SOUTHAMPTON TO CALCUTTA
The conclusion of Oswald Langdon to sail for India was hurriedly formed
while at Southampton. There were many other places more likely to have
been the choice of mature deliberation.
Oswald had a glimpse of his assailant at the river. The blow upon the
head of Alice and thrust following were in quick succession, but he
received an impression as to their enemy's identity. He had seen the
same heavily whiskered face on the trip from Northfield to London, and
in Hyde Park. Had not he observed that listening attitude, while Alice
was relating her troubles with Paul Lanier? This eavesdropper knew their
arrangements for the night ride. Doubtless this man followed along the
shore and saw them at the rustic seat. Screened behind the bushes, he
heard all their conversation. Either through premeditated malice or
sudden passion, the blows had been struck. Paul Lanier was the only man
who could have any object in this assault. Paul had learned of Alice's
escape from the lake. He surely thought she had told all about this
affair, and Paul had followed them in disguise. By silencing forever
this the only witness to his crime, he could defy hearsay testimony. It
became necessary to kill both. Perhaps Paul fled soon as Alice and
Oswald fell over the bank. Possibly he may have seen Oswald reach the
shore. It might be that Paul knew of the flight, and deliberately
permitted it, to insure his final ruin.
These thoughts harassed Oswald after his arrival in India. Was not this
supposed asylum the home of Pierre Lanier? If identified, and the body
of Alice were found, how could Oswald escape conviction as her murderer?
His flight would be conclusive.
Oswald felt strong determination. He would neither skulk nor court
observation. If seen here by either Pierre or Paul Lanier, he would face
the issue. Fully convinced that in degree both were guilty of this
murder and of an attempt upon his own life, he reasoned that neither
would risk further notoriety than such as might be essential to their
own protection.
Oswald wishes that he had sailed to some other country, but his money
now is nearly spent, and employment must be obtained. What can he do?
Where and of whom shall he seek work? His life had been spent mostly at
school. True, he is a physical athlete, but how farm this barren
resource? If chance come to explore remote wilds, this will accord with
his restless spirit, while insuring immunity from arrest.
At Calcutta, Oswald made ostensible search for employment. Many gazed at
this fine-looking Englishman and shook their heads.
The fact is that Oswald was looking for something he felt little
curiosity to find. His manner was so courteous, there being such an air
of refinement, that he gained much information about business
enterprises. This was his real purpose.
Calcutta was too cosmopolitan. There could be little hope of isolation
in this Indian metropolis. Its ever-changing population came from all
quarters of the globe. To remain hidden in shunned districts, among
moral and social lepers, would be living death. How else stay in
Calcutta and not be recognized? The thought of constant disguise was
repugnant. He shrank from the appearance of falsehood. Realizing the
urgent necessity of concealment, he must be reserved and silent, having
no confidants. In what remote part of this great empire can he be lost
to curious observation while employed in congenial work?
To one who recommended certain hard work, but spoke of its perils, he
replied:
"Perilous undertakings shall have no terrors. Dangers will be welcomed
as the spice of life. My restless energies crave occupation, but there
must be no menial taint. Mental and physical toil are not to be shunned,
but my hands shall remain clean."
Oswald feels some relaxation of tense dread. He begins to take a less
somber view of the situation. Possibly his missing hat had been found
and identified. Perhaps the London public thought both had been drowned.
Might it not be that no search was made for him, his death being
conceded? Strange if detectives were now on the trail of Paul Lanier.
Was Paul likely to sail for Calcutta when this would be the place
searched for the fugitives? Would Pierre Lanier return to India, or
remain in London until the mysterious disappearances ceased to interest
the public mind? The Laniers would not care to meet the man they had
attempted to murder and thought dead. Possibly to remove a witness they
again might conspire directly against his life.
Oswald's chance for employment comes in most desirable form. An
engineering party contemplates a trip to the Himalaya Mountains.
Oswald finds the chief, offers his services, and is employed at good
pay. The work requires an indefinite absence from Calcutta. No
information is given as to details. The purposes of this expedition are
sealed. Its destination is near the point where three empires meet.