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[NOW FIRST PUBLISHED' THE AVENGING HAND. » SERIES OF THRILLING DETECTIVE STORIES, Bv SIR GILBERT E. CAMPBELL, BART. UtT DTSOll OP THE MYSTERY OF MANDEYILLE S(iUABE," "A WAVE OF BRA) N rOWEK," &C., &C. "oiL RIGHTS RESERVED, J No. IV. THE PAYMASTER'S CASH BOX. 11 E gallant 25.0Lh Regiment, or West Loamshire Hangers as they had been re-named by the who pi-eside over the Oilice, had been fur nearly two years r&TfllCz quartered at Gib- raltar, and had NjjW won golden opiti- ( ions from the in- habitants and the military officials •tafF who formed the Hl0 the garrison. The privates were a \<j 0l'derly set of men. You. never found a Loamshire R anger engaged in a street 0f '> or reeling out of a wineshop in a state a^^knation. Their steadiness on parade 41ld t I to e*r attention to discipline was testified at th e-Very general officer who had presided reDo f *nsPe°ti°n of the regiment, and whose ^Pon + a'wa^s contained golden eulogiums tant the efficiency of the corps. The inhabi- Ujs ? °f the town, although they fully recog- t0(j the advantage of having so steady a wen quartered in their midst, were e lr>terested in the officers to whose firm- and discretion much of this was of course Psrh ^ever a pleasanter set of men, with /?aPs one exception, been collected together Hie CorP3. They were, nearly all of them, gr 11 °f means, not that there were any very each ^utocrats amongst them, but as a rule ? of them had some hundreds a year lc*es hia pay, and what was better far— e,v how to spend them. The cuisine of the aj ?s was excellent, the wines of gold quality, tOe plate, glass and china of the best and ,j,^Sojfiest description. ba A ^and was an excellent one, and the Hamaster, Iierr Karl Blumenberg, was a Qe artist, who composed the most fetching ^Hce music in the world, and which was in great request at various social gatherings. ■perhaps the most noticeable men in the were the paymaster, Robert Arm- Th°n^' au(^ Junior captain, Paul Mostyn. e former, though a non-combattant officer, jj s practically the show man of the corps. *bl Seerne<* a SOI"t of Admirable Crichton, \vH? to turn his hand to anything. He painted skpi utaste, and made the most charming tches of sequestered nooks of the Old Rock, pj Sa,)g well, with a rich baritone voice, and to quite scientifically enough on the piano 1)4, Accompany himself in the stirring ballads at! Ich he delighted to troll forth. He was j eXcellent shot, a good swordsman, and a a ty?erous slow-blower, lie was well read, j spoke French and German with perfect tyCl'ity. Added to these accomplishments e*s a something else, which no doubt added ^f £ a% to the glamour cast by his numerous w+k1" attainments. He was very good-looking, a th dark hair and eyes, and of a well-made bv 8haPely figure, which was greatly admired y the ladies of the garrison. Paul Mostyn 8embled the popular paymaster in some 4 for he, too, was dark, good-looking, jo Well-proportioned, but here the resem- ^aQce ended, for Mostyn could not in any ay be termed a popular man. He had been c, finally in a Dragoon Regiment, but had Ranged into the West Loamshire, which he joined at Gibraltar, some eighteen 11 Onths before. Though an excellent officer, 0: had more than once unconsciously let drop f rtain disparaging remarks regarding the in- j.J'try servicej which had naturally created ther a prejudice against him. He was by Cleans what might be termed a well read jTa^j was extremely horsey," an ardent fol- der of the Calpe hounds, and a prop and lif the garrison races, He mixed but w with his brother officers and for the p 0i,t par^ S0Ugi!t the society of the Spanish Hfs'k00 t^e comniunity which bad made ag i0nae upon the Rook. Strange, however, ^ad lna^ aPPear> these two dissimilar natures the 8*'ruck UP a sort of bond of union toge- Jnf p' and Paymaster Armstrong and Captain lUa • n were frequent visitors to each other's l'ters, much to *he chagrin of some of the younger officers, who frequently rallied Arm- strong upon his strange penchant for the "dragoon," as Mostyn had been nicknamed. I don't know why I like him," Armstrong would remark, with a laugh; perhaps he has good points which you fellows have been un- able to find out. At anyrate, he is not fond of chatter, but will sit for hours in my quar- ters, when I am painting, smoking his cigar, and looking like an Indian Sachem. The only way to set him off is to begin to talk about horses and then-" Armstrong stopped short and placed his hands over ears, as though to shield them from the flood of equine talk with which his friend was in the habit of deluging them. The 250th had first been quartered at the South Barracks, overlooking Rosia Bay, from thence they had moved to the Casemates, and after remaining there some little time bad been transferred to Windmill Ilill, where they were at the time this story opens. An event had recently occurred which afforded ample food for gossip amongst the officers, and as they were smoking in the verandah outside the mess-room, immediately after the hour of lunch, the new topic of con- versation was bandied about from one to the other. And so Damon and Pythias have had a difference," remarked Hawkins the senior captain. Well, wonders will never cease, and I, for one, should never have thought it." "You see, Hawkins," remarked a curly- headed young sub., with a pair of laughing blue eyes, You are such a steady going old chap, and stick to your duty so closer, that you are not much acquainted with the ways ¡ of the world, and are therefore bound to be surprised pretty often/' I- You young monkey," retorted Hawkins, if the good lunch J have taken had not ren- dered me awfully lazy I would teach you the respect due to your elders and superiors." "Come, stop your chaff, Meecham," re- marked Singleton, the adjutant, "you are always at it. Hawkins is right, it is a curious thing, but it takes two to make a quarrel, and my opinion is that the difference is all on one side, for the idea of Armstrong quarrelling with anybody is simply preposterous." I W ell, if you are so precious clever, ask Armstrong yourself," returned Meecham, ¡ for here he comes." And the words were scarcely out of his mouth than the popular paymaster entered the verandah, and, dbsiring the mess waiter to bring him a bottle of Bass, drew out his el cigar-oase and began to smoke. What makes you all so silent directly I make my appearance f" asked he, turning to his brother officers, with a bright smile which was habitual to him. One would think that I was Old Grumps, of the SOOtb, the strictest martinet in the service, who keeps his officers in the direst subjection, L Had not Latrymple caught him he would have fallen down the shaft. instead of your humble paymaster. Come, let me near what it is all about." We were discussing ancient history," answered young Meecham, pertly, "and won- dering whether Orestes and Pylades ever had a difference." No, no," broke in Singleton, who was not very well versed in classic lore, "it was I Damon and Pythias a few minutes ago." The boy was about to make some saucy repl,T, when he paused as he saw a dark sha- dow^ flit across the paymaster's face. The change, however, was but a transient one, and in another moment his old bright smile had recovered its sway. had recovered its sway. Why," exclaimed be, I almost believe you are referring to Captain Mostyn and my- self." "Oh, so it has come to Captain Mostyn," remarked Hawkins, removing the cigar from his lips and emiting a long spiral curl of smoke. Then there is some truth in the rumour after all ? I have no alternative but to speak of him in the terms I have made use of," answered Armstrong. Do you know, I believe he must be a little deranged. He came to my quarters yesterday evening, a little before mess, and spoke to me in a way which almost took away breath I mean it was all so unex- pected. At any rate, I had no alternative but to request that cur acquaintance might cease, and that we might have no further commu- nication than duty rendered inevitable." And what on earth did he say to you pI! demanded Singleton, who, in his surprise, had permitted his cigar to become extin- guished. lõ I really do not know if I ought to men- tion his alleged reason," replied the pay- master. It is rather a delicate question, and one which I think ought not to be talked about." 11 Ah, Helen, but not of Troy, I suppose," remarked Meecham, putting on an air of knowledge of the world, which looked abso- lutely ridiculous upon his boyish features. What the deuce do you mean with your Helen, and your Troys," asked Singleton, everyone knows there is only one Helen in Gib., and that is Helen Vausittart, the sister of the governor's aide-de-camp and Mostyn since he saw her has quitted the con- genial society of the Rook Scorpions, and is thoroughly spoony on her." II I do not think that Miss Vansittart's name ought to be talked about like tbis," re- marked Armstrong gently, "but I may as well say that Singleton is right and that this lady is the alleged cause of the grievance that he had against me." But this is too utterly absurd," ivfurned Hawkins, Helen Vausittart is a churniing girl and, entre nous, rather a flirt. We have most of us, 1 presume, paid her some atten- tion, and I did notice, Armstrong, that you were making rather strong running at the last ball at the Convent, whilst her friend, the dragoon, was standing in a corner looking as black as a thunder cloud, but you don't really mean to say he has taken umbrage at that." All loan tell you is that Mostyn came to my quarters," returned the paymaster, and in a somewhat incoherent manner informed me that my attentions to Miss Vansit- tart were extremely disagreeable to him, and that I must cease them at once—or take the consequences." Like his confounded impudence," ex- claimed Singleton, and what did you do may I ask." Told him to go to the deuce of course," broke in Meechaui, "and ordered him out of the room with as little ceremony as the occa- sion required." "When you have seen a little more of the world my boy," remarked Armstrong, you will understand that a difference between men is somewhat different to a squabble be- tween two schoolboys. I trust that, although the provocation was great, I did not forget what was due from one gentleman to another, and as you all know I am not a quarrelsome man The best natured fellow in the service," said Hawkins. I merely warned him that he was labour- ing under a delusion, and begged him to think over the matter calmly, when doubtless he would feel that an apology was due to me from him for his intemperate behaviour." II And what do you intend to do now," asked Singleton. Flirt with the fair Helen more than ever of course," said Meecham, not in the least abashed by the rebuff he had received, and make the dragoon jumping wild." Ii I think from what you have told us, and I have every faith in the correctness of your account," remarked Hawkins, that Mostyn has behaved very badly, and I shall make it my duty to speak to him on the subject, for we cannot have the harmony of the regiment disturbed by so senseless a quarrel," II 1 beg that you will do nothing of the kind?" returned Armstrong, earnestly. "The matter is one in which only Captain Mostyn and I are concerned, and any interference by a third party would only tend to make the affair worse. Let it stand as it is, for the present at any rate, for I am almost certain that a little reflection will show Captain Mostyn that a friendship like ours should not be disturbed for a supposed grievance, which I assured him did not exist. After a little further argument Hawkins gave way, and promised that he would say nothing to Mostyn on the subject, and then the little party separated, the paymaster to return to his office, whilst the officers went to the barracks to await the commanding officer as it was the day for kit inspection. The difference, however, was not so easily got over as Armstrong had anticipated. Mostyn still nursed his supposed grievance, and glanced savagely at the paymaster when- ever they crossed each other's paths. Arm- strong, however, went on the even tenour of his way, utterly ignoring the angry looks of his quondam friend, and after a few days some fresh excitement caused the remainder of the officers to forget the breach in the friendship of the modern David and Jona- than. The fresh sensation, whioh was affording food both for gossip and speculation, was a theatrical performance got up by the officers of the Artillery. The theatre had been en- gaged, and professional ladies had come from England to take part in the perform- ance. Nothing was talked of but the coming event, and at the bandstand the "flies," "promptside," "footlights," "taking the stage," and other words of theatrical slang were so frequently heard, that a stranger would have supposed that he had fallen sud- denly into the midst of a company on tour, rather than into a oircle of officers doing gar- rison duty on a Mediterranean Station. Mostyn, however, took no part in the gene- ral furore. He spent the greater portion of the day, when not occupied by his regimental duties, in his quarters, and when he showed himself in any public place would watch Helen Vansittart with a persistency which that young lady, inured as she was to male admiration, found exceedingly embarrassing. If Armstrong in the course of common courtdSy, went up to the young lady to pay his respects, a dark scowl would appear upon the features of the ex-dragoon, and so notice- able was this, that one day Singleton took the paymaster aside and addressed a few words of caution to him. "You are such a thorough good fellow, Armstrong," remarked be, that you cannot believe in anyone else not being as honest and straightforward as yourself. Now, look here, I have once or twice caught a glance of the dragoon's face, and take my word for it he means mischief, for if ever a man looked like Satan he did so to-day when you went up and spoke to Miss Vansittart on the Almeda. I know you can take care of yourself well enough, but no one can guard against an un- expected attack. So be careful and not go about alone after nightfall, for if ever 1 read murder it was in Mostyn's face this afternoon." The earnestness with which he spoke hin- dered Armstrong from laughing off the matter, as he would certainiy otherwise have done. J know that you mean well, Singleton," answered he, "but., really, yuu take too romantic a view of the case. Surely you do not think that Captain Mostyn would be guilty of any act of treachery towards me." "I don't like him and I never did," said Singleton doggedly. "I will take my oath that the fellow has been driven half mad by an utterly groundless feeling of jealousy, and that in his present frame of mind he would stick at nothing." "I will take care, my dear fellow," said Armstrong, who began to feel a little bored with the interest which his friend exhibited on his behalf. "I will not go out without a brace of revolvers and carry a sword in each hand and a dagger between my teeth if that-, will please you." "Ah, laugh as much as you please," mut- tered Singleton, as he watched his friend walking away, with that springing, elastic step which was characteristic of him, but mischief will come of this, as sure as my name is John Singleton." The long-looked-for day upon which the theatricals were to take place at length arrived, and the gunners, upon whom the whole of the responsibility rested, went about in a state of feverish anxiety, wondering whether it was likely that any unforeseen hitch would mar the success of the undertaking. Ladies made frenzied appeals to their dress- makers to be sure and not disappoint them, whilst those of the garrison who had been unable to obtain seats pooh-poohed the whole eoncern, and made preparations to spend the evening at the billiard-rooms, situated up the hill, just above the garrison library. A sudden blow, however, fell upon the oflicers of the 250th. Upon the very morning of the performance the popular paymaster was taken ill. lie complained of shooting pains in the head and an almost intolerable feeling of nausea. Assistant-surgson Brydon was called in, shook his head, but could not say what was the matter with his patient. At any rate, my dear fellow," said he, you had better lie down, and see if you can't I make yourself fit for to night's doings. I really cannot prescribe for you, until I can see my way more clearly." I shall not go to the theatre unless I feel a great deal better than I do now," returned the paymaster, for I should only be a misery to myself and to everyone else in my present condition. However, I will take your advice and go to bed for a bit." Just before mess, however, upon being visited by the sympathising Meecham, Armstrong declared that he did not feel at all better, and that he had made up his mind to stay at II home, and give up all idea of visiting the theatre. Upon my word, I believe that beast Mostyn has poisoned you," exclaimed Mee- cham, as the paymaster pressed his hands to his head, and groaned..1 He is just the kind of brute to serve you such a trick." How can you say such foolish things, Meecham," said Arm«troiig, severely; if you don't keep your tongue in better order y or will get into trouble one of these days." Well," answered tne boy, a little sulkily, you and the dragoon will have the oarracks pretty much to yourselves, for he is on duty to-day, and so we shall not have the pleasure of seeing his saturnine mug at the theatre." There, there, don't talk so much, my good I boy," returned Armstrong with an impatient gesture; you make my head ache. Put that glass of lemonade within reach and ask the fellows not to come near me any more to- night. I will see if I cannot sleep this off." Meecham obeyed his instructions, and as the officers of the 250th went off to the theatre they walked on tip-toe and hushed their conversation when they passed the door of Armstrong's quarters lest they should disturb the sick man by the noise. The theatre was a blaze of light, and all the beauty, rank, and fashion of Gib had con- gregated there. Miss Vansittart, from her seat in the governor's box, attentively scanned the house, and heaved a little sigh of relief when she failed to detect the sullen features of Captain Mostyn amongst the audience. Every pleasure has its alloy, however," murmured &he in her brother's ear, for my bete noire is absent, so also is that delightful Captain Armstrong." There is no use thinking of Armstrong," remarked her brother in the same undertone, he isn't by any means a marrying man, and you will only lose your time there." As if I should think of marrying a man in a line regiment," retorted Helen, making a I pretty little moue of disgust, why really, brother of mine, 1 hardly know whether a man on the staff is good enough for me." There, there, I knew that you would say something saucy," answered Captain Van- sittart, but do look at Old Tompion. What on earth prompted the management to let him play a lover's part; it is really too absurd." In spite, however, of the aid-de-camp's criticisms, the performance was an undoubted success, and at its conclusion the gunners dis- played an amount of lavish hospitality at their mess, which sent all the playgoers home in the best possible humour. It was at a comparatively late, or, perhaps, to speak more correctly, an early hour, when the officers of the 250th returned to their quarters on Windmill Hill. Now, don't you fellows kick up a row," said Hawkins, as they came to that portion of the veranda into which Armstrong's quarters opened; perhaps the poor fellow is asleep, and if so, it would be a sin to rouse him," Softly," whispered Meecham, adopting a theatrical manner. I will kneel me at his chamber door and so may perchance catch his tender respirations-a good sound snore would, perhaps, be an indication of health." He suited the action to the word, and, kneel- ing down, placed his near to the keyhole. "Ah! what is this?" exclaimed he, springing to his feet" what is this sticky moisture on my hand and knee ? He hastily drew a silver matchbox from his pooket and struck a light. Blood exclaimed he, in tones of terror. "Blood! and oozing from underneath Arm- strong's door. What can be the meaning of this? The door, too, is looked," added he turning the handle. My God, what can have hap. pened ?" See, the key is in the look, said Single- ton, who had stepped forward; let us go in, there is no time to be lost, for I fear the worst. Come in all you fellows, we must know what has happened at once; He turned the key, and then opened the door as he spoke, and entered the room, followed by his brother officers. Singleton had, however, hardly advanced a step or two than he tripped over something which was lying on the floor near the door, and fell heavily forward. A light was now obtained, and then a si;>ht of horror presented ilself which drew an in-

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voluntary cry from all the spectators. A body was stretched upon the floor, clothed in the undress uniform of the 2.50th Regiment, and the blood which had flowed from the terrible injuries inflicted upon it must have trickled out under the door, and so given notice to the passers-by of the terrible tragedy which bad been enacted inside. The body was lifted to a couch by the shuddering discoverers of the crime, and as it was turned face upwards a loud cry of horror burst from every throat. The features had been mashed and pounded to such an extent that scarcely a vestige of them remained, and, where the face had been, nothing was left but a hideous crushed surface, covered with a mask of coagulated gore, Who—who is it?" whispered Hawkins, recoiling from the sickening sight. "Can you not see-it is poor Armstrong," answered Singleton, pointing to the little finger of the corpse, upon which was a ring well known to all, bearing the crest of a winged spur between two crossed lances. Yes," exclaimed Meecham, it is Arm- strong beyond doubt, and we have not far to look for his murderer, "See, there is the weapon with which he was beaten to death, there in that corner." The eyes of the other officers followed the direction of his extended finger and perceived in a corner of the room a heavy mallet used for driving in tent pegs, and still bearing traoes of the terrible work for which it bad recently been used. And now," continued the boy, his eyee flashing with excitement, we have to avenge the poor fellow. Of course, there is no doubt as to the perpetrator of the deed ?'' I None, I think," answered the adjutant; who formed one of the party. Stay here, all of you, for a moment, while I alarm the guard and report the matter to the colonel; I shall not be five minutes." The men waited in silenoe for the return of the adjutant, turning their eyes away, by common consent, from the mutilated body which lay upon the couch. Within the time mentioned the adjutant returned, accompanied by the colonel of the regiment, who listened quietly to all that was said regarding tha supposed murderer. "At any rate, gentlemen," remarked the old man, as Captain Mostyn was on duty to- night it is advisable to see if he did not heat anything strange going on, as his quarters are in such close proximity to our poor friend's. Injuries such as these," he added, with a shudder, could not have been self-inllicted. The little party, which had now been rein- forced by one or two non-commissioned officers, approached the door of Captain Mostyn's chamber, and the colonel, calling him by name, requested admittance. No answer, however, was received, and Meecham, growing impatient, threw himself against the door, which at once yielded. All was dark within and the room was entirely unoccupied, A glance round showed, however, that it was in extreme disorder. Drawers were half open and portions of their contents had been, scattered on the floor, boxes had been pulled from their resting places against the walJ, and the lids in many cases left raised. Every- thing around gave tokens of hurry and con- fusion. The murderer had plenty of time to make his preparations," observed Hawkins, but no doubt the terrible deed upon which he bad just been engaged flurried him, and he hardly knew what he was doing. But," observed the colonel, where can Mostyn be; he could not surely hope to escape; for there is no means of getting out of the town at this hour of the night." He must be hiding somewhere," muttered Singleton. If he gave me the chance, 1 would shoot down the cowardly murderer lilie a dog." Hush, hush, you must not talk like that, said the colonel. "Let us make some m" quiries ? These inquiries, however, led to no satis* factory results; the sergeant of the guard deposed that Captain Mostyn had turned out the quarter-guard at about half-past ten, and had then gone in the direction of the officers quarters. Of course, he might have left thf barracks after that, but he had not noticed his doing so. Search was made everywhere, but no traces of the missing officer could bi found, and all the colonel could do was tc report the sad occurrence to the authorities, and direct that a strict watch should bo kept for Captain Mostyn's return, if such an event should take place. The first investigation, which took placé upon the next day, brought a curious fact to light. No money was found in either of the officers' rooms, and a small cashbox which A rmstrong had been accustomed to keep upot his chest of drawers was also missing. i The medical examination proved that thE murdered man had been struck from ^behind and the instrument, which was a opanisi knife, the property of the paymaster, wa< found covered with blood beneath the grata The spinal cord had been severed and deatj must have been almost instantaneous, injuries to the face *nd head had beeri inflicted after death. In Captain Mostynt quarters was a scrap of paper on the floor containing these words w Armstrong's hand- writing J. Come over, old fellow, and let us talk th< matter over again surely that will be tlw best.—R. A." But as there was no date it could not b« affirmed with any certainty that it had beea affirmed with any certainty that it had beea sent to Mostyn on that fatal evening, I everyone believed that Armstrong hAd fallen a victim to his attempts to effect a reconcili^ tion with his former friend. \h, the fellow was a thief, as well as an assassin," exclaimed Singleton, in extreme \h, the fellow was a thief, as well as an assassin," exclaimed Singleton, in extreme disgust, "he robbed the poor fellow afte* murdering him, for not a stiver was found m the room." ;"¡. 't "But what seems moat terrible to nle" observed Meecham, is the way in which h41. hammered and hacked poor Armstrong about^ Such injuries seem more hke the > af 3