Billy Barcroft, R.N.A.S.: A Story of the Great War

by Percy F. Westerman

  CHAPTER XXXIV

  KIRKWOOD'S WINDFALL

  "So you've turned up again like three bad halfpennies," remarked theSenior Officer of the base to which the "Hippodrome" was attached,as the three airmen reported themselves. "Did you have muchdifficulty in getting across the frontier?"

  "Very little, sir," replied Fuller, who by virtue of his higher rankacted as spokesman for the trio. "Nothing to brag about. Had alittle bother with a sentry guarding the electrically-charged wireon the Dutch frontier; but, while he was preparing to tackleBarcroft with the point of his bayonet, Kirkwood and I contrived todeal with him very effectually. The Hun, you see, sir, had providedhimself with a combined hook and wire cutting arrangement with aninsulated handle, and it came in jolly useful. That's about all,sir, and we are ready to rejoin our ship at the earliestopportunity."

  "I am afraid that's out of the question for a week or ten days,"replied the Rear Admiral. "The 'Hippodrome' is away on specialservice, and I won't run the risk of sending you away on adestroyer, bearing in mind your previous trip for the same reason.The best thing you can do is to go on leave. You look as if a restand a good feeding up will do you good. Should anything ariserequiring your recall you will be sent for by wire, so holdyourselves in readiness for such a possibility."

  The Senior Officer shook hands with the three subordinates and theinterview was at an end.

  "S'long, you fellows," exclaimed Fuller, when they were once moreoutside the Rear Admiral's office. "I'm catching the twelve-fifteento Town. See you later."

  "What are your plans, old man?" asked Billy, addressing the A.P.

  "My plans? I haven't any," replied Kirkwood, who, having lost hisparents early in life, had no home but that represented by HisMajesty's ships. "I could go to my uncle's place, but I'm not verykeen, and I fancy the sentiment is reciprocated by him, although Iam his heir. He's a lawyer, you know, and about as musty asparchment."

  "Then run up with me to Tarleigh," said Billy cordially.

  The A. P, was not one of those fellows who affect a ridiculoushesitation when given an invitation.

  "Thanks, awfully, old man," he replied. "I'm on absolutely. Is theretime to look in at the Naval Club? I expect letters awaiting me."

  "Right-o!" assented Billy. "By the powers, 'tis good to find oneselfin England after our little jaunt. Makes a fellow completely bucked,especially after a jolly good bath, fresh clothes and all that. Ugh!Those togs we took from that barge!"

  "Coming in?" inquired Kirkwood, as the pair arrived at the entranceof the Naval Club.

  "No, not now," replied the flight-sub. "I'll go to the post officeand send a wire to let my people know we are on the way. I'll pickyou up at the station."

  Barcroft had sent a telegram to his parents from the Hook of Hollandannouncing his safety. He had also gone to the post officeimmediately upon his arrival in England, but the place did not opentill nine. It was now nearly noon.

  He had not gone more than a hundred yards when Kirkwood overtookhim, flushed with excitement.

  "Here's a business!" he exclaimed. "Don't know whether to be sorryor glad. I've just had a letter informing me that my uncle, AntoniusGrabb, has shuffled off this mortal coil. This is from his partner,who, apparently, is executor to the will. He wants me to call at hisoffice as soon as possible. Billy, my festive, I'm afraid I'm a richman. The thought of it appals me. I've handled thousands ofGovernment cash in my time, but never had as much as a hundred to mycredit before."

  "Congrats, you lucky bounder!" said Billy heartily.

  "And so I have to run up to Town," continued the A.P., "there toface an interview of momentous import. Frankly I funk it. How aboutit? Will you come with me? We can put up at the Whatsname Hotel--youknow where I mean--and take the first train in the morning toTarleigh."

  "All right," assented Barcroft, after a brief consideration of theproposal. "We'll have to look sharp if we're to catch thattwelve-fifteen. Here's luck--a taxi."

  "Well, that is playing a low-down game," remarked Fuller as theyrejoined him on the platform. "You two unsociables, declining myinvitation to run up to Town, have evidently hatched a plot to havea stunt on your own account. But I've spotted your little game, yously dogs. Now own up--what's the move?"

  "We did change our minds," confessed the A.P. "Force ofcircumstances, you know. Fuller, I'm a millionaire of sorts--inpence, I fancy. At any rate, my uncle Antonius has died, and we'reoff to see his executor. Come to his office with us? The more themerrier, you know, and I'll stand dinner at the Carlton, if ithasn't been 'taken over.'"

  Arriving at Ely Place the three officers were ushered into thepresence of Mr. Fasly Gott, junior partner of the firm of Grabb andGott.

  The lawyer regarded his callers with well concealed interest.

  "Mr. Robert Kirkwood, I presume," he exclaimed addressing Fuller.

  "Almost wish I were," muttered the lieutenant to himself as heindicated the rightful bearer of the name.

  "Ah, yes, of course," murmured Mr. Gott, re-adjusting his pince-nez."I can see a strong resemblance to your late relative, my esteemedpartner."

  "That's not a compliment," thought the A.P. "In fact, it is adownright perversion." The lawyer cleared his throat. Obviously hedid not like the presence of three officers in naval uniform. Hisreason was soon apparent.

  "Your uncle's will," he continued, "is, to say the least, somewhatout of the ordinary. First let me impress upon you that its contentswere absolutely unknown to me, his executor, until after hisdecease. He leaves the whole of his real and personal estate,representing a sum of at least seventy thousand pounds, to hisnephew, Robert Angus Kirkwood----"

  "Lucky dog!" interposed the irrepressible Fuller.

  Mr. Gott gave a deprecatory cough. Levity was a rare emotion in thatgloomy office, the motto of which in the vast majority of casesought to be--'Abandon Hope, all ye who Enter Here.'

  "Subject to one condition," he continued. "My late partner, as youmight know, was a man of pacific temperament. Here I must hasten toexplain that the will is dated 1913, that is, a twelvemonth previousto the outbreak of this deplorable war, and there is no codicil. Thecondition is as follows:--That the said Robert Angus Kirkwoodresigns his commission in his Majesty's Navy, otherwise the bulk ofthe estate goes to the Society for the Encouragement of theDiscovery of Antediluvian Remains."

  "In that case," rejoined Kirkwood calmly, "I think you had bettercommunicate with the secretary of the Society for the Encouragementof the Discovery of Antediluvian Remains and inform him that myuncle's legacy is at his disposal. I am rather surprised that youshould have written asking me to call. The proposition is an insultto His Majesty's Service."

  "You show the proper spirit, Mr. Kirkwood," said the lawyer, withgenuine admiration for the young officer's _esprit de corps_. "It isa peculiar will, and, if you desire to dispute its terms, you may besuccessful at the Courts; I should be happy to undertake the case.However, there is one clause. The bulk of the estate goes to thiseccentric Society. The residue, consisting of deeds of real estatesto the value of seven thousand pounds, goes to you unconditionally."

  The interview lasted about twenty minutes, at the end of which thethree officers prepared to leave.

  "By the bye," remarked the A.P., "I suppose you can let me have acopy of the list of securities?"

  "Yes, a copy," replied Mr. Gott. "The deeds will be handed over whenprobate of the Will has been declared. You will understand that theduties will be considerable?"

  "Lucky to have to pay 'em," commented Kirkwood. "Thank you, Mr.Gott. Good afternoon."

  It was not until the following morning when Barcroft and the A.P.were speeding north by the 5.15 express on their way to Tarleighthat the flight-sub mentioned a matter that was on his mind--adelicate request the reason for which Billy could not very wellexplain.

  "By the bye, old man," he began "what do you propose doing withthose deeds when they are handed over to you?"

  "Hanged if I know," replied Kirkwood. "Haven't troubled much a
boutthem. Simply carry on and make good use of the interest, I suppose.Seems a fairly safe investment, but personally I'd rather sell outand shove the money into the War Loan."

  "Are you willing to hand one of the deeds over to me?" asked Billy.

  The A.P. looked at his companion in surprise. "Certainly," hereplied. "Didn't know--hang it!--I'd no idea you were in need----"

  "No, not that," interposed Barcroft. "A cash transaction, mostdecidedly. There's one--originally belonging to a Mrs.Deringhame--I'm rather keen on having. Can't very well explain why,unless you insist upon an explanation, only I thought----"

  "Don't worry, old bird," said Kirkwood. "It's yours on your terms. Isee by the list that old rascal Gott gave me that this particulardocument is included. That's settled, then."

  "Thanks awfully," said Billy gratefully. "Some day I'll be able totell you why I wanted it. When do you think the business inconnection with your late uncle's will will be settled?"

  "About a week, I should say," replied the A.P. "At any rate, if itisn't I think I can reasonably apply for an extension of leave."

  It was after nine when the two officers arrived at Barborough. Herethey found that the next train on to Tarleigh would not leave foranother hour and a half.

  "There's no particular hurry," remarked Billy. "But, all the same, Idon't see why we should cool our heels in this draughty show. I votewe walk."

  He could not help wondering why his father had not been waiting forhim on the platform. Perhaps he was even now on his way with thecar--that wretched magneto ought to be repaired by this time.

  "I'm on," assented the A.P. "How about our gear? We can't lug itthose five or six miles."

  "Hanged if I haven't overlooked that problem," said Barcroft. "Let'stake a taxi."

  The taxi deposited the two chums at the door of Ladybird Fold atprecisely the same moment that a telegraph boy was delivering acouple of telegrams.

  "You did look awfully surprised to see us, mother," remarked Billyafter the preliminary exchange of greetings. "This is my great pal,Kirkwood--Billy Kirkwood. You've heard me mention him many a time."

  "Of course we are delighted to see you, Mr. Kirkwood," said Mrs.Barcroft. "It is, as Billy says, a surprise."

  "But didn't you get my wire?" asked the flight-sub.

  "I suppose it is one of these," remarked his mother, opening one ofthe envelopes.

  She read the contents, a puzzled expression on her face. Then,without a word she handed it to her son.

  "Silly asses!" exclaimed Billy, for the wire was from the Admiraltyexpressing regret that Flight-sub-lieutenant William Barcroft wasreported missing. "However, it doesn't much matter now. Would havebeen awkward if we weren't here to show that it's a mistake. Lookhere--handed in three days ago. Delayed in transmission. Didn't youget my wire from Holland?"

  Mrs. Barcroft shook her head.

  "I gave that rascally hotel porter a couple of gulder to take thetelegraph form to the post-office," declared the flight-sub. "Ten toone he stuck to the tip and the money for the wire as well. Where'sthe governor?"

  "He went out early this morning with Mr. Norton," replied Mrs.Barcroft.

  "The fellow who got adrift on the night of the Zep, raid? He turnedup all right after all, then. Where have they gone?"

  "Towards Windyhill. They went rabbit-shooting."

  "Windyhill? Where's that, mater?" asked Billy. "We may as wellstroll over that way, Bobby. No, thanks, mater, we don't require anylunch at present. Had second breakfast on the train. You can hangout till one o'clock, my festive?"

  "Rather," declared the A.P. "Let's go and meet Mr. Barcroft and helpcarry back the spoils."

  Receiving directions from Mrs. Barcroft the two chums set off ontheir quest. Half way down the lane leading to the Dingle Dell theysuddenly encountered Philip Entwistle.

  "Mornin'," said Billy with a laugh. "How are you? Recovered fromthat donkey-trip of ours yet?"

  "Quite--absolutely," replied Entwistle. "So you are on leave again?I'm glad--very glad. There's a little matter upon which I shouldlike to speak."

  He paused and glanced inquiringly at Billy's, companion. The A.P.discreetly began to walk on.

  "I say, Kirkwood," called out the flight-sub. "Let me introduceyou."

  "So you are the man who was flying with our friend here when theGerman airman who bombed Alderdene was strafed," said Entwistle,after the introduction was made.

  "I believe I had a hand in it," admitted Kirkwood.

  "That was when the document setting a price on your father's headwas discovered, Barcroft," continued the vet.

  "I say--how did you know that?" asked Billy. "Funny how things likethat leak out."

  "It's part of my business," replied Entwistle gravely. "That is thematter on which I wish to speak to you, and since Mr. Kirkwood is'in the know' up to a certain point I do not see any reason why heshould not be admitted into our conference. First of all, let me saythat for the present I must get you to promise not to say a word toyour father, or in fact to any one concerning what I am about todivulge." The two officers gave the required promise.

  "It concerns Andrew Norton," continued Entwistle. "He is a secretagent of the German Government. On the night of the Barborough raidhe had planned to have your parent made prisoner by the crew of theZeppelin. Unfortunately for him his plans went adrift, and, as aresult, he himself was kidnapped and taken to Germany."

  "How on earth do you know this?" asked Billy incredulously.

  "From definite and unimpeachable information," replied Entwistle."I am--this is of course strictly confidential--also a SecretService man, belonging to an opposition show. In due course--we havebeen giving him a good amount of rope--friend Norton will bearrested."

  "But why cannot the governor be informed?" was Billy's nextquestion.

  Philip Entwistle smiled.

  "Your father is--well, too imaginative, and, perhaps, a little tooimpulsive. I don't think he would believe me at first, if I were tobroach the subject. He would, I feel inclined to think, even startbantering friend Norton."

  "Yes, perhaps he might," admitted young Barcroft.

  "And so I am just off to the house to see your father," continuedEntwistle. "There are one or two questions I want to ask him,indirectly put but directly bearing upon the Norton case."

  "'Fraid you won't find him there," remarked Billy. "He's gonerabbit-shooting with the man under discussion."

  "With Andrew Norton?" asked Entwistle anxiously, then--gripping theflight-sub's arm--"Where, man, where? We must find him at once."

  The three set out at a rapid pace through the Dingle Dell. TheSecret Service man's hand went to his hip pocket, his fingers comingin contact with the butt of a small but powerful automatic pistol.For more than two years the weapon had been Entwistle's constantcompanion, yet no one, not even his personal friends, were aware ofthe fact.

  "Thought Barcroft would speed things up a bit," he soliloquised."Going rabbitting with that beauty has done it. Wonder if we are toolate?"

  Somewhat breathless in spite of their fine physical condition thetrio arrived at the foot of Windyhill. As they crossed the stile twoshots rang out in quick succession.

  "They're up there," announced Billy, pointing to the second field."I saw some one moving to the right of that clump of bushes."

  Over the stone wall the men scrambled. As they did so a singlereport, more of a crash than the sharp, short detonation of a chargeof smokeless powder, came from behind the gorse, followed by ascream of agony that trailed off into a long-drawn groan.

  "Good heavens!" exclaimed Billy, spurting ahead of his companions.

  Rounding the patch of cover he came upon the scene of the tragedy.Lying at full length upon the grass was a man; over him, with hisback turned towards the new arrivals, was another--Peter Barcroft.