Out of a Labyrinth Read online

  CHAPTER XIII.

  'SQUIRE BROOKHOUSE MAKES A CALL.

  The first train due from the city, by which, supposing 'SquireBrookhouse's message to be promptly received, and his commissionpromptly executed, it would be possible for the looked-for detectives toarrive, would be due at midnight. It was a fast, through express, andarriving so late, when the busy village gossips were, or should be,peacefully sleeping, it seemed to us quite probable that they would comeopenly by that train.

  Of course we expected them to assume disguise, or to have some plausiblebusiness in the town, quite foreign to their real errand thither; but,equally, of course we expected to be able to penetrate any disguise thatmight be assumed by parties known to us, or to see beneath any businesssubterfuge adopted by strangers.

  Until midnight then we had only to wait, and employ our time profitably,if we could, which seemed hardly probable.

  I remained in my room for the remainder of the morning, and Carnes wentout among the gossipers, in search of any scrap that he might seize uponand manipulate into a thing of meaning.

  At the dinner table I met Dr. Bethel. He was his usual calm, courteousself, seeming in no wise ruffled or discomposed by the events of theprevious day.

  We chatted together over our dinner, and together left the table. In thehall the doctor turned to face me, saying:

  "If you have nothing better to occupy your time, come down to my housewith me. I shall enjoy your company."

  I could scarcely have found a way of passing the afternoon more to mytaste, just then, and I accepted his invitation promptly.

  Outside the doctor's dwelling, quiet and order reigned, thanks to JimLong's officious friendliness, but within was still the confusion ofyesterday; Jim, seemingly, having exhausted himself in the hanging ofthe doctor's front door.

  Bethel looked about the disordered rooms, and laughed the laugh of thephilosopher.

  "After all, a man can not be thoroughly angry at the doings of a mob,"he said, stooping to gather up some scattered papers. "It's likescattering shot; the charge loses its force; there is no center to turnupon. I was in a rage yesterday, but it was rather with the author ofthe mischief credited to me, than these fanatical would-be avengers, andthen--after due reflection--it was quite natural that these villagesimpletons should suspect me, was it not?"

  "Candidly, yes," I replied; "and that only proves the cunning of theenemy who planned this business for your injury."

  Bethel, who was stooping to restore a chair to its proper position,lifted his head to favor me with one sharp glance. Then he brought thechair up with a jerk; and, taking another with the unoccupied hand,said:

  "This is hardly a picture of comfort. Fortunately, there is a condensedlawn and excellent shade outside. Let's smoke a cigar under the trees,and discuss this matter comfortably."

  In another moment we were sitting cosily, _vis-a-vis_, on the tiny grassplot, styled by the doctor a "condensed lawn," with a huge clump oflilacs at our backs, and the quivering leaves of a young maple above ourheads.

  The doctor produced some excellent cigars, which we lighted, and smokedfor a time in silence. Then he said:

  "I scarcely flatter myself that I have seen the end of this business. Iquite expected the raid of yesterday to be followed by a formalaccusation and a warrant to-day, in which case--"

  "In which case," I interrupted, "I will be responsible for your futuregood behavior, and go your bail."

  "Thank you," he said, quite seriously. "I appreciate your championship,but confess it surprises me. Why have you voted me guiltless, inopposition to the expressed opinions of two-thirds of Trafton?"

  "Perhaps," I replied, "it is because I am not a Traftonite, and amtherefore without prejudice. To be perfectly frank, I _did_ suppose youto be implicated in the business when I came here yesterday; when Iwitnessed your surprise, and heard your denial, I wavered; when I sawthe buried clothing, I doubted; when the body was discovered, I wasconvinced that a less clever head and more bungling hand than yours, hadplanned and executed the resurrection; it was a blunder which I couldnot credit you with making. If I had a doubt, Barnard's testimony wouldhave laid it."

  "Thank you," said Bethel, with real warmth. "But----I might have hadconfederates."

  "No. Doctor Barnard's statement as to the manner of the child's deathdeprives you of a motive for the deed; then the too-easily found tools,and the stripped-off clothing could hardly be work of your planning orordering. Depend upon it, when Trafton has done a little calm thinking,it will see this matter as I see it."

  "Possibly," with a shade of skepticism in his voice. "At least, when Ihave unearthed these plotters against me, they will see the matter as itis, and that day I intend to bring to pass."

  The fire was nearly extinct on the tip of his cigar, he replaced it inhis mouth and seemingly only intent upon rekindling the spark; thisdone, he smoked in silence a moment and then said:

  "As to the author of the mischief, or his motive, I am utterly at aloss. I have given up trying to think out the mystery. I shall call inthe help of the best detective I can find, and see what he makes of thematter."

  Gracious heavens! here was another lion coming down upon myself and myluckless partner! Trafton was about to be inundated with detectives. Mybrain worked hard and fast. Something must be done, and that speedily,or Carnes and I must retreat mutely, ingloriously.

  While I smoked in a seemingly careless reverie, I was weighing the_pros_ and _cons_ of a somewhat uncertain venture. Should I let thisthird detective come and risk a collision, or should I make a cleanbreast of it, avow my identity, explain the motive of my sojourn inTrafton, and ask Bethel to trust his case to Carnes and myself? Almostresolved upon this latter course, I began to feel my way.

  "A good detective ought to sift the matter, I should think," I said. "Isuppose you have your man in view?"

  "Candidly, no," he replied, with a dubious shake of the head. "I'mafraid I am not well posted as regards the police, never expecting tohave much use for the gentry. I must go to the city and hunt up theright man."

  I drew a breath of relief.

  "That will consume some valuable time," I said, musingly.

  "Yes, a day to go; another, perhaps, before I find my man. I shall goin person, because I fancy that I shall be able to give something like acorrect guess as to the man's ability, if I can have a square look athis face."

  I blew a cloud of smoke before my own face to conceal a smile.

  "You are a physiognomist, then?"

  "Not a radical one; but I believe there is much to be learned by thecareful study of the human countenance."

  "Give me a test of your ability," I said, jestingly, and drawing mychair nearer to him. "Have I the material in me for a passabledetective?"

  "My dear sir," he replied, gravely, "if I had not given you credit forsome shrewdness, I should hardly have made you, even in a slight degree,my confidante; if you were a detective I think you might be expected tosucceed."

  "Thanks, doctor; being what I am I can, perhaps, give you the key tothis mystery."

  "You?"

  "Yes, I," tossing away my cigar and now fully resolved to confide in thedoctor. "I think I have stumbled upon the clue you require. I will tellyou how."

  There was a sharp click at the gate; I closed my lips hurriedly, and weboth turned to look.

  'Squire Brookhouse, if possible a shade more solemn of countenance thanusual, was entering the doctor's door-yard.

  My host arose instantly to receive, but did not advance to meet, hislatest guest.

  'Squire Brookhouse accepted the chair proffered him, having first givenme a nod of recognition, and, while Bethel entered the house for anotherchair, sat stiffly, letting his small, restless black eyes rove about,taking in his surroundings with quick, furtive glances, and I fanciedthat he felt a trifle annoyed at my presence.

  "You seem quite serene here, in spite of yesterday's fracas," he said tome, in what he no doubt intended for the ordinary affable conversationaltone
.

  He possessed a naturally harsh, rasping voice, not loud, but, none theless, not pleasant to the ear, and this, coupled with his staccatomanner of jerking out the beginnings of his sentences, and biting offthe ends of them, would have given, even to gentle words, the sound ofseverity.

  While I replied, I was inwardly wondering what had called out thisunusual visit, for I saw at once, by the look on Bethel's face, that itwas unusual, and, just then, a trifle unwelcome.

  We were not left long in the dark. Scarcely had the doctor rejoined usand been seated before the 'squire gave us an insight into the nature ofhis business.

  "I am sorry our people gave you so much trouble yesterday, doctor," hebegan, in his stiff staccato. "Their conduct was as discreditable to thetown as it was uncomplimentary to you."

  "One should always take into consideration the character of theelements that assails him," replied Bethel, coolly. "I was comforted toknow that my assailants of yesterday were notably of the _canaille_ ofthe town; the majority, of the rough, vulgar excitables, who, while notbeing, or meaning to be, absolutely vicious, are, because of theirinherent ignorance, easily played upon and easily led, especially towardmischief. The leaders most certainly were not of the _lower_ classes,but of the _lowest_. On the whole, I have experienced no seriousdiscomfort, 'Squire Brookhouse, nor do I anticipate any lasting injuryto my practice by this attempt to shake the public faith in me."

  This reply surprised me somewhat, and I saw that the 'squire was, forthe moment, nonplussed. He sat quite silent, biting his thin under lip,and with his restless eyes seemed trying to pierce to the doctor'sinnermost thought.

  The silence became to me almost oppressive before he said, shifting hisposition so as to bring me more prominently within his range of vision:

  "I hope you are right; I suppose you are. Arch displeased me very muchby not coming to your aid; he might, perhaps, have had some influenceupon a portion of the mob. I regret to learn that one or two of my menwere among them. I believe Arch tried to argue against the movementbefore they came down upon you; he came home thoroughly disgusted andangry. For myself, I was too much indisposed to venture out yesterday."

  He drew himself a trifle more erect; this long speech seeming to besomething well off his mind.

  "I was well supported, I assure you," replied Bethel, courteously. "ButI appreciate your interest in my welfare. Your influence in Trafton isconsiderable, I know."

  "Hardly that; hardly that, sir. However, such as it is, it is yours, ifyou need it. My call was merely to ask if you anticipated any furthertrouble, or if I could serve you in any way, in case you desired to makean investigation."

  Bethel hesitated a moment, seemingly at a loss for a reply.

  In that moment, while the 'squire's sharp eyes were fixed upon him, Ilifted my hand, removed my cigar from my mouth with a careless gesture,and, catching the doctor's eye, laid a finger on my lip. In anotherinstant I was puffing away at my weed, and the keen, quick eyes of'Squire Brookhouse were boring me clean through.

  "Thank you," said Bethel, after this pause, and without again glancingat me. "You are very good."

  "We seem to be especially honored by rogues of various sorts," went onthe 'squire. "Of course you have heard of last night's work, and of myloss."

  The doctor bowed his head.

  "This thing is becoming intolerable," went on the usually silent man,"and I intend to make a stanch fight. If it's in the power of thedetectives, I mean to have my horses back."

  "You will bestow a blessing upon the community if you succeed incapturing the thieves," said Bethel.

  Then the 'squire turned toward me, saying:

  "We are a victimized community, sir. I suppose you have found that out?"

  "We are a victimized community, sir. I suppose you havefound that out?"--page 161.]

  "Judging from the events of yesterday and last night, I should thinkso," I replied, with an air of indifferent interest. "From theconversation I heard at the hotel to-day, I infer that this thievingbusiness is no new thing."

  "No new thing, sir."

  I had no desire to participate in the conversation, so made no furthercomment, and the 'squire turned again to Bethel.

  "I suppose you intend to investigate this matter?"

  Bethel looked up to the maple, and down at the grass.

  "I have scarcely decided," he replied, slowly. "I have hardly had timeto consider."

  "Ah! I supposed, from what I heard in the town, that you had made adecided stand."

  "So far as this, I have," replied Bethel, gravely. "I am determined notto let these underminers succeed in their purpose."

  "Then you have fathomed their purpose?"

  "I suppose it is to drive me from Trafton?"

  "You intend to remain?"

  "Most assuredly. I shall reside and practice in Trafton so long as Ihave one patient left who has faith in me."

  "That would be an unprofitable game--financially."

  "I think not, in the end."

  Again the 'squire seemed at a loss for words.

  I hugged myself with delight. The dialogue pleased me.

  "I like your spirit," he said, at length. "I should also like to seethis matter cleared up." He rose slowly, pulling his hat low down overhis cavernous eyes. "I have sent for detectives," he said, slightlylowering his tone. "Of course I wish their identity and whereabouts toremain a secret among us. If you desire to investigate and wish anyinformation or advice from them, or if I can aid you _in any way_, don'thesitate to let me know."

  Dr. Bethel thanked him warmly, assuring him that if he had need of afriend he would not forget his very generously proffered service, and,with his solemn face almost funereal in its expression, 'SquireBrookhouse bowed to me, and, this time escorted by Bethel, walked slowlytoward the gate.

  A carriage came swiftly down the road from the direction of the village.It halted just as they had reached the gate.

  I saw a pale face look out, and then 'Squire Brookhouse approached andlistened to something said by this pale-faced occupant. Meantime Bethel,without waiting for further words with 'Squire Brookhouse, came back tohis seat under the trees.

  In a moment the carriage moved on, going rapidly as before, and the'squire came back through the little gate and approached the doctor,wearing now upon his face a look of unmistakable sourness.

  "Doctor," he said, in his sharpest staccato, "my youngest scapegrace hasmet with an accident, and is going home with a crippled leg. I don'tknow how bad the injury is, but you had better come at once; he seems ingreat distress."

  The doctor turned to me with a hesitating movement which I readilyunderstood. He was loth to leave our interrupted conversation unfinishedfor an indefinite time.

  I arose at once.

  "Don't let my presence interfere with your duties," I said. "You and Ican finish our smoke to-morrow, doctor."

  He shot me a glance which assured me that he comprehended my meaning.

  Five minutes later, Dr. Bethel and 'Squire Brookhouse were going up thehill toward the house of the latter, while I, still smoking, saunteredin the opposite direction, lazily, as beseemed an idle man.

  I felt very well satisfied just then, and was rather glad that mydisclosure to the doctor had been interrupted. A new thought had lodgedin my brain, and I wished to consult Carnes.

  Just at sunset, while I sat on the piazza of the hotel, making apretence of reading the _Trafton Weekly News_, I saw Charlie Harris, theoperator, coming down the street with a yellow envelope in his hand.

  He came up the steps of the hotel, straight to me, and I noted amischievous smile on his face as he proffered the envelope, saying:

  "I am glad to find you so easily. I should have felt it my duty toransack the town in order to deliver that."

  I opened the telegram in silence, and read these words:

  The widow B. is in town and anxious to see you. T. C.

  Then I looked up into the face of young Harris, and smiled in my turn.

>   "Harris," I said, "this is a very welcome piece of news, and I am muchobliged to you."

  "I knew you would be," laughed the jolly fellow. "I love to serve theladies. And what shall I say in return?"

  "Nothing, Harris," I responded. "I shall go by the first train; thewidow here referred to, is a particular friend of mine."

  Harris elevated his eyebrows.

  "In dead earnest, aren't you? Tell me--I'll never, never give you away,is she pretty?"

  "Pretty!" I retorted; "Harris, I've a mind to knock you down, forapplying such a weak word to _her_. She's _magnificent_."

  "Whew," he exclaimed, "It's a bad case, then. When shall we see youagain in Trafton?"

  "That depends upon the lady. I'll never leave the city while she desiresme to stay."

  After a little more banter of this sort, Harris returned to his duties,and I went up-stairs, well pleased with the manner in which he hadinterpreted my Chief's telegram, and wondering not a little what hadbrought the widow Ballou to the city.

  Carnes and I had another long talk that night, while waiting the timefor the arrival of the city express.

  I told him that I was called to the city in the interest of the case Ihad abandoned after getting my wound, and that unless my continuedpresence there was absolutely indispensable, I would return in threedays, at the farthest.

  I gave him a detailed account of my visit to Bethel, with its attendantcircumstances.

  "Bethel will hardly make a decided move in the matter for a day or two,I think," I said, after we had discussed the propriety of taking thedoctor into our counsel. "I will write him a note which you shalldeliver, and the rest must wait."

  I wrote as follows:

  DR. CARL BETHEL,

  _Dear Sir_--Am just in receipt of a telegram which calls me to the city. I go by the early train, as there is a lady in the case. Shall return in a few days, I trust, and then hope to finish our interrupted conversation. I _think_ your success will be more probable and speedy if you delay all action for the present.

  This is in confidence.

  Yours fraternally, etc., etc.

  "There," I said, folding the note, "That is making the truth tell afalsehood." And I smiled as I pictured the "lady in the case," likely tobe conjured up by the imaginations of Harris and Dr. Bethel, andcontrasted her charms with the sharp features, work-hardened hands, andmatter-of-fact head, of Mrs. Ballou.

  Just ten minutes before twelve o'clock Carnes and myself droppednoiselessly out of our chamber window, leaving a dangling rope tofacilitate our return, and took our way to the depot to watch for theexpected experts.

  Ten minutes later the great fiery eye of the iron horse shone upon usfrom a distance, disappeared behind a curve, reappeared again, and camebeaming down to the little platform.

  The train halted for just an instant, then swept on its way.

  But no passengers were left upon the platform; our errand had beenfruitless; the detectives were still among the things to be looked for.

  The next morning, before daybreak, I was _en route_ for the city.