Jess of the Rebel Trail Part 18

"You want to marry Miss Randall, do you, not?"

Donaster gave a start, and stared at his visitor for a few seconds.

"Well, what business is it of yours if I do?" he demanded. "What right have you to ask such a question? I can attend to my own affairs without any interference from you or anyone else."

"No, ye can't, young man, and that's why I'm here. You can't marry Miss Randall without my a.s.sistance. I'm a stand-between, you see, and so have come to your a.s.sistance."

Donaster's face suddenly brightened, and he looked keenly at Grimsby.

"Do you know where Miss Randall is?" he eagerly asked.

"Ah, I thought I'd fetch you," and Grimsby smiled. "Do I know where Miss Randall is? Well, we can consider that matter later. I want to know first of all if you want to marry her?"

"Certainly I want to marry her. Do you think I'm a fool?"

"Very good, very good," and Grimsby rubbed his hands, a sure sign of his satisfaction. "That point's settled. But the girl's not agreed, so I understand. Is that so?"

"I'm afraid it is. However, her parents are willing, and they are the main ones."

"Why do they wish you to marry their unwilling daughter?"

"Why? Oh, that's quite clear. They know it will be to her advantage."

"In what way?"

"From a social point of view. As the wife of Lord Donaster's son she will occupy a very high position. She will be received into the best families, and eventually she will be Lady Donaster. You see, I am an only son, so the t.i.tle will come to me. You can readily understand how anxious her parents are for the consummation of the marriage."

"Certainly, certainly; it is only natural. I suppose you have explained to them your prospects?"

"Yes, I have often talked the matter over with them and they are perfectly satisfied. The t.i.tle and the social position appeal to them very strongly."

"And in return?" There was a peculiar expression in Grimsby's eyes as he asked the question, which Donaster failed to notice.

"Oh, they have agreed to settle a dowry upon their daughter in consideration of the favours she will receive."

"A large sum, I suppose."

"Yes, quite satisfactory to me. But what has this to do with your visit? There is no reason why I should tell you all this, and I cannot understand myself for doing so. Anyway, it relieves my mind to talk it over with someone."

Grimsby did not at once reply. He helped himself to another cigarette, lighted it and smoked for a few minutes in silence. Donaster was becoming impatient. He was tired after his experience on the river the night before, and he wished to be rid of his visitor. But he was anxious to know what he wanted. He felt that this man knew where Miss Randall was, and he must find out before he left.

"And so you hope to make Miss Randall Lady Donaster?" Grimsby at length questioned.

"That is my intention. Why do you ask?"

"But what if you never will be Lord Donaster? What then?"

"Why, what do you mean? I shall inherit the t.i.tle as soon as my father dies."

"But suppose you have no right to the t.i.tle?"

Donaster gave a distinct start. Then he laughed.

"H'm, you needn't worry about that. Just you wait."

"But suppose you are not Lord Donaster's son?" Grimsby's question was very deliberate, but it had an immediate effect.

"Not his son! What are you driving at, anyway? Stop your nonsense.

If I am not Lord Donaster's son, who am I, then?"

"You are an impostor, that's what you are. There is no Lord Donaster.

Your father is a shoemaker in the State of New Jersey. I have proof, so you needn't try to deny it."

Donaster had now risen to his feet. He was trembling violently, and his face was as white as death.

"For G.o.d's sake!" he gasped, "how did you learn all this? Who are you, anyway?"

"Never mind who I am," and Grimsby smiled with satisfaction. He was succeeding better than he had expected. "You know what I say is true."

"Does anybody else know this?" Donaster asked. "Have you told anyone?"

"Not yet."

"Not yet! Then you intend to do so, I suppose?"

"Why not? Should not Mr. and Mrs. Randall know at once what a vil----, excuse me, what an impostor you are?"

"Don't, don't tell them! For the love of heaven, keep this a secret.

They must not know. It will ruin me."

"What am I to do, then?"

"Say nothing. Keep silent."

"Ah, now you are coming to the point. That's why I'm here. Yes, I will keep silent, but what will you pay for my silence. Let's get down to business at once."

"So you want money, eh? How much?"

"That all depends, sir, upon how much you are able to pay."

Donaster looked at Grimsby for a minute without replying. He was angry, and he longed to kick this fellow out of the room. But he knew he had to be cautious if he expected to secure the prize. He must muzzle him somehow until then, otherwise he would spoil his chance completely.

"I am afraid I can pay you but little," he at length confessed. "I am rather hard up myself."

"Oh, that's all right, sir. I'm not hard to please. Let's be partners and divvy up. Give me half of what you have, and I'm at your command.

Then, when you get the girl--and the money--you can give me some more."

Grimsby's eyes twinkled as he made this suggestion, and he watched to see the effect upon Donaster.