TheManintheBrownSuit
Dedication
ToE.A.B
Inmemoryofajourney,somelionstoriesandarequestthatIshouldsomedaywritethe“MysteryoftheMillHouse”
Contents
TitlePage
Dedication
PrologueOneTwoThreeFourFiveSixSevenEightNineTenElevenTwelveThirteenFourteenFifteenSixteenSeventeenEighteenNineteenTwentyTwenty-oneTwenty-twoTwenty-threeTwenty-fourTwenty-fiveTwenty-sixTwenty-sevenTwenty-eightTwenty-nineThirtyThirty-oneThirty-twoThirty-threeThirty-fourThirty-fiveThirty-sixAbouttheAuthor
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Prologue
Nadina,theRussiandancerwhohadtakenParisbystorm,swayedtothesoundoftheapplause,bowedandbowedagain.Hernarrowblackeyesnarrowedthemselvesstillmore,thelonglineofherscarletmouthcurvedfaintlyupwards.EnthusiasticFrenchmencontinuedtobeatthegroundappreciativelyasthecurtainfellwithaswish,hidingtheredsandbluesandmagentasofthebizarredécor.Inaswirlofblueandorangedraperiesthedancerleftthestage.Abeardedgentlemanreceivedherenthusiasticallyinhisarms.ItwastheManager.
“Magnificent,petite,magnificent,”hecried.“Tonightyouhavesurpassedyourself.”Hekissedhergallantlyonbothcheeksinasomewhatmatter-of-factmanner.
MadameNadinaacceptedthetributewiththeeaseoflonghabitandpassedontoherdressingroom,wherebouquetswereheapedcarelesslyeverywhere,marvellousgarmentsoffuturisticdesignhungonpegs,andtheairwashotandsweetwiththescentofthemassedblossomsandwiththemoresophisticatedperfumesandessences.Jeanne,thedresser,ministeredtohermistress,talkingincessantlyandpouringoutastreamoffulsomecompliments.
Aknockatthedoorinterruptedtheflow,Jeannewenttoanswerit,andreturnedwithacardinherhand.
“Madamewillreceive?”
“Letmesee.”
Thedancerstretchedoutalanguidhand,butatthesightofthenameonthecard,“CountSergiusPaulovitch,”asuddenflickerofinterestcameintohereyes.
“Iwillseehim.Themaizepeignoir,Jeanne,andquickly.AndwhentheCountcomesyoumaygo.”
“Bien,Madame.”
Jeannebroughtthepeignoir,anexquisitewispofcorn-colouredchiffonandermine.Nadinaslippedintoit,andsatsmilingtoherself,whilstonelongwhitehandbeataslowtattooontheglassofthedressingtable.
TheCountwasprompttoavailhimselfoftheprivilegeaccordedtohim—amanofmediumheight,veryslim,veryelegant,verypale,extraordinarilyweary.Infeature,littletotakeholdof,amandifficulttorecognizeagainifonelefthismannerismsoutofaccount.Hebowedoverthedancer’shandwithexaggeratedcourtliness.
“Madame,thisisapleasureindeed.”
SomuchJeanneheardbeforeshewentout,closingthedoorbehindher.Alonewithhervisitor,asubtlechangecameoverNadina’ssmile.
“Compatriotsthoughweare,wewillnotspeakRussian,Ithink,”sheobserved.
“Sinceweneitherofusknowawordofthelanguage,itmightbeaswell,”agreedherguest.
Bycommonconsent,theydroppedintoEnglish,andnobody,nowthattheCount’smannerismshaddroppedfromhim,coulddoubtthatitwashisnativelanguage.Hehad,indeed,startedlifeasaquick-changemusic-hallartisteinLondon.
“Youhadgreatsuccesstonight,”heremarked.“Icongratulateyou.”
“Allthesame,”saidthewoman,“Iamdisturbed.Mypositionisnotwhatitwas.ThesuspicionsarousedduringtheWarhaveneverdieddown.Iamcontinuallywatchedandspiedupon.”
“Butnochargeofespionagewaseverbroughtagainstyou?”
“Ourchieflayshisplanstoocarefullyforthat.”
“Longlifetothe‘Colonel,’”saidtheCount,smiling.“Amazingnews,isitnot,thathemeanstoretire?Toretire!Justlikeadoctor,orabutcher,oraplumber—”
“Oranyotherbusinessman,”finishedNadina.“Itshouldnotsurpriseus.Thatiswhatthe‘Colonel’hasalwaysbeen—anexcellentmanofbusiness.Hehasorganizedcrimeasanothermanmightorganizeabootfactory.Withoutcommittinghimself,hehasplannedanddirectedaseriesofstupendouscoups,embracingeverybranchofwhatwemightcallhis‘profession.’Jewelrobberies,forgery,espionage(thelatterveryprofitableinwartime),sabotage,discreetassassination,thereishardlyanythinghehasnottouched.Wisestofall,heknowswhentostop.Thegamebeginstobedangerous?—heretiresgracefully—withanenormousfortune!”
“H’m!”saidtheCountdoubtfully.“Itisrather—upsettingforallofus.Weareatalooseend,asitwere.”
“Butwearebeingpaidoff—onamostgenerousscale!”
Something,someundercurrentofmockeryinhertone,madethemanlookathersharply.Shewassmilingtoherself,andthequalityofhersmilearousedhiscuriosity.Butheproceededdiplomatically:
“Yes,the‘Colonel’hasalwaysbeenagreatpaymaster.Iattributemuchofhissuccesstothat—andtohisinvariableplanofprovidingasuitablescapegoat.Agreatbrain,undoubtedlyagreatbrain!Andanapostleofthemaxim,‘Ifyouwantathingdonesafely,donotdoityourself!’Herearewe,everyoneofusincriminateduptothehiltandabsolutelyinhispower,andnotoneofushasanythingonhim.”
Hepaused,almostasthoughhewereexpectinghertodisagreewithhim,butsheremainedsilent,smilingtoherselfasbefore.
“Notoneofus,”hemused.“Still,youknow,heissuperstitious,theoldman.Yearsago,Ibelieve,hewenttooneofthesefortune-tellingpeople.Sheprophesiedalifetimeofsuccess,butdeclaredthathisdownfallwouldbebroughtaboutthroughawoman.”
Hehadinterestedhernow.Shelookedupeagerly.
“Thatisstrange,verystrange!Throughawomanyousay?”
Hesmiledandshruggedhisshoulders.
“Doubtless,nowthathehas—retired,hewillmarry.Someyoungsocietybeauty,whowilldispersehismillionsfasterthanheacquiredthem.”
Nadinashookherhead.
“No,no,thatisnotthewayofit.Listen,myfriend,tomorrowIgotoLondon.”
“Butyourcontracthere?”
“Ishallbeawayonlyonenight.AndIgoincognito,likeRoyalty.NoonewilleverknowthatIhaveleftFrance.AndwhydoyouthinkthatIgo?”
“Hardlyforpleasureatthistimeoftheyear.January,adetestablefoggymonth!Itmustbeforprofit,eh?”
“Exactly.”Sheroseandstoodinfrontofhim,everygracefullineofherarrogantwithpride.“Yousaidjustnowthatnoneofushadanythingonthechief.Youwerewrong.Ihave.I,awoman,havehadthewitand,yes,thecourage—foritneedscourage—todouble-crosshim.YouremembertheDeBeerdiamonds?”
“Yes,Iremember.AtKimberley,justbeforethewarbrokeout?Ihadnothingtodowithit,andIneverheardthedetails,thecasewashushedupforsomereason,wasitnot?Afinehaultoo.”
“Ahundredthousandpounds”worthofstones.Twoofusworkedit—underthe‘Colonel’s’orders,ofcourse.AnditwasthenthatIsawmychance.Yousee,theplanwastosubstitutesomeoftheDeBeerdiamondsforsomesamplediamondsbroughtfromSouthAmericabytwoyoungprospectorswhohappenedtobeinKimberleyatthetime.Suspicionwasthenboundtofallonthem.”
“Veryclever,”interpolatedtheCountapprovingly.
“The‘Colonel’isalwaysclever.Well,Ididmypart—butIalsodidonethingwhichthe‘Colonel’hadnotforeseen.IkeptbacksomeoftheSouthAmericanstones—oneortwoareuniqueandcouldeasilybeprovednevertohavepassedthroughDeBeers’hands.Withthesediamondsinmypossession,Ihavethewhip-handofmyesteemedchief.Oncethetwoyoungmenarecleared,hispartinthematterisboundtobesuspected.Ihavesaidnothingalltheseyears,IhavebeencontenttoknowthatIhadthisweaponinreverse,butnowmattersaredifferent.Iwantmyprice—anditwillbebig,Imightalmostsayastaggeringprice.”
“Extraordinary,”saidtheCount.“Anddoubtlessyoucarrythesediamondsaboutwithyoueverywhere?”
Hiseyesroamedgentlyaroundthedisorderedroom.
Nadinalaughedsoftly.
“Youneedsupposenothingofthesort.Iamnotafool.Thediamondsareinasafeplacewherenoonewilldreamoflookingforthem.”
“Ineverthoughtyouafool,mydearlady,butmayIventuretosuggestthatyouaresomewhatfoolhardy?The‘Colonel’isnotthetypeofmantotakekindlytobeingblackmailed,youknow.”
“Iamnotafraidofhim,”shelaughed.“ThereisonlyonemanIhaveeverfeared—andheisdead.”
Themanlookedathercuriously.
“Letushopethathewillnotcometolifeagain,then,”heremarkedlightly
“Whatdoyoumean?”criedthedancersharply.
TheCountlookedslightlysurprised.
“Ionlymeantthatresurrectionwouldbeawkwardforyou,”heexplained.“Afoolishjoke.”
Shegaveasighofrelief.
“Oh,no,heisdeadallright.Killedinthewar.Hewasamanwhoonce—lovedme.”
“InSouthAfrica?”askedtheCountnegligently.
“Yes,sinceyouaskit,inSouthAfrica.”
“Thatisyournativecountry,isitnot?”
Shenodded.Hervisitorroseandreachedforhishat.
“Well,”heremarked,“youknowyourownbusinessbest,but,ifIwereyou,Ishouldfearthe‘Colonel’farmorethananydisillusionedlover.Heisamanwhomitisparticularlyeasyto—underestimate.”
Shelaughedscornfully.
“AsifIdidnotknowhimafteralltheseyears!”
“Iwonderifyoudo?”hesaidsoftly.“Iverymuchwonderifyoudo.”
“Oh,Iamnotafool!AndIamnotaloneinthis.TheSouthAfricanmailboatdocksatSouthamptontomorrow,andonboardherisamanwhohascomespeciallyfromAfricaatmyrequestandwhohascarriedoutcertainordersofmine.The‘Colonel’willhavenotoneofustodealwith,buttwo.”
“Isthatwise?”
“Itisnecessary.”
“Youaresureofthisman?”
Aratherpeculiarsmileplayedoverthedancer’sface.
“Iamquitesureofhim.Heisinefficient,butperfectlytrustworthy.”Shepaused,andthenaddedinanindifferenttoneofvoice:“Asamatteroffact,hehappenstobemyhusband.”
One
Everybodyhasbeenatme,rightandleft,towritethisstory,fromthegreat(representedbyLordNasby)tothesmall(representedbyourlatemaid-of-all-work,Emily,whomIsawwhenIwaslastinEngland.“Lor,miss,whatabeyewtifulbookyoumightmakeoutofitall—justlikethepictures!”)
I’lladmitthatI’vecertainqualificationsforthetask.Iwasmixedupintheaffairfromtheverybeginning,Iwasinthethickofitallthrough,andIwastriumphantly“inatthedeath.”Veryfortunately,too,thegapsthatIcannotsupplyfrommyownknowledgeareamplycoveredbySirEustacePedler’sdiary,ofwhichhehaskindlybeggedmetomakeuse.
Soheregoes.AnneBeddingfeldstartstonarrateheradventures.
I’dalwayslongedforadventures.Yousee,mylifehadsuchadreadfulsameness.Myfather,ProfessorBeddingfeld,wasoneofEngland’sgreatestlivingauthoritiesonPrimitiveMan.Hereallywasagenius—everyoneadmitsthat.HisminddweltinPalaeolithictimes,andtheinconvenienceoflifeforhimwasthathisbodyinhabitedthemodernworld.Papadidnotcareformodernman—evenNeolithicManhedespisedasamereherderofcattle,andhedidnotrisetoenthusiasmuntilhereachedtheMousterianperiod.
Unfortunatelyonecannotentirelydispensewithmodernmen.Oneisforcedtohavesomekindoftruckwithbutchersandbakersandmilkmenandgreengrocers.Therefore,Papabeingimmersedinthepast,MammahavingdiedwhenIwasababy,itfelltometoundertakethepracticalsideofliving.Frankly,IhatePalaeolithicMan,beheAurignacian,Mousterian,Chellian,oranythingelse,andthoughItypedandrevisedmostofPapa’sNeanderthalManandhisAncestors,Neanderthalmenthemselvesfillmewithloathing,andIalwaysreflectwhatafortunatecircumstanceitwasthattheybecameextinctinremoteages.
IdonotknowwhetherPapaguessedmyfeelingsonthesubject,probablynot,andinanycasehewouldnothavebeeninterested.Theopinionofotherpeopleneverinterestedhimintheslightestdegree.Ithinkitwasreallyasignofhisgreatness.Inthesameway,helivedquitedetachedfromthenecessitiesofdailylife.Heatewhatwasputbeforehiminanexemplaryfashion,butseemedmildlypainedwhenthequestionofpayingforitarose.Weneverseemedtohaveanymoney.Hiscelebritywasnotofthekindthatbroughtinacashreturn.Althoughhewasafellowofalmosteveryimportantsocietyandhadrowsoflettersafterhisname,thegeneralpublicscarcelyknewofhisexistence,andhislong-learnedbooks,thoughaddingsignallytothesumtotalofhumanknowledge,hadnoattractionforthemasses.Onlyononeoccasiondidheleapintothepublicgaze.Hehadreadapaperbeforesomesocietyonthesubjectoftheyoungofthechimpanzee.Theyoungofthehumanraceshowsomeanthropoidfeatures,whereastheyoungofthechimpanzeeapproachmorenearlytothehumanthantheadultchimpanzeedoes.ThatseemstoshowthatwhereasourancestorsweremoreSimianthanweare,thechimpanzee’swereofahighertypethanthepresentspecies—inotherwords,thechimpanzeeisadegenerate.Thatenterprisingnewspaper,theDailyBudget,beinghardupforsomethingspicy,immediatelybroughtitselfoutwithlargeheadlines.“Wearenotdescendedfrommonkeys,butaremonkeysdescendedfromus?EminentProfessorsayschimpanzeesaredecadenthumans.”Shortlyafterwards,areportercalledtoseePapa,andendeavouredtoinducehimtowriteaseriesofpopulararticlesonthetheory.IhaveseldomseenPapasoangry.Heturnedthereporteroutofthehousewithscantceremony,muchtomysecretsorrow,aswewereparticularlyshortofmoneyatthemoment.Infact,foramomentImeditatedrunningaftertheyoungmanandinforminghimthatmyfatherhadchangedhismindandwouldsendthearticlesinquestion.Icouldeasilyhavewrittenthemmyself,andtheprobabilitieswerethatPapawouldneverhavelearntofthetransaction,notbeingareaderoftheDailyBudget.However,Irejectedthiscourseasbeingtoorisky,soImerelyputonmybesthatandwentsadlydownthevillagetointerviewourjustlyirategrocer.
ThereporterfromtheDailyBudgetwastheonlyyoungmanwhoevercametoourhouse.ThereweretimeswhenIenviedEmily,ourlittleservant,who“walkedout”wheneveroccasionofferedwithalargesailortowhomshewasaffianced.Inbetweentimes,to“keepherhandin,”assheexpressedit,shewalkedoutwiththegreengrocer’syoungman,andthechemist’sassistant.IreflectedsadlythatIhadnooneto“keepmyhandin”with.AllPapa’sfriendswereagedProfessors—usuallywithlongbeards.ItistruethatProfessorPetersononceclaspedmeaffectionatelyandsaidIhada“neatlittlewaist”andthentriedtokissme.Thephrasealonedatedhimhopelessly.Noself-respectingfemalehashada“neatlittlewaist”sinceIwasinmycradle.
Iyearnedforadventure,forlove,forromance,andIseemedcondemnedtoanexistenceofdrabutility.Thevillagepossessedalendinglibrary,fulloftatteredworksoffiction,andIenjoyedperilsandlovemakingatsecondhand,andwenttosleepdreamingofsternsilentRhodesians,andofstrongmenwhoalways“felledtheiropponentwithasingleblow.”Therewasnooneinthevillagewhoevenlookedasthoughtheycould“fell”anopponent,withasinglebloworseveral.
Therewasthecinematoo,withaweeklyepisodeof“ThePerilsofPamela.”Pamelawasamagnificentyoungwoman.Nothingdauntedher.Shefelloutofaeroplanes,adventuredinsubmarines,climbedskyscrapersandcreptaboutintheUnderworldwithoutturningahair.Shewasnotreallyclever,TheMasterCriminaloftheUnderworldcaughthereachtime,butasheseemedloathtoknockherontheheadinasimpleway,andalwaysdoomedhertodeathinasewergaschamberorbysomenewandmarvellousmeans,theherowasalwaysabletorescueheratthebeginningofthefollowingweek’sepisode.Iusedtocomeoutwithmyheadinadeliriouswhirl—andthenIwouldgethomeandfindanoticefromtheGasCompanythreateningtocutusoffiftheoutstandingaccountwasnotpaid!
Andyet,thoughIdidnotsuspectit,everymomentwasbringingadventurenearertome.
ItispossiblethattherearemanypeopleintheworldwhohaveneverheardofthefindingofanantiqueskullattheBrokenHillMineinNorthernRhodesia.IcamedownonemorningtofindPapaexcitedtothepointofapoplexy.Hepouredoutthewholestorytome.
“Youunderstand,Anne?ThereareundoubtedlycertainresemblancestotheJavaskull,butsuperficial—superficialonly.No,herewehavewhatIhavealwaysmaintained—theancestralformoftheNeanderthalrace.YougrantthattheGibraltarskullisthemostprimitiveoftheNeanderthalskullsfound?Why?ThecradleoftheracewasinAfrica.TheypassedtoEurope—”
“Notmarmaladeonkippers,Papa,”Isaidhastily,arrestingmyparent’sabsentmindedhand.“Yes,youweresaying?”
“TheypassedtoEuropeon—”
Herehebrokedownwithabadfitofchoking,theresultofanimmoderatemouthfulofkipperbones.
“Butwemuststartatonce,”hedeclared,asherosetohisfeetattheconclusionofthemeal.“Thereisnotimetobelost.Wemustbeonthespot—therearedoubtlessincalculablefindstobefoundintheneighbourhood.IshallbeinterestedtonotewhethertheimplementsaretypicaloftheMousterianperiod—therewillbetheremainsoftheprimitiveox,Ishouldsay,butnotthoseofthewoollyrhinoceros.Yes,alittlearmywillbestartingsoon.Wemustgetaheadofthem.YouwillwritetoCook’stoday,Anne?”
“Whataboutmoney,Papa?”Ihinteddelicately.
Heturnedareproachfuleyeuponme.
“Yourpointofviewalwaysdepressesme,mychild.Wemustnotbesordid.No,no,inthecauseofscienceonemustnotbesordid.”
“IfeelCook’smightbesordid,Papa.”
Papalookedpained.
“MydearAnne,youwillpaytheminreadymoney.”
“Ihaven’tgotanyreadymoney.”
Papalookedthoroughlyexasperated.
“Mychild,Ireallycannotbebotheredwiththesevulgarmoneydetails.Thebank—IhadsomethingfromtheManageryesterday,sayingIhadtwenty-sevenpounds.”
“That’syouroverdraft,Ifancy.”
“Ah,Ihaveit!Writetomypublishers.”
Iacquiesceddoubtfully,Papa’sbooksbringinginmoreglorythanmoney.IlikedtheideaofgoingtoRhodesiaimmensely.“Sternsilentmen,”Imurmuredtomyselfinanecstasy.Thensomethinginmyparent’sappearancestruckmeasunusual.
“Youhaveoddbootson,Papa,”Isaid.“Takeoffthebrownoneandputontheotherblackone.Anddon’tforgetyourmuffler.It’saverycoldday.”
InafewminutesPapastalkedoff,correctlybootedandwell-mufflered.
Hereturnedlatethatevening,and,tomydismay,Isawhismufflerandovercoatweremissing.
“Dearme,Anne,youarequiteright.Itookthemofftogointothecavern.Onegetssodirtythere.”
Inoddedfeelingly,rememberinganoccasionwhenPapahadreturnedliterallyplasteredfromheadtofootwithrichPleistoceneclay.
OurprincipalreasonforsettlinginLittleHampsleyhadbeentheneighbourhoodofHampsleyCavern,aburiedcaverichindepositsoftheAurignacianculture.Wehadatinymuseuminthevillage,andthecuratorandPapaspentmostoftheirdaysmessingaboutundergroundandbringingtolightportionsofwoollyrhinocerosandcavebear.
Papacoughedbadlyalltheevening,andthefollowingmorningIsawhehadatemperatureandsentforthedoctor.
PoorPapa,heneverhadachance.Itwasdoublepneumonia.Hediedfourdayslater.
Two
Everyonewasverykindtome.DazedasIwas,Iappreciatedthat.Ifeltnooverwhelminggrief.Papahadneverlovedme.Iknewthatwellenough.Ifhehad,Imighthavelovedhiminreturn.No,therehadnotbeenlovebetweenus,butwehadbelongedtogether,andIhadlookedafterhim,andhadsecretlyadmiredhislearningandhisuncompromisingdevotiontoscience.AndithurtmethatPapashouldhavediedjustwhentheinterestoflifewasatitsheightforhim.IshouldhavefelthappierifIcouldhaveburiedhiminacave,withpaintingsofreindeerandflintimplements,buttheforceofpublicopinionconstrainedaneattomb(withmarbleslab)inourhideouslocalchurchyard.Thevicar’sconsolations,thoughwell-meant,didnotconsolemeintheleast.
IttooksometimetodawnuponmethatthethingIhadalwayslongedfor—freedom—wasatlastmine.Iwasanorphan,andpracticallypenniless,butfree.AtthesametimeIrealizedtheextraordinarykindnessofallthesegoodpeople.Thevicardidhisbesttopersuademethathiswifewasinurgentneedofacompanionhelp.Ourtinylocallibrarysuddenlymadeupitsmindtohaveanassistantlibrarian.Finally,thedoctorcalleduponme,andaftermakingvariousridiculousexcusesforfailingtosendaproperbill,hehummedandhawedagooddealandsuddenlysuggestedIshouldmarryhim.
Iwasverymuchastonished.Thedoctorwasnearerfortythanthirtyandaround,tubbylittleman.Hewasnotatallliketheheroof“ThePerilsofPamela,”andevenlesslikethesternandsilentRhodesian.Ireflectedaminuteandthenaskedwhyhewantedtomarryme.Thatseemedtoflusterhimagooddeal,andhemurmuredthatawifewasagreathelptoageneralpractitioner.Thepositionseemedevenmoreunromanticthanbefore,andyetsomethinginmeurgedtowardsitsacceptance.Safety,thatwaswhatIwasbeingoffered.Safety—andaComfortableHome.Thinkingitovernow,IbelieveIdidthelittlemananinjustice.Hewashonestlyinlovewithme,butamistakendelicacyprevented
“It’sextremelykindofyou,”Isaid.“Butit’simpossible.IcouldnevermarryamanunlessIlovedhimmadly.”
“Youdon’tthink—?”
“No,Idon’t,”Isaidfirmly.
Hesighed.
“But,mydearchild,whatdoyouproposetodo?”
“Haveadventuresandseetheworld,”Ireplied,withouttheleasthesitation
“MissAnne,youareverymuchachildstill.Youdon’tunderstand—”
“Thepracticaldifficulties?Yes,Ido,doctor.I’mnotasentimentalschoolgirl—I’mahardheadedmercenaryshrew!You’dknowitifyoumarriedme!”
“Iwishyouwouldreconsider—”
“Ican’t.”
Hesighedagain.
“Ihaveanotherproposaltomake.AnauntofminewholivesinWalesisinwantofayoungladytohelpher.Howwouldthatsuityou?”
“No,doctor,I’mgoingtoLondon.Ifthingshappenanywhere,theyhappeninLondon.Ishallkeepmyeyesopenand,you’llsee,somethingwillturnup!You’llhearofmenextinChinaorTimbuctoo.”
MynextvisitorwasMr.Flemming,Papa’sLondonsolicitor.Hecamedownspeciallyfromtowntoseeme.Anardentanthropologisthimself,hewasagreatadmirerofPapa’swork.Hewasatall,sparemanwithathinfaceandgreyhair.HerosetomeetmeasIenteredtheroomandtakingbothmyhandsinhis,pattedthemaffectionately.
“Mypoorchild,”hesaid.“Mypoor,poorchild.”
Withoutconscioushypocrisy,Ifoundmyselfassumingthedemeanourofabereavedorphan.Hehypnotizedmeintoit.Hewasbenignant,kindandfatherly—andwithouttheleastdoubtheregardedmeasaperfectfoolofagirlleftadrifttofaceanunkindworld.FromthefirstIfeltthatitwasquiteuselesstotrytoconvincehimofthecontrary.Asthingsturnedout,perhapsitwasjustaswellIdidn’t.
“Mydearchild,doyouthinkyoucanlistentomewhilstItrytomakeafewthingscleartoyou?”
“Oh,yes.”
“Yourfather,asyouknow,wasaverygreatman.Posteritywillappreciatehim.Buthewasnotagoodmanofbusiness.”
Iknewthatquiteaswell,ifnotbetterthanMr.Flemming,butIrestrainedmyselffromsayingso.Hecontinued:“Idonotsupposeyouunderstandmuchofthesematters.IwilltrytoexplainasclearlyasIcan.”
Heexplainedatunnecessarylength.TheupshotseemedtobethatIwaslefttofacelifewiththesumof￡8717s.4d.Itseemedastrangelyunsatisfyingamount.Iwaitedinsometrepidationforwhatwascomingnext.IfearedthatMr.FlemmingwouldbesuretohaveanauntinScotlandwhowasinwantofabrightyoungcompanion.Apparently,however,hehadn’t.
“Thequestionis,”hewenton,“thefuture.Iunderstandyouhavenolivingrelatives?”
“I’maloneintheworld,”Isaid,andwasstruckanewbymylikenesstoafilmheroine.
“Youhavefriends?”
“Everyonehasbeenverykindtome,”Isaidgratefully.
“Whowouldnotbekindtoonesoyoungandcharming?”saidMr.Flemminggallantly.“Well,well,mydear,wemustseewhatcanbedone.”Hehesitatedaminute,andthensaid:“Supposing—howwoulditbeifyoucametousforatime?”
Ijumpedatthechance.London!Theplaceforthingstohappen.
“It’sawfullykindofyou,”Isaid.“MightIreally?JustwhileI’mlookingaround.Imuststartouttoearnmyliving,youknow?”
“Yes,yes,mydearchild.Iquiteunderstand.Wewilllookroundforsomething—suitable.”
IfeltinstictivelythatMr.Flemming’sideasof“somethingsuitable”andminewerelikelytobewidelydivergent,butitwascertainlynotthemomenttoairmyviews.
“Thatissettledthen.Whynotreturnwithmetoday?”
“Oh,thankyou,butwillMrs.Flemming—”
“Mywifewillbedelightedtowelcomeyou.”
Iwonderifhusbandsknowasmuchabouttheirwivesastheythinktheydo.IfIhadahusband,Ishouldhatehimtobringhomeorphanswithoutconsultingmefirst.
“Wewillsendherawirefromthestation,”continuedthelawyer.
Myfewpersonalbelongingsweresoonpacked.Icontemplatedmyhatsadlybeforeputtingiton.IthadoriginallybeenwhatIcalla“Mary”hat,meaningbythatthekindofhatahousemaidoughttowearonherdayout—butdoesn’t!Alimpthingofblackstrawwithasuitablydepressedbrim.Withtheinspirationofgenius,Ihadkickeditonce,punchedittwice,dentedinthecrownandaffixedtoitathinglikeacubist’sdreamofajazzcarrot.Theresulthadbeendistinctlychic.ThecarrotIhadalreadyremoved,ofcourse,andnowIproceededtoundotherestofmyhandiwork.The“Mary”hatresumeditsformerstatuswithanadditionalbatteredappearancewhichmadeitevenmoredepressingthanformerly.Imightaswelllookasmuchlikethepopularconceptionofanorphanaspossible.IwasjustashadenervousofMrs.Flemming’sreception,buthopedmyappearancemighthaveasufficientlydisarmingeffect.
Mr.Flemmingwasnervoustoo.IrealizedthataswewentupthestairsofthetallhouseinaquietKensingtonsquare.Mrs.Flemminggreetedmepleasantlyenough.Shewasastout,placidwomanofthe“goodwifeandmother”type.Shetookmeuptoaspotlesschintz-hungbedroom,hopedIhadeverythingIwanted,informedmethatteawouldbereadyinaboutaquarterofanhour,andleftmetomyowndevices.
Iheardhervoiceslightlyraised,assheenteredthedrawingroombelowonthefirstfloor.
“Well,Henry,whyonearth—”Ilosttherest,buttheacerbityofthetonewasevident.Andafewminuteslateranotherphrasefloateduptome,inanevenmoreacidvoice:“Iagreewithyou!Sheiscertainlyverygood-looking.”
Itisreallyaveryhardlife.Menwillnotbenicetoyouifyouarenotgood-looking,andwomenwillnotbenicetoyouifyouare.
WithadeepsighIproceededtodothingswithmyhair.Ihavenicehair.Itisblack—arealblack,notdarkbrown—anditgrowswellbackfrommyforeheadanddownovertheears.WitharuthlesshandIdraggeditupwards.Asears,myearsarequiteallright,butthereisnodoubtaboutit,earsaredémodénowadays.Theyarequitelikethe“QueenofSpain’slegs”inProfessorPeterson’syoungday.WhenIhadfinishedIlookedalmostunbelievablylikethekindoforphanthatwalksoutinaqueuewithalittlebonnetandredcloak.
InoticedwhenIwentdownthatMrs.Flemming’seyesrestedonmyexposedearswithquiteakindlyglance.Mr.Flemmingseemedpuzzled.Ihadnodoubtthathewassayingtohimself,“Whathasthechilddonetoherself?”
Onthewholetherestofthedaypassedoffwell.ItwassettledthatIwastostartatoncetolookforsomethingtodo.
WhenIwenttobed,Istaredearnestlyatmyfaceintheglass.WasIreallygood-looking?HonestlyIcouldn’tsayIthoughtso!Ihadn’tgotastraightGreciannose,orarosebudmouth,oranyofthethingsyououghttohave.Itistruethatacurateoncetoldmethatmyeyeswerelike“imprisonedsunshineinadark,darkwood”—butcuratesalwaysknowsomanyquotations,andfirethemoffatrandom.I’dmuchprefertohaveIrishblueeyesthandarkgreenoneswithyellowflecks!Still,greenisagoodcolourforadventuresses.
Iwoundablackgarmenttightlyroundme,leavingmyarmsandshouldersbare.ThenIbrushedbackmyhairandpulleditwelldownovermyearsagain.Iputalotofpowderonmyface,sothattheskinseemedevenwhiterthanusual.IfishedaboutuntilIfoundsomelipsalve,andIputoceansofitonmylips.ThenIdidundermyeyeswithburntcork.FinallyIdrapedaredribbonovermybareshoulder,stuckascarletfeatherinmyhair,andplacedacigaretteinonecornerofmymouth.Thewholeeffectpleasedmeverymuch.
“AnnatheAdventuress,”Isaidaloud,noddingatmyreflection.“AnnatheAdventuress.EpisodeI,‘TheHouseinKensington!’”
Girlsarefoolishthings.
Three
InthesucceedingweeksIwasagooddealbored.Mrs.Flemmingandherfriendsseemedtometobesupremelyuninteresting.Theytalkedforhoursofthemselvesandtheirchildrenandofthedifficultiesofgettinggoodmilkforthechildrenandofwhattheysaytothedairywhenthemilkwasn’tgood.Thentheywouldgoontotheservants,andthedifficultiesofgettinggoodservantsandofwhattheyhadsaidtothewomanattheregistryofficeandofwhatthewomanattheregistryofficehadsaidtothem.Theyneverseemedtoreadthepapersortocareaboutwhatwentonintheworld.Theydislikedtravelling—everythingwassodifferenttoEngland.TheRivierawasallright,ofcourse,becauseonemetallone’sfriendsthere.
Ilistenedandcontainedmyselfwithdifficulty.Mostofthesewomenwererich.ThewholewidebeautifulworldwastheirstowanderinandtheydeliberatelystayedindirtydullLondonandtalkedaboutmilkmenandservants!Ithinknow,lookingback,thatIwasperhapsashadeintolerant.Buttheywerestupid—stupidevenattheirchosenjob:mostofthemkeptthemostextraordinarilyinadequateandmuddledhousekeepingaccounts.
Myaffairsdidnotprogressveryfast.Thehouseandfurniturehadbeensold,andtheamountrealizedhadjustcoveredourdebts.Asyet,Ihadnotbeensuccessfulinfindingapost.NotthatIreallywantedone!Ihadthefirmconvictionthat,ifIwentaboutlookingforadventure,adventurewouldmeetmehalfway.Itisatheoryofminethatonealwaysgetswhatonewants.
Mytheorywasabouttobeprovedinpractice.
ItwasearlyinJanuary—the8th,tobeexact.Iwasreturningfromanunsuccessfulinterviewwithaladywhosaidshewantedasecretary-companion,butreallyseemedtorequireastrongcharwomanwhowouldworktwelvehoursadayfor￡25ayear.Havingpartedwithmutualveiledimpolitenesses,IwalkeddownEdgwareRoad(theinterviewhadtakenplaceinahouseinSt.John’sWood),andacrossHydeParktoSt.George’sHospital.ThereIenteredHydeParkCornerTubeStationandtookatickettoGloucesterRoad.
OnceontheplatformIwalkedtotheextremeendofit.MyinquiringmindwishedtosatisfyitselfastowhethertherereallywerepointsandanopeningbetweenthetwotunnelsjustbeyondthestationinthedirectionofDownStreet.IwasfoolishlypleasedtofindIwasright.Therewerenotmanypeopleontheplatform,andattheextremeendtherewasonlymyselfandoneman.AsIpassedhim,Isniffeddubiously.IfthereisonesmellIcannotbearitisthatofmothballs!Thisman’sheavyovercoatsimplyreekedofthem.AndyetmostmenbegintoweartheirwinterovercoatsbeforeJanuary,andconsequentlybythistimethesmelloughttohavewornoff.Themanwasbeyondme,standingclosetotheedgeofthetunnel.Heseemedlostinthought,andIwasabletostareathimwithoutrudeness.Hewasasmall,thinman,verybrownofface,withblue,lighteyesandasmalldarkbeard.
“Justcomefromabroad,”Ideduced.“That’swhyhisovercoatsmellsso.He’scomefromIndia.Notanofficer,orhewouldn’thaveabeard.Perhapsateaplanter.”
Atthismomentthemanturnedasthoughtoretracehisstepsalongtheplatform.Heglancedatmeandthenhiseyeswentontosomethingbehindme,andhisfacechanged.Itwasdistortedbyfear—almostpanic.Hetookastepbackwardsasthoughinvoluntarilyrecoilingfromsomedanger,forgettingthathewasstandingontheextremeedgeoftheplatform,andwentdownandover.Therewasavividflashfromtherailsandacracklingsound.Ishrieked.Peoplecamerunningup.Twostationofficialsseemedtomaterializefromnowhereandtookcommand.
IremainedwhereIwas,rootedtothespotbyasortofhorriblefascination.Partofmewasappalledatthesuddendisaster,andanotherpartofmewascoollyanddisapassionatelyinterestedinthemethodsemployedforliftingthemanofftheliverailandbackontotheplatform.
“Letmepass,please.Iamamedicalman.”
Atallmanwithabrownbeardpressedpastmeandbentoverthemotionlessbody.
Asheexaminedit,acurioussenseofunrealityseemedtopossessme.Thethingwasn’treal—couldn’tbe.Finally,thedoctorstooduprightandshookhishead.
“Deadasadoornail.Nothingtobedone.”
Wehadallcrowdednearer,andanaggrievedporterraisedhisvoice.“Nowthen,standbackthere,willyou?What’sthesenseincrowdinground?”
Asuddennauseaseizedme,andIturnedblindlyandranupthestairsagaintowardsthelift.Ifeltthatitwastoohorrible.Imustgetoutintotheopenair.Thedoctorwhohadexaminedthebodywasjustaheadofme.Theliftwasjustabouttogoup,anotherhavingdescended,andhebrokeintoarun.Ashedidso,hedroppedapieceofpaper.
Istopped,pickeditup,andranafterhim.Buttheliftgatesclangedinmyface,andIwasleftholdingthepaperinmyhand.Bythetimethesecondliftreachedstreetlevel,therewasnosignofmyquarry.Ihopeditwasnothingimportantthathehadlost,andforthefirsttimeIexaminedit.Itwasaplainhalfsheetofnotepaperwithsomefiguresandwordsscrawleduponitinpencil.Thisisafacsimileofit:
Onthefaceofit,itcertainlydidnotappeartobeofanyimportance.Still,Ihesitatedtothrowitaway.AsIstoodthereholdingit,Iinvoluntarilywrinkledmynoseindispleasure.Mothballsagain!Iheldthepapergingerlytomynose.Yes,itsmeltstronglyofthem.But,then—
Ifoldedupthepapercarefullyandputitinmybag.Iwalkedhomeslowlyanddidagooddealofthinking.
IexplainedtoMrs.FlemmingthatIhadwitnessedanastyaccidentintheTubeandthatIwasratherupsetandwouldgotomyroomandliedown.Thekindwomaninsistedonmyhavingacupoftea.AfterthatIwaslefttomyowndevices,andIproceededtocarryoutaplanIhadformedcominghome.IwantedtoknowwhatitwasthathadproducedthatcuriousfeelingofunrealitywhilstIwaswatchingthedoctorexaminethebody.FirstIlaydownonthefloorintheattitudeofthecorpse,thenIlaidabolsterdowninmystead,andproceededtoduplicate,sofarasIcouldremember,everymotionandgestureofthedoctor.WhenIhadfinishedIhadgotwhatIwanted.Isatbackonmyheelsandfrownedattheoppositewalls.
TherewasabriefnoticeintheeveningpapersthatamanhadbeenkilledintheTube,andadoubtwasexpressedwhetheritwassuicideoraccident.Thatseemedtometomakemydutyclear,andwhenMr.Flemmingheardmystoryhequiteagreedwithme.
“Undoubtedlyyouwillbewantedattheinquest.Yousaynooneelsewasnearenoughtoseewhathappened?”
“Ihadthefeelingsomeonewascomingupbehindme,butIcan’tbesure—and,anyway,theywouldn’tbeasnearasIwas.”
Theinquestwasheld.Mr.Flemmingmadeallthearrangementsandtookmetherewithhim.Heseemedtofearthatitwouldbeagreatordealforme,andIhadtoconcealfromhimmycompletecomposure.
ThedeceasedhadbeenidentifiedasL.B.Carton.Nothinghadbeenfoundinhispocketsexceptahouseagent’sordertoviewahouseontherivernearMarlow.ItwasinthenameofL.B.Carton,RussellHotel.Thebureauclerkfromthehotelindentifiedthemanashavingarrivedthedaybeforeandbookedaroomunderthatname.HehadregisteredasL.B.Carton,Kimberley,S.Africa.Hehadevidentlycomestraightoffthesteamer.
Iwastheonlypersonwhohadseenanythingoftheaffair.
“Youthinkitwasanaccident?”thecoroneraskedme.
“Iampositiveofit.Somethingalarmedhim,andhesteppedbackwardsblindlywithoutthinkingwhathewasdoing.”
“Butwhatcouldhavealarmedhim?”
“ThatIdon’tknow.Buttherewassomething.Helookedpanic-stricken.”
Astolidjurymansuggestedthatsomemenwereterrifiedofcats.Themanmighthaveseenacat.Ididn’tthinkhissuggestionaverybrilliantone,butitseemedtopassmusterwiththejury,whowereobviouslyimpatienttogethomeandonlytoopleasedatbeingabletogiveaverdictofaccidentasopposedtosuicide.
“Itisextraordinarytome,”saidthecoroner,“thatthedoctorwhofirstexaminedthebodyhasnotcomeforward.Hisnameandaddressshouldhavebeentakenatthetime.Itwasmostirregularnottodoso.”
Ismiledtomyself.Ihadmyowntheoryinregardtothedoctor.Inpursuanceofit,IdeterminedtomakeacalluponScotlandYardatanearlydate.
Butthenextmorningbroughtasurprise.TheFlemmingstookintheDailyBudget,andtheDailyBudgetwashavingadayafteritsownheart.
EXTRAORDINARYSEQUELTOTUBEACCIDENT
WOMANFOUNDSTRANGLEDINLONELYHOUSE
Ireadeagerly.“AsensationaldiscoverywasmadeyesterdayattheMillHouse,Marlow.TheMillHouse,whichisthepropertyofSirEustacePedler,MP,istobeletunfurnished,andanordertoviewthispropertywasfoundinthepocketofthemanwhowasatfirstthoughttohavecommitedsuicidebythrowinghimselfontheliverailatHydeParkCornerTubeStation.InanupperroomoftheMillHousethebodyofabeautifulyoungwomanwasdiscoveredyesterday,strangled.Sheisthoughttobeaforeigner,butsofarhasnotbeenidentified.Thepolicearereportedtohaveaclue.SirEustacePedler,theowneroftheMillHouse,iswinteringontheRiviera.”Four
Nobodycameforwardtoidentifythedeadwoman.Theinquestelicitedthefollowingfacts.
Shortlyafteroneo’clockonJanuary8th,awell-dressedwomanwithaslightforeignaccenthadenteredtheofficesofMessrsButlerandPark,houseagents,inKnightsbridge.SheexplainedthatshewantedtorentorpurchaseahouseontheThameswithineasyreachofLondon.Theparticularsofseveralweregiventoher,includingthoseoftheMillHouse.ShegavethenameofMrs.deCastinaandheraddressattheRitz,butthereprovedtobenooneofthatnamestayingthere,andthehotelpeoplefailedtoidentifythebody.
Mrs.James,thewifeofSirEustacePedler’sgardener,whoactedascaretakertotheMillHouseandinhabitedthesmalllodgeopeningonthemainroad,gaveevidence.Aboutthreeo’clockthatafternoon,aladycametoseeoverthehouse.Sheproducedanorderfromthehouseagents,and,aswastheusualcustom,Mrs.Jamesgaveherthekeystothehouse.Itwassituatedatsomedistancefromthelodge,andshewasnotinthehabitofaccompanyingprospectivetenants.Afewminuteslaterayoungmanarrived.Mrs.Jamesdescribedhimastallandbroad-shouldered,withabronzedfaceandlightgreyeyes.Hewasclean-shavenandwaswearingabrownsuit.HeexplainedtoMrs.Jamesthathewasafriendoftheladywhohadcometolookoverthehouse,buthadstoppedatthepostofficetosendatelegram.Shedirectedhimtothehouse,andthoughtnomoreaboutthematter.
Fiveminuteslaterhereappeared,handedbackthekeysandexplainedthathefearedthehousewouldnotsuitthem.Mrs.Jamesdidnotseethelady,butthoughtthatshehadgoneonahead.Whatshedidnoticewasthattheyoungmanseemedverymuchupsetaboutsomething.“Helookedlikeamanwho’dseenaghost.Ithoughthewastakenill.”
Onthefollowingdayanotherladyandgentlemancametoseethepropertyanddiscoveredthebodylyingonthefloorinoneoftheupstairsrooms.Mrs.Jamesidentifieditasthatoftheladywhohadcomethedaybefore.Thehouseagentsalsorecognizeditasthatof“Mrs.deCastina.”Thepolicesurgeongaveitashisopinionthatthewomanhadbeendeadabouttwenty-fourhours.TheDailyBudgethadjumpedtotheconclusionthatthemanintheTubehadmurderedthewomanandafterwardscommittedsuicide.However,astheTubevictimwasdeadattwoo’clockandthewomanwasaliveandwellatthreeo’clock,theonlylogicalconclusiontocometowasthatthetwooccurrenceshadnothingtodowitheachother,andthattheordertoviewthehouseatMarlowfoundinthedeadman’spocketwasmerelyoneofthosecoincidenceswhichsooftenoccurinthislife
Averdictof“WilfulMurderagainstsomepersonorpersonsunknown”wasreturned,andthepolice(andtheDailyBudget)werelefttolookfor“themaninthebrownsuit.”SinceMrs.Jameswaspositivethattherewasnooneinthehousewhentheladyenteredit,andthatnobodyexcepttheyoungmaninquestionenteredituntilthefollowingafternoon,itseemedonlylogicaltoconcludethathewasthemurdereroftheunfortunateMrs.deCastina.Shehadbeenstrangledwithapieceofstoutblackcord,andhadevidentlybeencaughtunawareswithnotimetocryout.Theblacksilkhandbagwhichshecarriedcontainedawell-fillednotecaseandsomeloosechange,afinelacehandkerchief,unmarked,andthereturnhalfofafirst-classtickettoLondon.Nothingmuchtheretogoupon.
SuchwerethedetailspublishedbroadcastbytheDailyBudget,and“FindtheManintheBrownSuit”wastheirdailywarcry.Onanaverageaboutfivehundredpeoplewrotedailytoannouncetheirsuccessinthequest,andtallyoungmenwithwell-tannedfacescursedthedaywhentheirtailorshadpersuadedthemtoabrownsuit.TheaccidentintheTube,dismissedasacoincidence,fadedoutofthepublicmind.
Wasitacoincidence?Iwasnotsosure.NodoubtIwasprejudiced—theTubeincidentwasmyownpetmystery—buttherecertainlyseemedtometobeaconnexionofsomekindbetweenthetwofatalities.Ineachtherewasamanwithatannedface—evidentlyanEnglishmanlivingabroad—andtherewereotherthings.ItwastheconsiderationoftheseotherthingsthatfinallyimpelledmetowhatIconsideredadashingstep.IpresentedmyselfatScotlandYardanddemandedtoseewhoeverwasinchargeoftheMillHousecase.
Myrequesttooksometimetounderstand,asIhadinadvertentlyselectedthedepartmentforlostumbrellas,buteventuallyIwasusheredintoasmallroomandpresentedtoDetectiveInspectorMeadows.
InspectorMeadowswasasmallmanwithagingerheadandwhatIconsideredapeculiarlyirritatingmanner.Asatellite,alsoinplainclothes,satunobtrusivelyinacorner.
“Goodmorning,”Isaidnervously.
“Goodmorning.Willyoutakeaseat?Iunderstandyou’vesomethingtotellmethatyouthinkmaybeofusetous.”
Histoneseemedtoindicatethatsuchathingwasunlikelyintheextreme.Ifeltmytemperstirred.
“OfcourseyouknowaboutthemanwhowaskilledintheTube?ThemanwhohadanordertoviewthissamehouseatMarlowinhispocket.”
“Ah!”saidtheinspector.“YouaretheMissBeddingfeldwhogaveevidenceattheinquest.Certainlythemanhadanorderinhispocket.Alotofotherpeoplemayhavehadtoo—onlytheydidn’thappentobekilled.”
Iralliedmyforces.
“Youdidn’tthinkitoddthatthismanhadnoticketinhispocket?”
“Easiestthingintheworldtodropyourticket.Doneitmyself.”
“Andnomoney.”
“Hehadsomeloosechangeinhistrouserspocket.”
“Butnonotecase.”
“Somemendon’tcarryapocketbookornotecaseofanykind.”
Itriedanothertack.
“Youdon’tthinkit’soddthatthedoctornevercameforwardafterwards?”
“Abusymedicalmanveryoftendoesn’treadthepapers.Heprobablyforgotallabouttheaccident.”
“Infact,inspector,youaredeterminedtofindnothingodd,”Isaidsweetly
“Well,I’minclinedtothinkyou’realittletoofondoftheword,MissBeddingfeld.Youngladiesareromantic,Iknow—fondofmysteriesandsuchlike.ButasI’mabusyman—”
Itookthehintandrose.
Themaninthecornerraisedameekvoice.
“Perhapsiftheyoungladywouldtellusbrieflywhatherideasreallyareonthesubject,inspector?”
Theinspectorfellinwiththesuggestionreadilyenough.
“Yes,comenow,MissBeddingfeld,don’tbeoffended.You’veaskedquestionsandhintedthings.Juststraightoutwhatitisyou’vegotinyourhead.”
Iwaveredbetweeninjureddignityandtheoverwhelmingdesiretoexpressmytheories.Injureddignitywenttothewall.
“Yousaidattheinquestyouwerepositiveitwasn’tsuicide?”
“Yes,I’mquitecertainofthat.Themanwasfrightened.Whatfrightenedhim?Itwasn’tme.Butsomeonemighthavebeenwalkinguptheplatformtowardsus—someoneherecognized.”
“Youdidn’tseeanyone?”
“No,”Iadmitted.“Ididn’tturnmyhead.Then,assoonasthebodywasrecoveredfromtheline,amanpushedforwardtoexamineit,sayinghewasadoctor.”
“Nothingunusualinthat,”saidtheinspectordryly.
“Buthewasn’tadoctor.”
“What?”
“Hewasn’tadoctor,”Irepeated.
“Howdoyouknowthat,MissBeddingfeld?”
“It’sdifficulttosay,exactly.I’veworkedinhospitalsduringthewar,andI’veseendoctorshandlebodies.There’sasortofdeftprofessionalcallousnessthatthismanhadn’tgot.Besides,adoctordoesn’tusuallyfeelfortheheartontherightsideofthebody.”
“Hedidthat?”
“Yes,Ididn’tnoticeitspeciallyatthetime—exceptthatIfelttherewassomethingwrong.ButIworkeditoutwhenIgothome,andthenIsawwhythewholethinghadlookedsounhandytomeatthetime.”
“H’m,”saidtheinspector.Hewasreachingslowlyforpenandpaper.
“Inrunninghishandsovertheupperpartoftheman’sbodyhewouldhaveampleopportunitytotakeanythinghewantedfromthepockets.”
“Doesn’tsoundlikelytome,”saidtheinspector.“But—well,canyoudescribehimatall?”
“Hewastallandbroad-shouldered,woreadarkovercoatandblackboots,abowlerhat.Hehadadark-pointedbeardandgold-rimmedeyeglasses.”
“Takeawaytheovercoat,thebeardandtheeyeglasses,andtherewouldn’tbemuchtoknowhimby,”grumbledtheinspector.“Hecouldalterhisappearanceeasilyenoughinfiveminutesifhewantedto—whichhewoulddoifhe’stheswellpickpocketyousuggest.”
Ihadnotintendedtosuggestanythingofthekind.ButfromthismomentIgavetheinspectorupashopeless.
“Nothingmoreyoucantellusabouthim?”hedemanded,asIrosetodepart.
“Yes,”Isaid.Iseizedmyopportunitytofireapartingshot.“Hisheadwasmarkedlybrachycephalic.Hewillnotfinditsoeasytoalterthat.”
IobservedwithpleasurethatInspectorMeadows’spenwavered.Itwasclearthathedidnotknowhowtospellbrachycephalic.
Five
Inthefirstheatofindignation,Ifoundmynextstepunexpectedlyeasytotackle.Ihadhadahalf-formedplaninmyheadwhenIwenttoScotlandYard.Onetobecarriedoutifmyinterviewtherewasunsatisfactory(ithadbeenprofoundlyunsatisfactory).Thatis,ifIhadthenervetogothroughwithit.
Thingsthatonewouldshrinkfromattemptingnormallyareeasilytackledinaflushofanger.Withoutgivingmyselftimetoreflect,IwalkedstraighttothehouseofLordNasby.
LordNasbywasthemillionaireowneroftheDailyBudget.Heownedotherpapers—severalofthem,buttheDailyBudgetwashisspecialchild.ItwasastheowneroftheDailyBudgetthathewasknowntoeveryhouseholderintheUnitedKingdom.Owingtothefactthatanitineraryofthegreatman’sdailyproceedingshadjustbeenpublished,Iknewexactlywheretofindhimatthismoment.Itwashishourfordictatingtohissecretaryinhisownhouse
Ididnot,ofcourse,supposethatanyyoungwomanwhochosetocomeandaskforhimwouldbeatonceadmittedtotheaugustpresence.ButIhadattendedtothatsideofthematter.InthecardtrayinthehalloftheFlemmings’house,IhadobservedthecardoftheMarquisofLoamsley,England’smostfamoussportingpeer.Ihadremovedthecard,cleaneditcarefullywithbreadcrumbs,andpencilleduponitthewords:“PleasegiveMissBeddingfeldafewmomentsofyourtime.”Adventuressesmustnotbetooscrupulousintheirmethods.
Thethingworked.Apowderedfootmanreceivedthecardandboreitaway.Presentlyapalesecretaryappeared.Ifencedwithhimsuccessfully.Heretiredindefeat.Heagainreappearedandbeggedmetofollowhim.Ididso.Ienteredalargeroom,afrightened-lookingshorthandtypistfledpastmelikeavisitantfromthespiritworld.ThenthedoorshutandIwasfacetofacewithLordNasby.
Abigman.Bighead.Bigface.Bigmoustache.Bigstomach.Ipulledmyselftogether.IhadnotcomeheretocommentonLordNasby’sstomach.Hewasalreadyroaringatme.
“Well,whatisit?WhatdoesLoamsleywant?Youarehissecretary?What’sitallabout?”
“Tobeginwith,”IsaidwithasgreatanappearanceofcoolnessasIcouldmanage,“Idon’tknowLordLoamsley,andhecertainlyknowsnothingaboutme.ItookhiscardfromthetrayinthehouseofthepeopleI’mstayingwith,andIwrotethosewordsonitmyself.ItwasimportantthatIshouldseeyou.”
ForamomentitappearedtobeatossupastowhetherLordNasbyhadapoplexyornot.Intheendheswallowedtwiceandgotoverit.
“Iadmireyourcoolness,youngwoman.Well,youseeme!Ifyouinterestme,youwillcontinuetoseemeforexactlytwominuteslonger.”
“Thatwillbeample,”Ireplied.“AndIshallinterestyou.It’stheMillHouseMystery.”
“Ifyou’vefound‘TheManintheBrownSuit,’writetotheeditor,”heinterruptedhastily.
“Ifyouwillinterrupt,Ishallbemorethantwominutes,”Isaidsternly.“Ihaven’tfound‘TheManintheBrownSuit,’butI’mquitelikelytodoso.”
InasfewwordsaspossibleIputthefactsoftheTubeaccidentandtheconclusionsIhaddrawnfromthembeforehim.WhenIhadfinishedhesaidunexpectedly,“Whatdoyouknowofbrachycephalicheads?”
ImentionedPapa.
“TheMonkeyman?Eh?Well,youseemtohaveaheadofsomekinduponyourshoulders,youngwoman.Butit’sallprettythin,youknow.Notmuchtogoupon.Andnousetous—asitstands.”
“I’mperfectlyawareofthat.”
“Whatd’youwant,then?”
“Iwantajobonyourpapertoinvestigatethismatter.”
“Can’tdothat.We’vegotourownspecialmanonit.”
“AndI’vegotmyownspecialknowledge.”
“Whatyou’vejusttoldme,eh?”
“Oh,no,LordNasby.I’vestillgotsomethingupmysleeve.”
“Oh,youhave,haveyou?Youseemabrightsortofgirl.Well,whatisit?”
“Whenthisso-calleddoctorgotintothelift,hedroppedapieceofpaper.Ipickeditup.Itsmeltofmothballs.Sodidthedeadman.Thedoctordidn’t.SoIsawatoncethatthedoctormusthavetakenitoffthebody.Ithadtwowordswrittenonitandsomefigures.”
“Let’sseeit.”
LordNasbystretchedoutacarelesshand.
“Ithinknot,”Isaid,smiling.“It’smyfindyousee.”
“I’mright.Youareabrightgirl.Quiterighttohangontoit.Noscruplesaboutnothandingitovertothepolice?”
“Iwenttheretodosothismorning.TheypersistedinregardingthewholethingashavingnothingtodowiththeMarlowaffair,soIthoughtthatinthecircumstancesIwasjustifiedinretainingthepaper.Besides,theinspectorputmybackup.”
“Shortsightedman.Well,mydeargirl,here’sallIcandoforyou.Goonworkingonthislineofyours.Ifyougetanything—anythingthat’spublishable—senditalongandyoushallhaveyourchance.There’salwaysroomforrealtalentontheDailyBudget.Butyou’vegottomakegoodfirst.See?”
Ithankedhimandapologizedformymethods.
“Don’tmentionit.Iratherlikecheek—fromaprettygirl.Bytheway,yousaidtwominutesandyou’vebeenthree,allowingforinterruptions.Forawoman,that’squiteremarkable!Mustbeyourscientifictraining.”
Iwasinthestreetagain,breathinghardasthoughIhadbeenrunning.IfoundLordNasbyratherwearingasanewacquaintance.
Six
Iwenthomewithafeelingofexultation.MyschemehadsucceededfarbetterthanIcouldpossiblyhavehoped.LordNasbyhadbeenpositivelygenial.Itonlynowremainedformeto“makegood,”asheexpressedit.Oncelockedinmyownroom,Itookoutmypreciouspieceofpaperandstudieditattentively.Herewasthecluetothemystery.
Tobeginwith,whatdidthefiguresrepresent?Therewerefiveofthem,andadotafterthefirsttwo.“Seventeen—onehundredandtwentytwo,”Imurmured
Thatdidnotseemtoleadtoanything.
NextIaddedthemup.Thatisoftendoneinworksoffictionandleadstosurprisingdeductions.
“Oneandsevenmakeeightandoneisnineandtwoareelevenandtwoarethirteen!”
Thirteen!Fatefulnumber!Wasthisawarningtometoleavethewholethingalone?Verypossibly.Anyway,exceptasawarning,itseemedtobesingularlyuseless.Ideclinedtobelievethatanyconspiratorwouldtakethatwayofwritingthirteeninreallife.Ifhemeantthirteen,hewouldwritethirteen.“13”—likethat.
Therewasaspacebetweentheoneandthetwo.Iaccordinglysubtractedtwenty-twofromahundredandseventy-one.Theresultwasahundredandfifty-nine.Ididitagainandmadeitahundredandforty-nine.Thesearithmeticalexercisesweredoubtlessexcellentpractice,butasregardedthesolutionofthemystery,theyseemedtotallyineffectual.Ileftarithmeticalone,notattemptingfancydivisionormultiplication,andwentontothewords.
KilmordenCastle.Thatwassomethingdefinite.Aplace.Probablythecradleofanaristocraticfamily.(Missingheir?Claimanttotitle?)Orpossiblyapicturesqueruin.(Buriedtreasure?)
Yes,onthewholeIinclinedtothetheoryofburiedtreasure.Figuresalwaysgowithburiedtreasure.Onepacetotheright,sevenpacestotheleft,digonefoot,descendtwenty-twosteps.Thatsortofidea.Icouldworkoutthatlater.ThethingwastogettoKilmordenCastleasquicklyaspossible.
Imadeastrategicsallyfrommyroom,andreturnedladenwithbooksofreference.Who’sWho,Whitaker,aGazetteer,aHistoryofScotchAncestralHomes,andSomebodyorother’sBritishIsles.
Timepassed.Isearcheddiligently,butwithgrowingannoyance.Finally,Ishutthelastbookwithabang.ThereappearedtobenosuchplaceasKilmordenCastle.
Herewasanunexpectedcheck.Theremustbesuchaplace.Whyshouldanyoneinventanamelikethatandwriteitdownonapieceofpaper?Absurd!
Anotherideaoccurredtome.Possiblyitwasacastellatedabominationinthesuburbswithahigh-soundingnameinventedbyitsowner.Butifso,itwasgoingtobeextraordinarilyhardtofind.Isatbackgloomilyonmyheels(Ialwayssitonthefloortodoanythingreallyimportant)andwonderedhowonearthIwastosetaboutit.
WasthereanyotherlineIcouldfollow?Ireflectedearnestlyandthensprangtomyfeetdelightedly.Ofcourse!Imustvisitthe“sceneofthecrime.”Alwaysdonebythebestsleuths!Andnomatterhowlongafterwardsitmaybetheyalwaysfindsomethingthatthepolicehaveoverlooked.Mycoursewasclear.ImustgotoMarlow.
ButhowwasItogetintothehouse?Idiscardedseveraladventurousmethods,andplumpedforsternsimplicity.Thehousehadbeentolet—presumablywasstilltolet.Iwouldbeaprospectivetenant.
Ialsodecidedonattackingthelocalhouseagents,ashavingfewerhousesontheirbooks.
Here,however,Ireckonedwithoutmyhost.Apleasantclerkproducedparticularsofabouthalfadozendesirableproperties.Ittookmeallmyingenuitytofindobjectionstothem.IntheendIfearedIhaddrawnablank.
“Andyou’vereallynothingelse?”Iasked,gazingpatheticallyintotheclerk’seyes.“Somethingrightontheriver,andwithafairamountofgardenandasmalllodge.”Iadded,summingupthemainpointsoftheMillHouse,asIhadgatheredthemfromthepapers.
“Well,ofcourse,there’sSirEustacePedler’splace,”saidthemandoubtfully.“TheMillHouse,youknow.”
“Not—notwhere—”Ifaltered.(Really,falteringisgettingtobemystrongpoint.)
“That’sit!Wherethemurdertookplace.Butperhapsyouwouldn’tlike—”
“Oh,Idon’tthinkIshouldmind,”Isaidwithanappearanceofrallying.Ifeltmybonafideswasnowquiteestablished.“AndperhapsImightgetitcheap—inthecircumstances.”
Amastertouchthat,Ithought.
“Well,it’spossible.There’snopretendingthatitwillbeeasytoletnow—servantsandallthat,youknow.Ifyouliketheplaceafteryou’veseenit,Ishouldadviseyoutomakeanoffer.ShallIwriteyououtanorder?”
“Ifyouplease.”
AquarterofanhourlaterIwasatthelodgeoftheMillHouse.Inanswertomyknock,thedoorflewopenandatallmiddle-agedwomanliterallybouncedout.
“Nobodycangointothehouse,doyouhearthat?Fairlysickofyoureporters,Iam.SirEustace’sordersare—”
“Iunderstoodthehousewastolet,”Isaidfreezingly,holdingoutmyorder.“Ofcourse,ifit’salreadytaken—”
“Oh,I’msureIbegyourpardon,miss.I’vebeenfairlypesteredwiththesenewspaperpeople.Notaminute’speace.No,thehouseisn’tlet—norlikelytobenow.”
“Arethedrainswrong?”Iaskedinananxiouswhisper.
“Oh,Lord,miss,thedrainsisallright!Butsurelyyou’veheardaboutthatforeignladyaswasdonetodeathhere?”
“IbelieveIdidreadsomethingaboutitinthepapers,”Isaidcarelessly.
Myindifferencepiquedthegoodwoman.IfIhadbetrayedanyinterest,shewouldprobablyhavecloseduplikeanoyster.Asitwasshepositivelybridled.
“Ishouldsayyoudid,miss!It’sbeeninallthenewspapers.TheDailyBudget’soutstilltocatchthemanwhodidit.Itseems,accordingtothem,asourpolicearenogoodatall.WellIhopethey’llgethim—althoughanice-lookingfellowhewasandnomistake.Akindofsoldierlylookabouthim—ah,well,Idaresayhe’dbeenwoundedinthewar,andsometimestheygoabitqueeraftwards;mysister’sboydid.Perhapsshe’dusedhimbad—they’reabadlot,thoseforeigners.Thoughshewasafine-lookingwoman.Stoodtherewhereyou’restandingnow.”
“Wasshedarkorfair?”Iventured.“Youcan’ttellfromthesenewspaperportraits.”
“Darkhair,andaverywhiteface—toowhitefornature,Ithought—hadherlipsreddenedsomethingcruel.Idon’tliketoseeit—alittlepowdernowandthenisquiteanotherthing.”
Wewereconversinglikeoldfriendsnow.Iputanotherquestion.
“Didsheseemnervousorupsetatall?”
“Notabit.Shewassmilingtoherself,quietlike,asthoughshewasamusedatsomething.That’swhyyoucouldhaveknockedmedownwithafeatherwhen,thenextafternoon,thosepeoplecamerunningoutcallingforthepoliceandsayingthere’dbeenmurderdone.Ishallnevergetoverit,andasforsettingfootinthathouseafterdarkIwouldn’tdoit,notifitwaseverso.Why,Iwouldn’tevenstayhereatthelodge,ifSirEustacehadn’tbeendownonhisbendedkneestome.”
“IthoughtSirEustacePedlerwasatCannes?”
“Sohewas,miss.HecamebacktoEnglandwhenheheardthenews,and,astothebendedknees,thatwasafigureofspeech,hissecretary,Mr.Pagett,havingofferedusdoublepaytostayon,and,asmyJohnsays,moneyismoneynowadays.”
IconcurredheartilywithJohn’sbynomeansoriginalremarks.
“Theyoungmannow,”saidMrs.James,revertingsuddenlytoaformerpointintheconversation.“Hewasupset.Hiseyes,lighteyes,theywere,Inoticedthemparticular,wasallshining.Excited,Ithought.ButIneverdreamtofanythingbeingwrong.Notevenwhenhecameoutagainlookingallqueer.”
“Howlongwasheinthehouse?”
“Oh,notlong,amatteroffiveminutesmaybe.”
“Howtallwashe,doyouthink?Aboutsixfoot?”
“Ishouldsaysomaybe.”
“Hewasclean-shaven,yousay?”
“Yes,miss—notevenoneofthesetoothbrushmoustaches.”
“Washischinatallshiny?”Iaskedonasuddenimpulse.
Mrs.Jamesstaredatmewithawe.
“Well,nowyoucometomentionit,miss,itwas.Howeverdidyouknow?”
“It’sacuriousthing,butmurderersoftenhaveshinychins,”Iexplainedwildly.
Mrs.Jamesacceptedthestatementinallgoodfaith.
“Really,now,miss.Ineverheardthatbefore.”
“Youdidn’tnoticewhatkindofheadhehad,Isuppose?”
“Justtheordinarykind,miss.I’llfetchyouthekeys,shallI?”
Iacceptedthem,andwentonmywaytotheMillHouse.MyreconstructionssofarIconsideredgood.AllalongIhadrealizedthatthedifferencesbetweenthemanMrs.JameshaddescribedandmyTube“doctor”werethoseofnonessentials.Anovercoat,abeard,gold-rimmedeyeglasses.The“doctor”hadappearedmiddle-aged,butIrememberedthathehadstoopedoverthebodylikeacomparativelyyoungman.Therehadbeenasupplenesswhichtoldofyoungjoints.
Thevictimoftheaccident(theMothBallman,asIcalledhimtomyself)andtheforeignwoman,Mrs.deCastina,orwhateverherrealnamewas,hadhadanassignationtomeetattheMillHouse.ThatwashowIpiecedthethingtogether.Eitherbecausetheyfearedtheywerebeingwatchedorforsomeotherreason,theychosetheratheringeniousmethodofbothgettinganordertoviewthesamehouse.Thustheirmeetingtheremighthavetheappearanceofpurechance.
ThattheMothBallmanhadsuddenlycaughtsightofthe“doctor,”andthatthemeetingwastotallyunexpectedandalarmingtohim,wasanotherfactofwhichIwasfairlysure.Whathadhappenednext?The“doctor”hadremovedhisdisguiseandfollowedthewomantoMarlow.Butitwaspossiblethathadheremoveditratherhastilytracesofspiritgummightstilllingeronhischin.HencemyquestiontoMrs.James.
WhilstoccupiedwithmythoughtsIhadarrivedatthelowold-fashioneddooroftheMillHouse.Unlockingitwiththekey,Ipassedinside.Thehallwaslowanddark,theplacesmeltforlornandmildewy.Inspiteofmyself,Ishivered.Didthewomanwhohadcomehere“smilingtoherself”afewdaysagofeelnochillofpremonitionassheenteredthishouse?Iwondered.Didthesmilefadefromherlips,anddidanamelessdreadcloseroundherheart?Orhadshegoneupstairs,smilingstill,unconsciousofthedoomthatwassosoontoovertakeher?Myheartbeatalittlefaster.Wasthehousereallyempty?Wasdoomwaitingformeinitalso?Forthefirsttime,Iunderstoodthemeaningofthemuch-usedword,“atmosphere.”Therewasanatmosphereinthishouse,anatmosphereofcruelty,ofmenace,ofevil.
Seven
Shakingoffthefeelingsthatoppressedme,Iwentquicklyupstairs.Ihadnodifficultyinfindingtheroomofthetragedy.Onthedaythebodywasdiscoveredithadrainedheavily,andlargemuddybootshadtrampledtheuncarpetedfloorineverydirection.Iwonderedifthemurdererhadleftanyfootmarksthepreviousday.Itwaslikelythatthepolicewouldbereticentonthesubjectifhehad,butonconsiderationIdecideditwasunlikely.Theweatherhadbeenfineanddry.
Therewasnothingofinterestabouttheroom.Itwasalmostsquarewithtwobigbaywindows,plainwhitewallsandabarefloor,theboardsbeingstainedroundtheedgeswherethecarpethadceased.Isearcheditcarefully,buttherewasnotsomuchasapinlyingabout.Thegiftedyoungdetectivedidnotseemlikelytodiscoveraneglectedclue.
Ihadbroughtwithmeapencilandnotebook.Theredidnotseemmuchtonote,butIdulydotteddownabriefsketchoftheroomtocovermydisappointmentatthefailingofmyquest.AsIwasintheactofreturningthepenciltomybag,itslippedfrommyfingersandrolledalongthefloor.
TheMillHousewasreallyold,andthefloorswereveryuneven.Thepencilrolledsteadily,withincreasingmomentum,untilitcametorestunderoneofthewindows.Intherecessofeachwindowtherewasabroadwindowseat,underneathwhichtherewasacupboard.Mypencilwaslyingrightagainstthecupboarddoor.Thecupboardwasshut,butitsuddenlyoccurredtomethatifithadbeenopenmypencilwouldhaverolledinside.Iopenedthedoor,andmypencilimmediatelyrolledinandshelteredmodestlyinthefarthestcorner.Iretrievedit,notingasIdidsothatowingtolackoflightandthepeculiarformationofthecupboardonecouldnotseeit,buthadtofeelforit.Apartfrommypencilthecupboardwasempty,butbeingthoroughbynatureItriedtheoneundertheoppositewindow.
Atfirstsight,itlookedasthoughthatalsowasempty,butIgrubbedaboutperseveringly,andwasrewardedbyfeelingmyhandcloseonahardpapercylinderwhichlayinasortoftrough,ordepression,inthefarcornerofthecupboard.AssoonasIhaditinmyhand,Iknewwhatitwas.ArollofKodakfilms.Herewasafind!
Irealized,ofcourse,thatthesefilmsmightverywellbeanoldrollbelongingtoSirEustacePedlerwhichhadrolledinhereandhadnotbeenfoundwhenthecupboardwasemptied.ButIdidnotthinkso.Theredpaperwasfartoofresh-looking.Itwasjustasdustyasitwouldhavebeenhaditlaintherefortwoorthreedays—thatistosay,sincethemurder.Haditbeenthereforanylengthoftime,itwouldhavebeenthickly-coated.
Whohaddroppedit?Thewomanortheman?Irememberedthatthecontentsofherhandbaghadappearedtobeintact.Ifithadbeenjerkedopeninthestruggleandtherolloffilmshadfallenout,surelysomeoftheloosemoneywouldhavebeenscatteredaboutalso?No,itwasnotthewomanwhohaddroppedthefilms.
Isniffedsuddenlyandsuspiciously.Wasthesmellofmothballsbecominganobsessionwithme?Icouldswearthattherolloffilmssmeltofitalso.Iheldthemundermynose.Theyhad,asusual,astrongsmelloftheirown,butapartfromthatIcouldclearlydetecttheodourIdislikedsomuch.Isoonfoundthecause.Aminutethreadofclothhadcaughtonaroughedgeofthecentrewood,andthatshredwasstronglyimpregnatedwithmothballs.AtsometimeoranotherthefilmshadbeencarriedintheovercoatpocketofthemanwhowaskilledintheTube.Wasithewhohaddroppedthemhere?Hardly.Hismovementswereallaccountedfor.
No,itwastheotherman,the“doctor.”Hehadtakenthefilmswhenhehadtakenthepaper.Itwashewhohaddroppedthemhereduringhisstrugglewiththewoman.
Ihadgotmyclue!Iwouldhavetherolldeveloped,andthenIwouldhavefurtherdevelopmentstoworkupon.
Veryelated,Ileftthehouse,returnedthekeystoMrs.Jamesandmademywayasquicklyaspossibletothestation.Onthewaybacktotown,Itookoutmypaperandstudieditafresh.Suddenlythefigurestookonanewsignificance.Supposetheywereadate?17122.The17thofJanuary,1922.Surelythatmustbeit!IdiotthatIwasnottohavethoughtofitbefore.ButinthatcaseImustfindoutthewhereaboutsofKilmordenCastle,fortodaywasactuallythe14th.Threedays.Littleenough—almosthopelesswhenonehadnoideaofwheretolook!
Itwastoolatetohandinmyrolltoday.IhadtohurryhometoKensingtonsoasnottobelatefordinner.Itoccurredtomethattherewasaneasywayofverifyingwhethersomeofmyconclusionswerecorrect.IaskedMr.Flemmingwhethertherehadbeenacameraamongstthedeadman’sbelongings.Iknewthathehadtakenaninterestinthecaseandwasconversantwithallthedetails.
Tomysurpriseandannoyanceherepliedthattherehadbeennocamera.AllCarton’seffectshadbeengoneoververycarefullyinthehopesoffindingsomethingthatmightthrowlightuponhisstateofmind.Hewaspositivethattherehadbeennophotographicapparatusofanykind.
Thatwasratherasetbacktomytheory.Ifhehadnocamera,whyshouldhebecarryingarolloffilms?
Isetoutearlynextmorningtotakemypreciousrolltobedeveloped.IwassofussythatIwentallthewaytoRegentStreettothebigKodakplace.Ihandeditinandaskedforaprintofeachfilm.Themanfinishedstackingtogetheraheapoffilmspackedinyellowtincylindersforthetropics,andpickedupmyroll.
Helookedatme.
“You’vemadeamistake,Ithink,”hesaid,smiling.
“Oh,no,”Isaid.“I’msureIhaven’t.”
“You’vegivenmethewrongroll.Thisisanunexposedone.”
IwalkedoutwithwhatdignityIcouldmuster.Idaresayitisgoodforonenowandagaintorealizewhatanidiotonecanbe!Butnobodyrelishestheprocess.
Andthen,justasIwaspassingoneofthebigshippingoffices,Icametoasuddenhalt.Inthewindowwasabeautifulmodelofoneofthecompany’sboats,anditwaslabelled“KenilworthCastle.”Awildideashotthroughmybrain.Ipushedthedooropenandwentin.Iwentuptothecounterandinafalteringvoice(genuinethistime!)Imurmured:
“KilmordenCastle?”
“Onthe17thfromSouthampton.CapeTown?Firstorsecondclass?”
“Howmuchisit?”
“Firstclass,eighty-sevenpounds—”
Iinterruptedhim.Thecoincidencewastoomuchforme.Exactlytheamountofmylegacy!Iwouldputallmyeggsinonebasket.
“Firstclass,”Isaid.
Iwasnowdefinitelycommittedtotheadventure.
Eight
(ExtractsfromthediaryofSirEustacePedler,MP)
ItisanextraordinarythingthatIneverseemtogetanypeace.Iamamanwholikesaquietlife.IlikemyClub,myrubberofBridge,awell-cookedmeal,asoundwine.IlikeEnglandinthesummer,andtheRivierainthewinter.Ihavenodesiretoparticipateinsensationalhappenings.Sometimes,infrontofagoodfire,Idonotobjecttoreadingabouttheminthenewspaper.ButthatisasfarasIamwillingtogo.Myobjectinlifeistobethoroughlycomfortable.Ihavedevotedacertainamountofthought,andaconsiderableamountofmoney,tofurtherthatend.ButIcannotsaythatIalwayssucceed.Ifthingsdonotactuallyhappentome,theyhappenroundme,andfrequently,inspiteofmyself,Ibecomeinvolved.Ihatebeinginvolved.
AllthisbecauseGuyPagettcameintomybedroomthismorningwithatelegraminhishandandafaceaslongasamuteatafuneral.
GuyPagettismysecretary,azealous,painstaking,hardworkingfellow,admirableineveryrespect.Iknownoonewhoannoysmemore.ForalongtimeIhavebeenrackingmybrainsastohowtogetridofhim.Butyoucannotverywelldismissasecretarybecauseheprefersworktoplay,likesgettingupearlyinthemorning,andhaspositivelynovices.Theonlyamusingthingaboutthefellowishisface.Hehasthefaceofafourteenth-centurypoisoner—thesortofmantheBorgiasgottodotheiroddjobsforthem.
Iwouldn’tmindsomuchifPagettdidn’tmakemeworktoo.Myideaofworkissomethingthatshouldbeundertakenlightlyandairily—trifledwith,infact!IdoubtifGuyPagetthasevertrifledwithanythinginhislife.Hetakeseverythingseriously.Thatiswhatmakeshimsodifficulttolivewith.
LastweekIhadthebrilliantideaofsendinghimofftoFlorence.HetalkedaboutFlorenceandhowmuchhewantedtogothere.
“Mydearfellow,”Icried,“Youshallgotomorrow.Iwillpayallyourexpenses.”
Januaryisn’ttheusualtimeforgoingtoFlorence,butitwouldbeallonetoPagett.Icouldimaginehimgoingabout,guidebookinhand,religiouslydoingallthepicturegalleries.Andaweek’sfreedomwascheaptomeattheprice.
Ithasbeenadelightfulweek.IhavedoneeverythingIwantedto,andnothingthatIdidnotwanttodo.ButwhenIblinkedmyeyesopen,andperceivedPagettstandingbetweenmeandthelightattheunearthlyhourof9amthismorning,Irealizedthatfreedomwasover.
“Mydearfellow,”Isaid,“hasthefuneralalreadytakenplace,orisitforlaterinthemorning?”
Pagettdoesnotappreciatedryhumour.Hemerelystared.
“Soyouknow,SirEustace?”
“Knowwhat?”Isaidcrossly.“FromtheexpressiononyourfaceIinferredthatoneofyournearanddearrelativeswastobeinterredthismorning.”
Pagettignoredthesallyasfaraspossible.
“Ithoughtyoucouldn’tknowaboutthis.”Hetappedthetelegram.“Iknowyoudislikebeingarousedearly—butitisnineo’clock”—Pagettinsistsonregarding9amaspracticallythemiddleoftheday—“andIthoughtthatunderthecircumstances—”Hetappedthetelegramagain.
“Whatisthatthing?”Iasked.
“It’satelegramfromthepoliceatMarlow.Awomanhasbeenmurderedinyourhouse.”
Thatarousedmeinearnest.
“Whatcolossalcheek,”Iexclaimed.“Whyinmyhouse?Whomurderedher?”
“Theydon’tsay.IsupposeweshallgobacktoEnglandatonce,SirEustace?”
“Youneedsupposenothingofthekind.Whyshouldwegoback?”
“Thepolice—”
“WhatonearthhaveItodowiththepolice?”
“Well,itisyourhouse.”
“That,”Isaid,“appearstobemoremymisfortunethanmyfault.”
GuyPagettshookhisheadgloomily.
“Itwillhaveaveryunfortunateeffectupontheconstituency,”heremarkedlugubriously.
Idon’tseewhyitshouldhave—andyetIhaveafeelingthatinsuchmattersPagett’sinstinctsarealwaysright.Onthefaceofit,aMemberofParliamentwillbenonethelessefficientbecauseastrayyoungwomancomesandgetsherselfmurderedinanemptyhousethatbelongstohim—butthereisnoaccountingfortheviewtherespectableBritishpublictakesofamatter.
“She’saforeignertoo,andthatmakesitworse,”continuedPagettgloomily
AgainIbelieveheisright.Ifitisdisreputabletohaveawomanmurderedinyourhouse,itbecomesmoredisreputableifthewomanisaforeigner.Anotherideastruckme.
“Goodheavens,”Iexclaimed,“Ihopethiswon’tupsetCaroline.”
Carolineistheladywhocooksforme.Incidentallysheisthewifeofmygardener.WhatkindofawifeshemakesIdonotknow,butsheisanexcellentcook.James,ontheotherhand,isnotagoodgardener—butIsupporthiminidlenessandgivehimthelodgetoliveinsolelyonaccountofCaroline’scooking.
“Idon’tsupposeshe’llstayafterthis,”saidPagett.
“Youalwayswereacheerfulfellow,”Isaid.
IexpectIshallhavetogobacktoEngland.PagettclearlyintendsthatIshall.AndthereisCarolinetopacify.
Threedayslater.
ItisincredibletomethatanyonewhocangetawayfromEnglandinwinterdoesnotdoso!Itisanabominableclimate.Allthistroubleisveryannoying.ThehouseagentssayitwillbenexttoimpossibletolettheMillHouseafterallthepublicity.Carolinehasbeenpacified—withdoublepay.WecouldhavesentheracabletothateffectfromCannes.Infact,asIhavesaidallalong,therewasnoearthlypurposetoservebyourcomingover.Ishallgobacktomorrow.
Onedaylater.
Severalverysuprisingthingshaveoccurred.Tobeginwith,ImetAugustusMilray,themostperfectexampleofanoldassthepresentGovernmenthasproduced.HismanneroozeddiplomaticsecrecyashedrewmeasideintheClubintoaquietcorner.Hetalkedagooddeal.AboutSouthAfricaandtheindustrialsituationthere.AboutthegrowingrumoursofastrikeontheRand.Ofthesecretcausesactuatingthatstrike.IlistenedaspatientlyasIcould.Finally,hedroppedhisvoicetoawhisperandexplainedthatcertaindocumentshadcometolightwhichoughttobeplacedinthehandsofGeneralSmuts.
“I’venodoubtyou’requiteright,”Isaid,stiflingayawn.
“Buthowarewetogetthemtohim?Ourpositioninthematterisdelicate—verydelicate.”
“What’swrongwiththepost?”Isaidcheerfully.“Putatwo-pennystamponanddrop’eminthenearestletterbox.”
Heseemedquiteshockedatthesuggestion.
“MydearPedler!Thecommonpost!”
IthasalwaysbeenamysterytomewhyGovernmentsemployKing’sMessengersanddrawsuchattentiontotheirconfidentialdocuments.
“Ifyoudon’tlikethepost,sendoneofyourownyoungfellows.He’llenjoythetrip.”
“Impossible,”saidMilray,wagginghisheadinasenilefashion.“Therearereasons,mydearPedler—Iassureyoutherearereasons.”
“Well,”Isaidrising,“allthisisveryinteresting,butImustbeoff—”
“Oneminute,mydearPedler,oneminute,Ibegofyou.Nowtellme,inconfidence,isitnottruethatyouintendvisitingSouthAfricashortlyyourself?YouhavelargeinterestsinRhodesia,Iknow,andthequestionofRhodesiajoiningintheUnionisoneinwhichyouhaveavitalinterest.”
“Well,Ihadthoughtofgoingoutinaboutamonth’stime.”
“Youcouldn’tpossiblymakeitsooner?Thismonth?Thisweek,infact?”
“Icould,”Isaid,eyeinghimwithsomeinterest.“ButIdon’tknowthatIparticularlywantto.”
“YouwouldbedoingtheGovernmentagreatservice—averygreatservice.Youwouldnotfindthem—er—ungrateful.”
“Meaning,youwantmetobethepostman?”
“Exactly.Yourpositionisanunofficialone,yourjourneyisbonafide.Everythingwouldbeeminentlysatisfactory.”
“Well,”Isaidslowly,“Idon’tmindifIdo.TheonethingIamanxioustodoistogetoutofEnglandagainassoonaspossible.”
“YouwillfindtheclimateofSouthAfricadelightful—quitedelightful.”
“Mydearfellow,Iknowallabouttheclimate.Iwasoutthereshortlybeforethewar.”
“Iamreallymuchobligedtoyou,Pedler.Iwillsendyouroundthepackagebymessenger.TobeplacedinGeneralSmuts’sownhands,youunderstand?TheKilmordenCastlesailsonSaturday—quiteagoodboat.”
IaccompaniedhimashortwayalongPallMall,beforeweparted.Heshookmewarmlybythehand,andthankedmeagaineffusively.IwalkedhomereflectingonthecuriousbywaysofGovernmentalpolicy.
ItwasthefollowingeveningthatJarvis,mybutler,informedmethatagentlemanwishedtoseemeonprivatebusiness,butdeclinedtogivehisname.Ihavealwaysalivelyapprehensionofinsurancetouts,sotoldJarvistosayIcouldnotseehim.GuyPagett,unfortunately,whenhemightforoncehavebeenofrealuse,waslaidupwithabiliousattack.Theseearnest,hardworkingyoungmenwithweakstomachsarealwaysliabletobiliousattacks.
Jarvisreturned.
“Thegentlemanaskedmetotellyou,SirEustace,thathecomestoyoufromMr.Milray.”
Thatalteredthecomplexionofthings.AfewminuteslaterIwasconfrontingmyvisitorinthelibrary.Hewasawell-builtyoungfellowwithadeeplytannedface.Ascarrandiagonallyfromthecornerofhiseyetothejaw,disfiguringwhatwouldotherwisehavebeenahandsomethoughsomewhatrecklesscountenance.
“Well,”Isaid,“what’sthematter?”
“Mr.Milraysentmetoyou,SirEustace.IamtoaccompanyyoutoSouthAfricaasyoursecretary.”
“Mydearfellow,”Isaid,“I’vegotasecretaryalready.Idon’twantanother.”
“Ithinkyoudo,SirEustace.Whereisyoursecretarynow?”
“He’sdownwithabiliousattack,”Iexplained.
“Youaresureit’sonlyabiliousattack?”
“Ofcourseitis.He’ssubjecttothem.”
Myvisitorsmiled.
“Itmayormaynotbeabiliousattack.Timewillshow.ButIcantellyouthis,SirEustace,Mr.Milraywouldnotbesurprisedifanattemptweremadetogetyoursecretaryoutoftheway.Oh,youneedhavenofearforyourself”—Isupposeamomentaryalarmhadflickeredacrossmyface—“youarenotthreatened.Yoursecretaryoutoftheway,accesstoyouwouldbeeasier.Inanycase,Mr.Milraywishesmetoaccompanyyou.Thepassagemoneywillbeouraffair,ofcourse,butyouwilltakethenecessarystepsaboutthepassport,asthoughyouhaddecidedthatyouneededtheservicesofasecondsecretary.”
Heseemedadeterminedyoungman.Westaredateachotherandhestaredmedown.
“Verywell,”Isaidfeebly.
“Youwillsaynothingtoanyoneastomyaccompanyingyou.”
“Verywell,”Isaidagain.
Afterall,perhapsitwasbettertohavethisfellowwithme,butIhadapremonitionthatIwasgettingintodeepwaters.JustwhenIthoughtIhadattainedpeace!
Istoppedmyvisitorashewasturningtodepart.
“ItmightbejustaswellifIknewmynewsecretary’sname,”Iobservedsarcastically.
Heconsideredforaminute.
“HarryRayburnseemsquiteasuitablename,”heobserved.
Itwasacuriouswayofputtingit.
“Verywell,”Isaidforthethirdtime.
Nine
(Anne’sNarrativeResumed)
Itismostundignifiedforaheroinetobeseasick.Inbooksthemoreitrollsandtosses,thebettershelikesit.Wheneverybodyelseisill,shealonestaggersalongthedeck,bravingtheelementsandpositivelyrejoicinginthestorm.IregrettosaythatatthefirstrolltheKilmordengave,Iturnedpaleandhastenedbelow.Asympatheticstewardessreceivedme.Shesuggesteddrytoastandgingerale.
Iremainedgroaninginmycabinforthreedays.Forgottenwasmyquest.Ihadnolongeranyinterestinsolvingmysteries.IwasatotallydifferentAnnetotheonewhohadrushedbacktotheSouthKensingtonsquaresojubilantlyfromtheshippingoffice.
IsmilednowasIremembermyabruptentryintothedrawingroom.Mrs.Flemmingwasalonethere.SheturnedherheadasIentered.
“Isthatyou,Anne,mydear?ThereissomethingIwanttotalkoverwithyou.”
“Yes?”Isaid,curbingmyimpatience.
“MissEmeryisleavingme.”MissEmerywasthegoverness.“Asyouhavenotyetsucceededinfindinganything,Iwonderedifyouwouldcare—itwouldbesoniceifyouremainedwithusaltogether?”
Iwastouched.Shedidn’twantme,Iknew.ItwassheerChristiancharitythatpromptedtheoffer.Ifeltremorsefulformysecretcriticismofher.Gettingup,Iranimpulsivelyacrosstheroomandflungmyarmsroundherneck.
“You’readear,”Isaid.“Adear,adear,adear!Andthankyoueversomuch.Butit’sallright,I’mofftoSouthAfricaonSaturday.”
Myabruptonslaughthadstartledthegoodlady.Shewasnotusedtosuddendemonstrationsofaffection.Mywordsstartledherstillmore.
“ToSouthAfrica?MydearAnne.Wewouldhavetolookintoanythingofthatkindverycarefully.”
ThatwasthelastthingIwanted.IexplainedthatIhadalreadytakenmypassage,andthatuponarrivalIproposedtotakeupdutiesasaparlourmaid.ItwastheonlythingIcouldthinkofonthespurofthemoment.Therewas,Isaid,agreatdemandforparlourmaidsinSouthAfrica.IassuredherthatIwasequaltotakingcareofmyself,andintheend,withasighofreliefatgettingmeoffherhands,sheacceptedtheprojectwithoutfurtherquery.Atparting,sheslippedanenvelopeintomyhand.InsideitIfoundfivenewcrispfive-poundnotesandthewords:“Ihopeyouwillnotbeoffendedandwillacceptthiswithmylove.”Shewasaverygood,kindwoman.Icouldnothavecontinuedtoliveinthesamehousewithher,butIdidrecognizeherintrinsicworth
SohereIwas,withtwenty-fivepoundsinmypocket,facingtheworldandpursuingmyadventure.
Itwasonthefourthdaythatthestewardessfinallyurgedmeupondeck.UndertheimpressionthatIshoulddiequickerbelow,Ihadsteadfastlyrefusedtoleavemybunk.ShenowtemptedmewiththeadventofMadeira.Hoperoseinmybreast.Icouldleavetheboatandgoashoreandbeaparlourmaidthere.Anythingfordryland.
Muffledincoatsandrugs,andweakasakittenonmylegs,Iwashauledupanddeposited,aninertmass,onadeckchair.Ilaytherewithmyeyesclosed,hatinglife.Thepurser,afair-hairedyoungman,witharoundboyishface,cameandsatdownbesideme.
“Hullo!Feelingrathersorryforyourself,eh?”
“Yes,”Ireplied,hatinghim.
“Ah,youwon’tknowyourselfinanotherdayortwo.We’vehadarathernastydustingintheBay,butthere’ssmoothweatherahead.I’llbetakingyouonatquoitstomorrow.”
Ididnotreply.
“Thinkyou’llneverrecover,eh?ButI’veseenpeoplemuchworsethanyou,andtwodayslatertheywerethelifeandsouloftheship.You’llbethesame.”
Ididnotfeelsufficientlypugnacioustotellhimoutrightthathewasaliar.Iendeavouredtoconveyitbyaglance.Hechattedpleasantlyforafewminutesmore,thenhemercifullydeparted.Peoplepassedandrepassed,briskcouples“exercising,”curvetingchildren,laughingyoungpeople.Afewotherpallidsuffererslay,likemyself,indeckchairs.
Theairwaspleasant,crisp,nottoocold,andthesunwasshiningbrightly.Insensibly,Ifeltalittlecheered.Ibegantowatchthepeople.Onewomaninparticularattractedme.Shewasaboutthirty,ofmediumheightandveryfairwitharounddimpledfaceandveryblueeyes.Herclothes,thoughperfectlyplain,hadthatindefinableairof“cut”aboutthemwhichspokeofParis.Also,inapleasantbutself-possessedway,sheseemedtoowntheship!
Deckstewardsrantoandfroobeyinghercommands.Shehadaspecialdeckchair,andanapparentlyinexhaustiblesupplyofcushions.Shechangedhermindthreetimesastowhereshewouldlikeitplaced.Throughouteverythingsheremainedattractiveandcharming.Sheappearedtobeoneofthoserarepeopleintheworldwhoknowwhattheywant,seethattheygetit,andmanagetodosowithoutbeingoffensive.IdecidedthatifeverIrecovered—butofcourseIshouldn’t—itwouldamusemetotalktoher.
WereachedMadeiraaboutmidday.Iwasstilltooinerttomove,butIenjoyedthepicturesque-lookingmerchantswhocameonboardandspreadtheirmerchandiseaboutthedecks.Therewereflowerstoo.Iburiedmynoseinanenormousbunchofsweetwetvioletsandfeltdistinctlybetter.Infact,IthoughtImightjustpossiblylastouttheendofthevoyage.Whenmystewardessspokeoftheattractionsofalittlechickenbroth,Ionlyprotestedfeebly.WhenitcameIenjoyedit.
Myattractivewomanhadbeenashore.Shecamebackescortedbyatall,soldierly-lookingmanwithdarkhairandabronzedfacewhomIhadnoticedstridingupanddownthedeckearlierintheday.IputhimdownatonceasoneofthestrongsilentmenofRhodesia.Hewasaboutforty,withatouchofgreyinghairateithertemple,andwaseasilythebest-lookingmanonboard.
Whenthestewardessbroughtmeupanextrarug,Iaskedherifsheknewwhomyattractivewomanwas.
“That’sawell-knownsocietylady,theHon.Mrs.ClarenceBlair.Youmusthavereadaboutherinthepapers.”
Inodded,lookingatherwithrenewedinterest.Mrs.Blairwasverywell-knownindeedasoneofthesmartestwomenoftheday.Iobserved,withsomeamusement,thatshewasthecentreofagooddealofattention.Severalpeopleessayedtoscrapeacquaintancewiththepleasantinformalitythataboatallows.IadmiredthepolitewaythatMrs.Blairsnubbedthem.Sheappearedtohaveadoptedthestrong,silentmanasherspecialcavalier,andheseemeddulysensibleoftheprivilegeaccordedhim.
Thefollowingmorning,tomysurprise,aftertakingafewturnsroundthedeckwithherattentivecompanion,Mrs.Blaircametoahaltbymychair.
“Feelingbetterthismorning?”
Ithankedher,andsaidIfeltslightlymorelikeahumanbeing.
“Youdidlookillyesterday.ColonelRaceandIdecidedthatweshouldhavetheexcitementofafuneralatsea—butyou’vedisappointedus.”
Ilaughed.
“Beingupintheairhasdonemegood.”
“Nothinglikefreshair,”saidColonelRace,smiling.
“Beingshutupinthosestuffycabinswouldkillanyone,”declaredMrs.Blair,droppingintoaseatbymysideanddismissinghercompanionwithalittlenod.“You’vegotanoutsideone,Ihope?”
Ishookmyhead.
“Mydeargirl!Whydon’tyouchange?There’splentyofroom.AlotofpeoplegotoffatMadeira,andtheboat’sveryempty.Talktothepurseraboutit.He’sanicelittleboy—hechangedmeintoabeautifulcabinbecauseIdidn’tcarefortheoneI’dgot.Youtalktohimatlunchtimewhenyougodown.”
Ishuddered.
“Icouldn’tmove.”
“Don’tbesilly.Comeandtakeawalknowwithme.”
Shedimpledatmeencouragingly.Ifeltveryweakonmylegsatfirst,butaswewalkedbrisklyupanddownIbegantofeelabrighterandbetterbeing.
Afteraturnortwo,ColonelRacejoinedusagain.
“YoucanseetheGrandPeakofTenerifefromtheotherside.”
“Canwe?CanIgetaphotographofit,doyouthink?”
“No—butthatwon’tdeteryoufromsnappingoffatit.”
Mrs.Blairlaughed.
“Youareunkind.Someofmyphotographsareverygood.”
“Aboutthreepercenteffective,Ishouldsay.”
Weallwentroundtotheothersideofthedeck.There,glimmeringwhiteandsnowy,envelopedinadelicaterose-colouredmist,rosetheglisteningpinnacle.Iutteredanexclamationofdelight.Mrs.Blairranforhercamera.
UndeterredbyColonelRace’ssardoniccomments,shesnappedvigorously:
“There,that’stheendoftheroll.Oh,”hertonechangedtooneofchagrin,“I’vehadthethingat‘bulb’allthetime.”
“Ialwaysliketoseeachildwithanewtoy,”murmuredtheColonel.
“Howhorridyouare—butI’vegotanotherroll.”
Sheproduceditintriumphfromthepocketofhersweater.Asuddenrolloftheboatupsetherbalance,andasshecaughtattherailtosteadyherselftherolloffilmsflashedovertheside.
“Oh!”criedMrs.Blair,comicallydismayed.Sheleanedover.“Doyouthinktheyhavegoneoverboard?”
“No,youmayhavebeenfortunateenoughtobrainanunluckystewardinthedeckbelow.”
Asmallboywhohadarrivedunobservedafewpacestoourrearblewadeafeningblastonabugle.
“Lunch,”declaredMrs.Blairecstatically.“I’vehadnothingtoeatsincebreakfast,excepttwocupsofbeeftea.Lunch,MissBeddingfeld?”
“Well,”Isaidwaveringly.“Yes,Idofeelratherhungry.”
“Splendid.You’resittingatthepurser’stable,Iknow.Tacklehimaboutthecabin.”
Ifoundmywaydowntothesaloon,begantoeatgingerly,andfinishedbyconsuminganenormousmeal.Myfriendofyesterdaycongratulatedmeonmyrecovery.Everyonewaschangingcabinstoday,hetoldme,andhepromisedthatmythingsshouldbemovedtoanoutsideonewithoutdelay.
Therewereonlyfouratourtable.Myself,acoupleofelderlyladies,andamissionarywhotalkedalotabout“ourpoorblackbrothers.”
Ilookedroundattheothertables.Mrs.BlairwassittingattheCaptain’stable.ColonelRacenexttoher.OntheothersideoftheCaptainwasadistinguished-looking,grey-hairedman.AgoodmanypeopleIhadalreadynoticedondeck,buttherewasonemanwhohadnotpreviouslyappeared.Hadhedoneso,hecouldhardlyhaveescapedmynotice.Hewastallanddark,andhadsuchapeculiarlysinistertypeofcountenancethatIwasquitestartled.Iaskedthepurser,withsomecuriosity,whohewas.
“Thatman?Oh,that’sSirEustacePedler’ssecretary.Beenveryseasick,poorchap,andnotappearedbefore.SirEustacehasgottwosecretarieswithhim,andthesea’sbeentoomuchforbothofthem.Theotherfellowhasn’tturnedupyet.Thisman’snameisPagett.”
SoSirEustacePedler,theowneroftheMillHouse,wasonboard.Probablyonlyacoincidence,andyet—
“That’sSirEustace,”myinformantcontinued,“sittingnexttotheCaptain.Pompousoldass.”
ThemoreIstudiedthesecretary’sface,thelessIlikedit.Itsevenpallor,thesecretive,heavy-liddedeyes,thecuriouslyflattenedhead—itallgaveafeelingofdistaste,ofapprehension.
Leavingthesaloonatthesametimeashedid,Iwasclosebehindhimashewentupondeck.HewasspeakingtoSirEustace,andIoverheardafragmentortwo.
“I’llseeaboutthecabinatoncethen,shallI?It’simpossibletoworkinyours,withallyourtrunks.”
“Mydearfellow,”SirEustacereplied.“Mycabinisintended(a)formetosleepin,and(b)toattempttodressin.Ineverhadanyintentionsofallowingyoutosprawlabouttheplacemakinganinfernalclickingwiththattypewriterofyours.”
“That’sjustwhatIsay,SirEustace,wemusthavesomewheretowork—”
HereIpartedcompanyfromthem,andwentbelowtoseeifmyremovalwasinprogress.Ifoundmystewardbusyatthetask.
“Verynicecabin,miss.OnDdeck.No.13.”
“Oh,no!”Icried.“Not13.”
13istheonethingIamsuperstitiousabout.Itwasanicecabintoo.Iinspectedit,wavered,butafoolishsuperstitionprevailed.Iappealedalmosttearfullytothesteward.
“Isn’tthereanyothercabinIcanhave?”
Thestewardreflected.
“Well,there’s17,justalongthestarboardside.Thatwasemptythismorning,butIratherfancyit’sbeenallottedtosomeone.Still,asthegentleman’sthingsaren’tinyet,andasgentlemenaren’tanythinglikesosuperstitiousasladies,Idaresayhewouldn’tmindchanging.”
Ihailedthepropositiongratefully,andthestewarddepartedtoobtainpermissionfromthepurser.Hereturnedgrinning.
“That’sallright,miss.Wecangoalong.”
Heledthewayto17.ItwasnotquiteaslargeasNo.13,butIfounditeminentlysatisfactory.
“I’llfetchyourthingsrightaway,miss,”saidthesteward.
Butatthatmomentthemanwiththesinisterface(asIhadnicknamedhim)appearedinthedoorway.
“Excuseme,”hesaid,“butthiscabinisreservedfortheuseofSirEustacePedler.”
“That’sallright,sir,”explainedthesteward.“We’refittingupNo.13instead.”
“No,itwasNo.17Iwastohave.”
“No.13isabettercabin,sir—larger.”
“IspeciallyselectedNo.17,andthepursersaidIcouldhaveit.”
“I’msorry,”Isaidcoldly.“ButNo.17hasbeenallottedtome.”
“Ican’tagreetothat.”
Thestewardputinhisoar.
“Theothercabin’sjustthesame,onlybetter.”
“IwantNo.17.”
“What’sallthis?”demandedanewvoice.“Steward,putmythingsinhere.Thisismycabin.”
Itwasmyneighbouratlunch,theRev.EdwardChichester.
“Ibegyourpardon,”Isaid.“It’smycabin.”
“ItisallottedtoSirEustacePedler,”saidMr.Pagett.
Wewereallgettingratherheated.
“I’msorrytohavetodisputethematter,”saidChichesterwithameeksmilewhichfailedtomaskhisdeterminationtogethisownway.Meekmenarealwaysobstinate,Ihavenoticed.
Heedgedhimselfsidewaysintothedoorway.
“You’retohaveNo.28ontheportside,”saidthesteward.“Averygoodcabin,sir.”
“IamafraidthatImustinsist.No.17wasthecabinpromisedtome.”
Wehadcometoanimpasse.Eachoneofuswasdeterminednottogiveway.Strictlyspeaking,I,atanyrate,mighthaveretiredfromthecontestandeasedmattersbyofferingtoacceptCabin28.SolongasIdidnothave13itwasimmaterialtomewhatothercabinIhad.Butmybloodwasup.Ihadnottheleastintentionofbeingthefirsttogiveway.AndIdislikedChichester.Hehadfalseteeththatclickedwhenheate.Manymenhavebeenhatedforless.
Weallsaidthesamethingsoveragain.Thestewardassuredus,evenmorestrongly,thatboththeothercabinswerebettercabins.Noneofuspaidanyattentiontohim.
Pagettbegantolosehistemper.Chichesterkepthisserenely.WithaneffortIalsokeptmine.Andstillnoneofuswouldgivewayaninch.
Awinkandawhisperedwordfromthestewardgavememycue.Ifadedunobtrusivelyfromthescene.Iwasluckyenoughtoencounterthepurseralmostimmediately.
“Oh,please,”Isaid,“youdidsayIcouldhavecabin17?Andtheotherswon’tgoaway.Mr.ChichesterandMr.Pagett.Youwillletmehaveit,won’tyou?”
Ialwayssaythattherearenopeoplelikesailorsforbeingnicetowomen.Mylittlepursercametoscratchsplendidly.Hestrodetothescene,informedthedisputantsthatNo.17wasmycabin,theycouldhaveNos13and28respectivelyorstaywheretheywere—whichevertheychose.
Ipermittedmyeyestotellhimwhataherohewasandtheninstalledmyselfinmynewdomain.Theencounterhaddonemeworldsofgood.Theseawassmooth,theweathergrowingdailywarmer.Seasicknesswasathingofthepast!
Iwentupondeckandwasinitiatedintothemysteriesofdeckquoits.Ienteredmynameforvarioussports.Teawasservedondeck,andIateheartily.Aftertea,Iplayedshovelboardwithsomepleasantyoungmen.Theywereextraordinarilynicetome.Ifeltthatlifewassatisfactoryanddelightful.
ThedressingbuglecameasasurpriseandIhurriedtomynewcabin.Thestewardesswasawaitingmewithatroubledface.
“There’saterriblesmellinyourcabin,miss.Whatitis,I’msureIcan’tthink,butIdoubtifyou’llbeabletosleephere.There’sadeckcabinuponCdeck.Youmightmoveintothat—justforthenight,anyway.”
Thesmellreallywasprettybad—quitenauseating.ItoldthestewardessIwouldthinkoverthequestionofmovingwhilstIdressed.Ihurriedovermytoilet,sniffingdistastefullyasIdidso.
Whatwasthesmell?Deadrat?No,worsethanthat—andquitedifferent.YetIknewit!ItwassomethingIhadsmeltbefore.Something—Ah!Ihadgotit.Asafoetida!Ihadworkedinahospitaldispensaryduringthewarforashorttimeandhadbecomeacquaintedwithvariousnauseousdrugs.
Asafoetida,thatwasit.Buthow—
Isankdownonthesofa,suddenlyrealizingthething.Somebodyhadputapinchofasafoetidainmycabin.Why?SothatIshouldvacateit?Whyweretheysoanxioustogetmeout?Ithoughtofthescenethisafternoonfromaratherdifferentpointofview.WhatwasitaboutCabin17thatmadesomanypeopleanxioustogetholdofit?Theothertwocabinswerebettercabins;whyhadbothmeninsistedonstickingto17?
17.Howthenumberpersisted!Itwasonthe17thIhadsailedfromSouthampton.Itwasa17—Istoppedwithasuddengasp.QuicklyIunlockedmysuitcase,andtookmypreciouspaperfromitsplaceofconcealmentinsomerolledstockings.
17122—Ihadtakenthatforadate,thedateofdepartureoftheKilmordenCastle.SupposingIwaswrong.WhenIcametothinkofit,wouldanyone,writingdownadate,thinkitnecessarytoputtheyearaswellasthemonth?Supposing17meantCabin17?and1?Thetime—oneo’clock.Then22mustbethedate.Ilookedupatmylittlealmanac.
Tomorrowwasthe22nd!
Ten
Iwasviolentlyexcited.IwassurethatIhadhitontherighttrailatlast.Onethingwasclear,Imustnotmoveoutofthecabin.Theasafoetidahadgottobeborne.Iexaminedmyfactsagain.
Tomorrowwasthe22nd,andat1amor1pmsomethingwouldhappen.Iplumpedfor1am.Itwasnowseveno’clock.InsixhoursIshouldknow.
Idon’tknowhowIgotthroughtheevening.Iretiredtomycabinfairlyearly.IhadtoldthestewardessthatIhadacoldintheheadanddidn’tmindsmells.Shestillseemeddistressed,butIwasfirm.
Theeveningseemedinterminable.Idulyretiredtobed,butinviewofemergenciesIswathedmyselfinathickflanneldressinggown,andencasedmyfeetinslippers.ThusattiredIfeltthatIcouldspringupandtakeanactivepartinanythingthathappened.
WhatdidIexpecttohappen?Ihardlyknew.Vaguefancies,mostofthemwildlyimprobable,flittedthroughmybrain.ButonethingIwasfirmlyconvincedof,atoneo’clocksomethingwouldhappen.
AtvarioustimesIheardfellowpassengerscomingtobed.Fragmentsofconversation,laughinggoodnights,floatedinthroughtheopentransom.Then,silence.Mostofthelightswentout.Therewasstilloneinthepassageoutside,andtherewasthereforeacertainamountoflightinmycabin.Iheardeightbellsgo.ThehourthatfollowedseemedthelongestIhadeverknown.IconsultedmywatchsurreptitiouslytobesureIhadnotovershotthetime.
Ifmydeductionswerewrong,ifnothinghappenedatoneo’clock,Ishouldhavemadeafoolofmyself,andspentallthemoneyIhadintheworldonamare’snest.Myheartbeatpainfully.
Twobellswentoverhead.Oneo’clock!Andnothing.Wait—whatwasthat?Iheardthequicklightpatteroffeetrunning—runningalongthepassage.
Thenwiththesuddennessofabombshellmycabindoorburstopenandamanalmostfellinside.
“Saveme,”hesaidhoarsely.“They’reafterme.”
Itwasnotamomentforargumentorexplanation.Icouldhearfootstepsoutside.Ihadaboutfortysecondsinwhichtoact.Ihadsprungtomyfeetandwasstandingfacingthestrangerinthemiddleofthecabin.
Acabindoesnotaboundinhidingplacesforasix-footman.WithonearmIpulledoutmycabintrunk.Heslippeddownbehinditunderthebunk.Iraisedthelid.Atthesametime,withtheotherhandIpulleddownthewashbasin.Adeftmovementandmyhairwasscrewedintoatinyknotonthetopofmyhead.Fromthepointofviewofappearanceitwasinartistic,fromanotherstandpointitwassupremelyartistic.Alady,withherhairscrewedintoanunbecomingknobandintheactofremovingapieceofsoapfromhertrunkwithwhich,apparently,towashherneck,couldhardlybesuspectedofharbouringafugitive.
Therewasaknockatthedoor,andwithoutwaitingformetosay“Comein”itwaspushedopen.
Idon’tknowwhatIexpectedtosee.IthinkIhadvagueideasofMr.Pagettbrandishingarevolver.Ormymissionaryfriendwithasandbag,orsomeotherlethalweapon.ButIcertainlydidnotexpecttoseeanightstewardess,withaninquiringfaceandlookingtheessenceofrespectability.
“Ibegyourpardon,miss,Ithoughtyoucalledout.”
“No,”Isaid,“Ididn’t.”
“I’msorryforinterruptingyou.”
“That’sallright,”Isaid.“Icouldn’tsleep.Ithoughtawashwoulddomegood.”ItsoundedratherasthoughitwereathingIneverhadasageneralrule.
“I’msosorry,miss,”saidthestewardessagain.“Butthere’sagentlemanaboutwho’sratherdrunkandweareafraidhemightgetintooneoftheladies’cabinsandfrightenthem.”
“Howdreadful!”Isaid,lookingalarmed.“Hewon’tcomeinhere,willhe?”
“Oh,Idon’tthinkso,miss.Ringthebellifhedoes.Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
Iopenedthedoorandpeepeddownthecorridor.Exceptfortheretreatingformofthestewardess,therewasnobodyinsight.
Drunk!Sothatwastheexplanationofit.Myhistrionictalentshadbeenwasted.Ipulledthecabintrunkoutalittlefartherandsaid:“Comeoutatonce,please,”inanacidvoice.
Therewasnoanswer.Ipeeredunderthebunk.Myvisitorlayimmoveable.Heseemedtobeasleep.Ituggedathisshoulder.Hedidnotmove.
“Deaddrunk,”Ithoughtvexedly.“WhatamItodo?”
ThenIsawsomethingthatmademecatchmybreath,asmallscarletspotonthefloor.
Usingallmystrength,Isucceededindraggingthemanoutintothemiddleofthecabin.Thedeadwhitenessofhisfaceshowedthathehadfainted.Ifoundthecauseofhisfaintingeasilyenough.Hehadbeenstabbedundertheleftshoulderblade—anastydeepwound.Igothiscoatoffandsettoworktoattendtoit.
Atthestingofthecoldwaterhestirred,thensatup.
“Keepstill,please,”Isaid.
Hewasthekindofyoungmanwhorecovershisfacultiesveryquickly.Hepulledhimselftohisfeetandstoodthereswayingalittle.
“Thankyou;Idon’tneedanythingdoneforme.”
Hismannerwasdefiant,almostaggressive.Notawordofthanks—ofevencommongratitude!
“Thatisanastywound.Youmustletmedressit.”
“Youwilldonothingofthekind.”
HeflungthewordsinmyfaceasthoughIhadbeenbeggingafavourofhim.Mytemper,neverplacid,rose.
“Icannotcongratulateyouonyourmanners,”Isaidcoldly.
“Icanatleastrelieveyouofmypresence.”Hestartedforthedoor,butreeledashedidso.WithanabruptmovementIpushedhimdownuponthesofa.
“Don’tbeafool,”Isaidunceremoniously.“Youdon’twanttogobleedingallovertheship,doyou?”
Heseemedtoseethesenseofthat,forhesatquietlywhilstIbandagedupthewoundasbestIcould.
“There,”Isaid,bestowingapatonmyhandiwork,“thatwillhavetodoforthepresent.Areyoubetter-temperednowanddoyoufeelinclinedtotellmewhatit’sallabout?”
“I’msorrythatIcan’tsatisfyyourverynaturalcuriosity.”
“Whynot?”Isaid,chagrined.
Hesmilednastily.
“Ifyouwantathingbroadcast,tellawoman.Otherwisekeepyourmouthshut.”
“Don’tyouthinkIcouldkeepasecret?”
“Idon’tthink—Iknow.”
Herosetohisfeet.
“Atanyrate,”Isaidspitefully,“Ishallbeabletodoalittlebroadcastingabouttheeventsofthisevening.”
“I’venodoubtyouwilltoo,”hesaidindifferently.
“Howdareyou!”Icriedangrily.
Wewerefacingeachother,glaringateachotherwiththeferocityofbitterenemies.Forthefirsttime,Itookinthedetailsofhisappearance,theclose-croppeddarkhead,theleanjaw,thescaronthebrowncheek,thecuriouslightgreyeyesthatlookedintominewithasortofrecklessmockeryhardtodescribe.Therewassomethingdangerousabouthim.
“Youhaven’tthankedmeyetforsavingyourlife!”Isaidwithfalsesweetness.
Ihithimthere.Isawhimflinchdistinctly.IntuitivelyIknewthathehatedabovealltoberemindedthatheowedhislifetome.Ididn’tcare.Iwantedtohurthim.Ihadneverwantedtohurtanyonesomuch.
“IwishtoGodyouhadn’t!”hesaidexplosively.“I’dbebetterdeadandoutofit.”
“I’mgladyouacknowledgethedebt.Youcan’tgetoutofit.IsavedyourlifeandI’mwaitingforyoutosay‘Thankyou.’”
Iflookscouldhavekilled,Ithinkhewouldhavelikedtokillmethen.Hepushedroughlypastme.Atthedoorheturnedback,andspokeoverhisshoulder.
“Ishallnotthankyou—noworatanyothertime.ButIacknowledgethedebt.SomedayIwillpayit.”
Hewasgone,leavingmewithclenchedhands,andmyheartbeatinglikeamillrace.
Eleven
Therewerenofurtherexcitementsthatnight.Ihadbreakfastinbedandgotuplatethenextmorning.Mrs.BlairhailedmeasIcameondeck.
“Goodmorning,gipsygirl.Sitdownherebyme.Youlookasthoughyouhadn’tsleptwell.”
“Whydoyoucallmethat?”Iasked,asIsatdownobediently.
“Doyoumind?Itsuitsyousomehow.I’vecalledyouthatinmyownmindfromthebeginning.It’sthegipsyelementinyouthatmakesyousodifferentfromanyoneelse.IdecidedinmyownmindthatyouandColonelRaceweretheonlytwopeopleonboardwhowouldn’tboremetodeathtotalkto.”
“That’sfunny,”Isaid.“Ithoughtthesameaboutyou—onlyit’smoreunderstandableinyourcase.You’re—you’resuchanexquisitelyfinishedproduct.”
“Notbadlyput,”saidMrs.Blair,noddingherhead.“Tellmeaboutyourself,gipsygirl.WhyareyougoingtoSouthAfrica?”
ItoldhersomethingaboutPapa’slifework.
“Soyou’reCharlesBeddingfeld’sdaughter?Ithoughtyouweren’tamereprovincialmiss!AreyougoingtoBrokenHilltogrubupmoreskulls?”
“Imay,”Isaidcautiously.“I’vegototherplansaswell.”
“Whatamysteriousminxyouare.Butyoudolooktiredthismorning.Didn’tyousleepwell?Ican’tkeepawakeonboardaboat.Tenhours”sleepforafool,theysay!Icoulddowithtwenty!”
Sheyawned,lookinglikeasleepykitten.“AnidiotofastewardwokemeupinthemiddleofthenighttoreturnmethatrolloffilmsIdroppedyesterday.Hediditinthemostmelodramaticmanner,stuckhisarmthroughtheventilatoranddroppedthemneatlyinthemiddleofmytummy.Ithoughtitwasabombforamoment!”
“Here’syourColonel,”Isaid,asthetallsoldierlyfigureofColonelRaceappearedonthedeck.
“He’snotmyColonelparticularly.Infactheadmiresyouverymuch,gipsygirl.Sodon’trunaway.”
“Iwanttotiesomethingroundmyhead.Itwillbemorecomfortablethanahat.”
Islippedquicklyaway.ForsomereasonorotherIwasuncomfortablewithColonelRace.Hewasoneofthefewpeoplewhowerecapableofmakingmefeelshy.
IwentdowntomycabinandbeganlookingforsomethingwithwhichIcouldrestrainmyrebelliouslocks.NowIamatidyperson,IlikemythingsalwaysarrangedinacertainwayandIkeepthemso.IhadnosooneropenedmydrawerthanIrealizedthatsomebodyhadbeendisarrangingmythings.Everythinghadbeenturnedoverandscattered.Ilookedintheotherdrawersandthesmallhangingcupboard.Theytoldthesametale.Itwasasthoughsomeonehadbeenmakingahurriedandineffectualsearchforsomething.
Isatdownontheedgeofthebunkwithagraveface.Whohadbeensearchingmycabinandwhathadtheybeenlookingfor?Wasitthehalfsheetofpaperwithscribbledfiguresandwords?Ishookmyhead,dissatisfied.Surelythatwaspasthistorynow.Butwhatelsecouldtherebe?
Iwantedtothink.Theeventsoflastnight,thoughexciting,hadnotreallydoneanythingtoelucidatematters.Whowastheyoungmanwhohadburstintomycabinsoabruptly?Ihadnotseenhimonboardpreviously,eitherondeckorinthesaloon.Washeoneoftheship’scompanyorwasheapassenger?Whohadstabbedhim?Whyhadtheystabbedhim?Andwhy,inthenameofgoodness,shouldCabinNo17figuresoprominently?Itwasallamystery,buttherewasnodoubtthatsomeverypeculiaroccurrencesweretakingplaceontheKilmordenCastle
Icountedoffonmyfingersthepeopleonwhomitbehovedmetokeepwatch.
Settingasidemyvisitorofthenightbefore,butpromisingmyselfthatIwoulddiscoverhimonboardbeforeanotherdayhadpassed,Iselectedthefollowingpersonsasworthyofmynotice:
(1)SirEustacePedler.HewastheowneroftheMillHouse,andhispresenceontheKilmordenCastleseemedsomethingofacoincidence.
(2)Mr.Pagett,thesinister-lookingsecretary,whoseeagernesstoobtainCabin17hadbeensoverymarked.N.B.—FindoutwhetherhehadaccompaniedSirEustacetoCannes.
(3)TheRev.EdwardChichester.AllIhadagainsthimwashisobstinacyoverCabin17,andthatmightbeentirelyduetohisownpeculiartemperament.Obstinacycanbeanamazingthing.
ButalittleconversationwithMr.Chichesterwouldnotcomeamiss,Idecided.Hastilytyingahandkerchiefroundmyhair,Iwentupondeckagain,fullofpurpose.Iwasinluck.Myquarrywasleaningagainsttherail,drinkingbeeftea.Iwentuptohim.
“Ihopeyou’veforgivenmeoverCabin17,”Isaid,withmybestsmile.
“Iconsideritunchristiantobearagrudge,”saidMr.Chichestercoldly.“Butthepurserhaddistinctlypromisedmethatcabin.”
“Pursersaresuchbusymen,aren’tthey?”Isaidvaguely.“Isupposethey’reboundtoforgetsometimes.”
Mr.Chichesterdidnotreply.
“IsthisyourfirstvisittoSouthAfrica?”Iinquiredconversationally.
“ToSouthAfrica,yes.ButIhaveworkedforthelasttwoyearsamongstthecannibaltribesintheinteriorofEastAfrica.”
“Howthrilling!Haveyouhadmanynarrowescapes?”
“Escapes?”
“Ofbeingeaten,Imean?”
“Youshouldnottreatsacredsubjectswithlevity,MissBeddingfeld.”
“Ididn’tknowthatcannibalismwasasacredsubject,”Iretorted,stung.
Asthewordsleftmylips,anotherideastruckme.IfMr.ChichesterhadindeedspentthelasttwoyearsintheinteriorofAfrica,howwasitthathewasnotmoresunburnt?Hisskinwasaspinkandwhiteasababy’s.Surelytherewassomethingfishythere?Yethismannerandvoiceweresoabsolutelyit.Toomuchso,perhaps.Washe—orwashenot—justalittlelikeastageclergyman?
IcastmymindbacktothecuratesIhadknownatLittleHampsley.SomeofthemIhadliked,someofthemIhadnot,butcertainlynoneofthemhadbeenquitelikeMr.Chichester.Theyhadbeenhuman—hewasaglorifiedtype.
IwasdebatingallthiswhenSirEustacePedlerpasseddownthedeck.JustashewasabreastofMr.Chichester,hestoopedandpickedupapieceofpaperwhichhehandedtohim,remarking,“You’vedroppedsomething.”
Hepassedonwithoutstopping,andsoprobablydidnotnoticeMr.Chichester’sagitation.Idid.Whateveritwashehaddropped,itsrecoveryagitatedhimconsiderably.Heturnedasicklygreen,andcrumpledupthesheetofpaperintoaball.Mysuspicionswereaccentuatedahundredfold.
Hecaughtmyeye,andhurriedintoexplanations.
“A—a—fragmentofasermonIwascomposing,”hesaidwithasicklysmile.
“Indeed?”Irejoinedpolitely.
Afragmentofasermon,indeed!No,Mr.Chichester—tooweakforwords!
Hesoonleftmewithamutteredexcuse.Iwished,oh,howIwished,thatIhadbeentheonetopickupthatpaperandnotSirEustacePedler!Onethingwasclear,Mr.Chichestercouldnotbeexemptedfrommylistofsuspects.Iwasinclinedtoputhimtopofthethree.
Afterlunch,whenIcameuptotheloungeforcoffee,InoticedSirEustaceandPagettsittingwithMrs.BlairandColonelRace.Mrs.Blairwelcomedmewithasmile,soIwentoverandjoinedthem.TheyweretalkingaboutItaly.
“Butitismisleading,”Mrs.Blairinsisted.“Aquacaldacertainlyoughttobecoldwater—nothot.”
“You’renotaLatinscholar,”saidSirEustace,smiling.
“MenaresosuperiorabouttheirLatin,”saidMrs.Blair.“ButallthesameInoticethatwhenyouaskthemtotranslateinscriptionsinoldchurchestheycanneverdoit!Theyhemandhaw,andgetoutofitsomehow.”
“Quiteright,”saidColonelRace.“Ialwaysdo.”
“ButIlovetheItalians,”continuedMrs.Blair.“They’resoobliging—thougheventhathasitsembarrassingside.Youaskthemthewaysomewhere,andinsteadofsaying‘firsttotheright,secondtotheleft’orsomethingthatonecouldfollow,theypouroutafloodofwell-meaningdirections,andwhenyoulookbewilderedtheytakeyoukindlybythearmandwalkallthewaytherewithyou.”
“IsthatyourexperienceinFlorence,Pagett?”askedSirEustace,turningwithasmiletohissecretary.
ForsomereasonthequestionseemedtodisconcertMr.Pagett.Hestammeredandflushed.
“Oh,quiteso,yes—erquiteso.”
Thenwithamurmuredexcuse,heroseandleftthetable.
“IambeginningtosuspectGuyPagettofhavingcommittedsomedarkdeedinFlorence,”remarkedSirEustace,gazingafterhissecretary’sretreatingfigure.“WheneverFlorenceorItalyismentioned,hechangesthesubjectorboltsprecipitately.”
“Perhapshemurderedsomeonethere,”saidMrs.Blairhopefully.“Helooks—IhopeI’mnothurtingyourfeelings,SirEustace—buthedoeslookasthoughhemightmurdersomeone.”
“Yes,pureCinquecento!Itamusesmesometimes—especiallywhenoneknowsaswellasIdohowessentiallylaw-abidingandrespectablethepoorfellowreallyis.”
“He’sbeenwithyousometime,hasn’the,SirEustace?”askedColonelRace
“Sixyears,”saidSirEustacewithadeepsigh.
“Hemustbequiteinvaluabletoyou,”saidMrs.Blair.
“Oh,invaluable!Yes,quiteinvaluable.”Thepoormansoundedevenmoredepressed,asthoughtheinvaluablenessofMr.Pagettwasasecretgrieftohim.Thenheaddedmorebriskly:“Buthisfaceshouldreallyinspireyouwithconfidence,mydearlady.Noself-respectingmurdererwouldeverconsenttolooklikeone.Crippen,now,Ibelieve,wasoneofthepleasantestfellowsimaginable.”
“Hewascaughtonaliner,wasn’the?”murmuredMrs.Blair.
Therewasaslightrattlebehindus.Iturnedquickly.Mr.Chichesterhaddroppedhiscoffeecup.
Ourpartysoonbrokeup;Mrs.BlairwentbelowtosleepandIwentoutondeck.ColonelRacefollowedme.
“You’reveryelusive,MissBeddingfeld.Ilookedforyoueverywherelastnightatthedance.”
“Iwenttobedearly,”Iexplained.
“Areyougoingtorunawaytonighttoo?Orareyougoingtodancewithme?”
“Ishallbeverypleasedtodancewithyou,”Imurmuredshyly.“ButMrs.Blair—”
“Ourfriend,Mrs.Blair,doesn’tcarefordancing.”
“Anddoyou?”
“Icarefordancingwithyou.”
“Oh!”Isaidnervously.
IwasalittleafraidofColonelRace.NeverthelessIwasenjoyingmyself.Thiswasbetterthandiscussingfossilizedskullswithstuffyoldprofessors!ColonelRacewasreallyjustmyidealofasternsilentRhodesian.PossiblyImightmarryhim!Ihadn’tbeenasked,itistrue,but,astheBoyScoutssay,BePrepared!Andallwomen,withoutintheleastmeaningit,considereverymantheymeetasapossiblehusbandforthemselvesortheirbestfriend.
Idancedseveraltimeswithhimthatevening.Hedancedwell.Whenthedancingwasover,andIwasthinkingofgoingtobed,hesuggestedaturnroundthedeck.Wewalkedroundthreetimesandfinallysubsidedintotwodeckchairs.Therewasnobodyelseinsight.Wemadedesultoryconversationforsometime.
“Doyouknow,MissBeddingfeld,IthinkIoncemetyourfather?Averyinterestingman—onhisownsubject,andit’sasubjectthathasaspecialfascinationforme.Inmyhumbleway,I’vedoneabitinthatlinemyself.Why,whenIwasintheDordogneregion—”
Ourtalkbecametechnical.ColonelRace’sboastwasnotanidleone.Heknewagreatdeal.Atthesametime,hemadeoneortwocuriousmistakes—slipsofthetongue,Imightalmosthavethoughtthem.Buthewasquicktotakehiscuefrommeandtocoverthemup.OncehespokeoftheMousterianperiodassucceedingtheAurignacian—anabsurdmistakeforonewhoknewanythingofthesubject.
Itwastwelveo’clockwhenIwenttomycabin.Iwasstillpuzzlingoverthosequeerdiscrepancies.Wasitpossiblethathehad“gotthewholesubjectup”fortheoccasion—thatreallyheknewnothingofarchaeology?Ishookmyhead,vaguelydissatisfiedwiththatsolution.
JustasIwasdroppingofftosleep,Isatupwithasuddenstartasanotherideaflashedintomyhead.Hadhebeenpumpingme?Werethoseslightinaccuraciesjusttests—toseewhetherIreallyknewwhatIwastalkingabout?Inotherwords,hesuspectedmeofnotbeinggenuinelyAnneBeddingfeld.
Why?
Twelve
(ExtractfromthediaryofSirEustacePedler)
Thereissomethingtobesaidforlifeonboardship.Itispeaceful.Mygreyhairsfortunatelyexemptmefromtheindignitiesofbobbingforapples,runningupanddowndeckwithpotatoesandeggs,andthemorepainfulsportsof“BrotherBill”andBolsterBar.Whatamusementpeoplecanfindinthesepainfulproceedingshasalwaysbeenamysterytome.Buttherearemanyfoolsintheworld.OnepraisesGodfortheirexistenceandkeepsoutoftheirway.
FortunatelyIamanexcellentsailor.Pagett,poorfellow,isnot.HebeganturninggreenassoonaswewereoutoftheSolent.Ipresumemyotherso-calledsecretaryisalsoseasick.Atanyratehehasnotyetmadeanappearance.Butperhapsitisnotseasickness,buthighdiplomacy.ThegreatthingisthatIhavenotbeenworriedbyhim.
Onthewhole,thepeopleonboardareamangylot.OnlytwodecentBridgeplayersandonedecent-lookingwoman—Mrs.ClarenceBlair.I’vemetherintown,ofcourse.SheisoneoftheonlywomenIknowwhocanlayclaimtoasenseofhumour.Ienjoytalkingtoher,andshouldenjoyitmoreifitwerenotforalong-leggedtaciturnasswhoattachedhimselftoherlikealimpet.IcannotthinkthatthisColonelRacereallyamusesher.He’sgood-lookinginhisway,butdullasditchwater.Oneofthesestrongsilentmenthatladynovelistsandyounggirlsalwaysraveover.
GuyPagettstruggledupondeckafterweleftMadeiraandbeganbabblinginahollowvoiceaboutwork.Whatthedevildoesanyonewanttoworkforonboardship?ItistruethatIpromisedmypublishersmy“Reminiscences”earlyinthesummer,butwhatofit?Whoreallyreadsreminiscences?Oldladiesinthesuburbs.Andwhatdomyreminiscencesamountto?I’veknockedagainstacertainnumberofso-calledfamouspeopleinmylifetime.WiththeassistanceofPagett,Iinventedinsipidanecdotesaboutthem.And,thetruthofthematteris,Pagettistoohonestforthejob.Hewon’tletmeinventanecdotesaboutthepeopleImighthavemetbuthaven’t.
Itriedkindnesswithhim.
“Youlookaperfectwreckstill,mydearchap,”Isaideasily.“Whatyouneedisadeckchairinthesun.No—notanotherword.Theworkmustwait.”
ThenextthingIknewhewasworryingaboutanextracabin.“There’snoroomtoworkinyourcabin,SirEustace.It’sfulloftrunks.”
Fromhistone,youmighthavethoughtthetrunkswereblackbeetles,somethingthathadnobusinesstobethere.
Iexplainedtohimthat,thoughhemightnotbeawareofthefact,itwasusualtotakeachangeofclothingwithonewhentravelling.Hegavethewansmilewithwhichhealwaysgreetsmyattemptsathumour,andthenrevertedtothebusinessinhand.
“Andwecouldhardlyworkinmylittlehole.”
IknowPagett’s“littleholes”—heusuallyhasthebestcabinontheship.
“I’msorrytheCaptaindidn’tturnoutforyouthistime,”Isaidsarcastically.“Perhapsyou’dliketodumpsomeofyourextraluggageinmycabin?”
SarcasmisdangerouswithamanlikePagett.Hebrightenedupatonce.
“Well,ifIcouldgetridofthetypewriterandthestationerytrunk—”
Thestationerytrunkweighsseveralsolidtons.Itcausesendlessunpleasantnesswiththeporters,anditistheaimofPagett’slifetofoistitonme.Itisaperpetualstrugglebetweenus.Heseemstoregarditasmyspecialpersonalproperty.I,ontheotherhand,regardthechargeofitastheonlythingwhereasecretaryisreallyuseful.
“We’llgetanextracabin,”Isaidhastily.
Thethingseemedsimpleenough,butPagettisapersonwholovestomakemysteries.HecametomethenextdaywithafacelikeaRenaissanceconspirator.
“YouknowyoutoldmetogetCabin17foranoffice?”
“Well,whatofit?Hasthestationerytrunkjammedinthedoorway?”
“Thedoorwaysarethesamesizeinallthecabins,”repliedPagettseriously.“ButItellyou,SirEustace,there’ssomethingveryqueeraboutthatcabin.”
MemoriesofreadingTheUpperBerthfloatedthroughmymind.
“Ifyoumeanthatit’shaunted,”Isaid,“we’renotgoingtosleepthere,soIdon’tseethatitmatters.Ghostsdon’taffecttypewriters.”
Pagettsaidthatitwasn’taghostandthat,afterall,hehadn’tgotCabin17.Hetoldmealong,garbledstory.Apparently,heandaMr.Chichester,andagirlcalledBeddingfeld,hadalmostcometoblowsoverthecabin.Needlesstosay,thegirlhadwon,andPagettwasapparentlyfeelingsoreoverthematter.
“Both13and28arebettercabins,”hereiterated.“Buttheywouldn’tlookatthem.”
“Well,”Isaid,stiflingayawn,“forthatmatter,nomorewouldyou,mydearPagett.”
Hegavemeareproachfullook.
“YoutoldmetogetCabin17.”
Thereisatouchofthe“boyupontheburningdeck”aboutPagett.
“Mydearfellow,”Isaidtestily,“ImentionedNo.17becauseIhappenedtoobservethatitwasvacant.ButIdidn’tmeanyoutomakeastandtothedeathaboutit—13or28wouldhavedoneusequallywell.”
Helookedhurt.
“There’ssomethingmore,though,”heinsisted.“MissBeddingfeldgotthecabin,butthismorningIsawChichestercomingoutofitinafurtivesortofway.”
Ilookedathimseverely.
“Ifyou’retryingtogetupanastyscandalaboutChichester,whoisamissionary—thoughaperfectlypoisonousperson—andthatattractivechild,AnneBeddingfeld,Idon’tbelieveawordofit,”Isaidcoldly.“AnneBeddingfeldisanextremelynicegirl—withparticularlygoodlegs.Ishouldsayshehadfarandawaythebestlegsonboard.”
PagettdidnotlikemyreferencetoAnneBeddingfeld’slegs.Heisthesortofmanwhonevernoticeslegshimself—or,ifhedoes,woulddiesoonerthansayso.Alsohethinksmyappreciationofsuchthingsfrivolous.IlikeannoyingPagett,soIcontinuedmaliciously:
“Asyou’vemadeheracquaintance,youmightaskhertodineatourtabletomorrownight.It’stheFancyDressdance.Bytheway,you’dbettergodowntothebarberandselectafancycostumeforme.”
“Surelyyouwillnotgoinfancydress?”saidPagett,intonesofhorror.
Icouldseethatitwasquiteincompatiblewithhisideaofmydignity.Helookedshockedandpained.Ihadreallyhadnointentionofdonningfancydress,butthecompletediscomfitureofPagettwastootemptingtobeforborne.
“Whatdoyoumean?”Isaid.“OfcourseIshallwearfancydress.Sowillyou.”
Pagettshuddered.
“Sogodowntothebarber’sandseeaboutit,”Ifinished.“Idon’tthinkhe’llhaveanyoutsizes,”murmuredPagett,measuringmyfigurewithhiseye.
Withoutmeaningit,Pagettcanoccasionallybeextremelyoffensive.
“Andorderatableforsixinthesaloon,”Isaid.“We’llhavetheCaptain,thegirlwiththenicelegs,Mrs.Blair—”
“Youwon’tgetMrs.Blair,withoutColonelRace,”Pagettinterposed.“He’saskedhertodinewithhim,Iknow.”
Pagettalwaysknowseverything.Iwasjustifiablyannoyed.
“WhoisRace?”Idemanded,exasperated.
AsIsaidbefore,Pagettalwaysknowseverything—orthinkshedoes.Helookedmysteriousagain.
“Theysayhe’saSecretServicechap,SirEustace.Ratheragreatguntoo.ButofcourseIdon’tknowforcertain.”
“Isn’tthatliketheGovernment?”Iexclaimed.“Here’samanonboardwhosebusinessitistocarryaboutsecretdocuments,andtheygogivingthemtoapeacefuloutsider,whoonlyaskstobeletalone.”
Pagettlookedevenmoremysterious.Hecameapaceneareranddroppedhisvoice.
“Ifyouaskme,thewholethingisveryqueer,SirEustace.Lookattheillnessofminebeforewestarted—”
“Mydearfellow,”Iinterruptedbrutally,“thatwasabiliousattack.You’realwayshavingbiliousattacks.”
Pagettwincedslightly.
“Itwasn’ttheusualsortofbiliousattack.Thistime—”
“ForGod’ssake,don’tgointodetailsofyourcondition,Pagett.Idon’twanttohearthem.”
“Verywell,SirEustace.ButmybeliefisthatIwasdeliberatelypoisoned!”
“Ah!”Isaid.“You’vebeentalkingtoRayburn.”
Hedidnotdenyit.
“Atanyrate,SirEustace,hethinksso—andheshouldbeinapositiontoknow.”
“Bytheway,whereisthechap?”Iasked.“I’venotseteyesonhimsincewecameonboard.”
“Hegivesoutthathe’sill,andstaysinhiscabin,SirEustace.”Pagett’svoicedroppedagain.“Butthat’scamouflage,I’msure.Sothathecanwatchbetter.”
“Watch?”
“Overyoursafety,SirEustace.Incaseanattackshouldbemadeuponyou.”
“You’resuchacheerfulfellow,Pagett,”Isaid.“Itrustthatyourimaginationrunsawaywithyou.IfIwereyouIshouldgotothedanceasadeath’sheadoranexecutioner.Itwillsuityourmournfulstyleofbeauty.”
Thatshuthimupforthetimebeing.Iwentondeck.TheBeddingfeldgirlwasdeepinconversationwiththemissionaryparson,Chichester.Womenalwaysflutterroundparsons.
Amanofmyfigurehatesstooping,butIhadthecourtesytopickupabitofpaperthatwasflutteringroundtheparson’sfeet.
Igotnowordofthanksformypains.AsamatteroffactIcouldn’thelpseeingwhatwaswrittenonthesheetofpaper.Therewasjustonesentence.
“Don’ttrytoplayalonehandoritwillbetheworseforyou.”
That’sanicethingforaparsontohave.WhoisthisfellowChichester,Iwonder?Helooksmildasmilk.Butlooksaredeceptive.IshallaskPagettabouthim.Pagettalwaysknowseverything.
IsankgracefullyintomydeckchairbythesideofMrs.Blair,therebyinterruptinghertête-à-têtewithRace,andremarkedthatIdidn’tknowwhattheclergywerecomingtonowadays.
ThenIaskedhertodinewithmeonthenightoftheFancyDressdance.SomehoworotherRacemanagedtogetincludedintheinvitation.
AfterlunchtheBeddingfeldgirlcameandsatwithusforcoffee.Iwasrightaboutherlegs.Theyarethebestontheship.Ishallcertainlyaskhertodinneraswell.
IwouldverymuchliketoknowwhatmischiefPagettwasuptoinFlorence.WheneverItalyismentioned,hegoestopieces.IfIdidnotknowhowintenselyrespectableheis—Ishouldsuspecthimofsomedisreputableamour….
Iwondernow!Eventhemostrespectablemen—Itwouldcheermeupenormouslyifitwasso.
Pagett—withaguiltysecret!Splendid!
Thirteen
Ithasbeenacuriousevening.
Theonlycostumethatfittedmeinthebarber’semporiumwasthatofaTeddyBear.Idon’tmindplayingbearswithsomeniceyounggirlsonawinter’seveninginEngland—butit’shardlyanidealcostumefortheequator.However,Icreatedagooddealofmerriment,andwonfirstprizefor“broughtonboard”—anabsurdtermforacostumehiredfortheevening.Still,asnobodyseemedtohavetheleastideawhethertheyweremadeorbrought,itdidn’tmatter.
Mrs.Blairrefusedtodressup.ApparentlysheisatonewithPagettonthematter.ColonelRacefollowedherexample.AnneBeddingfeldhadconcoctedagipsycostumeforherself,andlookedextraordinarilywell.Pagettsaidhehadaheadacheanddidn’tappear.ToreplacehimIaskedaquaintlittlefellowcalledReeves.He’saprominentmemberoftheSouthAfricanlabourparty.Horriblelittleman,butIwanttokeepinwithhim,ashegivesmeinformationthatIneed.IwanttounderstandthisRandbusinessfrombothsides.
Dancingwasahotaffair.IdancedtwicewithAnneBeddingfeldandshehadtopretendshelikedit.IdancedoncewithMrs.Blair,whodidn’ttroubletopretend,andIvictimizedvariousotherdamselswhoseappearancestruckmefavourably.
Thenwewentdowntosupper.Ihadorderedchampagne;thestewardsuggestedClicquot1911asbeingthebesttheyhadontheboatandIfellinwithhissuggestion.IseemedtohavehitontheonethingthatwouldloosenColonelRace’stongue.Farfrombeingtaciturn,themanbecameactuallytalkative.Forawhilethisamusedme,thenitoccurredtomethatColonelRace,andnotmyself,wasbecomingthelifeandsouloftheparty.Hechaffedmeatlengthaboutkeepingadiary.
“Itwillrevealallyourindiscretionsoneofthesedays,Pedler.”
“MydearRace,”Isaid,“IventuretosuggestthatIamnotquitethefoolyouthinkme.Imaycommitindiscretions,butIdon’twritethemdowninblackandwhite.Aftermydeath,myexecutorswillknowmyopinionofagreatmanypeople,butIdoubtiftheywillfindanythingtoaddordetractfromtheiropinionofme.Adiaryisusefulforrecordingtheidiosyncrasiesofotherpeople—butnotone’sown.”
“Thereissuchathingasunconsciousself-revelation,though.”
“Intheeyesofthepsychoanalyst,allthingsarevile,”Irepliedsententiously.
“Youmusthavehadaveryinterestinglife,ColonelRace?”saidMissBeddingfeld,gazingathimwithwide,starryeyes.
That’showtheydoit,thesegirls!OthellocharmedDesdemonabytellingherstories,but,oh,didn’tDesdemonacharmOthellobythewayshelistened?
Anyway,thegirlsetRaceoffallright.Hebegantotelllionstories.Amanwhohasshotlionsinlargequantitieshasanunfairadvantageoverothermen.ItseemedtomethatitwastimeI,too,toldalionstory.Oneofamoresprightlycharacter.
“Bytheway,”Iremarked,“thatremindsmeofaratherexcitingtaleIheard.AfriendofminewasoutonashootingtripsomewhereinEastAfrica.Onenighthecameoutofhistentforsomereason,andwasstartledbyalowgrowl.Heturnedsharplyandsawalioncrouchingtospring.Hehadlefthisrifleinthetent.Quickasthought,heducked,andthelionsprangrightoverhishead.Annoyedathavingmissedhim,theanimalgrowledandpreparedtospringagain.Againheducked,andagainthelionsprangrightoverhim.Thishappenedathirdtime,butbynowhewasclosetotheentranceofhistent,andhedartedinandseizedhisrifle.Whenheemerged,rifleinhand,thelionhaddisappeared.Thatpuzzledhimgreatly.Hecreptroundthebackofthetent,wheretherewasalittleclearing.There,sureenough,wasthelion,busilypractisinglowjumps.”
Thiswasreceivedbyaroarofapplause.Idranksomechampagne.
“Onanotheroccasion,”Iremarked,“thisfriendofminehadasecondcuriousexperience.Hewastrekkingacrosscountry,andbeinganxioustoarriveathisdestinationbeforetheheatofthedayheorderedhisboystoinspanwhilstitwasstilldark.Theyhadsometroubleindoingso,asthemuleswereveryrestive,butatlasttheymanagedit,andastartwasmade.Themulesracedalonglikethewind,andwhendaylightcametheysawwhy.Inthedarkness,theboyshadinspannedalionasthenearwheeler.”
This,too,waswell-received,arippleofmerrimentgoingroundthetable,butIamnotsurethatthegreatesttributedidnotcomefrommyfriendtheLabourMember,whoremainedpaleandserious
“MyGod!”hesaidanxiously.“Whoun’arnessedthem?”
“ImustgotoRhodesia,”saidMrs.Blair.“Afterwhatyouhavetoldus,ColonelRace,Isimplymust.It’sahorriblejourneythough,fivedaysinthetrain.”
“Youmustjoinmeinmyprivatecar,”Isaidgallantly.
“Oh,SirEustace,howsweetofyou!Doyoureallymeanit?”
“DoImeanit!”Iexclaimedreproachfully,anddrankanotherglassofchampagne.
“Justaboutanotherweek,andweshallbeinSouthAfrica,”sighedMrs.Blair.
“Ah,SouthAfrica,”Isaidsentimentally,andbegantoquotefromarecentspeechofmineattheColonialInstitute.“WhathasSouthAfricatoshowtheworld?Whatindeed?Herfruitandherfarms,herwoolandherwattles,herherdsandherhides,hergoldminesandherdiamonds—”
Iwashurryingon,becauseIknewthatassoonasIpausedReeveswouldbuttinandinformmethatthehideswereworthlessbecausetheanimalshungthemselvesuponbarbedwireorsomethingofthatsort,wouldcrabeverythingelse,andendupwiththehardshipsoftheminersontheRand.AndIwasnotinthemoodtobeabusedasaCapitalist.However,theinterruptioncamefromanothersourceatthemagicworddiamonds.
“Diamonds!”saidMrs.Blairecstatically.
“Diamonds!”breathedMissBeddingfeld
TheybothaddressedColonelRace.
“Isupposeyou’vebeentoKimberley?”
IhadbeentoKimberleytoo,butIdidn’tmanagetosaysointime.Racewasbeinginundatedwithquestions.Whatweremineslike?Wasittruethatthenativeswerekeptshutupincompounds?Andsoon.
Raceansweredtheirquestionsandshowedagoodknowledgeofhissubject.Hedescribedthemethodsofhousingthenatives,thesearchesinstituted,andthevariousprecautionsthatDeBeerstook.
“Thenit’spracticallyimpossibletostealanydiamonds?”askedMrs.Blairwithaskeenanairofdisappointmentasthoughshehadbeenjourneyingtherefortheexpresspurpose.
“Nothing’simpossible,Mrs.Blair.Theftsdooccur—likethecaseItoldyouofwheretheKafirhidthestoneinhiswound.”
“Yes,butonalargescale?”
“Once,inrecentyears.JustbeforetheWar,infact.Youmustrememberthecase,Pedler.YouwereinSouthAfricaatthetime?”
Inodded.
“Tellus,”criedMissBeddingfeld.“Oh,dotellus!”
Racesmiled.
“Verywell,youshallhavethestory.IsupposemostofyouhaveheardofSirLaurenceEardsley,thegreatSouthAfricanminingmagnate?Hisminesweregoldmines,buthecomesintothestorythroughhisson.YoumayrememberthatjustbeforetheWarrumourswereafieldofanewpotentialKimberleyhiddensomewhereintherockyflooroftheBritishGuianajungles.Twoyoungexplorers,soitwasreported,hadreturnedfromthatpartofSouthAmericabringingwiththemaremarkablecollectionofroughdiamonds,someofthemofconsiderablesize.DiamondsofsmallsizehadbeenfoundbeforeintheneighbourhoodoftheEssequiboandMazarunirivers,butthesetwoyoungmen,JohnEardsleyandhisfriendLucas,claimedtohavediscoveredbedsofgreatcarbondepositsatthecommonheadoftwostreams.Thediamondswereofeverycolour,pink,blue,yellow,green,black,andthepurestwhite.EardsleyandLucascametoKimberley,wheretheyweretosubmittheirgemstoinspection.AtthesametimeasensationalrobberywasfoundtohavetakenplaceatDeBeers.WhensendingdiamondstoEnglandtheyaremadeupintoapacket.Thisremainsinthebigsafe,ofwhichthetwokeysareheldbytwodifferentmenwhilstathirdmanknowsthecombination.TheyarehandedtotheBank,andtheBanksendthemtoEngland.Eachpackageisworth,roughly,about￡100,000.
“OnthisoccasiontheBankwerestruckbysomethingalittleunusualaboutthesealingofthepacket.Itwasopened,andfoundtocontainknobsofsugar!
“ExactlyhowsuspicioncametofastenonJohnEardsleyIdonotknow.ItwasrememberedthathehadbeenverywildatCambridgeandthathisfatherhadpaidhisdebtsmorethanonce.Anyhow,itsoongotaboutthatthisstoryofSouthAmericandiamondfieldswasallafantasy.JohnEardsleywasarrested.InhispossessionwasfoundaportionoftheDeBeersdiamonds.
“Butthecasenevercametocourt.SirLaurenceEardsleypaidoverasumequaltothemissingdiamonds,andDeBeersdidnotprosecute.Exactlyhowtherobberywascommittedhasneverbeenknown.Buttheknowledgethathissonwasathiefbroketheoldman’sheart.Hehadastrokeshortlyafterwards.AsforJohn,hisFatewasinawaymerciful.He
TheColonelpaused.Ababelofejaculationsandquestionsbrokeout.SomethingseemedtoattractMissBeddingfeld’sattention,andsheturnedinherchair.Atthelittlegaspshegave,I,too,turned.
Mynewsecretary,Rayburn,wasstandinginthedoorway.Underhistan,hisfacehadthepallorofonewhohasseenaghost.EvidentlyRace’sstoryhadmovedhimprofoundly.
Suddenlyconsciousofourscrutiny,heturnedabruptlyanddisappeared.
“Doyouknowwhothatis?”askedAnneBeddingfeldabruptly.
“That’smyothersecretary,”Iexplained.“Mr.Rayburn.He’sbeenseedyuptonow.”
Shetoyedwiththebreadbyherplate.
“Hashebeenyoursecretarylong?”
“Notverylong,”Isaidcautiously.
Butcautionisuselesswithawoman,themoreyouholdback,themoreshepressesforward.AnneBeddingfeldmadenobonesaboutit.
“Howlong?”sheaskedbluntly.
“Well—er—IengagedhimjustbeforeIsailed.Oldfriendofminerecommendedhim.”
Shesaidnothingmore,butrelapsedintoathoughtfulsilence.IturnedtoRacewiththefeelingthatitwasmyturntodisplayaninterestinhisstory.
“WhoisSirLaurence’snextofkin,Race?Doyouknow?”
“Ishoulddoso,”hereplied,withasmile.“Iam!”
Fourteen
(Anne’sNarrativeResumed)
ItwasonthenightoftheFancyDressdancethatIdecidedthatthetimehadcomeformetoconfideinsomeone.SofarIhadplayedalonehandandratherenjoyedit.Nowsuddenlyeverythingwaschanged.Idistrustedmyownjudgementandforthefirsttimeafeelingoflonelinessanddesolationcreptoverme.
Isatontheedgeofmybunk,stillinmygipsydress,andconsideredthesituation.IthoughtfirstofColonelRace.Hehadseemedtolikeme.Hewouldbekind,Iwassure.Andhewasnofool.Yet,asIthoughtitover,Iwavered.Hewasamanofcommandingpersonality.Hewouldtakethewholematteroutofmyhands.Anditwasmymystery!Therewereotherreasons,too,whichIwouldhardlyacknowledgetomyself,butwhichmadeitinadvisabletoconfideinColonelRace.
ThenIthoughtofMrs.Blair.She,too,hadbeenkindtome.Ididnotdeludemyselfintothebeliefthatthatreallymeantanything.Itwasprobablyamerewhimofthemoment.Allthesame,Ihaditinmypowertointeresther.Shewasawomanwhohadexperiencedmostoftheordinarysensationsinlife.Iproposedtosupplyherwithanextraordinaryone!AndIlikedher;likedhereaseofmanner,herlackofsentimentality,herfreedomfromanyformofaffectation.
Mymindwasmadeup.Idecidedtoseekheroutthenandthere.Shewouldhardlybeinbedyet.
ThenIrememberedthatIdidnotknowthenumberofhercabin.Myfriend,thenightstewardess,wouldprobablyknow.
Irangthebell.Aftersomedelayitwasansweredbyaman.HegavemetheinformationIwanted.Mrs.Blair’scabinwasNo.71.Heapologizedforthedelayinansweringthebell,butexplainedthathehadallthecabinstoattendto.
“Whereisthestewardess,then?”Iasked.
“Theyallgooffdutyatteno’clock.”
“No—Imeanthenightstewardess.”
“Nostewardessonatnight,miss.”
“But—butastewardesscametheothernight—aboutoneo’clock.”
“Youmusthavebeendreaming,miss.There’snostewardessondutyafterten.”
HewithdrewandIwaslefttodigestthismorselofinformation.Whowasthewomanwhohadcometomycabinonthenightofthe22nd?MyfacegrewgraverasIrealizedthecunningandaudacityofmyunknownantagonists.Then,pullingmyselftogether,IleftmyowncabinandsoughtthatofMrs.Blair.Iknockedatthedoor.
“Who’sthat?”calledhervoicefromwithin.
“Itsme—AnneBeddingfeld.”
“Oh,comein,gipsygirl.”
Ientered.Agooddealofscatteredclothinglayabout,andMrs.BlairherselfwasdrapedinoneoftheloveliestkimonosIhadeverseen.Itwasallorangeandgoldandblackandmademymouthwatertolookatit.
“Mrs.Blair,”Isaidabruptly,“Iwanttotellyouthestoryofmylife—thatis,ifitisn’ttoolate,andyouwon’tbebored.”
“Notabit.Ialwayshategoingtobed,”saidMrs.Blair,herfacecrinklingintosmilesinthedelightfulwayithad.“AndIshouldlovetohearthestoryofyourlife.You’reamostunusualcreature,gipsygirl.Nobodyelsewouldthinkofburstinginonmeat1amtotellmethestoryoftheirlife.Especiallyaftersnubbingmynaturalcuriosityforweeksasyouhavedone!I’mnotaccustomedtobeingsnubbed.It’sbeenquiteapleasingnovelty.Sitdownonthesofaandunburdenyoursoul.”
Itoldherthewholestory.IttooksometimeasIwasconscientiousoverallthedetails.ShegaveadeepsighwhenIhadfinished,butshedidnotsayatallwhatIhadexpectedhertosay.Insteadshelookedatme,laughedalittleandsaid:
“Doyouknow,Anne,you’reaveryunusualgirl?Haven’tyoueverhadqualms?”
“Qualms?”Iasked,puzzled.
“Yes,qualms,qualms,qualms!Startingoffalonewithpracticallynomoney.Whatwillyoudowhenyoufindyourselfinastrangecountrywithallyourmoneygone?”
“It’snogoodbotheringaboutthatuntilitcomes.I’vegotplentyofmoneystill.Thetwenty-fivepoundsthatMrs.Flemminggavemeispracticallyintact,andthenIwonthesweepyesterday.That’sanotherfifteenpounds.Why,I’vegotlotsofmoney.Fortypounds!”
“Lotsofmoney!MyGod!”murmuredMrs.Blair.“Icouldn’tdoit,Anne,andI’veplentyofpluckinmyownway.Icouldn’tstartoffgailywithafewpoundsinmypocketandnoideaastowhatIwasdoingandwhereIwasgoing.”
“Butthat’sthefunofit,”Icried,thoroughlyroused.“Itgivesonesuchasplendidfeelingofadventure.”
Shelookedatme,noddedonceortwice,andthensmiled.
“LuckyAnne!Therearen’tmanypeopleintheworldwhofeelasyoudo.”
“Well,”Isaidimpatiently,“whatdoyouthinkofitall,Mrs.Blair?”
“Ithinkit’sthemostthrillingthingIeverheard!Now,tobeginwith,youwillstopcallingmeMrs.Blair.Suzannewillbeeversomuchbetter.Isthatagreed?”
“Ishouldloveit,Suzanne.”
“Goodgirl.Nowlet’sgetdowntobusiness.YousaythatinSirEustace’ssecretary—notthatlong-facedPagett,theotherone—yourecognizedthemanwhowasstabbedandcameintoyourcabinforshelter?”
Inodded.
“ThatgivesustwolinksconnectingSirEustacewiththetangle.Thewomanwasmurderedinhishouse,andit’shissecretarywhogetsstabbedatthemystichourofoneo’clock.Idon’tsuspectSirEustacehimself,butitcan’tbeallcoincidence.There’saconnexionsomewhereevenifhehimselfisunawareofit.
“Thenthere’sthequeerbusinessofthestewardess,”shecontinuedthoughtfully.“Whatwasshelike?”
“Ihardlynoticedher.Iwassoexcitedandstrungup—andastewardessseemedsuchananticlimax.But—yes—Ididthinkherfacewasfamiliar.OfcourseitwouldbeifI’dseenherabouttheship.”
“Herfaceseemedfamiliartoyou,”saidSuzanne.“Sureshewasn’taman?”
“Shewasverytall,”Iadmitted.
“Hum.HardlySirEustace,Ishouldthink,norMr.Pagett—Wait!”
Shecaughtupascrapofpaperandbegandrawingfeverishly.Sheinspectedtheresultwithherheadpoisedononeside.
“AverygoodlikenessoftheRev.EdwardChichester.Nowfortheetceteras.”Shepassedthepaperovertome.“Isthatyourstewardess?”
“Why,yes,”Icried.“Suzanne,howcleverofyou!”
Shedisdainedthecomplimentwithalightgesture.
“I’vealwayshadsuspicionsaboutthatChichestercreature.DoyourememberhowhedroppedhiscoffeecupandturnedasicklygreenwhenwewerediscussingCrippentheotherday?”
“AndhetriedtogetCabin17!”
“Yes,itallfitsinsofar.Butwhatdoesitallmean?Whatwasreallymeanttohappenatoneo’clockinCabin17?Itcan’tbethestabbingofthesecretary.Therewouldbenopointintimingthatforaspecialhouronaspecialdayinaspecialplace.No,itmusthavebeensomekindofappointmentandhewasonhiswaytokeepitwhentheyknifedhim.Butwhowastheappointmentwith?Certainlynotwithyou.ItmighthavebeenwithChichester.OritmighthavebeenwithPagett.”
“Thatseemsunlikely,”Iobjected;“theycanseeeachotheranytime.”
Webothsatsilentforaminuteortwo,thenSuzannestartedoffonanothertack.
“Couldtherehavebeenanythinghiddeninthecabin?”
“Thatseemsmoreprobable,”Iagreed.“Itwouldexplainmythingsbeingransackedthenextmorning.Buttherewasnothinghiddenthere,I’msureofit.”
“Theyoungmancouldn’thaveslippedsomethingintoadrawerthenightbefore?”
Ishookmyhead.
“Ishouldhaveseenhim.”
“Couldithavebeenyourpreciousbitofpapertheywerelookingfor?”
“Itmighthavebeen,butitseemsrathersenseless.Itwasonlyatimeandadate—andtheywerebothpastbythen.”
Suzannenodded.
“That’sso,ofcourse.No,itwasn’tthepaper.Bytheway,haveyougotitwithyou?I’dratherliketoseeit.”
IhadbroughtthepaperwithmeasExhibitA,andIhandeditovertoher.Shescrutinizedit,frowning.
“There’sadotafterthe17.Whyisn’tthereadotafterthe1too?”
“There’saspace,”Ipointedout.
“Yes,there’saspace,but—”
Suddenlysheroseandpeeredatthepaper,holdingitascloseunderthelightaspossible.Therewasarepressedexcitementinhermanner.
“Anne,thatisn’tadot!That’saflawinthepaper!Aflawinthepaper,yousee?Soyou’vegottoignoreit,andjustgobythespaces—thespaces!”
Ihadrisenandwasstandingbyher.IreadoutthefiguresasInowsawthem.
“17122.”
“Yousee,”saidSuzanne.“It’sthesame,butnotquite.It’soneo’clockstill,andthe22nd—butit’sCabin71!Mycabin,Anne!”
Westoodstaringateachother,sopleasedwithournewdiscoveryandsoraptwithexcitementthatyoumighthavethoughtwehadsolvedthewholemystery.ThenIfelltoearthwithabump.
“But,Suzanne,nothinghappenedhereatoneo’clockonthe22nd?”
Herfacefellalso.
“No—itdidn’t.”
Anotherideastruckme.
“Thisisn’tyourowncabin,isit,Suzanne?Imeannottheoneyouoriginallybooked?”
“No,thepurserchangedmeintoit.”
“Iwonderifitwasbookedbeforesailingforsomeone—someonewhodidn’tturnup.Isupposewecouldfindout.”
“Wedon’tneedtofindout,gipsygirl,”criedSuzanne.“Iknow!Thepurserwastellingmeaboutit.ThecabinwasbookedinthenameofMrs.Grey—butitseemsthatMrs.GreywasmerelyapseudonymforthefamousMadameNadina.She’sacelebratedRussiandancer,youknow.She’sneverappearedinLondon,butParishasbeenquitemadabouther.ShehadaterrificsuccessthereallthroughtheWar.Athoroughlybadlot,Ibelieve,butmostattractive.Thepurserexpressedhisregretsthatshewasn’tonboardinamostheartfeltfashionwhenhegavemehercabin,andthenColonelRacetoldmealotabouther.ItseemstherewereveryqueerstoriesafloatinParis.Shewassuspectedofespionage,buttheycouldn’tproveanything.IratherfancyColonelRacewasovertheresimplyonthataccount.He’stoldmesomeveryinterestingthings.Therewasaregularorganizedgang,notGermaninoriginatall.Infacttheheadofit,amanalwaysreferredtoas‘theColonel,’wasthoughttobeanEnglishman,buttheynevergotanycluetohisidentity.Butthereisnodoubtthathecontrolledaconsiderableorganizationofinternationalcrooks.Robberies,espionage,assaults,heundertookthemall—andusuallyprovidedaninnocentscapegoattopaythepenalty.Diabolicallyclever,hemusthavebeen!Thiswomanwassupposedtobeoneofhisagents,buttheycouldn’tgetholdofanythingtogoupon.Yes,Anne,we’reontherighttack.Nadinaisjustthewomantobemixedupinthisbusiness.Theappointmentonthemorningofthe22ndwaswithherinthiscabin.Butwhereisshe?Whydidn’tshesail?”
Alightflasheduponme.
“Shemeanttosail,”Isaidslowly.
“Thenwhydidn’tshe?”
“Becauseshewasdead.Suzanne,NadinawasthewomanmurderedatMarlow!”
Mymindwentbacktothebareroomintheemptyhouseandtheresweptovermeagaintheindefinablesensationofmenaceandevil.Withitcamethememoryofthefallingpencilandthediscoveryoftherolloffilms.Arolloffilms—thatstruckamorerecentnote.WherehadIheardofarolloffilms?AndwhydidIconnectthatthoughtwithMrs.Blair?
SuddenlyIflewatherandalmostshookherinmyexcitement.
“Yourfilms!Theonesthatwerepassedtoyouthroughtheventilator?Wasn’tthatonthe22nd?”
“TheonesIlost?”
“Howdoyouknowtheywerethesame?Whywouldanyonereturnthemtoyouthatway—inthemiddleofthenight?It’samadidea.No—theywereamessage,thefilmshadbeentakenoutoftheyellowtincase,andsomethingelseputinside.Haveyoustillgotit?”
“Imayhaveusedit.No,hereitis.IrememberItosseditintotherackatthesideofthebunk.”
Shehelditouttome.
Itwasanordinaryroundtincylinder,suchasfilmsarepackedinforthetropics.Itookitwithtremblinghand,butevenasIdidsomyheartleapt.Itwasnoticeablyheavierthanitshouldhavebeen.
WithshakingfingersIpeeledoffthestripofadhesiveplasterthatkeptitairtight.Ipulledoffthelid,andastreamofdullglassypebblesrolledontothebed.
“Pebbles,”Isaid,keenlydisappointed.
“Pebbles?”criedSuzanne.
Theringinhervoiceexcitedme.
“Pebbles?No,Anne,notpebbles!Diamonds!”
Fifteen
Diamonds!
Istared,fascinated,attheglassyheaponthebunk.Ipickeduponewhich,butfortheweight,mighthavebeenafragmentofbrokenbottle.
“Areyousure,Suzanne?”
“Oh,yes,mydear.I’veseenroughdiamondstoooftentohaveanydoubts.They’rebeautiestoo,Anne—andsomeofthemareunique,Ishouldsay.There’sahistorybehindthese.”
“Thehistoryweheardtonight,”Icried.
“Youmean—”
“ColonelRace’sstory.Itcan’tbeacoincidence.Hetolditforapurpose.”
“Toseeitseffect,youmean?”
Inodded.
“ItseffectonSirEustace?”
“Yes.”
But,evenasIsaidit,adoubtassailedme.WasitSirEustacewhohadbeensubjectedtoatest,orhadthestorybeentoldformybenefit?IrememberedtheimpressionIhadreceivedonthatformernightofhavingbeendeliberately“pumped.”Forsomereasonorother,ColonelRacewassuspicious.Butwheredidhecomein?Whatpossibleconnexioncouldhehavewiththeaffair?
“WhoisColonelRace?”Iasked.
“That’sratheraquestion,”saidSuzanne.“He’sprettywell-knownasabig-gamehunter,and,asyouheardhimsaytonight,hewasadistantcousinofSirLaurenceEardsley.I’veneveractuallymethimuntilthistrip.HejourneystoandfromAfricaagooddeal.There’sageneralideathathedoesSecretServicework.Idon’tknowwhetherit’strueornot.He’scertainlyratheramysteriouscreature.”
“IsupposehecameintoalotofmoneyasSirLaurenceEardsley’sheir?”
“MydearAnne,hemustberolling.Youknow,he’dbeasplendidmatchforyou.”
“Ican’thaveagoodgoathimwithyouaboardtheship,”Isaid,laughing.“Oh,thesemarriedwomen!”
“Wedohaveapull,”murmuredSuzannecomplacently.“AndeverybodyknowsthatIamabsolutelydevotedtoClarence—myhusband,youknow.It’ssosafeandpleasanttomakelovetoadevotedwife.”
“ItmustbeveryniceforClarencetobemarriedtosomeonelikeyou.”
“Well,I’mwearingtolivewith!Still,hecanalwaysescapetotheForeignOffice,wherehefixeshiseyeglassinhiseye,andgoestosleepinabigarmchair.WemightcablehimtotellusallheknowsaboutRace.Ilovesendingcables.AndtheyannoyClarenceso.Healwayssaysaletterwouldhavedoneaswell.Idon’tsupposehe’dtellusanythingthough.Heissofrightfullydiscreet.That’swhatmakeshimsohardtolivewithforlongonend.Butletusgoonwithourmatchmaking.I’msureColonelRaceisveryattractedtoyou,Anne.Givehimacoupleofglancesfromthosewickedeyesofyours,andthedeedisdone.Everyonegetsengagedonboardship.There’snothingelsetodo.”
“Idon’twanttogetmarried.”
“Don’tyou?”saidSuzanne.“Whynot?Ilovebeingmarried—eventoClarence!”
Idisdainedherflippancy.
“WhatIwanttoknowis,”Isaidwithdetermination,“whathasColonelRacegottodowiththis?He’sinitsomewhere.”
“Youdon’tthinkitwasmerechance,histellingthatstory?”
“No,Idon’t,”Isaiddecidedly.“Hewaswatchingusallnarrowly.Youremember,someofthediamondswererecovered,notall.Perhapsthesearethemissingones—orperhaps—”
“Perhapswhat?”
Ididnotanswerdirectly.
“Ishouldliketoknow,”Isaid,“whatbecameoftheotheryoungman.NotEardsleybut—whatwashisname?—Lucas!”
“We’regettingsomelightonthething,anyway.It’sthediamondsallthesepeopleareafter.Itmusthavebeentoobtainpossessionofthediamondsthat‘TheManintheBrownSuit’killedNadina.”
“Hedidn’tkillher,”Isaidsharply
“Ofcoursehekilledher.Whoelsecouldhavedoneso?”
“Idon’tknow.ButI’msurehedidn’tkillher.”
“Hewentintothehousethreeminutesafterherandcameoutaswhiteasasheet.”
“Becausehefoundherdead.”
“Butnobodyelsewentin.”
“Thenthemurdererwasinthehousealready,orelsehegotinsomeotherway.There’snoneedforhimtopassthelodge,hecouldhaveclimbedoverthewall.”
Suzanneglancedatmesharply.
“‘TheManintheBrownSuit,’”shemused.“Whowashe,Iwonder?Anyway,hewasidenticalwiththe‘doctor’intheTube.HewouldhavehadtimetoremovehismakeupandfollowthewomantoMarlow.SheandCartonweretohavemetthere,theybothhadanordertoviewthesamehouse,andiftheytooksuchelaborateprecautionstomaketheirmeetingappearaccidentaltheymusthavesuspectedtheywerebeingfollowed.Allthesame,Cartondidnotknowthathisshadowerwasthe‘ManintheBrownSuit.’Whenherecognizedhim,theshockwassogreatthathelosthisheadcompletelyandsteppedbackontotheline.Thatallseemsprettyclear,don’tyouthinkso,Anne!”
Ididnotreply.
“Yes,that’showitwas.Hetookthepaperfromthedeadman,andinhishurrytogetawayhedroppedit.ThenhefollowedthewomantoMarlow.Whatdidhedowhenheleftthere,whenhehadkilledher—or,accordingtoyou,foundherdead?Wheredidhego?”
StillIsaidnothing.
“Iwonder,now,”saidSuzannemusingly.“IsitpossiblethatheinducedSirEustacePedlertobringhimonboardashissecretary?ItwouldbeauniquechanceofgettingsafelyoutofEngland,anddodgingthehueandcry.ButhowdidhesquareSirEustace?Itlooksasthoughhehadsomeholdoverhim.”
“OroverPagett,”Isuggestedinspiteofmyself.
“Youdon’tseemtolikePagett,Anne.SirEustacesayshe’samostcapableandhardworkingyoungman.And,really,hemaybeforallweknowagainsthim.Well,tocontinuemysurmises,Rayburnis‘TheManintheBrownSuit.’Hehadreadthepaperhedropped.Therefore,misledbythedotasyouwere,heattemptstoreachCabin17atoneo’clockonthe22nd,havingpreviouslytriedtogetpossessionofthecabinthroughPagett.Onthewaytheresomebodyknifeshim—”
“Who?”Iinterpolated.
“Chichester.Yes,itallfitsin.CabletoLordNasbythatyouhavefound‘TheManintheBrownSuit,’andyourfortune’smade,Anne!”
“Thereareseveralthingsyou’veoverlooked.”
“Whatthings?Rayburn’sgotascar,Iknow—butascarcanbefakedeasilyenough.He’stherightheightandbuild.What’sthedescriptionofaheadwithwhichyoupulverizedthematScotlandYard?”
Itrembled.Suzannewasawell-educated,well-readwoman,butIprayedthatshemightnotbeconversantwithtechnicaltermsofanthropology.
“Dolichocephalic,”Isaidlightly.
Susannelookeddoubtful.
“Wasthatit?”
“Yes.Long-headed,youknow.Aheadwhosewidthislessthan75percentofitslength,”Iexplainedfluently.
Therewasapause.IwasjustbeginningtobreathefreelywhenSuzannesaidsuddenly:
“What’stheopposite?”
“Whatdoyoumean—theopposite?”
“Well,theremustbeanopposite.Whatdoyoucallheadswhosebreadthismorethan75percentoftheirlength?”
“Brachycephalic,”Imurmuredunwillingly.
“That’sit.Ithoughtthatwaswhatyousaid.”
“DidI?Itwasaslipofthetongue.Imeantdolichocephalic,”IsaidwithalltheassuranceIcouldmuster.
Suzannelookedatmesearchingly.Thenshelaughed.
“Youlieverywell,gipsygirl.Butitwillsavetimeandtroublenowifyoutellmeallaboutit.”
“Thereisnothingtotell,”Isaidunwillingly.
“Isn’tthere?”saidSuzannegently.
“IsupposeIshallhavetotellyou,”Isaidslowly.“I’mnotashamedofit.Youcan’tbeashamedofsomethingthatjust—happenstoyou.That’swhathedid.Hewasdetestable—rudeandungrateful—butthatIthinkIunderstand.It’slikeadogthat’sbeenchainedup—orbadlytreated—it’llbiteanybody.That’swhathewaslike—bitterandsnarling.Idon’tknowwhyIcare—butIdo.Icarehorribly.Justseeinghimhasturnedmywholelifeupside-down.Ilovehim.Iwanthim.I’llwalkalloverAfricabarefoottillIfindhim,andI’llmakehimcareforme.I’ddieforhim.I’dworkforhim,slaveforhim,stealforhim,evenbegorborrowforhim!There—nowyouknow!”
Suzannelookedatmeforalongtime.
“You’reveryun-English,gipsygirl,”shesaidatlast.“There’snotascrapofthesentimentalaboutyou.I’venevermetanyonewhowasatoncesopracticalandsopassionate.Ishallnevercareforanyonelikethat—mercifullyforme—andyet—andyetIenvyyou,gipsygirl.It’ssomethingtobeabletocare.Mostpeoplecan’t.Butwhatamercyforyourlittledoctormanthatyoudidn’tmarryhim.Hedoesn’tsoundatallthesortofindividualwhowouldenjoykeepinghighexplosiveinthehouse!Sothere’stobenocablingtoLordNasby?”
Ishookmyhead.
“Andyetyoubelievehimtobeinnocent?”
“Ialsobelievethatinnocentpeoplecanbehanged.”
“H’m!yes.But,Annedear,youcanfacefacts,facethemnow.Inspiteofallyousay,hemayhavemurderedthiswoman.”
“No,”Isaid.“Hedidn’t.”
“That’ssentiment.”
“No,itisn’t.Hemighthavekilledher.Hemayevenhavefollowedhertherewiththatideainmind.Buthewouldn’ttakeabitofblackcordandstrangleherwithit.Ifhe’ddoneit,hewouldhavestrangledherwithhisbarehands.”
Suzannegavealittleshiver.Hereyesnarrowedappreciatively.
“H’m!Anne,Iambeginningtoseewhyyoufindthisyoungmanofyourssoattractive!”
Sixteen
IgotanopportunityoftacklingColonelRaceonthefollowingmorning.Theauctionofthesweephadjustbeenconcluded,andwewalkedupanddownthedecktogether.
“How’sthegipsythismorning?Longingforlandandhercaravan?”
Ishookmyhead.
“Nowthattheseaisbehavingsonicely,IfeelIshouldliketostayonitforeverandever.”
“Whatenthusiasm!”
“Well,isn’titlovelythismorning?”
Weleanttogetherovertherail.Itwasaglassycalm.Thesealookedasthoughithadbeenoiled.Thereweregreatpatchesofcolouronit,blue,palegreen,emerald,purpleanddeeporange,likeacubistpicture.Therewasanoccasionalflashofsilverthatshowedtheflyingfish.Theairwasmoistandwarm,almoststicky.Itsbreathwaslikeaperfumedcaress.
“Thatwasaveryinterestingstoryyoutolduslastnight,”Isaid,breakingthesilence.
“Whichone?”
“Theoneaboutthediamonds.”
“Ibelievewomenarealwaysinterestedindiamonds.”
“Ofcourseweare.Bytheway,whatbecameoftheotheryoungman?Yousaidthereweretwoofthem.”
“YoungLucas?Well,ofcourse,theycouldn’tprosecuteonewithouttheother,sohewentscot-freetoo.”
“Andwhathappenedtohim?—eventually,Imean.Doesanyoneknow?”
ColonelRacewaslookingstraightaheadofhimouttosea.Hisfacewasasdevoidofexpressionasamask,butIhadanideathathedidnotlikemyquestions.Nevertheless,herepliedreadilyenough.
“HewenttotheWarandacquittedhimselfbravely.Hewasreportedmissingandwounded—believedkilled.”
ThattoldmewhatIwantedtoknow.Iaskednomore.ButmorethaneverIwonderedhowmuchColonelRaceknew.Theparthewasplayinginallthispuzzledme.
OneotherthingIdid.Thatwastointerviewthenightsteward.Withalittlefinancialencouragement,Isoongothimtotalk.
“Theladywasn’tfrightened,wasshemiss?Itseemedaharmlesssortofjoke.Abet,orsoIunderstood.”
Igotitalloutofhim,littlebylittle.OnthevoyagefromCapeTowntoEnglandoneofthepassengershadhandedhimarolloffilmwithinstructionsthattheyweretobedroppedontothebunkinCabin71at1amonJanuary22ndontheoutwardjourney.Aladywouldbeoccupyingthecabin,andtheaffairwasdescribedasabet.Igatheredthestewardhadbeenliberallypaidforhispartinthetransaction.Thelady’snamehadnotbeenmentioned.Ofcourse,asMrs.BlairwentstraightintoCabin71,interviewingthepurserassoonasshegotonboard,itneveroccurredtothestewardthatshewasnottheladyinquestion.ThenameofthepassengerwhohadarrangedthetransactionwasCarton,andhisdescriptiontalliedexactlywiththatofthemankilledontheTube
Soonemystery,atallevents,wasclearedup,andthediamondswereobviouslythekeytothewholesituation.
ThoselastdaysontheKilmordenseemedtopassveryquickly.AswedrewnearerandnearertoCapeTown,Iwasforcedtoconsidercarefullymyfutureplans.ThereweresomanypeopleIwantedtokeepaneyeon.Mr.Chichester,SirEustaceandhissecretary,and—yes,ColonelRace!WhatwasItodoaboutit?NaturallyitwasChichesterwhohadfirstclaimonmyattention.Indeed,IwasonthepointofreluctantlydismissingSirEustaceandMr.Pagettfromtheirpositionofsuspiciouscharacterswhenachanceconversationawakenedfreshdoubtsinmymind.
IhadforgottenMr.Pagett’sincomprehensibleemotionatthementionofFlorence.OnthelasteveningonboardwewereallsittingondeckandSirEustaceaddressedaperfectlyinnocentquestiontohissecretary.Iforgetexactlywhatitwas,somethingtodowithrailwaydelaysinItaly,butatonceInoticedthatMr.Pagettwasdisplayingthesameuneasinesswhichhadcaughtmyattentionbefore.WhenSirEustaceclaimedMrs.Blairforadance,Iquicklymovedintothechairnexttothesecretary.Iwasdeterminedtogettothebottomofthematter.
“IhavealwayslongedtogotoItaly,”Isaid.“AndespeciallytoFlorence.Didn’tyouenjoyitverymuchthere?”
“IndeedIdid,MissBeddingfeld.Ifyouwillexcuseme,thereissomecorrespondenceofSirEustace’sthat—”
Itookholdofhimfirmlybyhiscoatsleeve.
“Oh,youmustn’trunaway!”Icriedwiththeskittishaccentofanelderlydowager.“I’msureSirEustacewouldn’tlikeyoutoleavemealonewithnoonetotalkto.YouneverseemtowanttotalkaboutFlorence.Oh,Mr.Pagett,Ibelieveyouhaveaguiltysecret!”
Istillhadmyhandonhisarm,andIcouldfeelthesuddenstarthegave.
“Notatall,MissBeddingfeld,notatall,”hesaidearnestly.“Ishouldbeonlytoodelightedtotellyouallaboutit,buttherereallyaresomecables—”
“Oh,Mr.Pagett,whatathinpretence!IshalltellSirEustace—”
Igotnofurther.Hegaveanotherjump.Theman’snervesseemedinashockingstate.
“Whatisityouwanttoknow?”
Theresignedmartyrdomofhistonemademesmileinwardly.
“Oh,everything!Thepictures,theolivetrees—”
Ipaused,ratheratalossmyself.
“IsupposeyouspeakItalian?”Iresumed.
“Notaword,unfortunately.Butofcourse,withhallportersand—er—guides.”
“Exactly,”Ihastenedtoreply.“Andwhichwasyourfavouritepicture?”
“Oh,er—theMadonna—er,Raphael,youknow.”
“DearoldFlorence,”Imurmuredsentimentally.SopicturesqueonthebanksoftheArno.Abeautifulriver.AndtheDuomo,youremembertheDuomo?”
“Ofcourse,ofcourse.”
“Anotherbeautifulriver,isitnot?”Ihazarded.“AlmostmorebeautifulthantheArno?”
“Decidedlyso,Ishouldsay.”
Emboldenedbythesuccessofmylittletrap,Iproceededfurther.Buttherewaslittleroomfordoubt.Mr.Pagettdeliveredhimselfintomyhandswitheverywordheuttered.ThemanhadneverbeeninFlorenceinhislife.
ButifnotinFlorence,wherehadhebeen?InEngland?ActuallyinEnglandatthetimeoftheMillHouseMystery?Idecidedonaboldstep.
“Thecuriousthingis,”Isaid,“thatIfanciedIhadseenyoubeforesomewhere.ButImustbemistaken—sinceyouwereinFlorenceatthetime.Andyet—”
Istudiedhimfrankly.Therewasahuntedlookinhiseyes.Hepassedhistongueoverdrylips.
“Where—er—where—”
“DidIthinkIhadseenyou?”Ifinishedforhim.“AtMarlow.YouknowMarlow?Why,ofcourse,howstupidofme,SirEustacehasahousethere!”
Butwithanincoherentmutteredexcuse,myvictimroseandfled.
ThatnightIinvadedSuzanne’scabin,alightwithexcitement.
“Yousee,Suzanne,”Iurged,asIfinishedmytale,“hewasinEngland,inMarlow,atthetimeofthemurder.Areyousosurenowthat‘TheManintheBrownSuit’isguilty?”
“I’msureofonething,”Suzannesaid,twinkling,unexpectedly.
“What’sthat?”
“That‘TheManintheBrownSuit’isbetterlookingthanpoorMr.Pagett.No,Anne,don’tgetcross.Iwasonlyteasing.Sitdownhere.Jokingapart,Ithinkyou’vemadeaveryimportantdiscovery.Uptillnow,we’veconsideredPagettashavinganalibi.Nowweknowhehasn’t.”
“Exactly,”Isaid.“Wemustkeepaneyeonhim.”
“Aswellaseverybodyelse,”shesaidruefully.“Well,that’soneofthethingsIwantedtotalktoyouabout.That—andfinance.No,don’tstickyournoseintheair.Iknowyouareabsurdlyproudandindependent,butyou’vegottolistentohorsesenseoverthis.We’repartners—Iwouldn’tofferyouapennybecauseIlikedyou,orbecauseyou’reafriendlessgirl—whatIwantisathrill,andI’mpreparedtopayforit.We’regoingintothistogetherregardlessofexpense.Tobeginwithyou’llcomewithmetotheMountNelsonHotelatmyexpense,andwe’llplanoutourcampaign.”
Wearguedthepoint.IntheendIgavein.ButIdidn’tlikeit.Iwantedtodothethingonmyown.
“That’ssettled,”saidSuzanneatlast,gettingupandstretchingherselfwithabigyawn.“I’mexhaustedwithmyowneloquence.Nowthen,letusdiscussourvictims.Mr.ChichesterisgoingontoDurban.SirEustaceisgoingtotheMountNelsonHotelinCapeTownandthenuptoRhodesia.He’sgoingtohaveaprivatecarontherailway,andinamomentofexpansion,afterhisfourthglassofchampagnetheothernight,heofferedmeaplaceinit.Idaresayhedidn’treallymeanit,but,allthesame,hecan’tverywellbackoutifIholdhimtoit.”
“Good,”Iapproved.“YoukeepaneyeonSirEustaceandMr.Pagett,andItakeonChichester.ButwhataboutColonelRace?”
Suzannelookedatmequeerly.
“Anne,youcan’tpossiblysuspect—”
“Ido.Isuspecteverybody.I’minthemoodwhenonelooksroundforthemostunlikelyperson.”
“ColonelRaceisgoingtoRhodesiatoo,”saidSuzannethoughtfully.“IfwecouldarrangeforSirEustacetoinvitehimalso—”
“Youcanmanageit.Youcanmanageanything.”
“Ilovebutter,”purredSuzanne.
WepartedontheunderstandingthatSuzanneshouldemployhertalentstoherbestadvantage.
Ifelttooexcitedtogotobedimmediately.Itwasmylastnightonboard.EarlytomorrowmorningweshouldbeinTableBay.
Islippedupondeck.Thebreezewasfreshandcool.Theboatwasrollingalittleinthechoppysea.Thedecksweredarkanddeserted.Itwasaftermidnight.
Ileanedovertherail,watchingthephosphorescenttrailoffoam.AheadofuslayAfrica,wewererushingtowardsitthroughthedarkwater.Ifeltaloneinawonderfulworld.Wrappedinastrangepeace,Istoodthere,takingnoheedoftime,lostinadream.
AndsuddenlyIhadacuriousintimatepremonitionofdanger.Ihadheardnothing,butIswungroundinstinctively.Ashadowyformhadcreptupbehindme.AsIturned,itsprang.Onehandgrippedmythroat,stiflinganycryImighthaveuttered.Ifoughtdesperately,butIhadnochance.Iwashalfchokingfromthegriponmythroat,butIbitandclungandscratchedinthemostapprovedfemininefashion.Themanwashandicappedbyhavingtokeepmefromcryingout.Ifhehadsucceededinreachingmeunawaresitwouldhavebeeneasyenoughforhimtoslingmeoverboardwithasuddenheave.Thesharkswouldhavetakencareoftherest.
StruggleasIwould,Ifeltmyselfweakening.Myassailantfeltittoo.Heputoutallhisstrength.Andthen,runningonswiftnoiselessfeet,anothershadowjoinedin.Withoneblowofhisfist,hesentmyopponentcrashingheadlongtothedeck.Released,Ifellbackagainsttherail,sickandtrembling.
Myrescuerturnedtomewithaquickmovement.
“You’rehurt!”
Therewassomethingsavageinhistone—amenaceagainstthepersonwhohaddaredtohurtme.EvenbeforehespokeIhadrecognizedhim.Itwasmyman—themanwiththescar.
Butthatonemomentinwhichhisattentionhadbeendivertedtomehadbeenenoughforthefallenenemy.Quickasaflashhehadrisentohisfeetandtakentohisheelsdownthedeck.WithanoathRayburnsprangafterhim.
Ialwayshatebeingoutofthings.Ijoinedthechase—abadthird.Roundthedeckwewenttothestarboardsideoftheship.Therebythesaloondoorlaythemaninacrumpledheap.Rayburnwasbendingoverhim.
“Didyouhithimagain?”Icalledbreathlessly.
“Therewasnoneed,”herepliedgrimly.“Ifoundhimcollapsedbythedoor.Orelsehecouldn’tgetitopenandisshamming.We’llsoonseeaboutthat.Andwe’llseewhoheistoo.”
WithabeatingheartIdrewnearer.IhadrealizedatoncethatmyassailantwasabiggermanthanChichester.Anyway,Chichesterwasaflabbycreaturewhomightuseaknifeatapinch,butwhowouldhavelittlestrengthinhisbarehands.
Rayburnstruckamatch.Webothutteredanejaculation.ThemanwasGuyPagett
Rayburnappearedabsolutelystupefiedbythediscovery.
“Pagett,”hemuttered.“MyGod,Pagett.”
Ifeltaslightsenseofsuperiority.
“Youseemsurprised.”
“Iam,”hesaidheavily.“Ineversuspected—”Hewheeledsuddenlyroundonme.“Andyou?You’renot?Yourecognizedhim,Isuppose,whenheattackedyou?”
“No,Ididn’t.Allthesame,I’mnotsoverysurprised.”
Hestaredatmesuspiciously.
“Wheredoyoucomein,Iwonder?Andhowmuchdoyouknow?”
Ismiled.
“Agooddeal,Mr—er—Lucas!”
Hecaughtmyarm,theunconsciousstrengthofhisgripmademewince.
“Wheredidyougetthatname?”heaskedhoarsely.
“Isn’tityours?”Idemandedsweetly.“Ordoyouprefertobecalled‘TheManintheBrownSuit?’”
Thatdidstaggerhim.Hereleasedmyarmandfellbackapaceortwo.
“Areyouagirl,orawitch?”hebreathed.
“I’mafriend,”Iadvancedasteptowardshim.“Iofferedyoumyhelponce—Iofferitagain.Willyouhaveit?”
Thefiercenessofhisanswertookmeaback.
“No.I’llhavenotruckwithyouorwithanywoman.Doyourdamnedest.”
Asbefore,myowntemperbegantorise.
“Perhaps,”Isaid,“youdon’trealizehowmuchinmypoweryouare?AwordfrommetotheCaptain—”
“Sayit,”hesneered.Thenadvancingwithaquickstep:“Andwhilstwe’rerealizingthings,mydeargirl,doyourealizeyou’reinmypowerthisminute?Icouldtakeyoubythethroatlikethis.”Withaswiftgesturehesuitedtheactiontotheword.Ifelthistwohandsclaspmythroatandpress—eversolittle.“Likethis—andsqueezethelifeoutofyou!Andthen—likeourunconsciousfriendhere,butwithmoresuccess—flingyourdeadbodytothesharks.Whatdoyousaytothat?”
Isaidnothing.Ilaughed.AndyetIknewthatthedangerwasreal.Justatthatmomenthehatedme.ButIknewthatIlovedthedanger,lovedthefeelingofhishandsonmythroat.ThatIwouldnothaveexchangedthatmomentforanymomentinmylife.
Withashortlaughhereleasedme.
“What’syourname?”heaskedabruptly.
“AnneBeddingfeld.”
“Doesnothingfrightenyou,AnneBeddingfeld?”
“Oh,yes,”Isaid,withanassumptionofcoolnessIwasfarfromfeeling.“Wasps,sarcasticwomen,veryyoungmen,cockroaches,andsuperiorshopassistants.”
Hegavethesameshortlaughasbefore.ThenhestirredtheunconsciousformofPagettwithhisfeet.
“Whatshallwedowiththisjunk?Throwitoverboard?”heaskedcarelessly.
“Ifyoulike,”Iansweredwithequalcalm.
“Iadmireyourwholehearted,bloodthirstyinstincts,MissBeddingfeld.Butwewillleavehimtorecoverathisleisure.Heisnotseriouslyhurt.”
“Youshrinkfromasecondmurder,Isee,”Isaidsweetly.
“Asecondmurder?”
Helookedgenuinelypuzzled.
“ThewomanatMarlow,”Iremindedhim,watchingtheeffectofmywordsclosely.
Anuglybroodingexpressionsettleddownonhisface.Heseemedtohaveforgottenmypresence.
“Imighthavekilledher,”hesaid.“SometimesIbelievethatImeanttokillher”
Awildrushoffeeling,hatredofthedeadwoman,surgedthroughme.Icouldhavekilledherthatmoment,hadshestoodbeforeme…Forhemusthavelovedheronce—hemust—hemust—tohavefeltlikethat!
Iregainedcontrolofmyselfandspokeinmynormalvoice:
“Weseemtohavesaidallthereistobesaid—exceptgoodnight.”
“Goodnightandgood-bye,MissBeddingfeld.”
“Aurevoir,Mr.Lucas.”
Againheflinchedatthename.Hecamenearer.
“Whydoyousaythat—aurevoir,Imean?”
“BecauseIhaveafancythatweshallmeetagain.”
“NotifIcanhelpit!”
Emphaticashistonewas,itdidnotoffendme.Onthecontrary,Ihuggedmyselfwithsecretsatisfaction.Iamnotquiteafool.
“Allthesame,”Isaidgravely,“Ithinkweshall.”
“Why?”
Ishookmyhead,unabletoexplainthefeelingthathadactuatedmywords.
“Ineverwishtoseeyouagain,”hesaidsuddenly,andviolently.
Itwasreallyaveryrudethingtosay,butIonlylaughedsoftlyandslippedawayintothedarkness.
Iheardhimstartafterme,andthenpause,andawordfloateddownthedeck.Ithinkitwas“witch!”
Seventeen
(ExtractfromthediaryofSirEustacePedler)
MountNelsonHotel,CapeTown.
ItisreallythegreatestrelieftogetofftheKilmorden.ThewholetimethatIwasonboardIwasconsciousofbeingsurroundedbyanetworkofintrigue.Toputthelidoneverything,GuyPagettmustneedsengageinadrunkenbrawlthelastnight.Itisallverywelltoexplainitaway,butthatiswhatitactuallyamountsto.Whatelsewouldyouthinkifamancomestoyouwithalumpthesizeofaneggonthesideofhisheadandaneyecolouredallthetintsoftherainbow?
OfcoursePagettwouldinsistontryingtobemysteriousaboutthewholething.Accordingtohim,youwouldthinkhisblackeyewasthedirectresultofhisdevotiontomyinterests.HisstorywasextraordinarilyvagueandramblinganditwasalongtimebeforeIcouldmakeheadortailofit.
Tobeginwith,itappearshecaughtsightofamanbehavingsuspiciously.ThosearePagett’swords.HehastakenthemstraightfromthepagesofaGermanspystory.Whathemeansbyamanbehavingsuspiciouslyhedoesn’tknowhimself.Isaidsotohim.
“Hewasslinkingalonginaveryfurtivemanner,anditwasthemiddleofthenight,SirEustace.”
“Well,whatwereyoudoingyourself?Whyweren’tyouinbedandasleeplikeagoodChristian?”Idemandedirritably.
“Ihadbeencodingthosecablesofyours,SirEustace,andtypingthediaryuptodate.”
TrustPagetttobealwaysintherightandamartyroverit!
“Well?”
“IjustthoughtIwouldhavealookroundbeforeturningin,SirEustace.Themanwascomingdownthepassagefromyourcabin.Ithoughtatoncetherewassomethingwrongbythewayhelookedabouthim.Heslunkupthestairsbythesaloon.Ifollowedhim.
“MydearPagett,”Isaid,“whyshouldn’tthepoorchapgoondeckwithouthavinghisfootstepsdogged?Lotsofpeopleevensleepondeck—veryuncomfortable,I’vealwaysthought.Thesailorswashyoudownwiththerestofthedeckatfiveinthemorning.”Ishudderedattheidea.
“Anyway,”Icontinued,“ifyouwentworryingsomepoordevilwhowassufferingfrominsomnia,Idon’twonderhelandedyouone.”
Pagettlookedpatient.
“Ifyouwouldhearmeout,SirEustace.Iwasconvincedthemanhadbeenprowlingaboutnearyourcabinwherehehadnobusinesstobe.TheonlytwocabinsdownthatpassageareyoursandColonelRace’s.”
“Race,”Isaid,lightingacigarcarefully,“canlookafterhimselfwithoutyourassistance,Pagett.”Iaddedasanafterthought:“SocanI.”
Pagettcamenearerandbreathedheavilyashealwaysdoesbeforeimpartingasecret.
“Yousee,SirEustace,Ifancied—andnowindeedIamsure—itwasRayburn.”
“Rayburn?”
“Yes,SirEustace.”
Ishookmyhead.
“Rayburnhasfartoomuchsensetoattempttowakemeupinthemiddleofthenight.”
“Quiteso,SirEustace.IthinkitwasColonelRacehewenttosee.Asecretmeeting—fororders!”
“Don’thissatme,Pagett,”Isaid,drawingbackalittle,“anddocontrolyourbreathing.Yourideaisabsurd.Whyshouldtheywanttohaveasecretmeetinginthemiddleofthenight?Ifthey’danythingtosaytoeachother,theycouldhobnoboverbeefteainaperfectlycasualandnaturalmanner.”
IcouldseethatPagettwasnotintheleastconvinced.
“Somethingwasgoingonlastnight,SirEustace,”heurged,“orwhyshouldRayburnassaultmesobrutally?”
“You’requitesureitwasRayburn?”
Pagettappearedtobeperfectlyconvincedofthat.Itwastheonlypartofthestorythathewasn’tvagueabout.
“There’ssomethingveryqueeraboutallthis,”hesaid.“Tobeginwith,whereisRayburn?”
It’sperfectlytruethatwehaven’tseenthefellowsincewecameonshore.Hedidnotcomeuptothehotelwithus.IdeclinetobelievethatheisafraidofPagett,however.
Altogetherthewholethingisveryannoying.Oneofmysecretarieshasvanishedintotheblue,andtheotherlookslikeadisreputableprizefighter.Ican’ttakehimaboutwithmeinhispresentcondition.IshallbethelaughingstockofCapeTown.IhaveanappointmentlaterinthedaytodeliveroldMilray’sbillet-doux,butIshallnottakePagettwithme.Confoundthefellowandhisprowlingways
AlthoughIamdecidedlyoutoftemper.Ihadapoisonousbreakfastwithpoisonouspeople.Dutchwaitresseswiththickankleswhotookhalfanhourtobringmeabadbitoffish.Andthisfarceofgettingupat5amonarrivalattheporttoseeablinkingdoctorandholdyourhandsaboveyourheadsimplymakesmetired.
Later.
Averyseriousthinghasoccurred.IwenttomyappointmentwiththePrimeMinister,takingMilray’ssealedletter.Itdidn’tlookasthoughithadbeentamperedwith,butinsidewasablanksheetofpaper!
Now,Isuppose,I’minthedevilofamess.WhyIeverletthatbleatingoldfoolMilrayembroilmeinthematterIcan’tthink.
PagettisafamousJob’scomforter.Hedisplaysacertaingloomysatisfactionthatmaddensme.Also,hehadtakenadvantageofmyperturbationtosaddlemewiththestationerytrunk.Unlessheiscareful,thenextfuneralheattendswillbehisown.
HoweverintheendIhadtolistentohim.
“Supposing,SirEustace,thatRayburnhadoverheardawordortwoofyourconversationwithMr.Milrayinthestreet?Remember,youhadnowrittenauthorityfromMr.Milray.YouacceptedRayburnonhisownvaluation.”
“YouthinkRayburnisacrook,then?”Isaidslowly.
Pagettdid.HowfarhisviewswereinfluencedbyresentmentoverhisblackeyeIdon’tknow.HemadeoutaprettyfaircaseagainstRayburn.Andtheappearanceofthelattertoldagainsthim.Myideawastodonothinginthematter.Amanwhohaspermittedhimselftobemadeathoroughfoolofisnotanxioustobroadcastthefact.
ButPagett,hisenergyunimpairedbyhisrecentmisfotunes,wasallforvigorousmeasures.Hehadhisway,ofcourse.Hebustledouttothepolicestation,sentinnumerablecables,andbroughtaherdofEnglishandDutchofficialstodrinkwhiskiesandsodasatmyexpense.
WegotMilray’sanswerthatevening.Heknewnothingofmylatesecretary!Therewasonlyonespotofcomforttobeextractedfromthesituation.
“Atanyrate,”IsaidtoPagett,“youweren’tpoisoned.Youhadoneofyourordinarybiliousattacks.”
Isawhimwince.Itwasmyonlyscore.
Later.
Pagettisinhiselement.Hisbrainpositivelyscintillateswithbrightideas.HewillhaveitnowthatRayburnisnoneotherthanthefamous“ManintheBrownSuit.”Idaresayheisright.Heusuallyis.Butallthisisgettingunpleasant.ThesoonerIgetofftoRhodesiathebetter.IhaveexplainedtoPagettthatheisnottoaccompanyme.
“Yousee,mydearfellow,”Isaid,“youmustremainhereonthespot.YoumightberequiredtoidentifyRayburnanyminute.And,besides,IhavemydignityasanEnglishMemberofParliamenttothinkof.Ican’tgoaboutwithasecretarywhohasapparentlyrecentlybeenindulginginavulgarstreetbrawl.”
Pagettwinced.Heissucharespectablefellowthathisappearanceispainandtribulationtohim.
“Butwhatwillyoudoaboutyourcorrespondence,andthenotesforyourspeeches,SirEustace?”
“Ishallmanage,”Isaidairily.
“Yourprivatecaristobeattachedtotheeleven-o’clocktraintomorrow,Wednesday,morning,”Pagettcontinued.“Ihavemadeallarrangements.IsMrs.Blairtakingamaidwithher?”
“Mrs.Blair?”Igasped.
“Shetellsmeyouofferedheraplace.”
SoIdid,nowIcometothinkofit.OnthenightoftheFancyDressball.Ievenurgedhertocome.ButIneverthoughtshewould.Delightfulassheis,IdonotknowthatIwantMrs.Blair’ssocietyallthewaytoRhodesiaandback.Womenrequiresuchalotofattention.Andtheyareconfoundedlyinthewaysometimes.
“HaveIaskedanyoneelse?”Isaidnervously.Onedoesthesethingsinmomentsofexpansion.
“Mrs.BlairseemedtothinkyouhadaskedColonelRaceaswell.”
Igroaned.
“ImusthavebeenverydrunkifIaskedRace.Verydrunkindeed.Takemyadvice,Pagett,andletyourblackeyebeawarningtoyou,don’tgoonthebustagain.”
“Asyouknow,Iamateetotaller,SirEustace.”
“Muchwisertotakethepledgeifyouhaveaweaknessthatway.Ihaven’taskedanyoneelse,haveI,Pagett?”
“NotthatIknowof,SirEustace.”
Iheavedasighofrelief.
“There’sMissBeddingfeld,”Isaidthoughtfully.“ShewantstogettoRhodesiatodigupbones,Ibelieve.I’veagoodmindtoofferheratemporaryjobasasecretary.Shecantypewrite,Iknow,forshetoldmeso.”
Tomysurprise,Pagettopposedtheideavehemently.HedoesnotlikeAnneBeddingfeld.Eversincethenightoftheblackeye,hehasdisplayeduncontrollableemotionwheneversheismentioned.Pagettisfullofmysteriesnowadays.
Justtoannoyhim,Ishallaskthegirl.AsIsaidbefore,shehasextremelynicelegs.
Eighteen
(Anne’sNarrativeResumed)
Idon’tsupposethataslongasIliveIshallforgetmyfirstsightofTableMountain.Igotupfrightfullyearlyandwentoutondeck.Iwentrightuptotheboatdeck,whichIbelieveisaheinousoffence,butIdecidedtodaresomethinginthecauseofsolitude.WewerejuststeamingintoTableBay.TherewerefleecywhitecloudshoveringaboveTableMountain,andnestlingontheslopesbelow,rightdowntothesea,wasthesleepingtown,gildedandbewitchedbythemorningsunlight.
Itmademecatchmybreathandhavethatcurioushungrypaininsidethatseizesonesometimeswhenonecomesacrosssomethingthat’sextrabeautiful.I’mnotverygoodatexpressingthesethings,butIknewwellenoughthatIhadfound,ifonlyforafleetingmoment,thethingthatIhadbeenlookingforeversinceIleftLittleHampsley.Somethingnew,somethinghithertoundreamedof,somethingthatsatisfiedmyachinghungerforromance.
Perfectlysilently,orsoitseemedtome,theKilmordenglidednearerandnearer.Itwasstillverylikeadream.Likealldreamers,however,Icouldnotletmydreamalone.Wepoorhumansaresoanxiousnottomissanything.
“ThisisSouthAfrica,”Ikeptsayingtomyselfindustriously.“SouthAfrica,SouthAfrica.Youareseeingtheworld.Thisistheworld.Youareseeingit.Thinkofit,AnneBeddingfeld,youpuddinghead.You’reseeingtheworld.”
IhadthoughtthatIhadtheboatdecktomyself,butnowIobservedanotherfigureleaningovertherail,absorbedasIhadbeenintherapidlyapproachingcity.EvenbeforeheturnedhisheadIknewwhoitwas.Thesceneoflastnightseemedunrealandmelodramaticinthepeacefulmorningsunshine.Whatmusthehavethoughtofme?ItmademehottorealizethethingsthatIhadsaid.AndIhadn’tmeantthem—orhadI?
Iturnedmyheadresolutelyaway,andstaredhardatTableMountain.IfRayburnhadcomeupheretobealone,I,atleast,neednotdisturbhimbyadvertisingmypresence.
ButtomyintensesurpriseIheardalightfootfallonthedeckbehindme,andthenhisvoice,pleasantandnormal:
“MissBeddingfeld.”
“Yes?”
Iturned.
“Iwanttoapologizetoyou.Ibehavedlikeaperfectboorlastnight.”
“It—itwasapeculiarnight,”Isaidhastily.
Itwasnotaverylucidremark,butitwasabsolutelytheonlythingIcouldthinkof.
“Willyouforgiveme?”
Iheldoutmyhandwithoutaword.Hetookit.
“There’ssomethingelseIwanttosay.”Hisgravitydeepened.“MissBeddingfeld,youmaynotknowit,butyouaremixedupinaratherdangerousbusiness.”
“Igatherasmuch,”Isaid.
“No,youdon’t.Youcan’tpossiblyknow.Iwanttowarnyou.Leavethewholethingalone.Itcan’tconcernyoureally.Don’tletyourcuriosityleadyoutotamperwithotherpeople’sbusiness.No,pleasedon’tgetangryagain.I’mnotspeakingofmyself.You’venoideaofwhatyoumightcomeupagainst—thesemenwillstopatnothing.Theyareabsolutelyruthless.Alreadyyou’reindanger—lookatlastnight.Theyfancyyouknowsomething.Youronlychanceistopersuadethemthatthey’remistaken.Butbecareful,alwaysbeonthelookoutfordanger,and,lookhere,ifatanytimeyoushouldfallintotheirhands,don’ttryandbeclever—tellthewholetruth;itwillbeyouronlychance.”
“Youmakemyfleshcreep,Mr.Rayburn,”Isaid,withsometruth.“Whydoyoutakethetroubletowarnme?”
Hedidnotanswerforsomeminutes,thenhesaidinalowvoice:
“ItmaybethelastthingIcandoforyou.OnceonshoreIshallbeallright—butImaynotgetonshore.”
“What?”Icried.
“Yousee,I’mafraidyou’renottheonlypersononboardwhoknowsthatIam‘TheManintheBrownSuit.’”
“IfyouthinkthatItold—”Isaidhotly.
Hereassuredmewithasmile.
“Idon’tdoubtyou,MissBeddingfeld.IfIeversaidIdid,Ilied.No,butthere’sonepersononboardwho’sknownallalong.He’sonlytospeak—andmynumber’sup.Allthesame,I’mtakingasportingchancethathewon’tspeak.”
“Why?”
“Becausehe’samanwholikesplayingalonehand.AndwhenthepolicehavegotmeIshouldbeofnofurtherusetohim.Free,Imightbe!Well,anhourwillshow.”
Helaughedrathermockingly,butIsawhisfaceharden.IfhehadgambledwithFate,hewasagoodgambler.Hecouldloseandsmile.
“Inanycase,”hesaidlightly,“Idon’tsupposeweshallmeetagain.”
“No,”Isaidslowly.“Isupposenot.”
“So—good-bye.”
“Good-bye.”
Hegrippedmyhandhard,justforaminutehiscuriouslighteyesseemedtoburnintomine,thenheturnedabruptlyandleftme.Iheardhisfootstepsringingalongthedeck.Theyechoedandreechoed.IfeltthatIshouldhearthemalways.Footsteps—goingoutofmylife.
IcanadmitfranklythatIdidnotenjoythenexttwohours.NottillIstoodonthewharf,havingfinishedwithmostoftheridiculousformalitiesthatbureaucraciesrequire,didIbreathefreelyoncemore.Noarresthadbeenmade,andIrealizedthatitwasaheavenlyday,andthatIwasextremelyhungry.IjoinedSuzanne.Inanycase,Iwasstayingthenightwithheratthehotel.TheboatdidnotgoontoPortElizabethandDurbanuntilthefollowingmorning.WegotintoataxianddrovetotheMountNelson.
Itwasallheavenly.Thesun,theair,theflowers!WhenIthoughtofLittleHampsleyinJanuary,themudknee-deep,andthesure-to-be-fallingrain,Ihuggedmyselfwithdelight.Suzannewasnotnearlysoenthusiastic.Shehastravelledagreatdealofcourse.Besides,sheisnotthetypethatgetsexcitedbeforebreakfast.ShesnubbedmeseverelywhenIletoutanenthusiasticyelpatthesightofagiantblueconvolvulus.
Bytheway,IshouldliketomakeclearhereandnowthatthisstorywillnotbeastoryofSouthAfrica.Iguaranteenogenuinelocalcolour—youknowthesortofthing—halfadozenwordsinitalicsoneverypage.Iadmireitverymuch,butIcan’tdoit.InSouthSeaIslands,ofcourse,youmakeanimmediatereferencetobêche-de-mer.Idon’tknowwhatbêche-de-meris,Ihaveneverknown,Iprobablynevershallknow.I’veguessedonceortwiceandguessedwrong.InSouthAfricaIknowyouatoncebegintotalkaboutastoep—Idoknowwhatastoepis—it’sthethingroundahouseandyousitonit.Invariousotherpartsoftheworldyoucallitaveranda,apiazza,andaha-ha.Thenagain,therearepawpaws.Ihadoftenreadofpawpaws.Idiscoveredatoncewhattheywere,becauseIhadoneplumpeddowninfrontofmeforbreakfast.Ithoughtatfirstthatitwasamelongonebad.TheDutchhula-hula,which,Ibelieve,thoughImaybewrong,isakindofstrawskirtthatHawaiiangirlsdancein.No,IthinkIamwrong—thatisalava-lava
Atanyrate,allthesethingsareverycheeringafterEngland.Ican’thelpthinkingthatitwouldbrightenourcoldIslandlifeifonecouldhaveabreakfastofbacon-bacon,andthengooutcladinajumper-jumpertopaythebooks.
Suzannewasalittletamerafterbreakfast.TheyhadgivenmearoomnexttoherswithalovelyviewrightoutoverTableBay.IlookedattheviewwhilstSuzannehuntedforsomespecialfacecream.Whenshehadfounditandstartedanimmediateapplication,shebecamecapableoflisteningtome.
“DidyouseeSirEustace?”Iasked.“Hewasmarchingoutofthebreakfastroomaswewentin.He’dhadsomebadfishorsomethingandwasjusttellingtheheadwaiterwhathethoughtaboutit,andhebouncedapeachonthefloortoshowhowharditwas—onlyitwasn’tquiteashardashethoughtanditsquashed.”
Suzannesmiled.
“SirEustacedoesn’tlikegettingupearlyanymorethanIdo.But,Anne,didyouseeMr.Pagett?Iranagainsthiminthepassage.He’sgotablackeye.Whatcanhehavebeendoing?”
“Onlytryingtopushmeoverboard,”Irepliednonchalantly.
Itwasadistinctscoreforme.Suzanneleftherfacehalf-anointedandpressedfordetails.Igavethemtoher.
“Itallgetsmoreandmoremysterious,”shecried.“IthoughtIwasgoingtohavethesoftjobstickingtoSirEustace,andthatyouwouldhaveallthefunwiththeRev.EdwardChichester,butnowI’mnotsosure.IhopePagettwon’tpushmeoffthetrainsomedarknight.”
“Ithinkyou’restillabovesuspicion,Suzanne.But,iftheworsthappensI’llwiretoClarence.”
“Thatremindsme—givemeacableform.Letmeseenow,whatshallIsay?‘ImplicatedinthemostthrillingmysterypleasesendmeathousandpoundsatonceSuzanne.’”
Itooktheformfromher,andpointedoutthatshecouldeliminatea“the,”an“a,”andpossibly,ifshedidn’tcareaboutbeingpolite,a“please.”Suzanne,however,appearstobeperfectlyrecklessinmoneymatters.Insteadofattendingtomyeconomicalsuggestions,sheaddedthreemorewords:“enjoyingmyselfhugely.”
Suzannewasengagedtolunchwithfriendsofhers,whocametothehotelabouteleveno’clocktofetchher.Iwaslefttomyowndevices.Iwentdownthroughthegroundsofthehotel,crossedthetramlinesandfollowedacoolshadyavenuerightdowntillIcametothemainstreet.Istrolledabout,seeingthesights,enjoyingthesunlightandtheblack-facedsellersofflowersandfruits.Ialsodiscoveredaplacewheretheyhadthemostdeliciousicecreamsodas.Finally,Iboughtasixpennybasketofpeachesandretracedmystepstothehotel.
TomysurpriseandpleasureIfoundanoteawaitingme.ItwasfromthecuratoroftheMuseum.HehadreadofmyarrivalontheKilmorden,inwhichIwasdescribedasthedaughterofthelateProfessorBeddingfeld.Hehadknownmyfatherslightlyandhadhadgreatadmirationforhim.HewentontosaythathiswifewouldbedelightedifIwouldcomeoutandhaveteawiththemthatafternoonattheirVillaatMuizenberg.Hegavemeinstructionsforgettingthere.
ItwaspleasanttothinkthatpoorPapawasstillrememberedandhighlythoughtof.IforesawthatIwouldhavetobepersonallyescortedroundtheMuseumbeforeIleftCapeTown,butIriskedthat.Tomostpeopleitwouldhavebeenatreat—butonecanhavetoomuchofagoodthingifoneisbroughtuponit,morning,noon,andnight.
Iputonmybesthat(oneofSuzanne’scastoffs)andmyleastcrumpledwhitelinenandstartedoffafterlunch.IcaughtafasttraintoMuizenbergandgotthereinabouthalfanhour.Itwasanicetrip.WewoundslowlyroundthebaseofTableMountain,andsomeoftheflowerswerelovely.Mygeographybeingweak,IhadneverfullyrealizedthatCapeTownisonapeninsula,consequentlyIwasrathersurprisedongettingoutofthetraintofindmyselffacingtheseaoncemore.Therewassomeperfectlyentrancingbathinggoingon.Thepeoplehadshortcurvedboardsandcamefloatinginonthewaves.Itwasfartooearlytogototea.Imadeforthebathingpavilion,andwhentheysaidwouldIhaveasurfboard,Isaid“Yes,please.”Surfinglooksperfectlyeasy.Itisn’t.Isaynomore.Igotveryangryandfairlyhurledmyplankfromme.Nevertheless,Ideterminedtoreturnonthefirstpossibleopportunityandhaveanothergo.Iwouldnotbebeaten.QuitebymistakeIthengotagoodrunonmyboard,andcameoutdeliriouswithhappiness.Surfingislikethat.Youareeithervigorouslycursingorelseyouareidioticallypleasedwithyourself.
IfoundtheVillaMedgeeaftersomedifficulty.Itwasrightuponthesideofthemountain,isolatedfromtheothercottagesandvillas.Irangthebell,andasmilingKafirboyansweredit.
“Mrs.Raffini?”Iinquired.
Heusheredmein,precededmedownthepassageandflungopenadoor.JustasIwasabouttopassin,Ihesitated.Ifeltasuddenmisgiving.Isteppedoverthethresholdandthedoorswungsharplybehindme.
Amanrosefromhisseatbehindatableandcameforwardwithoutstretchedhand.
“Sogladwehavepersuadedyoutovisitus,MissBeddingfeld,”hesaid.
Hewasatallman,obviouslyaDutchman,withaflamingorangebeard.Hedidnotlookintheleastlikethecuratorofamuseum.Infact,IrealizedinaflashthatIhadmadeafoolofmyself.
Iwasinthehandsoftheenemy.
Nineteen
ItremindedmeforciblyofEpisodeIIIin“ThePerilsofPamela.”HowoftenhadInotsatinthesixpennyseats,eatingatwopennybarofmilkchocolate,andyearningforsimilarthingstohappentome!Well,theyhadhappenedwithavengeance.AndsomehowitwasnotnearlysoamusingasIhadimagined.It’sallverywellonthescreen—youhavethecomfortableknowledgethatthere’sboundtobeanEpisodeIV.ButinreallifetherewasabsolutelynoguaranteethatAnnatheAdventuressmightnotterminateabruptlyattheendofanyEpisode.
Yes,Iwasinatightplace.AllthethingsthatRayburnhadsaidthatmorningcamebacktomewithunpleasantdistinctness.Tellthetruth,hehadsaid.Well,Icouldalwaysdothat,butwasitgoingtohelpme?Tobeginwith,wouldmystorybebelieved?WouldtheyconsideritlikelyorpossiblethatIhadstartedoffonthismadescapadesimplyonthestrengthofascrapofpapersmellingofmothballs?Itsoundedtomeawildlyincredibletale.InthatmomentofcoldsanityIcursedmyselfforamelodramaticidiot,andyearnedforthepeacefulboredomofLittleHampsley.
Allthispassedthroughmymindinlesstimethanittakestotell.Myfirstinstinctivemovementwastostepbackwardsandfeelforthehandleofthedoor.Mycaptormerelygrinned.
“Hereyouareandhereyoustay,”heremarkedfacetiously.
Ididmybesttoputaboldfaceuponthematter.
“IwasinvitedtocomeherebythecuratoroftheCapeTownMuseum.IfIhavemadeamistake—”
“Amistake?Oh,yes,abigmistake!”
Helaughedcoarsely.
“Whatrighthaveyoutodetainme?Ishallinformthepolice—”
“Yap,yap,yap—likealittletoydog.”Helaughed.
Isatdownonachair.
“Icanonlyconcludethatyouareadangerouslunatic,”Isaidcoldly.
“Indeed?”
“IshouldliketopointouttoyouthatmyfriendsareperfectlywellawarewhereIhavegone,andthatifIhavenotreturnedbythisevening,theywillcomeinsearchofme.Youunderstand?”
“Soyourfriendsknowwhereyouare,dothey?Whichofthem?”
Thuschallenged,Ididalightningcalculationofchances.ShouldImentionSirEustace?Hewasawell-knownman,andhisnamemightcarryweight.ButiftheywereintouchwithPagett,theymightknowIwaslying.BetternotriskSirEustace.
“Mrs.Blair,forone,”Isaidlightly.“AfriendofminewithwhomIamstaying.”
“Ithinknot,”saidmycaptor,slylyshakinghisorangehead.“Youhavenotseenhersinceeleventhismorning.Andyoureceivedournote,biddingyoutocomehere,atlunchtime.”
Hiswordsshowedmehowcloselymymovementshadbeenfollowed,butIwasnotgoingtogiveinwithoutafight.
“Youareveryclever,”Isaid.“Perhapsyouhaveheardofthatusefulinvention,thetelephone?Mrs.BlaircalledmeuponitwhenIwasrestinginmyroomafterlunch.ItoldherthenwhereIwasgoingthisafternoon.”
Tomygreatsatisfaction,Isawashadeofuneasinesspassoverhisface.ClearlyhehadoverlookedthepossibilitythatSuzannemighthavetelephonedme.Iwishedshereallyhaddoneso!
“Enoughofthis,”hesaidharshly,rising.
“Whatareyougoingtodowithme?”Iasked,stillendeavouringtoappearcomposed.
“Putyouwhereyoucandonoharmincaseyourfriendscomeafteryou.”
Foramomentmybloodrancold,buthisnextwordsreassuredme.
“Tomorrowyou’llhavesomequestionstoanswer,andafteryou’veansweredthemweshallknowwhattodowithyou.AndIcantellyou,younglady,we’vemorewaysthanoneofmakingobstinatelittlefoolstalk.”
Itwasnotcheering,butitwasatleastarespite.Ihaduntiltomorrow.Thismanwasclearlyanunderlingobeyingtheordersofasuperior.CouldthatsuperiorbyanychancebePagett?
HecalledandtwoKafirsappeared.Iwastakenupstairs.Despitemystruggles,Iwasgaggedandthenboundhandandfoot.Theroomintowhichtheyhadtakenmewasakindofatticrightundertheroof.Itwasdustyandshowedlittlesignsofhavingbeenoccupied.TheDutchmanmadeamockbowandwithdrew,closingthedoorbehindhim.
Iwasquitehelpless.TurnandtwistasIwould,Icouldnotloosenmybondsintheslightestdegree,andthegagpreventedmefromcryingout.If,byanypossiblechance,anyonedidcometothehouse,Icoulddonothingtoattracttheirattention.DownbelowIheardthesoundofadoorshutting.EvidentlytheDutchmanwasgoingout.
Itwasmaddeningnottobeabletodoanything.Istrainedagainatmybonds,buttheknotsheld.Idesistedatlast,andeitherfaintedorfellasleep.WhenIawokeIwasinpainallover.Itwasquitedarknow,andIjudgedthatthenightmustbewell-advanced,forthemoonwashighintheheavensandshiningdownthroughthedustyskylight.Thegagwashalfchokingmeandthestiffnessandpainwereunendurable.
Itwasthenthatmyeyesfellonabitofbrokenglasslyinginthecorner.Amoonbeamslantedrightdownonit,anditsglisteninghadcaughtmyattention.AsIlookedatit,anideacameintomyhead.
Myarmsandlegswerehelpless,butsurelyIcouldstillroll.Slowlyandawkwardly,Isetmyselfinmotion.Itwasnoteasy.Besidesbeingextremelypainful,sinceIcouldnotguardmyfacewithmyarms,itwasalsoexceedinglydifficulttokeepanyparticulardirection.
ItendedtorollineverydirectionexcepttheoneIwantedtogo.Intheend,however,Icamerightupagainstmyobjective.Italmosttouchedmyboundhands.
Eventhenitwasnoteasy.IttookaninfinityoftimebeforeIcouldwriggletheglassintosuchaposition,wedgedagainstthewall,thatitwouldrubupanddownonmybonds.Itwasalongheart-rendingprocess,andIalmostdespaired,butintheendIsucceededinsawingthroughthecordsthatboundmywrists.Therestwasamatteroftime.OnceIhadrestoredthecirculationtomyhandsbyrubbingthewristsvigorously,Iwasabletoundothegag.Oneortwofullbreathsdidalotforme.
VerysoonIhadundonethelastknot,thougheventhenitwassometimebeforeIcouldstandonmyfeet,butatlastIstooderect,swingingmyarmstoandfrotorestorethecirculation,andwishingaboveallthingsthatIcouldgetholdofsomethingtoeat.
Iwaitedaboutaquarterofanhour,tobequitesureofmyrecoveredstrength.ThenItiptoednoiselesslytothedoor.AsIhadhoped,itwasnotlocked,onlylatched.Iunlatcheditandpeepedcautiouslyout.
Everythingwasstill.Themoonlightcameinthroughawindowandshowedmethedustyuncarpetedstaircase.CautiouslyIcreptdownit.Stillnosound—butasIstoodonthelandingbelow,afaintmurmurofvoicesreachedme.Istoppeddead,andstoodthereforsometime.Aclockonthewallregisteredthefactthatitwasaftermidnight.
IwasfullyawareoftherisksImightrunifIdescendedlower,butmycuriositywastoomuchforme.WithinfiniteprecautionsIpreparedtoexplore.Icreptsoftlydownthelastflightofstairsandstoodinthesquarehall.Ilookedroundme—andthencaughtmybreathwithagasp.AKafirboywassittingbythehalldoor.Hehadnotseenme,indeedIsoonrealizedbyhisbreathingthathewasfastasleep.
ShouldIretreat,orshouldIgoon?ThevoicescamefromtheroomIhadbeenshownintoonarrival.OneofthemwasthatofmyDutchfriend,theotherIcouldnotforthemomentrecognize,thoughitseemedvaguelyfamiliar.
IntheendIdecidedthatitwasclearlymydutytohearallIcould.ImustrisktheKafirboywakingup.Icrossedthehallnoiselesslyandkneltbythestudydoor.ForamomentortwoIcouldhearnobetter.Thevoiceswerelouder,butIcouldnotdistinguishwhattheysaid.
Iappliedmyeyetothekeyholeinsteadofmyear.AsIhadguessed,oneofthespeakerswasthebigDutchman.Theothermanwassittingoutsidemycircumscribedrangeofvision.
Suddenlyherosetogethimselfadrink.Hisback,blackcladanddecorous,cameintoview.EvenbeforeheturnedroundIknewwhohewas.
Mr.Chichester!
NowIbegantomakeoutthewords.
“Allthesame,itisdangerous.Supposeherfriendscomeafterher?”
Itwasthebigmanspeaking.Chichesteransweredhim.Hehaddroppedhisclericalvoiceentirely.NowonderIhadnotrecognizedit.
“Allbluff.Theyhaven’tanideawheresheis.”
“Shespokeverypositively.”
“Idaresay.I’velookedintothematter,andwe’venothingtofear.Anyway,it’sthe‘Colonel’s’orders.Youdon’twanttogoagainstthem,Isuppose?”
TheDutchmanejaculatedsomethinginhisownlanguage.Ijudgedittobeahastydisclaimer.
“Butwhynotknockheronthehead?”hegrowled.“Itwouldbesimple.Theboatisallready.Shecouldbetakenouttosea.”
“Yes,”saidChichestermeditatively.“ThatiswhatIshoulddo.Sheknowstoomuch,thatiscertain.Butthe‘Colonel’isamanwholikestoplayalonehand—thoughnooneelsemustdoso.”Somethinginhisownwordsseemedtoawakenamemorythatannoyedhim.“Hewantsinformationofsomekindfromthisgirl.”
Hehadpausedbeforethe“information,”andtheDutchmanwasquicktocatchhimup.
“Information?”
“Somethingofthekind.”
“Diamonds,”Isaidtomyself.
“Andnow,”continuedChichester,“givemethelists.”
Foralongtimetheirconversationwasquiteincomprehensibletome.Itseemedtodealwithlargequantitiesofvegetables.Dateswerementioned,prices,andvariousnamesofplaceswhichIdidnotknow.Itwasquitehalfanhourbeforetheyhadfinishedtheircheckingandcounting.
“Good,”saidChichester,andtherewasasoundasthoughhepushedbackhischair.“Iwilltakethesewithmeforthe‘Colonel’tosee.”
“Whendoyouleave?”
“Teno’clocktomorrowmorningwilldo.”
“Doyouwanttoseethegirlbeforeyougo?”
“No.Therearestrictordersthatnooneistoseeheruntilthe‘Colonel’comes.Issheallright?”
“IlookedinonherwhenIcameinfordinner.Shewasasleep,Ithink.Whataboutfood?”
“Alittlestarvationwilldonoharm.The‘Colonel’willbeheresometimetomorrow.Shewillanswerquestionsbetterifsheishungry.Noonehadbettergonearhertillthen.Isshesecurelytiedup?”
TheDutchmanlaughed.
“Whatdoyouthink?”
Theybothlaughed.SodidI,undermybreath.Then,asthesoundsseemedtobetokenthattheywereabouttocomeoutoftheroom,Ibeatahastyretreat.Iwasjustintime.AsIreachedtheheadofthestairs,Iheardthedooroftheroomopen,andatthesametimetheKafirstirredandmoved.Myretreatbythewayofthehalldoorwasnottobethoughtof.Iretiredprudentlytotheattic,gatheredmybondsroundmeandlaydownagainonthefloor,incasetheyshouldtakeitintotheirheadstocomeandlookatme.
Theydidnotdoso,however.Afteraboutanhour,Icreptdownthestairs,buttheKafirbythedoorwasawakeandhummingsoftlytohimself.Iwasanxioustogetoutofthehouse,butIdidnotquiteseehowtomanageit.
Intheend,Iwasforcedtoretreattotheatticagain.TheKafirwasclearlyonguardforthenight.Iremainedtherepatientlyallthroughthesoundsofearlymorningpreparation.Themenbreakfastedinthehall,Icouldheartheirvoicesdistinctlyfloatingupthestairs.Iwasgettingthoroughlyunnerved.HowonearthwasItogetoutofthehouse?
Icounselledmyselftobepatient.Arashmovemightspoileverything.AfterbreakfastcamethesoundsofChichesterdeparting.Tomyintenserelief,theDutchmanaccompaniedhim.
Iwaitedbreathlessly.Breakfastwasbeingclearedaway,theworkofthehousewasbeingdone.Atlast,thevariousactivitiesseemedtodiedown.Islippedoutfrommylaironcemore.VerycarefullyIcreptdownthestairs.Thehallwasempty.LikeaflashIwasacrossit,hadunlatchedthedoor,andwasoutsideinthesunshine.Irandownthedrivelikeonepossessed.
Onceoutside,Iresumedanormalwalk.Peoplestaredatmecuriously,andIdonotwonder.Myfaceandclothesmusthavebeencoveredindustfromrollingaboutintheattic.AtlastIcametoagarage.Iwentin.
“Ihavemetwithanaccident,”Iexplained.“IwantacartotakemetoCapeTownatonce.ImustcatchtheboattoDurban.”
Ihadnotlongtowait.TenminuteslaterIwasspeedingalonginthedirectionofCapeTown.ImustknowifChichesterwasontheboat.Whethertosailonhermyselfornot,Icouldnotdetermine,butintheendIdecidedtodoso.ChichesterwouldnotknowthatIhadseenhimintheVillaatMuizenberg.Hewoulddoubtlesslayfurthertrapsforme,butIwasforewarned.AndhewasthemanIwasafter,themanwhowasseekingthediamondsonbehalfofthemysterious“Colonel.”
Alas,formyplans!AsIarrivedatthedocks,theKilmordenCastlewassteamingouttosea.AndIhadnomeansofknowingwhetherChichesterhadsailedonherornot!
Twenty
Idrovetothehotel.TherewasnooneintheloungethatIknew.IranupstairsandtappedonSuzanne’sdoor.Hervoicebademe“comein.”Whenshesawwhoitwassheliterallyfellonmyneck.
“Anne,dear,wherehaveyoubeen?I’vebeenworriedtodeathaboutyou.Whathaveyoubeendoing?”
“Havingadventures,”Ireplied.“EpisodeIIIof‘ThePerilsofPamela.’”
Itoldherthewholestory.ShegaveventtoadeepsighwhenIfinished.
“Whydothesethingsalwayshappentoyou?”shedemandedplaintively.“Whydoesnoonegagmeandbindmehandandfoot?”
“Youwouldn’tlikeitiftheydid,”Iassuredher.“Totellyouthetruth,I’mnotnearlysokeenonhavingadventuresmyselfasIwas.Alittleofthatsortofthinggoesalongway.”
Suzanneseemedunconvinced.Anhourortwoofgaggingandbindingwouldhavechangedherviewquicklyenough.Suzannelikesthrills,butshehatesbeinguncomfortable.
“Andwhatarewealldoingnow?”sheasked.
“Idon’tquiteknow,”Isaidthoughtfully.“YoustillgotoRhodesia,ofcourse,tokeepaneyeonPagett—”
“Andyou?”
Thatwasjustmydifficulty.HadChichestergoneontheKilmorden,orhadhenot?DidhemeantocarryouthisoriginalplanofgoingtoDurban?ThehourofhisleavingMuizenbergseemedtopointtoanaffirmativeanswertobothquestions.Inthatcase,ImightgotoDurbanbytrain.IfanciedthatIshouldgettherebeforetheboat.Ontheotherhand,ifthenewsofmyescapewerewiredtoChichester,andalsotheinformationthatIhadleftCapeTownforDurban,nothingwassimplerforhimthantoleavetheboatateitherPortElizabethorEastLondonandsogivemetheslipcompletely.
Itwasratheraknottyproblem.
“We’llinquireabouttrainstoDurbananyway,”Isaid.
“Andit’snottoolateformorningtea,”saidSuzanne.“We’llhaveitinthelounge.”
TheDurbantrainleftat8:15thatevening,sotheytoldmeattheoffice.ForthemomentIpostponeddecision,andjoinedSuzanneforsomewhatbelated“eleven-o’clocktea.”
“DoyoufeelthatyouwouldreallyrecognizeChichesteragain—inanyotherdisguise,Imean?”askedSuzanne.
Ishookmyheadruefully.
“Icertainlydidn’trecognizehimasthestewardess,andnevershouldhavebutforyourdrawing.”
“Theman’saprofessionalactor,I’msureofit,”saidSuzannethoughtfully.“Hismakeupisperfectlymarvellous.Hemightcomeofftheboatasanavvyorsomething,andyou’dneverspothim.”
“You’reverycheering,”Isaid.
AtthatminuteColonelRacesteppedinthroughthewindowandcameandjoinedus.
“WhatisSirEustacedoing?”askedSuzanne.“Ihaven’tseenhimabouttoday.”
RatheranoddexpressionpassedovertheColonel’sface.
“He’sgotalittletroubleofhisowntoattendtowhichiskeepinghimbusy.”
“Tellusaboutit.”
“Imustn’ttelltalesoutofschool.”
“Tellussomething—evenifyouhavetoinventitforourspecialbenefit.”
“Well,whatwouldyousaytothefamous‘ManintheBrownSuit’havingmadethevoyagewithus?”
“What?”
Ifeltthecolourdieoutofmyfaceandthensurgebackagain.FortunatelyColonelRacewasnotlookingatme.
“It’safact,Ibelieve.EveryportwatchedforhimandhebamboozledPedlerintobringinghimoutashissecretary!”
“NotMr.Pagett?”
“Oh,notPagett—theotherfellow.Rayburn,hecalledhimself.”
“Havetheyarrestedhim?”askedSuzanne.Underthetableshegavemyhandareassuringsqueeze.Iwaitedbreathlesslyforananswer.
“Heseemstohavedisappearedintothinair.”
“HowdoesSirEustacetakeit?”
“RegardsitasapersonalinsultofferedhimbyFate.”
AnopportunityofhearingSirEustace’sviewsonthematterpresenteditselflaterintheday.Wewereawakenedfromarefreshingafternoonnapbyapageboywithanote.Intouchingtermsitrequestedthepleasureofourcompanyatteainhissittingroom.
Thepoormanwasindeedinapitiablestate.Hepouredouthistroublestous,encouragedbySuzanne’ssympatheticmurmurs.(Shedoesthatsortofthingverywell.)
“Firstaperfectlystrangewomanhastheimpertinencetogetherselfmurderedinmyhouse—onpurposetoannoyme,Idobelieve.Whymyhouse?Why,ofallthehousesinGreatBritain,choosetheMillHouse?WhatharmhadIeverdonethewomanthatshemustneedsgetherselfmurderedthere?”
SuzannemadeoneofhersympatheticnoisesagainandSirEustaceproceeded,inastillmoreaggrievedtone:
“And,ifthat’snotenough,thefellowwhomurderedherhastheimpudence,thecolossalimpudence,toattachhimselftomeasmysecretary.Mysecretary,ifyouplease!I’mtiredofsecretaries,Iwon’thaveanymoresecretaries.Eitherthey’reconcealedmurderersorelsethey’redrunkenbrawlers.HaveyouseenPagett’sblackeye?Butofcourseyouhave.HowcanIgoaboutwithasecretarylikethat?Andhisfaceissuchanastyshadeofyellowtoo—justthecolourthatdoesn’tgowithablackeye.I’vedonewithsecretaries—unlessIhaveagirl.Anicegirl,withliquideyes,who’llholdmyhandwhenI’mfeelingcross.Whataboutyou,MissAnne?Willyoutakeonthejob?”
“HowoftenshallIhavetoholdyourhand?”Iasked,laughing.
“Alldaylong,”repliedSirEustacegallantly.
“Ishan’tgetmuchtypingdoneatthatrate,”Iremindedhim.
“Thatdoesn’tmatter.AllthisworkisPagett’sidea.Heworksmetodeath.I’mlookingforwardtoleavinghimbehindinCapeTown.”
“Heisstayingbehind?”
“Yes,he’llenjoyhimselfthoroughlysleuthingaboutafterRayburn.That’sthesortofthingthatsuitsPagettdowntotheground.Headoresintrigue.ButI’mquiteseriousinmyoffer.Willyoucome?Mrs.Blairhereisacompetentchaperone,andyoucanhaveahalfholidayeverynowandagaintodigforbones.”
“Thankyouverymuch,SirEustace,”Isaidcautiously,“butIthinkI’mleavingforDurbantonight.”
“Nowdon’tbeanobstinategirl.Remember,therearelotsoflionsinRhodesia.You’lllikelions.Allgirlsdo.”
“Willtheybepractisinglowjumps?”Iasked,laughing.“No,thankyouverymuch,butImustgotoDurban.”
SirEustacelookedatme,sigheddeeply,thenopenedthedooroftheadjoiningroom,andcalledtoPagett.
“Ifyou’vequitefinishedyourafternoonsleep,mydearfellow,perhapsyou’ddoalittleworkforachange.”
GuyPagettappearedinthedoorway.Hebowedtousboth,startingslightlyatthesightofme,andrepliedinamelancholyvoice:
“Ihavebeentypingthatmemorandumallthisafternoon,SirEustace.”
“Well,stoptypingitthen.GodowntotheTradeCommissioner’sOffice,ortheBoardofAgriculture,ortheChamberofMines,oroneofthoseplaces,andaskthemtolendmesomekindofawomantotaketoRhodesia.Shemusthaveliquideyesandnotobjecttomyholdingherhand.”
“Yes,SirEustace.Iwillaskforacompetentshorthand-typist.”
“Pagett’samaliciousfellow,”saidSirEustace,afterthesecretaryhaddeparted.“I’dbepreparedtobetthathe’llpickoutsomeslab-facedcreatureonpurposetoannoyme.Shemusthavenicefeettoo—Iforgottomentionthat.”
IclutchedSuzanneexcitedlybythehandandalmostdraggedheralongtoherroom.
“Now,Suzanne,”Isaid,“we’vegottomakeplans—andmakethemquickly.Pagettisstayingbehindhere—youheardthat?”
“Yes.IsupposethatmeansthatIshan’tbeallowedtogotoRhodesia—whichisveryannoying,becauseIwanttogotoRhodesia.Howtiresome.”
“Cheerup,”Isaid.“You’regoingallright.Idon’tseehowyoucouldbackoutatthelastmomentwithoutitsappearingfrightfullysuspicious.And,besides,PagettmightsuddenlybesummonedbySirEustace,anditwouldbefarharderforyoutoattachyourselftohimforthejourneyup.”
“Itwouldhardlyberespectable,”saidSuzanne,dimpling.“Ishouldhavetopretendafatalpassionforhimasanexcuse.”
“Ontheotherhand,ifyouweretherewhenhearrived,itwouldallbeperfectlysimpleandnatural.Besides,Idon’tthinkweoughttolosesightoftheothertwoentirely.”
“Oh,Anne,yousurelycan’tsuspectColonelRaceorSirEustace?”
“Isuspecteverybody,”Isaiddarkly,“andifyou’vereadanydetectivestories,Suzanne,youmustknowthatit’salwaysthemostunlikelypersonwho’sthevillain.LotsofcriminalshavebeencheerfulfatmenlikeSirEustace.”
“ColonelRaceisn’tparticularlyfat—orparticularlycheerfuleither.”
“Sometimesthey’releanandsaturnine,”Iretorted.“Idon’tsayIseriouslysuspecteitherofthem,but,afterall,thewomanwasmurderedinSirEustace’shouse—”
“Yes,yes,weneedn’tgooverallthatagain.I’llwatchhimforyou,Anne,andifhegetsanyfatterandanymorecheerful,I’llsendyouatelegramatonce.‘SirE.swellinghighlysuspicious.Comeatonce.’”
“Really,Suzanne,”Icried,“youseemtothinkallthisisagame!”
“IknowIdo,”saidSuzanne,unabashed.“Itseemslikethat.It’syourfault,Anne.I’vegotimbuedwithyour‘Let’shaveanadventure’spirit.Itdoesn’tseemabitreal.Dearme,ifClarenceknewthatIwasrunningaboutAfricatrackingdangerouscriminals,he’dhaveafit.”
“Whydon’tyoucablehimaboutit?”Iaskedsarcastically.
Suzanne’ssenseofhumouralwaysfailsherwhenitcomestosendingcables.Sheconsideredmysuggestioninperfectlygoodfaith.
“Imight.Itwouldhavetobeaverylongone.”Hereyesbrightenedatthethought.“ButIthinkit’sbetternot.Husbandsalwayswanttointerferewithperfectlyharmlessamusements.”
“Well,”Isaid,summingupthesituation,“youwillkeepaneyeonSirEustaceandColonelRace—”
“IknowwhyI’vegottowatchSirEustace,”interruptedSuzanne,“becauseofhisfigureandhishumorousconversation.ButIthinkit’scarryingitratherfartosuspectColonelRace;Idoindeed.Why,he’ssomethingtodowiththeSecretService.Doyouknow,Anne,Ibelievethebestthingwecoulddowouldbetoconfideinhimandtellhimthewholestory.”
Iobjectedvigorouslytothisunsportingproposal.Irecognizedinitthedisastrouseffectsofmatrimony.HowoftenhaveInotheardaperfectlyintelligentfemalesay,inthetoneofoneclinchinganargument,“Edgarsays—”AndallthetimeyouareperfectlyawarethatEdgarisaperfectfool.Suzanne,byreasonofhermarriedstate,wasyearningtoleanuponsomemanorother.
However,shepromisedfaithfullythatshewouldnotbreatheawordtoColonelRace,andwewentonwithourplanmaking.
“It’squiteclearthatImuststayhereandwatchPagett,andthisisthebestwaytodoit.ImustpretendtoleaveforDurbanthisevening,takemyluggagedownandsoon,butreallyIshallgotosomesmallhotelinthetown.Icanaltermyappearancealittle—wearafairtoupeeandoneofthosethickwhitelaceveils,andIshallhaveamuchbetterchanceofseeingwhathe’sreallyatifhethinksI’msafelyoutoftheway.”
Suzanneapprovedthisplanheartily.Wemadedueandostentatiouspreparations,inquiringoncemoreaboutthedepartureofthetrainattheofficeandpackingmyluggage.
Wedinedtogetherintherestaurant.ColonelRacedidnotappear,butSirEustaceandPagettwereattheirtableinthewindow.Pagettleftthetablehalfwaythroughthemeal,whichannoyedme,asIhadplannedtosaygood-byetohim.However,doubtlessSirEustacewoulddoaswell.IwentovertohimwhenIhadfinished.
“Good-bye,SirEustace,”Isaid.“I’mofftonighttoDurban.”
SirEustacesighedheavily.
“SoIheard.Youwouldn’tlikemetocomewithyou,wouldyou?”
“Ishouldloveit.”
“Nicegirl.Sureyouwon’tchangeyourmindandcomeandlookforlionsinRhodesia?”
“Quitesure.”
“Hemustbeaveryhandsomefellow,”saidSirEustaceplaintively.“SomeyoungwhippersnapperinDurban,Isuppose,whoputsmymaturecharmscompletelyintheshade.Bytheway,Pagett’sgoingdowninthecarinaminuteortwo.Hecouldtakeyoutothestation.”
“Oh,no,thankyou,”Isaidhastily.“Mrs.BlairandIhavegotourowntaxiordered.”
TogodownwithGuyPagettwasthelastthingIwanted!SirEustacelookedatmeattentively.
“Idon’tbelieveyoulikePagett.Idon’tblameyou.Ofalltheofficious,interferingasses—goingaboutwiththeairofamartyr,anddoingeverythinghecantoannoyandupsetme!”
“Whathashedonenow?”Iinquiredwithsomecuriosity.
“He’sgotholdofasecretaryforme.Youneversawsuchawoman!Forty,ifshe’saday,wearspince-nezandsensiblebootsandanairofbriskefficiencythatwillbethedeathofme.Aregularslab-facedwoman.”
“Won’tsheholdyourhand?”
“Idevoutlyhopenot!”exclaimedSirEustace.“Thatwouldbethelaststraw.Well,good-bye,liquideyes.IfIshootalionIshan’tgiveyoutheskin—afterthebasewayyou’vedesertedme.”
Hesqueezedmyhandwarmlyandweparted.Suzannewaswaitingformeinthehall.Shewastocomedowntoseemeoff.
“Let’sstartatonce,”Isaidhastily,andmotionedtothemantogetataxi.
Thenavoicebehindmemademestart:
“Excuseme,MissBeddingfeld,butI’mjustgoingdowninacar.IcandropyouandMrs.Blairatthestation.”
“Oh,thankyou,”Isaidhastily.“Butthere’snoneedtotroubleyou.I—”
“Notroubleatall,Iassureyou.Puttheluggagein,porter.”
Iwashelpless.Imighthaveprotestedfurther,butaslightwarningnudgefromSuzanneurgedmetobeonmyguard.
“Thankyou,Mr.Pagett,”Isaidcoldly.
Weallgotintothecar.Asweraceddowntheroadintothetown,Irackedmybrainsforsomethingtosay.IntheendPagetthimselfbrokethesilence.
“IhavesecuredaverycapablesecretaryforSirEustace,”heobserved.“MissPettigrew.”
“Hewasn’texactlyravingaboutherjustnow,”Iremarked.
Pagettlookedatmecoldly.
“Sheisaproficientshorthand-typist,”hesaidrepressively.
Wepulledupinfrontofthestation.Heresurelyhewouldleaveus.Iturnedwithoutstretchedhand—butno.
“I’llcomeandseeyouoff.It’sjusteighto’clock,yourtraingoesinaquarterofanhour.”
Hegaveefficientdirectionstoporters.Istoodhelpless,notdaringtolookatSuzanne.Themansuspected.HewasdeterminedtomakesurethatIdidgobythetrain.AndwhatcouldIdo?Nothing.Isawmyself,inaquarterofanhour’stime,steamingoutofthestationwithPagettplantedontheplatformwavingmeadieu.Hehadturnedthetablesonmeadroitly.Hismannertowardsmehadchanged,moreover.Itwasfullofanuneasygenialitywhichsatilluponhim,andwhichnauseatedme.Themanwasanoilyhypocrite.Firsthetriedtomurderme,andnowhepaidmecompliments!DidheimagineforoneminutethatIhadn’trecognizedhimthatnightontheboat?No,itwasapose,aposewhichheforcedmetoacquiescein,histongueinhischeekallthewhile.
Helplessasasheep,Imovedalongunderhisexpertdirections.Myluggagewaspiledinmysleepingcompartment—Ihadatwo-berthonetomyself.Itwastwelveminutespasteight.Inthreeminutesthetrainwouldstart.
ButPagetthadreckonedwithoutSuzanne
“Itwillbeaterriblyhotjourney,Anne,”shesaidsuddenly.“EspeciallygoingthroughtheKarootomorrow.You’vegotsomeeau-de-Cologneorlavenderwaterwithyou,haven’tyou?”
Mycuewasplain.
“Oh,dear,”Icried.“Ileftmyeau-de-Cologneonthedressingtableatthehotel.”
Suzanne’shabitofcommandservedherwell.SheturnedimperiouslytoPagett.
“Mr.Pagett.Quick.You’vejusttime.There’sachemistalmostoppositethestation.Annemusthavesomeeau-de-Cologne.”
Hehesitated,butSuzanne’simperativemannerwastoomuchforhim.Sheisabornautocrat.Hewent.Suzannefollowedhimwithhereyestillhedisappeared
“Quick,Anne,getouttheotherside—incasehehasn’treallygonebutiswatchingusfromtheendoftheplatform.Nevermindyourluggage.Youcantelegraphaboutthattomorrow.Oh,ifonlythetrainstartsontime!”
Iopenedthegateontheoppositesidetotheplatformandclimbeddown.Nobodywasobservingme.IcouldjustseeSuzannestandingwhereIhadlefther,lookingupatthetrainandapparentlychattingtomeatthewindow.Awhistleblew,thetrainbegantodrawout.ThenIheardfeetracingfuriouslyuptheplatform.Iwithdrewtotheshadowofafriendlybookstallandwatched.
Suzanneturnedfromwavingherhandkerchieftotheretreatingtrain.
“Toolate,Mr.Pagett,”shesaidcheerfully.“She’sgone.Isthattheeau-de-Cologne?Whatapitywedidn’tthinkofitsooner!”
Theypassednotfarfrommeontheirwayoutofthestation.GuyPagettwasextremelyhot.Hehadevidentlyrunallthewaytothechemistandback.
“ShallIgetyouataxi,Mrs.Blair?”
Suzannedidnotfailinherrole.
“Yes,please.Can’tIgiveyoualiftback?HaveyoumuchtodoforSirEustace?Dearme,IwishAnneBeddingfeldwascomingwithustomorrow.Idon’tliketheideaofayounggirllikethattravellingofftoDurbanallbyherself.Butshewassetuponit.Somelittleattractionthere,Ifancy—”
Theypassedoutofearshot.CleverSuzanne.Shehadsavedme.
IallowedaminuteortwotoelapseandthenItoomademywayoutofthestation,almostcollidingasIdidsowithaman—anunpleasant-lookingmanwithanosedisproportionatelybigforhisface.
Twenty-one
Ihadnofurtherdifficultyincarryingoutmyplans.Ifoundasmallhotelinabackstreet,gotaroomthere,paidadepositasIhadnoluggagewithme,andwentplacidlytobed.
OnthefollowingmorningIwasupearlyandwentoutintothetowntopurchaseamodestwardrobe.Myideawastodonothinguntilafterthedepartureoftheeleven-o’clocktraintoRhodesiawithmostofthepartyonboard.Pagettwasnotlikelytoindulgeinanynefariousactivitiesuntilhehadgotridofthem.AccordinglyItookatrainoutofthetownandproceededtoenjoyacountrywalk.Itwascomparativelycool,andIwasgladtostretchmylegsafterthelongvoyageandmycloseconfinementatMuizenberg.
Alothingesonsmallthings.Myshoelacecameuntied,andIstoppedtodoitup.Theroadhadjustturnedacorner,andasIwasbendingovertheoffendingshoeamancamerightroundandalmostwalkedintome.Heliftedhishat,murmuringanapology,andwenton.Itstruckmeatthetimethathisfacewasvaguelyfamiliar,butatthemomentIthoughtnomoreofit.Ilookedatmywristwatch.Thetimewasgettingon.IturnedmyfeetinthedirectionofCapeTown.
TherewasatramonthepointofgoingandIhadtorunforit.Iheardotherfootstepsrunningbehindme.Iswungmyselfonandsodidtheotherrunner.Irecognizedhimatonce.Itwasthemanwhohadpassedmeontheroadwhenmyshoecameuntied,andinaflashIknewwhyhisfacewasfamiliar.ItwasthesmallmanwiththebignosewhomIhadrunintoonleavingthestationthenightbefore.
Thecoincidencewasratherstartling.Coulditbepossiblethatthemanwasdeliberatelyfollowingme?Iresolvedtotestthataspromptlyaspossible.Irangthebellandgotoffatthenextstop.Themandidnotgetoff.Iwithdrewintotheshadowofashopdoorwayandwatched.Healightedatthenextstopandwalkedbackinmydirection.
Thecasewasclearenough.Iwasbeingfollowed.Ihadcrowedtoosoon.MyvictoryoverGuyPagetttookonanotheraspect.Ihailedthenexttramand,asIexpected,myshadoweralsogoton.Igavemyselfuptosomeveryseriousthinking.
ItwasperfectlyapparentthatIhadstumbledonabiggerthingthanIknew.ThemurderinthehouseatMarlowwasnotanisolatedincidentcommittedbyasolitaryindividual.Iwasupagainstagang,and,thankstoColonelRace’srevelationstoSuzanne,andwhatIhadoverheardatthehouseatMuizenberg,Iwasbeginningtounderstandsomeofitsmanifoldactivities.Systematizedcrime,organizedbythemanknowntohisfollowersasthe“Colonel!”IrememberedsomeofthetalkIhadheardonboardship,ofthestrikeontheRandandthecausesunderlyingit—andthebeliefthatsomesecretorganizationwasatworkfomentingtheagitation.Thatwasthe“Colonel’s”work,hisemissarieswereactingaccordingtoplan.Hetooknopartinthesethingshimself,Ihadalwaysheard,ashelimitedhimselftodirectingandorganizing.Thebrainwork—notthedangerouslabour—forhim.Butstillitwellmightbethathehimselfwasonthespot,directingaffairsfromanapparentlyimpeccableposition.
That,then,wasthemeaningofColonelRace’spresenceontheKilmordenCastle.Hewasoutafterthearch-criminal.Everythingfittedinwiththatassumption.HewassomeonehighupintheSecretServicewhosebusinessitwastolaythe“Colonel”bytheheels.
Inoddedtomyself—thingswerebecomingverycleartome.Whatofmypartintheaffair?WheredidIcomein?Wasitonlydiamondstheywereafter?Ishookmyhead.Greatasthevalueofthediamondsmightbe,theyhardlyaccountedforthedesperateattemptswhichhadbeenmadetogetmeoutoftheway.No,Istoodformorethanthat.Insomeway,unknowntomyself,Iwasamenace,adanger!SomeknowledgethatIhad,orthattheythoughtIhad,madethemanxioustoremovemeatallcosts—andthatknowledgewasboundupsomehowwiththediamonds.Therewasoneperson,Ifeltsure,whocouldenlightenme—ifhewould!“TheManintheBrownSuit”—HarryRayburn.Heknewtheotherhalfofthestory.Buthehadvanishedintothedarkness,hewasahuntedcreatureflyingfrompursuit.InallprobabilityheandIwouldnevermeetagain….
Ibroughtmyselfbackwithajerktotheactualitiesofthemoment.ItwasnogoodthinkingsentimentallyofHarryRayburn.Hehaddisplayedthegreatestantipathytomefromthefirst.Or,atleast—ThereIwasagain—dreaming!Therealproblemwaswhattodo—now!
I,pridingmyselfuponmyroleofwatcher,hadbecomethewatched.AndIwasafraid!Forthefirsttime,Ibegantolosemynerve.Iwasthelittlebitofgritthatwasimpedingthesmoothworkingofthegreatmachine—andIfanciedthatthemachinewouldhaveashortwaywithlittlebitsofgrit.OnceHarryRayburnhadsavedme,onceIhadsavedmyself—butIfeltsuddenlythattheoddswereheavilyagainstme.Myenemieswereallaroundmeineverydirection,andtheywereclosingin.IfIcontinuedtoplayalonehandIwasdoomed.
Iralliedmyselfwithaneffort.Afterall,whatcouldtheydo?Iwasinacivilizedcity—withpolicemeneveryfewyards.Iwouldbewaryinfuture.TheyshouldnottrapmeagainastheyhaddoneinMuizenberg.
AsIreachedthispointinmymeditations,thetramarrivedatAdderleyStreet.Igotout.Undecidedwhattodo,Iwalkedslowlyuptheleft-handsideofthestreet.Ididnottroubletolookifmywatcherwasbehindme.Iknewhewas.IwalkedintoCartwright’sandorderedtwocoffeeicecreamsodas—tosteadymynerves.Aman,Isuppose,wouldhavehadastiffpeg;butgirlsderivealotofcomfortfromicecreamsodas.Iappliedmyselftotheendofthestrawwithgusto.Thecoolliquidwenttricklingdownmythroatinthemostagreeablemanner.Ipushedthefirstglassasideempty.
Iwassittingononeofthelittlehighstoolsinfrontofthecounter.Outofthetailofmyeye,Isawmytrackercomeinandsitdownunostentatiouslyatalittletablenearthedoor.Ifinishedthesecondcoffeesodaanddemandedamapleone.Icandrinkpracticallyanunlimitedamountoficecreamsodas.
Suddenlythemanbythedoorgotupandwentout.Thatsurprisedme.Ifhewasgoingtowaitouside,whynotwaitoutsidefromthebeginning?Islippeddownfrommystoolandwentcautiouslytothedoor.Idrewbackquicklyintotheshadow.ThemanwastalkingtoGuyPagett.
IfIhadeverhadanydoubts,thatwouldhavesettledit.Pagetthadhiswatchoutandwaslookingatit.Theyexchangedafewbriefwords,andthenthesecretaryswungondownthestreettowardsthestation.Evidentlyhehadgivenhisorders.Butwhatwerethey?
Suddenlymyheartleaptintomymouth.Themanwhohadfollowedmecrossedtothemiddleoftheroadandspoketoapoliceman.Hespokeatsomelength,gesticulatingtowardsCartwright’sandevidentlyexplainingsomething.Isawtheplanatonce.Iwastobearrestedonsomechargeorother—pocket-picking,perhaps.Itwouldbeeasyenoughforthegangtoputthroughasimplelittlematterlikethat.Ofwhatgoodtoprotestmyinnocence?Theywouldhaveseentoeverydetail.LongagotheyhadbroughtachargeofrobbingDeBeersagainstHarryRayburn,andhehadnotbeenabletodisproveit,thoughIhadlittledoubtbutthathehadbeenabsolutelyblameless.WhatchancehadIagainstsucha“frameup”asthe“Colonel”coulddevise?
Iglancedupattheclockalmostmechanically,andimmediatelyanotheraspectofthecasestruckme.IsawthepointofGuyPagett’slookingathiswatch.Itwasjustoneleven,andateleventhemailtrainleftforRhodesiabearingwithittheinfluentialfriendswhomightotherwisecometomyrescue.Thatwasthereasonofmyimmunityuptonow.FromlastnighttilleleventhismorningIhadbeensafe,butnowthenetwasclosinginuponme.
Ihurriedlyopenedmybagandpaidformydrinks,andasIdidso,myheartseemedtostandstill,forinsideitwasaman’swalletstuffedwithnotes!ItmusthavebeendeftlyintroducedintomyhandbagasIleftthetram.
PromptlyIlostmyhead.IhurriedoutofCartwright’s.Thelittlemanwiththebignoseandthepolicemanwerejustcrossingtheroad.Theysawme,andthelittlemandesignatedmeexcitedlytothepoliceman.Itooktomyheelsandran.Ijudgedhimtobeaslowpoliceman.Ishouldgetastart.ButIhadnoplan,eventhen.IjustranformylifedownAdderleyStreet.Peoplebegantostare.Ifeltthatinanotherminutesomeonewouldstopme.
Anideaflashedintomyhead.
“Thestation?”Iasked,inabreathlessgasp.
“Justdownontheright.”
Ispedon.Itispermissibletorunforatrain.Iturnedintothestation,butasIdidsoIheardfootstepsclosebehindme.Thelittlemanwiththebignosewasachampionsprinter.IforesawthatIshouldbestoppedbeforeIgottotheplatformIwasinsearchof.Ilookeduptotheclock—oneminutetoeleven.Imightjustdoitifmyplansucceeded.
IhadenteredthestationbythemainentranceinAdderleyStreet.Inowdartedoutagainthroughthesideexit.Directlyoppositemewasthesideentrancetothepostoffice,themainentrancetowhichisinAdderleyStreet.
AsIexpected,mypursuer,insteadoffollowingmein,randownthestreettocutmeoffwhenIemergedbythemainentrance,ortowarnthepolicemantodoso.
InaninstantIslippedacrossthestreetagainandbackintothestation.Iranlikealunatic.Itwasjusteleven.ThelongtrainwasmovingasIappearedontheplatform.Aportertriedtostopme,butIwriggledmyselfoutofhisgraspandspranguponthefoot-board.Imountedthetwostepsandopenedthegate.Iwassafe!Thetrainwasgatheringway.
Wepassedamanstandingbyhimselfattheendoftheplatform.Iwavedtohim
“Good-byeMr.Pagett,”Ishouted.
NeverhaveIseenamanmoretakenaback.Helookedasthoughhehadseenaghost.
InaminuteortwoIwashavingtroublewiththeconductor.ButItookaloftytone.
“IamSirEustacePedler’ssecretary,”Isaidhaughtily.“Pleasetakemetohisprivatecar.”
SuzanneandColonelRacewerestandingontherearobservationplatform.Theybothutteredanexclamationofuttersurpriseatseeingme.
“Hullo,MissAnne,”criedColonelRace,“wherehaveyouturnedupfrom?Ithoughtyou’dgonetoDurban.Whatanunexpectedpersonyouare!”
Suzannesaidnothing,buthereyesaskedahundredquestions.
“Imustreportmyselftomychief,”Isaiddemurely.“Whereishe?”
“He’sintheoffice—middlecompartment—dictatingatanincredibleratetotheunfortunateMissPettigrew.”
“Thisenthusiasmforworkissomethingnew,”Icommented.
“H’m!”saidColonelRace.“Hisideais,Ithink,togivehersufficientworktochainhertohertypewriterinherowncompartmentfortherestoftheday.”
Ilaughed.Then,followedbytheothertwo,IsoughtoutSirEustace.Hewasstridingupanddownthecircumscribedspace,hurlingafloodofwordsattheunfortunatesecretarywhomInowsawforthefirsttime.Atall,squarewomanindrabclothing,withpince-nezandanefficientair.IjudgedthatshewasfindingitdifficulttokeeppacewithSirEustace,forherpencilwasflyingalong,andshewasfrowninghorribly.
Isteppedintothecompartment.
“Comeaboard,sir,”Isaidsaucily.
SirEustacepauseddeadinthemiddleofacomplicatedsentenceonthelaboursituation,andstaredatme.MissPettigrewmustbeanervouscreature,inspiteofherefficientair,forshejumpedasthoughshehadbeenshot.
“Godblessmysoul!”ejaculatedSirEustace.“WhatabouttheyoungmaninDurban?”
“Ipreferyou,”Isaidsoftly.
“Darling,”saidSirEustace.“Youcanstartholdingmyhandatonce.”
MissPettigrewcoughed,andSirEustacehastilywithdrewhishand.
“Ah,yes,”hesaid.“Letmesee,wherewerewe?Yes.TylmanRoos,inhisspeechat—What’sthematter?Whyaren’tyoutakingitdown?”
“Ithink,”saidColonelRacegently,“thatMissPettigrewhasbrokenherpencil.”
Hetookitfromherandsharpenedit.SirEustacestared,andsodidI.TherewassomethinginColonelRace’stonethatIdidnotquiteunderstand.
Twenty-two
(ExtractfromthediaryofSirEustacePedler)
IaminclinedtoabandonmyReminiscences.Instead,Ishallwriteashortarticleentitled“SecretariesIhavehad.”Asregardssecretaries,Iseemtohavefallenunderablight.AtoneminuteIhavenosecretaries,atanotherIhavetoomany.AtthepresentminuteIamjourneyingtoRhodesiawithapackofwomen.Racegoesoffwiththetwobest-looking,ofcourse,andleavesmewiththedud.Thatiswhatalwayshappenstome—and,afterall,thisismyprivatecar,notRace’s.
AlsoAnneBeddingfeldisaccompanyingmetoRhodesiaonthepretextofbeingmytemporarysecretary.ButallthisafternoonshehasbeenoutontheobservationplatformwithRaceexclaimingatthebeautyoftheHexRiverPass.ItistruethatItoldherherprincipaldutywouldbetoholdmyhand.Butsheisn’tevendoingthat.PerhapssheisafraidofMissPettigrew.Idon’tblameherifso.ThereisnothingattractiveaboutMissPettigrew—sheisarepellentfemalewithlargefeet,morelikeamanthanawoman.
ThereissomethingverymysteriousaboutAnneBeddingfeld.Shejumpedonboardthetrainatthelastminute,puffinglikeasteamengine,foralltheworldasthoughshe’sbeenrunningarace—andyetPagetttoldmethathe’dseenherofftoDurbanlastnight!EitherPagetthasbeendrinkingagain,orelsethegirlmusthaveanastralbody.
Andsheneverexplains.Nobodyeverexplains.Yes,“SecretariesIhavehad.”No.1,amurdererfleeingfromjustice.No.2,asecretdrinkerwhocarriesondisreputableintriguesinItaly.No.3,abeautifulgirlwhopossessestheusefulfacultyofbeingintwoplacesatonce.No.4,MissPettigrew,who,Ihavenodoubt,isreallyaparticularlydangerouscrookindisguise!ProbablyoneofPagett’sItalianfriendsthathehaspalmedoffonme.Ishouldn’twonderiftheworldfoundsomedaythatithadbeengrosslydeceivedbyPagett.Onthewhole,IthinkRayburnwasthebestofthebunch.Heneverworriedmeorgotinmyway.GuyPagetthashadtheimpertinencetohavethestationerytrunkputinhere.Noneofuscanmovewithoutfallingoverit.
Iwentoutontheobservationplatformjustnow,expectingmyappearancetobegreetedwithhailsofdelight.BoththewomenwerelisteningspellboundtooneofRace’straveller’stales.Ishalllabelthiscar—not“SirEustacePedlerandParty,”but“ColonelRaceandHarem.”
ThenMrs.Blairmustneedsbegintakingsillyphotographs.Everytimewewentroundaparticularlyappallingcurve,asweclimbedhigherandhigher,shesnappedattheengine.
“Youseethepoint,”shecrieddelightedly.“Itmustbesomecurveifyoucanphotographthefrontpartofthetrainfromtheback,andwiththemountainbackgrounditwilllookawfullydangerous.”
Ipointedouttoherthatnoonecouldpossiblytellithadbeentakenfromthebackofthetrain.Shelookedatmepityingly.
“Ishallwriteunderneathit.‘Takenfromthetrain.Enginegoingroundacurve.’”
“Youcouldwritethatunderanysnapshotofatrain,”Isaid.Womenneverthinkofthesesimplethings.
“I’mgladwe’vecomeuphereindaylight,”criedAnneBeddingfeld.“Ishouldn’thaveseenthisifI’dgonelastnighttoDurban,shouldI?”
“No,”saidColonelRace,smiling.“You’dhavewokenuptomorrowmorningtofindyourselfintheKaroo,ahot,dustydesertofstonesandrocks.”
“I’mgladIchangedmymind,”saidAnne,sighingcontentedly,andlookinground.
Itwasratherawonderfulsight.Thegreatmountainsallaround,throughwhichweturnedandtwistedandlabouredeversteadilyupwards.
“IsthisthebesttraininthedaytoRhodesia?”askedAnneBeddingfeld.
“Intheday?”laughedRace.“Why,mydearMissAnne,thereareonlythreetrainsaweek.Mondays,Wednesdays,andSaturdays.Doyourealizethatyoudon’tarriveattheFallsuntilSaturdaynext?”
“Howwellweshallknoweachotherbythattime!”saidMrs.Blairmaliciously.“HowlongareyougoingtostayattheFalls,SirEustace?”
“Thatdepends,”Isaidcautiously.
“Onwhat?”
“OnhowthingsgoatJohannesburg.MyoriginalideawastostayacoupleofdaysattheFalls—whichI’veneverseen,thoughthisismythirdvisittoAfrica—andthengoontoJo’burgandstudytheconditionsofthingsontheRand.Athome,youknow,IposeasbeinganauthorityonSouthAfricanpolitics.ButfromallIhear,Jo’burgwillbeaparticularlyunpleasantplacetovisitinaboutaweek’stime.Idon’twanttostudyconditionsinthemidstofaragingrevolution.”
Racesmiledinarathersuperiormanner
“Ithinkyourfearsareexaggerated,SirEustace.TherewillbenogreatdangerinJo’burg.”
Thewomenimmediatelylookedathiminthe“Whatabraveheroyouare”manner.Itannoyedmeintensely.IameverybitasbraveasRace—butIlackthefigure.Theselong,lean,brownmenhaveitalltheirownway.
“Isupposeyou’llbethere,”Isaidcoldly.
“Verypossibly.Wemighttraveltogether.”
“I’mnotsurethatIshan’tstayonattheFallsabit,”Ianswerednoncommittally.WhyisRacesoanxiousthatIshouldgotoJo’burg?He’sgothiseyeonAnne,Ibelieve.“Whatareyourplans,MissAnne?”
“Thatdepends,”shereplieddemurely,copyingme.
“Ithoughtyouweremysecretary,”Iobjected.
“Oh,butI’vebeencutout.You’vebeenholdingMissPettigrew’shandalltheafternoon.”
“WhateverI’vebeendoing,IcanswearI’venotbeendoingthat,”Iassuredher.
Thursdaynight.
WehavejustleftKimberley.Racewasmadetotellthestoryofthediamondrobberyalloveragain.Whyarewomensoexcitedbyanythingtodowithdiamonds?
AtlastAnneBeddingfeldhasshedherveilofmystery.Itseemsthatshe’sanewspapercorrespondent.ShesentanimmensecablefromDeAarthismorning.TojudgebythejabberingthatwentonnearlyallnightinMrs.Blair’scabinshemusthavebeenreadingaloudallherspecialarticlesforyearstocome.
Itseemsthatallalongshe’sbeenonthetrackof“TheManintheBrownSuit.”Apparentlyshedidn’tspothimontheKilmorden—infact,shehardlyhadthechance,butshe’snowverybusycablinghome:“HowIjourneyedoutwiththeMurderer,”andinventinghighlyfictitiousstoriesof“Whathesaidtome,”etc.Iknowhowthesethingsaredone.Idothemmyself,inmyReminiscenceswhenPagettwillletme.AndofcourseoneofNasby’sefficientstaffwillbrightenupthedetailsstillmore,sothatwhenitappearsintheDailyBudgetRayburnwon’trecognizehimself.
Thegirl’sclever,though.Allonherown,apparently,she’sferretedouttheidentityofthewomanwhowaskilledinmyhouse.ShewasaRussiandancercalledNadina.IaskedAnneBeddingfeldifshewassureofthis.Sherepliedthatitwasmerelyadeduction—quiteintheSherlockHolmesmanner.However,IgatherthatshehadcabledithometoNasbyasaprovedfact.Womenhavetheseintuitions—I’venodoubtthatAnneBeddingfeldisperfectlyrightinherguess—buttocallitadeductionisabsurd.
HowsheevergotonthestaffoftheDailyBudgetismorethanIcanimagine.Butsheisthekindofyoungwomanwhodoesthesethings.Impossibletowithstandher.Sheisfullofcoaxingwaysthatmaskaninvincibledetermination.Lookhowshehasgotintomyprivatecar!
Iambeginningtohaveaninklingwhy.RacesaidsomethingaboutthepolicesuspectingthatRayburnwouldmakeforRhodesia.HemightjusthavegotoffbyMonday’strain.Theytelegraphedallalongtheline,Ipresume,andnooneofhisdescriptionwasfound,butthatsayslittle.He’sanastuteyoungmanandheknowsAfrica.He’sprobablyexquisitelydisguisedasanoldKafirwoman—andthesimplepolicecontinuetolookforahandsomeyoungmanwithascar,dressedintheheightofEuropeanfashion.Ineverdidquiteswallowthatscar.
Anyway,AnneBeddingfeldisonhistrack.ShewantsthegloryofdiscoveringhimforherselfandtheDailyBudget.Youngwomenareverycold-bloodednowadays.Ihintedtoherthatitwasanunwomanlyaction.Shelaughedatme.Sheassuredmethatdidsherunhimtoearthherfortunewasmade.Racedoesn’tlikeit,either,Icansee.PerhapsRayburnisonthistrain.Ifso,wemayallbemurderedinourbeds.IsaidsotoMrs.Blair—butsheseemedquitetowelcometheidea,andremarkedthatifIweremurdereditwouldbereallyaterrificscoopforAnne!AscoopforAnne,indeed!
TomorrowweshallbegoingthroughBechuanaland.Thedustwillbeatrocious.AlsoateverystationlittleKafirchildrencomeandsellyouquaintwoodenanimalsthattheycarvethemselves.Alsomealiebowlsandbaskets.IamratherafraidthatMrs.Blairmayrunamok.ThereisaprimitivecharmaboutthesetoysthatIfeelwillappealtoher.
Fridayevening.
AsIfeared.Mrs.BlairandAnnehaveboughtforty-ninewoodenanimals!
Twenty-three
(Anne’sNarrativeResumed)
IthoroughlyenjoyedthejourneyuptoRhodesia.Therewassomethingnewandexcitingtoseeeveryday.FirstthewonderfulsceneryoftheHexRivervalley,thenthedesolategrandeuroftheKaroo,andfinallythatwonderfulstraightstretchoflineinBechaunaland,andtheperfectlyadorabletoysthenativesbroughttosell.SuzanneandIwerenearlyleftbehindateachstation—ifyoucouldcallthemstations.Itseemedtomethatthetrainjuststoppedwheneveritfeltlikeit,andnosoonerhaditdonesothanahordeofnativesmaterializedoutoftheemptylandscape,holdingupmealiebowlsandsugarcanesandfurkarossesandadorablecarvedwoodenanimals.Suzannebeganatoncetomakeacollectionofthelatter.Iimitatedherexample—mostofthemcosta“tiki”(threepence)andeachwasdifferent.Thereweregiraffesandtigersandsnakesandamelancholy-lookingelandandabsurdlittleblackwarriors.Weenjoyedourselvesenormously.
SirEustacetriedtorestrainus—butinvain.Istillthinkitwasamiraclewewerenotleftbehindatsomeoasisoftheline.SouthAfricantrainsdon’thootorgetexcitedwhentheyaregoingtostartoffagain.Theyjustglidequietlyaway,andyoulookupfromyourbargainingandrunforyourlife.
Suzanne’samazementatseeingmeclimbuponthetrainatCapeTowncanbeimagined.Weheldanexhaustivesurveyofthesituationonthefirsteveningout.Wetalkedhalfthenight.
Ithadbecomecleartomethatdefensivetacticsmustbeadoptedaswellasaggressiveones.TravellingwithSirEustacePedlerandhisparty,Iwasfairlysafe.BothheandColonelRacewerepowerfulprotectors,andIjudgedthatmyenemieswouldnotwishtostirupahornet’snestaboutmyears.Also,aslongasIwasnearSirEustace,IwasmoreorlessintouchwithGuyPagett—andGuyPagettwastheheartofthemystery.IaskedSuzannewhetherinheropinionitwaspossiblethatPagetthimselfwasthemysterious“Colonel.”Hissubordinatepositionwas,ofcourse,againsttheassumption,butithadstruckmeonceortwicethat,forallhisautocraticways,SirEustacewasreallyverymuchinfluencedbyhissecretary.Hewasaneasy-goingman,andonewhomanadroitsecretarymightbeabletotwistroundhislittlefinger.Thecomparativeobscurityofhispositionmightinrealitybeusefultohim,sincehewouldbeanxioustobewelloutofthelimelight.
Suzanne,however,negativedtheseideasverystrongly.SherefusedtobelievethatGuyPagettwastherulingspirit.Therealhead—the“Colonel”—wassomewhereinthebackgroundandhadprobablybeenalreadyinAfricaatthetimeofourarrival.
Iagreedthattherewasmuchtobesaidforherview,butIwasnotentirelysatisfied.ForineachsuspiciousinstancePagetthadbeenshownasthedirectinggenius.Itwastruethathispersonalityseemedtolacktheassuranceanddecisionthatonewouldexpectfromamastercriminal—butafterall,accordingtoColonelRace,itwasbrainworkonlythatthismysteriousleadersupplied,andcreativegeniusisoftenalliedtoaweakandtimorousphysicalconstitution.
“TherespeakstheProfessor’sdaughter,”interruptedSuzanne,whenIhadgottothispointinmyargument.
“It’strue,allthesame.Ontheotherhand,PagettmaybetheGrandVizier,sotospeak,oftheAllHighest.”Iwassilentforaminuteortwo,andthenwentonmusingly:“IwishIknewhowSirEustacemadehismoney!”
“Suspectinghimagain?”
“Suzanne,I’vegotintothatstatethatIcan’thelpsuspectingsomebody!Idon’treallysuspecthim—but,afterall,heisPagett’semployer,andhedidowntheMillHouse.”
“I’vealwaysheardthathemadehismoneyinsomewayheisn’tanxioustotalkabout,”saidSuzannethoughtfully.“Butthatdoesn’tnecessarilymeancrime—itmightbetintacksorhairrestorer!”
Iagreedruefully.
“Isuppose,”saidSuzannedoubtfully,“thatwe’renotbarkingupthewrongtree?Beingledcompletelyastray,Imean,byassumingPagett’scomplicity?Supposingthat,afterall,heisaperfectlyhonestman?”
Iconsideredthatforaminuteortwo,thenIshookmyhead.
“Ican’tbelievethat.”
“Afterall,hehashisexplanationsforeverything.”
“Y—es,butthey’renotveryconvincing.Forinstance,thenighthetriedtothrowmeoverboardontheKilmorden,hesayshefollowedRayburnupondeckandRayburnturnedandknockedhimdown.Nowweknowthat’snottrue.”
“No,”saidSuzanneunwillingly.“ButweonlyheardthestoryatsecondhandfromSirEustace.Ifwe’dhearditdirectfromPagetthimself,itmighthavebeendifferent.Youknowhowpeoplealwaysgetastoryalittlewrongwhentheyrepeatit.”
Iturnedthethingoverinmymind.
“No,”Isaidatlast,“Idon’tseeanywayout.Pagett’sguilty.Youcan’tgetawayfromthefactthathetriedtothrowmeoverboard,andeverythingelsefitsin.Whyareyousopersistentinthisnewideaofyours?”
“Becauseofhisface.”
“Hisface?But—”
“Yes,Iknowwhatyou’regoingtosay.It’sasinisterface.That’sjustit.Nomanwithafacelikethatcouldbereallysinister.ItmustbeacolossaljokeonthepartofNature.”
IdidnotbelievemuchinSuzanne’sargument.IknowalotaboutNatureinpastages.Ifshe’sgotasenseofhumour,shedoesn’tshowitmuch.SuzanneisjustthesortofpersonwhowouldclotheNaturewithallherownattributes.
Wepassedontodiscussourimmediateplans.ItwascleartomethatImusthavesomekindofstanding.Icouldn’tgoonavoidingexplanationsforever.Thesolutionofallmydifficultieslayreadytomyhand,thoughIdidn’tthinkofitforsometime.TheDailyBudget!MysilenceormyspeechcouldnolongeraffectHarryRayburn.Hewasmarkeddownas“TheManintheBrownSuit”throughnofaultofmine.Icouldhelphimbestbyseemingtobeagainsthim.The“Colonel”andhisgangmusthavenosuspicionthatthereexistedanyfriendlyfeelingbetweenmeandthemantheyhadelectedtobethescapegoatofthemurderatMarlow.AsfarasIknew,thewomankilledwasstillunidentified.IwouldcabletoLordNasby,suggestingthatshewasnootherthanthefamousRussiandancer“Nadina”whohadbeendelightingParisforsolong.Itseemedincredibletomethatshehadnotbeenidentifiedalready—butwhenIlearntmoreofthecaselongafterwardsIsawhownaturalitreallywas.
NadinahadneverbeentoEngland,duringhersuccessfulcareerinParis.ShewasunknowntoLondonaudiences.ThepicturesinthepapersoftheMarlowvictimweresoblurredandunrecognizablethatitissmallwondernooneidentifiedthem.And,ontheotherhand,NadinahadkeptherintentionofvisitingEnglandaprofoundsecretfromeveryone.Thedayafterthemurder,aletterhadbeenreceivedbyhermanagerpurportingtobefromthedancer,inwhichshesaidthatshewasreturningtoRussiaonurgentprivateaffairsandthathemustdealwithherbrokencontractasbesthecould.
Allthis,ofcourse,Ionlylearnedafterwards.WithSuzanne’sfullapproval,IsentalongcablefromDeAar.Itarrivedatapsychologicalmoment(thisagain,ofcourse,Ilearntafterwards).TheDailyBudgetwashardupforasensation.MyguesswasverifiedandprovedtobecorrectandtheDailyBudgethadthescoopofitslifetime.“VictimoftheMillHouseMurderidentifiedbyourspecialreporter.”Andsoon.“Ourreportermakesvoyagewiththemurderer.TheManintheBrownSuit.Whatheisreallylike.”
Themainfactswere,ofcourse,cabledtotheSouthAfricanpapers,butIonlyreadmyownlengthyarticlesatamuchlaterdate!IreceivedapprovalandfullinstructionsbycableatBulawayo.IwasonthestaffoftheDailyBudget,andIhadaprivatewordofcongratulationfromLordNasbyhimself.Iwasdefinitelyaccreditedtohuntdownthemurderer,andI,andonlyI,knewthatthemurdererwasnotHarryRayburn!Butlettheworldthinkthatitwashe—bestsoforthepresent.
Twenty-four
WearrivedatBulawayoearlyonSaturdaymorning.Iwasdisappointedintheplace.Itwasveryhot,andIhatedthehotel.AlsoSirEustacewaswhatIcanonlydescribeasthoroughlysulky.Ithinkitwasallourwoodenanimalsthatannoyedhim—especiallythebiggiraffe.Itwasacolossalgiraffewithanimpossibleneck,amildeyeandadejectedtail.Ithadcharacter.Ithadcharm.Acontroversywasalreadyarisingastowhomitbelongedto—meorSuzanne.Wehadeachcontributedatikitoitspurchase.Suzanneadvancedtheclaimsofseniorityandthemarriedstate,IstucktothepositionthatIhadbeenthefirsttobeholditsbeauty.
Inthemeantime,Imustadmit,itoccupiedagooddealofthisthree-dimensionalspaceofours.Tocarryforty-ninewoodenanimals,allofawkwardshape,andallofextremelybrittlewood,issomewhatofaproblem.Twoporterswereladenwithabunchofanimalseach—andonepromptlydroppedaravishinggroupofostrichesandbroketheirheadsoff.Warnedbythis,SuzanneandIcarriedallwecould,ColonelRacehelped,andIpressedthebiggiraffeintoSirEustace’sarms.EventhecorrectMissPettigrewdidnotescape,alargehippopotamusandtwoblackwarriorsfelltohershare.IhadafeelingMissPettigrewdidn’tlikeme.PerhapsshefanciedIwasaboldhussy.Anyway,sheavoidedmeasmuchasshecould.Andthefunnythingwas,herfaceseemedvaguelyfamiliartome,thoughIcouldn’tquiteplaceit.
Wereposedourselvesmostofthemorning,andintheafternoonwedroveouttotheMatopostoseeRhodes’sgrave.Thatistosay,weweretohavedoneso,butatthelastmomentSirEustacebackedout.HewasverynearlyinasbadatemperasthemorningwearrivedatCapeTown—whenhebouncedthepeachesonthefloorandtheysquashed!Evidentlyarrivingearlyinthemorningatplacesisbadforhistemperament.Hecursedtheporters,hecursedthewaiteratbreakfast,hecursedthewholehotelmanagement,hewoulddoubtlesshavelikedtocurseMissPettigrew,whohoveredaroundwithherpencilandpad,butIdon’tthinkevenSirEustacewouldhavedaredtocurseMissPettigrew.She’sjustliketheefficientsecretaryinabook.Ionlyrescuedourdeargiraffejustintime.IfeelSirEustacewouldhavelikedtodashhimtotheground.
Toreturntoourexpedition,afterSirEustacehadbackedout,MissPettigrewsaidshewouldremainathomeincasehemightwanther.AndattheverylastminuteSuzannesentdownamessagetosayshehadaheadache.SoColonelRaceandIdroveoffalone.
Heisastrangeman.Onedoesn’tnoticeitsomuchinacrowd.Butwhenoneisalonewithhimthesenseofhispersonalityseemsreallyalmostoverpowering.Hebecomesmoretaciturn,andyethissilenceseemstosaymorethanspeechmightdo.
ItwassothatdaythatwedrovetotheMatoposthroughthesoftyellow-brownscrub.Everythingseemedstrangelysilent—exceptourcar,whichIshouldthinkwasthefirstFordevermadebyman!Theupholsteryofitwastorntoribbonsand,thoughIknownothingaboutengines,evenIcouldguessthatallwasnotasitshouldbeinitsinterior.
Byandbythecharacterofthecountrychanged.Greatbouldersappeared,piledupintofantasticshapes.IfeltsuddenlythatIhadgotintoaprimitiveera.JustforamomentNeanderthalmenseemedquiteasrealtomeastheyhadtoPapa.IturnedtoColonelRace.
“Theremusthavebeengiantsonce,”Isaiddreamily.“Andtheirchildrenwerejustlikechildrenaretoday—theyplayedwithhandfulsofpebbles,pilingthemupandknockingthemdown,andthemorecleverlytheybalancedthem,thebetterpleasedtheywere.IfIweretogiveanametothisplaceIshouldcallitTheCountryofGiantChildren.”
“Perhapsyou’renearerthemarkthanyouknow,”saidColonelRacegravely.“Simple,primitive,big—thatisAfrica.”
Inoddedappreciatively.
“Youloveit,don’tyou?”Iasked.
“Yes.Buttoliveinitlong—well,itmakesonewhatyouwouldcallcruel.Onecomestoholdlifeanddeathverylightly.”
“Yes,”Isaid,thinkingofHarryRayburn.Hehadbeenlikethattoo.“Butnotcrueltoweakthings?”
“Opinionsdifferastowhatareandarenot‘weakthings,’MissAnne.”
Therewasanoteofseriousnessinhisvoicewhichalmoststartledme.IfeltthatIknewverylittlereallyofthismanatmyside.
“Imeantchildrenanddogs,Ithink.”
“IcantruthfullysayI’veneverbeencrueltochildrenordogs.Soyoudon’tclasswomenas‘weakthings?’”
Iconsidered.
“No,Idon’tthinkIdo—thoughtheyare,Isuppose.Thatis,theyarenowadays.ButPapaalwayssaidthatinthebeginningmenandwomenroamedtheworldtogether,equalinstrength—likelionsandtigers—”
“Andgiraffes?”interpolatedColonelRaceslyly.
Ilaughed.Everyonemakesfunofthatgiraffe.
“Andgiraffes.Theywerenomadic,yousee.Itwasn’ttilltheysettleddownincommunities,andwomendidonekindofthingandmenanother,thatwomengotweak.Andofcourse,underneath,oneisstillthesame—onefeelsthesame,Imean—andthatiswhywomenworshipphysicalstrengthinmen:it’swhattheyoncehadandhavelost.”
“Almostancestorworship,infact?”
“Somethingofthekind.”
“Andyoureallythinkthat’strue?Thatwomenworshipstrength,Imean?”
“Ithinkit’squitetrue—ifone’shonest.Youthinkyouadmiremoralqualities,butwhenyoufallinlove,youreverttotheprimitivewherethephysicalisallthatcounts.ButIdon’tthinkthat’stheend;ifyoulivedinprimitiveconditionsitwouldbeallright,butyoudon’t—andso,intheend,theotherthingwinsafterall.It’sthethingsthatareapparentlyconqueredthatalwaysdowin,isn’tit?Theywinintheonlywaythatcounts.LikewhattheBiblesaysaboutlosingyourlifeandfindingit.”
“Intheend,”saidColonelRacethoughtfully,“youfallinlove—andyoufalloutofit,isthatwhatyoumean?”
“Notexactly,butyoucanputitthatwayifyoulike.”
“ButIdon’tthinkyou’veeverfallenoutoflove,MissAnne?”
“No,Ihaven’t,”Iadmittedfrankly.
“Orfalleninlove,either?”
Ididnotanswer.
Thecardrewupatourdestinationandbroughttheconversationtoaclose.WegotoutandbegantheslowascenttotheWorld’sView.Notforthefirsttime,IfeltaslightdiscomfortinColonelRace’scompany.Heveiledhisthoughtssowellbehindthoseimpenetrableblackeyes.Hefrightenedmealittle.Hehadalwaysfrightenedme.Ineverknew
WeclimbedinsilencetillwereachedthespotwhereRhodesliesguardedbygiantboulders.Astrangeeerieplace,farfromthehauntsofmen,thatsingsaceaselesspaeanofruggedbeauty.
Wesattherefortimeinsilence.Thendescendedoncemore,butdivergingslightlyfromthepath.Sometimesitwasaroughscrambleandoncewecametoasharpslopeorrockthatwasalmostsheer
ColonelRacewentfirst,thenturnedtohelpme.
“Betterliftyou,”hesaidsuddenly,andswungmeoffmyfeetwithaquickgesture.
Ifeltthestrengthofhimashesetmedownandreleasedhisclasp.Amanofiron,withmusclesliketautsteel.AndagainIfeltafraid,especiallyashedidnotmoveaside,butstooddirectlyinfrontofme,staringintomyface.
“Whatareyoureallydoinghere,AnneBeddingfeld?”hesaidabruptly.
“I’magipsyseeingtheworld.”
“Yes,that’strueenough.Thenewspapercorrespondentisonlyapretext.You’venotthesoulofajournalist.You’reoutforyourownhand—snatchingatlife.Butthat’snotall.”
Whatwashegoingtomakemetellhim?Iwasafraid—afraid.Ilookedhimfullintheface.Myeyescan’tkeepsecretslikehis,buttheycancarrythewarintotheenemy’scountry.
“Whatareyoureallydoinghere,ColonelRace?”Iaskeddeliberately.
ForamomentIthoughthewasn’tgoingtoanswer.Hewasclearlytakenaback,though.Atlasthespoke,andhiswordsseemedtoaffordhimagrimamusement
“Pursuingambition,”hesaid.“Justthat—pursuingambition.Youwillremember,MissBeddingfeld,that‘bythatsinfelltheangels,’etc.”
“Theysay,”Isaidslowly,“thatyouarereallyconnectedwiththeGovernment—thatyouareintheSecretService.Isthattrue?”
Wasitmyfancy,ordidhehesitateforafractionofasecondbeforeheanswered?
“Icanassureyou,MissBeddingfeld,thatIamoutherestrictlyasaprivateindividualtravellingformyownpleasure.”
Thinkingtheansweroverlater,itstruckmeasslightlyambiguous.Perhapshemeantittobeso.
Werejoinedthecarinsilence.HalfwaybacktoBulawayowestoppedforteaatasomewhatprimitivestructureatthesideoftheroad.Theproprietorwasdigginginthegarden,andseemedannoyedatbeingdisturbed.Buthegraciouslypromisedtoseewhathecoulddo.Afteraninterminablewait,hebroughtussomestalecakesandsomelukewarmtea.Thendisappearedtohisgardenagain.
Nosoonerhadhedepartedthanweweresurroundedbycats,sixofthemallmiaowingpiteouslyatonce.Theracketwasdeafening.Iofferedthemsomepiecesofcake.Theydevouredthemravenously.Ipouredallthemilktherewasintoasaucerandtheyfoughteachothertogetit.
“Oh,”Icriedindignantly,“they’restarved!It’swicked.Please,please,ordersomemoremilkandanotherplateofcake.”
ColonelRacedepartedsilentlytodomybidding.Thecatshadbegunmiaowingagain.Hereturnedwithabigjugofmilkandthecatsfinisheditall.
Igotupwithdeterminationonmyface.
“I’mgoingtotakethosecatshomewithus—Ishan’tleavethemhere.”
“Mydearchild,don’tbeabsurd.Youcan’tcarrysixcatsaswellasfiftywoodenanimalsroundwithyou.”
“Nevermindthewoodenanimals.Thesecatsarealive.Ishalltakethembackwithme.”
“Youwilldonothingofthekind.”Ilookedathimresentfullybuthewenton:“Youthinkmecruel—butonecan’tgothroughlifesentimentalizingoverthesethings.It’snogoodstandingout—Ishan’tallowyoutotakethem.It’saprimitivecountry,youknow,andI’mstrongerthanyou.”
IalwaysknowwhenIambeaten.Iwentdowntothecarwithtearsinmyeyes.
“They’reprobablyshortoffoodjusttoday,”heexplainedconsolingly.“Thatman’swifehasgoneintoBulawayoforstores.Soitwillbeallright.Andanyway,youknow,theworld’sfullofstarvingcats.”
“Don’t—don’t,”Isaidfiercely.
“I’mteachingyoutorealizelifeasitis.I’mteachingyoutobehardandruthless—likeIam.That’sthesecretofstrength—andthesecretofsuccess.”
“I’dsoonerbedeadthanhard,”Isaidpassionately.
Wegotintothecarandstartedoff.Ipulledmyselftogetheragainslowly.Suddenly,tomyintenseastonishment,hetookmyhandinhis.
“Anne,”hesaidgently,“Iwantyou.Willyoumarryme?”
Iwasutterlytakenaback.
“Oh,no,”Istammered.“Ican’t.”
“Whynot?”
“Idon’tcareforyouinthatway.I’veneverthoughtofyoulikethat.”
“Isee.Isthattheonlyreason?”
Ihadtobehonest.Iowedithim.
“No,”Isaid,“itisnot.Yousee—I—careforsomeoneelse.”
“Isee,”hesaidagain.“Andwasthattrueatthebeginning—whenIfirstsawyou—ontheKilmorden?”
“No,”Iwhispered.“Itwas—sincethen.”
“Isee,”hesaidforthethirdtime,butthistimetherewasapurposefulringinhisvoicethatmademeturnandlookathim.HisfacewasgrimmerthanIhadeverseenit.
“What—whatdoyoumean?”Ifaltered.
Helookedatme,inscrutable,dominating.
“Only—thatIknownowwhatIhavetodo.”
Hiswordssentashiverthroughme.TherewasadeterminationbehindthemthatIdidnotunderstand—anditfrightenedme.
Weneitherofussaidanymoreuntilwegotbacktothehotel.IwentstraightuptoSuzanne.Shewaslyingonherbedreading,anddidnotlookintheleastasthoughshehadaheadache.
“Herereposestheperfectgooseberry,”sheremarked.“Aliasthetactfulchaperone.Why,Annedear,what’sthematter?”
ForIhadburstintoafloodoftears.
Itoldheraboutthecats—Ifeltitwasn’tfairtotellheraboutColonelRace.ButSuzanneisverysharp.Ithinkshesawthattherewassomethingmorebehind.
“Youhaven’tcaughtachill,haveyou,Anne?Soundsabsurdeventosuggestsuchthingsinthisheat,butyoukeeponshivering.”
“It’snothing,”Isaid.“Nerves—orsomeonewalkingovermygrave.Ikeepfeelingsomethingdreadful’sgoingtohappen.”
“Don’tbesilly,”saidSuzanne,withdecision.“Let’stalkofsomethinginteresting.Anne,aboutthosediamonds—”
“Whataboutthem?”
“I’mnotsurethey’resafewithme.Itwasallrightbefore,noonecouldthinkthey’dbeamongstmythings.Butnowthateveryoneknowswe’resuchfriends,youandI,I’llbeundersuspiciontoo.”
“Nobodyknowsthey’reinarolloffilms,though,”Iargued.“It’sasplendidhidingplaceandIreallydon’tthinkwecouldbetterit.”
Sheagreeddoubtfully,butsaidwewoulddiscussitagainwhenwegottotheFalls.
Ourtrainwentatnineo’clock.SirEustace’stemperwasstillfarfromgood,andMissPettigrewlookedsubdued.ColonelRacewascompletelyhimself.IfeltthatIhaddreamedthewholeconversationonthewayback.
Isleptheavilythatnightonmyhardbunk,strugglingwithill-defined,menacingdreams.Iawokewithaheadacheandwentoutontheobservationplatformofthecar.Itwasfreshandlovely,andeverywhere,asfarasonecouldsee,weretheundulatingwoodedhills.Ilovedit—loveditmorethananyplaceIhadeverseen.IwishedthenthatIcouldhavealittlehutsomewhereintheheartofthescrubandlivetherealways—always….
Justbeforehalfpasttwo,ColonelRacecalledmeoutfromthe“office”andpointedtoabouquet-shapedwhitemistthathoveredoveroneportionofthebush.
“ThesprayfromtheFalls,”hesaid.“Wearenearlythere.”
Iwasstillwrappedinthatstrangedreamfeelingofexaltationthathadsucceededmytroublednight.VerystronglyimplantedinmewasthefeelingthatIhadcomehome…Home!AndyetIhadneverbeenherebefore—orhadIindreams?
Wewalkedfromthetraintothehotel,abigwhitebuildingcloselywiredagainstmosquitoes.Therewerenoroads,nohouses.WewentoutonthestoepandIutteredagasp.There,halfamileaway,facingus,weretheFalls.I’veneverseenanythingsograndandbeautiful—Inevershall.
“Anne,you’refey,”saidSuzanne,aswesatdowntolunch.“I’veneverseenyoulikethisbefore.”
Shestaredatmecuriously.
“AmI?”Ilaughed,butIfeltthatmylaughwasunnatural.“It’sjustthatIloveitall.”
“It’smorethanthat.”
Alittlefrowncrossedherbrow—oneofapprehension.
Yes,Iwashappy,butbeyondthatIhadthecuriousfeelingthatIwaswaitingforsomething—somethingthatwouldhappensoon.Iwasexcited—restless.
Afterteawestrolledout,gotonthetrolleyandwerepushedbysmilingblacksdownthelittletracksofrailstothebridge.
Itwasamarvelloussight,thegreatchasmandtherushingwatersbelow,andtheveilofmistandsprayinfrontofusthatpartedeverynowandthenforonebriefminutetoshowthecataractofwaterandthenclosedupagaininitsimpenetrablemystery.That,tomymind,hasalwaysbeenthefascinationoftheFalls—theirelusivequality.Youalwaysthinkyou’regoingtosee—andyouneverdo.
Wecrossedthebridgeandwalkedslowlyonbythepaththatwasmarkedoutwithwhitestoneoneithersideandledroundthebrinkofthegorge.Finallywearrivedinabigclearingwhereontheleftapathleddownwardstowardsthechasm.
“Thepalmgully,”explainedColonelRace.“Shallwegodown?Orshallweleaveituntiltomorrow?Itwilltakesometime,andit’sagoodclimbupagain.”
“We’llleaveituntiltomorrow,”saidSirEustacewithdecision.Heisn’tatallfondofstrenuousphysicalexercise,Ihavenoticed.
Heledthewayback.Aswewent,wepassedafinenativestalkingalong.Behindhimcameawomanwhoseemedtohavetheentirehouseholdbelongingspileduponherhead!Thecollectionincludedafryingpan.
“IneverhavemycamerawhenIwantit,”groanedSuzanne.
“That’sanopportunitythatwilloccuroftenenough,Mrs.Blair,”saidColonelRace.“Sodon’tlament.”
Wearrivedbackonthebridge.
“Shallwegointotherainbowforest?”hecontinued.“Orareyouafraidofgettingwet?”
SuzanneandIaccompaniedhim.SirEustacewentbacktothehotel.Iwasratherdisappointedintherainbowforest.Thereweren’tnearlyenoughrainbows,andwegotsoakedtotheskin,buteverynowandthenwegotaglimpseoftheFallsoppositeandrealizedhowenormouslywidetheyare.Oh,dear,dearFalls,howIloveandworshipyouandalwaysshall!
Wegotbacktothehoteljustintimetochangefordinner.SirEustaceseemstohavetakenapositiveantipathytoColonelRace.SuzanneandIralliedhimgently,butdidn’tgetmuchsatisfaction.
Afterdinnerheretiredtohissittingroom,draggingMissPettigrewwithhim.SuzanneandItalkedforawhilewithColonelRace,andthenshedeclared,withanimmenseyawn,thatshewasgoingtobed.Ididn’twanttobeleftalonewithhim,soIgotuptooandwenttomyroom.
ButIwasfartooexcitedtogotosleep.Ididnotevenundress.Ilaybackinachairandgavemyselfuptodreaming.AndallthetimeIwasconsciousofsomethingcomingnearerandnearer..
Therewasaknockatthedoor,andIstarted.Igotupandwenttoit.Alittleblackboyheldoutanote.ItwasaddressedtomeinahandwritingIdidnotknow.Itookitandcamebackintotheroom.Istoodthereholdingit.AtlastIopenedit.Itwasveryshort!
“Imustseeyou.Idarenotcometothehotel.Willyoucometotheclearingbythepalmgully?InmemoryofCabin17pleasecome.ThemanyouknewasHarryRayburn.”
Myheartbeattosuffocation.Hewasherethen!Oh,Ihadknownit—Ihadknownitallalong!Ihadfelthimnearme.AllunwittinglyIhadcometohisplaceofretreat.
Iwoundascarfroundmyheadandstoletothedoor.Imustbecareful.Hewashunteddown.Noonemustseememeethim.IstolealongtoSuzanne’sroom.Shewasfastasleep.Icouldhearherbreathingevenly.
SirEustace?Ipausedoutsidethedoorofhissittingroom.Yes,hewasdictatingtoMissPettigrew,Icouldhearhermonotonousvoicerepeating:“Ithereforeventuretosuggest,thatintacklingthisproblemofcolouredlabour—”Shepausedforhimtocontinue,andIheardhimgruntsomethingangrily.
Istoleonagain.ColonelRace’sroomwasempty.Ididnotseehiminthelounge.AndhewasthemanIfearedmost!Still,Icouldwastenomoretime.Islippedquicklyoutofthehotel,andtookthepathtothebridge.
Icrosseditandstoodtherewaitingintheshadow.Ifanyonehadfollowedme,Ishouldseethemcrossingthebridge.Buttheminutespassed,andnoonecame.Ihadnotbeenfollowed.Iturnedandtookthepathtotheclearing.Itooksixpacesorso,andthenstopped.Somethinghadrustledbehindme.Itcouldnotbeanyonewhohadfollowedmefromthehotel.Itwassomeonewhowasalreadyhere,waiting.
Andimmediately,withoutrhymeorreason,butwiththesurenessofinstinct,IknewthatitwasImyselfwhowasthreatened.ItwasthesamefeelingasIhadhadontheKilmordenthatnight—asureinstinctwarningmeofdanger.
Ilookedsharplyovermyshoulder.Silence.Imovedonapaceortwo.AgainIheardthatrustle.Stillwalking,Ilookedovermyshoulderagain.Aman’sfigurecameoutoftheshadow.HesawthatIsawhim,andjumpedforward,hardonmytrack.
Itwastoodarktorecognizeanybody.AllIcouldseewasthathewastall,andaEuropean,notanative.Itooktomyheelsandran.Iheardhimpoundingbehind.Iranquicker,keepingmyeyesfixedonthewhitestonesthatshowedmewheretostep,fortherewasnomoonthatnight.
Andsuddenlymyfootfeltnothingness.Iheardthemanbehindmelaugh,anevil,sinisterlaugh.Itranginmyears,asIfellheadlong—down—down—downtodestructionfarbeneath.
Twenty-five
Icametomyselfslowlyandpainfully.IwasconsciousofanachingheadandashootingpaindownmyleftarmwhenItriedtomove,andeverythingseemeddreamlikeandunreal.Nightmarevisionsfloatedbeforeme.Ifeltmyselffalling—fallingagain.OnceHarryRayburn’sfaceseemedtocometomeoutofthemist.AlmostIimagineditreal.Thenitfloatedawayagain,mockingme.Once,Iremember,someoneputacuptomylipsandIdrank.Ablackfacegrinnedintomine—adevil’sface,Ithoughtit,andscreamedout.Thendreamsagain—longtroubleddreamsinwhichIvainlysoughtHarryRayburntowarnhim—warnhim—whatof?Ididnotknowmyself.Buttherewassomedanger—somegreatdanger—andIalonecouldsavehim.Thendarknessagain,mercifuldarknessandrealsleep.
Iwokeatlastmyselfagain.Thelongnightmarewasover.Irememberedperfectlyeverythingthathadhappened:myhurriedflightfromthehoteltomeetHarry,themanintheshadowsandthelastterriblemomentoffalling….
BysomemiracleorotherIhadnotbeenkilled.Iwasbruisedandaching,andveryweak,butIwasalive.ButwherewasI?MovingmyheadwithdifficultyIlookedroundme.Iwasinasmallroomwithroughwoodenwalls.Onthemwerehugeskinsofanimalsandvarioustusksofivory.Iwaslyingonakindofroughcouch,alsocoveredwithskins,andmyleftarmwasbandagedupandfeltstiffanduncomfortable.AtfirstIthoughtIwasalone,andthenIsawaman’sfiguresittingbetweenmeandthelight,hisheadturnedtowardsthewindow.Hewassostillthathemighthavebeencarvedoutofwood.Somethingintheclose-croppedblackheadwasfamiliartome,butIdidnotdaretoletmyimaginationrunastray.Suddenlyheturned,andIcaughtmybreath.ItwasHarryRayburn.HarryRayburnintheflesh.
Heroseandcameovertome.
“Feelingbetter?”hesaidatrifleawkwardly.
Icouldnotanswer.Thetearswererunningdownmyface.Iwasweakstill,butIheldhishandinbothofmine.IfonlyIcoulddielikethis,whilsthestoodtherelookingdownonmewiththatnewlookinhiseyes.
“Don’tcry,Anne.Pleasedon’tcry.You’resafenow.Nooneshallhurtyou.”
Hewentandfetchedacupandbroughtittome.
“Drinksomeofthismilk.”
Idrankobediently.Hewentontalking,inalowcoaxingtonesuchashemighthaveusedtoachild.
“Don’taskanymorequestionsnow.Gotosleepagain.You’llbestrongerbyandby.I’llgoawayifyoulike.”
“No,”Isaidurgently.“No,no.”
“ThenI’llstay.”
Hebroughtasmallstooloverbesidemeandsatthere.Helaidhishandovermine,and,soothedandcomforted,Idroppedofftosleeponcemore.
Itmusthavebeeneveningthen,butwhenIwokeagainthesunwashighintheheavens.Iwasaloneinthehut,butasIstirredanoldnativewomancamerunningin.Shewashideousassin,butshegrinnedatmeencouragingly.Shebroughtmewaterinabasinandhelpedmewashmyfaceandhands.Thenshebroughtmealargebowlofsoup,andIfinishediteverydrop!Iaskedherseveralquestions,butsheonlygrinnedandnoddedandchatteredawayinagutturallanguage,soIgatheredsheknewnoEnglish.
SuddenlyshestoodupanddrewbackrespectfullyasHarryRayburnentered.Hegaveheranodofdismissalandshewentoutleavingusalone.Hesmiledatme
“Reallybettertoday!”
“Yes,indeed,butverybewilderedstill.WhereamI?”
“You’reonasmallislandontheZambesiaboutfourmilesupfromtheFalls.”
“Do—domyfriendsknowI’mhere?”
Heshookhishead.
“Imustsendwordtothem.”
“Thatisasyoulike,ofcourse,butifIwereyouIshouldwaituntilyouarealittlestronger.”
“Why?”
Hedidnotanswerimmediately,soIwenton:
“HowlonghaveIbeenhere?”
Hisansweramazedme.
“Nearlyamonth.”
“Oh!”Icried.“ImustsendwordtoSuzanne.She’llbeterriblyanxious.”
“WhoisSuzanne?”
“Mrs.Blair.IwaswithherandSirEustaceandColonelRaceatthehotel—butyouknewthat,surely?”
Heshookhishead.
“Iknownothing,exceptthatIfoundyou,caughtintheforkofatree,unconsciousandwithabadlywrenchedarm.”
“Wherewasthetree?”
“Overhangingtheravine.Butforyourclothescatchingonthebranches,youwouldcertainlyhavebeendashedtopieces.”
Ishuddered.Thenathoughtstruckme.
“Yousayyoudidn’tknowIwasthere.Whataboutthenotethen?”
“Whatnote?”
“Thenoteyousentme,askingmetomeetyouintheclearing.”
Hestaredatme.
“Isentnonote.”
Ifeltmyselfflushinguptotherootsofmyhair.Fortunatelyhedidnotseemtonotice.
“Howdidyoucometobeonthespotinsuchamarvellousmanner?”Iasked,inasnonchalantamannerasIcouldassume.“Andwhatareyoudoinginthispartoftheworld,anyway?”
“Ilivehere,”hesaidsimply.
“Onthisisland?”
“Yes,IcamehereaftertheWar.SometimesItakepartiesfromthehoteloutinmyboat,butitcostsmeverylittletolive,andmostlyIdoasIplease.”
“Youlivehereallalone?”
“Iamnotpiningforsociety,Iassureyou,”herepliedcoldly.
“Iamsorrytohaveinflictedmineuponyou,”Iretorted,“butIseemtohavehadverylittletosayinthematter.”
Tomysurprise,hiseyestwinkledalittle.
“Nonewhatever.Islungyouacrossmyshoulderslikeasackofcoalandcarriedyoutomyboat.QuitelikeaprimitivemanoftheStoneAge.”
“Butforadifferentreason,”Iputin.
Heflushedthistime,adeepburningblush.Thetanofhisfacewassuffused.
“Butyouhaven’ttoldmehowyoucametobewanderingaboutsoconvenientlyforme?”Isaidhastily,tocoverhisconfusion.
“Icouldn’tsleep.Iwasrestless—disturbed—hadthefeelingsomethingwasgoingtohappen.IntheendItooktheboatandcameashoreandtrampeddowntowardstheFalls.IwasjustattheheadofthepalmgullywhenIheardyouscream.”
“Whydidn’tyougethelpfromthehotelinsteadofcartingmeallthewayhere?”Iasked.
Heflushedagain.
“Isupposeitseemsanunpardonablelibertytoyou—butIdon’tthinkthatevennowyourealizeyourdanger!YouthinkIshouldhaveinformedyourfriends?Prettyfriends,whoallowedyoutobedecoyedouttodeath.No,IsworetomyselfthatI’dtakebettercareofyouthananyoneelsecould.Notasoulcomestothisisland.IgotoldBatani,whomIcuredofafeveronce,tocomeandlookafteryou.She’sloyal.She’llneversayaword.Icouldkeepyouhereformonthsandnoonewouldeverknow.”
Icouldkeepyouhereformonthsandnoonewouldeverknow!Howsomewordspleaseone!
“Youdidquiteright,”Isaidquietly.“AndIshallnotsendwordtoanyone.Adayorsomoreanxietydoesn’tmakemuchdifference.It’snotasthoughtheyweremyownpeople.They’reonlyacquaintancesreally—evenSuzanne.Andwhoeverwrotethatnotemusthaveknown—agreatdeal!Itwasnottheworkofanoutsider.”
Imanagedtomentionthenotethistimewithoutblushingatall.
“Ifyouwouldbeguidedbyme—”hesaid,hesitating.
“Idon’texpectIshallbe,”Iansweredcandidly.“Butthere’snoharminhearing.”
“Doyoualwaysdowhatyoulike,MissBeddingfeld?”
“Usually,”Irepliedcautiously.ToanyoneelseIwouldhavesaid“Always.”
“Ipityyourhusband,”hesaidunexpectedly.
“Youneedn’t,”Iretorted.“Ishouldn’tdreamofmarryinganyoneunlessIwasmadlyinlovewithhim.Andofcoursethereisreallynothingawomanenjoyssomuchasdoingallthethingsshedoesn’tlikeforthesakeofsomeoneshedoeslike.Andthemoreself-willedsheis,themoreshelikesit.”
“I’mafraidIdisagreewithyou.Thebootisontheotherlegasarule.”Hespokewithaslightsneer.
“Exactly,”Icriedeagerly.“Andthat’swhytherearesomanyunhappymarriages.It’sallthefaultofthemen.Eithertheygivewaytotheirwomen—andthenthewomendespisethem—orelsetheyareutterlyselfish,insistontheirownwayandneversay‘thankyou.’Successfulhusbandsmaketheirwivesdojustwhattheywant,andthenmakeafrightfulfussofthemfordoingit.Womenliketobemastered,buttheyhatenottohavetheirsacrificesappreciated.Ontheotherhand,mendon’treallyappreciatewomenwhoarenicetothemallthetime.WhenIammarried,Ishallbeadevilmostofthetime,buteverynowandthen,whenmyhusbandleastexpectsit,IshallshowhimwhataperfectangelIcanbe.”
Harrylaughedoutright.
“Whatacat-and-doglifeyouwilllead!”
“Loversalwaysfight,”Iassuredhim.“Becausetheydon’tunderstandeachother.Andbythetimetheydounderstandeachothertheyaren’tinloveanymore.”
“Doesthereverseholdtrue?Arepeoplewhofighteachotheralwayslovers?”
“I—Idon’tknow,”Isaid,momentarilyconfused.
Heturnedawaytothefireplace.
“Likesomemoresoup?”heaskedinacasualtone.
“Yes,please.I’msohungrythatIwouldeatahippopotamus.”
“That’sgood.”
Hebusiedhimselfwiththefire,Iwatched.
“WhenIcangetoffthecouch,I’llcookforyou,”Ipromised.
“Idon’tsupposeyouknowanythingaboutcooking.”
“Icanwarmupthingsoutoftinsaswellasyoucan,”Iretorted,pointingtoarowoftinsonthemantelpiece.
“Touché,”hesaidandlaughed.
Hiswholefacechangedwhenhelaughed.Itbecameboyish,happy—adifferentpersonality.
Ienjoyedmysoup.AsIateitIremindedhimthathehadnot,afterall,tenderedmehisadvice.
“Ah,yes,whatIwasgoingtosaywasthis.IfIwereyouIwouldstayquietlyperduhereuntilyouarequitestrongagain.Yourenemieswillbelieveyoudead.Theywillhardlybesurprisedatnotfindingthebody.Itwouldhavebeendashedtopiecesontherocksandcarrieddownwiththetorrent.”
Ishivered.
“Onceyouarecompletelyrestoredtohealth,youcanjourneyquietlyontoBeiraandgetaboattotakeyoubacktoEngland.”
“Thatwouldbeverytame,”Iobjectedscornfully.
“Therespeaksafoolishschoolgirl.”
“I’mnotafoolishschoolgirl,”Icriedindignantly.“I’mawoman.”
HelookedatmewithanexpressionIcouldnotfathom,asIsatupflushedandexcited.
“Godhelpme,soyouare,”hemutteredandwentabruptlyout.
Myrecoverywasrapid.ThetwoinjuriesIhadsustainedwereaknockontheheadandabadlywrenchedarm.Thelatterwasthemostseriousand,tobeginwith,myrescuerhadbelievedittobeactuallybroken.Acarefulexamination,however,convincedhimthatitwasnotso,andalthoughitwasverypainfulIwasrecoveringtheuseofitquitequickly.
Itwasastrangetime.Wewerecutofffromtheworld,alonetogetherasAdamandEvemighthavebeen—butwithwhatadifference!OldBatanihoveredabout,countingnomorethanadogmighthavedone.Iinsistedondoingthecooking,orasmuchofitasIcouldmanagewithonearm.Harrywasoutagoodpartofthetime,butwespentlonghourstogetherlyingoutintheshadeofthepalms,talkingandquarrelling—discussingeverythingunderhighheaven,quarrellingandmakingitupagain.Webickeredagooddeal,buttheregrewupbetweenusarealandlastingcomradeshipsuchasIcouldneverhavebelievedpossible.That—andsomethingelse.
Thetimewasdrawingnear,Iknewit,whenIshouldbewellenoughtoleave,andIrealizeditwithaheavyheart.Washegoingtoletmego?Withoutaword?Withoutasign?Hehadfitsofsilence,longmoodyintervals,momentswhenhewouldspringupandtrampoffbyhimself.Oneeveningthecrisiscame.Wehadfinishedoursimplemealandweresittinginthedoorwayofthehut.Thesunwassinking.
HairpinswerenecessitiesoflifewithwhichHarryhadnotbeenabletoprovideme,andmyhair,straightandblack,hungtomyknees.Isat,mychinonmyhands,lostinmeditation.IfeltratherthansawHarrylookingatme.
“Youlooklikeawitch,Anne,”hesaidatlast,andtherewassomethinginhisvoicethathadneverbeentherebefore.
Hereachedouthishandandjusttouchedmyhair.Ishivered.Suddenlyhesprangupwithanoath.
“Youmustleaveheretomorrow,doyouhear?”hecried.“I—Ican’tbearanymore.I’monlyamanafterall.Youmustgo,Anne.Youmust.You’renotafool.Youknowyourselfthatthiscan’tgoon.”
“Isupposenot,”Isaidslowly.“But—it’sbeenhappy,hasn’tit?”
“Happy?It’sbeenhell!”
“Asbadasthat!”
“Whatdoyoutormentmefor?Whyareyoumockingatme?Whydoyousaythat—laughingintoyourhair?”
“Iwasn’tlaughing.AndI’mnotmocking.Ifyouwantmetogo,I’llgo.Butifyouwantmetostay—I’llstay.”
“Notthat!”hecriedvehemently.“Notthat.Don’ttemptme,Anne.DoyourealizewhatIam?Acriminaltwiceover.Amanhunteddown.TheyknowmehereasHarryParker—theythinkI’vebeenawayonatrekupcountry,butanydaytheymayputtwoandtwotogether—andthentheblowwillfall.You’resoyoung,Anne,andsobeautiful—withthekindofbeautythatsendsmenmad.Alltheworld’sbeforeyou—love,life,everything.Mine’sbehindme—scorched,spoiled,withatasteofbitterashes.”
“Ifyoudon’twantme—”
“YouknowIwantyou.YouknowthatI’dgivemysoultopickyouupinmyarmsandkeepyouhere,hiddenawayfromtheworld,foreverandever.Andyou’retemptingme,Anne.You,withyourlongwitch’shair,andyoureyesthataregoldenandbrownandgreenandneverstoplaughingevenwhenyourmouthisgrave.ButI’llsaveyoufromyourselfandfromme.Youshallgotonight.YoushallgotoBeira—”
“I’mnotgoingtoBeira,”Iinterrupted.
“Youare.YoushallgotoBeiraifIhavetotakeyoutheremyselfandthrowyouontotheboat.WhatdoyouthinkI’mmadeof?DoyouthinkI’llwakeupnightafternight,fearingthey’vegotyou?Onecan’tgooncountingonmiracleshappening.YoumustgobacktoEngland,Anne—and—andmarryandbehappy.”
“Withasteadymanwho’llgivemeagoodhome!”
“Betterthatthan—utterdisaster.”
“Andwhatofyou?”
Hisfacegrewgrimandset.
“I’vegotmyworkreadytohand.Don’taskwhatitis.Youcanguess,Idaresay.ButI’lltellyouthis—I’llclearmyname,ordieintheattempt,andI’llchokethelifeoutofthedamnedscoundrelwhodidhisbesttomurderyoutheothernight.”
“Wemustbefair,”Isaid.“Hedidn’tactuallypushmeover.”
“He’dnoneedto.Hisplanwasclevererthanthat.Iwentuptothepathafterwards.Everythinglookedallright,butbythemarksonthegroundIsawthatthestoneswhichoutlinethepathhadbeentakenupandputdownagaininaslightlydifferentplace.Therearetallbushesgrowingjustovertheedge.He’dbalancedtheoutsidestonesonthem,sothatyou’dthinkyouwerestillonthepathwheninrealityyouweresteppingintonothingness.GodhelphimifIlaymyhandsuponhim!”
Hepausedaminuteandthensaid,inatotallydifferenttone:
“We’veneverspokenofthesethings,Anne,havewe?Butthetime’scome.Iwantyoutohearthewholestory—fromthebeginning.”
“Ifithurtsyoutogooverthepast,don’ttellme,”Isaidinalowvoice
“ButIwantyoutoknow.IneverthoughtIshouldspeakofthatpartofmylifetoanyone.Funny,isn’tit,thetricksFateplays?”
Hewassilentforaminuteortwo.Thesunhadset,andthevelvetydarknessoftheAfricannightwasenvelopinguslikeamantle.
“SomeofitIknow,”Isaidgently.
“Whatdoyouknow?”
“IknowthatyourrealnameisHarryLucas.”
Stillhehesitated—notlookingatme,butstaringstraightoutinfrontofhim.Ihadnoclueastowhatwaspassinginhismind,butatlasthejerkedhisheadforwardasthoughacquiescinginsomeunspokendecisionofhisown,andbeganhisstory.
Twenty-six
“Youareright.MyrealnameisHarryLucas.MyfatherwasaretiredsoldierwhocameouttofarminRhodesia.HediedwhenIwasinmysecondyearatCambridge.”
“Wereyoufondofhim?”Iaskedsuddenly.
“I—don’tknow.”
Thenheflushedandwentonwithsuddenvehemence:
“WhydoIsaythat?Ididlovemyfather.WesaidbitterthingstoeachotherthelasttimeIsawhim,andwehadmanyrowsovermywildnessandmydebts,butIcaredfortheoldman.Iknowhowmuchnow—whenit’stoolate,”hecontinuedmorequietly.“ItwasatCambridgethatImettheotherfellow—”
“YoungEardsley?”
“Yes—youngEardsley.Hisfather,asyouknow,wasoneofSouthAfrica’smostprominentmen.Wedriftedtogetheratonce,myfriendandI.WehadourloveofSouthAfricaincommonandwebothhadatastefortheuntroddenplacesoftheworld.AfterheleftCambridge,Eardsleyhadafinalquarrelwithhisfather.Theoldmanhadpaidhisdebtstwice,herefusedtodosoagain.Therewasabitterscenebetweenthem.SirLaurencedeclaredhimselfattheendofhispatience—hewoulddonomoreforhisson.Hemuststandonhisownlegsforawhile.Theresultwas,asyouknow,thatthosetwoyoungmenwentofftoSouthAmericatogether,prospectingfordiamonds.I’mnotgoingintothatnow,butwehadawonderfultimeoutthere.Hardshipsinplenty,youunderstand,butitwasagoodlife—ahand-to-mouthscrambleforexistencefarfromthebeatentrack—and,myGodthat’stheplacetoknowafriend.Therewasabondforgedbetweenustwoouttherethatonlydeathcouldhavebroken.Well,asColonelRacetoldyou,oureffortswerecrownedwithsuccess.WefoundasecondKimberleyintheheartoftheBritishGuianajungles.Ican’ttellyouourelation.Itwasn’tsomuchtheactualvalueinmoneyofthefind—yousee,Eardsleywasusedtomoney,andheknewthatwhenhisfatherdiedhewouldbeamillionaire,andLucashadalwaysbeenpoorandwasusedtoit.No,itwasthesheerdelightofdiscovery.”
Hepaused,andthenadded,almostapologetically.
“Youdon’tmindmytellingitthisway,doyou?AsthoughIwasn’tinitatall.ItseemslikethatnowwhenIlookbackandseethosetwoboys.Ialmostforgetthatoneofthemwas—HarryRayburn.”
“Tellitanywayyoulike,”Isaid,andhewenton:
“WecametoKimberley—verycock-a-hoopoverourfind.Webroughtamagnificentselectionofdiamondswithustosubmittotheexperts.Andthen—inthehotelatKimberley—wemether—”
Istiffenedalittle,andthehandthatrestedonthedoorpostclencheditselfinvoluntarily.
“AnitaGrünberg—thatwashername.Shewasanactress.Quiteyoungandverybeautiful.ShewasSouthAfricanborn,buthermotherwasaHungarian,Ibelieve.Therewassomesortofmysteryabouther,andthat,ofcourse,heightenedherattractionfortwoboyshomefromthewilds.Shemusthavehadaneasytask.Webothfellforherrightaway,andparti.Butthetruthofitwasthatshewasmarried—toasorterinDeBeers—thoughnobodyknewofit.Shepretendedenormousinterestinourdiscovery,andwetoldherallaboutitandevenshowedherthediamonds.Delilah—that’swhatsheshouldhavebeencalled—andsheplayedherpartwell!
“TheDeBeersrobberywasdiscovered,andlikeathunderclapthepolicecamedownuponus.Theyseizedourdiamonds.Weonlylaughedatfirst—thewholethingwassoabsurd.Andthenthediamondswereproducedincourt—andwithoutquestiontheywerethestonesstolenfromDeBeers.AnitaGrünberghaddisappeared.Shehadeffectedthesubstitutionneatlyenough,andourstorythatthesewerenotthestonesoriginallyinourpossessionwaslaughedtoscorn.
“SirLaurenceEardsleyhadenormousinfluence.Hesucceededingettingthecasedismissed—butitlefttwoyoungmenruinedanddisgracedtofacetheworldwiththestigmaofthiefattachedtotheirname,anditprettywellbroketheoldfellow’sheart.Hehadonebitterinterviewwithhissoninwhichheheapeduponhimeveryreproachimaginable.Hehaddonewhathecouldtosavethefamilyname,butfromthatdayonhissonwashissonnolonger.Hecasthimoffutterly.Andtheboy,liketheproudyoungfoolthathewas,remainedsilent,disdainingtoprotesthisinnocenceinthefaceofhisfather’sdisbelief.Hecameoutfuriousfromtheinterview—hisfriendwaswaitingforhim.Aweeklater,warwasdeclared.Thetwofriendsenlistedtogether.Youknowwhathappened.Thebestpalamaneverhadwaskilled,partlythroughhisownmadrecklessnessinrushingintounnecessarydanger.Hediedwithhisnametarnished.
“Isweartoyou,Anne,thatitwasmainlyonhisaccountthatIwassobitteragainstthatwoman.Ithadgonedeeperwithhimthanwithme.Ihadbeenmadlyinlovewithherforthemoment—IeventhinkthatIfrightenedhersometimes—butwithhimitwasaquieteranddeeperfeeling.Shehadbeentheverycentreofhisuniverse—andherbetrayalofhimtoreuptheveryrootsoflife.Theblowstunnedhimandlefthimparalysed.”
Harrypaused.Afteraminuteortwohewenton:
“Asyouknow,Iwasreported‘Missing,presumedkilled.’Inevertroubledtocorrectthemistake.ItookthenameofParkerandcametothisisland,whichIknewofold.AtthebeginningoftheWarIhadhadambitioushopesofprovingmyinnocence,butnowallthatspiritseemeddead.AllIfeltwas,‘What’sthegood?’Mypalwasdead,neitherhenorIhadanylivingrelationswhowouldcare.Iwassupposedtobedeadtoo;letitremainatthat.Iledapeacefulexistencehere,neitherhappynorunhappy—numbedofallfeeling.Iseenow,thoughIdidnotrealizeitatthetime,thatthatwaspartlytheeffectoftheWar.
“Andthenonedaysomethingoccurredtowakemerightupagain.Iwastakingapartyofpeopleinmyboatonatripuptheriver,andIwasstandingatthelandingstage,helpingthemin,whenoneofthemenutteredastartledexclamation.Itfocusedmyattentiononhim.Hewasasmall,thinmanwithabeard,andhewasstaringatmeforallhewasworthasthoughIwasaghost.Sopowerfulwashisemotionthatitawakenedmycuriosity.ImadeinquiriesabouthimatthehotelandlearnedthathisnamewasCarton,thathecamefromKimberley,andthathewasadiamond-sorteremployedbyDeBeers.Inaminutealltheoldsenseofwrongsurgedovermeagain.IlefttheislandandwenttoKimberley.
“Icouldfindoutlittlemoreabouthim,however.Intheend,IdecidedthatImustforceaninterview.Itookmyrevolverwithme.InthebriefglimpseIhadhadofhim,Ihadrealizedthathewasaphysicalcoward.NosoonerwerewefacetofacethanIrecognizedthathewasafraidofme.Isoonforcedhimtotellmeallheknew.HehadengineeredpartoftherobberyandAnitaGrünbergwashiswife.Hehadoncecaughtsightofbothofuswhenwewerediningwithheratthehotel,and,havingreadthatIwaskilled,myappearanceinthefleshattheFallshadstartledhimbadly.HeandAnitahadmarriedquiteyoung,butshehadsoondriftedawayfromhim.Shehadgotinwithabadlot,hetoldme—anditwasthenforthefirsttimethatIheardofthe‘Colonel.’Cartonhimselfhadneverbeenmixedupinanythingexceptthisoneaffair—sohesolemnlyassuredme,andIwasinclinedtobelievehim.Hewasemphaticallynotofthestuffofwhichsuccessfulcriminalsaremade.
“Istillhadthefeelingthathewaskeepingbacksomething.Asatest,Ithreatenedtoshoothimthereandthen,declaringthatIcaredverylittlewhatbecameofmenow.Inafrenzyofterrorhepouredoutafurtherstory.ItseemsthatAnitaGrünbergdidnotquitetrustthe‘Colonel.’Whilstpretendingtohandovertohimthestonesshehadtakenfromthehotel,shekeptbacksomeinherownpossession.Cartonadvisedher,withhistechnicalknowledge,whichtokeep.If,atanytime,thesestoneswereproduced,theywereofsuchcolourandqualityastobereadilyidentifiable,andtheexpertsatDeBeerswouldadmitatoncethatthesestoneshadneverpassedthroughtheirhands.Inthis
“IwasstillsuspiciousofCarton.Hewasamanwhomitwaseasyenoughtofrighten,butwho,inhisfright,wouldtellsomanyliesthattosiftthetruthoutfromthemwouldbenoeasyjob.Iwentbacktothehotelandwaited.BythefollowingeveningIjudgedthathewouldhavereceivedthereplytohiscable.IcalledroundtohishouseandwastoldthatMr.Cartonwasaway,butwouldbereturningonthemorrow.InstantlyIbecamesuspicious.InthenickoftimeIfoundoutthathewasinrealitysailingforEnglandontheKilmordenCastle,whichleftCapeTownintwodays’time.Ihadjusttimetojourneydownandcatchthesameboat.
“IhadnointentionofalarmingCartonbyrevealingmypresenceonboard.IhaddoneagooddealofactinginmytimeatCambridge,anditwascomparativelyeasyformetotransformmyselfintoagravebeardedgentlemanofmiddleage.IavoidedCartoncarefullyonboardtheboat,keepingtomyowncabinasfaraspossibleunderthepretenceofillness.
“IhadnodifficultyintrailinghimwhenwegottoLondon.Hewentstraighttoanhotelanddidnotgooutuntilthefollowingday.Heleftthehotelshortlybeforeoneo’clock.Iwasbehindhim.HewentstraighttoahouseagentinKnightsbridge.Thereheaskedforparticularsofhousestoletontheriver.
“Iwasatthenexttablealsoinquiringabouthouses.ThensuddenlyinwalkedAnitaGrünberg,Nadina—whateveryouliketocallher.Superb,insolent,andalmostasbeautifulasever.God!howIhatedher.Thereshewas,thewomanwhohadruinedmylife—andwhohadalsoruinedabetterlifethanmine.AtthatminuteIcouldhaveputmyhandsroundherneckandsqueezedthelifeoutofherinchbyinch!JustforaminuteortwoIsawred.Ihardlytookinwhattheagentwassaying.ItwashervoicethatIheardnext,highandclear,withanexaggeratedforeignaccent:‘TheMillHouse,Marlow.ThepropertyofSirEustacePedler.Thatsoundsasthoughitmightsuitme.Atanyrate,Iwillgoandseeit.”
“Themanwroteheranorder,andshewalkedoutagaininherregalinsolentmanner.NotbywordorasignhadsherecognizedCarton,yetIwassurethattheirmeetingtherewasapreconceivedplan.ThenIstartedtojumptoconclusions.NotknowingthatSirEustacewasatCannes,Ithoughtthatthishouse-huntingbusinesswasamerepretextformeetinghimintheMillHouse.IknewthathehadbeeninSouthAfricaatthetimeoftherobbery,andneverhavingseenhimIimmediatelyleapedtotheconclusionthathehimselfwasthemysterious‘Colonel’ofwhomIhadheardsomuch.
“IfollowedmytwosuspectsalongKnightsbridge.NadinawentintotheHydeParkHotel.Iquickenedmypaceandwentinalso.Shewalkedstraightintotherestaurant,andIdecidedthatIwouldnotriskherrecognizingmeatthemoment,butwouldcontinuetofollowCarton.Iwasingreathopesthathewasgoingtogetthediamonds,andthatbysuddenlyappearingandmakingmyselfknowntohimwhenheleastexpecteditImightstartlethetruthoutofhim.IfollowedhimdownintotheTubestationatHydeParkCorner.Hewasstandingbyhimselfattheendoftheplatform.Therewassomegirlstandingnear,butnooneelse.IdecidedthatIwouldaccosthimthenandthere.Youknowwhathappened.InthesuddenshockofseeingamanwhomheimaginedfarawayinSouthAfrica,helosthisheadandsteppedbackupontheline.Hewasalwaysacoward.Underthepretextofbeingadoctor,Imanagedtosearchhispockets.Therewasawalletwithsomenotesinitandoneortwounimportantletters,therewasarolloffilms—whichImusthavedroppedsomewherelater—andtherewasapieceofpaperwithanappointmentmadeonitforthe22ndontheKilmordenCastle.Inmyhastetogetawaybeforeanyonedetainedme,Idroppedthatalso,butfortunatelyIrememberedthefigures.
“Ihurriedtothenearestcloakroomandhastilyremovedmymakeup.Ididnotwanttobelaidbytheheelsforpickingadeadman’spocket.ThenIretracedmystepstotheHydeParkHotel.Nadinawasstillhavinglunch.Ineedn’tdescribeindetailhowIfollowedherdowntoMarlow.Shewentintothehouse,andIspoketothewomanatthelodge,pretendingthatIwaswithher.ThenI,too,wentin.
Hestopped.Therewasatensesilence.
“Youwillbelieveme,Anne,won’tyou?IswearbeforeGodthatwhatIamgoingtosayistrue.Iwentintothehouseafterherwithsomethingverylikemurderinmyheart—andshewasdead!Ifoundherinthatfirst-floorroom—God!Itwashorrible.Dead—andIwasnotmorethanthreeminutesbehindher.Andtherewasnosignofanyoneelseinthehouse!OfcourseIrealizedatoncetheterriblepositionIwasin.Byonemasterstroketheblackmailedhadridhimselfoftheblackmailer,andatthesametimehadprovidedavictimtowhomthecrimewouldbeascribed.Thehandofthe‘Colonel’wasveryplain.ForthesecondtimeIwastobehisvictim.FoolthatIhadbeentowalkintothetrapsoeasily!
“IhardlyknowwhatIdidnext.Imanagedtogooutoftheplacelookingfairlynormal,butIknewthatitcouldnotbelongbeforethecrimewasdiscoveredandadescriptionofmyappearancetelegraphedalloverthecountry.
“Ilaylowforsomedays,notdaringtomakeamove.Intheend,chancecametomyaid.Ioverheardaconversationbetweentwomiddle-agedgentlemeninthestreet,oneofwhomprovedtobeSirEustacePedler.Iatonceconceivedtheideaofattachingmyselftohimashissecretary.ThefragmentofconversationIhadoverheardgavememyclue.IwasnownolongersosurethatSirEustacePedlerwasthe‘Colonel.’Hishousemighthavebeenappointedasarendezvousbyaccident,orforsomeobscuremotivethatIhadnotfathomed.”
“Doyouknow,”Iinterrupted,“thatGuyPagettwasinMarlowatthedateofthemurder?”
“Thatsettlesitthen.IthoughthewasatCanneswithSirEustace.”
“HewassupposedtobeinFlorence—buthecertainlyneverwentthere.I’mprettycertainhewasreallyinMarlow,butofcourseIcan’tproveit.”
“AndtothinkIneversuspectedPagettforaminuteuntilthenighthetriedtothrowyouoverboard.Theman’samarvellousactor.”
“Yes,isn’the?”
“ThatexplainswhytheMillHousewaschosen.Pagettcouldprobablygetinandoutofitunobserved.OfcoursehemadenoobjectiontomyaccompanyingSirEustaceacrossintheboat.Hedidn’twantmelaidbytheheelsimmediately.Yousee,evidentlyNadinadidn’tbringthejewelswithhertotherendezvous,astheyhadcountedonherdoing.IfancythatCartonreallyhadthemandconcealedthemsomewhereontheKilmordenCastle—that’swherehecamein.TheyhopedthatImighthavesomeclueastowheretheywerehidden.Aslongasthe‘Colonel’didnotrecoverthediamonds,hewasstillindanger—hencehisanxietytogetthematallcosts.WherethedevilCartonhidthem—ifhedidhidethem—Idon’tknow.”
“That’sanotherstory,”Iquoted.“Mystory.AndI’mgoingtotellittoyounow.”
Twenty-seven
HarrylistenedattentivelywhilstIrecountedalltheeventsthatIhavenarratedinthesepages.Thethingthatbewilderedandastonishedhimmostwastofindthatallalongthediamondshadbeeninmypossession—orratherinSuzanne’s.Thatwasafacthehadneversuspected.Ofcourse,afterhearinghisstory,IrealizedthepointofCarton’slittlearrangement—orratherNadina’s,sinceIhadnodoubtthatitwasherbrainwhichhadconceivedtheplan.Nosurprisetacticsexecutedagainstherorherhusbandcouldresultintheseizureofthediamonds.Thesecretwaslockedinherownbrain,andthe“Colonel”wasnotlikelytoguessthattheyhadbeenentrustedtothekeepingofanoceansteward!
Harry’svindicationfromtheoldchargeoftheftseemedassured.Itwastheothergraverchargethatparalysedallouractivities.For,asthingsstood,hecouldnotcomeoutintheopentoprovehiscase.
Theonethingwecamebackto,againandagain,wastheidentityofthe“Colonel.”Washe,orwashenot,GuyPagett?
“Ishouldsayhewasbutforonething,”saidHarry.“ItseemsprettymuchofacertaintythatitwasPagettwhomurderedAnitaGrünbergatMarlow—andthatcertainlylendscolourtothesuppositionthatheisactuallythe‘Colonel,’sinceAnita’sbusinesswasnotofthenaturetobediscussedwithasubordinate.No—theonlythingthatmilitatesagainstthattheoryistheattempttoputyououtofthewaythenightofyourarrivalhere.YousawPagettleftbehindatCapeTown—bynopossiblemeanscouldhehavearrivedherebeforethefollowingWednesday.Heisunlikelytohaveanyemissariesinthispartoftheworld,andallhisplanswerelaidtodealwithyouinCapeTown.Hemight,ofcourse,havecabledinstructionstosomelieutenantofhisinJohannesburg,whocouldhavejoinedtheRhodesiantrainatMafeking,buthisinstructionswouldhavehadtobeparticularlydefinitetoallowofthatnotebeingwritten.”
Wesatsilentforamoment,thenHarrywentonslowly:
“YousaythatMrs.BlairwasasleepwhenyouleftthehotelandthatyouheardSirEustacedictatingtoMissPettigrew?WherewasColonelRace?”
“Icouldnotfindhimanywhere.”
“Hadheanyreasontobelievethat—youandImightbefriendlywitheachother?”
“Hemighthavehad,”Iansweredthoughtfully,rememberingourconversationonthewaybackfromtheMatopos.“He’saverypowerfulpersonality,”Icontinued,“butnotatallmyideaofthe‘Colonel.’And,anyway,suchanideawouldbeabsurd.He’sintheSecretService.”
“Howdoweknowthatheis?It’stheeasiestthingintheworldtothrowoutahintofthatkind.Noonecontradictsit,andtherumourspreadsuntileveryonebelievesitasgospeltruth.Itprovidesanexcuseforallsortsofdoubtfuldoings.Anne,doyoulikeRace?”
“Ido—andIdon’t.Herepelsmeandatthesametimefascinatesme;butIknowonething,I’malwaysalittleafraidofhim.”
“HewasinSouthAfrica,youknow,atthetimeoftheKimberleyrobbery,”saidHarryslowly.
“ButitwashewhotoldSuzanneallaboutthe‘Colonel’andhowhehadbeeninParistryingtogetonhistrack.”
“Camouflage—ofaparticularlycleverkind.”
“ButwheredoesPagettcomein?IsheinRace’spay?”
“Perhaps,”saidHarryslowly,“hedoesn’tcomeinatall.”
“What?”
“Thinkback,Anne.DidyoueverhearPagett’sownaccountofthatnightontheKilmorden?”
“Yes—throughSirEustace.”
Irepeatedit.Harrylistenedclosely.
“HesawamancomingfromthedirectionofSirEustace’scabinandfollowedhimupondeck.Isthatwhathesays?Now,whohadthecabinoppositetoSirEustace?ColonelRace.SupposingColonelRacecreptupondeck,and,foiledinhisattackonyou,fledroundthedeckandmetPagettjustcomingthroughthesaloondoor.Heknockshimdownandspringsinside,closingthedoor.WedashroundandfindPagettlyingthere.How’sthat?”
“Youforgetthathedeclarespositivelyitwasyouwhoknockedhimdown.”
“Well,supposethatjustasheregainsconsciousnessheseesmedisappearinginthedistance?Wouldn’thetakeitforgrantedthatIwashisassailant?EspeciallyashethoughtallalongitwasIhewasfollowing?”
“It’spossible,yes,”Isaidslowly.“Butitaltersallourideas.Andthereareotherthings.”
“Mostofthemareopentoexplanation.ThemanwhofollowedyouinCapeTownspoketoPagett,andPagettlookedathiswatch.Themanmighthavemerelyaskedhimthetime.”
“Itwasjustacoincidence,youmean?”
“Notexactly.There’samethodinallthis,connectingPagettwiththeaffair.WhywastheMillHousechosenforthemurder?WasitbecausePagetthadbeeninKimberleywhenthediamondswerestolen?WouldhehavebeenmadethescapegoatifIhadnotappearedsoprovidentiallyuponthescene?”
“Thenyouthinkhemaybeentirelyinnocent?”
“Itlookslikeit,but,ifso,we’vegottofindoutwhathewasdoinginMarlow.Ifhe’sgotareasonableexplanationofthat,we’reontherighttrack.”
Hegotup.
“It’spastmidnight.Turnin,Anne,andgetsomesleep.JustbeforedawnI’lltakeyouoverintheboat.YoumustcatchthetrainatLivingstone.I’vegotafriendtherewhowillkeepyouhiddenawayuntilthetrainstarts.YougotoBulawayoandcatchtheBeiratrainthere.IcanfindoutfrommyfriendinLivingstonewhat’sgoingonatthehotelandwhereyourfriendsarenow.”
“Beira,”Isaidmeditatively.
“Yes,Anne,it’sBeiraforyou.Thisisman’swork.Leaveittome.”
Wehadhadamomentaryrespitefromemotionwhilstwetalkedthesituationout,butitwasonusagainnow.Wedidnotevenlookateachother.
“Verywell,”Isaid,andpassedintothehut.
Ilaydownontheskin-coveredcouch,butIdidn’tsleep,andoutsideIcouldhearHarryRayburnpacingupanddown,upanddownthroughthelongdarkhours.Atlasthecalledme:
“Come,Anne,it’stimetogo.”
Igotupandcameoutobediently.Itwasstillquitedark,butIknewthatdawnwasnotfaroff.
“We’lltakethecanoe,notthemotorboat—”Harrybegan,whensuddenlyhestoppeddeadandhelduphishand.
“Hush!What’sthat?”
Ilistened,butcouldhearnothing.Hisearsweresharperthanmine,however,theearsofamanwhohaslivedlonginthewilderness.PresentlyIheardittoo—thefaintsplashofpaddlesinthewatercomingfromthedirectionoftherightbankoftheriverandrapidlyapproachingourlittlelandingstage.
Westrainedoureyesinthedarkness,andcouldmakeoutadarkbluronthesurfaceofthewater.Itwasaboat.Thentherewasamomentaryspurtofflame.Someonehadstruckamatch.ByitslightIrecognizedonefigure,thered-beardedDutchmanofthevillaatMuizenberg.Theotherswerenatives.
“Quick—backtothehut.”
Harrysweptmebackwithhim.Hetookdownacoupleofriflesandarevolverfromthewall.
“Canyouloadarifle?”
“Ineverhave.Showmehow.”
Igraspedhisinstructionswellenough.WeclosedthedoorandHarrystoodbythewindowwhichoverlookedthelandingstage.Theboatwasjustabouttorunalongsideit.
“Who’sthat?”calledoutHarry,inaringingvoice.
Anydoubtwemighthavehadastoourvisitors’intentionswasswiftlyresolved.Ahailofbulletssplatteredroundus.Fortunatelyneitherofuswashit.Harryraisedtherifle.Itspatmurderously,andagainandagain.Iheardtwogroansandasplash.
“That’sgiven’emsomethingtothinkabout,”hemutteredgrimly,ashereachedforthesecondrifle.“Standwellback,Anne,forGod’ssake.Andloadquickly.”
Morebullets.OnejustgrazedHarry’scheek.Hisansweringfirewasmoredeadlythantheirs.Ihadtheriflereloadedwhenheturnedforit.Hecaughtmeclosewithhisleftarmandkissedmeoncesavagelybeforeheturnedtothewindowagain.Suddenlyheutteredashout.
“They’regoing—hadenoughofit.They’reagoodmarkoutthereonthewater,andtheycan’tseehowmanyofusthereare.They’reroutedforthemoment—butthey’llcomeback.We’llhavetogetreadyforthem.”Heflungdowntherifleandturnedtome.
“Anne!Youbeauty!Youwonder!Youlittlequeen!Asbraveasalion.Black-hairedwitch!”
Hecaughtmeinhisarms.Hekissedmyhair,myeyes,mymouth.
“Andnowtobusiness,”hesaid,suddenlyreleasingme.“Getoutthosetinsofparaffin.”
IdidasIwastold.Hewasbusyinsidethehut.PresentlyIsawhimontheroofofthehut,crawlingalongwithsomethinginhisarms.Herejoinedmeinaminuteortwo.
“Godowntotheboat.We’llhavetocarryitacrosstheislandtotheotherside.”
HepickeduptheparaffinasIdisappeared.
“They’recomingback,”Icalledsoftly.Ihadseentheblurmovingoutfromtheoppositeshore.
Herandowntome.
“Justintime.Why—wherethehell’stheboat?”
Bothhadbeencutadrift.Harrywhistledsoftly.
“We’reinatightplace,honey.Mind?”
“Notwithyou.”
“Ah,butdyingtogether’snotmuchfun.We’lldobetterthanthat.See—they’vegottwoboatloadsthistime.Goingtolandattwodifferentpoints.Nowformylittlesceniceffect.”
Almostashespokealongflameshotupfromthehut.Itslightilluminatedtwocrouchingfigureshuddledtogetherontheroof.
“Myoldclothes—stuffedwithrags—buttheywon’ttumbletoitforsometime.Come,Anne,we’vegottotrydesperatemeans.”
Handinhand,weracedacrosstheisland.Onlyanarrowchannelofwaterdivideditfromtheshoreonthatside.
“We’vegottoswimforit.Canyouswimatall,Anne?Notthatitmatters.Icangetyouacross.It’sthewrongsideforaboat—toomanyrocks,buttherightsideforswimming,andtherightsideforLivingstone.”
“Icanswimalittle—furtherthanthat.What’sthedanger,Harry?”ForIhadseenthegrimlookonhisface.“Sharks?”
“No,youlittlegoose.Sharksliveinthesea.Butyou’resharp,Anne.Crocs,that’sthetrouble.”
“Crocodiles?”
“Yes,don’tthinkofthem—orsayyourprayers,whicheveryoufeelinclined.”
Weplungedin.Myprayersmusthavebeenefficacious,forwereachedtheshorewithoutadventure,anddrewourselvesupwetanddrippingonthebank.
“NowforLivingstone.It’sroughgoing,I’mafraid,andwetclotheswon’tmakeitanybetter.Butit’sgottobedone.”
Thatwalkwasanightmare.Mywetskirtsflappedroundmylegs,andmystockingsweresoontornoffbythethorns.Finally,Istopped,utterlyexhausted.Harrycamebacktome.
“Holdup,honey.I’llcarryyouforabit.”
ThatwasthewayIcameintoLivingstone,slungacrossdhisshoulderlikeasackofcoals.Howhediditforallthatway,Idon’tknow.Thefirstfaintlightofdawnwasjustbreaking.Harry’sfriendwasayoungmanoftwentyyearsoldwhokeptastoreofnativecurios.HisnamewasNed—perhapshehadanother,butIneverheardit.Hedidn’tseemintheleastsurprisedtoseeHarrywalkin,drippingwet,holdinganequallydrippingfemalebythehand.Menareverywonderful.
Hegaveusfoodtoeat,andhotcoffee,andgotourclothesdriedforuswhilstwerolledourselvesinManchesterblanketsofgaudyhue.InthetinybackroomofthehutweweresafefromobservationwhilsthedepartedtomakejudiciousinquiriesastowhathadbecomeofSirEustace’sparty,andwhetheranyofthemwerestillatthehotel.
ItwasthenthatIinformedHarrythatnothingwouldinducemetogotoBeira.Inevermeantto,anyway,butnowallreasonforsuchproceedingshadvanished.Thepointoftheplanhadbeenthatmyenemiesbelievedmedead.NowthattheyknewIwasn’tdead,mygoingtoBeirawoulddonogoodwhatever.Theycouldeasilyfollowmethereandmurdermequietly.Ishouldhavenoonetoprotectme.ItwasfinallyarrangedthatIshouldjoinSuzanne,wherevershewas,anddevoteallmyenergiestotakingcareofmyself.OnnoaccountwasItoseekadventuresorendeavourtocheckmatethe“Colonel.”
IwastoremainquietlywithherandawaitinstructionsfromHarry.ThediamondsweretobedepositedintheBankatKimberleyunderthenameofParker.
“There’sonething,”Isaidthoughtfully,“weoughttohaveacodeofsomekind.Wedon’twanttobehoodwinkedagainbymessagespurportingtocomefromonetotheother.”
“That’seasyenough.Anymessagethatcomesgenuinelyfrommewillhavetheword‘and’crossedoutinit.”
“Withouttrademark,nonegenuine,”Imurmured.“Whataboutwires?”
“Anywiresfrommewillbesigned‘Andy.’”
“Trainwillbeinbeforelong,Harry,”saidNed,puttinghisheadin,andwithdrawingitimmediately.
Istoodup.
“AndshallImarryanicesteadymanifIfindone?”Iaskeddemurely.
Harrycameclosetome.
“MyGod!Anne,ifyouevermarryanyoneelsebutme,I’llwringhisneck.Andasforyou—”
“Yes,”Isaid,pleasurablyexcited.
“Ishallcarryyouawayandbeatyoublackandblue!”
“WhatadelightfulhusbandIhavechosen!”Isaidsatirically.“Anddoesn’thechangehismindovernight!”
Twenty-eight
(ExtractfromthediaryofSirEustacePedler)
AsIremarkedoncebefore,Iamessentiallyamanofpeace.Iyearnforaquietlife—andthat’sjusttheonethingIdon’tseemabletohave.Iamalwaysinthemiddleofstormsandalarms.ThereliefofgettingawayfromPagettwithhisincessantnosingoutofintrigueswasenormous,andMissPettigrewiscertainlyausefulcreature.Althoughthereisnothingofthehouriabouther,oneortwoofheraccomplishmentsareinvaluable.ItistruethatIhadatouchofliveratBulawayoandbehavedlikeabearinconsequence,butIhadhadadisturbednightinthetrain.At3amanexquisitelydressedyoungmanlookinglikeamusical-comedyherooftheWildWestenteredmycompartmentandasked
Butforthesesmallcontretemps,allhadbeengoingsmoothly.Andthenfreshcalamitybefell.
ItwasthenightofourarrivalattheFalls.IwasdictatingtoMissPettigrewinmysittingroom,whensuddenlyMrs.Blairburstinwithoutawordofexcuseandwearingmostcompromisingattire
“Where’sAnne?”shecried.
Anicequestiontoask.AsthoughIwereresponsibleforthegirl.WhatdidsheexpectMissPettigrewtothink?ThatIwasinthehabitofproducingAnneBeddingfeldfrommypocketatmidnightorthereabouts?Verycompromisingforamaninmyposition.
“Ipresume,”Isaidcoldly,“thatsheisinherbed.”
IclearedmythroatandglancedatMissPettigrew,toshowthatIwasreadytoresumedictating.IhopedMrs.Blairwouldtakethehint.Shedidnothingofthekind.Insteadshesankintoachair,andwavedaslipperedfootinanagitatedmanner.
“She’snotinherroom.I’vebeenthere.Ihadadream—aterribledream—thatshewasinsomeawfuldanger,andIgotupandwenttoherroom,justtoreassuremyself,youknow.Shewasn’tthereandherbedhadn’tbeensleptin.”
Shelookedatmeappealingly.
“WhatshallIdo,SirEustace?”
Repressingthedesiretoreply,“Gotobed,anddon’tworryovernothing.Anable-bodiedyoungwomanlikeAnneBeddingfeldisperfectlywellabletotakecareofherself,”Ifrownedjudicially
“WhatdoesRacesayaboutit?”
WhyshouldRacehaveitallhisownway?Lethimhavesomeofthedisadvantagesaswellastheadvantagesoffemalesociety.
“Ican’tfindhimanywhere.”
Shewasevidentlymakinganightofit.Isighed,andsatdowninachair.
“Idon’tquiteseethereasonforyouragitation,”Isaidpatiently.
“Mydream—”
“Thatcurrywehadfordinner!”
“Oh,SirEustace!”
Thewomanwasquiteindignant.Andyeteverybodyknowsthatnightmaresareadirectresultofinjudiciouseating.
“Afterall,”Icontinuedpersuasively,“whyshouldn’tAnneBeddingfeldandRacegooutforalittlestrollwithouthavingthewholehotelarousedaboutit?”
“Youthinkthey’vejustgoneoutforastrolltogether?Butit’saftermidnight?”
“Onedoesthesefoolishthingswhenoneisyoung,”Imurmured,“thoughRaceiscertainlyoldenoughtoknowbetter.”
“Doyoureallythinkso?”
“Idaresaythey’verunawaytomakeamatchofit,”Icontinuedsoothingly,thoughfullyawarethatIwasmakinganidioticsuggestion.For,afterall,ataplacelikethis,whereistheretorunawayto?
Idon’tknowhowmuchlongerIshouldhavegoneonmakingfeebleremarks,butatthatmomentRacehimselfwalkedinuponus.Atanyrate,Ihadbeenpartlyright—hehadbeenoutforastroll,buthehadn’ttakenAnnewithhim.However,Ihadbeenquitewronginmywayofdealingwiththesituation.Iwassoonshownthat.Racehadthewholehotelturnedupsidedowninthreeminutes.I’veneverseenamanmoreupset.
Thethingisveryextraordinary.Wheredidthegirlgo?Shewalkedoutofthehotel,fullydressed,abouttenminutespasteleven,andshewasneverseenagain.Theideaofsuicideseemsimpossible.Shewasoneoftheseenergeticyoungwomenwhoareinlovewithlife,andhavenotthefaintestintentionofquittingit.Therewasnotraineitherwayuntilmiddayonthemorrow,soshecan’thavelefttheplace.Thenwherethedevilisshe?
Raceisalmostbesidehimself,poorfellow.Hehasleftnostoneunturned.AlltheDC’s,orwhatevertheycallthemselves,forhundredsofmilesroundhavebeenpressedintotheservice.Thenativetrackershaverunaboutonallfours.Everythingthatcanbedoneisbeingdone—butnosignofAnneBeddingfeld.Theacceptedtheoryisthatshewalked
Idon’tknowthatit’saverysatisfactorytheory.Inmyyoungdays,Iwasalwaystoldthatsleepwalkerscouldn’thurtthemselves—thattheirownsixthsensetookcareofthem.Idon’tthinkthetheorysatisfiesMrs.Blaireither.
Ican’tmakethatwomanout.HerwholeattitudetowardsRacehaschanged.Shewatcheshimnowlikeacatamouse,andshemakesobviouseffortstobringherselftobeciviltohim.Andtheyusedtobesuchfriends.Altogethersheisunlikeherself,nervous,hysterical,startingandjumpingattheleastsound.IambeginningtothinkthatitishightimeIwenttoJo’burg.
Arumourcamealongyesterdayofamysteriousislandsomewhereuptheriver,withamanandagirlonit.Racegotveryexcited.Itturnedouttobeallamare’snest,however.Themanhadbeenthereforyears,andiswell-knowntothemanagerofthehotel.Hetakespartiesupanddowntheriverintheseasonandpointsoutcrocodilesandastrayhippopotamusorsotothem.Ibelievethathekeepsatameonewhichistrainedtobitepiecesoutoftheboatonoccasions.Thenhefendsitoffwithaboathook,andthepartyfeeltheyhavereallygottothebackofbeyondatlast.Howlongthegirlhasbeenthereisnotdefinitelyknown,butitseemsprettyclearthatshecan’tbeAnne,andthereisacertaindelicacyininterferinginotherpeople’saffairs.IfIwerethisyoungfellow,IshouldcertainlykickRaceofftheislandifhecameaskingquestionsaboutmyloveaffairs.
Later.
ItisdefinitelysettledthatIgotoJo’burgtomorrow.Raceurgesmetodoso.Thingsaregettingunpleasantthere,byallIhear,butImightaswellgobeforetheygetworse.IdaresayIshallbeshotbyastriker,anyway.Mrs.Blairwastohaveaccompaniedme,butatthelastminuteshechangedhermindanddecidedtostayonattheFalls.Itseemsasthoughshecouldn’tbeartotakehereyesoffRace.Shecametometonight,andsaid,withsomehesitation,thatshehadafavourtoask.WouldItakechargeofhersouvenirsforher?
“Nottheanimals?”Iasked,inlivelyalarm.IalwaysfeltthatIshouldgetstuckwiththosebeastlyanimalssoonerorlater.
Intheend,weeffectedacompromise.Itookchargeoftwosmallwoodenboxesforherwhichcontainedfragilearticles.TheanimalsaretobepackedbythelocalstoreinvastcratesandsenttoCapeTownbyrail,wherePagettwillseetotheirbeingstored.
Thepeoplewhoarepackingthemsaythattheyareofaparticularlyawkwardshape(!),andthatspecialcaseswillhavetobemade.IpointedouttoMrs.Blairthatbythetimeshehasgotthemhomethoseanimalswillhavecosthereasilyapoundapiece!
PagettisstrainingattheleashtorejoinmeinJo’burg.IshallmakeanexcuseofMrs.Blair’scasestokeephiminCapeTown.Ihavewrittenhimthathemustreceivethecasesandseetotheirsafedisposal,astheycontainrarecuriosofimmensevalue.
Soallissettled,andIandMissPettigrewgooffintothebluetogether.AndanyonewhohasseenMissPettigrewwilladmitthatitisperfectlyrespectable.
Twenty-nine
Johannesburg,March6th.
Thereissomethingaboutthestateofthingsherethatisnotatallhealthy.Tousethewell-knownphrasethatIhavesooftenread,wearealllivingontheedgeofavolcano.Bandsofstrikers,orso-calledstrikers,patrolthestreetsandscowlatoneinamurderousfashion.Theyarepickingoutthebloatedcapitalistsreadyforwhenthemassacresbegin,Isuppose.Youcan’trideinataxi—Ifyoudo,strikerspullyououtagain.Andthehotelshintpleasantlythatwhenthefoodgivesouttheywillflingyououtonthemat!
ImetReeves,mylabourfriendoftheKilmorden,lastnight.HehascoldfeetworsethananymanIeversaw.He’slikealltherestofthesepeople;theymakeinflammatoryspeechesofenormouslength,solelyforpoliticalpurposes,andthenwishtheyhadn’t.He’sbusynowgoingaboutandsayinghedidn’treallydoit.WhenImethim,hewasjustofftoCapeTown,wherehemeditatesmakingathreedays’speechinDutch,vindicatinghimself,andpointingoutthatthethingshesaidreallymeantsomethingentirelydifferent.IamthankfulthatIdonothavetositintheLegislativeAssemblyofSouthAfrica.TheHouseofCommonsisbadenough,butatleastwehaveonlyonelanguage,andsomeslightrestrictionastolengthofspeeches.WhenIwenttotheAssemblybeforeleavingCapeTown,Ilistenedtoagrey-hairedgentlemanwithadroopingmoustachewholookedexactlyliketheMockTurtleinAliceinWonderland.Hedroppedouthiswordsonebyoneinaparticularlymelancholyfashion.Everynowandthenhegalvanizedhimselftofurthereffortsbyejaculatingsomethingthatsoundedlike“PlattSkeet,”utteredfortissimoandinmarkedcontrasttotherestofhisdelivery.Whenhedidthis,halfhisaudienceyelled“whoof,whoof!”whichispossiblyDutchfor“Hear,hear,”andtheotherhalfwokeupwithastartfromthepleasantnaptheyhadbeenhaving.Iwasgiventounderstandthatthegentlemanhadbeenspeakingforatleastthreedays.TheymusthavealotofpatienceinSouthAfrica.
IhaveinventedendlessjobstokeepPagettinCapeTown,butatlastthefertilityofmyimaginationhasgivenout,andhejoinsmetomorrowinthespiritofthefaithfuldogwhocomestodiebyhismaster’sside.AndIwasgettingonsowellwithmyReminiscencestoo!IhadinventedsomeextraordinarilywittythingsthatthestrikeleaderssaidtomeandIsaidtothestrikeleaders.
ThismorningIwasinterviewedbyaGovernmentofficial.Hewasurbane,persuasiveandmysteriousinturn.Tobeginwith,healludedtomyexaltedpositionandimportance,andsuggestedthatIshouldremovemyself,orberemovedbyhim,toPretoria.
“Youexpecttrouble,then?”Iasked.
Hisreplywassowordedastohavenomeaningwhatsoever,soIgatheredthattheywereexpectingserioustrouble.IsuggestedtohimthathisGovernmentwerelettingthingsgorathertoofar.
“Thereissuchathingasgivingamanenoughrope,andlettinghimhanghimself,SirEustace.”
“Oh,quiteso,quiteso.”
“Itisnotthestrikersthemselveswhoarecausingthetrouble.Thereissomeorganizationatworkbehindthem.Armsandexplosiveshavebeenpouringin,andwehavemadeahaulofcertaindocumentswhichthrowagooddealoflightonthemethodsadoptedtoimportthem.Thereisaregularcode.Potatoesmean‘detonators,’cauliflower,‘rifles,’othervegetablesstandforvariousexplosives.”
“That’sveryinteresting,”Icommented.
“Morethanthat,SirEustace,wehaveeveryreasontobelievethatthemanwhorunsthewholeshow,thedirectinggeniusoftheaffair,isatthisminuteinJohannesburg.”
HestaredatmesohardthatIbegantofearthathesuspectedmeofbeingtheman.Ibrokeoutintoacoldperspirationatthethought,andbegantoregretthatIhadeverconceivedtheideaofinspectingaminiaturerevolutionatfirsthand.
“NotrainsarerunningfromJo’burgtoPretoria,”hecontinued.“ButIcanarrangetosendyouoverbyprivatecar.Incaseyoushouldbestoppedontheway,Icanprovideyouwithtwoseparatepasses,oneissuedbytheUnionGovernment,andtheotherstatingthatyouareanEnglishvisitorwhohasnothingwhatsoevertodowiththeUnion.”
“Oneforyourpeople,andoneforthestrikers,eh?”
“Exactly.”
Theprojectdidnotappealtome—Iknowwhathappensinacaseofthatkind.Yougetflusteredandmixthethingsup.Ishouldhandthewrongpasstothewrongperson,anditwouldendinmybeingsummarilyshotbyabloodthirstyrebel,oroneofthesupportersoflawandorderwhomInoticeguardingthestreetswearingbowlerhatsandsmokingpipes,withriflestuckedcarelesslyundertheirarms.Besides,whatshouldIdowithmyselfinPretoria?AdmirethearchitectureoftheUnionbuildings,andlistentotheechoesoftheshootingroundJohannesburg?IshouldbepennedupthereGodknowshowlong.They’veblownuptherailwaylinealready,Ihear.Itisn’tevenasifonecouldgetadrinkthere.Theyputtheplaceundermartiallawtwodaysago.
“Mydearfellow,”Isaid,“youdon’tseemtorealizethatI’mstudyingconditionsontheRand.HowthedevilamIgoingtostudythemfromPretoria?Iappreciateyourcareformysafety,butdon’tworryaboutme,Ishallbeallright.”
“Iwarnyou,SirEustace,thatthefoodquestionisalreadyserious.”
“Alittlefastingwillimprovemyfigure,”Isaid,withasigh.
Wewereinterruptedbyatelegrambeinghandedtome.Ireaditwithamazement
“Anneissafe.HerewithmeatKimberley.SuzanneBlair.”
Idon’tthinkIeverreallybelievedintheannihilationofAnne.Thereissomethingpeculiarlyindestructibleaboutthatyoungwoman—sheislikethepatentballsthatonegivestoterriers.Shehasanextraordinaryknackofturningupsmiling.Istilldon’tseewhyitwasnecessaryforhertowalkoutofthehotelinthemiddleofthenightinordertogettoKimberley.Therewasnotrain,anyway.Shemusthaveputonapairofangel’swingsandflownthere.AndIdon’tsupposeshewilleverexplain.Nobodydoes—tome.Ialwayshavetoguess.Itbecomesmonotonousafterawhile.Theexigenciesofjournalismareatthebottomofit,Isuppose.“HowIshottherapids,”byourSpecialCorrespondent.
IrefoldedthetelegramandgotridofmyGovernmentalfriend.Idon’tliketheprospectofbeinghungry,butI’mnotalarmedformypersonalsafety.Smutsisperfectlycapableofdealingwiththerevolution.ButIwouldgiveaconsiderablesumofmoneyforadrink!IwonderifPagettwillhavethesensetobringabottleofwhiskywithhimwhenhearrivestomorrow?
Iputonmyhatandwentout,intendingtobuyafewsouvenirs.ThecurioshopsinJo’burgareratherpleasant.Iwasjuststudyingawindowfullofimposingkarosses,whenamancomingoutoftheshopcannonedintome.TomysurpriseitturnedouttobeRace.
Ican’tflattermyselfthathelookedpleasedtoseeme.Asamatteroffact,helookeddistinctlyannoyed,butIinsistedonhisaccompanyingmebacktothehotel.IgettiredofhavingnoonebutMissPettigrewtotalkto.
“IhadnoideayouwereinJo’burg,”Isaidchattily.“Whendidyouarrive?”
“Lastnight.”
“Whereareyoustaying?”
“Withfriends.”
Hewasdisposedtobeextraordinarilytaciturn,andseemedtobeembarrassedbymyquestions.
“Ihopetheykeeppoultry,”Iremarked.“Adietofnew-laideggs,andtheoccasionalslaughteringofanoldcock,willbedecidedlyagreeablesoon,fromallIhear.”
“Bytheway,”Isaid,whenwewerebackinthehotel,“haveyouheardthatMissBeddingfeldisaliveandkicking?”
Henodded.
“Shegaveusquiteafright,”Isaidairily.“Wherethedevildidshegotothatnight,that’swhatI’dliketoknow.”
“Shewasontheislandallthetime.”
“Whichisland?Nottheonewiththeyoungmanonit?”
“Yes.”
“Howveryimproper,”Isaid.“Pagettwillbequiteshocked.HealwaysdiddisapproveofAnneBeddingfeld.IsupposethatwastheyoungmansheoriginallyintendedtomeetinDurban?”
“Idon’tthinkso.”
“Don’ttellmeanythingifyoudon’twantto,”Isaid,bywayofencouraginghim.
“Ifancythatthisisayoungmanweshouldallbeverygladtolayourhandson.”
“Not—?”Icried,inrisingexcitement.
Henodded.
“HarryRayburn,aliasHarryLucas—that’shisrealname,youknow.He’sgivenusallthesliponcemore,butwe’reboundtoropehiminsoon.”
“Dearme,dearme,”Imurmured.
“Wedon’tsuspectthegirlofcomplicityinanycase.Onhersideit’s—justaloveaffair.”
IalwaysdidthinkRacewasinlovewithAnne.Thewayhesaidthoselastwordsmademefeelsureofit.
“She’sgonetoBeira,”hecontinuedratherhastily.
“Indeed,”Isaid,staring.“Howdoyouknow?”
“ShewrotetomefromBulawayo,tellingmeshewasgoinghomethatway.Thebestthingshecando,poorchild.”
“Somehow,Idon’tfancysheisinBeira,”Isaidmeditatively.
“Shewasjuststartingwhenshewrote.”
Iwaspuzzled.Somebodywasclearlylying.WithoutstoppingtoreflectthatAnnemighthaveexcellentreasonsforhermisleadingstatements,IgavemyselfuptothepleasureofscoringoffRace.Heisalwayssococksure.Itookthetelegramfrommypocketandhandedittohim.
“Thenhowdoyouexplainthis?”Iaskednonchalantly.
Heseemeddumbfounded.“ShesaidshewasjuststartingforBeira,”hesaid,inadazedvoice.
IknowthatRaceissupposedtobeclever.Heis,inmyopinion,ratherastupidman.Itneverseemedtooccurtohimthatgirlsdonotalwaystellthetruth.
“Kimberleytoo.Whataretheydoingthere?”hemuttered.
“Yes,thatsurprisedme.IshouldhavethoughtMissAnnewouldhavebeeninthethickofithere,gatheringcopyfortheDailyBudget.”
“Kimberley,”hesaidagain.Theplaceseemedtoupsethim.“There’snothingtoseethere—thepitsaren’tbeingworked.”
“Youknowwhatwomenare,”Isaidvaguely.
Heshookhisheadandwentoff.Ihaveevidentlygivenhimsomethingtothinkabout.
NosoonerhadhedepartedthanmyGovernmentofficialreappeared.
“Ihopeyouwillforgivemefortroublingyouagain,SirEustace,”heapologized.“ButthereareoneortwoquestionsIshouldliketoaskyou.”
“Certainly,mydearfellow,”Isaidcheerfully.“Askaway.”
“Itconcernsyoursecretary—”
“Iknownothingabouthim,”Isaidhastily.“HefoistedhimselfuponmeinLondon,robbedmeofvaluablepapers—forwhichIshallbehauledoverthecoals—anddisappearedlikeaconjuringtrickatCapeTown.It’struethatIwasattheFallsatthesametimeashewas,butIwasatthehotel,andhewasonanisland.IcanassureyouthatIneverseteyesuponhimthewholetimethatIwasthere.”
Ipausedforbreath.
“Youmisunderstandme.ItwasofyourothersecretarythatIspoke.”
“What?Pagett?”Icried,inlivelyastonishment.“He’sbeenwithmeeightyears—amosttrustworthyfellow.”
Myinterlocutorsmiled.
“Wearestillatcross-purposes.Irefertothelady.”
“MissPettigrew?”Iexclaimed.
“Yes.ShehasbeenseencomingoutofAgrasato’sNativeCurioshop.”
“Godblessmysoul!”Iinterrupted.“Iwasgoingintothatplacemyselfthisafternoon.Youmighthavecaughtmecomingout!”
Theredoesn’tseemtobeanyinnocentthingthatonecandoinJo’burgwithoutbeingsuspectedforit.
“Ah!butshehasbeenseentheremorethanonce—andinratherdoubtfulcircumstances.Imayaswelltellyou—inconfidence,SirEustace—thattheplaceissuspectedofbeingawell-knownrendezvoususedbythesecretorganizationbehindthisrevolution.ThatiswhyIshouldbegladtohearallthatyoucantellmeaboutthislady.Whereandhowdidyoucometoengageher?”
“Shewaslenttome,”Irepliedcoldly,“byyourownGovernment.”
Hecollapsedutterly.
Thirty
(Anne’sNarrativeResumed)
I
AssoonasIgottoKimberlelyIwiredtoSuzanne.Shejoinedmetherewiththeutmostdispatch,heraldingherarrivalwithtelegramssentoffenroute.Iwasawfullysurprisedtofindthatshereallywasfondofme—IthoughtIhadbeenjustanewsensation,butshepositivelyfellonmyneckandweptwhenwemet.
Whenwehadrecoveredfromouremotionalittle,IsatdownonthebedandtoldherthewholestoryfromAtoZ.
“YoualwaysdidsuspectColonelRace,”shesaidthoughtfully,whenIhadfinished.“Ididn’tuntilthenightyoudisappeared.Ilikedhimsomuchallalongandthoughthewouldmakesuchanicehusbandforyou.Oh,Anne,dear,don’tbecross,buthowdoyouknowthatthisyoungmanofyoursistellingthetruth?Youbelieveeverywordhesays.”
“OfcourseIdo,”Icriedindignantly
“Butwhatisthereinhimthatattractsyouso?Idon’tseethatthere’sanythinginhimatallexcepthisratherrecklessgoodlooksandhismodernSheik-cum-Stone-Agelovemaking.”
IpouredoutthevialsofmywrathuponSuzanneforsomeminutes.
“Justbecauseyou’recomfortablymarriedandgettingfat,you’veforgottenthatthere’sanysuchthingasromance,”Iended.
“Oh,I’mnotgettingfat,Anne.AlltheworryI’vehadaboutyoulatelymusthavewornmetoashred.”
“Youlookparticularlywell-nourished,”Isaidcoldly.“Ishouldsayyoumusthaveputonabouthalfastone.”
“AndIdon’tknowthatI’msocomfortablymarriedeither,”continuedSuzanneinamelancholyvoice.“I’vebeenhavingthemostdreadfulcablesfromClarenceorderingmetocomehomeatonce.AtlastIdidn’tanswerthem,andnowIhaven’theardforoverafortnight.”
I’mafraidIdidn’ttakeSuzanne’smatrimonialtroublesveryseriously.ShewillbeabletogetroundClarenceallrightwhenthetimecomes.Iturnedtheconversationtothesubjectofthediamonds.
Suzannelookedatmewithadroppedjaw
“Imustexplain,Anne.Yousee,assoonasIbegantosuspectColonelRace,Iwasterriblyupsetaboutthediamonds.IwantedtostayonattheFallsincasehemighthavekidnappedyousomewherecloseby,butdidn’tknowwhattodoaboutthediamonds.Iwasafraidtokeeptheminmypossession—”
Suzannelookedroundheruneasily,asthoughshefearedthewallsmighthaveears,andthenwhisperedvehementlyinmyear.
“Adistinctlygoodidea,”Iapproved.“Atthetime,thatis.It’sabitawkwardnow.WhatdidSirEustacedowiththecases?”
“ThebigonesweresentdowntoCapeTown.IheardfromPagettbeforeIlefttheFalls,andheenclosedthereceiptfortheirstorage.He’sleavingCapeTowntodaybytheby,tojoinSirEustaceinJohannesburg.”
“Isee,”Isaidthoughtfully.“Andthesmallones,wherearethey?”
“IsupposeSirEustacehasgotthemwithhim.”
Iturnedthematteroverinmymind.
“Well,”Isaidatlast,“it’sawkward—butit’ssafeenough.We’dbetterdonothingforthepresent.”
Suzannelookedatmewithalittlesmile.
“Youdon’tlikedoingnothing,doyou,Anne?”
“Notverymuch,”Irepliedhonestly.
TheonethingIcoulddowastogetholdofatimetableandseewhattimeGuyPagett’strainwouldpassthroughKimberley.Ifoundthatitwouldarriveat5:40onthefollowingafternoonanddepartagainat6.IwantedtoseePagettassoonaspossible,andthatseemedtomeagoodopportunity.ThesituationontheRandwasgettingveryserious,anditmightbealongtimebeforeIgotanotherchance.
TheonlythingthatlivenedupthedaywasawiredispatchedfromJohannesburg.Amostinnocent-soundingtelegram:
“Arrivedsafely.Allgoingwell.Erichere,alsoEustace,butnotGuy.Remainwhereyouareforthepresent.Andy.”
II
EricwasourpseudonymforRace.IchoseitbecauseitisanameIdislikeexceedingly.TherewasclearlynothingtobedoneuntilIcouldseePagett.Suzanneemployedherselfinsendingoffalongsoothingcabletothefar-offClarence.Shebecamequitesentimentaloverhim.Inherway—whichofcourseisquitedifferentfrommeandHarry—sheisreallyfondofClarence.
“Idowishhewashere,Anne,”shegulped.“It’ssuchalongtimesinceI’veseenhim.”
“Havesomefacecream,”Isaidsoothingly.
Suzannerubbedalittleonthetipofhercharmingnose.
“Ishallwantsomemorefacecreamsoontoo,”sheremarked,“andyoucanonlygetthiskindinParis.”Shesighed.“Paris!”
“Suzanne,”Isaid,“verysoonyou’llhavehadenoughofSouthAfricaandadventure.”
“Ishouldlikeareallynicehat,”admittedSuzannewistfully.“ShallIcomewithyoutomeetGuyPagetttomorrow?”
“Iprefertogoalone.He’dbeshyerspeakingbeforetwoofus.”
SoitcameaboutthatIwasstandinginthedoorwayofthehotelonthefollowingafternoon,strugglingwitharecalcitrantparasolthatrefusedtogoup,whilstSuzannelaypeacefullyonherbedwithabookandabasketoffruit.
Accordingtothehotelporter,thetrainwasonitsgoodbehaviourtodayandwouldbealmostontime,thoughhewasextremelydoubtfulwhetheritwouldevergetthroughtoJohannesburg.Thelinehadbeenblownup,sohesolemnlyassuredme.Itsoundedcheerful!
Thetraindrewinjusttenminuteslate.Everybodytumbledoutontheplatformandbeganwalkingupanddownfeverishly.IhadnodifficultyinespyingPagett.Iaccostedhimeagerly.Hegavehisusualnervousstartatseeingme—somewhataccentuatedthistime.
“Dearme,MissBeddingfeld,Iunderstoodthatyouhaddisappeared.”
“Ihavereappearedagain,”Itoldhimsolemnly.“Andhowareyou,Mr.Pagett?”
“Verywell,thankyou—lookingforwardtotakingupmyworkagainwithSirEustace.”
“Mr.Pagett,”Isaid,“thereissomethingIwanttoaskyou.Ihopethatyouwon’tbeoffended,butalothangsonit,morethanyoucanpossiblyguess.IwanttoknowwhatyouweredoingatMarlowonthe8thofJanuarylast?”
Hestartedviolently.
“Really,MissBeddingfeld—I—indeed—”
“Youwerethere,weren’tyou?”
“I—forreasonsofmyownIwasintheneighbourhood,yes.”
“Won’tyoutellmewhatthosereasonswere?”
“SirEustacehasnotalreadytoldyou?”
“SirEustace?Doesheknow?”
“Iamalmostsurethathedoes.Ihopedhehadnotrecognizedme,butfromthehintshehasletdrop,andhisremarks,Ifearitisonlytoocertain.Inanycase,Imeanttomakeacleanbreastofthematterandoffermyresignation.Heisapeculiarman,MissBeddingfeld,withanabnormalsenseofhumour.Itseemstoamusehimtokeepmeontenterhooks.Allthetime,Idaresay,hewasperfectlywellawareofthetruefacts.Possiblyhehasknownthemforyears.”
IhopedthatsoonerorlaterIshouldbeabletounderstandwhatPagettwastalkingabout.Hewentonfluently:
“ItisdifficultforamanofSirEustace’sstandingtoputhimselfinmyposition.IknowthatIwasinthewrong,butitseemedaharmlessdeception.Iwouldhavethoughtitbettertasteonhisparttohavetackledmeoutright—insteadofindulgingincovertjokesatmyexpense.”
Awhistleblew,andthepeoplebegantosurgebackintothetrain.
“Yes,Mr.Pagett,”Ibrokein,“I’msureIquiteagreewithallyou’resayingaboutSirEustace.ButwhydidyougotoMarlow?”
“Itwaswrongofme,butnaturalunderthecircumstances—yes,Istillfeelnaturalunderthecircumstances.”
“Whatcircumstances?”Icrieddesperately.
Forthefirsttime,PagettseemedtorecognizethatIwasaskinghimaquestion.HisminddetacheditselffromthepeculiaritiesofSirEustace,andhisownjustification,andcametorestonme.
“Ibegyourpardon,MissBeddingfeld,”hesaidstiffly,“butIfailtoseeyourconcerninthematter.”
Hewasbackinthetrainnow,leaningdowntospeaktome.Ifeltdesperate.Whatcouldonedowithamanlikethat?
“Ofcourse,ifit’ssodreadfulthatyou’dbeashamedtospeakofittome—”Ibeganspitefully.
AtlastIhadfoundtherightstop.Pagettstiffenedandflushed.
“Dreadful?Ashamed?Idon’tunderstandyou.”
“Thentellme.”
Inthreeshortsentenceshetoldme.AtlastIknewPagett’ssecret!ItwasnotintheleastwhatIexpected.
Iwalkedslowlybacktothehotel.Thereawirewashandedtome.Itoreitopen.ItcontainedfullanddefiniteinstructionsformetoproceedforthwithtoJohannesburg,orrathertoastationthissideofJohannesburg,whereIshouldbemetbyacar.Itwassigned,notAndy,butHarry.
Isatdowninachairtodosomeveryseriousthinking.
Thirty-one
(FromthediaryofSirEustacePedler)
Johannesburg,March7th.
Pagetthasarrived.Heisinabluefunk,ofcourse.SuggestedatoncethatweshouldgoofftoPretoria.Then,whenIhadtoldhimkindlybutfirmlythatweweregoingtoremainhere,hewenttotheotherextreme,wishedhehadhisriflehere,andbeganbuckingaboutsomebridgeheguardedduringtheGreatWar.ArailwaybridgeatLittlePuddecombejunction,orsomethingofthatsort.
Isooncutthatshortbytellinghimtounpackthebigtypewriter.Ithoughtthatthatwouldkeephimemployedforsometime,becausethetypewriterwassuretohavegonewrong—italwaysdoes—andhewouldhavetotakeitsomewheretobemended.ButIhadforgottenPagett’spowersofbeingintheright.
“I’vealreadyunpackedallthecases,SirEustace.Thetypewriterisinperfectcondition.”
“Whatdoyoumean—allthecases?”
“Thetwosmallcasesaswell.”
“Iwishyouwouldn’tbesoofficious,Pagett.Thosesmallcaseswerenobusinessofyours.TheybelongtoMrs.Blair.”
Pagettlookedcrestfallen.Hehatestomakeamistake.
“Soyoucanjustpackthemupagainneatly,”Icontinued.“Afterthatyoucangooutandlookaroundyou.Jo’burgwillprobablybeaheapofsmokingruinsbytomorrow,soitmaybeyourlastchance.”
Ithoughtthatthatwouldgetridofhimsuccessfullyforthemorning,atanyrate.
“ThereissomethingIwanttosaytoyouwhenyouhavetheleisure,SirEustace.”
“Ihaven’tgotitnow,”Isaidhastily.“AtthisminuteIhaveabsolutelynoleisurewhatsoever.”
Pagettretired.
“Bytheway,”Icalledafterhim,“whatwasthereinthosecasesofMrs.Blair’s?”
“Somefurrugs,andacoupleoffur—hats,Ithink.”
“That’sright,”Iassented.“Sheboughtthemonthetrain.Theyarehats—ofakind—thoughIhardlywonderatyournotrecognizingthem.Idaresayshe’sgoingtowearoneofthematAscot.Whatelsewasthere?”
“Somerollsoffilms,andsomebaskets—alotofbaskets—”
“Therewouldbe,”Iassuredhim.“Mrs.Blairisthekindofwomanwhoneverbuyslessthanadozenorsoofanything.”
“Ithinkthat’sall,SirEustace,exceptsomemiscellaneousoddsandends,amotorveilandsomeoddgloves—thatsortofthing.”
“Ifyouhadn’tbeenabornidiot,Pagett,youwouldhaveseenfromthestartthatthosecouldn’tpossiblybemybelongings.”
“IthoughtsomeofthemmightbelongtoMissPettigrew.”
“Ah,thatremindsme—whatdoyoumeanbypickingmeoutsuchadoubtfulcharacterasasecretary?”
AndItoldhimaboutthesearchingcross-examinationIhadbeenputthrough.ImmediatelyIwassorry,IsawaglintinhiseyethatIknowonlytoowell.Ichangedtheconversationhurriedly.Butitwastoolate.Pagettwasonthewarpath.
HenextproceededtoboremewithalongpointlessstoryabouttheKilmorden.Itwasaboutarolloffilmsandawager.Therolloffilmsbeingthrownthroughaportholeinthemiddleofthenightbysomestewardwhooughttohaveknownbetter.Ihatehorseplay.ItoldPagettso,andhebegantotellmethestoryalloveragain.Hetellsastoryextremelybadly,anyway.ItwasalongtimebeforeIcouldmakeheadortailofthisone.
Ididnotseehimagainuntillunchtime.Thenhecameinbrimmingoverwithexcitement,likeabloodhoundonthescent.Ineverhavecaredforbloodhounds.TheupshotofitallwasthathehadseenRayburn.
“What?”Icried,startled.
Yes,hehadcaughtsightofsomeonewhomhewassurewasRayburncrossingthestreet.Pagetthadfollowedhim.
“AndwhodoyouthinkIsawhimstopandspeakto?MissPettigrew!”
“What?”
“Yes,SirEustace.Andthat’snotall.I’vebeenmakinginquiriesabouther—”
“Waitabit.WhathappenedtoRayburn?”
“HeandMissPettigrewwentintothatcornercurioshop—”
Iutteredaninvoluntaryexclamation.Pagettstoppedinquiringly.
“Nothing,”Isaid.“Goon.”
“Iwaitedoutsideforages—buttheydidn’tcomeout.AtlastIwentin.SirEustace,therewasnooneintheshop!Theremustbeanotherwayout.”
Istaredathim.
“AsIwassaying,IcamebacktothehotelandmadesomeinquiriesaboutMissPettigrew.”Pagettloweredhisvoiceandbreathedhardashealwaysdoeswhenhewantstobeconfidential.“SirEustace,amanwasseencomingoutofherroomlastnight.”
Iraisedmyeyebrows.
“AndIalwaysregardedherasaladyofsucheminentrespectability,”Imurmured.
Pagettwentonwithoutheeding.
“Iwentstraightupandsearchedherroom.WhatdoyouthinkIfound?”
Ishookmyhead.
“This!”
Pagettheldupasafetyrazorandastickofshavingsoap.
“Whatshouldawomanwantwiththese?”
Idon’tsupposePagetteverreadstheadvertisementsinthehigh-classladies’papers.Ido.Whilstnotproposingtoarguewithhimonthesubject,IrefusedtoacceptthepresenceoftherazorasproofpositiveofMissPettigrew’ssex.Pagettissohopelesslybehindthetimes.Ishouldnothavebeenatallsurprisedifhehadproducedacigarettecasetosupporthistheory.However,evenPagetthashislimits.
“You’renotconvinced,SirEustace.Whatdoyousaytothis?”
Iinspectedthearticlewhichhedangledalofttriumphantly.
“Itlookslikehair,”Iremarkeddistastefully.
“Itishair.Ithinkit’swhattheycallatoupee.”
“Indeed,”Icommented.
“NowareyouconvincedthatthatPettigrewwomanisamanindisguise?”
“Really,mydearPagett,IthinkIam.Imighthaveknownitbyherfeet.”
“Thenthat’sthat.Andnow,SirEustace,Iwanttospeaktoyouaboutmyprivateaffairs.Icannotdoubt,fromyourhintsandyourcontinualallusionstothetimeIwasinFlorence,thatyouhavefoundmeout.”
AtlastthemysteryofwhatPagettdidinFlorenceisgoingtoberevealed!
“Makeacleanbreastofit,mydearfellow,”Isaidkindly.“Muchthebestway.”
“Thankyou,SirEustace.”
“Isitherhusband?Annoyingfellows,husbands.Alwaysturningupwhenthey’releastexpected.”
“Ifailtofollowyou,SirEustace.Whosehusband?”
“Thelady’shusband.”
“Whatlady?”
“Godblessmysoul,Pagett,theladyyoumetinFlorence.Theremusthavebeenalady.Don’ttellmethatyoumerelyrobbedachurchorstabbedanItalianinthebackbecauseyoudidn’tlikehisface.”
“Iamquiteatalosstounderstandyou,SirEustace.Isupposeyouarejoking.”
“Iamanamusingfellowsometimes,whenItakethetrouble,butIcanassureyouthatIamnottryingtobefunnythisminute.”
“IhopedthatasIwasagoodwayoffyouhadnotrecognizedme,SirEustace.”
“Recognizedyouwhere?”
“AtMarlow,SirEustace?”
“AtMarlow?WhatthedevilwereyoudoingatMarlow?”
“Ithoughtyouunderstoodthat—”
“I’mbeginningtounderstandlessandless.Gobacktothebeginningofthestoryandstartagain.YouwenttoFlorence—”
“Thenyoudon’tknowafterall—andyoudidn’trecognizeme!”
“AsfarasIcanjudge,youseemtohavegivenyourselfawayneedlessly—madeacowardofbyyourconscience.ButIshallbeabletotellbetterwhenI’veheardthewholestory.Now,then,takeadeepbreathandstartagain.YouwenttoFlorence—”
“ButIdidn’tgotoFlorence.Thatisjustit.”
“Well,wheredidyougo,then?”
“Iwenthome—toMarlow.”
“WhatthedevildidyouwanttogotoMarlowfor?”
“Iwantedtoseemywife.Shewasindelicatehealthandexpecting—”
“Yourwife?ButIdidn’tknowyouweremarried!”
“No,SirEustace,thatisjustwhatIamtellingyou.Ideceivedyouinthismatter.”
“Howlonghaveyoubeenmarried?”
“Justovereightyears.IhadbeenmarriedjustsixmonthswhenIbecameyoursecretary.Ididnotwanttolosethepost.Aresidentsecretaryisnotsupposedtohaveawife,soIsuppressedthefact.”
“Youtakemybreathaway,”Iremarked.“Wherehasshebeenalltheseyears?”
“WehavehadasmallbungalowontheriveratMarlow,quiteclosetotheMillHouse,foroverfiveyears.”
“Godblessmysoul,”Imuttered.“Anychildren?”
“Fourchildren,SirEustace.”
Igazedathiminakindofstupor.Imighthaveknown,allalong,thatamanlikePagettcouldn’thaveaguiltysecret.TherespectabilityofPagetthasalwaysbeenmybane.That’sjustthekindofsecrethewouldhave—awifeandfourchildren.
“Haveyoutoldthistoanyoneelse?”Idemandedatlast,whenIhadgazedathiminfascinatedinterestforquitealongwhile.
“OnlyMissBeddingfeld.ShecametothestationatKimberley.”
Icontinuedtostareathim.Hefidgetedundermyglance.
“Ihope,SirEustace,thatyouarenotseriouslyannoyed?”
“Mydearfellow,”Isaid,“Idon’tmindtellingyouhereandnowthatyou’veblinkingwelltornit!”
Iwentoutseriouslyruffled.AsIpassedthecornercurioshop,Iwasassailedbyasuddenirresistibletemptationandwentin.Theproprietorcameforwardobsequiously,rubbinghishands.
“CanIshowyousomething?Furs,curios?”
“Iwantsomethingquiteoutoftheordinary,”Isaid.“It’sforaspecialoccasion.Willyoushowmewhatyou’vegot?”
“Perhapsyouwillcomeintomybackroom?Wehavemanyspecialitiesthere.”
ThatiswhereImadeamistake.AndIthoughtIwasgoingtobesoclever.Ifollowedhimthroughtheswingingportières.
Thirty-two
(Anne’sNarrativeResumed)
IhadgreattroublewithSuzanne.Sheargued,shepleaded,sheevenweptbeforeshewouldletmecarryoutmyplan.ButintheendIgotmyownway.Shepromisedtocarryoutmyinstructionstotheletterandcamedowntothestationtobidmeatearfulfarewell.
Iarrivedatmydestinationthefollowingmorningearly.Iwasmetbyashortblack-beardedDutchmanwhomIhadneverseenbefore.Hehadacarwaitingandwedroveoff.Therewasaqueerboominginthedistance,andIaskedhimwhatitwas.“Guns,”heansweredlaconically.SotherewasfightinggoingoninJo’burg!
Igatheredthatourobjectivewasaspotsomewhereinthesuburbsofthecity.Weturnedandtwistedandmadeseveraldetourstogetthere,andeveryminutethegunswerenearer.Itwasanexcitingtime.Atlastwestoppedbeforeasomewhatramshacklebuilding.ThedoorwasopenedbyaKafirboy.Myguidesignedtometoenter.Istoodirresoluteinthedingysquarehall.Themanpassedmeandthrewopenadoor.
“TheyoungladytoseeMr.HarryRayburn,”hesaid,andlaughed.
Thusannounced,Ipassedin.Theroomwassparselyfurnishedandsmeltofcheaptobaccosmoke.Behindadeskamansatwriting.Helookedupandraisedhiseyebrows.
“Dearme,”hesaid,“ifitisn’tMissBeddingfeld!”
“Imustbeseeingdouble,”Iapologized.“IsitMr.Chichester,orisitMissPettigrew?Thereisanextraordinaryresemblancetobothofthem.”
“Bothcharactersareinabeyanceforthemoment.Ihavedoffedmypetticoats—andmyclothlikewise.Won’tyousitdown?”
Iacceptedaseatcomposedly.
“Itwouldseem,”Iremarked,“thatIhavecometothewrongaddress.”
“Fromyourpointofview,Iamafraidyouhave.Really,MissBeddingfeld,tofallintothetrapasecondtime!”
“Itwasnotverybrightofme,”Iadmittedmeekly.
Somethingaboutmymannerseemedtopuzzlehim.
“Youhardlyseemupsetbytheoccurrence,”heremarkeddryly.
“Wouldmygoingintoheroicshaveanyeffectuponyou?”Iasked.
“Itcertainlywouldnot.”
“MyGreat-auntJanealwaysusedtosaythatatrueladywasneithershockednorsurprisedatanythingthatmighthappen,”Imurmureddreamily.“Iendeavourtoliveuptoherprecepts.”
IreadMr.Chichester-Pettigrew’sopinionsoplainlywrittenonhisfacethatIhastenedintospeechoncemore.
“Youreallyarepositivelymarvellousatmakeup,”Isaidgenerously.“AllthetimeyouwereMissPettigrewIneverrecognizedyou—evenwhenyoubrokeyourpencilintheshockofseeingmeclimbuponthetrainatCapeTown.”
Hetappeduponthedeskwiththepencilhewasholdinginhishandattheminute.
“Allthisisverywellinitsway,butwemustgettobusiness.Perhaps,MissBeddingfeld,youcanguesswhywerequiredyourpresencehere?”
“Youwillexcuseme,”Isaid,“butIneverdobusinesswithanyonebutprincipals.”
Ihadreadthephraseorsomethinglikeitinamoneylender’scircular,andIwasratherpleasedwithit.ItcertainlyhadadevastatingeffectuponMr.Chichester-Pettigrew.Heopenedhismouthandthenshutitagain.Ibeameduponhim.
“MyGreat-uncleGeorge’smaxim,”Iadded,asanafterthought.“Great-auntJane’shusband,youknow.Hemadeknobsforbrassbeds.”
IdoubtifChichester-Pettigrewhadeverbeenraggedbefore.Hedidn’tlikeitatall.
“Ithinkyouwouldbewisetoalteryourtone,younglady.”
Ididnotreply,butyawned—adelicatelittleyawnthathintedatintenseboredom.
“Whatthedevil—”hebeganforcibly.
Iinterruptedhim.
“Icanassureyouit’snogoodshoutingatme.Weareonlywastingtimehere.Ihavenointentionoftalkingwithunderlings.YouwillsavealotoftimeandannoyancebytakingmestraighttoSirEustacePedler.”
“To—”
Helookeddumbfounded.
“Yes,”Isaid.“SirEustacePedler.”
“I—I—excuseme—”
Heboltedfromtheroomlikearabbit.Itookadvantageoftherespitetoopenmybagandpowdermynosethoroughly.AlsoIsettledmyhatatamorebecomingangle.ThenIsettledmyselftowaitwithpatienceformyenemy’sreturn.
Hereappearedinasubtlychastenedmood.
“Willyoucomethisway,MissBeddingfeld?”
Ifollowedhimupthestairs.Heknockedatthedoorofaroom,abrisk“Comein”soundedfrominside,andheopenedthedoorandmotionedtometopassinside.
SirEustacePedlerspranguptogreetme,genialandsmiling.
“Well,well,MissAnne.”Heshookmewarmlybythehand.“I’mdelightedtoseeyou.Comeandsitdown.Nottiredafteryourjourney?That’sgood.”
Hesatdownfacingme,stillbeaming.Itleftmeratherataloss.Hismannerwassocompletelynatural.
“Quiterighttoinsistonbeingbroughtstraighttome,”hewenton.“Minksisafool.Acleveractor—butafool.ThatwasMinksyousawdownstairs.”
“Oh,really,”Isaidfeebly.
“Andnow,”saidSirEustacecheerfully,“let’sgetdowntofacts.HowlonghaveyouknownthatIwasthe‘Colonel?’”
“EversinceMr.PagetttoldmethathehadseenyouinMarlowwhenyouweresupposedtobeinCannes.”
SirEustacenoddedruefully.
“Yes,Itoldthefoolhe’dblinkingwelltornit.Hedidn’tunderstand,ofcourse.HiswholemindwassetonwhetherI’drecognizedhim.ItneveroccurredtohimtowonderwhatIwasdoingdownthere.Apieceofsheerbadluckthatwas.Iarrangeditallsocarefullytoo,sendinghimofftoFlorence,tellingthehotelIwasgoingovertoNiceforonenightorpossiblytwo.Then,bythetimethemurderwasdiscovered,IwasbackagaininCannes,withnobodydreamingthatI’deverlefttheRiviera.”
Hestillspokequitenaturallyandunaffectedly.Ihadtopinchmyselftounderstandthatthiswasallreal—thatthemaninfrontofmewasreallythatdeep-dyedcriminal,the“Colonel.”Ifollowedthingsoutinmymind.
“ThenitwasyouwhotriedtothrowmeoverboardontheKilmorden,”Isaidslowly.“ItwasyouthatPagettfollowedupondeckthatnight?”
Heshruggedhisshoulders.
“Iapologize,mydearchild,Ireallydo.Ialwayslikedyou—butyouweresoconfoundedlyinterfering.Icouldn’thaveallmyplansbroughttonaughtbyachitofagirl.”
“IthinkyourplanattheFallswasreallythecleverest,”Isaid,endeavouringtolookatthethinginadetachedfashion.“IwouldhavebeenreadytoswearanywherethatyouwereinthehotelwhenIwentout.Seeingisbelievinginfuture.”
“Yes,Minkshadoneofhisgreatestsuccesses,asMissPettigrew,andhecanimitatemyvoicequitecreditably.”
“ThereisonethingIshouldliketoknow.”
“Yes?”
“HowdidyouinducePagetttoengageher?”
“Oh,thatwasquitesimple.ShemetPagettinthedoorwayoftheTradeCommissioner’sofficeortheChamberofMines,orwhereveritwashewent—toldhimIhadphoneddowninahurry,andthatshehadbeenselectedbytheGovernmentdepartmentinquestion.Pagettswalloweditlikealamb.”
“You’reveryfrank,”Isaid,studyinghim.
“There’snoearthlyreasonwhyIshouldn’tbe.”
Ididn’tlikethesoundofthat.Ihastenedtoputmyowninterpretationonit.
“YoubelieveinthesuccessofthisRevolution?You’veburntyourboats.”
“Foranotherwiseintelligentyoungwoman,that’sasingularlyunintelligentremark.No,mydearchild,IdonotbelieveinthisRevolution.Igiveitacoupleofdayslongeranditwillfizzleoutignominiously.”
“Notoneofyoursuccesses,infact?”Isaidnastily.
“Likeallwomen,you’venoideaofbusiness.ThejobItookonwastosupplycertainexplosivesandarms—heavilypaidfor—tofomentfeelinggenerally,andtoincriminatecertainpeopleuptothehilt.I’vecarriedoutmycontractwithcompletesuccess,andIwascarefultobepaidinadvance.Itookspecialcareoverthewholething,asIintendeditbemylastcontractbeforeretiringfrombusiness.Asforburningmyboats,asyoucallit,Isimplydon’tknowwhatyoumean.I’mnottherebelchief,oranythingofthatkind—I’madistinguishedEnglishvisitor,whohadthemisfortunetogonosingintoacertaincurioshop—andsawalittlemorethanhewasmeantto,andsothepoorfellowwaskidnapped.Tomorrow,orthedayafter,whencircumstancespermit,Ishallbefoundtiedupsomewhere,inapitiablestateofterrorandstarvation.”
“Ah!”Isaidslowly.“Butwhataboutme?”
“That’sjustit,”saidSirEustacesoftly.“Whataboutyou?I’vegotyouhere—Idon’twanttorubitininanyway—butI’vegotyouhereveryneatly.Thequestionis,whatamIgoingtodowithyou?Thesimplestwayofdisposingofyou—and,Imayadd,thepleasantesttomyself—isthewayofmarriage.Wivescan’taccusetheirhusbands,youknow,andI’dratherlikeaprettyyoungwifetoholdmyhandandglanceatmeoutofliquideyes—don’tflashthematmeso!Youquitefrightenme.Iseethattheplandoesnotcommenditselftoyou?”
“Itdoesnot.”
SirEustacesighed.
“Apity!ButIamnoAdelphivillain.Theusualtrouble,Isuppose.Youloveanother,asthebookssay.”
“Iloveanother.”
“Ithoughtasmuch—firstIthoughtitwasthatlong-legged,pompousass,Race,butIsupposeit’stheyoungherowhofishedyououtoftheFallsthatnight.Womenhavenotaste.NeitherofthosetwohavehalfthebrainsthatIhave.I’msuchaneasypersontounderestimate.”
Ithinkhewasrightaboutthat.AlthoughIknewwellenoughthekindofmanhewasandmustbe,Icouldnotbringmyselftorealizeit.Hehadtriedtokillmeonmorethanoneoccasion,hehadactuallykilledanotherwoman,andhewasresponsibleforendlessotherdeedsofwhichIknewnothing,andyetIwasquiteunabletobringmyselfintotheframeofmindforappreciatinghisdeedsastheydeserved.Icouldnotthinkofhimasotherthanouramusing,genial,travellingcompanion.Icouldnotevenfeelfrightenedofhim—andyetIknewhewascapableofhavingmemurderedincoldbloodifitstruckhimasnecessary.TheonlyparallelIcanthinkofisthecaseofStevenson’sLongJohnSilver.Hemusthavebeenmuchthesamekindofman.
“Well,well,”saidthisextraordinaryperson,leaningbackinhischair.“It’sapitythattheideaofbeingLadyPedlerdoesn’tappealtoyou.Theotheralternativesarerathercrude.”
Ifeltanastyfeelinggoingupanddownmyspine.OfcourseIhadknownallalongthatIwastakingabigrisk,buttheprizehadseemedworthit.WouldthingsturnoutasIhadcalculated,orwouldtheynot?
“Thefactofthematteris,”SirEustacewascontinuing,“I’veaweaknessforyou.Ireallydon’twanttoproceedtoextremes.Supposeyoutellmethewholestory,fromtheverybeginning,andlet’sseewhatwecanmakeofit.Butnoromancing,mind—Iwantthetruth.”
Iwasnotgoingtomakeanymistakeoverthat.IhadagreatdealofrespectforSirEustace’sshrewdness.Itwasamomentforthetruth,thewholetruth,andnothingbutthetruth.Itoldhimthewholestory,omittingnothing,uptothemomentofmyrescuebyHarry.WhenIhadfinished,henoddedhisheadinapproval.
“Wisegirl.You’vemadeacleanbreastofthething.AndletmetellyouIshouldsoonhavecaughtyououtifyouhadn’t.Alotofpeoplewouldn’tbelieveyourstory,anyway,expeciallythebeginningpart,butIdo.You’rethekindofgirlwhowouldstartofflikethat—atamoment’snotice,ontheslenderestofmotives.You’vehadamazingluck,ofcourse,butsoonerorlatertheamateurrunsupagainsttheprofessionalandthentheresultisaforegoneconclusion.Iamtheprofessional.IstartedonthisbusinesswhenIwasquiteayoungster.Allthingsconsidered,itseemedtomeagoodwayofgettingrichquickly.Ialwayscouldthinkthingsoutanddeviseingeniousschemes—andInevermadethemistakeoftryingtocarryoutmyschemesmyself.Alwaysemploytheexpert—thathasbeenmymotto.TheonetimeIdepartedfromitIcametogrief—butIcouldn’ttrustanyonetodothatjobforme.Nadinaknewtoomuch.I’maneasygoingman,kindheartedandgood-temperedsolongasI’mnotthwarted.Nadinaboththwartedmeandthreatenedme—justasIwasattheapexofasuccessfulcareer.Onceshewasdeadandthediamondswereinmypossession,Iwassafe.I’vecometotheconclusionnowthatIbungledthejob.ThatidiotPagett,withhiswifeandfamily!Myfault—ittickledmysenseofhumourtoemploythefellow,withhisCinquecentopoisoner’sfaceandhismid-Victoriansoul.Amaximforyou,mydearAnne.Don’tletyoursenseofhumourcarryyouaway.ForyearsI’vehadaninstinctthatitwouldbewisetogetridofPagett,butthefellowwassohardworkingandconscientiousthatIhonestlycouldn’tfindanexcuseforsackinghim.SoIletthingsdrift.
“Butwe’rewanderingfromthepoint.Thequestioniswhattodowithyou.Yournarrativewasadmirablyclear,butthereisonethingthatstillescapesme.Wherearethediamondsnow?”
“HarryRayburnhasthem,”Isaid,watchinghim.
Hisfacedidnotchange,itretaineditsexpressionofsardonicgoodhumour.
“H’m.Iwantthosediamonds.”
“Idon’tseemuchchanceofyourgettingthem,”Ireplied.
“Don’tyou?NowIdo.Idon’twanttobeunpleasant,butIshouldlikeyoutoreflectthatadeadgirlorsofoundinthisquarterofthecitywilloccasionnosurprise.There’samandownstairswhodoesthosesortofjobsveryneatly.Now,you’reasensibleyoungwoman.WhatIproposeisthis:youwillsitdownandwritetoHarryRayburn,tellinghimtojoinyouhereandbringthediamondswithhim—”
“Iwon’tdoanythingofthekind.”
“Don’tinterruptyourelders.Iproposetomakeabargainwithyou.Thediamondsinexchangeforyourlife.Anddon’tmakeanymistakeaboutit,yourlifeisabsolutelyinmypower.”
“AndHarry?”
“I’mfartootenderheartedtoparttwoyounglovers.Heshallgofreetoo—ontheunderstanding,ofcourse,thatneitherofyouinterferewithmeinthefuture.”
“AndwhatguaranteehaveIthatyouwillkeepyoursideofthebargain?”
“Nonewhatever,mydeargirl.You’llhavetotrustmeandhopeforthebest.Ofcourse,ifyou’reinanheroicmoodandpreferannihilation,that’sanothermatter.”
ThiswaswhatIhadbeenplayingfor.Iwascarefulnottojumpatthebait.GraduallyIallowedmyselftobebulliedandcajoledintoyielding.IwroteatSirEustace’sdictation:
“DearHarry,IthinkIseeachanceofestablishingyourinnocencebeyondanypossibledoubt.Pleasefollowmyinstructionsminutely.GotoAgrasato’scurioshop.Asktoseesomething‘outoftheordinary,’‘foraspecialoccasion.’Themanwillthenaskyouto‘comeintothebackroom.’Gowithhim.Youwillfindamessengerwhowillbringyoutome.Doexactlyashetellsyou.Besureandbringthediamondswithyou.Notawordtoanyone.”
SirEustacestopped.
“Ileavethefancytouchestoyourownimagination,”heremarked.“Butbecarefultomakenomistakes.”
“‘Yoursforeverandever,Anne,’willbesufficient,”Iremarked.
Iwroteinthewords.SirEustacestretchedouthishandfortheletterandreaditthrough.
“Thatseemsallright.Nowtheaddress.”
Igaveithim.Itwasthatofasmallshopwhichreceivedlettersandtelegramsforaconsideration.
Hestruckthebelluponthetablewithhishand.Chichester-Pettigrew,aliasMinks,answeredthesummons.
“Thisletteristogoimmediately—theusualroute.”
“Verywell,Colonel.”
Helookedatthenameontheenvelope.SirEustacewaswatchinghimkeenly.
“Afriendofyours,Ithink?”
“Ofmine?”Themanseemedstartled.
“YouhadaprolongedconversationwithhiminJohannesburgyesterday.”
“AmancameupandquestionedmeaboutyourmovementsandthoseofColonelRace.Igavehimmisleadinginformation.”
“Excellent,mydearfellow,excellent,”saidSirEustacegenially.“Mymistake.”
IchancedtolookatChichester-Pettigrewashelefttheroom.Hewaswhitetothelips,asthoughindeadlyterror.Nosoonerwasheoutside,thanSirEustacepickedupaspeakingtubethatrestedbyhiselbow,andspokedownit.“Thatyou,Schwart?WatchMinks.He’snottoleavethehousewithoutorders.”
Heputthespeakingtubedownagain,andfrowned,slightlytappingthetablewithhishand.
“MayIaskyouafewquestions,SirEustace,”Isaid,afteraminuteortwoofsilence.
“Certainly.Whatexcellentnervesyouhave,Anne!Youarecapableoftakinganintelligentinterestinthingswhenmostgirlswouldbesnifflingandwringingtheirhands.”
“WhydidyoutakeHarryasyoursecretaryinsteadofgivinghimuptothepolice?”
“Iwantedthosecurseddiamonds.Nadina,thelittledevil,wasplayingoffyourHarryagainstme.UnlessIgaveherthepriceshewanted,shethreatenedtosellthembacktohim.ThatwasanothermistakeImade—Ithoughtshe’dhavethemwithherthatday.Butshewastoocleverforthat.Carton,herhusband,wasdeadtoo—I’dnocluewhatsoeverastowherethediamondswerehidden.ThenImanagedtogetacopyofawirelessmessagesenttoNadinabysomeoneonboardtheKilmorden—eitherCartonorRayburn,Ididn’tknowwhich.Itwasaduplicateofthatpieceofpaperyoupickedup.‘Seventeenonetwentytwo,’itran.ItookittobeanappointmentwithRayburn,andwhenhewassodesperatetogetaboardtheKilmordenIwasconvincedthatIwasright.SoIpretendedtoswallowhisstatements,andlethimcome.IkeptaprettysharpwatchuponhimandhopedthatIshouldlearnmore.ThenIfoundMinkstryingtoplayalonehand,andinterferingwithme.Isoonstoppedthat.Hecametoheelallright.ItwasannoyingnotgettingCabin17,anditworriedmenotbeingabletoplaceyou.Wereyoutheinnocentyounggirlyouseemed,orwereyounot?WhenRayburnsetouttokeeptheappointmentthatnight,Minkswastoldofftointercepthim.Minksmuffedit,ofcourse.”
“Butwhydidthewirelessmessagesay‘seventeen’insteadof‘seventy-one?’”
“I’vethoughtthatout.Cartonmusthavegiventhatwirelessoperatorhisownmemorandumtocopyoffontoaform,andheneverreadthecopythrough.Theoperatormadethesamemistakewealldid,andreaditas17.1.22insteadof1.71.22.ThethingIdon’tknowishowMinksgotontoCabin17.Itmusthavebeensheerinstinct.”
“AndthedispatchtoGeneralSmuts?Whotamperedwiththat?”
“MydearAnne,youdon’tsupposeIwasgoingtohavealotofmyplansgivenaway,withoutmakinganefforttosavethem?Withanescapedmurdererasasecretary,Ihadnohesitationwhateverinsubstitutingblanks.NobodywouldthinkofsuspectingpooroldPedler.”
“WhataboutColonelRace?”
“Yes,thatwasanastyjar.WhenPagetttoldmehewasaSecretServicefellow,Ihadanunpleasantfeelingdownthespine.Irememberedthathe’dbeennosingaroundNadinainParisduringtheWar—andIhadahorriblesuspicionthathewasoutafterme!Idon’tlikethewayhe’sstucktomeeversince.He’soneofthosestrong,silentmenwhohavealwaysgotsomethinguptheirsleeve.”
Awhistlesounded.SirEustacepickedupthetube,listenedforaminuteortwo,thenanswered:
“Verywell,I’llseehimnow.”
“Business,”heremarked.“MissAnne,letmeshowyouyourroom.”
Heusheredmeintoasmallshabbyapartment,aKafirboybroughtupmysmallsuitcase,andSirEustace,urgingmetoaskforanythingIwanted,withdrew,thepictureofacourteoushost.Acanofhotwaterwasonthewashstand,andIproceededtounpackafewnecessaries.Somethinghardandunfamiliarinmyspongebagpuzzledmegreatly.Iuntiedthestringandlookedinside.
TomyutteramazementIdrewoutasmallpearl-handledrevolver.Ithadn’tbeentherewhenIstartedfromKimberley.Iexaminedthethinggingerly.Itappearedtobeloaded.
Ihandleditwithacomfortablefeeling.Itwasausefulthingtohaveinahousesuchasthis.Butmodernclothesarequiteunsuitedtothecarryingoffirearms.IntheendIpusheditgingerlyintothetopofmystocking.Itmadeaterriblebulge,andIexpectedeveryminutethatitwouldgooffandshootmeintheleg,butitreallyseemedtheonlyplace.
Thirty-three
IwasnotsummonedtoSirEustace’spresenceuntillateintheafternoon.Eleven-o’clockteaandasubstantiallunchhadbeenservedtomeinmyownapartment,andIfeltfortifiedforfurtherconflict.
SirEustacewasalone.Hewaswalkingupanddowntheroom,therewasagleaminhiseyeandarestlessnessinhismannerwhichdidnotescapeme.Hewasexultantaboutsomething.Therewasasubtlechangeinhismannertowardsme.
“Ihavenewsforyou.Youryoungmanisonhisway.Hewillbehereinafewminutes.Moderateyourtransports—Ihavesomethingmoretosay.Youattemptedtodeceivemethismorning.Iwarnedyouthatyouwouldbewisetosticktothetruth,anduptoacertainpointyouobeyedme.Thenyouranofftherails.YouattemptedtomakemebelievethatthediamondswereinHarryRayburn’spossession.AtthetimeIacceptedyourstatementbecauseitfacilitatedmytask—thetaskofinducingyoutodecoyHarryRayburnhere.But,mydearAnne,thediamondshavebeeninmypossessioneversinceIlefttheFalls—thoughIonlydiscoveredthefactyesterday.”
“Youknow!”Igasped.
“ItmayinterestyoutohearthatitwasPagettwhogavetheshowaway.Heinsistedonboringmewithalongpointlessstoryaboutawagerandatinoffilms.Itdidn’ttakemelongtoputtwoandtwotogether—Mrs.Blair’sdistrustofColonelRace,heragitation,herentreatythatIwouldtakecareofhersouvenirsforher.TheexcellentPagetthadalreadyunfastenedthecasesthroughanexcessofzeal.Beforeleavingthehotel,Isimplytransferredalltherollsoffilmstomyownpocket.Theyareinthecornerthere.IadmitthatIhaven’thadtimetoexaminethemyet,butInoticethatoneisofatotallydifferentweighttotheothers,rattlesinapeculiarfashion,andhasevidentlybeenstuckdownwithseccotine,whichwillnecessitatetheuseofatinopener.Thecaseseemsclear,doesitnot?Andnow,yousee,Ihaveyoubothnicelyinthetrap…It’sapitythatyoudidn’ttakekindlytotheideaofbecomingLadyPedler.”
Ididnotanswer.Istoodlookingathim.
Therewasthesoundoffeetonthestairs,thedoorwasflungopen,andHarryRayburnwashustledintotheroombetweentwomen.SirEustaceflungmealookoftriumph.
“Accordingtoplan,”hesaidsoftly.“Youamateurswillpityourselvesagainstprofessionals.”
“What’sthemeaningofthis?”criedHarryhoarsely.
“Itmeansthatyouhavewalkedintomyparlour—saidthespidertothefly,”remarkedSirEustacefacetiously.“MydearRayburn,youareextraordinarilyunlucky.”
“YousaidIcouldcomesafely,Anne.”
“Donotreproachher,mydearfellow.Thatnotewaswrittenatmydictation,andtheladycouldnothelpherself.Shewouldhavebeenwisernottowriteit,butIdidnottellhersoatthetime.Youfollowedherinstructions,wenttothecurioshop,weretakenthroughthesecretpassagefromthebackroom—andfoundyourselfinthehandsofyourenemies!”
Harrylookedatme.IunderstoodhisglanceandedgednearertoSirEustace.
“Yes,”murmuredthelatter,“decidedlyyouarenotlucky!Thisis—letmesee,thethirdencounter.”
“Youareright,”saidHarry.“Thisisthethirdencounter.Twiceyouhaveworstedme—haveyouneverheardthatthethirdtimetheluckchanges?Thisismyround—coverhim,Anne.”
Iwasallready.InaflashIhadwhippedthepistoloutofmystockingandwasholdingittohishead.ThetwomenguardingHarrysprangforward,buthisvoicestoppedthem.
“Anotherstep—andhedies!Iftheycomeanynearer,Anne,pullthetrigger—don’thesitate.”
“Ishan’t,”Irepliedcheerfully.“I’mratherafraidofpullingit,anyway.”
IthinkSirEustacesharedmyfears.Hewascertainlyshakinglikeajelly.
“Staywhereyouare,”hecommanded,andthemenstoppedobediently.
“Tellthemtoleavetheroom,”saidHarry.
SirEustacegavetheorder.Themenfiledout,andHarryshottheboltacrossthedoorbehindthem.
“Nowwecantalk,”heobservedgrimly,and,comingacrosstheroom,hetooktherevolveroutofmyhand.
SirEustaceutteredasighofreliefandwipedhisforeheadwithahandkerchief.
“I’mshockinglyoutofcondition,”heobserved.“IthinkImusthaveaweakheart.Iamgladthatrevolverisincompetenthands.Ididn’ttrustMissAnnewithit.Well,myyoungfriend,asyousay,nowwecantalk.I’mwillingtoadmitthatyoustoleamarchuponme.WherethedevilthatrevolvercamefromIdon’tknow.Ihadthegirl’sluggagesearchedwhenshearrived.Andwheredidyouproduceitfromnow?Youhadn’tgotitonyouaminuteago?”
“Yes,Ihad,”Ireplied.“Itwasinmystocking.”
“Idon’tknowenoughaboutwomen.Ioughttohavestudiedthemmore,”saidSirEustacesadly.“IwonderifPagettwouldhaveknownthat?”
Harryrappedsharplyonthetable.
“Don’tplaythefool.Ifitweren’tforyourgreyhairs,I’dthrowyououtofthewindow.Youdamnedscoundrel!Greyhairs,ornogreyhairs,I—”
Headvancedasteportwo,andSirEustaceskippednimblybehindthetable.
“Theyoungarealwayssoviolent,”hesaidreproachfully.“Unabletousetheirbrains,theyrelysolelyontheirmuscles.Letustalksense.Forthemomentyouhavetheupperhand.Butthatstateofaffairscannotcontinue.Thehouseisfullofmymen.Youarehopelesslyoutnumbered.Yourmomentaryascendancyhasbeengainedbyanaccident—”
“Hasit?”
SomethinginHarry’svoice,agrimraillery,seemedtoattractSirEustace’sattention.Hestaredathim.
“Hasit?”saidHarryagain.“Sitdown,SirEustace,andlistentowhatIhavetosay.”Stillcoveringhimwiththerevolver,hewenton:“Thecardsareagainstyouthistime.Tobeginwith,listentothat!”
Thatwasadullbangingatthedoorbelow.Therewereshouts,oaths,andthenasoundoffiring.SirEustacepaled.
“What’sthat?”
“Race—andhispeople.Youdidn’tknow,didyou,SirEustace,thatAnnehadanarrangementwithmebywhichweshouldknowwhethercommunicationsfromonetotheotherweregenuine?Telegramsweretobesigned‘Andy,’lettersweretohavetheword‘and’crossedoutsomewhereinthem.Anneknewthatyourtelegramwasafake.Shecamehereofherownfreewill,walkeddeliberatelyintothesnare,inthehopethatshemightcatchyouinyourowntrap.BeforeleavingKimberleyshewiredbothtomeandtoRace.Mrs.Blairhasbeenincommunicationwithuseversince.Ireceivedtheletterwrittenatyourdictation,whichwasjustwhatIexpected.IhadalreadydiscussedtheprobabilitiesofasecretpassageleadingoutofthecurioshopwithRace,andhehaddiscoveredtheplacewheretheexitwassituated.”
Therewasascreaming,tearingsound,andaheavyexplosionwhichshooktheroom.
“They’reshellingthispartofthetown.Imustgetyououtofhere,Anne.”
Abrightlightflaredup.Thehouseoppositewasonfire.SirEustacehadrisenandwaspacingupanddown.Harrykepthimcoveredwiththerevolver.
“Soyousee,SirEustace,thegameisup.Itwasyouyourselfwhoverykindlyprovideduswiththeclueofyourwhereabouts.Race’smenwerewatchingtheexitofthesecretpassage.Inspiteoftheprecautionsyoutook,theyweresuccessfulinfollowingmehere.”
SirEustaceturnedsuddenly.
“Veryclever.Verycreditable.ButI’vestillawordtosay.IfI’velostthetrick,sohaveyou.You’llneverbeabletobringthemurderofNadinahometome.IwasinMarlowonthatday,that’sallyou’vegotagainstme.NoonecanprovethatIevenknewthewoman.Butyouknewher,youhadamotiveforkillingher—andyourrecord’sagainstyou.You’reathief,remember,athief.There’sonethingyoudon’tknow,perhaps.I’vegotthediamonds.Andheregoes—”
Withanincrediblyswiftmovement,hestooped,swunguphisarmandthrew.Therewasatinkleofbreakingglass,astheobjectwentthroughthewindowanddisappearedintotheblazingmassopposite.
“TheregoesyouronlyhopeofestablishingyourinnocenceovertheKimberleyaffair.Andnowwe’lltalk.I’lldriveabargainwithyou.You’vegotmecornered.Racewillfindallheneedsinthishouse.There’sachanceformeifIcangetaway.I’mdoneforifIstay,butsoareyou,youngman!There’saskylightinthenextroom.Acoupleofminutes’startandIshallbeallright.I’vegotoneortwolittlearrangementsallreadymade.Youletmeoutoftheway,andgivemeastart—andIleaveyouasignedconfessionthatIkilledNadina.”
“Yes,Harry,”Icried.“Yes,yes,yes!”
Heturnedasternfaceonme.
“No,Anne,athousandtimes,no.Youdon’tknowwhatyou’resaying.”
“Ido.Itsolveseverything.”
“I’dneverbeabletolookRaceinthefaceagain.I’lltakemychance,butI’mdamnedifI’llletthisslipperyoldfoxgetaway.It’snogood,Anne.Iwon’tdoit.”
SirEustacechuckled.Heaccepteddefeatwithouttheleastemotion.
“Well,well,”heremarked.“Youseemtohavemetyourmaster,Anne.ButIcanassureyouboththatmoralrectitudedoesnotalwayspay.”
Therewasacrashofrendingwood,andfootstepssurgedupthestairs.Harrydrewbackthebolt.ColonelRacewasthefirsttoentertheroom.Hisfacelitatthesightofus.
“You’resafe,Anne.Iwasafraid—”HeturnedtoSirEustace.“I’vebeenafteryouforalongtime,Pedler—andatlastI’vegotyou.”
“Everybodyseemstohavegonecompletelymad,”declaredSirEustaceairily.“Theseyoungpeoplehavebeenthreateningmewithrevolversandaccusingmeofthemostshockingthings.Idon’tknowwhatit’sallabout.”
“Don’tyou?ItmeansthatI’vefoundthe‘Colonel.’ItmeansthatonJanuary8thlastyouwerenotatCannes,butatMarlow.Itmeansthatwhenyourtool,MadameNadina,turnedagainstyou,youplannedtodoawaywithher—andatlastweshallbeabletobringthecrimehometoyou.”
“Indeed?Andfromwhomdidyougetallthisinterestinginformation?Fromthemanwhoisevennowbeinglookedforbythepolice?Hisevidencewillbeveryvaluable.”
“Wehaveotherevidence.ThereissomeoneelsewhoknewthatNadinawasgoingtomeetyouattheMillHouse.”
SirEustacelookedsurprised.ColonelRacemadeagesturewithhishand.ArthurMinksaliastheRev.EdwardChichesteraliasMissPettigrewsteppedforward.Hewaspaleandnervous,buthespokeclearlyenough:
“IsawNadinainParisthenightbeforeshewentovertoEngland.IwasposingatthetimeasaRussianCount.Shetoldmeofherpurpose.Iwarnedher,knowingwhatkindofmanshehadtodealwith,butshedidnottakemyadvice.Therewasawirelessmessageonthetable.Ireadit.AfterwardsIthoughtIwouldhaveatryforthediamondsmyself.InJohannesburgMr.Rayburnaccostedme.Hepersuadedmetocomeovertohisside.”
SirEustacelookedathim.Hesaidnothing,butMinksseemedvisiblytowilt.
“Ratsalwaysleaveasinkingship,”observedSirEustace.“Idon’tcareforrats.Soonerorlater,Idestroyvermin.”
“There’sjustonethingI’dliketotellyou,SirEustace,”Iremarked.“Thattinyouthrewoutofthewindowdidn’tcontainthediamonds.Ithadcommonpebblesinit.Thediamondsareinaperfectlysafeplace.Asamatteroffactthey’reinthebiggiraffe’sstomach.Suzanneholloweditout,putthediamondsinwithcottonwool,sothattheywouldn’trattle,andpluggeditupagain.”
SirEustacelookedatmeforsometime.Hisreplywascharacteristic:
“Ialwaysdidhatethatblinkinggiraffe,”hesaid.“Itmusthavebeeninstinct.”
Thirty-four
WewerenotabletoreturntoJohannesburgthatnight.Theshellswerecomingoverprettyfast,andIgatheredthatwewerenowmoreorlesscutoff,owingtotherebelshavingobtainedpossessionofanewpartofthesuburbs.
OurplaceofrefugewasafarmsometwentymilesorsofromJohannesburg—rightoutontheveld.Iwasdroppingwithfatigue.Alltheexcitementandanxietyofthelasttwodayshadleftmelittlebetterthanalimprag.
Ikeptrepeatingtomyself,withoutbeingabletobelieveit,thatourtroubleswerereallyover.HarryandIweretogetherandweshouldneverbeseparatedagain.YetallthroughIwasconsciousofsomebarrierbetweenus—aconstraintonhispart,thereasonofwhichIcouldnotfathom.
SirEustacehadbeendrivenoffinanoppositedirectionaccompaniedbyastrongguard.Hewavedhishandairilytousondeparting.
IcameoutontothestoepearlyonthefollowingmorningandlookedacrosstheveldinthedirectionofJohannesburg.Icouldseethegreatdumpsglisteninginthepalemorningsunshine,andIcouldhearthelowrumblingmutteroftheguns.TheRevolutionwasnotoveryet.
Thefarmer’swifecameoutandcalledmeintobreakfast.Shewasakind,motherlysoul,andIwasalreadyveryfondofher.Harryhadgoneoutatdawnandhadnotyetreturned,sosheinformedme.AgainIfeltastirofuneasinesspassoverme.WhatwasthisshadowofwhichIwassoconsciousbetweenus?
AfterbreakfastIsatoutonthestoep,abookinmyhandwhichIdidnotread.IwassolostinmyownthoughtsthatIneversawColonelRacerideupanddismountfromhishorse.Itwasnotuntilhesaid“Goodmorning,Anne,”thatIbecameawareofhispresence.
“Oh,”Isaid,withaflush,“it’syou.”
“Yes.MayIsitdown?”
Hedrewachairupbesideme.ItwasthefirsttimewehadbeenalonetogethersincethatdayattheMatopos.Asalways,Ifeltthatcuriousmixtureoffascinationandfearthatheneverfailedtoinspireinme.
“Whatisthenews?”Iasked.
“SmutswillbeinJohannesburgtomorrow.Igivethisoutbreakthreedaysmorebeforeitcollapsesutterly.Inthemeantimethefightinggoeson.”
“Iwish,”Isaid,“thatonecouldbesurethattherightpeopleweretheonestogetkilled.Imeantheoneswhowantedtofight—notjustallthepoorpeoplewhohappentoliveinthepartswherethefightingisgoingon.”
Henodded.
“Iknowwhatyoumean,Anne.That’stheunfairnessofwar.ButI’veothernewsforyou.”
“Yes?”
“Aconfessionofincompetencyonmypart.Pedlerhasmanagedtoescape.”
“What?”
“Yes.Nooneknowshowhemanagedit.Hewassecurelylockedupforthenight—inanupper-storyroomofoneofthefarmsroundaboutswhichtheMilitaryhavetakenover,butthismorningtheroomwasemptyandthebirdhadflown.”
Secretly,Iwasratherpleased.Never,tothisday,haveIbeenabletoridmyselfofasneakingfondnessforSirEustace.Idaresayit’sreprehensible,butthereitis.Iadmiredhim.Hewasathoroughgoingvillain,Idaresay—buthewasapleasantone.I’venevermetanyonehalfsoamusingsince.
Iconcealedmyfeelings,ofcourse.NaturallyColonelRacewouldfeelquitedifferentlyaboutit.HewantedSirEustacebroughttojustice.Therewasnothingverysurprisinginhisescapewhenonecametothinkofit.AllroundJo’burghemusthaveinnumerablespiesandagents.And,whateverColonelRacemightthink,Iwasexceedinglydoubtfulthattheywouldevercatchhim.Heprobablyhadawell-plannedlineofretreat.Indeed,hehadsaidasmuchtous.
Iexpressedmyselfsuitably,thoughinaratherlukewarmmanner,andtheconversationlanguished.ThenColonelRaceaskedsuddenlyforHarry.ItoldhimthathehadgoneoffatdawnandthatIhadn’tseenhimthismorning.
“Youunderstand,don’tyou,Anne,thatapartfromformalities,heiscompletelycleared?Therearetechnicalities,ofcourse,butSirEustace’sguiltiswell-assured.Thereisnothingnowtokeepyouapart.”
Hesaidthiswithoutlookingatme,inaslow,jerkyvoice.
“Iunderstand,”Isaidgratefully.
“Andthereisnoreasonwhyheshouldnotatonceresumehisrealname.”
“No,ofcoursenot.”
“Youknowhisrealname?”
Thequestionsurprisedme.
“OfcourseIdo.HarryLucas.”
Hedidnotanswer,andsomethinginthequalityofhissilencestruckmeaspeculiar.
“Anne,doyourememberthat,aswedrovehomefromtheMatoposthatday,ItoldyouthatIknewwhatIhadtodo?”
“OfcourseIremember.”
“IthinkthatImayfairlysayIhavedoneit.Themanyouloveisclearedofsuspicion.”
“Wasthatwhatyoumeant?”
“Ofcourse.”
Ihungmyhead,ashamedofthebaselesssuspicionIhadentertained.Hespokeagaininathoughtfulvoice:
“WhenIwasamereyoungster,Iwasinlovewithagirlwhojiltedme.AfterthatIthoughtonlyofmywork.Mycareermeanteverythingtome.ThenImetyou,Anne—andallthatseemedworthnothing.Butyouthcallstoyouth…I’vestillgotmywork.”
Iwassilent.Isupposeonecan’treallylovetwomenatonce—butyoucanfeellikeit.Themagnetismofthismanwasverygreat.Ilookedupathimsuddenly.
“Ithinkthatyou’llgoveryfar,”Isaiddreamily.“Ithinkthatyou’vegotagreatcareeraheadofyou.You’llbeoneoftheworld’sbigmen.”
IfeltasthoughIwasutteringaprophecy.
“Ishallbealone,though.”
“Allthepeoplewhodoreallybigthingsare.”
“Youthinkso?”
“I’msureofit.”
Hetookmyhand,andsaidinalowvoice:
“I’dratherhavehad—theother.”
ThenHarrycamestridingroundthecornerofthehouse.ColonelRacerose.
“Goodmorning—Lucas,”hesaid.
ForsomereasonHarryflusheduptotherootsofhishair.
“Yes,”Isaidgaily,“youmustbeknownbyyourrealnamenow.”
ButHarrywasstillstaringatColonelRace.
“Soyouknow,sir,”hesaidatlast.
“Ineverforgetaface.Isawyouonceasaboy.”
“What’sallthisabout?”Iasked,puzzled,lookingfromonetotheother.
Itseemedaconflictofwillsbetweenthem.Racewon.Harryturnedslightlyaway.
“Isupposeyou’reright,sir.Tellhermyrealname.”
“Anne,thisisn’tHarryLucas.HarryLucaswaskilledintheWar.ThisisJohnHaroldEardsley.”
Thirty-five
Withhislastwords,ColonelRacehadswungawayandleftus.Istoodstaringafterhim.Harry’svoicerecalledmetomyself.
“Anne,forgiveme,sayyouforgiveme.”
HetookmyhandinhisandalmostmechanicallyIdrewitaway.
“Whydidyoudeceiveme?”
“Idon’tknowthatIcanmakeyouunderstand.Iwasafraidofallthatsortofthing—thepowerandfascinationofwealth.Iwantedyoutocareformejustformyself—forthemanIwas—withoutornamentsandtrappings.”
“Youmeanyoudidn’ttrustme?”
“Youcanputitthatwayifyoulike,butitisn’tquitetrue.I’dbecomeembittered,suspicious—alwayspronetolookforulteriormotives—anditwassowonderfultobecaredforinthewayyoucaredforme.”
“Isee,”Isaidslowly.Iwasgoingoverinmyownmindthestoryhehadtoldme.ForthefirsttimeInoteddiscrepanciesinitwhichIhaddisregarded—anassuranceofmoney,thepowertobuybackthediamondsofNadina,thewayinwhichhehadpreferredtospeakofbothmenfromthepointofviewofanoutsider.Andwhenhehadsaid“myfriend”hehadmeantnotEardsley,butLucas.ItwasLucas,thequietfellow,whohadlovedNadinasodeeply.
“Howdiditcomeabout?”Iasked.
“Wewerebothreckless—anxioustogetkilled.Onenightweexchangedidentificationdiscs—forluck!Lucaswaskilledthenextday—blowntopieces.”
Ishuddered.
“Butwhydidn’tyoutellmenow?Thismorning?Youcouldn’thavedoubtedmycaringforyoubythistime?”
“Anne,Ididn’twanttospoilitall.Iwantedtotakeyoubacktotheisland.What’sthegoodofmoney?Itcan’tbuyhappiness.We’dhavebeenhappyontheisland.ItellyouI’mafraidofthatotherlife—itnearlyrottedmethroughonce.”
“DidSirEustaceknowwhoyoureallywere?”
“Oh,yes.”
“AndCarton?”
“No.HesawusbothwithNadinaatKimberleyonenight,buthedidn’tknowwhichwaswhich.HeacceptedmystatementthatIwasLucas,andNadinawasdeceivedbyhiscable.ShewasneverafraidofLucas.Hewasaquietchap—verydeep.ButIalwayshadthedevil’sowntemper.She’dhavebeenscaredoutofherlifeifshe’dknownthatI’dcometolifeagain.”
“Harry,ifColonelRacehadn’ttoldme,whatdidyoumeantodo?”
“Saynothing.GoonasLucas.”
“Andyourfather’smillions?”
“Racewaswelcometothem.Anyway,hewouldmakeabetteruseofthemthanIevershall.Anne,whatareyouthinkingabout?You’refrowningso.”
“I’mthinking,”Isaidslowly,“thatIalmostwishColonelRacehadn’tmadeyoutellme.”
“No.Hewasright.Iowedyouthetruth.”
Hepaused,thensaidsuddenly:
“Youknow,Anne,I’mjealousofRace.Helovesyoutoo—andhe’sabiggermanthanIamorevershallbe.”
Iturnedtohim,laughing.
“Harry,youidiot.It’syouIwant—andthat’sallthatmatters.”
AssoonaspossiblewestartedforCapeTown.ThereSuzannewaswaitingtogreetme,andwedisembowelledthebiggiraffetogether.WhentheRevolutionwasfinallyquelled,ColonelRacecamedowntoCapeTownandathissuggestionthebigvillaatMuizenbergthathadbelongedtoSirLaurenceEardsleywasreopenedandwealltookupourabodeinit.
Therewemadeourplans.IwastoreturntoEnglandwithSuzanneandtobemarriedfromherhouseinLondon.AndthetrousseauwastobeboughtinParis!Suzanneenjoyedplanningallthesedetailsenormously.SodidI.Andyetthefutureseemedcuriouslyunreal.Andsometimes,withoutknowingwhy,Ifeltabsolutelystifled—asthoughIcouldn’tbreathe.
Itwasthenightbeforeweweretosail.Icouldn’tsleep.Iwasmiserable,andIdidn’tknowwhy.IhatedleavingAfrica.WhenIcamebacktoit,woulditbethesamething?Woulditeverbethesamethingagain?
AndthenIwasstartledbyanauthoritativerapontheshutter.Isprangup.Harrywasonthestoepoutside.
“Putsomeclotheson,Anne,andcomeout.Iwanttospeaktoyou.”
Ihuddledonafewgarments,andsteppedoutintothecoolnightair—stillandscented,withitsvelvetyfeel.Harrybeckonedmeoutofearshotofthehouse.Hisfacelookedpaleanddeterminedandhiseyeswereblazing.
“Anne,doyouremembersayingtomeoncethatwomenenjoyeddoingthingstheydislikedforthesakeofsomeonetheyliked?”
“Yes,”Isaid,wonderingwhatwascoming.
Hecaughtmeinhisarms.
“Anne,comeawaywithme—now—tonight.BacktoRhodesia—backtotheisland.Ican’tstandallthistomfoolery.Ican’twaitforyouanylonger.”
Idisengagedmyselfaminute.
“AndwhataboutmyFrenchfrocks?”Ilamentedmockingly.
Tothisday,HarryneverknowswhenI’minearnest,andwhenI’monlyteasinghim.
“DamnyourFrenchfrocks.DoyouthinkIwanttoputfrocksonyou?I’madamnedsightmorelikelytowanttotearthemoffyou.I’mnotgoingtoletyougo,doyouhear?You’remywoman.IfIletyougoaway,Imayloseyou.I’mneversureofyou.You’recomingwithmenow—tonight—anddamneverybody.”
Heheldmetohim,kissingmeuntilIcouldhardlybreathe.
“Ican’tdowithoutyouanylonger,Anne.Ican’tindeed.Ihateallthismoney.LetRacehaveit.Comeon.Let’sgo.”
“Mytoothbrush?”Idemurred.
“Youcanbuyone.IknowI’malunatic,butforGod’ssake,come!”
Hestalkedoffatafuriouspace.IfollowedhimasmeeklyastheBarotsiwomanIhadobservedattheFalls.OnlyIwasn’tcarryingafryingpanonmyhead.Hewalkedsofastthatitwasverydifficulttokeepupwithhim.
“Harry,”Isaidatlast,inameekvoice,“arewegoingtowalkallthewaytoRhodesia?”
Heturnedsuddenly,andwithagreatshoutoflaughtergatheredmeupinhisarms.
“I’mmad,sweetheart,Iknowit.ButIdoloveyouso.”
“We’reacoupleoflunatics.And,oh,Harry,youneveraskedme,butI’mnotmakingasacrificeatall!Iwantedtocome!”
Thirty-six
Thatwastwoyearsago.Westillliveontheisland.Beforeme,ontheroughwoodentable,istheletterthatSuzannewroteme.
DearBabesintheWood—DearLunaticsinLove,I’mnotsurprised—notatall.Allthetimewe’vebeentalkingParisandfrocksIfeltthatitwasn’tabitreal—thatyou’dvanishintothebluesomedaytobemarriedoverthetongsinthegoodoldgipsyfashion.Butyouareacoupleoflunatics!Thisideaofrenouncingavastfortuneisabsurd.ColonelRacewantedtoarguethematter,butIhavepersuadedhimtoleavetheargumenttotime.HecanadministertheestateforHarry—andnonebetter.Because,afterall,honeymoonsdon’tlastforever—you’renothere,Anne,soIcansafelysaythatwithouthavingyouflyoutatmelikealittlewildcat—Loveinthewildernesswilllastagoodwhile,butonedayyouwillsuddenlybegintodreamofhousesinParkLane,sumptuousfurs,Parisfrocks,thelargestthinginmotorsandthelatestthinginperambulators,FrenchmaidsandNorlandnurses!Oh,yes,youwill!Buthaveyourhoneymoon,dearlunatics,andletitbealongone.Andthinkofmesometimes,comfortablyputtingonweightamidstthefleshpots!Yourlovingfriend,SuzanneBlairPS.—Iamsendingyouanassortmentoffryingpansasaweddingpresent,andanenormousterrineofpatédefoiegrastoremindyouofme.
ThereisanotherletterthatIsometimesread.Itcameagoodwhileaftertheotherandwasaccompaniedbyabulkyparcel.ItappearedtobewrittenfromsomewhereinBolivia.
MydearAnneBeddingfeld,Ican’tresistwritingtoyou,notsomuchforthepleasureitgivesmetowrite,asfortheenormouspleasureIknowitwillgiveyoutohearfromme.OurfriendRacewasn’tquiteascleverashethoughthimself,washe?IthinkIshallappointyoumyliteraryexecutor.I’msendingyoumydiary.There’snothinginitthatwouldinterestRaceandhiscrowd,butIfancythattherearepassagesinitwhichmayamuseyou.Makeuseofitinanywayyoulike.IsuggestanarticlefortheDailyBudget,“CriminalsIhavemet.”IonlystipulatethatIshallbethecentralfigure.BythistimeIhavenodoubtthatyouarenolongerAnneBeddingfeld,butLadyEardsley,queeningitinParkLane.IshouldjustliketosaythatIbearyounomalicewhatever.Itishard,ofcourse,tohavetobeginalloveragainatmytimeoflife,but,entrenous,Ihadalittlereservefundcarefullyputasideforsuchacontingency.IthascomeinveryusefullyandIamgettingtogetheranicelittleconnexion.Bytheway,ifyouevercomeacrossthatfunnyfriendofyours,ArthurMinks,justtellhimthatIhaven’tforgottenhim,willyou?Thatwillgivehimanastyjar.OnthewholeIthinkIhavedisplayedamostChristianandforgivingspirit.EventoPagett.Ihappenedtohearthathe—orratherMrs.Pagett—hadbroughtasixthchildintotheworldtheotherday.EnglandwillbeentirelypopulatedbyPagettssoon.Isentthechildasilvermug,and,onapostcard,declaredmywillingnesstoactasgodfather.IcanseePagetttakingbothmugandpostcardstraighttoScotlandYardwithoutasmileonhisface!Blessyou,liquideyes.Somedayyouwillseewhatamistakeyouhavemadeinnotmarryingme.YourseverEustacePedler
Harrywasfurious.ItistheonepointonwhichheandIdonotseeeyetoeye.Tohim,SirEustacewasthemanwhotriedtomurdermeandwhomheregardsasresponsibleforthedeathofhisfriend.SirEustace’sattemptsonmylifehavealwayspuzzledme.Theyarenotinthepicture,sotospeak.ForIamsurethathealwayshadagenuinelykindlyfeelingtowardsme.
Thenwhydidhetwiceattempttotakemylife?Harrysays“becausehe’sadamnedscoundrel,”andseemstothinkthatsettlesthematter.Suzannewasmorediscriminating.Italkeditoverwithher,andsheputitdowntoa“fearcomplex.”Suzannegoesinratherforpsychoanalysis.ShepointedouttomethatSirEustace’swholelifewasactuatedbyadesiretobesafeandcomfortable.Hehadanacutesenseofself-preservation.AndthemurderofNadinaremovedcertaininhibitions.Hisactionsdidnotrepresentthestateofhisfeelingtowardsme,butweretheresultofhisacutefearsforhisownsafety.IthinkSuzanneisright.AsforNadina,shewasthekindofwomanwhodeservedtodie.Mendoallsortsofquestionablethingsinordertogetrich,butwomenshouldn’tpretendtobeinlovewhentheyaren’tforulteriormotives.
IcanforgiveSirEustaceeasilyenough,butIshallneverforgiveNadina.Never,never,never!
TheotherdayIwasunpackingsometinsthatwerewrappedinbitsofanoldDailyBudget,andIsuddenlycameuponthewords,“TheManintheBrownSuit.”Howlongagoitseemed!Ihad,ofcourse,severedmyconnexionwiththeDailyBudgetlongago—Ihaddonewithitsoonerthanithaddonewithme.MYROMANTICWEDDINGwasgivenahaloofpublicity.
Mysonislyinginthesun,kickinghislegs.There’sa“maninabrownsuit”ifyoulike.He’swearingaslittleaspossible,whichisthebestcostumeforAfrica,andisasbrownasaberry.He’salwaysburrowingintheearth.IthinkhetakesafterPapa.He’llhavethatsamemaniaforPleistoceneclay.
Suzannesentmeacablewhenhewasborn:
“CongratulationsandlovetothelatestarrivalonLunatics’Island.Ishisheaddolichocephalicorbrachycephalic?”
Iwasn’tgoingtostandthatfromSuzanne.Isentherareplyofoneword,economicalandtothepoint:
“Platycephalic!”
AbouttheAuthor
AgathaChristieisthemostwidelypublishedauthorofalltimeandinanylanguage,outsoldonlybytheBibleandShakespeare.HerbookshavesoldmorethanabillioncopiesinEnglishandanotherbillioninahundredforeignlanguages.Sheistheauthorofeightycrimenovelsandshort-storycollections,nineteenplays,twomemoirs,andsixnovelswrittenunderthenameMaryWestmacott.
ShefirsttriedherhandatdetectivefictionwhileworkinginahospitaldispensaryduringWorldWarI,creatingthenowlegendaryHerculePoirotwithherdebutnovelTheMysteriousAffairatStyles.WithTheMurderintheVicarage,publishedin1930,sheintroducedanotherbelovedsleuth,MissJaneMarple.Additionalseriescharactersincludethehusband-and-wifecrime-fightingteamofTommyandTuppenceBeresford,privateinvestigatorParkerPyne,andScotlandYarddetectivesSuperintendentBattleandInspectorJapp.
ManyofChristie’snovelsandshortstorieswereadaptedintoplays,films,andtelevisionseries.TheMousetrap,hermostfamousplayofall,openedin1952andisthelongest-runningplayinhistory.Amongherbest-knownfilmadaptationsareMurderontheOrientExpress(1974)andDeathontheNile(1978),withAlbertFinneyandPeterUstinovplayingHerculePoirot,respectively.OnthesmallscreenPoirothasbeenmostmemorablyportrayedbyDavidSuchet,andMissMarplebyJoanHicksonandsubsequentlyGeraldineMcEwanandJuliaMcKenzie.
ChristiewasfirstmarriedtoArchibaldChristieandthentoarchaeologistSirMaxMallowan,whomsheaccompaniedonexpeditionstocountriesthatwouldalsoserveasthesettingsformanyofhernovels.In1971sheachievedoneofBritain’shighesthonorswhenshewasmadeaDameoftheBritishEmpire.Shediedin1976attheageofeighty-five.Heronehundredandtwentiethanniversarywascelebratedaroundtheworldin2010.
Visitwww.AuthorTracker.comforexclusiveinformationonyourfavoriteHarperCollinsauthors.
www.AgathaChristie.com
TheAgathaChristieCollection
TheManintheBrownSuit
TheSecretofChimneys
TheSevenDialsMystery
TheMysteriousMr.Quin
TheSittafordMystery
ParkerPyneInvestigates
WhyDidn’tTheyAskEvans?
MurderIsEasy
TheRegattaMysteryandOtherStories
AndThenThereWereNone
TowardsZero
DeathComesastheEnd
SparklingCyanide
TheWitnessfortheProsecutionandOtherStories
CrookedHouse
ThreeBlindMiceandOtherStories
TheyCametoBaghdad
DestinationUnknown
OrdealbyInnocence
DoubleSinandOtherStories
ThePaleHorse
StaroverBethlehem:PoemsandHolidayStories
EndlessNight
PassengertoFrankfurt
TheGoldenBallandOtherStories
TheMousetrapandOtherPlays
TheHarlequinTeaSetandOtherStories
TheHerculePoirotMysteries
TheMysteriousAffairatStyles
TheMurderontheLinks
PoirotInvestigates
TheMurderofRogerAckroyd
TheBigFour
TheMysteryoftheBlueTrain
PerilatEndHouse
LordEdgwareDies
MurderontheOrientExpress
ThreeActTragedy
DeathintheClouds
TheA.B.C.Murders
MurderinMesopotamia
CardsontheTable
MurderintheMews
DumbWitness
DeathontheNile
AppointmentwithDeath
HerculePoirot’sChristmas
SadCypress
One,Two,BuckleMyShoe
EvilUndertheSun
FiveLittlePigs
TheHollow
TheLaborsofHercules
TakenattheFlood
TheUnderDogandOtherStories
Mrs.McGinty’sDead
AftertheFuneral
HickoryDickoryDock
DeadMan’sFolly
CatAmongthePigeons
TheClocks
ThirdGirl
Hallowe’enParty
ElephantsCanRemember
Curtain:Poirot’sLastCase
TheMissMarpleMysteries
TheMurderattheVicarage
TheBodyintheLibrary
TheMovingFinger
AMurderIsAnnounced
TheyDoItwithMirrors
APocketFullofRye
4:50fromPaddington
TheMirrorCrack’dfromSidetoSide
ACaribbeanMystery
AtBertram’sHotel
Nemesis
SleepingMurder
MissMarple:TheCompleteShortStories
TheTommyandTuppenceMysteries
TheSecretAdversary
PartnersinCrime
NorM?
BythePrickingofMyThumbs
PosternofFate
Memoirs
AnAutobiography
Come,TellMeHowYouLive
Copyright
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Thecharacters,incidents,anddialoguearedrawnfromtheauthor’simaginationandarenottobeconstruedasreal.Anyresemblancetoactualeventsorpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.
AGATHACHRISTIE?THEMANINTHEBROWNSUIT?.Copyright?1924AgathaChristieLimited.Allrightsreserved.
THEMANINTHEBROWNSUIT?1924.PublishedbypermissionofG.P.Putnam’sSons,amemberofPenguinGroup(USA)Inc.AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenonexclusive,nontransferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthisebookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverse-engineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinsebooks.
Formoreinformationabouteducationaluse,teachersshouldvisitwww.HarperAcademic.com.
FIRSTWILLIAMMORROWTRADEPAPERBACKPUBLISHED2012.
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataisavailableuponrequest.
ISBN978-0-06-207437-9
EpubEdition?JANUARY2012ISBN:978-0-06-200665-3
1213141516DIX/BVG10987654321
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