CHAPTER VIII.
A LOVERS' QUARREL.
Professor Mole was very much surprised at the failure of Jack andHarvey to return to the hotel, and he was still more astonished, whenat midnight he received a note informing him of their arrest on a falsecharge of robbery.
He at once proceeded to the station and had an interview with them, andafterward procured bail in the person of the proprietor of the hotel.
The next thing was to see Mr. Cobb, who, now that his money wasrecovered, was in a happier frame of mind, and being satisfied ofHarkaway's respectability, consented to withdraw the charge.
How the money got into Jack's pocket it was not easy to explain, andthe affair remained a mystery.
It was unfortunately necessary for Harkaway to appear in court, but onMr. Cobb's application he was discharged.
The case, however, was reported in the papers; and Jack, to hismortification, read a paragraph entitled:
"SINGULAR CHARGE AGAINST AN ENGLISH GENTLEMAN.
"Mr. Jack Harkaway and Mr. Richard Harvey, two English gentlemen of means and respectability, residing at the Brevoort House, were charged at the Jefferson Market police court with stealing a wallet containing three thousand dollars in cash and securities, from the person of Mr. Cobb, a well-known member of the Produce Exchange. The money was found on Mr. Harkaway, but Mr. Cobb, feeling assured that there was a mistake somewhere, refused to prosecute and withdrew the charge, whereupon the prisoners were discharged."
This was intensely annoying to Jack, because it stabbed his reputationand cast a slur upon his honor.
There was no possibility of explaining the matter, and he felt thathis character was blackened, though his friends did not attach theimportance to the occurrence that he did.
The villain, Bambino, had not succeeded in his purpose, which was toput Jack out of the way in a prison, so as to make the coast clear forhis noble employer.
Yet he had inflicted a wound on a most sensitive mind, and he chuckledinwardly at the chagrin which he knew Harkaway must suffer.
With cat-like stealth he watched and waited for an opportunity to dealhim another blow.
The effect of the publication above referred to was soon apparent.
Jack determined to show himself everywhere, for he thought that to hidehimself would be to tacitly admit that he was guilty and felt ashamed.
Consequently he drove out nearly every day.
Mr. Mole, Captain Cannon and Mr. Twinkle were occupied in searching NewYork and its vicinity for buffalo; but, much to their disappointment,they could not find any.
The professor prepared an elaborate report for the club which hadsent out the expedition, in which he stated: "After a prolongedinvestigation, I am inclined to think that the buffalo, like themastodon and the dodo, is an extinct animal, as I can discover no traceof a living buffalo so far, though I am in hopes that when we visitLong Island, which I am told is wild and savage, we may meet with somespecimen of this almost mythical beast."
There was going to be a steeple-chase at Jerome Park, and Jack sentMiss Van Hoosen an invitation to ride to the grounds.
This led to the first severe mortification he received, after thereport in the papers, for Lena refused in the following brief note:
"MISS VAN HOOSEN presents her compliments to Mr. Harkaway, and begs to thank him for his invitation, which she is reluctantly compelled to decline."
On receiving this, Jack showed it to Harvey.
"Look at that, Dick," he exclaimed, "and tell me what is the meaning ofit."
Harvey read it, and replied, "It is laconic enough, and it means,simply, that the lady will not go."
"What would you do, under the circumstances?"
"Call upon her and have an explanation."
"I shouldn't be surprised, if she has seen that paragraph about Mr.Cobb's money."
"More than likely."
Jack bit his lips with vexation and his face reddened.
Without losing any time he visited Lena, and was shown into thereception-room.
Presently Lena entered, looking more than usually sweet and charming.
There was some slight embarrassment in her manner, as she held out herhand and requested him to be seated.
"I am so sorry you cannot come with us," he said.
"So am I," she replied. "But I am glad to have an opportunity ofexplaining. There is no gentleman of my acquaintance whom I esteem morethan I do you."
Jack bowed politely, and felt that he could have laid down his life forher, for saying those words.
"My brother," she continued, "has read something about you in ajournal, and he says I ought not to receive your visits. I feel thatthere must be some mistake. If you could only see my brother andexplain--"
A tall gentleman, a few years older than Jack, entered the room at thismoment.
"No explanation is necessary," he exclaimed.
Jack flushed indignantly.
"I presume," he said, "I have the honor of addressing Mr. Alfred VanHoosen?"
"That is my name," replied the new-comer, stiffly.
"And the brother of this lady?"
"Precisely, sir."
"In that case, your relationship prevents me from taking the notice ofyour words which I otherwise should."
"Oh, sir," said Alfred Van Hoosen, as he smiled sarcastically, "pray donot let that stand in your way."
"I was simply desirous of assuring your sister that there wasabsolutely no foundation for the report to which she alluded."
"The case speaks for itself."
"Am I to understand that you do not consider me a proper person tovisit at your house?"
"That is what I intended to convey to you, and I have to thank you forsaving me the trouble of expressing myself."
Jack turned to Lena, regarding her almost with an imploring glance.
"Do you concur in your brother's opinion?" he asked.
She would not trust herself to speak, but inclined her head.
Burning with mortification, Jack quitted the house with despair in hisheart, for it seemed as if Lena was lost to him forever.
In order to regain her good-will it would be necessary to satisfy herbrother, and as he would listen to no explanation, this course seemedimpossible.
For some time he was inconsolable, but he determined to go to the raceall the same, hoping that he might at least see Lena there.
It was a lovely day, and all the wealth and fashion of New York washastening toward the Park.
On Eighth avenue they passed an open carriage, in which were seatedMiss Van Hoosen and her mother.
In spite of his dismissal of the day before, Jack ventured to raise hishat, but Lena did not bow, though he fancied her eyes appeared to seekhis.
"Fine girl that," remarked a gentleman who sat by Jack. "You appear toknow her."
"Yes," replied Jack, "I met them in Paris--that is--her mother andherself."
"Fine family. Best in New York. Regular Knickerbocker stock. Are youacquainted with her brother?"
"I have met him," said Jack a little confused.
"He rides to-day."
"Indeed! I was not aware of that."
"Yes, he mounts a horse called Warrior. The knowing ones are bettingtwo to one on him, and I heard him say at the Union Club last night,that if he won he would give the cup to his sister."
Jack was not of an uncharitable disposition, but some how or another hehoped that Alfred Van Hoosen would not win.
At length the course was reached, and Jack took a walk to thestarting-place to have a look at the horses.
He was an excellent cross-country rider himself, and he loved a horsedearly.
All at once he saw a gentleman drive up to one of the stables, andalight hurriedly from his buggy. In doing which he slipped from thestep and fell heavily to the ground.
A cry of pain escaped him.
"Confound it," he exclaimed. "I've sprained my ankle."
It was Alfred Van Hoosen.
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p; Leaning on the arm of his trainer, who hurried up to offer his support,he entered the stable.
Jack lingered around the spot to see what the result of the accidentwould be, for it appeared as if Mr. Van Hoosen would be unable to ridehis horse that day.
While he was waiting, Harvey met him and said excitedly:
"I have been looking for you."
"Anything happened?" asked Jack.
"Oh! no, but I want you to be upon your guard."
"What for?"
"Near the grand stand, I saw that Italian ruffian Bambino, whom LordMaltravers hired to kill you."
Jack smiled incredulously.
"My dear fellow," he replied, "it is evident to me that you have gotBambino on the brain."
"I can trust my eyes, I suppose," answered Harvey, a little petulantly.
"Not in this case. You have seen a man who resembles Bambino, that isall."
"And I distinctly assert it is the assassin himself."
"Bosh!"
"All right. A willful man must have his way," said Harvey, shrugginghis shoulders.
"I should like to argue the point with you, but you are such aconfirmed skeptic, I fear I should be wasting my time."
"Oh, no, I am open to conviction," Harkaway rejoined.
"Well, now, is it not possible that when the assassin jumped overboardhe might have gained the abandoned vessel?"
"Possible, but not probable."
"Granting the fact of his having gained it, could he not have beentaken off and brought to New York?"
"Ah!" said Jack, drawing a deep breath.
"What do you think now?"
"I begin to believe in your Bambino."
"Shake hands on that. I think I begin to see how the money of Mr. Cobbcame into your pocket; it was an attempt to blast your reputation.Having failed to kill you, he stabs your character and wounds you inyour tenderest and most susceptible part. Here is another point--LordMaltravers, this scoundrel's master, is your rival for the affectionsof Miss Van Hoosen."
"Undoubtedly!"
"Well, you call and are refused the house, simply on account of thisalleged robbery. What is more calculated to please Maltravers!"
"True. I am willing to admit, Dick, that you are a genius, and I willbe on my guard, as you suggest," said Jack.
The course was crowded with people and carriages. It was the mostbrilliant gathering of the year, and still the people came.
A bell rung to give notice that the start for the steeple-chase wasabout to be made.
There were a dozen entries; some of the horses were ridden by theirowners, some by professional jockeys.
The horses and their riders began to show themselves on the track, andsome took preliminary canters, exciting the admiration and criticism ofthe spectators.
Presently, the trainer of Warrior came out of the stable, looking verymuch disconcerted.
He approached two men who were standing near Harkaway, and theconversation which ensued was distinctly audible.
"Is the boss much hurt?" asked one.
"Yes, his foot has swelled so that I had to cut his boot off. He'slying on a bale of hay, and in great pain."
"Then he won't ride Warrior to-day?"
"He can't."
"What are you going to do about it?" asked the man.
"He wants you to take the mount and will pay you well. He knows you area good rider."
"I'm not going to risk breaking my neck, by riding a beast with such atemper as Warrior," replied the man.
"You're a fool."
"Maybe so, in your estimation, but I'm not tired of my life yet.Why, I would not cross that brute's back in a flat race, let alone asteeple-chase. Mr. Van Hoosen is the only one who can manage him, andperhaps he'd come to grief at the first steep fence."
"Then we shall have to withdraw him," said the trainer sadly.
"That's all you can do."
"It's a pity, for I thought he'd win _sure_, and I have bet more moneyon him than I care to lose."
Impelled by an irresistible motive, and filled with a dare-devilspirit, which he could not keep down at times, Harkaway touched thetrainer on the shoulder.
"Do you want some one to ride your horse?" he demanded.
"Yes, sir."
"I'll do it."
The trainer eyed him curiously, and the result of his inspectionappeared to be satisfactory.
"How much do you want for it?" he inquired.
"Nothing at all. I am a gentleman, and will do it just for the fun ofthe thing."
"Beg pardon, sir," replied the trainer touching his hat respectfully.
"Get the colors, bring them into the stable, and I'll soon be in thesaddle."
"Won't you come inside and see Mr. Van Hoosen, sir?"
"It is not necessary. I--I don't care to disturb him. Besides, there isno time to be lost. There goes the bell to clear the course, again, andmost of the horses are in the paddock."
"Who shall I tell master is riding the horse, sir?"
"Say Mr. Smith," replied Jack, who wished to keep his identityconcealed from Mr. Van Hoosen.
The trainer led the way to the stables; the jockey's dress was broughtand put on; Warrior was led out. He was a powerful horse, well-bredand in every respect a magnificent animal. He threw his ears back andkicked out viciously as if to show his temper.
"What are you going to do, Jack?" asked Harvey.
"Ride the beauty," was the reply.
"He's no lamb, if I'm any judge. Look at his ugly eye."
Jack patted Warrior's neck, saying, "Soho! my lad. Steady!" When hesprung into the saddle, grasped the reins firmly and received the whipfrom the trainer.
"Be careful how you use the spur, sir," exclaimed the latter.
Jack nodded carelessly.
"Go and put your money on, Dick," he said. "I mean to win this race orbreak the horse's heart and my own neck, just to show a certain younglady and her brother what I can do."
Touching Warrior lightly with his whip, he cantered toward theinclosure, where the other horses had already assembled.
The Van Hoosen colors were, black cap and white shirt with large blackbands. If not pretty, it was at least very conspicuous and calculatedto attract attention.