May 15, 2025 • 47 mins
Experience an enthralling journey through time and geography with this captivating series by Guy Newell Boothby, an Australian writer who gained fame during his years in London. Embark on the first of five books that delve into the mysterious world of Dr. Nikola, a criminal mastermind with an intriguing touch of occult. The narrative isnt just about Dr. Nikola, but about the characters who find themselves ensnared in his intricate web. This tale of adventure and romance takes you from Australia to the Middle East, the South Seas, and rural Hampshire, as the protagonist battles against Dr. Nikola and his accomplices. Boothbys vivid portrayal of exotic locations and the underlying sense of mystery transports you back to the era of hardened empire builders and imperialists, offering a nostalgic appeal.
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Part two, Chapter four of a Bid for Fortune by
Guy Boothby. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings
are in the public domain. Chapter four, following up a
clue for some moments after I perused the curious epistle
mister Weatherall had brought to my room, I remained wrapped
(00:24):
in thought we make of it? My companion asked, And
what to say? I answered, looking at it again. One thing, however,
is quite certain, and that is, despite its curious wording,
it is intended you should take it seriously.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
You think so?
Speaker 1 (00:39):
I do, indeed, But I think when the Inspector arrives,
it would be just as well to show it to him.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
What do you say? I agree with you.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
Let us defer consideration of it until we see him.
When an hour later the Inspector put in an appearance,
the letter was accordingly placed before him, and his opinion
asked concerning it. He read it through without comment, carefully
examined the writing and signature, and finally held it up
to the light. Having done this, he turned to me
and said, have you that envelope we found at the
(01:08):
Canary bird, mister Hatteras I took it out of my
pocket and handed it to him. He then placed it
on the table side by side with the letter, and
through a magnifying glass, scrutinized both carefully. Having done so,
he asked for the envelope in which it had arrived,
But mister Weatherall had thrown it into the waste paper basket,
and a moment's search brought it to light again. He
(01:32):
scrutinized both the first envelope and the letter, and then
compared them with the second cover.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
Yes, I thought so, he said.
Speaker 1 (01:39):
This letter was written either by Niccola or at his desire.
The paper is the same as that he purchased at
the stationer's shop we visited. And what had we better
do now, queried weather Or, who had been eagerly awaiting
for his opinion. We must think, said the inspector. In
the first place, I suppose you don't feel inclined to
pay the large sum mentioned here, and if I can
(02:02):
help it, of course, answered mister Weatherill. But if the
worst comes to the worst and I cannot rescue my
poor girl any other way, I would sacrifice even more
than that. Well, we will see if we can find
her without compelling you to pay anything at all. The
inspector cried, I've got an idea in my head.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
And what is that?
Speaker 1 (02:22):
I cried for I too had been thinking out a
plan well first and foremost, he answered, I want you,
mister Weatherill, to tell me all you can about your servants.
Let's begin with a butler. How long has he been
with you? Nearly twenty years? A good and trustworthy servant.
I presume to the last degree I have implicit confidence
in him. Then we may dismiss him from our minds.
(02:44):
I think I saw a footman in the hall. How
long has he been with you? Just about three months?
What sort of fellow is he? I really couldn't tell
you very much. She seems intelligent, quick and willing and
up to his work. Is your cook a man or
a woman?
Speaker 2 (02:59):
A woman?
Speaker 1 (03:00):
She has been with me since before my wife's death,
that is to say, nearly ten years. You need have
no suspicion of her. Housemaids two two both have been
with me sometime and seem steady, respectable girls. There's also
a kitchen maid. But she's been with me nearly as
long as my cook, and I would stake my reputation
(03:21):
on her integrity. Well, in that case, the only person
who seems at all suspicious is the footman. May we
have him up with pleasure? I'll ring for him, mister
Weatherell rang the bell, and a moment later was answered
by the man himself. Come in, James, and shut the
door behind you, his master said. The man did as
he was ordered, but not without looking, as I thought
(03:42):
a little uncomfortable. The inspector, I could see, had noticed
this too, for he had been watching him intent me
ever since he had appeared in the room. James said,
mister Weatherill, the inspector of police whish is to ask
you a few questions. Answer him to the best of
your ability. To begin with, said the inspector, I want
you to look at this envelope. Have you seen it before?
(04:05):
He handed him the envelope with the anonymous letter addressed
to mister Weatherall. The man took it and turned it
over in his hands. Yes, sir, he said, I have
seen it before. I took it in at the front door,
from whom of a little old woman?
Speaker 2 (04:19):
Sir?
Speaker 1 (04:19):
The man answered, A little old woman, cried the inspector,
evidently surprised. What sort of woman? Well, sir, I don't know.
I can give you much of a description of her.
She was very small and a sort of a nutcracker face,
a little black poke bonnet, and walked with a stick.
Should you know her again if you saw her?
Speaker 2 (04:39):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (04:39):
Yes, sir. Did she say anything when she gave you
the letter? Only for mister Weather or young man? That
was all, sir. And he didn't ask if there was
an answer. That was rather a singular omission on your part.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
Was it not.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
She didn't give me time, sir. She just put it
into my hand and went down the steps again. That
will do, now, mister weatherall, I think you'd better see
about getting that money from the bank. You need not wait,
my man. The footman thereupon left the room. While both
mister Weather and I stared at the inspector in complete astonishment.
He laughed, you're wondering why I said that, He remarked,
(05:13):
I must confess it struck me as curious. Well, let
me tell you I did it with a purpose. Did
you notice that young man's face when he entered the
room and when I gave him the letter? There can
be no doubt about it. He's in the secret You
mean that he's in Nichola's employ Then why don't you
arrest him because I want to be quite certain first,
I said that about the money, because if he is
(05:35):
Nichola's agent, he will carry the information to him, and
by so doing keep your daughter in Sydney for at
least a day longer.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
Do you see? I do?
Speaker 1 (05:44):
And I admire your diplomacy. Now what is your plan?
I first tell mine, I said, do, said the inspector,
for mine is not quite matured yet. Well, I said,
My idea is this. I propose that mister Weatherall shall
obtain from his bank a number of gold bags, fill
them with lead disks to represent coin. Let it leak
(06:06):
out before this man that he has got the money
in the house. Then tonight mister Weatherall will set off
for the water side. I will row him down to
the harbor disguised as a boatman. We will pick up
the boat as arranged in that letter. In the meantime,
you must start from the other side in a police boat,
pull up to meet us and arrest the man. Then
we will force him to disclose miss Weatherall's whereabouts and
(06:30):
act upon his information.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
What do you say?
Speaker 1 (06:33):
It certainly sounds feasible, said the inspector, and mister Weatherall
nodded his head approvingly. At that moment, the Marquis entered
the room, looking much better than when we had found
him on the preceding night, and the conversation branched off
into a different channel. My plot seemed to commend itself
so much to mister Weatherall's judgment that he ordered his
(06:54):
carriage and drove off there and then to his bank.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
Well.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
I went down to the harbor, arranged about a boat, and,
having done so, proceeded up to the town, where I
purchased a false beard, an old dungaree suit, such as
a man loafing about the harbor might wear, and a
sloush hat of villainous appearance. By the time I got
back to the house, mister Weatherwall had returned with great delight.
(07:19):
He conducted me to his study, and, opening his safe,
showed me a number of canvas bags, on each of
which was printed one thousand pounds. But surely there are
not one hundred thousand there, No, said the old gentleman
with a chuckle. There is the counterfeit of fifty thousand
pounds there for the rest. I proposed to show him
these so saying, he dived his hands into a drawer
(07:43):
and produced a sheaf of crisp brank notes. There these
are the notes for the balance of the amount. But
surely you are not going to pay. I thought we
were going to try and catch the rascals without letting
many money change hands. So we are Do not be afraid.
You will only glance at these notes, you will see
that they are done, every one of them. They are
for me to exhibit to the man in the boat
(08:04):
in the dark. They'll pass muster. Never fear very good, indeed,
I said, with a laugh. By the time they can
be properly examined, we shall have the police at hand
ready to capture him. I believe we shall, the old
gentleman cried, grubbing his hands together in delight. I believe
we shall, and a nice example will make of the rascals.
Nichola thinks he can beat me, I'll show him how
(08:25):
mistaken he is. And for some time the old gentleman
continued in this strain, confidently believing that he would have
his daughter with him again by the time morning came.
Nor was I far behind him in confidence. Since Nicola
had not spirited her out of the country, my plot
seemed to be the one of all others to enable
us to regain possession of her. And not only that,
(08:47):
but we hoped it would give us an opportunity of
punishing those who had so schemed against her. Suddenly an
idea was born in my brain, and I instantly acted
upon it. Mister weather Or, I supposing, when your daughter
is safe again, I presume so far as to once
more offer myself for your son in law.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
What will you say? What will I say? He cried? Why?
Speaker 1 (09:10):
I will tell you that you shall have her, my boy,
with ten thousand blessings on your head. I know you now,
and since I've treated you so badly, and you've taken
such a noble revenge, why I'll make it up to you.
And the name's not weather Or. But we won't talk
any more about that till we have got possession of her.
We have other and more important things to think of.
What time ought we to start tonight? The letter fixes
(09:33):
the meeting for ten o'clock. We'd better be in the
boat by half past nine. In the meantime, I should
advise you to take a little rest. By the way,
Do you think your footman realizes that you have the
money he ought to be, for he carried it up
to this room for me. And what's more, he is
applied for a holiday this afternoon. That's to carry the information.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
Very good.
Speaker 1 (09:52):
Everything is working excellently. I'm off to rest for a
little while. I'll follow your example. In the meantime we'll
give orders for an early dinner. We dined at seven
o'clock sharp, and at half past eight I went off
to my room to don my disguise, then bidding the
Marquess goodbye. Much to the young gentleman's disgust, for he
(10:14):
was most anxious to accompany us, I slipped quietly out
of my window across the garden, I hoped unobserved, and
went down to the harbour side, where the boat I
had charted was waiting for me. A quarter an hour later,
whether All's carriage drove up, and on seeing it, I
went across and opened the door. My disguise were so
perfect for a moment, the old gentleman seemed undecided whether
(10:37):
to trust me or not, but my voice when I
spoke reassured him. And then we set to work carrying
the bags of spurious money down to the boat. As
soon as this was accomplished, we stepped in. I seated
myself amidships and got out the oars as to whether
all taking the yolk lines in the stern. Then we
shoved off and made our way out into the harbor.
(10:59):
It was a doll cloudy night, with hardly the sign
of a star in the whole length and breadth of heaven.
Well every few minutes a cold, cheerless wind swept across
the water. So chilly, indeed was it that before we
had gone very far, I began to wish I had
added an overcoat to my other disguises. We hardly spoke,
but pulled slowly down towards the island mentioned in the letter.
(11:22):
The strain on our nerves was intense, and I must
confess to feeling decidedly nervous, as I wondered what would
happen if the police boat did not pull up to
meet us as we had that morning. Arranged a quarter
to ten chime from some church ashore as we approached
within one hundred yards of our destination, And then I
rested on my oars and waited. All around us were
(11:43):
the lights of bigger craft, but no rowing boat could
I see. About five minutes before the hour, I whispered
to weather to make ready, and in answer, the old
gentleman took a match box from his pocket. Exactly as
the town clock struck the hour, he lit a vesta.
It flared a little, then went out. As it did so,
a boat shut out of the darkness to port. He
(12:06):
struck a second, and then a third, as the last
one burned up and then died away. The man rowing
the boat I've just referred to struck a light, then another,
then another, in rapid succession. Having finished his display, he
took up his oars and propelled his boat towards us.
When he was within talking distance, he said, in a
gruff voice, was mister weather all aboard to this? My
(12:30):
companion immediately answered, with a tremble in his voice. Yes
here I am money all right? Can you see if
I hold it up, asked mister Weatherill. As he spoke,
a long black boat came into view on the other
side of our questioner, and I pulled slowly towards him.
It was the police boat. No I don't want to see,
said the voice again. But this is the message I
(12:51):
was to give you. Pull in towards Circular Key and
find the maid of the miss bark. Go aboard her
and take your money down into the cuddy. There you'll
get your answer. Nothing more, cried mister Weather. That's all
I was told, answered the man, and then said good night.
At the same moment, the police boat pulled up alongside
(13:12):
him and made fast. I saw a dark figure enter
his boat, and the next moment the glare of a
lantern fell upon the man's face. I picked up my
oars and pulled over to them, getting there just in
time to hear The inspector asked the man his name,
James Burbage was the reply. I don't know that he's
got anything against me. I'm a license waterman. I am
(13:34):
very likely, said the inspector. But I want a little
explanation from you. How do you come to be mixed
up in this business?
Speaker 2 (13:40):
What about this? Here? A message? You mean?
Speaker 1 (13:42):
Yes, about this message? Where is it from? Who gave
it to you? Well, if you let me go, I'll
tell you about it, growled the man. I was up
at the head and chickens this evening, and just afore dark,
taking a nobbler along with a friend. Presently incomes a
cove in a cloak. He beckons me outside and says,
do you want to earn a surfing? A surfing is
twenty Bob, So I says, my word, I do. Then
(14:04):
he says, we'll go out on the arbor tonight, be
down again sharp point at ten, I said, a wooden
soul was you'll see a boat with an old gent
in it. He says, he'll strike three matches. You do
the same, and ask him if he's mister weatherall if
he says yes, ask him if the money's all right.
And if he says yes, and if he says yes
to that, tell it to pull in towards Circular Key
(14:25):
and find the mane and a miss bark. He's to
take the money down to the cuddy and get his
answer there. That's the truth. So help me, Bob, I
don't know what she wants to go arresting of an
honest man. For inspector turned to the water police, there's
any man here, knowd James Burbage. Two or three voices
immediately answered in the affirmative. And this seemed to decide
(14:46):
the officer, for he turned to the water and again
and said, as some of my men seemed to know,
you will let you off if your own sake go
home and keep a silent tongue. He thereupon clambered back
into his own boat and bathe. The man depart in
less time than it takes to tell he was out
of sight. We then drew up alongside the police boat.
(15:07):
What had we better do, mister inspector asked mister Weatherall
find the Maid of the mist at once. She's an
untenanted ship for being for sale. You will go aboard, sir,
with your companion, and down to the cuddy. Don't take
your money, however, We'll draw up alongside as soon as
you're below, and when one of their gang, whom will
dispatch for it, comes up to get the coin, we'll
(15:28):
collar him and then come down to your assistance. Do
you understand perfectly? But how are we to know the vessel?
Speaker 2 (15:35):
Well?
Speaker 1 (15:35):
The better plan would be for you to follow us.
We'll pulled her within one hundred yards of her. I
learned from one of my men that she's painted white,
so you'll have no difficulty in recognizing her. Very well,
then go on and we'll follow you. The police boat
accordingly set off, and we followed about fifty yards behind her.
A thick drizzle was now falling, and it was by
(15:56):
no means an easy matter. To keep her in sight.
Some time we pulled on. Presently we began to get
closer to her. In a quarter of an hour we
were alongside. There's your craft, said the inspector, pointing as
he spoke to a big vessel showing dimly through the
scud to the starboard of us. Pull over to her.
I followed his instructions, and, arriving at the vessel's side,
(16:18):
hitched on, made the painter fast, and then, having clambered aboard,
assisted mister Weatherell to do the same. As soon as
we had both gained the deck, we stood and looked
about us, at the same time listening for any sound
which might proclaim the presence of the men we had
come to meet. Save the sighing of the wind in
the shrouds overhead, the dismal creaking of blocks, and the
(16:40):
drip of moisturep on the deck, no sign was to
be heard. There was nothing for it, therefore, but to
make our way below as best we could. Fortunately, I
had had the forethought to bring with me a small
piece of candle, which came in very handily at the
present juncture. Seeing that the cuddy. When we reached a
companion ladder was wrapped in total darkness. Very carefully, I
(17:03):
stepped inside, lit the candle, and then, with mister Weather
at my heels, made my way down the steps. Arriving
at the bottom, we found ourselves in a fair sized
saloon of the old fashioned type. Three cabins stood on
either side or from the bottom of the companion ladder
by which we had descended, to a long cushioned locker
(17:23):
right aft under the wheel, and a table covered with
American cloth.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
But there was no.
Speaker 1 (17:29):
Man of any kind to be seen. I opened cabin
after cabin and searched each with a like result. We
were evidently quite alone in the ship. When you make
of it all, I asked mister weatherall looks extremely suspicious.
He answered, perhaps we're too early for them. But see,
mister hatteras there's something on the table at the farther end.
(17:50):
So there was something that looked very much like a letter.
Together we went round to the end of the table,
and there surely enough found a letter, pinned to the
American cloth and addressed to my companion in a bowld
but rather quaint handwriting. It's for you, mister weatherall, I said,
removing the pins and presenting it to him. Thereupon we
(18:11):
sat down beside the table, and he broke the seal
with trembling fingers. It was not a very long epistle,
and ran my dear mister Weatherall bags of imitation money
and spurious banknotes will not avail you, Nor is it
politic to arrange at the water pleae should meet you
on the harbor for the purpose of arresting me. You
(18:31):
have lost your opportunity, and your daughter accordingly leaves Australia
to night. I will, however, give you one more chance.
Take care that you make the most of it. A
sum I now ask is one hundred and fifty thousand
with a stick given to you by China Pete, and
must be paid with that inquiry of any sort. If
you are agreeable to this, advertisers follows, I will pay
(18:56):
w and give stick in the Agony column Sydney Morning
Herald on the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth of this present month.
Arrangements will then be made with you the man who knows.
Oh my god, I've ruined it all, said mister Weather,
as he put the letter down on the table. And
who knows I may have killed my poor child. Seeing
(19:19):
his misery, I did my best to comfort him, but
it was no use. He seemed utterly broken down by
the failure of our scheme, and if the truth must
be told, my own heart was quite as heavy. One
thing was very certain. There was a traitor in our camp.
Someone had overheard our plans and carried them elsewhere. Could
(19:40):
it be the footman? If so, he should have it
made hot for him. When I got sufficient proof against him,
I could promise him that most certainly. While I was
thinking over this, I heard a footstep on the companion's stairs,
and a moment later the inspector made his appearance. His
astonishment of finding us alone reading a letter by the
light of one's side candle was unmistakable, for he said,
(20:03):
as he came towards us and sat down, Why how's this?
Where are the men? There are none? We've been nicely sold,
I answered, handing him the letter. He perused it without
further remark, and when he had done so, sat drumming
with his fingers upon the table in thought. We shall
have to look in your own house for the person
who has given us away. Mister Weatherall, he said at last,
(20:25):
the folk who are running this affair are as cute
as men are made nowadays. It is a pleasure to
measure swords with them.
Speaker 2 (20:32):
What do you think?
Speaker 1 (20:33):
Our next move had better be get home as fast
as we can. I'll return with you and we talk
it over. It's no use our remaining here. We accordingly
went on deck and descended to our werry again. This
time the inspector accompanied us while the police boat set
off down the harbor on other business. When we had
seen it pull out into the darkness, we threw the
(20:54):
imitation money overboard pushed off for the shore, landed where
we had first embarked up to mister Weatherall's house. It
was considerably after twelve o'clock by the time we reached it,
but the butler was still sitting up for his disappointment
seemed as keen as ours. When he discovered that we
had returned without his young mistress. He followed us up
(21:14):
to the study with spirits and glasses, and then, at
his master's instruction, went off to bed. Now a gentlemen
began mister Weatherall, when the door had closed upon him.
Let us discuss the matter thoroughly. But before we begin,
may I offer you cigars. The inspector took one, but
I declined, stating that I preferred a pipe. But my
pipe was in my bedroom, which was on the other
(21:36):
side of the passage, so asking them to wait for me,
I went to fetch it. I left the room, shutting
the door behind me. But it so happened that the
pipe case had been moved, and it was some minutes
before I could find it. Having done so, however, I
blew out my candle was about to leave the room,
which was exactly opposite the study, when I heard the
green bay's door at the end of the passage open,
(21:57):
and a light footstep came.
Speaker 2 (21:58):
Along the corridor.
Speaker 1 (22:00):
Instantly, I stood perfectly still and waited to see who
it might be. Closer and closer the step came till
I saw, in the half dark the pretty figure of
one of the parlor maids. On tiptoe, she crept up
to the study door, then, stooping down, listened at the keyhole.
Instantly I was on the alert, every nerve strained to
watch her. For nearly five minutes. She stood there, and then,
(22:23):
with a glance round, tiptoed quietly along the passage, again,
closing the bay's door after her. When you were safe
out of hearing, I crossed to the study of the
inspector of mister Weatherill saw that something had happened and
were going to question me. But I held up my hand.
Don't ask any questions, but tell me as quickly and
as nearly as you can what you have been talking
(22:44):
about during the last five minutes. I said, why, don't
stop to ask questions. Believe the importance of my haste.
Speaker 2 (22:52):
What was it?
Speaker 1 (22:53):
I've only been giving mister Weatherall the notion of the
steps I proposed to take, said the inspector.
Speaker 2 (22:58):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (22:59):
Now I'm asked, don't sit up for me, mister Weatherall.
I'm going to follow up a clue that may put
us on the right scent at last. I don't think
you'd better come, mister inspector, but i'll meet you here
again at six o'clock. You can't explain, I suppose, said
the latter, looking a little huffed. I'm afraid not, I answered,
but I'll tell you this much. I saw one of
the female servants listening at this door. She'll be off
(23:21):
if I am mistake. Not with the news she has
picked up, and I want to watch her good night,
good night, and good luck to you. Without another word,
I slipped off my boots, and, carrying them in my hand,
left the room and went downstairs to the morning room.
This apartment looked out over the garden and possessed a
window shaded by a big tree. Opening it, I jumped
(23:42):
out and carefully closed it up to me and pausing
for a moment to resume my boots, I crept quietly
down the path, jumped a low wall, and so passed
into the back street about fifty yards from the tradesman's entrance,
but on the opposite side of the road there was
a big morton a fig tree. Under this, I took
my stand and turned a watchful eye upon the house.
(24:05):
It was a dark night, so that it would have
been extremely difficult for anyone across the way to have
detected my presence. For some minutes I waited and was
beginning to wonder if I could have been deceived, when
I heard the soft click of a latch, and next
moment a small, dark figure passed out into the street
and closed the gate after it, then pausing a moment
(24:27):
as if to make up her mind. For the mysterious
person was a woman. She set off quickly in the
direction of the city. I followed about one hundred yards
behind her, With the exception of one policeman who stared
very hard at me.
Speaker 2 (24:40):
It did not meet a soul.
Speaker 1 (24:42):
Once or twice I nearly lost her, And when we
reached the city itself, I began to see that it
would be well for me to decrease the difference that
separated us, if I did not wish to bid goodbye
to her altogether. I accordingly hastened my steps, and in
this fashion we passed up one street and down another,
until he reached what I cannot help thinking must have
(25:02):
been the lowest quarter of Sydney. On either hand were
Chinese names and sign boards, marine stores, slop shops with pawnbrokers,
and public houses galore. While in this locality few of
the inhabitants seemed to have any idea of what bed meant.
Groups of sullen looking men and women were clustered at
the corners, and on one occasion the person I was
(25:24):
pursuing was stopped by them. But she evidently knew how
to take care of herself, for she was soon marching
on her way again. At the end of one long
and filthy, dirty street. She paused and looked about her.
I had crossed the road just before this, and was
scarcely ten yards behind her, Pulling my hat well down
to shade my face, sticking my hands in my pockets,
(25:46):
I staggered and reeled along, doing my best to imitate
the gait of a drunken man. Seeing only me about,
she went up to the window of a corner house
and tapped with her knuckles thrice upon the glass. Before
one could have come to twenty, the door of the
drain was opened and she passed in. Now I was
in a nasty fix. Either I must be content to
(26:07):
abandon my errand I must get inside the building and
trust to luck to procure the information I wanted. Fortunately,
in my present disguise, the girl would be hardly likely
to recognize her master's guest, so giving them time to
get into a room, I also went up to the
door and turned the handle. To my delight, it was unlocked.
I opened it and entered the house. The passage was
(26:31):
in total darkness, but I could make out where the
door of the room I wanted to find was located
by a thin streak of light low down upon the
floor as softly as I possibly could, I crept up
to it and bent down to look through the keyhole.
The view was necessarily limited, but I could just make up.
The girl I had followed, sitting upon a bed while
leaning against the wall, a dirty clay pipe in her mouth,
(26:54):
was the vilest old woman I have ever in my
life set eyes on. She was very small, with a
picked up nutcracker face, dressed in an old bit of
tawdry finery more than three sizes too large for her.
Her hair fell upon her shoulders in a tangled mass.
From under it, her eyes gleamed out like those of
a wicked little Scotch terrier ready to bite. As I
(27:16):
bent down to listen, I heard her say, well, my
pretty dear, and what information have you got for the
gentleman that he brings you down at this time of night?
Only that the coppers are going to start at daylight
looking for the merry duchess. I had the inspect to
say so himself, the daylight are they croaked the old hag? Well,
I wish him joy of their search. I do them then,
And any more news, my dear, the master, and that
(27:39):
long legged slab of a Hatteras went out to night
down to the harbor. The old man brought home a
lot of money bags, but what was in and was
only dummies. I know that too, my dear. Nicely they
were sold. She chuckled like an old fiend, and then
began to cut up another pipe of tobacco in the
palm of her hand like a man. She smoked me
(28:00):
grow head, and the wreek of it came out through
the keyhole to me. But the younger woman was evidently impatient,
for she rose and said, when did they sail with
the girl?
Speaker 2 (28:09):
Sallie?
Speaker 1 (28:09):
They're gone, my dear, They went at ten tonight. At
this news, my heart began to throb painfully. They weren't
long about it, said the younger girl, nut Nicholas. Not
long about anything, remarked the old woman. I hope Pippolano
will agree with her health as stuck up minks, I do.
The younger remarked spitefully. Now where's the money? He said,
(28:30):
I was to have give it to me and let
me be off while should get the sack. If this
is found out, it was five pound that was to
give you, wasn't it, the older woman said? Ten said
the younger sharply, No lark, Salie, I know too much
for you. Oh you know a lot money, don't you.
Of course you'd be expected to know more than old
Aunt Sally, who's never seen anything at all. Wouldn't you
(28:50):
get along with you? Hand me over the money, I say,
and let me be off. Of course, you do know
a lot more, don't you. There's a pound. While they
were over the pavement, I crept down the passage again
to the front door. Once I had reached it, I
opened it softly and went out, closing it carefully behind me.
Then I took to my heels and ran down the
(29:12):
street in the direction I had come, inquiring my way
here and there from policemen. I eventually reached home, scaled
the wall, went across the garden to the morning room window.
This I opened, and by its help made my way
into the house and upstairs. As I had expected that
he would have gone to bed. My astonishment was considerable
at meeting mister Weatherall on the landing. Well what have
(29:34):
you discovered, he asked anxiously as I came up to him.
Information of the greatest importance, I answered, Another thing. First,
call up your housekeeper, tell her you have reason to
believe that one of the maids is not in the house, Warner,
not to mention you in the matter, but to discharge
the girl before breakfast. By the time you've done that,
I'll have changed my things and be ready to tell
(29:55):
you everything. I'll go and rouse her at once. I
am all impatience to know what you've discovered. He left
me and passed through the green bay's door to the
servant's wing. Well, I went to my bedroom and changed
my things.
Speaker 2 (30:07):
It's done.
Speaker 1 (30:07):
I passed into the study, where I've had a meal.
Awaiting me to this, I did ample justice for my
long walk, and the excitement of the evening had given
me an unusual appetite. Just as I was cutting myself
a third slice of beef, mister Weatherill returned informed me
that the housekeeper was on the alert and would receive
the girl on her reappearance. Now tell me of your doings,
(30:29):
said the old gentleman. I thereupon narrated all that had occurred,
and when I had finished, he said, do you believe
then that my poor girl has been carried off by
Niccola to this island called pippoll Anou? I do, well, then,
what are we going to do to rescue her? Shall
I ask the government to send the gunboat down if
you think it best. But for my own part I
(30:50):
must own that I should act independently of them. You
don't want to make a big sensation, I presume, and remember,
to arrest Niccola would be to open the whole of
Then what do you propose?
Speaker 2 (31:02):
I propose?
Speaker 1 (31:03):
I answered that we charter a small schooner, fit her out,
select half a dozen trustworthy and silent men, then take
our departure for pipoll Anu. I'm well acquainted with the island,
and what's more, I hold a master's certificate. We would
sailly in after dark, arm all our party thoroughly, and
go ashore. I expect they would be keeping your daughter
(31:24):
a prisoner in a hut. If that is so, we
will surround it and rescue her without any trouble, and
what is better still, without any public scandal. What do
you think? Quite agree with what you say? I think
it's an excellent idea. And while you've been speaking, I
too have been thinking of something. There's my old friend mcmurton,
who has a nice steam yacht. I'm sure he'd be
(31:44):
willing to let us have the use of it. Where
does he live? Far from here? His office would be best.
We'll go over and see him directly after breakfast, if
you like. By all means, now, I think I'll go
and take a little nap. I feel quite worn out.
When the inspector arrives, you'll be able to explain all
that has happened. But I think I shall ask him
to keep a quiet tongue in his head about the island.
(32:05):
If it leaks out at all, it may warn them,
and they'll be off elsewhere, to a place, perhaps where
we may not be able to find them. I'll remember,
said mister Weatherall. And thereupon I retire to my room, and,
having partially undressed, through myself upon my bed, and in
less than two minutes I was fast asleep, never waking
until the first gong sounded for breakfast. Then, after a
(32:26):
good bath, which refreshed me wonderfully, I dressed in my
usual habiliments, and went downstairs. Mister Weatherall and the Marquess
were there in the dining room, who held a copy
of the Sydney Morning Herald in his hand, seemed prodigiously excited,
I say, mister hatteras said the latter after I said,
good morning. It's an advertisement which is evidently intended for you.
Speaker 2 (32:48):
What's it about? I ask?
Speaker 1 (32:49):
Who wants to advertise for me? Read for yourself? Said
the marquess given me the paper. I took it and
glanced down the column to which he referred me, until
I came to the fire Richard Hatteras if this should
meet the eye of mister Richard hatteras of Thursday Island
Torres Straits, lately returned from England, and believed to be
now in Sydney, he is earnestly requested to call at
(33:13):
the office of Messrs Dawson and Gladman, Solicitors, Castlereagh Street,
where he would hear of something to his advantage. There
could be no doubt at all that I was the
person referred to, But what could be the reason of
it all? What was it I could possibly hear to
my advantage save news of Phyllis? And it would be
(33:34):
most unlikely that I would learn anything about the movements
of the gang who had abducted her from a firm
of first class solicitors such as I understood Messrs Dawson
and Gladman to be. However, it was no use wondering
about it, So I dismissed the matter from my mind
from the present and took my place at the table.
In the middle of the meal, the butler left the
room in response to a ring at the front door.
(33:56):
When he returned, it was to inform me that a
man was in the hall wish to have a few
moments conversation with me. Asking mister Weatherill to excuse me,
I left the room. In the hall, I found a
seedy looking individual about middle age. He bowed, and, on
learning that my name was hatteras, asked if he might
be permitted five minutes alone with me. In response, I
(34:17):
led him to the morning room, and, having closed the door,
pointed to a seat. What is your business? I inquired,
when he had sat down. It is a rather curious
affair to approach mister hatteras the man began, but to commence,
I may be permitted to suggest that you are uneasy
in your mind about a person who has disappeared. You
may certainly suggest that, if you like, I answered cautiously,
(34:37):
if it were in a man's power to furnish a
clue regarding that person's whereabouts, it might be useful to
you I suppose, He continued, craft, telling wat in me
out at the corners of his eyes. Very useful, I replied,
are you in a position to do so? I might
possibly be able to afford you some slight assistance. He
went on, that is, of course, provided it were made
(34:59):
worth me while. What do you call worth your while? Well?
Shall we say five hundred pounds? That's not a large
sum for really tossworthy information. I ought to ask a thousand,
considering the danger I'm running in mixing myself up with
this affair. Only I'm a father myself, and that's why
I do it. I see, Well, let me tell you
(35:21):
I consider five hundred pounds too much. Well, then I'm
afraid we can't trade. I'm sorry, so am I, but
I'm not going to buy a pig in a poke.
Shall we say four hundred then? No? Nor three, two
or one? If your information is worth anything, I don't
mind giving you fifty pounds for it, But I won't
give you a hate any more. As I spoke, I
(35:43):
rose as if to terminate the interview. Instantly my visitor
adopted a different tone. I thought, this is my generosity,
he said, it's the ruin of me. Well, you shall
have it for fifty Give me the money, and I'll
tell you by no means, I answered, I must hear
the information first, trust in my honor. If what you
tell me is worth anything, I'll give you fifty pounds
(36:05):
for it. Now, what is it, well, sir? To begin with,
you must understand that I was standing at the corner
of Pitt Street an evening or two back, when two
men passed me, talking earnestly together. One of them was
a tall, strapping fellow, the other a little chap. Never
saw two evil a looking rascals in my life. Just
as they came alongside me, one says to the other,
(36:26):
don't be afraid, I'll have the girl at the station
or right at eight o'clock sharp. The other said something
that I could not catch, and then I lost sight
of them. But what I had heard stuck in my head,
and so I accordingly went off to the station, arriving
there a little before the hour. I hadn't been there
long before the smallest of the two chaps I'd seen
(36:46):
in the street came onto the platform and began looking
about him. By the face of him, he didn't seem
at all pleased at not finding the other man waiting
for him. A train drew up at the platform, and
presently just before it started, the other and a young
lady wearing a heavy veil come quickly along. The first
man saw them gave a little cry of delight. I
(37:07):
thought you'd be too late, says he. No fear of that,
says the other, and jumps into a first class carriage,
telling the girl to get in after him, which she does,
crying the while. As I could see. Then the chap
on the platform says to the other was leaning out
the window. Write to me from Bourke and tell me
how she gets on. You bet, says his friend. And
(37:28):
don't you forget to keep an eyron hatteras don't you
be afraid, answered the man on the platform. Then the
guard whistled in the train right out of the station
directly I was able to I got away, and the
first thing this morning came on here. Now you have
my information, I'll trouble you for that fifty pounds. Not
so fast, my friend, Your story seems very good, But
(37:49):
I want to ask a few questions. First, had the
bigger man, the man who went up to Burke a
deep cut over his left eyey Now I come to
think of it, he had. I've forgotten to tell you that.
So it was he then? But are you certain it
was miss Weatherill? Remember she wore a veil. Could you
see if her hair was flaxen in color? Very light
it was, But I couldn't see rightly which color it was.
(38:12):
You sure it was a light color? Quite sure? I
could swear to it in a court of law if
you wanted me to. I saw right then, because it
shows me your story is a fabrication. Come get out
of this house, or I'll throw you out, your scoundrel.
For two pins, I'll give you such a thrashing you'd
remember all your life. None of that, Governor, don't try
it on hinders over that fifty quid. With that, the
(38:32):
scoundrel whipped out a revolver and pointed it at me.
But before he could threaten again, I'd got hold of
his wrist with one hand, snatched the pistol with the other,
and sent him sprawling on his back upon the carpet. Now,
you brute, I cried, Now, what am I going to
do with you?
Speaker 2 (38:48):
Do you think?
Speaker 1 (38:48):
Get up and clear out of the house before I
take my boot to you. He got up, and began
to brush his clothes. I want my fifty pound, he cried.
You'll get more than you want if you come here again.
I said, out you go with that. I got him
by the collar and dragged him out of the room
across the hall, much to the butler's astonishment, through the
front door, and I kicked him down the steps. He
(39:11):
fell in a heap on the gravel. All right, my
fine bloke, he said, as he lay there. You wait
till I get you outside. I'll fix you up, and
don't you make no mistake. I went back to the
dining room without paying any attention to his threats. Both
mister Weatherall and Beckenham had been witnesses of what had occurred,
and now they questioned me concerning his visit. I gave
(39:31):
them an outline of the story the man had told me,
and convinced them of its absurdity. Then mister Weatherell rose
to his feet. Now shall we go and see Macmurto? Certainly,
I said, I'll be ready as soon as you are.
You will come with us, I hope, Lord Beckenham. Weatherill said,
with every pleasure, answered his lordship, and thereupon we went
off to get ready three quarters of an hour later
(39:55):
we were sitting in mister mcmurto's office. The upshot of
the interview was that mister mc murto fell in with
our plans as soon as we had uttered them, and
expressed himself delighted to lend his yacht in such a
good cause. Only wish I could come with you, he said,
but unfortunately that is quite impossible. However, you are more
than welcome to my boat. I will give you a letter,
(40:15):
or send one to the captain, so that she may
be prepared for sea to day? Will you see about
provisioning her?
Speaker 2 (40:21):
Or shall I?
Speaker 1 (40:22):
We will attend to that, said Weatherall. All the expenses
must of course be mine as you please. About that,
my old friend returned macmurto. Where is she lying? Asked Weatherall.
The owner gave us the direction, and then, having sincerely
thanked him, we set off in search of her. She
was a nice craft, of about one hundred and fifty
tons burden, and looked as if she ought to be
(40:43):
a good sea boat chartering or wary, We were pulled
off to her. The captain was below when we arrived,
but a hail brought him on deck. Mister Weatherall then
explained our errand and gave him his owner's letter. He
read it through, and, having done so, said, I am
at your service, gentlemen, for what mister Notto says here,
I gather there is no time to lose, so with
(41:03):
your permission, I'll get to work at once order all
the coal. You want to tell the steward to do
the same for anything he may require in his department.
The bills must be sent into me. Very good, mister
weatherall what time will you be ready? As soon as
you are? Can you go away by three o'clock this afternoon?
Thinking well, I'll be a bit of a scramble, but
I think we can manage it anyhow, I'll do my best.
(41:25):
You may be sure of that, sir. I'm sure you will.
There is a grave need for it. Now we'll go
back and arrange a few matters ashore. My man shall
bring our baggage down later on. Very good, sir, I'll
have your berths prepared. With that, we descended to the
boat again and were pulled ashore. Arriving there, mister Weather
will ask what we should do first? Had we better
go up to the town and purchase a few rifles
(41:47):
and some ammunition, I said, and we can have them
sent down direct to the boat. A very good suggestion.
Let us go at once. We accordingly set off at
George Street to a shop I remembered having seen there.
We purchase half a dozen Winchester repeaters with a good
supply of ammunition. They were to be sent down to
the yacht without fail.
Speaker 2 (42:06):
That morning.
Speaker 1 (42:07):
This done, me stood on the pavement debating what we
should do next. Finally it was decided that mister Weatherall
and Beckenham should go home to pack well. I made
one or two other small purchases and then joined them, accordingly,
bidding them good bye. I went on down the street,
completed my business and was about to hail a cab
and follow them, when a thought struck me. Why should
(42:28):
I not visit Messrs Dawson and Gladman and find out
why they were advertising for me? This I determined to do,
and accordingly set off for Castlereagh Street. In a small
room leading off the main passage, three clerks were seated
to them. I addressed myself, asking if I might see
the partners. Mister Dawson is the only one in town, Sir,
(42:49):
said the boy to whom I spoke, if you've given
me a name, I'd take it into him. My name
is Hatteras, I said, mister Richard Hatteras. In less than
two minutes, the clerk returned and begged me to follow him,
which I did. At the end of a long passage,
we passed through a curtained doorway and I stood in
presence of the chief partner. I have great pleasure in
(43:10):
making your acquaintance, mister Hatteras, he said, as I came
to an anchor in a chair. You noticed our advertisement.
I presume saw it this morning, I answered, and it
is another account that I am here one moment before
we proceed any further, forgive what I am about to say,
but you will see yourself that it is a point
I am compelled not to neglect. Can you convince me
(43:30):
as to your identity very easily? I replied, diving my
hand into my breast pocket, taking out some papers. First
and foremost, Here is my bank book, here is my
card case, and here are two or three letters addressed
to me by London's and Sydney firms. The honorable Sylvester
Weather or Colodiot, the secretary, will be glad. I'm sure
(43:50):
to virchu me. Is that sufficient to convince you? More
than sufficient? He answered, smiling, And let me tell you
for what purpose we desired you to call upon us.
Here he opened a drawer and took out a letter.
First and foremost, you must understand that we are the
Sydney agents of Messrs Atwin, Dobbs and Forsyth, of Fernivals
in London, from them by the last English mail we
(44:13):
received this letter. I gather that you are the son
of James Daimo Hatteras, who was drowned at sea in
the year eighteen eighty. I am your father was the
third son of Sir Edward Hatteras of Myrdlestone in that
county of Hampshire. He was, and the brother of Sir William,
who had one daughter, Gwendolene Mary. That is so well,
(44:34):
mister Hatteras. It's my sad duty to inform you that
within a week of your departure from England, your cousin,
the young lady just referred to, was drowned by accident
in a pond nearer home, and that a father who
had been ailing for some few days died of a
heart disease. On hearing the sad tidings. In that case, sir,
my correspondents informed me, there being no nearer issue, you
(44:57):
succeed to the title and estates, which I also learn
are of considerable value, including the house and park, ten farms,
and a large amount of house property, a rent roll
of fifteen thousand a year, an accumulated capital of nearly
one hundred thousand pounds. Good gracious, is this really true?
Quite true? You can examine the letter for yourself. I
(45:20):
took it up from the table and read it through,
hardly to believe my eyes. You are indeed a man
to be envied, mister hatteras said the lawyer. The title
is an old one, and I believe the property is
considered one of the best in that part of England.
It is, but I can hardly believe that it's really mine.
There's no doubt about that. However, you are a baronet
(45:40):
as certainly as I am a lawyer. I presume you
would like us to take whatever action is necessary by
all means. This afternoon, I am leaving Sydney for a
week or two for the Islands. I will sign any
papers when I come back. I will bear that in mind.
You're addressing Sydney's care of the Honorable Sylvester weatherall pots Point.
Thank you, And by the way, my correspondence have designed
(46:02):
me on their behalf to pay into your account at
the Oceana the summer five thousand pounds. This I will
do to day. I'm obliged to you, and I think
I must be going to tell the truth. I hardly
know whether I am standing on my head or my heels.
I'll soon get over that. Good morning, Sir Richard. With that,
I bade him farewell and went out of the office,
feeling quite dazed by my good fortune. I thought of
(46:23):
the poor idiot whose end had been so tragic, and
of the old man as I had last seen him
shaking his fist at me from the window of the house.
And to think that that lovely home was mine, and
that I was a baronet, the principal representative of a
race as old as any in the countryside, seemed too
wonderful to be true. Hearty work, congratulations showed upon me
(46:45):
at Pott's Point, you may be sure when I told
my tale and my health was drunk at lunch with
much good will, But our minds were too much taken
up with the arrangements for our departure that afternoon to
allow us to think very much of anything else. At
two o'clock we were ready to leave the house. By
how past we were on board the yacht. At three
point fifteen, the anchor was up. A few moments later
(47:08):
we were plowing our way down the harbor.
Speaker 2 (47:10):
Our search for.
Speaker 1 (47:11):
Phyllis had reached another stage. End of Part two, Chapter four,
Part two, Chapter four of a Bid for Fortune by
Guy Boothby. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings
are in the public domain. Chapter four, following up a
clue for some moments after I perused the curious epistle
mister Weatherall had brought to my room, I remained wrapped
(00:24):
in thought we make of it? My companion asked, And
what to say? I answered, looking at it again. One thing, however,
is quite certain, and that is, despite its curious wording,
it is intended you should take it seriously.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
You think so?
Speaker 1 (00:39):
I do, indeed, But I think when the Inspector arrives,
it would be just as well to show it to him.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
What do you say? I agree with you.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
Let us defer consideration of it until we see him.
When an hour later the Inspector put in an appearance,
the letter was accordingly placed before him, and his opinion
asked concerning it. He read it through without comment, carefully
examined the writing and signature, and finally held it up
to the light. Having done this, he turned to me
and said, have you that envelope we found at the
(01:08):
Canary bird, mister Hatteras I took it out of my
pocket and handed it to him. He then placed it
on the table side by side with the letter, and
through a magnifying glass, scrutinized both carefully. Having done so,
he asked for the envelope in which it had arrived,
But mister Weatherall had thrown it into the waste paper basket,
and a moment's search brought it to light again. He
(01:32):
scrutinized both the first envelope and the letter, and then
compared them with the second cover.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
Yes, I thought so, he said.
Speaker 1 (01:39):
This letter was written either by Niccola or at his desire.
The paper is the same as that he purchased at
the stationer's shop we visited. And what had we better
do now, queried weather Or, who had been eagerly awaiting
for his opinion. We must think, said the inspector. In
the first place, I suppose you don't feel inclined to
pay the large sum mentioned here, and if I can
(02:02):
help it, of course, answered mister Weatherill. But if the
worst comes to the worst and I cannot rescue my
poor girl any other way, I would sacrifice even more
than that. Well, we will see if we can find
her without compelling you to pay anything at all. The
inspector cried, I've got an idea in my head.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
And what is that?
Speaker 1 (02:22):
I cried for I too had been thinking out a
plan well first and foremost, he answered, I want you,
mister Weatherill, to tell me all you can about your servants.
Let's begin with a butler. How long has he been
with you? Nearly twenty years? A good and trustworthy servant.
I presume to the last degree I have implicit confidence
in him. Then we may dismiss him from our minds.
(02:44):
I think I saw a footman in the hall. How
long has he been with you? Just about three months?
What sort of fellow is he? I really couldn't tell
you very much. She seems intelligent, quick and willing and
up to his work. Is your cook a man or
a woman?
Speaker 2 (02:59):
A woman?
Speaker 1 (03:00):
She has been with me since before my wife's death,
that is to say, nearly ten years. You need have
no suspicion of her. Housemaids two two both have been
with me sometime and seem steady, respectable girls. There's also
a kitchen maid. But she's been with me nearly as
long as my cook, and I would stake my reputation
(03:21):
on her integrity. Well, in that case, the only person
who seems at all suspicious is the footman. May we
have him up with pleasure? I'll ring for him, mister
Weatherell rang the bell, and a moment later was answered
by the man himself. Come in, James, and shut the
door behind you, his master said. The man did as
he was ordered, but not without looking, as I thought
(03:42):
a little uncomfortable. The inspector, I could see, had noticed
this too, for he had been watching him intent me
ever since he had appeared in the room. James said,
mister Weatherill, the inspector of police whish is to ask
you a few questions. Answer him to the best of
your ability. To begin with, said the inspector, I want
you to look at this envelope. Have you seen it before?
(04:05):
He handed him the envelope with the anonymous letter addressed
to mister Weatherall. The man took it and turned it
over in his hands. Yes, sir, he said, I have
seen it before. I took it in at the front door,
from whom of a little old woman?
Speaker 2 (04:19):
Sir?
Speaker 1 (04:19):
The man answered, A little old woman, cried the inspector,
evidently surprised. What sort of woman? Well, sir, I don't know.
I can give you much of a description of her.
She was very small and a sort of a nutcracker face,
a little black poke bonnet, and walked with a stick.
Should you know her again if you saw her?
Speaker 2 (04:39):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (04:39):
Yes, sir. Did she say anything when she gave you
the letter? Only for mister Weather or young man? That
was all, sir. And he didn't ask if there was
an answer. That was rather a singular omission on your part.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
Was it not.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
She didn't give me time, sir. She just put it
into my hand and went down the steps again. That
will do, now, mister weatherall, I think you'd better see
about getting that money from the bank. You need not wait,
my man. The footman thereupon left the room. While both
mister Weather and I stared at the inspector in complete astonishment.
He laughed, you're wondering why I said that, He remarked,
(05:13):
I must confess it struck me as curious. Well, let
me tell you I did it with a purpose. Did
you notice that young man's face when he entered the
room and when I gave him the letter? There can
be no doubt about it. He's in the secret You
mean that he's in Nichola's employ Then why don't you
arrest him because I want to be quite certain first,
I said that about the money, because if he is
(05:35):
Nichola's agent, he will carry the information to him, and
by so doing keep your daughter in Sydney for at
least a day longer.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
Do you see? I do?
Speaker 1 (05:44):
And I admire your diplomacy. Now what is your plan?
I first tell mine, I said, do, said the inspector,
for mine is not quite matured yet. Well, I said,
My idea is this. I propose that mister Weatherall shall
obtain from his bank a number of gold bags, fill
them with lead disks to represent coin. Let it leak
(06:06):
out before this man that he has got the money
in the house. Then tonight mister Weatherall will set off
for the water side. I will row him down to
the harbor disguised as a boatman. We will pick up
the boat as arranged in that letter. In the meantime,
you must start from the other side in a police boat,
pull up to meet us and arrest the man. Then
we will force him to disclose miss Weatherall's whereabouts and
(06:30):
act upon his information.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
What do you say?
Speaker 1 (06:33):
It certainly sounds feasible, said the inspector, and mister Weatherall
nodded his head approvingly. At that moment, the Marquis entered
the room, looking much better than when we had found
him on the preceding night, and the conversation branched off
into a different channel. My plot seemed to commend itself
so much to mister Weatherall's judgment that he ordered his
(06:54):
carriage and drove off there and then to his bank.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
Well.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
I went down to the harbor, arranged about a boat, and,
having done so, proceeded up to the town, where I
purchased a false beard, an old dungaree suit, such as
a man loafing about the harbor might wear, and a
sloush hat of villainous appearance. By the time I got
back to the house, mister Weatherwall had returned with great delight.
(07:19):
He conducted me to his study, and, opening his safe,
showed me a number of canvas bags, on each of
which was printed one thousand pounds. But surely there are
not one hundred thousand there, No, said the old gentleman
with a chuckle. There is the counterfeit of fifty thousand
pounds there for the rest. I proposed to show him
these so saying, he dived his hands into a drawer
(07:43):
and produced a sheaf of crisp brank notes. There these
are the notes for the balance of the amount. But
surely you are not going to pay. I thought we
were going to try and catch the rascals without letting
many money change hands. So we are Do not be afraid.
You will only glance at these notes, you will see
that they are done, every one of them. They are
for me to exhibit to the man in the boat
(08:04):
in the dark. They'll pass muster. Never fear very good, indeed,
I said, with a laugh. By the time they can
be properly examined, we shall have the police at hand
ready to capture him. I believe we shall, the old
gentleman cried, grubbing his hands together in delight. I believe
we shall, and a nice example will make of the rascals.
Nichola thinks he can beat me, I'll show him how
(08:25):
mistaken he is. And for some time the old gentleman
continued in this strain, confidently believing that he would have
his daughter with him again by the time morning came.
Nor was I far behind him in confidence. Since Nicola
had not spirited her out of the country, my plot
seemed to be the one of all others to enable
us to regain possession of her. And not only that,
(08:47):
but we hoped it would give us an opportunity of
punishing those who had so schemed against her. Suddenly an
idea was born in my brain, and I instantly acted
upon it. Mister weather Or, I supposing, when your daughter
is safe again, I presume so far as to once
more offer myself for your son in law.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
What will you say? What will I say? He cried? Why?
Speaker 1 (09:10):
I will tell you that you shall have her, my boy,
with ten thousand blessings on your head. I know you now,
and since I've treated you so badly, and you've taken
such a noble revenge, why I'll make it up to you.
And the name's not weather Or. But we won't talk
any more about that till we have got possession of her.
We have other and more important things to think of.
What time ought we to start tonight? The letter fixes
(09:33):
the meeting for ten o'clock. We'd better be in the
boat by half past nine. In the meantime, I should
advise you to take a little rest. By the way,
Do you think your footman realizes that you have the
money he ought to be, for he carried it up
to this room for me. And what's more, he is
applied for a holiday this afternoon. That's to carry the information.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
Very good.
Speaker 1 (09:52):
Everything is working excellently. I'm off to rest for a
little while. I'll follow your example. In the meantime we'll
give orders for an early dinner. We dined at seven
o'clock sharp, and at half past eight I went off
to my room to don my disguise, then bidding the
Marquess goodbye. Much to the young gentleman's disgust, for he
(10:14):
was most anxious to accompany us, I slipped quietly out
of my window across the garden, I hoped unobserved, and
went down to the harbour side, where the boat I
had charted was waiting for me. A quarter an hour later,
whether All's carriage drove up, and on seeing it, I
went across and opened the door. My disguise were so
perfect for a moment, the old gentleman seemed undecided whether
(10:37):
to trust me or not, but my voice when I
spoke reassured him. And then we set to work carrying
the bags of spurious money down to the boat. As
soon as this was accomplished, we stepped in. I seated
myself amidships and got out the oars as to whether
all taking the yolk lines in the stern. Then we
shoved off and made our way out into the harbor.
(10:59):
It was a doll cloudy night, with hardly the sign
of a star in the whole length and breadth of heaven.
Well every few minutes a cold, cheerless wind swept across
the water. So chilly, indeed was it that before we
had gone very far, I began to wish I had
added an overcoat to my other disguises. We hardly spoke,
but pulled slowly down towards the island mentioned in the letter.
(11:22):
The strain on our nerves was intense, and I must
confess to feeling decidedly nervous, as I wondered what would
happen if the police boat did not pull up to
meet us as we had that morning. Arranged a quarter
to ten chime from some church ashore as we approached
within one hundred yards of our destination, And then I
rested on my oars and waited. All around us were
(11:43):
the lights of bigger craft, but no rowing boat could
I see. About five minutes before the hour, I whispered
to weather to make ready, and in answer, the old
gentleman took a match box from his pocket. Exactly as
the town clock struck the hour, he lit a vesta.
It flared a little, then went out. As it did so,
a boat shut out of the darkness to port. He
(12:06):
struck a second, and then a third, as the last
one burned up and then died away. The man rowing
the boat I've just referred to struck a light, then another,
then another, in rapid succession. Having finished his display, he
took up his oars and propelled his boat towards us.
When he was within talking distance, he said, in a
gruff voice, was mister weather all aboard to this? My
(12:30):
companion immediately answered, with a tremble in his voice. Yes
here I am money all right? Can you see if
I hold it up, asked mister Weatherill. As he spoke,
a long black boat came into view on the other
side of our questioner, and I pulled slowly towards him.
It was the police boat. No I don't want to see,
said the voice again. But this is the message I
(12:51):
was to give you. Pull in towards Circular Key and
find the maid of the miss bark. Go aboard her
and take your money down into the cuddy. There you'll
get your answer. Nothing more, cried mister Weather. That's all
I was told, answered the man, and then said good night.
At the same moment, the police boat pulled up alongside
(13:12):
him and made fast. I saw a dark figure enter
his boat, and the next moment the glare of a
lantern fell upon the man's face. I picked up my
oars and pulled over to them, getting there just in
time to hear The inspector asked the man his name,
James Burbage was the reply. I don't know that he's
got anything against me. I'm a license waterman. I am
(13:34):
very likely, said the inspector. But I want a little
explanation from you. How do you come to be mixed
up in this business?
Speaker 2 (13:40):
What about this? Here? A message? You mean?
Speaker 1 (13:42):
Yes, about this message? Where is it from? Who gave
it to you? Well, if you let me go, I'll
tell you about it, growled the man. I was up
at the head and chickens this evening, and just afore dark,
taking a nobbler along with a friend. Presently incomes a
cove in a cloak. He beckons me outside and says,
do you want to earn a surfing? A surfing is
twenty Bob, So I says, my word, I do. Then
(14:04):
he says, we'll go out on the arbor tonight, be
down again sharp point at ten, I said, a wooden
soul was you'll see a boat with an old gent
in it. He says, he'll strike three matches. You do
the same, and ask him if he's mister weatherall if
he says yes, ask him if the money's all right.
And if he says yes, and if he says yes
to that, tell it to pull in towards Circular Key
(14:25):
and find the mane and a miss bark. He's to
take the money down to the cuddy and get his
answer there. That's the truth. So help me, Bob, I
don't know what she wants to go arresting of an
honest man. For inspector turned to the water police, there's
any man here, knowd James Burbage. Two or three voices
immediately answered in the affirmative. And this seemed to decide
(14:46):
the officer, for he turned to the water and again
and said, as some of my men seemed to know,
you will let you off if your own sake go
home and keep a silent tongue. He thereupon clambered back
into his own boat and bathe. The man depart in
less time than it takes to tell he was out
of sight. We then drew up alongside the police boat.
(15:07):
What had we better do, mister inspector asked mister Weatherall
find the Maid of the mist at once. She's an
untenanted ship for being for sale. You will go aboard, sir,
with your companion, and down to the cuddy. Don't take
your money, however, We'll draw up alongside as soon as
you're below, and when one of their gang, whom will
dispatch for it, comes up to get the coin, we'll
(15:28):
collar him and then come down to your assistance. Do
you understand perfectly? But how are we to know the vessel?
Speaker 2 (15:35):
Well?
Speaker 1 (15:35):
The better plan would be for you to follow us.
We'll pulled her within one hundred yards of her. I
learned from one of my men that she's painted white,
so you'll have no difficulty in recognizing her. Very well,
then go on and we'll follow you. The police boat
accordingly set off, and we followed about fifty yards behind her.
A thick drizzle was now falling, and it was by
(15:56):
no means an easy matter. To keep her in sight.
Some time we pulled on. Presently we began to get
closer to her. In a quarter of an hour we
were alongside. There's your craft, said the inspector, pointing as
he spoke to a big vessel showing dimly through the
scud to the starboard of us. Pull over to her.
I followed his instructions, and, arriving at the vessel's side,
(16:18):
hitched on, made the painter fast, and then, having clambered aboard,
assisted mister Weatherell to do the same. As soon as
we had both gained the deck, we stood and looked
about us, at the same time listening for any sound
which might proclaim the presence of the men we had
come to meet. Save the sighing of the wind in
the shrouds overhead, the dismal creaking of blocks, and the
(16:40):
drip of moisturep on the deck, no sign was to
be heard. There was nothing for it, therefore, but to
make our way below as best we could. Fortunately, I
had had the forethought to bring with me a small
piece of candle, which came in very handily at the
present juncture. Seeing that the cuddy. When we reached a
companion ladder was wrapped in total darkness. Very carefully, I
(17:03):
stepped inside, lit the candle, and then, with mister Weather
at my heels, made my way down the steps. Arriving
at the bottom, we found ourselves in a fair sized
saloon of the old fashioned type. Three cabins stood on
either side or from the bottom of the companion ladder
by which we had descended, to a long cushioned locker
(17:23):
right aft under the wheel, and a table covered with
American cloth.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
But there was no.
Speaker 1 (17:29):
Man of any kind to be seen. I opened cabin
after cabin and searched each with a like result. We
were evidently quite alone in the ship. When you make
of it all, I asked mister weatherall looks extremely suspicious.
He answered, perhaps we're too early for them. But see,
mister hatteras there's something on the table at the farther end.
(17:50):
So there was something that looked very much like a letter.
Together we went round to the end of the table,
and there surely enough found a letter, pinned to the
American cloth and addressed to my companion in a bowld
but rather quaint handwriting. It's for you, mister weatherall, I said,
removing the pins and presenting it to him. Thereupon we
(18:11):
sat down beside the table, and he broke the seal
with trembling fingers. It was not a very long epistle,
and ran my dear mister Weatherall bags of imitation money
and spurious banknotes will not avail you, Nor is it
politic to arrange at the water pleae should meet you
on the harbor for the purpose of arresting me. You
(18:31):
have lost your opportunity, and your daughter accordingly leaves Australia
to night. I will, however, give you one more chance.
Take care that you make the most of it. A
sum I now ask is one hundred and fifty thousand
with a stick given to you by China Pete, and
must be paid with that inquiry of any sort. If
you are agreeable to this, advertisers follows, I will pay
(18:56):
w and give stick in the Agony column Sydney Morning
Herald on the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth of this present month.
Arrangements will then be made with you the man who knows.
Oh my god, I've ruined it all, said mister Weather,
as he put the letter down on the table. And
who knows I may have killed my poor child. Seeing
(19:19):
his misery, I did my best to comfort him, but
it was no use. He seemed utterly broken down by
the failure of our scheme, and if the truth must
be told, my own heart was quite as heavy. One
thing was very certain. There was a traitor in our camp.
Someone had overheard our plans and carried them elsewhere. Could
(19:40):
it be the footman? If so, he should have it
made hot for him. When I got sufficient proof against him,
I could promise him that most certainly. While I was
thinking over this, I heard a footstep on the companion's stairs,
and a moment later the inspector made his appearance. His
astonishment of finding us alone reading a letter by the
light of one's side candle was unmistakable, for he said,
(20:03):
as he came towards us and sat down, Why how's this?
Where are the men? There are none? We've been nicely sold,
I answered, handing him the letter. He perused it without
further remark, and when he had done so, sat drumming
with his fingers upon the table in thought. We shall
have to look in your own house for the person
who has given us away. Mister Weatherall, he said at last,
(20:25):
the folk who are running this affair are as cute
as men are made nowadays. It is a pleasure to
measure swords with them.
Speaker 2 (20:32):
What do you think?
Speaker 1 (20:33):
Our next move had better be get home as fast
as we can. I'll return with you and we talk
it over. It's no use our remaining here. We accordingly
went on deck and descended to our werry again. This
time the inspector accompanied us while the police boat set
off down the harbor on other business. When we had
seen it pull out into the darkness, we threw the
(20:54):
imitation money overboard pushed off for the shore, landed where
we had first embarked up to mister Weatherall's house. It
was considerably after twelve o'clock by the time we reached it,
but the butler was still sitting up for his disappointment
seemed as keen as ours. When he discovered that we
had returned without his young mistress. He followed us up
(21:14):
to the study with spirits and glasses, and then, at
his master's instruction, went off to bed. Now a gentlemen
began mister Weatherall, when the door had closed upon him.
Let us discuss the matter thoroughly. But before we begin,
may I offer you cigars. The inspector took one, but
I declined, stating that I preferred a pipe. But my
pipe was in my bedroom, which was on the other
(21:36):
side of the passage, so asking them to wait for me,
I went to fetch it. I left the room, shutting
the door behind me. But it so happened that the
pipe case had been moved, and it was some minutes
before I could find it. Having done so, however, I
blew out my candle was about to leave the room,
which was exactly opposite the study, when I heard the
green bay's door at the end of the passage open,
(21:57):
and a light footstep came.
Speaker 2 (21:58):
Along the corridor.
Speaker 1 (22:00):
Instantly, I stood perfectly still and waited to see who
it might be. Closer and closer the step came till
I saw, in the half dark the pretty figure of
one of the parlor maids. On tiptoe, she crept up
to the study door, then, stooping down, listened at the keyhole.
Instantly I was on the alert, every nerve strained to
watch her. For nearly five minutes. She stood there, and then,
(22:23):
with a glance round, tiptoed quietly along the passage, again,
closing the bay's door after her. When you were safe
out of hearing, I crossed to the study of the
inspector of mister Weatherill saw that something had happened and
were going to question me. But I held up my hand.
Don't ask any questions, but tell me as quickly and
as nearly as you can what you have been talking
(22:44):
about during the last five minutes. I said, why, don't
stop to ask questions. Believe the importance of my haste.
Speaker 2 (22:52):
What was it?
Speaker 1 (22:53):
I've only been giving mister Weatherall the notion of the
steps I proposed to take, said the inspector.
Speaker 2 (22:58):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (22:59):
Now I'm asked, don't sit up for me, mister Weatherall.
I'm going to follow up a clue that may put
us on the right scent at last. I don't think
you'd better come, mister inspector, but i'll meet you here
again at six o'clock. You can't explain, I suppose, said
the latter, looking a little huffed. I'm afraid not, I answered,
but I'll tell you this much. I saw one of
the female servants listening at this door. She'll be off
(23:21):
if I am mistake. Not with the news she has
picked up, and I want to watch her good night,
good night, and good luck to you. Without another word,
I slipped off my boots, and, carrying them in my hand,
left the room and went downstairs to the morning room.
This apartment looked out over the garden and possessed a
window shaded by a big tree. Opening it, I jumped
(23:42):
out and carefully closed it up to me and pausing
for a moment to resume my boots, I crept quietly
down the path, jumped a low wall, and so passed
into the back street about fifty yards from the tradesman's entrance,
but on the opposite side of the road there was
a big morton a fig tree. Under this, I took
my stand and turned a watchful eye upon the house.
(24:05):
It was a dark night, so that it would have
been extremely difficult for anyone across the way to have
detected my presence. For some minutes I waited and was
beginning to wonder if I could have been deceived, when
I heard the soft click of a latch, and next
moment a small, dark figure passed out into the street
and closed the gate after it, then pausing a moment
(24:27):
as if to make up her mind. For the mysterious
person was a woman. She set off quickly in the
direction of the city. I followed about one hundred yards
behind her, With the exception of one policeman who stared
very hard at me.
Speaker 2 (24:40):
It did not meet a soul.
Speaker 1 (24:42):
Once or twice I nearly lost her, And when we
reached the city itself, I began to see that it
would be well for me to decrease the difference that
separated us, if I did not wish to bid goodbye
to her altogether. I accordingly hastened my steps, and in
this fashion we passed up one street and down another,
until he reached what I cannot help thinking must have
(25:02):
been the lowest quarter of Sydney. On either hand were
Chinese names and sign boards, marine stores, slop shops with pawnbrokers,
and public houses galore. While in this locality few of
the inhabitants seemed to have any idea of what bed meant.
Groups of sullen looking men and women were clustered at
the corners, and on one occasion the person I was
(25:24):
pursuing was stopped by them. But she evidently knew how
to take care of herself, for she was soon marching
on her way again. At the end of one long
and filthy, dirty street. She paused and looked about her.
I had crossed the road just before this, and was
scarcely ten yards behind her, Pulling my hat well down
to shade my face, sticking my hands in my pockets,
(25:46):
I staggered and reeled along, doing my best to imitate
the gait of a drunken man. Seeing only me about,
she went up to the window of a corner house
and tapped with her knuckles thrice upon the glass. Before
one could have come to twenty, the door of the
drain was opened and she passed in. Now I was
in a nasty fix. Either I must be content to
(26:07):
abandon my errand I must get inside the building and
trust to luck to procure the information I wanted. Fortunately,
in my present disguise, the girl would be hardly likely
to recognize her master's guest, so giving them time to
get into a room, I also went up to the
door and turned the handle. To my delight, it was unlocked.
I opened it and entered the house. The passage was
(26:31):
in total darkness, but I could make out where the
door of the room I wanted to find was located
by a thin streak of light low down upon the
floor as softly as I possibly could, I crept up
to it and bent down to look through the keyhole.
The view was necessarily limited, but I could just make up.
The girl I had followed, sitting upon a bed while
leaning against the wall, a dirty clay pipe in her mouth,
(26:54):
was the vilest old woman I have ever in my
life set eyes on. She was very small, with a
picked up nutcracker face, dressed in an old bit of
tawdry finery more than three sizes too large for her.
Her hair fell upon her shoulders in a tangled mass.
From under it, her eyes gleamed out like those of
a wicked little Scotch terrier ready to bite. As I
(27:16):
bent down to listen, I heard her say, well, my
pretty dear, and what information have you got for the
gentleman that he brings you down at this time of night?
Only that the coppers are going to start at daylight
looking for the merry duchess. I had the inspect to
say so himself, the daylight are they croaked the old hag? Well,
I wish him joy of their search. I do them then,
And any more news, my dear, the master, and that
(27:39):
long legged slab of a Hatteras went out to night
down to the harbor. The old man brought home a
lot of money bags, but what was in and was
only dummies. I know that too, my dear. Nicely they
were sold. She chuckled like an old fiend, and then
began to cut up another pipe of tobacco in the
palm of her hand like a man. She smoked me
(28:00):
grow head, and the wreek of it came out through
the keyhole to me. But the younger woman was evidently impatient,
for she rose and said, when did they sail with
the girl?
Speaker 2 (28:09):
Sallie?
Speaker 1 (28:09):
They're gone, my dear, They went at ten tonight. At
this news, my heart began to throb painfully. They weren't
long about it, said the younger girl, nut Nicholas. Not
long about anything, remarked the old woman. I hope Pippolano
will agree with her health as stuck up minks, I do.
The younger remarked spitefully. Now where's the money? He said,
(28:30):
I was to have give it to me and let
me be off while should get the sack. If this
is found out, it was five pound that was to
give you, wasn't it, the older woman said? Ten said
the younger sharply, No lark, Salie, I know too much
for you. Oh you know a lot money, don't you.
Of course you'd be expected to know more than old
Aunt Sally, who's never seen anything at all. Wouldn't you
(28:50):
get along with you? Hand me over the money, I say,
and let me be off. Of course, you do know
a lot more, don't you. There's a pound. While they
were over the pavement, I crept down the passage again
to the front door. Once I had reached it, I
opened it softly and went out, closing it carefully behind me.
Then I took to my heels and ran down the
(29:12):
street in the direction I had come, inquiring my way
here and there from policemen. I eventually reached home, scaled
the wall, went across the garden to the morning room window.
This I opened, and by its help made my way
into the house and upstairs. As I had expected that
he would have gone to bed. My astonishment was considerable
at meeting mister Weatherall on the landing. Well what have
(29:34):
you discovered, he asked anxiously as I came up to him.
Information of the greatest importance, I answered, Another thing. First,
call up your housekeeper, tell her you have reason to
believe that one of the maids is not in the house, Warner,
not to mention you in the matter, but to discharge
the girl before breakfast. By the time you've done that,
I'll have changed my things and be ready to tell
(29:55):
you everything. I'll go and rouse her at once. I
am all impatience to know what you've discovered. He left
me and passed through the green bay's door to the
servant's wing. Well, I went to my bedroom and changed
my things.
Speaker 2 (30:07):
It's done.
Speaker 1 (30:07):
I passed into the study, where I've had a meal.
Awaiting me to this, I did ample justice for my
long walk, and the excitement of the evening had given
me an unusual appetite. Just as I was cutting myself
a third slice of beef, mister Weatherill returned informed me
that the housekeeper was on the alert and would receive
the girl on her reappearance. Now tell me of your doings,
(30:29):
said the old gentleman. I thereupon narrated all that had occurred,
and when I had finished, he said, do you believe
then that my poor girl has been carried off by
Niccola to this island called pippoll Anou? I do, well, then,
what are we going to do to rescue her? Shall
I ask the government to send the gunboat down if
you think it best. But for my own part I
(30:50):
must own that I should act independently of them. You
don't want to make a big sensation, I presume, and remember,
to arrest Niccola would be to open the whole of
Then what do you propose?
Speaker 2 (31:02):
I propose?
Speaker 1 (31:03):
I answered that we charter a small schooner, fit her out,
select half a dozen trustworthy and silent men, then take
our departure for pipoll Anu. I'm well acquainted with the island,
and what's more, I hold a master's certificate. We would
sailly in after dark, arm all our party thoroughly, and
go ashore. I expect they would be keeping your daughter
(31:24):
a prisoner in a hut. If that is so, we
will surround it and rescue her without any trouble, and
what is better still, without any public scandal. What do
you think? Quite agree with what you say? I think
it's an excellent idea. And while you've been speaking, I
too have been thinking of something. There's my old friend mcmurton,
who has a nice steam yacht. I'm sure he'd be
(31:44):
willing to let us have the use of it. Where
does he live? Far from here? His office would be best.
We'll go over and see him directly after breakfast, if
you like. By all means, now, I think I'll go
and take a little nap. I feel quite worn out.
When the inspector arrives, you'll be able to explain all
that has happened. But I think I shall ask him
to keep a quiet tongue in his head about the island.
(32:05):
If it leaks out at all, it may warn them,
and they'll be off elsewhere, to a place, perhaps where
we may not be able to find them. I'll remember,
said mister Weatherall. And thereupon I retire to my room, and,
having partially undressed, through myself upon my bed, and in
less than two minutes I was fast asleep, never waking
until the first gong sounded for breakfast. Then, after a
(32:26):
good bath, which refreshed me wonderfully, I dressed in my
usual habiliments, and went downstairs. Mister Weatherall and the Marquess
were there in the dining room, who held a copy
of the Sydney Morning Herald in his hand, seemed prodigiously excited,
I say, mister hatteras said the latter after I said,
good morning. It's an advertisement which is evidently intended for you.
Speaker 2 (32:48):
What's it about? I ask?
Speaker 1 (32:49):
Who wants to advertise for me? Read for yourself? Said
the marquess given me the paper. I took it and
glanced down the column to which he referred me, until
I came to the fire Richard Hatteras if this should
meet the eye of mister Richard hatteras of Thursday Island
Torres Straits, lately returned from England, and believed to be
now in Sydney, he is earnestly requested to call at
(33:13):
the office of Messrs Dawson and Gladman, Solicitors, Castlereagh Street,
where he would hear of something to his advantage. There
could be no doubt at all that I was the
person referred to, But what could be the reason of
it all? What was it I could possibly hear to
my advantage save news of Phyllis? And it would be
(33:34):
most unlikely that I would learn anything about the movements
of the gang who had abducted her from a firm
of first class solicitors such as I understood Messrs Dawson
and Gladman to be. However, it was no use wondering
about it, So I dismissed the matter from my mind
from the present and took my place at the table.
In the middle of the meal, the butler left the
room in response to a ring at the front door.
(33:56):
When he returned, it was to inform me that a
man was in the hall wish to have a few
moments conversation with me. Asking mister Weatherill to excuse me,
I left the room. In the hall, I found a
seedy looking individual about middle age. He bowed, and, on
learning that my name was hatteras, asked if he might
be permitted five minutes alone with me. In response, I
(34:17):
led him to the morning room, and, having closed the door,
pointed to a seat. What is your business? I inquired,
when he had sat down. It is a rather curious
affair to approach mister hatteras the man began, but to commence,
I may be permitted to suggest that you are uneasy
in your mind about a person who has disappeared. You
may certainly suggest that, if you like, I answered cautiously,
(34:37):
if it were in a man's power to furnish a
clue regarding that person's whereabouts, it might be useful to
you I suppose, He continued, craft, telling wat in me
out at the corners of his eyes. Very useful, I replied,
are you in a position to do so? I might
possibly be able to afford you some slight assistance. He
went on, that is, of course, provided it were made
(34:59):
worth me while. What do you call worth your while? Well?
Shall we say five hundred pounds? That's not a large
sum for really tossworthy information. I ought to ask a thousand,
considering the danger I'm running in mixing myself up with
this affair. Only I'm a father myself, and that's why
I do it. I see, Well, let me tell you
(35:21):
I consider five hundred pounds too much. Well, then I'm
afraid we can't trade. I'm sorry, so am I, but
I'm not going to buy a pig in a poke.
Shall we say four hundred then? No? Nor three, two
or one? If your information is worth anything, I don't
mind giving you fifty pounds for it, But I won't
give you a hate any more. As I spoke, I
(35:43):
rose as if to terminate the interview. Instantly my visitor
adopted a different tone. I thought, this is my generosity,
he said, it's the ruin of me. Well, you shall
have it for fifty Give me the money, and I'll
tell you by no means, I answered, I must hear
the information first, trust in my honor. If what you
tell me is worth anything, I'll give you fifty pounds
(36:05):
for it. Now, what is it, well, sir? To begin with,
you must understand that I was standing at the corner
of Pitt Street an evening or two back, when two
men passed me, talking earnestly together. One of them was
a tall, strapping fellow, the other a little chap. Never
saw two evil a looking rascals in my life. Just
as they came alongside me, one says to the other,
(36:26):
don't be afraid, I'll have the girl at the station
or right at eight o'clock sharp. The other said something
that I could not catch, and then I lost sight
of them. But what I had heard stuck in my head,
and so I accordingly went off to the station, arriving
there a little before the hour. I hadn't been there
long before the smallest of the two chaps I'd seen
(36:46):
in the street came onto the platform and began looking
about him. By the face of him, he didn't seem
at all pleased at not finding the other man waiting
for him. A train drew up at the platform, and
presently just before it started, the other and a young
lady wearing a heavy veil come quickly along. The first
man saw them gave a little cry of delight. I
(37:07):
thought you'd be too late, says he. No fear of that,
says the other, and jumps into a first class carriage,
telling the girl to get in after him, which she does,
crying the while. As I could see. Then the chap
on the platform says to the other was leaning out
the window. Write to me from Bourke and tell me
how she gets on. You bet, says his friend. And
(37:28):
don't you forget to keep an eyron hatteras don't you
be afraid, answered the man on the platform. Then the
guard whistled in the train right out of the station
directly I was able to I got away, and the
first thing this morning came on here. Now you have
my information, I'll trouble you for that fifty pounds. Not
so fast, my friend, Your story seems very good, But
(37:49):
I want to ask a few questions. First, had the
bigger man, the man who went up to Burke a
deep cut over his left eyey Now I come to
think of it, he had. I've forgotten to tell you that.
So it was he then? But are you certain it
was miss Weatherill? Remember she wore a veil. Could you
see if her hair was flaxen in color? Very light
it was, But I couldn't see rightly which color it was.
(38:12):
You sure it was a light color? Quite sure? I
could swear to it in a court of law if
you wanted me to. I saw right then, because it
shows me your story is a fabrication. Come get out
of this house, or I'll throw you out, your scoundrel.
For two pins, I'll give you such a thrashing you'd
remember all your life. None of that, Governor, don't try
it on hinders over that fifty quid. With that, the
(38:32):
scoundrel whipped out a revolver and pointed it at me.
But before he could threaten again, I'd got hold of
his wrist with one hand, snatched the pistol with the other,
and sent him sprawling on his back upon the carpet. Now,
you brute, I cried, Now, what am I going to
do with you?
Speaker 2 (38:48):
Do you think?
Speaker 1 (38:48):
Get up and clear out of the house before I
take my boot to you. He got up, and began
to brush his clothes. I want my fifty pound, he cried.
You'll get more than you want if you come here again.
I said, out you go with that. I got him
by the collar and dragged him out of the room
across the hall, much to the butler's astonishment, through the
front door, and I kicked him down the steps. He
(39:11):
fell in a heap on the gravel. All right, my
fine bloke, he said, as he lay there. You wait
till I get you outside. I'll fix you up, and
don't you make no mistake. I went back to the
dining room without paying any attention to his threats. Both
mister Weatherall and Beckenham had been witnesses of what had occurred,
and now they questioned me concerning his visit. I gave
(39:31):
them an outline of the story the man had told me,
and convinced them of its absurdity. Then mister Weatherell rose
to his feet. Now shall we go and see Macmurto? Certainly,
I said, I'll be ready as soon as you are.
You will come with us, I hope, Lord Beckenham. Weatherill said,
with every pleasure, answered his lordship, and thereupon we went
off to get ready three quarters of an hour later
(39:55):
we were sitting in mister mcmurto's office. The upshot of
the interview was that mister mc murto fell in with
our plans as soon as we had uttered them, and
expressed himself delighted to lend his yacht in such a
good cause. Only wish I could come with you, he said,
but unfortunately that is quite impossible. However, you are more
than welcome to my boat. I will give you a letter,
(40:15):
or send one to the captain, so that she may
be prepared for sea to day? Will you see about
provisioning her?
Speaker 2 (40:21):
Or shall I?
Speaker 1 (40:22):
We will attend to that, said Weatherall. All the expenses
must of course be mine as you please. About that,
my old friend returned macmurto. Where is she lying? Asked Weatherall.
The owner gave us the direction, and then, having sincerely
thanked him, we set off in search of her. She
was a nice craft, of about one hundred and fifty
tons burden, and looked as if she ought to be
(40:43):
a good sea boat chartering or wary, We were pulled
off to her. The captain was below when we arrived,
but a hail brought him on deck. Mister Weatherall then
explained our errand and gave him his owner's letter. He
read it through, and, having done so, said, I am
at your service, gentlemen, for what mister Notto says here,
I gather there is no time to lose, so with
(41:03):
your permission, I'll get to work at once order all
the coal. You want to tell the steward to do
the same for anything he may require in his department.
The bills must be sent into me. Very good, mister
weatherall what time will you be ready? As soon as
you are? Can you go away by three o'clock this afternoon?
Thinking well, I'll be a bit of a scramble, but
I think we can manage it anyhow, I'll do my best.
(41:25):
You may be sure of that, sir. I'm sure you will.
There is a grave need for it. Now we'll go
back and arrange a few matters ashore. My man shall
bring our baggage down later on. Very good, sir, I'll
have your berths prepared. With that, we descended to the
boat again and were pulled ashore. Arriving there, mister Weather
will ask what we should do first? Had we better
go up to the town and purchase a few rifles
(41:47):
and some ammunition, I said, and we can have them
sent down direct to the boat. A very good suggestion.
Let us go at once. We accordingly set off at
George Street to a shop I remembered having seen there.
We purchase half a dozen Winchester repeaters with a good
supply of ammunition. They were to be sent down to
the yacht without fail.
Speaker 2 (42:06):
That morning.
Speaker 1 (42:07):
This done, me stood on the pavement debating what we
should do next. Finally it was decided that mister Weatherall
and Beckenham should go home to pack well. I made
one or two other small purchases and then joined them, accordingly,
bidding them good bye. I went on down the street,
completed my business and was about to hail a cab
and follow them, when a thought struck me. Why should
(42:28):
I not visit Messrs Dawson and Gladman and find out
why they were advertising for me? This I determined to do,
and accordingly set off for Castlereagh Street. In a small
room leading off the main passage, three clerks were seated
to them. I addressed myself, asking if I might see
the partners. Mister Dawson is the only one in town, Sir,
(42:49):
said the boy to whom I spoke, if you've given
me a name, I'd take it into him. My name
is Hatteras, I said, mister Richard Hatteras. In less than
two minutes, the clerk returned and begged me to follow him,
which I did. At the end of a long passage,
we passed through a curtained doorway and I stood in
presence of the chief partner. I have great pleasure in
(43:10):
making your acquaintance, mister Hatteras, he said, as I came
to an anchor in a chair. You noticed our advertisement.
I presume saw it this morning, I answered, and it
is another account that I am here one moment before
we proceed any further, forgive what I am about to say,
but you will see yourself that it is a point
I am compelled not to neglect. Can you convince me
(43:30):
as to your identity very easily? I replied, diving my
hand into my breast pocket, taking out some papers. First
and foremost, Here is my bank book, here is my
card case, and here are two or three letters addressed
to me by London's and Sydney firms. The honorable Sylvester
Weather or Colodiot, the secretary, will be glad. I'm sure
(43:50):
to virchu me. Is that sufficient to convince you? More
than sufficient? He answered, smiling, And let me tell you
for what purpose we desired you to call upon us.
Here he opened a drawer and took out a letter.
First and foremost, you must understand that we are the
Sydney agents of Messrs Atwin, Dobbs and Forsyth, of Fernivals
in London, from them by the last English mail we
(44:13):
received this letter. I gather that you are the son
of James Daimo Hatteras, who was drowned at sea in
the year eighteen eighty. I am your father was the
third son of Sir Edward Hatteras of Myrdlestone in that
county of Hampshire. He was, and the brother of Sir William,
who had one daughter, Gwendolene Mary. That is so well,
(44:34):
mister Hatteras. It's my sad duty to inform you that
within a week of your departure from England, your cousin,
the young lady just referred to, was drowned by accident
in a pond nearer home, and that a father who
had been ailing for some few days died of a
heart disease. On hearing the sad tidings. In that case, sir,
my correspondents informed me, there being no nearer issue, you
(44:57):
succeed to the title and estates, which I also learn
are of considerable value, including the house and park, ten farms,
and a large amount of house property, a rent roll
of fifteen thousand a year, an accumulated capital of nearly
one hundred thousand pounds. Good gracious, is this really true?
Quite true? You can examine the letter for yourself. I
(45:20):
took it up from the table and read it through,
hardly to believe my eyes. You are indeed a man
to be envied, mister hatteras said the lawyer. The title
is an old one, and I believe the property is
considered one of the best in that part of England.
It is, but I can hardly believe that it's really mine.
There's no doubt about that. However, you are a baronet
(45:40):
as certainly as I am a lawyer. I presume you
would like us to take whatever action is necessary by
all means. This afternoon, I am leaving Sydney for a
week or two for the Islands. I will sign any
papers when I come back. I will bear that in mind.
You're addressing Sydney's care of the Honorable Sylvester weatherall pots Point.
Thank you, And by the way, my correspondence have designed
(46:02):
me on their behalf to pay into your account at
the Oceana the summer five thousand pounds. This I will
do to day. I'm obliged to you, and I think
I must be going to tell the truth. I hardly
know whether I am standing on my head or my heels.
I'll soon get over that. Good morning, Sir Richard. With that,
I bade him farewell and went out of the office,
feeling quite dazed by my good fortune. I thought of
(46:23):
the poor idiot whose end had been so tragic, and
of the old man as I had last seen him
shaking his fist at me from the window of the house.
And to think that that lovely home was mine, and
that I was a baronet, the principal representative of a
race as old as any in the countryside, seemed too
wonderful to be true. Hearty work, congratulations showed upon me
(46:45):
at Pott's Point, you may be sure when I told
my tale and my health was drunk at lunch with
much good will, But our minds were too much taken
up with the arrangements for our departure that afternoon to
allow us to think very much of anything else. At
two o'clock we were ready to leave the house. By
how past we were on board the yacht. At three
point fifteen, the anchor was up. A few moments later
(47:08):
we were plowing our way down the harbor.
Speaker 2 (47:10):
Our search for.
Speaker 1 (47:11):
Phyllis had reached another stage. End of Part two, Chapter four,
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