"Well, I guess this is a surprise," said Natty.
"And a very pleasant one," rejoined Miss Arrow.
The two were standing on number nine platform of Liverpool Street Station waiting for the Wargrove train, and the meeting was accidental. Natty did not look so well as usual, as his face was somewhat haggard. Jenny noticed this, and thought he had been sitting up all night. With considerable coolness she made the remark, which Natty contradicted.
"It isn't that," said Mr. Denham, gloomily. "I've been square enough, but I've been having trouble."
"Oh dear me!" cried Miss Arrow, sympathetically. "Not bad, I hope?"
"Sufficiently bad to make me leave for the States next week."
Jenny looked rather dismayed. She fancied herself in love with Mr. Denham, as by this time she had quite got over her romantic affection for the Irish secretary.
"I'm sorry," she said pensively. "And you will regret leaving--Mildred!" She looked at him sharply.
"I'll regret leaving all my friends. Those at Wargrove are the best I've struck in the old country. I don't know that Miss Starth's any great sorrow to me, though. She don't care a red cent for me."
"Her affections are otherwhere," said Jenny, sentimentally.
"That's so, and I don't see much good my hovering round. I should like to marry a real sweet English girl."
Jenny blushed, but she was not vain enough to take the compliment to herself. Yet she could have done so, for Denham was thinking of her when he paid it. Jenny was not pretty, but she had the freshness of youth, and a sweet, frank face of her own which appealed to the man.
Denham had been so accustomed to women of the world like Miss Berry that he longed for something fresh and unsophisticated. He had been thinking a great deal about Jenny lately, and now that he saw Mildred was a star far above his reach, thought he might do worse than take the rector's daughter. The transfer of affections from Miss Starth to Jenny was a considerable effort of mental gymnastics, but Natty had achieved it.
By the time the train started he had laid in a large quantity of magazines and newspapers for the girl, and took his seat in a first-class carriage along with her. There was an old gentleman in the compartment, but they did not pay much attention to him. Nor did they read the magazines. In each other's conversation they found quite enough pleasure. After discussing Billy and the Arrow family and the departure of Natty for the States, Natty announced that he was going down to Wargrove to see Jarman.
"I want to say goodbye," said he, "and there are other things I have to do. Deliver a letter, for one thing."
"To Mr. Jarman?"
"To Miss Starth. And it's from Miss Berry. You've heard me speak of my friends, I guess?"
"Oh, yes--your most intimate friends."
"Well," drawled Natty, flushing, "they were, but they ain't now. I've had a row. Berry hasn't been acting square by me, and I don't cotton to his goings-on nohow. I'll give them a wide berth for the future."
Jenny observed a discreet silence, as she did not want to ask questions about business which did not concern her. Natty was offended.
"Guess you don't care much for me?" said he, with a shrug.
"Oh, but I--" Jenny was about to say that she did, and only changed the sentence in time. "But I like you, really."
"I'm going to stop for a few days, and we can talk of that," said Natty, looking peculiarly at her. "I suppose Jarman will put me up?"
"Oh, I'm sure he will," said Jenny. "Mr. Jarman likes you. He's rather troubled now on account of Mr. O'Neil leaving him."
"What's he gone for?"
"I don't know. I think he left without giving notice," said Jenny.
"I don't know that he ain't wise, that young man," said Natty, in a dry tone. "The billet didn't suit him."
"He seemed very comfortable!"
"What folk seem, ain't often what they feel," rejoined the American, and again fixed Jenny with his eyes. "Now, you'd never think that in your company I feel different to what I say."
"Really?" Jenny did not know where to look, and was thankful that the old gentleman was in the carriage. She felt that Natty was in measurable distance of a proposal, and the timidity of maidenhood seized upon her. Consequently she became voluble, and drew Denham's attention to the scenery, to the pictures in the magazines, and to the news of the day. Natty, not accustomed to this innocence, was delighted, and thought Jenny just charming. He made up his mind to propose within the week, being used to carry through business smartly.
When the train arrived at Mardon Jenny bundled herself into a governess-cart drawn by a fat and elderly pony, and driven by one of her brothers. She offered Natty a seat, but he refused, as he caught sight of Eustace coming out of the station. "But I'll call in and see you to-morrow or this evening," said Natty. Whereat Jenny, afraid of this barefaced wooing--it was really quite improper said her heart--ordered the young Arrow to drive on. Natty watched the elderly pony toiling up the hill, then turned to greet Jarman.
"Here you are!" said Natty, shaking hands. "I've just come down to put up with you for a day or two. Can you fix me?"
Jarman was not quite prepared to extend this hospitality. He had a better opinion of Natty than of his friends. All the same, the young man was in touch with the Captain, and, being weak, was under his influence. Consequently, Berry might be employing Natty as a spy; as the report of Fairy Fan--if she made any--could not be entirely satisfactory to the little skipper. Had he been on the spot he would have made an exhaustive examination as to the whereabouts of the man he desired to hang.
Nevertheless, Jarman fancied that he could control the weak nature of Denham quite as easily as Berry had done, and since the young man had come down he saw no reason why he should not make use of him. He could trust to Mildred's cleverness to keep him away from the summerhouse. Therefore, if Natty came and went at his own sweet will, Berry would be quite convinced that Lancaster had left the neighbourhood. It was a bold game, but the situation was so desperate that only boldness would allay suspicion.
"Of course, I can put you up," said Jarman. "Shall we drive?"
"No, I guess not. Let us send on the baggage and walk across. I have something important to say."
"Wondering what this could be, Jarman saw that Natty's trunk was put on a fly, and, after directing the man to take it to the Shanty, walked on with his unexpected guest. Eustace had long since posted a letter written by Frank, according to the instruction of the sealed epistle, and it had been sent to Tamaroo at the General Post-Office. The man (for Tamaroo was a man according to Fan's half-confession) was directed to call at the Shanty and see Mr. Lancaster. But, needless to say, it was Jarman's intention to interview the visitor in place of Frank. Thus, if it was a plot in any way--but that was unlikely, seeing that the sealed letter came from Frank's father--the young fellow would not run the risk of being arrested.
"I suppose you know that my secretary has left me?" said Eustace, seeing that Natty did not seem inclined to begin the conversation.
"How should I know that?" asked Denham, sharply, and looking oddly at Jarman.
"You came down with Miss Arrow, and she knows. Consequently--"
"Well, she did tell me that Mr. O'Neil had made tracks," interrupted Natty, calmly, "but she did not mention that he was Lancaster." Eustace stopped and looked hard at his companion. "You recognised him, then, Denham?"
"No. I was sold--completely sold, though I knew Lancaster's looks well enough to spot him. His disguise was very clever, so I got sent up. Miss Berry told me."
"I thought as much," replied Eustace, with a shrug. "She said she would say nothing about the matter, and of course she did."
"She told Berry, and I was in the room. And then--" Denham clenched his fist and looked angry. "They wanted me to play the spy," he burst out; "but don't you think I'm down here for that purpose. I've given those two the chuck."
"Why did they wish you to play the spy?" asked Eustace, quietly.
"Well, you see, I come into money when I'm twenty-five. Not from my father. He was rich, but spent nearly all he had. He left me with enough to get along on without working, anyhow. But I was told by Berry, who is my guardian, as you know, that I might inherit a million. He would not give me particulars, saying he would engineer the job. That's what brought me over here. Now, it seems that to get this money, Lancaster has to be found, that he may give evidence. He has some papers which prove that I am entitled to the fortune. And Berry, hang, him! asked me to hunt him down."
This statement was a very ingenious one on the part of the Captain, as it simply set forth that Frank was wanted for a reasonable purpose. Jarman could not conjecture why Natty should be angered.
"I can't see that in searching for Lancaster you are playing the spy."
Denham looked surprised. "Why, you know that Lancaster was with you. Miss Berry came down, having discovered it somehow."
"Did she tell you in what way?" asked Eustace, quickly.
"No. I guess she never says more than is needful. But she saw you, and heard that Frank Lancaster had skipped. Then Berry said that he was certain you knew the whereabouts of the fellow, and asked me to come down and try to get the truth from you. That's what I call acting a spy. Well, I am here, and I came to tell you this."
"I am much obliged to you, Denham. I suppose it is in order to prove your right to this fortune that Berry offered the reward?"
"He said as much," replied the young man, "but I pointed out that if Lancaster were to come forward he might be hanged, and that no fellow could be expected to be such a fool. Upon my word!" said Denham, walking and talking very fast, "I believe for some reason that Berry wants the poor chap lynched."
"I think so too," admitted Jarman, much to Natty's surprise.
"Then you don't like Berry?"
"No, and I don't like Miss Berry. I know too much about both. It's a pity, Denham--since we are now confidential--that you are with these people."
"Well, I guess Banjo Berry was a friend of my father's, and I was handed over to him as a ward. I never liked him particularly, nor his niece either."
"Is she his niece?"
"I believe so. My father lived at Los Angeles and the Berrys were often at our house. My father seemed thick with Berry, and, to tell you the truth, rather afraid of him. He died a year or so ago, and by his will I was handed over to Berry on account of this fortune. I was shunted here to look after it, but if the getting of it includes the chance of a man being lynched--I pass. I don't need to hang on to this gang, as I've enough to marry on. Berry can go to blazes for me. I sha'n't recognise his guardianship any longer."
"I don't see that you ever needed him as a guardian," said Eustace. "You appear to be well able to look after yourself."
"So I am. Berry thinks I'm weak. So I am. And good-natured. So I am. But there's a line I don't pass, and he's skipped across it. I don't have anything more to do with him, and so I said."
"Has he any control over the money you possess?"
"I reckon not. It's all my own, and I don't let him, or anyone else, interfere. I'll just cut back to the States, I guess."
Eustace thought for a moment. "Tell me, Mr. Denham, did Berry or your father say anything about that Scarlet Bat on your arm?"
"No!" Natty stopped short and stared. "You saw that when I was bathing, I expect. I was stolen by Indians, so my father told me, and they tattooed the mark. I was a kid then, and don't remember anything about it. And the queer thing is," added Denham, "that all London is placarded with the Bat."
"And with the word Tamaroo. Do you know what that means?"
"I guess not. But you do. See here, Jarman, you're up to some game?"
Eustace nodded. "On behalf of Lancaster," he said. "And on your behalf also. You are in danger!"
Natty stared. "Danger! What do you mean?"
"I'll tell you that later. We must have a talk when we get in."
"All right," agreed the American, with a keen glance. "I'm glad I dropped across you, as I don't trust the Berrys a cent now. I always thought there was something queer about the fortune business. But before I enter your house I have to deliver a letter to Miss Starth!"
"Ah!" said Eustace, quickly, "from Miss Berry?"
"Yes. How the deuce did you know?"
"I know a great deal," replied Eustace, drily, "and I hope to know more. I'm glad you have been frank with me, Denham. I may be able to help you a lot. No, don't ask questions now. Deliver your letter, and when you come to me we can have a talk. There's the road up to the cottage. _Au revoir_ for an hour."
Denham went away directly, but he looked puzzled as he flung a parting glance at Jarman. That gentleman walked on, wondering at the lucky chance which had caused Denham to change towards Berry and his fair niece. He might learn much by dexterous questions. And Denham really seemed to have good principles, when he had revolted so completely against his tyrant. Altogether, things were shaping well, and Eustace chuckled.
At the door of his house he saw a figure, and as he drew near he beheld a negro. The man was small but wiry, and of considerable age, judging from his grey wool. He was quietly dressed in a garb as black as his face, and he grinned as Eustace appeared.
"You write dis?" he asked, holding out Frank's letter, and when Jarman nodded, grinned again. "I am Tamaroo," said the black man.
"Tamaroo!" repeated the negro, showing a good set of teeth for so old a man. "I come about the letter."
Eustace looked at him, and remembered a certain negro who had been waiting for Anchor at the time the miner was shot. Evidently Anchor had been about to explain that the man was waiting, when the bullet struck him. "Tamaroo!" murmured Eustace. "I might have guessed that so queer a name would be connected with something barbaric. Come in!"
In a few minutes they were seated in the study. Jarman, since the departure of Miss Cork, had not sought out another housekeeper, so he had no fear of eavesdroppers. Denham was likely to be engaged with Mildred for at least an hour, so the interview between himself and Tamaroo would not be interrupted. He observed that the negro was much above the ordinary class. He had a certain dignity about him, wore none of the barbaric colours in which his race delight, and, moreover, spoke surprisingly good English. Occasionally he lisped in the true nigger fashion, but on the whole his speech would not have disgraced a moderately educated white man. As soon as he sat down, Tamaroo gravely mounted a pair of spectacles, and took out a bundle of papers tied up with red tape.
"One moment!" said Eustace, loading his pipe, as he thought he could talk better while smoking. "Was it you who pasted the town with the Scarlet Bat?"
"Yes. It was me, sir." Tamaroo did not say "sah" as an ordinary negro would have done. "I wanted to know where you were, and as you were hiding I could do nothing else to make you know that I wanted to see you."
"Hold on!" said Jarman, seeing the mistake. "How do you know I am Frank Lancaster?"
"You could not have written this letter if you were not, sir," said Tamaroo, decisively. "My old master gave a direction to the lady aunt who looked after you, and it was to be given to you on--"
"On the twenty-fifth of September. It's not the date yet."
"No, sir. But I thought you might get the letter before. The mark on your arm, sir, would draw your attention to the Scarlet Bat on the walls, and you would ask for the letter."
"But I say, Tamaroo, why do you come along before the time?"
"There is danger, sir--great danger--and I want to save you."
"Not me. You wish to save Frank Lancaster."
Tamaroo looked up quickly, and replaced the bundle of letters in his breast-pocket. "And you, sir?"
"I am the friend of Mr. Lancaster. You can show me the--"
Tamaroo was on his feet before Eustace finished, and in his right hand he held a revolver.
"Keep back!" he cried shrilly. "You have trapped me, but I fight--yes, I fight."
Jarman maintained his seat and smoked coolly. "There's no need for you to fight, man," he said soothingly. "Should I know about the Scarlet Bat and that letter if I were not Mr. Lancaster's friend?"
"Others know, and they are not friends," said the negro, doubtfully, but lowering the revolver.
"Captain Banjo Berry and his niece?"
"Huh!" Tamaroo grunted in true nigger fashion. "You know them?"
"Rather," replied Jarman, flinging himself back. "And I know much more about them than they like. They got poor Lancaster into this trouble."
Tamaroo groaned. "I know it," he said, "and if I had only come to England sooner it would not have happened. I arrived just after the trouble, and heard that my young master was accused."
"You do not believe him guilty, then, Tamaroo?"
"No, sir. Certainly I do not. Captain Berry came to England to try and get my young master hanged."
"For what reason?" asked Eustace, wondering to find his suspicions verified. "I always thought he did; but why?"
Tamaroo touched his breast-pocket. "That is told here," he said, "but I cannot speak save to my master."
"But I am his friend. I may as well tell you that after he got into trouble he came to me. He stopped for a time, then, being in danger of discovery, he fled."
"You do not know where he is?" asked the negro, disappointed.
Eustace looked at him keenly. "Well I do," he admitted, "but he is in such danger that I dare not tell. Can't I see the papers?"
Tamaroo moved towards the door. "No, sir," he said sternly; "my old master told me to read them and to give them to Mr. Lancaster alone. Oh! tell me where he is, I beg you, sir?"
Eustace looked perplexed. He had no reason on the face of it to doubt the good faith of the man, and the sealed letter being answered in this way was a guarantee that Tamaroo was the emissary of the elder Lancaster. But it behoved him to be cautious, as he was surrounded on all sides by snares and pitfalls. Captain Berry was not the man to stop short of any crime to gain his end--witness the death of Starth and his pursuit of Frank.
"Do you know why Berry is pursuing Lancaster?" he asked, forgetting that the negro might see fit to keep his own counsel for the same reasons.
"To get him hanged to said Tamaroo, quietly.
"You said that before. But the reason?"
In his turn Tamaroo replied: "You said that before, sir. It is in the papers which I carry."
"And they will explain the whole business?"
"They will. They contain the whole story of the Scarlet Bat and of the Indian treasure--"
"Ah!" interpolated Eustace with grim satisfaction. "I knew there was a treasure. How much, Tamaroo? A million?"
"Nearly that. But you can see from the will."
"The will! Have you the will of Mr. Lancaster?"
Tamaroo nodded. "I have the will."
"And is Mr. Lancaster the elder dead?"
"Yes, sir," said the negro with emotion. "He died a year ago. And I could not see him die, alas!" he added, much moved.
"Why not, were you away?"
Tamaroo again shook his head and looked mournful. Then, sinking his voice to a whisper, he said: "My master was a leper."
Eustace jumped up with an ejaculation of disgust and pity. "For how long was he a leper?" he asked, thinking of the money.
"From the time he sent my young master to the lady aunt. It was for that reason he parted with him. I remained, but my master would not let me attend to him, lest I also should take the disease--and I had this to do." He again touched his breast-pocket.
"So it was you who sent the money from 'Frisco?"
"It was I, sir. My master told me to send it, till I could give up the fortune to my young master."
"And you have come to do that?"
"Yes, sir. But only to him will I tell the story and give the papers."
Jarman reflected. The old man was evidently most trustworthy, seeing he wished to fulfill his mission with the utmost exactitude. He could safely be told of Frank's hiding-place.
"To-night I shall lead you to Mr. Lancaster," said Jarman, quietly.
"Thank Heaven--oh, thank Heaven!" cried Tamaroo, and the tears rolled down his black face. "It has been a care to me this trust. I wish to give it to my young master and be at rest."
"Oh, that's all right," replied Eustace, patting the old man on the back. "And we'll be able to baffle this conspiracy?"
"Yes," cried Tamaroo, wiping his eyes, "we will save my master."
"By the way," asked Jarman, suddenly, "do you know a young fellow called Natty Denham?"
Tamaroo nodded. "I do, sir. He is the son of my master's partner."
"What!" Jarman looked puzzled. "Partner in what?"
Again the negro became obstinate. "It is in the papers," he said.
"That means I'll learn nothing until Frank does," said Jarman, good-humouredly. "You are a faithful messenger, Tamaroo. Has young Denham seen you?"
"No, sir. I do not think he knows of my name, unless Captain Berry--"
"Oh, he's told him as little as he could. But, I say, does Berry know of the contents of those papers?"
"Yes, sir, He learnt them from--" Here the negro hesitated.
Eustace laughed and nodded. "You needn't worry," he said, "I know of that. Mrs. Anchor, who is now called Miss Berry, learnt about the fortune from her husband."
Tamaroo smiled grimly, and then with an ejaculation smote his hands together, looking in a startled way at Eustace. "I know you now, sir. You were said to have killed Mr. Anchor in San Francisco."
"Yes. But I suspect that Berry killed him. And you were the negro who was waiting at his house for him."
"I did not wait at the house," said Tamaroo, quietly. "Mr. Anchor was a friend of my master, and had some of the papers connected with the fortune of the Scarlet Bat. When he was going after his wife he told me to come and get them. Then he thought he would give them to you, and I waited while he visited you. But I grew weary, and followed. I saw you speaking to Mr. Anchor, and heard the shot!"
"Who fired it?"
"Captain Berry. He was then called--"
"Sakers. I know. But the knife wound?" Tamaroo looked oddly at Eustace. "I know nothing of that, sir," he said. "But we can talk again of this. I will tell you all I know in the presence of Mr. Frank. And now--"
There was a sound of laughing outside. Mildred suddenly appeared at the window and tapped on the glass to be let in. She usually did this when impatient. Tamaroo saw her face and started. Jarman went to the door and admitted her. She was with Denham.
"I have come to ask you a question," said Mildred, entering the room. "Oh!" She started back. "Who is this?"
"This," said Eustace, waving his hand, "is Tamaroo."
"What!" cried Denham, "the name on the bills?"
"Yes," put in Tamaroo, quietly; "and this"--he bowed to Mildred--"is Miss Starth."
"How do you know me?" asked Mildred, puzzled by the recognition. "It was I who gave you the paper at the inquest," said the negro. She uttered an exclamation. "Then you know that Frank is innocent?"
"Yes," said Tamaroo, with a hanging head. "But I cannot prove it."
"Don't you think Lancaster killed Starth?" asked Natty, eagerly.
"No sir," he replied, looking strangely at the young man; "but who killed him I cannot say."
"Captain Berry," suggested Eustace.
Tamaroo shook his head. "It was not Captain Berry."
After this he refused to say any more, and sat down, seemingly quite worn out. Jarman, who wished him to be prepared for the interview with Frank, insisted that he should lie down. So the negro went to the bedroom formerly occupied by the Irish secretary. He locked the door when he entered, apparently fearful for the safety of his papers. Eustace smiled approvingly. Every action of Tamaroo's showed how devoted he was to Frank Lancaster. He returned to the room where Mildred still waited with the American.
"What is your question?" he asked.
"It doesn't matter just now," she replied, with a glance at Denham. "Later I can talk of it. This arrival of Tamaroo has driven all else out of my head."
"But do you know anything of the man?"
"I know all that Frank could tell me," she replied. "My dear Eustace, Frank has told me all of your doings since he came to you. You don't mind my calling him Frank, do you?" she said, pleadingly, as she saw him frown. "He is in such difficulties, and I am so sorry."
Jarman looked at her a little sadly, seeing that she was slipping away from him. "No," he replied, quietly, "I don't mind. Have you told Mr. Denham anything?"
Mildred uttered an exclamation. She had quite forgotten the presence of the American, and dreaded lest she had betrayed Frank. But Natty came forward with a smile.
"You need not be afraid, I guess," he said, nodding. "I'm square, and on your side."
"I thought you were friendly to--"
"To the Berrys? Not much. I've chucked them. They have been making use of me, and have been trying to get Lancaster hanged--"
"And are trying," interrupted Eustace, quickly. "It's all right, Mildred. So sure am I of Denham that I intend to trust him."
"You need have no fear," said Denham, colouring with pleasure. "I'm straight all through. Don't you trust me, Miss Starth?"
Mildred looked at him with her innocent eyes, and he met her gaze without dropping his own.
"Yes, I trust you," she said, "thoroughly."
"In that case," said Eustace, rubbing his hands, "Mr. Denham can be present when Tamaroo explains to Frank."
"Explains what?"
"The whole business of the conspiracy. It concerns Frank, and also you, Denham. Tamaroo says that your father was the partner of the late Mr. Lancaster."
"I've heard him mention Lancaster's name," said Natty, slowly; "but Tamaroo never came along."
"He lay low, as your countrymen say. But it will all be explained to-night--in this room."
Mildred uttered an exclamation. "Do you think that is wise?"
"Yes. No one is likely to come here."
"What about Captain Berry?" asked the girl, doubtfully.
"He least of all," said Denham. "He doesn't know where I am, and if by chance he does turn up, I'll keep him going till we can smuggle back Lancaster to his hole."
So it was agreed, although Mildred was still anxious. It seemed risky to her to take Frank from his safe hiding-place, and expose him to a chance of capture. However, she implicitly trusted in Jarman, and went back to tell Frank of the arrival of the negro.
"How is it you speak English so well?" Eustace asked Tamaroo.
"I was educated at a negro university," replied the man. "I am better educated than many a man of your colour, sir. But later on I will tell you my story. To-night I must relate what I know of his father to Mr. Lancaster."
And so it came about. Leaving Natty and Tamaroo together, Eustace repaired to the summerhousetomoee about nine o'clock, and found Frank waiting for him in a state of subdued excitement. Mildred had told him everything, and he needed no explanation. The night was particularly dark, so the two men left the garden arm in arm. Mildred was walking on the lawn and watched them go, and Mrs. Perth in the house kept Jane employed lest she might learn too much.
In a few minutes Frank was in the Shanty and shaking hands with Tamaroo. The old man was much affected at the sight of his master's son.
"You are not at all like your father, sir," he said, "but like your dear mother, Heaven bless her!"
"You knew my mother?"
"She died in my arms," said Tamaroo, quietly, and then took out his bundle of papers.
Denham, Frank, and Eustace waited anxiously to hear how the old negro would begin. Tamaroo untied the bundle and selected a long, official-looking paper. "The will," he said. "By this, Mr. Frank, you inherit close on a million if you are not hanged!"
"Hanged?" uttered all three in sheer astonishment.
"Hanged," repeated Tamaroo, "before the age of twenty-five."
Tamaroo smiled at the amazement expressed on the faces of his audience, although they had every excuse to look astonished.
"Do you mean to say that such a condition is in the will?" asked Frank.
Tamaroo nodded impressively. "It is set forth here," he said. "This is a copy of the will. The original is in the office of Hiram & Co., lawyers, in San Francisco."
"Are those the agents of White & Saon?" asked Eustace.
"Yes, sir. I paid the monthly money through them. I was afraid to bring the original will with me, as I thought Captain Berry might kill me to get possession of it. But he has only a copy."
"And how did he get the copy?" asked Natty, quickly.
"That is part of the story," said the negro, adjusting his spectacles. "It is all written out here. But it will be best for me to tell it in my own way, and then, Mr. Frank, you can read the papers afterwards when you have time."
Frank looked grim. "I have plenty of time," he said; "the whole twenty-four hours of the day. But tell the story in your own way."
The negro nodded, and seemed pleased that he was allowed to do what he liked. The four men were seated at the end of the room furthest from the window. Outside it was a particularly dark night, and rain was falling. At times the wind shook the house, which was old. The blinds of the big, square window at the end, where Jarman's desk stood, were pulled down, but the curtains had not been drawn. Occasionally a flare of bluish lightning would show against the blinds, and more clearly where they did not quite cover the window. What with the drench of the rain, the howling of the wind, and the rolling of distant thunder, the noise at times drowned the negro's voice. Therefore the three who listened were obliged to bend their heads in order to hear clearly. The lamp was drawn close to Tamaroo's elbow so that he could refer at his ease to the papers. But this he rarely did, as he seemed to know what they contained by heart. He began his narrative by asking questions.
"Do you remember your father, Mr. Denham?" he asked.
"Oh, I guess I do," replied Natty, nodding. "He didn't die so very long ago. We hung out in Los Angeles, and Berry was an old friend of the governor's."
"Quite so," nodded Tamaroo; "and he was the ruin of your father. He induced him to drink more than was good."
Natty, who had not quite got over the contempt of the American for the black race, would have replied in rather a fiery manner, but that Tamaroo gave him no time.
"Don't be angry, sir," he said. "All that I say is means to an end."
"Well, I believe Berry did make my father drink," admitted Denham, reluctantly. "He was always hovering round. But so was Anchor, for the matter of that. He drank also."
"And was Fairy Fan anywhere in the galley?" asked Eustace.
"Yes," said Tamaroo, who seemed to know the lady by that name. "She is the niece of Berry."
"Oh!" said Frank, "then she really is the niece?"
"Oh, certainly. The daughter of his sister, and a very wicked woman."
"You don't need to add that last," put in Eustace. "I know how she treated poor Anchor. But go on with the story."
"I must begin at the beginning, then," said Tamaroo, and cleared his throat. "I need not be very particular as to time," he said, "as the dates are all in the papers here. I'll just tell you the story as shortly as possible, and then you can read it at leisure for yourselves."
"That's all right," said Frank. "Go on. I am impatient."
"I am a very old man," continued Tamaroo. "You mightn't believe it, but I am over eighty. In my youth I was a slave on a plantation near New Orleans. I was wickedly treated by a brutal master, and Mr. Lancaster, seeing me being flogged one day, bought me out of pity. I was not very young then, but I was strong, and Mr. Lancaster found that I could work for him. I did. Heaven bless him!" said Tamaroo, with emotion. "He was a good friend to me. He set me free, and he sent me to school, where I learnt to talk as I do. Afterwards, when old, I went to a negro college and learnt still more. But when Mr. Lancaster bought me I was very ignorant. He was a handsome young man then, and fond of roving. He took me with him to the Californian diggings, and we had a wild time. It was there that we first met Captain Berry."
"What is his real name?" asked Eustace.
"I don't know; he had so many. But he was originally a sailor. I think his true name was Berry, as he used that oftener than the others, and always when he was well off. When in difficulties he called himself by other names."
"Such as Sakers, at San Francisco," murmured Eustace. "Ah! that was because he took to the sea again and lost a schooner in the South Seas. But when my master met him he was called Banjo Berry, because he played so well on that instrument. The name took his fancy, and he kept it."
"And anything else he could lay his hands on," said Denham. "I've heard him twang the banjo, and he can scrape a bit."
"Berry and my master got on very well, and were always together. I did not like him myself, and warned Mr. Lancaster against him, but my master would always have his own way. Then Mr. Denham came."
"My father?" said Natty, looking interested.
"Yes, sir. He was a gay young man then also, and he took a liking to my master. Berry was friendly with both. The three set to work to make money at the diggings, but ill-luck pursued them. At last my master grew disgusted, and thought of returning to England. But before he went he fancied he would like to travel about Mexico for a time. He took me with him, but left Berry and Mr. Denham behind at the diggings. We went into the wilds of Mexico, and had many adventures--oh very many--and were in much danger. But we came through all, and I saved my master's life twice."
"Heaven bless you!" said Frank, shaking the negro's hand.
The old man nodded with a proud look. "I loved my master. He had saved me from slavery, and what else could I do but save him? For two years we travelled in the wilds. Then we met with an Indian. He had been deserted by his tribe and was dying. My master, always kind, nursed him for a long time; but he grew weak, and at last he died."
"What sort of Indian was he?" asked Natty--"a red-skin?"
"No. We were not so far north as that. He said he was an Aztec."
"Aha!" murmured Eustace, "now we are coming to the treasure."
Tamaroo nodded. "You are clever, Mr. Jarman. Yes, this Indian told my master, when dying, that he knew of a treasure hidden under the sign of the Scarlet Bat."
"Kind of totem," said Jarman.
Tamaroo looked puzzled. "I do not know what that is," he said simply, "but the Scarlet Bat was a sign set by the great King Montezuma on a rock, under which he concealed part of his treasure. The Indian--he was a cacique--enraged by the desertion of those who should have saved his life, told the secret to my master."
"And how did the cacique know?"
"The secret had been handed down from his fathers."
Denham nodded. "I've heard of that sort of thing before," he said. "Some Indians know where the treasures of Montezuma are hidden; but the greater part of the hoard remains undiscovered. They will not reveal its whereabouts to a white man."
"True," assented Tamaroo. "They hate white men. But my master was so kind that he won the gratitude of the cacique. When the man was dying he told, and gave a chart. Then we buried him."
"And went to look for the treasure?" asked Frank.
"No, sir. It was a wild country where there were many Indians. We should have been killed had we gone alone. My master returned to the diggings and offered to share the treasure with Berry and with Mr. Denham, if they would come with him to find it."
"Did they agree?" asked Natty, eagerly.
"Of course they did, or all this trouble wouldn't have come about," put in Eustace, decisively.
"You are not altogether right, Mr. Jarman," said the negro, quietly. "Only Mr. Denham would go. Berry was making money at the diggings, and preferred the bird in the hand to the two in the bush. But he came with us for a little way. Mr. Lancaster, knowing he was a good shot and a fearless man, wanted him greatly to come, and promised him a share. But he refused and turned back. We went on without him."
"And you found the treasure?"
"Yes. We had hard work, though. It was quite a year before we came across the rock marked with the Scarlet Bat. Also we had to fight our way through a hostile country, and several of our men died. At last we reached the rock and found the treasure. With the greatest difficulty we transported it to civilisation. I need not tell you all the hardships we underwent, or how we got the treasure safely landed. But we did. I had a share, and then Mr. Denham and Mr. Lancaster divided the rest between them."
"So that's how my father made his money," muttered Natty. "He spent it on a large scale."
"He did, sir," said the negro, gravely. "He spent all he had, with the exception of that portion he saved for you."
"He didn't save much. Why didn't he leave me more?"
Tamaroo nodded impressively. "He was afraid of Berry."
Natty stared and looked angry. "My father was afraid of nothing."
"He was afraid of Berry," insisted Tamaroo. "And Mr. Lancaster was also afraid."
This time Frank protested. "I can't believe that."
"It is true enough. You see, gentlemen, both Mr. Denham and Mr. Lancaster married when they got the money. You two gentlemen"--he looked at Frank and Natty--"were born on the same day."
"That is strange," said Natty, and Frank laughed.
"It pleased both my master and Mr. Denham, for they were such good friends. So that you should both be certain of inheriting the treasure, they had you both tattooed with the Scarlet Bat."
"Oh! was that it," said Natty, thinking of his story of the Indians. "Mine is on the left arm. And yours, Lancaster?"
"On the right. Go on, Tamaroo."
"The reason of the tattooing," continued the negro, "was that my master and Mr. Denham thought that Berry would kidnap you both."
"But what was Berry's game?" asked Natty.
"To get the money. He had bad luck at the diggings, and when he returned to San Francisco he found that the treasure had been discovered. He claimed a share, which claim was refused."
"I should jolly well think so," said Jarman, emphatically, "considering Berry did nothing towards getting it. What cheek!"
"So my master and Mr. Denham thought," said the negro, with a smile. "They refused the claim, and then Berry threatened to kidnap you two gentlemen. He thought he would then be able to force those who possessed the treasure to part with some of it. The tattooing was done so that if the kidnapping took place both of you would be recognised. But Berry never made the attempt."
"He waited for a better opportunity."
"Yes." Tamaroo nodded. "Mr. Denham went to live at Los Angeles, and spent a lot of money. His wife died after a time, and he looked after you, sir"--this to Natty--"so that you might not be kidnapped. At length Berry turned up after some years, and made friends."
"Didn't my father mistrust him?"
"At first he did, but afterwards, being shaken by drink, I think he grew afraid of Berry. He shared a portion of the money with him. That is, he gave him free house-room, and occasional sums. Berry was not satisfied, but when he found that Mr. Denham was spending the money he never attempted to kill him, knowing that what remained would not pay him to commit such a crime. He then thought of my master, who had saved his share."
"Did my father live in San Francisco?"
"Yes, Mr. Lancaster. After the death of your mother he lived like a recluse, and invested all his money. It is well invested," said Tamaroo, proudly. "I helped him. You will receive about forty thousand a year now."
"If I'm ever in a position to enjoy it," muttered Frank, startled by this good fortune. "Well, did Berry see my father?"
"He did. Mr. Lancaster was then beginning to suffer from leprosy, but the disease had not made much progress. When it began he sent you to the lady aunt, Mr. Frank."
"I was then two years of age, I remember. Go on."
"Berry came to your father, and threatened to follow you to England and kill you. Mr. Lancaster grew afraid, and made this will."
"Ah!" put in Eustace, "now we come to the interesting part. Why did he make such an extraordinary will, and place Frank in such danger?"
"It was the best he could do to save him from Berry's machinations, Mr. Jarman," said the negro, quietly. "Being a leper, he could not do much, as his disease was gaining on him, and he thought he would be sent away to some settlement by the authorities. That afterwards happened, but at the time I speak of he was still in 'Frisco."
"My poor father!" murmured Frank. "And what about Anchor?"
"Mr. Lancaster met him afterwards. But about the will. My master knew that Berry was a fascinating man with a strong influence. He thought that if he left the money to you, Berry might gain an influence over you, since you were so young, and get you to leave the money to him. Then he would murder you to become possessed of it."
"Berry would never have fascinated me," declared Frank. "I am not so weak-minded as that."
"You were young then, Mr. Frank, and Berry could have done much with you as a boy. He influenced Mr. Denham here."
"He certainly did," assented Natty, "and I'm no slouch either. But Berry, in spite of his looks and rascality, is fascinating. I was quite taken in by him. But I see through him now. Well--the will?"
"As I said," went on Tamaroo, "Mr. Lancaster did not know how to make the money safe from Berry. Therefore, he made his will leaving the money to you, Mr. Frank, and afterwards to Denham's son."
"That's to me," said Natty. "I see now, this money is the fortune I was to inherit."
"Yes. My master did not know that Berry had such an influence over your father, nor did I, or a different will would have been made. But the money was to go to you, provided that Mr. Frank was hanged before he reached the age of twenty-five. If Mr. Frank died a natural death, or was murdered, the money was to go to a charity. Anchor was made the trustee of this will."
"But I don't see where the sense of the hanging comes in."
"Well, Mr. Jarman," said the negro, turning to Eustace, who had spoken, "it's this way. My master thought that unless he put in that clause, Berry might get rid of Mr. Frank by violence."
"But if he murdered him the money would have gone to the charity."
"Quite so," assented Tamaroo, quietly. "And even if Mr. Frank died a natural death that would have happened. Mr. Lancaster knew that Berry was mixed up with people of our race who knew something of poisons."
"Aha!" said Jarman, "Balkis!"
"Yes. Balkis, sir; though I don't know how you came to hear of her."
"I'll tell you later. Go on."
Tamaroo paused to collect his thoughts, and continued: "So you see that the only way in which Berry could prevent the money going to the charity--in which case it would be lost to him altogether--was by getting Mr. Frank hanged. My master fancied that even if Berry did not murder Mr. Frank openly he might get some drug from Balkis which would kill Mr. Frank, without revealing that poison had been used. And that could have been done," said Tamaroo, impressively.
"Ah! I see now," cried Eustace. "Berry by means of this poison could have made Frank's death appear natural."
"Yes, sir. In which case the money would have gone to the charity. Mr. Lancaster knew that, being brought up by the lady aunt, his son would not commit a crime, so it was not likely that Berry would succeed in getting him hanged before the age of twenty-five."
"I see," said Frank, grimly; "but he has made a good shot at it. I was to be hanged for the murder of Starth, and then Natty here was to get the money."
"Yes," said Tamaroo. "And afterwards Mr. Denham was to be put out of the way, and Berry and his niece were to benefit."
"Very clever," muttered Natty. "But I'm not quite such a fool. And Mr. Lancaster is dead?"
"He is, sir. His disease got worse after he made his will, and he went to a leper settlement, where he died some time ago. As soon as I heard of his death I brought home these papers, only to learn that Mr. Frank was in danger of being hanged. To find him I plastered London with those posters. Then I--"
There was a smash of glass, and the blind of the middle window bulged out. Berry sprang into the room with a revolver. "I arrest you!" he called out to Frank, "for the murder of Starth. I arrest you!"
Jarman purposely overturned the lamp, and in the ensuing darkness confusion ensued. When it was re-lighted Tamaroo and Frank had disappeared.