Bid For Fortune; Or, Dr Nikola's Vendetta — Lord Beckenham's Story

LORD BECKENHAM'S STORY

"When you left me, Mr. Hatteras, I remained in the house for half an hour or so reading.

Then, thinking no harm could possibly come of it, I started out for a little excursion on my own account.

It was about half-past eleven then.

"Leaving the hotel I made for the ferry and crossed Darling Harbour to Millers Point; then, setting myself for a good ramble, off I went through the city, up one street and down another, to eventually bring up in the botanical gardens.

The view was so exquisite that I sat myself down on a seat and resigned myself to rapturous contemplation of it.

How long I remained there I could not possibly say.

I only know that while I was watching the movements of a man-o'-war in the cove below me I became aware, by intuition--for I did not look at him--that I was the object of close scrutiny by a man standing some little distance from me.

Presently I found him drawing closer to me, until he came boldly up and seated himself beside me.

He was a queer-looking little chap, in some ways not unlike my old tutor Baxter, with a shrewd, clean-shaven face, grey hair, bushy eyebrows, and a long and rather hooked nose.

He was well dressed, and when we had been sitting side by side for some minutes he turned to me and said-- "'It is a beautiful picture we have spread before us, is it not?'

"'It is, indeed,' I answered.

'And what a diversity of shipping!'

"'You may well say that,' he continued.

'It would be an interesting study, would it not, to make a list of all the craft that pass in and out of this harbour in a day--to put down the places where they were built and whence they hail, the characters of their owners and commanders, and their errands about the world.

What a book it would make, would it not?

Look at that man-o'-war in Farm Cove; think of the money she cost, think of where that money came from--the rich people who paid without thinking, the poor who dreaded the coming of the tax collector like a visit from the Evil One; imagine the busy dockyard in which she was built--can't you seem to hear the clang of the riveters and the buzzing of the steam saws?

Then take that Norwegian boat passing the fort there; think of her birthplace in far Norway, think of the places she has since seen, imagine her masts growing in the forests on the mountain side of lonely fiords, where the silence is so intense that a stone rolling down and dropping into the water echoes like thunder.'

"He went on like this for some time, until I said: 'You seem to have studied it very carefully.'

"'Perhaps I have,' he answered.

'I am deeply interested in the life of the sea--few more so.

Are you a stranger in New South Wales?'

"'Quite a stranger,' I replied.

'I only arrived in Australia a few days since.'

"'Indeed!

Then you have to make the acquaintance of many entrancing beauties yet.

Forgive my impertinence, but if you are on a tour, let me recommend you to see the islands before you return home.'

"'The South-Sea Islands, I presume you mean?'

I said.

"'Yes; the bewitching islands of the Southern Seas!

The most entrancingly beautiful spots on God's beautiful earth!

See them before you go.

They will amply repay any trouble it may cost you to reach them.'

"'I should like to see them very much,' I answered.

"'Perhaps you are interested in them already?'

he continued.

"'Very much indeed,' I replied.

"'Then, in that case, I may not be considered presumptuous if I offer to assist you.

I am an old South-Sea merchant myself, and I have amassed a large collection of beautiful objects from the islands.

If you would allow me the pleasure I should be delighted to show them to you.'

"'I should like to see them very much indeed,' I answered, thinking it extremely civil of him.

"'If you have time we might perhaps go and over-haul them now.

My house is but a short distance from the Domain, and my carriage is waiting at the gates.'

"'I shall be delighted,' I said, thinking there could be no possible harm in my accepting his invitation.

"'But before we go, may I be allowed to introduce myself?'

the old gentleman said, taking a card-case from his pocket and withdrawing a card.

This he handed to me, and on it I read-- 'Mr. Mathew Draper.'

"'I am afraid I have no card to offer you in return,' I said; 'but I am the Marquis of Beckenham.'

"'Indeed!

Then I am doubly honoured,' the old gentleman said, with a low bow.

'Now shall we wend our way up towards my carriage?'

"We did so, chatting as we went.

At the gates a neat brougham was waiting for us, and in it we took our places.

"'Home,' cried my host, and forthwith we set off down the street.

Up one thoroughfare and down another we passed, until I lost all count of our direction.

Throughout the drive my companion talked away in his best style; commented on the architecture of the houses, had many queer stories to tell of the passers-by, and in many other ways kept my attention engaged till the carriage came to a standstill before a small but pretty villa in a quiet street.

"Mr. Draper immediately alighted, and when I had done so, dismissed his coachman, who drove away as we passed through the little garden and approached the dwelling.

The front door was opened by a dignified man-servant, and we entered.

The hall, which was a spacious one for so small a dwelling, was filled with curios and weapons, but I had small time for observing them, as my host led me towards a room at the back.

As we entered it he said 'I make you welcome to my house, my lord.

I

hope, now that you have taken the trouble to come, I shall be able to show you something that will repay your visit.'

Thereupon, bidding me seat myself for a few moments, he excused himself and left the room.

When he returned he began to do the honours of the apartment.

First we examined a rack of Australian spears, nulla-nullas, and boomerangs, then another containing New Zealand hatchets and clubs.

After this we crossed to a sort of alcove where reposed in cases a great number of curios collected from the further islands of the Pacific.

I was about to take up one of these when the door on the other side of the room opened and some one entered.

At first I did not look round, but hearing the new-comer approaching me I turned, to find myself, to my horrified surprise, face to face _with Dr. Nikola_.

He was dressed entirely in black, his coat was buttoned and displayed all the symmetry of his peculiar figure, while his hair seemed blacker and his complexion even paler than before.

He had evidently been prepared for my visit, for he held out his hand and greeted me without a sign of astonishment upon his face.

"'This is indeed a pleasure, my lord,' he said, still with his hand out-stretched, looking hard at me with his peculiar cat-like eyes.

'I did not expect to see you again so soon.

And you are evidently a little surprised at meeting me.'

"'I am more than surprised,' I answered bitterly.

'I am horribly mortified and angry.'

"Mr. Draper said nothing, but Dr. Nikola dropped into a chair and spoke for him.

"'You must not blame my old friend Draper,' he said suavely.

'We have been wondering for the last twenty-four hours how we might best get hold of you, and the means we have employed so successfully seemed the only possible way.

Have no fear, my lord, you shall not be hurt.

In less than twenty-four hours you will enjoy the society of your energetic friend Mr. Hatteras again.'

"'What is your reason for abducting me like this?'

I asked.

'You are foolish to do so, for Mr. Hatteras will leave no stone unturned to find me.'

"'I do not doubt that at all,' said Dr. Nikola quietly; 'but I think Mr. Hatteras will find he will have all his work cut out for him this time.'

"'If you imagine that your plans are not known in Sydney you are mistaken,' I cried.

'The farce you are playing at Government House is detected, and Mr. Hatteras, directly he finds I am lost, will go to Lord Amberley, and reveal everything.'

"'I have not the slightest objection,' returned Dr. Nikola quietly.

'By the time Mr. Hatteras can take those steps--indeed, by the time he discovers your absence at all--we shall be beyond his reach.'

"I could not follow his meaning, of course, but while he had been speaking I had been looking stealthily round me for a means of escape.

The only way out of the room was, of course, by the door, but both Nikola and his ally were between me and that.

Then a big stone hatchet hanging on the wall near me caught my eye.

Hardly had I seen it before an idea flashed through my brain.

Supposing I seized it and fought my way out.

The door of the room stood open, and I noticed with delight that the key was in the lock on the outside.

One rush, armed with the big hatchet, would take me into the passage; then before my foes could recover their wits I might be able to turn the key, and, having locked them in, make my escape from the house.

"Without another thought I made up my mind, sprang to the wall, wrenched down the hatchet, and prepared for my rush.

But by the time I had done it both Nikola and Draper were on their feet.

"'Out of my way!'

I cried, raising my awful weapon aloft.

'Stop me at your peril!'

"With my hatchet in the air I looked at Nikola.

He was standing rigidly erect, with one arm out-stretched, the hand pointing at me.

His eyes glared like living coals, and when he spoke his voice came from between his teeth like a serpent's hiss.

"'Put down that axe!'

he said.

"With that the old horrible fear of him which had seized me on board ship came over me again.

His eyes fascinated me so that I could not look away from them.

I put down the hatchet without another thought.

Still he gazed at me in the same hideous fashion.

"'Sit down in that chair,' he said quietly.

'You cannot disobey me.'

And indeed I could not.

My heart was throbbing painfully, and an awful dizziness was creeping over me.

Still I could not get away from those terrible eyes.

They seemed to be growing larger and fiercer every moment.

Oh!

I can feel the horror of them even now.

As I gazed his white right hand was moving to and fro before me with regular sweeps, and with each one I felt my own will growing weaker and weaker.

That I was being mesmerized, I had no doubt, but if I had been going to be murdered I could not have moved a finger to save myself.

"Then there came a sudden but imperative knock at the door, and both Nikola and Draper rose.

Next moment the man whom we had noticed in the train as we came up from Melbourne, and against whom you, Mr. Hatteras, had warned me in Sydney, entered the room.

He crossed and stood respectfully before Nikola.

"'Well, Mr. Eastover, what news?'

asked the latter.

'Have you done what I told you?'

"'Everything,' the man answered, taking an envelope from his pocket.

'Here is the letter you wanted.'

"Nikola took it from his subordinate's hand, broke the seal, and having withdrawn the contents, read it carefully.

All this time, seeing resistance was quite useless, I did not move.

I felt too sick and giddy for anything.

When he had finished his correspondence Nikola said something in an undertone to Draper, who immediately left the room.

During the time he was absent none of us spoke.

Presently he returned, bringing with him a wine glass filled with water, which he presented to Nikola.

"'Thank you,' said that gentleman, feeling in his waistcoat pocket.

Presently he found what he wanted and produced what looked like a small silver scent-bottle.

Unscrewing the top, he poured from it into the wine glass a few drops of some dark-coloured liquid.

Having done this he smelt it carefully and then handed it to me.

'I must ask you to drink this, my lord,' he said.

'You need have no fear of the result: it is perfectly harmless.'

"Did ever man hear such a cool proposition?

Very naturally I declined to do as he wished.

"'You _must_ drink it!'

he reiterated.

'Pray do so at once.

I have no time to waste bandying words.'

"'I will not drink it!'

I cried, rising to my feet, and prepared to make a fight for it if need should be.

"Once more those eyes grew terrible, and once more that hand began to make the passes before my face.

Again I felt the dizziness stealing over me.

His will was growing every moment too strong for me.

I could not resist him.

So when he once more said, 'Drink!'

I took the glass and did as I was ordered.

After that I remember seeing Nikola, Draper, and the man they called Eastover engaged in earnest conversation on the other side of the room.

I remember Nikola crossing to where I sat and gazing steadfastly into my face, and after that I recollect no more until I came to my senses in this room, to find myself bound and gagged.

For what seemed like hours I lay in agony, then I heard footsteps in the verandah, and next moment the sound of voices.

I tried to call for help, but could utter no words.

I thought you would go away without discovering me, but fortunately for me you did not do so.

Now, Mr. Hatteras, I have told you everything."

For some time after the Marquis had concluded his strange story both the Inspector and I sat in deep thought.

That Beckenham had been kidnapped in order that he should be out of the way while the villainous plot for abducting Phyllis was being enacted there could be no doubt.

But why had he been chosen?

and what clues were we to gather from what he had told us?

I turned to the Inspector and said-- "What do you think will be the best course for us to pursue now?"

"I have been wondering myself.

I think, as there is nothing to be learned from this house, the better plan would be for you two gentlemen to go back to Mr. Wetherell, while I return to the detective office and see if anything has been discovered by the men there.

As soon as I have found out I will join you at Potts Point.

What do you think?"

I agreed that it would be the best course; so, taking the Marquis by the arms (for he was still too weak to walk alone), we left the house, and were about to step into the street when I stopped, and asking them to wait for me ran back into the room again.

In the corner, just as it had been thrown down, lay the rope with which Beckenham had been bound and the pad which had been fitted over his mouth.

I picked both up and carried them into the verandah.

"Come here, Mr. Inspector," I cried.

"I thought I should learn something from this.

Look at this rope and this pad, and tell me what you make of them."

He took each up in turn and looked them over and over.

But he only shook his head.

"I don't see anything to guide us," he said.

"Don't you?"

I cried.

"Why, they tell me more than I have learnt from anything else I've seen.

Look at the two ends of this.

They're seized!"

I looked triumphantly at him, but he only stared at me in surprise, and said, "What do you mean by 'seized'?"

"Why, I mean that the ends are bound up in this way--look for yourself.

Now not one landsman in a hundred _seizes_ a rope's end.

This line was taken from some ship in the harbour, and----By Jove!

here's another discovery!"

"What now?"

he cried, being by this time almost as excited as I was myself.

"Why, look here," I said, holding the middle of the rope up to the light, so that we could get a better view of it.

"Not very many hours ago this rope was running through a block, and that block was an uncommon one."

"How do you know that it was an uncommon one?"

"Because it has been newly painted, and what's funnier still, painted green, of all other colours.

Look at this streak of paint along the line; see how it's smudged.

Now, let's review the case as we walk along."

So saying, with the Marquis between us, we set off down the street, hoping to be able to pick up a cab.

"First and foremost," I said, "remember old Draper's talk of the South Seas--remember the collection of curios he possessed.

Probably he owns a schooner, and it's more than probable that this line and this bit of canvas came from it."

"I see what you're driving at," said the Inspector.

"It's worth considering.

Directly I get to the office I will set men to work to try and find this mysterious gentleman.

You would know him again, my lord?"

"I should know him anywhere," was Beckenham's immediate reply.

"And have you any idea at all where this house, to which he conducted you, is located?"

"None at all.

I only know that it was about half-way down a street of which all the houses, save the one at the corner--which was a grocer's shop--were one-storied villas."

"Nothing a little more definite, I suppose?"

"Stay!

I remember that there was an empty house with broken windows almost opposite, and that on either side of the steps leading up to the front door were two stone eagles with out-stretched wings.

The head of one of the eagles--the left, I think--was missing."

The Inspector noted these things in his pocket-book, and just as he had finished we picked up a cab and called it to the side walk.

When we had got in and given the driver Mr. Wetherell's address, I said to the Inspector--"What are you going to do first?"

"Put some men on to find Mr. Draper, and some more to find a schooner with her blocks newly painted green."

"You won't be long in letting us know what you discover?"

I said.

"Remember how anxious we are."

"You may count on my coming to you at once with any news I may procure," he answered.

A few moments later we drew up at Mr. Wetherell's door.

Bidding the Inspector good-bye we went up the steps and rang the bell.

By the time the cab was out in the street again we were in the house making our way, behind the butler, to Mr. Wetherell's study.

The old gentleman had not gone to bed, but sat just as I had left him so many hours before.

As soon as we were announced he rose to receive us.

"Thank God, Mr. Hatteras, you have come back!"

he said.

"I have been in a perfect fever waiting for you.

What have you to report?"

"Not very much, I'm afraid," I answered.

"But first let me have the pleasure of introducing the real Marquis of Beckenham to you, whom we have had the good fortune to find and rescue."

Mr. Wetherell bowed gravely and held out his hand.

"My lord," he said, "I am thankful that you have been discovered.

I look upon it as one step towards the recovery of my poor girl.

I hope now that both you and Mr. Hatteras will take up your abode with me during the remainder of your stay in the colony.

You have had a scurvy welcome to New South Wales.

We must see if we can't make up to you for it.

But you look thoroughly worn out; I expect you would like to go to bed."

He rang the bell, and when his butler appeared, gave him some instructions about preparing rooms for us.

Ten minutes later the man returned and stated that our rooms were ready, whereupon Mr. Wetherell himself conducted Beckenham to the apartment assigned to him.

When he returned to me, he asked if I would not like to retire too, but I would not hear of it.

I could not have slept a wink, so great was my anxiety.

Seeing this, he seated himself and listened attentively while I gave him an outline of Beckenham's story.

I had hardly finished before I heard a carriage roll up to the door.

There was a ring at the bell, and presently the butler, who, like ourselves, had not dreamt of going to bed, though his master had repeatedly urged him to do so, entered and announced the Inspector.

Wetherell hobbled across to receive him with an anxious face.

"Have you any better tidings for me?"

he asked.

"Not very much, I'm afraid, sir," the Inspector said, shaking his head.

"The best I have to tell you is that your carriage and horse have been found in the yard of an empty house off Pitt Street."

"Have you been able to discover any clue as to who put them there?"

"Not one!

The horse was found out of the shafts tied to the wall.

There was not a soul about the place."

Wetherell sat down again and covered his face with his hands.

At that instant the telephone bell in the corner of the room rang sharply.

I

jumped up and went across to it.

Placing the receivers to my ears, I heard a small voice say, "Is that Mr. Wetherell's house, Potts Point?"

"Yes," I answered.

"Who is speaking?"

"Mr. Hatteras.

Mr. Wetherell, however, is in the room.

Who are you?"

"Detective officer.

Will you tell Mr. Wetherell that Mr. Draper's house has been discovered?"

I communicated the message to Mr. Wetherell, and then the Inspector joined me at the instrument and spoke.

"Where is the house?"

he inquired.

"83, Charlemagne Street--north side."

"Very good.

Inspector Murdkin speaking.

Let plain clothes men be stationed at either end of the street, and tell them to be on the look out for Draper, and to wait for me.

I'll start for the house at once."

He rang off and then turned to me.

"Are you too tired to come with me, Mr. Hatteras?"

he inquired.

"Of course not," I answered.

"Let us go at once."

"God bless you!"

said Wetherell.

"I hope you may catch the fellow."

Bidding him good-bye, we went downstairs again, and jumped into the cab, which was directed to the street in question.

Though it was a good distance from our starting-point, in less than half an hour we had pulled up at the corner.

As the cab stopped, a tall man, dressed in blue serge, who had been standing near the lamp-post, came forward and touched his hat.

"Good-morning, Williams," said the Inspector.

"Any sign of our man?"

"Not one, sir.

He hasn't come down the street since I've been here."

"Very good.

Now come along and we'll pay the house a visit."

So saying he told the cabman to follow us slowly, and we proceeded down the street.

About half-way along he stopped and pointed to a house on the opposite side.

"That is the house his lordship mentioned, with the broken windows, and this is where Mr. Draper dwells, if I am not much mistaken--see the eagles are on either, side of the steps, just as described."

It was exactly as Beckenham had told us, even to the extent of the headless eagle on the left of the walk.

It was a pretty little place, and evidently still occupied, as a maid was busily engaged cleaning the steps.

Pushing open the gate, the Inspector entered the little garden and accosted the girl.

"Good-morning," he said politely.

"Pray, is your master at home?"

"Yes, sir; he's at breakfast just now."

"Well, would you mind telling him that two gentlemen would like to see him?"

"Yes, sir."

The girl rose to her feet, and, wiping her hands on her apron, led the way into the house.