Part 97 (2/2)
”ANOTHER MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE.--Hardly has the public mind recovered from the perplexity attending the disappearance of a well-known clergyman from Westminster, when the news comes of a no less mysterious disappearance of a popular actress from a West-End theatre.”
It was Glory!
”Although a recent acquisition to the stage and the latest English actress to come into her heritage of fame, she was already a universal favourite, and her sudden and unaccountable disappearance is a shock as well as a surprise. To the disappointment of the public she had not played her part for nearly a week, having excused herself on the ground of indisposition, but there was apparently nothing in the state of her health to give cause for anxiety or to prepare her friends for the step she has taken. What has become of her appears to be entirely beyond conjecture, but her colleagues and a.s.sociates are still hoping for the hest, though the tone of a letter left behind gives only too much reason to fear a sad and perhaps fatal sequel.”
When the officer entered the cell again an hour after his first visit, John Storm was pallid and thin and gray. The sublime faith he had built up for himself had fallen to ruins, a cloud had hidden the face of the Father which was in heaven, and the death he had waited for as the crown of his life seemed to be no better than an abject end to a career that had failed.
”Cheer up,” said the officer; ”I've some good news for you, at all events.”
The prisoner smiled sadly and shook his head.
”Bail was offered and accepted at Bow Street this morning, and you will be at liberty to leave us to-day.”
”When?” said John, and his manner changed immediately.
”Well, not just yet, you know.”
”For the love of G.o.d, sir, let me go at once! I have something to do-somebody to look for and find.”
”Still, for your own security, Father----”
”But why?”
”Then you don't know that the mob sent a dog out in search of you 2”
”No, I didn't know that; but if all the dogs of Christendom----”
”There are worse dogs waiting for you than any that go on four legs, you know.”
”That's nothing, sir, nothing at all; and if bail has been accepted, surely it is your duty to liberate me at once. I claim--I demand that you should do so!”
The officer raised his eyes in astonishment. ”You surprise me, Father.
After your calmness and patience and submission to authority too!”
John Storm remained silent for a moment, and then he said, with a touching solemnity: ”You must forgive me, sir. You are very good--everybody is good to me here. Still, I am not afraid, and if you can let me go----”
The officer left him. It was several hours before he returned. By this time the long summer day had closed in, and it was quite dark.
”They think you've gone. You can leave now. Come this way.”
At the door of the office some minutes afterward John Storm paused with the officer's hand in his, and said:
”Perhaps it is needless to ask who is my bail” (he was thinking of Mrs.
Callender), ”but if you can tell me----”
<script>