But he felt that it was impossible to sit down and do nothing, for he was very anxious regarding the future of Mavis. Probably, on discovering the dead body of Bellaria, she had fled panic-stricken from that bloodstained mansion4; but distraught with terror, and not knowing the country, it was probable that she would soon be captured. Gerald would have gone in search of her forthwith, but that he did not know in which direction to look for her, and again, if he did find her, would be unable to smuggle5 her into safety while the countryside was all on the alert. He half made up his mind to return to London and enlist6 the services of Tod, but could not quite decide to do so, since his going to the Metropolis7 meant his leaving the neighborhood in which the girl he loved was wandering. Mavis was a fugitive9 with, so to speak, a price on her head. He could not go away heartlessly, and leave her, so innocent and unsophisticated, in the lurch10.
His hesitation11 was ended at five o'clock in the afternoon, by a wire from Exeter asking him to come there at once and meet the person who signed the telegram--Simon Arnold by name--in the coffee-room of the Monmouth Hotel. It flashed across Gerald's mind at once that the former tutor of Mavis had sent the telegram, and probably wished to see him about the girl whom they both loved in their several ways. But he wondered how Arnold--whom Mavis playfully called Schaibar--had learned his address, and then, on examining the telegram again, saw that it had been directed to the Devon Maid at Denleigh. Wondering if Geary had opened it, he sent for the boy, and found that Mrs. Geary, on receiving the wire at the door, had told the lad that Mr. Haskins was staying at Silbury. Gerald was relieved at this, as Geary would undoubtedly12 have read the telegram, in order to learn any possible plans Haskins might have formed. Nevertheless, on the face of it, the wire could convey little information to the conspirators13 likely to be of use, save that Arnold--whom Rebb apparently14 dreaded--was enlisting15 himself on the side of the lovers.
Haskins found that there was a train from Silbury to Exeter at seven o'clock that same evening, so after dinner he packed his portmanteau and went to the station. Guessing that Rebb would probably make inquiries16 as to his whereabouts, he left a message with Mrs. Jennings, stating that he had gone to London, and hoped that the information would upset the Major, by making him think that steps were being taken to save Mavis from his snares17. Strong as was Rebb's hand, he yet had a difficult game to play. The fact of Durham's will would undoubtedly be made public should Mavis be arrested, and Rebb certainly would not like his friends to think that he derived18 his income in the way he did. But then Rebb had daring enough to face anything, especially when six thousand a year was at stake.
Somewhere about nine o'clock Gerald reached Exeter, and, leaving his portmanteau in the cloak-room, proceeded to the Monmouth Hotel, a small inn on the outskirts19 of the cathedral city. The place was little known, but Haskins was fortunate enough to pick up a cabman who came from the neighborhood where it is situated20. In half-an-hour he found himself in the coffee-room of the hotel, and recognized Arnold at once from the description given by Mavis.
The ex-tutor, and present hawker of books, was reading a Latin author when Gerald entered, but flung it aside when the young man, conducted by a waiter, appeared on the threshold. He was about to greet the newcomer, but on seeing the waiter turned aside to look out of the window. To make an excuse for entering Gerald ordered a glass of whisky and soda21, which he truly needed, so wrought22 up was he, by the strain and stress of the situation. The waiter disappeared and soon came back with the drink. While he was absent Gerald eyed Arnold--who still did not speak--and sat down near the fireless grate. But a glance passed between the two men which showed mutual23 recognition.
Arnold was a remarkably24 small man, quite worthy25 to be called a dwarf26, but he was not deformed27 in any way. His body, his hands and feet and his head, were all perfectly28 proportioned, and the most noticeable thing about him was his long gray beard, which fell below his waist. He had a noble forehead, crowned with long loose gray hair and two vividly29 blue eyes, penetrating30 and unblinking. No one could have called the little man ugly, but, owing to his small stature31 and noble beard, he looked uncanny. Gerald, ever imaginative, thought at once of the Norwegian gnomes32 and kobolds, although Arnold was not so grotesquely33 ugly as those earth fairies of legend.
When the waiter finally left the coffee-room, and the two men had it all to themselves, Arnold moved swiftly forward and gripped Gerald's hand, before the young man was aware of his intention. "You are the lover of my dear girl," he said, in a singularly melodious34 voice. "I knew you at once, from her description of you."
"I can return the compliment," said Gerald, responding to the warm clasp. "Mavis told me what you were like, and indeed, I also have the description given in 'The Arabian Nights' to go upon."
"Schaibar!" said Arnold, with a smile. "Yes; she always called me that. I am glad that you have obeyed my summons so speedily, Mr. Haskins, as I am sure that you are a true friend to my unhappy pupil."
"I am her lover," replied Gerald quietly, "and, as her lover, I am prepared to go any lengths to save her from that rascal35."
"Meaning Major Rebb?"
"Of course! He is trying to ruin Mavis, in order to get her money."
"I wonder how you found that out, Mr. Haskins."
"It's a long story and----"
"And you can tell it to me and Mavis."
"Mavis!" Gerald stared. "What do you mean? Have you any idea where she is, Mr. Arnold?"
"Of course," answered the little man quietly; "it was for that reason that I wired to you. Mavis told me that you were stopping at Denleigh."
"As a matter of fact I am--or rather I was--stopping at the Prince's Head, Silbury," explained Gerald, "but your wire was sent on to me. I heard from Mrs. Jennings, and from Rebb also, that you were in the neighborhood of Leegarth."
"And it was very lucky for Mavis that I was," said Arnold, nodding. "Only by being on the spot was I enabled to save her from arrest."
"You saved her? How? Tell me all."
"Gently, Mr. Haskins. Do not talk so loud. Walls have ears, and keyholes have eyes." Arnold glanced round the room, and then drew near to the eager young man to speak in still lower tones. "Last night I went to see if I could enter the Pixy's House and try Mavis, but, as the gate was shut and locked, I could not get in. I would have climbed the wall, but that my age and rheumatism36 prevented my doing so. However, I thought that by going to the river wall I might obtain a foothold on the ivy37. I made the attempt, and fell. You see that I still limp." Arnold walked a pace or two, and Gerald saw that his leg dragged. "I lay insensible for some hours. Then I managed, when I revived, to drink some brandy which I had brought with me, and so deemed that I could get back to my caravan38, which was on the other side of the village. I had got round to the lane wherein the gates are to be found when I heard a scream of alarm."
"Was it Bellaria being killed?" asked Gerald quickly.
"No; I staggered as fast as I was able toward the gates, and found them open. Bellaria, stabbed to the heart, lay within, and over her bent39 Mavis. When she saw me she was terrified; but I called out, and she recognized my voice. Running forward, she stammered40 out that Bellaria had gone to meet some one, and had been killed. I, at once, saw the danger to which Mavis was exposed, having read the will of Julian Durham, and so insisted that she should fly. She was surprised that I desired her to do this, as, in her innocence41, she never deemed that she would be accused. However, I rapidly convinced her, and she agreed. Leaning on her arm, I led her round the village, as I feared lest her scream should have attracted attention. We reached my caravan in safety, and I then put the horse in the shafts42 and drove to Exeter through the night. We reached this city this afternoon, and I took her on board a barge43, which is owned by a man I can rely upon. Then I sent the wire to you. We must save the poor child, Mr. Haskins. She is safe now, but at any time she may be discovered."
"You will be suspected."
"I don't think so, Mr. Haskins. While she was in my caravan I had qualms44 that search might be made therein: but now that Mavis is safe on the barge, with Sammy Lee looking after her, there is little danger. I have only to say that I know nothing of her whereabouts, and who can convict me of falsehood? But I want Lee to take his barge down to Exmouth, and then we can place Mavis on board some outward-bound steamer. She will then be safe until we can prove her innocence."
"Why, do you believe that she will be accused?" asked Gerald.
"I am perfectly sure," said Arnold dryly, "that Major Rebb will take advantage of Bellaria's death to fasten the guilt45 on Mavis, so that he may shut her up in an asylum46, and, by thus preventing her marriage, will be enabled to keep her six thousand a year."
Gerald nodded. "That view does credit to your powers of penetration47, Mr. Arnold. Rebb is moving precisely48 on those lines."
"Quite so. I know Major Rebb----"
"But do you know that he----"
"There is no time to be lost," said Arnold, in a peremptory49 tone, "as Mavis will be in danger of arrest until she is safely bestowed50 out of England. She refuses to leave this city until she sees you, and that was why I wired. Come down at once to the Exe, and let us board the barge. Then we can decide what is to be done and you can ask what questions you choose."
Haskins consented; and, after finishing his whisky and soda, he went out with the little man, into the darkness. Arnold leaned on Haskins' arm, as his leg was still painful from the fall of the previous night, and guided him through many narrow and dingy51 streets down to the banks of the river. A lumbering52 barge was lying near a littered wharf53, and as they approached this they were hailed by a rough voice, which Gerald rightly took to be that of Sammy Lee. The two men stepped on board the low-lying barge, to find themselves welcomed by a gigantic Devonian, with a hairy face, who paid the utmost deference54 to the dwarf. As Arnold led Gerald down into the cabin of the barge--leaving Sammy Lee to keep watch--he whispered to Haskins. "I can absolutely trust this man, so you need have no fear. Last year I saved the life of his only child by means of the herbal medicine, when the doctors had given her up, so he will never betray our poor girl."
"But if he hears that she is accused of murder--it will be all over Exeter to-morrow?" questioned Gerald.
"He will decline to believe it, as he sees what Mavis is, and even if he did believe, he would never betray anyone whom I wished to shield."
This was very satisfactory, and Haskins wondered at the marvelous ways of Providence55, which had snatched Mavis from a dangerous position to place her in safety, until such time as her innocence could be made manifest. It seemed as though everything would come right in the end, despite Major Rebb's boast of his might. Haskins recalled his last words to the man, in which he left the matter for God to decide. And God was deciding--against Rebb and his wicked machinations.
A rap at the cabin door brought Mavis to open it. She was still in her favorite white dress, in which she had fled from her prison on the previous night, but over this she wore a long black cloak with a hood8--now closely pulled over her head for obvious reasons. When she saw Gerald, and the tender smile in his eyes, she flung back the hood, as though stifling56, and fell into his arms, sobbing57 as if her heart would break. And no wonder. To learn all the cruelty of the outside world, and to be a hunted fugitive, accused of a terrible crime, was an extraordinary change from the seclusion58 and romance of the Pixy's House.
"Oh, Prince Gerald," was her cry, as she wept on his breast, "how I have longed to see you."
"And I also have wished to hold you thus," he replied, kissing her, "but we were kept apart by wicked men, dearest. Now we are together, please God, we shall never part again."
"Amen to that," murmured Arnold, who had sat down.
"Schaibar has told me everything," said Mavis, still crying. "Oh, what a wicked world it is outside the Pixy's House, Gerald."
"There can be no wickedness where you are, darling. You will not find me like Major Rebb."
"Has he proved himself kind, to accuse you of murdering Bellaria?"
Mavis drew back, with a pale face and startled eyes. "There--must--be--some--mistake," she faltered60. "Why should I kill Bellaria?"
"Oh, Rebb knows quite well that you did not: but to suit his own ends he is willing that you should suffer."
"Yes; Rebb thinks that six thousand a year is worth losing his own soul for. It is the world he gains, and the price he pays. But he shall not succeed, my sweetheart; you shall have your own way, I swear."
"Gerald! Gerald! I would much rather fly away with you to the end of the world, and leave everything to my guardian."
"I daresay, dear; and in the South Seas, no doubt, we could find an Eden whither that serpent would not come. But your good name has to be considered, Mavis. Rebb has put it about that you are insane, and that such insanity62 made you kill Bellaria."
Mavis sat down on the locker63, looking utterly64 miserable65. "I know! I know!" she cried, rocking with the terror of her thoughts. "Schaibar has told me what my guardian said to people outside to account for my being locked up in the Pixy's House. And to think that he should have said to me that all English girls were brought up as I was! Why did you not tell me before that my guardian was deceiving me?" she asked her former tutor.
"My dear," he said gently, "it is only lately that I have learned the truth about your father's will. Bellaria let drop a word or so, and I began to ask questions. Rebb came to know of my curiosity, and so gave me a sum of money, and insisted that I should go to Australia, and hold no communication with you. I took the money, to save you, and I had no compunction in doing so, as the money belonged to you, my dear. To deceive Rebb I pretended to go to Australia; but, in reality, I remained in England, to search out your past. Bellaria had hinted that Rebb enjoyed a large income for keeping you shut up in the Pixy's House, and that your father had been wealthy. I searched for the copy of the will at Somerset House, and there learned how Rebb was to enjoy the six thousand a year to which you were entitled until your marriage. I then saw why he made out that you were insane, and resolved to effect your escape. I therefore bought a caravan to sell books, thinking--and my design was successful--that I could get you out of the house, and smuggle you away in my caravan. I have done so, as no one ever thought of searching for you in my company. Now you will go down to Exmouth with Sammy Lee, and I shall again go round the country. If my caravan is searched by Rebb and the officers of the law nothing will be found, and you will be safe."
"For how long--for how long?" cried Mavis, clasping her hands.
"Until God sees fit to enable us to punish Rebb, and save you," was the tutor's reply, "and everything will come right in the end, I am sure."
The eyes of the girl wandered to Gerald. He sat down beside her, and gathered her in his arms. "I am sure, also," he whispered. "See how wonderfully things have worked for your benefit as it is. I was brought into your life by means of the cylinder66 to marry and cherish you, in spite of Rebb's cruel device of keeping you ignorant, so that you should not be able to communicate with the outside world. Then Arnold, by God's mercy, has been enabled to snatch you from the very jaws67 of your enemies. These things point to joy coming out of sorrow. Go down, my dear, to Exmouth with Sammy Lee. I dare not come with you, nor can Schaibar, as we will both be suspected by Rebb, and must prove--as we can--that we have nothing to do with your flight. Lee will arrange for you to be taken round by water to London, and there I shall meet you to arrange for your safety."
"Would it not be better that she should go abroad?" asked Arnold.
"No. I can arrange for Mavis to be concealed68 in a way which Rebb will not suspect. If she goes abroad she may be extradited, should Rebb--as he might--discover her whereabouts. But he will never look for my darling where I will place her."
"So long as I am with you, Gerald, I care nothing," said Mavis, shivering and drawing closer to him, "but, oh, how can I go round to London by myself--I who have never been beyond my prison walls?"
"Sammy Lee will see to that, darling. You must be brave. And remember that I meet you at the end of your journey. Promise to be brave."
"Yes, yes; I promise," said Mavis, flushing, "but it is all very terrible to think that this is the world."
"This is Rebb's world," said Haskins tenderly, "but not the world of joy and peace and love in which you will dwell when we are married."
"Married? Oh, Gerald!"
"Yes." He kissed her now flushed cheek. "But tell me, Mavis, who killed that poor Bellaria?"
Mavis shivered again, although the cabin was warm. "I do not know," she said faintly. "Bellaria came back from London very terrified."
"I can guess why," murmured Gerald, thinking of the coral hand.
"She said that she might be killed, and made Geary give her that yellow-handled knife so that she might protect herself."
"Ah! So Rebb's story so far is true. Go on, dear."
"Bellaria never went out at night, as you know, but a day or two ago she received a letter, and said it would save her."
"Did you see the letter?"
"No. She did not show it to me. But last night I thought I heard a cry about midnight. I went to Bellaria's room and found her gone. I was afraid and ran downstairs, to find the door open, and also the big gates. Then I saw her dead, and cried out. Schaibar came and----"
"You know the rest," interposed Arnold, addressing Gerald. "I lighted a match and saw that Bellaria was dead; then took Mavis away. Don't question her further. She cannot bear it."
Gerald nodded, and soothed69 the girl, who was much terrified. "But we must find that letter," he remarked; "I am sure it has to do with the crime. Did you see anyone about, Mr. Arnold?"
"No; I saw no one."
"Hush71, dearest, do not weep; you are safe with me. Arnold, who do you think killed Bellaria Dondi?"
"Major Rebb."
"Not Geary?"
"Major Rebb," repeated the tutor quietly, "to secure the income. He has--as you say--sold his soul for six thousand a year."
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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inspector
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| n.检查员，监察员，视察员 | |
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retirement
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| n.退休，退职 | |
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mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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smuggle
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| vt.私运；vi.走私 | |
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enlist
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| vt.谋取(支持等)，赢得；征募；vi.入伍 | |
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metropolis
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| n.首府；大城市 | |
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hood
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| n.头巾，兜帽，覆盖；v.罩上，以头巾覆盖 | |
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fugitive
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| adj.逃亡的，易逝的；n.逃犯，逃亡者 | |
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lurch
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| n.突然向前或旁边倒；v.蹒跚而行 | |
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hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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conspirators
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| n.共谋者，阴谋家( conspirator的名词复数 ) | |
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apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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enlisting
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| v.（使）入伍， （使）参军( enlist的现在分词 )；获得（帮助或支持） | |
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inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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snares
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| n.陷阱( snare的名词复数 )；圈套；诱人遭受失败（丢脸、损失等）的东西；诱惑物v.用罗网捕捉，诱陷，陷害( snare的第三人称单数 ) | |
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derived
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| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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outskirts
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situated
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soda
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wrought
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mutual
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remarkably
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worthy
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dwarf
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| n.矮子，侏儒，矮小的动植物；vt.使…矮小 | |
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deformed
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perfectly
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vividly
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penetrating
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| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
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stature
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gnomes
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| n.矮子( gnome的名词复数 )；侏儒；（尤指金融市场上搞投机的）银行家；守护神 | |
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grotesquely
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melodious
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rascal
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| n.流氓；不诚实的人 | |
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rheumatism
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ivy
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caravan
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| n.大蓬车；活动房屋 | |
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bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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stammered
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innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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shafts
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| n.轴( shaft的名词复数 )；（箭、高尔夫球棒等的）杆；通风井；一阵（疼痛、害怕等） | |
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barge
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qualms
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| n.不安；内疚 | |
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guilt
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| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
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asylum
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| n.避难所，庇护所，避难 | |
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penetration
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| n.穿透，穿人，渗透 | |
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precisely
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| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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peremptory
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| adj.紧急的，专横的，断然的 | |
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bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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dingy
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| adj.昏暗的，肮脏的 | |
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lumbering
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| n.采伐林木 | |
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wharf
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| n.码头，停泊处 | |
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deference
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| n.尊重，顺从；敬意 | |
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providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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56
stifling
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| a.令人窒息的 | |
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57
sobbing
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| <主方>Ⅰ adj.湿透的 | |
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58
seclusion
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| n.隐遁，隔离 | |
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59
guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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60
faltered
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| （嗓音）颤抖( falter的过去式和过去分词 )； 支吾其词； 蹒跚； 摇晃 | |
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61
horrid
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| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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62
insanity
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| n.疯狂，精神错乱；极端的愚蠢，荒唐 | |
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63
locker
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| n.更衣箱，储物柜，冷藏室，上锁的人 | |
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64
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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65
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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66
cylinder
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| n.圆筒，柱(面)，汽缸 | |
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67
jaws
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| n.口部；嘴 | |
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68
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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69
soothed
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| v.安慰( soothe的过去式和过去分词 )；抚慰；使舒服；减轻痛苦 | |
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70
sobbed
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| 哭泣，啜泣( sob的过去式和过去分词 )； 哭诉，呜咽地说 | |
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71
hush
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| int.嘘，别出声；n.沉默，静寂；v.使安静 | |
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