The Secret of Chimneys

TheSecretofChimneys
Dedication
Tomynephew
InmemoryofaninscriptionatComptonCastleandadayatthezoo
Contents
TitlePage
Dedication
1AnthonyCadeSignsOn
2ALadyinDistress
3AnxietyinHighPlaces
4IntroducingaVeryCharmingLady
5FirstNightinLondon
6TheGentleArtofBlackmail
7Mr.McGrathRefusesanInvitation
8ADeadMan
9AnthonyDisposesofaBody
10Chimneys
11SuperintendentBattleArrives
12AnthonyTellsHisStory
13TheAmericanVisitor
14MainlyPoliticalandFinancial
15TheFrenchStranger
16TeaintheSchoolroom
17AMidnightAdventure
18SecondMidnightAdventure
19SecretHistory
20BattleandAnthonyConfer
21Mr.Isaacstein’sSuitcase
22TheRedSignal
23EncounterintheRoseGarden
24TheHouseatDover
25TuesdayNightAtChimneys
26The13thofOctober
27The13thofOctober(contd)
28KingVictor
29FurtherExplanations
30AnthonySignsonforaNewJob
31SundryDetails
AbouttheAuthor
TheAgathaChristieCollection
RelatedProducts
Copyright
AboutthePublisher
One
ANTHONYCADESIGNSON
“GentlemanJoe!”
“Why,ifitisn’toldJimmyMcGrath.”
Castle’sSelectTour,representedbysevendepressed-lookingfemalesandthreeperspiringmales,lookedonwithconsiderableinterest.EvidentlytheirMr.Cadehadmetanoldfriend.TheyalladmiredMr.Cadesomuch,histallleanfigure,hissuntannedface,thelightheartedmannerwithwhichhesettleddisputesandcajoledthemallintogoodtemper.Thisfriendofhisnow—surelyratherapeculiar-lookingman.AboutthesameheightasMr.Cade,butthicksetandnotnearlysogood-looking.Thesortofmanonereadaboutinbooks,whoprobablykeptasaloon.Interestingthough.Afterall,thatwaswhatonecameabroadfor—toseeallthesepeculiarthingsonereadaboutinbooks.UptonowtheyhadbeenratherboredwithBulawayo.Thesunwasunbearablyhot,thehotelwasuncomfortable,thereseemedtobenowhereparticulartogountilthemomentshouldarrivetomotortotheMatoppos.Veryfortunately,Mr.Cadehadsuggestedpicturepostcards.Therewasanexcellentsupplyofpicturepostcards.
AnthonyCadeandhisfriendhadsteppedalittleapart.
“Whatthehellareyoudoingwiththispackoffemales?”demandedMcGrath.“Startingaharem?”
“Notwiththislittlelot,”grinnedAnthony.“Haveyoutakenagoodlookatthem?”
“Ihavethat.Thoughtmaybeyouwerelosingyoureyesight.”
“Myeyesight’sasgoodaseveritwas.No,thisisaCastle’sSelectTour.I’mCastle—thelocalCastle,Imean.”
“Whatthehellmadeyoutakeonajoblikethat?”
“Aregrettablenecessityforcash.Icanassureyouitdoesn’tsuitmytemperament.”
Jimmygrinned.
“Neverahogforregularwork,wereyou?”
Anthonyignoredthisaspersion.
“However,somethingwillturnupsoon,Iexpect,”heremarkedhopefully.“Itusuallydoes.”Jimmychuckled.
“Ifthere’sanytroublebrewing,AnthonyCadeissuretobeinitsoonerorlater,Iknowthat,”hesaid.“You’veanabsoluteinstinctforrows—andtheninelivesofacat.Whencanwehaveayarntogether?”
Anthonysighed.
“I’vegottotakethesecacklinghenstoseeRhodes’grave.”
“That’sthestuff,”saidJimmyapprovingly.“They’llcomebackbumpedblackandbluewiththerutsintheroad,andclamouringforbedtorestthebruiseson.ThenyouandIwillhaveaspotortwoandexchangethenews.”
“Right.Solong,Jimmy.”
Anthonyrejoinedhisflockofsheep.MissTaylor,theyoungestandmostskittishoftheparty,instantlyattackedhim
“Oh,Mr.Cade,wasthatanoldfriendofyours?”
“Itwas,MissTaylor.Oneofthefriendsofmyblamelessyouth.”
MissTaylorgiggled.
“Ithoughthewassuchaninteresting-lookingman.”
“I’lltellhimyousaidso.”
“Oh,Mr.Cade,howcanyoubesonaughty!Theveryidea!Whatwasthatnamehecalledyou?”
“GentlemanJoe?”
“Yes.IsyournameJoe?”
“IthoughtyouknewitwasAnthony,MissTaylor.”
“Oh,goonwithyou!”criedMissTaylorcoquettishly.
Anthonyhadbynowwellmasteredhisduties.Inadditiontomakingthenecessaryarrangementsoftravel,theyincludedsoothingdownirritableoldgentlemenwhentheirdignitywasruffled,seeingthatelderlymatronshadampleopportunitiestobuypicturepostcards,andflirtingwitheverythingunderacatholicfortyyearsofage.Thelasttaskwasrenderedeasierforhimbytheextremereadinessoftheladiesinquestiontoreadatendermeaningintohismostinnocentremarks.
MissTaylorreturnedtotheattack.
“WhydoeshecallyouJoe,then?”
“Oh,justbecauseitisn’tmyname.”
“AndwhyGentlemanJoe?”
“Thesamekindofreason.”
“Oh,Mr.Cade,”protestedMissTaylor,muchdistressed,“I’msureyoushouldn’tsaythat.Papawasonlysayinglastnightwhatgentlemanlymannersyouhad.”
“Verykindofyourfather,I’msure,MissTaylor.”
“Andweareallagreedthatyouarequitethegentleman.”
“I’moverwhelmed.”
“No,really,Imeanit.”
“Kindheartsaremorethancoronets,”saidAnthonyvaguely,withoutanotionofwhathemeantbytheremark,andwishingferventlyitwaslunchtime.
“That’ssuchabeautifulpoem,Ialwaysthink.Doyouknowmuchpoetry,Mr.Cade?”
“Imightrecite‘Theboystoodontheburningdeck’atapinch.‘Theboystoodontheburningdeck,whenceallbuthehadfled.’That’sallIknow,butIcandothatbitwithactionifyoulike.‘Theboystoodontheburningdeck’—whoosh—whoosh—whoosh—(theflames,yousee)‘Whenceallbuthehadfled’—forthatbitIruntoandfrolikeadog.”
MissTaylorscreamedwithlaughter.
“Oh,dolookatMr.Cade!Isn’thefunny?”
“Timeformorningtea,”saidAnthonybriskly.“Comethisway.Thereisanexcellentcaféinthenextstreet.”
“Ipresume,”saidMrs.Caldicottinherdeepvoice,“thattheexpenseisincludedintheTour?”
“Morningtea,Mrs.Caldicott,”saidAnthony,assuminghisprofessionalmanner,“isanextra.”
“Disgraceful.”
“Lifeisfulloftrials,isn’tit?”saidAnthonycheerfully.
Mrs.Caldicott’seyesgleamed,andsheremarkedwiththeairofonespringingamine:
“Isuspectedasmuch,andinanticipationIpouredoffsometeaintoajugatbreakfastthismorning!Icanheatthatuponthespiritlamp.Come,Father.”
Mr.andMrs.Caldicottsailedofftriumphantlytothehotel,thelady’sbackcomplacentwithsuccessfulforethought.
“Oh,Lord,”mutteredAnthony,“whatalotoffunnypeopleitdoestaketomakeaworld.”
Hemarshalledtherestofthepartyinthedirectionofthecafé.MissTaylorkeptbyhisside,andresumedhercatechism.
“Isitalongtimesinceyousawyourfriend?”
“Justoversevenyears.”
“WasitinAfricayouknewhim?”
“Yes,notthispart,though.ThefirsttimeIeversawJimmyMcGrathhewasalltrussedupreadyforthecookingpot.Someofthetribesintheinteriorarecannibals,youknow.Wegottherejustintime.”
“Whathappened?”
“Verynicelittleshindy.Wepottedsomeofthebeggars,andtheresttooktotheirheels.”
“Oh,Mr.Cade,whatanadventurouslifeyoumusthaveled.”
“Verypeaceful,Iassureyou.”
Butitwasclearthattheladydidnotbelievehim.
Itwasaboutteno’clockthatnightwhenAnthonyCadewalkedintothesmallroomwhereJimmyMcGrathwasbusymanipulatingvariousbottles.
“Makeitstrong,James,”heimplored.“Icantellyou,Ineedit.”
“Ishouldthinkyoudid,myboy.Iwouldn’ttakeonthatjobofyoursforanything.”
“Showmeanother,andI’lljumpoutofitfastenough.”
McGrathpouredouthisowndrink,tosseditoffwithapractisedhandandmixedasecondone.Thenhesaidslowly:
“Areyouinearnestaboutthat,oldson?”
“Aboutwhat?”
“Chuckingthisjobofyoursifyoucouldgetanother?”
“Why?Youdon’tmeantosaythatyou’vegotajobgoingbegging?Whydon’tyougrabityourself?”
“Ihavegrabbedit—butIdon’tmuchfancyit,that’swhyI’mtryingtopassitontoyou.”
Anthonybecamesuspicious.
“What’swrongwithit?Theyhaven’tengagedyoutoteachinaSundayschool,havethey?”
“DoyouthinkanyonewouldchoosemetoteachinaSundayschool?”
“Notiftheyknewyouwell,certainly.”
“It’saperfectlygoodjob—nothingwrongwithitwhatsoever.”
“NotinSouthAmericabyanyluckychance?I’verathergotmyeyeonSouthAmerica.There’saverytidylittlerevolutioncomingoffinoneofthoselittlerepublicssoon.”
McGrathgrinned.
“Youalwayswerekeenonrevolutions—anythingtobemixedupinareallygoodrow.”
“Ifeelmytalentsmightbeappreciatedoutthere.Itellyou,Jimmy,Icanbejollyusefulinarevolution—toonesideortheother.It’sbetterthanmakinganhonestlivinganyday.”
“IthinkI’veheardthatsentimentfromyoubefore,myson.No,thejobisn’tinSouthAmerica—it’sinEngland.”
“England?Returnofherotohisnativelandaftermanylongyears.Theycan’tdunyouforbillsaftersevenyears,canthey,Jimmy?”
“Idon’tthinkso.Well,areyouonforhearingmoreaboutit?”
“I’monallright.Thethingthatworriesmeiswhyyou’renottakingitonyourself.”
“I’lltellyou.I’maftergold,Anthony—farupintheinterior.”
Anthonywhistledandlookedathim.
“You’vealwaysbeenaftergold,Jimmy,eversinceIknewyou.It’syourweakspot—yourownparticularlittlehobby.You’vefollowedupmorewildcattrailsthananyoneIknow.”
“AndintheendI’llstrikeit.You’llsee.”
“Well,everyonehisownhobby.Mine’srows,yoursisgold.”
“I’lltellyouthewholestory.IsupposeyouknowallaboutHerzoslovakia?”
Anthonylookedupsharply.
“Herzoslovakia?”hesaid,withacuriousringinhisvoice.
“Yes.Knowanythingaboutit?”
TherewasquiteanappreciablepausebeforeAnthonyanswered.Thenhesaidslowly:
“Onlywhateveryoneknows.It’soneoftheBalkanStates,isn’tit?Principalrivers,unknown.Principalmountains,alsounknown,butfairlynumerous.Capital,Ekarest.Population,chieflybrigands.Hobby,assassinatingkingsandhavingrevolutions.Lastking,NicholasIV,assassinatedaboutsevenyearsago.Sincethenit’sbeenarepublic.Altogetheraverylikelyspot.YoumighthavementionedbeforethatHerzoslovakiacameintoit.”
“Itdoesn’texceptindirectly.”
Anthonygazedathimmoreinsorrowthaninanger.
“Yououghttodosomethingaboutthis,James,”hesaid.“Takeacorrespondencecourse,orsomething.Ifyou’dtoldastorylikethisinthegoodoldEasterndays,you’dhavebeenhungupbytheheelsandbastinadoedorsomethingequallyunpleasant.”
Jimmypursuedthiscoursequiteunmovedbythesestrictures.
“EverheardofCountStylptitch?”
“Nowyou’retalking,”saidAnthony.“ManypeoplewhohaveneverheardofHerzoslovakiawouldbrightenatthementionofCountStylptitch.TheGrandOldManoftheBalkans.TheGreatestStatesmanofModernTimes.Thebiggestvillainunhung.Thepointofviewalldependsonwhichnewspaperyoutakein.Butbesureofthis,CountStylptitchwillberememberedlongafteryouandIaredustandashes,James.EverymoveandcountermoveintheNearEastforthelasttwentyyearshashadCountStylptitchatthebottomofit.He’sbeenadictatorandapatriotandastatesman—andnobodyknowsexactlywhathehasbeen,exceptthathe’sbeenaperfectkingofintrigue.Well,whatabouthim?”
“HewasPrimeMinisterofHerzoslovakia—that’swhyImentioneditfirst.”
“You’venosenseofproportion,Jimmy.HerzoslovakiaisofnoimportanceatallcomparedtoStylptitch.Itjustprovidedhimwithabirthplaceandapostinpublicaffairs.ButIthoughthewasdead?”
“Soheis.HediedinParisabouttwomonthsago.WhatI’mtellingyouabouthappenedsomeyearsago.”
“Thequestionis,”saidAnthony,“whatareyoutellingmeabout?”
Jimmyacceptedtherebukeandhastenedon.
“Itwaslikethis.IwasinParis—justfouryearsago,tobeexact.Iwaswalkingalongonenightinratheralonelypart,whenIsawhalfadozenFrenchtoughsbeatinguparespectable-lookingoldgentleman.Ihateaone-sidedshow,soIpromptlybuttedinandproceededtobeatupthetoughs.Iguessthey’dneverbeenhitreallyhardbefore.Theymeltedlikesnow!”
“Goodforyou,James,”saidAnthonysoftly.“I’dliketohaveseenthatscrap.”
“Oh,itwasnothingmuch,”saidJimmymodestly.“Buttheoldboywasnoendgrateful.He’dhadacouple,nodoubtaboutthat,buthewassoberenoughtogetmynameandaddressoutofme,andhecamealongandthankedmenextday.Didthethinginstyle,too.ItwasthenthatIfoundoutitwasCountStylptitchI’drescued.He’dgotahouseupbytheBois.”
Anthonynodded.
“Yes,StylptitchwenttoliveinParisaftertheassassinationofKingNicholas.Theywantedhimtocomebackandbepresidentlater,buthewasn’ttakingany.Heremainedsoundtohismonarchicalprinciples,thoughhewasreportedtohavehisfingerinallthebackstairspiesthatwentonintheBalkans.Verydeep,thelateCountStylptitch.”
“NicholasIVwasthemanwhohadafunnytasteinwives,wasn’the?”saidJimmysuddenly.
“Yes,”saidAnthony.“Anditdidforhim,too,poorbeggar.ShewassomelittleguttersnipeofamusichallartisteinParis—notevensuitableforamorganaticalliance.ButNicholashadafrightfulcrushonher,andshewasalloutforbeingaqueen.Soundsfantastic,buttheymanageditsomehow.CalledhertheCountessPopoffsky,orsomething,andpretendedshehadRomanoffbloodinherveins.NicholasmarriedherinthecathedralatEkarestwithacoupleofunwillingarchbishopstodothejob,andshewascrownedasQueenVaraga.Nicholassquaredhisministers,andIsupposehethoughtthatwasallthatmattered—butheforgottoreckonwiththepopulace.They’reveryaristocraticandreactionaryinHerzoslovakia.Theyliketheirkingsandqueenstobethegenuinearticle.Thereweremutteringsanddiscontent,andtheusualruthlesssuppressions,andthefinaluprisingwhichstormedthepalace,murderedtheKingandQueen,andproclaimedarepublic.It’sbeenarepubliceversince—butthingsstillmanagetobeprettylivelythere,soI’veheard.They’veassassinatedapresidentortwo,justtokeeptheirhandin.Butrevenonsànosmoutons.YouhadgottowhereCountStylptitchwashailingyouashispreserver.”
“Yes.Well,thatwastheendofthatbusiness.IcamebacktoAfricaandneverthoughtofitagainuntilabouttwoweeksagoIgotaqueer-lookingparcelwhichhadbeenfollowingmeallovertheplacefortheLordknowshowlong.I’dseeninapaperthatCountStylptitchhadrecentlydiedinParis.Well,thisparcelcontainedhismemoirs—orreminiscences,orwhateveryoucallthethings.TherewasanoteenclosedtotheeffectthatifIdeliveredthemanuscriptatacertainfirmofpublishersinLondononorbeforeOctober13th,theywereinstructedtohandmeathousandpounds.”
“Athousandpounds?Didyousayathousandpounds,Jimmy?”
“Idid,myson.IhopetoGodit’snotahoax.Putnotyourtrustinprincesorpoliticians,asthesayinggoes.Well,thereitis.Owingtothewaythemanuscripthadbeenfollowingmearound,Ihadnotimetolose.Itwasapity,allthesame.I’djustfixedupthistriptotheinterior,andI’dsetmyheartongoing.Ishan’tgetsuchagoodchanceagain.”
“You’reincurable,Jimmy.Athousandpoundsinthehandisworthalotofmythicalgold.”
“Andsupposingit’sallahoax?Anyway,hereIam,passagebookedandeverything,onthewaytoCapeTown—andthenyoublowalong!”
Anthonygotupandlitacigarette.
“Ibegintoperceiveyourdrift,James.Yougogoldhuntingasplanned,andIcollectthethousandpoundsforyou.HowmuchdoIgetoutofit?”
“Whatdoyousaytoaquarter?”
“Twohundredandfiftypoundsfreeofincometax,asthesayinggoes?”
“That’sit.”
“Done,andjusttomakeyougnashyourteethI’lltellyouthatIwouldhavegoneforahundred!Letmetellyou,JamesMcGrath,youwon’tdieinyourbedcountingupyourbankbalance.”
“Anyway,it’sadeal?”
“It’sadealallright.I’mon.AndconfusiontoCastle’sSelectTours.”
Theydrankthetoastsolemnly.
Two
ALADYINDISTRESS
“Sothat’sthat,”saidAnthony,finishingoffhisglassandreplacingitonthetable.“Whatboatwereyougoingon?”
“GranarthCastle.”
“Passagebookedinyourname,Isuppose,soI’dbettertravelasJamesMcGrath.We’veoutgrownthepassportbusiness,haven’twe.
“Nooddseitherway.YouandIaretotallyunlike,butwe’dprobablyhavethesamedescriptionononeofthoseblinkingthings.Heightsixfeet,hairbrown,eyesblue,noseordinary,chinordinary—”
“Notsomuchofthis‘ordinary’stunt.LetmetellyouthatCastle’sselectedmeoutofseveralapplicantssolelyonaccountofmypleasingappearanceandnicemanners.”
Jimmygrinned.
“Inoticedyourmannersthismorning.”
“Thedevilyoudid.”
Anthonyroseandpacedupanddowntheroom.Hisbrowwasslightlywrinkled,anditwassomeminutesbeforehespoke.
“Jimmy,”hesaidatlast.“StylptitchdiedinParis.What’sthepointofsendingamanuscriptfromParistoLondonviaAfrica?”
Jimmyshookhisheadhelplessly.
“Idon’tknow.”
“Whynotdoitupinanicelittleparcelandsenditbypost?”
“Soundsadamnsightmoresensible,Iagree.”
“Ofcourse,”continuedAnthony,“Iknowthatkingsandqueensandgovernmentofficialsarepreventedbyetiquettefromdoinganythinginasimple,straightforwardfashion.HenceKing’sMessengersandallthat.Inmedievaldaysyougaveafellowasignetringasasortofopensesame.‘TheKing’sRing!Pass,mylord!’Andusuallyitwastheotherfellowwhohadstolenit.Ialwayswonderwhysomebrightladneverhitontheexpedientofcopyingthering—makingadozenorso,andsellingthematahundredducatsapiece.TheyseemtohavehadnoinitiativeintheMiddleAges.”
Jimmyyawned.
“MyremarksontheMiddleAgesdon’tseemtoamuseyou.LetusgetbacktoCountStylptitch.FromFrancetoEnglandviaAfricaseemsabitthickevenforadiplomaticpersonage.Ifhemerelywantedtoensurethatyoushouldgetathousandpoundshecouldhaveleftityouinhiswill.ThankGodneitheryounorIaretooproudtoacceptalegacy!Stylptitchmusthavebeenbarmy.”
“You’dthinkso,wouldn’tyou?”
Anthonyfrownedandcontinuedhispacing.
“Haveyoureadthethingatall?”heaskedsuddenly.
“Readwhat?”
“Themanuscript.”
“GoodLord,no.WhatdoyouthinkIwanttoreadathingofthatkindfor?”
Anthonysmiled.
“Ijustwondered,that’sall.Youknowalotoftroublehasbeencausedbymemoirs.Indiscreetrevelations,thatsortofthing.Peoplewhohavebeencloseasanoysteralltheirlivesseempositivelytorelishcausingtroublewhentheythemselvesshallbecomfortablydead.Itgivesthemakindofmaliciousglee.Jimmy,whatsortofamanwasCount
Jimmyshookhishead.
“It’sdifficulttotell.Yousee,thatfirstnighthewasdistinctlycanned,andthenextdayhewasjustahigh-tonedoldboywiththemostbeautifulmannersoverwhelmingmewithcomplimentstillIdidn’tknowwheretolook.”
“Andhedidn’tsayanythinginterestingwhenhewasdrunk?”
Jimmycasthismindback,wrinklinghisbrowsashedidso.
“HesaidheknewwheretheKoh-i-noorwas,”hevolunteereddoubtfully.
“Oh,well,”saidAnthony,“weallknowthat.TheykeepitintheTower,don’tthey?Behindthickplateglassandironbars,withalotofgentlemeninfancydressstandingroundtoseeyoudon’tpinchanything.”
“That’sright,”agreedJimmy.
“DidStylptitchsayanythingelseofthesamekind?ThatheknewwhichcitytheWallaceCollectionwasin,forinstance?”
Jimmyshookhishead.
“Hm!”saidAnthony.
Helitanothercigarette,andoncemorebeganpacingupanddowntheroom.
“Youneverreadthepapers,Isuppose,youheathen?”hethrewoutpresently.
“Notveryoften,”saidMcGrathsimply.“They’renotaboutanythingthatinterestsmeasarule.”
“ThankheavenI’mmorecivilized.TherehavebeenseveralmentionsofHerzoslovakialately.Hintsataroyalistrestoration.”
“NicholasIVdidn’tleaveason,”saidJimmy.“ButIdon’tsupposeforaminutethattheObolovitchdynastyisextinct.Thereareprobablyshoalsofyoung’unsknockingabout,cousinsandsecondcousinsandthirdcousinsonceremoved.”
“Sothattherewouldn’tbeanydifficultyinfindingaking?”
“Notintheleast,Ishouldsay,”repliedJimmy.“Youknow,Idon’twonderattheirgettingtiredofrepublicaninstitutions.Afull-blooded,virilepeoplelikethatmustfinditawfullytametopotatpresidentsafterbeingusedtokings.Andtalkingofkings,thatremindsmeofsomethingelseoldStylptitchletoutthatnight.Hesaidheknewthegangthatwasafterhim.TheywereKingVictor’speople,hesaid.”
“What?”Anthonywheeledroundsuddenly.
AshortgrinwidenedonMcGrath’sface
“Justamiteexcited,aren’tyou,GentlemanJoe?”hedrawled.
“Don’tbeanass,Jimmy.You’vejustsaidsomethingratherimportant.”
Hewentovertothewindowandstoodtherelookingout.
“WhoisthisKingVictor,anyway?”demandedJimmy.“AnotherBalkanmonarch?”
“No,”saidAnthonyslowly.“Heisn’tthatkindofaking.”
“Whatishe,then?”
Therewasapause,andthenAnthonyspoke.
“He’sacrook,Jimmy.Themostnotoriousjewelthiefintheworld.Afantastic,daringfellow,nottobedauntedbyanything.KingVictorwasthenicknamehewasknownbyinParis.Pariswastheheadquartersofhisgang.Theycaughthimthereandputhimawayforsevenyearsonaminorcharge.Theycouldn’tprovethemoreimportantthingsagainsthim.He’llbeoutsoon—orhemaybeoutalready.”
“DoyouthinkCountStylptitchhadanythingtodowithputtinghimaway?Wasthatwhythegangwentforhim?Outofrevenge?”
“Idon’tknow,”saidAnthony.“Itdoesn’tseemlikelyonthefaceofit.KingVictorneverstolethecrownjewelsofHerzoslovakiaasfarasI’veheard.Butthewholethingseemsrathersuggestive,doesn’tit?ThedeathofStylptitch,thememoirs,andtherumoursinthepapers—allvaguebutinteresting.Andthere’safurtherrumourtotheeffectthatthey’vefoundoilinHerzoslovakia.I’veafeelinginmybones,James,thatpeoplearegettingreadytobeinterestedinthatunimportantlittlecountry.”
“Whatsortofpeople?”
“Hebraicpeople.Yellow-facedfinanciersincityoffices.”
“Whatareyoudrivingatwithallthis?”
“Tryingtomakeaneasyjobdifficult,that’sall.”
“Youcan’tpretendthere’sgoingtobeanydifficultyinhandingoverasimplemanuscriptatapublisher’soffice?”
“No,”saidAnthonyregretfully.“Idon’tsupposethere’llbeanythingdifficultaboutthat.ButshallItellyou,James,whereIproposetogowithmytwohundredandfiftypounds?”
“SouthAmerica?”
“No,mylad,Herzoslovakia.Ishallstandinwiththerepublic,Ithink.VeryprobablyIshallendupaspresident.”
“WhynotannounceyourselfastheprincipalObolovitchandbeakingwhilstyou’reaboutit?”
“No,Jimmy.Kingsareforlife.Presidentsonlytakeonthejobforfouryearsorso.ItwouldquiteamusemetogovernakingdomlikeHerzoslovakiaforfouryears.”
“Theaverageforkingsisevenless,Ishouldsay,”interpolatedJimmy.
“Itwillprobablybeaserioustemptationtometoembezzleyourshareofthethousandpounds.Youwon’twantit,youknow,whenyougetbackweigheddownwithnuggets.I’llinvestitforyouinHerzoslovakianoilshares.Youknow,James,themoreIthinkofit,themorepleasedIamwiththisideaofyours.IshouldneverhavethoughtofHerzoslovakiaifyouhadn’tmentionedit.IshallspendonedayinLondon,collectingthebooty,andthenawaybytheBalkanExpress!”
“Youwon’tgetoffquiteasfastasthat.Ididn’tmentionitbefore,butI’vegotanotherlittlecommissionforyou.”
Anthonysankintoachairandeyedhimseverely.
“Iknewallalongthatyouwerekeepingsomethingdark.Thisiswherethecatchcomesin.”
“Notabit.It’sjustsomethingthat’sgottobedonetohelpalady.”
“Onceandforall,James,Irefusetobemixedupinyourbeastlyloveaffairs.”
“It’snotaloveaffair.I’veneverseenthewoman.I’lltellyouthewholestory.”
“IfI’vegottolistentomoreofyourlong,ramblingstories,Ishallhavetohaveanotherdrink.”
Hishostcompliedhospitablywiththisdemand,thenbeganthetale.
“ItwaswhenIwasupinUganda.TherewasadagotherewhoselifeIhadsaved—”
“IfIwereyou,Jimmy,Ishouldwriteashortbookentitled‘LivesIhaveSaved.’ThisisthesecondI’veheardofthisevening.”
“Oh,well,Ididn’treallydoanythingthistime.Justpulledthedagooutoftheriver.Likealldagos,hecouldn’tswim.”
“Waitaminute,hasthisstoryanythingtodowiththeotherbusiness?”
“Nothingwhatever,though,oddlyenough,nowIrememberit,themanwasaHerzoslovakian.WealwayscalledhimDutchPedro,though.”
Anthonynoddedindifferently.
“Anyname’sgoodenoughforadago,”heremarked.“Getonwiththegoodwork,James.”
“Well,thefellowwassortofgratefulaboutit.Hungaroundlikeadog.Aboutsixmonthslaterhediedoffever.Iwaswithhim.Lastthing,justashewaspeggingout,hebeckonedmeandwhisperedsomeexcitedjargonaboutasecret—agoldmine,Ithoughthesaid.Shovedanoilskinpacketintomyhandwhichhe’dalwayswornnexthisskin.Well,Ididn’tthinkmuchofitatthetime.Itwasn’tuntilaweekafterwardsthatIopenedthepacket.ThenIwascurious,Imustconfess.Ishouldn’thavethoughtthatDutchPedrowouldhavehadthesensetoknowagoldminewhenhesawit—butthere’snoaccountingforluck—”
“Andatthemerethoughtofgold,yourheartbeatpitterpatasalways,”interruptedAnthony.
“Iwasneversodisgustedinmylife.Goldmine,indeed!Idaresayitmayhavebeenagoldminetohim,thedirtydog.Doyouknowwhatitwas?Awoman’sletters—yes,awoman’sletters,andanEnglishwomanatthat.Theskunkhadbeenblackmailingher—andhehadtheimpudencetopassonhisdirtybagoftrickstome.”
“Iliketoseeyourrighteousheat,James,butletmepointouttoyouthatdagoswillbedagos.Hemeantwell.Youhadsavedhislife,hebequeathedtoyouaprofitablesourceofraisingmoney—yourhigh-mindedBritishidealsdidnotenterhishorizon.”
“Well,whatthehellwasItodowiththethings?Burn’em,that’swhatIthoughtatfirst.Andthenitoccurredtomethattherewouldbethatpoordame,notknowingthey’dbeendestroyed,andalwayslivinginaquakeandadreadlestthatdagoshouldturnupagainoneday.”
“You’vemoreimaginationthanIgaveyoucreditfor,Jimmy,”observedAnthony,lightingacigarette.“Iadmitthatthecasepresentedmoredifficultiesthanwereatfirstapparent.Whataboutjustsendingthemtoherbypost?”
“Likeallwomen,she’dputnodateandnoaddressonmostoftheletters.Therewasakindofaddressonone—justoneword.‘Chimneys.’”
Anthonypausedintheactofblowingouthismatch,andhedroppeditwithaquickjerkofthewristasitburnedhisfinger.
“Chimneys?”hesaid.“That’sratherextraordinary.”
“Why,doyouknowit?”
“It’soneofthestatelyhomesofEngland,mydearJames.Aplacewherekingsandqueensgoforweekends,anddiplomatistsforgatheranddiplome.”
“That’soneofthereasonswhyI’msogladthatyou’regoingtoEnglandinsteadofme.Youknowallthesethings,”saidJimmysimply.“AjosserlikemyselffromthebackwoodsofCanadawouldbemakingallsortsofbloomers.Butsomeonelikeyouwho’sbeentoEtonandHarrow—”
“Onlyoneofthem,”saidAnthonymodestly.
“Willbeabletocarryitthrough.Whydidn’tIsendthemtoher,yousay?Well,itseemedtomedangerous.FromwhatIcouldmakeout,sheseemedtohaveajealoushusband.Supposeheopenedtheletterbymistake.Wherewouldthepoordamebethen?Orshemightbedead—theletterslookedasthoughthey’dbeenwrittensometime.AsIfigureditout,theonlythingwasforsomeonetotakethemtoEnglandandputthemintoherownhands.”
Anthonythrewawayhiscigarette,andcomingacrosstohisfriend,clappedhimaffectionatelyontheback.
“You’rearealknight-errant,Jimmy,”hesaid.“AndthebackwoodsofCanadashouldbeproudofyou.Ishan’tdothejobhalfasprettilyasyouwould.”
“You’lltakeiton,then?”
“Ofcourse.”
McGrathrose,andgoingacrosstoadrawer,tookoutabundleoflettersandthrewthemonthetable.
“Hereyouare.You’dbetterhavealookatthem.”
“Isitnecessary?Onthewhole,I’drathernot.”
“Well,fromwhatyousayaboutthisChimneysplace,shemayhavebeenstayingthereonly.We’dbetterlookthroughthelettersandseeifthere’sanyclueastowhereshereallyhangsout.”
“Isupposeyou’reright.”
Theywentthroughtheletterscarefully,butwithoutfindingwhattheyhadhopedtofind.Anthonygatheredthemupagainthoughtfully.
“Poorlittledevil,”heremarked.“Shewasscaredstiff.”
Jimmynodded.
“Doyouthinkyou’llbeabletofindherallright?”heaskedanxiously.
“Iwon’tleaveEnglandtillIhave.You’reveryconcernedaboutthisunknownlady,James?”
Jimmyranhisfingerthoughtfullyoverthesignature.
“It’saprettyname,”hesaidapologetically.“VirginiaRevel.”
Three
ANXIETYINHIGHPLACES
“Quiteso,mydearfellow,quiteso,”saidLordCaterham.
Hehadusedthesamewordsthreetimesalready,eachtimeinthehopethattheywouldendtheinterviewandpermithimtoescape.HedislikedverymuchbeingforcedtostandonthestepsoftheexclusiveLondonclubtowhichhebelongedandlistentotheinterminableeloquenceoftheHon.GeorgeLomax.
ClementEdwardAlistairBrent,ninthMarquisofCaterham,wasasmallgentleman,shabbilydressed,andentirelyunlikethepopularconceptionofamarquis.Hehadfadedblueeyes,athinmelancholynose,andavaguebutcourteousmanner.
TheprincipalmisfortuneofLordCaterham’slifewastohavesucceededhisbrother,theeighthmarquis,fouryearsago.ForthepreviousLordCaterhamhadbeenamanofmark,ahouseholdwordalloverEngland.AtonetimeSecretaryofStateforForeignAffairs,hehadalwaysbulkedlargelyinthecounselsoftheEmpire,andhiscountryseat,Chimneys,wasfamousforitshospitality.Ablysecondedbyhiswife,adaughteroftheDukeofPerth,historyhadbeenmadeandunmadeatinformalweekendpartiesatChimneys,andtherewashardlyanyoneofnoteinEngland—orindeedinEurope—whohadnot,atonetimeoranother,stayedthere.
Thatwasallverywell.TheninthMarquisofCaterhamhadtheutmostrespectandesteemforthememoryofhisbrother.Henryhaddonethatkindofthingmagnificently.WhatLordCaterhamobjectedtowastheassumptionthatChimneyswasanationalpossessionratherthanaprivatecountryhouse.TherewasnothingthatboredLordCaterhammorethanpolitics—unlessitwaspoliticians.HencehisimpatienceunderthecontinuedeloquenceofGeorgeLomax.Arobustman,GeorgeLomax,inclinedtoembonpoint,witharedfaceandprotuberanteyes,andanimmensesenseofhisownimportance.
“Youseethepoint,Caterham?Wecan’t—wesimplycan’taffordascandalofanykindjustnow.Thepositionisoneoftheutmostdelicacy.”
“Italwaysis,”saidLordCaterham,withaflavourofirony.
“Mydearfellow,I’minapositiontoknow!”
“Oh,quiteso,quiteso,”saidLordCaterham,fallingbackuponhispreviouslineofdefence.
“OneslipoverthisHerzoslovakianbusinessandwe’redone.ItismostimportantthattheoilconcessionsshouldbegrantedtoaBritishcompany.Youmustseethat?”
“Ofcourse,ofcourse.”
“PrinceMichaelObolovitcharrivestheendoftheweek,andthewholethingcanbecarriedthroughatChimneysundertheguiseofashootingparty.”
“Iwasthinkingofgoingabroadthisweek,”saidLordCaterham.
“Nonsense,mydearCaterham,noonegoesabroadinearlyOctober.”
“MydoctorseemstothinkI’minratherabadway,”saidLordCaterham,longinglyeyeingataxithatwascrawlingpast.
Hewasquiteunabletomakeadashforliberty,however,sinceLomaxhadtheunpleasanthabitofretainingaholduponapersonwithwhomhewasengagedinseriousconversation—doubtlesstheresultoflongexperience.Inthiscase,hehadafirmgripofthelapelofLordCaterham’scoat.
“Mydearman,Iputittoyouimperially.Inamomentofnationalcrisis,suchasisfastapproaching—”
LordCaterhamwriggleduneasily.HefeltsuddenlythathewouldrathergiveanynumberofhousepartiesthanlistentoGeorgeLomaxquotingfromoneofhisownspeeches.HeknewbyexperiencethatLomaxwasquitecapableofgoingonfortwentyminuteswithoutastop.
“Allright,”hesaidhastily,“I’lldoit.You’llarrangethewholething,Isuppose.”
“Mydearfellow,there’snothingtoarrange.Chimneys,quiteapartfromitshistoricassociations,isideallysituated.IshallbeattheAbbey,lessthansevenmilesaway.Itwouldn’tdo,ofcourse,formetobeactuallyamemberofthehouseparty.”
“Ofcoursenot,”agreedLordCaterham,whohadnoideawhyitwouldnotdo,andwasnotinterestedtolearn.
“Perhapsyouwouldn’tmindhavingBillEversleigh,though.He’dbeusefultorunmessages.”
“Delighted,”saidLordCaterham,withashademoreanimation.“Bill’squiteadecentshot,andBundlelikeshim.”
“Theshooting,ofcourse,isnotreallyimportant.It’sonlythepretext,asitwere.”
LordCaterhamlookeddepressedagain.
“Thatwillbeall,then.ThePrince,hissuite,BillEversleigh,HermanIsaacstein—”
“Who?”
“HermanIsaacstein.TherepresentativeofthesyndicateIspoketoyouabout.”
“Theall-Britishsyndicate?
“Yes.Why?”
“Nothing—nothing—Ionlywondered,that’sall.Curiousnamesthesepeoplehave.”
“Then,ofcourse,thereoughttobeoneortwooutsiders—justtogivethethingabonafideappearance.LadyEileencouldseetothat—youngpeople,uncritical,andwithnoideaofpolitics.”
“Bundlewouldattendtothatallright,I’msure.”
“Iwondernow.”Lomaxseemedstruckbyanidea.“YourememberthematterIwasspeakingaboutjustnow?”
“You’vebeenspeakingaboutsomanythings.”
“No,no,Imeanthisunfortunatecontretemps”—heloweredhisvoicetoamysteriouswhisper—“thememoirs—CountStylptitch’smemoirs.”
“Ithinkyou’rewrongaboutthat,”saidLordCaterham,suppressingayawn.“Peoplelikescandal.Damnitall,Ireadreminiscencesmyself—andenjoy’emtoo.”
“Thepointisnotwhetherpeoplewillreadthemornot—they’llreadthemfastenough—buttheirpublicationatthisjuncturemightruineverything—everything.ThepeopleofHerzoslovakiawishtorestorethemonarchy,andarepreparedtoofferthecrowntoPrinceMichael,whohasthesupportandencouragementofHisMajesty’sGovernment—”
“AndwhoispreparedtograntconcessionstoMr.IkeyHermansteinandCo.inreturnfortheloanofamillionorsotosethimonthethrone—”
“Caterham,Caterham,”imploredLomaxinanagonizedwhisper.“Discretion,Ibegofyou.Aboveallthings,discretion.”
“Andthepointis,”continuedLordCaterham,withsomerelish,thoughheloweredhisvoiceinobediencetotheother’sappeal,“thatsomeofStylptitch’sreminiscencesmayupsettheapplecart.TyrannyandmisbehaviouroftheObolovitchfamilygenerally,eh?QuestionsaskedintheHouse.Whyreplacethepresentbroad-mindedanddemocraticformofgovernmentbyanobsoletetyranny?Policydictatedbythebloodsuckingcapitalists.DownwiththeGovernment.Thatkindofthing—eh?”
Lomaxnodded.
“Andtheremightbeworsestill,”hebreathed.“Suppose—onlysupposethatsomereferenceshouldbemadeto—tothatunfortunatedisappearance—youknowwhatImean.”
LordCaterhamstaredathim.
“No,Idon’t.Whatdisappearance?”
“Youmusthaveheardofit?Why,ithappenedwhiletheywereatChimneys.Henrywasterriblyupsetaboutit.Italmostruinedhiscareer.”
“Youinterestmeenormously,”saidLordCaterham.“Whoorwhatdisappeared?”
LomaxleantforwardandputhismouthtoLordCaterham’sear.Thelatterwithdrewithastily.
“ForGod’ssake,don’thissatme.”
“YouheardwhatIsaid?”
“Yes,Idid,”saidLordCaterhamreluctantly.“Iremembernowhearingsomethingaboutitatthetime.Verycuriousaffair.Iwonderwhodidit.Itwasneverrecovered?”
“Never.Ofcoursewehadtogoaboutthematterwiththeutmostdiscretion.Nohintofthelosscouldbeallowedtoleakout.ButStylptitchwasthereatthetime.Heknewsomething.Notall,butsomething.WewereatloggerheadswithhimonceortwiceovertheTurkishquestion.Supposethatinsheermalicehehassetthewholethingdownfortheworldtoread.Thinkofthescandal—ofthefar-reachingresults.Everyonewouldsay—whywasithushedup?”
“Ofcoursetheywould,”saidLordCaterham,withevidentenjoyment.
Lomax,whosevoicehadrisentoahighpitch,tookagriponhimself.
“Imustkeepcalm,”hemurmured.“Imustkeepcalm.ButIaskyouthis,mydearfellow.Ifhedidn’tmeanmischief,whydidhesendthemanuscripttoLondoninthisroundaboutway?”
“It’sodd,certainly.Youaresureofyourfacts?”
“Absolutely.We—er—hadouragentsinParis.Thememoirswereconveyedawaysecretlysomeweeksbeforehisdeath.”
“Yes,itlooksasthoughthere’ssomethinginit,”saidLordCaterham,withthesamerelishhehaddisplayedbefore.
“WehavefoundoutthattheyweresenttoamancalledJimmy,orJames,McGrath,aCanadianatpresentinAfrica.”
“QuiteanImperialaffair,isn’tit?”saidLordCaterhamcheerily.
“JamesMcGrathisduetoarrivebytheGranarthCastletomorrow—Thursday.”
“Whatareyougoingtodoaboutit?”
“Weshall,ofcourse,approachhimatonce,pointoutthepossiblyseriousconsequences,andbeghimtodeferpublicationofthememoirsforatleastamonth,andinanycasetopermitthemtobejudiciously—er—edited.”
“Supposingthathesays‘No,sir,’or‘I’llgoddarnedwellseeyouinhellfirst,’orsomethingbrightandbreezylikethat?”suggestedLordCaterham
“That’sjustwhatI’mafraidof,”saidLomaxsimply.“That’swhyitsuddenlyoccurredtomethatitmightbeagoodthingtoaskhimdowntoChimneysaswell.He’dbeflattered,naturally,atbeingaskedtomeetPrinceMichael,anditmightbeeasiertohandlehim.”
“I’mnotgoingtodoit,”saidLordCaterhamhastily.“Idon’tgetonwithCanadians,neverdid—especiallythosethathavelivedmuchinAfrica!”
“You’dprobablyfindhimasplendidfellow—aroughdiamond,youknow.”
“No,Lomax.Iputmyfootdownthereabsolutely.Somebodyelsehasgottotacklehim.”
“Ithasoccurredtome,”saidLomax,“thatawomanmightbeveryusefulhere.Toldenoughandnottoomuch,youunderstand.Awomancouldhandlethewholethingdelicatelyandwithtact—putthepositionbeforehim,asitwere,withoutgettinghisbackup.NotthatIapproveofwomeninpolitics—St.Stephen’sisruined,absolutelyruined,nowadays.Butwomaninherownspherecandowonders.LookatHenry’swifeandwhatshedidforhim.Marciawasmagnificent,unique,aperfectpoliticalhostess.”
“Youdon’twanttoaskMarciadownforthisparty,doyou?”askedLordCaterhamfaintly,turningalittlepaleatthementionofhisredoubtablesister-in-law.
“No,no,youmisunderstandme.Iwasspeakingoftheinfluenceofwomeningeneral.No,Isuggestayoungwoman,awomanofcharm,beauty,intelligence?”
“NotBundle?Bundlewouldbenouseatall.She’sared-hotSocialistifshe’sanythingatall,andshe’dsimplyscreamwithlaughteratthesuggestion.”
“IwasnotthinkingofLadyEileen.Yourdaughter,Caterham,ischarming,simplycharming,butquiteachild.Weneedsomeonewithsavoirfaire,poise,knowledgeoftheworld—Ah,ofcourse,theveryperson.MycousinVirginia.”
“Mrs.Revel?”LordCaterhambrightenedup.Hebegantofeelthathemightpossiblyenjoythepartyafterall.“Averygoodsuggestionofyours,Lomax.ThemostcharmingwomaninLondon.”
“SheiswellupinHerzoslovakianaffairstoo.HerhusbandwasattheEmbassythere,youremember.And,asyousay,awomanofgreatpersonalcharm.”
“Adelightfulcreature,”murmuredLordCaterham.
“Thatissettled,then.”
Mr.LomaxrelaxedhisholdonLordCaterham’slapel,andthelatterwasquicktoavailhimselfofthechance.
“Bye-bye,Lomax,you’llmakeallthearrangements,won’tyou?”
Hedivedintoataxi.AsfarasitispossibleforoneuprightChristiangentlemantodislikeanotheruprightChristiangentleman,LordCaterhamdislikedtheHon.GeorgeLomax.Hedislikedhispuffyredface,hisheavybreathing,andhisprominentearnestblueeyes.Hethoughtofthecomingweekendandsighed.Anuisance,anabominablenuisance.ThenhethoughtofVirginiaRevelandcheeredupalittle.
“Adelightfulcreature,”hemurmuredtohimself.“Amostdelightfulcreature.”
Four
INTRODUCINGAVERYCHARMINGLADY
GeorgeLomaxreturnedstraightwaytoWhitehall.AsheenteredthesumptuousapartmentinwhichhetransactedaffairsofState,therewasascufflingsound.
Mr.BillEversleighwasassiduouslyfilingletters,butalargearmchairnearthewindowwasstillwarmfromcontactwithahumanform.
Averylikeableyoungman,BillEversleigh.Ageataguess,twenty-five,bigandratherungainlyinhismovements,apleasantlyuglyface,asplendidsetofwhiteteethandapairofhonestbrowneyes.
“Richardsonsentupthatreportyet?”
“No,sir.ShallIgetontohimaboutit?”
“Itdoesn’tmatter.Anytelephonemessages?”
“MissOscarisdealingwithmostofthem.Mr.IsaacsteinwantstoknowifyoucanlunchwithhimattheSavoytomorrow.”
“TellMissOscartolookinmyengagementbook.IfI’mnotengaged,shecanringupandaccept.”
“Yes,sir.”
“Bytheway,Eversleigh,youmightringupanumberformenow.Lookitupinthebook.Mrs.Revel,487PontStreet.”
“Yes,sir.”
Billseizedthetelephonebook,rananunseeingeyedownacolumnofM’s,shutthebookwithabangandmovedtotheinstrumentonthedesk.Withhishanduponit,hepaused,asthoughinsuddenrecollection.
“Oh,Isay,sir,I’vejustremembered.Herline’soutoforder.Mrs.Revel’s,Imean.Iwastryingtoringherupjustnow.”
GeorgeLomaxfrowned.
“Annoying,”hesaid,“distinctlyannoying.”Hetappedthetableundecidedly.
“Ifit’sanythingimportant,sir,perhapsImightgoroundtherenowinataxi.Sheissuretobeinatthistimeinthemorning.”
GeorgeLomaxhesitated,ponderingthematter.Billwaitedexpectantly,poisedforinstantflight,shouldthereplybefavourable.
“Perhapsthatwouldbethebestplan,”saidLomaxatlast.“Verywell,then,takeataxithere,andaskMrs.Revelifshewillbeathomethisafternoonatfouro’clockasIamveryanxioustoseeheraboutanimportantmatter.”
“Right,sir.”
Billseizedhishatanddeparted.
Tenminuteslater,ataxidepositedhimat487PontStreet.Herangthebellandexecutedaloudrat-tatontheknocker.ThedoorwasopenedbyagravefunctionarytowhomBillnoddedwiththeeaseoflongacquaintance.
“Morning,Chilvers,Mrs.Revelin?”
“Ibelieve,sir,thatsheisjustgoingout.”
“Isthatyou,Bill?”calledavoiceoverthebanisters.“IthoughtIrecognizedthatmuscularknock.Comeupandtalktome.”
Billlookedupatthefacethatwaslaughingdownonhim,andwhichwasalwaysinclinedtoreducehim—andnothimalone—toastateofbabblingincoherency.HetookthestairstwoatatimeandclaspedVirginiaRevel’soutstretchedhandstightlyinhis.
“Hullo,Virginia!”
“Hullo,Bill!”
Charmisaverypeculiarthing;hundredsofyoungwomen,someofthemmorebeautifulthanVirginiaRevel,mighthavesaid“Hullo,Bill,”withexactlythesameintonation,andyethaveproducednoeffectwhatever.Butthosetwosimplewords,utteredbyVirginia,hadthemostintoxicatingeffectuponBill.
VirginiaRevelwasjusttwenty-seven.Shewastallandofanexquisiteslimness—indeed,apoemmighthavebeenwrittentoherslimness,itwassoexquisitelyproportioned.Herhairwasofrealbronze,withthegreenishtintinitsgold;shehadadeterminedlittlechin,alovelynose,slantingblueeyesthatshowedagleamofdeepestcornflowerbetweenthehalf-closedlids,andadeliciousandquiteindescribablemouththattiltedeversoslightlyatonecornerinwhatisknownas“thesignatureofVenus.”Itwasawonderfullyexpressiveface,andtherewasasortofradiantvitalityaboutherthatalwayschallengedattention.ItwouldhavebeenquiteimpossibleevertoignoreVirginiaRevel
ShedrewBillintothesmalldrawingroomwhichwasallpalemauveandgreenandyellow,likecrocusessurprisedinameadow.
“Bill,darling,”saidVirginia,“isn’ttheForeignOfficemissingyou?Ithoughttheycouldn’tgetonwithoutyou.”
“I’vebroughtamessageforyoufromCodders.”
ThusirreverentlydidBillalludetohischief.
“Andbytheway,Virginia,incaseheasks,rememberthatyourtelephonewasoutoforderthismorning.”
“Butithasn’tbeen.”
“Iknowthat.ButIsaiditwas.”
“Why?EnlightenmeastothisForeignOfficetouch.”Billthrewherareproachfulglance.
“SothatIcouldgethereandseeyou,ofcourse.”
“Oh,darlingBill,howdenseofme!Andhowperfectlysweetofyou!”
“Chilverssaidyouweregoingout.”
“SoIwas—toSloaneStreet.There’saplacetherewherethey’vegotaperfectlywonderfulnewhipband.”
“Ahipband?”
“Yes,Bill,H-I-Phip,B-A-N-Dband.Abandtoconfinethehips.Youwearitnexttheskin.”
“IblushforyouVirginia.Youshouldn’tdescribeyourunderweartoayoungmantowhomyouarenotrelated.Itisn’tdelicate.”
“But,Billdear,there’snothingindelicateabouthips.We’veallgothips—althoughwepoorwomenaretryingawfullyhardtopretendwehaven’t.Thishipbandismadeofredrubberandcomestojustabovetheknees,andit’ssimplyimpossibletowalkinit.”
“Howawful!”saidBill.“Whydoyoudoit?”
“Oh,becauseitgivesonesuchanoblefeelingtosufferforone’ssilhouette.Butdon’tlet’stalkaboutmyhipband.GivemeGeorge’smessage.”
“Hewantstoknowwhetheryou’llbeinatfouro’clockthisafternoon.”
“Ishan’t.IshallbeatRanelagh.Whythissortofformalcall?Ishegoingtoproposetome,doyouthink?”
“Ishouldn’twonder.”
“Because,ifso,youcantellhimthatImuchprefermenwhoproposeonimpulse.”
“Likeme?”
“It’snotanimpulsewithyou,Bill.It’shabit.”
“Virginia,won’tyouever—”
“No,no,no,Bill.Iwon’thaveitinthemorningbeforelunch.Dotryandthinkofmeasanicemotherlypersonapproachingmiddleagewhohasyourintereststhoroughlyatheart.”
“Virginia,Idoloveyouso.”
“Iknow,Bill,Iknow.AndIsimplylovebeingloved.Isn’titwickedanddreadfulofme?Ishouldlikeeverynicemanintheworldtobeinlovewithme.”
“Mostofthemare,Iexpect,”saidBillgloomily.
“ButIhopeGeorgeisn’tinlovewithme.Idon’tthinkhecanbe.He’ssoweddedtohiscareer.Whatelsedidhesay?”
“Justthatitwasveryimportant.”
“Bill,I’mgettingintrigued.ThethingsthatGeorgethinksimportantaresoawfullylimited.IthinkImustchuckRanelagh.Afterall,IcangotoRanelaghanyday.TellGeorgethatIshallbeawaitinghimmeeklyatfouro’clock.”
Billlookedathiswristwatch.
“Itseemshardlyworthwhiletogobackbeforelunch.Comeoutandchewsomething,Virginia.”
“I’mgoingouttolunchsomewhereorother.”
“Thatdoesn’tmatter.Makeadayofit,andchuckeverythingallround.”
“Itwouldberathernice,”saidVirginia,smilingathim.
“Virginia,you’readarling.Tellme,youdolikemerather,don’tyou?Betterthanotherpeople.”
“Bill,Iadoreyou.IfIhadtomarrysomeone—simplyhadto—Imeanifitwasinabookandawickedmandarinsaidtome,‘Marrysomeoneordiebyslowtorture,’Ishouldchooseyouatonce—Ishouldindeed.Ishouldsay,‘GivemelittleBill.’”
“Well,then—”
“Yes,butIhaven’tgottomarryanyone.Ilovebeingawickedwidow.”
“Youcoulddoallthesamethingsstill.Goabout,andallthat.You’dhardlynoticemeaboutthehouse.”
“Bill,youdon’tunderstand.I’mthekindofpersonwhomarriesenthusiasticallyiftheymarryatall.”
Billgaveahollowgroan.
“Ishallshootmyselfoneofthesedays,Iexpect,”hemurmuredgloomily.
“No,youwon’t,Billdarling.You’lltakeaprettygirlouttosupper—likeyoudidthenightbeforelast.”
Mr.Eversleighwasmomentarilyconfused
“IfyoumeanDorothyKirkpatrick,thegirlwho’sinHooksandEyes,I—well,dashitall,she’sathoroughlynicegirl,straightastheymake’em.Therewasnoharminit.”
“Billdarling,ofcoursetherewasn’t.Iloveyoutoenjoyyourself.Butdon’tpretendtobedyingofabrokenheart,that’sall.”
Mr.Eversleighrecoveredhisdignity.
“Youdon’tunderstandatall,Virginia,”hesaidseverely.“Men—”
“Arepolygamous!Iknowtheyare.SometimesIhaveashrewdsuspicionthatIampolyandrous.Ifyoureallyloveme,Bill,takemeouttolunchquickly.”
Five
FIRSTNIGHTINLONDON
Thereisoftenaflawinthebest-laidplans.GeorgeLomaxhadmadeonemistake—therewasaweakspotinhispreparations.TheweakspotwasBill.
BillEversleighwasanextremelynicelad.Hewasagoodcricketerandascratchgolfer,hehadpleasantmanners,andanamiabledisposition,buthispositionintheForeignOfficehadbeengained,notbybrains,butbygoodconnexions.Fortheworkhehadtodohewasquitesuitable.HewasmoreorlessGeorge’sdog.Hedidnoresponsibleorbrainywork.HispartwastobeconstantlyatGeorge’selbow,tointerviewunimportantpeoplewhomGeorgedidn’twanttosee,torunerrands,andgenerallytomakehimselfuseful.AllthisBillcarriedoutfaithfullyenough.WhenGeorgewasabsent,Billstretchedhimselfoutinthebiggestchairandreadthesportingnews,andinsodoinghewasmerely
BeingaccustomedtosendBillonerrands,GeorgehaddispatchedhimtotheUnionCastleofficestofindoutwhentheGranarthCastlewasduein.Now,incommonwithmostwell-educatedyoungEnglishmen,Billhadapleasantbutquiteinaudiblevoice.AnyelocutionmasterwouldhavefoundfaultwithhispronunciationofthewordGranarth.Itmighthavebeenanything.TheclerktookittobeCarnfrae.
TheCarnfraeCastlewasdueinonthefollowingThursday.Hesaidso.Billthankedhimandwentout.GeorgeLomaxacceptedtheinformationandlaidhisplansaccordingly.HeknewnothingaboutUnionCastleliners,andtookitforgrantedthatJamesMcGrathwoulddulyarriveonThursday.
Therefore,atthemomenthewasbuttonholingLordCaterhamonthestepsoftheclubonWednesdaymorning,hewouldhavebeengreatlysurprisedtolearnthattheGranarthCastlehaddockedatSouthamptontheprecedingafternoon.Attwoo’clockthatafternoonAnthonyCade,travellingunderthenameofJimmyMcGrath,steppedoutoftheboattrainatWaterloo,hailedataxi,andafteramoment’shesitation,orderedthedrivertoproceedtotheBlitzHotel.
“Onemightaswellbecomfortable,”saidAnthonytohimselfashelookedwithsomeinterestoutofthetaxiwindows
ItwasexactlyfourteenyearssincehehadbeeninLondon.
Hearrivedatthehotel,bookedaroom,andthenwentforashortstrollalongtheEmbankment.ItwasratherpleasanttobebackinLondonagain.Everythingwaschangedofcourse.Therehadbeenalittlerestaurantthere—justpastBlackfriarsBridge—wherehehaddinedfairlyoften,incompanywithotherearnestlads.HehadbeenaSocialistthen,andwornaflowingredtie.Young—veryyoung.
HeretracedhisstepsbacktotheBlitz.Justashewascrossingtheroad,amanjostledagainsthim,nearlymakinghimlosehisbalance.Theybothrecoveredthemselves,andthemanmutteredanapology,hiseyesscanningAnthony’sfacenarrowly.Hewasashort,thicksetmanoftheworkingclasses,withsomethingforeigninhisappearance.
Anthonywentonintothehotel,wondering,ashedidso,whathadinspiredthatsearchingglance.Nothinginitprobably.ThedeeptanofhisfacewassomewhatunusuallookingamongstthesepallidLondonersandithadattractedthefellow’sattention.Hewentuptohisroomand,ledbyasuddenimpulse,crossedtothelookingglassandstoodstudyinghisfaceinit.Ofthefewfriendsoftheolddays—justachosenfew—wasitlikelythatanyofthemwouldrecognizehimnowiftheyweretomeethimfacetoface?Heshookhisheadslowly.
WhenhehadleftLondonhehadbeenjusteighteen—afair,slightlychubbyboy,withamisleadinglyseraphicexpression.Smallchancethatthatboywouldberecognizedinthelean,brown-facedmanwiththequizzicalexpression.
Thetelephonebesidethebedrang,andAnthonycrossedtothereceiver.
“Hullo!”
Thevoiceofthedeskclerkansweredhim.
“Mr.JamesMcGrath?”
“Speaking.”
“Agentlemanhascalledtoseeyou.”
Anthonywasratherastonished.
“Toseeme?”
“Yes,sir,aforeigngentleman.”
“What’shisname?”
Therewasaslightpause,andthentheclerksaid:
“Iwillsendupapageboywithhiscard.”
Anthonyreplacedthereceiverandwaited.Inafewminutestherewasaknockonthedoorandasmallpageappearedbearingacarduponasalver.
Anthonytookit.Thefollowingwasthenameengraveduponit.
BaronLolopretjzyl
Henowfullyappreciatedthedeskclerk’spause.
Foramomentortwohestoodstudyingthecard,andthenmadeuphismind.
“Showthegentlemanup.”
“Verygood,sir.”
InafewminutestheBaronLolopretjzylwasusheredintotheroom,abigmanwithanimmensefan-likeblackbeardandahigh,baldforehead.
Hebroughthisheelstogetherwithaclick,andbowed.
“Mr.McGrath,”hesaid.
Anthonyimitatedhismovementsasnearlyaspossible.
“Baron,”hesaid.Then,drawingforwardachair,“Praysitdown.Ihavenot,Ithinkhadthepleasureofmeetingyoubefore?”
“Thatisso,”agreedtheBaron,seatinghimself.“Itismymisfortune,”headdedpolitely.
“Andminealso,”respondedAnthony,onthesamenote.
“Letusnowtobusinesscome,”saidtheBaron.“IrepresentinLondontheLoyalistpartyofHerzoslovakia.”
“Andrepresentitadmirably,Iamsure,”murmuredAnthony.
TheBaronbowedinacknowledgementofthecompliment.
“Youaretookind,”hesaidstiffly.“Mr.McGrath,Iwillnotfromyouconcealanything.Themomenthascomefortherestorationofthemonarchy,inabeyancesincethemartyrdomofHisMostGraciousMajestyKingNicholasIVofblessedmemory.”
“Amen,”murmuredAnthony.“Imeanhear,hear.”
“OnthethronewillbeplacedHisHighnessPrinceMichael,whothesupportoftheBritishGovernmenthas.”
“Splendid,”saidAnthony.“It’sverykindofyoutotellmeallthis.”
“Everythingarrangedis—whenyoucomeheretotroublemake.”
TheBaronfixedhimwithasterneye.
“MydearBaron,”protestedAnthony.
“Yes,yes,IknowwhatIamtalkingabout.YouhavewithyouthememoirsofthelateCountStylptitch.”
HefixedAnthonywithanaccusingeye.
“AndifIhave?WhathavethememoirsofCountStylptitchtodowithPrinceMichael?”
“Theywillcausescandals.”
“Mostmemoirsdothat,”saidAnthonysoothingly.
“Ofmanysecretshetheknowledgehad.Shouldherevealbutthequarterofthem,Europeintowarplungedmaybe.”
“Come,come,”saidAnthony.“Itcan’tbeasbadasallthat.”
“AnunfavourableopinionoftheObolovitchwillabroadbespread.SodemocraticistheEnglishspirit.”
“Icanquitebelieve,”saidAnthony,“thattheObolovitchmayhavebeenatriflehigh-handednowandagain.Itrunsintheblood.ButpeopleinEnglandexpectthatsortofthingfromtheBalkans.Idon’tknowwhytheyshould,buttheydo.”
“Youdonotunderstand,”saidtheBaron.“Youdonotunderstandatall.Andmylipssealedare.”Hesighed.
“Whatexactlyareyouafraidof?”askedAnthony.
“UntilIhavereadthememoirsIdonotknow,”explainedtheBaronsimply.“Butthereissuretobesomething.Thesegreatdiplomatsarealwaysindiscreet.Theapplecartupsetwillbe,asthesayinggoes.”
“Lookhere,”saidAnthonykindly.“I’msureyou’retakingaltogethertoopessimisticaviewofthething.Iknowallaboutpublishers—theysitonmanuscriptsandhatch’emlikeeggs.Itwillbeatleastayearbeforethethingispublished.”
“Eitheraverydeceitfuloraverysimpleyoungmanyouare.AllisarrangedforthememoirsinaSundaynewspapertocomeoutimmediately.
“Oh!”Anthonywassomewhattakenaback.“Butyoucanalwaysdenyeverything,”hesaidhopefully.
TheBaronshookhisheadsadly.
“No,no,throughthehatyoutalk.Letustobusinesscome.Onethousandpoundsyouaretohave,isitnotso?Yousee,Ihavethegoodinformationgot.”
“IcertainlycongratulatetheIntelligenceDepartmentoftheLoyalists.”
“ThenItoyouofferfifteenhundred.”
“Anthonystaredathiminamazement,thenshookhisheadruefully.
“I’mafraiditcan’tbedone,”hesaid,withregret.
“Good.Itoyouoffertwothousand.”
“Youtemptme,Baron,youtemptme.ButIstillsayitcan’tbedone.”
“Yourownpricename,then.”
“I’mafraidyoudon’tunderstandtheposition.I’mperfectlywillingtobelievethatyouareonthesideoftheangels,andthatthesememoirsmaydamageyourcause.Nevertheless,I’veundertakenthejob,andI’vegottocarryitthrough.See?Ican’tallowmyselftobeboughtoffbytheotherside.Thatkindofthingisn’tdone.”
TheBaronlistenedveryattentively.AttheendofAnthony’sspeechhenoddedhisheadseveraltimes.
“Isee.YourhonourasanEnglishmanitis?”
“Well,wedon’tputitthatwayourselves,”saidAnthony.“ButIdaresay,allowingforadifferenceinvocabulary,thatwebothmeanmuchthesamething.”
TheBaronrosetohisfeet.
“FortheEnglishhonourImuchrespecthave,”heannounced.“Wemustanotherwaytry.Iwishyougoodmorning.”
Hedrewhisheelstogether,clicked,bowedandmarchedoutoftheroom,holdinghimselfstifflyerect.
“NowIwonderwhathemeantbythat,”musedAnthony.“Wasitathreat?NotthatI’mintheleastafraidofoldLollipop.Ratheragoodnameforhim,that,bytheway.IshallcallhimBaronLollipop.”
Hetookaturnortwoupanddowntheroom,undecidedonhisnextcourseofaction.Thedatestipulateduponfordeliveringthemanuscriptwasalittleoveraweekahead.Todaywasthe5thofOctober.Anthonyhadnointentionofhandingitoverbeforethelastmoment.Truthtotell,hewasbynowfeverishlyanxioustoreadthesememoirs.Hehadmeanttodosoontheboatcomingover,buthadbeenlaidlowwithatouchoffever,andnotatallinthemoodfordecipheringcrabbedandillegiblehandwriting,fornoneofthemanuscriptwastyped.Hewasnowmorethaneverdeterminedtoseewhatallthefusswasabout.
Therewastheotherjobtoo.
Onanimpulse,hepickedupthetelephonebookandlookedupthenameofRevel.ThereweresixRevelsinthebook:EdwardHenryRevel,surgeon,ofHarleyStreet;andJamesRevelandCo.,saddlers;LennoxRevelofAbbotburyMansions,Hampstead;MissMaryRevelwithanaddressinEaling;Hon.Mrs.TimothyRevelof487PontStreet;andMrs.WillisRevelof42CadoganSquare.EliminatingthesaddlersandMissMaryRevel,thatgavehimfournamestoinvestigate—andtherewasnoreasontosupposethattheladylivedinLondonatall!Heshutupthebookwithashortshakeofthehead.
“ForthemomentI’llleaveittochance,”hesaid.“Somethingusuallyturnsup.”
TheluckoftheAnthonyCadesofthisworldisperhapsinsomemeasureduetotheirownbeliefinit.Anthonyfoundwhathewasafternothalfanhourlater,whenhewasturningoverthepagesofanillustratedpaper.ItwasarepresentationofsometableauxorganizedbytheDuchessofPerth.Belowthecentralfigure,awomaninEasterndress,wastheinscription:
TheHon.Mrs.TimothyRevelasCleopatra.Beforehermarriage,Mrs.RevelwastheHon.VirginiaCawthron,adaughterofLordEdgbaston.
Anthonylookedatthepicturesometime,slowlypursinguphislipsasthoughtowhistle.Thenhetoreoutthewholepage,foldeditupandputitinhispocket.Hewentupstairsagain,unlockedhissuitcaseandtookoutthepacketofletters.Hetookoutthefoldedpagefromhispocketandslippeditunderthestringthatheldthemtogether.
Thenatasuddensoundbehindhim,hewheeledroundsharply.Amanwasstandinginthedoorway,thekindofmanwhomAnthonyhadfondlyimaginedexistedonlyinthechorusofacomicopera.Asinister-lookingfigure,withasquatbrutalheadandlipsdrawnbackinanevilgrin.
“Whatthedevilareyoudoinghere?”askedAnthony.“Andwholetyoucomeup?”
“IpasswhereIplease,”saidthestranger.Hisvoicewasgutturalandforeign,thoughhisEnglishwasidiomaticenough.
“Anotherdago,”thoughtAnthony.
“Well,getout,doyouhear?”hewentonaloud.
Theman’seyeswerefixedonthepacketofletterswhichAnthonyhadcaughtup.
“IwillgetoutwhenyouhavegivenmewhatIhavecomefor.”
“Andwhat’sthat,mayIask?”
Themantookastepnearer.
“ThememoirsofCountStylptitch,”hehissed.
“It’simpossibletotakeyouseriously,”saidAnthony.“You’resocompletelythestagevillain.Ilikeyourgetupverymuch.Whosentyouhere?BaronLollipop?”
“Baron?—”Themanjerkedoutastringofharshsoundingconsonants.
“Sothat’showyoupronounceit,isit?Acrossbetweengarglingandbarkinglikeadog.Idon’tthinkIcouldsayitmyself—mythroat’snotmadethatway.IshallhavetogooncallinghimLollipop.Sohesentyou,didhe?”
Buthereceivedavehementnegative.Hisvisitorwentsofarastospituponthesuggestioninaveryrealisticmanner.Thenhedrewfromhispocketasheetofpaperwhichhethrewuponthetable
“Look,”hesaid.“Lookandtremble,accursedEnglishman.”
Anthonylookedwithsomeinterest,nottroublingtofulfilthelatterpartofthecommand.Onthepaperwastracedthecrudedesignofahumanhandinred.
“Itlookslikeahand,”heremarked.“But,ifyousayso,I’mquitepreparedtoadmitthatit’saCubistpictureofSunsetattheNorthPole.”
“ItisthesignoftheComradesoftheRedHand.IamaComradeoftheRedHand.”
“Youdon’tsayso,”saidAnthony,lookingathimwithmuchinterest.“Aretheothersalllikeyou?Idon’tknowwhattheEugenicSocietywouldhavetosayaboutit.”
Themansnarledangrily.
“Dog,”hesaid.“Worsethandog.Paidslaveofaneffetemonarchy.Givemethememoirs,andyoushallgounscathed.SuchistheclemencyoftheBrotherhood.”
“It’sverykindofthem,I’msure,”saidAnthony,“butI’mafraidthatboththeyandyouarelabouringunderamisapprehension.Myinstructionsaretodeliverthemanuscript—nottoyouramiablesociety,buttoacertainfirmofpublishers.”
“Pah!”laughedtheother.“Doyouthinkyouwilleverbepermittedtoreachthatofficealive?Enoughofthisfool’stalk.Handoverthepapers,orIshoot.”
Hedrewarevolverfromhispocketandbrandisheditintheair.
ButtherehemisjudgedhisAnthonyCade.Hewasnotusedtomenwhocouldactasquickly—orquickerthantheycouldthink.Anthonydidnotwaittobecoveredbytherevolver.Almostassoonastheothergotitoutofhispocket,Anthonyhadsprungforwardandknockeditoutofhishand.Theforceoftheblowsentthemanswinginground,sothathepresentedhisbacktohisassailant.
Thechancewastoogoodtobemissed.Withonemighty,well-directedkick,Anthonysentthemanflyingthroughthedoorwayintothecorridor,wherehecollapsedinaheap.
Anthonysteppedoutafterhim,butthedoughtyComradeoftheRedHandhadhadenough.Hegotnimblytohisfeetandfleddownthepassage.Anthonydidnotpursuehim,butwentbackintohisownroom.
“SomuchfortheComradesoftheRedHand,”heremarked.“Picturesqueappearance,buteasilyroutedbydirectaction.Howthehelldidthatfellowgetin,Iwonder?There’sonethingthatstandsoutprettyclearly—thisisn’tgoingtobequitesuchasoftjobasIthought.I’vealreadyfallenfoulofboththeLoyalistandtheRevolutionaryparties.Soon,Isuppose,theNationalistsandtheIndependentLiberalswillbesendingupadelegation.Onething’sfixed.Istartonthatmanuscripttonight.”
Lookingathiswatch,Anthonydiscoveredthatitwasnearlynineo’clock,andhedecidedtodinewherehewas.Hedidnotanticipateanymoresurprisevisits,buthefeltthatitwasuptohimtobeonhisguard.HehadnointentionofallowinghissuitcasetoberifledwhilsthewasdownstairsintheGrillRoom.Herangthebellandaskedforthemenu,selectedacoupleofdishesandorderedabottleofChambertin.Thewaitertooktheorderandwithdrew.
Whilsthewaswaitingforthemealtoarrive,hegotoutthepackageofmanuscriptandputitonthetablewiththeletters.
Therewasaknockatthedoor,andthewaiterenteredwithasmalltableandtheaccessoriesofthemeal.Anthonyhadstrolledovertothemantelpiece.Standingtherewithhisbacktotheroom,hewasdirectlyfacingthemirror,andidlyglancinginithenoticedacuriousthing.
Thewaiter’seyesweregluedontheparcelofmanuscript.ShootinglittleglancessidewaysatAnthony’simmovableback,hemovedsoftlyroundthetable.Hishandsweretwitchingandhekeptpassinghistongueoverhisdrylips.Anthonyobservedhimmoreclosely.Hewasatallman,supplelikeallwaiters,withaclean-shaven,mobileface.AnItalian,Anthonythought,notaFrenchman.
AtthecriticalmomentAnthonywheeledroundabruptly.Thewaiterstartedslightly,butpretendedtobedoingsomethingwiththesaltcellar.
“What’syourname?”askedAnthonyabruptly.
“Giuseppe,monsieur.”
“Italian,eh?”
“Yes,monsieur.”
Anthonyspoketohiminthatlanguage,andthemanansweredfluentlyenough.FinallyAnthonydismissedhimwithanod,butallthewhilehewaseatingtheexcellentmealwhichGiuseppeservedtohim,hewasthinkingrapidly.
Hadhebeenmistaken?WasGiuseppe’sinterestintheparceljustordinarycuriosity?Itmightbeso,butrememberingthefeverishintensityoftheman’sexcitement,Anthonydecidedagainstthattheory.Allthesame,hewaspuzzled.
“Dashitall,”saidAnthonytohimself,“everyonecan’tbeaftertheblastedmanuscript.PerhapsI’mfancyingthings.”
Dinnerconcludedandclearedaway,heappliedhimselftotheperusalofthememoirs.OwingtotheillegibilityofthelateCount’shandwriting,thebusinesswasaslowone.Anthony’syawnssucceededoneanotherwithsuspiciousrapidity.Attheendofthefourthchapter,hegaveitup.
Sofar,hehadfoundthememoirsinsufferablydull,withnohintofscandalofanykind.
Hegatheredupthelettersandthewrappingofthemanuscriptwhichwerelyinginaheaptogetheronthetableandlockedthemupinthesuitcase.Thenhelockedthedoor,andasanadditionalprecautionputachairagainstit.Onthechairheplacedthewaterbottlefromthebathroom.
Surveyingthesepreparationswithsomepride,heundressedandgotintobed.HehadonemoreshotattheCount’smemoirs,butfelthiseyelidsdrooping,andstuffingthemanuscriptunderhispillow,heswitchedoutthelightandfellasleepalmostimmediately.
Itmusthavebeensomefourhourslaterthatheawokewithastart.Whathadawakenedhimhedidnotknow—perhapsasound,perhapsonlytheconsciousnessofdangerwhichinmenwhohaveledanadventurouslifeisveryfullydeveloped
Foramomenthelayquitestill,tryingtofocushisimpressions.Hecouldhearaverystealthyrustle,andthenhebecameawareofadenserblacknesssomewherebetweenhimandthewindow—onthefloorbythesuitcase.
Withasuddenspring,Anthonyjumpedoutofbed,switchingthelightonashedidso.Afiguresprangupfromwhereithadbeenkneelingbythesuitcase.
Itwasthewaiter,Giuseppe.Inhisrighthandgleamedalongthinknife.HehurledhimselfstraightuponAnthony,whowasbynowfullyconsciousofhisowndanger.HewasunarmedandGiuseppewasevidentlythoroughlyathomewithhisownweapon.
Anthonysprangtooneside,andGiuseppemissedhimwiththeknife.Thenextminutethetwomenwererollingonthefloortogether,lockedinacloseembrace.ThewholeofAnthony’sfacultieswerecentredonkeepingaclosegripofGiuseppe’srightarmsothathewouldbeunabletousetheknife.Hebentitslowlyback.AtthesametimehefelttheItalian’sotherhandclutchingathiswindpipe,stiflinghim,choking.Andstill,desperately,hebenttherightarmback.
Therewasasharptinkleastheknifefellonthefloor.Atthesametime,theItalianextricatedhimselfwithaswifttwistfromAnthony’sgrasp.Anthonyspranguptoo,butmadethemistakeofmovingtowardsthedoortocutofftheother’sretreat.Hesaw,toolate,thatthechairandthewaterbottlewerejustashehadarrangedthem.
Giuseppehadenteredbythewindow,anditwasthewindowhemadefornow.Intheinstant’srespitegivenhimbyAnthony’smovetowardsthedoor,hehadsprungoutonthebalcony,leapedovertotheadjoiningbalconyandhaddisappearedthroughtheadjoiningwindow.
Anthonyknewwellenoughthatitwasofnousetopursuehim.Hiswayofretreatwasdoubtlessfullyassured.Anthonywouldmerelygethimselfintotrouble.
Hewalkedovertothebed,thrustinghishandbeneaththepillowanddrawingoutthememoirs.Luckythattheyhadbeenthereandnotinthesuitcase.Hecrossedovertothesuitcaseandlookedinside,meaningtotakeouttheletters.
Thenhesworesoftlyunderhisbreath.
Thelettersweregone.
Six
THEGENTLEARTOFBLACKMAIL
ItwasexactlyfiveminutestofourwhenVirginiaRevel,renderedpunctualbyahealthycuriosity,returnedtothehouseinPontStreet.Sheopenedthedoorwithherlatchkey,andsteppedintothehalltobeimmediatelyconfrontedbytheimpassiveChilvers.
“Ibegpardon,ma’am,buta—apersonhascalledtoseeyou—”
Forthemoment,VirginiadidnotpayattentiontothesubtlephraseologywherebyChilverscloakedhismeaning.
“Mr.Lomax?Whereishe?Inthedrawingroom?”
“Oh,no,ma’am,notMr.Lomax.”Chilvers’tonewasfaintlyreproachful.“Aperson—Iwasreluctanttolethimin,buthesaidhisbusinesswasmostimportant—connectedwiththelateCaptain,Iunderstoodhimtosay.Thinkingthereforethatyoumightwishtoseehim,Iputhim—er—inthestudy.”
Virginiastoodthinkingforaminute.Shehadbeenawidownowforsomeyears,andthefactthatsherarelyspokeofherhusbandwastakenbysometoindicatethatbelowhercarelessdemeanourwasastill-achingwound.Byothersitwastakentomeantheexactopposite,thatVirginiahadneverreallycaredforTimRevel,andthatshefounditinsinceretoprofessagriefshedidnotfeel
“Ishouldhavementioned,ma’am,”continuedChilvers,“thatthemanappearstobesomekindofforeigner.”
Virginia’sinterestheightenedalittle.HerhusbandhadbeenintheDiplomaticService,andtheyhadbeentogetherinHerzoslovakiajustbeforethesensationalmurderoftheKingandQueen.ThismanmightprobablybeaHerzoslovakian,someoldservantwhohadfallenonevildays.
“Youdidquiteright,Chilvers,”shesaidwithaquick,approvingnod.“Wheredidyousayyouputhim?Inthestudy?”
Shecrossedthehallwithherlightbuoyantstep,andopenedthedoorofthesmallroomthatflankedthediningroom.
Thevisitorwassittinginachairbythefireplace.Heroseonherentranceandstoodlookingather.Virginiahadanexcellentmemoryforfaces,andshewasatoncequitesurethatshehadneverseenthemanbefore.Hewastallanddark,suppleinfigure,andquiteunmistakablyaforeigner;butshedidnotthinkhewasofSlavonicorigin.SheputhimdownasItalianorpossiblySpanish.
“Youwishtoseeme?”sheasked.“IamMrs.Revel.”
Themandidnotanswerforaminuteortwo.Hewaslookingherslowlyover,asthoughappraisinghernarrowly.Therewasaveiledinsolenceinhismannerwhichshewasquicktofeel.
“Willyoupleasestateyourbusiness?”shesaid,withatouchofimpatience
“YouareMrs.Revel?Mrs.TimothyRevel?”
“Yes.Itoldyousojustnow.”
“Quiteso.Itisagoodthingthatyouconsentedtoseeme,Mrs.Revel.Otherwise,asItoldyourbutler,Ishouldhavebeencompelledtodobusinesswithyourhusband.”
Virginialookedathiminastonishment,butsomeimpulsequelledtheretortthatsprangtoherlips.Shecontentedherselfbyremarkingdryly:
“Youmighthavefoundsomedifficultyindoingthat.”
“Ithinknot.Iamverypersistent.ButIwillcometothepoint.Perhapsyourecognizethis?”
Heflourishedsomethinginhishand.Virginialookedatitwithoutmuchinterest.
“Canyoutellmewhatitis,madame?”
“Itappearstobealetter,”repliedVirginia,whowasbynowconvincedthatshehadtodowithamanwhowasmentallyunhinged.
“Andperhapsyounotetowhomitisaddressed,”saidthemansignificantly,holdingitouttoher.
“Icanread,”Virginiainformedhimpleasantly.“ItisaddressedtoaCaptainO’NeillatRuedeQuenellesNo.15Paris.”
Themanseemedsearchingherfacehungrilyforsomethinghedidnotfind.
“Willyoureadit,please?”
Virginiatooktheenvelopefromhim,drewouttheenclosureandglancedatit,butalmostimmediatelyshestiffenedandhelditouttohimagain.
“Thisisaprivateletter—certainlynotmeantformyeyes.”
Themanlaughedsardonically.
“Icongratulateyou,Mrs.Revel,onyouradmirableacting.Youplayyourparttoperfection.Nevertheless,Ithinkthatyouwillhardlybeabletodenythesignature!”
“Thesignature?”
Virginiaturnedtheletterover—andwasstruckdumbwithastonishment.Thesignature,writteninadelicateslantinghand,wasVirginiaRevel.Checkingtheexclamationofastonishmentthatrosetoherlips,sheturnedagaintothebeginningoftheletteranddeliberatelyreadthewholethingthrough.Thenshestoodaminutelostinthought.Thenatureofthelettermadeitclearenoughwhatwasinprospect.
“Well,madame?”saidtheman.“Thatisyourname,isitnot?”
“Oh,yes,”saidVirginia.“It’smyname.”
“Butnotmyhandwriting,”shemighthaveadded.
Insteadsheturnedadazzlingsmileuponhervisitor.
“Supposing,”shesaidsweetly,“wesitdownandtalkitover?”
Hewaspuzzled.Notsohadheexpectedhertobehave.Hisinstincttoldhimthatshewasnotafraidofhim.
“Firstofall,Ishouldliketoknowhowyoufoundmeout?”
“Thatwaseasy.”
Hetookfromhispocketapagetornfromanillustratedpaper,andhandedittoher.AnthonyCadewouldhaverecognizedit.
Shegaveitbacktohimwithathoughtfullittlefrown.
“Isee,”shesaid.“Itwasveryeasy.”
“Ofcourseyouunderstand,Mrs.Revel,thatthatisnottheonlyletter.Thereareothers.”
“Dearme,”saidVirginia,“Iseemtohavebeenfrightfullyindiscreet.”
Againshecouldseethatherlighttonepuzzledhim.Shewasbynowthoroughlyenjoyingherself.
“Atanyrate,”shesaid,smilingsweetlyathim,“it’sverykindofyoutocallandgivethembacktome.”
Therewasapauseasheclearedhisthroat.
“Iamapoorman,Mrs.Revel,”hesaidatlast,withagooddealofsignificanceinhismanner.
“AssuchyouwilldoubtlessfinditeasiertoentertheKingdomofHeaven,orsoIhavealwaysheard.”
“Icannotaffordtoletyouhavetheselettersfornothing.”
“Ithinkyouareunderamisapprehension.Thoselettersarethepropertyofthepersonwhowrotethem.”
“Thatmaybethelaw,madame,butinthiscountryyouhaveasaying‘Possessionisninepointsofthelaw.’And,inanycase,areyoupreparedtoinvoketheaidofthelaw?”
“Thelawisasevereoneforblackmailers,”Virginiaremindedhim.
“Come,Mrs.Revel,Iamnotquiteafool.Ihavereadtheseletters—thelettersofawomantoherlover,oneandallbreathingdreadofdiscoverybyherhusband.Doyouwantmetotakethemtoyourhusband?”
“Youhaveoverlookedonepossibility.Thoseletterswerewrittensomeyearsago.Supposingthatsincethen—Ihavebecomeawidow.”
Heshookhisheadwithconfidence.
“Inthatcase—ifyouhadnothingtofear—youwouldnotbesittingheremakingtermswithme.”
Virginiasmiled.
“Whatisyourprice?”sheaskedinabusinesslikemanner.
“ForonethousandpoundsIwillhandthewholepacketovertoyou.ItisverylittlethatIamaskingthere;but,yousee,Idonotlikethebusiness.”
“Ishouldn’tdreamofpayingyouathousandpounds,”saidVirginiawithdecision.
“Madame,Ineverbargain.Athousandpounds,andIwillplacethelettersinyourhands.”
Virginiareflected.
“Youmustgivemealittletimetothinkitover.Itwillnotbeeasyformetogetsuchasumtogether.”
“Afewpoundsonaccountperhaps—sayfifty—andIwillcallagain.”
Virginialookedupattheclock.Itwasfiveminutespastfour,andshefanciedthatshehadheardthebell.
“Verywell,”shesaidhurriedly.“Comebacktomorrow,butlaterthanthis.Aboutsix.”
Shecrossedovertoadeskthatstoodagainstthewall,unlockedoneofthedrawers,andtookoutanuntidyhandfulofnotes.
“Thereisaboutfortypoundshere.Thatwillhavetodoforyou.”
Hesnatchedatiteagerly.
“Andnowgoatonce,please,”saidVirginia.
Helefttheroomobedientlyenough.Throughtheopendoor,VirginiacaughtaglimpseofGeorgeLomaxinthehall,justbeingusheredupstairsbyChilvers.Asthefrontdoorclosed,Virginiacalledtohim.
“Comeinhere,George.Chilvers,bringusteainhere,willyouplease?”
Sheflungopenbothwindows,andGeorgeLomaxcameintotheroomtofindherstandingerectwithdancingeyesandwindblownhair.
“I’llshuttheminaminute,George,butIfelttheroomoughttobeaired.Didyoufallovertheblackmailerinthehall?”
“Thewhat?”
“Blackmailer,George.B-L-A-C-K-M-A-I-L-E-R:blackmailer.Onewhoblackmails.”
“MydearVirginia,youcan’tbeserious!”
“Oh,butIam,George.”
“Butwhodidhecomeheretoblackmail?”
“Me,George.”
“But,mydearVirginia,whathaveyoubeendoing?”
“Well,justforonce,asithappens,Ihadn’tbeendoinganything.Thegoodgentlemanmistookmeforsomeoneelse.”
“Yourangupthepolice,Isuppose?”
“No,Ididn’t.IsupposeyouthinkIoughttohavedoneso.”
“Well—”Georgeconsideredweightily.“No,no,perhapsnot—perhapsyouactedwisely.Youmightbemixedupinsomeunpleasantpublicityinconnexionwiththecase.Youmightevenhavehadtogiveevidence—”
“Ishouldhavelikedthat,”saidVirginia.“Iwouldlovetobesummoned,andIshouldliketoseeifjudgesreallydomakealltherottenjokesyoureadabout.Itwouldbemostexciting.IwasatVineStreettheotherdaytoseeaboutadiamondbroochIhadlost,andtherewasthemostperfectlylovelyinspector—thenicestmanIevermet.”
George,aswashiscustom,letallirrelevanciespass.
“Butwhatdidyoudoaboutthisscoundrel?”
“Well,George,I’mafraidIlethimdoit.”
“Dowhat?”
“Blackmailme.”
George’sfaceofhorrorwassopoignantthatVirginiahadtobiteherunderlip.
“Youmean—doIunderstandyoutomean—thatyoudidnotcorrectthemisapprehensionunderwhichhewaslabouring?”
Virginiashookherhead,shootingasidewaysglanceathim.
“Goodheavens,Virginia,youmustbemad.”
“Isupposeitwouldseemthatwaytoyou.”
“Butwhy?InGod’sname,why?”
“Severalreasons.Tobeginwith,hewasdoingitsobeautifully—blackmailingme,Imean—Ihatetointerruptanartistwhenhe’sdoinghisjobreallywell.Andthen,yousee,I’dneverbeenblackmailed—”
“Ishouldhopenot,indeed.”
“AndIwantedtoseewhatitfeltlike.”
“Iamquiteatalosstocomprehendyou,Virginia.”
“Iknewyouwouldn’tunderstand.”
“Youdidnotgivehimmoney,Ihope?”
“Justatrifle,”saidVirginiaapologetically.
“Howmuch?”
“Fortypounds.”
“Virginia!”
“MydearGeorge,it’sonlywhatIpayforaneveningdress.It’sjustasexcitingtobuyanewexperienceasitistobuyanewdress—moreso,infact.”
GeorgeLomaxmerelyshookhishead,andChilversappearingatthatmomentwiththeteaurn,hewassavedfromhavingtoexpresshisoutragedfeelings.Whenteahadbeenbroughtin,andVirginia’sdeftfingersweremanipulatingtheheavysilverteapot,shespokeagainonthesubject.
“Ihadanothermotivetoo,George—abrighterandbetterone.Wewomenareusuallysupposedtobecats,butatanyrateI’ddoneanotherwomanagoodturnthisafternoon.Thismanisn’tlikelytogoofflookingforanotherVirginiaRevel.Hethinkshe’sfoundhisbirdallright.Poorlittledevil,shewasinabluefunkwhenshewrotethatletter.Mr.Blackmailerwouldhavehadtheeasiestjobinhislifethere.Now,thoughhedoesn’tknowit,he’supagainstatoughproposition.Startingwiththegreatadvantageofhavingledablamelesslife,Ishalltoywithhimtohisundoing—astheysayinbooks.Guile,George,lotsofguile.”
Georgestillshookhishead.
“Idon’tlikeit,”hepersisted.“Idon’tlikeit.”
“Well,nevermind,Georgedear.Youdidn’tcomeheretotalkaboutblackmailers.Whatdidyoucomeherefor,bytheway?Correctanswer:‘Toseeyou!’Accentontheyou,andpressherhandwithsignificanceunlessyouhappentohavebeeneatingheavilybutteredmuffin,inwhichcaseitmustallbedonewiththeeyes.”
“Ididcometoseeyou,”repliedGeorgeseriously.“AndIamgladtofindyoualone.”
“‘Oh,George,thisissosudden.’Saysshe,swallowingacurrant.”
“Iwantedtoaskafavourofyou.Ihavealwaysconsideredyou,Virginia,asawomanofconsiderablecharm.”
“Oh,George!”
“Andalsoasawomanofintelligence!”
“Notreally?Howwellthemanknowsme.”
“MydearVirginia,thereisayoungfellowarrivinginEnglandtomorrowwhomIshouldlikeyoutomeet.”
“Allright,George,butit’syourparty—letthatbeclearlyunderstood.”
“Youcould,Ifeelsure,ifyouchose,exerciseyourconsiderablecharm.”
Virginiacockedherheadalittleononeside.
“Georgedear,Idon’t‘charm’asaprofession,youknow.OftenIlikepeople—andthen,well,theylikeme.ButIdon’tthinkIcouldsetoutincoldbloodtofascinateahelplessstranger.Thatsortofthingisn’tdone,George,itreallyisn’t.ThereareprofessionalsirenswhowoulddoitmuchbetterthanIshould.”
“Thatisoutofthequestion,Virginia.Thisyoungman,heisaCanadian,bytheway,ofthenameofMcGrath—”
“‘ACanadianofScottishdescent.’Saysshe,deducingbrilliantly.”
“IsprobablyquiteunusedtothehigherwalksofEnglishsociety.IshouldlikehimtoappreciatethecharmanddistinctionofarealEnglishgentlewoman.”
“Meaningme?”
“Exactly.”
“Why?”
“Ibegyourpardon?”
“Isaidwhy?Youdon’tboomtherealEnglishgentlewomanwitheverystrayCanadianwhosetsfootuponourshores.Whatisthedeepidea,George?Toputitvulgarly,whatdoyougetoutofit?”
“Icannotseethatthatconcernsyou,Virginia.”
“Icouldn’tpossiblygooutforaneveningandfascinateunlessIknewallthewhysandwherefores.”
“Youhaveamostextraordinarywayofputtingthings,Virginia.Anyonewouldthink—”
“Wouldn’tthey?Comeon,George,partwithalittlemoreinformation.”
“MydearVirginia,mattersarelikelytobealittlestrainedshortlyinacertainCentralEuropeannation.Itisimportant,forreasonswhichareimmaterial,thatthis—Mr.—er—McGrathshouldbebroughttorealizethattherestoringofthemonarchyinHerzoslovakiaisimperativetothepeaceofEurope.”
“ThepartaboutthepeaceofEuropeisallbosh,”saidVirginiacalmly,“butI’mallformonarchieseverytime,especiallyforapicturesquepeopleliketheHerzoslovakians.Soyou’rerunningakingintheHerzoslovakianStakes,areyou?Whoishe?”
Georgewasreluctanttoanswer,butdidnotseehiswaytoavoidthequestion.Theinterviewwasnotgoingatallashehadplanned.HehadforeseenVirginiaasawilling,dociletool,receivinghishintsgratefully,andaskingnoawkwardquestions.Thiswasfarfrombeingthecase.SheseemeddeterminedtoknowallaboutitandthisGeorge,everdoubtfuloffemalediscretion,wasdeterminedatallcoststoavoid.Hehadmadeamistake.Virginiawasnotthewomanforthepart.Shemight,indeed,causeserioustrouble.Heraccountofherinterviewwiththeblackmailerhadcausedhimgraveapprehension.Amostundependablecreature,withnoideaoftreatingseriousmattersseriously.
“PrinceMichaelObolovitch,”hereplied,asVirginiawasobviouslywaitingforananswertoherquestion.“Butpleaseletthatgonofurther.”
“Don’tbeabsurd,George.Thereareallsortsofhintsinthepapersalready,andarticlescrackinguptheObolovitchdynastyandtalkingaboutthemurderedNicholasIVasthoughhewereacrossbetweenasaintandaheroinsteadofastupidlittlemanbesottedbyathird-rateactress.”
Georgewinced.HewasmorethaneverconvincedthathehadmadeamistakeinenlistingVirginia’said.Hemuststaveheroffquickly.
“Youareright,mydearVirginia,”hesaidhastily,asherosetohisfeettobidherfarewell.“IshouldnothavemadethesuggestionIdidtoyou.ButweareanxiousfortheDominionstoseeeyetoeyewithusonthisHerzoslovakiancrisis,andMcGrathhas,Ibelieve,influenceinjournalisticcircles.Asanardentmonarchist,andwithyourknowledgeofthecountry,Ithoughtitagoodplanforyoutomeethim.”
“Sothat’stheexplanation,isit?”
“Yes,butIdaresayyouwouldn’thavecaredforhim.”
Virginialookedathimforasecondandthenshelaughed.
“George,”shesaid,“you’rearottenliar.”
“Virginia!”
“Rotten,absolutelyrotten!IfIhadhadyourtraining,Icouldhavemanagedabetteronethanthat—onethathadachanceofbeingbelieved.ButIshallfindoutallaboutit,mypoorGeorge.Restassuredofthat.TheMysteryofMr.McGrath.Ishouldn’twonderifIgotahintortwoatChimneysthisweekend.”
“AtChimneys?YouaregoingtoChimneys?”
Georgecouldnotconcealhisperturbation.HehadhopedtoreachLordCaterhamintimefortheinvitationtoremainunissued.
“Bundlerangupandaskedmethismorning.”
Georgemadealasteffort.
“Ratheradullparty,Ibelieve,”hesaid.“Hardlyinyourline,Virginia.”
“MypoorGeorge,whydidn’tyoutellmethetruthandtrustme?It’sstillnottoolate.”
Georgetookherhandanddroppeditagainlimply.
“Ihavetoldyouthetruth,”hesaidcoldly,andhesaiditwithoutablush.
“That’sabetterone,”saidVirginiaapprovingly.“Butit’sstillnotgoodenough.Cheerup,George,IshallbeatChimneysallright,exertingmyconsiderablecharm—asyouputit.Lifehasbecomesuddenlyverymuchmoreamusing.Firstablackmailer,andthenGeorgeindiplomaticdifficulties.Willhetellalltothebeautifulwomanwhoasksforhisconfidencesopathetically?No,hewillrevealnothinguntilthelastchapter.Good-bye,George.Onelastfondlookbeforeyougo?No?Oh,George,dear,don’tbesulkyaboutit!”
VirginiarantothetelephoneassoonasGeorgehaddepartedwithaheavygaitthroughthefrontdoor.
SheobtainedthenumbersherequiredandaskedtospeaktoLadyEileenBrent.
“Isthatyou,Bundle?I’mcomingtoChimneysallrighttomorrow.What?Boreme?No,itwon’t.Bundle,wildhorseswouldn’tkeepmeaway!Sothere!”
Seven
MR.MCGRATHREFUSESANINVITATION
Thelettersweregone!
Havingoncemadeuphismindtothefactoftheirdisappearance,therewasnothingtodobutacceptit.AnthonyrealizedverywellthathecouldnotpursueGiuseppethroughthecorridorsoftheBlitzHotel.Todosowastocourtundesiredpublicity,andinallprobabilitytofailinhisobjectallthesame.
HecametotheconclusionthatGiuseppehadmistakenthepacketsofletters,enclosedastheywereintheotherwrappings,forthememoirsthemselves.Itwaslikelythereforethatwhenhediscoveredhismistakehewouldmakeanotherattempttogetholdofthememoirs.ForthisattemptAnthonyintendedtobefullyprepared.
Anotherplanthatoccurredtohimwastoadvertisediscreetlyforthereturnofthepackageofletters.SupposingGiuseppetobeanemissaryoftheComradesoftheRedHand,or,whichseemedtoAnthonymoreprobable,tobeemployedbytheLoyalistparty,theletterscouldhavenopossibleinterestforeitheremployerandhewouldprobablyjumpatthechanceofobtainingasmallsumofmoneyfortheirreturn.
Havingthoughtoutallthis,Anthonyreturnedtobedandsleptpeacefullyuntilmorning.HedidnotfancythatGiuseppewouldbeanxiousforasecondencounterthatnight.
Anthonygotupwithhisplanofcampaignfullythought-out.Hehadagoodbreakfast,glancedatthepaperswhichwerefullofthenewdiscoveriesofoilinHerzoslovakia,andthendemandedaninterviewwiththemanagerandbeingAnthonyCade,withagiftforgettinghisownwaybymeansofquietdeterminationheobtainedwhatheaskedfor.
Themanager,aFrenchmanwithanexquisitelysuavemanner,receivedhiminhisprivateoffice.
“Youwishedtoseeme,Iunderstand,Mr.—er—McGrath?”
“Idid.IarrivedatyourhotelyesterdayafternoonandIhaddinnerservedtomeinmyownroomsbyawaiterwhosenamewasGiuseppe.”
Hepaused.
“Idaresaywehaveawaiterofthatname,”agreedthemanagerindifferently.
“Iwasstruckbysomethingunusualintheman’smanner,butthoughtnothingmoreofitatthetime.Later,inthenight,Iwasawakenedbythesoundofsomeonemovingsoftlyabouttheroom.Iswitchedonthelight,andfoundthissameGiuseppeintheactofriflingmyleathersuitcase.”
Themanager’sindifferencehadcompletelydisappearednow.
“ButIhaveheardnothingofthis,”heexclaimed.“WhywasInotinformedsooner?”
“ThemanandIhadabriefstruggle—hewasarmedwithaknife,bytheway.Intheendhesucceededinmakingoffbywayofthewindow.”
“Whatdidyoudothen,Mr.McGrath?”
“Iexaminedthecontentsofmysuitcase.”
“Hadanythingbeentaken?”
“Nothingof—importance,”saidAnthonyslowly.
Themanagerleanedbackwithasigh.
“Iamgladofthat,”heremarked.“Butyouwillallowmetosay,Mr.McGrath,thatIdonotquiteunderstandyourattitudeinthematter.Youmadenoattempttoarousethehotel?Topursuethethief?”
Anthonyshruggedhisshoulders.
“Nothingofvaluehadbeentaken,asItellyou.Iamaware,ofcourse,thatstrictlyspeakingitisacaseforthepolice—”
Hepaused,andthemanagermurmuredwithoutanyparticularenthusiasm:
“Forthepolice—ofcourse—”
“Inanycase,Iwasfairlycertainthatthemanwouldmanagetomakegoodhisescape,andsincenothingwastaken,whybotherwiththepolice?”
Themanagersmiledalittle.
“Iseethatyourealize,Mr.McGrath,thatIamnotatallanxioustohavethepolicecalledin.Frommypointofviewitisalwaysdisastrous.Ifthenewspaperscangetholdofanythingconnectedwithabigfashionablehotelsuchasthis,theyalwaysrunitforallitisworth,nomatterhowinsignificanttherealsubjectmaybe.”
“Quiteso,”agreedAnthony.“NowItoldyouthatnothingofvaluehadbeentaken,andthatwasperfectlytrueinasense.Nothingofanyvaluetothethiefwastaken,buthegotholdofsomethingwhichisofconsiderablevaluetome.”
“Ah?”
“Letters,youunderstand.”
Anexpressionofsuperhumandiscretion,onlytobeachievedbyaFrenchman,settleddownuponthemanager’sface.
“Icomprehend,”hemurmured.“Butperfectly.Naturally,itisnotamatterforthepolice.”
“Wearequiteagreeduponthatpoint.ButyouwillunderstandthatIhaveeveryintentionofrecoveringtheseletters.InthepartoftheworldwhereIcomefrom,peopleareusedtodoingthingsforthemselves.WhatIrequirefromyouthereforeisthefullestpossibleinformationyoucangivemeaboutthiswaiter,Giuseppe.”
“Iseenoobjectiontothat,”saidthemanagerafteramomentortwo’spause.“Icannotgiveyoutheinformationoffhand,ofcourse,butifyouwillreturninhalfanhour’stimeIwillhaveeverythingreadytolaybeforeyou.”
“Thankyouverymuch.Thatwillsuitmeadmirably.”
Inhalfanhour’stime,Anthonyreturnedtotheofficeagaintofindthatthemanagerhadbeenasgoodashisword.JotteddownonapieceofpaperwerealltherelevantfactsknownaboutGiuseppeManelli.
“Hecametous,yousee,aboutthreemonthsago.Askilledandexperiencedwaiter.Hasgivencompletesatisfaction.HehasbeeninEnglandaboutfiveyears.”
TogetherthetwomenranoveralistofthehotelsandrestaurantswheretheItalianhadworked.OnefactstruckAnthonyasbeingpossiblyofsignificance.AttwoofthehotelsinquestiontherehadbeenseriousrobberiesduringthetimethatGiuseppewasemployedthere,thoughnosuspicionofanykindhadattachedtohimineithercase.Still,thefactwassignificant.
WasGiuseppemerelyacleverhotelthief?HadhissearchofAnthony’ssuitcasebeenonlypartofhishabitualprofessionaltactics?HemightjustpossiblyhavehadthepacketoflettersinhishandatthemomentwhenAnthonyswitchedonthelight,andhaveshoveditintohispocketmechanicallysoastohavehishandsfree.Inthatcase,thethingwasmereplainorgardenrobbery.
Againstthat,therewastobeputtheman’sexcitementoftheeveningbeforewhenhehadcaughtsightofthepaperslyingonthetable.Therehadbeennomoneyorobjectofvaluetheresuchaswouldexcitethecupidityofanordinarythief.
No,AnthonyfeltconvincedthatGiuseppehadbeenactingasatoolforsomeoutsideagency.Withtheinformationsuppliedtohimbythemanager,itmightbepossibletolearnsomethingaboutGiuseppe’sprivatelifeandsofinallytrackhimdown.Hegatheredupthesheetofpaperandrose.
“Thankyouverymuchindeed.It’squiteunnecessarytoask,Isuppose,whetherGiuseppeisstillinthehotel?”
Themanagersmiled.
“Hisbedwasnotsleptin,andallhisthingshavebeenleftbehind.Hemusthaverushedstraightoutafterhisattackuponyou.Idon’tthinkthereismuchchanceofourseeinghimagain.”
“Iimaginenot.Well,thankyouverymuchindeed.Ishallbestayingonhereforthepresent.”
“Ihopeyouwillbesuccessfulinyourtask,butIconfessthatIamratherdoubtful.”
“Ialwayshopeforthebest.”
OneofAnthony’sfirstproceedingswastoquestionsomeoftheotherwaiterswhohadbeenfriendlywithGiuseppe,butheobtainedverylittletogoupon.Hewroteoutanadvertisementonthelineshehadplanned,andhaditsenttofiveofthemostwidelyreadnewspapers.HewasjustabouttogooutandvisittherestaurantatwhichGiuseppehadbeenpreviouslyemployedwhenthetelephonerang.Anthonytookupthereceiver.
“Hullo,whatisit?”
Atonelessvoicereplied.
“AmIspeakingtoMr.McGrath?”
“Youare.Whoareyou?”
“ThisisMessrs.BaldersonandHodgkins.Justaminute,please.IwillputyouthroughtoMr.Balderson.”
“Ourworthypublishers,”thoughtAnthony.“Sotheyaregettingworriedtoo,arethey?Theyneedn’t.There’saweektorunstill.”
Aheartyvoicestrucksuddenlyuponhisear.
“Hullo!ThatMr.McGrath?”
“Speaking.”
“I’mMr.BaldersonofBaldersonandHodgkins.Whataboutthatmanuscript,Mr.McGrath?”
“Well,”saidAnthony,“whataboutit?”
“Everythingaboutit.Iunderstand,Mr.McGrath,thatyouhavejustarrivedinthiscountryfromSouthAfrica.Thatbeingso,youcan’tpossiblyunderstandtheposition.There’sgoingtobetroubleaboutthatmanuscript,Mr.McGrath,bigtrouble.SometimesIwishwe’dneversaidwe’dhandleit.”
“Indeed?”
“Iassureyouit’sso.AtpresentI’manxioustogetitintomypossessionasquicklyaspossible,soastohaveacoupleofcopiesmade.Then,iftheoriginalisdestroyed—well,noharmwillbedone.”
“Dearme,”saidAnthony.
“Yes,Iexpectitsoundsabsurdtoyou,Mr.McGrath.But,Iassureyou,youdon’tappreciatethesituation.There’sadeterminedeffortbeingmadetopreventitseverreachingthisoffice.Isaytoyouquitefranklyandwithouthumbugthatifyouattempttobringityourselfit’stentoonethatyou’llnevergethere.”
“Idoubtthat,”saidAnthony.“WhenIwanttogetanywhere,Iusuallydo.”
“You’reupagainstaverydangerouslotofpeople.Iwouldn’thavebelieveditmyselfamonthago.Itellyou,Mr.McGrath,we’vebeenbribedandthreatenedandcajoledbyonelotandanotheruntilwedon’tknowwhetherwe’reonourheadsorourheels.Mysuggestionisthatyoudonotattempttobringthemanuscripthere.Oneofourpeoplewillcalluponyouatthehotelandtakepossessionofit.”
“Andsupposingthegangdoeshimin?”askedAnthony.
“Theresponsibilitywouldthenbeours—notyours.Youwouldhavedeliveredittoourrepresentativeandobtainedawrittendischarge.Thechequefor—er—athousandpoundswhichweareinstructedtohandtoyouwillnotbeavailableuntilWednesdaynextbythetermsofouragreementwiththeexecutorsofthelate—er—author—youknowwhomImean,butifyouinsistIwillsendmyownchequeforthatamountbythemessenger.”
Anthonyreflectedforaminuteortwo.Hehadintendedtokeepthememoirsuntilthelastdayofgrace,becausehewasanxioustoseeforhimselfwhatallthefusswasabout.Nevertheless,herealizedtheforceofthepublisher’sarguments.
“Allright,”hesaid,withalittlesigh.“Haveityourownway.Sendyourmanalong.Andifyoudon’tmindsendingthatchequeaswellI’dratherhaveitnow,asImaybegoingoutofEnglandbeforenextWednesday.”
“Certainly,Mr.McGrath.Ourrepresentativewillcalluponyoufirstthingtomorrowmorning.Itwillbewisernottosendanyonedirectfromtheoffice.OurMr.HolmeslivesinSouthLondon.Hewillcallinonhiswaytous,andwillgiveyouareceiptforthepackage.Isuggestthattonightyoushouldplaceadummypacketinthemanager’ssafe.Yourenemieswillgettohearofthis,anditwillpreventanyattackbeingmadeuponyourapartmentstonight.”
“Verywell,Iwilldoasyoudirect.”
Anthonyhungupthereceiverwithathoughtfulface.
ThenhewentonwithhisinterruptedplanofseekingnewsoftheslipperyGiuseppe.Hedrewacompleteblank,however.Giuseppehadworkedattherestaurantinquestion,butnobodyseemedtoknowanythingofhisprivatelifeorassociates.
“ButI’llgetyou,mylad,”murmuredAnthony,betweenhisteeth.“I’llgetyouyet.It’sonlyamatteroftime.”
HissecondnightinLondonwasentirelypeaceful.
Atnineo’clockthefollowingmorning,thecardofMr.HolmesfromMessrs.BaldersonandHodgkinswassentup,andMr.Holmesfollowedit.Asmall,fairmanwithaquietmanner.Anthonyhandedoverthemanuscript,andreceivedinexchangeachequeforathousandpounds.Mr.Holmespackedupthemanuscriptinthesmallbrownbaghecarried,wishedAnthonygoodmorning,anddeparted.Thewholethingseemedverytame.
“Butperhapshe’llbemurderedonthewaythere,”Anthonymurmuredaloud,ashestaredidlyoutofthewindow.“Iwondernow—Iverymuchwonder.”
Heputthechequeinanenvelope,enclosedafewlinesofwritingwithit,andsealeditupcarefully.Jimmy,whohadbeenmoreorlessinfundsatthetimeofhisencounterwithAnthonyatBulawayo,hadadvancedhimasubstantialsumofmoneywhichwas,asyet,practicallyuntouched.
“Ifonejob’sdonewith,theotherisn’t,”saidAnthonytohimself.“Uptonow,I’vebungledit.Butneversaydie.Ithinkthat,suitablydisguised,Ishallgoandhavealookat487PontStreet.”
Hepackedhisbelongings,wentdownandpaidhisbill,andorderedhisluggagetobeputonataxi.Suitablyrewardingthosewhostoodinhispath,mostofwhomhaddonenothingwhatevermateriallytoaddtohiscomfort,hewasonthepointofbeingdrivenoff,whenasmallboyrusheddownthestepswithaletter.
“Justcomeforyou,thisveryminute,sir.”
Withasigh,Anthonyproducedyetanothershilling.Thetaxigroanedheavilyandjumpedforwardwithahideouscrashingofgears,andAnthonyopenedtheletter.
Itwasratheracuriousdocument.Hehadtoreaditfourtimesbeforehecouldbesureofwhatitwasallabout.PutinplainEnglish(theletterwasnotinplainEnglish,butinthepeculiarinvolvedstylecommontomissivesissuedbygovernmentofficials)itpresumedthatMr.McGrathwasarrivinginEnglandfromSouthAfricatoday—Thursday,itreferredobliquelytothememoirsofCountStylptitch,andbeggedMr.McGrathtodonothinginthematteruntilhehadhadaconfidentialconversationwithMr.GeorgeLomax,andcertainotherpartieswhosemagnificencewasvaguelyhintedat.ItalsocontainedadefiniteinvitationtogodowntoChimneysastheguestofLordCaterham,onthefollowingday,Friday.
Amysteriousandthoroughlyobscurecommunication.Anthonyenjoyeditverymuch.
“DearoldEngland,”hemurmuredaffectionately.“Twodaysbehindthetimes,asusual.Ratherapity.Still,Ican’tgodowntoChimneysunderfalsepretences.Iwonder,though,ifthere’saninnhandy?Mr.AnthonyCademightstayattheinnwithoutanyonebeingthewiser.”
Heleanedoutofthewindow,andgavenewdirectionstothetaxidriver,whoacknowledgedthemwithasnortofcontempt.
ThetaxidrewupbeforeoneofLondon’smoreobscurehostelries.Thefare,however,waspaidonascalebefittingitspointofdeparture.
HavingbookedaroominthenameofAnthonyCade,Anthonypassedintoadingywritingroom,tookoutasheetofnotepaperstampedwiththelegendHotelBlitz,andwroterapidly.
HeexplainedthathehadarrivedontheprecedingTuesday,thathehadhandedoverthemanuscriptinquestiontoMessrs.BaldersonandHodgkins,andheregretfullydeclinedthekindinvitationofLordCaterhamashewasleavingEnglandalmostimmediately.Hesignedtheletter“Yoursfaithfully,JamesMcGrath.”
Andnow,”saidAnthony,asheaffixedthestamptotheenvelope.“Tobusiness.ExitJamesMcGrath,andEnterAnthonyCade.”
Eight
ADEADMAN
OnthatsameThursdayafternoonVirginiaRevelhadbeenplayingtennisatRanelagh.AllthewaybacktoPontStreet,asshelaybackinthelong,luxuriouslimousine,alittlesmileplayeduponherlipsassherehearsedherpartintheforthcominginterview.Ofcourseitwaswithintheboundsofpossibilitythattheblackmailermightnotreappear,butshefeltprettycertainthathewould.Shehadshownherselfaneasyprey.Well,perhapsthistimetherewouldbealittlesurpriseforhim!
Whenthecardrewupatthehouse,sheturnedtospeaktothechauffeurbeforegoingupthesteps.
“How’syourwife,Walton?Iforgottoask.”
“BetterIthink,ma’am.Thedoctorsaidhe’dlookinandseeherabouthalfpastsix.Willyoubewantingthecaragain?”
Virginiareflectedforaminute.
“Ishallbeawayfortheweekend.I’mgoingbythe6:40fromPaddington,butIshan’tneedyouagain—ataxiwilldoforthat.I’dratheryousawthedoctor.Ifhethinksitwoulddoyourwifegoodtogoawayfortheweekend,takehersomewhere,Walton.I’llstandtheexpense.”
Cuttingshorttheman’sthankswithanimpatientnodofthehead,Virginiaranupthesteps,delvedintoherbaginsearchofherlatchkey,rememberedshehadn’tgotitwithher,andhastilyrangthebell.
Itwasnotansweredatonce,butasshewaitedthereayoungmancameupthesteps.Hewasshabbilydressed,andcarriedinhishandasheafofleaflets.HeheldoneouttoVirginiawiththelegendonitplainlyvisible:“WhyDidIServeMyCountry?”Inhislefthandheheldacollectingbox.
“Ican’tbuytwoofthoseawfulpoemsinoneday,”saidVirginiapleadingly.“Iboughtonethismorning.Idid,indeed,honourbright.”
Theyoungmanthrewbackhisheadandlaughed.Virginialaughedwithhim.Runninghereyescarelesslyoverhim,shethoughthimamorepleasingspecimenthanusualofLondon’sunemployed.Shelikedhisbrownface,andtheleanhardnessofhim.Shewentsofarastowishshehadajobforhim.
Butatthatmomentthedooropened,andimmediatelyVirginiaforgotallabouttheproblemoftheunemployed,fortoherastonishmentthedoorwasopenedbyherownmaid,Elise.
“Where’sChilvers?”shedemandedsharply,asshesteppedintothehall.
“Butheisgone,madame,withtheothers.”
“Whatothers?Gonewhere?”
“ButtoDatchet,madame—tothecottage,asyourtelegramsaid.”
“Mytelegram?”saidVirginia,utterlyatsea.
“Didnotmadamesendatelegram?Surelytherecanbenomistake.Itcamebutanhourago.”
“Ineversentanytelegram.Whatdiditsay?”
“Ibelieveitisstillonthetablelà-bas.”
Eliseretired,pouncinguponit,andbroughtittohermistressintriumph.
“Voilà,madame!”
ThetelegramwasaddressedtoChilversandranasfollows:
“Pleasetakehouseholddowntocottageatonce,andmakepreparationsforweekendpartythere.Catch5:49train.”
Therewasnothingunusualaboutit,itwasjustthesortofmessagesheherselfhadfrequentlysentbefore,whenshehadarrangedapartyatherriversidebungalowonthespurofthemoment.Shealwaystookthewholehouseholddown,leavinganoldwomanascaretaker.Chilverswouldnothaveseenanythingwrongwiththemessage,andlikeagoodservanthadcarriedouthisordersfaithfullyenough.
“Me,Iremained,”explainedElise,“knowingthatmadamewouldwishmetopackforher.”
“It’sasillyhoax,”criedVirginia,flingingdownthetelegramangrily.“Youknowperfectlywell,Elise,thatIamgoingtoChimneys.Itoldyousothismorning.”
“Ithoughtmadamehadchangedhermind.Sometimesthatdoeshappen,doesitnot,madame?”
Virginiaadmittedthetruthoftheaccusationwithahalf-smile.Shewasbusytryingtofindareasonforthisextraordinarypracticaljoke.Eliseputforwardasuggestion.
“MonDieu!”shecried,claspingherhands.“Ifitshouldbethemalefactors,thethieves!Theysendthebogustelegramandgetthedomestiquesalloutofthehouse,andthentheyrobit.”
“Isupposethatmightbeit,”saidVirginiadoubtfully.
“Yes,yesmadame,thatiswithoutadoubt.Everydayyoureadinthepapersofsuchthings.Madamewillringupthepoliceatonce—atonce—beforetheyarriveandcutourthroats.”
“Don’tgetsoexcited,Elise.Theywon’tcomeandcutourthroatsatsixo’clockintheafternoon.”
“Madame,Iimploreyou,letmerunoutandfetchapolicemannow,atonce.”
“Whatonearthfor?Don’tbesilly,Elise.GoupandpackmythingsforChimneys,ifyouhaven’talreadydoneit.ThenewCailleauxeveningdress,andthewhitecrêpemarocain,and—yes,theblackvelvet—blackvelvetissopolitical,isitnot?”
“Madamelooksravishingintheeaudenilsatin,”suggestedElise,herprofessionalinstinctsreassertingthemselves.
“No,Iwon’ttakethat.Hurryup,Elise,there’sagoodgirl.We’vegotverylittletime.I’llsendawiretoChilversatDatchet,andI’llspeaktothepolicemanonthebeataswegooutandtellhimtokeepaneyeontheplace.Don’tstartrollingyoureyesagain,Elise—ifyougetsofrightenedbeforeanythinghashappened,whatwouldyoudoifamanjumpedoutfromsomedarkcornerandstuckaknifeintoyou?”
Elisegaveventtoashrillsqueak,andbeataspeedyretreatupthestairs,dartingnervousglancesoverhershoulderasshewent.
Virginiamadeafaceatherretreatingback,andcrossedthehalltothelittlestudywherethetelephonewas.Elise’ssuggestionofringingupthepolicestationseemedtoheragoodone,andsheintendedtoactuponitwithoutanyfurtherdelay.
Sheopenedthestudydoorandcrossedtothetelephone.Then,withherhandonthereceiver,shestopped.Amanwassittinginthebigarmchair,sittinginacurioushuddledposition.Inthestressofthemoment,shehadforgottenallaboutherexpectedvisitor.Apparentlyhehadfallenasleepwhilstwaitingforher.
Shecamerightuptothechair,aslightlymischievoussmileuponherface.Andthensuddenlythesmilefaded.
Themanwasnotasleep.Hewasdead.
Sheknewitatonce,knewitinstinctivelyevenbeforehereyeshadseenandnotedthesmallshiningpistollyingonthefloor,thelittlesingedholejustabovetheheartwiththedarkstainroundit,andthehorribledroppedjaw.
Shestoodquitestill,herhandspressedtohersides.InthesilencesheheardEliserunningdownthestairs.
“Madame!Madame!”
“Well,whatisit?”
Shemovedquicklytothedoor.Herwholeinstinctwastoconcealwhathadhappened—forthemomentanyway—fromElise.Elisewouldpromptlygointohysterics,sheknewthatwellenough,andshefeltagreatneedforcalmandquietinwhichtothinkthingsout.
“Madame,woulditnotbebetterifIshoulddrawthechainacrossthedoor?Thesemalefactors,atanyminutetheymayarrive.”
“Yes,ifyoulike.Anythingyoulike.”
Sheheardtherattleofthechain,andthenEliserunningupstairsagain,anddrewalongbreathofrelief.
Shelookedatthemaninthechairandthenatthetelephone.Hercoursewasquiteclear,shemustringupthepoliceatonce.
Butstillshedidnotdoso.Shestoodquitestill,paralysedwithhorrorandwithahostofconflictingideasrushingthroughherbrain.Thebogustelegram!Haditsomethingtodowiththis?SupposingElisehadnotstayedbehind?Shewouldhaveletherselfin—thatis,presumingshehadhadherlatchkeywithherasusualtofindherselfaloneinthehousewithamurderedman—amanwhomshehadpermittedtoblackmailheronaformeroccasion.Ofcourseshehadanexplanationofthat;butthinkingofthatexplanationshewasnotquiteeasyinhermind.SherememberedhowfranklyincredibleGeorgehadfoundit.Wouldotherpeoplethinkthesame?Thoselettersnow—ofcourse,shehadn’twrittenthem,butwoulditbesoeasytoprovethat?
Sheputherhandsonherforehead,squeezingthemtighttogether.
“Imustthink,”saidVirginia.“Isimplymustthink.”
Whohadletthemanin?SurelynotElise.Ifshehaddoneso,shewouldhavebeensuretohavementionedthefactatonce.Thewholethingseemedmoreandmoremysteriousasshethoughtaboutit.Therewasreallyonlyonethingtobedone—ringupthepolice.
Shestretchedoutherhandtothetelephone,andsuddenlyshethoughtofGeorge.Aman—thatwaswhatshewanted—anordinarylevelheaded,unemotionalmanwhowouldseethingsintheirproperproportionandpointouttoherthebestcoursetotake.
Thensheshookherhead.NotGeorge.ThefirstthingGeorgewouldthinkofwouldbehisownposition.Hewouldhatebeingmixedupinthiskindofbusiness.Georgewouldn’tdoatall.
Thenherfacesoftened.Bill,ofcourse!Withoutmoreado,sherangupBill.
ShewasinformedthathehadlefthalfanhouragoforChimneys.
“Oh,damn!”criedVirginia,jammingdownthereceiver.Itwashorribletobeshutupwithadeadbodyandtohavenoonetospeakto.
Andatthatminutethefrontdoorbellrang.
Virginiajumped.Inafewminutesitrangagain.Elise,sheknew,wasupstairspackingandwouldn’thearit.
Virginiawentoutinthehall,drewbackthechain,andundidalltheboltsthatElisehadfastenedinherzeal.Then,withalongbreath,shethrewopenthedoor.Onthestepswastheunemployedyoungman.
Virginiaplungedheadlongwithareliefbornofoverstrungnerves.
Comein,”shesaid.“IthinkperhapsI’vegotajobforyou.”
Shetookhimintothediningroom,pulledforwardachairforhim,satherselffacinghim,andstaredathimveryattentively.
“Excuseme,”shesaid,“butareyou—Imean—”
“EtonandOxford,”saidtheyoungman.“That’swhatyouwantedtoaskme,wasn’tit?”
“Somethingofthekind,”admittedVirginia.
“Comedownintheworldentirelythroughmyownincapacitytosticktoregularwork.Thisisn’tregularworkyou’reofferingme,Ihope?”
Asmilehoveredforamomentonherlips.
“It’sveryirregular.”
“Good,”saidtheyoungmaninatoneofsatisfaction.
Virginianotedhisbronzedfaceandlongleanbodywithapproval.
“Yousee,”sheexplained.“I’minratherahole,andmostofmyfriendsare—well,ratherhighup.They’veallgotsomethingtolose.”
“I’venothingwhatevertolose.Sogoahead.What’sthetrouble?”
“There’sadeadmaninthenextroom,”saidVirginia.“He’sbeenmurdered,andIdon’tknowwhattodoaboutit.”
Sheblurtedoutthewordsassimplyasachildmighthavedone.Theyoungmanwentupenormouslyinherestimationbythewayheacceptedherstatement.Hemighthavebeenusedtohearingasimilarannouncementmadeeverydayofhislife.
“Excellent,”hesaid,withatraceofenthusiasm.“I’vealwayswantedtodoabitofamateurdetectivework.Shallwegoandviewthebody,orwillyougivemethefactsfirst?”
“IthinkI’dbettergiveyouthefacts.”Shepausedforamomenttoconsiderhowbesttocondenseherstory,andthenbeganspeakingquietlyandconcisely:
“Thismancametothehouseforthefirsttimeyesterdayandaskedtoseeme.Hehadcertainletterswithhim—loveletters,signedwithmyname—”
“Butwhichweren’twrittenbyyou,”putintheyoungmanquietly.
Virginialookedathiminsomeastonishment.
“Howdidyouknowthat?”
“Oh,Ideducedit.Butgoon.”
“Hewantedtoblackmailme—andI—well,Idon’tknowifyou’llunderstand,butI—lethim.”
Shelookedathimappealingly,andhenoddedhisheadreassuringly.
“OfcourseIunderstand.Youwantedtoseewhatitfeltlike.”
“Howfrightfullycleverofyou!That’sjustwhatIdidfeel.”
“Iamclever,”saidtheyoungmanmodestly.“But,mindyou,veryfewpeoplewouldunderstandthatpointofview.Mostpeople,yousee,haven’tgotanyimagination.”
“Isupposethat’sso.Itoldthismantocomebacktoday—atsixo’clock.IarrivedhomefromRanelaghtofindthatabogustelegramhadgotalltheservantsexceptmymaidoutofthehouse.ThenIwalkedintothestudyandfoundthemanshot.”
“Wholethimin?”
“Idon’tknow.Ithinkifmymaidhaddonesoshewouldhavetoldme.”
“Doessheknowwhathashappened?”
“Ihavetoldhernothing.”
Theyoungmannodded,androsetohisfeet.
“Andnowtoviewthebody,”hesaidbriskly.“ButI’lltellyouthis—onthewholeit’salwaysbesttotellthetruth.Onelieinvolvesyouinsuchalotoflies—andcontinuouslyingissomonotonous.”
“Thenyouadvisemetoringupthepolice?”
“Probably.Butwe’lljusthavealookatthefellowfirst.”
Virginialedthewayoutoftheroom.Onthethresholdshepaused,lookingbackathim.
“Bytheway,”shesaid,“youhaven’ttoldmeyournameyet?”
“Myname?Myname’sAnthonyCade.”
Nine
ANTHONYDISPOSESOFABODY
AnthonyfollowedVirginiaoutoftheroom,smilingalittletohimself.Eventshadtakenquiteanunexpectedturn.Butashebentoverthefigureinthechairhegrewgraveagain.
“He’sstillwarm,”hesaidsharply.“Hewaskilledlessthanhalfanhourago.”
“JustbeforeIcamein?”
“Exactly.”
Hestoodupright,drawinghisbrowstogetherinafrown.ThenheaskedaquestionofwhichVirginiadidnotatonceseethedrift:
“Yourmaid’snotbeeninthisroom,ofcourse?”
“No.”
“Doessheknowthatyou’vebeenintoit?”
“Why—yes.Icametothedoortospeaktoher.”
“Afteryou’dfoundthebody?”
“Yes.”
“Andyousaidnothing?”
“WouldithavebeenbetterifIhad?Ithoughtshewouldgointohysterics—she’sFrench,youknow,andeasilyupset—Iwantedtothinkoverthebestthingtodo.”
Anthonynodded,butdidnotspeak.
“Youthinkitapity,Icansee?”
“Well,itwasratherunfortunate,Mrs.Revel.Ifyouandthemaidhaddiscoveredthebodytogether,immediatelyonyourreturn,itwouldhavesimplifiedmattersverymuch.Themanwouldthendefinitelyhavebeenshotbeforeyourreturntothehouse.”
“Whilstnowtheymightsayhewasshotafter—Isee—”
Hewatchedhertakingintheidea,andwasconfirmedinhisfirstimpressionofher,formedwhenshehadspokentohimonthestepsoutside.Besidesbeauty,shepossessedcourageandbrains.
Virginiawassoengrossedinthepuzzlepresentedtoherthatitdidnotoccurtohertowonderatthisstrangeman’sreadyuseofhername.
“Whydidn’tEliseheartheshot,Iwonder?”shemurmured.
Anthonypointedtotheopenwindow,asaloudbackfirecamefromapassingcar
“Thereyouare.London’snottheplacetonoticeapistolshot.”
Virginiaturnedwithalittleshuddertothebodyinthechair.
“HelookslikeanItalian,”sheremarkedcuriously.
“HeisanItalian,”saidAnthony.“Ishouldsaythathisregularprofessionwasthatofawaiter.Heonlydidblackmailinginhissparetime.HisnamemightverypossiblybeGiuseppe.”
“Goodheavens!”criedVirginia.“IsthisSherlockHolmes?”
“No,”saidAnthonyregretfully.“I’mafraidit’sjustplainorgardencheating.I’lltellyouallaboutitpresently.Nowyousaythismanshowedyousomelettersandaskedyouformoney.Didyougivehimany?”
“Yes,Idid.”
“Howmuch?”
“Fortypounds.”
“That’sbad,”saidAnthony,butwithoutmanifestinganyunduesurprise.“Nowlet’shavealookatthetelegram.”
Virginiapickeditupfromthetableandgaveittohim.Shesawhisfacegrowgraveashelookedatit.
“What’sthematter?”
Hehelditout,pointingsilentlytotheplaceoforigin.
“Barnes,”hesaid.“AndyouwereatRanelaghthisafternoon.What’stopreventyouhavingsentitoffyourself?”
Virginiafeltfascinatedbyhiswords.Itwasasthoughanetwasclosingtighterandtighterroundher.Hewasforcinghertoseeallthethingswhichshehadfeltdimlyatthebackofhermind.
Anthonytookouthishandkerchiefandwounditroundhishand,thenhepickedupthepistol.
“Wecriminalshavetobesocareful,”hesaidapologetically.“Fingerprints,youknow.”
Suddenlyshesawhiswholefigurestiffen.Hisvoice,whenhespoke,hadaltered.Itwasterseandcurt.
“Mrs.Revel,”hesaid,“haveyoueverseenthispistolbefore?”
“No,”saidVirginiawonderingly.
“Areyousureofthat?”
“Quitesure.”
“Haveyouapistolofyourown?”
“No.”
“Haveyoueverhadone?”
“No,never.”
“Youaresureofthat?”
“Quitesure.”
Hestaredathersteadilyforaminute,andVirginiastaredbackincompletesurpriseathistone.
Then,withasigh,herelaxed.
“That’sodd,”hesaid.“Howdoyouaccountforthis?”
Heheldoutthepistol.Itwasasmall,daintyarticle,almostatoy—thoughcapableofdoingdeadlywork.EngravedonitwasthenameVirginia.
“Oh,it’simpossible!”criedVirginia.
HerastonishmentwassogenuinethatAnthonycouldbutbelieveinit.
“Sitdown,”hesaidquietly.“There’smoreinthisthanthereseemedtobefirstgooff.Tobeginwith,what’sourhypothesis?Thereareonlytwopossibleones.Thereis,ofcourse,therealVirginiaoftheletters.Shemayhavesomehoworothertrackedhimdown,shothim,droppedthepistol,stolentheletters,andtakenherselfoff.That’squitepossible,isn’tit?”
“Isupposeso,”saidVirginiaunwillingly.
“Theotherhypothesisisagooddealmoreinteresting.WhoeverwishedtokillGiuseppe,wishedalsotoincriminateyou—infact,thatmayhavebeentheirmainobject.Theycouldgethimeasilyenoughanywhere,buttheytookextraordinarypainsandtroubletogethimhere,andwhoevertheyweretheyknewallaboutyou,yourcottageatDatchet,yourusualhouseholdarrangements,andthefactthatyouwereatRanelaghthisafternoon.Itseemsanabsurdquestion,buthaveyouanyenemies,Mrs.Revel?”
“OfcourseIhaven’t—notthatkind,anyway.”
“Thequestionis,”saidAnthony,“whatarewegoingtodonow?Therearetwocoursesopentous.A:ringupthepolice,tellthewholestory,andtrusttoyourunassailablepositionintheworldandyourhithertoblamelesslife.B:anattemptonmyparttodisposesuccessfullyofthebody.NaturallymyprivateinclinationsurgemetoB.I’vealwayswantedtoseeifIcouldn’tconcealacrimewiththenecessarycunning,buthavehadasqueamishobjectiontosheddingblood.Onthewhole,IexpectA’sthesoundest.Thenhere’sasortofbowdlerizedA.Ringupthepolice,etc,butsuppressthepistolandtheblackmailingletters—thatis,iftheyareonhimstill.”
Anthonyranrapidlythroughthedeadman’spockets.
“He’sbeenstrippedclean,”heannounced.“There’snotathingonhim.There’llbedirtyworkatthecrossroadsoverthoselettersyet.Hullo,what’sthis?Holeinthelining—somethinggotcaughtthere,tornroughlyout,andascrapofpaperleftbehind.”
Hedrewoutthescrapofpaperashespoke,andbroughtitovertothelight.Virginiajoinedhim.
“Pitywehaven’tgottherestofit,”hemuttered.“Chimneys11:45Thursday—Soundslikeanappointment.”
“Chimneys?”criedVirginia.“Howextraordinary!”
“Whyextraordinary?Ratherhigh-tonedforsuchalowfellow?”
“I’mgoingtoChimneysthisevening.AtleastIwas.”
Anthonywheeledroundonher.
“What’sthat?Saythatagain.”
“IwasgoingtoChimneysthisevening,”repeatedVirginia.
Anthonystaredather.
“Ibegintosee.Atleast,Imaybewrong—butit’sanidea.SupposesomeonewantedbadlytopreventyourgoingtoChimneys?”
“MycousinGeorgeLomaxdoes,”saidVirginiawithasmile.“ButIcan’tseriouslysuspectGeorgeofmurder.”
Anthonydidnotsmile.Hewaslostinthought.
“Ifyouringupthepolice,itsgood-byetoanyideaofgettingtoChimneystoday—oreventomorrow.AndIshouldlikeyoutogotoChimneys.Ifancyitwilldisconcertourunknownfriends.Mrs.Revel,willyouputyourselfinmyhands?”
“It’stobePlanB,then?”
“It’stobePlanB.Thefirstthingistogetthatmaidofyoursoutofthehouse.Canyoumanagethat?”
“Easily.”
Virginiawentoutinthehallandcalledupthestairs.
“Elise.Elise.”
“Madame?”
Anthonyheardarapidcolloquy,andthenthefrontdooropenedandshut.Virginiacamebackintotheroom.
“She’sgone.Isentherforsomespecialscent—toldhertheshopinquestionwasopenuntileight.Itwon’tbe,ofcourse.She’stofollowaftermebythenexttrainwithoutcomingbackhere.”
“Good,”saidAnthonyapprovingly.“Wecannowproceedtothedisposalofthebody.It’satimewornmethod,butI’mafraidIshallhavetoaskyouifthere’ssuchathinginthehouseasatrunk?”
“Ofcoursethereis.Comedowntothebasementandtakeyourchoice.”
Therewasavarietyoftrunksinthebasement.Anthonyselectedasolidaffairofsuitablesize.
“I’llattendtothispartofit,”hesaidtactfully.“Yougoupstairsandgetreadytostart.”
Virginiaobeyed.Sheslippedoutofhertenniskit,putonasoftbrowntravellingdressandadelightfullittleorangehat,andcamedowntofindAnthonywaitinginthehallwithaneatlystrappedtrunkbesidehim.
“Ishouldliketotellyouthestoryofmylife,”heremarked,“butit’sgoingtoberatherabusyevening.Nowthisiswhatyou’vegottodo.Callataxi,haveyourluggageputonit,includingthetrunk.DrivetoPaddington.TherehavethetrunkputintheLeftLuggageOffice.Ishallbeontheplatform.Asyoupassme,dropthecloakroomticket.Iwillpickitupandreturnittoyou,butinrealityIshallkeepit.GoontoChimneys,andleavetheresttome.”
“It’sawfullygoodofyou,”saidVirginia.“It’sreallydreadfulofmesaddlingaperfectstrangerwithadeadbodylikethis.”
“Ilikeit,”returnedAnthonynonchalantly.“Ifoneofmyfriends,JimmyMcGrath,werehere,he’dtellyouthatanythingofthiskindsuitsmedowntotheground.”
Virginiawasstaringathim.
“Whatnamedidyousay?JimmyMcGrath?”
Anthonyreturnedherglancekeenly.
“Yes.Why?Haveyouheardofhim?”
“Yes—andquitelately.”Shepausedirresolutely,andthenwenton.“Mr.Cade,Imusttalktoyou.Can’tyoucomedowntoChimneys?”
“You’llseemebeforeverylong,Mrs.Revel—I’lltellyouthat.Now,exitConspiratorAbybackdoorslinkingly.ExitConspiratorBinblazeofglorybyfrontdoortotaxi.”
Theplanwentthroughwithoutahitch.Anthony,havingpickedupasecondtaxi,wasontheplatformanddulyretrievedthefallenticket.HethendepartedinsearchofasomewhatbatteredsecondhandMorrisCowleywhichhehadacquiredearlierinthedayincaseitshouldbenecessarytohisplans.
ReturningtoPaddingtoninthis,hehandedthetickettotheporter,whogotthetrunkoutofthecloakroomandwedgeditsecurelyatthebackofthecar.Anthonydroveoff.
HisobjectivenowwasoutofLondon.ThroughNottingHill,Shepherd’sBush,downGoldhawkRoad,throughBrentfordandHounslowtillhecametothelongstretchofroadmidwaybetweenHounslowandStaines.Itwasawell-frequentedroad,withmotorspassingcontinuously.Nofootmarksortyremarkswerelikelytoshow.Anthonystoppedthecaratacertainspot.Gettingdown,hefirstobscuredthenumberplatewithmud.Then,waitinguntilheheardnocarcomingineitherdirection,heopenedthetrunk,heavedoutGiuseppe’sbody,andlaiditneatlydownbythesideoftheroad,ontheinsideofacurve,sothattheheadlightsofpassingmotorswouldnotstrikeonit.
Thenheenteredthecaragainanddroveaway.Thewholebusinesshadoccupiedexactlyoneminuteandahalf.Hemadeadetourtotheright,returningtoLondonbywayofBurnhamBeeches.Thereagainhehaltedthecar,andchoosingagiantoftheforesthedeliberatelyclimbedthehugetree.Itwassomethingofafeat,evenforAnthony.Tooneofthetopmostbranchesheaffixedasmallbrown-paperparcel,concealingitinalittlenicheclosetothebole.
“Averycleverwayofdisposingofthepistol,”saidAnthonytohimselfwithsomeapproval.“Everybodyhuntsaboutontheground,anddragsponds.ButthereareveryfewpeopleinEnglandwhocouldclimbthattree.”
Next,backtoLondonandPaddingtonStation.Hereheleftthetrunk—attheothercloakroomthistime,theoneontheArrivalside.Hethoughtlonginglyofsuchthingsasgoodrumpsteaks,juicychops,andlargemassesoffriedpotatoes.Butheshookhisheadruefully,glancingathiswristwatch.HefedtheMorriswithafreshsupplyofpetrol,andthentooktheroadoncemore.Norththistime.
ItwasjustafterhalfpasteleventhathebroughtthecartorestintheroadadjoiningtheparkofChimneys.Jumpingouthescaledthewalleasilyenough,andsetouttowardsthehouse.Ittookhimlongerthanhethought,andpresentlyhebrokeintoarun.Agreatgreymassloomedupoutofthedarkness—thevenerablepileofChimneys.Inthedistanceastableclockchimedthethree-quarters.
11:45—thetimementionedonthescrapofpaper.Anthonywasontheterracenow,lookingupatthehouse.Everythingseemeddarkandquiet.
“Theygotobedearly,thesepoliticians,”hemurmuredtohimself.
Andsuddenlyasoundsmoteuponhisears—thesoundofashot.Anthonyspunroundquickly.Thesoundhadcomefromwithinthehouse—hewassureofthat.Hewaitedaminute,buteverythingwasstillasdeath.FinallyhewentuptooneofthelongFrenchwindowsfromwherehejudgedthesoundthathadstartledhimhadcome.Hetriedthehandle.Itwaslocked.Hetriedsomeoftheotherwindows,listeningintentlyallthewhile.Butthesilenceremainedunbroken.
Intheendhetoldhimselfthathemusthaveimaginedthesound,orperhapsmistakenastrayshotcomingfromapoacherinthewoods.Heturnedandretracedhisstepsacrossthepark,vaguelydissatisfiedanduneasy.
Helookedbackatthehouse,andwhilsthelookedalightsprangupinoneofthewindowsonthefirstfloor.Inanotherminuteitwentoutagain,andthewholeplacewasindarknessoncemore.
Ten
CHIMNEYS
InspectorBadgworthyinhisoffice.Time,8:30a.m.Atallportlyman,InspectorBadgworthy,withaheavyregulationtread.Inclinedtobreathehardinmomentsofprofessionalstrain.InattendanceConstableJohnson,verynewtotheForce,withadownyunfledgedlookabouthim,likeahumanchicken.
Thetelephoneonthetablerangsharply,andtheinspectortookitupwithhisusualportentousgravityofaction.
“Yes.PolicestationMarketBasing.InspectorBadgworthyspeaking.What?”
Slightalterationintheinspector’smanner.AsheisgreaterthanJohnson,soothersaregreaterthanInspectorBadgworthy.
“Speaking,mylord.Ibegyourpardon,mylord?Ididn’tquitehearwhatyousaid?”
Longpause,duringwhichtheinspectorlistens,quiteavarietyofexpressionspassingoverhisusuallyimpassivecountenance.Finallyhelaysdownthereceiver,afterabrief“Atonce,mylord.”
HeturnedtoJohnson,seemingvisiblyswelledwithimportance.
“Fromhislordship—atChimneys—murder.”
“Murder,”echoedJohnson,suitablyimpressed.
“Murderitis,”saidtheinspector,withgreatsatisfaction.
“Why,there’sneverbeenamurderhere—notthatI’veeverheardof—exceptthetimethatTomPearseshothissweetheart.”
“Andthat,inamannerofspeaking,wasn’tmurderatall,butdrink,”saidtheinspector,deprecatingly.
“Heweren’thangedforit,”agreedJohnsongloomily.“Butthisistherealthing,isit,sir?”
“Itis,Johnson.Oneofhislordship’sguests,aforeigngentleman,discoveredshot.Openwindow,andfootprintsoutside.”
“I’msorryitwereaforeigner,”saidJohnson,withsomeregret.
Itmadethemurderseemlessreal.Foreigners,Johnsonfelt,wereliabletobeshot.
“Hislordship’sinararetaking,”continuedtheinspector.“We’llgetholdofDr.Cartwrightandtakehimupwithusrightaway.Ihopetogoodnessnoonewillgetmessingwiththosefootprints.”
Badgworthywasinaseventhheaven.Amurder!AtChimneys!InspectorBadgworthyinchargeofthecase.Thepolicehaveaclue.Sensationalarrest.Promotionandkudosfortheaforementionedinspector.
“Thatis,”saidInspectorBadgworthytohimself,“ifScotlandYarddoesn’tcomebuttingin.”
Thethoughtdampedhimmomentarily.Itseemedsoextremelylikelytohappenunderthecircumstances.
TheystoppedatDr.Cartwright’s,andthedoctor,whowasacomparativelyyoungman,displayedakeeninterest.HisattitudewasalmostexactlythatofJohnson.
“Why,blessmysoul,”heexclaimed.“Wehaven’thadamurderheresincethetimeofTomPearse.”
Allthreeofthemgotintothedoctor’slittlecar,andstartedoffbrisklyforChimneys.Astheypassedthelocalinn,theJollyCricketers,thedoctornoticedamanstandinginthedoorway.
“Stranger,”heremarked.“Ratheranice-lookingfellow.Wonderhowlonghe’sbeenhere,andwhathe’sdoingstayingattheCricketers?Ihaven’tseenhimaboutatall.Hemusthavearrivedlastnight.”
“Hedidn’tcomebytrain,”saidJohnson.
Johnson’sbrotherwasthelocalrailwayporter,andJohnsonwasthereforealwayswellupinarrivalsanddepartures.
“WhowashereforChimneysyesterday?”askedtheinspector.
“LadyEileen,shecomedownbythe3:40,andtwogentlemenwithher,anAmericangentandayoungArmychap—neitherofthemwithvalets.Hislordshipcomedownwithaforeigngentleman,theonethat’sbeenshotaslikelyasnot,bythe5:40,andtheforeigngentleman’svalet.Mr.Eversleighcomebythesametrain.Mrs.Revelcamebythe7:25,andanotherforeign-lookinggentlemancamebyittoo,onewithabaldheadandahooknose.Mrs.Revel’smaidcamebythe8:56.”
Johnsonpaused,outofbreath.
“AndtherewasnoonefortheCricketers?”
Johnsonshookhishead.
“Hemusthavecomebycarthen,”saidtheinspector.“Johnson,makeanotetoinstituteinquiriesattheCricketersonyourwayback.Wewanttoknowallaboutanystrangers.Hewasverysunburnt,thatgentleman.Likelyasnot,he’scomefromforeignpartstoo.”
Theinspectornoddedhisheadwithgreatsagacity,asthoughtoimplythatthatwasthesortofwide-awakemanhewas—nottobecaughtnappingunderanyconsideration.
ThecarpassedinthroughtheparkgatesofChimneys.Descriptionsofthathistoricplacecanbefoundinanyguidebook.ItisalsoNo.3inHistoricHomesofEngland,price21s.OnThursday,coachescomeoverfromMiddlinghamandviewthoseportionsofitwhichareopentothepublic.Inviewofallthesefacilities,todescribeChimneyswouldbesuperfluous.
Theywerereceivedatthedoorbyawhite-headedbutlerwhosedemeanourwasperfect.
“Wearenotaccustomed,”itseemedtosay,“tohavingmurdercommittedwithinthesewalls.Buttheseareevildays.Letusmeetdisasterwithperfectcalm,andpretendwithourdyingbreaththatnothingoutoftheusualhasoccurred.”
“Hislordship,”saidthebutler,“isexpectingyou.Thisway,ifyouplease.”
HeledthemtoasmallcosyroomwhichwasLordCaterham’srefugefromthemagnificenceelsewhere,andannouncedthem.
“Thepolice,mylord,andDr.Cartwright.”
LordCaterhamwaspacingupanddowninavisiblyagitatedstate.
“Ha!Inspector,you’veturnedupatlast.I’mthankfulforthat.Howareyou,Cartwright?Thisistheverydevilofabusiness,youknow.Theverydevilofabusiness.”
AndLordCaterham,runninghishandsthroughhishairinafrenziedfashionuntilitstooduprightinlittletufts,lookedevenlesslikeapeeroftherealmthanusual.
“Where’sthebody?”askedthedoctor,incurtbusinesslikefashion.
LordCaterhamturnedtohimasthoughrelievedatbeingaskedadirectquestion.
“IntheCouncilChamber—justwhereitwasfound—Iwouldn’thaveittouched.Ibelieved—er—thatthatwasthecorrectthingtodo.”
“Quiteright,mylord,”saidtheinspectorapprovingly.
Heproducedanotebookandpencil.
“Andwhodiscoveredthebody?Didyou?”
“GoodLord,no,”saidLordCaterham.“Youdon’tthinkIusuallygetupatthisunearthlyhourinthemorning,doyou?No,ahousemaidfoundit.Shescreamedagooddeal,Ibelieve.Ididn’thearhermyself.Thentheycametomeaboutit,andofcourseIgotupandcamedown—andthereitwas,youknow.”
“Yourecognizedthebodyasthatofoneofyourguests?”
“That’sright,Inspector.”
“Byname?”
ThisperfectlysimplequestionseemedtoupsetLordCaterham.Heopenedhismouthonceortwice,andthenshutitagain.Finallyheaskedfeebly:
“Doyoumean—doyoumean—whatwashisname?”
“Yes,mylord.”
“Well,”saidLordCaterham,lookingslowlyroundtheroom,asthoughhopingtogaininspiration.“Hisnamewas—Ishouldsayitwas—yes,decidedlyso—CountStanislaus.”
TherewassomethingsooddaboutLordCaterham’smanner,thattheinspectorceasedusinghispencilandstaredathiminstead.Butatthatmomentadiversionoccurredwhichseemedhighlywelcometotheembarrassedpeer.
Thedooropenedandagirlcameintotheroom.Shewastall,slimanddark,withanattractiveboyishface,andaverydeterminedmanner.ThiswasLadyEileenBrent,commonlyknownasBundle,LordCaterham’seldestdaughter.Shenoddedtotheothers,andaddressedherfatherdirectly.
“I’vegothim,”sheannounced.
Foramomenttheinspectorwasonthepointofstartingforwardundertheimpressionthattheyoungladyhadcapturedthemurdererred-handed,butalmostimmediatelyherealizedthathermeaningwasquitedifferent.
LordCaterhamutteredasighofrelief.
“That’sagoodjob.Whatdidhesay?”
“He’scomingoveratonce.Weareto‘usetheutmostdiscretion.’”
Herfathermadeasoundofannoyance.
“That’sjustthesortofidioticthingGeorgeLomaxwouldsay.However,oncehecomes,Ishallwashmyhandsofthewholeaffair.”
Heappearedtocheerupalittleattheprospect.
“AndthenameofthemurderedmanwasCountStanislaus?”queriedthedoctor.
Alightningglancepassedbetweenfatheranddaughter,andthentheformersaidwithsomedignity:
“Certainly.Isaidsojustnow.”
“Iaskedbecauseyoudidn’tseemquitesureaboutitbefore,”explainedCartwright.
Therewasafainttwinkleinhiseye,andLordCaterhamlookedathimreproachfully.
“I’lltakeyoutotheCouncilChamber,”hesaidmorebriskly.
Theyfollowedhim,theinspectorbringinguptherear,anddartingsharpglancesallaroundhimashewent,muchasthoughheexpectedtofindaclueinapictureframe,orbehindadoor.
LordCaterhamtookakeyfromhispocketandunlockedadoor,flingingitopen.Theyallpassedintoabigroompanelledinoak,withthreeFrenchwindowsgivingontheterrace.Therewasalongrefectorytableandagoodmanyoakchests,andsomebeautifuloldchairs.OnthewallswerevariouspaintingsofdeadandgoneCaterhamsandothers.
Neartheleft-handwall,abouthalfwaybetweenthedoorandthewindow,amanwaslyingonhisback,hisarmsflungwide.
Dr.Cartwrightwentoverandkneltdownbythebody.Theinspectorstrodeacrosstothewindows,andexaminedtheminturn.Thecentreonewasclosed,butnotfastened.Onthestepsoutsidewerefootprintsleadinguptothewindow,andasecondsetgoingawayagain.
“Clearenough,”saidtheinspector,withanod.“Butthereoughttobefootprintsontheinsideaswell.They’dshowupplainonthisparquetfloor.”
“IthinkIcanexplainthat,”interposedBundle.“Thehousemaidhadpolishedhalfthefloorthismorningbeforeshesawthebody.Yousee,itwasdarkwhenshecameinhere.Shewentstraightacrosstothewindows,drewthecurtains,andbeganonthefloor,andnaturallydidn’tseethebodywhichishiddenfromthatsideoftheroombythetable.Shedidn’tseeituntilshecamerightontopofit.”
Theinspectornodded.
“Well,”saidLordCaterham,eagertoescape.“I’llleaveyouhere,Inspector.You’llbeabletofindmeifyou—er—wantme.ButMr.GeorgeLomaxiscomingoverfromWyvernAbbeyshortly,andhe’llbeabletotellyoufarmorethanIcould.It’shisbusinessreally.Ican’texplain,buthewillwhenhecomes.”
LordCaterhambeataprecipitateretreatwithoutwaitingforareply.
“ToobadofLomax,”hecomplained.“Lettingmeinforthis.What’sthematter,Tredwell?”
Thewhite-hairedbutlerwashoveringdeferentiallyathiselbow.
“Ihavetakentheliberty,mylord,ofadvancingthebreakfasthourasfarasyouareconcerned.Everythingisreadyinthediningroom.”
“Idon’tsupposeforaminuteIcaneatanything,”saidLordCaterhamgloomily,turninghisfootstepsinthatdirection.“Notforamoment.”
Bundleslippedherhandthroughhisarm,andtheyenteredthediningroomtogether.Onthesideboardwerehalfascoreofheavysilverdishes,ingeniouslykepthotbypatentarrangements.
“Omelet,”saidLordCaterham,liftingeachlidinturn.“Eggsandbacon,kidneys,devilledbird,haddock,coldham,coldpheasant.Idon’tlikeanyofthesethings,Tredwell.Askthecooktopoachmeanegg,willyou?”
“Verygood,mylord.”
Tredwellwithdrew.LordCaterham,inanabsentmindedfashion,helpedhimselfplentifullytokidneysandbacon,pouredhimselfoutacupofcoffee,andsatdownatthelongtable.Bundlewasalreadybusywithaplatefulofeggsandbacon.
“I’mdamnedhungry,”saidBundlewithhermouthfull.“Itmustbetheexcitement.”
“It’sallverywellforyou,”complainedherfather.“Youyoungpeoplelikeexcitement.ButI’minaverydelicatestateofhealth.Avoidallworry,that’swhatSirAbnerWillissaid—avoidallworry.SoeasyforamansittinginhisconsultingroominHarleyStreettosaythat.HowcanIavoidworrywhenthatassLomaxlandsmewithathinglikethis?Ioughttohavebeenfirmatthetime.Ioughttohaveputmyfootdown.”
Withasadshakeofthehead,LordCaterhamroseandcarvedhimselfaplateofham.
“Coddershascertainlydoneitthistime,”observedBundlecheerfully.“Hewasalmostincoherentoverthetelephone.He’llbehereinaminuteortwo,splutteringnineteentothedozenaboutdiscretionandhushingitup.”
LordCaterhamgroanedattheprospect.
“Washeup?”heasked.
“Hetoldme,”repliedBundle,“thathehadbeenupanddictatinglettersandmemorandaeversinceseveno’clock.”
“Proudofit,too,”remarkedherfather.“Extraordinarilyselfish,thesepublicmen.Theymaketheirwretchedsecretariesgetupatthemostunearthlyhoursinordertodictaterubbishtothem.Ifalawwaspassedcompellingthemtostopinbeduntileleven,whatabenefititwouldbetothenation!Iwouldn’tmindsomuchiftheydidn’ttalksuchbalderdash.Lomaxisalwaystalkingtomeofmy‘position.’AsifIhadany.Whowantstobeapeernowadays?”
“Nobody,”saidBundle.“They’dmuchratherkeepaprosperouspublichouse.”
TredwellreappearedsilentlywithtwopoachedeggsinalittlesilverdishwhichheplacedonthetableinfrontofLordCaterham.
“What’sthat,Tredwell?”saidthelatter,lookingatthemwithfaintdistaste.
“Poachedeggs,mylord.”
“Ihatepoachedeggs,”saidLordCaterhampeevishly.“They’resoinsipid.Idon’tliketolookatthemeven.Takethemaway,willyou,Tredwell?”
“Verygood,mylord.”
Tredwellandthepoachedeggswithdrewassilentlyastheycame.
“ThankGodnoonegetsupearlyinthishouse,”remarkedLordCaterhamdevoutly.“Weshallhavetobreakthistothemwhentheydo,Isuppose.”
Hesighed.
“Iwonderwhomurderedhim,”saidBundle.“Andwhy?”
“That’snotourbusiness,thankgoodness,”saidLordCaterham.“That’sforthepolicetofindout.NotthatBadgworthywilleverfindanything.OnthewholeIratherhopeitwasNosystein.”
“Meaning—”
“Theall-Britishsyndicate.”
“WhyshouldMr.Isaacsteinmurderhimwhenhe’dcomedownhereonpurposetomeethim?”
“Highfinance,”saidLordCaterhamvaguely.“Andthatremindsme,Ishouldn’tbeatallsurprisedifIsaacsteinwasn’tanearlyriser.Hemayblowinuponusatanyminute.It’sahabitinthecity.Ibelievethat,howeverrichyouare,youalwayscatchthe9:17.”
Thesoundofamotorbeingdrivenatgreatspeedwasheardthroughtheopenwindow.
“Codders,”criedBundle.
Fatheranddaughterleanedoutofthewindowandhailedtheoccupantofthecarasitdrewupbeforetheentrance.
“Inhere,mydearfellow,inhere,”criedLordCaterham,hastilyswallowinghismouthfulofham.
Georgehadnointentionofclimbinginthroughthewindow.Hedisappearedthroughthefrontdoor,andreappearedusheredinbyTredwell,whowithdrewatonce.
“Havesomebreakfast,”saidLordCaterham,shakinghimbythehand.“Whataboutakidney?”
Georgewavedthekidneyasideimpatiently.
“Thisisaterriblecalamity,terrible,terrible.”
“Itisindeed.Somehaddock?”
“No,no.Itmustbehushedup—atallcostsitmustbehushedup.”
AsBundlehadprophesied,Georgebegantosplutter.
“Iunderstandyourfeelings,”saidLordCaterhamsympathetically.“Tryaneggandbacon,orsomehaddock.”
“Atotallyunforeseencontingency—nationalcalamity—concessionsjeopardized—”
“Taketime,”saidLordCaterham.“Andtakesomefood.Whatyouneedissomefood,topullyoutogether.Poachedeggsnow?Thereweresomepoachedeggshereaminuteortwoago.”
“Idon’twantanyfood,”saidGeorge.“I’vehadbreakfast,andevenifIhadn’thadanyIshouldn’twantit.Wemustthinkwhatistobedone.Youhavetoldnooneasyet?”
“Well,there’sBundleandmyself.Andthelocalpolice.AndCartwright.Andalltheservantsofcourse.”
Georgegroaned.
“Pullyourselftogether,mydearfellow,”saidLordCaterhamkindly.“(Iwishyou’dhavesomebreakfast.)Youdon’tseemtorealizethatyoucan’thushupadeadbody.It’sgottobeburiedandallthatsortofthing.Veryunfortunate,butthereitis.”
Georgebecamesuddenlycalm.
“Youareright,Caterham.Youhavecalledinthelocalpolice,yousay?Thatwillnotdo.WemusthaveBattle.”
“Battle,murderandsuddendeath,”inquiredLordCaterham,withapuzzledface.
“No,no,youmisunderstandme.IreferredtoSuperintendentBattleofScotlandYard.Amanoftheutmostdiscretion.HeworkedwithusinthatdeplorablebusinessofthePartyfunds.”
“Whatwasthat?”askedLordCaterham,withsomeinterest.
ButGeorge’seyehadfallenuponBundle,asshesathalfinandhalfoutofthewindow,andheremembereddiscretionjustintime.Herose.
“Wemustwastenotime.Imustsendoffsomewiresatonce.”
“Ifyouwritethemout,Bundlewillsendthemthroughthetelephone.”
Georgepulledoutafountainpenandbegantowritewithincrediblerapidity.HehandedthefirstonetoBundle,whoreaditwithagreatdealofinterest.
“God!whataname,”sheremarked.“BaronHowMuch?”
“BaronLolopretjzyl.”
Bundleblinked.
“I’vegotit,butitwilltakesomeconveyingtothepostoffice.”
Georgecontinuedtowrite.ThenhehandedhislabourstoBundleandaddressedthemasterofthehouse:
“Thebestthingthatyoucando,Caterham—”
“Yes,”saidLordCaterhamapprehensively.
“Istoleaveeverythinginmyhands.”
“Certainly,”saidLordCaterham,withalacrity.“JustwhatIwasthinkingmyself.You’llfindthepoliceandDr.CartwrightintheCouncilChamber.Withthe—er—withthebody,youknow.MydearLomax,IplaceChimneysunreservedlyatyourdisposal.Doanythingyoulike.”
“Thankyou,”saidGeorge.“IfIshouldwanttoconsultyou—”
ButLordCaterhamhadfadedunobtrusivelythroughthefartherdoor.Bundlehadobservedhisretreatwithagrimsmile
“I’llsendoffthosetelegramsatonce,”shesaid.“YouknowyourwaytotheCouncilChamber?”
“Thankyou,LadyEileen.”
Georgehurriedfromtheroom.
Eleven
SUPERINTENDENTBATTLEARRIVES
SoapprehensivewasLordCaterhamofbeingconsultedbyGeorgethathespentthewholemorningmakingatourofhisestate.Onlythepangsofhungerdrewhimhomeward.Healsoreflectedthatbynowtheworstwouldsurelybeover.
Hesneakedintothehousequietlybyasmallsidedoor.Fromthereheslippedneatlyintohissanctum.Heflatteredhimselfthathisentrancehadnotbeenobserved,buttherehewasmistaken.ThewatchfulTredwellletnothingescapehim.Hepresentedhimselfatthedoor.
“You’llexcuseme,mylord—”
“Whatisit,Tredwell?”
“Mr.Lomax,mylord,isanxioustoseeyouinthelibraryassoonasyoureturn.”
BythisdelicatemethodTredwellconveyedthatLordCaterhamhadnotyetreturnedunlesshechosetosayso.
LordCaterhamsighed,andthenrose.
“Isupposeitwillhavetobedonesoonerorlater.Inthelibrary,yousay?”
“Yes,mylord.”
Sighingagain,LordCaterhamcrossedthewidespacesofhisancestralhome,andreachedthelibrarydoor.Thedoorwaslocked.Asherattledthehandle,itwasunlockedfrominside,openedalittleway,andthefaceofGeorgeLomaxappeared,peeringoutsuspiciously.
Hisfacechangedwhenhesawwhoitwas
“Ah,Caterham,comein.Wewerejustwonderingwhathadbecomeofyou.”
Murmuringsomethingvagueaboutdutiesontheestate,repairsfortenants,LordCaterhamsidledinapologetically.Thereweretwoothermenintheroom.OnewasColonelMelrose,thechiefconstable.Theotherwasasquarelybuiltmiddle-agedmanwithafacesosingularlydevoidofexpressionastobequiteremarkable.
“SuperintendentBattlearrivedhalfanhourago,”explainedGeorge.“HehasbeenroundwithInspectorBadgworthy,andseenDr.Cartwright.Henowwantsafewfactsfromus.”
Theyallsatdown,afterLordCaterhamhadgreetedMelroseandacknowledgedhisintroductiontoSuperintendentBattle
“Ineedhardlytellyou,Battle,”saidGeorge,“thatthisisacaseinwhichwemustusetheutmostdiscretion.”
ThesuperintendentnoddedinanoffhandmannerthatrathertookLordCaterham’sfancy.
“Thatwillbeallright,Mr.Lomax.Butnoconcealmentsfromus.IunderstandthatthedeadgentlemanwascalledCountStanislaus—atleast,thatthatisthenamebywhichthehouseholdknewhim.Nowwasthathisrealname?”
“Itwasnot.”
“Whatwashisrealname?”
“PrinceMichaelofHerzoslovakia.”
Battle’seyesopenedjustatrifle,otherwisehegavenosign.
“Andwhat,ifImayaskthequestion,wasthepurposeofhisvisithere?Justpleasure?”
“Therewasafurtherobject,Battle.Allthisinthestrictestconfidence,ofcourse.”
“Yes,yes,Mr.Lomax.”
“ColonelMelrose?”
“Ofcourse.”
“Well,then,PrinceMichaelwasherefortheexpresspurposeofmeetingMr.HermanIsaacstein.Aloanwastobearrangedoncertainterms.”
“Whichwere?”
“Idonotknowtheexactdetails.Indeed,theyhadnotyetbeenarranged.Butintheeventofcomingtothethrone,PrinceMichaelpledgedhimselftograntcertainoilconcessionstothosecompaniesinwhichMr.Isaacsteinisinterested.TheBritishGovernmentwaspreparedtosupporttheclaimofPrinceMichaeltothethroneinviewofhispronouncedBritishsympathies.”
“Well,”saidSuperintendentBattle,“Idon’tsupposeIneedgofurtherintoitthanthat.PrinceMichaelwantedthemoney,Mr.Isaacsteinwantedoil,andtheBritishGovernmentwasreadytodotheheavyfather.Justonequestion.Wasanyoneelseafterthoseconcessions?”
“IbelieveanAmericangroupoffinanciershadmadeoverturestoHisHighness.”
“Andbeenturneddown,eh?”
ButGeorgerefusedtobedrawn.
“PrinceMichael’ssympathieswereentirelypro-British,”herepeated.
SuperintendentBattledidnotpressthepoint.
“LordCaterham,Iunderstandthatthisiswhatoccurredyesterday.YoumetPrinceMichaelintownandjourneyeddownhereincompanywithhim.ThePrincewasaccompaniedbyhisvalet,aHerzoslovakiannamedBorisAnchoukoff,buthisequerry,CaptainAndrassy,remainedintown.ThePrince,onarriving,declaredhimselfgreatlyfatigued,andretiredtotheapartmentssetasideforhim.Dinnerwasservedtohimthere,andhedidnotmeettheothermembersofthehouseparty.Isthatcorrect?”
“Quitecorrect.”
“Thismorningahousemaiddiscoveredthebodyatapproximately7:45a.m.Dr.Cartwrightexaminedthedeadmanandfoundthatdeathwastheresultofabulletfiredfromarevolver.Norevolverwasfound,andnooneinthehouseseemstohaveheardtheshot.Ontheotherhandthedeadman’swristwatchwassmashedbythefall,andmarksthecrimeas
“Wewentearly.Somehoworotherthepartydidn’tseemto‘go,’ifyouknowwhatImean,Superintendent.Wewentupabouthalfpastten,Ishouldsay.”
“Thankyou.NowIwillaskyou,LordCaterham,togivemeadescriptionofallthepeoplestayinginthehouse.”
“But,excuseme,Ithoughtthefellowwhodiditcamefromoutside?”
SuperintendentBattlesmiled.
“Idaresayhedid.Idaresayhedid.ButallthesameI’vegottoknowwhowasinthehouse.Matterofroutine,youknow.”
“Well,therewasPrinceMichaelandhisvaletandMr.HermanIsaacstein.Youknowallaboutthem.ThentherewasMr.Eversleigh—”
“Whoworksinmydepartment,”putinGeorgecondescendingly.
“AndwhowasacquaintedwiththerealreasonofPrinceMichael’sbeinghere?”
“No,Ishouldnotsaythat,”repliedGeorgeweightily.“Doubtlessherealizedthatsomethingwasinthewind,butIdidnotthinkitnecessarytotakehimfullyintomyconfidence.”
“Isee.Willyougoon,LordCaterham?”
“Letmesee,therewasMr.HiramFish.”
“WhoisMr.HiramFish?”
“Mr.FishisanAmerican.HebroughtoveraletterofintroductionfromMr.LuciusGott—you’veheardofLuciusGott?”
SuperintendentBattlesmiledacknowledgement.WhohadnotheardofLuciusC.Gott,themultimillionaire?
“Hewasspeciallyanxioustoseemyfirsteditions.Mr.Gott’scollectionis,ofcourse,unequalled,butI’vegotseveraltreasuresmyself.ThisMr.Fishwasanenthusiast.Mr.LomaxhadsuggestedthatIaskoneortwoextrapeopledownherethisweekendtomakethingsseemmorenatural,soItooktheopportunityofaskingMr.Fish.Thatfinishesthemen.Asfortheladies,thereisonlyMrs.Revel—andIexpectshebroughtamaidorsomethinglikethat.Thentherewasmydaughter,andofcoursethechildrenandtheirnursesandgovernessesandalltheservants.”
LordCaterhampausedandtookabreath.
“Thankyou,”saidthedetective.“Amerematterofroutine,butnecessaryassuch.”
“Thereisnodoubt,Isuppose,”askedGeorgeponderously,“thatthemurdererenteredbythewindow?”
Battlepausedforaminutebeforereplyingslowly.
“Therewerefootstepsleadinguptothewindow,andfootstepsleadingawayfromit.Acarstoppedoutsidetheparkat11:40lastnight.Attwelveo’clockayoungmanarrivedattheJollyCricketersinacar,andengagedaroom.Heputhisbootsoutsidetobecleaned—theywereverywetandmuddy,asthoughhehadbeenwalkingthroughthelonggrassinthepark.”
Georgeleantforwardeagerly.
“Couldnotthebootsbecomparedwiththefootprints?”
“Theywere.”
“Well?”
“Theyexactlycorrespond.”
“Thatsettlesit,”criedGeorge.“Wehavethemurderer.Thisyoungman—whatishisname,bytheway?”
“AttheinnhegavethenameofAnthonyCade.”
“ThisAnthonyCademustbepursuedatonce,andarrested.”
“Youwon’tneedtopursuehim,”saidSuperintendentBattle.
“Why?”
“Becausehe’sstillthere.”
“What?”
“Curious,isn’tit?”
ColonelMelroseeyedhimkeenly.
“What’sinyourmind,Battle?Outwithit.”
“Ijustsayit’scurious,that’sall.Here’sayoungmanwhooughttocutandrun,buthedoesn’tcutandrun.Hestayshere,andgivesuseveryfacilityforcomparingfootmarks.”
“Whatdoyouthink,then?”
“Idon’tknowwhattothink.Andthat’saverydisturbingstateofmind.”
“Doyouimagine—”beganColonelMelrose,butbrokeoffasadiscreetknockcameatthedoor.
Georgeroseandwenttoit.Tredwell,inwardlysufferingfromhavingtoknockatdoorsinthislowfashion,stooddignifieduponthethreshold,andaddressedhismaster.
“Excuseme,mylord,butagentlemanwishestoseeyouonurgentandimportantbusiness,connected,Iunderstand,withthismorning’stragedy.”
“What’shisname?”askedBattlesuddenly.
“Hisname,sir,isMr.AnthonyCade,buthesaiditwouldn’tconveyanythingtoanybody.”
Itseemedtoconveysomethingtothefourmenpresent.Theyallsatupinvaryingdegreesofastonishment.
LordCaterhambegantochuckle.
“I’mreallybeginningtoenjoymyself.Showhimin,Tredwell.Showhiminatonce.”
Twelve
ANTHONYTELLSHISSTORY
“Mr.AnthonyCade,”announcedTredwell.“Entersuspiciousstrangerfromvillageinn,”saidAnthony.
HemadehiswaytowardsLordCaterhamwithakindofinstinctrareinstrangers.Atthesametimehesummeduptheotherthreemeninhisownmindthus:“1,ScotlandYard.2,localdignitary—probablychiefconstable.3,harassedgentlemanonthevergeofapoplexy—possiblyconnectedwiththeGovernment.”
“Imustapologize,”continuedAnthony,stilladdressingLordCaterham.“Forforcingmywayinlikethis,Imean.ButitwasrumouredroundtheJollyDog,orwhateverthenameofyourlocalpubmaybe,thatyouhadhadamurderuphere,andasIthoughtImightbeabletothrowsomelightuponitIcamealong.”
Foramomentortwo,noonespoke.SuperintendentBattlebecausehewasamanofripeexperiencewhoknewhowinfinitelybetteritwastoleteveryoneelsespeakiftheycouldbepersuadedupontodoso,ColonelMelrosebecausehewashabituallytaciturn,Georgebecausehewasinthehabitofhavingnoticegiventohimofthequestion,LordCaterhambecausehehadnottheleastideaofwhattosay.Thesilenceoftheotherthree,however,andthefactthathehadbeendirectlyaddressed,finallyforcedspeechuponthelastnamed.
“Er—quiteso—quiteso,”hesaidnervously.“Won’t—you—er—sitdown?”
“Thankyou,”saidAnthony.
Georgeclearedhisthroatportentously.
“Er—whenyousayyoucanthrowlightuponthismatter,youmean?—”
“Imean,”saidAnthony,“thatIwastrespassinguponLordCaterham’sproperty(forwhichIhopehewillforgiveme)lastnightatabout11:45,andthatIactuallyheardtheshotfired.Icanatanyratefixthetimeofthecrimeforyou.”
Helookedroundatthethreeinturn,hiseyesrestinglongestonSuperintendentBattle,theimpassivityofwhosefaceheseemedtoappreciate.
“ButIhardlythinkthatthat’snewstoyou,”headdedgently.
“Meaningbythat,Mr.Cade?”askedBattle.
“Justthis.IputonshoeswhenIgotupthismorning.Later,whenIaskedformyboots,Icouldn’thavethem.Someniceyoungconstablehadcalledroundforthem.SoInaturallyputtwoandtwotogether,andhurriedupheretoclearmycharacterifpossible.”
“Averysensiblemove,”saidBattlenoncommittally.
Anthony’seyestwinkledalittle.
“Iappreciateyourreticence,Inspector.ItisInspector,isn’tit?”
LordCaterhaminterposed.HewasbeginningtotakeafancytoAnthony.
“SuperintendentBattleofScotlandYard.ThisisColonelMelrose,ourchiefconstable,andMr.Lomax.”
AnthonylookedsharplyatGeorge.
“Mr.GeorgeLomax?”
“Yes.”
“Ithink,Mr.Lomax,”saidAnthony,“thatIhadthepleasureofreceivingaletterfromyouyesterday.”
Georgestaredathim.
“Ithinknot,”hesaidcoldly.
ButhewishedthatMissOscarwerehere.MissOscarwroteallhislettersforhim,andrememberedwhotheyweretoandwhattheywereabout.AgreatmanlikeGeorgecouldnotpossiblyrememberalltheseannoyingdetails.
“Ithink,Mr.Cade,”hehinted,“thatyouwereabouttogiveussome—er—explanationofwhatyouweredoinginthegroundslastnightat11:45?”
Histonesaidplainly:“Andwhateveritmaybe,wearenotlikelytobelieveit.”
“Yes,Mr.Cade,whatwereyoudoing?”saidLordCaterhamwithlivelyinterest.
“Well,”saidAnthonyregretfully,“I’mafraidit’sratheralongstory.”
Hedrewouthiscigarettecase.
“MayI?”
LordCaterhamnodded,andAnthonylitacigarette,andbracedhimselffortheordeal.
Hewasaware,nonebetter,oftheperilinwhichhestood.Intheshortspaceoftwenty-fourhours,hehadbecomeembroiledintwoseparatecrimes.Hisactionsinconnexionwiththefirstwouldnotbearlookingintoforasecond.Afterdeliberatelydisposingofonebodyandsodefeatingtheaimsofjustice,hehadarriveduponthesceneofthesecondcrimeattheexactmomentwhenitwasbeingcommitted.Forayoungmanlookingfortrouble,hecouldhardlyhavedonebetter.
“SouthAmerica,”thoughtAnthonytohimself,“simplyisn’tinitwiththis!”
Hehadalreadydecideduponhiscourseofaction.Hewasgoingtotellthetruth—withonetriflingalteration,andonegravesuppression.
“Thestorybegins,”saidAnthony,“aboutthreeweeksago—inBulawayo.Mr.Lomax,ofcourse,knowswherethatis—outpostoftheEmpire—‘WhatdoweknowofEnglandwhoonlyEnglandknow?’allthatsortofthing.Iwasconversingwithafriendofmine,aMr.JamesMcGrath—”
Hebroughtoutthenameslowly,withathoughtfuleyeonGeorge.Georgeboundedinhisseatandrepressedanexclamationwithdifficulty.
“TheupshotofourconversationwasthatIcametoEnglandtocarryoutalittlecommissionforMr.McGrath,whowasunabletogohimself.Sincethepassagewasbookedinhisname,ItravelledasJamesMcGrath.Idon’tknowwhatparticularkindofoffencethatwas—thesuperindendentcantellme,Idaresay,andrunmeinforsomanymonths’hardifnecessary.”
“We’llgetonwiththestory,ifyouplease,sir,”saidBattle,buthiseyestwinkledalittle.
“OnarrivalinLondonIwenttotheBlitzHotel,stillasJamesMcGrath.MybusinessinLondonwastodeliveracertainmanuscripttoafirmofpublishers,butalmostimmediatelyIreceiveddeputationsfromtherepresentativesoftwopoliticalpartiesofaforeignkingdom.Themethodsofonewerestrictlyconstitutional,themethodsoftheotherwerenot.Idealtwiththembothaccordingly.Butmytroubleswerenotover.Thatnightmyroomwasbrokeninto,andanattemptatburglarywasmadebyoneofthewaitersatthehotel.”
“Thatwasnotreportedtothepolice,Ithink?”saidSuperintendentBattle.
“Youareright.Itwasnot.Nothingwastaken,yousee.ButIdidreporttheoccurrencetothemanagerofthehotel,andhewillconfirmmystory,andtellyouthatthewaiterinquestiondecampedratherabruptlyinthemiddleofthenight.Thenextday,thepublishersrangmeup,andsuggestedthatoneoftheirrepresentativeswouldcalluponmeandreceivethemanuscript.Iagreedtothis,andthearrangementwasdulycarriedoutonthefollowingmorning.SinceIhaveheardnothingfurther,Ipresumethemanuscriptreachedthemsafely.Yesterday,stillasJamesMcGrath,IreceivedaletterfromMr.Lomax—”
Anthonypaused.Hewasbynowbeginningtoenjoyhimself.Georgeshifteduneasily.
“Iremember,”hemurmured.“Suchalargecorrespondence.Thename,ofcourse,beingdifferent,Icouldnotbeexpectedtoknow.AndImaysay,”George’svoicerosealittle,firminassuranceofmoralstability,“thatIconsiderthis—this—masqueradingasanothermaninthehighestdegreeimproper.Ihavenodoubt,nodoubtwhateverthatyouhaveincurredaseverelegalpenalty.”
“Inthisletter,”continuedAnthony,unmoved,“Mr.Lomaxmadevarioussuggestionsconcerningthemanuscriptinmycharge.HealsoextendedaninvitationtomefromLordCaterhamtojointhehousepartyhere.”
“Delightedtoseeyou,mydearfellow,”saidthenobleman.“Betterlatethannever—eh?”
Georgefrownedathim.
SuperintendentBattlebentanunmovedeyeuponAnthony.
“Andisthatyourexplanationofyourpresenceherelastnight,sir?”heasked.
“Certainlynot,”saidAnthonywarmly.“WhenIamaskedtostayatacountryhouse,Idon’tscalethewalllateatnight,trampacrossthepark,andtrythedownstairswindows.Idriveuptothefrontdoor,ringthebellandwipemyfeetonthemat.Iwillproceed.IrepliedtoMr.Lomax’sletter,explainingthatthemanuscripthadpassedoutofmykeeping,andthereforeregretfullydecliningLordCaterham’skindinvitation.ButafterIhaddoneso,Irememberedsomethingwhichhaduptillthenescapedmymemory.”Hepaused.Themomenthadcomeforskatingoverthinice.“ImusttellyouthatinmystrugglewiththewaiterGiuseppe,Ihadwrestedfromhimasmallbitofpaperwithsomewordsscribbledonit.Theyhadconveyednothingtomeatthetime,butIstillhadthem,andthementionofChimneysrecalledthemtome.Igotthetornscrapoutandlookedatit.ItwasasIhadthought.Hereisthepieceofpaper,gentlemen,youcanseeforyourselves.Thewordsonitare‘Chimneys11:45Thursday.’”
Battleexaminedthepaperattentively.
“Ofcourse,”continuedAnthony,“thewordChimneysmighthavenothingwhatevertodowiththishouse.Ontheotherhand,itmight.AndundoubtedlythisGiuseppewasathievingrascal.Imadeupmymindtomotordownherelastnight,satisfymyselfthatallwasasitshouldbe,putupattheinn,andcalluponLordCaterhaminthemorningandputhimonhisguardincasesomemischiefshouldbeintendedduringtheweekend.”
“Quiteso,”saidLordCaterhamencouragingly.“Quiteso.”
“Iwaslategettinghere—hadnotallowedenoughtime.ConsequentlyIstoppedthecarclimbedoverthewallandranacrossthepark.WhenIarrivedontheterrace,thewholehousewasdarkandsilent.IwasjustturningawaywhenIheardashot.Ifanciedthatitcamefrominsidethehouse,andIranback,crossedtheterrace,andtriedthewindows
“Quitenatural,”saidSuperintendentBattleexpressionlessly.
“Iwentontotheinn,putupasIsaid—andheardthenewsthismorning.Irealized,ofcourse,thatIwasasuspiciouscharacter—boundtobeunderthecircumstances,andcameupheretotellmystory,hopingitwasn’tgoingtobehandcuffsforone.”
Therewasapause.ColonelMelroselookedsidewaysatSuperintendentBattle.
“Ithinkthestoryseemsclearenough,”heremarked.
“Yes,”saidBattle.“Idon’tthinkwe’llbehandingoutanyhandcuffsthismorning.”
“Anyquestions,Battle?”
“There’sonethingI’dliketoknow.Whatwasthismanuscript?”
HelookedacrossatGeorge,andthelatterrepliedwithatraceofunwillingness:
“ThememoirsofthelateCountStylptitch.Yousee—”
“Youneedn’tsayanythingmore,”saidBattle.“Iseeperfectly.”
HeturnedtoAnthony.
“Doyouknowwhoitwasthatwasshot,Mr.Cade?”
“AttheJollyDogitwasunderstoodtobeaCountStanislausorsomesuchname.”
“Tellhim,”saidBattlelaconicallytoGeorgeLomax.
Georgewasclearlyreluctant,buthewasforcedtospeak:
“ThegentlemanwhowasstayinghereincognitoasCountStanislauswasHisHighnessPrinceMichaelofHerzoslovakia.”
Anthonywhistled.
“Thatmustbedeucedawkward,”heremarked.
SuperintendentBattle,whohadbeenwatchingAnthonyclosely,gaveashortgruntasthoughsatisfiedofsomething,androseabruptlytohisfeet.
“ThereareoneortwoquestionsI’dliketoaskMr.Cade,”heannounced.“I’lltakehimintotheCouncilChamberwithmeifImay.”
“Certainly,certainly,”saidLordCaterham.“Takehimanywhereyoulike.”
Anthonyandthedetectivewentouttogether.
Thebodyhadbeenmovedfromthesceneofthetragedy.Therewasadarkstainonthefloorwhereithadlain,butotherwisetherewasnothingtosuggestthatatragedyhadeveroccurred.Thesunpouredinthroughthethreewindows,floodingtheroomwithlight,andbringingoutthemellowtoneoftheoldpanelling.Anthonylookedaroundhimwithapproval.
“Verynice,”hecommented.“NothingmuchtobeatoldEngland,isthere?”
“Diditseemtoyouatfirstthatitwasinthisroomtheshotwasfired?”askedthesuperintendent,notreplyingtoAnthony’seulogium.
“Letmesee.”
“Anthonyopenedthewindowandwentoutontheterrace,lookingupatthehouse.
“Yes,that’stheroomallright,”hesaid.“It’sbuiltout,andoccupiesallthecorner.Iftheshothadbeenfiredanywhereelse,itwouldhavesoundedfromtheleft,butthiswasfrombehindmeortotherightifanything.That’swhyIthoughtofpoachers.It’sattheextremityofthewing,yousee.”
Hesteppedbackacrossthethreshold,andaskedsuddenly,asthoughtheideahadjuststruckhim:
“Butwhydoyouask?Youknowhewasshothere,don’tyou?”
“Ah!”saidthesuperintendent.“Weneverknowasmuchaswe’dliketoknow.But,yes,hewasshothereallright.Nowyousaidsomethingabouttryingthewindows,didn’tyou?”
“Yes.Theywerefastenedfromtheinside.”
“Howmanyofthemdidyoutry?”
“Allthreeofthem.”
“Sureofthat,sir?”
“I’minthehabitofbeingsure.Whydoyouask?”
“That’safunnything,”saidthesuperintendent.
“What’safunnything?”
“Whenthecrimewasdiscoveredthismorning,themiddleonewasopen—notlatched,thatistosay.”
“Whew!”saidAnthony,sinkingdownonthewindowseat,andtakingouthiscigarettecase.“That’sratherablow.Thatopensupquiteadifferentaspectofthecase.Itleavesustwoalternatives.Eitherhewaskilledbysomeoneinthehouse,andthatsomeoneunlatchedthewindowafterIhadgonetomakeitlooklikeanoutsidejob—incidentallywithmeasLittleWillie—orelse,nottomincematters,I’mlying.Idaresayyouinclinetothesecondpossibility,but,uponmyhonour,you’rewrong.”
“Nobody’sgoingtoleavethishouseuntilI’mthroughwiththem,Icantellyouthat,”saidSuperintendentBattlegrimly.
Anthonylookedathimkeenly.
“Howlonghaveyouhadtheideathatitmightbeaninsidejob?”heasked.
Battlesmiled.
“I’vehadanotionthatwayallalong.Yourtrailwasabittoo—flaring,ifImayputitthatway.Assoonasyourbootsfittedthefootmarks,Ibegantohavemydoubts.”
“IcongratulateScotlandYard,”saidAnthonylightly.
Butatthatmoment,themomentwhenBattleapparentlyadmittedAnthony’scompleteabsenceofcomplicityinthecrime,Anthonyfeltmorethanevertheneedofbeinguponhisguard.SuperintendentBattlewasaveryastuteofficer.ItwouldnotdotomakeanyslipwithSuperintendentBattleabout.
“That’swhereithappened,Isuppose?”saidAnthony,noddingtowardsthedarkpatchuponthefloor.
“Yes.”
“Whatwasheshotwith—arevolver?”
“Yes,butweshan’tknowwhatmakeuntiltheygetthebulletoutattheautopsy.”
“Itwasn’tfoundthen?”
“No,itwasn’tfound.”
“Nocluesofanykind?”
“Well,we’vegotthis.”
Ratherafterthemannerofaconjurer,SuperintendentBattleproducedahalfsheetofnotepaper.And,ashedidso,heagainwatchedAnthonycloselywithoutseemingtodoso.
ButAnthonyrecognizedthedesignuponitwithoutanysignofconsternation.
“Aha!ComradesoftheRedHandagain.Ifthey’regoingtoscatterthissortofthingabout,theyoughttohaveitlithographed.Itmustbeafrightfulnuisancedoingeveryoneseparately.Wherewasthisfound?”
“Underneaththebody.You’veseenitbefore,sir?”
Anthonyrecountedtohimindetailhisshortencounterwiththatpublic-spiritedassociation.
“Theideais,Isuppose,thattheComradesdidhimin.”
“Doyouthinkitlikely,sir?”
“Well,itwouldbeinkeepingwiththeirpropaganda.ButI’vealwaysfoundthatthosewhotalkmostaboutbloodhaveneveractuallyseenitrun.Ishouldn’thavesaidtheComradeshadthegutsmyself.Andthey’resuchpicturesquepeopletoo.Idon’tseeoneofthemdisguisinghimselfasasuitableguestforacountryhouse.Still,oneneverknows.”
“Quiteright,Mr.Cade.Oneneverknows.”
Anthonylookedsuddenlyamused.
“Iseethebigideanow.Openwindow,trailoffootprints,suspiciousstrangeratthevillageinn.ButIcanassureyou,mydearSuperintendent,thatwhateverIam,IamnotthelocalagentoftheRedHand.”
SuperintendentBattlesmiledalittle.Thenheplayedhislastcard.
“Wouldyouhaveanyobjectiontoseeingthebody?”heshotoutsuddenly.
“Nonewhatever,”rejoinedAnthony.
Battletookakeyfromhispocket,andprecedingAnthonydownthecorridor,pausedatadoorandunlockedit.Itwasoneofthesmallerdrawingrooms.Thebodylayonatablecoveredwithasheet
SuperintendentBattlewaiteduntilAnthonywasbesidehim,andthenwhiskedawaythesheetsuddenly.
Aneagerlightsprangintohiseyesatthehalf-utteredexclamationandthestartofsurprisewhichtheothergave.
“Soyoudorecognizehim,Mr.Cade?”hesaid,inavoicethathestrovetorenderdevoidoftriumph.
“I’veseenhimbefore,yes,”saidAnthony,recoveringhimself.“ButnotasPrinceMichaelObolovitch.HepurportedtocomefromMessrs.BaldersonandHodgkins,andhecalledhimselfMr.Holmes.”
Thirteen
THEAMERICANVISITOR
SuperintendentBattlereplacedthesheetwiththeslightlycrestfallenairofamanwhosebestpointhasfallenflat.Anthonystoodwithhishandsinhispocketslostinthought.
“Sothat’swhatoldLollipopmeantwhenhetalkedabout‘othermeans,’”hemurmuredatlast.
“Ibegyourpardon,Mr.Cade?”
“Nothing,Superintendent.Forgivemyabstraction.YouseeI—orrathermyfriend,JimmyMcGrath,hasbeenveryneatlydoneoutofathousandpounds.”
“Athousandpoundsisanicesumofmoney,”saidBattle.
“Itisn’tthethousandpoundssomuch,”saidAnthony,“thoughIagreewithyouthatit’sanicesumofmoney.It’sbeingdonethatmaddensme.Ihandedoverthatmanuscriptlikealittlewoollylamb.Ithurts,Superintendent,indeedithurts.”
Thedetectivesaidnothing.
“Well,well,”saidAnthony.“Regretsarevain,andallmaynotyetbelost.I’veonlygottogetholdofdearoldStylptitch’sreminiscencesbetweennowandnextWednesdayandallwillbegasandgaiters.”
“WouldyoumindcomingbacktotheCouncilChamber,Mr.Cade?There’sonelittlethingIwanttopointouttoyou.”
BackintheCouncilChamber,thedetectivestrodeatoncetothemiddlewindow
“I’vebeenthinking,Mr.Cade.Thisparticularwindowisverystiff;verystiffindeed.Youmighthavebeenmistakeninthinkingthatitwasfastened.Itmightjusthavestuck.I’msure—yes,I’malmostsure,thatyouweremistaken.”
Anthonyeyedhimkeenly.
“AndsupposingIsaythatI’mquitesureIwasnot?”
“Don’tyouthinkyoucouldhavebeen?”saidBattle,lookingathimverysteadily.
“Well,toobligeyou,Superintendent,yes.”
Battlesmiledinasatisfiedfashion.
“You’requickintheuptake,sir.Andyou’llhavenoobjectiontosayingso,carelesslike,atasuitablemoment?”
“Nonewhatever.I—”
Hepaused,asBattlegrippedhisarm.Thesuperintendentwasbentforward,listening.
EnjoiningsilenceonAnthonywithagesture,hetiptoednoiselesslytothedoor,andflungitsuddenlyopen.
Onthethresholdstoodatallmanwithblackhairneatlypartedinthemiddle,china-blueeyeswithaparticularlyinnocentexpression,andalargeplacidface.
“Yourpardon,gentlemen,”hesaidinaslowdrawlingvoicewithapronouncedtransatlanticaccent.“Butisitpermittedtoinspectthesceneofthecrime?ItakeitthatyouarebothgentlemenfromScotlandYard?”
“Ihavenotthathonour,”saidAnthony.“ButthisgentlemanisSuperintendentBattleofScotlandYard.”
“Isthatso?”saidtheAmericangentleman,withagreatappearanceofinterest.“Pleasedtomeetyou,sir.MynameisHiramP.Fish,ofNewYorkCity.”
“Whatwasityouwantedtosee,Mr.Fish?”askedthedetective.
TheAmericanwalkedgentlyintotheroom,andlookedwithmuchinterestatthedarkpatchonthefloor.
“Iaminterestedincrime,Mr.Battle.Itisoneofmyhobbies.Ihavecontributedamonographtooneofourweeklyperiodicalsonthesubject‘DegeneracyandtheCriminal.’”
Ashespoke,hiseyeswentgentlyroundtheroom,seemingtonoteeverythinginit.Theyrestedjustashadelongeronthewindow.
“Thebody,”saidSuperintendantBattle,statingaself-evidentfact,“hasbeenremoved.”
“Surely,”saidMr.Fish.Hiseyeswentontothepanelledwalls.“Someremarkablepicturesinthisroom,gentlemen.AHolbein,twoVanDycks,and,ifIamnotmistaken,aVelazquez.Iaminterestedinpictures—andlikewiseinfirsteditions.ItwastoseehisfirsteditionsthatLordCaterhamwassokindastoinvitemedownhere.”
Hesighedgently.
“Iguessthat’salloffnow.Itwouldshowaproperfeeling,Isuppose,forthegueststoreturntotownimmediately?”
“I’mafraidthatcan’tbedone,sir,”saidSuperintendentBattle.“Nobodymustleavethehouseuntilaftertheinquest.”
“Isthatso?Andwhenistheinquest?”
“Maybetomorrow,maynotbeuntilMonday.We’vegottoarrangefortheautopsyandseethecoroner.
“Igetyou,”saidMr.Fish.“Underthecircumstances,thoughitwillbeamelancholyparty.”
Battleledthewaytothedoor.
“We’dbestgetoutofhere,”hesaid.“We’rekeepingitlockedstill.”
Hewaitedfortheothertwotopassthrough,andthenturnedthekeyandremovedit.
“Iopine,”saidMr.Fish,“thatyouareseekingforfingerprints?”
“Maybe,”saidthesuperintendentlaconically.
“Ishouldsaytoo,that,onanightsuchaslastnight,anintruderwouldhaveleftfootprintsonthehardwoodfloor.”
“Noneinside,plentyoutside.”
“Mine,”explainedAnthonycheerfully.
TheinnocenteyesofMr.Fishsweptoverhim.
“Youngman,”hesaid,“yousurpriseme.”
Theyturnedacorner,andcameoutintothebigwidehall,panelledliketheCouncilChamberinoldoak,andwithawidegalleryaboveit.Twootherfigurescameintosightatthefarend.
“Aha!”saidMr.Fish.“Ourgenialhost.”
ThiswassuchaludicrousdescriptionofLordCaterhamthatAnthonyhadtoturnhisheadawaytoconcealasmile.
“Andwithhim,”continuedtheAmerican,“isaladywhosenameIdidnotcatchlastnight.Butsheisbright—sheisverybright.”
WithLordCaterhamwasVirginiaRevel.
Anthonyhadbeenanticipatingthismeetingallalong.Hehadnoideahowtoact.HemustleaveittoVirginia.Althoughhehadfullconfidenceinherpresenceofmind,hehadnottheslightestideawhatlineshewouldtake.Hewasnotlongleftindoubt.
“Why,it’sMr.Cade,”saidVirginia.Sheheldoutbothhandstohim.“Soyoufoundyoucouldcomedownafterall?”
“MydearMrs.Revel,IhadnoideaMr.Cadewasafriendofyours,”saidLordCaterham.
“He’saveryoldfriend,”saidVirginia,smilingatAnthony,withamischievousglintinhereye.“IranacrosshiminLondonunexpectedlyyesterday,andtoldhimIwascomingdownhere.”
Anthonywasquicktogiveherherpointer.
“IexplainedtoMrs.Revel,”hesaid,“thatIhadbeenforcedtorefuseyourkindinvitation—sinceithadreallybeenextendedtoquiteadifferentman.AndIcouldn’tverywellfoistaperfectstrangeronyouunderfalsepretences.”
“Well,well,mydearfellow,”saidLordCaterham,“that’salloveranddonewithnow.I’llsenddowntotheCricketersforyourbag.”
“It’sverykindofyou,LordCaterham,but—”
“Nonsense,ofcourseyoumustcometoChimneys.Horribleplace,theCricketers—tostayin,Imean.”
“Ofcourse,youmustcome,Mr.Cade,”saidVirginiasoftly.
Anthonyrealizedthealteredtoneofhissurroundings.AlreadyVirginiahaddonemuchforhim.Hewasnolongeranambiguousstranger.Herpositionwassoassuredandunassailablethatanyoneforwhomshevouchedwasacceptedasamatterofcourse.HethoughtofthepistolinthetreeatBurnhamBeeches,andsmiledinwardly.
“I’llsendforyourtraps,”saidLordCaterhamtoAnthony.“Isuppose,inthecircumstances,wecan’thaveanyshooting.Apity.Butthereitis.AndIdon’tknowwhatthedeviltodowithIsaacstein.It’sallveryunfortunate.”
Thedepressedpeersighedheavily.
“That’ssettled,then,”saidVirginia.“Youcanbegintobeusefulrightaway,Mr.Cade,andtakemeoutonthelake.It’sverypeacefulthereandfarfromcrimeandallthatsortofthing.Isn’titawfulforpoorLordCaterhamhavingamurderdoneinhishouse?Butit’sGeorge’sfaultreally.ThisisGeorge’sparty,youknow.”
“Ah!”saidLordCaterham.“ButIshouldneverhavelistenedtohim!”
Heassumedtheairofastrongmanbetrayedbyasingleweakness.
“Onecan’thelplisteningtoGeorge,”saidVirginia.“Healwaysholdsyousothatyoucan’tgetaway.I’mthinkingofpatentingadetachablelapel.”
“Iwishyouwould,”chuckledherhost.“I’mgladyou’recomingtous,Cade.Ineedsupport.”
“Iappreciateyourkindnessverymuch,LordCaterham,”saidAnthony.“Especially,”headded,“whenI’msuchasuspiciouscharacter.ButmystayingheremakesiteasierforBattle.”
“Inwhatway,sir?”askedthesuperintendent.
“Itwon’tbesodifficulttokeepaneyeonme,”explainedAnthonygently.
Andbythemomentaryflickerofthesuperintendent’seyelidsheknewthathisshothadgonehome.
Fourteen
MAINLYPOLITICALANDFINANCIAL
Exceptforthatinvoluntarytwitchoftheeyelids,SuperintendentBattle’simpassivitywasunimpaired.IfhehadbeensurprisedatVirginia’srecognitionofAnthony,hedidnotshowit.HeandLordCaterhamstoodtogetherandwatchedthosetwogooutthroughthegardendoor.Mr.Fishalsowatchedthem.
“Niceyoungfellow,that,”saidLordCaterham.
“VurryniceforMrs.Reveltomeetanoldfriend,”murmuredtheAmerican.“Theyhavebeenacquaintedsometime,presoomably?”
“Seemsso,”saidLordCaterham.“ButI’veneverheardhermentionhimbefore.Oh,bytheway,Battle,Mr.Lomaxhasbeenaskingforyou.He’sintheBlueMorningroom.”
“Verygood,LordCaterham.I’llgothereatonce.”
BattlefoundhiswaytotheBlueMorningroomwithoutdifficulty.Hewasalreadyfamiliarwiththegeographyofthehouse.
“Ah,thereyouare,Battle,”saidLomax.
Hewasstridingimpatientlyupanddownthecarpet.Therewasoneotherpersonintheroom,abigmansittinginachairbythefireplace.HewasdressedinverycorrectEnglishshootingclotheswhichneverthelesssatstrangelyuponhim.Hehadafatyellowface,andblackeyes,asimpenetrableasthoseofacobra.Therewasagenerouscurvetothebignoseandpowerinthesquarelinesofthevastjaw.
“Comein,Battle,”saidLomaxirritably.“Andshutthedoorbehindyou.ThisisMr.HermanIsaacstein.”
Battleinclinedhisheadrespectfully.
HeknewallaboutMr.HermanIsaacstein,andthoughthegreatfinanciersattheresilent,whilstLomaxstrodeupanddownandtalked,heknewwhowastherealpowerintheroom.
“Wecanspeakmorefreelynow,”saidLomax.“BeforeLordCaterhamandColonelMelrose,Iwasanxiousnottosaytoomuch.Youunderstand,Battle?Thesethingsmustn’tgetabout.”
“Ah!”saidBattle.“Buttheyalwaysdo,more’sthepity.”
Justforasecondhesawatraceofasmileonthefatyellowface.Itdisappearedassuddenlyasithadcome.
“Now,whatdoyoureallythinkofthisyoungfellow—thisAnthonyCade?”continuedGeorge.“Doyoustillassumehimtobeinnocent?”
Battleshruggedhisshouldersveryslightly.
“Hetellsastraightstory.Partofitweshallbeabletoverify.Onthefaceofit,itaccountsforhispresenceherelastnight.IshallcabletoSouthAfrica,ofcourse,forinformationabouthisantecedents.”
“Thenyouregardhimasclearedofallcomplicity?”
Battleraisedalargesquarehand.
“Notsofast,sir.Ineversaidthat.”
“Whatisyourideaaboutthecrime,SuperintendentBattle?”askedIsaacstein,speakingforthefirsttime.
Hisvoicewasdeepandrich,andhadacertaincompellingqualityaboutit.Ithadstoodhimingoodsteadatboardmeetingsinhisyoungerdays.
“It’srathertoosoontohaveideas,Mr.Isaacstein.I’venotgotbeyondaskingmyselfthefirstquestion.”
“Whatisthat?”
“Oh,it’salwaysthesame.Motive.WhobenefitsbythedeathofPrinceMichael?We’vegottoanswerthatbeforewecangetanywhere.”
“TheRevolutionarypartyofHerzoslovakia—”beganGeorge.
SuperintendentBattlewavedhimasidewithsomethinglessthanhisusualrespect.
“Itwasn’ttheComradesoftheRedHand,sir,ifyou’rethinkingofthem.”
“Butthepaper—withthescarlethandonit?”
“Puttheretosuggesttheobvioussolution.”
George’sdignitywasalittleruffled.
“Really,Battle,Idon’tseehowyoucanbesosureofthat.”
“Blessyou,Mr.Lomax,weknowallabouttheComradesoftheRedHand.We’vehadoureyeonthemeversincePrinceMichaellandedinEngland.Thatsortofthingistheelementaryworkofthedepartment.They’dneverbeallowedtogetwithinamileofhim.”
“IagreewithSuperintendentBattle,”saidIsaacstein.“Wemustlookelsewhere.”
“Yousee,sir,”saidBattle,encouragedbythissupport,“wedoknowalittleaboutthecase.Ifwedon’tknowwhogainsbyhisdeath,wedoknowwholosesbyit.”
“Meaning?”saidIsaacstein.
Hisblackeyeswerebentuponthedetective.Morethanever,heremindedBattleofahoodedcobra.
“YouandMr.Lomax,nottomentiontheLoyalistpartyofHerzoslovakia.Ifyou’llpardontheexpression,sir,you’reinthesoup.”
“Really,Battle,”interposedGeorge,shockedtothecore.
“Goon,Battle,”saidIsaacstein.“Inthesoupdescribesthesituationveryaccurately.You’reanintelligentman.”
“You’vegottohaveaking.You’velostyourking—likethat!”Hesnappedhislargefingers.“You’vegottofindanotherinahurry,andthat’snotaneasyjob.No,Idon’twanttoknowthedetailsofyourscheme,thebareoutlineisenoughforme,but,Itakeit,it’sabigdeal?”
Isaacsteinbenthisheadslowly.
“It’saverybigdeal.”
“Thatbringsmetomysecondquestion.WhoisthenextheirtothethroneofHerzoslovakia?”
IsaacsteinlookedacrossatLomax.Thelatteransweredthequestion,withacertainreluctance,andagooddealofhesitation:
“Thatwouldbe—Ishouldsay—yes,inallprobabilityPrinceNicholaswouldbethenextheir.”
“Ah!”saidBattle.“AndwhoisPrinceNicholas?”
“AfirstcousinofPrinceMichael’s.”
“Ah!”saidBattle.“IshouldliketohearallaboutPrinceNicholas,especiallywhereheisatpresent.”
“Nothingmuchisknownofhim,”saidLomax.“Asayoungman,hewasmostpeculiarinhisideas,consortedwithSocialistsandRepublicans,andactedinawayhighlyunbecomingtohisposition.HewassentdownfromOxford,Ibelieve,forsomewildescapade.TherewasarumourofhisdeathtwoyearslaterintheCongo,butitwasonlyarumour.Heturnedupafewmonthsagowhennewsoftheroyalistreactiongotabout.”
“Indeed?”saidBattle.“Wheredidheturnup?”
“InAmerica.”
“America!”
BattleturnedtoIsaacsteinwithonelaconicword:
“Oil?”
Thefinanciernodded.
“HerepresentedthatiftheHerzoslovakianschoseaking,theywouldpreferhimtoPrinceMichaelasbeingmoreinsympathywithmodernenlightenedideas,andhedrewattentiontohisearlydemocraticviewsandhissympathywithRepublicanideals.Inreturnforfinancialsupport,hewaspreparedtograntconcessionstoacertaingroupofAmericanfinanciers.”
SuperintendentBattlesofarforgothishabitualimpassivityastogiveventtoaprolongedwhistle.
“Sothatisit,”hemuttered.“Inthemeantime,theLoyalistpartysupportedPrinceMichael,andyoufeltsureyou’dcomeoutontop.Andthenthishappens!”
“Yousurelydon’tthink—”beganGeorge.
“Itwasabigdeal,”saidBattle.“Mr.Isaacsteinsaysso.AndIshouldsaythatwhathecallsabigdealisabigdeal.”
“Therearealwaysunscrupuloustoolstobegotholdof,”saidIsaacsteinquietly.“Forthemoment,WallStreetwins.Butthey’venotdonewithmeyet.FindoutwhokilledPrinceMichael,SuperintendentBattle,ifyouwanttodoyourcountryaservice.”
“Onethingstrikesmeashighlysuspicious,”putinGeorge.“Whydidtheequerry,CaptainAndrassy,notcomedownwiththePrinceyesterday?”
“I’veinquiredintothat,”saidBattle.“It’sperfectlysimple.Hestayedintowntomakearrangementswithacertainlady,onbehalfofPrinceMichael,fornextweekend.TheBaronratherfrownedonsuchthings,thinkingtheminjudiciousatthepresentstageofaffairs,soHisHighnesshadtogoabouttheminahole-and-cornermanner.Hewas,ifImaysayso,inclinedtobearather—er—dissipatedyoungman.”
“I’mafraidso,”saidGeorgeponderously.“Yes,I’mafraidso.”
“There’soneotherpointweoughttotakeintoaccount,Ithink,”saidBattle,speakingwithacertainamountofhesitation.“KingVictor’ssupposedtobeinEngland.”
“KingVictor?”
Lomaxfrownedinaneffortatrecollection.
“NotoriousFrenchcrook,sir.We’vehadawarningfromtheS?retéinParis.”
“Ofcourse,”saidGeorge.“Iremembernow.Jewelthief,isn’the?Why,that’stheman—”
Hebrokeoffabruptly.Isaacstein,whohadbeenfrowningabstractedlyatthefireplace,lookedupjusttoolatetocatchthewarningglancetelegraphedfromSuperintendentBattletotheother.Butbeingamansensitivetovibrationsintheatmosphere,hewasconsciousofasenseofstrain.
“Youdon’twantmeanylonger,doyou,Lomax?”heinquired.
“No,thankyou,mydearfellow.”
“WoulditupsetyourplansifIreturnedtoLondon,SuperintendentBattle?”
“I’mafraidso,sir,”saidthesuperintendentcivilly.“Yousee,ifyougo,therewillbeotherswho’llwanttogoalso.Andthatwouldneverdo.”
“Quiteso.”
Thegreatfinancierlefttheroom,closingthedoorbehindhim.
“Splendidfellow,Isaacstein,”murmuredGeorgeLomaxperfunctorily.
“Verypowerfulpersonality,”agreedSuperintendentBattle.
Georgebegantopaceupanddownagain.
“Whatyousaydisturbsmegreatly,”hebegan.“KingVictor!Ithoughthewasinprison?”
“Cameoutafewmonthsago.Frenchpolicemeanttokeeponhisheels,buthemanagedtogivethemtheslipstraightaway.Hewouldtoo.Oneofthecoolestcustomersthateverlived.Forsomereasonorother,theybelievehe’sinEngland,andhavenotifiedustothateffect.”
“ButwhatshouldhebedoinginEngland?”
“That’sforyoutosay,sir,”saidBattlesignificantly.
“Youmean?—Youthink?—Youknowthestory,ofcourse—ah,yes,Icanseeyoudo.Iwasnotinoffice,ofcourse,atthetime,butIheardthewholestoryfromthelateLordCaterham.Anunparalleledcatastrophe.”
“TheKoh-i-noor,”saidBattlereflectively.
“Hush,Battle!”Georgeglancedsuspiciouslyroundhim.“Ibegofyou,mentionnonames.Muchbetternot.Ifyoumustspeakofit,callittheK.”
Thesuperintendentlookedwoodenagain.
“Youdon’tconnectKingVictorwiththiscrime,doyou,Battle?”
“It’sjustapossibility,that’sall.Ifyoucastyourmindback,sir,you’llrememberthattherewerefourplaceswherea—er—certainroyalvisitormighthaveconcealedthejewel.Chimneyswasoneofthem.KingVictorwasarrestedinParisthreedaysafterthe—disappearance,ifImaycallitthat,oftheK.Itwasalwayshopedthathewouldsomedayleadustothejewel.”
“ButChimneyshasbeenransackedandoverhauledadozentimes.”
“Yes,”saidBattlesapiently.“Butit’snevermuchgoodlookingwhenyoudon’tknowwheretolook.Onlysupposenow,thatthisKingVictorcameheretolookforthething,wassurprisedbyPrinceMichael,andshothim.”
“It’spossible,”saidGeorge.“Amostlikelysolutionofthecrime.”
“Iwouldn’tgoasfarasthat.It’spossible,butnotmuchmore.”
“Whyisthat?”
“BecauseKingVictorhasneverbeenknowntotakealife,”saidBattleseriously.
“Oh,butamanlikethat—adangerouscriminal—”
ButBattleshookhisheadinadissatisfiedmanner.
“Criminalsalwaysacttruetotype,Mr.Lomax.It’ssurprising.Allthesame—”
“Yes?”
“I’dratherliketoquestionthePrince’sservant.I’velefthimpurposelytothelast.We’llhavehiminhere,sir,ifyoudon’tmind.”
Georgesignifiedhisassent.Thesuperintendentrangthebell.Tredwellansweredit,anddepartedwithhisinstructions.
Hereturnedshortlyaccompaniedbyatallfairmanwithhighcheekbones,andverydeep-setblueeyes,andanimpassivityofcountenance,whichalmostrivalledBattle’s.
“BorisAnchoukoff?”
“Yes.”
“YouwerevalettoPrinceMichael?”
“IwasHisHighness’valet,yes.”
ThemanspokegoodEnglish,thoughwithamarkedlyharshforeignaccent.
“Youknowthatyourmasterwasmurderedlastnight?”
Adeepsnarl,likethesnarlofawildbeast,wastheman’sonlyanswer.ItalarmedGeorge,whowithdrewprudentlytowardsthewindow.
“Whendidyouseeyourmasterlast?”
“HisHighnessretiredtobedathalfpastten.Islept,asalways,intheanteroomnexttohim.Hemusthavegonedowntotheroomdownstairsbytheotherdoor,thedoorthatgaveonthecorridor.Ididnothearhimgo.ItmaybethatIwasdrugged.Ihavebeenanunfaithfulservant,Isleptwhilemymasterwoke.Iamaccursed.”
Georgegazedathim,fascinated.
“Youlovedyourmaster,eh?”saidBattle,watchingthemanclosely.
Boris’featurescontractedpainfully.Heswallowedtwice.Thenhisvoicecame,harshwithemotion.
“Isaythistoyou,Englishpoliceman,Iwouldhavediedforhim!Andsinceheisdead,andIstilllive,myeyesshallnotknowsleep,ormyheartrest,untilIhaveavengedhim.LikeadogwillInoseouthismurdererandwhenIhavediscoveredhim—Ah!”Hiseyeslitup.Suddenlyhedrewanimmenseknifefrombeneathhiscoatandbrandisheditaloft.“NotallatoncewillIkillhim—ohno!—firstIwillslithisnose,andcutoffhisearsandputouthiseyes,andthen—then,intohisblackheart,Iwillthrustthisknife.”
Swiftlyhereplacedtheknife,andturning,lefttheroom.GeorgeLomax,hiseyesalwaysprotuberant,butnowgogglingalmostoutofhishead,staredatthecloseddoor.
“PurebredHerzoslovakian,ofcourse,”hemuttered.“Mostuncivilizedpeople.Araceofbrigands.”
SuperindententBattlerosealertlytohisfeet.
“Eitherthatman’ssincere,”heremarked,“orhe’sthebestblufferI’veeverseen.Andifit’stheformer,GodhelpPrinceMichael’smurdererwhenthathumanbloodhoundgetsholdofhim.”
Fifteen
THEFRENCHSTRANGER
VirginiaandAnthonywalkedsidebysidedownthepathwhichledtothelake.Forsomeminutesafterleavingthehousetheyweresilent.ItwasVirginiawhobrokethesilenceatlastwithalittlelaugh.
“Oh,dear,”shesaid,“isn’titdreadful?HereIamsoburstingwiththethingsIwanttotellyou,andthethingsIwanttoknow,thatIsimplydon’tknowwheretobegin.Firstofall”—sheloweredhervoice—“Whathaveyoudonewiththebody?Howawfulitsounds,doesn’tit!IneverdreamtthatIshouldbesosteepedincrime.”
“Isupposeit’squiteanovelsensationforyou,”agreedAnthony.
“Butnotforyou?”
“Well,I’veneverdisposedofacorpsebefore,certainly.”
“Tellmeaboutit.”
Brieflyandsuccinctly,Anthonyranoverthestepshehadtakenonthepreviousnight.Virginialistenedattentively.
“Ithinkyouwereveryclever,”shesaidapprovinglywhenhehadfinished.“IcanpickupthetrunkagainwhenIgobacktoPaddington.Theonlydifficultythatmightariseisifyouhadtogiveanaccountofwhereyouwereyesterdayevening.”
“Ican’tseethatcanarise.Thebodycan’thavebeenfounduntillatelastnight—orpossiblythismorning.Otherwisetherewouldhavebeensomethingaboutitinthismorning’spapers.Andwhateveryoumayimaginefromreadingdetectivestories,doctorsaren’tsuchmagiciansthattheycantellyouexactlyhowmanyhoursamanhasbeendead.Theexacttimeofhisdeathwillbeprettyvague.Analibiforlastnightwouldbefarmoretothepoint.”
“Iknow.LordCaterhamwastellingmeallaboutit.ButtheScotlandYardmanisquiteconvincedofyourinnocencenow,isn’the?”
Anthonydidnotreplyatonce.
“Hedoesn’tlookparticularlyastute,”continuedVirginia.
“Idon’tknowaboutthat,”saidAnthonyslowly.“I’veanimpressionthattherearenofliesonSuperintendentBattle.Heappearstobeconvincedofmyinnocence—butI’mnotsure.He’sstumpedatpresentbymyapparentlackofmotive.”
“Apparent?”criedVirginia.“Butwhatpossiblereasoncouldyouhaveformurderinganunknownforeigncount?”
Anthonydartedasharpglanceather.
“YouwereatonetimeorotherinHerzoslovakia,weren’tyou?”heasked.
“Yes.Iwastherewithmyhusband,fortwoyears,attheEmbassy.”
“ThatwasjustbeforetheassassinationoftheKingandQueen.DidyoueverrunacrossPrinceMichaelObolovitch?”
“Michael?OfcourseIdid.Horridlittlewretch!Hesuggested,Iremember,thatIshouldmarryhimmorganatically.”
“Didhereally?Andwhatdidhesuggestyoushoulddoaboutyourexistinghusband?”
“Oh,hehadasortofDavidandUriahschemeallmadeout.”
“Andhowdidyourespondtothisamiableoffer?”
“Well,”saidVirginia,“unfortunatelyonehadtobediplomatic.SopoorlittleMichaeldidn’tgetitasstraightfromtheshoulderashemighthavedone.Butheretiredhurtallthesame.WhyallthisinterestaboutMichael?”
“SomethingI’mgettingatinmyownblunderingfashion.Itakeitthatyoudidn’tmeetthemurderedman?”
“No.Toputitlikeabookhe‘retiredtohisownapartmentsimmediatelyonarrival.’”
“Andofcourseyouhaven’tseenthebody?”
Virginia,eyeinghimwithagooddealofinterest,shookherhead.
“Couldyougettoseeit,doyouthink?”
“Bymeansofinfluenceinhighplaces—meaningLordCaterham—IdaresayIcould.Why?Isitanorder?”
“GoodLord,no,”saidAnthony,horrified.“HaveIbeenasdictatorialasallthat?No,it’ssimplythis.CountStanislauswastheincognitoofPrinceMichaelofHerzoslovakia.”
Virginia’seyesopenedverywide.
“Isee.”Suddenlyherfacebrokeintoitsfascinatingone-sidedsmile.“Ihopeyoudon’tsuggestthatMichaelwenttohisroomssimplytoavoidseeingme?”
“Somethingofthekind,”admittedAnthony.“Yousee,ifI’mrightinmymindthatsomeonewantedtopreventyourcomingtoChimneys,thereasonseemstolieinyourknowingHerzoslovakia.Doyourealizethatyou’retheonlypersonherewhoknewPrinceMichaelbysight?”
“Doyoumeanthatthismanwhowasmurderedwasanimposter?”askedVirginiaabruptly.
“Thatisthepossibilitythatcrossedmymind.IfyoucangetLordCaterhamtoshowyouthebody,wecanclearupthatpointatonce.”
“Hewasshotat11:45,”saidVirginiathoughtfully.“Thetimementionedonthatscrapofpaper.Thewholething’shorriblymysterious.”
“Thatremindsme.Isthatyourwindowupthere?ThesecondfromtheendovertheCouncilChamber?”
“No,myroomisintheElizabethanwing,theotherside.Why?”
“SimplybecauseasIwalkedawaylastnight,afterthinkingIheardashot,thelightwentupinthatroom.”
“Howcurious!Idon’tknowwhohasthatroom,butIcanfindoutbyaskingBundle.Perhapstheyheardtheshot?”
“Ifso,theyhaven’tcomeforwardtosayso.IunderstoodfromBattlethatnobodyinthehouseheardtheshotfired.It’stheonlyclueofanykindthatI’vegot,andIdaresayit’saprettyrottenone,butImeantofollowitupforwhatit’sworth.”
“It’scurious,certainly,”saidVirginiathoughtfully.
Theyhadarrivedattheboathousebythelake,andhadbeenleaningagainstitastheytalked.
“Andnowforthewholestory,”saidAnthony.“We’llpaddlegentlyaboutonthelake,securefromthepryingearsofScotlandYard,Americanvisitors,andcurioushousemaids.”
“I’veheardsomethingfromLordCaterham,”saidVirginia.“Butnotnearlyenough.Tobeginwith,whichareyoureally,AnthonyCadeorJimmyMcGrath?”
Forthesecondtimethatmorning,Anthonyunfoldedthehistoryofthelastsixweeksofhislife—withthisdifferencethattheaccountgiventoVirginianeedednoediting.Hefinishedupwithhisownastonishedrecognitionof“Mr.Holmes.”
“Bytheway,Mrs.Revel,”heended,“I’veneverthankedyouforimperillingyourmortalsoulbysayingthatIwasanoldfriendofyours.”
“Ofcourseyou’reanoldfriend,”criedVirginia.“Youdon’tsupposeI’dlumberyouwithacorpse,andthenpretendyouwereamereacquaintancenexttimeImetyou?No,indeed!”
Shepaused.
“Doyouknowonethingthatstrikesmeaboutallthis?”shewenton.“Thatthere’ssomeextramysteryaboutthosememoirsthatwehaven’tfathomedyet.”
“Ithinkyou’reright,”agreedAnthony.“There’sonethingI’dlikeyoutotellme,”hecontinued.
“What’sthat?”
“WhydidyouseemsosurprisedwhenImentionedthenameofJimmyMcGrathtoyouyesterdayatPontStreet?Hadyouhearditbefore?”
“Ihad,SherlockHolmes.George—mycousin,GeorgeLomax,youknow—cametoseemetheotherday,andsuggestedalotoffrightfullysillythings.HisideawasthatIshouldcomedownhereandmakemyselfagreeabletothisman,McGrath,andDelilahthememoirsoutofhimsomehow.Hedidn’tputitlikethat,ofcourse.HetalkedalotofnonsenseaboutEnglishgentlewomen,andthingslikethat,buthisrealmeaningwasneverobscureforamoment.ItwasjustthesortofrottenthingpooroldGeorgewouldthinkof.AndthenIwantedtoknowtoomuch,andhetriedtoputmeoffwithliesthatwouldn’thavedeceivedachildoftwo.”
“Well,hisplanseemstohavesucceeded,anyhow,”observedAnthony.“HereamI,theJamesMcGrathhehadinmind,andhereareyoubeingagreeabletome.”
“Butalas,forpooroldGeorge,nomemoirs!NowI’vegotaquestionforyou.WhenIsaidIhadn’twrittenthoseletters,yousaidyouknewIhadn’t—youcouldn’tknowanysuchthing?”
“Oh,yes,Icould,”saidAnthony,smiling.“I’vegotagoodworkingknowledgeofpsychology.”
“Youmeanyourbeliefinthesterlingworthofmymoralcharacterwassuchthat—”
ButAnthonywasshakinghisheadvigorously.
“Notatall.Idon’tknowanythingaboutyourmoralcharacter.Youmighthavealover,andyoumightwritetohim.Butyou’dneverliedowntobeblackmailed.TheVirginiaRevelofthoseletterswasscaredstiff.You’dhavefought.”
“IwonderwhotherealVirginiaRevelis—wheresheis,Imean.ItmakesmefeelasthoughIhadadoublesomewhere.”
Anthonylitacigarette.
“YouknowthatoneoftheletterswaswrittenfromChimneys?”heaskedatlast.
“What?”Virginiawasclearlystartled.“Whenwasitwritten?”
“Itwasn’tdated.Butit’sodd,isn’tit?”
“I’mperfectlycertainnootherVirginiaRevelhaseverstayedatChimneys.BundleorLordCaterhamwouldhavesaidsomethingaboutthecoincidenceofthenameifshehad.”
“Yes.It’sratherqueer.Doyouknow,Mrs.Revel,IambeginningtodisbelieveprofoundlyinthisotherVirginiaRevel.”
“She’sveryelusive,”agreedVirginia.
“Extraordinarilyelusive.Iambeginningtothinkthatthepersonwhowrotethoselettersdeliberatelyusedyourname.”
“Butwhy?”criedVirginia.“Whyshouldtheydosuchathing?”
“Ah,that’sjustthequestion.There’sthedevilofalottofindoutabouteverything.”
“WhodoyoureallythinkkilledMichael?”askedVirginiasuddenly.“TheComradesoftheRedHand?”
“Isupposetheymighthavedoneso,”saidAnthonyinadissatisfiedvoice.“Pointlesskillingwouldberathercharacteristicofthem.”
“Let’sgettowork,”saidVirginia.“IseeLordCaterhamandBundlestrollingtogether.ThefirstthingtodoistofindoutdefinitelywhetherthedeadmanisMichaelornot.”
AnthonypaddledtoshoreandafewmomentslatertheyhadjoinedLordCaterhamandhisdaughter.
“Lunchislate,”saidhislordshipinadepressedvoice.
“Battlehasinsultedthecook,Iexpect.”
“Thisisafriendofmine,Bundle,”saidVirginia.“Benicetohim.”
BundlelookedearnestlyatAnthonyforsomeminutes,andthenaddressedaremarktoVirginiaasthoughhehadnotbeenthere.
“Wheredoyoupickupthesenice-lookingmen,Virginia?‘Howdoyoudoit?’sayssheenviously.”
“Youcanhavehim,”saidVirginiagenerously.“IwantLordCaterham.”
Shesmiledupontheflatteredpeer,slippedherhandthroughhisarmandtheymovedofftogether.
“Doyoutalk?”askedBundle.“Orareyoujuststrongandsilent?”
“Talk?”saidAnthony.“Ibabble.Imurmur.Iburble—liketherunningbrook,youknow.SometimesIevenaskquestions.”
“As,forinstance?”
“Whooccupiesthesecondroomontheleftfromtheend?”
Hepointedtoitashespoke.
“Whatanextraordinaryquestion!”saidBundle.“Youintriguemegreatly.Letmesee—yes—that’sMademoiselleBrun’sroom.TheFrenchgoverness.Sheendeavourstokeepmyyoungsistersinorder.DulcieandDaisy—likethesong,youknow.Idaresaythey’dhavecalledthenextoneDorothyMay.Butmothergottiredofhavingnothingbutgirlsanddied.Thoughtsomeoneelsecouldtakeonthejobofprovidinganheir.”
“MademoiselleBrun,”saidAnthonythoughtfully.“Howlonghasshebeenwithyou?”
“Twomonths.ShecametouswhenwewereinScotland.”
“Ha!”saidAnthony.“Ismellarat.”
“IwishIcouldsmellsomelunch,”saidBundle.“DoIasktheScotlandYardmantohavelunchwithus,Mr.Cade?You’reamanoftheworld,youknowabouttheetiquetteofsuchthings.We’veneverhadamurderinthehousebefore.Exciting,isn’tit.I’msorryyourcharacterwassocompletelyclearedthismorning.I’vealwayswantedtomeetamurdererandseeformyselfifthey’reasgenialandcharmingastheSundaypapersalwayssaytheyare.God!what’sthat?”
“That”seemedtobeataxiapproachingthehouse.It’stwooccupantswereatallmanwithabaldheadandablackbeard,andasmallerandyoungermanwithablackmoustache.Anthonyrecognizedtheformer,andguessedthatitwashe—ratherthanthevehiclewhichcontainedhim—thathadrungtheexclamationofastonishmentfromhiscompanion’slips.
“UnlessImuchmistake,”heremarked,“thatismyoldfriend,BaronLollipop.”
“Baronwhat?”
“IcallhimLollipopforconvenience.Thepronouncingofhisownnametendstohardenthearteries.”
“Itnearlywreckedthetelephonethismorning,”remarkedBundle.“Sothat’stheBaron,isit?Iforeseehe’llbeturnedontomethisafternoon—andI’vehadIsaacsteinallthemorning.LetGeorgedohisowndirtywork,sayI,andtohellwithpolitics.Excusemeleavingyou,Mr.Cade,butImuststandbypooroldFather.”
Bundleretreatedrapidlytothehouse.
Anthonystoodlookingafterherforaminuteortwoandthoughtfullylightedacigarette.Ashedidso,hisearwascaughtbyastealthysoundquitenearhim.Hewasstandingbytheboathouse,andthesoundseemedtocomefromjustroundthecorner.Thementalpictureconveyedtohimwasthatofamanvainlytryingtostifleasuddensneeze.
“NowIwonder—Iverymuchwonderwho’sbehindtheboathouse,”saidAnthonytohimself.“We’dbettersee,Ithink.”
Suitingtheactiontotheword,hethrewawaythematchhehadjustblownout,andranlightlyandnoiselesslyroundthecorneroftheboathouse.
Hecameuponamanwhohadevidentlybeenkneelingonthegroundandwasjuststrugglingtorisetohisfeet.Hewastall,worealight-colouredovercoatandglasses,andfortherest,hadashortpointedblackbeardandslightlyfoppishmanner.Hewasbetweenthirtyandfortyyearsofage,andaltogetherofamostrespectableappearance.
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”askedAnthony.
HewasprettycertainthatthemanwasnotoneofLordCaterham’sguests.
“Iaskyourpardon,”saidthestranger,withamarkedforeignaccentandwhatwasmeanttobeanengagingsmile.“ItisthatIwishtoreturntotheJollyCricketersandIhavelostmyway.WouldMonsieurbesogoodastodirectme?”
“Certainly,”saidAnthony.“Butyoudon’tgotherebywater,youknow.”
“Eh?”saidthestranger,withtheairofoneataloss.
“Isaid,”repeatedAnthony,withameaningglanceattheboathouse,“thatyouwon’tgettherebywater.There’sarightofwayacrossthepark—somedistanceaway,butallthisistheprivatepart.You’retrespassing.”
“Iammostsorry,”saidthestranger.“Ilostmydirectionentirely.IthoughtIwouldcomeuphereandinquire.”
Anthonyrefrainedfrompointingoutthatkneelingbehindaboathousewasasomewhatpeculiarmannerofprosecutinginquiries.Hetookthestrangerkindlybythearm.
“Yougothisway,hesaid.“Rightroundthelakeandstraighton—youcan’tmissthepath.Whenyougetonit,turntotheleft,anditwillleadyoutothevillage.You’restayingattheCricketers,Isuppose?”
“Iam,monsieur.Sincethismorning.Manythanksforyourkindnessindirectingme.”
“Don’tmentionit,”saidAnthony.“Ihopeyouhaven’tcaughtcold.”
“Eh?”saidthestranger.
“Fromkneelingonthedampground,Imean,”explainedAnthony.“IfanciedIheardyousneezing.”
“Imayhavesneezed,”admittedtheother.
“Quiteso,”saidAnthony.“Butyoushouldn’tsuppressasneeze,youknow.Oneofthemosteminentdoctorssaidsoonlytheotherday.It’sfrightfullydangerous.Idon’trememberexactlywhatitdoestoyou—whetherit’saninhibitionorwhetherithardensyourarteries,butyoumustneverdoit.Goodmorning.”
“Goodmorning,andthankyou,monsieur,forsettingmeontherightroad.”
“Secondsuspiciousstrangerfromvillageinn,”murmuredAnthonytohimself,ashewatchedtheother’sretreatingform.“AndonethatIcan’tplace,either.AppearancethatofaFrenchcommercialtraveller.Idon’tquiteseehimasaComradeoftheRedHand.DoesherepresentyetathirdpartyintheharassedstateofHerzoslovakia?TheFrenchgovernesshasthesecondwindowfromtheend.AmysteriousFrenchmanisfoundslinkingroundthegrounds,listeningtoconversationsthatarenotmeantforhisears.I’llbetmyhatthere’ssomethinginit.”
Musingthus,Anthonyretracedhisstepstothehouse.Ontheterrace,heencounteredLordCaterham,lookingsuitablydepressed,andtwonewarrivals.HebrightenedalittleatthesightofAnthony.
“Ah,thereyouare,”heremarked.“LetmeintroduceyoutoBaron—er—er—andCaptainAndrassy.Mr.AnthonyCade.”
TheBaronstaredatAnthonywithgrowingsuspicion.
“Mr.Cade?”hesaidstiffly.“Ithinknot.”
“Awordalonewithyou,Baron,”saidAnthony.“Icanexplaineverything.”
TheBaronbowed,andthetwomenwalkeddowntheterracetogether.
“Baron,”saidAnthony.“Imustthrowmyselfuponyourmercy.IhavesofarstrainedthehonourofanEnglishgentlemanastotraveltothiscountryunderanassumedname.IrepresentedmyselftoyouasMr.JamesMcGrath—butyoumustseeforyourselfthatthedeceptioninvolvedwasinfinitesimal.YouaredoubtlessacquaintedwiththeworksofShakespeare,andhisremarksabouttheunimportanceofthenomenclatureofroses?Thiscaseisthesame.Themanyouwantedtoseewasthemaninpossessionofthememoirs.Iwasthatman.Asyouknowonlytoowell,Iamnolongerinpossessionofthem.Aneattrick,Baron,averyneattrick.Whothoughtofit,youoryourprincipal?”
“HisHighness’ownideaitwas.Andforanyonebuthimtocarryitouthewouldnotpermit.”
“Hediditjollywell,”saidAnthony,withapproval.“InevertookhimforanythingbutanEnglishman.”
“TheeducationofanEnglishgentlemandidthePrincereceive,”explainedtheBaron.“ThecustomofHerzoslovakiaitis.”
“Noprofessionalcouldhavepinchedthosepapersbetter,”saidAnthony.“MayIask,withoutindiscretion,whathasbecomeofthem?”
“Betweengentlemen,”begantheBaron.
“Youaretookind,Baron,”murmuredAnthony.“I’veneverbeencalledagentlemansooftenasIhaveinthelastforty-eighthours.”
“Itoyousaythis—Ibelievethemtobeburnt.”
“Youbelieve,butyoudon’tknow,eh?Isthatit?”
“HisHighnessinhisownkeepingretainedthem.Hispurposeitwastoreadthemandthenbythefiredestroythem.”
“Isee,”saidAnthony.“Allthesame,theyarenotthekindoflightliteratureyou’dskimthroughinhalfanhour.”
“Amongtheeffectsofmymartyredmastertheyhavenotdiscoveredbeen.Itisclear,therefore,thatburnttheyare.”
“Hm!”saidAnthony.“Iwonder?”
Hewassilentforaminuteortwoandthenwenton.
“Ihaveaskedyouthesequestions,Baron,because,asyoumayhaveheard,Imyselfhavebeenimplicatedinthecrime.Imustclearmyselfabsolutely,sothatnosuspicionattachestome.”
“Undoubtedly,”saidtheBaron.“Yourhonourdemandsit.”
“Exactly,”saidAnthony.“Youputthesethingssowell.Ihaven’tgottheknackofit.Tocontinue,Icanonlyclearmyselfbydiscoveringtherealmurderer,andtodothatImusthaveallthefacts.Thisquestionofthememoirsisveryimportant.Itseemstomepossiblethattogainpossessionofthemmightbethemotiveofthecrime.Tellme,Baron,isthataveryfar-fetchedidea?”
TheBaronhesitatedforamomentortwo
“Youyourselfthememoirshaveread?”heaskedcautiouslyatlength.
“IthinkIamanswered,”saidAnthony,smiling.“Now,Baron,there’sjustonethingmore.IshouldliketogiveyoufairwarningthatitisstillmyintentiontodeliverthatmanuscripttothepublishersonWednesdaynext,the13thofOctober.”
TheBaronstaredathim.
“Butyouhavenolongergotit?”
“OnWednesdaynext,Isaid.TodayisFriday.Thatgivesmefivedaystogetholdofitagain.”
“Butifitisburnt?”
“Idon’tthinkitisburnt.Ihavegoodreasonsfornotbelievingso.”
Ashespoketheyturnedthecorneroftheterrace.Amassivefigurewasadvancingtowardsthem.Anthony,whohadnotyetseenthegreatMr.HermanIsaacstein,lookedathimwithconsiderableinterest.
“Ah,Baron,”saidIsaacstein,wavingabigblackcigarhewassmoking,“thisisabadbusiness—averybadbusiness.”
“Mygoodfriend,Mr.Isaacstein,itisindeed,”criedtheBaron.“Allournobleedificeinruinsis.”
Anthonytactfullyleftthetwogentlementotheirlamentations,andretracedhisstepsalongtheterrace.
Suddenlyhecametoahalt.Athinspiralofsmokewasrisingintotheairapparentlyfromtheverycentreoftheyewhedge.
“Itmustbehollowinthemiddle,”reflectedAnthony“I’veheardofsuchthingsbefore.”
Helookedswiftlytorightandleftofhim.LordCaterhamwasatthefartherendoftheterracewithCaptainAndrassy.Theirbacksweretowardshim.Anthonybentdownandwriggledhiswaythroughthemassiveyew.
Hehadbeenquiterightinhissupposition.Theyewhedgewasreallynotone,buttwo,anarrowpassagedividedthem.Theentrancetothiswasabouthalfwayup,onthesideofthehouse.Therewasnomysteryaboutit,butnooneseeingtheyewhedgefromthefrontwouldhaveguessedattheprobability.
Anthonylookeddownthenarrowvista.Abouthalfwaydown,amanwasreclininginabasketchair.Ahalf-smokedcigarrestedonthearmofthechair,andthegentlemanhimselfappearedtobeasleep.
“Hm!”saidAnthonytohimself.“EvidentlyMr.HiramFishpreferssittingintheshade.”
Sixteen
TEAINTHESCHOOLROOM
Anthonyregainedtheterracewiththefeelinguppermostinhismindthattheonlysafeplaceforprivateconversationswasthemiddleofthelake.
Theresonantboomofagongsoundedfromthehouse,andTredwellappearedinastatelyfashionfromasidedoor“Luncheonisserved,mylord.”
“Ah!”saidLordCaterham,briskingupalittle.“Lunch!”
Atthatmomenttwochildrenburstoutofthehouse.Theywerehigh-spiritedyoungwomenoftwelveandten,andthoughtheirnamesmightbeDulcieandDaisy,asBundlehadaffirmed,theyappearedtobemoregenerallyknownasGuggleandWinkle.Theyexecutedakindofwardance,interspersedwithshrillwhoopstillBundleemergedandquelledthem.
“Where’sMademoiselle?”shedemanded
“She’sgotthemigraine,themigraine,themigraine!”chantedWinkle.
“Hurrah!”saidGuggle,joiningin.
LordCaterhamhadsucceededinshepherdingmostofhisguestsintothehouse.NowhelaidarestraininghandonAnthony’sarm.
“Cometomystudy,”hebreathed.“I’vegotsomethingratherspecialthere.”
Slinkingdownthehall,farmorelikeathiefthanlikethemasterofthehouse,LordCaterhamgainedtheshelterofhissanctum.Hereheunlockedacupboardandproducedvariousbottles.
“Talkingtoforeignersalwaysmakesmesothirsty,”heexplainedapologetically.“Idon’tknowwhyitis.”
Therewasaknockonthedoor,andVirginiapoppedherheadroundthecornerofit.
“Gotaspecialcocktailforme?”shedemanded.
“Ofcourse,”saidLordCaterhamhospitably.“Comein.”
Thenextfewminutesweretakenupwithseriousrites.
“Ineededthat,”saidLordCaterhamwithasigh,ashereplacedhisglassonthetable.“AsIsaidjustnow,Ifindtalkingtoforeignersparticularlyfatiguing.Ithinkit’sbecausethey’resopolite.Comealong.Let’shavesomelunch.”
Heledthewaytothediningroom.VirginiaputherhandonAnthony’sarm,anddrewhimbackalittle.
“I’vedonemygooddeedfortheday,”shewhispered.“IgotLordCaterhamtotakemetoseethebody.”
“Well?”demandedAnthonyeagerly.
Onetheoryofhiswastobeprovedordisproved.
Virginiawasshakingherhead.
“Youwerewrong,”shewhispered.“It’sPrinceMichaelright.”
“Oh!”Anthonywasdeeplychagrined.
“AndMademoisellehadthemigraine,”headdedaloud,inadissatisfiedtone.
“Whathasthatgottodowithit?”
“Probablynothing,butIwantedtoseeher.Yousee,I’vefoundoutthatMademoisellehasthesecondroomfromtheend—theonewhereIsawthelightgouplastnight.”
“That’sinteresting.”
“Probablythere’snothinginit.Allthesame,ImeantoseeMademoisellebeforethedayisout.”
Lunchwassomewhatofanordeal.EventhecheerfulimpartialityofBundlefailedtoreconciletheheterogeneousassembly.TheBaronandAndrassywerecorrect,formal,fullofetiquette,andhadtheairofattendingamealinamausoleum.LordCatherhamwaslethargicanddepressed.BillEversleighstaredlonginglyatVirginia.George,verymindfulofthetryingpositioninwhichhefoundhimself,conversedweightilywiththeBaronandMr.Isaacstein.GuggleandWinkle,completelybesidethemselveswithjoyathavingamurderinthehouse,hadtobecontinuallycheckedandkeptunder,whilstMr.HiramFishslowlymasticatedhisfood,anddrawledoutdryremarksinhisownpeculiaridiom.SuperintendentBattlehadconsideratelyvanished,andnobodyknewwhathadbecomeofhim.
“ThankGodthat’sover,”murmuredBundletoAnthony,astheyleftthetable.“AndGeorgeistakingtheforeigncontingentovertotheAbbeythisafternoontodiscussStatesecrets.”
“Thatwillpossiblyrelievetheatmosphere,”agreedAnthony.
“Idon’tmindtheAmericansomuch,”continuedBundle.“HeandFathercantalkfirsteditionstogetherquitehappilyinsomesecludedspot.Mr.Fish”—astheobjectoftheirconversationdrewnear—“I’mplanningapeacefulafternoonforyou.”
TheAmericanbowed.
“That’stookindofyou,LadyEileen.”
“Mr.Fish,”saidAnthony,“hadquiteapeacefulmorning.”
Mr.Fishshotaquickglanceathim.
“Ah,youobservedme,then,inmysecludedretreat?Therearemoments,sir,whenfarfromthemaddingcrowdistheonlymottoforamanofquiettastes.”
Bundlehaddriftedon,andtheAmericanandAnthonywerelefttogether.Theformerdroppedhisvoicealittle.
“Iopine,”hesaid,“thatthereisconsiderablemysteryaboutthislittledustup?”
“Anyamountofit,”saidAnthony.
“Thatguywiththebaldheadwasperhapsafamilyconnexion?”
“Somethingofthekind.”
“TheseCentralEuropeannationsbeattheband,”declaredMr.Fish.“It’skindofbeingrumouredaroundthatthedeceasedgentlemanwasaRoyalHighness.Isthatso,doyouknow?”
“HewasstayinghereasCountStanislaus,”repliedAnthonyevasively.
TothisMr.Fishofferednofurtherrejoinderthanthesomewhatcryptic:
“Oh,boy!”
Afterwhichherelapsedintosilenceforsomemoments.
“Thispolicecaptainofyours,”heobservedatlast.“Battle,orwhateverhisnameis,ishethegoodsallright?”
“ScotlandYardthinkso,”repliedAnthonydryly.
“Heseemskindofhideboundtome,”remarkedMr.Fish.“Nohustletohim.Thisbigideaofhis,lettingnooneleavethehouse,whatistheretoit?”
HedartedaverysharplookatAnthonyashespoke.
“Everyone’sgottoattendtheinquesttomorrowmorning,yousee.”
“That’stheideaisit?Nomoretoitthanthat?NoquestionofLordCaterham’sguestsbeingsuspected?”
“MydearMr.Fish!”
“Iwasgettingamiteuneasy—beingastrangerinthiscountry.Butofcourseitwasanoutsidejob—Iremembernow.Windowfoundunfastened,wasn’tit?”
“Itwas,”saidAnthony,lookingstraightinfrontofhim.
Mr.Fishsighed.Afteraminuteortwohesaidinaplaintivetone:
“Youngman,doyouknowhowtheygetthewateroutofamine?”
“How?”
“Bypumping—butit’salmightyhardwork!Iobservethefigureofmygenialhostdetachingitselffromthegroupoveryonder.Imustjoinhim.”
Mr.Fishwalkedgentlyaway,andBundledriftedbackagain.
“FunnyFish,isn’the?”sheremarked
“Heis.”
“It’snogoodlookingforVirginia,”saidBundlesharply.
“Iwasn’t.”
“Youwere.Idon’tknowhowshedoesit.Itisn’twhatshesays,Idon’tevenbelieveit’swhatshelooks.But,oh,boy!shegetsthereeverytime.Anyway,she’sondutyelsewhereforthetime.Shetoldmetobenicetoyou,andI’mgoingtobenicetoyou—byforceifnecessary.”
“Noforcerequired,”Anthonyassuredher.“But,ifit’sallthesametoyou,I’dratheryouwerenicetomeonthewater,inaboat.”
“It’snotabadidea,”saidBundlemeditatively.
Theystrolleddowntothelaketogether
“There’sjustonequestionI’dliketoaskyou,”saidAnthonyashepaddledgentlyoutfromtheshore,“beforeweturntoreallyinterestingtopics.Businessbeforepleasure.”
“Whosebedroomdoyouwanttoknowaboutnow?”askedBundlewithwearypatience.
“Nobody’sbedroomforthemoment.ButIwouldliketoknowwhereyougotyourFrenchgovernessfrom.”
“Theman’sbewitched,”saidBundle.“Igotherfromanagency,andIpayherahundredpoundsayear,andherChristiannameisGeneviève.Anythingmoreyouwanttoknow?”
“We’llassumetheagency,”saidAnthony.“Whataboutherreferences?”
“Oh,glowing!ShelivedfortenyearswiththeCountessofWhatNot.”
“WhatNotbeing?—”
“TheComtessedeBreteuil,ChateaudeBreteuil,Dinard.”
“Youdidn’tactuallyseetheComtesseyourself?Itwasalldonebyletter?”
“Exactly.”
“Hm!”saidAnthony.
“Youintrigueme,”saidBundle.“Youintriguemeenormously.Isitloveorcrime?”
“Probablysheeridiocyonmypart.Let’sforgetit.”
“‘Let’sforgetit,’sayshenegligently,havingextractedalltheinformationhewants.Mr.Cade,whodoyoususpect?IrathersuspectVirginiaasbeingthemostunlikelyperson.OrpossiblyBill.”
“Whataboutyou?”
“MemberofthearistocracyjoinsinsecrettheComradesoftheRedHand.Itwouldcreateasensationallright.”
Anthonylaughed.HelikedBundle,thoughhewasalittleafraidoftheshrewdpenetrationofhersharpgreyeyes.
“Youmustbeproudofallthis,”hesaidsuddenly,wavinghishandtowardsthegreathouseinthedistance.
Bundlescreweduphereyesandtiltedherheadononeside.
“Yes—itmeanssomething,Isuppose.Butone’stoousedtoit.Anyway,we’renothereverymuch—toodeadlydull.We’vebeenatCowesandDeauvilleallthesummeraftertown,andthenuptoScotland.Chimneyshasbeenswathedindustsheetsforaboutfivemonths.OnceaweektheytakethedustsheetsoffandcoachesfulloftouristscomeandgapeandlistentoTredwell.‘OnyourrightistheportraitofthefourthMarchionessofCaterham,paintedbySirJoshuaReynolds,’etc,andEdorBert,thehumoristoftheparty,nudgeshisgirlandsays,‘Eh!Gladys,they’vegottwopennyworthofpictureshere,rightenough.’Andthentheygoandlookatmorepicturesandyawnandshuffletheirfeetandwishitwastimetogohome.”
“Yethistoryhasbeenmadehereonceortwice,byallaccounts.”
“You’vebeenlisteningtoGeorge,”saidBundlesharply.“That’sthekindofthinghe’salwayssaying.”
ButAnthonyhadraisedhimselfonhiselbow,andwasstaringattheshore.
“IsthatathirdsuspiciousstrangerIseestandingdisconsolatelybytheboathouse?Orisitoneofthehouseparty?”
Bundleliftedherheadfromthescarletcushion.
“It’sBill,”shesaid.
“Heseemstobelookingforsomething.”
“He’sprobablylookingforme,”saidBundle,withoutenthusiasm.
“Shallwerowquicklyintheoppositedirection?”
“That’squitetherightanswer,butitshouldbedeliveredwithmoreenthusiasm.”
“Ishallrowwithdoublevigourafterthatrebuke.”
“Notatall,”saidBundle.“Ihavemypride.Rowmetowherethatyoungassiswaiting.Somebody’sgottolookafterhim,Isuppose.Virginiamusthavegivenhimtheslip.Oneofthesedays,inconceivableasitseems,ImightwanttomarryGeorge,soImightaswellpractisebeing‘oneofourwell-knownpoliticalhostesses.’”
Anthonypulledobedientlytowardstheshore.
“Andwhat’stobecomeofme,Ishouldliketoknow?”hecomplained.“Irefusetobetheunwantedthird.IsthatthechildrenIseeinthedistance?”
“Yes.Becareful,orthey’llropeyouin.”
“I’mratherfondofchildren,”saidAnthony.“Imightteachthemsomenicequietintellectualgame.”
“Well,don’tsayIdidn’twarnyou.”
HavingrelinquishedBundletothecareofthedisconsolateBill,Anthonystrolledofftowherevariousshrillcriesdisturbedthepeaceoftheafternoon.Hewasreceivedwithacclamation.”
“AreyouanygoodatplayingRedIndians?”askedGugglesternly.
“Rather,”saidAnthony.“YoushouldhearthenoiseImakewhenI’mbeingscalped.Likethis.”Heillustrated.
“Notsobad,”saidWinklegrudgingly.“Nowdothescalper’syell.”
Anthonyobligedwithabloodcurdlingnoise.InanotherminutethegameofRedIndianswasinfullswing.
Aboutanhourlater,Anthonywipedhisforehead,andventuredtoinquireafterMademoiselle’smigraine.Hewaspleasedtohearthatthatladyhadentirelyrecovered.Sopopularhadhebecomethathewasurgentlyinvitedtocomeandhaveteaintheschoolroom.
“Andthenyoucantellusaboutthemanyousawhung,”urgedGuggle.
“Didyousayyou’dgotabitoftheropewithyou?”askedWinkle.
“It’sinmysuitcase,”saidAnthonysolemnly.“Youshalleachhaveapieceofit.”
WinkleimmediatelyletoutawildIndianyellofsatisfaction.
“We’llhavetogoandgetwashed,Isuppose,”saidGugglegloomily.“Youwillcometotea,won’tyou?Youwon’tforget?”
Anthonysworesolemnlythatnothingshouldpreventhimkeepingtheengagement.Satisfied,theyouthfulpairbeataretreattowardsthehouse.Anthonystoodforaminutelookingafterthem,and,ashedidso,hebecameawareofamanleavingtheothersideofalittlecopseoftreesandhurryingawayacrossthepark.Hefeltalmostsurethatitwasthesameblack-beardedstrangerhehadencounteredthatmorning.WhilsthewashesitatingwhethertogoafterhimornotthetreesjustaheadofhimwerepartedandMr.HiramFishsteppedoutintotheopen.HestartedslightlywhenhesawAnthony.
“Apeacefulafternoon,Mr.Fish?”inquiredthelatter.
“Ithankyou,yes.”
Mr.Fishdidnotlookaspeacefulasusualhowever.Hisfacewasflushed,andhewasbreathinghardasthoughhehadbeenrunning.Hedrewouthiswatchandconsultedit.
“Iguess,”hesaidsoftly,“it’sjustabouttimeforyourBritishinstitutionofafternoontea.”
Closinghiswatchwithasnap,Mr.Fishambledgentlyawayinthedirectionofthehouse.
AnthonystoodinabrownstudyandawokewithastarttothefactthatSuperintendentBattlewasstandingbesidehim.Notthefaintestsoundhadheraldedhisapproach,andheseemedliterallytohavematerializedfromspace.
“Wheredidyouspringfrom?”askedAnthonyirritably.
Withaslightjerkofhishead,Battleindicatedthelittlecopseoftreesbehindthem.
“Itseemsapopularspotthisafternoon,”remarkedAnthony.
“Youwereverylostinthought,Mr.Cade.”
“Iwasindeed.DoyouknowwhatIwasdoing,Battle?Iwastryingtoputtwoandoneandfiveandthreetogethersoastomakefour.Anditcan’tbedone,Battle,itsimplycan’tbedone.”
“There’sdifficultiesthatway,”agreedthedetective.
“Butyou’rejustthemanIwantedtosee.Battle,Iwanttogoaway.Canitbedone?”
Truetohiscreed,SuperintendentBattleshowedneitheremotionnorsurprise.Hisreplywaseasyandmatteroffact.
“Thatdepends,sir,astowhereyouwanttogo.”
“I’lltellyouexactly,Battle.I’lllaymycardsuponthetable.IwanttogoDinard,tothechateauofMadamelaComtessedeBreteuil.Canitbedone?”
“Whendoyouwanttogo,Mr.Cade?”
“Saytomorrowaftertheinquest.IcouldbebackherebySundayevening.”
“Isee,”saidthesuperintendent,withpeculiarsolidity.
“Well,whataboutit?”
“I’venoobjection,providedyougowhereyousayyou’regoing,andcomestraightbackhere.”
“You’reamaninathousand,Battle.Eitheryouhavetakenanextraordinaryfancytomeorelseyou’reextraordinarilydeep.Whichisit?”
SuperintendentBattlesmiledalittle,butdidnotanswer.
“Well,well,”saidAnthony,“Iexpectyou’lltakeyourprecautions.Discreetminionsofthelawwillfollowmysuspiciousfootsteps.Sobeit.ButIdowishIknewwhatitwasallabout.”
“Idon’tgetyou,Mr.Cade.”
“Thememoirs—whatallthefussisabout.Weretheyonlymemoirs?Orhaveyougotsomethingupyoursleeve?”
Battlesmiledagain.
“Takeitlikethis.I’mdoingyouafavourbecauseyou’vemadeafavourableimpressiononme,Mr.Cade.I’dlikeyoutoworkinwithmeoverthiscase.Theamateurandtheprofessional,theygowelltogether.Theonehastheintimacy,sotospeak,andtheothertheexperience.”
“Well,”saidAnthonyslowly,“Idon’tmindadmittingthatI’vealwayswantedtotrymyhandatunravellingamurdermystery.”
“Anyideasaboutthecaseatall,Mr.Cade?”
“Plentyofthem,”saidAnthony.“Butthey’remostlyquestions.”
“As,forinstance?”
“WhostepsintothemurderedMichael’sshoes?Itseemstomethatthatisimportant?”
AratherwrysmilecameoverSuperintendentBattle’sface.
“Iwonderedifyou’dthinkofthat,sir.PrinceNicholasObolovitchisthenextheir—firstcousinofthisgentleman.”
“Andwhereisheatthepresentmoment?”askedAnthony,turningawaytolightacigarette.“Don’ttellmeyoudon’tknow,Battle,becauseIshan’tbelieveyou.”
We’vereasontobelievethathe’sintheUnitedStates.Hewasuntilquitelately,atallevents.Raisingmoneyonhisexpectations.”
Anthonygaveventtoasurprisedwhistle.
“Igetyou,”saidAnthony.“MichaelwasbackedbyEngland,NicholasbyAmerica.Inbothcountriesagroupoffinanciersareanxioustoobtaintheoilconcessions.TheLoyalistpartyadoptedMichaelastheircandidate—nowthey’llhavetolookelsewhere.GnashingofteethonthepartofIsaacsteinandCo.andMr.GeorgeLomax.RejoicingsinWallStreet.AmIright?”
“You’renotfaroff,”saidSuperintendentBattle.
“Hm!”saidAnthony.“IalmostdareswearthatIknowwhatyouweredoinginthatcopse.”
Thedetectivesmiled,butmadenoreply
“Internationalpoliticsareveryfascinating,”saidAnthony,“butIfearImustleaveyou.Ihaveanappointmentintheschoolroom.”
Hestrodebrisklyawaytowardsthehouse.InquiriesofthedignifiedTredwellshowedhimthewaytotheschoolroom.Hetappedonthedoorandentered,tobegreetedbysquealsofjoy.
GuggleandWinkleimmediatelyrushedathimandborehimintriumphtobeintroducedtoMademoiselle.
Forthefirsttime,Anthonyfeltaqualm.MademoiselleBrunwasasmall,middle-agedwomanwithasallowface,pepper-and-salthair,andabuddingmoustache!
Asthenotoriousforeignadventuressshedidnotfitintothepictureatall.
“Ibelieve,”saidAnthonytohimself,“I’mmakingthemostutterfoolofmyself.Nevermind,Imustgothroughwithitnow.”
HewasextremelypleasanttoMademoiselle,andshe,onherpart,wasevidentlydelightedtohaveagood-lookingyoungmaninvadeherschoolroom.Themealwasagreatsuccess.
Butthatevening,aloneinthecharmingbedchamberthathadbeenallottedtohim,Anthonyshookhisheadseveraltimes.
“I’mwrong,”hesaidtohimself.“Forthesecondtime,I’mwrong.Somehoworother,Ican’tgetthehangofthisthing.”
Hestoppedinhispacingofthefloor.
“Whatthedevil—”beganAnthony.
Thedoorwasbeingsoftlyopened.Inanotherminuteamanhadslippedintotheroom,andstooddeferentiallybythedoor.
Hewasabigfairman,squarelybuilt,withhighSlavoniccheekbones,anddreamyfanaticeyes.
“Whothedevilareyou?”askedAnthony,staringathim.
ThemanrepliedinperfectEnglish.
“IamBorisAnchoukoff.”
“PrinceMichael’sservant,eh?”
“Thatisso.Iservedmymaster.Heisdead.NowIserveyou.”
“It’sverykindofyou,”saidAnthony.“ButIdon’thappentowantavalet.”
“Youaremymasternow.Iwillserveyoufaithfully.”
“Yes—but—look—here—Idon’tneedavalet.Ican’taffordone.”
BorisAnchoukofflookedathimwithatouchofscorn.
“Idonotaskformoney.Iservedmymaster.SowillIserveyou—tothedeath!”
Steppingquicklyforward,hedroppedononeknee,caughtAnthony’shandandplaceditonhisforehead.Thenheroseswiftlyandlefttheroomassuddenlyashehadcome.
Anthonystaredafterhim,hisfaceapictureofastonishment.
“That’sdamnedodd,”hesaidtohimself.“Afaithfulsortofdog.Curioustheinstinctsthesefellowshave.”
Heroseandpacedupanddown.
“Allthesame,”hemuttered,“it’sawkward—damnedawkward—justatpresent.”
Seventeen
AMIDNIGHTADVENTURE
Theinquesttookplaceonthefollowingmorning.Itwasextraordinarilyunliketheinquestsaspicturedinsensationalfiction.ItsatisfiedevenGeorgeLomaxinitsrigidsuppressionofallinterestingdetails.SuperintendentBattleandthecoroner,workingtogetherwiththesupportofthechiefconstable,hadreducedtheproceedingstothelowestlevelofboredom.
Immediatelyaftertheinquest,Anthonytookanunostentatiousdeparture.
HisdeparturewastheonebrightspotinthedayforBillEversleigh.GeorgeLomax,obsessedwiththefearthatsomethingdamagingtohisdepartmentmightleakout,hadbeenexceedinglytrying.MissOscarandBillhadbeeninconstantattendance.EverythingusefulandinterestinghadbeendonebyMissOscar.Bill’sparthadbeentoruntoandfrowithcountlessmessages,todecodetelegrams,andtolistenbythehourtoGeorge’srepeatinghimself.
ItwasacompletelyexhaustedyoungmanwhoretiredtobedonSaturdaynight.HehadhadpracticallynochancetotalktoVirginiaallday,owingtoGeorge’sexactions,andhefeltinjuredandill-used.Thankgoodness,thatColonialfellowhadtakenhimselfoff.HehadmonopolizedfartoomuchofVirginia’ssociety,anyway.AndofcourseifGeorgeLomaxwentonmakinganassofhimselflikethis—Hismindseethingwithresentment,Billfellasleep.And,indreams,cameconsolation.ForhedreamtofVirginia.
Itwasanheroicdream,adreamofburningtimbersinwhichheplayedthepartofthegallantrescuer.HebroughtdownVirginiafromthetopmoststoreyinhisarms.Shewasunconscious.Helaidheronthegrass.Thenhewentofftofindapacketofsandwiches.Itwasmostimportantthatheshouldfindthatpacketofsandwiches.GeorgehaditbutinsteadofgivingituptoBill,hebegantodictatetelegrams.Theywerenowinthevestryofachurch,andanyminuteVirginiamightarrivetobemarriedtohim.Horror!Hewaswearingpyjamas.Hemustgethomeatonceandfindhisproperclothes.Herushedouttothecar.Thecarwouldnotstart.Nopetrolinthetank!Hewasgettingdesperate.AndthenabigGeneralbusdrewupandVirginiagotoutofitonthearmofthebaldheadedBaron.Shewasdeliciouslycool,andexquisitelydressedingrey.Shecameovertohimandshookhimbytheshouldersplayfully.“Bill,”shesaid.“Oh,Bill.”Sheshookhimharder.“Bill,”shesaid.“Wakeup.Oh,dowakeup!”
Verydazed,Billwokeup.HewasinhisbedroomatChimneys.Butpartofthedreamwaswithhimstill.Virginiawasleaningoverhim,andwasrepeatingthesamewordswithvariations.
“Wakeup,Bill.Oh,dowakeup!Bill.”
“Hullo!”saidBill,sittingupinbed.“What’sthematter?”
Virginiagaveasighofrelief.
“Thankgoodness.Ithoughtyou’dneverwakeup.I’vebeenshakingyouandshakingyou.Areyouproperlyawakenow?”
“Ithinkso,”saidBilldoubtfully.
“Yougreatlump,”saidVirginia.“ThetroubleI’vehad!Myarmsareaching.”
“Theseinsultsareuncalledfor,”saidBill,withdignity.“Letmesay,Virginia,thatIconsideryourconductmostunbecoming.Notatallthatofapureyoungwidow.”
“Don’tbeanidiot,Bill.Thingsarehappening.”
“Whatkindofthings?”
“Queerthings.IntheCouncilChamber.IthoughtIheardadoorbangsomewhere,andIcamedowntosee.AndthenIsawalightintheCouncilChamber.Icreptalongthepassage,andpeepedthroughthecrackofthedoor.Icouldn’tseemuch,butwhatIcouldseewassoextraordinarythatIfeltImustseemore.Andthen,allofasudden,IfeltthatIshouldlikeanice,bigstrongmanwithme.AndyouwerethenicestandbiggestandstrongestmanIcouldthinkof,soIcameinandtriedtowakeyouupquietly.ButI’vebeenagesdoingit.”
“Isee,”saidBill.“Andwhatdoyouwantmetodonow?Getupandtackletheburglars?”
Virginiawrinkledherbrows.
“I’mnotsurethattheyareburglars.Bill,it’sveryqueer—Butdon’tlet’swastetimetalking.Getup.”
Billslippedobedientlyoutofbed.
“WaitwhileIdonapairofboots—thebigoneswithnailsinthem.HoweverbigandstrongIam.I’mnotgoingtotacklehardenedcriminalswithbarefeet.”
“Ilikeyourpyjamas,Bill,”saidVirginiadreamily.“Brightnesswithoutvulgarity.”
“Whilewe’reonthesubject,”remarkedBill,reachingforhissecondboot,“Ilikethatthingummybobofyours.It’saprettyshadeofgreen.Whatdoyoucallit?It’snotjustadressinggown,isit?”
“It’sanegligé,”saidVirginia.“I’mgladyou’veledsuchapurelife,Bill.”
“Ihaven’t,saidBillindignantly.
“You’vejustbetrayedthefact.You’reverynice,Bill,andIlikeyou.Idaresaythattomorrowmorning—sayaboutteno’clock,agoodsafehourfornotundulyexcitingtheemotions—Imightevenkissyou.”
“Ialwaysthinkthesethingsarebestcarriedoutonthespurofthemoment,”suggestedBill.
“We’veotherfishtofry,”saidVirginia.“Ifyoudon’twanttoputonagasmaskandashirtofchainmail,shallwestart?”
“I’mready,”saidBill.
Hewriggledintoaluridsilkdressinggown,andpickedupapoker.
“Theorthodoxweapon,”heobserved.
“Comeon,”saidVirginia,“anddon’tmakeanoise.”
Theycreptoutoftheroomandalongthecorridor,andthendownthewidedoublestaircase.Virginiafrownedastheyreachedthebottomofit.
“Thosebootsofyoursaren’texactlydomesofsilence,arethey,Bill?”
“Nailswillbenails,”saidBill.“I’mdoingmybest.”
“You’llhavetotakethemoff,”saidVirginiafirmly.
Billgroaned.
“Youcancarrytheminyourhand.Iwanttoseeifyoucanmakeoutwhat’sgoingonintheCouncilChamber.Bill,it’sawfullymysterious.Whyshouldburglarstakeamaninarmourtopieces?”
“Well,Isupposetheycan’ttakehimawaywholeverywell.Theydisarticulatehim,andpackhimneatly.”
Virginiashookherhead,dissatisfied.
“Whatshouldtheywanttostealamouldyoldsuitofarmourfor?Why,Chimneysisfulloftreasuresthataremucheasiertotakeaway.”
Billshookhishead.
“Howmanyofthemarethere?”heasked,takingafirmergripofhispoker.
“Icouldn’tseeproperly.Youknowwhatakeyholeis.Andtheyonlyhadaflashlight.”
“Iexpectthey’vegonebynow,”saidBillhopefully.
Hesatonthebottomstairanddrewoffhisboots.Then,holdingtheminhishand,hecreptalongthepassagethatledtotheCouncilChamber,Virginiaclosebehindhim.Theyhaltedoutsidethemassiveoakdoor.Allwassilentwithin,butsuddenlyVirginiapressedhisarm,andhenodded.Abrightlighthadshownforaminutethroughthekeyhole.
Billwentdownonhisknees,andappliedhiseyetotheorifice.Whathesawwasconfusingintheextreme.Thesceneofthedramathatwasbeingenactedinsidewasevidentlyjusttotheleft,outofhislineofvision.Asubduedchinkeverynowandthenseemedtopointtothefactthattheinvaderswerestilldealingwiththefigureinarmour.Thereweretwoofthese,Billremembered.TheystoodtogetherbythewalljustundertheHolbeinportrait.Thelightoftheelectrictorchwasevidentlybeingdirectedupontheoperationsinprogress.Itlefttherestoftheroomnearlyindarkness.OnceafigureflittedacrossBill’slineofvision,buttherewasnotsufficientlighttodistinguishanythingaboutit.Itmighthavebeenthatofamanorawoman.Inaminuteortwoitflittedbackagainandthenthesubduedchinkingsoundedagain.Presentlytherecameanewsound,afainttap-tapasofknucklesonwood.
Billsatbackonhisheelssuddenly.
“Whatisit?”whisperedVirginia.
“Nothing.It’snogoodgoingonlikethis.Wecan’tseeanything,andwecan’tguesswhatthey’reupto.Imustgoinandtacklethem.”
Hedrewonhisbootsandstoodup.
“Now,Virginia,listentome.We’llopenthedoorassoftlyaspossible.Youknowwheretheswitchoftheelectriclightis?”
“Yes,justbythedoor.”
“Idon’tthinktherearemorethantwoofthem.Theremaybeonlyone.Iwanttogetwellintotheroom.Then,whenIsay‘Go’Iwantyoutoswitchonthelights.Doyouunderstand?”
“Perfectly.”
“Anddon’tscreamorfaintoranything.Iwon’tletanyonehurtyou.”
“Myhero!”murmuredVirginia.
Billpeeredathersuspiciouslythroughthedarkness.Heheardafaintsoundwhichmighthavebeeneitherasoboralaugh.Thenhegraspedthepokerfirmlyandrosetohisfeet.Hefeltthathewasfullyalivetothesituation.
Verysoftly,heturnedthehandleofthedoor.Ityieldedandswunggentlyinwards.BillfeltVirginiaclosebesidehim.Togethertheymovednoiselesslyintotheroom.
Atthefartherendoftheroom,thetorchwasplayingupontheHolbeinpicture.Silhouettedagainstitwasthefigureofaman,standingonachairandgentlytappingonthepanelling.Hisback,ofcourse,wastothem,andhemerelyloomedupasamonstrousshadow.
Whatmoretheymighthaveseencannotbetold,foratthatmomentBill’snailssqueakedupontheparquetfloor.Themanswunground,directingthepowerfultorchfulluponthemandalmostdazzlingthemwiththesuddenglare.
Billdidnothesitate.
“Go,”heroaredtoVirginia,andsprangforhisman,assheobedientlypresseddowntheswitchoftheelectriclights.
Thebigchandeliershouldhavebeenfloodedwithlight;butinstead,allthathappenedwastheclickoftheswitch.Theroomremainedindarkness.
VirginiaheardBillcursefreely.Thenextminutetheairwasfilledwithpanting,scufflingsounds.Thetorchhadfallentothegroundandextinguisheditselfinthefall.Therewasthesoundofadesperatestrugglegoingoninthedarkness,butastowhowasgettingthebetterofit,andindeedastowhowastakingpartinit,Virginiahadnoidea.Hadtherebeenanyoneelseintheroombesidesthemanwhowastappingthepanelling?Theremighthavebeen.Theirglimpsehadbeenonlyamomentaryone.
Virginiafeltparalysed.Shehardlyknewwhattodo.Shedarednottrytojoininthestruggle.TodosomighthamperandnotaidBill.Heroneideawastostayinthedoorway,sothatanyonetryingtoescapeshouldnotleavetheroomthatway.Atthesametime,shedisobeyedBill’sexpressinstructionsandscreamedloudlyandrepeatedlyforhelp.
Shehearddoorsopeningupstairs,andasuddengleamoflightfromthehallandthebigstaircase.IfonlyBillcouldholdhismanuntilhelpcame.
Butatthatminutetherewasafinalterrificupheaval.Theymusthavecrashedintooneofthefiguresinarmour,foritfelltothegroundwithadeafeningnoise.Virginiasawdimlyafigurespringingforthewindow,andatthesametimeheardBillcursinganddisengaginghimselffromfragmentsofarmour.
Forthefirsttime,sheleftherpost,andrushedwildlyforthefigureatthewindow.Butthewindowwasalreadyunlatched.Theintruderhadnoneedtostopandfumbleforit.Hesprangoutandracedawaydowntheterraceandroundthecornerofthehouse.Virginiaracedafterhim.Shewasyoungandathletic,andsheturnedthecorneroftheterracenotmanysecondsafterherquarry.
Buttheresheranheadlongintothearmsofamanwhowasemergingfromasmallsidedoor.ItwasMr.HiramP.Fish.
“Gee!It’salady,”heexclaimed.“Why,Ibegyourpardon,Mrs.Revel.Itookyouforoneofthethugsfleeingfromjustice.”
“He’sjustpassedthisway,”criedVirginiabreathlessly.“Can’twecatchhim?”
Butevenasshespoke,sheknewitwastoolate.Themanmusthavegainedtheparkbynow,anditwasadarknightwithnomoon.SheretracedherstepstotheCouncilChamber,Mr.Fishbyherside,discoursinginasoothingmonotoneuponthehabitsofburglarsingeneral,ofwhichheseemedtohaveawideexperience.
LordCaterham,BundleandvariousfrightenedservantswerestandinginthedoorwayoftheCouncilChamber.
“Whatthedevil’sthematter?”askedBundle.“Isitburglars?WhatareyouandMr.Fishdoing,Virginia?Takingamidnightstroll?”
Virginiaexplainedtheeventsoftheevening.
“Howfrightfullyexciting,”commentedBundle.“Youdon’tusuallygetamurderandaburglarycrowdedintooneweekend.What’sthematterwiththelightsinhere?They’reallrighteverywhereelse.”
Thatmysterywassoonexplained.Thebulbshadsimplybeenremovedandlaidinarowagainstthewall.Mountedonapairofsteps,thedignifiedTredwell,dignifiedeveninundress,restoredilluminationtothestrickenapartment.
“IfIamnotmistaken,”saidLordCaterhaminhissadvoiceashelookedaroundhim,“thisroomhasrecentlybeenthecentreofsomewhatviolentactivity.”
Therewassomejusticeintheremark.Everythingthatcouldhavebeenknockedoverhadbeenkockedover.Thefloorwaslitteredwithsplinteredchairs,brokenchina,andfragmentsofarmour.
“Howmanyofthemwerethere?”askedBundle.“Itseemstohavebeenadesperatefight.”
“Onlyone,Ithink,”saidVirginia.But,evenasshespokeshehesitatedalittle.Certainlyonlyoneperson—aman—hadpassedoutthroughthewindow.Butasshehadrushedafterhim,shehadavagueimpressionofarustlesomewherecloseathand.Ifso,thesecondoccupantoftheroomcouldhaveescapedthroughthedoor.Perhaps,though,therustlehadbeenaneffectofherownimagination.
Billappearedsuddenlyatthewindow.Hewasoutofbreathandpantinghard.
“Damnthefellow!”heexclaimedwrathfully.“He’sescaped.I’vebeenhuntingallovertheplace.Notasignofhim.”
“Cheerup,Bill,”saidVirginia,“betterlucknexttime.”
“Well,”saidLordCaterham,“whatdoyouthinkwe’dbetterdonow?Gobacktobed?Ican’tgetholdofBadgworthyatthistimeofnight.Tredwell,youknowthesortofthingthat’snecessary.Justseetoit,willyou?”
“Verygood,mylord.”
Withasighofrelief,LordCaterhampreparedtoretreat.
“Thatbeggar,Isaacstein,sleepssoundly,”heremarked,withatouchofenvy.“You’dhavethoughtallthisrowwouldhavebroughthimdown.”HelookedacrossatMr.Fish.“Youfoundtimetodress,Isee,”headded.
“Iflungonafewarticlesofclothing,yes,”admittedtheAmerican.
“Verysensibleofyou,”saidLordCaterham.“Damnedchillythings,pyjamas.”
Heyawned.Inaratherdepressedmood,thehousepartyretiredtobed.
Eighteen
SECONDMIDNIGHTADVENTURE
ThefirstpersonthatAnthonysawashealightedfromhistrainonthefollowingafternoonwasSuperintendentBattle.Hisfacebrokeintoasmile.
“I’vereturnedaccordingtocontract,”heremarked.“Didyoucomedownheretoassureyourselfofthefact?”
Battleshookhishead.
“Iwasn’tworryingaboutthat,Mr.Cade.IhappentobegoingtoLondon,that’sall.”
“Youhavesuchatrustfulnature,Battle.”
“Doyouthinkso,sir?”
“No.Ithinkyou’redeep—verydeep.Stillwaters,youknow,andallthatsortofthing.Soyou’regoingtoLondon?”
“Iam,Mr.Cade.”
“Iwonderwhy.”
Thedetectivedidnotreply.
“You’resochatty,”remarkedAnthony.“That’swhatIlikeaboutyou.”
Afar-offtwinkleshowedinBattle’seyes.
“Whataboutyourownlittlejob,Mr.Cade?”heinquired.“Howdidthatgooff?”
“I’vedrawnblank,Battle.ForthesecondtimeI’vebeenprovedhopelesslywrong.Galling,isn’tit?”
“Whatwastheidea,sir,ifImayask?”
“IsuspectedtheFrenchgoverness,Battle.A:uponthegroundsofherbeingthemostunlikelyperson,accordingtothecanonsofthebestfiction.B:becausetherewasalightinherroomonthenightofthetragedy.”
“Thatwasn’tmuchtogoupon.”
“Youarequiteright.Itwasnot.ButIdiscoveredthatshehadonlybeenhereashorttime,andIalsofoundasuspiciousFrenchmanspyingroundtheplace.Youknowallabouthim,Isuppose?”
“Youmeanthemanwhocallshimself,M.Chelles?StayingattheCricketers?Atravellerinsilk.”
“That’sit,isit?Whatabouthim?WhatdoesScotlandYardthink?”
“Hisactionshavebeensuspicious,”saidSuperintendentBattleexpressionlessly.
“Verysuspicious,Ishouldsay.Well,Iputtwoandtwotogether.Frenchgovernessinthehouse,Frenchstrangeroutside.Idecidedthattheywereinleaguetogether,andIhurriedofftointerviewtheladywithwhomMademoiselleBrunhadlivedforthelasttenyears.IwasfullypreparedtofindthatshehadneverheardofanysuchpersonasMademoiselleBrun,butIwaswrong,Battle.Mademoiselleisthegenuinearticle.”
Battlenodded.
“Imustadmit,”saidAnthony,“thatassoonasIspoketoherIhadanuneasyconvictionthatIwasbarkingupthewrongtree.Sheseemedsoabsolutelythegoverness.”
AgainBattlenodded.
“Allthesame,Mr.Cade,youcan’talwaysgobythat.Womenespeciallycandoalotwithmakeup.I’veseenquiteaprettygirlwiththecolourofherhairaltered,asallowcomplexionstain,slightlyreddenedeyelidsand,mostefficaciousofall,dowdyclothes,whowouldfailtobeidentifiedbyninepeopleoutoftenwhohadseenherinherformercharacter.Menhaven’tgotquitethesamepull.Youcandosomethingwiththeeyebrows,andofcoursedifferentsetsoffalseteethalterthewholeexpression.Buttherearealwaystheears—there’sanextraordinarylotofcharacterinears,Mr.Cade.”
“Don’tlooksohardatmine,Battle,”complainedAnthony.“Youmakemequitenervous.”
“I’mnottalkingoffalsebeardsandgreasepaint,”continuedthesuperintendent.“That’sonlyforbooks.No,thereareveryfewmenwhocanescapeidentificationandputitoveronyou.Infactthere’sonlyonemanIknowwhohasapositivegeniusforimpersonation.KingVictor.EverheardofKingVictor,Mr.Cade?”
TherewassomethingsosharpandsuddenaboutthewaythedetectiveputthequestionthatAnthonycheckedthewordsthatwererisingtohislips.
“KingVictor?”hesaidreflectivelyinstead.“Somehow,Iseemtohaveheardthename.”
“Oneofthemostcelebratedjewelthievesintheworld.Irishfather,Frenchmother.Canspeakfivelanguagesatleast.He’sbeenservingasentence,buthistimewasupafewmonthsago.”
“Really?Andwhereishesupposedtobenow?”
“Well,Mr.Cade,that’swhatwe’dratherliketoknow.”
“Theplotthickens,”saidAnthonylightly.“Nochanceofhisturninguphere,isthere?ButIsupposehewouldn’tbeinterestedinpoliticalmemoirs—onlyinjewels.”
“There’snosaying,”saidSuperintendentBattle.“Forallweknow,hemaybeherealready.”
“Disguisedasthesecondfootman?Splendid.You’llrecognizehimbyhisearsandcoveryourselfwithglory.”
“Quitefondofyourlittlejoke,aren’tyou,Mr.Cade?Bytheway,whatdoyouthinkofthatcuriousbusinessatStaines?”
“Staines?”saidAnthony.“What’sbeenhappeningatStaines?”
“ItwasinSaturday’spapers.Ithoughtyoumighthaveseenaboutit.Manfoundbytheroadsideshot.Aforeigner.Itwasinthepapersagaintoday,ofcourse.”
“Ididseesomethingaboutit,”saidAnthonycarelessly.“Notsuicide,apparently.”
“No.Therewasnoweapon.Asyetthemanhasn’tbeenidentified.”
“Youseemveryinterested,”saidAnthony,smiling.“NoconnexionwithPrinceMichael’sdeath,isthere?”
Hishandwasquitesteady.Sowerehiseyes.WasithisfancythatSuperintendentBattlewaslookingathimwithpeculiarintentness?
“Seemstobequiteanepidemicofthatsortofthing,”saidBattle.“But,well,Idaresaythere’snothinginit.”
Heturnedaway,beckoningtoaporterastheLondontraincamethunderingin.Anthonydrewafaintsighofrelief.
Hestrolledacrosstheparkinanunusuallythoughtfulmood.HepurposelychosetoapproachthehousefromthesamedirectionasthatfromwhichhehadcomeonthefatefulThursdaynight,andashedrewneartoithelookedupatthewindowscudgellinghisbrainstomakesureoftheonewherehehadseenthelight.Washequitesurethatitwasthesecondfromtheend?
And,doingso,hemadeadiscovery.Therewasanangleatthecornerofthehouseinwhichwasawindowsetfartherback.Standingononespot,youcountedthiswindowasthefirst,andthefirstonebuiltoutovertheCouncilChamberasthesecond,butmoveafewyardstotherightandthepartbuiltoutovertheCouncilChamberappearedtobetheendofthehouse.Thefirstwindowwasinvisible,andthetwowindowsoftheroomsovertheCouncilChamberwouldhaveappearedthefirstandsecondfromtheend.Whereexactlyhadhebeenstandingwhenhehadseenthelightflashup?
Anthonyfoundthequestionveryhardtodetermine.Amatterofayardorsomadeallthedifference.Butonepointwasmadeabundantlyclear.Itwasquitepossiblethathehadbeenmistakenindescribingthelightasocurringinthesecondroomfromtheend.Itmightequallywellhavebeenthethird.
Nowwhooccupiedthethirdroom?Anthonywasdeterminedtofindthatoutassoonaspossible.Fortunefavouredhim.InthehallTredwellhadjustsetthemassivesilverurninitsplaceontheteatray.Nobodyelsewasthere.
“Hullo,Tredwell,”saidAnthony.“Iwantedtoaskyousomething.Whohasthethirdroomfromtheendonthewestside?OvertheCouncilChamber,Imean.”
Tredwellreflectedforaminuteortwo.
“ThatwouldbetheAmericangentleman’sroom,sir.Mr.Fish.”
“Oh,isit?Thankyou.”
“Notatall,sir.”
Tredwellpreparedtodepart,thenpaused.Thedesiretobethefirsttoimpartnewsmakesevenpontificalbutlershuman.
“Perhapsyouhaveheard,sir,ofwhatoccurredlastnight?”
“Notaword,”saidAnthony.“Whatdidoccurlastnight?”
“Anattemptatrobbery,sir!”
“Notreally?Wasanythingtaken?”
“Nosir.ThethievesweredismantlingthesuitsofarmourintheCouncilChamberwhentheyweresurprisedandforcedtoflee.Unfortunatelytheygotclearaway.”
“That’sveryextraordinary,”saidAnthony.“TheCouncilChamberagain.Didtheybreakinthatway?”
“Itissupposed,sir,thattheyforcedthewindow.”
Satisfiedwiththeinteresthisinformationhadaroused,Tredwellresumedhisretreat,butbroughtupshortwithadignifiedapology.
“Ibegyourpardon,sir.Ididn’thearyoucomein,anddidn’tknowyouwerestandingjustbehindme.”
Mr.Isaacstein,whohadbeenthevictimoftheimpact,wavedhishandinafriendlyfashion.
“Noharmdone,mygoodfellow.Iassureyounoharmdone.”
Tredwellretiredlookingcontemptuous,andIsaacsteincameforwardanddroppedintoaneasychair.
“Hullo,Cade,soyou’rebackagain.Beenhearingallaboutlastnight’slittleshow?”
“Yes,”saidAnthony.“Ratheranexcitingweekend,isn’tit?”
“Ishouldimaginethatlastnightwastheworkoflocalmen,”saidIsaacstein.“Itseemsaclumsy,amateurishaffair.”
“Isthereanyoneaboutherewhocollectsarmour?”askedAnthony.“Itseemsacuriousthingtoselect.”
“Verycurious,”agreedMr.Isaacstein.Hepausedaminute,andthensaidslowly:“Thewholepositionhereisveryunfortunate.”
Therewassomethingalmostmenacinginhistone.
“Idon’tquiteunderstand,”saidAnthony.
“Whyareweallbeingkepthereinthisway?Theinquestwasoveryesterday.ThePrince’sbodywillberemovedtoLondon,whereitisbeinggivenoutthathediedofheartfailure.Andstillnobodyisallowedtoleavethehouse.Mr.LomaxknowsnomorethanIdo.HerefersmetoSuperintendentBattle.”
“SuperintendentBattlehassomethinguphissleeve,”saidAnthonythoughtfully.“Anditseemstheessenceofhisplanthatnobodyshouldleave.”
“But,excuseme,Mr.Cade,youhavebeenaway.”
“Withastringtiedtomyleg.I’venodoubtthatIwasshadowedthewholetime.Ishouldn’thavebeengivenachanceofdisposingoftherevolveroranythingofthatkind.”
“Ah,therevolver,”saidIsaacsteinthoughtfully.“Thathasnotyetbeenfound,Ithink?”
“Notyet.”
“Possiblythrownintothelakeinpassing.”
“Verypossibly.”
“WhereisSuperintendentBattle?Ihavenotseenhimthisafternoon.”
“He’sgonetoLondon.Imethimatthestation.”
“GonetoLondon?Really?Didhesaywhenhewouldbeback?”
“Earlytomorrow,soIunderstand.”
VirginiacameinwithLordCaterhamandMr.Fish.ShesmiledawelcomeatAnthony.
“Soyou’reback,Mr.Cade.Haveyouheardallaboutouradventureslastnight?”
“Why,trooly,Mr.Cade,”saidHiramFish.“Itwasanightofstrenuousexcitement.DidyouhearthatImistookMrs.Revelforoneofthethugs?”
“Andinthemeantime,”saidAnthony,“thethug?—”
“Gotclearaway,”saidMr.Fishmournfully.
“Dopourout,”saidLordCaterhamtoVirginia.“Idon’tknowwhereBundleis.”
Virginiaofficiated.ThenshecameandsatdownnearAnthony.
“Cometotheboathouseaftertea,”shesaidinalowvoice.“BillandIhavegotalottotellyou.”
Thenshejoinedlightlyinthegeneralconversation.
Themeetingattheboathousewasdulyheld.
VirginiaandBillwerebubblingoverwiththeirnews.Theyagreedthataboatinthemiddleofthelakewastheonlysafeplaceforconfidentialconversation.Havingpaddledoutasufficientdistance,thefullstoryoflastnight’sadventurewasrelatedtoAnthony.Billlookedalittlesulky.HewishedVirginiawouldnotinsistonbringingthisColonialfellowintoit.
“It’sveryodd,”saidAnthony,whenthestorywasfinished.“Whatdoyoumakeofit?”heaskedVirginia.
“Ithinktheywerelookingforsomething,”shereturnedpromptly.“Theburglarideaisabsurd.”
“Theythoughtthesomething,whateveritwas,mightbeconcealedinthesuitsofarmour,that’sclearenough.Butwhytapthepanelling?Thatlooksmoreasthoughtheywerelookingforasecretstaircase,orsomethingofthatkind.”
“There’sapriest’sholeatChimneys,Iknow,”saidVirginia.“AndIbelievethere’sasecretstaircaseaswell.LordCaterhamwouldtellusallaboutit.WhatIwanttoknowis,whatcantheyhavebeenlookingfor?”
“Itcan’tbethememoirs,”saidAnthony.“They’reagreatbulkypackage.Itmusthavebeensomethingsmall.”
“Georgeknows,Iexpect,”saidVirginia.“IwonderwhetherIcouldgetitoutofhim.AllalongI’vefelttherewassomethingbehindallthis.”
“Yousaytherewasonlyoneman,”pursuedAnthony,“butthattheremightpossiblybeanother,asyouthoughtyouheardsomeonegoingtowardsthedoorasyousprangtothewindow.”
“Thesoundwasveryslight,”saidVirginia.“Itmighthavebeenjustmyimagination.”
“That’squitepossible,butincaseitwasn’tyourimaginationthesecondpersonmusthavebeenaninmateofthehouse.Iwondernow—”
“Whatareyouwonderingat?”askedVirginia.
“ThethoroughnessofMr.HiramFish,whodresseshimselfcompletelywhenhehearsscreamsforhelpdownstairs.”
“There’ssomethinginthat,”agreedVirginia.“Andthenthere’sIsaacstein,whosleepsthroughtitall.That’ssuspicioustoo.Surelyhecouldn’t?”
“There’sthatfellowBoris,”suggestedBill.“Helooksanunmitigatedruffian.Michael’sservant,Imean.”
“Chimneysisfullofsuspiciouscharacters,”saidVirginia.“Idaresaytheothersarejustassuspiciousofus.IwishSuperintendentBattlehadn’tgonetoLondon.Ithinkit’sratherstupidofhim.Bytheway,Mr.Cade,I’veseenthatpeculiar-lookingFrenchmanaboutonceortwice,spyingroundthepark.”
“It’samix-up,”confessedAnthony.“I’vebeenawayonawild-goosechase.Madeathoroughassofmyself.Lookhere,tomethewholequestionseemstoresolveitselfintothis:didthemenfindwhattheywerelookingforlastnight?”
“Supposingtheydidn’t?”saidVirginia.“I’mprettysuretheydidn’t,asamatteroffact.”
“Justthis,Ibelievethey’llcomeagain.Theyknow,ortheysoonwillknow,thatBattle’sinLondon.They’lltaketheriskandcomeagaintonight.”
“Doyoureallythinkso?”
“It’sachance.Nowwethreewillformalittlesyndicate.EversleighandIwillconcealourselveswithdueprecautionsintheCouncilChamber—”
“Whataboutme?”interruptedVirginia.“Don’tthinkyou’regoingtoleavemeoutofit.”
“Listentome,Virginia,”saidBill.“Thisismen’swork—”
“Don’tbeanidiot,Bill.I’minonthis.Don’tyoumakeanymistakeaboutit.Thesyndicatewillkeepwatchtonight.”
Itwassettledthus,andthedetailsoftheplanwerelaid.Afterthepartyhadretiredtobed,firstoneandthenanotherofthesyndicatecreptdown.Theywereallarmedwithpowerfulelectrictorches,andinthepocketofAnthony’scoatlayarevolver.
Anthonyhadsaidthathebelievedanotherattempttoresumethesearchwouldbemade.Nevertheless,hedidnotexpectthattheattemptwouldbemadefromoutside.HebelievedthatVirginiahadbeencorrectinherguessthatsomeonehadpassedherinthedarkthenightbefore,andashestoodintheshadowofanoldoakdresseritwastowardsthedoorandnotthewindowthathiseyesweredirected.Virginiawascrouchingbehindafigureinarmourontheoppositewall,andBillwasbythewindow.
Theminutespassed,atinterminablelength.Oneo’clockchimed,thenthehalfhour,thentwo,thenhalfhour.Anthonyfeltstiffandcramped.Hewascomingslowlytotheconclusionthathehadbeenwrong.Noattemptwouldbemadetonight.
Andthenhestiffenedsuddenly,allhissensesonthealert.Hehadheardafootstepontheterraceoutside.Silenceagain,andthenalowscratchingnoiseatthewindow.Suddenlyitceased,andthewindowswungopen.Amansteppedacrossthestillintotheroom.Hestoodquitestillforamoment,peeringroundasthoughlistening.Afteraminuteortwo,seeminglysatisfied,heswitchedonatorchhecarried,andturneditrapidlyroundtheroom.Apparentlyhesawnothingunusual.Thethreewatchersheldtheirbreath.
Hewentovertothesamebitofpanelledwallhehadbeenexaminingthenightbefore.
AndthenaterribleknowledgesmoteBill.Hewasgoingtosneeze!Thewildracethroughthedew-ladenparkthenightbeforehadgivenhimachill.Alldayhehadsneezedintermittently.Asneezewasduenow,andnothingonearthwouldstopit.
Headoptedalltheremedieshecouldthinkof.Hepressedhisupperlip,swallowedhard,threwbackhisheadandlookedattheceiling.Asalastresortheheldhisnoseandpincheditviolently.Itwasofnoavail.Hesneezed.
Astifled,checked,emasculatedsneeze,butastartlingsoundinthedeadlyquietoftheroom.
Thestrangerspranground,andinthesameminute,Anthonyacted.Heflashedonhistorch,andjumpedfullforthestranger.Inanotherminutetheyweredownonthefloortogether.
“Lights,”shoutedAnthony.
Virginiawasreadyattheswitch.Thelightscameontrueandfulltonight.Anthonywasontopofhisman.Billleantdowntogivehimahand.
“Andnow,”saidAnthony,“let’sseewhoyouare,myfinefellow.”
Herolledhisvictimover.Itwastheneat,dark-beardedstrangerfromtheCricketers.
“Veryniceindeed,”saidanapprovingvoice.
Theyalllookedupstartled.ThebulkyformofSuperintendentBattlewasstandingintheopendoorway.
“IthoughtyouwereinLondon,SuperintendentBattle,”saidAnthony.
Battle’seyestwinkled.
“Didyousir?”hesaid.“Well,IthoughtitwouldbeagoodthingifIwasthoughttobegoing.”
“Andithasbeen,”agreedAnthony,lookingdownathisprostratefoe.
Tohissurprisetherewasaslightsmileonthestranger’sface.
“MayIgetup,gentlemen?”heinquired.“Youarethreetoone.”
Anthonykindlyhauledhimontohislegs.Thestrangersettledhiscoat,pulleduphiscollar,anddirectedakeenlookatBattle.
“Idemandpardon,”hesaid,“butdoIunderstandthatyouarearepresentativefromScotlandYard?”
“That’sright,”saidBattle.
“ThenIwillpresenttoyoumycredentials.”Hesmiledratherruefully.“Iwouldhavebeenwisetodosobefore.”
HetooksomepapersfromhispocketandhandedthemtotheScotlandYarddetective.Atthesametime,heturnedbackthelapelofhiscoatandshowedsomethingpinnedthere.
Battlegaveanexclamationofastonishment.Helookedthroughthepapersandhandedthembackwithalittlebow.
“I’msorryyou’vebeenmanhandled,monsieur,”hesaid,“butyoubroughtitonyourself,youknow.”
Hesmiled,notingtheastonishedexpressiononthefacesoftheothers.
“Thisisacolleaguewehavebeenexpectingforsometime,”hesaid.“M.Lemoine,oftheS?retéinParis.”
Nineteen
SECRETHISTORY
TheyallstaredattheFrenchdetective,whosmiledbackatthem.
“Butyes,”hesaid,“itistrue.”
Therewasapauseforageneralreadjustingofideas.ThenVirginiaturnedtoBattle.
“DoyouknowwhatIthink,SuperintendentBattle?”
“Whatdoyouthink,Mrs.Revel?”
“Ithinkthetimehascometoenlightenusalittle.”
“Toenlightenyou?Idon’tquiteunderstand,Mrs.Revel.”
“SuperintendentBattle,youunderstandperfectly.IdaresayMr.Lomaxhashedgedyouaboutwithrecommendationsofsecrecy—Georgewould,butsurelyit’sbettertotellusthanhaveusstumblingonthesecretallbyourselves,andperhapsdoinguntoldharm.M.Lemoine,don’tyouagreewithme?”
“Madame,Iagreewithyouentirely.”
“Youcan’tgoonkeepingthingsdarkforever,”saidBattle,“I’vetoldMr.Lomaxso.Mr.EversleighisMr.Lomax’ssecretary,there’snoobjectiontohisknowingwhatthereistoknow.AsforMr.Cade,he’sbeenbroughtintothethingwilly-nilly,andIconsiderhe’sarighttoknowwherehestands.But—”
Battlepaused.
“Iknow,”saidVirginia.“Womenaresoindiscreet!I’veoftenheardGeorgesayso.”
LemoinehadbeenstudyingVirginiaattentively.NowheturnedtotheScotlandYardman.
“DidIhearyoujustnowaddressMadamebythenameofRevel?”
“Thatismyname,”saidVirginia.
“YourhusbandwasintheDiplomaticService,washenot?AndyouwerewithhiminHerzoslovakiajustbeforetheassassinationofthelateKingandQueen.”
“Yes.”
Lemoineturnedagain.
“IthinkMadamehasarighttohearthestory.Sheisindirectlyconcerned.Moreover”—hiseyestwinkledalittle—“Madame’sreputationfordiscretionstandsveryhighindiplomaticcircles.”
“I’mgladtheygivemeagoodcharacter,”saidVirginia,laughing.“AndI’mgladI’mnotgoingtobeleftoutofit.”
“Whataboutrefreshments?”saidAnthony.“Wheredoestheconferencetakeplace?Here?”
“Ifyouplease,sir,”saidBattle,“I’veafancyfornotleavingthisroomuntilmorning.You’llseewhywhenyou’veheardthestory.”
“ThenI’llgoandforage,”saidAnthony.
Billwentwithhimandtheyreturnedwithatrayofglasses,siphonsandothernecessariesoflife.
Theaugmentedsyndicateestablisheditselfcomfortablyinthecornerbythewindow,beinggroupedroundalongoaktable.
“It’sunderstood,ofcourse,”saidBattle,“thatanythingthat’ssaidhereissaidinstrictconfidence.Theremustbenoleakage.I’vealwaysfeltitwouldcomeoutoneofthesedays.GentlemenlikeMr.Lomaxwhowanteverythinghusheduptakebiggerrisksthantheythink.Thestartofthisbusinesswasjustoversevenyearsago.Therewasalotofwhattheycallreconstructiongoingon—especiallyintheNearEast.TherewasagooddealgoingoninEngland,strictlyontheQTwiththatoldgentleman,CountStylptitch,pullingthestrings.AlltheBalkanStateswereinterestedparties,andtherewerealotofroyalpersonagesinEnglandjustthen.I’mnotgoingintodetailsbutSomethingdisappeared—disappearedinawaythatseemedincredibleunlessyouadmittedtwothings—thatthethiefwasaroyalpersonageandthatatthesametimeitwastheworkofahigh-classprofessional.M.Lemoineherewilltellyouhowthatwellmightbe.”
TheFrenchmanbowedcourteouslyandtookupthetale.
“ItispossiblethatyouinEnglandmaynotevenhaveheardofourfamousandfantasticKingVictor.Whathisrealnameis,nooneknows,butheisamanofsingularcourageanddaring,onewhospeaksfivelanguagesandisunequalledintheartofdisguise.ThoughhisfatherisknowntohavebeeneitherEnglishorIrish,hehimselfhasworkedchieflyinParis.Itwasthere,nearlyeightyearsago,thathewascarryingoutadaringseriesofrobberiesandlivingunderthenameofCaptainO’Neill.”
AfaintexclamationescapedVirginia.M.Lemoinedartedakeenglanceather.
“IthinkIunderstandwhatagitatesMadame.Youwillseeinaminute.NowweoftheS?retéhadoursuspicionsthatthisCaptainO’Neillwasnoneotherthan‘KingVictor,’butwecouldnotobtainthenecessaryproof.TherewasalsoinParisatthetimeacleveryoungactress,AngèleMory,oftheFoliesBergères.ForsometimewehadsuspectedthatshewasassociatedwiththeoperationsofKingVictor.Butagainnoproofwasforthcoming.
“Aboutthattime,PariswaspreparingforthevisitoftheyoungKingNicholasIVofHerzoslovakia.AttheS?retéweweregivenspecialinstructionsastothecoursetobeadoptedtoensurethesafetyofHisMajesty.InparticularwewerewarnedtosuperintendtheactivitiesofacertainRevolutionaryorganizationwhichcalleditselftheComradesoftheRedHand.ItisfairlycertainnowthattheComradesapproachedAngèleMoryandofferedherahugesumifshewouldaidthemintheirplans.HerpartwastoinfatuatetheyoungKing,anddecoyhimtosomespotagreeduponwiththem.AngèleMoryacceptedthebribeandpromisedtoperformherpart.
“Buttheyoungladywasclevererandmoreambitiousthanheremployerssuspected.ShesucceededincaptivatingtheKingwhofelldesperatelyinlovewithherandloadedherwithjewels.Itwasthenthatsheconceivedtheideaofbeing—notaking’smistress,butaqueen!Aseveryoneknows,sherealizedherambition.ShewasintroducedintoHerzoslovakiaastheCountessVaragaPopoleffsky,anoffshootoftheRomanoffs,andbecameeventuallyQueenVaragaofHerzoslovakia.NotbadforalittleParisianactress!Ihavealwaysheardthatsheplayedthepartextremelywell.Buthertriumphwasnottobelong-lived.TheComradesoftheRedHand,furiousatherbetrayal,twiceattemptedherlife.FinallytheyworkedupthecountrytosuchapitchthatarevolutionbrokeoutinwhichboththeKingandQueenperished.Theirbodies,horriblymutilatedandhardlyrecognizable,wererecovered,attestingtothefuryofthepopulaceagainstthelowbornforeignQueen.
“Now,inallthis,itseemscertainthatQueenVaragastillkeptinwithherconfederate,KingVictor.Itispossiblethattheboldplanwashisallalong.Whatisknownisthatshecontinuedtocorrespondwithhim,inasecretcode,fromtheCourtofHerzoslovakia.ForsafetytheletterswerewritteninEnglish,andsignedwiththenameofanEnglishladythenattheEmbassy.Ifanyinquiryhadbeenmade,andtheladyinquestionhaddeniedhersignature,itispossiblethatshewouldnothavebeenbelieved,fortheletterswerethoseofaguiltywomantoherlover.Itwasyournamesheused,Mrs.Revel.”
“Iknow,”saidVirginia.Hercolourwascomingandgoingunevenly.“Sothatisthetruthoftheletters!Ihavewonderedandwondered.”
“Whatablackguardlytrick,”criedBillindignantly.
“TheletterswereaddressedtoCaptainO’NeillathisroomsinParis,andtheirprincipalpurposemayhavelightsheduponitbyacuriousfactwhichcametolightlater.AftertheassassinationoftheKingandQueen,manyofthecrownjewelswhichhadfallen,ofcourse,intothehandsofthemob,foundtheirwaytoParis,anditwasdiscoveredthatinninecasesoutoftentheprincipalstoneshadbeenreplacedbypaste—andmindyou,thereweresomeveryfamousstonesamongthejewelsofHerzoslovakia.Soasaqueen,AngèleMorystillpractisedherformeractivities.
“Youseenowwherewehavearrived.NicholasIVandQueenVaragacametoEnglandandweretheguestsofthelateMarquisofCaterham,thenSecretaryofStateforForeignAffairs.Herzoslovakiaisasmallcountry,butitcouldnotbeleftout.QueenVaragawasnecessarilyreceived.Andtherewehavearoyalpersonageandatthesametimeanexpertthief.Thereisalsonodoubtthatthe—er—substitutewhichwassowonderfulastodeceiveanyonebutanexpertcouldonlyhavebeenfashionedbyKingVictor,andindeedthewholeplan,initsdaringandaudacity,pointedtohimastheauthor.”
“Whathappened?”askedVirginia.
“Hushedup,”saidSuperintendentBattlelaconically.“Notamentionofit’severbeenmadepublictothisday.Wedidallthatcouldbedoneonthequiet—andthatwasagooddealmorethanyou’deverimagine,bytheway.We’vegotmethodsofourownthatwouldsurprise.Thatjeweldidn’tleaveEnglandwiththeQueenofHerzoslovakia—Icantellyouthatmuch.No,HerMajestyhiditsomewhere—butwherewe’veneverbeenabletodiscover.ButIshouldn’twonder”—SuperintendentBattlelethiseyeswandergentlyround—“ifitwasn’tsomewhereinthisroom.”
Anthonyleapttohisfeet.
“What?Afteralltheseyears?”hecriedincredulously.“Impossible.”
“Youdonotknowthepeculiarcircumstances,monsieur,”saidtheFrenchmanquickly.“Onlyafortnightlater,therevolutioninHerzoslovakiabrokeout,andtheKingandQueenweremurdered.Also,CaptainO’NeillwasarrestedinParisandsentencedonaminorcharge.Wehopedtofindthepacketofcodelettersinhishouse,butitappearsthatthishadbeenstolenbysomeHerzoslovakiango-between.ThemanturnedupinHerzoslovakiajustbeforetherevolution,andthendisappearedcompletely.”
“Heprobablywentabroad,”saidAnthonythoughtfully.“ToAfricaaslikelyasnot.Andyoubethehungontothatpacket.Itwasasgoodasagoldminetohim.It’soddhowthingscomeabout.TheyprobablycalledhimDutchPedroorsomethinglikethatoutthere.”
HecaughtSuperintendentBattle’sexpressionlessglancebentuponhim,andsmiled.
“It’snotreallyclairvoyance,Battle,”hesaid,“thoughitsoundslikeit.I’lltellyoupresently.”
“Thereisonethingthatyouhavenotexplained,”saidVirginia.“Wheredoesthislinkupwiththememoirs?”Theremustbealink,surely?”
“Madameisveryquick,”saidLemoineapprovingly.“Yes,thereisalink.CountStylptitchwasalsostayingatChimneysatthetime.”
“Sothathemighthaveknownaboutit?”
“Parfaitement.”
“And,ofcourse,”saidBattle,“ifhe’sblurteditoutinhispreciousmemoirs,thefatwillbeinthefire.Especiallyafterthewaythewholethingwashushedup.”
Anthonylitacigarette.
“There’snopossibilityoftherebeingaclueinthememoirsastowherethestonewashidden?”heasked.
“Veryunlikely,”saidBattledecisively.“HewasneverinwiththeQueen—opposedthemarriagetoothandnail.She’snotlikelytohavetakenhimintoherconfidence.”
“Iwasn’tsuggestingsuchathingforaminute,”saidAnthony.“Butbyallaccountshewasacunningoldboy.Unknowntoher,hemayhavediscoveredwhereshehidthejewel.Inthatcase,whatwouldhehavedone,doyouthink?”
“Sattight,”saidBattle,afteramoment’sreflection.
“Iagree,”saidtheFrenchman.“Itwasaticklishmoment,yousee.Toreturnthestoneanonymouslywouldhavepresentedgreatdifficulties.Also,theknowledgeofitswhereaboutswouldgivehimgreatpower—andhelikedpower,thatstrangeoldman.NotonlydidheholdtheQueeninthehollowofhishand,buthehadapowerfulweapontonegotiatewithatanytime.Itwasnottheonlysecrethepossessed—oh,no!—hecollectedsecretslikesomemencollectrarepiecesofchina.Itissaidthat,onceortwicebeforehisdeath,heboastedtopeopleofthethingshecouldmakepublicifthefancytookhim.Andonceatleasthedeclaredthatheintendedtomakesomestartlingrevelationsinhismemoirs.Hence”—theFrenchmansmiledratherdryly—“thegeneralanxietytogetholdofthem.Ourownsecretpoliceintendedtoseizethem,buttheCounttooktheprecautiontohavethemconveyedawaybeforehisdeath.”
“Still,there’snorealreasontobelievethatheknewthisparticularsecret,”saidBattle.
“Ibegyourpardon,”saidAnthonyquietly.“Therearehisownwords.”
“What?”
Bothdetectivesstaredathimasthoughunabletobelievetheirears.
“WhenMr.McGrathgavemethatmanuscripttobringtoEngland,hetoldmethecircumstancesofhisonemeetingwithCountStylptitch.ItwasinParis.Atsomeconsiderablerisktohimself.Mr.McGrathrescuedtheCountfromabandofApaches.Hewas,Iunderstand—shallwesayatrifle—exhilarated?Beinginthatcondition,hemadetworatherinterestingremarks.OneofthemwastotheeffectthatheknewwheretheKoh-i-noorwas—astatementtowhichmyfriendpaidverylittleattention.HealsosaidthattheganginquestionwereKingVictor’smen.Takentogether,thosetworemarksareverysignificant.”
“Goodlord,”ejaculatedSuperintendentBattle.“Ishouldsaytheywere.EventhemurderofPrinceMichaelwearsadifferentaspect.”
“KingVictorhasnevertakenalife,”theFrenchmanremindedhim.
“Supposingheweresurprisedwhenhewassearchingforthejewel?”
“IsheinEngland,then?”askedAnthonysharply.“Yousaythathewasreleasedafewmonthsago.Didn’tyoukeeptrackofhim?”
AratherruefulsmileoverspreadtheFrenchdetective’sface.
“Wetriedto,monsieur.Butheisadevil,thatman.Hegaveustheslipatonce—atonce.Wethought,ofcourse,thathewouldmakestraightforEngland.Butno.Hewent—wheredoyouthink?”
“Where?”saidAnthony.
HewasstaringintentlyattheFrenchman,andabsentmindedlyfingersplayedwithaboxofmatches.
“ToAmerica.TotheUnitedStates.”
“What?”
TherewassheeramazementinAnthony’stone.
“Yes,andwhatdoyouthinkhecalledhimself?Whatpartdoyouthinkheplayedoverthere?ThepartofPrinceNicholasofHerzoslovakia.”
ThematchboxfellfromAnthony’shand,buthisamazementwasfullyequalledbythatofBattle.
“Impossible.”
“Notso,myfriend.You,too,willgetthenewsinthemorning.Ithasbeenthemostcolossalbluff.Asyouknow,PrinceNicholaswasrumouredtohavediedintheCongoyearsago.Ourfriend,KingVictor,seizesonthat—difficulttoproveadeathofthatkind.HeresurrectsPrinceNicholas,andplayshimtosuchpurposethathegetsawaywithatremendoushaulofAmericandollars—allonaccountofthesupposedoilconcessions.Butbyamereaccident,hewasunmasked,andhadtoleavethecountryhurriedly.ThistimehedidcometoEngland.AndthatiswhyIamhere.SoonerorlaterhewillcometoChimneys.Thatis,ifheisnotalreadyhere!”
“Youthink—that?”
“IthinkhewasherethenightPrinceMichaeldied,andagainlastnight.”
“Itwasanotherattempt,eh?”saidBattle.
“Itwasanotherattempt.”
“Whathasbotheredme,”continuedBattle,“waswonderingwhathadbecomeofM.Lemoinehere.I’dhadwordfromParisthathewasonhiswayovertoworkwithme,andcouldn’tmakeoutwhyhehadn’tturnedup.”
“Imustindeedapologize,”saidLemoine.“Yousee,Iarrivedonthemorningafterthemurder.Itoccurredtomeatoncethatitwouldbeaswellformetostudythingsfromanunofficialstandpointwithoutappearingofficiallyasyourcolleague.Ithoughtthatgreatpossibilitieslaythatway.Iwas,ofcourse,awarethatIwasboundtobeanobjectofsuspicion,butthatinawayfurtheredmyplansinceitwouldnotputthepeopleIwasafterontheirguard.IcanassureyouthatIhaveseenagooddealthatisinterestingonthelasttwodays.”
“Butlookhere,”saidBill,“whatreallydidhappenlastnight?”
“Iamafraid,”saidM.Lemoine,“thatIgaveyouratherviolentexercise.”
“ItwasyouIchased,then?”
“Yes.Iwillrecountthingstoyou.Icameupheretowatch,convincedthatthesecrethadtodowiththisroomsincethePrincehadbeenkilledhere.Istoodoutsideontheterrace.PresentlyIbecameawarethatsomeonewasmovingaboutinthisroom.Icouldseetheflashofatorchnowandagain.Itriedthemiddlewindowandfounditunlatched.Whetherthemanhadenteredthatwayearlier,orwhetherhehadleftitsoasablindincasehewasdisturbed,Idonotknow.Verygently,Ipusheditbackandslippedinsidetheroom.StepbystepIfeltmywayuntilIwasinaspotwhereIcouldwatchoperationswithoutlikelihoodofbeingdiscoveredmyself.ThemanhimselfIcouldnotseeclearly.Hisbackwastome,ofcourse,andhewassilhouettedagainstthelightofthetorchsothathisoutlineonlycouldbeseen.Buthisactionsfilledmewithsurprise.Hetooktopiecesfirstoneandthentheotherofthosetwosuitsofarmour,examiningeachonepiecebypiece.Whenhehadconvincedhimselfthatwhathesoughtwasnotthere,hebegantappingthepanellingofthewallunderthatpicture.Whathewouldhavedonenext,Idonotknow.Theinterruptioncame.Youburstin—”HelookedatBill.
“Ourwell-meantinterferencewasreallyratherapity,”saidVirginiathoughtfully.
“Inasense,madame,itwas.Themanswitchedouthistorch,andI,whohadnowishasyettobeforcedtorevealmyidentity,sprangforthewindow.Icollidedwiththeothertwointhedark,andfellheadlong.Isprangupandoutthroughthewindow.Mr.Eversleigh,takingmeforhisassailant,followed.”
“Ifollowedyoufirst,”saidVirginia.“Billwasonlysecondintherace.”
“Andtheotherfellowhadthesensetostaystillandsneakoutthroughthedoor.Iwonderhedidn’tmeettherescuingcrowd.”
“Thatwouldpresentnodifficulties,”saidLemoine.“Hewouldbearescuerinadvanceoftherest,thatwasall.”
“DoyoureallythinkthisArsèneLupinfellowisactuallyamongthehouseholdnow?”askedBill,hiseyessparkling.
“Whynot?”saidLemoine.“Hecouldpassperfectlyasaservant.Forallwemayknow,hemaybeBorisAnchoukoff,thetrustedservantofthelatePrinceMichael.”
“Heisanodd-lookingbloke,”agreedBill.
ButAnthonywassmiling.
“That’shardlyworthyofyou,M.Lemoine,”hesaidgently.
TheFrenchmansmiledtoo.
“You’vetakenhimonasyourvaletnow,haven’tyou,Mr.Cade?”askedSuperintendentBattle.
“Battle,Itakeoffmyhattoyou.Youknoweverything.Butjustasamatterofdetail,he’stakenmeon,notIhim.”
“Whywasthat,Iwonder,Mr.Cade?”
“Idon’tknow,”saidAnthonylightly.“It’sacurioustaste,butperhapshemayhavelikedmyface.OrhemaythinkImurderedhismasterandwishtoestablishhimselfinahandypositionforexecutingrevengeuponme.”
Heroseandwentovertothewindows,pullingthecurtains.
“Daylight,”hesaid,withaslightyawn.“Therewon’tbeanymoreexcitementsnow.”
Lemoinerosealso.
“Iwillleaveyou,”hesaid.“Weshallperhapsmeetagainlaterintheday.”
WithagracefulbowtoVirginia,hesteppedoutofthewindow.
“Bed,”saidVirginia,yawning.“It’sallbeenveryexciting.Comeon,Bill,gotobedlikeagoodlittleboy.Thebreakfasttablewillseeusnot,Ifear.”
AnthonystayedatthewindowlookingaftertheretreatingformofM.Lemoine.
“Youwouldn’tthinkit,”saidBattlebehindhim,“butthat’ssupposedtobethecleverestdetectiveinFrance.”
“Idon’tknowthatIwouldn’t,”saidAnthonythoughtfully.“IratherthinkIwould.”
“Well,”saidBattle,“hewasrightabouttheexcitementsofthisnightbeingover.Bytheway,doyouremembermytellingyouaboutthatmanthey’dfoundshotnearStaines?”
“Yes.Why?”
“Nothing.They’veidentifiedhim,that’sall.ItseemshewascalledGiuseppeManuelli.HewasawaiterattheBlitzinLondon.Curious,isn’tit?”
Twenty
BATTLEANDANTHONYCONFER
Anthonysaidnothing.Hecontinuedtostareoutofthewindow.SuperintendentBattlelookedforsometimeathismotionlessback.
“Well,goodnight,sir,”hesaidatlast,andmovedtothedoor.
Anthonystirred.
“Waitaminute,Battle.”
Thesuperintendenthaltedobediently.Anthonyleftthewindow.Hedrewoutacigarettefromhiscaseandlightedit.Then,betweentwopuffsofsmoke,hesaid:
“YouseemveryinterestedinthisbusinessatStaines?”
“Iwouldn’tgoasfarasthat,sir.It’sunusual,that’sall.”
“Doyouthinkthemanwasshotwherehewasfound,ordoyouthinkhewaskilledelsewhereandthebodybroughttothatparticularspotafterwards?”
“Ithinkhewasshotsomewhereelse,andthebodybroughtthereinacar.”
“Ithinksotoo,”saidAnthony.
Somethingintheemphasisofhistonemadethedectectivelookupsharply.
“Anyideasofyourown,sir?Doyouknowwhobroughthimthere?”
“Yes,”saidAnthony.“Idid.”
Hewasalittleannoyedattheabsolutelyunruffledcalmpreservedbytheother.
“Imustsayyoutaketheseshocksverywell,Battle,”heremarked.
“‘Neverdisplayemotion.’Thatwasarulethatwasgiventomeonce,andI’vefounditveryuseful.”
“Youliveuptoit,certainly,”saidAnthony.“Ican’tsayI’veeverseenyouruffled.Well,doyouwanttohearthewholestory?”
“Ifyouplease,Mr.Cade.”
Anthonypulleduptwoofthechairs,bothmensatdown,andAnthonyrecountedtheeventsoftheprecedingThursdaynight.
Battlelistenedimmovably.Therewasafar-offtwinkleinhiseyesasAnthonyfinished.
“Youknow,sir,”hesaid,“you’llgetintotroubleoneofthesedays.”
“Then,forthesecondtime,I’mnottobetakenintocustody?”
“Wealwaysliketogiveamanplentyofrope,”saidSuperintendentBattle.
“Verydelicatelyput,”saidAnthony.“Withoutundulystressingtheendoftheproverb.”
“WhatIcan’tmakeout,sir,”saidBattle,“iswhyyoudecidedtocomeacrosswiththisnow?”
“It’sratherdifficulttoexplain,”saidAnthony.“Yousee,Battle,I’vecometohavereallyaveryhighopinionofyourabilities.Whenthemomentcomes,you’realwaysthere.Lookattonight.Anditoccurredtomethat,inwithholdingthisknowledgeofmine,Iwasseriouslycrampingyourstyle.Youdeservetohaveaccesstoallthefacts.I’vedonewhatIcould,anduptonowI’vemadeamessofthings.Untiltonight,Icouldn’tspeakforMrs.Revel’ssake.Butnowthatthoselettershavebeendefinitelyprovedtohavenothingwhatevertodowithher,anyideaofhercomplicitybecomesabsurd.PerhapsIadvisedherbadlyinthefirstplace,butitstruckmethatherstatementofhavingpaidthismanmoneytosuppresstheletters,simplyasawhim,mighttakeabitofbelieving.”
“Itmight,byajury,”agreedBattle.“Juriesneverhaveanyimagination.”
“Butyouacceptitquiteeasily?”saidAnthony,lookingcuriouslyathim.
“Well,yousee,Mr.Cade,mostofmyworkhaslainamongstthesepeople.Whattheycalltheupperclasses,Imean.Yousee,themajorityofpeoplearealwayswonderingwhattheneighbourswillthink.Buttrampsandaristocratsdon’t—theyjustdothefirstthingthatcomesintotheirheads,andtheydon’tbothertothinkwhatanyonethinksofthem.I’mnotmeaningjusttheidlerich,thepeoplewhogivebigparties,andsoon.Imeanthosethathavehaditbornandbredinthemforgenerationsthatnobodyelse’sopinioncountsbuttheirown.I’vealwaysfoundtheupperclassesthesame—fearless,truthful,andsometimesextraordinarilyfoolish.”
“Thisisaveryinterestinglecture,Battle.Isupposeyou’llbewritingyourreminiscencesoneofthesedays.Theyoughttobeworthreadingtoo.”
Thedetectiveacknowledgedthesuggestionwithasmile,butsaidnothing.
“I’dlikerathertoaskyouonequestion,”continuedAnthony.“DidyouconnectmeatallwiththeStainesaffair?Ifancied,fromyourmanner,thatyoudid.”
“Quiteright.Ihadahunchthatway.Butnothingdefinitetogoupon.Yourmannerwasverygood,ifImaysayso,Mr.Cade.Youneveroverdidthecarelessness.”
“I’mgladofthat,”saidAnthony.“I’veafeelingthateversinceImetyouyou’vebeenlayinglittletrapsforme.OnthewholeI’vemanagedtoavoidfallingintothem,butthestrainhasbeenacute.”
Battlesmiledgrimly.
“That’showyougetacrookintheend,sir.Keephimontherun,toandfro,turningandtwisting.Soonerorlater,hisnervegoes,andyou’vegothim.”
“You’reacheerfulfellow,Battle.Whenwillyougetme,Iwonder?”
“Plentyofrope,sir,”quotedthesuperintendent,“plentyofrope.”
“Inthemeantime,”saidAnthony.“Iamstilltheamateurassistant?”
“That’sit,Mr.Cade.”
“WatsontoyourSherlock,infact?”
“Detectivestoriesaremostlybunkum,”saidBattleunemotionally.“Buttheyamusepeople,”headded,asanafterthought.“Andthey’reusefulsometimes.”
“Inwhatway?”askedAnthonycuriously.
“Theyencouragetheuniversalideathatthepolicearestupid.Whenwegetanamateurcrime,suchasamurder,that’sveryusefulindeed.”
Anthonylookedathimforsomeminutesinsilence.Battlesatquitestill,blinkingnowandthen,withnoexpressionwhatsoeveronhissquareplacidface.Presentlyherose.
“Notmuchgoodgoingtobednow,”heobserved.“Assoonashe’sup,Iwanttohaveafewwordswithhislordship.Anyonewhowantstoleavethehousecandosonow.AtthesametimeIshouldbemuchobligedtohislordshipifhe’llextendaninformalinvitationtohisgueststostayon.You’llacceptit,sir,ifyouplease,andMrs.Revelalso.”
“Haveyoueverfoundtherevolver?”askedAnthonysuddenly.
“YoumeantheonePrinceMichaelwasshotwith?No,Ihaven’t.Yetitmustbeinthehouseorgrounds.I’lltakeahintfromyou,Mr.Cade,andsendsomeboysupbird’s-nesting.IfIcouldgetholdoftherevolver,wemightgetforwardabit.That,andthebundleofletters.Yousaythataletterwiththeheading‘Chimneys’wasamongstthem?Dependuponitthatwasthelastonewritten.Theinstructionsforfindingthediamondarewrittenincodeinthatletter.”
“What’syourtheoryofthekillingofGiuseppe?”askedAnthony.
“Ishouldsayhewasaregularthief,andthathewasgotholdof,eitherbyKingVictororbytheComradesoftheRedHand,andemployedbythem.Ishouldn’twonderatalliftheComradesandKingVictoraren’tworkingtogether.Theorganizationhasplentyofmoneyandpower,butitisn’tverystronginbrain.Giuseppe’staskwastostealthememoirs—theycouldn’thaveknownthatyouhadtheletters—it’saveryoddcoincidencethatyoushouldhave,bytheway.”
“Iknow,”saidAnthony.“It’samazingwhenyoucometothinkofit.”
“Giuseppegetsholdofthelettersinstead.Isatfirstvastlychagrined.Thenseesthecuttingfromthepaperandhasthebrilliantideaofturningthemtoaccountonhisownbyblackmailingthelady.Hehas,ofcourse,noideaoftheirrealsignificance.TheComradesfindoutwhatheisdoing,believethatheisdeliberatelydouble-crossingthem,anddecreehisdeath.They’reveryfondofexecutingtraitors.Ithasapicturesqueelementwhichseemstoappealtothem.WhatIcan’tquitemakeoutistherevolverwith‘Virginia’engraveduponit.There’stoomuchfinesseaboutthatfortheComrades.Asarule,theyenjoyplasteringtheirRedHandsignabout—inordertostriketerrorintootherwould-betraitors.No,itlookstomeasthoughKingVictorhadsteppedinthere.Butwhathismotivewas,Idon’tknow.ItlookslikeaverydeliberateattempttosaddleMrs.Revelwiththemurder,and,onthesurface,theredoesn’tseemanyparticularpointinthat.”
“Ihadatheory,”saidAnthony.“Butitdidn’tworkoutaccordingtoplan.”
HetoldBattleofVirginia’srecognitionofMichael.Battlenoddedhishead.
“Oh,yes,nodoubtastohisidentity.Bytheway,thatoldBaronhasaveryhighopinionofyou.Hespeaksofyouinmostenthusiasticterms.”
“That’sverykindofhim,”saidAnthony.“EspeciallyasI’vegivenhimfullwarningthatImeantodomyutmosttogetholdofthemissingmemoirsbeforeWednesdaynext.”
“You’llhaveajobtodothat,”saidBattle.
“Y-es.Youthinkso?IsupposeKingVictorandCo.havegottheletters.”
Battlenodded.
“PinchedthemoffGiuseppethatdayinPontStreet.Prettilyplannedpieceofwork,that.Yes,they’vegot’emallright,andthey’vedecodedthem,andtheyknowwheretolook.”
Bothmenwereonthepointofpassingoutoftheroom.
“Inhere?”saidAnthony,jerkinghisheadback.
“Exactly,inhere.Buttheyhaven’tfoundtheprizeyet,andthey’regoingtorunaprettyrisktryingtogetit.”
“Isuppose,”saidAnthony.“Thatyou’vegotaplaninthatsubtleheadofyours?”
Battlereturnednoanswer.Helookedparticularlystolidandunintelligent.Then,veryslowly,hewinked.
“Wantmyhelp?”askedAnthony.
“Ido.AndIshallwantsomeoneelse’s.”
“Whoisthat?”
“Mrs.Revel’s.Youmayhavenoticedit,Mr.Cade,butshe’saladywhohasaparticularlybeguilingwaywithher.”
“I’venoticeditallright,”saidAnthony.
Heglancedathiswatch.
“I’minclinedtoagreewithyouaboutbed,Battle.Adipinthelakeandaheartybreakfastwillbefarmoretothepoint.”
Heranlightlyupstairstohisbedroom.Whistlingtohimself,hediscarded,hiseveningclothes,andpickedupadressinggownandabathtowel.
Thensuddenlyhestoppeddeadinfrontofthedressingtable,staringattheobjectthatreposeddemurelyinfrontofthelookingglass.
Foramomenthecouldnotbelievehiseyes.Hetookitup,examineditclosely.Yes,therewasnomistake.
ItwasthebundleofletterssignedVirginiaRevel.Theywereintact.Notonemissing.
Anthonydroppedintoachair,thelettersinhishand.
“Mybrainmustbecracking,”hemurmured.“Ican’tunderstandaquarterofwhatisgoingoninthishouse.Whyshouldthelettersreappearlikeadamnedconjuringtrick?Whoputthemonmydressingtable?Why?”
Andtoalltheseverypertinentquestionshecouldfindnosatisfactoryreply.
Twenty-one
MR.ISAACSTEIN’SSUITCASE
Atteno’clockthatmorning,LordCaterhamandhisdaughterwerebreakfasting.Bundlewaslookingverythoughtful.
“Father,”shesaidatlast.
LordCaterham,absorbedinTheTimes,didnotreply.
“Father,”saidBundleagain,moresharply.
LordCaterham,tornfromhisinterestedperusalofforthcomingsalesofrarebooks,lookedupabsentmindedly.
“Eh?”hesaid.“Didyouspeak?”
“Yes.Whoisitwho’shadbreakfast?”
Shenoddedtowardsaplacethathadevidentlybeenoccupied.Therestwereallexpectant.
“Oh,what’s-his-name.”
“FatIky?”
Bundleandherfatherhadenoughsympathybetweenthemtocomprehendeachother’ssomewhatmisleadingobservations.
“That’sit.”
“DidIseeyoutalkingtothedetectivethismorningbeforebreakfast?”
LordCaterhamsighed.
“Yes,hebuttonholedmeinthehall.Idothinkthehoursbeforebreakfastshouldbesacred.Ishallhavetogoabroad.Thestrainonmynerves—”
Bundleinterruptedunceremoniously.
“Whatdidhesay?”
“Saideveryonewhowantedtocouldclearout.”
“Well,”saidBundle,“that’sallright.That’swhatyou’vebeenwanting.”
“Iknow.Buthedidn’tleaveitatthat.Hewentontosaythatneverthelesshewantedmetoaskeveryonetostayon.”
“Idon’tunderstand,”saidBundle,wrinklinghernose.
“Soconfusingandcontradictory,”complainedLordCaterham.“Andbeforebreakfasttoo.”
“Whatdidyousay?”
“Oh,Iagreed,ofcourse.It’sneveranygoodarguingwiththesepeople.Especiallybeforebreakfast,”continuedLordCaterham,revertingtohisprincipalgrievance.
“Whohaveyouaskedsofar?”
“Cade.Hewasupveryearlythismorning.He’sgoingtostopon.Idon’tmindthat.Ican’tquitemakethefellowout;butIlikehim—Ilikehimverymuch.”
“SodoesVirginia,”saidBundle,drawingapatternonthetablewithherfork.
“Eh?”
“AndsodoI.Butthatdoesn’tseemtomatter.”
“AndIaskedIsaacstein,”continuedLordCaterham.
“Well?”
“Butfortunatelyhe’sgottogobacktotown.Don’tforgettoorderthecarforthe10:50,bytheway.”
“Allright.”
“NowifIcanonlygetridofFishtoo,”continuedLordCaterham,hisspiritsrising.
“Ithoughtyoulikedtalkingtohimaboutyourmouldyoldbooks.”
“SoIdo,soIdo.SoIdid,rather.Butitgetsmonotonouswhenonefindsthatoneisalwaysdoingallthetalking.Fishisveryinterested,buthenevervolunteersanystatementsofhisown.”
“It’sbetterthandoingallthelistening,”saidBundle.“LikeonedoeswithGeorgeLomax.”
LordCaterhamshudderedattheremembrance.
“Georgeisallverywellonplatforms,”saidBundle.“I’veclappedhimmyself,thoughofcourseIknowallthetimethathe’stalkingbalderdash.Andanyway,I’maSocialist—”
“Iknow,mydear,Iknow,”saidLordCaterhamhastily.
“It’sallright,”saidBundle.“I’mnotgoingtobringpoliticsintothehome.That’swhatGeorgedoes—publicspeakinginprivatelife.ItoughttobeabolishedbyActofParliament.”
“Quiteso,”saidLordCaterham.
“WhataboutVirginia?”askedBundle.“Isshetobeaskedtostopon?”
“Battlesaideverybody.”
“Sayshefirmly!Haveyouaskedhertobemystepmayet?”
“Idon’tthinkitwouldbeanygood,”saidLordCaterhammournfully.“Althoughshedidcallmeadarlinglastnight.Butthat’stheworstoftheseattractiveyoungwomenwithaffectionatedispositions.They’llsayanything,andtheymeanabsolutelynothingbyit.”
“No,”agreedBundle.“Itwouldhavebeenmuchmorehopefulifshe’dthrownabootatyouortriedtobiteyou.”
“Youmodernyoungpeopleseemtohavesuchunpleasantideasaboutlovemaking,”saidLordCaterhamplaintively.
“ItcomesfromreadingTheSheik,”saidBundle.“Desertlove.Throwherabout,etc.”
“WhatisTheSheik?”askedLordCaterhamsimply.“Isitapoem?”
Bundlelookedathimwithcommiseratingpity.Thensheroseandkissedthetopofhishead.
“DearoldDaddy,”sheremarked,andspranglightlyoutofthewindow.
LordCaterhamwentbacktothesalerooms.
HejumpedwhenaddressedsuddenlybyMr.HiramFish,whohadmadehisusualnoiselessentry.
“Goodmorning,LordCaterham.”
“Oh,goodmorning,”saidLordCaterham.“Goodmorning.Niceday.”
“Theweatherisdelightful,”saidMr.Fish.
Hehelpedhimselftocoffee.Bywayoffood,hetookapieceofdrytoast.
“DoIhearcorrectlythattheembargoisremoved?”heaskedafteraminuteortwo.“Thatweareallfreetodepart?”
“Yes—er—yes,”saidLordCaterham“Asamatteroffact,Ihoped,Imean,thatIshallbedelighted”—hisconsciencedrovehimon—“onlytoodelightedifyouwillstayonforalittle.”
“Why,LordCaterham—”
“It’sbeenabeastlyvisit,Iknow,”LordCaterhamhurriedon.“Toobad.Shan’tblameyouforwantingtorunaway.”
“Youmisjudgeme,LordCaterham.Theassociationshavebeenpainful,noonecoulddenythatpoint.ButtheEnglishcountrylife,aslivedinthemansionsofthegreat,hasapowerfulattractionforme.Iaminterestedinthestudyofthoseconditions.ItisathingwelackcompletelyinAmercia.Ishallbeonlytoodelightedtoacceptyourvurrykindinvitationandstayon.”
“Oh,well,”saidLordCaterham,“that’sthat.Absolutelydelighted,mydearfellow,absolutelydelighted.”
Spurringhimselfontoafalsegenialityofmanner,LordCaterhammurmuredsomethingabouthavingtoseehisbailiffandescapedfromtheroom.
Inthehall,hesawVirginiajustdescendingthestaircase.
“ShallItakeyouintobreakfast?”askedLordCaterhamtenderly.
“I’vehaditinbed,thankyou,Iwasfrightfullysleepythismorning.”
Sheyawned.
“Hadabadnight,perhaps?”
“Notexactlyabadnight.Fromonepointofviewdecidedlyagoodnight.Oh,LordCaterham”—sheslippedherhandinsidehisarmandgaveitasqueeze—“Iamenjoyingmyself.Youwereadarlingtoaskmedown.”
“You’llstoponforabitthen,won’tyou?Battleisliftingthe—theembargo,butIwantyoutostayparticularly.SodoesBundle.”
“OfcourseI’llstay.It’ssweetofyoutoaskme.”
“Ah!”saidLordCaterham.
Hesighed.
“Whatisyoursecretsorrow?”askedVirginia.“Hasanyonebittenyou?”
“That’sjustit,”saidLordCaterhammournfully.
Virginialookedpuzzled.
“Youdon’tfeel,byanychance,thatyouwanttothrowabootatme?No,Icanseeyoudon’t.Oh,well,it’sofnoconsequence.”
LordCaterhamdriftedsadlyaway,andVirginiapassedoutthroughasidedoorintothegarden.
Shestoodthereforamoment,breathinginthecrispOctoberairwhichwasinfinitelyrefreshingtooneinherslightlyjadedstate.
ShestartedalittletofindSuperintendentBattleatherelbow.Themanseemedtohaveanextraordinaryknackofappearingoutofspacewithouttheleastwarning.
“Goodmorning,Mrs.Revel.Nottootired,Ihope?”
Virginiashookherhead.
“Itwasamostexcitingnight,”shesaid.“Wellworththelossofalittlesleep.Theonlythingis,todayseemsatrifledullafterit.”
“There’saniceshadyplacedownunderthatcedartree,”remarkedthesuperintendent.“ShallItakeachairdowntoitforyou?”
“Ifyouthinkit’sthebestthingformetodo,”saidVirginiasolemnly.
“You’reveryquick,Mrs.Revel.Yes,it’squitetrue,Idowantawordwithyou.”
Hepickedupalongwickerchairandcarrieditdownthelawn.Virginiafollowedhimwithacushionunderherarm.
“Verydangerousplace,thatterrace,”remarkedthedetective.“Thatis,ifyouwanttohaveaprivateconversation.”
“I’mgettingexcitedagain,SuperintendentBattle.”
“Oh,it’snothingimportant.”Hetookoutabigwatchandglancedatit.“Halfpastten.I’mstartingforWyvernAbbeyintenminutestoreporttoMr.Lomax.Plentyoftime.IonlywantedtoknowifyoucouldtellmealittlemoreaboutMr.Cade.”
“AboutMr.Cade?”
Virginiawasstartled.
“Yes,whereyoufirstmethim,andhowlongyou’veknownhimandsoforth.”
Battle’smannerwaseasyandpleasantenough.Heevenrefrainedfromlookingatherandthefactthathedidsomadehervaguelyuneasy.
“It’smoredifficultthanyouthink,”shesaidatlast.“Hedidmeagreatserviceonce—”
Battleinterruptedher.
“Beforeyougoanyfurther,Mrs.Ravel,I’djustliketosaysomething.Lastnight,afteryouandMr.Eversleighhadgonetobed,Mr.Cadetoldmeallaboutthelettersandthemanwhowaskilledinyourhouse.”
“Hedid?”gaspedVirginia.
“Yes,andverywiselytoo.Itclearsupalotofmisunderstanding.There’sonlyonethinghedidn’ttellme—howlonghehadknownyou.NowI’vealittleideaofmyownaboutthat.YoushalltellmeifI’mrightorwrong.IthinkthatthedayhecametoyourhouseinPontStreetwasthefirsttimeyouhadeverseenhim.Ah!IseeI’mright.Itwasso.”
Virginiasaidnothing.Forthefirsttimeshefeltafraidofthisstolidmanwiththeexpressionlessface.SheunderstoodwhatAnthonyhadmeantwhenhesaidtherewerenofliesonSuperintendentBattle.
“Hasheevertoldyouanythingabouthislife.”thedetectivecontinued.“BeforehewasinSouthAfrica,Imean.Canada?Orbeforethat,theSudan?Orabouthisboyhood?”
Virginiamerelyshookherhead.
“AndyetI’dbethe’sgotsomethingworthtelling.Youcan’tmistakethefaceofamanwho’sledalifeofdaringandadventure.Hecouldtellyousomeinterestingtalesifhecaredto.”
“Ifyouwanttoknowabouthispastlife,whydon’tyoucabletothatfriendofhis,Mr.McGrath?”Virginiaasked.
“Oh,wehave.Butitseemshe’sup-countrysomewhere.Still,there’snodoubtMr.CadewasinBulawayowhenhesaidhewas.ButIwonderedwhathe’dbeendoingbeforehecametoSouthAfrica.He’donlyhadthatjobwithCastle’saboutamonth.”Hetookouthiswatchagain.“Imustbeoff.Thecarwillbewaiting.”
Virginiawatchedhimretreattothehouse.Butshedidnotmovefromherchair.ShehopedthatAnthonymightappearandjoinher.InsteadcameBillEversleigh,withaprodigiousyawn.
“ThankGod,I’vegotachancetospeaktoyouatlast,Virginia,”hecomplained.
“Well,speaktomeverygently,Billdarling,orIshallburstintotears.”
“Hassomeonebeenbullyingyou?”
“Notexactlybullyingme.Gettinginsidemymindandturningitinsideout.IfeelasthoughI’dbeenjumpedonbyanelephant.”
“NotBattle?”
“Yes,Battle.He’saterriblemanreally.”
“Well,nevermindBattle.Isay,Virginia,Idoloveyousoawfully—”
“Notthismorning,Bill.I’mnotstrongenough.Anyway,I’vealwaystoldyouthebestpeopledon’tproposebeforelunch.”
“GoodLord,”saidBill.“Icouldproposetoyoubeforebreakfast.”
Virginiashuddered.
“Bill,besensibleandintelligentforaminute.Iwanttoaskyouradvice.”
“Ifyou’doncemakeupyourmindtoit,andsayyou’dmarryme,you’dfeelmilesbetter,I’msure.Happier,youknow,andmoresettleddown.”
“Listentome,Bill.Proposingtomeisyouridéefixe.Allmenproposewhenthey’reboredandcan’tthinkofanythingtosay.Remembermyageandmywidowedstate,andgoandmakelovetoapureyounggirl.”
“MydarlingVirginia—Oh,Blast!here’sthatFrenchidiotbearingdownonus.”
ItwasindeedM.Lemoine,black-beardedandcorrectofdemeanourasever.
“Goodmorning,madame.Youarenotfatigued,Itrust?”
“Notintheleast.”
“Thatisexcellent.Goodmorning,Mr.Eversleigh.”
“Howwoulditbeifwepromenadedourselvesalittle,thethreeofus?”suggestedtheFrenchman.
“Howaboutit,Bill?”saidVirginia.
“Oh,allright,”saidtheunwillingyounggentlemanbyherside.
Heheavedhimselfupfromthegrass,andthethreeofthemwalkedslowlyalong.Virginiabetweenthetwomen.ShewassensibleatonceofastrangeundercurrentofexcitementintheFrenchman,thoughshehadnoclueastowhatcausedit.
Soon,withherusualskill,shewasputtinghimathisease,askinghimquestions,listeningtohisanswers,andgraduallydrawinghimout.PresentlyhewastellingthemanecdotesofthefamousKingVictor.Hetalkedwell,albeitwithacertainbitternessashedescribedthevariouswaysinwhichthedetectivebureauhadbeenoutwitted.
Butallthetime,despitetherealabsorptionofLemoineinhisownnarrative,Virginiahadafeelingthathehadsomeotherobjectinview.Moreover,shejudgedthatLemoine,undercoverofhisstory,wasdeliberatelystrikingouthisowncourseacrossthepark.Theywerenotjuststrollingidly.Hewasdeliberatelyguidingtheminacertaindirection.
Suddenly,hebrokeoffhisstoryandlookedround.Theywerestandingjustwherethedriveintersectedtheparkbeforeturninganabruptcornerbyaclumpoftrees.Lemoinewasstaringatavehicleapproachingthemfromthedirectionofthehouse.
Virginia’seyesfollowedhis.
“It’stheluggagecart,”shesaid,“takingIsaacstein’sluggageandhisvalettothestation.”
“Isthatso?”saidLemoine.Heglanceddownathisownwatchandstarted.“Athousandpardons.IhavebeenlongerherethanImeant—suchcharmingcompany.Isitpossible,doyouthink,thatImighthavealifttothevillage?”
Hesteppedoutontothedriveandsignalledwithhisarm.Theluggagecartstopped,andafterawordortwoofexplanationLemoineclimbedinbehind.HeraisedhishatpolitelytoVirginia,anddroveoff.
Theothertwostoodandwatchedthecartdisappearingwithpuzzledexpressions.Justasthecartswungroundthebend,asuitcasefelloffintothedrive.Thecartwenton.
“Comeon,”saidVirginiatoBill.“We’regoingtoseesomethinginteresting.Thatsuitcasewasthrownout.”
“Nobody’snoticedit,”saidBill.
Theyrandownthedrivetowardsthefallenpieceofluggage.Justastheyreachedit,Lemoinecameroundthecornerofthebendonfoot.Hewashotfromwalkingfast.
“Iwasobligedtodescend,”hesaidpleasantly.“IfoundthatIhadleftsomethingbehind.”
“This?”saidBill,indicatingthesuitcase.
Itwasahandsomecaseofheavypigskin,withtheinitialsH.I.onit.
“Whatapity!”saidLemoinegently.“Itmusthavefallenout.Shallweliftitfromtheroad?”
Withoutwaitingforareply,hepickedupthesuitcase,andcarrieditovertothebeltoftrees.Hestoopedoverit,somethingflashedinhishand,andthelockslippedback.
Hespoke,andhisvoicewastotallydifferent,quickandcommanding.
“Thecarwillbehereinaminute,”hesaid.“Isitinsight?”
Virginialookedbacktowardsthehouse.
“No.”
“Good.”
Withdeftfingershetossedthethingsoutofthesuitcase.Gold-toppedbottle,silkpyjamas,avarietyofsocks.Suddenlyhiswholefigurestiffened.Hecaughtupwhatappearedtobeabundleofsilkunderwear,andunrolleditrapidly.
AslightexclamationbrokefromBill.Inthecentreofthebundlewasaheavyrevolver.
“Ihearthehorn,”saidVirginia.
Likelightning,Lemoinerepackedthesuitcase.Therevolverhewrappedinasilkhandkerchiefofhisown,andslippedintohispocket.Hesnappedthelocksofthesuitcase,andturnedquicklytoBill.
“Takeit.Madamewillbewithyou.Stopthecar,andexplainthatitfellofftheluggagecart.Donotmentionme.”
BillsteppedquicklydowntothedrivejustasthebigLanchesterlimousinewithIsaacsteininsideitcameroundthecorner.Thechauffeursloweddown,andBillswungthesuitcaseuptohim.
“Fellofftheluggagecart,”heexplained.“Wehappenedtoseeit.”
Hecaughtamomentaryglimpseofastartledyellowfaceasthefinancierstaredathim,andthenthecarsweptonagain.
TheywentbacktoLemoine.Hewasstandingwiththerevolverinhishand,andalookofgloatingsatisfactioninhisface.
“Alongshot,”hesaid.“Averylongshot.Butitcameoff.”
Twenty-two
THEREDSIGNAL
SuperintendentBattlewasstandinginthelibraryatWyvernAbbey.
GeorgeLomax,seatedbeforeadeskoverflowingwithpapers,wasfrowningportentously.
SuperintendentBattlehadopenedproceedingsbymakingabriefandbusinesslikereport.Sincethen,theconversationhadlainalmostentirelywithGeorge,andBattlehadcontentedhimselfwithmakingbriefandusuallymonosyllabicrepliestotheother’squestions.
Onthedesk,infrontofGeorge,wasthepacketoflettersAnthonyhadfoundonhisdressingtable.
“Ican’tunderstanditatall,”saidGeorgeirritably,ashepickedupthepacket.“They’reincode,yousay?”
“Justso,Mr.Lomax.”
“Andwheredoeshesayhefoundthem—onhisdressingtable?”
Battlerepeated,wordforword,AnthonyCade’saccountofhowhehadcometoregainpossessionoftheletters.
“Andhebroughtthematoncetoyou?Thatwasquiteproper—quiteproper.Butwhocouldhaveplacedtheminhisroom?”
Battleshookhishead.
“That’sthesortofthingyououghttoknow,”complainedGeorge.“Itsoundstomeveryfishy—veryfishyindeed.WhatdoweknowaboutthismanCade,anyway?Heappearsinamostmysteriousmanner—underhighlysuspiciouscircumstances—andweknownothingwhateverabouthim.ImaysaythatI,personally,don’tcareforhismanneratall.You’vemadeinquiriesabouthim,Isuppose?”
SuperintendentBattlepermittedhimselfapatientsmile.
“WewiredatoncetoSouthAfrica,andhisstoryhasbeenconfirmedonallpoints.HewasinBulawayowithMr.McGrathatthetimehestated.Previoustotheirmeeting,hewasemployedbyMessrs.Castle,thetouristagents.”
“JustwhatIshouldhaveexpected,”saidGeorge.“Hehasthekindofcheapassurancethatsucceedsinacertaintypeofemployment.Butabouttheseletters—stepsmustbetakenatonce—atonce—”
Thegreatmanpuffedhimselfoutandswelledimportantly.
SuperintendentBattleopenedhismouth,butGeorgeforestalledhim.
“Theremustbenodelay.Theselettersmustbedecodedwithoutanylossoftime.Letmesee,whoistheman?Thereisaman—connectedwiththeBritishMuseum.Knowsallthereistoknowaboutciphers.Ranthedepartmentforusduringthewar.WhereisMissOscar?Shewillknow.NamesomethinglikeWin—Win—”
“ProfessorWynwood,”saidBattle.
“Exactly.Irememberperfectlynow.Hemustbewiredtoimmediately.”
“Ihavedoneso,Mr.Lomax,anhourago.Hewillarrivebythe12:10.”
“Oh,verygood,verygood.Thankheaven,somethingisoffmymind.Ishallhavetobeintowntoday.Youcangetalongwithoutme,Isuppose?”
“Ithinkso,sir.”
“Well,doyourbest,Battle,doyourbest.Iamterriblyrushedjustatpresent.”
“Justso,sir.”
“Bytheway,whydidnotMr.Eversleighcomeoverwithyou?”
“Hewasstillasleep,sir.We’vebeenupallnight,asItoldyou.”
“Oh,quiteso.Iamfrequentlyupnearlythewholenightmyself.Todotheworkofthirty-sixhoursintwenty-four,thatismyconstanttask!SendMr.Eversleighoveratoncewhenyougetback,willyou,Battle?”
“Iwillgivehimyourmessage,sir.”
“Thankyou,Battle.Irealizeperfectlythatyouhadtoreposeacertainamountofconfidenceinhim.Butdoyouthinkitwasstrictlynecessarytotakemycousin,Mrs.Revel,intoyourconfidencealso?”
“Inviewofthenamesignedtothoseletters,Ido,Mr.Lomax.”
“Anamazingpieceofeffrontery,”murmuredGeorge,hisbrowdarkenedashelookedatthebundleofletters.“IrememberthelateKingofHerzoslovakia.Acharmingfellow,butweak—deplorablyweak.Atoolinthehandsofanunscrupulouswoman.HaveyouanytheoryastohowtheseletterscametoberestoredtoMr.Cade?”
“It’smyopinion,”saidBattle,“thatifpeoplecan’tgetathingoneway—theytryanother.”
“Idon’tquitefollowyou,”saidGeorge.
“Thiscrook,thisKingVictor,he’swellawarebynowthattheCouncilChamberiswatched.Sohe’llletushavetheletters,andletusdothedecoding,andletusfindthehidingplace.Andthen—trouble!ButLemoineandIbetweenuswillattendtothat.”
“You’vegotaplan,eh?”
“Iwouldn’tgosofarastosayI’vegotaplan.ButI’vegotanidea.It’saveryusefulthingsometimes,anidea.”
ThereuponSuperintendentBattletookhisdeparture.
HehadnointentionoftakingGeorgeanyfurtherintohisconfidence.
Onthewayback,hepassedAnthonyontheroadandstopped.“Goingtogivemealiftbacktothehouse?”askedAnthony.“That’sgood.”
“Wherehaveyoubeen,Mr.Cade?”
“Downtothestationtoinquireabouttrains.”
Battleraisedhiseyebrows.
“Thinkingofleavingusagain?”heinquired.
“Notjustatpresent,”laughedAnthony.“Bytheway,what’supsetIsaacstein?HearrivedinthecarjustasIleft,andhelookedasthoughsomethinghadgivenhimanastyjolt.”
“Mr.Isaacstein?”
“Yes.”
“Ican’tsay,I’msure.Ifancyitwouldtakeagooddealtojolthim.”
“SodoI,”agreedAnthony.“He’squiteoneofthestrongsilentyellowmenoffinance.”
SuddenlyBattleleantforwardandtouchedthechauffeurontheshoulder.
“Stop,willyou?Andwaitformehere.”
Hejumpedoutofthecar,muchtoAnthony’ssurprise.Butinaminuteortwo,thelatterperceivedM.LemoineadvancingtomeettheEnglishdetective,andgatheredthatitwasasignalfromhimwhichhadattractedBattle’sattention
Therewasarapidcolloquybetweenthem,andthenthesuperintendentreturnedtothecarandjumpedinagain,biddingthechauffeurdriveon.
Hisexpressionhadcompletelychanged.
“They’vefoundtherevolver,”hesaidsuddenlyandcurtly.
“What?”
Anthonygazedathimingreatsurprise.
“Where?”
“InIsaacstein’ssuitcase.”
“Oh,impossible!”
“Nothing’simpossible,”saidBattle.“Ioughttohaverememberedthat.”
Hesatperfectlystill,tappinghiskneewithhishand.
“Whofoundit?”
Battlejerkedhisheadoverhisshoulder.
“Lemoine.Cleverchap.TheythinknoendofhimattheS?reté.”
“Butdoesn’tthisupsetallyourideas?”
“No,”saidSuperintendentBattleveryslowly.“Ican’tsayitdoes.Itwasabitofasurprise,Iadmit,atfirst.Butitfitsinverywellwithoneideaofmine.”
“Whichis?”
Butthesuperintendentbranchedoffontoatotallydifferentsubject.
“Iwonderifyou’dmindfindingMr.Eversleighforme,sir?There’samessageforhimfromMr.Lomax.He’stogoovertotheAbbeyatonce.”
“Allright,”saidAnthony.Thecarhadjustdrawnupatthegreatdoor.“He’sprobablyinbedstill.”
“Ithinknot,”saidthedetective.“Ifyou’lllook,you’llseehimwalkingunderthetreestherewithMrs.Revel.”
“Wonderfuleyesyouhave,haven’tyou,Battle?”saidAnthonyashedepartedonhiserrand.
HedeliveredthemessagetoBill,whowasdulydisgusted.
“Damnitall,”grumbledBilltohimself,ashestrodeofftothehouse,“whycan’tCodderssometimesleavemealone?Andwhycan’ttheseblastedColonialsstayintheirColonies?Whatdotheywanttocomeoverherefor,andpickoutallthebestgirls?I’mfeduptotheteethwitheverything.”
“Haveyouheardabouttherevolver?”askedVirginiabreathlessly,asBillleftthem.
“Battletoldme.Ratherstaggering,isn’tit?Isaacsteinwasinafrightfulstateyesterdaytogetaway,butIthoughtitwasjustnerves.He’sabouttheonepersonI’dhavepitcheduponasbeingabovesuspicion.CanyouseeanymotiveforhiswantingPrinceMichaeloutoftheway?”
“Itcertainlydoesn’tfitin,”agreedVirginiathoughtfully.
“Nothingfitsinanywhere,”saidAnthonydiscontentedly.“Iratherfanciedmyselfasanamateurdetectivetobeginwith,andsofarallI’vedoneistoclearthecharacteroftheFrenchgovernessatvasttroubleandsomelittleexpense.”
“IsthatwhatyouwenttoFrancefor?”inquiredVirginia.
“Yes,IwenttoDinardandhadaninterviewwiththeComtessedeBreteuil,awfullypleasedwithmyowncleverness,andfullyexpectingtobetoldthatnosuchpersonasMademoiselleBrunhadeverbeenheardof.
InsteadofwhichIwasgiventounderstandthattheladyinquestionhadbeenthemainstayofthehouseholdforthepastsevenyears.So,unlesstheComtesseisalsoacrook,thatingenioustheoryofminefallstotheground.”
Virginiashookherhead.
“MadamedeBreteuilisquiteabovesuspicion.Iknowherquitewell,andIfancyImusthavecomeacrossMademoiselleatthechateau.Icertainlyknewherfacequitewell—inthatvaguewayonedoesknowgovernessesandcompanionsandpeopleonesitsoppositetointrains.It’sawful,butIneverreallylookatthemproperly.Doyou?”
“Onlyifthey’reexceptionallybeautiful,”admittedAnthony.
“Well,inthiscase—”shebrokeoff.“What’sthematter?”
Anthonywasstaringatafigurewhichdetacheditselffromtheclumpoftreesandstoodthererigidlyatattention.ItwastheHerzoslovakian,Boris.
“Excuseme,”saidAnthonytoVirginia,“Imustjustspeaktomydogaminute.”
HewentacrosstowhereBoriswasstanding.
“What’sthematter?Whatdoyouwant?”
“Master,”saidBoris,bowing.
“Yes,that’sallverywell,butyoumustn’tkeepfollowingmeaboutlikethis.Itlooksodd.”
Withoutaword,Borisproducedasoiledscrapofpaper,evidentlytornfromaletter,andhandedittoAnthony.
“What’sthis?”saidAnthony.
Therewasanaddressscrawledonthepaper,nothingelse.
“Hedroppedit,”saidBoris.“Ibringittothemaster.”
“Whodroppedit?”
“Theforeigngentleman.”
“Butwhybringittome?”
Borislookedathimreproachfully.
“Well,anyway,goawaynow,”saidAnthony.“I’mbusy.”
Borissaluted,turningsharplyonhisheel,andmarchedaway.AnthonyrejoinedVirginia,thrustingthepieceofpaperintohispocket.
“Whatdidhewant?”sheaskedcuriously.“Andwhydoyoucallhimyourdog?”
“Becauseheactslikeone,”saidAnthony,answeringthelastquestionfirst.“Hemusthavebeenaretrieverinhislastincarnation,Ithink.He’sjustbroughtmeapieceofaletterwhichhesaystheforeigngentlemandropped.IsupposehemeansLemoine.”
“Isupposeso,”acquiescedVirginia.
“He’salwaysfollowingmeround,”continuedAnthony.“Justlikeadog.Saysnexttonothing.Justlooksatmewithhisbigroundeyes.Ican’tmakehimout.”
“PerhapshemeantIsaacstein,”suggestedVirginia.“Isaacsteinlooksforeignenough,heavenknows.”
“Isaacstein,”mutteredAnthonyimpatiently.“Wherethedevildoeshecomein?”
“Areyoueversorrythatyou’vemixedyourselfupinallthis?”askedVirginiasuddenly.
“Sorry?GoodLord,no.Iloveit.I’vespentmostofmylifelookingfortrouble,youknow.Perhaps,thistime,I’vegotalittlemorethanIbargainedfor.”
“Butyou’rewelloutofthewoodnow,”saidVirginia,alittlesurprisedbytheunusualgravityofhistone.
“Notquite.”
Theystrolledonforaminuteortwoinsilence.
“Therearesomepeople,”saidAnthony,breakingthesilence,“whodon’tconformtothesignals.Anordinarywell-regulatedlocomotiveslowsdownorpullsupwhenitseestheredlighthoistedagainstit.PerhapsIwasborncolour-blind.WhenIseetheredsignal—Ican’thelpforgingahead.Andintheend,youknow,thatspellsdisaster.Boundto.Andquiterightreally.Thatsortofthingisbadfortrafficgenerally.”
Hestillspokeveryseriously.
“Isuppose,”saidVirginia,“thatyouhavetakenagoodmanyrisksinyourlife?”
“Prettynearlyeveryonethereis—exceptmarriage.”
“That’srathercynical.”
“Itwasn’tmeanttobe.Marriage,thekindofmarriageImean,wouldbethebiggestadventureofthelot.”
“Ilikethat,”saidVirginia,flushingeagerly.
“There’sonlyonekindofwomanI’dwanttomarry—thekindwhoisworldsremovedfrommytypeoflife.Whatwouldwedoaboutit?Isshetoleadmylife,oramItoleadhers?”
“Ifshelovedyou—”
“Sentimentality,Mrs.Revel.Youknowitis.Loveisn’tadrugthatyoutaketoblindyoutoyoursurroundings—youcanmakeitthat,yes,butit’sapity—lovecanbealotmorethanthat.WhatdoyouthinktheKingandhisbeggarmaidthoughtofmarriedlifeafterthey’dbeenmarriedayearortwo?Didn’tsheregretherragsandherbarefeetandhercarefreelife?Youbetshedid.Wouldithavebeenanygoodhisrenouncinghiscrownforhersake?Notabitofgood,either.He’dhavemadeadamnedbadbeggar,I’msure.Andnowomanrespectsamanwhenhe’sdoingathingthoroughlybadly.”
“Haveyoufalleninlovewithabeggarmaid,Mr.Cade?”inquiredVirginiasoftly.
“It’stheotherwayaboutwithme,buttheprinciple’sthesame.”
“Andthere’snowayout?”askedVirginia.
“There’salwaysawayout,”saidAnthonygloomily.“I’vegotatheorythatonecanalwaysgetanythingonewantsifonewillpaytheprice.Anddoyouknowwhatthepriceis,ninetimesoutoften?Compromise.Abeastlything,compromise,butitstealsuponyouasyounearmiddleage.It’sstealinguponmenow.TogetthewomanIwantI’d—I’deventakeupregularwork.”
Virginialaughed.
“Iwasbroughtuptoatrade,youknow,”continuedAnthony.
“Andyouabandonedit?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Amatterofprinciple.”
“Oh!”
“You’reaveryunusualwoman,”saidAnthonysuddenly,turningandlookingather.
“Why?”
“Youcanrefrainfromaskingquestions.”
“YoumeanthatIhaven’taskedyouwhatyourtradewas?”
“Justthat.”
Againtheywalkedoninsilence.Theywerenearingthehousenow,passingclosebythescentedsweetnessoftherosegarden.
“Youunderstandwellenough,Idaresay,”saidAnthony,breakingthesilence.“Youknowwhenaman’sinlovewithyou.Idon’tsupposeyoucareahangforme—orforanyoneelse—but,byGod,I’dliketomakeyoucare.”
“Doyouthinkyoucould?”askedVirginia,inalowvoice.
“Probablynot,butI’dhaveadamnedgoodtry.”
“Areyousorryyouevermetme?”shesaidsuddenly.
“Lord,no.It’stheredsignalagain.WhenIfirstsawyou—thatdayinPontStreet,IknewIwasupagainstsomethingthatwasgoingtohurtlikefun.Yourfacedidthattome—justyourface.There’smagicinyoufromheadtofoot—somewomenarelikethat,butI’veneverknownawomanwhohadsomuchofitasyouhave.You’llmarrysomeonerespectableandprosperous,Isuppose,andIshallreturntomydisreputablelife,butI’llkissyouoncebeforeIgo—IswearIwill.”
“Youcan’tdoitnow,”saidVirginiasoftly.“SuperintendentBattleiswatchingusoutofthelibrarywindow.”
Anthonylookedather.
“You’reratheradevil,Virginia,”hesaiddispassionately.“Butratheradeartoo.”
ThenhewavedhishandairilytoSuperintendentBattle.
“Caughtanycriminalsthismorning,Battle?”
“Notasyet,Mr.Cade.”
“Thatsoundshopeful.”
Battlewithanagilitysurprisinginsostolidaman,vaultedoutofthelibrarywindowandjoinedthemontheterrace.
“I’vegotProfessorWynwooddownhere,”heannouncedinawhisper.“Justthisminutearrived.He’sdecodingthelettersnow.Wouldyouliketoseehimatwork?”
Histonesuggestedthatoftheshowmanspeakingofsomepetexhibit.Receivingareplyintheaffirmative,heledthemuptothewindowandinvitedthemtopeepinside.
Seatedatatable,thelettersspreadoutinfrontofhimandwritingbusilyonabigsheetofpaper,wasasmallred-hairedmanofmiddleage.Hegruntedirritablytohimselfashewroteandeverynowandthenrubbedhisnoseviolentlyuntilitshuealmostrivalledthatofhishair.
Presentlyhelookedup.
“Thatyou,Battle?Whatdoyouwantmedownheretounravelthistomfooleryfor?Achildinarmscoulddoit.Ababyoftwocoulddoitonhishead.Callthisthingacipher?Itleapstotheeye,man.”
“I’mgladofthat,Professor,”saidBattlemildly.“Butwe’renotallsocleverasyouare,youknow.”
“Itdoesn’tneedcleverness,”snappedtheprofessor.“It’sroutinework.Doyouwantthewholebundledone?It’salongbusiness,youknow—requiresdiligentapplicationandcloseattentionandabsolutelynointelligence.I’vedonetheonedated‘Chimneys’whichyousaidwasimportant.ImightaswelltaketherestbacktoLondonandhand’emovertooneofmyassistants.Ireallycan’taffordthetimemyself.I’vecomeawaynowfromarealteaser,andIwanttogetbacktoit.”
Hiseyesglistenedalittle.
“Verywell,Professor,”assentedBattle.“I’msorrywe’resuchsmall-fry.I’llexplaintoMr.Lomax.It’sjustthisoneletterthatallthehurryisabout.LordCaterhamisexpectingyoutostayforlunch,Ibelieve.”
“Neverhavelunch,”saidtheprofessor.“Badhabit,lunch.Abananaandawaterbiscuitisallanysaneandhealthymanshouldneedinthemiddleoftheday.”
Heseizedhisovercoat,whichlayacrossthebackofachair.Battlewentroundtothefrontofthehouse,andafewminuteslaterAnthonyandVirginiaheardthesoundofacardrivingaway.
Battlerejoinedthem,carryinginhishandthehalfsheetofpaperwhichtheProfessorhadgivenhim.
“He’salwayslikethat,”saidBattle,referringtothedepartedprofessor.“Intheverydeuceofahurry.Cleverman,though.Well,here’sthekernelofHerMajesty’sletter.Caretohavealookatit?”
Virginiastretchedoutahand,andAnthonyreaditoverhershoulder.Ithadbeen,heremembered,alongepistle,breathingmingledpassionanddespair.ThegeniusofProfessorWynwoodhadtransformeditintoanessentiallybusinesslikecommunication.
Operationscarriedoutsuccessfully,butSdouble-crossedus.Hasremovedstonefromhidingplace.Notinhisroom.Ihavesearched.FoundfollowingmemorandumwhichIthinkreferstoit:RICHMONDSEVENSTRAIGHTEIGHTLEFTTHREERIGHT
“S?”saidAnthony.“Stylptitch,ofcourse.Cunningolddog.Hechangedthehidingplace.”
“Richmond,”saidVirginiathoughtfully.“IsthediamondconcealedsomewhereatRichmond,Iwonder?”
“It’safavouritespotforroyalties,”agreedAnthony.
Battleshookhishead.
“Istillthinkit’sareferencetosomethinginthishouse.”
“Iknow,”criedVirginiasuddenly.
Bothmenturnedtolookather.
“TheHolbeinportraitintheCouncilChamber.Theyweretappingonthewalljustbelowit.Andit’saportraitoftheEarlofRichmond!”
“You’vegotit,”saidBattle,andslappedhisleg.
Hespokewithananimationquiteunwonted.
“That’sthestartingpoint,thepicture,andthecrooksknownomorethanwedowhatthefiguresreferto.Thosetwomeninarmourstanddirectlyunderneaththepicture,andtheirfirstideawasthatthediamondwashiddeninoneofthem.Themeasurementsmighthavebeeninches.Thatfailed,andtheirnextideawasasecretpassageorstairway,or
Virginiashookherhead.
“There’sapriest’shole,andatleastonesecretpassage,Iknow,”shesaid.“IbelieveI’vebeenshownthemonce,butIcan’tremembermuchaboutthemnow.Here’sBundle,she’llknow.”
Bundlewascomingquicklyalongtheterracetowardsthem.
“I’mtakingthePanharduptotownafterlunch,”sheremarked.“Anyonewantalift?Wouldn’tyouliketocome,Mr.Cade?We’llbebackbydinnertime.”
“No,thanks,”saidAnthony.“I’mquitehappyandbusydownhere.”
“Themanfearsme,”saidBundle.“Eithermydrivingormyfatalfascination!Whichisit?”
“Thelatter,”saidAnthony.“Everytime.”
“Bundle,dear,”saidVirginia,“isthereanysecretpassageleadingoutoftheCouncilChamber?”
“Rather.Butit’sonlyamouldyone.SupposedtoleadfromChimneystoWyvernAbbey.Soitdidintheold,olddays,butit’sallblockedupnow.Youcanonlygetalongitforaboutahundredyardsfromthisend.TheoneupstairsintheWhiteGalleryiseversomuchmoreamusing,andthepriest’sholeisn’thalfbad.”
“We’renotregardingthemfromanartisticstandpoint,”explainedVirginia.“It’sbusiness.HowdoyougetintotheCouncilChamberone?”
“Hingedpanel.I’llshowityouafterlunchifyoulike.”
“Thankyou,”saidSuperintendentBattle.“Shallwesayat2:30?”
Bundlelookedathimwithliftedeyebrows.
“Crookstuff?”sheinquired.
Tredwellappearedontheterrace.
Luncheonisserved,mylady,”heannounced.
Twenty-three
ENCOUNTERINTHEROSEGARDEN
At2:30alittlepartymettogetherintheCouncilChamber:Bundle,Virginia,SuperintendentBattle,M.LemoineandAnthonyCade.
“NogoodwaitinguntilwecangetholdofMr.Lomax,”saidBattle.“Thisisthekindofbusinessonewantstogetonwithquickly.”
“Ifyou’vegotanyideathatPrinceMichaelwasmurderedbysomeonewhogotinthisway,you’rewrong,”saidBundle.“Itcan’tbedone.Theotherend’sblockedcompletely.”
“Thereisnoquestionofthat,milady,”saidLemoinequickly.“Itisquiteadifferentsearchthatwemake.”
“Lookingforsomething,areyou?”askedBundlequickly.“Notthehistoricwhatnot,byanychance?”
Lemoinelookedpuzzled.
“Explainyourself,Bundle,”saidVirginiaencouragingly.“Youcanwhenyoutry.”
“Thethingummybob,”saidBundle.“ThehistoricdiamondofpurpleprincesthatwaspinchedinthedarkagesbeforeIgrewtoyearsofdiscretion.”
“Whotoldyouthis,LadyEileen?”askedBattle.
“I’vealwaysknown.OneofthefootmentoldmewhenIwastwelveyearsold.”
“Afootman,”saidBattle.“Lord!I’dlikeMr.Lomaxtohaveheardthat!”
“IsitoneofGeorge’scloselyguardedsecrets?”askedBundle.“Howperfectlyscreaming!Ineverreallythoughtitwastrue.Georgealwayswasanass—hemustknowthatservantsknoweverything.”
ShewentacrosstotheHolbeinportrait,touchedaspringconcealedsomewhereatthesideofit,andimmediately,withacreakingnoise,asectionofthepanellingswunginwards,revealingadarkopening.
“Entrez,messieursetmesdames,”saidBundledramatically.“Walkup,walkup,walkup,dearies.Bestshowoftheseason,andonlyatanner.”
BothLemoineandBattlewereprovidedwithtorches.Theyenteredthedarkaperturefirst,theotherscloseontheirheels.
“Air’sniceandfresh,”remarkedBattle.“Mustbeventilatedsomehow.”
Hewalkedonahead.Thefloorwasroughunevenstone,butthewallswerebricked.AsBundlehadsaid,thepassageextendedforabarehundredyards.Thenitcametoanabruptendwithafallenheapofmasonry.Battlesatisfiedhimselfthattherewasnowayofegressbeyond,andthenspokeoverhisshoulder.
“We’llgoback,ifyouplease.Iwantedjusttospyouttheland,sotospeak.”
Inafewminutestheywerebackagainatthepanelledentrance.
“We’llstartfromhere,”saidBattle.“Sevenstraight,eightleft,threeright.Takethefirstaspaces.”
Hepacedsevenstepscarefully,andbendingdownexaminedtheground.
“Aboutright,Ishouldfancy.Atonetimeoranother,there’sbeenachalkmarkmadehere.Nowthen,eightleft.That’snotpaces,thepassageisonlywideenoughtogoIndianfile,anyway.”
“Sayitinbricks,”suggestedAnthony
“Quiteright,Mr.Cade.Eightbricksfromthebottomorthetopontheleft-handside.Tryfromthebottomfirst—it’seasier.”
Hecountedupeightbricks.
“Nowthreetotherightofthat.One,two,three—Hullo—Hullo,what’sthis?”
“Ishallscreaminaminute,”saidBundle,“IknowIshall.Whatisit?”
SuperintendentBattlewasworkingatthebrickwiththepointofhisknife.Hispractisedeyehadquicklyseenthatthisparticularbrickwasdifferentfromtherest.Aminuteortwo’swork,andhewasabletopullitrightout.Behindwasasmalldarkcavity.Battlethrustinhishand.
Everyonewaitedinbreathlessexpectancy.
Battledrewouthishandagain.
Heutteredanexclamationofsurpriseandanger.
Theotherscrowdedroundandstareduncomprehendinglyatthethreearticlesheheld.Foramomentitseemedasthoughtheireyesmusthavedeceivedthem.
Acardofsmallpearlbuttons,asquareofcoarseknitting,andapieceofpaperonwhichwereinscribedarowofcapitalE’s!
“Well,”saidBattle.“I’m—I’mdanged.What’sthemeaningofthis?”
“MonDieu,”mutteredtheFrenchman.“?a,c’estunpeutropfort!”
“Butwhatdoesitmean?”criedVirginia,bewildered.
“Mean?”saidAnthony.“There’sonlyonethingitcanmean.ThelateCountStylptitchmusthavehadasenseofhumour!Thisisanexampleofthathumour.ImaysaythatIdon’tconsideritparticularlyfunnymyself.”
“Doyoumindexplainingyourmeaningalittlemoreclearly,sir?”saidtheSuperintendentBattle.
“Certainly.ThiswastheCount’slittlejoke.Hemusthavesuspectedthathismemorandumhadbeenread.Whenthecrookscametorecoverthejewel,theyweretofindinsteadthisextremelycleverconundrum.It’sthesortofthingyoupinontoyourselfatBookTeas,whenpeoplehavetoguesswhatyouare.”
“Ithasameaning,then?”
“Ishouldsay,undoubtedly.IftheCounthadmeanttobemerelyoffensive,hewouldhaveputaplacardwith‘Sold’onit,orapictureofadonkeyorsomethingcrudelikethat.”
“Abitofknitting,somecapitalE’s,andalotofbuttons,”mutteredBattlediscontendedly.
“C’estinou?,”saidLemoineangrily.
“CipherNo.2,”saidAnthony.“IwonderwhetherProfessorWynwoodwouldbeanygoodatthisone?”
“Whenwasthispassagelastused,milady?”askedtheFrenchmanofBundle.
Bundlereflected.
“Idon’tbelieveanyone’sbeenintoitforovertwoyears.Thepriest’sholeistheshowexhibitforAmericansandtouristsgenerally.”
“Curious,”murmuredtheFrenchman.
“Whycurious?”
Lemoinestoopedandpickedupasmallobjectfromthefloor.
“Becauseofthis,”hesaid.“Thismatchhasnotlainherefortwoyears—noteventwodays.”
“Anyofyouladiesorgentlemendropthis,byanychance?”heasked.
Hereceivedanegativeallround.
“Well,then,”saidSuperintendentBattle,“we’veseenallthereistosee.Wemightaswellgetoutofhere.”
Theproposalwasassentedtobyall.Thepanelhadswungto,butBundleshowedthemhowitwasfastenedfromtheinside.Sheunlatchedit,swungitnoiselesslyopen,andsprangthroughtheopening,alightingintheCouncilChamberwitharesoundingthud.
“Damn!”saidLordCaterham,springingupfromanarmchairinwhichheappearedtohavebeentakingfortywinks.
“PooroldFather,”saidBundle.“DidIstartleyou?”
“Ican’tthink,”saidLordCaterham,“whynobodynowadayseversitsstillafterameal.It’salostart.GodknowsChimneysisbigenoughbutevenheretheredoesn’tseemtobeasingleroomwhereIcanbesureofalittlepeace.GoodLord,howmanyofyouarethere?RemindsmeofthepantomimesIusedtogotoasaboywhenhordesofdemonsusedtopopupoutoftrapdoors.”
“DemonNo.7,”saidVirginia,approachinghim,andpattinghimonthehead.“Don’tbecross.We’rejustexploringsecretpassages,that’sall.”
“Thereseemstobeapositiveboominsecretpassagestoday,”grumbledLordCaterham,notyetcompletelymollified.“I’vehadtoshowthatfellowFishroundthemallthismorning.”
“Whenwasthat?”askedBattlequickly
“Justbeforelunch.Itseemshe’dheardoftheoneinhere.Ishowedhimthat,andthentookhimuptotheWhiteGallery,andwefinishedupwiththepriest’shole.Buthisenthusiasmwaswaningbythattime.Helookedboredtodeath.ButImadehimgothroughwithit.”LordCaterhamchuckledattheremembrance.
AnthonyputahandonLemoine’sarm.
“Comeoutside,”hesaidsoftly.“Iwanttospeaktoyou.”
Thetwomenwentouttogetherthroughthewindow.Whentheyhadgoneasufficientdistancefromthehouse,AnthonydrewfromhispocketthescrapofpaperthatBorishadgivenhimthatmorning.
“Lookhere,”hesaid.“Didyoudropthis?”
Lemoinetookitandexamineditwithsomeinterest.
“No,”hesaid.“Ihaveneverseenitbefore.Why?”
“Quitesure?”
“Absolutelysure,monsieur.”
“That’sveryodd.”
HerepeatedtoLemoinewhatBorishadsaid.Theotherlistenedwithcloseattention.
“No,Ididnotdropit.Yousayhefounditinthatclumpoftrees?”
“Well,Iassumedso,buthedidnotactuallysayso.”
“ItisjustpossiblethatitmighthaveflutteredoutofM.Isaacstein’ssuitcase.QuestionBorisagain.”HehandedthepaperbacktoAnthony.Afteraminuteortwohesaid:“WhatexactlydoyouknowofthismanBoris?”
Anthonyshruggedhisshoulders.
“IunderstoodhewasthelatePrinceMichael’strustedservant.”
“Itmaybeso,butmakeityourbusinesstofindout.Asksomeonewhoknows,suchastheBaronLolopretjzyl.Perhapsthismanwasengagedbutafewweeksago.Formyself,Ihavebelievedhimhonest.Butwhoknows?KingVictorisquitecapableofmakinghimselfintoatrustedservantatamoment’snotice.”
“Doyoureallythink—”
Lemoineinterruptedhim.
“Iwillbequitefrank.Withme,KingVictorisanobsession.Iseehimeverywhere.AtthismomentevenIaskmyself—thismanwhoistalkingtome,thisM.Cade,ishe,perhaps,KingVictor?”
“GoodLord,”saidAnthony,“youhavegotitbadly.”
“WhatdoIcareforthediamond?ForthediscoveryofthemurdererofPrinceMichael?IleavethoseaffairstomycolleagueofScotlandYardwhosebusinessitis.Me,IaminEnglandforonepurpose,andonepurposeonly,tocaptureKingVictorandcapturehimred-handed.Nothingelsematters.”
“Thinkyou’lldoit?”askedAnthony,lightingacigarette.
“HowshouldIknow?”saidLemoine,withsuddendespondency.
“Hm!”saidAnthony.
Theyhadregainedtheterrace.SuperintendentBattlewasstandingneartheFrenchwindowinawoodenattitude.
“LookatpooroldBattle,”saidAnthony.“Let’sgoandcheerhimup.”Hepausedaminute,andsaid,“Youknow,you’reanoddfishinsomeways,M.Lemoine.”
“Inwhatways,M.Cade?”
“Well,”saidAnthony,“inyourplace,IshouldhavebeeninclinedtonotedownthataddressthatIshowedyou.Itmaybeofnoimportance—quiteconceivably.Ontheotherhand,itmightbeveryimportantindeed.”
Lemoinelookedathimforaminuteortwosteadily.Then,withaslightsmile,hedrewbackthecuffofhisleftcoatsleeve.Pencilledonthewhiteshirtcuffbeneathwerethewords“Hurstmere,LanglyRoad,Dover.”
“Iapologize,”saidAnthony.“AndIretireworsted.”
HejoinedSuperintendentBattle.
“Youlookverypensive,Battle,”heremarked.
“I’vegotalottothinkabout,Mr.Cade.”
“Yes,Iexpectyouhave.”
“Thingsaren’tdovetailing.They’renotdovetailingatall.”
“Verytrying,”sympathizedAnthony.“Nevermind,Battle,iftheworstcomestotheworst,youcanalwaysarrestme.You’vegotmyguiltyfootprintstofallbackupon,remember.”
Butthesuperintendentdidnotsmile.
“Gotanyenemiesherethatyouknowof,Mr.Cade?”heasked.
“I’veanideathatthethirdfootmandoesn’tlikeme,”repliedAnthonylightly.“Hedoeshisbesttoforgettohandmethechoicestvegetables.Why?”
“I’vebeengettinganonymousletters,”saidSuperintendentBattle.“Orratherananonymousletter,Ishouldsay.”
“Aboutme?”
WithoutanswerBattletookafoldedsheetofcheapnotepaperfromhispocket,andhandedittoAnthony.Scrawledonitinanilliteratehandwritingwerethewords:
LookoutforMr.Cade.Heisn’twotheseems.
Anthonyhandeditbackwithalightlaugh.
“Thatall?Cheerup,Battle.I’mreallyakingindisguise,youknow.”
Hewentintothehouse,whistlinglightlyashewalkedalong.Butasheenteredhisbedroomandshutthedoorbehindhim,hisfacechanged.Itgrewsetandstern.Hesatdownontheedgeofthebedandstaredmoodilyatthefloor.
“Thingsaregettingserious,”saidAnthonytohimself.“Somethingmustbedoneaboutit.It’salldamnedawkward….”
Hesatthereforaminuteortwo,thenstrolledtothewindow.Foramomentortwohestoodlookingoutaimlesslyandthenhiseyesbecamesuddenlyfocusedonacertainspot,andhisfacelightened.
“Ofcourse,”hesaid.“Therosegarden!That’sit!Therosegarden.”
Hehurrieddownstairsagainandoutintothegardenbyasidedoor.Heapproachedtherosegardenbyacircuitousroute.Ithadalittlegateateitherend.Heenteredbythefarone,andwalkeduptothesundialwhichwasonaraisedhillockintheexactcentreofthegarden.
JustasAnthonyreachedit,hestoppeddeadandstaredatanotheroccupantoftherosegardenwhoseemedequallysurprisedtoseehim.
“Ididn’tknowthatyouwereinterestedinroses,Mr.Fish,”saidAnthonygently.
“Sir,”saidMr.Fish,“Iamconsiderablyinterestedinroses.”
Theylookedateachotherwarily,asantagonistsseektomeasuretheiropponents’strength.
“SoamI,”saidAnthony.
“Isthatso?”
“Infact,Idoteuponroses,”saidAnthonyairily.
AveryslightsmilehovereduponMr.Fish’slips,andatthesametimeAnthonyalsosmiled.Thetensionseemedtorelax.
“Lookatthisbeautynow,”saidMr.Fish,stoopingtopointoutaparticularlyfinebloom.“MadameAbelChatenay,Ipressoomittobe.Yes,Iamright.Thiswhiterose,beforethewar,wasknownasFrauCarlDrusky.Theyhave,Ibelieve,renamedit.Oversensitive,perhaps,buttrulypatriotic.TheLaFranceisalwayspopular.Doyoucareforredrosesatall,Mr.Cade?Abrightscarletrosenow—”
Mr.Fish’sslow,drawlingvoice,wasinterrupted.Bundlewasleaningoutofafirst-floorwindow.
“Careforaspintotown,Mr.Fish?I’mjustoff.”
“Thankyou,LadyEileen,butIamvurryhappyhere.”
“Sureyouwon’tchangeyourmind,Mr.Cade?”
Anthonylaughedandshookhishead.Bundledisappeared.
“Sleepismoreinmyline,”saidAnthony,withawideyawn.“Agoodafter-luncheonnap!”Hetookoutacigarette.“Youhaven’tgotamatch,haveyou?”
Mr.Fishhandedhimamatchbox.Anthonyhelpedhimself,andhandedbacktheboxwithawordofthanks.
“Roses,”saidAnthony,“areallverywell.ButIdon’tfeelparticularlyhorticulturalthisafternoon.”
Withadisarmingsmile,henoddedcheerfully.
Athunderingnoisesoundedfromjustoutsidethehouse.
“Prettypowerfulengineshe’sgotinthatcarofhers,”remarkedAnthony.“There,offshegoes.”
Theyhadaviewofthecarspeedingdownthelongdrive.
Anthonyyawnedagain,andstrolledtowardsthehouse.
Hepassedinthroughthedoor.Onceinside,heseemedasthoughchangedtoquicksilver.Heracedacrossthehall,outthroughoneofthewindowsonthefartherside,andacrossthepark.Bundle,heknew,hadtomakeabigdetourbythelodgegates,andthroughthevillage.
Herandesperately.Itwasaraceagainsttime.Hereachedtheparkwalljustasheheardthecaroutside.Heswunghimselfupanddroppedintotheroad.
“Hi!”criedAnthony.
Inherastonishment,Bundleswervedhalfacrosstheroad.Shemanagedtopullupwithoutaccident.Anthonyranafterthecar,openedthedoor,andjumpedinbesideBundle.
“I’mcomingtoLondonwithyou,”hesaid.“Imeanttoallalong.”
“Extraordinaryperson,”saidBundle.“What’sthatyou’vegotinyourhand?”
“Onlyamatch,”saidAnthony.
Heregardeditthoughtfully.Itwaspink,withayellowhead.Hethrewawayhisunlightedcigarette,andputthematchcarefullyintohispocket.
Twenty-four
THEHOUSEATDOVER
“Youdon’tmind,Isuppose,”saidBundleafteraminuteortwo,“ifIdriveratherfast?IstartedlaterthanImeanttodo.”
IthadseemedtoAnthonythattheywereproceedingataterrificspeedalready,buthesoonsawthatthatwasnothingcomparedtowhatBundlecouldgetoutofthePanhardifshetried.
“Somepeople,”saidBundle,asshesloweddownmomentarilytopassthroughavillage,“areterrifiedofmydriving.PooroldFather,forinstance.Nothingwouldinducehimtocomeupwithmeinthisoldbus.”
Privately,AnthonythoughtLordCaterhamwasentirelyjustified.DrivingwithBundlewasnotasporttobeindulgedinbynervous,middle-agedgentlemen.
“Butyoudon’tseemnervousabit,”continuedBundleapprovingly,asshesweptroundacornerontwowheels.
“I’minprettygoodtraining,yousee,”explainedAnthonygravely.“Also,”headded,asanafterthought,“I’mratherinahurrymyself.”
“ShallIspeedherupabitmore?”askedBundlekindly.
“GoodLord,no,”saidAnthonyhastily.“We’reaveragingaboutfiftyasitis.”
“I’mburningwithcuriositytoknowthereasonforthissuddendeparture,”saidBundle,afterexecutingafanfareupontheklaxonwhichmusttemporarilyhavedeafenedtheneighbourhood.“ButIsupposeImustn’task?You’renotescapingfromjustice,areyou?”
“I’mnotquitesure,”saidAnthony.“Ishallknowsoon.”
“ThatScotlandYardmanisn’tasmuchofarabbitasIthought,”saidBundlethoughtfully.
“Battle’sagoodman,”agreedAnthony.
“Yououghttohavebeenindiplomacy,”remarkedBundle.“Youdon’tpartwithmuchinformation,doyou?”
“IwasundertheimpressionthatIbabbled.”
“Oh!Boy!You’renotelopingwithMademoiselleBrun,byanychance?”
“Notguilty!”saidAnthonywithfervour.
TherewasapauseofsomeminutesduringwhichBundlecaughtupandpassedthreeothercars.Thensheaskedsuddenly:
“HowlonghaveyouknownVirginia?”
“That’sadifficultquestiontoanswer,”saidAnthony,withperfecttruth.“Ihaven’tactuallymetherveryoften,andyetIseemtohaveknownheralongtime.”
Bundlenodded.
“Virginia’sgotbrains,”sheremarkedabruptly.“She’salwaystalkingnonsense,butshe’sgotbrainsallright.ShewasfrightfullygoodoutinHerzoslovakia,Ibelieve.IfTimRevelhadlivedhe’dhavehadafinecareer—andmostlyowingtoVirginia.Sheworkedforhimtoothandnail.Shedideverythingintheworldshecouldforhim—andIknowwhy,too.”
“Becauseshecaredforhim?”Anthonysatlookingverystraightaheadofhim.
“No,becauseshedidn’t.Don’tyousee?Shedidn’tlovehim—sheneverlovedhim,andsoshedideverythingonearthshecouldtomakeup.That’sVirginiaallover.Butdon’tyoumakeanymistakeaboutit.VirginiawasneverinlovewithTimRevel.”
“Youseemverypositive,”saidAnthony,turningtolookather.
Bundle’slittlehandswereclenchedonthesteeringwheel,andherchinwasstuckoutinadeterminedmanner.
“Iknowathingortwo.Iwasonlyakidatthetimeofhermarriage,butIheardoneortwothings,andknowingVirginiaIcanputthemtogethereasilyenough.TimRevelwasbowledoverbyVirginia—hewasIrish,youknow,andmostattractive,withageniusforexpressinghimselfwell.Virginiawasquiteyoung—eighteen.Shecouldn’tgoanywherewithoutseeingTiminastateofpicturesquemisery,vowinghe’dshoothimselfortaketodrinkifshedidn’tmarryhim.Girlsbelievethesethings—orusedto—we’veadvancedalotinthelasteightyears.Virginiawascarriedawaybythefeelingshethoughtshe’dinspired.Shemarriedhim—andshewasanangeltohimalways.Shewouldn’thavebeenhalfasmuchofanangelifshe’dlovedhim.There’salotofthedevilinVirginia.ButIcantellyouonething—sheenjoysherfreedom.Andanyonewillhaveahardtimepersuadinghertogiveitup.”
“Iwonderwhyyoutellmeallthis?”saidAnthonyslowly.
“It’sinterestingtoknowaboutpeople,isn’tit?Somepeople,thatis.”
“I’vewantedtoknow,”heacknowledged.
“Andyou’dneverhaveheardfromVirginia.Butyoucantrustmeforaninsidetipfromthestables.Virginia’sadarling.Evenwomenlikeherbecausesheisn’tabitofacat.Andanyway,”Bundleended,somewhatobscurely,“onemustbeasport,mustn’tone?”
“Oh,certainly,”Anthonyagreed.Buthewasstillpuzzled.HehadnoideawhathadpromptedBundletogivehimsomuchinformationunasked.Thathewasgladofit,hedidnotdeny.
“Herearethetrams,”saidBundle,withasigh.“Now,Isuppose,Ishallhavetodrivecarefully.”
“Itmightbeaswell,”agreedAnthony
HisideasandBundle’sonthesubjectofcarefuldrivinghardlycoincided.LeavingindignantsuburbsbehindthemtheyfinallyemergedintoOxfordStreet.
“Notbadgoing,eh?”saidBundle,glancingatherwristwatch.
Anthonyassentedfervently.
“Wheredoyouwanttobedropped?”
“Anywhere.Whichwayareyougoing?”
“Knightsbridgeway.”
“Allright,dropmeatHydeParkCorner.”
“Good-bye,”saidBundle,asshedrewupattheplaceindicated.“Whataboutthereturnjourney?”
“I’llfindmyownwayback,thanksverymuch.”
“Ihavescaredhim,”remarkedBundle.
“Ishouldn’trecommenddrivingwithyouasatonicfornervousoldladies,butpersonallyI’veenjoyedit.ThelasttimeIwasinequaldangerwaswhenIwaschargedbyaherdofwildelephants.”
“Ithinkyou’reextremelyrude,”remarkedBundle.“We’renotevenhadonebumptoday.”
“I’msorryifyou’vebeenholdingyourselfinonmyaccount,”retortedAnthony.
“Idon’tthinkmenarereallyverybrave,”saidBundle.
“That’sanastyone,”saidAnthony.“Iretire,humiliated.”Bundlenoddedanddroveon.Anthonyhailedapassingtaxi.“VictoriaStation,”hesaidtothedriverashegotin.
WhenhegottoVictoriahepaidoffthetaxiandinquiredforthenexttraintoDover.Unfortunatelyhehadjustmissedone.
Resigninghimselftoawaitofsomethingoveranhour,Anthonypacedupanddown,hisbrowsknit.Onceortwiceheshookhisheadimpatiently.
ThejourneytoDoverwasuneventful.Arrivedthere,Anthonypassedquicklyoutofthestationandthen,asthoughsuddenlyremembering,heturnedbackagain.TherewasaslightsmileonhislipsasheaskedtobedirectedtoHurstmere,LanglyRoad.
Theroadinquestionwasalongone,leadingrightoutofthetown.Accordingtotheporter’sinstructions,Hurstmerewasthelasthouse.Anthonytrudgedalongsteadily.Thelittlepuckerhadreappearedbetweenhiseyes.Neverthelesstherewasanewelationinhismanner,asalwayswhendangerwasnearathand
Hurstmerewas,astheporterhadsaid,thelasthouseinLanglyRoad.Itstoodwellback,enclosedinitsowngrounds,whichwereraggedandovergrown.Theplace,Anthonyjudged,musthavebeenemptyformanyyears.Alargeirongateswungrustilyonitshinges,andthenameonthegatepostwashalfobliterated
“Alonelyspot,”mutteredAnthonytohimself,“andagoodonetochoose.”
Hehesitatedaminuteortwo,glancedquicklyupanddowntheroad—whichwasquitedeserted—andthenslippedquietlypastthecreakinggateintotheovergrowndrive.Hewalkedupitalittleway,andthenstoodlistening.Hewasstillsomedistancefromthehouse.Notasoundcouldbeheardanywhere.Somefast-yellowingleavesdetachedthemselvesfromoneofthetreesoverheadandfellwithasoftrustlingsoundthatwasalmostsinisterinthestillness.Anthonystarted;thensmiled.
“Nerves,”hemurmuredtohimself.“NeverknewIhadsuchthingsbefore.”
Hewentonupthedrive.Presently,asthedrivecurved,heslippedintotheshrubberyandsocontinuedhiswayunseenfromthehouse.Suddenlyhestoodstill,peeringoutthroughtheleaves.Somedistanceawayadogwasbarking,butitwasasoundnearerathandthathadattractedAnthony’sattention.
Hiskeenhearinghadnotbeenmistaken.Amancamerapidlyroundthecornerofthehouse,ashortsquare,thicksetman,foreigninappearance.Hedidnotpausebutwalkedsteadilyon,circlingthehouseanddisappearingagain.
Anthonynoddedtohimself.
“Sentry,”hemurmured.“Theydothethingquitewell.”
Assoonashehadpassed,Anthonywenton,divergingtotheleft,andsofollowinginthefootstepsofthesentry.
Hisownfootstepswerequitenoiseless.
Thewallofthehousewasonhisright,andpresentlyhecametowhereabroadbluroflightfellonthegravelledwalk.Thesoundofseveralmentalkingtogetherwasclearlyaudible.
“MyGod!whatdouble-dyedidiots,”murmuredAnthonytohimself.“Itwouldservethemrighttobegivenafright.”
Hestoleuptothewindow,stoopingalittlesothatheshouldnotbeseen.Presentlyheliftedhisheadverycarefullytothelevelofthesillandlookedin.
Halfadozenmenweresprawlingroundatable.Fourofthemwerebigthicksetmen,withhighcheekbones,andeyessetinMagyarslantingfashion.Theothertwowererat-likelittlemenwithquickgestures.ThelanguagethatwasbeingspokenwasFrench,butthefourbigmenspokeitwithuncertaintyandahoarsegutturalintonation.
“Theboss?”growledoneofthese.“Whenwillhebehere?”
Oneofthesmallermenshruggedhisshoulders.
“Anytimenow.”
“Abouttime,too,”growledthefirstman.“Ihaveneverseenhim,thisbossofyours,but,oh,whatgreatandgloriousworkmightwenothaveaccomplishedinthesedaysofidlewaiting!”
“Fool,”saidtheotherlittlemanbitingly.“Gettingnabbedbythepoliceisallthegreatandgloriousworkyouandyourpreciouslotwouldhavebeenlikelytoaccomplish.Alotofblunderinggorillas!”
“Aha!”roaredanotherbigthicksetfellow.“YouinsulttheComrades?IwillsoonsetthesignoftheRedHandroundyourthroat.”
Hehalfrose,glaringferociouslyattheFrenchman,butoneofhiscompanionspulledhimbackagain.
“Noquarrelling,”hegrunted.“We’retoworktogether.FromallIheard,thisKingVictordoesn’tstandforbeingdisobeyed.”
Inthedarkness,Anthonyheardthefootstepsofthesentrycominghisroundagain,andhedrewbackbehindabush.
“Who’sthat?”saidoneofthemeninside.
“Carlo—goinghisrounds.”
“Oh!Whatabouttheprisoner?”
“He’sallright—comingroundprettyfastnow.He’srecoveredwellfromthecrackontheheadwegavehim.”
Anthonymovedgentlyaway.
“God!Whatalot,”hemuttered.“Theydiscusstheiraffairswithanopenwindow,andthatfoolCarlogoeshisroundwiththetreadofanelephant—andtheeyesofabat.Andtocrownall,theHerzoslovakiansandtheFrenchareonthepointofcomingtoblows.KingVictor’sheadquartersseemtobeinaparlouscondition.Itwouldamuseme,itwouldamusemeverymuch,toteachthemalesson.”
Hestoodirresoluteforaminute,smilingtohimself.
Fromsomewhereabovehisheadcameastifledgroan.
Anthonylookedup.Thegroancameagain
Anthonyglancedquicklyfromlefttoright.Carlowasnotdueroundagainjustyet.HegraspedtheheavyVirginiacreeperandclimbednimblytillhereachedthesillofawindow.Thewindowwasshut,butwithatoolfromhispockethesoonsucceededinforcingupthecatch
Hepausedaminutetolisten,thenspranglightlyinsidetheroom.Therewasabedinthefarcornerandonthatbedamanwaslying,hisfigurebarelydiscernibleinthegloom.
Anthonywentovertothebed,andflashedhispockettorchontheman’sface.Itwasaforeignface,paleandemaciated,andtheheadwasswathedinheavybandages.
Themanwasboundhandandfoot.HestaredupatAnthonylikeonedazed.
Anthonybentoverhim,andashedidsoheheardasoundbehindhimandswunground,hishandtravellingtohiscoatpocket.
Butasharpcommandarrestedhim.
“Handsup,sonny.Youdidn’texpecttoseemehere,butIhappenedtocatchthesametrainasyouatVictoria.”
ItwasMr.HiramFishwhowasstandinginthedoorway.Hewassmilingandinhishandwasabigblueautomatic.
Twenty-five
TUESDAYNIGHTATCHIMNEYS
LordCaterham,VirginiaandBundleweresittinginthelibraryafterdinner.ItwasTuesdayevening.SomethirtyhourshadelapsedsinceAnthony’sratherdramaticdeparture.
ForatleasttheseventhtimeBundlerepeatedAnthony’spartingwords,asspokenatHydeParkCorner.
“I’llfindmyownwayback,”echoedVirginiathoughtfully.“Thatdoesn’tlookasthoughheexpectedtobeawayaslongasthis.Andhe’sleftallhisthingshere.”
“Hedidn’ttellyouwherehewasgoing?”
“No,”saidVirginia,lookingstraightinfrontofher.“Hetoldmenothing.”
Afterthis,therewasasilenceforaminuteortwo.LordCaterhamwasthefirsttobreakit.
“Onthewhole,”hesaid,“keepinganhotelhassomeadvantagesoverkeepingacountryhouse.”
“Meaning—”
“Thatlittlenoticetheyalwayshangupinyourroom.Visitorsintendingdeparturemustgivenoticebeforetwelveo’clock.”
Virginiasmiled.
“Idaresay,”hecontinued,“thatIamold-fashionedandunreasonable.It’sthefashion,Iknow,topopinandoutofahouse.Sameideaasanhotel—perfectfreedomofaction,andnobillattheend!”
“Youareanoldgrouser,”saidBundle.“You’vehadVirginiaandme.Whatmoredoyouwant?”
“Nothingmore,nothingmore,”LordCaterhamassuredthemhastily.“That’snotitatall.It’stheprincipleofthething.Itgivesonesucharestlessfeeling.I’mquitewillingtoadmitthatit’sbeenanalmostidealtwenty-fourhours.Peace—perfectpeace.Noburglariesorothercrimesofviolence,nodetectives,noAmericans.WhatIcomplainofisthatIshouldhaveenjoyeditallsomuchmoreifI’dfeltreallysecure.Asitis,allthetime,I’vebeensayingtomyself,‘Oneortheotherofthemisboundtoturnupinaminute.’Andthatspoiltthewholething.”
“Well,nobodyhasturnedup,”saidBundle.“We’vebeenleftseverelyalone—neglected,infact.It’soddthewayFishdisappeared.Didn’thesayanything?”
“Notaword.LasttimeIsawhimhewaspacingupanddowntherosegardenyesterdayafternoon,smokingoneofthoseunpleasantcigarsofhis.Afterthatheseemstohavejustmeltedintothelandscape.”
“Somebodymusthavekidnappedhim,”saidBundlehopefully.
“Inanotherdayortwo,IexpectweshallhaveScotlandYarddraggingthelaketofindhisdeadbody,”saidherfathergloomily.“Itservesmeright.Atmytimeoflife,Ioughttohavegonequietlyabroadandtakencareofmyhealth,andnotallowedmyselftobedrawnintoGeorgeLomax’swildcatschemes.I—”
HewasinterruptedbyTredwell.
“Well,”saidLordCaterham,irritably,“whatisit?”
“TheFrenchdetectiveishere,mylord,andwouldbegladifyoucouldsparehimafewminutes.”
“WhatdidItellyou?”saidLordCaterham.“Iknewitwastoogoodtolast.Dependuponit,they’vefoundFish’sdeadbodydoubledupinthegoldfishpond.”
Tredwell,inastrictlyrespectfulmanner,steeredhimbacktothepointatissue.
“AmItosaythatyouwillseehim,mylord?”
“Yes,yes.Bringhiminhere.”
Tredwelldeparted.Hereturnedaminuteortwolaterannouncinginalugubriousvoice:
“MonsieurLemoine.”
TheFrenchmancameinwithaquick,lightstep.Hiswalk,morethanhisface,betrayedthefactthathewasexcitedaboutsomething.
“Goodevening,Lemoine,”saidLordCaterham.“Haveadrink,won’tyou?”
“Ithankyou,no.”Hebowedpunctiliouslytotheladies.“AtlastImakeprogress.Asthingsare,Ifeltthatyoushouldbeacquaintedwiththediscoveries—theverygravediscoveriesthatIhavemadeinthecourseofthelasttwenty-fourhours.”
“Ithoughttheremustbesomethingimportantgoingonsomewhere,”saidLordCaterham.
“Mylord,yesterdayafternoononeofyourguestsleftthishouseinacuriousmanner.Fromthebeginning,Imusttellyou,Ihavehadmysuspicions.Hereisamanwhocomesfromthewilds.TwomonthsagohewasinSouthAfrica.Beforethat—where?”
Virginiadrewasharpbreath.ForamomenttheFrenchman’seyesrestedonherdoubtfully.Thenhewenton:
“Beforethat—where?Nonecansay.AndheisjustsuchaoneasthemanIamlookingfor—gay,audacious,reckless,onewhowoulddareanything.Isendcableaftercable,butIcangetnowordastohispastlife.TenyearsagohewasinCanada,yes,butsincethen—silence.Mysuspicionsgrowstronger.ThenIpickuponedayascrapofpaperwherehehaslatelypassedalong.Itbearsanaddress—theaddressofahouseinDover.Later,asthoughbychance,Idropthatsamepieceofpaper.Outofthetailofmyeye,IseethisBoris,theHerzoslovakian,pickitupandtakeittohismaster.AllalongIhavebeensurethatthisBorisisanemissaryoftheComradesoftheRedHand.WeknowthattheComradesareworkinginwithKingVictoroverthisaffair.IfBorisrecognizedhischiefinMr.AnthonyCade,wouldhenotdojustwhathehasdone—transferredhisallegiance?Whyshouldheattachhimselfotherwisetoaninsignificantstranger?Itwassuspicious,Itellyou,verysuspicious.
“ButalmostIamdisarmed,forAnthonyCadebringsthissamepapertomeatonceandasksmeifIhavedroppedit.AsIsay,almostIamdisarmed—butnotquite!Foritmaymeanthatheisinnocent,oritmaymeanthatheisvery,veryclever.Ideny,ofcourse,thatitismineorthatIdroppedit.ButinthemeantimeIhavesetinquiriesonfoot.
Virginiastoodupsuddenly.Shewalkedacrosstothemantelpieceandspokeinavoicethatrangcoldlikesteel.
“Youareleavingonethingoutofaccount,Ithink,M.Lemoine,”shesaid.“Mr.Cadeisnottheonlyguestwhodisappearedyesterdayinasuspiciousmanner.”
“Youmean,madame?—”
“Thatallyouhavesaidappliesequallywelltoanotherperson.WhataboutMr.HiramFish?”
“OhMr.Fish!”
“Yes,Mr.Fish.DidyounottellusthatfirstnightthatKingVictorhadlatelycometoEnglandfromAmerica?SohasMr.FishcometoEnglandfromAmerica.Itistruethathebroughtaletterofintroductionfromaverywell-knownman,butsurelythatwouldbeasimplethingforamanlikeKingVictortomanage.Heiscertainlynotwhathepretendstobe.LordCaterhamhascommentedonthefactthatwhenitisaquestionofthefirsteditionsheissupposedtohavecomeheretoseeheisalwaysthelistener,neverthetalker.Andthereareseveralsuspiciousfactsagainsthim.Therewasalightinhiswindowthenightofthemurder.ThentakethateveningintheCouncilChamber.WhenImethimontheterracehewasfullydressedHecouldhavedroppedthepaper.Youdidn’tactuallyseeMr.Cadedoso.Mr.CademayhavegonetoDover.Ifhediditwassimplytoinvestigate.Hemayhavebeenkidnappedthere.IsaythatthereisfarmoresuspicionattachingtoMr.Fish’sactionsthantoMr.Cade’s.”
TheFrenchman’svoicerangoutsharply:
“Fromyourpointofview,thatwellmaybe,madame.Idonotdisputeit.AndIagreethatMr.Fishisnotwhatheseems.”
“Well,then?”
“Butthatmakesnodifference.Yousee,madame,Mr.FishisaPinkerton’sman.”
“What?”criedLordCaterham.
“Yes,LordCaterham.HecameoverheretotrailKingVictor.SuperintendentBattleandIhaveknownthisforsometime.”
Virginiasaidnothing.Veryslowlyshesatdownagain.Withthosefewwordsthestructurethatshehadbuiltupsocarefullywasscatteredinruinsaboutherfeet.
“Yousee,”Lemoinewascontinuing,“wehaveallknownthateventuallyKingVictorwouldcometoChimneys.Itwastheoneplaceweweresureofcatchinghim.”
Virginialookedupwithanoddlightinhereyes,andsuddenlyshelaughed.
“You’venotcaughthimyet,”shesaid.
Lemoinelookedathercuriously.
“No,madame.ButIshall.”
“He’ssupposedtoberatherfamousforoutwittingpeople,isn’the?”
TheFrenchman’sfacedarkenedwithanger.
“Thistime,itwillbedifferent,”hesaidbetweenhisteeth.
“He’saveryattractivefellow,”saidLordCaterham.“Veryattractive.Butsurely—why,yousaidhewasanoldfriendofyours,Virginia?”
“Thatiswhy,”saidVirginiacomposedly,“IthinkM.Lemoinemustbemakingamistake.”
Andhereyesmetthedetective’ssteadily,butheappearedinnowisediscomfited.
“Timewillshow,madame,”hesaid.
“DoyoupretendthatitwashewhoshotPrinceMichael?”sheaskedpresently
“Certainly.”
ButVirginiashookherhead.
“Ohno!”shesaid,“Oh,no!ThatisonethingIamquitesureof.AnthonyCadeneverkilledPrinceMichael.”
Lemoinewaswatchingherintently.
“Thereisapossibilitythatyouareright,madame,”hesaidslowly.“Apossibility,thatisall.ItmayhavebeentheHerzoslovakian,Boris,whoexceededhisordersandfiredthatshot.Whoknows,PrinceMichaelmayhavedonehimsomegreatwrong,andthemansoughtrevenge.”
“Helooksamurderoussortoffellow,”agreedLordCaterham.“Thehousemaids,Ibelieve,screamwhenhepassestheminthepassages.”
“Well,”saidLemoine.“Imustbegoingnow.Ifeltitwasduetoyou,mylord,toknowexactlyhowthingsstand.”
“Verykindofyou,I’msure,”saidLordCaterham.“Quitecertainyouwon’thaveadrink?Allright,then.Goodnight.”
“Ihatethatmanwithhisprimlittleblackbeardandhiseyeglasses,”saidBundle,assoonasthedoorhadshutbehindhim.“IhopeAnthonydoessnoohim.I’dlovetoseehimdancingwithrage.Whatdoyouthinkaboutitall,Virginia?”
“Idon’tknow,”saidVirginia.“I’mtired.Ishallgouptobed.”
“Notabadidea,”saidLordCaterham.“It’shalfpasteleven.”
AsVirginiawascrossingthewidehall,shecaughtsightofabroadbackthatseemedfamiliartoherdiscreetlyvanishingthroughasidedoor.
“SuperintendentBattle,”shecalledimperiously.
Thesuperintendent,foritwasindeedhe,retracedhisstepswithashadeofunwillingness.
“Yes,Mrs.Revel?”
“M.Lemoinehasbeenhere.Hesays—Tellme,isittrue,reallytrue,thatMr.FishisanAmericandetective?”
SuperintendentBattlenodded.
“That’sright.”
“Youhaveknownitallalong?”
AgainSuperintendentBattlenodded.
Virginiaturnedawaytowardsthestaircase.
“Isee,”shesaid.“Thankyou.”
Untilthatminuteshehadrefusedtobelieve.
Andnow?—
Sittingdownbeforeherdressingtableinherownroom,shefacedthequestionsquarely.EverywordthatAnthonyhadsaidcamebacktoherfraughtwithanewsignificance.
Wasthisthe“trade”thathehadspokenof?
Thetradethathehadgivenup.Butthen—
Anunusualsounddisturbedtheeventenorofhermeditations.Sheliftedherheadwithastart.Herlittlegoldclockshowedthehourtobeafterone.Nearlytwohoursshehadsatherethinking.
Againthesoundwasrepeated.Asharptaponthewindowpane.Virginiawenttothewindowandopenedit.Belowonthepathwaywasatallfigurewhichevenasshelookedstoopedforanotherhandfulofgravel.
ForamomentVirginia’sheartbeatfaster—thensherecognizedthemassivestrengthandsquare-cutoutlineoftheHerzoslovakian,Boris.
“Yes,”shesaidinalowvoice.“Whatisit?”
AtthemomentitdidnotstrikeherasstrangethatBorisshouldbethrowinggravelatherwindowatthishourofthenight.
“Whatisit?”sherepeatedimpatiently.
“Icomefromthemaster,”saidBorisinalowtonewhichneverthelesscarriedperfectly.“Hehassentforyou.”
Hemadethestatementinaperfectlymatter-of-facttone.
“Sentforme?”
“Yes,Iamtobringyoutohim.Thereisanote.Iwillthrowituptoyou.”
Viriginiastoodbackalittle,andaslipofpaper,weightedwithastone,fellaccuratelyatherfeet.Sheunfoldeditandread:
Mydear(Anthonyhadwritten)—I’minatightplace,butImeantowinthrough.Willyoutrustmeandcometome?
ForquitetwominutesVirginiastoodthere,immovable,readingthosefewwordsoverandoveragain.
Sheraisedherhead,lookingroundthewell-appointedluxuryofthebedroomasthoughshesawitwithneweyes.
Thensheleanedoutofthewindowagain
“WhatamItodo?”sheasked.
“Thedetectivesaretheothersideofthehouse,outsidetheCouncilChamber.Comedownandoutthroughthesidedoor.Iwillbethere.Ihaveacarwaitingoutsideintheroad.”
Virginianodded.Quicklyshechangedherdressforoneoffawntricot,andpulledonalittlefawnleatherhat.
Then,smilingalittle,shewroteashortnote,addressedittoBundleandpinnedittothepincushion.
Shestolequietlydownstairsandundidtheboltsofthesidedoor.Justamomentshepaused,then,withalittlegallanttossofthehead,thesametossoftheheadwithwhichherancestorshadgoneintoactionintheCrusades,shepassedthrough.
Twenty-six
THE13THOFOCTOBER
Atteno’clockonthemorningofWednesday,the13thofOctober,AnthonyCadewalkedintoHarridge’sHotelandaskedforBaronLolopretjzylwhowasoccupyingasuitethere.
Aftersuitableandimposingdelay,Anthonywastakentothesuiteinquestion.TheBaronwasstandingonthehearthruginacorrectandstifffashion.LittleCaptainAndrassy,equallycorrectastodemeanour,butwithaslightlyhostileattitude,wasalsopresent.
Theusualbows,clickingofheels,andotherformalgreetingsofetiquettetookplace.Anthonywas,bynow,thoroughlyconversantwiththeroutine.
“YouwillforgivethisearlycallItrust,Baron,”hesaidcheerfully,layingdownhishatandstickonthetable.“Asamatteroffact,Ihavealittlebusinesspropositiontomaketoyou.”
“Ha!Isthatso?”saidtheBaron.
CaptainAndrassy,whohadneverovercomehisinitialdistrustofAnthony,lookedsuspicious.
“Business,”saidAnthony,“isbasedonthewell-knownprincipleofsupplyanddemand.Youwantsomething,theothermanhasit.Theonlythinglefttosettleistheprice.”
TheBaronlookedathimattentively,butsaidnothing.
“BetweenaHerzoslovakiannoblemanandanEnglishgentlemanthetermsshouldbeeasilyarranged,”saidAnthonyrapidly.
Heblushedalittleashesaidit.SuchwordsdonotriseeasilytoanEnglishman’slips,buthehadobservedonpreviousoccasionstheenormouseffectofsuchphraseologyupontheBaron’smentality.Trueenough,thecharmworked.
“Thatisso,”saidtheBaronapprovingly,noddinghishead.“Thatisentirelyso.”
EvenCaptainAndrassyappearedtounbendalittle,andnoddedhisheadalso.
“Verygood,”saidAnthony.“Iwon’tbeataboutthebushanymore—”
“Whatisthat,yousay?”interruptedtheBaron.“Tobeataboutthebush?Idonotcomprehend?”
“Amerefigureofspeech,Baron.TospeakinplainEnglish,youwantthegoods,wehavethem!Theshipisallverywell,butitlacksafigurehead.Bytheship,ImeantheLoyalistpartyofHerzoslovakia.Atthepresentminuteyoulacktheprincipalplankofyourpoliticalprogramme.Youareminusaprince!Nowsupposing—onlysupposing,thatIcouldsupplyyouwithaprince?”
Thebaronstared.
“Idonotcomprehendyouintheleast,”hedeclared.
“Sir,”saidCaptainAndrassy,twirlinghismoustachefiercely,“youareinsulting!”
“Notatall,”saidAnthony.“I’mtryingtobehelpful.Supplyanddemand,youunderstand.It’sallperfectlyfairandsquare.Noprincessuppliedunlessgenuine—seetrademark.Ifwecometoterms,you’llfindit’squiteallright.I’mofferingyoutherealgenuinearticle—outofthebottomdrawer.”
“Notintheleast,”theBarondeclaredagain,“doIcomprehendyou.”
“Itdoesn’treallymatter,”saidAnthonykindly.“Ijustwantyoutogetusedtotheidea.Toputitvulgarly,I’vegotsomethingupmysleeve.Justgetholdofthis.Youwantaprince.Undercertainconditions,Iwillundertaketosupplyyouwithone.”
TheBaronandAndrassystaredathim.Anthonytookuphishatandstickagainandpreparedtodepart.
“Justthinkitover.Now,Baron,thereisonethingfurther.YoumustcomedowntoChimneysthisevening—CaptainAndrassyalso.Severalverycuriousthingsarelikelytohappenthere.Shallwemakeanappointment?SayintheCouncilChamberatnineo’clock?Thankyou,gentlemen,Imayrelyuponyoutobethere?”
TheBarontookastepforwardandlookedsearchinglyinAnthony’sface.
“Mr.Cade,”hesaid,notwithoutdignity,“itisnot,Ihope,thatyouwishtomakefunofme?”
Anthonyreturnedhisgazesteadily.
“Baron,”hesaid,andtherewasacuriousnoteinhisvoice,“whenthiseveningisover,Ithinkyouwillbethefirsttoadmitthatthereismoreearnestthanjestaboutthisbusiness.”
Bowingtobothmen,helefttheroom.
HisnextcallwasintheCitywherehesentinhiscardtoMr.HermanIsaacstein.
Aftersomedelay,Anthonywasreceivedbyapaleandexquisitelydressedunderlingwithanengagingmanner,andamilitarytitle.
“YouwantedtoseeMr.Isaacstein,didn’tyou?”saidtheyoungman.“I’mafraidhe’smostawfullybusythismorning—boardmeetingsandallthatsortofthing,youknow.IsitanythingthatIcando?”
“Imustseehimpersonally,”saidAnthony,andaddedcarelessly,“I’vejustcomeupfromChimneys.”
TheyoungmanwasslightlystaggeredbythementionofChimneys.
“Oh!”hesaiddoubtfully.“Well,I’llsee.”
“Tellhimit’simportant,”saidAnthony.
“MessagefromLordCaterham?”suggestedtheyoungman.
“Somethingofthekind,”saidAnthony,“butit’simperativethatIshouldseeMr.Isaacsteinatonce.”
TwominuteslaterAnthonywasconductedintoasumptuousinnersanctumwherehewasprincipallyimpressedbytheimmensesizeandroomydepthsoftheleather-coveredarmchairs.
Mr.Isaacsteinrosetogreethim.
“Youmustforgivemylookingyouuplikethis,”saidAnthony.“Iknowthatyou’reabusyman,andI’mnotgoingtowastemoreofyourtimethanIcanhelp.It’sjustalittlematterofbusinessthatIwanttoputbeforeyou.”
Isaacsteinlookedathimattentivelyforaminuteortwooutofhisbeadyblackeyes.
“Haveacigar,”hesaidunexpectedly,holdingoutanopenbox.
“Thankyou,”saidAnthony.“Idon’tmindifIdo.”
Hehelpedhimself.
“It’saboutthisHerzoslovakianbusiness,”continuedAnthonyasheacceptedamatch.Henotedthemomentaryflickeringoftheother’ssteadygaze.“ThemurderofPrinceMichaelmusthaveratherupsettheapplecart.”
Mr.Isaacsteinraisedoneeyebrow,murmured.“Ah?”interrogativelyandtransferredhisgazetotheceiling.
“Oil,”saidAnthony,thoughtfullysurveyingthepolishedsurfaceofthedesk.“Wonderfulthing,oil.”
Hefelttheslightstartthefinanciergave.
“Doyoumindcomingtothepoint,Mr.Cade?”
“Notatall.Iimagine,Mr.Isaacstein,thatifthoseoilconcessionsaregrantedtoanothercompanyyouwon’tbeexactlypleasedaboutit?”
“What’stheproposition?”askedtheother,lookingstraightathim.
“Asuitableclaimanttothethrone,fullofpro-Britishsympathies.”
“Wherehaveyougothim?”
“That’smybusiness.”
Isaacsteinacknowledgedtheretortbyaslightsmile,hisglancehadgrownhardandkeen.
“Thegenuinearticle?Ican’tstandforanyfunnybusiness?”
“Theabsolutegenuinearticle.”
“Straight?”
“Straight.”
“I’lltakeyourwordforit.”
“Youdon’tseemtotakemuchconvincing?”saidAnthony,lookingcuriouslyathim.
HermanIsaacsteinsmiled.
“Ishouldn’tbewhereIamnowifIhadn’tlearnttoknowwhetheramanisspeakingthetruthornot,”herepliedsimply.Whattermsdoyouwant?”
“Thesameloan,onthesameconditions,thatyouofferedtoPrinceMichael.”
“Whataboutyourself?”
“Forthemoment,nothing,exceptthatIwantyoutocomedowntoChimneystonight.”
“No,”saidIsaacstein,withsomedecision.“Ican’tdothat.”
“Why?”
“Diningout—ratheranimportantdinner.”
“Allthesame,I’mafraidyou’llhavetocutitout—foryourownsake.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
Anthonylookedathimforafullminutebeforehesaidslowly:
“Doyouknowthatthey’vefoundtherevolver,theoneMichaelwasshotwith?Doyouknowwheretheyfoundit?Inyoursuitcase.”
“What?”
Isaacsteinalmostleaptfromhischair.Hisfacewasfrenzied.
“Whatareyousaying?Whatdoyoumean?”
“I’lltellyou.”
Veryobligingly,Anthonynarratedtheoccurrencesinconnexionwiththefindingoftherevolver.Ashespoketheother’sfaceassumedagreyishtingeofabsoluteterror.
“Butit’sfalse,”hescreamedoutasAnthonyfinished.
“Ineverputitthere.Iknownothingaboutit.Itisaplot.”
“Don’texciteyourself,”saidAnthonysoothingly.“Ifthat’sthecaseyou’lleasilybeabletoproveit.”
“Proveit?HowcanIproveit?”
“IfIwereyou,”saidAnthonygently,“I’dcometoChimneystonight.”
Isaacsteinlookedathimdoubtfully.
“Youadviseit?”
Anthonyleantforwardandwhisperedtohim.Thefinancierfellbackinamazement,staringathim.
“Youactuallymean—”
“Comeandsee,”saidAnthony.
Twenty-seven
THE13THOFOCTOBER(CONTD)
TheclockintheCouncilChamberstrucknine.
“Well,”saidLordCaterham,withadeepsigh.“Heretheyallare,justlikelittleBo-Peep’sflock,backagainandwaggingtheirtailsbehindthem.”
Helookedsadlyroundtheroom.
“Organgrindercompletewithmonkey,”hemurmured,fixingtheBaronwithhiseye.“NosyParkerofThrogmortonStreet—”
“Ithinkyou’reratherunkindtotheBaron,”protestedBundle,towhomtheseconfidenceswerebeingpouredout.“HetoldmethatheconsideredyoutheperfectexampleofEnglishhospitalityamongthehautenoblesse.”
“Idaresay,”saidLordCaterham.“He’salwayssayingthingslikethat.Itmakeshimmostfatiguingtotalkto.ButIcantellyouI’mnotnearlyasmuchofthehospitableEnglishgentlemanasIwas.AssoonasIcanIshallletChimneystoanenterprisingAmerican,andgoandliveinanhotel.There,ifanyoneworriesyou,youcanjustaskforyourbillandgo.”
“Cheerup,”saidBundle.“WeseemtohavelostMr.Fishforgood.”
“Ialwaysfoundhimratheramusing,”saidLordCaterham,whowasinacontradictorytemper.“It’sthatpreciousyoungmanofyourswhohasletmeinforthis.WhyshouldIhavethisboardmeetingcalledinmyhouse?Whydoesn’therentTheLarchesorElmhurst,orsomenicevillaresidencelikethatatStreatham,andholdhiscompanymeetingsthere?”
“Wrongatmosphere,”saidBundle.
“Nooneisgoingtoplayanytricksonus,Ihope?”saidherfathernervously.“Idon’ttrustthatFrenchfellow,Lemoine.TheFrenchpoliceareuptoallsortsofdodges.Putindiarubberbandsroundyourarm,andthenreconstructthecrimeandmakeyoujump,andit’sregisteredonathermometer.Iknowthatwhentheycallout‘WhokilledPrinceMichael?’Ishallregisterahundredandtwenty-twoorsomethingperfectlyfrightful,andthey’llhaulmeofftojailatonce.”
ThedooropenedandTredwellannounced:
“Mr.GeorgeLomax.Mr.Eversleigh.”
“EnterCodders,followedbyfaithfuldog,”murmuredBundle.
Billmadeabeelineforher,whilstGeorgegreetedLordCaterhaminthegenialmannerheassumedforpublicoccasions
“MydearCaterham,”saidGeorge,shakinghimbythehand,“Igotyourmessageandcameover,ofcourse.”
“Verygoodofyou,mydearfellow,verygoodofyou.Delightedtoseeyou.”LordCaterham’sconsciencealwaysdrovehimontoanexcessofgenialitywhenhewasconsciousoffeelingnone.“Notthatitwasmymessage,butthatdoesn’tmatteratall.”
InthemeantimeBillwasattackingBundleinanundertone.
“Isay.What’sitallabout?What’sthisIhearaboutVirginiaboltingoffinthemiddleofthenight?She’snotbeenkidnappedhasshe?”
“Oh,no,”saidBundle.“Sheleftanotepinnedtothepincushionintheorthodoxfashion.”
“She’snotgoneoffwithanyone,hasshe?NotwiththatColonialJohnny?Ineverlikedthefellow,and,fromallIhear,thereseemstobeanideafloatingaroundthathehimselfisthesuper-crook.ButIdon’tquiteseehowthatcanbe?”
“Whynot?”
“Well,thisKingVictorwasaFrenchfellow,andCade’sEnglishenough.”
“Youdon’thappentohaveheardthatKingVictorwasanaccomplishedlinguist,and,moreover,washalfIrish?”
“Oh,Lord!Thenthat’swhyhe’smadehimselfscarce,isit?”
“Idon’tknowabouthismakinghimselfscarce.Hedisappearedthedaybeforeyesterday,asyouknow.Butthismorningwegotawirefromhimsayinghewouldbedownhereat9p.m.tonight,andsuggestingthatCoddersshouldbeaskedover.Alltheseotherpeoplehaveturnedupaswell—askedbyMr.Cade.”
“Itisagathering,”saidBill,lookinground.“OneFrenchdetectivebywindow,oneEnglishdittobyfireplace.Strongforeignelement.TheStarsandStripesdon’tseemtoberepresented?”
Bundleshookherhead.
“Mr.Fishhasdisappearedintotheblue.Virginia’snothereeither.Buteveryoneelseisassembled,andIhaveafeelinginmybones,Bill,thatwearedrawingveryneartothemomentwhensomebodysays‘James,thefootman,’andeverythingisrevealed.We’reonlywaitingnowforAnthonyCadetoarrive.”
“He’llnevershowup,”saidBill.
“Thenwhycallthiscompanymeeting,asFathercallsit?”
“Ah,there’ssomedeepideabehindthat.Dependuponit.Wantsusallherewhilehe’ssomewhereelse—youknowthesortofthing.”
“Youdon’tthinkhe’llcome,then?”
“Nofear.Runhisheadintothelion’smouth?Why,theroom’sbristlingwithdetectivesandhighofficials.”
“Youdon’tknowmuchaboutKingVictor,ifyouthinkthatwoulddeterhim.Byallaccounts,it’sthekindofsituationhelovesaboveall,andhealwaysmanagestocomeoutontop.”
Mr.Eversleighshookhisheaddoubtfully.
“Thatwouldtakesomedoing—withthediceloadedagainsthim.He’llnever—”
ThedooropenedagainandTredwellannounced:
“Mr.Cade.”
Anthonycamestraightacrosstohishost.
“LordCaterham,”hesaid,“I’mgivingyouafrightfullotoftrouble,andI’mawfullysorryaboutit.ButIreallydothinkthattonightwillseetheclearingupofthemystery.”
LordCaterhamlookedmollified.HehadalwayshadasecretlikingforAnthony.
“Notroubleatall,”hesaidheartily
“It’sverykindofyou,”saidAnthony.“We’reallhere,Isee.ThenIcangetonwiththegoodwork.”
“Idon’tunderstand,”saidGeorgeLomaxweightily.“Idon’tunderstandintheleast.Thisisallveryirregular.Mr.Cadehasnostanding—nostandingwhatever.Thepositionisaverydifficultanddelicateone.Iamstronglyoftheopinion—”
George’sfloodofeloquencewasarrested.Movingunobtrusivelytothegreatman’sside,SuperintendentBattlewhisperedafewwordsinhisear.Georgelookedperplexedandbaffled.
“Verywell,ifyousayso,”heremarkedgrudgingly.Thenaddedinaloudertone,“I’msureweareallwillingtolistentowhatMr.Cadehastosay.”
Anthonyignoredthepalpablecondescensionoftheother’stone.
“It’sjustalittleideaofmine,that’sall,”hesaidcheerfully.“Probablyallofyouknowthatwegotholdofacertainmessageinciphertheotherday.TherewasareferencetoRichmond,andsomenumbers.”Hepaused.“Well,wehadashotatsolvingit—andwefailed.NowinthelateCountStylptitch’smemoirs(whichIhappentohaveread)thereisareferencetoacertaindinner—a‘flower’dinnerwhicheveryoneattendedwearingabadgerepresentingaflower.TheCounthimselfworetheexactduplicateofthatcuriousdevicewefoundinthecavityinthesecretpassage.Itrepresentedarose.Ifyouremember,itwasallrowsofthings—buttons,letterEs,andfinallyrowsofknitting.Now,gentlemen,whatisthereinthishousethatisarrangedinrows?Books,isn’tthatso?Addtothat,thatinthecatalogueofLordCaterham’slibrarythereisabookcalledTheLifeoftheEarlofRichmond,andIthinkyouwillgetaveryfairideaofthehidingplace.Startingatthevolumeinquestion,andusingthenumberstodenoteshelvesandbooks,Ithinkyouwillfindthatthe—er—objectofoursearchisconcealedinadummybook,orinacavitybehindaparticularbook.”
Anthonylookedroundmodestly,obviouslywaitingforapplause.
“Uponmyword,that’sveryingenious,”saidLordCaterham.
“Quiteingenious,”admittedGeorgecondescendingly.“Butitremainstobeseen—”
Anthonylaughed.
“Theproofofthepudding’sintheeating—eh?Well,I’llsoonsettlethatforyou.”Hesprangtohisfeet.“I’llgotothelibrary—”
Hegotnofarther.M.Lemoinemovedforwardfromthewindow.
“Justonemoment,Mr.Cade.Youpermit,LordCaterham?”
Hewenttothewritingtable,andhurriedlyscribbledafewlines.Hesealedthemupinanenvelope,andthenrangthebell.Tredwellappearedinanswertoit.Lemoinehandedhimthenote.
“Seethatthatisdeliveredatonce,ifyouplease.”
“Verygood,sir,”saidTredwell.
Withhisusualdignifiedtreadhewithdrew.
Anthony,whohadbeenstanding,irresolute,satdownagain.
“What’sthebigidea,Lemoine?”heaskedgently.
Therewasasuddensenseofstrainintheatmosphere.
“Ifthejeweliswhereyousayitis—well,ithasbeenthereforoversevenyears—aquarterofanhourmoredoesnotmatter.”
“Goon,”saidAnthony.“Thatwasn’tallyouwantedtosay?”
“No,itwasnot.Atthisjunctureitis—unwisetopermitanyonepersontoleavetheroom.Especiallyifthatpersonhasratherquestionableantecedents.”
Anthonyraisedhiseyebrowsandlightedacigarette.
“Isupposeavagabondlifeisnotveryrespectable,”hemused.
“Twomonthsago,Mr.Cade,youwereinSouthAfrica.Thatisadmitted.Wherewereyoubeforethat?”
Anthonyleanedbackinhischair,idlyblowingsmokerings.
“Canada.WildNorthwest.”
“Areyousureyouwerenotinprison?AFrenchprison?”
Automatically,SuperintendentBattlemovedastepnearerthedoor,asiftocutoffaretreatthatway,butAnthonyshowednosignsofdoinganythingdramatic.
Instead,hestaredattheFrenchdetective,andthenburstoutlaughing.
“MypoorLemoine.Itisamonomaniawithyou!YoudoindeedseeKingVictoreverywhere.SoyoufancythatIamthatinterestinggentleman?”
“Doyoudenyit?”
Anthonybrushedafleckofashfromhiscoatsleeve.
“Ineverdenyanythingthatamusesme,”hesaidlightly.“Buttheaccusationisreallytooridiculous.”
“Ah!youthinkso?”TheFrenchmanleantforward.Hisfacewastwitchingpainfully,andyetheseemedperplexedandbaffled—asthoughsomethinginAnthony’smannerpuzzledhim.“WhatifItellyou,monsieur,thatthistime—thistime—IamouttogetKingVictor,andnothingshallstopme!”
“Verylaudable,”wasAnthony’scomment.“You’vebeenouttogethimbefore,though,haven’tyou,Lemoine?Andhe’sgotthebetterofyou.Aren’tyouafraidthatthatmayhappenagain?He’saslipperyfellow,byallaccounts.”
TheconversationhaddevelopedintoaduelbetweenthedetectiveandAnthony.Everyoneelseintheroomwasconsciousofthetension.ItwasafighttoafinishbetweentheFrenchman,painfullyinearnest,andthemanwhosmokedsocalmlyandwhosewordsseemedtoshowthathehadnotacareintheworld.
“IfIwereyou,Lemoine,”continuedAnthony,“Ishouldbevery,verycareful.Watchyourstep,andallthatsortofthing.”
“Thistime,”saidLemoinegrimly,“therewillbenomistake.”
“Youseemverysureaboutitall,”saidAnthony.“Butthere’ssuchathingasevidence,youknow.”
Lemoinesmiled,andsomethinginhissmileseemedtoattractAnthony’sattention.Hesatupandstubbedouthiscigarette.
“YousawthatnoteIwrotejustnow?”saidtheFrenchdetective.“Itwastomypeopleattheinn.YesterdayIreceivedfromFrancethefingerprintsandtheBertillonmeasurementsofKingVictor—theso-calledCaptainO’Neill.Ihaveaskedforthemtobesentuptomehere.Inafewminutesweshallknowwhetheryouaretheman!”
Anthonystaredsteadilyathim.Thenalittlesmilecreptoverhisface.
“You’rereallyratherclever,Lemoine.Ineverthoughtofthat.Thedocumentswillarrive,youwillinducemetodipmyfingersintheink,orsomethingequallyunpleasant,andyouwillmeasuremyearsandlookformydistinguishingmarks.Andiftheyagree—”
“Well,”saidLemoine,“iftheyagree—eh?”
Anthonyleanedforwardinhischair.
“Well,iftheydoagree,”hesaidverygently,“whatthen?”
“Whatthen?”Thedetectiveseemedtakenaback.“But—IshallhaveprovedthenthatyouareKingVictor!”
Butforthefirsttime,ashadeofuncertaintycreptintohismanner.
“Thatwilldoubtlessbeagreatsatisfactiontoyou,”saidAnthony.“ButIdon’tquiteseewhereit’sgoingtohurtme.I’mnotadmittinganything,butsupposing,justforthesakeofargument,thatIwasKingVictor—Imightbetryingtorepent,youknow.”
“Repent?”
“That’stheidea.PutyourselfinKingVictor’splace,Lemoine.Useyourimagination.You’vejustcomeoutofprison.You’regettingoninlife.You’velostthefirstfineraptureoftheadventurouslife.Say,eventhatyoumeetabeautifulgirl.Youthinkofmarryingandsettlingdownsomewhereinthecountrywhereyoucangrowvegetablemarrows.Youdecidefromhenceforthtoleadablamelesslife.PutyourselfinKingVictor’splace.Can’tyouimaginefeelinglikethat?”
“IdonotthinkthatIshouldfeellikethat,”saidLemoinewithasardonicsmile.
“Perhapsyouwouldn’t,”admittedAnthony.“Butthenyou’renotKingVictor,areyou?Youcan’tpossiblyknowwhathefeelslike.”
“Butitisnonsense,whatyouaresayingthere,”splutteredtheFrenchman.
“Oh,no,itisn’t.Comenow,Lemoine,ifI’mKingVictor,whathaveyouagainstmeafterall?Youcouldnevergetthenecessaryevidenceintheold,olddays,remember.I’veservedmysentence,andthat’sallthereistoit.IsupposeyoucouldarrestmefortheFrenchequivalentof‘Loiteringwithintenttocommitafelony,’butthatwouldbepoorsatisfaction,wouldn’tit?”
“Youforget,”saidLemoine.“America!Howaboutthisbusinessofobtainingmoneyunderfalsepretences,andpassingyourselfoffasPrinceNicholasObolovitch?”
“Nogood,Lemoine,”saidAnthony,“IwasnowherenearAmericaatthetime.AndIcanprovethateasilyenough.IfKingVictorimpersonatedPrinceNicholasinAmerica,thenI’mnotKingVictor.You’resurehewasimpersonated?Thatitwasn’tthemanhimself?”
SuperintendentBattlesuddenlyinterposed.
“Themanwasanimposterallright,Mr.Cade.”
“Iwouldn’tcontradictyou,Battle,”saidAnthony.“Youhavesuchahabitofbeingalwaysright.AreyouequallysurethatPrinceNicholasdiedintheCongo?”
Battlelookedathimcuriously.
“Iwouldn’tsweartothat,sir.Butit’sgenerallybelieved.”
“Carefulman.What’syourmotto?Plentyofrope,eh?I’vetakenaleafoutofyourbook.I’vegivenM.Lemoineplentyofrope.I’venotdeniedhisaccusations.But,allthesame,I’mafraidhe’sgoingtobedisappointed.YouseeIalwaysbelieveinhavingsomethingupone’ssleeve.Anticipatingthatsomelittleunpleasantnessmightarisehere,Itooktheprecautiontobringatrumpcardalongwithme.It—orratherhe—isupstairs.”
“Upstairs?”saidLordCaterham,veryinterested.
“Yes,he’sbeenhavingratheratryingtimeofitlately,poorfellow.Gotanastybumpontheheadfromsomeone.I’vebeenlookingafterhim.”
SuddenlythedeepvoiceofMr.Isaacsteinbrokein:“Canweguesswhoheis?”
“Ifyoulike,”saidAnthony,“but—”
Lemoineinterruptedwithsuddenferocity:
“Allthisisfoolery.Youthinktooutwitmeyetagain.Itmaybetruewhatyousay—thatyouwerenotinAmerica.Youaretooclevertosayitifitwerenottrue.Butthereissomethingelse.Murder!Yes,murder.ThemurderofPrinceMichael.Heinterferedwithyouthatnightasyouwerelookingforthejewel.”
“Lemoine,haveyoueverknownKingVictordomurder?”Anthony’svoicerangoutsharply.“Youknowaswell—betterthanIdo,thathehasnevershedblood.”
“Whoelsebutyoucouldhavemurderedhim?”criedLemoine.“Tellmethat!”
Thelastworddiedonhislips,asashrillwhistlesoundedfromtheterraceoutside.Anthonysprangup,allhisassumednonchalancelaidaside.
“YouaskmewhomurderedPrinceMichael?”hecried.“Iwon’ttellyou—I’llshowyou.ThatwhistlewasthesignalI’vebeenwaitingfor.ThemurdererofPrinceMichaelisinthelibrarynow.”
Hesprangoutthroughthewindow,andtheothersfollowedhimasheledthewayroundtheterrace,untiltheycametothelibrarywindow.Hepushedthewindow,andityieldedtohistouch.
Verysoftlyheheldasidethethickcurtain,sothattheycouldlookintotheroom.
Standingbythebookcasewasadarkfigure,hurriedlypullingoutandreplacingvolumes,soabsorbedinthetaskthatnooutsidesoundwasheeded.
Andthen,astheystoodwatching,tryingtorecognizethefigurethatwasvaguelysilhouettedagainstthelightoftheelectrictorchitcarried,someonesprangpastthemwithasoundliketheroarofawildbeast.
Thetorchfelltotheground,wasextinguished,andthesoundsofaterrificstrugglefilledtheroom.LordCaterhamgropedhiswaytothelightsandswitchedthemon.
Twofigureswereswayingtogether.Andastheylookedtheendcame.Theshortsharpcrackofapistolshot,andthesmallfigurecrumbledupandfell.Theotherfigureturnedandfacedthem—itwasBoris,hiseyesalightwithrage.
“Shekilledmymaster,”hegrowled.“Nowshetriestoshootme.Iwouldhavetakenthepistolfromherandshother,butitwentoffinthestruggle.St.Michaeldirectedit.Theevilwomanisdead.”
“Awoman?”criedGeorgeLomax.
Theydrewnearer.Onthefloor,thepistolstillclaspedinherhand,andanexpressionofdeadlymalignityonherface,lay—MademoiselleBrun.
Twenty-eight
KINGVICTOR
“Isuspectedherfromthefirst,”explainedAnthony.“Therewasalightinherroomonthenightofthemurder.Afterwards,Iwavered.ImadeinquiriesaboutherinBrittany,andcamebacksatisfiedthatshewaswhatsherepresentedherselftobe.Iwasafool.BecausetheComtessedeBreteuilhademployedaMademoiselleBrunandspokehighlyofher,
“ThethingthatworriedmemostwasthatMrs.Revelhaddefinitelyrecognizedthewoman.ThenIrememberedthatitwasonlyafterIhadmentionedherbeingMadamedeBreteuil’sgoverness.Andallshehadsaidwasthatthataccountedforthefactthatthewoman’sfacewasfamiliartoher.SuperintendentBattlewilltellyouthatadeliberateplotwasformedtokeepMrs.RevelfromcomingtoChimneys.Nothingmorenorlessthanadeadbody,infact.AndthoughthemurderwastheworkoftheComradesoftheRedHand,punishingsupposedtreacheryonthepartofthevictim,thestagingofit,andtheabsenceoftheComrade’ssignmanual,pointedtosomeablerintelligencedirectingoperations.Fromthefirst,IsuspectedsomeconnexionwithHerzoslovakia.Mrs.Revelwastheonlymemberofthehousepartywhohadbeentothecountry.IsuspectedatfirstthatsomeonewasimpersonatingPrinceMichael,butthatprovedtobeatotallyerroneousidea.WhenIrealizedthepossibilityofMademoiselleBrun’sbeinganimposter,andaddedtothatthefactthatherfacewasfamiliartoMrs.Revel,Ibegantoseedaylight.Itwasevidentlyveryimportantthatsheshouldnotberecognized,andMrs.Revelwastheonlypersonlikelytodoso.”
“Butwhowasshe?”saidLordCaterham.“SomeoneMrs.RevelhadknowninHerzoslovakia?”
“IthinktheBaronmightbeabletotellus,”saidAnthony.
“I?”TheBaronstaredathim,thendownatthemotionlessfigure.
“Lookwell,”saidAnthony.“Don’tbeputoffbythemakeup.Shewasanactressonce,remember.”
TheBaronstaredagain.Suddenlyhestarted.
“Godinheaven,”hebreathed,“itisnotpossible.”
“Whatisnotpossible?”askedGeorge.“Whoisthelady?Yourecognizeher,Baron?”
“No,no,itisnotpossible.”TheBaroncontinuedtomutter.“Shewaskilled.Theywerebothkilled.Onthestepsofthepalace.Herbodywasrecovered.”
“Mutilatedandunrecognizable,”Anthonyremindedhim.“Shemanagedtoputupabluff.IthinksheescapedtoAmerica,andhasspentagoodmanyyearslyinglowindeadlyterroroftheComradesoftheRedHand.Theypromotedtherevolution,remember,and,touseanexpressivephrase,theyalwayshaditinforher.ThenKingVictorwasreleased,andtheyplannedtorecoverthediamondtogether.ShewassearchingforitthatnightwhenshecamesuddenlyuponPrinceMichael,andherecognizedher.Therewasnevermuchfearofhermeetinghimintheordinarywayofthings.Royalguestsdon’tcomeincontactwithgovernesses,andshecouldalwaysretirewithaconvenientmigraine,asshedidthedaytheBaronwashere.
“However,shemetPrinceMichaelfacetofacewhensheleastexpectedit.Exposureanddisgracestaredherintheface.Sheshothim.ItwasshewhoplacedtherevolverinIsaacstein’ssuitcase,soastoconfusethetrail,andshewhoreturnedtheletters.”
Lemoinemovedforward.
“Shewascomingdowntosearchforthejewelthatnight,yousay,”hesaid.“Mightshenothavebeengoingtomeetheraccomplice,KingVictor,whowascomingfromoutside?Eh?Whatdoyousaytothat?”
Anthonysighed.
“Stillatit,mydearLemoine?Howpersistentyouare!Youwon’ttakemyhintthatI’vegotatrumpcardupmysleeve?”
ButGeorge,whosemindworkedslowly,nowbrokein.
“Iamstillcompletelyatsea.Whowasthislady,Baron?Yourecognizeher,itseems?”
ButtheBarondrewhimselfupandstoodverystraightandstiff.
“Youareinerror,Mr.Lomax.TomyknowledgeIhavenotthisladyseenbefore.Acompletestrangersheistome.”
“But—”
Georgestaredathim—bewildered.
TheBarontookhimintoacorneroftheroom,andmurmuredsomethingintohisear.Anthonywatchedwithagooddealofenjoyment,George’sfaceturningslowlypurple,hiseyesbulging,andalltheincipientsymptomsofapoplexy.AmurmurofGeorge’sthroatyvoicecametohim.
“Certainly…certainly…byallmeans…noneedatall…complicatesituation…utmostdiscretion.”
“Ah!”Lemoinehitthetablesharplywithhishand.“Idonotcareaboutallthis!ThemurderofPrinceMichael—thatwasnotmyaffair.IwantKingVictor.”
Anthonyshookhisheadgently.
“I’msorryforyou,Lemoine.You’rereallyaveryablefellow.But,allthesame,you’regoingtolosethetrick.I’mabouttoplaymytrumpcard.”
Hesteppedacrosstheroomandrangthebell.Tredwellansweredit.
“Agentlemenarrivedwithmethisevening,Tredwell.”
“Yes,sir,aforeigngentleman.”
“Quiteso.Willyoukindlyaskhimtojoinushereassoonaspossible?”
“Yes,sir.”
Tredwellwithdrew.
“Entryofthetrumpcard,themysteriousMonsieurX,”remarkedAnthony.“Whoishe?Cananyoneguess?”
“Puttingtwoandtwotogether,”saidHermanIsaacstein,“whatwithyourmysterioushintsthismorning,andyourattitudethisafternoon,Ishouldsaytherewasnodoubtaboutit.Somehoworotheryou’vemanagedtogetholdofPrinceNicholasofHerzoslovakia.”
“Youthinkthesame,Baron?”
“Ido.Unlessyetanotherimpostoryouhaveputforward.ButthatIwillnotbelieve.Withme,yourdealingsmosthonourablehavebeen.”
“Thankyou,Baron.Ishan’tforgetthosewords.Soyouareallagreed?”
Hiseyessweptroundthecircleofwaitingfaces.OnlyLemoinedidnotrespond,butkepthiseyesfixedsullenlyonthetable.
Anthony’squickearshadcaughtthesoundoffootstepsoutsideinthehall.
“Andyet,youknow,”hesaidwithaqueersmile,“you’reallwrong!”
Hecrossedswiftlytothedoorandflungitopen.
Amanstoodonthethreshold—amanwithaneatblackbeard,eyeglasses,andafoppishappearanceslightlymarredbyabandageroundthehead.
“AllowmetopresenttoyoutherealMonsieurLemoineoftheS?reté.”
Therewasarushandascuffle,andthenthenasaltonesofMr.HiramFishroseblandandreassuringfromthewindow:
“No,youdon’t,sonny—notthisway.Ihavebeenstationedherethiswholeeveningfortheparticularpurposeofpreventingyourescape.YouwillobservethatIhaveyoucoveredwellandgoodwiththisgunofmine.Icameovertogetyou,andI’vegotyou—butyousurearesomelad!”
Twenty-nine
FURTHEREXPLANATIONS
“Youoweusanexplanation,Ithink,Mr.Cade,”saidHermanIsaacstein,somewhatlaterintheevening.
“There’snothingmuchtoexplain,”saidAnthonymodestly.“IwenttoDoverandFishfollowedmeundertheimpressionthatIwasKingVictor.Wefoundamysteriousstrangerimprisonedthere,andassoonasweheardhisstoryweknewwherewewere.Thesameideaagain,yousee.Therealmankidnapped,andthefalseone—inthiscaseKingVictorhimself—takeshisplace.ButitseemsthatBattleherealwaysthoughttherewassomethingfishyabouthisFrenchcolleague,andwiredtoParisforhisfingerprintsandothermeansofidentification.”
“Ah!”criedtheBaron.“Thefingerprints.TheBertillonmeasurementsthatthatscoundreltalkedabout?”
“Itwasacleveridea,”saidAnthony.“IadmireditsomuchthatIfeltforcedtoplayitup.Besides,mydoingsopuzzledthefalseLemoineenormously.Yousee,assoonasIhadgiventhetipaboutthe‘rows’andwherethejewelreallywas,hewaskeentopassonthenewstohisaccomplice,andatthesametimetokeepusallinthatroom.ThenotewasreallytoMademoiselleBrun.HetoldTredwelltodeliveritatonce,andTredwelldidsobytakingitupstairstotheschoolroom.LemoineaccusedmeofbeingKingVictor,bythatmeanscreatingadiversionandpreventinganyonefromleavingtheroom.Bythetimeallthathadbeenclearedupandweadjournedtothelibrarytolookforthestone,heflatteredhimselfthatthestonewouldbenolongertheretofind!”
Georgeclearedhisthroat.
“Imustsay,Mr.Cade,”hesaidpompously,“thatIconsideryouractioninthatmatterhighlyreprehensible.Iftheslightesthitchhadoccurredinyourplans,oneofournationalpossessionsmighthavedisappearedbeyondthehopeofrecovery.Itwasfoolhardy,Mr.Cade,reprehensiblyfoolhardy.”
“Iguessyouhaven’ttumbledtothelittleidea,Mr.Lomax,”saidthedrawlingvoiceofMr.Fish.“Thathistoricdiamondwasneverbehindthebooksinthelibrary.”
“Never?”
“Notonyourlife.”
“Yousee,”explainedAnthony,“thatlittledeviceofCountStylptitch’sstoodforwhatithadoriginallystoodfor—arose.WhenthatdawneduponmeonMondayafternoon,Iwentstraighttotherosegarden.Mr.Fishhadalreadytumbledtothesameidea.If,standingwithyourbacktothesundial,youtakesevenpacesstraightforward,theneighttotheleftandthreetotheright,youcometosomebushesofabrightredrosecalledRichmond.Thehousehasbeenransackedtofindthehidingplace,butnobodyhasthoughtofdigginginthegarden.Isuggestalittlediggingpartytomorrowmorning.”
“Thenthestoryaboutthebooksinthelibrary—”
“Aninventionofminetotrapthelady.Mr.Fishkeptwatchontheterrace,andwhistledwhenthepsychologicalmomenthadarrived.ImaysaythatMr.FishandIestablishedmartiallawattheDoverhouse,andpreventedtheComradesfromcommunicatingwiththefalseLemoine.Hesentthemanordertoclearout,andwordwasconveyedtohimthatthishadbeendone.Sohewenthappilyaheadwithhisplansfordenouncingme.”
“Well,well,”saidLordCaterhamcheerfully,“everythingseemstohavebeenclearedupmostsatisfactorily.”
“Everythingbutonething,”saidMr.Isaacstein.
“Whatisthat?”
ThegreatfinancierlookedsteadilyatAnthony.
“Whatdidyougetmedownherefor?Justtoassistatadramaticsceneasaninterestedonlooker?”
Anthonyshookhishead.
“No,Mr.Isaacstein.Youareabusymanwhosetimeismoney.Whydidyoucomedownhereoriginally?”
“Tonegotiatealoan.”
“Withwhom?”
“PrinceMichaelofHerzoslovakia.”
“Exactly.PrinceMichaelisdead.AreyourpreparedtoofferthesameloanonthesametermstohiscousinNicholas?”
“Canyouproducehim?IthoughthewaskilledintheCongo?”
“Hewaskilledallright.Ikilledhim.Oh,no,I’mnotamurderer.WhenIsayIkilledhim,ImeanthatIspreadthereportofhisdeath.Ipromiseyouaprince,Mr.Isaacstein.WillIdo?”
“You?”
“Yes,I’mtheman.NicholasSergiusAlexanderFerdinandObolovitch.RatherlongforthekindoflifeIproposedtolive,soIemergedfromtheCongoasplainAnthonyCade.”
LittleCaptainAndrassysprangup.
“Butthisisincredible—incredible,”hespluttered.“Haveacare,sir,whatyousay.”
“Icangiveyouplentyofproofs,”saidAnthonyquietly.“IthinkIshallbeabletoconvincetheBaronhere.”
TheBaronliftedhishand.
“YourproofsIwillexamine,yes.Butofthemformethereisnoneed.Yourwordalonesufficientformeis.Besides,yourEnglishmotheryoumuchresemble.AllalonghaveIsaid:‘Thisyoungmanononesideortheothermosthighlybornis.’”
“Youhavealwaystrustedmyword,Baron,”saidAnthony.“IcanassureyouthatinthedaystocomeIshallnotforget.”
ThenhelookedoveratSuperintendentBattle,whosefacehadremainedperfectlyexpressionless.
“Youcanunderstand,”saidAnthonywithasmile,“thatmypositionhasbeenextremelyprecarious.OfallofthoseinthehouseImightbesupposedtohavethebestreasonforwishingMichaelObolovitchoutoftheway,sinceIwasthenextheirtothethrone.I’vebeenextraordinarilyafraidofBattleallalong.Ialwaysfeltthathesuspectedme,butthathewasheldupbylackofmotive.”
“Ineverbelievedforaminutethatyou’dshothim,sir,”saidSuperintendentBattle.“We’vegotafeelinginsuchmatters.ButIknewthatyouwereafraidofsomething,andyoupuzzledme.IfI’dknownsoonerwhoyoureallywereIdaresayI’dhaveyieldedtotheevidence,andarrestedyou.”
“I’mgladImanagedtokeeponeguiltysecretfromyou.Youwormedeverythingelseoutofmeallright.You’readamnedgoodmanatyourjobBattle.IshallalwaysthinkofScotlandYardwithrespect.”
“Mostamazing,”mutteredGeorge.“MostamazingstoryIeverheard.I—Icanreallyhardlybelieveit.Youarequitesure,Baron,that—”
“MydearMr.Lomax,”saidAnthony,withaslighthardnessinhistone,“IhavenointentionofaskingtheBritishForeignOfficetosupportmyclaimwithoutbringingforwardthemostconvincingdocumentaryevidence.Isuggestthatweadjournnow,andthatyou,theBaron,Mr.Isaacsteinandmyselfdiscussthetermsoftheproposedloan.”
TheBaronrosetohisfeet,andclickedhisheelstogether.
“Itwillbetheproudestmomentofmylife,sir,”hesaidsolemnly,“whenIseeyouKingofHerzoslovakia.”
“Oh,bytheway,Baron,”saidAnthonycarelessly,slippinghishandthroughtheother’sarm,“Iforgottotellyou.There’sastringtiedtothis.I’mmarried,youknow.”
TheBaronretreatedasteportwo.Dismayoverspreadhiscountenance.
“SomethingwrongIknewtherewouldbe,”heboomed.“MercifulGodinheaven!HehasmarriedablackwomaninAfrica!”
“Come,come,it’snotsobadasallthat,”saidAnthonylaughing.“She’swhiteenough—whiteallthrough,blessher.”
“Good.Arespectablemorganaticaffairitcanbe,then.”
“Notabitofit.She’stoplayQueentomyKing.It’snouseshakingyourhead.She’sfullyqualifiedforthepost.She’sthedaughterofanEnglishpeerwhodatesbacktothetimeoftheConqueror.It’sveryfashionablejustnowforroyaltiestomarryintothearistocracy—andsheknowssomethingofHerzoslovakia.”
“MyGod!”criedGeorgeLomax,startledoutofhisusualcarefulspeech.“Not—not—VirginiaRevel?”
“Yes,”saidAnthony.“VirginiaRevel.”
“Mydearfellow,”criedLordCaterham,“Imean—sir,Icongratulateyou.Idoindeed.Adelightfulcreature.”
“Thankyou,LordCaterham,”saidAnthony.“She’sallyousayandmore.”
ButMr.Isaacsteinwasregardinghimcuriously.
“You’llexcusemyaskingyourHighness,butwhendidthismarriagetakeplace?”
Anthonysmiledbackathim.
“Asamatteroffact,”hesaid,“Imarriedherthismorning.”
Thirty
ANTHONYSIGNSONFORANEWJOB
“Ifyouwillgoon,gentlemen,Iwillfollowyouinaminute,”saidAnthony.
Hewaitedwhiletheothersfiledout,andthenturnedtowhereSuperintendentBattlewasstandingapparentlyabsorbedinexaminingthepanelling.
“Well,Battle?Wanttoaskmesomething,don’tyou?”
“Well,Ido,sir,thoughIdon’tknowhowyouknewIdid.ButIalwaysmarkedyououtasbeingspeciallyquickintheuptake.ItakeitthattheladywhoisdeadwasthelateQueenVaraga?”
“Quiteright,Battle.It’llbehushedup,Ihope.YoucanunderstandwhatIfeelaboutfamilyskeletons.”
“TrustMr.Lomaxforthat,sir.Noonewilleverknow.Thatis,alotofpeoplewillknow,butitwon’tgetabout.”
“Wasthatwhatyouwantedtoaskmeabout?”
“No,sir—thatwasonlyinpassing.Iwascurioustoknowjustwhatmadeyoudropyourownname—ifI’mnottakingtoomuchofaliberty?”
“Notabitofit.I’lltellyou.Ikilledmyselfforthepurestmotives,Battle.MymotherwasEnglish,I’dbeeneducatedinEngland,andIwasfarmoreinterestedinEnglandthaninHerzoslovakia.AndIfeltanabsolutefoolknockingabouttheworldwithacomic-operatitletackedontome.Yousee,whenIwasveryyoung,Ihaddemocraticideas.Believedinthepurityofideals,andtheequalityofallmen.Iespeciallydisbelievedinkingsandprinces.”
“Andsincethen?”askedBattleshrewdly.
“Oh,sincethen,I’vetravelledandseentheworld.There’sdamnedlittleequalitygoingabout.Mindyou,Istillbelieveindemocracy.Butyou’vegottoforceitonpeoplewithastronghand—ramitdowntheirthroats.Mendon’twanttobebrothers—theymaysomeday,buttheydon’tnow.MybeliefinthebrotherhoodofmandiedthedayIarrivedinLondonlastweek,whenIobservedpeoplestandinginaTubetrainresolutelyrefusetomoveupandmakeroomforthosewhoentered.Youwon’tturnpeopleintoangelsbyappealingtotheirbetternaturesjustyetawhile—butbyjudiciousforceyoucancoercethemintobehavingmoreorlessdecentlytooneanothertogoonwith.Istillbelieveinthebrotherhoodofman,butit’snotcomingyetawhile.Sayanothertenthousandyearsorso.It’snogoodbeingimpatient.Evolutionisaslowprocess.”
“I’mveryinterestedintheseviewsofyours,sir,”saidBattlewithatwinkle.“Andifyou’llallowmetosayso,I’msureyou’llmakeaveryfinekingoutthere.”
“Thankyou,Battle,”saidAnthonywithasigh.
“Youdon’tseemveryhappyaboutit,sir?”
“Oh,Idon’tknow.Idaresayitwillberatherfun.Butit’styingoneselfdowntoregularwork.I’vealwaysavoidedthatbefore.”
“Butyouconsiderityourduty,Isuppose,sir?”
“GoodLord,no!Whatanidea.It’sawoman—it’salwaysawoman,Battle.I’ddomorethanbeakingforhersake.”
“Quiteso,sir.”
“I’vearrangeditsothattheBaronandIsaacsteincan’tkick.Theonewantsaking,andtheotherwantsoil.They’llbothgetwhattheywant,andI’vegot—oh,Lord,Battle,haveyoueverbeeninlove?”
“IammuchattachedtoMrs.Battle,sir.”
“MuchattachedtoMrs.—oh,youdon’tknowwhatI’mtalkingabout!It’sentirelydifferent!”
“Excuseme,sir,thatmanofyoursiswaitingoutsidethewindow.”
“Boris?Soheis.He’sawonderfulfellow.It’samercythatpistolwentoffinthestruggleandkilledthelady.OtherwiseBoriswouldhavewrungherneckassureasFate,andthenyouwouldhavewantedtohanghim.HisattachmenttotheObolovitchdynastyisremarkable.ThequeerthingwasthatassoonasMichaelwasdeadheattachedhimselftome—andyethecouldn’tpossiblyhaveknownwhoIreallywas.”
“Instinct,”saidBattle.“Likeadog.”
“VeryawkwardinstinctIthoughtitatthetime.Iwasafraiditmightgivetheshowawaytoyou.IsupposeI’dbetterseewhathewants.”
Hewentoutthroughthewindow.SuperintendentBattle,leftalone,lookedafterhimforaminute,thenapparentlyaddressedthepanelling.
“He’lldo,”saidSuperintendentBattle.
OutsideBorisexplainedhimself.
“Master,”hesaid,andledthewayalongtheterrace.
Anthonyfollowedhim,wonderingwhatwasforward.
PresentlyBorisstoppedandpointedwithhisforefinger.Itwasmoonlight,andinfrontofthemwasastoneseatonwhichsattwofigures.
“Heisadog,”saidAnthonytohimself.“Andwhat’smoreapointer!”
Hestrodeforward.Borismeltedintotheshadows.
Thetwofiguresrosetomeethim.OneofthemwasVirginia—theother—
“Hullo,Joe,”saidawell-rememberedvoice.“Thisisagreatgirlofyours.”
“JimmyMcGrath,byallthat’swonderful,”criedAnthony.“Howinthenameoffortunedidyougethere?”
“Thattripofmineintotheinteriorwentphut.Thensomedagoscamemonkeyingaround.Wantedtobuythatmanuscriptoffme.NextthingIasnearasnothinggotaknifeinthebackonenight.ThatmademethinkthatI’dhandedyououtabiggerjobthanIknew.Ithoughtyoumightneedhelp,andIcamealongafteryoubytheverynextboat.”
“Wasn’titsplendidofhim?”saidVirginia.ShesqueezedJimmy’sarm.“Whydidn’tyouevertellmehowfrightfullynicehewas?Youare,Jimmy,you’reaperfectdear.”
“Youtwoseemtobegettingalongallright,”saidAnthony.
“Surething,”saidJimmy.“Iwassnoopingroundfornewsofyou,whenIconnectedwiththisdame.Shewasn’tatallwhatIthoughtshe’dbe—someswellhaughtysocietyladythat’dscarethelifeoutofme.”
“Hetoldmeallabouttheletters,”saidVirginia.“AndIfeelalmostashamednottohavebeeninrealtroubleoverthemwhenhewassuchaknight-errant.”
“IfI’dknownwhatyouwerelike,”saidJimmygallantly,“I’dnothavegivenhimtheletters.I’dhavebroughtthemtoyoumyself.Say,youngman,isthefunreallyover?Istherenothingformetodo?”
“ByJove,”saidAnthony,“thereis!Waitaminute.”
Hedisappearedintothehouse.InaminuteortwohereturnedwithapaperpackagewhichhecastintoJimmy’sarms.
“Goroundtothegarageandhelpyourselftoalikelylookingcar.BeatittoLondonanddeliverthatparcelat17EverdeanSquare.That’sMr.Balderson’sprivateaddress.Inexchangehe’llhandyouathousandpounds.”
“What?It’snotthememoirs?Iunderstoodthatthey’dbeenburnt.”
“Whatdoyoutakemefor?”demandedAnthony.
“Youdon’tthinkI’dfallforastorylikethat,doyou?Irangupthepublishersatonce,foundoutthattheotherwasafakecall,andarrangedaccordingly.ImadeupadummypackageasI’dbeendirectedtodo.ButIputtherealpackageinthemanager’ssafeandhandedoverthedummy.Thememoirshaveneverbeenoutofmypossession.”
“Bullyforyou,myson,”saidJimmy.
“Oh,Anthony,”criedVirginia.“You’renotgoingtoletthembepublished?”
“Ican’thelpmyself.Ican’tletapallikeJimmydown.Butyouneedn’tworry.I’vehadtimetowadethroughthem,andIseenowwhypeoplealwayshintthatbigwigsdon’twritetheirownreminiscencesbuthiresomeonetodoitforthem.Asawriter,Stylptitchisaninsufferablebore.Heprosesonaboutstatecraft,anddoesn’tgoinforanyracyandindiscreetanecdotes.Hisrulingpassionofsecrecyheldstrongtotheend.There’snotawordinthememoirsfrombeginningtoendtoflutterthesusceptibilitiesofthemostdifficultpolitician.IrangupBaldersontoday,andarrangedwithhimthatI’ddeliverthemanuscripttonightbeforemidnight.ButJimmycandohisowndirtyworknowthathe’shere.”
“I’moff,”saidJimmy.“Iliketheideaofthatthousandpounds—especiallywhenI’dmadeupmyminditwasdownandout.”
“Halfasecond,”saidAnthony.“I’vegotaconfessiontomaketoyou,Virginia.Somethingthateveryoneelseknows,butthatIhaven’tyettoldyou.”
“Idon’tmindhowmanystrangewomenyou’velovedsolongasyoudon’ttellmeaboutthem.”
“Women!”saidAnthony,withavirtuousair.“Womenindeed?YouaskJamesherewhatkindofwomenIwasgoingaboutwiththelasttimehesawme.”
“Frumps,”saidJimmysolemnly.“Utterfrumps.Notoneadayunderforty-five.”
“Thankyou,Jimmy,”saidAnthony,“you’reatruefriend.No,it’smuchworsethanthat.I’vedeceivedyouastomyrealname.”
“Isitverydreadful?”saidVirginia,withinterest.“Itisn’tsomethingsillylikePobbles,isit?FancybeingcalledMrs.Pobbles.”
“Youarealwaysthinkingtheworstofme.”
“IadmitthatIdidoncethinkyouwereKingVictor,butonlyforaboutaminuteandahalf.”
“Bytheway,Jimmy,I’vegotajobforyou—goldprospectingintherockyfastnessesofHerzoslovakia?”
“Istheregoldthere?”askedJimmyeagerly.
“Suretobe,”saidAnthony.“It’sawonderfulcountry.”
“Soyou’retakingmyadviceandgoingthere?”
“Yes,”saidAnthony.“Youradvicewasworthmorethanyouknew.Nowfortheconfession.Iwasn’tchangedatnurse,oranythingromanticlikethat,butneverthelessIamreallyPrinceNicholasObolovitchofHerzoslovakia.”
“Oh,Anthony,”criedVirginia.“Howperfectlyscreaming!AndIhavemarriedyou!Whatarewegoingtodoaboutit?”
“We’llgotoHerzoslovakiaandpretendtobekingsandqueens.JimmyMcGrathoncesaidthattheaveragelifeofakingorqueenoutthereisunderfouryears.Ihopeyoudon’tmind?”
“Mind?”criedVirginia.“Ishallloveit!”
“Isn’tshegreat?”murmuredJimmy.
Then,discreetly,hefadedintothenight.Afewminuteslaterthesoundofacarwasheard.
“Nothinglikelettingamandohisowndirtywork,”saidAnthonywithsatisfaction.“Besides,Ididn’tknowhowelsetogetridofhim.SinceweweremarriedI’venothadoneminutealonewithyou.”
“We’llhavealotoffun,”saidVirginia.“Teachingthebrigandsnottobebrigands,andtheassassinsnottoassassinate,andgenerallyimprovingthemoraltoneofthecountry.”
“Iliketohearthesepureideals,”saidAnthony.“Itmakesmefeelmysacrificehasnotbeeninvain.”
“Rot,”saidVirginiacalmly,“you’llenjoybeingaking.It’sinyourblood,youknow.Youwerebroughtuptothetradeofroyalty,andyou’vegotanaturalaptitudeforit,justlikeplumbershaveanaturalbentforplumbing.”
“Ineverthinktheyhave,”saidAnthony.“But,damnitall,don’tlet’swastetimetalkingaboutplumbers.DoyouknowthatatthisveryminuteI’msupposedtobedeepinconferencewithIsaacsteinandoldLollipop?Theywanttotalkaboutoil.Oil,myGod!Theycanjustawaitmykinglypleasure.Virginia,doyouremembermytellingyouoncethatI’dhaveadamnedgoodtrytomakeyoucareforme?”
“Iremember,”saidVirginiasoftly.“ButSuperintendentBattlewaslookingoutofthewindow.”
“Well,heisn’tnow,”saidAnthony.
Hecaughthersuddenlytohim,kissinghereyelids,herlips,thegreengoldofherhair….
“Idoloveyouso,Virginia,”hewhispered.“Idoloveyouso.Doyouloveme?”
Helookeddownather—sureoftheanswer.
Herheadrestedagainsthisshoulder,andverylow,inasweetshakenvoice,sheanswered:
“Notabit!”
“Youlittledevil,”criedAnthony,kissingheragain.“NowIknowforcertainthatIshallloveyouuntilIdie….”
Thirty-one
SUNDRYDETAILS
Scene—Chimneys,11a.m.Thursdaymorning.
Johnson,thepoliceconstable,withhiscoatoff,digging.
Somethinginthenatureofafuneralfeelingseemstobeintheair.ThefriendsandrelationsstandroundthegravethatJohnsonisdigging.
GeorgeLomaxhastheairoftheprincipalbeneficiaryunderthewillofthedeceased.SuperintendentBattle,withhisimmovableface,seemspleasedthatthefuneralarrangementshavegonesonicely.Astheundertaker,itreflectscredituponhim.LordCaterhamhasthatsolemnandshockedlookwhichEnglishmenassumewhenareligiousceremonyisinprogress.
Mr.Fishdoesnotfitintothepicturesowell.Heisnotsufficientlygrave.
Johnsonbendstohistask.Suddenlyhestraightensup.Alittlestirofexcitementpassesround.
“That’lldo,sonny,”saidMr.Fish.“Weshalldonicelynow.”
Oneperceivesatoncethatheisreallythefamilyphysician.
Johnsonretires.Mr.Fish,withduesolemnity,stoopsovertheexcavation.Thesurgeonisabouttooperate.
Hebringsoutasmallcanvaspackage.WithmuchceremonyhehandsittoSuperintendentBattle.Thelatter,inhisturn,handsittoGeorgeLomax.Theetiquetteofthesituationhasnowbeencarefullycompliedwith.
GeorgeLomaxunwrapsthepackage,slitsuptheoilsilkinsideit,burrowsintofurtherwrapping.Foramomentheholdssomethingonthepalmofhishand—thenquicklyshroundsitoncemoreincottonwool.
Heclearshisthroat.
“Atthisauspiciousmoment,”hebegins,withthecleardeliveryofthepractisedspeaker.
LordCaterhambeatsaprecipitateretreat.Ontheterracehefindshisdaughter.
“Bundle,isthatcarofyoursinorder?”
“Yes.Why?”
“Thentakemeuptotowninitimmediately.I’mgoingabroadatonce—today.”
“But,Father—”
“Don’targuewithme,Bundle.GeorgeLomaxtoldmewhenhearrivedthismorningthathewasanxioustohaveafewwordswithmeprivatelyonamatteroftheutmostdelicacy.HeaddedthattheKingofTimbuctoowasarrivinginLondonshortly.Iwon’tgothroughitagain,Bundle,doyouhear?NotforfiftyGeorgeLomaxes!IfChimneysissovaluabletothenation,letthenationbuyit.OtherwiseIshallsellittoasyndicateandtheycanturnitintoanhotel.”
“WhereisCoddersnow?”
Bundleisrisingtothesituation.
“Atthepresentminute,”repliedLordCaterham,lookingathiswatch,“heisgoodforatleastfifteenminutesabouttheEmpire.”
Anotherpicture.
Mr.BillEversleigh,notinvitedtobepresentatthegravesideceremony,atthetelephone.
“No,really,Imeanit…Isay,don’tbehuffy…Well,youwillhavesuppertonight,anyway?…No,Ihaven’t.I’vebeenkepttoitwithmynoseatthegrindstone.You’venoideawhatCoddersislike…Isay,Dolly,youknowjollywellwhatIthinkaboutyou…YouknowI’venevercaredforanyonebutyou…Yes,I’llcometotheshowfirst.Howdoestheoldwheezego?‘Andthelittlegirltries,HooksandEyes’….”
Unearthlysounds.Mr.Eversleightryingtohumtherefraininquestion.
AndnowGeorge’sperorationdrawstoaclose.
“…thelastingpeaceandprosperityoftheBritishEmpire!”
“Iguess,”saidMr.HiramFishsottovocetohimselfandtheworldatlarge,“thatthishasbeenagreatlittleoldweek.”
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?THESECRETOFCHIMNEYS?.Copyright?1925AgathaChristieLimited(aChorioncompany).Allrightsreserved.
THESECRETOFCHIMNEYS?1925.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.
FIRSTWILLIAMMORROWPAPERBACKEDITIONPUBLISHED2012.
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataisavailableuponrequest.
ISBN978-0-06-207415-7
EpubEdition?JANUARY2012ISBN:978-0-06-200673-8
1213141516DIX/BVG10987654321
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