Her Ladyship's Elephant
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"Don't you think they are miserable?" she queried, uneasy at his silence.
"Not so miserable as we are," he said. "They are both Americans, you see, and Americans don't take things seriously as a rule."
"What do you suppose they are doing?" was her next question.
"Seated swinging their feet over the edge of Salisbury platform, finishing my five-pound box of American candy," he said.
She tried to be amused, and even forced a little laugh; but it was a dismal failure, and, realising it, she at once excused herself and retired to her room for the night, leaving Scarsdale to pass the evening as best he could. He approved of her circumspection, but it was beastly dull, and, as he sat smoking in the winter garden which the hotel boasted, he felt that he should soon become insufferably bored.
He presently, therefore, overcame his natural reserve sufficiently to respond to the advances of the only person in the room who seemed inclined to be sociable. The stranger was a florid, shaggy-bearded man of a distinctively American type, a person Scarsdale would naturally have avoided under ordinary circumstances; but to-night he felt the need of human society, no matter whose, and in a few moments they had drifted into conversation. At first the subjects under discussion were harmless enough, relating mainly to Winchester and neighbouring points of interest, concerning which Scarsdale was forced to confess himself ignorant, as it was his first visit to the place. Before long, however, they began to touch on more dangerous ground, and he saw that, even with a casual acquaintance of this sort, he must be guarded if he was to remain consistent in his role of brother to the deserted bride.
"Were you ever in America?" was the first question which startled him.
He replied in the affirmative, as he could honestly do, having been taken by his father to Canada when but a lad. But the stranger was not satisfied, and began, after the manner of his nation, a series of leading questions, which kept Scarsdale busy in trying to assimilate with some regard to truth the character he had chosen. It was at this moment that a waiter came to him and asked in a perfectly audible voice if he was Mr. Richard Allingford. Scarsdale was forced to admit the fact, and to reply to a message sent, as the waiter took unnecessary pains to explain, "By your sister, sir."
"Excuse me," interjected his companion, "but may I ask if your sister's name is Mrs. Robert Allingford?"
The Englishman would have given worlds to deny the fact, but in the presence of the waiter, who still lingered, and in the face of the evidence in the visitors' book, only one course was open to him, and he replied reluctantly in the affirmative.
"Wife of the United States Consul at Christchurch?"
"Yes," said Scarsdale.
Now he could once more tell the truth, he felt happier; but he had a premonition that all was not well, and heartily wished he had never encouraged this American, who might know more than was convenient.
"Why, Dick!" said that personage, leaning across the little table that separated them, and grasping both his hands – "Why, Dick! Don't you know me?"
If a thunderbolt had shattered the floor at the Englishman's feet he could not have been more dumfounded. The one seemingly impossible thing had come to pass. In all this great world, with every chance against it, fate had ordained that the little provincial city in which he had planned to play, for one night only, another man's part, should also contain one of that man's friends, and they two had met. He was so staggered, as the possibilities contingent on this mischance crowded through his brain, that he could only stammer out:
"You have the advantage of me."
"Well, I don't much wonder," continued his new-found friend. "If I have changed as much in fifteen years as you have, it isn't strange you didn't recognise me. Lord! I'd never have known you if you hadn't told me who you were."
"You must do me as great a favour," said Scarsdale, regaining a little of his self-composure. If so long a time had elapsed since their last meeting, he felt that things were not so bad after all, and that he could reasonably hope to bluff it out.
"Well," said the other, "the boys used to call me Faro Charlie; now you remember."
The Englishman tried to look as if he did, and the American proceeded to further elucidate matters by saying:
"Why, surely you ain't forgotten me as was your pal out to Red Dog, the time you was prospecting for copper and struck gold?"
"No, no," said Scarsdale. "Of course I remember you now." He couldn't be supposed to have forgotten such an event, he felt; but the whole affair was most unfortunate.
"I guess you've settled down and become pious, from the looks of you," continued Faro Charlie; "but you'll have a drink for old times' sake just the same."
"No, thanks, you must excuse me," he replied, feeling that he must drop this unwelcome friend as soon as possible. But the friend had no intention of being dropped, and contented himself by saying:
"Rats!" and ordering two whiskies.
"Why, I've known the day," he continued, "when Slippery Dick – we used to call you Slippery Dick, you remember, 'cause you could cheat worse at poker than any man in the camp." Scarsdale writhed. "Well, as I was saying, you'd have shot a man then who refused to drink with you."
The Englishman sat aghast. Little had he thought he was impersonating a card-sharper and a wholesale murderer. The whisky came and he drank it, feeling that he needed a bracer.
"Now," said Faro Charlie, "I want to hear all about what you've been doing, first and last. Tending copper-mines, I heered, out to Michigan."
This, the Englishman felt, was going too far. It was bad enough to have to impersonate such a fellow as "Slippery Dick," but to endow him with a fictitious history that was at all comparable with Faro Charlie's account of his earlier years required too great an effort of imagination. And the fact that a quiet little man, who was sitting near by, edged up his chair and seemed deeply interested in the conversation, did not tend to put him more at his ease. No wonder, he thought, the Consul did not talk much about his brother. He therefore hastened to change the subject.
"Have you seen much of the Indians lately?" he ventured; it seemed such a safe topic.
"Thinking of that little squaw you was so chummy with down to Injun Reservation?" queried his friend, punching him jovially in the ribs. "You knew, didn't you, that they'd had her up for horse-stealing to Fort Smith? Reckon as they'd a hung her if she hadn't been a woman. She was a limb! Guess you had your hands full when you tackled her."
Scarsdale decided his choice of a subject had not been fortunate, and begged Faro Charlie to have some more whisky.
"Sure," replied that individual. "Drink with you all night."
"I'm afraid you can't do that," replied Scarsdale, hastening to rid himself of his unwelcome friend. "I have some important business to attend to this evening."
"I wish you weren't in such a rush. Come back and we'll paint the town, eh?"
Scarsdale thought it extremely unlikely, and shaking hands fled to the street with a sigh of relief; for he had had a very bad quarter of an hour. What cursed luck that he should have run across this American horror! He must avoid him at all costs to-morrow morning.
In his hurry he had not noticed that the quiet little man had left the winter garden with him. His one thought was to get away. He determined to send that telegram to Basingstoke at once, and go to bed before any one else recognised him: one of Slippery Dick's friends was enough.
But unkind fate had not yet done with him, and a new and more terrible surprise was in store for the unfortunate bridegroom. He had scarcely gone a dozen yards from the hotel entrance, when a voice said just beside him:
"Excuse me, Mr. Richard Allingford, but may I have a few words with you?"
Scarsdale turned, and finding himself face to face with the quiet little man, who had seemed so interested in his conversation of a few moments ago, said:
"I seem to be in great demand to-night. Why do you wish to see me? I don't know you."
"No," said the man who stood beside him. "No, you do not know me, Mr. Richard Allingford; but you will."
He was a quiet, unpretending little man; but there was something about his dress and bearing, and the snap with which he shut his jaw at the end of a sentence, an air of decision, in short, which caused the Englishman to feel that he would do well to conciliate this stranger, whoever he might be, so he said shortly:
"What do you want with me? Speak quickly; I'm in a hurry."
"I couldn't help overhearing some of your conversation just now at the hotel, and so I took the liberty of following you to ask you a question."
"Yes?" said Scarsdale interrogatively.
"If I mistake not you are the brother of the United States Consul at Christchurch, and came over to his wedding."
"Yes," he admitted; for he did not see how he could well deny to one man what he had just confessed to another.
"You have been in England about ten days, I think?"
"As long as that, certainly."
"May I ask what ship you came on?"
"By what right do you ask me these questions?"
"You will see presently."
"But suppose I refuse to answer them?"
The unknown shrugged his shoulders, and said quietly:
"Now wasn't it the Paris?"
"Yes," said Scarsdale, who remembered with joy having seen that fact chronicled in a London paper.
"I suppose you have never been in Winchester before?"
"Never in my life."
"Not last week?"
"Look here!" said Scarsdale angrily, "what the devil are you driving at?"
"It is a pity you should have such a good memory for past and not for recent events," said the quiet little man, "a great pity."
"I tell you I have never been here!"
"Didn't dine at the Lion's Head last Wednesday, for instance?"
"No, I did not, and I've had enough of this insolence!"
"So have I," said the little man, blowing a little whistle. "So have I, and therefore I arrest you, Richard Allingford, in the Queen's name."
CHAPTER VII
IN WHICH MR. SCARSDALE REAPS ANOTHER'S WHIRLWIND
Scarsdale was absolutely staggered by the word "arrest." Arrest! What nonsense! Who was this man who talked of arresting him, Harold Scarsdale, peaceably engaged in trying to find his wife and proceed on his honeymoon? The first sensations of surprise and incredulity were quickly followed, however, by a realisation of the horrible situation in which his own stupidity had placed him. In the eyes of the law he was not Harold Scarsdale, but Richard Allingford, and he shuddered to think with what crime he might be charged; for, from what he had learned in the last half-hour, he could not doubt that he was posing as one of the most abandoned characters that had ever visited the town of Winchester.
A person who consorted with horse-thieves, cheated at cards, and thought nothing of shooting friends who were not thirsty, would surely be satisfied with no ordinary crime. Of what was he accused? He hardly dared to ask. And how was he to get out of this dreadful dilemma? His reflections, however, were cut short by the arrival of a burly policeman, in answer to his captor's whistle. The little man at once addressed the newcomer, quite ignoring Scarsdale.
"Here's your man Allingford; not a doubt of it," he said.
"Got your warrant?" inquired the policeman, laying a detaining hand on the prisoner's shoulder.
"Here it is," replied the first speaker, producing a paper, which the officer glanced at and returned, saying at the same time to Scarsdale:
"Now, then, come along o' me, and don't make no resistance if you knows what's good for you."
"I do not intend to offer any resistance," replied that gentleman, and turning to the little man he asked: "By what right do you arrest me, and on what charge?"
"I'm Private Detective Smithers," replied his captor, "and this," again producing the paper he had already shown to the policeman, "is my warrant. You know the charge well enough."
"I'm entirely ignorant of it!" cried Scarsdale hotly.
"Of course," said the detective. "They always are," and he winked at the officer.
"I tell you I don't know anything about it!" reiterated the unfortunate bridegroom.
"I must caution you," remarked the policeman, "that anything you says may be used against you as evidence."
"I demand to know why I am arrested. I have a right to do so."
"Tell him, Bill," said the detective, "and stop his row."
The officer, thus admonished, nodded his head, and replied shortly:
"Two charges: 'sault and battery on the landlord of the Lion's Head, and disturbing the peace on last Wednesday night."
"I deny the charge!" cried Scarsdale.
"Of course you do," replied the policeman; "I suppose you would. Now you've had your say, are you coming along peaceable, or are you not?"
"Certainly I am," replied the prisoner, and they started up the street, followed by a small crowd, which had already collected.
"I must warn you," continued Scarsdale, when they were fairly under way, "that you are making a mistake. I am not the man you take me for."
"I suppose you'll deny your name is Richard Allingford next," said the detective, laughing.
"I do deny it."
"Well I'm blessed!" remarked his captor.
The policeman simply said: "Come on, that's too thin!" and jerked him roughly by the arm.
Scarsdale quickened his pace, saying angrily:
"If you'd only give a man a chance to explain!"
"You'll have chance enough, when you come up to-morrow, to explain to the court," replied the officer, "and a pretty bill of damages into the bargain."
"Oh, if it's only a fine," remarked the prisoner, feeling much relieved, "I'll pay it and welcome, rather than have a row."
"Maybe you won't have the option," replied one of his captors; while the other added cheerfully: "What you needs is thirty days, and I 'opes you'll get it."
At the police court Scarsdale did not help his case by insisting on giving his right name, and denying all knowledge of the charge. His statements were entered against him, he was relieved of his watch, purse, and jewellery, and introduced to the cold comforts of the lock-up.
On being asked if he wished to communicate with any one, he replied that the next morning would be quite time enough; for he knew that Mrs. Allingford could give him little help in his present predicament, and he did not wish to disturb her night's rest to no purpose.
It can be well imagined that the accommodations of an English provincial prison are not luxurious; but the room was clean, and fortune favoured him in that he had only two companions, both of whom were stupid drunk, and went to sleep very peaceably on the floor.
Scarsdale improvised a bed on a settee, and, using his coat as a pillow, passed a fairly comfortable night. Luckily he was of a somewhat phlegmatic temperament, and withal very tired after the day's exertions; so, in spite of the misfortunes which were crowding about him, he was able to resign himself to the inevitable, and eventually to drop off to sleep.
Early next morning, however, he arranged to have a note delivered to Mrs. Allingford at the hotel, in which he informed that lady of his unfortunate predicament, begging her not to distress herself on his account; and assuring her that in all probability it was merely a matter of a trifling fine, and that he should be at liberty to rejoin her within a few hours.
He felt very little of what he wrote; but as long as there was a chance of things coming out right, he wished to spare her all possible worry.
His ready money procured him a better breakfast than he could have hoped for, and by nine o'clock, when the court opened, he was refreshed and ready for whatever might befall. His two companions in misfortune preceded him for trial, but their cases were soon disposed of, and Harold Scarsdale, alias Richard Allingford, was put into the dock.
The court-room consisted of a plainly furnished apartment, containing a raised platform at one end, on which were placed the desk and armchair of the police magistrate, while in front were several rows of benches for the accommodation of the public: but as the cases were of no general interest, Scarsdale was relieved to see that the attendance was meagre. Mrs. Allingford was present, however, looking very white and distressed, but managing to muster up a smile to greet him as he entered.
The proceedings were short and to the point. The police constable, on being called and given the oath, kissed the book and deposed that at about a quarter to nine on the previous evening, while on his accustomed beat, he had been summoned by Private Detective Smithers to aid in arresting the prisoner, who had professed ignorance of the charge, the truth of which he afterwards denied, and who persisted in asserting that he was not Richard Allingford.
Private Detective Smithers now took the stand and stated the case from his point of view; which was, in short, that the conversation he had overheard at the hotel between the prisoner and another person here present, and the statement which the prisoner made to him personally, proved that he was without doubt the Richard Allingford mentioned in the indictment. In conclusion he begged that the person styling himself Faro Charlie should be summoned to corroborate his testimony. Faro Charlie was accordingly called and placed in the dock, and after the usual preliminaries the magistrate examined him as follows:
"What is your name?"
"Faro Charlie."
"Any other name?"
"Smith."
"Very well, Charles Smith; are you a citizen of the United States?"
"I be."
"Of what occupation?"
"Miner."
"Do you recognise the prisoner as the person whom you met at the George last evening?"
"I do."
"Can you swear that he is Richard Allingford?"
"No."
Scarsdale's heart leaped at that "no"; salvation was at hand after all.
The magistrate continued:
"Do you believe this person to be Richard Allingford?"
"Yes, on the whole I think I do." The prisoner's heart sank. "But," continued the witness, "I can't be sure. Fifteen years is a long time. I wouldn't have known him if he hadn't owned up to his name. He might be playing me for a sucker."
"In other words, you think the prisoner to be Richard Allingford, but are unwilling to swear to his identity?"
"That's the stuff," replied Faro Charlie. "I swored as a man was my uncle, three years ago at 'Frisco, and he put a bullet into me next day, 'cause I lost him the case. After which I ain't swearing against a pal," and he left the stand.
The case now proceeded, and the detective related how on Wednesday, the 16th of October, the prisoner, Richard Allingford, in company with other lawless characters, had dined at the Lion's Head, and, during a dispute with the landlord concerning the quality of the wine, had thrown that personage out of his own second-storey window; telling his wife, who protested against such actions, to put her husband in the bill, which they left without settling. Then they proceeded to paint the town of Winchester a lurid crimson, breaking windows, beating a policeman who interfered, and raiding a night coffee-stall in the process.
This recital of wrong and outrage being finished, the magistrate addressed the prisoner as follows:
"What is your name?"
"Harold Stanley Malcolm St. Hubart Scarsdale."
Some one in the audience murmured, "O Lor'!"
"You refuse to admit that your name is Richard Allingford?" continued the justice.
"I have just given you my name."
"Are you an American?"
"No, I am an Englishman."
"Where do you live?"
"'The Towers,' Sussex."
The audience again voiced its sentiments; this time to the effect that the prisoner was "a 'owling swell"; but order was restored and the case once more proceeded.
"What is your profession?"
"I am a clerk in the War Office."
"Does not that interfere with the management of your estate?" asked his interlocutor, to whom the last two statements savoured of contradiction.
"I have just succeeded to the estate, through the death of an elder brother."
"Ah, I see. Now in regard to last evening. Do you admit meeting at the George the person who calls himself Charles Smith?"
"Yes."
"Did not you represent yourself to him as being Richard Allingford?"
"Yes."
This reply caused a sensation in the court.
"I suppose," said the magistrate, "that you realise that this is a serious admission."
"It is the truth."
"Perhaps you can explain it to the satisfaction of the court."
"I assumed the name," said Scarsdale with an effort, "to screen from possible annoyance a lady who was under my protection. With the permission of the court, however, I should prefer not to go into this matter further, as it has no direct bearing on the charge. My action was foolish, and I have been punished for it."
"You certainly chose an unfortunate alias," commented the magistrate drily, and, much to the prisoner's relief, turned to another phase of the case.
"What are you doing in Winchester?"
"I am on my honeymoon. I was married yesterday."
A titter of laughter ran round the court-room; but the magistrate frowned, and continued:
"I suppose that is the reason why you registered under an assumed name, and are travelling with somebody else's wife?"
There was more laughter, for the justice had a local reputation as a wit. Scarsdale boiled inwardly, but held his peace; while his judge, who seemed to feel that he had strayed a little from the subject in hand, after a moment's silence asked shortly:
"Do you plead guilty or not guilty to these charges?"
"Not guilty!"
"Do you wish this matter settled here or in a superior court?"
"I desire that it be settled here, provided I am given an opportunity to prove my identity."
"You will be given every reasonable opportunity. What do you wish?"
"I wish to ask first by whom these charges are preferred."
"The charge of assault and battery has been brought by the landlord of the Lion's Head."
"I infer that the landlord served Richard Allingford in person on the night in question, and would be likely to know him if he saw him."
The magistrate conferred with the detective, and replied that such was the case.
"If the question is not out of order," resumed the prisoner, "may I ask if the landlord of the Lion's Head is a reputable witness, and one whose testimony might be relied on?"
"I think you may trust yourself in his hands," replied the justice, who had seen all along whither the case was tending.
"Then," said Scarsdale, "I shall be satisfied to rest my case on his identification."
"That is quite a proper request," replied the magistrate. "Is the landlord of the Lion's Head present?"
At this a dapper little man jumped up in the audience, and explained that he was the landlord's physician, and that his patient, though convalescent, was still disabled by his injuries and unable to attend court.
On inquiry being made as to when he could put in an appearance, the physician replied that he thought the landlord could come the next day.
The magistrate therefore consulted for a moment with the detective, and then said to the prisoner:
"Your case is remanded for trial until to-morrow."
Scarsdale held up his hand in token that he wished to speak.
"Well," said the magistrate, "what else?"
"If I can, by the time this court meets to-morrow, produce reputable witnesses from London to prove my identity," asked the prisoner, "will their evidence be admitted?"
"If they can identify themselves as such to the satisfaction of the court, yes."
The magistrate thereupon dismissed the case, and Scarsdale was removed from the court-room.
He felt he had come off singularly well, and, except for the annoyance and delay would have little further trouble. What he most desired was an interview with Mrs. Allingford; but what with a change in his quarters, owing to the deferment of the trial, and the difficulty of getting word to her, it was the middle of the afternoon before this was accomplished.