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CHAPTER I IN WHICH JOB SEAL BORROWS A FUSEE
CHAPTER I IN WHICH JOB SEAL BORROWS A FUSEE
If you are fond of a mystery I believe you will ponder over this curious narrative just as I have pondered. Certain persons, having heard rumours of the strange adventures that once happened to me, have asked me to write them down in detail, so that they may be printed and given to the world in their proper sequence. Therefore, in obedience, and in order to set at rest for ever certain wild and unfounded reports which crept into the papers at the time, I do so without fear or favour, seeking to
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CHAPTER II WHAT WE SAW AND WHAT WE HEARD
CHAPTER II WHAT WE SAW AND WHAT WE HEARD
“ Well , I’m blowed!” The simple ejaculation was Seal’s, but the words of the sentence were most expressive. The strange object was now but a few cable lengths of us, and certainly the skipper’s surprise was shared by every one of us. Even the blackened, half-naked stokers had emerged on deck and stood gazing at it with wide-open eyes. Job Seal, the big, roaring man, dauntless of every thing, stood leaning over the bridge and glaring aghast at his discovery. And well he might, for surely no simi
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CHAPTER III THE MYSTERIOUS MAN
CHAPTER III THE MYSTERIOUS MAN
Again the strange deep voice sounded. It seemed to come from below the small cabin in which we stood—a snarling noise as though of a man enraged. Neither Seal nor his men liked the situation. I could see by their faces that they were thoroughly scared. They had found gold, it was true, but below was the owner of it. “Come on, lads,” urged Dicky Dunn courageously, “I’m going below to make the acquaintance of the skipper of this ’ere craft. The way is down that hatchway at the end of the big saloo
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CHAPTER IV IN WHICH I EXAMINE THE PARCHMENTS
CHAPTER IV IN WHICH I EXAMINE THE PARCHMENTS
The advent of the stranger on board the Thrush caused an outburst of surprise and consternation among the men, who stood in a group around him, addressing him and making remarks upon his personal appearance and his clothes. “ ’E looks like old Father Christmas been starved to death!” I heard one seaman remark. “Look at his shoes. Them buckles are silver, mates!” And then for the first time I noticed that the buckles on his shoes were very beautiful ones. “There’s something confoundedly mysteriou
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CHAPTER V WITH A STORY TO TELL
CHAPTER V WITH A STORY TO TELL
At daybreak next morning I was called up to the Mysterious Man, whom I found standing in a corner of the forecastle holding a loaded revolver in his hand and pointing it threateningly at anyone who approached him. He had awoke, I was told, made a tour of the ship, and, gaining possession of the weapon belonging to the second engineer, proceeded to fire one chamber point-blank at Thorpe, who was on duty on the bridge. Then, when pursued, he took refuge in the forecastle, where I found him. On my
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CHAPTER VI AN EXPERT OPINION
CHAPTER VI AN EXPERT OPINION
On the night following the regrettable disaster to the Seahorse I was back again in the cheap and rather comfortable rooms I had occupied for a couple of years or so in Keppel Street, Chelsea. It is a thoroughfare in which nearly every house exhibits the enticing legend, “Apartments to Let,” mostly in permanent, neatly-framed signs of black and gold. Mrs. Richardson, my landlady, was “full” and had been for a year past, so No. 83, where I had diggings, was a quiet, eminently respectable house, a
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CHAPTER VII WHAT WAS WRITTEN IN THE VELLUM BOOK
CHAPTER VII WHAT WAS WRITTEN IN THE VELLUM BOOK
As soon as I entered Mr. Staffurth’s little study I saw by his manner that the discovery he had made filled him with interest. “I have lost no time in going through your documents,” he said calmly, when I was seated by his table. “Your story of the finding of the strange ship with the mysterious survivor on board was most interesting, and last night, after you had gone, I turned my attention at once to this book, written by Bartholomew da Schorno.” “And you have discovered the secret?” I asked e
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CHAPTER VIII THE SEVEN DEAD MEN
CHAPTER VIII THE SEVEN DEAD MEN
His argument was quite logical. There was no doubt that the Italian had at first intended to make a permanent record of the secret, but had afterwards thought better of it. He was evidently no fool, as shown by the testamentary disposition of the Spanish loot. I took up the parchment, with its dangling seal, and noticed a dark smear across it. The old expert told me that the stain was a smear of blood. “Then the secret is in the hands of some one named Knutton, and the right owner of two-thirds
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CHAPTER IX ONE POINT IS MADE CLEAR
CHAPTER IX ONE POINT IS MADE CLEAR
Caldecott was, I found, a very out-of-the-way little place. The pretty village of Rockingham, with its long, broad street leading up the hill and the old castle crowning it, was its nearest neighbour, for at that station I alighted from the train and walked through the noonday heat along the short, shadeless road pointed out by the railway porter. The country in that district is of park-like aspect, mostly rich pastures with spinneys here and there, and running brooks; but on that blazing summer
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CHAPTER X THE GUARDIAN OF THE SECRET
CHAPTER X THE GUARDIAN OF THE SECRET
I had some tea at the Plough, with fresh butter and cream which, after those weeks on board the Thrush , were delicious. Much gratified that I had at last discovered the house of the noble freebooter, I set to work to make inquiries regarding the family of Knutton, the hereditary guardians of the treasure, and of the descendants of Clement Wollerton, who, it appeared, had been Bartholomew’s lieutenant, and whose skeleton I had most probably seen on board the Seahorse . The innkeeper’s sister was
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CHAPTER XI FORESTALLED
CHAPTER XI FORESTALLED
Mere words fail to express my chagrin. Job Seal could perhaps have uttered remarks sufficiently pointed and appropriate, but for myself I could only reflect that this unknown man who called himself Mr. Purvis, of London, had forestalled me. The parchment he had purchased of this drink-sodden old yokel might, for aught I knew, give a clue to the spot of which I was in search. We had more than a thousand golden guineas locked up safely in the bank in London, but both Seal, Mr. Staffurth, and mysel
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CHAPTER XII JOB SEAL MAKES A PROPOSAL
CHAPTER XII JOB SEAL MAKES A PROPOSAL
Can you, my reader, imagine a more tantalizing position than the one in which I now found myself? It took a great deal to arouse enthusiasm in the breast of old Mr. Staffurth, whose interest in the world had seemed to me as dried up as those musty parchments he was so constantly examining. But the mystery of it all had certainly awakened him, and he was as keen as myself to get to the bottom of it—and to the treasure, of which I had promised him a small portion as repayment for his services. Nex
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CHAPTER XIII A CALL, AND ITS CONSEQUENCE
CHAPTER XIII A CALL, AND ITS CONSEQUENCE
My visitor evidently noticed my stupefaction. She must have done, or she would not have been a woman. The reason of my sudden surprise was not because I recognized her, but on account of her perfect and amazing beauty. Every doctor sees some pretty faces in the course of practise, but having been asked to set down the chief details of this romance, I must here confess that never in all my life had I set eyes upon such a sweet and charming countenance. I judged her to be about twenty, and the man
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CHAPTER XIV REQUIRES EXPLANATION
CHAPTER XIV REQUIRES EXPLANATION
The pretty Miss Bristowe was certainly an enigma. In that dingy consulting-room in the Walworth Road I often sat during the days that followed, musing over that curious and fruitless journey. I felt rather piqued than disappointed, for to put it bluntly I had been fooled, and left to pay nearly a sovereign to a cabman. Her parting words to me: “Perhaps one day you will learn the real reason of this decision,” seemed ominous ones, while her agitation was strange in such circumstances. She parted
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CHAPTER XV REVEALS SOMETHING OF IMPORTANCE
CHAPTER XV REVEALS SOMETHING OF IMPORTANCE
The thieves had made a thorough search of old Mr. Staffurth’s study. Every hole and corner had been methodically examined, an operation which must have occupied considerable time. Neither Mr. Staffurth, his housekeeper, nor the servant girl had heard a sound. It seemed that only after searching the study thoroughly had the burglars turned their attention to the safe. There were three of them, the detective asserted, for there had been a shower in the night, and he found on the carpet distinct ma
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CHAPTER XVI MRS. GRAHAM’S VISITOR
CHAPTER XVI MRS. GRAHAM’S VISITOR
When I returned to town that same evening and told Staffurth he became wildly excited. “Really, doctor,” he said, “the matter increases in interest daily.” “When I take possession of the Manor, I think we ought to make a search,” I replied. “We must not allow burglars to enter there, or they may forestall us after all.” “Of course, of course. The treasure may be hidden in the house for aught we know. It is important that we should be the first to make a thorough examination of the place.” “But w
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CHAPTER XVII THE SELLER OF THE SECRET
CHAPTER XVII THE SELLER OF THE SECRET
“ Why , Miss Bristowe!” I cried. “Perhaps you don’t recollect me?” She started quickly, and drew back for a moment, her countenance blanching; then looking into my face, she said, with a timid laugh: “Why, of course, doctor! But have you forgiven me for taking you on that fool’s errand?” “Yes, long ago,” I laughed. “But our meeting this evening is certainly unexpected. Have you friends in this neighbourhood?” She replied in the affirmative, but without giving me any explanation. “And your brothe
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CHAPTER XVIII THE SILENT MAN’S WARNING
CHAPTER XVIII THE SILENT MAN’S WARNING
Philip Reilly , whose energy seemed indefatigable, although he was yet half an invalid, left me next morning and returned to town. In council, in my airy little bedroom with the attic window embowered by creeping roses, we arrived at the conclusion that he would have more chance of success in gaining information than myself, therefore I dispatched him to London in order to keep an observant eye upon the address in Sterndale Road. For several reasons I remained in the neighbourhood of Caldecott.
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CHAPTER XIX THE LADY FROM BAYSWATER
CHAPTER XIX THE LADY FROM BAYSWATER
On the second evening of my vigil in Sterndale Road my watchfulness was rewarded by seeing a neat and familiar figure pass up the street and enter the little newsagent’s. It needed no second glance to tell me that the visitor to the shop was the mysterious girl who called me on that memorable night, from the dispensary at Walworth—Miss Bristowe. Fortunately she had not noticed my presence. Therefore I at once concealed myself up a side passage and waiting till she emerged with a letter in her ha
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CHAPTER XX PHILIP REILLY TELLS A STRANGE STORY
CHAPTER XX PHILIP REILLY TELLS A STRANGE STORY
During the three days that followed I kept watch in Cornwall Road, haunting the neighbouring thoroughfares of Ladbroke Grove, Silchester Road, Ledbury Road, and Powis Square, watching the movements of Miss Bristowe, and ever on the alert for the coming of that tall, fair-moustached individual, as the man Purvis had been described. The girl whom I had found so charming went out often—once down to Catford to visit friends. Apparently she lived in apartments, and did her own shopping. She, however,
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CHAPTER XXI WE MAKE A DISCOVERY IN THE MANOR HOUSE
CHAPTER XXI WE MAKE A DISCOVERY IN THE MANOR HOUSE
Reilly’s story was a strange one. Although he had suffered imprisonment as a rogue—no burglarious instruments being found upon him—I could do nothing else than congratulate him upon his firm determination not to expose his hand. But the incident was no good augury for the future. We were, of course, in possession of a fact that might prove of greatest use to us. He had seen the murdered man with his own eyes, although the identity of the victim was at present a mystery. Miss Bristowe knew him, t
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CHAPTER XXII BLACK BENNETT
CHAPTER XXII BLACK BENNETT
On the previous night we had trimmed the hurricane lamp that I had purchased in London as part of our equipment, therefore we soon had it alight and eagerly entered the doorway to explore. Reilly went first, bending low, lamp in one hand and a short crowbar in the other, while I followed with an axe as one of the most useful of implements. The door had been forced from its fastenings and had gone far back upon its hinges, almost uninjured, save that it was split in places and badly twisted. With
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CHAPTER XXIII JOB SEAL RELATES HIS ADVENTURES
CHAPTER XXIII JOB SEAL RELATES HIS ADVENTURES
We admitted that we did not understand. “I’ve heard of this Black Bennett,” I said in surprise, “but who is he? Tell us.” “Who is he?” growled Seal, knitting his shaggy brows darkly. “Who is he? Why, he’s about the worst swab I’ve ever met—and that’s saying a good deal!” “But what is there against him?” I demanded anxiously. “Almost everything short of murder. Christmas! I didn’t know that he was mixed up in this affair. You will have to be cute, doctor, for if Black Bennett’s one of ’em you can
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CHAPTER XXIV THE MYSTERY OF MARGARET KNUTTON
CHAPTER XXIV THE MYSTERY OF MARGARET KNUTTON
We returned to the Manor, and Seal, refreshed by his lunch, seized a crowbar and wielding it with his great strength announced himself ready to assist us. Like ourselves, he felt certain that, the treasure being hidden somewhere in that house, diligent search would have its reward. So he started on his own account tapping walls and investigating loose boards and hollow wainscotting. We had seen no more of Bennett. He had come to the Plough probably with the object of ascertaining who we were, an
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CHAPTER XXV REVEALS THE DEATH-TRAP
CHAPTER XXV REVEALS THE DEATH-TRAP
We strained our ears to distinguish the words spoken by the men beneath us, but without avail. They seemed to be at work apparently in the thickness of the ponderous wall some few feet below where we stood. Was it possible that they had ascertained from their plan the place where the gold was hidden? Sometimes it seemed as though they were working upwards towards us, for we could hear a pick upon the stones; and so we waited there, as terriers wait for rats. Through the remainder of the night we
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CHAPTER XXVI IN WHICH BEN KNUTTON GROWS CONFIDENTIAL
CHAPTER XXVI IN WHICH BEN KNUTTON GROWS CONFIDENTIAL
Reilly returned shortly afterwards with a budget of information. When we had traversed the little wood and were out on the highway he told us certain facts that were interesting. The village was called Bringhurst, distant a mile and a quarter from Caldecott. The place where we had emerged was called the Glebe Farm, and was occupied by an old man called Page, who had as lodgers a gentleman named Purvis and his niece. They often had visitors, two gentlemen who came over from Kettering, and from th
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CHAPTER XXVII DOROTHY DRUMMOND PREFERS SECRECY
CHAPTER XXVII DOROTHY DRUMMOND PREFERS SECRECY
Dorothy looked more worn and anxious than on that morning when I had walked with her in Westbourne Grove. But the air of mystery enveloped her still, and to even the casual observer her face was interesting as that of a woman with some tragic history. “Miss Drummond,” I said, “it is a real pleasure to me that we meet again.” She started at the mention of her name, but made no comment, except to say, in her sweet, well-modulated voice: — “The pleasure is mutual, I assure you, Dr. Pickering.” Then
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CHAPTER XXVIII WE RECEIVE MIDNIGHT VISITORS
CHAPTER XXVIII WE RECEIVE MIDNIGHT VISITORS
I took leave of my love reluctantly at ten o’clock, just outside Bringhurst village. She was anxious to be back at the farm before the return of Purvis, who had gone that morning to London on some secret errand, and was returning by the last train. She had entirely enchanted me. The more I saw of her, the more graceful, the more charming, she seemed. There was nothing loud or masculine about her; she was a sweet, modest woman, yearning for love, sympathy, and protection. The manner in which she
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CHAPTER XXIX DOROTHY MAKES A CONFESSION
CHAPTER XXIX DOROTHY MAKES A CONFESSION
“ Trapped the swabs!” cried Job Seal, rubbing his big hands with undisguised delight, although he seemed disappointed that we had not allowed him to come face to face with Bennett. From the skipper’s determined attitude I knew that murder would be done if the two men met, therefore I took to myself some credit for having kept them apart, even though they had passed within a yard of one another. “Trapped the whole four of ’em!” he exclaimed, his great face lit by a grin as he placed his hands to
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CHAPTER XXX THE SILENT MAN’S STORY
CHAPTER XXX THE SILENT MAN’S STORY
On the following morning I entered Dr. Macfarlane’s consulting-room in response to a letter from him. “Your foundling is a lot better, Pickering,” exclaimed the great lunacy specialist, rising and giving me his hand. “I’ve got him round at last. Not only is he quite rational, but he has found his voice, or as much of it as he will ever have. Brand, the surgeon, has discovered that he has an injury to the tongue which prevents him properly articulating.” “Is he quite in his right mind?” I asked,
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CHAPTER XXXI THE HOUSE AT KILBURN
CHAPTER XXXI THE HOUSE AT KILBURN
Robert Usher returned with me to Chelsea and again took up his abode in Keppel Street. To him I explained the whole of the curious circumstances, our exciting search after the hidden loot, and our utter failure—a narrative which interested him greatly, and caused him to become enthusiastic in his desire to render us assistance. I introduced him to Seal, Reilly, and old Staffurth, and we all closely analyzed his story, which at first seemed so extraordinary to us as to be beyond credence. Seal, h
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CHAPTER XXXII WHAT WE DISCOVERED AT THE RECORD OFFICE
CHAPTER XXXII WHAT WE DISCOVERED AT THE RECORD OFFICE
A month dragged slowly by. I saw Dorothy daily, and we were happy in each other’s love. She had resumed her post of typewriter at an insurance office in Moorgate Street, and on her return home would generally spend each evening with me. Robert Usher continued to live with me in Keppel Street and proved a most entertaining companion, and Philip Reilly, bitterly disappointed, had also returned to the bank, while Job Seal had sailed from Cardiff with his usual cargo of steam coal for Malta. Worn ou
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CHAPTER XXXIII WE DECIPHER THE PARCHMENT
CHAPTER XXXIII WE DECIPHER THE PARCHMENT
Our excitement over the discovery was unbounded. Old Mr. Staffurth’s announcement seemed hardly possible. His hand trembled as he held the paper whereon I had copied the precious document catalogued among the Oblata Rolls, while I, bending over him, stood eager but speechless. “See!” he cried. “The cipher is cunningly reversed, in order to make it more complicated. The big threes written by the old Italian were drawn as a silent indication of the correct solution of this document. Besides, there
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CHAPTER XXXIV OUR SEARCH AT TICKENCOTE AND ITS RESULTS
CHAPTER XXXIV OUR SEARCH AT TICKENCOTE AND ITS RESULTS
Presently we stood at an iron milestone which had, I suppose, replaced the old stone road-mark of Elizabethan days, and saw thereon the words—“Stamford, 4 miles.” Then, looking across to the left, we noticed a path leading across the stubble to a long, dark wood. At the gate leading into the field we awaited Philip, and, there being nobody in the vicinity, he quickly joined us, and we all three sped along the path beside the high thorn-hedge until we came to the border of the wood. While on the
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CHAPTER XXXV THE SPY, AND WHAT HE TOLD US
CHAPTER XXXV THE SPY, AND WHAT HE TOLD US
Without a second’s hesitation I drew the revolver I now habitually carried, and, dashing out through the hole, scrambled up to the surface after the intruder. Scarcely had I gained my footing above when a shot was fired close to me, and a bullet whizzed past my head. I looked angrily around, but could see no one. The man had taken refuge behind one of the trees, while I stood before him right in the open. My companions, alarmed by my sudden rush and the report of the pistol, were next instant be
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CHAPTER XXXVI “NINE POINTS OF THE LAW”
CHAPTER XXXVI “NINE POINTS OF THE LAW”
The man Franklin paused again for a few moments then, in response to my repeated question, said — “To the boy Charles old Mr. Burrell gave the name of Wooton, the present-day corruption of Wollerton, and he was brought up by a farmer’s wife at Sutton Bridge for the first ten years of his life, being afterwards sent to school at Hythe, in Kent. At the time I discovered all these facts Dorothy Wollerton, who is, of course, unaware of her real name, was twenty-two, and her brother Charles a year an
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