CHAPTERCXLI.THE VALIANT FOOTMAN AND THE DESPERATE BURGLAR—THE PRISONER IN THE STABLE—UNEXPECTED RELEASE.Lady Marvlynn’s guests were doomed to experience another alarm.It was soon made apparent that the wounded burglar had attempted to make his escape, and some of them were under the impression that it did not much matter if he succeeded in doing so, while others were most anxious for him to be brought to the bar of justice upon public grounds.Some of the gentlemen volunteered to give chase, and sallied forth, and of course took the wrong direction.One energetic young man, partly owing to his haste and partly to the darkness, was brought suddenly to a standstill by his neck coming in contact with a clothesline which ran from wall to wall in the back garden.His neck came with considerable force against this, and he hit out right and left with his clenched fists at some antagonist who, he believed, was endeavouring to garotte him. His appearance was so comic, as well as the circumstances, that his friends could not refrain from a hearty laugh at his expense, and he afterwards declared that he fully believed that some one was garrotting him, and that he was fighting for his life.Meanwhile, while this and a number of other incidents were taking place, Mr. Jones had come up with Charles Peace, who was once more in the valiant footman’s grasp.Peace now fought like a tiger; he threw himself down and kicked his assailant unmercifully, and the chances were that he would have got the better of Jones had not the stableman come to the rescue.“He’s the most determined little brute that mortal man ever set eyes on,” remarked James Jones. “He is the very devil himself, I do believe.”“We’ll devil him,” returned the stableman. “The best way to serve a chap of this sort is to prevent him from doing further mischief. He’s a kicker, you see, and wants the kicking-strap put on.”And with these words the man fastened Peace’s legs together with a strap, after which he pinioned his arms with a rope.When this had been done, he said—“Now, Jem, we’ll carry him into the stable, and lock him in till we get a bobby or two to look arter him.”“You cowardly scoundrels!” exclaimed Peace, in a paroxysm of rage, “you shall suffer for this.”“Go on, guv’nor, take your fill of abuse,” returned the stableman. “Did your mother have any more of your sort?”Peace was carried into the stable and bound to a post. Then the stable door was locked on him, and he was left to his reflections which were anything but of an agreeable nature.Now, all this had been done in an incredibly brief space of time, and Mr. Jones considered it very cleverly done—all things considered, for, smarting as he was from the cuts and bruises he had received in the recent conflict, he very naturally enough bore our hero no goodwill, and it would have caused our footman great mortification of the little scoundrel, or devil as he termed him, had succeeded in getting clear off after the trouble he (Mr. Jones) had been at.He returned to the house and made his mistress acquainted with all that had happened.“Dear me!” said Lady Marvlynn; “but upon my word, James, I hardly think you were justified in binding the man.”“You should have seen him kick and fight, and even try to bite. What could we do with such a—devil?” he was going to say, but he substituted ruffian instead.No.76.Illustration: AVELINE AND LADY MARVLYNNAVELINE AND LADY MARVLYNN LETTING PEACE OUT OF THE STABLE.“Well, I confess I do not understand these things,” returned her ladyship. “I hope and trust it is all right. It has so completely upset me that I hardly know what I say or do.”“I am going to send Peter for a policeman, if you please, ma’am.”“Oh, indeed, eh—for a policeman.”“Yes, my lady.”“Oh, very well, perhaps that is the best course. We can consult the constable when he comes, and take his advice in the matter.”“It rests with you, my lady.”“Of course, certainly. Well do as you say—send for a policeman. How are you now? Do you feel better?”“Oh, yes, I am a little shaken of course, but am thankful that I escaped as well as I did.”“Yes, certainly, we are all thankful. I have reason to be grateful for the energy and courage you have displayed. It will not be forgotten, believe me. Neither is it likely to go unrewarded; but more of this hereafter.”James Jabez Jones bowed and took himself off. As Lady Marvlynn was about returning to her guests she was met by Aveline.“This ruffian is locked up in the stable, dear, and is not likely to trouble us any more, I hope,” said Lady Marvlynn. “I know you will be glad to hear that.”“Oh yes, certainly,” stammered Aveline. “I suppose all will be glad.”“Why what’s the matter, dear? You seem troubled.”“I have a word or two to say to you in private.”“Of course, my darling pet. Come into this room.”She led her companion into a small apartment which had not been placed at the disposal of the general company.“This man whom you are about to give into charge for—burglary—for housebreaking——” she paused.“Well, what of him?”“Do you intend to charge him?”“Do I? Well, I suppose so. You heard what the gentlemen said but just now. I was bound to do so on public grounds.”“There are private reasons for your not doing so.”“For my not doing so? You surprise me, Aveline. Name them.”“He is known to me.”“I am astounded. Known to you?”“Yes,” said Aveline, with something like sadness in her tones. “Years ago he did me a service.”“Impossible.”“It is a fact. He was mainly instrumental in throwing a light on the dark and, at that time, impenetrable mystery which hung over the house of Ethalwood. He it was who gave Mr. Wrench the information which led to his discovery of me.”“His name is then——”“Charles Peace. Oh, Lady Marvlynn, I have every reason for believing him to be a bad man, but I frankly confess I was quite unprepared for this. I did not think he had sunk so low—that he was so callous—so debased—but that is but little to the purpose just now. I have one favour to ask.”“What is it?”“That you let him go about his business. Do this for my sake. I cannot explain all the circumstances which lead up to this, but I say again let him go.”“You must be mistaken, my dear. It cannot possibly be the man to whom you allude.”“I am not mistaken,” said Aveline. “I saw his face distinctly as he stood in the greenhouse. Time has not improved its expression; but it was too familiar to me years and years ago for me to make a mistake, but if you doubt it I will convince you.”“How?”“Simply by our both going to the stable together.”“We will do so, by all means, if you wish it.”“I do wish it. I desire to do so most earnestly.”“Your word is law with me,” cried Lady Marvlynn, who at once left the room and summoned Mr. Jones.“I wish to see the prisoner, James,” said she; “give me the key of the stable.”“You would not go alone, my lady?” said the footman.“I am not afraid of this man; give me the key.”The sagacious flunkey was surprised, but he handed his mistress the key without any further observation.Lady Marvlynn returned to Aveline.“Now, dear, we will proceed thither at once; that is if you are not afraid to face this tiger,” for such Jones calls him.“Oh, dear, no, I am not afraid.”The two ladies hurried along till they had reached the temporary prison-house of Charles Peace. The lock was turned, the door opened, then they entered, closing the door after them.Lady Marvlynn, who had taken the precautions to provide herself with a flat-glass lantern, now turned its rays full upon the features of the imprisoned man, who was, as already stated, tied to a post, having been previously bound hand and foot.Peace at this time looked the most miserable dejected wretch it was possible to conceive, and those who were not very well acquainted with his features would have found it impossible to recognise him, but Aveline, or rather Lady Batershall, at once saw that the wretched criminal was the same person she had known in the earlier period of her life.She started back, and exclaimed in a subdued tone—“It is he; but oh, how strangely altered!”At the sound of her voice Charles Peace became deeply moved, albeit he strove to maintain an air of bravado.“And has it come to this, you unscrupulous abandoned man?” said Aveline. “A common robber—a disgrace to society.”“I’m ill—have been cruelly treated—and don’t care what becomes of me,” whined Peace, in a cringing tone. “Taunt me and upbraid me as you please. I am powerless, and am at your mercy.”“Yes, at our mercy,” said Lady Marvlynn, turning towards her female companion and regarding her with an enquiring look. “Poor wretch, he is at our mercy, and is, moreover, in a sorry plight.”“I don’t know you, madam,” observed Peace, “but I think if I am to judge from appearances, that you are kind and tender-hearted. The other lady I know perfectly well, and she owes me a deep debt of gratitude, and ought not to upbraid me.”“She does not do so,” returned Lady Marvlynn.“She does not? Well perhaps I am mistaken. But you will admit that it is hard to be treated in this merciless cruel way. Let Aveline Gatliffe speak for herself.”“She is no longer Mrs. Gatliffe but a lady of title.”“I know that, and who caused her to be recognised as a lady of title? People in this world soon forget past favours.”“I do not, sir,” cried Lady Batershall, with something approaching to hauteur in her manner, “be less personal in your observations. I find you here a criminal, a thief, an outcast, but at the same time I am ready and willing to render you whatever service lies in my power. Gracious heaven, how terrible is all this! Tell me what you desire me to do.”“I want to be free. If I am given into custody, I am a ruined man, but if you let me free——”“Well, what then? Will you promise me to abandon your present course? Oh! for mercy’s sake tell me that you will reform and lead a new life.”“I will—I promise,” cried Peace, in a hypocritical whining tone, “I hereby solemnly swear——”“Do not swear—there is no need for that,” interrupted the gentle Aveline. “Give me your word and keep it—that is all I need.”“I do give you my word. Oh, my lady, have pity on me! My only hope is in you. Remember that mercy is one of the most divine attributes which a woman or a man possesses. Think of my poor wife—of my family, and all who belong to me. You cannot find it in your heart to bring ruin and disgrace upon me and mine.”“I am very sad, and cannot express to you my feeling of sorrow and the miserable state of dejection all this occasions me, dear,” said Lady Batershall, not taking any heed of Peace’s words, but addressing herself to her companion. “This man I knew years and years ago. At one time he was a respectable member of society—at least so I deemed him. Judge my horror at this night’s proceedings—a common robber, a ruffian! It is almost incredible.”“It’s no use going on like that,” whined Peace. “You don’t know how I have been tempted—what troubles I am surrounded with. What’s the use of talking of the past, or saying what I was and what I am? Do you think I want to hear about my former life? It is over. I am as you see me just now, in the depths of trouble. If you can serve me, which I very well know you can—do it for old acquaintance sake. There, that’s plain enough, aint it?”“Oh, you bad, wicked man!” exclaimed Lady Marvlynn; “but there, I won’t say any more upon that head.”“Are you the mistress of this house?” inquired Peace.“Yes, I am.”“Very good; and do you intend to give me in charge? Say yes or no, that I may know what I am to expect.”“For the sake of this dear lady, I will not give you in charge unless I am forced to do so.”“Forced! Who is likely to force you?”“No one, I hope.”“And I hope the same. You need not be afraid. I intend to reform if you will only let me have a chance of doing so.”“Are you sincere?”“Of course I am. I’ll lead a new life after this. I’ve seen the error of my ways, and promise to be as straight as an arrow for the future; only take compassion one me and release me from this miserable bondage. I ache in every limb, and my head goes throbbing like anything. Do cut the cords that confine me; you’ll never regret it. My dear good creatures, have compassion on a miserable wretch who appeals to you, and will for the future be as honest and upright as the day. No time is to be lost if you wish to save me, which I feel assured you do. Hesitate no longer, or it may be too late.”“Indeed there is some reason in what he says, dear,” observed the kind-hearted Lady Marvlynn.“I will hesitate no longer,” cried Aveline. “Come what may, this man must be free.”Without further ado Aveline at once proceeded to unbind the rope which confined Charles Peace, who in a minute or so was freed from the post, the strap was then removed from his feet, the cord which confined his arms was undone, and once more he had free use of his limbs.“I shall remember this act of kindness to the last and latest hour of my life,” said he. “Oh, my good angels, for such indeed you are, accept my most sincere and heartfelt thanks.”“Now go, say no more in the way of grateful expression. Time presses; hence away at once without further hesitation,” exclaimed Lady Batershall, “and remember your promise.”“Be assured of that. I shall never forget it.”Aveline opened the stable door, and Charles Peace passed through. The garden gate was flung open, and the burglar ran at the top of his speed down the lane which skirted Lady Marvlynn’s palatial residence. Both ladies listened intently to the sounds of his retreating footsteps, and when these were no longer heard, Lady Batershall pressed her hand to her side and exclaimed, in a low breathless tone—“Heaven be praised, he is free!”“Ah! my dear,” said her companion, “I know this has been a sore trial for you.”“It has—I freely confess it,” was the quiet rejoinder. “I am quite unnerved, and scarcely know what I am doing.”“The horribly debased, lost man!”“But he will reform—I do not think there is any doubt about that.”“I hope so. I wish I could feel assured of it.”“I feel it difficult to believe that he could have sunk so low as this.”“Do not take on so, dear. Let us hope for the best. I should never have forgiven myself if I had been constrained to hand him over to the officers of justice, but I expect we shall be censured by our friends.”“I expect so too,” returned Aveline, “but that we must submit to with the best grace we can. Ah! we shall be censured—there is but little doubt upon that subject.”A loud ring at the bell was now given by somebody outside, and upon the mistress of the house opening the gate a policeman presented himself.“Ah!” exclaimed Lady Marvlynn, “you have come.”“Yes, my lady. There has been an attempted robbery—a burglary in your house, I understand?”“Ahem, yes. A very unfortunate affair indeed.”“Where is the prisoner?” was the next question.“He was confined in the stable, but has escaped.”“Escaped!” cried the constable. “How long since?”“Oh, some little time back, but come in.”The policeman entered, and glanced in every direction as he did so.“How did he contrive to make his escape, and which road has he taken I wonder; but we’ll soon hunt him down.”“One moment, if you please,” said Lady Marvlynn. “This man, the burglar, I have let go free, as under no circumstances whatever should I have charged him. I am sorry to have given you needless trouble—regret this very much, but as I did not intend to prosecute, well, you see, I let him go.”“Umph! Well, you know best, my lady, but I think you will have reason to regret it.”“I hope not, but we will talk this matter over presently. Come in and have some refreshment. James Jones will be able to give you all the particulars.”“Who is James Jones?”“My footman.”“Oh, I see; but had I not better see if I can recapture the scoundrel?”“No. Do as I bid you. Come into the house.”Lady Marvlynn led the way, the officer of the law following. He was presently conducted into the servants’ hall, where he found a well-spread table.He thought the circumstance a little singular, and could not very well account in anything like a satisfactory manner for the release of the culprit, but he was wise enough to keep his thoughts to himself—to hear, see, and say nothing.
Lady Marvlynn’s guests were doomed to experience another alarm.
It was soon made apparent that the wounded burglar had attempted to make his escape, and some of them were under the impression that it did not much matter if he succeeded in doing so, while others were most anxious for him to be brought to the bar of justice upon public grounds.
Some of the gentlemen volunteered to give chase, and sallied forth, and of course took the wrong direction.
One energetic young man, partly owing to his haste and partly to the darkness, was brought suddenly to a standstill by his neck coming in contact with a clothesline which ran from wall to wall in the back garden.
His neck came with considerable force against this, and he hit out right and left with his clenched fists at some antagonist who, he believed, was endeavouring to garotte him. His appearance was so comic, as well as the circumstances, that his friends could not refrain from a hearty laugh at his expense, and he afterwards declared that he fully believed that some one was garrotting him, and that he was fighting for his life.
Meanwhile, while this and a number of other incidents were taking place, Mr. Jones had come up with Charles Peace, who was once more in the valiant footman’s grasp.
Peace now fought like a tiger; he threw himself down and kicked his assailant unmercifully, and the chances were that he would have got the better of Jones had not the stableman come to the rescue.
“He’s the most determined little brute that mortal man ever set eyes on,” remarked James Jones. “He is the very devil himself, I do believe.”
“We’ll devil him,” returned the stableman. “The best way to serve a chap of this sort is to prevent him from doing further mischief. He’s a kicker, you see, and wants the kicking-strap put on.”
And with these words the man fastened Peace’s legs together with a strap, after which he pinioned his arms with a rope.
When this had been done, he said—
“Now, Jem, we’ll carry him into the stable, and lock him in till we get a bobby or two to look arter him.”
“You cowardly scoundrels!” exclaimed Peace, in a paroxysm of rage, “you shall suffer for this.”
“Go on, guv’nor, take your fill of abuse,” returned the stableman. “Did your mother have any more of your sort?”
Peace was carried into the stable and bound to a post. Then the stable door was locked on him, and he was left to his reflections which were anything but of an agreeable nature.
Now, all this had been done in an incredibly brief space of time, and Mr. Jones considered it very cleverly done—all things considered, for, smarting as he was from the cuts and bruises he had received in the recent conflict, he very naturally enough bore our hero no goodwill, and it would have caused our footman great mortification of the little scoundrel, or devil as he termed him, had succeeded in getting clear off after the trouble he (Mr. Jones) had been at.
He returned to the house and made his mistress acquainted with all that had happened.
“Dear me!” said Lady Marvlynn; “but upon my word, James, I hardly think you were justified in binding the man.”
“You should have seen him kick and fight, and even try to bite. What could we do with such a—devil?” he was going to say, but he substituted ruffian instead.
No.76.
Illustration: AVELINE AND LADY MARVLYNNAVELINE AND LADY MARVLYNN LETTING PEACE OUT OF THE STABLE.
AVELINE AND LADY MARVLYNN LETTING PEACE OUT OF THE STABLE.
“Well, I confess I do not understand these things,” returned her ladyship. “I hope and trust it is all right. It has so completely upset me that I hardly know what I say or do.”
“I am going to send Peter for a policeman, if you please, ma’am.”
“Oh, indeed, eh—for a policeman.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Oh, very well, perhaps that is the best course. We can consult the constable when he comes, and take his advice in the matter.”
“It rests with you, my lady.”
“Of course, certainly. Well do as you say—send for a policeman. How are you now? Do you feel better?”
“Oh, yes, I am a little shaken of course, but am thankful that I escaped as well as I did.”
“Yes, certainly, we are all thankful. I have reason to be grateful for the energy and courage you have displayed. It will not be forgotten, believe me. Neither is it likely to go unrewarded; but more of this hereafter.”
James Jabez Jones bowed and took himself off. As Lady Marvlynn was about returning to her guests she was met by Aveline.
“This ruffian is locked up in the stable, dear, and is not likely to trouble us any more, I hope,” said Lady Marvlynn. “I know you will be glad to hear that.”
“Oh yes, certainly,” stammered Aveline. “I suppose all will be glad.”
“Why what’s the matter, dear? You seem troubled.”
“I have a word or two to say to you in private.”
“Of course, my darling pet. Come into this room.”
She led her companion into a small apartment which had not been placed at the disposal of the general company.
“This man whom you are about to give into charge for—burglary—for housebreaking——” she paused.
“Well, what of him?”
“Do you intend to charge him?”
“Do I? Well, I suppose so. You heard what the gentlemen said but just now. I was bound to do so on public grounds.”
“There are private reasons for your not doing so.”
“For my not doing so? You surprise me, Aveline. Name them.”
“He is known to me.”
“I am astounded. Known to you?”
“Yes,” said Aveline, with something like sadness in her tones. “Years ago he did me a service.”
“Impossible.”
“It is a fact. He was mainly instrumental in throwing a light on the dark and, at that time, impenetrable mystery which hung over the house of Ethalwood. He it was who gave Mr. Wrench the information which led to his discovery of me.”
“His name is then——”
“Charles Peace. Oh, Lady Marvlynn, I have every reason for believing him to be a bad man, but I frankly confess I was quite unprepared for this. I did not think he had sunk so low—that he was so callous—so debased—but that is but little to the purpose just now. I have one favour to ask.”
“What is it?”
“That you let him go about his business. Do this for my sake. I cannot explain all the circumstances which lead up to this, but I say again let him go.”
“You must be mistaken, my dear. It cannot possibly be the man to whom you allude.”
“I am not mistaken,” said Aveline. “I saw his face distinctly as he stood in the greenhouse. Time has not improved its expression; but it was too familiar to me years and years ago for me to make a mistake, but if you doubt it I will convince you.”
“How?”
“Simply by our both going to the stable together.”
“We will do so, by all means, if you wish it.”
“I do wish it. I desire to do so most earnestly.”
“Your word is law with me,” cried Lady Marvlynn, who at once left the room and summoned Mr. Jones.
“I wish to see the prisoner, James,” said she; “give me the key of the stable.”
“You would not go alone, my lady?” said the footman.
“I am not afraid of this man; give me the key.”
The sagacious flunkey was surprised, but he handed his mistress the key without any further observation.
Lady Marvlynn returned to Aveline.
“Now, dear, we will proceed thither at once; that is if you are not afraid to face this tiger,” for such Jones calls him.
“Oh, dear, no, I am not afraid.”
The two ladies hurried along till they had reached the temporary prison-house of Charles Peace. The lock was turned, the door opened, then they entered, closing the door after them.
Lady Marvlynn, who had taken the precautions to provide herself with a flat-glass lantern, now turned its rays full upon the features of the imprisoned man, who was, as already stated, tied to a post, having been previously bound hand and foot.
Peace at this time looked the most miserable dejected wretch it was possible to conceive, and those who were not very well acquainted with his features would have found it impossible to recognise him, but Aveline, or rather Lady Batershall, at once saw that the wretched criminal was the same person she had known in the earlier period of her life.
She started back, and exclaimed in a subdued tone—
“It is he; but oh, how strangely altered!”
At the sound of her voice Charles Peace became deeply moved, albeit he strove to maintain an air of bravado.
“And has it come to this, you unscrupulous abandoned man?” said Aveline. “A common robber—a disgrace to society.”
“I’m ill—have been cruelly treated—and don’t care what becomes of me,” whined Peace, in a cringing tone. “Taunt me and upbraid me as you please. I am powerless, and am at your mercy.”
“Yes, at our mercy,” said Lady Marvlynn, turning towards her female companion and regarding her with an enquiring look. “Poor wretch, he is at our mercy, and is, moreover, in a sorry plight.”
“I don’t know you, madam,” observed Peace, “but I think if I am to judge from appearances, that you are kind and tender-hearted. The other lady I know perfectly well, and she owes me a deep debt of gratitude, and ought not to upbraid me.”
“She does not do so,” returned Lady Marvlynn.
“She does not? Well perhaps I am mistaken. But you will admit that it is hard to be treated in this merciless cruel way. Let Aveline Gatliffe speak for herself.”
“She is no longer Mrs. Gatliffe but a lady of title.”
“I know that, and who caused her to be recognised as a lady of title? People in this world soon forget past favours.”
“I do not, sir,” cried Lady Batershall, with something approaching to hauteur in her manner, “be less personal in your observations. I find you here a criminal, a thief, an outcast, but at the same time I am ready and willing to render you whatever service lies in my power. Gracious heaven, how terrible is all this! Tell me what you desire me to do.”
“I want to be free. If I am given into custody, I am a ruined man, but if you let me free——”
“Well, what then? Will you promise me to abandon your present course? Oh! for mercy’s sake tell me that you will reform and lead a new life.”
“I will—I promise,” cried Peace, in a hypocritical whining tone, “I hereby solemnly swear——”
“Do not swear—there is no need for that,” interrupted the gentle Aveline. “Give me your word and keep it—that is all I need.”
“I do give you my word. Oh, my lady, have pity on me! My only hope is in you. Remember that mercy is one of the most divine attributes which a woman or a man possesses. Think of my poor wife—of my family, and all who belong to me. You cannot find it in your heart to bring ruin and disgrace upon me and mine.”
“I am very sad, and cannot express to you my feeling of sorrow and the miserable state of dejection all this occasions me, dear,” said Lady Batershall, not taking any heed of Peace’s words, but addressing herself to her companion. “This man I knew years and years ago. At one time he was a respectable member of society—at least so I deemed him. Judge my horror at this night’s proceedings—a common robber, a ruffian! It is almost incredible.”
“It’s no use going on like that,” whined Peace. “You don’t know how I have been tempted—what troubles I am surrounded with. What’s the use of talking of the past, or saying what I was and what I am? Do you think I want to hear about my former life? It is over. I am as you see me just now, in the depths of trouble. If you can serve me, which I very well know you can—do it for old acquaintance sake. There, that’s plain enough, aint it?”
“Oh, you bad, wicked man!” exclaimed Lady Marvlynn; “but there, I won’t say any more upon that head.”
“Are you the mistress of this house?” inquired Peace.
“Yes, I am.”
“Very good; and do you intend to give me in charge? Say yes or no, that I may know what I am to expect.”
“For the sake of this dear lady, I will not give you in charge unless I am forced to do so.”
“Forced! Who is likely to force you?”
“No one, I hope.”
“And I hope the same. You need not be afraid. I intend to reform if you will only let me have a chance of doing so.”
“Are you sincere?”
“Of course I am. I’ll lead a new life after this. I’ve seen the error of my ways, and promise to be as straight as an arrow for the future; only take compassion one me and release me from this miserable bondage. I ache in every limb, and my head goes throbbing like anything. Do cut the cords that confine me; you’ll never regret it. My dear good creatures, have compassion on a miserable wretch who appeals to you, and will for the future be as honest and upright as the day. No time is to be lost if you wish to save me, which I feel assured you do. Hesitate no longer, or it may be too late.”
“Indeed there is some reason in what he says, dear,” observed the kind-hearted Lady Marvlynn.
“I will hesitate no longer,” cried Aveline. “Come what may, this man must be free.”
Without further ado Aveline at once proceeded to unbind the rope which confined Charles Peace, who in a minute or so was freed from the post, the strap was then removed from his feet, the cord which confined his arms was undone, and once more he had free use of his limbs.
“I shall remember this act of kindness to the last and latest hour of my life,” said he. “Oh, my good angels, for such indeed you are, accept my most sincere and heartfelt thanks.”
“Now go, say no more in the way of grateful expression. Time presses; hence away at once without further hesitation,” exclaimed Lady Batershall, “and remember your promise.”
“Be assured of that. I shall never forget it.”
Aveline opened the stable door, and Charles Peace passed through. The garden gate was flung open, and the burglar ran at the top of his speed down the lane which skirted Lady Marvlynn’s palatial residence. Both ladies listened intently to the sounds of his retreating footsteps, and when these were no longer heard, Lady Batershall pressed her hand to her side and exclaimed, in a low breathless tone—
“Heaven be praised, he is free!”
“Ah! my dear,” said her companion, “I know this has been a sore trial for you.”
“It has—I freely confess it,” was the quiet rejoinder. “I am quite unnerved, and scarcely know what I am doing.”
“The horribly debased, lost man!”
“But he will reform—I do not think there is any doubt about that.”
“I hope so. I wish I could feel assured of it.”
“I feel it difficult to believe that he could have sunk so low as this.”
“Do not take on so, dear. Let us hope for the best. I should never have forgiven myself if I had been constrained to hand him over to the officers of justice, but I expect we shall be censured by our friends.”
“I expect so too,” returned Aveline, “but that we must submit to with the best grace we can. Ah! we shall be censured—there is but little doubt upon that subject.”
A loud ring at the bell was now given by somebody outside, and upon the mistress of the house opening the gate a policeman presented himself.
“Ah!” exclaimed Lady Marvlynn, “you have come.”
“Yes, my lady. There has been an attempted robbery—a burglary in your house, I understand?”
“Ahem, yes. A very unfortunate affair indeed.”
“Where is the prisoner?” was the next question.
“He was confined in the stable, but has escaped.”
“Escaped!” cried the constable. “How long since?”
“Oh, some little time back, but come in.”
The policeman entered, and glanced in every direction as he did so.
“How did he contrive to make his escape, and which road has he taken I wonder; but we’ll soon hunt him down.”
“One moment, if you please,” said Lady Marvlynn. “This man, the burglar, I have let go free, as under no circumstances whatever should I have charged him. I am sorry to have given you needless trouble—regret this very much, but as I did not intend to prosecute, well, you see, I let him go.”
“Umph! Well, you know best, my lady, but I think you will have reason to regret it.”
“I hope not, but we will talk this matter over presently. Come in and have some refreshment. James Jones will be able to give you all the particulars.”
“Who is James Jones?”
“My footman.”
“Oh, I see; but had I not better see if I can recapture the scoundrel?”
“No. Do as I bid you. Come into the house.”
Lady Marvlynn led the way, the officer of the law following. He was presently conducted into the servants’ hall, where he found a well-spread table.
He thought the circumstance a little singular, and could not very well account in anything like a satisfactory manner for the release of the culprit, but he was wise enough to keep his thoughts to himself—to hear, see, and say nothing.