[figure description] Page 289.[end figure description]

NO sooner had the chariot disappeared with
the viscount and Earle, than Sir Murdaugh
Westbrooke fell into a chair, and
called, in a hoarse and broken voice,—
“Wilde!”

The Hercules hastened to his master. He had
kept in the background hitherto, but now appeared,
like a bird of ill-omen swooping down
on the field of conflict after the departure of the
combatants.

“Wilde!” the baronet exclaimed, “we must
go to work; not a moment must be lost now.
Where is that woman?”

“She must be in the woods somewhere, with
that gypsy rascal, your honor,” growled the
Hercules.

[figure description] Page 290.[end figure description]

“Search for her instantly, with Gubbs; she
must be recaptured before she gives the alarm.”

“Yes, your honor.”

“Then to work; all is ready. In your absence
every arrangement has been made. At the port
of Roche, two or three leagues down the coast,
the bark Fly-by-Night is moored, and the captain
is in my pay. He will sail for St. Domingo, as
soon as his passenger arrives. You understand?
He is paid five hundred pounds to conduct a
mad woman to St. Domingo. The money will
close his ears, her ravings will pass unheeded.
You will go with her, and see her beyond seas,
when you will return and make your report to
me. A thousand pounds will await you. Do
you understand all now?”

Wilde flushed with joy and cupidity.

“Yes, your honor; at your honor's orders.”

“But first to find her! to find her! That
cursed gypsy has overturned all my plans. Two
things are necessary now, Wilde; let me talk
plainly; no ceremony is necessary with you. In
a few days I am to be married, but before that
day two things must be accomplished. This
woman must be out of the country, and that
man Earle must be—”

He stopped and looked at Wilde significantly.

[figure description] Page 291.[end figure description]

The eyes of master and man met. Their
glances were dark and meaning.

“Yes, your honor.”

“He knows all; can send me and you to the
gallows. She is the other obstacle: she can interpose,
and forbid the bans on my marriage
day. One course only is left. She must be
sent away, and he — well, one thing only will
silence him.”

And in a low voice he added,—

“You understand?”

“I understand,” growled Wilde. “The woman
first; that is the pressing thing.”

“Yes: go, now. Take the wagon. Find her,
and send her to the ship with Gubbs. Then return
here; I will give you my further orders.”

Wilde grunted obedience and hurried from
the room.

“Things are hastening,” muttered the baronet,
“and all depends on prompt action. That
cursed dead body that brought about all this
discovery, that led the wolves to attack me, and
brought the viscount here, — would it had been
sunk fathoms deep in the waters of the channel,
ere I meddled with it. And then this cut? Is
there no danger?”

He looked at his hand, punctured by the knife

[figure description] Page 292.[end figure description]

during the process of dissection. It was swollen,
and he had bandaged it carefully.

“No: it is a trifle. I have more important
matters to think of,” he said.

And rising, he paced to and fro, his brows
knit, his lips muttering.

“Well, all is touch and go now. A short
time will decide all. If I can get her out of
the country, and close his lips forever, then
safety, security, a bonny bride, and triumph
over my enemies. If I fail — but I'll not think
of that; the thought is too horrible! Now to
make my toilet carefully and repair to lady
Worsham's. There my beautiful young bride
awaits impatiently her devoted lover.”

A sneer passed over his lips, and the yellow
tusks were thrust out.

A moment afterwards he had left the apartment.

p517-298

Previous section

Next section