Classic Audiobook Collection - The Pagan’s Cup by Fergus Hume ~ Full Audiobook [mystery]

Episode Date: December 29, 2022

The Pagan’s Cup by Fergus Hume audiobook. Genre: mystery In the sleepy English seaside village of Colester, where an ancient chapel and older families still govern daily life, newcomer Richard Pratt arrives with money, charm, and a disconcerting talent for winning his way into closed doors. To ingratiate himself with the locals, Pratt offers an extravagant gift to the church: a remarkable antique cup to serve as an altar chalice. But the village peace cannot survive the cup's arrival. Whispers spread about its origins and ownership, and when the prized object disappears, suspicion swiftly settles on Leo Haverleigh, the anxious adopted son of the formidable Mrs. Gabriel, whose iron will controls his future and threatens his budding romance with Sybil Tempest, the vicar's bright, idealistic daughter. As reputations fray and old grudges surface, a London detective is drawn into the case, and Pratt's polished facade begins to look less like generosity and more like design. Moving between village gossip, private bargains, and hidden histories, Fergus Hume builds a tense web of motive and misdirection around a single, dangerous treasure - and the lengths people will go to possess it, or to bury the truth about it. For ad-free listening try our premium subscription Chapters (Approximate) (00:00:00) Chapter 01 (00:19:35) Chapter 02 (00:38:45) Chapter 03 (00:57:29) Chapter 04 (01:20:23) Chapter 05 (01:38:27) Chapter 06 (02:01:04) Chapter 07 (02:20:31) Chapter 08 (02:37:46) Chapter 09 (02:57:08) Chapter 10 (03:16:09) Chapter 11 (03:36:08) Chapter 12 (03:55:43) Chapter 13 (04:16:36) Chapter 14 (04:37:31) Chapter 15 (04:59:15) Chapter 16 (05:17:53) Chapter 17 (05:38:26) Chapter 18 (05:59:05) Chapter 19 (06:26:04) Chapter 20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Pagans Cup, Chapter 1, a modern Arcadia. Certain portions of England yet remain undiscovered by Americans and uncivilized by railways. Colester Village, above King's Meadows, in a county which need not be named, is one of these unknown spots. No doubt before long, the bicycle and the motor car will enliven its somnolent neighborhood, but at present it is free from the summerjones of tourists. With this neglect, the colistair folk professes. themselves satisfied. They have no wish to come into contact with the busy world. This prejudice against intrusion dates from medieval times when strangers rarely came to the village with peaceful intentions. Every now a chance-comer is looked upon with suspicion. Mr. Richard Pratt said

something of the sort to the vicar during a morning ramble some six weeks after he had taken up his residence in the nun's house. With the partisan and the gentry of the parish, Mr. Pratt agreed very well his respectability, having been vouched for by Mrs. Gabriel, the Lady of the Manor. But the villagers still held aloof, although the newcomer did his best to overcome their churlish doubts. They did not credit his story that he had settled in Colester to pass his remaining years in peace, and even the money is scattered so freely could not buy their loyalty. Pratt had never met with such people before. In most countries, an open purse invites an open heart, but Colister villagers were above mammon worship. Such an experience was refreshing to Pratt

and introduced him to a new type of humanity. The first place I was struck at which the dollar is not all powerful, he said with his Yankee twang and pleasant laugh. We are not sufficiently educated in that respect, replied Mr. Tempest in a simple way. For my part, I am not ill-placed that my parish should refuse to worship the golden cough. There is no cough about me, I guess, said Pratt grimly, and very little gold. I don't say I haven't a decent income, but as to be a milliner, no, sir. In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed is king, Mr. Pratt, you are a milliner in this poor place, but I fear you find it dull.

Why, no, Vicar? I'm glad to be out of the bus. The world's made up their nerves in the missionary nowadays. At 52 years of age, I can't stand the racket. This sleepy hole is good enough for me to stain until a pig-out. Guess I'll buy an allotment in that graveyard of yours. Hollow, said the vicar, smiling. And our earthly dwelling place is set upon a hill. Mr. Pratt, I suspect you have Irish blood in your veins.

Pratt laughed, and being a large extent devoid of humour, explained earnestly that he had used the word figuratively. Washington Irving, Rip Van Winkle explained, nodding, Warrath the Vicar smiled again. The situation of Colister was striking and strange. A green-cloth promontory extended abruptly from the high table-land into Kingsmeadow. To right and left, chalky cliffs of considerable height flared away for miles, forming a buttress to the moors above and walls to the plains below.

In prehistoric ages, the ocean waves had beaten against these cliffs, but gradually receding, had left dry the miles upon miles of fertile lands now called Kings Meadows, an upper edge of the crown, they had been called so from the days of Willem the Conqueror. From where they stood, the Vicar and his friend had a bird's eye view of this desirable land, unrolled like a map under the bright June sky. League after league of cornfields stretched away to the clear, shining line of ocean, and amidst the ripening rain appeared red-dress, roofed villages, clumps of trees, the straight lines of dusty white roads, and the winding,

glittering serpent of the river. And as a background to this smiling plenty, if so Irish an expression be permitted, was a blue expanse of the channel dotted with the white sails of merchantmen. A small wood of ancient oaks shut off the purple-clad moor from the spur upon which colister was built. On the verge of this, yet encircled by trees, stood the village church, a crusading chapel dedicated to st gabriel the messenger thence the ground fell away gradually and spread out into a broad neck of land down the centre of which ran a road leading from chapel to village on either side of this amidst oaks and elms and psychomorts were the houses of the gentry from where they ended the promontory rose into two rounded hills with a slight depression between on the one to the left the village was built its houses cramped within a tumble-down wall dating from the day when it was needed as a defense. The other hill was surmounted by a well-preserved castle,

the keep of which with its flag could be seen above the oak woods. This was inhabited by Mrs. Gabriel, the sole representative of the feudal lots of Colester. Yet she was only the childless widow of the last baron and had none of the feared Gabriel blood in her veins. The once powerful and prolific family was extinct. From castle and village steps led down into the depression

between the two hills. down this, continue the chapel road, sloping gradually with many windings to the plains below. The whole place had the look of some Rhenish robber hold. And if tradition was to be trusted, the Gabriel lords had dwelt like eagles in the airy, swooping down at intervals to Harry and plunder, burn and slay the peaceful folk of the plains. A turbulent and aggressive race the Gabriel's. It had defied king and priest and parliament and people. Time alone had ever conquered it.

"'A survival of the Middle Ages,' said Mr. Tempest, "'pointing out these things to his companion. "'It was needful that the Gabriel Baron should build strong defences. "'They were fears in bloodthirsty, defiant of law and order. "'For many centuries they were escoused to the inhabitants of the plains. "'These often complained to the king, "'and several times the place was besieged but without result. "'The Gabriel skipped a hold of it.

"'The only thing they ever lost was their title. "'A bill of attainder was a past against them in the time, of the second George. After that, they became less lions than foxes. Just so, said Mr. Pratt. This place couldn't do much against artillery, I guess, and even in the bow-narrow days, a strong force coming over the moor and down the spur? That was often tried, interrupted tempest quickly, but the attempt always failed, in the days of Henry II. Ilema Gabriel beat back an overwhelming force, and then erected the chapel as a Thanksgiving. The archerings,

angel Gabriel was the patron-scient of the family and the chapel is dedicated to him. He couldn't keep the family from dying out, however, said Pratt as they moved towards the village. Now, with the late John Gabriel, the family became extinct. But I dare say Mrs. Gabriel arranged that her adopted son succeeds. He can take the name and the coat of arms. I should be pleased to see that, added the vicar half to himself. Leo is a good fellow and would make an excellent landlord. The eyes of the American flashed when the name was mentioned,

but he made only a careless comment. Leo Havillay, he said after the pause. He's a right smart young chap, sure. Who is he? The son of Mrs. Gabriel's brother. She was a Miss Havillay, you know? I believe a brother was somewhat dissipated and died abroad. The boy arrived here when he was three years of age,

and Mrs. Gabriel adopted him. He will be her hair. Is there anyone to object? asked Brat eagerly. The vicar shook his head. The Gabriel's are absolutely extinct. Failing Leo, the estates would lapse to the crown. In the old days, they would have been seized by the king in any case, as the sovereigns were always anxious to hold this point of advantage which dominated their lands below. But we live in such law-bearing times that Mrs. Gabriel, although not of the blood of the family, can leave the estates to whomsoever she will. I understand that she has quite decided Leo shall inherit and take the name, also the court of arms. She doesn't strike me as overfirm. phone of the boy, said Pratt, as they climbed the crooked street. Rather a hard woman, I should say.

Mrs. Gabriel, as particularly high moral standard, replied the vicar, evasively, and she wishes all to attain to it. Leo, he hesitated. He's no words than a boy ought to be, said the American cheerily. Your young saint makes an old sinner. That's your vicar?

Mr. Tempest laughed outright. I fear there's small chance of Leo becoming a saint either young or old, he said. though he is a good lad in many ways. Wild, I admit, but his heart is in the right place. Pratt smiled to himself. He knew that Leo was in love with Sybil, the daughter of this prosy old archaeologist.

Simple as Mr. Tempest was, he could not be blind to the possibility of his daughter making such an excellent match. Oh yes, laughed Pratt knowingly. I'm sure his heart is in the right place. But, by this time, the Vicar was on his hobby horse and did not gauge the significance of the speech. Here he said, waving his hand towards the four sides of the squire in which they stood,

the Romans built a camp. It crowned this hill and was carousened by the 10th Legion to over all the turbulent tribes swarming on the plains below. In fact, this town is built within the camp, as the name shows. How does it show that? asked Pratt more to keep the vicar talking than because he cared. The name man, the name. It's probably Coln Sesta, but by usage has been shortened to Colester. Cone comes from Latin Colonia, a colony, and Caster, a Cister, as derived from Castera, a camp.

Corn Sester, therefore, means the camp colony, which proves that the original builders of this town erected their dwellings within the circumvallation of the original Caster of Claudian. If you will come with me, Mr. Pratt, I will show you the remains of this great work. I've seen it several times before, replied Pratt, rather bored by this archaeological disquisition. I know every inch of this place. It doesn't take an American centuries to get round, and six weeks of walking have fixed me up in your local geography.

But there's a chapel, Vika. We might walk up there. I'd like to hear a few remarks on the subject of the chapel. Interesting, oh, I guess so. Certainly, certainly, said tempest absently. Let us walk. Walk. and he strolled away with his hands and his tailcoat pockets,

looking something like an elderly jackdaw. Indeed the churchman, with his lean oval face, his large spectacles, and the fluttering black garments on his tint figure very much resembled a bird. He was scholarly, well-bred and gentle, but wholly unworldly. Since his wife had died seven years before, Sibyl had taken charge of the house.

Harold Raston, the energetic curate, looked after the parish. but for these two both clerical and domestic affairs would have been neglected so immersed was mr tempest in his tray as dust explorations many people said openly that the vicar was paused his work and should be pinched of mrs gabriel a capable and managing woman had once hinted as much to him but the usually placid person had flown into such a rage and she had hastily withdrawn herself and a suggestion there's nothing more terrible than the rebellion of a sheep Mrs. Gabriel recalled this remark of Balzac's, when Tempest, proving himself worthy of his name, swept her in wrath from his study. Pratt was quite another specimen of humanity. A neat, diaper, suave little man, undersized, yet perfectly proportioned. He had black hair, black eyes, and a clean-shaven face which constantly wore on an expression of imperturbable good-humor. His dress was too neat for the country.

A blue third suite, white spats on brown boots, a Panama hat, gloves, and what he was never without, a smoothly rolled umbrella. Spick and span, he might have stepped out of a glass case, and this was his invariable appearance. No one ever saw Pratt unshaven or untidy. He had been everywhere, had seen everything, and was a most engaging companion, never out of temper and never bored. but for all his smiling ways the villagers held aloof from him wishing to break down the barrier of prejudice the sharp little

American had attached himself to the vicar during the good man's usual morning walk he thought that such a sight might dispose the villages to Vellant I shall not vary my usual walk remarked Mr. Tempest positively we will stroll through the village written to the chapel

and then Mr. Pratt I hope you will lunch with me delighted if it will not put Miss Sibyl out No, no, my wife is always prepared for chance visitors, answered the vicar, quite oblivious of the fact that the late Mrs. Tempest was resting in the churchyard. Ah, this is Mrs. Geel. How do you do, Mrs. Jeal? Mrs. Jeal was an excellent health, and said so with a courtesy. A dumpy, rosy-faced woman was Mrs. Jeal, with a pair of extremely wicked black eyes which snapped fire when she was angered. She had a temper, but rarely displayed it, for it suited her better. to gain a ends by craft rather than force. Fifteen years ago she had appeared from nowhere to settle as a midwife in Colista.

Contrary to the usual fashion, the villagers had taken her to their bosoms. This was owing to the clever way Mrs. Chiel had of managing them and to her knowledge of herbs. She had cured many sick people whom the doctor had given up, and consequently was not looked upon with favour by Dr. James, who had succeeded to the family practice. But even he could not be angry at Rosie, laughing. Mrs. Jeal. Though I don't like her, confessed Dr. James,

the devil looks out of her eyes. Dangerous woman. Very dangerous. Pratt had no chance of proving this remark of the doctors to be true, for Mrs. Jeal never looked at him. She kept her wicked eyes on the kindly vicar and smiled constantly, punctuating such smiles with her occasional curtsy. Pearl is not with you, said Mr. Tempice.

No, bless her poor heart, cried Mrs. Cheel. she's up at the chapel her favourite place is a chapel as your reverence knows she might have a worse place to haunt mrs jeal poor soul poor mad innocent child do you call eighteen years away childish miss tempest asked the woman no no i speak of a mind a poor weak mind she is still a child i beg of you to look after her mrs jeal we must make her path as pleasant as we may then i beg your reverence will tell that barker to look her to look after her mrs jeal we must make her path as pleasant as we may then i beg your reverence will tell that barker to live leave her alone. Barker? Barker? Ah, yes, the sexton, of course. Worthy man, Mrs. Gilles sniffed. He won't let her stay in the chapel, she said. Tutt, this must be seen to her. Poor Perl is God's child, Mrs. Cheel, so she asks her right to rest in his house. Yes, yes, I'll see to it. Good day, Mrs. Cheel. The woman dropped her courtesy, and for the first time, shot a glance at Pratt, who was smiling blandly.

A nervous expression crossed her face as she caught his eye. The next moment she drew herself up and passed on, crossing herself. Pratt looked after her still smiling, then hurried to rejoin the Vakar, who began to explain in his usual wandering way. A good woman, Mrs. Jeele, a good woman, he said. For some years she had her charge of Pearl Daddy, whom she rescued from a cruel father. Is that the insane girl? said Pratt idly. do not talk of one so afflicted in that way mr pratt pearl may not be quite right in her head but she is sane enough to conduct herself properly if the fact that she is not all herself reached portfront the principal town of the county

it is possible that the authorities might wish to shut her up and that would be the death of pearl no no said the good vicar let her have a fair share of god's beautiful earth and live to a happy old age in this quiet place we can afford one natural like the village in it we read about in scotch tales said pratt just so mr pratt in waverley there is such a one pearl diary is quite harmless and really has a very beautiful nature mrs gill is much to be commended for a charity she looks a charitable woman said the american but whether he meant this ironically or not it is hard to say the women of colister were mostly lace workers and toiled at this fairy-like craft while their husbands worked in the fields below during three seasons The mountain men, as they might be called, ploughed the meadowland, sowed the corn, and helped reap and harvest it. In the winter, they returned to live on their earnings and take a holiday. But the women worked all the earth through, and colistolays was famous. As the Vicar and Pratt walked down the street, at the door of every house sat a woman with a pillow and pins, dexterously making the filmy fabric which was designed to adorn the dress of many a London beauty.

They were mostly serious-looking, and some even brim. but all had a smile for the vicar, although they pursed up their lip when they saw the good-natured face of Pratt. Most unaccountable this dislike they had for the American. He was rather annoyed by his pronounced unpopularity. "'I must really do something to make them like me,' he said much mixed. "'Tat, tut,' replied the vicar. "'Liking will come in good time, Mr. Pratt. "'It takes some years for them to fancy a stranger.

"'I was an object of distress to them for quite three. now they are devoted to me and have you been here long about forty years said tempest i have buried many and christian most we have no methodist in colistair mr pratt everyone comes to church and worships according to the rights of the anglican communion has his fit and proper i suppose you are prosperous community in the whole so-so nothing to complain of the lays made here by those clever fingers sells well in london and even abroad then the men earn a fair wage in king's meadows mrs gabrie looks after the few poor we are amongst us on the whole we have much to be thankful for mr pratt thus talking the good vicar led his companion round to the mouldering walls where they could look down on to the plains after a glance they re-entered the town and walked through the cobblestone streets between the quaint high-roote houses everywhere the vicar was greeted and pratt frowned upon He was quite glad when they descended from the village through the old gate, and after walking along the neck, which was a fashionable part of Colista, began to climb up towards his chapel. A most wonderful spot, said Pratt politely.

But I guess the folk don't cotton to me. I must make them freeze on somehow. The end of chapter one. Chapter 2 of the Pagans Cup by Fergus Hume. This is a Libre Walk's recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org.

Read by Yogan. The Pagans' Cup Chapter 2 The Crusaders Chapel The church dedicated to St. Gabriel, the messenger, was enshrined in a leafy clade. No churlish wall marked the limits of the sacred ground and from the ancient building

a soft green sward stretched on all sides to the circle of oaks which sheltered it from the rude winds. In this circle were two openings counted each other. The lower one admitted those who came from the colister into the prissings. The upper gave entrance to a larger glade

in which the dead had been buried for centuries. This also was without a wall and it was strange beyond words to come suddenly upon assemblage of tombstones in the heart of a wood. From the silver god's acre, a path climbed upward to the moor and passed onward for some little distance

until it was obliterated by the purple heather. Then, the leagues stretched the tractless, treeless waste to the foot of distant hills. Of no great size, the chapel was an architectural gem, built in the form of a cross, a square tower rose where the forearms met, and this contained a famous peal of bells. The grey stone walls were carved with strange and holy devices,

lettered with sacred text in medieval Latin, and here and there were draped in darkly green ivy. The sharp angles of the building had been run. rounded by the weather, the stones were mellowed by time, and nestling under the great boughs of the oaks, it had a holy, restful look. Like a prayer made visible, said Mr. Tempest. With his companion, he had paused at the entrance to the glade, so as to enjoy the beauty of the scene. Around the chapel swept the swallows, pigeons whirled aloft in the cloudless blue sky. From the leafy trees came the coing of douse, and the coying of rooks could be heard. All the wildlife of the wood haunted

of the chapel, and the place was musical with a forest minstrel's sea. As the beauty of scene and sound crept into their hearts, the vicar quoted Spencer's lovely lights. A little lowly hermitage, it was, down in a dale, hard by a forest's side.

Just so, said Pratt, in the hard, unromantic way of the 20th century. It's a kind of church you see in pictures. The church in its perceivable met Sir Galahad, replied Tempest. The American felt the influence of the place despite the material faith which he held.

There was a vein of romance in his nature which had been buried beneath the commonplace and selfish. But in this holy solitude, at the door of the shrine, his spiritual self came uppermost, and when he stood bareheaded in the nave, his talkative tongue was silent. The influence of the unseen surrounded him,

and like Moses, he was inclined to put off his shoes, for this is holy ground, murmured his heart. Glancing at his companion, tempest was surprised to see his usually pale and calm face working with emotion and cover with blushes. You are unwell, Mr. Pratt? He asked to a low tone bifitting the place.

The man's tammer. No, that is, I feel that... Well, no matter. He controlled himself by a powerful effort and laughed. Tempest was not shocked. He was shrewd enough to see that the merriment was artificial and designed to cloak a deeper feeling. But the laughter was reproved in a most...

unexpected fashion. The joy of the profane is as the passing smoke, said a high-sweet voice. Pratt started in surprise and looked round. He saw the jewelled windows shining through the dim twilight of the church, the white cloth on the altar, and a glimmer of a silver crucifix in the faint light of tall candles. But who had spoken, he could not guess, as no one was in sight. Mr. Tempest, however, had recognized the voice. is that you pearl he called it softly from behind the altar amidst a girl of eighteen though in looks and stature she was a child she was small and delicately formed and on a thin white face there was a vacant look as a one whose wits were astray no intelligence shone through our dark eyes but a mystical light burned in their depths like kilmeny she had been to fairyland and had seen things that had lifted her above the common lot of mortals therefore upon her face there shone the light that never was on sea or land and curiously enough she was dressed in a green gown the fairy's colour round a straw hat was twisted a wreath of oak leaves when she appeared her arms were full of flowers

you are decorating the altar pearl said the vicar kindly i'm making ready the house for the master's coming reply the girl in a silvery voice but he will abide here but a little time she pointed to the groin roof of black oak that shuts out his home said pearl reverently and he loves not to dwell in darkness darkness and light are the same to him pearl but go on with your work my child you are beautiful flowers i see i gathered them in the woods before dawn where the dew was seet on then and see i've got these mosses to put into the pots the flowers will be quite fresh to-morrow for morning service then they will die added the girl heaving aside die as we all must To rise again in the light of heaven, child, Pearl shook up black locks and turning back to the altar, began dexterously to arrange the flowers. When passing and repassing, she never forgot to bend the knee. Pratt observed this. Is she a Roman Catholic? Mr. Tempest smiled.

She does only what I have taught her, he said. I'm what is called high church, Mr. Pratt, and believe in a beautiful ritual. To the service of God, we should bring all lovely things and perform all solemn acts of humility and reverence. that said tempest pointing to the white-covered altar is a symbol of the unseen power and so those who approach it should acknowledge its solemn meaning pratt shrugged his shoulders the vicar was talking of things too high for his comprehension he looked at the mad girl decorating the altar i suppose the villagers think a great deal of this church he said it is the most precious possession we have replied tempest reverently and it's all that reminds to us of the beautiful and sacred things created by the faith of her forefathers. There were many vessels for the altar, Mr. Pratt, but these were melted down by the Gabriel who fought for the first Charles

in order to help his king. I would wear a communion service as beautiful as his shrine, and Mr. Tempus sighed. The remark gave Pratt an idea. He wanted to obtain the goodwill of the villagers, seeing he had come amongst them to pass his stays in peace. If they loved their church so much, they would approve of anyone who helped to decorate it. I'm not rich, he said slowly,

and I can't give you a whole service such as you want. But I should like to present this chapel with a communion cup. I have in my travels collected many beautiful things, Mr. Tempest, amongst others a golden cup of Roman workmanship which I obtained in Italy. It's a splendid example of the jealous art and would look well on the table. On the altar, collected Tempest, wincing at the sound of the word which he connected with the low church party. It is more than good of you, Mr. Pratt.

We must talk the matter over. I do not accept gifts lightly, especially for the service of the church. But come, let's look at the tombs. Then we can go to lunch. Pratt said no more, but fully made up his mind that the cup of which he spoke

should figure on the altar. He had a vague kind of idea that he could buy repentance if he gave so splendid a present. If the vicar proved difficult to deal with, he resolved to ask for Mrs. Gabriel's help. As the lady of the manor, she could insist upon the acceptance of the offering. There was no reason why Tempest should refuse it,

but Pratt knew that the old man was, as he phrased it, queer, and one never knew what objection he might make. If he thought the cup was given only to secure the goodwill of the parish, he would certainly refuse it. A gift made in such a spirit could not be accepted by the church. meanwhile he examined the tombs of the crusading Vabriel's which he had seen often before. But the Vicar made the present visit more acceptable by recounting the legends connected with each recommend figure. The tombs were three in number and occupied what was called the Ladies' Chapel.

Their sides were richly blazoned with the Gabriel crest and with decoration of scallops shells to denote that those who rested below had been to the Holy Land. The figures of the brave knights were cross-legged and the hands rested on the palm of the palm, of the huge swaths. Considering the lapse of time, they were in wonderful state of preservation. Pratt looked upon them with a sigh, and the vicar inquired the reason for his sadness. I was thinking of the glory of having such answers starts, said Pratt, and Mr. Tempess noticed that his Yankee twang and mode of expressing himself had quite disappeared.

I would give anything to come of such a line, to have a dwelling that had been in the possession of my race for centuries, and to have traditions that I could live up to. I'm a lonely man, Mr. Tempest, he added with some pathos. No one cares for me. I never had a home or a family or a position in the world. All my life I were to fight for my own hand, and for years I've been a rolling stone. Money, yes, I've made money.

But I would give it all, and he pointed to the crusaders, if I could call those my ancestors. Mr. Tempest looked surprised. I did not expect to hear such views from the north of her Republican, he said. For, as you are an American, I presume you hold by the political faith of Washington. I don't hold by anything in particular, replied Pratt, recovering himself as they left the chapel. I am unfettered by sectarian prejudices. You can call me a cosmopolitan, Mr. Tempest, but we can talk of these things on some other occasion. You must come to see me. I have furnished

the nun's house, and I've got out my collection of rare and curious things. Will you and Miss Tempest dine with me the next week? I rarely go out, replied the vicar. However, I will see what Sibyl says. If she's willing, I'll come with pleasure. Oh, Miss Tempest will be willing, said Pratt significantly. Leo Havily is coming to dine also. They are very good friends, said the vicar simply. No thought of what Pratt meant entered his mind. At the vicarage, they were met by Sibyl and the curate, who had been talking to her about parish affairs with the greater part of the morning. At once, Raston drew aside his ecclese testical superior and the two went into the library, leaving Sibyl to entertain the American.

She was not avert to doing this, as she liked Mr. Pratt and his merry conversation. Having recovered from the emotion caused by the atmosphere of the chapel, the man was more pronouncedly Yankee than before. He described his walk with a vicar and repeated his invitation to dinner. Mrs. Gabriel and Mr. Havill are coming, they said, and I shall also ask Sir Frank Hale and his sister. Sybil smiled on hearing that Leo was to be present, but her brow clouded over when she heard about the baronet and Miss Hale. She did not like that young woman, and Pratt knew the course.

It was not unconnected with Leo. He was a prize for which these young ladies trow. Miss Hale was very much in love with the young man, and so was Sibyl, but he cared more for the Vakar's daughter than for Miss Hale. The two girls guessed each other's feelings and disliked one another accordingly. this might not have been proper but it was eminently human however sybil was too much a woman of the world to show pratt what she felt and she accepted his invitation calmly enough i shall be delighted to come she said but i can't answer for my father oh i have something to lure him said pratt easily and i think he will be pleased also on his tempest and thereupon he told the girl of his proposed gift the cup is over a thousand years old he explained it belongs to the time of the Cesar's. From all I've heard of them, said Sybil bluntly,

I don't think a vessel of their manufacture ought to serve for a Christian ceremony? On the contrary, the cup will be sanctified by being put to such a good news, said Pratt. And you can set your mind at Christmas tempest. I got the cup from the church of a little-known Italian town where it served for a chalice. It has been used in the service of the Roman church for ages. In that case, I am sure my father will be delivered. delighted to accept it. He is anxious to get some vessels for the chapel altar. It's very good of you to give the cup, Mr. Pratt.

Not at all. It is better put to such use than in my collection. However, you will see all my curios when you come. Mr. Havelry has already seen them. He told me about them yesterday. I only hope Mr. Haverly will be here next week. He said something about going away. Why, is he going away? Pratt fixed his keen eyes on the girl. I think he's in trouble. That is, added Sibyl, hastily, I gathered as much,

but don't say I told you anything, Mr. Pratt? Ah, she broke off suddenly. Here are my father and Mr. Raston. Pratt cast another sharp glance at her. He guessed that something was wrong with Leo, and that the young man had told her of his trouble. He wondered if the two were engaged when they were thus confidential. Pratt took an interest in Leo,

as he had known him for some years, and rather sympathized with his outburst of youthful folly. He thought that marriage would steady the lad's somewhat volatile nature, but he could not make up his mind as to whether Miss Hale or Miss Tempest was the best wife for him. However, it was useless to Pratt to worry over this, as he recognized very clearly. In the first place, it was none of his business, and in the second, Leo would certainly choose for himself. I am giving a housewarming, Mr. Raston, said Pratt during luncheon, and I should like you to come to dinner.

next thursday i suppose in this arcadian spot it's not necessary to give written invitations i accept with pleasure replied raston quite ignorant that pratt wished to enlist him on his side in getting the vicar to accept the cup but as to written invitations what do you say miss tempest oh those are most necessary laughed sybil you are very particular in this part of the world i am an american in see miss tempest and i don't know your english way of doing things but the invitation shall be written in due form i guess it is all well to humor the prejudice of folks if you wish to be popular said the vicar you must do so here as i intend to die in this part of the world i must get on with the crowd somehow i'm not accustomed to be shunned and that is what your people here are doing oh no cried sybil much distressed they are only waiting to know you better mr pratt in a year you will be quite friendly with them. I am friendly with them now, said Radr Riley. It is they who hold off. We are slow to make friendships here, said Raston. But when we do accept a friend, we stick to him always. You are a native of these parts, Mr. Raston? I have we spawned and bred here. His eye who am the stranger, put Mr. Dempest, and it was a long time before my parishioners took to me. You are adored now, Papa,

said Sibyl with a bright glance. and someone else's adored also put in pratt sybil flushed in the compliment she thought it was in bad taste after a time the conversation turned on pearl daddy and raston who was very deeply interested in her gave them some insight into the girl's mind she does not care for churches built by hands i said if she had away she would take the altar into the middle of the moor and worship there i think she feels stifled into the roof ah said pratt with a swift glance remembering mrs cheel is she of gipsy blood she looks like it no a dark complexion comes from highland blood explained her father peter daddy was a stone mason he is dead now died through drink while working in perth he married a farmer's daughter they came back here and pearl was born then a mother died and a father treated her badly mrs gill rescued her and peter fell over a cliff while drunk mrs cheel is a good woman said tempest mechanically do you endorse that statement miss tempest sybil looked at pratt who had spoken i think mrs cheel was very good to take care of pearl she said evasively whereat pratt smiled to himself he saw that sybil did not like the woman and privately admired her insight mr pratt was destined to deliver all his invitations verbally on his way home after the vicar's luncheon he met with a rider on her own house this was a fair handsome young man with a clear skin a pair of bright blue eyes and a sunny look on his face he had a remarkably good figure and rode admirably hoss and man made a picture as he came up the road pratt waved his hands and the rider pulled up

how are you this morning havelay leoh laughed he did not wear his heart on his sleeve and if he was worried as sybil averred he did not show his vexation i'm all right he replied with his smile who could help being all right in this jolly weather and how are you mr i am busy responded the medicam gravely i've been lunching with the vicar and now i am going home to write out invitations for a dinner at my new house will you ask me mr pratt "'I've asked Miss Tempest and I want you to come.' Leo laughed. Also, he flustered trifle. "'It's very good of you,' he said. "'And who else will be at your housewarming?' "'Mrs. Gabriel, Mr. Raston, Miss Hale, and a brother.'

"'Oh,' Leo looked annoyed at the mention of Miss Hale. "'I'm not sure if I shall be able to come,' he said, "'after a pause.' "'No?' Pratt's tone was quite easy. "'Miss Tempest said something about your going away. but i hope you will put that off my dear fellow pratt smiled meaningly you can't depend upon me it's not the first time i've helped you haveli made no direct response but sat on his saddle in deep thought i will come he said at length and rode off abruptly i thought you would murmured pratt with a bland smile he knew more about leoh heavily than most people in colester The end of chapter 2.

Chapter 3 of the Pagans' Cup by Fergus Hume. This is a Libri-Wox recording. All Libri-Wox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Read by Yoganam. Chapter 3, The Lady of the Manor Haveli's face did not continue to wear its sunny expression after he left the American.

He frowned and bit his mustache and in the annoyance of the moment spurred his horse full speed up the castle road. Only when he was within the avenue, and nearing the Porsche, did he slackened speed where his mother, so he called her,

might be looking out of some window. If so, she would assuredly accuse him of ill-using his horse. Mrs. Gabriel rarely minced matters in her dealings with Leo. He was never perfectly sure whether she loved or hated him. Mindful of this,

he rode gently round to the stables, and after throwing his reins to a groom, walked into the castle by a side-top. As he had been absent all the morning, he was not very sure of his reception, and, moreover, he had eaten no luncheon. The butler informed him that Mrs. Gabriel had asked that he should be sent to her

the moment he returned. At once, Leo sought her on the south terrace, where she was walking in the hot June sunshine. He augured ill from anxiety to see him. The memory of his debts and other follies, pardonable enough burden is conscious. Here I am mother, he said as he walked on to the terrace, looking a son of whom any woman would have been proud.

Perhaps if he had really been a son, instead of her nephew, Mrs. Gabriel might have been more lenient towards him. As it was, she treated him almost as harshly as Roger Ashton did Lady Jane Grey of unhappy memory. It is about time you are here, she said in a strong, stern voice. as you are so much in london i think you might give me a few hours of your time when you condescend to stay at the castle leo threw himself purely into his stone seat and played with his whip this was his usual greeting and he knew that mrs gabriel would go on finding fault in blaming him until she felt inclined to stop his only defence was to keep silent he therefore stared gloomily on the pavement and listened stolidly to her stormy speech no reverence for women after all i've done for you clownish behaviour etc some wit had once compared mrs gabriel to agnes de montfort that unpleasant heroine of the middle ages

the comparison was a happy one for mrs gabriel was just such another tall black-haired iron-faced amazon she could well have played the role of heroine in holding the castle against force and without doubt would have been delighted to sustain a siege the present days were too tame for her she yearned for the time when ladies were left in charge of the dungeon keep while their husbands went out to war more than once she had fancied that if she had lived in those stirring times she would have armed herself like brittomart and have gone in disguised knight-errant for the pleasure and danger of the thing as it was she found a certain relief in the power she exercised in colistair our will was law in the town and had ruled quite futile in its demand for absolute obedience report said that the late john gabriel had not been altogether sorry when he departed this life undoubtedly he was more at rest in the quiet graveyard near the chapel than he had ever been before mrs gabriel moaned him just as much as she thought proper she had never professed to love him and had married him as she calmly admitted in order to become mistress of the grand old castle besides gabriel had always hampered a desire to rule as she had sufficient of the old blood in him to dislike being a cipher in his ancestral home consequently husband and wife quarrel bitterly finally he died gladly enough and the amazon had it all her own way it was about two years after his death that leo came to live with her and every one was amazed that she should behave so kindly towards a child of a dead brother whom as it was well known she hated thoroughly however leo came and from the moment he entered the house she bullied him spirited as a boy was he could not hold his own against her stern will and powers of wrathful speech

When he went to school and college, he felt as so he escaped from Gowl and always returned unwillingly to Colester. Mrs. Gabriel called this ingratitude and on every occasion brought it to his mind. She did so now, but even this could not induce Leo to speak. He declined to furnish fuel to her wrath by argument or contradiction. This also was a fault, and Mrs. Gabriel mentioned it furiously. Can't you say something? she cried with a stamp. is it any use you are sitting there like a fool what explanation have you for me to what asked leo verily the question had been asked so often you have accused me of so many things then why do you do wrong i'm talking of those deaths you have incurred in london you gave the list to me before you went out riding i know mother i thought it best to avoid a scene but it seems there is no escape when you are quite done perhaps you will let me speak

you shall speak when i choose rejoined mrs gabriel fiercely all i ask you now is how comes it that your debts run up to three hundred pounds i allow you that income you should make it do perhaps i have been a little foolish began leo but he cut him short a little foolish indeed you always behave like a fool as you always do what right have you to be extravagant are you in a position to be so have i not fed and closed and educated you? You have done everything that a charitable woman could have done. You mean that a mother could have done. Had you been my own child? You might have been kinded to me, finished a young man. Mrs. Gabriel stared aghast at his speech and at last broke out furiously. Had you been my own child, you would have been a stronger man, not a weak fool's squandering money and defying your benefactress. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. I am, replied Leo bitterly. ashamed that I have endured this humiliating position for so long.

I was only a child when you brought me here, and had no voice in the matter. Yet, out of gratitude, I have borne with your injustice, and injustice, broken Mrs. Gabriel. What do you mean? My meaning is not hard to gather, mother. You have never been just to me, and the bread with which you have fed me has been bitter enough to swallow. Do you think I can go on listening to your angry words without a protest?

I cannot. my position is of not my own making and since you find me a burden and an ungrateful creature the best thing will be to put an end to the position indeed sneer the woman and how do you propose to do that you are quite unable to earn your own living oh there is one way of doing that replied leo grimly he does not need much education to be a soldier a soldier screamed mrs gabriel yes i made inquiries while i was in london as a new very well what welcome you would give me. It's my intention to volunteer for the war. You will do nothing of the sort. I beg your pardon. I have made up my mind. Then I shall have nothing more to do with you. That is as you please, Mrs. Gabriel. You are my aunt and I suppose you have the right to support me out of charity. At any rate, you have no right to keep me here and taunt me all the time with my inability to keep myself. Again, I say that the position is none of my making. However, I understand. I understand. I am not.

intend to relieve you of the burden of a useless man next week i shall enlist then you will be well rid of me mrs gabriel gasped i forbid you she cried with a stamp i am afraid i must decline to accept the command said havelay with great coolness you have told me so often enough that i am a beggar and a loafer you shall do so no longer as to my debts i shall see to them myself you need not pay them nor need you continue my allowance i am but i am a beggar and loafer i shall do so no longer as to my debts i shall see to them myself you need you continue my allowance i am earn my own bread from this moment. How dare you, Leo? Do you not owe me something? No. You have cancelled all obligation by the way in which you have treated me.

Everything you have done has been done grudgingly. If you did not intend to behave as a woman should, why in heaven's name did you not leave me to be dependent on strangers? They could scarcely have been more harsh to me than you have been.

But this is the end of it. I relieve you from this hour of the burden you complain of. take care i intended you to be my hair and i decline to accept further favours at your hands said leo proudly for what you have done i thank you but i do not care to accept an inheritance as a favour now you know my intentions and i shall not change them mrs gabriel raged for twenty minutes without making the least impression on the young man he was determined to put an end to the position and she found that she could not longer dominate him by a wrath Then Mrs. Gabriel became aware that she had driven him like a rat into her corner, and that, like a rat, he had turned to fight. For reasons best known to herself, she did not wish him to leave her. Fourth with, she abandoned the tyrannical attitude and took refuge in the weakness of her sex.

Considering a bursting, this was ironical. It is cruel of you, Leo, to behave thus to a woman who loves you. Leo, leaning over the parapet, shrugged his shoulders, and replied without looking wrong. that is just the point he said you really do not love me no not one little bit i do see how i have looked after you all these years and made me feel that i was a pop all the time he retorted but is it necessary to go over all the old ground i have made of my mind you shall not enlist i tell you i shall the two faced one another both pale and both defiant it was a contest of will and the weaker would be sure you shall the two faced one another both pale and both defiant it was a contest of will and the weaker would be sure sure to yield in the long run. Mrs. Gabriel quite expected that her adopted son would give in, as he had often done before, but this time she found to her surprise that he declined to move from his attitude of defiance. Seeing that she was beaten, she suddenly calmed and proceeded to win the

necessary victory in another and more crafty way. Sit down, Leo, she said quietly. It's time we had an explanation. You are behaving very badly, and I must request you at least to listen to me. howardly had been doing nothing else for nearly an hour so the speech was a trifle inconsistent however he could not be brutal so with another shrug he resumed his seat all the same it was resolved in his own mind that no argument she could use should make him alter the codes he had determined upon leo could be obstinate on occasions i do everything i can for your good said mrs gabriel in a complaining tone yet you thwart me at every time then she proceeded to recount how she had sent him to eaton to oxford how she had permitted him to go to london allowed him money and how he had behaved foolishly It was at this point the young man interrupted him. I admit that I have been foolish, but that comes from want of experience. You can't expect me to have an old head on young shoulders. Don't interrupt me, please, said Mrs. Gabriel sharply.

Now that you have sown your wild oats, I want you to come here and take your position as my hair. I'm no longer so young as I was, and I need someone to help me in administering the estate. Besides, I want you to marry. Leo rose from his seat. you wish me to marry, said he. Then, after a pause, he proceeded sarcastically. And I suppose you have chosen me a wife? Just so, said Mrs. Gabriel coolly.

I want you to marry Miss Hale. Not if there was not another woman in the world. That's all nonsense, Leo. She has a good dowry, and she is an agreeable girl. You shall marry her. I don't love her, protested Leo. No matter. She loves you.

her brother told me so and i'm woman enough to see that she is deeply attached to you i won't marry her said leo doggedly i have a right to choose a wife of myself and miss hale is not my choice ah then what i have heard is true what have you heard he demanded with a dangerous look in his blue eyes mrs gabriel was going too far that you are in love with sybil tempest that is true she is a beautiful and charming girl and a beggar burst out Mrs. Gabriel savagely. Her father has nothing beyond his stipend and that he spends on books. When he dies, she will be a beggar. If you married her, she would bring you no dowry. She will bring me herself, replied heavily. And that is good enough for me. I love Sibyl with my whole soul.

And how do you propose to keep her? Sniard, Mrs. Gabriel. Not as the hair of your property, said Leo wrathfully. In some way or another, I shall make my way in the world. Sibyl is quite willing to wait for me. We are engaged. Ah, you seem to have settled the whole matter. We have.

And it will not be unsettled by anyone. The young man looked so determined. There was such fire in his eye, such a firmness about his close mouth that Mrs. Gabriel felt that she was beaten. For the moment she retreated gracefully, but by no means gave up a point. By nagging at Leo,

she might be unable to bring about things as she wished. Well, have it your own way, she said rising. I have said my say and you are behaving abominably. I'm sorry you should think so, but I really cannot submit to this life any longer. You quite understand that next week I go to London? As you please, Mrs. Gabriel was outwardly calm but inwardly furious. I hope you have well considered what you are doing. I have. My mind has been made up for some time.

In that case, Leo, we may as well part good friends. I shall pay your debts and fit you out. Now, do not contradict me. If you have any feeling of gratitude, you will at least let me do this much. Heavily did not like the proposition, as he felt that Mrs. Gabriel was preparing some snare into which he might blindly fall.

However, as he could not see his way to a refusal, and moreover was wary of this pickering, he merely bowed. Mrs. Gabriel had thus gained time, and in some measure had secured the victory. It remained to her to make the best use of it. she was determined that Leo should marry Edith Hale. Have you had luncheon, Leo?

She asked, changing the subject. No, but I'm not hungry now. Nonsense. A big man like you. Come in and have something to eat at once. As a refusal would have meant another outburst, Leo accepted the inevitable and moved towards the door with his mother. By the way, he said, I met Mr. Pratt down below.

He intends to ask us to a housewarming. It might have been Leo's fan. but he thought that Mrs. Gabriel started at the mention of the name. However, there was an emotion a hard voice as she replied, I shall be rather glad to see the interior of his house, Leo. It is said that he

has the most beautiful things. Will he ask us to dinner? Yes, Hale and his sister are coming. Ah, said Mrs. Gabriel in gratified tones. And the vicar and his daughter. Also, Raston the curate. The church party,

said Mrs. Gabriel disdainfully. she had no loveful tempest whom she regarded as half insane nor for sibyl who was too beautiful for womanly taste nor for raston who had frequently fought her on questions connected with parish affairs by the way said leo who had been meditating why has mr pratt settled these parts i should think he found it dull mrs gabriel smiled contentiously mr pratt is not a foolish young man like some one i know she said he does not find pleasure in the follies of the town for my part I think he is wise to settle here in his old age. He's a delightful neighbour and a pleasant companion. He's all that assented Leo heartily. He liked Pratt. You have known him for many years, mother?

For ten at twelve, replied Mrs. Gabriel carelessly. I met him in Vienna, I think, and he called on me when I returned to London. Afterwards, he came down here and fell in love with the place. For years he has been a rolling stone, but always said that when he settled down, he would come to Colista. He is liked, is he not Leo? he is more than liked is immensely popular with our friends if not with the villages you have done a good deed in introducing him to a dull parish i don't think mr pratt who has so many disorders in himself finds it dull my dear however i shall be glad to accept the invitation to his dinner i should like to see him married indeed have you chosen him a wife also mrs gabriel laughed i thought he might take a fancy to sybil tempest

why he's old enough to be a father besides besides you lover finished mrs gabriel with a shrug well do not get angry leo i should like to see mr pratt marry sibyl and you the husband of edd hale then everything would be right i don't think so at all commenced heavily in wretched tones but don't let a squirrel any more i have the greatest regard for pratt but i do not care to go to the length of letting him marry the girl in love you know very little of mr pratt said mrs gabriel looking suddenly at the young man how then can you regard him so oh i've seen him often in town broken leo sometimes when i was in difficulties and did not want to tell you pratt helped me with money asked mrs gabriel sharply of course with money but i paid him back mrs gabriel made no answer but rising suddenly passed out of the room and left leo eating his luncheon alone they usually calm face looked disturbed and her hands were restless leo's information had annoyed her what does pratt mean she asked her said can't he leave the boy alone after all these years i wonder she broke off and pressed her hand to heart as though she there felt a cruel pain perhaps she did, but Mrs. Gabriel was not the woman to show it. The end of chapter three. Chapter 4 of the Pagans' Cup by Fergus Hume.

This Liberty Works recording is in the public domain. Read by Yoganan, The Pagans Cup, Chapter 4, The Dinner Party. Built on the lower slopes of the castle hill, Mr. Pratt's residence, commonly known as a nun's house, stood a little distance back from the highway which led down to the king's meadows. It was plain, a rough stone building of great strength, two stories in height, and with a high roof of slate. Gloomy in the extreme, it was rendered still more so from its being encircled by a grove of yew of yew trees which gave it a churchyard air. Not the kind of residence one would have thought attractive to a cheerful and daper man like Richard Pratt. But he had, so he declared, fallen in love with it, at first time.

sight and Mrs. Gabriel, always having an eye to business, had only too readily granted him a seven-year-s lease. She was delighted at the chance of securing a tenant, as a house had been empty for a long time, owing to its uncomfortable repetition. There was not a man-woman-child in Colester that did not know, it was haunted. The name came from a tradition, probably a true one, that when the Colester convent was being suppressed by Henry VIII, the evicted nuns had found refuge in this dismal house a dozen of them. In time they died and the mansion was inhabited by other people. But queer sounds were heard, strange sights were seen and it became known that the twelve nuns revisited the scene of their exile.

There never was a house so populated with ghosts and the tenants promptly departed. Others, looted by a low rent, came and after a month's trial, departed also. Finally, no one would stop in the Illoman Mansion until Mr. Pratt arrived. He liked the place, laughed at the gruesome reputation of the dwelling, and announced his intention of making it his home. Ghosts, laughed Pratt with his cheery smile.

Nonsense. Ghost went off with gas. Besides, I should rather like to see a ghost, particularly of a nun. I am partial to the fair sex. I wonder then, you never married? said the person who had warned him against the house, with the best intentions, of course. Pratt looked at her. She was Mrs. Bathurst, the gossip of the neighbourhood, under half-closed

eyelids, and smiled. Ah, said he, rubbing his plump white hands. I have admired so many beautiful women, dear lady, that I could not remain constant to one. Which reason, although plausible, did not satisfy Mrs. Bathurst. But then, she was one of those amiable persons always spilling to believe the worst of people. However, Pratt took up his abode in the chief colistair in, and sent for cart-loads of furniture while the house was being redecorated. He took a deal of trouble to make it comfortable, and as he was a man of excellent taste with an eye for colour,

he succeeded in making it pretty as well. In six weeks, the place was ready to receive him, and up to the period of his walk with the vicar, Pratt had occupied it for another six without being disturbed by the numerous curse. The call is to folks quite expected to hear that he had been carried off like Dr. Faust, and were rather disappointed that he met with no ghost, adventure. But then, Mr. Pratt, as he said himself, was not imaginative enough for specters. Failing is leaving the house, the gentry expected that he would entertain them and show his treasures,

for it was reported that he had many beautiful things. But Pratt was in no hurry. He wanted first to study his neighbours in order to see who were the most pleasant. In his surprising a short time, he got to know something about everyone, and on the knowledge thus acquired, he selected his guests. In addition to those already mentioned, he invited Mrs. Bathurst and a daughter Peggy. The girl was pretty, and the mother talkative, so, in Pratt's opinion, it paid to ask them. There's no chance of next time in being dull of Mrs. Parthurst her legs under the table, he said. And this being reported to the lady, she accused Pratt of coarseness. Nevertheless, she accepted the invitation.

Not for worlds would Mrs. Parthurst have missed a sight of re-recreated nun's house. Besides, it was a duty to girl. she supplied all the gossip of the neighbourhood. Anxious to see as much as possible of the house, Mrs. Bathurst was the first to arrive. Pratt, in a particularly neat evening dress, advanced to meet her and Peggy with a smile. He knew very well that her ungovernable curiosity

had led her to be thus early. I'm glad to see her, Mrs. Bathurst, he said genially. Pray, sit down. You are the first to arrive. I always like to be punctual, respond to the lady, nodding to her daughter, that she also should be seen. "'Dear me, how well this room looks! "'I can see you have spared no expense.

"'I like to make myself comfortable, Mrs. Bathurst. "'We only have one life. "'I wonder you care to spend it in such a dull place as Colister. "'If Mr. Bathurst were rich, I should make him take me to London. "'You would soon get tired of the roar of that city. "'Here, Peggy, who was fair and pretty and fond of Katie, "'shook a blonde head vigorously. "'I should never get tired of first.

she said. I could go to dance every night and still want more. Ah, Miss Peggy, you are young and active. Well, dear Mr. Pratt, you're not old, said Mrs. Pardt, flatteringly. We must make you happy here. I'm sure you're quite an acquisition. We must find you a wife. I shall apply to you when I want one, he said with a laugh. But I guess I'm not made to run in double harness. What or expressions you use, I dare say that comes from your being an American. never mind he will soon lose all americanisms here i look upon you as quite one of ourselves dear mr pratt the fact is that mrs sparthurst wished to bring about a marriage between a daughter peggy and the newcomer he had been introduced by mrs gabriel so his social position was secure and if one could judge from the magnificent furnishing of the house he was a wealthy man that peggy herself should be consulted never entered a mother's head pratt guessed what was mrs sparthurst was after and chuckled. He had no intents of having the good lady for her mother-in-law. Moreover, he knew that Peggy was

in love with Rast and the Curate. Nevertheless, having a love of tormenting people and wishing to punish Mrs. Bathurst, he sighed, cast a languishing look at Peggy, and allowed the mother to think that he might be guided by a wish. Seeing this, the lady pushed her advantage vigorously, and was getting on very well by the time the other guests arrived. Then, after some desultory conversation, dealing with the weather in the crops all went into dinner. The table was beautifully set out. The linen was snowy white, the silver and crystal of the best, and the flowers which Brad had personally arranged was skillfully chosen and blended. The women present were rather annoyed that the man should be able to manage a house so well, for the dinner was one of the best that had ever been eaten in colistar,

and the service was all that could be desired. What was he used, thought Mrs. Bathurst, of suggesting a wife to a man who knows so well how to dispense with one. she could not arrange things better herself and was vexing that a mere man should be able to beat a woman on her own ground you have certainly made a very pretty place of it mr pratt said mrs gabriel when they returned to the drawing-room i suppose you will live here for many a long day i hope to die here he replied smiling but one never knows i may take a fancy to resume the travels you are like ulysses put in the vicar you know men in cities and like ulysses I don't think much of either, Mr. Tempest. Come now, cried Leo, laughing. I never heard that Ulysses was a cynic. He was not modern enough, said Sybil,

who was looking particularly charming, much through the anger of Mrs. Gabriel, who saw Anna a man-trap for her adopted son. I don't think cynicism is altogether modern disease, remarks of Frank Hale. Solomon had not much belief in human nature. What could you expect from a man who had so many wives, put in Pratt in a dry voice?

The remark annoyed Mrs. Bathurst. It all got ill for a scheme to marry Peggy. A man who talked thus a woman could never be brought to respect his mother-in-law. Whilst this conversation was taking place, Mrs. Gabriel kept a vigilant eye on Leo. Whenever I tried to edge up to Sybil, she contrived to get into the way, and finally, by dexterous smooth, she placed him alongside the baronet's sister. Edith Hale was a tall, raw-worned, thin girl with small pretensions to beauty or wit. she had a freckled skin and red hair an awkward way of carrying herself

and a silent tongue. She was so deeply in love with Leo that she followed us every moment with her eyes until he found her regard most embarrassing. However, Leo to avert his time when he returned home, was obliged to show up every attention and strolled away with her into Mr. Pratt's new conservatory.

Sybil looked disappointed but controlled her sufficiently to play in accompaniment for Peggy. Raston turned over the leaves of the music and Mrs. Pathurst, with a glance at Pratt, settled herself to listen. As to Mr. Tempest, he was moving round the room, examining the objects of art in his usual near-sighted way. Seeing everyone thus occupied, Mrs. Gabriel drew aside Sir Frank into a convenient corner. The baronet was a pale-faced, hunchback, lame creature, with a shrewish expression

and a pair of brilliant grey ice. He had been an invalid all his life, and his temper had been spoiled thereby. The only person in the world for whom he cherished at the least affection was his sister. In his eyes, she was as beautiful as Helen and as clever as Madame de Steele. He knew that she was breaking and heart for Leo and resent to the young man's indifference. And as hale at spite of a cripple, his resentment was not to be despised. But Leo did not know that. Frank, said Mrs. Gabriel, addressing him thus familiarly, as she had known him from his cradle. I want to speak to you about Leo.

It's time he was married. Nothing but marriage will steady him. Sybil Tempest is ready enough to become his wife, Mrs. Gabriel, snarl the little man. Why don't you speak to her? Because she's not your sister, replied Mrs. Gabriel calmly. I do not intend that Leo shall throw herself away on penniless girl who has nothing but a face to recommend her.

Edith has more brains and beauty. Leo does not see that, said Hale, who implicitly believed in his companion. He is infatuated with Sybil. I don't say a word against her, he added hastily. I want to marry her myself. Mrs. Gabriel looked with secret contempt to the deformed man and wondered how he could have the impartness to think that any woman could take him for a husband.

However, she was pleased to hear of this new complication. If Sybil could be induced to marry the baronet, and from a worldly point of view the match was a good one, she would be out of the way. In despair, Leo might marry at it, and thus all would be as Mrs. Gabriel wanted. She wished to move her human beings as puppets to suit her own ends, and never thought that she might be thwarted by the individual will of those with whom she played. However, she had an idea of how to entangle matters so as to carry out her schemes,

and commons her intrigue with the baronet. She knew he would help her, both for his own sake and for the sake of his sister. At the same time, she moved barely so as not to make a false step. step. It was no easy matter to deal with Hale as she knew. Once or twice he had got the better of her and business. I don't mind being candid with you, said Mrs. Gabriel softly. It's my wish that Leo should marry Edith, and I shall be delighted to help you to become Sibyl's husband. It's easy saying, but hard at doing, said Hale snappishly. Sibyl is in love with Leo, and the woman who admires up below will not look upon Caliban. Oh, I am under no delusion respecting myself, he added with

a hoarse laugh. I'm not agreeable to look upon, but I have money, a title, and a good position. Nine women out of ten would be content with these things. I'm afraid Sybil is the tenth, said Mrs. Gabriel calmly. However, neither she nor Leo know what is good for

them. Help me to marry him to your sister, and then Sybil will fall into your arms. Do you think so? I am certain of it. How are we to manage? asked Hale, after a pause. You have some scheme? it is in order to explain a scheme to you that i have brought about this conversation listen i am not pleased with leo he has been leading a wild life in town and is in debt to the tune of three hundred pounds humph said frank under his breath these apollos know how to waste money i shall see that edd's dowry is settled on herson and i shall tie up the gabriel property so that leo cannot waste it

he looked at her from under his bushy eyebrows you intend that he shall be your hair then assuredly if he does what i wanted to do what is that he must marry edith and take up his residence in the castle no more garing about no more while living let leo be a respectable country gentleman and his future is secure have you explained that to him asked the baronet sharply no leo is a fool and infatuated with that girl i must force him to do what I want. It is for his own good. You must help both for the sake of Edith, and because it's your only chance of marrying Sybil. I'm quite ready to help you with Mrs. Gabriel. Go on. Mrs. Gabriel glanced around, bent ahead, and spoke lower. I intend to refuse to pay his £300 for Leo. There is no chance of his earning it for himself, and he will soon be in serious difficulty. Now, if you come forward as his old friend and, I don't like lending money, said Hale was something of a miser.

If you want to gain Sibble and make your sister happy, you must lend Leo three hundred pounds. When he is in your debt, well, the rest is easy. Hale nodded. I see what you mean, he said, ponderingly. The idea is not a bad one. But Leo, hmm, 300 pounds, a large sum. Oh, I will be a surety for it, said Mrs. Gabriel, impatiently.

She did not want the plants upset by this miser. but if you want to gain anything you must sacrifice something. You love Sibyl? With my whole soul, said the cripple and flushed. And your sister, I will give anything to secure a happiness. Three hundred pounds will be enough, said

Mrs. Gabriel Cooley. Make Leo your debtor, and then you can deal with him. He is so honorable that he will keep his bird even at the cost of his happiness. Well, Hale reflected. I will think of it, said he cautiously. Ask you, please. But remember that if I do not have this settled within a week, I shall allow Leo to marry Sybil.

Of course, Mrs. Gabriel had no such intentions, but she determined outwardly on this course to frighten the baronet. It had the desired effect. I will see to the matter, he said hastily. Tonight I will ask Leo to come and see me. It will all be arranged. By three hundred pounds, he winced and Mrs. Gabriel smiled. I will be a surety, she said, rising. Let me know when you have made Leo your debtor.

come we must not talk any more here's mr pratt it was indeed the host who came to disturb them he wished to take the whole party round his house leo and edith returned from the conservatory the former-looking bored the latter brilliantly happy sybil did not like this and glanced reproachfully at leo who immediately would have gone to her side but he was anticipated by hale help me to get round the house miss tempest he said pointing to his lame leg you must be my crutch. Sybil could not but assent, and so Leo found himself out in the cold. Peggy, who approved of his love for Sybil, took his arm. Never mind, she said softly.

I will manage to take Sir Frank away. And Leo gave her hand a grateful squeeze. Come, all of you, cried Pratt cheerily. The museum is open. He led them through a series of rooms, crammed with treasures. There were valuable pictures, pieces of rich tapestry, exquisite examples of Goldschmidt's work and many other things of value.

Mr. Pratt had a story for every object. This he picked up in the Great Bazaar at Stamble. That was a bargain obtained in an Italian town. The silver crucifix came from Spain, the lack of work from Japan. Apparently, I had been all over the world and had made purchases in every part. Here was the evidence of his travels and his wealth

before the longing eyes of Mrs. Bathurst. More than ever, she was determined that Peggy should be and Mrs. Pratt. While Pratt discoursed and the company exclaimed that the treasures displayed to the wandering eyes, Mrs. Gabriel maintained her haughty silence. She surveyed all the beautiful things in a cold, unemotional manner, and kept an eye on the moments of Leo. He felt uncomfortable under her gaze, and once or twice looked angrily at her,

but Mrs. Gabriel met his indignant looks with a calm smile. You must have spent a fortune on this, said Hale, inspecting a tray of antique coins. What a collection I've been buying for years explained Pratt Smiley Mine has been a varied life I was born of poor parents and had to make my own way in the world

For years I worked in the States in South America and elsewhere to make money Finally I secured a fortune in South Africa And for the last 10 years I've devoted myself to collecting these things They have been stored for years And now that I have a house of my own This is the first time I've been able to arrange them

I'm glad you are pleased We are more than pleased, gushed Mrs. Bathurst. It's a most beautiful tree to see these lovely things, and hear you talk about them. What is this cup, dear, Mr. Pratt? Ah, said Pratt, taking it up. This is the property of the Vicar. Mine, said Mr. Tempest, in mild surprise. Dear me, Mr. Pratt, what do you mean?

It would break half my ear its stipend to buy this. It's a cup of which I spoke to you, Vicar. Pratt handed it to Tempest, and then turned to the green. I wish to present this cup to the chapel, Mr. Raston, he said, and I hope that you and Mr. Tempest will accept it on behalf of the town. It's an old Roman goblet and has been used for centuries as a communeven chalice in an Italian city. I bought it many years ago. Is it not beautiful? The cup was indeed an exquisite object of art.

Of considerable size, it was of pure gold. The rim and the stem were set round with gems of great value, and the outside was embossed with face of peering from out of a tangle of flowers it had two handles formed with frisded snakes with ruby eyes and round its broadest part ran an inscription in latin the vicar held the goblar to the light and translated the inscription to the great god who make it the heart joyful he said then added dubiously does that refer to the pagan god or to the maker of all things if the cup is roman probably it's an inscription to bacchus said the curate a shadow on his face If so, we cannot use it as a communion cup. Pratt laughed and raised his eyebrows at the scrupulous regard. You can set your mind at rest, they said. The priest who sold it to me on account of the poverty of his parish church said that the inscription was inscribed during the Middle Ages.

It refers to the god of Christendom. In that case, said the vicar, be me. I accept the cup with pleasure and with many thanks. It shall be consecrated and placed on the altar by the end of his week. while the others were thanking and congratulating Mr. Pratt, an expression of relief might have been noticed on his face. Mrs. Gabriel, who knew his every look, wondered to herself why he appeared to be so pleased. Evidently, he was thankful to be rid of the cup. However, she said nothing as she was a wise woman, but added a congratulation to those of the others.

Everyone will be delighted, she said coolly. Such generosity is unusual in colista, but at glance hinted unusual as regarded Pratt. He received the hint smilingly. I hope it will make me popular, he said. I am weak enough to wish to be light. And hitherto I have not secured the goodwill of the people. You will have it now, said Raston, and particularly that of Pearl Derry. She loves beautiful things for the altar, and as she attends to the decorating the chapel,

it will be a constant pleasure to her to keep this cup bright and spotless. I hope it will be safe with her, cried Mrs. Bathurst. These insane people are like Macbys, and steal anything glittering that attracts, their weak fancies. Are you sure she will not take it away, Mr. Raston? The cure it was indignant. Pearl would no more do such a thing than take her own life, poor soul, he said. She is devoted to the church.

Villaging so far as her own poor brain understands it is her one consolation. She ought to be shut up, said Mrs. Gabriel. There, I differ from you, said the vicar, mildly. She is not harmful enough to be placed in duress. Let her enjoy liberty and sunshine, Mrs. Gabriel. It's little pleasure she has. She seems to me harmless enough, said Pratt. And if this cup will be an additional pleasure to her?

I'm the more glad that Mr. Tempest has accepted it. I shall have it wrapped up with a-ca. Thank you. Be very careful, Mr. Pratt. So beautiful an object must not be carelessly dealt with. From which remark it will be seen that now the Roman goblet was the property of the church, it assumed quite a new value in the eyes of the priest. Formerly it was merely a beautiful example of the goldsmith's art.

Now it was sacred. After this, the company repaired to the drawing-room, where Mr. Pratt told stories until quite a late hour for Colester. Never had there been so agreeable a host in the dull little provincial town, and one and all confessed themselves charmed with their evening. Quite an acquisition, repeated Mrs. Bathurst as she departed. Mind you, come and see, Mr. Pratt, Peggy will never forgive you if you do not.

A foolish speech which sent poor Peggy away covered with plushes, But then Mrs. Spathar's seal always outran her discretion. As Mr. Pratt stood at his door, waving a hearty goodbye to his guest, he saw that Hale was beside Leo and overheard a remark. Come and see me in three days, Leo, the baronet was saying. I want to speak to you most particularly. Most particularly, a quote Pratt thoughtfully. Hmm, what's up now?

The end of chapter four. Chapter 5 of the Pagans Cup. by Fergus Hume This Libbyn Vox recording is in the public domain Read by Yoganan. The Pagans' Cup Chapter 5 Love's Young Dream

The colist of folk were certainly pleased that Mr. Pratt had adorned their beloved chapel It's so magnificent a gift They unbent so far as to smile When they curtsied or touched the hats But did not take him to their bosoms However, Pratt saw that he had made a step-for in their affections and professed himself well pleased.

Rome was not built in a day, said he philosophically. Mr. Tempest installed the cup on the altar, where it glitter in front of the crucifix. It was an object of wonder and reverence to the simple villagers, and the vicar himself was no less pleased. Its weight, the beauty of the workmanship, and the splendour of the jewels filled him with joy, and he came to regard the pagan vessel, as it undoubtedly was, as a kind of holy grail. having made some such reference to it the sexton baker an inquisitive octogenarian wanted to know what the holy quail was forth with mr tempest prepared a lecture compounder of mallory's prose work and tennyson's poetical interpretation this he delivered in the village schoolroom and had the sacred cup placed on the table before him so that his hearers might have the significance of the gift born home to him pearl heard the lecture and so much of it as a powwitz took in led her to look upon the cup as the very vessel itself mentioned in the poem.

To Pearl, the pagan cup, as Frank Hale called it, was a veritable vessel from which the master had drunk at the last said feast. And no argument could shake this belief when she once got it into her head. So ridiculous, said Mrs. Gilles, sniffing. I'd I say Mr. Pratt bought it in London, his clevered inventing stories. Whereupon Pearl flow into such a rage that the elder woman never ventured to hint a doubt of the cup. in her own queer way, and that was none of the most righteous. Mrs. Chiel was fond of Pearl.

It is true that she regarded her as a half-baked natural, but she would never let anyone but herself say so. Mrs. Chil was superstitious, and kept Pearl in a humble cottage as a kind of talisman against evil. Probably she felt it necessary for her to have some pure and innocent thing beside her. The callist of people never thought of this. They regarded Mrs. Chiel as a hard-working, honest woman. She was certainly all there and more.

What the more was, Mrs. Gilles never explained. She was well able to hold her tongue. Meanwhile, the cup stood on the altar, and Pearl frequently stared at it on her knees and dreaming heaven-nose-wort dreams as its beauty flashed in the sunshine. She attended to her duties as usual, and the vicar had no reason to complain

that the decking of the altar suffered. But the insane girl passed an hour before the cuff, drinking in its lovely colour and beauty of form. it was to her a kind of fetish and she resented it being touched even when mr tempest used it for the purpose for which it had been presented pratt hearing this laughed and was a little touched he was sorry for the girl and pleased that he had been the means of introducing a new element of beauty into her life One day while Pearl was on a niece with clasped hands, Sibble entered the chapel. She had come here to meet Leo, who owing to the vigilance of Mrs. Gabriel,

a meeting was not easily arranged. Whenever Leo and Sybil were together, they would be joined by Mrs. Gabriel by Frank Hale or by Edith. It was no use resenting this addition to the company, for the inconvenient third would never take the hint. Consequently, Leo met Sybil by stealth, and as those who interfered,

rarely came to the chapel save on Sunday. It was a chapel. for the meeting place. Certainly Pearl was always haunting the shrine, but she gave them no trouble. Although the day was warm, Pearl had draped a shawl of white Chinese scrape over her shoulders. This was a present for Mrs. Gilles, who had many such beautiful things, although she would never say how she came by them. The girl still wore her favorite green breast and the straw hat which had a fresh wreath of oak leaves round it. Every day the wreath was renewed and some significance was attached to it by the wearer which was not understood by a friends. With her eyes fixed on the cup and her hands clasped to her knee, she knelt on the lower

step of the altar with a rapt expression and moving lips. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manners of precious tones, she murmured, and went on with a verse enumerating the gems. Pearl knew much of the Bible by heart, and frequently recited long passages to herself. But like a parrot, she could never be able to speak when she was wanted, and few knew the extent of her knowledge. Sybil overheard the words and guessed that the poor creature applied them to the cup. A strong ray

of sunlight streamed in through a small plain glass window in the chancel. It struck with a golden glory on the altar, and its burning light, the cup flashed with many hues, the gems with which it was adorned, short sparks of rainbow fire, the green or the emerald, the fiery red

of ruby, the amethyst, purple in colour as a ripe grape, and above all the fierce flash of diamond that was in front of the vessel immediately above the Latin inscription. Sybil did not wonder that Pearl had a passion for the cup. It looked a singularly beautiful object glowing in the splendor of the sunlight and might well have been the holy grail as Pearl thought it was. What is it, Pearl? she asked, drawing near, but speaking low, so as not to disturb the child.

For Pearl was like a wild animal and shrank away even with the slightest sound. And even as she spoke, the sunlight passed away. It's gone, gone, she cried. cried Pearl, rising with a wild look. The Master has withdrawn his presence. Why would that I could take it out where his sun would ever shine? Did you see the angels, Miss Sibyl? What angels, Pearl?

In the beam of Master's glory? They ascended and descended like the angels of Jacob's dream. From the Holy Cup, a shining pathway went up to heaven, and now it is gone. The shining pathway will be there again at this same hour tomorrow, said Sibyl, comforting the girl. But it endues only for a little while, sighed Pearl. Oh, why doesn't the master take his cup into the bright sunshine

where it could grow warm and rejoice in the glory of day? The sun would make it glitter like a thousand fires, nor would the moon with older light. It is better here in the sacred place, Pearl. The roof shut out the light, Missibble, and the girl looked at the great cup, now dull and colourless like a dead thing. Only in the sun shines does the master put out his hand to grasp his cup.

It's not the real cup, Pearl, said Sibble, incautiously. "'How dare you say so!' shrieked the girl, tearing herself away from Sybil's grasp. The vicar said it was a cup of the master. "'I doubt you are one of the evil things its presence makes to fear.' And with an indignant look, Pearl moved swiftly down the aisle, murmuring as she went. At the door she broke into a jubilant chant, and Sybil gathered that she was recalling some lines of tennyson, which the vicar had repeated in his lecture.

"'Oh, yet, methought, I saw the holy grail, old-palled and crimson-Semite and around great angels, awful shapes and wings and eyes. Half-singing, half-reciting, she passed out of the door and brushed by Leo, who entered at the moment. Like a shadow, she faded out of the church and left him staring after her. But high and sweet in the distance grows her voice, singing like a lark. What is the matter with her now? asked Leo as Sybil met him. Nothing much. She has a belief that yonder cup is a veritable holy,

grail, and when I suggested it was not, she grew angry. But what a memory she has, added Sibyl, linking her arm with that of Leo. Did you hear her recite Tenison's lines? Well, she only heard them once before. I dare say, but she cannot read, and those who can't read have always a marvellous memory. But the wonder to me is that her poor crack brain can hold anything. I know she's mad about the grail as she called that cup. Mrs. Gilles told me that Pearl expects the cup will someday be snatched up to heaven,

to be used there poor soul it's a sweet belief though murmured sybil then after a pause she drew leo into the side chapel where the crusaders were set stiffly on their tomes we are safe here leo no one will come sit down beside this pillar and let us talk we have much to say to one another and nothing very pleasant sighed leo as he sat down and slipped his arm round the girl's waist oh sybil how foolish i've been getting into debt and caused with Mrs. Gabriel. It'll end with my going away to the war. Indeed, I intended to have gone this week, while I could not leave you, and besides, here Leo hesitated. What is it?

She asked, noticing that he looked nervous. There's a chance of my debts being paid. Mrs. Gabriel? No, indeed. At first she said she would pay. Now she has changed the mind, but Hale has offered to lend me the money. Sybil looked anxious.

I don't like that. she said decidedly. It's not like him to be so generous. My dear, said Leo, taking a hand. You are too hard upon poor Frank. I have known him now for many years, and it is reasonable enough that he should be willing to help an old playfellow. It's not like him, insisted Miss Tempest.

I hope he is not laying a trap for you, Leo. He is spiteful enough to do that. And when he has caught me in his trap, Sibyl, she shook her head. It's easy laughing, but I don't like you accepting a favour from that cross-es. crane little man. You are uncharitable, my dear. I don't want to be. I'm sure I'm sorry, poor Sir Frank is so afflicted, but I really wish he had a sweeter nature. Besides, her eyes fell

and she began to play with a button on Leo's court. He is, I think, too fond of me. Can anyone be too fond of you? asked Haverley, not taking in the real significance of this remark. You do not understand Leo. I mean that I think he intends to ask me to be his wife. Now, don't be angry, for I am not sure if he will. It's only a kind of instinct I have that such is his intention. Heverley, confident in his good looks and virile strength, laughed good-humoredly. I'm not angry, my dear, the idea of that wretched little creature thinking of marriage. Who is uncharitable, no, Mr. Haverley? The young man laughed. Fairly hit, he said. But really, Sybil, I don't think you need trouble about Hale. No man of his

build and weakness would insult a woman by asking her a hand in marriage. He is a queer little creature, but for all his cross-creen temper, his heart is in the right place. I am sorry for him, and I feel his kindness in offering to help me. To be sure, he is well off, but the kindness is all the same. But what about his sister? She is in love with you. So, Mrs. Gabriel says, responded Leo Cooley, but that is all nonsense, much the same as your suspicions of hail.

Why, the girl never opens him out. to me. She really looks and looks, with a soul in her eyes. It must be a dull soul, then, for I see no gleam in those eyes of us. Your most unsuspicious Leo, said Sibyl at length. I have a kind of feeling that we are on the eve of some trouble. Have you noticed that until we found out this quiet spot, Mrs. Gabriel or Sir Frank and his sister always joined us? I noticed that, but it meant nothing. Leo paused and then continued. I know that my mother wants me to marry. I know that my mother wants me to marry Edith, but I told her plainly that I would not, and she has agreed to let me have my own way.

That is not like her, said Sibyl, after a pause. She always wants to have her own way. I think she's beginning to find me one too many for her, my love. It is this way, Sibyl, I told her that if she went on treating me so badly, I would endless. That frightened her, and she has been kinder since. I don't trust her, no more than I do, Sir Frank. Are you going to take this money? "'As a loan, I am, but I hope to pay it back. "'How are you going to manage?' "'Oh, Pratt has promised to make it right with my mother. "'He has a wonderful influence with her.

"'You know he has been a friend for years, "'and she has great reliance on his judgment. "'I told him all my trouble, and he has promised to help me. "'It's not the first time he has done so, Sibyl, "'Several times last year I led me money.' "'I know he's a kind man,' said Sibble. "'But, Leo, I do wish you.' he stopped a mouth with a kiss i know what you're going to say was his half-loffing half-serious remark and indeed my love i'm not worthy of you but now i'm a man and i intend to put away all childish things by which i mean the follies of youth

i've done nothing very wrong sybil indeed my wickedness has been of the mildest description i understood mrs gabriel to say that i was her hair and so i thought i had a right to spend money i overstep the mark and i own my fault I should have been more sensible. But indeed, Sybil, it's difficult for a man brought up in luxury to know when to stop. If my home had only been made more attractive to me, I should never have behaved so foolishly. But that page of my life is turned down now. It will close with the payment of this £300, and henceforth I shall try and deserve your love. That's right, darling, but don't you think it would be better to get Mr. Pratt to see your mother, and induce her to give you the money, then take it from Sir Frank?

no my dear said leo decidedly if my mother thinks that i am able to pay the money myself she will be afraid lest she will lose me altogether and be more amenable to reason i've arranged it all with pratt hale is to lend me the money next week i pay my debts then i shall get him to speak to mrs gabriel does mr pratt know that sir frank proposes to lend you the money no i did not tell him that at frank's special request i merely said that i would put off paying the matter for a month in the meantime you will speak to my mother it seems all wrong said sir bill with a sigh i can't help thinking that you are behaving foolishly i hope not sybil but i must manage mrs gabriel some of i cannot have her treating me so badly sometimes she really seems to hate me when my debts are but i must manage mrs gabriel some of her treating me sometimes she really seems to hate me when my debts are paid, I should look about and see what I can do to earn my own living. I'm half inclined to enlist of the humanry. Leo, Leo, don't do that, Sybil ceased his arm. I should lose you. My dear, it's the only thing I'm fit for. My mother would not let me have a profession, and I'm not clever enough to make money. I should have gone into the army long ago. Indeed, it was my wish. Only Mrs. Gabriel would not consent. I think my father must have come

off a fighting-stock, Sybil, as I feel so inclined to be a soldier. The Havilades were always simple country squires, Leo. I've heard my father speak of them often. There were no soldiers amongst them. Then I don't know where my aunt got a fierceness. By the way, Sibyl, don't you get mixed by the many different ways I refer to that lady? I call her my mother, my aunt, and very often Mrs. Gabriel. I think the last name suits the best, said Sibble.

She is such a hard woman. Still, she has been kind to you, Leo. I don't quite agree with you there, yeah. answered a trifle bitterly. If she took me in, she has made me feel my position. No, Sybil, I hope in some way to make my position for myself. Then Mrs. Gabriel may be proud of me. At present, I am only an object of her charity. Let me go for a soldier, my darling. You must wait for a time, Leo, entreated Sybil. If you are really bent upon enlisting, I shall not try and dissuade you. But, oh, how unhappy I shall be when you are in South Africa. Come, come, you will

never do for a soldier's wife. Is it not better for me to be fighting for my country, then staying here eating the bread of idleness? I'm sure you would be prouder of me dead on the battlefield than to see me a hangar on here. Yes, said Sybil bravely. I should. In that case, I shall enlist.

And after taking her in his arms, he kissed her tenderly. I shall be here for another week. Let us make the best of the time. Hand in hand, they passed from the chapel, but at the door they suddenly separated. Mrs. Gabriel was coming up the steps and cast a cold smile at the pair. "'I want to see you, Leo, when you can spare the time,' she said.

"'I will come with you now,' said heavily. "'And you, Sible?' "'I want to find Pearl Derry,' said Miss Tempest. "'She's offended with me, and I must make my peace with her. "'Good day, Mrs. Gabriel.' "'Good day,' said Mrs. Gabriel, in his stiffest manner. Then, as Leo walked down the road beside her, back to the castle, she added, I understand that you are engaged, Leo, and without my consent?

I am sorry you should be vexed, he said formally. But I cannot sacrifice my life's happiness even for you. Bless the boy. I don't want you to do that, said Mrs. Gabriel sharply. And about this enlisting? I intend to enlist. Mrs. Gabriel drew a long breath and walked on in silence for a few moments. Well, she said at length, I think it's about the best thing you could do.

Your debts? I shall see that they are paid, said Leo calmly. Oh, indeed. And where will you get the money? From a friend. Mrs. Gabriel again became silent. I don't think you are treating me altogether fairly, Leo. I'm willing to do whatever you think best, mother.

But I am ashamed to live on your charity any longer. However, I promise you one thing. I shall not enlist for at least a month. Mrs. Gabriel laughed silently. Many things might happen in a month. The end of chapter 5. Chapter 6 of the Pagans' Cup by Fergus Hume. This Libri-Wox recording is in the public to May. Read by Yoganan.

The Pagans' Cup, Chapter 6. Trouble. Still anxious to secure Mr. Pratt for a son-in-law, Mrs. Bathurst resolved to make some return to his hospitality. A husband had very little money and the lady was unable to give a dinner party on account of the court. cost. Also, Pratt had done things so well, so she put it, that she was unwilling to provoke comparisons. Nevertheless, some sort of entertainment had to be given, and after much reflection and many consultations with Peggy, it was decided that it should take the form of a picnic.

The scenery around Colester was beautiful, and weather was fine, and the cost of an open-air entertainment would be comparatively small. Mrs. Bathurst therefore issued cards. we must make Mr. Pratt one of ourselves, said the energetic lady, and although we cannot hope to why with his luxury, we can at least bestow what we have with liberal hearts. What Mrs. Bathurst had in the way of food was principally sandwiches, the cheapest form of nourishment she could think of, and she had decided that the picnic should take place on the moor, where there were no roads, it was not necessary to hire vehicles to convey the party to the scene of revelry. A good brisk walk will give everyone an appetite, said the hostess, and the air will do us all good. Thus, it came about that all those who had partaken of Pratt's hospitality found themselves the guests of Mrs. Bathurst. A husband who characterized the picnic as foolery was not present.

By a dexterous arrangement, the good lady contrived that Peggy should find herself in the company of Pratt. The little man was as neat and daper as ever, and as Peggy, strolled beside him over the heather, she could not but admit that he was a pleasant companion. The principal meal of the day had been devoured, and Mrs. Pothurst guest had been sent hungry away. Tea and the limited quantity of sandwiches were scarcely sufficient for appetite sharpened by the keen Mouland air. However, there was nothing else, and now the company split up into small parties wandered here, there and everywhere. Peggy was with Pratt. He saw how Mrs. Bathurst had manoe to bring this about, and resolve to make use of the opportunity in a way of which the schema would not approve.

Most beautiful place this, Miss Peggy, said Pratt, glancing round. But I fear the company is not to your mind. Oh, Mr. Pratt, how can you say that? said poor Peggy, divided between a desire to keep him at a distance, and to avoid giving offence to her mother. I'm very pleased to be with you. Well, I don't know, Miss Peggy. I'm not a parson, you know. Peggy laughed and blushed. A secret was everybody's property, and it was well known in Colester

that she and Raston were attached to one another. Even Mrs. Bathurst knew, but she was resolved to crush this affection before it grew too strong for a control. As a matter of fact, it had already passed that stage, but Mrs. Bathurst was not aware of that. Mr. Raston is quite happy with Miss Hale,

said Peggy frankly. She found Pratt sympathetic and did not mind speaking freely to her. him and i think miss hale would rather be with young heavelle said a companion but he is with miss tempest and with sir frank hayne who is the inconvenient third miss peggy we are all at sixes and sevens i fancy even mrs gabriel and the vicar are badly matched however in a little time i shall ask raston to join us not on my account cried miss bathurst hastily i understand your mother would not be pleased mr pratt peggy bitter lip really mr pratt my dear young lady said pratt with a twinkle do you think that i flatter myself that a battered old man like myself is your choice no indeed although your mother would have itself Light draws to like, and if I can bring it about, you shall be Mrs. Raston. No chance of that, sighed Peggy.

Mr. Raston is too poor. Oh, no, he has three hundred a year of his own, and it is more than probable that when Mr. Tempest dies, Mrs. Gabriel will give him the living. Then, why won't your mother consent? She was not opposed to my engagement until... Until... Peggy hesitated. Until I arrived, finished Pratt.

Set your mind at rest, Miss Peggy. I'm not a marrying man. I have seen too much of the world. Peggy laughed and looked at him. His pleasant face was turned towards her, and she saw on his cheek a mark she had never noticed before. It was a tattooed star, very small and placed just under the jawbone. Unless looked for very closely, it was apt to escape notice. But there it was, and being so close to the man, Peggy saw it very plainly. Perhaps she saw it the more clearly, because Pratt held his head at a angle. He noticed the curiosity in her eyes and flushed her trifle. He knew what she was looking at. I had that done in the South Seas, said Pratt, rubbing the star. Fulish thing to have I'd done, but I was a reckless young sailor then. And see her, Miss Peggy, he rolled up his sleeve,

that of the left arm. Immediately below the elbow, there was a beautifully tuttoed snake, half red and half blue. That was done in Japan, he said. You seem to have been everywhere, Mr. Pratt? I have. That's why I've come down here to end my days in peace. I want everybody here about you like me, you included Miss Peggy. I do like you, Mr. Pratt, protested Peggy. Not of course like. I understand. Well, I shall speak to your mother about Mr. Raston. Oh, do not look so afraid, Miss Peggy. I know very well what I am about. I've managed much more obstinate people in my time. All you have to do is to look pleased as though you are delighted with me. That will put your mother on the wrong scent. Herald will not like it, objected Peggy, as they return to join the others. Herald is Mr. Raston. I gathered that from your blush, said Pratt with a chuckle. Well, leave it to me. There is Harold making signals. What is up now? Mrs. Bathurst informed them as soon as they came within earshot. Come here, at once Peggy, she screamed. Mr. Pratt, come here. Mr. Raston is about to take a group with his Kodak. It will be a memorial

of my picnic. The American did not seem pleased. For the moment his usual active tongue was silent and he seemed unwilling to form part of the group. I do not care about having my likeness taken, Mrs. Pothurst, he said. But indeed you must, in the group, said the lady vigorously. Dear Mr. Pratt, do not spoil the little memorial of my picnic. It can be taken without me, Mrs. Pothurst? That would be the play of Hamlet with the prince left out, replied the lady gracefully. Mrs. Gabriel, add your entreaties. Oh, Mr. Pratt will not listen to me, said Mrs. Gabriel severely. I know him of old. He can be obstinate when he chooses.

Pratt laughed, but gave her a sly look which made her wince. Strong woman as she was. There was something about this artless, good-natured little man which made her turn white and draw her breath in quick gasps. I concern to be taken, said Pratt withdrawing his case. If I am permitted to arrange a group myself. certainly said raston brightly he had been exchanging a few words with peggy arrange it as you please leo who had hail at his elbow ranged alongside the american you know where to place be he said softly and pratt nodded it was mainly for that reason that he wished to arrange the group the result of his efforts was that leo and sibyl were together much to the wrath of the baronet mrs gabriel the others pratt scattered anyhow and placed himself at the back rastard

did not approve of this. You can hardly be seen Mr. Pratt, he said, please come more forward. Pratt hesitated, but, catching sight of a cold smile on the face of Mrs. Gabriel, he gave her a defiant look and placed himself in the position indicated by Mr. Raston's outstretched finger. Then the curate adjusted his codac and took three pictures.

He also had to take a fourth, as Mrs. Bathurst watered herself to be seen, making tea surrounded by our guests. To recall a happy, happy day, she explained. you are fond of photography raston asked pratt when this was over very i have taken pictures all round the place and the other day he took a picture of the cup you gave put in i guess that's kind of film said pratt knowing his lips i suppose he was addressing raston that you send copies of these to your friends indeed i do not reply the curate cheerily i take only a few copies and place him in an album certainly i have given a few to miss natural very natural said pratt gravely you must give me one of the group you took just now and without waiting for an answer he turned away somehow he seemed relieved to hear that the photographs were not likely to be sent round the country and all the time mrs gabriel who had listened to this conversation heard it with a cold smile she seemed rather pleased that pratt should be upset and upset he was a remarkable thing in so calm a man after a time leo and sibyl slipped away and where some distance

across the move before their absence was noticed. There was no chance of following them, save in the most pointed manner, so Sir Frank, with a skull, devoted himself to his sister. She was seated in the heather, staring after Leo with a despairing look. Frank patted her hand kindly. He will come back at it, he whisper.

No, she replied quietly. He will never come back. Sybil has taken him away forever. Don't worry about me, Frank. Oh, as to that, retorted Frank. savagely. I approve of that no more than you do. If you want to marry Leo, I wish to make Sibyl my wife. I'm afraid neither of us will get our wishes, said Edith with a sigh. We'll see about that, muttered Frank. At all cost, I'll stop that marriage. Sybil must become

my wife. Mrs. Gabriel overheard him. Make your mind easy, Frank, she said. I can put an end to this. She cares to look at Pratt. I could have done so long ago, but for she stopped. "'But for what, Mrs. Gabriel?' "'Nothing, nothing,' she said hastily. "'The matter which does not concern you, frank, "'but it's time to adopt strong measures. "'Mr. Tempest,' she went to the vicar, "'come for a stroll with me.

"'I wish to speak to you.' "'About parish matters?' asked the vicar rather nervously, "'for he knew Mrs. Gabriel's tongue and temper. "'Won't you speak to Raston?' "'It's not about parish matters,' said Mrs. Gabriel. "'It's concerning your daughter in Leo.' "'Mr. Tempest looked up sharply. indeed he said with quite a note in his voice nothing wrong i trust i shall leave you to judge of that replied mrs gabriel come bicka and she carried the old man away hale started up with them distrustfully

what does she intend to do now he muttered i intend to take my own way in this matter and i don't trust her too clever by half meantime leo and sibyl not thinking of their envy their happiness caused were walking slowly along Every now and then they would turn and look at one another and smile. The action seemed childish, but those who are deeply in love are often nothing but children. Then they came to talk of their future. When are you going away, Leo? asked Sible. I go to town next week, replied Leo. I started seven o'clock per portfront, and there take the steamer that leaves it ten. And the money for your debts?

That'll be all right. Frank has promised to give it to me this week. but the queer part is Sible that he will not give me a cheque. Why not, she asked stopping abruptly. I don't know. Some whim on his part. He intends that I shall take it in sovereigns. Yes, the whole three hundred pounds.

There's a treasure to travel with. However, I'll take it to London and pay it into my bank there. There I can settle with my creditors by cheque. Does he give any reason why he wants you to take it in gold? No, but he is a queerer to. chap, although a kind one. I must take the money as he chooses to give it. But do you know, Sibyl? I believe Hale has instincts of a miser and likes to look at cold. I should not be surprised if he had a chest of sovereigns in his house. I expect that is why he gives me a specy instead

of a cheque and notes. I don't like it at all, said Sible, decisively. There you go with the distress, said Leo, good-humouredly. You will not make allowance for the quarness of poor frank never mind i will take the money as he chooses to give it when my creditor is paid i shall see about enlisting you have made up your mind to that fully mrs gabriel understands as much and i do not think sybil said leo bending down that you will seek to dissuade me sybil paused for a moment no she said at length and a voice was firm it's a good thing for you to take up the burden of life leo Even if you die in South Africa, it will be better than that you should live in the charity of Mrs. Gabriel. I admire his spirit.

Leo Shoka said sadly. Don't admire anything about me, dear, he said. Long, long ago, I should have earned my own living. I have been a fuel too long. But now, Sybil, I intend to work my hardest for you. I am sure to get my commission, as there are plenty knocking about, and when I return, your father will consent to our marriage, and Mrs. Gabriel will forgive me. i don't think my father would ever object leo said sybil he would not care if you had little money all he asked from anyone who marries me is that they come of a good stock he has much family pride you know

then he will easily be satisfied with the havelies they have been established in the place down yonder for centuress i did not know though that he attached much value to pedigree sybil it is his one failing he would not mind if i married a pauper so long as my future husband had good blood in his veins. The one thing he would not permit would be that I should marry what he calls a base-born man, but, of course, there is no danger of that. No, I think my pedigree will satisfy Mr. Tempest. But it is strange that he should attach such value to race. I'm not so sure of that, said Sybil slowly. I have a great opinion of race myself, Leo. But come, she broke off. There is my father waving to me. I wonder what he wants. To go home, I expect. Mr. Tempest did indeed want to go home, and moreover he seemed by no means anxious with the company of Leo. Quite different to his usual self, he was stiff and cold towards the young man.

Mrs. Gabriel saw this and smiled. Not in vain had she adopted the stronger measures of which she had spoken to Sir Frank. However, she gave Leo no time to talk to the vicar, but took possession of him and threw him into the company of Miss Hale. Leo was obliged to talk to the girl, for although she bored him great, she was too unoffending a creature to hurt. Frank saw how dexterously Mrs. Gabriel had managed and came up to her. What have you been doing? he asked in a low voice. Talking Mr. Tempest over to my views about this marriage? Set your mind at rest, Frank. Leo will never become the husband of Sybil now. Sure enough, matters seemed to be quite in Mrs. Gabriel's favour.

On arriving home, Mr. Tempest had a scene with his daughter and forbade her to think any more of Leo. Had I known of this before? It would not have gone so far, said the Vakar. But I have been blind. Fortunately, Mrs. Gabriel has opened my eyes. It must stop. I am engaged to Leo have a leave, said Sibyl firmly. Nothing of the sort, retorted the Vicar. I won't have it, I tell you. I do not consider that Leo is a fit husband for you. And what is your recent father? I declined to give it to you. Later on, I may do so, but not now. Please do not argue, Sibyl. I won't hear a word. You're neither to see Leo again,

nor are you to talk to him. I won't have it. But father, that's quite enough, Sybil, not another word. And as the girl knew of the rages into which her father was capable of falling, she said nothing more at the time, lest she might provoke one.

But this sudden change of front on the part of her easy-going father bewildered her. Leo was also at his wits' end to understand the new state of things. From the day of the picnic, he never had a chance of seeing Sybil alone, nor was he asked as formally to the vicarage. Mr. Tempest was coldness itself when they met, and appeared to wish to see as little of him as possible. Leo asked Mrs. Gabriel, what was the

meaning of these things, but could get no answer. She only laughed insultingly, and said that Mr. Tempest was of her opinion about this ridiculous marriage. Leo saw Mr. Pratt and consulted him. I guess you'd better leave it to me, said Pratt, who was on the side of the lovers. I'll bring Mrs. Gabriel to reason. But it's more the vicar that needs bringing to reason, argued Leo. He has changed wholly towards me. Perhaps he has heard of your debts, suggested Pratt pondering.

What if he had? He knows that I am not so wild as everyone tries to make out. No, it's something else. I believe my mother has been saying something to him about me. Pratt looked up suddenly, but his face did not change. changed. I'll see Mrs. Gabriel, he said calmly. If she has said anything to the vicar likely to do your arm, I'll get her to tell me. I've known her for many years, Leo, and she often takes me advice. I know. She has a very highest opinion of you, Pratt, said the innocent Leo. Whereat Pratt chuckled.

I'll tell you what, he said. I'll speak to Mrs. Gabriel about your debts at the same time. No, don't do that, cried Leo in alarm. You will only weaken my position with her. I want to settle these states without her knowledge. I can raise the money as I told you. Later on, when she comes round, I can get her to give me the sum and settle. She will surely do that when she hears that I have enlisted. I dare say, in fact, I am sure she will, said Pratt with a square smile. Who is going to lend you the money meantime?

I can't tell you that, Mr. Pratt, said Leo with dignity. You might tell to a worse person, said Pratt, rather offended. However, keep your secret, I'll do what I can. Don't be offended, Pratt. Indeed, as soon as possible, I'll tell you. There, there, don't make a fuss over it, he said testily. I know you're not such a fool as people think you are. And tell you the truth, Leo, if you can pay these debts independently of Mrs. Gabriel,

I fancy she will think all the more of you. I don't offer to help you myself, because if she asked me, I want to be able to say no for reasons which I will explain later. but I tell you what, Leo, if, when you get these matters settled and enlist, Mrs. Gabriel won't come round, I'll give you the money myself to repay the loan and fit you out for South Africa.

You are indeed a friend, cried Leo with emotion, and the two men shook hands. They understood each other very well. But all this time, Leo was pining to get a sight of Sybil. It is true that he sometimes saw her in the distance, but she was always with her father, and he could not come near.

However, it came about that Sibyl induced Pearl to take a note to Leo. She explained in it that her father had taken a dislike to the marriage and that the wally chance of things being arranged lay in Leo going away for a time. Several notes passed between the lovers and then they kindly messenger fell ill, but not before it was understood that Sibyl was to leave a note or so in a certain crack in the chapel wall which they could use as a post office. And out of that satifuge all the subsequent trouble arose. Pearl was really ill

She was in the habit of wandering about at night And as the wet weather was coming She had been caught on the moor in a thunderstorm Now she was laid up with a severe cold Braston was particularly anxious about her Leo met him one day And the curate was red with indignation It seemed he had good cause for it

Did you ever hear of anything so wicked haveillay? He asked What is the matter now Why that poor mad child She is very ill as you know, but is getting on all right. Dr. James says she is well on the way to recovery. Now, Mrs. Giel took into her head that the girl was dying

and has been frightening her with stories of eternal torment. You know, Pearl has always believed that she would go to heaven and be at the supper with Master as she calls her Lord. She never had any doubt. Now, these gruesome stories of Mrs. Gilles have made a doubt if she will be saved. In fact, she believes now that unless the Master gives her some substance, she will be lost. How cruel of Mrs. Cheel, said Leo angrily.

Oh, I believe she did it for the best. She is fond of pearl and kind to her. But you know, she came from the north, and she holds to that gloomy Calvinistic religion that has terrified so many people. I gave her a good talking to her, and she has consented to leave Pearl alone. All the same, she still holds that the child is a lost soul.

I've been trying to pass away the poor creature. She's haunted by terrible fears. sure the cup suggested leo she has such a belief in it as the holy grail that it may soothe her a good idea i said the curate i will ask mr tempest about it but i cannot take it to her till monday to-morrow i preach in the evening i hear you going up to town on monday morning early when you next hear of me raston i may have enlisted and a good thing too said braston but that i am a clergyman i should have been a soldier good day come to church to-morrow and to church leo went to see sibyl in a pew he also went to the evening service on monday he departed for london but no one heeded his going the village was excited by rumour that the cup had been stolen on hearing the report mr temple went to the church. It was true. The cup was gone. The end of chapter 6. Chapter 7. The Pagan's Cup by Fergus Hume. This Libre walks recording is in the public domain. Read by Yoganan. The Pagans Cup, Chapter 7, A Nine Days Wonder. Ill news spreads like circles and water

when a stone is thrown in. Barker, the old six, a white-haired, grabbed a sinner, who was the first to discover the loss. He had gone to chapel at 7 in the morning to make ready the church for early celebration, and on going to the altar he had noticed that the cup was missing. Nothing else had been touched. At once the old man had trotted off to see the vicar, and in a quavering voice related what had taken place, finishing with the hope that he would not be blamed for the loss.

You locked the chapel up last night? asked Mr. Tempess solely distressed, for indeed this was sacrilege and not a common robbery. Indeed I did, replied Barker sturdily, and I took the key home with me. My wife saw me place it on his snail just inside the door. Was the church toll locked? Fast lock, sir, and all the windows fastened. I went round the chapel to see if I could find any sign. When did you leave the church last night, Barker? At nine o'clock, after I made everything right for the night. It was after evening service, if you mind Mr. Tempest. Then I went home and put the key in its place.

My Joan and I went then to a neighbour for a bit of supper. We got home again about eleven. And the keys were still on its nail? Well, sir, said Barker, scratching his white locks. I didn't look, but it was there this morning. So it could not have been taken away. Besides, my Joan locked the door of a cottage. No one could have gotten.

The cup was in the house. altar when you left the church last night on the altar where it ought to be but this morning it is nowhere to be seen i hope you don't think it is my fault sir no replied mr tempest i cannot see that you ought to blame but this is a very serious matter barker i did not know that there was anyone in colister who would have committed such a crime it is terrible sighed the sexton and what that poor lass pearl will say i don't know she must not hear of it said raston who entered at the moment. She thinks so much of the cup that in a present state of health its loss may do a much harm. Is she very ill, Raston? Yes, sir, much worse than she was last night.

But Mrs. Jill is giving her all attention, and I have sent Dr. James. But about this loss, sir? We had better go to the chapel, Raston, and see with her own eyes. Followed with Barker, still protesting that it was not his fault, the Vicar and the curate went up to the church. It was surrounded with a crowd of people, for the news had spread quickly.

Some looked in at the door, but no one had ventured to enter, as each one was afraid, if he did, an accusation might be levelled against him. Mr. Tempels told Harris the local policeman to keep back the crowd and enter the chapel, followed by his curate. All was as Barker had said. There was the altar covered with its white cloth and the withered flowers still in the vases. The gilded crucifix was also there, but not a sign of the cover. it had vanished entirely tempest sighed a terrible thing for the man who stole it he muttered this is no common robbery raston let us examine the church

the two went round it carefully but could find nothing for a long time likely to enlighten them as to the cause of the robbery then in the leper's window a small opening at the side of the chancel raston discovered that some of the stones had been chipped i believe that church was entered through the this window, said Raston, but the vicar was inclined to doubt. The window was so small that no grown man could have got through, he said. They went outside, and certainly against the wall and immediately under the window were marks and scratches of boots as though someone might have climbed the wall. Also, the sights of the window were broken, as though a way had been found through. The leper's window was so small that no care had been taken to put in glass or iron bars. besides no one had ever expected that the chapel would be robbed in all its centuries of history nothing up till now had ever been taken from it and now the most precious thing of all had vanished

and during my occupation of the vicarage said mr tempest it's really terrible however in spite of the loss he held the service as usual and as a great number of people attracted by the news of the robbery had come the chapel was quite full service was very full service was were Tempest written to the vicarage and found Mr. Pratt waiting to see him. "'This is a nice thing,' said Pratt, looking annoyed, as well he might, seeing that his magnificent gift had disappeared. "'I did not know that you had thieves in the parish, Mr. Tempest?' "'Neither did I, groaned the vicar sitting down. "'Fitherto we have been singularly exempt from crime, "'and now one of the very worst sort has befallen us.

"'Not a mere robbery, Mr. Pratt. "'Saculich, sir, sacrilege. the american turned rather white as tempest spoke he had not regarded the robbery he say as a common one the idea that it was sacriage placed it in a new light yet mr pratt was sharp enough to have kissed this before the wonder was that he had not done sir what are you going to do he asked after a pause raston sent for the police at portfront i expect the inspector will come over this afternoon pratt shrugged his shoulders I don't think much of the police, he said. The Metropolitan Detectives is stupid enough. But the provincial police? Oh, Lord.

I beg your pardon, Mr. Tempest? I forgot myself. No matter, no matter, said Tempest, verily. I can think of nothing save a great loss. And your gift, too, Mr. Pratt? Terrible. Well, said the American cheerfully, if this cup can't be found, I guess I must find you another one.

The cup shall be found, cried the vicar. The culprit must belong to this parish, else he would not have known the leper's window in the chapel. We shall find the guilty person yet, Mr. Pratt? I hope so, said Pratt, with another shrug. But he seems to have got away very cleverly. I shall see you this afternoon when you interview the inspector, Mr. Tempest. I should like to have a hand in the discovery. Certainly, certainly.

Who but you, the giver of the cup, should wish to come? Come here this afternoon, Mr. Pratt. As Pratt left the vicarage, he met Sibyl who looked sad. Don't take on so much tempest, he said. We'll find the cup yet. I was not thinking so much of that, explained Sible. But this morning, my poor dear Leo went away. When is he coming back?

Towards the end of next week. I wonder who can have taken the cup. Pratt sneered, an unusual thing was so good-natured a man. No doubt the portrait. police will tell us, he said. But I haven't much opinion of law offices, my son, Miss Sibyl. I once lost a lot of gems in London,

and the thief was never found. Are you fond of gems? Come to my house, and I'll show you more collection. I have several thousand pounds worth. Is it not dangerous to keep them in your house after this robbery? Pratt laughed. I don't think a thief would steal them so easily as a cup. He laughed.

I have a good dog and a capital revolver. No, Miss Sibyl, I can look at it. after my property well, I assure you. When he went away, Sybil sighed and sought her room. The departure of Leo had left her very sad. She did not know what would become of him. He would pay his debts and then enlist for South Africa. In that case, she would not see him again for months. Perhaps never, for it might be that some bullet would lay him low on the welt. However, for the sake of her father, she strove to assume a light-hearted, Deminau. The vicar felt the loss of the cup keenly. And although Sybil thought he had treated her

hardly in a love affair, she laid all thoughts of self aside so as to comfort him in his trouble. As for Pratt, he walked back to his own house. At the front of the Castle Hill, he met Mrs. Gabriel, who seemed to be in a great state of indignation. As usual, her anger was directed against Leo. He came to me last night and said that he was going up to London to pay his debts. This morning, he went off at seven without taking leave. Now, Mr. Pratt, you have been giving him the money to pay his debts? Indeed, I have not, Mrs. Gabriel, said Pratt, quite prepared for this question. I have not given him a sixpence.

Then where did he get so large a sum? asked the lady anxiously. I don't know. He told me that someone had lent it to him. A likely story. As if anyone here would trust him with money without a guarantee? Mr. Pratt. Here, Mrs. Gabriel, stopped.

and her face went white. A thought had struck her, and she was about to speak, but she said herself in time and stared at her companion. "'What is the matter?' said Pratt anxiously. He thought she would faint, a weakness he had never hitherto associated with Mrs. Gabriel. "'Nothing,' she replied in a strangled voice. "'But Leo, I must see Frank,' and without another word, she hurried away.

Brad stared after her as he could not conjecture what she made. meant. Then he shrugged his shoulders and went back to the nun's house. That same afternoon, he called again at the vicarage, and there found Mr. Tempest in consultation with a grey-haired man whom he introduced his inspector German. The police officer, who had a shrewd face with keen eyes, nodded in a friendly manner. I understand you gave this cup to the chapel of Mr. Pratt, he said. Pity it is lost. A great pity, replied Pratt, who was making a thorough examination of the man, and not

seemed much more at ease than when he had entered i hope the thief has gone away however i have in my house several thousand pounds worth of chimps and i don't want him to come after them how do you know it was a man asked chairman quietly i don't know responded the american with a stare and a laugh i only speak as others too for my part i believe that there were two people concerned in the robbery a man and a boy certainly a boy replied temper looking up. No one but a small boy could have forced himself through that window. Then you don't think, Mr. Tempest, that a woman can have had anything to do with the matter? Tempest stared. The idea seemed ridiculous. I do not think a woman would commit so wicked an act, he said stiffly. Oh, as to that, interposed Pratt. Women are as wicked as men and worse when the fit takes them. But I see what Mr. Inspector means. He has heard of Pearl Derry's devotion to

the cup. It was not pearl, cried Mr. Tempest indignantly. I'm sure of that. Why, the poor child regarded that cup as something too holy to be touched, as it was, added the vicar reverently. Well, said German, after a pause, I've been talking to your villages about her. It seems she was always haunting the chapel and looking at the cup. She might have been seized with a desire to have it for her very own. She is insane, I believe, and insane people have very mad ideas. also she small and could easily have forced herself through the leper's window of which she would know the position pratt looked with contempt as the officer he was even more stupid than he had given him credit for you can rest easily mr inspector he said it was not pearl who stole me cup she has been ill in bed for the last few days and unable to move as mrs gillen dr james will tell you i must make certain of that myself said the inspector "'Will you come with me, Mr. Pratt?'

"'Not I,' replied the American. "'I think you are going on a wild-goose chase. "'The best thing for you to do, Mr. Inspector, "'is to see if any vagabones have been in the village lately.' "'I have already done so,' replied German coolly. "'And the villagers assure me that no strangers "'has been seen hereabouts for some days. "'However, I am willing to give this girl the benefit of doubt.

"'But I must see her.' "'As Pratt still refused to come, "'and Tempest was unwilling to call at the cottage Mrs. Giel on such an errand, the inspector went himself. He found no difficulty in entering as Raston was at the door. All the same, the curate was indignant on hearing the accusation. He took German into the sitting-room, but refused, and in this he was backed up by the doctor to let the inspector enter the bedroom of the sick girl. Not that German decided to do so after an interview with Mrs. Giel. She was most indignant at the slur cast upon the character

of the girl. She called her adopted daughter. There was a scene, and Mrs. Cheel proved herself to be more than equal to the official from Portfront. I have never heard anything so wicked in my life, cried Mrs. Cheal. The poor child may be mad, but not mad enough to take what is not our own. I wonder at you, sir, that you should come here on such an errand. My duty is clearly before me, replied the inspector stiffly. Is the girl really and truly ill? You can take my word for that, Mr. German, said Raston.

Or, if you do not believe me, here is Dr. James. ill repeated the doctor when the question was put to him she had a bad attack of inflammation of the lungs and she is worse this morning than i have ever seen her i do not wish i disturbed mr inspector she could not have gone out last night to the chapel doctor not without the risk of being dead this morning replied james dryly besides pearl daddy is not a thief no sir whosovo stole that cup is not my patient and i would have you know cried mrs jeal with arms akimbo that i sat beside her the most of last night and not one step did she stir off the bed ah well said german who could not go against this evidence it is very plain that i am in the wrong unless there is no unless about it sir cried mrs jeal pearl was an order of his house in her excitement she was falling into the scotch speech of her childhood i wonder at you i do that boots away with you baffled in this quarter the inspector took his way into the village first he examined the chapel then he started out to make inquiries for quite three days he exasperated everyone in the village with his questions and suspicions but for all his worry he was unable to get at the truth no tramps had been to the village old barker proved his innocence with the assistance of a wrathful wife and there was not a single person to whom the well-meaning but blundering inspector could point as likely to have stolen the cup.

Finally, he was obliged to state that he could do nothing and withdrew himself and his underlings from colister, much to the relief of the villagers, whom he had grievously offended by his unjust suspicions. The cup had vanished as though it had been swallowed up by the earth, and no one was able to say who had taken it. A grievous loss sighed Mr. Tempest when he became resigned. but I sorrow not so much for the theft of the cup as for the awful sacrilege of which the thief has been guilty.

And he took occasion to refer to the terrible deed in a wrathful sermon. The villagers shook in their shoes when they heard of the ills likely to befall the thief. But not one was able to say who was guilty. For a whole week things went on much as usual and the excitement died away. Leo was still in London and through Pratt, Sibble, had heard from him. He had seen his creditors and had settled all his debts. He was now thinking about endless thing. Before he could do so, however, Sibyl sent a message recalling him to Callister to defend his good name. It so happened that Barker held his tongue for some time,

but when the first effects of the fright lest he might be accused to pass away, he began to talk. The old man was giving to babbling in his cups. Thus, it came about that he mentioned that he believed Mr. Havillay had taken the cup. it seemed that barker had seen leo near the chapel as he was leaving it about half-past night mr havely said the old man had seemed to shun recognition and had hurried past him not thinking anything of the matter barker had left him near the chapel door now however he hinted that leo might have had some reason to be there at so untoward an hour also he had gone away the next morning early it was well known in colester that the young man was in debt and that his mother had refused to pay his debts what then was more likely people argued than that leo should have stolen the cup should have taken it up to london before the loss was discovered and should have sold it to pay his debts in a few hours this sorry tale was all over the place and so came to sybil seyards it was a father who heard it and a father who told her but surely you do not believe it cried the girl when the accusation was made you have known leo all these years whatever you might have against ten him, father, you know that he would never commit so wicked an act.

I say nothing until I hear what he has to say, replied the vicar, who, for some reason, seemed to be biased against Leo. But you must admit that it was strange he should be near the chapel at so late an hour, and we know that he is deeply in debt. Mrs. Gabriel told me herself that he owed three hundred pounds. In a moment of madness, I won't hear a word against Leo, interrupted Sibyl, pale but resolute. Not if an angel came down to accuse him, would I believe him guilty? How could he have got the key? And if he did not get the key, how could he have forced himself through that small window?

I say nothing until I hear his defence, said the vicar obstinately. But the whole affair is highly suspicious. I never knew you to be unjust before father, cried Sibyl. Mrs. Gabriel has infected you with a dislike of Leo. I shall say nothing myself, although I could say more than you think. but I shall send at once to Leo and he shall come back to rebut this wicked accusation Without listening to another word

Sybil ran off to see Pratt who was equally indignant It is disgraceful, he said furiously Leo never would do such a thing Never be comforted my dear I'll ride over to Portfront this very day And send a wire to him And this he did without delay

More than that He defended Leo heartily when he returned So did Raston Hale kept silent, but the majority of the villagers were against the young man. Leo returned in disgrace. The end of Chapter 7. Chapter 8 of the Pagans' Cup by Fergus Hume. This Libby Walk's recording is in the public domain.

Read by Yoganam. Chapter 8, Havillay's Difference Thanks to the care of Dr. James and the nursing of Mrs. Cheal, the sick girl took a turn for the better. In a remarkably short space of time, she began to improve, and when Leo arrived back in colister, she was on a fair way of recovery. Although the doctor did not like Mrs. Cheel, he could not but admit that no mother could have been kinder than the midwife. She waited hand and foot day and night on Pearl and refused to let anyone take a place even when she was worn out with water. The middle of her trouble she was called away to London. One day shortly after the theft of the cup she received a telegram from town, informing

her that her father was seriously ill and that she was to come up at once if she wanted to see him alive. Now if there was one strong feeling Mrs. Gilles possessed, it was love for her father, of whom she often spoke. Much as she liked Pearl, she was not prepared to stay beside her in the face of such a summons. The old man might die if she delayed. I can get John Barker in to Nurse Pearl, she said to the doctor, and go at once to London. I may be away a week or two, said James, running his eye over the telegram.

I suppose you must go. The matter seems urgent. Mrs. Parker is not so good a nurse as you, though. But Pearl is much better, doctor, said Mrs. Geel anxiously. Yes, I'll pull her through. Well, pack it. traps Mrs. Jill, myself from Mr. Raston, will attend to Pearl with the assistance of Mrs. Parker. You must leave me some address, though in case anything goes wrong during your absence. Not that I think anything well. Pearl is mending rapidly. Mrs. Giel gave an address in a humble Battersea Street, and in a few hours was ready for the road. She took a tender leave of Pearl to whom she appeared to be sincerely attached, and that same morning left a portrait by a carrier wagon.

When she departed the village, she was filled with the anxiety regarding the loss of the cup. As has been said before, no railway had yet opened up the solitudes of Colester and King's Meadows. But those who wished to get quickly to London took the steamer from portfront, and in a few hours came to Worthing at which place a train was easily procurable. Mrs. Giel took this road, and having started early, she arrived in town that same night. She sent a wire telling of her arrival to Dr. James. he showed it to Sir Frank Hale. Quick work, said James,

yet we are far enough away from the world here. That's true, replied the baronet. So Mrs. Gile has gone to town. I saw her at Portmouth when I was there yesterday morning. It's not often she goes to town. I suppose she does not wish to lose the money. The money, Hale? What do you mean?

Why, it seems from what Mrs. Giel told me that her father is not badly off, and if he dies, she will come into a tidy, bit of money. There are other relatives there, and she was afraid, lest they should get the old man to leave the fortune to them? Fortune, said James with a smile. A large word for a small legacy. I don't know so much about that, he was born of the crippled, snappishly. From what the woman told me, her father is well off. He was a porter or something in a stockbroker's office and dabbled and mines himself. He seems he was lucky in his speculations and made money.

By the way, James, has Havillet turned up yet? No, but I heard that Mr. Pratt had sent a telegram to him. I expect he will wonder what is the matter that Pratt should ask him to come back. Not he, crawled Hale. He knows well enough. Why, Hale, you don't believe he stole the cup? The cripple remained silent for a time. It is a difficult thing for me to say, he finally remarked.

You know, James, that my sister is deeply in love with the man? I don't like him myself. I never did. But if he would marry my sister, I should not decline the alliance. I put her happiness before my own feelings. Well, under the circumstances, I really am not prepared to give an opinion. I know that Leo wasn't dead, and it is common talk that Mrs. Gabriel refused to pay his debts. Yet, she informed me that he went up to London to settle them. Now, he must have got money from somewhere, and who would trust him? It looks black against him, I confess, replied James, shaking his head. still i cannot believe that havelig would sink to being a common thief you will see when he returns that he will be able to explain if he ever does return growled hale doubtfully he will why miss tempest believes in him and he must come back if only to justify a faith i believe those two are in love with on another hale well they will make a handsome couple you will have to get back his good name first retorted hale jealously and as to there being anything between them i don't believe it

good day james don't go spreading cock and bull stories as the baronet walked off the doctor looked after him with a smile of content he knew that hale was madly in love with the vicar's daughter and that he regarded leo as a too successful right will. You'll be delighted if the poor chap comes to harm, muttered James. You are a viper. But I'm sure Havelay will clear himself. A girl like Sybil Tempest is not likely to be deceived in the character of a man she loves. I would rather believe her then use of Frank Hale. And James, where no great love for the spiteful little cripple, walked away to see Pearl. By this time, the opinion was that Leo would not return. It was positive, said the gossips, that he had stolen the cup in order to procure money for the payment of his debts. The most likely thing was that he would clear out of the country.

What fools these people are, said Pratt, who heard this. If the man intended to leave the country, he certainly would not pay his debts, only a heaven-born ass would do that. He would have taken the money himself and leave his creditors unpaid. But the gossips did not see matters in that light. They were bent upon thinking the worst of Leo. all this time Mrs. Gabriel said nothing but remained shut up in the castle. She knew well enough what was being said about Leo and could not bear to face anyone

the more particularly as she did not know how to defend him. She denied herself to everyone even to Pratt, although he called several times to interview her on behalf of her nephew. The young man had a strong defender in Pratt. He went about everywhere insisting on Havelace innocence. In his opinion, he was supported by civil. by the curate and strange to say by Mrs. Bathurst. The whole thing is absolute nonsense, said Mrs. Pothurst.

Why should Mr. Havilley be such a fool? Mrs. Gabriel would have paid his debts in the long run. And then, if he did not wish to pay them himself, he would have enlisted and slipped away to Africa without anyone being the wiser. Then there is another thing. He would not commit a crime for such a purpose. If he was in difficulties before, he would not make himself words by putting himself within breach of the law.

all of it was common sense although leo's enemies were too much bent on thinking the worst of him to accept such a reasonable view it was while matters were in this state that leo havelay returned he drove up to the castle one night without informing any one of his coming mrs gabriel was amazed when he presented himself before her he looked bright and cheerful not at all like a man who had been accused of a soared crime but it must be remembered that leo knew nothing of his new reputation all he knew was it, Brad, at the instance of Sybil, had recalled him to colista. He thought that this telegram had to do with some new difficulty with regard to his love affairs. Good evening, Mother, he said as a march into the room where Mrs. Gabriel was sitting. I have returned, you see. And are you not ashamed? cried Mrs. Gabriel, rising with a wrathful expression. I thought some feeling of decency would have kept you away. Oh, come now, Mother, returned Leo, trying to keep his temper. I'm not so bad as all that.

If I have been foolish and extravagant, surely you can forgive. Besides, my debts are paid. I'm a free man. You won't be a free man long, said Mrs. Gabriel, grimly. I am willing to do what I can for you badly as you have treated me. But I cannot condone a felony that is out of the question. Leo stared and sat down. You use very extraordinary words, he said at length.

I never heard that a man wasn't dead could be. called a felon. Come, mother, he went on, trying to be amiable, a difficult task with a woman like this. Don't use big words for a trifle. I intended to enlist, but I thought I would come down first to see you and talk the matter over. You have been kind to me, and I do not want a part in anger. Let us arrange matters in a kindly spirit. Mrs. Gabriel looked at him, aghast at his boldness. How dare you speak to me like this, she cried. Are you not aware that everyone in Collister is talking of your crime? Crime? Leo started to his feet.

What crime? He looked bewildered. As if you didn't know, I wonder you have the impertinence to come back here. How much did you sell the cup for? Leo still looked puzzled. Cup? He echoed. What cup? Mrs. Gabriel grasped him by the shoulders and shook him, her eyes blazing with anger.

You are absolutely shameless, she cried. I mean the cup which Mr. Pratt presented to the chapel, and you know too. It has been stolen, and you are the thief. Havelace stared at her for a moment, and then burst out laughing. Is this a joke, mother? He said at length. If so, it's a very poor one. It's not a joke, retarded Mrs. Gabriel, still angry. The cup was missing on the very morning you went up to London. You stole it, Leo, and took it away to pay your debts. I never, nor did I, cried in heaven. lay, now beginning to lose his temper.

Who dares to say such a thing about me? The whole village says it, and everyone believes it. Does Sybil? I don't know, nor do I care. And so far as she is concerned, you need not think to marry her. Mr. Tempest will never let his daughter become the wife of her. Stop!

cried Leo, before she could utter the shameful word. How dare you call me by a false name? I know perfectly well you hate me. But you have no right to believe that I did this thing. i know that sybil believes me guiltless she should never credit the man she loves with such a contemptible crime and pratt believes in me also he sent me a telegram asking me to come back i thought it had to do with some trouble you had made over my engagement to sybil i never expected this how dare you accuse me of such a crime the whole village accuses you said mrs gabriel passionately you have paid your debts i know you have where did you get the money not from me not from pratt for i asked him and barker saw you lurking about the chapel on sunday night at a late hour what were you doing there if it was not to steal oh shame upon you leo how can you stand there and deny your guilt because i am not guilty cried leo furiously i tell you i did not steal the cup i did not even know that it was lost i was near the chapel on the night and at that hour i can explain why i was there explain then said mrs gabriel with a stamp not to you and not until i have thought over my position everyone seems to have judged me guilty without giving me an opportunity of defending

myself. You cannot, muttered Mrs. Gabriel, you dare not. The scorn of a speech carried Leo beyond all bonds of prudence. He had not intended to defend himself until he had consulted with Pratt. His situation was so unpleasant and dangerous that he wanted an older and wise ahead than his own to deal with the matter. But Mrs. Gabriel's taunt made him forget his resolution. I dare and I can, he burst out. I went to the chapel to meet Sybil. A father would not let us one another. So we had to do so by stealth. I was going away on Monday morning and she wished for a meeting as I did myself. In a pew, she left north and she let me know by signs during the service that she had done so. I looked in the Vakas' pew after the service was over and found

that she had asked me to meet her at the door of the chapel shortly after nine. I was there, I saw old Barker going away. I think he saw me, but as I did not wish to attract attention, I kept out of his way as much as possible. Sybil came about half-past nine, perhaps later, and we had a talk. Then I took her back to the carriage and returned here to sleep. I was on my way to Portfront by seven in the morning. That's all I know. A likely story, sneered Mrs. Gabriel.

I do not believe one word of it. Leo looked at her with great dignity. If you do not choose to believe me, I cannot make you, he said. But from this moment, all is at an end between us. knows why you hate me sir i've done nothing to deserve it what i have told you is the truth sybil can watch for it i have some hesitation asking her to do so as she will have to say that she was alone with me at that later and you know well what the gossips will say still if i am in danger of her rest she will come forward although i would rather suffer myself than that she should be lightly spoken of i shall see her and a father for some reason best known to you mrs gabriel Mr. Tempest has taken a dislike to me. But he's a just man, and I'm sure he does not believe me guilty.

You'd better see him and ask, said Mrs. Gabriel, tartly. I say again that I don't believe your explanation. Where did you get the money to pay your debts if it was not from selling the cup? I borrowed it, retorted Leo, after a pause. I did not intend to tell you, but it seems I must in order to clear my character. You would not help me, and Pratt was not ready to do so. I dare say if I had pressed him, he would have helped me, but I did not think it right he should pay for my folly. I borrowed the money, if you must know, from Frank Hale.

Mrs. Gabriel, who had seated herself, looked at the young man indignantly. Why will you tell these lies? She said, trying to speak calmly. I had an idea that Hale might have assisted you, and I went to see him. He absolutely denies that he lent you a penny. leo looked bewilder he denies the debt said he why he asked my acknowledgment he gave me the three hundred pounds in gold on sunday morning i packed it in a gladstone bag and took it to london with me there i paid it into my bank and gave my creditors checks for in gold burst out mrs gabriel contentlessly is it likely that in these days a man would pay such a large sum otherwise than by cheque why if you said notes it would be more than by cheque why if you said notes it would be more than more than reasonable, but cold.

I tell you it did, said Ler, now thoroughly angry. I wondered myself at the time, and I mentioned to Sibyl how inconvenient it was. I asked Hale for notes, for a check. He refused both, and said I must take the money as he chose to give it, or not at all. He gave it to me in three bags, each containing hundred sovereigns. I paid that into my London bank. Oh, I dare say you did, sneered Mrs. Gabriel.

but you should have got a better price for the cup you still believe me guilty cried leo recoiling i do hale denies that he paid you the money i shall see him about it to-morrow said leo he will not dare to deny what is the truth and i leave the castle this very night mrs gabriel i shall never call you mother again you are cruel and wicked tell me why you hate me so mrs gabriel's eyes flashed if i told you that she began then closed him out and turned away. Then you do hate me? Yes, with all my soul, so he turned on in like a fury. I've hated you from the moment you came into my house. All these years I've been on the point of turning you out. Go now, and never darken my doors again. I was a fool to have anything to do with you. Go, go. For a moment, Leo stood bivaldered at the furious speech. He thought she was mad, for he could not conceive why she should speak so. It was useless to talk all. to remonstrate or to seek an explanation.

He looked at her for a moment, then, without a word, he walked away. In another quarter of an hour, he had left the castle, bag and baggage. Thank God, cried Mrs. Gabriel, when alone. I am rid of him at last. The end of chapter eight. Chapter 9 of the Pagans' Cup

by Fergus Hume. This Libby Walk's recording is in the public domain. Read by Yoganan. The Pagans Cup Chapter 9 A Bad Reputation Pratt sat alone in his library He was not reading

But although he had many books He rarely looked into one of them He collected bad editions He indulged in gorgeous bindings And placed all his gatherings on shelves Behind glassedotes It was a look of the thing Pratt liked If his collection had been so many volumes of blank pages

He would have been just as well pleased As the evening was cold There was a fire in the steel grate The room looked comfortable And luxurious It was decorated and dark red With bookcases of rosewood And many bursts of celebrated men

On the desk stood a reading lamp And this was the only light in the room Before the desk sat Pratt He was playing with a small pile of precious stones Which he had shaken out of a leather and belt The jewels gleamed at the light With the rainbow hues

And Pratt fingered them with loving care, recalling where each one had been bought and found. He was crazy about his gems, but never showed them to anyone. Moreover, in addition to his liking for such things, it was a portable way of carrying about his wealth. The dough opened softly and a servant enter. Pratt did not turn his head, for he knew the footsteps. But when he heard that Leo wished to see him, he poured the jewels back into the belt,

flung it into a drawer, and told Adam, that was a man's name, to admit Mr. Havelay. Adam was a tall, soldierly-looking man of the fair Saxon type. He had been with Mr. Pratt for years, knew all his secrets, and was absolutely devoted to him. As well as he might be, for Pratt had once saved his life.

Adam never forgot the obligation, and was Pratt's devoted slave. Hello, Leo, said Pratt, rising when the young man entered the room. Where did you come from? From London, if you want to be precise, said Leo, after shaking hands. my bag is in the whole pratt what have you not been to the castle i have been there and i have come away in fact pratt she has turned me out at last i always knew that it would come to this

as leo sat down pratt frowned when he frowned he did not look pleased ah he said calmly so she had turned you out on account of this theft i suppose yes it is the first i have ever heard of it said leo looking at Your wife said nothing about such an accusation. I don't suppose you could have very well mentioned it in a telegram. However, Mrs. Gabriel insisted that I had stolen the cup and sold it in London in order to pay me debts. We had a few words on the subject and parted. I'm now here to ask you for a bed. My dear fellow, you shall stay here as long as you please.

Let me ring for Adam to bring you some supper. And Pratt touched the bell. A few sandwiches and a glass of port will be sufficient, said Leo. I'm not in the humor to eat. By the way, as Adam entered, I see he has got back? Who? Adam? Yes.

Where did you meet him? At portfront, said Leo, with a nod to Adam, who smiled. He told me I'd been up to London on your business. I gave him a lift part of the way. Didn't I, Adam? I shouldn't have got home otherwise, sir, said Adam respectfully,

and departed to get food for his benefactor. Brad seemed pleased that his servant was so friendly with Leo. He had a great opinion of Adam's intelligence. Also, Adam was a power in the house, but Leo did not know that. Later on, he learned all about it to his great astonishment. Come now, said Brad, when Leo had eaten and had finished a glass or two of port. Tell me about this cup. Did you take it? I certainly did not, said Leo stiffly. I wonder at you are asking me such a question, Pratt. I'm not a thief. His host laughed somewhat nervously. I only wanted to be sure, my dear lad, he said. Don't get angry with your best and only friend. I have another friend,

said Leo, looking up from the cigar he was cutting, and that is Sybil. She does not believe that I'm guilty. Have you seen her then? No, but I do not want to see her in order to know that. She loves me, Mr. Pratt, and would never believe me guilty. No. not though the evidence was twice as strong against me. The evidence is strong, said Pratt, rubbing his chain. You were seen at the chapel, and I have paid my debts, finished Leo. So I have. I can explain how I paid them. Also, my movements on that night, and a fourth-with, related to Pratt,

the story had already told Mrs. Gabriel. The man believed him much more readily than the woman. But then Pratt liked Leo and Mrs. Gabriel, as she had said, shone plainly, hated him with all the intensity of a stern and cruel nature. You say that Hale lent you the money? asked Pratt, as he told you, in gold, and he now denies that he did so? So, Mrs. Gabriel says, but I shall see for myself tomorrow. Pratt reflected, staring into the fire.

It seems to be a conspiracy, he said slowly. I wonder what a skeinness. Leo remembered that Sibyl had also been uncomfortable. when she heard that Hale intended to lend him the money. A thought flashed into his mind as Pratt spoke. I believe that Hale is in love with Sybil, he said. And his sister, Edith, is in love with you. Leo coloured a little at this very direct remark.

I believe she is, said he, with an embarrassed laugh. But I assure you, Pratt, the feeling is not reciprocal. The only woman I have ever loved, whom I shall ever love, is Sybil Tempest. and the codes of a true love does not run smooth. He finished with a sigh. A conspiracy, repeated Pratt, who was not paying much attention to what Leo was saying. Yes, I believe it to be one.

By lending you that money, he'll hope to get you into his power, so as to induce you to give up Sibyl to him and marry Edith. If he ever did have so ridiculous an idea, said Leo angrily, he has thrown away the fruits of it by denying the loan. "'No, the unforeseen has happened, and he simply is making use of the new development,' said Pratt. "'You are accused of having sold this cup to pay your debts. "'If Hale acknowledged that he gave you the money, he would take away the motive

"'and would, in a measure, prove your innocence. "'That is exactly what he will not do, unless—' "'He hesitated. "'Unless I give up Sibyl and marry his sister?' "'Precisely,' replied Pratt. "'However, this is only a theory. "'You had better wait until you see him. Hale before you make up your mind.

I don't mind making your bet, leo, but what Mrs. Gabriel says is true. Do you think Hale will deny the loan? I am certain of it. I've studied human nature a great deal during a not-un-un-full life. And if ever I saw a crafty scoundrel, Hale is the man.

I wish you had told me that he was a friend who was to lend you the money. I would rather have found it for you myself than have let you go to him. I wish I had spoken of. but it's too late now and how did i know the man would be such a scoundrel not that we yet can be certain that he is pratt well if the worst of it is added leo wrinkling his young bros that i cannot now repay the money if he denies the debt you will not need to repay it i shall insist upon doing so when i am able cried leo vehemently but mrs gabriel won't help me i will let you have the three hundred pounds said pratt i don't see why you should pratt as it is you are too kind to me no i will borrow no more this interview with mrs gabriel has fixed my mind as to enlisting i shall see if i can't arrange about the money for hail i have some jewelry and other things i can sell

in some way or another i'll contrive to get out of his debt he won't admit that you are in his debt persisted pratt but it is no use talking all night about these things leo you have a friend in me and as i know you are innocent i have a friend in me and as i know you are innocent i have a friend in my and as i know you are innocent i have a friend in my I'll get you out of this trouble tomorrow. Tomorrow you can see Hale and Miss Sibyl. I will see him first, said Leo grimly, after which speech, ominous of evil, he retired to bed. Won out with his long journey and by the anxiety attendant on his new position, which was that of an absolute pauper, he soon fell into a dreamless sleep.

Pratt remained in the library and for a long time sat watching the dying fire. He also saw trouble ahead, but it had to do more with himself than. with his guest. Since the illness of Pearl, Sybil had attended to the decorating of the altar. Sometimes she had the assistance of Peggy Bathurst. But Mrs. Bathurst, still fearful, lest Peggy might become engaged with the curate, would not let her come as often to the chapel as Sybil wished. So Miss Tempest usually decked the altar alone. The morning after Leo's arrival, she was in the chapel at midday with her arms full of flowers, taking these and the altar vessels into her

quiet corner, she began to arrange the blossoms. While thus engaged, she heard a step. At once, she sprang to her feet with a love light in her eyes. She had no need to see the newcomer. Her heart told her it was Leo. My dear, she took him under arms. How glad I am to see you again. Oh, Leo, I have so many sad things to tell you.

I know all my love, said the young man, kissing her. i arrived last night and saw mrs gabriel she did not spare me your mother she's no more mother of mine sybil she told me she hated me call me a thief and turned me out of the castle i shall never enter it again never last night i slept at pratt's he was a good samaritan that took me in this morning i went to see hale sybil clapped her hands oh then it is all right she cried joyfully i could have told my father that you had got the money from him, but I thought it better you should do so yourself. I can't do that without Hale calling me a liar. Leo, what do you mean? That in the eyes of the people here, I am both a liar and a thief. Hale, whom I saw this morning, denies having given me the money.

Has he spread that all about the town? Asked Sibyl scarcely able to believe our ears. No, he is too clever for that. now I know, Sibyl, why you give me the money in gold, so that he might be able to deny the debt the vocation arose as it has done. Had he given me a check, his signature would have given him the lie. But what does he mean by denying that he lent you the money? Well, I'll give you Pratt's theory, I believe it's the true one,

and the young man rapidly repeated the conversation he had had with the American in the previous evening. So you see, you are right, Sible. I knew it, said Sibyl, in low tones. Do you remember how I told you on the day of Mrs. Bathurst's picnic? What is to be done now? There's nothing to be done save to fight, sadly or fiercely. And fight, I shall.

I had intended to enlist, but I shall not do that until I have cleared my name. To leave here now would be to give colour to the lies that are being told about me. I shall stay with Pratt. He is my friend, and you, Sybil, also. we three will fight it out mr raston is also your friend leo he says he does not believe for a moment that you did what you are accused of doing thank god for that how can anyone who knows me believe me guilty of so terrible a crime to rob a church think of it sibyl your father does he believe i did this wild thing he suspends his judgment leo until he has heard your defence alas sybil what defence can i make save state that i am in a I cannot make Hale confess that he lent me the money, and I cannot prove independently of him that he did so. This morning he coolly denied all knowledge of the loan, but said that for my sake he would not speak over the visit I had made or the threats I had used.

Did you use threats, Leo? I'm afraid I did, dear. But is it not enough to make an honest man's blood boil to be placed in such a position? I threatened to give him a thrashing, but when I remembered that he was a cripple, of course I could not. do that. But for all this physical weakness, he is a venomous beast. No, Sibyl, without Hale, I can do nothing. He paused for a moment, and then he went on. I think the best way to do is to wait, he said. If this is a plot on Hale's part, he will continue to carry it out, that is, he will make some proposition to me about giving you up. I don't suppose he will

want me to marry his sister now that I am called a thief. Sibyl placed a hand over his mouth. You must not be so bitter, Leon. I will not have you revile yourself in this way. Don't you think you had better see my father? What good would that do, my dear? I can only tell the story I tell you, and as I have no evidence to prove its truth, he probably will not believe me.

No, Sybil. It is best for me to remain quiet with Pratt and wait until Hale makes some move. Besides, Pratt is a clever man of the world, and can guide me. No doubt everyone will be disagreeable, but I must put up with that. I refused to go away as though the charge against me were true.

You will see me sometimes, Sibyl? Whenever I can, she replied, but it'll not be easy. When my father hears at your back, he will be more particular than ever to keep me from meeting you. Leo mused. I wonder why he has changed so Sible. He used to like me. I think Mrs. Gabriel said something which has turned him against you.

Very probably, replied Leo bitterly, for some reason she hates me. but all is at an end between us i wait here sybil to vindicate my character and afterwards i shall carry out my plan of enlisting or may be years away from you but you will be true i know i swear to be true leo and marry no one but you not even hail whispered leo straining her to his breast sybil laughed if i disliked him before think how i hate him now she said he is acting a mean part but his punch will come now go leo for my father may come at any moment the two lovers embraced and parted leo went away much comforted by the belief sybil had in his innocence he returned to the nun's house and spent the day with pratt talking over the position of affairs it was a disagreeable position and at the present moment he could see no way of mending it hale alone could prove his innocence and hale refused to speak out bitterly did leo regret that he had ever been tempted to believe in this fox the days went by and the position remained much the same as it was by this time the excitement consequent on the loss of the cup had died out leo remained mostly within doors as he did not care about meeting the cold looks of those he had known from childhood mrs gabriel gave no sign but secluded herself within her own groans once or twice brad saw her on leo's behalf but he could do nothing with her however he told leo to keep up his spirits that all would come

right. But how this alteration was to be brought about, he did not say. Pratt knew when to keep his own counsel. Towards the end of the week, Mrs. Gilles returned. The father was much better, she said, and she had come back to look after Pall. The mad girl was now out of bed, but as yet unable to leave the cottage. Someone had conveyed to her the news of the loss, Raston shrewdly suspected John Barker, but strangely to say she was not so upset about it as had been expected. the master has taken his cup to use in heaven she told the curate who often came to sit with her when he thinks fit he will bring it back again to the altar raston was puzzled by the square view but as it prevented the girl from fretting he outwardly agreed with her having settled the matter thus pearl rarely referred to the loss she was quite content to wait until the cup was restored taking a hint from raston mrs cheel never discussed the matter all the same she knew more about the missing cup than the callist of people knew and it was in this way she explained the matter to harold raston

sir she said one day shortly after return i want you to get me speech with his reverence i wish to make a statement to him indeed mrs cheel what is the statement it's about the cup sir but i prefer to speak to the vicar and to mr havelay i hear he is staying with mr Pratt. I believe he is. Some foolish people accuse him of having stolen the cup, Mrs. Giel. I hope you will be able to give us some information likely to lead to its discovery so that Mr. Haveli's character can be cleared. Mrs. Cheel screwed up her mouth and sent out a flash from a vicarice. She absolutely refused to speak, save in the presence of Mr. Tempest and Leo. Therefore, after a consultation with the vicar, Vaston went to see Leo and asked him to come to the vicarage. Leo was surprised at the summons and not very willing to obey it. He resented the way in which he had been treated by Mr. Tempest.

Still, from what was hinted by Mrs. Cheel, he fancied that she might be able to clear his character, so he accompanied Vaston to the place of meeting. Mrs. Chil was already in the study, seated beside the Bacast desk. She was dressed in the best, and looked demure as any cat. Tempest reddened when he saw Leo and held out his head. leo refused to take it no sir he said coldly you have not treated me well i thought you were my friend but i find you believe me to be a thief pardon me replied tempest suddenly going hard i do not say that you took the cup i refuse to believe anything against you until i hear what you have to say in your own difference i make no difference mr tempest rejoined leo sibyl believes me guiltless so is pratt raston also is my friend i can only wait until i have vindicated by time or perhaps mrs gill will prove to you that i did not steal the cup and leo looked at the crafty face of woman

mrs gil uttered not from the vicar rose and folded her hands i can prove that you did steal it mr havelay she said i have said I saw you pawned the cup in London. The end of chapter 9. Chapter 10 of the Pagans' Cup by Fergus Hume. This Libri-Vox recording is in the public domain. Read by Yogan. The Pagans' Cup, Chapter 10. The Prize of Silence

For a few moments, there was a dead silence. Tempest looked gravely shocked. Mrs. Geel, triumphant, and the curate, much disturbed. He had been so certain of Leo's innocence that this precise evidence took his breath away. Leo was thunderstruck and passed his hand across his eyes to make sure that he was not dreaming. You saw me pawn what I never had in my possession, he said quietly. Mrs. Geel shrugged the plumb shoulders. I can say no more than I know, she said. of course i quite expected you would deny my story i have not heard it yet replied the accused man slowly and i shall be glad to hear it at the present moment i declared most solemnly that i never took the cup i did not even know it was stolen until i returned from london

where you had ponded finished mrs cheel the vicar interposed he was struck by leo's calmness which was not that of a guilty person i think you had better tell your story mrs cheel he said then we can hear mr i thank you for giving me a fair trial mr tempest said leo quietly and sat down with his eyes on the face of the woman mrs gill cleared her throat and in a slow voice began to speak she rather enjoyed a position and made the most of it but before speaking of what i know sir she said looking at the vicar might i ask if it is true that you have offered a reward for the recovery of the cup i have not done so myself said tempest gravely but i have not done so myself said tempest gravely but Mr. Pratt, who presented the cup to me, has offered the sum of 50 pounds to whomsoever will give information likely to lead to its recovery. If you know anything, Mrs. Cheel? I'll get the reward, said the woman, a greedy light in a small ice. Yes, sir, I do know of something. I went up to Battersea in London to see my father, who is ill. He's a retired gardener, Your Reverence, and has invested his savings in a seat shop.

My mother is still alive, and she looks after him. They do. fairly well out of the shop, and of course, your reverence, I gave them some assistance, as becomes an only child. This is not to the point, Mrs. Gilles. I am coming to the point shortly, said the woman with a look at Leo, who made no remark. But it is necessary that your reverence should understand how it was that I came to see Mr. Havelay taking the cup to old Penny's pawn shop. Leo could bear it no longer and started to his feet. It's absolutely false, he exclaimed passionately. I did not pawn the cup. I never had it in my possession. I was never in bad to see in my life, and I do not know the name of Penny. Better wait and hear the story, Leo, said Tempest in a

more friendly tone. He was beginning to be impressed by the bearing of the young man. Even in the face of Mrs. Gilles' evidence, he thought Leo might be innocent. After all, the evidence was circumstantial, and that is not always to be relied upon. You shall have every justice, he said, patting Leo's shoulder. "'I know what I know,' said Mrs. Geel, when Leo sat down again. One evening last week I was out late. I had been to get some medicine for my dear father. In Barry Street, there is a pawn shop kept by an old man called Penny. I have known it most of my life.

As I passed, I saw Mr. Havelay ahead of me. He did not stop immediately at this shop. "'You saw me?' cried Leo bewildered. "'How was I dressed?' In a blue-surge suite, with hard, font-coloured hat, said Mrs. Shield clibly. Over your arm, you carried a coat, and under it you had a parcel. It was a cup. You are telling a pack of lice, said Leo angrily.

How did you know the cup was in the parcel? Wait, and you shall hear, said Mrs. Steele tartly. I do not care about being hurried. You passed the shop, I recognised you at once, and wondered what you were doing in so poor a quarter of, of the tongue. Of course I knew that the cup has been stolen, but I never thought that you had it under your arm. You had a silk muffler round your throat, although the evening was warm, and apparently you wished to escape observation. I was determined to find out what you were

doing, so I followed you. You went round the block until it grew darker, then you returned to the shop and entered. I waited on the other side of the road. In half an hour you came out again. You had the great coat on and your hands on your pocket. After looking up and down street to see if anyone was observing you, I saw you walk rapidly to the end. I did not follow, as I was anxious to see why you had been to the pawn shop. Why all this anxiety, Mrs. Steele? asked Tempest, annoyed. Well, sir, of course I knew that Mrs. Gabriel does not approve of Mr. Havelace's behavior. That has nothing to do with the matter, interposed Mr. Tempest, sternly, and Leo gave him a grateful look.

All you have to do is to state facts. Mrs. Cheel dropped an ironical courtesy. Very gutcha, she said. But I must say that I thought Mrs. Gabriel had cut off Mr. Havillay's allowance and that he was pawning some jewelry to keep himself in bread. I had never pawned anything in my life, said Leo, disgusted at the plain spite of the woman. Go on, Mrs. Cheel. You saw this man, Penny, no doubt. I did that, cried the woman triumphantly.

I have known him for many years. I went into the shop and into his back parlour. on the table I saw the cup. Yes, gentlemen, you no doubt are surprised, but it was the very cup I had so often seen on the altar of the chapel. It's wholly false, cried Leo Rising. I never pawned the cup. Someone must have impersonated me.

It was yourself, Mr. Havelay, insisted the woman. I had a talk with old Penny, but of course I said nothing about having seen the cup before. I did not mention that I knew you. Penny told me that he had given you $400 for the cup. It was worth much more, he said, and he was chuckling over the bargain he had made. I left the cup in his possession and returned home. Several times I went to the shop to hear if you had redeemed the cup, but it was still with Penny.

I then had to attend to my father and gave the matter a little thought. But when I returned and heard how you, Mr. Haverley, had stolen the cup, it became my duty to let his reverence know what you had done with it. and i hear added mrs gill with a malignant smile that your debts have been paid who told you so asked raston who hitherto had been silent mrs gabriel i went to tell her what mr haverley had done she said that she expected as much as she had refused to give him the money to pay his debts so that is all i know i am prepared to take my oath in a court of law that this is true there was a pause then tempest observed quite leave. If that is all you have to tell Mrs. Geel, you can go. I will speak to Mr. Havelay. But will I not? You will do nothing, interrupt with the vicar. Go away and hold your tongue, lest you get into trouble. You are going to let him off, I see, said Mrs. Cheel with a toss of her grey head. Well, I have done my share. Good day, gentlemen, and she sallied out of the room,

quite satisfied that she had ruined Leo. When the three were alone, tempest had dressed Leo, who sat silently beside the table. Leo, he said sadly, I do not want you to get into trouble. If you will confess to me that you did what Mrs. Shield says, I will see about getting the cup back and say nothing more about the matter.

I will give you money to leave the town. I tell you I am innocent, cried Leo passionately. Why do you want me to confess a crime of which I am not guilty? I shall not leave Colester. Here I stay until my innocence is acknowledged. But the evidence against you urged the Vicar, sorely perplexed.

You were seen above the chapel on the night, the cup was stolen. Your debts are paid, yet Mrs. Gabriel did not give you the money, and you have none of your own. And now Mrs. Gilles says she saw you upon the sacred Bressel. I admit that the evidence is strong, said Leo, recovering his calmness. All the same? I am guiltless. I was at the chapel on that night. I was to meet Sibyl, since you had forbidden me to meet her. Please leave my daughter's name out of this, said Tempenter.

an angry spot on each cheek. He was annoyed at the mention of the meeting, but in the presence of Raston, he controlled himself out of pride. I can't leave Sibyl's name out of it, said Leo sadly. I would if I could, but she's as anxious as I am that I should recover my good name. I did meet Sibyl and she will tell you

that I left her at the door of the vicarage before ten o'clock. I therefore could not have stolen the cup. I got the money to pay my debts from Frank Hale. Frank Hale? then he will say as much cried the vicar this will go far to prove your innocence leo i don't think hale will help me much said leo collie however we can talk of the matter or you can see hale for yourself mr tempest but i declare most solemnly that hale lent me the money as to pawning the cup i said before and i say again that i did no such thing i did not take the cup i was never in bad to see and i do not know the man mrs cheel calls old penny. If you want to have me arrested, Mr. Tempest, you will find me at Mr. Pratt's.

Far from wishing to run away, I caught an investigation. Leo stammered the vicar restlessly. I do not want to get you into any trouble. If I can help, I am the deepest trouble, returned Leo, and more will not matter. You can have me arrested if you like. I know that Sibyl believes me to be innocent, so does Pratt. I do not care for anyone else's opinion. I think. you are treating me cruelly, Mr. Tempest, and someday you will be sorry that you showed so little charity. I go now, and I shall not see you again until such time as you give evidence against me in court. And with this last bitter speech, Leo walked out of the room with his head in air.

The two clergymen looked at one another. They did not know very well what to say. Tempest sat down with his sigh. I do not know what to think. I do, said Raston sharply. Notwithstanding the woman's story, I shall believe that Havelay is guiltless. Circumstances have so culminated that he appears to be in the wrong. There is some mystery about the whole of this affair, and it seems to me that Havelay has some enemy. That may be sure, admitted Tempest struck by this remark. But what is to be done? I can't have Leo arrested. Even if he were guilty, which I am now inclined to doubt, I cannot ruin his life. What we need, replied the curate, is some clever man who will get to the bottom of this. If you can spare me a few days, Mr. Tempest, I'll go to London and see

Morton? Morton? repeated the vicar. Who is Martin? Raston laughed. Such is fame, said he lightly. Martin is one of the best detectives in England. He was leaving college when he was up, and we met for a few weeks. When I was curate in the Battersea slums, I met him again, as he has a wide acquaintance of the criminal classes. We renewed a college friendship, and and I still write to him. Now, with your permission, Mr. Tempest, I will put this case into Martin's hands. It is just the kind of mystery he would love to solve.

The man is a gentleman, I suppose, Raston? Suddenly, he's my friend. I know the pawn shop of Old Penny. He is a Scotsman, if you can grasp the idea of Scotsman keeping a pawn shop. I'll tell Martin the whole case, and we can then go to this shop. If possible, we may get back the cup.

Who is to pay 400 pounds for it? asked Tempest. We'll see, replied Raston quietly. I shall do nothing without Martin's advice. Have I your permission? Tempest nodded. I think it is the best thing you can do. Go to London and keep me advised of everything.

I should like to know Mr. Martin's opinion of the matter. It is probable he'll come back down here later on, said the curate. But in the meantime, Mr. Tempest, do nothing to have a lay. I promise you that, replied the Vacaa, and the matter being settled in this way, The two men shook hands. Afterwards, Raston went to prepare for his departure. While this was taking place, Leo was talking to the chapel with Hale.

Heavily had gone up to see if Sibyl was about, as he wished to tell her of this new development of the conspiracy against him. Leo felt sure by this time that there was a conspiracy, and that Hale was concerned in it. He was therefore rather pleased when he saw the cripple walking up the hill before him. Leo made up his mind to force the truth out of him, and hurried on, so as to him. catch him. Hale heard his steps and turned with a queer smile on his face. He was not at all

abashed by the presence of the man to whom he had told a lie, but, on the contrary, welcomed him in the most friendly manner. Havill was irritated by this false behavior. Either you think me innocent and wish to be my friend, he said, or you believe that I am guilty and have some reason to be feigning good fellowship. I must have some understanding with you, Hale. Come into the chapel. We will not be disturbed there as it is midday and everyone is at dinner and Leo without waiting for a reply enter the door the chapel was empty even Sibyl was not in sight hearing the halting steps of the cripple behind him Leo led the way into the Cusaders chapel where he sat down beside one of the tombs he'll pause before him and looked down in a whimsical manner you have chosen a strange

place he said looking wrong it's a sacred place replied Leo coolly and you may be the less inclined to lice. I presume you have some religion? How dare you say I tell lies? cried the baronet's cowlick. Because I've had some experience of her capability in that direction. And now I should like to know what you mean by denying that you lent me the three hundred pounds? Hale shrugged his unshappely shoulders and sat down with a painful effort, placing his crutch beside him. You were fool enough to speak to me in the presence of my sister, he said. I could

only say what I did say. Now that I to be alone, I am willing to answer any questions you may put to me. You will answer truthfully, I hope? Assuredly, it's time we understood one another. Go on. You lent me three hundred pounds, said Leo, in the form of a query. In gold, assented Sir Frank Coley. Why did you lend it to me in gold?

A whim of mine? I don't think so, said Leo slowly. You had some scheme in your head. I believe you wanted to deny the loan if you found it convenient. you are very clever havelay that is just what i want had i given you a check you could have proved the loan even notes might have shown the truth but i wanted to be free to act as i pleased as i went to the trouble of getting gold from the bank then it seems to me that you had this cup stolen by some confederate and intended to lay the blame on me so as to get me into a trap indeed no protested hale so loudly that leo believed you were speaking the truth truth. The stealing of the cup and the subsequent blame being thrown on you was unexpected, but I took advantage of the opportunity. You can prove your innocence only by my help,

Havelay, and I give my evidence only on conditions. I was prepared for such a speech, steadily or calmly, but it won't do, my friend. You must go to Tempest and tell him that you gave me 300 pounds to pay my debts. Perhaps then he may disbelieve this ridiculous story of my being a thief. Hale sat up alertly. Then you didn't steal the cup? Certainly not. How dare you suggest such a thing? I suspect you know more about the loss of the cup than I do.

The baronet looked down on his crooked leg and smiled ironically. Do you mean to infer that I thrust this mishap and body through that window? No, but you have plenty of money to pay for any rascality. I'm not so fond of parting with money, said Hale, trially. I know nothing about the cup. But I really thought you stole it. Mrs. Gilles' tale, Ha, Leo started up.

She told you that? Why? Because she's a woman who is fond of money, said Hale quietly. Knowing that my sister is in love with you heavily, she came to threaten me. She declared that she would proclaim you a thief if I did not pay her.

It was her belief that such a course would break my sister's heart. And what did you do? I told her I would have. inform the police if she dared to speak to me in that manner again. I believe she then went to the vicar. But if I came forward heavily and stated that I lent you the money, it will go a long way towards clearing you. Of course, I did not understand this pawning business. The woman says she saw you. She saw my double or someone dressed up to resemble me, said Leo vehemently. But she did not

see me. I was never near the shop. So you say, said Hale, smiling cruelly. However, you must see that I can help you. I will do so on one condition. Now, on two. I can guess the two, said Leo, looking at his mean face. You want me to surrender Sybil so that you may marry her and to make your sister my wife? Is that not, sir? Hale smiled again. You saved me the trouble of an explanation, he said. Then, I absolutely refuse to do what you want, Hale. I respect your sister, who is a kind and good-hearted girl. but I do not love her, and not for all the gold in the world would I marry her. On the other hand, nothing will induce me to give up Sibyl.

She shall never become your wife. I wonder you have the impertinence to propose such a thing to me. If you don't do what I ask, said Hale, very pale and venomous. I shall refuse to help you. I shall deny that I lent you the money. Deny what you please, Leo walked to the door of the chapel. Everything is in your favour, and you can have me arrested if you choose. but I declined to sell my love to buy my safety.

Good day hail and he marched away. The end of chapter 10. Chapter 11 of the Pagans' Cup by Fergus Hewn. This Libri-Wox recording is in the public domain. Read by Yoganan. The Pagans Cup, Chapter 11. The London Detective Sibyl had seen Leo go into the room

where her father was waiting with Mrs. Cheal and wondered what the woman had to do with a lover. She was called out to see a sick woman on behalf of her father and on a way home without herself how she could see Leo. The girl was in a perfect fever of nervous fear for the young man. Then it struck her that the best thing to do would be to call at Mr. Pratt's. No sooner had she made up a mind to brave a father's anger in this respect

than she went at once to the nun's house. she feared if she delayed that her courage might evaporate. The door was opened by Adam, who explained that Mr. Pratt was from home. He went into portfront today, Miss, said Adam. I only hope he will be able to get back this night, as there is a sea-fork coming up the channel. There is no danger of his losing the road, Adam, said Sybil cheerfully. But I don't want to see Mr. Pratt. It is Mr. Havelay, who, he is in the library, Miss,

replied Adam and admitted her into the house. When Sibble found herself alone with Leo, she had a quorum. What would her father say, should he ever come to know that she had paid such a visit? Leo was seated at the desk, his face hidden in his arms, looking most dejected. He lifted his head as she entered, and, at the sight of his face, Sybil forgot all about her father and the impropriety of the visit. At once she ran to her lover. and drew his head down on to her breast with a look of almost divine pity.

My darling Leo, she said, I knew that you were miserable and I have come to comfort you. How good of you, dear, replied Havillay, stroking her hat. But your father, I did not think he would let you come to me. My father does not know that I am here, said Sir Bill, blushing, as he placed a chair for her. But I knew you had been to see him, and I could not rest until I heard all about the interview.

Was he very angry? No. I think he's inclined to believe in my innocence in spite of Mrs. Jill's story, and heaven knows she has painted me black enough. I wondered what Mrs. Geel was doing at the vicarage, Leo. I don't like that woman. She looks sly and wicked. But what story can she have to tell about you, dear?

Sibyl, she says that she saw me pawning the cup in London. And while Sibyl, filled with surprise, sat looking at his agitated face, Leo told all that Mrs. Cheel had said. So, you see, dear, he continued, that there is some sort of conspiracy against me. I believe Hale is in it, too. It's a strange story, she said musingly. I wonder who it was, could have impersonated you?

Did the man give your name? By joke, cried Leo, starting up. I never thought of asking. Yet the rascal must have given it for the pound ticket. Sibyl, I can't help thinking that Hale knows something about this. He saw me in the chapel an hour ago and said that he would make a statement to the effect that he had paid me the money

if I would give you up and marry his sister. Sybil's eyes flashed. How dare he? He wants to drive you into a cornelio. What did you say? I refuse to have anything to do with him, dear. He can join with your father in having me arrested for all I care. I would rather that than give up my Sybil.

But you see the position. What is to be done? Can't you go to London and see this man, Penny? No, I dare not leave the place. Your father and the others would think that I was seeking safety and flight. I might be arrested before I got as far as portfront. I don't say that your father would go so far, but there is always the chance. I am sure Mrs. Gabriel would not counsel mercy.

For some unaccountable reason, she hates me thoroughly. My poor Leo, Sybil's talk to cheek. Fate is very cruel to you. But never mind. everything, I will be true to you. And what's more, Leo, I'll help you to prove your innocence. How can you do that, my love? She pursed up her pretty mouth, and crossing her slender feet, looked on the ground with an air of portentous gravity. I don't believe the story of Mrs. Chil's, she said. There is something behind it. As you cannot go to London, and I see it would be

foolish of you to go away from Colester at present, we must do the best we can through the newspapers. Leo looked at her in surprise and knelt beside her. What can we do with the newspapers, darling? Put an advertisement in every London daily paper saying that the cup has been lost, giving a description and offering a reward if any information is given to me. To you, Sible, what would your father say? He won't know. Besides, Leo, darling, you are more to me than my father,

and I'm angry at the unjust way in which you are being treated. I will write out a number of these advertisements and send them up with the post office orders. The reply is to be sent to ST. Collister Post Office. But what good will that do? Oh, you stupid darling, I have to think for two I see. Why? This pawnbroker, what is his name? Penny. Well, if Penny sees the advertisement, he will recognize the cup from the description and know that it has been stolen. He will be afraid of getting into trouble with the police and in no doubt will write saying that

the cup was pawned with him, and that he will be willing to sell it back for the price paid. Then we'll get it back, Leo. When I'm certain, I'll tell my father, and he will arrange about buying it again. Yes, but how does all this benefit me? This penny creature will explain who pond it, and he will give the name of the person Mrs. Shield said, resembled you. He might do that if the matter were made public by advertisement. If we approached him privately, he will very likely deny everything.

We can't be too careful, Leo. But the reward, said Havillet, puzzled. I have no money. You have no money. What will you do? When the cup is back, or if information is given, likely to recover it, I'm sure my father can arrange about the money with Mrs. Gabriel. Now, do not say a word, Leo.

She has nothing to do with you now. And after all, added Sibyl, naively, I don't see why any money need pass. this is a trap I'm laying for that pawnbroker. That is, if Mrs. Giel's story is true, which I am inclined to doubt. I'll put the advertisement in on chance Leo and see what comes of it. But it is such a mad idea, remonstrated the young man, who could not follow all these feminine arguments.

Let me tell Pratt about your suggestion. He will be able to advise us. Sybil rose to her feet and shook her head obstinately. If you say a word to Mr. Pratt, I will never. forgive you. Let me try this experiment all alone, Leodia. It can do no harm, and it might do a lot of good. We must not tell anyone about it. Sybil, I kept the fact of my borrowing that money from Hale is secret, and I've regretted it ever since. Let us ask Pratt's advice. No, Leo, Sybil was obstinate. I want to try this myself. If it fails, it can do no harm, and if it succeeds, I shall have the

joy of knowing that it was I who got you out of this trouble. No promise nor to tell. At first, Leo refused. He did not want Sybil to mix herself up in this disagreeable case, even for his sake. But she used such endearments and kept to a point with such pertinacity that he gave him. It was useless to content against Sybil when she set a heart on getting anything. She never would give him, I were discouraged. Therefore, before she left her,

the library, she had drawn out an advertisement with the assistance of Leo, in which the appearance of the cup and its Latin inscription were carefully set down. A reward of fifty pounds was offered, and the answers were to be sent to ST at the Collister Post Office. There, said Sible, when this document was completed, I've set my trap. Now we shall see who will fall into it. I'll make a dozen copies at once, and have them sent off by tomorrow. Not a word, Leo, about the this, I will be silent as I have promised. All the same, I do not feel comfortable about your experiment. To tell you the truth, Sibyl, I can't see the sense of it. Now, don't look angry, dear. I know it's all done out of love for me. I am not sure that you deserve my love, how did Sibyl, as he escorted her to the door. You place all kinds of obstacles in my way. She was rather angry, but a heart was fully taken up with the magnificence of her scheme. However, Leo managed to to calm her and gain a forgiveness. He was quite unaware of what he had done wrong.

But Sibyl said that he had behaved disgracefully, so he apologized. Then she said that she was a wicked girl, and after kissing him, ran away. All this was very foolish, but very sweet. Leo often recalled the interview to her in after days, and they both agreed that they behaved like two most sensible people. But at present, Leo was too sensitive.

had to enjoy the stolen meeting as a true and loyal lover should have done. The same night the seafog rolled up thick and white. Mr. Pratt did not return home, at which non-arrival, Adam was not surprised. Mr. Pratt was too fond of his creature comforts to drive 20 miles through a damp and clinging mist. Leo had the whole house to himself, and Adam, who thought a good deal of him, did his best to make him comfortable. He consulted with the cook and gave Leo a capital little dinner to, together with a bottle of superfine burgundy. Then he supplied him with cigars of the best and coffee of the finest

and left him comfortably seated before the drawing-room fire. Under these circumstances, Leo felt happier than he had expected, seeing at what a low ebb his fortunes were. The position of the unfortunate young man was undeniably hard. Here he was deserted by his aunt, Mrs. Gabriel. She had taken him up, brought him up to expect a large fortune, and then, for no cause at all, had suddenly cast him out on the world to earn his own living as best he can. In addition to this, although it was hardship enough, poor Leo's character was gone.

He was accused of a sordid crime and might have to answer for it to the law. He did not see what difference he could make. Certainly, if he acceded to Hale's terms, he would vindicate his position in some measure by accounting for the sum of money he had used to pay his debts. But, in this case, Sibyl would be lost to him. And what would life be without Sibyl? Altogether, Leo was in low spirits, in spite of the fire and the burgundy,

and the memory of that charming interview. But it was no use lamenting, as he very truly observed to himself, so he tried to shake off the feeling of depression and went to bed. He was young, the world was large, and he hoped in some way or another to sail out of these troubled waters into a peaceful heaven.

Hope was the silver lining to his cloud of black despair. Meanwhile, Raston had written to his friend Martin a full account of the loss of the cup of the accusation of Mrs. Cheel of Leo and of the suspicions entertained by the villagers concerning the probity of the young man. For some days, he heard nothing. Then, one evening, Martin himself

arrived unexpectedly in Colester. He went at once to the curate's lodgings and was received with great surprise. My dear Martin, this is an unexpected pleasure, said Raston, assisting his distinguished visitor to put off his court. I thought you would have written to me about your visit to Penny. I didn't go there, replied Martin with a laugh. The fact is, Harold, I cannot quite understand this case. You have not explained matters clearly enough in your letter. I have set a detective to watch Penny and Penny's shop, and I've come down to hear all

details from my own worshipful lips. But what a foggy sort of place you have here. I've been driving in your male coach through a kind of cotton wool. The guard thought we would never reach colister. I felt like a character of Dickens in that coach. You are primitive people here. Do you know I rather like it? Martin was tall, slim, black-haired man, neatly dressed in a tweed-suit.

He constantly smoked cigarettes and maintained a perfectly calm demeanor. No one ever saw Martin excited. His face was clean-shaven, and his grey eyes were sharp and piercing. He looked what he was, a thorough gentleman, and a remarkably shrewd, clever man. His fame as a detective is so well known that it needed hardly be mentioned. I must get you something to eat, said Raston. No, I dined at portfront before I left. Give me a glass of port and I can smoke a cigarette.

This fire is comfortable after the fog. I have some excellent port, Martin. My dear mother is under the impression that I am delicate and keeps me well supplied for my father's cellar. I don't know what he says to it. Being a clergyman, you had better not know, said Martin dryly. Your father had a vocabulary of, there, there, I will say nothing more.

I want my port, my cigarette, and a full account of this case. It seems to be an interesting one. I shouldn't have come down otherwise, even for your sake, my dear Harold. I've just twice as much business on hand as I can do with. The detective's life is not a happy one. Raston poured out a glass of port and placed it at Martin's elbow. He washed his friend light a cigarette and himself filled his well-worn briar. Then, when they were comfortably established, he related all that he knew about the case.

Martin listened with his eyes on the fire, but made no observation until the recital was finished. Indeed, even then, he did not seem inclined to talk. Well, said Raston, rather impatiently. What do you think? Wait a bit, my friend. It's a difficult case. I'm not prepared to give you an opinion straight away. I must ask something about the people concerned in it first.

This Leo Havillet. What about him? He's a good man and perfectly honest. I should as soon have suspected myself for stealing the cup, asked Leo. And I've known him for some time. Well, if anyone ought to know the truth about a man, character i should think a clergyman was the person said martin is it not balzac who says that clergy are all in the black because they see the worst side of human nature have you had to put on mourning for this heavily no he has been a trifle wild and has got into debt but otherwise there is nothing wrong about him besides added the curate miss tempest is in love with him and they are engaged she's a noble girl and would not love a scone

"'Ah,' said Martin cynically. "'I've seen a remark of that sort of novels, my good man. "'In real life? "'But there is neither here nor there. "'I should like to meet this young man. "'I can take you with me to-night. "'He is staying with Mr. Pratt at the nun's house. "'It's no very great distance away.

"'I can wait till tomorrow, Harold. "'I have no very great desire to go out into this dense fog. "'By the way, who is this Mr. Pratt?' a newcomer to colister he has been here off and on for the last few months and has decided to settle here he is well off and has travelled a great deal his house is beautifully furnished quite an acquisition to the neighbourhood said martin drowsily i must make the acquaintance of your people here to-morrow just now i feel inclined to go to bed but tell me your opinion of this case well said martin thoughtfully from all the evidence he give me it seems it heavily is guilty. No, Martin, replied the curate, I will never believe that. And you forget that he claims to have obtained the money from Sir Frank Hale. Well, then, his possession of three hundred pounds was easily proved. I shall see Sir Frank Hale and question him. With regard to this, Mrs. Giel,

her story seems credible enough. I don't suppose she has any enmity against a Havill. No, but she is a woman I neither like nor trust, a demure, cat-like creature with a peasant. A pair of wicked eyes. You make me long to see her, said Martin, waking up. That is just the sort of person I like to meet. Do you think she may have stolen this cup herself and have invented this wild story to account for the loss? I have heard of stranger and even more daring things.

No, that is out of question, Martin. On the night the cup was stolen. Mrs. Chil was watching beside this sick girl, the mad creature I have told you about. She is innocent. then I can only say that young Havilley seems to be the most likely person. Wally, the evidence against him is so plain that I believe him to be guiltless. I always mistrust too plain evidence, Raston.

It shows signs of having been prepared. Well, I'll see this young man tomorrow and have a chat. I go by the face a great deal. Have you a photograph of him? No, said the curate in the spur of the moment. Oh yes, by the way. I took a group of a people at a picnic. It's not a bad picture, although small.

You can see the whole lot at a glance. Raston got out the photograph, and Martin went to the lamp to see it the more plainly. He glanced at first carelessly at it, then his eyes grew large, his attention became fixed. At the moment there was a ring at the door. Martin looked at the clock. You have a late visitor, he said.

A call to see some sick woman probably. Why do you look so closely at that picture, Martin? There is a face here I know. Who is that? Raston looked. That is a man with whom Havillay is staying. Pratt. Pratt?

repeated Martin in a thoughtful tone. Has he a tattooed star on his cheek just under the cheekbone? Yes. And he is tattooed on the arm also, the right arm. I expect he had it done while he was a sailor. Oh, said Martin Riley. He says he was a sailor. not to my knowledge, but he has mentioned something of being an amateur one.

Do you know him, Martin? If he is a man I think he is, I know him better than you do, Raston. Then who is? Raston had just got thus far when the landlady who opened the door to announce Mr. Pratt. Here's the man himself, Martin. Martin, echoed Pratt, who was standing in the doorway. Yes, Mr. Angel, said Martin, looking straight, at him. Pratt

stood for just half a moment as though turned into stone. Then he turned on his heel and went out of the door and down the stairs as swiftly as he was able. Without a word, Martin darted after him. By the time he reached

the street door, Pratt had disappeared in the fog. The end of chapter 11. Chapter 12 of the Pagan's Cup by Fergus Hewn. This Libri-Wox recording is in the public domain. Read by Yoganan

Chapter 12 of the Pagans' Cup A Surprise Rastin was astonished when Pratt disappeared so suddenly and Martin rushed out after him. He went to the door but his friend was not to be seen. It was little use following, for he did not know which direction the man had taken and the fog was so thick that he could hardly see the length of his hand before him. The whole of the spur upon which colister was built was wrapped in a thick white mist

and those who were broad in the streets ran every chance of being lost. The village was small but the alleys and streets were tortuous so there would be no great difficulty in mistaking the way. For over an hour the curate waited, yet Martin did not return. He could only suppose that the detective had followed Pratt. for what purpose he could not divine. Evidently, Martin knew something not altogether to Pratt's advantage, and Pratt was aware of this,

else he would hardly have disappeared so expediously. Moreover, Martin had addressed Pratt as angel, which hinted that the American was masquerading under false name. Still wondering at what was likely to be the outcome of this adventure, Raston placed himself with a door and waited for the written of his friend. but as time passed he made sure that the detective, a stranger in the village, had lost his way. I can't leave him out of those all nights, soliloquized Raston, peering into the fall. Yet, I do not know where to look for him.

However, his own good sense must have told him not to go too far. It was now after ten o'clock, and most of the villagers were in bed. Mr. Raston then ventured upon a course of which he would have thought twice, had the situation been less desperate. He placed his hands to his mouth and sent an Australian coup through the night. This accomplishment had been taught to him

by an Australian cousin. As this especial cry carried further than most shouts, Raston congratulated himself that he knew how to give it. It was the only way of getting into communication with Martin. After shouting once or twice,

Raston heard a faint cry of response. It came from the right. So the curate, feeling his way along the houses, started in that direction, shouting at intervals. Shortly, the answering cry sounded close at hand, and after some difficulty, an inarticulate conversation, the two men met. With an ejaculation, Martin grasped the hands of his friend. Thank heaven you have found me, said the detective. I've been going round in a circle. Did you catch up with Pratt? asked Raston.

No, the rascal disappeared into the fog, and I lost myself. in pursuit of him in about three minutes. Why do you call him a rascal? Because he is one. I know all about him. But I never thought I should have stumbled on Mr. Angel in this locality. I feel like Saul who went out to look for his asses and stumbled on a kingdom. Is this name Angel?

That is one of his names. He has at least a dozen. Why you should have chosen one that fitted him so badly I cannot say. By this time, Braston, holding on to Martin, his coat sleeve had guided the detective back to his lodgings. The man was shivering with cold, for he had gone out without court a hat. He hastily swallowed a glass of port and began getting his things to go out. You are not going into that fog again, protested Raston. You will only get lost. Not under your capable guidance, laughed the detective. You must guide me to the house of this,

Mr. Pratt. I intend to arrest him. Arrest him, echoed the curate staring. "'Tear me. What has he done?' asked me what he hasn't done,' said Martin, with a curl of his lip. "'And I'll be better able to tell you. It's a long story, Raston, and time is passing. I want to go to the man's house. Is it far from here?' "'Some little distance,' replied the curate, wondering at his haste. "'I can find my way to it by guiding myself along the walls. "'But you can't arrest him, Martin. What are he has done, unless you have a warrant?' "'I accept all responsibility on that score,' replied Martin.

grimly. The police have wanted Mr. Angel, alias Pratt, for many a long day. Now the rascal knows that I am here, he will clear out of colistair and double quick time. I want to act promptly and take him by surprise. Now, don't ask questions, my dear fellow, but take me to the house. I'll tell you all about this man later on. By the way, he is the individual who gave the church the celebrated cup? Yes, I really hope there is nothing wrong.

Everything is wrong. I expect that cup was stolen. It is stolen. Shah! I don't mean this time. Pratt stole it himself. I wonder a dare present a spoils to the church. The fellow must have very little religion to think such an ill-gotten gift could be acceptable. Stolen? Marmad Raston putting on his scot. But why? Who is Pratt? Simply the cleverest thief of the three kingdoms. Come along. Raston gasped. But he had no time to ask further questions. The detective had him by the arm and was hurrying him to the door. When outside, he made the curate lead and followed close on his heels. Raston, rather dazed by this experience, turned in the direction of the nun's house and, guiding himself along the walls

and houses, managed to get into the street in which it stood, that is, he and Martin found themselves on the high road which led down to King's Meadows. It was fully an hour before they got as far as this, for the fog grew denser every moment. Finally, Raston stumbled on the gate, drew his friend inside with an ejaculation of satisfaction, and walked swiftly up the path that led to the house. On the ground floor, all was dark, but in the center window of the second story, a light was burning.

Martin did not wait for the curate, but ran up to the steps and knocked at the door. He also rang, and he did both violently. For a time there was no response. then the light disappeared from the window above. In a few minutes, the noise of the bolts being withdrawn was heard and the rattle of the chain. The door opened to show Leo and his dressing-gown

standing on the threshold with a lighted candle in his hand. He looked dibble-dard and angry as though he had just been aroused from his first sleep, which indeed was the case. What the devil is the matter? he asked crossly, peering out into the night. You make enough noise to wake the dead. Who is it?

it is I and a friend Havillay, said the curate, pushed forward by the detective. Is Mr. Pratt with him? I suppose so, replied Leo, much astonished at this nocturnal visitation. He is no doubt in bed. I can't understand why he did not hear the noise you made. Has he left anything at your place, Raston? Ah, you knew he was going to see Mr. Raston? Put in Martin sharply.

He left here over two hours ago and I went to bed. Then I heard him come back just to the rest. as he was falling asleep. But he did not come up to my room. If you will tell me what is a matter, I'll rouse him. Let us enter Havillay, said the curate, who was shivering. We have much to tell you. Still, much puzzled, Leo led the way to the library after shutting the door, and the two men followed him. He lighted the gas, Collister was not sufficiently civilized for electric light, and then turned to ask once more what was the matter? Raston thought the best way to bring about an explanation was to introduce his friend who was already looking keenly round the well-furnished room.

This is Mr. Martin, he said. He is a London detective. With a bitter laugh, Leo set down the candle on the table. What, he said. Are you the man with the bowstring, Raston? Scarcely worthy of your cloth. If you wanted to arrest me, you might have waited until morning. Who is this young gentleman?

asked Martin suddenly. I am Leo Havillet, Mr. Detective, replied the young man sharply. And I suppose you have come here at the instance of Mr. Tempest to arrest me? Martin snatched up the candle and held it close to Leo's face. He was apparently quite satisfied

for he spoke in a more friendly tone. You need not be afraid, Mr. Havillay, he said soothingly. I've come not to arrest you, but to investigate the case. I don't think there is any chance of you are being arrested. your face is enough for me but this is all very well he added impatiently i want pratt i will go and wake him said leo who could make neither top nor tale of all this but was relieved to find that he was not in danger of arrest

he retired from the room while martin darted about here there and everywhere he was like a bloodhound nursing a trail suddenly he stopped before a cabinet a draw of which was open too late said martin a tone of disson He's bolted. How could he bolt in this fog? asked Raston dubiously. Oh, he'll find his way somehow. Tony Angel is the cleverest of men for getting out of a difficulty. He has evaded the police for years. See, my dear chap, this drawer is open.

That means he has taken money or valuables from it and is now on his way to heaven knows what hiding place. Can you be sure of that? The open drawer may be an accident. Besides, he would not think you would have so promptly. Indeed, that is just why he has bolted so expeditiously, said Martin, with something of admiration in his tones. Angel has experienced my promptitude before, and several times have been on the point of capturing him. He has taken Frenchly within the last two hours.

But for that infernal fog, I should have stuck to him till I ran him down. Or, at all events, I might have disabled him with a shot. The curate looked at his friend aghast. A shot, he stammered martin produced a neat little revolver i should have used that had i been able he said quietly he does not do to adopt half-measures with our mutual friend besides if hard pressed he would have returned the compliment your havelay fellow is a long time he'll be back soon he can trust leo surely martin you do not think he knew anything of pratt's doing with such a face as that he knows precious little retorted martin he's a good fellow but not sharp he did not steal that cup nor did he help prior to get away no raston a criminal friend came back here while he was blundering the fog and after taking some money cleared out without loss of time i shan't catch him now i suppose the telegraph office is closed yes it closes here at nine o'clock and even if you sent a wire it would not be delivered at portfront to-night no i suppose not you're not all so slow in these country places. It's clever of you to mention Portfront, Raston. You think that Tony Angel will go there? How else can he get away? I don't know. You know

the country better than I do. But I tell you what, our friend will not go to Portfront or anywhere near it. Why not? asked the curate Bribilder. Because you expect him to go there. Angel always does the thing that is not expected. I wish I had caught him. I've been years trying to hunt him down, and the beast has made himself comfortable here, said Martin with a glance round. I bet you, Rasson, that the greater part of these things have been stolen. Stolen, Martin? How terrible. And the cup? He stole that also, replied Martin promptly, lighting one of his cigarettes. Who is a clever man, his angel? Ah, here is a young and enterprising friend. Well, Mr. Havelay? So, Pratt has gone? Yes, said Lill.

looking puzzled. I went to his room and found that his bed has not been slept in. The back door is open, although closed, that is, it has not been locked. How do you know Pratt has gone? I'll tell you later. Throw a few locks on the fire rastion. It will soon burn up. Here is a bottle of whiskey too, and some soda. I left it for Pratt, said Leroyer, somewhat surprised at the cool way in which this man was behaving. And Pratt was too clever to muddle this head when he needed all his wits about him. By the way has his jack all gone also adam is norton if that is what you yes mr havelay that is exactly what i do mean ha clever man pratt he came back here straight and warning his pal walked off leaving the empty house to me

and to you mr havelay did you hear him leave i heard nothing until you knocked at the door then i wondered why adam did not hear you the other servants are asleep at the back of the house and i suppose they also at Adam to answer the bell. That's extremely probable. Well, let us hope the remaining servants will sleep well. Tomorrow, they must leave this house. Why, in heaven's name? asked Leo, starting up. For the very simple reason that the police will be put into possession here by me tomorrow.

What? Did Pratt steal the... I don't understand. Rassin, what does this mean? Who is he? What are? wait a bit Mr. Hevelay, interrupted Martin, motioning the curate to hold his tongue. All in good time. I am Horace Martin, a detective.

I was asked by Mr. Raston to investigate this robbery, and he was telling me about it in his lodgings. Your friend Mr. Pratt arrived, and when he saw me, he bolted out into the fog. I followed and lost him. Then I got back to Raston here, and we have been over two hours looking for this confounded place. during that time Pratt and Adam have made themselves scarce But why should they do that? asked Leo still puzzled Because this man who calls himself Pratt And poses as a giver of gifts to the church

Is a well-known London thief And his man Adam is what he would call a pal Tony Angel That is a real name of Mr. Pratt But he had a half a dozen others beside I congratulate you on your friend mr Hevelay I never knew anything of this quite Leo utterly taken aback.

I'm quite sure of that, Havillay, said the curate heartily. Martin chuckled. Wait a bit, Harold, he said. Do not be in such a hurry. How do we know that Mr. Havillie has not been working together with Tony Angel? He may know all about him, and may have been employed by him to steal the very cup which was given by Pratt as an evidence of his respectability?

Leo jumped up and would have flung himself on Martin. McRaston held him back. How dare you make such an accusation? against me cried the young man furiously let me go raston don't you hear what he says wait a bit heavily urged the curate martin does nothing without a motive he can explain if he will remain quiet thus advised leo sat down again but in rather a sulky humour i'm a trifle tired of being called a blagard he said frowning at martin who regarded him with a friendly smile i know absolutely nothing about mr pratt save that he was a friend of mrs gabriel's and that he has been very good to me i always thought he was what he represented himself to be small wonder you did said martin coolly angel would deceive a much cleverer man than you appeared to be mr havillay and look here i may as well tell you at once that i am certain you knew nothing about him also i am equally certain that we have had nothing to do with this robbery i cannot say yet whether pratt as i may continue to call him for clearness sake stole the cup but you are innocent mr havelay and i intend to do my best to get you out of your trouble shake hands at first leo hesitated for he was still sore about the accusation but the detective regarded him in a friendly

manner and his smile was so irresistible that in the end he shook hands heartily. He felt that the man who spoke thus would be a good friend. You know all about the case? All that Mr. Raston could tell me, said the detective, even to the fact that you borrowed the money for which you are accused of stealing the cup from Sir Frank Hale. Then, I wish you would make him acknowledge the loan, said Leo petulantly. Martin started and looked at the young man. Does he not do so?

No. He is in love with Miss Tempest who is engaged to me, and he says he will deny the loan if I do not give her up. And marry his sister, I suppose, interpose the curate. Warratt, Leo nodded. Hmm, said Martin thoughtfully, caressing his chin. It seems to be, Mr. Havelay, that you have been made a tool off by unscrupulous people.

But I'll give my attention to this tomorrow. I'll get the truth out of this hail. he don't dare to palt with me leave yourself and your reputation of my hands have a lay very gladly said leo heartily but what about pratt martin reflected and took a sip of whisky and water he's gone i do not think he will appear again in colister but he has left his house in all these beautiful things behind him put in rasping with a glance around i see has made himself comfortable said martin with a shrug it was always his way this is not the first time he has furnished a house settled down he has been driven out of every barrow however this time i discovered his hiding-place by accident colister was about the best place in the whole of england he could have chosen no one would have thought of looking for him here i dare say he expected to settle down and die in the order of sanctity surrounded by his ill-godon gains but he has not gone empty-handed havelay he is too clever for that and has always prepared for an emergency but who is pratt well you are asking me a hard question i understand he is a worker's brat of thoughts he himself claims to be the illegitimate son of a nobleman certainly he certainly has a very gentlemanly appearance he has been working for at least thirty years and has always contrived to away the english police i believe he was laid by the heels in america he has travelled a great deal i believe you he knows the whole world and all the scoundrels in it a king of crime that is what pratt is

the generality of thieves adore him for he has his good points and he is generous well we have talked enough for to-night i will sleep here heavily raston i will return to my own place said the curate rising to go and this he did but martin having found the burrow of pratt Elias Angel did not intend to leave it. He was quite as clever as a man he was hunting. The end of chapter 12. Chapter 13 of the Pagans Cup by Fergus Hume. This Librivox recording is in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libriwarks.org.

Read by Yoganan. The Pagans Cup Chapter 13 An interesting document Martin did not wish the identity of Pratt to be concealed On the contrary, he gave it as wide a publicity as possible hoping that it might lead to the man's capture. Everyone from Portfront to Colester

knew the would-be country gentleman so it was not unlikely that he might be caught. Considering that only a knight had elapsed, it was impossible that he could have got far away, especially in a fog. There was always the off chance that Adam might be laid by the heels. An examination next morning showed Martin that the two bicycles were missing, so he judged that both men had gone off together. It was improbable in Martin's opinion that they had gone to portfront,

as they could not possibly leave before the streamer at 7 o'clock, and the police could be communicated with by telegraph before they could get clear. of the place. At half-past six, Martin drew to the telegraph operator out of his bed and set him to work. He wired to the inspector at Portfront to arrest Pratt and his man forthwith, or, at all events, to detain them until the London police could be communicated with and a warrant for Pratt's manifold inquiries procured. But, to Martin's surprise, no answer was a return from Inspector German. Yet, the inspector knew Pratt well, and if the man set foot in Portfront, could easily seize him.

Later on, somewhere about 9 o'clock, the reason that no answer had arrived became apparent. A messenger came from Portfront to say that the telegraph wire between that place and Portfront had been cut midway. There was only one line, so all communication had been broken off. The steamer had started,

and without doubt, the two men were on board. At once, Martin started off to Portfront on the Courage bicycle. On his arrival, he went to see German. The inspector was much astonished, when he heard the story. He had not received the wire and therefore had done nothing. In Martin's company, he hurried to the office of the steamer. You see the kind of man we have to deal with German? said Martin, much vexed.

It was a clever dodge to cut the wire and yet he gave himself away. I did not think he would go to portfront. But the cutting of the wire proves he did. We'll wire to Worthing and stop him there. An inquiry at steamer office resulted in nothing. It seemed that Mr. Pryard had a season taken. and therefore had not purchased one, nor had Adam, so it might

be that he was still in the town. The low first and the pierre said that they had not seen Pratt go aboard. Hmm, said Martin. He sneaked on in some disguise. Is he clever at disguising himself? asked German. I should think, sir. His own mother would not know him.

Still he had no time to make up before he left colister, so he may not be so carefully disguised. I dare say we can catch him at worth. A wire was sent to Worthing forthwith, and another to Scotland Yard requesting that someone might be sent down to take charge of Pratt's house and to identify the goods he had in it. There was a list of the houses Pratt had broken into, and a list of the stolen goods also, so it would be easy to have this brought down and compared with the contents of the nun's house. Having thus done all that he could under the circumstances, Martin returned to Collister, where he found the curate and Leo waiting for him. the latter had not taken up his quarters at the inn but he kept with indoors as now that the identity of pratt was known leo was credited with having been his confederate

there was tremendous excitement in colister over the discovery that the village had entertained unawares a well-known london thief many of the villages flattered themselves on the stern and non-comital attitude they had adopted towards the too fascinating stranger mr pratt had never been very popular but now he was spoken in love on every hand. The whole village would have been delighted to have seen him in the power of the law. But Pratt was too clever for them all. The wire to Worthing produced no result. Neither Pratt nor Adam were on board. He then appeared that steamer had put in at Bognor. Martin had omitted to advise the police there of the fugitives, so it was presumed that they had got off that the rest of the passengers. The captain did not know Adam by sight, and Pratt had evidently disguised himself well. At all events, in the crowd, the two had passed unnoticed. Although the London stations were watched, no sight could be caught of them. A clever man, Pratt, said Martin, when informed

of his ill-success. I am perfectly certain of the way in which he went about the matter. He and his seven got off at Bognor and alighted at some station just outside the metropolis. They got to their own horns by some back way. Do you know of their horns? asked Leo, who was keenly interested, in the matter, and could not help feeling believed that Pratt had escaped. Oh, they changed them every now and then. Besides, Adam will keep out of sight, and Pratt will so disguise himself that there will be no recognising him.

He got clean away this time. And I believe Mr. Havelay, added Martin with a laugh, that you are rather pleased. Well, said Leo, with some hesitation. In spite of all you say, I can't bring myself to believe that Pratt is a bad sort of chap. He was very kind to me. He is kind to most people.

He poses as a kind of modern Robin Hood who robs her rich to give the poor. I have known him to do many kind actions. But he's a scam for all that, and if I could lay my hands on him, I'd get him. Mrs. Gabriel was much annoyed to find that Pratt was so notorious a character. She determined to clear herself of complicity in his sordid crimes, although no one ever suspected that she had any knowledge of the man's true character.

She sent from Martin and had a long talk with him about Pratt. incidentally a reference was made to leo i've asked you to see me mr martin she said because it was i who introduced mr pratt to colister i've known him ten years and he always appeared to be to be most respectable american he is not american at all said martin but he could assume any nationality that suited him for the moment he's a brilliantly clever man mrs gabriel and i do not wonder he took you in he got no money out of me at all evens said the lady grimly ah then you escape easily. The wonder is, he did not try and marry you. A rich widow is exactly the kind of victim he would like. I'm not the sort of woman to be anyone's victim, Mr. Martin. Martin, looking at her stern, strong face, quite agreed,

but he was too polite to give vent to his feelings. He merely inquired how Mrs. Gabriel become acquainted with his prince of swindlets. She had no hesitation in giving him full details. I met him at a Swiss hotel many years ago, she said. he was then called Pratt and he posed as a rich American. I met with an accident while outwalking on the hill above Montreal

and lay out until nightfall. Mr. Pratt rescued me from this very unpleasant position and took me back to the hotel. A friendship sprang between us and when he returned to England he called on me. And he was always the same for ten years and I saw much of him.

I never suspected he was other than he represented himself to be. Besides Mr. Martin, you must admit he is a most facet Man. Much too fascinating, Mrs. Gabriel, as many have found to their cost. Mrs. Gabriel reflected a moment. Do you think he'll be put in prison? Certainly, if he can catch him, replied Martin quietly. He's a man dangerous to society. All his life he has been a rogue and a criminal. All his money comes to him in the wrong way. That house below, I believe you led to him, Mrs. Gabriel, is filled with the proceeds of his robberies. He bought the furniture, but they all objects of art, even the pictures, have all been stolen. In a few days I shall have some people down from Scotland Yard to identify the things and restore them to their owners. But as to Mr. Pratt, I fear as he escaped out of the clutches of the law, as usual.

I cannot say I regret it, said Mrs. Gabriel boldly. Bad as he is? There are worst people in the world, Mr. Martin. But tell me, sir, you are investigating this robbery. My adopted son, Mr. Havelay, is suspected. He is perfectly innocent, Mrs. Gabriel. The money he was said to have obtained from the sale of the cup was given to him by Sir Frank Hale. Sir Frank denies it, so Mr. Havillay says.

But I'll see Sir Frank myself and see what I can make of him. I would rather believe Mr. Havillet than anyone else. He has an absolutely open nature. He is a fool if that is what you mean. Pardon me, I do not think, sir. A man can be straightforward and honourable as Mr. Havillay is without being a fool. as yet I have not investigated this case as my attention has been taken up with Pratt but in a day or so I hope to go to work and then I am prepared to say that the crime will

not be brought home to your nephew have you any suspicions not yet I have not searched out the evidence sufficiently Mrs. Jill saw me in a few upon the cup ah that's a mystery which I must fathom mrs Gabriel a person resembling Mr. Havelay pawned the cup but I am sure it was not a little bit. your nephew. There is a conspiracy against him, on whose part I am not prepared to say yet. But I shall find it out clear his character and punish those who have been concerned in it. And now, Mrs. Gabriel, I must bid you good day as my time is fully occupied. Let me, however, inform you that there is no need to excuse your association with Mr. Pratt.

I quite understand how we wriggled himself into your acquaintance, and you are in no way to blame. Once more, good day. Martin bowed himself out. but he had seen enough of Mrs. Gabriel to note the strong hatred she bowed towards Leo, and he wondered what could be the reason. Also, he saw that for a moment she had flinched at the mention of conspiracy, which set him on the alert as to whether her detestation of her nephew had carried her so far as to plot against his good name. If there is anything the matter, Hale is the man to know, murmur, the detective. He lent the money and now declines to acknowledge the loan.

I believe there is something bare at the back of all this. Poor Havillay seems to be the most harmless of men, yet is being ruined in some underhand way. Well, I'll settle Pratt's matter and then clear his name. But before Martin could do this, Providence took the task out of his hand. For the next ten days he was busy consulting with those sent down from Scotland Yard about the numerous stolen articles found in the nun's house. The cabinet of antique coins was restored to a famous collector

who had lost them five years before. Many pictures were replaced in the galleries of country houses, and in one way and another, by the time the nun's house was denuded of what belonged to other people, they remained very little but the furniture. And even some choice articles of furniture were found to be the property of other people. It was really wonderful the amount of stolen goods that Pratt had collected. He must have thweaved for years to have got together such a collection. But he will start no more burrows.

said Martin, when all was at an end. He never expected that I should find him here, and therefore collected all his treasures. His life is not long enough to enable him to bring together such a collection of things again. Besides, he has not the same white field for his navaries. The police are one too many for him now. Martin said this to the vicar,

who was deeply shocked to hear of the wickedness of the man from whom he had accepted the cup. Do you think the sacred vessel was stolen also, Mr. Martin? asked the good man. I am perfectly sure of it, replied the detective promptly. But we have not got the cup down on our list, and no one has come forward to claim it. It has not been advertised, Mr. Martin? Pardon me, sir.

It has been advertised, and by someone in this place. I saw this notice on the daily telegraph, also in the Times. Can you tell me who, his tea, is Mr. Tempest? The vicar took the newspaper, handed to him, and looked at it in a bewildered manner. He read the notice carefully. but it never struck him that the initials were those of his own daughter. I really do not know who can have inserted this Mr. Martin, he said. It seems to be carefully worded too, and a reward of 50 pounds has been offered.

Dear me. I have a rival who is investigating the case, said Martin with a smile. Is the description accurate, vicar? Perfectly. Even the inscription. If you will permit me to take this away, Mr. Martin, I will see if I can discover who has put it in. I am annoyed that the thing should have been taken out of your hands.

But, Mr. Martin, before I leave you, let me state to you my conviction that my young friend Leo Havillay did not steal the cup. Ah! Indeed, Mr. Tempest, said Martin, eyeing the old man keenly. And what has led you to such a happy conclusion? I have no groans for it save my inward conviction. There is a story of Mrs. Gilles, you know? Mr. Tempest looked troubled.

Most remarkable story, he said, but, we have heard of many cases of accidental resemblance as Mr. Martin. I fear have been unjust to Leo, and I wish to withdraw any charge I may have made against him. I heard his defence, and saw his face while he was making it. Unless the phase is not the index of the mind, I cannot bring myself to believe that he lied. No, Mr. Martin, I cannot give you any reasons, but I am convinced that I misjudged Leo. Were you prejudiced against him by Mrs. Gabriel? asked Martin, for Leo had told him his suspicions on this point. Mr. Tempest hesitated.

I admit that I was, he said at length. She said something to me which I am not at liberty to repeat. Does it make Mr. Hevalier out a villain? By no means, said the vicar hastily. What she told me is sad, but not wicked. More is misfortune than his fault. I can say no more. I can keep this paper, Mr. Martin?

Thank you, sir. Good day, good day. And the vicar walked away, leaving Martin pondering. It was three days after this, and when Martin was about to begin his investigation of the case that he received a letter from London. He was more surprised than he chose to say when he found that it came from Mr. Pratt.

That gentleman gave no address. He had posted the letter at the General Post Office so that even the district where he was hidden should not be traced. The letter, as Martin said afterwards, was one of consummate impudence and it took him all his time to read it with patience. As a human document, it possessed a certain value. The letter ran as follows, and Martin swore as he read.

Dear Martin, so you have let me slip through your fingers again. Is it not about time that you stopped setting your wits against mine? Several times you have tried, but always you have been beaten. Really, you must take lessons in the art of thief-catching if you want to deserve the reputation he possess. I am bound to say that but for the fog I should have been caught. But, thanks to its friendly shelter, I very much. ran back to my house while you were blundering about like a lost sheep and warned Adam.

I knew you would have to get raston to show you the way and would be some time. Still, I knew a infernal pertinacity and made myself as scarce as possible in a very short space of time. I should like to have seen your face when you came to my house and found your prey at escape. I packed up my jewels, which I always keep prepared for such an emergency as this, and dressing myself warmly, I mounted. my bicycle. Adam, who had likewise made his preparations, mounted another, and we both went down the main road. In spite of the mist, there was no difficulty. The highway runs in a straight line to Portfront, and there was no vehicle abroad to make our travelling dangerous. We did not hurry,

but took our time, as I did not wish to get to Portfront before the steam event. As a matter of fact, we did, but hung about the outskirts of the town until it was time to be aboard. Of course, I do not need to tell you how I stopped you from communicating. with the portfront police. I suggested the idea, and Adam climbed the pole to cut the telegraph wire. We had a very pleasant trip as far as Bognor, where we got on the train and stopped at some station,

the name of which I need not tell you. We are now in London in very comfortable circumstances. If you are clever enough to find me, which I don't think you are, I promise to give myself up as soon as you appear. But there is no chance of my seeing you. Better remind and call us to my dear Martin, and turn farmer. It's all you are fit for. Upon my honour it is. One thing I should like to know.

How the devil did you manage to find out my retreat? I never thought you had it in you. I went to see Raston on some business likely to enhance my popularity in the parish, and I dropped across you. For the first time in my life, I was taken aback. Was it the design or accident that I found you there? I do not wish to compliment you undeservedly. Well, you have driven me away, and I must find a new place in which to pass my old age. It is too bad of you, Martin. Own my soul, too bad. I was getting so popular in Colester.

Now I suppose every one of the honest men are swearing at me, yet I never robbed them. One other thing. If you come down to investigate the robbery of the cup I presented to the church, you can spare yourself for trouble. I stole it myself. It went to my heart to lose so valuable an object, and I was sorry when I had given it.

I could not ask for it back, so I resolved to steal it. I went to the church, and as I am a small man, I climbed in through the lepers window, I got the cup, climbed out again, and went back to my house. Then I was afraid, lest the cup would be seen by chance, and all my popularity would go. I therefore result upon it. That is a way I have kept saved many a piece of jewelry.

I could not go myself, but I sent Adam. He is rather like Leo Havelay, and so that fool of her Mrs. Cheel made the mistake. You need not look for the cup and bad to say now as I have redeemed it. I took the ticket from Adam and went myself. It's now in my possession again and I do not intend to part with it anymore. You know how fond I am of beautiful things, dear Martin? Well, I dare say you'll guess that I stole the cup.

Here's my confession and you can tell all those fools at Colester, including the vicar, that Leo Havillay is perfectly innocent. He has not enough brains to steal anything. I only took back my own, and I am proud of it. And as I bamboozled the Lord of you, clever Mr. Martin included. Leo got the money with which he paid his debts from Sir Frank Hale. You can ask him, Hale, I mean.

If he denies it, I leave him to you, as you are clever enough to get the truth out of him. He wants to marry Sibble Tempest, and desires Leo to marry his sister, Edith. All this was a plot to get Leo into his power, and force him to do what was wanted. I hope you will punish the young man Hale. He's a cripple, and has all the spite of one.

I should have punished in myself, but you have deprived me of that pleasure. I therefore call upon you to do your best. And now, my dear Martin, good-bye. Give my love to all the morning population of Colester, and especially to Mrs. Gabriel, my dear and lifelong friend. I am afraid she will not get a rent. Also, I had the house redecorated,

at a expense. The bills will be sent in to her. Let I pay them with my blessings. I will write to leave myself and give him my blessing. I have much to say to him that will be of no interest to you. He's a good fellow and I wish to see him married to Sybil. He will be someday. I can manage a fool of a father even at a distance. Now, I hope you will look after yourself for my sake, Martin. So long as the Scotland Yard idiots keep you on my track, I am safe. If you died, they might perhaps pick a clever man dangerous to me, my friend. So, with all kind regards and best wishes until we meet, believe me, my dear failure, yours never in the flesh, Richard Pratt.

The end of chapter 13. Chapter 14 of the Pagans' Cup by Fergus Hugh. This Libby-Wox recording is in the public domain. Read by Yoganan. The Pagans Cup. to 14. An unexpected meeting. I have been much to blame, said the vicar. I set myself as a judge when I had no right to do so. Leo, you must forgive me. I forgive you freely, replied the young man, grasping the hand held out by Mr. Tempest.

Appearances were against me, so it was little wonder that you did not entirely trust me. Still, Mr. Tempest, you should have known me better than to think me guilty of such a crime. I know, I know I have been wrong. Well, let us drop the subject. My character is now clear, and I have no wish to recall a very disagreeable past. This conversation took place in the study of Mr. Tempest and in the presence of Sybil and Martin. The detective had shown the vicar the insolent but welcome letter he had received from Pratt. The confession therein entirely excenuated Leo and he could again hold up his head.

He and Mr. Tempest were quite reconciled. Sibble, with a hand in Leo's, looked thoroughly happy. "'I never lost faith in you, Leo,' she said. Sooner or later, I knew that all would be well. I have to thank Martin for the clearing of my character, Sybil. "'Faith, you're wrong there,' said Martin, smiling. "'I thought you were innocent. "'But, as I had not looked into the case, I saw no means of proving it.

"'But had not Pratt sent his confession, I should still be in the dark. "'He's a scoundrel, but he's a good friend to you, Havillet?' "'I don't agree with you,' said Tempest sharply, for he was still sore on the subject of the cup. Pratt knew that Leo was suspected and he should have come forward longer this to put the matter right. You ask too much from a man of Pratt's nature,

said Martin Riley. It is wonderful that he should have confessed his guilt even at the 11th hour. However, this closes the case and I can go back to London. We know now who stole the cup and we know also that it cannot be recovered. Pratt will stick to it this time.

It was only his vanity and desire for popularity that made him give it away in the first instance. If it came back to me, I should never accept it, said the vicar emphatically. A stolen cup should never have been put to sacred uses. I wonder at the daring of the men. Oh, a man like Pratt is capable of anything, said Martin with a shrug. But you will never see him again, Mr. Tempest.

And now, Mr. Havill, I think you should see Sir Frank Hale and make him confess that he lent you the money. There will be no difficulty about that, replied Leo. Hale told only two people that he repudiated all knowledge of the loan. One was my aunt, the other myself. He is too cunning to tell the world the untruth he told us. Besides my character being cleared, he can have no further hold over me. I fear he will be angry.

I am certain he will. Let us see him together. Leo was quite willing to do this, so after taking a fond leave of Sybil and a cordial one of her father, he set out with a detective to bring Sir Frank Hale to his bearings. On the way, Martin asked Leo's permission to touch upon a delicate subject. Havelay told him to speak freely. I owe you too much to take offence at anything you may say, he observed.

You have been my very good friend, Martin? Oh, that's all right, replied the detective brightly. And I really do not deserve your thanks. Any help I have given you has been purely accidental. If Pratt had held his tongue, you would still have been in the same position as before. But I am bound to say, Havelay, that even before the arrival of this life, that Mr. Tempest expressed his belief in your innocence. I'm glad of that, said Leo.

He treated me badly, and it is a pleasure to me to hear that his own good sense told me I was innocent before he had the actual proof. I'm anxious to stand well within Martin. Ah, that is the matter I wish to discuss. I see that you and Miss Tempest are much attached to one another. Do you think the vicar will consent to the marriage? I really can't say,

even before the scandal he seemed to be displaced with me and kept me away from his house as much as possible. He did not want to see me, and he would not let me see Sybil. We had to meet by stealth. Now he may have changed his mind. And if he has, what then? Then I can announce my engagement to Sybil, said Leo. But you see, I am not in a position to marry and may not be for a long time.

I have to make my way in the world and to make money also. I thought of enlisting for this war and of fighting my way through the ranks to a commission Even then I do not see how you could marry You might gain a commission but not money Until your worldly prospects are more secure I do not think you should engage yourself to Miss Tempest That is straight speaking Martin

You gave me permission to speak out I like you heavily and after the trouble you have come through I think you should be rewarded by getting your heart's desire But if you love Miss Temple You will not marry her until you can give her a comfortable home. Even if you are successful in South Africa, a baggage wagon is not the place for a delicate girl. You can offer a nothing better than that. True enough, I admit that what you say is correct. But what am I to do? Well, said the detective after a pause. It seems to me that

you have some claim upon your aunt. She took charge of you and brought you up. I understand and she intimated that you would be a heir, and you received an education to fit you for the position. If she intended to send you a drift as she has done, she should at least have had you taught some profession or trade whereby you can earn your bread and butter. Yes, I think you have a right to demand some assistance from her. Leo shook his head and flushed.

I can't bring myself to do that, he said in a low voice. She has insulted me so deeply that it goes against me nature to eat humble pie. I would rather make my own way in the world. As to Sibyl, I shall not ask her to engage myself to me until, as you say, I can offer her home. You can do nothing but endless, I suppose. Now, soldiering is all I am fit for. Now that my name has been cleared, I will bid farewell to Sibyl and enlist straight away. She will wait for me, I am certain.

I get my commission. I can perhaps see my way to make her my wife. If I am short, well, Leo shrugged. the shoulders. There is an end to all things. Havelay, said Martin after a pause. Will you tell me what reason your aunt has were disliking you so much? I don't know. She has always been stern and hard with me.

Lately, she has openly hated me. That is why I left her. There is something connected with you that is wrong? Not to my knowledge. I have been foolish, but not willfully wicked. I know that, Mrs. Gabriel knows something. about your parents that has prejudiced the vicar against you. It was a influence that made him turn against you, he admitted as much to me.

But he refused to say what she had told him. I guessed all this, said Leo quietly. But what can I do? Insisted upon knowing what has been said. You have a right to. If the vicar will not speak out, and he has given his word not to, Mrs. Gabriel may be forced to do so. Where are you, heavily, I should see her and insist upon an explanation.

she won't give it. I should force it out of her, said Martin, determinedly. Oh, I know she is a hard woman, but if you perceive her, she must give way. Leo thought for a few moments. Well, Martin, he said at length. I will see the vicar first, speak to him on the subject of Sybil.

From what he says, I may see the reason of his attitude towards me. Then I call upon Mrs. Gabriel. You may be sure I shall do my best. Martin noted, but said no more for the person. present, as by this time they were at the door of Hale's house. A demo servant opened the door and took in their names. Shortly, she ushered them into a room where Sir Frank was seated in a chair by the window, beating to his sister.

Herith Hale looked pale and ill. She lay on her sofa, but started up and blushed rosy red when she saw Leo. There was no doubt that the poor girl was steeply in love with a young man. Leo, in the kindness of his heart, felt a bang. It seemed to him that he was treating her cruelly, although the position was none of his making. Good day, said Hale, without rising, and including Leo and Martin in one swift glance. I am surprised to see you heavily. I thought you did not care about keeping up my acquaintance. Leo would have replied sharply, but as Edith was present, he cast a meaning glance in a direction.

I should like to speak with you alone, he said. That is, in the presence of Mr. Martin. before Hale could reply, Martin interposed. Wait a bit, he said in a smooth voice, and with a glance at the girl. There is something to be said first in the presence of Miss Hale. In my presence, she exclaimed turning red, while a brother scowled. Yes, something you will be pleased to hear.

You both know that Mr. Havilley has been accused of stealing the chapel cup. I never believed it, never cried at it eagerly, and Leo gave her a look of gratitude, which made a turn pale with emotion. And you, Sir Frank, Hale shrugged her shoulders. I never thought much about the subject, he said, the lie coming at once to his practised lips. The evidence was against Havillet, I admit,

but I tried to think the best of him. Your speech is rather contradictory, Sir Frank, was the dry response of Martin. But I think you must have thought well of Havillay, or you would not have helped him out of his difficulty to be lending him money. Oh, Frank, did you do that? cried Ed, taking a brother's hand.

I love you for it. How good you are! Hale's face grew blacker and blacker. Had he been alone, he would have lied, but in the presence of the sister he loved so deeply he could not bring himself to deny the truth. Moreover, he had a kind of instinct of feeling that Martin had come to proclaim the innocence of Leo,

else why should he come at all? His plot of getting Leo into his power had failed. he was clever enough to see that, so it only remained for him to retreat with as much dignity as possible. I was only too glad to help heavily, he said quietly and with market courtesy. He was in debt,

and the 300 pounds I gave him was of some use, I believe. I beg that he will say no more on the subject. How good you are! How good you are! Gasped as it caressing a brother, Leo and Martin glanced at one another. Hale's masterly retreat took them, both by surprise. When Leo remembered the conversation of the chapel, he could hardly believe his

years. The only thing to be done was to beat the man with his own weapons. I will say no more hail, save that when I am able, the money shall be repaid. I thank you heartily for your kindness. Sir Frank bit his lip, but summoned up sufficient dignity to be gracious. He and Leo were both wearing masks for the benefit of Edith. Pay the money when you like, he said sitting up. I'm shortly going abroad with my sister, and I do not think we shall see one another for a long time. However, my solicitor at Portfront will attend to the matter of the loan. Then there really was a loan, said Martin, determined to get the plain truth out of hail in the presence of witness. Certainly, I gave Leo three hundred pounds in gold. I've already said so.

And it was with that loan he paid his debts, pursued Martin. Yes, said Leo, seeing his drift. I paid them with that money. But the good people here declare that I sold the cup to pay them. How could they? How could they? Muttered Edith.

Because they are fools. Quite Sir Frank, seeing that he was completely beaten. For my part, I never believed that Havillet did such a thing. Thank you, said Leo, inwardly smiling at the lie. Then you will be delighted to hear

that the thief has been found? As Martin spoke, Hale suddenly turned pale and rose with an effort. the thief has been found he stammered yes replied martin with a swift glance thinking at once of his theory of a conspiracy it seems that this man angel i beg your pardon you know him as pratt stole the cup but it was mr pratt who gave it cried it quite so miss hale afterwards he was sorry that his generosity had led him to make so great a sacrifice therefore he stole what he had bestowed and what about the story of mrs gill asked hale trying to be amiable. Oh, that was part of the business, Sir Frank. Brad thought the cup would be seen here, even if he kept it in his house. So he sent it up to London to be pawned for safekeeping. You do not understand why this should be done. But then, you have never come into contact with a man

like Pratt. However, for reasons I need not explain, he pawned the cup. His servant, Adam, is rather like Mr. Haverley, and it was dust that Mrs. Geel, not having a clear view, made a mistake. you understand sir frank quite replied hale in his strangled voice he was pale and anxious looking leo thought that this was anger at his escape but martin took another and more serious view i'm sure you're pleased that heavily's character has been cleared i am pleased very very pleased said edith joyfully and so is frank are you not frank yes very pleased hale forced himself to say so much then he walked to the door i'm not well he said turning for a moment you will excuse me gentlemen my sister will see you out if you he paused and darting a look of hatred at leo left the room heavily was more surprised than martin who had captured a fresh idea and was already building up a theory leo remained only a short time he was most embarrassed by the looks of edith and escaped as speedily as courtesy permitted when they left the house and were some distance on the road martin's I think there is insanity in that family, he said. Why do you think, sir?

The girl is queer. No woman in a sane senses would give herself away as she does. The brother is a cripple and queer too. Never you marry into that lot, Havelay. They have some hereditary taint. I have no intention of marrying anyone but Sybil, said Leo dryly. But did you see how Hale backed out of his false position? Yes.

and I believe he has more to do with this matter than you think. I should not be at all surprised to find that he and Mrs. Gabriel for some reason had been working together against you. Oh, there has been. There may be yet some conspiracy against you. I can understand Hale conspiring, said Leo. He wants to marry Sybil and wishes Edith to become my wife. But, Mrs. Gabriel?

Why should she? We have yet to find that out, interrupted Martin. Go and see what the Vakar says. I must be alone for a time. I want to think the matter out. At all events, Hale has acknowledged that he lent you the money in the presence of witnesses. He were all right in that quarter. I dare say he'll make another attempt to best you, though.

Nonsense. Did you not hear him say that he was going abroad with his sister? I think he will leave me alone now. Perhaps, replied Martin thoughtfully. We'll see. I'll believe he's going abroad when he's across the channel. I'm off for a long walk, and the detectives. set off at a brisk pace. Leo thought no more about this especial matter, leaving it entirely to

Martin. Forthwith, he returned to the vicarage, saw Mr. Tempest, and then and there asked him if he objected to him as a suitor for Sybil. At this very direct question, Mr. Tempest wriggled and looked uncomfortable. He put a very painful question to me, Leo, he said, after a pause. I am ashamed of myself for having thought so ill of you, and I should like to make amends, if possible. I know that you are attached to Sybil. But now that you are at a variance with your aunt, I do not see that you are just aware in asking me to consent to this engagement. I know what you mean, said Leo proudly. And I do not intend to engage myself until I am in a better position. All I ask you is that you will not force Sybil to marry Hale when I am away.

I should not let them marry Hale in any case, cried the Vicar angrily. I would never give my child to a cripple. Moreover, the hails are not so sane as they might be. And Leo, I shall not force Sybil's inclinations in any way. She can remain unmarried all her life if she pleases. That is all I want, said Leo gladly. I'm going to endless Mr. Tempest, and if I get a commission, there may be some chance of my asking Sybil to be my wife. She will be true to me while I'm away. I know she will. Hmm, said the vicar doubtfully. A commission, hey? Leo interpreted his objection. Then you have something against me personally, he said, and for this reason you do not want me to think of Sibyl in any way. What is the matter, Mr. Tempest? I can't tell

you, Leo, Nivika, looked directly at him. So, for as you are concerned, I do not wish for a better husband for my daughter, but Mrs. Gabriel has informed me of something which makes me unwilling to countenance of marriage. Don't ask me what it is. I cannot tell you. I do not ask you to tell me, Mr. Tempest, this very night I shall ask Mrs. Gabriel herself what she has been saying. Better not, advise the vicar. It will only cause you much distress. Leo looked at him in astonishment. What could his aunt have been saying about him or his parents, likely to make the vicar take so strong a view of the matter? If there is anything wrong, I have a right to know, he said at length. I shall insist upon an explanation, Mr. Tempest. If I discover any valid reason why I should give Sibyl up, I am quite.

ready to yield. When you next see me, Mr. Tempest, I shall either have given up the idea of marrying your daughter, or I shall insist upon marrying her in spite of you and Mrs. Gabriel. You cannot say that I am treating you unfairly. I go now. But my dear boy, called out Mr. Tempest, much distressed. He spoke to the empty air. Leo had already left the room and was out of the gate. After leaving the nun's house, Leo had taken up his residence at the Colester Arms. Martin was there also and Leo expected to see him at dinner He was anxious to tell him what the Vicarage said

But the detective did not return from his walk And after waiting for him till close upon nine o'clock Leo left the hotel and walked towards the castle To have it out with Mrs. Gabriel The night was moonless but there were many starts Here and there a swath of mist lay on the plains below But up on the hills all was comparatively clear Leo, who knew every inch of colister, walked slowly out of the town gate and crossed to the other hill.

He took a narrow private path which he knew of, wishing to get unobserved to the castle. Just at the foot of this path, he met Martin. The recognition was mutual. You are going to see Mrs. Gabriel? said the detective. Yes. Where have you been, Martin? I have been trying to see her, but she is ill. At least saw the butler says.

I suspect, however, this is a lot. she doesn't want to see me shall i yes you go up i must return to the hotel and get some dinner i've been walking and thinking until i am worn out i'll wait to return and we can talk over the matter what matter the conspiracy of mrs gabriel and hale said martin promptly get on with you havelay i'm off to dinner and he went away at a quick pace leaving leo much astonished however there was no use in standing and wondering so he pursued his way As Mrs. Gabriel was said to be ill and had denied herself to Martin, it was not unlikely that he would be treated in the same way. Therefore, instead of going to the front door, Leo went round the castle onto the terrace. This was shut off from the rest of the ground by a high fence with a gate in it. Leo had retained the key of this gate and had no difficulty in getting in. The room which looked on to the terrace was slighted, but the blinds were down.

Leo peered in. He saw Mrs. Gabriel seated in a chair. Standing near her was Richard Pratt. The end of Chapter 14. Chapter 15 of the Pagans' Cup by Fergus Hume. This Liberty Box recording is in the public domain. Read by Yoganan. The Pagans Cup, Chapter 15.

A new complication. Leo was so surprised by this unexpected sight that for the moment he stood still. Then he made up his mind to interview the pair. Mrs. Gabriel and Pratt evidently understood one another, and the two of them together might probably tell him more about himself than one would do. Moreover, Leo was angry at the way in which Pratt had let him lie under the imputation of being a thief when he could have lifted the disgrace from off his shoulders. Certainly Pratt could have done so only at the risk of incriminating himself,

but at the time Leo was too much annoyed to think of this. He saw that there was some mystery, and thinking it might have to do with Mrs. Gabriel's enmity towards himself, he interrupted what seemed to be a furious conversation by knocking at the window. Mrs. Gabriel and Pratt turned in the direction where the sound came, she with a pale face and Pratt with a leveled revolver which he took from his breast pocket. Leo might have been in danger of his life, but that he chanced to remember a peculiar tune which Pratt had taught him

in order to announce his coming while he was staying at the nun's house. At the time Leo had thought this was only a free-conce-reacted, of the old man's, but now that he knew who Pratt was, he saw that there was use in it to Pratt, if not to himself. At all events, he began to whistle. Hardly had he got through the first few bars before Pratt's watchful attitude relaxed and he tossed their revolver onto the table. Mrs. Gabriel still continued to look agitated, but Pratt stepped towards the window and opened it coolly. I knew it was you, he said, pulling Leo into the room and shutting the window. It is a lucky thing you remembered my signal, else I might have drilled a hole in you.

You come at a happy moment. Here he stopped and looked suspiciously at the young man. Have you that infernal Martin with you? He asked with a glance at the window and a moment towards the revolver. No, no, replied Leo hastily. I'm all alone. That's a good thing, said Brad grimly. I won't be taken alive, I promise you.

But I knew you would not give me away. I said so to Mrs. Gabriel. She said you would. speaking the worst of you as usual. Leo was too much taken aback by the discovery that Pratt was in the castle to reply immediately. Moreover, the man was so cool and composed that he felt as though he were in the wrong. He tried to collect the scattered thoughts, but before he could open his mouth, Mrs. Gabriel spoke in a usual domineering tunes.

"'What are you doing here, Leo?' she asked. "'How did you get on to the terrace? No one can get on without the key of the gate.' "'I happen to have the key,' said Leo, showing it. you gave it to me yours some years ago when i left you i took it with me by mistake it has come and useful to-night you may thank your stance both of you that i did not bring martin back with me he left me at the foot of the hill with the story that you were ill mrs gabriel leo said pratt in an agitated tone surely you would not have brought the man here to get me into trouble i did not know you were here said havelaceously for he was still angered at the man I've been here ever since the night I fled from Raston's house. It was Adam who went on to London and cut the wire.

And the letter in which you said you had stolen the cup? I wrote that here and posted it to Adam that he might send it from London. Mrs. Gabriel helped me to hide. No one knows that I am in this house, save herself, and now you are a shatter in our secret. It must be difficult to keep your presence here a secret from the servants, said Leo, wondering how the man had forced Mrs. Gabriel to help. Here the lady herself interfered.

It is not difficult at all, she said in a most offensive tones. You know nothing of what you're talking about. Pratt is up in the tower room and I take him food myself from my own meals. It's impossible that anyone can guess. Well, my dear aunt, said Havelay emphatically. I know that Pratt is here. I think, therefore, you are better behaved towards me in a more civil manner. Ha, scoffed Mrs. Gabriel, folding her arm and looking defiant.

You would not dare to state the truth. How do you know that? said Leo dryly. Pratt is wanted by the law. He committed a theftier and allowed me to lie under suspicion. Why should I not give him up and accuse you of being an axiory to his concealment? Mrs. Gabriel frowned and a black eyes flashed, but Pratt, who had taken a seat, did not move. He merely laughed.

I don't think you will give away Leo, he said. I admit that Mrs. Gabriel is enough to irritate his saint. But if you punish her, you punish me also and you deserve punishment retorted leo probably i do but i have my own opinion of the matter all i ask you to do is to hold your tongue until such a time as i can get away when are you going away soon i hope cried mrs gabriel spitefully i'm rather tired of having a jail-bird in my house oh you refer to the american affair said pratt airily i had quite forgotten it well my dear lady i do not intend to burden you with my presence after to-morrow by this time no one will be watching for me hereabouts as i'm supposed to be in london i shall go to-morrow night and return to my london quarters where adams awaits me by the way "'Has that fool of a detective gone?' "'He is going to-morrow,' said Leo in a surly tone.

"'All the better. We can travel to London together.' "'Ah, you smile, my dear Leo, "'but I assure you that if I chose to travel with Martin, "'I should do so. "'I can disguise myself so effectively "'that even he would not know me. "'It's not the first time I've baffled him. "'Look here, Mr. Pratt,

"'or whatever you choose to call yourself,' "'said the young man calmly. "'You have been kind to me in your own way, and I do not want to take advantage of your present unfortunate position. At the same time, you are a thief and a criminal, and I want to have nothing to do with you. Mrs. Gabriel may approve your company, but you do not wish to have you for a friend.

I shall hold my tongue, but I recommend you to leave this place as soon as possible. Mrs. Gabriel glared at Leo, as she could ill brook his references to herself. She half rose as though she would have flown at him, but a glance from Pratt, Queld her, when she sat down with more meekness than could have been expected from such a redoubtable tomagant.

Pratt, still keeping his temper, turned to Leo. It's very good of you to interest yourself in my moments, he said in silky tones. But I can look after myself. It's a grief, my dear fellow, a great grief that I should be compelled to leave this neighbourhood. I like the place and the people are fairly agreeable.

I was nicely settled in the nun's house and, surrounded with stolen goods, interrupted Leo wrathfully. pratt sighed i had some charming things he said how i shall miss them i am too old to make another such collection i suppose they have all returned to the people i took them from i fear the stupid creatures will not appreciate them as i have done pratt's impudence was so consummate that leo could not help laughing but mrs gabriel rose in the black fury and shook a fist in the man's face how dare you boast of your inquiries in my house she cried in your house my dear lady queried pratt blandly Mrs. Gabriel got very white and sat down again. Apparently, Pratt had some power over her, which she was afraid he might use. Leo had never seen the woman so cowed.

Well, well, continued Pratt stretching his legs. I have to go, thanks to that wretched man, Martin. How was it he appeared so unexpectedly? Raston sent for him to London to find out who committed the robbery. Ah, Pratt laughed. I hope Mr. Martin is satisfied now. My letter should have pleased him. it pleased me more said leo bluntly my name is now clear and you will be glad to hear he added turning to mrs gabriel that hale in the presence of martin and his sister confessed that he lent me the money i am afraid your plot against me has failed my dear aunt

hold your tongue said mrs gabriel angrily now the time has passed for that i am no longer in your power i intend to make my own way in the world with assistance from mrs gabriel said pratt quietly she will start you with a thousand pounds my dear leo i won't give one penny said mrs gabriel glaring you can do your worst pratt i have been your milch-cow long enough i would not take anything from her said leo interposing and i'll thank you mr pratt to leave my affairs alone if you will persist in meddling with them i shall not keep my promise of silence oh yes you will chimed in pratt fixing him with his eye you do Dare not betray me, Leo. Dare not echo the young man angrily. Not unless you won't be called an unnatural son, my boy. Leo stared, not taking in the meaning of this speech. For you are my son Leo, added prayer in low tones, his eyes never leaving heavily's face.

Your great heavens! Mrs. Gabriel burst into a taunting laugh. Ah, you know it at last, she cried triumphantly. and he has told you after threatening me with all sorts of things to keep me silent. It is not true, gasped Leo. It's perfectly true, said the woman, jeeringly. You are the son of the cleverest thief in the three kingdoms. Hold your tongue, you hag, shouted Pratt angrily,

for Leo was so as white as ashes and his face wore an expression of terrible agony. I won't be quiet, you told him yourself, and now he shall know all as the vicar does. finished Mrs. Gabriel, laughing fiercely. Leo started to his feet. Sybil, he cried out, staring at his enemy. I know now why the Vicar will not let me marry her. You...

You... told him you were an illegitimate son, said Mrs. Gabriel rapidly. I did not say who was your father, but now that Pratt's true character is known, I shall tell Tempest everything. Then we shall see if he will let you speak to Sybil again. You dare say a word, Mrs. Gabriel, and I... but the woman was not to be stopped. She turned like a fury on Pratt,

who had risen angrily. Hold your tongue, she said savagely. I've had about enough of you and your precious son. You made me take him to my home and tell everyone that he was the son of my dead brother. A lie as you well know. And you, she added turning on Havillay, you don't know why I have hated you all this years.

That man knows a secret of mine and he forced me to do his bidding. I took you here. I brought you up. I gave you money and I let you take a position to which you were not entitled. Possition, Mrs. Gabriel laughed scornfully. Your position should be in the gutter where you were born. You are no kith, the kin of mine, thank God.

And I do thank God, said Leo vehemently. You are a bad, evil-minded woman. Although my father is a thief, I would rather be his son than connected with you in any way. For years you have made me life a hell on earth with your wild temper. Terrible as is what you have told me, I prefer the thief to the righteous woman. The mistress of the castle recoiled aghast before this outbreak

of anger. Never had the usually good-tempered young man spoken so fiercely to her. As he advanced towards her, she believed that he was going to strike her and put up her arm with a look of terror in her eyes. For once, the bully was scoured. Bravo, my boy!

cried Pratt, laughing at a discomfort chair and clapping Leo on the back. The young man started away. Don't touch me, he said. said harshly. Is it not enough that I should have the shame of being your son, but that you should approve of any action I do? But I do not believe that you are my father.

Where is the proof? In London, said Pratt, very quietly, and wincing at the tone of Leo's speech. If you come with me to London, I can show you sufficient proof to make you believe. My mother, Leo, with a sudden thought, cast a look at Mrs. Gabriel. I am not your mother, she said scornfully. Didn't I tell you there was no blood of mine in your veins? "'Your mother is dead, Leo?' said Pratt in a low voice. Mrs. Gabriel laughed insultingly, and I dare say she was some—'

"'If you dare to say another word,' growled Pratt, casting a bit look at her. "'I will give you a secret to the world.' "'I don't care if you do,' retorted Mrs. Gabriel, but Leo saw that she quailed. "'What could she have done to give a man like Pratt? He could not call him father, a power over her?' "'You do care,' said Pratt quietly. "'But if you don't, I'll begin by telling you. here goes Leo my son in a moment mrs Gabriel's defiant attitude become one of supplication she sprang forward and caught pratt by the arm don't don't she said faintly I'll do whatever you wish will you dare to speak again as you have done no no I know you are the stronger I could kill you she muttered with a flash of her old temper but I have to given I have to

well drawled prior taking a pleasure and bringing her to her niece a position to which she was quite unaccustomed you are persecuted my poor son so that i think he should have something to hold over your head it would serve you right i don't want to know your wicked secrets said leo very pale but otherwise calm it seems to me that you are an evil couple and i heaven help me have a father who is a thief what of that said mrs gabriel getting angry again. You are a thief as well. Are you not? The cup. I did not steal it, said Leo proudly. You know as well as I do that this, this, he winced, father of mine took it away from the chapel. That is just where you are wrong. He did not. Mrs. Gabriel, Pratt's voice sounded dangerous. She was quiet at once and looked at him in a frightened way. But Leo had heard enough to arouse his suspicions. He turned on Pratt and seized him by the arm. Have you been telling a lie?

Matter the unhappy young man. His father shook him off. It's no use telling another one, he said in a dogged way. Now you know so much, you may as well know all. I know nothing about the cup, but to clear you, I took the blame on myself. You see Leo? He said calmly. My character is already so bad that a robbery more or less does not matter.

I did it for you, my son, as I have done everything else. I wanted you to be a gentleman and marry the girl of your heart. Sibyl loves you, and I thought when the... the vicar knew you were innocent, that he would let you marry her. He might have done so, said Leo, sitting down in absolute despair, but since Mrs. Gabriel told him that I was illegitimate, he has never been the same. He is a proud man. Too proud to let the son of a thief marry his child, taunt in the woman.

He doesn't know that Leo is my son, said Pratt fiercely. I intend to tell him as soon as you are away, she said. You will do nothing of the sort, said Pratt, in a slow, venomous way, which made her shrink back. by speaking to the vicar and telling a lie you have caused enough trouble he must know no more i did not tell a lie you are dead my son was born in lawful wedlock then why didn't you bring him up yourself said mrs gabriel with a sneer you gave him to me in london and made me adopt him i had to say that he was my nephew oh how you have used me and i have not done using you hold your tongue or it will be the worse for you you know the power i have i will not scruple to use it if you dare to do anything against my orders now you can go i want to speak to my son alone mrs gabriel seemed inclined to dispute this order but a look from a tyrant coda with a defiant flinging up of the head she walked out of the room and closed the door she will tell the servants said leo oh no she won't said pratt coolly you don't know the power i have over her she will not dare i don't want to know anything said leo looking down on the ground with folded arms i know quite enough are you speaking truly bratt met his gaze in a perfectly composed manner i am speaking the truth he said you are my son and your mother died two years after you were born

i was then in some danger from a well no matter to make a long story short i wanted to procure a home for you where you would be brought up like a gentleman having a certain power of mrs gabriel affixed upon her her and made her tell the story of your being a nephew she did all i wished but had i known how she treated you he muttered trenching his fist i should soon have brought her to her bearings and it was this power that made her introduce you into colistice society yes i can do what i like with a woman i know it is a terrible thing for you to find out what i am but i took to bad courses early leo and i went from bare to words it's a second nature for me to steal oh leo Leo rose with a sickening sensation of disgust. Don't tell me any of your evil doings. I know that you are my father, that you are a thief. I want to know no more. You have ruined my life. I have not, said Pratt.

How can you say such a thing? What you have heard tonight need go no further. I shall say nothing, and Mrs. Gabriel will be forced to hold a tongue. Your name is clear of this theft. Did you not steal the cup? Broken Leo, looking at his father. No, I did not. if I had stolen it, I should say so.

But I do not know who took it. I'm going to London to find out. Old Penny the pawnbroker is a friend of mine. I know enough to get him into trouble as a receive of stolen goods. So you will have to tell me who it was impersonated you. You said in your letter that Adam Pratt interrupted impatiently. Adam had nothing to do with it, he said. I invented all that to throw dust on Martin's eyes.

I suspect that Hale has something to do with the stealing of the cup. he may have taken it himself for all i know but old penny will tell me i'll get to the bottom of this you may be sure as to you leo hold your tongue about being my son and come back to mrs gabriel she will be quite willing to receive you and i can force her to make you a hair then you can marry sibyl when you are rich and have an assured position the vicar will overlook the stain on your berth It's a lie, certainly, added Pratt with a shrug, but to tell the truth would be to make matters words, so we must leave things as they are. For once, Mrs. Gabriel has got the better of me, but it won't occur again. You stay with her, and I promise you she will be as polite as possible to you. He will be master here.

Leo listened to this long speech with his aching head between his hands. When Pratt had finished, he looked up quietly. It's good of you to take all this trouble, he said. but I cannot come back to Mrs. Gabriel. Even if she loved instead of hating me, I could not come back on those terms. I can never marry Sibyl either. Do you think that I would let her become my wife knowing who I am?

Your sins must be visited on me, Pratt. I can't call your father. You say you are my father and declare that you can prove it. When you are in London, I expect you to do so. Let me know your address and I'll come up. But for the moment, I assume that you are speaking the truth. that case, there is nothing for me to do but to go to South Africa and seek a soldier's death. I would rather die than marry Sibyl now.

Don't talk like that, Leo, said Pratt, much mood and wincing at the contempt of the young man. I'm not so bad as you think. I've done many a kind action. I can. Oh, don't defend yourself, said Leo, rising to go. I must get away by the same way I came. I shall say nothing, but I hope you will be out of colester by tomorrow night. Martin leaves in the morning, so the coast will be clear. I'm going now, and I hope to hear from you so that you may give me the proof of the truth of the story. You don't believe me?

I do, in a way. It seems to be true. You say so, and Mrs. Gabriel also. I suppose I'm your son, but I'm hoping against hope that you may not be able to prove the truth. Leo, said Pratt, following him to the window. I am your father, and if you intend to leave Sibyl, you may as well come with me. I can go with you to South America

and there I can lead a new life I am rich in spite of losing the nun's house I have a belt of jewels thousands of pounds of the most valuable and all stolen cried Leo thrusting him back and disgust For God's sake don't speak to me anymore Or I shall forget that you are my father

If you only knew how I loathe myself For being your son I never thought it would come to this Let me go Let me go And Leo pulling his arm from the grasp of Pratt rushed out onto the terrace. In another ten minutes Mrs. Gabriel re-entered.

She found Pratt with his head buried in his arms, sobbing like a child. At the sight, she burst out laughing. Then she locked the window Leo had left open. Get to bed, Pratt, she said contemptuously, and pleasant dreams to you. The end of Chapter 15. Chapter 16 of the Pagans Cup by Fergus Hewold. This Liberty Walk's recording is in the public domain. Read by Yoganan,

The Pagans' Cup, Chapter 16. Sybil's Visitor Leo had never felt so wretched in his life as he did the next day. Seeing that he was greatly disturbed, Martin wished to learn the reason. As Havillier promised to keep secret the presence of his father at the castle, he was obliged to await direct answer. I saw Mrs. Gabriel, he said quietly.

We had a long conversation, and she told me what she had said to the vicar. Is it a serious matter? asked the detective. Serious enough to prevent my marriage, replied Leo. But what it is? I do not feel called upon to explain. It concerns myself and no one else. If you can help me, Martin, I should tell you, but you cannot. No one can. I don't think there is any more to be said.

Seeing the young man thus determined, Martin said no more, as he did not wish to force Leo's confidence. The next morning he took his departure, assuring heavily that he was always at his disposal when wanted. Depend upon it, he said, as he took leave. You are not yet done with Mrs. Gabriel. She will get you into more trouble. When she does, write to that address.

Thank you, Martin. Should I require your assistance? I will write. The two men parted Martin to London and Leo back to the inn. He was very miserable, the more so as he had to avoid the society of Sybil. Knowing what he did, it was impossible for him to talk of love to her. He felt that he had no right to do so, that he was gaining her affections wrongly. Sooner or later, he would have to leave her, but he did not wish to break away abruptly. Little by little, he hoped to withdraw himself from a presence, and thus the final separation would be more easy.

All the next day he wandered alone on the moor, where there was no chance of meeting with Sybil. The morning afterwards he received a note from Mrs. Gabriel stating that a certain person had taken his departure, Leo was then in a fever of anxiety, less the person should be captured. However, he learned within 24 hours that there was no need to worry. An unsigned telegram came from London,

intimating that the sender was in safety and would communicate with him when the time was ripe. Leo took this to mean that Pryor could not easily get at the papers verifying his story, owing to the vigilance excised by the police who were on the lookout for him. Leo therefore possessed his soul in patience until such time as all should be made clear. Meantime, as he told Pratt, he was hoping against hope that the story was not true. Certainly, Pratt had spoken in what appeared to be a most truthful way, he had exhibited an emotion. He would scarcely have given way to, had he been telling a false word.

But Haverley knew what an actor the man was, and until proof was forth was forth, and until proof was forth coming, still cherished a hope that a comedy had been acted for some reason best known to Pratt himself, that is, it was a comedy to Pratt, but to Leo Havilley, it approached perilously near to tragedy. Afterwards, looking back on the agony of those few days, he wondered that he had not killed himself in sheer despair. But he could not remain in the same place with Sibyl without feeling an overwhelming desire to tell her the whole story and thus put an end to an impossible situation. Once she knew the truth that he was a woman, the son of a criminal, she would see that a marriage was out of the question. Leo was quite certain that she would still love him, and after all, he was not responsible for the sins of his father.

But for the sake of Mr. Tempest, she could not marry him, nor, as he assured himself, would he ask her to do so. Two or three times he was on the point of seeking her out and revealing all, but a feeling of the grief he would cause her made him change his determination. He resolved finally to leave her in a fool's paradise, until he had to be able to. proved from Pratt of the supposed paternity. But to be near her and not speak to her was unbearable. So he sent a note saying he was called away for a few days on business and went to Portfront. Here he remained waiting to hear from Pratt, and no man could have been more miserable, and more scarcely to be wondered at considering the provocation. Meantime, Colister society had been much exercised over the discovery of Leo's innocence

and the supposed delinquency of Pratt. certainly as Havillay and Mrs. Gabriel knew, Pratt had generously taken on his own shoulders the blame which had wrongfully rested on those of the young man. But no one else knew this, and even if Pratt had come forward and told the truth, no one would have believed him. He had been so clearly proved to be a thief, and the scandal concerning the stolen goods in the nun's house was so great that there was no ill deed with which the villages and gentry of Colester were not prepared to predate him. Mrs. Pothurst was particularly virile of the in a demeniation of the rascal.

But I always knew that he was a bad lord, said Mrs. Bathurst. Did I not tell it was incredible that a wealthy man should come down to pass his days in a dull place like colister? How lucky it is that we found his wickedness. Thanks to that dear Mr. Martin Hoy is, I'm sure, a perfect gentleman in spite of his being a police officer. I shall always look upon him as having saved Peggy. The creature, so she always called a former favourite, wanted to me. married Peggy. I saw it in his eyes. Perhaps I might have yielded. And then, what would have happened? I should have had a jacked-ripper in the family. Oh, scarcely ass-barress that Mrs.

Bathurst, said Raston, to whom she was speaking. Pratt was never a murderer. How do you know that, Mr. Raston? For my part, I believe he was capable of the most terrible crimes. If he had married Peggy, the very idea makes me shudder. But the dear child has escaped the snouts of evil. and I hope to see her shortly the wife of a good man. Here Mrs. Bathurst cast a look on her companion. Raston smiled. He knew perfectly well what she meant. Failing the wealthy Pratt who had been proved a scoundrel, the humble curate had a chance of becoming Mrs. Bathurst's son-in-law.

And Raston was not unwilling. He loved Peggy and she loved him. They understood one another and had done so for some time. Never would Peggy have married Pratt had he asked her a dozen times. but, as she had told Raston, the man had never intended to propose. Knowing this, Raston was glad to see that Mrs. Bathurst was not as inclined to accept him as a suitor for a daughter. He then and there struck the iron while it was hot. I do not know if I am a very good man, Mrs. Bathurst, he said, still smiling.

But if you think me good enough for Peggy, I shall be more than satisfied. I have the curacy and three hundred a year. My family, you know all about, and I suppose you have formed your own conclusions as to the merits of my personality. I'm not likely to turn out a criminal like Pratt, you know? Really, Mr. Raston, you take my breath away, said Mrs. Bathurst, quite equal to the occasion. I never suspected that you loved Peggy. Still, if such is a case and she loves you, and you're prepared to ensure life in case you die unexpectedly, I do not mind you are marrying her. She's a dear girl and will make you an excellent wife. Thank you, Mrs. Bathurst. then I may see Piggy now?

She is in the garden herald, Mrs. Bathurst had long since informed herself of the curate's Christian name so as to be prepared for an emergency of this sort. Go to her and take with you a mother's blessing. Thus burden, Rast and sort of Piggy, and then and there told her that all was well. They could love one another without let or hindrance.

The engagement had been sanctioned officially by Mrs. Bathurst. Peggy loved consummately when Braston related the pretty little comedy played by her mother She must think you are donkey Harold She said Mother thinks everyone is as blind as herself Mrs. Bathurst fancies herself wide awake my dear Those who are particularly blind always to Harold

Then they began a talk of their future Of the probability of Sybil becoming the wife of Leo And the chances of Mrs. Gabriel taking the young man again to her castle From one subject to another They passed on until Peggy Made an observation about Pearl She's out and about I see Said Peggy

But she still looks thin And no wonder Her illness has been a severe one But she will soon put on flesh and regain a colour She's always wandering on the moor And the wind's there will do more to restore her To health than all the drugs In the pharmacopoeia of James

Why does she go on to the moor? said Peggy I thought it was a chapel she was fond of sitting in. Ah, she has changed all that, said Vaston sadly. It seems, I think I told you this before, that Mrs. Giel told her some horrible Calvinistic doctrine, and poor Pearl thinks she's lost eternally. It was her idea that the cup was given into her charge, and now she believes that the master has taken it from her

because she is not good enough to be the custodian. Poor girl, said Peggy sympathetically. but I thought Harold that she believed the cup had been taken up to heaven for the supper of the master she did believe that till Mrs. Cheel upset her mind anew now she thinks she is lost

and I can't get the terrible idea out of her head she's like a lost thing wandering about the moor only one cure is possible what is that Harold the cup must be restored to the altar she has built an altar has she built one I followed her onto the moat the other day

wishing to calm her mum mind. Some distance away in the centre of the heather, she has erected an altar of turf, and she told me that if the master forgave her, he would replace the cup which he had taken from her on that altar. She goes there every day to see if the cup has returned. If it did, I believe she would again be her old appy self. But there is no chance of the cup being returned. No, said Raston a trifle grimly. Pratt has taken it again in his possession, and he will not let it go. Save for Pearl, I did not think it matters much. We could never again use it for the service of the chapel. A cup that has been stolen cannot be put to sacred uses. Do you think it was

stolen? I am certain of it. Everything belonging to that man was stolen. What a pity, Peggy, that such a clever fellow should use his talents for such a bad purpose. A great pity. I like Mr. Pratt, and even now, although he is such a wretch, I can't help feeling sorry for him. So do I, Peggy. in Pratt, let us hope he will repent. But now, darling, don't let us talk more of him. He has gone and will never come back. What about the wedding day? Oh, Harold, began Peggy and blushed. After this, the conversation became too personal to be reported. It is sufficient to say that the wedding day was fixed for two months later. While all these discoveries and connections with Pratt were being made in colistair, events which had to do with Sibyl's advertisement had happened,

which prevented her keeping it any longer a secret from her father. She put off telling him till the very last moment, but when one day a London visitor arrived, she was forced to speak out. A card inscribed with the name Lord Killspendie was brought to her and on the back of it was a pencil note hinting that the gentleman had called about the advertisement. Sibyl ordered that he should be shown into the drawing-room

and went to her father's study. The vicar was preparing a sermon and looked up ill-pleased at the interrupt. What is it, Sybil? he asked. I am busy. Please forgive me for interrupting you, father, she replied, coming to the desk and putting her arm round his neck. But I have something to tell you, something to confess. You have been doing nothing wrong, I hope, said Tempest suspiciously. I don't think it is wrong, save in one particular, that advertisement.

It was I who put it into the papers. Sibyl, and you never told me, the Vicar was annoyed. At the same time, he felt relieved that it was nothing worse. He fancied that she might be about to confess that she had married Leo. It was no use telling you until something came of it, father, replied Sybil calmly. So do not be angry. Now that the whole mystery has been cleared up, the advertisement is useless. But I received one answer to it.

A gentleman called Lord Killspindi wrote to me at the post office as ST asking to see me about the cup. He had something serious to say about it. I was curious. I think you would have been curious to yourself, father. So, I wrote, and giving my real name and address, asked him to come down here. He is now in the drawing room. Tempest rose to his feet, looking mixed. Lord Killspindi in the drawing room, and I only know of the matter now.

Really, Sible, you have behaved very badly. What does he want? To tell something about the cup, I suppose, said Sible. Do you know Lord Killspindi, father? No more than that he is a border lord. and a wealthy man. I believe he has a splendid and famous castle near the tweed. Sybil, you should have told me.

I'm sorry, but I didn't think it was worthwhile until he came. You're not angry father? I've done nothing so very bad, and it was my eagerness about Leo that made me take up the matter. You offered a reward of 50 pounds. How is that to be paid? Sybil laughed. I don't think there will be any question of reward with Lord Killspendi, she said.

Besides, he has not brought the cup, you know that Mr. Pratt has it and is likely to keep it. Come, father, forgive me and let us seek Lord Killspindi. I am filled with curiosity. You are a wicked girl, said the vicar indulgently and gave her a kiss.

If you do this again, I never will, father, unless Leo is again in danger. The vicar sighed. His conscience pricked him about Leo, and he did not know how to act towards making amendment. certainly if he gave his consent to the marriage leo would be more than repaid for the ill thoughts entertained about him but tempest was filled with pride of race and could not bring himself to give his beautiful daughter to a nameless man

however he could not consider the matter now since his illustrious visitor was waiting in the drawing-room so with sybil he went to greet him miss tempest said lord killspendy coming forward with a look of admiration at the beautiful girl before him and you sir sybil allowed her father to speak as was right and proper i am the vicar of this place lord kilspendy said tempest politely and this is my daughter it was she who put the advertisement in the paper i presume that it is to that we owe the pleasure of your company that and nothing else said lord kilspendy taking the seat pointed out to him by the vicar i have been looking for the cup for over twenty years it's not in your possession it was for a few weeks, replied the Vicar, who was very curious. I had better tell you the whole story, and then you can judge for yourself. If you'll be so kind, replied Lord Killspindi courteously. He listened attentively while Mr. Tempest narrated all the events in connection with the cup from the time Pratt had arrived in Colester. The story was a strange one, and the visitor was much interested. However, he did not offer one interruption. Sybil watched him,

meanwhile. He was a tall, grey-haired man of over 60, but still vigorous and straight. His face was lined, however, as though he had undergone much trouble. He had a soldierly look about him, and all the time the vicar was speaking, tugged at a long grey moustache, the only hair he wore on his face. Sibyl thought of the line in the ancient marina about long and lean and brown as the seashore sand, she could not quite recall the quotation, but to her it described Killspindi perfectly. He was rather sad looking, and his quite grey eyes looked as though he had known bitter trouble. And indeed, he had. Sybil learned that later.

A very interesting story, he said politely when Mr. Tempest had finished. But disappointing in its ending, You say this man, prior to as now the cup in his possession? He confessed as much, my lord, in a letter to the detective in charge of the case. It is a pity as he escaped with it. A great pity, responded to the other. I suppose there is no chance of his being captured. From what Mr. Martin said,

I should think not, put in Sibyl. He says that Pratt has baffled all the cleverest detectives in England for a great number of years. Killspinty's side. No chance of getting it back, the murmured, and the luck will still be bad. The luck, echoed Sibyl, catching the word. You will think me superstitious, he said with a smile.

But the fact is that the cup is said to be a fairy gift and has been in our family for generations. The luck of the family goes with the cup. Like the luck of Eden Hall, said Sable, remembering Longfeller's poem. Precisely, responded Killspendie. The legend is a curious one. I must tell it to you sometime.

Of course, my opinion is that the cup is of Roman manufacture. I recognized it from its description, and especially from the Latin motto you were set down in the advertisement. I think that goblet was dedicated to Bacchus, and was probably lost by some Roman gentlemen when Scotland was invaded with the Caesars. All this time Mr. Tempest was trying to recover from the horror of his thoughts. A pagan cup, he gasped, and a stolen cup.

Oh, my lord! And it was used as a communion cup. Pratt said that he had brought it from Italy, where it was so used by the Romish church. I thought it was sanctified by such a use and did not hesitate to put it again on the altar. I really don't know what to say. It is like sacrilege.

I'm sorry, Mr. Tempest. But the cup has been at Killspindi Castle for 500 years. It never was used in the service of the church. Over 20 years ago, it was stolen by a woman. By a woman, echoed Sibyl. She had quite expected to hear Pratt's name. The end of Chapter 16. Chapter 17 of the Pagans Cup by Fergus Hume.

This Libri-Wox recording is in the public domain. read by O'Garan The Pagans' Cup Chapter 17 Lord Killspindi Explains Before you begin your story My lord said the vicar

Will you please inform me How you came to know of the loss of the cup I've already done so Mr Tempest I saw the advertisement Offering a reward for its recovery The description And the quotation of the Latin motto

Were sufficient to show me That it was my ha'erloam I wrote to the office of the paper and afterwards received a letter from Miss Tempest here asking me to call. I've taken up my abode at the inn, as I may stay here for a few days. I want to know all I can about the matter. If you can only trace and recover the cup through your agency, I shall be eternally your data. I cannot tell you more than I have related, replied the vicar.

This man Pratt took back the cup and is now in London. Where? No one knows. I fear the cup is as lost as though it had been. swallowed up by the ocean. It is enough that I know in whose possession it has, said Killspundi with determination. In some way or another I shall find this man. For I may tell you, Mr. Tempest, that besides the recovery of a family treasure, I have another

and more important object in view, the recovery of my son, who was stolen from me at the time the cup disappeared. Tempest expressed much astonishment at this information, and Sibyl opened her eyes wide. she had never thought that her attempt to clear the character of a lover would lead to such a result. Neither she nor her father knew what to say, and seeing them silent, Lord Killspindi continue to speak. How the cup came into the possession of this man, I cannot say. It was taken from the castle by a nurse called Janet Grant, who also carried away the child. Why did she do that? asked Sibyl horrified.

out of revenge for a fancied slight I should receive from my wife replied Killspenday with a sigh But it is best I should tell you all from the beginning First you must know the legend of the cup That you may understand the value he grants attached to its possession I'm fond of folklore Settling himself down for a pleasant half hour Your family name is Grant

Then my lord? Yes My title is Killspenday and Eldam My son who was stolen my only son and only child, alas, Miss Lord Morven, if he be still alive. But who knows if I shall ever see him again? Hope for the best, said the vicar gently. God is over all.

You're right, Mr. Tempest. But how many years have waited and have had no comfort myself in that fashion. Now when I had lost all hope, the advertisement roosted again. If I find the cup, I may discover my boy, or, all events, I may find out if he is alive or dead. I'm sure he's alive, said Sable impulsively. Dear Lord Killspenday, if there was no chance of your finding him, I should not have been guided to put in that advertisement. It was entirely my own doing, and had I consulted with my father, it would never have appeared.

It certainly would not, said the vicar promptly. I had placed the matter in the hands of Mr. Martin, and I was angry when I saw the advertisement. Very angry indeed. "'You must not be angry anymore, Mr. Tempest,' said Killspendy with his smile, "'seeing that it may lead to the discovery of my son. "'I owe much to Miss Tempest indiscretion as you know how it. "'No,' said Sibyled resolutely. "'I'm not sure Papa does not call it that.

"'I did it to help Leo, and I would do it again. "'But tell us the legend, Lord Killspendi.' The old man laughed. "'If you have not the imagination of the selt, "'you will think it but a poor thing,' he said. In the days of Bruce and on the border, Nigel Grant, the head of the clan, my ancestor, Mr. Tempest, was riding home from a foray against English. He had been successful and had collected a large mob of cattle

which were being driven to the castle by his followers. He was anxious to get home for when he had left two weeks previously his wife was expected to give birth to a child. The chief eagerly decided that it might be a boy, for he had few relatives and those he had were his pit-rest enemies. "'What?' said Tempest. "'And the Scotch is so clannish?' "'They are more clannish in the Highlands than on the border,' replied the old lord.

"'Many of the border families fought with one another. "'My clan did also for many a long day, "'although they are friendly enough now. "'However, you know the reason that Nigel Grant was so eager for an heir.' "'Wouldn't a girl have done?' asked Sibyl mischievously. "'By no means, the chief wanted a brave boy "'to bestried a horse and wield a sword and governed the unduly grand clan with a strong hand.

He had prayed to the Virgin to give him his heart's desire. They were all Roman Catholics in those days, remember? So you may guess he rode home at top speed, and as he near the castle, he was far advanced of his followers and alone. And then came the fairies. The fairies, echoed Sable, this is interesting, and she laughed. We call them the good neighbours in Scotland, you know, because the fairies don't like to be talked about with disrespect.

But to go on with my story, Nigel Grant was in a wide moor all alone, although the lances of his men at arms glitter and the verge of the horizon. Suddenly, from the viewless air, apparently, since there was no rock or tree or shelter of any kind, there appeared a small woman dressed in green with a golden crown. At the sight of her, the chief's horse stopped all at once, as was stricken into stone. The fairy queen, for it was she,

the same, I suppose, who appeared to Thomas the Reimer. Ah, she was mounted on a house, said Sable half to herself. Indeed, well, this queen was on foot, and in her arms she carried a child. Stopping before Nigel, she placed a child on a saddle-bow, and told him to take him home for a year and a day. If it returns to her safe and sound, she continued, Great good fortune will befall the grants. But if anything wrong is done to it, then will Sorok cover.

so speaking she vanished and the horse suddenly regaining motion galloped home to the castle bearing the amazed chief with his child in his arms his child my lord asked the vicar smiling it had to be his child for a year of a day he found that during his absence his wife had given birth to a fine boy but that a day or so after it was born the cradle was found empty lady grant was in a great state of terror as you may imagine when the chief told the story she declared that that her child had been carried off by the good neighbours. It was a wish to kill the changeling. But this, the chief, mindful of the prophecy, would not permit.

It was supposed that the fairy child required to be nursed by a mortal woman, and this was why the chief's boy had been carried away. I never heard that version of the old story before, said Tempest. No, it usually said that the fairies want the child for themselves. But in this story, what I have told you was believed. Lady Grant, hoping to get back her own child in a year and a day, nursed the changeling. It was a peevish, cross, whimpering creature and marvellously ugly. But when she fed it with her milk, it grew fat and strong and became good-tempered.

On the night, when the year and a day were up, there was heard the sound of galloping horses around the castle. A wind swept into the rooms and down the coronas. Everyone in the castle fell into a magic sleep. But in the morning, the true child was found smiling in his cradle and fairy changeling was gone. in the cradle also was a cup I am seeking and a scroll saying that while it was kept in the family no ill would befall but that if lost the line would be in danger of extinction

and did the prophecy ever come true asked Sible twice replied Killspenday with the most profound conviction in the reign of the first James of Scotland the cup was stolen and three brothers of the chief was slain in battle only the child of one of them lived for the chief had no family

then the cup was brought back I could tell you how but the story is too long and the child was spared to become the father of a large family and the second time asked Tempest wondering how much of this wild tale

the old lord believed the second time was the reign of Henry the 8th the castle was sacked and the cup taken all the family were killed but the nurse managed to save one child with whom she fled after a series of adventures the cup was restored

and the child regained his inheritance how strange said Sybil and now that cup is lost again, Killspindi smiled. Well, you see, Miss Tempest, I have but one son and he is lost. If I do not find him, the title and estates must go to a distant cousin, and the prophecy of the fairies will be fulfilled. That's why I'm so anxious to get the cup. If I can find it and bring it back to Killspindek Castle,

I'm certain that I shall find my boy. A wild story, said the vicar, after a pause. There is oftentimes a grain of truth in these folk tales. But tell me, how came it that the cup was stolen the third time? I'm about to tell you, replied the visitor. There's a woman called Janet Grant, the daughter of one of my tenants. She was in service at my place, but after some years she became weary of the dull life. We're not very lively up in the north, said Killspandev with a laugh.

However, this woman got tired and went up to London. There, I believe, she obtained a situation. But what a life was while absent, I do not know. she was always reticent on the point. After six years, she returned. In the interval, I had married, and at the time Janet returned, or a year before, my wife became a mother.

I was a father of a splendid boy, my son and hair, Lord Morgan. Janet was taken back into my service as an under-nource, for she was a very capable woman. Had she a good temper? asked Sybil, guessing what was coming. One of the worst temperate's in the world. Also, she was evil in a disposition.

Had I known then what was told to me afterwards by other servants, she should never have re-entered my service. But they were all afraid of Janet and a wicked ways, and therefore remained silent when it was their duty to speak out. When the boy was two years of age, or it may be a trifle over, the head nurse died. Janet expected to succeed, but my wife appointed another woman. She did not trust Janet, hinted the vicar. No, by this time Janet was not so careful in the behaviour, and my wife began to suspect her. true character. Sheenet was very angry at this light, as she called it, and swore she would be revenged.

Of course, she knew the legend of the cup, so it struck her no doubt that if she stole the cup, the usual disaster would follow. What superstition, armoured Mr. Tempest. Well, I don't know, sir, said Kilspindy quietly. You see, Mr. Tempest, we had chapter and verse for what might happen. However, Janet, out of revenge, took away the child and stole the cup. She had no difficulty in doing either. The cup was placed in the picture gallery under a glass shade,

for no one ever expected that it would be stolen. It was not guarded so carefully as it should have been, but who would have thought that any one of my faithful servants would steal? As to the child, Shane it was one day sent out with him. The head nurse remained at home. I believe she then took the cup with her. At all even she never returned, and when a search was made, both the child and the cup were missing.

Here Lord Killspindi stopped and shook his head. What happened after that? asked Sibyl curiously. There's no more to tell Miss Tempest. The woman vanished utterly with a child in the cup. My wife, poor soul, died of grief. I employed all manner of means to find the woman, but without result. I even offered a reward and a pardon if she would bring back what she had taken. But she gave no sign of her existence.

Well, Killspinderside. That's all. I've been a lonely man for over 20 years, and things have gone wrong with me in every way. I am certain that prosperity will not return to me and mine until the cup is brought back. Then I may hope to recover my son. You can understand now how anxious I am to find this man, Pratt. I would willingly pardon him all if he would give back the cup. I wonder how he came possessed of it, said Tempest. Ah, said Killspendi.

That's what we must find out. He seems to be an accomplished thief, so it may be that he stole the cup. On the other hand, Janet finding herself hard up, may have pawned. it and Pratt may have got it into his possession in that way. You tell me that he has a love for beautiful things. Such a love, said the Vakar sadly, that he is willing to be a thief to obtain them. Well, my lord, at present I do not see how we can help you.

There is one way, said Killspindi after a pause. Give me a letter to this, Mr. Martin, and with his aid, I may succeed in tracing Pratt. In the meantime, I intend to wait here for a few days. At my age, I'm not able to get about, so rapidly as I once did. The man did indeed look old and worn out. But he was a fine, courtly gentleman of what is called the old school, and Sibyl was quite fascinated with him. After some further conversation, it was arranged that he should remain in the inn until the end of the

week. It was no Wednesday, and that afterwards the Vicar would accompany him to London to introduce him personally to Martin. Leaving a father and Kilspendy together, Sibyl went to a room to think over the strange episode which was the outcome of her advertisement. She was anxious to tell Leo all about it, but he was in Portfront, and she had received no letter from him. Sibyl wondered at this, as it was not like Leo to neglect her. For the moment, she was inclined to drive to Portfront and see him. He had given her no reason for his departure, and she was becoming anxious about him. Mrs. Gabriel still remained in seclusion, and so far as Sybil knew, Leo had never been to see her. It was therefore no use to

talking to Mrs. Gabriel about the man she had so cruelly cast off. Her father, she could not appeal to, because, although he wished to make amends to Leo for his unjust suspicions, he did not wish him to marry her, and would therefore do nothing likely to bring them together. In this dilemma it struck Sibyl that she might see Raston. He was a kindly creature, and all through the dark day had believed in Hervil's innocence. She thought that Raston might be induced to bring Leo back from Portfront, so Sibyl put on her hat and sought out the curate. He was at home and delighted to see her. This is an unexpected plush of Miss Tempest, he said, wheeling the armchair forward. I hope there is

nothing wrong. Why should there be anything wrong? asked Sibyl smiling. Raston passed his hand across his forehead with a troubled air. This fact is, I do not feel well this morning, he said. I've received a letter from town which has worried me, but do not let me inflict my troubles on you, Miss Tempest. What can I do? I'll tell you, Mr. Raston, but first of all, you must promise to keep all I tell you a secret. I don't think I'm breaking confidence

in saying what is in my mind, as I gave no promise of secrecy. But I must tell you all as you are the only person who can advise me. I promise to keep your secret, whatever it may be, Miss Tempest. Then listen to the latest information about the cup, said Sable,

and forthwith, related to Raston, the news of Lord Killspindi's arrival, and how he had been brought to callister by means of the advertisement. Having made this preliminary explanation, she related to the story which had been told to her father and herself. As no promise of secrecy

had been given, Sybil did not think she was doing wrong, and besides, it was necessary for Aston to know all the details before he could help her to bring Leo back. Finally, she had the utmost confidence in the curate's silence. It's a most extraordinary story, he said, when she had finished,

and more curious still. Here he stopped short and considered. "'I can tell you what is in my mind later,' he said. "'At present you must let me know in what way I can serve you. "'I want you to help me with Leo,' said Sybil promptly. "'For some reason he has gone to Port Trent and is stopping there. "'I would go over myself and bring him back, "'but I'm afraid of offending my father.

"'I want Leo to be introduced to Lord Killspende. "'For what reason, Miss Tempest?' "'Sibble looked at the ground "'and began to draw diagrams with a daintee show. "'Well, Mr. Raston, you know that I want to marry Leo. she said with a blush, and at present there are so many obstructs to our engagement. My father is not so just

towards Leo as he should be. I suppose this is because he's poor and has no prospects. If he enlists and goes to the war, I do not see how that will bring us together. Even if he gets a commission, I cannot marry him. There will not be enough money.

Now, I thought that as I had done something to bring Lord Killsbindy a chance of getting back the cup, he might be induced to do something for myself and Leo. something might come off at certainly miss tempest i'm sure lord kilspendy is very kind she said in a feminine way he looks kind leo as delightful manners as you know mr raston he is clever in his own way and well educated lord kilspendy might take a fancy to him and make him a secretary or something at all events he might put him in the way of earning money for i am sure that lord kilsmendy has power as well as wealth then you want leo to come back and meet him yes he must tell him all i have told you and say that if he loves me he must come back at once i shall do what you say miss tempest and if i can induce leo to return he certainly shall i do not know why you went to port front His name was cleared, and he need have had no hesitation in remaining at Colester.

I'm sure I don't know what is the matter with him, said Sebel with a sigh. He has been so strange lately. I'm sure he's keeping something from me, but if I get him to myself, I'll find out what it is. But you will go to Portfront, Mr. Raston? Yes, this afternoon. In fact, I was going that way in any case, Miss Tempest, as I intend to journey to London. Why are you going to London? Sable in surprise, she knew that Raston rarely went to the great city.

The curate hesitated again and rubbed his hair in a distracted way. I would rather you did not ask me, Miss Tempest, he said at length. I'm going to London in answer to a letter. I hope to be back on Saturday. After preach on Sunday, as you know, they were castes at something about taking a service at Portfront. As Lord Killspindi will be at the church on Sunday, said civil, I think Papa will stay. He looks upon Lord Killspindi as his guest. well in any case I'll be back said the curate with a nod then I shall be able to tell you the reason I had to go in the meantime Miss Tempest I wish you would see Pearl Derry occasionally she goes wandering about the more lamenting a lost soul poor creature I've been with her a good deal but while I'm away she may do something desperate you see her Miss Tempest and persuade her that she is under the care of the master I'll do my best replied Sybil but I'm afraid I'm not good in

after preach Mr. Raston? What a shame of Mrs. Giel to put these ideas into the girl's head. She knew that Pearl was not sane, and to make her think such things was down quite dangerous. I know, Raston's side. If we could only get back the cup, Pearl would be satisfied that the master is pleased with her and has taken her into favour again. Then she would recover her old fate in the goodness and love of God, which Mrs. Sheel, with the best intentions, no doubt, has destroyed.

I cannot think Mrs. Cheel is a good woman. I am sure she is a very bad one, said Sable emphatically. However, I'll do as you wish, Mr. Raston. Good day, a pleasant journey, and she departed. The curate took out a letter, glanced at it, shook his head. He was puzzled by the communication, and knew not what to make of it.

The end of Chapter 17. Chapter 18 of the Pagans' Cup by Fergus Hume This Libri-Vox recording is in the public domain Read by Yoganan The Pagans Cup Chapter 18 A miracle

That same afternoon Rastin notified the Vicar That he was going for a few days to London On the understanding that the young man would be back For morning service on Sunday The Vicar readily consented that he should go Raston forth with packed his bag And driving to Portran straight there the night but for Sibyl's message he would have waited until the next day

and have gone directly to London without pausing on the way however I wish to have a talk with Leo both on account of Sibble's message and because he wanted to consult with a young man about the letter which worried him this entailed a long conversation so Raston put up at the hotel at which Leo was staying and sent a message that he wanted to see Mr. Havillet Leo made his appearance looking haggard and worried and very much unlike his usual self.

He seemed nervous on seeing Raston and hurriedly approached him as though he expected to hear bad news. The events of the last few weeks had shaken Leo's nerves and he was prepared for any calamity even to hear that Pratt had been arrested, something of the sort he expected to year now.

Hello Raston, he cried, with an affectation of brightness. What brings he here? I am on my way to London, said Raston, shaking hands in a friendly fashion, and I'm staying here for the night, as I want to have a long talk with you. Very glad, replied Leo mechanically. Then, after a pause, he raised his head. There is no bad news I trust, he asked anxiously. By no means, my news is good. Then it cannot concern me, said Leo bitterly. No good news ever comes my way now. What is it? I'll tell you after dinner. No, tell me now. I can't wait.

I'm so anxious and worried that my mind cannot bear suspense. You brew too much on things, said Raston. However, the matter is very simple. This tempest wants you to return at once to colister. What for? Has your father discovered anything bad about me? Raston laughed. No, you are getting morbid on the subject.

The result, I suppose, of your late experience of man's injustice. If you will sit down, I'll tell you what she asked me to say. It's a long story. an agreeable one, I hope, muttered Leo, dropping dejectedly into a chair. I really cannot bear much more worry without going to chuck myself into the water. Hevelay, said the curate severely. That is an ungrateful way to speak after the mercy God has shown you. Has he not brought you through much tribulation and set your foot on a rock of safety?

Well, there are two answers to that, Raston. However, I'll try and behave myself while you tell me what Sable said. Raston sighed. not knowing Leo's worry, he was beginning to think him wrong to behave as he did. Still, this was not the time to preach, and unlike most clergymen, Raston knew where to stop. He sat down near Leo and related the whole story of Lord Killspindi and his loss. Then he detailed Sibyl's idea that Killspindi might do something for the young man. And if your future has arranged, you can then be married.

I shall never be married, Raston, said Leo gloomily. If you knew, but I must keep my own counsel. What takes you to London? Yeah, suddenly. You are such a home bird that there must be some strong reason. The very strongest, replied the curate, drawing a letter out of his pocket. But first, you must promise to hold your tongue about what I am going to tell you.

Leo nodded. I have too many unpleasant secrets of my own not to keep those of others, he said. Well, what's up? Read this letter from Pratt. Pratt, Hevelet, took the letter hurriedly. Why, what is he writing to you about? he cast his eyes over the letter it was to the effect that pratt would be glad to see raston at a certain place in london to speak with him about the cup which had been lost it asked the curate to keep the contents of the letter a secret or at all events to tell only leo also it warned raston that if he behaved treacherously and brought down the police on pratt that there would be the devil to pay these last words were underlined and shocked the curate the time and place of appointment were also underlined

line, and from the way in which the meeting was arranged, Leo could see that his father had contrived to see Raston without running the risk of arrest. "'I wonder what he wants to see you about,' said Leo, handing back the letter and speaking uneasily. He fancied that Pratt might be going to reveal to Raston the secret of his own paternity. "'About the cup,' said Raston, returning the letter to his pocket. "'I suppose he is about to give it back to us again. Not that it will ever be used again for so sacred a purpose.

I shall take it and written it to Lord Killspenday. That's only right, as a cup was stolen from him. Ah, I forgot. You think that Pratt has a cup? said Leo. He has. Do you not remember the letter he wrote to Martin saying he had stolen the cup and again had it in his possession?

I remember, but that was one of Pratt's fairy tales. How do you know? asked Raston astonished. Has he written to you? No. I've seen him. "'In London? "'In Colistair?' "'Raston pushed back his chair and stared at his friend.

"'When did you see him in Colester?' he asked open-mouthed. "'A few days ago.' Leo pondered for a moment, while Raston stared at him. "'He wondered if it would not be as well to make a confident of the curate and ask his advice. "'The secret was rapidly becoming too much for him to bear alone. "'Raston was his friend, a good fellow, and a wise young. man. Certainly, it would be well to confine in him. Leo made up his mind. I have to tell you something that will astonish you. I speak in confidence, Raston. Anything you will tell me will be

sacred, replied the curate with dignity. Leo nodded, quite satisfied with this assurance. Then he related all that had taken place in the castle on that night when he had discovered Mrs. Gabriel and Pratt in company. Raston fairly gasped with surprise as a recital proceeded, and when Leo confessed that Pratt claimed him as a son, he sprang from his seat. I don't believe a word of it, he cried, bringing his fist down on the table. The man is a wild liar, whomsoever you may be Leo. You are certainly not the son of this wretch. Can a bad tree bear good fruit?

No. But he can give me proofs. He has not done so yet. Let me speak to him, Leo. I may be able to get more out of him than you. I'm your friend, you know that. So if you'll place the matter of him, in my hands, I promised to find out

the truth somehow. Well, said Leo, with some hesitation. I'd rather thought of coming with you to London. Pratt expects me. He has not written to that effect, said Braston. I tell you, Leo, the man is dangerous and unscrupulous. The fact that he claims you as his son

will prevent you dealing freely with him. I can manage him better, my son. You go back to Colester and Miss Tempest. It is but right that you should do what she wishes as she has held by you in your time of trouble. Besides, I quite approve of a wish to introduce you to Lord Killspendy. And if... Oh, Raston stopped short.

What's the matter, Raston? Suppose you should be the long-lost son of Lord Killspindi. Ridiculous, Shad Leo, shaking his head and flushing. It is no more ridiculous than that you should be the son of her thief. I rather believe yourself to be so. Why should you believe the bear and doubt? the good? See earlier, Raston was much excited. The cup was lost along with a child. Pratt has the cup. Why should you not be the child? The woman who's told both might have died and passed

them on to Pratt. For his own purposes, he says that he is your father. I can't believe it, Raston, said Leo, shaking his head. Well, disbelieve if you choose. If the thing is so, what you think will not alter it. All I ask is that, you should let me represent you at this interview. i have to see pratt on my own account let me see him on yours very good raston you can do what you like i am greatly obliged to you for the trouble you are taking indeed it's only right leo to test to the curate i begin to see that you have been wronged i may not be right in my surmise about your being the son of killspindi but i am sure that i am correct in saying you are not the son of that scoundrel now go back to colistair hold your tongue and wait till i come back on saturday i'll do as you wish said leo sadly but indeed i have no hope i have said the curate emphatically and the conversation ended the next day raston departed by the steamer to london via worthing and leo returned to his old quarters at the colist arms his meeting with the curate had done him good and although he did not adhere to raston's theory about his noble paternity yet he felt more cheerful and hopeful he was particular as to his toilet which he had done him good and although he did not adhere to raston's theory about his noble paternity yet he felt more cheerful and hopeful he was particular as to his toilet which he was in his despair he had rather neglected

of late and went to the vicarage. Sybil was away with Pearl and the moor, this haven't said. Leo would have followed, but Mr. Tempest caught side of him and insisted that he should enter and be introduced to Lord Killspendi. Leo willingly obeyed, as he was anxious to see his supposed father according to Raston. He could not help smiling when he was presented. Killspendy was taken by that smile. He saw before him a singularly splendid young man with a graceful, slender figure and a handsome face,

but best of all was a kindly look in the eyes. Killspendy shook hands heartily with Leo, and sighed as he thought that his lost son might be just such another. Had he known of what Raston and the young man before him had talked about on the previous night, he might have been more particular in his inquiries, and might perchance have been brought to think as Raston did. However, he knew nothing, Leo said nothing, and the conversation resolved itself into the commonplace.

Tempest was kind to Leo, Kilsbindy was friendly, and the three got on very well. Meanwhile, Sibyl and Pearl were walking across some more. After a time, they stopped at the taff altar erected by the mad girl, and she explained to her companion the reason she had made such a place. The master is angry with poor Pearl now, she said sadly, and he has taken the sacred cup from her. She is not good enough to keep it. but when the master is pleased and will save pearl from the pit she shuddered he will place the cup on this altar and pearl will bring it back to the chapel then she will be saved and happy

but pearl you must not think of god in this way he is your father and he loves you he did love pearl but he made her ill and mrs cheel told pearl that she was wicked and in danger of the worm pearl do not believe that mrs cheel is wrong god loves you why then did he make pearl ill if he loved her and why did he take away the holy grail which pearl watched over so carefully he did said sibyl hardly knowing what reply to make yes he did persisted the poor mad creature pearl was not good enough to keep it but when she is good the cup will come down to earth again do you think it is in heaven now pearl i am sure at us no roof here to stop the cup from floating up to the new jerusalem In the chapel, it would have stayed because the bad roof kept it down. But here it went up and up and up to the sky. Sybil did not know what to make of this talk. She soothes a girl as much as she could and try to ring her back to that old happy state of mind which Mrs. Cheel had destroyed with a gloomy Calvinistic creed.

But it was all of no use. Only the restoration of the cup would make Pearl believe that she was good again. However, Sibyl induced her to talk of other things, of birds and flowers, and the poor creature was in quite a state of mind when Sibyl brought her back to the cottage. I go every morning to the altar, said Pearl, as she went inside. The cup will come back when the master is sorry for Pearl. At this moment, Mrs. Giel pulled her into the house and scolded her for being away. When she saw Sible, she became more civil, but still behaved in a covertly insolent manner.

Sybil grew angry. You have behaved very wickedly in putting these ideas into Pearl, said Mrs. Giel. She said severely. The poor creature is not responsible. She does not understand. She understands more than you give her credit for Miss, retorted Mrs. Geel coolly. And she's not fit to be left alone. But when I go away, I shall put her in an asylum.

Indeed, you will do nothing of the sort, cried Miss Tempest indignantly. The poor thing would die. Liberty is all in all to her. "'When are you going away? "'I go with Sir Frank Hale, Miss. "'I'm going to be the maid of his sister.' "'I heard Sir Frank was leaving Colester,' said Sable coldly. "'And I think it's the best thing you can do.

"'When does he go, Mrs. Giel? "'In a weak miss, I've got a good situation, miss, "'and I do not want to be burdened with Pearl. "'She must go to an asylum. "'No, no, I shall take charge of her myself,' said Sible. "'You leave her to me, Mrs. Giel, and I look after her.' well i might miss i'll see then after a pause mrs gill asked about that gentleman at your place miss will he stay long well till the end of the week i suppose you mean lord kilspindy mrs gill's wicked eyes placed yes i mean him she said and gave an unpleasant laugh oh so he goes at the end of the week well miss before i take up my situation with miss hale i'll come and see you about pearl

if you could take her I should be glad but you'll find her a nuisance I don't think so said Sybil coldly When will you call After the departure of Lord Killspendy said Mrs. Geel with another wicked look And went into the house Sybil departed

Wondering why the woman had asked about Lord Killspendi And why she seemed afraid to meet him Had she been clever enough She might have guessed the truth As it was the matter passed out of her mind after this there were some very pleasant evenings at the vicarage Leo felt almost happy in spite of his troubles

he could not as yet bring himself to tell Sybil that he could never marry her besides he was hoping against hope that Raston would bring back some good news from London not indeed that he Leo Havillay was a lost son of Lord Killspindi that such good fortune should be his never entered Leo's head but that Pratt was not his father

Leo felt that he would rather be proved to be illegitimate, as Mrs. Gabriel had told the vicar he was, than have such a father as a criminal brat. Yet at times he felt sorry for the man. It was certain that he had in him some good qualities. But whenever Leo thought of him as his father, he became enraged against him. The thing was too horrible. Lord Killspenday took wonderfully to Leo, and this the vicar was pleased to see. Going to Leo's want of an honest name, he could,

not bring himself to consent to the marriage, so he hoped that the Scotch Lord might take a fancy to the young man and carry him off. Thus, Sibyl would be safe and Leo would be provided for. Mr. Tempest had evidently forgotten his own youth, or he would have remembered that loving hearts are not so easily severed. Leo and Sybil loved one another too well for all to come between them. On Saturday night, a raston returned. It was so late that Leo had not expected. expected him, so they did not meet until the next morning. Then it was on the way to church.

Well, Leo asked eagerly, and what does my... What does Pratt say? I'll tell you after service, said Raston hastily. At present, I can't think of these things. But one word Raston, urged Leo. Is Pratt my father? No, replied the curate emphatically. He is not, and before Leo could ask another question, he ran off.

filled with joy at the intelligence, but much bewildered, Leo went to church to offer up thanks. Killspendi was also in church and with Sibyl in the Vicar's pew. Mr. Tempest allowed Rastin to preach as had been arranged and took a very minor part in the service. Indeed, he did little else but read the lessons. The church was filled as everyone was anxious to see Lord Killspendi. Mrs. Bathurst was there, wondering if his lordship could be induced to marry Peggy. she quite forgot that she had promised her daughter's hand to the curate and was already scheming to get at the old nobleman.

That he was old did not matter to Mrs. Bathurst. She would have sold a daughter to anyone, provided the match was a good one, and curious to say, she would have considered that she had done a duty as a mother. Her moral nature was decidedly warped. The service was almost over, and the church wardens were handing round the bags for the collection

when a sweet voice was heard singing in the distance. Everyone recognized the voice. It was Pearl's, and the vicar, kneeling at the communion table, looked rather disturbed. He knew the eccentric ways of the girl, and he feared less she might come in and distract the attention of the congregation. And his fears were fulfilled. Pearl, still singing, enter the church. The scandalized church wardens would have kept her out, but that she bore something which made them open their eyes. The congregation also became aware of Pearl's burden and a gasp of astonishment when she round. Still singing some wild, vague melody, the mad girl walked slowly up the aisle, bearing the sacred cup. Lord Killsbindy did not see her until she was almost at the chancel steps. He then gave a cry of astonishment, in spite of the building and the occasion. Surely he might have been pardoned for the fanny cup upon which depended the fortunes of the grants glittered before his eyes. There was a dead silence. Everyone was too astonished to speak or more. the vicar himself was staring from the communion table at this miracle.

But Raston, who had come down to receive the collection, stood quietly waiting till the girl reached him. She came up singing, placed a great gold cup in his hand, and fell on her knees. The master has forgiven Pearl. She said in a voice which could be heard all over the church. She is saved and the cup will be here to watch over for ever and ever. Amen, amen. And she bowed her face in her hands. Raston paused for a moment in hesitation and glanced at the vicar, then at Lord Killspindi.

Then he made a person mind, and walking up to the altar, placed the cup in its old possession. And there it glittered all golden gems with the sunlight striking down on it, until it became almost too glorious to look upon. Lord Killspindi stared with tears in his eyes. The cup would be his again, and he would soon have his son. He never doubted that the restoration of the one was a prelude. to the discovery of the other. Raston pronounced the benediction and the Argon broke forth into jubilant music. Shortly the congregation streamed out. Everyone was much excited. The old noble man

came out with Sibyl and they waited at the Porsche for the Vicar. Leo also was with them. Suddenly a woman broke through the crowd in the churchyard. It was Mrs. Giel and she was seeking pearl. In her haste, she never noticed Lord Killspendie until she almost rose. ran into his arms. Suddenly he saw a face, started, and made one strideforward to clutch her by the arm. The cup and then the hair, he said loudly, while all looked on amazed. Chain it grant. Where is my son, Lord Morven?

The end of chapter 18. Chapter 19 of the Pagans Cup by Fergus Hugh. This Libre Walk's recording is in the public domain. mine. Read by Yoganan. The Pagans' Cup, Chapter 19. A Story of the Past. Half an hour later, and Lord Killspendy was back in the Vicarage Library with Janet Grant, or, as it may be more convenient to call her, Mrs. Cheal. Mr. Tempest was present, together with Leo and Mr. Raston, and they had assembled to force the truth out of Mrs. Cheel. This was no easy matter. All the evil in the woman was uppermost, and with a shawl wrapped round her tightly, she sat there

and defied them all. You may burn me, you may put me in prison, said Mrs. Shield savagely. But I won't open my mouth. I'll have you arrested unless you tell the truth, said Lord Killspendee. Arrest me then, snore, Mrs. Cheel. There's a policeman handy, my lord. Why are you behaving like this woman? Asked the Vicar sternly.

Why? She retarded violently. because I was badly treated by my lord there. I served him faithfully for many years, yet, in place of giving me the position to which I was entitled, he set another woman, a woman I hated, over my head. But I paid him out, she said revengefully. Oh, many a sad hour you have had, my lord, and many more you will have.

I know where your son is, but I won't tell. You have got back the cup, but the son, my lord Morven, she sneered, will remain in the humble position in which I have placed him. something is gain said kilspandee you have revealed that my son is alive and well i'll get the rest out of you never mrs gil shut a mouth with a snap and shook herself i will not speak another word "'What a wicked woman you are,' said the vicar sadly. Mrs. Gilles' eyes flashed, a wicked glance at him, but, true to her determination, she held a peace. It seemed impossible to do anything with so pronounced a vixen.

Hitherto Raston had been silent. Now he came forward. I am able to deal with this matter,' he said quietly, and I have a way of making the woman speak. Mrs. Jill shook her head and glad. The vicar and Kilspindi both looked at the curate. So did Leo. He was beginning to have a faint hope that the scene would end in the discovery

that he was a rightful son of Lord Kilspindi. With an anxious face he sat in the corner and drank in eagerly every word which filled from Braston's lips. Mrs. Steele maintained a self-imposed silence. Mr. Tempest, said Rast. When I asked you if I might go to London, I did not tell you my errand. I tell it to you now.

It was to see the man known as Pratt. What? exclaimed the Vaca. You saw that man? Two days ago. He wrote asking me to see him, hinting that he had something to tell about the cup. Which he stole, said Killspande. No, my lord, Pratt did not steal the cup.

He took the blame upon himself, so as to clear the name of my friend Havelay. Both the old men looked at Leo, who winced. Are you sure of that? asked the vicar. Pratt wrote Martin, remember, to take the blame upon himself. Quite so. But he was not guilty for all that. His record was so black when Martin unmasked him that he thought a crime more or less would not matter. But why should he shield heavily? asked Mr. Tempest. Leo started forward. He saw that the time had come for him to speak out. I can answer for that. He said, Pratt told me that I was his son. Tempest uttered in the exclamation. You must be mistaken, he said. Mrs. Gabriel informed me that you were illegitimate. That would not have made any difference, said Leo bitterly. I might as well be the illegitimate son of Pratt as of anyone else. As a matter of fact, however, he told me that I was born in wedlock.

His wife, my mother, died and he placed me with Mrs. Gabriel to bring up. She believed that I was a nameless offer, and what she told you, Mr. Tempest, was true so far as she knew. Her telling was nonetheless spiteful, however. It was that which made you unwilling that I should marry Sybil. Yes, said the vicar with a flush. I did not like to think that a daughter of mine should marry a nameless man.

And you visit the sins of the parents on the head of the innocent offspring, said Leo. You have not treated me well, Mr. Tempest. You thought me guilty of theft. Scorn me because I was nameless. Is this the conduct of a minister of the gospel? The grey head of the vicar

drooped. I admit that I have been wrong Leo, he said in a faltering tone. You have vindicated your character. I ask your pardon. And more, said he, when Leo grasped his hand. Even though there is a stain on your birth? No, said Leo. I don't want you to bind yourself to anything.

Wait till this mystery is cleared up. At prison, so far as I know, I am the son of a criminal. If that is true, I should refuse to marry Sybil. Here, Mrs. Gilles burst out into a taunting laugh. Lord Killspinty found a person. upon her and took Leo's disengaged hand. The vicar held the other. You are a good man, Havelay, said his lordship, far from suspecting the truth. I wish I had you for a son, and Mrs. Cheal laughed again. When quiet was restored, Raston went on with his story. First, he said,

I must tell you how we recovered the cup. I went up and met Pratt. As he promised not to deliver him into the hands of the law? Much as he deserved punishment, he spoke to me freely. and I was with him three yards. I do not know if I was right in letting such a dangerous criminal escape, said the curate looking round. But if I had given information to the police, I should never have heard the truth about Leo, nor should I have secured the cup.

Then I am not a son, cried Leo eagerly. No, Pratt gave me his word for that. Who you are, you shall hear presently. Here Raston gave a glance at Mrs. Geel, who was moving her hands restlessly and seemed to be ill at ease. meantime I must go on with the story of the cup. It seemed that Pratt knew the pawnbroke of penny,

and having learned from Mrs. Shield's story that he had the cup, he went to get it back and to learn about who had pawned it. And who did? asked the vicar sharply. Raston gave the answer he least expected. Mrs. Shield ponded, said he. The woman sprang on her feet and found her tongue. It's a lie, she shouted, furious with rage, and she made a rush for the door.

Lord Killspendy put his hand on her shoulder and forced her back into the chair I'm beginning to suspect the truth he said Stanley Sit still or I'll have you punished She scald and relapsed into her dog at silence Raston went on to tell how the cup had been stolen It seems that when Pearl Derry was ill

He said this woman watched by her bed The poor mad creature was delirious and raved about the cup Mrs. Steele persuaded her That she would be eternally punished what for heaven only nurse she is a child of sin crowned mrs gil she is as pure and good as an angel quite cured at frowning it's you who are the evil-doer mrs jeal well mr tempest the girl thought in a half-delirous state that she should test the goodness of god she proposed to take the cup out of the chapel and place it on an altar of turf which she had prepared on the moor it was her idea that if god wished to save her he would take the cup up to heaven and then replace it at a later date on the chapel on the moon the altar. She, therefore, while Mrs. Giel was absent, breast herself and ran out of the house. She went to the house of old Barker, the sexton. His door was not locked, he told a lie about that

to save himself. And she knew where the key of the church hung. It was in a hand in a moment, and she went to the church sometime about ten o'clock. She entered and took the cup. Then she replaced the key on its snail after relocking the door. One moment interrupted Mr. Tempest. those scratches on the lepers window we thought if you remember that the robber had entered that way I shrewdly suspect that old Barker made those scratches to save his own skin said Raston you had better ask him

and it may here be mentioned that the vicar did and learned that what Raston said was true the old sexton finding the cup corn feared lest he might be accused of the robbery and so conceived the idea of making marks as though someone had entered at a window which his fat body could not possibly have squeezed through. It was clever idea and misled all,

but old Barker was punished by being sent to Portfront after he had confessed. It was when Perl left Barker's cottage with the cup that Mrs. Cheel met her, went on the curate. She had missed her out of bed and thinking that the mad girl had gone to the chapel, follow. She met her at the door of the cottage and saw that she had the cup.

It was then that the idea came into a wicked head to steal the cup. It's a lie, cried Mrs. Jeele again. It's what you told old Penny, anyhow, he is prepared to swear in court, said the curate coolly. He would not give you what you asked for the cup until you told him where you got it. For a wonder you told the truth. Yes, Mrs. Jeele, you followed Pearl onto the moor and saw her set the cup on the turf altar. Waiting till she got back to your cottage, you took the cup and concealed it under your shawl. you took it home and found the girl back again in bed very ill from the effects of exposure

for a time you nursed her while the hue and cry was being made about the cup then you made the excuse that your father was ill and went to London you have no father mrs gil and old penny in answer to a letter of yours sent the wire you told him you had something for him and so he aided you with your plot you took the cup to london ponder to old penny after telling him the story and got 500 pounds for it.

I did not, I did not, Mrs. Giel tried again to rise and again had to remain. Lord Gilspendy kept his heavy grip on her shoulder. In his rage at a duplicity, he could have slain her, but he spared her for the moment that he might learn the truth.

After many years of darkness, dawn was breaking. Mrs. Gilles saw that the end was in sight and began to sob. Then continued Raston. You banked the money and came down to a tent. that wicked lie about Leo Havilley. You know that he was never near the place,

that he was innocent, and that you were guilty. However, Brad got all this out of old penny, and then gave him the 500 pounds for the cup. He took it to his own place, and when I was with him, he handed it to me. Come, said Killspande, there is some good in the man. He has to make reparation to you, my lord, said Braston solemnly, for he is this woman's husband,

and it was by his direction, that your son was stolen. Yes, here the curate pointed to Leo, and there is your son. Leo rose slowly as pale as a corpse. He had expected this, yet when it came, the thing was too much for him. He could only look at his newly-formed father in silence.

Lord Killspindi gasped, and he too turned pale. Then he made one stride forward, and grasping Leo's hands, stared into his face. Yes, he murmured. I believe. You have her, her, he turned on, Mrs. Geel. Woman, is this true? He demanded.

But Mrs. Geel, with a cruel smile on a fat, puffy face, still sat silent. I could strangle you, muttered Lord Killspendy, exasperated by your obstinacy. I can make a speak, said Raston, taking an envelope out of his pocket, and here is the means of doing so. Still holding Leo's hand, Lord Killspindy, at the curate. Mrs. Gilles remained quite a contemptuous smile on her lips and her eyes on the floor. Tempest, much interested in the strange scene, sat waiting for the end. It would seem that the

result was in Raston's hands. After I had received the cup and had heard its story, the curate continued. I began to question Pratt about Leo. At portfront, Leo had already told me of the claim Pratt had made to a being his father. I did not believe it, for I know Havelace's upright nature and could not think that he was a child of such a bad man. At first, Pratt insisted that he was the father. I then appealed to his better instincts and told him how Leo had made up his mind to give up Miss Tempest rather than make her the wife of a man with such an anteced as is. I think Pratt really loves you of Leo, or after a time.

He yielded to my entreaties and told the truth. I'm sure he likes me, said heavily, quietly. He was always very kind to me. Bad as he is, I at least have been. no reason to complain of his treatment. But what did he say? asked Lord Killspindi anxiously. I shall leave Mrs. Chil to tell. She can repeat to you the story Pratt told me.

I will not say a word, muttered the woman resolutely. I can compel you, replied Raston Stanley. Try, was Mrs. Gilles' disdainful retort. The cure had turned towards Killspendi. Pratt's story had a great deal to do with his wife, my lord, and on several points he referred me to her. i told him that she would never speak for i well know how obstinate she is brad then agreed to help me for leo's sake he said he wrote out something in place what he had written in this envelope i did not see what it was and i do not know now The envelope is sealed, as you see.

Now, added the curate looking at Mrs. Steele, who was beginning to show signs of uneasiness. If you will tell the story of how you stole the child and prove that Mr. Haverley is really Lord Mawain, I will hand this letter to you with a seal unbroken. If you refuse, I will open the envelope now and act on the contents. Pratt assured me that what it contained herein would cost you much more than your liberty. The three men looked at the woman.

her face was sluggard and perspiration beaded her forehead. Twice she tried to speak, but her mouth opened and shut without a sound. Will you speak? asked Raston quietly. Give it to me, she muttered in husky tone, and stretching out her hand for the envelope Raston withdrew it beyond a reach. Not until you have told us the story, he said. If I do, will you give me the letter? Yes, with a seal unbroken.

I do not know what inquity you have been given. guilty of, but we are all willing not to know so long as you inform us of your minor fault. I have your promise to give me the letter, as it is? asked Mrs. Chil. Yes, said Raston, and the other three men echoed his response. Mrs. Chil nodded, well satisfied, and wiped a pale face with the end of a shawl. She then took a key out of her pocket. Will one of you gentlemen go to my cottage, she said, and open the third drawer in the chest of drawers in my bedroom standing opposite to the door. There you will find a parcel wrapped in brown paper.

I want it brought here immediately. Shall I go? said Leo rising. No, said Lord Killspendi. I have you, and I mean to keep you. Mr. Tempest, no doubt, has a servant whom he can trust. Tempest nodded and touched the bell. The old butler, who had been with the vicar for over twenty years, appeared. Take this key, said his master, handing it to him.

Mrs. Geel will give you direction. how to use it. Loose no time in coming back. Mrs. Steele repeated her instructions and the servant departed on his errand. Then the woman rose to her feet and began to talk with an assumption of courage which would have been ludicrous

had it not been so pitiful. Still, she fought well and was game to the last. You have got the better of me, she said. Or rather that brute of a tawny angel is peached. If he had held his tongue, I could have defy the lord of you. As it is, she shrugged her fat shoulders in post.

Ask me what questions you like, she said. I'm in your power. I must reply. Is this my son? asked Killspindi, his hand on Leo's shoulder. Yes, that is Lord Mormon. Leo uttered a cry and looked at his father with moist eyes. The revulsion of feeling was too much for Killspindi and he sank down into a chair. Leo held his hand and there was a silence for a few moments. I am thankful to God that he has spared me to see my son again,

said Killspindi solemnly, and Vicar added as solemn, amen. And thank God that I have a father and an unsullied name, said Leo, almost too moved to speak. Nor was his emotion unmanly on the part of father and son. The least sentimental person must grant this much. Killspindi remained seated in his chair and holding the hand of his newly recovered son. Both men fixed their eyes and Mrs. Jeele, who, in a cold and unemotional,

way continued a confession. I was brought up on your estate, my lord, she said, and there I met with Pratt, or rather with Tony Angel. He came on a visit to the village to get away from the police. He was a handsome and fascinating man, and I fell in love with him. Whether he loved me or not, I cannot say. At all events, he pretended to. I left your service and married him.

We went to London, and then I discovered that my husband was a thief. At first, I was horrified. in those days my lord i was not the hardened sinner you may see me now but after a time pratt as i may call him made me as bad as himself he taught me to love fine things and comfort and as he always made plenty of money by stealing and a gay life oh we had fine times i can tell you he go on with your story mrs gill said the vicar sternly she tossed her head but obeyed after a time things got bad pratt was so well known to the police that he was not so successful as he had been. I used to tell him about Killspindi Castle and the cup. Pratt, who loved beautiful things, wanted to get the cup. He proposed that I should go back and steal it.

I was already known in the castle, so there would be a better opportunity for me to get it then himself. As he wanted money, I agreed, and he came back to the castle. Did you re-enter my service in order to steal the cup? asked Lord Killspendi. Yes, replied Mrs. Giel defiantly. You had played. empty without it. I entered as an under-nourous maid, and as I was comfortable, I thought I would stay for a while.

Pratt came up and urged me to steal the cup at once. I refused, as I did not wish to leave my good situation. Then an idea came into his head that if I could obtain the child of a noble man, he could hold it as a hostage. "'What do you mean?' asked Raston. "'The meaning is not difficult,' said Mrs. Giel, coolly. Pratt was always in danger of being taken by the police, and his record was so bad that he would have been shown no mercy. He thought if he had Lord Killspindi's son that when he got into trouble he could promise to restore the child on condition that he was set free.

A clever idea muttered the vicar, and a very wild one, said his lordship. What influence could I bring to bear towards helping a criminal? What indeed? sneered Mrs. Jeal. I assured Pratt that your lordship had no power, but the idea of getting the child as a hostage fascinated him. and he commanded me to steal the boy. For a time, I refused.

Then the head nurse died, another woman was set over my head. My lady treated me badly. She insulted me. She showed me that she mistrusted me. I was angry and I determined to be revenged. I was revenged by obeying Pratt. I took the cup and the child and went away.

How I know how you stole both the child and the cup, said Lord Killspendee. Very good, my lord. Well, I went to London, Pratt. He pawned the cup and on the money we lived for a time. Then he insisted that, as he might someday have to restore the child, we called him Leo, said Jeele, with a glance at the young man. It was necessary that he should be brought up as a gentleman. He knew Mrs. Gabriel, whom he had met abroad. He had some power over her. And what is the power? asked Leo. Mrs. Jeele shook

ahead. That has nothing to do with you or with the restoration of your rights, Lord Mawain, she said. I keep that secret to myself. Pratt had a power over her and used it. He brought the child to her and said he was a natural child. He insisted that she should bring him up as a son of a brother who had just died abroad. How Pratt knew this, I do not know. But then he knew everything. Well, it was done, and Leo was established at the castle. Mrs. Crabriel brought him up. Yes, said Leo bitterly. She brought me up. And he looked back on the long, life of petty worry and contemptible tyranny that had been his. I know all this, but yourself, Mrs. Geel.

I remind with Pratt. I was really too glad to get rid of you, or hated you for your mother's sake. Stop that, cried Lord Killspendy, and Mrs. Jeele dropped a mocking curtsey. At your lordship's service. However, I found out that Pratt was treating me badly. He went about with other women. He even struck me. I made up my mind to leave him, and I did.

i went from one place to another and finally i came to settle in colister why did you come here asked the bachar oh your reverence can understand that i wanted to keep an eye on the young lord said mrs gill obsequiously he was my property as well as brats and when the day came to give him up to his father i wanted my share of the spoil you shall have nothing said lord kilspendee stanley you ought to be glad that i do not hand you over to the post She scowled and would have become bitterperative, but Braston moved the hand which held the envelope significantly. At once a frightened look came over her face, and she sat down. I stayed here, she continued feebly, all the strength having gone out of her, and saved Pearl Derry from her father. When Pratt came, I was afraid. I was always afraid of Pratt. No one knows but myself what a devil he is.

He told me to hold me tongue, and I was too frightened of him to disobey. now I'll go away from here with the hails since Miss Sybil has promised to look after Pearl I want to put the seas between myself and that man He terrifies me and am not a woman easily terrified But why did you tell that lie about my having pawn the cup? Asked Leo Mrs. Jeele shook ahead

I can say no more she said Leo would have insisted But at the moment the servant entered with a parcel Of which the woman had spoken When he went out Mrs. Jeele opened this and spread out the contents on the table. Here are the evidences you Lordship wished for, she said, glancing at Lord Killspindi.

This is the dress Lord Mawain wore when I took him away. His name is marked. The underclothing is also marked. The coral necklace which your lordship may perhaps recognize as a hairlone. And your lordship may perhaps remember some mark by which Lord Mawain can be recognized. There is some mark, if your lordship remembers. Killspindi drew his hand across his forehead and thought. my wife showed me the child one day and pointed out the mark.

Yes, three moles in a line just above the elbow of the left arm. Mrs. Geel nodded, and Leo, hastily stripping off his coat, drew up his sleeve to show the three moles in question. But I don't need that to assure me that you are my son, said the old nobleman. You have the eyes of your mother. Yes, you are my son and Lord Morven. I congratulate you, Leo, said Raston, shaking his friend's hand. and i have to thank you with all my heart said the new lord morgan for if it had not been for you this would never have been discovered i should like to know however how it was that pratt claimed me as a son

that was mrs gabriel's fault said raston she told him that you intended to denounce him to the police when you discovered him at the castle on that night he was afraid lest you might do so therefore he said you were a son so as to put such a betrayal out of your power "'As if I would ever have betrayed him,' said Leo. "'It was good in Pratt.' "'There is no good in him,' cried Mrs. Chil fiercely. "'How dare you say so? "'He is a bare and wicked man. "'I hate him with all my soul, "'but never will I set eyes on him again.

"'He might kill me as he has often threatened to do. "'But I have told all. "'I have proved your identity, Lord Morven, "'and you have the cup my lord kills Pindy?' "'The letter,' she hesitated. those present looked at one another. Should this dangerous woman go free to be a pest to society? said the vicar sternly.

You promised, said Mrs. Gilles, terrified and white to the lips. Leo looked at her for a moment, then took the letter from the hands of Raston and gave it to her. We must keep a word, he said. And you must leave this place at once, said Mr. Tempus, austerely. But Mrs. Gilles was paying no attention to them. She had torn open the letter and was reading the few lines it contained. I thought so, she muttered with a black look. I wish I could kill him.

She crushed up the paper and put it into her pocket again. Then she walked to the door. Good day, my Lord Morven, and good-bye, Lord Killspendy, you are poor creatures, both of you. Your reverence will now be glad to sell a daughter for a title. As to you, Mr. Raston, the girl you love would have been sold to my husband by a mother. I wish you joy all you men fools and with a mocking courtesy Mrs. Jeele walked out of the room. Let her go. We know the truth, said Lord Killspundi. Leo. But Leo, with a nod, was making for the door. I must tell Sybil, he said, and vanished. Half an hour later, the Vicar and his father went in search of him. They found him sitting

hand in hand with Sybil in the drawing room. It's really wonderful, wonderful, she was saying, and your father will let me marry you now, darling, said Leo. If you will grant him your pardon, said the voice of Mr. Tempest. Leo shook the Vakar's hand, kissed Sibyl and Killspindi smiled, well pleased. The end of chapter 19. Chapter 20 of The Pagans Cup by Fergus Hume. This Libri-Wox recording is in the public domain. Read by Yoganan.

The Pagans Cup Chapter 20 Mrs. Gabriel's secret Mrs. Gilles was not pleased. She was a woman who liked to make mischief and prefer to leave sorrow rather than joy behind her. In her time she had caused a good deal of misery and she had always rejoiced over it.

But now that she had been forced to undo the evil she had committed, her heart ached. Bad as Pratt was, his wife was worse and if he had indeed killed her as he had threatened, he would have been doing a service to mankind. Mrs. Giel was a noxious snake who should have been killed without pity. On leaving the vicarage, she went home at once and found the cottage empty, as Pearl had not yet returned.

Mrs. Giel brought out the letter and again read it. Then she turned white and shivered. Finally she put it into the fire and washed it burnt to black ashes. afterwards she filled herself a glass of brandy and drank it neat yet she was an abstemious woman as a rule there must have been something very terrible in that letter to make it take to strong drink and what was in it no one in colister ever found out having burned it mrs cheel put it out of her mind as well as she was able yet often afterwards she shivered to think of what might have happened had it been open in the vicarage library a narrow shale that muttered Mrs. Giel. Shortly, when she had recovered herself in some measure, Pearl danced into the room. She was now quite her old, happy self. The restoration of the cup had made a believe that God

have forgiven her, and that the master believed her worthy to be the guardian of the holy grail. Raston had arranged the matter in order to save her from further misery. Early on Sunday morning, he had taken the cup across the moor, and had placed it on the turf altar, knowing that their Pearl, as was a custom, would come and seek it. He had not anticipated such a dramatic scene as had taken place in the chapel. Pearl believed in her own weak mind that the master had brought the cup down again from heaven. She was therefore glad and merry, and a singing and dancing annoyed Mrs. Jeal. Keep quite your minx, she cried savagely.

Oh, I'll have you shut up. Where have you been after making an exhibition of yourself? I've been looking at the cup, said Pearl gaily. It's on the altar. I am pleased the master has given it again into my charge. He has forgiven me, and some day I shall be with him in paradise. It was in Mrs. Giel's wicked mind to tell the truth to the girl, but she knew that Pearl would not accept the explanation.

Besides, strange as it may seem, even Mrs. Giel had some compunction in making the girl miserable. The woman was evil to the core, but she must have had some good in her. Therefore she held a tongue on the subject of the cup. Where were you so early this morning? she asked. I found your bed empty at six o'clock. I went to the altar to find the cup brought down by the dear master, replied Pearl.

And I was watching Sir Frank Hale and his sister going away. They drove with two horses and many boxes. I did not. Mrs. Jill jumped up and seized Pearl's arm. What do you mean? she asked. Has Sir Frank Hale gone? And his sister, said Pearl, twisting away with a frightened face. They have left Colester and gone away.

Away. Oh, far away. away. Oh, water! Hold your tongue, said Mrs. Geel, thrusting her into a chair, and sit you there till I come back. She hurriedly put on a bonnet and shawl. If you stir, I'll kill you, and she hurried out of the house. Pearl's news was true. There was no one in the Hales' house, save an old woman who was to act as caretaker. She explained that Sir Frank and his sister had left early that morning, and by this time we're on their way to London, whence they departed in a few days for the continent.

Did they leave no message for me? asked Mrs. Geel, her face growing black as she clenched her hand. No, why should they? asked the crown contemptuously. What have fine folks like them to do with a woman like you? I'll slap your face if you talk to me like that, raised Mrs. Geel, her worst nature coming up almost. I have influenced with your master.

I can have you turned away. No, you can't, replied the other hag. why i heard sir frank say how glad he was to get away without seeing you he called you a witch he did did he muttered mrs cheel furiously now just you she was going on to threaten the caretaker when she found the door banged in her face and heard the mocking laughter of the old woman behind it Trated thus gonefully, Mrs. Shield stamped and raised like one possessed. Not a penny, she muttered, and he promised, Ha, the miser, the beast, I'll be even with him. There's a money for the cup. I can follow. I can't, but I want more. Now that I have given up my secret, her face grew dark as she thought of the burnt letter.

I shall be poor. Ha! she stopped, and biting her finger, looked towards the castle. I can make up pay This evening then It will be worth more than the cup One secret is of no use But I have another Another

She shook a fist at the house of Sir Frank And said something about him That was not exactly a blessing Then returned home with a mind-made She wished to leave colist her Which was now too hot for her As Sybil would look after Pearl There would be no difficulty in that quarter

She had saved money and with what she had got from pouring the cup, she was fairly well off for a station in life. But Mrs. Ciel was greedy and wanted more. Mrs. Gabriel was to be the milch-cow this time. Thus it came about that Mrs. Gabriel was informed that evening that Mrs. Ciel wished to see her at once on important business. The underlying incidence of the message annoyed Mrs. Gabriel,

who always prided herself on keeping the lower orders in what she called their proper place, which was under her heel. and Mrs. Gabriel was in no mood to be merciful to insolence. Some kind friend had informed her of the discovery of Leo's true possession. She was savagely angry. An account of Pratt, she had hated the young man, and later on, when he came to defy her, she had disliked him on his own account.

That he should have a title, and that he should marry Sybil tempest. These things were all gall and bitterness to the haughty woman. She wanted Leo to be a slave, to punish him for Pratt's misdemeanious. but a slave had escaped and she could do nothing save sit in the empty room

eating out her heart in the bitterness of important anger. She could do nothing. Leo was gone. Prad was gone and she was left a lonely woman. She had not even the comfort of feeling that she could revenge herself. Feeling in this mood she was not unwilling to see Mrs. Cheel. Here at least was someone

on whom she could vent a rage. With an imperious gesture she ordered the woman to be admitted and received her with a stormy bro. Mrs. Gilles smiled. She knew that she had the upper hand and was not to be intimidated by stormy looks. Waiting till the servant had departed

and the door was closed, she introduced herself. I have to speak to you on important business, my lady, she said with assumed meekness and addressing Mrs. Gabriel by a title to which she laid no claim. This was done to accentuate the latter part of the interview. Mrs. Gilles was quite well prepared as was Mrs. Gabriel to make herself disagreeable. She also was out of tune. What business can a woman like you have with me? demanded Mrs. Gabriel with scorn,

and put up a log net to freeze Mrs. Giel with a look. But Mrs. Gile had donned the looks of even greater ladies than Mrs. Gabriel. It is strange. Is it not my lady? She sniggered. But I have something to talk about which will interest your ladyship very much. Indeed, Mrs. Gabriel looked more scornful than ever. And I believe you, You have to do with this precious discovery? I have, my lady. Mr. Havelay is now Lord Mormon. I proved his right to the title.

You see, my lady? I was a nurse at Killspindi Castle, and he stole his lordship and a child. How dare you speak to me like this? cried Mrs. Gabriel. Do you not know that I can have you arrested for such an admission? Oh, no, you cannot, my lady, I ordered Mrs. Giel Cooley.

Only Lord Killspindi can do that. And yes, let me go free. "'Then you leave this place,' said Mrs. Gabriel, haughtily. "'I'll have no one in college to are likely to cut up the morals of the people.' "'Ah, you have great power here, my lady?' "'Great power,' mocked Mrs. Giel. Mrs. Gabriel blood grew cold as she saw the look in the woman's eye. "'I don't understand you. Leave the room and the place,' she said.

"'All in good time, my lady,' replied Mrs. Giel calmly and took a seat. As this was more than Mrs. Gabriel could bear, she rose. You infamous creature? She cried furiously. Out of my house. Or I'll have you thrown out by my servants. My house. My servants. My estates. Sneared Mrs. Giel, keeping an eye on a victim. Are you sure you can talk like that, my lady? I repeat, I don't understand you, stammered Mrs. Gabriel, sitting down.

She was beginning to be afraid. Mrs. Giel would not dare to speak so, unless she possess some information dangerous to the lady of the castle. I shall leave the parish tomorrow, went on Mrs. Gilles coolly. I have no wish to remain. Miss Tempest will take care of Pearl, and what have I to do with that?

said Mrs. Gabriel, sitting up. This much. I want your ladyship to give me a thousand pounds. Ah, I thought so. Your mission here is one of blackmail? Mrs. Jill shrugged up plump shoulders. Some people would call it that, she said, dropping the courtesy title.

and as you have paid blackmail to Pratt all these years, I don't see why you should not give me a thousand pounds to get rid of me. Pratt, Mrs. Gabriel, could hardly speak. What do you know? I know that Pratt was married to you in Switzerland when you were Miss Havill, and that you afterwards married Mr. Gabriel. The property was left by Mr. Gabriel to my wife. Those were the words used in the will,

and you, Miss Havelay, were never Mr. Gabriel's wife. It's not true. muttered Mrs. Gabriel, her lips fivering. It is true. You know it is, said the other woman. A word from Pratt and you would have been turned out of possession here. He held his tongue so long as you took the child and brought him up. I have held my tongue also because I was

afraid of Pratt. But now he has told my secret about Lord Morven. I want money on my own account so as to get away from him across the seas. Mrs. Gabriel drummed on the table. She saw that this woman was too much for her. What you say is perfectly true, she said. I met Pratt in Switzerland when I was a young girl. We were married in Geneva, and I afterwards found out what a brute he was. We parted.

Afterwards, I heard that he was dead, and regarded myself as free to marry Gabriel. Oh, that was one of Pratt's jokes, said Mrs. Jill easily. He was always a merry sort of brute. But you see, I can turn you out. Not without Pratt's aid, said Mrs. Gabriel. fiercely. I won't give up the property to go to the crown. I love power and I intend to keep what I have. Pratt made me take that child and lie about him. He made me introduce him to Collisle Society and for years he has taken money from me. After doing all this do you think I'll

give it up? No, I will fight. Mrs. G. laughed unpleasantly. I can put a weapon into your hand to fight with, she said. That is, if you give me a thousand pounds. What do you mean? Panted Mrs. Gabriel throwing herself forward and seizing Mrs. Geel by the shoulder. Can you? Will you? If you give me a thousand pounds, replied the other woman, quite unmoved, and looking up with a wicked eyes into Mrs. Gabriel's agitated face. What do you know? Quick. Tell me. Mrs. Gabriel shook her. Don't shake me, said Mrs. Geel tartly, twisting herself free.

If you want to know my secret, I'll tell it to you. I'm Pratt's lawful wife. Mrs. Gabriel put her hand to her forehead and reel to the end of the room. Wife. Wife. She muttered. Then, I'm not... You're not as wife, finished Mrs. Giel Cooley. You never were his wife, seeing he was married to me before he met you?

You are, Mrs. Gabriel, the widow of John Gabriel and the possessor of this property. Can you... Can you prove this? asked the other woman, gasping. I'll give you my marriage certificate for a thousand pounds. said Mrs. Gell. I don't want it. I've had enough of Pratt. Then you can see the church

where we were married, and search the register. Oh, it's all right. Give me the certificate. Mrs. Gabriel stretched out her hand eagerly. Not without the thousand pounds, said Mrs. Geel,

resolutely. I'll give you a check, said Mrs. Gabriel, hurrying to a writing desk. Mrs. Giel shook ahead. Won't do, she remarked. I've had to do with ladies before. You might stop that check,

when I had given you what you wanted. No, come to the bank. Give me the money in notes, and I'll place your certificate in your hands. We can't go to the bank tonight, said Mrs. Gabriel, frowning. Oh, I can wait till tomorrow, replied Mrs. Gilles coolly. Mrs. Gabriel lost her temper and stamped a foot. Give me that certificate, or I'll have you arrested.

Oh, so you want me to tell my story and court, my lady? You dared to. Then give me the thousand pounds. Mrs. Gilles was beginning to lose a temper. Here's the coil about a trifle, she said angrily. Instead of asking you for a blackmail, as I could have done, I offer to give you freedom, and you won't pay for it. I will.

Here's a check. Come with me to the bank at Portfront tomorrow, and you can cash it in my presence. The certificate will be given to you when the notes are in my hand. You can take me to Portfront with my boxes, as I then can cash the afternoon steamer to London. I've given up my cottage and sold my furniture and packed my things. Tomorrow I'll take Pearl to Miss Tempest and then we can drive to the bank.

You, insolent woman, raised Mrs. Gabriel. She was obliged to yield. For once in her life she had met a person of her own sex who had as bad a tempera as herself. The two women had a royal battle, but in the end, victory declared itself on the side of Mrs. Geel and she departed in triumph. The next morning, Sibyl was informed that Mrs. Giel and Pearl were waiting to see her. Guessing the woman's errand, this tempest descended.

Mrs. Giel, perfectly respectful, dropped her curtsy. I've brought you, Pearl, my lady, she said. I'm not my lady, said Sable coldly. You soon will be, smirked Mrs. Giel. Lady Mormon. Well, I don't grudge it to you. You're not so bad as some. Here's Pearl.

Sybil took the hand of the poor creature, who was shedding tears at the thought of losing. Mrs. Gilles. Don't cry, Pearl, you will be quite happy with me. Remember, you have to look after the cup. Whereat, Pearl clapped her hands and was joyful again. I shan't want you any more, said Pearl to Mrs. Cheel. The master has given me the cup to look after, and you're too wicked to come near me. Mrs. Jeal winced and looked on. Here's gratitude, she sighed. I have loved but one thing in my life, and it turns against me. Well, Pearl, I hope you will be happy. "'Good-bye,' she paused, and then went on.

"'And, my lady, I would like to tell you the reason I told that lie about Lord Morven having pawned the cup. "'It was Sir Frank Hale made me do it.' "'Sir Frank!' echoed Sable in amazement. "'Why should he?' "'It was partly your faultness,' said Mrs. Giel, coolly. "'He loved you, and he loved his sister. "'If Lord Morven had married Miss Edith, and you had married Sir Frank, all would have been well. "'But on that night I brought back the cup he saw me,

and got the truth out of me. There he used me for his own ends, so as to get the blame laid on Mr. Havelay. How wicked of him, said Sible angrily. Mrs. Gilles laughed. It was his way, my lady, but he has gone away, and will not trouble you again. Neither shall I.

Goodbye, my lady. Pearl? But Pearl turned away like a cross child. Mrs. Geel had to go without a farewell kiss, and her wicked nature felt the slight. However, she controlled her emotion, and went off to portfront with Mrs. Gabriel. There the cheque was cashed, and Mrs. Gilles became possessed of a thousand pounds in Bank of England notes.

She would take no other. And there's a certificate, she said to Mrs. Gabriel. Thank God, cry that lady, seizing it. Now I am free of that man. If he comes to Colester again, I will put him in jail. And you, hussy, I'll have you ducked. I said you would talk like that, she had Mrs. Gile. A lucky thing I have that.

notes. Good day, Miss Havill and with this last insulting speech, which she knew was untrue, Mrs. Giel went away. What became of her, no one ever heard. But creatures like Mrs. Giel always fall on their feet like cats, perhaps because they have

so much of the cat nature in them. Mrs. Gabriel, rejoicing in her freedom, returned to Colister and became more domineering than ever. With a proud guessed that his wife would tell her the truth, it is impossible to say. But, he never came near Mrs. Gabriel again,

nor did he write to her. If he had, she would have set to work to trace him out and have him arrested. With the certificate of marriage, it was easy for Mrs. Gabriel to prove that she had been deceived by a villain, and she would have had no hesitation making the affair public. Pratt knew this

and knew her savage nature. He therefore kept away, and Mrs. Gabriel, unrestrained by any fear, became more of a tyrant than ever. She refused to come to Leo's wedding, or even to see him intimating to Sybil, who called upon her to entreat her to be reconciled to the new Lord Morven that she hated both of them. Mrs. Gabriel went away to London for six months and amused

herself to be hunting for Pratt. In the meantime, Lord Morven and Sybil were married. Also, Raston was united to his piggy on the same day. Mrs. Parthurst bore up heroically. Well, she regretted that she had not known of Leo's true parentage. He might have married Peggy. She would grace her title, said Mrs. Parthurst. And now, said Lord Killspindi, when the wedding was at an end, we will go to our own place and take the cup with us. So it came about that the pagan cup, which was a luck of the grants, was replaced in Killspindi Castle.

There was a brave homecoming for the long-lost son and his pride. And there, Lord and Lady Morven lived beloved by all. It was a happy ending to Leo's troubles. After a time, Mr. Tempest found that he could not live without his daughter, so he took up his residence in kilspendie castle as a kind of chaplain pearl was already established the castle and constituted herself the guardian of the cup which in a mad fancy she still called the holy grail no one tried to undeceive her but there is no danger of the cup being lost again while pearl looks after it and that's a good thing for the Grants since their luck is wound up in its possession. And who would doubt the truth of the tradition, said Gilspendy, seeing that three times the legend has come true. Raston succeeded Mr. Tempest as vicar of Colester and Mrs. Gabriel rather approve of him.

Thus it was that Mrs. Sparters came to think herself entitled to interfere in parish affairs as the mother-in-law of the vicar. She and Mrs. Gabriel fought bitterly and still fight over the affairs of the kingdom. And Preston and Peggy take no notice. They are perfectly happy. Pratt wrote one letter to Lord Mawain telling him that he was going to lead a new and decent life in South America and asking the young man not to think too badly of him. As he gave no address, Leo could not answer the letter,

so he burnt it and said nothing about it save to his father. There was some good in Pratt, said Lord Mawain. Well, yes, assented Killspindi. He was a thief, a liar, and a rogue in grain. Nevertheless, I believe he had a sincere affection for you, my dear boy. He certainly did a kind act when he restored to me, my son, and my cup. And a daughter, said Sibyl, who entered at the moment. Who is the light of my eyes? said Morven, kissing her.

We are happy now, father. After the storm comes the calm. Therefore, remember to give thanks, said Mr. Tempest, pointing to the cup. I think we can make use of the line on that goblet. and he read out in english the inscription to the great god who make at the heart joyful the gore of israel said mr tempest solemnly amen and amen the end of the pagan's cup by fergus