TheSevenDialsMystery
Contents
TitlePage
Introduction
1OnEarlyRising
2ConcerningAlarumClocks
3TheJokethatFailed
4ALetter
5TheManintheRoad
6SevenDialsAgain
7BundlePaysaCall
8VisitorsforJimmy
9Plans
10BundleVisitsScotlandYard
11DinnerwithBill
12InquiriesatChimneys
13TheSevenDialsClub
14TheMeetingoftheSevenDials
15TheInquest
16TheHousePartyattheAbbey
17AfterDinner
18Jimmy’sAdventures
19Bundle’sAdventures
20Loraine’sAdventures
21TheRecoveryoftheFormula
22TheCountessRadzky’sStory
23SuperintendentBattleinCharge
24BundleWonders
25JimmyLayshisPlans
26MainlyaboutGolf
27NocturnalAdventure
28Suspicions
29SingularBehaviourofGeorgeLomax
30AnUrgentSummons
31TheSevenDials
32BundleisDumbfounded
33BattleExplains
34LordCaterhamApproves
AbouttheAuthor
TheAgathaChristieCollection
RelatedProducts
Copyright
AboutthePublisher
Introduction
byValMcDermid
ThingsthateverybodyknowsaboutAgathaChristie:sheproducedalotofbooksthatstilloutsellthecompetition;shewasthegreatestplotteroftheclassicdetectivestory;shedidavanishingactandturnedupamnesiacinHarrogate,identifiedbythebanjoplayerinthehotelband;shewrotethelongest-runningplayintheatricalhistory,TheMousetrap;andshecouldn’twritethrillers.
SowhyamIsuggestingthatanyonewouldwanttoreadTheSevenDialsMystery?Afterall,ithasalltheingredientsoftheclassic1920sthriller,asexemplifiedby;A.E.W.Mason,SapperandJohnBuchan.Secretplans,evilforeigners,marvellouscarswithrunningboardsandpowerfulengines,thejointthreatsofGermanyandCommunistRussia,houseparties,youngmenwanderingroundwithloadedrevolversandpluckyyoungwomen—they’realltherebythebucketload.
Oh,andlet’snotforgetthesecretsocietythatmeetsbehindcloseddoors,whosemembersaremaskedsonoteventheyknowwhotheothermembersare.BulldogDrummondandRichardHannayterritory,surely?WhichweknowthatChristiecan’tdo.Right?
Wrong.BecauseTheSevenDialsMysteryisn’tathriller.It’sapasticheofathriller,anantidotetothegung-hochest-beatingoftheboys.It’swry,it’sgotitstongueplantedfirmlyinitscheekanditsubvertsthewholegenreitappearstobepartof,notleastbecauseaswellasallofthis,italsodeliverscleverlydovetailedplottingwithatypicalChristieflourishattheend.“Ahyes,”wesigh.“Fooledagain.”IfoneofourYoungTurksdidsomethingsimilarwiththethrillernow,we’dallnodsagelyandgo,“howverypostmodern,howveryself-referentialandknowing,howverymetafictional.”
Butthatwasthenandthisisnow.SoChristiegetsnocreditforpokinghertongueoutatthebigboyswhosettheagendaforwhatathrillershouldbe.Imean,howcananicemiddle-classwifeandmotherbeconsideredasubversive?Howembarrassingwouldthatbefortheleather-jacketediconoclasts?
ButthefactremainsthatTheSevenDialsMysteryreallydoesn’tperformasexpected.
Aswellasshowingthatwhenitcametosleightofhand,AgathaChristiejustcouldn’thelpherself,whatTheSevenDialsMysteryrevealsisthesideofitsauthorthateverybodyseemstoforget.(Notsurprisingly,whenyoulookatthosesternjacketphotographs…)Shehadasenseofhumour.Itwasslyandshrewd,andneverfarfromthesurface.
It’sthereintheveryfirstJaneMarplemysteryinthecharacterofGriselda,thehopelesslyinappropriatewifeoftheveryconservativevicar.AnditcontinuesintheMarplenovelswith,forexample,aseriesofslydigsatMissMarple’snephew,theliterarynovelistRaymondWest,whosepretensionsareaconstantsourceofbubble-burstingonChristie’spart.
Andit’sthereinthePoirotmysteriestoo.PerhapsChristie’sfunniestaswellashermostself-referentialcharacterappearsregularlythere—thecrimewriterAriadneOliver.Mrs.Oliver,withherperpetuallyburstingbagsofapplesandherdisregardforconvention,isclearlyathinlydisguisedversionofChristieherself.
WhereChristiehasherBelgiandetectivewhomshecametodislikeintensely,Mrs.OliverhasaFinn.Sheisconstantlytobeheardcomplainingbitterlyaboutherfollyincreatingadepressivedetectivefromacountryaboutwhichsheknewnothingandhashadtolearnfartoomuch.Shemoansthatherpublisherandherreaderswon’tletherkillhimoffbecausetheylikehimtoomuch.Allofthisisdeliveredinsuchawaythatit’simpossibletoavoidawrysmileatthecharacter’sexpenseandatChristie’stoo.
FromtheveryfirstparagraphofTheSevenDialsMystery,weshouldbeinnodoubtthatwe’reinaworldofWodehousianinsouciance.Noonecouldhavewrittensuchanopening,notevenin1929,withoutbeingconsciousofitsparodicquality.
Thatamiableyouth,JimmyThesiger,cameracingdownthebigstaircaseatChimneystwostepsatatime.SoprecipitatewashisdescentthathecollidedwithTredwell,thestatelybutler,justasthelatterwascrossingthehallbearingafreshsupplyofhotcoffee.OwingtothemarvellouspresenceofmindandmasterlyagilityofTredwell,nocasualtyoccurred.“Sorry,”apologizedJimmy.“Isay,Tredwell,amIthelastdown?”
SubstituteBertieWoosterforJimmyThesigerandJeevesforTredwell,anditwouldn’tfeelatalloutofplace.Ithinkit’ssafetosaythatChristiewasn’tsettingupincompetitionwithBuchanandSapperwhenshewrotethisnovel.
WhencriticsconsiderChristienow,theyoftenpointtotheapparentintoleranceandlackofpoliticalcorrectnessrevealedbyherattitudestoclassandtootherraces.It’struethatshepatronisesthelowerclassesandisextraordinarilyoffensiveaboutJews,GermansandRussians,amongothers.Butinthisshereflectedtheattitudesofawomanofherclassandgeneration.Itwouldhavebeenremarkableifshehaddisplayeddifferentattitudes.EvenafeministiconlikeVirginiaWoolf,writingataroundthesametime,displaysanunnervinglackofinsightintothelivesanddreamsofthe“servantclasses.”
Butthathasn’tstoppedpeopleleapingonChristieasanexampleofallthatisworstabouttheEnglish.She’saccusedofsnobbery,ofinsensitivity,ofracialandclassstereotyping.
Buthowvalidarethesecriticisms?Formyself,I’vealwaysthoughtthatthetruetestofpeople’sbeliefsliesintheirsenseofhumour.Whattheyfindfunnywilltellyoufarmoreaboutsomeonethantheirseriousprofessionsofbelief.It’softenseemedtomethatthosewemakethebuttsofourjokesarethoseforwhomwenurseourdeepestandmostsecretcontempt.
SowhatdoesChristiemakefunofinthisnovel?
Well,firstthereisthearistocracy.Theegotistical,indolentandalmostindigentLordCaterham(atitleabsurdinitself,CaterhambeingtheepitomeofstiflingHomeCountiessuburbia)isdrawnwithaffection,butwhereBuchanorSapperwouldhaveshownhimasafigureofstatus,worthyofrespectandtrust,Christieshowshimasafigureoffunwhoisindulgedbyhisfeistydaughter.He’sanot-too-distantrelativeofWodehouse’sLordEmsworth.
Christieteasesthenouveaurichejustaswickedly.SirOswaldandLadyCooteareperceptivelylampooned,theoneforhisover-reachingambition,theotherforherfailuretoescapeherlowermiddle-classsensibilities.Weseehertreatedwithdisdainbytheservants,whileherhusbandfailstoseehowlittleacceptancehiswealth,histitleandhismaterialsuccesshavebroughthim.
Buttheuppermiddleclassesaregivennomoreleewaythanthearrivistes.TheSevenDialsMysteryispepperedwithineffectualOxbridgeForeignOfficeyoungmenbeingrescuedbytheirwomen.Themenaresillyasses,whoavoiddisastermorebyluckandhavingtherightpeoplebehindthemthanbyfinelyhonedjudgement.
Butmostimportantly,prejudicecomesunderthecosh.ThereareseveralcharactersinTheSevenDialsMysteryaboutwhomweareinvitedtomakeknee-jerkjudgements,fromthemysteriousEastEuropeancountesstotheapparentlyreliablebutunimaginativeScotlandYarddetective.Allofthesesnapdecisionswouldfallintolinewiththereceivedbigotryofthetime.
Yetbytheendofthenovel,Christiehasforcedareversalofalmostallofthesepositions.
I’mnotsuggestingthatshewasactuallyasecretradicalwhowasaimingtosubvertthenarrow-mindedintoleranceofhertimeandclass.Thatwouldbepatentlyabsurd,forAgathaChristiewasnorevolutionary.
Butshewasfarlessofahideboundconservativethanisgenerallyassumed.ThereisclearlymoretoTheSevenDialsMysterythanafacileattempttoturneverythingonitsheadinordertomakethe“leastlikelyperson”hypothesiswork.Thereis,Ibelieve,clearevidencethatChristiesawherworldwithafarclearerandcoldereyethanthosewhodisparageherunderstand.
TheSevenDialsMysteryistheperfectantidotetoanyonewhohasoverdosedontheclassicEnglishthrillerfrombetweenthewars.Butit’salsoworthreadingforthesheerskillwithwhichChristieplayswithherreaders’expectationsandusesthemtoplaythecleverestofnarrativetrickswithus.
It’sallsleightofhand.AndthequicknessofChristie’shandstillcontinuestodeceiveoureyes,allthoseyearslater.
One
ONEARLYRISING
Thatamiableyouth,JimmyThesiger,cameracingdownthebigstaircaseatChimneystwostepsatatime.SoprecipitatewashisdescentthathecollidedwithTredwell,thestatelybutler,justasthelatterwascrossingthehallbearingafreshsupplyofhotcoffee.OwingtothemarvellouspresenceofmindandmasterlyagilityofTredwell,nocasualtyoccurred.
“Sorry,”apologizedJimmy.“Isay,Tredwell,amIthelastdown?”
“No,sir.Mr.Wadehasnotcomedownyet.”
“Good,”saidJimmy,andenteredthebreakfastroom.
Theroomwasemptysaveforhishostess,andherreproachfulgazegaveJimmythesamefeelingofdiscomforthealwaysexperiencedoncatchingtheeyeofadefunctcodfishexposedonafisherman’sslab.Yet,hangitall,whyshouldthewomanlookathimlikethat?Tocomedownatapunctualninethirtywhenstayinginacountryhousesimplywasn’tdone.Tobesure,itwasnowaquarterpastelevenwhichwas,perhaps,theoutsidelimit,buteventhen—
“AfraidI’mabitlate,LadyCoote.What?”
“Oh,itdoesn’tmatter,”saidLadyCooteinamelancholyvoice.
Asamatteroffact,peoplebeinglateforbreakfastworriedherverymuch.Forthefirsttenyearsofhermarriedlife,SirOswaldCoote(thenplainMr.)had,toputitbadly,raisedhellifhismorningmealwereevenahalfminutelaterthaneighto’clock.LadyCootehadbeendisciplinedtoregardunpunctualityasadeadlysinofthemostunpardonablenature.Andhabitdieshard.Also,shewasanearnestwoman,andshecouldnothelpaskingherselfwhatpossiblegoodtheseyoungpeoplewouldeverdointheworldwithoutearlyrising.AsSirOswaldsooftensaid,toreportersandothers:“Iattributemysuccessentirelytomyhabitsofearlyrising,frugalliving,andmethodicalhabits.”
LadyCootewasabig,handsomewomaninatragicsortoffashion.Shehadlarge,mournfuleyesandadeepvoice.Anartistlookingforamodelfor“Rachelmourningforherchildren”wouldhavehailedLadyCootewithdelight.Shewouldhavedonewell,too,inmelodrama,staggeringthroughthefallingsnowasthedeeplywrongedwifeofthevillain.
Shelookedasthoughshehadsometerriblesecretsorrowinherlife,andyetifthetruthbetold,LadyCootehadhadnotroubleinherlifewhatever,exceptthemeteoricrisetoprosperityofSirOswald.Asayounggirlshehadbeenajollyflamboyantcreature,verymuchinlovewithOswaldCoote,theaspiringyoungmaninthebicycleshopnexttoherfather’shardwarestore.Theyhadlivedveryhappily,firstinacoupleofrooms,andtheninatinyhouse,andtheninalargerhouse,andtheninsuccessivehousesofincreasingmagnitude,butalwayswithinareasonabledistanceof“theWorks,”untilnowSirOswaldhadreachedsuchaneminencethatheand“theWorks”werenolongerinterdependent,anditwashispleasuretorenttheverylargestandmostmagnificentmansionsavailablealloverEngland.Chimneyswasahistoricplace,andinrentingitfromtheMarquisofCaterhamfortwoyears,SirOswaldfeltthathehadattainedthetopnotchofhisambition.
LadyCootewasnotnearlysohappyaboutit.Shewasalonelywoman.Theprincipalrelaxationofherearlymarriedlifehadbeentalkingto“thegirl”—andevenwhen“thegirl”hadbeenmultipliedbythree,conversationwithherdomesticstaffhadstillbeentheprincipaldistractionofLadyCoote’sday.Now,withapackofhousemaids,abutlerlikeanarchbishop,severalfootmenofimposingproportions,abevyofscuttlingkitchenandscullerymaids,aterrifyingforeignchefwitha“temperament,”andahousekeeperofimmenseproportionswhoalternatelycreakedandrustledwhenshemoved,LadyCootewasasonemaroonedonadesertisland.
Shesighednow,heavily,anddriftedoutthroughtheopenwindow,muchtothereliefofJimmyThesiger,whoatoncehelpedhimselftomorekidneysandbacononthestrengthofit.
LadyCootestoodforafewmomentstragicallyontheterraceandthennervedherselftospeaktoMacDonald,theheadgardener,whowassurveyingthedomainoverwhichheruledwithanautocraticeye.MacDonaldwasaverychiefandprinceamongheadgardeners.Heknewhisplace—whichwastorule.Andheruled—despotically.
LadyCooteapproachedhimnervously.
“Goodmorning,MacDonald.”
“Goodmorning,m’lady.”
Hespokeasheadgardenersshouldspeak—mournfully,butwithdignity—likeanemperoratafuneral.
“Iwaswondering—couldwehavesomeofthoselategrapesfordesserttonight?”
“They’renofitforpickingyet,”saidMacDonald.
Hespokekindlybutfirmly.
“Oh!”saidLadyCoote.
Shepluckedupcourage.
“Oh!butIwasintheendhouseyesterday,andItastedoneandtheyseemedverygood.”
MacDonaldlookedather,andsheblushed.Shewasmadetofeelthatshehadtakenanunpardonableliberty.EvidentlythelateMarchionessofCaterhamhadnevercommittedsuchasolecismastoenteroneofherownhothousesandhelpherselftograpes.
“Ifyouhadgivenorders,m’lady,abunchshouldhavebeencutandsentintoyou,”saidMacDonaldseverely.
“Oh,thankyou,”saidLadyCoote.“Yes,Iwilldothatanothertime.”
“Butthey’renoproperlyfitforpickingyet.”
“No,”murmuredLadyCoote,“no,Isupposenot.We’dbetterleaveitthen.”
MacDonaldmaintainedamasterlysilence.LadyCootenervedherselfoncemore.
“Iwasgoingtospeaktoyouaboutthepieceoflawnatthebackoftherosegarden.Iwonderedifitcouldbeusedasabowlinggreen.SirOswaldisveryfondofagameofbowls.”
“Andwhynot?”thoughtLadyCootetoherself.ShehadbeeninstructedinherhistoryofEngland.HadnotSirFrancisDrakeandhisknightlycompanionsbeenplayingagameofbowlswhentheArmadawassighted?SurelyagentlemanlypursuitandonetowhichMacDonaldcouldnotreasonablyobject.Butshehadreckonedwithoutthepredominanttraitofa
“Naedootitcouldbeusedforthatpurpose,”saidMacDonaldnoncommittally.
Hethrewadiscouragingflavourintotheremark,butitsrealobjectwastolureLadyCooteontoherdestruction.
“Ifitwasclearedupand—er—cut—and—er—allthatsortofthing,”shewentonhopefully.
“Aye,”saidMacDonaldslowly.“Itcouldbedone.ButitwouldmeantakingWilliamfromthelowerborder.”
“Oh!”saidLadyCootedoubtfully.Thewords“lowerborder”conveyedabsolutelynothingtohermind—exceptavaguesuggestionofaScottishsong—butitwasclearthattoMacDonaldtheyconstitutedaninsuperableobjection.
“Andthatwouldbeapity,”saidMacDonald.
“Oh,ofcourse,”saidLadyCoote.“Itwould.”Andwonderedwhysheagreedsofervently.
MacDonaldlookedatherveryhard.
“Ofcourse,”hesaid,“ifit’syourorders,m’lady—”
Heleftitlikethat.ButhismenacingtonewastoomuchforLadyCoote.Shecapitulatedatonce.
“Oh,no,”shesaid.“Iseewhatyoumean,MacDonald.N—no—Williamhadbettergetonwiththelowerborder.”
“That’swhatIthochtmeself,m’lady.”
“Yes,”saidLadyCoote.“Yes,certainly.”
“Ithochtyou’dagree,m’lady,”saidMacDonald.
“Oh,certainly,”saidLadyCooteagain.
MacDonaldtouchedhishatandmovedaway.
LadyCootesighedunhappilyandlookedafterhim.JimmyThesiger,repletewithkidneysandbacon,steppedoutontotheterracebesideher,andsighedinquiteadifferentmanner.
“Toppingmorning,eh?”heremarked.
“Isit?”saidLadyCooteabsently.“Oh,yes,Isupposeitis.Ihadn’tnoticed.”
“Wherearetheothers?Puntingonthelake?”
“Iexpectso.Imean,Ishouldn’twonderiftheywere.”
LadyCooteturnedandplungedabruptlyintothehouseagain.Tredwellwasjustexaminingthecoffeepot.
“Oh,dear,”saidLadyCoote.“Isn’tMr.—Mr.—”
“Wade,m’lady?”
“Yes,Mr.Wade.Isn’thedownyet?”
“No,m’lady.”
“It’sverylate.”
“Yes,m’lady.”
“Oh,dear.Isupposehewillcomedownsometime,Tredwell?”
“Oh,undoubtedly,m’lady.ItwaseleventhirtyyesterdaymorningwhenMr.Wadecamedown,m’lady.”
LadyCooteglancedattheclock.Itwasnowtwentyminutestotwelve.Awaveofhumansympathyrushedoverher.
“It’sveryhardluckonyou,Tredwell.Havingtoclearandthengetlunchonthetablebyoneo’clock.”
“Iamaccustomedtothewaysofyounggentlemen,m’lady.”
Thereproofwasdignified,butunmistakable.SomightaprinceoftheChurchreproveaTurkoraninfidelwhohadunwittinglycommittedasolecisminallgoodfaith.
LadyCooteblushedforthesecondtimethatmorning.Butawelcomeinterruptionoccurred.Thedooropenedandaserious,spectacledyoungmanputhisheadin.
“Oh,thereyouare,LadyCoote.SirOswaldwasaskingforyou.”
“Oh,I’llgotohimatonce,Mr.Bateman.”
LadyCootehurriedout.
RupertBateman,whowasSirOswald’sprivatesecretary,wentouttheotherway,throughthewindowwhereJimmyThesigerwasstillloungingamiably.
“’Morning,Pongo,”saidJimmy.“IsupposeIshallhavetogoandmakemyselfagreeabletothoseblastedgirls.Youcoming?”
Batemanshookhisheadandhurriedalongtheterraceandinatthelibrarywindow.Jimmygrinnedpleasantlyathisretreatingback.HeandBatemanhadbeenatschooltogether,whenBatemanhadbeenaserious,spectacledboy,andhadbeennicknamedPongofornoearthlyreasonwhatever.
Pongo,Jimmyreflected,wasverymuchthesamesortofassnowthathehadbeenthen.Thewords“Lifeisreal,lifeisearnest”mighthavebeenwrittenspeciallyforhim.
Jimmyyawnedandstrolledslowlydowntothelake.Thegirlswerethere,threeofthem—justtheusualsortofgirls,twowithdark,shingledheadsandonewithafair,shingledhead.Theonethatgiggledmostwas(hethought)calledHelen—andtherewasanothercalledNancy—andthethirdonewas,forsomereason,addressedasSocks.Withthemwerehistwofriends,BillEversleighandRonnyDevereux,whowereemployedinapurelyornamentalcapacityattheForeignOffice.
“Hallo,”saidNancy(orpossiblyHelen).“It’sJimmy.Where’swhat’shisname?”
“Youdon’tmeantosay,”saidBillEversleigh,“thatGerryWade’snotupyet?Somethingoughttobedoneaboutit.”
“Ifhe’snotcareful,”saidRonnyDevereux,“he’llmisshisbreakfastaltogetheroneday—findit’slunchorteainsteadwhenherollsdown.”
“It’sashame,”saidthegirlcalledSocks.“BecauseitworriesLadyCooteso.Shegetsmoreandmorelikeahenthatwantstolayaneggandcan’t.It’stoobad.”
“Let’spullhimoutofbed,”suggestedBill.“Comeon,Jimmy.”
“Oh!let’sbemoresubtlethanthat,”saidthegirlcalledSocks.Subtlewasawordofwhichshewasratherfond.Sheuseditagreatdeal.
“I’mnotsubtle,”saidJimmy.“Idon’tknowhow.”
“Let’sgettogetheranddosomethingaboutittomorrowmorning,”suggestedRonnyvaguely.“Youknow,gethimupatseven.Staggerthehousehold.Tredwellloseshisfalsewhiskersanddropstheteaurn.LadyCootehashystericsandfaintsinBill’sarms—Billbeingtheweightcarrier.SirOswaldsays‘Ha!’andsteelgoesupapointandfiveeighths.Pongoregistersemotionbythrowingdownhisspectaclesandstampingonthem.”
“Youdon’tknowGerry,”saidJimmy.“Idaresayenoughcoldwatermightwakehim—judiciouslyapplied,thatis.Buthe’donlyturnoverandgotosleepagain.”
“Oh!wemustthinkofsomethingmoresubtlethancoldwater,”saidSocks.
“Well,what?”askedRonnybluntly.Andnobodyhadanyanswerready.
“Weoughttobeabletothinkofsomething,”saidBill.“Who’sgotanybrains?”
“Pongo,”saidJimmy.“Andhereheis,rushingalonginaharriedmannerasusual.Pongowasalwaystheoneforbrains.It’sbeenhismisfortunefromhisyouthupwards.Let’sturnPongoontoit.”
Mr.Batemanlistenedpatientlytoasomewhatincoherentstatement.Hisattitudewasthatofonepoisedforflight.Hedeliveredhissolutionwithoutlossoftime.
“Ishouldsuggestanalarumclock,”hesaidbriskly.“Ialwaysuseonemyselfforfearofoversleeping.Ifindthatearlyteabroughtininanoiselessmannerissometimespowerlesstoawakenone.”
Hehurriedaway.
“Analarumclock.”Ronnyshookhishead.“Onealarumclock.ItwouldtakeaboutadozentodisturbGerryWade.”
“Well,whynot?”Billwasflushedandearnest.“I’vegotit.Let’sallgointoMarketBasingandbuyanalarumclockeach.”
Therewaslaughteranddiscussion.BillandRonnywentofftogetholdofcars.Jimmywasdeputedtospyuponthediningroom.Hereturnedrapidly.
“He’shererightenough.Makingupforlosttimeandwolfingdowntoastandmarmalade.Howarewegoingtopreventhimcomingalongwithus?”
ItwasdecidedthatLadyCootemustbeapproachedandinstructedtoholdhiminplay.JimmyandNancyandHelenfulfilledthisduty.LadyCootewasbewilderedandapprehensive.
“Arag?Youwillbecareful,won’tyou,mydears?Imean,youwon’tsmashthefurnitureandwreckthingsorusetoomuchwater.We’vegottohandthishouseovernextweek,youknow.Ishouldn’tlikeLordCaterhamtothink—”
Bill,whohadreturnedfromthegarage,brokeinreassuringly.
“That’sallright,LadyCoote.BundleBrent—LordCaterham’sdaughter—isagreatfriendofmine.Andthere’snothingshe’dstickat—absolutelynothing!Youcantakeitfromme.Andanywaythere’snotgoingtobeanydamagedone.Thisisquiteaquietaffair.”
“Subtle,”saidthegirlcalledSocks.
LadyCootewentsadlyalongtheterracejustasGeraldWadeemergedfromthebreakfastroom.JimmyThesigerwasafair,cherubicyoungman,andallthatcouldbesaidofGeraldWadewasthathewasfairerandmorecherubic,andthathisvacuousexpressionmadeJimmy’sfacequiteintelligentbycontrast.
“’Morning,LadyCoote,”saidGeraldWade.“Wherearealltheothers?”
“They’veallgonetoMarketBasing,”saidLadyCoote.
“Whatfor?”
“Somejoke,”saidLadyCooteinherdeep,melancholyvoice.
“Ratherearlyinthemorningforjokes,”saidMr.Wade.
“It’snotsoveryearlyinthemorning,”saidLadyCootepointedly.
“I’mafraidIwasabitlatecomingdown,”saidMr.Wadewithengagingfrankness.“It’sanextraordinarything,butwhereverIhappentobestaying,I’malwayslasttobedown.”
“Veryextraordinary,”saidLadyCoote
“Idon’tknowwhyitis,”saidMr.Wade,meditating.“Ican’tthink,I’msure.”
“Whydon’tyoujustgetup?”suggestedLadyCoote.
“Oh!”saidMr.Wade.Thesimplicityofthesolutionrathertookhimaback.
LadyCootewentonearnestly.
“I’veheardSirOswaldsaysomanytimesthatthere’snothingforgettingayoungmanonintheworldlikepunctualhabits.”
“Oh,Iknow,”saidMr.Wade.“AndIhavetowhenI’mintown.Imean,IhavetoberoundatthejollyoldForeignOfficebyeleveno’clock.Youmustn’tthinkI’malwaysaslacker,LadyCoote.Isay,whatawfullyjollyflowersyou’vegotdowninthatlowerborder.Ican’trememberthenamesofthem,butwe’vegotsomeathome—thosemauvethingummybobs.Mysister’stremendouslykeenongardening.”
LadyCootewasimmediatelydiverted.Herwrongsrankledwithinher.
“Whatkindofgardenersdoyouhave?”
“Ohjustone.Ratheranoldfool,Ibelieve.Doesn’tknowmuch,buthedoeswhathe’stold.Andthat’sagreatthing,isn’tit?”
LadyCooteagreedthatitwaswithadepthoffeelinginhervoicethatwouldhavebeeninvaluabletoherasanemotionalactress.Theybegantodiscourseontheiniquitiesofgardeners.
Meanwhiletheexpeditionwasdoingwell.TheprincipalemporiumofMarketBasinghadbeeninvadedandthesuddendemandforalarumclockswasconsiderablypuzzlingtheproprietor.
“Iwishwe’dgotBundlehere,”murmuredBill.“Youknowher,don’tyou,Jimmy?Oh,you’dlikeher.She’sasplendidgirl—arealgoodsport—andmarkyou,she’sgotbrainstoo.Youknowher,Ronny?”
Ronnyshookhishead.
“Don’tknowBundle?Wherehaveyoubeenvegetating?She’ssimplyit.”
“Beabitmoresubtle,Bill,”saidSocks.“Stopbletheringaboutyourladyfriendsandgetonwiththebusiness.”
Mr.Murgatroyd,ownerofMurgatroyd’sStores,burstintoeloquence.
“Ifyou’llallowmetoadviseyou,Miss,Ishouldsay—notthe7/11one.It’sagoodclock—I’mnotrunningitdown,markyou,butIshouldstronglyadvisethiskindat10/6.Wellworththeextramoney.Reliability,youunderstand.Ishouldn’tlikeyoutosayafterwards—”
ItwasevidenttoeverybodythatMr.Murgatroydmustbeturnedofflikeatap.
“Wedon’twantareliableclock,saidNancy.
“It’sgottogoforoneday,that’sall,”saidHelen.
“Wedon’twantasubtleone,”saidSocks.“Wewantonewithagoodloudring.”
“Wewant—”beganBill,butwasunabletofinish,becauseJimmy,whowasofamechanicalturnofmind,hadatlastgraspedthemechanism.Forthenextfiveminutestheshopwashideouswiththeloudraucousringingofmanyalarumclocks.
Intheendsixexcellentstarterswereselected.
“AndI’lltellyouwhat,”saidRonnyhandsomely,“I’llgetoneforPongo.Itwashisidea,andit’sashamethatheshouldbeoutofit.Heshallberepresentedamongthosepresent.”
“That’sright,”saidBill.“AndI’lltakeanextraoneforLadyCoote.Themorethemerrier.Andshe’sdoingsomeofthespadework.ProbablygassingawaytooldGerrynow.”
IndeedatthisprecisemomentLadyCootewasdetailingalongstoryaboutMacDonaldandaprizepeachandenjoyingherselfverymuch.
Theclockswerewrappedupandpaidfor.Mr.Murgatroydwatchedthecarsdriveawaywithapuzzledair.Veryspiritedtheyoungpeopleoftheupperclassesnowadays,veryspiritedindeed,butnotatalleasytounderstand.Heturnedwithrelieftoattendtothevicar’swife,whowantedanewkindofdriplessteapot.
Two
CONCERNINGALARUMCLOCKS
“Nowwhereshallweputthem?”
Dinnerwasover.LadyCootehadbeenoncemoredetailedforduty.SirOswaldhadunexpectedlycometotherescuebysuggestingbridge—notthatsuggestingistherightword.SirOswald,asbecameoneof“OurCaptainsofIndustry”(No7ofSeriesI),merelyexpressedapreferenceandthosearoundhimhastenedtoaccommodatethemselvestothegreatman’swishes.
RupertBatemanandSirOswaldwerepartnersagainstLadyCooteandGeraldWade,whichwasaveryhappyarrangement.SirOswaldplayedbridge,likehedideverythingelse,extremelywell,andlikedapartnertocorrespond.Batemanwasasefficientabridgeplayerashewasasecretary.Bothofthemconfinedthemselvesstrictlytothematterinhand,merelyutteringincurt,shortbarks,“Twonotrumps,”“Double,”“Threespades.”LadyCooteandGeraldWadewereamiableanddiscursive,andtheyoungmanneverfailedtosayattheconclusionofeachhand,“Isay,partner,youplayedthatsimplysplendidly,”intonesofsimpleadmirationwhichLadyCootefoundbothnovelandextremelysoothing.Theyalsoheldverygoodcards.
Theothersweresupposedtobedancingtothewirelessinthebigballroom.InrealitytheyweregroupedaroundthedoorofGeraldWade’sbedroom,andtheairwasfullofsubduedgigglesandtheloudtickingofclocks.
“Underthebedinarow,”suggestedJimmyinanswertoBill’squestion.
“Andwhatshallwesetthemat?Whattime,Imean?Alltogethersothatthere’sonegloriouswhatnot,oratintervals?”
Thepointwashotlydisputed.OnepartyarguedthatforachampionsleeperlikeGerryWadethecombinedringingofeightalarumclockswasnecessary.Theotherpartyarguedinfavourofsteadyandsustainedeffort.
Intheendthelatterwontheday.Theclocksweresettogooffoneaftertheother,startingat6:30am.
“AndIhope,”saidBillvirtuously,“thatthiswillbealessontohim.”
“Hear,hear,”saidSocks.
Thebusinessofhidingtheclockswasjustbeingbegunwhentherewasasuddenalarm.
“Hist,”criedJimmy.“Somebody’scomingupthestairs.”
Therewasapanic.
“It’sallright,”saidJimmy.“It’sonlyPongo.”
Takingadvantageofbeingdummy,Mr.Batemanwasgoingtohisroomforahandkerchief.Hepausedonhiswayandtookinthesituationataglance.Hethenmadeacomment,asimpleandpracticalone.
“Hewillhearthemtickingwhenhegoestobed.”
Theconspiratorslookedateachother.
“WhatdidItellyou?”saidJimmyinareverentvoice.“Pongoalwaysdidhavebrains!”
Thebrainyonepassedon.
“It’strue,”admittedRonnyDevereux,hisheadononeside.“Eightclocksalltickingatoncedomakeadevilofarow.EvenoldGerry,assasheis,couldn’tmissit.He’llguesssomething’sup.”
“Iwonderifheis,”saidJimmyThesiger.
“Iswhat?”
“Suchanassasweallthink.”
Ronnystaredathim.
“WeallknowoldGerald.”
“Dowe?”saidJimmy.“I’vesometimesthoughtthat—well,thatitisn’tpossibleforanyonetobequitetheassoldGerrymakeshimselfouttobe.”
Theyallstaredathim.TherewasaseriouslookonRonny’sface.
“Jimmy,”hesaid,“you’vegotbrains.”
“AsecondPongo,”saidBillencouragingly.
“Well,itjustoccurredtome,that’sall,”saidJimmy,defendinghimself.
“Oh!don’tlet’sallbesubtle,”criedSocks.“Whatarewetodoabouttheseclocks?”
“Here’sPongocomingbackagain.Let’saskhim,”suggestedJimmy.
Pongo,urgedtobringhisgreatbraintobearuponthematter,gavehisdecision.
“Waittillhe’sgonetobedandgottosleep.Thenentertheroomveryquietlyandputtheclocksdownonthefloor.”
“LittlePongo’srightagain,”saidJimmy.“Onthewordoneallparkclocks,andthenwe’llgodownstairsanddisarmsuspicion.”
Bridgewasstillproceeding—withaslightdifference.SirOswaldwasnowplayingwithhiswifeandwasconscientiouslypointingouttoherthemistakesshehadmadeduringtheplayofeachhand.LadyCooteacceptedreproofgood-humouredly,andwithacompletelackofanyrealinterest.Shereiterated,notonce,butmanytimes:
“Isee,dear.It’ssokindofyoutotellme.”
Andshecontinuedtomakeexactlythesameerrors.
Atintervals,GeraldWadesaidtoPongo:
“Well-played,partner,jollywell-played.”
BillEversleighwasmakingcalculationswithRonnyDevereux.
“Sayhegoestobedabouttwelve—whatdoyouthinkweoughttogivehim—aboutanhour?”
Heyawned.
“Curiousthing—threeinthemorningismyusualtimeforbye-bye,buttonight,justbecauseIknowwe’vegottositupabit,I’dgiveanythingtobeamother’sboyandturninrightaway.”
Everyoneagreedthattheyfeltthesame
“MydearMaria,”rosethevoiceofSirOswaldinmildirritation.“Ihavetoldyouoverandoveragainnottohesitatewhenyouarewonderingwhethertofinesseornot.Yougivethewholetableinformation.”
LadyCootehadaverygoodanswertothis—namelythatasSirOswaldwasdummy,hehadnorighttocommentontheplayofthehand.Butshedidnotmakeit.Insteadshesmiledkindly,leanedheramplechestwellforwardoverthetable,andgazedfirmlyintoGeraldWade’shandwherehesatonherright.
Heranxietieslulledtorestbyperceivingthequeen,sheplayedtheknaveandtookthetrickandproceededtolaydownhercards.
“Fourtricksandtherubber,”sheannounced.“IthinkIwasveryluckytogetfourtricksthere.”
“Lucky,”murmuredGeraldWade,ashepushedbackhischairandcameovertothefiresidetojointheothers.“Lucky,shecallsit.Thatwomanwantswatching.”
LadyCootewasgatheringupnotesandsilver.
“IknowI’mnotagoodplayer,”sheannouncedinamournfultonewhichneverthelessheldanundercurrentofpleasureinit.“ButI’mreallyveryluckyatthegame.”
“You’llneverbeabridgeplayer,Maria,”saidSirOswald.
“No,dear,”saidLadyCoote.“IknowIshan’t.You’realwaystellingmeso.AndIdotrysohard.”
“Shedoes,”saidGeraldWadesottovoce.“There’snosubterfugeaboutit.She’dputherheadrightdownonyourshoulderifshecouldn’tseeintoyourhandanyotherway.”
“Iknowyoutry,”saidSirOswald.“It’sjustthatyouhaven’tanycardsense.”
“Iknow,dear,”saidLadyCoote.“That’swhatyou’realwaystellingme.Andyouowemeanothertenshillings,Oswald.”
“DoI?”SirOswaldlookedsurprised.
“Yes.Seventeenhundred—eightpoundsten.You’veonlygivenmeeightpounds.”
“Dearme,”saidSirOswald.“Mymistake.”
LadyCootesmiledathimsadlyandtookuptheextratenshillingnote.Shewasveryfondofherhusband,butshehadnointentionofallowinghimtocheatheroutoftenshillings.
SirOswaldmovedovertoasidetableandbecamehospitablewithwhiskyandsoda.Itwashalfpasttwelvewhengeneralgoodnightsweresaid.
RonnyDevereux,whohadtheroomnextdoortoGeraldWade’s,wastoldofftoreportprogress.Ataquartertotwohecreptroundtappingatdoors.Theparty,pyjamaedanddressinggowned,assembledwithvariousscufflesandgigglesandlowwhispers.
“Hislightwentouttwentyminutesago,”reportedRonnyinahoarsewhisper.“Ithoughthe’dneverputitout.Iopenedthedoorjustnowandpeepedin,andheseemssoundoff.Whataboutit?”
Oncemoretheclocksweresolemnlyassembled.Thenanotherdifficultyarose.
“Wecan’tallgobargingin.Makenoendofarow.Oneperson’sgottodoitandtheotherscanhandhimthewhatnotsfromthedoor.”
Hotdiscussionthenaroseastotheproperpersontobeselected.
Thethreegirlswererejectedonthegroundsthattheywouldgiggle.BillEversleighwasrejectedonthegroundsofhisheight,weightandheavytread,alsoforhisgeneralclumsiness,whichlatterclausehefiercelydenied.JimmyThesigerandRonnyDevereuxwereconsideredpossibles,butintheendanoverwhelmingmajoritydecidedinfavourofRupertBateman.
“Pongo’sthelad,”agreedJimmy.“Anyway,hewalkslikeacat—alwaysdid.Andthen,ifGerryshouldwakenup,Pongowillbeabletothinkofsomerottensillythingtosaytohim.Youknow,somethingplausiblethat’llcalmhimdownandnotrousehissuspicions.”
“Somethingsubtle,”suggestedthegirlSocksthoughtfully.
“Exactly,”saidJimmy.
Pongoperformedhisjobneatlyandefficiently.Cautiouslyopeningthebedroomdoor,hedisappearedintothedarknessinsidebearingthetwolargestclocks.Inaminuteortwohereappearedonthethresholdandtwomorewerehandedtohimandthenagaintwicemore.Finallyheemerged.Everyoneheldtheirbreathandlistened.TherhythmicalbreathingofGeraldWadecouldstillbeheard,butdrowned,smotheredandburiedbeneaththetriumphant,impassionedtickingofMr.Murgatroyd’seightalarumclocks.
Three
THEJOKETHATFAILED
“Twelveo’clock,”saidSocksdespairingly.
Thejoke—asajoke—hadnotgoneoffanytoowell.Thealarumclocks,ontheotherhand,hadperformedtheirpart.Theyhadgoneoff—withavigourandélanthatcouldhardlyhavebeensurpassedandwhichhadsentRonnyDevereuxleapingoutofbedwithaconfusedideathatthedayofjudgmenthadcome.Ifsuchhadbeentheeffectintheroomnextdoor,whatmustithavebeenatclosequarters?Ronnyhurriedoutinthepassageandappliedhiseartothecrackofthedoor.
Heexpectedprofanity—expecteditconfidentlyandwithintelligentanticipation.Butheheardnothingatall.Thatistosay,heheardnothingofwhatheexpected.Theclocksweretickingallright—tickinginaloud,arrogant,exasperatingmanner.Andpresentlyanotherwentoff,ringingwithacrude,deafeningnotethatwouldhavearousedacuteirritationinadeafman.
Therewasnodoubtaboutit;theclockshadperformedtheirpartfaithfully.TheydidallandmorethanMr.Murgatroydhadclaimedforthem.ButapparentlytheyhadmettheirmatchinGeraldWade
Thesyndicatewasinclinedtobedespondentaboutit.
“Theladisn’thuman,”grumbledJimmyThesiger.
“Probablythoughtheheardthetelephoneinthedistanceandrolledoverandwenttosleepagain,”suggestedHelen(orpossiblyNancy).
“Itseemstomeveryremarkable,”saidRupertBatemanseriously.“Ithinkheoughttoseeadoctoraboutit.”
“Somediseaseoftheeardrums,”suggestedBillhopefully.
“Well,ifyouaskme,”saidSocks,“Ithinkhe’sjustspoofingus.Ofcoursetheywokehimup.Buthe’sjustgoingtodousdownbypretendingthathedidn’thearanything.”
EveryonelookedatSockswithrespectandadmiration.
“It’sanidea,”saidBill.
“He’ssubtle,that’swhatitis,”saidSocks.“You’llsee,he’llbeextralateforbreakfastthismorning—justtoshowus.”
AndsincetheclocknowpointedtosomeminutespasttwelvethegeneralopinionwasthatSock’stheorywasacorrectone.OnlyRonnyDevereuxdemurred.
“Youforget,Iwasoutsidethedoorwhenthefirstonewentoff.WhateveroldGerrydecidedtodolater,thefirstonemusthavesurprisedhim.He’dhaveletoutsomethingaboutit.Wheredidyouputit,Pongo?”
“Onalittletableclosebyhisear,”saidMr.Bateman.
“Thatwasthoughtfulofyou,Pongo,”saidRonny.“Now,tellme.”HeturnedtoBill.“Ifawhackinggreatbellstartedringingwithinafewinchesofyourearathalfpastsixinthemorning,whatwouldyousayaboutit?”
“Oh,Lord,”saidBill.“Ishouldsay—”Hecametoastop.
“Ofcourseyouwould,”saidRonny.“SowouldI.Sowouldanyone.Whattheycallthenaturalmanwouldemerge.Well,itdidn’t.SoIsaythatPongoisright—asusual—andthatGerryhasgotanobscurediseaseoftheeardrums.”
“It’snowtwentypasttwelve,”saidoneoftheothergirlssadly.
“Isay,”saidJimmyslowly,“that’sabitbeyondanything,isn’tit?Imeanajoke’sajoke.Butthisiscarryingitabitfar.It’sashadehardontheCootes.”
Billstaredathim.
“Whatareyougettingat?”
“Well,”saidJimmy.“Somehoworother—it’snotlikeoldGerry.”
Hefoundithardtoputintowordsjustwhathemeanttosay.Hedidn’twanttosaytoomuch,andyet—HesawRonnylookingathim.Ronnywassuddenlyalert.
ItwasatthatmomentTredwellcameintotheroomandlookedaroundhimhesitatingly.
“IthoughtMr.Batemanwashere,”heexplainedapologetically.
“Justgoneoutthisminutethroughthewindow,”saidRonny.“CanIdoanything?”
Tredwell’seyeswanderedfromhimtoJimmyThesigerandthenbackagain.Asthoughsingledout,thetwoyoungmenlefttheroomwithhim.Tredwellclosedthediningroomdoorcarefullybehindhim.
“Well,”saidRonny.“What’sup?”
“Mr.Wadenothavingyetcomedown,sir,ItookthelibertyofsendingWilliamsuptohisroom.”
“Yes?”
“Williamshasjustcomerunningdowninagreatstateofagitation,sir.”Tredwellpaused—apauseofpreparation.“Iamafraid,sir,thepooryounggentlemanmusthavediedinhissleep.”
JimmyandRonnystaredathim.
“Nonsense,”criedRonnyatlast.“It’s—it’simpossible.Gerry—”Hisfaceworkedsuddenly.“I’ll—I’llrunupandsee.ThatfoolWilliamsmayhavemadeamistake.”
Tredwellstretchedoutadetaininghand.Withaqueer,unnaturalfeelingofdetachment,Jimmyrealizedthatthebutlerhadthewholesituationinhand.
“No,sir,Williamshasmadenomistake.IhavealreadysentforDr.Cartwright,andinthemeantimeIhavetakenthelibertyoflockingthedoor,preparatorytoinformingSirOswaldofwhathasoccurred.ImustnowfindMr.Bateman.”
Tredwellhurriedaway.Ronnystoodlikeamandazed.
“Gerry,”hemutteredtohimself.
Jimmytookhisfriendbythearmandsteeredhimoutthroughasidedoorontoasecludedportionoftheterrace.Hepushedhimdownontoaseat.
“Takeiteasy,oldson,”hesaidkindly.“You’llgetyourwindinaminute.”
Buthelookedathimrathercuriously.HehadnoideathatRonnywassuchafriendofGerryWade’s.
“PooroldGerry,”hesaidthoughtfully.“Ifeveramanlookedfit,hedid.”
Ronnynodded.
“Allthatclockbusinessseemssorottennow,”wentonJimmy.“It’sodd,isn’tit,whyfarcesooftenseemstogetmixedupwithtragedy?”
Hewastalkingmoreorlessatrandom,togiveRonnytimetorecoverhimself.Theothermovedrestlessly.
“Iwishthatdoctorwouldcome.Iwanttoknow—”
“Knowwhat?”
“Whathe—diedof.”
Jimmypurseduphislips.
“Heart?”hehazarded.
Ronnygaveashort,scornfullaugh.
“Isay,Ronny,”saidJimmy.
“Well?”
Jimmyfoundadifficultyingoingon.
“Youdon’tmean—youaren’tthinking—Imean,youhaven’tgotitintoyourhead—that,wellImeanhewasn’tbiffedontheheadoranything?Tredwell’slockingthedoorandallthat.”
ItseemedtoJimmythathiswordsdeservedananswer,butRonnycontinuedtostarestraightoutinfrontofhim.
Jimmyshookhisheadandrelapsedintosilence.Hedidn’tseethattherewasanythingtodoexceptjustwait.Sohewaited.
ItwasTredwellwhodisturbedthem.
“Thedoctorwouldliketoseeyoutwogentlemeninthelibrary,ifyouplease,sir.”
Ronnysprangup.Jimmyfollowedhim.
Dr.Cartwrightwasathin,energeticyoungmanwithacleverface.Hegreetedthemwithabriefnod.Pongo,lookingmoreseriousandspectacledthanever,performedintroductions.
“IunderstandyouwereagreatfriendofMr.Wade’s,”thedoctorsaidtoRonny.
“Hisgreatestfriend.”
“H’m.Well,thisbusinessseemsstraightforwardenough.Sad,though.Helookedahealthyyoungchap.Doyouknowifhewasinthehabitofsmokingstufftomakehimsleep?”
“Makehimsleep.”Ronnystared.“Healwayssleptlikeatop.”
“Youneverheardhimcomplainofsleeplessness?”
“Never.”
“Well,thefactsaresimpleenough.There’llhavetobeaninquest,I’mafraid,nevertheless.”
“Howdidhedie?”
“There’snotmuchdoubt;Ishouldsayanoverdoseofchloral.Thestuffwasbyhisbed.Andabottleandglass.Verysad,thesethingsare.”
ItwasJimmywhoaskedthequestionwhichhefeltwastremblingonhisfriend’slips,andyetwhichtheothercouldsomehoworothernotgetout.
“There’snoquestionof—foulplay?”
Thedoctorlookedathimsharply.
“Whydoyousaythat?Anycausetosuspectit,eh?”
JimmylookedatRonny.IfRonnyknewanythingnowwasthetimetospeak.ButtohisastonishmentRonnyshookhishead
“Nocausewhatever,”hesaidclearly.
“Andsuicide—eh?”
“Certainlynot.”
Ronnywasemphatic.Thedoctorwasnotsoclearlyconvinced.
“Notroublesthatyouknowof?Moneytroubles?Awoman?”
AgainRonnyshookhishead.
“Nowabouthisrelations.Theymustbenotified.”
“He’sgotasister—ahalfsisterrather.LivesatDeanePriory.Abouttwentymilesfromhere.Whenhewasn’tintownGerrylivedwithher.”
“H’m,”saidtheDoctor.“Well,shemustbetold.”
“I’llgo,”saidRonny.“It’sarottenjob,butsomebody’sgottodoit.”HelookedatJimmy.“Youknowher,don’tyou?”
“Slightly.I’vedancedwithheronceortwice.”
“Thenwe’llgoinyourcar.Youdon’tmind,doyou?Ican’tfaceitalone.”
“That’sallright,”saidJimmyreassuringly.“Iwasgoingtosuggestitmyself.I’llgoandgettheoldbuscrankedup.”
Hewasgladtohavesomethingtodo.Ronny’smannerpuzzledhim.Whatdidheknoworsuspect?Andwhyhadhenotvoicedhissuspicions,ifhehadthem,tothedoctor.
PresentlythetwofriendswereskimmingalonginJimmy’scarwithacheerfuldisregardforsuchthingsasspeedlimits.
“Jimmy,”saidRonnyatlast,“Isupposeyou’reaboutthebestpalIhave—now.”
“Well”saidJimmy,“whataboutit?”
Hespokegruffly.
“There’ssomethingI’dliketotellyou.Somethingyououghttoknow.”
“AboutGerryWade?”
“Yes,aboutGerryWade.”
Jimmywaited.
“Well?”heinquiredatlast.
“Idon’tknowthatIoughtto,”saidRonny.
“Why?”
“I’mboundbyakindofpromise.”
“Oh!Wellthen,perhapsyou’dbetternot.”
Therewasasilence.
“Andyet,I’dlike—Yousee,Jimmy,yourbrainsarebetterthanmine.”
“Theycouldeasilybethat,”saidJimmyunkindly.
“No,Ican’t,”saidRonnysuddenly.
“Allright,”saidJimmy.“Justasyoulike.”
Afteralongsilence,Ronnysaid:
“What’sshelike?”
“Who?”
“Thisgirl.Gerry’ssister.”
Jimmywassilentforsomeminutes,thenhesaidinavoicethathadsomehoworotheraltered:
“She’sallright.Infact—well,she’sacorker.”
“Gerrywasverydevotedtoher,Iknew.Heoftenspokeofher.”
“ShewasverydevotedtoGerry.It—it’sgoingtohitherhard.”
“Yes,anastyjob.”
TheyweresilenttilltheyreachedDeanePriory.
MissLoraine,themaidtoldthem,wasinthegarden.UnlesstheywantedtoseeMrs.Coker.
JimmywaseloquentthattheydidnotwanttoseeMrs.Coker.
“Who’sMrs.Coker?”askedRonnyastheywentroundintothesomewhatneglectedgarden.
“TheoldtroutwholiveswithLoraine.”
Theyhadsteppedoutintoapavedwalk.Attheendofitwasagirlwithtwoblackspaniels.Asmallgirl,veryfair,dressedinshabbyoldtweeds.NotatallthegirlthatRonnyhadexpectedtosee.Not,infact,Jimmy’susualtype.
Holdingonedogbythecollar,shecamedownthepathwaytomeetthem.
“Howdoyoudo,”shesaid.“Youmustn’tmindElizabeth.She’sjusthadsomepuppiesandshe’sverysuspicious.”
Shehadasupremelynaturalmannerand,asshelookedupsmiling,thefaintwild-roseflushdeepenedinhercheeks.Hereyeswereaverydarkblue—likecornflowers.
Suddenlytheywidened—wasitwithalarm?Asthough,already,sheguessed.
Jimmyhastenedtospeak.
“ThisisRonnyDevereux,MissWade.YoumustoftenhaveheardGerryspeakofhim.”
“Oh,yes.”Sheturnedalovely,warm,welcomingsmileonhim.“You’vebothbeenstayingatChimneys,haven’tyou?Whydidn’tyoubringGerryoverwithyou?”
“We-er-couldn’t,”saidRonny,andthenstopped.
AgainJimmysawthelookoffearflashintohereyes.
“MissWade,”hesaid,“I’mafraid—Imean,we’vegotbadnewsforyou.”
Shewasonthealertinamoment.
“Gerry?”
“Yes—Gerry.He’s—”
Shestampedherfootwithsuddenpassion.
“Oh!tellme—tellme—”SheturnedsuddenlyonRonny.“You’lltellme.”
Jimmyfeltapangofjealousy,andinthatmomentheknewwhatuptonowhehadhesitatedtoadmittohimself.HeknewwhyHelenandNancyandSockswerejust“girls”tohimandnothingmore.
Heonlyhalf-heardRonny’svoicesayingbravely:
“Yes,MissWade,I’lltellyou.Gerryisdead.”
Shehadplentyofpluck.Shegaspedanddrewback,butinaminuteortwoshewasaskingeager,searchingquestions.How?When?
Ronnyansweredherasgentlyashecould.
“Sleepingdraught?Gerry?”
Theincredulityinhervoicewasplain.Jimmygaveheraglance.Itwasalmostaglanceofwarning.HehadasuddenfeelingthatLoraineinherinnocencemightsaytoomuch.
Inhisturnheexplainedasgentlyaspossibletheneedforaninquest.Sheshuddered.ShedeclinedtheirofferoftakingherbacktoChimneyswiththem,butexplainedshewouldcomeoverlater.Shehadatwo-seaterofherown.
“ButIwanttobe—bealonealittlefirst,”shesaidpiteously.
“Iknow,”saidRonny.
“That’sallright,”saidJimmy.
Theylookedather,feelingawkwardandhelpless.
“Thankyoubotheversomuchforcoming.”
Theydrovebackinsilenceandtherewassomethinglikeconstraintbetweenthem.
“MyGod!thatgirl’splucky,”saidRonnyonce.
Jimmyagreed.
“Gerrywasmyfriend,”saidRonny.“It’suptometokeepaneyeonher.”
“Oh!rather.Ofcourse.”
OnreturningtoChimneysJimmywaswaylaidbyatearfulLadyCoote.
“Thatpoorboy,”shekeptrepeating.“Thatpoorboy.”
Jimmymadeallthesuitableremarkshecouldthinkof.
LadyCootetoldhimatgreatlengthvariousdetailsaboutthedeceaseofvariousdearfriendsofhers.Jimmylistenedwithashowofsympathyandatlastmanagedtodetachhimselfwithoutactualrudeness.
Heranlightlyupthestairs.RonnywasjustemergingfromGeraldWade’sroom.HeseemedtakenabackatthesightofJimmy.
“I’vebeenintoseehim,”hesaid.“Areyougoingin?”
“Idon’tthinkso,”saidJimmy,whowasahealthyyoungmanwithanaturaldislikeofbeingremindedofdeath.
“Ithinkallhisfriendsoughtto.”
“Oh!doyou?”saidJimmy,andregisteredtohimselfanimpressionthatRonnyDevereuxwasdamnedoddaboutitall.
“Yes.It’sasignofrespect.”
Jimmysighed,butgavein.”
“Oh!verywell,”hesaid,andpassedin,settinghisteethalittle.
Therewerewhiteflowersarrangedonthecoverlet,andtheroomhadbeentidiedandsettorights.
Jimmygaveonequick,nervousglanceatthestill,whiteface.Couldthatbecherubic,pinkGerryWade?Thatstillpeacefulfigure.Heshivered.
Asheturnedtoleavetheroom,hisglancesweptthemantelshelfandhestoppedinastonishment.Thealarumclockshadbeenrangedalongitneatlyinarow.
Hewentoutsharply.Ronnywaswaitingforhim.
“Looksverypeacefulandallthat.Rottenluckonhim,”mumbledJimmy.
Thenhesaid:
“Isay,Ronny,whoarrangedallthoseclockslikethatinarow?”
“HowshouldIknow?Oneoftheservants,Isuppose.”
“Thefunnythingis,”saidJimmy,“thattherearesevenofthem,noteight.Oneofthem’smissing.Didyounoticethat?”
Ronnymadeaninaudiblesound.
“Seveninsteadofeight,”saidJimmy,frowning.“Iwonderwhy.”
Four
ALETTER
“Inconsiderate,that’swhatIcallit,”saidLordCaterham.
Hespokeinagentle,plaintivevoiceandseemedpleasedwiththeadjectivehehadfound.
“Yes,distinctlyinconsiderate.Ioftenfindtheseself-mademenareinconsiderate.Verypossiblythatiswhytheyamasssuchlargefortunes.”
Helookedmournfullyoutoverhisancestralacres,ofwhichhehadtodayregainedpossession.
Hisdaughter,LadyEileenBrent,knowntoherfriendsandsocietyingeneralas“Bundle,”laughed.
“You’llcertainlyneveramassalargefortune,”sheobserveddryly,“thoughyoudidn’tdosobadlyoutofoldCoote,stickinghimforthisplace.Whatwashelike?Presentable?”
“Oneofthoselargemen,”saidLordCaterham,shudderingslightly,“witharedsquarefaceandiron-greyhair.Powerful,youknow.Whattheycallaforcefulpersonality.Thekindofmanyou’dgetifasteamrollerwereturnedintoahumanbeing.”
“Rathertiring?”suggestedBundlesympathetically.
“Frightfullytiring,fullofallthemostdepressingvirtueslikesobrietyandpunctuality.Idon’tknowwhicharetheworst,powerfulpersonalitiesorearnestpoliticians.Idosopreferthecheerfulinefficient.”
“Acheerfulinefficientwouldn’thavebeenabletopayyouthepriceyouaskedforthisoldmausoleum,”Bundleremindedhim.
LordCaterhamwinced.
“Iwishyouwouldn’tusethatword,Bundle.Wewerejustgettingawayfromthesubject.”
“Idon’tseewhyyou’resofrightfullysensitiveaboutit,”saidBundle.“Afterall,peoplemustdiesomewhere.”
“Theyneedn’tdieinmyhouse,”saidLordCaterham.
“Idon’tseewhynot.Lotsofpeoplehave.Massesofstuffyoldgreat-grandfathersandgrandmothers.”
“That’sdifferent,”saidLordCaterham.“NaturallyIexpectBrentstodiehere—theydon’tcount.ButIdoobjecttostrangers.AndIespeciallyobjecttoinquests.Thethingwillbecomeahabitsoon.Thisisthesecond.Yourememberallthatfusswehadfouryearsago?Forwhich,bytheway,IholdGeorgeLomaxentirelytoblame.”
“Andnowyou’reblamingpooroldsteamrollerCoote.I’msurehewasquiteasannoyedaboutitasanyone.”
“Veryinconsiderate,”saidLordCaterhamobstinately.“Peoplewhoarelikelytodothatsortofthingoughtn’ttobeaskedtostay.Andyoumaysaywhatyoulike,Bundle,Idon’tlikeinquests.IneverhaveandInevershall.”
“Well,thiswasn’tthesamesortofthingasthelastone,”saidBundlesoothingly.“Imean,itwasn’tamurder.”
“Itmighthavebeen—fromthefussthatthickheadofaninspectormade.He’snevergotoverthatbusinessfouryearsago.Hethinkseverydeaththattakesplaceheremustnecessarilybeacaseoffoulplayfraughtwithgravepoliticalsignificance.You’venoideathefusshemade.I’vebeenhearingaboutitfromTredwell.Testedeverythingimaginableforfingerprints.Andofcoursetheyonlyfoundthedeadman’sown.Theclearestcaseimaginable—thoughwhetheritwassuicideoraccidentisanothermatter.”
“ImetGerryWadeonce,”saidBundle.“HewasafriendofBill’s.You’dhavelikedhim,Father.Ineversawanyonemorecheerfullyinefficientthanhewas.”
“Idon’tlikeanyonewhocomesanddiesinmyhouseonpurposetoannoyme,”saidLordCaterhamobstinately.
“ButIcertainlycan’timagineanyonemurderinghim,”continuedBundle.“Theidea’sabsurd.”
“Ofcourseitis,”saidLordCaterham.“OrwouldbetoanyonebutanasslikeInspectorRaglan.”
“Idaresaylookingforfingerprintsmadehimfeelimportant,”saidBundlesoothingly.“Anyway,theybroughtitin‘Deathbymisadventure,’didn’tthey?”
LordCaterhamacquiesced.
“Theyhadtoshowsomeconsiderationforthesister’sfeelings?”
“Wasthereasister.Ididn’tknow.”
“Halfsister,Ibelieve.Shewasmuchyounger.OldWaderanawaywithhermother—hewasalwaysdoingthatsortofthing.Nowomanappealedtohimunlessshebelongedtoanotherman.”
“I’mgladthere’sonebadhabityouhaven’tgot,”saidBundle.
“I’vealwaysledaveryrespectableGod-fearinglife,”saidLordCaterham.“Itseemsextraordinary,consideringhowlittleharmIdotoanybody,thatIcan’tbeletalone.Ifonly—”
HestoppedasBundlemadeasuddenexcursionthroughthewindow.
“MacDonald,”calledBundleinaclear,autocraticvoice.
Theemperorapproached.Somethingthatmightpossiblyhavebeentakenforasmileofwelcometriedtoexpressitselfonhiscountenance,butthenaturalgloomofgardenersdispelledit.
“Yourladyship?”saidMacDonald.
“Howareyou?”saidBundle.
“I’mnoverragrand,”saidMacDonald
“Iwantedtospeaktoyouaboutthebowlinggreen.It’sshockinglyovergrown.Putsomeoneontoit,willyou?”
MacDonaldshookhisheaddubiously.
“ItwouldmeantakingWilliamfromthelowerborder,m’lady.”
“Damnthelowerborder,”saidBundle.“Lethimstartatonce.AndMacDonald—”
“Yes,m’lady?”
“Let’shavesomeofthosegrapesinfromthefarhouse.Iknowit’sthewrongtimetocutthembecauseitalwaysis,butIwantthemallthesame.See?”
Bundlereenteredthelibrary.
“Sorry,Father,”shesaid.“IwantedtocatchMacDonald.Wereyouspeaking?”
“AsamatteroffactIwas,”saidLordCaterham.“Butitdoesn’tmatter.WhatwereyousayingtoMacDonald?”
“Tryingtocurehimofthinkinghe’sGodAlmighty.Butthat’sanimpossibletask.IexpecttheCooteshavebeenbadforhim.MacDonaldwouldn’tcareonehoot,oreventwohoots,forthelargeststeamrollerthateverwas.What’sLadyCootelike?”
LordCaterhamconsideredthequestion.
“VerylikemyideaofMrs.Siddons,”hesaidatlast.“Ishouldthinkshewentinalotforamateurtheatricals.Igathershewasveryupsetabouttheclockbusiness.”
“Whatclockbusiness?”
“Tredwellhasjustbeentellingme.Itseemsthehousepartyhadsomejokeon.TheyboughtalotofalarumclocksandhidthemaboutthisyoungWade’sroom.Andthen,ofcourse,thepoorchapwasdead.Whichmadethewholethingratherbeastly.
Bundlenodded.
“Tredwelltoldmesomethingelseratheroddabouttheclocks,”continuedLordCaterham,whowasnowquiteenjoyinghimself.“Itseemsthatsomebodycollectedthemallandputtheminarowonthemantelpieceafterthepoorfellowwasdead.”
“Well,whynot?”saidBundle.
“Idon’tseewhynotmyself,”saidLordCaterham.“Butapparentlytherewassomefussaboutit.Noonewouldownuptohavingdoneit,yousee.Alltheservantswerequestionedandsworetheyhadn’ttouchedthebeastlythings.Infact,itwasratheramystery.Andthenthecoroneraskedquestionsattheinquest,andyouknowhowdifficultitistoexplainthingstopeopleofthatclass.”
“Perfectlyfoul,”agreedBundle.
“Ofcourse,”saidLordCaterham,“it’sverydifficulttogetthehangofthingsafterwards.Ididn’tquiteseethepointofhalfthethingsTredwelltoldme.Bytheway,Bundle,thefellowdiedinyourroom.”
Bundlemadeagrimace.
“Whyneedpeopledieinmyroom?”sheaskedwithsomeindignation.
“That’sjustwhatI’vebeensaying,”saidLordCaterham,intriumph.“Inconsiderate.Everybody’sdamnedinconsideratenowadays.”
“NotthatImind,”saidBundlevaliantly.“WhyshouldI?”
“Ishould,”saidherfather.“Ishouldmindverymuch.Ishoulddreamthings,youknow—spectralhandsandclankingchains.”
“Well,”saidBundle.“GreatAuntLouisadiedinyourbed.Iwonderyoudon’tseeherspookhoveringoveryou.”
“Idosometimes,”saidLordCaterham,shuddering.“Especiallyafterlobster.”
“Well,thankheavenI’mnotsuperstitious,”declaredBundle.
Yetthatevening,asshesatinfrontofherbedroomfire,aslim,pyjamaedfigure,shefoundherthoughtsrevertingtothatcheery,vacuousyoungman,GerryWade.Impossibletobelievethatanyonesofullofthejoyoflivingcoulddeliberatelyhavecommittedsuicide.No,theothersolutionmustbetherightone.Hehadtakenasleepingdraughtandbyapuremistakehadswallowedanoverdose.Thatwaspossible.ShedidnotfancythatGerryWadehadbeenoverburdenedinanintellectualcapacity.
Hergazeshiftedtothemantelpieceandshebeganthinkingaboutthestoryoftheclocks.Hermaidhadbeenfullofthat,havingjustbeenprimedbythesecondhousemaid.ShehadaddedadetailwhichapparentlyTredwellhadnotthoughtworthwhileretailingtoLordCaterham,butwhichhadpiquedBundle’scuriosity.
Sevenclockshadbeenneatlyrangedonthemantelpiece;thelastandremainingonehadbeenfoundonthelawnoutside,whereithadobviouslybeenthrownfromthewindow.
Bundlepuzzledoverthatpointnow.Itseemedsuchanextraordinarypurposelessthingtodo.Shecouldimaginethatoneofthemaidsmighthavetidiedtheclocksandthen,frightenedbytheinquisitionintothematter,havedenieddoingso.Butsurelynomaidwouldhavethrownaclockintothegarden.
HadGerryWadedonesowhenitsfirstsharpsummonswokehim?Butno;thatagainwasimpossible.Bundlerememberedhearingthathisdeathmusthavetakenplaceintheearlyhoursofthemorning,andhewouldhavebeeninacomatoseconditionforsometimebeforethat.
Bundlefrowned.Thisbusinessoftheclockswascurious.ShemustgetholdofBillEversleigh.Hehadbeenthere,sheknew.
TothinkwastoactwithBundle.Shegotupandwentovertothewritingdesk.Itwasaninlaidaffairwithalidthatrolledback.Bundlesatdownatit,pulledasheetofnotepapertowardsherandwrote.
DearBill,—
Shepausedtopulloutthelowerpartofthedesk.Ithadstuckhalfway,assheremembereditoftendid.Bundletuggedatitimpatientlybutitdidnotmove.Sherecalledthatonaformeroccasionanenvelopehadbeenpushedbackwithitandhadjammeditforthetimebeing.Shetookathinpaperknifeandslippeditintothenarrowcrack.Shewassofarsuccessfulthatacornerofwhitepapershowed.Bundlecaughtholdofitanddrewitout.Itwasthefirstsheetofaletter,somewhatcrumpled.
ItwasthedatethatfirstcaughtBundle’seye.Abigflourishingdatethatleapedoutfromthepaper.Sept.21st.
“September21st,”saidBundleslowly.“Why,surelythatwas—”
Shebrokeoff.Yes,shewassureofit.The22ndwasthedayGerryWadewasfounddead.This,then,wasaletterhemusthavebeenwritingontheveryeveningofthetragedy.
Bundlesmootheditoutandreadit.Itwasunfinished.
“MyDarlingLoraine,—IwillbedownonWednesday.Amfeelingawfullyfitandratherpleasedwithmyselfallround.Itwillbeheavenlytoseeyou.Lookhere,doforgetwhatIsaidaboutthatSevenDialsbusiness.Ithoughtitwasgoingtobemoreorlessajoke—butitisn’t—anythingbut.I’msorryIeversaidanythingaboutit—it’snotthekindofbusinesskidslikeyououghttobemixedupin.Soforgetaboutit,see?“SomethingelseIwantedtotellyou—butI’msosleepyIcan’tkeepmyeyesopen.“Oh,aboutLurcher;Ithink—”
Heretheletterbrokeoff.
Bundlesatfrowning.SevenDials.Wherewasthat?SomeratherslummydistrictofLondon,shefancied.ThewordsSevenDialsremindedherofsomethingelse,butforthemomentshecouldn’tthinkofwhat.Insteadherattentionfastenedontwophrases.“Amfeelingawfullyfit…”and“I’msosleepyIcan’tkeepmyeyesopen.”
Thatdidn’tfitin.Thatdidn’tfitinatall.ForitwasthatverynightthatGerryWadehadtakensuchaheavydoseofchloralthatheneverwokeagain.Andifwhathehadwritteninthatletterweretrue,whyshouldhehavetakenit?
Bundleshookherhead.Shelookedroundtheroomandgaveaslightshiver.SupposingGerryWadewerewatchinghernow.Inthisroomhehaddied…
Shesatverystill.Thesilencewasunbrokensaveforthetickingofherlittlegoldclock.Thatsoundedunnaturallyloudandimportant.
Bundleglancedtowardsthemantelpiece.Avividpicturerosebeforehermind’seyes.Thedeadmanlyingonthebed,andsevenclockstickingonthemantelpiece—tickingloudly,ominously…ticking…ticking…
Five
THEMANINTHEROAD
“Father,”saidBundle,openingthedoorofLordCaterham’sspecialsanctumandputtingherheadin,“I’mgoinguptotownintheHispano.Ican’tstandthemonotonydownhereanylonger.”
“Weonlygothomeyesterday,”complainedLordCaterham.
“Iknow.Itseemslikeahundredyears.I’dforgottenhowdullthecountrycouldbe.”
“Idon’tagreewithyou,”saidLordCaterham.“It’speaceful,that’swhatitis—peaceful.Andextremelycomfortable.IappreciategettingbacktoTredwellmorethanIcantellyou.Thatmanstudiesmycomfortinthemostmarvellousmanner.Somebodycameroundonlythismorningtoknowiftheycouldholdatallyforgirlguideshere—”
“Arally,”interruptedBundle.
“Rallyortally—it’sallthesame.Somesillywordmeaningnothingwhatever.Butitwouldhaveputmeinaveryawkwardposition—havingtorefuse—infact,Iprobablyshouldn’thaverefused.ButTredwellgotmeoutofit.I’veforgottenwhathesaid—somethingdamnedingeniouswhichcouldn’thurtanybody’sfeelingsandwhichknockedtheideaontheheadabsolutely.”
“Beingcomfortableisn’tenoughforme,”saidBundle.“Iwantexcitement.”
LordCaterhamshuddered.
“Didn’twehaveenoughexcitementfouryearsago?”hedemandedplaintively.
“I’maboutreadyforsomemore,”saidBundle.“NotthatIexpectIshallfindanyintown.ButatanyrateIshan’tdislocatemyjawwithyawning.”
“Inmyexperience,”saidLordCaterham,“peoplewhogoaboutlookingfortroubleusuallyfindit.”Heyawned.“Allthesame,”headded,“Iwouldn’tmindrunninguptotownmyself.”
“Well,comeon,”saidBundle.“Butbequick,because’minahurry.”
LordCaterham,whohadbeguntorisefromhischair,paused.
“Didyousayyouwereinahurry?”heaskedsuspiciously.
“Inthedevilofahurry,”saidBundle.
“Thatsettlesit,”saidLordCaterham.“I’mnotcoming.TobedrivenbyyouintheHispanowhenyou’reinahurry—no,it’snotfaironanyelderlyman.Ishallstayhere.”
“Pleaseyourself,”saidBundle,andwithdrew.
Tredwelltookherplace.
“Thevicar,mylord,ismostanxioustoseeyou,someunfortunatecontroversyhavingarisenaboutthestatusoftheBoys’Brigade.”
LordCaterhamgroaned.
“Iratherfancied,mylord,thatIhadheardyoumentionatbreakfastthatyouwerestrollingdowntothevillagethismorningtoconversewiththevicaronthesubject.”
“Didyoutellhimso?”askedLordCaterhameagerly.
“Idid,mylord.Hedeparted,ifImaysayso,hotfoot.IhopeIdidright,mylord?”
“Ofcourseyoudid,Tredwell.Youarealwaysright.Youcouldn’tgowrongifyoutried.”
Tredwellsmiledbenignlyandwithdrew.
BundlemeanwhilewassoundingtheKlaxonimpatientlybeforethelodgegates,whileasmallchildcamehasteningoutwithallspeedfromthelodge,admonishmentfromhermotherfollowingher.
“Makehaste,Katie.Thatbeherladyshipinamortalhurryasalways.”
ItwasindeedcharacteristicofBundletobeinahurry,especiallywhendrivingacar.Shehadskillandnerveandwasagooddriver;haditbeenotherwiseherrecklesspacewouldhaveendedindisastermorethanonce.
ItwasacrispOctoberday,withablueskyandadazzlingsun.ThesharptangoftheairbroughtthebloodtoBundle’scheeksandfilledherwiththezestofliving.
ShehadthatmorningsentGeraldWade’sunfinishedlettertoLoraineWadeatDeanePriory,enclosingafewexplanatorylines.Thecuriousimpressionithadmadeuponherwassomewhatdimmedinthedaylight,yetitstillstruckherasneedingexplanation.SheintendedtogetholdofBillEversleighsometimeandextractfromhimfullerdetailsofthehousepartywhichhadendedsotragically.Inthemeantime,itwasalovelymorningandshefeltparticularlywellandtheHispanowasrunninglikeadream
BundlepressedherfootdownontheacceleratorandtheHispanorespondedatonce.Mileaftermilevanished,trafficwasfewandfarbetweenandBundlehadaclearstretchofroadinfrontofher
Andthen,withoutanywarningwhatever,amanreeledoutofthehedgeandontotheroadrightinfrontofthecar.Tostopintimewasoutofthequestion.WithallhermightBundlewrenchedatthesteeringwheelandswervedouttotheright.Thecarwasnearlyintheditch—nearly,butnotquite.Itwasadangerousmanoeuvre;butitsucceeded.Bundlewasalmostcertainthatshehadmissedtheman.
Shelookedbackandfeltasickeningsensationinthemiddleofheranatomy.Thecarhadnotpassedovertheman,butneverthelessitmusthavestruckhiminpassing.Hewaslyingfacedownwardsontheroad,andhelayominouslystill
Bundlejumpedoutandranback.Shehadneveryetrunoveranythingmoreimportantthanastrayhen.Thefactthattheaccidentwashardlyherfaultdidnotweighwithherattheminute.Themanhadseemeddrunk,butdrunkornot,shehadkilledhim.Shewasquitesureshehadkilledhim.Herheartbeatsickeninglyingreatpoundingthumps,soundingrightupinherears.
Shekneltdownbythepronefigureandturnedhimverygingerlyover.Heneithergroanednormoaned.Hewasyoung,shesaw,ratherapleasant-facedyoungman,well-dressedandwearingasmalltoothbrushmoustache.
Therewasnoexternalmarkofinjurythatshecouldsee,butshewasquitepositivethathewaseitherdeadordying.Hiseyelidsflickeredandtheeyeshalf-opened.Piteouseyes,brownandsuffering,likeadog’s.Heseemedtobestrugglingtospeak.Bundlebentrightover.
“Yes,”shesaid.“Yes?”
Therewassomethinghewantedtosay,shecouldseethat.Wantedtosaybadly.Andshecouldn’thelphim,couldn’tdoanything.
Atlastthewordscame,ameresighingbreath:
“SevenDials…tell…”
“Yes,”saidBundleagain.Itwasanamehewastryingtogetout—tryingwithallhisfailingstrength.“Yes.WhoamItotell?”
“Tell…JimmyThesiger…”Hegotitoutatlast,andthen,suddenly,hisheadfellbackandhisbodywentlimp.
Bundlesatbackonherheels,shiveringfromheadtofoot.Shecouldneverhaveimaginedthatanythingsoawfulcouldhavehappenedtoher.Hewasdead—andshehadkilledhim.
Shetriedtopullherselftogether.Whatmustshedonow?Adoctor—thatwasherfirstthought.Itwaspossible—justpossible—thatthemanmightonlybeunconscious,notdead.Herinstinctcriedoutagainstthepossibility,butsheforcedherselftoactuponit.Somehoworothershemustgethimintothecarandtakehimtothenearestdoctor’s.Itwasadesertedstretchofcountryroadandtherewasnoonetohelpher.
Bundle,forallherslimness,wasstrong.Shehadmusclesofwhipcord.ShebroughttheHispanoascloseaspossible,andthenexertingallherstrength,shedraggedandpulledtheinanimatefigureintoit.Itwasahorridbusiness,andonethatmadehersetherteeth,butatlastshemanagedit.
Thenshejumpedintothedriver’sseatandsetoff.Acoupleofmilesbroughtherintoasmalltownandoninquiringshewasquicklydirectedtothedoctor’shouse.
Dr.Cassell,akindly,middle-agedman,wasstartledtocomeintohissurgeryandfindagirltherewhowasevidentlyonthevergeofcollapse.
Bundlespokeabruptly.
“I—IthinkI’vekilledaman.Iranoverhim.Ibroughthimalonginthecar.He’soutsidenow.I—Iwasdrivingtoofast,Isuppose.I’vealwaysdriventoofast.”
Thedoctorcastapractisedglanceoverher.Hesteppedovertoashelfandpouredsomethingintoaglass.Hebroughtitovertoher.
“Drinkthisdown,”hesaid,“andyou’llfeelbetter.You’vehadashock.”
Bundledrankobedientlyandatingeofcolourcameintoherpallidface.Thedoctornoddedapprovingly.
“That’sright.NowIwantyoutositquietlyhere.I’llgooutandattendtothings.AfterI’vemadesurethere’snothingtobedoneforthepoorfellow,I’llcomebackandwe’lltalkaboutit.”
Hewasawaysometime.Bundlewatchedtheclockonthemantelpiece.Fiveminutes,tenminutes,aquarterofanhour,twentyminutes—wouldheevercome?
ThenthedooropenedandDr.Cassellreappeared.Helookeddifferent—Bundlenoticedthatatonce—grimmerandatthesametimemorealert.Therewassomethingelseinhismannerthatshedidnotquiteunderstand,asuggestionofrepressedexcitement.
“Nowthen,younglady,”hesaid.“Let’shavethisout.Youranoverthisman,yousay.Tellmejusthowtheaccidenthappened?”
Bundleexplainedtothebestofherability.Thedoctorfollowedhernarrativewithkeenattention.
“Justso;thecardidn’tpassoverhisbody?”
“No.Infact,IthoughtI’dmissedhimaltogether.”
“Hewasreeling,yousay?”
“Yes,Ithoughthewasdrunk.”
“Andhecamefromthehedge?”
“Therewasagatejustthere,Ithink.Hemusthavecomethroughthegate.”
Thedoctornodded,thenheleanedbackinhischairandremovedhispince-nez.
“I’venodoubtatall,”hesaid,“thatyou’reaveryrecklessdriver,andthatyou’llprobablyrunoversomepoorfellowanddoforhimoneofthesedays—butyouhaven’tdoneitthistime.”
“But—”
“Thecarnevertouchedhim.Thismanwasshot.”
Six
SEVENDIALSAGAIN
Bundlestaredathim.Andveryslowlytheworld,whichforthelastthreequartersofanhourhadbeenupsidedown,shiftedtillitstoodoncemoretherightwayup.ItwasquitetwominutesbeforeBundlespoke,butwhenshediditwasnolongerthepanic-strickengirlbuttherealBundle,cool,efficientandlogical.
“Howcouldhebeshot?”shesaid.
“Idon’tknowhowhecould,”saidthedoctordryly.“Buthewas.He’sgotariflebulletinhimallright.Hebledinternally,that’swhyyoudidn’tnoticeanything.”
Bundlenodded.
“Thequestionis,”thedoctorcontinued,“whoshothim?Yousawnobodyabout?”
Bundleshookherhead.
“It’sodd,”saidthedoctor.“Ifitwasanaccident,you’dexpectthefellowwhodiditwouldcomerunningtotherescue—unlessjustpossiblyhedidn’tknowwhathe’ddone.”
“Therewasnooneabout,”saidBundle.“Ontheroad,thatis.”
“Itseemstome,”saidthedoctor,“thatthepoorladmusthavebeenrunning—thebulletgothimjustashepassedthroughthegateandhecamereelingontotheroadinconsequence.Youdidn’thearashot?”
Bundleshookherhead.
“ButIprobablyshouldn’tanyway,”shesaid,“withthenoiseofthecar.”
“Justso.Hedidn’tsayanythingbeforehedied?”
“Hemutteredafewwords.”
“Nothingtothrowlightonthetragedy?”
“No.Hewantedsomething—Idon’tknowwhat—toldtoafriendofhis.Oh!Yes,andhementionedSevenDials.”
“H’m,”saidDoctorCassell.“Notalikelyneighbourhoodforoneofhisclass.Perhapshisassailantcamefromthere.Well,weneedn’tworryaboutthatnow.Youcanleaveitinmyhands.I’llnotifythepolice.Youmust,ofcourse,leaveyournameandaddress,asthepolicearesuretowanttoquestionyou.Infact,perhapsyou’dbettercomeroundtothepolicestationwithmenow.TheymightsayIoughttohavedetainedyou.”
TheywenttogetherinBundle’scar.Thepoliceinspectorwasaslow-speakingman.HewassomewhatoverawedbyBundle’snameandaddresswhenshegaveittohim,andhetookdownherstatementwithgreatcare.
“Lads!”hesaid.“That’swhatitis.Ladspractising!Cruelstupid,themyoungvarmintsare.Alwaysloosingoffatbirdswithnoconsiderationforanyoneasmaybetheothersideofahedge.”
Thedoctorthoughtitamostunlikelysolution,butherealizedthatthecasewouldsoonbeinablerhandsanditdidnotseemworthwhiletomakeobjections
“Nameofdeceased?”askedthesergeant,moisteninghispencil.
“Hehadacardcaseonhim.HeappearedtohavebeenaMr.RonaldDevereux,withanaddressintheAlbany.”
Bundlefrowned.ThenameRonaldDevereuxawokesomechordofrememberance.Shewassureshehadhearditbefore.
ItwasnotuntilshewashalfwaybacktoChimneysinthecarthatitcametoher.Ofcourse!RonnyDevereux.Bill’sfriendintheForeignOffice.HeandBilland—yes—GeraldWade.
Asthislastrealizationcametoher,Bundlenearlywentintothehedge.FirstGeraldWade—thenRonnyDevereux.GerryWade’sdeathmighthavebeennatural—theresultofcarelessness—butRonnyDevereux’ssurelyboreamoresinisterinterpretation.
AndthenBundlerememberedsomethingelse.SevenDials!Whenthedyingmanhadsaidit,ithadseemedvaguelyfamiliar.Nowsheknewwhy.GeraldWadehadmentionedSevenDialsinthatlastletterofhiswrittentohissisteronthenightbeforehisdeath.Andthatagainconnectedupwithsomethingelsethatescapedher.
Thinkingallthesethingsover,Bundlehadsloweddowntosuchasoberpacethatnobodywouldhaverecognizedher.Shedrovethecarroundtothegarageandwentinsearchofherfather.
LordCaterhamwashappilyreadingacatalogueofaforthcomingsaleofrareeditionsandwasimmeasurablyastonishedtoseeBundle.
“Evenyou,”hesaid,“can’thavebeentoLondonandbackinthistime.”
“Ihaven’tbeentoLondon,”saidBundle.“Iranoveraman.”
“What?”
“OnlyIdidn’treally.Hewasshot.”
“Howcouldhehavebeen?”
“Idon’tknowhowhecouldhavebeen,buthewas.”
“Butwhydidyoushoothim?”
“Ididn’tshoothim.”
“Youshouldn’tshootpeople,”saidLordCaterhaminatoneofmildremonstrance.“Youshouldn’treally.Idaresaysomeofthemrichlydeserveit—butallthesameitwillleadtotrouble.”
“ItellyouIdidn’tshoothim.”
“Well,whodid?”
“Nobodyknows,”saidBundle.
“Nonsense,”saidLordCaterham.“Amancan’tbeshotandrunoverwithoutanyonehavingdoneit.”
“Hewasn’trunover,”saidBundle.
“Ithoughtyousaidhewas.”
“IsaidIthoughtIhad.”
“Atyreburst,Isuppose,”saidLordCaterham.“Thatdoessoundlikeashot.Itsayssoindetectivestories.”
“Youreallyareperfectlyimpossible,Father.Youdon’tseemtohavethebrainsofarabbit.”
“Notatall,”saidLordCaterham.“YoucomeinwithawildlyimpossibletaleaboutmenbeingrunoverandshotandIdon’tknowwhat,andthenyouexpectmetoknowallaboutitbymagic.”
Bundlesighedwearily.
“Justattend,”shesaid.“I’lltellyouallaboutitinwordsofonesyllable.”
“There,”shesaidwhenshehadconcluded.“Nowhaveyougotit?”
“Ofcourse.Iunderstandperfectlynow.Icanmakeallowancesforyourbeingalittleupset,mydear.IwasnotfarwrongwhenIremarkedtoyoubeforestartingoutthatpeoplelookingfortroubleusuallyfoundit.Iamthankful,”finishedLordCaterhamwithaslightshiver,“thatIstayedquietlyhere.”
Hepickedupthecatalogueagain.
“Father,whereisSevenDials?”
“IntheEastEndsomewhere,Ifancy.Ihavefrequentlyobservedbusesgoingthere—ordoImeanSevenSisters?Ihaveneverbeentheremyself,I’mthankfultosay.Justaswell,becauseIdon’tfancyitisthesortofspotIshouldlike.Andyet,curiouslyenough,Iseemtohaveheardofitinsomeconnectionjustlately.”
“Youdon’tknowaJimmyThesiger,doyou?”
LordCaterhamwasnowengrossedinhiscatalogueoncemore.HehadmadeanefforttobeintelligentonthesubjectofSevenDials.Thistimehemadehardlyanyeffortatall.
“Thesiger,”hemurmuredvaguely.“Thesiger.OneoftheYorkshireThesigers?”
“That’swhatI’maskingyou.Doattend,Father.Thisisimportant.”
LordCaterhammadeadesperateefforttolookintelligentwithoutreallyhavingtogivehismindtothematter.
“TherearesomeYorkshireThesigers,”hesaidearnestly.“AndunlessIammistakensomeDevonshireThesigersalso.YourGreatAuntSelinamarriedaThesiger.”
“Whatgoodisthattome?”criedBundle.
LordCaterhamchuckled.
“Itwasverylittlegoodtoher,ifIrememberrightly.”
“You’reimpossible,”saidBundle,rising.“IshallhavetogetholdofBill.”
“Do,dear,”saidherfatherabsentlyasheturnedapage.“Certainly.Byallmeans.Quiteso.”
Bundlerosetoherfeetwithanimpatientsigh.
“IwishIcouldrememberwhatthatlettersaid,”shemurmured,moretoherselfthanaloud.“Ididn’treaditverycarefully.Somethingaboutajoke,thattheSevenDialsbusinesswasn’tajoke.”
LordCaterhamemergedsuddenlyfromhiscatalogue.
“SevenDials?”hesaid.“Ofcourse.I’vegotitnow.”
“Gotwhat?”
“Iknowwhyitsoundedsofamiliar.GeorgeLomaxhasbeenover.Tredwellfailedforonceandlethimin.Hewasonhiswayuptotown.Itseemshe’shavingsomepoliticalpartyattheAbbeynextweekandhegotawarningletter.”
“Whatdoyoumeanbyawarningletter?”
“Well,Idon’treallyknow.Hedidn’tgointodetails.Igatheritsaid‘Beware’and‘Troubleisathand,’andallthosesortofthings.ButanywayitwaswrittenfromSevenDials,Idistinctlyrememberhissayingso.HewasgoinguptotowntoconsultScotlandYardaboutit.YouknowGeorge?”
Bundlenodded.Shewaswell-acquaintedwiththatpublic-spiritedCabinetMinister,GeorgeLomax,HisMajesty’spermanentUnderSecretaryofStateforForeignAffairs,whowasshunnedbymanybecauseofhisinveteratehabitofquotingfromhispublicspeechesinprivate.Inallusiontohisbulgingeyeballs,hewasknowntomany—BillEversleighamongothers—asCodders.
“Tellme,”shesaid,“wasCoddersinterestedatallinGeraldWade’sdeath?”
“NotthatIheardof.Hemayhavebeen,ofcourse.”
Bundlesaidnothingforsomeminutes.ShewasbusilyengagedintryingtoremembertheexactwordingofthelettershehadsentontoLoraineWade,andatthesametimeshewastryingtopicturethegirltowhomithadbeenwritten.Whatsortofagirlwasthistowhom,apparently,GeraldWadewassodevoted?Themoreshethoughtoverit,themoreitseemedtoherthatitwasanunusualletterforabrothertowrite.
“DidyousaytheWadegirlwasGerry’shalfsister?”sheaskedsuddenly.
“Well,ofcourse,strictlyspeaking,Isupposesheisn’t—wasn’t,Imean—hissisteratall.”
“Buthername’sWade?”
“Notreally.Shewasn’toldWade’schild.AsIwassaying,heranawaywithhissecondwife,whowasmarriedtoaperfectblackguard.IsupposetheCourtsgavetherascallyhusbandthecustodyofthechild,buthecertainlydidn’tavailhimselfoftheprivilege.OldWadegotveryfondofthechildandinsistedthatsheshouldbecalledbyhisname.”
“Isee,”saidBundle.“Thatexplainsit.”
“Explainswhat?”
“Somethingthatpuzzledmeaboutthatletter.”
“She’sratheraprettygirl,Ibelieve,”saidLordCaterham.“OrsoI’veheard.”
Bundlewentupstairsthoughtfully.Shehadseveralobjectsinview.FirstshemustfindthisJimmyThesiger.Bill,perhaps,wouldbehelpfulthere.RonnyDevereuxhadbeenafriendofBill’s.IfJimmyThesigerwasafriendofRonny’s,thechanceswerethatBillwouldknowhimtoo.Thentherewasthegirl,LoraineWade.ItwaspossiblethatshecouldthrowsomelightontheproblemofSevenDials.EvidentlyGerryWadehadsaidsomethingtoheraboutit.Hisanxietythatsheshouldforgetthefacthadasinistersuggestion.
Seven
BUNDLEPAYSACALL
GettingholdofBillpresentedfewdifficulties.Bundlemotoreduptotownonthefollowingmorning—thistimewithoutadventuresontheway—andranghimup.Billrespondedwithalacrityandmadevarioussuggestionsastolunch,tea,dinneranddancing.AllofwhichsuggestionsBundleturneddownasmade.
“Inadayortwo,I’llcomeandfrivolwithyou,Bill.ButforthemomentI’muponbusiness.”
“Oh,”saidBill.“Whatabeastlybore.”
“It’snotthatkind,”saidBundle.“It’sanythingbutboring.Bill,doyouknowanyonecalledJimmyThesiger?”
“Ofcourse.Sodoyou.”
“No,Idon’t,”saidBundle.
“Yes,youdo.Youmust.EveryoneknowsoldJimmy.”
“Sorry,”saidBundle.“JustforonceIdon’tseemtobeeveryone.”
“Oh!butyoumustknowJimmy—pink-facedchap.Looksabitofanass.Butreallyhe’sgotasmanybrainsasIhave.”
“Youdon’tsayso,”saidBundle.“Hemustfeelabittopheavywhenhewalksabout.”
“Wasthatmeantforsarcasm?”
“Itwasafeebleeffortatit.WhatdoesJimmyThesigerdo?”
“Howdoyoumean,whatdoeshedo?”
“DoesbeingattheForeignOfficepreventyoufromunderstandingyournativelanguage?”
“Oh!Isee,youmean,hashegotajob?No,hejustfoolsaround.Whyshouldhedoanything?”
“Infact,moremoneythanbrains?”
“Oh!Iwouldn’tsaythat.Itoldyoujustnowthathehadmorebrainsthanyou’dthink.”
Bundlewassilent.Shewasfeelingmoreandmoredoubtful.Thisgildedyouthdidnotsoundaverypromisingally.Andyetitwashisnamethathadcomefirsttothedyingman’slips.Bill’svoicechimedinsuddenlywithsingularappropriateness.
“Ronnyalwaysthoughtalotofhisbrains.Youknow,RonnyDevereux.Thesigerwashisgreatestpal.”
“Ronny—”
Bundlestopped,undecided.ClearlyBillknewnothingoftheother’sdeath.ItoccurredtoBundleforthefirsttimethatitwasoddthemorningpapershadcontainednothingofthetragedy.Surelyitwasthekindofspicyitemofnewsthatwouldneverbepassedover.Therecouldbeoneexplanation,andoneexplanationonly.Thepolice,forreasonsoftheirown,werekeepingthematterquiet.
Bill’svoicewascontinuing.
“Ihaven’tseenRonnyforanage—notsincethatweekenddownatyourplace.Youknow,whenpooroldGerryWadepassedout.”
Hepausedandthenwenton.
“Ratherafoulbusinessthataltogether.Iexpectyou’veheardaboutit.Isay,Bundle—areyoutherestill?”
“OfcourseI’mhere.”
“Well,youhaven’tsaidanythingforanage.Ibegantothinkthatyouhadgoneaway.”
“No,Iwasjustthinkingoversomething.”
ShouldshetellBillofRonny’sdeath?Shedecidedagainstit—itwasnotthesortofthingtobesaidoverthetelephone.Butsoon,verysoon,shemusthaveameetingwithBill.Inthemeantime—
“Bill?”
“Hullo.”
“Imightdinewithyoutomorrownight.”
“Good,andwe’lldanceafterwards.I’vegotalottotalktoyouabout.AsamatteroffactI’vebeenratherhardhit—thefoulestluck—
“Well,tellmeaboutittomorrow,”saidBundle,cuttinghimshortratherunkindly.“Inthemeantime,whatisJimmyThesiger’saddress?”
“JimmyThesiger?”
“That’swhatIsaid.”
“He’sgotroomsinJermynStreet—doImeanJermynStreetortheotherone?”
“BringthatclassAbraintobearuponit.”
“Yes,JermynStreet.WaitabitandI’llgiveyouthenumber.”
Therewasapause.
“Areyoustillthere?”
“I’malwayshere.”
“Well,oneneverknowswiththesedashedtelephones.Thenumberis103.Gotit?”
“103.Thankyou,Bill.”
“Yes,but,Isay—whatdoyouwantitfor?Yousaidyoudidn’tknowhim.”
“Idon’t,butIshallinhalfanhour.”
“You’regoingroundtohisrooms?”
“Quiteright,Sherlock.”
“Yes,but,Isay—well,foronethinghewon’tbeup.”
“Won’tbeup?”
“Ishouldn’tthinkso.Imean,whowouldbeiftheyhadn’tgotto?Lookatitthatway.You’venoideawhataneffortitisformetogethereateleveneverymorning,andthefussCoddersmakesifI’mbehindtimeissimplyappalling.Youhaven’ttheleastidea,Bundle,whatadog’slifethisis—”
“Youshalltellmeallaboutittomorrownight,”saidBundlehastily.
Sheslammeddownthereceiverandtookstockofthesituation.Firstsheglancedattheclock.Itwasfiveandtwentyminutestotwelve.DespiteBill’sknowledgeofhisfriend’shabits,sheinclinedtoherbeliefthatMr.Thesigerwouldbynowbeinafitstatetoreceivevisitors.Shetookataxito103JermynStreet.
Thedoorwasopenedbyaperfectexampleoftheretiredgentleman’sgentleman.Hisface,expessionlessandpolite,wassuchafaceasmaybefoundbythescoreinthatparticulardistrictofLondon.
“Willyoucomethisway,madam?”
Heusheredherupstairsintoanextremelycomfortablesittingroomcontainingleather-coveredarmchairsofimmensedimensions.Sunkinoneofthosemonstrositieswasanothergirl,ratheryoungerthanBundle.Asmall,fairgirl,dressedinblack.
“WhatnameshallIsay,madam?”
“Iwon’tgiveanyname,”saidBundle.“IjustwanttoseeMr.Thesigeronimportantbusiness.”
Thegravegentlemanbowedandwithdrew,shuttingthedoornoiselesslybehindhim.
Therewasapause.
“It’sanicemorning,”saidthefairgirltimidly.
“It’sanawfullynicemorning,”agreedBundle.
Therewasanotherpause.
“Imotoredupfromthecountrythismorning,”saidBundle,plungingoncemoreintospeech.“AndIthoughtitwasgoingtobeoneofthosefoulfogs.Butitwasn’t.”
“No,”saidtheothergirl.“Itwasn’t.”Andsheadded:“I’vecomeupfromthecountrytoo.”
Bundleeyedhermoreattentively.Shehadbeenslightlyannoyedatfindingtheotherthere.Bundlebelongedtotheenergeticorderofpeoplewholiked“togetonwithit,”andsheforesawthatthesecondvisitorwouldhavetobedisposedofandgotridofbeforeshecouldbroachherownbusiness.Itwasnotatopicshecouldintroducebeforeastranger.
Now,asshelookedmoreclosely,anextraordinaryidearosetoherbrain.Coulditbe?Yes,thegirlwasindeepmourning;herblack-cladanklesshowedthat.Itwasalongshot,butBundlewasconvincedthatherideawasright.Shedrewalongbreath.
“Lookhere,”shesaid,“areyoubyanychanceLoraineWade?”
Loraine’seyesopenedwide.
“Yes,Iam.Howcleverofyoutoknow.We’venevermet,havewe?”
“Iwrotetoyouyesterday,though.I’mBundleBrent.”
“ItwassoverykindofyoutosendmeGerry’sletter,”saidLoraine.“I’vewrittentothankyou.Ineverexpectedtoseeyouhere.”
“I’lltellyouwhyI’mhere,”saidBundle.“DidyouknowRonnyDevereux?”
Lorainenodded.
“HecameoverthedaythatGerry—youknow.Andhe’sbeentoseemetwoorthreetimessince.HewasoneofGerry’sgreatestfriends.”
“Iknow.Well—he’sdead.”
Loraine’slipspartedinsurprise.
“Dead!Buthealwaysseemedsofit.”
Bundlenarratedtheeventsoftheprecedingdayasbrieflyaspossible.AlookoffearandhorrorcameintoLoraine’sface.
“Thenitistrue.Itistrue.”
“What’strue?”
“WhatI’vethought—whatI’vebeenthinkingalltheseweeks.Gerrydidn’tdieanaturaldeath.Hewaskilled.”
“You’vethoughtthat,haveyou?”
“Yes.Gerrywouldneverhavetakenthingstomakehimsleep.”Shegavethelittleghostofalaugh.“Hesleptmuchtoowelltoneedthem.Ialwaysthoughtitqueer.Andhethoughtsotoo—Iknowhedid.”
“Who?”
“Ronny.Andnowthishappens.Nowhe’skilledtoo.”Shepausedandthenwenton:“That’swhatIcamefortoday.ThatletterofGerry’syousentme—assoonasIreadit,ItriedtogetholdofRonny,buttheysaidhewasaway.SoIthoughtI’dcomeandseeJimmy—hewasRonny’sothergreatfriend.Ithoughtperhapshe’dtellmewhatIoughttodo.”
“Youmean—”Bundlepaused.“About—SevenDials.”Lorainenodded.
“Yousee—”shebegan.
ButatthatmomentJimmyThesigerenteredtheroom.
Eight
VISITORSFORJIMMY
Wemustatthispointgobacktosometwentyminutesearlier,toamomentwhenJimmyThesiger,emergingfromthemistsofsleep,wasconsciousofafamiliarvoicespeakingunfamiliarwords.
Hissleep-riddenbraintriedforamomenttocopewiththesituation,butfailed.Heyawnedandrolledoveragain.
“Ayounglady,sir,hascalledtoseeyou.”
Thevoicewasimplacable.SopreparedwasittogoonrepeatingthestatementindefinitelythatJimmyresignedhimselftotheinevitable.Heopenedhiseyesandblinked.
“Eh,Stevens?”hesaid.“Saythatagain.”
“Ayounglady,sir,hascalledtoseeyou.”
“Oh!”Jimmystrovetograspthesituation.“Why?”
“Icouldn’tsay,sir.”
“No,Isupposenot.No,”hethoughtitover.“Isupposeyoucouldn’t.”
Stevensswoopeddownuponatraybythebedside.
“Iwillbringyousomefreshtea,sir.Thisiscold.”
“YouthinkthatIoughttogetupand—er—seethelady?”
Stevensmadenoreply,butheheldhisbackverystiffandJimmyreadthesignscorrectly.
“Oh!verywell,”hesaid.“IsupposeI’dbetter.Shedidn’tgivehername?”
“No,sir.”
“M’m.Shecouldn’tbebyanypossiblechancemyAuntJemima,couldshe?Becauseifso,I’mdamnedifI’mgoingtogetup.”
“Thelady,sir,couldnotpossiblybeanyone’saunt,Ishouldsay,unlesstheyoungestofalargefamily.”
“Aha,”saidJimmy.“Youngandlovely.Isshe—whatkindisshe?”
“Theyounglady,sir,ismostundoubtedlystrictlycommeilfaut,ifImayusetheexpression.”
“Youmayuseit,”saidJimmygraciously.“YourFrenchpronunciation,Stevens,ifImaysayso,isverygood.Muchbetterthanmine.”
“Iamgratifiedtohearit,sir.IhavelatelybeentakingacorrespondencecourseinFrench.”
“Haveyoureally?You’reawonderfulchap,Stevens.”
Stevenssmiledinasuperiorfashionandlefttheroom.Jimmylaytryingtorecallthenamesofanyyoungandlovelygirlsstrictlycommeilfautwhomightbelikelytocomeandcalluponhim.
Stevensreenteredwithfreshtea,andasJimmysippedithefeltapleasurablecuriosity.
“You’vegivenherthepaperandallthat,Ihope,Stevens,”hesaid.
“IsuppliedherwiththeMorningPostandPunch,sir.”
Aringatthebelltookhimaway.Inafewminuteshereturned.
“Anotheryounglady,sir.”
“What?”
Jimmyclutchedhishead.
“Anotheryounglady;shedeclinestogivehername,sir,butsaysherbusinessisimportant.”
Jimmystaredathim.
“Thisisdamnedodd,Stevens.Damnedodd.Lookhere,whattimedidIcomehomelastnight?”
“Justuponfiveo’clock,sir.”
“AndwasI—er—howwasI?”
“Justalittlecheerful,sir—nothingmore.Inclinedtosing‘RuleBritannia.’”
“Whatanextraordinarything,”saidJimmy.“‘RuleBritannia,’eh?Icannotimaginemyselfinasoberstateeversinging‘RuleBritannia.’Somelatentpatriotismmusthaveemergedunderthestimulusof—er—justacoupletoomany.Iwascelebratingatthe‘MustardandCress,’Iremember.Notnearlysuchaninnocentspotasitsounds,Stevens.”Hepaused.“Iwaswondering—”
“Yes,sir?”
“IwaswonderingwhetherundertheaforementionedstimulusIhadputanadvertisementinanewspaperaskingforanurserygovernessorsomethingofthatsort.”
Stevenscoughed.
“Twogirlsturningup.Itlooksodd.Ishalleschewthe‘MustardandCress’infuture.That’sagoodword,Stevens—eschew—Imetitinacrosswordtheotherdayandtookafancytoit.”
WhilsthewastalkingJimmywasrapidlyapparellinghimself.Attheendoftenminuteshewasreadytofacehisunknownguests.Asheopenedthedoorofhissittingroomthefirstpersonhesawwasadark,slimgirlwhowastotallyunknowntohim.Shewasstandingbythemantelpiece,leaningagainstit.Thenhisglancewentontothebigleather-coveredarmchair,andhisheartmissedabeat.Loraine!
Itwasshewhoroseandspokefirstalittlenervously.
“Youmustbeverysurprisedtoseeme.ButIhadtocome.I’llexplaininaminute.ThisisLadyEileenBrent.”
“Bundle—that’swhatI’musuallyknownas.You’veprobablyheardofmefromBillEversleigh.”
“Oh,rather,ofcourseIhave,”saidJimmy,endeavouringtocopewiththesituation.“Isay,dositdownandlet’shaveacocktailorsomething.”
Bothgirlsdeclined.
“Asamatteroffact,”continuedJimmy,“I’monlyjustoutofbed.”
“That’swhatBillsaid,”remarkedBundle.“ItoldhimIwascomingroundtoseeyou,andhesaidyouwouldn’tbeup.”
“Well,I’mupnow”saidJimmyencouragingly.
“It’saboutGerry,”saidLoraine.“AndnowaboutRonny—”
“Whatdoyoumeanby‘andnowaboutRonny?’”
“Hewasshotyesterday.”
“What?”criedJimmy.
Bundletoldherstoryforthesecondtime.Jimmylistenedlikeamaninadream.
“OldRonny—shot,”hemurmured.“Whatisthisdamnedbusiness?”
Hesatdownontheedgeofachair,thinkingforaminuteortwo,andthenspokeinaquiet,levelvoice.
“There’ssomethingIthinkIoughttotellyou.”
“Yes,”saidBundleencouragingly.
“ItwasonthedayGerryWadedied.Onthewayovertobreakthenewstoyou”—henoddedatLoraine—“inthecarRonnysaidsomethingtome.Thatistosay,hestartedtotellmesomething.Therewassomethinghewantedtotellme,andhebeganaboutit,andthenhesaidhewasboundbyapromiseandcouldn’tgoon.”
“Boundbyapromise,”saidLorainethoughtfully.
“That’swhathesaid.NaturallyIdidn’tpresshimafterthat.Buthewasodd—damnedodd—allthrough.Igottheimpressionthenthathesuspected—well,foulplay.Ithoughthe’dtellthedoctorso.Butno,notevenahint.SoIthoughtI’dbeenmistaken.Andafterwards,withtheevidenceandall—well,itseemedsuchaveryclearcase.Ithoughtmysuspicionshadbeenallbosh.”
“ButyouthinkRonnystillsuspected?”askedBundle.
Jimmynodded.
“That’swhatIthinknow.Why,noneofushaveseenanythingofhimsince.Ibelievehewasplayingalonehand—tryingtofindoutthetruthaboutGerry’sdeath,andwhat’smore,Ibelievehedidfindout.That’swhythedevilsshothim.Andthenhetriedtosendwordtome,butcouldonlygetoutthosetwowords.”
“SevenDials,”saidBundle,andshiveredalittle.
“SevenDials,”saidJimmygravely.“Atanyratewe’vegotthattogoonwith.”
BundleturnedtoLoraine.
“Youwerejustgoingtotellme—”
“Oh!yes.First,abouttheletter.”ShespoketoJimmy.“Gerryleftaletter.LadyEileen—”
“Bundle.”
“Bundlefoundit.”Sheexplainedthecircumstancesinafewwords.
Jimmylistened,keenlyinterested.Thiswasthefirsthehadheardoftheletter.Lorainetookitfromherbagandhandedittohim.Hereadit,thenlookedacrossather.
“Thisiswhereyoucanhelpus.WhatwasitGerrywantedyoutoforget?”
Loraine’sbrowswrinkledalittleinperplexity.
“It’ssohardtorememberexactlynow.IopenedaletterofGerry’sbymistake.Itwaswrittenoncheapsortofpaper,Iremember,andveryilliteratehandwriting.IthadsomeaddressinSevenDialsattheheadofit.Irealizeditwasn’tforme,soIputitbackintheenvelopewithoutreadingit.”
“Sure?”askedJimmyverygently.
Lorainelaughedforthefirsttime.
“Iknowwhatyouthink,andIadmitthatwomenarecurious.But,yousee,thisdidn’tevenlookinteresting.Itwasakindoflistofnamesanddates.”
“Namesanddates,”saidJimmythoughtfully.
“Gerrydidn’tseemtomindmuch,”continuedLoraine.“Helaughed.HeaskedmeifIhadeverheardoftheMafia,andthensaiditwouldbequeerifasocietyliketheMafiastartedinEngland—butthatthatkindofsecretsocietydidn’ttakeonmuchwithEnglishpeople.‘Ourcriminals,’hesaid,‘haven’tgotapicturesqueimagination.’”
Jimmypursueduphislipsintoawhistle.
“I’mbeginningtosee,”hesaid.“SevenDialsmustbetheheadquartersforsomesecretsociety.Ashesaysinhislettertoyou.Hethoughtitratherajoketostartwith.Butevidentlyitwasn’tajoke—hesaysasmuch.Andthere’ssomethingelse:hisanxietythatyoushouldforgetwhathe’stoldyou.Therecanbeonlyonereasonforthat—ifthatsocietysuspectedthatyouhadanyknowledgeofitsactivity,youtoowouldbeindanger.Geraldrealizedtheperil,andhewasterriblyanxious—foryou.”
Hestopped,thenhewentonquietly:
“Iratherfancythatwe’reallgoingtobeindanger—ifwegoonwiththis.”
“If—?”criedBundleindignantly.
“I’mtalkingofyoutwo.It’sdifferentforme.IwaspooroldRonny’spal.”HelookedatBundle.“You’vedoneyourbit.You’vedeliveredthemessagehesentme.No;forGod’ssakekeepoutofit,youandLoraine.”
Bundlelookedquestioninglyattheothergirl.Herownmindwasdefinitelymadeup,butshegavenoindicationofitjustthen.ShehadnowishtopushLoraineWadeintoadangerousundertaking.
ButLoraine’ssmallfacewasalightatoncewithindignation.
“Yousaythat!DoyouthinkforoneminuteI’dbecontentedtokeepoutofit—whentheykilledGerry—myowndearGerry,thebestanddearestandkindestbrotheranygirleverhad.TheonlypersonbelongingtomeIhadinthewholeworld!”
Jimmyclearedhisthroatuncomfortably.Loraine,hethought,waswonderful;simplywonderful.
“Lookhere,”hesaidawkwardly.“Youmustn’tsaythat.Aboutbeingaloneintheworld—allthatrot.You’vegotlotsoffriends—onlytoogladtodowhattheycan.SeewhatImean?”
ItispossiblethatLorainedid,forshesuddenlyblushed,andtocoverherconfusionbegantotalknervously.
“That’ssettled,”shesaid.“I’mgoingtohelp.Nobody’sgoingtostopme.”
“AndsoamI,ofcourse,”saidBundle
TheybothlookedatJimmy.
“Yes,”hesaidslowly.“Yes,quiteso.”
Theylookedathiminquiringly.
“Iwasjustwondering,”saidJimmy,“howweweregoingtobegin.”
Nine
PLANS
Jimmy’swordsliftedthediscussionatonceintoamorepracticalsphere.
“Allthingsconsidered,”hesaid,“wehaven’tgotmuchtogoon.Infact,justthewordsSevenDials.AsamatteroffactIdon’tevenknowexactlywhereSevenDialsis.But,anyway,wecan’tverywellcomboutthewholeofthatdistrict,housebyhouse.”
“Wecould,”saidBundle.
“Well,perhapswecouldeventually—thoughI’mnotsosure.Iimagineit’sawell-populatedarea.Butitwouldn’tbeverysubtle.”
ThewordremindedhimofthegirlSocksandhesmiled.
“Then,ofcourse,there’sthepartofthecountrywhereRonnywasshot.Wecouldnosearoundthere.Butthepoliceareprobablydoingeverythingwecoulddo,anddoingitmuchbetter.”
“WhatIlikeaboutyou,”saidBundlesarcastically,“isyourcheerfulandoptimisticdisposition.”
“Nevermindher,Jimmy,”saidLorainesoftly.“Goon.”
“Don’tbesoimpatient,”saidJimmytoBundle.“Allthebestsleuthsapproachacasethisway,byeliminatingunnecessaryandunprofitableinvestigation.I’mcomingnowtothethirdalternative—Gerald’sdeath.Nowthatweknowitwasmurder—bytheway,youdobothbelievethat,don’tyou?”
“Yes,”saidLoraine.
“Yes,”saidBundle.
“Good.SodoI.Well,itseemstomethattherewedostandsomefaintchance.Afterall,ifGerrydidn’ttakethechloralhimself,someonemusthavegotintohisroomandputitthere—dissolveditintheglassofwater,sothatwhenhewokeuphedrankitoff.Andofcourselefttheemptyboxorbottleorwhateveritwas.Youagreewiththat?”
“Ye—es,”saidBundleslowly.“But—”
“Wait.Andthatsomeonemusthavebeeninthehouseatthetime.Itcouldn’tverywellhavebeensomeonefromoutside.”
“No,”agreedBundle,morereadilythistime.
“Verywell.Now,thatnarrowsdownthingsconsiderably.Tobeginwith,Isupposeagoodmanyoftheservantsarefamilyones—they’reyourlot,Imean.”
“Yes,”saidBundle.“Practicallyallthestaffstayedwhenweletit.Alltheprincipalonesaretherestill—ofcoursetherehavebeenchangesamongtheunderservants.”
“Exactly—that’swhatIamgettingatYou”—headdressedBundle—“mustgointoallthat.Findoutwhennewservantswereengaged—whataboutfootmen,forinstance?”
“Oneofthefootmenisnew.John,hisnameis.”
“Well,makeinquiriesaboutJohn.Andabouttheotherswhohaveonlycomerecently.”
“Isuppose,”saidBundleslowly,“itmusthavebeenaservant.Itcouldn’thavebeenoneoftheguests?”
“Idon’tseehowthat’spossible.”
“Whowerethereexactly?”
“Well,therewerethreegirls—NancyandHelenandSocks—”
“SocksDaventry?Iknowher.”
“Mayhavebeen.Girlwhowasalwayssayingthingsweresubtle.”
“That’sSocksallright.Subtleisoneofherwords.”
“AndthentherewasGerryWadeandmeandBillEversleighandRonny.And,ofcourse,SirOswaldandLadyCoote.Oh!andPongo.”
“Who’sPongo?”
“ChapcalledBateman—secretarytooldCoote.Solemnsortofcovebutveryconscientious.Iwasatschoolwithhim.”
“Theredoesn’tseemanythingverysuspiciousthere,”remarkedLoraine.
“No,theredoesn’t,”saidBundle.“Asyousay,we’llhavetolookamongsttheservants.Bytheway,youdon’tsupposethatclockbeingthrownoutofthewindowhadanythingtodowithit?”
“Aclockthrownoutofthewindow,”saidJimmy,staring.Itwasthefirsthehadheardofit.
“Ican’tseehowitcanhaveanythingtodowithit,”saidBundle.“Butit’soddsomehow.Thereseemsnosenseinit.”
“Iremember,”saidJimmyslowly.“Iwentinto—toseepooroldGerry,and,thereweretheclocksrangedalongthemantelpiece.Iremembernoticingtherewereonlyseven—noteight.”
Hegaveasuddenshiverandexplainedhimselfapologetically.
“Sorry,butsomehowthoseclockshavealwaysgivenmetheshivers.Idreamofthemsometimes.I’dhatetogointothatroominthedarkandseethemthereinarow.”
“Youwouldn’tbeabletoseethemifitwasdark,”saidBundlepractically.“Notunlesstheyhadluminousdials—Oh!”Shegaveasuddengaspandthecolourrushedintohercheeks.“Don’tyousee!SevenDials!”
Theotherslookedatherdoubtfully,butsheinsistedwithincreasingvehemence.
“Itmustbe.Itcan’tbeacoincidence.”
Therewasapause.
“Youmayberight,”saidJimmyThesigeratlast.“It’s—it’sdashedodd.”
Bundlestartedquestioninghimeagerly.
“Whoboughttheclocks?”
“Allofus.”
“Whothoughtofthem?”
“Allofus.”
“Nonsense,somebodymusthavethoughtofthemfirst.”
“Itdidn’thappenthatway.WewerediscussingwhatwecoulddotogetGerryup,andPongosaidanalarumclock,andsomebodysaidonewouldbenogood,andsomebodyelse—BillEversleigh,Ithink—saidwhynotgetadozen.Andweallsaidgoodeggandhoofedofftogetthem.WegotoneeachandanextraoneforPongoandoneforLadyCoote—justoutofthegenerosityofourhearts.Therewasnothingpremeditatedaboutit—itjusthappened.”
Bundlewassilenced,butnotconvinced.
Jimmyproceededtosumupmethodically.
“Ithinkwecansaywe’resureofcertainfacts.There’sasecretsociety,withpointsofresemblancetotheMafia,inexistence.GerryWadecametoknowaboutit.Atfirsthetreateditasratherajoke—asanabsurdity,shallwesay.Hecouldn’tbelieveinitsbeingreallydangerous.Butlatersomethinghappenedtoconvincehim,andthenhegotthewindupinearnest.IratherfancyhemusthavesaidsomethingtoRonnyDevereuxaboutit.Anyway,whenhewasputoutoftheway,Ronnysuspected,andhemusthaveknownenoughtogetonthesametrackhimself.Theunfortunatethingisthatwe’vegottostartquitefromtheouterdarkness.Wehaven’tgottheknowledgetheothertwohad.”
“Perhapsthat’sanadvantage,”saidLorainecoolly.“Theywon’tsuspectusandthereforetheywon’tbetryingtoputusoutoftheway.”
“IwishIfeltsureaboutthat,”saidJimmyinaworriedvoice.“Youknow,Loraine,oldGerryhimselfwantedyoutokeepoutofit.Don’tyouthinkyoucould—”
“No,Icouldn’t,”saidLoraine.“Don’tlet’sstartdiscussingthatagain.It’sonlyawasteoftime.”
Atthementionofthewordtime,Jimmy’seyesrosetotheclockandheutteredanexclamationofastonishment.Heroseandopenedthedoor.
“Stevens.”
“Yes,sir?”
“Whataboutaspotoflunch,Stevens?Coulditbemanaged?”
“Ianticipatedthatitwouldberequired,sir.Mrs.Stevenshasmadepreparationsaccordingly.”
“That’sawonderfulman,”saidJimmy,ashereturned,heavingasighofrelief.“Brain,youknow.Sheerbrain.Hetakescorrespondencecourses.Isometimeswonderifthey’dbeanygoodtome.”
“Don’tbesilly,”saidLoraine.
Stevensopenedthedoorandproceededtobringinamostrecherchémeal.Anomelettewasfollowedbyquailsandtheverylightestthinginsoufflés.
“Whyaremensohappywhenthey’resingle,”saidLorainetragically.“Whyaretheysomuchbetterlookedafterbyotherpeoplethanbyus?”
“Oh!butthat’srot,youknow,”saidJimmy.“Imean,they’renot.Howcouldtheybe?Ioftenthink—”
Hestammeredandstopped.Loraineblushedagain.
SuddenlyBundleletoutawhoopandboththeothersstartedviolently.
“Idiot,”saidBundle.“Imbecile.Me,Imean.IknewtherewassomethingI’dforgotten.”
“What?”
“YouknowCodders—GeorgeLomax,Imean?”
“I’veheardofhimagooddeal,”saidJimmy.“FromBillandRonny,youknow.”
“Well,Coddersisgivingsomesortofadrypartynextweek—andhe’shadawarningletterfromSevenDials.”
“What?”criedJimmyexcitedly,leaningforward.“Youcan’tmeanit?”
“Yes,Ido.HetoldFatheraboutit.Nowwhatdoyouthinkthatpointsto?”
Jimmyleantbackinhischair.Hethoughtrapidlyandcarefully.Atlasthespoke.Hisspeechwasbriefandtothepoint.
“Something’sgoingtohappenatthatparty,”hesaid.
“That’swhatIthink,”saidBundle.
“Itallfitsin,saidJimmyalmostdreamily.
HeturnedtoLoraine.
“Howoldwereyouwhenthewarwason?”heaskedunexpectedly.
“Nine—no,eight.”
“AndGerry,Isuppose,wasabouttwenty.Mostladsoftwentyfoughtinthewar.Gerrydidn’t.”
“No,”saidLoraine,afterthinkingaminuteortwo.“No,Gerrywasn’tasoldier.Idon’tknowwhy.”
“Icantellyouwhy,”saidJimmy.“OratleastIcanmakeaveryshrewdguess.HewasoutofEnglandfrom1915to1918.I’vetakenthetroubletofindthatout.Andnobodyseemstoknowexactlywherehewas.IthinkhewasinGermany.”
ThecolourroseinLoraine’scheeks.ShelookedatJimmywithadmiration.
“Howcleverofyou.”
“HespokeGermanwell,didn’the?”
“Oh,yes,likeanative.”
“I’msureI’mright.Listenyoutwo.GerryWadewasattheForeignOffice.Heappearedtobethesamesortofamiableidiot—excusetheterm,butyouknowwhatImean—asBillEversleighandRonnyDevereux.Apurelyornamentalexcrescence.Butinrealityhewassomethingquitedifferent.IthinkGerryWadewastherealthing.Oursecretserviceissupposedtobethebestintheworld.IthinkGerryWadewasprettyhighupinthatservice.Andthatexplainseverything!IremembersayingidlythatlasteveningatChimneysthatGerrycouldn’tbequitesuchanassashemadehimselfouttobe.”
“Andifyou’reright?”saidBundle,practicalasever.
“Thenthething’sbiggerthanwethought.ThisSevenDialsbusinessisn’tmerelycriminal—it’sinternational.Onething’scertain,somebodyhasgottobeatthishousepartyofLomax’s.”
Bundlemadeaslightgrimace.
“IknowGeorgewell—buthedoesn’tlikeme.He’dneverthinkofaskingmetoaseriousgathering.Allthesame,Imight—”
Sheremainedamomentlostinthought.
“DoyouthinkIcouldworkitthroughBill?”askedJimmy.“He’sboundtobethereasCodder’srighthandman.Hemightbringmealongsomehoworother.”
“Idon’tseewhynot,”saidBundle.“You’llhavetoprimeBillandmakehimsaytherightthings.He’sincapableofthinkingofthemforhimself.”
“Whatdoyousuggest?”askedJimmyhumbly.
“Oh!It’squiteeasy.Billdescribesyouasarichyoungman—interestedinpolitics,anxioustostandforParliament.Georgewillfallatonce.Youknowwhatthesepoliticalpartiesare:alwayslookingfornewrichyoungmen.ThericherBillsaysyouare,theeasieritwillbetomanage.”
“ShortofbeingdescribedasRothschild,Idon’tmind,”saidJimmy.
“ThenIthinkthat’spracticallysettled.I’mdiningwithBilltomorrownight,andI’llgetalistofwhoistobethere.Thatwillbeuseful.”
“I’msorryyoucan’tbethere,”saidJimmy.“ButonthewholeIthinkit’sallforthebest.”
“I’mnotsureIshan’tbethere,”saidBundle.“Coddershatesmelikepoison—butthereareotherways.”
Shebecamemeditative.
“Andwhataboutme?”askedLoraineinasmall,meekvoice.
“You’renotoninthisact,”saidJimmyinstantly.“See?Afterall,we’vegottohavesomeoneoutsideto—er—”
“Towhat?”saidLoraine.
Jimmydecidednottopursuethistack.HeappealedtoBundle.
“Lookhere,”hesaid,“Lorainemustkeepoutofthis,mustn’tshe?”
“Icertainlythinkshe’dbetter.”
“Nexttime,”saidJimmykindly.
“Andsupposethereisn’tanexttime?”saidLoraine.
“Oh,thereprobablywillbe.Notadoubtofit.”
“Isee.I’mjusttogohomeand—wait.”
“That’sit,”saidJimmy,witheveryappearanceofrelief.“Ithoughtyou’dunderstand.”
“Yousee,”explainedBundle,“threeofusforcingourwayinmightlookrathersuspicious.Andyouwouldbeparticularlydifficult.Youdoseethat,don’tyou?”
“Oh,yes,”saidLoraine.
“Thenit’ssettled—youdonothing,”saidJimmy.
“Idonothing,”saidLorainemeekly.
Bundlelookedatherinsuddensuspicion.ThetamenesswithwhichLorainewastakingitseemedhardlynatural.Lorainelookedather.Hereyeswereblueandguileless.TheymetBundle’swithoutaquiverevenofthelashes.Bundlewasonlypartlysatisfied.ShefoundthemeeknessofLoraineWadehighlysuspicious.
Ten
BUNDLEVISITSSCOTLANDYARD
Nowitmaybesaidatoncethatintheforegoingconversationeachoneofthethreeparticipantshad,asitwere,heldsomethinginreserve.That“Nobodytellseverything”isaverytruemotto.
Itmaybequestioned,forinstance,ifLoraineWadewasperfectlysincereinheraccountofthemotiveswhichhadledhertoseekoutJimmyThesiger.
Inthesameway,JimmyThesigerhimselfhadvariousideasandplansconnectedwiththeforthcomingpartyatGeorgeLomax’swhichhehadnointentionofrevealingto—say,Bundle.
AndBundleherselfhadafully-fledgedplanwhichsheproposedtoputintoimmediateexecutionandwhichshehadsaidnothingwhateverabout.
OnleavingJimmyThesiger’srooms,shedrovetoScotlandYard,wheresheaskedforSuperintendentBattle.
SuperintendentBattlewasratherabigman.Heworkedalmostentirelyoncasesofadelicatepoliticalnature.OnsuchacasehehadcometoChimneysfouryearsago,andBundlewasfranklytradingonhisrememberingthisfact.
Afterashortdelay,shewastakenalongseveralcorridorsandintotheSuperintendent’sprivateroom.Battlewasastolid-lookingmanwithawoodenface.Helookedsupremelyunintelligentandmorelikeacommissionairethanadetective.
Hewasstandingbythewindowwhensheentered,gazinginanexpressionlessmanneratsomesparrows.
“Goodafternoon,LadyEileen,”hesaid.“Sitdown,won’tyou?”
“Thankyou,”saidBundle.“Iwasafraidyoumightn’trememberme.”
“Alwaysrememberpeople,”saidBattle.Headded:“Gottoinmyjob.”
“Oh!”saidBundle,ratherdamped.
“AndwhatcanIdoforyou?”inquiredtheSuperintendent.
Bundlecamestraighttothepoint.
“I’vealwaysheardthatyoupeopleatScotlandYardhavelistsofallsecretsocietiesandthingslikethatthatareformedinLondon.”
“Wetrytokeepuptodate,”saidSuperintendentBattlecautiously.
“Isupposeagreatmanyofthemaren’treallydangerous.”
“We’vegotaverygoodruletogoby,”saidBattle.“Themoretheytalk,thelessthey’lldo.You’dbesurprisedhowwellthatworksout.”
“AndI’veheardthatveryoftenyouletthemgoon?”
Battlenodded.
“That’sso.Whyshouldn’tamancallhimselfaBrotherofLibertyandmeettwiceaweekinacellarandtalkaboutriversofblood—itwon’thurteitherhimorus.Andifthereistroubleanytime,weknowwheretolayourhandsonhim.”
“Butsometimes,Isuppose,”saidBundleslowly,“asocietymaybemoredangerousthananyoneimagines?”
“Veryunlikely,”saidBattle.
“Butitmighthappen,”persistedBundle.
“Oh,itmight,”admittedtheSuperintendent.
Therewasamomentortwo’ssilence.ThenBundlesaidquietly:
“SuperintendentBattle,couldyougivemealistofsecretsocietiesthathavetheirheadquartersinSevenDials?”
ItwasSuperintendentBattle’sboastthathehadneverbeenseentodisplayemotion.ButBundlecouldhaveswornthatjustforamomenthiseyelidsflickeredandhelookedtakenback.Onlyforamoment,however.Hewashisusualwoodenselfashesaid:
“Strictlyspeaking,LadyEileen,there’snosuchplaceasSevenDialsnowadays.”
“No?”
“No.Mostofitispulleddownandrebuilt.Itwasratheralowquarteronce,butit’sveryrespectableandhighclassnowadays.Notatallaromanticspottopokeaboutinformysterioussecretsocieties.”
“Oh!”saidBundle,rathernonplussed.
“ButallthesameIshouldverymuchliketoknowwhatputthatneighbourhoodintoyourhead,LadyEileen.”
“HaveIgottotellyou?”
“Well,itsavestrouble,doesn’tit?Weknowwhereweare,sotospeak.”
Bundlehesitatedforaminute.
“Therewasamanshotyesterday,”shesaidslowly.“IthoughtIhadrunoverhim—”
“Mr.RonaldDevereux?”
“Youknowaboutit,ofcourse.Whyhastherebeennothinginthepapers?”
“Doyoureallywanttoknowthat,LadyEileen?”
“Yes,please.”
“Well,wejustthoughtweshouldliketohaveacleartwenty-fourhours—see?Itwillbeinthepaperstomorrow.”
“Oh!”Bundlestudiedhim,puzzled.
Whatwashiddenbehindthatimmovableface?DidheregardtheshootingofRonaldDevereuxasanordinarycrimeorasanextraordinaryone?
“HementionedSevenDialswhenhewasdying,”saidBundleslowly.
“Thankyou,”saidBattle.“I’llmakeanoteofthat.”
Hewroteafewwordsontheblottingpadinfrontofhim.
Bundlestartedonanothertack.
“Mr.Lomax,Iunderstand,cametoseeyouyesterdayaboutathreateningletterhehadhad.”
“Hedid.”
“AndthatwaswrittenfromSevenDials.”
“IthadSevenDialswrittenatthetopifit,Ibelieve.”
Bundlefeltasthoughshewasbatteringhopelesslyonalockeddoor.
“Ifyou’llletmeadviseyou,LadyEileen—”
“Iknowwhatyou’regoingtosay.”
“Ishouldgohomeand—well,thinknomoreaboutthesematters.”
“Leaveittoyou,infact?”
“Well,”saidSuperintendentBattle,“afterall,wearetheprofessionals.”
“AndI’monlyanamateur?Yes,butyouforgetonething—Imayn’thaveyourknowledgeandskill—butIhaveoneadvantageoveryou.Icanworkinthedark.”
ShethoughtthattheSuperintendentseemedalittletakenaback,asthoughtheforceofherwordsstruckhome.
“Ofcourse,”saidBundle,“ifyouwon’tgivemealistofsecretsocieties—”
“Oh!Ineversaidthat.Youshallhavealistofthewholelot.”
Hewenttothedoor,puthisheadthroughandcalledoutsomething,thencamebacktohischair.Bundle,ratherunreasonably,feltbaffled.Theeasewithwhichheaccededtoherrequestseemedtohersuspicious.Hewaslookingathernowinaplacidfashion.
“DoyourememberthedeathofMr.GeraldWade?”sheaskedabruptly.
“Downatyourplace,wasn’tit?Tookanoverdraughtofsleepingmixture.”
“Hissistersayshenevertookthingstomakehimsleep.”
“Ah!”saidtheSuperintendent.“You’dbesurprisedwhatalotofthingstherearethatsistersdon’tknow.”
Bundleagainfeltbaffled.Shesatinsilencetillamancameinwithatypewrittensheetofpaper,whichhehandedtotheSuperintendent.
“Hereyouare,”saidthelatterwhentheotherhadlefttheroom.“TheBloodBrothersofSt.Sebastian.TheWolfHounds.TheComradesofPeace.TheComradesClub.TheFriendsofOppression.TheChildrenofMoscow.TheRedStandardBearers.TheHerrings.TheComradesoftheFallen—andhalfadozenmore.”
Hehandedittoherwithadistincttwinkleinhiseye.
“Yougiveittome,”saidBundle,“becauseyouknowit’snotgoingtobetheslightestusetome.Doyouwantmetoleavethewholethingalone?”
“Ishouldpreferit,”saidBattle.“Yousee—ifyougomessingaroundalltheseplaces—well,it’sgoingtogiveusalotoftrouble.”
“Lookingafterme,youmean?”
“Lookingafteryou,LadyEileen.”
Bundlehadrisentoherfeet.Nowshestoodundecided.SofarthehonourslaywithSuperintendentBattle.Thensherememberedoneslightincident,andshebasedherlastappealuponit.
“Isaidjustnowthatanamateurcoulddosomethingswhichaprofessionalcouldn’t.Youdidn’tcontradictme.That’sbecauseyou’reanhonestman,SuperintendentBattle.YouknewIwasright.”
“Goon,”saidBattlequickly.
“AtChimneysyouletmehelp.Won’tyouletmehelpnow?”
Battleseemedtobeturningthethingoverinhismind.Emboldenedbyhissilence,Bundlecontinued.
“YouknowprettywellwhatI’mlike,SuperintendentBattle.Ibuttintothings.I’maNosyParker.Idon’twanttogetinyourwayortotryanddothingsthatyou’redoingandcandoagreatdealbetter.Butifthere’sachanceforanamateur,letmehaveit.”
Againtherewasapause,andthenSuperintendentBattlesaidquietly:
“Youcouldn’thavespokenfairerthanyouhavedone,LadyEileen.ButI’mjustgoingtosaythistoyou.Whatyouproposeisdangerous.AndwhenIsaydangerous,Imeandangerous.”
“I’vegraspedthat,”saidBundle.“I’mnotafool.”
“No,”saidSuperintendentBattle.“Neverknewayoungladywhowaslessso.WhatI’lldoforyou,LadyEileen,isthis.I’lljustgiveyouonelittlehint.AndI’mdoingitbecauseIneverhavethoughtmuchofthemotto‘SafetyFirst.’Inmyopinionallthepeoplewhospendtheirlivesavoidingbeingrunoverbybuseshadmuchbetterberunoverandputsafelyoutoftheway.They’renogood.”
ThisremarkableutteranceissuingfromtheconventionallipsofSuperintendentBattlequitetookBundle’sbreathaway.
“Whatwasthathintyouweregoingtogiveme?”sheaskedatlast.
“YouknowMr.Eversleigh,don’tyou?”
“KnowBill?Why,ofcourse,Butwhat—?”
“IthinkMr.BillEversleighwillbeabletotellyouallyouwanttoknowaboutSevenDials.”
“Billknowsaboutit?Bill?”
“Ididn’tsaythat.Notatall.ButIthink,beingaquick-wittedyounglady,you’llgetwhatyouwantfromhim.
“Andnow,”saidSuperintendentBattlefirmly,“I’mnotgoingtosayanotherword.”
Eleven
DINNERWITHBILL
BundlesetouttokeepherappointmentwithBillonthefollowingeveningfullofexpectation.
Billgreetedherwitheverysignofelation.
“Billreallyisrathernice,”thoughtBundletoherself.“Justlikealarge,clumsydogthatwagsitstailwhenit’spleasedtoseeyou.”
Thelargedogwasutteringshortstaccatoyelpsofcommentandinformation.
“Youlooktremendouslyfit,Bundle.Ican’ttellyouhowpleasedIamtoseeyou.I’veorderedoysters—youdolikeoysters,don’tyou?Andhow’severything?Whatdidyouwanttogomoulderingaboutabroadsolong?Wereyouhavingaverygaytime?”
“No,deadly,”saidBundle.“Perfectlyfoul.Olddiseasedcolonelscreepingaboutinthesun,andactive,wizenedspinstersrunninglibrariesandchurches.”
“GivemeEngland,”saidBill.“Ibarthisforeignbusiness—exceptSwitzerland.Switzerland’sallright.I’mthinkingofgoingthisChristmas.Whydon’tyoucomealong?”
“I’llthinkaboutit,”saidBundle.“Whathaveyoubeendoingwithyourselflately,Bill?”
Itwasanincautiousquery.Bundlehadmerelymadeitoutofpolitenessandasapreliminarytointroducingherowntopicsofconversation.Itwas,however,theopeningforwhichBillhadbeenwaiting.
“That’sjustwhatI’vebeenwantingtotellyouabout.You’rebrainy,Bundle,andIwantyouradvice.Youknowthatmusicalshow,‘DamnYourEyes?’”
“Yes.”
“Well,I’mgoingtotellyouaboutoneofthedirtiestpiecesofworkimaginable.MyGod!thetheatricalcrowd.There’sagirl—aYankeegirl—aperfectstunner—”
Bundle’sheartsank.ThegrievancesofBill’sladyfriendswerealwaysinterminable—theywentonandonandtherewasnostemmingthem.
“Thisgirl,BabeSt.Maurhernameis—”
“Iwonderhowshegothername?”saidBundlesarcastically.
Billrepliedliterally.
“ShegotitoutofWho’sWho.Openeditandjabbedherfingerdownonapagewithoutlooking.Prettynifty,eh?Herrealname’sGoldschmidtorAbrameier—somethingquiteimpossible.”
“Oh,quite,”agreedBundle.
“Well,BabeSt.Maurisprettysmart.Andshe’sgotmuscles.Shewasoneoftheeightgirlswhomadethelivingbridge—”
“Bill,”saidBundledesperately.“IwenttoseeJimmyThesigeryesterdaymorning.”
“GoodoldJimmy,”saidBill.“Well,asIwastellingyou,Babe’sprettysmart.You’vegottobenowadays.Shecanputitoveronmosttheatricalpeople.Ifyouwanttolive,behigh-handed,that’swhatBabesays.Andmindyou,she’sthegoodsallright.Shecanact—it’smarvelloushowthatgirlcanact.She’dnotmuchchancein‘DamnYourEyes’—justswampedinapackofgood-lookinggirls.Isaidwhynottrythelegitimatestage—youknow,Mrs.Tanqueray—thatsortofstuff—butBabejustlaughed—”
“HaveyouseenJimmyatall?”
“Sawhimthismorning.Letmesee,wherewasI?Oh,yes,Ihadn’tgottotherumpusyet.Andmindyouitwasjealousy—sheer,spitefuljealousy.Theothergirlwasn’tapatchonBabeforlooksandsheknewit.Soshewentbehindherback—”
BundleresignedherselftotheinevitableandheardthewholestoryoftheunfortunatecircumstanceswhichhadleduptoBabeSt.Maur’ssummarydisappearancefromthecastof“DamnYourEyes.”Ittookalongtime.WhenBillfinallypausedforbreathandsympathy,Bundlesaid:
“You’requiteright,Bill,it’sarottenshame.Theremustbealotofjealousyabout—”
“Thewholetheatricalworld’srottenwithit.”
“Itmustbe.DidJimmysayanythingtoyouaboutcomingdowntotheAbbeynextweek?”
Forthefirsttime,BillgavehisattentiontowhatBundlewassaying.
“HewasfullofalongrigmarolehewantedmetostuffCodderswith.AboutwantingtostandintheConservativeinterest.Butyouknow,Bundle,it’stoodamnedrisky.”
“Stuff,”saidBundle.“IfGeorgedoesfindhimout,hewon’tblameyou.You’lljusthavebeentakenin,that’sall.”
“That’snotitatall,”saidBill.“Imeanit’stoodamnedriskyforJimmy.Beforeheknowswhereheis,he’llbeparkeddownsomewherelikeTootingEast,pledgedtokissbabiesandmakespeeches.Youdon’tknowhowthoroughCoddersisandhowfrightfullyenergetic.”
“Well,we’llhavetoriskthat,”saidBundle.“Jimmycantakecareofhimselfallright.”
“Youdon’tknowCodders,”repeatedBill.
“Who’scomingtothisparty,Bill?Isitanythingveryspecial?”
“Onlytheusualsortofmuck.Mrs.Macattaforone.”
“TheM.P.?”
“Yes,youknow,alwaysgoingoffthedeependaboutWelfareandPureMilkandSavetheChildren.ThinkofpoorJimmybeingtalkedtobyher.”
“NevermindJimmy.Goontellingme.”
“Thenthere’stheHungarian,whattheycallaYoungHungarian.Countesssomethingunpronounceable.She’sallright.”
Heswallowedasthoughembarrassed,andBundleobservedthathewascrumblinghisbreadnervously.
“Youngandbeautiful?”sheinquireddelicately.
“Oh,rather.”
“Ididn’tknowGeorgewentinforfemalebeautymuch.”
“Oh,hedoesn’t.SherunsbabyfeedinginBudaPesth—somethinglikethat.NaturallysheandMrs.Macattawanttogettogether.”
“Whoelse?”
“SirStanleyDigby—”
“TheAirMinister?”
“Yes.Andhissecretary,TerenceO’Rourke.He’sratheralad,bytheway—orusedtobeinhisflyingdays.Thenthere’saperfectlypoisonousGermanchapcalledHerrEberhard.Idon’tknowwhoheis,butwe’reallmakingthehellofafussabouthim.I’vebeentwicetoldofftotakehimouttolunch,andIcantellyou,Bundle,itwasnojoke.He’snotliketheEmbassychaps,whoareallverydecent.Thismansucksinsoupandeatspeaswithaknife.Notonlythat,butthebruteisalwaysbitinghisfingernails—positivelygnawsatthem.”
“Prettyfoul.”
“Isn’tit?Ibelieveheinventsthings—somethingofthekind.Well,that’sall.Oh,yes,SirOswaldCoote.”
“AndLadyCoote?”
“Yes,Ibelieveshe’scomingtoo.”
Bundlesatlostinthoughtforsomeminutes.Bill’slistwassuggestive,butshehadn’ttimetothinkoutvariouspossibilitiesjustnow.Shemustgetontothenextpoint.
“Bill,”shesaid,“what’sallthisaboutSevenDials?”
Billatoncelookedhorriblyembarrassed.Heblinkedandavoidedherglance.
“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean,”hesaid.
“Nonsense,”saidBundle.“Iwastoldyouknowallaboutit.”
“Aboutwhat?”
Thiswasratheraposer.Bundleshiftedherground.
“Idon’tseewhatyouwanttobesosecretivefor,”shecomplained.
“Nothingtobesecretiveabout.Nobodygoestheremuchnow.Itwasonlyacraze.”
Thissoundedpuzzling.
“Onegetssooutofthingswhenoneisaway,”saidBundleinasadvoice.
“Oh,youhaven’tmissedmuch,”saidBill.“Everyonewenttherejusttosaytheyhadbeen.Itwasboringreally,and,myGod,youcangettiredoffriedfish.”
“Wheredideveryonego?”
“TotheSevenDialsClub,ofcourse,”saidBill,staring.“Wasn’tthatwhatyouwereaskingabout?”
“Ididn’tknowitbythatname,”saidBundle.
“UsedtobeaslummysortofdistrictroundaboutTottenhamCourtRoadway.It’sallpulleddownandcleanedupnow.ButtheSevenDialsClubkeepstotheoldatmosphere.Friedfishandchips.Generalsqualor.KindofEastEndstunt,butawfullyhandytogetatafterashow.”
“It’sanightclub,Isuppose,”saidBundle.“Dancingandallthat?”
“That’sit.Awfullymixedcrowd.Notaposhaffair.Artists,youknow,andallsortsofoddwomenandasprinklingofourlot.Theysayquitealotofthings,butIthinkthatthat’sallbunkummyself,justsaidtomaketheplacego.”
“Good,”saidBundle.“We’llgotheretonight.”
“Oh!Ishouldn’tdothat,”saidBill.Hisembarrassmenthadreturned.“Itellyouit’splayedout.Nobodygoestherenow.”
“Well,we’regoing.”
“Youwouldn’tcareforit,Bundle.Youwouldn’treally.”
“You’regoingtotakemetotheSevenDialsClubandnowhereelse,Bill.AndIshouldliketoknowwhyyouaresounwilling?”
“I?Unwilling?”
“Painfullyso.What’stheguiltysecret?”
“Guiltysecret?”
“Don’tkeeprepeatingwhatIsay.Youdoittogiveyourselftime.”
“Idon’t,”saidBillindignantly.“It’sonly—”
“Well?Iknowthere’ssomething.Younevercanconcealanything.”
“I’vegotnothingtoconceal.It’sonly—”
“Well?”
“It’salongstory—Yousee,ItookBabeSt.Maurthereonenight—”
“Oh!BabeSt.Mauragain.”
“Whynot?”
“Ididn’tknowitwasabouther—”saidBundle,stiflingayawn.
“AsIsay,ItookBabethere.Sheratherfanciedalobster.Ihadalobsterundermyarm—”
Thestorywenton—WhenthelobsterhadbeenfinallydismemberedinastrugglebetweenBillandafellowwhowasarankoutsider,Bundlebroughtherattentionbacktohim.
“Isee,”shesaid.“Andtherewasarow?”
“Yes,butitwasmylobster.I’dboughtitandpaidforit.Ihadaperfectright—”
“Oh,youhad,youhad,”saidBundlehastily.“ButI’msurethat’sallforgottennow.AndIdon’tcareforlobstersanyway.Solet’sgo.”
“Wemayberaidedbythepolice.There’saroomupstairswheretheyplaybaccarat.”
“Fatherwillhavetocomeandbailmeout,that’sall.Comeon,Bill.”
Billstillseemedratherreluctant,butBundlewasadamantandtheyweresoonspeedingtotheirdestinationinataxi
Theplace,whentheygottoit,wasmuchassheimagineditwouldbe.Itwasatallhouseinanarrowstreet,14HunstantonStreet;shenotedthenumber.
Amanwhosefacewasstrangelyfamiliaropenedthedoor.Shethoughthestartedslightlywhenhesawher,buthegreetedBillwithrespectfulrecognition.Hewasatallman,withfairhair,aratherweak,anaemicfaceandslightlyshiftyeyes.Bundlepuzzledtoherselfwhereshecouldhaveseenhimbefore.
Billhadrecoveredhisequilibriumnowandquiteenjoyeddoingshowman.Theydancedinthecellar,whichwasveryfullofsmoke—somuchsothatyousaweveryonethroughabluehaze.Thesmelloffriedfishwasalmostoverpowering.
Onthewallwereroughcharcoalsketches,someofthemexecutedwithrealtalent.Thecompanywasextremelymixed.Therewereportlyforeigners,opulentJewesses,asprinklingofthereallysmart,andseveralladiesbelongingtotheoldestprofessionintheworld.
SoonBillledBundleupstairs.Theretheweak-facedmanwasonguard,watchingallthoseadmittedtothegamblingroomwithalynxeye.SuddenlyrecognitioncametoBundle.
“Ofcourse,”shesaid.“Howstupidofme.It’sAlfredwhousedtobesecondfootmanatChimneys.Howareyou,Alfred?”
“Nicely,thankyou,yourLadyship.”
“WhendidyouleaveChimneys,Alfred?Wasitlongbeforewegotback?”
“Itwasaboutamonthago,m’lady.Igotachanceofbetteringmyself,anditseemedapitynottotakeit.”
“Isupposetheypayyouverywellhere,”remarkedBundle.
“Veryfair,m’lady.”
Bundlepassedin.Itseemedtoherthatinthisroomthereallifeoftheclubwasexposed.Thestakeswerehigh,shesawthatatonce,andthepeoplegatheredroundthetwotableswereofthetruetype.Hawkeyed,haggard,withthegamblingfeverintheirblood.
SheandBillstayedhereforabouthalfanhour.ThenBillgrewrestive.
“Let’sgetoutofthisplace,Bundle,andgoondancing.”
Bundleagreed.Therewasnothingtobeseenhere.Theywentdownagain.Theydancedforanotherhalfhour,hadfishandchips,andthenBundledeclaredherselfreadytogohome.
“Butit’ssoearly,”Billprotested.
“No,itisn’t.Notreally.And,anyway,I’vegotalongdayinfrontofmetomorrow.”
“Whatareyougoingtodo?”
“Thatdepends,”saidBundlemysteriously.“ButIcantellyouthis,Bill,thegrassisnotgoingtogrowundermyfeet.”
“Itneverdoes,”saidMr.Eversleigh.
Twelve
INQUIRIESATCHIMNEYS
Bundle’stemperamentwascertainlynotinheritedfromherfather,whoseprevailingcharacteristicwasawhollyamiableinertia.AsBillEversleighhadveryjustlyremarked,thegrassneverdidgrowunderBundle’sfeet.
OnthemorningfollowingherdinnerwithBill,Bundlewokefullofenergy.Shehadthreedistinctplanswhichshemeanttoputintooperationthatday,andsherealizedthatshewasgoingtobeslightlyhamperedbythelimitsoftimeandspace.
FortunatelyshedidnotsufferfromtheafflictionofGerryWade,RonnyDevereuxandJimmyThesiger—thatofnotbeingabletogetupinthemorning.SirOswaldCootehimselfwouldhavehadnofaulttofindwithheronthescoreofearlyrising.AthalfpasteightBundlehadbreakfastedandwasonherwaytoChimneysintheHispano.
Herfatherseemedmildlypleasedtoseeher.
“Ineverknowwhenyou’regoingtoturnup,”hesaid.“Butthiswillsavemeringingup,whichIhate.ColonelMelrosewashereyesterdayabouttheinquest.”
ColonelMelrosewasChiefConstableofthecounty,andanoldfriendofLordCaterham.
“YoumeantheinquestofRonnyDevereux?Whenisittobe?”
“Tomorrow.Twelveo’clock.Melrosewillcallforyou.Havingfoundthebody,you’llhavetogiveevidence,buthesaidyouneedn’tbeatallalarmed.”
“WhyonearthshouldIbealarmed?”
“Well,youknow,”saidLordCaterhamapologetically,“Melroseisabitold-fashioned.”
“Twelveo’clock,”saidBundle.“Good.Ishallbehere,ifI’mstillalive.”
“Haveyouanyreasontoanticipatenotbeingalive?”
“Oneneverknows,”saidBundle.“Thestrainofmodernlife—asthenewspaperssay.”
“WhichremindsmethatGeorgeLomaxaskedmetocomeovertotheAbbeynextweek.Irefused,ofcourse.”
“Quiteright,”saidBundle.“Wedon’twantyoumixedupinanyfunnybusiness.”
“Istheregoingtobeanyfunnybusiness?”askedLordCaterhamwithasuddenawakeningofinterest.
“Well—warninglettersandallthat,youknow,”saidBundle.
“PerhapsGeorgeisgoingtobeassassinated,”saidLordCaterhamhopefully.“Whatdoyouthink,Bundle—perhapsI’dbettergoafterall.”
“Youcurbyourbloodthirstyinstinctsandstayquietlyathome,”saidBundle.“I’mgoingtotalktoMrs.Howell.”
Mrs.Howellwasthehousekeeper,thatdignified,creakingladywhostruckterrortotheheartofLadyCoote.ShehadnoterrorforBundle,whom,indeed,shealwayscalledMissBundle,arelicofthedayswhenBundlehadstayedatChimneys,along-legged,impishchild,beforeherfatherhadsucceededtothetitle.
“Now,Howelly,”saidBundle,“let’shaveacupofrichcocoatogether,andletmehearallthehouseholdnews.”
Shegleanedwhatshewantedwithoutmuchdifficulty,makingmentalnotesasfollows:
“Twonewscullerymaids—villagegirls—doesn’tseemmuchthere.Newthirdhousemaid—headhousemaid’sniece.Thatsoundsallright.HowellyseemstohavebulliedpoorLadyCooteagooddeal.Shewould.”
“IneverthoughtthedaywouldcomewhenIshouldseeChimneysinhabitedbystrangers,MissBundle.”
“Oh!onemustgowiththetimes,”saidBundle.“You’llbelucky,Howelly,ifyouneverseeitconvertedintodesirableflatswithuseofsuperbpleasuregrounds.”
Mrs.Howellsshiveredalldownherreactionaryaristocraticspine.
“I’veneverseenSirOswaldCoote,”remarkedBundle.
“SirOswaldisnodoubtaveryclevergentleman,”saidMrs.Howellsdistantly.
BundlegatheredthatSirOswaldhadnotbeenlikedbyhisstaff.
“Ofcourse,itwasMr.Batemanwhosawtoeverything,”continuedthehousekeeper.“Averyefficientgentleman.Averyefficientgentlemanindeed,andonewhoknewthewaythingsoughttobedone.”
BundleledthetalkontothetopicofGeraldWade’sdeath.Mrs.Howellwasonlytoowillingtotalkaboutit,andwasfullofpityingejaculationsaboutthepooryounggentleman,butBundlegleanednothingnew.PresentlyshetookleaveofMrs.Howellandcamedownstairsagain,whereshepromptlyrangforTredwell.
“Tredwell,whendidArthurleave?”
“Itwouldbeaboutamonthagonow,mylady.”
“Whydidheleave?”
“Itwasbyhisownwish,mylady.IbelievehehasgonetoLondon.Iwasnotdissatisfiedwithhiminanyway.Ithinkyouwillfindthenewfootman,John,verysatisfactory.Heseemstoknowhisworkandtobemostanxioustogivesatisfaction.”
“Wheredidhecomefrom?”
“Hehadexcellentreferences,mylady.HehadlivedlastwithLordMountVernon.”
“Isee,”saidBundlethoughtfully.
ShewasrememberingthatLordMountVernonwasatpresentonashootingtripinEastAfrica.
“What’shislastname,Tredwell?”
“Bower,mylady.”
Tredwellpausedforaminuteortwoandthen,seeingthatBundlehadfinished,hequietlylefttheroom.Bundleremainedlostinthought.
Johnhadopenedthedoortoheronherarrivalthatday,andshehadtakenparticularnoticeofhimwithoutseemingtodoso.Apparentlyhewastheperfectservant,well-trained,withanexpressionlessface.Hehad,perhaps,amoresoldierlybearingthanmostfootmenandtherewassomethingalittleoddabouttheshapeofthebackofhishead.
Butthesedetails,asBundlerealized,werehardlyrelevanttothesituation.Shesatfrowningdownattheblottingpaperinfrontofher.ShehadapencilinherhandandwasidlytracingthenameBoweroverandoveragain.
Suddenlyanideastruckherandshestoppeddead,staringattheword.ThenshesummonedTredwelloncemore.
“Tredwell,howisthenameBowerspelt?”
“B-A-U-E-R,mylady.”
“That’snotanEnglishname.”
“IbelieveheisofSwissextraction,mylady.”
“Oh!That’sall,Tredwell,thankyou.”
Swissextraction?No.German!Thatmartialcarriage,thatflatbacktothehead.AndhehadcometoChimneysafortnightbeforeGerryWade’sdeath.
Bundlerosetoherfeet.Shehaddoneallshecouldhere.Nowtogetonwiththings!Shewentinsearchofherfather
“I’moffagain,”shesaid.“I’vegottogoandseeAuntMarcia.”
“GottoseeMarcia?”LordCaterham’svoicewasfullofastonishment.“Poorchild,howdidyougetletinforthat?”
“Justforonce,”saidBundle,“Ihappentobegoingofmyownfreewill.”
LordCaterhamlookedatherinamazement.Thatanyonecouldhaveagenuinedesiretofacehisredoubtablesister-in-lawwasquiteincomprehensibletohim.Marcia,MarchionessofCaterham,thewidowofhislatebrotherHenry,wasaveryprominentpersonality.LordCaterhamadmittedthatshehadmadeHenryanadmirablewifeandthatbutforherinallprobabilityhewouldneverhaveheldtheofficeofSecretaryofStateforForeignAffairs.Ontheotherhand,hehadalwayslookeduponHenry’searlydeathasamercifulrelease.
ItseemedtohimthatBundlewasfoolishlyputtingherheadintothelion’smouth.
“Oh!Isay,”hesaid.“Youknow,Ishouldn’tdothat.Youdon’tknowwhatitmayleadto.”
“IknowwhatIhopeit’sgoingtoleadto,”saidBundle.“I’mallright,Father,don’tyouworryaboutme.”
LordCaterhamsighedandsettledhimselfmorecomfortablyinhischair.HewentbacktohisperusaloftheField.ButinaminuteortwoBundlesuddenlyputherheadinagain.
“Sorry,”shesaid.“Butthere’soneotherthingIwantedtoaskyou.WhatisSirOswaldCoote?”
“Itoldyou—asteamroller.”
“Idon’tmeanyourpersonalimpressionofhim.Howdidhemakehismoney—trouserbuttonsorbrassbedsorwhat?”
“Oh,Isee.He’ssteel.Steelandiron.He’sgotthebiggeststeelworks,orwhateveryoucallit,inEngland.Hedoesn’t,ofcourse,runtheshowpersonallynow.It’sacompanyorcompanies.Hegotmeinasadirectorofsomethingorother.Verygoodbusinessforme—nothingtodoexceptgodowntothecityonceortwiceayeartooneofthosehotelplaces—CannonStreetorLiverpoolStreet—andsitaroundatablewheretheyhaveverynicenewblottingpaper.ThenCooteorsomecleverJohnnymakesaspeechsimplybristlingwithfigures,butfortunatelyyouneedn’tlistentoit—andIcantellyou,youoftengetajollygoodlunchoutofit.”
UninterestedinLordCaterham’slunches,Bundlehaddepartedagainbeforehehadfinishedspeaking.OnthewaybacktoLondon,shetriedtopiecetogetherthingstohersatisfaction.
Asfarasshecouldsee,steelandinfantwelfaredidnotgotogether.Oneofthetwo,then,wasjustpadding—presumablythelatter.Mrs.MacattaandtheHungariancountesscouldberuledoutofcourt.Theywerecamouflage.No,thepivotofthewholethingseemedtobetheunattractiveHerrEberhard.HedidnotseemtobethetypeofmanwhomGeorgeLomaxwouldnormallyinvite.Billhadsaidvaguelythatheinvented.ThentherewastheAirMinister,andSirOswaldCoote,whowassteel.Somehowthatseemedtohangtogether.
Sinceitwasuselessspeculatingfurther,BundleabandonedtheattemptandconcentratedonherforthcominginterviewwithLadyCaterham.
TheladylivedinalargegloomyhouseinoneofLondon’shigher-classsquares.Insideitsmeltofsealingwax,birdseedandslightlydecayedflowers.LadyCaterhamwasalargewoman—largeineveryway.Herproportionsweremajestic,ratherthanample.Shehadalargebeakednose,woregoldrimmedpince-nezandherupperlipborejustthefaintest
Shewassomewhatsurprisedtoseeherniece,butaccordedherafrigidcheek,whichBundledulykissed.
“Thisisquiteanunexpectedpleasure,Eileen,”sheobservedcoldly.
“We’veonlyjustgotback,AuntMarcia.”
“Iknow.Howisyourfather?Muchasusual?”
Hertoneconveyeddisparagement.ShehadapooropinionofAlastairEdwardBrent,ninthMarquisofCaterham.Shewouldhavecalledhim,hadsheknowntheterm,a“poorfish.”
“Fatherisverywell.He’sdownatChimneys.”
“Indeed.Youknow,Eileen,IneverapprovedofthelettingofChimneys.Theplaceisinmanywaysahistoricalmonument.Itshouldnotbecheapened.”
“ItmusthavebeenwonderfulinUncleHenry’sdays,”saidBundlewithaslightsigh.
“Henryrealizedhisresponsibilities,”saidHenry’swidow.
“Thinkofthepeoplewhostayedthere,”wentonBundleecstatically.“AlltheprincipalstatesmenofEurope.”
LadyCaterhamsighed.
“Icantrulysaythathistoryhasbeenmadetheremorethanonce,”sheobserved.“Ifonlyyourfather—”
Sheshookherheadsadly.
“Politicsborefather,”saidBundle,“andyettheyareaboutthemostfascinatingstudythereis,Ishouldsay.Especiallyifoneknewaboutthemfromtheinside.”
Shemadethisextravagantlyuntruthfulstatementofherfeelingswithoutevenablush.Herauntlookedatherwithsomesurprise.
“Iampleasedtohearyousayso,”shesaid.“Ialwaysimagined,Eileen,thatyoucaredfornothingbutthismodernpursuitofpleasure.”
“Iusedto,”saidBundle.
“Itistruethatyouarestillveryyoung,”saidLadyCaterhamthoughtfully.“Butwithyouradvantages,andifyouweretomarrysuitably,youmightbeoneoftheleadingpoliticalhostessesoftheday.”
Bundlefeltslightlyalarmed.Foramomentshefearedthatherauntmightproduceasuitablehusbandstraightaway.
“ButIfeelsuchafool,”saidBundle.“Imean,Iknowsolittle.”
“Thatcaneasilyberemedied,”saidLadyCaterhambriskly.“IhaveanyamountofliteratureIcanlendyou.”
“Thankyou,AuntMarcia,”saidBundle,andproceededhastilytohersecondlineofattack.
“IwonderedifyouknewMrs.Macatta,AuntMarcia?”
“CertainlyIknowher.Amostestimablewomanwithabrilliantbrain.ImaysaythatasageneralruleIdonotholdwithwomenstandingforParliament.Theycanmaketheirinfluencefeltinamorewomanlyfashion.”Shepaused,doubtlesstorecallthewomanlywayinwhichshehadforcedareluctanthusbandintothepoliticalarenaandthemarvelloussuccesswhichhadcrownedhisandherefforts.“Butstill,timeschange.AndtheworkMrs.Macattaisdoingisoftrulynationalimportance,andoftheutmostvaluetoallwomen.Itis,IthinkImaysay,truewomanlywork.YoumustcertainlymeetMrs.Macatta.”
Bundlegavearatherdismalsigh.
“She’sgoingtobeatahousepartyatGeorgeLomax’snextweek.Heaskedfather,who,ofcourse,won’tgo,butheneverthoughtofaskingme.ThinksI’mtoomuchofanidiot,Isuppose.”
ItoccurredtoLadyCaterhamthatherniecewasreallywonderfullyimproved.Hadshe,perhaps,hadanunfortunateloveaffair?Anunfortunateloveaffair,inLadyCaterham’sopinion,wassooftenhighlybeneficialtoyounggirls.Itmadethemtakelifeseriously.
“Idon’tsupposeGeorgeLomaxrealizesforamomentthatyouhave—shallwesay,grownup?Eileendear”shesaid,“Imusthaveafewwordswithhim.”
“Hedoesn’tlikeme,”saidBundle.“Iknowhewon’taskme.”
“Nonsense,”saidLadyCaterham.“Ishallmakeapointofit.IknewGeorgeLomaxwhenhewassohigh.”Sheindicatedaquiteimpossibleheight.“Hewillbeonlytoopleasedtodomeafavour.Andhewillbesuretoseeforhimselfthatitisvitallyimportantthatthepresent-dayyounggirlsofourownclassshouldtakeanintelligentinterestinthewelfareoftheircountry.”
Bundlenearlysaid:“Hear,hear,”butcheckedherself.
“Iwillfindyousomeliteraturenow,”saidLadyCaterham,rising.
Shecalledinapiercingvoice:“MissConnor.”
Averyneatsecretarywithafrightenedexpressioncamerunning.LadyCaterhamgavehervariousdirections.PresentlyBundlewasdrivingbacktoBrookStreetwithanarmfulofthedriest-lookingliteratureimaginable.
HernextproceedingwastoringupJimmyThesiger.Hisfirstwordswerefulloftriumph.
“I’vemanagedit,”hesaid.“HadalotoftroublewithBill,though.He’dgotitintohisthickheadthatIshouldbealambamongwolves.ButImadehimseesenseatlast.I’vegotalotofthingummybobsnowandI’mstudyingthem.Youknow,bluebooksandwhitepapers.Deadlydull—butonemustdothethingproperly.HaveyoueverheardoftheSantaFéboundarydispute?”
“Never,”saidBundle.
“Well,I’mtakingspecialpainswiththat.Itwentonforyearsandwasverycomplicated.I’mmakingitmysubject.Nowadaysonehastospecialize.”
“I’vegotalotofthesamesortofthings,”saidBundle.“AuntMarciagavethemtome.”
“Auntwho?”
“AuntMarica—Father’ssister-in-law.She’sverypolitical.Infact,she’sgoingtogetmeinvitedtoGeorge’sparty.”
“No?Oh,Isay,thatwillbesplendid.”TherewasapauseandthenJimmysaid:
“Isay,Idon’tthinkwe’dbettertellLorainethat—eh?”
“Perhapsnot.”
“Yousee,shemayn’tlikebeingoutofit.Andshereallymustbekeptoutofit.”
“Yes.”
“Imeanyoucan’tletagirllikethatrunintodanger!”
BundlereflectedthatMr.Thesigerwasslightlydeficientintact.Theprospectofherrunningintodangerdidnotseemtogivehimanyqualmswhatever.
“Haveyougoneaway?”askedJimmy.
“No,Iwasonlythinking.”
“Isee.Isay,areyougoingtotheinquesttomorrow?”
“Yes,areyou?”
“Yes.Bytheway,it’sintheeveningpapers.Buttuckedawayinacorner.Funny—Ishouldhavethoughtthey’dhavemaderatherasplashaboutit.”
“Yes—soshouldI.”
“Well,”saidJimmy,“Imustbegettingonwithmytask.I’vejustgottowhereBoliviasentusaNote.”
“IsupposeImustgetonwithmylittlelot,”saidBundle.“Areyougoingtoswotatitalltheevening?”
“Ithinkso.Areyou?”
“Oh,probably.Goodnight.”
Theywerebothliarsofthemostunblushingorder.JimmyThesigerknewperfectlywellthathewastakingLoraineWadeouttodinner.
AsforBundle,nosoonerhadsherungoffthansheattiredherselfinvariousnondescriptgarmentsbelonging,asamatteroffact,tohermaid.AndhavingdonnedthemshesalliedoutonfootdeliberatingwhetherbusortubewouldbethebestroutebywhichtoreachtheSevenDialsClub.
Thirteen
THESEVENDIALSCLUB
Bundlereached14HunstantonStreetaboutsixp.m.Atthathour,assherightlyjudged,theSevenDialsClubwasadeadspot.Bundle’saimwasasimpleone.Sheintendedtogetholdoftheex-footmanAlfred.Shewasconvincedthatonceshehadgotholdofhimtherestwouldbeeasy.Bundlehadasimpleautocraticmethodofdealingwithretainers.Itseldomfailed,andshesawnoreasonwhyitshouldfailnow.
Theonlythingofwhichshewasnotcertainwashowmanypeopleinhabitedtheclubpremises.Naturallyshewishedtodiscloseherpresencetoasfewpeopleaspossible.
Whilstshewashesitatingastothebestlineofattack,theproblemwassolvedforherinasingularlyeasyfashion.ThedoorofNo14openedandAlfredhimselfcameout.
“Goodafternoon,Alfred,”saidBundlepleasantly.
Alfredjumped.
“Oh!goodafternoon,yourladyship.I—Ididn’trecognizeyourladyshipjustforamoment.”
Payingatributeinherownmindtohermaid’sclothing,Bundleproceededtobusiness.
“Iwantafewwordswithyou,Alfred.Whereshallwego?”
“Well—really,mylady—Idon’tknow—it’snotwhatyoumightcallanicepartroundhere—Idon’tknow,I’msure—”
Bundlecuthimshort.
“Who’sintheclub?”
“Nooneatpresent,mylady.”
“Thenwe’llgointhere.”
Alfredproducedakeyandopenedthedoor.Bundlepassedin.Alfred,troubledandsheepish,followedher.BundlesatdownandlookedstraightattheuncomfortableAlfred.
“Isupposeyouknow,”shesaidcrisply,“thatwhatyou’redoinghereisdeadagainstthelaw?”
Alfredshifteduncomfortablyfromonefoottotheother.
“It’strueaswe’vebeenraidedtwice,”headmitted.“Butnothingcompromisingwasfound,owingtotheneatnessofMr.Mosgorovsky’sarrangements.”
“I’mnottalkingofthegamblingonly,”saidBundle.There’smorethanthat—probablyagreatdealmorethanyouknow.I’mgoingtoaskyouadirectquestion,Alfred,andIshouldlikethetruth,please.HowmuchwereyoupaidforleavingChimneys?”
Alfredlookedtwiceroundthecorniceasthoughseekingforinspiration,swallowedthreeorfourtimes,andthentooktheinevitablecourseofaweakwillopposedtoastrongone.
“Itwasthisway,yourladyship.Mr.Mosgorovsky,hecomewithapartytovisitChimneysononeoftheshowdays.Mr.Tredwell,hewasindisposedlike—aningrowingtoenailasamatteroffact—soitfelltometoshowthepartiesover.AttheendofthetourMr.Mosgorovsky,hestaysbehindtherest,andaftergivingmesomethinghandsome,hefallsintoconversation.”
“Yes,”saidBundleencouragingly.
“Andthelongandtheshortofitwas,”saidAlfred,withasuddenaccelerationofhisnarrative,“thatheoffersmeahundredpounddowntoleavethatinstantandtolookafterthishereclub.Hewantedsomeoneaswasusedtothebestfamilies—togivetheplaceatone,asheputit.And,well,itseemedflyinginthefaceofprovidencetorefuse—letalonethatthewagesIgetherearejustthreetimeswhattheywereassecondfootman.”
“Ahundredpounds,”saidBundle.“That’saverylargesum,Alfred.DidtheysayanythingaboutwhowastofillyourplaceatChimneys?”
“Idemurredabit,mylady,aboutleavingatonce.AsIpointedout,itwasn’tusualandmightcauseinconvenience.ButMr.Mosgorovskyheknewofayoungchap—beeningoodserviceandreadytocomeanyminute.SoImentionedhisnametoMr.Tredwellandeverythingwassettledpleasant-like.”
Bundlenodded.Herownsuspicionshadbeencorrectandthemodusoperandiwasmuchasshehadthoughtittobe.Sheessayedafurtherinquiry.
“WhoisMr.Mosgorovsky?”
“Gentlemanasrunsthisclub.Russiangentleman.Averyclevergentlemantoo.”
Bundleabandonedthegettingofinformationforthemomentandproceededtoothermatters.
“Ahundredpoundsisaverylargesumofmoney,Alfred.”
“LargerthanIeverhandled,mylady,”saidAlfredwithsimplecandour.
“Didyoueversuspectthattherewassomethingwrong?”
“Wrong,mylady?”
“Yes.I’mnottalkingaboutthegambling.Imeansomethingfarmoreserious.Youdon’twanttobesenttopenalservitude,doyou,Alfred?”
“Oh,Lord!mylady,youdon’tmeanit?”
“IwasatScotlandYardthedaybeforeyesterday,”saidBundleimpressively.“Iheardsomeverycuriousthings.Iwantyoutohelpme,Alfred,andifyoudo,well—ifthingsgowrong,I’llputinagoodwordforyou.”
“AnythingIcando,Ishallbeonlytoopleased,mylady.ImeanIwouldanyway.”
“Well,first,”saidBundle,“Iwanttogoalloverthisplace—fromtoptobottom.”
AccompaniedbyamystifiedandscaredAlfred,shemadeaverythoroughtourofinspection.Nothingstruckhereyetillshecametothegamingroom.Thereshenoticedaninconspicuousdoorinthecorner,andthedoorwaslocked.
Alfredexplainedreadily.
“That’susedasagetaway,yourladyship.There’saroomandadoorontoastaircasewhatcomesoutinthenextstreet.That’sthewaythegentrygoeswhenthere’saraid.”
“Butdon’tthepoliceknowaboutit?”
“It’sacunningdoor,yousee,mylady.Lookslikeacupboard,that’sall.”
Bundlefeltarisingexcitement.
“Imustgetinthere,”shesaid.
Alfredshookhishead.
“Youcan’t,mylady;Mr.Mosgorovsky,hehasthekey.”
“Well,”saidBundle,“thereareotherkeys.”
Sheperceivedthatthelockwasaperfectlyordinaryonewhichprobablycouldbeeasilyunlockedbythekeyofoneoftheotherdoors.Alfred,rathertroubled,wassenttocollectlikelyspecimens.ThefourththatBundletriedfitted.Sheturnedit,openedthedoorandpassedthrough.
Shefoundherselfinasmall,dingyapartment.Alongtableoccupiedthecentreoftheroomwithchairsrangedroundit.Therewasnootherfurnitureintheroom.Twobuilt-incupboardsstoodoneithersideofthefireplace.Alfredindicatedtheneareronewithanod.
“That’sit,”heexplained.
Bundletriedthecupboarddoor,butitwaslocked,andshesawatoncethatthislockwasaverydifferentaffair.Itwasofthepatentkindthatwouldonlyyieldtoitsownkey.
“’Ighlyingenious,itis,”explainedAlfred.“Itlooksallrightwhenopened.Shelves,youknow,withafewledgersandthaton’em.Nobody’deversuspect,butyoutouchtherightspotandthewholethingsswingsopen.”
Bundlehadturnedroundandwassurveyingtheroomthoughtfully.Thefirstthingshenoticedwasthatthedoorbywhichtheyhadenteredwascarefullyfittedroundwithbaize.Itmustbecompletelysoundproof.Thenhereyeswanderedtothechairs.Thereweresevenofthem,threeeachsideandonerathermoreimposingindesignattheheadofthetable.
Bundle’seyesbrightened.Shehadfoundwhatshewaslookingfor.This,shefeltsure,wasthemeetingplaceofthesecretorganization.Theplacewasalmostperfectlyplanned.Itlookedsoinnocent—youcouldreachitjustbysteppingthroughfromthegamingroom,oryoucouldarrivetherebythesecretentrance—andanysecrecy,anyprecautionswereeasilyexplainedbythegaminggoingoninthenextroom.
Idly,asthesethoughtspassedthroughhermind,shedrewafingeracrossthemarbleofthemantelpiece.Alfredsawandmisinterpretedtheaction.
“Youwon’tfindnodirt,nottospeakof,”hesaid.“Mr.Mosgorovsky,heorderedtheplacetobesweptoutthismorning,andIdiditwhilehewaited.”
“Oh!”saidBundle,thinkingveryhard.“Thismorning,eh?”
“Hastobedonesometimes,”saidAlfred.“Thoughtheroom’sneverwhatyoumightcallused.”
Nextminutehereceivedashock.
“Alfred,”saidBundle,“you’vegottofindmeaplaceinthisroomwhereIcanhide.”
Alfredlookedatherindismay.
“Butit’simpossible,mylady.You’llgetmeintotroubleandI’lllosemyjob.”
“You’llloseitanywaywhenyougotoprison,”saidBundleunkindly.“Butasamatteroffact,youneedn’tworry,nobodywillknowanythingaboutit.”
“Andthereain’tnoplace,”wailedAlfred.“Lookroundforyourself,yourladyship,ifyoudon’tbelieveme.”
Bundlewasforcedtoadmitthattherewassomethinginthisargument.Butshehadthetruespiritofoneundertakingadventures.
“Nonsense,”shesaidwithdetermination.“Therehasgottobeaplace.”
“Butthereain’tone,”wailedAlfred
Neverhadaroomshownitselfmoreunpropitiousforconcealment.Dingyblindsweredrawndownoverthedirtywindowpanes,andtherewerenocurtains.Thewindowsilloutside,whichBundleexamined,wasaboutfourincheswide!Insidetheroomtherewerethetable,thechairsandthecupboards.
Thesecondcupboardhadakeyinthelock.Bundlewentacrossandpulleditopen.Insidewereshelvescoveredwithanoddassortmentofglassesandcrockery
“Surplusstuffaswedon’tuse,”explainedAlfred.“Youcanseeforyourself,mylady,there’snoplacehereasacatcouldhide.”
ButBundlewasexaminingtheshelves.
“Flimsywork,”shesaid.“Nowthen,Alfred,haveyougotacupboarddownstairswhereyoucouldshoveallthisglass?Youhave?Good.Thengetatrayandstarttocarryitdownatonce.Hurry—there’snotimetolose.”
“Youcan’t,mylady.Andit’sgettinglate,too.Thecookswillbehereanyminutenow.”
“Mr.Mosgo—whatnotdoesn’tcometilllater,Isuppose?”
“He’sneverheremuchbeforemidnight.Butoh,mylady—”
“Don’ttalksomuch,Alfred,”saidBundle.“Getthattray.Ifyoustayherearguing,youwillgetintotrouble.”
Doingwhatisfamiliarlyknownas“wringinghishands,”Alfreddeparted.Presentlyhereturnedwithatray,andhavingbynowrealizedthathisprotestswereuseless,heworkedwithanervousenergyquitesurprising.
AsBundlehadseen,theshelveswereeasilydetachable.Shetookthemdown,rangedthemuprightagainstthewall,andthensteppedin.
“H’m,”sheremarked.“Prettynarrow.It’sgoingtobeatightfit.Shutthedooronmecarefully,Alfred—that’sright.Yes,itcanbedone.NowIwantagimlet.”
“Agimlet,mylady?”
“That’swhatIsaid.”
“Idon’tknow—”
“Nonsense,youmusthaveagimlet—perhapsyou’vegotanaugeraswell.Ifyouhaven’tgotwhatIwant,you’llhavetogooutandbuyit,soyou’dbettertryhardtofindtherightthing.”
Alfreddepartedandreturnedpresentlywithquiteacreditableassortmentoftools.Bundleseizedwhatshewantedandproceededswiftlyandefficientlytoboreasmallholeatthelevelofherrighteye.Shedidthisfromtheoutsidesothatitshouldbelessnoticeable,andshedarednotmakeittoolargelestitshouldattractattention.
“There,that’lldo,”sheremarkedatlast.
“Oh,but,mylady,mylady—”
“Yes?”
“Butthey’llfindyou—iftheyshouldopenthedoor.”
“Theywon’topenthedoor,”saidBundle.“Becauseyouaregoingtolockitandtakethekeyaway.”
“AndifbychanceMr.Mosgorovskyshouldaskforthekey?”
“Tellhimit’slost,”saidBundlebriskly.“Butnobody’sgoingtoworryaboutthiscupboard—it’sonlyheretoattractattentionfromtheotheroneandmakeitapair.Goon,Alfred,someonemightcomeatanytime.Lockmeinandtakethekeyandcomeandletmeoutwheneveryone’sgone.”
“You’llbetakenbad,mylady.You’llfaint—”
“Ineverfaint,”saidBundle.“Butyoumightaswellgetmeacocktail.Ishallcertainlyneedit.Thenlockthedooroftheroomagain—don’tforget—andtakethedoorkeysbacktotheirproperdoors.AndAlfred—don’tbetoomuchofarabbit.Remember,ifanythinggoeswrong,I’llseeyouthrough.”
“Andthat’sthat,”saidBundletoherself,whenhavingservedthecocktail,Alfredhadfinallydeparted.
ShewasnotnervouslestAlfred’snerveshouldfailandheshouldgiveheraway.Sheknewthathissenseofself-preservationwasfartoostrongforthat.Histrainingalonehelpedhimtoconcealprivateemotionsbeneaththemaskofawell-trainedservant.
OnlyonethingworriedBundle.Theinterpretationshehadchosentoputuponthecleaningoftheroomthatmorningmightbeallwrong.Andifso—Bundlesighedinthenarrowconfinesofthecupboard.Theprospectofspendinglonghoursinitfornothingwasnotattractive.
Fourteen
THEMEETINGOFTHESEVENDIALS
Itwouldbeaswelltopassoverthesufferingsofthenextfourhoursasquicklyaspossible.Bundlefoundherpositionextremelycramped.Shehadjudgedthatthemeeting,ifmeetingtherewastobe,wouldtakeplaceatatimewhentheclubwasinfullswing—somewhereprobablybetweenthehoursofmidnightandtwoa.m.
Shewasjustdecidingthatitmustbeatleastsixo’clockinthemorningwhenawelcomesoundcometoherears,thesoundoftheunlockingofadoor.
Inanotherminutetheelectriclightwasswitchedon.Thehumofvoices,whichhadcometoherforaminuteortwo,ratherlikethefar-offroarofseawaves,ceasedassuddenlyasithadbegun,andBundleheardthesoundofaboltbeingshot.Clearlysomeonehadcomeinfromthegamingroomnextdoor,andshepaidtributetothethoroughnesswithwhichthecommunicatingdoorhadbeenrenderedsoundproof.
Inanotherminutetheintrudercameintoherlineofvision—alineofvisionthatwasnecessarilysomewhatincompletebutwhichyetanswereditspurpose.Atallman,broad-shoulderedandpowerfullooking,withalongblackbeard,Bundlerememberedhavingseenhimsittingatoneofthebaccarattablesontheprecedingnight.
This,then,wasAlfred’smysteriousRussiangentleman,theproprietoroftheclub,thesinisterMr.Mosgorovsky.Bundle’sheartbeatfasterwithexcitement.Solittledidsheresembleherfatherthatatthisminuteshefairlygloriedintheextremediscomfortofherposition.
TheRussianremainedforsomeminutesstandingbythetable,strokinghisbeard.Thenhedrewawatchfromhispocketandglancedatthetime.Noddinghisheadasthoughsatisfied,heagainthrusthishandintohispocketand,pullingoutsomethingthatBundlecouldnotsee,hemovedoutofthelineofvision.
Whenhereappearedshecouldhardlyhelpgivingagaspofsurprise.
Hisfacewasnowcoveredbyamask—buthardlyamaskintheconventionalsense.Itwasnotshapedtotheface.Itwasamerepieceofmaterialhanginginfrontofthefeatureslikeacurtaininwhichtwoslitswerepiercedfortheeyes.Inshapeitwasroundandonitwastherepresentationofaclockface,withthehandspointingtosixo’clock.
“TheSevenDials!”saidBundletoherself.
Andatthatminutetherecameanewsound—sevenmuffledtaps.
MosgorovskystrodeacrosstowhereBundleknewwastheothercupboarddoor.Sheheardasharpclick,andthenthesoundofgreetingsinaforeigntongue.
Presentlyshehadaviewofthenewcomers.
Theyalsoworeclockmasks,butintheircasethehandswereinadifferentposition—fouro’clockandfiveo’clockrespectively.Bothmenwereineveningdress—butwithadifference.Onewasanelegant,slenderyoungmanwearingeveningclothesofexquisitecut.ThegracewithwhichhemovedwasforeignratherthanEnglish.Theothermancouldbebetterdescribedaswiryandlean.Hisclothesfittedhimsufficientlywell,butnomore,andBundleguessedathisnationalityevenbeforesheheardhisvoice.
“Ireckonwe’rethefirsttoarriveatthislittlemeeting.”
AfullpleasantvoicewithaslightAmericandrawl,andaninflectionofIrishbehindit.
Theelegantyoungmansaidingood,butslightlystiltedEnglish:
“Ihadmuchdifficultyingettingawaytonight.Thesethingsdonotalwaysarrangethemselvesfortunately.Iamnot,likeNo4here,myownmaster.”
Bundletriedtoguessathisnationality.Untilhespoke,shehadthoughthemightbeFrench,buttheaccentwasnotaFrenchone.Hemightpossibly,shethought,beanAustrian,oraHungarian,orevenaRussian.
TheAmericanmovedtotheothersideofthetable,andBundleheardachairbeingpulledout.
“Oneo’clock’sbeingagreatsuccess,”hesaid.“Icongratulateyouontakingtherisk.”
Fiveo’clockshruggedhisshoulders.
“Unlessonetakesrisks—”Heleftthesentenceunfinished.
AgainseventapssoundedandMosgorovskymovedacrosstothesecretdoor.
Shefailedtocatchanythingdefiniteforsomemomentssincethewholecompanywereoutofsight,butpresentlysheheardthebeardedRussian’svoiceupraised.
“Shallwebeginproceedings?”
Hehimselfcameroundthetableandtooktheseatnexttothearmchairatthetop.Sittingthus,hewasdirectlyfacingBundle’scupboard.Theelegantfiveo’clocktooktheplacenexttohim.ThethirdchairthatsidewasoutofBundle’ssight,buttheAmerican,No4,movedintoherlineofvisionforamomentortwobeforehesatdown.
Onthenearsideofthetablealso,onlytwochairswerevisible,andasshewatchedahandturnedthesecond—reallythemiddlechair—down.Andthenwithaswiftmovement,oneofthenewcomersbrushedpastthecupboardandtookthechairoppositeMosgorovsky.Whoeversattherehad,ofcourse,theirbackdirectlyturnedtoBundle—anditwasatthatbackthatBundlewasstaringwithagooddealofinterest,foritwasthebackofasingularlybeautifulwomanverymuchdécolleté.
Itwasshewhospokefirst.Hervoicewasmusical,foreign—withadeepseductivenoteinit.Shewasglancingtowardstheemptychairattheheadofthetable.
“SowearenottoseeNo7tonight?”shesaid.“Tellme,myfriends,shallweeverseehim?”
“That’sdarnedgood,”saidtheAmerican.“Darnedgood!Asforseveno’clock—I’mbeginningtobelievethereisnosuchperson.”
“Ishouldnotadviseyoutothinkthat,myfriend,”saidtheRussianpleasantly.
Therewasasilence—ratheranuncomfortablesilence,Bundlefelt.
Shewasstillstaringasthoughfascinatedatthebeautifulbackinfrontofher.Therewasatinyblackmolejustbelowtherightshoulderbladethatenhancedthewhitenessoftheskin.Bundlefeltthatatlasttheterm“beautifuladventuress,”sooftenread,hadarealmeaningforher.Shewasquitecertainthatthiswomanhadabeautifulface—adarkSlavonicfacewithpassionateeyes.
ShewasrecalledfromherimaginingbythevoiceoftheRussian,whoseemedtoactasmasterofceremonies.
“Shallwegetonwithourbusiness?Firsttoourabsentcomrade!No2!”
Hemadeacuriousgesturewithhishandtowardstheturneddownchairnexttothewoman,whicheveryonepresentimitated,turningtothechairastheydidso.
“IwishNo2werewithustonight,”hecontinued.“Therearemanythingstobedone.Unsuspecteddifficultieshavearisen.”
“Haveyouhadhisreport?”ItwastheAmericanwhospoke.
“Asyet—Ihavenothingfromhim.”Therewasapause.“Icannotunderstandit.”
“Youthinkitmayhave—goneastray?”
“Thatis—apossibility.”
“Inotherwords,”saidfiveo’clocksoftly,“thereis—danger.”
Hespoketheworddelicately—andyetwithrelish.
TheRussiannoddedemphatically.
“Yes—there’sdanger.Toomuchisgettingknownaboutus—aboutthisplace.Iknowofseveralpeoplewhosuspect.”Headdedcoldly:“Theymustbesilenced.”
Bundlefeltalittlecoldshiverpassdownherspine.Ifsheweretobefound,wouldshebesilenced?Shewasrecalledsuddenlytoattentionbyaword.
“SonothinghascometolightaboutChimneys?”
Mosgorovskyshookhishead.
“Nothing.”
SuddenlyNo5leantforward.
“IagreewithAnna;whereisourpresident—No7?Hewhocalledusintobeing.Whydoweneverseehim?”
“No7,”saidtheRussian,“hashisownwaysofworking.”
“Soyoualwayssay.”
“Iwillsaynomore,”saidMosgorovsky.“Ipitytheman—orwoman—whocomesupagainsthim.”
Therewasanawkwardsilence.
“Wemustgetonwithourbusiness,”saidMosgorovskyquietly.“No3,youhavetheplansofWyvernAbbey?”
Bundlestrainedherears.SofarshehadneithercaughtaglimpseofNo3,norhadsheheardhisvoice.Shehearditnowandrecognizeditasunmistakable.Low,pleasant,indistinct—thevoiceofawell-bredEnglishman.
“I’vegotthemhere,sir.”
Somepaperswereshovedacrossthetable.Everyonebentforward.PresentlyMosgorovskyraisedhisheadagain.
“Andthelistofguests?”
“Here.”
TheRussianreadthem.
“SirStanleyDigby.Mr.TerenceO’Rourke.SirOswaldandLadyCoote.Mr.Bateman.CountessAnnaRadzky.Mrs.Macatta.Mr.JamesThesiger—”Hepausedandthenaskedsharply:
“WhoisMr.JamesThesiger?”
TheAmericanlaughed.
“Iguessyouneedn’tworryanyabouthim.Theusualcompleteyoungass.”
TheRussiancontinuedreading.
“HerrEberhardandMr.Eversleigh.Thatcompletesthelist.”
“Doesit?”saidBundlesilently.“Whataboutthatsweetgirl,LadyEileenBrent?”
“Yes,thereseemsnothingtoworryaboutthere,”saidMosgorovsky.Helookedacrossthetable.“Isupposethere’snodoubtwhateveraboutthevalueofEberhard’sinvention?”
Threeo’clockmadealaconicBritishreply.
“Nonewhatever.”
“Commerciallyitshouldbeworthmillions,”saidtheRussian.“Andinternationally—well,oneknowsonlytoowellthegreedofnations.”
Bundlehadanideathatbehindhismaskhewassmilingunpleasantly.
“Yes,”hewenton.“Agoldmine.”
“Wellworthafewlives,”saidNo5,cynically,andlaughed.
“Butyouknowwhatinventorsare,”saidtheAmerican.“Sometimesthesedarnedthingswon’twork.”
“AmanlikeSirOswaldCootewillhavemadenomistake,”saidMosgorovsky.
“Speakingasanaviatormyself,”saidNo5,“thethingisperfectlyfeasible.Ithasbeendiscussedforyears—butitneededthegeniusofEberhardtobringittofruition.”
“Well,”saidMosgorovsky,“Idon’tthinkweneeddiscussmattersanyfurther.Youhaveallseentheplans.Idonotthinkouroriginalschemecanbebettered.Bytheway,IhearsomethingaboutaletterofGeraldWade’sthathasbeenfound—aletterthatmentionsthisorganization.Whofoundit?”
“LordCaterham’sdaughter—LadyEileenBrent.”
“Bauershouldhavebeenontothat,”saidMosgorovsky.“Itwascarelessofhim.Whowastheletterwrittento?”
“Hissister,Ibelieve,”saidNo3.
“Unfortunate,”saidMosgorovsky.“Butitcannotbehelped.TheinquestonRonaldDevereuxistomorrow.Isupposethathasbeenarrangedfor?”
“Reportsastolocalladshavingbeenpractisingwithrifleshavebeenspreadeverywhere,”saidtheAmerican.
“Thatshouldbeallrightthen.Ithinkthereisnothingfurthertobesaid.Ithinkwemustallcongratulateourdearoneo’clockandwishherluckinthepartshehastoplay.”
“Hurrah!”criedNo5.“ToAnna!”
AllhandsflewoutinthesamegesturewhichBundlehadnoticedbefore.
“ToAnna!”
Oneo’clockacknowledgedthesalutationwithatypicallyforeigngesture.Thensherosetoherfeetandtheothersfollowedsuit.Forthefirsttime,BundlecaughtaglimpseofNo3ashecametoputAnna’scloakroundher—atall,heavilybuiltman.
Thenthepartyfiledoutthroughthesecretdoor.Mosgorovskysecureditafterthem.HewaitedafewmomentsandthenBundleheardhimunbolttheotherdoorandpassthroughafterextinguishingtheelectriclight.
ItwasnotuntiltwohourslaterthatawhiteandanxiousAlfredcametoreleaseBundle.Shealmostfellintohisarmsandhehadtoholdherup.
“Nothing,”saidBundle.“Juststiff,that’sall.Here,letmesitdown.”
“Oh,Gord,mylady,it’sbeenawful.”
“Nonsense,”saidBundle.“Itallwentoffsplendidly.Don’tgetthewindupnowit’sallover.Itmighthavegonewrong,butthankgoodnessitdidn’t.”
“Thankgoodness,asyousay,mylady.I’vebeeninatwitteralltheevening.They’reafunnycrowd,youknow.”
“Adamnedfunnycrowd,”saidBundle,vigorouslymassagingherarmsandlegs.“Asamatteroffact,they’rethesortofcrowdIalwaysimagineduntiltonightonlyexistedinbooks.Inthislife,Alfred,oneneverstopslearning.”
Fifteen
THEINQUEST
Bundlereachedhomeaboutsixa.m.Shewasupanddressedbyhalfpastnine,andrangupJimmyThesigeronthetelephone.
Thepromptitudeofhisreplysomewhatsurprisedher,tillheexplainedthathewasgoingdowntoattendtheinquest.
“SoamI,”saidBundle.“AndI’vegotalottotellyou.”
“Well,supposeyouletmedriveyoudownandwecantalkontheway.Howaboutthat?”
“Allright.Butallowabitextrabecauseyou’llhavetotakemetoChimneys.TheChiefConstable’spickingmeupthere.”
“Why?”
“Becausehe’sakindman,”saidBundle.
“SoamI,”saidJimmy.“Verykind.”
“Oh!you—you’reanass,”saidBundle.“Iheardsomebodysaysolastnight.”
“Who?”
“Tobestrictlyaccurate—aRussianJew.No,itwasn’t.Itwas—”
Butanindignantprotestdrownedherwords.
“Imaybeanass,”saidJimmy.“IdaresayIam—butIwon’thaveRussianJewssayingso.Whatwereyoudoinglastnight,Bundle?”
“That’swhatI’mgoingtotalkabout,”saidBundle.“Good-byeforthemoment.”
SherangoffinatantalizingmannerwhichleftJimmypleasantlypuzzled.HehadthehighestrespectforBundle’scapabilities,thoughtherewasnottheslightesttraceofsentimentinhisfeelingtowardsher.
“She’sbeenuptosomething,”heopined,ashetookalasthastydrinkofcoffee.“Dependuponit,she’sbeenuptosomething.”
Twentyminuteslater,hislittletwo-seaterdrewupbeforetheBrookStreethouseandBundle,whohadbeenwaiting,cametrippingdownthesteps.Jimmywasnotordinarilyanobservantyoungman,buthenoticedthattherewereblackringsroundBundle’seyesandthatshehadalltheappearanceofhavinghadalatenightthenightbefore.
“Nowthen,”hesaid,asthecarbegantonoseherwaythroughthesuburbs,“whatdarkdeedshaveyoubeenupto?”
“I’lltellyou,”saidBundle.“Butdon’tinterruptuntilI’vefinished.”
Itwasasomewhatlongstory,andJimmyhadallhecoulddotokeepsufficientattentiononthecartopreventanaccident.WhenBundlehadfinishedhesighed—thenlookedathersearchingly.
“Bundle?”
“Yes?”
“Lookhere,you’renotpullingmyleg?”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“I’msorry,”apologizedJimmy,“butitseemstomeasthoughI’dhearditallbefore—inadream,youknow.”
“Iknow,”saidBundlesympathetically
“It’simpossible,”saidJimmy,followingouthisowntrainofthought.“Thebeautifulforeignadventuress,theinternationalgang,themysteriousNo7,whoseidentitynobodyknows—I’vereaditallahundredtimesinbooks.”
“Ofcourseyouhave.SohaveI.Butit’snoreasonwhyitshouldn’treallyhappen.”
“Isupposenot,”admittedJimmy.
“Afterall—Isupposefictionisfoundedonthetruth.Imeanunlessthingsdidhappen,peoplecouldn’tthinkofthem.”
“Thereissomethinginwhatyousay,”agreedJimmy.“ButallthesameIcan’thelppinchingmyselftoseeifI’mawake.”
“That’showIfelt.”
Jimmygaveadeepsigh.
“Well,Isupposeweareawake.Letmesee,aRussian,anAmerican,anEnglishman—apossibleAustrianorHungarian—andtheladywhomaybeanynationality—forchoiceRussianorPolish—that’saprettyrepresentativegathering.”
“AndaGerman,”saidBundle.“You’veforgottentheGerman.”
“Oh!”saidJimmyslowly.“Youthink—?”
“TheabsentNo2.No2isBauer—ourfootman.Thatseemstomequiteclearfromwhattheysaidaboutexpectingareportwhichhadn’tcomein—thoughwhattherecanbetoreportaboutChimneys,Ican’tthink.”
“ItmustbesomethingtodowithGerryWade’sdeath,”saidJimmy.“There’ssomethingtherewehaven’tfathomedyet.YousaytheyactuallymentionedBauerbyname?”
Bundlenodded.
“Theyblamedhimfornothavingfoundthatletter.”
“Well,Idon’tseewhatyoucouldhaveclearerthanthat.There’snogoingagainstit.You’llhavetoforgivemyfirstincredulity,Bundle—butyouknow,itwasratheratallstory.YousaytheyknewaboutmygoingdowntoWyvernAbbeynextweek?”
“Yes,that’swhentheAmerican—itwashim,nottheRussian—saidtheyneedn’tworry—youwereonlytheusualkindofass.”
“Ah!”saidJimmy.Hepressedhisfootdownontheacceleratorviciouslyandthecarshotforward.“I’mverygladyoutoldmethat.Itgivesmewhatyoumightcallapersonalinterestinthecase.”
Hewassilentforaminuteortwoandthenhesaid:
“DidyousaythatGermaninventor’snamewasEberhard?”
“Yes.Why?”
“Waitaminute.Something’scomingbacktome.Eberhard,Eberhard—yes,I’msurethatwasthename.”
“Tellme.”
“EberhardwasaJohnnywho’dgotsomepatentprocessheappliedtosell.Ican’tputthethingproperlybecauseIhaven’tgotthescientificknowledge—butIknowtheresultwasthatitbecamesotoughenedthatawirewasasstrongasasteelbarhadpreviouslybeen.Eberhardhadtodowithaeroplanesandhisideawasthattheweightwouldbesoenormouslyreducedthatflyingwouldbepracticallyrevolutionized—thecostofit,Imean.IbelieveheofferedhisinventiontotheGermanGovernment,andtheyturneditdown,pointedoutsomeundeniableflawinit—buttheydiditrathernastily.Hesettoworkandcircumventedthedifficulty,whateveritwas,buthe’dbeenoffendedbytheirattitudeandsworetheyshouldn’thavehisewelamb.Ialwaysthoughtthewholethingwasprobablybunkum,butnow—itlooksdifferently.”
“That’sit,”saidBundleeagerly.“Youmustberight,Jimmy.EberhardmusthaveofferedhisinventiontoourGovernment.They’vebeentaking,oraregoingtotake,SirOswaldCoote’sexpertopiniononit.There’sgoingtobeanunofficialconferenceattheAbbey.SirOswald,George,theAirMinisterandEberhard.Eberhardwillhavetheplansortheprocessorwhateveryoucallit—”
“Formula,”suggestedJimmy.“Ithink‘formula’isagoodwordmyself.”
“He’llhavetheformulawithhim,andtheSevenDialsareouttostealtheformula.IremembertheRussiansayingitwasworthmillions.”
“Isupposeitwouldbe,”saidJimmy.
“Andwellworthafewlives—that’swhattheothermansaid.”
“Well,itseemstohavebeen,”saidJimmy,hisfacecloudingover.“Lookatthisdamnedinquesttoday.Bundle,areyousureRonnysaidnothingelse?”
“No,”saidBundle.“Justthat.SevenDials.TellJimmyThesiger.That’sallhecouldgetout,poorlad.”
“Iwishweknewwhatheknew,”saidJimmy.“Butwe’vefoundoutonething.Itakeitthatthefootman,Bauer,mustalmostcertainlyhavebeenresponsibleforGerry’sdeath.Youknow,Bundle—”
“Yes?”
“Well,I’mabitworriedsometimes.Who’sgoingtobethenextone!Itreallyisn’tthesortofbusinessforagirltobemixedupin.”
Bundlesmiledinspiteofherself.ItoccurredtoherthatithadtakenJimmyalongtimetoputherinthesamecategoryasLoraineWade.
“It’sfarmorelikelytobeyouthanme,”sheremarkedcheerfully.
“Hear,hear,”saidJimmy.“Butwhataboutafewcasualtiesontheothersideforachange?I’mfeelingratherbloodthirstythismorning.Tellme,Bundle,wouldyourecognizeanyofthesepeopleifyousawthem?”
Bundlehesitated.
“IthinkIshouldrecognizeNo5,”shesaidatlast.“He’sgotaqueerwayofspeaking—akindofvenomous,lispingway—thatIthinkI’dknowagain.”
“WhatabouttheEnglishman?”
Bundleshookherhead.
“Isawhimleast—onlyaglimpse—andhe’sgotaveryordinaryvoice.Exceptthathe’sabigman,there’snothingmuchtogoby.”
“There’sthewoman,ofcourse,”continuedJimmy.“Sheoughttobeeasier.Butthen,you’renotlikelytorunacrossher.She’sprobablyputtinginthedirtywork,beingtakenouttodinnerbyamorousCabinetMinistersandgettingStatesecretsoutofthemwhenthey’vehadacouple.Atleast,that’showit’sdoneinbooks.Asamatteroffact,theonlyCabinetMinisterIknowdrinkshotwaterwithadashoflemoninit.”
“TakeGeorgeLomax,forinstance,canyouimaginehimbeingamorouswithbeautifulforeignwomen?”saidBundlewithalaugh.
Jimmyagreedwithhercriticism.
“Andnowaboutthemanofmystery—No7,”wentonJimmy.“You’venoideawhohecouldbe?”
“Nonewhatever.”
“Again—bybookstandards,thatis—heoughttobesomeoneweallknow.WhataboutGeorgeLomaxhimself?”
Bundlereluctantlyshookherhead.
“Inabookitwouldbeperfect,”sheagreed.“ButknowingCodders—”Andshegaveherselfuptosuddenuncontrollablemirth.“Codders,thegreatcriminalorganizer,”shegasped.“Wouldn’titbemarvellous?”
Jimmyagreedthatitwould.Theirdiscussionhadtakensometimeandhisdrivinghadsloweddowninvoluntarilyonceortwice.TheyarrivedatChimneys,tofindColonelMelrosealreadytherewaiting.Jimmywasintroducedtohimandtheyallthreeproceededtotheinquesttogether.
AsColonelMelrosehadpredicted,thewholeaffairwasverysimple.Bundlegaveherevidence.Thedoctorgavehis.Evidencewasgivenofriflepracticeintheneighbourhood.Averdictofdeathbymisadventurewasbroughtin.
Aftertheproceedingswereover,ColonelMelrosevolunteeredtodriveBundlebacktoChimneys,andJimmyThesigerreturnedtoLondon.
Forallhislightheartedmanner,Bundle’sstoryhadimpressedhimprofoundly.Hesethislipscloselytogether.
“Ronny,oldboy,”hemurmured,“I’mgoingtobeupagainstit.Andyou’renotheretojoininthegame.”
Anotherthoughtflashedintohismind.Loraine!Wassheindanger?
Afteraminuteortwo’shesitation,hewentovertothetelephoneandrangherup.
“It’sme—Jimmy.Ithoughtyou’dliketoknowtheresultoftheinquest.Deathbymisadventure.”
“Oh,but—”
“Yes,butIthinkthere’ssomethingbehindthat.Thecoronerhadhadahint.Someone’satworktohushitup.Isay,Loraine—”
“Yes?”
“Lookhere.There’s—there’ssomefunnybusinessgoingabout.You’llbeverycareful,won’tyou?Formysake.”
Heheardthequicknoteofalarmthatsprangintohervoice.
“Jimmy—butthenit’sdangerous—foryou.”
Helaughed.
“Oh,that’sallright.I’mthecatthathadninelives.Bye-bye,oldthing.”
Herangoffandremainedaminuteortwolostinthought.ThenhesummonedStevens.
“Doyouthinkyoucouldgooutandbuymeapistol,Stevens?”
“Apistol,sir?”
Truetohistraining,Stevensbetrayednohintofsurprise.
“Whatkindofapistolwouldyouberequiring?”
“Thekindwhereyouputyourfingeronthetriggerandthethinggoesonshootinguntilyoutakeitoffagain.”
“Anautomatic,sir.”
“That’sit,”saidJimmy.“Anautomatic.AndIshouldlikeittobeabluenosedone—ifyouandtheshopmanknowwhatthatis.InAmericanstories,theheroalwaystakeshisbluenosedautomaticfromhishippocket.”
Stevenspermittedhimselfafaint,discreetsmile.
“MostAmericangentlementhatIhaveknown,sir,carrysomethingverydifferentintheirhippockets,”heobserved.
JimmyThesigerlaughed.
Sixteen
THEHOUSEPARTYATTHEABBEY
BundledroveovertoWyvernAbbeyjustintimeforteaonFridayafternoon.GeorgeLomaxcameforwardtowelcomeherwithconsiderableempressement.
“MydearEileen,”hesaid,“Ican’ttellyouhowpleasedIamtoseeyouhere.YoumustforgivemynothavinginvitedyouwhenIaskedyourfather,buttotellthetruthIneverdreamedthatapartyofthiskindwouldappealtoyou.Iwasboth—er—surprisedand—er—delightedwhenLadyCaterhamtoldmeofyour—er—interestin—er—politics.”
“Iwantedtocomesomuch,”saidBundleinasimple,ingenuousmanner.
“Mrs.Macattawillnotarrivetillthelatertrain,”explainedGeorge.“ShewasspeakingatameetinginManchesterlastnight.DoyouknowThesiger?Quiteayoungfellow,butaremarkablegraspofforeignpolitics.Onewouldhardlysuspectitfromhisappearance.”
“IknowMr.Thesiger,”saidBundle,andsheshookhandssolemnlywithJimmy,whosheobservedhadpartedhishairinthemiddleintheendeavourtoaddearnestnesstohisexpression.
“Lookhere,”saidJimmyinalowhurriedvoice,asGeorgetemporarilywithdrew.“Youmustn’tbeangry,butI’vetoldBillaboutourlittlestunt.”
“Bill?”saidBundle,annoyed.
“Well,afterall,”saidJimmy,“Billisoneofthelads,youknow.RonnywasapalofhisandsowasGerry.”
“Oh!Iknow,”saidBundle.
“Butyouthinkit’sapity?Sorry.”
“Bill’sallright,ofcourse.Itisn’tthat,”saidBundle.“Buthe’s—well,Bill’sabornblunderer.”
“Notmentallyveryagile?”suggestedJimmy.“Butyouforgetonething—Bill’sgotaveryheftyfist.AndI’veanideathataheftyfistisgoingtocomeinhandy.”
“Well,perhapsyou’reright.Howdidhetakeit?”“Well,heclutchedhisheadagoodbit,but—Imeanthefactstooksomedrivinghome.ButbyrepeatingthethingpatientlyinwordsofonesyllableIatlastgotitintohisthickhead.And,naturally,he’swithustothedeath,asyoumightsay.”
Georgereappearedsuddenly.
“Imustmakesomeintroductions,Eileen.ThisisSirStanleyDigby—LadyEileenBrent.Mr.O’Rourke.”TheAirMinisterwasalittleroundmanwithacheerfulsmile.Mr.O’Rourke,atallyoungmanwithlaughingblueeyesandatypicalIrishface,greetedBundlewithenthusiasm.
“AndIthinkingitwasgoingtobeadullpoliticalpartyentirely,”hemurmuredinanadroitwhisper.
“Hush,”saidBundle.“I’mpolitical—verypolitical.”
“SirOswaldandLadyCooteyouknow,”continuedGeorge.
“We’veneveractuallymet,”saidBundle,smiling.
Shewasmentallyapplaudingherfather’sdescriptivepowers.
SirOswaldtookherhandinanirongripandshewincedslightly.
LadyCoote,afterasomewhatmournfulgreeting,hadturnedtoJimmyThesiger,andappearedtoberegisteringsomethingcloselyakintopleasure.Despitehisreprehensiblehabitofbeinglateforbreakfast,LadyCootehadafondnessforthisamiable,pink-facedyoungman.Hisairofirrepressiblegoodnaturefascinatedher.Shehadamotherlywishtocurehimofhisbadhabitsandformhimintooneoftheworld’sworkers.Whether,onceformed,hewouldbeasattractivewasaquestionshehadneveraskedherself.Shebegannowtotellhimofaverypainfulmotoraccidentwhichhadhappenedtooneofherfriends.
“Mr.Bateman,”saidGeorgebriefly,asonewhowouldpassontobetterthings.
Aserious,palefacedyoungmanbowed.
“Andnow,”continuedGeorge,“ImustintroduceyoutoCountessRadzky.”
CountessRadzkyhadbeenconversingwithMr.Bateman.Leaningveryfarbackonasofa,withherlegscrossedinadaringmanner,shewassmokingacigaretteinanincrediblylongturquoise-studdedholder.
Bundlethoughtshewasoneofthemostbeautifulwomenshehadeverseen.Hereyeswereverylargeandblue,herhairwascoalblack,shehadamatteskin,theslightlyflattenednoseoftheSlav,andasinuous,slenderbody.HerlipswerereddenedtoadegreewithwhichBundlewassureWyvernAbbeywastotallyunacquainted.
Shesaideagerly:“ThisisMrs.Macatta—yes?”
OnGeorge’sreplyinginthenegativeandintroducingBundle,thecountessgaveheracarelessnod,andatonceresumedherconversationwiththeseriousMr.Bateman.
BundleheardJimmy’svoiceinherear:
“PongoisabsolutelyfascinatedbythelovelySlav,”hesaid.“Pathetic,isn’tit?Comeandhavesometea.”
TheydriftedoncemoreintotheneighbourhoodofSirOswaldCoote.
“That’safineplaceofyours,Chimneys,”remarkedthegreatman.
“I’mgladyoulikedit,”saidBundlemeekly.
“Wantsnewplumbing,”saidSirOswald.“Bringituptodate,youknow.”
Heruminatedforaminuteortwo.
“I’mtakingtheDukeofAlton’splace.Threeyears.JustwhileI’mlookingroundforaplaceofmyown.Yourfathercouldn’tsellifhewantedto,Isuppose?”
Bundlefeltherbreathtakenaway.ShehadanightmarevisionofEnglandwithinnumerableCootesininnumerablecounterpartsofChimneys—all,beitunderstood,withanentirelynewsystemofplumbinginstalled.
Shefeltasuddenviolentresentmentwhich,shetoldherself,wasabsurd.Afterall,contrastingLordCaterhamwithSirOswaldCoote,therewasnodoubtastowhowouldgotothewall.SirOswaldhadoneofthosepowerfulpersonalitieswhichmakeallthosewithwhomtheycomeincontactappearfaded.Hewas,asLordCaterhamhadsaid,ahumansteamroller.Andyet,undoubtedly,inmanyways,SirOswaldwasastupidman.Apartfromhisspeciallineofknowledgeandhisterrificdrivingforce,hewasprobablyintenselyignorant.AhundreddelicateappreciationsoflifewhichLordCaterhamcouldanddidenjoywereasealedbooktoSirOswald.
WhilstindulginginthesereflectionsBundlecontinuedtochatpleasantly.HerrEberhard,sheheard,hadarrived,butwaslyingdownwithanervousheadache.ThiswastoldherbyMr.O’Rourke,whomanagedtofindaplacebyhersideandkeepit.
Altogether,Bundlewentuptodressinapleasantmoodofexpectation,withaslightnervousdreadhoveringinthebackgroundwhenevershethoughtoftheimminentarrivalofMrs.Macatta.BundlefeltthatdalliancewithMrs.Macattawasgoingtoprovenoprimrosepath.
Herfirstshockwaswhenshecamedown,demurelyattiredinablacklacefrock,andpassedalongthehall.Afootmanwasstandingthere—atleastamandressedasafootman.Butthatsquare,burlyfigurelentitselfbadlytothedeception.Bundlestoppedandstared.
“SuperintendentBattle,”shebreathed
“That’sright,LadyEileen.”
“Oh!”saidBundleuncertainly.“Areyouhereto—to—?”
“Keepaneyeonthings.”
“Isee.”
“Thatwarningletter,youknow,”saidtheSuperintendent,“fairlyputthewindupMr.Lomax.NothingwoulddoforhimbutthatIshouldcomedownmyself.”
“Butdon’tyouthink—”beganBundle,andstopped.ShehardlylikedtosuggesttotheSuperintendentthathisdisguisewasnotaparticularlyefficientone.Heseemedtohave“policeofficer”writtenalloverhim,andBundlecouldhardlyimaginethemostunsuspectingcriminalfailingtobeputonhisguard.
“Youthink,”saidtheSuperintendentstolidly,“thatImightberecognized?”
Hegavethefinalwordadistinctcapitalletter.
“Ididthinkso—yes—”admittedBundle.
SomethingthatmightconceivablyhavebeenintendedforasmilecrossedthewoodennessofSuperintendentBattle’sfeatures.
“Putthemontheirguard,eh?Well,LadyEileen,whynot?”
“Whynot?”echoedBundle—ratherstupidly,shefelt.
SuperintendentBattlewasnoddinghisheadslowly.
“Wedon’twantanyunpleasantness,dowe?”hesaid.“Don’twanttobetooclever—justshowanylight-fingeredgentrythatmaybeabout—well,justshowthemthatthere’ssomebodyonthespot,sotospeak.”
Bundlegazedathiminsomeadmiration.ShecouldimaginethatthesuddenappearanceofsorenownedapersonageasSuperintendentBattlemighthaveadepressingeffectonanyschemeandthehatchersofit.
“It’sagreatmistaketobetooclever,”SuperintendentBattlewasrepeating.“Thegreatthingisnottohaveanyunpleasantnessthisweekend.”
Bundlepassedon,wonderinghowmanyofherfellowguestshadrecognizedorwouldrecognizetheScotlandYarddetective.InthedrawingroomGeorgewasstandingwithapuckeredbrowandanorangeenvelopeinhishand.
“Mostvexatious,”hesaid.“AtelegramfromMrs.Macattatosayshewillbeunabletobewithus.Herchildrenaresufferingfrommumps.”
Bundle’sheartgaveathrobofrelief.
“Iespeciallyfeelthisonyouraccount,Eileen,”saidGeorgekindly.“Iknowhowanxiousyouweretomeether.TheCountesstoowillbesadlydisappointed.”
“Oh,nevermind,”saidBundle.“Ishouldhateitifshe’dcomeandgivenmemumps.”
“Averydistressingcomplaint,”agreedGeorge.“ButIdonotthinkthatinfectioncouldbecarriedthatway.Indeed,IamsurethatMrs.Macattawouldhaverunnoriskofthatkind.Sheisamosthighlyprincipledwoman,withaveryrealsenseofherresponsibilitiestothecommunity.Inthesedaysofnationalstress,wemustalltakeintoaccount—”
Onthebrinkofembarkingonaspeech,Georgepulledhimselfupshort.
“Butitmustbeforanothertime,”hesaid.“Fortunatelythereisnohurryinyourcase.ButtheCountess,alas,isonlyavisitortoourshores.”
“She’saHungarian,isn’tshe?”saidBundle,whowascuriousabouttheCountess.
“Yes.Youhaveheard,nodoubt,oftheYoungHungarianparty.TheCountessisaleaderofthatparty.Awomanofgreatwealth,leftawidowatanearlyage,shehasdevotedhermoneyandhertalentstothepublicservice.Shehasespeciallydevotedherselftotheproblemofinfantmortality—aterribleoneunderpresentconditionsinHungary.I—Ah!hereisHerrEberhard.”
TheGermaninventorwasyoungerthanBundlehadimaginedhim.Hewasprobablynotmorethanthirty-threeorfour.Hewasboorishandillatease.Andyethispersonalitywasnotanunpleasingone.Hisblueeyesweremoreshythanfurtive,andhismoreunpleasantmannerisms,suchastheonethatBillhaddescribedofgnawinghisfingernails,arose,shethought,morefromnervousnessthanfromanyothercause.Hewasthinandweedyinappearanceandlookedanaemicanddelicate.
HeconversedratherawkwardlywithBundleinstiltedEnglishandtheybothwelcomedtheinterruptionofthejoyousMr.O’Rourke.PresentlyBillbustledin—thereisnootherwordforit:inthesamesuchwaydoesafavouredNewfoundlandmakehisentrance—andatoncecameovertoBundle.Hewaslookingperplexedandharassed.
“Hullo,Bundle.Heardyou’dgothere.BeenkeptwithmynosetothegrindstonealltheblessedafternoonorI’dhaveseenyoubefore.”
“CaresofStateheavytonight?”suggestedO’Rourkesympathetically.
Billgroaned.
“Idon’tknowwhatyourfellow’slike,”hecomplained.“Looksagood-natured,tubbylittlechap.ButCoddersisabsolutelyimpossible.Drive,drive,drive,frommorningtonight.Everythingyoudoiswrong,andeverythingyouhaven’tdoneyououghttohavedone.”
“Quitelikeaquotationfromtheprayerbook,”remarkedJimmy,whohadjuststrolledup.
Billglancedathimreproachfully.
“Nobodyknows,”hesaidpathetically,“whatIhavetoputupwith.”
“EntertainingtheCountess,eh?”suggestedJimmy.“PoorBill,thatmusthavebeenasadstraintoawomanhaterlikeyourself.”
“What’sthis?”askedBundle.
“Aftertea,”saidJimmywithagrin,“theCountessaskedBilltoshowherroundtheinterestingoldplace.”
“Well,Icouldn’trefuse,couldI?”saidBill,hiscountenanceassumingabrick-redtint.
Bundlefeltfaintlyuneasy.Sheknew,onlytoowell,thesusceptibilityofMr.WilliamEversleightofemalecharms.InthehandofawomanliketheCountess,Billwouldbeaswax.ShewonderedoncemorewhetherJimmyThesigerhadbeenwisetotakeBillintotheirconfidence.
“TheCountess,”saidBill,“isaverycharmingwoman.Andnoendintelligent.Youshouldhaveseenhergoingroundthehouse.Allsortsofquestionssheasked.”
“Whatkindofquestions?”askedBundlesuddenly.
Billwasvague.
“Oh!Idon’tknow.Aboutthehistoryofit.Andoldfurniture.And—oh!allsortsofthings.”
AtthatmomenttheCountesssweptintotheroom.Sheseemedashadebreathless.Shewaslookingmagnificentinaclose-fittingblackvelvetgown.BundlenoticedhowBillgravitatedatoncetoherimmediateneighbourhood.Theseriousspectacledyoungmanjoinedhim.
“BillandPongohavebothgotitbadly,”observedJimmyThesigerwithalaugh.
Bundlewasbynomeanssosurethatitwasalaughingmatter.
Seventeen
AFTERDINNER
Georgewasnotabelieverinmoderninnovations.TheAbbeywasinnocentofanythingsouptodateascentralheating.Consequently,whentheladiesenteredthedrawingroomafterdinner,thetemperatureoftheroomwaswoefullyinadequatetotheneedsofmoderneveningclothes.Thefirethatburntinthewell-furnishedsteelgratebecameasamagnet.Thethreewomenhuddledroundit.
“Brrrrrrrrrr!”saidtheCountess,afine,exoticforeignsound.
“Thedaysaredrawingin,”saidLadyCoote,anddrewafloweredatrocityofascarfcloseraboutherampleshoulders.
“Whyonearthdoesn’tGeorgehavethehouseproperlyheated?”saidBundle.
“YouEnglish,youneverheatyourhouses,”saidtheCountess.
Shetookoutherlongcigaretteholderandbegantosmoke.
“Thatgrateisold-fashioned,”saidLadyCoote.“Theheatgoesupthechimneyinsteadofintotheroom.”
“Oh!”saidtheCountess.
Therewasapause.TheCountesswassoplainlyboredbyhercompanythatconversationbecamedifficult.
“It’sfunny,”saidLadyCoote,breakingthesilence,“thatMrs.Macatta’schildrenshouldhavemumps.Atleast,Idon’tmeanexactlyfunny—”
“What,”saidtheCountess,“aremumps?”
BundleandLadyCootestartedsimultaneouslytoexplain.Finally,betweenthem,theymanagedit.
“IsupposeHungarianchildrenhaveit?”askedLadyCoote.
“Eh?”saidtheCountess.
“Hungarianchildren.Theysufferfromit?”
“Idonotknow,”saidtheCountess.“HowshouldI?”
LadyCootelookedatherinsomesurprise.
“ButIunderstoodthatyouworked—”
“Oh,that!”TheCountessuncrossedherlegs,tookhercigaretteholderfromhermouthandbegantotalkrapidly.
“Iwilltellyousomehorrors,”shesaid.“HorrorsthatIhaveseen.Incredible!Youwouldnotbelieve!”
Andshewasasgoodasherword.Shetalkedfluentlyandwithagraphicpowerofdescription.Incrediblescenesofstarvationandmiserywerepaintedbyherforthebenefitofheraudience.ShespokeofBudaPesthshortlyafterthewarandtraceditsvicissitudestothepresentday.Shewasdramatic,butshewasalso,toBundle’smind,alittlelikeagramophonerecord.Youturnedheron,andthereyouwere.Presently,justassuddenly,shewouldstop.
LadyCootewasthrilledtothemarrow—thatmuchwasclear.Shesatwithhermouthslightlyopenandherlarge,sad,darkeyesfixedontheCountess.Occasionally,sheinterpolatedacommentofherown.
“Oneofmycousinshadthreechildrenburnedtodeath.Awful,wasn’tit?”
TheCountesspaidnoattention.Shewentonandon.Andshefinallystoppedassuddenlyasshehadbegun.
“There!”shesaid.“Ihavetoldyou.Wehavemoney—butnoorganization.Itisorganizationweneed.”
LadyCootesighed.
“I’veheardmyhusbandsaythatnothingcanbedonewithoutregularmethods.Heattributeshisownsuccessentirelytothat.Hedeclareshewouldneverhavegotonwithoutthem.”
Shesighedagain.AsuddenfleetingvisionpassedbeforehereyesofaSirOswaldwhohadnotgotonintheworld.ASirOswaldwhoretained,inallessentials,theattributesofthatcheeryyoungmaninthebicycleshop.JustforaseconditoccurredtoherhowmuchpleasanterlifemighthavebeenforherifSirOswaldhadnothadregularmethods.
ByaquiteunderstandableassociationofideassheturnedtoBundle.
“Tellme,LadyEileen,”shesaid;“doyoulikethatheadgardenerofyours?”
“MacDonald?Well—”Bundlehesitated.“Onecouldn’texactlylikeMacDonald,”sheexplainedapologetically.“Buthe’safirst-classgardener.”
“Oh!Iknowheis,”saidLadyCoote.
“He’sallrightifhe’skeptinhisplace,”saidBundle.
“Isupposeso,”saidLadyCoote.
ShelookedenviouslyatBundle,whoappearedtoapproachthetaskofkeepingMacDonaldinhisplacesolightheartedly
“I’djustadoreahigh-tonedgarden,”saidtheCountessdreamily.
Bundlestared,butatthatmomentadiversionoccurred.JimmyThesigerenteredtheroomandspokedirectlytoherinastrange,hurriedvoice.
“Isay,willyoucomeandseethoseetchingsnow?They’rewaitingforyou.”
Bundlelefttheroomhurriedly,Jimmyclosebehindher.
“Whatetchings?”sheasked,asthedrawingroomdoorclosedbehindher.
“Noetchings,”saidJimmy.“I’dgottosaysomethingtogetholdofyou.Comeon,Billiswaitingforusinthelibrary.There’snobodythere.”
Billwasstridingupanddownthelibrary,clearlyinaveryperturbedstateofmind.
“Lookhere,”heburstout,“Idon’tlikethis.”
“Don’tlikewhat?”
“Youbeingmixedupinthis.Tentoonethere’sgoingtobearoughhouseandthen—”
HelookedatherwithakindofpatheticdismaythatgaveBundleawarmandcomfortablefeeling.
“Sheoughttobekeptoutofit,oughtn’tshe,Jimmy?”
Heappealedtotheother.
“I’vetoldherso,”saidJimmy.
“Dashitall,Bundle,Imean—someonemightgethurt.”
BundleturnedroundtoJimmy.
“Howmuchhaveyoutoldhim?”
“Oh!everything.”
“Ihaven’tgotthehangofitallyet,”confessedBill.“YouinthatplaceinSevenDialsandallthat.”Helookedatherunhappily.“Isay,Bundle,Iwishyouwouldn’t.”
“Wouldn’twhat?”
“Getmixedupinthesesortofthings.”
“Whynot?”saidBundle.“They’reexciting.”
“Oh,yes—exciting.Buttheymaybedamnablydangerous.LookatpooroldRonny.”
“Yes,”saidBundle.“Ifithadn’tbeenforyourfriendRonny,Idon’tsupposeIshouldeverhavegotwhatyoucall‘mixedup’inthisthing.ButIam.Andit’snoearthlyuseyourbleatingaboutit.”
“Iknowyou’rethemostfrightfulsport,Bundle,but—”
“Cutoutthecompliments.Let’smakeplans.”
Toherrelief,Billreactedfavourablytothesuggestion.
“You’rerightabouttheformula,”hesaid.“Eberhard’sgotsomesortofformulawithhim,orratherSirOswaldhas.Thestuffhasbeentestedoutathisworks—verysecretlyandallthat.Eberhardhasbeendowntherewithhim.They’reallinthestudynow—whatyoumightcallcomingdowntobrasstacks.”
“HowlongisSirStanleyDigbystaying?”askedJimmy.
“Goingbacktotowntomorrow.”
“H’m,”saidJimmy.“Thenonething’squiteclear.If,asIsuppose,SirStanleywillbetakingtheformulawithhim,anyfunnybusinessthere’sgoingtobewillbetonight.”
“Isupposeitwill.”
“Notadoubtofit.Thatnarrowsthethingdownverycomfortably.Butthebrightladswillhavetobetheirverybrightest.Wemustcomedowntodetails.Firstofall,wherewillthesacredformulabetonight?WillEberhardhaveit,orSirOswaldCoote?”
“Neither.Iunderstandit’stobehandedovertotheAirMinisterthisevening,forhimtotaketotowntomorrow.InthatcaseO’Rourkewillhaveit.Sureto.”
“Well,there’sonlyonethingforit.Ifwebelievesomeone’sgoingtohaveashotatpinchingthatpaper,we’vegottokeepwatchtonight,Bill,myboy.”
Bundleopenedhermouthasthoughtoprotest,butshutitagainwithoutspeaking.
“Bytheway,”continuedJimmy,“didIrecognizethecommissionairefromHarrodsinthehallthisevening,orwasitouroldfriendLestradefromScotlandYard?”
“Scintillating,Watson,”saidBill.
“Isuppose,”saidJimmy,“thatweareratherbuttinginonhispreserves.”
“Can’tbehelped,”saidBill.“Notifwemeantoseethisthingthrough.”
“Thenit’sagreed,”saidJimmy.“Wedividethenightintotwowatches?”
AgainBundleopenedhermouth,andagainshutitwithoutspeaking.
“Rightyouare,”agreedBill.“Who’lltakefirstduty?”
“Shallwespinforit?”
“Mightaswell.”
“Allright.Heregoes.HeadsyoufirstandIsecond.Tails,viceversa.”
Billnodded.Thecoinspunintheair.Jimmybenttolookatit.
“Tails,”hesaid.
“Damn,”saidBill.“Yougetfirsthalfandprobablyanyfunthat’sgoing.”
“Oh,youneverknow,”saidJimmy.“Criminalsareveryuncertain.WhattimeshallIwakeyou?Three?”
“That’saboutfair,Ithink.”
Andnow,atlast,Bundlespoke:
“Whataboutme?”sheasked.
“Nothingdoing.Yougotobedandsleep.”
“Oh!”saidBundle.“That’snotveryexciting.”
“Youneverknow,”saidJimmykindly.“YoumaybemurderedinyoursleepwhileBillandIescapescot-free.”
“Well,there’salwaysthatpossibility.Doyouknow,Jimmy,Idon’thalflikethelookofthatcountess.Isuspecther.”
“Nonsense,”criedBillyhotly.“She’sabsolutelyabovesuspicion.”
“Howdoyouknow?”retortedBundle.
“BecauseIdo.Why,oneofthefellowsattheHungarianEmbassyvouchedforher.”
“Oh!”saidBundle,momentarilytakenabackbyhisfervour.
“Yougirlsareallthesame,”grumbledBill.“Justbecauseshe’sajollygood-lookingwoman—”
Bundlewasonlytoowell-acquaintedwiththisunfairmasculinelineofargument.
“Well,don’tyougoandpourconfidencesintohershell-pinkear,”sheremarked.“I’mgoingtobed.IwasboredstiffwiththatdrawingroomandI’mnotgoingback.”
Shelefttheroom.BilllookedatJimmy
“GoodoldBundle,”hesaid.“Iwasafraidwemighthavetroublewithher.Youknowhowkeensheistobeineverything.Ithinkthewayshetookitwasjustwonderful.”
“SodidI,”saidJimmy.“Itstaggeredme.”
“She’sgotsomesense,Bundlehas.Sheknowswhenathing’splumbimpossible.Isay,oughtn’twetohavesomelethalweapons?Chapsusuallydowhenthey’regoingonthissortofstunt.”
“Ihaveabluenosedautomatic,”saidJimmywithgentlepride.“Itweighsseveralpoundsandlooksmostdangerous.I’lllendittoyouwhenthetimecomes.”
Billlookedathimwithrespectandenvy.
“Whatmadeyouthinkofgettingthat?”hesaid.
“Idon’tknow,”saidJimmycarelessly.“Itjustcametome.”
“Ihopeweshan’tgoandshootthewrongperson,”saidBillwithsomeanxiety.
“Thatwouldbeunfortunate,”saidMr.Thesigergravely.
Eighteen
JIMMY’SADVENTURES
Ourchroniclemustheresplitintothreeseparateanddistinctportions.Thenightwastoproveaneventfuloneandeachofthethreepersonsinvolvedsawitfromhisorherownindividualangle.
Wewillbeginwiththatpleasantandengagingyouth,Mr.JimmyThesiger,atamomentwhenhehasatlastexchangedfinalgoodnightswithhisfellowconspirator,BillEversleigh.
“Don’tforget,”saidBill,“threea.m.Ifyou’restillalive,thatis,”headdedkindly.
“Imaybeanass,”saidJimmy,withrancorousremembranceoftheremarkBundlehadrepeatedtohim,“butI’mnotnearlysomuchofanassasIlook.”
“That’swhatyousaidaboutGerryWade,”saidBillslowly.“Doyouremember?Andthatverynighthe—”
“Shutup,youdamnedfool,”saidJimmy.“Haven’tyougotanytact?”
“OfcourseI’vegottact,”saidBill.“I’mabuddingdiplomatist.Alldiplomatistshavetact.”
“Ah!”saidJimmy.“Youmustbestillinwhattheycallthelarvalstage.”
“Ican’tgetoverBundle,”saidBill,revertingabruptlytoaformertopic.“Ishouldcertainlyhavesaidthatshe’dbe—well,difficult.Bundle’simproved.She’simprovedverymuch.”
“That’swhatyourChiefwassaying,”saidJimmy.“Hesaidhewasagreeablysurprised.”
“IthoughtBundlewaslayingitonabitthickmyself,”saidBill.“ButCoddersissuchanasshe’dswallowanything.Well,night-night.Iexpectyou’llhaveabitofajobwakingmewhenthetimescomes—butsticktoit.”
“Itwon’tbemuchgoodifyou’vetakenaleafoutofGerryWade’sbook,”saidJimmymaliciously.
Billlookedathimreproachfully.
“Whatthehelldoyouwanttogoandmakeachapuncomfortablefor?”hedemanded.
“I’monlygettingmyownback,”saidJimmy.“Toddlealong.”
ButBilllingered.Hestooduncomfortably,firstononefootandthenontheother.
“Lookhere,”hesaid.
“Yes?”
“WhatImeantosayis—well,Imeanyou’llbeallrightandallthat,won’tyou?It’sallverywellraggingbutwhenIthinkofpoorGerry—andthenpooroldRonny—”
Jimmygazedathiminexasperation.Billwasoneofthosewhoundoubtedlymeantwell,buttheresultofhiseffortswouldnotbedescribedasheartening.
“Isee,”heremarked,“thatIshallhavetoshowyouLeopold.”
Heslippedhishandintothepocketofthedark-bluesuitintowhichhehadjustchangedandheldoutsomethingforBill’sinspection.
“Areal,genuine,bluenosedautomatic,”hesaidwithmodestpride.
“No.Isay,”saidBill,“isitreally?”
Hewasundoubtedlyimpressed.
“Stevens,myman,gothimforme.Warrantedcleanandmethodicalinhishabits.YoupressthebuttonandLeopolddoestherest.”
“Oh!”saidBill.“Isay,Jimmy?”
“Yes?”
“Becareful,won’tyou?Imean,don’tgoloosingthatthingoffatanybody.PrettyawkwardifyoushotoldDigbywalkinginhissleep.”
“That’sallright,”saidJimmy.“Naturally,IwanttogetvalueoutofoldLeopoldnowI’veboughthim,butI’llcurbmybloodthirstyinstinctsasfaraspossible.”
“Well,night-night,”saidBillforthefourteenthtime,andthistimereallydiddepart.
Jimmywasleftalonetotakeuphisvigil.
SirStanleyDigbyoccupiedaroomattheextremityofthewestwing.Abathroomadjoineditononeside,andontheotheracommunicatingdoorledintoasmallerroom,whichwastenantedbyMr.TerenceO’Rourke.Thedoorsofthesethreeroomsgaveontoashortcorridor.Thewatcherhadasimpletask.Achairplacedinconspicuouslyintheshadowofanoakpressjustwherethecorridorranintothemaingalleryformedaperfectvantageground.Therewasnootherwayintothewestwing,andanyonegoingtoorfromitcouldnotfailtobeseen.Oneelectriclightwasstillon.
Jimmyensconcedhimselfcomfortably,crossedhislegsandwaited.Leopoldlayinreadinessacrosshisknee.
Heglancedathiswatch.Itwastwentyminutestoone—justanhoursincethehouseholdhadretiredtorest.Notasoundbrokethestillness,exceptforthefar-offtickingofaclocksomewhere.
Somehoworother,Jimmydidnotmuchcareforthatsound.Itrecalledthings.GeraldWade—andthoseseventickingclocksonthemantelpiece…Whosehandhadplacedthemthere,andwhy?Heshivered.
Itwasacreepybusiness,thiswaiting.Hedidn’twonderthatthingshappenedatspiritualisticséances.Sittinginthegloom,onegotallworkedup—readytostartattheleastsound.Andunpleasantthoughtscameinonafellow.
RonnyDevereux!RonnyDevereuxandGerryWade!Bothyoung,bothfulloflifeandenergy;ordinary,jolly,healthyyoungmen.Andnow,wherewerethey?Dankearth…wormsgettingthem…Ugh!whycouldn’theputthesehorriblethoughtsoutofhismind?
Helookedagainathiswatch.Twentyminutespastoneonly.Howthetimecrawled.
Extraordinarygirl,Bundle!FancyhavingthenerveanddaringactuallytogetintothemidstofthatSevenDialsplace.Whyhadn’thehadthenerveandinitiativetothinkofthat?Hesupposedbecausethethingwassofantastic.
No7.WhothehellcouldNo7be?Washe,perhaps,inthehouseatthisminute?Disguisedasaservant.Hecouldn’t,surely,beoneoftheguests.No,thatwasimpossible.Butthen,thewholethingwasimpossible.Ifhehadn’tbelievedBundletobeessentiallytruthful—well,hewouldhavethoughtshehadinventedthewholething.
Heyawned.Queer,tofeelsleepy,andyetatthesametimestrungup.Helookedagainathiswatch.Tenminutestotwo.Timewasgettingon.
Andthen,suddenly,heheldhisbreathandleanedforward,listening.Hehadheardsomething.
Theminuteswentpast…Thereitwasagain.Thecreakofaboard…Butitcamefromdownstairssomewhere.Thereitwasagain!Aslight,ominouscreak.Somebodywasmovingstealthilyaboutthehouse.
Jimmysprangnoiselesslytohisfeet.Hecreptsilentlytotheheadofthestaircase.Everythingseemedperfectlyquiet.Yethewasquitecertainhehadreallyheardthatstealthysound.Itwasnotimagination.
Veryquietlyandcautiouslyhecreptdownthestaircase,Leopoldclaspedtightlyinhisrighthand.Notasoundinthebighall.Ifhehadbeencorrectinassumingthatthemuffledsoundcamefromdirectlybeneathhim,thenitmusthavecomefromthelibrary.
Jimmystoletothedoorofit,listened,butheardnothing;then,suddenlyflingingopenthedoor,heswitchedonthelights.
Nothing!Thebigroomwasfloodedwithlight.Butitwasempty.
Jimmyfrowned.
“Icouldhavesworn—”hemurmuredtohimself.
Thelibrarywasalargeroomwiththreewindowswhichopenedontotheterrace.Jimmystrodeacrosstheroom.Themiddlewindowwasunlatched.
Heopeneditandsteppedoutontotheterrace,lookingfromendtoendofit.Nothing!
“Looksallright,”hemurmuredtohimself.“Andyet—”
Heremainedforaminutelostinthought.Thenhesteppedbackintothelibrary.Crossingtothedoor,helockeditandputthekeyinhispocket.Thenheswitchedoffthelight.Hestoodforaminutelistening,thencrossedsoftlytotheopenwindowandstoodthere,Leopoldreadyinhishand.
Wasthere,orwastherenot,asoftpatteroffeetalongtheterrace?No—hisimagination.HegraspedLeopoldtightlyandstoodlistening….
Inthedistanceastableclockchimedtwo.
Nineteen
BUNDLE’SADVENTURES
BundleBrentwasaresourcefulgirl—shewasalsoagirlofimagination.ShehadforeseenthatBill,ifnotJimmy,wouldmakeobjectionstoherparticipationinthepossibledangersofthenight.ItwasnotBundle’sideatowastetimeinargument.Shehadlaidherownplansandmadeherownarrangements.Aglancefromherbedroomwindowshortlybeforedinnerhadbeenhighlysatisfactory.ShehadknownthatthegreywallsoftheAbbeywereplentifullyadornedwithivy,buttheivyoutsideherwindowwasparticularlysolidlookingandwouldpresentnodifficultiestooneofherathleticpropensities.
ShehadnofaulttofindwithBill’sandJimmy’sarrangementsasfarastheywent.Butinheropiniontheydidnotgofarenough.Sheofferednocriticism,becausesheintendedtoseetothatsideofthingsherself.Briefly,whileJimmyandBillweredevotingthemselvestotheinsideoftheAbbey,Bundleintendedtodevoteherattentionstotheoutside.
Herownmeekacquiescenceinthetamer?leassignedtohergaveheraninfinityofpleasure,thoughshewonderedscornfullyhoweitherofthetwomencouldbesoeasilydeceived.Bill,ofcourse,hadneverbeenfamousforscintillatingbrainpower.Ontheotherhand,heknew,orshouldknow,hisBundle.AndsheconsideredthatJimmyThesiger,thoughonlyslightlyacquaintedwithher,oughttohaveknownbetterthantoimaginethatshecouldbesoeasilyandsummarilydisposedof.
Onceintheprivacyofherownroom,Bundlesetrapidlytowork.Firstshediscardedhereveningdressandthenegligibletriflewhichsheworebeneathit,andstartedagain,sotospeak,fromthefoundations.Bundlehadnotbroughthermaidwithher,andshehadpackedherself.Otherwise,thepuzzledFrenchwomanmighthavewonderedwhyherladytookapairofridingbreechesandnofurtherequineequipment.
Arrayedinridingbreeches,rubber-soledshoes,andadark-colouredpullover,Bundlewasreadyforthefray.Sheglancedatthetime.Asyet,itwasonlyhalfpasttwelve.Tooearlybyfar.Whateverwasgoingtohappenwouldnothappenforsometimeyet.Theoccupantsofthehousemustallbegiventimetogetofftosleep.HalfpastonewasthetimefixedbyBundleforthestartofoperations.
Sheswitchedoffherlightandsatdownbythewindowtowait.Punctuallyattheappointedmoment,sherose,pushedupthesashandswungherlegoverthesill.Thenightwasafineone,coldandstill.Therewasstarlightbutnomoon
Shefoundthedescentveryeasy.BundleandhertwosistershadrunwildintheparkatChimneysassmallchildren,andtheycouldallclimblikecats.Bundlearrivedonaflowerbed,ratherbreathless,butquiteunscathed.
Shepausedaminutetotakestockofherplans.SheknewthattheroomsoccupiedbytheAirMinisterandhissecretarywereinthewestwing;thatwastheoppositesideofthehousefromwhereBundlewasnowstanding.Aterraceranalongthesouthandwestsideofthehouse,endingabruptlyagainstawalledfruitgarden.
Bundlesteppedoutofherflowerbedandturnedthecornerofthehousetowheretheterracebeganonthesouthside.Shecreptveryquietlyalongit,keepingclosetotheshadowofthehouse.But,asshereachedthesecondcorner,shegotashock,foramanwasstandingthere,withtheclearintentionofbarringherway.
Thenextinstantshehadrecognizedhim
“SuperintendentBattle!Youdidgivemeafright!”
“That’swhatI’mherefor,”saidtheSuperintendentpleasantly.
Bundlelookedathim.Itstruckhernow,assooftenbefore,howremarkablylittlecamouflagetherewasabouthim.Hewaslargeandsolidandnoticeable.Hewas,somehow,veryEnglish.ButofonethingBundlewasquitesure.SuperintendentBattlewasnofool.
“Whatareyoureallydoinghere?”sheasked,stillinawhisper.
“Justseeing,”saidBattle,“thatnobody’saboutwhoshouldn’tbe.”
“Oh!”saidBundle,rathertakenaback
“You,forinstance,LadyEileen.Idon’tsupposeyouusuallytakeawalkatthistimeofnight.”
“Doyoumean,”saidBundleslowly,“thatyouwantmetogoback?”
SuperintendentBattlenoddedapprovingly.
“You’reveryquick,LadyEileen.That’sjustwhatIdomean.Didyou—er—comeoutofadoor,orthewindow?”
“Thewindow.It’seasyasanythingclimbingdownthisivy.”
SupertintendentBattlelookedupatitthoughtfully.
“Yes,”hesaid.“Ishouldsayitwouldbe.”
“Andyouwantmetogoback?”saidBundle.“I’mrathersickaboutthat.Iwantedtogoroundontothewestterrace.”
“Perhapsyouwon’tbetheonlyonewho’llwanttodothat,”saidBattle.
“Nobodycouldmissseeingyou,”saidBundleratherspitefully.
TheSuperintendentseemedratherpleasedthanotherwise.
“Ihopetheywon’t,”hesaid.“Nounpleasantness.That’smymotto.Andifyou’llexcuseme,LadyEileen,Ithinkit’stimeyouweregoingbacktobed.”
Thefirmnessofhistoneadmittednoparley.Rathercrestfallen,Bundleretracedhersteps.Shewashalfwayuptheivywhenasuddenideaoccurredtoher,andshenearlyrelaxedhergripandfell
SupposingSuperintendentBattlesuspectedher.
Therehadbeensomething—yes,surelytherehadbeensomethinginhismannerthatvaguelysuggestedtheidea.Shecouldn’thelplaughingasshecrawledoverthesillintoherbedroom.FancythesolidSuperintendentsuspectingher!
ThoughshehadsofarobeyedBattle’sordersastoreturningtoherroom,Bundlehadnointentionofgoingtobedandsleeping.NordidshethinkthatBattlehadreallyintendedhertodoso.Hewasnotamantoexpectimpossibilities.AndtoremainquiescentwhensomethingdaringandexcitingmightbegoingonwasasheerimpossibilitytoBundle.
Sheglancedatherwatch.Itwastenminutestotwo.Afteramomentortwoofirresolution,shecautiouslyopenedherdoor.Notasound.Everythingwasstillandpeaceful.Shestolecautiouslyalongthepassage.
Onceshehalted,thinkingsheheardaboardcreaksomewhere,butthenconvincedthatshewasmistaken,shewentonagain.Shewasnowinthemaincorridor,makingherwaytothewestwing.Shereachedtheangleofintersectionandpeeredcautiouslyround—thenshestaredinblanksurprise.
Thewatcher’spostwasempty.JimmyThesigerwasnotthere.
Bundlestaredincompleteamazement.Whathadhappened?WhyhadJimmylefthispost?Whatdiditmean?
Atthatmomentsheheardaclockstriketwo.
Shewasstillstandingthere,debatingwhattodonext,whensuddenlyherheartgavealeapandthenseemedtostandstill.ThedoorhandleofTerenceO’Rourke’sroomwasslowlyturning.
Bundlewatched,fascinated.Butthedoordidnotopen.Insteadtheknobturnedslowlytoitsoriginalposition.Whatdiditmean?
SuddenlyBundlecametoaresolution.Jimmy,forsomeunknownreason,haddesertedhispost.ShemustgetholdofBill.
Quicklyandnoiselessly,Bundlefledalongthewayshehadcome.SheburstunceremoniouslyintoBill’sroom.
“Bill,wakeup!Oh,dowakeup!”
Itwasanurgentwhispershesentforth,buttherecamenoresponsetoit.
“Bill,”breathedBundle.
Impatientlysheswitchedonthelights,andthenstooddumbfounded.
Theroomwasempty,andthebedhadnotevenbeensleptin.
WherethenwasBill?
Suddenlyshecaughtherbreath.ThiswasnotBill’sroom.Thedaintynegligéethrownoverachair,thefeminineknickknacksonthedressingtable,theblackvelveteveningdressthrowncarelesslyoverachair—Ofcourse,inherhasteshehadmistakenthedoors.ThiswastheCountessRadzky’sroom.
Butwhere,ohwhere,wasthecountess?
AndjustasBundlewasaskingherselfthisquestion,thesilenceofthenightwassuddenlybroken,andinnouncertainmanner.
Theclamourcamefrombelow.InaninstantBundlehadspedoutoftheCountess’sroomanddownstairs.Thesoundscamefromthelibrary—aviolentcrashingofchairsbeingoverturned.
Bundlerattledvainlyatthelibrarydoor.Itwaslocked.Butshecouldclearlyhearthestrugglethatwasgoingonwithin—thepantingandscuffling,cursesinmanytones,theoccasionalcrashassomelightpieceoffurniturecameintothelineofbattle.
Andthen,sinisteranddistinct,breakingthepeaceofthenightforgoodandall,twoshotsinrapidsuccession.
Twenty
LORAINE’SADVENTURES
LoraineWadesatupinbedandswitchedonthelight.Itwasexactlytenminutestoone.Shehadgonetobedearly—athalfpastnine.Shepossessedtheusefulartofbeingabletowakeherselfupattherequiredtime,soshehadbeenabletoenjoysomehoursofrefreshingsleep.
Twodogssleptintheroomwithher,andoneofthesenowraisedhisheadandlookedatherinquiringly.
“Quiet,Lurcher,”saidLoraine,andthebiganimalputhisheaddownagainobediently,watchingherfrombetweenhisshaggyeyelashes.
ItistruethatBundlehadoncedoubtedthemeeknessofLoraineWade,butthatbriefmomentofsuspicionhadpassed.Lorainehadseemedsoentirelyreasonable,sowillingtobekeptoutofeverything.
Andyet,ifyoustudiedthegirl’sface,yousawthattherewasstrengthofpurposeinthesmall,resolutejawandthelipsthatclosedtogethersofirmly.
Loraineroseanddressedherselfinatweedcoatandskirt.Intoonepocketofthecoatshedroppedanelectrictorch.Thensheopenedthedrawerofherdressingtableandtookoutasmallivory-handledpistol—almostatoyinappearance.ShehadboughtitthedaybeforeatHarrodsandshewasverypleasedwithit.
Shegaveafinalglanceroundtheroomtoseeifshehadforgottenanything,andatthatmomentthebigdogroseandcameovertoher,lookingupatherwithpleadingeyesandwaggingitstail.
“No,Lurcher.Can’tgo.Missuscan’ttakeyou.Gottostayhereandbeagoodboy.”
Shedroppedakissonthedog’shead,madehimliedownonhisrugagain,andthenslippednoiselesslyoutoftheroom,closingthedoorbehindher.
Sheletherselfoutofthehousebyasidedoorandmadeherwayroundtothegarage,whereherlittletwo-seatercarwasinreadiness.Therewasagentleslope,andsheletthecarrunsilentlydownit,notstartingtheenginetillshewassomewayfromthehouse.Thensheglancedatthewatchonherarmandpressedherfootdownontheaccelerator.
Sheleftthecarataspotshehadpreviouslymarkeddown.Therewasagapthereinthefencingthatshecouldeasilygetthrough.Afewminuteslater,slightlymuddy,LorainestoodinsidethegroundsofWyvernAbbey.
Asnoiselesslyaspossible,shemadeherwaytowardsthevenerableivy-colouredbuilding.Inthedistanceastableclockchimedtwo.
Loraine’sheartbeatfasterasshedrewneartotheterrace.Therewasnooneabout—nosignoflifeanywhere.Everythingseemedpeacefulandundisturbed.Shereachedtheterraceandstoodthere,lookingabouther.
Suddenly,withouttheleastwarning,somethingfromabovefellwithaflopalmostatherfeet.Lorainestoopedtopickitup.Itwasabrownpaperpacket,looselywrapped.Holdingit,Lorainelookedup.
Therewasanopenwindowjustaboveherhead,andevenasshelookedalegswungoveritandamanbegantoclimbdowntheivy.
Lorainewaitednomore.Shetooktoherheelsandran,stillclaspingthebrownpaperpacket.
Behindher,thenoiseofastrugglesuddenlybrokeout.Ahoarsevoice:“Lemmego”;anotherthatsheknewwell:“NotifIknowit—ah,youwould,wouldyou?”
StillLoraineran—blindly,asthoughpanic-stricken—rightroundthecorneroftheterrace—andslapintothearmsofalarge,solidlybuiltman.
“There,there,”saidSuperintendentBattlekindly.
Lorainewasstrugglingtospeak.
“Oh,quick!—oh,quick!They’rekillingeachother.Oh,dobequick!”
Therewasasharpcrackofarevolvershot—andthenanother.
SuperintendentBattlestartedtorun.Lorainefollowed.Backroundthecorneroftheterraceandalongtothelibrarywindow.Thewindowwasopen.
Battlestoopedandswitchedonanelectrictorch.Lorainewasclosebehindhim,peeringoverhisshoulder.Shegavealittlesobbinggasp.
OnthethresholdofthewindowlayJimmyThesigerinwhatlookedlikeapoolofblood.Hisrightarmlaydanglinginacuriousposition.
Lorainegaveasharpcry.
“He’sdead,”shewailed.“Oh,Jimmy—Jimmy—he’sdead!”
“Now,now,”saidSuperintendentBattlesoothingly.“Don’tyoutakeonso.Theyounggentlemanisn’tdead,I’llbebound.Seeifyoucanfindthelightsandturnthemon.”
Loraineobeyed.Shestumbledacrosstheroom,foundtheswitchbythedoorandpresseditdown.Theroomwasfloodedwithlight.SuperintendentBattleutteredasighofrelief.
“It’sallright—he’sonlyshotintherightarm.He’sfaintedthroughlossofblood.Comeandgivemeahandwithhim.”
Therewasapoundingonthelibrarydoor.Voiceswereheard,asking,expostulating,demanding.
Lorainelookeddoubtfullyatit.
“ShallI—?”
“Nohurry,”saidBattle.“We’lllettheminpresently.Youcomeandgivemeahand.”
Lorainecameobediently.TheSuperintendenthadproducedalarge,cleanpockethandkerchiefandwasneatlybandagingthewoundedman’sarm.Lorainehelpedhim.
“He’llbeallright,”saidtheSuperintendent.“Don’tyouworry.Asmanylivesascats,theseyoungfellows.Itwasn’tthelossofbloodknockedhimouteither.Hemusthavecaughthisheadacrackonthefloorashefell.”
Outside,theknockingonthedoorhadbecometremendous.ThevoiceofGeorgeLomax,furiouslyupraised,cameloudanddistinct:
“Whoisinthere?Openthedooratonce.”
SuperintendentBattlesighed.
“Isupposeweshallhaveto,”hesaid.“Apity.”
Hiseyesdartedround,takinginthescene.AnautomaticlaybyJimmy’sside.TheSuperintendentpickeditupgingerly,holdingitverydelicately,andexaminedit.Hegruntedandlaiditonthetable.Thenhesteppedacrossandunlockedthedoor.
Severalpeoplefellintotheroom.Nearlyeverybodysaidsomethingatthesameminute.GeorgeLomax,splutteringwithobduratewordswhichrefusedtocomewithsufficientfluency,exclaimed:
“The—the—themeaningofthis?Ah!It’syou,Superintendent;what’shappened?Isay—whathas—happened?”
BillEversleighsaid;“MyGod!OldJimmy!”andstaredatthelimpfigureontheground.
LadyCoote,cladinaresplendentpurpledressinggown,criedout:“Thepoorboy!”andsweptpastSuperintendentBattletobendovertheprostrateJimmyinamotherlyfashion.
Bundlesaid:“Loraine!”
HerrEberhardsaid:“GottimHimmel!”andotherwordsofthatnature.
SirStanleyDigbysaid:“MyGod,what’sallthis?”
Ahousemaidsaid:“Lookattheblood,”andscreamedwithpleasurableexcitement.
Afootmansaid:“Lor!”
Thebutlersaid,withagooddealmorebraveryinhismannerthanhadbeennoticeableafewminutesearlier:“Nowthen,thiswon’tdo!”andwavedawayunderservants.
TheefficientMr.RupertBatemansaidtoGeorge:“Shallwegetridofsomeofthesepeople,sir?”
Thentheyalltookfreshbreath.
“Incredible!”saidGeorgeLomax.“Battle,whathashappened?”
Battlegavehimalook,andGeorge’sdiscreethabitsassumedtheirusualway.
“Nowthen,”hesaid,movingtothedoor,“everyonegobacktobed,please.There’sbeena—er—”
“Alittleaccident,”saidSuperintendentBattleeasily.
“A—er—anaccident.Ishallbemuchobligedifeveryonewillgobacktobed.”
Everyonewasclearlyreluctanttodoso
“LadyCoote—please—”
“Thepoorboy,”saidLadyCooteinamotherlyfashion.
Sherosefromakneelingpositionwithgreatreluctance.Andasshedidso,Jimmystirredandsatup.
“Hallo!”hesaidthickly.“What’sthematter?”
Helookedroundhimvacantlyforaminuteortwoandthenintelligencereturnedtohiseye.
“Haveyougothim?hedemandedeagerly
“Gotwho?”
“Theman.Climbeddowntheivy.Iwasbythewindowthere.Grabbedhimandwehadnoendofaset-to—”
“Oneofthosenasty,murderouscatburglars,”saidLadyCoote.“Poorboy.”
Jimmywaslookingroundhim.
“Isay—I’mafraidwe—er—havemaderatheramessofthings.Fellowwasasstrongasanoxandwewentfairlywaltzinground.”
Theconditionoftheroomwasclearproofofthisstatement.Everythinglightandbreakablewithinarangeoftwelvefeetthatcouldbebrokenhadbeenbroken.
“Andwhathappenedthen?”
ButJimmywaslookingroundforsomething.
“Where’sLeopold?Theprideofthebluenosedautomatics?”
Battleindicatedthepistolonthetable.
“Isthisyours,Mr.Thesiger?”
“That’sright.That’slittleLeopold.Howmanyshotshavebeenfired?”
“Oneshot.”
Jimmylookedchagrined.
“I’mdisappointedinLeopold,”hemurmured.“Ican’thavepressedthebuttonproperly,orhe’dhavegoneonshooting.”
“Whoshotfirst?”
“Idid,I’mafraid,”saidJimmy.“Yousee,themantwistedhimselfoutofmygraspsuddenly.IsawhimmakingforthewindowandIclosedmyfingerdownonLeopoldandlethimhaveit.Heturnedinthewindowandfiredatmeand—well,IsupposeafterthatItookthecount.”
Herubbedhisheadratherruefully.
ButSirStanleyDigbywassuddenlyalert.
“Climbingdowntheivy,yousaid?MyGod,Lomax,youdon’tthinkthey’vegotawaywithit?”
Herushedfromtheroom.Forsomecuriousreasonnobodyspokeduringhisabsence.InafewminutesSirStanleyreturned.Hisround,chubbyfacewaswhiteasdeath.
“MyGod,Battle,”hesaid,“they’vegotit.O’Rourke’sfastasleep—drugged,Ithink.Ican’twakehim.Andthepapershavevanished.”
Twenty-one
THERECOVERYOFTHEFORMULA
“DerliebeGott!”saidHerrEberhardinawhisper.
Hisfacehadgonechalkywhite.
GeorgeturnedafaceofdignifiedreproachonBattle.
“Isthistrue,Battle?Ileftallarrangementsinyourhands.”
Therock-likequalityoftheSuperintendentshowedoutwell.Notamuscleofhisfacemoved.
“Thebestofusaredefeatedsometimes,sir,”hesaidquietly.
“Thenyoumean—youreallymean—thatthedocumentisgone?”
Buttoeveryone’ssurpriseSuperintendentBattleshookhishead.
“No,no,Mr.Lomax,it’snotsobadasyouthink.Everything’sallright.Butyoucan’tlaythecreditforitatmydoor.You’vegottothankthisyounglady.”
HeindicatedLoraine,whostaredathiminsurprise.Battlesteppedacrosstoherandgentlytookthebrownpaperparcelwhichshewasstillclutchingmechanically.
“Ithink,Mr.Lomax,”hesaid,“thatyouwillfindwhatyouwanthere.”
SirStanleyDigby,quickerinactionthanGeorge,snatchedatthepackageandtoreitopen,investigatingitscontentseagerly.Asighofreliefescapedhimandhemoppedhisbrow.HerrEberhardfelluponthechildofhisbrainandclaspedittohisheart,whilstatorrentofGermanburstfromhim.
SirStanleyturnedtoLoraine,shakingherwarmlybythehand.
“Mydearyounglady,”hesaid,“weareinfinitelyobligedtoyou,Iamsure.”
“Yes,indeed,”saidGeorge.“ThoughI—er—”
Hepausedinsomeperplexity,staringatayoungladywhowasatotalstrangertohim.LorainelookedappealinglyatJimmy,whocametotherescue.
“We—thisisMissWade.”saidJimmy.“GeraldWade’ssister.”
“Indeed,”saidGeorge,shakingherwarmlybythehand.“MydearMissWade,Imustexpressmydeepgratitudetoyouforwhatyouhavedone.ImustconfessthatIdonotquitesee—”
Hepauseddelicatelyandfourofthepersonspresentfeltthatexplanationsweregoingtobefraughtwithmuchdifficulty.SuperintendentBattlecametotherescue.
“Perhapswe’dbetternotgointothatjustnow,sir,”hesuggestedtactfully.
TheefficientMr.Batemancreatedafurtherdiversion.
“Wouldn’titbewiseforsomeonetoseetoO’Rourke?Don’tyouthink,sir,thatadoctorhadbetterbesentfor?”
“Ofcourse,”saidGeorge.“Ofcourse.Mostremissofusnottohavethoughtofitbefore.”HelookedtowardsBill.“GetDr.Cartwrightonthetelephone.Askhimtocome.Justhint,ifyoucan,that—er—discretionshouldbeobserved.”
Billwentoffonhiserrand.
“Iwillcomeupwithyou,Digby,”saidGeorge.“Something,possibly,couldbedone—measuresshould,perhaps,betaken—whilstawaitingthearrivalofthedoctor.”
HelookedratherhelplesslyatRupertBateman.Efficiencyalwaysmakesitselffelt.ItwasPongowhowasreallyinchargeofthesituation.
“ShallIcomeupwithyou,sir?”
Georgeacceptedtheofferwithrelief.Here,hefelt,wassomeoneonwhomhecouldlean.HeexperiencedthatsenseofcompletetrustinMr.Bateman’sefficiencywhichcametoallthosewhoencounteredthatexcellentyoungman.
Thethreemenlefttheroomtogether.LadyCoote,murmuringindeeprichtones:“Thepooryoungfellow.PerhapsIcoulddosomething—”hurriedafterthem
“That’saverymotherlywoman,”observedtheSuperintendentthoughtfully.“Averymotherlywoman.Iwonder—”
Threepairsofeyeslookedathiminquiringly.
“Iwaswondering,”saidSuperintendentBattleslowly,“whereSirOswaldCootemaybe.”
“Oh!”gaspedLoraine.“Doyouthinkhe’sbeenmurdered?”
Battleshookhisheadatherreproachfully.
“Noneedforanythingsomelodramatic,”hesaid.“No—Iratherthink—”
Hepaused,hisheadononeside,listening—onelargehandraisedtoenjoinsilence.
Inanotherminutetheyallheardwhathissharperearshadbeenthefirsttonotice.Footstepscomingalongtheterraceoutside.Theyrangoutclearlywithnokindofsubterfugeaboutthem.Inanotherminutethewindowwasblockedbyabulkyfigurewhichstoodthereregardingthemandwhoconveyed,inanoddway,asenseofdominatingthesituation
SirOswald,foritwashe,lookedslowlyfromonefacetoanother.Hiskeeneyestookinthedetailsofthesituation.Jimmy,withhisroughlybandagedarm;Bundle,inhersomewhatanomalousattire;Loraine,aperfectstrangertohim.HiseyescamelasttoSuperintendentBattle.Hespokesharplyandcrisply.
“What’sbeenhappeninghere,officer?”
“Attemptedrobbery,sir.”
“Attempted—eh?”
“Thankstothisyounglady,MissWade,thethievesfailedtogetawaywithit.”
“Ah!”hesaidagain,hisscrutinyended.“Andnow,officer,whataboutthis?”
HeheldoutasmallMauserpistolwhichhecarrieddelicatelybythebutt.
“Wheredidyoufindthat,SirOswald?”
“Onthelawnoutside.Ipresumeitmusthavebeenthrowndownbyoneofthethievesashetooktohisheels.I’vehelditcarefully,asIthoughtyoumightwishtoexamineitforfingerprints.”
“Youthinkofeverything,SirOswald,”saidBattle.
Hetookthepistolfromtheother,handlingitwithequalcare,andlaiditdownonthetablebesideJimmy’sColt.
“Andnow,ifyouplease,”saidSirOswald,“Ishouldliketohearexactlywhatoccurred.”
SuperintendentBattlegaveabriefrésuméoftheeventsofthenight.SirOswaldfrownedthoughtfully.
“Iunderstand,”hesaidsharply.“AfterwoundinganddisablingMr.Thesiger,themantooktohisheelsandran,throwingawaythepistolashedidso.WhatIcannotunderstandiswhynoonepursuedhim.”
“Itwasn’ttillweheardMr.Thesiger’sstorythatweknewtherewasanyonetopursue,”remarkedSuperintendentBattledryly.
“Youdidn’t—er—catchsightofhimmakingoffasyouturnedthecorneroftheterrace?”
“No,Imissedhimbyjustaboutfortyseconds,Ishouldsay.There’snomoonandhe’dbeinvisibleassoonashe’dlefttheterrace.Hemusthaveleaptforitassoonashe’dfiredtheshot.”
“H’m,”saidSirOswald.“Istillthinkthatasearchshouldhavebeenorganized.Someoneelseshouldhavebeenposted—”
“Therearethreeofmymeninthegrounds,”saidtheSuperintendentquietly.
“Oh!”SirOswaldseemedrathertakenaback.
“Theyweretoldtoholdanddetainanyoneattemptingtoleavethegrounds.”
“Andyet—theyhaven’tdoneso?”
“Andyettheyhaven’tdoneso,”agreedBattlegravely.
SirOswaldlookedathimasthoughsomethinginthewordspuzzledhim.Hesaidsharply:
“Areyoutellingmeallthatyouknow,SuperintendentBattle?”
“AllthatIknow—yes,SirOswald.WhatIthinkisadifferentmatter.MaybeIthinksomerathercuriousthings—butuntilthinking’sgotyousomewhereit’snousetalkingaboutit.”
“Andyet,”saidSirOswaldslowly,“Ishouldliketoknowwhatyouthink,SuperintendentBattle.”
“Foronething,sir,Ithinkthere’salottoomuchivyaboutthisplace—excuseme,sir,you’vegotabitonyourcoat—yes,agreatdealtoomuchivy.Itcomplicatesthings.”
SirOswaldstaredathim,butanyreplyhemighthavecontemplatedmakingwasarrestedbytheentranceofRupertBateman.
“Oh,thereyouare,SirOswald.I’msoglad.LadyCootehasjustdiscoveredthatyouweremissing—andshehasbeeninsistinguponitthatyouhadbeenmurderedbythethieves.Ireally,think,SirOswald,thatyouhadbettercometoheratonce.Sheisterriblyupset.”
“Mariaisanincrediblyfoolishwoman,”saidSirOswald.“WhyshouldIbemurdered?I’llcomewithyou,Bateman.”
Helefttheroomwithhissecretary.
“That’saveryefficientyoungman,”saidBattle,lookingafterthem.“What’shisname—Bateman?”
Jimmynodded.
“Bateman—Rupert,”hesaid.“CommonlyknownasPongo.Iwasatschoolwithhim.”
“Wereyou?Now,that’sinteresting,Mr.Thesiger.Whatwasyouropinionofhiminthosedays?”
“Oh,hewasalwaysthesamesortofass.”
“Ishouldn’thavethought,”saidBattlemildly,“thathewasanass.”
“Oh,youknowwhatImean.Ofcoursehewasn’treallyanass.Tonsofbrainsandalwaysswottingatthings.Butdeadlyserious.Nosenseofhumour.”
“Ah!”saidSuperintendentBattle.“That’sapity.Gentlemenwhohavenosenseofhumourgettotakingthemselvestooseriously—andthatleadstomischief.”
“Ican’timaginePongogettingintomischief,”saidJimmy.“He’sdoneextremelywellforhimselfsofar—dughimselfinwitholdCooteandlookslikebeingapermanencyinthejob.”
“SuperintendentBattle,”saidBundle.
“Yes,LadyEileen?”
“Don’tyouthinkitveryoddthatSirOswalddidn’tsaywhathewasdoingwanderingaboutinthegardeninthemiddleofthenight?”
“Ah!”saidBattle.“SirOswald’sagreatman—andagreatmanalwaysknowsbetterthantoexplainunlessanexplanationisdemanded.Torushintoexplanationsandexcusesisalwaysasignofweakness.SirOswaldknowsthataswellasIdo.He’snotgoingtocomeinexplainingandapologizing—nothe.Hejuststalksinandhaulsmeoverthecoals.He’sabigman,SirOswald.”
SuchawarmadmirationsoundedintheSuperintendent’stonesthatBundlepursuedthesubjectnofurther.
“Andnow,”saidSuperintendentBattle,lookingroundwithaslighttwinkleinhiseye,“nowthatwe’retogetherandfriendlylike—IshouldliketohearjusthowMissWadehappenedtoarriveonthescenesopat.”
“Sheoughttobeashamedofherself,”saidJimmy.“Hood-winkingusallasshedid.”
“WhyshouldIbekeptoutofitall?”criedLorainepassionately.“Inevermeanttobe—no,nottheveryfirstdayinyourroomswhenyoubothexplainedhowthebestthingformetodowastostayquietlyathomeandkeepoutofdanger.Ididn’tsayanything,butImadeupmymindthen.”
“Ihalfexpectedit,”saidBundle.“Youweresosurprisinglymeekaboutit.Imighthaveknownyouwereuptosomething.”
“Ithoughtyouwereremarkablysensible,”saidJimmyThesiger.
“Youwould,Jimmydear,”saidLoraine.“Itwaseasyenoughtodeceiveyou.”
“Thankyouforthesekindwords,”saidJimmy.“Goon,anddon’tmindme.”
“Whenyourangupandsaidtheremightbedanger,Iwasmoredeterminedthanever,”wentonLoraine.“IwenttoHarrodsandboughtapistol.Hereitis.”
SheproducedthedaintyweaponandSuperintendentBattletookitfromherandexaminedit.
“Quiteadeadlylittletoy,MissWade,”hesaid.“Haveyouhadmuch—er—practicewithit?”
“Noneatall,”saidLoraine.“ButIthoughtifItookitwithme—well,thatitwouldgivemeacomfortingfeeling.”
“Quiteso,”saidBattlegravely.
“Myideawastocomeoverhereandseewhatwasgoingon.Ileftmycarintheroadandclimbedthroughthehedgeandcameuptotheterrace.Iwasjustlookingaboutmewhen—plop—somethingfellrightatmyfeet.Ipickeditupandthenlookedtoseewhereitcouldhavecomefrom.AndthenIsawthemanclimbingdowntheivyandIran.”
“Justso,”saidBattle.“Now,MissWade,canyoudescribethemanatall?”
Thegirlshookherhead.
“Itwastoodarktoseemuch.Ithinkhewasabigman—butthat’saboutall.”
“Andnowyou,Mr.Thesiger.”Battleturnedtohim.“Youstruggledwiththeman—canyoutellmeanythingabouthim?”
“Hewasaprettyheftyindividual—that’sallIcansay.Hegaveafewhoarsewhispers—that’swhenIhadhimbythethroat.Hesaid‘Lemmego,guvnor,’somethinglikethat.”
“Anuneducatedman,then?”
“Yes,Isupposehewas.Hespokelikeone.”
“Istilldon’tquiteunderstandaboutthepacket,”saidLoraine.“Whyshouldhethrowitdownashedid?Wasitbecauseithamperedhimclimbing?”
“No,”saidBattle.“I’vegotanentirelydifferenttheoryaboutthat.Thatpacket,MissWade,wasdeliberatelythrowndowntoyou—orsoIbelieve.”
“Tome?”
“Shallwesay—tothepersonthethiefthoughtyouwere.”
“Thisisgettingveryinvolved,”saidJimmy.
“Mr.Thesiger,whenyoucameintothisroom,didyouswitchonthelightatall?”
“Yes.”
“Andtherewasnooneintheroom?”
“Nooneatall.”
“Butpreviouslyyouthoughtyouheardsomeonemovingaboutdownhere?”
“Yes.”
“Andthen,aftertryingthewindow,youswitchedoffthelightagainandlockedthedoor?”
Jimmynodded.
SuperintendentBattlelookedslowlyaroundhim.HisglancewasarrestedbyabigscreenofSpanishleatherwhichstoodnearoneofthebookcases.
Brusquelyhestrodeacrosstheroomandlookedbehindit.
Heutteredasharpejaculation,whichbroughtthethreeyoungpeoplequicklytohisside.
Huddledonthefoor,inadeadfaint,laytheCountessRadzky.
Twenty-two
THECOUNTESSRADZKY’SSTORY
TheCountess’sreturntoconsciousnesswasverydifferentfromthatofJimmyThesiger.Itwasmoreprolongedandinfinitelymoreartistic.
ArtisticwasBundle’sword.Shehadbeenzealousinherministrations—largelyconsistingoftheapplicationofcoldwater—andtheCountesshadinstantlyresponded,passingawhite,bewilderedhandacrossherbrowandmurmuringfaintly.
ItwasatthispointthatBill,atlastrelievedfromhisdutieswithtelephoneanddoctors,hadcomebustlingintotheroomandhadinstantlyproceededtomake(inBundle’sopinion)amostregrettableidiotofhimself.
HehadhungovertheCountesswithaconcernedandanxiousfaceandhadaddressedaseriesofsingularlyidioticremarkstoher:
“Isay,Countess.It’sallright.It’sreallyallright.Don’ttrytotalk.It’sbadforyou.Justliestill.You’llbeallrightinaminute.It’llallcomebacktoyou.Don’tsayanythingtillyou’requiteallright.Takeyourtime.Justliestillandcloseyoureyes.You’llremembereverythinginaminute.Haveanothersipofwater.Havesomebrandy.That’sthestuff.Don’tyouthink,Bundle,thatsomebrandy…?”
“ForGod’ssake,Bill,leaveheralone,”saidBundlecrossly.“She’llbeallright.”
AndwithanexperthandsheflippedagooddealofcoldwaterontotheexquisitemakeupoftheCountess’sface.
TheCountessflinchedandsatup.Shelookedconsiderablymorewideawake.
“Ah!”shemurmured.“Iamhere.Yes,Iamhere.”
“Takeyoutime,”saidBill.“Don’ttalktillyoufeelquiteallrightagain.”
TheCountessdrewthefoldsofaverytransparentnegligéecloseraroundher.
“Itiscomingbacktome,”shemurmured.“Yes,itiscomingback.”
Shelookedatthelittlecrowdgroupedaroundher.Perhapssomethingintheattentivefacesstruckherasunsympathetic.Inanycaseshesmileddeliberatelyupattheonefacewhichclearlydisplayedaveryoppositeemotion.
“Ah,mybigEnglishman,”shesaidverysoftly,“donotdistressyourself.Alliswellwithme.”
“Oh!Isay,butareyousure?”demandedBillanxiously.
“Quitesure.”Shesmiledathimreassuringly.“WeHungarians,wehavenervesofsteel.”
AlookofintensereliefpassedoverBill’sface.Afatuouslooksettleddownthereinstead—alookwhichmadeBundleearnestlylongtokickhim.
“Havesomewater,”shesaidcoldly.
TheCountessrefusedwater.Jimmy,kindliertobeautyindistress,suggestedacocktail.TheCountessreactedfavourablytothissuggestion.Whenshehadswallowedit,shelookedroundoncemore,thistimewithaliveliereye.
“Tellme,whathashappened?”shedemandedbriskly.
“Wewerehopingyoumightbeabletotellusthat,”saidSuperintendentBattle.
TheCountesslookedathimsharply.Sheseemedtobecomeawareofthebig,quietmanforthefirsttime.
“Iwenttoyourroom,”saidBundle.“Thebedhadn’tbeensleptinandyouweren’tthere.”
Shepaused—lookingaccusinglyattheCountess.Thelatterclosedhereyesandnoddedherheadslowly.
“Yes,yes,Irememberitallnow.Oh,itwashorrible!”Sheshuddered.“Doyouwantmetotellyou?”
SuperintendentBattlesaid,“Ifyouplease”atthesamemomentthatBillsaid,“Notifyoudon’tfeeluptoit.”
TheCountesslookedfromonetotheother,butthequiet,masterfuleyeofSuperintendentBattlewonthegame.
“Icouldnotsleep,”begantheCountess.“Thehouse—itoppressedme.Iwasall,asyousay,onwires,thecatonthehotbricks.IknewthatinthestateIwasinitwasuselesstothinkofgoingtobed.Iwalkedaboutmyroom.Iread.Butthebooksplacedtheredidnotinterestmegreatly.IthoughtIwouldcomedownandfindsomethingmoreabsorbing.”
“Verynatural,”saidBill.
“Veryoftendone,Ibelieve,”saidBattle.
“Soassoonastheideaoccurredtome,Ileftmyroomandcamedown.Thehousewasverystill—”
“Excuseme,”interruptedtheSuperintendent,“butcanyougivemeanideaofthetimewhenthisoccurred?”
“Ineverknowthetime,”saidtheCountesssuperbly,andsweptonwithherstory.
“Thehousewasveryquiet.Onecouldevenhearthelittlemouserun,iftherehadbeenone.Icomedownthestairs—veryquietly—”
“Veryquietly?”
“NaturallyIdonotwanttodisturbthehousehold,”saidtheCountessreproachfully.“Icomeinhere.IgointothiscornerandIsearchtheshelvesforasuitablebook.”
“Havingofcourseswitchedonthelight?”
“No,Ididnotswitchonthelight.Ihad,yousee,mylittleelectrictorchwithme.Withthat,Iscannedtheshelves.”
“Ah!”saidtheSuperintendent.
“Suddenly,”continuedtheCountessdramatically,“Ihearsomething.Astealthysound.Amuffledfootstep.Iswitchoutmytorchandlisten.Thefootstepsdrawnearer—stealthy,horriblefootsteps.Ishrinkbehindthescreen.Inanotherminutethedooropensandthelightisswitchedon.Theman—theburglarisintheroom.”
“Yes,butIsay—”beganMr.Thesiger
Alarge-sizedfootpressedhis,andrealizingthatSuperintendentBattlewasgivinghimahint,Jimmyshutup.
“Inearlydiedoffear,”continuedtheCountess.“Itriednottobreathe.Themanwaitedforaminute,listening.Then,stillwiththathorrible,stealthytread—”
AgainJimmyopenedhismouthinprotest,andagainshutit.
“—hecrossedtothewindowandpeeredout.Heremainedthereforaminuteortwo,thenherecrossedtheroomandturnedoutthelightsagain,lockingthedoor.Iamterrified.Heisintheroom,movingstealthilyaboutinthedark.Ah,itishorrible.Supposeheshouldcomeuponmeinthedark!InanotherminuteIhearhimagainbythewindow.Thensilence.Ihopethatperhapshemayhavegoneoutthatway.AstheminutespassandIhearnofurthersound,Iamalmostsurethathehasdoneso.IndeedIamintheveryactofswitchingonmytorchandinvestigatingwhen—prestissimo!—itallbegins.”
“Yes?”
“Ah!Butitwasterrible—never—nevershallIforgetit!Twomentryingtomurdereachother.Oh,itwashorrible!Theyreeledabouttheroom,andfurniturecrashedineverydirection.Ithought,too,thatIheardawomanscream—butthatwasnotintheroom.Itwasoutsidesomewhere.Thecriminalhadahoarsevoice.Hecroakedratherthanspoke.Hekeptsaying‘Lemmego—lemmego.’Theothermanwasagentleman.HehadaculturedEnglishvoice.”
Jimmylookedgratified.
“Heswore—mostly,”continuedtheCountess.
“Clearlyagentleman,”saidSuperintendentBattle.
“Andthen,”continuedtheCountess,“aflashandashot.Thebullethitthebookcasebesideme.I—IsupposeImusthavefainted.”
ShelookedupatBill.Hetookherhandandpattedit.
“Youpoordear,”hesaid.“Howrottenforyou.”
“Sillyidiot,”thoughtBundle.
SuperintendentBattlehadmovedonswift,noiselessfeetovertothebookcasealittletotherightofthescreen.Hebentdown,searching.Presentlyhestoopedandpickedsomethingup.
“Itwasn’tabullet,Countess,”hesaid.“It’stheshellofthecartridge.Wherewereyoustandingwhenyoufired,Mr.Thesiger.”
Jimmytookupapositionbythewindow.
“AsnearlyasIcansee,abouthere.”
SuperintendentBattleplacedhimselfinthesamespot.
“That’sright,”heagreed.“Theemptyshellwouldthrowrightrear.It’sa.455.Idon’twondertheCountessthoughtitwasabulletinthedark.Ithitthebookcaseaboutafootfromher.Thebulletitselfgrazedthewindowframeandwe’llfinditoutsidetomorrow—unlessyourassailanthappenstobecarryingitaboutinhim.”
Jimmyshookhisheadregretfully.
“Leopold,Ifear,didnotcoverhimselfwithglory,”heremarkedsadly.
TheCountesswaslookingathimwithmostflatteringattention.
“Yourarm!”sheexclaimed.“Itisalltiedup!Wasityouthen—?”
Jimmymadeheramockbow.
“I’msogladI’vegotacultured,Englishvoice,”hesaid.“AndIcanassureyouthatIwouldn’thavedreamedofusingthelanguageIdidifIhadhadanysuspicionthataladywaspresent.”
“Ididnotunderstandallofit,”theCountesshastenedtoexplain.“AlthoughIhadanEnglishgovernesswhenIwasyoung—”
“Itisn’tthesortofthingshe’dbelikelytoteachyou,”agreedJimmy.“Keptyoubusywithyouruncle’spen,andtheumbrellaofthegardener’sniece.Iknowthesortofstuff.”
“Butwhathashappened?”askedtheCountess.“ThatiswhatIwanttoknow.Idemandtoknowwhathashappened.”
Therewasamoment’ssilencewhilsteverybodylookedatSuperintendentBattle
“It’sverysimple,”saidBattlemildly.“Attemptedrobbery.SomepoliticalpapersstolenfromSirStanleyDigby.Thethievesnearlygotawaywiththem,butthankstothisyounglady”—heindicatedLoraine—“theydidn’t.”
TheCountessflashedaglanceatthegirl—ratheranoddglance.
“Indeed,”shesaidcoldly.
“Averyfortunatecoincidencethatshehappenedtobethere,”saidSuperintendentBattle,smiling.
TheCountessgavealittlesighandhalfclosedhereyesagain.
“Itisabsurd,butIstillfeelextremelyfaint,”shemurmured.
“Ofcourseyoudo,”criedBill.“Letmehelpyouuptoyourroom.Bundlewillcomewithyou.”
“ItisverykindofLadyEileen,”saidtheCountess,“butIshouldprefertobealone.Iamreallyquiteallright.Perhapsyouwilljusthelpmeupthestairs.”
Sherosetoherfeet,acceptedBill’sarmand,leaningheavilyonit,wentoutoftheroom.Bundlefollowedasfarasthehall,but,theCountessreiteratingherassurance—withsometartness—thatshewasquiteallright,shedidnotaccompanythemupstairs.
ButasshestoodwatchingtheCountess’sgracefulform,supportedbyBill,slowlymountingthestairway,shestiffenedsuddenlytoacuteattention.TheCountess’snegligée,aspreviouslymentioned,wasthin—amereveiloforangechiffon.ThroughitBundlesawdistinctlybelowtherightshoulderbladeasmallblackmole.
Withagasp,BundleswungimpetuouslyroundtowhereSuperintendentBattlewasjustemergingfromthelibrary.JimmyandLorainehadprecededhim.
“There,”saidBattle.“I’vefastenedthewindowandtherewillbeamanondutyoutside.AndI’lllockthedoorandtakethekey.Inthemorningwe’lldowhattheFrenchcallreconstructthecrime—Yes,LadyEileen,whatisit?”
“SuperintendentBattle,Imustspeakwithyou,—atonce.”
“Why,certainly,I—”
GeorgeLomaxsuddenlyappeared,Dr.Cartwrightbyhisside.
“Ah,thereyouare,Battle.You’llberelievedtohearthatthere’snothingseriouslywrongwithO’Rourke.”
“IneverthoughttherewouldbemuchwrongwithMr.O’Rourke,”saidBattle.
“He’shadastronghypodermicadministeredtohim,”saidthedoctor.“He’llwakeperfectlyallrightinthemorning,perhapsabitofahead,perhapsnot.Nowthen,youngman,let’slookatthisbulletwoundofyours.”
“Comeon,nurse,”saidJimmytoLoraine.“Comeandholdthebasinormyhand.Witnessastrongman’sagony.Youknowthestunt.”
Jimmy,Loraineandthedoctorwentofftogether.BundlecontinuedtothrowagonizedglancesinthedirectionofSuperintendentBattle,whohadbeenbuttonholedbyGeorge.
TheSuperintendentwaitedpatientlytillapauseoccurredinGeorge’sloquacity.Hethenswiftlytookadvantageofit.
“Iwonder,sir,ifImighthaveawordprivatelywithSirStanley?Inthelittlestudyattheendthere.”
“Certainly,”saidGeorge.“Certainly.I’llgoandfetchhimatonce.”
Hehurriedoffupstairsagain.BattledrewBundleswiftlyintothedrawingroomandshutthedoor.
“Now,LadyEileen,whatisit?”
“I’lltellyouasquicklyasIcan—butit’sratherlongandcomplicated.”
Asconciselyasshecould,BundlerelatedherintroductiontotheSevenDialsClubandhersubsequentadventuresthere.Whenshehadfinished,SuperintendentBattledrewalongbreath.Foronce,hisfacialwoodennesswaslaidaside.
“Remarkable,”hesaid.“Remarkable.Iwouldn’thavebelieveditpossible—evenforyou,LadyEileen.Ioughttohaveknownbetter.”
“Butyoudidgivemeahint,SuperintendentBattle.YoutoldmetoaskBillEversleigh.”
“It’sdangeroustogivepeoplelikeyouahint,LadyEileen.Ineverdreamtofyourgoingtothelengthsyouhave.”
“Well,it’sallright,SuperintendentBattle.Mydeathdoesn’tlieatyourdoor.”
“Notyet,itdoesn’t,”saidBattlegrimly.
Hestoodasthoughinthought,turningthingsoverinhismind.“WhatMr.Thesigerwasabout,lettingyourunintodangerlikethat,Ican’tthink,”hesaidpresently.
“Hedidn’tknowtillafterwards,”saidBundle.“I’mnotacompletemug,SuperintendentBattle.And,anyway,he’sgothishandsfulllookingafterMissWade.”
“Isthatso?”saidtheSuperintendent.“Ah!”
Hetwinkledalittle.
“IshallhavetodetailMr.Eversleightolookafteryou,LadyEileen.”
“Bill!”saidBundlecontemptuously.“But,SuperintendentBattle,youhaven’theardtheendofmystory.ThewomanIsawthere—Anna—No1.Yes,No1istheCountessRadzky.”
Andrapidlyshewentontodescribeherrecognitionofthemole.
TohersurprisetheSuperintendenthemmedandhawed.
“Amoleisn’tmuchtogoupon,LadyEileen.Twowomenmighthaveanidenticalmoleveryeasily.YoumustrememberthattheCountessRadzkyisaverywell-knownfigureinHungary.”
“Thenthisisn’ttherealCountessRadzky.ItellyouI’msurethisisthesamewomanIsawthere.Andlookathertonight—thewaywefoundher.Idon’tbelievesheeverfaintedatall.”
“Oh,Ishouldn’tsaythat,LadyEileen.Thatemptyshellstrikingthebookcasebesidehermighthavefrightenedanywomanhalfoutofherwits.”
“Butwhatwasshedoingthereanyway?Onedoesn’tcomedowntolookforabookwithanelectrictorch.”
Battlescratchedhischeek.Heseemedunwillingtospeak.Hebegantopaceupanddowntheroom,asthoughmakinguphismind.Atlastheturnedtothegirl
“Seehere,LadyEileen,I’mgoingtotrustyou.TheCountess’sconductissuspicious.Iknowthataswellasyoudo.It’sverysuspicious—butwe’vegottogocarefully.Theremustn’tbeanyunpleasantnesswiththeEmbassies.Onehasgottobesure.”
“Isee.Ifyouweresure…”
“There’ssomethingelse.Duringthewar,LadyEileen,therewasagreatoutcryaboutGermanspiesbeingleftatlarge.Busybodieswroteletterstothepapersaboutit.Wepaidnoattention.Hardwordsdidn’thurtus.Thesmallfrywereleftalone.Why?Becausethroughthem,soonerorlater,wegotthebigfellow—themanatthetop.”
“Youmean?”
“Don’tbotheraboutwhatImean,LadyEileen.Butrememberthis.IknowallabouttheCountess.AndIwantherletalone.”
“Andnow,”addedSuperintendentBattleruefully,“I’vegottothinkofsomethingtosaytoSirStanleyDigby!”
Twenty-three
SUPERINTENDENTBATTLEINCHARGE
Itwasteno’clockonthefollowingmorning.Thesunpouredinthroughthewindowsofthelibrary,whereSuperintendentBattlehadbeenatworksincesix.Onasummonsfromhim,GeorgeLomax,SirOswaldCooteandJimmyThesigerhadjustjoinedhim,havingrepairedthefatiguesofthenightwithasubstantialbreakfast.Jimmy’sarmwasinasling,butheborelittletraceofthenight’saffray.
TheSuperintendenteyedallthreeofthembenevolently,somewhatwiththeairofakindlycuratorexplainingamuseumtolittleboys.Onthetablebesidehimwerevariousobjects,neatlylabelled.AmongstthemJimmyrecognizedLeopold
“Ah,Superintendent,”saidGeorge,“Ihavebeenanxioustoknowhowyouhaveprogressed.Haveyoucaughttheman?”
“He’lltakealotofcatching,hewill,”saidtheSuperintendent.
Hisfailureinthatrespectdidnotappeartoranklewithhim.
GeorgeLomaxdidnotlookparticularlywell-pleased.Hedetestedlevityofanykind.
“I’vegoteverythingtapedoutprettyclearly,”wentonthedetective.
Hetookuptwoobjectsfromthetable.
“Herewe’vegotthetwobullets.Thelargestisa.455,firedfromMr.Thesiger’sColtautomatic.GrazedthewindowsashandIfounditembeddedinthetrunkofthatcedartree.ThislittlefellowwasfiredfromtheMauser.25.AfterpassingthroughMr.Thesiger’sarm,itembeddeditselfinthisarmchairhere.Asforthepistolitself—”
“Well?”saidSirOswaldeagerly.“Anyfingerprints?”
Battleshookhishead.
“Themanwhohandleditworegloves,”hesaidslowly.
“Apity,”saidSirOswald.
“Amanwhoknewhisbusinesswouldweargloves.AmIrightinthinking,SirOswald,thatyoufoundthispistoljustabouttwentyyardsfromthebottomofthestepsleadinguptotheterrace?”
SirOswaldsteppedtothewindow.
“Yes,almostexactly,Ishouldsay.”
“Idon’twanttofindfault,butitwouldhavebeenwiseronyourpart,sir,toleaveitexactlyasyoufoundit.”
“Iamsorry,”saidSirOswaldstiffly
“Oh,itdoesn’tmatter.I’vebeenabletoreconstructthings.Therewereyourfootprints,yousee,leadingupfromthebottomofthegarden,andaplacewhereyouhadobviouslystoppedandstoopeddown,andakindofdentinthegrasswhichwashighlysuggestive.Bytheway,whatwasyourtheoryofthepistolbeingthere?”
“Ipresumedthatithadbeendroppedbythemaninhisflight.”
Battleshookhishead.
“Notdropped.SirOswald.Therearetwopointsagainstthat.Tobeginwith,thereareonlyonesetoffootprintscrossingthelawnjustthere—yourown.”
“Isee,”saidSirOswaldthoughtfully
“Canyoubesureofthat,Battle?”putinGeorge.
“Quitesure,sir.Thereisoneothersetoftrackscrossingthelawn,MissWade’s,buttheyareagooddealfurthertotheleft.”
Hepaused,andthenwenton:“Andthere’sthedentintheground.Thepistolmusthavestruckthegroundwithsomeforce.Itallpointstoitshavingbeenthrown.”
“Well,whynot?”saidSirOswald.“Saythemanfleddownthepathtotheleft.He’dleavenofootprintsonthepathandhe’dhurlthepistolawayfromhimintothemiddleofthelawn,eh,Lomax?”
Georgeagreedbyanodofthehead.
“It’struethathe’dleavenofootprintsonthepath,”saidBattle,“butfromtheshapeofthedentandthewaytheturfwascut,Idon’tthinkthepistolwasthrownfromthatdirection.Ithinkitwasthrownfromtheterracehere.”
“Verylikely,”saidSirOswald.“Doesitmatter,Superintendent?”
“Ah,yes,Battle,”brokeinGeorge.“Isit—er—strictlyrelevant?”
“Perhapsnot,Mr.Lomax.Butweliketogetthingsjustso,youknow.Iwondernowifoneofyougentlemenwouldtakethispistolandthrowit.Willyou,SirOswald?That’sverykind.Standjustthereinthewindow.Nowflingitintothemiddleofthelawn.”
SirOswaldcomplied,sendingthepistolflyingthroughtheairwithapowerfulsweepofhisarm.JimmyThesigerdrewnearwithbreathlessinterest.TheSuperintendentlumberedoffafteritlikeawell-trainedretriever.Hereappearedwithabeamingface.
“That’sit,sir.Justthesamekindofmark.Although,bytheway,yousentitagoodtenyardsfarther.Butthen,you’reaverypowerfullybuiltman,aren’tyou,SirOswald?Excuseme,IthoughtIheardsomeoneatthedoor.”
TheSuperintendent’searsmusthavebeenverymuchsharperthananyoneelse’s.Nobodyelsehadheardasound,butBattlewasprovedright,forLadyCootestoodoutside,amedicineglassinherhand.
“Yourmedicine,Oswald,”shesaid,advancingintotheroom.“Youforgotitafterbreakfast.”
“I’mverybusy,Maria,”saidSirOswald.“Idon’twantmymedicine.”
“Youwouldnevertakeitifitwasn’tforme,”saidhiswifeserenely,advancinguponhim.“You’rejustlikeanaughtylittleboy.Drinkitupnow.”
Andmeekly,obediently,thegreatsteelmagnatedrankitup!
LadyCootesmiledsadlyandsweetlyateveryone.
“AmIinterruptingyou?Areyouverybusy?Oh,lookatthoserevolvers.Nasty,noisy,murderingthings.Tothink,Oswald,thatyoumighthavebeenshotbytheburglarlastnight.”
“Youmusthavebeenalarmedwhenyoufoundhewasmissing,LadyCoote,”saidBattle.
“Ididn’tthinkofitatfirst,”confessedLadyCoote.“Thispoorboyhere”—sheindicatedJimmy—“beingshot—andeverythingsodreadful,butsoexciting.Itwasn’ttillMr.BatemanaskedmewhereSirOswaldwasthatIrememberedhe’dgoneouthalfanhourbeforeforastroll.”
“Sleepless,eh,SirOswald?”askedBattle.
“Iamusuallyanexcellentsleeper,”saidSirOswald.“ButImustconfessthatlastnightIfeltunusuallyrestless.Ithoughtthenightairwoulddomegood.”
“Youcameoutthroughthiswindow,Isuppose?”
Wasithisfancy,ordidSirOswaldhesitateforamomentbeforereplying?
“Yes.”
“Inyourpumpstoo,”saidLadyCoote,“insteadofputtingthickshoeson.Whatwouldyoudowithoutmetolookafteryou?”
Sheshookherheadsadly.
“Ithink,Maria,ifyoudon’tmindleavingus—wehavestillalottodiscuss.”
“Iknow,dear,I’mjustgoing.”
LadyCootewithdrew,carryingtheemptymedicineglassasthoughitwereagobletoutofwhichshehadjustadministeredadeathpotion.
“Well,Battle,”saidGeorgeLomax,“itallseemsclearenough.Yes,perfectlyclear.Themanfiresashot,disablingMr.Thesiger,flingsawaytheweapon,runsalongtheterraceanddownthegravelpath.”
“Whereheoughttohavebeencaughtbymymen,”putinBattle.
“Yourmen,ifImaysayso,Battle,seemtohavebeensingularlyremiss.Theydidn’tseeMissWadecomein.Iftheycouldmisshercomingin,theycouldeasilymissthethiefgoingout.”
SuperintendentBattleopenedhismouthtospeak,thenseemedtothinkbetterofit.JimmyThesigerlookedathimcuriously.HewouldhavegivenalottoknowjustwhatwasinSuperintendentBattle’smind.
“Musthavebeenachampionrunner,”wasalltheScotlandYardmancontentedhimselfwithsaying.
“Howdoyoumean,Battle?”
“JustwhatIsay,Mr.Lomax.Iwasroundthecorneroftheterracemyselfnotfiftysecondsaftertheshotwasfired.AndforamantorunallthatdistancetowardsmeandgetroundthecornerofthepathbeforeIappearedroundthesideofthehouse—well,asIsay,hemusthavebeenachampionrunner.”
“Iamatalosstounderstandyou,Battle.YouhavesomeideaofyourownwhichIhavenotyet—er—grasped.Yousaythemandidnotgoacrossthelawn,andnowyouhint—Whatexactlydoyouhint?Thatthemandidnotgodownthepath?Theninyouropinion—er—wheredidhego?”
Foranswer,SuperintendentBattlejerkedaneloquentthumbupwards.
“Eh?”saidGeorge.
TheSuperintendentjerkedharderthanever.Georgeraisedhisheadandlookedattheceiling.
“Upthere,”saidBattle.“Uptheivyagain.”
“Nonsense,Superintendent.Whatyouaresuggestingisimpossible.”
“Notatallimpossible,sir.He’ddoneitonce.Hecoulddoittwice.”
“Idon’tmeanimpossibleinthatsense.Butifthemanwantedtoescape,he’dneverboltbackintothehouse.”
“Safestplaceforhim,Mr.Lomax.”
“ButMr.O’Rourke’sdoorwasstilllockedontheinsidewhenwecametohim.”
“Andhowdidyougettohim?ThroughSirStanley’sroom.That’sthewayourmanwent.LadyEileentellsmeshesawthedoorknobofMr.O’Rourke’sroommove.Thatwaswhenourfriendwasuptherethefirsttime.IsuspectthekeywasunderMr.O’Rourke’spillow.Buthisexitisclearenoughthesecondtime—throughthecommunicatingdoorandthroughSirStanley’sroom,which,ofcourse,wasempty.Likeeveryoneelse,SirStanleyisrushingdownstairstothelibrary.Ourman’sgotaclearcourse.”
“Andwheredidhegothen?”
SuperintendentBattleshruggedhisburlyshouldersandbecameevasive.
“Plentyofwaysopen.Intoanemptyroomontheothersideofthehouseanddowntheivyagain—outthroughasidedoor—or,justpossibly,ifitwasaninsidejob,he—well,stayedinthehouse.”
Georgelookedathiminshockedsurprise.
“Really,Battle,Ishould—Ishouldfeelitverydeeplyifoneofmyservants—er—Ihavethemostperfectrelianceonthem—itwoulddistressmeverymuchtohavetosuspect—”
“Nobody’saskingyoutosuspectanyone,Mr.Lomax.I’mjustputtingallthepossibilitiesbeforeyou.Theservantsmaybeallright—probablyare.”
“Youhavedisturbedme,”saidGeorge.“Youhavedisturbedmegreatly.”
Hiseyesappearedmoreprotuberantthanever.
Todistracthim,Jimmypokeddelicatelyatacuriousblackenedobjectonthetable.
“What’sthis?”heasked.
“That’sexhibitZ,”saidBattle.“Thelastofourlittlelot.Itis,orratherithasbeen,aglove.”
Hepickeditup,thecharredrelic,andmanipulateditwithpride.
“Wheredidyoufindit?”askedSirOswald.
Battlejerkedhisheadoverhisshoulder.
“Inthegrate—nearlyburnt,butnotquite.Queerlooksasthoughithadbeenchewedbyadog.”
“ItmightpossiblybeMissWade’s,”suggestedJimmy.“Shehasseveraldogs.”
TheSuperintendentshookhishead.
“Thisisn’talady’sglove—no,noteventhelargekindofloosegloveladieswearnowadays.Putiton,sir,amoment.”
HeadjustedtheblackenedobjectoverJimmy’shand.
“Yousee—it’slargeevenforyou.”
“Doyouattachimportancetothisdiscovery?”inquiredSirOswaldcoldly.
“Youneverknow,SirOswald,what’sgoingtobeimportantorwhatisn’t.”
TherewasasharptapatthedoorandBundleentered.
“I’msosorry,”shesaidapologetically.“ButFatherhasjustrungup.HesaysImustcomehomebecauseeverybodyisworryinghim.”
Shepaused.
“Yes,mydearEileen?”saidGeorgeencouragingly,perceivingthattherewasmoretocome.
“Iwouldn’thaveinterruptedyou—onlythatIthoughtitmightperhapshavesomethingtodowithallthis.Yousee,whathasupsetFatheristhatoneofourfootmenismissing.Hewentoutlastnightandhasn’tcomeback.”
“Whatistheman’sname?”ItwasSirOswaldwhotookupthecross-examination.
“JohnBauer.”
“AnEnglishman?”
“IbelievehecallshimselfaSwiss—butIthinkhe’saGerman.HespeaksEnglishperfectly,though.”
“Ah!”SirOswalddrewinhisbreathwithalong,satisfiedhiss.“AndhehasbeenatChimneys—howlong?”
“Justunderamonth.”
SirOswaldturnedtotheothertwo.
“Hereisourmissingman.Youknow,Lomax,aswellasIdo,thatseveralforeignGovernmentsareafterthething.Irememberthemannowperfectly—tall,well-drilledfellow.Cameaboutafortnightbeforeweleft.Aclevermove.Anynewservantsherewouldbecloselyscrutinized,butatChimneys,fivemilesaway—”Hedidnotfinishthesentence.
“Youthinktheplanwaslaidsolongbeforehand?”
“Whynot?Therearemillionsinthatformula,Lomax.DoubtlessBauerhopedtogetaccesstomyprivatepapersatChimneys,andtolearnsomethingofforthcomingarrangementsfromthem.Itseemslikelythathemayhavehadanaccompliceinthishouse—someonewhoputhimwisetothelieofthelandandwhosawtothedopingofO’Rourke.ButBauerwasthemanMissWadesawclimbingdowntheivy—thebig,powerfulman.”
HeturnedtoSuperintendentBattle.
“Bauerwasyourman,Superintendent.And,somehoworother,youlethimslipthroughyourfingers.”
Twenty-four
BUNDLEWONDERS
TherewasnodoubtthatSuperintendentBattlewastakenaback.Hefingeredhischinthoughtfully.
“SirOswaldisright,Battle,”saidGeorge.“Thisistheman.Anyhopeofcatchinghim?”
“Theremaybe,sir.Itcertainlylooks—well,suspicious.Ofcoursethemanmayturnupagain—atChimneys,Imean.”
“Doyouthinkitlikely?”
“No,itisn’t,”confessedBattle.“Yes,itcertainlylooksasthoughBauerweretheman.ButIcan’tquiteseehowhegotinandoutofthesegroundsunobserved.”
“Ihavealreadytoldyoumyopinionofthemenyouposted,”saidGeorge.“Hopelesslyinefficient—Idon’tmeantoblameyou,Superintendent,but—”Hispausewaseloquent.
“Ah,well,”saidBattlelightly,“myshouldersarebroad.”
Heshookhisheadandsighed.
“Imustgettothetelephoneatonce.Excuseme,gentlemen.I’msorry,Mr.Lomax—IfeelI’veratherbungledthisbusiness,Butit’sbeenpuzzling,morepuzzlingthanyouknow.”
Hestrodehurriedlyfromtheroom.
“Comeintothegarden,”saidBundletoJimmy.“Iwanttotalktoyou.”
Theywentouttogetherthroughthewindow.Jimmystareddownatthelawn,frowning.
“What’sthematter?”askedBundle.
Jimmyexplainedthecircumstancesofthepistolthrowing.
“I’mwondering,”heended,“whatwasinoldBattle’smindwhenhegotCootetothrowthepistol.Something,I’llswear.Anyhow,itlandedupabouttenyardsfartherthanitshouldhavedone.Youknow,Bundle,Battle’sadeepone.”
“He’sanextraordinaryman,”saidBundle.“Iwanttotellyouaboutlastnight.”
SheretailedherconversationwiththeSuperintendent.Jimmylistenedattentively.
“SotheCountessisNo1,”hesaidthoughtfully.“Itallhangstogetherverywell.No2—Bauer—comesoverfromChimneys.HeclimbsupintoO’Rourke’sroom,knowingthatO’Rourkehashadasleepingdraughtadministeredtohim—bytheCountesssomehoworother.ThearrangementisthatheistothrowthepaperstotheCountess,whowillbewaitingbelow.Thenshe’llnipbackthroughthelibraryanduptoherroom.IfBauer’scaughtleavingthegrounds,they’llfindnothingonhim.Yes,itwasagoodplan—butitwentwrong.NosooneristheCountessinthelibrarythanshehearsmecomingandhastojumpbehindthescreen.Jollyawkwardforher,becauseshecan’twarnheraccomplice.No2pinchesthepapers,looksoutofthewindow,sees,ashethinks,theCountesswaiting,pitchesthepapersdowntoherandproceedstoclimbdowntheivy,wherehefindsanastysurpriseintheshapeofmewaitingforhim.PrettynervyworkfortheCountesswaitingbehindherscreen.Allthingsconsidered,shetoldaprettygoodstory.Yes,itallhangstogetherverywell.”
“Toowell,”saidBundledecidedly.
“Eh?”saidJimmysurprised.
“WhataboutNo7—No7,whoneverappears,butlivesinthebackground.TheCountessandBauer?No,it’snotsosimpleasthat.Bauerwasherelastnight,yes.Buthewasonlyhereincasethingswentwrong—astheyhavedone.Hispartisthepartofscapegoat;todrawallattentionfromNo7—theboss.”
“Isay,Bundle,”saidJimmyanxiously,“youhaven’tbeenreadingtoomuchsensationalliterature,haveyou?”
Bundlethrewhimaglanceofdignifiedreproach.
“Well,”saidJimmy,“I’mnotyetliketheRedQueen.Ican’tbelievesiximpossiblethingsbeforebreakfast.”
“It’safterbreakfast,”saidBundle.
“Orevenafterbreakfast.We’vegotaperfectlygoodhypothesiswhichfitsthefacts—andyouwon’thaveitatanyprice,simplybecause,liketheoldriddle,youwanttomakethingsmoredifficult.”
“I’msorry,”saidBundle,“butIclingpassionatelytoamysteriousNo7beingamemberofthehouseparty.”
“WhatdoesBillthink?”
“Bill,”saidBundlecoldly,“isimpossible.”
“Oh!”saidJimmy.“Isupposeyou’vetoldhimabouttheCountess?Heoughttobewarned.Heavenknowswhathe’llgoblabbingaboutotherwise.”
“Hewon’thearawordagainsther,”saidBundle.“He’s—oh,simplyidiotic.Iwishyou’ddriveithometohimaboutthatmole.”
“YouforgetIwasn’tinthecupboard,”saidJimmy.“AndanywayI’drathernotarguewithBillabouthisladyfriend’smole.Butsurelyhecan’tbesuchanassasnottoseethateverythingfitsin?”
“He’severykindofass,”saidBundlebitterly.“Youmadethegreatestmistake,Jimmy,inevertellinghimatall.”
“I’msorry,”saidJimmy.“Ididn’tseeitatthetime—butIdonow.Iwasafool,butdashitall,oldBill—”
“Youknowwhatforeignadventuressesare,”saidBundle.“Howtheygetholdofone.”
“Asamatteroffact,Idon’t,”saidJimmy.“Onehasnevertriedtogetholdofme.”Andhesighed.
Foramomentortwotherewassilence.Jimmywasturningthingsoverinhismind.Themorehethoughtaboutthemthemoreunsatisfactorytheyseemed.
“YousaythatBattlewantstheCountessleftalone,”hesaidatlast.
“Yes.”
“Theideabeingthatthroughherhewillgetatsomeoneelse?”
Bundlenodded.
Jimmyfrowneddeeplyashetriedtoseewherethisled.ClearlyBattlehadsomeverydefiniteideainhismind.
“SirStanleyDigbywentuptotownearlythismorning,didn’the,”hesaid.
“Yes.”
“O’Rourkewithhim?”
“Yes,Ithinkso.”
“Youdon’tthink—no,that’simpossible.”
“What?”
“ThatO’Rourkecanbemixedupinthisinanyway.”
“It’spossible,”saidBundlethoughtfully.“He’sgotwhatonecallsaveryvividpersonality.No,itwouldn’tsurprisemeif—oh,totellthetruth,nothingwouldsurpriseme!Infact,there’sonlyonepersonI’mreallysureisn’tNo7.”
“Who’sthat?”
“SuperintendentBattle.”
“Oh!IthoughtyouweregoingtosayGeorgeLomax.”
“Ssh,herehecomes.”
Georgewas,indeed,bearingdownupontheminanunmistakablemanner.Jimmymadeanexcuseandslippedaway.GeorgesatdownbyBundle.
“MydearEileen,mustyoureallyleaveus?”
“Well,Fatherseemstohavegotthewindupratherbadly.IthinkI’dbettergohomeandholdhishand.”
“Thislittlehandwillindeedbecomforting,”saidGeorge,takingitandpressingitplayfully.“MydearEileen,IunderstandyourreasonsandIhonouryouforthem.Inthesedaysofchangedandunsettledconditions—”
“He’soff,”thoughtBundledesperately.
“—whenfamilylifeisatapremium—alltheoldstandardsfalling!—Itbecomesourclasstosetanexampletoshowthatwe,atleast,areunaffectedbymodernconditions.TheycallustheDieHards—Iamproudoftheterm—IrepeatIamproudoftheterm!Therearethingsthatshoulddiehard—dignity,beauty,modesty,thesanctityoffamilylife,filialrespect—whodiesiftheseshalllive?AsIwassaying,mydearEileen,Ienvyyoutheprivilegesofyouryouth.Youth!Whatawonderfulthing!Whatawonderfulword!Andwedonotappreciateituntilwegrowto—er—matureryears.Iconfess,mydearchild,thatIhaveinthepastbeendisappointedbyyourlevity.Iseenowthatitwasbutthecarelessandcharminglevityofachild.Iperceivenowtheseriousandearnestbeautyofyourmind.Youwillallowme,Ihope,tohelpyouwithyourreading?”
“Oh,thankyou,”saidBundlefaintly.
“Andyoumustneverbeafraidofmeagain.IwasshockedwhenLadyCaterhamtoldmethatyoustoodinaweofme.IcanassureyouthatIamaveryhumdrumsortofperson.”
ThespectacleofGeorgebeingmodeststruckBundlespellbound.Georgecontinued:
“Neverbeshywithme,dearchild.Anddonotbeafraidofboringme.Itwillbeagreatdelighttometo—ifImaysayso—formyourbuddingmind.Iwillbeyourpoliticalmentor.WehaveneverneededyoungwomenoftalentandcharminthePartymorethanweneedthemtoday.Youmaywellbedestinedtofollowinthefootstepsofyouraunt,LadyCaterham.”
ThisawfulprospectknockedBundleoutcompletely.ShecouldonlystarehelplesslyatGeorge.Thisdidnotdiscouragehim—onthecontrary.Hismainobjectiontowomenwasthattheytalkedtoomuch.Itwasseldomthathefoundwhatheconsideredareallygoodlistener.HesmiledbenignlyatBundle.
“Thebutterflyemergingfromthechrysalis.Awonderfulpicture.Ihaveaveryinterestingworkonpoliticaleconomy.Iwilllookitoutnow,andyoucantakeittoChimneyswithyou.Whenyouhavefinishedit,Iwilldiscussitwithyou.Donothesitatetowritetomeifanypointpuzzlesyou.IhavemanypublicdutiesbutbyunsparingworkIcanalwaysmaketimefortheaffairsofmyfriends.Iwilllookforthebook.”
Hestrodeaway.Bundlegazedafterhimwithadazedexpression.ShewasrousedbytheunexpectedadventofBill.
“Lookhere,”saidBill.“WhatthehellwasCoddersholdingyourhandfor?”
“Itwasn’tmyhand,”saidBundlewildly.“Itwasmybuddingmind.”
“Don’tbeanass,Bundle.”
“Sorry,Bill,butI’malittleworried.DoyouremembersayingthatJimmyranagraveriskdownhere?”
“Sohedoes,”saidBill.“It’sfrightfullyhardtoescapefromCoddersoncehe’sgotinterestedinyou.Jimmywillbecaughtinthetoilsbeforeheknowswhereheis.”
“It’snotJimmywho’scaught—it’sme,”saidBundlewildly.“IshallhavetomeetendlessMrs.Macattas,andreadpoliticaleconomyanddiscussitwithGeorge,andheavenknowswhereitwillend!”
Billwhistled.
“PooroldBundle.Beenlayingitonabitthick,haven’tyou?”
“Imusthavedone.Bill,Ifeelhorriblyentangled.”
“Nevermind,”saidBillconsolingly.“Georgedoesn’treallybelieveinwomenstandingforParliament,soyouwon’thavetostanduponplatformsandtalkalotofjunk,orkissdirtybabiesinBermondsey.Comeandhaveacocktail.It’snearlylunchtime.”
Bundlegotupandwalkedbyhissideobediently.
“AndIdosohatepolitics,”shemurmuredpiteously.
“Ofcourseyoudo.Sodoallsensiblepeople.It’sonlypeoplelikeCoddersandPongowhotakethemseriouslyandrevelinthem.Butallthesame,”saidBill,revertingsuddenlytoaformerpoint,“yououghtn’ttoletCoddersholdyourhand.”
“Whyonearthnot?”saidBundle.“He’sknownmeallmylife.”
“Well,Idon’tlikeit.”
“VirtuousWilliam—Oh,Isay,lookatSuperintendentBattle.”
Theywerejustpassinginthroughasidedoor.Acupboard-likeroomopenedoutofthelittlehallway.Initwerekeptgolfclubs,tennisracquets,bowlsandotherfeaturesofcountryhouselife.SuperintendentBattlewasconductingaminuteexaminationofvariousgolfclubs.HelookedupalittlesheepishlyatBundle’sexclamation.
“Goingtotakeupgolf,SuperintendentBattle?”
“Imightdoworse,LadyEileen.Theysayit’snevertoolatetostart.AndI’vegotonegoodqualitythatwilltellatanygame.”
“What’sthat?”askedBill.
“Idon’tknowwhenI’mbeaten.Ifeverythinggoeswrong,Iturntoandstartagain!”
Andwithadeterminedlookonhisface,SuperintendentBattlecameoutandjoinedthem,shuttingthedoorbehindhim.
Twenty-five
JIMMYLAYSHISPLANS
JimmyThesigerwasfeelingdepressed.AvoidingGeorge,whomhesuspectedofbeingreadytotacklehimonserioussubjects,hestolequietlyawayafterlunch.ProficientashewasindetailsoftheSantaFéboundarydispute,hehadnowishtostandanexaminationonitthisminute.
Presentlywhathehopedwouldhappencametopass.LoraineWade,alsounaccompanied,strolleddownoneoftheshadygardenpaths.InamomentJimmywasbyherside.TheywalkedforsomeminutesinsilenceandthenJimmysaidtentatively:
“Loraine?”
“Yes?”
“Lookhere,I’mabadchapatputtingthings—butwhataboutit?What’swrongwithgettingaspeciallicenceandbeingmarriedandlivingtogetherhappilyeverafterwards?”
Lorainedisplayednoembarrassmentatthissurprisingproposal.Insteadshethrewbackherheadandlaughedfrankly.
“Don’tlaughatachap,”saidJimmyreproachfully.
“Ican’thelpit.Youweresofunny.”
“Loraine—youarealittledevil.”
“I’mnot.I’mwhat’scalledathoroughlynicegirl.”
“Onlytothosewhodon’tknowyou—whoaretakeninbyyourdelusiveappearanceofmeeknessanddecorum.”
“Ilikeyourlongwords.”
“Alloutofcrosswordpuzzles.”
“Soeducative.”
“Loraine,dear,don’tbeataboutthebush.Willyouorwon’tyou?”
Loraine’sfacesobered.Ittookonitscharacteristicappearanceofdetermination.Hersmallmouthhardenedandherlittlechinshotoutaggressively.
“No,Jimmy.Notwhilethingsareastheyareatpresent—allunfinished.”
“Iknowwehaven’tdonewhatwesetouttodo,”agreedJimmy.“Butallthesame—well,it’stheendofachapter.ThepapersaresafeattheAirMinistry.Virtuetriumphant.And—forthemoment—nothingdoing.”
“So—let’sgetmarried?”saidLorainewithaslightsmile.
“You’vesaidit.Preciselytheidea.”
ButagainLoraineshookherhead.
“No,Jimmy.Untilthisthing’swoundup—untilwe’resafe—”
“Youthinkwe’reindanger?”
“Don’tyou?”
Jimmy’scherubicpinkfacecloudedover.
“You’reright,”hesaidatlast.“IfthatextraordinaryrigmaroleofBundle’sistrue—andIsuppose,incredibleasitsounds,itmustbetrue—thenwe’renotsafetillwe’vesettledwithNo7!”
“Andtheothers?”
“No—theothersdon’tcount.It’sNo7withhisownwaysofworkingthatfrightensme.BecauseIdon’tknowwhoheisorwheretolookforhim.”
Loraineshivered.
“I’vebeenfrightened,”shesaidinalowvoice.“EversinceGerry’sdeath….”
“Youneedn’tbefrightened.There’snothingforyoutobefrightenedabout.Youleaveeverythingtome.Itellyou,Loraine—I’llgetNo7yet.Oncewegethim—well,Idon’tthinkthere’llbemuchtroublewiththerestofthegang,whoevertheyare.”
“Ifyougethim—andsupposehegetsyou?”
“Impossible,”saidJimmycheerfully.“I’mmuchtooclever.Alwayshaveagoodopinionofyourself—that’smymotto.”
“WhenIthinkofthethingsthatmighthavehappenedlastnight—”Loraineshivered.
“Well,theydidn’t,”saidJimmy.“We’rebothhere,safeandsound—thoughImustadmitmyarmisconfoundedlypainful.”
“Poorboy.”
“Oh,onemustexpecttosufferinagoodcause.Andwhatwithmywoundsandmycheerfulconversation,I’vemadeacompleteconquestofLadyCoote.”
“Oh!Doyouthinkthatimportant?”
“I’veanideaitmaycomeinuseful.”
“You’vegotsomeplaninyourmind,Jimmy.Whatisit?”
“Theyoungheronevertellshisplans,”saidJimmyfirmly.“Theymatureinthedark.”
“Youareanidiot,Jimmy.”
“Iknow.Iknow.That’swhateveryonesays.ButIcanassureyou,Loraine,there’salotofbrainworkgoingonunderneath.Nowwhataboutyourplans?Gotany?”
“BundlehassuggestedthatIshouldgotoChimneyswithherforabit.”
“Excellent,”saidJimmyapprovingly.“Nothingcouldbebetter.I’dlikeaneyekeptonBundleanyway.Youneverknowwhatmadthingshewon’tgetuptonext.She’ssofrightfullyunexpected.Andtheworstofitis,she’ssoastonishinglysuccessful.Itellyou,keepingBundleoutofmischiefisawhole-timejob.”
“Billoughttolookafterher,”suggestedLoraine.
“Bill’sprettybusyelsewhere.”
“Don’tyoubelieveit,”saidLoraine
“What?NottheCountess?Butthelad’spottyabouther.”Lorainecontinuedtoshakeherhead.
“There’ssomethingthereIdon’tquiteunderstand.Butit’snottheCountesswithBill—it’sBundle.Why,thismorning,BillwastalkingtomewhenMr.LomaxcameoutandsatdownbyBundle.Hetookherhandorsomething,andBillwasofflike—likearocket.”
“Whatacurioustastesomepeoplehave,”observedMr.Thesiger.“Fancyanyonewhowastalkingtoyouwantingtodoanythingelse.Butyousurprisemeverymuch,Loraine.IthoughtoursimpleBillwasenmeshedinthetoilsofthebeautifulforeignadventuress.Bundlethinksso,Iknow.”
“Bundlemay,”saidLoraine.“ButItellyou,Jimmy,itisn’tso.”
“Thenwhat’sthebigidea?”
“Don’tyouthinkitpossiblethatBillisdoingabitofsleuthingonhisown?”
“Bill?Hehasn’tgotthebrains.”
“I’mnotsosure.Whenasimple,muscularpersonlikeBilldoessetouttobesubtle,nooneevergiveshimcreditforit.”
“Andinconsequencehecanputinsomegoodwork.Yes,there’ssomethinginthat.ButallthesameI’dneverhavethoughtitofBill.He’sdoingtheCountess’slittlewoollylambtoperfection.Ithinkyou’rewrong,youknow,Loraine.TheCountessisanextraordinarilybeautifulwoman—notmytypeofcourse,”putinMr.Thesigerhastily—“andoldBillhasalwayshadaheartlikeanhotel.”
Loraineshookherhead,unconvinced.
“Well,”saidJimmy,“haveityourownway.Weseemtohavemoreorlesssettledthings.YougobackwithBundletoChimneys,andforheaven’ssakekeepherfrompokingaboutinthatSevenDialsplaceagain.Heavenknowswhatwillhappenifshedoes.”
Lorainenodded.
“Andnow,”saidJimmy,“IthinkafewwordswithLadyCootewouldbeadvisable.”
LadyCootewassittingonagardenseatdoingwoolwork.Thesubjectwasadisconsolateandsomewhatmisshapenyoungwomanweepingoveranurn.
LadyCootemaderoomforJimmybyherside,andhepromptly,beingatactfulyoungman,admiredherwork.
“Doyoulikeit?”saidLadyCoote,pleased.“ItwasbegunbymyAuntSelinatheweekbeforeshedied.Canceroftheliver,poorthing.”
“Howbeastly,”saidJimmy.
“Andhowisthearm?”
“Oh,it’sfeelingquiteallright.Bitofanuisanceandallthat,youknow.”
“You’llhavetobecareful,”saidLadyCooteinawarningvoice.“I’veknownbloodpoisoningsetin—andinthatcaseyoumightloseyourarmaltogether.”
“Oh!Isay,Ihopenot.”
“I’monlywarningyou,”saidLadyCoote.
“Whereareyouhangingoutnow?”inquiredMr.Thesiger.“Town—orwhere?”
Consideringthatheknewtheanswertohisqueryperfectlywell,heputthequestionwithapraiseworthyamountofingenuousness.
LadyCootesighedheavily.
“SirOswaldhastakentheDukeofAlton’splace.Letherbury.Youknowit,perhaps?”
“Oh,rather.Toppingplace,isn’tit?”
“Oh,Idon’tknow,”saidLadyCoote.“It’saverylargeplace,andgloomy,youknow.Rowsofpicturegallerieswithsuchforbidding-lookingpeople.WhattheycallOldMastersareverydepressing,Ithink.YoushouldhaveseenalittlehousewehadinYorkshire,Mr.Thesiger.WhenSirOswaldwasplainMr.Coote.Suchaniceloungehallandacheerfuldrawingroomwithaningle-nook—awhitestripedpaperwithafriezeofwisteriaIchoseforit,Iremember.Satinstripe,youknow,notmoiré.Muchbettertaste,Ialwaysthink.Thediningroomfacednortheast,sowedidn’tgetmuchsuninit,butwithagoodbrightscarletpaperandasetofthosecomichuntingprints—why,itwasascheerfulasChristmas.”
Intheexcitementofthesereminiscences,LadyCootedroppedseverallittleballsofwool,whichJimmydutifullyretrieved.
“Thankyou,mydear,”saidLadyCoote.“Now,whatwasIsaying?Oh—abouthouses—yes,Idolikeacheerfulhouse.Andchoosingthingsforitgivesyouaninterest.”
“IsupposeSirOswaldwillbebuyingaplaceofhisownoneofthesedays,”suggestedJimmy.“Andthenyoucanhaveitjustasyoulike.”
LadyCooteshookherheadsadly.
“SirOswaldtalksofafirmdoingit—andyouknowwhatthatmeans.”
“Oh!Butthey’dconsultyou!”
“Itwouldbeoneofthosegrandplaces—allfortheantique.They’dlookdownonthethingsIcallcomfortableandhomey.NotbutthatSirOswaldwasn’tverycomfortableandsatisfiedinhishomealways,andIdaresayhistastesarejustthesameunderneath.Butnothingwillsuithimnowbutthebest!He’sgotonwonderfully,andnaturallyhewantssomethingtoshowforit,butmany’sthetimeIwonderwhereitwillend.”
Jimmylookedsympathetic.
“It’slikearunawayhorse,”saidLadyCoote.“Gotthebitbetweenitsteethandawayitgoes.It’sthesamewithSirOswald.He’sgoton,andhe’sgoton,tillhecan’tstopgettingon.He’soneoftherichestmeninEngland—butdoesthatsatisfyhim?No,hewantsstillmore.Hewantstobe—Idon’tknowwhathewantstobe!Icantellyou,itfrightensmesometimes!”
“LikethePersianJohnny,”saidJimmy,“whowentaboutwailingforfreshworldstoconquer.”
LadyCootenoddedacquiescencewithoutmuchknowingwhatJimmywastalkingabout.
“WhatIwonderis—willhisstomachstandit?”shewentontearfully.“Tohavehimaninvalid—withhisideas—oh,itwon’tbearthinkingof.”
“Helooksveryhearty,”saidJimmyconsolingly.
“He’sgotsomethingonhismind,”saidLadyCoote.“Worriedthat’swhatheis.Iknow.”
“What’sheworriedabout?”
“Idon’tknow.Perhapssomethingattheworks.It’sagreatcomfortforhimhavingMr.Bateman.Suchanearnestyoungman—andsoconscientious.”
“Marvellouslyconscientious,”agreedJimmy.
“OswaldthinksalotofMr.Bateman’sjudgement.HesaysthatMr.Batemanisalwaysright.”
“Thatwasoneofhisworstcharacteristicsyearsago,”saidJimmyfeelingly.
LadyCootelookedslightlypuzzled.
“ThatwasanawfullyjollyweekendIhadwithyouatChimneys,”saidJimmy.“Imeanitwouldhavebeenawfullyjollyifithadn’tbeenforpooroldGerrykickingthebucket.Jollynicegirls.”
“Ifindgirlsveryperplexing,”saidLadyCoote.“Notromantic,youknow.Why,IembroideredsomehandkerchiefsforSirOswaldwithmyownhairwhenwewereengaged.”
“Didyou?”saidJimmy.“Howmarvellous.ButIsupposegirlshaven’tgotlonghairtodothatnowadays.”
“That’strue,”admittedLadyCoote.“But,oh,itshowsinlotsofotherways.IrememberwhenIwasagirl,oneofmy—well,myyoungmen—pickedupahandfulofgravel,andagirlwhowaswithmesaidatoncethathewastreasuringitbecausemyfeethadtroddenonit.Suchaprettyidea,Ithought.Thoughitturnedoutafterwardsthathewastakingacourseinmineralogy—ordoImeangeology?—atatechnicalschool.ButIlikedtheidea—andstealingagirl’shandkerchiefandtreasuringit—allthosesortofthings.”
“Awkwardifthegirlwantedtoblowhernose,”saidthepracticalMr.Thesiger.
LadyCootelaiddownherwoolworkandlookedsearchinglybutkindlyathim.
“Comenow,”shesaid.“Isn’ttheresomenicegirlthatyoufancy?Thatyou’dliketoworkandmakealittlehomefor?”
Jimmyblushedandmumbled.
“IthoughtyougotonverywellwithoneofthosegirlsatChimneysthattime—VeraDaventry.”
“Socks?”
“Theydocallherthat,”admittedLadyCoote.“Ican’tthinkwhy.Itisn’tpretty.”
“Oh,she’satopper,”saidJimmy.“I’dliketomeetheragain.”
“She’scomingdowntostaywithusnextweekend.”
“Isshe?”saidJimmy,tryingtoinfusealargeamountofwistfullongingintothetwowords.
“Yes.Would—wouldyouliketocome?”
“Iwould,”saidJimmyheartily.“Thankseversomuch,LadyCoote.”
Andreiteratingferventthanks,helefther.
SirOswaldpresentlyjoinedhiswife.
“Whathasthatyoungjackanapesbeenboringyouabout?”hedemanded.“Ican’tstandthatyoungfellow.”
“He’sadearboy,”saidLadyCoote.“Andsobrave.Lookhowhegotwoundedlastnight.”
“Yes,messingaroundwherehe’dnobusinesstobe.”
“Ithinkyou’reveryunfair,Oswald.”
“Neverdoneanhonestday’sworkinhislife.Arealwasterifthereeverwasone.He’dnevergetonifhehadhiswaytomakeintheworld.”
“Youmusthavegotyourfeetdamplastnight,”saidLadyCoote.“Ihopeyouwon’tgetpneumonia.FreddieRichardsdiedofittheotherday.Dearme,Oswald,itmakesmybloodruncoldtothinkofyouwanderingaboutwithadangerousburglarlooseinthegrounds.Hemighthaveshotyou.I’veaskedMr.Thesigerdownfornextweekend,bytheway.”
“Nonsense,”saidSirOswald.“Iwon’thavethatyoungmaninmyhouse,doyouhear,Maria?”
“Whynot?”
“That’smybusiness.”
“I’msosorry,dear,”saidLadyCooteplacidly.“I’veaskedhimnow,soitcan’tbehelped.Pickupthatballofpinkwool,willyou,Oswald?”
SirOswaldcomplied,hisfaceblackasthunder.Helookedathiswifeandhesitated.LadyCootewasplacidlythreadingherwoolneedle.
“Iparticularlydon’twantThesigerdownnextweekend,”hesaidatlast.“I’veheardagooddealabouthimfromBateman.Hewasatschoolwithhim.”
“WhatdidMr.Batemansay?”
“He’dnogoodtosayofhim.Infact,hewarnedmeveryseriouslyagainsthim.”
“Hedid,didhe?”saidLadyCootethoughtfully.
“AndIhavethehighestrespectforBateman’sjudgement.I’veneverknownhimwrong.”
“Dearme,”saidLadyCoote.“WhatamessIseemtohavemadeofthings.Ofcourse,IshouldneverhaveaskedhimifIhadknown.Youshouldhavetoldmeallthisbefore,Oswald.It’stoolatenow.”
Shebegantorollupherworkverycarefully.SirOswaldlookedather,madeasiftospeak,thenshruggedhisshoulders.Hefollowedherintothehouse.LadyCoote,walkingahead,woreaveryfaintsmileonherface.Shewasfondofherhusband,butshewasalsofond—inaquiet,unobtrusive,whollywomanlymanner—ofgettingherownway.
Twenty-six
MAINLYABOUTGOLF
“Thatfriendofyoursisanicegirl,Bundle,”saidLordCaterham.
LorainehadbeenatChimneysfornearlyaweek,andhadearnedthehighopinionofherhost—mainlybecauseofthecharmingreadinessshehadshowntobeinstructedinthescienceofthemashieshot.
Boredbyhiswinterabroad,LordCaterhamhadtakenupgolf.Hewasanexecrableplayerandinconsequencewasprofoundlyenthusiasticoverthegame.Hespentmostofhismorningsliftingmashieshotsovervariousshrubsandbushes—or,rather,essayingtoloftthem,hackinglargebitsoutofthevelvetyturfandgenerallyreducingMacDonaldtodespair.
“Wemustlayoutalittlecourse,”saidLordCaterham,addressingadaisy.“Asportinglittlecourse.Nowthen,justwatchthisone,Bundle.Offtherightknee,slowback,keeptheheadstillandusethewrists.”
Theball,heavilytopped,scuddedacrossthelawnanddisappearedintotheunfathomeddepthsofagreatbankofrhododendrons.
“Curious,”saidLordCaterham.“WhatdidIdothen,Iwonder?AsIwassaying,Bundle,thatfriendofyoursisaverynicegirl.IreallythinkIaminducinghertotakequiteaninterestinthegame.Shehitsomeexcellentshotsthismorning—reallyquiteasgoodasIcoulddomyself.”
LordCaterhamtookanothercarelessswingandremovedanimmensechunkofturf.MacDonald,whowaspassingretrieveditandstampeditfirmlyback.ThelookhegaveLordCaterhamwouldhavecausedanyonebutanardentgolfertosinkthroughtheearth.
“IfMacDonaldhasbeenguiltyofcrueltytoCootes,whichIstronglysuspect,”saidBundle,“he’sbeingpunishednow.”
“Whyshouldn’tIdoasIlikeinmyowngarden?”demandedherfather.“MacDonaldoughttobeinterestedinthewaymygameiscomingon—theScotchareagreatgolfingnation.”
“Youpooroldman,”saidBundle.“You’llneverbeagolfer—butatanyrateitkeepsyououtofmischief.”
“Notatall,”saidLordCaterham.“Ididthelongsixthinfivetheotherday.TheprowasverysurprisedwhenItoldhimaboutit.”
“Hewouldbe,”saidBundle.
“TalkingofCootes,SirOswaldplaysafairgame—averyfairgame.Notaprettystyle—toostiff.Butstraightdownthemiddleeverytime.Butcurioushowtheclovenhoofshows—won’tgiveyouasixinchputt!Makesyouputitineverytime.NowIdon’tlikethat.”
“Isupposehe’samanwholikestobesure,”saidBundle.
“It’scontrarytothespiritofthegame,”saidherfather.“Andhe’snotinterestedinthetheoryofthethingeither.Now,thatsecretarychap,Bateman,isquitedifferent.It’sthetheoryinterestshim.Iwasslicingbadlywithmyspoon;andhesaiditallcamefromtoomuchrightarm;andheevolvedaveryinterestingtheory.It’sallleftarmingolf—theleftarmisthearmthatcounts.Hesaysheplaystennisleft-handedbutgolfwithordinaryclubsbecausetherehissuperioritywiththeleftarmtells.”
“Anddidheplayverymarvellously?”inquiredBundle.
“No,hedidn’t,”confessedLordCaterham.“Butthenhemayhavebeenoffhisgame.IseethetheoryallrightandIthinkthere’salotinit.Ah!Didyouseethatone,Bundle?Rightovertherhododendrons.Aperfectshot.Ah!Ifonecouldbesureofdoingthateverytime—Yes,Tredwell,whatisit?”
TredwelladdressedBundle.
“Mr.Thesigerwouldliketospeaktoyouonthetelephone,mylady.”
Bundlesetoffatfullspeedforthehouse,yelling“Loraine,Loraine,”asshedidso.Lorainejoinedherjustasshewasliftingthereceiver.
“Hallo,isthatyou,Jimmy?”
“Hallo.Howareyou?”
“Veryfit,butabitbored.”
“How’sLoraine?”
“She’sallright.She’shere.Doyouwanttospeaktoher?”
“Inaminute.I’vegotalottosay.Tobeginwith,I’mgoingdowntotheCootesfortheweekend,”hesaidsignificantly.“Now,lookhere,Bundle,youdon’tknowhowonegetsholdofskeletonkeys,doyou?”
“Haven’tthefoggiest.IsitreallynecessarytotakeskeletonkeystotheCootes?”
“Well,Ihadasortofideathey’dcomeinhandy.Youdon’tknowthesortofshoponegetsthemat?”
“Whatyouwantisakindlyburglarfriendtoshowyoutheropes.”
“Ido,Bundle,Ido.AndunfortunatelyIhaven’tgotone.Ithoughtperhapsyourbrightbrainmightgrapplesuccessfullywiththeproblem.ButIsupposeIshallhavetofallbackuponStevensasusual.He’llbegettingsomefunnyideasinhisheadsoonaboutme—firstabluenosedautomatic—andnowskeletonkeys.He’llthinkI’vejoinedthecriminalclasses.”
“Jimmy?”saidBundle.
“Yes?”
“Lookhere—becareful,won’tyou?ImeanifSirOswaldfindsyounosingaroundwithskeletonkeys—well,Ishouldthinkhecouldbeveryunpleasantwhenhelikes.”
“Youngmanofpleasingappearanceinthedock!Allright,I’llbecareful.Pongo’sthefellowI’mreallyfrightenedof.Hesneaksaroundsoonthoseflatfeetofhis.Youneverhearhimcoming.Andhealwaysdidhaveageniusforpokinghisnoseinwherehewasn’twanted.Buttrusttotheboyhero.”
“Well,IwishLoraineandIweregoingtobetheretolookafteryou.”
“Thankyou,nurse.Asamatteroffact,though,Ihaveascheme.”
“Yes?”
“DoyouthinkyouandLorainemighthaveaconvenientcarbreakdownnearLetherburytomorrowmorning?It’snotsoveryfarfromyou,isit?”
“Fortymiles.That’snothing.”
“Ithoughtitwouldn’tbe—toyou!Don’tkillLorainethough.I’mratherfondofLoraine.Allright,then—somewhereroundaboutquartertohalfpasttwelve.”
“Sothattheyinviteustolunch?”
“That’stheidea.Isay,Bundle,IranintothatgirlSocksyesterday,andwhatdoyouthink—TerenceO’Rourkeisgoingtobedowntherethisweekend!”
“Jimmy,doyouthinkhe—?”
“Well—suspecteveryone,youknow.That’swhattheysay.He’sawildlad,anddaringastheymakethem.Iwouldn’tputitpasthimtorunasecretsociety.HeandtheCountessmightbeinthistogether.HewasoutinHungarylastyear.”
“Buthecouldpinchtheformulaanytime.”
“That’sjustwhathecouldn’t.He’dhavetodoitundercircumstanceswherehecouldn’tbesuspected.Buttheretreatuptheivyandintohisownbed—well,thatwouldberatherneat.Nowforinstructions.AfterafewpolitenothingstoLadyCoote,youandLorainearetogetholdofPongoandO’Rourkebyhookorbycrookandkeepthemoccupiedtilllunchtime.See?Itoughtn’ttobedifficultforacoupleofbeautifulgirlslikeyou.”
“You’reusingthebestbutter,Isee.”
“Aplainstatementoffact.”
“Well,atanyrate,yourinstructionsaredulynoted.DoyouwanttotalktoLorainenow?”
Bundlepassedoverthereceiverandtactfullylefttheroom.
Twenty-seven
NOCTURNALADVENTURE
JimmyThesigerarrivedatLetherburyonasunnyautumnafternoonandwasgreetedaffectionatelybyLadyCooteandwithcolddislikebySirOswald.AwareofthekeenmatchmakingeyeofLadyCooteuponhim,JimmytookpainstomakehimselfextremelyagreeabletoSocksDaventry.
O’Rourkewasthereinexcellentspirits.HewasinclinedtobeofficialandsecretiveaboutthemysteriouseventsattheAbbey,aboutwhichSockscatechizedhimfreely,buthisofficialreticencetookanovelform…namelythatofembroideringthetaleofeventsinsuchafantasticmannerthatnobodycouldpossiblyguesswhatthetruthmighthavebeen.
“Fourmaskedmenwithrevolvers?Isthatreallyso?”demandedSocksseverely
“Ah!I’mrememberingnowthattherewastheroundhalf-dozenofthemtoholdmedownandforcethestuffdownmythroat.Sure,andIthoughtitwaspoison,andIdoneforentirely.”
“Andwhatwasstolen,orwhatdidtheytryandsteal?”
“WhatelsebutthecrownjewelsofRussiathatwerebroughttoMr.LomaxsecretlytodepositintheBankofEngland.”
“Whatabloodyliaryouare,”saidSockswithoutemotion.
“Aliar,I?Andthejewelsbroughtoverbyaeroplanewithmybestfriendaspilot.ThisissecrethistoryI’mtellingyou,Socks.WillyouaskJimmyThesigerthereifyoudon’tbelieveme.NotthatI’dbeputtinganytrustinwhathe’dsay.”
“Isittrue,”saidSocks,“thatGeorgeLomaxcamedownwithouthisfalseteeth?That’swhatIwanttoknow.”
“Thereweretworevolvers,”saidLadyCoote.“Nastythings.Isawthemmyself.It’sawonderthispoorboywasn’tkilled.”
“Oh,Iwasborntobehanged,”saidJimmy.
“IhearthattherewasaRussiancountessthereofsubtlebeauty,”saidSocks.“AndthatshevampedBill.”
“SomeofthethingsshesaidaboutBudaPesthweretoodreadful,”saidLadyCoote.“Ishallneverforgetthem.Oswald,wemustsendasubscription.”
SirOswaldgrunted.
“I’llmakeanoteofit,LadyCoote,”saidRupertBateman.
“Thankyou,Mr.Bateman.Ifeeloneoughttodosomethingasathankoffering.Ican’timaginehowSirOswaldescapedbeingshot—lettingalonedieofpneumonia.”
“Don’tbefoolish,Maria,”saidSirOswald.
“I’vealwayshadahorrorofcatburglars,”saidLadyCoote.
“Thinkofhavingthelucktomeetonefacetoface.Howthrilling!”murmuredSocks.
“Don’tyoubelieveit,”saidJimmy.“It’sdamnedpainful.”Andhepattedhisrightarmgingerly.
“Howisthepoorarm?”inquiredLadyCoote.
“Oh,prettywellallrightnow.Butit’sbeenthemostconfoundednuisancehavingtodoeverythingwiththelefthand.I’mnogoodwhateverwithit.”
“Everychildshouldbebroughtuptobeambidexterous,”saidSirOswald.
“Oh!”saidSocks,somewhatoutofherdepth.“Isthatlikeseals?”
“Notamphibious,”saidMr.Bateman.“Ambidexterousmeansusingeitherhandequallywell.”
“Oh!”saidSocks,lookingatSirOswaldwithrespect.“Canyou?”
“Certainly;Icanwritewitheitherhand.”
“Butnotwithbothatonce?”
“Thatwouldnotbepractical,”saidSirOswaldshortly.
“No,”saidSocksthoughtfully.“Isupposethatwouldbeabittoosubtle.”
“ItwouldbeagrandthingnowinaGovernmentdepartment,”observedMr.O’Rourke,“ifonecouldkeeptherighthandfromknowingwhatthelefthandwasdoing.”
“Canyouusebothhands?”
“No,indeed.I’mthemostright-handedpersonthateverwas.”
“Butyoudealcardswithyourlefthand,”saidtheobservantBateman.“Inoticedtheothernight.”
“Oh,butthat’sdifferententirely,”saidMr.O’Rourkeeasily.
Agongwithasombrenotepealedoutandeveryonewentupstairstodressfordinner.
AfterdinnerSirOswaldandLadyCoote,Mr.BatemanandMr.O’RourkeplayedbridgeandJimmypassedaflirtatiouseveningwithSocks.ThelastwordsJimmyheardasheretreatedupthestaircasethatnightwereSirOswaldsayingtohiswife:
“You’llnevermakeabridgeplayer,Maria.”
Andherreply:
“Iknow,dear.Soyoualwayssay.YouoweMr.O’Rourkeanotherpound,Oswald.That’sright.”
ItwassometwohourslaterthatJimmycreptnoiselessly(orsohehoped)downthestairs.HemadeonebriefvisittothediningroomandthenfoundhiswaytoSirOswald’sstudy.There,afterlisteningintentlyforaminuteortwo,hesettowork.Mostofthedrawersofthedeskwerelocked,butacuriouslyshapedbitofwireinJimmy’shandsoon
Drawerbydrawerhesortedthroughmethodically,beingcarefultoreplaceeverythinginthesameorder.Onceortwicehestoppedtolisten,fancyingheheardsomedistantsound.Butheremainedundisturbed.
Thelastdrawerwaslookedthrough.Jimmynowknew—orcouldhaveknownhadhebeenpayingattention—manyinterestingdetailsrelatingtosteel;buthehadfoundnothingofwhathewanted—areferencetoHerrEberhard’sinventionoranythingthatcouldgivehimacluetotheidentityofthemysteriousNo7.Hehad,perhaps,hardlyhopedthathewould.Itwasanoffchanceandhehadtakenit—buthehadnotexpectedmuchresult—exceptbysheerluck.
Hetestedthedrawerstomakesurethathehadrelockedthemsecurely.HeknewRupertBateman’spowersofminuteobservationandglancedroundtheroomtomakesurethathehadleftnoincriminatingtraceofhispresence.
“That’sthat,”hemutteredtohimselfsoftly.“Nothingthere.Well,perhapsI’llhavebetterlucktomorrowmorning—ifthegirlsonlyplayup.”
Hecameoutofthestudy,closingthedoorbehindhimandlockingit.Foramomenthethoughtheheardasoundquitenearhim,butdecidedhehadbeenmistaken.Hefelthiswaynoiselesslyalongthegreathall.Justenoughlightcamefromthehigh-vaultedwindowstoenablehimtopickhiswaywithoutstumblingintoanything.
Againheheardasoftsound—hehearditquitecertainlythistimeandwithoutthepossibilityofmakingamistake.Hewasnotaloneinthehall.Somebodyelsewasthere,movingasstealthilyashewas.Hisheartbeatsuddenlyveryfast.
Withasuddenspringhejumpedtotheelectricswitchandturnedonthelights.Thesuddenglaremadehimblink—buthesawplainlyenough.NotfourfeetawaystoodRupertBateman.
“Mygoodness,Pongo,”criedJimmy,“youdidgivemeastart.Slinkingaboutlikethatinthedark.”
“Iheardanoise,”explainedMr.Batemanseverely.“IthoughtburglarshadgotinandIcamedowntosee.”
JimmylookedthoughtfullyatMr.Bateman’srubbersoledfeet.
“Youthinkofeverything,Pongo,”hesaidgenially.“Evenalethalweapon.”
Hiseyerestedonthebulgeintheother’spocket.
“It’saswelltobearmed.Oneneverknowswhomonemaymeet.”
“Iamgladyoudidn’tshoot,”saidJimmy.“I’mabittiredofbeingshotat.”
“Imighteasilyhavedoneso,”saidMr.Bateman.
“Itwouldbedeadagainstthelawifyoudid,”saidJimmy.“You’vegottomakequitesurethebeggar’shousebreaking,youknow,beforeyoupotathim.Youmustn’tjumptoconclusions.Otherwiseyou’dhavetoexplainwhyyoushotaguestonaperfectlyinnocenterrandlikemine.”
“Bythewaywhatdidyoucomedownfor?”
“Iwashungry,”saidJimmy.“Iratherfanciedadrybiscuit.”
“Therearesomebiscuitsinatinbyyourbed,”saidRupertBateman.
HewasstaringatJimmyveryintentlythroughhishorn-rimmedspectacles.
“Ah!That’swherethestaffworkhasgonewrong,oldboy.There’satintherewith“BiscuitsforStarvingVisitors”onit.Butwhenthestarvingvisitoropenedit—nothinginside.SoIjusttoddleddowntothediningroom.”
Andwithasweet,ingenuoussmile,Jimmyproducedfromhisdressinggownpocketahandfulofbiscuits.
Therewasamoment’spause.
“AndnowIthinkI’lltoddlebacktobed,”saidJimmy.“Night-night,Pongo.”
Withanaffectationofnonchalance,hemountedthestaircase.RupertBatemanfollowedhim.Atthedoorwayofhisroom,Jimmypausedasiftosaygoodnightoncemore.
“It’sanextraordinarythingaboutthesebiscuits,”saidMr.Bateman.“DoyoumindifIjust—?”
“Certainly,laddie,lookforyourself.”
Mr.Batemanstrodeacrosstheroom,openedthebiscuitboxandstaredatitsemptiness.
“Veryremiss,”hemurmured.“Well,goodnight.”
Hewithdrew.Jimmysatontheedgeofhisbedlisteningforaminute.
“Thatwasanarrowshave,”hemurmuredtohimself.“Suspicioussortofchap,Pongo.Neverseemstosleep.Nastyhabitofhis,prowlingaroundwitharevolver.”
Hegotupandopenedoneofthedrawersofthedressingtable.Beneathanassortmentoftieslayapileofbiscuits.
“There’snothingforit,”saidJimmy.“Ishallhavetoeatthedamnedthings.Tentoone,Pongowillcomeprowlingroundinthemorning.”
Withasigh,hesettleddowntoamealofbiscuitsforwhichhehadnoinclinationwhatever.
Twenty-eight
SUSPICIONS
Itwasjustontheappointedhouroftwelveo’clockthatBundleandLoraineenteredtheparkgates,havinglefttheHispanoatanadjacentgarage.
LadyCootegreetedthetwogirlswithsurprise,butdistinctpleasure,andimmediatelypressedthemtostaytolunch.
O’Rourke,whohadbeenreclininginanimmensearmchair,beganatoncetotalkwithgreatanimationtoLoraine,whowaslisteningwithhalfaneartoBundle’shighlytechnicalexplanationofthemechanicaltroublewhichhadaffectedtheHispano.
“Andwesaid,”endedBundle,“howmarvellousthatthebruteshouldhavebrokendownjusthere!LasttimeithappenedwasonaSundayataplacecalledLittleSpeddlingtonundertheHill.Anditliveduptoitsname,Icantellyou.”
“Thatwouldbeagrandnameonthefilms,”remarkedO’Rourke.
“Birthplaceofthesimplecountrymaiden,”suggestedSocks.
“Iwondernow,”saidLadyCoote,“whereMr.Thesigeris?”
“He’sinthebilliardroom,Ithink,”saidSocks.“I’llfetchhim.”
Shewentoff,buthadhardlygoneaminutewhenRupertBatemanappeareduponthescene,withtheharassedandseriousairusualtohim.
“Yes,LadyCoote?Thesigersaidyouwereaskingforme.Howdoyoudo,LadyEileen—”
Hebrokeofftogreetthetwogirls,andLoraineimmediatelytookthefield.
“Oh,Mr.Bateman!I’vebeenwantingtoseeyou.Wasn’tityouwhowastellingmewhattodoforadogwhenheiscontinuallygettingsorepaws?”
Thesecretaryshookhishead.
“Itmusthavebeensomeoneelse,MissWade.Though,asamatteroffact,Idohappentoknow—”
“Whatawonderfulmanyouare,”interruptedLoraine.“Youknowabouteverything.”
“Oneshouldkeepabreastofmodernknowledge,”saidMr.Batemanseriously.“Nowaboutyourdog’spaws—”
TerenceO’RourkemurmuredsottovocetoBundle:
“’Tisamanlikethatwritesallthoselittleparagraphsintheweeklypapers.‘Itisnotgenerallyknownthattokeepabrassfenderuniformlybright,etc;’‘Thedorperbeetleisoneofthemostinterestingcharactersintheinsectworld;’‘ThemarriagecustomsoftheFingaleseIndian;’andsoon.”
“Generalinformation,infact.”
“Andwhatmorehorribletwowordscouldyouhave?”saidMr.O’Rourke,andaddedpiously:“ThanktheheavensaboveI’maneducatedmanandknownothingwhateveruponanysubjectatall.”
“Iseeyou’vegotclockgolfhere,”saidBundletoLadyCoote.
“I’lltakeyouonit,LadyEileen,”saidO’Rourke.
“Let’schallengethosetwo,”saidBundle.“Loraine,Mr.O’RourkeandIwanttotakeyouandMr.Batemanonatclockgolf.”
“Doplay,Mr.Bateman,”saidLadyCoote,asthesecretaryshowedamomentaryhesitation.“I’msureSirOswalddoesn’twantyou.”
Thefourwentoutonthelawn.
“Verycleverlymanaged,what?”whisperedBundletoLoraine.“Congratulationsonourgirlishtact.”
Theroundendedjustbeforeoneo’clock,victorygoingtoBatemanandLoraine
“ButIthinkyou’llagreewithme,partner,”saidMr.O’Rourke,“thatweplayedamoresportinggame.”
HelaggedalittlebehindwithBundle.
“OldPongo’sacautiousplayer—andtakesnorisks.Now,withmeit’sneckornothing.Andafinemottothroughlife,don’tyouagree,LadyEileen?”
“Hasn’titeverlandedyouintrouble?”askedBundlelaughing.
“Tobesureithas.Millionsoftimes.ButI’mstillgoingstrong.Sure,it’lltakethehangman’snoosetodefeatTerenceO’Rourke.”
JustthenJimmyThesigerstrolledroundthecornerofthehouse.
“Bundle,byallthat’swonderful!”heexclaimed.
“You’vemissedcompetingintheAutumnMeeting,”saidO’Rourke.
“I’dgoneforastroll,”saidJimmy.“Wheredidthesegirlsdropfrom?”
“Wecameonourflatfeet,”saidBundle.“TheHispanoletusdown.”
Andshenarratedthecircumstancesofthebreakdown.
Jimmylistenedwithsympatheticattention.
“Hardluck,”hevouchsafed.“Ifit’sgoingtotakesometime,I’llrunyoubackinmycarafterlunch.”
Agongsoundedatthatmomentandtheyallwentin.BundleobservedJimmycovertly.Shethoughtshehadnoticedanunusualnoteofexultanceinhisvoice.Shehadthefeelingthatthingshadgonewell.
AfterlunchtheytookapoliteleaveofLadyCoote,andJimmyvolunteeredtorunthemdowntothegarageinhiscar.Assoonastheyhadstartedthesamewordsburstsimultaneouslyfrombothgirls’lips:
“Well?”
Jimmychosetobeprovoking.
“Well?”
“Oh,prettyhearty,thanks.Slightindigestionowingtooverindulgenceindrybiscuits.”
“Butwhathashappened?”
“Itellyou.Devotiontothecausemademeeattoomanydrybiscuits.Butdidourheroflinch?No,hedidnot.”
“Oh,Jimmy,”saidLorainereproachfully,andhesoftened.
“Whatdoyoureallywanttoknow?”
“Oh,everything.Didn’twedoitwell?Imean,thewaywekeptPongoandTerenceO’Rourkeinplay.”
“IcongratulateyouonthehandlingofPongo.O’Rourkewasprobablyasitter—butPongoismadeofotherstuff.There’sonlyonewordforthatlad—itwasintheSundayNewsbagcrosswordlastweek.Wordoftenlettersmeaningeverywhereatonce.Ubiquitous.ThatdescribedPongodowntotheground.Youcan’tgoanywherewithoutrunningintohim—andtheworstofitisyouneverhearhimcoming.”
“Youthinkhe’sdangerous?”
“Dangerous?Ofcoursehe’snotdangerous.FancyPongobeingdangerous.He’sanass.But,asIsaidjustnow,he’sanubiquitousass.Hedoesn’tevenseemtoneedsleeplikeordinarymortals.Infact,toputitbluntly,thefellow’sadamnednuisance.”
And,inasomewhataggrievedmanner,Jimmydescribedtheeventsofthepreviousevening.
Bundlewasnotverysympathetic.
“Idon’tknowwhatyouthinkyou’redoinganyway,moochingaroundhere.”
“No7,”saidJimmycrisply.“That’swhatI’mafter.No7.”
“Andyouthinkyou’llfindhiminthishouse?”
“IthoughtImightfindaclue.”
“Andyoudidn’t?”
“Notlastnight—no.”
“Butthismorning,”saidLoraine,breakinginsuddenly.“Jimmy,youdidfindsomethingthismorning.Icanseeitbyyourface.”
“Well,Idon’tknowifitisanything.Butduringthecourseofmystroll—”
“Whichstrolldidn’ttakeyoufarfromthehouse,Iimagine.”
“Strangelyenough,itdidn’t.Roundtripoftheinterior,wemightcallit.Well,asIsay,Idon’tknowwhetherthere’sanythinginitornot.ButIfoundthis.”
Withthecelerityofaconjurerheproducedasmallbottleandtosseditovertothegirls.Itwashalffullofawhitepowder.
“Whatdoyouthinkitis?”askedBundle.
“Awhitecrystallinepowder,that’swhatitis,”saidJimmy.“Andtoanyreaderofdetectivefictionthosewordsarebothfamiliarandsuggestive.Ofcourse,ifitturnsouttobeanewkindofpatenttoothpowder,Ishallbechagrinedandannoyed.”
“Wheredidyoufindit?”askedBundlesharply.
“Ah!”saidJimmy,“that’smysecret.”
Andfromthatpointhewouldnotbudgeinspiteofcajoleryandinsult.
“Hereweareatthegarage,”hesaid.“Let’shopethehigh-mettledHispanohasnotbeensubjectedtoanyindignities.”
Thegentlemanatthegaragepresentedabillforfiveshillingsandmadeafewvagueremarksaboutloosenuts.Bundlepaidhimwithasweetsmile.
“It’snicetoknowweallgetmoneyfornothingsometimes,”shemurmuredtoJimmy.
Thethreestoodtogetherintheroad,silentforthemomentastheyeachponderedthesituation.
“Iknow,”saidBundlesuddenly.
“Knowwhat?”
“SomethingImeanttoaskyou—andnearlyforgot.DoyourememberthatgloveSuperintendentBattlefound—thehalf-burntone?”
“Yes.”
“Didn’tyousaythathetrieditonyourhand?”
“Yes—itwasashadebig.Thatfitsinwiththeideaofitsbeingabig,heftymanwhoworeit.”
“That’snotatallwhatI’mbotheringabout.Nevermindthesizeofit.GeorgeandSirOswaldwereboththeretoo,weren’tthey?”
“Yes.”
“Hecouldhavegivenittoeitherofthemtofiton?”
“Yes,ofcourse—”
“Buthedidn’t.Hechoseyou.Jimmy,don’tyouseewhatthatmeans?”
Mr.Thesigerstaredather.
“I’msorry,Bundle.Possiblythejollyoldbrainisn’tfunctioningaswellasusual,butIhaven’tthefaintestideawhatyou’retalkingabout.”
“Don’tyousee,Loraine?”
Lorainelookedathercuriously,butshookherhead.
“Doesitmeananythinginparticular?”
“Ofcourseitdoes.Don’tyousee—Jimmyhadhisrighthandinasling.”
“ByJove,Bundle,”saidJimmyslowly.“ItwasratheroddnowIcometothinkofit;it’sbeingaleft-handglove,Imean.Battleneversaidanything.”
“Hewasn’tgoingtodrawattentiontoit.Bytryingitonyouitmightpasswithoutnoticebeingdrawntoit,andhetalkedaboutthesizejusttoputeverybodyoff.Butsurelyitmustmeanthatthemanwhoshotatyouheldthepistolinhislefthand.”
“Sowe’vegottolookforaleft-handedman,”saidLorainethoughtfully.
“Yes,andI’lltellyouanotherthing.ThatwaswhatBattlewasdoinglookingthroughthegolfclubs.Hewaslookingforaleft-handedman’s.”
“ByJove,”saidJimmysuddenly.
“Whatisit?”
“Well,Idon’tsupposethere’sanythinginit,butit’srathercurious.”
Heretailedtheconversationatteathedaybefore.
“SoSirOswaldCooteisambidexterous?”saidBundle.
“Yes.AndIremembernowonthatnightatChimneys—youknow,thenightGerryWadedied—Iwaswatchingthebridgeandthinkingidlyhowawkwardlysomeonewasdealing—andthenrealizingthatitwasbecausetheyweredealingwiththelefthand.Ofcourse,itmusthavebeenSirOswald.”
Theyallthreelookedateachother.Loraineshookherhead.
“AmanlikeSirOswaldCoote!It’simpossible.Whatcouldhehavetogainbyit?”
“Itseemsabsurd,”saidJimmy.“Andyet—”
“No7hashisownwaysofworking,”quotedBundlesoftly.“SupposingthisisthewaySirOswaldhasreallymadehisfortune?”
“ButwhystageallthatcomedyattheAbbeywhenhe’dhadtheformulaathisownworks?”
“Theremightbewaysofexplainingthat,”saidLoraine.“ThesamelineofargumentyouusedaboutMr.O’Rourke.Suspicionhadtobedivertedfromhimandplacedinanotherquarter.”
Bundlenoddedeagerly.
“Itallfitsin.SuspicionistofallonBauerandtheCountess.WhoonearthwouldeverdreamofsuspectingSirOswaldCoote?”
“IwonderifBattledoes,”saidJimmyslowly.
SomechordofmemoryvibratedinBundle’smind.SuperintendentBattlepluckinganivyleafoffthemillionaire’scoat.
HadBattlesuspectedallthetime?
Twenty-nine
SINGULARBEHAVIOUROFGEORGELOMAX
“Mr.Lomaxishere,mylord.”
LordCaterhamstartedviolently,for,absorbedintheintricaciesofwhatnottodowiththeleftwrist,hehadnotheardthebutlerapproachoverthesoftturf.HelookedatTredwellmoreinsorrowthaninanger.
“Itoldyouatbreakfast,Tredwell,thatIshouldbeparticularlyengagedthismorning.”
“Yes,mylord,but—”
“GoandtellMr.Lomaxthatyouhavemadeamistake,thatIamoutinthevillage,thatIamlaidupwiththegout,or,ifallelsefails,thatIamdead.”
“Mr.Lomax,mylord,hasalreadycaughtsightofyourlordshipwhendrivingupthedrive.”
LordCaterhamsigheddeeply.
“Hewould.Verywell,Tredwell,Iamcoming.”
Inamannerhighlycharacteristic,LordCaterhamwasalwaysmostgenialwhenhisfeelingswereinrealitythereverse.HegreetedGeorgenowwithaheartinessquiteunparalleled.
“Mydearfellow,mydearfellow.Delightedtoseeyou.Absolutelydelighted.Sitdown.Haveadrink.Well,well,thisissplendid!”
AndhavingpushedGeorgeintoalargearmchair,hesatdownoppositehimandblinkednervously.
“Iwantedtoseeyouveryparticularly,”saidGeorge.
“Oh!”saidLordCaterhamfaintly,andhisheartsank,whilsthismindracedactivelyoverallthedreadpossibilitiesthatmightliebehindthatsimplephrase.
“Veryparticularly,”saidGeorgewithheavyemphasis.
LordCaterham’sheartsanklowerthanever.Hefeltthatsomethingwascomingworsethananythinghehadyetthoughtof.
“Yes?”hesaid,withacourageousattemptatnonchalance.
“IsEileenathome?”
LordCaterhamfeltreprieved,butslightlysurprised.
“Yes,yes,”hesaid.“Bundle’shere.Gotthatfriendofherswithher—thelittleWadegirl.Verynicegirl—verynicegirl.Goingtobequiteagoodgolferoneday.Niceeasyswing—”
HewaschattinggarrulouslyonwhenGeorgeinterruptedwithruthlessness:
“IamgladthatEileenisathome.PerhapsImighthaveaninterviewwithherpresently?”
“Certainly,mydearfellow,certainly.”LordCaterhamstillfeltverysurprised,butwasstillenjoyingthesensationofreprieve.“Ifitdoesn’tboreyou.”
“Nothingcouldboremeless,”saidGeorge.“Ithink,Caterham,ifImaysayso,thatyouhardlyappreciatethefactthatEileenisgrownup.Sheisnolongerachild.Sheisawoman,and,ifImaysayso,averycharmingandtalentedwoman.Themanwhosucceedsinwinningherlovewillbeextremelylucky.Irepeatit—extremelylucky.”
“Oh,Idaresay,”saidLordCaterham.“Butshe’sveryrestless,youknow.Nevercontenttobeinoneplaceformorethantwominutestogether.However,Idaresayyoungfellowsdon’tmindthatnowadays.”
“Youmeanthatsheisnotcontenttostagnate.Eileenhasbrains,Caterham;sheisambitious.Sheinterestsherselfinthequestionsoftheday,andbringsherfreshandvividyoungintellecttobearuponthem.”
LordCaterhamstaredathim.Itoccurredtohimthatwhatwassooftenreferredtoas“thestrainofmodernlife”hadbeguntotelluponGeorge.CertainlyhisdescriptionofBundleseemedtoLordCaterhamludicrouslyunlike.
“Areyousureyouarefeelingquitewell?”heaskedanxiously.
Georgewavedtheinquiryasideimpatiently.
“Perhaps,Caterham,youbegintohavesomeinklingofmypurposeinvisitingyouthismorning.Iamnotamantoundertakefreshresponsibilitieslightly.Ihaveapropersense,Ihope,ofwhatisduetothepositionIhold.Ihavegiventhismattermydeepandearnestconsideration.Marriage,especiallyatmyage,isnottobeundertakenwithoutfull—er—consideration.Equalityofbirth,similarityoftastes,generalsuitability,andthesamereligiouscreed—allthesethingsarenecessaryandtheprosandconshavetobeweighedandconsidered.Ican,Ithink,offermywifeapositioninsocietythatisnottobedespised.Eileenwillgracethatpositionadmirably.Bybirthandbreedingsheisfittedforit,andherbrainsandheracutepoliticalsensecannotbutfurthermycareertoourmutualadvantage.Iamaware,Caterham,thatthereis—er—somedisparityinyears.ButIcanassureyouthatIfeelfullofvigour—inmyprime.Thebalanceofyearsshouldbeonthehusband’sside.AndEileenhasserioustastes—anoldermanwillsuitherbetterthansomeyoungjackanapeswithouteitherexperienceorsavoirfaire.Icanassureyou,mydearCaterham,thatIwillcherishher—er—exquisiteyouth;Iwillcherishit—er—itwillbeappreciated.Towatchtheexquisiteflowerofhermindunfolding—whataprivilege!AndtothinkthatIneverrealized—”
HeshookhisheaddeprecatinglyandLordCaterham,findinghisvoicewithdifficulty,saidblankly:
“DoIunderstandyoutomean—ah,mydearfellow,youcan’twanttomarryBundle?”
“Youaresurprised.Isupposetoyouitseemssudden.Ihaveyourpermission,then,tospeaktoher?”
“Oh,yes,”saidLordCaterham.“Ifit’spermissionyouwant—ofcourseyoucan.Butyouknow,Lomax,Ireallyshouldn’tifIwereyou.Justgohomeandthinkitoverlikeagoodfellow.Counttwenty.Allthatsortofthing.Alwaysapitytoproposeandmakeafoolofyourself.”
“Idaresayyoumeanyouradvicekindly,Caterham,thoughImustconfessthatyouputitsomewhatstrangely.ButIhavemadeupmymindtoputmyfortunetothetest.ImayseeEileen?”
“Oh,it’snothingtodowithme,”saidLordCaterhamhastily;“Eileensettlesherownaffairs.Ifshecametometomorrowandsaidshewasgoingtomarrythechauffeur,Ishouldn’tmakeanyobjections.It’stheonlywaynowadays.Yourchildrencanmakelifedamnedunpleasantifyoudon’tgiveintothemineveryway.IsaytoBundle,‘Doasyoulike,butdon’tworryme,’andreally,onthewhole,sheisamazinglygoodaboutit.”
Georgestoodupintentuponhispurpose
“WhereshallIfindher?”
“Well,really,Idon’tknow,”saidLordCaterhamvaguely.“Shemightbeanywhere.AsItoldyoujustnow,she’sneverinthesameplacefortwominutestogether.Norepose.”
“AndIsupposeMissWadewillbewithher?Itseemstome,Caterham,thatthebestplanwouldbeforyoutoringthebellandaskyourbutlertofindher,sayingthatIwishtospeaktoherforafewminutes.”
LordCaterhampressedthebellobediently.
“Oh,Tredwell,”hesaid,whenthebellwasanswered.“Justfindherladyship,willyou.TellherMr.Lomaxisanxioustospeaktoherinthedrawingroom.”
“Yes,mylord.”
Tredwellwithdrew.GeorgeseizedLordCaterham’shandandwrungitwarmly,muchtothelatter’sdiscomfort.
“Athousandthanks,”hesaid.“Ihopesoontobringyougoodnews.”
Hehastenedfromtheroom.
“Well,”saidLordCaterham.“Well!”
Andafteralongpause:
“WhathasBundlebeenupto?”
Thedooropenedagain.
“Mr.Eversleigh,mylord.”
AsBillhastenedin,LordCaterhamcaughthishandandspokeearnestly.
“Hullo,Bill.You’relookingforLomax,Isuppose?Lookhere,ifyouwanttodoagoodturn,hurrytothedrawingroomandtellhimtheCabinethavecalledanimmediatemeeting,orgethimawaysomehow.It’sreallynotfairtoletthepoordevilmakeanassofhimselfallforsomesillygirl’sprank.”
“I’venotcomeforCodders,”saidBill.“Didn’tknowhewashere.It’sBundleIwanttosee.Issheanywhereabout?”
“Youcan’tseeher,”saidLordCaterham.“Notjustnow,atanyrate.Georgeiswithher.”
“Well—whatdoesitmatter?”
“Ithinkitdoesrather,”saidLordCaterham.“He’sprobablysplutteringhorriblyatthisminute,andwemustn’tdoanythingtomakeitworseforhim.”
“Butwhatishesaying?”
“Heavenknows,”saidLordCaterham.“Alotofdamnednonsense,anyway.Neversaytoomuch,thatwasalwaysmymotto.Grabthegirl’shandandleteventstaketheircourse.”
Billstaredathim.
“Butlookhere,sir,I’minahurry.ImusttalktoBundle—”
“Well,Idon’tsupposeyou’llhavetowaitlong.ImustconfessI’mrathergladtohaveyouherewithme—IsupposeLomaxwillinsistoncomingbackandtalkingtomewhenit’sallover.”
“Whenwhat’sallover?WhatisLomaxsupposedtobedoing?”
“Hush,”saidLordCaterham.“He’sproposing.”
“Proposing?Proposingwhat?”
“Marriage.ToBundle.Don’taskmewhy.Isupposehe’scometowhattheycallthedangerousage.Ican’texplainitanyotherway.”
“ProposingtoBundle?Thedirtyswine.Athisage.”
Bill’sfacegrewcrimson.
“Hesayshe’sintheprimeoflife,”saidLordCaterhamcautiously.
“He?Why,he’sdecrepit—senile!I—”Billpositivelychoked.
“Notatall,”saidLordCaterhamcoldly.“He’sfiveyearsyoungerthanIam.”
“Ofallthedamnedcheek!CoddersandBundle!AgirllikeBundle!Yououghtn’ttohaveallowedit.”
“Ineverinterfere,”saidLordCaterham.
“Yououghttohavetoldhimwhatyouthoughtofhim.”
“Unfortunatelymoderncivilizationrulesthatout,”saidLordCaterhamregretfully.“IntheStoneAgenow—but,dearme,IsupposeeventhenIshouldn’tbeabletodoit—beingasmallman.”
“Bundle!Bundle!Why,I’veneverdaredtoaskBundletomarrymebecauseIknewshe’donlylaugh.AndGeorge—adisgustingwindbag,anunscrupuloushypocriticaloldhotairmerchant—afoul,poisonousself-advertiser—”
“Goon,”saidLordCaterham.“Iamenjoyingthis.”
“MyGod!”saidBillsimplyandwithfeeling.“Lookhere,Imustbeoff.”
“No,no,don’tgo.I’dmuchratheryoustayed.Besides,youwanttoseeBundle.”
“Notnow.Thishasdriveneverythingelseoutofmyhead.Youdon’tknowwhereJimmyThesigerisbyanychance?IbelievehewasstayingwiththeCootes.Ishetherestill?”
“Ithinkhewentbacktotownyesterday.BundleandLorainewereoverthereonSaturday.Ifyou’llonlywait—”
ButBillshookhisheadenergeticallyandrushedfromtheroom.LordCaterhamtiptoedoutintothehall,seizedahatandmadeahurriedexitbythesidedoor.InthedistanceheobservedBillstreakingdownthedriveinhiscar.
“Thatyoungmanwillhaveanaccident,”hethought.
Bill,however,reachedLondonwithoutanymischance,andproceededtoparkhiscarinSt.James’sSquare.ThenhesoughtoutJimmyThesiger’srooms.Jimmywasathome.
“Hullo,Bill.Isay,what’sthematter?Youdon’tlookyourusualbrightlittleself.”
“I’mworried,”saidBill.“Iwasworriedanyway,andthensomethingelseturnedupandgavemeajolt.”
“Oh!”saidJimmy.“Howlucid!What’sitallabout?CanIdoanything?”
Billdidnotreply.HesatstaringatthecarpetandlookingsopuzzledanduncomfortablethatJimmyfelthiscuriosityaroused.
“Hasanythingveryextraordinaryoccurred,William?”heaskedgently.
“Somethingdamnedodd.Ican’tmakeheadortailofit.”
“TheSevenDialsbusiness?”
“Yes—theSevenDialsbusiness.Igotaletterthismorning.”
“Aletter?Whatsortofletter?”
“AletterfromRonnyDevereux’sexecutors.”
“Goodlord!Afterallthistime!”
“Itseemsheleftinstructions.Ifhewastodiesuddenly,acertainsealedenvelopewastobesenttomeexactlyafortnightafterhisdeath.”
“Andthey’vesentittoyou?”
“Yes.”
“You’veopenedit?”
“Yes.”
“Well—whatdiditsay?”
Billturnedaglanceuponhim,suchastrangeanduncertainonethatJimmywasstartled.
“Lookhere,”hesaid.“Pullyourselftogether,oldman.Itseemstohaveknockedthewindoutofyou,whateveritis.Haveadrink.”
HepouredoutastiffwhiskyandsodaandbroughtitovertoBill,whotookitobediently.Hisfacestillborethesamedazedexpression.
“It’swhat’sintheletter,”hesaid.“Isimplycan’tbelieveit,that’sall.”
“Oh,nonsense,”saidJimmy.“Youmustgetintothehabitofbelievingsiximpossiblethingsbeforebreakfast.Idoitregularly.Nowthen,let’shearallaboutit.Waitaminute.”
Hewentoutside.
“Stevens!”
“Yes,sir?”
“Justgooutandgetmesomecigarettes,willyou?I’verunout.”
“Verygood,sir.”
Jimmywaitedtillheheardthefrontdoorclose.Thenhecamebackintothesittingroom.Billwasjustintheactofsettingdownhisemptyglass.Helookedbetter,morepurposefulandmoremasterofhimself.
“Nowthen,”saidJimmy.“I’vesentStevensoutsothatwecan’tbeoverheard.Areyougoingtotellmeallaboutit?”
“It’ssoincredible.”
“Thenit’ssuretobetrue.Comeon,outwithit.”
Billdrewadeepbreath.
“Iwill.I’lltellyoueverything.”
Thirty
ANURGENTSUMMONS
Loraine,playingwithasmallanddelectablepuppy,wassomewhatsurprisedwhenBundlerejoinedherafteranabsenceoftwentyminutes,inabreathlessstateandwithanindescribableexpressiononherface.
“Whoof,”saidBundle,sinkingontoagardenseat.“Whoof.”
“What’sthematter?”askedLoraine,lookingathercuriously.
“Georgeisthematter—GeorgeLomax.”
“What’shebeendoing?”
“Proposingtome.Itwasawful.Hesplutteredandhestuttered,buthewouldgothroughwithit—hemusthavelearntitoutofabook,Ithink.Therewasnostoppinghim.Oh,howIhatemenwhosplutter!And,unfortunately,Ididn’tknowthereply.”
“Youmusthaveknownwhatyouwantedtodo.”
“NaturallyI’mnotgoingtomarryanapologeticidiotlikeGeorge.WhatImeanis,Ididn’tknowthecorrectreplyfromthebookofetiquette.Icouldonlyjustsayflatly:‘No,Iwon’t.’WhatIoughttohavesaidwassomethingaboutbeingverysensibleofthehonourhehaddonemeandsoonandsoon.ButIgotsorattledthatintheendIjumpedoutofthewindowandbolted.”
“Really,Bundle,that’snotlikeyou.”
“Well,Ineverdreamtofsuchathinghappening.George—whoIalwaysthoughthatedme—andhedidtoo.Whatafatalthingitistopretendtotakeaninterestinaman’spetsubject.YoushouldhaveheardthedrivelGeorgetalkedaboutmygirlishmindandthepleasureitwouldbetoformit.Mymind!IfGeorgeknewonequarterofwhatwasgoingoninmymind,he’dfaintwithhorror!”
Lorainelaughed.Shecouldn’thelpit.
“Oh,Iknowit’smyownfault.Iletmyselfinforthis.There’sFatherdodgingroundthatrhododendron.Hallo,Father.”
LordCaterhamapproachedwithahangdogexpression.
“Lomaxgone,eh?”heremarkedwithsomewhatforcedgeniality.
“Anicebusinessyouletmeinfor,”saidBundle.“Georgetoldmehehadyourfullapprovalandsanction.”
“Well,”saidLordCaterham,“whatdidyouexpectmetosay?Asamatteroffact,Ididn’tsaythatatall,oranythinglikeit.”
“Ididn’treallythinkso,”saidBundle.“IassumedthatGeorgehadtalkedyouintoacornerandreducedyoutosuchastatethatyoucouldonlynodyourheadfeebly.”
“That’sverymuchwhathappened.Howdidhetakeit?Badly?”
“Ididn’twaittosee,”saidBundle.“I’mafraidIwasratherabrupt.”
“Ohwell,”saidLordCaterham.“Perhapsthatwasthebestway.ThankgoodnessinthefutureLomaxwon’talwaysberunningoverashehasbeeninthehabitofdoing,worryingmeaboutthings.Everythingisforthebesttheysay.Haveyouseenmyjiggeranywhere?”
“Amashieshotortwowouldsteadymynerves,Ithink,”saidBundle.“I’lltakeyouonforsixpence,Loraine.”
Anhourpassedverypeacefully.Thethreereturnedtothehouseinaharmoniousspirit.Anotelayonthehalltable.
“Mr.Lomaxleftthatforyou,mylord,”explainedTredwell.“Hewasmuchdisappointedtofindthatyouhadgoneout.”
LordCaterhamtoreitopen.Heutteredapainedejaculationandturneduponhisdaughter.Tredwellhadretired.
“Really,Bundle,youmighthavemadeyourselfclear,Ithink.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Well,readthis.”
Bundletookitandread:
“MydearCaterham,—Iamsorrynottohavehadawordwithyou.IthoughtImadeitclearthatIwantedtoseeyouagainaftermyinterviewwithEileen.She,dearchild,wasevidentlyquiteunawareofthefeelingsIentertainedtowardsher.Shewas,Iamafraid,muchstartled.Ihavenowishtohurryherinanyway.Hergirlishconfusionwasverycharming,andIentertainanevenhigherregardforher,asImuchappreciatehermaidenlyreserve.Imustgivehertimetobecomeaccustomedtotheidea.HerveryconfusionshowsthatsheisnotwhollyindifferenttomeandIhavenodoubtsofmyultimatesuccess.Believeme,dearCaterham,Yoursincerefriend,GeorgeLomax.”
“Well,”saidBundle.“Well,I’mdamned!”
Wordsfailedher.
“Themanmustbemad,”saidLordCaterham.“Noonecouldwritethosethingsaboutyou,Bundle,unlesstheywereslightlytouchedinthehead.Poorchap,poorchap.Butwhatpersistence!Idon’twonderhegotintotheCabinet.Itwouldservehimrightifyoudidmarryhim,Bundle.”
ThetelephonerangandBundlemovedforwardtoanswerit.InanotherminuteGeorgeandhisproposalwereforgotten,andshewasbeckoningeagerlytoLoraine.LordCaterhamwentofftohisownsanctum.
“It’sJimmy,”saidBundle.“Andhe’stremendouslyexcitedaboutsomething.”
“ThankgoodnessI’vecaughtyou,”saidJimmy’svoice.“There’snotimetobelost.Loraine’sthere,too?”
“Yes,she’shere.”
“Well,lookhere,Ihaven’tgottimetoexplaineverything—infact,Ican’tthroughthetelephone.ButBillhasbeenroundtoseemewiththemostamazingstoryyoueverheard.Ifit’strue—well,ifit’strue,it’sthebiggestscoopofthecentury.Now,lookhere,thisiswhatyou’vegottodo.Comeuptotownatonce,bothofyou.GaragethecarsomewhereandgostraighttotheSevenDialsClub.Doyouthinkthatwhenyougetthereyoucangetridofthatfootmanfellow?”
“Alfred?Rather.Youleavethattome.”
“Good.GetridofhimandwatchoutformeandBill.Don’tshowyourselvesatthewindows,butwhenwedriveup,letusinatonce.See?”
“Yes.”
“That’sallrightthen.Oh,Bundle,don’tletonthatyou’regoinguptotown.Makesomeotherexcuse.SayyourtakingLorainehome.Howwouldthatdo?”
“Splendidly.Isay,Jimmy,I’mthrilledtothecore.”
“Andyoumightaswellmakeyourwillbeforestarting.”
“Betterandbetter.ButIwishIknewwhatitwasallabout.”
“Youwillassoonaswemeet.I’lltellyouthismuch.We’regoingtogetreadythehellofasurpriseforNo7!”
BundlehungupthereceiverandturnedtoLoraine,givingherarapidrésuméoftheconversation.Lorainerushedupstairsandhurriedlypackedhersuitcase,andBundleputherheadroundherfather’sdoor.
“I’mtakingLorainehome,Father.”
“Why?Ihadnoideashewasgoingtoday.”
“Theywantherback,”saidBundlevaguely.“Justtelephoned.Bye-bye.”
“Here,Bundle,waitaminute.Whenwillyoubehome?”
“Don’tknow.Expectmewhenyouseeme.”
WiththisunceremoniousexitBundlerushedupstairs,putahaton,slippedintoherfurcoatandwasreadytostart.ShehadalreadyorderedtheHispanotobebroughtround.
ThejourneytoLondonwaswithoutadventure,exceptsuchaswashabituallyprovidedbyBundle’sdriving.TheyleftthecaratagarageandproceededdirecttotheSevenDialsClub.
ThedoorwasopenedtothembyAlfred.BundlepushedherwaypasthimwithoutceremonyandLorainefollowed.
“Shutthedoor,Alfred,”saidBundle.“Now,I’vecomehereespeciallytodoyouagoodturn.Thepoliceareafteryou.”
“Oh,mylady!”
Alfredturnedchalkwhite.
“I’vecometowarnyoubecauseyoudidmeagoodturntheothernight,”wentonBundlerapidly.“There’sawarrantoutforMr.Mosgorovsky,andthebestthingyoucandoistoclearoutofhereasquickasyoucan.Ifyou’renotfoundhere,theywon’tbotheraboutyou.Here’stenpoundstohelpyougetawaysomewhere.”
Inthreeminutes’timeanincoherentandbadlyscaredAlfredhadleft14HunstantonStreetwithonlyoneideainhishead—nevertoreturn.
“Well,I’vemanagedthatallright,”saidBundlewithsatisfaction.
“Wasitnecessarytobeso—well,drastic?”Lorainedemurred.
“It’ssafer,”saidBundle.“Idon’tknowwhatJimmyandBillareupto,butwedon’twantAlfredcomingbackinthemiddleofitandwreckingeverything.Hallo,heretheyare.Well,theyhaven’twastedmuchtime.ProbablywatchingroundthecornertoseeAlfredleave.Godownandopenthedoortothem,Loraine.”
Loraineobeyed.JimmyThesigeralightedfromthedrivingseat.
“Youstophereforamoment,Bill,”hesaid.“Blowthehornifyouthinkanyone’swatchingtheplace.”
Heranupthestepsandbangedthedoorbehindhim.Helookedpinkandelated.
“Hallo,Bundle,thereyouare.Nowthen,we’vegottogetdowntoit.Where’sthekeyoftheroomyougotintolasttime?”
“Itwasoneofthedownstairskeys.We’dbetterbringthelotup.”
“Rightyouare,butbequick.Time’sshort.”
Thekeywaseasilyfound,thebaize-lineddoorswungbackandthethreeentered.TheroomwasexactlyasBundlehadseenitbefore,withthesevenchairsgroupedroundthetable.Jimmysurveyeditforaminuteortwoinsilence.Thenhiseyeswenttothetwocupboards.
“Whichisthecupboardyouhidin,Bundle?”
“Thisone.”
Jimmywenttoitandflungthedooropen.Thesamecollectionofmiscellaneousglasswarecoveredtheshelves.
“Weshallhavetoshiftallthisstuff,”hemurmured.“RundownandgetBill,Loraine.There’snoneedforhimtokeepwatchoutsideanylonger.”
Loraineranoff.
“Whatareyougoingtodo?”inquiredBundleimpatiently.
Jimmywasdownonhisknees,tryingtopeerthroughthecrackoftheothercupboarddoor.
“WaittillBillcomesandyoushallhearthewholestory.Thisishisstaffwork—andajollycreditablebitofworkitis.Hallo—what’sLoraineflyingupthestairsforasthoughshe’sgotamadbullafterher?”
Lorainewasindeedracingupthestairsasfastasshecould.Sheburstinuponthemwithanashenfaceandterrorinhereyes.
“Bill—Bill—Oh,Bundle—Bill!”
“WhataboutBill?”
Jimmycaughtherbytheshoulder.
“ForGod’ssake,Loraine,what’shappened?”
Lorainewasstillgasping.
“Bill—Ithinkhe’sdead—he’sinthecarstill—buthedoesn’tmoveorspeak.I’msurehe’sdead.”
Jimmymutteredanoathandsprangforthestairs,Bundlebehindhim,herheartpoundingunevenlyandanawfulfeelingofdesolationspreadingoverher.
Bill—dead?Oh,no!Oh,no!Notthat.PleaseGod—notthat.
TogethersheandJimmyreachedthecar,Lorainebehindthem.
Jimmypeeredunderthehood.Billwassittingashehadlefthim,leaningback.ButhiseyeswereclosedandJimmy’spullathisarmbroughtnoresponse.
“Ican’tunderstandit,”mutteredJimmy.“Buthe’snotdead.Cheerup,Bundle.Lookhere,we’vegottogethimintothehouse.Let’spraytogoodnessnopolicemancomesalong.Ifanybodysaysanything,he’soursickfriendwe’rehelpingintothehouse.”
BetweenthethreeofthemtheygotBillintothehousewithoutmuchdifficulty,andwithoutattractingmuchattention,saveforanunshavengentleman,whosaidsympathetically:
“Genneman’s’adacouple,Ishee,”andnoddedhisheadsapiently.
“Intothelittlebackroomdownstairs,”saidJimmy.“There’sasofathere.”
TheygothimsafelyontothesofaandBundlekneltdownbesidehimandtookhislimpwristinherhand.
“Hispulseisbeating,”shesaid.“Whatisthematterwithhim?”
“HewasallrightwhenIlefthimjustnow,”saidJimmy.“Iwonderifsomeone’smanagedtoinjectsomestuffintohim.Itwouldbeeasilydone—justaprick.Themanmighthavebeenaskinghimthetime.There’sonlyonethingforit.Imustgethimadoctoratonce.Youstayhereandlookafterhim.”
Hehurriedtothedoor,thenpaused.
“Lookhere—don’tbescared,eitherofyou.ButI’dbetterleaveyoumyrevolver.Imean—justincase.I’llbebackjustassoonasIpossiblycan.”
Helaidtherevolverdownonthelittletablebythesofa,thenhurriedoff.Theyheardthefrontdoorbangbehindhim.
Thehouseseemedverystillnow.ThetwogirlsstayedmotionlessbyBill.Bundlestillkeptherfingeronhispulse.Itseemedtobebeatingveryfastandirregularly.
“Iwishwecoulddosomething,”shewhisperedtoLoraine.“Thisisawful.”
Lorainenodded.
“Iknow.ItseemsagessinceJimmywentandyetit’sonlyaminuteandahalf.”
“Ikeephearingthings,”saidBundle.“Footstepsandboardscreakingupstairs—andyetIknowit’sonlyimagination.”
“IwonderwhyJimmyleftustherevolver,”saidLoraine.“Therecan’treallybedanger.”
“IftheycouldgetBill—”saidBundleandstopped.
Loraineshivered.
“Iknow—butwe’reinthehouse.Nobodycangetinwithoutourhearingthem.Andanywaywe’vegottherevolver.”
BundleturnedherattentionbackagaintoBill.
“IwishIknewwhattodo.Hotcoffee.Yougivethemthatsometimes.”
“I’vegotsomesmellingsaltsinmybag,”saidLoraine.“Andsomebrandy.Whereisit?Oh,Imusthaveleftitintheroomupstairs.”
“I’llgetit,”saidBundle.“Theymightdosomegood.”
Shespedquicklyupthestairs,acrossthegamingroomandthroughtheopendoorintothemeetingplace.Loraine’sbagwaslyingonthetable.
AsBundlestretchedoutherhandtotakeit,sheheardanoisefrombehindher.Hiddenbehindthedooramanstoodreadywithasandbaginhishand.BeforeBundlecouldturnherhead,hehadstruck.
Withafaintmoan,Bundleslippeddown,anunconsciousheapuponthefloor.
Thirty-one
THESEVENDIALS
VeryslowlyBundlereturnedtoconsciousness.Shewasawareofadark,spinningblackness,thecentreofwhichwasaviolent,throbbingache.Punctuatingthisweresounds.Avoicethatsheknewverywellsayingthesamethingoverandoveragain.
Theblacknessspanlessviolently.TheachewasnowdefinitelylocatedasbeinginBundle’sownhead.Andshewassufficientlyherselftotakeaninterestinwhatthevoicewassaying.
“Darling,darlingBundle.Oh,darlingBundle.She’sdead;Iknowshe’sdead.Oh,mydarling.Bundle,darling,darlingBundle.Idoloveyouso.Bundle—darling—darling—”
Bundlelayquitestillwithhereyesshut.Butshewasnowfullyconscious.Bill’sarmsheldherclosely.
“Bundledarling—Oh,dearest,darlingBundle.Oh,mydearlove.Oh,Bundle—Bundle.WhatshallIdo?Oh,darlingone—myBundle—myowndearest,sweetestBundle.Oh,God,whatshallIdo?I’vekilledher.I’vekilledher.”
Reluctantly—veryreluctantly—Bundlespoke.
“No,youhaven’t,yousillyidiot,”shesaid.
Billgaveagaspofutteramazement.
“Bundle—you’realive.”
“OfcourseI’malive.”
“Howlonghaveyoubeen—Imeanwhendidyoucometo?”
“Aboutfiveminutesago.”
“Whydidn’tyouopenyoureyes—orsaysomething?”
“Didn’twantto.Iwasenjoyingmyself.”
“Enjoyingyourself?”
“Yes.Listeningtoallthethingsyouweresaying.You’llneversaythemsowellagain.You’llbetoobeastlyself-conscious.”
Billhadturnedadarkbrick-red.
“Bundle—youreallydidn’tmind?Youknow,Idoloveyouso.Ihaveforages.ButIneverhavedaredtotellyouso.”
“Yousillyjuggins,”saidBundle.“Why?”
“Ithoughtyou’donlylaughatme.Imean—you’vegotbrainsandallthat—you’llmarrysomebigwig.”
“LikeGeorgeLomax?”suggestedBundle
“Idon’tmeanafatuousasslikeCodders.Butsomereallyfinechapwho’llbeworthyofyou—thoughIdon’tthinkanyonecouldbethat,”endedBill.
“You’reratheradear,Bill.”
“But,Bundle,seriously,couldyouever?Imean,couldyoueverbringyourselfto?”
“CouldIeverbringmyselftodowhat?”
“Marryme.IknowI’mawfullythickheaded—butIdoloveyou,Bundle.I’dbeyourdogoryourslaveoryouranything.”
“You’reverylikeadog,”saidBundle.“Ilikedogs.They’resofriendlyandfaithfulandwarmhearted.IthinkthatperhapsIcouldjustbringmyselftomarryyou,Bill—withagreateffort,youknow.”
Bill’sresponsetothiswastorelinquishhisgraspofherandrecoilviolently.Helookedatherwithamazementinhiseyes.
“Bundle—youdon’tmeanit?”
“There’snothingforit,”saidBundle.“IseeIshallhavetorelapseintounconsciousnessagain.”
“Bundle—darling—”Billcaughthertohim.Hewastremblingviolently.“Bundle—doyoureallymeanit—doyou?—youdon’tknowhowmuchIloveyou.”
“Oh,Bill,”saidBundle.
Thereisnoneedtodescribeindetailtheconversationofthenexttenminutes.Itconsistedmostlyofrepetitions.
“Anddoyoureallyloveme?”saidBill,incredulously,forthetwentiethtimeasheatlastreleasedher.
“Yes—yes—yes.Nowdolet’sbesensible.I’vegotarackingheadstill,andI’vebeennearlysqueezedtodeathbyyou.Iwanttogetthehangofthings.Whereareweandwhat’shappened?”
Forthefirsttime,Bundlebegantotakestockofhersurroundings.Theywereinthesecretroom,shenoted,andthebaizedoorwasclosedandpresumablylocked.Theywereprisoners,then!
Bundle’seyescamebacktoBill.Quiteobliviousofherquestionhewaswatchingherwithadoringeyes.
“Bill,darling,”saidBundle,“pullyourselftogether.We’vegottogetoutofhere.”
“Eh?”saidBill.“What?Oh,yes.That’llbeallright.Nodifficultyaboutthat.”
“It’sbeinginlovemakesyoufeellikethat,”saidBundle.“Ifeelratherthesamemyself.Asthougheverything’seasyandpossible.”
“Soitis,”saidBill.“NowthatIknowyoucareforme—”
“Stopit,”saidBundle.“Oncewebeginagainanyseriousconversationwillbehopeless.Unlessyoupullyourselftogetherandbecomesensible,Ishallverylikelychangemymind.”
“Ishan’tletyou,”saidBill.“Youdon’tthinkthatoncehavinggotyouI’dbesuchafoolastoletyougo,doyou?”
“Youwouldnotcoercemeagainstmywill,Ihope,”saidBundlegrandiloquently.
“Wouldn’tI?”saidBill.“Youjustwatchmedoit,that’sall.”
“Youreallyareratheradarling,Bill.Iwasafraidyoumightbetoomeek,butIseethere’sgoingtobenodangerofthat.Inanotherhalfhouryou’dbeorderingmeabout.Oh,dear,we’regettingsillyagain.Now,lookhere,Bill.We’vegottogetoutofhere.”
“Itellyouthat’llbequiteallright.Ishall—”
Hebrokeoff,obedienttoapressurefromBundle’shand.Shewasleaningforward,listeningintently.Yes,shehadnotbeenmistaken.Astepwascrossingtheouterroom.Thekeywasthrustintothelockandturned.Bundleheldherbreath.WasitJimmycomingtorescuethem—orwasitsomeoneelse?
Thedooropenedandtheblack-beardedMr.Mosgorovskystoodonthethreshold.
ImmediatelyBilltookastepforward,standinginfrontofBundle.
“Lookhere,”hesaid,“Iwantawordwithyouprivately.”
TheRussiandidnotreplyforaminuteortwo.Hestoodstrokinghislong,silkyblackbeardandsmilingquietlytohimself.
“So,”hesaidatlast,“itislikethat.Verywell.Theladywillbepleasedtocomewithme.”
“It’sallright,Bundle,”saidBill.“Leaveittome.Yougowiththischap.Nobody’sgoingtohurtyou.IknowwhatI’mdoing.”
Bundleroseobediently.ThatnoteofauthorityinBill’svoicewasnewtoher.Heseemedabsolutelysureofhimselfandconfidentofbeingabletodealwiththesituation.BundlewonderedvaguelywhatitwasthatBillhad—orthoughthehad—uphissleeve.
ShepassedoutoftheroominfrontoftheRussian.Hefollowedher,closingthedoorbehindhimandlockingit.
“Thisway,please,”hesaid.
Heindicatedthestaircaseandshemountedobedientlytothefloorabove.Hereshewasdirectedtopassintoasmallfrowsyroom,whichshetooktobeAlfred’sbedroom.
Mosgorovskysaid:“Youwillwaitherequietly,please.Theremustbenonoise.”
Thenhewentout,closingthedoorbehindhimandlockingherin.
Bundlesatdownonachair.Herheadwasachingbadlystillandshefeltincapableofsustainedthought.Billseemedtohavethesitautionwellinhand.Soonerorlater,shesupposed,someonewouldcomeandletherout.
Theminutespassed.Bundle’swatchhadstopped,butshejudgedthatoveranhourhadpassedsincetheRussianhadbroughtherhere.Whatwashappening?What,indeed,hadhappened?
Atlastsheheardfootstepsonthestairs.ItwasMosgorovskyoncemore.Hespokeveryformallytoher.
“LadyEileenBrent,youarewantedatanemergencymeetingoftheSevenDialsSociety.Pleasefollowme.”
HeledthewaydownthestairsandBundlefollowedhim.HeopenedthedoorofthesecretchamberandBundlepassedin,catchingherbreathinsurpriseasshedidso.
Shewasseeingforthesecondtimewhatshehadonlyhadaglimpseofthefirsttimethroughherpeephole.Themaskedfiguresweresittingroundthetable.Asshestoodthere,takenabackbythesuddennessofit,Mosgorovskyslippedintohisplace,adjustinghisclockmaskashedidso.
Butthistimethechairattheheadofthetablewasoccupied.No7wasinhisplace.
Bundle’sheartbeatviolently.Shewasstandingatthefootofthetabledirectlyfacinghimandshestaredandstaredatthemockingpieceofhangingstuff,withtheclockdialonit,thathidhisfeatures.
HesatquiteimmovableandBundlegotanoddsensationofpowerradiatingfromhim.Hisinactivitywasnottheinactivityofweakness—andshewishedviolently,almosthysterically,thathewouldspeak—thathewouldmakesomesign,somegesture—notjustsittherelikeagiganticspiderinthemiddleofitswebwaitingremorselesslyforitsprey.
SheshiveredandasshedidsoMosgorovskyrose.Hisvoice,smooth,silky,persuasive,seemedcuriouslyfaraway.
“LadyEileen,youhavebeenpresentunaskedatthesecretcouncilsofthissociety.Itisthereforenecessarythatyoushouldidentifyyourselfwithouraimsandambitions.Theplace2o’clock,youmaynotice,isvacant.Itisthatplacethatisofferedtoyou.”
Bundlegasped.Thethingwaslikeafantasticnightmare.Wasitpossiblethatshe,BundleBrent,wasbeingaskedtojoinamurderoussecretsociety?HadthesamepropositionbeenmadetoBill,andhadherefusedindignantly?
“Ican’tdothat,”shesaidbluntly.
“Donotanswerprecipitately.”
ShefanciedthatMosgorovsky,beneathhisclockmask,wassmilingsignificantlyintohisbeard.
“Youdonotasyetknow,LadyEileen,whatitisyouarerefusing.”
“Icanmakeaprettygoodguess,”saidBundle.
“Canyou?”
Itwasthevoiceof7o’clock.ItawokesomevaguechordofmemoryinBundle’sbrain.Surelysheknewthatvoice?
VeryslowlyNo7raisedahandtohisheadandfumbledwiththefasteningofthemask.
Bundleheldherbreath.Atlast—shewasgoingtoknow.
Themaskfell.
Bundlefoundherselflookingintotheexpressionless,woodenfaceofSuperintendentBattle.
Thirty-two
BUNDLEISDUMBFOUNDED
“That’sright,”saidBattle,asMosgorovskyleaptupandcameroundtoBundle.“Getachairforher.It’sbeenabitofashock,Icansee.”
Bundlesankdownonthechair.Shefeltlimpandfaintwithsurprise.Battlewentontalkinginaquiet,comfortablewaywhollycharacteristicofhim.
“Youdidn’texpecttoseeme,LadyEileen.No,andnomoredidsomeoftheotherssittingroundthetable.Mr.Mosgorovsky’sbeenmylieutenantinamannerofspeaking.He’sbeenintheknowallalong.Butmostoftheothershavetakentheirordersblindlyfromhim.”
StillBundlesaidnoword.Shewas—amostunusualstateofaffairsforher—simplyincapableofspeech.
Battlenoddedathercomprehendingly,seemingtounderstandthestateofherfeelings.
“You’llhavetogetridofoneortwopreconceivedideasofyours,I’mafraid,LadyEileen.Aboutthissociety,forinstance—Iknowit’scommonenoughinbooks—asecretorganizationofcriminalswithamysterioussupercriminalattheheadofitwhomnooneeversees.Thatsortofthingmayexistinreallife,butIcanonlysaythatI’venevercomeacrossanythingofthesort,andI’vehadagooddealofexperienceonewayoranother.
“Butthere’salotofromanceintheworld,LadyEileen.People,especiallyyoungpeople,likereadingaboutsuchthings,andtheylikestillbetterreallydoingthem.I’mgoingtointroduceyounowtoaverycreditablebandofamateursthathasdoneremarkablyfineworkformyDepartment,workthatnobodyelsecouldhavedone.Ifthey’vechosenrathermelodramatictrappings,well,whyshouldn’tthey?They’vebeenwillingtofacerealdanger—dangeroftheveryworstkind—andthey’vedoneitforthesereasons:loveofdangerforitsownsake—whichtomymindisaveryhealthysignintheseSafetyFirstdays—andanhonestwishtoservetheircountry.
“Andnow,LadyEileen,I’mgoingtointroduceyou.Firstofall,there’sMr.Mosgorovsky,whomyoualreadyknowinamannerofspeaking.Asyou’reaware,herunstheclubandherunsahostofotherthingstoo.He’sourmostvaluableSecretAnti-BolshevistAgentinEngland.No5isCountAndrasoftheHungarianEmbassy,averynearanddearfriendofthelateGeraldWade.No4isMr.HaywardPhelps,anAmericanjournalist,whoseBritishsympathiesareverykeenandwhoseaptitudeforscenting‘news’isremarkable.No3—”
Hestopped,smiling,andBundlestareddumbfoundedintothesheepish,grinningfaceofBillEversleigh.
“No2,”wentonBattleinagravervoice,“canonlyshowanemptyplace.ItistheplacebelongingtoMr.RonaldDevereux,averygallantyounggentlemanwhodiedforhiscountryifanymaneverdid.No1—well,No1wasMr.GeraldWade,anotherverygallantgentlemanwhodiedinthesameway.Hisplacewastaken—notwithoutsomegravemisgivingsonmypart—byalady—aladywhohasprovedherfitnesstohaveitandwhohasbeenagreathelptous.”
Thelasttodoso,No1,removedhermask,andBundlelookedwithoutsurpriseintothebeautiful,darkfaceofCountessRadzky.
“Imighthaveknown,”saidBundleresentfully,“thatyouweretoocompletelythebeautifulforeignadventuresstobeanythingofthekindreally.”
“Butyoudon’tknowtherealjoke,”saidBill.“Bundle,thisisBabeSt.Maur—youremembermytellingyouaboutherandwhatarippingactressshewas—andshe’saboutprovedit.”
“That’sso,”saidMissMaurinpuretransatlanticnasal.“Butit’snotaterriblelotofcredittome,becausePoppaandMommacamefromthatpartofYurrup—soIgotthepatterfairlyeasy.Gee,butInearlygavemyselfawayonceattheAbbey,talkingaboutgardens.”
Shepausedandthensaidabruptly:
“It’s—it’snotbeenjustfun.Yousee,IwaskinderengagedtoRonny,andwhenhehandedinhischecks—well,Ihadtodosomethingtotrackdowntheskunkwhomurderedhim.That’sall.”
“I’mcompletelybewildered,”saidBundle.“Nothingiswhatitseems.”
“It’sverysimple,LadyEileen,”saidSuperintendentBattle.“Itbeganwithsomeoftheyoungpeoplewantingabitofexcitement.ItwasMr.Wadewhofirstgotontome.Hesuggestedtheformationofabandofwhatyoumightcallamateurworkerstodoabitofsecretservicework.Iwarnedhimthatitmightbedangerous—buthewasn’tthekindtoweighthatinthebalance.Imadeitplaintohimthatanyonewhocameinmustdosoonthatunderstanding.But,blessyou,thatwasn’tgoingtostopanyofMr.Wade’sfriends.Andsothethingbegan.”
“Butwhatwastheobjectofitall?”askedBundle.
“Wewantedacertainman—wantedhimbadly.Hewasn’tanordinarycrook.HeworkedinMr.Wade’sworld,akindofRaffles,butmuchmoredangerousthananyRaffleseverwasorcouldbe.Hewasoutforbigstuff,internationalstuff.Twicealreadyvaluablesecretinventionshadbeenstolen,andclearlystolenbysomeonewhohadinsideknowledge.Theprofessionalshadhadatry—andfailed.Thentheamateurstookon—andsucceeded.”
“Succeeded?”
“Yes—buttheydidn’tcomeoutofitunscathed.Themanwasdangerous.Twolivesfellvictimtohimandhegotawaywithit.ButtheSevenDialsstucktoit.AndasIsaytheysucceeded.ThankstoMr.Eversleigh,themanwascaughtatlastred-handed.”
“Whowashe?”askedBundle.“DoIknowhim?”
“Youknowhimverywell,LadyEileen.HisnameisMr.JimmyThesiger,andhewasarrestedthisafternoon.”
Thirty-three
BATTLEEXPLAINS
SuperintendentBattlesettleddowntoexplain.Hespokecomfortablyandcosily.
“Ididn’tsuspecthimmyselfforalongtime.ThefirsthintofitIhadwaswhenIheardwhatMr.Devereux’slastwordshadbeen.Naturally,youtookthemtomeanthatMr.DevereuxwastryingtosendwordtoMr.ThesigerthattheSevenDialshadkilledhim.That’swhatthewordsseemedtomeanontheirfacevalue.ButofcourseIknewthatthatcouldn’tbeso.ItwastheSevenDialsthatMr.Devereuxwantedtold—andwhathewantedthemtoldwassomethingaboutMr.JimmyThesiger.
“Thethingseemedincredible,becauseMr.DevereuxandMr.Thesigerwereclosefriends.ButIrememberedsomethingelse—thatthesetheftsmusthavebeencommittedbysomeonewhowasabsolutelyintheknow.Someone,who,ifnotintheForeignOfficehimself,wasinthewayofhearingallitschitchat.AndIfounditveryhardtofindoutwhereMr.Thesigergothismoney.Theincomehisfatherlefthimwasasmallone,yethewasabletoliveatamostexpensiverate.Wheredidthemoneycomefrom?
“IknewthatMr.Wadehadbeenveryexcitedbysomethingthathehadfoundout.Hewasquitesurethathewasontherighttrack.Hedidn’tconfideinanyoneaboutwhathethoughtthattrackwas,buthedidsaysomethingtoMr.Devereuxaboutbeingonthepointofmakingsure.ThatwasjustbeforetheybothwentdowntoChimneysforthatweekend.Asyouknow,Mr.Wadediedthere—apparentlyfromanoverdoseofasleepingdraught.Itseemedstraightforwardenough,butMr.Devereuxdidnotacceptthatexplanationforaminute.HewasconvincedthatMr.Wadehadbeenverycleverlyputoutofthewayandthatsomeoneinthehousemustactuallybethecriminalwewereallafter.Hecame,Ithink,
“Thenhedidarathercuriousthing.Hearrangedsevenclocksuponthemantelpiece,throwingawaytheeighth.ItwasmeantasasymbolthattheSevenDialswouldrevengethedeathofoneoftheirmembers—andhewatchedeagerlytoseeifanyonebetrayedthemselvesorshowedsignsofperturbation.”
“AnditwasJimmyThesigerwhopoisonedGerryWade?”
“Yes,heslippedthestuffintoawhiskyandsodawhichMr.Wadehaddownstairsbeforeretiringtobed.That’swhyhewasalreadyfeelingsleepywhenhewrotethatlettertoMissWade.”
“Thenthefootman,Bauer,hadn’tanythingtodowithit?”askedBundle.
“Bauerwasoneofourpeople,LadyEileen.ItwasthoughtlikelythatourcrookwouldgoforHerrEberhard’sinventionandBauerwasgotintothehousetowatcheventsonourbehalf.Buthewasn’tabletodomuch.AsIsay,Mr.Thesigeradministeredthefataldoseeasilyenough.Later,wheneveryonewasasleep,abottle,glassandemptychloralbottlewereplacedbyMr.Wade’sbedsidebyMr.Thesiger.Mr.Wadewasunconsciousthen,andhisfingerswereprobablypressedroundtheglassandthebottlesothattheyshouldbefoundthereifanyquestionsshouldarise.Idon’tknowwhateffectthesevenclocksonthemantelpiecemadeonMr.Thesiger.Hecertainlydidn’tletonanythingtoMr.Devereux.Allthesame,Ithinkhehadabadfiveminutesnowandagainthinkingofthem.AndIthinkhekeptaprettywaryeyeonMr.Devereuxafterthat.
“Wedon’tknowexactlywhathappenednext.NoonesawmuchofMr.DevereuxafterMr.Wade’sdeath.ButitisclearthatheworkedalongthesamelinesthatheknewMr.Wadehadbeenworkingonandreachedthesameresult—namely,thatMr.Thesigerwastheman.Ifancy,too,thathewasbetrayedinthesameway.”
“Youmean?”
“ThroughMissLoraineWade.Mr.Wadewasdevotedtoher—Ibelievehehopedtomarryher—shewasn’treallyhissister,ofcourse—andthereisnodoubtthathetoldhermorethanheshouldhavedone.ButMissLoraineWadewasdevotedbodyandsoultoMr.Thesiger.Shewoulddoanythinghetoldher.Shepassedontheinformationtohim.Inthesameway,later,Mr.Devereuxwasattractedtoher,andprobablywarnedheragainstMr.Thesiger.SoMr.Devereuxinturnwassilenced—anddiedtryingtosendwordtotheSevenDialsthathismurdererwasMr.Thesiger.”
“Howghastly,”criedBundle.“IfIhadonlyknown.”
“Well,itdidn’tseemlikely.Infact,Icouldhardlycredititmyself.ButthenwecametotheaffairattheAbbey.Youwillrememberhowawkwarditwas—speciallyawkwardforMr.Eversleighhere.YouandMr.Thesigerwerehandinglove.Mr.Eversleighhadalreadybeenembarrassedbyyourinsistingonbeingbroughttothisplace,andwhenhefoundthatyouhadactuallyoverheardwhatwentonatameeting,hewasdumbfounded.”
TheSuperintendentpausedandatwinklecameintohiseye.
“SowasI,LadyEileen.Ineverdreamedofsuchathingbeingpossible.Youputoneoveronmethereallright.
“Well,Mr.Eversleighwasinadilemma.Hecouldn’tletyouintothesecretoftheSevenDialswithoutlettingMr.Thesigerinalso—andthatwouldneverdo.ItallsuitedMr.Thesigerverywell,ofcourse,foritgavehimabonafidereasonforgettinghimselfaskedtotheAbbey,whichmadethingseasierforhim.
“ImaysaythattheSevenDialshadalreadysentawarninglettertoMr.Lomax.Thatwastoensurehisapplyingtomeforassistance,sothatIshouldbeabletobeonthespotinaperfectlynaturalmanner.Imadenosecretofmypresence,asyouknow.”
AndagaintheSuperintendent’seyetwinkled.
“Well,ostensibly,Mr.EversleighandMr.Thesigerweretodividethenightintotwowatches.Really,Mr.EversleighandMissSt.Maurdidso.ShewasonguardatthelibrarywindowwhensheheardMr.Thesigercomingandhadtodartbehindthescreen.
“AndnowcomestheclevernessofMr.Thesiger.Uptoapointhetoldmeaperfectlytruestory,andImustadmitthatwiththefightandeverything,Iwasdistinctlyshaken—andbegantowonderwhetherhehadhadanythingtodowiththetheftatall,orwhetherwewerecompletelyonthewrongtrack.Therewereoneortwosuspiciouscircumstancesthatpointedinanentirelydifferentdirection,andIcantellyouIdidn’tknowwhattomakeofthings,whensomethingturneduptoclinchmatters.
“Ifoundtheburntgloveinthefireplacewiththeteethmarksonit—andthen—well—IknewthatI’dbeenrightafterall.But,uponmyword,hewasacleverone.”
“Whatactuallyhappened?”saidBundle.“Whowastheotherman?”
“Therewasn’tanyotherman.Listen,andI’llshowyouhowintheendIreconstructedthewholestory.Tobeginwith,Mr.ThesigerandMissWadewereinthistogether.Andtheyhavearendezvousforanexacttime.MissWadecomesoverinhercar,climbsthroughthefenceandcomesuptothehouse.She’sgotaperfectlygoodstoryifanyonestopsher—theoneshetoldeventually.Butshearrivedunmolestedontheterracejustaftertheclockhadstrucktwo.
“Now,Imaysaytobeginwiththatshewasseencomingin.Mymensawher,buttheyhadorderstostopnobodycomingin—onlygoingout.Iwanted,yousee,tofindoutasmuchaspossible.MissWadearrivesontheterrace,andatthatminuteaparcelfallsatherfeetandshepicksitup.Amancomesdowntheivyandshestartstorun.Whathappens
“Butthingsdon’thappenquitelikethat.MissWaderunsstraightintomyarms.Andatthatmomentthegamechanges.It’snolongerattackbutdefence.MissWadetellsherstory.Itisperfectlytrueandperfectlysensible.
“AndnowwecometoMr.Thesiger.Onethingstruckmeatonce.Thebulletwoundalonecouldn’thavecausedhimtofaint.Eitherhehadfallenandhithishead—or—wellhehadn’tfaintedatall.LaterwehadMissSt.Maur’sstory.ItagreedperfectlywithMr.Thesiger’s—therewasonlyonesuggestivepoint.MissSt.MaursaidthatafterthelightswereturnedoutandMr.Thesigerwentovertothewindow,hewassostillthatshethoughthemusthavelefttheroomandgoneoutside.Now,ifanyoneisintheroom,youcanhardlyhelphearingtheirbreathingifyouarelisteningforit.Supposing,then,thatMr.Thesigerhadgoneoutside.Wherenext?UptheivytoMr.O’Rourke’sroom—Mr.O’Rourke’swhiskyandsodahavingbeendopedthenightbefore.Hegetsthepapers,throwsthemdowntothegirl,climbsdowntheivyagain,and—startsthefight.That’seasyenoughwhenyoucometothinkofit.Knockthetablesdown,staggerabout,speakinyourownvoiceandtheninahoarsehalfwhisper.Andthen,thefinaltouch,thetworevolvershots.HisownColtautomatic,boughtopenlythedaybefore,isfiredatanimaginaryassailant.Then,withhisleftglovedhand,hetakesfromhispocketthesmallMauserpistolandshootshimselfthroughthefleshypartoftherightarm.Heflingsthepistolthroughthewindow,tearsofftheglovewithhisteeth,andthrowsitintothefire.WhenIarriveheislyingonthefloorinafaint.”
Bundledrewadeepbreath.
“Youdidn’trealizeallthisatthetime,SuperintendentBattle?”
“No,thatIdidn’t.Iwastakeninasmuchasanyonecouldbe.Itwasn’ttilllongafterwardsthatIpieceditalltogether.Findingtheglovewasthebeginningofit.ThenImadeSirOswaldthrowthepistolthroughthewindow.Itfellagoodwayfartheronthanitshouldhavedone.Butamanwhoisright-handeddoesn’tthrownearlyasfarwiththelefthand.Eventhenitwasonlysuspicion—andaveryfaintsuspicionatthat.
“Buttherewasonepointstruckme.Thepaperswereobviouslythrowndownforsomeonetopickup.IfMissWadewastherebyaccident,whowastherealperson?Ofcourse,forthosewhoweren’tintheknow,thatquestionwasansweredeasilyenough—theCountess.ButthereIhadthepulloveryou.IknewtheCountesswasallright.Sowhatfollows?Why,theideathatthepapershadactuallybeenpickedupbythepersontheyweremeantfor.AndthemoreIthoughtofit,themoreitseemedtomeaveryremarkablecoincidencethatMissWadeshouldhavearrivedattheexactmomentshedid.”
“ItmusthavebeenverydifficultforyouwhenIcametoyoufullofsuspicionabouttheCountess.”
“Itwas,LadyEileen.Ihadtosaysomethingtoputyouoffthescent.AnditwasverydifficultforMr.Eversleighhere,withtheladycomingoutofadeadfaintandnoknowingwhatshemightsay.”
“IunderstandBill’sanxietynow,”saidBundle.“Andthewayhekepturginghertotaketimeandnottalktillshefeltquiteallright.”
“PooroldBill,”saidMissSt.Maur.“Thatpoorbabyhadtobevampedagainsthiswill—gettingmadder’nahorneteveryminute.”
“Well,”saidSuperintendentBattle,“thereitwas.IsuspectedMr.Thesiger—butIcouldn’tgetdefiniteproof.Ontheotherhand,Mr.Thesigerhimselfwasrattled.HerealizedmoreorlesswhathewasupagainstintheSevenDials—buthewantedbadlytoknowwhoNo7was.HegothimselfaskedtotheCootesundertheimpressionthatSirOswaldCootewasNo7.”
“IsuspectedSirOswald,”saidBundle,“especiallywhenhecameinfromthegardenthatnight.”
“Ineversuspectedhim,”saidBattle.“ButIdon’tmindtellingyouthatIdidhavemysuspicionsofthatyoungchap,hissecretary.”
“Pongo?”saidBill.“NotoldPongo?”
“Yes,Mr.Eversleigh,oldPongoasyoucallhim.Averyefficientgentlemanandonethatcouldhaveputanythingthroughifhe’damindto.Isuspectedhimpartlybecausehe’dbeentheonetotaketheclocksintoMr.Wade’sroomthatnight.Itwouldhavebeeneasyforhimtoputthebottleandglassbythebedsidethen.Andthen,foranotherthing,hewasleft-handed.Thatglovepointedstraighttohim—ifithadn’tbeenforonething—”
“What?”
“Theteethmarks—onlyamanwhoserighthandwasincapacitatedwouldhaveneededtotearoffthatglovewithhisteeth.”
“SoPongowascleared.”
“SoPongowascleared,asyousay.I’msureitwouldbeagreatsurprisetoMr.Batemantoknowhewaseversuspected.”
“Itwould,”agreedBill.“Asolemncard—asillyasslikePongo.Howcouldyoueverthink—”
“Well,asfarasthatgoes,Mr.Thesigerwaswhatyoumightdescribeasanempty-headedyoungassofthemostbrainlessdescription.Oneofthetwowasplayingapart.WhenIdecidedthatitwasMr.Thesiger,IwasinterestedtogetMr.Bateman’sopinionofhim.Allalong,Mr.BatemanhadthegravestsuspicionsofMr.ThesigerandfrequentlysaidasmuchtoSirOswald.”
“It’scurious,”saidBill,“butPongoalwaysisright.It’smaddening.”
“Well,asIsay,”wentonSuperintendentBattle,“wegotMr.Thesigerfairlyontherun,badlyrattledoverthisSevenDialsbusinessanduncertainjustwherethedangerlay.ThatwegothimintheendwassolelythroughMr.Eversleigh.Heknewwhathewasupagainst,andheriskedhislifecheerfully.Butheneverdreamtthatyouwouldbedraggedintoit,LadyEileen.”
“MyGod,no,”saidBillwithfeeling.
“HewentroundtoMr.Thesiger’sroomswithacooked-uptale,”continuedBattle.“HewastopretendthatcertainpapersofMr.Devereux’shadcomeintohishands.ThosepapersweretosuggestasuspicionofMr.Thesiger.Naturally,asthehonestfriend,Mr.Eversleighrushedround,surethatMr.Thesigerwouldhaveanexplanation.Wecalculatedthatifwewereright,Mr.ThesigerwouldtryandputMr.Eversleighoutoftheway,andwewerefairlycertainastothewayhe’ddoit.Sureenough,Mr.Thesigergavehisguestawhiskyandsoda.Duringtheminuteortwothathishostwasoutoftheroom.Mr.Eversleighpouredthatintoajaronthemantelpiece,buthehadtopretend,ofcourse,thatthedrugwastakingeffect.Itwouldbeslow,heknew,notsudden.Hebeganhisstory,andMr.Thesigeratfirstdenieditallindignantly,butassoonashesaw(orthoughthesaw)thatthedrugwastakingeffect,headmittedeverythingandtoldMr.Eversleighthathewasthethirdvictim.
“WhenMr.Eversleighwasnearlyunconscious,Mr.Thesigertookhimdowntothecarandhelpedhimin.Thehoodwasup.HemustalreadyhavetelephonedtoyouunknowntoMr.Eversleigh.Hemadeacleversuggestiontoyou.YouweretosaythatyouweretakingMissWadehome
“Youmadenomentionofamessagefromhim.Laterwhenyourbodywasfoundhere,MissWadewouldswearthatyouhaddrivenherhomeandgoneuptoLondonwiththeideaofpenetratingintothishousebyyourself.
“Mr.Eversleighcontinuedtoplayhispart,thatoftheunconsciousman.ImaysaythatassoonasthetwoyoungmenhadleftJermynStreet,oneofmymengainedadmissionandfoundthedoctoredwhisky,whichcontainedenoughhydrochlorideofmorphiatokilltwomen.Alsothecartheywereinwasfollowed.Mr.Thesigerdroveoutoftowntoawell-knowngolfcourse,whereheshowedhimselfforafewminutes,speakingofplayingaround.That,ofcourse,wasforanalibi,shouldonebeneeded.HeleftthecarwithMr.Eversleighinitalittlewaydowntheroad.ThenhedrovebacktotownandtotheSevenDialsClub.AssoonashesawAlfredleave,hedroveuptothedoor,spoketoMr.Eversleighashegotoutincaseyoumightbelisteningandcameintothehouseandplayedhislittlecomedy.
“Whenhepretendedtogoforadoctor,hereallyonlyslammedthedoorandthencreptquietlyupstairsandhidbehindthedoorofthisroom,whereMissWadewouldpresentlysendyouuponsomeexcuse.Mr.Eversleigh,ofcourse,washorror-struckwhenhesawyou,buthethoughtitbesttokeepuptheparthewasplaying.Heknewourpeoplewerewatchingthehouse,andheimaginedthattherewasnoimmediatedangerintendedtoyou.Hecouldalways‘cometolife’atanymoment.WhenMr.Thesigerthrewhisrevolveronthetableandapparentlyleftthehouseitseemedsaferthanever.Asforthenextbit—”Hepaused,lookingatBill.“Perhapsyou’dliketotellthat,sir.”
“Iwasstilllyingonthatballysofa,”saidBill,“tryingtolookdoneinandgettingthefidgetsworseandworse.ThenIheardsomeonerundownthestairs,andLorainegotupandwenttothedoor.IheardThesiger’svoice,butnotwhathesaid.IheardLorainesay:‘That’sallright—it’sgonesplendidly.’Thenhesaid:‘Helpmecarryhimup.Itwillbeabitofajob,butIwantthembothtogetherthere—anicelittlesurpriseforNo7.’Ididn’tquiteunderstandwhattheywerejawingabout,buttheyhauledmeupthestairssomehoworother.Itwasabitofajobforthem.Imademyselfadeadweightallright.Theyheavedmeinhere,andthenIheardLorainesay:‘You’resureit’sallright?Shewon’tcomeround?’AndJimmysaid—thedamnedblackguard:‘Nofear.Ihitherwithallmymight.’
“Theywentawayandlockedthedoor,andthenIopenedmyeyesandsawyou.MyGod,Bundle,Ishallneverfeelsoperfectlyawfulagain.Ithoughtyouweredead.”
“Isupposemyhatsavedme,”saidBundle.
“Partly,”saidSuperintendentBattle.“ButpartlyitwasMr.Thesiger’swoundedarm.Hedidn’trealizeithimself—butithadonlyhalfitsusualstrength.Still,that’sallnocredittotheDepartment.Wedidn’ttakethecareofyouweoughttohavedone,LadyEileen—andit’sablackblotonthewholebusiness.”
“I’mverytough,”saidBundle.“Andalsoratherlucky.WhatIcan’tgetoverisLorainebeinginit.Shewassuchagentlelittlething.”
“Ah!”saidtheSuperintendent.“SowasthePentonvillemurderessthatkilledfivechildren.Youcan’tgobythat.She’sgotbadbloodinher—herfatheroughttohaveseentheinsideofaprisonmorethanonce.”
“You’vegothertoo?”
SuperintendentBattlenodded.
“Idaresaytheywon’thangher—juriesaresofthearted.ButyoungThesigerwillswingallright—andagoodthingtoo—amoreutterlydepravedandcallouscriminalInevermet.”
“Andnow,”headded,“ifyourheadisn’tachingtoobadly,LadyEileen,whataboutalittlecelebration?There’sanicelittlerestaurantroundthecorner.”
Bundleheartilyagreed.
“I’mstarving,SuperintendentBattle.Besides,”shelookedround.“I’vegottogettoknowallmycolleagues.”
“TheSevenDials,”saidBill.“Hurrah!Somefizziswhatweneed.Dotheyruntofizzatthisplace,Battle?”
“Youwon’thaveanythingtocomplainof,sir.Youleaveittome.”
“SuperintendentBattle,”saidBundle,“youareawonderfulman.I’msorryyou’remarriedalready.Asitis,IshallhavetoputupwithBill.”
Thirty-four
LORDCATERHAMAPPROVES
“Father,”saidBundle,“I’vegottobreakapieceofnewstoyou.You’regoingtoloseme.”
“Nonsense,”saidLordCaterham.“Don’ttellmethatyou’resufferingfromgallopingconsumptionoraweakheartoranythinglikethat,becauseIsimplydon’tbelieveit.”
“It’snotdeath,”saidBundle.“It’smarriage.”
“Verynearlyasbad,”saidLordCaterham.“IsupposeIshallhavetocometothewedding,alldressedupintightuncomfortableclothes,andgiveyouaway.AndLomaxmaythinkitnecessarytokissmeinthevestry.”
“Goodheavens!Youdon’tthinkI’mgoingtomarryGeorge,doyou?”criedBundle.
“Well,somethinglikethatseemedtobeinthewindlasttimeIsawyou,”saidherfather.“Yesterdaymorning,youknow.”
“I’mgoingtobemarriedtosomeoneahundredtimesnicerthanGeorge,”saidBundle.
“Ihopeso,I’msure,”saidLordCaterham.“Butoneneverknows.Idon’tfeelyou’rereallyagoodjudgeofcharacter,Bundle.YoutoldmethatyoungThesigerwasacheerfulinefficient,andfromallIhearnowitseemsthathewasoneofthemostefficientcriminalsoftheday.ThesadthingisthatInevermethim.Iwasthinkingofwritingmyreminiscencessoon—withaspecialchapteronmurderersIhavemet—andbyapurelytechnicaloversight,Inevermetthisyoungman.”
“Don’tbesilly,”saidBundle.“Youknowyouhaven’tgottheenergytowritereminiscencesoranythingelse.”
“Iwasn’tactuallygoingtowritethemmyself,”saidLordCaterham.“Ibelievethat’sneverdone.ButImetaverycharminggirltheotherdayandthat’sherspecialjob.Shecollectsthematerialanddoesalltheactualwriting.”
“Andwhatdoyoudo?”
“Oh,justgiveherafewfactsforhalfanhoureveryday.Nothingmorethanthat.”Afteraslightpause,LordCatherhamsaid:“Shewasanice-lookinggirl—veryrestfulandsympathetic.”
“Father,”saidBundle,“Ihaveafeelingthatwithoutmeyouwillrunintodeadlydanger.”
“Differentkindsofdangersuitdifferentkindsofpeople,”saidLordCaterham.
Hewasmovingaway,whenheturnedbackandsaidoverhisshoulder:
“Bytheway,Bundle,whoareyoumarrying?”
“Iwaswondering,”saidBundle,“whenyouweregoingtoaskmethat.I’mgoingtomarryBillEversleigh.”
Theegoistthoughtitoverforaminute.Thenhenoddedincompletesatisfaction.
“Excellent,”hesaid.“He’sscratch,isn’the?HeandIcanplaytogetherinthefoursomesintheAutumnMeeting.”
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
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AGATHACHRISTIE?THESEVENDIALSMYSTERY?.Copyright?1929AgathaChristieLimited(aChorioncompany).Allrightsreserved.
THESEVENDIALSMYSTERY?1929.PublishedbypermissionofG.P.Putnam’sSons,amemberofPenguinGroup(USA)Inc.AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenonexclusive,nontransferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthisebookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverse-engineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinsebooks.Forinformation,addressHarperCollinsPublishers,10East53rdStreet,NewYork,NY10022.
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FIRSTWILLIAMMORROWPAPERBACKEDITIONPUBLISHED2012
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataisavailableuponrequest.
ISBN978-0-06-207416-4
EpubEdition?JANUARY2012ISBN:978-0-06-200674-5
1213141516DIX/BVG10987654321
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