June 9, 2025 • 21 mins
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.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Chapter fifteen of The Pagan's Cup by Fergus Hume. This
liberyvox recording is in the public domain. Read by Yoganum
The Pagan's Cup, Chapter fifteen, a new complication. Leo was
so surprised by this unexpected sight that for the moment
(00:21):
he stood still. Then he made up his mind to
interview the pair. Missus Gabriel and Pratt evidently understood one another,
and the two of them together might probably tell him
more about himself than one would do. Moreover, Leo was
angry at the way in which Pratt had let him
lie under the imputation of being a thief, when he
could have lifted the disgrace from off his shoulders. Certainly,
(00:43):
Pratt could have done so only at the risk of
incriminating himself, but at the time Leo was too much
annoyed to think of this. He saw that there was
some mystery, and, thinking it might have to do with
Missus Gabriel's enmity towards himself, he interrupted what seemed to
be a furious conversation by knocking at the window Missus Gabriel.
Pratt turned in the direction where the sound came. She
(01:04):
with a pale face, and Pratt with a level revolver,
which he took from his breast pocket. Leo might have
been in danger of his life but that he chanced
to remember a peculiar tune which Pratt had taught him
in order to announce his coming while he was staying
at the nun's house. At the time, Leo had thought
this was only a freak of the old man's, but
now that he knew who Pratt was, he saw that
(01:26):
there was use in it to Pratt, if not to
himself at all events. He began to whistle. Hardly had
he got through the first few bars before Pratt's watchful
attitude relaxed, and he tossed the revolver on to the table.
Missus Gabriel still continued to look agitated, but Pratt stepped
towards the window and opened it coolly. I knew it
(01:47):
was you, he said, pulling Leo into the room and
shutting the window. It is a lucky thing you remembered
my signal, else I might have drilled a hole in you.
You come at a happy moment here. He stopped and
looked suspiciously at the young man. Have you that infernal
Martin with you? He asked, with a glance at the
window and a moment towards the revolver. No no, replied
(02:08):
Leo hastily. I'm all alone. That's a good thing, said
Pratt grimly. I won't be taken alive, I promise you.
But I knew you would not give me away. I
said so to Missus Gabriel, she said, you would, speaking
the worst of you as usual. Leo was too much
taken aback by the discovery that Pratt was in the
castle to reply immediately. Moreover, the man was so cool
(02:29):
and composed that he felt as though he were in
the wrong. He tried to collect the scattered thoughts, but
before he could open his mouth, Missus Gabriel spoke in
her usual domineering tones. What are you doing here, Leo?
She asked? How did you get on to the terrace.
No one can get on without the key of the gate.
I happen to have the key, said Leo, showing it.
(02:50):
You gave it to me yourself some years ago when
he left you. I took it with me by mistake.
It has come in useful to night. You may thank
your starts, both of you, that I didn't bring Martin
back with me. He left me at the foot of
the hill with the story that you were ill. Missus Gabriel,
Leo said Pratt in an agitated tone. Surely you would
not have brought the man here to get me into trouble.
(03:13):
I did not know you were here, said Havily, carelessly,
for he was still angered at the man. I've been
here ever since the night I fled from Raston's house.
It was Adam who went on to London and cut
the wire and the letter in which you said you
had stolen the cup. I wrote that here and posted
it to Adam that he might send it from London.
(03:33):
Missus Gabriel helped me to hide. No one knows that
I am in this house save herself, and now you
are a sharer in our sacret. It must be difficult
to keep your presence here a secret from the servants,
said Leo, wondering how the man had forced Missus Gabriel
to help here. The lady herself interfered, it is not
difficult at all, she said, in a most offensive tones.
(03:54):
You know nothing of what you are talking about. Pratt
is up in the tower room, and I take him
foot myself from my own. It's impossible that any one
can guess. Well, my dear aunt said heavily emphatically, I
know that Pratt is here. I think therefore you had
better behave towards me in a most civil manner. Ah
scoffed Missus Gabriel, folding her arm and looking defiant. You
(04:17):
would not dare to stay the truth. How do you
know that? Said Leo dryly. Pratt is wanted by the law.
He committed a theft here and allowed me to lie
under suspicion. Why should I not give him up and
accuse you of being an axery to his concealment. Missus
Gabriel frowned and black eyes flashed, but Pratt, who had
taken a seat, did not move. He merely laughed. I
(04:41):
don't think you will give away, Leo, he said. I
admit that Missus Gabriel is enough to irritate his signed,
but if you punish her, you punish me also, and
you deserve punishment. Retorted Leo, probably I do, but I
have my own opinion of the matter. All I ask
you to do is to hold it tongue until such
a time as I can get away. When are you
(05:03):
going away soon? I hope cried missus Gabriel spitefully. I'm
rather tired of having a jail bird in my house. Oh,
you refer to the American affair, said Pratt airily. I
had quite forgotten it. Well, my dear lady, I do
not intend to burden you with my presence after tomorrow.
By this time, no one will be watching for me
here Roberts, as I am supposed to be in London. I
(05:25):
shall go to morrow night and return to my London
quarters where Adams awaits me. By the way, heavily has
that fool of a detective gone? He is going to morrow,
said Leo in a surly tone. All the better we
can travel to London together. Ah, you smile, my dear Leo.
But I assure you that if I chose to travel
with Martin, I should do so. I can disguise myself
(05:47):
so effectively that even he would not know me. It's
not the first time I've baffled him. Look, you, mister Pratt,
or whatever you choose to call yourself, said the young man, calmly.
You have been kind to me in your own way,
and I don't want to take advantage of your present
unfortunate position at the same time. You are a thief
and a criminal, and I want to have nothing to
(06:09):
do with you. Missus Cabriel may approve your company, but
you do not wish to have you for a friend.
I shall hold my tongue, but I recommend you to
leave this place as soon as possible. Missus Cabriel glad
that Leo as she could ill brook his references to herself.
She half rose as though she would have flown at him,
But a glance from Pratt quelder when she sat down
(06:31):
with more meekness than could have been expected from such
a redoubtable termagant. Pratt, still keeping his temper, turned to Leo.
It's very good of you to interest yourself in my movements,
he said, in silky tones. But I can look after myself.
It's a grief, my dear fellow, a great grief that
I should be compelled to leave his neighborhood. I like
(06:51):
the place, and the people are fairly agreeable. I was
nicely settle in the nun's house and surrounded with stolen goods,
interrupted Leo. Wrathfully. Pratt sighed, I had some charming things,
he said, how I shall miss them? I am too
old to make another such collection. I suppose they have
all returned to the people I took them from. I
fear the stupid creatures will not appreciate them as I
(07:12):
have done. Pratt's impudence was so consummate that Leo could
not help laughing. But Missus Gabriel rose in the black
fury and took a fist in the man's face. How
dare you boast of your inquities in my house? She cried,
in your house, my dear lady, queried Pratt, blandly. Missus
Gabriel got very white and sat down again. Apparently Pratt
(07:34):
had some power over her, which she was afraid he
might use. Leo had never seen the woman so cowed. Well, well,
continued Pratt, stretching his legs. I have to go, thanks
to that wretched man Martin. How was it he appeared
so unexpectedly? Raston sent for him to London to find
out who committed the robbery. Ah, Pratt laughed. I hope
(07:56):
mister Martin is satisfied now. My letter should have pleased him.
It please me more, said Leo bluntly. My name is
now clear, and you will be glad to hear, he added,
turning to Missus Gabriel that Hale in the presence of
Martin and his sister, confess that he lent me the money.
I am afraid your plot against me has failed, my
dear aunt. Hold your tongue, said Missus Gabriel angrily. Now
(08:19):
the time has passed for that. I am no longer
in your power. I intend to make my own way
in the world with assistance from Missus Gabriel, said Pratt quietly.
She will start you with a thousand pounds, My dear Leo.
I won't give one penny, said Missus Gabriel, glaring. You
can do your worst, Pratt. I have been your milscow
(08:40):
long enough. I would not take anything from her, said Leo, interposing,
And I'll thank you, mister Pratt, to leave my affairs alone.
If you will persist in meddling with them, I shall
not keep my promise of silence. Oh yes, you will,
chimed in Pratt, fixing him with his eye. You dare
not betray me, Leo, dare not, echoed the young man angrily.
(09:04):
Not unless you won't to be called an unnatural son,
my boy, Leo stared, not taking in the meaning of
this speech, For you are my son Leo, added Pratt
in low tones, his eyes never leaving Heavely's face. Your
your great heavens, Missus Gabriel burst into a taunting laugh.
(09:25):
Ah you know it at last, she cried triumphantly. And
he has told you, after threatening me with all sorts
of things to keep me silent. It is. It's not true,
gasped Leo. It's perfectly true, said the woman, jeeringly. You
are the son of the cleverest thief in the three kingdoms.
Hold your tongue, you hag, shouted Pratt angrily, for Leo
(09:47):
is who as white as ashes, and his face wore
an expression of terrible agny. I won't be quiet. You
told him yourself, and now he shall know all as
the Vicard does, finished Missus Gabriel, laughing fiercely. Leo started
to his feet. Sybil, he cried out, staring at his enemy.
I know now why the Vicar will not let me
(10:09):
marry her. You you told him you were an illegitimate son,
said Missus Gabriel rapidly. I did not say who was
your father. But now that Pratt's true characters known, I
shall tell Tempest everything. Then we shall see if he
will let you speak to Sybil again. You dare say
a word Missus Gabriel and I. But the woman was
(10:30):
not to be stopped. She turned like a fury on
prayerd who had risen angrily hold your tongue, she said savagely.
I've had about enough of you and your precious son.
You made me take him to my home and tell
every one that he was the son of my dead brother,
a lie, as you well know. And you, she added,
turning on heavily, you don't know why I have hated
(10:51):
you all these years. That man knows the secret of mine,
and he forced me to do his bidding. I took
you here, I brought you up, I gave you money,
and I let you take a position to which you
are not entitled. Position. Missus Garebrile laughed scornfully. Your position
should be in the gutter where you were born. You
are no kit the kin of mine, thank God, and
(11:12):
I do thank God, said Leo vehemently. You are a bad,
evil minded woman. Although my father is a thief, I
would rather be his son than connected with you in
any way. For years, you have made me life a
hell on earth with your wild temper, terrible as is
what you have told me. I prefer the thief to
the righteous woman. The mistress of the castle recoiled aghast
(11:33):
before this outbreak of anger. Never had the usually good
tempered young man spoken so fiercely to her. As he
advanced towards her, she believed that he was going to
strike her, and put up her arm with a look
of terror in her eyes. For once the bully was cowed. Bravo,
my boy, cried Brat, laughing at a discomfiture, and clapping
(11:53):
Leo on the back. The young man started away. Don't
touch me, he said harshly. Is it not enough that
I should have the shame of being your son, but
that you should approve of any action I do. But
I do not believe that you are my father. Where
is a proof in London, said Pratt, very quietly, and
wincing at the tone of Leo's speech. If you come
(12:14):
with me to London, I can show you sufficient proof
to make you believe my mother. Leo, with a sudden thought,
cast a look at missus Gabriel. I am not your mother,
she said scornfully. Didn't I tell you there was no
blood of mine in your veins? Your mother is dead, Leo,
said Pratt in a low voice. Missus Gabriel laughed insultingly,
And I dare say she was some If you dare
(12:36):
to say another word, growled Pratt, casting a bitter look
at her. I will give you a cigaret to the world.
I don't care if you do, retorted Missus Gabriel. But
Leo saw that she quailed. What could she have done
to give a man like Pratt? He could not call
him father a power o'er her? You do care, said
Pratt quietly. But if you don't, I'll begin by telling Leo.
(12:59):
Here goes Leo, my son. In a moment, Missus Gabriel's
defiant attitude become one of supplication. She sprang forward and
caught Pratt by the arm. Don't don't, she said, faintly.
I'll do whatever you wish. Will you dare to speak
again as you have done? No, No, I know you
(13:20):
are the stronger. I could kill you, she muttered, with
the flash of her old temper. But I have to given,
I have to well, drawled Pray, taking a pleasure and
bringing her to her niece, a position to which she
was quite unaccustomed. You have persecuted my poor son, so
that I think you should have something to hold over
(13:40):
your head. It would serve you right. I don't want
to know your wicked secrets, said Leo, very pale. But
otherwise calm. It seems to me that you are an
evil couple, and I, Heaven help me, have a father
who is a thief. What of that? Said Missus Gabriel,
getting angry again. You are a thief as well, are
you not? The cup? I did not steal it, said
(14:03):
Leo proudly. You know as well as I do that
this this he winced father of mine, took it away
from the chapel. That is just where you are wrong,
he did not. Missus Gabriel. Pratt's voice sounded dangerous. She
was quite at once and looked at him in a
frightened way. But Leo had heard enough to arouse his suspicions.
(14:24):
He turned on Pratt and seized him by the arm.
Have you been telling a lie? Muttered the unhappy young man.
His father shook him off. It's no use telling another one,
he said, in a dogged way. Now you know so much,
you may as well know all. I know nothing about
the cup. But to clear you, I took the blame
on myself, you see, Leo, he said calmly. My character
(14:45):
is already so bad that a robbery moral less does
not matter. I did it for you, my son, as
I have done everything else. I wanted you to be
a gentleman and marry the girl of your heart. Sybil
loves you, and I thought, when the vicar knew you
were innocent, that he would let you marry her. He
might have done so, said Leo, sitting down in absolute despair.
(15:05):
But since Missus Gabriel told him that I was illegitimate,
he has never been the same. He is a proud man,
too proud to let the son of a thief marry
his child, taunted the woman. He doesn't know that Leo
is my son, said Pratt fiercely. I intend to tell
him as soon as you are away. She said. You
will do nothing of the sort, said Pratt, in her slow,
venomous way, which made her shrink back. By speaking to
(15:29):
the vicar and telling a lie, you have caused enough
trouble he must know no more. I did not tell
a lie. You did. My son was born in lawful wedlock.
Then why didn't you bring him up yourself? Said Missus
Gabriel with a sneer. You gave him to me in
London and made me adopt him. I had to say
that he was my nephew. Oh how you have used
(15:49):
me and I have not done using you. Hold your
tongue or it will be the worse for you. You
know the power I have, I will not scruple to
use it if you dare to do anything against my orders.
Now you can go. I want to speak to my
son alone. Missus Gabriel seemed inclined to dispute this order,
(16:09):
but a look from a tyrant cowder with a defiant
flinging above the head, she walked out of the room
and closed the door. She will tell the servants, said Leo.
Oh no, she won't, said Pratt coolly. You don't know
the power I have over her. She will not dare.
I don't want to know anything, said Leo, looking down
(16:30):
on the ground with folded arms. I know quite enough.
Are you speaking truly? Pratt met his case in a
perfectly composed manner. I am speaking the truth, he said.
You are my son, and your mother died two years
after you were born. I was then in some danger
from a well. No matter to make a long story short.
I wanted to procure a home for you where you
(16:51):
would be brought up like a gentleman. Having a certain
power over Missus Gabriel affixed upon her and made her
tell the story of your being a nephew. He did
all I wished. But had I known how she treated you,
he muttered, pledging his fist, I should soon have brought
her to her bearings. And it was this power that
made her introduce you into Callister's society. Yes, I can
(17:13):
do what I like with the woman. I know it
is a terrible thing for you to find out what
I am. But I took to bad courses early, Leo,
and I went from bed to words. It's a second
nature for me to steal. Oh, Leo rose with a
sickening sensation of disgust. Don't tell me any of your
evil doings. I know that you are my father, that
you are a thief. I want to know no more.
(17:35):
You have ruined my life. I have not said, Pratt,
how can you say such a thing what you have
heard to night? Need go no further. I shall say nothing,
and Missus Cable will be forced to hold her tongue.
Your name is clear of this theft. Did you not
steal the cup, broken Leo, looking at his father. No,
I did not. If I had stolen it, I should
(17:56):
say so, But I do not know who took it,
and London to find out. Old Penny, the pawnbroker, is
a friend of mine. I know enough to get him
into trouble as a receiver of stolen goods. So you
will have to tell me who it was impersonated you.
You said in your letter that Adam Pratt interrupted impatiently.
Adam had nothing to do with it, he said, I
(18:17):
invented all that to throw dust on Martin's eyes. I
suspect that Hale has something to do with the stealing
of the cup. He may have taken it himself for
all I know, But Old Penny will tell me. I'll
get to the bottom of this. You may be sure
as to you, Leo, hold your tongue about being my son,
and come back to missus Gabriel. She will be quite
willing to receive you, and I can force her to
(18:39):
make you a hair. Then you can marry Sybil. When
you are rich and have an assured possession. The vicar
will overlook the stain on your berth it's a lie, certainly,
added Pratt with a shrug. But to tell the truth
would be to make matters words. So we must leave
things as they are. For once, Missus Gabriel has got
the better of me, but it won't occur again. You
(19:02):
stay with her, and I promise you she will be
as polite as possible to you. He will be master year.
Leo listened to this long speech with his aching head
between his hands. When Pratt had finished, he looked up quietly.
It's good of you to take all this trouble, he said,
but I cannot come back to missus Gabriel. Even if
she loved instead of hating me, I could not come
(19:23):
back on those terms. I can never marry Sybil either.
Do you think that I would let her become my wife?
Knowing who I am? Your sins must be visited on me, Pratt.
I can't call you father. You say you are my
father and declare that you can prove it when you
are in London. I expect you to do so. Let
me know your address and i'll come up. But for
(19:44):
the moment, I assume that you are speaking the truth.
In that case, there is nothing for me to do
but to go to South Africa and seek a soldier's death.
I would rather die than marry Sybil. Now, don't talk
like that, Leo, said Pratt, much mood and vincing it
the contempt of the young man. I'm not so bad
as you think. I've done many a kind action I can. Oh,
(20:07):
don't defend yourself, said Leo, rising to go. I must
get away by the same way I came. I shall
say nothing, but I hope you will be out of
Cholister by to morrow night. Martin leaves in the morning,
so the coast will be clear. I am going now,
and I hope to hear from you so that you
may give me the proof of the truth of this story.
You don't believe me, I do in a way it
(20:28):
seems to be true. You say so, and missus Cabrille also,
I suppose I'm your son, but I am hoping against
hope that you may not be able to prove the truth,
Leo said Pratt, following him to the window. I am
your father, and if you intend to leave Sybil, you
may as well come with me. I can go with
you to South America, and there I can lead a
new life. I am rich in spite of losing the
(20:51):
nun's house. I've a belt of jewels, thousands of pounds
of the most valuable, and all stolen, cried Leo, thrusting
him back in disgust. For God's sake, don't speak to
me any more, or I shall forget that you are
my father. If you only knew how I loathe myself
for being your son. I never thought it would come
to this. Let me go. Let me go, and Leo,
(21:13):
pulling his arm from the grasp of Pratt, rushed out
on to the terrace. In another ten minutes, Missus Gabriel
re entered. She found Pratt with his head buried in
his arms, sobbing like a child. At the sight, she
burst out laughing. Then she locked the window Leo had
left open. Get to bed, Pratt, she said, contemptuously, and
(21:34):
pleasant dreams to you. The end of chapter fifteen,
Chapter fifteen of The Pagan's Cup by Fergus Hume. This
liberyvox recording is in the public domain. Read by Yoganum
The Pagan's Cup, Chapter fifteen, a new complication. Leo was
so surprised by this unexpected sight that for the moment
(00:21):
he stood still. Then he made up his mind to
interview the pair. Missus Gabriel and Pratt evidently understood one another,
and the two of them together might probably tell him
more about himself than one would do. Moreover, Leo was
angry at the way in which Pratt had let him
lie under the imputation of being a thief, when he
could have lifted the disgrace from off his shoulders. Certainly,
(00:43):
Pratt could have done so only at the risk of
incriminating himself, but at the time Leo was too much
annoyed to think of this. He saw that there was
some mystery, and, thinking it might have to do with
Missus Gabriel's enmity towards himself, he interrupted what seemed to
be a furious conversation by knocking at the window Missus Gabriel.
Pratt turned in the direction where the sound came. She
(01:04):
with a pale face, and Pratt with a level revolver,
which he took from his breast pocket. Leo might have
been in danger of his life but that he chanced
to remember a peculiar tune which Pratt had taught him
in order to announce his coming while he was staying
at the nun's house. At the time, Leo had thought
this was only a freak of the old man's, but
now that he knew who Pratt was, he saw that
(01:26):
there was use in it to Pratt, if not to
himself at all events. He began to whistle. Hardly had
he got through the first few bars before Pratt's watchful
attitude relaxed, and he tossed the revolver on to the table.
Missus Gabriel still continued to look agitated, but Pratt stepped
towards the window and opened it coolly. I knew it
(01:47):
was you, he said, pulling Leo into the room and
shutting the window. It is a lucky thing you remembered
my signal, else I might have drilled a hole in you.
You come at a happy moment here. He stopped and
looked suspiciously at the young man. Have you that infernal
Martin with you? He asked, with a glance at the
window and a moment towards the revolver. No no, replied
(02:08):
Leo hastily. I'm all alone. That's a good thing, said
Pratt grimly. I won't be taken alive, I promise you.
But I knew you would not give me away. I
said so to Missus Gabriel, she said, you would, speaking
the worst of you as usual. Leo was too much
taken aback by the discovery that Pratt was in the
castle to reply immediately. Moreover, the man was so cool
(02:29):
and composed that he felt as though he were in
the wrong. He tried to collect the scattered thoughts, but
before he could open his mouth, Missus Gabriel spoke in
her usual domineering tones. What are you doing here, Leo?
She asked? How did you get on to the terrace.
No one can get on without the key of the gate.
I happen to have the key, said Leo, showing it.
(02:50):
You gave it to me yourself some years ago when
he left you. I took it with me by mistake.
It has come in useful to night. You may thank
your starts, both of you, that I didn't bring Martin
back with me. He left me at the foot of
the hill with the story that you were ill. Missus Gabriel,
Leo said Pratt in an agitated tone. Surely you would
not have brought the man here to get me into trouble.
(03:13):
I did not know you were here, said Havily, carelessly,
for he was still angered at the man. I've been
here ever since the night I fled from Raston's house.
It was Adam who went on to London and cut
the wire and the letter in which you said you
had stolen the cup. I wrote that here and posted
it to Adam that he might send it from London.
(03:33):
Missus Gabriel helped me to hide. No one knows that
I am in this house save herself, and now you
are a sharer in our sacret. It must be difficult
to keep your presence here a secret from the servants,
said Leo, wondering how the man had forced Missus Gabriel
to help here. The lady herself interfered, it is not
difficult at all, she said, in a most offensive tones.
(03:54):
You know nothing of what you are talking about. Pratt
is up in the tower room, and I take him
foot myself from my own. It's impossible that any one
can guess. Well, my dear aunt said heavily emphatically, I
know that Pratt is here. I think therefore you had
better behave towards me in a most civil manner. Ah
scoffed Missus Gabriel, folding her arm and looking defiant. You
(04:17):
would not dare to stay the truth. How do you
know that? Said Leo dryly. Pratt is wanted by the law.
He committed a theft here and allowed me to lie
under suspicion. Why should I not give him up and
accuse you of being an axery to his concealment. Missus
Gabriel frowned and black eyes flashed, but Pratt, who had
taken a seat, did not move. He merely laughed. I
(04:41):
don't think you will give away, Leo, he said. I
admit that Missus Gabriel is enough to irritate his signed,
but if you punish her, you punish me also, and
you deserve punishment. Retorted Leo, probably I do, but I
have my own opinion of the matter. All I ask
you to do is to hold it tongue until such
a time as I can get away. When are you
(05:03):
going away soon? I hope cried missus Gabriel spitefully. I'm
rather tired of having a jail bird in my house. Oh,
you refer to the American affair, said Pratt airily. I
had quite forgotten it. Well, my dear lady, I do
not intend to burden you with my presence after tomorrow.
By this time, no one will be watching for me
here Roberts, as I am supposed to be in London. I
(05:25):
shall go to morrow night and return to my London
quarters where Adams awaits me. By the way, heavily has
that fool of a detective gone? He is going to morrow,
said Leo in a surly tone. All the better we
can travel to London together. Ah, you smile, my dear Leo.
But I assure you that if I chose to travel
with Martin, I should do so. I can disguise myself
(05:47):
so effectively that even he would not know me. It's
not the first time I've baffled him. Look, you, mister Pratt,
or whatever you choose to call yourself, said the young man, calmly.
You have been kind to me in your own way,
and I don't want to take advantage of your present
unfortunate position at the same time. You are a thief
and a criminal, and I want to have nothing to
(06:09):
do with you. Missus Cabriel may approve your company, but
you do not wish to have you for a friend.
I shall hold my tongue, but I recommend you to
leave this place as soon as possible. Missus Cabriel glad
that Leo as she could ill brook his references to herself.
She half rose as though she would have flown at him,
But a glance from Pratt quelder when she sat down
(06:31):
with more meekness than could have been expected from such
a redoubtable termagant. Pratt, still keeping his temper, turned to Leo.
It's very good of you to interest yourself in my movements,
he said, in silky tones. But I can look after myself.
It's a grief, my dear fellow, a great grief that
I should be compelled to leave his neighborhood. I like
(06:51):
the place, and the people are fairly agreeable. I was
nicely settle in the nun's house and surrounded with stolen goods,
interrupted Leo. Wrathfully. Pratt sighed, I had some charming things,
he said, how I shall miss them? I am too
old to make another such collection. I suppose they have
all returned to the people I took them from. I
fear the stupid creatures will not appreciate them as I
(07:12):
have done. Pratt's impudence was so consummate that Leo could
not help laughing. But Missus Gabriel rose in the black
fury and took a fist in the man's face. How
dare you boast of your inquities in my house? She cried,
in your house, my dear lady, queried Pratt, blandly. Missus
Gabriel got very white and sat down again. Apparently Pratt
(07:34):
had some power over her, which she was afraid he
might use. Leo had never seen the woman so cowed. Well, well,
continued Pratt, stretching his legs. I have to go, thanks
to that wretched man Martin. How was it he appeared
so unexpectedly? Raston sent for him to London to find
out who committed the robbery. Ah, Pratt laughed. I hope
(07:56):
mister Martin is satisfied now. My letter should have pleased him.
It please me more, said Leo bluntly. My name is
now clear, and you will be glad to hear, he added,
turning to Missus Gabriel that Hale in the presence of
Martin and his sister, confess that he lent me the money.
I am afraid your plot against me has failed, my
dear aunt. Hold your tongue, said Missus Gabriel angrily. Now
(08:19):
the time has passed for that. I am no longer
in your power. I intend to make my own way
in the world with assistance from Missus Gabriel, said Pratt quietly.
She will start you with a thousand pounds, My dear Leo.
I won't give one penny, said Missus Gabriel, glaring. You
can do your worst, Pratt. I have been your milscow
(08:40):
long enough. I would not take anything from her, said Leo, interposing,
And I'll thank you, mister Pratt, to leave my affairs alone.
If you will persist in meddling with them, I shall
not keep my promise of silence. Oh yes, you will,
chimed in Pratt, fixing him with his eye. You dare
not betray me, Leo, dare not, echoed the young man angrily.
(09:04):
Not unless you won't to be called an unnatural son,
my boy, Leo stared, not taking in the meaning of
this speech, For you are my son Leo, added Pratt
in low tones, his eyes never leaving Heavely's face. Your
your great heavens, Missus Gabriel burst into a taunting laugh.
(09:25):
Ah you know it at last, she cried triumphantly. And
he has told you, after threatening me with all sorts
of things to keep me silent. It is. It's not true,
gasped Leo. It's perfectly true, said the woman, jeeringly. You
are the son of the cleverest thief in the three kingdoms.
Hold your tongue, you hag, shouted Pratt angrily, for Leo
(09:47):
is who as white as ashes, and his face wore
an expression of terrible agny. I won't be quiet. You
told him yourself, and now he shall know all as
the Vicard does, finished Missus Gabriel, laughing fiercely. Leo started
to his feet. Sybil, he cried out, staring at his enemy.
I know now why the Vicar will not let me
(10:09):
marry her. You you told him you were an illegitimate son,
said Missus Gabriel rapidly. I did not say who was
your father. But now that Pratt's true characters known, I
shall tell Tempest everything. Then we shall see if he
will let you speak to Sybil again. You dare say
a word Missus Gabriel and I. But the woman was
(10:30):
not to be stopped. She turned like a fury on
prayerd who had risen angrily hold your tongue, she said savagely.
I've had about enough of you and your precious son.
You made me take him to my home and tell
every one that he was the son of my dead brother,
a lie, as you well know. And you, she added,
turning on heavily, you don't know why I have hated
(10:51):
you all these years. That man knows the secret of mine,
and he forced me to do his bidding. I took
you here, I brought you up, I gave you money,
and I let you take a position to which you
are not entitled. Position. Missus Garebrile laughed scornfully. Your position
should be in the gutter where you were born. You
are no kit the kin of mine, thank God, and
(11:12):
I do thank God, said Leo vehemently. You are a bad,
evil minded woman. Although my father is a thief, I
would rather be his son than connected with you in
any way. For years, you have made me life a
hell on earth with your wild temper, terrible as is
what you have told me. I prefer the thief to
the righteous woman. The mistress of the castle recoiled aghast
(11:33):
before this outbreak of anger. Never had the usually good
tempered young man spoken so fiercely to her. As he
advanced towards her, she believed that he was going to
strike her, and put up her arm with a look
of terror in her eyes. For once the bully was cowed. Bravo,
my boy, cried Brat, laughing at a discomfiture, and clapping
(11:53):
Leo on the back. The young man started away. Don't
touch me, he said harshly. Is it not enough that
I should have the shame of being your son, but
that you should approve of any action I do. But
I do not believe that you are my father. Where
is a proof in London, said Pratt, very quietly, and
wincing at the tone of Leo's speech. If you come
(12:14):
with me to London, I can show you sufficient proof
to make you believe my mother. Leo, with a sudden thought,
cast a look at missus Gabriel. I am not your mother,
she said scornfully. Didn't I tell you there was no
blood of mine in your veins? Your mother is dead, Leo,
said Pratt in a low voice. Missus Gabriel laughed insultingly,
And I dare say she was some If you dare
(12:36):
to say another word, growled Pratt, casting a bitter look
at her. I will give you a cigaret to the world.
I don't care if you do, retorted Missus Gabriel. But
Leo saw that she quailed. What could she have done
to give a man like Pratt? He could not call
him father a power o'er her? You do care, said
Pratt quietly. But if you don't, I'll begin by telling Leo.
(12:59):
Here goes Leo, my son. In a moment, Missus Gabriel's
defiant attitude become one of supplication. She sprang forward and
caught Pratt by the arm. Don't don't, she said, faintly.
I'll do whatever you wish. Will you dare to speak
again as you have done? No, No, I know you
(13:20):
are the stronger. I could kill you, she muttered, with
the flash of her old temper. But I have to given,
I have to well, drawled Pray, taking a pleasure and
bringing her to her niece, a position to which she
was quite unaccustomed. You have persecuted my poor son, so
that I think you should have something to hold over
(13:40):
your head. It would serve you right. I don't want
to know your wicked secrets, said Leo, very pale. But
otherwise calm. It seems to me that you are an
evil couple, and I, Heaven help me, have a father
who is a thief. What of that? Said Missus Gabriel,
getting angry again. You are a thief as well, are
you not? The cup? I did not steal it, said
(14:03):
Leo proudly. You know as well as I do that
this this he winced father of mine, took it away
from the chapel. That is just where you are wrong,
he did not. Missus Gabriel. Pratt's voice sounded dangerous. She
was quite at once and looked at him in a
frightened way. But Leo had heard enough to arouse his suspicions.
(14:24):
He turned on Pratt and seized him by the arm.
Have you been telling a lie? Muttered the unhappy young man.
His father shook him off. It's no use telling another one,
he said, in a dogged way. Now you know so much,
you may as well know all. I know nothing about
the cup. But to clear you, I took the blame
on myself, you see, Leo, he said calmly. My character
(14:45):
is already so bad that a robbery moral less does
not matter. I did it for you, my son, as
I have done everything else. I wanted you to be
a gentleman and marry the girl of your heart. Sybil
loves you, and I thought, when the vicar knew you
were innocent, that he would let you marry her. He
might have done so, said Leo, sitting down in absolute despair.
(15:05):
But since Missus Gabriel told him that I was illegitimate,
he has never been the same. He is a proud man,
too proud to let the son of a thief marry
his child, taunted the woman. He doesn't know that Leo
is my son, said Pratt fiercely. I intend to tell
him as soon as you are away. She said. You
will do nothing of the sort, said Pratt, in her slow,
venomous way, which made her shrink back. By speaking to
(15:29):
the vicar and telling a lie, you have caused enough
trouble he must know no more. I did not tell
a lie. You did. My son was born in lawful wedlock.
Then why didn't you bring him up yourself? Said Missus
Gabriel with a sneer. You gave him to me in
London and made me adopt him. I had to say
that he was my nephew. Oh how you have used
(15:49):
me and I have not done using you. Hold your
tongue or it will be the worse for you. You
know the power I have, I will not scruple to
use it if you dare to do anything against my orders.
Now you can go. I want to speak to my
son alone. Missus Gabriel seemed inclined to dispute this order,
(16:09):
but a look from a tyrant cowder with a defiant
flinging above the head, she walked out of the room
and closed the door. She will tell the servants, said Leo.
Oh no, she won't, said Pratt coolly. You don't know
the power I have over her. She will not dare.
I don't want to know anything, said Leo, looking down
(16:30):
on the ground with folded arms. I know quite enough.
Are you speaking truly? Pratt met his case in a
perfectly composed manner. I am speaking the truth, he said.
You are my son, and your mother died two years
after you were born. I was then in some danger
from a well. No matter to make a long story short.
I wanted to procure a home for you where you
(16:51):
would be brought up like a gentleman. Having a certain
power over Missus Gabriel affixed upon her and made her
tell the story of your being a nephew. He did
all I wished. But had I known how she treated you,
he muttered, pledging his fist, I should soon have brought
her to her bearings. And it was this power that
made her introduce you into Callister's society. Yes, I can
(17:13):
do what I like with the woman. I know it
is a terrible thing for you to find out what
I am. But I took to bad courses early, Leo,
and I went from bed to words. It's a second
nature for me to steal. Oh, Leo rose with a
sickening sensation of disgust. Don't tell me any of your
evil doings. I know that you are my father, that
you are a thief. I want to know no more.
(17:35):
You have ruined my life. I have not said, Pratt,
how can you say such a thing what you have
heard to night? Need go no further. I shall say nothing,
and Missus Cable will be forced to hold her tongue.
Your name is clear of this theft. Did you not
steal the cup, broken Leo, looking at his father. No,
I did not. If I had stolen it, I should
(17:56):
say so, But I do not know who took it,
and London to find out. Old Penny, the pawnbroker, is
a friend of mine. I know enough to get him
into trouble as a receiver of stolen goods. So you
will have to tell me who it was impersonated you.
You said in your letter that Adam Pratt interrupted impatiently.
Adam had nothing to do with it, he said, I
(18:17):
invented all that to throw dust on Martin's eyes. I
suspect that Hale has something to do with the stealing
of the cup. He may have taken it himself for
all I know, But Old Penny will tell me. I'll
get to the bottom of this. You may be sure
as to you, Leo, hold your tongue about being my son,
and come back to missus Gabriel. She will be quite
willing to receive you, and I can force her to
(18:39):
make you a hair. Then you can marry Sybil. When
you are rich and have an assured possession. The vicar
will overlook the stain on your berth it's a lie, certainly,
added Pratt with a shrug. But to tell the truth
would be to make matters words. So we must leave
things as they are. For once, Missus Gabriel has got
the better of me, but it won't occur again. You
(19:02):
stay with her, and I promise you she will be
as polite as possible to you. He will be master year.
Leo listened to this long speech with his aching head
between his hands. When Pratt had finished, he looked up quietly.
It's good of you to take all this trouble, he said,
but I cannot come back to missus Gabriel. Even if
she loved instead of hating me, I could not come
(19:23):
back on those terms. I can never marry Sybil either.
Do you think that I would let her become my wife?
Knowing who I am? Your sins must be visited on me, Pratt.
I can't call you father. You say you are my
father and declare that you can prove it when you
are in London. I expect you to do so. Let
me know your address and i'll come up. But for
(19:44):
the moment, I assume that you are speaking the truth.
In that case, there is nothing for me to do
but to go to South Africa and seek a soldier's death.
I would rather die than marry Sybil. Now, don't talk
like that, Leo, said Pratt, much mood and vincing it
the contempt of the young man. I'm not so bad
as you think. I've done many a kind action I can. Oh,
(20:07):
don't defend yourself, said Leo, rising to go. I must
get away by the same way I came. I shall
say nothing, but I hope you will be out of
Cholister by to morrow night. Martin leaves in the morning,
so the coast will be clear. I am going now,
and I hope to hear from you so that you
may give me the proof of the truth of this story.
You don't believe me, I do in a way it
(20:28):
seems to be true. You say so, and missus Cabrille also,
I suppose I'm your son, but I am hoping against
hope that you may not be able to prove the truth,
Leo said Pratt, following him to the window. I am
your father, and if you intend to leave Sybil, you
may as well come with me. I can go with
you to South America, and there I can lead a
new life. I am rich in spite of losing the
(20:51):
nun's house. I've a belt of jewels, thousands of pounds
of the most valuable, and all stolen, cried Leo, thrusting
him back in disgust. For God's sake, don't speak to
me any more, or I shall forget that you are
my father. If you only knew how I loathe myself
for being your son. I never thought it would come
to this. Let me go. Let me go, and Leo,
(21:13):
pulling his arm from the grasp of Pratt, rushed out
on to the terrace. In another ten minutes, Missus Gabriel
re entered. She found Pratt with his head buried in
his arms, sobbing like a child. At the sight, she
burst out laughing. Then she locked the window Leo had
left open. Get to bed, Pratt, she said, contemptuously, and
(21:34):
pleasant dreams to you. The end of chapter fifteen,
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com