12 - Pagans Cup by Fergus Hume

Set against the backdrop of a tranquil seaside village, this English mystery unfolds through the life of an old family and their domineering matriarch. Striving to shape her adopted son according to her will, she finds herself entangled with the local vicar and his enchanting daughter. A stranger seeking acceptance among the villagers adds another layer of intrigue. The narrative weaves a tale of unseen connections and hidden secrets, all coming together to form an engrossing drama.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Chapter twelve of The Pagan's Cup by Fergus Hume. This
libervox recording is in the public domain. Read by Yoganan,
Chapter twelve of The Pagan's Cup, A Surprise. Rascon was
astonished when Pratt disappeared so suddenly, and Martin rushed out

(00:25):
after him. He went to the door, but his friend
was not to be seen. It was little use following,
for he did not know which direction the man had taken,
and the fog was so thick that he could hardly
see the length of his hand before him. The whole
of the spur upon which Kolister was built was wrapped
in a thick white mist, and those who were broad

(00:46):
in the streets ran every chance of being lost. The
village was small, but the alleys and streets were tortuous,
so there would be no great difficulty in mistaking the way.
For over an hour the curate waited, yet Martin did
not return. He could only suppose that the detective had
followed Pratt. For what purpose he could not divente. Evidently,

(01:07):
Martin knew something not altogether to Pratt's advantage, and Pratt
was aware of this, else he would hardly have disappeared,
so experiously. Moreover, Martin had addressed Pratt as angel, which
hinted that the American was masquerading under false name. Still
wondering at what was likely to be the outcome of
this adventure, Raston placed himself with the door and waited

(01:31):
for the witton of his friend. But as time passed
he made sure that the detective, a stranger in the village,
had lost his way. I can't leave him out of
doors all night, solilockwised Raston, peering into the foe. Yet
I do not know where to look for him. However,
his own good sense must have told him not to

(01:52):
go too far. It was now after ten o'clock and
most of the villagers were in bed. Mister Raston then
ventured upon a course of which he would have thought
twice had the situation been less desperate. He placed his
hands to his mouth and sent an Australian coup through
the night. This accomplishment had been taught to him by

(02:12):
an Australian cousin. As his especial cry carried further than
most shouts, Raston congratulated himself that he knew how to
give it. It was the only way of getting into
communication with Martin. After shouting once or twice, Raston heard
a faint cry of response. It came from the right,
so the curate, feeling his way along the houses, started

(02:35):
in that direction, shouting at intervals. Shortly the answering cry
sounded close at hand, and, after some difficulty an inarticulate conversation,
the two men met with an exaculation. Martin grasped the
hands of his friend. Thank Heaven you have found me,
said the detective. I've been going round in a circle.
Did you catch up with Pratt, asked Raston. No. Skill

(03:00):
disappear into the fog, and I lost myself in pursuit
of him in about three minutes. Why do you call
him a rascal? Because he is one I know all
about him, But he never thought I should have stumbled
on mister Angel in this locality. I feel like Saul
who went out to look for his ashes and stumbled
on a kingdom. Is his name? Angel? That is one

(03:22):
of his names. He has at least a dozen. Why
you should have chosen one that fitted him so badly?
I cannot say. By this time, Braston, holding on to
Martin's coat sleeve, had guided the detective back to his lodgings.
The man was shivering with cold, for he had gone
out without court a hat. He hastily swallowed a glass

(03:42):
of port and began getting his things to go out.
You are not going into that fog again, protested Raston.
You will only get lost, not under your capable guidance,
laughed the detective. You must guide me to the house
of this mister Pratt. I intend to arrest him. Arrest him,
echoed the curate, staring. Dear me, what has he done?

(04:04):
Ask me what he hasn't done, said Martin, with a
curl of his lip, and I'll be better able to
tell you that A long story, Raston, and time is passing.
I want to go to the man's house. Is it
far from here some little distance? Replied the Curate, wondering
at his haste. I can find my way to it
by guiding myself along the walls. But you can't arrest him. Martin,

(04:26):
what are we as done unless you have a warrant?
I accept all responsibility on that score, replied Martin grimly.
The police have wanted mister Angel alias Pray for many
a long day. Now the rascal knows that I am here,
he will clear out of Kollister in double quick time.
I want to act promptly and take him by surprise.
Now don't ask questions, my dear fellow, but take me

(04:49):
to the house. I'll tell you all about this man
later on. By the way, here is the individual who
give the church the celebrated cup. Yes, I really hope
there is nothing wrong. Every thing is wrong. I expect
that cup was stolen. It is stolen, Shah, I don't
mean this time Pratt stole it himself. I wonder he

(05:10):
dare present his spoils to the church. The fellow must
have very little religion to think such an ill gotten
gift could be acceptable. Stolen, murmured Raston, putting on his cot.
But why who is Pratt? Simply the cleverest thief in
the three kingdoms? Come along? Raston gasped, but he had

(05:31):
no time to ask further questions. The detective had him
by the arm and was hurrying him to the door.
When outside, he made the curate lead and followed close
on his heels. Raston, rather dazed by this experience, turned
in the direction of the nun's house, and, guiding himself
along the walls and houses, managed to get into the
street in which it stood. That is, he and Martin

(05:53):
found themselves on the high road, which led down to
King's Meadows. It was fully an hour before they got
as as far as this, for the fog grew denser
every moment. Finally, Raston stumbled on the gate, drew his
friend inside with an ejaculation of satisfaction, and walked swiftly
up the path that led to the house. On the
ground floor, all was dark, but in the center window

(06:16):
of the second story a light was burning. Martin did
not wait for the curate, but ran up to the
steps and knocked at the door. He also rang, and
he did both violently. For a time there was no response.
Then the light disappeared from the window above. In a
few minutes, the noise of the bull's being withdrawn was heard,
and the rattle of the chain. The door opened to

(06:38):
show Leo in his dressing ground, standing on the threshold
with a lighted candle in his hand. He looked beveldered
and angry, as though he had just been aroused from
his first sleep, which indeed was the case. What the
devil is the matter? He asked, crossly, peering out into
the night. You make enough noise to wake the dead?
Who is it? It is? I and a friend have

(06:59):
a lyin, said the curate, pushed forward by the detective.
Is mister Pratt with him? I suppose, so, replied Leo,
much astonished at this nocturnalvesertation. He snowed out in bed.
I can't understand why he did not hear the noise
you made. Has he left anything at your place? Raston? Ah,
you knew he was going to see mister Raston put

(07:21):
In Martin sharply. He left here over two hours ago
and went to bed. Then I heard him come back,
just as he was falling asleep. But he did not
come up to my room. If you will tell me
what is the matter, I'll rouse him. Let us enter havioly,
said the curate, who was shivering. We have much to
tell you. Still much puzzled, Leo led the way to

(07:43):
the library after shutting the door, and the two men
followed him. He lighted the guess Kollister was not sufficiently
civilized for electric light, and then turned to ask once
more what was the matter. Raston thought the best way
to bring about an explanation was to introduce his friend,
who was already looking keenly round the well furnished room.

(08:03):
This is mister Martin, he said, he is a London detective.
With a bitter laugh. Leo set down the candle on
the table. What he said, Are you the man with
the bowstring raston scarcely worthy of your clothes? If you
wanted to arrest me, you might have waited until morning.
Who is this, young gentleman, asked Martin suddenly, I am Leo.

(08:26):
Havele mister detuctive, replied the young man sharply, And I
suppose you have come here at the instance of mister
tempest to arrest me. Martin snatched up the candle and
held it close to Leo's face. He was apparently quite satisfied,
for he spoke in a more friendly tone. You need
not be afraid, mister Haley, he said soothingly. I've come

(08:46):
nor to arrest you, but to investigate the case. I
don't think there is any chance of your being arrested.
Your face is enough for me. But this is all
very well, he added impatiently. I want Pratt. I will
go and wake him, said Leo, who could make neither
top nor trail of all this, but who was relieved
to find that he was not in danger of arrest.

(09:08):
He retired from the room. While Martin darted about here, there,
and everywhere. He was like a bloodhoun nursing a trail.
Suddenly he stopped before a cabinet, a drawer of which
was open. Too late, said Martin in a tone of disgust.
He's bolted. How could he bolt in this fog, asked
Raston dubiously. Oh, he'll find his way somehow. Tony Angel

(09:31):
is the cleverest of men for getting out of a difficulty.
He has evaded the police for years. See my dear chap,
this drawer is open. That means he has taken money,
all valuables from it, and is now on his way
to Heaven knows what hiding place. Can you be sure
of that the open drawer may be an accident? Besides,
he would not think you would act so promptly. Indeed,

(09:54):
that is just why he has bolted so expeditiously, said
Martin with something of admiration. And stones Angels experience may
promptitude before, and several times have been on the point
of capturing him. He has taken frenchly within the last
two hours. But for that infernal fog, I should have
stuck to him till I ran him down, or at

(10:15):
all events I might have disabled him with a shot.
The curate looked at his friend. Aghast a shot, he stammered.
Martin produced a neat little revolver. I should have used
that had I been able, he said quietly. He does
not do to adopt half measures with our mutual friend. Besides,
if heart pressed, he would have returned the compliment. Your

(10:38):
heavily fellow is a long time. He'll be back soon.
He can trust Leo. Surely, Martin, you do not think
he knew anything of Pratt's doing with such a face
as that, he knows precious little, retorted Martin. He's a
good fellow, but not sharp. He did not steal that cup,
nor did he help Pratt to get away, No rason.

(11:01):
Our criminal friend came back here while he was blundering
the fog, and after taking some money, cleared out without
loss of time. I shan't catch him. Now. I suppose
the telegraph office is closed. Yes, it closes here at
nine o'clock. And even if you sent a wire, it
would not be delivered at port front to night. No,
I suppose not. You are all so slow, in these

(11:23):
country places. It's clever of you to mention Port Front. Raston,
you think that Tony Angel will go there? How else
can he get away? I don't know. You know the
country better than I do. But I tell you what.
Our friend will not go to Port Front or anywhere
near it? Why not, asked the cure a Beribildert, Because

(11:43):
you expect him to go there. Angel always does the
thing that is not expected. I wish I had caught him.
I've been yeareds trying to hunt him down, and the
beast has made himself comfortable here, said Martin, with a
glance round. I bet you Raston that the greater part
of these have been stolen. Stolen, Martin, how terrible? And

(12:04):
the cup he stole that, also, replied Martin, promptly, lighting
one of his cigarettes. Oh is a clever man, is Angel? Ah?
Here is a young and enterprising friend. Well, mister Haveley,
So Pratt has gone, yes, said Leo, looking puzzled. I
went to his room and found that his bed has

(12:24):
not been slept in. The back door was open, although closed,
that is, it has not been locked. How do you
know Pratt has gone? I'll tell you later. Throw a
few locks on the fire Aston, it'll soon burn up.
Here is a bottle of whiskey too, and some soda.
I left it for Pratt, said Leo, somewhat surprised to
the cool way in which this man was behaving. And

(12:47):
Pratt was too clever to muddle his head when he
needed all his wits about him. By the way, has
is Jack all gone? Also, Adam, miss Norton, If that
is what you yes, mister Haveley, that is exactly what
I do mean. Ah, clever man Pratt. He came back
here straight and warning a spell, walked off, leaving the

(13:07):
empty house to me and to you, mister Haveley. Did
you hear him leave? I heard nothing until you knocked
at the door. Then I wondered why Adam did not
hear you. The other servants are asleep at the back
of the house, and I suppose they also expected Adam
to answer the bell. That's extremely probable. Well, let us
hope the remaining servants will sleep well to morrow. They

(13:30):
must leave this house. Why in Heaven's name, asked Leo,
starting up, for the very simple reason that the police
will be put into possession here by me to morrow.
What did Pratt steal thee. I don't understand Russin. What
does this mean? Who is he? What are wait a bit,

(13:51):
mister Haveley, interrupted Martin, motioning the curate to hold his tongue.
All in good time. I'm Horace Martin, a detective. I
was asked by mister Araston to investigate this robbery, and
he was telling me about it in his lodgings. Your friend,
mister Pratt arrived and when he saw me, he bolted
out into the fog. I followed and lost in. Then

(14:14):
I got back to Raston here and we have been
over two hours looking for this confounded place. During that time,
Pratt and Adam have made themselves scarce. But why should
they do that, asked Leo, still puzzled, because this man
who calls himself Pratt and posses as a giver of
gifts to the church is a well known London thief,

(14:35):
and his man Adam is what he would call a
pall tony angel. That is a real name of mister Pratt,
but he had half a dozen others beside. I congratulate
you on your friend, mister Haveley. I never knew anything
of this, cried Leo, utterly taken aback I am quite
sure of that, Haveley, said the curate heartily. Martin chuckled.

(14:56):
Wait a bit, Harold, he said, did not be in
such a hurry. How do we know that mister Haley
has not been working together with Tony Angel? He may
know all about him, and may have been employed by
him to steal the very cup which was given by
Pratt as an evidence of his respectability. Leo jumped up
and would have flung himself on Martin, but Raston held

(15:16):
him back. How dare you make such an accusation against me,
cried the young man, furiously. Let me go, Raston, don't
you hear what he says? Wait a bit, heavily urged
the curate. Martin does nothing without a motive. He can explain,
if you will remain quiet, thus advised Leo sat down again,
but in rather a sulky humor. I'm a trifle tired

(15:39):
of being called a blackguard, he said, frowning at Martin,
who regarded him with a friendly smile. I know absolutely
nothing about mister Pratt, save that he was a friend
of missus Gabriel's and that he has been very good
to me. I always thought he was what he represented
himself to be small. Wonder you did, said Martin coolly,
angel would deceive a much cleverer man than you appeared

(16:01):
to be, mister Haveley. And look here, I may as
well tell you at once that I am certain you
knew nothing about him. Also, I am equally certain that
you have had nothing to do with this robbery. I
cannot say yet whether Pratt, as I may continue to
call him, for clearer's sake, stole the cup. But you
are innocent, mister Haveley, and I intend to do my

(16:22):
best to get you out of your trouble. Shake hands.
At first, Leo hesitated, for he was still sore about
the accusation. But the Deductive regarded him in a friendly manner,
and his smile was so irresistible that in the end
he shook hands heartily. He felt that the man who
spoke thus would be a good friend. You know all

(16:42):
about the case, all that mister Rasmon could tell me,
said the Deductive, Even to the fact that you borrowed
the money for which you are accused of stealing the
cup from Sir Frank Hale. Then I wish you would
make him acknowledge alone, said Leo petulantly. Martin started and
looked at the young man. Does he not do so? No,

(17:05):
he is in love with miss Tempest, who is engaged
to me, and he says he will deny the loan
if I do not give her up. And Mary's sister
suppose interposed the curate wereat Leo nodded, hm, said Martin thoughtfully,
caressing his chin. It seems to me, mister Haveley, that
you have been made at toulof by unscrupulous people. But

(17:27):
I'll give my attention to this to morrow. I'll get
the truth out of this hale. He don't dare to
palter with me. Leave yourself and your reputation my hands. Heavily,
very gladly, said Leo heartily. But what about Pratt? Martin
reflected and took a sip of whiskey and water. He's gone.
I do not think he will appear again in Coolister,

(17:47):
But he has left his house in all these beautiful
things behind him. Put in raston with a glance around.
I see has made himself comfortable, said Martin with a shrug.
It was always his way. This is not the first
time he has furnished a house, settled down. He has
been driven out of every Burrow. However, this time I
discovered his hiding place by accident. Kollister was about the

(18:09):
best place in the whole of England he could have chosen.
No one would have thought of looking for him here.
I dare say he expected to settle down and die
in the order of sanctity, surrounded by his ill Gorden gains.
But he has not gone empty handed, avolay. He is
too clever for that, and has always prepared for an emergency.
But who wi is Pratt? Well, you asking me a

(18:32):
hard question, I understand is a workhouse brat of thoughts.
He himself claims to be the illegitimate son of a nobleman. Certainly,
he certainly has a very gentlemanly appearance. He has been
working for at least thirty years and has always contrived
to awey the English police. I believe he was laid
by the heels in America. He has traveled a great deal.

(18:53):
I believe you he knows the whole world and all
the scoundrels in it. A king of crime, that is
what prattus. The generality of thieves adore him for he
has his good points and he is generous. Well, we
have talked enough for to night. I will sleep here
heavily raston. I have returned to my own place, said

(19:14):
the curate, rising to go, And this he did. But Martin,
having found the burrow of Pratt alias Angel, did not
intend to leave it. He was quite as clever as
a man he was hunting the end of chapter twelve.