Claude Duval of Ninety-five. A romance of the road

Front matter

Ka> 3K A IFERGUS HUME'S TWO SUCCESSFUL STORIES THE MASQUERADE MYSTERY Cheap Edition, Crown 8vo, cloth, gilt, 2s. 6d. ' Is as good as, if not better than, " The Mystery of a Hansom Cab." It is an excellent story of its kind, and the mystery is one which it will puzzle most readers to solve. It is only towards the close of the story that a clue to the true facts of the case is allowed to appear, with the result that interest is fully sustained throughout the book. The characters are well drawn. The "Masquerade Mystery" is, indeed, one ofthe most readable fictions ofthe month.' — The World. ' Mr Hume contrives to mystify us to the very end of his story- His brisk and breathless narrative.' — Athenæum. A MARRIAGE MYSTERY Third Edition, Crown 8vo, cloth, gilt, 3s. 6d. ' So skilfully does he tell this, his latest story, that up to the very last page, which whoso has read the first will assuredly reach with eager ness, we are left in absolute doubt as to who killed the undesirable Hewitson.

The interest is breathlessly exciting, and the devourer of detective literature will rejoice in the entirely new departure of Sherlock Holmes' last successor, Varry.' — Pall Mall Gazette. ' Mr Hume maintains his reputation as a story-teller in a domain he has made his own, who never fails to mystify in order to interest, and who enlightens to the satisfaction of his reader. The enlightenment at the close of this ingenious and admirably constructed novel comes as a startling surprise.' — Scotsman. '■Mr Fergus Hume has undoubtedly been endowed with a talent for stories of crime. "A Marriage Mystery" is ingeniously put together. In the working out of the plot, the author cleverly tries to make the reader fix the crime first upon one character and then upon another ' — Athenæum. DIGBY, LONG &fin„ EjJBLISHERS, LONDON & [Uommct of ttoe %oM BY FERGUS HUME Author of ' The Mystery of a Hansom.

Cab,' ' The Masquerade Mystery 1 A Marriage Mystery, etc. ' Boots and saddle, and spurs and mask, Up and away to my midnight task ; I and my nag, will collar the swag ; So here's success from my silver flask, To a tight-packed coach, and a well-filled bag. Eontion DIGBY, LONG & CO., PUBLISHERS 1 8 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.C. CONTENTS CHAP. PAGE I. the masked horseman ... 7 II. POLDERS . . . . .l6 III. THE MEMORY OF A VOICE . . 24 IV. TO OBLIGE A FRIEND . . -33 V. THE ' SEVEN FIDDLERS ' . . . 41 VI. IN GIPSY-LAND . . . .49 VII. THE TANKARD . . . -57 VIII. TREASURE-TROVE . . . .65 IX. STARLIGHT NELL . . . .74 X. AT WARDEN TOWERS . . .82 XI. A CLUE ..... 91 XII. A DINNER AT THE 'BRISTOL' . . IOO XIII. THE JEW ..... 109 XIV. THE FIRST LETTER . . . 119 XV. AN UNEXPECTED CULPRIT . 1 28 XVI.

Chapter I The Masked Horseman

On consulting the dictionary, I find that ' romance ' is defined as ' a fictitious narrative in prose or verse which passes beyond the limits of real life.' I there fore beg leave to call this a romance, although it is actually true, and related by one who was an eye witness to many of the events herein set forth. Yet, as I begin with the cheerful assurance that no one will credit my story — though I pass among my immediate acquaintances for a veracious person — I am resolved to cut the ground from under the feet of sceptical readers, and still more sceptical critics, by designating it as above. Thus I stand committed to nothing, and whether it be believed or disbelieved, I can smile with a clear conscience and say : ' As you please.' However, to those readers who credit the occurrence of events other than come within their cognisance, I may state that herein I narrate a series of actual CLA UDE DUVAL OF NINETY-FIVE episodes which took place in the year ninety-five of this century.

Highway robbery of the old romantic sort, extinct since the days of Claude Duval and Dick Turpin, was revived about the Christmas of that year, and all the machinery of the law failed to capture the anachronistic Knight of the Road. I was the fortunate person who — but this is anticipating — so for the clearer understanding of my readers, I shall begin from the time when Lady Warden assembled her house party at Gurthbury for Yuletide festivities. Then I first came into contact with this revival of, — what was till then, — an obsolete species of crime. Warden Towers, the dower house of my grand mother, is situated on the outskirts of Gurthbury village, distant some five miles from the town of Daxton, and is divided therefrom by a wild heath. A lengthy road winds across this from town to hamlet, and midway stands a low public-house known as the ' Seven Fiddlers.' In the old coaching days this inn was famous as a posting-house ; but the railway having come to Daxton has diverted the traffic from this quarter, and Gurthbury has settled down into a sleepy, picturesque place, much fre quented by artists.

I know of no more lonely heath than that intervening expanse of ling and sapless grass. On its further side, Gurthbury, fronting the ocean, is quite cut off from civilisation, and but that my grandmother chose to live in her dower house, no London folks would have penetrated into such a wilderness. She was the one civilising element which leavened the barbaric mass. People said that only an eccentric old dame like Lady Warden would have fixed her abode in so outlandish a place ; nevertheless, they were always willing to visit her when she invited them into her fastness. She kept herself in touch with the rapid nineteenth century by an annual visit to Town ; but for the greater part of the year she resided at Warden Towers in a kind of feudal state. Those who wearied of modern life, loved to dwell for a few weeks in the grey old castle, among simple people ; and with a little stretch of imagination, they could well fancy themselves back in the Middle Ages.

They deemed it delightful and novel, and quite a new sensation ; therefore Warden Towers was always well filled at Christmas time. On this present occasion a dozen guests were assembled in the hall, enjoying five o'clock tea and waiting for the incoming of new arrivals. My grandmother sat on the right of the fireplace, knitting, and leading the conversation. She always did both, and was an imperious old lady with a terrific frown, and a tremendous sense of her own dignity. Her late husband had been ambassador to several of the most prominent European Courts, and also governor in two colonial dependencies. Lady Warden was therefore CLAUDE DUVAL OF NINETY-FIVE 10 accustomed to rule, and behaved herself in a queenly way, which was quite in keeping with her stately mien and brilliant intellect.

I, her unworthy grandson — for she disliked the radical opinions I had picked up at Oxford — was briskly engaged in ministering to the wants of my pretty cousins. To be sure, I was a younger son, and they would much rather have had the attendance of my elder brother, Gurthbury, who enjoyed more worldly advantages. But he was anxiously counting the minutes till the arrival of Mrs Forrester Forrest, a noted society beauty, for whom he had a considerable liking. If my grandmother had guessed this, she would certainly not have invited the lady ; but as usual, Gurthbury managed to throw dust in her eyes and have his own way. That Mrs Forrester Forrest was coming without her husband, and with her niece, Hetty Crauford, should have enlightened Lady Warden, but did not. Gurthbury was always cleverer at hoodwinking the old lady than I. The mention of Hetty Crauford brings me to Reginald Davners, my old Eton schoolfellow and firm friend.

He was a subaltern in a cavalry regiment, and desperately poor, so when he ventured to fall in love with Hetty, her worldly aunt was vastly indignant ; quite as much at his presuming to admire anyone but herself, as at his daring to desire marriage with her pretty niece. To-night Reginald was quite as dis traught as Gurthbury, for if the one expected the aunt, the other looked forward to the arrival of the niece ; and the pair of them were poor company, as my grandmother truly observed. ' Mr Davners,' she said in her sharpest tone, ' you need not look so longingly at the door. Mrs Forrest is not' due yet.' ' I beg your pardon, grandmother,' hastily inter posed Gurthbury, glancing at his watch, ' she ought to be here in a few minutes.' ' Unless the carriage has been bailed-up on the heath,' said I, with a view to shock Lady Warden and divert her attention from Reginald.

She rose immediately to the bait. ' What do you mean by that expression, Valentine ? Does it come from Oxford ? ' ' It comes from Australia, and is an expression used by bushrangers.' ' Bushrangers ! ' 'Another Australian word, grandmother; colonial slang for highwaymen.' ' But why do you use it in connection with Mrs Forrest ? ' said Gurthbury crossly ; ' she is not likely to meet with any of those gentry on the heath ! ' ' My dear Gurthbury, you forget,' I remarked, accepting another cup of tea, ' Claude Duval has come to life again.' ' Is that true after all ? ' asked Lady Warden, pausing in her knitting ; ' do you mean to say that those accounts in the paper are not fictitious ? ' 'Yes, I do mean to say so. Six months ago Mrs Bland's carriage was stopped by a masked horseman in Yorkshire, and she was robbed of her jewels.

Three weeks later, Lady Farquhar lost her diamonds in the same way ; and seven days since this modern Dick Turpin held a pistol to the head of Mrs Coffin's coachman, and made off with five thousand pounds' worth of gems. That was in Devonshire.' 'Upon my word you are a walking police news,' said Davners, with a shrug of his shoulders. ' All you tell us is of course well known. But the police have a clue to the thief.' ' That they have not,' I said firmly. ' Inspector Robinson — ' ' Oh ! ' interposed my grandmother, smiling ; ' now you are about to introduce the subject of your pet pursuit. Do you know,' she added, addressing the company generally, ' that Valentine has taken a fancy to thief-catching ? He consorts with detectives and policemen, he explores slums, has his meals in thieves' kitchens, and counts several intimate friends among the pickpocket fraternity.' ' What a terrible accusation ! ' laughed Gurthbury, laying his hand on my shoulder ; ' well, it is a good thing to have a detective in the family.

If Mrs Forrest loses her sapphires, Valentine, we shall employ you to hunt for the thief. You may succeed where the police have failed.' ' It seems incredible that such a thing should occur in our law-abiding England,' said Lady Warden reflectively. ' Do you speak seriously ? ' ' Quite ! This man rides a black horse, wears a mask, and demands your money or your life.' ' If that were related in a novel I might believe it, Valentine, but as you say it occurs in real life, I beg leave to doubt it.' ' Neither Mrs Bland nor Lady Farquhar doubt it,' said I grimly. ' They have paid too dearly for learning the truth.' 'Well, I hope this creature won't come to Gurth bury. I almost wish I had given the coachman a pistol.' ' What nonsense ! ' cried Reginald gaily. ' Valentine is infecting you all with vague fears.

Depend upon it, Mrs Forrest will arrive with her jewels intact, and we shall see those famous sapphires at the New Year's ball.' Even as he spoke the roll of carriage wheels was heard, and Gurthbury went to the door to welcome Mrs Forrest. Hardly had he been gone a minute or so, when we heard the approaching guest speaking in an excited tone, and shortly afterwards she entered the hall, leaning on the arm of my brother and Hetty Crauford. Ordinarily the most self-possessed of women, Mrs Forrest was now in a state of hysteria, and releasing herself from her supporters she rushed wildly towards my grandmother. Lady Warden, who disliked scenes, arose from her chair in some displeasure, and the rest of us, anticipating bad news, crowded round the excited woman. ' Oh ! ' gasped Mrs Forrest, falling into a chair, ' oh ! oh!' ' What is the matter ? ' asked my grandmother impatiently. ' Have you met with an accident ? ' ' My sapphires,' was all that Mrs Forrest could gasp out, and then she pointed frantically to Hetty. ' We have been robbed,' said the latter, who was very pale, but quite mistress of herself. ' Robbed ! ' we all cried out in wonderment ; whereat Mrs Forrest went into strong hysterics, and Lady Warden looked to Hetty for an explanation. ' Who robbed you ? ' 'A masked horseman,' said Hetty, beginning to cry ; ' when we were half-way here he rode up, and held a pistol to the head of the coachman.

Then he made myself and my aunt alight, and forced Louise to give up the jewel-case.' ' My sapphires ! ' shrieked Mrs Forrest, reviving, at the mention of her loss. ' Oh, the brute ! Where are the police ? ' 'Is this the same man of whom you spoke, Valen tine ? ' said my grandmother, turning towards me with a startled look. ' It seems like it,' said I quietly. ' How strange it is that we should have been talking of him when this occurred ! ' ' What is to be done ? ' cried Mrs Forrest, sitting up dishevelled and tearful. ' I have been robbed — Oh, my sapphires ! Four thousand pounds' worth of jewels ! Lady Warden ! Lord Gurthbury ! what is to be done ? ' No one answered, and we looked blankly at one another. Judging from the previous raids of this mysterious horseman, I thought it improbable that Mrs Forrest would see her sapphires again.

Chapter II Polders

You may be sure that there was plenty to talk about and plenty to do for the next week or so. Accredited with a knowledge of criminality beyond my deserts ; I was vested with supreme authority, to take all necessary steps for the arrest of the robber and the recovery of the jewels. Gurthbury did nothing but soothe the agitation of Mrs Forrest ; and Reginald devoted himself to comforting Hetty, so all the work devolved on my shoulders. I did what I could, but to small purpose. The police were called in from Daxton, and proved worse than useless ; I rode all over the country without finding any clue, so as a last resource I sent to Scotland Yard for Polders. I always did think that Polders over-estimated his abilities. More by good luck than by acumen, he had brought several difficult cases to a successful conclu sion, and inflated by these minor triumphs, he plumed himself on being the cleverest detective in London.

Many people considered him to be so, but I judged POLDERS 17 otherwise, and sent for him more to learn the former doings ofthe masked horseman, than because I thought he would solve the present mystery. Hitherto the new Dick Turpin had laughed at Polders and the whole police force. The very audacity of his crimes proved his safeguard, and detectives found themselves helpless in the face of such novel criminality. In a few days Polders, swelling with self-importance, arrived in company with Captain Forrest. Like his wife, that gentleman was frantic over the loss of the family jewels, for he was none too well of, and, more over, the Forrest sapphires were not only very valu able but particularly famous. He proposed the most absurd plans for capturing the thief, all of which were calmly ignored by Polders, who had formed his own theory on the matter.

This he imparted to me in the' smoking-room, whither I invited him one evening when everybody had gone to bed. I may mention that Polders was an old friend of mine. I met him at Oxford when Ford of Balliol was hocussed and robbed in a Pimlico alley, and since then we had renewed our acquaintance on several occasions. Polders had taken me round the slums of London ; he had permitted me to assist him in his search for a notable murderer ; and privately he regarded me as a promising young man, with a pretty taste for detective work. He was tall and burly, with a red face and a preternatural air of wisdom which deceived everybody. I alone doubted B his infallibility, and I think Polders had a certain respect for me on that account. In his own heart he knew his weaknesses, and therefore wished to stand well with me lest I should state openly my opinion of his deficiencies ; not that my speaking could harm him, but he objected to have the slightest reflection cast upon his capabilities.

On this present occasion he proposed that we should work together. ' You see, Mr Belter, this is a case out of the common,' he said, when we were comfortably settled. ' And to tell you the honest truth — which I wouldn't to anyone but yourself — I don't quite see how to begin.' ' Why not begin in the usual manner, Polders ? ' ' Out of the question, sir. When a murder is committed, say in a house, we can begin at that house, and may hit on a clue. But here there is no point to start from. This horseman suddenly appears on the heath, gets his plunder, and disappears into five miles of darkness. If his horse is a good one — which is probable ; and he knows the country — which is a certainty, he can easily escape. The more so as six or seven hours generally elapse before the police are called in.' ' Can't he be traced by the horse ? ' ' Sir ! ' said Polders in a reproving tone, ' there are dozens of black horses.

One is the same to most people as another. Now I have questioned Mrs Forrest and the young lady, I have cross-examined POLDERS 19 the coachman and the footman, but not one of them can give an accurate description of man or beast. The horse, they say, was a black one, the thief was masked. What can I learn from that ? Nothing,' said Polders, bringing down his fist on the table, ' absolutely nothing.' ' I suppose in these other three cases you had the same difficulty as to identification.' Polders nodded. ' Right, Mr Belter,' he said dismally; 'what with the alarm, and the darkness, and the lonely place, no one can recollect himself, or herself, sufficiently to be observant.' ' I notice that the new Dick Turpin never attacks a carriage unless he knows it contains a well filled jewel-case.' ' Ah ! exclaimed Polders, laying a significant fore finger on my arm, ' there you are, sir. Now we come to my theory.

Dick Turpin, as you call him, does not work alone.' ' You think he is one of a gang of thieves.' ' Exactly, Mr Belter, exactly. There is the man who gives the information, the man who robs, and the man who disposes of the jewels. If we could find one of the three, we should soon break up the gang.' ' But your theory, Polders ? ' ' Well, sir,' said the detective, throwing himself back with his thumbs in his waistcoat pockets, ' it is my belief that the man who gives the information is a gentleman.' ' Why do you think that ? ' ' Because only a gentleman moving in good society could find out when, and where, these great ladies take their jewels. As now, sir, Mrs Forrest may have said in company, " I'm visiting Warden Towers at Christmas, and I take my jewels with me." Our gentleman goes to his friend and tells him this ; they look up a map of the country, and find five miles of wild heath between the railway station and Warden Towers.

Then the second man comes down, gets a horse and rides out for — say amusement. As soon as he is quite alone, he claps on his mask, and robs the lady in the way you know of. Then he rides back to the town, and takes the train to London, where he delivers the jewels to the third man. As for him,' added Polders complacently, ' he unsets the jewels, smuggles them out of England, and sells them on the Continent. There you are, Mr Belter. My theory, sir, and I don't think you'll find a better.' ' But you don't think the thief has the audacity to hire a horse from a livery stable in the vicinity,' said I incredulously. ' Why not, sir ? ' ' He would be identified by the livery-stable keeper.' ' Very likely, Mr Belter. But no doubt he is disguised, and changes his dress in the train. One man at Daxton, another man in London.

Who is to connect the two ? Answer me that, sir.' 'Well, I can tell you one thing, Polders,' I said POLDERS 21 emphatically, ' the same idea struck me, and I have personally interviewed every livery-stable keeper in Daxton. Not a single nag was out on that evening. Did he hire a horse on the other three occasions ? ' ' He may have done so,' replied Polders, rather discomfited at the downfall of his theory, ' but I can't find out. You agree with my idea as to the first man, don't you, Mr Belter ? ' ' Not altogether. I believe that the information is conveyed as you suppose ; but why by a gentleman ? A lady's maid, or a valet, or, in fact, any servant might learn sufficient on that point to give valuable information to our highwayman.' Polders scratched his head and looked vexed. He did not see his way clearly ; neither did I, for the matter of that.

The audacity of the robber, the open way in which the crime had been committed, rendered us helpless. He had appeared, he had disappeared ; but whither ? That was the question which we found ourselves unable to answer. ' The Daxton police have done nothing,' said Polders, after a pause. ' How can you expect them to succeed, where you fail ? ' said I contemptuously. ' I have not failed yet.' ' What about the other three cases — Yorkshire, Devonshire, Hants ? Dick Turpin has been successful in all three counties ; and now he has scored in Stoneyshire. How he must laugh at you, Polders ! ' ' It's very easy talking, Mr Belter,' growled Polders, resenting my chaff, ' but you know sir — none better — how hard it is to work out a case. This is a corker, this is,' added he gloomily, ' and I should like to know, sir, how you intend to begin.' ' Oh, I have not yet made up my mind as to whether I'll take a hand in the game.' ' Why, sir !

I thought you were red-hot on it.' ' Humph ! It's a difficult task to look for a needle in a haystack, Polders. Besides, it is your duty as a professional to guide an amateur like myself. What do you propose to do ? ' ' Ask questions at Daxton.' ' I have done so and learned nothing.' ' Isn't there a public-house on the heath ? ' asked Polders, after another cogitation. ' Yes ; the " Seven Fiddlers." But you don't suppose Claude Duval was so green as to go there. He has more brains than you give him credit for.' ' Well, sir, we must begin at the other end, and find out in London what has become of the jewels.' ' You have attempted that three times already. You may fail again.' ' Then I'm blest if I can see what is to be done,' said Polders in an exasperated tone. ' We can't watch all the moors and heaths in England.

This man robs north, south, east, and west — you never know where he'll turn up next. Devon is at one end ofthe country, Yorkshire at the other. Hants and Stoneyshire are POLDERS 23 miles apart. He may turn up in Scotland next for all we know.' ' So he may ; but it all depends upon the direction taken by the lady richest in jewels. However, to stimulate your ardour, I may tell you that Captain Forrest offers a reward of five hundred pounds for the recovery of the jewels, and — ' ' Wish I could earn it, but I'm afraid,' interrupted Polders crossly. ' And Lady Warden offers a like amount,' I pursued quietly. ' The robbery was committed on one of her guests, and naturally she is very indignant about it. So there you are, Polders ; a thousand pounds are ready for you as soon as you drop on the thief and recover the Forrest sapphires.' ' I'll do my best, Mr Belter,' said Polders, rising with a hopeless sigh, ' but I confess I don't see clearly ahead at the present moment.

What is your opinion, sir ? ' ' I'll reserve that till I make up my mind,' I replied dogmatically. ' If I decide to hunt down this rascal I shall formulate, and carry out my plans myself. I don't want to rob you of that thousand, Polders.'

Chapter III The Memory Of

A VOICE Notwithstanding the most strenuous efforts on the part of Polders and of the Daxton police, the mystery of the Forrest sapphires was not solved. Inquiries were made in the neighbourhood, but no clue could be obtained likely to lead to the arrest of the masked horseman. If he had sunk into the earth, jewel-case and all, he could not have vanished more completely. A number of gipsies camped on the heath declared that to their knowledge no rider had crossed it on that particular evening ; and Dutch, the landlord of the ' Seven Fiddlers,' asserted that no one had put up that night at his inn. The modern Dick Turpin had disappeared from off the face of the earth. • The excitement at Warden Towers continued un abated ; the ladies invented theories, and the men went on fruitless excursions, in spite of the bad weather.

My grandmother had a stable full of horses and these were simply worked to death by would-be detectives. Our neighbours also shared in the general excitement, and the country for miles round was scoured by impatient Nimrods, who invariably came home unsuccessful. Never had Lady Warden's guests enjoyed themselves so much ; and I believe that in her heart, my grandmother was not ill-pleased that Mrs Forrest's loss should provide unexpected amusement for her friends. As a matter of fact, Gurthbury's attentions were now so open, that my astute relative was beginning to distrust the too fascinating society beauty. In spite of her loss that lady was enjoying herself. She loved to be the centre of attraction, and on this occasion her egotism was fully gratified. Every one condoled with her about the robbery, and entreated her to furnish details.

From frequent repetition and addition, the story had become quite dramatic, and was told so often that the major part of our guests knew it by heart. In the midst of all this, came New Year's Eve and the ball. It was Lady Warden's custom to celebrate the New Year rather than Christmas, perhaps because she was Scotch by birth. Others could make Christmas Eve the principal event of the season, but my grandmother, remembering the days of her youth, always gave a large ball, so as to dance the old year out and the new year in. Those assembled at Warden Towers rather liked this departure from English tradition ; and no county family failed to send its representatives to the last festival of the year. Therefore, on New Year's Eve, the castle was brilliant with lights, and the avenue — even the one street of Gurthbury, was illuminated.

From far and wide carriages rolled across the heath, discharging loads of pretty girls and gay young men at the hospi table door of Warden Towers. As my mother was dead and Gurthbury still a bachelor, Lady Warden, as the female head of the house, wore the family diamonds, and looked quite regal as she received her guests in the hall supported by my father and my uncle. Gurthbury was as usual in attendance on Mrs Forrest, and she was lamenting the loss of her jewels. Yet I think her lack of ornament only enhanced her beauty, and like Lord Castlereagh at the Vienna Congress, she looked ' well decorated ' among the blaze of family gems. Every dowager came with her jewels, in spite of the now famous robber ; but for defence of these, sons and fathers, and coachmen and footmen were all armed with revolvers.