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diff --git a/old/67079-h/67079-h.htm b/old/67079-h/67079-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 7cba4aa..0000000 --- a/old/67079-h/67079-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,16549 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.1//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml11/DTD/xhtml11.dtd"> - -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en"> - -<head> - -<link rel="icon" href="images/img-cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover" /> - -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /> - -<title> -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Red Lodge, by Victor Bridges -</title> - -<style type="text/css"> -body { color: black; - background: white; - margin-right: 10%; - margin-left: 10%; - font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; - text-align: justify } - -p {text-indent: 4% } - -p.noindent {text-indent: 0% } - -p.t1 {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 200%; - text-align: center } - -p.t2 {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 150%; - text-align: center } - -p.t2b {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 150%; - font-weight: bold; - text-align: center } - -p.t3 {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 100%; - text-align: center } - -p.t3b {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 100%; - font-weight: bold; - text-align: center } - -p.t4 {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 80%; - text-align: center } - -p.t4b {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 80%; - font-weight: bold; - text-align: center } - -p.t5 {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 60%; - text-align: center } - -h1 { text-align: center } -h2 { text-align: center } -h3 { text-align: center } -h4 { text-align: center } -h5 { text-align: center } - -p.poem {text-indent: 0%; - margin-left: 10%; } - -p.thought {text-indent: 0% ; - letter-spacing: 4em ; - text-align: center } - -p.letter {text-indent: 0%; - margin-left: 10% ; - margin-right: 10% } - -p.footnote {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 80%; - margin-left: 10% ; - margin-right: 10% } - -.smcap { font-variant: small-caps } - -p.transnote {text-indent: 0% ; - margin-left: 10% ; - margin-right: 10% } - -p.intro {font-size: 90% ; - text-indent: -5% ; - margin-left: 5% ; - margin-right: 0% } - -p.quote {text-indent: 4% ; - margin-left: 4% ; - margin-right: 5% } - -p.finis { font-size: larger ; - text-align: center ; - text-indent: 0% ; - margin-left: 0% ; - margin-right: 0% } - -p.capcenter { margin-left: 0; - margin-right: 0 ; - margin-bottom: .5% ; - margin-top: 0; - font-weight: normal; - float: none ; - clear: both ; - text-indent: 0%; - text-align: center } - -img.imgcenter { margin-left: auto; - margin-bottom: 0; - margin-top: 1%; - margin-right: auto; } - -</style> - -</head> - -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Red Lodge, by Victor Bridges</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Red Lodge</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>A Mystery of Campden Hill</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Victor Bridges</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: January 2, 2022 [eBook #67079]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Al Haines</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RED LODGE ***</div> - -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p class="capcenter"> -<a id="img-title"></a> -<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-title.jpg" alt="Title page" /> -</p> - -<h1> -<br /><br /> - THE RED LODGE<br /> -</h1> - -<p class="t3b"> - <i>A Mystery of Campden Hill</i><br /> -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="t3"> - BY<br /> - VICTOR BRIDGES<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p class="t3"> - GARDEN CITY NEW YORK<br /> - DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY<br /> - 1924<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p class="t4"> - COPYRIGHT, 1924, BY<br /> - DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY<br /> -<br /> - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED<br /> -<br /> - PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES<br /> - AT<br /> - THE COUNTRY LIFE PRESS, GARDEN CITY, N. Y.<br /> -<br /><br /> - <i>First Edition</i><br /> -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p class="t3"> - TO<br /> - MARGARET<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p class="noindent"> - BOOKS BY<br /> - VICTOR BRIDGES<br /> -</p> - -<p class="noindent"> - Another Man's Shoes<br /> - Greensea Island: A Mystery of the Essex Coast<br /> - Mr. Lyndon at Liberty<br /> - Rogue by Compulsion<br /> - The Cruise of the Scandal and Other Stories<br /> - The Lady from Long Acre<br /> - The Man from Nowhere<br /> - The Red Lodge<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap01"></a></p> - -<p class="t2"> -THE RED LODGE -</p> - -<p class="t3b"> -<i>A Mystery of Campden Hill</i> -</p> - -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER ONE -</h3> - -<p> -A dark green Rolls-Royce limousine slid round the -corner of Sydney Place and, proceeding a few hundred -yards along the Fulham Road, drew up in front of -St. Christopher's Hospital. It had scarcely stopped -before the door opened and its solitary occupant—a -tall, well-dressed man of about fifty—stepped out on -to the pavement. -</p> - -<p> -"You can wait here, Simmons," he said, addressing -the chauffeur. "I shan't be more than a few minutes." -</p> - -<p> -The porter on duty, who was talking to a friend in -the hall, touched his cap respectfully as the newcomer -hurried past him in the direction of the main staircase. -</p> - -<p> -"See that bloke, Fred?" he whispered, jerking his -thumb after the retreating figure. "That's Sir George -Onslow, that is. Some pore beggar's for it, you can -take my word." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, thank Gawd 'e ain't a-goin' to 'ack me -about," returned the other. "Pack o' butchers, all the -lot of 'em, if they gets 'alf a chance." -</p> - -<p> -Unconscious of having been the cause of this somewhat -drastic criticism of his profession, the famous -surgeon mounted rapidly to the second landing, where -a long, bare, distempered corridor stretched away in -either direction. Choosing the one on the left, he -came to a halt in front of a white door, on which the -two words "House Surgeon" were neatly painted in -black letters, and, without troubling to knock, turned -the handle and walked in. -</p> - -<p> -A broad-shouldered, cheerful-looking young man, -who was sitting at the table reading a medical book, -glanced up carelessly at his entrance. On seeing who -the visitor was his expression changed, and with a -certain air of surprise he rose quickly to his feet. -</p> - -<p> -"Hullo, Sir George," he exclaimed. "We weren't -expecting you this morning." -</p> - -<p> -The elder man stepped forward and offered his -hand. -</p> - -<p> -"Sorry to interrupt your studies, Gray," he said, -smiling. "This isn't an official visit. I've just looked -in on a little private and personal matter." -</p> - -<p> -The young house surgeon pulled forward a tattered -armchair. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I'm delighted to see you, sir," he said -heartily. "Won't you take a pew?" -</p> - -<p> -Sir George sat down, and, leaning forward, helped -himself to a cigarette from the box which his -companion offered him. -</p> - -<p> -"You were telling me about your plans a week or -two ago," he said. "Have you come to any decision -yet?" -</p> - -<p> -Gray, who was standing with his back to the -fireplace, nodded his head. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," he answered. "I've made up my mind to -send in my resignation as soon as the secretary comes -back. I can't help feeling that I'm wasting my time -here. I have always meant to go in for research -work, and if I'm to do any good at it it's quite time I -started." He laughed a little awkwardly. "I hope -it doesn't sound conceited talking like this, sir, but I -really believe I've got a turn in that direction." -</p> - -<p> -Sir George looked up at him with a friendly, -half-quizzical twinkle in his eye. -</p> - -<p> -"You needn't apologize, my boy," he said gravely. -"I don't think any one would accuse you of having a -swelled head." He paused. "If it doesn't sound an -impertinent question, may I ask how you are situated -with regard to money matters?" -</p> - -<p> -"I can manage all right," replied the other. "I've -got a small private income of about three hundred a -year. I should have to give up the car, of course, but -one can't expect luxuries if one goes in for laboratory -work." -</p> - -<p> -Sir George nodded his head approvingly. -</p> - -<p> -"That's the proper frame of mind, anyhow," he -observed. "There's no half-and-half business about -science. It's a great game if you're prepared to give -up everything else to it, but if you want money and -comfort and reputation—well, you'd better copy my -example and spend your time cutting out the entrails -of over-fed millionaires." He flicked the ash off his -cigarette, and, sinking back again in the chair, crossed -his legs. "All the same," he added, "it just happens -that I might be able to put something in your way -which would make it possible for you to keep the car -and hunt bugs at the same time." -</p> - -<p> -Gray's boyish face lit up with sudden interest. -</p> - -<p> -"By Jove, sir!" he exclaimed. "That sounds promising!" -</p> - -<p> -"How would you like to go and live with old Carter -as a sort of residential assistant?" -</p> - -<p> -"Carter?" Gray repeated the name almost reverently. -"Do you mean Professor Carter?" -</p> - -<p> -"Of course I do. You don't suppose I'm referring -to the man who makes the liver pills?" -</p> - -<p> -"You can bet I should like it all right," was the -eager reply. "Why, it's a chance for which any chap -in my position would sell his soul." -</p> - -<p> -The surgeon smiled again at his young companion's -enthusiasm. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I think it might be arranged on less dramatic -terms than that. As a matter of fact, I was talking to -the old boy last night. He doesn't often show up in -public nowadays, but he happened to come along to a -special meeting of the Board of Health, and he and I -had a long yarn together. Amongst other things he -asked me if I knew a young fellow who'd make a suitable -assistant. He wants someone to live in the house, -and he told me that if he could find the right man he -was prepared to pay a salary of four hundred a year. -That, of course, would be in addition to living expenses." -</p> - -<p> -"Four hundred a year!" echoed Gray in astonishment. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, he can afford it well enough. He's rolling in -money, and he never spends a bob on anything except -his work." -</p> - -<p> -"Why, he can take his pick amongst the best-trained -men in England," declared Gray. "They'd simply -fall over themselves to get in with Carter, whether -there's a salary attached to it or not." -</p> - -<p> -"That may be the case," assented Sir George drily, -"but, as it happens, very few of them possess the -particular qualification on which the Professor insists. -You see, he wants someone who's an expert boxer as -well as being a fully qualified scientist." -</p> - -<p> -Gray stared at his visitor in utter bewilderment. -</p> - -<p> -"Sounds a bit comic, doesn't it?" pursued the latter -tranquilly. "The fact is the old gentleman's suffering -from nerves. About nine weeks ago his house on -Campden Hill was broken into by burglars, and ever -since then he seems to have been living in a mortal -funk that the same thing would happen again." -</p> - -<p> -"But hasn't he any one in the place besides himself?" -demanded Gray. -</p> - -<p> -"Only a couple of women who cook for him and -look after the house. He had an old servant for -about forty years, but I think he's pensioned him -off. Of course, it really isn't very safe as things are. -Carter must be over eighty, and the Red Lodge is a -devilish lonely place, shut in behind a high wall -amongst a lot of trees. I don't wonder he feels a bit -jumpy." -</p> - -<p> -"But is he quite serious about wanting an assistant?" -demanded Gray. "At present it sounds as if he were -in more need of a bull-dog." -</p> - -<p> -Sir George laughed. "It's a genuine enough offer," -he said. "He confided to me that he'd just undertaken -some very important researches, and that it was -absolutely necessary he should have a first-class man to -help him. I thought of you at once. I said all the -complimentary things I could about your work, and I -added, as a sort of little extra inducement, that you'd -won the inter-hospital heavyweight boxing competition -for two years in succession." -</p> - -<p> -Gray coloured modestly. "It was awfully good of -you, Sir George," he replied. -</p> - -<p> -"Not at all," was the answer. "In my opinion he'll -be very lucky if he gets you. I told him I'd look you -up and see how you felt about it, and that if you liked -the idea I'd let him know some time to-day." -</p> - -<p> -"I shall be ready to go directly I can get away from -the hospital," declared Gray. -</p> - -<p> -Sir George Onslow threw away the stump of his -cigarette and rose to his feet. -</p> - -<p> -"I don't think there will be any difficulty about that. -I'll speak to the chairman personally, and if Carter -wants you at once we can easily find someone to carry -on until the secretary comes back," He glanced at his -watch. "I must be running along now. I've got to -be at the nursing home by twelve-thirty." -</p> - -<p> -After expressing his gratitude once more, Gray -accompanied his visitor down to the hall, where he -remained standing on the steps until the car drove -away. He was just turning back toward the -staircase when the porter, who was engaged with the -telephone, thrust his head out of the box. -</p> - -<p> -"Gen'leman wants to speak to you, sir—a Mister -Ashton." -</p> - -<p> -Gray walked forward and picked up the receiver. -</p> - -<p> -"Hullo!" he observed encouragingly. -</p> - -<p> -"Hullo!" came the answer. "That you, Colin?" -</p> - -<p> -"Of course it's me." -</p> - -<p> -"Mark speaking—Mark Ashton. Are you engaged -for lunch?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not if I can get any one else to pay for it," was -the candid reply. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, how would you like to come along and feed -with me at the Savoy Grill?" -</p> - -<p> -"I've no particular objection. What's the matter? -Have you come into money?" -</p> - -<p> -There was a chuckle at the other end of the wire. -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing like that. Just a sudden thirst for your -society." -</p> - -<p> -"It shall be gratified," said Gray. "What time -shall I show up?" -</p> - -<p> -"One o'clock. Suit you all right?" -</p> - -<p> -"Excellently." -</p> - -<p> -"That'll do, then. If you get there first order -yourself a cocktail." -</p> - -<p> -The speaker rang off, and, replacing the receiver, -Gray glanced at his watch. -</p> - -<p> -It was a few minutes past twelve, and, being the -day on which he was off duty, there was nothing to -prevent him leaving the hospital as soon as he pleased. -The prospect of a two-mile walk before lunch distinctly -appealed to him, so, remounting the stairs to his -small bedroom at the top of the building, he proceeded -to change out of his white surgeon's kit into something -a little more in harmony with the best traditions of a -fashionable restaurant. -</p> - -<p> -At exactly five minutes to one he passed through -the revolving glass door of the Savoy and entered the -already crowded lounge. Before he had time to glance -round, a man, who had been sitting in the farther -corner, rose to his feet and came forward to meet him. -</p> - -<p> -No one, not even a newspaper reporter, would have -called Mark Ashton handsome. In spite of his -roughly cut features, his untidy hair, his badly fitting -frock coat, and his large gold-rimmed spectacles there -was, however, such a genuine and friendly air about -his whole appearance that anybody except a fool would -have been attracted by him at once. Somehow or -other he reminded one of a large, shaggy, -good-tempered dog. -</p> - -<p> -He came up to Gray and shook him heartily by the -hand. -</p> - -<p> -"This is splendid, Colin," he said. "I'm awfully -glad you were able to manage it." -</p> - -<p> -"So am I," returned his guest. "It would have -broken my heart to refuse an invitation like this." -</p> - -<p> -Mark grinned broadly, and, thrusting his arm -through his companion's, piloted him across the lounge -in the direction of the grill-room door. -</p> - -<p> -"I've ordered a table," he announced, "so unless -you'd rather wait a bit we may as well have lunch -right away." -</p> - -<p> -"That will suit me," said Colin cheerfully. "I -breakfasted at eight, and I've just walked up from the -hospital." -</p> - -<p> -Following an obsequious gentleman, who apparently -recognized Mark, they threaded their way through the -room and took their places at a small table in the -opposite corner, which looked out into the courtyard. -</p> - -<p> -Mark picked up the menu and studied it with some -care. -</p> - -<p> -"What do you say about oysters to start with?" he -suggested. "A dozen oysters each and a bottle of -Chablis?" -</p> - -<p> -"It's a good idea," admitted Colin. "Especially -the Chablis." -</p> - -<p> -"We can discuss what we'll have afterward while -we're eating them," continued his host. He gave the -order, and, as the waiter departed, he sat back in his -chair and took a genial survey of the restaurant. -</p> - -<p> -"What is the precise meaning of this debauch?" -inquired Colin. "Is it your birthday or have you been -backing the winner of the Cesarewitch?" -</p> - -<p> -The other laughed good-naturedly. "I told you -over the telephone. It's just a case of a hard-working -East End doctor snatching a brief interval from his -practice to enjoy the society of his most brilliant and -distinguished pupil." He paused. "As a matter of -fact," he added, "the whole thing was Mary's notion. -I wanted to have a talk with you, and she suggested -that I should take a couple of hours off and invite you -to lunch." -</p> - -<p> -"Mary's a great woman," said Colin with feeling. -"Why didn't you bring her along with you?" -</p> - -<p> -"She's stopped behind to console the patients, -shall have scores of 'em hanging round the surgery -when I get back." He sighed heavily. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, cheer up," said Colin. "By the time we've -finished lunch they'll probably be dead." He helped -himself to a roll, and, breaking off a bit of the crust, -proceeded to nibble it thoughtfully. "What did you -want to see me about?" he inquired. -</p> - -<p> -Mark paused, while two waiters, who had suddenly -appeared with the oysters and the Chablis, hovered -round the table, intent on their ministrations. -</p> - -<p> -"It's nothing much," he replied eventually. "I was -wondering if by any chance you could find me a girl." -</p> - -<p> -"Find you a girl?" echoed Colin. "Why, you old -Mormon, you've got Mary already." -</p> - -<p> -"That's just the trouble," was the depressed answer. -"Mary has to go off to Lincoln for a month to nurse -her mother. After next Wednesday I shall be a -grass widower." -</p> - -<p> -Colin looked at him with genuine sympathy. "My -poor lad!" he exclaimed. "This is indeed a blow!" -</p> - -<p> -"It's worse than that," observed his companion. -"It's—it's a damned knock-out. She's never been -away from me for more than a day, not since we went -down to Shadwell. Heaven only knows how I shall -get on without her. She answers the letters, keeps the -accounts, pays the bills, mixes the medicines——" -</p> - -<p> -"In fact," broke in Colin, "to put it plainly, she's a -darn sight more important to the business than you -are." He speared a recalcitrant oyster and sprinkled -it with red pepper. "I wonder you let her go," -he added mischievously. "Why don't you take up -the strong, silent husband stunt and refuse to allow -it?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I can't do that," objected Mark. "You see, -the old lady really is very seedy. She's going to have -an operation in about a month's time, and meanwhile -she's got to keep to her bed. She's simply set her -heart on having Mary to come and look after her, and -I couldn't be such an utterly selfish pig as to go and -put any difficulties in the way." -</p> - -<p> -"No, I don't suppose you could," admitted Colin. -"That sort of thing requires a lot of practice." -</p> - -<p> -"We've talked it over," continued Mark, "and we've -decided that the best plan would be to try and find -some nice, sensible girl who'd come in for the day and -make herself generally useful. Of course, it isn't -exactly easy to get hold of the right person. I want a -really capable, honest, pleasant girl, who can type and -keep accounts, and who'll take a kind of personal -interest in the whole show." -</p> - -<p> -"You don't want much," observed Colin drily. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I'm prepared to pay for it, and if she turned -out to be any use I'd keep her on permanently. I've -been meaning to do something of the sort for the last -six months. Mary's been working far too hard, and -I'm making such a sinful amount of money I can quite -well afford a little extra help." He pushed away his -empty oyster shells and beckoned to the waiter. -"We'd better order some more grub, eh? Can you -manage a cold grouse?" -</p> - -<p> -"With ease," said Colin. -</p> - -<p> -He remained silent until the man had departed, and -then, picking up the Chablis, refilled his glass. -</p> - -<p> -"But where do I come in?" he inquired. "You're -not expecting me to produce angels out of my -waistcoat pocket?" -</p> - -<p> -"We thought you might be able to recommend -somebody. Mary said that a young, dashing, -good-looking fellow like you——" -</p> - -<p> -"She was pulling your leg," protested Colin. "She -knows perfectly well that I'm terrified of girls." -</p> - -<p> -"How about the hospital? Haven't you a pretty, -intelligent nurse who'd like a nice Christian home?" -</p> - -<p> -"I've never noticed her if we have." He paused -as the recollection of his conversation with Sir George -Onslow suddenly flashed into his mind. "By Jove!" -he added. "That reminds me. I haven't told you -my great news yet. I'm chucking the hospital and -going as bottle-washer to old Carter." -</p> - -<p> -His companion stared at him half incredulously. -</p> - -<p> -"Is this a fact?" he demanded. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, it's practically settled. I've had nothing to -do with it really; Onslow's worked the whole thing -for me. I'd just finished talking to him when you rang -up." -</p> - -<p> -In a few words he described his interview with Sir -George and the curious information which the latter -had given him with regard to the professor's requirements. -</p> - -<p> -"I can't say if I shall fit the bill," he added, laughing, -"but if the old boy takes a fancy to me I don't -care how many damned burglars he has. I'd tackle -half a dozen a night for the sake of being his -assistant." -</p> - -<p> -"It's a wonderful chance," admitted Mark thoughtfully. -"Carter may be a little queer, but there's no -doubt that he's the greatest man at his game in the -world." He looked across rather wistfully into the -strong, smiling face opposite him. "You're a fortunate -young devil, Colin," he added. "Nature's presented -you with practically everything a man can want—brains, -good looks, and the strength of a cart-horse—and -now I'm hanged if you're not going to be lucky as -well. I'd have given my head for an opening like -this when I was your age. Just fancy being able to -devote one's life to science instead of wasting it in the -futile way I've done." -</p> - -<p> -"You're talking through your hat," protested Colin -indignantly. "If you chose you could be sitting in -an armchair in Harley Street, but instead of that you -and Mary live down there in Shadwell and sweat your -souls out amongst the poorest of the poor. Don't -you call that good work?" -</p> - -<p> -"Splendid," agreed Mark. "Stuffing 'em up with -coloured water and ginger pills and making fifteen -hundred a year out of the poor blighters for doing -it." He smiled with a cheerful good nature that was -rather out of keeping with his words. "I'm not -envious, Colin. I'm only too delighted to know that -you've found the right opening. Two or three years' -experience with Carter will be simply invaluable to -you. It will put you in the very front rank of -investigators, and what's more, it will give you the -opportunity of carrying on his work after he's dead. You'll -be a great man before you've finished. When I'm an -old buffer of eighty I shall probably go around -bragging that the famous Sir Colin Gray was once my -junior house surgeon at Bart's." -</p> - -<p> -"Always supposing," added the future celebrity, -"that I'm not knocked on the head by a burglar." He -rolled up a bread pill and eyed his host meditatively. -"It's a rummy affair, the whole business," he continued. -"I wonder if there's anything behind it? D'you think -Carter's just got the wind up, or d'you think he's one -of those old juggins who keeps thousands of pounds -buried in the back cellar?" -</p> - -<p> -Mark shrugged his shoulders. "Goodness knows," -he replied. "Anyhow, he ought to be safe enough -with you. If I were a self-respecting burglar with a -proper regard for my appearance I should give the -Red Lodge a devilish wide berth. I know that right -upper-cut of yours; I've had some of it." -</p> - -<p> -The appearance of the grouse at this point created -a temporary diversion, and it was not until lunch was -finished, and the two of them were sitting over their -coffee and cigars, that Mark returned to his original -subject. -</p> - -<p> -"You won't forget, will you," he said, "if you run -across a likely damsel. I shall be absolutely in the -soup unless I get hold of somebody the next day or -two." -</p> - -<p> -"I'll do my best for you," Colin assured him. "I'll -have a general inspection of all the nurses at the -hospital to-morrow morning, and if there's a stray -angel amongst them I'll send her along. I shouldn't -bank on it though, not from what I remember of them." -</p> - -<p> -Mark pulled out his note case and beckoned to the -waiter. -</p> - -<p> -"I must be off," he observed resentfully. "Which -way are you going—back to the hospital?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin shook his head. "This is my day out. I shall -roll along to the garage and spend a nice messy afternoon -tinkering at the car. There are several odd jobs -that want doing, and I should like to get them cleared -off before I start chasing burglars." -</p> - -<p> -Mark paid the bill, and, leaving the restaurant, the -two friends walked together as far as Charing Cross -Underground, where they came to a halt on the bridge -inside the barrier. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, thanks for an excellent lunch," said Colin, -shaking his host's hand. "Remember that if you ever -want my advice it's always available on the same -terms." -</p> - -<p> -Mark grinned. "You must come down and thank -Mary," he said. "It was she who suggested the -Savoy. If it had been left to me I should probably -have taken you to Lockhart's." -</p> - -<p> -As he spoke an East End train clanked noisily out -of the opposite tunnel, and with a hurried good-bye he -darted away toward the steps and disappeared from -view. -</p> - -<p> -About twenty minutes later, with the stump of a -cigar in his mouth, and feeling remarkably at peace -with the world, Colin emerged from Sloane Street -Station and strolled across the pavement in the -direction of the barracks. -</p> - -<p> -He kept his car in a small garage at the bottom of -Church Street, a place which, in addition to being -cheap and within easy reach of the hospital, also -possessed the unusual distinction of having an honest -proprietor. It was about three-quarters of a mile -from the Square, but as he was in no hurry, and the -weather was extraordinarily genial for an afternoon -in late November, he dismissed his first intention of -taking a motor bus and started off at a leisurely pace -along the King's Road. -</p> - -<p> -He had got as far as the corner of Radnor Street -when his progress was suddenly arrested by a muffled -outbreak of shouts and oaths. The next moment the -door of a small public house opposite burst violently -open, and from its gas-lit interior a tangled cluster of -struggling men swayed out into the main thoroughfare. -One of them was evidently a policeman, for his blue -helmet was clearly visible in the centre of the melee. -</p> - -<p> -For a second or two the whole mass reeled backward -and forward, then a stick swung up into the -air, and, coming down with crashing force on the back -of the constable's head, stretched him out an inert -mass in the gutter. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap02"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER TWO -</h3> - -<p> -However underpaid it may be, the training of a -house surgeon at a London hospital induces a certain -readiness of action. Before any of the other passers-by -had ceased to gape helplessly at this unusual -spectacle Colin was halfway across the street. -</p> - -<p> -Quick as he was, however, the situation had already -developed. A big, burly man, clutching another by -the collar, had staggered back against the wall of the -pub, where, with his disengaged arm, he was endeavouring -to defend himself as best he could against a -rain of blows and kicks. -</p> - -<p> -Striking out mercilessly right and left, Colin forced -his way through the gang. He was only just in time, -for exactly as he arrived a vicious kick in the ribs sent -the big stranger sprawling to the pavement, his fingers -still gripping the collar of his half-throttled prisoner. -</p> - -<p> -The man who had laid him out—a truculent-looking -scoundrel in a blue suit—was stepping in to complete -his work when a smashing swing from Colin caught -him full in the mouth. Reeling back from the blow, -he collided violently with one of his friends, and for -a second the whole attacking party were thrown into -confusion. -</p> - -<p> -Before they could recover the shrill note of a police -whistle rang out close behind them. They all spun -round instinctively, and through a gap in their ranks -Colin caught sight of the slim figure of a girl stooping -over the prostrate body of the constable. It was -only a brief glimpse, for the next moment one of the -ruffians sprang backward and lashed out at her with -his belt. Dropping the whistle, she sank forward on -to her knees, and with a wild, clattering rush the entire -gang took to their heels. -</p> - -<p> -In two strides Colin was at the girl's side. He was -not easily upset, but the sight of that cowardly blow -had filled him with such a sudden wave of fury that -he found it difficult to control his voice as he bent -down over the crouching figure. -</p> - -<p> -"Are you much hurt?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -She raised her head, and a pair of beautiful but -rather bewildered blue eyes looked up into his. -</p> - -<p> -"No," she said. "I don't think I am. Is it all -over?" -</p> - -<p> -In spite of his anger Colin began to laugh. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," he added, "it's all over. They've bolted like -a lot of rabbits, thanks to you." -</p> - -<p> -He took her by the arm, and a trifle unsteadily, -she scrambled to her feet. -</p> - -<p> -"How do you feel?" he asked with some anxiety. -"I was horribly afraid he'd hit you on the head." -</p> - -<p> -"So he did," was the answer, "but luckily for me -I've got a good deal of protection." -</p> - -<p> -She lifted off the small velvet hat that she was -wearing and rather tenderly patted the thick coils -of dark red hair which gleamed like copper in the -fading November sunlight. "The queer thing is," she -added, "that it hasn't even given me a headache." -</p> - -<p> -"I wish I'd known you were all right," said Colin -ruefully. "I'd have gone after the brute and wrung -his neck." -</p> - -<p> -"You didn't do so badly as it was, mister," observed -a voice at his elbow, and, turning round sharply, -he found himself face to face with the burly stranger, -whom he had last seen scuffling on the pavement. -Except for a slight trickle of blood from the corner -of his mouth the latter looked none the worse for his -adventures. -</p> - -<p> -"I owe something both to you and to this young -lady," he continued. "If you hadn't come along just -when you did I'd probably have got my head kicked in." -</p> - -<p> -"You needn't thank me," protested Colin. "There's -nothing I enjoy better than a good scrap." -</p> - -<p> -He glanced round the late field of battle with a -certain amount of amused curiosity. Three fresh and -energetic-looking policemen had already appeared. -One of them was grasping the arm of the now handcuffed -prisoner, a second knelt beside the body of his -injured comrade, while the third, with that scant -ceremony which distinguishes the Metropolitan force, was -thrusting back a rapidly increasing throng of -interested spectators. -</p> - -<p> -"What's it all about?" asked Colin. -</p> - -<p> -Rummaging in his waistcoat pocket, the big man -produced a dilapidated card. -</p> - -<p> -"You'll see my name there," he said. "Inspector -Marsden of the C.I.D." He jerked his head in the -direction of the captive—a short, sandy-haired -individual with a face like a rather disagreeable ferret. -"You've helped us to get hold of a gentleman we've -been wanting badly at the Yard for the last two -months. That's 'Ginger Dick,' the leader of the -toughest race-course gang in England." -</p> - -<p> -"He must be fairly popular with his friends," -observed Colin. "At least, they seemed quite anxious -not to lose his society." -</p> - -<p> -The Inspector smiled grimly. "You don't know -'em, sir. You can take it from me that all they're -worrying about is whether he's going to split on 'em. -There isn't a man in that crowd who wouldn't sell -his own mother." He moved over to the second -constable, who was still busy with his unconscious mate. -"What's the damage?" he asked. "Anything serious?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin stepped across after him. "You'd better let -me have a look," he said. "I'm a doctor." -</p> - -<p> -The two men at once made way, and, kneeling down -in the gutter, he rapidly examined his patient's -condition. -</p> - -<p> -"You must get him to hospital as quick as you -can," he said, looking up at the Inspector. "He's -had a pretty bad crack on the head, and the sooner -he's under treatment the better." He rose to his feet -and brushed off the dust from his trousers. "Take -him along to St. Christopher's," he added. "Tell -them that Doctor Gray sent you, and that it's a case -which requires immediate attention." -</p> - -<p> -The Inspector nodded, and, having despatched one -of his assistants to fetch an ambulance, turned back -and addressed himself to the girl. -</p> - -<p> -"You'll pardon me for not having thanked you -before, miss," he said. "I never saw anything pluckier -in my life than the way you chipped in and blew that -whistle. There's not one young lady in a thousand -who'd have had the nerve to do it." -</p> - -<p> -The recipient of his praises coloured delicately. -</p> - -<p> -"If you don't mind," he continued, "I'll make a note -of your name and address. We might be glad of your -evidence, and I know the commissioner would like to -write you a little letter to send you his official thanks." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, he mustn't trouble to do that," objected the -girl hastily. "I'm sure he's frightfully busy, and, after -all, it's quite easy just to blow a whistle." -</p> - -<p> -Colin laughed. "You can't get out of it," he said. -"Still, if you'll tell the Inspector your name and where -you live I don't suppose he'll bother you to give -evidence unless it's absolutely necessary." -</p> - -<p> -"You can count on that, miss," remarked the other -reassuringly. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I live just round the corner at No. 46 Jubilee -Place," said the girl, "and my name's Seymour—Miss -Nancy Seymour." -</p> - -<p> -The Inspector committed this information to an -official-looking pocketbook, and then held out his -hand to Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"I shan't forget that you've saved my life, doctor," -he said. "I hope that next time you're up in our -direction you'll look in and pay us a visit." He paused. -"And remember," he added, "that if there's ever any -little way in which we can be of use to you, you've only -got to let us know. We like to pay our debts at the -Yard when we get the opportunity." -</p> - -<p> -"I shall remember," said Colin, smiling. "It might -come in handy one of these days." -</p> - -<p> -He stepped forward as a movement amongst the -onlookers heralded the approach of the ambulance, -and, after assisting to lift the injured constable inside, -came back to where the girl was standing. -</p> - -<p> -"Can I see you as far as your house?" he asked. -"I don't suppose any of those blackguards are still -hanging about, but there's no point in running risks." -</p> - -<p> -"Thank you," she said simply. "I should be very -grateful if you would." -</p> - -<p> -Under a fire of curious glances they pushed their -way through the crowd and started off along the -pavement in the direction of Jubilee Place. -</p> - -<p> -Colin was the first to break the silence. -</p> - -<p> -"Where did you spring from?" he asked. "I never -saw you until you blew the whistle." -</p> - -<p> -"I had just come out to buy a stamp," replied his -companion. "I was walking peacefully along to King's -Road when I suddenly found myself right in the -middle of it." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, you've got some pluck," said Colin admiringly. -"That Inspector was quite right in what he -said. Most girls would have given a shriek and -flopped down in the gutter." -</p> - -<p> -She coloured again in the same attractive fashion -as before. -</p> - -<p> -"It wasn't a question of pluck," she objected. "I -acted entirely from impulse. If I had had time to -think I should probably have done what you say." She -stopped short with a little gesture of annoyance. -"Oh dear, how stupid I am! I've quite forgotten to -buy the stamp after all." -</p> - -<p> -"It doesn't matter," said Colin. "I've got one in -my pocket I can let you have." -</p> - -<p> -They turned up a narrow street with some white -buildings on one side of it, and at the door of the -second house the girl halted. -</p> - -<p> -"This is where I live," she said. "It was awfully -kind of you to walk back with me." -</p> - -<p> -"Not a bit," said Colin. "I'm very fond of a little -gentle exercise." He pulled out a note-case and began -to search through its various compartments. "If you'll -wait half a minute," he added, "I'll see if I can find -you that stamp." -</p> - -<p> -She stood watching him with a certain look of -indecision in her face. -</p> - -<p> -"I don't know if you'd care to come in," she said -rather hesitatingly. "I have only got a small studio, -but I can at least offer you a cup of tea." -</p> - -<p> -Colin unearthed the stamp and presented it to her -in triumph. -</p> - -<p> -"If you're quite certain I shan't be a nuisance," he -said, "I should like it immensely. Fighting in the -street always gives me a thirst." -</p> - -<p> -Miss Nancy Seymour's blue eyes twinkled merrily, -and, inserting a Yale key into the lock, she led the way -up a small winding staircase to a door on the first -landing. -</p> - -<p> -"You mustn't mind if it's not very tidy," she -remarked apologetically. "I have been typing all the -morning, and I've not had time to put things straight." -</p> - -<p> -She opened the door, and, following her inside, -Colin found himself in an oddly shaped but rather -attractive apartment, the principal feature of which -was a big glass skylight, shaped like a coach-house -roof. -</p> - -<p> -The furniture was scanty, consisting chiefly of a low, -comfortable-looking couch, a couple of old Windsor -armchairs, and a stout deal table which at some -remote period had evidently been stained brown. On the -latter stood a typewriter flanked by a litter of loose -sheets and several piles of badly written manuscript. -</p> - -<p> -The farther corner of the room was curtained off, -as though to serve the purpose of a kitchen or bedroom. -</p> - -<p> -With a wave of her hand Nancy indicated the couch. -"Try my patent sofa," she said hospitably. "I'll tidy -up while the kettle's boiling." -</p> - -<p> -"Don't do it for me," protested Colin. "I like to -see a room a little topsy-turvy. You can't think how -refreshing it seems after the suffocating neatness of a -hospital." -</p> - -<p> -"I'll put away these horrible manuscripts at all -events," returned his hostess. "I've been working at -them ever since nine o'clock. The mere sight of them -makes me feel ill." -</p> - -<p> -"What are they?" inquired Colin. -</p> - -<p> -She made as near an approach to a grimace as -nature would allow. -</p> - -<p> -"Stories. And such bad ones! I think that all the -worst authors in the world must live in Chelsea." -</p> - -<p> -"It was rather unkind to type them out," observed -Colin. "Somebody will probably have to read them -now." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy laughed. "Unfortunately," she said, "it -happens to be my profession." -</p> - -<p> -She covered up the typewriter and collected all the -papers into an indiscriminate bundle. -</p> - -<p> -"I sha'n't be long," she added, moving away toward -the curtain. "Make yourself comfortable, and please -smoke if you want to." -</p> - -<p> -Accepting both these invitations, Colin lighted a -cigarette and took up a restful position on the couch. -He felt curiously at home, considering the novelty of -his surroundings, but the whole affair had been so -unusual that somehow or other this impromptu tea -party seemed to constitute a natural and appropriate -climax. -</p> - -<p> -That it would also turn out to be an extremely -entertaining one he had no manner of doubt. Whoever -Miss Nancy Seymour might be, she was certainly the -most attractive girl he had ever met in his life. Her -looks alone were sufficient to arouse anybody's -enthusiasm. With her vividly coloured hair and almost -forget-me-not blue eyes she possessed that sort of -inspiriting beauty which Rossetti in his healthier and -happier moments would have revelled in painting. -</p> - -<p> -But, delightful as Colin found her appearance, there -was something still more fascinating to him in the -unaffected simplicity and friendliness of her manner. -What he had said to Mark about his knowledge of -women was perfectly true. As a medical student he -had worked exceptionally hard, and this fact, -combined with his devotion to football and boxing, had -left him little time to cultivate any of those -semi-amorous friendships which seem to be the principal -hobby of so many budding physicians. It was, in fact, -the first time that he had ever been perfectly at ease -in a girl's society, and the sensation was so pleasing -that he felt no objection to its indefinite extension. -</p> - -<p> -He could hear Nancy moving about behind the -curtain, the pop of a gas ring and the chink of cups -giving some clue to the nature of her activities. Six -or seven minutes must have elapsed, however, before -she made her reappearance, this time carrying a tray -with all the necessary equipment for tea. She had -discarded her hat and coat, and in her simple indoor -costume Colin thought that she looked prettier than -ever. -</p> - -<p> -"Don't get up," she said, as he started to rise to -his feet. "I'll bring over that other little table and -then we can help ourselves." -</p> - -<p> -Suiting the action to the word, she deposited the -tray on the end of the sofa, and pulled up a sort of -rickety three-legged stool which looked like the final -effort of some disillusioned amateur carpenter. -</p> - -<p> -"It's all rather primitive," she continued, "but you -must pretend not to notice. You see, I've had to -furnish the place myself, and I've never yet had enough -money to do it properly." -</p> - -<p> -Colin looked round with a contented eye. "I don't -see what more you want," he observed, "not unless -you're naturally luxurious." -</p> - -<p> -"I expect that must be it," she replied, pouring out -the tea. "Anyhow, I know that directly I can afford -it I mean to buy some new curtains and also a nice -thick velvety carpet from Harrod's." She smiled. -"That won't be for some time though—not unless -there's a boom in bad stories." -</p> - -<p> -"If it isn't an impertinent question," said Colin, -"how long have you been in Chelsea?" -</p> - -<p> -"About eighteen months," she answered, handing -him his cup. "I had always lived in the country -before then, but there were reasons why I had to start -work of some sort, and typing was the only useful -thing I happened to know. Somebody told me that -Chelsea was full of authors, so I came here, and here -I've been ever since." -</p> - -<p> -Colin helped himself to a sugared biscuit. "I hope -you charge them a lot," he said, "and I hope they pay -regularly." -</p> - -<p> -"It might be worse," she replied. "As it happens, -I've got enough money of my own to pay the rent of -the studio, and what I make out of my typing just -keeps me going in clothes and food and cigarettes." She -paused to refill the teapot. "It's just the feeling -that I'm wasting my time so," she continued, "that -annoys me. If I were working at something really -useful I should be quite happy, but this stuff"—she -made a distasteful gesture toward the table—"well, I -can't think how anybody can possibly write it, let alone -read it." -</p> - -<p> -Colin suddenly slapped his leg with a bang which -made the china rattle. -</p> - -<p> -"By Jove!" he exclaimed. "Why, of course, you're -the very girl!" -</p> - -<p> -He laid down his cup and gazed at her in a kind of -triumphant satisfaction. -</p> - -<p> -Nancy returned his inspection with a perplexed -smile. "I daresay I am," she admitted. "It's rather -hard to tell at present, isn't it?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin laughed. "I'm not mad," he explained. "If -you meant what you said just now, if you're really -looking out for something that's worth doing, I can -put you on to a job straight away." -</p> - -<p> -There was a moment's silence. -</p> - -<p> -"It's very nice of you," said Nancy. "The only -question is that I should probably be quite unqualified -for it." -</p> - -<p> -"On the contrary," retorted Colin, "you're the exact -person that I've been commissioned to find." -</p> - -<p> -"It must be a queer sort of job then," remarked -Nancy, still smiling. "All you know about me at -present is that I can type, make tea, and blow a police -whistle." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, there you are," observed her guest. "It's -just that all-round sort of ability that Mark wants." -</p> - -<p> -He sat back against the wall, and, without any -further delay, proceeded to enter into a full description -of the distressing problem which overhung the -Shadwell ménage. -</p> - -<p> -"If you'll chip in and fill the gap," he continued, -"you'll be doing a real Christian act. Mark jeers at -his own work, but, as a matter of cold fact, he and -Mary have buried themselves down in that beastly -slum out of sheer good nature. They're the sort of -people you don't meet twice in a lifetime. Mark's a -brick, and Mary's just the sweetest and most unselfish -woman that ever trod this earth." -</p> - -<p> -"They sound perfect dears," said Nancy. "I should -love to know them whether I get the job or not." -</p> - -<p> -"Get the job!" repeated Colin. "Why, good Lord, -they'll simply be all over you as soon as you show -yourself." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy's blue eyes gleamed merrily. "You seem to -forget, Doctor Gray," she said, "everybody isn't quite -so rapid and trustful as you are. They might, for -instance, like to know something about me first." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, you can tell 'em," replied Colin. "You -haven't been in prison, have you, or anything of -that sort? Not that Mark would mind a bit if you -had." -</p> - -<p> -"What a nice, obliging man!" was the answer. "No, -I haven't been in prison, and I don't think I've ever -done anything to deserve it. All the same, if any one -offered me an engagement they would have to take me -absolutely on trust. You see, I have never earned a -salary before, so I've got no testimonials." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, you have," objected Colin. "You've got -mine and the policeman's. That ought to be enough -for any reasonable employer." He glanced at his -watch. "Look here," he added eagerly, "if you're -doing nothing in particular, why shouldn't we go down -there straight away? Mark usually takes half an hour -off for tea about four o'clock, so we should just catch -them at the right time." -</p> - -<p> -"How does one get to Shadwell?" asked Nancy. -"I don't even know where it is." -</p> - -<p> -Colin jumped up briskly. "I'll drive you down," -he said. "I've got a little car in Church Street. I -was just going along there to do some repairs." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy made a movement of protest. "Oh, but, -please——" she said. "I don't want to take up all -your afternoon—not if you're busy." -</p> - -<p> -"That's all right," observed Colin. "You shove on -your hat and coat. I shall have plenty of time to -tinker at the car when we get back." -</p> - -<p> -With an air of resigned amusement Nancy rose to -her feet. -</p> - -<p> -"I am trusting entirely to you, Doctor Gray," she -said. "If your friends throw me out ignominiously I -sha'n't be the least surprised." -</p> - -<p> -She collected the tea things, and, crossing the room -to the farther corner, disappeared again behind the -curtain. -</p> - -<p> -After a surprisingly short interval she returned, -ready dressed for the journey. -</p> - -<p> -"You look ripping," said Colin, eyeing her with -frank approval. "I'm longing to see old Mark's face -when he hears you're his new secretary." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, it's more than I am," remarked Nancy. -</p> - -<p> -She paused for a second or two to make a final -inspection of herself in the looking glass, and then, -following her guest out on to the landing, closed and -locked the door behind her. -</p> - -<p> -They descended the staircase and were just emerging -into the street when a big white Daimler swung -into view round the corner of the King's Road. -</p> - -<p> -Nancy uttered a little exclamation which sounded -like one of annoyance, but before she could speak the -driver turned in toward the pavement and drew up -alongside of them. He proved to be a tall, clean-shaven, -middle-aged man, with rather dissipated blue -eyes. -</p> - -<p> -"Hullo, young lady," he said, raising his hat, "where -are you off to? I was coming along to take you out -for a drive." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy acknowledged his greeting without any -apparent enthusiasm. -</p> - -<p> -"It was very kind of you," she replied, "but I am -afraid I can't manage it to-day. I have promised to -go out to tea with some friends of Doctor Gray's." She -paused for a moment, and then glanced hesitatingly -from one to the other of them. "Let me introduce -you," she added. "Doctor Gray—Major Fenton." -</p> - -<p> -The two men nodded to each other. -</p> - -<p> -"It will do you much more good to come for a -spin," persisted the new arrival. "Besides, I understood -that we more or less fixed it up last Thursday." -</p> - -<p> -"Did we?" said Nancy coolly. "I don't remember -actually mentioning the day." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I understood so anyhow," returned the -other. He leaned across and opened the door. "Come -along," he added persuasively. "I am sure Doctor -Gray will excuse you." -</p> - -<p> -"I have no doubt he would," said Nancy, "but, as -it happens, I particularly want to meet his friends." She -held out a small gloved hand, which the other -accepted with obvious reluctance. "You must really -excuse me, Major Fenton," she continued. "I can't -possibly manage to come to-day though I am very -much obliged to you for offering to take me." -</p> - -<p> -Except for an ugly glint in his blue eyes, the owner -of the car managed to control his emotions. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, very well," he said, with a rather forced laugh, -"if you're really booked up, of course that settles it. -We must make it another day instead, eh? How about -to-morrow?" -</p> - -<p> -"To-morrow would be all right," said Nancy, "as -far as I know at present." -</p> - -<p> -"I'll call for you at the same time, then—say three -o'clock, or perhaps we'd better make it a quarter past." He -lifted his hat again, and, after bestowing a curt -nod on Colin, leaned over and closed the door of the -car. The next moment he was moving away rapidly -up the street. -</p> - -<p> -Nancy gave a sigh of relief. -</p> - -<p> -"I'm glad you were with me," she said, as they -started off in the opposite direction. "If I had been -alone I couldn't very well have got out of it." -</p> - -<p> -Colin looked at her in surprise. "Why on earth -should you go if you don't want to?" he asked. "Is -that truculent warrior your guardian or what?" -</p> - -<p> -Nancy shook her head. "I don't know anything -about him," she answered, "except that he happens to -be an old friend of my father's." She paused for an -instant as they turned the corner into King's Road. -"You see, I am rather alone in the world," she -continued. "My father and mother both died when I was -a baby, and as Major Fenton took the trouble to come -and hunt me out about two months ago I didn't like -to seem ungrateful." -</p> - -<p> -There was a touch of wistfulness in her voice which -went straight to Colin's heart. -</p> - -<p> -"Of course, that's different," he said gently. "It's -rotten bad luck to be left all by oneself. Haven't you -any relations or people of that sort?" -</p> - -<p> -"None that I ever heard of," was the answer. "My -father and mother were living in a little village in -Cornwall, and one day they were caught in a storm out -sailing, and they were both drowned. No one seemed -to know anything about them at all. A lawyer at -Helston, a very kind man called Mr. Penwarren, -advertised in the papers and made inquiries everywhere. -They all led to nothing, however, and it ended with -my going to live with an old farmer and his wife who -had offered to take care of me. There was a little -money—something like nine hundred pounds—which -Mr. Penwarren had invested for me, and that gave me -the chance of coming to London and setting up as a -typist." She stopped short, and glanced at Colin -with a sudden trace of embarrassment. "I don't -know why I am telling you all this," she added. "I'm -afraid I must be boring you horribly." -</p> - -<p> -Colin shook his head. "I never felt more interested -in my life. I thought that things like that only -happened in books and plays." -</p> - -<p> -"I wish they did," said Nancy. "I simply hate not -knowing who I am. It makes one feel like a lost -dog." -</p> - -<p> -"But how about our genial friend in the car?" -inquired Colin. "If he was a pal of your father's he -must surely have been able to give you some information." -</p> - -<p> -"That's just what he can't do," said Nancy. "He -met my father years ago down at Forth Leven, where -they used to go out fishing together. He went abroad -with his regiment after that, and it was only when he -came home this spring and happened to be in the same -neighbourhood that he found out about the accident. -He took the trouble to go over to Helston and see the -lawyer, Mr. Penwarren, who gave him my address. -I can't imagine why he should have bothered about me -at all, but for some extraordinary reason he seems to -have thought it was his duty. Anyhow, he has -certainly gone out of his way to try and be kind to me, -and although I don't like him I naturally feel a certain -amount of gratitude. He must be rather a nice man -really or he wouldn't have behaved as he has." -</p> - -<p> -"I daresay you're right," said Colin doubtfully. "I -have been told that the most objectionable people -often have hearts of gold." -</p> - -<p> -He piloted her round the corner of Church Street -and led the way into a small garage, where a miscellaneous -collection of cars were ranged along the walls. -</p> - -<p> -"This is mine," he remarked, coming to a halt in -front of a rather battered four-seater. "She's not a -beauty to look at, but she can go like the devil." -</p> - -<p> -Before Nancy could offer any comment a young man -in dirty overalls wriggled out from beneath a -neighbouring limousine. -</p> - -<p> -Colin greeted him with a friendly nod. -</p> - -<p> -"I am going to take her out after all, Davis," he -said. "I shall be back some time this evening, and if -you're here we can run over her together." -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Davis wiped his hands upon a piece of cotton -waste and glanced appreciatively at Nancy. "Very -good, sir," he replied; "but, if you'll excuse my saying -so, I shouldn't drive too fast—not if you've got a lady -with you. The steering gear's none too sound." -</p> - -<p> -Colin laughed. "You needn't pay any attention to -Davis," he observed to Nancy. "Like all people who -have to give credit, he's a hopeless pessimist." -</p> - -<p> -He opened the door for her, and, climbing up alongside -into the driving seat, switched on the spark and -the lamps. -</p> - -<p> -With a slight shrug of his shoulders, as though to -disclaim further responsibility, Mr. Davis bent down -over the starting-handle. After several ineffectual -jerks the engine suddenly began running, and the next -moment Colin was backing his way out through the -open doorway. -</p> - -<p> -Sitting beside him, with her chin buried comfortably -inside her collar, Nancy made no attempt at conversation. -From the hint dropped by Mr. Davis she concluded -that Colin was the sort of driver whom it was -safer not to disturb with unnecessary chatter, an -opinion which had been fully confirmed some time before -they arrived at Sloane Square. -</p> - -<p> -He drove, indeed, at a pace which would have proved -highly distressing to any one of a timid disposition. -Fortunately for Nancy, however, her nerves were in -excellent order, and after the first half mile had been -safely negotiated she began to find that the sensation -of missing buses by a quarter of an inch was not -without a peculiar and exhilarating charm. -</p> - -<p> -Apart from that, the actual journey through what -to her was a totally unknown quarter of London was -in itself a sufficiently stimulating experience. The -crowds in the City, the flaring coster barrows in -St. George's Road, and the gradually increasing squalor -and gloom as they drew nearer to their destination, all -provided her with an unfailing source of interest. -</p> - -<p> -A little way down Shadwell High Street, at the -corner of a side lane, Colin came to a halt in front of -an uninviting-looking public house, alongside which -was a closed gate leading apparently into a yard. -</p> - -<p> -"This is where I generally leave the car," he -announced. "Mark's place is only a few yards farther on." -</p> - -<p> -As he spoke the door of the pub opened, and a -stout gentleman in trousers, carpet slippers, and a -rather dirty shirt loomed up in the opening. -</p> - -<p> -"'Ullo, Mister Gray," he observed, in a kind of -hoarse wheeze. "Quite a stranger, ain't yer?" -</p> - -<p> -He spat genially into the gutter and, stepping -forward, offered his hand to Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"Brought a bit o' comp'ny with yer this time, I see," -he added. -</p> - -<p> -"That's right," said Colin. "Let me introduce you -to each other. Mr. Higgins—Miss Seymour." -</p> - -<p> -The fat man wiped his hand on the back of his -trousers and transferred it to Nancy. -</p> - -<p> -"Pleased to meet yer, miss," he remarked. "Any -friend o' Mister Gray's a friend o' mine." -</p> - -<p> -"Can I shove the car in your yard?" inquired Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"Certainly, an' welcome," was the answer. "You -sit where you are an' I'll open the gaite for yer." -</p> - -<p> -He produced a key, and, having fumbled for a -moment with the rusty padlock, disclosed the entrance -to a narrow courtyard, the only occupant of which was -a surly-looking, red-eyed bull terrier, who was tethered -to an empty barrel. -</p> - -<p> -"She's as saife 'ere as in the perlice station," -continued Mr. Higgins, as the car came to a stand-still -against the wall. "Saifer, I should say, from wot I -seen o' some o' them cops." -</p> - -<p> -"I shouldn't wonder," said Colin with a laugh. He -switched off the engine, and, getting out of the car, -proceeded to rid himself of his driving gloves. "I -don't suppose we shall be very long," he added. -"We're only going to have a cup of tea with the doctor." -</p> - -<p> -"You'll find me inside, any'ow," returned Mr. Higgins. -He stopped and fixed an admiring glance on -Nancy, who was pleasantly employed in tickling the -bull terrier's left ear. "See that?" he continued with -a chuckle. "Dang me if that don't taike the biscuit. -Scratchin' of 'is head saime as if 'e was a little lamb." -</p> - -<p> -"I always select my friends on account of their -courage," explained Colin unconcernedly. -</p> - -<p> -He strolled forward to the entrance, where Nancy -joined him, and the two of them waited on the -pavement while the gate was being refastened. Then, -after declining the pressing offer of a little refreshment -from Mr. Higgins, they strolled off again along -the narrow and unsavoury thoroughfare which is the -nearest approach that Shadwell can boast to a main -street. -</p> - -<p> -"You mustn't judge the place entirely by its smells -and its appearance," said Colin. "You will probably -find the people a bit rough at first, but they're a jolly -friendly lot really, and they all adore Mark. When -they know you're working for him they'll be as nice to -you as possible." -</p> - -<p> -"Perhaps they won't have the chance," returned -Nancy. "As I said before, the doctor may be one of -those extraordinary people who expect to get -something useful in return for their money." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, we'll soon settle that point, anyway," -observed Colin. -</p> - -<p> -He pulled up in front of an old-fashioned two-story -house, which had evidently survived from the days -when Shadwell was more or less a country village. It -stood a little way back from the street behind some -battered iron railings, a brass plate on the door and -a red lamp over the side entrance affording sufficient -indications of its owner's profession. -</p> - -<p> -Colin advanced to the front door and rang the bell. -</p> - -<p> -Its jangling had scarcely died away when there was -a sound of footsteps inside, and the next moment a -flood of light streamed out into the gloom. -</p> - -<p> -A slim, sweet-faced woman, with beautiful but rather -tired gray eyes, was standing on the mat. -</p> - -<p> -As soon as she saw who it was her expression lit up -in a smile of unaffected pleasure. -</p> - -<p> -"Why, it's Colin!" she exclaimed. "How delightful! -I thought it was someone cadging for subscriptions." -</p> - -<p> -Colin shook his head. "It's not money we want, -lady," he said, "it's tea." He pulled Nancy forward -into the light. "By the way, let me introduce Miss -Nancy Seymour. Nancy—Mary; Mary—Nancy." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. I thought -you were alone." She pressed Nancy's hand in a -friendly welcome, and then, stepping back, shepherded -them into the hall. -</p> - -<p> -"Take Miss Seymour upstairs, Colin," she said. -"You'll find Mark in the study. He's just finished -work. You must excuse my deserting you for a -moment. It's Martha Jane's day out, so I'm getting -tea." -</p> - -<p> -"Can I help?" inquired Nancy. -</p> - -<p> -She shook her head with another smile. "Everything's -ready," she answered. "You go along with -Colin, and I'll be up in a minute. I've only got to -fetch the crumpets." -</p> - -<p> -She disappeared in the direction of the back regions, -and having deposited his hat and coat on the hall table, -Colin led the way upstairs. -</p> - -<p> -As they reached the first landing a door on the -right opened, and Mark himself appeared on the -threshold. He had a large cherry-wood pipe in his -mouth, and he had discarded his frock coat in favour -of a Norfolk jacket. -</p> - -<p> -"Hullo, Colin!" he exclaimed. "I thought I heard -your musical voice. Why the devil——" -</p> - -<p> -He stopped short as he suddenly caught sight of -Nancy. -</p> - -<p> -"You shouldn't swear in front of ladies," said Colin -reprovingly. "It's not done in the best medical -circles." -</p> - -<p> -Mark came forward with an embarrassed air. -</p> - -<p> -"I say, please excuse me," he stammered. "I didn't -see there was any one else there." -</p> - -<p> -"It's all right," said Nancy, laughing. "I've heard -the expression before—several times." -</p> - -<p> -Colin looked at them both with mischievous amusement. -</p> - -<p> -"Hadn't you better introduce us?" suggested Mark. -"It would be more useful than standing there grinning -like a Cheshire cat." -</p> - -<p> -"I didn't think it was necessary," said Colin. -"Surely you've guessed that you're talking to the -angel?" -</p> - -<p> -Mark stared at him in bewilderment. -</p> - -<p> -"Talking to whom?" he inquired. -</p> - -<p> -"The angel," repeated Colin. "You asked me to -find you an angel, and here she is!" -</p> - -<p> -A sudden light seemed to break in upon their host's -intelligence. -</p> - -<p> -"By Jove!" he exclaimed. "You don't say so! -Come along into the study." -</p> - -<p> -He ushered them both into a snug, comfortably -furnished room, lined all round with books, where a -table was set out for tea and a bright fire was burning -in the grate. -</p> - -<p> -"Now, Colin," he demanded, "were you pulling my -leg, or is this really a fact?" -</p> - -<p> -"Of course it's a fact," said Colin, "and a very -nice one too." -</p> - -<p> -"I can see that for myself," retorted Mark. He -turned to Nancy and pushed forward a chair. "Do sit -down," he added. "You must forgive my being rather -stupid, but I really thought Colin was joking. You see, -I only mentioned the matter to him a few hours ago." -</p> - -<p> -"It doesn't take me long to do a little job like that," -said Colin, "not when I once start it." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy was about to speak when she was interrupted -by a plaintive request from outside that someone would -open the door. Colin hastened to comply, and Mrs. Mark, -carrying a teapot and a large covered plate, -sailed smilingly into the room. -</p> - -<p> -"Be careful of the crumpets, Colin," she said, as he -relieved her of her burden. "I have done them with -a double lot of butter in honour of your visit." -</p> - -<p> -Mark laid his hand on his wife's shoulder. -</p> - -<p> -"Mary," he said, wheeling her round so that she -faced Nancy, "do you know who this is?" -</p> - -<p> -"Of course I do," was the answer. "We were -introduced to each other on the doorstep. I had no idea -that Colin had such nice friends." -</p> - -<p> -"But you haven't heard the really thrilling part of -it. This is the dream secretary who is going to get us -out of all our troubles." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, how splendid!" exclaimed Mary, but before -she could add anything further Nancy rose to her feet -with a little protesting gesture. -</p> - -<p> -"Please," she said, "please! You're making me feel -the most dreadful humbug and impostor!" She turned -to Colin. "Do tell them the truth, Doctor Gray." -</p> - -<p> -"I'm only waiting for the chance," said Colin. -</p> - -<p> -With a good-natured chuckle Mark placed his pipe -on the mantelpiece, and pulled up a couple of chairs -to the table. -</p> - -<p> -"Fire ahead, my lad," he observed. "That's to -say, if you can eat crumpets and talk intelligibly at the -same time." -</p> - -<p> -Spurred on by this encouragement, Colin set about -his task with obvious relish. He was a good hand at -telling a story, and under his eloquent treatment the -slightly unusual circumstances which had attended his -first introduction to Nancy lost nothing in dramatic -freshness. Retailed, indeed, amid the chink of -tea-cups and the pleasant crackling of the wood fire, they -seemed to appear more romantic than ever, and both -Mark and Mary listened to him with a fascinated -interest which showed itself plainly in their faces. -</p> - -<p> -Having described the capture of "Ginger Dick" -and done full justice to the spirited behaviour of Nancy -during the operations, he went on to relate how he had -walked back with her to the studio, and had been -admitted into the secret of her profession. -</p> - -<p> -"Of course," he finished, "directly I heard that I -knew where I was. You'd asked me to find you a -resourceful angel, and here she was fluttering round -Chelsea wasting her life typing out bad stories! The -whole thing was evidently a put-up job on the part of -Providence." -</p> - -<p> -"It seems to be like a direct answer to prayer," said -Mark, with considerable enthusiasm. "I can hardly -believe it even now." -</p> - -<p> -Mary leaned across and began refilling Nancy's cup. -"My dear," she begged, "please say that it's true. -You can't imagine how it will relieve our feelings. If -Colin has been misrepresenting the situation I shall -burst into floods of tears." -</p> - -<p> -"I am afraid he has," declared Nancy, laughing, -"but only with regard to my qualifications. If I -really thought that I could be of any use to you, there's -nothing I should like better than to come and work -here." -</p> - -<p> -Mark rose to his feet and brandished the teacup -triumphantly over his head. -</p> - -<p> -"This is magnificent," he exclaimed. "What the -Prayer Book calls 'a happy issue out of all our -afflictions.'" -</p> - -<p> -His wife regarded him with an affectionate smile. -"You had better control your feelings, Mark," she -said. "If you go on like that Miss Seymour will -think you're mad, and she'll probably resign straight -away." She turned to Nancy. "I should hate to -say anything that could possibly put you off, but I -think it's only fair to give you a word of warning. -You are so young and so pretty that it seems a shame -you should bury yourself in Shadwell. We do our -best to be cheerful, but, you know, a doctor's -practice in the East End of London is nearly all hard -work and no play. You will probably find it horribly -depressing." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy shook her head. "I am not afraid of that," -she said. "I rather like hard work as long as it's -useful. What I'm doubtful about is whether I can do -what you want." -</p> - -<p> -"Good Lord, yes," exclaimed Mark hastily. "It's -only just a matter of common sense. Mary would -put you up to the ropes in half an hour." -</p> - -<p> -"What are you doing now?" suggested the latter. -"Why don't you stay on here and have supper with -us? There will be plenty of time before then to give -you a rough idea of what the work is like, and we can -settle up the whole thing straight away." -</p> - -<p> -Mary glanced at Colin. "It sounds a good idea," -she agreed. "I suppose I can get home by train?" -</p> - -<p> -"You won't have to worry about that," said Colin. -"I'll take the car up to the garage and do my repairs, -and then come down again and join you here." -</p> - -<p> -In a half-humorous, half-wistful fashion Nancy -looked round at all three of them. -</p> - -<p> -"I am not used to people being so kind," she said. -"Unless somebody's disagreeable soon I am afraid -I shall begin to cry." -</p> - -<p> -Mary came up to her and again squeezed her hands -affectionately. "You must never cry in this house, -my dear," she said. "It's the only form of -dissipation that Mark won't allow." -</p> - -<p class="t3"> -* * * * * * * * * -</p> - -<p> -It was exactly two and a half hours later when -Colin, straightening himself with a grunt, turned -triumphantly to the pessimistic Davis. -</p> - -<p> -"I think we've fixed her this time," he observed, -wiping his hands on his dungaree trousers. "It will -be nice to be able to push along at a reasonable pace -without feeling that something's going to give." -</p> - -<p> -The other lifted up the front seat and thrust -away the spanner which he had been holding in his -hand. -</p> - -<p> -"It didn't seem to make much difference," he -replied, "not judgin' by the way you started off this -afternoon. I was half expectin' you and that young -lady to come back on a couple of stretchers." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, we got along all right," said Colin. "Miss -Seymour enjoyed the drive very much indeed." -</p> - -<p> -"Did she?" was the somewhat incredulous answer. -"Well, I reckon if she knew the state that steering -gear was in she must be hard up for a bit of excitement." -</p> - -<p> -Colin laughed, and, stripping off his overalls, stuffed -them away into an open locker. -</p> - -<p> -"You had better let me have the key," he said. "I -don't suppose I shall be back till about eleven. I have -promised to go down to Shadwell for supper, only I -must slip round to the hospital and tidy myself up -first." -</p> - -<p> -Davis handed over the desired article, and a few -minutes afterward, leaving his car in the gutter, -Colin hurried up the steps of St. Christopher's and -passed in through the swing doors. -</p> - -<p> -On catching sight of him the porter stepped out -from his box. -</p> - -<p> -"Telegram for you, sir," he announced. "Come in -about a quarter of an hour ago." -</p> - -<p> -Colin paused beneath the big centre light and, -ripping open the envelope, pulled out its contents. -</p> - -<p> -The message was short but very much to the point: -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="quote"> -"Please call at the Red Lodge to-morrow -three-thirty.—CARTER." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap03"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER THREE -</h3> - -<p> -In the days when a young and promising draper, -called Mr. John Barker, had recently opened a small -shop in the High Street, Kensington, Campden Hill -was a singularly attractive place to live in. The -favourite resort of affluent artists, retired judges, and -other persons of culture and dignity, it still managed -to retain a semi-rural tranquillity unknown to any -other part of central London. -</p> - -<p> -Time, however, which has dealt nobly with Mr. Barker, -has unfortunately robbed the district of most -of its former charm. Of the old-fashioned houses -which stood formerly in their own pleasant grounds -only a sadly thinned remnant now survive. Tucked -away in odd corners, amid an ever-encroaching flood of -"desirable modern residences," they seem to wait sadly -for the hour when, in a cloud of dust and mortar, the -relentless tapping of the pick serves for their funeral -bell. -</p> - -<p> -The Red Lodge, the home of Professor Carter, -dated back to the leisured days of George the Third. -It was a square, creeper-clad house, surrounded by a -high wall, with a covered passageway leading up -from the street to the front door. Through the -outside gate, the upper half of which consisted of an -iron grille, the curiously minded passer-by could, by -straining his neck, just obtain a glimpse into the -neglected garden. Whether it were worth his while -to indulge in such contortions, however, was a matter -of some doubt, for a desolate expanse of ill-kept lawn, -dotted here and there with stunted bushes and overhung -by gaunt trees, was the only prospect that -rewarded his enterprise. -</p> - -<p> -Standing on the pavement, Colin inspected what -was probably his future residence with a considerable -amount of curiosity. He was not in the least fanciful, -but even to a thoroughly healthy imagination the old -house certainly presented a forlorn and rather mysterious -aspect. There seemed to him nothing surprising -in the fact that, having once been burgled, the -Professor had begun to feel the need of a trustworthy -assistant, especially if he were engaged in researches -which would undoubtedly possess a large financial -value. -</p> - -<p> -On the right of the gate a rusty bell-handle lolled -out dejectedly from its socket. Colin gave it a -vigorous pull, and a distant jingling somewhere inside the -house told him that the wire was still in working -order. -</p> - -<p> -Looking through the grille, he waited patiently -for the best part of a minute. At last he heard the -sound of somebody fumbling with a chain, then the -front door opened, and an old, bent woman came -slowly down the steps. -</p> - -<p> -Holding her shawl together with one hand, she -shuffled along to the end of the passage and peered -at him through the ironwork. -</p> - -<p> -"Are you the gentleman that's expected?" she asked -suspiciously. -</p> - -<p> -"It's quite likely," said Colin. "Anyhow, I had a -telegram from Professor Carter asking me to call at -three-thirty." -</p> - -<p> -"That must be right, then," was the somewhat -grudging answer, and, turning the lock, she pulled back -the gate just wide enough for him to enter. -</p> - -<p> -Following her up the passageway and through the -front door, Colin found himself in a big, well-lighted -hall, at the back of which a couple of French windows -opened out into the garden behind. Several pieces -of massive Victorian furniture were ranged symmetrically -round the walls, and a broad, thickly carpeted -staircase led up to the landing above. -</p> - -<p> -"If you'll step into the library," observed his guide, -"I'll tell Mr. Carter you've come." -</p> - -<p> -She opened a door on the right, and, accepting her -invitation, Colin passed through into a long, cheerless -apartment, three sides of which were almost -completely lined with books. There was no fire in the -grate, and such chairs as there were looked so -extremely uncomfortable that only the most hardened -man of letters could have described it as an agreeable -resort. -</p> - -<p> -Colin did not attempt to sit down. After a cursory -glance round he walked over to the nearest bookcase -and began to examine the titles of some of the -volumes, all of which appeared to deal with scientific -subjects, a fair proportion of them being in French -and German. He was deep in this occupation when -he heard the door open, and, wheeling round quickly, -he found the Professor coming toward him. -</p> - -<p> -Like every other young investigator, Colin was -more or less familiar with photographs of his host, -but all the same the latter's appearance in real life -came to him with something of a shock. A very old -man, wearing a skull cap, from which long white -hair hung down over his collar, he seemed at first -sight to be almost pitifully frail and feeble. It was -only when a second glance revealed the gleam which -still lurked behind his gold spectacles and the dour, -obstinate lines of his mouth and chin that this sense -of physical weakness was swept away by a sudden -impression of extraordinary intellectual power and -immense force of character. -</p> - -<p> -With a little exclamation of annoyance he advanced -to where Colin was standing. -</p> - -<p> -"I am sorry that you should have been left alone -in this ice house," he began in a high, quavering -voice. "I can't imagine why Mrs. Ramsay showed -you in here, except that she happens to be a born -fool." -</p> - -<p> -Colin accepted the thin, veined hand which the old -scientist offered him. -</p> - -<p> -"I have been quite happy, thank you, sir," he said. -"I have been inspecting your library." -</p> - -<p> -"I trust that you found something to entertain -you," was the answer. "There are some interesting -books here, but, unfortunately, they are mixed up -with a good deal of trash. Every ignoramus who -airs his views on some subject about which he knows -nothing seems to think it necessary to send me a -copy." He turned toward the entrance. "You had better -come into my study," he added. "There is a nice fire -there, and we can talk in comfort." -</p> - -<p> -Leading the way to the door, he conducted Colin -across the hall into another and almost similarly -shaped room exactly opposite. Here also the walls -were lined with bookcases, but, thanks to the fire and -one or two easy chairs, there was a certain air of -homeliness altogether lacking in the library. -</p> - -<p> -The Professor made a gesture towards a dilapidated -couch. -</p> - -<p> -"Sit down, Mr. Gray," he continued. "I don't -know whether you appreciate a good cigar, but if -you do I can offer you something a little out of the -ordinary. Of course, if you are sufficiently young -and barbarous to prefer a pipe don't hesitate to say -so." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I'm not an expert," admitted Colin. "All -the same, I like to improve my education when I get -the chance." -</p> - -<p> -The old man smiled grimly, and, moving across to -a black oak bureau in the corner, returned with a -box of long, delicately shaped Havanas. -</p> - -<p> -"Smoking is the one pleasure left which I can still -enjoy," he explained. "Under the circumstances, I -take particular care to have the best." -</p> - -<p> -He waited until Colin had lighted up, and then, -following his example, placed the box on the table -between them and seated himself in a big armchair in -front of the fire. -</p> - -<p> -"And now, my young friend," he said, "let us get to -business. I believe that Onslow has said something -to you about my reasons for asking you to come and -see me." -</p> - -<p> -Colin nodded. "Sir George called at the hospital -yesterday," he said. "I understood from him that -you were thinking of engaging a resident assistant, -and that he had suggested me as a possible choice." -</p> - -<p> -The Professor drew down the corners of his mouth -in a dry smile. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, you understood that, did you?" he remarked. -"Well, it's hardly the impression which Onslow -conveyed to me. From the enthusiastic fashion in which -he spoke about your abilities I gathered that I should -be remarkably fortunate if you would even consider -the proposal." -</p> - -<p> -Colin flushed handsomely. "Sir George has always -been uncommonly kind to me," he said, "but he knows -that I should regard it as a tremendous honour to be -allowed to work under you." -</p> - -<p> -The Professor looked at him over the top of his -spectacles. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I am glad to hear you speak so sensibly. -Most clever young men are intolerably conceited." He -paused. "I think I ought to make the situation -quite plain before we go any further. As Onslow may -have mentioned, this suggested arrangement of mine -isn't quite the compliment to your professional skill -which it appears to be on the surface." -</p> - -<p> -Colin laughed. "Yes, I know about that, sir," he -replied. "I can only say that if you will allow me to -assist you in the daytime I don't care how many -burglars I have to tackle at night." -</p> - -<p> -"It's hardly likely to be a regular feature of your -duties," returned the Professor. "Still, the fact -remains that this house has been broken into once, and -there seems to be no apparent reason why the same -thing shouldn't happen again." -</p> - -<p> -"Did you lose much?" asked Colin. -</p> - -<p> -The old man shook his head. "Nothing that I am -aware of. My visitor, whoever he was, got into this -room by the window. The only thing damaged was -that desk in the corner." He nodded toward the black -oak bureau. "The safe over there in which I generally -keep a certain amount of money, was absolutely -untouched." -</p> - -<p> -"He might have been interrupted in the middle of -his job," suggested Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"He might have been," assented the Professor, "but -as it happens he wasn't. It was not until Mrs. Ramsay -came in here the next morning that we had the -least idea anything was wrong." -</p> - -<p> -Colin leaned forward and knocked off his ash into -the fireplace. "It seems rather an extraordinary -thing," he remarked. "Had you any specially valuable -papers—I mean, anything like a description of -some new scientific process—which people might want -to get hold of?" -</p> - -<p> -"I daresay I had," was the answer, "but if so it -was certainly not in that desk. I keep everything -relating to my work in a special cabinet in the -laboratory. You would think that a gentleman who was -sufficiently intelligent to try to steal things of that -nature would at least assure himself first that he was -on the right ground." -</p> - -<p> -"What had the police got to say about it?" Colin -inquired. "I suppose you called them in?" -</p> - -<p> -"I did nothing of the sort," returned the Professor -abruptly. "I have only a very limited amount of -time remaining to me, and there are plenty of excellent -ways in which I can occupy it. Because some lunatic -chooses to break open my desk and rummage through -my papers I fail to see why I should waste several -valuable hours standing in a witness box answering -superfluous and probably impertinent questions. All -the same, these sorts of experiences are extremely -upsetting to a man of my age. They alarm the -household and they distract me from my work. -In case of a similar experience, I should be glad -to feel that there was someone on the premises -who could be trusted to act with promptness and -efficiency." -</p> - -<p> -"You can depend on me for that," said Colin, "as -long as I'm not asleep." -</p> - -<p> -There was a brief pause while the Professor took -off his spectacles and polished them with a red silk -handkerchief. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, now that we understand each other," he -continued, "I think it would be as well to discuss -one or two practical details. With regard to your -remuneration, for instance. I don't know what -you are getting at St. Christopher's, but I propose -to give you four hundred a year. You will have no -expenses living in the house, so unless you are -foolishly extravagant that ought to be quite an adequate -salary." -</p> - -<p> -"It will do me very nicely," said Colin. "As a matter -of fact, I've got a little money of my own, and the -only extravagant habit I've developed so far is -keeping a car." -</p> - -<p> -The Professor grunted. "When I was your age," -he remarked, "young men either walked or rode. -Still, as long as you are capable of amusing yourself -it doesn't matter to me how you spend your leisure -time." He replaced his spectacles and returned -the handkerchief to his breast pocket "I shall give -instructions that you are to be properly looked after, -but whether they will be carried out is another -matter. Since my man Kennedy left me I have had no -one in the house except Mrs. Ramsay and the cook. -They are both old, like myself, and my own wants -are so simple that their ideas of catering are probably -a little on the Spartan side. If you find you are -uncomfortable, or that you are not getting enough to -eat and drink, you must let me know." He paused. -"As for recreation or entertainment—well, if you are -expecting anything of that nature you are coming to -the wrong place. The only visitor I ever have is my -solicitor, Mr. Medwin, whom, by the way, I am -expecting this afternoon. I warn you frankly that -unless you can throw yourself into your work you will -find life here intolerably dull." -</p> - -<p> -Colin shook his head. "I don't think we need discuss -that, sir," he said cheerfully. "Anyway, as far -as my present feelings are concerned I wouldn't change -places with any one in England." -</p> - -<p> -With another and rather more approving grunt the -Professor hoisted himself slowly out of his chair. -</p> - -<p> -"You seem to have some sense, my young friend," -he observed. "How would you like to come along -and look at the laboratory? I don't suppose Medwin -will be here for another twenty minutes." -</p> - -<p> -"I should like it very much," said Colin promptly. -</p> - -<p> -He rose to his feet, and, dropping the stump of -his cigar into the fire, followed his host out of the -room and along the hall. On reaching the French -windows the Professor turned to the left, and, having -descended a couple of steps, pulled up in front of a -solid-looking door, which he proceeded to unlock with -a Yale key. -</p> - -<p> -"This, of course, is not part of the original house," -he explained. "I had it built on about twenty years -ago, and one way and another it's cost me a pretty -penny, I can tell you." -</p> - -<p> -He led the way inside, and, with an air of pride -that he made no effort to conceal, turned on the -electric light. -</p> - -<p> -For a private laboratory the place was certainly -unique. A large, lofty room, roofed with glass and -lined with white tiles, it appeared to have been fitted -up with a complete disregard for expense that would -have excited envy in the most lavishly endowed -American university. -</p> - -<p> -For several seconds Colin stood looking round in -voiceless appreciation. His eyes wandered in turn -over the shining array of taps and switches, the enamelled -basins, the big electric furnace, and all the other -up-to-date appliances which gleamed invitingly under -the hard, unshaded light. -</p> - -<p> -At last, with a sigh of satisfaction, he turned to the -Professor. -</p> - -<p> -"As long as I can work here," he said, "I don't care -what I have to eat or drink." -</p> - -<p> -Evidently pleased with his companion's enthusiasm, -the old man closed the door carefully behind them, -and, having replaced the key in his pocket, started -off on an explanatory tour of the room. With the -absorption of an expert loosed upon his favourite -topic, he moved methodically along from one spot -to another, stopping in front of each object in turn -to explain or demonstrate its various uses. -</p> - -<p> -Colin, who was more than content to play the part -of a listener, followed him round in absolute silence. -Familiar as he was with all the latest developments in -research, his acquaintance with many branches was -naturally of a rather superficial nature, and, although -he was prepared for something of the sort, the apparent -depth and accuracy of the Professor's knowledge -filled him with amazed respect. -</p> - -<p> -To what height this feeling might have attained -it is impossible to say, for just as they had arrived -at the electric furnace a sudden tap on the door -interrupted their proceedings. -</p> - -<p> -With an impatient click of his tongue the aged -scientist glanced sharply round in the direction of the -sound. -</p> - -<p> -"Now who the devil's that?" he exclaimed. "I -have given orders repeatedly that when I'm in here -I am not to be disturbed." -</p> - -<p> -He shuffled wrathfully down the room, and, jerking -open the door, revealed the lean figure of Mrs. Ramsay. -</p> - -<p> -"What's the matter?" he demanded. "Why don't -you obey my instructions?" -</p> - -<p> -"It's no good getting cross," returned the housekeeper -impassively. "You asked Mr. Medwin to call, -and you can't leave 'im sitting in the study." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, he's come, has he?" was the slightly mollified -answer. "Well, in that case I suppose we had better -go along and make ourselves civil to him." He -turned to Colin, who had followed him to the door. -"You will stay to tea, of course?" he added. -</p> - -<p> -Colin, who was trying hard not to smile, expressed -his willingness, and, having closed and locked the -laboratory, the Professor conducted him back -through the hall to the room which they had recently -quitted. -</p> - -<p> -A big, clean-shaven, middle-aged man, who was -standing in front of the fire, stepped forward at their -entrance. -</p> - -<p> -"I hope I am not too punctual," he began, in a -curiously smooth voice. "I think four o'clock was the -time you mentioned in your letter." -</p> - -<p> -He shook hands with his host, and at the same -time his glance travelled inquisitively toward Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"That's quite correct," replied the Professor. "I -was just showing the laboratory to my young friend -here. By the way, let me introduce you. Doctor -Gray—Mr. Medwin." -</p> - -<p> -Colin felt his hand enveloped in a large, soft palm, -while a pair of very acute eyes rapidly scanned his -face. -</p> - -<p> -"I am delighted to meet you," said Mr. Medwin. -</p> - -<p> -"It's a pleasure that you will probably have on -future occasions," observed the Professor. "Doctor -Gray is coming to live here as my resident assistant." -</p> - -<p> -It seemed to Colin that in spite of his bland manner -the lawyer was momentarily disconcerted. -</p> - -<p> -"Really," he observed, after a slight hesitation, "I -had no idea that you were contemplating anything of -that sort." -</p> - -<p> -"I don't suppose you had," said the Professor drily. -"The idea only occurred to me last week, but when I -make up my mind I generally act upon it at once. If -you will forgive my saying so, Medwin, it's a habit -that some members of your profession might cultivate -with advantage." -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Medwin, who appeared to have recovered his -self-possession, smiled affably. -</p> - -<p> -"I won't dispute the statement," he said. "There's -no doubt that, taking us altogether, we're a dilatory -lot." -</p> - -<p> -The arrival of Mrs. Ramsay with the tea made a -temporary diversion, and, having requested Colin to -officiate, the Professor seated himself on the couch -alongside his visitor. -</p> - -<p> -"What I chiefly wanted to see you about," he -began, "was that new agreement with the American -Dye Company. I had a letter from them yesterday, -and, with their usual transatlantic hustle, they are -anxious to get the matter settled up at once." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, there's no reason why it shouldn't be," -returned the other. "I went through the papers last -night, and they all seem to be in order. If I had -known you were in a hurry I would have brought -them along." He paused. "Perhaps Doctor Gray -would be good enough to stroll back with me as far as -my house after tea. In that case I can hand them over -to him. I would fetch them myself, but, -unfortunately, I have an engagement." -</p> - -<p> -"I can manage that all right," said Colin. "I sha'n't -be wanted at the hospital until seven." -</p> - -<p> -He finished pouring out the tea, and, having -distributed the cups, took the vacant seat on the farther -side of the fireplace. -</p> - -<p> -Somehow or other the personality of the big, suave -solicitor had already inspired him with a vague -distrust. He always disliked men with soft hands and -that particular type of voice, especially when, as in the -present case, their eyes were unpleasantly close -together. -</p> - -<p> -He had, too, an instinctive feeling that, in spite of -his apparent friendliness, Mr. Medwin was by no -means disposed to regard him as a desirable addition -to the Red Lodge. Whether it was a mere whim of -the latter's, or whether he resented the prospect of -anybody else being mixed up with the Professor's -business affairs, it was impossible to guess. The only -thing Colin felt sure about was that the announcement -of his engagement had come to the other as a -distinctly unwelcome surprise. -</p> - -<p> -After chatting away amiably for about twenty -minutes, Mr. Medwin at length rose to his feet and -announced that it was time for him to be taking his -departure. -</p> - -<p> -"I live quite close by, in Albert Terrace," he added, -turning to Colin, "so if you are in no special hurry -it's hardly worth while bothering about a taxi. You -can walk there and back in a quarter of an hour." -</p> - -<p> -"And I shall be extremely obliged to you for your -trouble, Gray," interposed the Professor. "It will -be a great convenience to me to have the papers -to-night. I am really beginning to wonder how I have -managed to get along all this time without you." -</p> - -<p> -Colin laughed, and, picking up his hat from the -side table where he had originally placed it, followed -the still smiling Mr. Medwin out into the hall and -along the covered passageway. -</p> - -<p> -They exchanged no remark until the iron gate had -closed behind them, when, turning down the hill, his -new acquaintance addressed him with an air of -good-natured amusement. -</p> - -<p> -"A queer character, our old friend," he observed. -"I always say he might have stepped bodily out of -one of Dickens's books." He paused, and eyed Colin -again with that sharp, penetrating glance of his. -"Have you known him long?" he added. -</p> - -<p> -"Not very," said Colin. "About an hour, to be exact." -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Medwin raised his eyebrows. -</p> - -<p> -"Really!" he exclaimed. "Then I suppose your -arrangement to come and live at the Red Lodge was -only decided this afternoon?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin nodded. -</p> - -<p> -"I wonder what put the idea into his head," -continued the lawyer. "It's almost the last thing one -would have expected from such a confirmed old -hermit." -</p> - -<p> -For a moment Colin hesitated. The question was -natural enough, but since the Professor had chosen -to remain silent he thought it better to keep his own -counsel. -</p> - -<p> -"There is a lot of hard work in connection with -research," he replied. "When a man gets to his -age he's bound to require a certain amount of -help." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, yes, that's true, of course," assented the other. -"As a matter of fact, I have suggested to him several -times myself that he was overtaxing his strength. The -only thing that surprises me is his proposal that you -should live in the house." He paused. "If you -won't think me inquisitive, may I ask how you came to -make his acquaintance?" -</p> - -<p> -"There was nothing very remarkable about it," -said Colin. "I happen to be house surgeon at -St. Christopher's, and Sir George Onslow, one of the -visiting physicians, was good enough to mention my -name to him." -</p> - -<p> -"I have often heard of St. Christopher's," returned -Mr. Medwin pleasantly. "A client of mine, Lord -Cleveland, was vice-chairman for several years. You'll -find your new existence rather dull, won't you, after -the life and bustle of a big hospital?" -</p> - -<p> -"I don't expect to," said Colin. "I am extremely -interested in research work, and from what I have -seen of the Professor I think we shall get along -together very nicely." -</p> - -<p> -As he spoke they came out into the High Street, -and, not knowing which way to turn, he glanced -inquiringly at his companion. -</p> - -<p> -"Straight across the road," said Mr. Medwin. -"It's only just round the corner out of Kensington -Square." -</p> - -<p> -They made their way through the traffic, and a -few minutes' walk brought them to a row of small -white, semi-detached houses, each one standing back -behind a narrow strip of garden. -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Medwin pulled up in front of the third, and -opened the gate for Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"This is my chateau," he announced. "Not quite -so magnificent as the Red Lodge, but it does well -enough for a middle-aged bachelor." -</p> - -<p> -He proceeded up the path, and, unlocking the front -door, ushered Colin into a tiny hall, the walls of which -were hung round with valuable sporting prints. -</p> - -<p> -"I prefer a small house to a flat," he continued, -"and I am lucky enough to have a French manservant -and his wife, who run the entire place for me." -</p> - -<p> -He opened a door to the left, and, switching on the -electric light, revealed a charmingly furnished dining-room. -</p> - -<p> -"Perhaps you won't mind waiting in here for a -moment," he added. "You will find some whisky and -soda and a box of cigarettes on the sideboard. Make -yourself at home while I go and fetch the papers." -</p> - -<p> -With another genial smile he disappeared into the -opposite apartment, and, accepting his invitation, -Colin strolled across the room and helped himself to -a cigarette. -</p> - -<p> -It was quite evident that, although he was -contented with a small house, Mr. Medwin was a -gentleman of taste and means. The fine Persian carpet, -the harmoniously coloured curtains, and the admirably -preserved Chippendale chairs could only have -been the choice of a man who was blessed with an -ample income and a cultivated feeling for beautiful -surroundings. -</p> - -<p> -Having surveyed everything with leisurely -appreciation, Colin mixed himself a drink and sauntered -back to the fireplace. He had taken a sip and was -reaching up to deposit his glass upon the mantelpiece -when a small photograph in a silver frame suddenly -attracted his attention. He paused mid-way and -stared at it with interest. It was a snapshot of a man -upon horseback—a rough amateur effort, apparently -taken just before the start of a steeplechase. -</p> - -<p> -The rider's face was turned full toward him, and, -slightly out of focus as the negative was, the features -seemed curiously familiar. He lifted it down and -examined it more closely. The impression that it -was a picture of someone whom he had met became -stronger than ever, but although he racked his memory -he could get no nearer toward placing the original. -</p> - -<p> -He was still puzzling over the problem when he -heard footsteps crossing the hall. Replacing the -frame in its former position, he faced round toward -the door, and the next moment Mr. Medwin entered -carrying a large envelope in his hand. -</p> - -<p> -"There are the papers," he said, handing them to -Colin. "I am sorry to have kept you waiting." His -eye fell upon the glass, and with an approving nod he -turned away in the direction of the sideboard. "I -think I shall have to follow your example," he added, -"if it's merely to drink success to your new venture." -</p> - -<p> -He splashed some spirit into a tumbler and filled it -up with water. -</p> - -<p> -"My best wishes!" he said heartily, "and I hope -that the experiment will prove a complete success." -</p> - -<p> -"I hope so, too," returned Colin. "It certainly -looks promising enough as far as it's gone at present." -</p> - -<p> -The lawyer emptied his glass and replaced it beside -the tantalus. -</p> - -<p> -"I shall be very interested to hear how you get -on," he continued. "The Professor is a wonderful -old gentleman, but of course he's inclined to be a trifle -eccentric. With a little tact, however, I think you -ought to manage him excellently. As soon as you -have settled down you must come round to dinner one -night and tell me all about it." -</p> - -<p> -Colin made some conventional reply to the effect -that he would be delighted, though, as a matter of -strict accuracy, the prospect of his confiding in -Mr. Medwin seemed to him to be a particularly remote -one. -</p> - -<p> -However, he shook hands cordially enough, and, -escorted by his host as far as the garden gate, started -off briskly down the terrace on his return journey. -</p> - -<p> -He had reached the corner and was just turning -into Kensington Square when his thoughts suddenly -went back to the photograph which he had been -examining in the dining-room. -</p> - -<p> -At the same moment a flash of memory darted -through his mind, and he pulled up short with a -half-stifled exclamation. -</p> - -<p> -He knew now! -</p> - -<p> -It was a portrait of Major Fenton, the man to whom -Nancy had introduced him outside her studio. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap04"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER FOUR -</h3> - -<p> -Colin finished his coffee and looked inquiringly across -the table. -</p> - -<p> -"Have you any special plans for this afternoon?" -he asked. "If not, I thought I'd get on with that -new parcel of stuff from Paris. The sooner it's -sorted out and classified the better." -</p> - -<p> -The Professor, who was engaged in selecting a -cigar, stopped in the middle of the operation. -</p> - -<p> -"Let me see, Gray," he observed, "how long have -you been with me?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin reflected for a moment. "I came on a -Wednesday," he said. "That will be three weeks -to-morrow." -</p> - -<p> -"And I believe," continued the Professor, "that -except for a few occasional pauses for sleep and -refreshment, you have spent the whole of that period -shut up in the laboratory." -</p> - -<p> -Colin gave a protesting laugh. "Well, I wanted to -get the hang of things as soon as possible," he replied. -"I can stand a lot of work provided it's interesting." -</p> - -<p> -"That appears to be the truth," admitted his -employer. "All the same, every piece of machinery has -its breaking-point, and, as I am beginning to find you -extremely useful, I have no wish that you should -suddenly collapse. You will therefore oblige me by going -out into the open air and not showing your face inside -this house again until bedtime." -</p> - -<p> -"Just as you please, sir," said Colin, pushing back -his chair. "I suppose it would be no use my suggesting -that you should try a little of the same prescription -yourself?" -</p> - -<p> -The Professor shook his head. "I am more favourably -situated than you, my young friend," he replied. -"In the course of nature I shall soon have -all the rest that I need." He chuckled at his own -sombre jest, and, coming forward, laid his hand on -Colin's shoulder. "You have been of very real assistance, -to me, Gray," he added, "but there is no sense -in flogging a willing horse. I can quite well spare -you to-day, so off you go, whether you like it or not." -</p> - -<p> -Colin, who had been long enough at the Red Lodge -to know the futility of arguing, at once rose to his feet. -</p> - -<p> -"I will see if I can rout out Mark Ashton," he said, -"that doctor pal of mine I was telling you about the -other day. I should think that with any luck we -ought to be able to carry on until midnight." -</p> - -<p> -He accepted a cigar which the Professor offered -him, and, making his way to the telephone in the hall, -rang up the Shadwell surgery. -</p> - -<p> -"Hullo!" came a voice, "Who's that? Colin? -Why, good Lord, man, we thought you were dead!" -</p> - -<p> -"Why should I be dead?" retorted Colin. "I'm -not one of your patients." -</p> - -<p> -He heard a laugh at the other end of the wire. -</p> - -<p> -"As a matter of fact," he continued, "I'm just -starting off to pay you a visit." -</p> - -<p> -"Splendid!" was the answer. "Mary's still away -up North, but you'll find me here, and Miss Seymour, -too. What more could you want?" -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing," assented Colin. "I was going to suggest -that if you can get away this evening I should take you -both out to a theatre." -</p> - -<p> -"No chance of that," replied Mark regretfully. -"At least, not so far as I'm concerned. I might spare -Miss Seymour if you'll do something for me on your -way here." -</p> - -<p> -"What is it?" -</p> - -<p> -"I left an umbrella in a taxi last night, a very -superior umbrella, with Mark Ashton engraved on the -handle. If you're driving down you might look in at -the Lost Property Office and see whether it's turned -up." -</p> - -<p> -"Right you are," said Colin. "I shall be along in -about an hour." -</p> - -<p> -He hung up the receiver, and, putting away the -Professor's cigar in an inside pocket, donned his hat -and coat and proceeded to leave the house. -</p> - -<p> -A little way down the hill, in a side mews off -Vicarage Gardens, he had discovered a new garage, -to which he had recently transferred his patronage. -The car was ready for him, and a few minutes later -he was seated at the driving wheel, skilfully threading -his way through the crowded traffic that renders High -Street, Kensington, such a stimulating thoroughfare. -</p> - -<p> -Big Ben was in the act of striking three as he arrived -at Westminster Bridge. He pulled up outside the -entrance to the Lost Property Office, and, pushing -open the swing door, advanced to the counter, where a -stalwart constable was thoughtfully scratching his -head with the stump of a pencil. -</p> - -<p> -Having listened in silence to Colin's inquiry, the -man got down from his seat and disappeared into -the back regions, returning almost immediately with -the umbrella in his hand. -</p> - -<p> -"You'll have to sign your name here," he announced, -pushing forward an official-looking paper. -</p> - -<p> -"And there'll be two and sixpence reward for the -driver." -</p> - -<p> -Without entering upon any superfluous explanations, -Colin paid over the desired sum, and, after -neatly forging Mark's signature, made his way back -to the car. He was leaning over the side door, -storing away his trophy, when a gruff voice suddenly -addressed him from the pavement behind. -</p> - -<p> -"Doctor Gray, unless I'm much mistaken!" -</p> - -<p> -Turning round promptly, he found himself face to -face with the burly, shrewd-eyed figure of Inspector -Marsden. -</p> - -<p> -"I thought I was right," continued the detective. -"It's part of my business to recognize people by their -back view." -</p> - -<p> -Colin gripped the large and efficient-looking hand -which the speaker extended to him. -</p> - -<p> -"I'm awfully glad to see you again," he said heartily. -"I hope you're none the worse for that little -dust-up in the King's Road?" -</p> - -<p> -"Still a bit sore in the ribs," was the answer. "I -fancy the beauty who got that kick in must have been -a footballer at some time or other in his career. I'll -give him football if I ever find out which of 'em it -was." -</p> - -<p> -"How about our ginger-haired friend?" inquired -Colin. "I've been expecting to hear every day that -I was wanted as a witness." -</p> - -<p> -"You'll be wanted all right," replied the Inspector. -"He's under remand at present, and I don't suppose -the case will come on for another month. There are -several pretty black marks against Master Dick, and -we hope to collect enough evidence to put him out of -business for some considerable period." He paused. -"By the way," he added, "if you've a few minutes to -spare, come along up to our place and let me introduce -you to one or two of the boys. I told them what you -did for us the other day, and they'd be glad of the -chance of shaking hands with you." -</p> - -<p> -Knowing that Mark was unlikely to be free until -four o'clock, Colin decided that he might as well -accept the invitation. He had never been inside -Scotland Yard, and the prospect rather appealed to -him. -</p> - -<p> -"What shall I do with the car?" he asked. "Leave -it here?" -</p> - -<p> -"Better bring it into the yard," said the Inspector. -"No one will try to pinch it then—not unless he's a -bit of an optimist." -</p> - -<p> -Getting into his seat, Colin started forward alongside -his companion, and turned in through the big iron -gates which guard the headquarters of the London -Police Force. -</p> - -<p> -There were several other cars standing against the -wall, and, leaving his own in company with them, he -followed the Inspector through a low doorway and up -a long flight of stone stairs. -</p> - -<p> -They emerged into a broad corridor with doors on -either side. -</p> - -<p> -"Here we are!" announced his guide, halting in -front of the second. "I don't know who's on duty -to-day, but we're sure to find somebody about." -</p> - -<p> -He led the way into a large, business-like apartment, -the principal furniture of which consisted of a couple -of roll-top desks. At one of them was seated an -alert-looking man in a well-cut blue suit, who glanced -up sharply at their entrance. -</p> - -<p> -"Hullo, Pat!" said the Inspector. "I've got someone -here I want to introduce you to. This is Doctor -Gray of St. Christopher's Hospital." -</p> - -<p> -The other laid down his pen, and, rising from his -chair, shook Colin's hand. -</p> - -<p> -"You're welcome, sir," he said, with a distinctly -Irish accent. "We have heard all about you from -our friend Marsden. My name is O'Brien—Inspector -Patrick O'Brien. I am pleased to have the privilege -of making your acquaintance." -</p> - -<p> -"It's very nice of you to put it like that," said Colin. -"I don't think I deserve any particular compliments, -though. I only did what any one else would have done -who had happened to be on the spot." -</p> - -<p> -Both men smiled. -</p> - -<p> -"That may be your impression," was the answer, -"but you can take it from me that you're a trifle off -the mark. Watching a police officer kicked to death -is one of the public's favourite entertainments." -</p> - -<p> -"O'Brien comes from Dublin, you see," put in Marsden, -"so you must make allowances for a touch of -bitterness." He pulled forward a chair, and, thrusting -his hand into his pocket, produced a large rubber -pouch. "Make yourself comfortable and try a pipe -of this tobacco, doctor," he added. "It was given to -me by a ship's captain, and they don't generally go far -wrong—not from what I've seen of them." -</p> - -<p> -Colin took the proffered seat, and, drawing out his -briar, proceeded to fill it carefully with the fragrant -brown flakes. -</p> - -<p> -"I'm rather interested in 'Ginger Dick,'" he -remarked. "One would hardly take him for a Napoleon -of crime, judging by his appearance." -</p> - -<p> -"No, his looks aren't anything to shout about," -agreed Marsden. "All the same, he's a dangerous -little devil if ever there was one. As I told you the -other day, he's in with all the lowest scum of the Turf, -and, thanks to him and his crowd, there are several of -our boys on the retired list, and likely to remain -there." -</p> - -<p> -"It never occurred to me before," said Colin, "but -I suppose there are healthier occupations than being -a detective on a racecourse." -</p> - -<p> -"You can back on that," was O'Brien's rejoinder. -"I've had some of it myself, and, though I'm partial -to what you may call an active life, I wasn't exactly -sorry when they shifted me to another department." -</p> - -<p> -"Tell him some of your experiences, Pat," suggested -Inspector Marsden. "It's no use having a distinguished -guest if you don't try to entertain him." -</p> - -<p> -The Irishman, who apparently only needed this -encouragement, plunged at once into a series of -reminiscences, all dealing with that dark underworld of -ruffianism which lurks furtively beneath the brilliant -surface of racing. He told his stories well, and Colin, -who knew little or nothing about the Turf, listened to -him with absorbed interest. It was not, indeed, until -the hands of the office clock were pointing to the -half-hour that he reluctantly knocked out his pipe into the -fireplace and rose from his chair. -</p> - -<p> -"I hate to break up this cheerful party," he said -truthfully, "but I've promised to be down in Shadwell -by four, and I've got an unpleasant sort of feeling -that I must be keeping you both from your work." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, you needn't worry about that," replied Marsden, -smiling. "I'm fixed here until midnight anyway, -and, no matter how busy Pat is, he can always find -time to talk." -</p> - -<p> -"I want to hear some more of his reminiscences," -said Colin, "and yours, too. Perhaps if you could -both get away together the same evening you would -come out and feed with me? We could go to the -Cheshire Cheese or somewhere like that. I can't ask -you to my place, because at present I'm acting as -bottle-washer to Professor Carter." -</p> - -<p> -"The Cheshire Cheese sounds all right to me," said -O'Brien approvingly. "You give us a ring when -you've got a spare night, and we'll try and fix it up." -</p> - -<p> -"Things are getting altogether too one-sided," -objected Marsden. "Can't you think of a little -service we could do for you, doctor, just by way of -a change?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin was on the point of making some laughing -disclaimer, when an idea suddenly occurred to him. -</p> - -<p> -"Would it be a lot of trouble to get me some -information about a man I was introduced to the other -day?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -"Not a bit," replied Marsden. "What's his name?" -</p> - -<p> -"Fenton," said Colin. "Major Fenton. He's a -chap of about forty-five, tall, clean-shaven, with rather -a red face. All I know about him is that he has been -a long time abroad, and that at present he is living in -London and drives a Daimler car. It's only a matter -of personal curiosity, but if you could find out who he -is and what sort of reputation he has I should be -uncommonly grateful." -</p> - -<p> -Marsden jotted down the particulars and folded up -the paper. -</p> - -<p> -"That ought to be simple enough," he replied. -"I'll hand this over to Ainsworth, who's in charge -of all that kind of thing, and if you look us up in about -a week we shall probably be able to give you the -gentleman's life history." -</p> - -<p> -Colin expressed his thanks, and, having shaken -hands with each of them in turn, made his way back -down the staircase and out into the main courtyard. -</p> - -<p> -Resuming his journey eastward, he followed the -Embankment as far as Blackfriars Bridge, where he -struck off through a maze of side streets, which -eventually brought him out close to the grimy and retired -tavern presided over by Mr. Higgins. -</p> - -<p> -The yard door was open, and a glance inside -revealed the burly outline of the proprietor himself, -engaged in the domestic task of washing his bull -terrier. On hearing the car he paused in his -operations and signalled to Colin to enter. -</p> - -<p> -"Bring 'er along in, mister," he called out. "Bring -'er along in, an' look out for that bleedin' bucket." -</p> - -<p> -Carrying out these instructions successfully, Colin -jerked forward over the cobblestones until he came to -a halt alongside the seated figure. -</p> - -<p> -"Pleased to see yer," continued Mr. Higgins, in a -hospitable tone. "Quite a time since you was 'ere -last, ain't it?" -</p> - -<p> -"It's getting on for a month," admitted Colin, as -he clambered out of the car. "In fact I've not been -since the night I brought Miss Seymour." -</p> - -<p> -At the mention of Nancy's name the landlord's -mottled face wreathed itself into a smile. -</p> - -<p> -"Didn't know then that you was goin' to leave 'er -be'ind yer," he observed jocularly. "Thought you'd -give us a kind of pleasant surprise, eh, guv'nor?" -</p> - -<p> -"That was the idea," replied Colin. "I was just -going to ask you if you'd seen anything of her." -</p> - -<p> -"I done more than that," was the proud rejoinder; -"I've 'ad a talk with 'er, I 'ave. I 'appened to be -outside when she come by last Thursday, an' she -stopped and chatted away as friendly as kiss me 'and. -Ah, she's one o' the right sort, she is; no blarsted -frills nor nonsense about 'er." -</p> - -<p> -"I suppose she'll be quite safe going about alone?" -said Colin. "People know she's working for the doctor?" -</p> - -<p> -"Lor' love yer, yus," ejaculated Mr. Higgins. "No -one wouldn't interfere with 'er, not round 'ere. This -ain't the West End. We knows 'ow to be'ave -ourselves in Shadwell." -</p> - -<p> -"I'm just going along to the surgery now," said -Colin. "I'll tell her some of the nice things you've -been saying about her." -</p> - -<p> -"You do," was the answer. "An' you can add, -with my best respecks, mister, that if ever she'd -honour this 'ouse by droppin' in and takin' a cup o' tea, -there'd be no prouder man than Bill 'Iggins, not in the -'ole of London." -</p> - -<p> -Five minutes later, with a pleasant tingle of anticipation -in his heart, Colin mounted the steps of Mark's -residence and jerked briskly at the bell. The door -was opened by Martha Jane, the fat, grubby-faced -little maid-of-all-work, who welcomed him with the -grin of an old acquaintance. -</p> - -<p> -"You'll find 'em hupstairs in the study," she -announced, in answer to his inquiry. "I know they're -expectin' you, 'cos the doctor told me not to bring tea -till you came." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, here I am," said Colin. "Is there anything -good to eat?" -</p> - -<p> -"I'm makin' scones," replied Martha Jane. "Some -o' them yaller ones, wot you gen'rally seems to fancy." -</p> - -<p> -Colin stepped inside and deposited Mark's umbrella -in the hat stand. -</p> - -<p> -"You push off and continue the good work," he -remarked. "I'll find my own way up." -</p> - -<p> -Still grinning, Martha Jane closed the front door -and shuffled along the passage toward the kitchen. -Just as she disappeared there was a sound on the -landing above and Mark's spectacled face protruded -itself over the banisters. -</p> - -<p> -"You've been a devil of a time coming," he observed. -"We were beginning to think you must have -had a breakdown." -</p> - -<p> -"I like that!" retorted Colin, struggling out of his -overcoat. "Here have I been chasing all round London -after your infernal umbrella——" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, you've got it, have you?" interrupted Mark. -"That's topping. You don't know how deeply -indebted I am to you." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I do," said Colin. "Exactly half-a-crown—what -I had to give the cabman as a reward for his -honesty." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy's face appeared suddenly beside that of -her employer and smiled down at him in friendly -welcome. -</p> - -<p> -"Please don't start quarrelling about money," she -said pathetically. "I'm simply dying for a cup of -tea." -</p> - -<p> -There seemed to be something strangely familiar -and attractive to Colin in the mere sound of her voice, -and, running lightly up the staircase, he pressed both -their hands in a simultaneous greeting. -</p> - -<p> -"I'm so sorry," he exclaimed. "I was forgetting -the brutal way in which Mark always treats his staff. -I suppose he has been working you to death and half -starving you at the same time." -</p> - -<p> -"Of course I have," declared Mark. "Look at her -worn and haggard appearance." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, we haven't been exactly idle," admitted -Nancy, laughing. "All the same, I think I am bearing -up pretty well." -</p> - -<p> -Mark led the way into the study, where a table was -already laid, and waved his hand toward the largest -of the armchairs. -</p> - -<p> -"You take the seat of honour, Colin," he said. -"It's a privilege we always keep for distinguished -strangers." -</p> - -<p> -"There's no need to rub it in," objected Colin. -"I should have looked you up ages ago if it hadn't -been for my devotion to duty. This is the first -holiday I've had since I went to the Professor's." -</p> - -<p> -"How are you getting on?" asked Nancy. -</p> - -<p> -"Up to the present," replied Colin modestly, "I -think I have given what they call complete satisfaction." -</p> - -<p> -"What's the old man like?" demanded Mark. -"Easy to live with?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin hesitated. "It all depends," he answered. -"We've managed to hit it off well enough, but then -I've rather gone out of my way to humour his little -weaknesses. He's one of the sort that you've just -got to take or leave. As long as you do exactly what -he wants he's kindness itself. If any one tried to -oppose him or contradict him I should think he could -be distinctly unpleasant." -</p> - -<p> -"There must be a lot of people about like that," -said Nancy. "At least, I seem to have run up against -a good few." -</p> - -<p> -"And how do you stand with regard to the job?" -inquired Mark. "I suppose he doesn't let you into -more secrets than he can possibly help?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes, he does," replied Colin. "He lets me into -everything. I've soaked up so much knowledge the -last three weeks that I'm beginning to wonder whether -there's anything left to learn." -</p> - -<p> -Mark gazed at him with a certain amount of -incredulity. "Do you mean to say that if he died -to-morrow you would be in a position to carry on his -work?" -</p> - -<p> -"I'd have a damn good shot at it, anyway," declared -Colin. "Of course, I haven't a quarter of his ability, -but he's discussed all his ideas with me, and explained -them in such detail that if I couldn't make something -or other out of them I should be next door to an -idiot." -</p> - -<p> -Mark turned to Nancy and nodded his head. "It's -panning out just as I prophesied," he said sadly. "We -sha'n't see much more of him at Shadwell. Before we -can look round he'll be splashing about in a -Rolls-Royce and——" -</p> - -<p> -His prediction was cut short by the sudden appearance -of Martha Jane, who lurched in through the -doorway carrying a large tray and breathing -somewhat heavily from her exertions. -</p> - -<p> -"I vote that we adjourn the discussion of my -future," suggested Colin, as they pulled up their chairs -round the table. "It's your private affairs that -interest me, Mark. As the person responsible for the -engagement I want to know whether you are pleased -with your new assistant." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy, who had seated herself in front of the tray, -paused with the teapot in mid-air. -</p> - -<p> -"This is very embarrassing," she observed. "Hadn't -I better leave the room for a few moments?" -</p> - -<p> -"You go on pouring out," said Mark firmly. "You -can blush just as well here as in the passage." He -helped himself to a scone and pushed the plate across -the table toward Colin. "When you told us you'd -found an angel, my lad," he continued, "you were -speaking the literal truth. I had no idea that there -was another such woman in the world apart from -Mary." -</p> - -<p> -"Don't listen to him," interrupted Nancy hastily. -"The truth is that both he and Mrs. Ashton are so -ridiculously good-natured that they hadn't the heart -to turn me away." -</p> - -<p> -"I know Mary's opinion already," said Colin. "I -had a touching little letter from her just before she -went North. She seems to regard me as a highly -successful understudy of Providence." -</p> - -<p> -"And, by Gad, it's true!" broke in Mark with -enthusiasm. "I should have been absolutely in the soup -without Miss Seymour. She's simply splendid, Colin. -Down here at nine o'clock every morning, and working -away like a galley slave until seven or eight in the -evening." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, that's what I'm paid for," objected Nancy. -"And, besides, I don't look on it as work. I so enjoy -the feeling that I'm doing something useful, instead -of sitting all day typing out a lot of stories that nobody -wants to read." -</p> - -<p> -"What do the patients think of the arrangement?" -asked Colin. "I gathered from Mr. Higgins that -it's one of the principal topics of local interest." -</p> - -<p> -"It's been the best advertisement I ever had," -replied Mark, with a chuckle. "I was a little doubtful -at first, so I've told everybody that Miss Seymour -and Mary are first cousins. We're rather strong on -the conventions in Shadwell, and that put everything -on a nice, respectable footing." -</p> - -<p> -"I don't like tampering with the truth," said Colin. -"All the same, it has its advantages at times." He -glanced mischievously at Nancy. "In future, for -instance," he added, "it will be obviously necessary -that we should both address you by your Christian -name." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy laughed. "I never thought of that," she -said. "It shows how unaccustomed I am to anything -in the nature of deception." -</p> - -<p> -"You'll soon improve," returned Colin hopefully. -"It's wonderful what one can do after a month or -two with the medical profession." He leaned -forward and selected another scone from the rapidly -dwindling pile. "Now what about that theatre idea -of mine?" he continued. "Can't you possibly manage -it, Mark? I'll do the thing in a really generous -way—stand you dinner and seats and drive you both home -in the car afterward." -</p> - -<p> -Mark shook his head reluctantly. "I'd come like -a shot if I could," he replied, "but I've about twenty -prescriptions to make up and a dozen cases to -attend to." He paused. "All the same," he added, -"there's no earthly reason why you shouldn't take -Miss Seymour." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, that's not fair," protested Nancy. "I can't -go off and leave you to do all the work." -</p> - -<p> -Mark folded his arms. "There's only one thing -I demand from my staff," he observed sternly, "and -that is complete and unquestioning obedience." He -turned to Colin. "What you both want," he added, -"is some fresh air and a little healthy amusement. -Why not have a run out into the country first? It's -a fine evening, and you can get back up West in plenty -of time for the theatre." -</p> - -<p> -"Now I call that a jolly bright notion!" exclaimed -Colin. "What do you say, Cousin Nancy?" -</p> - -<p> -"It sounds most tempting," agreed Nancy. "All -the same, I think it would be horribly selfish. I am -sure that if any one needs an evening off it's the doctor. -The last thing I promised Mrs. Ashton was not to -allow him to overwork." -</p> - -<p> -"I am the head of the family," insisted Mark, "and -my orders are that you leave this house directly you've -finished tea. Take her for a good long spin to start -with, Colin, give her a nice dinner, and then get seats -for something really frivolous and cheerful. That's -my prescription, and I depend on you to see that it's -properly administered." -</p> - -<p class="t3"> -* * * * * * * * * -</p> - -<p> -With her eyes shining, and her cheeks flushed by -the wind, Nancy stepped out of the car on to the -comparatively deserted pavement of Whitcomb -Street. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh!" she said with a faint sigh. "That was simply -heavenly!" -</p> - -<p> -Colin, who had jumped down first to open the door, -looked at her with an approving twinkle. -</p> - -<p> -"Not bad, was it?" he agreed. "We've only been -an hour and a half and we must have done at least -forty miles." -</p> - -<p> -He glanced round in the direction of the Motor -Club, outside which they had alighted, and at the -same moment a broad-shouldered, seedy-looking -gentleman in a dilapidated ulster suddenly appeared out -of the darkness. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, there you are, Joe," he continued. "I want -you to look after the car for me. We're dining and -going to a theatre, so I don't suppose I shall be back -until half-past eleven." -</p> - -<p> -"That's all right, sir," replied Joe comfortingly. -"You'll find me 'ere, no matter wot time you come." -</p> - -<p> -"Now, where shall we make for?" inquired Colin, -turning to Nancy. "Unless you've any particular -choice I suggest Romano's and the Vaudeville." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy looked a little doubtful. "I'm thinking of -my clothes," she explained. "I'm not fit to go -anywhere really smart." -</p> - -<p> -Colin studied her critically. "Don't you believe -it," he said. "You could walk straight into Paradise -without even tidying up." -</p> - -<p> -He slipped half-a-crown into Joe's hand, and, taking -Nancy firmly by the elbow, piloted her across the -street in the direction of Leicester Square. -</p> - -<p> -Ten minutes later, escorted by a sympathetic -manager, they were making their way toward a small -table in the balcony of the famous Strand restaurant. -</p> - -<p> -"You order the dinner," said Nancy, as they took -their seats. "I always enjoy things much more if -somebody else chooses them." -</p> - -<p> -She leaned forward in her chair and looked down -contentedly at the animated scene below, while Colin -picked up the menu and studied it with becoming -gravity. -</p> - -<p> -"I think we'll have a little clear soup to start with," -he began, "followed by sole <i>à la bonne femme</i>, a roast -grouse, and iced meringues." He paused. "Do -you prefer champagne or sparkling Moselle?" -</p> - -<p> -"I don't know," said Nancy frankly. "I've never -tasted either of them." -</p> - -<p> -"We'll have a half bottle of both then," said Colin. -"You can try them and see which you like best, and -I'll drink the other." -</p> - -<p> -"By the way," he added, as the waiter hurried off -with the order, "have you been seeing anything of that -friend of yours, Major Fenton—the chap you introduced -me to in Jubilee Place?" -</p> - -<p> -For a moment Nancy remained silent. -</p> - -<p> -"Why do you ask me that?" she inquired. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I don't know," said Colin casually. "It just -happened to come into my head." -</p> - -<p> -She paused again. "He has been round at the -studio two or three evenings," she said slowly. "As -a matter of fact, he was there last night." -</p> - -<p> -"I suppose he's heard all about your new job?" -</p> - -<p> -She nodded. "Doctor Gray——" she began. -</p> - -<p> -"Make it Colin," he interrupted. "I can't call you -Nancy unless you back me up." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Colin, then——" She hesitated once more. -"There's something I think I ought to tell you about -Major Fenton, only—only it's horribly difficult for -me to know how to put it." -</p> - -<p> -"Wait until you've had some dinner," he suggested. -"No one talks comfortably when they're half starving." -</p> - -<p> -She shook her head. "No, now I've started I -think I'd better go on and get it over. The first -time I saw Major Fenton after we met him together -he naturally asked me who you were. I told him -what I knew about you and how we'd become -acquainted, and, although he didn't say much, he seemed -to think that I'd done wrong in asking you back to my -studio. I suppose in a way he looks on himself as a -sort of guardian of mine." -</p> - -<p> -"Perhaps he does," said Colin gravely. "People -who have lived a long time in hot climates often -suffer from hallucinations!" -</p> - -<p> -"That didn't matter," continued Nancy, "but last -night when he came round he spoke about you again, -and this time he said something that made me really -angry—something that I'm perfectly sure isn't true." -</p> - -<p> -Colin was leaning toward her, his gray eyes alight -with interest. -</p> - -<p> -"What was it?" he demanded briefly. -</p> - -<p> -"He—well, he didn't put it quite definitely, but he -hinted that you were not the sort of man to make -a friend of; that you were leaving the hospital on -account of some dreadful scandal about one of the -nurses." -</p> - -<p> -For a second Colin stared at her in blank amazement. -Then he suddenly broke into a peal of laughter. -</p> - -<p> -"Good heavens, Nancy!" he exclaimed. "If you'd -only seen 'em!" -</p> - -<p> -"I didn't believe it, of course," she went on -hurriedly. "I was certain he must be making some stupid -mistake." -</p> - -<p> -Colin's lips tightened. "I object to people making -mistakes of that sort about me," he observed rather -grimly. -</p> - -<p> -Before Nancy could reply the waiter arrived with -the soup, followed a moment later by another, who -proceeded to uncork and pour out the wine. -</p> - -<p> -"You mustn't take it too seriously," she continued, -as soon as they were alone again. "It was a detestable -thing of Major Fenton to say, but I don't think -he meant any real harm by it. He explained that -he'd heard the story from somebody at his club, and -that he'd only repeated it to me because he felt that -it was his duty. As I told you before, just because he -once knew my father, he seems to have some ridiculous -notion that he ought to look after me." -</p> - -<p> -Colin, who had been sprinkling a little pepper into -his soup, looked up with a smile. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, don't let's waste our time discussing it any -more," he said cheerfully. "It's just a silly lie, and, -anyway, there are lots of much pleasanter things to -talk about." He raised his glass. "I'm going to -propose the health of our old pal 'Ginger Dick.' He -may have his faults, but, after all, if it wasn't for him -we shouldn't be sitting here now." -</p> - -<p> -"That's true," agreed Nancy. "Here's to 'Ginger -Dick." She took a long sip and then set down -her glass. "If that's sparkling Moselle," she added -thoughtfully, "I don't think I'll bother about tasting -the champagne." -</p> - -<p class="t3"> -* * * * * * * * * -</p> - -<p> -At about twenty minutes before midnight, faithful -to his pledged word, the reliable Joe slouched forward -out of the shadows and greeted them with a friendly -salute. -</p> - -<p> -"'Ere we are, guv'nor," he announced. "All ready -an' waitin' for yer, as the grave-digger said." -</p> - -<p> -He opened the door of the car for Nancy, and, -making his way round to the front, succeeded after -two or three abortive efforts in starting up the engine. -</p> - -<p> -"She's a bit cold, like meself," he continued. "It's -bin freezin' crool 'ard all the evenin', an' I reckon we -both got a touch of it in our innards." -</p> - -<p> -"You must follow it up with something hot," said -Colin, handing him another half-crown. "Rum's the -best as long as you don't put too much water into it." -</p> - -<p> -"I ain't likely to," replied Joe, with a grin. "There's -quite enough o' that done before we gets the blarsted -stuff." -</p> - -<p> -He pocketed the coin, and, closing the door after -them, stepped back on to the pavement. -</p> - -<p> -"Good-night, sir, an' thank yer kindly. Good-night, -miss, an' Gawd bless yer both." -</p> - -<p> -"I like Joe," said Nancy, as they slid out into the -glare and tumult of Piccadilly Circus. "Is that his -profession—standing there all night looking after cars?" -</p> - -<p> -"That's his present profession," replied Colin, "but -he's what you might call come down in the world. -Before he took to drink he used to be one of the best -middle-weight boxers in England." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy opened her blue eyes to their fullest extent. -</p> - -<p> -"A prize-fighter?" she exclaimed. -</p> - -<p> -Colin nodded. "Joe Bates of Wapping. One of -the gamest men who ever stepped into a ring." -</p> - -<p> -"What made him take to drink?" inquired Nancy. -</p> - -<p> -"I think it was chiefly the death of his wife," said -Colin. "Anyhow, he went all to pieces about two -years ago, and ended up by getting run over in the -Fulham Road. They brought him along to St. Christopher's, -where we managed to patch him up. I felt -sorry for the poor chap, and when he came out I got -him that job at the Motor Club. As people go, I -think he's by way of being rather grateful." -</p> - -<p> -He swung clear of the traffic outside the Ritz, and -with a warning bark from the horn the little car -leaped forward down the long, brilliantly lit slope. -</p> - -<p> -Turning up her coat collar with one hand, Nancy -settled herself contentedly in her seat. -</p> - -<p> -"It's been a most exciting evening," she said. "I've -enjoyed every single minute of it." -</p> - -<p> -"So have I," agreed Colin with enthusiasm. "What -do you say to repeating the experiment next week?" -</p> - -<p> -"Only on one condition," replied Nancy. "I've got -to take my turn in paying for dinner." -</p> - -<p> -"But that's absurd!" protested Colin. "I'm a -great deal richer than you are." -</p> - -<p> -"No, you're not," was the indignant answer. "Why, -I'm simply rolling in money. I've no expenses now -except the rent of my studio, and Doctor Ashton pays -me at least twice what I'm worth." -</p> - -<p> -"I don't believe that," said Colin. "Still, if you're -determined to be proud and ostentatious I suppose you -must have your way." -</p> - -<p> -He swerved to the left behind St. George's Hospital, -and, cutting through the select precincts of -Belgrave Square, came out within a few yards of the -King's Road. In another minute they were turning -the corner into Jubilee Place. -</p> - -<p> -"Next week's a bargain, then," said Colin, as they -stood facing each other on the empty pavement. -"It's no good trying to fix a day at present; I'll just -ring up one morning and we'll arrange it over the -'phone." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy nodded. "That will be best," she said. -"You mustn't desert the Professor—not unless he can -manage all right without you." -</p> - -<p> -She gave him her hand, which Colin squeezed in a -friendly grip. -</p> - -<p> -"Good-night, Nancy," he said. "Sleep well, and -when you see Mark, tell him that for once in his life -he actually prescribed the right treatment." -</p> - -<p> -He waited until the front door had closed behind -her, and then, having lit himself a cigarette, climbed -back into the car, and started off again in the direction -of Campden Hill. -</p> - -<p> -It was a few minutes after midnight when he let -himself in at the outer gate of the Red Lodge. The -light was still burning in the hall, and, knowing from -experience that the Professor frequently continued his -work until the early hours of the morning, he walked -straight through to the laboratory and tapped lightly -on the door. -</p> - -<p> -As he half expected, there was a creak of footsteps -inside, and the Professor himself, wearing an old -Jaeger dressing gown, appeared on the threshold. At -the same moment a peculiarly acrid and unpleasant -smell drifted past him into the passage. -</p> - -<p> -"So you've come back, eh?" he said in his queer, -high-pitched voice. "I hope you enjoyed your evening?" -</p> - -<p> -"I didn't do badly," replied Colin. "I went to -Shadwell, saw my friends, had a forty-mile run in the -car, and finished up with a dinner and a theatre." -</p> - -<p> -The old man nodded grimly. "It sounds rather an -exhausting form of recreation. I should imagine that -after all that you must be quite ready for your bed." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I'm not tired," said Colin, "not in the slightest. -If you've got anything on hand I should like to -come in and make myself useful." -</p> - -<p> -"You'll do nothing of the sort," returned the -Professor. "You will help yourself to a whisky and soda, -and then you will go straight upstairs to your room." -</p> - -<p> -Colin hesitated. "And how about you, sir? Surely -you've done enough work for to-day?" -</p> - -<p> -"I shall be following you shortly," was the answer. -"I am only waiting to see the result of a small experiment." -</p> - -<p> -He nodded a curt good-night, and, stepping back -again into the laboratory, closed the door behind him. -</p> - -<p> -Dismissed in this unceremonious fashion, Colin -made his way into the dining room, where he found -a plate of sandwiches and a siphon set out ready for -him on a tray. It was unthinkable that such an idea -could have occurred to the unaided intelligence of -Mrs. Ramsay, and, rather surprised at the Professor's -consideration, he proceeded to mix a drink, which he -carried with him up the staircase. -</p> - -<p> -His room was situated on the first floor—a large, -comfortable apartment looking out toward the back. -It had been fitted up since his arrival with a gas stove, -and, having lighted this and placed his tumbler upon -the dressing table, he began in a leisurely fashion to -get ready for bed. -</p> - -<p> -The chief subject that occupied his thoughts was the -revelation which Nancy had made to him at dinner. -What on earth had induced Major Fenton to concoct -that ridiculous story about a scandal at St. Christopher's -Hospital? That it was an invention of his -own Colin felt certain, and no man would take the -responsibility of fathering such a lie unless he had -some particularly strong object in view. -</p> - -<p> -Could he have fallen in love with Nancy himself? -If that were the case it would certainly supply a -possible motive. Passion has a queer effect upon some -characters, and the mere thought of her making -friends with any one else might have filled him with -such furious resentment that he had clutched at the first -conceivable chance of breaking off their acquaintance. -</p> - -<p> -It was a likely enough solution; and yet, somehow -or other, it left Colin unconvinced. He had carried -away a very unfavourable impression of Nancy's -self-adopted guardian, but it was an impression that -declined to fit in with this otherwise plausible theory. -Unless his judgment were badly at fault, there was a -hard, calculating selfishness stamped upon every line -of the man's face. People of that sort are not swept -off their feet by sudden outbursts of romantic jealousy, -nor—which was another and extremely significant -consideration—do they concern themselves unduly over -the welfare of a dead friend's offspring. -</p> - -<p> -It was this latter point, indeed, which puzzled Colin -completely. He felt convinced that Major Fenton -must have had some secret purpose in hunting Nancy -out and practically forcing his acquaintance upon her. -His story about a twenty-year-old friendship with her -father would have sounded well enough in a sentimental -novel, but having seen the gentleman for himself, -and having had an illuminating example of his -ideas of honour and fair play, Colin found the -explanation uncommonly difficult to swallow. -</p> - -<p> -Perhaps Inspector Marsden and his colleagues at -the Yard would be able to throw some light on the -problem. It would be interesting at least to know a -little about the Major's career, and whether his past -record was at all in keeping with this sudden excursion -into philanthropy. -</p> - -<p> -There was another possible source of information -in the person of Mr. Medwin. The two men were -certainly acquainted, otherwise Fenton's photograph -would not have been adorning the mantelpiece in -Albert Terrace. When he visited the house again he -could easily find an opportunity to make some casual -inquiry concerning the original, only it must be done in -a sufficiently tactful manner not to arouse the lawyer's -curiosity. -</p> - -<p> -In any case, this alternative course could be -postponed until he had received the Inspector's report. -The odds were that, if there was really anything shady -in Fenton's history, Marsden would succeed in -unearthing it, and since Nancy seemed to be thoroughly -capable of looking after herself, another week's delay -was not likely to produce any tragical consequences. -</p> - -<p> -With this consoling reflection Colin donned his -pyjamas, and, turning out the fire, clambered into -bed. He was just in that pleasantly drowsy stage -when one feels half reluctant to fall asleep, and, lying -there with the light on, he allowed his thoughts to -drift back contentedly over the various details of his -two meetings with Nancy. -</p> - -<p> -It was an agreeable occupation, and the longer he -indulged in it the more he began to realize what a very -necessary part of his life she had already become. -A kind of instinctive friendship seemed to have sprung -up between them at their first encounter, and, although -he had been unable to see her again until to-day, the -interval had certainly not succeeded in making the -faintest difference. -</p> - -<p> -She was a girl in a thousand, there was no doubt -about that! Mark evidently thought so, and, since -he compared all women with Mary, his standard was -about as high as any one could reasonably demand. -How enchantingly pretty she had looked as they had -sat opposite to each other at dinner. He had only -to shut his eyes and—— -</p> - -<p> -Hullo! What the devil was that? -</p> - -<p> -The sound had come from somewhere down below—a -queer, half-deadened noise, like the distant crash -of breaking glass. -</p> - -<p> -In a second Colin was out of bed and had flung -open the door. The lights were still burning exactly -as he had left them, and, striding to the banisters, he -peered over into the hall. Nothing seemed to be -stirring; except for the steady ticking of the grandfather -clock the whole house was as silent as a tomb. -</p> - -<p> -With a momentary feeling of relief he moved -toward the staircase. It was probably only some -small accident; the Professor had most likely dropped -a tumbler or broken a retort, and in the stillness of the -night the noise had been naturally exaggerated. All -the same, it would be just as well to have a look round. -</p> - -<p> -Running lightly down in his bare feet, he crossed -the hall and knocked at the laboratory door. -</p> - -<p> -"It's I—Gray," he called out. "Anything wrong, sir?" -</p> - -<p> -As he spoke he turned the handle, and the next -moment he found himself standing in the open doorway, -staring blankly in front of him. -</p> - -<p> -The room was empty. -</p> - -<p> -For the first time a real sense of misgiving suddenly -took possession of him. He wheeled sharply round, -and, hurrying back through the hall, rapped loudly -at the door of the study. -</p> - -<p> -"Mr. Carter," he shouted, "are you there?" -</p> - -<p> -There was no answer. -</p> - -<p> -He caught hold of the brass knob, only to make -another and still more ominous discovery. -Somebody had turned the key from inside. -</p> - -<p> -With a quick breath he stepped back a couple of -paces, and then, hunching up his shoulder, hurled -himself against the panel. Under the impact of -twelve stone and a few odd pounds the lock gave with -a splintering crash which echoed through the house. -The door swung open, and at the same moment the -shrill scream of a terrified woman rang out from the -top landing. -</p> - -<p> -Clutching the broken woodwork to steady himself, -Colin fumbled for the switch. His fingers closed -on it in the darkness and, half prepared as he was -for some horror, an involuntary cry broke from his -lips as the whole room flared suddenly into light. -</p> - -<p> -Face upward, in the centre of the French windows, -lay the huddled figure of the Professor. One arm was -twisted under him, and his white hair was dabbled in -a stream of blood which still oozed slowly from a -gaping wound in his forehead. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap05"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER FIVE -</h3> - -<p> -At the sight of that hideous injury, all Colin's -professional training instinctively asserted itself. -Letting go the switch, he sprang forward, and, heedless -of the blood and broken glass, dropped down on one -knee beside the prostrate body. -</p> - -<p> -It needed no medical knowledge to see that the -case was hopeless. A terrific blow from some blunt -instrument had smashed the whole front of the skull, -and portions of the crushed and bleeding brain were -even now protruding from the wound. Death must -have come with merciful abruptness—a sudden and -utter annihilation of every sense and feeling. -</p> - -<p> -Almost dazed by the blast of fury that swept -through him, Colin stumbled to his feet. He glanced -wildly round the room, and the broken French window, -one half of which was standing open, immediately -caught his eye. Since the door had been locked -from inside, it was the only way by which the murderer -could have escaped. He had evidently darted through -into the garden with the intention of climbing the wall, -and, moved by a desperate hope, Colin stepped across -the dead body and ran out on to the lawn. A flood -of moonlight, streaming in through the bare trees, lit -up the whole desolate expanse of grass and shrubs. -Everything was perfectly still, and, except for the -faint rumbling of a cart in the distance, the entire -neighbourhood seemed to be plunged in absolute silence. -</p> - -<p> -He was listening intently, with his eyes on the black -line of bushes opposite, when a slight noise in the -room behind attracted his attention. He turned -round instantly, and through the window he caught -sight of the panic-stricken figure of Mrs. Ramsay -peering in at the open doorway. -</p> - -<p> -As he moved forward into the light she uttered a -stifled scream. -</p> - -<p> -"Don't be frightened," he said quickly. "It's -I—Doctor Gray." -</p> - -<p> -Clutching at her dressing-gown with one hand, she -pointed a trembling finger toward the body. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, my Gawd, sir," she gasped, "what is it? -What's been happening?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin stood in the window, his face white and set. -</p> - -<p> -"The Professor has been murdered," he said. -</p> - -<p> -She stared at him for a moment, as though his words -conveyed no meaning; then with a pitiful sound, like -the whimpering of a beaten dog, she staggered back -against the wall. -</p> - -<p> -Colin strode forward and took her by the arm. -</p> - -<p> -"You must pull yourself together," he said curtly. -"This is no time for hysterics. I want your -help—now—at once." -</p> - -<p> -As he expected, his almost brutal words had the -desired result. She stopped crying, and once more -her terrified glance travelled round in the direction of -the dead man. -</p> - -<p> -"Who—who killed him?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin shook his head. "I don't know. When I -came down the study door was locked from inside. -I broke it open and found him lying here—like this." -</p> - -<p> -"It must have been the same man," she whispered; -"the one who tried to burgle his desk." She caught -hold of Colin's sleeve, and looked up imploringly into -his face. "Oh, sir, can't nothing be done? Isn't -there——" -</p> - -<p> -"I am going to telephone to the police. While I'm -doing it I want you to stand outside in the hall, so that -you can see into the room. If you hear the smallest -sound or movement in the garden call to me at once." -</p> - -<p> -She gazed fearfully toward the broken window. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you think he's out there, sir, hiding in the -bushes?" -</p> - -<p> -"I think he's a quarter of a mile away by this time. -All the same, until the police arrive the room mustn't -be left unwatched for a single moment." -</p> - -<p> -He waited until she had obeyed his instructions, -and then, with a final glance round, walked swiftly -down the passage and took off the receiver. -</p> - -<p> -"Get me on to Scotland Yard as soon as possible," -he said. -</p> - -<p> -There was a note of urgency in his demand which -must have carried conviction even to the mind of the -clerk, for in something less than ten seconds the reply -came. -</p> - -<p> -"Scotland Yard speaking. Who's that?" -</p> - -<p> -"Dr. Colin Gray. Can you tell me if Inspector -Marsden is still there?" -</p> - -<p> -"I think so. Hold on a minute and I'll find out." -</p> - -<p> -A pause followed. -</p> - -<p> -"Hullo!" exclaimed a voice. "I'm Marsden. What's -the matter, doctor? I didn't expect to hear from -you again at this time of night." -</p> - -<p> -"It's a bad business," said Colin quietly. "I'm -speaking from the Red Lodge, Campden Hill. I have -just found Professor Carter lying dead in his study." -</p> - -<p> -"Dead!" came the sharp rejoinder. "How did he -die?" -</p> - -<p> -"He has been murdered." -</p> - -<p> -He heard a sudden exclamation at the other end of -the wire. -</p> - -<p> -"Murdered! Good God, doctor! Are you certain -of what you're saying?" -</p> - -<p> -"Perfectly certain. He has been murdered by some -man who broke into the house after I had gone to bed. -The whole front of his skull has been smashed to -pieces." -</p> - -<p> -There was a brief silence, followed by a few indistinct -words, as though Marsden had turned round and -was addressing someone else. Then his voice came -again, clear and peremptory. -</p> - -<p> -"When did this happen?" -</p> - -<p> -"About six or seven minutes ago." -</p> - -<p> -"How did the man escape?" -</p> - -<p> -"I think he ran out into the garden and climbed over -the wall." -</p> - -<p> -"Is there any one else in the house besides you?" -</p> - -<p> -"There are two old servants. One of them is -watching the room now." -</p> - -<p> -"You had better go back yourself, and stop there -until we arrive. Leave everything exactly as you -found it. Don't disturb the body and don't touch -or move a single object. We shall be with you in a -quarter of an hour. Do you quite understand?" -</p> - -<p> -"Quite," said Colin. -</p> - -<p> -He hung up the receiver as the detective rang off, -and, shivering slightly from the cold, made his way -back to where he had left the housekeeper. -</p> - -<p> -"They're coming down almost at once," he said. -"I'll wait here and let them in." -</p> - -<p> -She moved back, as though glad to escape from the -sight of the room. -</p> - -<p> -"Then I'd better go up and get your dressing -gown," she replied. "You'll catch your death -standing about like that with nothing on." -</p> - -<p> -Colin nodded gratefully. "You might fetch me -some slippers, too, while you're about it," he said. -"You'll find a pair alongside the bed. I turned out -in such a hurry I forgot to put them on." -</p> - -<p> -With trembling steps and holding tightly to the -banisters, Mrs. Ramsay slowly ascended the staircase. -She returned in a few minutes carrying the desired -articles, and, stepping forward to meet her, Colin took -them from her hands. -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks so much," he exclaimed. "Now I think -the best thing you can do is to get back to your room. -I expect the police will want to see you when they -come, but until then——" -</p> - -<p> -Mrs. Ramsay shook her head. -</p> - -<p> -"It wouldn't be no use, sir. I couldn't close my -eyes, not if you was to offer me a thousand pounds." She -turned again toward the stairs. "Besides, there's -Mrs. Wilson—the cook, you know, sir. I've got to -go and look after her." -</p> - -<p> -"What's the matter? Is she ill?" demanded Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"I heard her screaming," was the answer. "I -shouldn't wonder if anything had happened, what with -being woke up sudden and her having a weak heart." -</p> - -<p> -"People don't often die from shock," said Colin. -"Take her up a drop of brandy out of the dining room, -and you had better have a little yourself at the same -time." -</p> - -<p> -He thrust his feet into the slippers, and, putting on -his dressing gown, reentered the study. -</p> - -<p> -Unlike most people whose ideas on the subject are -drawn chiefly from sensational novels, Colin knew -that the surest way of assisting a criminal was for -some well-meaning amateur to conduct a few preliminary -investigations before the arrival of the police. -During his four years at the hospital he had twice been -called upon to give evidence in cases of murder, and -the experience had convinced him that it was only -when a properly qualified detective was first in the -field that any really valuable clues were likely to be -forthcoming. Marsden's urgent instructions over the -telephone had therefore been unnecessary; even -without them he would certainly have waited for the -Inspector's appearance before attempting any further -interference with the existing condition of the room. -</p> - -<p> -He walked across to where the Professor was lying -and looked down again at the body. The sight filled -him with a mingled grief and anger that were almost -unbearable. He had revered the dead man with all -the ardour of a disciple, and, in addition to this -lifelong homage, their close intimacy during the last -few weeks had produced other and still stronger ties. -In spite of the old scientist's rather dictatorial -manner, his attitude throughout had been so -extraordinarily kind and generous that a very real if -half-unconscious affection for him had gradually sprung -up in Colin's heart. The thought that the murder -had been committed while he was actually in the house -only increased the horror and bitterness of the whole -affair. No excuses could alter his feeling that he had -failed miserably—failed in the very duty for which -he had been selected and employed. -</p> - -<p> -Self-reproaches, however, were of little use now, -and with a tremendous effort he wrenched his mind -back to the immediate problem that confronted it. -Why, in God's name, should any one have wished to -kill the Professor, and how had it come about that -the latter's body was lying where it did? In order -to reach the study from the laboratory one had to -pass through the whole length of the hall. Colin's -hearing was particularly acute, and he felt positive -that the creak of footsteps or the opening or shutting -of a door would instantly have attracted his attention. -Nothing of the sort had happened. Until that one -crash of breaking glass the whole house had been -absolutely silent. -</p> - -<p> -His eyes fell upon the damaged lock, and another -question suddenly presented itself. Who had been -responsible for turning the key? Surely it could not -have been the Professor. If he had entered the room -expecting to find it empty, what conceivable reason -could he have had for fastening himself in? If, on -the other hand, he had entertained even the remotest -suspicion that somebody was hiding on the premises, -he would certainly have come upstairs before attempting -to approach the study. -</p> - -<p> -It seemed more likely that the murderer had locked -the door after committing the crime, so that he might -have a better chance of making his escape. There -was a coolness about the proceeding which suggested -that he was fully aware of Colin's presence in the -house, and a conviction that the whole thing had been -planned and carried out with the most cold-blooded -deliberation forced itself gradually upon the young -surgeon's mind. -</p> - -<p> -Had Mrs. Ramsay been right? Was it the same -man who had ransacked the Professor's desk? -</p> - -<p> -If it were so—and all the circumstances seemed to -point to that conclusion—burglary and not murder -had probably been the real object of his visit. There -was evidently something in the place, some document -or paper, of which he was desperately anxious to -obtain possession. Having failed to find it at his -first attempt, he had apparently returned to the house -a second time in order to make another and more -exhaustive search. -</p> - -<p> -By some fatal chance the Professor must have taken -it into his head to enter the study just after the -intruder had succeeded in gaining admittance. On -finding the window open he had naturally stepped forward -to close it, only to receive a murderous blow out of -the darkness, which had sent him crashing into the -glass. -</p> - -<p> -The one fact which refused to fit in with this theory -was the entire absence of any sound right up to the -actual moment of the crime. There must, of course, -be some explanation, and Colin was puzzling his brains -in a vain attempt to discover it when the loud peal -of a bell suddenly jangled out from the kitchen. -</p> - -<p> -Just pausing to gather his dressing gown about him, -he hurried down the passageway to the outer door, -which he unfastened and opened. A large car was -drawn up in the roadway, and five men, two of them -uniformed constables, were standing in a group on the -pavement. -</p> - -<p> -Inspector Marsden, who was in the centre, immediately -came forward. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, what's happened, doctor?" he inquired -curtly. "Anything fresh to report?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin shook his head. "Only what I told you over -the telephone," he replied. "The Professor is dead, -and the man who murdered him has escaped." -</p> - -<p> -"That's enough to go on with, anyhow," returned -the detective. "Jackson, you and Roberts stop here -for the present. If any one attempts to leave the -house arrest them at once." -</p> - -<p> -With an obedient salute the two constables fell back, -and, followed by his other companions, Marsden -mounted the steps. -</p> - -<p> -"This is Doctor Sinclair, our divisional surgeon," he -announced. "He tells me that he has already had the -pleasure of meeting you." -</p> - -<p> -Colin shook hands with a tall, gray-bearded man, -whose face seemed vaguely familiar. -</p> - -<p> -"And this," continued the Inspector, "is Detective -Sergeant Humphries, of the Finger Print Department. -Now I think the first thing we'll do is to go in and -have a look at the body. I'll take your statement -as soon as the doctor has finished his examination." -</p> - -<p> -Without offering any comment, Colin conducted -them down the corridor, and, leading the way across -the hall, brought them to the door of the study. -</p> - -<p> -Marsden halted in the entrance, and stood staring -silently at the tragic spectacle in front of him. -</p> - -<p> -"You followed my instructions?" he asked. "Everything -is exactly as you found it!" -</p> - -<p> -"Exactly," said Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"Then I'll ask you two gentlemen to wait here -for a moment. There's just one point I should like -to make certain about before any one touches the -body." -</p> - -<p> -He pulled out a notebook from his inside pocket, -and, beckoning to his colleague stepped forward into -the room. -</p> - -<p> -Doctor Sinclair moved across to where Colin was -standing. -</p> - -<p> -"I don't suppose you remember me," he said, "but -I called in at St. Christopher's last year in connection -with one of your cases." He nodded toward the -two detectives, both of whom were kneeling down beside -the dead man. "This is a very terrible business," -he added. "I was horrified when I heard that it was -Professor Carter." -</p> - -<p> -Colin, whose mind was in no state for conversation, -made an effort to collect his thoughts. -</p> - -<p> -"Did you know him personally?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -The surgeon shook his head. "No," he replied. -"Like everyone else, I was a great admirer of his -work, but I never had the honour of being introduced -to him. The police tell me that you were acting as -his resident assistant." -</p> - -<p> -"I came here straight from the hospital," said -Colin. "I had been with him for nearly a month." -</p> - -<p> -"It seems such a particularly brutal and senseless -crime," continued the other, after a short pause. -"One would think that even the most callous ruffian -would hesitate about striking down an old man of over -eighty." He glanced at Colin's dressing gown. "I -gather that the murderer broke into the house after -you had gone to bed?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin was about to answer when the Inspector got -up suddenly and turned toward the door. -</p> - -<p> -"We've seen all we want to for the present, doctor. -Perhaps you'll be good enough to have a look at the -body now, and let's hear your opinion?" -</p> - -<p> -The surgeon hurried forward, and, following him -slowly into the room, Colin seated himself on the -corner of the sofa. From this position he was able -to watch the proceedings of all three of his -companions, none of whom for the moment betrayed any -desire to interrogate him further. Doctor Sinclair, -after taking off his coat, became wholly absorbed in -his professional duties. Marsden appeared to be busy -making notes, while the sergeant, who had produced -an electric torch and a large magnifying glass, stepped -down into the garden and began a minute examination -of the still open French window. -</p> - -<p> -At last, after a lapse of several minutes, the surgeon -rose to his feet. -</p> - -<p> -"It is a clear case of deliberate murder," he said -slowly. "The Professor was struck on the temple by -some blunt weapon—probably a jemmy. There is -no doubt that he was killed instantly. I should think -he has been dead for about twenty minutes." -</p> - -<p> -The Inspector turned to Colin. "You were the -first to view the body," he remarked. "Is there -anything in the doctor's report with which you are not in -agreement?" -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing," replied Colin. "I came to the same -conclusion myself directly I examined the wound." -</p> - -<p> -Marsden pulled a chair up to the table, and the -sergeant, who had been listening from the window, -stepped forward and joined him. -</p> - -<p> -"I want the full facts now, Doctor Gray," he said -brusquely. "Tell us in your own words exactly what -happened from the moment you returned to the -house." -</p> - -<p> -Amid a profound silence, broken only by the occasional -scratching of the Inspector's pencil, Colin proceeded -to relate his story. Starting with his talk -to the Professor at the laboratory door, he went on -step by step to describe the whole of his subsequent -experiences right up to the arrival of his present -companions. He kept strictly to the bare facts, making -no attempt to explain his own views, and all three of -his audience listened to him with an absorbed interest, -which showed itself plainly in their faces. -</p> - -<p> -It was only when he had quite finished that the -Inspector offered his first comment. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I wish everyone could make a statement -like that," he said approvingly. "It would save us a -lot of trouble in the course of the year." He leaned -forward, and ran his eye over the various notes which -he had jotted down while Colin was speaking. "This -other burglary that the housekeeper referred to," he -inquired; "when did that take place?" -</p> - -<p> -"I think it was about three months ago," said -Colin, after a moment's reflection. "I wasn't here at -the time; in fact, there was no one else in the house -except Mrs. Ramsay and the cook. That was really -the chief reason why the Professor decided to engage -an assistant." -</p> - -<p> -"Why weren't the police notified?" demanded the -Inspector. "There was certainly no report sent in to -the Yard." -</p> - -<p> -"The Professor declared that he didn't want to -waste his time. He was a very busy man, and as nothing -appeared to have been stolen he decided to let the -whole matter drop." -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing stolen!" repeated Marsden, raising his -eyebrows. "Are you perfectly certain about that?" -</p> - -<p> -"It's what he told me, anyhow," replied Colin. -"According to him, the only damage they did was to -smash open his desk and search his papers." -</p> - -<p> -Both men glanced across the room in the direction -of the oak bureau. -</p> - -<p> -"Is that the desk?" inquired the Sergeant. -</p> - -<p> -Colin nodded. -</p> - -<p> -"Had he any idea what they were after?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not the slightest. All his papers which are of -any scientific value are kept in the laboratory. I -believe he had some money and valuables in the safe, but -they seem to have left that entirely alone." -</p> - -<p> -There was a brief silence, and then, without -saying anything, the Sergeant got up from his chair -and walked over toward the two pieces of furniture -in question. Marsden remained seated, his -keen blue eyes fixed thoughtfully upon Colin's -face. -</p> - -<p> -"What's your opinion, doctor?" he asked at last. -</p> - -<p> -"I am inclined to agree with Mrs. Ramsay," said -Colin. "I think it was the same man who broke into -the house before. He is evidently searching for some -particular paper or document, and as he couldn't find -it in the desk he came back a second time to try and -open the safe. On his first visit he probably hadn't -got the necessary tools with him." -</p> - -<p> -"And how about the murder?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin hesitated. "There's one thing I don't -understand," he frankly admitted. "I left the Professor -working in the laboratory, and it's a mystery to me -how he managed to reach the study without my -hearing him. I was awake the whole time, and I can -swear that there wasn't a sound." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I can explain that to you," said the Inspector. -"Mr. Carter didn't cross the hall; he entered the room -by the window." -</p> - -<p> -With a sudden exclamation Colin started to his feet. -</p> - -<p> -"By Jove, what an idiot I am!" he exclaimed. "I -never thought of that. Of course, there's a side door -from the laboratory into the garden." -</p> - -<p> -"I imagined that there must be," said Marsden, -"and I haven't the least doubt that we shall find it -unlocked." He got up from his chair and glanced at -the police surgeon, who was standing by himself in -front of the fire. "I don't think we need keep you -any longer, Doctor Sinclair," he added. "I'll let you -know what time we fix for the P.M. as soon as I've -seen Ashford." -</p> - -<p> -The surgeon, who seemed ready enough to depart, -picked up his hat and coat. -</p> - -<p> -"You can tell him to 'phone me at my house," he -replied. "I shall be there till midday for certain." -</p> - -<p> -He nodded a general good-night, and, accepting -Colin's offer to escort him to the front door, accompanied -the latter through the hall and down the outer -corridor. -</p> - -<p> -"We shall be bound to come across each other -again during the next few days," he said as they shook -hands. "I only hope that when all this is over we -shall have the pleasure of meeting under less -distressing circumstances." -</p> - -<p> -Colin returned some more or less suitably polite -rejoinder, and, shutting the door, made his way back -to the study. -</p> - -<p> -He found the two detectives standing in front of the -safe, the sergeant stooping down and apparently -engaged in some experiment with the lock. -</p> - -<p> -Marsden looked round at his entrance. -</p> - -<p> -"We'll leave Humphries to finish up here," he said. -"I want you to take me to the laboratory; and afterward, -if you'll call down the servants, I'd like to have -a few minutes' conversation with both of them." -</p> - -<p> -"I don't suppose you'll get much out of the cook," -said Colin doubtfully. "According to Mrs. Ramsay, -she's collapsed for the night." -</p> - -<p> -"She'll talk all right," was the somewhat cynical -answer. "Women can always pull themselves together -if there's a chance of using their tongues." -</p> - -<p> -He stepped forward briskly, and, following Colin -to the back of the house, turned down the side passage -which led to the laboratory. -</p> - -<p> -The door of the latter apartment was still open, -and at the sight of the big, brilliantly lit interior he -pulled up with an exclamation of surprise. -</p> - -<p> -"Hullo!" he remarked. "I'd no idea it was such -a size. The old man must have been pretty well off -if he could afford to run up places like this." -</p> - -<p> -He glanced round the room as though in search -of the additional exit, and, without waiting for his -question, Colin pointed toward a high screen which -jutted out at right angles from the wall. -</p> - -<p> -"It's behind there," he explained. "I never thought -of looking to see if it was open. The Professor told -me that he only used it in summer time." -</p> - -<p> -"He used it to-night," was the detective's reply. -"If he hadn't he would probably be alive now." -</p> - -<p> -As he spoke he descended the steps, and, with Colin -in close attendance, strode confidently toward the -spot. They came to a halt in front of a small oak -door, flush with the wall, and, catching hold of the -handle, Marsden gave it a sharp turn. The next -moment a gust of cold wind was blowing in their -faces, and they were staring across the lawn in the -direction of the study windows, from which a flood -of yellow light streamed out into the darkness of the -garden. -</p> - -<p> -It was the Inspector who first broke the silence. -"That's clear enough as far as it goes," he observed. -"The question is, Why did he open the door at one -o'clock in the morning?" -</p> - -<p> -A possible explanation suddenly occurred to Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"I shouldn't wonder if he wanted to let in a little -fresh air. He'd been making an experiment, and -there was a horrible smell in the room when I spoke -to him at the doorway." -</p> - -<p> -"You've got it," was Marsden's laconic answer. -He pulled out an electric torch, a duplicate of the -sergeant's, and allowed the light to play backward -and forward over the patch of gravel outside. "I -don't suppose there will be any footprints," he -continued. "It's been freezing too infernally hard for -that, and, in any case, we shall only do more harm -than good by trampling all over the place in the dark." He -switched off the torch, and closing and locking the -door, put away the key in his pocket. -</p> - -<p> -"We'll get back now," he added, "and if you'll give -me a hand I think we'll move the Professor's body into -his own bedroom. When we've done that you can call -down the servants." -</p> - -<p> -They returned to the study, where they found Humphries -still examining the safe, and after the Inspector -had exchanged a few words with his subordinate, he -and Colin set about their task. -</p> - -<p> -Lifting the frail, bloodstained figure between them, -they carried it slowly up the staircase as far as the -first landing. The Professor's room was situated -right at the end of the corridor, a large, sparsely -furnished apartment with an old-fashioned four-poster -in the farther corner. They laid their burden on the -bed, and Marsden stood up, cap in hand, while Colin -sponged away the blood and covered over the body -with a clean sheet. -</p> - -<p> -"It's a wretched sort of ending to a life like his," -said the detective, with an unexpected touch of feeling. -"One of the greatest scholars in the world, so they tell -me; and look at him now—knocked on the head and -done for, just like any common drunk in a street -fight!" He paused. "I'm not a rich man," he added, -"but I'd give a couple of months' pay to put a rope -round the neck of the party who did this." -</p> - -<p> -He walked to the door, and, replacing his cap, -glanced up at the landing above. -</p> - -<p> -"You might give the servants a call now, doctor," -he said. "Don't frighten 'em; just say that if they -feel up to it I'd like to have a nice friendly little chat -in the study." He dived into his pocket and once -more pulled out his notebook. "By the way, can -you tell me the name and address of the Professor's -solicitor? We shall have to get hold of him the first -thing in the morning." -</p> - -<p> -"It's a Mr. Medwin," said Colin. "He lives close -by here in Albert Terrace, but I'm hanged if I can -remember his number." -</p> - -<p> -"That doesn't matter," returned Marsden. "I can -easily look him up in the telephone directory." -</p> - -<p> -He jotted down the name, and, replacing the book -in his pocket, laid his hand on Colin's arm. -</p> - -<p> -"There'll be no need for you to stay up any longer," -he said. "Both Humphries and I have got plenty to -keep us busy until breakfast time. You turn in and -get some sleep as soon as you've brought down the -servants." -</p> - -<p> -Colin, who was beginning to feel distinctly weary, -contented himself with a nod. -</p> - -<p> -"You'll know where to find me," he said, pointing -to his room. "If there's anything you happen to want -just give me a call." -</p> - -<p> -He left his companion at the end of the passage -and mounted the second flight, which led up to the -servants' quarters. Somewhat to his surprise, he -found Mrs. Ramsay and the cook, both fully dressed, -standing on the small landing at the head of the -stairs. -</p> - -<p> -"We couldn't stop in bed," explained the former, -"not after we heard the bell ring. Oh, sir, what do -the police say? Have they——" -</p> - -<p> -"The Inspector wants to have a few minutes' talk -with both of you," he said. "Of course, if Mrs. Wilson -doesn't feel well enough——" -</p> - -<p> -The cook drew herself up with a suggestion of -injured pride. -</p> - -<p> -"I know my duty, sir," she remarked. "If the -police wishes for my hevidence they shall have it heven -if I drop dead on the carpet, the same as my poor -mother did before me." -</p> - -<p> -There being apparently nothing further to be said, -Colin conducted his charges as far as the study, where -he found the two detectives waiting to receive them. -He remained just long enough to make the necessary -introductions, and then, availing himself of Marsden's -suggestion, returned upstairs again to his own room. -</p> - -<p> -Now that his services were no longer needed an -irresistible reaction had suddenly set in. He felt tired -out in mind and body, and, scarcely conscious of anything -but an intense desire for sleep, he threw off his -dressing gown, and, for the second time that evening, -clambered thankfully into bed. -</p> - -<p class="t3"> -* * * * * * * * * -</p> - -<p> -It seemed to him as though he had scarcely laid his -head upon the pillow when he was abruptly aroused -by a touch on the shoulder. He sat up with a start, -and, rubbing his eyes, perceived a burly and familiar -figure standing beside him in the gloom. -</p> - -<p> -"Hullo, Inspector!" he exclaimed. "What's the -matter? Anything wrong?" -</p> - -<p> -"Only the time," returned his visitor. "It's just -gone eight, and as we're expecting Mr. Medwin at nine -I thought I'd better give you a knock-up." -</p> - -<p> -With rather a rueful laugh Colin threw back the -clothes. -</p> - -<p> -"How about breakfast?" he inquired. "Have you -made any arrangements?" -</p> - -<p> -"The cook's on the job," was the encouraging answer. -"I was careful to keep on the right side of her -last night, and she's promised us a dish of eggs and -bacon at a quarter past." -</p> - -<p> -"I'll be there," said Colin, thrusting a leg over the -side. "How did you and the sergeant get on after -I'd gone to bed?" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, we haven't altogether wasted our time," said -Marsden, turning toward the door. "I won't hang -about in your way now, however. You shall have the -news—such as it is—while we're waiting for the -solicitor." -</p> - -<p> -He disappeared with a friendly nod, and, after -indulging in a cold tub and a somewhat hasty toilet, -Colin followed him downstairs to the dining room. -</p> - -<p> -His arrival synchronized almost exactly with that -of Mrs. Ramsay, who appeared from the kitchen carrying -a well-laden tray. She arranged the contents on -the breakfast table, which was already set out, at the -same time expressing an apologetic hope that if there -were any shortcomings they might be attributed to the -natural agitation of herself and the cook. She then -retired, and with an air of businesslike alacrity the two -detectives drew up their chairs. -</p> - -<p> -"This will just suit my complaint," observed Marsden, -uncovering the eggs and bacon. "I was never a -believer in working on an empty stomach, and I -reckon Humphries here is pretty much of the same -opinion." -</p> - -<p> -"There were some sandwiches and whisky on the -sideboard last night," said Colin. "I ought to have -told you before I went to bed." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, we found them all right," returned Marsden -with a smile. "And, for the matter of that, some -very excellent cigars, too." He helped his companions -to a generous portion each, and transferred the -remainder to his own plate. "I only wish," he added -grimly, "that we'd been equally successful in our -professional discoveries." -</p> - -<p> -"Have you any clue at all?" asked Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"Depends on what you call a clue," was the answer. -"I can tell you one thing for a certainty. Whoever -broke into the house was an old hand at the game, -and, what's more, a chap who knew his job from A -to Z." -</p> - -<p> -"Why do you think that?" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, you're not likely to find an amateur burglar -who can cut out a pane of glass without making a -sound, nor yet one who wears gloves so as to hide his -finger prints. Besides, no one but an expert cracksman -could possibly have forced the lock of the safe." -</p> - -<p> -"I didn't know it was forced," said Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"One bolt had gone, anyhow; and a very neat bit of -work it was, too, eh, Humphries?" -</p> - -<p> -The sergeant, whose mouth was full, confined himself -to an affirmative grunt. -</p> - -<p> -"That rather knocks the bottom out of my theory," -said Colin, after a short pause. -</p> - -<p> -"It simplifies things a good deal from our point -of view," returned the Inspector. "Directly we can -get a crime into a particular class we're half way -toward finding the man who did it. You see, there -are never more than a certain number of skilled burglars -out of prison, and it's the Yard's business to keep -a pretty close eye on what they're up to. Roughly -speaking, a case like this narrows itself down to about -twenty or thirty likely parties. By to-night they'll all -have been put through it, and if there's a single one -who can't account exactly for what he was doing -he'll—well, he'll be what the newspapers call 'detained for -further inquiries.' -</p> - -<p> -"Do you think it was the same man who broke in -before?" asked Colin. -</p> - -<p> -Marsden looked doubtful. "It may be, of course, -and if that's so there's probably more in the case than -appears on the surface. A man like the Professor -might very well have had papers and secrets that -certain people were anxious to get hold of, and it's -quite on the cards that they might have taken in a -professional thief to do their dirty work for them. -The trouble is that at present we know practically -nothing about his private life." -</p> - -<p> -"I can't help you there," said Colin. "I believe -that Mr. Medwin was the only person who was at all -in his confidence." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Mr. Medwin will be able to answer for -himself in a few minutes. Our next best hope is to -get on to the track of this old manservant Kennedy. -He seems to have been with the Professor for about -forty years, so if he's still alive he might be able to -give us some useful information." -</p> - -<p> -"I expect Mrs. Ramsay or the cook could let you -have his address." -</p> - -<p> -"I asked them last night, but neither of them has -the least notion where he is. From the way they -spoke I gather that there was precious little love lost -between them. However, he will probably show up -as soon as he reads about the murder, and, if not, -we oughtn't to have much difficulty——" -</p> - -<p> -A ring at the front door bell interrupted his words, -and, glancing at the clock, he gulped down the -remainder of his tea. -</p> - -<p> -"I wonder if this is our man," he added. "You -don't often find a solicitor ahead of his time." He -turned to Colin as Mrs. Ramsay's steps were heard -crossing the hall. "Just a word of caution, doctor. -He knows nothing about the murder yet, and -I've told the old lady to keep her tongue quiet -while she's showing him in. Leave me to break the -news if you will; I've a fancy to see how he takes -it." -</p> - -<p> -Colin's only reply was a nod, and the three of -them sat in silence until the door opened and -Mrs. Ramsay appeared on the threshold, with the massive -form of Mr. Medwin looming up behind her. -</p> - -<p> -The solicitor, who was wearing a frock-coat and -carrying a top hat in his hand, took a couple of paces -forward. Then with an air of surprise he came to a -sudden halt. -</p> - -<p> -The Inspector rose instantly. -</p> - -<p> -"Let me introduce myself, Mr. Medwin. I am -Inspector Marsden, of Scotland Yard." -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Medwin bowed, his close-set eyes travelling -swiftly over the other occupants of the room. -</p> - -<p> -"Good morning," he said, in that peculiarly -suave voice of his. "May I inquire what all this -signifies?" -</p> - -<p> -"Professor Carter has been murdered." -</p> - -<p> -Marsden's answer came with startling bluntness, -and there could be no question as to the effect that -it produced. An expression of incredulous amazement -flashed across the big man's face, and for a moment -he stood gripping his hat and staring blankly at -the speaker. -</p> - -<p> -"Murdered?" he exclaimed at last. "Impossible! -There must be some mistake." -</p> - -<p> -"It's not the sort of thing that lends itself to -mistakes," returned the detective. -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Medwin drew in a long breath, and Colin, who -was watching intently, saw that he was making a -tremendous effort to recover his self-control. -</p> - -<p> -"I think I had better sit down for a moment," he -said slowly. -</p> - -<p> -He moved forward, and, laying his hat on the -corner of the table, sank into the vacant chair from -which Marsden had just arisen. -</p> - -<p> -"You must excuse me," he continued. "I feel half -stunned at this appalling news. The Professor was -one of my most valued friends." He moistened his -lips and glanced up suddenly at the detective. "When -did it happen?" he demanded. -</p> - -<p> -"Last night," was the reply, "or, to be more exact, -about a quarter to one this morning." -</p> - -<p> -"Why wasn't I sent for before?" -</p> - -<p> -Marsden stroked his moustache, and eyed the other -with a kind of dispassionate interest. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Mr. Medwin, I appreciate the importance of -your testimony, but as I happen to be responsible for -this case you must permit me to conduct my investigation -in the way that I consider best." -</p> - -<p> -Instead of betraying any resentment at the snub, -the solicitor merely nodded. -</p> - -<p> -"Quite so," he assented readily. "Your first step -would naturally be to go into all the circumstances -of the murder, and I was forgetting for a moment -what a great deal of work it must have entailed." He -paused. "Have you made any discoveries?" he -asked. "Anything that could possibly be described as -a clue?" -</p> - -<p> -"Several," replied Marsden. "But I think it will -save time if I give you the full details straight away. -There are several peculiar features about the affair, -and it's not much use discussing them until you are in -possession of the facts." -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Medwin folded his arms. -</p> - -<p> -"Just exactly as you prefer," he remarked. "Please -consider me entirely at your service." -</p> - -<p> -Without wasting any more words Marsden entered -upon a brief description of everything that had taken -place from the moment when Colin had returned to -the house. The curt and matter-of-fact fashion in -which he told his story seemed somehow or other to -heighten its dramatic horror, and, in spite of the -solicitor's expressionless face, it was easy to see the -strained attention with which he was following every -word. Once or twice he seemed to be on the point of -asking a question, but on each occasion he apparently -changed his mind at the last moment, as though -unwilling to interrupt the narrative. -</p> - -<p> -"As far as I can see at present," concluded Marsden, -"there are two probable lines of inquiry, both of -which I propose to follow up. Either it was an -ordinary case of burglary, or else the thief was after -some particular object that he believed to be hidden -in the study. With regard to the actual murder, -I am inclined to think that it was more or less of an -accident. The silly fool got rattled when the old man -came in at the window, and smashed his head in before -he realized what he was doing. He has probably -been cursing himself ever since." -</p> - -<p> -"I should say that your first suggestion was the -right one," remarked Mr. Medwin. "An old-fashioned -house like this, shut away from the road, -is exactly the sort of place that a professional burglar -would select. It's very improbable there's anything -more in it than that—a sordid attempt at house-breaking, -ending up in a brutal and bloody murder." -</p> - -<p> -"Well," returned Marsden slowly, "I'm not altogether -satisfied on the point. Take the question of -this previous attempt. Granting it was the same man, -why did he content himself with merely examining the -desk?" -</p> - -<p> -The lawyer glanced swiftly in the direction of Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"Is that what the Professor told you?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -Colin nodded. -</p> - -<p> -"He said the same thing to me," continued the -other, "but I remember wondering at the time -whether his statement could really be trusted. Like -so many gifted men, he was curiously careless in the -matter of money. It's quite possible that he may have -had a bundle of notes in some drawer that he -remembered nothing about." -</p> - -<p> -"And you think that, having whetted his appetite, -the thief came back for more?" -</p> - -<p> -Marsden put the question almost casually. -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Medwin spread out his hands. "Surely it's a -more likely theory than to imagine the existence of -some mysterious object that nobody has ever heard -of?" -</p> - -<p> -"I suppose that if the Professor had had any -specially valuable paper or secret in his possession he -would probably have mentioned the fact? I gather -that you were entirely in his confidence?" -</p> - -<p> -"Entirely, as far as his business arrangements were -concerned." -</p> - -<p> -"And how about his private affairs?" -</p> - -<p> -The solicitor paused. "I am as much in the dark -as you are with regard to them. On anything that -concerned himself Mr. Carter was one of the most -reticent men who ever lived." -</p> - -<p> -"So I understand from Dr. Gray," returned the -Inspector. "All the same, we shall have to look into -the matter, and I should think the easiest way of -doing it would be to get in touch with his old servant, -Kennedy. Do you happen to know where he can be -found?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin, who was watching closely, thought that he -detected a faint change of expression in the solicitor's -face. If so, it passed away instantly. -</p> - -<p> -"I haven't any idea," was the reply. "I am afraid -it's very likely that he's dead. He was partly paralyzed -when he left the Professor's service, and I don't -imagine he would have lasted for more than a few -months." -</p> - -<p> -The Inspector walked to the window and for a -moment or two stared thoughtfully out into the garden. -</p> - -<p> -"What about the estate?" he asked, turning round -suddenly. "Who comes into the property?" -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Medwin shrugged his shoulders. "There -again I am completely at sea. I presume that it -passes to the next of kin, but who that fortunate -person may be I haven't the remotest notion." -</p> - -<p> -"Hasn't Mr. Carter made a will?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not that I'm aware of. I suggested to him several -times that he ought to take some steps in the matter, -but he always made the excuse that he was too busy -to be bothered about it at the moment. As so often -happens in these cases, the opportunity has now gone -by for ever." -</p> - -<p> -"Then if no one comes forward the money passes -to the Crown?" -</p> - -<p> -"That is so; but it's not a situation which is likely -to occur. In view of the large fortune at stake some -claimant is certain to put in an appearance." -</p> - -<p> -The Inspector raised his eyebrows. "A large fortune, -eh?" he repeated. "Can you give us any idea of -what it amounts to?" -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Medwin reflected. "The Professor has been -saving money for years," he said slowly. "He drew -a big income from his various patents, and his personal -expenditure was comparatively trifling. Some of his -experiments were naturally rather costly, but, all the -same, there can be no doubt that he was an extremely -wealthy man. As a rough estimate I should say that -he was worth at least a couple of hundred thousand -pounds." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap06"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER SIX -</h3> - -<p> -"We find that Professor Carter was wilfully -murdered by some person or persons unknown." -</p> - -<p> -The foreman of the jury, a stout, pompous little -man who was evidently pleased with his temporary -importance, announced the verdict in a loud and -impressive voice. -</p> - -<p> -A moment's silence followed as the Coroner wrote -down the words, and then, amid a general murmur -of voices and shuffling of papers, the crowded court -commenced to break up. -</p> - -<p> -Colin, who was sitting on one of the back benches, -remained in his place while the building slowly emptied -itself. At last, just as it was clearing, the Inspector -and Mr. Medwin appeared together in the gangway, -and, picking up his hat, he stepped out to join them. -</p> - -<p> -The solicitor was the first to speak. -</p> - -<p> -"An unsatisfactory verdict," he observed, "but, -considering the entire lack of any definite evidence, I -suppose it was the only one that could be expected." -</p> - -<p> -"I've no complaint to make," remarked Marsden. -"I should say that it summed up the situation -exactly." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, you're as much concerned with finding out -the truth as either of us," returned the other, "but I -must confess to being a little disappointed that we've -made no further progress. It seems extraordinary -that a crime like this can be committed, and that there -should be absolutely no clue to the murderer." -</p> - -<p> -"It's a remarkable case all round," agreed Marsden. -"One of its most peculiar features is the fact that -no one has yet come forward to claim relationship -with the Professor. I suppose you've discovered -nothing fresh about his private affairs since our -conversation yesterday?" -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing," was the answer. "If I had I should -have informed the Coroner. My own opinion is -that before long we are bound to get on the right -track, and in the meanwhile the only thing to do is -to go on with the business of winding up the estate. -I am working in conjunction with the solicitor for -the Treasury, and he assures me that we shall be -allowed plenty of time to make the most exhaustive -inquiries before the Crown takes any steps to put -forward a claim." He turned to Colin. "By the way, I -wanted to have a talk with you, Gray," he added. -"I understand that your arrangement with the Professor -was only a verbal one, but, all the same, I think -you are at least entitled to six months' salary. I will -discuss the point with the Treasury, and, should they -raise no objection, I will take the responsibility of -forwarding you a cheque." -</p> - -<p> -"It's very good of you," said Colin coolly, "but if -you won't think me ungrateful I would much prefer -that you allowed the matter to drop. I am not in -need of money, and the small amount of work I did -has already been exceedingly well paid for." -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Medwin smiled benevolently. -</p> - -<p> -"Just as you please," he observed. "It's refreshing -to come across any one who takes such a modest -and unmercenary view of their services." He paused. -"I have no idea what your plans are," he continued, -"but should you be anxious to obtain some particular -appointment I shall be only too delighted to do -anything I can to assist you. I know that Mr. Carter -entertained the very highest opinion of your abilities." -</p> - -<p> -"I am not looking out for a new job at present," -replied Colin bluntly. "I am going to find the man -who murdered the Professor. There'll be time enough -to think about my own affairs after he's been tried and -hanged." -</p> - -<p> -As he spoke the court clock chimed the hour, and -with a sudden air of surprise Mr. Medwin pulled out -his watch. -</p> - -<p> -"One o'clock," he exclaimed. "I didn't realize it -was so late. I have promised to lunch with a client -of mine, so I'm afraid I must hurry off." He shook -hands with each of them in turn. "I need hardly say -I wish you both every success in your investigations. -You will no doubt keep me informed of any discoveries -you make, and sooner or later, if we all work together, -I feel convinced that the truth will come out." -</p> - -<p> -With a friendly nod he turned toward the door, -and the next moment Colin and the Inspector were left -alone. -</p> - -<p> -"I don't know why it is," said Colin. "I've nothing -against that chap, but somehow or other I feel dead -certain that he's a wrong 'un." -</p> - -<p> -"We shall be very unpopular if we stop and discuss -the matter here," replied Marsden. "They've been -waiting to shut the court for the last five minutes." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, suppose we go and have some lunch," suggested -Colin. "I know quite a decent place round the -corner in the High Street, and there are one or two -things I'd like to have a talk about if you're not in a -great hurry." -</p> - -<p> -"I was going to propose it myself," replied Marsden. -"I've got one of our men coming down to take -some photographs at the Red Lodge this afternoon. -He'll be along about a quarter to two, so that will just -spin out the time until he arrives." -</p> - -<p> -They left the court, and a few minutes later they -were seated at a table in a discreet little French -restaurant, the stout proprietress of which greeted Colin -with a motherly and familiar smile. -</p> - -<p> -"It's curious you should have said that about our -legal friend," began Marsden, as soon as they had -given their order. "I don't set much store myself on -what people call instincts; I've seen too many of 'em -go wrong. All the same, from the moment I clapped -my eyes on this fellow Medwin I've had a sort of -feeling that he was keeping something up his sleeve." -</p> - -<p> -"Something to do with the murder?" demanded Colin. -</p> - -<p> -Marsden broke off a bit of crust and chewed it -thoughtfully. -</p> - -<p> -"On the whole I should say not," he replied. -"There's no getting away from the fact that he was -knocked all of a heap when he heard the news. I'm -more inclined to think that he's up to some hanky-panky -with regard to the old man's money. He may -have a notion who the rightful heirs are, and, if so, -he's probably lying low with the idea of making a bit -out of it himself." -</p> - -<p> -"What sort of a standing has he got in his -profession?" asked Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, good enough as far as it goes," returned the -detective. "Still, I thought there'd be no harm in -making a few inquiries, so I've asked Ainsworth to -tackle the job himself. It will have to be done -carefully, of course; if Medwin got wind of the fact he'd -probably kick up the devil of a dust." -</p> - -<p> -"Are you any further on at all with regard to the -murder?" asked Colin. -</p> - -<p> -Marsden gave a warning glance in the direction -of the returning waiter, and for several minutes the -two of them remained silent, while a deftly moving -Italian attended to their needs. -</p> - -<p> -"There's no point in informing the rest of the -world," remarked Marsden, as soon as they were -alone again, "but, to tell you the truth, we seem to -be up against a blank wall. I didn't say too much -to the Coroner, chiefly on account of the newspapers. -Some of them are always waiting for a chance to dig -out the old stunt about the incompetence of Scotland -Yard, so in a case like this it's just as well to give the -impression that we're keeping something in the -background. As a matter of cold fact, I only wish we -were." -</p> - -<p> -"What about those pet black sheep of yours?" -inquired Colin. "Haven't you succeeded in rounding -them up yet?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, we've rounded 'em up all right. We've scraped -through our list of regulars with a fine pocket-comb, -and if any of them had so much as a finger in the job -I'll eat my hat in this restaurant." -</p> - -<p> -"Then you've changed your opinion?" said Colin. -"You're beginning to believe——" -</p> - -<p> -Marsden shook his head. "No," he interrupted -doggedly, "I'll stake my reputation that the man who -opened the lock of that safe was a professional -cracksman. He may have been a foreigner, of course, and -if that's the case it would account for the fact that -none of our people here know anything about him. -However, I've cabled to Paris and New York, and -several other places, to ask them if any of their own -experts are missing, and it's quite possible I may get -an answer from them that will put us on the right -track. If I do I'll send you along a line." He -paused to refill his glass. "By the way," he added, -"where shall I be able to find you?" -</p> - -<p> -"I've taken a room at the Kensington Palace Hotel -for a day or two," said Colin. "I've really made no -plans yet. As I told Medwin, I mean to see this thing -through before I attempt to settle down to any fresh -work." He pushed away his plate, the contents of -which he had hardly tasted, and lighted himself a -cigarette. "How about the Professor's old servant?" -he asked. "Any news of him yet?" -</p> - -<p> -"That's another of our failures," admitted the -detective wryly. "Ainsworth's men have been ransacking -the country, but so far they seem to have drawn an -absolute blank." He stopped suddenly, and, putting -his hand in his pocket, produced a rather crumpled -envelope. "Talking of Ainsworth, I've got something -here for you. It's the report we promised you the -other day about some party you wanted us to look up. -I'd have posted it on before only you told me that you -weren't in any particular hurry." -</p> - -<p> -He passed over the note, and, hastily expressing -his thanks, Colin tore open the flap. In the rush and -excitement of recent events his interest in Major -Fenton had been temporarily forgotten, but the mere -mention of the subject was quite sufficient to arouse all -his previous curiosity. -</p> - -<p> -He extracted the sheet of paper which the envelope -contained, and, unfolding it with eager fingers, spread -it out before him on the table. It was just a single -page of neat typewriting, without any address or date. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="quote"> -Major F. is the only son of the late John Mordaunt -F., of Cheltenham, Glos. He is forty-three -years of age. He was educated at Cheltenham -College. Entered the 17th Lancers, but resigned his -commission as a captain on account of financial -difficulties. Was in India for several years and -also in Canada. It is believed that he was chiefly -engaged in training and selling polo ponies. -Rejoined the Service during the war and rose to his -present rank. Since then his only occupation -appears to have been betting at race-meetings. He -is connected with an undesirable element on the -Turf, and his general reputation is not of the best. -As far as this country is concerned, however, there -is no record of his having been connected with any -criminal proceedings. He is an amateur yachtsman, -and the registered owner of a small auxiliary -engined boat called <i>The Swallow</i>, which is at -present lying in Hole Haven. -</p> - -<p class="quote"> -This paper is to be destroyed as soon as its -contents have been noted. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -As Colin reached the concluding paragraph the -Inspector rose from his chair. -</p> - -<p> -"I hope you've got the information you wanted," -he said. "I must be off now, or I shall be late for -my appointment. Are you coming along up to the -house?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin thrust away the paper in his inside pocket. -</p> - -<p> -"As a matter of fact," he said, "I'd half promised -to go down to Shadwell. My pal, the doctor there, -is very keen to know the result of the inquest. Still, -if there's any way in which I can be of help——" -</p> - -<p> -Marsden beckoned to the waiter. -</p> - -<p> -"No, no," he interrupted. "You stick to your -arrangement. We're only going to take a few photographs -of the study, just to show the exact position in -which the body was lying. They may come in useful -later on." -</p> - -<p> -He asked for the bill, which, in spite of Colin's -protest, he insisted upon paying, and, leaving the -restaurant, they stepped out on to the crowded -pavement. -</p> - -<p> -"I'm making for the station," explained Colin. -"My car's having some new valves fitted, so I shall go -down by train." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, so long for the present," was the Inspector's -reply. "I'll let you know at the hotel directly there's -any news, and if you should want to get in touch with -me yourself you've only got to ring up the Yard. -Even if I'm not there they can always send me a message." -</p> - -<p> -With a parting handshake he disappeared among -the traffic, and a few minutes later, having purchased -a ticket for Shadwell, Colin was descending the steps -which led down to the underground railway. -</p> - -<p> -As the train rumbled eastward he again pulled out -the paper which Marsden had handed him, and read it -through carefully a second time. Brief though it was, -it certainly presented Major Fenton in a far from -flattering light. Apart from its own uncomplimentary -phrases, it suggested that the account of himself which -he had given to Nancy was probably quite untrue. -Whatever his exact reasons for going abroad might -have been, it was clear that they had nothing to do -with the demands of military service. That he had -only returned to England in the spring was also -apparently a piece of deliberate fiction. Unless the -police were wrong, he had been a conspicuous figure at -race meetings ever since the conclusion of the war; -conspicuous, too, in a fashion which seemed to clash -rather badly with the chivalrous role he had adopted in -his relations toward Nancy. -</p> - -<p> -Had he really been acquainted with her father at -all? It was a question which Colin had already asked -himself on several occasions, and in view of what he -had just read his doubts on the subject became more -pronounced than ever. The details of the story were -so improbable, and the professed motive so extremely -unlikely, that in the absence of any other evidence -except the Major's own statement all his beliefs -inclined in the opposite direction. -</p> - -<p> -It seemed to him that Nancy ought certainly to be -enlightened concerning the somewhat unreliable nature -of her "guardian's" claims. The job was not a -particularly attractive one, for she had given him no -authority to make inquiries, and the character of an -unauthorized Paul Pry is about the last that any one -would wish to assume. Besides, there was the awkward -fact that Fenton had already cautioned Nancy -against him, and it might well appear to a third person -that in bringing this counter-charge he was merely -gratifying his own private resentment. -</p> - -<p> -Still, even at the risk of being misunderstood it was -clearly his duty to put her on her guard. He would -show her the report, and tell her frankly how it had -come into his possession, and if the consequences -proved to be unfortunate he must put up with them as -best he could. -</p> - -<p> -It was at the precise moment when he had arrived -at this decision that the train ran into Whitechapel -station. He got out in company with a number of -other passengers bound for the less fashionable -quarters of East End London, and, crossing the line by a -covered bridge, descended into the narrow and dimly lit -vault where passengers to Shadwell await their destiny. -</p> - -<p> -As he reached the platform the figure of a man -sitting by himself on a solitary bench suddenly -attracted his attention, and, stepping promptly forward -to the seat, he gave its occupant a sounding slap on the -shoulder. -</p> - -<p> -"Cheer up, Joe," he said. "There's sure to be a -train some time to-day." -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Joseph Bates—for it was none other than -the ex-pugilist—jumped to his feet with a grin of -welcome. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I'm blarsted," he exclaimed. "Caught me -proper, that you did, sir. Who'd ever have thought -o' meeting you 'ere?" -</p> - -<p> -He held out a large and not over-clean hand, which -Colin shook heartily. -</p> - -<p> -"I was just saying to meself only yesterday," -continued Joe, "some time when I get a free mornin' I -must do a trip up to the 'orspital an' tell the doctor -abaht my bit o' good luck." -</p> - -<p> -"What's that?" demanded Colin, taking a seat beside -him on the bench. "Have you fallen in love, or -is somebody offering you a job at a brewery?" -</p> - -<p> -"You'd never guess," returned Joe with a chuckle, -"not if you was to try for a month o' Sundays." He -removed a short clay pipe from the corner of his -mouth and spat contentedly on to the platform. "I -gorn back into the perfession, guv'nor, that's wot I -done." -</p> - -<p> -Colin eyed him incredulously. "That's a good one, -Joe," he observed. "Who are you going to fight—Jack -Dempsey?" -</p> - -<p> -"'Tain't a joke, guv'nor. I'm back in the old business -again, gospel truth I am, but not as wot you might -call a principal." He paused, as though to give full -weight to his coming disclosure. "You've 'eard tell -o' Solly Moss and the Palace o' Sport?" -</p> - -<p> -"What, the new boxing ring in Whitechapel?" -</p> - -<p> -"That's it—that's the place I'm gettin' at. Well, -the very day after I see'd you and the young lady -ahtside the club, who should I run across in the street -but old Solly Moss 'isself. 'Im an' me was pals once, -before 'e come up in the world, an' 'e's got a good -'eart, Solly 'as—especially for a Sheeny. We 'as a bit -of a talk like, an' a couple o' drinks, an' he says to -me, 'Joe,' 'e says, 'you come along dahn to my 'all, an' -damn me if I don't find you a job.' An' wot's more, -'e's done it, guv'nor. I'm caretaker, chucker-aht, and -one o' the two official seconds, with thirty bob a week -an' me name on the bleedin' programme." -</p> - -<p> -"I congratulate you," said Colin. "It must be an -interesting job, but it sounds to me as if it was a bit -underpaid." -</p> - -<p> -"There're pickin's," returned Joe, with a wink. "A -good second can do a lot toward pullin' orf a fight, an' -it gen'rally means arf a crown when you 'appen to be -in the winnin' corner. Besides"—he licked his lips—"me -bein' in wot you might call an official position, -folks as is interested in the game likes to make -'emselves civil. Why, this 'ere job will be worth quarts -an' quarts o' beer to me every week." -</p> - -<p> -As he spoke the train steamed into the station, and -with a simultaneous movement both of them rose to -their feet. -</p> - -<p> -"Where are you off to?" asked Colin. "I get out -at Shadwell." -</p> - -<p> -"That's my mark, too," replied Joe. "I gotter -go an' see the bloke wot supplies us with our jellied -eels. They ain't bin up to standard lately, an' old -Solly, 'e's arsked me to call rahnd and tell 'em wot -'e can do with 'em." -</p> - -<p> -They took their seats along with the rest of the -passengers, and a few minutes more brought them to -the equally grimy platform which serves to connect -Shadwell with the outside world. -</p> - -<p> -As they mounted the long flight of steps up to the -street Colin again addressed his companion. -</p> - -<p> -"It's no use your coming to the hospital now, Joe," -he said. "I've left there for good." -</p> - -<p> -"Started one of your own, sir?" inquired Joe innocently. -</p> - -<p> -"Not yet," replied Colin. "I am what you might -call marking time at the moment, but I expect I shall -be settling down again soon, and when I do I'll let -you know my address. However, I shall probably -see you again before then. I am sure to be down here -a good deal with my friend Doctor Ashton, and one -afternoon I'll walk over to your place and see if there's -anything doing. I'd like to have the gloves on again, -just for a bit of practice." -</p> - -<p> -"You come along, guv'nor," returned Joe with -enthusiasm. "There's gen'rally one or two useful -lads messin' arahnd, and we'll fix you up with some -bloke who can take a decent punch." -</p> - -<p> -They surrendered their tickets to the porter on duty, -and, having passed through the doorway, Colin -stopped for a moment on the pavement outside to light -himself a cigarette. -</p> - -<p> -He was in the act of throwing away the match -when he happened to glance across the street. As -he did so he caught sight of two men who were standing -in the doorway of a small public house opposite. -To an ordinary observer there was nothing particularly -striking about their appearance, except for the -fact that one of them was unusually well dressed. If -they had been Indians in full war-paint, however, the -effect upon Colin could hardly have been more remarkable. -He remained stock still, his eyes riveted upon -the taller of the pair. Although the latter's face was -half turned away, there could be no possible mistake. -It was Fenton himself, the very man of all others who -chiefly occupied his thoughts. -</p> - -<p> -"Anything wrong, guv'nor?" inquired Joe curiously. -</p> - -<p> -The sound of his companion's voice restored Colin's -faculties at once. With a quick movement he caught -hold of the other's arm, and, drawing him along the -pavement for a few paces, pulled up behind the -shelter of a deserted cart. -</p> - -<p> -"Joe," he said, "you see those two fellows over -there in the door of the pub?" -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Moss's lieutenant squinted furtively round the -backboard. -</p> - -<p> -"Wot abaht 'em?" he demanded. -</p> - -<p> -"Have you any idea who either of them is?" -</p> - -<p> -"Dunno the torf," was the answer. "T'other one's -a bloke they call 'Spike' Cooper." -</p> - -<p> -"Is he a friend of yours?" -</p> - -<p> -Joe laughed derisively. "Not much. I ain't -pertic'ler, but I likes to draw the line somewhere." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, he's a bad lot, eh?" -</p> - -<p> -"That's as it may be," replied Joe cautiously. "I -ain't sayin' nothing, not one way nor the other, but -any'ow, I don't fancy 'is comp'ny." -</p> - -<p> -From the security of his retreat Colin subjected -"Spike" Cooper to a critical examination. He was a -tough-looking customer with broad, powerful shoulders -and a lean, mahogany-coloured face. In spite of -his somewhat shabby clothes he was evidently on -familiar terms with Fenton, for he lounged back against -the wall with his hands in his pockets and a half-smoked -cigarette hanging from the corner of his lips. -</p> - -<p> -Colin turned to Joe. "Where did you come across -him?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -The ex-pugilist wrinkled his forehead. "Well, I -can't say to rights. I think it was the Blue Boar at -Shoreditch. 'E's bin 'anging arahnd these pubs for -the last two months, though where 'e come from afore -that Gawd knows. Some kind of a Yank, I reckon, -judgin' by 'is talk." -</p> - -<p> -Colin took another long and deliberate stare at the -oddly assorted couple. -</p> - -<p> -"Joe," he said, "will you do something for me?" -</p> - -<p> -"You ain't no call to ask that," returned Joe a little -reproachfully. -</p> - -<p> -"I want to know all I can about that chap. I want -you to follow him round and find out who his pals are -and where he's living. Do you think you could -manage it without giving away the show?" -</p> - -<p> -Joe's eyes brightened. "That's orl right, guv'nor," -he replied encouragingly. "Jes' you push orf an' leave -the job to me. I'll pick up 'is tracks now, after this -'ere cabinet council's over. There ain't no 'urry abaht -them there jellied eels." -</p> - -<p> -"You're a brick, Joe," said Colin gratefully. "If -you do happen to find out anything you might call -round at Doctor Ashton's. You know his house in the -High Street?" -</p> - -<p> -Joe nodded. -</p> - -<p> -"If I'm not there you've only got to leave a message -that you want to see me and I'll be over at the Palace -as soon as I get it." He put his hand in his pocket -and pulled out a couple of one pound notes. "Better -take these," he added. "You might want to do a little -bribery and corruption." -</p> - -<p> -Joe accepted the money and slipped it inside his belt. -</p> - -<p> -"You leave it to me, guv'nor," he whispered, "and -don't you start worryin' if you don't 'ear nothin' fur a -day or two. 'E's the sorter cove that's got to be -'andled cunnin', but I'll run 'im dahn right enough -afore I done with 'im. I'll stick to 'im like 'is bleedin' -shadder." -</p> - -<p> -As he spoke the two men opposite moved forward -out of the shelter of the door. They stood for a -moment on the edge of the pavement, exchanging a few -final remarks, and then, with a curt nod to his -companion, Fenton stepped into the roadway, and began -to cross the street in the direction of the station. -</p> - -<p> -Keeping well behind the cart, Colin waited until he -was safely in the booking-office. -</p> - -<p> -"We seem to be in luck, Joe," he observed cheerfully. -"The pubs are shut, so if our pal's got a home -he's probably on his way there now." -</p> - -<p> -He nodded toward the retreating figure of Mr. "Spike" -Cooper, who with his hands still in his pockets -was sauntering away casually up the street. -</p> - -<p> -"It ain't unlikely," returned Joe, with an appreciative -grin. "Any'ow, we'll 'ave a nice little walk -rahnd the 'ouses, an' if we don't do nothing else, we'll -get 'old of a decent thirst." -</p> - -<p> -He knocked out his pipe, and, thrusting it into his -pocket, drifted off inconspicuously amongst the stream -of passers-by. -</p> - -<p> -The whole thing had happened so quickly that up -till then Colin's chief feeling had been one of complete -surprise. Left to himself, however, the real significance -of Fenton's appearance in this out-of-the-way -neighbourhood suddenly came home to him with -convincing force. Shadwell was about the last part of -London that such a man would be likely to patronize -unless he had some extremely definite reason for -undertaking the journey. Only one reason suggested -itself to Colin, namely, the presence of Nancy at Mark's -house. That was certainly sufficient to account for -the Major's visit, though why he should be standing -in the door of an adjacent pub, talking to an obvious -ruffian like Mr. "Spike" Cooper, was another problem -to which no immediate answer seemed to be forthcoming. -</p> - -<p> -Pondering over this point as he walked toward -the surgery, Colin felt exceedingly thankful that he -had had the happy inspiration to despatch Joe in -pursuit of the stranger. If some underhand business -were going on in connection with Nancy, it would -be just as well to make certain whether this -sinister-looking individual had anything to do with the -proceedings. Of course, it was quite possible that -the two men had met merely by chance. Being mixed -up with the Turf, Fenton no doubt possessed a number -of undesirable acquaintances, and he might have -stumbled across one of them accidentally just as he was -about to enter the station. That, indeed, seemed to -be the most likely explanation, but, even so, any -information that Joe could pick up would certainly not -be wasted. If it served no other purpose, it would -probably assist in opening Nancy's eyes to Fenton's -true character, and for the moment, at all events, -that was the principal object which Colin had in his -mind. -</p> - -<p> -On reaching the front gate of the surgery he found -its owner standing on the doorstep, in the act of -bidding good-bye to a patient. Almost simultaneously -the latter took his departure, and with a hail of -welcome Mark stepped forward to greet him. -</p> - -<p> -"The very lad I wanted," was his opening remark. -"In fact, I was just going to ring up the hotel and see -if I could get hold of you." -</p> - -<p> -"I knew you were keen to hear about the inquest," -replied Colin, "and, being a gentleman of leisure, I -thought I might as well oblige you." -</p> - -<p> -Mark drew him into the house, and relieved him of -his hat and stick. -</p> - -<p> -"Come along upstairs," he whispered. "Nancy's -doing the books, and there are half-a-dozen blighters -in the waiting room, but I must hear what's happened, -even if it ruins the business." -</p> - -<p> -He led the way to the study, where they found -Nancy seated at a roll-top desk, with a couple of -formidable ledgers spread open in front of her. She -glanced up at their entrance, and then, laying down her -pen, swung round smilingly in her chair. -</p> - -<p> -"You must tear yourself away from work for a -minute or two," said Mark. "Colin has come to -report progress." -</p> - -<p> -He dropped down on the sofa, and, pulling out his -pipe, began hastily stuffing it with tobacco. -</p> - -<p> -"Fire ahead," he continued. "Let's have the whole -story. I'm dying to hear what's happened, and it will -just give me time for a comfortable smoke." -</p> - -<p> -"I'm going to shake hands with Nancy first," said -Colin. -</p> - -<p> -He crossed the room, and, having performed the -operation, very deliberately seated himself beside her -on top of the padded brass fire-guard. -</p> - -<p> -From this position he proceeded to give them a -brief but lucid sketch of what had taken place at the -inquest. He described the evidence of the various -witnesses, the summing-up of the Coroner, and the -final and unsatisfying verdict of the jury, concluding -with a short account of how he had met Mr. Medwin -and the Inspector after it was over and the views -which they had expressed with regard to the situation. -</p> - -<p> -"So, you see, we are more or less at a stop for the -moment," he finished. "The police aren't likely to do -much until they find the Professor's old servant or get -an answer to their cable, and as for Medwin—well, I -don't believe he cares the least whether the murderer's -discovered or not. The money is what he's interested -in, and both Marsden and I have got a notion -that he's playing some low-down game of his own." -</p> - -<p> -"What sort of game?" inquired Nancy, who had -been listening to the whole narrative with absorbed interest. -</p> - -<p> -"We don't know, but Marsden thinks he may have -some idea who the rightful heir is, and that he's lying -low until he sees the chance of pulling off a fat -commission." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy opened her eyes in astonishment. "Surely -he wouldn't be so dishonest!" she exclaimed. -</p> - -<p> -"I hope not," replied Colin; "but, after all, he's a -lawyer." -</p> - -<p> -Mark hoisted himself up in his chair. "I protest," -he said. "I am not going to have Nancy's ingenuous -mind corrupted by any beastly cynicism." He turned -to Colin. "And how about you?" he added more -seriously. "This infernal business must have played the -mischief with all your plans." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I'm just marking time," said Colin. "I mean -to see this thing through before I attempt to do -anything else." -</p> - -<p> -Mark nodded approvingly. "That's right," he -remarked. "That's your job, plain enough." He -glanced at Nancy. "I'm afraid our idea won't work," -he added. -</p> - -<p> -"Is it a secret?" demanded Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, as a matter of fact I was going to ask you -whether you could do us a good turn. If you're busy, -however——" -</p> - -<p> -"I should have to be devilish busy to let you down," -said Colin. "What's the trouble?" -</p> - -<p> -"It's Mary's mother," was the answer. "There's -been some unexpected development in the case, and -they have got to operate the day after to-morrow. -Mary is desperately anxious for me to go up, and I -can't possibly get away unless I can find someone to -look after the practice. I thought that you might be -able to manage it, but——" -</p> - -<p> -"'But' be blowed," interrupted Colin. "I only -want to be around in case Marsden needs me, and I -shall be quite as handy here as at the Palace Hotel. -How long do you expect to be away?" -</p> - -<p> -"I don't suppose I shall be more than a couple of -days. It just depends whether the operation is a success." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, consider that settled," said Colin. "It won't -interfere with my plans in the least; in fact, I shall be -only too glad to have something else to think about." -</p> - -<p> -Mark got up from the sofa, and, crossing the rug, -held out his hand. -</p> - -<p> -"Put it there, my son," he said gratefully. "You're -a good pal, and the family thanks you." -</p> - -<p> -Colin laughed. "You'd better wait till you come -back," he replied. "You'll probably find that I've -cured half your patients." -</p> - -<p> -"I don't care a hang about what you do with them," -said Mark callously. He turned toward Nancy. "I -shall leave you in charge of each other," he added. -"You must keep Colin posted in his job, and he must -look after you and try to make himself agreeable." He -paused, and added chaffingly, "I don't know -whether Major Fenton will approve of the arrangement, -but I'm afraid we've hardly time to consult him." -</p> - -<p> -There was a brief but pregnant silence. -</p> - -<p> -"Major Fenton?" repeated Colin blankly. -</p> - -<p> -Mark chuckled. "You've met him, haven't you? -A kind of adopted uncle of Nancy's. He rolled up -here quite unexpectedly about half-past twelve this -morning. I suppose he really came to see whether -the place was respectable or not, and on the whole -I think we managed to set his mind at rest. Anyhow, -he made himself extremely pleasant, so of course I -asked him to stop to lunch." -</p> - -<p> -Colin flashed a quick glance at Nancy, who was -looking distinctly uncomfortable. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh," he said, "that explains things. I thought I -caught sight of him in the street just as I was leaving -the station." -</p> - -<p> -"He appears to take a great interest in Nancy," -pursued Mark, with a mischievous smile, "but somehow -or other she doesn't exactly seem to appreciate it." -</p> - -<p> -"I didn't invite him here," protested Nancy, "and -I don't think he had any right to come." -</p> - -<p> -Before Mark could reply there was a tap outside, -and the harassed features of Martha Jane intruded -themselves round the door. -</p> - -<p> -"If you please, doctor," she said, "there's another -four patients in the waiting room. That makes nine -altogether." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, damn!" said Mark. "I suppose I must go -down and see them. You'll stay to tea, Colin, of -course?" -</p> - -<p> -"If I'm not in the way," was the answer. "Perhaps -I'd better go out for a stroll and come back." -</p> - -<p> -"You stop here and talk to Nancy," replied Mark. -"There's no hurry about the books, and she can save -me a lot of trouble by explaining how we run the -practice. She really knows rather more about it than I -do." -</p> - -<p> -He knocked out his pipe, and, thrusting it into his -pocket, hurried off downstairs on the heels of Martha -Jane. -</p> - -<p> -Colin closed the door and came back to where -Nancy was sitting. -</p> - -<p> -"So Fenton's sense of duty is still in good working -order," he observed. -</p> - -<p> -With a little impatient gesture Nancy brushed aside -a stray curl. -</p> - -<p> -"I was very annoyed at his coming down here," she -said. "If I'd thought for a moment that he was going -to do a thing like that I shouldn't have given him my -address." -</p> - -<p> -Colin took up his old position on the fire-guard -and looked thoughtfully into her indignant blue -eyes. -</p> - -<p> -"What did he want, Nancy?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, it was only to invite me to dine and go to a -theatre with him on Wednesday. Of course, he could -just as well have written to me or rung me up on the -telephone." -</p> - -<p> -"And did you accept?" -</p> - -<p> -Nancy shrugged her shoulders. "I couldn't very -well help it. He asked me while we were at lunch, -and I didn't like to say I was engaged, because Doctor -Ashton would have known it was untrue." -</p> - -<p> -"Otherwise you would have refused him?" -</p> - -<p> -Nancy nodded. "It may seem ungrateful, but as a -matter of fact I don't want to see Major Fenton again. -I never liked him very much, and the last time I was -with him he——" She hesitated. "Oh, well, he was -different in a way, and, to put it quite plainly, I liked -him even less. Besides, I haven't forgotten the horrid -things he said about you." -</p> - -<p> -Colin searched in his pocket and pulled out the -report which Marsden had given him. -</p> - -<p> -"That makes my job a bit easier," he remarked. -</p> - -<p> -She gazed curiously at the slip of paper. -</p> - -<p> -"What's that?" she demanded. -</p> - -<p> -Colin sat back, still holding it in his hand. -</p> - -<p> -"I've been doing a quite unpardonable sort of thing, -Nancy," he said. "Before I tell you, will you promise -to forgive me?" -</p> - -<p> -"Certainly," she said, smiling. "I can always forgive -anything that's really unpardonable. It makes -one feel so nice and generous." -</p> - -<p> -Without waiting for further encouragement Colin -plunged at once into a full description of how he had -taken advantage of the Inspector's half-joking offer -to make some inquiries with regard to Fenton's -character and reputation. He told the whole story quite -simply, allowing his own motives in the matter to be -taken for granted, and ended by reading her the report. -</p> - -<p> -Nancy, who had listened to him gravely, made no -comment until he had finished. -</p> - -<p> -Then with a quaint and rather rueful little laugh -she looked up into his face. -</p> - -<p> -"It's a disappointing world, isn't it?" she said. "I -did honestly believe that there was something kind and -unselfish about his original intentions." She paused. -"And you say you saw him in the street? Why, he -must have left here over an hour ago." -</p> - -<p> -"I saw him all right," repeated Colin. -</p> - -<p> -He went on to describe his meeting with Joe and -the interesting events which had ensued on their -arrival at Shadwell station. -</p> - -<p> -"I may be prejudiced," he concluded, "but I'm -beginning to think that he's an even bigger scoundrel -than the police give him credit for. Anyhow, it's -perfectly plain that he's been lying to you from start to -finish." -</p> - -<p> -"But why should he?" objected Nancy. -</p> - -<p> -It was Colin's turn to hesitate. "Well, after all, -you're rather pretty, you know," he said lamely. -</p> - -<p> -Nancy laughed again. "I've no doubt you're right," -she said, "but I don't see that it solves the difficulty. -He couldn't have known what I was like when he came -and hunted me out." -</p> - -<p> -"No, that's true," admitted Colin. He got off his -seat and paced slowly up and down the room. "There's -something behind all this, Nancy," he added; "some -infernal mystery that we don't understand." -</p> - -<p> -"There is," agreed Nancy; "but I mean to understand -it, and very soon, too." -</p> - -<p> -Colin stopped. "You're not thinking of keeping -that appointment?" -</p> - -<p> -She nodded. "Of course I'm going to keep it. -If I don't, how can I find out what he wants?" She -rose from her chair and came forward to where Colin -was standing. "I—I'm awfully grateful for what -you've done," she said shyly, "and I can't tell you what -a comfort it is to know that I've got someone who's -ready to help me." She paused. "All the same," -she added, "I'm not in the least frightened of Major -Fenton. I've had a lot of practice in looking after -myself." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap07"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER SEVEN -</h3> - -<p> -With an inward sigh of relief Colin opened the door -of the surgery, and beckoned to the solitary old -woman who was still sitting grimly in the corner of -the waiting room. She was the thirty-fourth patient -he had interviewed that morning, and the prospect -of a well-earned lunch with Nancy was beginning to -dangle pleasantly in front of his exhausted spirits. -</p> - -<p> -The old woman entered the surgery, and, after -placing a bulky string bag upon his consulting table, -deposited herself in an armchair alongside. -</p> - -<p> -Colin took his own seat and smiled at her encouragingly. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, mother," he said, "what's the matter?" -</p> - -<p> -The patient folded her hands. "I've bin pizened," -she said. "That's wot's the matter with me, young -man. I've bin pizened." -</p> - -<p> -Colin sat back and nodded gravely. "When did -this happen?" he inquired. -</p> - -<p> -"Ha!" said the lady, rather bitterly. "That's the -very pint I'm comin' to. Are you a pertickler friend -o' Doctor Hashton's?" -</p> - -<p> -"I am," said Colin. "That's why I'm taking his -practice." -</p> - -<p> -"In that case," continued the visitor, "I don't mind -telling you, young man, that it was 'im as done it." -</p> - -<p> -"What, poisoned you?" exclaimed Colin. "Surely not." -</p> - -<p> -The lady reached for her bag, and, after fumbling -among its contents, produced a half empty bottle of -medicine. She handed this to Colin, who examined -the label. -</p> - -<p> -"Are you Mrs. Jones?" he inquired. -</p> - -<p> -"That's right, young man," was the answer. "Mrs. Jones -o' Baxter's Rents, and there ain't no one in -Shadwell wot can say to the contrary." -</p> - -<p> -"And why do you think that Doctor Ashton has -poisoned you?" -</p> - -<p> -Mrs. Jones leaned forward mysteriously and tapped -the bottle. -</p> - -<p> -"You can see for yourself, young man. 'E's given -me the wrong medicine. Mind you, I don't say that -'e done it a purpose. I expect 'e was a bit 'urried and -made a mistake. All the same, there ain't no gettin' -away from it. 'E's given me the wrong medicine, an' -I'm pizened." -</p> - -<p> -Colin extracted the cork and took a sniff at the contents. -</p> - -<p> -"It seems all right to me," he observed. -</p> - -<p> -"There's nothing wrong with the smell," admitted -Mrs. Jones. "It's the colour wot I'm speakin' about." -</p> - -<p> -"What's the matter with the colour?" demanded -Colin. "Some of the best medicines are red." -</p> - -<p> -"Not mine," returned Mrs. Jones doggedly. "My -medicine's yeller, always 'as bin. The moment I set -me eyes on that bottle I says to meself, ''E's made a -mistake.'" -</p> - -<p> -"Then why on earth did you take it?" -</p> - -<p> -Mrs. Jones looked a trifle surprised. "Well, young -man, I'd paid ninepence for it, an', not knowin' then -as it was pizen, I didn't see no reason for wastin' the -money." -</p> - -<p> -"And you say it made you ill?" -</p> - -<p> -"It's only through the mercy o' Gawd that I'm -sittin' 'ere now," said Mrs. Jones impressively. -"D'rec'ly the third dose passed me lips I come over -queer." -</p> - -<p> -Colin poured out a little of the medicine into a glass -and tasted it judiciously. -</p> - -<p> -"I don't think you've any reason to be anxious, -Mrs. Jones," he said. "Doctor Ashton was only trying you -with a new prescription. It's a very good one indeed, -but I suppose it doesn't quite suit your constitution." -</p> - -<p> -Mrs. Jones looked round and lowered her voice. -"If that's the case," she demanded, "why 'as 'e run away?" -</p> - -<p> -"He hasn't run away," said Colin. "He's coming -back to-morrow or the next day. He's only gone up -north to look after his wife's mother." -</p> - -<p> -There was a pause. -</p> - -<p> -"Well," said Mrs. Jones doubtfully, "I 'as my own -opinions on that point, but seein' as 'ow you're a friend -of 'is I don't blame you for standin' up for 'im. -Besides, between you an' me, young man, I wouldn't get -Doctor Hashton into trouble, not on no account. We -all make mistakes at times, even the best of us. You -give me a bottle o' the yeller medicine, the same as I -always 'as, an' I sha'n't say no more about it." -</p> - -<p> -"Right you are," said Colin. He rose from his -chair, and, crossing to the cupboard where Mark kept -two or three innocuous and highly coloured mixtures -ready made up, filled a bottle with the desired specific. -</p> - -<p> -Mrs. Jones inspected it with approval. -</p> - -<p> -"I'm much obliged to you, young man," she observed. -"Hall's well that hends well, as the sayin' is. -You can tell the doctor from me that 'e won't 'ear no -more o' this, so 'e can come back 'ome just as soon as -ever 'e likes." -</p> - -<p> -She tucked away the bottle in her bag and made -her exit through the side door, which Colin had -stepped forward to open for her. As she passed out -Martha Jane appeared in the passage. -</p> - -<p> -"Are you ready for lunch, sir?" she inquired. -</p> - -<p> -"I'm more than ready," said Colin. "I'm positively -aching for it." -</p> - -<p> -Martha Jane nodded sympathetically. "It must -be 'ard work for a young gentleman like you, sir, 'avin' -to sit there and listen to all them diseases. You go -along into the dinin' room and I'll run up and tell Miss -Nancy. I sha'n't keep you waitin' more than a couple -o' minutes." -</p> - -<p> -Colin returned to his desk, and, having completed -his report, with a brief entry on the subject of -Mrs. Jones, made his way out into the hall, where he -encountered Nancy in the act of descending the staircase. -</p> - -<p> -"I'll be with you in a second," he said. "I'm just -going to remove the germs." -</p> - -<p> -He hurried across to the cloak room, and, after -changing his coat and indulging in a welcome bout with -a basin of hot water, emerged again in a hungry but -contented humour. -</p> - -<p> -Nancy was already seated at the table, looking -disturbingly pretty in her severe and businesslike -costume. Although, on his arrival at the surgery, they -had spent a crowded quarter of an hour together, -opening the post and discussing the day's work, this -was the first opportunity they had had for anything -like a private conversation. -</p> - -<p> -"Well," she inquired cheerfully, "how have you -been getting on this morning?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin sank into the vacant chair and stretched out -his hand toward the whisky. -</p> - -<p> -"I'm still alive," he said, "but that's about all. -Every day, in every respect, my admiration for Mark -grows deeper and deeper." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy pushed across the soda. "I often wonder -he hasn't broken down," she said. "It's only sheer -good nature and kindness that keep him going. He -comes in to lunch every day and says the most blood-curdling -things about the patients, but in his heart he -just loves them all." -</p> - -<p> -"I know he does," returned Colin, "and I've been -trying to copy his example. It's thirsty work, though, -when you come to people like Mrs. Jones." He took -a long drink and set down the tumbler. "By the way, -is there any news from him?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not yet," said Nancy. "The operation was to -be at ten o'clock, and he promised to wire directly he -knew the result. We shall probably get a telegram -this afternoon." -</p> - -<p> -Colin attacked the roast chicken, which Martha -Jane had cooked to perfection, and passed over a -generous helping. -</p> - -<p> -"And what about last night?" he inquired. "I -had no time to ask you anything this morning, but I'm -longing to hear how Fenton behaved himself." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, to begin with," said Nancy, "he asked me -to marry him." -</p> - -<p> -Colin paused in the act of dissecting a wing. -</p> - -<p> -"Did he, by Jove! I hope you told him to go to -blazes?" -</p> - -<p> -"Something rather similar," said Nancy, "only I -tried to put it as nicely as possible." -</p> - -<p> -"And how did he take it?" -</p> - -<p> -Nancy paused. "It may sound conceited," she -replied, "but I should say he was more angry and -disappointed than any one I ever saw in my life." -</p> - -<p> -"I can quite believe it," said Colin. "You're just -the sort of girl who'd make a man feel like that." -</p> - -<p> -She shook her head. "I'm not trying to be modest, -Colin. I know I'm pretty—even other women have -told me so—but I assure you my looks have got -nothing to do with the matter. Do you suppose that a -girl doesn't know when a man is really in love with -her? Major Fenton doesn't care that for me." She -snapped her fingers. -</p> - -<p> -"I shouldn't wonder if you're right," agreed Colin. -"A chap with a face like that could hardly have much -capacity for romance. I should say that champagne -was more in his line." -</p> - -<p> -"All the same," said Nancy, "he's quite serious -about wanting to marry me, and, what's more, he's -made up his mind that he's going to do it." -</p> - -<p> -"How do you mean?" inquired Colin. "Did he -turn nasty when you told him it was a wash-out?" -</p> - -<p> -"Very nasty," said Nancy calmly. "He accused me -of all sorts of things, my chief crime being that I've -allowed myself to be influenced by you." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I don't want to brag," admitted Colin modestly, -"but I've certainly done my best. Does he know -that I'm taking Mark's practice?" -</p> - -<p> -She nodded. "Yes, I'd told him at the beginning -of dinner. I suppose that was what put the idea into -his head." She stopped. "Colin," she said, "don't -think me stupid and melodramatic, but do you know, -I am really rather frightened. There was something -in the way he spoke about you, something that made -me feel as if—oh, I know it sounds ridiculous—but as -if you were in actual danger." -</p> - -<p> -Colin sat back and smiled contentedly. "This is -too good to be true," he observed. "I've been longing -to punch his head ever since he told you that lie about -my leaving the hospital." -</p> - -<p> -"But you don't understand," persisted Nancy. "He -wouldn't try anything himself, of course; he's much -more likely to pay someone else to do it. You go -about alone all over the place, and in a rough -neighbourhood like Shadwell——" -</p> - -<p> -"You needn't be anxious," interrupted Colin. "I -shall keep my eyes open, I promise you. If Fenton's -got hold of the idea that I'm in his way, I can quite -believe he'll stick at nothing." He paused. "What -beats me altogether," he added, "is why he wants to -make you his wife. You haven't the least doubt that -he's really in earnest?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not the least. He even went so far as talking -about a special license, and suggesting that we should -be married this week." -</p> - -<p> -"That makes it fishier still," said Colin, frowning. -He stared thoughtfully at his plate for a moment or -two, and then suddenly pushed back his chair. "I -know what I shall do," he continued. "I shall tell -Marsden the whole story and ask him for his advice. -I'm perfectly certain there's some damned crooked -business at the back of it." -</p> - -<p> -"But you can't possibly bother the police," objected -Nancy. "After all, Major Fenton has only asked me to -marry him, and there's nothing very criminal in that." -</p> - -<p> -"Depends on what you call criminal," said Colin. -"I should say he deserved ten years for his confounded -cheek." -</p> - -<p> -As he spoke the door opened and Martha Jane -inserted her head. -</p> - -<p> -"Would you like any sweet?" she inquired. -"There's a nice plum tart in the kitchen if either of -you fancy a bit." -</p> - -<p> -Colin glanced at his watch. -</p> - -<p> -"It sounds alluring," he said, "but I don't think I -can spare the time. I must start out on my round at -half-past, and I shall have to run through the cases -first and see what I've got to take with me." -</p> - -<p> -He rose from his chair, Nancy following his example. -</p> - -<p> -Martha Jane looked at them both with disapproval. -</p> - -<p> -"You're as bad as the doctor, every bit," she -observed. 'Ow do you expect to keep well if you don't -feed proper? What with this here snatching and -picking it's a wonder to me that you ain't all in your -graves." -</p> - -<p> -"You might give us an extra good tea to make up -for it," suggested Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I forgot to tell you," said Nancy. "I'm -afraid I shall be out when you get back. I've -promised to go round and see old Mrs. Merivale, one of -Mark's patients." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh!" -</p> - -<p> -Colin's face fell. "That's a blow," he said sadly. -"I can never enjoy my tea properly unless someone -pours it out for me." -</p> - -<p> -"I daresay Martha Jane will do it if you ask her -nicely," said Nancy. "In any case, I'll try and get -back in time for the second cup." -</p> - -<p> -With an encouraging smile she passed out into the -hall, and, having paused to light himself a cigarette, -Colin returned to the surgery. -</p> - -<p> -Half an hour later, with Mark's black bag in one -hand and a stout stick in the other, he set forth into -the chill and uninviting atmosphere of the December -afternoon. He was not disturbed by Nancy's vague -alarm with regard to his personal safety, but his -practice took him into a pretty rough neighbourhood, and -a good tough ash seemed to him a distinctly suitable -companion. -</p> - -<p> -As it turned out, however, the precaution was an -unnecessary one. During his long ramble through the -lowest parts of Shadwell he met with nothing but -good-natured civility. Wherever he went, down sordid -alleys and up rickety staircases, a friendly welcome -invariably awaited him. His experience at the -hospital had given him the knack of getting on readily -with poor people, and, since he had done the same -round on the previous day, he was already on familiar -terms with most of his patients. -</p> - -<p> -By the time he returned to the surgery it was close -on five o'clock. Darkness was rapidly setting in, and -the feeling that his out-of-door duty was over for the -day seemed to lend an additional attraction to the -warmth and comfort of the brightly lit hall. -</p> - -<p> -As he closed the front door Martha Jane emerged -from the kitchen. -</p> - -<p> -"A man came to see you just after you'd gone out, -sir," she informed him. "Party of the name of Bates. -Said he'd call again." -</p> - -<p> -Colin, who had heard nothing of Joe since they had -parted outside the station, received the news with no -little interest. -</p> - -<p> -"Did he mention any particular time?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -"No, sir. 'E just said 'e'd look round again later." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, let me know at once if he does," he replied. -"I'll see him immediately, no matter how many people -are waiting." -</p> - -<p> -Martha Jane nodded. "There's a letter and a -telegram come for you too, sir. They're over there on -the hall table." She paused. "Per'aps as Miss -Nancy's out you'd like your tea in the surgery?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, that will be best," said Colin. "You can -bring it along in as soon as it's ready." -</p> - -<p> -He divested himself of his coat, and, crossing to the -table, picked up the telegram. As he expected, it -bore the Lincoln postmark, and with eager fingers he -slit open the flap and pulled out the contents. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="quote"> -"Operation a complete success. Shall be home -to-morrow about one.—MARK." -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -He turned to Martha Jane. -</p> - -<p> -"This is from Doctor Ashton," he said. "Everything -has gone off splendidly, and he hopes to be back -to-morrow." -</p> - -<p> -"'E would," was the answer. "Wild 'orses -wouldn't keep 'im from work, not so long as 'e's got -a breath in his body." -</p> - -<p> -Colin laughed, and, taking up the letter, walked -forward into the surgery. A bright fire was burning -away cheerfully in the grate, and, having flicked on the -electric light, he seated himself at his desk and -proceeded to open the envelope. -</p> - -<p> -A single glance at the letter inside showed him that -it was from Inspector Marsden. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="quote"> - "SCOTLAND YARD,<br /> - "Thursday, December 12th.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="quote"> -"DEAR DOCTOR GRAY,—You will be interested -to hear that we have at last managed to pick up -the tracks of William Kennedy, Professor Carter's -servant. It seems that he has been very ill, and for -the last two months has been living in an out-of-the-way -village in Hertfordshire under the care of -an old female cousin. The latter, who is apparently -unable to read, had heard nothing about the murder, -and it was only last night that Kennedy was -informed of the facts. I am making arrangements -to motor down and interview him to-morrow, -don't suppose I shall be back at the Yard until the -evening, but if you would care to look in any time -after six I shall be pleased to see you and to let you -know the result of my journey. -</p> - -<p class="quote"> - "I am,<br /> - "Yours sincerely,<br /> - "JAMES MARSDEN."<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -With considerable satisfaction Colin folded the -letter and put it away in his pocket. It was a relief -to know that things were moving at last, for, even if -Kennedy were unable to throw any direct light on the -murder, the information he could supply with regard -to the Professor's private life might well be the -starting-point for further discoveries. -</p> - -<p> -He was pondering over the possibilities of the -situation when Martha Jane arrived with his tea. She -had evidently accepted her appointment as Nancy's -understudy in a serious spirit, for she not only filled -his cup, but stood by with watchful solicitude until she -was certain that he was provided with everything that -he required. -</p> - -<p> -Just as she was turning to leave the room there came -a ring at the bell. -</p> - -<p> -"I wonder if that's our friend Joe Bates," said -Colin. "If it is, bring him in at once." -</p> - -<p> -There was an interval of nearly a minute, and then, -looking rather flushed and ruffled, Martha Jane -reappeared, closing the door behind her. -</p> - -<p> -"It ain't 'im," she announced; "it's a patient. 'E's -waiting outside." She nodded toward the hall. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, hang it all!" exclaimed Colin. "This is my -hour off. I'm not going to see any more patients until -six. Why on earth didn't you tell him?" -</p> - -<p> -"Tell 'im!" repeated Martha Jane indignantly. "I -told 'im right enough." -</p> - -<p> -"And do you mean to say he won't go away?" -</p> - -<p> -"'E just pushed me on one side and sat himself -down," was the answer. "'E says 'e means to wait -'ere until you come out." -</p> - -<p> -Colin rose to his feet, and, swiftly crossing the room, -threw open the door. -</p> - -<p> -A man who was seated on one of the hall chairs -jumped up at his appearance. He was a rough-looking -customer of the longshoreman type, with a deep scar -on one side of his face and a dirty handkerchief -knotted round his neck. -</p> - -<p> -Colin walked up to him. -</p> - -<p> -"What do you mean by forcing your way into the -house?" he demanded. "If you want to see me you -can go round to the surgery and wait until it's open." -</p> - -<p> -The intruder stood his ground, fumbling awkwardly -with his cap. -</p> - -<p> -"No offence, doctor," he muttered. "If I done -wrong I asks yer pardon." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, you heard what I said," returned Colin. -"There's the door behind you." -</p> - -<p> -The man still made no attempt to move. "Don't -be 'ard, doctor," he said hoarsely. "I want yer to -come along and see a pal o' mine, a pore bloke wot's -'ad a haccident dahn at Truscott's wharf." -</p> - -<p> -Colin shook his head. "I can't manage it now," he -said. "I've got to be here at six to see my patients." -</p> - -<p> -"You can be back before then, doctor," persisted -the other eagerly. "It's only a step from 'ere—s'elp -me Gawd, it is." -</p> - -<p> -"I know the place," said Colin. "It will take a -good twenty minutes to get there." -</p> - -<p> -"'E ain't on the wharf now," explained the other. -"We've carried 'im along to 'is own 'ouse." -</p> - -<p> -"Where's that?" demanded Colin. -</p> - -<p> -The man hesitated. "It's dahn at the bottom o' -Flood Lane. One o' them old 'ouses backin' on the -river." -</p> - -<p> -Colin recognized the spot from his description—a -ruinous and half-deserted slum, most of which had -already been demolished. Before he could speak, -however, the visitor resumed his petition. -</p> - -<p> -"For Gawd's sake come along an' 'ave a look at 'im, -guv'nor. We can't find no other doctor, an' 'e's -sufferin' somethin' crool." -</p> - -<p> -Colin glanced at his watch. "Oh, very well," he -said curtly. "I sha'n't have time to attend to the man -properly, but if I find it's a matter for surgical -treatment I'll give you a note to the hospital. Just wait -here and I'll be with you in a minute." -</p> - -<p> -He stepped back into the consulting room, and, -crossing to the opposite door, summoned Martha -Jane. -</p> - -<p> -"When Miss Nancy comes in," he said, "you might -tell her that I've been called out on an urgent case. -I'm only going as far as the bottom of Flood Lane, so -I shall be back by six." -</p> - -<p> -He thrust one or two articles which might be -needed into his bag, and, hurrying out again into the -hall, unhooked his hat and coat. -</p> - -<p> -"What sort of injury is it?" he asked, as the front -door closed behind them. "A broken leg or something -of that kind?" -</p> - -<p> -His companion, who was slightly ahead of him, -pushed open the small iron gate and turned to the left -in the direction of the river. -</p> - -<p> -"No," he answered slowly, "'e ain't broke -nothing—leastways, not as I knows of. The pain's inside -of 'im, so 'e says. Twisted 'is guts, I reckon, from -the way 'e's carryin' on." -</p> - -<p> -He relapsed into silence, and, checking his pace a -few yards farther on, led the way down a dark and -narrow alley. -</p> - -<p> -They emerged on to a desolate strip of waste land, -where stray piles of brick and other refuse were -dotted about forlornly under the light of a solitary -street lamp. Exactly opposite them were the partly -demolished remains of a large warehouse, with two -crazy and tumble-down houses still standing alongside. -Behind these, half a mile wide, ran the dark -and sluggish current of the Thames. -</p> - -<p> -Colin's guide pointed across toward the dilapidated -dwellings. -</p> - -<p> -"That's the 'ouse," he observed, "the end one o' -them two. You want to step careful, doctor; there's -a number o' bad places abaht 'ere." -</p> - -<p> -He set forward again, picking his way deliberately -between the heaps of débris and the numerous pools -of dirty water which infested the whole district. -Colin followed close behind him, and after several -minutes of this unpleasant progress they came out -on to a muddy and deserted roadway which ran -parallel with the river. -</p> - -<p> -Colin glanced back over the route they had come. -"A nice open situation," he remarked, "but I should -think that the people who lived here were rather apt -to break their necks." -</p> - -<p> -"It's an orkard spot to get to in the dark," admitted -his companion. "You'll be all right though, doctor. -I'll see yer back meself as far as Flood Lane." -</p> - -<p> -He crossed the road and advanced toward the -houses, one of which appeared to be uninhabited. A -dim light was burning on the ground floor of the -second, and, mounting the broken step, he rapped twice -on the door with his knuckles. -</p> - -<p> -After some delay it was opened by a gaunt, -haggard-looking woman, who held up the candle she was -carrying and peered suspiciously into the darkness. -She evidently recognized the visitor, for without -inquiring his business she stepped back silently against -the wall. -</p> - -<p> -"That's 'is wife," observed the man, turning to -Colin. "She's a bit queer in the 'ead, so you won't -get nothing out of 'er." -</p> - -<p> -He moved aside to make room for Colin's entrance, -and then, closing the door behind them, addressed -himself to the woman. -</p> - -<p> -With a furtive nod she started off along the passage, -at the end of which there was another room facing -the front door. -</p> - -<p> -Colin, who had turned to follow her, took a pace -forward. It was only one pace, for as his foot touched -the ground something soft and heavy came down with -a blinding thud on the back of his head. Half -stunned by the blow, he pitched forward full length -on to the rough and uncarpeted boards, and at the -same instant two men sprang forward out of the -room, and flung themselves heavily on top of him. -</p> - -<p> -What happened during the next few minutes seemed -to belong to the world of nightmare. He had a vague -impression of fighting desperately with fists and teeth -and feet; then a savage hand gripped him by the -throat, and everything was wiped out in a sudden and -suffocating blackness. -</p> - -<p class="t3"> -* * * * * * * * * -</p> - -<p> -"I tell yer I knows 'im. It's the swine that was -'elpin' the cops when they pulled 'Ginger Dick.'" -</p> - -<p> -The hoarse voice, which sounded very far away, -penetrated slowly into Colin's mind, and, opening -his eyes, he stared up at the speaker. -</p> - -<p> -He was still in the passage, stretched out flat on his -back, with his ankles tied together and his arms bound -tightly to his sides. Three men were standing round -him, and, in spite of the dim light and the almost -stupefying pain in his head, he had no difficulty in -recognizing them. The bloodstained face that was -scowling at him had been engraved on his memory -ever since the day when he first met Nancy. It -belonged to the ruffian who had led the attack on -Marsden and had kicked him in the ribs when he was lying -helpless on the ground. The other two were the -plausible visitor to the surgery and Mr. "Spike" -Cooper. -</p> - -<p> -It was the latter who replied to the first man's outburst. -</p> - -<p> -"What the hell's that got to do with it, anyway?" -he drawled. "I'm here on business, and it don't -matter a cuss to me whether he's your long-lost brother." -</p> - -<p> -"It matters to me though," growled the other. "I -'ad somethin' up against 'im before, an' now 'e's -bashed 'alf me faice in with 'is blarsted boot. Taike -that, yer swine!" -</p> - -<p> -He lifted his foot, but before he could accomplish -his genial purpose a violent shove from "Spike" Cooper -sent him staggering against the wall. -</p> - -<p> -"None o' that, you fool! Didn't you hear what -the boss said? If there's any marks on his body we -don't get the money." He turned to the man with -the scar, who had watched the fracas with cynical -indifference. "No good messing about, Jake. Catch -hold of his feet and we'll cart him down straight -away." -</p> - -<p> -Suiting the action to the word, the two of them -raised him quickly from the floor and carried him -forward through the open doorway. With a muttered -oath the third accomplice pulled himself together and -lurched in after them. -</p> - -<p> -All effective resistance being out of the question -Colin made no attempt to struggle or cry out. He -felt certain that death was very close at hand, and his -whole being was racked with a sick fury as he thought -of the easy way in which he had allowed himself to -be trapped. -</p> - -<p> -Through his half-closed eyes he saw that the room -which they had entered was in a state of indescribable -filth. The floor was littered with empty bottles and -old newspapers, the damp plaster was peeling off the -bare walls, and the small window, which apparently -looked out on to the river, was thickly coated with -grime. -</p> - -<p> -In the left-hand corner the raised flap of a trapdoor -was just visible in the gloom. His two bearers dropped -him unceremoniously on the boards alongside, and -with a curt air of authority "Spike" Cooper jerked -his thumb toward the hole. -</p> - -<p> -"You get down first, Jake," he said, "and we'll -lower him through." -</p> - -<p> -Jake accepted the order without comment, and, -swinging himself into the opening, began slowly -disappearing from view down the rungs of a rusty iron -ladder. -</p> - -<p> -A moment later there came a muffled voice from -below. -</p> - -<p> -"Right you are, mate." -</p> - -<p> -Dragging Colin's feet toward the edge, the other -two men jerked him roughly from the ground. The -next instant his legs were dangling in space, and with -the iron rungs bumping against his back he slid rapidly -down into the darkness below. -</p> - -<p> -Just before he reached the bottom he felt himself -clutched round the waist by a pair of strong arms. -Then he was lifted clear of the ladder, and dumped -heavily on to a damp stone floor. -</p> - -<p> -After a brief interval "Spike" Cooper also descended, -and, producing an electric torch, switched on -the light. Colin saw that they were in a large cellar, -the walls of which were dripping with wet slime. -Except for the trapdoor there appeared to be only one -other opening—a heavily barred grating some eight -feet from the floor. -</p> - -<p> -Bending down over his prisoner, "Spike" Cooper -flashed the light full in his face. -</p> - -<p> -"That was a dandy fight of yours, mister," he -drawled slowly, "and I'm real sorry we got to put -you through it." -</p> - -<p> -Colin looked up at him unflinchingly. "You seem -to take a long time about committing a murder," he -said. "Why don't you finish the job and clear out?" -</p> - -<p> -The other shook his head. "That's just the -trouble," he replied, with a touch of regret in his -voice. "In order to suit the party that's arranging -this little affair you got to be found drowned—picked -out of the Thames. See, mister?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin glanced round, and in a sudden flash the real -meaning of the dripping walls became hideously -apparent. With a strong effort he managed to control -his voice. -</p> - -<p> -"So that's your plan, is it?" he said. "I'm to be -left here until the cellar's flooded?" -</p> - -<p> -"Spike" Cooper nodded. "It's a dog's trick," he -admitted reluctantly, "but I guess you'll find it as -easy a death as any other. Soon as the water's up -level with that grating it pours in here like a -Gawd-damned Niagara." He paused. "What I'm buckin' -up against," he continued, "is your having to lie here a -couple of hours waiting for the tide. Seems to be -kinder cruel, that." -</p> - -<p> -In spite of the grim prospect in front of him, Colin -laughed. -</p> - -<p> -"Thank you very much," he replied. "I hope that -when you're hanged death will be instantaneous." -</p> - -<p> -They were interrupted by an impatient movement -from the other man. -</p> - -<p> -"Come along, Spike," he growled. "Wot the hell's -the use o' standin' 'ere jawin'?" -</p> - -<p> -"I guess you're about right," was Mr. Cooper's -philosophical answer. -</p> - -<p> -He bent forward once more, and, having satisfied -himself that the cords were properly fastened, turned -to follow his companion, who was already halfway -up the ladder. -</p> - -<p> -Colin watched them disappear through the opening -above, then the trapdoor closed down, leaving him -in complete darkness. -</p> - -<p> -A moment later he heard a grinding clang as a -rusty bolt shot home into its socket. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap08"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER EIGHT -</h3> - -<p> -The study clock chimed out the hour of seven, and, -laying aside the paper she had been looking at, Nancy -got up from her chair and walked to the window. -She drew back the blind, and stood there for a minute -gazing down at, the lighted pavements, where the -usual throng of poorly dressed women were drifting -to and fro, intent upon their evening shopping. Then -with a puzzled and rather anxious expression in her -face she turned toward the door, and, descending -the staircase, made her way along the passage as far -as the kitchen. -</p> - -<p> -She found Martha Jane standing at the sink, peeling -potatoes. -</p> - -<p> -"I can't think what can have happened to Doctor -Gray, Martha," she said. "I'm really beginning to -get worried about him." -</p> - -<p> -"Don't you upset yerself, miss," was the reassuring -answer. "'E'll be along safe enough in a minute or -two." -</p> - -<p> -"I hope so," said Nancy. "All the same, it seems -rather extraordinary. You tell me he said he'd be -home by six, and here it is just gone seven." -</p> - -<p> -"You can't pay no 'eed to what doctors say," began -Martha Jane. "Not that they ain't as truthful as -other gentlemen, but——" -</p> - -<p> -She was interrupted by a ring at the back-door bell, -and, wiping her hands on her apron, departed to -answer the summons. Nancy heard the low rumble -of a man's voice, followed almost immediately by the -sound of returning footsteps. -</p> - -<p> -"It's the same party that called before, Miss Nancy. -A man of the name of Bates. The doctor said he -wanted to see 'im special, so I s'pose I'd better ask -'im to wait." -</p> - -<p> -"What, Joe Bates the prize-fighter?" exclaimed -Nancy. "Oh, please bring him in at once. He's the -very person I should like to have a talk to." -</p> - -<p> -Martha Jane disappeared again into the scullery, -and a moment later a burly figure in a cap and muffler -followed her diffidently into the light. -</p> - -<p> -Nancy welcomed him with an encouraging smile. -</p> - -<p> -"We have met before, Mr. Bates," she said. "I -don't suppose you remember, but it was one night -in Whitcomb Street, when I was in the car with Doctor -Ashton." -</p> - -<p> -Joe grinned a trifle nervously. "That's right, miss," -he observed. "I ain't forgot yer—not me." He -pulled off his cap and scratched the back of his closely -cropped head. "I got a bit o' noos for the doctor," -he continued. "D'you happen to know when 'e's likely -to be in, miss?" -</p> - -<p> -"That's the very point we were talking about," -replied Nancy. "He went out at half-past five and he -left a message that he would be back by six at the -latest." -</p> - -<p> -Joe stared at her. "Well, that's a bit queer," he -remarked. "'E ain't the sort to say a thing and -then not do it." -</p> - -<p> -"It's queerer than it looks," was Nancy's answer. -"Six o'clock is the time at which he sees his outdoor -patients. He wouldn't forget that, however busy he -was." -</p> - -<p> -"Did 'e tell yer where 'e was goin' to?" -</p> - -<p> -"He told me," broke in Martha Jane. "Some -'ouse down at the bottom of Flood Lane." -</p> - -<p> -A swift change manifested itself in Joe's face. -"Flood Lane!" he almost shouted. "You're sure 'e -said Flood Lane?" -</p> - -<p> -"Of course I am. I ain't deaf, Mr. Bates." -</p> - -<p> -Joe took no notice of the snub. "Wot made 'im -go there?" he demanded. -</p> - -<p> -"'E was fetched," replied Martha Jane with some -asperity. "Fetched by a party who hadn't no better -manners——" -</p> - -<p> -"'Ere," interrupted Joe, "wot was the bloke like? -You answer me quick." -</p> - -<p> -Martha Jane flushed indignantly, but before her lips -could frame a protest she was forestalled by Nancy. -</p> - -<p> -"It's all right, Martha. Mr. Bates is afraid that -something may have happened to Doctor Gray, and he -wants to help us. That's so, isn't it?" She turned -quickly to Joe, who nodded his head. -</p> - -<p> -"Well," replied Martha Jane, in a slightly mollified -voice, "'e was just a rough common-looking man the -same as you can see 'anging about the street corners -I'd know 'im anywhere, though, if only by the scar -on 'is face." -</p> - -<p> -There was a half-stifled oath from Joe. "Jake -'Udson!" he cried. "Jake 'Udson it was for a -million!" He clenched his fists and glared savagely at -the two women. "Nah ye can see why he ain't come -back." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy's heart was beating swiftly, but to all -outward appearance she remained perfectly cool. -</p> - -<p> -"Don't waste time," she said. "Tell me what you -mean at once. I know that you're a friend of Doctor -Gray's, and I know that he asked you to follow a man -outside the station." -</p> - -<p> -Joe moistened his lips. "That's it, miss. A bloke -of the name o' 'Spike' Cooper. 'E's 'and an' glove -with this 'ere Jake 'Udson, an' there ain't two dirtier -blackguards, not in the 'ole o' London." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy's face had gone very white. "Do you know -this place—Flood Lane?" she demanded. -</p> - -<p> -"It's where 'Spike' Cooper's lodgin'," was the -answer. "Leastways, not Flood Lane itself, but dahn -in one o' them old 'ouses backin' on the river. I seen -'im go in there twice with me own eyes." He pulled -on his cap and half turned toward the door. "I'll -get inside some'ow, miss. I'll learn wot they done -to the doctor if I got to pull the blarsted place -down." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy stepped forward. "Wait a minute," she -said quickly. "I'm coming with you." -</p> - -<p> -Joe turned and stared at her incredulously. "You -comin' with me?" he repeated. "Why, wot'd be the -good o' that, miss?" -</p> - -<p> -"I can use a revolver," said Nancy curtly, "and -there's one upstairs in the doctor's room. You stop -here while I fetch it." -</p> - -<p> -There was something so imperative in her manner -that Joe attempted no further argument. Removing -his cap again, he seated himself obediently on a chair, -and, leaving him and Martha Jane to keep each other -company, Nancy hurried from the kitchen. -</p> - -<p> -Going straight to the cloak room, she slipped on a -mackintosh over her indoor costume and, after rapidly -donning a hat, ran up the staircase to the study. From -the top drawer of the writing table she took out a -small Service revolver which Mark had once exhibited -to her with some pride as the actual implement with -which he had formerly waged war against the Flanders -rats. There was a box of cartridges alongside, and -after filling all six chambers she thrust the weapon -into her pocket, and swiftly made her way downstairs -again to the kitchen. -</p> - -<p> -Joe, who was still sitting where she had left him, -rose up at her entrance. It was Martha Jane, -however, who was the first to speak. -</p> - -<p> -"You can't go off like this, Miss Nancy," she -exclaimed. "Let me fetch a policeman to come with -you." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy shook her head. "There's no time for -that," she replied. "Besides, what can we possibly -say to a policeman? If we tried to explain he'd only -think we were mad." -</p> - -<p> -"You're right, miss," broke in Joe. "This 'ere's -a job wot's got to be done quick, an' the sooner we -get to it the better." -</p> - -<p> -"Come along then," returned Nancy. "I'm ready." -</p> - -<p> -She led the way out through the scullery door and, -pulling open the iron gate, turned to Joe, who had -followed closely on her heels. -</p> - -<p> -"You give the orders," she said, "and I'll do whatever -you tell me." -</p> - -<p> -The light of the street lamp was shining full upon -her face, and Joe paused for a moment to inspect her -admiringly. -</p> - -<p> -"You got some sense, you 'ave," he observed, "and -guts too." -</p> - -<p> -"I hope so," said Nancy. "Anyhow, I've got the -revolver, and that seems to me to be almost as useful." -</p> - -<p> -With a chuckle Joe swung on to the pavement, and, -turning to the left, headed eastward in the direction -of Flood Lane. -</p> - -<p> -"It's this way, miss," he continued, after a short -pause. "Seein' as 'ow we're workin' in the dark in a -manner o' speakin,' it ain't no use makin' plans, not -till we reach the 'ouse. The first thing we gotter do -is to get inside. It don't sound like an easy job, but -then, yer never knows." -</p> - -<p> -"How many of them do you think there are?" -asked Nancy. -</p> - -<p> -"I bin watchin' the place for two days, an' I ain't -seen no one except 'Spike' Cooper an' this 'ere Jake -'Udson. I reckon I can 'andle them easy enough so -long as they don't start usin' their knives. If they -does—well, that's where that gun o' yourn may come -in 'andy." -</p> - -<p> -"Shall I give it to you?" suggested Nancy. -</p> - -<p> -Joe shook his head. "No," he replied. "I likes -to 'ave me 'ands free. You stick to it, miss, but don't -you begin pluggin' 'oles in 'em, not unless I tips you -the orfice. We don't want no inquests, not if we can -get 'old of the doctor withaht." -</p> - -<p> -They turned into Flood Lane and, passing rapidly -down the narrow and evil-smelling thoroughfare, -emerged on the broad stretch of waste land that -bordered the river bank. -</p> - -<p> -"That's where we gotter go to," said Joe, pointing -across to the black outline of the warehouse. "There's -a way over right enough, but I guess we'd better stick -to the road. If any one 'appens to be looking out -they're less likely to see us." -</p> - -<p> -He struck off to the right, and, keeping well under -the shadow of the opposite wall, guided Nancy -cautiously forward until they reached the muddy road -which ran parallel with the river. Crossing this, he -gained the broken pavement on the farther side, and -continued his advance until they were within a few -yards of the warehouse. -</p> - -<p> -"It's the second 'ouse you come to from 'ere," he -whispered. "I bin thinkin' it over, an' if you ain't -afraid, miss, it seems to me the best plan's for you to -go on a'ead, an' knock at the door. If they sees -you alone they may open it jest to find out wot yer -after." -</p> - -<p> -"What shall I say?" inquired Nancy. -</p> - -<p> -"Don't you say nothin'. I'll be 'anging arahnd -close be'ind, and before they shuts it again I'll 'ave me -foot inside. We'll do the talkin' then." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy nodded, to show that she understood, and, -walking on bravely through the gloom, pulled up in -front of the suspected dwelling. A glimmer of light -in the front room revealed the presence of a dilapidated -knocker. She drew in a long breath, which -seemed to steady her throbbing heart, and then, -stepping forward, gave a couple of sharp raps. -</p> - -<p> -Almost at once she became conscious that someone -was inspecting her from inside the window. The -scrutiny must have lasted for several seconds, then the -face was suddenly withdrawn, and a moment later she -could hear the approach of shuffling footsteps. -</p> - -<p> -After another pause the door began to open. It -went back slowly until there was a space of about -six inches, and through the gap a pair of suspicious -eyes peered out at the visitor. -</p> - -<p> -"Well," demanded a croaking voice, "wot d'yer -want 'ere?" -</p> - -<p> -Even if Nancy had been prepared with a reply she -would have had no time to deliver it. Silently as a -tiger Joe leaped forward out of the darkness, and, -bringing every ounce of his weight to bear at the right -moment, hurled himself against the panel. There was -a shrill cry and the sound of a heavy fall as the door -crashed inward, then Nancy found herself clutching -the railings and staring at the vague outline of two -figures who seemed to be scuffling furiously on the floor -of the passage. -</p> - -<p> -She was recalled to action by the voice of Joe. -</p> - -<p> -"I got 'er," he gasped triumphantly. "Come along -in, miss, an' shut the door." -</p> - -<p> -Snatching out her revolver, Nancy stepped across -the threshold, and with commendable coolness -proceeded to carry out his instructions. The task only -occupied her a moment, but by the time she had finished, -Joe was on his feet again, swearing softly to himself -and sucking vigorously at his left thumb. "Bit me -to the bone, the 'ell-cat," he observed. "And I -'andled 'er gently, too, jest 'cos she 'appened to be a -woman." He paused, and, bending forward, listened -intently. "Darned if it don't seem as if she was alone -in the 'ouse," he added. -</p> - -<p> -Nancy advanced to where he was standing, and in -the flickering candle-light which came out through the -open door of the room looked down at the prostrate -figure on the ground. It was that of a gaunt, -middle-aged woman, clad in a dirty dressing gown, with -dishevelled hair streaming over her face and neck. A -rolled-up handkerchief had been thrust into her mouth, -and her wrists were tied together by the scarf which -had formerly decorated Joe's neck. Out of her bloodshot -eyes she glared up malevolently at the pair of -them. -</p> - -<p> -Nancy drew back with a shudder. "I hope she -isn't much hurt," she faltered. -</p> - -<p> -"'Urt?" repeated Joe indignantly. "It's me wot's -'urt, not 'er. Got 'er teeth in while I was tyin' 'er up -an' 'alf gnawed me blinkin' thumb off!" He rummaged -in his pocket, and, after a moment's search, -produced a stray length of cord. -</p> - -<p> -"What are you going to do?" asked Nancy. -</p> - -<p> -"Tack her feet together and lock 'er in the room," -was the answer. "I'm goin' over this 'ouse from top -to bottom, an'——" -</p> - -<p> -"Look! Look!" With a horrified expression in -her face Nancy was pointing down toward the floor. -Joe's eyes followed the direction of her finger, and a -sudden oath escaped his lips. -</p> - -<p> -"Blood!" he cried. "An' wet blood, too!" -</p> - -<p> -He stepped into the room, and, snatching up the -candlestick from the table, hurried back with it into -the passage. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you see?" whispered Nancy. "There's a trail -of it—all along up to the door." She put her hand to -her breast and fought back the numbing fear that -seemed to be clutching at her heart. -</p> - -<p> -With blazing eyes Joe turned on the prostrate -woman. -</p> - -<p> -"You she-devil!" he roared, shaking his fist. "If -any 'arm's come to the doctor through you an' your -filthy mates, I'll rip the skin off all three of yer." -</p> - -<p> -Before the word had left his lips Nancy was already -at the farther door. -</p> - -<p> -"Quick, Joe!" she cried piteously. "Quick! Bring -the candle." -</p> - -<p> -In two strides the prize-fighter was beside her. -</p> - -<p> -"You stand back," he commanded hoarsely, and, -thrusting the candlestick into her hands, gripped hold -of the knob. -</p> - -<p> -As the door swung open Nancy raised the light. -Its faint gleam flickered round the sordid room, -disclosing the damp and peeling wallpaper and litter of -empty whisky bottles which lay about the floor. -</p> - -<p> -Joe's glance travelled swiftly from one corner to -another. "There's no one 'ere," he muttered. "We'd -best try the floor above." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy caught him by the sleeve. "Listen," she -cried tensely. "What's that?" -</p> - -<p> -From below came an unmistakable sound—the -steady but muffled splash of running water. -</p> - -<p> -For a second they both stood there motionless, then, -with a sudden exclamation, Nancy pushed her way -past and stumbled blindly forward toward the trap-door. -</p> - -<p> -"Joe," she gasped, "he's down there! I know it. -I feel it." She sank on her knees, and setting the -candle on the floor beside her, began tugging -desperately at the iron bolt. -</p> - -<p> -Recovering from his momentary amazement, Joe -hurried to her assistance. -</p> - -<p> -"'Ere," he growled, "let me get at it." -</p> - -<p> -He seized hold of the rusty stanchion, and with a -vicious jerk wrenched it backward. Another heave -and the heavy flap rose slowly into the air, revealing -a black, yawning gap and the top rungs of an iron -ladder. -</p> - -<p> -Stretched out at full length on her face, Nancy -thrust the candle over the edge. The light gleamed -upon a rush and eddy of chocolate-coloured water, and -then suddenly a frantic cry broke from her lips. -</p> - -<p> -"Colin! Colin!" -</p> - -<p> -With a violent imprecation Joe pushed her on one -side. -</p> - -<p> -"'Old on," he roared down the trap. "I'm comin'." -</p> - -<p> -He swung himself through, and dropping with a -loud splash into the swirling waters, scrambled -desperately toward the opposite corner, where a man's -head and shoulders were just visible in the gloom. -Another minute and he would have been too late, for -even as he reached the spot a fresh torrent surged in -through the opening, and with a choking sob Colin -swayed forward and collapsed. -</p> - -<p> -Keeping his own feet with difficulty, Joe clutched -hold of the drowning man and dragged him to the -surface. In doing so he made the discovery that -Colin's arms were lashed to his sides, and the full -nature of the task that confronted him flashed grimly -across his mind. -</p> - -<p> -As a veteran boxer, however, the power to think -quickly and coolly in moments of danger had practically -become an instinct. He realized instantly that -there was only one chance of escape for both of them, -and that was to cut through the cords before the -incoming water rose above their heads. -</p> - -<p> -Swinging his half-conscious companion round, he -propped him against the wall. Then, freeing one -hand, he dragged out the clasp-knife which he always -carried in his pocket, and wrenched open the blade -with his teeth. -</p> - -<p> -As he did so, Colin by great effort managed to -force a few words from between his chattering -teeth. -</p> - -<p> -"There's another on—round my feet. Cut that -too if you can." -</p> - -<p> -"Right you are!" shouted Joe encouragingly. -"Keep it up, doctor, and I'll 'ave you loose in a couple -o' shakes." -</p> - -<p> -With feverish haste he accomplished the first part -of his task, and then, taking a deep breath, plunged -his way down through the water until his fingers -encountered the second cord. One vicious slash severed -the wet strand, and, uncoiling it as rapidly as he could, -he struggled back to the surface, puffing and gasping -for air. -</p> - -<p> -Quick as he had been, there was scarcely a second to -spare. The water was already up to his chin, and -Colin, although his legs and arms were now free, was -far too numbed and exhausted to make more than the -feeblest efforts on his own behalf. -</p> - -<p> -Summoning every ounce of his strength, Joe lifted -the latter bodily in his arms. Then with swaying -steps he stumbled forward in the direction of the -trapdoor, where the little yellow flame of the candle -which Nancy was holding flickered and gleamed above -their heads. -</p> - -<p> -"Get 'old of the ladder, guv'nor," he panted. "Get -'old of it some'ow and I'll shove yer up." -</p> - -<p> -Colin heard, and with blue and stiffened fingers -caught desperately at the rungs. -</p> - -<p> -At the same moment he glanced up toward the -trap, and there, sharply illuminated in the -candle-light, he saw Nancy's face bending down toward him. -</p> - -<p> -With something between a sob and a laugh she -stretched out her hand. -</p> - -<p> -"Stop as you are now," came Joe's voice. "I'm -goin' to stoop down so as you can get on top of me. -All you've gotter do is to keep yerself stiff." -</p> - -<p> -There was a splash, and a second later Colin's -ankles were encircled in a powerful grip. Then his -feet were resting on Joe's shoulders, and inch by inch -he felt himself hoisted upward, until Nancy's fingers -closed tightly round his wrists. -</p> - -<p> -Another heave from below and the upper half of -his body was through the trap. He thrust out a hand -to steady himself, and as he did so a sudden wave of -giddiness overcame him, and he sank sideways into -Nancy's arms. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap09"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER NINE -</h3> - -<p> -"Colin, Colin dear! It's all over. You're safe up -here with us." -</p> - -<p> -He opened his eyes, to find his head resting upon -Nancy's shoulder, and the dripping figure of Joe just -emerging through the trap. For a moment he made -no attempt to move, then, as the truth of the statement -became increasingly clear to him, a contented -sigh escaped his lips. -</p> - -<p> -Nancy drew him still closer, her soft cheek pressing -against his. "Are you much hurt?" she whispered. -</p> - -<p> -Though feeling curiously disinclined for conversation, -Colin managed to find his voice. -</p> - -<p> -"I don't think so," he said weakly. "What I -really want is a good stiff drink." -</p> - -<p> -Joe, who had stepped out on the floor, and picked -up the candle, glanced hastily round the room, then -with a sudden exclamation he darted across toward -a shelf by the bed. -</p> - -<p> -"'Ere we are!" he cried triumphantly. "'Ere's -the very thing!" -</p> - -<p> -He wrenched out the cork from a half-empty bottle -of rum, and hurrying back to where Colin was lying, -dropped down on one knee alongside of him. -</p> - -<p> -"'Ave a go at this, doctor," he urged. "Nothing -like rum to warm yer up when you're wet through." -</p> - -<p> -He tilted forward the bottle, and, putting his lips -to the neck, Colin gulped in a generous mouthful. The -raw spirit sent a comforting glow all through his -chilled and exhausted body, and with a fresh effort he -struggled up into a sitting position. -</p> - -<p> -"Thank you both," he gasped, with the ghost of a -smile. "Sorry not to have said it before, but I'm -only just beginning to get my bearings." He stared a -little dizzily from one to the other of them. "Where -are 'Spike' Cooper and his friends, and how in the -name of all that's wonderful did you manage to find -your way here?" -</p> - -<p> -"It was Joe," said Nancy. "He had been watching -this house for the last two days, and he had seen -them go in and out. When you didn't come back he -felt sure you must have been trapped." -</p> - -<p> -"So we just come along to see wot was 'appening," -continued Joe, removing his mouth from the bottle. -"And bleedin' lucky we did, too, judgin' by the way -things was shapin'." -</p> - -<p> -Colin passed his hand over his forehead. "But -how did you get in?" he asked. "What have you -done with the others?" -</p> - -<p> -"There wasn't no others," explained Joe. "Only a -bitin', scratchin' she-devil." He got up suddenly, and, -tiptoeing lightly to the door, peered out into the -passage. "Yus," he added, "she's still there, blarst 'er." -</p> - -<p> -"It's the old woman who opened the door," explained -Nancy. "Joe tied her up and gagged her so -that she shouldn't be able to interfere. There doesn't -seem to be any one else in the house." -</p> - -<p> -"Then the quicker we get out of this the better," -exclaimed Colin. "They've probably only gone round -to the nearest pub, and now the cellar's flooded they -may be back any minute." -</p> - -<p> -"It's all right," said Nancy. "I've got Mark's -pistol with me." -</p> - -<p> -"You would have," returned Colin admiringly. -"All the same, it would be madness not to make a bolt -for it while we've got the chance. We shall have -plenty of time to talk when we're safe outside." He -extended an arm to each of them, and with their joint -assistance scrambled painfully to his feet. "You'll -have to help me along at first," he added; "my legs -are so cramped I can hardly move a step." -</p> - -<p> -"I was afraid they'd killed you," said Nancy, with -a queer little gulp. "There was blood all along the -passage." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, that wasn't mine," returned Colin reassuringly. -"That belonged to one of the other gentlemen whom -I happened to kick in the face." -</p> - -<p> -"We may as well taike this with us," observed Joe, -stuffing the remainder of the rum into his pocket. -"Nah, doctor, you 'ang on tight to me, an' don't you -worry yerself abaht nothin'. We ain't bein' stopped -this journey, not if we runs into the 'ole stinkin' pack -of 'em." -</p> - -<p> -He slipped an arm like a steel cable round Colin's -waist, and, preceded by Nancy carrying the candle, -they staggered out into the corridor. -</p> - -<p> -"Don't you mind treadin' on 'er," continued Joe, -as they approached the squirming figure on the floor. -"She's one o' them wild cats that it don't pay to be -perlite with." -</p> - -<p> -Colin himself was in no mood for superfluous -courtesy, but a timely swerve enabled him to avoid -the opposite extreme, and the next minute they had -hobbled down the steps, and were standing on the -pavement. -</p> - -<p> -Blowing out the candle, and placing it on the -ground, Nancy closed the door behind them. -</p> - -<p> -Joe held out his free hand toward her. "Better -let me 'ave the gun, miss," he remarked. "We might -meet 'em before we gets to Flood Lane, and, seein' -as they means mischief, the only thing to do is to -shoot quick." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy handed it over without a word, and, crossing -to the railings, took up her position on the farther -side of Colin. The latter put his other arm round her -shoulder, and in this somewhat huddled formation -the three of them started off at a slow pace along the -front of the warehouse. -</p> - -<p> -It was a painful journey as far as Colin was -concerned, for with every step he took the blood began -to circulate more freely through his numbed limbs, -causing him such intense agony that at times he could -hardly suppress a groan. -</p> - -<p> -In order to take his mind off his sufferings he began -to tell them his story, jerking it out in broken and -disconnected phrases as they limped their way slowly -forward through the darkness. He described how he -had been stunned in the passage by a blow from a -sandbag, and how, on coming round, he had recognized -"Spike" Cooper and the man who had led the attack -on Marsden in the King's Road. He went on to give -them an account of the way in which he had been thrust -down into the cellar and left there to drown, and of -how, after what seemed like hours of vain struggling, -he had at last succeeded in getting on his feet, just -before the water began to pour in through the opening. -</p> - -<p> -"I don't know why I took the trouble," he finished, -"except that one doesn't like to go under without a last -kick. I never dreamed that there was the faintest -chance of my being rescued. When I heard you opening -the trap I made certain that it was only Cooper and -the others come back to watch me drown." -</p> - -<p> -As he spoke they reached the entrance to Flood -Lane, and with a grunt of relief Joe slipped the -revolver into his pocket. -</p> - -<p> -"Better not be seen carryin' a gun 'ere," he observed. -"There might be a cop at the corner, and I reckon we -want to get you back 'ome as soon as possible." -</p> - -<p> -"You needn't worry about me," said Colin -encouragingly. "This little stroll has just saved my -life." -</p> - -<p> -He was, as a matter of fact, already beginning to -walk more easily, and by the time they came out at -the top of the lane into the main road he found -himself able to dispense with Nancy's assistance. -</p> - -<p> -Even so, with two of the party drenched to the skin, -they certainly presented an unusual spectacle. It takes -something extremely out-of-the-way, however, to excite -much comment in Shadwell High Street, and, except -for one or two curious glances which were cast at them -as they passed under the street lamps, they managed -to reach the surgery without attracting any particular -attention. -</p> - -<p> -"I expect I can find you a change, Joe," said Colin, -as Nancy pulled out her key. "Doctor Ashton has lots -of old clothes kicking about, and I'm sure he won't -mind my pinching a suit for you." -</p> - -<p> -Joe shook his head. "It's very good of you, -guv'nor, but I won't come in, not if ye don't mind. -I gotter be at the Palace by eight o'clock, an' I can -get me duds dried there while the boxin's on. They -won't be none the worse for a bit o' washin'." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, but you must, Joe," exclaimed Nancy, in some -distress. "You can't go about in those wet things. -You'll catch your death of cold." -</p> - -<p> -Joe chuckled hoarsely, and patted the bottle in his -side pocket. "Not me, miss," he replied. "I ain't -the sort as ketches cold, not when I got 'alf a bottle o' -rum on me." He turned to Colin. "You ain't sittin' -dahn under this, doctor?" he added. "You let me -know when ye feels up to it, and I'll be round 'ere -in a brace o' shakes. We'll smash the guts outer -them two for this night's work, or my name ain't Joe -Bates." -</p> - -<p> -"I'll fix up something of the sort if I can," said -Colin hopefully. "I've got a notion, however, that -it's rather a bigger business than it looks, so you -mustn't be disappointed if we have to bring the -police in." -</p> - -<p> -"Jest as you thinks best, guv'nor," was the regretful -answer. "I know yer wouldn't spoil a bit o' sport, -not if you 'adn't got some good reason for doin' it." -</p> - -<p> -He raised his hand in a parting salute, and, before -either of them could say another word, turned swiftly -round and slipped out through the iron gate. -</p> - -<p> -"I hope he'll be all right," said Nancy. "He's -terribly wet, poor man, and that wretched woman bit -his thumb right down to the bone." -</p> - -<p> -"That won't worry Joe," replied Colin reassuringly. -"It takes a motor bus to knock him out." -</p> - -<p> -He shivered slightly as he spoke, and with a hurried -movement Nancy turned the key and pushed open -the door. -</p> - -<p> -"Now, Colin," she said, "you're under my orders. -The first thing you've got to do is to come -straight up and have a hot bath. Then you must get -into bed at once, and I'll bring you something to -eat." -</p> - -<p> -"Make it bread and milk," said Colin pleadingly. -"I've got such a confounded headache I couldn't face -anything more exciting than that." -</p> - -<p> -Taking his arm, Nancy helped him up the staircase -to his bedroom, where she lighted the fire and left him -to undress. Then, after turning on the bath, and -putting everything in readiness, she hastened -downstairs to the kitchen. -</p> - -<p> -Martha Jane, bursting with curiosity, greeted her -in the doorway. -</p> - -<p> -"I seed you takin' 'im upstairs, miss. However did -'e come to fall in the river?" -</p> - -<p> -"He didn't," said Nancy. "He has been nearly -murdered down in one of those old houses by the -warehouse. They tied him up in a cellar where the -water came in, and left him to drown." -</p> - -<p> -Martha Jane threw up her hands. "Well, I never!" -she exclaimed. "And 'im such a pleasant-spoken -gentleman, too." She paused to recover her breath. -"Who do you reckon done it, miss? Some o' them -Bolsheviks?" -</p> - -<p> -"Joe knows who they are," replied Nancy, "and -I've no doubt the police will be able to get hold of -them. Meanwhile, what we've got to do is to make -Doctor Gray some nice hot bread and milk. He's having -a bath now, and I'll take it up to him as soon as he's -in bed." She glanced at the kitchen clock and a -sudden resolve came into her mind. "I think I'd better -stay here myself, Martha," she added. "I can easily -sleep in Mrs. Ashton's room, and then I shall be -able to answer the telephone if there are any night -calls." -</p> - -<p> -"I shall be thankful to 'ave yer, miss," was the -relieved answer. "You never know what may -'appen, and if the doctor was to die in 'is bed I -should be that scared I shouldn't know which way to -turn." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, there's no fear of that," replied Nancy, -smiling. "You go along and cut up some bread while I -put the milk on." -</p> - -<p> -A quarter of an hour later, carrying a daintily laid -tray, she mounted the staircase and tapped at Colin's -door. -</p> - -<p> -"Come in," he called out, and, entering the room, -she found him sitting up in bed and smoking a -cigarette. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I'm pretty well all right now, except for my -head," he replied cheerfully in answer to her inquiry. -"Lucky for me it's a good thick one, or I believe that -chap would have fractured my skull." -</p> - -<p> -"I'm not going to let you talk," said Nancy severely. -"You've got to eat this and go right off to sleep. I've -arranged to stay here to-night so that you won't have -to bother about the 'phone." -</p> - -<p> -"I promise I'll be good," said Colin obediently, -"but there are two things I want to speak to you -about, and they'll neither of them take long." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy glanced at her watch. "I will stop five -minutes," she said, "just while you finish your bread -and milk." -</p> - -<p> -She sat down on the edge of the bed and helped -herself to a cigarette from the case which he held -out to her. -</p> - -<p> -"In the first place, I've got to apologize for being -an idiot," he began. "If I'd had the sense to listen -to your warning I shouldn't have given you and Joe -all this confounded trouble." He dipped his spoon -into the basin and looked at her thoughtfully. "Well," -he added, after a pause, "what do you think of our -friend Major Fenton now?" -</p> - -<p> -"I think he ought to be shut up in an asylum," said -Nancy. "Any one who tries to commit a murder for -such a ridiculous reason as me must be as mad as a -hatter." -</p> - -<p> -Colin shook his head. "Fenton isn't mad," he said -quietly. "He's just an ordinary blackguard, and -rather a clumsy one at that." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy stared at him in bewilderment. "Then -why——" she demanded. -</p> - -<p> -"I don't know if you've ever read Boswell," continued -Colin, "but Doctor Johnson says that it sharpens -a man's wits wonderfully if he's just on the point of -being hanged. You can take my word for it that the -same thing's true about being drowned. I did a lot -of thinking while I was down in that cellar, and I've -come to the conclusion that we're up against something -much bigger and more complicated than we've got any -idea of." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy sat motionless, her blue eyes fixed steadily -on his. -</p> - -<p> -"I don't quite understand," she said slowly, "but I -somehow feel that you're right." -</p> - -<p> -"I won't try to explain now," replied Colin. "My -head's aching too badly for one thing, and in any case -I am going to turn the whole business over to -Marsden to-morrow, and I would rather wait until I hear -what he's got to say about it." He paused. -"Besides," he added, "I have only another three minutes, -and there's something much more important I want -to discuss." -</p> - -<p> -"What's that?" inquired Nancy. -</p> - -<p> -"Come a little closer," said Colin. "It's confidential." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy moved forward obediently, and with a sudden -movement Colin pushed aside the tray and took hold -of her two hands. -</p> - -<p> -"It's just this," he whispered. "I love you so much -that I don't know whether I'm sitting in bed or -whether I've died and gone to heaven." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy looked up into his face, a faint smile quivering -round the corners of her lips. -</p> - -<p> -"I think you must be in bed, Colin. They don't -wear pyjamas in heaven." -</p> - -<p> -He leaned toward her. "Say you care for me, -Nancy, even if it isn't true." -</p> - -<p> -She shook her head. "I told you I was no good at -pretending. I have loved you shamelessly ever since -that first day in the King's Road." -</p> - -<p> -With a deep, contented laugh Colin drew up her -hands until they rested on his shoulders. "So have I," -he confessed, "but I only realized it while I was waiting -to be drowned. I think I must be the biggest fool -in England, but I'm certainly the happiest." -</p> - -<p> -He kissed her lips with a passionate tenderness, and -then, slipping his arms round her, held her close to -him, his face resting against hers. -</p> - -<p> -For a moment or two they remained quite still, then -very gently Nancy raised her head. -</p> - -<p> -"I don't know much about concussion, Colin," she -said, "but I'm quite sure that this isn't the right -treatment for it." -</p> - -<p> -"I haven't got concussion," returned Colin. "What -I'm suffering from is an acute form of heart trouble." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy stroked his cheek with her small, cool fingers. -</p> - -<p> -"My poor darling," she whispered. "I will do -everything I can for you to-morrow—I promise you -that—but I <i>must</i> run away now and let you go to -sleep. I don't want you to be seriously ill, Colin, -especially when you've just found out that you love me." -</p> - -<p> -"Perhaps you're right," admitted Colin reluctantly. -"The worst of it is we shall have precious little time -to ourselves until Mark comes home, and after that -I shall have to dash up to Scotland Yard." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy tucked in the bedclothes, and then, bending -over, dropped a soft little kiss on his forehead. -</p> - -<p> -"Never mind," she said happily. "There'll be lots -of days after to-morrow." -</p> - -<p> -She walked to the doorway, and for a moment stood -there, looking back at him with a world of love and -tenderness in her eyes. Then very softly she stepped -out into the passage and closed the door behind her. -</p> - -<p class="t3"> -* * * * * * * * * -</p> - -<p> -When Colin woke next morning it was with a vague -feeling that something extraordinarily pleasant had -happened to him. For several seconds he lay still, -wondering what it could be; then, as the truth -suddenly occurred to him, he started up from the pillow -and opened his eyes. Two agreeable discoveries -awaited him. His headache had gone, and Nancy, -fully dressed and holding a cup of tea in her hand, -was standing beside the bed. -</p> - -<p> -"I was just going to take it away again," she said, -smiling. "You looked so beautifully comfy I hadn't -the heart to wake you." -</p> - -<p> -Colin reached out an arm and imprisoned her left -hand. -</p> - -<p> -"Tell me quick, Nancy," he said. "It <i>is</i> true about -last night, isn't it? I'm terribly afraid that perhaps -I fell asleep and dreamed it all." -</p> - -<p> -She shook her head. "No, Colin," she said. "It's -quite true. You sat up in bed and made love to me in -the most passionate manner. I don't know whether -you really meant it or whether it was because you had -had a blow on the head." -</p> - -<p> -Colin leaned forward, and, taking the cup out of -her hand, deposited it carefully on the table beside him. -Then he drew her gently down on to the bed, and, -putting his arms around her, pressed his lips to -hers. -</p> - -<p> -"I think you must be better," said Nancy, as soon -as she was at liberty to speak. -</p> - -<p> -"I'm not only better," declared Colin. "I'm -perfectly well. I believe an occasional smack from a -sandbag would do me all the good in the world." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy parted his thick curly hair, and very -carefully examined the back of his head. -</p> - -<p> -"You've got a nasty lump there still," she said. -"Hadn't you better stop in bed until Mark comes?" -</p> - -<p> -"Good Lord, no!" returned Colin. "I'm going to -get up and do my job. There'll be all last night's -patients to see as well as to-day's, and I don't want to -land Mark with a double dose of work." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, if you really mean it," said Nancy. "I -must go downstairs and get things ready. I haven't -even opened the letters yet." -</p> - -<p> -"Just one more kiss first," pleaded Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"Only one, then," said Nancy firmly, "and that -must be the last until this afternoon. If you don't -treat me with proper respect while I'm your secretary -I shall report you to the Medical Council." -</p> - -<p> -For a man who during the last twenty-four hours -had looked straight into the face of death, and had -also discovered that he was deeply in love, it must -be admitted that Colin got through the morning's -task with considerable credit. It was no light session -either, for, in addition to his ordinary round of visits, -he was faced, as he had predicted, by an exceptionally -heavy list of callers, several of whom were still indignant -over their fruitless vigil on the previous evening. -An occasional glimpse of Nancy, however, as she -gravely entered the surgery with some necessary -reference or address, was sufficient to refresh his energies, -and by one-thirty his somewhat exhausting programme -was practically complete. -</p> - -<p> -He was, indeed, in the very act of dismissing his -last patient when a taxicab drove up to the door, and -the sturdy, untidy figure of Mark bundled out on to -the pavement. Nancy must have seen him, too, from -the study window, for as the front door opened Colin -heard her voice in the hall, and the next moment the -pair of them entered the surgery. -</p> - -<p> -Mark thrust out his hand and wrung Colin's -heartily. -</p> - -<p> -"I needn't ask how everything is," remarked the -latter. "You look too damn cheerful for anything -but good news." -</p> - -<p> -"That's right," returned Mark, tossing his hat on -to a chair. "The operation went off like clockwork, -and I left the old lady sitting up in bed having a cup -of tea with Mary. She'll be as fit as a fiddle in another -fortnight." He stepped forward to the table and -glanced casually down at the consulting book. "By -Jove, you've had some patients," he exclaimed. "I -hope you haven't been bored stiff." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy's lips twitched, and, as though moved by a -similar impulse, Colin suddenly burst into a chuckle of -laughter. -</p> - -<p> -"No," he replied drily, "I can't exactly say I've -been bored." -</p> - -<p> -Mark looked questioningly from one to the other -of them. "What's the joke?" he demanded. -</p> - -<p> -As he spoke Martha Jane appeared in the doorway. -"Lunch is ready," she announced, "if you'd like me -to bring it up." -</p> - -<p> -Colin slipped his arm through Mark's. "You shall -hear all about it when we've had something to eat," -he answered. "I've been healing the sick ever since -half-past nine, and I'm beginning to faint for want of -nourishment." -</p> - -<p> -"I'll go along to the cellar and get out a bottle of -fizz," suggested Mark. "I think you and Nancy are -both entitled to a drink." -</p> - -<p> -Once more Colin laughed appreciatively. "Yes," -he said, "under the circumstances I suppose we are." -</p> - -<p class="t3"> -* * * * * * * * * -</p> - -<p> -"And now," observed Mark, as he pushed his -coffee cup away half an hour later, "I'd like to know -what you two sunny-hearted infants were giggling at -when I made that innocent remark in the surgery." -</p> - -<p> -Colin glanced at Nancy. "Shall I tell him?" he -asked, "or will you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, you," said Nancy decisively. "The police -will want to know all about it, so it's just as well you -should have a rehearsal." -</p> - -<p> -"The police!" exclaimed Mark. "Good heavens, -I hope you haven't been sending out prussic acid in -mistake for magnesia?" -</p> - -<p> -"It's worse than that," said Colin cheerfully. -"However, if you hang on tight to your chair and -don't interrupt I think you may be just able to bear -it." He paused. "Joking aside, Mark," he added -more seriously, "we seem to have struck something -really ugly in the way of trouble, and I want your -opinion and advice pretty badly." -</p> - -<p> -At the sudden change in his voice Mark sobered -down instantly. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, if you mean that, my son," he said, "get -on with it at once." -</p> - -<p> -"It's chiefly about Nancy's guardian," continued -Colin. "You remember him, the chap who came to -lunch?" -</p> - -<p> -Mark nodded. -</p> - -<p> -Going back to their first meeting in Jubilee Place, -Colin began very carefully and deliberately to relate -everything he knew about Major Fenton, of which -Mark was still in ignorance. He described how the -man had originally forced his society upon Nancy by -pretending to have been acquainted with her father, -and how, on discovering who Colin was, he had -endeavoured to prejudice her mind against him by -inventing that absurd story about a scandal at -St. Christopher's Hospital. He went on, step by step, -to trace the various developments that had followed—his -own inquiries at Scotland Yard, Fenton's abortive -proposal to Nancy, his suggestive meeting with -"Spike" Cooper outside the public house, and the -improvised engagement of Joe Bates in the role of an -amateur detective. -</p> - -<p> -Having thus cleared the ground, he proceeded to -give a curt account of what had taken place on the -previous evening. He spoke very quietly and simply, -but the details were dramatic enough in themselves -without any word-painting, and it was easy to see the -profound amazement with which Mark drank in his -story. -</p> - -<p> -So thunderstruck, indeed, did the latter appear to -be that nearly a minute must have elapsed after Colin -had finished speaking before he attempted to offer his -first comment. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I'm blessed!" he exclaimed. "And they call -this a civilized country!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, it's civilized enough," returned Colin carelessly. -"If I hadn't been able to get some bread and -milk and a hot bath when I came back I should -probably be down with double pneumonia." He lighted -another cigarette and leaned inquiringly across the -table. "Those are the facts, anyhow, Mark. And -now I'll be much obliged if you'll let me know what -you make of 'em." -</p> - -<p> -Mark took off his spectacles and polished them -deliberately with his handkerchief. -</p> - -<p> -"There's one thing that's perfectly plain," he said. -"The sooner Fenton's in Broadmoor the better for -you and Nancy." -</p> - -<p> -"You think he's insane then?" -</p> - -<p> -Mark received the question with a stare of astonishment. -"Insane!" he repeated. "Why, what the devil -else can he be?" -</p> - -<p> -"You have seen him yourself," persisted Colin. -"Did you notice anything the least queer about him?" -</p> - -<p> -Mark paused. "No," he said slowly. "Now you -come to mention it, I'm hanged if I did." -</p> - -<p> -"Nor I," was Colin's rejoinder. "I quite agree -with you that he ought to be shut up, only I think it's -Dartmoor and not Broadmoor." -</p> - -<p> -"But, hang it all," broke in Mark, "a sane man -doesn't try to have a perfect stranger murdered just -because he's a little sore at being turned down by a -girl." -</p> - -<p> -"He doesn't," admitted Colin. "There must be -some other reason that we know nothing about, and -that's why I'm going to turn the whole thing over to -Marsden. If I thought that it was merely a personal -matter between him and me I'd go round and knock -the stuffing out of him myself." -</p> - -<p> -Mark replaced his spectacles with an air of -bewilderment that was almost comic. -</p> - -<p> -"The more one thinks over it," he said, "the more -incomprehensible it seems. For one thing, why should -he connect you with Nancy at all? You have only -seen each other about three times." -</p> - -<p> -There was a pause. -</p> - -<p> -"Well as far as that goes," replied Colin, "he may -have a better reason than you imagine." -</p> - -<p> -Mark glanced at Nancy, who had turned a delicate -shade of pink. -</p> - -<p> -"Good Lord!" he exclaimed. "You don't mean——" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I do," replied Colin; "we fixed it up last -night over the bread and milk, and I'm so happy that -I could get up and dance round the room." -</p> - -<p> -He stretched out his arm, and taking Nancy's hand -across the table, bent over and kissed the tips of her -fingers. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, if that isn't the limit!" ejaculated Mark -bitterly. "I leave my practice in your hands, trusting -to your honesty, and when I come back I find you've -pinched the one thing I value most—the only perfect -secretary a doctor ever had." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy turned toward him with a startled expression. -"Oh," she cried remorsefully, "I never -knew you'd look at it like that." -</p> - -<p> -Mark got up from his chair, and stepping toward -her with a twinkle in his eyes, laid his hand -affectionately on her shoulder. -</p> - -<p> -"My beloved child," he said, "I was only joking. -I shall just hate losing you, and so will Mary, but, -thank God, we're neither of us quite such selfish pigs -as to grudge you the happiness you deserve." -</p> - -<p> -He picked up the champagne bottle and tilted the -few remaining drops into his empty glass. -</p> - -<p> -"Colin, my lad," he said, "here's my blessing and -my congratulations! Nancy's a million times too good -for you, but——" -</p> - -<p> -As he spoke the telephone bell rang sharply, and -Colin, who was sitting nearest the door, jumped to -his feet. -</p> - -<p> -"I'll go," he said. "You finish your speech, Mark. -It would be a pity to break off just when you're -getting really truthful." -</p> - -<p> -He hurried out into the hall and took down the -receiver. -</p> - -<p> -"Is that 276 Shadwell?" -</p> - -<p> -"It is," he answered. -</p> - -<p> -"Inspector Marsden of Scotland Yard speaking. -Is Doctor Gray in?" -</p> - -<p> -"He's not only in, but he's talking to you," -returned Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"I thought it was your voice," came the reply. -"Look here, doctor, I've got back a bit earlier than -I expected, and I want to see you as soon as possible. -Can you come up to the Yard straight away?" -</p> - -<p> -"I can be there in half an hour," said Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"That will do all right. Don't be later if you can -help it. I've been let in for an unexpected appointment -at four o'clock, and there are several things I'd -like to talk to you about first." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, if it comes to that," remarked Colin, "there's -something I'm pretty anxious to discuss with you." -</p> - -<p> -"Anything serious?" rapped out the other. -</p> - -<p> -"Only that somebody tried to murder me last night." -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Tried to murder you!</i> Who was it?" -</p> - -<p> -"Seems to have been a syndicate," was the answer. -"The principal parties were two gentlemen called -'Spike' Cooper and Jake Hudson, both of this parish. -The third one was the same cheery sportsman who -kicked you in the tummy." -</p> - -<p> -He heard a muttered exclamation at the other end -of the telephone. -</p> - -<p> -"You had better not say any more now. Come -along up immediately. If this is true it's of the -utmost importance." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," said Colin drily. "It struck me that way -too." -</p> - -<p> -He replaced the receiver, and, turning round, found -Mark and Nancy standing in the doorway. -</p> - -<p> -"I have been summoned to Scotland Yard at once," -he informed them. "Marsden seems as anxious to -see me as I am to see him." -</p> - -<p> -"Perhaps he's got hold of some clue about the -murder?" suggested Mark. -</p> - -<p> -"I shouldn't wonder," said Colin. "I know he -went down into the country to look up the Professor's -old servant this morning, and he certainly spoke as -though things were beginning to move." He turned -toward the pegs and started to unhook his hat and -coat. -</p> - -<p> -"How are you going to get there?" inquired Mark. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I've brought the car along with me. It's only -round the corner at Higgins's place." -</p> - -<p> -"You'll promise to be careful, won't you?" said -Nancy rather anxiously. "I hate to let you out of my -sight until those three men have been arrested." -</p> - -<p> -"You needn't worry about them," returned -Colin with a laugh. "They must have found out by -now that they made a bloomer last night, and it's -a hundred to one that the whole lot have skedaddled." -</p> - -<p> -"Major Fenton won't have run away," persisted -Nancy. "He has no idea that you saw him talking -to Cooper, and there's nothing else to connect him -with the affair." -</p> - -<p> -"No, that's true," admitted Colin. "He must be -feeling as sick as the devil, and probably in a blue -funk as well, but the only thing he can do is to sit -tight and hope for the best." -</p> - -<p> -"Anyhow, he'll be lying fairly low for the moment," -agreed Mark. "You bung along off, my son, and get -back as soon as possible. You'll find Nancy and me -here, unless we've burst with curiosity." -</p> - -<p> -It was exactly on the stroke of a quarter past three -when, with a sharp blast from his horn, Colin shot -past the policeman on duty and pulled up neatly in the -centre court of Scotland Yard. Before he could -attempt to dismount two indignant constables were -alongside of him. -</p> - -<p> -"Who are you?" demanded one. "Don't you know -it's against the regulations to bring in a car without -permission?" -</p> - -<p> -"Sorry," said Colin penitently. "The fact is, I've -got a very urgent appointment with Inspector Marsden. -He telephoned me to be here at a quarter past -without fail." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, you take my advice and be a bit more -careful the next time," observed his interrogator, "or as -likely as not you'll find yourself in trouble." He -turned to his companion. "Better take him up at -once. The Inspector's in his room." -</p> - -<p> -Climbing out of the car and following his guide, -Colin ascended the flight of stone stairs until they -reached the same apartment to which Marsden had -conducted him before. Having inquired his name, the -constable rapped loudly, and in answer to a peremptory -invitation pushed open the door and stepped -briskly forward. -</p> - -<p> -"Doctor Gray to see you by appointment, sir." -</p> - -<p> -Marsden blotted the letter that he was writing and -got up from his desk. -</p> - -<p> -"Come along in, doctor," he called out; and then, -as Colin entered, he pulled forward a chair and -motioned the constable to withdraw. -</p> - -<p> -"Take that seat," he added, directly the door was -shut. "There's no time to waste, and I want to hear -your story before we discuss anything else. Don't -hurry, though; tell it me in your own way, just as you -did when you described the murder." -</p> - -<p> -Colin laid his hat on the floor, and, thrusting his -hands in his pockets, commenced to speak. -</p> - -<p> -In very much the same words that he had used to -Mark he repeated the whole history of Fenton's -relations with Nancy and himself, taking the utmost care -to omit nothing which might have any conceivable -bearing on the case. Then, still in the same methodical -and detached fashion, he went on to relate the -remainder of his story, while all the time the Inspector -sat by in grim silence, his hard blue eyes fixed intently -on his companion's face. -</p> - -<p> -"I don't know how it strikes you," observed Colin, -when he had quite finished, "but Nancy and I have -been chewing it over pretty thoroughly, and we both -think that it would take a damn sight more than a -mere fit of jealousy to make Fenton risk his neck. -We feel certain that there must be something much -bigger at the back of it all, but beyond that we're -absolutely gravelled." -</p> - -<p> -Without replying, Marsden leaned forward and -pulled open a drawer in his desk. He turned over -some of its contents, and then, taking out an -unmounted photograph, handed it to Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you recognize that?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -Colin sat up, with a sudden start of surprise. -</p> - -<p> -"Recognize it!" he exclaimed. "Of course I do. -It's 'Spike' Cooper." -</p> - -<p> -"You're sure?" -</p> - -<p> -"Positive. You don't suppose I'd forget his -infernal face?" He inspected the picture carefully for -several seconds, and then passed it back. "Where -did you get hold of this?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -"It was sent to me three days ago by the Canadian -police. Perhaps you would like to hear the letter -that came with it." -</p> - -<p> -He dived into the drawer again, and produced an -official-looking sheet of blue paper. -</p> - -<p> -"With reference to your inquiry of the 3d ult.," -he read, "we now enclose the photograph, record, -and finger prints of Luke Hammond, which were not -included in our reply of the 15th. We have since -ascertained that Hammond has left Canada and is -probably in London." -</p> - -<p> -"And what <i>is</i> his record?" demanded Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"Quite a useful one in its way," was the dry -answer. "Two terms of imprisonment for housebreaking -and one of ten years for robbery with -violence. Our friends at Montreal seem to regard -him as one of the show cases in their collection." -</p> - -<p> -"Fenton has been in Canada," remarked Colin; "at -least, so it said in that report you gave me. They -probably met each other over there." -</p> - -<p> -"Not a doubt of it," returned the detective, "and, -what's more, I shouldn't be much surprised if he came -to England on Fenton's invitation." -</p> - -<p> -There was a pause. "We seem to be getting on," -remarked Colin, "but, all the same, I'm hanged if I -can make head or tail of it even now. Why on earth -should a cashiered major and a Canadian crook be -thirsting for my blood?" -</p> - -<p> -Marsden replaced the paper and shut the drawer. -</p> - -<p> -"Doctor Gray," he said, "have you any objection to -leaving this entirely in my hands for the next twenty-four -hours? I shall give instructions at once for the -arrest of Cooper and Hudson, and you can take it -from me that there are not likely to be any more -attempts on your life. If it would make you more -comfortable, I will arrange for you to be shadowed -from the moment you leave this office." -</p> - -<p> -"Good heavens, no!" exclaimed Colin. "It would -make me feel as if I were a co-respondent in a divorce -case. I should like to have had five minutes alone -with the blighter who hit me on the head, but if it can't -be managed I'm quite content to leave him to you." He -took his hands from his pockets and sat up in his -chair. "And now," he added, "what have you got -to tell me? I'm dying to hear if you found out -anything from this chap Kennedy." -</p> - -<p> -Marsden glanced at his watch. "I have found out -a good deal," he said, "and it was because I was -anxious to talk it over with you that I asked you to -come round. As things have turned out, however, -it seemed to me more important that I should hear -your story first. I am afraid now that we must put -off our discussion until to-morrow. I have an -appointment with the Commissioner in a few minutes, -and it will probably be a couple of hours before I am -free." He paused. "I don't mind telling you one -thing, doctor, and that is that there are going to be -some developments in this case that will probably give -you the biggest surprise of your life." -</p> - -<p> -Colin received the news with apparent calmness. -"Really!" he observed. "Well, I ought to be able -to stand them. I've had plenty of practice one way -and another." -</p> - -<p> -Marsden turned to a memorandum tablet that was lying -on his desk, and studied it for a moment in silence. -</p> - -<p> -"I want you all three to be here at two o'clock -to-morrow punctually," he said, "you and this man -Bates and Miss Seymour." He picked up a pencil. -"By the way, has Miss Seymour any other Christian -name besides Nancy?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin shook his head. "Not that I know of." -</p> - -<p> -"And her exact age?" -</p> - -<p> -"She will be nineteen on the third of February." Marsden -jotted down his reply, and then sat frowning -thoughtfully at the pad. -</p> - -<p> -"I suppose there's no more information you can -give me in connection with her—no little fact or detail -that you've forgotten to mention?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin reflected. "By Jove, yes!" he exclaimed -suddenly. "I've never told you that we're going to be -married." -</p> - -<p> -Allowing for the Inspector's naturally reserved -manner, the effect of these few words was extraordinary. -He pushed back his chair, stared for a moment -half incredulously, and then, slapping his knee, -broke into a loud and prolonged chuckle of laughter. -</p> - -<p> -Before either of them could speak again there was -a tap outside, and an apologetic constable presented -himself in the doorway. -</p> - -<p> -"Beg pardon, sir," he said, "but the Commissioner -is ready to see you." -</p> - -<p> -With an abrupt change of manner Marsden rose to -his feet. -</p> - -<p> -"Thank you, Jackson," he said. "I will be down -immediately." -</p> - -<p> -Then, as the door closed, he took a step forward, -and with another hearty chuckle gripped hold of -Colin's hand. -</p> - -<p> -"I congratulate you with all my heart, doctor," he -said. "Unless I'm a damned fool, you're the luckiest -man in England." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap10"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER TEN -</h3> - -<p> -"More coffee?" suggested Mark. -</p> - -<p> -Colin pushed over his cup, and, having taken -possession of the last slice of toast, proceeded to -scrape out the remainder of the marmalade. -</p> - -<p> -"I seem to be eating rather a lot," he observed -apologetically. "I suppose it's the result of being -in love." -</p> - -<p> -Mark laughed and glanced at the clock. "It seems -to have affected Nancy in the same way. Anyhow, -this is the first time I've ever known her late." -</p> - -<p> -"You mustn't be brutal to her," said Colin; "it's -all my fault. I took her out to supper after the theatre -last night, and we didn't get back to her place until -nearly one o'clock. I expect she was a bit sleepy this -morning." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I'll try and overlook it for once," replied -Mark generously. He produced his pipe, and, after -stuffing the bowl with tobacco, tossed the pouch across -the table. "What are your plans for this morning?" -he inquired. -</p> - -<p> -"I've got to find Joe," was the answer. "Marsden -wants him at the Yard at two o'clock, so I must go -along to the Palace and see if I can get hold of his -address." -</p> - -<p> -"You had better tell him to come here at half-past -twelve," said Mark. "He can have some lunch with -us, and then you can all go up together in the car." -</p> - -<p> -"That's a bright idea," agreed Colin. "I'm afraid -that, in one way and another, I'm becoming a bit of -a nuisance, though." -</p> - -<p> -"Not the slightest," returned Mark. "I'm enjoying -myself immensely. It's so dull down here as a -rule that any little thing like a love affair or an -attempted murder is a perfect godsend." -</p> - -<p> -He sauntered off to the surgery, and a few minutes -later Colin, having scribbled a brief note to Nancy -and left it on the hall table, was striding along the -street in the direction of the Whitechapel Road. -</p> - -<p> -No one could describe the thoroughfares through -which he had to pass as picturesque or engaging, but -in the crisp morning air, and with a yellow sun -shining down from overhead, the two-mile walk was not -without a certain attraction. -</p> - -<p> -He was in the kind of mood, indeed, in which even -the Dead Sea or the Sahara Desert would probably -have appeared to possess some favourable features. -Ever since he had discovered his real feelings toward -Nancy the whole world seemed to have become an -extraordinarily interesting and exciting place. At the -present moment, both these sensations were intensified -by the prospect of his approaching interview with -Marsden. From the way in which the detective had -spoken there could be little doubt that he had made -some important discoveries, and the mere thought that -in a few hours he might be helping to track down the -Professor's murderer was sufficient in itself to set -every nerve in Colin's body tingling with a fierce -elation. -</p> - -<p> -Half-an-hour's walk brought him to the Palace, a -gaudy structure wedged in between two public houses. -The only person about who appeared to have any -connection with the establishment was an elderly man with -a bucket of paste, who was leisurely engaged in affixing -a poster to one of the two boards which decorated -each side of the entrance. -</p> - -<p> -Colin pulled up alongside of him. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you happen to know where Joe Bates lives?" -he asked. -</p> - -<p> -The other paused in his work, and eyed him with -some suspicion. -</p> - -<p> -"Yus," he replied, "an' wot abaht it?" -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing much," returned Colin. "I happen to -be a pal of his, and I want to see him. My name's -Doctor Gray." -</p> - -<p> -The elderly man's expression changed instantly. -"Ow," he remarked, "that's orl right. I've 'eard 'im -speak o' you. You're the bloke as mended 'im up -when 'e was in 'orspital? Thinks the world o' you, -Joe does, an' no error." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, in that case," said Colin, "perhaps you will -trust me with his address?" -</p> - -<p> -"Why, o' course," was the answer. "No offence, -mister, but I didn't know who you was when you come -askin' fust. Might 'a' been one o' these 'ere blarsted -rate collectors." He laid down his brush, and, -stepping out on the pavement, pointed across toward a -narrow turning on the opposite side of the road. -"You foller that," he said, "an' when you come to the -last 'ouse on the right jest give a couple o' taps on the -front winder." -</p> - -<p> -Colin thanked him, and, crossing the street, made -his way down the alley in question, until he arrived -at the farther end. Joe's residence proved to be a -single-fronted dwelling of grimy brick, the ground -floor window of which opened on to the street. A -square of not over-clean muslin had been nailed up -inside, in order to secure the owner's privacy, but at -Colin's second knock this obstruction was cautiously -lifted, and Joe's face peered out inquiringly through -the dirty glass. -</p> - -<p> -On recognizing the visitor, it disappeared again at -once, and the next moment a burly figure in trousers -and shirt sleeves swung open the front door. -</p> - -<p> -"Couldn't believe me own eyes, doctor," announced -the prize-fighter with a grin of welcome. "'Ow the -blazes did you manage to find your way 'ere?" -</p> - -<p> -"I got your address from an elderly gentleman who -was shoving up bills outside the Palace," said Colin. -"He wouldn't part with it until I told him who I was." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, that'd be old Tom," returned Joe, nodding -his head. "'E ain't the sort to let 'is mouth flap, not -unless 'e's sure of 'is comp'ny." He stepped back -into the passage, holding open the door. "Come -along in, doctor. I ain't got much of a place, but, -such as it is, you're more than welcome." -</p> - -<p> -Colin followed his host into a tiny apartment on -the left, on the walls of which were nailed up a number -of coloured prints, representing various well-known -boxers in highly aggressive attitudes. In the centre -of the room stood a deal table, containing a couple of -bottles of Bass and the smaller half of a brown loaf. -A bed, a dilapidated chair, and an old packing-case, -full of odds and ends, completed the remainder of the -furniture. -</p> - -<p> -"I was jest goin' to 'ave me breakfast," explained -Joe, indicating the refreshments. "If you'd fancy a -drop, guv'nor, I can borrow a glass from the bloke -upstairs." -</p> - -<p> -"Not for me, thanks," said Colin. "I always go -to sleep if I drink beer in the morning, and besides, I -have only looked in to tell you that you'll be wanted -this afternoon." -</p> - -<p> -Joe's eyes glistened. "Goin' to shove it across 'em?" -he inquired eagerly. -</p> - -<p> -"I wish we were," was Colin's reply, "but I'm -afraid it's nothing as exciting as that. The fact is, -I had a talk with Inspector Marsden yesterday, and -he wants you and me and Miss Seymour to meet him -at Scotland Yard at two o'clock." -</p> - -<p> -For a moment Joe seemed somewhat taken aback. -</p> - -<p> -"If them's the orders," he said at last, "there ain't -no more to be said abaht it. I never thought to see -meself walkin' in there, though, not of me own accord." -</p> - -<p> -"They'll be civil enough," said Colin. "They only -want to hear your story about getting me out of the -cellar." -</p> - -<p> -"I daresay you're right," admitted Joe doubtfully. -"I ain't got nothin' special against the perlice; all I -says is that the less you 'as to do with 'em the better." -He paused. "Wot's the programme, guv'nor? Do -I jest step up to the front door an' 'and in me -card?" -</p> - -<p> -"Doctor Ashton suggested that you should come -round to the surgery. Then you can have some grub -and drive up with us." -</p> - -<p> -Joe shook his head. "Thankin' yer kindly, but if -it's all the same I reckon I'll meet yer there. I gotter -couple o' torfs comin' to the Palace for a lesson this -mornin', an' it means a quid to me if I let 'em knock -me abaht a bit." -</p> - -<p> -"That's all right," said Colin, "as long as I can -depend on you to keep the appointment." -</p> - -<p> -"I'll be there, doctor," replied Joe. "I'll be there, -honest to Gawd. You bring the young laidy along in -the car, and yer'll find me sittin' on the Embankment -waitin' for yer." -</p> - -<p> -Satisfied with this assurance, Colin took his -departure, and, retracing his steps to the end of the -street, made his way back to Shadwell by the same -route that he had come. -</p> - -<p> -As he opened the door of the house he saw to his -surprise that the note which he had left for Nancy -was still lying on the hall table. Before he had time -to realize anything further Mark suddenly appeared -from the surgery. -</p> - -<p> -"Hullo!" exclaimed Colin. "I made sure you'd -be out on your round." -</p> - -<p> -"So I ought to be," replied Mark, "but, as a matter -of fact, I was waiting for you." -</p> - -<p> -"What's the matter?" -</p> - -<p> -"I'm rather worried about Nancy. She's never -turned up, and there's been no message from her." -</p> - -<p> -Colin's whole figure stiffened abruptly. -</p> - -<p> -"No message?" he repeated. -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing. I can't understand it at all. If she's -ill, surely she'd have let us know." -</p> - -<p> -Without a word Colin swung round sharply, and, -striding toward the pegs, unhooked his coat. -</p> - -<p> -"What are you going to do?" demanded Mark. -</p> - -<p> -"I'll get out the car and drive up there at once," he -said. "Can you stop in for another twenty minutes? -I'll telephone you directly I find out what's the -matter." -</p> - -<p> -Mark nodded. "Keep steady, old son. I expect -it will be all right. There's probably some quite -simple explanation." -</p> - -<p> -Colin moistened his lips. "We were mad ever to -let her leave the house," he said hoarsely. "If any -harm's come to her I'll kill Fenton with my own -hands." -</p> - -<p> -As he spoke the clock on the stairs chimed out -eleven-thirty, and, turning hastily to the door, he -hurried out again into the street. -</p> - -<p> -If there is any truth in the theory that each of us -possesses a guardian angel, the fact that a quarter of -an hour later Colin drew up safely at the corner of -Jubilee Place must be regarded as an amazing tribute -to the efficiency of his own particular escort. -</p> - -<p> -Leaving the car in the gutter, he jumped out on to -the pavement, and the next moment he was mounting -the narrow staircase which led up to the first landing. -</p> - -<p> -There were two studios on this floor, the one which -Nancy rented being distinguished by a small brass -knocker. Catching hold of the knob, Colin rapped -loudly, and then, bending down, lifted up the flap -of the letter box. -</p> - -<p> -"Nancy," he called out, "are you there? It is -I—Colin." There was no answer. -</p> - -<p> -He straightened himself slowly, and as he did so -the door of the second studio was pulled back and a -girl appeared in the opening. She was a fair-haired, -cheerful-looking girl, wearing a brown overall and -smoking a cigarette. -</p> - -<p> -"Excuse my butting in," she said, "but do you -want to speak to Miss Seymour?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin took off his hat. "I do," he said, "rather -particularly." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I'm afraid it's no good waiting," was the -answer. "She went out just after eight o'clock this -morning, and I know she won't be back till late, -because she asked me to take in a parcel for her." -</p> - -<p> -"I suppose you don't happen to know where she -was going to?" asked Colin. "Please forgive my -curiosity, but I am a friend of Doctor Ashton's, for -whom Miss Seymour works, and as she hasn't turned -up and has sent no message, we are both feeling rather -anxious about her." -</p> - -<p> -"She has gone to see her lawyer," replied the girl. -"He sent a car around to fetch her, that's why she -went off in such a hurry." -</p> - -<p> -Colin stared at her in astonishment. "Her lawyer?" -he repeated. -</p> - -<p> -"That's what she told me. I think from the way -she spoke he wanted to see her suddenly about some -important business. Anyhow, I know the chauffeur -brought a letter with him, because she had it in her -hand." -</p> - -<p> -"Did you notice the man?" demanded Colin, -"Would you be able to describe him again?" -</p> - -<p> -The girl raised her eyebrows. "I don't suppose -so," she said coolly. "He was on the landing, but it -doesn't happen to be a habit of mine to stare at -chauffeurs." -</p> - -<p> -With a big effort Colin pulled himself together. -</p> - -<p> -"I beg your pardon," he said. "Perhaps I ought -to explain. Miss Seymour and I are engaged to be -married, so you will understand why I'm feeling -worried about this sudden disappearance of hers." -</p> - -<p> -The girl looked up at him sympathetically. "Why, -of course," she replied, "but surely there's no reason -to be alarmed? I expect she intended to ring up -when she reached the lawyer's office, and then something -came along and put it out of her head. She has -probably done so by now." -</p> - -<p> -"It won't take me long to find out, anyhow," said -Colin. He paused. "Are you likely to be at home -the rest of the day?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -His companion nodded. "Yes," she said. "I live -here. I'm an artist." -</p> - -<p> -"Then, just in case Miss Seymour does come home, -would you mind asking her to let Doctor Ashton know -immediately?" -</p> - -<p> -"Certainly I will," said the girl. "Even if I don't -hear her, she's sure to look in in order to see about the -parcel." She hesitated. "I—I should like to -congratulate you, if I may," she added. "I don't know -Miss Seymour very well—I have only been in this -studio a few weeks—but one's merely got to speak to -her to see that she's a perfect dear." -</p> - -<p> -In spite of his anxiety, Colin smiled at her gratefully. -</p> - -<p> -"Thank you so much," he said. "I'll tell Nancy -what a brick you've been." -</p> - -<p> -He shook her hand and, leaving her standing in -the doorway, hurried downstairs again into the -street. -</p> - -<p> -There was a chemist's shop at the corner which -boasted a public telephone, and, entering the box, he -rang up Mark. -</p> - -<p> -"No news here," came the reply in answer to his -first inquiry. "How about you?" -</p> - -<p> -In a few words Colin acquainted him with the story -he had just been told, giving the bare facts exactly as -he had heard them from the girl. -</p> - -<p> -"It seems a devilish queer business," was Mark's -comment, after a short pause. "What are you going -to do about it?" -</p> - -<p> -"I know the name of her lawyer at Helston," said -Colin. "It's Penwarren. I shall send a telegram at -once to find out whether he's in London." -</p> - -<p> -"And suppose he's not?" -</p> - -<p> -"In that case there's only one explanation. She's -in the hands of that brute Fenton, and——" -</p> - -<p> -"Look here," broke in Mark, "shall I come up and -join you? I can easily put off my round until this -evening." -</p> - -<p> -"I would rather you stayed at the surgery for the -present," replied Colin. "A message might come -through from Nancy any time, and I shall have to -give Penwarren your address so that he can have -somewhere to reply to. I'll ring you up again about -half-past one, before I see Marsden. We ought to -have an answer by then." -</p> - -<p> -"I'll be here," said Mark. "Don't you worry more -than you can help. Even if you're right, Nancy can't -be in any real danger; the police will have her back -in a few hours." -</p> - -<p> -"Please God," said Colin fervently. -</p> - -<p> -He replaced the receiver, and, leaving the shop, -walked on quickly up the King's Road until he reached -the post office. Here, after destroying two previous -attempts, he wrote out the following wire, which he -signed in Mark's name: -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="quote"> -"I shall be very grateful if you will let me know -immediately whether Mr. Penwarren is in London -and whether he has any business to discuss with -Miss Nancy Seymour. Miss Seymour is in my -employment. The matter is extremely urgent." -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -He handed this to the girl behind the counter, and, -having paid for a reply, made his way back to where -he had left the car. -</p> - -<p> -He had done everything he could think of for the -present, but the knowledge of this fact deepened -rather than lessened his anxiety. The whole affair -was so extraordinary that he had an instinctive feeling -that there must be something evil at the back of it. -Was it likely or even possible that the summons which -Nancy had received could really have come from -Mr. Penwarren? Even if he were in town, for what -conceivable reason could he have sent to fetch her at -eight o'clock in the morning? And yet, knowing -Nancy's character, it seemed equally incredible that -she should have left the studio under such circumstances, -without being absolutely convinced that the -message was a genuine one. -</p> - -<p> -If she had fallen into a trap, there could be no -doubt whose hand had set it. The affair in Flood -Lane proved that, whatever motive lurked behind -Fenton's proceedings, he had now reached a point -where nothing would be allowed to stand in his way. -He was certainly quite capable of having abducted -Nancy, though, in view of the hue and cry which he -must have known would immediately follow, it was -difficult to imagine how he could have hoped to avoid -discovery. From all appearances it seemed to be either -the work of a madman, or else the final stroke in some -deliberate scheme, the apparent weaknesses of which -had been carefully guarded against. -</p> - -<p> -It was the dread of this latter alternative which -was clutching at Colin's heart as he once more reached -the corner of Jubilee Place. Should it prove to be -the true explanation, every minute was obviously of -the greatest value, and the prospect of remaining idle -for the next two hours filled him with an almost -intolerable revolt. -</p> - -<p> -Unless he could get hold of Marsden personally, -however, it seemed useless to communicate with the -police until he had received a reply from Helston. -They were not likely to take action on mere suspicion, -especially when the Inspector himself had promised -to be on the spot at two o'clock. As to whether there -was any chance of his arriving earlier Colin had no -idea, but, since the only other course was to do nothing, -he decided that he might just as well drive up to -Whitehall straight away. -</p> - -<p> -With this resolve he started the car, and, turning -down through Burton Court on to the Embankment, -swung round to the left in the direction of -Westminster Bridge. A sharp run of about seven minutes -brought him to the Yard gates, where, as usual, a -couple of stalwart-looking constables were standing on -duty. Colin recognized one of them as his acquaintance -of the previous day, and with a friendly nod he -pulled up alongside. -</p> - -<p> -"That's all right, sir," observed the man approvingly. -"No objection to your coming in now we know -who you are." -</p> - -<p> -Colin leaned forward from the driving seat. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you happen to know whether Mr. Marsden is -about anywhere?" he asked. "He made an appointment -with me for two o'clock, but something rather -important has cropped up, and if possible I should like -to see him at once." -</p> - -<p> -"He hasn't been in this way," was the policeman's -answer, "but he might have come along by one of the -other entrances. You can go inside and inquire, if -you like. The officer on duty will be able to find out -for you." -</p> - -<p> -Colin thanked him, and, steering his car through -the gates, came to a halt in front of the broad flight -of steps which led up to the main door. -</p> - -<p> -Another constable advanced inquiringly. -</p> - -<p> -"I don't think so," he replied, in answer to Colin's -question; "but if you like to wait a moment I can let -you know for certain." -</p> - -<p> -He disappeared within the building, returning after -a short absence with a significant shake of his head. -</p> - -<p> -"No one's heard anything of him yet, sir. They -expect him at two o'clock, though." -</p> - -<p> -"I know," said Colin. "I've got an appointment -with him." He paused. "Can I leave the car here -until then?" -</p> - -<p> -The constable scratched his head. "Well, this -ain't exactly a garage," he replied doubtfully. "Still, -if you back her up quite into that corner——" -</p> - -<p> -He turned aside as he spoke, and, pocketing the -five shillings which Colin slipped into his hand, -sauntered back to his former position. -</p> - -<p class="t3"> -* * * * * * * * * -</p> - -<p> -With the best part of an hour and a half before him -Colin came out into Whitehall and paused irresolutely -on the edge of the pavement. Of all the tasks with -which an impatient man can be confronted, that of -killing time is perhaps the most trying. He was not -in the least hungry, and, in any case, there was something -ghastly in the thought of sitting all that while -in a half-empty restaurant, brooding miserably over -what might have happened to Nancy. If he wished to -keep his nerves steady, it seemed to him that some -form of exercise was imperatively needed, and, -without hesitating further he made his way across -Parliament Green, and struck off westward along the -Embankment. -</p> - -<p> -The soundness of his instinct was proved by the -fact that when he arrived back at Westminster Bridge, -after a vigorous tramp of about six miles, he felt that, -whatever the next few hours might bring, his mind -and judgment were once more under proper control. -The hands of Big Ben were already at five and twenty -minutes to two, and, knowing that there was a public -telephone in the station, he crossed the road and -entered the box. After a brief delay he succeeded in -getting Mark's number. -</p> - -<p> -"That you, Colin?" came the latter's voice. "Yes, -I've just got an answer to the wire. It arrived a few -minutes ago. If you hold on I'll read it out to you." -There was a pause. "'Mr. Penwarren is ill in bed -at Helston. As far as we are aware he has had no -communication with Miss Seymour for the last eighteen -months. Should be glad of an explanation.'" -</p> - -<p> -"It's only what I expected," said Colin quietly. -"There must be something wrong, or Nancy would -have let us know long before this." -</p> - -<p> -"Have you told the police?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not yet. I went up to the Yard, but Marsden -hadn't arrived, so I thought I'd better wait until we -got the reply from Helston." -</p> - -<p> -"Where are you telephoning from?" -</p> - -<p> -"Westminster Bridge Station. I've arranged to -meet Joe close by here, and, unless anything's happened, -he ought to be along in a few minutes. By that -time Marsden will probably have turned up." -</p> - -<p> -There was a pause. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I'm ready when you want me," observed -Mark. "In case there's going to be trouble, you can -count me in to the limit." -</p> - -<p> -"I know that," returned Colin gratefully. "If -there's any possible way in which you can be of help -I'll ring you up and let you know." -</p> - -<p> -He put down the receiver, and, leaving the station, -walked slowly round the corner on to the Embankment. -A few yards past the entrance to the Yard, -on the opposite side of the road, were a couple of -empty seats facing the river. He crossed over -toward the first one, and, having lighted himself a -cigarette, sat down patiently to wait for Joe. -</p> - -<p> -Just as the opening strokes of a quarter to two -were chiming out from the clock tower, the latter -made his appearance. In a quiet and unobtrusive -fashion he slipped suddenly into view round the -pedestal of Boadicea's statue, and at the same moment -a grin of recognition broke over his face as his eyes -lit upon Colin. He quickened his steps, and came -rapidly up to the seat. -</p> - -<p> -"Thought you might be early, doctor," he began, -"so I come along a bit ahead o' me time on purpose." He -looked round inquiringly. "But where's the young -laidy?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin, who had thrown away his cigarette, rose to -his feet. "I've got some bad news for you, Joe," he -said. "Miss Seymour has disappeared." -</p> - -<p> -Joe's mouth opened, and he gazed blankly at his -companion. -</p> - -<p> -"Disappeared!" he repeated. -</p> - -<p> -"She was taken away in a car at eight o'clock this -morning. Some one tricked her into leaving the studio -by means of a false message." -</p> - -<p> -With a muttered oath Joe clutched him by the arm. -</p> - -<p> -"Wot, the saime swine that tried to do you in?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin nodded. "Unless I'm wrong, it's the man I -spoke to you about—Major Fenton; the one who was -talking to 'Spike' Cooper outside the station." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, if yer knows that," exclaimed Joe, "wot the -'ell are we messin' abaht 'ere for? Why don't we go -an' wring 'is blarsted neck?" -</p> - -<p> -"Because we've got to find him first," returned Colin -curtly. "That's why I've been waiting to keep this -appointment with the Inspector. The police are after -him too, so they may be able to help us." -</p> - -<p> -Joe wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. -</p> - -<p> -"For Gawd's sake let's get over and see 'em, -guv'nor. I wouldn't 'ave no 'arm come to that -young laidy, not for all the money in the Bank of -England." -</p> - -<p> -Colin gave a queer laugh. "I think I can understand -the feeling," he said. -</p> - -<p> -They crossed the road toward the Yard, where the -same two constables were still on duty. -</p> - -<p> -"You're all right now, mister," remarked one of -them. "I saw him come in by the other way a few -minutes ago." -</p> - -<p> -With a nod of thanks Colin passed through the -gates, and, followed by Joe, who kept casting -mistrustful glances to right and left, walked rapidly up -to the main entrance. -</p> - -<p> -The recipient of his five-shilling tip stepped forward -to meet him. -</p> - -<p> -"Mr. Marsden has just come, sir," he announced. -"Told me that when you and your party arrived I -was to bring you in straight away." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, this is my party," said Colin. "At least, -all of it that's likely to turn up." -</p> - -<p> -He beckoned to Joe, who had halted a couple of -paces in the rear, and, mounting the steps, the two of -them followed the constable into the building. He -led the way up the staircase to Marsden's room, where, -in response to his knock, the Inspector himself opened -the door. Over his shoulder Colin caught sight of -another man in plain clothes, who was standing with -his back to the fire. -</p> - -<p> -"Come along in, doctor," exclaimed the detective. -"I've got some one here you ought to know—Inspector -Ainsworth, of the Investigation Department. He -has been doing some rather useful work for you -during the last twenty-four hours." -</p> - -<p> -Colin shook hands with his new acquaintance, a -stout, gray-haired individual, who eyed him with -considerable interest. -</p> - -<p> -"And this is our friend Bates, eh?" continued Marsden, -turning a sharp glance on Joe. "But where's -Miss Seymour? I thought you were going to bring -her with you." -</p> - -<p> -"You had better hear what I've got to tell you -straight away," said Colin. "Miss Seymour never -came to Shadwell this morning. I went up to her -flat just before midday, and I found out from the -girl next door that someone had called for her in a -car at eight o'clock with a letter from her lawyer in -Cornwall." -</p> - -<p> -"What, Penwarren?" broke out Marsden. "Impossible! -Why, he's seriously ill down at Helston." -</p> - -<p> -"I know," said Colin. "I sent him a wire at once -and I've just got the answer. The letter was a -forgery. -</p> - -<p> -"And Miss Seymour?" demanded Marsden quickly. -</p> - -<p> -"She went away in the car and nothing has been -heard of her since." -</p> - -<p> -Marsden took a couple of paces across the room, -and then turned to his colleague. -</p> - -<p> -"I blame myself for this, Ainsworth," he said. "I -ought to have had the place watched." -</p> - -<p> -"That's so," assented the other. "All the same, I -don't think there's any harm done. It's plain enough -what they're after, but if they want to bring it off -they'll have to take her abroad. You can't work that -sort of gadget in England." -</p> - -<p> -There was a short pause, which was broken by -Marsden. "You had better get hold of Graham -immediately. Tell him that the girl's been kidnapped, -and that an attempt will probably be made to smuggle -her out of the country. They're already on the -lookout for Cooper, so it will only be a matter of sending -another message." -</p> - -<p> -Giving a curt nod, Ainsworth strode to the door, -and, with an abrupt change in his manner, Marsden -addressed himself to Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"I am sorry this has happened," he said, "especially -as it's partly my fault. I wish to God you -could have let me know sooner." -</p> - -<p> -"I came along immediately," retorted Colin, "but -you weren't here." -</p> - -<p> -For a moment Marsden hesitated. "Have you -any idea who Miss Seymour really is?" he asked -slowly. -</p> - -<p> -Colin stared at him. "What do you mean?" he -demanded. -</p> - -<p> -"She is the granddaughter of Professor Carter, and -the heiress to over a quarter of a million of money." -</p> - -<p> -If the Professor himself had suddenly appeared -through the doorway Colin's amazement could hardly -have been more complete. -</p> - -<p> -"Good God!" he stammered. "Is this true? Are -you certain of it?" -</p> - -<p> -"I am quite certain of it—now," was the answer. -"I have suspected it was so for the last two days, -but what I have found out this morning puts the -matter beyond question." He took hold of a chair -and thrust it toward Colin. "Sit down for a moment, -doctor. I know how impatient and anxious you -must be feeling, but I can assure you that I sha'n't -waste a second. Before we go any further it's -essential that you should hear the truth." -</p> - -<p> -"Get on with it, then," said Colin hoarsely. "I -don't want a chair. I'd rather stand." -</p> - -<p> -Marsden walked across to his desk and seated himself -in front of an open cardboard file, containing a -number of papers. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you remember what I told you the morning -after the murder?" he asked. "That if we could find -the Professor's old servant, Kennedy, we should -probably learn something which would alter our whole -view of the case?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin nodded. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, a couple of days ago I got a message from -the Hertford police that they had run him to earth in -a small village near Hoddesdon. He has been paralyzed -and bedridden for some months, and as the old -woman who has been looking after him can't even -read or write, he might easily have died without ever -hearing of the murder. As it was, we got hold of him -just in time. I went down there yesterday, and, -although he was so ill that he could hardly speak, he -managed to give me the one bit of information that I -was so badly in need of. He told me that twenty-three -years ago Nancy Carter, the Professor's only -daughter, then a girl of eighteen, had run away from -her home and married a young artist called Richmond -Seymour." -</p> - -<p> -Colin took a step forward, but before he could -speak the detective raised his hand. -</p> - -<p> -"Let me finish first, and then I'll answer any -questions you like. It seems from Kennedy's story that -the Professor was one of those self-willed, obstinate -sort of people who simply don't know the meaning of -the word 'forgiveness.' He had forbidden this marriage, -and, since his daughter had chosen to disobey -him, he made up his mind that he would have nothing -more to do with her. Kennedy tells me that from that -time forward he never even mentioned her name again. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, to cut a long story short, as soon as I heard -this the two names 'Nancy Seymour' came back to -my mind at once. I'd written them down in my -notebook that day in the King's Road, and somehow or -other they'd stuck in my memory ever since. I knew -nothing about the young lady except the fact that -she'd helped to save me from having my face kicked -in, but I guessed it was likely that you two had kept -in touch with each other, and so directly I got back -to town I 'phoned you to come up." He paused. "I -thought you'd probably be able to give me some -information, doctor, and, by God, you did." -</p> - -<p> -Colin came across to the desk, and, leaning over -the back, stared eagerly in the detective's face. -</p> - -<p> -"Go on, man," he exclaimed: "for heaven's sake -tell me what you mean!" -</p> - -<p> -"I mean this," returned Marsden. "You not only -convinced me that Miss Seymour is the Professor's -granddaughter, but you opened my eyes to one of the -most remarkable and cleverly laid crimes that it's ever -been my job to tackle." -</p> - -<p> -"Who did it?" demanded Colin. "Who killed the -Professor?" -</p> - -<p> -"I am not referring to the murder. I don't believe -that had anything to do with the original scheme. It -was an accident—a very awkward accident, and quite -unforeseen. In all probability no one regretted it -more bitterly than the two men who were chiefly -responsible for it—Major Fenton and Mr. Medwin." -</p> - -<p> -"Mr. Medwin!" repeated Colin in a whisper. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," was the answer. "I'll stake my official -reputation that the whole of this interesting plan -originated in the brain of Mr. James Stanhope Medwin, -solicitor, commissioner for oaths, and I should think -about the most complete rascal that ever cheated a -client." -</p> - -<p> -Colin drew in a long breath. "I was right then. -I felt that he was up to some devil's work the first -time I saw him." He leaned forward again, his eyes -alight with anger. "How did you find all this out?" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, one thing was quite plain; whoever broke -into the Red Lodge the first time was after some -particular object which the Professor kept in his desk. -According to his own statement to you, he had nothing -there except his private papers, and, unless my -information was wrong, the only person who was likely to -have known this was Medwin. I always make it a -rule in business to suspect everyone, no matter who -they are, and so, in spite of our friend's plausible -manner and professional standing, I put him on the -list straight away. -</p> - -<p> -"It was the merest guesswork at first, but when I -discovered that the Professor had left a large fortune -and had made no will, I began to wonder whether -this rather important fact had any connection with -the attempt to search his papers. Supposing that -Medwin had had reasons for believing in the existence -of a legal heir, but at the same time had been unable -to get hold of any definite information on the subject. -It was quite conceivable—allowing him to be a bad -lot—that he might have arranged the burglary with -a little professional assistance, and, for all we knew, -might even have succeeded in finding out what he -wanted. -</p> - -<p> -"The weak point in this theory was the fact that -up till then the man had apparently had an unblemished -record. However, I set Ainsworth to work, -and he very soon dug up a few facts which put quite -a different complexion on the matter. He found out -that some time ago our respectable friend, who has -always had a taste for speculation, suddenly became -bitten with the Turf. For the past two years he has -been betting heavily with several of the leading -bookmakers, and one of them—we know these gentry -pretty well at the Yard—confided to us that his own -profit in the transaction already amounted to a good -many thousand pounds. -</p> - -<p> -"Having got so far, I came more or less to a standstill. -I felt convinced in my own mind that, even if -Medwin knew nothing about the murder, he was -certainly up to some hanky-panky with regard to the -money, but it's one thing to believe a man guilty and -quite another to prove it. -</p> - -<p> -"It was my interview with Kennedy, and your story -coming on top of that, which suddenly did the business. -I realized at once, then, that if Miss Seymour was -really the Professor's granddaughter, Medwin and -Fenton and this fellow Cooper were probably all in -the same game. No doubt Cooper had been roped -in to help with the burglary, and, although I had -no actual evidence that Fenton and Medwin were -friends——" -</p> - -<p> -"I could have told you that," interrupted Colin. "I -saw a photograph of Fenton on his mantelpiece the -day he took me to his house." -</p> - -<p> -"Did you?" returned Marsden. "Well, it's a pity -you never thought of mentioning the fact; it might -have put me on the right track straight away. As it -is, we've had a fairly strenuous thirty-six hours. Our -people have been ransacking Cornwall and London to -verify the truth of Kennedy's story, and by one o'clock -to-day we pretty well completed our case." He laid -his hand on the pile. "I have here all the evidence of -Mrs. Seymour's marriage and death, and the birth -certificate of her daughter. There is no doubt that -Miss Seymour was her only child, and she is therefore -the sole heiress to the Professor's money." -</p> - -<p> -"I've just a couple of questions I want to ask you," -said Colin abruptly. "In the first place, what did -these two devils mean to do with Nancy?" -</p> - -<p> -"Marry her to Fenton before she found out the -truth. Unfortunately for them, the young lady didn't -prove such an easy catch as they expected. I fancy -you got most of the credit for that, hence the happy -notion of putting you out of the way." -</p> - -<p> -Colin nodded grimly. "And what exactly is your -theory about the murder?" -</p> - -<p> -"I haven't the least doubt that it was the work of -'Spike' Cooper. In all probability the other two knew -nothing about it. I expect that when he broke into -the house the first time—most likely in company with -Medwin—he took the opportunity of having a look at -the safe. It struck him as being a soft job, and so, -without saying a word to the others, he made up his -mind to come back again later on and see if there was -anything worth collecting. Through some cursed -accident the Professor happened to blunder across him, -and——" -</p> - -<p> -"But if you know all this," broke out Colin -passionately, "why in God's name haven't you arrested -them?" -</p> - -<p> -The Inspector looked up at him with unruffled coolness. -"We have done everything that's possible," he -replied. "I can't bring a charge against Medwin -without some actual proof, and we're not likely to find -that until we get hold of Cooper and Fenton. I've a -warrant out for each of them, and it's only a matter -of a few hours before they'll both be in custody." -</p> - -<p> -"And meanwhile——" exclaimed Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I know," interrupted the Inspector quickly; -"they have managed to trap the girl. There's no -question about that, but you can take it from me that -she's not in any great danger. Every port in England -is being closely watched, and unless they can get -her over to the Continent, and force her into a -marriage——" -</p> - -<p> -"Do you think I'm content to sit down here and -trust to a lot of damned country policemen?" shouted -Colin hotly. He wheeled round as he spoke, at the -same time beckoning to Joe, who, throughout the whole -interview, had remained standing discreetly in the -background. -</p> - -<p> -The Inspector jumped up from his chair. "What -are you going to do?" he demanded. -</p> - -<p> -"Do!" repeated Colin. "I'm going to find Medwin. -He'll know where Nancy is, and I'll get the truth out -of him if I have to cut him in pieces." -</p> - -<p> -He turned toward the door. -</p> - -<p> -"Stop!" said Marsden sharply. He stepped forward, -his hard blue eyes fixed upon the flushed and -angry face of his companion. -</p> - -<p> -"You mean this seriously, doctor?" -</p> - -<p> -"O' course 'e does," chimed in Joe; "an' the saime -'ere, mister." -</p> - -<p> -"I mean to find out what they're doing with Nancy," -repeated Colin. "If Medwin won't speak, I'll damned -well make him." -</p> - -<p> -For a moment Marsden stood motionless, glancing -thoughtfully from one to the other of them. -</p> - -<p> -"I'm hanged if I haven't a good mind to let you try -it," he said, suddenly. "It's just one of those mad -things that might come off—provided it's properly -handled." -</p> - -<p> -"We'll handle it all right," said Colin. "You can -trust me for that." -</p> - -<p> -"I hope I can," retorted Marsden. "I tell you -frankly that if it weren't for Miss Seymour I should -lock you both up straight away. I feel, however, that -it's my carelessness that's got her into this mess, and if -you can possibly force the truth out of Medwin it may -save her a lot of unpleasantness." He paused. "How -do you propose to set about it?" -</p> - -<p> -"I shall go down to his house," said Colin, "and -tax him with the whole story." -</p> - -<p> -Marsden hesitated. "It will mean showing our -cards with a vengeance," he said, "but as things are -I don't know that it really matters. He'd be bound -to take alarm directly he heard of the arrest of Fenton -and Cooper, and however much you frighten him he -hasn't a dog's chance of getting away." He took -another step forward, and contemplated Colin from -under his bushy eyebrows. "You quite understand -the position, my young friend. Supposing anything -goes wrong, it will be no use expecting me to help you. -From the moment you leave this office you will be -acting entirely on your own responsibility." -</p> - -<p> -"Of course we shall," said Colin coolly. "The first -thing you'll know about it is when we ring up and tell -you the result." -</p> - -<p> -With a faint twitch of his lips the detective held out -his hand. -</p> - -<p> -"Good luck to you, doctor," he said. "That young -lady deserves <i>a man</i>, and I'll take my oath she's got -one." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap11"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER ELEVEN -</h3> - -<p> -Albert Terrace appeared even more peaceful and -respectable than usual as Colin turned in at the -farther end and came to a standstill in front of -Mr. Medwin's house. -</p> - -<p> -"This is the place, Joe," he said quietly. "Now -you're quite clear in your own mind about what we've -arranged?" -</p> - -<p> -Joe nodded. "I got it, guv'nor. You ask whether -'e's at 'ome, an' if 'e is, in we goes. Then it'll be my -job to shove it across the butler." -</p> - -<p> -"That's right," said Colin. "I'm trusting you to -look after the two servants until I've finished with -Medwin." -</p> - -<p> -"I'll look after 'em," grunted Joe. "There won't -be no trouble in that quarter, you taike my word for -it." -</p> - -<p> -They got out of the car, and, leading the way up -the path, Colin pressed the electric bell. -</p> - -<p> -After a brief delay they heard the sound of steps -inside, and the next moment Medwin himself opened -the door. For an instant he stood gazing dumbly at -his two visitors, then with a sudden expansive smile -he stepped forward and held out his hand. -</p> - -<p> -"Why, bless my soul!" he exclaimed. "This is a -very pleasant surprise. What an extraordinary bit -of luck that I happened to be at home." -</p> - -<p> -"Isn't it!" said Colin genially. "I was just -saying to Joe that it was a hundred to one that we -shouldn't find you." He paused. "Oh, by the way, -may I introduce you? This is an old friend of mine, -Mr. Joe Bates. I've brought him along because we -both want to ask your advice." -</p> - -<p> -With a deferential gesture, Joe raised his finger -to his forehead. -</p> - -<p> -"'Ow d'ye do, sir," he remarked. "Pleased to meet -yer." -</p> - -<p> -"I hope we haven't called at a very inconvenient -time," continued Colin. "The matter is rather an -urgent one, and I felt that I should like to have your -opinion on it." -</p> - -<p> -"You needn't apologize, my dear boy," returned -Mr. Medwin graciously. "If I can be of any assistance -to you I shall be only too pleased." He moved -back, making room for them to enter. "I have to be -my own butler to-day, because both my man and his -wife are out for the afternoon. I send them to a -matinée every now and then, just to keep them in a -good temper." -</p> - -<p> -Colin and Joe stepped into the hall, the latter, who -was the last to enter, closing the door carefully behind -him. -</p> - -<p> -"I think the study will be the best place for us," -continued their host. "Perhaps you'd like a whisky -and soda or a glass of port first, though?" -</p> - -<p> -Colin declined politely, and, still radiating good -nature, Mr. Medwin ushered them into a small room -on the left, where a bright fire was burning in the -grate. -</p> - -<p> -"I use this as a kind of annex to my office," he -added. "A large number of my clients are Kensington -people, and so sometimes it's very convenient to -be able to see them here." -</p> - -<p> -"It's very convenient for us," said Colin. "As a -matter of fact, we were particularly anxious to find -you alone." -</p> - -<p> -The other, who was in the act of pulling forward a -chair, glanced up sharply at the change in his visitor's -voice. -</p> - -<p> -Colin took a step forward. -</p> - -<p> -"I've got several things to say to you, Medwin, but -before I start, just get this fact plainly into your -head. If you attempt to call out or to make the -least noise, I'll smash your face to a jelly." -</p> - -<p> -There was a moment of dead silence, then very -slowly Medwin stepped back to the fireplace and -moistened his lips. -</p> - -<p> -"Have you gone mad?" he demanded. -</p> - -<p> -"Sit down," said Colin curtly. -</p> - -<p> -He pointed to the chair, and with a face from -which every vestige of colour had suddenly departed, -the lawyer silently obeyed his instructions. Joe -moved softly toward him across the room, a formidable -and menacing figure in the gray afternoon light. -</p> - -<p> -It was Colin who was the first to speak. -</p> - -<p> -"What have you and Fenton done with Miss Seymour?" -</p> - -<p> -Medwin, who by an amazing effort seemed to have -recovered some of his self-possession, looked up with -an expression of blank amazement. -</p> - -<p> -"I have never heard of Miss Seymour," he answered. -"In fact, I haven't the remotest notion what -you're talking about." -</p> - -<p> -Colin came a step nearer. "Haven't you?" he -said. "Then perhaps I'd better explain." -</p> - -<p> -He thrust his hand under Medwin's chin, and, -jerking up his face, stared down into his eyes. -</p> - -<p> -"Now, you damned liar," he said, "listen to me. -You know as well as I do who Miss Seymour is. You -have known it ever since you broke into the Red Lodge -and opened the Professor's desk." -</p> - -<p> -He released his hold and, gripping Medwin by the -collar, shook him backward and forward as a dog -shakes a rat. -</p> - -<p> -"My God, I'd kill you where you sit if I didn't -want an answer to my question. You've not only -tried to rob and ruin this girl, but if it wasn't -for you and Fenton the Professor would be still -alive." -</p> - -<p> -He flung back the half-throttled man with such -force that the woodwork of the chair cracked and -splintered beneath his weight. -</p> - -<p> -Joe, who had been looking on with silent approval -hauled the victim unceremoniously to his feet. -</p> - -<p> -"Nah, cocky," he said, "where's the young laidy? -Spit it aht quick." -</p> - -<p> -Choking and gasping for breath, Medwin retreated -toward the sofa. -</p> - -<p> -"You're making some terrible mistake. I know -nothing about it, on my honour." -</p> - -<p> -"Your <i>what</i>?" Colin laughed unpleasantly. "I -don't know if you're really under the impression that -you can bluff this out, Medwin, but if you are, you're -making the mistake of your life." -</p> - -<p> -He put his hand in his pocket, and, pulling out a -coil of whipcord, which he had stopped to purchase -on his way down, tossed it across to Joe. -</p> - -<p> -"Lay him on the sofa," he said, "and tie up his -feet and hands. If he makes the slightest sound, give -him a punch in the mouth." -</p> - -<p> -Joe moved forward with alacrity, and, turning to -the fireplace, Colin picked up a small ornamental -poker which was standing against the hearth, and -thrust it deliberately into the hottest part of the fire. -Then, lighting himself a cigarette, he stood looking -on in silence, while with swift efficiency Joe proceeded -to carry out his instructions. -</p> - -<p> -"That will do," he observed at last, "Now, Medwin, -you can take your choice. You will either tell me -at once where Miss Seymour is, or else I shall burn -the truth out of you with that poker." -</p> - -<p> -Trussed and helpless, Medwin gazed across at him -from the sofa. -</p> - -<p> -"For God's sake think what you're doing," he -whispered. "Can't you see that the whole thing's a -ghastly blunder? I swear to you on my oath that I -have never even heard of either of the people you have -mentioned." -</p> - -<p> -"In that case," said Colin, "it's rather curious that -you keep a photograph of Fenton on your dining room -mantelpiece." -</p> - -<p> -He stooped down, and, drawing out the poker which -was now a glowing red, advanced relentlessly toward -the sofa. -</p> - -<p> -Two little beads of perspiration broke out on Medwin's -forehead and trickled down into his eyes. -</p> - -<p> -"Stop!" he gasped. "Stop! You young devil, I -believe you mean it." -</p> - -<p> -Colin laughed again. "Shove something in his -mouth, Joe. We don't want the whole street to hear -him squealing." -</p> - -<p> -By a violent effort Medwin managed to wriggle -himself up into a sitting position. -</p> - -<p> -"It's all right, Gray," he said quietly. "You needn't -go any further. I know when I'm beaten." -</p> - -<p> -He sank back against the cushions, and with a queer -half-incredulous expression, stared up into Colin's face. -</p> - -<p> -"I am not often mistaken in my judgment of people," -he said, "but I seem to have blundered pretty badly -with regard to you." -</p> - -<p> -"Answer my questions," said Colin. "Where's Miss -Seymour?" -</p> - -<p> -"She's at Fenton's cottage in Essex, close to South -Ockendon. It's a small white house called 'The Firs,' -on the right hand of the road, just before you reach -the village." -</p> - -<p> -Colin walked to the desk and wrote down his directions -on a blank sheet of paper. -</p> - -<p> -"Why have you taken her there?" -</p> - -<p> -"It was Fenton's idea," said Medwin slowly. "He -has a boat lying in the Thames close by, and he thought -that if he could persuade her to go for a short cruise -she might change her opinion about the impossibility -of marrying him." -</p> - -<p> -With his fists clenched Joe started forward, but -before he could strike Colin thrust him back. -</p> - -<p> -"Leave him alone, Joe," he said harshly. "It's -the truth we want, no matter what it is." He turned -to Medwin, who was watching them with surprising -coolness. "Do you know what his plans are exactly?" -</p> - -<p> -"He means to take her on board as soon as it's -dark. Where he will go then depends chiefly on the -weather. I believe he has some idea of trying to -reach Holland." -</p> - -<p> -"What, by himself, in mid-winter?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, he's not alone," returned Medwin. "He has -two old acquaintances of yours with him—Cooper and -Hudson. In the course of their varied lives they have -both served before the mast." -</p> - -<p> -For a moment Colin remained silent, his eyes fixed -steadily upon the lawyer's face. -</p> - -<p> -"I don't know whether you're telling me the truth, -Medwin," he said. "If you're not, heaven help you. -I'll find you again, no matter where you try to hide, -and I'll tear your lying tongue out of your throat with -my own fingers." -</p> - -<p> -Medwin nodded. "Yes," he said, "I can quite believe -you would, but, fortunately, such an unpleasant -proceeding won't be necessary. As I told you before, -I know when the game's up." -</p> - -<p> -Colin replaced the poker in the grate, then, crossing -to the desk, on which stood a portable telephone, he -unhooked the receiver and asked for Marsden's -number. The lawyer watched him curiously. -</p> - -<p> -"Hullo!" came the Inspector's voice. -</p> - -<p> -"This is Gray. I'm speaking from Albert Terrace. -I've got the information I wanted." -</p> - -<p> -"You mean you know where the girl is?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes. She's at a cottage in Essex, close to South -Ockendon. Fenton means to take her on board his -boat as soon as it's dark." -</p> - -<p> -"Who told you this?" -</p> - -<p> -"Medwin. I had to use a certain amount of -persuasion, but I think it's true." -</p> - -<p> -"What have you done to him?" -</p> - -<p> -"He's all right. He's lying on the sofa listening -to what I'm saying. We've tied him up, and we -propose to leave him here." -</p> - -<p> -"How about the servants?" -</p> - -<p> -"Both out at the theatre. They're not likely to be -back until half-past five." -</p> - -<p> -"Sounds as if you'd made a pretty tidy job of it," -was Marsden's comment. "You'd better come back -here as quickly as possible and pick me up in the car. -If what he's told you is right, the sooner we have a -look at this cottage the better." -</p> - -<p> -"We're starting now," replied Colin. "We'll be -with you in a quarter of an hour." -</p> - -<p> -He rang off, and, picking up his hat from the chair, -turned to Medwin. -</p> - -<p> -"This is your last chance," he said. "You know -what to expect if you've sent me on a false errand." -</p> - -<p> -"You can make your mind quite easy," returned -the other. "You'll find Miss Seymour at the cottage, -and I have no doubt she will be delighted to see you. -You're exactly the sort of primitive young savage that -appeals to women." -</p> - -<p> -Joe stepped forward pleadingly. "Let me give 'im -one, doctor—only just one. That'll learn 'im to call -you names." -</p> - -<p> -"No," said Colin. "Leave him alone. He'll have -all he deserves by the time we've finished with him." -</p> - -<p> -He walked toward the door, and, with one reluctant -glance at the smiling and half-prostrate figure on the -sofa, Joe followed him out into the hall. -</p> - -<p class="t3"> -* * * * * * * * * -</p> - -<p> -Two men muffled up in long coats, who were waiting -just inside the entrance, stepped forward at once -as the car came to a standstill again at the main -gate-way of the Yard. -</p> - -<p> -From, under the peaked cap of the former the sharp -eyes of Inspector Marsden travelled swiftly and -approvingly over its two occupants. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, you don't waste much time, doctor," he -observed. "I will say that for you." -</p> - -<p> -"I'd have been here a lot sooner if it hadn't been -for the usual cursed jam in Piccadilly," returned Colin -viciously. -</p> - -<p> -As he spoke he leaned over and swung open the back -door of the car. -</p> - -<p> -"Just a minute," said the Inspector quietly. "Before -we start I'd like to hear a few more details about -this interview of yours with Medwin. We don't want -to go chasing down into Essex unless——" -</p> - -<p> -"I'll give you the facts," interrupted Colin. "If -you don't think they're good enough to act on you -can leave it to Joe and me." -</p> - -<p> -In a few blunt words he described the scene which -had taken place in the study, the two detectives standing -silently beside the car, and Joe nodding his head at -intervals as though to confirm the truth of the story. -</p> - -<p> -"I can't swear that he hasn't invented the whole -thing," finished Colin, "but, all the same, I'm pretty -certain there's something in it. Whatever else Medwin -may be, he isn't a fool. He knows perfectly well -I meant what I said, and in my opinion he's had the -sense to chuck up the sponge in order to save his own -skin." -</p> - -<p> -"The guv'nor's right, mister," broke in Joe -earnestly. "'E's a lyin' swine, this bloke, but 'e didn't -fancy the idea of 'avin' 'is tongue torn out, you could -see that by 'is faice." -</p> - -<p> -Marsden laughed grimly. "I daresay you could!" He -turned to Colin. "I'm shocked and surprised -that you should have taken the law into your own -hands in this way, but, between ourselves, I believe -you've done the trick." He jerked his head toward -the back of the car. "Jump in, sergeant. We can -make use of the doctor's information even if we don't -approve of his methods." -</p> - -<p> -As he spoke he seated himself alongside of Colin, -while the sergeant, a heavily built individual with a -chin like the toe of a boot, clambered up obediently -into the tonneau. Directly he was on board Colin -thrust in his clutch, and the next moment they were -spinning up the broad roadway in the direction of -Waterloo Bridge. -</p> - -<p> -"I suppose I made it plain that this isn't going to be -any sort of a picnic," said Colin, with a side glance at -his companion. "According to Medwin, we've got -Cooper and Hudson to tackle as well as Fenton, and -I should think it's a hundred to one that they'll all -three be armed." -</p> - -<p> -"Cooper will for a certainty," replied the Inspector, -"and what's more, he won't hesitate to shoot. However, -I took the precaution of slipping a Smith and -Webley into my pocket, and I told Bentley to do the -same. If Mister Cooper prefers a bullet to a rope, -he can damned well take his choice." -</p> - -<p> -"I only hope Medwin doesn't get away," said Colin, -with some feeling. "He's tied up all right at present, -but his servants will be back before we're through with -this job, and directly they've set him loose he'll -probably try to do a bolt." -</p> - -<p> -"He may try," returned the Inspector, "but he -won't get very far. I've sent down two of our best -men to watch the house, and, no matter where he -goes, they'll stick to him like his shadow." -</p> - -<p> -He paused for a moment as Colin swerved round a -cluster of startled pedestrians, and then added with -a dry smile: "We don't want to waste any time, -doctor, but you might just keep it in mind that I'm a -married man, with three children dependent on me." -</p> - -<p> -"I won't smash you up," replied Colin. "I may -seem to be driving fast, but I've got too much at stake -to play the fool." -</p> - -<p> -He cut across the broad space at the corner of -Farringdon Street, and, leaving the river on his -right hand, plunged into one of the long warehouse-lined -streets which lead through the heart of the city. -The short day was already closing in, and the tall -buildings on either side were a blaze of electric -light. -</p> - -<p> -"I don't know if you're in any doubt about the way," -said the Inspector. "You had better consult Bentley -if you are. He's an Essex man himself, and knows -every inch of the country." -</p> - -<p> -"I think I can find it," was Colin's answer. He -slowed down a little and glanced back over his -shoulder. "We go through Barking and Rainham, don't -we?" -</p> - -<p> -The sergeant, who was sitting up stiffly alongside -of Joe, nodded his head. -</p> - -<p> -"That's right, sir. It's practically a straight road -from there to South Ockendon." -</p> - -<p> -They drove on silently through the crowded streets, -the Inspector making no further attempt to talk, and -Colin devoting his whole attention to the strenuous -work of avoiding the traffic. -</p> - -<p> -After negotiating the apparently interminable length -of the Commercial Road and the East India Dock -Road, they made their way through the squalid region -of East Ham and emerged at last into the historic if -evil-smelling neighbourhood of Barking. -</p> - -<p> -Then, bit by bit, the houses began to give place to -stunted hedges and low-lying fields, while a little -distance away on the right the red and green lights of -the steamers passing up and down the Thames flashed -out mysteriously in the gathering dusk. -</p> - -<p> -Two miles of rapid driving brought them to the -straggling village of Rainham, and, checking his speed -a trifle as they ran through the main street, Colin -swung out on to a lone stretch of country road, where -except for one or two farm carts and an occasional -belated cyclist, they seemed to be the only travellers. -</p> - -<p> -He had covered about another three miles when, -with a sudden movement, the sergeant leaned over -from the back. -</p> - -<p> -"We're getting pretty near now, sir," he observed. -"If your information's right, the house we want ought -to be somewhere about here." -</p> - -<p> -Colin slackened down, and as he did so the bent -figure of an old man, with a pitchfork over his -shoulder, suddenly loomed into view out of an adjoining -gateway. -</p> - -<p> -"Here's someone who'll probably be able to help -us," said Marsden. "Just pull up a moment, and -we'll ask him." -</p> - -<p> -They came to a standstill alongside the stranger, -who blinked at them suspiciously from under his -shaggy eyebrows. -</p> - -<p> -Marsden leaned over and addressed him with a -friendly nod. -</p> - -<p> -"Good evening, uncle," he said. "I wonder if you -can tell us whether there's a house called 'The Firs' -anywhere around this neighbourhood." -</p> - -<p> -With considerable deliberation the veteran -unshipped his pitchfork. -</p> - -<p> -"Whoy, yees, mister," he replied. "There be a -'ouse o' that name sure enough. There aren't no one -there though, not as I knows on." -</p> - -<p> -"That doesn't matter," said the Inspector. "We -only want to have a look at the outside of it." -</p> - -<p> -"You don't 'ave to go far for that," was the -encouraging reply. "You'll find it on the right-'and -side of the road soon as you've passed the nex' -turnin'." -</p> - -<p> -"I suppose you don't happen to know who owns the -place?" inquired Marsden. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I 'ave 'eard that it's a rich gen'leman in -London. Party o' the name o' Fenton. 'E don't use -it much though, an' that's a fact; only comes down 'ere -for an odd day or two now an' then." -</p> - -<p> -"Just when he wants a breath of fresh air, eh?" -suggested Marsden genially. "Well, I'm much -obliged to you, uncle. Perhaps you'll get yourself a -drink when the pubs open." -</p> - -<p> -He produced a shilling, which the old man readily -accepted, and, with a slight pressure of his foot on the -clutch, Colin again set the car in motion. -</p> - -<p> -"Don't hurry," whispered Marsden. "Drive us -slowly past the place and then stop. If any one's -inside there's pretty sure to be a light in the windows." -</p> - -<p> -Following his instructions, Colin proceeded noiselessly -along the road, which curved away to the left -about a hundred yards from where they had halted. -As he rounded the bend a dark cluster of trees sprang -into view a short distance ahead of him, and the next -moment he was able to make out the roof and chimneys -of a small house, which appeared to stand a little way -back from the road. -</p> - -<p> -"That's our mark," observed Marsden, with a -grunt of satisfaction. He turned round in his seat -and addressed the sergeant. "You hop out here, -Bentley, and have a look at it from this side. We'll -come back and meet you at the front gate." -</p> - -<p> -With surprising quickness for so heavy a man, the -sergeant stepped nimbly over on to the running board, -and, just as they reached the shelter of the trees, -dropped down into the roadway. -</p> - -<p> -Driving on slowly, Colin passed the head of a -narrow lane which turned off to the right. Beyond -it a high wooden paling fronted the main road, broken -in the centre by a couple of dilapidated iron gates, -one of which was standing partly open. Farther -back, behind a straggling shrubbery of laurels, the -yellow gleam of a lighted window shone out into the -garden. -</p> - -<p> -"Someone's at home, evidently," muttered the -Inspector. "Take us on as far as the end of the paling -and pull up there. I'd like to know exactly how the -land lies before we start work." -</p> - -<p> -Contenting himself with a nod, Colin continued his -way along the fence until he suddenly arrived at a -closed gate leading into a ploughed field, from which -an untrimmed hedge ran up at right angles, forming -the boundary of the adjoining property. There was -a piece of level grass at the side of the road, and, -guiding the car on to this, he stopped the engine, and -then, bending forward, switched off the headlights. -</p> - -<p> -"You and Bates stay here for a moment," whispered -Marsden. "Keep still and don't talk to each -other. I'm just going along to have a squint through -the hedge." -</p> - -<p> -Getting out of the car, he climbed carefully over -the gate, and moved up the field with the stealthiness -of a poacher, until his burly figure was gradually lost -to sight amid the shadows of the bushes. -</p> - -<p> -He reappeared again after an absence of several -minutes, and both Colin and Joe leaned eagerly -forward from their seats as he clambered back and -dropped lightly down beside them. -</p> - -<p> -"Everything's in darkness this side of the house," -he announced, "and, as far as I can see, there's no way -of getting out of the garden. We'd better make -tracks for the front gate and hear what Bentley's got -to report." -</p> - -<p> -Leaving the car as it was, the three of them stole -silently back under the shelter of the fence, and came -to a halt beneath the branches of a draggled-looking -holly tree which overhung the drive. -</p> - -<p> -After a brief wait they were joined by the sergeant, -who emerged furtively from the side turning and -advanced on tiptoe to where they were standing. -</p> - -<p> -"I've found another entrance down the lane," he -informed them. "It leads to a yard at the back, -where there's a big shed that looks like a garage." -</p> - -<p> -"A garage, eh?" rejoined Marsden. "Well, I guess -somebody will have to keep an eye on that side of the -house while the rest of us find some way of getting -in at the front." He paused for a moment, and then -added quietly: "We'll take a look at the job first, and -make up our minds exactly how we're going to tackle -it. Unless we can drop in on 'em unexpectedly it's -likely to be a pretty awkward business." -</p> - -<p> -Followed by the others, he started cautiously -forward up the drive, and, skirting the edge of the -shrubbery, came out on to a neglected strip of grass, -which at some remote period had evidently been a -tennis lawn. -</p> - -<p> -Facing them was the house, an old-fashioned two-storey -residence, with a tumble-down verandah half covered -in ivy. From the French windows in the centre -a broad patch of light streamed out hospitably through -the drawn blinds. -</p> - -<p> -Marsden's gaze travelled thoughtfully from one end -of the building to the other. -</p> - -<p> -"There's only one way to do it," he said, in a low -voice. "We shall have to smash in the window and -trust to luck." He turned to the sergeant. "We may -nab the lot of them if we're quick enough, but we can't -count on that, not when we've an old hand like Cooper -to deal with. You'd better slip round to the yard -again, Bentley, and keep a watch on the back door." -</p> - -<p> -His assistant nodded. "Very good, sir. It won't -take me more than a couple of minutes. I'll give you -a whistle as soon as I'm ready." -</p> - -<p> -He disappeared promptly and silently, and, stepping -back to where Colin and Joe were hiding in the -shadow, the Inspector stooped down beside them. -</p> - -<p> -"I think the simplest plan will be for one of us to -tackle the window," he said. "I'll do that, and you -two get ready to rush in the moment it's open." -</p> - -<p> -"Supposing we can't force it?" whispered Colin. -"Some of these windows have a bar across on the -inside." -</p> - -<p> -"In that case we must break the glass and get in as -best we can. If Cooper looks like making trouble, -keep out of the way and leave him to me." -</p> - -<p> -He produced a heavy Service revolver, and, having -clicked open the breech, proceeded to examine it with -some care. -</p> - -<p> -With his hands clenched and his heart beating -fiercely, Colin started out across the lawn, waiting for -the signal. The feeling that ever since the morning -Nancy had been a prisoner in one of those rooms, and -at the mercy of such a scoundrel as Fenton, filled him -with an apprehension that was almost unbearable. -Even if they were in time to save her from the worst -fate of all, heaven knew what hardships and misery -she must have been through during the last eight -hours. His nerves tingled with a savage longing to -be face to face with the man who was responsible for -her sufferings, and, crouching there in the darkness, he -swore a bitter oath to himself that, whatever else -happened, Fenton should not escape. -</p> - -<p> -Suddenly, through the silence of the garden, a low -whistle sounded clearly from the back of the house. -Colin was on his feet instantly, but before he could -take a step forward both he and Joe were checked by -a quick movement from their companion. -</p> - -<p> -"I'll go first, doctor," whispered the Inspector. -"You two keep close behind, and follow me in directly -I smash the lock." -</p> - -<p> -Stooping low, and holding the revolver in his left -hand, he set off at a rapid pace across the lawn. It -was only about twenty yards from the bushes to the -house, and in less than half a dozen seconds all three -of them were in front of the verandah. -</p> - -<p> -Without pausing in his stride, Marsden made -straight for the French window. It consisted of two -fragile-looking doors with a large pane of glass in -each, and, using his shoulder as a battering ram, the -detective hurled the full weight of his fourteen stone -against the strip of woodwork in the centre. -</p> - -<p> -The other two, who were immediately behind him, -heard a splintering crash and a tinkle of broken glass. -Then in the blaze of light that streamed out through -the gap they saw Marsden stumble forward on to his -hands and knees, and, like a scene on the stage, the -whole interior of the room suddenly leaped into view. -</p> - -<p> -No theatre, indeed, could have provided a more -dramatic spectacle than the one which met Colin's -eyes as he dashed for the opening. A couple of men, -whom he recognized instantly as Cooper and Hudson, -had sprung to their feet beside an overturned card -table, and were standing as though rooted to the spot -with amazement and terror. -</p> - -<p> -It was only for the fraction of a second, however, -that the tableau remained unbroken. As Colin darted -in past the Inspector, Cooper, who was the farther -away of the two, seemed instinctively to recover his -wits. With a movement as quick as a panther's he -dived back behind his companion, and, taking a flying -jump over the fallen table, raced headlong for the -door. -</p> - -<p> -His flight seemed to act on the deserted Hudson -like the breaking of a spell. A foul oath burst from -his lips, and, grabbing one of the overturned chairs by -its nearest leg, he hurled it with all his force straight -in the face of Colin. -</p> - -<p> -The latter, who saw it coming, jerked up his arm -just in time. It struck against his elbow and crashed -down on to the floor, tripping up Joe as he attempted -to dodge past in pursuit of the fugitive. -</p> - -<p> -Staggered himself by the blow, Colin recovered almost -instantly. One stride brought him within reach -of his assailant, and, ducking under a clumsy swing, he -smashed home a terrific right flush on the point of the -jaw. It was a punch that would have floored -ninety-nine men out of a hundred, and Mr. Jake Hudson -was one of the unfortunate majority. He went down -as though struck by a coal hammer, the back of his -head landing with a loud thud against the edge of the -table. -</p> - -<p> -Brief though the delay had been, it had enabled -"Spike" Cooper to achieve his object. He was through -the door and had slammed and locked it behind him -before the Inspector and Joe were able to gain their -feet. It was Colin, indeed, who was the first to reach -it, and he was already wrenching vainly at the handle -when the two others rushed up to his assistance. -</p> - -<p> -"Wait a minute," rasped the Inspector, who was -evidently not in the best of tempers. "Let me blow -in the lock, then we shall have a better chance." -</p> - -<p> -Levelling his pistol, he emptied a couple of shots -into the keyhole, the powerful bullets smashing and -splintering the woodwork in every direction. As the -second report died away they heard a scurry of -footsteps outside, followed almost immediately by the -unmistakable bang of another door. -</p> - -<p> -Pocketing his pistol, the Inspector gripped hold of -the knob with both hands, and, as he jerked it violently -toward him, the shattered bolt snapped and yielded. -One more pull, and they stumbled over the threshold -into a dimly lighted hall, where, framed in a doorway -opposite, stood, or rather swayed, the slender figure -of a girl. -</p> - -<p> -A low cry escaped Colin's lips, and, breaking from -his companions, he sprang forward and caught her -in his arms. -</p> - -<p> -"Nancy! Nancy darling! Thank God, we've found you!" -</p> - -<p> -As he uttered the words the sound of two pistol -shots rang out from the back of the house, and with -a stifled oath the Inspector hurried toward them. -</p> - -<p> -"Which is the way through into the yard?" he -demanded. -</p> - -<p> -Nancy pointed across toward a door on the right. -</p> - -<p> -"There!" she gasped. "But it's locked. I heard -them lock it and bolt it. You can only get round by -the garden." -</p> - -<p> -"Come with me, Bates," snapped the Inspector. -"You stop here, doctor, and take care of the girl." -</p> - -<p> -He ran toward the sitting room, followed by Joe, -while Nancy, who had momentarily straightened herself -as she answered his question, sank weakly back -again against Colin's shoulder. -</p> - -<p> -Lifting her in his arms, he carried her to a small -couch which was standing against the wall. -</p> - -<p> -"Tell me, Nancy," he whispered, "tell me. Are you -hurt?" -</p> - -<p> -With a gallant effort she smiled up reassuringly into -his face. -</p> - -<p> -"No," she said. "I am only tired out and a little -faint. I—I've been through a good deal since this -morning, Colin." -</p> - -<p> -He sat down beside her, taking her hands in his. -</p> - -<p> -"They brought you a forged letter from Penwarren, -didn't they? The girl who lives next door to you told -us something about it." -</p> - -<p> -She nodded. "I suppose it was foolish of me to be -taken in, but it looked to me just like his handwriting. -It said that he had suddenly discovered the truth -about my father and mother, and that he had come -up to town especially to see me. I went off in the -car almost without thinking." -</p> - -<p> -"Where did they take you to?" -</p> - -<p> -"Some house close to Kensington High Street. -There was another man there besides Major Fenton—a -horrible middle-aged, smiling man—and when -they got me inside they held me down and drugged me -with a hypodermic syringe. I think it must have -been opium they gave me. Anyhow, the next -thing I remember is waking up with a frightful -headache, and finding myself locked up alone in that -room." -</p> - -<p> -With great difficulty Colin managed to steady his -voice. "How long ago was that?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -"It seems ages, but I think it must have been about -the middle of the day." -</p> - -<p> -"And when did Fenton come back?" -</p> - -<p> -"Just as it was growing dark. He had been down -to the river to get the yacht ready, and had left one -of the men here to look after me. He told me -exactly what he meant to do—that he was going to -take me away on the boat and keep me there -until—until——" Her voice faltered. -</p> - -<p> -"I know," said Colin quickly. "I've had the whole -story from Medwin!" -</p> - -<p> -"The whole story! Oh, Colin, what does it mean? -Why should he——" -</p> - -<p> -"You shall hear everything in a minute," he -interrupted. "Just tell me first what happened when we -broke into the house." -</p> - -<p> -"It was all over so quickly," said Nancy. "He was -in there talking to me and threatening me when he -suddenly heard a tremendous crash, and one of the -others—the man they call Spike—rushed into the room -and shouted out something about the police. Before -I could——" She stopped abruptly. "Listen!" she -exclaimed. "They're coming back." -</p> - -<p> -There was a sound of voices and steps on the -verandah outside, and, letting go Nancy's hands, Colin -jumped to his feet. -</p> - -<p> -He walked across to the sitting-room door, where -the sight which met his eyes caused him to hurry -forward with a sudden exclamation of dismay. The -Inspector and Joe were coming in through the window, -carrying between them the limp, unconscious body of -Sergeant Bentley. -</p> - -<p> -Marsden glanced round, his usually stolid face -flushed and contorted. -</p> - -<p> -"They've shot him, doctor—shot him down like a -dog and got away in the car. They must have had -it standing ready in the garage." -</p> - -<p> -As he spoke, he and Joe lowered their burden gently -on to the thick rug which lay just across the window, -and the next instant Colin had dropped on his knees, -and was bending forward over the prostrate figure. -</p> - -<p> -To an untrained eye the spectacle was a ghastly -one, for the man's face was covered with blood, which -had trickled down from a broad gash in his forehead. -His pulse was still beating, however, and after feeling -it for a few moments, and then closely examining the -injury, Colin looked up with a little gesture of relief. -</p> - -<p> -"It's not as bad as it appears," he announced. -"The bullet must have struck him sideways and glanced -off the outside of his temple. He's only stunned." -</p> - -<p> -"Only stunned!" repeated the Inspector. "Well, -in that case he can stop here with Bates and Miss -Seymour, while you and I go after the others. If -they once get on board that boat we may have the -devil's work in catching them." -</p> - -<p> -Colin started up immediately, but before he could -speak he was interrupted by Nancy, who had followed -him into the room. -</p> - -<p> -"I can tell you where the yacht's lying," she said. -"I heard them talking about it. It's in some small -creek just this side of Thames Haven." -</p> - -<p> -The Inspector wheeled round sharply on Colin. -"Do you know the way?" he demanded. "Do you -think you can overtake them?" -</p> - -<p> -"I expect I can," replied Colin, "unless Nancy -would rather I stayed with her." -</p> - -<p> -She shook her head decisively. "I shall be all right -with Joe," she said. "I want to see those two men -punished for trying to kill you." -</p> - -<p> -"You'd want it still more if you knew what we do, -miss," said the Inspector drily. -</p> - -<p> -He rummaged in the sergeant's pocket, and, pulling -out a pair of light steel handcuffs, snapped them -round the wrists of the still unconscious Hudson. -</p> - -<p> -Colin turned to Nancy. "You might bathe this -poor fellow's wound, and bandage him up with a clean -handkerchief. If he comes round before we get back, -make him lie perfectly still on the sofa." -</p> - -<p> -She nodded quietly, and with an approving grunt -the Inspector offered her his hand. -</p> - -<p> -"Thank you, miss," he said. "You're a fine young -lady, and I couldn't be more pleased to see you safe, -not if you were my own daughter." Then, as if half -embarrassed by this outburst, he added brusquely. -"Come along, doctor! They've got a good start -already, and we're only wasting time talking here." -</p> - -<p> -He strode toward the window, and, just pausing -to press a kiss on Nancy's fingers, Colin followed him -out into the garden. -</p> - -<p> -They made their way rapidly across the lawn and -down to the front gate. The moon, which was almost -at its full, had already risen, its silver beauty lighting -up the roadway as plainly as though it were daytime. -</p> - -<p> -The Inspector glanced up into the sky with some -gratitude. -</p> - -<p> -"We shall be able to see where we're going, at all -events," he observed. "How far do you think the -river is from here?" -</p> - -<p> -"It must be about ten miles to Thames Haven," -was Colin's answer. "There's no other place they -could have left the yacht—not this side of Canvey -Island." -</p> - -<p> -"Ten miles!" echoed the other. "Well, if Fenton -knows anything about driving it's going to be a pretty -close business." -</p> - -<p> -Breaking into a run, they hurried along the road to -where they had left the car, and with a sharp jerk of -the handle Colin set the engine in motion. Followed -by the Inspector, he scrambled into his seat, and a few -seconds later he had backed hastily along the oak -paling, and swung round into the side turning which ran -southward across the marshes. -</p> - -<p> -It was not a route that any one who was fond of his -life would have selected deliberately for the purposes -of fast driving. Narrow and winding, with a thick -coating of mud plastered over its surface, it presented -such obvious dangers that even the most foolhardy -of motorists would have been forced to recognize the -advisability of caution. -</p> - -<p> -Caution, however, was the particular virtue which -Colin felt least able to afford. Unless he could make -up his lost ground on the more difficult stages of the -journey he could certainly abandon all hope of success, -for on an open and moonlit road Fenton's progress -would probably be as fast as his own. -</p> - -<p> -With a full appreciation of the chances that he was -taking he therefore let out the car to a pace which -in any other circumstances he would never have -attempted. Bumping over patches of loose stone, and -splashing through pools of water, he held resolutely -on, regardless of risk, while all the time immediately -ahead of him two broad and recently imprinted tire -marks stretched away encouragingly through the mud. -</p> - -<p> -Whatever the Inspector's private emotions may have -been, it must be admitted that he faced the ordeal with -masterly restraint. Once or twice, as they skidded -violently round a blind corner, he caught hold of the -side door with a spasmodic grip, but except for this -instinctive movement he maintained an expressionless -calm which certainly did credit to the self-discipline of -the Yard. -</p> - -<p> -For the first three miles Colin needed all his skill -and luck to avoid disaster; then, as they drew farther -out into the lonely marshland which borders the north -bank of the Thames, the conditions gradually -improved. The east wind, which blows perpetually over -that desolate region, had already begun to dry up the -surface of the road, while with nothing but an -occasional cowshed or a few leafless trees to obstruct the -view, the chances of running headlong into some -unforeseen death trap were reduced to much more -comforting proportions. -</p> - -<p> -Suddenly, with an abrupt movement, the Inspector -pointed ahead, to where a broad shaft of yellow light -streamed out against the sky. -</p> - -<p> -"What's that?" he demanded, putting his lips close -to Colin's ear. -</p> - -<p> -"Mucking Lighthouse," was the answer. "There -are some powder works away to the right, and the -creek they're making for is just between the two." -</p> - -<p> -At a furious pace the car leaped forward along the -deserted road, the telltale track of the fugitives still -standing out plainly in the glare of the head lamps. -Colin was much too occupied with the wheel to indulge -in any further attempt at conversation, while sheltering -his eyes from the wind with one hand, and grasping -the back of the seat with the other, the Inspector -stared out in front of him in grim silence. -</p> - -<p> -Rounding a slight curve between two low banks, -they emerged into a long stretch of almost perfectly -straight roadway, and at the same moment a simultaneous -shout burst from both their lips. There in -the moonlight, not more than half a mile away, they -could see the dark outline and gleaming tail lamp of -another car, travelling swiftly in the same direction -as themselves. -</p> - -<p> -"There they are!" roared the Inspector. "Keep -her going, doctor! Keep her going, and we've got 'em!" -</p> - -<p> -With an inward prayer that his tires would stand -the strain, Colin drove down the accelerator to its -extreme limit. The well-tuned engine responded to -his call, and with the wind rushing in their faces, and -the whole chassis quivering and rocking beneath them, -they surged on recklessly in pursuit of their escaping -quarry. -</p> - -<p> -Any doubt as to the respective pace of the two cars -was settled in the next minute. Slowly but surely -the distance between them lessened, until in the bright -moonlight it was possible to make out the bare head -and broad shoulders of "Spike" Cooper as he crouched -in the seat alongside the driver, staring back over the -swaying tonneau. -</p> - -<p> -"Look out for that devil!" shouted the Inspector. -"He'll start shooting directly we're close enough." -</p> - -<p> -Clutching his own pistol in his hand, he leaned -forward over the dashboard, his eyes glued on the -motionless figure ahead. -</p> - -<p> -Nearer and nearer they drew, the mud and gravel -flying from beneath their wheels, the roar and throb -of the engine seeming to beat time to the mad rhythm -of the chase. -</p> - -<p> -Suddenly, with a warning cry, Marsden raised his -weapon. There was a simultaneous spurt of flame -from both cars, and with a vicious thud something -buried itself in the padded seat just beside Colin's -shoulder. -</p> - -<p> -Crack! Crack! Crack! -</p> - -<p> -A second bullet ripped its way along the front mud -guard, and then, with a kind of stupefying and -unimaginable abruptness, the end came. -</p> - -<p> -Colin was just conscious of a shower of sparks from -beneath the steel-studded tires as the car in front of -him swerved violently across the road. -</p> - -<p> -By some instinctive movement his hand shot out -toward the brake lever, and almost at the same second -came a deafening and appalling crash that seemed to -strike him in the face like a blow from a fist. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap12"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER TWELVE -</h3> - -<p> -"That's done it," remarked the Inspector bitterly. -</p> - -<p> -He was standing in the car which Colin had just -pulled up, staring down over a heap of stones at the -black mass of broken wreckage which reared itself -fantastically amongst the grass. -</p> - -<p> -"I should think it was about the finish," said Colin -quietly. "What on earth made them skid in that -extraordinary way?" -</p> - -<p> -"I suppose I hit Fenton by mistake," said the -Inspector. "Just like my cursed luck. He must have -driven straight into it and gone clean over the top. -It's a hundred to one they're both dead." -</p> - -<p> -"We'll soon find out, anyhow," was Colin's answer, -and, opening the door as he spoke, he jumped down -into the roadway. -</p> - -<p> -A few strides brought him alongside the fallen car, -where, in the pitiless moonlight, every detail of the -tragedy stood out with horrible distinctness. Almost -the first sight that met his eyes was the bodies of -Fenton and Cooper, the former pinned down under -the débris amid a cloud of escaping steam, and the -other sprawled full length on the bare ground. -</p> - -<p> -It was very obvious that nothing could be done for -Fenton. The top of his skull had been smashed in -like an eggshell, and, after just pausing to glance at -the injury, Colin hurried over toward the prostrate -figure of his companion. -</p> - -<p> -The Canadian was lying on his face, his arms and -legs flung out at a grotesque angle. To any one with -medical knowledge there was something fatally suggestive -about the mere attitude of the limbs, and it was -no little surprise to Colin that, as he stooped down to -make a closer examination, a low groan reached his -ears. -</p> - -<p> -With great care he turned over the helpless man -and raised him in his arms. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, we've got one of 'em alive, anyhow," observed -the Inspector, who had followed him across the -grass. -</p> - -<p> -As though conscious of the remark, Cooper opened -his eyes, and for a moment lay there with his head on -Colin's shoulder, gazing up vaguely into the two faces -above him. Then something that was almost a grin -flickered across his face. -</p> - -<p> -"I guess we've met before, mister," he jerked out -faintly. "Say, how the hell did your friends get you -out of that cellar?" -</p> - -<p> -"Never mind now," interrupted the detective curtly. -"You've got something else to think about at present. -I am Inspector Marsden of Scotland Yard, and I arrest -you for the murder of Professor Carter." -</p> - -<p> -There was a glint of mockery in Cooper's face as -his eyes travelled slowly in the direction of the -speaker. -</p> - -<p> -"Good for you, Sherlock Holmes," he gasped. "I -reckon the British police ain't quite such duds after -all." He paused, as though the effort of speaking had -been almost too much for him. "It's tough luck you -won't get the credit of hanging me," he added, in an -even feebler voice. "Still, if you will be so damn -careless with that gun o' yours——" He stopped, -and with a little choking cough spat out a mouthful of -blood. -</p> - -<p> -The Inspector turned anxiously to Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"What's the matter with him?" he demanded. -</p> - -<p> -"His spine's practically broken," said Colin. "He -can't live more than a few minutes." -</p> - -<p> -Marsden bent over the dying man, on whose white -face the moonlight streamed down with a peculiarly -ghastly effect. -</p> - -<p> -"Listen to me, Cooper," he said. "We know all -about you. We've got your record from Montreal. -Fenton's dead, and I don't imagine that our friend -Medwin is a particular pal of yours. Come, man, -you may just as well tell us the truth." -</p> - -<p> -Cooper, who seemed to be breathing with extreme -difficulty, moistened his lips. -</p> - -<p> -"It's no good, mister," he faltered. "You can't -put a rope round Medwin's neck—not this journey. -He hadn't no more to do with croaking the old guy -than you or the doctor." -</p> - -<p> -Marsden nodded. "I know that," he said. "You -broke into the house the second time by yourself in -order to try and rob the safe. Neither Fenton nor -Medwin knew anything about it—until afterward." -</p> - -<p> -Cooper looked up at him again, the same -half-jeering smile on his drawn face. -</p> - -<p> -"You ought to be with Pinkerton," he gasped. -"You're just wasted here." -</p> - -<p> -As he dragged out the last word another paroxysm -of coughing overtook him. It lasted for several -seconds, and then, with a queer, fluttering movement of -the eyelids, his head suddenly lolled over sideways on -to his shoulder, the under jaw dropping open at the -same time. -</p> - -<p> -Colin lowered his burden to the ground, and after -wiping his hands on the grass, rose to his feet. -</p> - -<p> -For a moment the Inspector stood still, gazing down -at the body. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, that's done the hangman out of a job," he -observed regretfully. "What's more, I believe the -devil was right. We shall only be able to charge -Medwin with conspiracy, though if any man ever -deserved—— Hullo! here's somebody coming!" -</p> - -<p> -He broke off abruptly at the sight of a dark figure, -which was approaching along the roadway from the -direction in which they had been travelling. -</p> - -<p> -"One of the men from the powder works, I expect," -said Colin. "We're quite close by, and they probably -heard the crash." -</p> - -<p> -Marsden stepped forward to meet the new arrival, -who had turned on to the grass and was hurrying -rapidly toward them. As he drew nearer they saw -that he was a respectable-looking middle-aged man, -dressed in a rough suit of tweeds. -</p> - -<p> -He came on at a kind of stumbling run, and pulled -up with an exclamation of horror as the full extent -of the disaster suddenly met his eyes. -</p> - -<p> -"Good God!" he exclaimed. "I was afraid there -had been a bad accident. Is anybody killed?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," said Marsden bluntly. "Both these men -are dead." He paused. "Who are you, sir, and -where do you come from?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -"My name's Trevor. I'm the head electrician at -the powder mills just down the road." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I'm a police officer," said Marsden, "and -this gentleman is Doctor Gray." -</p> - -<p> -"A police officer?" repeated the other. "Is there -anything——" -</p> - -<p> -"One of our friends here," continued Marsden, -jerking his head in the direction of Cooper's body, -"is the murderer of Professor Carter. I have no -doubt you read about the case in the papers. The -other was wanted on an almost equally serious charge." -</p> - -<p> -Their new acquaintance stood staring at them in -open-mouthed amazement. -</p> - -<p> -"But—but what on earth were they doing down -here?" he stammered. -</p> - -<p> -"They were trying to reach Thames Haven, where -they hoped to get on board a boat. We were following -them in another car, and just as they got to this -point they swerved right across the road into that heap -of stones. You can see the result for yourself." -</p> - -<p> -The electrician nodded his head. "Yes," he -replied, "I can. You must excuse my being a bit -flabbergasted, but it's pretty quiet round about here -as a rule, and this kind of thing's a trifle out of my -line." He removed the soft hat that he was wearing -and wiped his forehead with his coat sleeve. "What -do you propose to do?" he asked. "We've a telephone -at the works if you'd like me to get into -communication with any one." -</p> - -<p> -Marsden pulled out his pocketbook and extracted -a card. -</p> - -<p> -"This is my name," he said. "Do you mind going -straight back and ringing up the Southend Police -Station? Say that you're speaking for me, and ask -them to send out a motor ambulance and a car as -soon as possible. They'll know the powder works, -and when they arrive perhaps you'll be good enough -to bring them on here." -</p> - -<p> -"Why, certainly," was the answer. "In the -meanwhile, if there's anything you want that I can let -you have——" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I don't know if you could run to a whisky -and soda," suggested Marsden hopefully. "I could -do with a drink after what we've been through the -last quarter of an hour." -</p> - -<p> -"I'll send one of the men along with it," responded -the other, and without waiting to be thanked he nodded -a hasty farewell, and set off at once in the direction -of the roadway. -</p> - -<p> -Marsden turned to Colin. "You can get back to -'The Firs' and pick up Miss Seymour if you like. -There's no point in your remaining here, unless you -want to stop until the whisky comes." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, hang the whisky!" said Colin. "It's you I'm -thinking of. I can't leave you stranded in a ditch -with a couple of corpses." -</p> - -<p> -"You needn't worry about that," returned Marsden -cheerfully. "I've been in worse company, and, in any -case, the Southend police will be turning up in round -about half an hour. No, you go along, doctor, and -take Miss Seymour home in the car." -</p> - -<p> -"What about the sergeant and Joe?" inquired Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"They can wait for us. We shall be passing the -house on our way back, and if Bentley's still -unconscious there'll be room for him in the ambulance." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, it seems rather a shame to desert you," said -Colin. "All the same, if you really don't mind I -think I will push off. Nancy must be pretty well -tired out, and the sooner I can get her back to -Shadwell the better." -</p> - -<p> -"She'll be all right," said Marsden encouragingly. -"If you think she needs a little tonic give her my -congratulations and tell her that she's worth a couple -of hundred thousand pounds." He held out his hand. -"You shall hear from me later in the evening. I'll -either 'phone you up or come down to Shadwell -myself." -</p> - -<p> -"Come if you possibly can," said Colin. "Nancy -will be longing to thank you for everything you've -done, and if you want any further inducement Mark's -got some topping good champagne." -</p> - -<p class="t3"> -* * * * * * * * * -</p> - -<p> -The light was still streaming out through the -shattered window as, leaving his car at the gate of -"The Firs," Colin once more made his way up the -drive and strode eagerly across the lawn. -</p> - -<p> -On reaching the verandah he found that the broken -hasp had been fastened roughly together inside by a -piece of wire, and while he was endeavouring to -disentangle the latter the figure of Joe appeared suddenly -in the doorway. -</p> - -<p> -At the sight of Colin he hastened forward with a -shout of welcome. -</p> - -<p> -"'Alf a moment, guv'nor. 'Ere, let me get at it. -You'll cut your 'and on that glass if you ain't careful." -</p> - -<p> -With a quick turn of his fingers he wrenched off -the wire and flung open the window, and at the same -moment Nancy herself came hurrying into the -room. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Colin, at last!" she cried. "I was so afraid -that something had happened to you." -</p> - -<p> -Regardless of Joe, Colin took her into his arms -and kissed her two or three times with reassuring -fervour. -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing has happened to me, Nancy," he said. -"I'm afraid I can't say the same with regard to Fenton -and Cooper." -</p> - -<p> -She looked up at him with a startled expression in -her eyes. -</p> - -<p> -"Colin!" she exclaimed. "You don't mean——" -</p> - -<p> -His arms tightened round her. "I had to let you -know," he said gently, "though I hate to spring any -more horrors on you. I'm not sure it isn't all for the -best. Cooper would certainly have been hanged, and -as for Fenton——" -</p> - -<p> -"Wot's 'appened, gov'nor?" broke in Joe anxiously. -"You ain't goin' to tell me they're both dead?" -</p> - -<p> -"They were when I left them," said Colin. "As -dead as any one I've ever seen in my life. They ran -into a heap of loose stones just this side of Thames -Haven and smashed themselves to pieces." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, if that ain't the limit!" observed Joe -disgustedly. "'Ere' ave I bin waitin' to bash 'ell outer -that bloke Cooper——" -</p> - -<p> -"Stop, Joe!" commanded Nancy almost angrily. "I -won't have you talking like that. It's wicked." -</p> - -<p> -The abashed boxer fell back, and with a quick -breath she turned again to Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"Where's the Inspector?" she asked. "Why hasn't -he come with you?" -</p> - -<p> -"He's all right," said Colin. "We got someone -to send a message through to the Southend police, and -he's waiting for them to turn up with a motor -ambulance. He suggested that in the meanwhile I -should come on here and take you home in the car. -He's going to call for Joe and the sergeant on his -way back." He paused and glanced inquiringly round -the room. "By the way," he added, "where is the -sergeant, and what's happened to my pal Jake Hudson?" -</p> - -<p> -"Hudson's locked up in the cellar," replied Nancy. -"We carried the other poor man into the hall and put -him on the sofa. I bandaged up his head as well as -I could, but he's still unconscious." -</p> - -<p> -"I'll go in and have a look at him," said Colin. -"Then I should think we might as well push off. I've -all sorts of exciting news for you, Nancy." -</p> - -<p> -"If you mean about Mr. Carter being my grandfather," -she interrupted calmly, "I know that already." -</p> - -<p> -Colin stared at her in amazement. "You know it -already?" he repeated. -</p> - -<p> -She nodded her head. "Yes," she said, "Joe told -me. Of course, there's a lot I don't understand yet, -but——" -</p> - -<p> -"I didn't mean to do it, guv'nor," protested Joe; -"strike me dead if I did. She jest started askin' -questions, and afore I knew wot 'ad 'appened, damn me if -I 'adn't given away the 'ole show." -</p> - -<p> -Colin looked from one to the other of them, and -then began to laugh. -</p> - -<p> -"I thought I could depend on you, Joe," he said -reproachfully. -</p> - -<p> -The boxer glanced at Nancy with a kind of admiring -resentment. "I always reckoned I could keep my -mouth shut," he muttered, "but she's one o' them -young laidies a bloke ain't got no chance with." -</p> - -<p> -"I don't know if that's a compliment or not," said -Nancy. "Anyhow, Colin, do come along and see what -you think of my patient. We shall have plenty of -time to talk about me when we're going home in the -car." -</p> - -<p> -She led the way out into the hall, and, crossing to -where the unconscious and heavily breathing Bentley -lay propped upon the sofa amongst a pile of cushions, -Colin bent down to inspect the bandages which -encircled his head. -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing the matter with this," he said -approvingly. "You must have been having lessons from -Mark in your spare time." He made a brief examination -of the man's pulse and general condition, while -the others stood by watching him in silence. "I don't -think there'll be much to worry about when he comes -round," he added, "but of course he'll have to keep -to his bed for a day or two." He turned to Joe. -"Put some of these cushions round him so that he -isn't shaken about in the ambulance, and tell Marsden -to take him to the hospital directly you reach London." -</p> - -<p> -"I believe there must be some kind of curse on me," -said Nancy rather ruefully. "I seem to bring trouble -on everyone I have anything to do with." -</p> - -<p> -"You ain't no call to feel like that, miss," objected -Joe. "A cracked 'ead ain't much in the way of -trouble—not for a policeman, any'ow." -</p> - -<p> -"You can be pretty sure that that's the way in -which Bentley will look at it," said Colin. "As for -the Inspector"—his gray eyes lit up with a boyish -twinkle—"well, if he hadn't told me that he was a -married man with three children I should have been -jolly careful not to ask him round to Shadwell this -evening." -</p> - -<p> -With a little laugh Nancy held out her hands -toward him. -</p> - -<p> -"Take me home, Colin," she said. "I feel like -Charles Lamb when they gave him a pension. I want -to go home for ever." -</p> - -<p class="t3"> -* * * * * * * * * -</p> - -<p> -Mark filled up his empty glass, and, settling himself -in his armchair, beamed paternally at Colin and -Nancy, who were sitting opposite to him on the sofa. -</p> - -<p> -"It only shows how careful one ought to be," he -said. "Just think of the chance I missed when I took -Nancy on as a secretary! If I'd had any idea that -she was going to blossom out suddenly as a sort of -female Rothschild I should immediately have adopted -her as my daughter." -</p> - -<p> -"Perhaps it's as well you didn't," said Colin, -laughing. "She'd have found it a bit of a strain to -carry out the fifth commandment." -</p> - -<p> -Nancy, who was looking distractingly pretty as she -lay back against the cushions, smiled contentedly at -them both. -</p> - -<p> -"I think it's much better as it is," she said. "If -I hadn't known what it felt like to be bullied and -ordered about I shouldn't be half so happy when I'm -married to Colin." -</p> - -<p> -Mark set down his glass with an air of pretended -dismay. -</p> - -<p> -"But, my dear child," he exclaimed, "you can't -possibly marry Colin now. You must put that idea -right out of your head. Why, with your looks and -two hundred thousand pounds you might make an -alliance with a duke." -</p> - -<p> -There was a moment's pause. -</p> - -<p> -"By Jove, yes!" observed Colin blankly. "I never -thought of that." -</p> - -<p> -He turned to Nancy, but before he could add anything -further she raised her finger in a peremptory -warning. -</p> - -<p> -"It's no use, Colin dear," she said. "Joe saw you -hugging and kissing me at 'The Firs,' and I'm not the -sort of girl to allow my young affections to be trifled -with. If you attempt to back out of it now I shall -sue you for breach of promise." -</p> - -<p> -The distant tinkle of a bell sounded through the -house, and, raising himself in his chair, Mark glanced -indignantly at the clock. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, hang it all!" he exclaimed. "I'm not going -to see any more patients to-night. It's nearly ten, -and, besides that, I'm beautifully and comfortably -intoxicated." -</p> - -<p> -"It may be Marsden," suggested Colin. "He -promised to come down if he could manage to spare -the time." -</p> - -<p> -They heard the front door open and close, and after -a brief interval the somewhat breathless figure of -Martha Jane burst unceremoniously into the room. -</p> - -<p> -"There's a police inspector downstairs," she -announced. "'E says 'e's come to see Doctor Gray." -</p> - -<p> -Mark hoisted himself to his feet. "Show him up," -he said hospitably, "and then fetch along another glass. -If any one else calls, tell them that I've been sent for -to Buckingham Palace to operate on the King." -</p> - -<p> -Leaving the door open behind her, Martha Jane -vanished down the staircase. There was a murmur -of voices, followed by a creak of footsteps, and a -moment later she reappeared, with the bullet head and -broad shoulders of the detective mounting in her wake. -</p> - -<p> -Jumping up from the sofa, Colin met him as he -entered the room. -</p> - -<p> -"So glad you've been able to come, Marsden," he -exclaimed. "We only wanted you to complete the -party." He waved an introductory hand in the -direction of Mark. "This is my friend, Doctor Ashton. I -don't think there's any need to introduce you to Miss -Seymour!" -</p> - -<p> -Marsden smiled, and, stepping forward, shook hands -with his host. -</p> - -<p> -"Pleased to meet you, doctor," he said. "I'm -sorry to disturb you at this hour, but, as you've -probably heard, we've been having rather a busy and -exciting afternoon." He turned to Nancy. "I hope you're -not feeling much the worse for it, miss?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not a bit," said Nancy, "thanks to you and Colin. -I only wish I could tell you how grateful I am for all -you've done for me." -</p> - -<p> -Marsden shook his head. "It's very good of you -to say so, miss, but I'm not throwing any bouquets at -myself this journey. On the contrary, I don't think -I've ever made so many blunders in a case in the whole -of my professional career." -</p> - -<p> -"Why, what are you worrying about?" demanded -Colin. "Except for the regrettable fact that we can't -hang Cooper——" -</p> - -<p> -"You haven't heard my news yet," interrupted -Marsden. "I'm almost ashamed to confess it, but the -fact remains that we've allowed Medwin to slip -through our fingers." -</p> - -<p> -Colin stared at him incredulously. "Medwin -escaped!" he exclaimed. -</p> - -<p> -"If you like to put it that way. He has escaped -being sent for trial, anyhow. At the present moment -he's lying in the mortuary at the Kensington Police -Station." -</p> - -<p> -With a faint cry of horror Nancy caught hold of -Colin's hand. -</p> - -<p> -"It was all my fault," continued Marsden. "I -ought to have made certain of him before we left -London. It never occurred to me he'd play us a -dirty trick like this." -</p> - -<p> -"What do you mean?" broke in Colin. "When I -left him he was tied up on the sofa. How on -earth——" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, the servants came back and untied him," -said Marsden curtly. "He invented some cock-and-bull -story about having been attacked by a couple of -burglars, and then sent them down to the kitchen and -locked himself in his study. As soon as I got back -to London I telephoned through to Kensington and -gave instructions for his arrest, but by that time it -was too late. They found him sitting dead in his -chair, with a letter which he had just written lying on -the table beside him. He had swallowed enough -poison to kill half a dozen people." -</p> - -<p> -There was a brief silence. -</p> - -<p> -"I see now," said Colin slowly. "He told me he -knew when he was beaten, and that's evidently what -he meant." He paused. "And the letter?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -Marsden put his hand in his pocket and produced -a large square envelope. -</p> - -<p> -"The letter was my chief reason for coming down -here. As a matter of fact, it was addressed to you, -but under the circumstances I've taken the liberty of -opening it." -</p> - -<p> -He presented the envelope to Colin, who, after -glancing unbelievingly at his own name, pulled out -and unfolded its contents. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="quote"> - "3 ALBERT TERRACE,<br /> - "KENSINGTON.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="quote"> -"My dear Gray,—You will probably be surprised -at receiving a letter from me, but you must -put it down to the whim of a dying man. -</p> - -<p class="quote"> -"The truth is, I feel that I owe an apology both -to you and to Miss Seymour. -</p> - -<p class="quote"> -"I will make no attempt to defend my conduct. -I frankly admit that it justifies practically every -one of the uncomplimentary epithets which you -hurled at me in the course of your dramatic visit. -</p> - -<p class="quote"> -"The only accusation against which I must enter -a protest is that either Fenton or I was in any way -concerned with the murder of my old friend and -client, the late Professor Carter. On this point -you are entirely mistaken. It was the work of that -senseless ruffian Cooper, whom we had employed to -assist us in breaking into the Red Lodge when we -found it necessary to examine the Professor's papers. -I sincerely hope that this information will be of -some assistance in bringing him to the gallows. -</p> - -<p class="quote"> -"On the charges of embezzlement and conspiracy, -however, the fact remains that I have rendered -myself liable to a considerable term of penal servitude. -It is an unpleasant position, but one which I am -perfectly prepared to face. Playing for high stakes -has always had a peculiar attraction for me, and in -the event of failure I have never been one of those -poor-spirited sportsmen who object to settling their -accounts. -</p> - -<p class="quote"> -"I doubt if you will believe me, but I should like -to say in conclusion that as far as you are concerned -I have no feeling of resentment. On the contrary, -if you had not been so infernally in my way it would -have been a distinct pleasure to me to cultivate your -society. Being of a somewhat complex temperament, -I derive considerable enjoyment from the -companionship of a crude and vigorous young -savage like yourself. -</p> - -<p class="quote"> -"I do not know whether you arrived in time to -rescue Miss Seymour from the embraces of our -mutual friend, but I have no doubt that you will -succeed in consoling her for any unpleasant -experiences to which she may have been subjected. -From the little I saw of her she struck me as being -a singularly attractive and high-spirited young lady. -</p> - -<p class="quote"> -"Please convey to her my apologies for the -unchivalrous treatment she has received, and also -express my regret that there should be a shortage of -some twenty thousand pounds in the money to -which she is entitled. As the sum which still -remains, however, amounts to about a hundred and -seventy thousand pounds, it will be amply sufficient -to provide you both with those minor comforts and -luxuries which form such an agreeable addition even -to the happiest of married lives. -</p> - -<p class="quote"> - "Believe me, my dear Gray,<br /> - "Your sincere admirer,<br /> - "JAMES STANHOPE MEDWIN."<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -Colin read through this remarkable communication -in silence, and, having come to the end, handed it to -Nancy. -</p> - -<p> -"It's just the sort of letter I should have expected -him to write," he observed. "The only thing I'm -surprised at is that he didn't send us a wedding present." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, it's queer your putting it like that," replied -the detective. "As a matter of fact, it's the very -same remark which I made to the Commissioner. -There's a certain type of criminal who doesn't care -what happens to him as long as he can die showing -off and codding himself that he's a sportsman and a -gentleman." -</p> - -<p> -"I suppose that's true," said Nancy, looking up -from the letter. "I do wish he hadn't killed himself, -though. I hate to feel that three people have lost -their lives and all on account of——" -</p> - -<p> -"It's only because you're not accustomed to it," -interrupted Mark comfortingly. "When one's been -a doctor for twenty years a trifling massacre like this -leaves one quite unperturbed." -</p> - -<p> -As he spoke Martha Jane appeared with the clean -glass, and, taking it off the tray, he turned to -Marsden. -</p> - -<p> -"How about a drop of champagne, Inspector?" -he suggested. "There's nothing like it after a busy -day, and, besides, you've got to drink to the health of -the happy pair." -</p> - -<p> -"I won't say no to a good offer like that," returned -the detective. -</p> - -<p> -He accepted the beaker which Mark held out to -him, and, raising it in his hand, nodded first to Nancy -and then to Colin. -</p> - -<p> -"I've already congratulated the doctor," he said. -"As for you, miss, if you'll excuse my saying so, I -think you've made as big a success in choosing a -husband as you did in choosing a grandfather." -</p> - -<p> -He drained his glass to the dregs, and set it down -on the table with an appreciative smack. -</p> - -<p> -"I'm sorry to tear myself away from such a -pleasant party," he added, "but I've got to get back -to the Yard and complete my report of the case. -We're fixing the inquest for the day after to-morrow." -</p> - -<p> -"Shall I have to give evidence?" inquired Nancy -in some dismay. -</p> - -<p> -"I'm afraid there's no getting out of that, miss. -You and Doctor Gray will be the two principal -witnesses, but I shall be seeing the Coroner first, and you -can take it from me that you won't be asked more -questions than are absolutely necessary." He turned to -Colin. "I should like to see you the first thing in -the morning, doctor. This case is bound to attract a -good deal of attention, and there are one or two -points in connection with it which it will be better if -we keep to ourselves." -</p> - -<p> -"That's all right," said Colin calmly. "You tell -me what you want us to say, and Nancy and I will stick -to it like Britons." -</p> - -<p> -Marsden laughed, and, picking up his cap from the -table, shook hands all round. -</p> - -<p> -"Let me see you as far as the door, Inspector," -suggested Mark. "I think I'm just sober enough to -be able to manage the staircase." -</p> - -<p> -He led the way out on the landing, followed -by the detective, and for the first time since their -return to the house Colin and Nancy found themselves -alone. -</p> - -<p> -He put his arm round her, and, bending down, -kissed her hair. -</p> - -<p> -"You mustn't let all this distress you too much, -darling," he said gently. "It's been a horrible and -ghastly business, but I do believe it's ended in the best -way possible. If these men hadn't been killed——" -</p> - -<p> -"I know, Colin," she said. "I think it's only a -sort of selfish feeling I've got. I am so happy myself -I want everyone else to be happy too." -</p> - -<p> -"So they are!" declared Colin. "At least, everyone -who matters. There's you and I and Mark and -Mary and Joe——" He paused. "By the way, I -wonder what's happened to Joe." -</p> - -<p> -"I know what's going to happen to him," said -Nancy. "Directly I get my money I'm going to buy -him the biggest and most beautiful public house in -Shadwell. If it wasn't for Joe——" Her voice -faltered, and with a sudden impulsive movement she -caught hold of Colin's hand and pressed it to her -cheek. -</p> - -<p> -For a moment he stood looking down at her, his -gray eyes alight with love and tenderness. -</p> - -<p> -"There's only one thing that isn't quite perfect," he -said slowly. "I'm afraid that, whatever success I -meet with in my research work, I'm bound to be more -or less disappointed." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Colin, what do you mean?" -</p> - -<p> -"Why," he whispered softly, "I've already made the -greatest discovery in the world. <i>I've found you</i>." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p class="t3"> -THE END -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RED LODGE ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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