The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General Advertiser for the Counties of Brecon Carmarthen Radnor Monmouth Glamorgan Cardigan Montgomery Hereford

TALL RIGHTS RESTUVED.) THE MYSTERY OF fxREVHAVEN ABBEY. By EDGAR PICKERING Author of "A Prior Claim," "The Faithful Love," "Who Killed Him?" &c. Greyhaven stands on the shore, and affects to be a pleasure resort, whilst the Abbey is about a mile inland; and of the two places the town, out of the season, is the duller. Not that the ruined old monastical building has any claim to cheerfulness, for a more ghastly, haunted-looking, desolate picture could not easily be imagined than the crumbling walls present, nor the comparatively modern house that had been erected in the grounds and left tenantless for years. Then Mr. Mortimer rented the Abbey. He came to Greyhaven at the beginning of winter, and quickly made friends, for he had a very pleasant manner, and was freer with his money than any of the summer visitors had been. A good-looking, well-groomed man about five-and-thirty; so the better people rather courted his society, amongst whom was a half-pay Colonel named Silvester, who had titled relatives—so it was understood— although he was notoriously poor. He was one of the most disagreeable old fellows, too, and unless it had been for Norah, I should never have gone into his house. She was his daughter, and in the Colonel's peculiar way he made her life alaaoet unbearable by con- stantly bewailing his misfortunes and poverty. But, in spite of her father's bad temper, Norah was deeply attached to him, and would have made any sacrifice of herself to please him. Norah Silvester was the most beautiful girl who ever lived—at least that is my opinion- and if I had dared, I should have asked her to marry me. As it was, I had to content myself with loving her in an unostentatious way, which included my being on terms of intimacy with her irascible father. Greyhaven was at its dreariest when Mr. Mortimer came, and his gaiety made him very welcome everywhere, particularly at the Abbey Arms, which is the only decent hotel in the town. He was an excellent billiard player, a game I rather prided myself oil, and it formed a link between us that might be called friendship. I daresay you've wondered why I chose the Abbey for a residence," he remarked one evening, after making a peculiarly brilliant losing hazard. It would be only natural for you to wonder, because the house is just about as dull as a grave." It suits you, I suppose," I replied. "In every way. You see, I'm engaged on a scientific research that requires absolute quiet. I tried to carry out my experiments in London, but there were too many distrac- tions, so I decided on finding a place where there were none, and Greyhaven Abbey offered itself. As a fact, it is a bit too dull and quiet, and if you'll come over one even- ing I shall be delighted to see you." Nothing could have been more to my liking, for the Abbey had appealed to me from the first day I set foot in Greyhaven. There was a air of romance about the hoary ruins, whilst the very grimness of the modern build- ing, in which a part of the ancient structure had been incorporated, was interesting. People had invented legends about Grey- haven Abbey, adding another attraction to it,, and I accepted Mr. Mortimer's invitation with a great deal of pleasure. You are acquainted with Colonel Silvester," he went on." "Rather a curiosity, is he nof? I thought of Norah, and that it would be disloyal to her, if I expressed. my opinion ..Of the Colonel, and therefore gave an evarsive answer. I'm fond of curiosities," he laughed in his jovial way. So I'll give Silvester a. call." His laugh jarred on me in some way, and I turned the conversation as we began another game which was fated to be our last, for I received an unexpected call to London next morning, and was detained there much longer than I anticipated. More than a month went by before I returned to Greyhaven, and my first visit was to Colonel Silvester, finding him in better spirits than he had ever been in my recollection. He showed me several purchases of valuable bric-a-brac he bad made —costly things—and, furthermore, invited my views on certain investments he was thinking of making; and for a poor man to do this, sur- prised me. Norah had changed, too, for she had lost all her merriment, and appeared dejected and absent-minded. At dinner—and the meal was positively sumptuous—she talked scarcely at all, whilst the Colonel rambled on about some plan of his for building a house for himself, and how the, grounds should be laid out. Mortimer advises me to buy," he went on, and I've got my eye on a very eligible plot just beyond the Abbey. Mr. Mortimer's name had been mentioned half a dozen times during dinner, and I noticed that Norah's face had a pained look as her father referred to him. She and I were left alone for a few minutes when the Colonel rose from the table and, loving her so dearly as I did, it was only natural for me to ask her the reason why she was so unhappy. I I shall never forget her answer. "Why should I b £ unhappy?" she said, "when all I do or think of is for my father." And then 'I she harried out. of the rowin, leaving me more perplexed than before. I went to the Abbey Aifrns after quitting the Colonel's house that night, for I wanted to have a chat with Mr. Mortimer; but he was not in the billiard-room, and had not been seen for a day or two, so old Mr. Povey told me, who was crooning over the fire when I went in. I hat place he's living in would be the death of me." he continued. "'There's a mystery about it that puzzles everyone. The ruins are lit up sometimes, and strange noises have been heard as if the old monks were having a jollification. They used to have them, we know, but whether 4 or not, Grey- haven Abbey has go-t a reputation no respect- able place would have, and Mortimer's taste isn't mine, if he likes such a forsaken spot." Yokels tales," I replied. I've seen the Abbey all agio.w myself," grunted old Povey, and I'm not a yokel." I was reminded of Mortimer's invitation, and decided on looking him up. The Colonel's talk about him influenced me perhaps. Old Povey's did with a vengeance. You've heard about Silvester's, daughter, I suppose?" he went. on, in a tone which sounded very disagreeable to me. She's going to marry your friend, Mr. Mortimer." I've just left Colonel Silvester," I answered, after recovering my senses. He said nothing about it." "Why should he?" replied old Povey. "It's nobody's business except Mortimer's.^1 I'l»*v say he's as rich as Rothschild. Anyway, the Colonel's got plenty of money out of him, arid Miss Silvester's lucky to have won such a prize. I Ile weuvung s ii> zalie place -at Bowater at twelve to-morrow." I am not going to describe my- feelings, partly because it would be almost impos- sible and too pain,ful for me to attempt doing so. I could only think of Norah and how changed she was from the bright, merry girl she had' been. There was an indefinite- resent- ment against Mortimer and the Colonel in my mind; for the secrecy of the affair was an insult to me. I ought to have been informed of Norah's engagement and' approaching mar- riage I told myself, unreasonably, but I was too broken-hearted to reason at the moment. I would see Mr. Mortimer that very night; and, on leaving the hotel, I made my way to Greyhaven Abbey. The road was intensely dark, but on reach- ing the entrance gates a light or glow, rather, as Mr. Povey described it, came from one of the openings in the ruined abbey wall, shed- ding a beam.across the weed-covered drive to the house, which lay in a hollow, so that the shaft of light was not seen from the road. The house was in darkness, and, coming up to the hall door, I found it ajar. The clang of the bell sounded in some far-off part, and as my ring was not answered, I went into the hall. which sent up a damp, unwholesome breath. I was about to retreat, thinking Mor- timer was not at home, when the noise of something falling with a crash caused me to stop, remembering what old Povey had said about the mystery hanging over the abbey. The sound had come from the ruins, I felt cer- tain, and why they should glow redly made me forgetful for a moment of Norah. I groped to the end of the hall, and, striking a match, looked round at the gaunt, unfur- nished place before ascending the broad stairs, which would probably bring me to tliq inhabited part of the mansion, and, passing along the gallery that went three parts round the hall, a puff of hot air came on ipy face from an open window I had not noticed. Leaning out, I looked down upon the most ex- traordinary sight of Mr. Mortimer standing y I before a small furnace, and I was near enough to see what he was doing. He had taken a silver coin out of the mould and was examin- ing it through a glass, when a piece of the crumbling sill on which I leant, fell, and he looked up. The man was a coiner, and had chosen Greyhaven Abbey for carrying on-a criminal profession, believing it was about the last place-anyone would suspcct. And lie was to marry Norah Silvester to-morrow at twelve o'c'oek! The whole thing flashed into my mines in that instant when Mr. Mortimer and I looked at each other. 1 didn't expect you," lie said, very quTtetly. I'm delighted you've found your way here at last, for all that. join you in a moment." I did not answer as he put an iron cover I, over the furnace, nor move from the window when he qaiLted the ruins. I had no idea what to :10 or say to him now that he was found out, but I made up my mind that Norah should be saved. I heard his foot-steps coming up the stairs and along the gallery towards me. He was carrying an electric torch and holding one hand behind his back. I saw all this but no more, for, with a sudden rush forward, he dealt me a blow full on the head that sent me senseless to the floor. When I came to myself, daylight was shin- ing through the window and 1 tried to stand up, but the fcoundrel had fastened my feet and hands too securely for that. However, I managed to get at the rope knotted round my wrists, and the rest was o::siiy released. I re- member feeling surprised at cleaning with my life, but the thought of North made me forget- ful of everything except the desperate need of reaching Bowater before midday. I daresay the superintendent of police in Greyhaven was astonished at seeing a blood- stained dishevelled man reel into his office with a tale ordinary people would not have believed. He had good reason for being astonished. I've a friend here who'll be glad to hear this," he said, when I had finished my story, and, going, to the door, he called in a man whom he introduced as Mr. Jenkins, of London. C. I. D." whispered; the superintendent behind his thick hand. Mr. Jeirirais ««ugh««l in an official manner. "He'll go with us." Bowater is a good fifteen. miles from Grey- haven, and by the time the police dog-cart- had been got ready, the police chick pointed to half-past ten. It will be a close shave," observed the superintendent, "but, barring accidents, we oujfht to be at the church before twelve." We drove past Colonel Silvester's house, and I saw the maid servant come out dressed in, a new gown, with a bunch of flowers in the bodice, who waved her hand to us as we dashed by. She'll be disappointed, I ex- pec," remarked the superintendent. What I recollect of that drive chiefly was the deliberate p,-co the horse that, having "shown off" in the town, settled down into an amble in the country. Mr. Jenkins con- sulted his watch several times, and expressed the opinion that we were cutting it fine. Half-past eleven, and we had done ten miles at a rate which brought me to despair, and then without the slightest warning the horse came down on its knees, sending Mr. Jenkins Hying into a id. This does it," observed the superinten- dent, .placidly, from his seat on the horse's head, giving rne some instructions as to the harness. There'll be no gc-ttimj to Bowater this side twelve," and Mr. Jenkins limped up to us, not much the worse for his upset. We got the horse out of the shafts, one of which had been siaa!»# jumI k&pg assay- ing Norah fled. There were five miles between us and the church, and not the slightest chance of reaching it before the fatal cere- mony was ended. It was at this distressing moment that a hoarse hoot caused me to look •round seeing a motor rushing towards us. Mr. Jenkins held it up, and in a few words explained the position of affairs. "Could he do it in ten minutes? lie- asked the goggled figure in the car, who offered to "do it" in three if necessary, and we got in without more words. The Superintendent bleated something about exceeding the speed limit, but no one heeded him, and at a pace which made the country a mere blur we dashed through the village of Bowater, and brought up at the church door as twelve o'clock boomed from the ivy-covered belfry. I recollect that the church struck deadly cold as the superintendent, Mr. Jenkins, and I entered it. and how the verger seemed to pro- test- against the intrusion. There was a little group at the altar rail, and I saw Norah's face, which was very white. The Colonel was standing on her left hand, and the man who called himself Mortimer was beside her, look- ing handsomer than ever. A grey-headed clergyman was mumbling the service, and the words. "Wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded ie were on i is lips, when Mr. Jenk'iis shouted "Stop!" If he had fired a cannon up the aisle I doubt if it would have had a greater effect.. Mortimer was the coolest of all of us as lie stood looking straight at Mr. JenkiTis, who had gone up to him, with something that clinked in his hand.

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You Know me, Jimmy," said Mr. JenK^ J in quite a friendly tone. "The game's aiid you'd best come quietly." Mortimer made no reply, but he. turnea 0A ma, and if ever there was murder written a man's face it was on liis. I've to thank you for this," he hissed. ibo ought to have settled you when I had jj chance last night." and lie held out his h# at a sign from Mr. Jenkins. a I will do the Colonel credit for belia^y nobly. It was in the vestry that he shook hand and thanked me as only a g'eltleresS could. Cure, to be sure, but none we JI sincere—almost a blessing, in fact, alhoUJ the reward I asked was more to the P° Laf made the request a few days i-ater. It w,&s r mission to marry Norah mylf. et, All this, however, happened long ago, the mystery of Greyhaven Abbey, fit after all, was no mystery really, is one happiest memories, for it gave me the. happiness anyone can hope to achieve II1'l world, and that is why my clear wife c,"e the recollectiozi. [TBII iiiND.J