Denbighshire Free Press

( Copyright.) RED MONEY By FERGUS HUME, Author of "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab," "The Silent House in Pimlico," "The Indian Bangle," "Hagar of the Pawn Shop," &c. CHAPTER XXIII. THE BEGINNING OF THE HSD. "Have you finished locking the drawers, Janet ? asked Hilda, impatiently. But Janet aid not answer. In a tumult of •ttotion she was staring at the red pocket-book, -there it lay in the drawer carelessly thrust in *ith loose papers and old letters. No attempt Dad been made to hide it. No doubt the drawer J*tts locked, and but. for Hilda's freak would have been opened by no one but its owner. Schwartz had not thought it necessary to conceal the book more completely. At once it flashed into Janet's mind that the German had murdered Edgar, since no one but the murderer oould have become possessed of the pocket-book. In the meantime Hilda, uneasy at Janet's silence, repeated the question. "I am just locking the last drawer," replied Janet, and, swiftly making up her mind to risk the consequences, she snatched up the red book and slipped it into her pocket. For her •ister s sake it was necessary to get this evidence into her possession. Having accomplished this fihe locked the drawer, restored the keys to their place on the desk, and led Hilda out of the room. Towards the blind girl it was necessary to adopt a cheerful demeanour lest she should Illopect that something was wrong. But Janet found this no easy task. + Hilda, my dear," she said, as they returned .0 the blue sitting-room, "I have locked the drawers and replaced the keys, so Mr. Schwartz Will not guess that his desk has been open. If I were you I would not tell him; he might be Texed." The blind girl pouted. She did not like her jest to be passed over in silence. "Papa Schwartz is never cross with me, Janet." MNo, 1 uf he will be vexed." "Thi 1 shall say nothing. I would not vex him for the world. He is very good to rue, almost as good as father." "You are extremely fond of your father, -Hilda! "I worship him," said the girl, with the exaggerated emotion of youth. "He is the best man in the world. Oh, there is no one like ray father." Privately Janet thought that this was just as she had no very s»reat opinion of Captain Garret, But, bad as he was, she doubted whether he would have committed Murder as Schwartz had done. It was, indeed, aruaz,ng that the German should have become criminal for, although Janet knew well that i8 character was net above reproach, yet she ad always thought him a good man. It was shock to her to find that she had been so yfecieved. Schwartz, who had been her good friend and benefactor, was a secret assassin. Janet could not blind herself to that terrible fact. "Now we must have some tea," said the unsuspicious Hilda. Under the circunishanccs it was an ordeal to -it at the table and eat and drink with pretended ,ftrelessness. But Janet bent her strong will to Accomplish the purpose of keeping Hilda in ignorance. The expression on her face, the frown on her brow, mattered little as Hilda was klind, but Janet carefully controlled her voice 80 that nothing tm usual might be noticed. In this she succeeded admirably, and deceived Hilda so well that, when taking her leave, the Cirl had no thought that anything was wrong. "Come again soon, dear," she laid, embracing "anet, warmly. "You afH such a comfort to Boe." Self-controlled to the end Janet touched Hilda's cheek with her lips, and took her leave after a few words of farewell delivered in a ateady voice. But on finding herself alone she felt so anxious and distraught and horrified by libr discovery, that but for the fresh air she would have fainted. As it was she did not take the Dukesfield 'bus as usual, but worked off her Agitation by walking. Since the discovery of the pocket-book in Schwartz's private desk, she firmly believed that he was the criminal. In the Autumn and winter he almost always were a flir-lined coat over his evening dress and to his costume in accordance with the "Wnands of fashion, a silk hat. Then he lived Parkmere, and it was easy for him to walk Goethe Cottage after committing the murder, ■^ut Janet was puzzled to find a reason for the Perpetration of the crime. She knew nothing About the forged bill, as Ellis had not informed in detail of his interview with Busham. j^ill> Janet knew the business-like habits of Echwartz too well to think that he did anything Jjithout a motive, and she could not conjecture oat for which he had stained his hands and l'iaked his neck. Full of these thoughts Miss Gordon walked *11 the way to Dukesfield, no inconsiderable ^'stance,and before seeking Myrtle Villa oalled Ellis to explain her discovery. Mrs. Basket -who still believed that Janet was Mrs. J J-oxton—received her with the usual, show of r"lS6 kindness, but announced that Dr. Ellis a.s, absent. "Though Mr. Cass is in the ^nfi"room," finished the fat landlady. Mr. Cass will do. Let me see him." Wh arry was rather amazed to receive Janet «on, he had not seen—at all events, to speak ^~s!i)ce the night of the inurder. v. -Mttr. Basket announced you as. Mrs. °*ton," he said, with some hesitation 'but, ((^llis told me, you are Miss Gordon ?" 0 Xe8> I am .Miss Gordon. But "there is no to tattling woman know the truth mv* Would only make mischief. Dr. Ellis is tty ? 11 "J C, ust went out ten minutes ago to see a tent, j eipect him back in an hour." *igf Cannot wait," said Janet, feverishly. "My 61 will want me. You will do, Mr. Cass. Dr. Ellis informed me that you knew all about this business." "I know everything, Miss Gordon. Anything I can do 0 "Did Dr. Ellis tell you about the red pocket- book ? "Yes. You say it was taken from the dead 'wdy. What of it ? Janet, took the book out of her pocket and placed it on the table. "Tliere it is, -no said, triumphantly. "All the papers have been taken out of it. But that is the pocket-book which the murderer stole from the corpse "Great Heavens'. How did it come into your possession ? "I found it by chance in the desk of Herr Schwartz." Cass started. "Do you mean to say that Schwartz is the murderer ? "I do. If he is not, how could be become possessed of that book ? "It is strong circumstantial evidence cer- tainly," said Cass, after a pause. "But Schwartz—it is incredible I always considered him such a good fellow. "He is, he is," said Janet, with emotion. "He has been a good friend to me. I can't conceive him guilty. Even if he is, I do not wish him punished. Let him write out a con- fession exonerating my sister that is all I want. "If he does that, he puts the rope round his own neck, Miss Gordon. If your sister is to be exonerated and saved from the malignity of Busham, tlm confession would have to be made public. "Then what is to be done "I cannot say at present. If yon will leave the pocket-book to me I will speak to Ellis, and we can come to some decision." "Certainly I will give you the book, said Janet, rising. "I have every confidence in you and Dr. Ellis." "Thank you. Would you mind explaining precisely how you came into possession of the pocket-book ? "Not at all," said Janet, and she related, in a concise manner, how Hilda's prank with the desk had led to the discovery of the book. Having given Cass all possible information and answered all possible questions, Janet, tired out with her emotions and with the unusual exercise, took her leave. Cass accom- panied her to the door and promised to inform her of all that should happen in connection with ohis new piece of evidenco. Somewhat relieved, Janet wont home to Myrtle Villa. Immediately on the doctor's return Cass shewed him the pocket-book and repeated Janet's story. Ellis, naturally enough, was as surprised as his friend, and discussed the matter with linn at length..Finally, it wai decided that Ellis should see Schwartz that same evening, and see what he had to say fo< ¡ himself. Owing to the exigences of his pro- fession as critic, Harry could not accompany his friend. The doctor was not sorry, as he thought that he could get more out of Schwartz when alone with him, than in the presence of a third person. He did not take the pocket-book with him lest it should be lost, for Schwartz was a determined man to deal with. As yet Ellis could hardly credit that he was guilty, and in spite of the damning evidence found by Janet he postponed making up his mind until he heard what the German had to say for himself. In this frame of mind he started for the Merryman Music Hall. Schwartz was in his private room, and as Ellis had purposely arrived rather late he was at leisure at the time. So effusively did he welcome Ellis that the doctor felt almost ashamed of his errand, but, bracing himself up with the idea that Schwartz, if not the actual criminal yet knew something about the crime, he managed to appear sufficiently stern. To the German's eager inquiries about Hilda's health and Hilda's eye-sight he gave brief and mono- syllabic replies. At last Schwartz was forced to take notice of his visitor's unfriendly attitude. What is not right, doctor ?" he asked, anxiously. Ellis glanced round to see that the door was closed, and cleared his throat. "Mr. Schwartz," he said, in low tones, "I have come to see you about a very unpleasant business. The German turned paler even than he was, and his hand shook as he tried to light a cigar. Ach! Is dat zo Z "It is about Moxton's murder." "Veil, veil, what, apout ze murder?" queried Schwartz, impatiently. "I should rather put that. question to you, Schwartz. Why was Moxton murdered—or rather, why was he got out of the way? Instead of answering this question, Schwartz, in a tremour of nervous excitement, rose and locked the door. "Can you speak German? he asked, in his own tongue, on returning to his seat. "A little. I can speak it slowlv." "Then put your questions in that language," said Schwartz, savagely. "I can see that you have come to accuse me of being mixed up in this crime. Was it for this purpose that you called at my house ? "You forget. I called, at your request, to see Miss Garret. Schwartz sighed. "Ach I the liddle Hilda," he said, in English then slipping back into his own tongue,, he demanded what Ellis wished to know. "I wish to know if you can tell me the reason Moxton was murdered ? said Ellis, slowly, in I' German. "No, I cannot. I know nothing about it." "Then I must tell you—that is, I must refresh your memory. Moxton was murdered by a man who wished to obtain possession of a forged bill." The German bit his cigar through, and a portion fell on the floor. "I know nothing of any forged bill," he said, angrily. "That bill," resumed Ellis, calmly, "was placed by Moxton in a red pocket-book." Here I Schwartz started and groaned. "Zirknitz saw him put it there. When the clothes of the corpse were examined, that pocket-book Mas missing; and, strange to say, Mr. Sckwarfz, it was found to-day in your desk at Goethe Cottage. In my desk! gasped the man. Who— who found it there ? "Miss Gordon. For a jest, Miss Garret opened all the drawers of your desk, because vou were foolish enough to leave your keys be- hind. Miss Gordon closed them again. In the lowest drawer she saw and recognised the pocket-book of her brother-in-law. That book is now in her possession or rather, in mine, as she gave it to me." There was silence for a few moments, and Schwartz breathed heavily. "What do you want me to do ? he said, sullenly. "Confess your gii i It. "And if I do—what then ? "Then you must write out and sign a con- fession as to how you killed Edgar Moxton, and why." "To hang myself, I suppose ? said Schwartz, j who was growing alarmingly red in the face. "No; Miss Gordon is too much indebted to you to wish for your death. Write the con- fession, and then fly from England. Thus Mrs. Moxton will be exonerated, and you will be j safe." I Ach! it is goot of Chanet," said Schwartz thickly; "it is-it is-ah-ah I" He tried to rise from his seat, but suddenly gave a choking cry, and fell back purple in the face, with staring eyes and foam on his lips. Ellis rapidy unloosened the old man's cravat, tore off his collar, and threw open the door. "Come here, someone," he cried. "Herr Schwartz is in a fit! CHAPTER XXIV. j THE TRUTH. When Schwartz recovered from the fit, he was taken home in a cab, and for the time being Ellis saw no more of him. He Y'asrea'ly p'i.T7,led how to act, for the man was evidently g .ilty, as he had not denied the crime. For the sake of Janet, who had received bfcpefits at the hands of Schwartz, the doctor did not wish to denounce him to the police. If he left behind him a written confession exonerating Mr- Moxton, Ellis was quite content that lie should seek safety in flight. Certainly. be had murdered a man. and although his victim wu3 a worthless scoundrel, still there was no excuse to be made for so heinous a crime. But would hanging Schwartz do any good ? Ellis thought not, neither did Cass, nor Janet. "If it, was said Harry, "I would see him swing with the greatest pleasure, for he is a thoroughly bad lot but Schwartz has so many good qualities that I should like to give him a chance of repcntanee." "And the crime was not committed deli- berately," chimed in Janet. "I feel sure that Mr. Schwartz did not come to Dukesfield with the intention of murdering Edgar. No doubt he wanted that forged bill, and hoped to rob Edgar while he was drunk. It was seeing the carving-knife in Laura's hand which made him a criminal. Temptation was put in his way, and he snatched at it almost without thinking. Ünder these circumstances, 'and because he has been kind to me, i should like mm to escape." 1; He can take his own chance of that," said Ellis "but to counter-plot Busham, it is necessary to get a full confession from Schwartz." "But he may go away without making any confession, Bob! "I don't think so. Not until he is in absolute peril of his life will he leave his idol, Hilda. Besides, I called at Goethe Cottage, and he is still ill after his fit. "Did you see him, doctor?" "No. he refused to see me, being engaged with Garret. But I saw Hilda, and she is lamenting your absence, Miss Gordon." "I cannot go round to the Cottage now," said Janet, with a mournful shake of her head. "Mr. Schwartz thinks that I have been a spy and "Indeed, you wrong him," said Ellis, quickly. "He was much touched when I told him that you did not wish the police to be told. He would have said more about it, only he fell into the fit." This conversation took place in Ellis's sitting-room on the evening of the day follow- ing Janet's discovery of the pocket-book. Schwartz was still ill, and, as Ellis said, would see no one. The tliree-Casix, Ellis, and Janet-were now anxiously discussing what was best to be done. They wanted to thwart Busham, to save Mrs. Moxton, and to spare Schwartz but none of these three things were easy to do. Since Ellis had given his ultimatum to the lawyer, nothing had been heard from Esher-lane. Janet was inclined to think that Busham, afraid of being implicated in the crime, had fled but Cass and Ellis were satis- fied that the man, with his grasping, foxy, intriguing nature, would stay and face the matter until his personal safety was com- promised. While they were discussing this point, the door opened abruptly, and Busham himself entered the room. It was a case of "Talk of the Devil and you will see his hoof." The trio were completely taken by surprise at "Talk of the Devil and you will see his hoof." The trio were completely taken by surprise at his unlooked-for appearance and his insolent entry. He! he! sniggered Busham, who had all s I his natural impudence about him. "I just looked in to see Dr. Ellis, and I find company. How do you do, Miss Gordon, or Mrs. Moxton —which ? "I am Janet Gordon, Mr. Busham! I think you know that." "Indeed, I do not, dear lady. You are one of twins, remember—a kind of double-face female, Janus, eh ? "Cease your insolence, man!" said Ellis, angrily, "and tell me how dare you walk into my room without knocking ? "Oh, I informed your landlady that I was an old friend of yours, so she let me pass. She looks a fool, doctor. You don't offer me a seat. Well, I will anticipate your hospitality, and take one. And who is this gentleman ? "My name is Cass. I am a journalist," said Harry, enraged at the man's impudence. "What the deuce do you come here for ? "Not to see you, my dear sir. My business is with Dr. Ellis, and possibly with Miss Gordon. "Have you come to confess ? asked Janet, quietly. "Confess! I have nothing to confess. I come here to make a proposal." Ellis shrugged his shoulders. "You have brass enough for anything, I think," said he. Well, Mr. Busham, and what is your pro- posal? "Let Mrs. Moxton surrender all my uncle's property to me. Now that Edgar is dead, I am his rightful heir, being his nephew, and nearest of kin. I destroyed the will—I don't mind admitting it, because Mrs. Moxton is in my power, and it is my place to make terms, not to be dictated to. Well, then, as the will is burnt, I take a portion of the property as next-of-kin but that will not satisfy me. I want the whole, and," cried Busham, in a threatening tone, "I mean to have it! "What a. modest demand," jeered Cass. "And if Mrs. Moxton surrenders her property as you wish, what then ? "I shall tell you who killed Moxton. Oh, you need not look at, me as though I was an accessory before the fact. 1 did not see the deed done. I knew nothing about it at the time, but by putting this nnd that together in away," sneered Busham, "which you are all too ignorant to understand, I have a knowledge of who killed Edgar, and why he was killed. Don't mistake me. 0 I hold all the threads of this case. If I get my price I shall save Mrs. Moxton by revealing the name of the murderer. Should she refuse my just demand, I shall de- nounce her to the police and let justice take its Course." "Justice!" echoed Janet, with scorn. "And by your own showing my unhappy sister is innocent." I know that," retorted Busham, with an ugly look, "and I can prove her innocence. No one else can." There was a silence for a few minutes, and then Elljis spoke quietly and to the point. "Do you know, Busham, that I feel very much in- clined to kick you," said he. "You are pro- posing blackmail." Call it what you like, but give me my price." "For what ? For information which we know already ? Busham started from his seat in nervous haste. You know already Yes. Do you think Mr. Cass or I have been idle all this time-that we have not strained every nerve to baffle a scoundrel like you, and protect two innocent women from your black- mail ? You are a little late, Mr. Busham. We know who killed Moxton. "You—you—you know! stammered the scoundrel, white to the lips. "Yes, we know and we have discovered the reason why Moxton was killed. Surely you have forgotten our talk about the forged bill. Before the end of the pre-ent week the murderer will have confessed, Mrs. Moxton will be exonerated from all complicity in her husband's death, and you, Mr. Busham—well, I don't know about you. But from what I guess of your share in this tragedy, you will be in gaol." "I had nothing to do with it. Who killed Moxton ? Ob," laughed Cass, delighted at the con- fusion of Busham, "as you know there is no need to tell yon the name." The baffled lawyer looked in turn at each of the scornful faces. Then he rose in a hurry. "This is a game of bluff," he cried, savagely. "You do not know who murdered Edgar, and you are trying to get my secret from me with- out paying for it. Oh, I know you all; I can see through you." "It does you credit," said Janet, contemptu- ously. "Sneer and jeer as much as you like, madam, you will not looT, so merry when your sister is in prison on a charge of murder." "Which she never will be," put in Ellis. "We shall see, we shall see. You think your- self a clever man, doctor, do you not ? But I am cleverer. Oli, you don't know what I am. You gave me five days to confess, as you call it, or else threatened to put the matter into the hands of the police. The five days are up." "Quite so," said Ellis, smoothly, "and as you won't bear reason I shall see the police to- morrow. "I dare you to! I dare you to!" foamed Busham, who had completely lost his temper. I got my price or Mrs. Moxton goes to gaol." "You shall not eet youf price." broke out Cass, as furious as Busnam. "lou win not grv I one penny of the property. Shall I not ? Aha, you don't know that Edgar's will is burnt." "That is where you are wrong, my friend," said Ellis, calmly. "You burnt a copy. The original will giren to me by Miss Gordon is in my possession." Busham stared so wildly that for a moment or so the others thought he was about to have a fit like Schwartz. Ellis snatched up a glass of water from the table and dashed it in the man's face. The shock brought him round a trifle, but he seemed indisposed to speak further. With the knowledge that his intrigues had proved useless came a collapse of his courage and insolence. With a kind of sob he staggered blindly towards the door and out of the room. Ellis at the window saw him running down the road, reeling from side to side like a drunken man. Busham's nerve was broken. He did not even attempt to question Ellis as to the truth of his statement about the will. Instinctively he knew that the game was up, and that all his schemes had recoiled on himself. Never was there so complete a fall, so deserved a punishment. He will tell the police about Laura," cried Miss Gordon, nervously. "Let him," said Cass. "We will have that confession out of Schwartz to-morrow, and your sister will be proved innocent; and when that confession is read, Miss Gordon, I should not wonder if there was sufficient in it to warrant Busham's arrest. There," added Cass, pointing to Busham's disappearing form, "that is the last we shall see of him." And, as subsequent events proved, he was a true prophet. But the danger was not yet over. It was just possible that out of revenge at the failure of his plans, Busham might denounce Laura. to the police. The only way to prove her innocence would be to get a confession from Schwartz. Ellis took the night to consider this question, and next day called at Goethe Cottage between eleven and twelve o'clock. He sent in his name, but quite expected that Schwartz would refuse to see him. To his secret, surprise he was admitted at once, and conducted into the study. Here he found the German clothed in a loose dressing-gown and seated at the desk. Schwartz looked terribly ill. He bad aged considerably since Ellis had seen him. His cheeks had fallen in, his forehead was wrinkled, and his eyes had lost their usual genial twinkle. With bowed shoulders he sat huddled up in his chair, and without offering his hand to the doctor, nodded to a seat. "I am sorry I could not zee you yesterday, doctor," said Schwartz, in a faint voice but I was very ill,. and I had much to do. But 1 wished to have some conversation mit you to- day. If you had not come I should have sent for you." Ellis replied in the German tongue which Schwartz, evidently for the sake of secrecy, was using. "You intend to confess, then ? Ah, then you are certain that I am guilty ? "You must be. The pocket-book of the murdered man was found in that desk, and we know it was taken from the dead body. The other night when I accused yoa, you did not deny the charge." "I had no time, doctor but I deny it now." "You say that you are innocent? said Ellis, scarcely believing his ears. "Perfectly innocent.. Here is the confession of the guilty person and Schwartz, unlocking a drawer, took out two or three sheets of foolscap pinned together and covered with writing. "This is the confession," he said, signed and witnessed." "The confession of Busham ? "Ach, no; the confession of the man who murdered Moxton-my friend, Hilda's father, Captain Garret. Å CHAPTER X X V. A CONFESSION. "Do you mean to say that Captain Garret murdered Morton ?" asked Ellis, in amaze- ment, looking from the confession to Schwartz. In his excitlLet. he had reverted to English, "Hush! hush!" replied Schwartz, with a apprehensive look round. "Speak in my language, doctor. Yes, Garret is the criminal. I have known it for some time, ever since I found the ,ocket-book, and yesterday, on seeing in what ft dangerous position I was placed, I insisted ii,,t he should write out a confession of the I i-iit li, There it is, doctor; and a great deal of money it lias cost me." "And Garret. Where is Garret?" "On the Continent by this time. He left Victoria by the club train last night. I have seen the last of him," said Schwartz, with a sigh, "and I am clad of it." "Prt Hilda? I' poor girl! She thinks that her father has gune away for pleasure. I dare not tell her the trllh; but in time I may do so, and then she will be content to stay with old Tapa Schwartz who love. her. "It is most extraordinary," murmured Ellis, turning over the leaves of foolscap. "I suspected many people, yourself included, but I never thought for a moment that Garret was guilty. How did it come about, ? "To tell you that, doctor, I must relate a little of my own history," said Schwartz, reaching for the cigar-box. "First I will tell you about myself and Garret, and then you can read what he says of the crime in that paper. Will you not take a cigar ? "Thank you," said Ellis, and accepted this attention. Now that he knew Schwartz was innocent he had no objection to being friendly with hnn indeed, he was pleased to think that the German was guiltless, as he ever thought the man a decent fellow in many ways. They began to smoke, and Schwartz, still speaking in German in case of eavesdropping, related such portions of his early history as dealt with Captain Garret and his daughter. "Ten years ago I met with Garret near Monte Carlo," said Schwartz. His wife had died, and he wandered about with little Hilda, then and he wandered about with little Hilda, then only six years old. Garret had started life ns an officer in your army with money and a well- known name, for that which he bears now is not his true name. He married an heiress and for years was comfortably settled. Unfortu- nately, he took to gambling and lost everything. Having been discovered cheating at cards he was dismissed from your army. Then his wife died, and his house was sold np to pay his debts. He took the child and escaped to the Continent. But his love of gambling still clung to him. He took up his quarters in a cheap boarding-house in Monaco, and haunted the tables. The child Hilda, blind and helpless, was left to a careless nurse. I was hard up myself then, doctor, and also lived in that boarding-house. I saw Hilda, and my heart melted. She was a dear little child, and became fond of me, so that, in time, I came to look upon her as my own daughter. :1 You are a good fellow, Schwartz." Acb, no, my friend, I am as bad as most people. But I never married I was a lonely man with much sentiment and emotion. Hilda loved me, she warmed my heart. I saw that she was neglected by her father, and I determined to look after her, poor dear, to make her happy." 'I think you have succeeded." "I think so, too. Yet she loves her father better than me. He was never kind to her, save in a careless way. It is always so. Hilda thinks Garret the best of men, and I have not the heart to tell her how worthless he is. Believe me, my friend, I was never blind to Garret's badness. What I did for him, I did for the little Hilda's sake. Garret met me at the boarding-house and told me his history. I offered to give him money if he would let me adopt Hilda, but seeing that my heart was touched he cunningly refused. I could not part with the child, so I had to take the burden of Garret's life on my shoulders. I said that I would help him and look after him if he was kind to little Hilda. He consented, and we have been ever since together." Did Garret ever make any money ? No, he was always idle and spent everything. Sometimes he won money and spent it. on himself but I had to keep both him and Hilda. It was for her sake that I did 16. for otherwise Garret would have taken her away from me and that," added Schwartz, with emotion, "would have broken my heart." I "Why did you not tell Hilda. all this ? "Why should I have done so ? replied the good German, with great simplicity. It would have broken the child's heart. It would spoil' her life did I tell her now. Poor Hilda! She has enough to bear without my making her wretched. It is my wish that she should be I' happy. She is the dearest thing on earth to me. Without that lovely child I should die." "I am glad you have some comfort and reward," said Ellis, touched by this speech. "So Garret, through Hilda, has lived on your money all these years ? "Yes. Oh, I was ouite willing so long as he left me the child. "*1 need not tell you all the troubles I have had these many years, I doctor. I made money, I lost money. I was poor one year, rich another; but all through j my fortunes Hilda has been with me—Garret also. Three years ago I came to London, and after several failures I started the Merryman Music Hall. It has been a success, and now I am rich. I have settled much money on Hilda, also this cottage. Even if I die she will be well off." "If you died her father would return and rob her," "I often dreaded that, but now my fears are at rest. While this confession remains with you, doctor, I am not afraid. Garret admits that he is a murderer, so for his own sake he I will never return to England. Now I have told you all I know about Garret, which brings us up to the time of the murder. The rest you can read in those papers." "I shall do so later," replied Ellis, glancing at the confession, and putting it into his pocket. "But you might tell me the story in your own way. What was the reason of the tragedy ? "The forged bill you spoke of the other night. Who forged the bill ? "Garret. I refused to give him any more money as he was squandering all I had. He was acquainted with young Moxton and knew how rich the elder Moxton was. Edgar shewed Garret a letter from his father, so Garret forged the old man's signature on a biil. He accepted it himself and managed to get money on it. Of course, he thought that if he were discovered I would buy back the bill at any price, so that he would not be disgraced. He counted on my love for Hilda, you see." And how was the forgery discovered ? "Old Moxton found it out just before he died. He passed the bill on to Busham, as hit lawyer, to take steps to arrest Garret. Busham did no.t do anything at the moment. Then old Moxton died, and that same night Busham brought the bill to Edgar at my music-hall." "Ah! then in spite of his denial he met Edgar on that night ? "Garret told me so," replied Schwartz. "I' knew very little of Edgar Moxton save that ho was a bad man. Busham gave him the bill, for Edgar, on hearing of his father's death, insisted upon having it." I "How did he know that the bill was in existence. ? ) "Busham told him about it, when Edgar in- quired after the estates. He did not care at all about, his father's death. He wanted the money and although he was now rich he still wished for more. Janet Gordon had told him how I looked after Garret on Hilda's account, and he knew, of course, that the music-hall was my property. He then followed Garret into my room where I was, and, shewing him the bill, accused him of the forgery. I saw him replace the bill in the red pocket-book and put that in his pocket. Garret also saw in which pocket he 'I' placed it." What did Moxton want f "The music-hall. Be had been drinking I aDd was nisu inioxloatea Uy tHe money that haa come to him. He said that if I did not give him the music-ball and make it over legally to him, he would have Garret arrested." What did you do ? How did you answer I the scoundrel ? asked Ellis. "I refused," replied Schwartz, with energy. "I had done much for Garret, but even for Hilda's sake I could not beggar her and myself by giving up my property. Garret insisted that I should save bim at any cost, but I said I could do nothing; and Moxton went away swearing that he would have Garret arrested on th» morrow." "And Garret?" "Finding that, I would do nothing he rushed away distracted. What I now tell you he told me afterwards. By -,it he took my fur- lined coat and pit. it on, leaving his own behind. Then he followed Kdgar home in the j hope of robbing hilt. or Ute liiil while he was drunk. He saw Xn-k;ii!z qi nrrel with Edgar on ihe Dukesifeld pbi'li.nn and kept out of the i way. Then lie TiCxton when he left the station." ".Ihisham followed a' -o?" "Yes, but he did 1\.1 -fc Garret see him. Busham wished to !:■ t tie bill himself, as he wanted to keep nil power m his own hands. That was why lie followed Edgar from the ¡ music-hall. On seeing Cr.rivt. he wondered II what he was al'ter, and \v, hed." I "Oh, said Kliis. "M> this was what Busham did? His talk wth the policeman, and his pursuit of Mrs. Moxton U> L'imlico was all lies." I "I don't, know about, those, things, doctor. "I don't know about, those, things, doctor. Garret followed Edg.-ir to the gute of Myrtle A ilia, when he saw tin- dour open, and Mrs. Moxton rushed out with a, carving-knife. Moxton beufan to struggle wi'li her at the gate. She held the knife over him—I don't k .ow whv." "She did not wish to hurt him. Go on." "Garret saw the kn>iV d ish in the moonlight, so he ran along, j.nd it, stabbed Moxton 1 in the back. 1I fell with a cry nnd Mrs. Moxton under him. Garret ran away, but returned to find Edyar dead, and Mrs. Moxton in a faint." i "That must have been the time when Edgar wrote the bloocl-signs." "Yes, no doubt. Well, Garret searched for the pocket-book and found it. He threw the knife beside the corpse, thinking it would be said that Mrs. Moxton had killed her husband. Then, hearing footsteps approaching, he went away quickly." ) "That must have been Miss Gordon. She re- turned for her purse, and on finding what had happened, remained to shield her sister. Brave i woman I "Ach! my friend, that is so. Janet is both brave and good. But to continue. Garret went into a quiet part of Dukesfield, and took the pocket-book. Ashe was burning :t—for he destroyed it at once by setting light to it with a match—Busham came up and accused him of the murder." I Busham see it committed ? • t?8 f°M°Wt!d Garret, and, hidden in the shade, saw him stab Moxton. But he promised to hold his tongue about it, provided he got Moxton's money. Garret was relieved by this promise, and putting the pocket-book into the pocket of my coat, which he wore, he returned to Goethe Cottage. ) "To confess his crime ? I "No, he said nothing; and even though I heard of Edgar's death, I did not think that Garret had killed him. But when I put on my coat one evening, I found the pocket-book, and recognised it as Edgar's. I then accused Garret of the murder, and he told me all I hare told you. I held my tongue, for Hilda's sake; and as Busham was hoping to get the money by accusing Mrs. Moxton of the crime, he was I silent too. I placed the pocket-book in my desk, where Janet found it. I should hav» I destroyed it; but I thought no one would open my desk. Hilda, by her folly, has ruined her I father; but I shall not make her heart ache by j telling her so. » "What did you say to Garret ? I "I told him that you had the pocket-book and that you accused me of the crime. I refused i to suffer for his sake, and made him write out the confession, which is witnessed by myself and ) two servants. Of course they did not know the contents. I threatened to hand Garret over to the police, if he did not tell the truth, as I wished to save myself and Hilda. Then I gave him some money, and told him to go away and never to let me see him again. He wasted to take Hilda; but 1 gave him the choice of leaving her with me, or suffering for his crime. In the end, he went away last night; and so that is all I can tell you." "I think you are well rid of a bad lot, Herr Schwartz. "I think so too," replied the German. I never liked him but for the sake of Hilda, I tolerated him. I will not tell her the truth but as Garret is away, and will remain away, I have no doubt I can explain sufficient to reconcile her to his absence. So I have my Hilda to myself at last, doctor, and thank God for that." CHAPTER XXVI. THE J ND OF THE STORY. So in this way the fruth was discovered, and Ellis returned to shew the confession of Captain Garret to Mrs. Moxton. Laura was so overcome on hearing that her innocence was proved, that she fainted during the recital. While Ellis and Janet were looking after her, Cass arrived. Mrs. Moxton was revived, and retired to lie down while Harry, having read the con- fession, discussed what was to be done with it. "If you shew it to the police, I am afraid Schwartz will got into trouble, as he has per- mitted a criminal to escape. "That is true enough," replied Ellis. "For my part, now that we have absolute proof of Mrs. Moxton's innocence, I don't think it is necessary to make the matter public." "-Air. Busham may do so, out of revenge," said Janet. "Don't you believe it, Miss Gordon. Busham, by the shewing of this confession, knew all about the crime. He saw it committed, he tampered with Garret, and held his tongue in order to secure Moxton's money. On the face of it, he is an accessory after the fact, and, terrified by the fear of punishment, will keep silence. Besides, even if he does speak, we can first warn Schwartz to leave England, and then inform the police. Busham does not know, and never will know, that Schwartz has been impli- cated in Garret's escape." What Harry says is very true," chimed in Ellis. "I think all danger is past." "Thank God for that! cried Janet, clasping her hands. Oh, how terrible these past months have been! "You will have no more trouble if I can help it," said the doctor, taking her hand. "What I said when I believed you to be Mrs. Moxton, I say now and I ask you to be my honoured wife. Janet sobbed. "You forget! I have a shady past!" A noble past. You have been tested in the furnace of affliction, and have come out pure gold." "I sold programmes at a low music-hall." "My dearest, I know all you have done, and how good you have been. As my wife, I hope you will find that happiness which has been denied to you for so long. You love me, Janet, do you not P "Yes, I love you, because you believed in me when no one else did." Harry laughed in a somewhat shamefaced manner. "Is that meant for me, Miss Gordon? If so, I recant my former errors. I think you are the noblest of women, and I congratulate Bob on getting such a wife." Hullo! Harry. I thought you did not want me to marry Janet." "Now I do. because I know the truth. Bless you, my children, and let me be your best man. "There is one thing to be said," observed Ellis, uneasily. "Janet cannot marry me here, where she is known as Mrs. Moxton. Mrs. Basket may make trouble, and I cannot afford to give up my practice-such as it is. "Leave that to me," said Janet, nodding. "My sister, Laura, owes you everything, and when she gets her fortune, she will give you enough money to buy a practice far away from Mrs. Basket and this horrid little place. I am sure I do not wish to live in this district after what I have undergone. When I leave Myrtle Villa, I leave Dukesfield for ever." "But, Janet, I don't like taking money from Mrs. Moxton." "Why not ? Because it is red money ? "Red money!" repeated Cass, struck by the phrase, "and what is red money ? 11 "Ahl" said Janet, smiling, "then there is comething you don't know, and which I do. Bed money is a term given by gipsies to that which comes by a violent death. My slstek inherits her fortune through the murder of her husband therefore, according to Romany lore, it is red money. But if Robert will not take the money from Laura, she shall give it to me. She owes me something, I think." She owes you everything, my dearest, said Ellis, kissing her, "and you will do what you please. b7 way," cried Cass, suddenly, I thought I had something to tell you. «FjZ- £ >very UP his secret gambling salon." it ever exist ? said Ellis, sceptically. Yes," replied Janet, blushing. I never saw it, but in one way and another, I heard of it. Often and often I implored Papa Schwartz to give it up, telling him he would get into trouble." "Well, he has given it up at last. It appears that the police got to know of it, and contem- plated a raid, so Schwartz shut it up a few eights ago; and I rather think he is going to give up the hall itself." "A very wise thing for him to do," said Ellis, approvingly. "He has made his fortune —he told me so therefore, he can retire and live happily with his beloved Hilda." "And what about Hilda's eyes, Robert?" "I think I can cure them by an operation." "Oh, I am sure you can do anything," said Janet, fervently. But in this Janet was wrong. Ellis did perform an operation, but it failed principally because Hilda, fretting after her father, could not be kept in a serene frame of mind during the recovery. But the cure mattered little, for shortly there came news from Madrid that Garret had been stabbed in a gambling-house row. By the irony of fate he met with the same death as he had meted out to Moxton, and Hilda wept so much that her chance of recovering sight was irrevocably gone. On hearing of Garret's death, and being set free from a dread that Hilda would be taken from him, Schwartz went to reside in Munich. He sold the music-hall and the cottage, invested his money well, and with Hilda he now lives a calm and happy life in the German Athens and in spite of his late business of a gambling-house keeper and the many flaws in his character, Schwartz deserved to be happy. He had rescued the blind girl from a life of misery; he had borne the burdens of her rascally father, and he had made her happy. Under the tender care of Schwartz Hilda forgot her sorrow. She never knew that her father was a murderer, and always thought of him with tender affection as the best and most unfortu- nate of men. Schwartz did not disturb this impression, knowing that Garret was not the first sinner who had been wrongly canonised as a saint. All the good German desired was the happiness of his beloved Hilda, and in securing it he thoroughly succeeded. That was his reward, and so he passes out of the story. Janet never did have much belief in Laura's gratitude, and said as much to Ellis. Her belief came true, for when Laura, relieved from her terrors, blossomed into a wealthy young widow on her father-in-law's money, she forgot all that her sister had done and sacrificed for her. It was no easy task to settle the estate, for, when Busham was informed by letter that Garret had confessed, he was seized with panic and went to the States. But he did not go away empty-handed that was not Mr. Busham's way of doing things. Already he had ample money, b: he managed also to secure a good deal of 1" cash which belonged to the Moxton estate, ¡, left behind him an insulting letter to Ellis. hat became of him Ellis never heard. Dr. Ellis worked loyally t put Mrs. Moxton's affairs in order, and oived from her the same gratitude as she to Janet. For very shame's take she was ged to give her sister a sum of money in f< ensation for all she had done. Ellis aid r>. ish t,. take a sum so grudgingly give, but J, looked upon it as her riht. and took it ..it! fa's- shame, She was as disgusted with Laura as wttir Rudolph, end was glad to see the last of them. All her years of self-sacrifice and work were all nothing in their eyes, and now that Janet had found a good husband she thought it was only right to look lIfter her own happiness, A few months after the discovery of Garret's guilt she was married quietly to Ellis in a Hampstead Church, and afterwards departed with him to tt country town where Ellis, with Mrs. Moxton'# money, had bought a practice. Neither Laura nor Rudolph came to the wedding, as they had already gone to the Continent. After he had confessed his traitorous behaviour Rudolph called on Janet and tried to cajole her into forgiving him. But she was so disgusted withi him that she refused to have anything more ta do with the rascal. He was more successful wit[t Laura, and as she was now rich he paid great attention to her. Notwithstanding her know" ledge of his contemptible character, Laura went abroad with him and kept him in idleness with her wealth. The pair travelled to Vienna and there lived as happily as a memory of the terrible past would let them. This means that they had not a care in the world, for both theif natures were too frivolous to be impressed by the perils they had escaped. So, like Busham^' they flourished also, and deserved their im- munity from punishment as little. t Mrs. Basket lamented bitterly when she lost her lodger, and tried to find out why and where he was going. But Ellis, having had experi- ence of his fat landlady's malignity, refused top gratify her curiosity. Also he wished to cut himself and Janet off from the old life of trouble at Dukesfield, and so he vanished from) Mrs. Basket's gaze. Cass remained with her for a time, but as his circumstances improved he decided to move into town, and took chambers in St. Clement's Inn. In this way all th. actors in the Moxton tragedy disappeared from Dukesfield, and no reminder was left of it but; the tombstone erected over the wretched man't grave by Laura. The inscription, "Erected by his sorrowful wife," was rather ironical, when it was considered how Laura had hated the man she thus honoured. But Laura was fond of posing as a disconsolate widow. She thought it attracted the men. A year after the tragedy Harry Cass paid at visit to the country town where Ellis lived, and in which his practice was rapidly inereasing.. He possessed a charming house on the outskirts of the old town he had set up a carriage, andt possessed a good hack. Aided by Janet's good sense and strict notions of an economy instilled by poverty, the sum of money, grudgingly given by Laura, had done wonders, and Dr. Ellis started his new life on an excellent basis. H. was not a great physician, but he was clever and! also popular. The ladies in the neighbourhood called on Mrs. Ellis and found her charming, for Janet's life, and travels, and experience led her to adapt herself skilfully to the provincial narrowess of theso good people. She was quite as popular as her husband, and in time thera is no doubt that Ellis will become the moefJ sought-after physician in the county. i "But Harley-street, Bob," urged Harry, 19 be.sat with husband and wife in the garden after dinner. What about Harley-street ? J el "That must wait," laughed Ellis; "and if if does not come I really don't care. Do youj remember my expressed wishes, Harry, on the night Moxton was killed ? A good practice, t moderate income, a home, and a wife to lovg me.' Well, I have got the whole four, and that is better luck than falls to the lot of most men,! I am quite content to stay here and be happy. j "And you, Mrs. Ellis, after your stormy,' early life? j "I am content to remain in this haven,* smiled Janet. 1 have a good home and a loving husband. What more can a woman want ?" < "Egad! some women want a sight more. Your story is not known here ? "No," replied Ellis, promptly. "Janec and X have cut ourselves off completely from the past. We never think of it." "Except when we are obliged," said 3frgi Ellis. "I received a letter from Laura the other day. She is going to be married to an Austrian e', officer, a young Count who is deeply in love witb her." "H'm! or with her money?" said Caqs: "However, if she buys a title in that way I suppose she will be satisfied. And her husband has only been dead a year! She is soon con. soled. I hope she will have better luck witb her second husband than she had with her first. And Zirknitz ? He is in Italy, in attendance on an American heiress." "Oh, poor heiress He will marry her an<I spend her money." "Laura says nothing about marriage." "But it will take place all the same," saijj Cass, promptly. "Zirknitz was the most fasci* nating scoundrel I ever met. Even though < woman knew he was a scamp she would lova him. Oh, he'll marry money and be rich, and, having no heart, happy." Well, Edgar never liked him." "I know tha^e]?-.1 lie would not have accused him of being his miuf rrer. "As to that," sii Kllis, musingly, "I can never quite understand Moxton's reason. If he did not wish to hann Zirknitz why did he write the initials of hi. name at all ? If he did, why put them in a, secret writing known only to his wife and Janet ? Janet shook her hea 1. "I think at the last he had some compuncion for the way in which he had treated Laur,1. lie believed that Zirknitz had killed him, a 1 wished to give Laura power over him lest lv should take her money. "That is not a very satisfactory explanation," said Cass, with a shrug. "But I suppose no other can be given. At all events, Zirknitz did get some of Laura's money." "Red money," said Mrs. Ellis, with shudder; "the money of violence! "Well, red money has done a lot for me," said the doctor putting his arm round his wife's waist; it has given me this ease and you." Not me, Robert. I came to you of my own accord." "Dearest and beet of women," said. Ellia, and kissed her fondly. fTHs END. 1

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