A Fair Anarchist

Chapter I

ri^HE longlist of family mansions in this country have -*~ done much for the student of history, but few, perhaps, are richer in legends and mystery than the ancient castle of Eadlej Vale. Situate about 14 miles from the market town of Callhampton, it is visible to all who travel the main road, and still stands to weather the storm and the blast as something more than a relic of bygone times. Built originally by Simon de St. Liz it was no small stronghold in the time of the Norman power, and ever and anon were its noble followers and retainers ready to repel the attack of all, or any foes. Here, as the old-time chroniclers show, had been discussed many burning questions of the time, and it is not unreasonable to suppose that here too had demands been made for some of the privileges which we at this moment enjoy.

Not until intrigue had failed, and treachery had opened her gates, had the power of Eadley declined. B Eichard I. bequeathed the Castle to Henri De Varre, and never had a nobler knight received, nor a fairer grant been made. Far away as the eye could reach, on the left side and the right, past the distant hills, and the valley beyond, the name of De Varre had been familiar in every home. In the little church of St. Edmund, not more than a mile away, lie crumbled in the dust their warriors slain in war — men who had never disgraced their cause. In battles, both of word and deed, boldly had they fought for the people, and in their time as they thought for the King. Near the middle of the park is seen — and, I trust, will ever remain — the old stone archway, under which rode Charles I. shortly before the close of his unfortunate reign, but, with use of steam and the thousand inventions of to-day, little is left of romance.

The cavalier, with the nodding plume, is long since dead, and a different voice is heard in the courtyard beneath. By the death of an uncle who had purchased Eadley the property passed into my hands, and I, Leslie Dale, upon coming of age, found myself in possession of the responsibilities attached to a large estate, and the guardian ship of a younger brother. My predecessor, a good and kind man, who paid little attention to matters outside his own particular path, had left much to be done, and I knew that many alterations should be made if I would have those around me prosperous and happy. For a time I was busily emplo3*ed. The village of Mosgrove, which only a short while ago revelled in ignorance and dirt, had now its reading-room and club, appreciated by all in a spirit beyond which I had a right to expect ; the old habitation had given way to modern improvement, and the visitor of to-day would fail to recognise in the tidy cottages and dwellings the once miserable huts of the poor.

Nine years had flown since Eadley passed into my hands, and all seemed to prosper under my eye. Truly I was one of the happiest of men, on whose path not a shadow had been thrown. Little did I think that there is a pleasure too great to be real, and that a cry of sorrow would shortly re-echo in our home. In the meanwhile my brother Edward had been called to the Bar, and was already practising as a barrister with an increasing connection in town. Brilliant as a boy, he liad worked harder than many young men of his age and means would have wished, and always with a determination that his friends and myself were aware, that nothing but well-earned success would attend his suit. There was at the time of which I write one of the most startling of modern trials occupying the attention of the legal and outer world, and the dreadful propaganda of the Anarchist Lad been temporarily quelled.

Ihrough the indisposition of Mr. Montagu, who had been specially retained, upon Edward had the principal part of the work devolved, and if at any time more than another in his life there had been a desire to please and gain a name it was then. Fortune favours few men more than once, this was the da}* when Edward Dale would seize the orqoortunity which the favouring goddess had placed in his way. So great was the interest displayed that each day as the trial progressed the public attendance in the court increased, until entrance by ticket was resolved. The motley crowd, which had stood for hours and went away satisfied if at some time in the proceedings a sight of the accused had been obtained, had again given place to the fashionable world. I may be wrong in the notion I hold on this matter, which perhaps, after all, does not seriously affect the affairs of the nation, but how the enlightened educated mind can reconcile itself as a spectator to the horrors of the police court other than as a student of nature is a mystery too deep for me to comprehend.

The defence, which had been set up by one of the ablest lawyers of the day, had gradually fallen away, and the hideous spectre of evil was to be speedily exorcised by the representative of the Crown. Notwithstanding great success, there was still evidence to be cleared, which, up to the present, had baffled all the attempts the police had made. It was clear that others than those convicted had been emploj'ed, and stood for the moment beyond the pale of the law. The leading papers were commenting on the skill displayed by my brother, who was earning a way in his profession which might have been envied by older men. The first to congratulate Edward was myself. Anxiously had I watched his career, from the time when as a boy he came to me for help and advice, and throughout his University course, until I now saw in one of my own flesh and blood the most courted if not the most worthy pleader of our day.

The American Minister, of considerable literary fame, had recently arrived and to-night was to be entertained by the representatives of the English Bar. My brother I knew would be there, and by his influence I should also attend. " The conservatism of the past is to be swept away, men of note should receive no better welcome than in our land, recognition of merit will always advance our cause." Such were the words of Edward as, grasping my hand hastily, he left the court and with " see you, Leslie, at nine" quickly hurried away. It was barely six o'clock and three more hours would elapse ere this noted gathering would meet and the sound of revelry be heard. Men who had passed their day in the dull and heavy round of routine, whoso very capacity and attainments placed them at the beck and call of man kind, would lay aside wig, commentary, and gown, to honor and welcome one who was a stranger to old England's shores.

It was with a feeling of joy that I slowly wended my way to that part of Town in which I had recently made my home. Ferhaps, in years to come, I should have an establishment of my own. At present I was free and unfettered, travelling hither and thither as fancj* called, with no further care than the particular whim of the moment. For an hour I remained at my club engrossed in one of the journals of the day which, being dissatisfied with the verdict, was strongly arguing its desire ior a Criminal Court of Appeal. Of this I was perfectly sure, whatever might be the particular opinion of the few, no man more than Edward had striven harder in a cause nor a more just conviction been obtained. Throwing the paper on one side I walked towards the door, and proceeding to the hall was accosted by Masters and Earle, two college chums of my own — the former still reading for the Bar, whilst Earle had recently returned with his regiment from the East.

" Delighted to meet you," said Masters, who, strangely different in appearance to his companion, was thoroughly genuine and sound. " How long are you remaining in town ? " " Only came up yesterday, Dale," remarked Earle, who had lost none of his good looks although so long resident abroad. There had been a little matter of love which had separated Earle and myself in time gone by, but neither being fortunate enough to secure the prize we had agreed to cordially shake hands, and our friendship was true as before. "Going to the banquet? Staying at Morley's ? " demanded Masters. " Look in for you on my way down," and we leisurely strolled to the door. Nothing more than a few common -place remarks were made, and I thought, as we separated, of the changing hand of Time with the dearest and best, and the sworn companionship of men in one's own particular set, simmering down to that of ordinary* friends in the lapse of a few paltry years.

Chapter II. Taking

a hansom at the corner of the street, I was quickly carried on my way, thinking of little else than the pleasure to come, and the prospect that the banquet had in store. A company of men of every profession would be there, and it was rumoured in the West that Hoyalty might graciously join the board. Down Whitehall and across Trafalgar Square, nearly upsetting an elderly lady in our course, cabby disposed of his fare. With a light heart I mounted the step which led to my hotel door. " There was a messenger here just now with a letter for you, sir," said Wickens, the porter, who by this time, consequent of my lengthened stay in the house, had grown familiar and used to my ways. " It was rather important, sir," he said, "though no answer was wanted I am sure. You were to be certain to have it at once." and he walked to the window of the office, returning in a minute with the particular missive which had troubled him as much as the owner, if not apparently more.

The writing was that of my brother, and the word " Important " on the left-hand corner of the note convinced me that something unusual had occurred. The contents were more disappointing even than I had supposed: — " Business of an important nature detains me. You must go to the Metropole alone. Will see you later and explain." Such was the announcement which met my gaze, and I crumpled the letter in my hand. For the moment I was vexed and annoyed. I had stayed in town purposely to join Edward to-night. Had he accompanied me, I knew that I should in some small measure have shared in the congratulations which would be showered upon him from all hands, but going alone or in company with Masters, who was comparatively unknown, I should be but one in the crowd, and without any interest in the affair.

At first I purposed seeking my brother and asking for an explanation of conduct so strange. Upon consideration I felt assured that nothing but business of the most pressing nature would have caused him to remain at work at such an unusual hour. There was some inexplicable reason, something unbooked for, but yet of no small consequence that would cause Edward to break an engage ment which had been made with me so long. To decline to go would be absurd, but there was a fancy within me which told of evil being at hand. There are times in our lives when the sudden crackling of the fire or the hasty shutting of a door, the sound of a footfall on the slab in the cold and frosty air, or the keen, sharp whistling of the wind will bring us unconsciously to book, or occasionally cause us alarm. It was so with me then.

You may laugh and call me superstitious if you will, but, if honest, I am sure you will admit that frequently, even in small experiences like your own, have warnings similar to this occurred again and again. I was deeply engaged in attempting to explain the letter when a knock at the door recalled to me the fact that in a few moments the chimes of the church close by would ring out the hour of nine. Upon calling out to " Come in," Masters entered my room, rubbing his hands with glee when he saw I was dressed to go. '*' Ever ready " Masters had been his soubriquet both at the University and at school. To be at his post in the nick of time appeared his ambition and pride. I explained that my brothei was unfortunately engaged, and that we should see him as the evening wore on. "Awfully sorr j*," said Masters, "but we will make the best of each other's company anyway, Dale.

Nothing will delight me more than an after-dinner chat on the sport of those good old times. What a thin little follow you were, and terribly nervous, to be sure. Do you remember poor Chisholm, who died, and the boy who was drowned in the pool '? " Of course I remembered all this. Such things are not easily erased, and the deepest 'impressions are often those which are made when at school. By this time we had reached the street, and in a few minutes were pushing our way through the vast crowd of spectators which had gathered to see the worthies arrive. "Stand back, there!" in the gruff voice of a policeman, enabled us to proceed, and in passing through I noticed that the Lord Chief Justice was entering at the same time. Men of every shade of opinion and style, learned in letters, and the law. a well-known poet, and an actor celebrated in burlesque, a crowd of the richest notables in the land, wealthy Jews, and speculators in mines and shares, many Americans who were staying in London at the time, and barristers and attorneys bj the score.

Such was the throng which greeted my eye when it was announced that dinner was served. Mr. Justice Polland, who had recently returned from a holiday in the States, and who was the lion of the evening, in consequence of an excellent speech, received quite an ovation when he declared " that never was a better feeling existing between those two great countries upon which the prosperity* of the world might be said to depend." The American Minister rose amidst deafening applause. Other speakers followed in the usual compli mentary vein, and upon turning round to address Masters upon the subject of a remark that had been made, I found for the first time that his place was vacant by my side. Either I must have been greatly engrossed, or he had slipped quietly away purposely unknown. I was about to address a gentleman on my right, when two sharp and distinct cries, as though from someone in distress, started on my ear.

Did you notice that?" I remarked. "I beg your pardon," said the dapper little gentle man, who had no thought save for the quality of the fare. Though the conversation in the room ran high, above it all was the echo of that cry so clear. Could it be fancy, or was it an omen of ill? Why, in the presence of all this throng, should such an extraordinary circumstance occur ? For some time I endeavoured to forget it, but again and again would my imagination seek for the explanation I desired. Was it fate, fancy, or nerve that caused my heart to grow cold, when I recalled tho cry which I had heard. Strong men may tell me that it was an after-dinner thought, caused by an excited and heated brain. The doctor, with the accustomed shrug, seeks for an answer in tainted blood and hereditary disease ; the man of the world answers with a nod and a smile ; and science in such matters cannot help you far.

Never for a moment did I doubt the reality of the cry, nor that the note resembled that of my own flesh and blood. Could some evil have befallen the brother I loved? Was it the transmission of thought, the kinship of a soul calling* for succour from its own ? I would go, stupid as it might seem, and satisfy my mind. It it were but imagination he would never know and the truth need not be told. Hastening from the room, I encountered Masters, who was returning to his place. "Why, Dale," said he, "surely not going before your brother arrives? " "I am tired," I replied, " these public dinners were never much in my way, and the heat of the room is more than I can bear." My manner must have assisted me in this speech, for, looking keenly into my face, he begged me for a few moments to remain in the LI all.

"Come," he said, " the^re is more air here, or if you prefer we wdl take a stroll outside." This I did prefer. In fact, nothing could have kept me within. To my brother's chambers I was bound, and, though all there might be safe, nothing would set me at rest until I had seen him again. During the whole of our walk my agitation increased. Every moment I expected to meet someone bearing ill news. Half walking, half running, I hastened on my waj*, dragging along the companion upon whose arm I had been requested to lean. How anxiously I scanned the faces of those we passed, making a stop here and there, gazing into the many cabs as they drove rapidly along. This route I had taken hundreds and hundreds of times. It had never appeared so tedious as now. Ex'dted almost to fever heat I paused when we reached the street where, for some years, my brother had continued to reside.

No. 22 was on the left-hand side and exactly opposite to us as we stood. The door was open and a light in the front window betrayed that Edward was working within. The anxious thought gave way to joyous surprise, and with a happier heart I sprang forward to the door. Contrary to general rule the bolt was drawn, possibly as a caution to his friends, and an intimation that he had no desire to be disturbed. Knocking in a casual way with my walking stick I tried the door, but still no sound from within. Could he have left to meet me as arranged ? This I doubted by the light, as there would be no necessity for such an illumination unless he were but temporarily absent from his room. At this moment I heard a roar as of fire, and Masters called my attention to the smoke which was emerging through the door.

"Good Heavens," I exclaimed, " what can this mean ; " and I kicked violently at the door. Every paper in those rooms to me was of the value of gold, and I called to my friend to bring the first assistance that could be obtained. In a frenzy of strength I flung myself against the door. Thank Heaven, it yielded, and I reeled back, half suffocated with the dense volume of smoke, which rolled from the breach. When it cleared what a sight met my gaze ! Every thing was in confusion, and appeared to have been hurriedly disturbed. There was a broken lamp upon the table, the curtains were blazing rapidly, aud lying on the floor. Taking a corner of the material still uncaught I endeavoured to stamp out the remaining portion on fire, when my foot struck against something underneath. Was I mad, dreaming, or both ?

Here, with his face towards the ground, was the form of my dearest relation on earth, dying a death too horrible for thought. To raise him in my arms was the work of an instant. Naturally I was of a weak and nervous frame, but now I was strong, and capable of deeds in other moments quite beyond my powers. Lifting Edward in my arms I staggered for the door, and recollect Masters coming to my aid. That which followed was a blank to me, and it was full on to early dawn before I was able to understand the position of affairs.

Chapter III

A DIM light was burning in the room, and hushed voices were heard behind my chair. Slowly I raised myself up, and found the surroundings strange and un familiar to my eye. What had happened since last I woke! WThere was I, and how had I come to my present abode ! I shuddered at the remembrance of the terrible nightmare through which I had so recently passed. At this moment Masters came to my side, and, taking me by the hand, begged that I would not talk. "It is not my desire," he said, "but the orders of those who are wiser in these matters than I, and upon the understanding that I would do my best to cause you to obey have I been permitted to remain." "It is true then, quite true?" I exclaimed, and I knew by the face of my friend that it was a fact and not a dream, reality and not the coinage of my brain, that all the horror of that previous night was to be lived down and forgotten in the dim and future years."

No greater blow could have befallen me. There are some whose grief is shown by noisy shout and wailing aloud ; whose very attitude bespeaks the brute rather than the man, whose mind and soul feel nothing beyond the wail of woe, and to whom the hope of a morrow is not even a distant dawn. Who has seen the love of a mother for her child ; who has watched the dread angel wrest that gift away ; who has stood and bade farewell to the spirit of one you may meet no more on earth and has not felt the loneliness and coldness of death, and the silence his presence can convey ? In good health you may quickly thrust these sentiments away — it is not natural for man to be continually brooding over that which makes his heart bleed ; the philosopher, in the calm and greatness of his life, believes that he shows us the way.

You may marvel that I simply obeyed, that I refrained from asking about that which I was desirous to learn, that I did not seize my friend and implore him to tell me what he knew, however harrowing such information should appear. I can only reply that I am anxious of writing the truth, for effect it is not my aim to strive. That I can love and love deeply you will afterwards learn. But there are moments in your life when you want to be left alone, when you would drive your best friend even from your side, when every attention becomes irksome no matter how kindly displayed — and such a feeling came over me then as I closed my eyes and sank heavily back in my chair. What my thoughts were, the hopelessness that stared me in the face, may be better imagined than described. I had lived but for one purpose and aim ; my sole object had been my admiration for that which experience told me would some day pass away.

With a firm determination I would prove myself a Dale, and calling Masters to my side I begged him hide nothing which had occurred. I was strong, and could bear more than he would believe. What had become of my brother ? To whose house had I been brought, and since when had I made my stay ? Bit by bit, with the feelings of a friend, was the terrible story revealed to me. There was a strangeness in this event little suspected when first my questioning had been made. Any hope of his precious life being spared was quickly dispelled. No sooner had I raised my brother in my arms than I sank upon the floor. Masters, assisted by a constable, bore us both from the room, and without a moment's delay we had been brought to Andertou's Hotel, as the nearest accommodation to the chambers of Edward Dale.

An alarm of fire was raised, and from the station attached to the Courts of Law the attendants quickly dispelled any fear of the neighbours near by bringing the flames under control. Fortune seemed to assist us, even when afflicting with grief. A Masonic banquet was in progress as we were brought along the corridor, and placed upon couches, in a c room, to the right of the first flight of stairs ; and a medical gentleman, attending from the country, was summoned to our aid. This was Williams, an old friend of our father, whom he had met at Eadley in the earlier days. Turning his attention to my brother, he sent for assistance for myself, seeing that the first case would require all his care. Upon the arrival of Doctor Walker I was conveyed into the adjoining room, and it was after his visit that I found myself in the position I have attempted to describe.

Such was the story I was told, and then followed the peculiarity of the mystery, which has taken so much of my life to explain. Upon the examination of my brother, the constable who had assisted to convey us was called to give particulars of all that he had seen. His account was brief, and agreed minutely with everything Masters had stated before. " This," remarked Dr. Williams, pointing to a wound on the side of my brother's head, " was not the result of a fall, but rather the means which brought the poor fellow to the ground. This small bruise was caused by contact with the floor, but the blood on the right side of the fore head must have been brought there by passing the hand to the wound. The contusion is on the left, and he could only have fallen in that manner after receiving the wound."

This information startled the officer, who, in this dreadful business, saw promotion within his grasp, and Masters volunteered to accompany the official back to the room. Arriving at the Chambers, they found an inquisi tive gang of spectators pressing up the stairs, and the presence of a constable was sufficient alone to cause many to pryingly enquire after the injured man. " It's all up with his arguing for the present," said a foreign looking individual who was foremost of the crowd, " and mayhap he aint no better than them as was before the old 'un at the bar ; " and having thus passed his opinion on the current topic of the hour, gave place to another more curious, and pushed his way through the crowd. The remaining onlookers were driven down the stairs and out through the passage into the street, and the con stable in charge when Masters and the officer arrived proceeded to search with a view of obtaining such information as might throw any light on the affair.

In a few minutes a knock was heard, and upon one of the police unlocking the door, Detective Biatch, from Scotland Yard, entered, to take the case in hand. " Haskins," said he, addressing one of the constables, "clear that crowd from the hall, and make a careful remembrance of any observation that may be used. The street will be watched from over the way. We expect some of those foreign villains connected with the trial are at the bottom of this I shall give you further instructions when I come down." " You are a lawyer, I believe, sir," addressing Masters. " I fancy I recognise you as being in court to day ; perhaps you are a friend of Mr. Dale's, It may be murder from what I hear," said the detective, and then he proceeded to institute the search which would lead to a full enquiry being made.

" Eussia is bad enough, but if men are to be killed for doing their duty in this vaunted land of the free, it will be hard work to find them willing to do what is right; " and the officer quickly moved and replaced, noted and set down the position of every article in the room as found when he came in. " There is not much in motive when men are mad," he said, "and it is evident that plunder was not their game," as he toyed with a parcel of notes, looking quite new from the bank, which he picked up eagerly from the floor, and the cash box, which was open and had my brother's keys in the lock, contained quite a little heap of gold which might easily have been taken if desired. I knew Edward had intended in a few days to avail himself of a well earned rest, and he had drawn from his bank money which, had all been well, would have carried him to one of those spots he had loved to frequent when fighting his way in the world.

How little he valued wealth was discovered soon after his death, for a small army of pensioners in a very short time were bemoaning the fate of one who had helped them for many days past. " Have you ever heard Mr. Dale speak of enemies in any way, sir ? " asked the detective. " Why, man," replied Masters, as he afterwards told me, " I would not believe that he had an enemy in the world." " None likely to use a weapon like this ? " remarked Biatch, as he clutched at a broken stick half hidden by the rug. "A dagger, eh! and 'Toledo' on the blade; a foreigner I'll be bound." " Made in Germany, notwithstanding the mark," said Masters, who had lived long enough not to form too high an opinion of the honesty of his fellow man. "And covered with blood," stated the detective, as he leaned against the mantelpiece and held the weapon to the light, " and no attempt to remove it either.