a very sad + world!” He ceased speaking as if some suspicion of the pain his words were + causing had suddenly come to him. + </p> + <p> + The whole company turned its eyes upon the two. The young lady's face + became suddenly pale and almost horror-stricken. Rayel's words were spoken + in such a gentle and sympathetic manner that every one was mystified. + </p> + <p> + “Have you read about the great robbery that occurred last night?” asked + Mr. Paddington, with the evident purpose of diverting attention from the + young lady. “The vaults of the Metropolitan Bank on Wall Street were blown + open with dynamite, and half a million dollars were stolen. No trace of + the thieves has been discovered.” + </p> + <p> + “Too bad!” exclaimed half a dozen of the guests seeking to enhance + interest in the subject. + </p> + <p> + “Zey were very bold about it,” said the Count, as he lighted a piece of + sugar soaked in cognac and held it over his coffee. + </p> + <p> + Just at that moment a singular thing happened. The lights grew dim and + suddenly went out, as if the gas had been turned off. The burning cognac + cast a white flickering light upon the face of the man who had just + spoken. + </p> + <p> + “You say there is no trace of the thieves,” said Rayel. “That is strange, + for one of them is in this room sitting at your table.” + </p> + <p> + Only one face was visible, and all eyes were turned upon it, for now the + effect of that pale light keeping it in view was indescribably weird. The + eyes were suddenly turned in the direction of Rayel, and a devilish glare + came in them for an instant, when the face suddenly seemed to shrink back + into darkness. The ladies and some of their more gallant escorts rushed + precipitately from the room. The servants hurried in with candles, but + light was no sooner restored than the guests who still remained at table + rose, as if by general consent, and left the dining-hall. Miss Paddington + and Rayel were the last to leave the table. When they had passed out into + the drawing-room her father came and took her arm, bowing coldly to my + cousin. It was evident that our presence was no longer desired in the + house of the Paddingtons. And no wonder! + </p> + <p> + “Let us go,” I said, proceeding to the coat room. The Count met us on the + way. + </p> + <p> + “You are a liar—a jackass!” he hissed into Rayel's ear. + </p> + <p> + Hastily drawing on our coats we stepped out into the chilly night air and + walked leisurely down the deserted avenue. Neither of us spoke for some + moments. Presently Rayel asked: + </p> + <p> + “What is a jackass?” + </p> + <p> + He stopped and took my hand as if expecting an answer of great moment. + </p> + <p> + “A man who always tells the truth in this world—he is a jackass,” I + replied. + </p> + <p> + I was a little irritated by the trying experiences we had been through. + Perhaps that is why my answer savored so strongly of cynicism. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX + </h2> + <p> + Painful as had been our introduction to polite society, the reaction which + followed it was scarcely less so. Next day we stayed indoors until + evening, when we ventured out for a walk with fear and trembling lest the + newspapers had already increased our fame and our mortification. The + twilight of a cloudless autumn day was closing in upon the city, and the + keen, bracing winds which sweep over the American metropolis from the sea + brought the color to our faces. We walked down Broadway, now quite + deserted, in silence, and as we were passing Wallack's Theatre Rayel + stopped suddenly, and stood for a moment looking into the brightly lighted + foyer. Stepping in, he beckoned me to follow. I immediately saw what had + attracted his eye, for on an easel just inside the entrance was the + portrait of our woman. On a placard below the picture was the name “Edna + Bronson.” Our surprise was mingled with sad regret at seeing it playing a + false part to serve the ends of an unscrupulous manager. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps she is here! suddenly exclaimed Rayel. + </p> + <p> + “That is very unlikely,” I answered, “but we shall see.” + </p> + <p> + I bought tickets for the evening's performance and we hastened home, + strangely elated, to dress for the play. + </p> + <p> + Our seats were in one of the lower proscenium boxes and quite clearly + exposed to the gaze of the thousands who filled the theatre in winding + rows, ascending and receding to the roof high above us. The garish + decorations, the gay throng bedizened with jewels sparkling in the light + and the hundreds of fair faces and bright eyes that were turned toward us + presented a spectacle entirely new to Rayel. Shortly the curtain rose and + the play began. Its first scene was a counterfeit of real stage life in an + English theatre. An important performance is impending and at the last + moment both the leading lady and her understudy are suddenly taken ill. + The management is in a quandary. In the midst of its confusion the stage + carpenter suggests that he has a daughter who can play the part. When this + functionary came upon the scene my interest in the play began to wax + stronger. Hester Chaffin's father had been a stage carpenter, and this + turn in the scene startled me not a little after having found our picture + in the foyer. + </p> + <p> + The carpenter's suggestion is at first treated with ridicule. He insists + that she has learned the part from witnessing the rehearsals, and urges + the managers to give her a trial. The performance must begin in four hours + or be postponed. It is found that the costumes prepared for the part will + fit the young lady. They consent to try her, the company is hastily + summoned together for rehearsal, and the curtain falls on the first act. + The audience waited impatiently for it to rise again and show what fortune + might have in store for the carpenter's daughter, but of all that audience + I was probably the most impatient. + </p> + <p> + “There is the Count,” whispered Rayel, directing my attention to the + opposite box. The diabolical little Frenchman was there, sure enough, + sitting next to the rail, and sweeping the audience with his + opera-glasses. + </p> + <p> + Soon the curtain was rung up and the rehearsal began which was to test the + powers of the venturesome young lady. Suddenly she appears at the rear of + the stage dressed for her part in Elizabethan costume. She is greeted with + loud applause, and she stands a moment, waiting for silence. The lights + have been turned down and I cannot see her face distinctly. Before the + last ripple of applause is quieted, she advances down the centre of the + stage and begins to speak her lines. That voice! What is there in it that + thrills me so strangely? When she ceases speaking she is standing almost + within reach of my hand. Suddenly her eyes meet mine and I see Hester + Chaffin standing there on the stage and looking into my face. She + recognizes me, for she seems confused and proceeds with evident + embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + I turned to Rayel—he, too, was deeply moved by this great surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Our woman has come to life,” said he, in tremulous whispers. “I knew we + would see her sometime.” + </p> + <p> + How she had changed! She was little more than a child when I saw her last: + now she was almost a woman, but not more beautiful than when I bade her + good-by in the moonlight at her father's gate—long, long ago, it + seemed to me now. Was the scene I had witnessed a passage in her own life + since I had left Liverpool? At the close of the act an usher carried my + card to her. Presently I was summoned to one of the corridors where a lady + was waiting for me. + </p> + <p> + “Is this Kendric Lane?” she asked, extending her hand. + </p> + <p> + “It is,” I responded. + </p> + <p> + “I have heard of you often. Miss Bronson is an old acquaintance of yours, + whom you knew as Hester Chaffin. Would you like to see her?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish to see her to-night, if possible,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “May I ask you, then, to go to this address and wait for us until the + performance is over? Hand this card to the night clerk of the hotel and he + will show you to our rooms.” + </p> + <p> + Scribbling a few words upon the card, she gave it to me, and hurried + behind the scenes. + </p> + <p> + Rayel and I immediately left the theatre and walked to our apartments. The + play would soon be over and we had no time to lose. On the way home I + noticed that he frequently turned about and peered through the darkness as + if expecting some one to join us. He said nothing, however, and as I was + so preoccupied by my own thoughts, I did not ask for whom he was looking. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I not go with you?” he asked, when we had reached home. + </p> + <p> + “You had better wait up for me; I shall not be gone long,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “I can walk back again when we get there, or perhaps I can wait for you in + the hotel?” said he. + </p> + <p> + He was not yet accustomed to life in a great city, and it did not seem + wise, either, to permit him to walk home alone, or to wait for me in the + hotel among strangers. He did not seem quite content to stay, however, and + there was a troubled expression on his face, which was new to it, and + which I could not put out of my mind after I had left the house. The hotel + to which I had been directed was on Union Square. It was not far from our + apartments, and I intended to walk there, but I had not gone half a block + before the street was lit up with a vivid flash of lightning, followed by + deafening thunder, and the wind blew damp in my face. I hurried toward + Third Avenue, intending to mount one of the horse cars going down-town, + but suddenly a fierce gust of wind swept over me, sowing great drops of + rain along the pavement. I looked about for a cab. The street was deserted + and so dark that I could see nothing except the gloomy rows of brown stone + that stood on either side. While I was looking backward another flash of + lightning illumined the street. What man was that coming in the distance? + Was it Rayel? No, that was scarcely possible. I had only caught a + momentary glimpse of him in the quick flash. He was tall and erect like + Rayel, and I thought the hat was his. But my imagination must have tricked + me after all, for nothing showed clearly. I walked back a few steps and + listened. I could hear no footsteps, but then he might have followed me, + and I ought to be sure. So I called, “Rayel! Rayel!” twice, and waited for + an answer, but could hear none. I had not time to go back to our rooms, as + Hester was undoubtedly waiting for me now, and Rayel was certainly not the + man I had seen, or he would have answered me. So I hurried along without + giving any further thought to my fears. But where was Third Avenue? Its + character was not then so sharply defined as in these days of elevated + rail-roads—perhaps I had passed it. I had already walked a long + distance, and I had not yet recognized that thoroughfare. I could hear + footsteps behind me and I determined to wait a moment and inquire my way. + </p> + <p> + “I am going there—walk along with me,” said the man whom I + questioned. Just then we passed under a street lamp. I observed that he + wore a large coat and muffler and that he was walking under an umbrella. + Another man, also under an umbrella, fell in with us at the next corner. + As we walked along in silence I heard some person coming at a run down the + street quite a distance behind us. I was listening to this sound when I + received a terrific blow on the back of the head. I fell forward, one side + of my face striking heavily upon the pavement. Strangely enough, I seemed + unable to make any outcry, but I had not lost consciousness, for, as I lay + with my face resting on the wet stones, I could feel the rain drops + falling on it. I could hear those quick footsteps coming nearer. Yes, I + could hear Rayel's voice shouting in a loud and angry tone, but, try as I + would, I could not utter a sound. As I listened, the two men clutched me + with strong hands and dragged me through an open door, which quickly + closed behind them. It was no sooner shut than Rayel threw himself against + it with terrific force. I could hear the door groan and shake under the + strain. Once—twice, I was struck with cruel force upon the head—then + a loud roaring in my ears drowned everything. + </p> + <p> + I can remember well the first return of consciousness. It was like the + slow breaking of dawn in the sky. I could hear voices singing: + </p> + <p> + Hark! hark! my soul! angelic voices swelling O'er earth's green fields and + ocean's wave-beat shore. + </p> + <p> + I could just distinguish those words. Where was I? Strange thoughts began + trooping through my mind. Then a great wave of emotion swept over me. I + could hear a low moaning sound that came from my own throat. I could feel + the hot tears rolling down my cheeks. A gentle hand was brushing them away + and some one was speaking to me. I was lying on a soft bed. A sweet-faced + woman was bending over me, whom I had never seen before. + </p> + <p> + “Where am I?” + </p> + <p> + “In the hospital,” she answered. + </p> + <p> + “The singing—who is singing?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “It is the chapel choir,” she answered; “the services are nearly over now. + It is Sunday.” + </p> + <p> + “Is Rayel here?” + </p> + <p> + “Your friend? yes, he has been with you every day.” + </p> + <p> + “How long?” + </p> + <p> + “Almost a month.” + </p> + <p> + I tried to ask other questions, but a drowsy feeling overcame me and I + fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + When I awoke again Rayel was sitting beside me. As I opened my eyes he + leaned over and kissed my hands. + </p> + <p> + “They thought you were dead once,” he said; “but I knew you were not dead—I + knew you were not dead.” I lay for a moment trying to collect my thoughts. + My head was in tight bandages and something was binding my chest. + </p> + <p> + “Where is Hester?” I asked. Rayel did not answer. He was not there, but + somebody was holding one of my hands. It was a lady kneeling beside me, + her face leaning forward upon the bed. Who could it be? I closed my eyes + and listened to the rustling of withered leaves outside the window, and + the low humming of insects in the autumn sun. These were prophetic sounds, + and they opened the gates of thought and memory. A new life was coming + now. What was it to be? Again I felt myself drifting into sleep. I tried + to keep my eyes open and resist the drowsiness that overcame me, but in + vain. When I awoke Rayel had returned. + </p> + <p> + “You have slept a long time,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “When I fell asleep a lady was here.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it was our 'Woman,'” he replied—“the lady you love. She has + come every day to see you.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is she now?” + </p> + <p> + “She had to go away, but she will soon come back again.” + </p> + <p> + “Who brought me here?” + </p> + <p> + “I broke down the door—I found you there. You could not see me nor + speak to me, but I knew you were not dead. The men were gone. I carried + you out into the street. A policeman met me, and I told him what had + happened. Then the ambulance came and we put you into it, and you were + brought here. For a long time you lay like my father after he was dead. + Your face was white—like snow. They had stabbed you in the side—they + would have killed you if I had not broken the door.” + </p> + <p> + “Who struck me?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “I knew,” he said, his eyes flashing, “I knew the devil was in their heads—that + is why I wished to go with you. They followed us that night.” + </p> + <p> + “Who?” I asked, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “The Count de Montalle and another man.” + </p> + <p> + My cousin's answer amazed me. + </p> + <p> + “Have you made known your suspicions?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “No. I have been waiting to talk with you first.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not speak of it yet to any one,” I said. “Let us await developments.” + </p> + <p> + I foresaw that Rayel would only get a reputation for insanity if pressed + to the point of explaining his suspicions. It seemed quite likely, also, + that any futile discussion of the subject would defeat justice. + </p> + <p> + That day brought me a letter from Hester, whom I had been looking for with + much impatience since I had begun to feel more like myself. She would + shortly have fulfilled all her professional engagements, and would then + return at once to New York. “I wonder,” she added, somewhat coquettishly, + “if you will be glad to see me.” On this point there was no doubt in my + mind, and although my strength increased rapidly, the days passed with + tedious slowness after that. + </p> + <p> + I was sitting by the window one morning, looking out upon the moving + throng in the opposite street, when the door of my room was suddenly + opened. I supposed that one of the physicians had come to see me, and I + waited for him to speak. + </p> + <p> + “Kendric!” + </p> + <p> + It was Rayel who spoke my name, but somehow his voice did not seem quite + natural, and I turned to greet him. + </p> + <p> + “This is our 'Woman,'” said he, advancing toward me with Hester upon his + arm. + </p> + <p> + I rose feebly to my feet, confused by the sudden announcement, and took + her extended hand. We looked into each other's eyes for a moment without + speaking. My own were rapidly filling with tears, and I could see her but + dimly. + </p> + <p> + “What a fine outlook you have!” she said, in a tremulous voice, turning + suddenly to the window and looking out upon the trees now half stripped of + their foliage by the autumn winds. We both stood staring out of the window + in silence. For my part, I could not have spoken if I had known what to + say. How she had changed! The blushing little miss who had awakened the + pangs of first love in my youthful heart was a beautiful young woman, now + full grown and arrayed in costly finery. Rayel was the first to speak. + </p> + <p> + “You must be glad to meet again—you have loved each other so long,” + said he. + </p> + <p> + Honest Rayel! He knew our hearts—their longings, their histories, + and also the vanity and pride that dwelt in them. Why should there be any + concealment between her and me? + </p> + <p> + “It has been a long time—a very long time to me, Hester, for I have + loved you ever since we first met.” + </p> + <p> + She turned toward me, her eyes filled with tears, and I drew her to my + heart and kissed her fondly. + </p> + <p> + “We have only known each other as children, Kendric,” said she. “Your + heart may change and mine may change—let us wait and see.” + </p> + <p> + Then she left us, promising to come again next day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X + </h2> + <p> + Hester and her maid looked in upon me every morning after that, until I + was able to leave the hospital. During these visits we told each other the + eventful story of our lives since the night of our parting at her father's + gate. Her first appearance on the stage had been, as I suspected, + literally represented in the play. For years she had been permitted to + accompany her father behind the scenes, and nights when the cast was short + she had played small parts with great success. The glamour and excitement + of stage life had proved distasteful to her. She assured me that it was + her intention never to go back to it, and this strengthened my hope that + she would some day consent to become my wife. Rayel had told her, during + my illness, the strange story of his life. She knew nothing, however, of + his wonderful powers, until I had related to her some of the experiences + which had revealed them to me. He had said nothing to her, I learned, + about our discovery of the picture. + </p> + <p> + “Who painted the remarkable portrait of you which we saw at the theatre?” + I asked her one day. + </p> + <p> + “It was painted, I believe, by a French nobleman, who presented it to me + here in New York. I suppose it looks a little as I did once, but it is + certainly too flattering and much too maidenly for me now. + </p> + <p> + “The Frenchman is an impostor and worse,” I said. “The portrait was + painted by Rayel and sold to a broker of the name of Paddington, from whom + the Frenchman borrowed or bought it.” + </p> + <p> + Her amazement could scarcely be overestimated when I told her what + occurred at Mr. Paddington's dinner-party. + </p> + <p> + “The Frenchman,” she said, “has been paying me unwelcome attentions ever + since the first night of my appearance in New York. He became so odious to + me at length that I refused to accept any of his gifts, and, in spite of + the protests of my managers, returned everything he had sent me, including + the portrait.” + </p> + <p> + I did not tell her that it was this same Frenchman to whom I was indebted + for my wounds. Of that I must wait for more palpable evidence, though not + for my own convincing. It seemed strange to me then that just at the + moment this thought was passing through my mind she asked me whom I + suspected of having committed the assault. It occurred to me after she had + gone that possibly she had some cause to suspect the man who had been the + subject of our conversation. + </p> + <p> + Rayel always came late in the day, when there was no chance of meeting + other callers, and stayed with me until bedtime. As returning strength + brought back to me that interest in life which prompts keen observation, I + could see that a great change was coming over him. His face wore a + melancholy look which indicated too clearly that his mind was suffering + under some sad oppression. He was as gentle and considerate as ever, and + as tireless in his efforts to increase my comfort, but he rarely spoke + now, except in reply to my questions. He would sit by my side for hours, + gazing out of the window with a vacant look in his eyes, until the light + of day grew dim and the lamps were lighted. When supper was served to us I + could never induce him to eat. + </p> + <p> + “What is the trouble, Rayel?” I asked, one evening. “You are not yourself + lately.” + </p> + <p> + Neither of us had spoken for a long time. He turned suddenly, as if + startled by my words, his lips quivered, and stammering almost + incoherently, he rose to his feet. Then he stood erect before me for a + moment, looking sadly and thoughtfully into my eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, Kendric,” he said presently, in a deep tone that trembled with + emotion. “I think I have been working too hard and need exercise—that + is all.” Then he grasped my hand warmly and bade me good night. + </p> + <p> + I believe his answer to my question was the first lie that he had ever + spoken. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI + </h2> + <p> + Next day I was discharged from the hospital, and Rayel and I were driven + to our apartments. He had a number of surprises prepared for me. A large + painting on his easel, awaiting some finishing touches, compelled my + attention as soon as I entered the room. It represented a scene in our own + lives, which had lasted but a second, but which could never be forgotten + by either of us. He had seen me when I stood looking backward in that + vivid flash of lightning—there could be no doubt of it now, for here + was the scene transferred to canvas. The shaft of white light shaking and + darting across the black sky like a gleaming sword; the man on the + sidewalk looking backward with a startled glance; the big drops of rain + falling sidelong in the wind—these were all reproduced on the + canvas. His later pictures were characterized by a cynical tendency, which + I observed with regret. It was evident that his sensitive mind had taken + impressions from its brief contact with men, which were sadly affecting + his thought. + </p> + <p> + He showed me numerous letters, many of which were from women who desired + to visit his studio and see his work. Indeed, my cousin had apparently + grown suddenly famous in the American metropolis. He was the victim rather + than the victor of fame, however, and regarded the matter with very + serious concern. The press of New York had been full of gossip concerning + his “eccentricities” since the event which had put my life in danger. One + of the society journals had printed a highly colored version of that + little episode at the house of the Paddingtons, and had concluded its + article by saying that the fair Miss Paddington had fallen madly in love + with her father's strange guest. + </p> + <p> + That night, as we were sitting by the grate fire in our own rooms, Rayel, + encouraged by our seclusion, began to emerge from the silence to which he + had seemingly gone back for refuge in time of trouble. + </p> + <p> + “We shall soon be ready to start for England,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “I do not wish to go to England, Kendric,” said he. “For a long time I + have thought over it. Let me go back to the old house and live by my + father's grave, until the good Lord takes me to a better home. I would + miss you, dear Kendric, and every day I would look for you to come, but I + shall be happier there.” + </p> + <p> + His words touched me deeply, and I was not prepared to answer him with + perfect calmness, although I had lately suspected that his despondency + would lead to this resolve. + </p> + <p> + “Why must we separate now, after we have become so dear to each other?” I + asked. “Something has happened to change your purpose since I have been + ill—tell me what it is.” + </p> + <p> + “To speak frankly, Kendric, I must say that the world has sadly + disappointed me. It is full of vanity and deceit and selfishness. Every + day brings to me some hideous revelation which the mercy of heaven has + hidden from others. I have seen the righteous forsaken of men, and the + wicked receiving homage; I have seen the unjust triumphing over the just; + I have seen some reveling in abundance while others were begging for + bread. Everywhere I have found want and misery staring me in the face. + </p> + <p> + “Remembering what Christ said, I sold all I had and gave to the poor, and + now there is nothing more I can do. My best pictures, my money and all my + extra clothing have gone to feed the hungry and cover the naked. And even + now, when I have nothing left to give, I find as much misery as before. + Often, since I have been alone, I have had nothing to eat and no fire to + keep me warm. Then I feared to tell you what I had done, and I bore it in + silence, hoping that I might earn more money by painting. But I could not + work. When Hester came back I told her all my troubles, and she gave me + money, not only for my own use but for the use of others who needed it + more than I. She and I have wandered about the city by day and by night, + ministering to the sick and the friendless.” + </p> + <p> + He ceased speaking, his head bent forward upon his hands. It was indeed a + serious situation into which a too generous heart had betrayed him. Nearly + all his fortune had descended to him in cash on deposit, and payable + either to my order or to his. He had therefore saved nothing for himself + that had been available for the satisfaction of his good impulses. Instead + of displeasing me, however, as he feared, his action only increased my + love for him, if that were possible. + </p> + <p> + “Do not let these things trouble you, Rayel,” I said. “We shall find no + difficulty, I think, in earning money enough for our needs. I cannot see + you shut yourself away from the world: you have yet an important work to + do among men. You are now morbidly sensitive to the misery that surrounds + us, but you will feel it less keenly as it grows more familiar.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not understand me, Kendric,” said he, starting from his chair, and + pacing restlessly up and down the room. “I cannot deceive you any longer. + In begging you to leave me, it is your own happiness I am thinking of. + Please go as soon as possible,” he pleaded, laying his hand gently upon my + shoulder. “Take her with you, and let me stay.” + </p> + <p> + My heart seemed suddenly to have stopped beating. + </p> + <p> + “My God, Rayel!” I exclaimed. “Are we both in love with the same woman?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Kendric, no,” he said quickly, taking my hand. “I do not mean that. I + would not permit myself to love her, knowing that you love her also.” + </p> + <p> + “What, then, do you mean?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “That there is danger,” he answered huskily, sinking into a chair. “I am a + fool not to have thought of it long ago!” + </p> + <p> + His words seemed to sting me, and for a moment I could not speak. + </p> + <p> + “You know what is in her heart, Rayel,” I said presently. “Tell me, is it + false, or is she, as I have thought, a pure and noble woman?” + </p> + <p> + “She is pure and worthy of your love,” he answered. “Her life has been + much exposed to temptation, but her character has been greater than any + temptation. When she began to go with me among the poor I did not know + what love was. I had never felt the power of it, nor did I think of the + danger to all of us. When at last it came upon me, and I saw what it + meant, I resolved not to see Hester again until God had given me strength + to subdue that passion. For days my heart was near breaking. When you + asked me to tell you what made me sad, I had not the courage to do it. + Then I told you a lie. I did the very thing which I have so much condemned + in others. This trouble has taught me to comprehend and to pity the + frailty of men. I look forward with fear and dread for my own sake.. I + shall be safe in my father's house. I must go back, but, before I go, + forgive me. Tell me that you do not despise me.” + </p> + <p> + As he ceased speaking he laid his hand upon my shoulder and peered into my + face with a frightened and appealing look. + </p> + <p> + “Despise you!” I repeated. “No. You are dearer to me now than ever. What + you have told me will bring us closer to each other, if we consider it + wisely. As yet there is no pledge between Hester and myself, save the + assurance given by unuttered thoughts. Her heart is free. I have no right + to claim it. If she loves you I shall wish you both much joy.” + </p> + <p> + “That will not be necessary, Kendric. I had rather die than know that I + had come between you. I cannot even risk the danger of it. I must leave + you to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Under no circumstances will I consent to that. My promise to your father + and my duty to you forbid it. To go back now would be cowardly and + unworthy of you. With my help and guidance you can do great things. We + must face the world with stout hearts. As to this trouble, let us concern + ourselves about it as little as possible. I believe that whatever may be + best for all will happen if we but wait with patience.” + </p> + <p> + Rayel made no answer, and for some moments we both sat looking at the + glowing embers in silence. + </p> + <p> + “I shall obey your wish,” he said presently; “I cannot do otherwise. I am + like a child, and must look to you for instruction in all things. Perhaps + there will come a time when I can repay you.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be a pleasure for me to help you as I would a brother, and you + will owe me no gratitude for it,” I said. + </p> + <p> + We sat discussing our plans for the future until near midnight. When we + went to bed at last, Rayel looked happier than I had seen him before since + my recovery at the hospital. + </p> + <p> + When I awoke it was near midday. I went to call Rayel and found that he + was gone. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII + </h2> + <p> + After waiting for him nearly an hour I went to a neighboring restaurant + for breakfast. On returning I found that he had not yet come back. Alarmed + at his continued absence I went at once to Hester's apartments, scarcely + expecting, however, to find him there, but confident that she would be + able to tell me where he was likely to go. + </p> + <p> + “No doubt he has gone on some good errand,” she said. “Has he not told you + of his charitable enterprises?” + </p> + <p> + “He told me last night how they had reduced his fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor fellow!” she continued. “In his zeal for others he quite forgot his + own needs. I would have told you about it, but that he implored me to + spare you any knowledge of his condition. I think we shall be able to find + him. Let us go and try.” + </p> + <p> + Hester and I set out at once, walking rapidly against a biting east wind + toward the river. On reaching Second Avenue we took a car and rode down + among the big tenements towering into the sky on all sides in the lower + part of the city. Alighting in the midst of these human hives, we made our + way through a wretched crowd, shivering in the livery of destitution, down + a long and narrow alley. Entering one of the doorways we climbed a steep + flight of stairs, above which was a squalid throng pressing about an open + door on the landing. The women held children in their arms, and many of + them were crying bitterly. The men stood in silence peering curiously over + the heads of the further throng into the crowded chamber. Some of them + greeted Hester with great respect, and moved aside that we might have room + to enter. As we neared the door I could hear a babel of strange tongues + and the voices of women calling down the blessings of Heaven upon some one + in their midst. It was Rayel. He stood in a corner of the room holding two + little children in his arms, and the crowd was pressing forward as if + eager to speak with him. He was talking in a low voice to those nearest + him, but I was unable to catch his words. There were men and women of many + nationalities in the throng. I saw Italians, Celts, Poles, Germans and + even men whose swarthy faces and peculiar garb betokened Syrian origin. + When we pressed nearer to Rayel I saw some, as they came within reach, + extend their hands and touch him fondly, uttering exclamations as they did + so, often in a tongue that was strange to me. These simple-minded people + seemed to regard him as a supernatural being whom it was good to talk + with, and whose touch it was a blessing to feel. A look of love and + gentleness and sympathy irradiated his face and invited their confidence. + These were evidently the poor whom he had befriended, and he was now + taking leave of them, probably forever. It was a scene the like of which + few can ever hope to witness. After all, I thought, what manner of riches + can be compared to the satisfaction which Rayel feels at this moment? I + was quite ready then to applaud his unselfish generosity, for in that + gloomy and unclean place I first saw the full radiance of God's truth that + it is infinitely more blessed to give than to receive. We stood for a long + time looking upon this memorable meeting of Cadmus and Caliban. When at + length he caught sight of us, Rayel came where we stood, and said he was + ready to go home. Perceiving that we were about to go, the crowd hurried + from the building into the narrow alley leading out upon the street. Some + shouted endearing farewells as we passed them, and many of their hardened + faces were wet with tears. The sun was just going down and the shadows + were deepening between the high walls looming above us as we started + homeward. Hester insisted that we must dine with her and decide upon the + day of our departure. Rayel and I went directly home for a bath and a + change of clothing, after which we proceeded at once to Hester's + apartments. Evidently somewhat fatigued by the day's experience, Rayel had + little to say while we were eating dinner. It was arranged that we would + start for England by the first steamer on which we could secure a + comfortable passage. We had no sooner finished our coffee than a servant + announced Mr. Benjamin Murmurtot, who wished to see Miss Bronson. + </p> + <p> + “A reporter!” exclaimed Hester. “There's no dodging them in America. Shall + I ask him in for a moment?” + </p> + <p> + We said yes, of course, and Mr. Murmurtot presently fluttered into the + room. He was a natty little man, with a large nose, a bald head and a + decidedly English accent. + </p> + <p> + “Delighted to see you, Miss Bronson,” said he, “delighted, I'm sure. + Thought I'd call and pay my respects before you leave the city.” + </p> + <p> + He greeted us all with like effusiveness and sat down facing Hester. + </p> + <p> + “It's very kind of you,” said she; “but pray how did you know I was to + leave the city?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I'm sure, Miss Bronson, everybody knows you are going home to be + married?” + </p> + <p> + “It is true that I am going home soon,” said she, “but I must decline to + discuss my object in doing so.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray pardon me; I'm a journalist, you know,” said Mr. Murmurtot, “and I + earn my living by impertinence. Have I not seen you before, sir?” he + continued, facing Rayel. “I think you were at the theatre one evening some + time ago—sat in the lower box at the right of the stage—I + remember it well, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember the occasion,” said my cousin, with his accustomed gravity. + </p> + <p> + “I read about that occurrence at Mr. Paddington's dinner-party, sir,” + continued Mr. Murmurtot. “It was decidedly clever in you, sir—deucedly + clever! Everybody is talking about it, now that the Count has been + arrested.” + </p> + <p> + “Arrested!” I exclaimed; “has he been arrested?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, this morning, for the robbery, you know. They say that the police + have secured evidence that will convict him sure, but it seems they are + not yet ready to make it public; reporters can't get the Inspector to say + a word about it, you know—not a word.” + </p> + <p> + There were exclamations of surprise and gratification from all present, + save Rayel, who remained silent, while a faint smile stole over his face. + </p> + <p> + “I knew they would find him out,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “I hear that you are a mind-reader, sir,” said Mr. Murmurtot, again + addressing my cousin. + </p> + <p> + “And you are a detective, I believe, and not a reporter,” said Rayel. “It + is good that we understand each other.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Murmurtot started with surprise at the remark. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know how fully you may be acquainted with my secret,” said he, + “but permit me to assure you that I am here on a friendly mission. + </p> + <p> + “I have no doubt of that,” said my cousin. + </p> + <p> + “Let me proceed directly to the object of my visit, then, which is to + learn how soon you expect to return to England.” + </p> + <p> + “By Saturday, if possible,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + “That is good,” said he, turning toward me. “The sooner the better. In the + meantime it will be my duty to keep a sharp eye upon you; I have been near + you all day. You need not feel any alarm—only do not be surprised if + you meet me often. I am responsible for your safety, that is all.” + </p> + <p> + “For whom are you acting?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “My dear sir,” said he, rising to go, “men in my line of business must not + talk too much. Good night.” + </p> + <p> + After he had gone we asked Rayel to tell us more about this mysterious + visitor, but he was unable to do so. + </p> + <p> + When we started away Hester put on her wraps and walked with us to the + cab. As we alighted at our own door I saw a man standing by the street + lamp on the corner, some distance away, whom I recognized as Mr. + Murmurtot. I found a letter from Mr. Earl awaiting me at home, in which he + urged us to hasten back to England as soon as possible after my recovery. + </p> + <p> + “You and Rayel,” he said, “will, I trust, make your home at my house.” + </p> + <p> + Next day we began our preparations for the voyage. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII + </h2> + <p> + It was on a bleak and windy night in December that we were driven through + a pelting rain to one of the docks on the North River, which our steamer + was to leave at high tide in the early morning. When we alighted Mr. + Murmurtot stood shivering in a greatcoat and muffler close by the + passengers' entrance. + </p> + <p> + “This is a good place for a warm greeting,” said he, taking Hester's hand. + “I've stood here so long that my teeth are chattering from the cold.” + </p> + <p> + “Won't you come aboard with us?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Not yet,” he replied; “but I expect to sail with you in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + “'Sa rough night, sir,” said the porter who carried our luggage, “but + we'll find it a bit rougher outside, I'm feered, afore anither night.” + </p> + <p> + Fatigued by a long day of arduous work, we went at once to our staterooms. + I was soon asleep after getting into my berth, but was awakened by the + tramp of feet on the upper decks and the shouting of the crew long before + the ship left her moorings. They reminded me of the first night I had ever + spent on an ocean steamer—the night I left Liverpool on that journey + fraught with danger I had not then dreamed of. I had grown old very fast + under the influences that had come into my life since then. Indeed, I was + now a man, whereas I had been only a boy when I left England. But Rayel + was with me now, and that repaid me for all I had suffered. What would he + have done in that lonely mansion after his father's death? For hours my + mind was occupied with these reflections, and at length I determined to + dress myself and go on deck. Rayel awoke while I was dressing and decided + to go with me. + </p> + <p> + We found the decks thronged with people, and the ship's crew were bustling + about, getting ready to sail. We stood near the gangway, facing the dock. + A man was pacing back and forth in the opening whose figure seemed + familiar to me. Presently he came aboard, and as he passed near us I saw + it was the omnipresent Mr. Murmurtot. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder if he is afraid somebody will steal the ship?” I remarked. + </p> + <p> + “No, he is looking for some person,” said Rayel, divining my thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “All ashore! Stand away, there!” shouted one of the ship's officers. + </p> + <p> + The passengers fell back, the gangway was pulled aboard, the great hawsers + were loosened, and the ship moved slowly away from the dock. We stood for + a long time watching the river craft and the receding lights of the city. + The ship was well beyond the Atlantic Highlands when we went to our + stateroom and to bed again. We slept until late in the morning, and arose + barely in time for a late breakfast with Hester. Rayel seemed cheerful + enough and took more than ordinary interest in his surroundings. When we + had risen from the table he led me aside and directed my attention to a + short, stout man with a bristly growth of close-cropped black hair, a low + forehead and shaggy eyebrows, who was leaning lazily against the railing + of the stairway. + </p> + <p> + “Let us avoid him,” he whispered. “I do not like his looks.” + </p> + <p> + What can this mean? I asked myself, as we all proceeded to the deck. + Perhaps he was the man the detective was looking for. + </p> + <p> + It was a beautiful sunlit afternoon, and the vessel rode steadily in a sea + that was growing quiet under the dying impulse that the winds had left + behind them. We drew our chairs together on the deck near the stern of the + vessel, and had settled down for a quiet chat among ourselves when we were + unexpectedly joined by Mr. Murmurtot. + </p> + <p> + “Delighted, I'm sure!” he exclaimed, with the same inimitable drawl I had + noted on the occasion of our first meeting. I soon observed that the + artful little gentleman was master of an elaborate system of exclamations + by which he encouraged one to talk freely without saying anything himself. + </p> + <p> + In response to my assertion that we had been exceedingly busy getting + ready for the trip he said simply: “Indeed!” + </p> + <p> + It was a very unusual burst of confidence in which he was moved to express + his views with any greater freedom. When the remark which preceded it was + evidently expected to meet with Mr. Murmurtot's concurrence, then he would + say, “Yes, indeed!” + </p> + <p> + If the remark were one to which this response would be inappropriate he + often went to the extent of observing, “I dare say!” seemingly ventured + after careful consideration of the chances for and against the proposition + which provoked it. + </p> + <p> + “My dear sir, I do not agree with you,” he would always say when he felt + compelled to differ with me. If the difference in our views chanced to be + extremely radical, he would throw particular emphasis upon the word + “dear,” as a sort of recompense for his opposition. These forms of speech, + with occasional and slight variations, were always employed by Mr. + Murmurtot as a medium of thought and sentiment. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of our conversation I noticed the man whom Rayel had pointed + out to me when we arose from the breakfast-table. He was standing against + the rail, not twenty feet from where we sat, and as I looked at him he + turned away and walked leisurely down the deck. In a moment Rayel was on + his feet, and, excusing himself, he proceeded in the same direction. An + hour later, as he had not returned, I left Hester with Mr. Murmurtot and + went forward in quest of him. He was in the reading-room, apparently + interested in a newspaper. As he did not observe me, I sat down behind his + chair without disturbing him. To my surprise I saw that he was not reading + the paper, but that his eyes were furtively watching the mysterious + stranger he had followed, who sat on the other side of the room listlessly + puffing at a cigarette. I was seated scarcely a moment when Rayel seemed + to be aware of my presence. Looking from face to face until he had + discovered me he arose and came to my side. + </p> + <p> + “I was trying to read a newspaper,” said he, leading the way to the door, + “but reading is still hard work for me.” + </p> + <p> + “I saw that you did not seem to be looking at the paper,” said I, as we + proceeded to the deck. He made no reply, but stopped and looked out across + the waste of waters at the horizon. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know that man?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + For a moment I stood waiting for his answer. Apparently he had not heard + my question, and I repeated it in a somewhat louder tone. + </p> + <p> + He turned suddenly with an impatient exclamation. There was a flash of + anger in his eyes as he faced me. I had never seen him in such a mood + before. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me,” said he. “I am only angry with myself. Come, Hester will be + looking for us.” + </p> + <p> + I did not venture again to refer to our bristly fellow-passenger in + Rayel's presence. Never inclined to talk much, even with me, he was + becoming more silent than ever as the voyage continued. Day by day his + interest in that strange man seemed to increase. He spent as little time + as possible in my company. When not with me he was hounding him about the + ship, keeping him in sight from some favorable point of observation. What + was the meaning of it? The question forced itself upon my mind + persistently by day and night, and begat in me a gloomy reticence which + Hester was quick to observe. Every day I expected some revelation from + Rayel, but he said nothing about the man in whom he had taken such + extraordinary interest. + </p> + <p> + We had been over a week at sea, and I was sitting alone one afternoon, + when Mr. Murmurtot came along and asked if he might introduce an + acquaintance of his whom I ought to know. Then he went to find the + gentleman, saying that he would return in a few moments. He had no sooner + left me than my mind reverted to the man who had been the bugbear of my + thoughts since we left New York. Presently Mr. Murmurtot touched my arm. + Looking up suddenly, I saw standing before me the very man of whom I had + been thinking. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Lane, let me introduce you to Mr. Fenlon,” said the detective. I + shook the hand that was extended to me mechanically, and made some + incoherent response—I do not remember what. I had been taken by + surprise. My voice was unnatural and my strength seemed to have left me + suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “Are you not well, sir?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, he is not well yet.” + </p> + <p> + It was the voice of Rayel that answered for me. He was standing by my + side, his lips tightly drawn, and his eyes fixed upon the man Fenlon. + There was a terrible look on his face as he stood there towering above us. + The man turned pale and moved quickly backward two or three steps, staring + at my cousin as if in fear of receiving a death-blow. For an instant, + only, he stood like some fierce animal at bay, then turned and walked + hurriedly down the deck. The situation was made all the more impressive by + the interval of silence that followed Rayel's words. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me,” said Mr. Murmurtot, taking my hand, “if this meeting was + unpleasant. It was necessary.” Then he bowed politely and walked away. The + sun was just going down as Rayel and I entered the cabin, where Hester was + waiting for us. + </p> + <p> + “The captain thinks we will reach Southampton before five in the morning,” + said she. + </p> + <p> + I was glad to learn that our voyage was so near its end. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV + </h2> + <p> + After dinner Rayel and I went at once to our stateroom. + </p> + <p> + “I am out of patience with myself,” said he, as soon as we were seated. + “My mind is failing me just when I need it most. I have grown dull and + stupid. For more than a week I have been trying to find out that man's + secret. I knew that he had a secret, and that it concerned us. Not until + to-night was I certain that I had found it out. Once I could see the truth + clearly. No matter how deeply it was buried under lies—I could see + it. But now there is something like a mist before my eyes, and I am sure + of nothing. Perhaps it is because I am now a liar myself, as bad as any of + them. God have mercy on me!” said he, rising, and speaking with much + animation. “I know now what is blinding my soul. When a man lies he loses + some degree of his power to distinguish between truth and falsehood.” + </p> + <p> + He stood looking into my face impatiently, as if waiting to hear what I + would say to his remark. + </p> + <p> + “That would be the natural result, I have no doubt,” said I; “but are you + not trying to convict yourself of too much wickedness and stupidity?” + </p> + <p> + I had never considered the misfortune of knowing too much—of being + able to detect every difference between word and thought, between + appearance and reality. That was the power which Rayel possessed, and it + increased his moral responsibility by as much as it transcended the power + common to others. Here, indeed, was a man ripe for the fate of a martyr. + </p> + <p> + “Won't you tell me Fenlon's secret, if you have found it out?” I asked. + “I've been thinking about it night and day since we first saw him.” + </p> + <p> + “Be wise! Don't try to learn too fast, Kendric” said he. “You shall know + it soon, I am sure of that—indeed, I promise that you shall.” + </p> + <p> + “I am quite willing to wait on the future for everything if you think it + is best,” I said. + </p> + <p> + We sat for a long time, making plans for our future life in England. It + was near midnight when we retired to our berths, but we were up early in + the morning, eager to catch the first sight of land. On reaching the deck + we were overjoyed to see the distant spires of Southampton glowing in the + morning sun. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV + </h2> + <p> + Mr. and Mrs. Earl met us at the station of the Southwestern Railway in + London, and we were driven at once to their home. Hester came to breakfast + with us, but Mrs. Earl would not let her go to Liverpool that day, + ship-worn and fatigued as we all felt after the voyage. + </p> + <p> + “You resemble your father, sir, when he was of your age,” said Mr. Earl, + addressing my cousin, as we were eating. “But you are larger, much larger, + than he was.” + </p> + <p> + “You were my father's friend when he was a young man, I believe?” said + Rayel. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he and his brother were my best friends in those days. I tried to + induce him to study law, but he was more inclined to medicine.” + </p> + <p> + Rayel had found a man quite after his liking and the two were on the best + of terms at once. Indeed, he seemed to talk with my benefactor as freely + as he ever talked with me. I found Mrs. Earl very much as I had imagined + my mother to have been—a full-faced, ruddy-cheeked woman; with a + sweet voice and gentle manners. She greeted me as if I were her own son + returned from a long journey, and when we sat down to talk after + breakfast, I felt the joy and peace of one who has found a home after much + wandering. + </p> + <p> + I spent the afternoon with Mr. Earl in his library, and he listened with + deep interest to the complete story of my life since the night we parted + in Liverpool. + </p> + <p> + He had many questions to ask me touching the attempt upon my life, and my + replies were jotted down in his memorandum-book. After I had told him all + that I was able to tell he sat for some moments thoughtfully turning the + pages of the book, stopping now and then to read some of the memoranda. + </p> + <p> + “It looks pretty bad for them, doesn't it?” said he calmly, looking up at + me over his spectacles. “But we'll bring this matter to a climax very + soon,” he continued. “We haven't seen the last act of the play yet. You + need not have any further fear for your safety—I will look after + that. You may feel quite free to go and come as you please in this part of + the city. Above all things we must avoid letting them know that we suspect + anything; it might defeat me in getting hold of the last bit of evidence + that is necessary to complete our case.” + </p> + <p> + I nodded, and waited for him to proceed. + </p> + <p> + “Let us go carefully until we're sure of our ground,” he continued. “Your + stepmother knows you are in London, of course. You must go and see her. + Take your cousin with you, and—well, you will know how to treat + them. After all, you must bear in mind that in the eye of the law every + man is innocent until he is proven guilty. Adopt that view of the case + yourself. You needn't fear anything from Cobb or his wife. Only be + reasonably prudent.” + </p> + <p> + “I've no fear that they will try to do us any harm,” said I; “and I would + greatly enjoy visiting the old house. Perhaps we could go to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “The day after. You'd better go down to Liverpool to-morrow with the young + lady, and return by the night train.” + </p> + <p> + That day saw the beginning of a deep and lasting friendship between Hester + and Mrs. Earl. When we left next morning to go to Hester's home in + Liverpool, she promised to return soon for a long visit. By ten o'clock we + were well out of smoky London, on the way that I had already traversed + once before, with a cheerful heart most creditable to me under the + circumstances. Mrs. Chaffin was waiting for us at the gate when we + alighted in front of the old wood-colored cottage—that haven of + weary legs in days gone by. Phil (who had lengthened noticeably in the + service of Valentine, King & Co.) was there, too, and all the rest of + the Chaffin household in Sunday clothes. Mrs. Chaffin was quite beside + herself with joy. + </p> + <p> + “Dear-a me!” said the good lady, after the salutations were over. “Dear-a + sakes! How you've growed! I didn't think you'd ever live to get s' big. I + thought as 'ow som' 'arm 'd come to ye when ye went away, an' Hester—” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma!” exclaimed Hester, with a reproving glance. “Don't tell him.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm that fidgety I don't know what I'm sayin'. The Lord bless us, but ye + must be hungry!” said the good woman, as she spread the table for dinner. + She had guessed rightly, and Hester bustled about, helping her mother get + the dishes on the table, with a critical eye to all the arrangements. + Rayel was much amused by the children, the youngest of whom had climbed + upon his knee and was taking liberties with his cravat. He was wholly + unaccustomed to the pranks of children, and we frequently rallied to his + defence. He seemed to enjoy them, however, and was soon involved in a + spree at which both Hester and I laughed heartily. + </p> + <p> + “This herring ain't extra good, sir, but I 'ope it won't go ag'in' ye,” + said Mrs. Chaffin to Rayel, as we sat down to the table. + </p> + <p> + He seemed in doubt for a moment as to what it would be proper to say in + reply to this well-intended remark. + </p> + <p> + “I have never eaten a herring, madam,” said he, gravely, “but I have no + doubt it will be good.” + </p> + <p> + “I 'ope so, sir—indeed, I 'ope so; but I dare presume to say that it + will taste bad enough to the likes of you.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Chaffin (good soul) had evidently concluded that my cousin was a man + entitled to extra politeness. Hester had adroitly side-tracked the herring + question and started another train of speculation, when her mother's + misgivings were again excited respecting the tea, which Rayel had just + tasted. + </p> + <p> + “Murky, sir?” she asked, with a glance of alarm. “I 'ope it don't taste + murky.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Chaffin's solicitude respecting the tea and the herring reminded me + of the first time I had stretched my tired legs under that hospitable + board at Phil's invitation; of those big, wondering eyes that stared at me + across the table; of the songs and stories which beguiled the evening + hours. + </p> + <p> + The candles were lit before dinner was over, and when we rose from the + table it was to gather about the warm fire and exchange memories, while + Rayel listened with deep interest. Phil had been promoted from a pair of + legs to a pair of hands, and was now third bookkeeper for the firm. Our + carriage came for us at nine o'clock. Hester had decided to stay a day or + two with her mother, but it was necessary for Rayel and me to return to + London that night, as we were to make an important call the next day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI + </h2> + <p> + Late in the afternoon of the day following our visit to Liverpool we + ascended the big stone steps of my old home and pulled the bell. After + all, I found that my nerves were not quite steady while we were waiting + for the door to open. We had come intending to spend the night there, and + my benefactor had given me certain precautions not calculated to make me + feel entirely at home. Was there some deeper plan underlying his + suggestion as to this visit than he had chosen to explain? I had not long + to consider that point, however, for suddenly the door opened and a + servant in imposing livery confronted us. I handed him my card and we were + shown into the reception room at once. Presently he conducted us to my + stepmother, who greeted me with a great show of cordiality and some tears. + She had grown old fast since I left home, but she had artfully disguised + the evidences of age upon her face and neck. Why had I stayed away so + long? What had she done to deserve such shameful neglect? These and other + questions taxed my wits for an answer that would neither outrage my own + conscience nor offend her. Mr. Cobb, who had just returned from his + office, suddenly entered the room. His face assumed an ashen pallor, and + he stared at me quite dumfounded for a moment, when I arose and stood + before him. + </p> + <p> + “It is Kendric. Don't you recognize him?” said my stepmother. + </p> + <p> + “So it is!” he exclaimed. “But he's grown quite out of my recollection.” + The man had recovered his self-possession in a moment, and treated me, it + must be said to his credit, with marked coolness. I was likely to get on + with him very well, I thought, but the fawning attitude of his wife quite + unhorsed me. If I am to see the devil I'd rather he'd frown than smile. + Cobb had very little to say to us, and left the room at the first + opportunity. In doing so he had shown scant consideration for his wife, + however, as it left a burden upon her shoulders that must have taxed her + strength. But she was not unequal to it. Her smile broadened after he had + gone, and there was a tone of deeper sincerity in her expressions of + regard. We had been to dinner, and if she would kindly send a little cold + lunch to our room at bedtime that would be quite sufficient. During her + absence for dinner the reaction came. When my stepmother returned she + seemed to have suddenly grown older, and she looked at us through haggard + and sunken eyes. Surely this was a terrible punishment she was undergoing, + and I pitied her. Mr. Cobb had an important engagement to keep, she said, + and hoped we would excuse him. Slowly the evening wore away and at ten + o'clock we were shown to our room, greatly fatigued by this trying + experience. It was a room fronting the street on the third floor, which I + had occupied before I left home. The walls had been painted white since + then, with a frieze of gold along the ceiling. My father used to sleep in + the room directly under it. Rayel had been silent and absent-minded all + the evening, rarely speaking except in reply to some question. + </p> + <p> + “I feel sad for some cause I do not understand,” said he, preparing to + retire. “I shall be glad when to-morrow comes.” + </p> + <p> + “We will go back in the morning,” I said. “You don't feel at home here, do + you?” + </p> + <p> + He did not seem to hear me, but tried the door, which I had already + bolted, and then got into bed, yawning and shivering, for the room was + cold. I turned down the light, and, opening the shutters, looked out upon + the street, now deserted save by a solitary man who had just passed the + house and whose slow footsteps were gradually growing less distinct. I + crouched there, listening for some moments to that fading sound, when it + began to grow louder again. The man had turned about and was coming back. + As he passed under the lamp on the opposite corner I thought I recognized + the slim figure of Mr. Murmurtot. Suddenly I was startled by a noise in + the room adjoining ours, and sprang to my feet in a tremor. Plague take my + imagination! It was somebody going to bed. I sat down again and for a long + time looked out at the man walking back and forth in front of the house. I + was rapidly getting into a condition of mind unfavorable to rest and, + closing the shutters, I went to bed at once. For hours I lay tossing + restlessly from one side to the other, and finally fell into a deep sleep. + I must have slept a long time when I suddenly awoke, laboring with + nightmare. I had heard no sound, I had felt no touch, but all at once my + eyes were open and I knew that I was awake. The lamp was burning dimly on + the table beside my bed. How my heart was beating! And my arm—how it + trembled when I tried to raise up on my elbow and look about the room! + </p> + <p> + “Who's there?” I whispered. Was it Rayel standing near the bed, his body + swaying backward and forward, or was I yet asleep? Everything looked dim + and weird. I seemed to be in some silent ghostland between sleeping and + waking. I rubbed my eyes and peered about the half-darkened room. It was + Rayel, and, as I gazed at him, his eyes seemed to shine like balls of + fire. I called to him, but he made no answer. What had happened since I + went to sleep? Alarmed, I threw the covers aside and leaped out of bed. As + I did so he stepped up close to the opposite wall, and, as his hand moved, + I could hear the grating of a crayon on its surface. In tremulous haste I + turned up the wick of the lamp and tiptoed toward him, holding it in my + hand. He was stepping backward and excitedly pointing at the wall. He had + been drawing a picture on its white surface—the form of a woman + holding something in her hand. I stepped nearer, still carrying the lamp. + A sharp interjection broke from my lips. The woman pictured there was my + stepmother, and it was a knife that she held! A man was lying at her feet. + Again Rayel stepped forward, and again I heard the crayon grating on the + wall. Then he stood aside. Great God! There were drops of blood dripping + from the knife now. Rayel sank down upon the floor and covered his eyes + with his hands. I stood there, dumb with fear and horror, looking first + upon him and then upon the picture. + </p> + <p> + The silence of the night was unbroken save by those slow footsteps in the + street to which I had listened before retiring. But suddenly I heard a low + wailing cry in the room adjoining ours. It so startled me that I came near + dropping the lamp. Strange and weird it sounded, gradually growing + shriller and more terrible to hear! It was the voice of my stepmother. Was + she dreaming? And had Rayel seen the vision that affrighted her? Was that + dagger pricking her brain? In a moment the swelling cry broke into a sharp + scream, such as might come from one exposed to sudden peril, and ceased. + Then the sound of a bell rang sharply through the house, followed by loud + knocking at the door and a man's shout. + </p> + <p> + “Open the door, I command you!” he said. + </p> + <p> + He must have heard that piercing cry. Rayel still lay motionless upon the + floor. Was he asleep? Why did he not rise? I began to feel numb. I seemed + to have lost the power of motion. I could hear some one rapping at our + door, but I could not move. + </p> + <p> + “Kendric! Kendric! Kendric!” Was it my stepmother who was calling me? What + a piteous, pleading tone! “Let me speak to you, Kendric! For God's sake, + let me tell you!” I was reeling: my strength had all left me. Crash! went + the lamp at my feet. There was a great flash of light, which dazzled my + eyes, and I fell heavily upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + I was in the open air when thought and feeling came back to me. My hands + and face were paining me as if they had been terribly burned. There were a + number of men standing over a motionless figure that lay beside me. + </p> + <p> + “The poor lad!” said one of the men “he's nearly roasted. See here how the + clothes have been burned away from his neck! Can't ye stop the blood? The + mon'll die afore the amb'lance comes ef we don't stop the blood. A brave + mon he is, too. D'ye see 'im coming down the stairs with th' other one on + his back?” + </p> + <p> + Of whom were they talking? I struggled to my feet—I could feel no + pain now—and bent over that still form which had been lying beside + me. Oh! it was the heaven-blessed face of Rayel, now bleeding and scarred + and ghastly. I raised his head. The hair fell away where my hand touched + it, and a groan escaped his lips. I could not speak nor weep nor utter any + sound. A strange calmness came over my spirit and I sat there motionless, + bending over him I loved so well, while the crowd of men looked on in + silence. “After His own image made He man;” these words came to my mind as + I looked into that dear face. Then I prayed in silence—for him. + Thank God! his eyes were open now and his lips were moving. I bent lower + until I could feel his breath upon my cheek. + </p> + <p> + “Is it you, Kendric?” he whispered. “Did I save you from the fire? I + cannot see you, but I know you are here.” + </p> + <p> + I heard his words distinctly, but I could not answer. The power of speech + seemed to have left me. + </p> + <p> + “The fire awoke me,” he continued, moaning. “We were lying on the floor. I + called to you, but you did not answer. Thank God! you are safe now.” + </p> + <p> + Returning consciousness brought with it an increasing sense of his pain, + and he began to struggle and groan in dreadful agony. Suddenly, extending + one of his blackened hands until it touched my face, he shouted in a loud + voice: + </p> + <p> + “Kendric! Kendric! help—help me!” + </p> + <p> + Then some men laid hold of me and lifted me up. I clung to Rayel with all + my strength, but could not resist them, and as I was borne away I knew + that Rayel and I had parted forever. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII + </h2> + <p> + After that midnight parting the first thing I can recall was the touch of + a gentle hand upon my face. When my eyes opened I saw Hester bending over + me. + </p> + <p> + “You are at home now, Kendric,” said she. Such a feeling of weakness came + over me that I could not speak. I thought a nail had been driven into my + brain, but the tears that began rolling down my cheeks and the moans that + broke from my lips seemed to loosen it. + </p> + <p> + Many days passed before I was able to reflect upon this last tragic + episode in my life or to take any thought of the morrow. One evening I + awoke from a deep sleep feeling a new interest in life. There were people + sitting in the room and talking in low tones. + </p> + <p> + “Has he asked for Rayel yet?” said one of them. + </p> + <p> + “Not yet,” was the answer. + </p> + <p> + “Better not let him know about it yet. There's time enough. He'll be + around soon.” + </p> + <p> + I called to them and they came quickly to my bedside. There were Hester + and Mr. Earl and his good wife, all looking down upon me with smiling + faces. + </p> + <p> + “You need not be afraid to tell me now. I know that Rayel is dead.” + </p> + <p> + They made no answer. + </p> + <p> + “I know he is dead, but tell me how it happened,” I said. “There is no + danger; I am quite strong now.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Earl took my hand and told me in a low, calm voice, all he knew of the + tragedy. He only knew, however, that the lamp had exploded and that Rayel + had been horribly burned by the oil. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose,” said he, “that the lamp was on a table near his bed when it + exploded. In a moment the whole room was afire, and you, no doubt, being + asleep at the time, he lifted you up and ran with you down the stairway + and out of the open door. But in the meantime he had been horribly burned, + and he fell in a faint as soon as he reached the pavement. Strangely + enough you were unconscious for some moments, although you were not badly + burned. Probably it was the smoke.” + </p> + <p> + Then no one knows, thought I, what really did happen that night. The lamp + must have fallen almost directly upon Rayel's head, and the oil had no + doubt saturated his hair and clothing. + </p> + <p> + “And the house?” I asked. “Is that—” + </p> + <p> + “In ashes,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + Then every trace of that strange event, which no eye save mine had + witnessed, was wiped out forever. The hideous secret had better never be + told. + </p> + <p> + “If I was not badly burned, tell me why I have been lying ill.” + </p> + <p> + “Brain fever, my boy,” said he. “Too much excitement, I presume—but + you're out of danger now, and will be on your feet again in a few days.” + </p> + <p> + Fortunately the latter assurance was rightly spoken. The first day that + brought me strength enough to put on my clothes and walk about the house, + Mr. Earl invited me into the library to talk business. We were no sooner + seated than he unlocked a drawer and handed me a document to read. + </p> + <p> + It was a deed of all my father's real and personal property. + </p> + <p> + “They have both confessed,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Confessed what?” I asked, wondering if the secret of my father's death + had come out. + </p> + <p> + “The conspiracy against your life. There were two accomplices—one + Count de Montalle, formerly a servant of Cobb, and now a convict in + America, and the other a man named Fenlon, who is under arrest. These were + the men who tried to take your life. Fenlon came over on the steamer with + you, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + “And my stepmother—where is she?” + </p> + <p> + “Gone to answer for her sins at a higher court,” said he. “Her last + deposition is annexed to the deed. The old hussy ran into the fire like a + miller, and stood there screaming, 'Look at that picture on the wall! Oh, + God! do you see it?' she shouted to the fellow who found her standing in + the smoke and flames. The chap was so excited he really thought that he + did see the picture of a woman holding a knife.” + </p> + <p> + “That is strange, isn't it?” said I. “Who was the man?” + </p> + <p> + “A detective,” said he, “whom I hired to watch the house that night. He + heard some disturbance, it seems, and, fearing mischief, he immediately + forced the door open and ran pell-mell into your cousin, noble fellow, who + was then bringing you down-stairs. If he had been one moment later the + woman would have been burned to death, and we would never have got this + deposition. Cobb wouldn't have been the first to weaken, you may be sure + of that. But after she had told the whole story, why, there was no use in + holding out. Badly burned? No, strange to say, she was not badly burned, + but frightened out of her wits. The nervous shock was too much for her and + soon led to fatal results. Cobb will go to prison.” + </p> + <p> + I made no reply. I could not have found words to express the thoughts that + came trooping through my brain. + </p> + <p> + “I have to tell you,” he continued, “that your cousin left a will + bequeathing to you his father's house and a number of valuable paintings.” + </p> + <p> + I turned away and burning tears of sorrow came to my eyes. It was indeed a + sad inheritance—the earthly part of his great riches—and of + little moment to me. I could not bear to think or speak of it then, and I + begged my friend to hide the will from my sight until time might give me + strength to read it with composure. + </p> + <p> + One evening in early spring Hester and I were walking along the shore of + the Mediterranean at Marseilles. I had been traveling through southern + Europe since my recovery, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Earl. Hester had + recently joined us in this ancient city of Provence. The sun was sinking + below the distant horizon of water, and his shafts, glancing from the + western edge of the sea, shot far into the immeasurable reaches above us. + We stood in silence while the great wall of night loomed into the zenith, + and then fell westward through the luminous slope of heaven. The broad + terrace from which we viewed the scene was quite deserted. + </p> + <p> + “If it is a hopeless love I cherish, let me know it now, Hester,” I said + as we turned to go. “I cannot wait any longer.” + </p> + <p> + “You can wait half an hour longer, I am sure,” she said, hurrying me + along. “We will be at home, then.” + </p> + <p> + Some months after Hester had become my wife we received a call in London + from our old friend, Mr. Murmurtot. + </p> + <p> + “You have been playing in a great life drama,” said he to Hester, “and I, + too, have had a part in it. Lest you may think that it was the fool's + part, let me tell you that I am the man who arrested the Count de + Montalle.” + </p> + <p> + “And the man who brought Fenlon to justice?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “The same. He confessed within three hours after you were introduced to + him.” + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Every week my wife and I visit Rayel's grave and strew fresh flowers upon + it. A tall shaft of marble marks the spot where he lies at rest. His name + is graven in the stone, and underneath it are these words: “He was a man + without selfishness or vanity.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE END. +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Master of Silence, by Irving Bacheller + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MASTER OF SILENCE *** + +***** This file should be named 7486-h.htm or 7486-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/7/4/8/7486/ + +Produced by Jeffrey Kraus-yao, and David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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