Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-12-29
JOHN ERLEIGH-
A GRIPPING STORY OF LOVE MYSTERY AND KIDNAPPING

bAIuCh SlUkle plbfNu u low up
pling notes, and then paused with his
fingers on the keys, and his head raised,
and his eyes fixed on the ceiling. For one
minute he sat there quite motionless, with
rapt expression on his face. 1t was no
pose for mere effect. His mother was
sitting with her back to him and no one
could sec him. Music was forming itself
In his brain-springing to birth at the
touch of his genius, formless' as yet, but
surging through all his being like food
Then he began to play, and the music
welled out from his finger-tips, as water
gushed from the rock that was struck by
the rod of Moses. At first there scarcely
seemed to be a melody-only flow and
ripple and sparkle of harmonious sound.
Then the air began to rise above the
crashing of chords, like the thin, clear
voice, trying to free itself from tumult
of dlscordant sounds. It died away again,
as though II had not the strength to live.
Tho crashing chords closed oveh 1T
harsh music that sounded like mocking
laughter-then the steady tramp of hun
dreds of feet, and the noise of the worlds
great machine, ever revolving and grind
ing human souls into dust. Then pause,
and then a single deep chord and then
silence
For nearly a. minute neither mother nor
son moved. Then the young man passed
his hand impatiently across his eyes. and,
rose TO his feet, and came to his mothers
side.
Il couldn't go on he said, with a
nervous laugh. Mother, dear, you are
not crying-you must not cry"
There was a knock at the door. and
the servant entered the room. She gave
Mrs. Travers a note on a small wooden
tray.
EXCUSE me. Jimmie" she said. and
she tore open the envelope and read
the few words that were scribbled on
half a sheet OF paper.
''Is the gentleman downstairs7'' she
asked, In a hard, quiet voice.
"Tes, ma'am. Shall / show him up7
''Yes." she replied and then turned to
her son.
"Jim, boy" she said. ST want to see
some one on important business. Do you
mind going upstairs to change-nOw7'
"of course I'll 60" he said gently, and
he made his way upstairs. A few seconds
later Mr.. Vertigan was shown into the
room-a gray-bearded old man in thick
overcoat and woolen scarf wrapped
round his mouth. Mrs. Travers glanced
at him. shuddered and threw the note and
envelope into the fire.
Sorry to trouble YOU" said Vertigan.
removing his scarf, ''but things are pretty
serious. They're on our track at last"
Mrs. Travers did not speak. Her lips
were tightly pressed together and the
tears were still in her eyes.
Vertigan glanced at her sharply. seated
himself in a chair and told her about the
visit OF Miss Nswbolt. She listened in
silence.
'Tn Lord Arthurs pay. of course" said
Vertigan. in conclusion. well. / thought
II best TO warn you. We shall have TO be
very careful-very careful, indeed. Now I
want you 10 arrange to stay with your
brother during the first fortnight of next
term"
SIN Mrs. Travers did not speak
whats the matter with your" he said
angrily. "Ars you dumb? Can you ar
range to stay with your brother At that
timer
mo"
why not7'' he aueried.
''Why not?" she echoed. well be-
cause you and Dick heriet will have "a
play your miserable game by yourselves.
] am going 10 have nothing more 70 do
with it-nothins more 20 DO with you
either OF YOU
Vertisan looked at Mrs. Travsrs for q
few seconds without speaking. Then he
laughed. you will have nothing more 10
do with usf' he said slowly. you are
talking nonsense. Mrs. TraVerA You can
not 80 back now. You have gone too far.''
Il may not be able to so back; but
shall 80 no further"
Vsrtigan shrugged his shoulders. srhea
I'm afraid" he said slowly, athat vou
win not set very much out pf the trans-
action"
4 do not wish to set anything" sbs
said hercely. III am sick and ashamed
OF the whole business"
but you want money! I think vou
told me that you wanted money Tor volir
son-that he was going to give up hls ~
nee woFk ana study music abroad. You
have ambitions-f0r your sonfp
she tsrnsd away from him ana. RESTING
her arma on the mantelplece. stared down
It the Are
-It Isn't as Il We were going 10 harm
young Wlmbsriey," Ysrtigan Continued
We're only going 20 keep him untli a
ransom - paid. We shan't hurt TIE bov
Hen leok upon Il as 4 ioks-rathsr fanev
himself ! expect-in the hands q ~
brigands and an that sort 81 thing AnS
than II Isn't - e yen wanted tie mossV
Tor yourself. Yea eanE 81 for yoar' -. II
Sha turned "a him. her 1acs uhits hsr
eses a1laee
you lnlnk zou can tempt ne. shs rsld
aerasly 1at sea eanaot + have hazr
Iaaai 14Fe Ftsa'ne4 ny aeHaes-aa ~
- oesl y aaak g. + SAD eez & slss
A ~ ~ . -.