CHAPTER XXII

AFTER-EVENTS

Rodgers went to London with the Marquis Lo-Keong that very day, and

Rupert wanted to go also. But Olivia objected to this, she feared lest

her husband should be wounded again. "I don't wish to lose you darling,"

said Mrs. Ainsleigh coaxingly.

"But the money," said Rupert dubiously.

"You mean the hundred thousand pounds," said Olivia. "That will be paid

to you by the Marquis. It is rightfully your own."

"Humph! It seemed to me that Lo-Keong hinted he would pay the money to

whomsoever brought him the packet. In that case Rodgers--"

"Nonsense," said Olivia quickly, "I am quite sure that the Marquis means

well to both of us. No doubt he will reward Rodgers largely, should he

get the packet: but he will give you your father's money."

"All the same I should like to hunt for the packet on my own account,

Olivia," said Rupert obstinately.

"Let those hunt, to whom the packet is of value."

"But I don't believe that this advertisement will bring forth anything,"

argued Ainsleigh frowning "if Tung-yu has the packet, he certainly won't

pass it along to Lo-Keong. If Burgh stole it, he will be afraid lest

Hwei, who is in Lo-Keong's pay, should kill him. As to Tidman--"

"You thought he was guilty," said Olivia smiling.

"And I still have my doubts," rejoined her husband, "so I'll call at the

Bristol and have a talk."

This conversation took place the day after the Mandarin had departed and

Rupert was worrying about the exciting chase for the packet, which he

foresaw would take place. However, as Olivia insisted, he should not

risk his life again with Asiatics, he interested himself still in the

case by talking it over with Major Tidman. On arriving at the Bristol,

he was shown up at once to Tidman's room, and found the Major spick and

span as usual, but greatly excited.

"I was just coming up to see you," said the Major, "look here?" and he

handed Rupert the morning's copy of the _Daily Telegraph_.

Ainsleigh looked at the place indicated by the Major, and saw the

advertisement asking for the return of the fan, on delivery of which the

sum of five thousand would be paid. "I see that the Marquis has lost no

time," said Rupert throwing down the paper, "he and Rodgers must have

inserted the advertisement at once."

"Oh," said the Major staring, "so you know."

"Yes. Lo-Keong and Rogers were with me yesterday."

"Lo-Keong. Why that is the man who owns the fan?"

"Exactly. He is a Marquis, and high in the service of the Empress

Dowager of China. As to the fan--" Rupert rapidly detailed how it had

been found in the cloisters and related also the subsequent discovery,

that the box attached to the chain in the tree trunk, was empty. "And

the man who took the fan from Miss Wharf's dead body stole the packet,"

said Rupert, "so it is not likely he will risk arrest by coming forward

to give the papers to Lo-Keong."

Tidman sat down astounded at these revelations. "I wish I had been

present," said he, "I was always curious about the fan's secret. A very

ingenious device, Ainsleigh."

"Very," assented Rupert dryly: then he cast a side-long look on the

Major, and spoke to the point. "You had nothing to do with the stealing

of the fan I hope, Major."

"I," cried Tidman bouncing from his seat like an india rubber ball.

"Well you see," went on Rupert, "we met on the beach after eleven, but

it is just possible in spite of Forge's evidence, that Miss Wharf may

have been killed before then."

"And you believe that I killed her. Thank you Ainsleigh."

"My good friend," rejoined the young man calmly, "Lo-Keong believes that

Tung-yu broke his oath before the god, and strangled Miss Wharf. But I

disagree with him, as Tung-yu could have procured the fan by milder

means, the next day. Hwei could not have strangled the woman, as he was

haunting the Abbey grounds to see if the packet was still safe. Forge,

in a letter to my wife, insists that he never got the tie, and certainly

did not kill Miss Wharf, so--"

"So you have narrowed it down to me," cried Tidman in a burst of

indignation, "it's too bad of you, Ainsleigh. I am not a thin skinned

man by any means: but I do feel this very deeply. I swear," the Major

flung up his hand dramatically, "I swear that I never possessed the tie,

and I never killed Miss Wharf and I never took the fan and--"

"That's all right," interrupted Rupert, "if you did not take the tie,

you certainly could not have strangled the woman. After all, perhaps I

have been too hard on you, Major."

"Ah," said Tidman angrily, "you are prepared to take my word for it now,

unsupported by other evidence. Your accusation can't be made seriously,

Ainsleigh."

"Well upon my soul," said Rupert passing his hand through his hair, "I

really don't know what to think or say. This case seems to grow more

mystical at every step. I admit that, as you deceived me at the time, we

discussed the advertisement--"

"You think I deceived you again. Well I did not. That was my one and

only deception. I wanted the fan in order to procure money I admit: but

the danger of being killed by Hwei instead of being rewarded by Tung-yu

was too great. I dropped the matter."

"Then who do you think is guilty?"

"Clarence Burgh. Oh I am sure of it. He admits that Miss Pewsey told him

the tie was in the overcoat pocket. No doubt he took it out and used it

to incriminate you. Then again, Burgh learned from Tung-yu how the

picture could be rendered visible--"

"True enough," mused Rupert, "well, he might be guilty. And he certainly

was in the cloisters one day--"

"So as to examine the place," said the Major. "And afterwards, he came

at night in the monk's disguise, knowing about the ghost and the legend.

He was startled when he secured the packet and left the fan by accident

on the black square."

"Or by design" said Ainsleigh, "remembering the prophecy which says that

'gold will come from the holy ashes.' If I get this one hundred thousand

pounds the prophecy will certainly be fulfilled, in a sort of way. It

was indirectly owing to the fan that Lo-Keong told me of the money my

father made in China, and through the fan, when the packet is restored,

he intends to give the money to me."

"Oh humbug," said the Major contemptuously "I don't believe in that

foolish rhyme a bit. But are you of my opinion that Burgh is guilty?"

"Yes--in the way you put it, it seems probable."

"Well then," said Tidman angrily and striking the table with his

fist. "I have had enough of being suspected, so I'll help you to hunt

down the assassin. I _must_ know who killed Miss Wharf, or else you will

be accusing me again. See here," and he threw a paper on the table.

It was a square of yellow paper, strongly perfumed, which asked the

Major to bring the fan to the den in Penter's Alley. "You showed me this

before," said Rupert. "I went up on your behalf."

"Look at the date," said Tidman pointing, "it's a new invitation. I

think Tung-yu--who writes the letter--believes I killed the woman and

have the fan after all. Well, last time, you went on my behalf, this

time, danger or no danger I'll go myself. You can come if you like."

"I shall certainly come," said Rupert jumping up, "Olivia does not want

me to proceed further in this matter, but, now that you are going, I'll

go too. Tung-yu can't know that the fan is in my hands, or that the

packet is missing."

"He's not so clever as I thought he was," said Tidman coolly, "or he

wouldn't have bungled this affair as he has done. I am not afraid of

him, now. But you see that the appointment is for to-morrow night at

nine o'clock."

"At Penter's Alley under the lantern. Exactly--the same place. But as

Rodgers knows of my adventure, I wonder Tung-yu risks another meeting.

Besides, Rodgers told me he had been to the den and found both Chinamen

gone."

"Oh, thunderbolts never strike in the same spot twice," said Tidman, "it

is the safest place. Rodgers, having gone once, will not go again. Well,

will you come?"

"Yes," said Rupert, firmly and went back to the Abbey, to persuade his

wife to let him make one more attempt to solve the mystery.

Olivia was obdurate at first, but after a time, she yielded, though she

assured Rupert she should be miserable all the time he was away. "And

_do_ take care of yourself," she said.

"Of course I'll take every care," replied her husband; and so it was

arranged that Rupert should go up to town with Major Tidman by the six

o'clock train the next evening, and proceed to Penter's Alley, to see

Tung-yu, and learn--if possible, the truth.

Olivia's attention was somewhat taken off the projected expedition to

the wilds of Rotherhithe, by a visit from Lady Jabe. That eccentric

female, looking more like a judge than ever, and dressed in a most manly

fashion appeared, with a shining face, to announce that Chris was

engaged to marry Lotty Dean.

"It's most delightful," said Lady Jabe, "her father is merely a retired

grocer, but I have consented to over-look that, if he settles some money

on the young couple."

"And has he consented?" asked Olivia languidly. She did not take much

interest in the affairs of Mr. Walker.

"Yes. Mr. Dean has allowed his daughter a thousand a year, paid

quarterly," said Lady Jabe amiably, "and that, with what Chris earns at

the office, will keep us nicely."

"Us?" echoed Mrs. Ainsleigh smiling.

"Certainly," was Lady Jabe's calm reply, "I have been a mother to Chris,

and I intend to be a mother to Lotty. I shall look after the house, and

control the purse, otherwise, the young pair may get into the bankruptcy

court."

Olivia privately thought that under Lady Jabe's care the young couple,

would have a bad time, even though they might be free from bankruptcy.

"What does Mr. Walker say?"

"Oh Chris is delighted. He had better be. I'd like to see him cross me,

dear Olivia. I've broken his spirit thoroughly. Lotty certainly is a

trifle difficult, but I'll break her also by degrees."

"I think you should leave Mr. and Mrs. Walker to manage their own

affairs," said Olivia indignantly.

"Oh dear me no," replied Lady Jabe calmly, "that would never do. A

couple of babies, my dear Olivia, who need a firm hand. I'll look after

them and receive a small sum for doing so. My late husband did not leave

me well off," she went on confidentially, "so it is necessary that I

should do the best for myself. But now, that's all settled and I'm glad

you are pleased."

"Not with your proposed arrangement, Lady Jabe."

"Oh, yes you are, dear Olivia. Nothing could be better, whatever you may

say. And now to talk of other and less pleasing matters. Miss Pewsey who

robbed you of your inheritance, is about to leave Marport. Yes--you may

look surprised: but she is selling Ivy Lodge and intends to go to

America."

"In search of the doctor?" asked Mrs. Ainsleigh doubtfully.

"Quite so, I understand that Dr. Forge has gone there. But just think

what a brazen women Miss Pewsey must be, to follow a man who left

her--as you might say at the altar. Miss Pewsey is in London now making

arrangements to sail for New York--so she told me yesterday. I wish her

all joy," added Lady Jabe shaking her head, "but I fear the man will

spend her money and leave her."

When Lady Jabe went, Olivia thought over the projected departure of Miss

Pewsey on the trail of Dr. Forge. She was glad at heart, that her enemy

was leaving Marport, but could not help thinking that the bitter little

women was going out of her way to make trouble, for herself. And as

Forge was wanted, for participation in Markham Ainsleigh's murder,

Olivia though she would inform her husband of his whereabouts, so that

he might be brought back if necessary. But Rupert listened thoughtfully,

and then replied after consideration.

"I won't move in the matter," he said calmly, "Forge behaved like a

scoundrel, but as he has gone, I leave him in God's hands. He will get

his deserts yet, Olivia."

"Will you send him the ten thousand pounds, Rupert?"

"No," said the young man decisively. "I shall certainly not do that.

Forge deserves some punishment and shall have it, by being deprived of

the money he sinned to obtain. He did not kill my poor father, but he

certainly brought about his death indirectly. Leave him to God, Olivia.

As for ourselves, we will get our own money from Lo-Keong, and restore

the Abbey."

"And Miss Pewsey's mortgage?"

"It is due shortly before Christmas, and I shall be able to pay it off

before then. Miss Pewsey has done her worst, Olivia. Henceforth she will

be harmless."

"And what about her punishment, Rupert?"

"I should think the loss of Forge has punished her. And, if she really

intends to follow him, she will be more disappointed. The man will not

marry her. No, Olivia, Miss Pewsey also sinned to get money, but she

will be punished, you may be certain."

The next evening Rupert again assumed his old suit and heavy cloak and

went away. Olivia clung to him as he left the door. "Oh my darling be

careful," she said, "if you are killed--"

"I won't be," Rupert assured her. "I have taken the precaution to write

telling Rodgers of this meeting. He will bring, by my advice, a couple

of plaincloth policemen to Penter's Alley, and if there is trouble, both

the Major and I will be able to get away."

Comforted thus, Olivia kissed her husband, and saw him drive down the

avenue. Then she returned to her room to count the moments, until he

returned. All their troubles had brought Olivia and Rupert closer

together, and in their implicit trust in one another, lay the elements

of future happiness.

Ainsleigh found the Major also plainly dressed, waiting at the station,

and the two were speedily on their way to town. Owing to an accident to

the train, they were late in arriving at Liverpool Street station and

the Major fumed. "We won't be in time," he said when they went to the

underground railway.

"Oh, I think so," said Rupert calmly, "it's just as well, we should not

be too early. I want Rodgers and his men to be on the spot."

"But what do you think will come of all this?" asked Tidman, nervously.

"I think we will find the papers."

"But if Tung-yu had them, he would not have written to me."

"He is playing some sort of game. I can't understand, and I have given

up theorising. Let us wait."

The Major grumbled a little, but finally agreed that Ainsleigh was

right. They soon arrived at Rotherhithe, and stepped out into the main

street. The night was fine, and there was a bright moon. "I like this

better than when I was here last," said Rupert, as the two went down to

Penter's Alley.

"It's a good thing there's a moon," said the Major casting a glance

upward, "if these Chinamen try to bolt, we can chase them."

"Do you expect Hwei to be there also?"

"I can't say," said Tidman, "but if Tung-yu is, I suspect Hwei won't be

far off. They work in couples as you know."

"And pull against each other like ill-matched dogs," said Rupert, "a

queer compact, this."

"It's silly. I think the Mandarin must be mad with all this rubbish

about his gim-crack god Kwang-ho. Here we are--and there's the lantern.

What a narrow street."

They stepped down the Alley in the bright moonlight. The lantern flared

above the same house as Rupert had entered before, and at the door stood

a small figure. It was the Chinese boy dressed in red. "Ah," said Rupert

significantly, "Hwei is certainly here, as well as Tung-yu. We'll have

trouble."

"If Hwei tries to kill me, I'll shoot," said the Major, and produced a

neat revolver. "I've held my life in my hands before now."

Rupert was about to speak to the boy who stood silently before the

closed door, when he heard a long agonised scream within the house. The

boy smiled in a cruel manner, and Rupert tried to dash past. But the boy

prevented him. Tidman, however, was more fortunate and flung himself

against the door. Evidently, a tragedy was taking place inside. As the

Major ran forward, the door opened suddenly and Burgh dashed out and

down the street, towards the river. After him came Tung-yu, his face

alive with fury. Tidman gave a shout, and made after the two, but

Rupert, wondering who was being killed, sprang down the passage and

entered the room, where formerly he had met with the adventure. A tall

Chinaman was standing in the middle of the floor wiping a knife on his

blouse. He turned, and Rupert beheld Hwei. The Chinaman pointed to the

floor with a ghastly smile. "The doom of the god Kwang-ho," said he, and

ran out of the house swiftly.

Rupert cast his eyes on a body lying on the floor. It was that of a

woman and from her breast a stream of blood was flowing. She was not yet

dead, but looked up with a pain-drawn face. Ainsleigh drew back with an

exclamation. It was Miss Pewsey.