Nat Gould

“ Leger," said Picton, smiling. He liked the doctor, fancied he resembled some one he knew. "Will you come to Haverton and have a shot on the moor?" he asked.
"You are very kind, Mr. Woodridge, but perhaps when you hear my name you may be prejudiced against me."
"A name can make no difference," said Picton. "What is it?"
"Bernard Elroy."
Picton started; he was much surprised.
"I am the brother-in-law of Mrs. Elroy. Now do you understand?"
"Yes," said Picton. "It makes no difference; all that is past." ”

“ Would she smile? She might; he thought she would; he believed at that moment she was the worst woman he had ever heard of. She must pay the penalty sooner or later; no atonement on her part could wash out that. These thoughts stifled him; he opened the door for fresh air. Ben's cabin was on deck; as the light streamed in Hector awoke. Before Picton realized what had happened his brother sprang from the berth, rushed past him, and had Abe Glovey not caught him round the waist would have flung himself overboard. ”

“ You will save me from him; you will try and persuade him I am not deserving of a terrible revenge," she said.
"Are you afraid of him—of—Hector Woodridge?"
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She shuddered.
"Yes," she said, "I am."
"Supposing he were here, in this carriage in my place?"
"I should fling myself out," she said. "I should be afraid of him; it would be terrible, awful. I could not bear it."
"Because you know you have wronged him. Do the right thing, Lenise. Confess, prove his innocence, think how he has suffered for your sake, how he has kept silent all these years," he said. ”

“ CHAPTER XXV FAST AS THE WIND A ST. LEGER long to be remembered. Three horses abreast fighting a terrific battle a furlong from the winning post; in the center of the course a coal black mare, coming with a beautiful even stride, at a pace men marveled at. Old hands who had seen Hannah, Marie Stuart, and Apology win, later Dutch Oven, and La Flèche, Throstle, and the peerless Scepter, were astounded at Tearaway's speed.
On came Picton Woodridge's black filly, the saffron jacket showing boldly, Fred Erickson sitting motionless in the saddle. ”

“ Elroy watched the purple and white sleeves worn by Banks, the rider of Ripon, the favorite. She wanted him to win. She had, at Rupert Hansom's suggestion, put a hundred pounds on him. Rupert Hansom was the owner of Ripon, a rich man, not particularly popular, living apart from his wife, who had obtained a separation from him on account of his conduct with a well-known opera singer. He admired Mrs. Elroy, would have liked to be intimate with her, but she did not care for him in that way, he was merely a casual acquaintance. Her eyes rested on the saffron jacket and red cap of Picton Woodridge. ”

“ CHAPTER XVIII CONSCIENCE TROUBLES LENISE ELROY sat in her bedroom long after Fletcher Denyer left the house. She dismissed her maid before undressing, who, accustomed to her mistress's moods, thought nothing of it.
"I hate being alone," she said to herself, "and yet it is only then I can throw off the mask. I am a wicked woman; at least I have been told so, long ago. Perhaps I am, or was at that time. I wonder if Hector Woodridge is dead, or if he escaped? It is hardly likely he got away. ”

“ What roused Picton was the thought of the woman who had done this thing; he held her responsible. She was older than Hector, a woman subtle, versed in the wiles of the world, and she had lured him to destruction. If ever a woman should suffer she ought. ”

“ Hector Woodridge must cease to exist; he is dead; his body was never found on the Moor because he probably fell down some disused mine or was drowned in a still pond. That way safety lies, but there may be one stumbling block."
"What is that?" asked Picton.
"Hector's desire to prove his innocence," said Ben.
"He must be persuaded that will be easier to do if it is thought he is dead; we must try and do it."
"We have tried; there is only one person in the world who can prove his innocence," said Ben.
"Lenise Elroy," said Picton. ”

“ She laughed as she replied: "That's a treble—better than his double on The Rascal."
"You're worth the winning, Rita," he said kindly. "Wonder what I shall do without you."
"Find a wife," she said.
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"Expect it will be compulsory; it is not good for a man to live alone," he answered.
A tremendous crowd witnessed the Doncaster Cup. It was as memorable a race as the St. Leger; many thought it more so.
Sir Robert secured the services of May, a reliable jockey, at times brilliant.
"I hope I shall beat you," he said to Picton.
"I hope Tearaway will win," was the laughing reply. ”

“ Yes; he is alive and well. No one recognizes him as Hector Woodridge; he has assumed another name and once more taken a place in the world. To all who knew him he is dead, with two or three exceptions. The prison authorities think he is dead; they have given up the search for him. He is safe, able to carry out his scheme of revenge against the woman who so cruelly wronged him. You are that woman, Lenise Elroy. ”

“ When the Sea-mew was purchased it was [8] Captain Ben who clinched the deal, and was appointed "skipper."
"So I'm your stud manager and captain of your yacht, that's a queer combination," said Ben.
"And you're as good in one capacity as the other," said Picton.
"I think I'm safer on deck than on a horse," said Ben.
It was Captain Ben Bruce who came quietly along the deck of the Sea-mew and looked at Picton Woodridge as he gazed over Torquay bay. A kindly look was in his eyes, which were always bright and merry, for he was a cheerful man, not given to look on the dark side of things. ”

“ Leger at Haverton, eh, Pic?" he said as they sat smoking after dinner.
"It's more than imagination. I think Tearaway is the best filly I ever saw; so does Blackett; he says she's as fast as the wind," said Picton.
"Is she? The wind blows at a pretty pace over the wolds sometimes, sixty miles an hour or more; she's not quite up to that," said Sir Robert.
"No, not quite," laughed Picton; "but she has a rare turn of speed, and can stay as long as she's wanted." ”

“ You're not afraid the fellow will board the yacht, are you?"
Ben laughed as he said: "No, I don't think we're afraid, not of one man, even if he be an escaped convict."
"You'll want all your nerve to-morrow," said Dick to Picton. "There's three of my horses to ride, and two of 'em are brutes."
"Thanks," said Picton, smiling; "a pleasant prospect. Worth coming all these miles for, isn't it, Ben?"
[21]
"Depends upon what Langford calls a brute," replied Ben.
"Pitcher's not so bad; he's what I call a humorous horse, full of pranks and no vice about him. He's number one. ”

“ Never since her love affair with Hector Woodridge had she met a man who appealed to her as William Rolfe did. The moment she was introduced to him [161] at the races she knew he was bound to influence her life for good, or evil. She recognized the strong man in him, the man who could bend her to his will; she knew in his hands she would be as weak as the weakest of her sex, that she would yield to him. ”

“ CHAPTER X HAVERTON WHEN the Sea-mew arrived at Bridlington Bay Hector Woodridge lay at death's door, but the fever had somewhat abated and the ravings ceased. He was completely exhausted, worn out, and Picton doubted if he would have strength to struggle back to life. ”

“ Ever since that night at Torquay I have been haunted by a horrible dread that he got away on his brother's yacht, the Sea-mew. Captain Bruce is devoted to them, he would do anything to help them. Perhaps it was part of the plan that the Sea-mew should lie in Torbay waiting for his escape. Money will do a great deal, and bribery may have been at work. ”

“ Every Yorkshire owner of horses, on any pretensions to a large scale, is anxious to win the Leger, the greatest race in the North.
Tearaway was practically an unknown quantity and Picton decided she should not run in public before September. With some fillies this would have been a risky policy to pursue, but Tearaway was so quiet and docile that there was no fear of her being frightened by a crowd, no matter how large, or by any amount of noise. The trainer agreed with this plan: Blackett was quite as anxious to win a Leger as his master. ”

“ Picton was glad when Dick Langford arrived at Haverton; it gave Ben a chance to go back to the Sea-mew for a few days.
Dick always enjoyed a visit here, and small wonder, for such a lovely place could not fail to attract. He was fond of horses and Brant Blackett liked him.
"I hate showing a fellow round who pretends he knows a heap and knows nothing," said the trainer. "With Mr. Langford it's different; he's a very fair judge, and he's willing to learn; he's never cocksure about anything. ”

“ At first he had joined the Brixham fishing fleet, but soon tired of it, and when he saved enough money he bought a couple of boats, and made a decent living in Torquay harbor.
Brack was fond of gossip, and on this particular morning he was eager for a talk; it was his intention to have it out with Dick before he put foot in the boat, so he stood looking at the young man, barring his entrance to the craft he was eager to put his foot in. The old boatman was a sturdy figure in his rough seaman's clothes as he eyed Dick Langford, and, although impatient, Dick could not help smiling at him. ”

“ There's not one in a thousand would know him, but I do—it's Hector, sir, is it not?"
"Yes, it's Hector Woodridge, or what's left of him. He's in a bad way, Abe."
"He is, sir."
"And we can't have a doctor to him."
"No, sir, but we'll pull him through. Every man of us will help. Give me permission to tell them. They'll stand by him and Mr. Picton; you need have no fear of that, sir."
"Trust them all; yes, that will be the best," said Ben.
"I'm sure you're right, sir; quite sure."
Captain Ben gave orders for the Sea-mew to leave Torbay, and she was soon moving slowly toward the sea. ”

“ You may get an inkling at Doncaster, if you keep your eyes open; but I expect all your attention will be riveted on Tearaway," said Hector.
"That's highly probable. One doesn't own a Leger winner every year," said Picton.
"Then you think she is sure to win?"
"Certain, and Sir Robert won't hear of her defeat. He has backed her to win a large stake, and he's jubilant about it." ”

“ He can't stand the associations at Haverton. It is not to be wondered at," said Picton.
"I'm surprised he stood it so long; I know what it must have cost him. You're brave, Hector, far braver than we are. By God, you're a man if ever there was one!" said Ben in his straight manner.
"A man can bear far more than he imagines. Torture of the mind is greater than torture of the body," said Hector.
"You're right, no doubt," said Ben. "But why London, why go there?"
"I have my reasons; they are powerful. On board the Sea-mew I laid my plans ”

“ Mr. Picton never forgets me. He's a good sort too. So are you; so's everybody to me."
"Tearaway's stock are doing wonders," wrote Picton. "Her best are by Tristram, and Runaway is a champion. I think he will turn out the best [265] she has had, and he is by Sir Robert's old favorite, and will probably be the last he will get, as he is very weak and ailing but hobbles about in his paddock. I am sending you out as a present a six-year-old horse by Tristram-Tearaway. He should make a splendid stallion. You can expect him landed in Melbourne in about eight weeks from now. ”

“ Ben looked into his face, the man looked back; they recognized each other. That man is on the Sea-mew now. Captain Ben is watching over him, nursing him back to life and sanity. A great and grave task lies before us. We have to shield this [96] man, hide him, until such time as he can come ashore without danger of being recognized. There was an escape from Dartmoor when we were at Torquay, Sarah."
She gasped; she felt faint; she pulled herself together.
"An escape from Dartmoor—not——"
"Hector. He is on the Sea-mew. That is why Captain Ben is not here," said Picton. ”

“ The bulk of his fortune was left to Picton, who was determined, when the time came, to surrender to Hector his proper share. Captain Ben Bruce left the service soon after the Admiral he had loved and served. He was, so to speak, a poor man, and when he came to Haverton, to his old chief's funeral, Picton begged him to stay with him for a few months to relieve his loneliness. This he readily consented to do. The months extended, and Picton would not let him go; he relied on the stronger man, who had carved his way upward by his own exertions. Ben Bruce protested, all to no purpose. ”

“ He was fond of the breed, and fond of the mare, and she repaid his kindness by being as obedient as a child.
"She's the sweetest-tempered filly I ever handled," he said. "Her temper's just lovely. She never flares up, or misbehaves; a perfect lady, that's what she is."
Everybody who saw the filly agreed with him, and in the Haverton district Tearaway was regarded as a good thing for the St. Leger.
"It's a long way off to September," said Picton as he and Ben sat on their hacks and looked at her after a morning gallop. ”

“ He rises on his hind legs, and conducts an imaginary band with his fore legs, but he's got a rare turn of speed, and he ought to win the West of England Handicap Steeplechase to-morrow, and the Torbay and South Devon Steeplechase the next day."
"Then you expect to bring off the double with him?" said Picton.
[22]
"Yes, and if you do not, Sis says she'll never speak to you again."
"Then I'll do it if I die in the attempt," said Picton.
"Don't be heroic, no one wants you to die. You can kill The Rascal if you like, but promise me to come off unscathed," said Dick, laughing. ”

“ CHAPTER XI TEARAWAY AND OTHERS THERE was no occasion for Picton to travel to Bridlington. Captain Ben arrived next day and was very pleased to see him.
"He's much better," said Ben; "making a wonderful recovery. He's quite sane, remembers everything, but his health is terribly shattered and a long rest on the Sea-mew will do him a world of good. He has no desire to come to Haverton, or to leave the yacht; he thinks he is safer where he is, and he is right. There was no need to caution him to be careful, he knows what it means for all of us if there is the slightest suspicion about the Sea-mew. ”

“ CHAPTER V PICTON'S WINNING MOUNTS IT was Easter Monday, and a holiday crowd gathered on the slopes of Petitor racecourse at St. Mary Church. More than usual interest was shown in the meeting owing to the presence of Picton Woodridge, whose fame as a gentleman rider was well-known. Dick Langford was popular and the success of the pink jacket eagerly anticipated.
Petitor is not an ideal course; it is on the slope of a hill, and a queer country to get over, but some interesting sport is seen and the local people take a pride in it; as a golf links it is admirable. ”

“ When Admiral took Rodney's place the jockey knew the filly was going splendidly; he felt sure he could pass Tristram at any time.
Dent saw Admiral sailing ahead and went after him; the gap lessened, Tristram got within three lengths and stopped there. Sir Robert's horse was a great stayer, but he lacked the sprinting speed for a lightning finish. This was where Tearaway had the advantage.
"What a pace!" exclaimed Sir Robert. "By jove, Pic, you've got a wonder in that filly, but she'll not beat my fellow."
"They have half a mile to go yet," said the trainer. "There'll be a change before long." ”

“ Before he left, Denyer was half inclined to regret introducing him to Lenise; he did not care for her to show preference for another man; where she was concerned he was jealous. He reflected, however, that if she and Rolfe became good friends it would facilitate the process of extracting money from him, and this was his intention; every rich man he regarded as his lawful prey. To him Rolfe appeared rather a simple-minded, easy-going fellow; probably he had traveled a good deal, he looked tanned with the sun, as though he had been in hot climates ”

“ The race needs little description; there were three runners, and Dick's horse won comfortably.
At Torwood that evening there were great rejoicings; but as Picton wished to sleep on the Sea-mew he and Ben were driven to Torquay.
Before he left, Picton said to Rita: "Next time I am here I have a very important question to ask you."
"Have you?" she said. "I wonder what it is."
"Cannot you guess?"
"I'll try," she answered, smiling happily.
"It's too important to put in a hurry," laughed Picton, "and I haven't the courage to do it now." ”

“ I'm goin' out with Hackler in my boat. He's the man from Dartmoor, on the lookout for the escaped prisoner. I'm rowin' him out to the tramp; she's put back again."
She smiled; she knew all about it.
"Tell him not to stir out of that room until I comes home. He'll sleep a good while. He must not come out, not even in here—you understand, mother?"
"Yes, but who is he?"
"He's the man Hackler's after; the man who strangled the bloodhound. He knows our Bill. He's a gentleman; he'll do what he can for him when he's proved his innocence. He is——"
"Come on, Brack; don't be all day," called Hackler. ”

“ When she saw Blackett she asked him what he thought about it.
"Why hasn't the Captain come with him? It's all moonshine his staying on the Sea-mew to see [90] to repairs in the engine room. Mac's quite good enough for that job," she said.
"It's none of your business, anyway," said Brant; "and as for McTavish, you're prejudiced in his favor—I shouldn't wonder if you aren't Sarah McTavish some day."
"Nonsense, Brant! I've had one dose of married life; I don't want to try it again," she said.
"Give the poor man a chance; he's only one thing against him," said the trainer. ”

“ Picton Woodridge, owner of the Sea-mew, was a man of about thirty, tall, good looking, genial, popular, but lonely, if a popular man can be described as lonely, and there are such men. He was rich, a [3] sportsman. His stable at Haverton contained good horses: a Derby winner in prospect, one of the best stayers in England, and above all Tearaway, a black filly, three years old, described by her trainer, Brant Blackett, as "a beauty, a real gem, and fast as the wind." ”