The Woodwose of Cannock Chase — page 17: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE WOODWOSE OF CANNOCK CHASE a 11 enn you see Mr. Deane? Have you news of our Ladies?” Lord Hugh turned and looked at Mrs. Butterworth and his ghastly expression stopped her questions. «We require a cart, Mrs. Butterworth? said Lord Hugh patiently, as to a child, “a cart as well as horses enough to pull it some miles from here and back again. Fetch the men immediately.” “But there are none here!” Mrs. Butterworth hardly knew where to begin. “All the horses and men are gone with John Deane to find Lady Martha and Lady Hannah. They took hounds!” “Hounds? What are you saying woman?” said Lord Hugh. “Aye” explained Mrs. Butterworth, “hounds! We gave ‘em our Ladies’ fresh scent and put ‘em on leashes and they be off to show Mr Deane and the party their whereabouts.” “Is no-one here?” asked Lord Hugh looking up at the huge facade of Brockton Hall. “None but the maids and the frail? said Mrs Butterworth, “Lady Hunstone is being tended in her chamber, she added. Lord Hugh was for some moments at a loss as to what the best course of action would be. The knowledge of what he and Dalton had done loomed over him like a black axe suspended on a woollen thread. “Bring me brandy and a hot scone) instructed Lord Hugh, “and then I will away and assist as best T can.” He looked over Mrs. Butterworth’s shoulder and saw Mary the chamber maid standing at the door in consternation. “Fear not ladies! A conclusion will soon be at hand!” As Mrs. Butterworth hurried indoors to fetch the tea, Lord Hugh wiped his brow with his kerchief. Tt had been the most trying day of his life and still he struggled to find the best path out of it. CHAPTER 9. CONFRONTATION AT THE CAVE Westonby had only taken three steps into the cave when he heard Dalton cock his shotgun behind him. In the gloom he could only make out Dalton’s silhouette, so he broke the stony silence with a question. “You see something?” he hissed at Dalton. «J do, Sir? said Dalton, “I see a way out of this blasted maze!” So saying, Dalton raised the shotgun and pulled the trigger, but the damp air had done for the flint and powder and there was naught but a dull note. Seizing his chance, Westonby lunged at Dalton and they both tumbled out of the cave and into the grey light of day. Blinded temporarily, Dalton fumbled for his shotgun which had fallen from his grasp. But Westonby had grabbed his own gun and was on his feet, standing above Dalton. “I urge you to cease all movement, Sir, and in great speed gift me with an explanation that might prevent me from pulling my own trigger on you this very instant!” From a sitting position, Dalton raised his hands, while his breeches grew damp in the wet snow. “You shall have your explanation) Dalton said, “but I warn you Westonby, it will not be a pretty tale.” “T doubt it not? said Westonby. “Lord Hunstone is my neighbour and my friend) began Dalton, “and he and I have had a mutual under- standing for years now that if one or the other of us is in a bind then we can rely on the other to free us.” “Make sense, Sir” said Westonby impatiently, “where does this tale lead?” “John Deane has been blackmailing our friend Hunstone for some months” said Dalton, “and Hunstone believes you are involved in the subterfuge.” Westonby raised his eyebrows in surprise and waited for more, but Dalton said nothing, preferring to think and let the idea percolate in Westonby’s mind. Westonby broke first. “What is the nature of this alleged blackmail?” “A gentleman such as myself finds it difficult to break a confidence but? here Dalton glanced at the barrel of Westonby’s shotgun, “I see we are at an impasse, and I have no choice but to throw myself on your mercy and honour, if indeed you are in possession of such qualities.” Seeing now that he had Westonby’s close attention, Dalton gestured weakly that he might be allowed to get to his feet. Westonby nodded assent but did not remove the shotgun from its target. Dalton made a great show of shaking snow from his clothes and brushing down his damp trousers. “You must know that Deane had formed an attachment with Hunstone’s daughters?’ asked Dalton. Westonby had heard rumours and gave a short curt nod. “IT am afraid that the ruffian took advantage of affections which did not rightfully belong to a gentleman of honour? said Dalton watching Westonby’s reaction to his every word. “What has this to do with your attempt to destroy me?” asked Westonby pointedly. “Why, everything!” said Dalton with seriousness. “Hunstone is beside himself! He suspects everyone of aiding and abetting Deane to take his prize — or prizes in this case. When Hunstone and I last spoke some weeks ago he confided that you, Westonby, were in cahoots with Deane and if you and I were to cross paths I should take great care.” Dalton allowed this intelligence to sink in and then he continued: “Hunstone and I have a code known only to ourselves, and this morning, on that terrible field, he gave me the subtle signal we had arranged, and so I became convinced that all he had told me before was but the truth and that it was you Westonby, who did murder in cold blood Lady Martha here in this hellish cave, motivated by a jealousy that your affections were not returned and that Deane should not have all the spoils for himself!” “Are you insane?” asked Westonby. “On my honour Sir, when I saw for myself the remains scattered about here and the casual air you showed as you walked about them, I began to believe all my friend Hunstone had told me.” Westonby was stupefied. While it was true that he and Lord Hunstone had in the past had their quarrels, it seemed inconceivable that Hunstone had never mentioned a word about suspicion and jealousy. But the morning’s events had exhausted his mind and the cold air had dimmed his wits and his energy. He lowered the barrel of the shotgun the measure of two thumbs. “Tf all you say is true then I should this instant take your life and knit a web of lies to tell about it later? MICLOOOKS.cCO@