An Honour Betrayed
About the Book
Uncle Peter died two days before I left for Oxford as a Rhodes scholar. I had not forgotten my promise. Two weeks later a battered old suitcase reached my digs at Magdalen College. The old case contained all of uncle Peter’s research concerning the impostor, Lord Sebastian. Mr. Tupper, a retired lawyer who respected Uncle Peter was shocked by the revelations contained in the old suitcase. We joined forces to expose thisbogus Lord who had stolen another soldier’s identity and honours.
Guarding his anonymity, Tupper fed cleverly vetted morsels of uncle Peter’s research to the Army Chief, the Veterans Association, the newspapers, the tabloids, The Mason’s, MPs, and Gay clubs. Most of these appeals fell on deaf ears until the subject came up during question period in Parliament. The Army Chief remained silent, unable to admit his office had blundered.
In short, a small fire had been lit and burned brightly. The news media grew bolder, more caustic and demanding. Finally an enquiry was set up. Sebastian refused to participate. Second, his going into a hide-and-seek mode brought sterner measures. Third the threat of arrest was invoked when he failed to respond.
Surprise! The Rev. MacDougal, Sebastian’s pastor announced that his Lordship had prepared his mea culpa and would surrender peacefully. He asked for a brief respite to have it witnessed by his guests.
After the signing, we all awaited the final act of surrender. Would he cave in graciously? Suddenly news spread that he had disappeared once again…yet Blackie, his horse, was still in the stable. We feared the worst. I asked Mr. Tupper, “Do you think Sebastian will give himself up?” He said softly, “I’m just waiting for the end,” Then he quoted Robby Burns: “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men Gang aft a-gley.”
Nervous, we waited outside. The police grew restless. We all felt that something sinister was afoot....we were not ready for the terrifying dénouement.