The Cardiff Times

7n CHAPTER XIX. A Story of the Past, M Tamaroo," repeated the negro., showing a jooct eat of teeth for ao old a man. I come about the letter." Eastace looked at him and remembered about aho negro who had been waiting for Anchor at the time the miner was shot. Evidently Anchor had been about to explain that the man was waiting, when the ballet struck him. "Tamaroo," murmured Eustace. J might have guessed that so Queer a name would be connected with some- thing barbaric. Come in." In a few minuteatbey wereeeated in the study, Jarman, aince the departure of Miss Cork, bad i not sought oat another housekeeper, ao he had no fear of eavesdroppers. Denham waa likely to be engaged with Mildred for at least an hour, so the interview between himself and Tamaroo would not be interrupted He observed that the negro was much above the ordinary class. He bad a certain dignity about him, wore none of the barbaric colours in which hia race delight, And, moreover, spoke surprisingly good English. Occasionallyhe lisped in the trae nigger fashion, but on the whole his speech would not have dis- graced a moderatoiy educated white man. As aoon as he sat down, Tamaroo gravely mounted a pair of spectacles, and took oat a bundle of I papers tied up with red tune. One moment," said Eustace, loading his pipe, aa he thought he could talk better while jmoking. Was it you who pasted the town with the icailet bat ?" Yes. It was me, sir." Tamaroo did not say Ban," aa an ordinary negro would have done. I wanted to know where yon were, and aa yon were biding, 1 could da notbinp else to make yoa know that I wanted to see you." Hold on," said Jarman, seeing the mistake. How do yon know I am Frank Lancastsr ?" You conld not have written this letter if you were not, sir." said Tamaroo, decisively. My old master ga\e a direction to tbeladv anot who looked after yon, a.nd it was to be given to you on On the twenty-fifth of September. It's not the date yet." No, atr. But I thought yoa might get the letter before Tbe mark on voar arm, sir, would draw yonr attention to the scarlet bat on the walls, and you would ask for the letter." Bat I say, Tamaroo, why do yoa come along before the time ?" There is danger, air—great danger—and I want. to savo yoa." Not me. Yea wish to save Frank Lancaster." Tamaroo looked up quickly, and replaced the bundle of tettera in hia breast-pocket. "And you, air ?" I am the friend of Mr Lancaster. Yoa can show me the Tamaroo was on his feet before Eastace finished, and in his right band ha held a revolver. Keep back," ho cried, shrilly. Yon have trapped me, bat I fight—yes, I fight." Jarman maintained his seat and smoked coolly. There's no need for you to fight, man," he aaid soothingly. Should I know about the scarlet bat and that letter if I were not Mr Lancaster's friend ?" Others know, and they are not hi. friends," said the negro, doubtfully, bat lowering the M»olver. Captain Banjo Berry and his niece ?" 11 Bah," Tamaroo granted in true nigger fashion. You know them ?" Bather," replied Jarman, flinging himself back. And I know much more about them than they litre. They got poor Lancaster into this trouble." Tamaroo groaned. I know it," he said, and if I had only come to England sooner it would not have happened. I arrived just after the trouble, and heard that my young master was aecased." You did not believe him guilty, then, Tamaroo ?" No, air. Certainly I did not. Captain Berry ease to England to try and get my young master hanged." For what reason ?" asked Eastace, wonder. ing to find his suspicions verified. I always thought he did bat why ?" Tamaroo touched hia breast packet. That is told here," he said, bat I cannot speak save to my maator." Bat I am his friend. I may as well ten you that after he got into trouble he came to me. stopped for a time, then, being in dangec of discovery, be fled." Yoa do not know where he is ?" asked the legro, disappointed. Eustace looked at him keenly. Well, I do," fte admitted, bat he is in such danger that I jare not teU. Can't I see the papers ?" Tamaroo moved towards the door. No, sir," he said, sternly my old master told ma to read them and to give them to Mr Lancaster alone. Ob., tell me where ha is, I beg you, sir." Eastace looked perplexed. tie had no reason On the face of it to doubt the good faith of tbe man, and the sealed letter being answered in this way was a guarantee that Tamaroo was the temissary of the elder Lancaster. Bat it behoved him to be cautious, as he was surrounded on all sides by snares and pitfalls. Captain Berry was not the man to atop short of any crime to gain his end—witness the death of Starth and his pursuit of Frank. Do you know why Berry is pursing Lan- caster ?" he asked, forgetting that thenegro might see fit to keep his own counsel for the same reason. It To get him hanged," said Tamaroo, quietly. h You said that before. Bat the reason ?" In his turn Tamaroo replied You said tfcat before, sir. It is in the papers which I carry." And they will explain the whole business ?" They will. They contain the whole story of the scarlet bat and of the Indian treasure "Ah," interpolated Eastace with grim satis- faction. I knew there was a treasure. How much, Tamaroo ? A million ?" Nearly that. Bat yoa can see from the wUI." "The will. Have jou the will of Mr Lan- caster 7" Tamaroo nodded. "IbavethewiH." And is Mr Lancaster the elder dead 7" Yea; sir," said the negro, with emotion. Ho died a year ago, and I could not see him die, alas." be added, much moved. Whv not. were you away ?" Tamaroo again shook his head and looked mournful. Then, sinking his voice to a. whisper, be said My master was a leper." Eastace jumped ap with an ejaculation of dia- zust and pity. For how long waa he a leper ?" itae asked, thinking of the money. 11 Fiom the time he sent my yoang master to the lady aunt. It was for that reason he parted with him. I remained, but my master would not let me attend to him lest I should also take the disease-and I had this to do." He again touched his breast-pocket. "So it was yoa who sent tbe money from "Frisco ?" It wa3 I, sir. My master told me to send it, till I coald give up the fortune to my yoang master." And you have come to do that 1" o. Yes, sir. Bat only to him will I tell tbe etory and give the papers." Jarman reflected. The old man was evidently most trustworthy, seeing he wished to fulfil his mission with the atmost exactitude. He coald safely be tola of Frank's hiding place. To night I will lead yoa to Mr Lancaster," said, Jarman, quietly. "Thank Heaven-oh, thank Heaven," cried Tamaroo, and the teats rolled down his black face. It has been a care to me, this trust. I wish to give it to my young master, and be at rest." On, that's all right," replied Eastace, pat- ting the old man on the back. And we'll be able to baffle this conspiracy." 11 Yea," cried Tamaroo, wiping his eyes, we will save my master." By the way," asked Jarman, suddenly, do you know a young fellow called Natty Dan- ham ?" Tamaroo nodded. I do, eir. He is the son of my master's partner." „ what." Jarman looked puzzled. U Partner in wbat 7" Again the negro became obstinate. It is in the papen," he said. That means 1']) learn nothing until Frank does," said Jarman, good bamouredly. You are tk faithful messenger, Tamaroo. Has young Den- bam seen yoa ?" No, sir. I do not think he knows of my name, nnlees Captain Berry Ob, be'8 told me as little A8 he eoold. Bat, I say, does Berry know of the contents of those papers 1" Yes, sir. He learnt them from—— liere tbe negro hesitated. Eustace laughed and nodded. You needn't worry." he said, "I know of that. Mrs Anchor, who is now called Miss Berry, learnt about the fortane from her hasband. Tamavoo smiled grimly, and then with an •iaculation smote bis hands together, looking in I startled way at Eustace. I know you now, air. Yoa were said to have killed Mr Anchor in San Francisco." •* Yes. But I suspect that Berry killed him. And you were the negro who was waiting at bis boase for him." '• I did not wait at the house, said Tamaroo, ietlv Mr Anchor was a friend of my Miter and had some of the papers connected with the fortune of the scarlet bat. When he was coinc after his wife he told me to come and get Vhl™ Then he thought he would give them to ton and I waited while he visited you. Bat I £ r.w weary, and followed f saw you speak.ng to Mr Anchor, and heard the shot Who tired i t ,»»» « Captain Berry. He was then called- •• Sakers. I know. Bat the knife wound ? Tamaroo looked oddly at Eastace. I know nothing of that, sir." be said. "But we can talk «ffain of tbij. I shall tell you all I know in the ore'once of Mr Frank. And now-— There waa a sound of laughiDg outside. Mildred suddenly appeared at the window and tapped on the glaaa to b» ia* She usually did this when impatient. Tamaroo saw her face and started. Jarman went to the door and admitted her. She was with Denham. I have come to ask you a question," said Mildred, entering the room. "Ob." She started back. Who is this ?" This," said Eustace waving his hand, is Tamaroo." "What," cried Denham. 11 The name on the bills ?" Yes," put in Tamaroo, qnietly, "and tbia"- he bowed to Mildred—" is Miss Starth." How do you know me asked Mildred, puzzled by the recognition, "It was I who gave you the paper at the inquest," said the negro. She uttered an exclamation. "Then yon know that Frank is innocent." Yes," said Tamaroo, with a hanging head but I cannot prove it." Don't you think Lancaster killed Starth ?" asked Natty, eagerly. No, sir," he replied, looking strangely at the yoang man; but who killed him I cannot say." Captain Berry," suggested Eastace. Tamaroo shook his head. "It was not Captain Berry." After this he refused to say any more, and sat down, seemingly quite worn out. Jarman, who wished him to be prepared for the interview with Frank, insisted that he should lie rtown. So the negro went to the bedroom formerly occupied by the Irish secretary. He locked the door when be entered, apparently fearful for the safety of his papers. Eustace smiled approvingly. Every action of Tamaroo's showed how devoted he was to Frank Lancaster. He returned to the room where Mjldred still waited with the American. What is your question ?" he asked. It doesn't matter just now," she replied, with a glance of Denuam. Later I can talk of it. This arrival of Tamaroo has driven all else oat of my head." "Do you know anything of the man?" I know all that Frank coald tell me," she replied. My dear Eastace, I?rank has told me all of your doings since be came to you. You don't mind my calling him Frank, do you ?" she said, pleadingly, as she saw him frown. He is in Buch difficulties, and I am so sorry." Jarman looked at her a little sadly, seeing that she was slipping away from him. No," he replied, quietly, I don't mind. Have yoa told Mr Denham anything ?" Mildred uttered an exclamation. She had Wa found the treasure under the rock marked with a Bcarlet bat," continued Tamaroo." quite forgotten tbe presence of the American, end- dreaded lest she had betrayed Frank. But Natty came forward with a smile. You need not be afraid, I guess," he said, nodding. I'm square, and on yoar side." I thought you were friendly to- To the Berrya ? Not much. I've chucked them. They have been making use of me, and have been trying to get Lancaster hanged "And are trying," interrupted Eastace, quickly. It's all right, Mildred. So sure am I of Denham, that I intend to trast him." You need have no fear," said Denham, colouring with pleasure. I'm straight all through. Don't vou truet me, Miss Starth ?" Mildred looked at hi:n with her innocent eyes, and he met her gaze without drooping his own. Yes, I trust you," she said. thoroughly." In that case," said Enataee, robbing his hands, Mr Denham can be present when Tam- aroo explains to Frank." Explains what ?" 64 The whole business of the conspiracy. It concerns Frank, and also you, Denbam. Tamaroo says that yonr father was the partner of the late Mr Lancaster." I've heard him mention Lancaster's came," said Natty, slowly but Tamaroo never came along." He Jay low, as your countrymen say. But it will all be explained to-night-in this room." Mildred attered an exclamation. Do you think that is wise ?" Yes. No one is likely to come here." What %bont Captain Berry ?" asked the girl, doubtfully. He least of all," said Denham. He doesn't know where I am, and if by chance he does turn np, I'll keep him going till we can ismuggle back Lancaster to his hole." So it was agreed, although Mildred was still anxious. It seemed risky to her to take Frank from his safe biding place, and expose him to a chance of capture. However, she implicitly trusted in Jarman, and went back to tell Frank of the arrival of the negro. How is It you speau English so weU ?" Eastace asked Tamaroo. f was educated at a negro nniversity," replied the man. I am better educated tban many a man of your colour, air. But later on I will tell you my story. To-niffht I mast relate what I know of his father to Mr Lancaster." And so it came about. Leaving Natty and Tamaroo together, Eastace .repaired to the sammer-hoase about nine o'clock and found Frank waiting for him in a state of sabdued excitement. Mildred had told him everything, and he needed no explanation, The night was particularly dark, so the two men left the garden arm in arm. Mildred vas walking on the lawn and watched them go, and Mrs Perth in the house kept Jane employed lest she might learn too macb. In a few minutes Frank was in the Shanty and shaking hands with Tamaroo. The old man was much affected at the sight of his master's non. .1 Yon are not at all like year father, sir," he said, bat like your dear mother, Heaven bless her." Yon knew my mother 1" She died in my arms," said Tamaroo quietly, and then took out his bundle of papers. Denham, Frank, and Eustace waited anxiously to bear how the old negro would begin. Tamaroo untied the bundle and selected a long, official- looking paiper. The will," he said. By this, Mr Frank, you inherit close on a million if you a.re not banged." flanged ? uttered all three in sheer astonishment. "Hanged," repeated Tamaroo, "before the age of twenty-live." CHAPTER XX. A Strange Will. Tamaroo smiled at the amazement expressed on tbe faces of bis audience, although they bad every excuse to looK aitoniehed. Do you mean to say that such a condition is in the will ?" asked Frank. Tama LOO nodded impressively. "It is set forth here," he said. "This is a copy of the will. The original is in the office of Hiram and Co., lawyer*, in San Francisco." •' Are those the agents of White and Saon ro asked Eustace. 'I Yes, sir. 1 paid tbe monthly money through them. I was afraid to bring tbe original will with me, as I thought Captain Berry might kill me to get possession of it. But he has only a copy.' And how did he get the eopj ?" asked Natty, qQ.lC^at ja part 0f tbe story," said the negro, adjusting his spectacles. It is all written out here. But it will be beat for me to tell it in my own way, and CPéD, Mr Prank, you can read the papers afterwards when you hava time." Frank looked grim, I have plenty of time," be said the whole twenty-four bourn of the day and night. Bnt tell the story in your own way." The negro nodded, and seemed pleased that be waa allowed to do aa be liked. The four men were seated at tbe end of the room furthest from the window. Outside it was a particularly dark night, and rain was falling. At times the wind shook the .house, which was old. The blinds of the big, square window at the end where Jarman's desk stood were pulled down, but the cartains had not been drawn. Occasion- ally a flare of blnish lightning would show against the blinds, and more clearly where they did not quite cover the window. What with the drench of the rain, the howling of the wind, and the rolling of distant thunder, the noise at times drowned the negro's voice. Therefore the three who listened were obliged to bend their beads in order to hear clearly. The lamp was .1 drawn close to Tamaroo:s elbow,so that be could t refer at hia ease to the papus. Out tbift bo rarely did, as he seemed to know thoronghly what they contained by heart. He began his nMirative by asking questions. Do you remember your father, Mr Denham 1" he asked. Oh, I guess I do," replied Natty, nodding. He didn't die so very long ago. We hun", out in TJOS Angelos, and Berry was an old friend of the governor's." "Quite so," nodded Tamaroo "and he was the ruin of your father. He induced him to drink more than was good." Natty, who had not quite got over the contempt of the American for the black race, would have replied in rather a. fiery manner, but that Tam- aroo gave him no time. "Don't be angry, sir," he said, all that I say is means to an end." Well, I believe Berry did make my father drink," admitted Denham, reluctantly. "He was always hovering ronnd, but so was Anchor, for the matter of that. He drank also." And was Fairy Fan anywhere in the galley ?" asked Eaatace. Yes," said Tamaroo, who seemed,to know the lady by that name. 11 She is the niece of Berry." "Ob," said Frank, It then she really is the niece ?" "Ob, certainly. The daughter of his sister, and a very wicked woman." You don't need to add that last," put in Eustace. I know how she treated poor Anchor. Bat go on with the story." I must begin at the beginning, then," said Tamaroo, and cleared his throat. I need not be very particular as to time," he said, as the dates are all in the papers here. I'll jast tell you the story as shortly as possible, and then you can read it at leisure for yourselves." That?3 all right," said Frank. Go on. I am impatient." I am a very old man," continued Tamaroo. Yoa mightn't believe it, bat I am over eighty. In my youth I was a slave on a plantation near New Orleans. I was wickedly treated by a. brutal master, and Mr Lancaster, seeing me being flogged one day, bought me out of pity. I was not very young then, bat I was strong, and Mr Lancaster found that I could work for him. I did. Heaveu bless him," said Tamaroo, with emotion. He was a good friend to me. He set me free, and he sent me to school, where 1 learnt to talk as I do. Afterwards, when old, I went to a negro college, and learnt still more. But when lur Lancaster bought me I was very ignorant. lie was a handsome young man then, and fond of roving. He took me with him to the Californian diggings, and we bad a wild time. It was there that we first met Captain Berrv." What is his real name ?" asked Eastace. I don't know he bad so many. Bnt he was originally a sailor. I think his trua name is Berry as he used that oftener than the other, and a] ways when be was well off. When in difficulties be called himself by other names." "Such as Sakers, at San Francisco," mur- mured Eustace." Ah, that was because he took to the sea again and lost a schooner in the South Seas. Bnt when my master met him he was called Banjo Berry, because he played so well on that instrument. The name took his iancy, and he kept it." And anything elpe he could lay his hands on," said Denham. I've beard him twang the banjo, and he can scrape a bit." Berry and my master got on very welJ, and were always together. I did not like him myself, and always warned Mr Lancaster against him, but my master would always have his own way. Then Mr Denbam came." My father ?" said Natty, looking interested. M Yea, air. He wasva gay young; man then also, and he took a liking to my master. Berry was friendly with both. The three set to work to make money at the diggings, but ill-luck pursued them. At last my master grew disgusted, and thought of returning to England. But before he went he fancied he would like to travel about Mexico for a time. He took me with him, but left Berry and Mr Denham behind at the dig- gings. We went into the wilds of Mexico, and had many adventures—oh, very many-and were in much danger. But we came through all, and I saved my master's life twice." Heaven bless YJU," said Frank, shading the negro's hand. The old man nodded with a proud look. "I loved my master. He had saved me from slavery, and what else could I do but save him. For two years we travelled in tho wilds. Then we met with an Indian. He bad been deserted by his tribe and was dying. My master, always kind, nursed him for a long time; but he grew weak, and at last he died." What sort of Indian was he," asked Natty a ledskin ?" "No. We were not so far north at that. He, said he was an Aztec." Aha," marmsred Eastace, U now we are coming to the treasure." Tamaroo nodded. II You are clever, Mr Jarman. Yes, this Indian told my master, when dying, that he knew of a treasurehidden under the sign of the scarlet bat." Kind of totem," said Jarman. Tamaroo looked puzzled. 1 do not know what that is," he said, simply, "but the scarlet bat was a sign set by the great King Montezama on a rock, under which he concealed part of his treaeaie. The Indian—he was a cacique—enraged by the desertion of those who should have saved hia life, told the secret to my master." "And how did the cacique know 7" J' The secret had been handed down from bis fathers. Danhaca nodded* "I have teard of that sort of thing before," he aaid. "Some Indiana know where the treasures of Montezuma are hidden but the gieater part of them will remain undis- covered. They will not reveal them to a while man." "True," assented Tamaroo. They hate white men. But my master was so kind that he won the gratitude of the cacique. When the man wan dying be told, and gave a chart. Then we buried him." And went to look for the treasure ?" asked Frank. No, sir. It was in a wild country where there were many Indians. We should have been killed had we gone alone. My master returned to the diggings and offered to share the treasure with Berry and with Mr Denham, if they would come with him to find it." Did they agree ?" asked Natty, eagerly. Of course they did, or all this trouble wouldn't have come about," put in Enstace, decisively. Yon are not altogether right, Mr Jarman," said the negro, qaietly. Only Mr Denham would g o. Berry was making money at the diggings, and preferred the bird in the baud to the two in the basb. But he came with us for a little way. Mr Lancaster, knowing he was a good shot and afearless man, wanted him greatly to come, and promised him a share. But he refused and turned back. We went on without bim." And you found tho treasure ?" It Yea. We had bard work, though. It was quite a year before we came across the rock marked with tho scarlet bat. Also we bad to Captain Berry flourishing a revolver darted into the room. fight our way tbrongh a hostile country, and several of oar men died. At last we reachad the rock and found the treasure. With the greatest difficulty we transported it to civilisation. I need not tell you all the hardships we underwent, or how we got the treasare-safely landed. Bat we did. I had a share, and then Mr Denham and Mr Lancaster divided the rest between them." So that's how my father made his money," mattered Natty. He spent it on large scale." He did, sir, said the negro, gravely. He spent all he had, with the exception of that portion he saved for you." He didn't save much. Why didn't he leave me mote ?" Tamaroo nodded impindvely. "He "al afraid of Berry." Natty stared and looked angry. My father was afraid of nothing." He was afraid of Berry," insisted Tamaroo. And Mr Lancaster was also afraid." This time Frank protested. Of I can't believe that." •' It is tine enough. Yoa see, gentlemen, t>otn Mr Denham and Mr Lancaster married when they got the money. You two gentlemen he looked at Frank and Natty-" were born on- the same day." "That iBatraoge," said Natty, and Frank laughed. It pleased both my master and Mr Denham, for they were such good friends. So that you should both be certain of inheriting the treasure, they bad you both tattooed with the scarlet bat. Ob. was that it," said Natty, thinking of his story of the Indians. Mine is on the left arm. And yours, Lancaster ?" m On the right. Go on, Tamaroo. M The reason of the uttooicRi continued the negro, was that my master and Mr Denham thought that Berry would kidnap you both." Bat what was Borry's same ? asked Natty. To get the money. He had bad luck at the diggings, and when he returned to San Fransieco be found that the treasure had been discovered. He claimed a share, which claim was refused." "I should jolly well think so," said Jarman, emphatically, "considering Berry did nothing towards getting it. What cheek." my master anfi Mr Denbam thought," said th« nvgip, ieitb a smile. £ refused the claim, and then Berry threatened to kidnap you two gentlemen. He thought he would then be able to force those who possessed the treasure to part with some of it. The tattooing was done so that if the kid. napping took place both of you would be recog- nised. But Berry never made the attempt." He waited for a better opportunity." "Yes." Tamaroo nodded. "Mr Denham went to live at Los Angeles, and spent a lot of money. His wife died after a time, and he looked after you, sir "this to Natty—" so that you might not be kidnapped. At length Berty turned up after some years,,and made friends." Didn't my father mistrust him ?" "At first he did, bnt afterwards. being shaken by drink, I think he grew afraid of Berry. He shared a portion of the money with him. That is, he gave him free house-room, and occasional sums. Berry was not satisfied, but when he found that Mr Denbam was spending the money lie never attempted to kilt him, knowing that what remained would not pay him to commit su:hacrime. He then thought of my master, who had aa-ved his share." Did my father live in San Franrisco ?" M Yes, Mr Lancaster. After the death of your mother be lived like a recluse, and invested all his money. It i; well invested," said Tamaroo, proudly. "I helped him. You will receive about forty thousand a year now." If I'm ever in a position to enjoy it," muttered Frank, startled by this good fortune. Well, did Berry see my father ?" He did. Mr Lancaster was then beginning to suffer from leprosy, bat the disease had not made mach progress. When it began he sent you to the lady annt, Mr Frank." "I was then two years of age, I remember. Go on." Berry came to your father, and threatened to follow you to England and kill you. Mr. Lancaster grew afraid, and made this will." Ah," pft ia.jvustace, now we come to interesting part. Why did he make such m.- extraordinary will, and place Frank in eii,, danger ?" It was the be3t he could do to sav« him fiotn Berry's machinations, Mr darman," said the negro, quietly,_ being a leper he could not do much, as hi? disease was gaining on him, and be thought be would besantaway to some settlement by the authorities. That afterwards happened, but at the time I speak of he was still in 'Frisco." M My poor father, murmured Frank. And what about Anchor ? 1\1r Lancaster mot him afterwards. But about the will. My master knew that Berry was a fascinating man with a strong influence. He thought that if he left the money to you Berry might gain an influence over you since you were so young, and get you to leave the money to him. Then he would murder yoa to become possessed of it." Berry would never have fascinated me," declared Frank. I am not ao weak minded as that." Yon were yonng then, Mr Frank, and Berry could have done much with you as a boy. He influenced Mr Denham here." lIe certainly did, assented Natty, "and I'm no sJouch, either. But Berry, in spite of his looks and rascalityv's fascinating. I was quite taken in by him- But I see through him now. Wall-the will ?" As I said, went on Tamaroo, Mr Lancaster did not know how to make the money safe from Berry. Therefore, he made his "vill leaving the money to you, Mr Frank, and after. wards to Denbam a son." That's to ma, said Natty. "I see now, this money is tho fortune I was t) inherit. Yes. My master did not know that Berry had such an influence oter your father, nor did I, 01 a different will would have been made. Bat the money was to go to you, provided that Mr Frank waa hanged before be reached the age of twenty-five. If Mr Frank died a natural death, or was murdered, the money was to go to a charity. Anchor was made the trustee of this will." Bat I don't see where the sense of the hang. ing comes in ?" WeB; nIr Jarman,u naid tbe negro, turning to Eustace, who bad spoken, "it's this way. My master thongbt that UDIBISB he put in that clause Barry might get rid of Mr Frank by violence." But if he tnnrdered him the money would have gone to the charity." "Quite eo," aessnted Tamaroo, quietly. "And even if M r Frank died a natural death that would have Mr Lancaster knew that Berry was mixed op With people of oar race who knew something of poisons." Aha," said Jarman, •• Balkis." Yes. Balkifli sir thongh I don't know how you came to hear ot.ber." I'll teli yon later. Go on." Tamaroo paused to coHeet bis thoughts, then continued "SO you Bee that the only way in wbich Berry could prevent the money going to the charity—in which case it wonld be lost to him altogether —- was by getting Mr ^rank banged. My mRStertaacied that even if Berry did not murder Mr rank openly he might pet aomo drug from «aJkjg which would kill Mr Frank, without regaling p0js0n ^ad been used. And that coald have been done," said Tamaroo, impressively, Ah, I see now, cried Enstace, H Berry by means of this poison could have made Frank's death appear natu1' Yes, sir. to wnieh case the money would have gone to the charity. Mr Lancaster knew that, being biDH^bt up by the lady aunt, bier son wonld not corrimit a crime, so it was not likely that Berry would succeed in getting him banged before-the ågø of twenty<nve." I see," said Frauk, grimly bat he" has aiade a. good shot at it. I was to be hanged for the murder of Starch, and then Natty bere was to get the money." h Yes," said TamaroOj And afterwards Mr Denham was to be put out of the Way, and Berry and his niece were to benefit." If Very clever," mattered Natty. "But I'm not qr.ite such a fool- And Mr Lancaster is dead ? He is, air. His disease got worse after be made his will, aad he went to a leper settlement, where be died some time I\go. As soon as I beard of his death I brought homa these papers, only to learn that Mr Frank was in danger of being hanged. To find him I plaatered London with those posters. Then I There was a smash of glass, and the blind of the middle window balged out. Berry sprang into the room with a revolver. I arrest yoa," he called out to Frank, for the murder of Starth. I arrest you. Jarman purposely overturned the lamp, and in the darkness conCuaion enaned. When it was relighted Tamaroo and Frank had disappeared. (To be continued.)