CHAPTER XVII
RAINBOW ISLAND AGAIN--AND AFTERWARD
Sir Arthur Deane was sitting alone in his cabin in a state of deepdejection, when he was aroused by a knock, and Robert entered.
"Can you give me half an hour?" he asked. "I have something to say toyou before we land."
The shipowner silently motioned him to a seat.
"It concerns Iris and myself," continued Anstruther. "I gathered fromyour words when we met on the island that both you and Lord Ventnorregarded Iris as his lordship's promised bride. From your point of viewthe arrangement was perhaps natural and equitable, but since yourdaughter left Hong Kong it happens that she and I have fallen in lovewith each other. No; please listen to me. I am not here to urge myclaims on you. I won her fairly and intend to keep her, were the wholeHouse of Peers opposed to me. At this moment I want to tell you, herfather, why she could never, even under other circumstances, marry LordVentnor."
Then he proceeded to place before the astounded baronet a detailedhistory of his recent career. It was a sordid story of woman's perfidy,twice told. It carried conviction in every sentence. It was possible,of course, to explain matters more fully to the baronet than to Iris,and Anstruther's fierce resentment of the cruel wrong inflicted uponhim blazed forth with overwhelming force. The intensity of his wrath inno way impaired the cogency of his arguments. Rather did it lend pointand logical brevity. Each word burned itself into his hearer'sconsciousness, for Robert did not know that the unfortunate father wasbeing coerced to a distasteful compact by the scoundrel who figured inthe narrative as his evil genius.
At the conclusion Sir Arthur bowed his head between his hands.
"I cannot choose but believe you," he admitted huskily. "Yet how cameyou to be so unjustly convicted by a tribunal composed of your brotherofficers?"
"They could not help themselves. To acquit me meant that theydiscredited the sworn testimony not only of my Colonel's wife, but ofthe civil head of an important Government Mission, not to mention somebought Chinese evidence. Am I the first man to be offered up as asacrifice on the altar of official expediency?"
"But you are powerless now. You can hardly hope to have your caserevised. What chance is there that your name will ever be cleared?"
"Mrs. Costobell can do it if she will. The vagaries of such a woman arenot to be depended on. If Lord Ventnor has cast her off, her hatred may'prove stronger than her passion. Anyhow, I should be the last man todespair of God's Providence. Compare the condition of Iris and myselftoday with our plight during the second night on the ledge! I refuse tobelieve that a bad and fickle woman can resist the workings of destiny,and it was a happy fate which led me to ship on board the_Sirdar_, though at the time I saw it in another light."
How different the words, the aspirations, of the two suitors. Quiteunconsciously, Robert could not have pleaded better. The shipownersighed heavily.
"I hope your faith will be justified. If it be not--the more likelything to happen--do I understand that my daughter and you intend to getmarried whether I give or withhold my sanction?"
Anstruther rose and opened the door.
"I have ventured to tell you," he said, "why she should not marry LordVentnor. When I come to you and ask you for her, which I pray may besoon, it will be time enough to answer that question, should you thendecide to put it."
It must be remembered that Robert knew nothing whatever of the olderman's predicament, whilst the baronet, full of his own troubles, was inno mood to take a reasonable view of Anstruther's position. NeitherIris nor Robert could make him understand the long-drawn-out duel oftheir early life on the island, nor was it easy to depict thetumultuous agony of that terrible hour on the ledge when the girlforced the man to confess his love by suggesting acceptance of theDyaks' terms.
Thus, for a little while, these two were driven apart, and Anstrutherdisdained to urge the plea that not many weeks would elapse before hewould be a richer man than his rival. The chief sufferer was Sir ArthurDeane. Had Iris guessed how her father was tormented, she would nothave remained on the bridge, radiant and mirthful, whilst thegrey-haired baronet gazed with stony-eyed despair at some memorandawhich he extracted from his papers.
"Ten thousand pounds!" he muttered. "Not a great sum for themillionaire financier, Sir Arthur Deane, to raise on his note of hand.A few months ago men offered me one hundred times the amount on nobetter security. And now, to think that a set of jabbering fools inLondon should so destroy my credit and their own, that not a bank willdiscount our paper unless they are assured Lord Ventnor has joined theboard! Fancy me, of all men, being willing to barter my child for a fewpieces of gold!"
The thought was maddening. For a little while he yielded to utterdespondency. It was quite true that a comparatively small amount ofmoney would restore the stability of his firm. Even without it, werehis credit unimpaired, he could easily tide over the period ofdepression until the first fruits of his enterprise were garnered.Then, all men would hail him as a genius.
Wearily turning over his papers, he suddenly came across the lastletter written to him by Iris's mother. How she doted on their onlychild! He recalled one night, shortly before his wife died, when thelittle Iris was brought into her room to kiss her and lisp herinfantile prayers. She had devised a formula of her own--"God blessfather! God bless mother! God bless me, their little girl!"
And what was it she cried to him from the beach?
"Your own little girl given back to you!"
Given back to him! For what--to marry that black-hearted scoundrelwhose pastime was the degradation of women and the defaming of honestmen? That settled it. Instantly the cloud was lifted from his soul. Agreat peace came upon him. The ruin of his business he might not beable to avert, but he would save from, the wreck that which he prizedmore than all else--his daughter's love.
The engines dropped to half speed--they were entering the harbor ofSingapore. In a few hours the worst would be over. If Ventnortelegraphed to London his withdrawal from the board, nothing short of acabled draft for ten thousand pounds would prevent certain creditorsfrom filing a bankruptcy petition. In the local banks the baronet hadabout a thousand to his credit. Surely among the rich merchants of theport, men who knew the potentialities of his scheme, he would be ableto raise the money needed. He would try hard. Already he felt braver.The old fire had returned to his blood. The very belief that he wasacting in the way best calculated to secure his daughter's happinessstimulated and encouraged him.
He went on deck, to meet Iris skipping down the hatchway.
"Oh, there you are!" she cried. "I was just coming to find out why youwere moping in your cabin. You are missing the most beautiful view--allgreens, and blues, and browns! Run, quick! I want you to see every inchof it."
She held out her hand and pulled him gleefully up the steps. Leaningagainst the taffrail, some distance apart from each other, wereAnstruther and Lord Ventnor. Need it be said to whom Iris drew herfather?
"Here he is, Robert," she laughed. "I do believe he was sulking becauseCaptain Fitzroy was so very attentive to me. Yet you didn't mind it abit!"
The two men looked into each other eyes. They smiled. How could theyresist the contagion of her sunny nature?
"I have been thinking over what you said to me just now, Anstruther,"said the shipowner slowly.
"Oh!" cried Iris. "Have you two been talking secrets behind my back?"
"It is no secret to you--my little girl--" Her father's voice lingeredon the phrase. "When we are on shore, Robert, I will explain matters toyou more fully. Just now I wish only to tell you that where Iris hasgiven her heart I will not refuse her hand."
"You darling old dad! And is that what all the mystery was about?"
She took his face between her hands and kissed him. Lord Ventnor,wondering at this effusiveness, strolled forward.
"What has happened, Miss Deane?" he inquired. "Have you just discoveredwhat an excellent parent you possess?"
The baronet laughed, almost hysterical
ly. "'Pon my honor," he cried,"you could not have hit upon a happier explanation."
His lordship was not quite satisfied.
"I suppose you will take Iris to Smith's Hotel?" he said with coolimpudence.
Iris answered him.
"Yes. My father has just asked Robert to come with us--by inference,that is. Where are you going?"
The adroit use of her lover's Christian name goaded his lordship tosudden heat.
"Indeed!" he snarled. "Sir Arthur Deane has evidently decided a goodmany things during the last hour."
"Yes," was the shipowner's quiet retort. "I have decided that mydaughter's happiness should be the chief consideration of my remainingyears. All else must give way to it."
The Earl's swarthy face grew sallow with fury. His eyes blazed, andthere was a tense vibrato in his voice as he said--
"Then I must congratulate you, Miss Deane. You are fated to endureadventures. Having escaped from the melodramatic perils of RainbowIsland you are destined to experience another variety of shipwreckhere."
He left them. Not a word had Robert spoken throughout the unexpectedscene. His heart was throbbing with a tremulous joy, and his lordship'ssneers were lost on him. But he could not fail to note the malignantpurpose of the parting sentence.
In his quietly masterful way he placed his hand on the baronet'sshoulder.
"What did Lord Ventnor mean?" he asked.
Sir Arthur Deane answered, with a calm smile--"It is difficult to talkopenly at this moment. Wait until we reach the hotel."
The news flew fast through the settlement that H.M.S. _Orient_ hadreturned from her long search for the _Sirdar_. The warshipoccupied her usual anchorage, and a boat was lowered to take off thepassengers. Lieutenant Playdon went ashore with them. A feeling ofconsideration for Anstruther prevented any arrangements being made forsubsequent meetings. Once their courteous duty was ended, the officersof the _Orient_ could not give him any further social recognition.
Lord Ventnor was aware of this fact and endeavored to turn it toadvantage.
"By the way, Fitzroy," he called out to the commander as he prepared todescend the gangway, "I want you, and any others not detained by duty,to come and dine with me tonight."
Captain Fitzroy answered blandly--"It is very good of you to ask us,but I fear I cannot make any definite arrangements until I learn whatorders are awaiting me here."
"Oh, certainly. Come if you can, eh?"
"Yes; suppose we leave it at that."
It was a polite but decided rebuff. It in no way tended to sweeten LordVentnor's temper, which was further exasperated when he hurt his shinagainst one of Robert's disreputable-looking tins, with itsaccumulation of debris.
The boat swung off into the tideway. Her progress shorewards waswatched by a small knot of people, mostly loungers and coolies. Amongthem, however, were two persons who had driven rapidly to thelanding-place when the arrival of the _Orient_ was reported. Onebore all the distinguishing marks of the army officer of high rank, butthe other was unmistakably a globetrotter. Only in Piccadilly could hehave purchased his wondrous _sola topi_, or pith helmet--with itsimitation _puggri_ neatly frilled and puckered--and no tailor whoever carried his goose through the Exile's Gate would have fashionedhis expensive garments. But the old gentleman made no pretence that hecould "hear the East a-callin'." He swore impartially at the climate,the place, and its inhabitants. At this instant he was in a state ofwild excitement. He was very tall, very stout, exceedingly red-faced.Any budding medico who understood the pre-eminence enjoyed by _aq.ad_ in a prescription, would have diagnosed him as a first-ratesubject for apoplexy.
Producing a tremendous telescope, he vainly endeavored to balance it onthe shoulder of a native servant.
"Can't you stand still, you blithering idiot!" he shouted, after futileattempts to focus the advancing boat, "or shall I steady you by a cloutover the ear?"
His companion, the army man, was looking through a pair offield-glasses.
"By Jove!" he cried, "I can see Sir Arthur Deane, and a girl who lookslike his daughter. There's that infernal scamp, Ventnor, too."
The big man brushed the servant out of his way, and brandished thetelescope as though it were a bludgeon.
"The dirty beggar! He drove my lad to misery and death, yet he has comeback safe and sound. Wait till I meet him. I'll--"
"Now, Anstruther! Remember your promise. I will deal with Lord Ventnor.My vengeance has first claim. What! By the jumping Moses, I dobelieve--Yes. It is. Anstruther! Your nephew is sitting next to thegirl!"
The telescope fell on the stones with a crash. The giant's rubicundface suddenly blanched. He leaned on his friend for support.
"You are not mistaken," he almost whimpered. "Look again, for God'ssake, man. Make sure before you speak. Tell me! Tell me!"
"Calm yourself, Anstruther. It is Robert, as sure as I'm alive. Don'tyou think I know him, my poor disgraced friend, whom I, like all therest, cast off in his hour of trouble? But I had some excuse. There!There! I didn't mean that, old fellow. Robert himself will be the lastman to blame either of us. Who could have suspected that twopeople--one of them, God help me! my wife--would concoct such a hellishplot!"
The boat glided gracefully alongside the steps of the quay, and Playdonsprang ashore to help Iris to alight. What happened immediatelyafterwards can best be told in his own words, as he retailed the storyto an appreciative audience in the ward-room.
"We had just landed," he said, "and some of the crew were pushing thecoolies out of the way, when two men jumped down the steps, and a mostfiendish row sprang up. That is, there was no dispute or wrangling, butone chap, who, it turned out, was Colonel Costobell, grabbed Ventnor bythe shirt front, and threatened to smash his face in if he didn'tlisten then and there to what he had to say. I really thought aboutinterfering, until I heard Colonel Costobell's opening words. Afterthat I would gladly have seen the beggar chucked into the harbor. Wenever liked him, did we?"
"Ask no questions, Pompey, but go ahead with the yarn," growled thefirst lieutenant.
"Well, it seems that Mrs. Costobell is dead. She got enteric a weekafter the _Orient_ sailed, and was a goner in four days. Beforeshe died she owned up."
He paused, with a base eye to effect. Not a man moved a muscle.
"All right," he cried. "I will make no more false starts. Mrs.Costobell begged her husband's forgiveness for her treatment of him,and confessed that she and Lord Ventnor planned the affair for whichAnstruther was tried by court-martial. It must have been a beastlybusiness, for Costobell was sweating with rage, though his words wereicy enough. And you ought to have seen Ventnor's face when he heard ofthe depositions, sworn to and signed by Mrs. Costobell and by severalChinese servants whom he bribed to give false evidence. He promised tomarry Mrs. Costobell if her husband died, or, in any event, to bringabout a divorce when the Hong Kong affair had blown over. Then shelearnt that he was after Miss Iris, and there is no doubt her furyhelped on the fever. Costobell said that, for his wife's sake, he wouldhave kept the wretched thing secret, but he was compelled to clearAnstruther's name, especially as he came across the other oldJohnnie--"
"Pompey, you are incoherent with excitement. Who is 'the other oldJohnnie'?" asked the first luff severely.
"Didn't I tell you? Why, Anstruther's uncle, of course, a heavy oldswell with just a touch of Yorkshire in his tongue. I gathered that hedisinherited his nephew when the news of the court-martial reached him.Then he relented, and cabled to him. Getting no news, he came East tolook for him. He met Costobell the day after the lady died, and the twoswore--the stout uncle can swear a treat--anyhow, they vowed to berevenged on Ventnor, and to clear Anstruther's character, living ordead. Poor old chap! He cried like a baby when he asked the youngsterto forgive him. It was quite touching. I can tell you----"
Playdon affected to search for his pocket-handkerchief.
"Do tell us, or it will be worse for you," cried his mentor.
"Give me time, air, a drink! What you fell
ows want is a phonograph. Letme see. Well, Costobell shook Ventnor off at last, with the finalobservation that Anstruther's court-martial has been quashed. The nextbatch of general orders will re-instate him in the regiment, and itrests with him to decide whether or not a criminal warrant shall beissued against his lordship for conspiracy. Do you fellows know whatconspir----?"
"You cuckoo! What did Miss Deane do?"
"Clung to Anstruther like a weeping angel, and kissed everybody allround when Ventnor got away. Well--hands off. I mean her father,Anstruther and the stout uncle. Unfortunately I was not on in thatscene. But, for some reason, they all nearly wrung my arm off, and themen were so excited that they gave the party a rousing cheer as theirrickshaws went off in a bunch. Will no Christian gentleman get me adrink?"
The next commotion arose in the hotel when Sir Arthur Deane seized thefirst opportunity to explain the predicament in which his company wasplaced, and the blow which Lord Ventnor yet had it in his power todeal.
Mr. William Anstruther was an interested auditor. Robert would havespoken, but his uncle restrained him.
"Leave this to me, lad," he exclaimed. "When I was coming here in the_Sirdar_ there was a lot of talk about Sir Arthur's scheme, andthere should not be much difficulty in raising all the brass required,if half what I heard be true. Sit you down, Sir Arthur, and tell us allabout it."
The shipowner required no second bidding. With the skill for which hewas noted, he described his operations in detail, telling how everyfarthing of the first instalments of the two great loans was paid up,how the earnings of his fleet would quickly overtake the deficit incapital value caused by the loss of the three ships, and how, in sixmonths' time, the leading financial houses of London, Paris, and Berlinwould be offering him more money than he would need.
To a shrewd man of business the project could not fail to commenditself, and the Yorkshire squire, though a trifle obstinate in temper,was singularly clear-headed in other respects. He brought his greatfist down on the table with a whack.
"Send a cable to your company, Sir Arthur," he cried, "and tell themthat your prospective son-in-law will provide the ten thousand poundsyou require. I will see that his draft is honored. You can add, if youlike, that another ten will be ready if wanted when this lot is spent.I did my lad one d--er--deuced bad turn in my life. This time, I think,I am doing him a good one."
"You are, indeed," said Iris's father enthusiastically. "The unallottedcapital he is taking up will be worth four times its face value in twoyears."
"All the more reason to make his holding twenty instead of ten," roaredthe Yorkshireman. "But look here. You talk about dropping proceedingsagainst that precious earl whom I saw to-day. Why not tell him not totry any funny tricks until Robert's money is safely lodged to youraccount? We have him in our power. Dash it all, let us use him a bit."
Even Iris laughed at this naive suggestion. It was delightful to thinkthat their arch enemy was actually helping the baronet's affairs atthat very moment, and would continue to do so until he was flung asideas being of no further value. Although Ventnor himself had carefullyavoided any formal commitment, the cablegrams awaiting the shipowner atSingapore showed that confidence had already been restored by theuncontradicted use of his lordship's name.
Robert at last obtained a hearing.
"You two are quietly assuming the attitude of the financial magnates ofthis gathering," he said. "I must admit that you have managed thingsvery well between you, and I do not propose for one moment to interferewith your arrangements. Nevertheless, Iris and I are really the chiefmoneyed persons present. You spoke of financial houses in England andon the Continent backing up your loans six months hence, Sir Arthur.You need not go to them. We will be your bankers."
The baronet laughed with a whole-hearted gaiety that revealed whenceIris got some part, at least, of her bright disposition.
"Will you sell your island, Robert?" he cried. "I am afraid that noteven Iris could wheedle any one into buying it."
"But father, dear," interrupted the girl earnestly, "what Robert saysis true. We have a gold mine there. It is worth so much that you willhardly believe it until then? can no longer be any doubt in your mind.I suppose that is why Robert asked me not to mention his discovery toyou earlier."
"No, Iris, that was not the reason," said her lover, and the older menfelt that more than idle fancy inspired the astounding intelligencethat they had just heard. "Your love was more to me than all the goldin the world. I had won you. I meant to keep you, but I refused to buyyou."
He turned to her father. His pent-up emotion mastered him, and he spokeas one who could no longer restrain his feelings.
"I have had no chance to thank you for the words you uttered at themoment we quitted the ship. Yet I will treasure them while life lasts.You gave Iris to me when I was poor, disgraced, an outcast from myfamily and my profession. And I know why you did this thing. It wasbecause you valued her happiness more than riches or reputation. I amsorry now I did not explain matters earlier. It would have saved youmuch needless suffering. But the sorrow has sped like an evil dream,and you will perhaps not regret it, for your action today binds me toyou with hoops of steel. And you, too, uncle. You traveled thousands ofmiles to help and comfort me in my anguish. Were I as bad as I waspainted, your kind old heart still pitied me; you were prepared topluck me from the depths of despair and degradation. Why should I hateLord Ventnor? What man could have served me as he did? He has given meIris. He gained for me at her father's hands a concession such asmortal has seldom wrested from black-browed fate. He brought my uncleto my side in the hour of my adversity. Hate him! I would have hisstatue carved in marble, and set on high to tell all who passed howgood may spring out of evil--how God's wisdom can manifest itself byputting even the creeping and crawling things of the earth to someuseful purpose."
"Dash it all, lad," vociferated the elder Anstruther, "what ails thee?I never heard you talk like this before!"
The old gentleman's amazement was so comical that further tension wasout of the question.
Robert, in calmer mood, informed them of the manner in which he hitupon the mine. The story sounded like wildest romance--this finding ofa volcanic dyke guarded by the bones of "J.S." and the poison-filledquarry--but the production of the ore samples changed wonder intocertainty.
Next day a government metallurgist estimated the value of the contentsof the two oil-tins at about L500, yet the specimens brought from theisland were not by any means the richest available.
And now there is not much more to tell of Rainbow Island and itscastaways. On the day that Captain Robert Anstruther's name appeared inthe _Gazette_, reinstating him to his rank and regiment, Iris andhe were married in the English Church at Hong Kong, for it was hiswife's wish that the place which witnessed his ignominy should alsowitness his triumph.
A good-natured admiral decided that the urgent requirements of theBritish Navy should bring H.M.S. _Orient_ to the island before thedate fixed for the ceremony. Lieutenant Playdon officiated as best man,whilst the _Orient_ was left so scandalously short-handed for manyhours that a hostile vessel, at least twice her size, might haveventured to attack her.
Soon afterwards, Robert resigned his commission. He regretted thenecessity, but the demands of his new sphere in life rendered this stepimperative. Mining engineers, laborers, stores, portable houses,engines, and equipment were obtained with all haste, and the wholeparty sailed on one of Sir Arthur Deane's ships to convoy a smallsteamer specially hired to attend to the wants of the miners.
At last, one evening, early in July, the two vessels anchored outsidePalm-tree Rock, and Mir Jan could be seen running frantically about theshore, for no valid reason save that he could not stand still. Thesahib brought him good news. The Governor of Hong Kong felt that anyreasonable request made by Anstruther should be granted if possible. Hehad written such a strong representation of the Mahommedan's case tothe Government of India that there was little doubt the returning mailwould convey an official n
otification that Mir Jan, formerly_naik_ in the Kumaon Rissala--he who once killed a man--had beengranted a free pardon.
The mining experts verified Robert's most sanguine views after a verybrief examination of the deposit. Hardly any preliminary work wasneeded. In twenty-four hours a small concentrating plant was erected,and a ditch made to drain off the carbonic anhydride in the valley.After dusk a party of coolies cleared the quarry of its formeroccupants. Towards the close of the following day, when the greatsteamer once more slowly turned her head to the north-west, Iris couldhear the steady thud of an engine at work on the first consignment ofore.
Robert had been busy up to the last moment. There was so much to bedone in a short space of time. The vessel carried a large number ofpassengers, and he did not wish to detain them too long, though theyone and all expressed their willingness to suit his convenience in thisrespect.
Now his share of the necessary preparations was concluded. His wife,Sir Arthur and his uncle were gathered in a corner of the promenadedeck when he approached and told them that his last instruction ashorewas for a light to be fixed on Summit Rock as soon as the dynamo was inworking order.
"When we all come back in the cold weather," he explained gleefully,"we will not imitate the _Sirdar_ by running on to the reef,should we arrive by night."
Iris answered not. Her blue eyes were fixed on the fast-recedingcliffs.
"Sweetheart," said her husband, "why are you so silent?"
She turned to him. The light of the setting sun! illumined her facewith its golden radiance.
"Because I am so happy," she said. "Oh, Robert, dear, so happy andthankful."
* * * * *
POSTSCRIPT
The latest news of Col. and Mrs. Anstruther is contained in a letterwritten by an elderly maiden lady, resident in the North Riding ofYorkshire, to a friend in London. It is dated some four years after theevents already recorded.
Although its information is garbled and, to a certain extent,inaccurate, those who have followed the adventures of the young coupleunder discussion will be able to appreciate its opinions at their truevalue. When the writer states facts, of course, her veracity isunquestionable, but occasionally she flounders badly when she dependsupon her own judgment.
Here is the letter:
"MY DEAR HELEN:
"I have not seen or heard of you during so long a time that I am _simply dying_ to tell you all that is happening here. You will remember that some people named Anstruther bought the Fairlawn estate near our village some three years ago. They are, as you know, _enormously_ rich. The doctor tells me that when they are not squeezing money out of the wretched Chinese, they dig it in _barrow-loads_ out of some magic island in the Atlantic or the Pacific--I really forget which.
"Anyhow, they could afford to _entertain_ much more than they do. Mrs. Anstruther is very nice looking, and could be a leader of society if she chose, but she _seems_ to care for no one but her husband and her babies. She has a boy and a girl, very charming children, I admit, and you seldom see her without them. They have a French _bonne_ apiece, and a most _murderous_-looking person--a Mahommedan native, I believe--stalks alongside and behaves as if he would _instantly decapitate_ any person who as much as looked at them. Such a procession you never saw! Mrs. Anstruther's devotion to her husband is _too_ absurd. He is a tall, handsome man, of distinguished appearance, but on the few occasions I have spoken to him he impressed me as somewhat _taciturn_. Yet to see the way in which his wife even _looks_ at him you would imagine that he had not his equal in the world!
"I believe there is some _secret_ in their lives. Colonel Anstruther used to be in the army--he is now in command of our local yeomanry--and although his name is 'Robert,' _tout court_, I have often heard Mrs. Anstruther call him 'Jenks.' Their boy, too, is christened Robert _Jenks_ Anstruther.' Now, my dear Helen, _do_ make inquiries about them in town circles. I _particularly_ wish you to find out who is this person 'Jenks'--a most vulgar name. I am sure you will unearth something curious, because Mrs. Anstruther was a Miss Deane, daughter of the baronet, and Anstruther's people are well known in Yorkshire. There are absolutely no Jenkses connected with them on either side.
"I think I can help you by another _clue_, as a very _odd_ incident occurred at our hunt ball last week. The Anstruthers, I must tell you, usually go away for the winter, to China, or to their fabulous island. This year they remained at home, and Colonel Anstruther became M.F.H., as he is certainly a most liberal man so far as _sport_ and _charity_ are concerned.
"Well, dear, the Dodgsons--you remember the Leeds clothier people--having _contrived_ to enter county society, invited the Earl of Ventnor down for the ball. He, it seems, knew nothing about Anstruther being M.F.H., and of course Mrs. Anstruther _received_. The moment Lord Ventnor heard her name he was very angry. He said he did not care to meet her, and left for London by the next train. The Dodgsons were _awfully_ annoyed with him, and Mrs. Dodgson had the bad taste to tell Mrs, Anstruther all about it. And what do you think _she_ said--'Lord Ventnor need not have been so frightened. My husband has not brought his hunting-crop with him!'
"I was not there, but young Barker told me that Mrs. Anstruther looked very _impressive_ as she said this. 'Stunning!' was the word he used, but young Barker is a _fool_, and thinks Mrs. A. is the most beautiful woman in Yorkshire. Her dress, they say, was _magnificent_, which I can hardly credit, as she usually goes about in the _plainest_ tailor-made clothes. By the way. I forgot to mention that the Anstruthers have restored our parish church. The vicar, of course, is enraptured with them. I dislike people who are so free with their money and yet reserved in their friendship. It is a sure sign, when they _court_ popularity, that they dread something leaking out about the _past_.
"_Do_ write soon. Don't forget 'Jenks' and 'Lord Ventnor'; those are the lines of _inquiry_.
"Yours,
"MATILDA.
"PS.--Perhaps I am misjudging them. Mrs. Anstruther has just sent me an invitation to an 'At Home' next Thursday.--M.
"PPS.--Dear me, this letter will never get away, I have just destroyed another envelope to tell you that the vicar came in to tea. From what he told me about Lord Ventnor, I imagine that Mrs. Anstruther said no more than he deserved.--M."
NOTE.--Colonel Anstruther's agents discovered, after long and costlyinquiry, that a Shields man named James Spence, a marine engineer,having worked for a time as a miner in California, shipped as thirdengineer on a vessel bound for Shanghai. There be quitted her. Hepassed some time ashore in dissipation, took another job on a Chineseriver steamer, and was last heard of some eighteen months before the_Sirdar_ was wrecked. He then informed a Chinese boarding-housekeeper that he was going to make his fortune by accompanying somedeep-sea fishermen, and he bought some stores and tools from amarine-store dealer. No one knew when or where he went, but from thatdate all trace of him disappeared. The only persons who mourned hisloss were his mother and sister. The last letter they received from himwas posted in Shanghai. Though the evidence connecting him with therecluse of Rainbow Island was slight, and purely circumstantial,Colonel Anstruther provided for the future of his relatives in a mannerthat secured their lasting gratitude.
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