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diff --git a/old/7blbg10.txt b/old/7blbg10.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f51b349 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/7blbg10.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11696 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Black Bag, by Louis Joseph Vance +#3 in our series by Louis Joseph Vance + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the +copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing +this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook. + +This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project +Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: The Black Bag + +Author: Louis Joseph Vance + +Release Date: January, 2006 [EBook #9779] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on October 15, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BLACK BAG *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, Leonard Johnson +and PG Distributed Proofreading. + + + + +THE BLACK BAG + + +By LOUIS JOSEPH VANCE + + + +WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY THOMAS FOGARTY + + +1908 + + + + +TO MY MOTHER + + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER + + I. DIVERSIONS OF A RUINED GENTLEMAN + + II. "AND SOME THERE BE WHO HAVE ADVENTURES THRUST UPON THEM" + + III. CALENDAR'S DAUGHTER + + IV. 9 FROGNALL STREET, W. C. + + V. THE MYSTERY OF A FOUR-WHEELER + + VI. "BELOW BRIDGE" + + VII. DIVERSIONS OF A RUINED GENTLEMAN--RESUMED + + VIII. MADAME L'INTRIGANTE + + IX. AGAIN "BELOW BRIDGE"; AND BEYOND + + X. DESPERATE MEASURES + + XI. OFF THE NORE + + XII. PICARESQUE PASSAGES + + XIII. A PRIMER OF PROGRESSIVE CRIME + + XIV. STRATAGEMS AND SPOILS + + XV. REFUGEES + + XVI. TRAVELS WITH A CHAPERON + + XVII. ROGUES AND VAGABONDS + +XVIII. ADVENTURERS' LUCK + + XIX. i--THE UXBRIDGE ROAD + + ii--THE CROWN AND MITRE + + iii--THE JOURNEY'S END + + +THE BLACK BAG + + + + +I + + +DIVERSIONS OF A RUINED GENTLEMAN + +Upon a certain dreary April afternoon in the year of grace, 1906, the +apprehensions of Philip Kirkwood, Esquire, _Artist-peintre_, were enlivened +by the discovery that he was occupying that singularly distressing social +position, which may be summed up succinctly in a phrase through long usage +grown proverbial: "Alone in London." These three words have come to connote +in our understanding so much of human misery, that to Mr. Kirkwood they +seemed to epitomize absolutely, if not happily, the various circumstances +attendant upon the predicament wherein he found himself. Inevitably an +extremist, because of his youth, (he had just turned twenty-five), he +took no count of mitigating matters, and would hotly have resented the +suggestion that his case was anything but altogether deplorable and +forlorn. + +That he was not actually at the end of his resources went for nothing; he +held the distinction a quibble, mockingly immaterial,--like the store of +guineas in his pocket, too insignificant for mention when contrasted with +his needs. And his base of supplies, the American city of his nativity, +whence--and not without a glow of pride in his secret heart--he was wont to +register at foreign hostelries, had been arbitrarily cut off from him by +one of those accidents sardonically classified by insurance and express +corporations as Acts of God. + +Now to one who has lived all his days serenely in accord with the dictates +of his own sweet will, taking no thought for the morrow, such a situation +naturally seems both appalling and intolerable, at the first blush. It must +be confessed that, to begin with, Kirkwood drew a long and disconsolate +face over his fix. And in that black hour, primitive of its kind in his +brief span, he became conscious of a sinister apparition taking shape at +his elbow--a shade of darkness which, clouting him on the back with a +skeleton hand, croaked hollow salutations in his ear. + +"Come, Mr. Kirkwood, come!" its mirthless accents rallied him. "Have you +no welcome for me?--you, who have been permitted to live the quarter of a +century without making my acquaintance? Surely, now, it's high time we were +learning something of one another, you and I!" "But I don't understand," +returned Kirkwood blankly. "I don't know you--" + +"True! But you shall: I am the Shade of Care--" + +"Dull Care!" murmured Kirkwood, bewildered and dismayed; for the visitation +had come upon him with little presage and no invitation whatever. + +"Dull Care," the Shade assured him. "Dull Care am I--and Care that's +anything but dull, into the bargain: Care that's like a keen pain in your +body, Care that lives a horror in your mind, Care that darkens your days +and flavors with bitter poison all your nights, Care that--" + +But Kirkwood would not listen further. Courageously submissive to his +destiny, knowing in his heart that the Shade had come to stay, he yet found +spirit to shake himself with a dogged air, to lift his chin, set the strong +muscles of his jaw, and smile that homely wholesome smile which was his +peculiarly. + +"Very well," he accepted the irremediable with grim humor; "what must be, +must. I don't pretend to be glad to see you, but--you're free to stay as +long as you find the climate agreeable. I warn you I shan't whine. Lots of +men, hundreds and hundreds of 'em, have slept tight o' nights with you for +bedfellow; if they could grin and bear you, I believe I can." + +Now Care mocked him with a sardonic laugh, and sought to tighten upon his +shoulders its bony grasp; but Kirkwood resolutely shrugged it off and went +in search of man's most faithful dumb friend, to wit, his pipe; the which, +when found and filled, he lighted with a spill twisted from the envelope of +a cable message which had been vicariously responsible for his introduction +to the Shade of Care. + +"It's about time," he announced, watching the paper blacken and burn in the +grate fire, "that I was doing something to prove my title to a living." And +this was all his valedictory to a vanished competence. "Anyway," he added +hastily, as if fearful lest Care, overhearing, might have read into his +tone a trace of vain repining, "anyway, I'm a sight better off than those +poor devils over there! I really have a great deal to be thankful for, now +that my attention's drawn to it." + +For the ensuing few minutes he thought it all over, soberly but with a +stout heart; standing at a window of his bedroom in the Hotel Pless, hands +deep in trouser pockets, pipe fuming voluminously, his gaze wandering out +over a blurred infinitude of wet shining roofs and sooty chimney-pots: all +of London that a lowering drizzle would let him see, and withal by no means +a cheering prospect, nor yet one calculated to offset the disheartening +influence of the indomitable Shade of Care. But the truth is that +Kirkwood's brain comprehended little that his eyes perceived; his thoughts +were with his heart, and that was half a world away and sick with pity +for another and a fairer city, stricken in the flower of her loveliness, +writhing in Promethean agony upon her storied hills. + +There came a rapping at the door. + +Kirkwood removed the pipe from between his teeth long enough to say "Come +in!" pleasantly. + +The knob was turned, the door opened. Kirkwood, swinging on one heel, +beheld hesitant upon the threshold a diminutive figure in the livery of the +Pless pages. + +"Mister Kirkwood?" + +Kirkwood nodded. + +"Gentleman to see you, sir." + +Kirkwood nodded again, smiling. "Show him up, please," he said. But before +the words were fairly out of his mouth a footfall sounded in the corridor, +a hand was placed upon the shoulder of the page, gently but with decision +swinging him out of the way, and a man stepped into the room. + +"Mr. Brentwick!" Kirkwood almost shouted, jumping forward to seize his +visitor's hand. + +"My dear boy!" replied the latter. "I'm delighted to see you. 'Got your +note not an hour ago, and came at once--you see!" + +"It was mighty good of you. Sit down, please. Here are cigars.... Why, a +moment ago I was the most miserable and lonely mortal on the footstool!" + +"I can fancy." The elder man looked up, smiling at Kirkwood from the depths +of his arm-chair, as the latter stood above him, resting an elbow on +the mantel. "The management knows me," he offered explanation of his +unceremonious appearance; "so I took the liberty of following on the heels +of the bellhop, dear boy. And how are you? Why are you in London, enjoying +our abominable spring weather? And why the anxious undertone I detected in +your note?" + +He continued to stare curiously into Kirkwood's face. At a glance, this +Mr. Brentwick was a man of tallish figure and rather slender; with a +countenance thin and flushed a sensitive pink, out of which his eyes shone, +keen, alert, humorous, and a trace wistful behind his glasses. His years +were indeterminate; with the aspect of fifty, the spirit and the verve of +thirty assorted oddly. But his hands were old, delicate, fine and fragile; +and the lips beneath the drooping white mustache at times trembled, almost +imperceptibly, with the generous sentiments that come with mellow age. He +held his back straight and his head with an air--an air that was not a +swagger but the sign-token of seasoned experience in the world. The most +carping could have found no flaw in the quiet taste of his attire. To sum +up, Kirkwood's very good friend--and his only one then in London--Mr. +Brentwick looked and was an English gentleman. + +"Why?" he persisted, as the younger man hesitated. "I am here to find out. +To-night I leave for the Continent. In the meantime ..." + +"And at midnight I sail for the States," added Kirkwood. "That is mainly +why I wished to see you--to say good-by, for the time." + +"You're going home--" A shadow clouded Brentwick's clear eyes. + +"To fight it out, shoulder to shoulder with my brethren in adversity." + +The cloud lifted. "That is the spirit!" declared the elder man. "For the +moment I did you the injustice to believe that you were running away. But +now I understand. Forgive me.... Pardon, too, the stupidity which I must +lay at the door of my advancing years; to me the thought of you as a +Parisian fixture has become such a commonplace, Philip, that the news of +the disaster hardly stirred me. Now I remember that you are a Californian!" + +"I was born in San Francisco," affirmed Kirkwood a bit sadly. "My father +and mother were buried there ..." + +"And your fortune--?" + +"I inherited my father's interest in the firm of Kirkwood & Vanderlip; when +I came over to study painting, I left everything in Vanderlip's hands. The +business afforded me a handsome living." + +"You have heard from Mr. Vanderlip?" + +"Fifteen minutes ago." Kirkwood took a cable-form, still damp, from his +pocket, and handed it to his guest. Unfolding it, the latter read: + +"_Kirkwood, Pless, London. Stay where you are no good coming back +everything gone no insurance letter follows vanderlip_." + +"When I got the news in Paris," Kirkwood volunteered, "I tried the banks; +they refused to honor my drafts. I had a little money in hand,--enough +to see me home,--so closed the studio and came across. I'm booked on the +_Minneapolis_, sailing from Tilbury at daybreak; the boat-train leaves at +eleven-thirty. I had hoped you might be able to dine with me and see me +off." + +In silence Brentwick returned the cable message. Then, with a thoughtful +look, "You are sure this is wise?" he queried. + +"It's the only thing I can see." + +"But your partner says--" + +"Naturally he thinks that by this time I should have learned to paint well +enough to support myself for a few months, until he can get things running +again. Perhaps I might." Brentwick supported the presumption with a decided +gesture. "But have I a right to leave Vanderlip to fight it out alone? For +Vanderlip has a wife and kiddies to support; I--" + +"Your genius!" + +"My ability, such as it is--and that only. It can wait.... No; this means +simply that I must come down from the clouds, plant my feet on solid earth, +and get to work." + +"The sentiment is sound," admitted Brentwick, "the practice of it, folly. +Have you stopped to think what part a rising young portrait-painter can +contribute toward the rebuilding of a devastated city?" + +"The painting can wait," reiterated Kirkwood. "I can work like other men." + +"You can do yourself and your genius grave injustice. And I fear me you +will, dear boy. It's in keeping with your heritage of American obstinacy. +Now if it were a question of money--" + +"Mr. Brentwick!" Kirkwood protested vehemently. "I've ample for my present +needs," he added. + +"Of course," conceded Brentwick with a sigh. "I didn't really hope you +would avail yourself of our friendship. Now there's my home in Aspen +Villas.... You have seen it?" + +"In your absence this afternoon your estimable butler, with commendable +discretion, kept me without the doors," laughed the young man. + +"It's a comfortable home. You would not consent to share it with me +until--?" + +"You are more than good; but honestly, I must sail to-night. I wanted only +this chance to see you before I left. You'll dine with me, won't you?" + +"If you would stay in London, Philip, we would dine together not once but +many times; as it is, I myself am booked for Munich, to be gone a week, +on business. I have many affairs needing attention between now and the +nine-ten train from Victoria. If you will be my guest at Aspen Villas--" + +"Please!" begged Kirkwood, with a little laugh of pleasure because of the +other's insistence. "I only wish I could. Another day--" + +"Oh, you will make your million in a year, and return scandalously +independent. It's in your American blood." Frail white fingers tapped an +arm of the chair as their owner stared gravely into the fire. "I confess I +envy you," he observed. + +"The opportunity to make a million in a year?" chuckled Kirkwood. + +"No. I envy you your Romance." + +"The Romance of a Poor Young Man went out of fashion years ago.... No, my +dear friend; my Romance died a natural death half an hour since." + +"There spoke Youth--blind, enviable Youth!... On the contrary, you are but +turning the leaves of the first chapter of your Romance, Philip." + +"Romance is dead," contended the young man stubbornly. + +"Long live the King!" Brentwick laughed quietly, still attentive to the +fire. "Myself when young," he said softly, "did seek Romance, but never +knew it till its day was done. I'm quite sure that is a poor paraphrase of +something I have read. In age, one's sight is sharpened--to see Romance in +another's life, at least. I say I envy you. You have Youth, unconquerable +Youth, and the world before you.... I must go." + +He rose stiffly, as though suddenly made conscious of his age. The old eyes +peered more than a trifle wistfully, now, into Kirkwood's. "You will not +fail to call on me by cable, dear boy, if you need--anything? I ask it as +a favor.... I'm glad you wished to see me before going out of my life. One +learns to value the friendship of Youth, Philip. Good-by, and good luck +attend you." + +Alone once more, Kirkwood returned to his window. The disappointment he +felt at being robbed of his anticipated pleasure in Brentwick's company at +dinner, colored his mood unpleasantly. His musings merged into vacuity, +into a dull gray mist of hopelessness comparable only to the dismal skies +then lowering over London-town. + +Brentwick was good, but Brentwick was mistaken. There was really nothing +for Kirkwood to do but to go ahead. But one steamer-trunk remained to be +packed; the boat-train would leave before midnight, the steamer with the +morning tide; by the morrow's noon he would be upon the high seas, within +ten days in New York and among friends; and then ... + +The problem of that afterwards perplexed Kirkwood more than he cared to +own. Brentwick had opened his eyes to the fact that he would be practically +useless in San Francisco; he could not harbor the thought of going +back, only to become a charge upon Vanderlip. No; he was resolved that +thenceforward he must rely upon himself, carve out his own destiny. +But--would the art that he had cultivated with such assiduity, yield him a +livelihood if sincerely practised with that end in view? Would the mental +and physical equipment of a painter, heretofore dilettante, enable him to +become self-supporting? + +Knotting his brows in concentration of effort to divine the future, he +doubted himself, darkly questioning alike his abilities and his temper +under trial; neither ere now had ever been put to the test. His eyes became +somberly wistful, his heart sore with regret of Yesterday--his Yesterday of +care-free youth and courage, gilded with the ineffable, evanescent glamour +of Romance--of such Romance, thrice refined of dross, as only he knows who +has wooed his Art with passion passing the love of woman. + +Far away, above the acres of huddled roofs and chimney-pots, the +storm-mists thinned, lifting transiently; through them, gray, fairy-like, +the towers of Westminster and the Houses of Parliament bulked monstrous +and unreal, fading when again the fugitive dun vapors closed down upon the +city. + +Nearer at hand the Shade of Care nudged Kirkwood's elbow, whispering +subtly. Romance was indeed dead; the world was cold and cruel. + +The gloom deepened. + +In the cant of modern metaphysics, the moment was psychological. + +There came a rapping at the door. + +Kirkwood removed the pipe from between his teeth long enough to say "Come +in!" pleasantly. + +The knob was turned, the door opened. Kirkwood, turning on one heel, beheld +hesitant upon the threshold a diminutive figure in the livery of the Pless +pages. + +"Mr. Kirkwood?" + +Kirkwood nodded. + +"Gentleman to see you, sir." + +Kirkwood nodded again, smiling if somewhat perplexed. Encouraged, the child +advanced, proffering a silver card-tray at the end of an unnaturally rigid +forearm. Kirkwood took the card dubiously between thumb and forefinger and +inspected it without prejudice. + +"'George B. Calendar,'" he read. "'George B. Calendar!' But I know no such +person. Sure there's no mistake, young man?" + +The close-cropped, bullet-shaped, British head was agitated in vigorous +negation, and "Card for Mister Kirkwood!" was mumbled in dispassionate +accents appropriate to a recitation by rote. + +"Very well. But before you show him up, ask this Mr. Calendar if he is +quite sure he wants to see Philip Kirkwood." + +"Yessir." + +The child marched out, punctiliously closing the door. Kirkwood tamped +down the tobacco in his pipe and puffed energetically, dismissing the +interruption to his reverie as a matter of no consequence--an obvious +mistake to be rectified by two words with this Mr. Calendar whom he did not +know. At the knock he had almost hoped it might be Brentwick, returning +with a changed mind about the bid to dinner. + +He regretted Brentwick sincerely. Theirs was a curious sort of +friendship--extraordinarily close in view of the meagerness of either's +information about the other, to say nothing of the disparity between their +ages. Concerning the elder man Kirkwood knew little more than that they had +met on shipboard, "coming over"; that Brentwick had spent some years in +America; that he was an Englishman by birth, a cosmopolitan by habit, by +profession a gentleman (employing that term in its most uncompromisingly +British significance), and by inclination a collector of "articles of +virtue and bigotry," in pursuit of which he made frequent excursions to the +Continent from his residence in a quaint quiet street of Old Brompton. It +had been during his not infrequent, but ordinarily abbreviated, sojourns in +Paris that their steamer acquaintance had ripened into an affection almost +filial on the one hand, almost paternal on the other.... + +There came a rapping at the door. + +Kirkwood removed the pipe from between his teeth long enough to say "Come +in!" pleasantly. + +The knob was turned, the door opened. Kirkwood, swinging on one heel, +beheld hesitant upon the threshold a rather rotund figure of medium height, +clad in an expressionless gray lounge suit, with a brown "bowler" hat held +tentatively in one hand, an umbrella weeping in the other. A voice, which +was unctuous and insinuative, emanated from the figure. + +"Mr. Kirkwood?" + +Kirkwood nodded, with some effort recalling the name, so detached had been +his thoughts since the disappearance of the page. + +"Yes, Mr. Calendar--?" + +"Are you--ah--busy, Mr. Kirkwood?" + +"Are you, Mr. Calendar?" Kirkwood's smile robbed the retort of any flavor +of incivility. + +Encouraged, the man entered, premising that he would detain his host but a +moment, and readily surrendering hat and umbrella. Kirkwood, putting the +latter aside, invited his caller to the easy chair which Brentwick had +occupied by the fireplace. + +"It takes the edge off the dampness," Kirkwood explained in deference to +the other's look of pleased surprise at the cheerful bed of coals. "I'm +afraid I could never get acclimated to life in a cold, damp room--or a damp +cold room--such as you Britishers prefer." + +"It is grateful," Mr. Calendar agreed, spreading plump and well cared-for +hands to the warmth. "But you are mistaken; I am as much an American as +yourself." + +"Yes?" Kirkwood looked the man over with more interest, less +matter-of-course courtesy. + +He proved not unprepossessing, this unclassifiable Mr. Calendar; he was +dressed with some care, his complexion was good, and the fullness of his +girth, emphasized as it was by a notable lack of inches, bespoke a nature +genial, easy-going and sybaritic. His dark eyes, heavy-lidded, were +active--curiously, at times, with a subdued glitter--in a face large, +round, pink, of which the other most remarkable features were a mustache, +close-trimmed and showing streaks of gray, a chubby nose, and duplicate +chins. Mr. Calendar was furthermore possessed of a polished bald spot, +girdled with a tonsure of silvered hair--circumstances which lent some +factitious distinction to a personality otherwise commonplace. + +His manner might be best described as uneasy with assurance; as though he +frequently found it necessary to make up for his unimpressive stature by +assuming an unnatural habit of authority. And there you have him; beyond +these points, Kirkwood was conscious of no impressions; the man was +apparently neutral-tinted of mind as well as of body. + +"So you knew I was an American, Mr. Calendar?" suggested Kirkwood. + +"'Saw your name on the register; we both hail from the same neck of the +woods, you know." + +"I didn't know it, and--" + +"Yes; I'm from Frisco, too." + +"And I'm sorry." + +Mr. Calendar passed five fat fingers nervously over his mustache, glanced +alertly up at Kirkwood, as if momentarily inclined to question his tone, +then again stared glumly into the fire; for Kirkwood had maintained an +attitude purposefully colorless. Not to put too fine a point upon it, be +believed that his caller was lying; the man's appearance, his mannerisms, +his voice and enunciation, while they might have been American, seemed all +un-Californian. To one born and bred in that state, as Kirkwood had been, +her sons are unmistakably hall-marked. + +Now no man lies without motive. This one chose to reaffirm, with a show of +deep feeling: "Yes; I'm from Frisco, too. We're companions in misfortune." + +"I hope not altogether," said Kirkwood politely. + +Mr. Calendar drew his own inferences from the response and mustered up a +show of cheerfulness. "Then you're not completely wiped out?" + +"To the contrary, I was hoping you were less unhappy." + +"Oh! Then you are--?" + +Kirkwood lifted the cable message from the mantel. "I have just heard from +my partner at home," he said with a faint smile; and quoted: "'Everything +gone; no insurance.'" + +Mr. Calendar pursed his plump lips, whistling inaudibly. "Too bad, too +bad!" he murmured sympathetically. "We're all hard hit, more or less." +He lapsed into dejected apathy, from which Kirkwood, growing at length +impatient, found it necessary to rouse him. + +"You wished to see me about something else, I'm sure?" + +Mr. Calendar started from his reverie. "Eh? ... I was dreaming. I beg +pardon. It seems hard to realize, Mr. Kirkwood, that this awful catastrophe +has overtaken our beloved metropolis--" + +The canting phrases wearied Kirkwood; abruptly he cut in. "Would a +sovereign help you out, Mr. Calendar? I don't mind telling you that's about +the limit of my present resources." + +"Pardon _me_." Mr. Calendar's moon-like countenance darkened; he assumed a +transparent dignity. "You misconstrue my motive, sir." + +"Then I'm sorry." + +"I am not here to borrow. On the other hand, quite by accident I discovered +your name upon the register, down-stairs; a good old Frisco name, if you +will permit me to say so. I thought to myself that here was a chance +to help a fellow-countryman." Calendar paused, interrogative; Kirkwood +remained interested but silent. "If a passage across would help you, I--I +think it might be arranged," stammered Calendar, ill at ease. + +"It might," admitted Kirkwood, speculative. + +"I could fix it so that you could go over--first-class, of course--and pay +your way, so to speak, by, rendering us, me and my partner, a trifling +service." + +"Ah?" + +"In fact," continued Calendar, warming up to his theme, "there might be +something more in it for you than the passage, if--if you're the right man, +the man I'm looking for." + +"That, of course, is the question." + +"Eh?" Calendar pulled up suddenly in a full-winged flight of enthusiasm. + +Kirkwood eyed him steadily. "I said that it is a question, Mr. Calendar, +whether or not I am the man you're looking for. Between you and me and the +fire-dogs, I don't believe I am. Now if you wish to name your _quid +pro quo_, this trifling service I'm to render in recognition of your +benevolence, you may." + +"Ye-es," slowly. But the speaker delayed his reply until he had surveyed +his host from head to foot, with a glance both critical and appreciative. + +He saw a man in height rather less than the stock size six-feet so much +in demand by the manufacturers of modern heroes of fiction; a man a bit +round-shouldered, too, but otherwise sturdily built, self-contained, +well-groomed. + +Kirkwood wears a boy's honest face; no one has ever called him handsome. A +few prejudiced persons have decided that he has an interesting countenance; +the propounders of this verdict have been, for the most part, feminine. +Kirkwood himself has been heard to declare that his features do not fit; +in its essence the statement is true, but there is a very real, if +undefinable, engaging quality in their very irregularity. His eyes are +brown, pleasant, set wide apart, straightforward of expression. + +Now it appeared that, whatever his motive, Mr. Calendar had acted upon +impulse in sending his card up to Kirkwood. Possibly he had anticipated a +very different sort of reception from a very different sort of man. Even in +the light of subsequent events it remains difficult to fathom the mystery +of his choice. Perhaps Fate directed it; stranger things have happened at +the dictates of a man's Destiny. + +At all events, this Calendar proved not lacking in penetration; men of his +stamp are commonly endowed with that quality to an eminent degree. Not slow +to reckon the caliber of the man before him, the leaven of intuition began +to work in his adipose intelligence. He owned himself baffled. + +"Thanks," he concluded pensively; "I reckon you're right. You won't do, +after all. I've wasted your time. Mine, too." + +"Don't mention it." + +Calendar got heavily out of his chair, reaching for his hat and umbrella. +"Permit me to apologize for an unwarrantable intrusion, Mr. Kirkwood." He +faltered; a worried and calculating look shadowed his small eyes. "I _was_ +looking for some one to serve me in a certain capacity--" + +"Certain or questionable?" propounded Kirkwood blandly, opening the door. + +Pointedly Mr. Calendar ignored the imputation. "Sorry I disturbed you. +G'dafternoon, Mr. Kirkwood." + +"Good-by, Mr. Calendar." A smile twitched the corners of Kirkwood's +too-wide mouth. + +Calendar stepped hastily out into the hall. As he strode--or rather, +rolled--away, Kirkwood maliciously feathered a Parthian arrow. + +"By the way, Mr. Calendar--?" + +The sound of retreating footsteps was stilled and "Yes?" came from the +gloom of the corridor. + +"Were you ever in San Francisco? Really and truly? Honest Injun, Mr. +Calendar?" + +For a space the quiet was disturbed by harsh breathing; then, in a +strained voice, "Good day, Mr. Kirkwood"; and again the sound of departing +footfalls. + +Kirkwood closed the door and the incident simultaneously, with a smart bang +of finality. Laughing quietly he went back to the window with its dreary +outlook, now the drearier for lengthening evening shadows. + +"I wonder what his game is, anyway. An adventurer, of course; the woods are +full of 'em. A queer fish, even of his kind! And with a trick up his sleeve +as queer and fishy as himself, no doubt!" + + + + +II + + +"AND SOME THERE BE WHO HAVE ADVENTURES THRUST UPON THEM" + +The assumption seems not unwarrantable, that Mr. Calendar figuratively +washed his hands of Mr. Kirkwood. Unquestionably Mr. Kirkwood considered +himself well rid of Mr. Calendar. When the latter had gone his way, +Kirkwood, mindful of the fact that his boat-train would leave St. Paneras +at half-after eleven, set about his packing and dismissed from his thoughts +the incident created by the fat _chevalier d'industrie_; and at six +o'clock, or thereabouts, let himself out of his room, dressed for the +evening, a light rain-coat over one arm, in the other hand a cane,--the +drizzle having ceased. + +A stolid British lift lifted him down to the ground floor of the +establishment in something short of five minutes. Pausing in the office +long enough to settle his bill and leave instructions to have his luggage +conveyed to the boat-train, he received with entire equanimity the affable +benediction of the clerk, in whose eyes he still figured as that radiant +creature, an American millionaire; and passed on to the lobby, where he +surrendered hat, coat and stick to the cloak-room attendant, ere entering +the dining-room. + +The hour was a trifle early for a London dinner, the handsome room but +moderately filled with patrons. Kirkwood absorbed the fact unconsciously +and without displeasure; the earlier, the better: he was determined to +consume his last civilized meal (as he chose to consider it) at his serene +leisure, to live fully his ebbing moments in the world to which he was +born, to drink to its cloying dregs one ultimate draught of luxury. + +A benignant waiter bowed him into a chair by a corner table in +juxtaposition with an open window, through which, swaying imperceptibly the +closed hangings, were wafted gentle gusts of the London evening's sweet, +damp breath. + +Kirkwood settled himself with an inaudible sigh of pleasure. He was dining, +for the last time in Heaven knew how long, in a first-class restaurant. + +With a deferential flourish the waiter brought him the menu-card. He had +served in his time many an "American, millionaire"; he had also served this +Mr. Kirkwood, and respected him as one exalted above the run of his kind, +in that he comprehended the art of dining. + +Fifteen minutes later the waiter departed rejoicing, his order complete. + +To distract a conscience whispering of extravagance, Kirkwood lighted a +cigarette. + +The room was gradually filling with later arrivals; it was the most favored +restaurant in London, and, despite the radiant costumes of the women, its +atmosphere remained sedate and restful. + +A cab clattered down the side street on which the window opened. + +At a near-by table a woman laughed, quietly happy. Incuriously Kirkwood +glanced her way. She was bending forward, smiling, flattering her escort +with the adoration of her eyes. They were lovers alone in the wilderness of +the crowded restaurant. They seemed very happy. + +Kirkwood was conscious of a strange pang of emotion. It took him some time +to comprehend that it was envy. + +He was alone and lonely. For the first time he realized that no woman had +ever looked upon him as the woman at the adjoining table looked upon her +lover. He had found time to worship but one mistress--his art. + +And he was renouncing her. + +He was painfully conscious of what he had missed, had lost--or had not yet +found: the love of woman. + +The sensation was curious--new, unique in his experience. + +His cigarette burned down to his fingers as he sat pondering. Abstractedly, +he ground its fire out in an ash-tray. + +The waiter set before him a silver tureen, covered. + +He sat up and began to consume his soup, scarce doing it justice. His dream +troubled him--his dream of the love of woman. + +From a little distance his waiter regarded him, with an air of +disappointment. In the course of an hour and a half he awoke, to discover +the attendant in the act of pouring very hot and black coffee from a bright +silver pot into a demi-tasse of fragile porcelain. Kirkwood slipped a +single lump of sugar into the cup, gave over his cigar-case to be filled, +then leaned back, deliberately lighting a long and slender panetela as a +preliminary to a last lingering appreciation of the scene of which he was a +part. + +He reviewed it through narrowed eyelids, lazily; yet with some slight +surprise, seeming to see it with new vision, with eyes from which scales of +ignorance had dropped. + +This long and brilliant dining-hall, with its quiet perfection of +proportion and appointment, had always gratified his love of the beautiful; +to-night it pleased him to an unusual degree. Yet it was the same as ever; +its walls tinted a deep rose, with their hangings of dull cloth-of-gold, +its lights discriminatingly clustered and discreetly shaded, redoubled in +half a hundred mirrors, its subdued shimmer of plate and glass, its soberly +festive assemblage of circumspect men and women splendidly gowned, its +decorously muted murmur of voices penetrated and interwoven by the strains +of a hidden string orchestra--caressed his senses as always, yet with +a difference. To-night he saw it a room populous with lovers, lovers +insensibly paired, man unto woman attentive, woman of man regardful. + +He had never understood this before. This much he had missed in life. + +It seemed hard to realize that one must forego it all for ever. + +Presently he found himself acutely self-conscious. The sensation puzzled +him; and without appearing to do so, he traced it from effect to cause; and +found the cause in a woman--a girl, rather, seated at a table the third +removed from him, near the farther wall of the room. + +Too considerate, and too embarrassed, to return her scrutiny openly, look +for look, he yet felt sure that, however temporarily, he was become the +object of her intent interest. + +Idly employed with his cigar, he sipped his coffee. In time aware that she +had turned her attention elsewhere, he looked up. + +At first he was conscious of an effect of disappointment. She was nobody +that he knew, even by reputation. She was simply a young girl, barely out +of her teens--if as old as that phrase would signify. He wondered what she +had found in him to make her think him worth so long a study; and looked +again, more keenly curious. + +With this second glance, appreciation stirred the artistic side of his +nature, that was already grown impatient of his fretted mood. The slender +and girlish figure, posed with such absolute lack of intrusion against a +screen of rose and gilt, moved him to critical admiration. The tinted glow +of shaded candles caught glistening on the spun gold of her fair hair, +and enhanced the fine pallor of her young shoulders. He saw promise, and +something more than promise, in her face, its oval something dimmed by warm +shadows that unavailingly sought to blend youth and beauty alike into the +dull, rich background. + +In the sheer youth of her (he realized) more than in aught else, lay her +chiefest charm. She could be little more than a child, indeed, if he were +to judge her by the purity of her shadowed eyes and the absence of emotion +in the calm and direct look which presently she turned upon him who sat +wondering at the level, penciled darkness of her brows. + +At length aware that she had surprised his interest, Kirkwood glanced +aside--coolly deliberate, lest she should detect in his attitude anything +more than impersonal approval. + +A slow color burned his cheeks. In his temples there rose a curious +pulsing. + +After a while she drew his gaze again, imperiously--herself all unaware of +the havoc she was wreaking on his temperament. + +He could have fancied her distraught, cloaking an unhappy heart with placid +brow and gracious demeanor; but such a conception matched strangely her +glowing youth and spirit. What had she to do with Care? What concern had +Black Care, whose gaunt shape in sable shrouds had lurked at his shoulder +all the evening, despite his rigid preoccupation, with a being as +charmingly flushed with budding womanhood as this girl? + +"Eighteen?" he hazarded. "Eighteen, or possibly nineteen, dining at the +Pless in a ravishing dinner-gown, and--unhappy? Oh, hardly--not she!" + +Yet the impression haunted him, and ere long he was fain to seek +confirmation or denial of it in the manner of her escort. + +The latter sat with back to Kirkwood, cutting a figure as negative as his +snug evening clothes. One could surmise little from a fleshy thick neck, +a round, glazed bald spot, a fringe of grizzled hair, and two bright red +ears. + +Calendar? + +Somehow the fellow did suggest Kirkwood's caller of the afternoon. The +young man could not have said precisely how, for he was unfamiliar with the +aspect of that gentleman's back. None the less the suggestion persisted. + +By now, a few of the guests, theater-bound, for the most part, were +leaving. Here and there a table stood vacant, that had been filled, cloth +tarnished, chairs disarranged: in another moment to be transformed into its +pristine brilliance under the deft attentions of the servitors. + +Down an aisle, past the table at which the girl was sitting, came two, +making toward the lobby; the man, a slight and meager young personality, in +the lead. Their party had attracted Kirkwood's notice as they entered; why, +he did not remember; but it was in his mind that then they had been three. +Instinctively he looked at the table they had left--one placed at some +distance from the girl, and hidden from her by an angle in the wall. It +appeared that the third member had chosen to dally a few moments over his +tobacco and a liqueur-brandy. Kirkwood could see him plainly, lounging in +his chair and fumbling the stem of a glass: a heavy man, of somber habit, +his black and sullen brows lowering and thoughtful above a face boldly +handsome. + +The woman of the trio was worthy of closer attention. Some paces in the +wake of her lack-luster esquire, she was making a leisurely progress, +trailing the skirts of a gown magnificent beyond dispute, half concealed +though it was by the opera cloak whose soft folds draped her shoulders. +Slowly, carrying her head high, she approached, insolent eyes reviewing +the room from beneath their heavy lids; a metallic and mature type of dark +beauty, supremely selfconfident and self-possessed. + +Men turned involuntarily to look after her, not altogether in undiluted +admiration. + +In the act of passing behind the putative Calendar, she paused momentarily, +bending as if to gather up her train. Presumably the action disturbed her +balance; she swayed a little, and in the effort to recover, rested the tips +of her gloved fingers upon the edge of the table. Simultaneously (Kirkwood +could have sworn) a single word left her lips, a word evidently pitched +for the ear of the hypothetical Calendar alone. Then she swept on, +imperturbable, assured. + +To the perplexed observer it was indubitably evident that some +communication had passed from the woman to the man. Kirkwood saw the fat +shoulders of the girl's companion stiffen suddenly as the woman's hand +rested at his elbow; as she moved away, a little rippling shiver was +plainly visible in the muscles of his back, beneath his coat--mute token +of relaxing tension. An instant later one plump and mottled hand was +carelessly placed where the woman's had been; and was at once removed with +fingers closed. + +To the girl, watching her face covertly, Kirkwood turned for clue to the +incident. He made no doubt that she had observed the passage; proof of that +one found in her sudden startling pallor (of indignation?) and in her eyes, +briefly alight with some inscrutable emotion, though quickly veiled by +lowered lashes. Slowly enough she regained color and composure, while her +_vis-a-vis_ sat motionless, head inclined as if in thought. + +Abruptly the man turned in his chair to summon a waiter, and exposed his +profile. Kirkwood was in no wise amazed to recognize Calendar--a badly +frightened Calendar now, however, and hardly to be identified with the +sleek, glib fellow who had interviewed Kirkwood in the afternoon. His +flabby cheeks were ashen and trembling, and upon the back of his chair +the fat white fingers were drumming incessantly an inaudible tattoo of +shattered nerves. + +"Scared silly!" commented Kirkwood. "Why?" Having spoken to his waiter, +Calendar for some seconds raked the room with quick glances, as if seeking +an acquaintance. Presumably disappointed, he swung back to face the +girl, bending forward to reach her ears with accents low-pitched and +confidential. She, on her part, fell at once attentive, grave and +responsive. Perhaps a dozen sentences passed between them. At the outset +her brows contracted and she shook her head in gentle dissent; whereupon +Calendar's manner became more imperative. Gradually, unwillingly, she +seemed to yield consent. Once she caught her breath sharply, and, infected +by her companion's agitation, sat back, color fading again in the round +young cheeks. + +Kirkwood's waiter put in an inopportune appearance with the bill. The young +man paid it. When he looked up again Calendar had swung squarely about +in his chair. His eye encountered Kirkwood's. He nodded pleasantly. +Temporarily confused, Kirkwood returned the nod. + +In a twinkling he had repented; Calendar had left his chair and was wending +his way through the tables toward Kirkwood's. Reaching it, he paused, +offering the hand of genial fellowship. Kirkwood accepted it half-heartedly +(what else was he to do?) remarking at the same time that Calendar had +recovered much of his composure. There was now a normal coloring in the +heavily jowled countenance, with less glint of fear in the quick, dark +eyes; and Calendar's hand, even if moist and cold, no longer trembled. +Furthermore it was immediately demonstrated that his impudence had not +deserted him. + +"Why, Kirkwood, my dear fellow!" he crowed--not so loudly as to attract +attention, but in a tone assumed to divert suspicion, should he be +overheard. "This is great luck, you know--to find you here." + +"Is it?" returned Kirkwood coolly. He disengaged his fingers. + +The pink plump face was contorted in a furtive grimace of deprecation. +Without waiting for permission Calendar dropped into the vacant chair. + +"My dear sir," he proceeded, unabashed, "I throw myself upon your mercy." + +"The devil you do!" + +"I must. I'm in the deuce of a hole, and there's no one I know here besides +yourself. I--I--" + +Kirkwood saw fit to lead him on; partly because, out of the corner of his +eye, he was aware of the girl's unconcealed suspense. "Go on, please, Mr. +Calendar. You throw yourself on a total stranger's mercy because you're in +the deuce of a hole; and--?" + +"It's this way; I'm called away on urgent business imperative business. +I must go at once. My daughter is with me. My daughter! Think of my +embarrassment; I can not leave her here, alone, nor can I permit her to go +home unprotected." + +Calendar paused in anxiety. + +"That's easily remedied, then," suggested Kirkwood. + +"How?" + +"Put her in a cab at the door." + +"I ... No. The devil! I couldn't think of it. You won't understand. I--" + +"I do not understand,--" amended the younger man politely. + +Calendar compressed his lips nervously. It was plain that the man was +quivering with impatience and half-mad with excitement. He held quiet only +long enough to regain his self-control and take counsel with his prudence. + +"It is impossible, Mr. Kirkwood. I must ask you to be generous and believe +me." + +"Very well; for the sake of the argument, I do believe you, Mr. Calendar." + +"Hell!" exploded the elder man in an undertone. Then swiftly, stammering +in his haste: "I can't let Dorothy accompany me to the door," he declared. +"She--I--I throw myself upon your mercy!" + +"What--again?" + +"The truth--the truth is, if you will have it, that I am in danger of +arrest the moment I leave here. If my daughter is with me, she will have to +endure the shame and humiliation--" + +"Then why place her in such a position?" Kirkwood demanded sharply. + +Calendar's eyes burned, incandescent with resentment. Offended, he offered +to rise and go, but changed his mind and sat tight in hope. + +"I beg of you, sir--" + +"One moment, Mr. Calendar." + +Abruptly Kirkwood's weathercock humor shifted--amusement yielding to +intrigued interest. After all, why not oblige the fellow? What did anything +matter, now? What harm could visit him if he yielded to this corpulent +adventurer's insistence? Both from experience and observation he knew this +for a world plentifully peopled by soldiers of fortune, contrivers of +snares and pitfalls for the feet of the unwary. On the other hand, it is +axiomatic that a penniless man is perfectly safe anywhere. Besides, there +was the girl to be considered. + +Kirkwood considered her, forthwith. In the process thereof, his eyes sought +her, perturbed. Their glances clashed. She looked away hastily, crimson to +her temples. + +Instantly the conflict between curiosity and caution, inclination and +distrust, was at an end. With sudden compliance, the young man rose. + +"I shall be most happy to be of service to your daughter, Mr. Calendar," +he said, placing the emphasis with becoming gravity. And then, the fat +adventurer leading the way, Kirkwood strode across the room--wondering +somewhat at himself, if the whole truth is to be disclosed. + + + + +III + + +CALENDAR'S DAUGHTER + +All but purring with satisfaction and relief, Calendar halted. + +"Dorothy, my dear, permit me to introduce an old friend--Mr. Kirkwood. +Kirkwood, this is my daughter." + +"Miss Calendar," acknowledged Kirkwood. + +The girl bowed, her eyes steady upon his own. "Mr. Kirkwood is very kind," +she said gravely. + +"That's right!" Calendar exclaimed blandly. "He's promised to see you home. +Now both of you will pardon my running away, I know." + +"Yes," assented Kirkwood agreeably. + +The elder man turned and hurried toward the main entrance. + +Kirkwood took the chair he had vacated. To his disgust he found himself +temporarily dumb. No flicker of thought illuminated the darkness of his +confusion. How was he to open a diverting conversation with a young woman +whom he had met under auspices so extraordinary? Any attempt to gloze the +situation, he felt, would be futile. And, somehow, he did not care to +render himself ridiculous in her eyes, little as he knew her. + +Inanely dumb, he sat watching her, smiling fatuously until it was borne +in on him that he was staring like a boor and grinning like an idiot. +Convinced, he blushed for himself; something which served to make him more +tongue-tied than ever. + +As for his involuntary protegee, she exhibited such sweet composure that he +caught himself wondering if she really appreciated the seriousness of her +parent's predicament; if, for that matter, its true nature were known to +her at all. Calendar, he believed, was capable of prevarication, polite and +impolite. Had he lied to his daughter? or to Kirkwood? To both, possibly; +to the former alone, not improbably. That the adventurer had told him the +desperate truth, Kirkwood was quite convinced; but he now began to believe +that the girl had been put off with some fictitious explanation. Her +tranquillity and self-control were remarkable, otherwise; she seemed very +young to possess those qualities in such eminent degree. + +She was looking wearily past him, her gaze probing some unguessed abyss of +thought. Kirkwood felt himself privileged to stare in wonder. Her naive +aloofness of poise gripped his imagination powerfully,--the more +so, perhaps, since it seemed eloquent of her intention to remain +enigmatic,--but by no means more powerfully than the unaided appeal of her +loveliness. + +Presently the girl herself relieved the tension of the situation, fairly +startling the young man by going straight to the heart of things. Without +preface or warning, lifting her gaze to his, "My name is really Dorothy +Calendar," she observed. And then, noting his astonishment, "You would be +privileged to doubt, under the circumstances," she added. "Please let us be +frank." + +"Well," he stammered, "if I didn't doubt, let's say I was unprejudiced." + +His awkward, well-meant pleasantry, perhaps not conceived in the best of +taste, sounded in his own ears wretchedly flat and vapid. He regretted it +spontaneously; the girl ignored it. + +"You are very kind," she iterated the first words he had heard from her +lips. "I wish you to understand that I, for one, appreciate it." + +"Not kind; I have done nothing. I am glad.... One is apt to become +interested when Romance is injected into a prosaic existence." Kirkwood +allowed himself a keen but cheerful glance. + +She nodded, with a shadowy smile. He continued, purposefully, to distract +her, holding her with his honest, friendly eyes. + +"Since it is to be confidences" (this she questioned with an all but +imperceptible lifting of the eyebrows), "I don't mind telling you my own +name is really Philip Kirkwood." + +"And you are an old friend of my father's?" + +He opened his lips, but only to close them without speaking. The girl moved +her shoulders with a shiver of disdain. + +"I knew it wasn't so." + +"You know it would be hard for a young man like myself to be a very old +friend," he countered lamely. + +"How long, then, have you known each other?" + +"Must I answer?" + +"Please." + +"Between three and four hours." + +"I thought as much." She stared past him, troubled. Abruptly she said: +"Please smoke." + +"Shall I? If you wish it, of course...." + +She repeated: "Please." + +"We were to wait ten minutes or so," she continued. + +He produced his cigarette-case. + +"If you care to smoke it will seem an excuse." He lighted his cigarette. +"And then, you may talk to me," she concluded calmly. + +"I would, gladly, if I could guess what would interest you." + +"Yourself. Tell me about yourself," she commanded. + +"It would bore you," he responded tritely, confused. + +"No; you interest me very much." She made the statement quietly, +contemptuous of coquetry. + +"Very well, then; I am Philip Kirkwood, an American." + +"Nothing more?" + +"Little worth retailing." + +"I'm sorry." + +"Why?" he demanded, piqued. + +"Because you have merely indicated that you are a wealthy American." + +"Why wealthy?" + +"If not, you would have some aim in life--a calling or profession." + +"And you think I have none?" + +"Unless you consider it your vocation to be a wealthy American." + +"I don't. Besides, I'm not wealthy. In point of fact, I ..." He pulled up +short, on the verge of declaring himself a pauper. "I am a painter." + +Her eyes lightened with interest. "An artist?" + +"I hope so. I don't paint signs--or houses," he remarked. + +Amused, she laughed softly. "I suspected it," she declared. + +"Not really?" + +"It was your way of looking at--things, that made me guess it: the +painter's way. I have often noticed it." + +"As if mentally blending colors all the time?" + +"Yes; that and--seeing flaws." + +"I have discovered none," he told her brazenly. + +But again her secret cares were claiming her thoughts, and the gay, +inconsequential banter died upon her scarlet lips as a second time her +glance ranged away, sounding mysterious depths of anxiety. + +Provoked, he would have continued the chatter. "I have confessed," he +persisted. "You know everything of material interest about me. And +yourself?" + +"I am merely Dorothy Calendar," she answered. + +"Nothing more?" He laughed. + +"That is all, if you please, for the present." + +"I am to content myself with the promise of the future?" + +"The future," she told him seriously, "is to-morrow; and to-morrow ..." She +moved restlessly in her chair, eyes and lips pathetic in their distress. +"Please, we will go now, if you are ready." + +"I am quite ready, Miss Calendar." + +He rose. A waiter brought the girl's cloak and put it in Kirkwood's hands. +He held it until, smoothing the wrists of her long white gloves, she stood +up, then placed the garment upon her white young shoulders, troubled by the +indefinable sense of intimacy imparted by the privilege. She permitted +him this personal service! He felt that she trusted him, that out of her +gratitude had grown a simple and almost childish faith in his generosity +and considerateness. + +As she turned to go her eyes thanked him with an unfathomable glance. He +was again conscious of that esoteric disturbance in his temples. Puzzled, +hazily analyzing the sensation, he followed her to the lobby. + +A page brought him his top-coat, hat and stick; tipping the child from +sheer force of habit, he desired a gigantic porter, impressively ornate in +hotel livery, to call a hansom. Together they passed out into the night, he +and the girl. + +Beneath a permanent awning of steel and glass she waited patiently, +slender, erect, heedless of the attention she attracted from wayfarers. + +The night was young, the air mild. Upon the sidewalk, muddied by a million +feet, two streams of wayfarers flowed incessantly, bound west from Green +Park or east toward Piccadilly Circus; a well-dressed throng for the most +part, with here and there a man in evening dress. Between the carriages at +the curb and the hotel doors moved others, escorting fluttering butterfly +women in elaborate toilets, heads bare, skirts daintily gathered above +their perishable slippers. Here and there meaner shapes slipped silently +through the crowd, sinister shadows of the city's proletariat, blotting +ominously the brilliance of the scene. + +A cab drew in at the block. The porter clapped an arc of wickerwork over +its wheel to protect the girl's skirts. She ascended to the seat. + +Kirkwood, dropping sixpence in the porter's palm, prepared to follow; but a +hand fell upon his arm, peremptory, inexorable. He faced about, frowning, +to confront a slight, hatchet-faced man, somewhat under medium height, +dressed in a sack suit and wearing a derby well forward over eyes that were +hard and bright. + +"Mr. Calendar?" said the man tensely. "I presume I needn't name my +business. I'm from the Yard--" + +"My name is not Calendar." + +The detective smiled wearily. "Don't be a fool, Calendar," he began. But +the porter's hand fell upon his shoulder and the giant bent low to bring +his mouth close to the other's ear. Kirkwood heard indistinctly his own +name followed by Calendar's, and the words: "Never fear. I'll point him +out." + +"But the woman?" argued the detective, unconvinced, staring into the cab. + +"Am I not at liberty to have a lady dine with me in a public restaurant?" +interposed Kirkwood, without raising his voice. + +The hard eyes looked him up and down without favor. Then: "Beg pardon, sir. +I see my mistake," said the detective brusquely. + +"I am glad you do," returned Kirkwood grimly. "I fancy it will bear +investigation." + +He mounted the step. "Imperial Theater," he told the driver, giving the +first address that occurred to him; it could be changed. For the moment +the main issue was to get the girl out of the range of the detective's +interest. + +He slipped into his place as the hansom wheeled into the turgid tide of +west-bound traffic. + +So Calendar had escaped, after all! Moreover, he had told the truth to +Kirkwood. + +By his side the girl moved uneasily. "Who was that man?" she inquired. + +Kirkwood sought her eyes, and found them wholly ingenuous. It seemed +that Calendar had not taken her into his confidence, after all. She was, +therefore, in no way implicated in her father's affairs. Inexplicably the +young man's heart felt lighter. "A mistake; the fellow took me for some one +he knew," he told her carelessly. + +The assurance satisfied her. She rested quietly, wrapped up in personal +concerns. Her companion pensively contemplated an infinity of arid and +hansom-less to-morrows. About them the city throbbed in a web of misty +twilight, the humid farewell of a dismal day. In the air a faint haze swam, +rendering the distances opalescent. Athwart the western sky the after-glow +of a drenched sunset lay like a wash of rose-madder. Piccadilly's asphalt +shone like watered silk, black and lustrous, reflecting a myriad lights in +vibrant ribbons of party-colored radiance. On every hand cab-lamps danced +like fire-flies; the rumble of wheels blended with the hollow pounding +of uncounted hoofs, merging insensibly into the deep and solemn roar of +London-town. + +Suddenly Kirkwood was recalled to a sense of duty by a glimpse of Hyde Park +Corner. He turned to the girl. "I didn't know where you wished to go--?" + +She seemed to realize his meaning with surprise, as one, whose thoughts +have strayed afar, recalled to an imperative world. + +"Oh, did I forget? Tell him please to drive to Number Nine, Frognall +Street, Bloomsbury." + +Kirkwood poked his cane through the trap, repeating the address. The +cab wheeled smartly across Piccadilly, swung into Half Moon Street, and +thereafter made better time, darting briskly down abrupt vistas of shining +pavement, walled in by blank-visaged houses, or round two sides of one of +London's innumerable private parks, wherein spring foliage glowed a tender +green in artificial light; now and again it crossed brilliant main arteries +of travel, and eventually emerged from a maze of backways into Oxford +Street, to hammer eastwards to Tottenham Court Road. + +Constraint hung like a curtain between the two; a silence which the young +man forbore to moderate, finding more delight that he had cared (or dared) +confess to, in contemplation of the pure girlish profile so close to him. + +She seemed quite unaware of him, lost in thought, large eyes sober, lips +serious that were fashioned for laughter, round little chin firm with some +occult resolution. It was not hard to fancy her nerves keyed to a high +pitch of courage and determination, nor easy to guess for what reason. +Watching always, keenly sensitive to the beauty of each salient line +betrayed by the flying lights, Kirkwood's own consciousness lost itself in +a profitless, even a perilous labyrinth of conjecture. + +The cab stopped. Both occupants came to their senses with a little start. +The girl leaned out over; the apron, recognized the house she sought in one +swift glance, testified to the recognition with a hushed exclamation, +and began to arrange her skirts. Kirkwood, unheeding her faint-hearted +protests, jumped out, interposing his cane between her skirts and the +wheel. Simultaneously he received a vivid mental photograph of the +locality. + +Frognall Street proved to be one of those by-ways, a short block in +length, which, hemmed in on all sides by a meaner purlieu, has (even in +Bloomsbury!) escaped the sordid commercial eye of the keeper of furnished +lodgings, retaining jealously something of the old-time dignity and reserve +that were its pride in the days before Society swarmed upon Mayfair and +Belgravia. + +Its houses loomed tall, with many windows, mostly lightless--materially +aggravating that air of isolate, cold dignity which distinguishes the +Englishman's castle. Here and there stood one less bedraggled than +its neighbors, though all, without exception, spoke assertively of +respectability down-at-the-heel but fighting tenaciously for existence. +Some, vanguards of that imminent day when the boarding-house should reign +supreme, wore with shamefaced air placards of estate-agents, advertising +their susceptibility to sale or lease. In the company of the latter was +Number 9. + +The American noted the circumstance subconsciously, at a moment when Miss +Calendar's hand, small as a child's, warm and compact in its white glove, +lay in his own. And then she was on the sidewalk, her face, upturned to +his, vivacious with excitement. + +"You have been so kind," she told him warmly, "that one hardly knows how to +thank you, Mr. Kirkwood." + +"I have done nothing--nothing at all," he mumbled, disturbed by a sudden, +unreasoning alarm for her. + +She passed quickly to the shelter of the pillared portico. He followed +clumsily. On the door-step she turned, offering her hand. He took and +retained it. + +"Good night," she said. + +"I'm to understand that I'm dismissed, then?" he stammered ruefully. + +She evaded his eyes. "I--thank you--I have no further need--" + +"You are quite sure? Won't you believe me at your service?" + +She laughed uneasily. "I'm all right now." + +"I can do nothing more? Sure?" + +"Nothing. But you--you make me almost sorry I can't impose still further +upon your good nature." + +"Please don't hesitate ..." + +"Aren't you very persistent, Mr. Kirkwood?" Her fingers moved in his; +burning with the reproof, he released them, and turned to her so woebegone +a countenance that she repented of her severity. "Don't worry about me, +please. I am truly safe now. Some day I hope to be able to thank you +adequately. Good night!" + +Her pass-key grated in the lock. Opening, the door disclosed a dark and +uninviting entry-hall, through which there breathed an air heavy with the +dank and dusty odor of untenanted rooms. Hesitating on the threshold, over +her shoulder the girl smiled kindly upon her commandeered esquire; and +stepped within. + +He lifted his hat automatically. The door closed with an echoing slam. He +turned to the waiting cab, fumbling for change. + +"I'll walk," he told the cabby, paying him off. + +The hansom swept away to a tune of hammering hoofs; and quiet rested upon +the street as Kirkwood turned the nearest corner, in an unpleasant temper, +puzzled and discontented. It seemed hardly fair that he should have been +dragged into so promising an adventure, by his ears (so to put it), only to +be thus summarily called upon to write "Finis" beneath the incident. + +He rounded the corner and walked half-way to the next street, coming to an +abrupt and rebellious pause by the entrance to a covered alleyway, of two +minds as to his proper course of action. + +In the background of his thoughts Number 9, Frognall Street, reared its +five-story facade, sinister and forbidding. He reminded himself of its +unlighted windows; of its sign, "To be let"; of the effluvia of desolation +that had saluted him when the door swung wide. A deserted house; and the +girl alone in it!--was it right for him to leave her so? + + + + +IV + + +9 FROGNALL STREET, W. C. + +The covered alleyway gave upon Quadrant Mews; or so declared a notice +painted on the dead wall of the passage. + +Overhead, complaining as it swayed in the wind, hung the smirched and +weather-worn sign-board of the Hog-in-the-Pound public house; wherefrom +escaped sounds of such revelry by night as is indulged in by the British +working-man in hours of ease. At the curb in front of the house of +entertainment, dejected animals drooping between their shafts, two hansoms +stood in waiting, until such time as the lords of their destinies should +see fit to sally forth and inflict themselves upon a cab-hungry populace. +As Kirkwood turned, a third vehicle rumbled up out of the mews. + +Kirkwood can close his eyes, even at this late day, and both see and hear +it all again--even as he can see the unbroken row of dingy dwellings that +lined his way back from Quadrant Mews to Frognall Street corner: all +drab and unkempt, all sporting in their fan-lights the legend and lure, +"Furnished Apartments." + +For, between his curiosity about and his concern for the girl, he was being +led back to Number 9, by the nose, as it were,--hardly willingly, at best. +Profoundly stupefied by the contemplation of his own temerity, he yet +returned unfaltering. He who had for so long plumed himself upon his strict +supervision of his personal affairs and equally steadfast unconsciousness +of his neighbor's businesses, now found himself in the very act of pushing +in where he was not wanted: as he had been advised in well-nigh as many +words. He experienced an effect of standing to one side, a witness of +his own folly, with rising wonder, unable to credit the strength of +the infatuation which was placing him so conspicuously in the way of a +snubbing. + +If perchance he were to meet the girl again as she was leaving Number +9,--what then? The contingency dismayed him incredibly, in view of the fact +that it did not avail to make him pause. To the contrary he disregarded it +resolutely; mad, impertinent, justified of his unnamed apprehensions, or +simply addled,--he held on his way. + +He turned up Frognall Street with the manner of one out for a leisurely +evening stroll. Simultaneously, from the farther corner, another pedestrian +debouched, into the thoroughfare--a mere moving shadow at that distance, +brother to blacker shadows that skulked in the fenced areas and unlively +entries of that poorly lighted block. The hush was something beyond belief, +when one remembered the nearness of blatant Tottenham Court Road. + +Kirkwood conceived a wholly senseless curiosity about the other wayfarer. +The man was walking rapidly, heels ringing with uncouth loudness, cane +tapping the flagging at brief intervals. Both sounds ceased abruptly as +their cause turned in beneath one of the porticos. In the emphatic and +unnatural quiet that followed, Kirkwood, stepping more lightly, fancied +that another shadow followed the first, noiselessly and with furtive +stealth. + +Could it be Number 9 into which they had passed? The American's heart beat +a livelier tempo at the suggestion. If it had not been Number 9--he was +still too far away to tell--it was certainly one of the dwellings adjacent +thereunto. The improbable possibility (But why improbable?) that the girl +was being joined by her father, or by friends, annoyed him with illogical +intensity. He mended his own pace, designing to pass whichever house it +might be before the door should be closed; thought better of this, and +slowed up again, anathematizing himself with much excuse for being the +inquisitive dolt that he was. + +Approaching Number 9 with laggard feet, he manufactured a desire to light +a cigarette, as a cover for his design, were he spied upon by unsuspected +eyes. Cane under arm, hands cupped to shield a vesta's flame, he stopped +directly before the portico, turning his eyes askance to the shadowed +doorway; and made a discovery sufficiently startling to hold him spellbound +and, incidentally, to scorch his gloves before he thought to drop the +match. + +The door of Number 9 stood ajar, a black interval an inch or so in width +showing between its edge and the jamb. + +Suspicion and alarm set his wits a-tingle. More distinctly he recalled the +jarring bang, accompanied by the metallic click of the latch, when the girl +had shut herself in--and him out. Now, some person or persons had followed +her, neglecting the most obvious precaution of a householder. And why? Why +but because the intruders did not wish the sound of closing to be audible +to her--or those--within? + +He reminded himself that it was all none of his affair, decided to pass on +and go his ways in peace, and impulsively, swinging about, marched straight +away for the unclosed door. + +"'Old'ard, guvner!" + +Kirkwood halted on the cry, faltering in indecision. Should he take the +plunge, or withdraw? Synchronously he was conscious that a man's figure +had detached itself from the shadows beneath the nearest portico and was +drawing nearer, with every indication of haste, to intercept him. + +"'Ere now, guvner, yer mykin' a mistyke. You don't live 'ere." + +"How do you know?" demanded Kirkwood crisply, tightening his grip on his +stick. + +Was this the second shadow he had seemed to see--the confederate of him who +had entered Number 9; a sentry to forestall interruption? If so, the fellow +lacked discretion, though his determination that the American should not +interfere was undeniable. It was with an ugly and truculent manner, if more +warily, that the man closed in. + +"I knows. You clear hout, or--" + +He flung out a hand with the plausible design of grasping Kirkwood by the +collar. The latter lifted his stick, deflecting the arm, and incontinently +landed his other fist forcibly on the fellow's chest. The man reeled back, +cursing. Before he could recover Kirkwood calmly crossed the threshold, +closed the door and put his shoulder to it. In another instant, fumbling in +the darkness, he found the bolts and drove them home. + +And it was done, the transformation accomplished; his inability to refrain +from interfering had encompassed his downfall, had changed a peaceable and +law-abiding alien within British shores into a busybody, a trespasser, a +misdemeanant, a--yes, for all he knew to the contrary, in the estimation of +the Law, a burglar, prime candidate for a convict's stripes! + +Breathing hard with excitement he turned and laid his back against the +panels, trembling in every muscle, terrified by the result of his impulsive +audacity, thunder-struck by a lightning-like foreglimpse of its possible +consequences. Of what colossal imprudence had he not been guilty? + +"The devil!" he whispered. "What an ass, what an utter ass I am!" + +Behind him the knob was rattled urgently, to an accompaniment of feet +shuffling on the stone; and immediately--if he were to make a logical +deduction from the rasping and scraping sound within the door-casing--the +bell-pull was violently agitated, without, however, educing any response +from the bell itself, wherever that might be situate. After which, as if in +despair, the outsider again rattled and jerked the knob. + +Be his status what it might, whether servant of the household, its +caretaker, or a night watchman, the man was palpably determined both to get +himself in and Kirkwood out, and yet (curious to consider) determined to +gain his end without attracting undue attention. Kirkwood had expected to +hear the knocker's thunder, as soon as the bell failed to give tongue; but +it did not sound although there _was_ a knocker,--Kirkwood himself had +remarked that antiquated and rusty bit of ironmongery affixed to the middle +panel of the door. And it made him feel sure that something surreptitious +and lawless was in process within those walls, that the confederate +without, having failed to prevent a stranger from entering, left unemployed +a means so certain-sure to rouse the occupants. + +But his inferential analysis of this phase of the proceedings was summarily +abrupted by that identical alarm. In a trice the house was filled with +flying echoes, wakened to sonorous riot by the crash and clamor of the +knocker; and Kirkwood stood fully two yards away, his heart hammering +wildly, his nerves a-jingle, much as if the resounding blows had landed +upon his own person rather than on stout oaken planking. + +Ere he had time to wonder, the racket ceased, and from the street filtered +voices in altercation. Listening, Kirkwood's pulses quickened, and he +laughed uncertainly for pure relief, retreating to the door and putting an +ear to a crack. + +The accents of one speaker were new in his hearing, stern, crisp, quick +with the spirit of authority which animates that most austere and dignified +limb of the law to be encountered the world over, a London bobby. + +"Now then, my man, what do you want there? Come now, speak up, and step out +into the light, where I can see you." + +The response came in the sniffling snarl of the London ne'er-do-well, the +unemployable rogue whose chiefest occupation seems to be to march in the +ranks of The Unemployed on the occasion of its annual demonstrations. + +"Le' me alone, carntcher? Ah'm doin' no 'arm, officer,--" + +"Didn't you hear me? Step out here. Ah, that's better.... No harm, eh? +Perhaps you'll explain how there's no harm breakin' into unoccupied +'ouses?" + +"Gorblimy, 'ow was I to know? 'Ere's a toff 'ands me sixpence fer hopenin' +'is cab door to-dye, an', sezee, 'My man,' 'e sez, 'yer've got a 'onest +fyce. W'y don'cher work?' sezee. ''Ow can I?' sez I. ''Ere'm I hout of +a job these six months, lookin' fer work every dye an' carn't find it.' +Sezee, 'Come an' see me this hevenin' at me home, Noine, Frognall Stryte,' +'e sez, an'--" + +"That'll do for now. You borrow a pencil and paper and write it down and +I'll read it when I've got more time; I never heard the like of it. This +'ouse hasn't been lived in these two years. Move on, and don't let me find +you round 'ere again. March, I say!" + +There was more of it--more whining explanations artfully tinctured with +abuse, more terse commands to depart, the whole concluding with scraping +footsteps, diminuendo, and another perfunctory, rattle of the knob as the +bobby, having shoo'd the putative evil-doer off, assured himself that +no damage had actually been done. Then he, too, departed, satisfied and +self-righteous, leaving a badly frightened but very grateful amateur +criminal to pursue his self-appointed career of crime. + +He had no choice other than to continue; in point of fact, it had been +insanity just then to back out, and run the risk of apprehension at the +hands of that ubiquitous bobby, who (for all he knew) might be lurking not +a dozen yards distant, watchful for just such a sequel. Still, Kirkwood +hesitated with the best of excuses. Reassuring as he had found the +sentinel's extemporized yarn,--proof positive that the fellow had had no +more right to prohibit a trespass than Kirkwood to commit one,--at the +same time he found himself pardonably a prey to emotions of the utmost +consternation and alarm. If he feared to leave the house he had no warrant +whatever to assume that he would be permitted to remain many minutes +unharmed within its walls of mystery. + +The silence of it discomfited him beyond measure; it was, in a word, +uncanny. + +Before him, as he lingered at the door, vaguely disclosed by a wan +illumination penetrating a dusty and begrimed fan-light, a broad hall +stretched indefinitely towards the rear of the building, losing itself in +blackness beyond the foot of a flight of stairs. Save for a few articles of +furniture,--a hall table, an umbrella-stand, a tall dumb clock flanked by +high-backed chairs,--it was empty. Other than Kirkwood's own restrained +respiration not a sound throughout the house advertised its inhabitation; +not a board creaked beneath the pressure of a foot, not a mouse rustled in +the wainscoting or beneath the floors, not a breath of air stirred sighing +in the stillness. + +And yet, a tremendous racket had been raised at the front door, within the +sixty seconds past! And yet, within twenty minutes two persons, at +least, had preceded Kirkwood into the building! Had they not heard? The +speculation seemed ridiculous. Or had they heard and, alarmed, been too +effectually hobbled by the coils of their nefarious designs to dare reveal +themselves, to investigate the cause of that thunderous summons? Or were +they, perhaps, aware of Kirkwood's entrance, and lying _perdui_, in some +dark corner, to ambush him as he passed? + +True, that were hardly like the girl. True, on the other hand, it +were possible that she had stolen away while Kirkwood was hanging in +irresolution by the passage to Quadrant Mews. Again, the space of time +between Kirkwood's dismissal and his return had been exceedingly brief; +whatever her errand, she could hardly have fulfilled it and escaped. At +that moment she might be in the power and at the mercy of him who had +followed her; providing he were not friendly. And in that case, what +torment and what peril might not be hers? + +Spurred by solicitude, the young man put personal apprehensions in his +pocket and forgot them, cautiously picking his way through the gloom to the +foot of the stairs. There, by the newel-post, he paused. Darkness walled +him about. Overhead the steps vanished in a well of blackness; he could +not even see the ceiling; his eyes ached with futile effort to fathom the +unknown; his ears rang with unrewarded strain of listening. The silence +hung inviolate, profound. + +Slowly he began to ascend, a hand following the balusters, the other with +his cane exploring the obscurity before him. On the steps, a carpet, thick +and heavy, muffled his footfalls. He moved noiselessly. Towards the top +the staircase curved, and presently a foot that groped for a higher level +failed to find it. Again he halted, acutely distrustful. + +Nothing happened. + +He went on, guided by the balustrade, passing three doors, all open, +through which the undefined proportions of a drawing-room and boudoir were +barely suggested in a ghostly dusk. By each he paused, listening, hearing +nothing. + +His foot struck with a deadened thud against the bottom step of the +second flight, and his pulses fluttered wildly for a moment. Two +minutes--three--he waited in suspense. From above came no sound. He went +on, as before, save that twice a step yielded, complaining, to his weight. +Toward the top the close air, like the darkness, seemed to weigh more +heavily upon his consciousness; little drops of perspiration started out on +his forehead, his scalp tingled, his mouth was hot and dry, he felt as if +stifled. + +Again the raised foot found no level higher than its fellows. He stopped +and held his breath, oppressed by a conviction that some one was near him. +Confirmation of this came startlingly--an eerie whisper in the night, so +close to him that he fancied he could feel the disturbed air fanning his +face. + +"_Is it you, Eccles_?" + +He had no answer ready. The voice was masculine, if he analyzed it +correctly. Dumb and stupid he stood poised upon the point of panic. + +"_Eccles, is it you_?" + +The whisper was both shrill and shaky. As it ceased Kirkwood was +half blinded by a flash of light, striking him squarely in the eyes. +Involuntarily he shrank back a pace, to the first step from the top. +Instantaneously the light was eclipsed. + +"_Halt or--or I fire_!" + +By now he realized that he had been scrutinized by the aid of an electric +hand-lamp. The tremulous whisper told him something else--that the speaker +suffered from nerves as high-strung as his own. The knowledge gave him +inspiration. He cried at a venture, in a guarded voice, "_Hands up_!"--and +struck out smartly with his stick. Its ferrule impinged upon something soft +but heavy. Simultaneously he heard a low, frightened cry, the cane was +swept aside, a blow landed glancingly on his shoulder, and he was carried +fairly off his feet by the weight of a man hurled bodily upon him with +staggering force and passion. Reeling, he was borne back and down a step +or two, and then,--choking on an oath,--dropped his cane and with one hand +caught the balusters, while the other tore ineffectually at wrists of +hands that clutched his throat. So, for a space, the two hung, panting and +struggling. + +Then endeavoring to swing his shoulders over against the wall, Kirkwood +released his grip on the hand-rail and stumbled on the stairs, throwing his +antagonist out of balance. The latter plunged downward, dragging Kirkwood +with him. Clawing, kicking, grappling, they went to the bottom, jolted +violently by each step; but long before the last was reached, Kirkwood's +throat was free. + +Throwing himself off, he got to his feet and grasped the railing for +support; then waited, panting, trying to get his bearings. Himself +painfully shaken and bruised, he shrewdly surmised that his assailant had +fared as ill, if not worse. And, in point of fact, the man lay with neither +move nor moan, still as death at the American's feet. + +And once more silence had folded its wings over Number 9, Frognall Street. + +More conscious of that terrifying, motionless presence beneath him, than +able to distinguish it by power of vision, he endured interminable minutes +of trembling horror, in a witless daze, before he thought of his match-box. +Immediately he found it and struck a light. As the wood caught and the +bright small flame leaped in the pent air, he leaned forward, over the +body, breathlessly dreading what he must discover. + +The man lay quiet, head upon the floor, legs and hips on the stairs. One +arm had fallen over his face, hiding the upper half. The hand gleamed white +and delicate as a woman's. His chin was smooth and round, his lips thin and +petulant. Beneath his top-coat, evening dress clothed a short and slender +figure. Nothing whatever of his appearance suggested the burly ruffian, the +midnight marauder; he seemed little more than a boy old enough to dress +for dinner. In his attitude there was something pitifully suggestive of a +beaten child, thrown into a corner. + +Conscience-smitten and amazed Kirkwood stared on until, without warning, +the match flickered and went out. Then, straightening up with an +exclamation at once of annoyance and concern, he rattled the box; it made +no sound,--was empty. In disgust he swore it was the devil's own luck, that +he should run out of vestas at a time so critical. He could not even say +whether the fellow was dead, unconscious, or simply shamming. He had little +idea of his looks; and to be able to identify him might save a deal of +trouble at some future time,--since he, Kirkwood, seemed so little able +to disengage himself from the clutches of this insane adventure! And the +girl--. what had become of her? How could he continue to search for her, +without lights or guide, through all those silent rooms, whose walls might +inclose a hundred hidden dangers in that house of mystery? + +But he debated only briefly. His blood was young, and it was hot; it was +quite plain to him that he could not withdraw and retain his self-respect. +If the girl was there to be found, most assuredly, he must find her. The +hand-lamp that had dazzled him at the head of the stairs should be his aid, +now that he thought of it,--and providing he was able to find it. + +In the scramble on the stairs he had lost his hat, but he remembered that +the vesta's short-lived light had discovered this on the floor beyond +the man's body. Carefully stepping across the latter he recovered his +head-gear, and then, kneeling, listened with an ear close to the fellow's +face. A softly regular beat of breathing reassured him. Half rising, he +caught the body beneath the armpits, lifting and dragging it off the +staircase; and knelt again, to feel of each pocket in the man's clothing, +partly as an obvious precaution, to relieve him of his advertised revolver +against an untimely wakening, partly to see if he had the lamp about him. + +The search proved fruitless. Kirkwood suspected that the weapon, like his +own, had existed only in his victim's ready imagination. As for the lamp, +in the act of rising he struck it with his foot, and picked it up. + +It felt like a metal tube a couple of inches in diameter, a foot or so +in length, passably heavy. He fumbled with it impatiently. "However the +dickens," he wondered audibly, "does the infernal machine work?" As it +happened, the thing worked with disconcerting abruptness as his untrained +fingers fell hapchance on the spring. A sudden glare again smote him in the +face, and at the same instant, from a point not a yard away, apparently, an +inarticulate cry rang out upon the stillness. + +Heart in his mouth, he stepped back, lowering the lamp (which impishly went +out) and lifting a protecting forearm. + +"Who's that?" he demanded harshly. + +A strangled sob of terror answered him, blurred by a swift rush of skirts, +and in a breath his shattered nerves quieted and a glimmer of common sense +penetrated the murk anger and fear had bred in his brain. He understood, +and stepped forward, catching blindly at the darkness with eager hands. + +"Miss Calendar!" he cried guardedly. "Miss Calendar, it is I--Philip +Kirkwood!" + +There was a second sob, of another caliber than the first; timid fingers +brushed his, and a hand, warm and fragile, closed upon his own in a passion +of relief and gratitude. + +"Oh, I am so g-glad!" It was Dorothy Calendar's voice, beyond mistake. +"I--I didn't know what t-to t-think.... When the light struck your face +I was sure it was you, but when I called, you answered in a voice so +strange,--not like yours at all! ... Tell me," she pleaded, with palpable +effort to steady herself; "what has happened?" + +"I think, perhaps," said Kirkwood uneasily, again troubled by his racing +pulses, "perhaps you can do that better than I." + +"Oh!" said the voice guiltily; her fingers trembled on his, and were gently +withdrawn. "I was so frightened," she confessed after a little pause, "so +frightened that I hardly understand ... But you? How did you--?" + +"I worried about you," he replied, in a tone absurdly apologetic. "Somehow +it didn't seem right. It was none of my business, of course, but ... I +couldn't help coming back. This fellow, whoever he is--don't worry; +he's unconscious--slipped into the house in a manner that seemed to me +suspicious. I hardly know why I followed, except that he left the door an +open invitation to interference ..." + +"I can't be thankful enough," she told him warmly, "that you did interfere. +You have indeed saved me from ..." + +"Yes?" + +"I don't know what. If I knew the man--" + +"You don't _know_ him?" + +"I can't even guess. The light--?" + +She paused inquiringly. Kirkwood fumbled with the lamp, but, whether its +rude handling had impaired some vital part of the mechanism, or whether the +batteries through much use were worn out, he was able to elicit only one +feeble glow, which was instantly smothered by the darkness. + +"It's no use," he confessed. "The thing's gone wrong." + +"Have you a match?" + +"I used my last before I got hold of this." + +"Oh," she commented, discouraged. "Have you any notion what he looks like?" + +Kirkwood thought briefly. "Raffles," he replied with a chuckle. "He looks +like an amateurish and very callow Raffles. He's in dress clothes, you +know." + +"I wonder!" There was a nuance of profound bewilderment in her exclamation. +Then: "He knocked against something in the hall--a chair, I presume; at all +events, I heard that and put out the light. I was ... in the room above the +drawing-room, you see. I stole down to this floor--was there, in the corner +by the stairs when he passed within six inches, and never guessed it. Then, +when he got on the next floor, I started on; but you came in. I slipped +into the drawing-room and crouched behind a chair. You went on, but I dared +not move until ... And then I heard some one cry out, and you fell down the +stairs together. I hope you were not hurt--?" + +"Nothing worth mention; but _he_ must have got a pretty stiff knock, to lay +him out so completely." Kirkwood stirred the body with his toe, but the man +made no sign. "Dead to the world ... And now, Miss Calendar?" + +If she answered, he did not hear; for on the heels of his query banged the +knocker down below; and thereafter crash followed crash, brewing a deep and +sullen thundering to rouse the echoes and send them rolling, like voices of +enraged ghosts, through the lonely rooms. + + + + +V + + +THE MYSTERY OF A FOUR-WHEELER + +"What's that?" At the first alarm the girl had caught convulsively at +Kirkwood's arm. Now, when a pause came in the growling of the knocker, she +made him hear her voice; and it was broken and vibrant with a threat of +hysteria. "Oh, what can it mean?" + +"I don't know." He laid a hand reassuringly over that which trembled on his +forearm. "The police, possibly." + +"Police!" she iterated, aghast. "What makes you think--?" + +"A man tried to stop me at the door," he answered quickly. "I got in before +he could. When he tried the knocker, a bobby came along and stopped him. +The latter may have been watching the house since then,--it'd be only his +duty to keep an eye on it; and Heaven knows we raised a racket, coming +head-first down those stairs! Now we are up against it," he added brightly. + +But the girl was tugging at his hand. "Come!" she begged breathlessly. +"Come! There is a way! Before they break in--" + +"But this man--?" Kirkwood hung back, troubled. + +"They--the police are sure to find and care for him." + +"So they will." He chuckled, "And serve him right! He'd have choked me to +death, with all the good will in the world!" + +"Oh, do hurry!" + +Turning, she sped light-footed down the staircase to the lower hall, he +at her elbow. Here the uproar was loudest--deep enough to drown whatever +sounds might have been made by two pairs of flying feet. For all that +they fled on tiptoe, stealthily, guilty shadows in the night; and at the +newel-post swung back into the unbroken blackness which shrouded the +fastnesses backward of the dwelling. A sudden access of fury on the part of +the alarmist at the knocker, spurred them on with quaking hearts. In half a +dozen strides, Kirkwood, guided only by instinct and the _frou-frou_ of the +girl's skirts as she ran invisible before him, stumbled on the uppermost +steps of a steep staircase; only a hand-rail saved him, and that at the +last moment. He stopped short, shocked into caution. From below came a +contrite whisper: "I'm so sorry! I should have warned you." + +He pulled himself together, glaring wildly at nothing. "It's all right--" + +"You're not hurt, truly? Oh, do come quickly." + +She waited for him at the bottom of the flight;--happily for him, for he +was all at sea. + +"Here--your hand--let me guide you. This darkness is dreadful ..." + +He found her hand, somehow, and tucked his into it, confidingly, and not +without an uncertain thrill of satisfaction. + +"Come!" she panted. "Come! If they break in--" + +Stifled by apprehension, her voice failed her. + +They went forward, now less impetuously, for it was very black; and the +knocker had fallen still. + +"No fear of that," he remarked after a time. "They wouldn't dare break in." + +A fluttering whisper answered him: "I don't know. We dare risk nothing." + +They seemed to explore, to penetrate acres of labyrinthine chambers and +passages, delving deep into the bowels of the earth, like rabbits burrowing +in a warren, hounded by beagles. + +Above stairs the hush continued unbroken; as if the dumb Genius of the +Place had cast a spell of silence on the knocker, or else, outraged, had +smitten the noisy disturber with a palsy. + +The girl seemed to know her way; whether guided by familiarity or by +intuition, she led on without hesitation, Kirkwood blundering in her wake, +between confusion of impression, and dawning dismay conscious of but one +tangible thing, to which he clung as to his hope of salvation: those firm, +friendly fingers that clasped his own. + +It was as if they wandered on for an hour; probably from start to finish +their flight took up three minutes, no more. Eventually the girl stopped, +releasing his hand. He could hear her syncopated breathing before him, and +gathered that something was wrong. He took a step forward. + +"What is it?" + +Her full voice broke out of the obscurity startlingly close, in his very +ear. + +"The door--the bolts--I can't budge them." + +"Let me ..." + +He pressed forward, brushing her shoulder. She did not draw away, but +willingly yielded place to his hands at the fastenings; and what had proved +impossible to her, to his strong fingers was a matter of comparative ease. +Yet, not entirely consciously, he was not quick. As he tugged at the bolts +he was poignantly sensitive to the subtle warmth of her at his side; he +could hear her soft dry sobs of excitement and suspense, punctuating the +quiet; and was frightened, absolutely, by an impulse, too strong for +ridicule, to take her in his arms and comfort her with the assurance that, +whatever her trouble, he would stand by her and protect her.... It were +futile to try to laugh it off; he gave over the endeavor. Even at this +critical moment he found himself repeating over and over to his heart the +question: "Can this be love? Can this be love? ..." + +Could it be love at an hour's acquaintance? Absurd! But he could not +laugh--nor render himself insensible to the suggestion. + +He found that he had drawn the bolts. The girl tugged and rattled at the +knob. Reluctantly the door opened inwards. Beyond its threshold stretched +ten feet or more of covered passageway, whose entrance framed an oblong +glimmering with light. A draught of fresh air smote their faces. Behind +them a door banged. + +"Where does this open?" + +"On the mews," she informed him. + +"The mews!" He stared in consternation at the pallid oval that stood for +her face. "The mews! But you, in your evening gown, and I--" + +"There's no other way. We must chance it. Are you afraid?" + +Afraid? ... He stepped aside. She slipped by him and on. He closed the +door, carefully removing the key and locking it on the outside; then joined +the girl at the entrance to the mews, where they paused perforce, she as +much disconcerted as he, his primary objection momentarily waxing in force +as they surveyed the conditions circumscribing their escape. + +Quadrant Mews was busily engaged in enjoying itself. Night had fallen +sultry and humid, and the walls and doorsteps were well fringed and +clustered with representatives of that class of London's population which +infests mews through habit, taste, or force of circumstance. + +On the stoops men sprawled at easy length, discussing short, foul cutties +loaded with that rank and odoriferous compound which, under the name and +in the fame of tobacco, is widely retailed at tuppence the ounce. Their +women-folk more commonly squatted on the thresholds, cheerfully squabbling; +from opposing second-story windows, two leaned perilously forth, slanging +one another across the square briskly in the purest billingsgate; and were +impartially applauded from below by an audience whose appreciation seemed +faintly tinged with envy. Squawking and yelling children swarmed over the +flags and rude cobblestones that paved the ways. Like incense, heavy and +pungent, the rich effluvia of stable-yards swirled in air made visible by +its faint burden of mist. + +Over against the entrance wherein Kirkwood and the girl lurked, confounded +by the problem of escaping undetected through this vivacious scene, a +stable-door stood wide, exposing a dimly illumined interior. Before it +waited a four-wheeler, horse already hitched in between the shafts, while +its driver, a man of leisurely turn of mind, made lingering inspection of +straps and buckles, and, while Kirkwood watched him, turned attention to +the carriage lamps. + +The match which he raked spiritedly down his thigh, flared ruddily; the +succeeding paler glow of the lamp threw into relief a heavy beefy mask, +with shining bosses for cheeks and nose and chin; through narrow slits +two cunning eyes glittered like dull gems. Kirkwood appraised him with +attention, as one in whose gross carcass was embodied their only hope of +unannoyed return to the streets and normal surroundings of their world. The +difficulty lay in attracting the man's attention and engaging him without +arousing his suspicions or bringing the population about their ears. Though +he hesitated long, no favorable opportunity presented itself; and in time +the Jehu approached the box with the ostensible purpose of mounting and +driving off. In this critical situation the American, forced to recognize +that boldness must mark his course, took the girl's fate and his own in his +hands, and with a quick word to his companion, stepped out of hiding. + +The cabby had a foot upon the step when Kirkwood tapped his shoulder. + +"My man--" + +"Lor, lumme!" cried the fellow in amaze, pivoting on his heel. Cupidity and +quick understanding enlivened the eyes which in two glances looked +Kirkwood up and down, comprehending at once both his badly rumpled hat +and patent-leather shoes. "S'help me,"--thickly,--"where'd you drop from, +guvner?" + +"That's my affair," said Kirkwood briskly. "Are you engaged?" + +"If you mykes yerself my fare," returned the cabby shrewdly, "I _ham_." + +"Ten shillings, then, if you get us out of here in one minute and +to--say--Hyde Park Corner in fifteen." + +"Us?" demanded the fellow aggressively. + +Kirkwood motioned toward the passageway. "There's a lady with me--there. +Quick now!" + +Still the man did not move. "Ten bob," he bargained; "an' you runnin' awye +with th' stuffy ol' gent's fair darter? Come now, guvner, is it gen'rous? +Myke it a quid an'--" + +"A pound then. _Will_ you hurry?" + +By way of answer the fellow scrambled hastily up to the box and snatched at +the reins. "_Ck_! Gee-e hup!" he cried sonorously. + +By now the mews had wakened to the fact of the presence of a "toff" in its +midst. His light topcoat and silk hat-rendered him as conspicuous as a red +Indian in war-paint would have been on Rotten Row. A cry of surprise was +raised, and drowned in a volley of ribald inquiry and chaff. + +Fortunately, the cabby was instant to rein in skilfully before the +passageway, and Kirkwood had the door open before the four-wheeler stopped. +The girl, hugging her cloak about her, broke cover (whereat the hue and cry +redoubled), and sprang into the body of the vehicle. Kirkwood followed, +shutting the door. As the cab lurched forward he leaned over and drew down +the window-shade, shielding the girl from half a hundred prying eyes. At +the same time they gathered momentum, banging swiftly, if loudly out of the +mews. + +An urchin, leaping on the step to spy in Kirkwood's window, fell off, +yelping, as the driver's whiplash curled about his shanks. + +The gloom of the tunnel inclosed them briefly ere the lights of the +Hog-in-the-Pound flashed by and the wheels began to roll more easily. +Kirkwood drew back with a sigh of relief. + +"Thank God!" he said softly. + +The girl had no words. + +Worried by her silence, solicitous lest, the strain ended, she might be on +the point of fainting, he let up the shade and lowered the window at her +side. + +She seemed to have collapsed in her corner. Against the dark upholstery her +hair shone like pale gold in the half-light; her eyes were closed and she +held a handkerchief to her lips; the other hand lay limp. + +"Miss Calendar?" + +She started, and something bulky fell from the seat and thumped heavily on +the floor. Kirkwood bent to pick it up, and so for the first time was +made aware that she had brought with her a small black gladstone bag of +considerable weight. As he placed it on the forward seat their eyes met. + +"I didn't know--" he began. + +"It was to get that," she hastened to explain, "that my father sent me ..." + +"Yes," he assented in a tone indicating his complete comprehension. "I +trust ..." he added vaguely, and neglected to complete the observation, +losing himself in a maze of conjecture not wholly agreeable. This was a new +phase of the adventure. He eyed the bag uneasily. What did it contain? How +did he know ...? + +Hastily he abandoned that line of thought. He had no right to +infer anything whatever, who had thrust himself uninvited into her +concerns--uninvited, that was to say, in the second instance, having +been once definitely given his conge. Inevitably, however, a thousand +unanswerable questions pestered him; just as, at each fresh facet of +mystery disclosed by the sequence of the adventure, his bewilderment +deepened. + +The girl stirred restlessly. "I have been thinking," she volunteered in a +troubled tone, "that there is absolutely no way I know of, to thank you +properly." + +"It is enough if I've been useful," he rose in gallantry to the emergency. + +"That," she commented, "was very prettily said. But then I have never known +any one more kind and courteous and--and considerate, than you." There was +no savor of flattery in the simple and direct statement; indeed, she was +looking away from him, out of the window, and her face was serious with +thought; she seemed to be speaking of, rather than to, Kirkwood. "And I +have been wondering," she continued with unaffected candor, "what you must +be thinking of me." + +"I? ... What should I think of you, Miss Calendar?" + +With the air of a weary child she laid her head against the cushions again, +face to him, and watched him through lowered lashes, unsmiling. + +"You might be thinking that an explanation is due you. Even the way we +were brought together was extraordinary, Mr. Kirkwood. You must be very +generous, as generous as you have shown yourself brave, not to require some +sort of an explanation of me." + +"I don't see it that way." + +"I do ... You have made me like you very much, Mr. Kirkwood." + +He shot her a covert glance--causelessly, for her _naivete_ was flawless. +With a feeling of some slight awe he understood this--a sensation of +sincere reverence for the unspoiled, candid, child's heart and mind that +were hers. "I'm glad," he said simply; "very glad, if that's the case, and +presupposing I deserve it. Personally," he laughed, "I seem to myself to +have been rather forward." + +"No; only kind and a gentleman." + +"But--please!" he protested. + +"Oh, but I mean it, every word! Why shouldn't I? In a little while, ten +minutes, half an hour, we shall have seen the last of each other. Why +should I not tell you how I appreciate all that you have unselfishly done +for me?" + +"If you put it that way,--I'm sure I don't know; beyond that it embarrasses +me horribly to have you overestimate me so. If any courage has been shown +this night, it is yours ... But I'm forgetting again." He thought to divert +her. "Where shall I tell the cabby to go this time, Miss Calendar?" + +"Craven Street, please," said the girl, and added a house number. "I am to +meet my father there, with this,"--indicating the gladstone bag. + +Kirkwood thrust head and shoulders out the window and instructed the cabby +accordingly; but his ruse had been ineffectual, as he found when he sat +back again. Quite composedly the girl took up the thread of conversation +where it had been broken off. + +"It's rather hard to keep silence, when you've been so good. I don't want +you to think me less generous than yourself, but, truly, I can tell you +nothing." She sighed a trace resentfully; or so he thought. "There is +little enough in this--this wretched affair, that I understand myself; and +that little, I may not tell ... I want you to know that." + +"I understand, Miss Calendar." + +"There's one thing I may say, however. I have done nothing wrong to-night, +I believe," she added quickly. + +"I've never for an instant questioned that," he returned with a qualm of +shame; for what he said was not true. + +"Thank you ..." + +The four-wheeler swung out of Oxford Street into Charing Cross Road. +Kirkwood noted the fact with a feeling of some relief that their ride +was to be so short; like many of his fellow-sufferers from "the artistic +temperament," he was acutely disconcerted by spoken words of praise and +gratitude; Miss Calendar, unintentionally enough, had succeeded only in +rendering him self-conscious and ill at ease. + +Nor had she fully relieved her mind, nor voiced all that perturbed her. +"There's one thing more," she said presently: "my father. I--I hope you +will think charitably of him." + +"Indeed, I've no reason or right to think otherwise." + +"I was afraid--afraid his actions might have seemed peculiar, to-night ..." + +"There are lots of things I don't understand, Miss Calendar. Some day, +perhaps, it will all clear up,--this trouble of yours. At least, one +supposes it is trouble, of some sort. And then you will tell me the whole +story.... Won't you?" Kirkwood insisted. + +"I'm afraid not," she said, with a smile of shadowed sadness. "We are to +say good night in a moment or two, and--it will be good-by as well. It's +unlikely that we shall ever meet again." + +"I refuse positively to take such a gloomy view of the case!" + +She shook her head, laughing with him, but with shy regret. "It's so, none +the less. We are leaving London this very night, my father and I--leaving +England, for that matter." + +"Leaving England?" he echoed. "You're not by any chance bound for America, +are you?" + +"I ... can't tell you." + +"But you can tell me this: are you booked on the _Minneapolis_?" + +"No--o; it is a--quite another boat." + +"Of course!" he commented savagely. "It wouldn't be me to have _any_ sort +of luck!" + +She made no reply beyond a low laugh. He stared gloomily out of his window, +noting indifferently that they were passing the National Gallery. On their +left Trafalgar Square stretched, broad and bare, a wilderness of sooty +stone with an air of mutely tolerating its incongruous fountains. Through +Charing Cross roared a tide-rip of motor-busses and hackney carriages. + +Glumly the young man foresaw the passing of his abbreviated romance; their +destination was near at hand. Brentwick had been right, to some extent, at +least; it was quite true that the curtain had been rung up that very night, +upon Kirkwood's Romance; unhappily, as Brentwick had not foreseen, it was +immediately to be rung down. + +The cab rolled soberly into the Strand. + +"Since we are to say good-by so very soon," suggested Kirkwood, "may I ask +a parting favor, Miss Calendar?" + +She regarded him with friendly eyes. "You have every right," she affirmed +gently. + +"Then please to tell me frankly: are you going into any further danger?" + +"And is that the only boon you crave at my hands, Mr. Kirkwood?" + +"Without impertinence ..." + +For a little time, waiting for him to conclude his vague phrase, she +watched him in an expectant silence. But the man was diffident to a +degree--At length, somewhat unconsciously, "I think not," she answered. +"No; there will be no danger awaiting me at Mrs. Hallam's. You need not +fear for me any more--Thank you." + +He lifted his brows at the unfamiliar name. "Mrs. Hallam--?" + +"I am going to her house in Craven Street." + +"Your father is to meet you there?"--persistently. + +"He promised to." + +"But if he shouldn't?" + +"Why--" Her eyes clouded; she pursed her lips over the conjectural +annoyance. "Why, in that event, I suppose--It would be very embarrassing. +You see, I don't know Mrs. Hallam; I don't know that she expects me, unless +my father is already there. They are old friends--I could drive round for a +while and come back, I suppose." + +But she made it plain that the prospect did not please her. + +"Won't you let me ask if Mr. Calender is there, before you get out, then? I +don't like to be dismissed," he laughed; "and, you know, you shouldn't go +wandering round all alone." + +The cab drew up. Kirkwood put a hand on the door and awaited her will. + +"It--it would be very kind ... I hate to impose upon you." + +He turned the knob and got out. "If you'll wait one moment," he said +superfluously, as he closed the door. + +Pausing only to verify the number, he sprang up the steps and found the +bell-button. + +It was a modest little residence, in nothing more remarkable than its +neighbors, unless it was for a certain air of extra grooming: the area +railing was sleek with fresh black paint; the doorstep looked the better +for vigorous stoning; the door itself was immaculate, its brasses shining +lustrous against red-lacquered woodwork. A soft glow filled the fanlight. +Overhead the drawing-room windows shone with a cozy, warm radiance. + +The door opened, framing the figure of a maid sketched broadly in masses of +somber black and dead white. + +"Can you tell me, is Mr. Calendar here?" + +The servant's eyes left his face, looked past him at the waiting cab, and +returned. + +"I'm not sure, sir. If you will please step in." + +Kirkwood hesitated briefly, then acceded. The maid closed the door. + +"What name shall I say, sir?" + +"Mr. Kirkwood." + +"If you will please to wait one moment, sir--" + +He was left in the entry hall, the servant hurrying to the staircase and +up. Three minutes elapsed; he was on the point of returning to the girl, +when the maid reappeared. + +"Mrs. Hallam says, will you kindly step up-stairs, sir." + +Disgruntled, he followed her; at the head of the stairs she bowed him into +the drawing-room and again left him to his own resources. + +Nervous, annoyed, he paced the floor from wall to wall, his footfalls +silenced by heavy rugs. As the delay was prolonged he began to fume with +impatience, wondering, half regretting that he had left the girl outside, +definitely sorry that he had failed to name his errand more explicitly to +the maid. At another time, in another mood, he might have accorded more +appreciation to the charm of the apartment, which, betraying the feminine +touch in every detail of arrangement and furnishing, was very handsome in +an unconventional way. But he was quite heedless of externals. + +Wearied, he deposited himself sulkily in an armchair by the hearth. + +From a boudoir on the same floor there came murmurs of two voices, a man's +and a woman's. The latter laughed prettily. + +"Oh, any time!" snorted the American. "Any time you're through with your +confounded flirtation, Mr. George B. Calendar!" + +The voices rose, approaching. "Good night," said the woman gaily; "farewell +and--good luck go with you!" + +"Thank you. Good night," replied the man more conservatively. + +Kirkwood rose, expectant. + +There was a swish of draperies, and a moment later he was acknowledging the +totally unlooked-for entrance of the mistress of the house. He had thought +to see Calendar, presuming him to be the man closeted with Mrs. Hallam; +but, whoever that had been, he did not accompany the woman. Indeed, as she +advanced from the doorway, Kirkwood could hear the man's footsteps on the +stairs. + +"This is Mr. Kirkwood?" The note of inquiry in the well-trained voice--a +very alluring voice and one pleasant to listen to, he thought--made it seem +as though she had asked, point-blank, "Who is Mr. Kirkwood?" + +He bowed, discovering himself in the presence of an extraordinarily +handsome and interesting woman; a woman of years which as yet had not told +upon her, of experience that had not availed to harden her, at least in so +far as her exterior charm of personality was involved; a woman, in brief, +who bore close inspection well, despite an elusive effect of maturity, not +without its attraction for men. Kirkwood was impressed that it would be +very easy to learn to like Mrs. Hallam more than well--with her approval. + +Although he had not anticipated it, he was not at all surprised to +recognize in her the woman who, if he were not mistaken, had slipped to +Calendar that warning in the dining-room of the Pless. Kirkwood's state of +mind had come to be such, through his experiences of the past few +hours, that he would have accepted anything, however preposterous, as a +commonplace happening. But for that matter there was nothing particularly +astonishing in this _rencontre_. + +"I am Mrs. Hallam. You were asking for Mr. Calendar?" + +"He was to have been here at this hour, I believe," said Kirkwood. + +"Yes?" There was just the right inflection of surprise in her carefully +controlled tone. + +He became aware of an undercurrent of feeling; that the woman was +estimating him shrewdly with her fine direct eyes. He returned her regard +with admiring interest; they were gray-green eyes, deep-set but large, a +little shallow, a little changeable, calling to mind the sea on a windy, +cloudy day. + +Below stairs a door slammed. + +"I am not a detective, Mrs. Hallam," announced the young man suddenly. +"Mr. Calendar required a service of me this evening; I am here in natural +consequence. If it was Mr. Calendar who left this house just now, I am +wasting time." + +"It was not Mr. Calendar." The fine-lined brows arched in surprise, real +or pretended, at his first blurted words, and relaxed; amused, the woman +laughed deliciously. "But I am expecting him any moment; he was to have +been here half an hour since.... Won't you wait?" + +She indicated, with a gracious gesture, a chair, and took for herself one +end of a davenport. "I'm sure he won't be long, now." + +"Thank you, I will return, if I may." Kirkwood moved toward the door. + +"But there's no necessity--" She seemed insistent on detaining him, +possibly because she questioned his motive, possibly for her own +divertisement. + +Kirkwood deprecated his refusal with a smile. "The truth is, Miss Calendar +is waiting in a cab, outside. I--" + +"Dorothy Calendar!" Mrs. Hallam rose alertly. "But why should she wait +there? To be sure, we've never met; but I have known her father for many +years." Her eyes held steadfast to his face; shallow, flawed by her every +thought, like the sea by a cat's-paw he found them altogether inscrutable; +yet received an impression that their owner was now unable to account for +him. + +She swung about quickly, preceding him to the door and down the stairs. "I +am sure Dorothy will come in to wait, if I ask her," she told Kirkwood in a +high sweet voice. "I'm so anxious to know her. It's quite absurd, really, +of her--to stand on ceremony with me, when her father made an appointment +here. I'll run out and ask--" + +Mrs. Hallam's slim white fingers turned latch and knob, opening the street +door, and her voice died away as she stepped out into the night. For a +moment, to Kirkwood, tagging after her with an uncomfortable sense of +having somehow done the wrong thing, her figure--full fair shoulders and +arms rising out of the glittering dinner gown--cut a gorgeous silhouette +against the darkness. Then, with a sudden, imperative gesture, she half +turned towards him. + +"But," she exclaimed, perplexed, gazing to right and left, "but the cab, +Mr. Kirkwood?" + +He was on the stoop a second later. Standing beside her, he stared blankly. + +To the left the Strand roared, the stream of its night-life in high spate; +on the right lay the Embankment, comparatively silent and deserted, if +brilliant with its high-swung lights. Between the two, quiet Craven Street +ran, short and narrow, and wholly innocent of any form of equipage. + + + + +VI + + +"BELOW BRIDGE" + +In silence Mrs. Hallam turned to Kirkwood, her pose in itself a question +and a peremptory one. Her eyes had narrowed; between their lashes the green +showed, a thin edge like jade, cold and calculating. The firm lines of her +mouth and chin had hardened. + +Temporarily dumb with consternation, he returned her stare as silently. + +"_Well_, Mr.--Kirkwood?" + +"Mrs. Hallam," he stammered, "I--" + +She lifted her shoulders impatiently and with a quick movement stepped back +across the threshold, where she paused, a rounded arm barring the entrance, +one hand grasping the door-knob, as if to shut him out at any moment. + +"I'm awaiting your explanation," she said coldly. + +[Illustration: "I'm waiting your explanation," she said coldly.] + +He grinned with nervousness, striving to penetrate the mental processes of +this handsome Mrs. Hallam. She seemed to regard him with a suspicion which +he thought inexcusable. Did she suppose he had spirited Dorothy Calendar +away and then called to apprise her of the fact? Or that he was some sort +of an adventurer, who had manufactured a plausible yarn to gain him access +to her home? Or--harking back to her original theory--that he was an +emissary from Scotland Yard? ... Probably she distrusted him on the latter +hypothesis. The reflection left him more at ease. + +"I am quite as mystified as you, Mrs. Hallam," he began. "Miss Calendar was +here, at this door, in a four-wheeler, not ten minutes ago, and--" + +"Then where is she now?" + +"Tell me where Calendar is," he retorted, inspired, "and I'll try to answer +you!" + +But her eyes were blank. "You mean--?" + +"That Calendar was in this house when I came; that he left, found his +daughter in the cab, and drove off with her. It's clear enough." + +"You are quite mistaken," she said thoughtfully. "George Calendar has not +been here this night." + +He wondered that she did not seem to resent his imputation. "I think not--" + +"Listen!" she cried, raising a warning hand; and relaxing her vigilant +attitude, moved forward once more, to peer down toward the Embankment. + +A cab had cut in from that direction and was bearing down upon them with +a brisk rumble of hoofs. As it approached, Kirkwood's heart, that +had lightened, was weighed upon again by disappointment. It was no +four-wheeler, but a hansom, and the open wings of the apron, disclosing a +white triangle of linen surmounted by a glowing spot of fire, betrayed the +sex of the fare too plainly to allow of further hope that it might be the +girl returning. + +At the door, the cab pulled up sharply and a man tumbled hastily out upon +the sidewalk. + +"Here!" he cried throatily, tossing the cabby his fare, and turned toward +the pair upon the doorstep, evidently surmising that something was amiss. +For he was Calendar in proper person, and a sight to upset in a twinkling +Kirkwood's ingeniously builded castle of suspicion. + +"Mrs. Hallam!" he cried, out of breath. "'S my daughter here?" And then, +catching sight of Kirkwood's countenance: "Why, hello, Kirkwood!" he +saluted him with a dubious air. + +The woman interrupted hastily. "Please come in, Mr. Calendar. This +gentleman has been inquiring for you, with an astonishing tale about your +daughter." + +"Dorothy!" Calendar's moon-like visage was momentarily divested of any +trace of color. "What of her?" + +"You had better come in," advised Mrs. Hallam brusquely. + +The fat adventurer hopped hurriedly across the threshold, Kirkwood +following. The woman shut the door, and turned with back to it, nodding +significantly at Kirkwood as her eyes met Calendar's. + +"Well, well?" snapped the latter impatiently, turning to the young man. + +But Kirkwood was thinking quickly. For the present he contented himself +with a deliberate statement of fact: "Miss Calendar has disappeared." It +gave him an instant's time ... "There's something damned fishy!" he told +himself. "These two are playing at cross-purposes. Calendar's no fool; he's +evidently a crook, to boot. As for the woman, she's had her eyes open for +a number of years. The main thing's Dorothy. She didn't vanish of her own +initiative. And Mrs. Hallam knows, or suspects, more than she's going to +tell. I don't think she wants Dorothy found. Calendar does. So do I. Ergo: +I'm for Calendar." + +"Disappeared?" Calendar was barking at him. "How? When? Where?" + +"Within ten minutes," said Kirkwood. "Here, let's get it straight.... With +her permission I brought her here in a four-wheeler." He was carefully +suppressing all mention of Frognall Street, and in Calendar's glance read +approval of the elision. "She didn't want to get out, unless you were here. +I asked for you. The maid showed me up-stairs. I left your daughter in the +cab--and by the way, I hadn't paid the driver. That's funny, too! Perhaps +six or seven minutes after I came in Mrs. Hallam found out that Miss +Calendar was with me and wanted to ask her in. When we got to the door--no +cab. There you have it all." + +"Thanks--it's plenty," said Calendar dryly. He bent his head in thought for +an instant, then looked up and fixed Mrs. Hallam with an unprejudiced +eye, "I say!" he demanded explosively. "There wasn't any one here that +knew--eh?" + +Her fine eyes wavered and fell before his; and Kirkwood remarked that her +under lip was curiously drawn in. + +"I heard a man leave as Mrs. Hallam joined me," he volunteered helpfully, +and with a suspicion of malice. "And after that--I paid no attention at the +time--it seems to me I did hear a cab in the street--" + +"Ow?" interjected Calendar, eying the woman steadfastly and employing an +exclamation of combined illumination and inquiry more typically British +than anything Kirkwood had yet heard from the man. + +For her part, the look she gave Kirkwood was sharp with fury. It was more; +it was a mistake, a flaw in her diplomacy; for Calendar intercepted it. +Unceremoniously he grasped her bare arm with his fat hand. + +"Tell me who it was," he demanded in an ugly tone. + +She freed herself with a twist, and stepped back, a higher color in her +cheeks, a flash of anger in her eyes. + +"Mr. Mulready," she retorted defiantly. "What of that?" + +"I wish I was sure," declared the fat adventurer, exasperated. "As it is, +I bet a dollar you've put your foot in it, my lady. I warned you of that +blackguard.... There! The mischief's done; we won't row over it. One +moment." He begged it with a wave of his hand; stood pondering briefly, +fumbled for his watch, found and consulted it. "It's the barest chance," he +muttered. "Perhaps we can make it." + +"What are you going to do?" asked the woman. + +"Give _Mister_ Mulready a run for his money. Come along, Kirkwood; we +haven't a minute. Mrs. Hallam, permit us...." She stepped aside and he +brushed past her to the door. "Come, Kirkwood!" + +He seemed to take Kirkwood's company for granted; and the young man was not +inclined to argue the point. Meekly enough he fell in with Calendar on the +sidewalk. Mrs. Hallam followed them out. "You won't forget?" she called +tentatively. + +"I'll 'phone you if we find out anything." Calendar jerked the words +unceremoniously over his shoulder as, linking arms with Kirkwood, he drew +him swiftly along. They heard her shut the door; instantly Calendar +stopped. "Look here, did Dorothy have a--a small parcel with her?" + +"She had a gladstone bag." + +"Oh, the devil, the devil!" Calendar started on again, muttering +distractedly. As they reached the corner he disengaged his arm. "We've a +minute and a half to reach Charing Cross Pier; and I think it's the last +boat. You set the pace, will you? But remember I'm an oldish man and--and +fat." + +They began to run, the one easily, the other lumbering after like an +old-fashioned square-rigged ship paced by a liner. + +Beneath the railway bridge, in front of the Underground station, the +cab-rank cried them on with sardonic view-halloos; and a bobby remarked +them with suspicion, turning to watch as they plunged round the corner and +across the wide Embankment. + +The Thames appeared before them, a river of ink on whose burnished surface +lights swam in long winding streaks and oily blobs. By the floating pier a +County Council steamboat strained its hawsers, snoring huskily. Bells were +jingling in her engine-room as the two gained the head of the sloping +gangway. + +Kirkwood slapped a shilling down on the ticket-window ledge. "Where to?" he +cried back to Calendar. + +"Cherry Gardens Pier," rasped the winded man. He stumbled after Kirkwood, +groaning with exhaustion. Only the tolerance of the pier employees gained +them their end; the steamer was held some seconds for them; as Calendar +staggered to its deck, the gangway was jerked in, the last hawser cast off. +The boat sheered wide out on the river, then shot in, arrow-like, to the +pier beneath Waterloo Bridge. + +The deck was crowded and additional passengers embarked at every stop. In +the circumstances conversation, save on the most impersonal topics, was +impossible; and even had it been necessary or advisable to discuss the +affair which occupied their minds, where so many ears could hear, Calendar +had breath enough neither to answer nor to catechize Kirkwood. They found +seats on the forward deck and rested there in grim silence, both fretting +under the enforced restraint, while the boat darted, like some illuminated +and exceptionally active water insect, from pier to pier. + +As it snorted beneath London Bridge, Calendar's impatience drove him from +his seat back to the gangway. "Next stop," he told Kirkwood curtly; and +rested his heavy bulk against the paddle-box, brooding morosely, until, +after an uninterrupted run of more than a mile, the steamer swept in, +side-wheels backing water furiously against the ebbing tide, to Cherry +Gardens landing. + +Sweet name for a locality unsavory beyond credence! ... As they emerged on +the street level and turned west on Bermondsey Wall, Kirkwood was fain to +tug his top-coat over his chest and button it tight, to hide his linen. In +a guarded tone he counseled his companion to do likewise; and Calendar, +after a moment's blank, uncomprehending stare, acknowledged the wisdom of +the advice with a grunt. + +The very air they breathed was rank with fetid odors bred of the gaunt dark +warehouses that lined their way; the lights were few; beneath the looming +buildings the shadows were many and dense. Here and there dreary and +cheerless public houses appeared, with lighted windows conspicuous in a +lightless waste. From time to time, as they hurried on, they encountered, +and made wide detours to escape contact with knots of wayfarers--men +debased and begrimed, with dreary and slatternly women, arm in arm, +zigzaging widely across the sidewalks, chorusing with sodden voices the +burden of some popularized ballad. The cheapened, sentimental refrains +echoed sadly between benighted walls.... + +Kirkwood shuddered, sticking close to Calendar's side. Life's naked +brutalities had theretofore been largely out of his ken. He had heard of +slums, had even ventured to mouth politely moral platitudes on the subject +of overcrowding in great centers of population, but in the darkest flights +of imagination had never pictured to himself anything so unspeakably +foul and hopeless as this.... And they were come hither seeking--Dorothy +Calendar! He was unable to conceive what manner of villainy could be +directed against her, that she must be looked for in such surroundings. + +After some ten minutes' steady walking, Calendar turned aside with a +muttered word, and dived down a covered, dark and evil-smelling passageway +that seemed to lead toward the river. + +Mastering his involuntary qualms, Kirkwood followed. + +Some ten or twelve paces from its entrance the passageway swerved at a +right angle, continuing three yards or so to end in a blank wall, wherefrom +a flickering, inadequate gas-lamp jutted. At this point a stone platform, +perhaps four feet square, was discovered, from the edge of which a flight +of worn and slimy stone steps led down to a permanent boat-landing, where +another gas-light flared gustily despite the protection of its frame of +begrimed glass. + +"Good Lord!" exclaimed the young man. "What, in Heaven's name, Calendar--?" + +"Bermondsey Old Stairs. Come on." + +They descended to the landing-stage. Beneath them the Pool slept, a sheet +of polished ebony, whispering to itself, lapping with small stealthy +gurgles angles of masonry and ancient piles. On the farther bank tall +warehouses reared square old-time heads, their uncompromising, rugged +profile relieved here and there by tapering mastheads. A few, scattering, +feeble lights were visible. Nothing moved save the river and the wind. + +The landing itself they found quite deserted; something which the +adventurer comprehended with a nod which, like its accompanying, +inarticulate ejaculation, might have been taken to indicate either +satisfaction or disgust. He ignored Kirkwood altogether, for the time +being, and presently produced a small, bright object, which, applied to his +lips, proved to be a boatswain's whistle. He sounded two blasts, one long, +one brief. + +There fell a lull, Kirkwood watching the other and wondering what next +would happen. Calendar paced restlessly to and fro upon the narrow landing, +now stopping to incline an ear to catch some anticipated sound, now +searching with sweeping glances the black reaches of the Pool. + +Finally, consulting his watch, "Almost ten," he announced. + +"We're in time?" + +"Can't say.... Damn! ... If that infernal boat would only show up--" + +He was lifting the whistle to sound a second summons when a rowboat rounded +a projecting angle formed by the next warehouse down stream, and with +clanking oar-locks swung in toward the landing. On her thwarts two figures, +dipping and rising, labored with the sweeps. As they drew in, the man +forward shipped his blades, and rising, scrambled to the bows in order to +grasp an iron mooring-ring set in the wall. The other awkwardly took in his +oars and, as the current swung the stern downstream, placed a hand palm +downward upon the bottom step to hold the boat steady. + +Calendar waddled to the brink of the stage, grunting with relief. + +"The other man?" he asked brusquely. "Has he gone aboard? Or is this the +first trip to-night?" + +One of the watermen nodded assent to the latter question, adding gruffly: +"Seen nawthin' of 'im, sir." + +"Very good," said Calendar, as if he doubted whether it were very good or +bad. "We'll wait a bit." + +"Right-o!" agreed the waterman civilly. + +Calendar turned back, his small eyes glimmering with satisfaction. Fumbling +in one coat pocket he brought to light a cigar-case. "Have a smoke?" he +suggested with a show of friendliness. "By Heaven, I was beginnin' to get +worried!" + +"As to what?" inquired Kirkwood pointedly, selecting a cigar. + +He got no immediate reply, but felt Calendar's sharp eyes upon him while he +manoeuvered with matches for a light. + +"That's so," it came at length. "You don't know. I kind of forgot for a +minute; somehow you seemed on the inside." + +Kirkwood laughed lightly. "I've experienced something of the same sensation +in the past few hours." + +"Don't doubt it." Calendar was watching him narrowly. "I suppose," he put +it to him abruptly, "you haven't changed your mind?" + +"Changed my mind?" + +"About coming in with me." + +"My dear sir, I can have no mind to change until a plain proposition is +laid before me." + +"Hmm!" Calendar puffed vigorously until it occurred to him to change the +subject. "You won't mind telling me what happened to you and Dorothy?" + +"Certainly not." + +Calendar drew nearer and Kirkwood, lowering his voice, narrated briefly the +events since he had left the Pless in Dorothy's company. + +Her father followed him intently, interrupting now and again with +exclamation or pertinent question; as, Had Kirkwood been able to see the +face of the man in No. 9, Frognall Street? The negative answer seemed to +disconcert him. + +"Youngster, you say? Blam' if I can lay my mind to _him_! Now if that +Mulready--" + +"It would have been impossible for Mulready--whoever he is--to recover and +get to Craven Street before we did," Kirkwood pointed out. + +"Well--go on." But when the tale was told, "It's that scoundrel, Mulready!" +the man affirmed with heat. "It's his hand--I know him. I might have had +sense enough to see he'd take the first chance to hand me the double-cross. +Well, this does for _him_, all right!" Calendar lowered viciously at the +river. "You've been blame' useful," he told Kirkwood assertively. "If +it hadn't been for you, I don't know where _I'd_ be now,--nor Dorothy, +either,"--an obvious afterthought. "There's no particular way I can show my +appreciation, I suppose? Money--?" + +"I've got enough to last me till I reach New York, thank you." + +"Well, if the time ever comes, just shout for George B. I won't be +wanting.... I only wish you were with us; but that's out of the question." + +"Doubtless ..." + +"No two ways about it. I bet anything you've got a conscience concealed +about your person. What? You're an honest man, eh?" + +"I don't want to sound immodest," returned Kirkwood, amused. + +"You don't need to worry about that.... But an honest man's got no business +in _my_ line." He glanced again at his watch. "Damn that Mulready! I wonder +if he was 'cute enough to take another way? Or did he think ... The fool!" + +He cut off abruptly, seeming depressed by the thought that he might have +been outwitted; and, clasping hands behind his back, chewed savagely on his +cigar, watching the river. Kirkwood found himself somewhat wearied; the +uselessness of his presence there struck him with added force. He bethought +him of his boat-train, scheduled to leave a station miles distant, in an +hour and a half. If he missed it, he would be stranded in a foreign land, +penniless and practically without friends--Brentwick being away and all the +rest of his circle of acquaintances on the other side of the Channel. Yet +he lingered, in poor company, daring fate that he might see the end of the +affair. Why? + +There was only one honest answer to that question. He stayed on because of +his interest in a girl whom he had known for a matter of three hours, at +most. It was insensate folly on his part, ridiculous from any point of +view. But he made no move to go. + +The slow minutes lengthened monotonously. + +There came a sound from the street level. Calendar held up a hand of +warning. "Here they come! Steady!" he said tensely. Kirkwood, listening +intently, interpreted the noise as a clash of hoofs upon cobbles. + +Calendar turned to the boat. + +"Sheer off," he ordered. "Drop out of sight. I'll whistle when I want you." + +"Aye, aye, sir." + +The boat slipped noiselessly away with the current and in an instant was +lost to sight. Calendar plucked at Kirkwood's sleeve, drawing him into the +shadow of the steps. "E-easy," he whispered; "and, I say, lend me a hand, +will you, if Mulready turns ugly?" + +"Oh, yes," assented Kirkwood, with a nonchalance not entirely unassumed. + +The racket drew nearer and ceased; the hush that fell thereafter seemed +only accentuated by the purling of the river. It was ended by footsteps +echoing in the covered passageway. Calendar craned his thick neck round the +shoulder of stone, reconnoitering the landing and stairway. + +"Thank God!" he said under his breath. "I was right, after all!" + +A man's deep tones broke out above. "This way. Mind the steps; they're a +bit slippery, Miss Dorothy." + +"But my father--?" came the girl's voice, attuned to doubt. + +"Oh, he'll be along--if he isn't waiting now, in the boat." + +They descended, the man leading. At the foot, without a glance to right or +left, he advanced to the edge of the stage, leaning out over the rail as if +endeavoring to locate the rowboat. At once the girl appeared, moving to his +side. + +"But, Mr. Mulready--" + +The girl's words were drowned by a prolonged blast on the boatswain's +whistle at her companion's lips; the shorter one followed in due course. +Calendar edged forward from Kirkwood's side. + +"But what shall we do if my father isn't here? Wait?" + +"No; best not to; best to get on the _Alethea_ as soon as possible, Miss +Calendar. We can send the boat back." + +"'Once aboard the lugger the girl is mine'--eh, Mulready?--to say nothing +of the loot!" + +If Calendar's words were jocular, his tone conveyed a different impression +entirely. Both man and girl wheeled right about to face him, the one with a +strangled oath, the other with a low cry. + +"The devil!" exclaimed this Mr. Mulready. + +"Oh! My father!" the girl voiced her recognition of him. + +"Not precisely one and the same person," commented Calendar suavely. +"But--er--thanks, just as much.... You see, Mulready, when I make an +appointment, I keep it." + +"We'd begun to get a bit anxious about you--" Mulready began defensively. + +"So I surmised, from what Mrs. Hallam and Mr. Kirkwood told me.... Well?" + +The man found no ready answer. He fell back a pace to the railing, his +features working with his deep chagrin. The murky flare of the gas-lamp +overhead fell across a face handsome beyond the ordinary but marred by a +sullen humor and seamed with indulgence: a face that seemed hauntingly +familiar until Kirkwood in a flash of visual memory reconstructed the +portrait of a man who lingered over a dining-table, with two empty chairs +for company. This, then, was he whom Mrs. Hallam had left at the Pless; a +tall, strong man, very heavy about the chest and shoulders.... + +"Why, my dear friend," Calendar was taunting him, "you don't seem overjoyed +to see me, for all your wild anxiety! 'Pon my word, you act as if you +hadn't expected me--and our engagement so clearly understood, at that! ... +Why, you fool!"--here the mask of irony was cast. "Did you think for a +moment I'd let myself be nabbed by that yap from Scotland Yard? Were you +banking on that? I give you my faith I ambled out under his very nose! ... +Dorothy, my dear," turning impatiently from Mulready, "where's that bag?" + +The girl withdrew a puzzled gaze from Mulready's face, (it was apparent to +Kirkwood that this phase of the affair was no more enigmatic to him than to +her), and drew aside a corner of her cloak, disclosing the gladstone bag, +securely grasped in one gloved hand. + +"I have it, thanks to Mr. Kirkwood," she said quietly. + +Kirkwood chose that moment to advance from the shadow. Mulready started and +fixed him with a troubled and unfriendly stare. The girl greeted him with a +note of sincere pleasure in her surprise. + +"Why, Mr. Kirkwood! ... But I left you at Mrs. Hallam's!" + +Kirkwood bowed, smiling openly at Mulready's discomfiture. + +"By your father's grace, I came with him," he said. "You ran away without +saying good night, you know, and I'm a jealous creditor." + +She laughed excitedly, turning to Calendar. "But _you_ were to meet me at +Mrs. Hallam's?" + +"Mulready was good enough to try to save me the trouble, my dear. He's an +unselfish soul, Mulready. Fortunately it happened that I came along not +five minutes after he'd carried you off. How was that, Dorothy?" + +Her glance wavered uneasily between the two, Mulready and her father. The +former, shrugging to declare his indifference, turned his back squarely +upon them. She frowned. + +"He came out of Mrs. Hallam's and got into the four-wheeler, saying you had +sent him to take your place, and would join us on the _Alethea_." + +"So-o! How about it, Mulready?" + +The man swung back slowly. "What you choose to think," he said after a +deliberate pause. + +"Well, never mind! We'll go over the matter at our leisure on the +_Alethea_." + +There was in the adventurer's tone a menace, bitter and not to be ignored; +which Mulready saw fit to challenge. + +"I think not," he declared; "I think not. I'm weary of your addle-pated +suspicions. It'd be plain to any one but a fool that I acted for the best +interests of all concerned in this matter. If you're not content to see it +in that light, I'm done." + +"Oh, if you want to put it that way, I'm _not_ content, Mr. Mulready," +retorted Calendar dangerously. + +"Please yourself. I bid you good evening and--good-by." The man took a step +toward the stairs. + +Calendar dropped his right hand into his top-coat pocket. "Just a minute," +he said sweetly, and Mulready stopped. Abruptly the fat adventurer's +smoldering resentment leaped in flame. "That'll be about all, Mr. Mulready! +'Bout face, you hound, and get into that boat! D'you think I'll temporize +with you till Doomsday? Then forget it. You're wrong, dead wrong. Your +bluff's called, and"--with an evil chuckle--"I hold a full house, +Mulready,--every chamber taken." He lifted meaningly the hand in the coat +pocket. "Now, in with you." + +With a grin and a swagger of pure bravado Mulready turned and obeyed. +Unnoticed of any, save perhaps Calendar himself, the boat had drawn in at +the stage a moment earlier. Mulready dropped into it and threw himself +sullenly upon the midships thwart. + +"Now, Dorothy, in you go, my dear," continued Calendar, with a +self-satisfied wag of his head. + +Half dazed, to all seeming, she moved toward the boat. With clumsy and +assertive gallantry her father stepped before her, offering his hand,--his +hand which she did not touch; for, in the act of descending, she remembered +and swung impulsively back to Kirkwood. + +"Good night, Mr. Kirkwood; good night,--I shan't forget." + +He took her hand and bowed above it; but when his head was lifted, he still +retained her fingers in a lingering clasp. + +"Good night," he said reluctantly. + +The crass incongruity of her in that setting smote him with renewed force. +Young, beautiful, dainty, brilliant and graceful in her pretty evening +gown, she figured strangely against the gloomy background of the river, in +those dull and mean surroundings of dank stone and rusted iron. She was +like (he thought extravagantly) a whiff of flower-fragrance lost in the +miasmatic vapors of a slough. + +The innocent appeal and allure of her face, upturned to his beneath the +gas-light, wrought compassionately upon his sensitive and generous heart. +He was aware of a little surge of blind rage against the conditions that +had brought her to that spot, and against those whom he held responsible +for those conditions. + +In a sudden flush of daring he turned and nodded coolly to Calendar. "With +your permission," he said negligently; and drew the girl aside to the angle +of the stairway. + +"Miss Calendar--" he began; but was interrupted. + +"Here--I say!" + +Calendar had started toward him angrily. + +Kirkwood calmly waved him back. "I want a word in private with your +daughter, Mr. Calendar," he announced with quiet dignity. "I don't think +you'll deny me? I've saved you some slight trouble to-night." + +Disgruntled, the adventurer paused. "Oh--_all_ right," he grumbled. "I +don't see what ..." He returned to the boat. + +"Forgive me, Miss Calendar," continued Kirkwood nervously. "I know I've no +right to interfere, but--" + +"Yes, Mr. Kirkwood?" + +"--but hasn't this gone far enough?" he floundered unhappily. "I can't like +the look of things. Are you sure--sure that it's all right--with you, I +mean?" + +She did not answer at once; but her eyes were kind and sympathetic. He +plucked heart of their tolerance. + +"It isn't too late, yet," he argued. "Let me take you to your friends,--you +must have friends in the city. But this--this midnight flight down the +Thames, this atmosphere of stealth and suspicion, this--" + +"But my place is with my father, Mr. Kirkwood," she interposed. "I daren't +doubt him--dare I?" + +"I ... suppose not." + +"So I must go with him.... I'm glad--thank you for caring, dear Mr. +Kirkwood. And again, good night." + +"Good luck attend you," he muttered, following her to the boat. + +Calendar helped her in and turned back to Kirkwood with a look of arch +triumph; Kirkwood wondered if he had overheard. Whether or no, he could +afford to be magnanimous. Seizing Kirkwood's hand, he pumped it vigorously. + +"My dear boy, you've been an angel in disguise! And I guess you think me +the devil in masquerade." He chuckled, in high conceit with himself over +the turn of affairs. "Good night and--and fare thee well!" He dropped into +the boat, seating himself to face the recalcitrant Mulready. "Cast off, +there!" + +The boat dropped away, the oars lifting and falling. With a weariful sense +of loneliness and disappointment, Kirkwood hung over the rail to watch them +out of sight. + +A dozen feet of water lay between the stage and the boat. The girl's dress +remained a spot of cheerful color; her face was a blur. As the watermen +swung the bows down-stream, she looked back, lifting an arm spectral in its +white sheath. Kirkwood raised his hat. + +The boat gathered impetus, momentarily diminishing in the night's illusory +perspective; presently it was little more than a fugitive blot, gliding +swiftly in midstream. And then, it was gone entirely, engulfed by the +obliterating darkness. + +[Illustration: The boat gathered impetus.] + +Somewhat wearily the young man released the railing and ascended the +stairs. "And that is the end!" he told himself, struggling with an acute +sense of personal injury. He had been hardly used. For a few hours his +life had been lightened by the ineffable glamor of Romance; mystery and +adventure had engaged him, exorcising for the time the Shade of Care; he +had served a fair woman and been associated with men whose ways, however +questionable, were the ways of courage, hedged thickly about with perils. + +All that was at an end. Prosaic and workaday to-morrows confronted him in +endless and dreary perspective; and he felt again upon his shoulder the +bony hand of his familiar, Care.... + +He sighed: "Ah, well!" + +Disconsolate and aggrieved, he gained the street. He was miles from St. +Pancras, foot-weary, to all intents and purposes lost. + +In this extremity, Chance smiled upon him. The cabby who, at his initial +instance, had traveled this weary way from Quadrant Mews, after the manner +of his kind, ere turning back, had sought surcease of fatigue at the +nearest public; from afar Kirkwood saw the four-wheeler at the curb, and +made all haste toward it. + +Entering the gin-mill he found the cabby, soothed him with bitter, and, +instructing him for St. Pancras with all speed, dropped, limp and listless +with fatigue, into the conveyance. + +As it moved, he closed his eyes; the face of Dorothy Calendar shone out +from the blank wall of his consciousness, like an illuminated picture cast +upon a screen. She smiled upon him, her head high, her eyes tender and +trustful. And he thought that her scarlet lips were sweet with promise and +her glance a-brim with such a light as he had never dreamed to know. + +And now that he knew it and desired it, it was too late; an hour gone he +might, by a nod of his head, have cast his fortunes with hers for weal or +woe. But now ... + +Alas and alackaday, that Romance was no more! + + + + +VII + + +DIVERSIONS OF A RUINED GENTLEMAN--RESUMED + +From the commanding elevation of the box, "Three 'n' six," enunciated the +cabby, his tone that of a man prepared for trouble, acquainted with +trouble, inclined to give trouble a welcome. His bloodshot eyes blinked +truculently at his alighted fare. "Three 'n' six," he iterated +aggressively. + +An adjacent but theretofore abstracted policeman pricked up his ears and +assumed an intelligent expression. + +"Bermondsey Ol' Stairs to Sain' Pancras," argued the cabby assertively; +"seven mile by th' radius; three 'n' six!" + +Kirkwood stood on the outer station platform, near the entrance to +third-class waiting-rooms. Continuing to fumble through his pockets for an +elusive sovereign purse, he looked up mildly at the man. + +"All right, cabby," he said, with pacific purpose; "you'll get your fare in +half a shake." + +"Three 'n' six!" croaked the cabby, like a blowsy and vindictive parrot. + +The bobby strolled nearer. + +"Yes?" said Kirkwood, mildly diverted. "Why not sing it, cabby?" + +"Lor' lumme!" The cabby exploded with indignation, continuing to give a +lifelike imitation of a rumpled parrot. "I 'ad trouble enough wif you at +Bermondsey Ol' Stairs, hover that quid you promised, didn't I? Sing it! My +heye!" + +"Quid, cabby?" And then, remembering that he had promised the fellow a +sovereign for fast driving from Quadrant Mews, Kirkwood grinned broadly, +eyes twinkling; for Mulready must have fallen heir to that covenant. "But +you got the sovereign? You got it, didn't you, cabby?" + +The driver affirmed the fact with unnecessary heat and profanity and an +amendment to the effect that he would have spoiled his fare's sanguinary +conk had the outcome been less satisfactory. + +The information proved so amusing that Kirkwood, chuckling, forbore to +resent the manner of its delivery, and, abandoning until a more favorable +time the chase of the coy sovereign purse, extracted from one trouser +pocket half a handful of large English small change. + +"Three shillings, six-pence," he counted the coins into the cabby's grimy +and bloated paw; and added quietly: "The exact distance is rather less +than, four miles, my man; your fare, precisely two shillings. You may keep +the extra eighteen pence, for being such a conscientious blackguard,--or +talk it over with the officer here. Please yourself." + +He nodded to the bobby, who, favorably impressed by the silk hat which +Kirkwood, by diligent application of his sleeve during the cross-town ride, +had managed to restore to a state somewhat approximating its erstwhile +luster, smiled at the cabby a cold, hard smile. Whereupon the latter, +smirking in unabashed triumph, spat on the pavement at Kirkwood's feet, +gathered up the reins, and wheeled out. + +"A 'ard lot, sir," commented the policeman, jerking his helmeted head +towards the vanishing four-wheeler. + +"Right you are," agreed Kirkwood amiably, still tickled by the knowledge +that Mulready had been obliged to pay three times over for the ride that +ended in his utter discomfiture. Somehow, Kirkwood had conceived no liking +whatever for the man; Calendar he could, at a pinch, tolerate for his sense +of humor, but Mulready--! "A surly dog," he thought him. + +Acknowledging the policeman's salute and restoring two shillings and a +few fat copper pennies to his pocket, he entered the vast and echoing +train-shed. In the act, his attention was attracted and immediately riveted +by the spectacle of a burly luggage navvy in a blue jumper in the act of +making off with a large, folding sign-board, of which the surface was +lettered expansively with the advice, in red against a white background: + +BOAT-TRAIN LEAVES ON TRACK 3 + +Incredulous yet aghast the young man gave instant chase to the navvy, +overhauling him with no great difficulty. For your horny-handed British +working-man is apparently born with two golden aphorisms in his mouth: +"Look before you leap," and "Haste makes waste." He looks continually, +seldom, if ever, leaps, and never is prodigal of his leisure. + +Excitedly Kirkwood touched the man's arm with a detaining hand. +"Boat-train?" he gasped, pointing at the board. + +"Left ten minutes ago, thank you, sir." + +"Wel-l, but...! Of course I can get another train at Tilbury?" + +"For yer boat? No, sir, thank you, sir. Won't be another tryne till +mornin', sir." + +"Oh-h!..." + +Aimlessly Kirkwood drifted away, his mind a blank. + +Sometime later he found himself on the steps outside the station, trying to +stare out of countenance a glaring electric mineral-water advertisement on +the farther side of the Euston Road. + +He was stranded.... + +Beyond the spiked iron fence that enhedges the incurving drive, the roar of +traffic, human, wheel and hoof, rose high for all the lateness of the hour: +sidewalks groaning with the restless contact of hundreds of ill-shod +feet; the roadway thundering--hansoms, four-wheelers, motor-cars, dwarfed +coster-mongers' donkey-carts and ponderous, rumbling, C.-P. motor-vans, +struggling for place and progress. For St. Pancras never sleeps. + +The misty air swam luminous with the light of electric signs as with the +radiance of some lurid and sinister moon. The voice of London sounded in +Kirkwood's ears, like the ominous purring of a somnolent brute beast, +resting, gorged and satiated, ere rising again to devour. To devour-- + +Stranded!... + +Distracted, he searched pocket after pocket, locating his watch, cigar- and +cigarette-cases, match-box, penknife--all the minutiae of pocket-hardware +affected by civilized man; with old letters, a card-case, a square envelope +containing his steamer ticket; but no sovereign purse. His small-change +pocket held less than three shillings--two and eight, to be exact--and a +brass key, which he failed to recognize as one of his belongings. + +And that was all. At sometime during the night he had lost (or been +cunningly bereft of?) that little purse of chamois-skin containing the +three golden sovereigns which he had been husbanding to pay his steamer +expenses, and which, if only he had them now, would stand between him and +starvation and a night in the streets. + +And, searching his heart, he found it brimming with gratitude to Mulready, +for having relieved him of the necessity of settling with the cabby. + +"Vagabond?" said Kirkwood musingly. "Vagabond?" He repeated the word softly +a number of times, to get the exact flavor of it, and found it little to +his taste. And yet... + +He thrust both hands deep in his trouser pockets and stared purposelessly +into space, twisting his eyebrows out of alignment and crookedly protruding +his lower lip. + +If Brentwick were only in town--But he wasn't, and wouldn't be, within the +week. + +"No good waiting here," he concluded. Composing his face, he reentered the +station. There were his trunks, of course. He couldn't leave them standing +on the station platform for ever. + +He found the luggage-room and interviewed a mechanically courteous +attendant, who, as the result of profound deliberation, advised him to try +his luck at the lost-luggage room, across the station. He accepted the +advice; it was a foregone conclusion that his effects had not been conveyed +to the Tilbury dock; they could not have been loaded into the luggage van +without his personal supervision. Still, anything was liable to happen when +his unlucky star was in the ascendant. + +He found them in the lost-luggage room. + +A clerk helped him identify the articles and ultimately clucked with a +perfunctory note: "Sixpence each, please." + +"I--ah--pardon?" + +"Sixpence each, the fixed charge, sir. For every twenty-four hours or +fraction thereof, sixpence per parcel." + +"Oh, thank you so much," said Kirkwood sweetly. "I will call to-morrow." + +"Very good, sir. Thank you, sir." + +"Five times sixpence is two-and-six," Kirkwood computed, making his way +hastily out of the station, lest a worse thing befall him. "No, bless your +heart!--not while two and eight represents the sum total of my fortune." + +He wandered out into the night; he could not linger round the station till +dawn; and what profit to him if he did? Even were he to ransom his trunks, +one can scarcely change one's clothing in a public waiting-room. + +Somewhere in the distance a great clock chimed a single stroke, freighted +sore with melancholy. It knelled the passing of the half-hour after +midnight; a witching hour, when every public shuts up tight, and gentlemen +in top-hats and evening dress are doomed to pace the pave till day (barring +they have homes or visible means of support)--till day, when pawnshops open +and such personal effects as watches and hammered silver cigar-cases may be +hypothecated. + +Sable garments fluttering, Care fell into step with Philip Kirkwood; Care +the inexorable slipped a skeleton arm through his and would not be denied; +Care the jade clung affectionately to his side, refusing to be jilted. + +"Ah, you thought you would forget me?" chuckled the fleshless lips by his +ear. "But no, my boy; I'm with you now, for ever and a day. 'Misery loves +company,' and it wouldn't be pretty of me to desert you in this extremity, +would it? Come, let us beguile the hours till dawn with conversation. +Here's a sprightly subject: What are you going to do, Mr. Kirkwood? _What +are you going to do?_" + +But Kirkwood merely shook a stubborn head and gazed straight before him, +walking fast through ways he did not recognize, and pretending not to hear. +None the less the sense of Care's solicitous query struck like a pain into +his consciousness. What was he to do? + +An hour passed. + +Denied the opportunity to satisfy its beast hunger and thirst, humanity +goes off to its beds. In that hour London quieted wonderfully; the streets +achieved an effect of deeper darkness, the skies, lowering, looked down +with a blush less livid for the shamelessness of man; cab ranks lengthened; +solitary footsteps added unto themselves loud, alarming, offensive echoes; +policemen, strolling with lamps blazing on their breasts, became as +lightships in a trackless sea; each new-found street unfolded its +perspective like a canyon of mystery, and yet teeming with a hundred masked +hazards; the air acquired a smell more clear and clean, an effect more +volatile; and the night-mist thickened until it studded one's attire with +myriads of tiny buttons, bright as diamond dust. + +Through this long hour Kirkwood walked without a pause. + +Another clock, somewhere, clanged resonantly twice. + +The world was very still.... + +And so, wandering foot-loose in a wilderness of ways, turning aimlessly, +now right, now left, he found himself in a street he knew, yet seemed not +to know: a silent, black street one brief block in length, walled with +dead and lightless dwellings, haunted by his errant memory; a street whose +atmosphere was heavy with impalpable essence of desuetude; in two words, +Frognall Street. + +Kirkwood identified it with a start and a guilty tremor. He stopped +stock-still, in an unreasoning state of semi-panic, arrested by a silly +impulse to turn and fly; as if the bobby, whom he descried approaching him +with measured stride, pausing new and again to try a door or flash +his bull's-eye down an area, were to be expected to identify the man +responsible for that damnable racket raised ere midnight in vacant Number +9! + +Oddly enough, the shock of recognition brought him to his +senses,--temporarily. He was even able to indulge himself in a quiet, +sobering grin at his own folly. He passed the policeman with a nod and a +cool word in response to the man's good-natured, "Good-night, sir." Number +9 was on the other side of the street; and he favored its blank and dreary +elevation with a prolonged and frank stare--that profited him nothing, by +the way. For a crazy notion popped incontinently into his head, and would +not be cast forth. + +At the corner he swerved and crossed, still possessed of his devil of +inspiration. It would be unfair to him to say that he did not struggle to +resist it, for he did, because it was fairly and egregiously asinine; yet +struggling, his feet trod the path to which it tempted him. + +"Why," he expostulated feebly, "I might's well turn back and beat that +bobby over the head with my cane!..." + +But at the moment his hand was in his change pocket, feeling over that same +brass door-key which earlier he had been unable to account for, and he was +informing himself how very easy it would have been for the sovereign purse +to have dropped from his waistcoat pocket while he was sliding on his ear +down the dark staircase. To recover it meant, at the least, shelter for +the night, followed by a decent, comfortable and sustaining morning meal. +Fortified by both he could redeem his luggage, change to clothing more +suitable for daylight traveling, pawn his valuables, and enter into +negotiations with the steamship company for permission to exchange his +passage, with a sum to boot, for transportation on another liner. A most +feasible project! A temptation all but irresistible! + +But then--the risk.... Supposing (for the sake of argument) the customary +night-watchman to have taken up a transient residence in Number 9; +supposing the police to have entered with him and found the stunned man on +the second floor: would the watchman not be vigilant for another nocturnal +marauder? would not the police now, more than ever, be keeping a wary eye +on that house of suspicious happenings? + +Decidedly, to reenter it would be to incur a deadly risk. And yet, +undoubtedly, beyond question! his sovereign purse was waiting for him +somewhere on the second flight of stairs; while as his means of clandestine +entry lay warm in his fingers--the key to the dark entry, which he had by +force of habit pocketed after locking the door. + +He came to the Hog-in-the-Pound. Its windows were dim with low-turned +gas-lights. Down the covered alleyway, Quadrant Mews slept in a dusk but +fitfully relieved by a lamp or two round which the friendly mist clung +close and thick. + +There would be none to see.... + +Skulking, throat swollen with fear, heart beating like a snare-drum, +Kirkwood took his chance. Buttoning his overcoat collar up to his chin +and cursing the fact that his hat must stand out like a chimney-pot on a +detached house, he sped on tiptoe down the cobbled way and close beneath +the house-walls of Quadrant Mews. But, half-way in, he stopped, confounded +by an unforeseen difficulty. How was he to identify the narrow entry of +Number 9, whose counterparts doubtless communicated with the mews from +every residence on four sides of the city block? + +The low inner tenements were yet high enough to hide the rear elevations of +Frognall Street houses, and the mist was heavy besides; otherwise he had +made shift to locate Number 9 by ticking off the dwellings from the corner. +If he went on, hit or miss, the odds were anything-you-please to one that +he would blunder into the servant's quarters of some inhabited house, +and--be promptly and righteously sat upon by the service-staff, while the +bobby was summoned. + +Be that as it might--he almost lost his head when he realized this--escape +was already cut off by the way he had come. Some one, or, rather, some two +men were entering the alley. He could hear the tramping and shuffle of +clumsy feet, and voices that muttered indistinctly. One seemed to trip over +something, and cursed. The other laughed; the voices grew more loud. They +were coming his way. He dared no longer vacillate. + +But--which passage should he choose? + +He moved on with more haste than discretion. One heel slipped on a cobble +time-worn to glassy smoothness; he lurched, caught himself up in time to +save a fall, lost his hat, recovered it, and was discovered. A voice, +maudlin with drink, hailed and called upon him to stand and give an account +of himself, "like a goo' feller." Another tempted him with offers of drink +and sociable confabulation. He yielded not; adamantine to the seductive +lure, he picked up his heels and ran. Those behind him, remarking with +resentment the amazing fact that an intimate of the mews should run away +from liquor, cursed and made after him, veering, staggering, howling like +ravening animals. + +For all their burden of intoxication, they knew the ground by instinct and +from long association. They gained on him. Across the way a window-sash +went up with a bang, and a woman screamed. Through the only other entrance +to the mews a belated cab was homing; its driver, getting wind of the +unusual, pulled up, blocking the way, and added his advice to the uproar. + +Caught thus between two fires, and with his persecutors hard upon him, +Kirkwood dived into the nearest black hole of a passageway and in sheer +desperation flung himself, key in hand, against the door at the end. Mark +how his luck served him who had forsworn her! He found a keyhole and +inserted the key. It turned. So did the knob. The door gave inward. He fell +in with it, slammed it, shot the bolts, and, panting, leaned against its +panels, in a pit of everlasting night but--saved!--for the time being, at +all events. + +Outside somebody brushed against one wall, cannoned to the other, brought +up with a crash against the door, and, perforce at a standstill, swore from +his heart. + +"Gorblimy!" he declared feelingly. "I'd 'a' took my oath I sore'm run in +'ere!" And then, in answer to an inaudible question: "No, 'e ain't. Gorn +an' let the fool go to 'ell. 'Oo wants 'im to share goo' liker? Not I!..." + +Joining his companion he departed, leaving behind him a trail of +sulphur-tainted air. The mews quieted gradually. + +Indoors Kirkwood faced unhappily the enigma of fortuity, wondering: Was +this by any possibility Number 9? + +The key had fitted; the bolts had been drawn on the inside; and while +the key had been one of ordinary pattern and would no doubt have proven +effectual with any one of a hundred common locks, the finger of probability +seemed to indicate that his luck had brought him back to Number 9. + +In spite of all this, he was sensible of little confidence; though this +were truly Number 9, his freedom still lay on the knees of the gods, his +very life, belike, was poised, tottering, on a pinnacle of chance. + +In the end, taking heart of desperation, he stooped and removed his shoes; +a precaution which later appealed to his sense of the ridiculous, in view +of the racket he had raised in entering, but which at the moment seemed +most natural and in accordance with common sense. Then rising, he held his +breath, staring and listening. About him the pitch darkness was punctuated +with fading points of fire, and in his ears was a noise of strange +whisperings, very creepy--until, gritting his teeth, he controlled his +nerves and gradually realized that he was alone, the silence undisturbed. + +He went forward gingerly, feeling his way like a blind man on strange +ground. Ere long he stumbled over a door-sill and found that the walls +of the passage had fallen away; he had entered a room, a black cavern of +indeterminate dimensions. Across this he struck at random, walked himself +flat against a wall, felt his way along to an open door, and passed through +to another apartment as dark as the first. + +Here, endeavoring to make a circuit of the walls, he succeeded in throwing +himself bodily across a bed, which creaked horribly; and for a full minute +lay as he had fallen, scarce daring to think. But nothing followed, and he +got up and found a shut door which let him into yet a third room, wherein +he barked both shins on a chair; and escaped to a fourth whose atmosphere +was highly flavored with reluctant odors of bygone cookery, stale water and +damp plumbing--probably the kitchen. Thence progressing over complaining +floors through what may have been the servants' hall, a large room with +a table in the middle and a number of promiscuous chairs (witness his +tortured shins!), he finally blundered into the basement hallway. + +By now a little calmer, he felt assured that this was really Number 9, +Frognall Street, and a little happier about it all, though not even +momentarily forgetful of the potential police and night-watchman. + +However, he mounted the steps to the ground floor without adventure and +found himself at last in the same dim and ghostly hall which he had entered +some six hours before; the mockery of dusk admitted by the fan-light was +just strong enough to enable him to identify the general lay of the land +and arrangement of furniture. + +More confidently with each uncontested step, he continued his quest. +Elation was stirring his spirit when he gained the first floor and moved +toward the foot of the second flight, approaching the spot whereat he was +to begin the search for the missing purse. The knowledge that he lacked +means of obtaining illumination deterred him nothing; he had some hope +of finding matches in one of the adjacent rooms, but, failing that, was +prepared to ascend the stairs on all fours, feeling every inch of their +surface, if it took hours. Ever an optimistic soul, instinctively inclined +to father faith with a hope, he felt supremely confident that his search +would not prove fruitless, that he would win early release from his +temporary straits. + +And thus it fell out that, at the instant he was thinking it time to begin +to crawl and hunt, his stockinged feet came into contact with something +heavy, yielding, warm--something that moved, moaned, and caused his hair to +bristle and his flesh to creep. + +We will make allowances for him; all along he had gone on the assumption +that his antagonist of the dark stairway would have recovered and made off +with all expedition, in the course of ten or twenty minutes, at most, from +the time of his accident. To find him still there was something entirely +outside of Kirkwood's reckoning: he would as soon have thought to encounter +say, Calendar,--would have preferred the latter, indeed. But this fellow +whose disability was due to his own interference, who was reasonably to be +counted upon to raise the very deuce and all of a row! + +The initial shock, however shattering to his equanimity, soon, lost effect. +The man evidently remained unconscious, in fact had barely moved; while the +moan that Kirkwood heard, had been distressingly faint. + +"Poor devil!" murmured the young man. "He must be in a pretty bad way, for +sure!" He knelt, compassion gentling his heart, and put one hand to the +insentient face. A warm sweat moistened his fingers; his palm was fanned by +steady respiration. + +Immeasurably perplexed, the American rose, slipped on his shoes and +buttoned them, thinking hard the while. What ought he to do? Obviously +flight suggested itself,--incontinent flight, anticipating the man's +recovery. On the other hand, indubitably the latter had sustained such +injury that consciousness, when it came to him, would hardly be reinforced +by much aggressive power. Moreover, it was to be remembered that the one +was in that house with quite as much warrant as the other, unless Kirkwood +had drawn a rash inference from the incident of the ragged sentry. The two +of them were mutual, if antagonistic, trespassers; neither would dare +bring about the arrest of the other. And then--and this was not the least +consideration to influence Kirkwood--perhaps the fellow would die if he got +no attention. + +Kirkwood shut his teeth grimly. "I'm no assassin," he informed himself, "to +strike and run. If I've maimed this poor devil and there are consequences, +I'll stand 'em. The Lord knows it doesn't matter a damn to anybody, not +even to me, what happens to me; while _he_ may be valuable." + +Light upon the subject, actual as well as figurative, seemed to be the +first essential; his mind composed, Kirkwood set himself in search of it. +The floor he was on, however, afforded him no assistance; the mantels were +guiltless of candles and he discovered no matches, either in the wide and +silent drawing-room, with its ghastly furniture, like mummies in their +linen swathings, or in the small boudoir at the back. He was to look either +above or below, it seemed. + +After some momentary hesitation, he went up-stairs, his ascent marked by a +single and grateful accident; half-way to the top he trod on an object that +clinked underfoot, and, stooping, retrieved the lost purse. Thus was he +justified of his temerity; the day was saved--that is, to-morrow was. + +The rooms of the second-floor were bedchambers, broad, deep, stately, +inhabited by seven devils of loneliness. In one, on a dresser, Kirkwood +found a stump of candle in a china candlestick; the two charred ends of +matches at its base were only an irritating discovery, however--evidence +that real matches had been the mode in Number 9, at some remote date. +Disgusted and oppressed by cumulative inquisitiveness, he took the +candle-end back to the hall; he would have given much for the time and +means to make a more detailed investigation into the secret of the house. + +Perhaps it was mostly his hope of chancing on some clue to the mystery of +Dorothy Calender--bewitching riddle that she was!--that fascinated his +imagination so completely. Aside from her altogether, the great house that +stood untenanted, yet in such complete order, so self-contained in its +darkened quiet, intrigued him equally with the train of inexplicable events +that had brought him within its walls. Now--since his latest entrance--his +vision had adjusted itself to cope with the obscurity to some extent; and +the street lights, meagerly reflected through the windows from the bosom of +a sullen pall of cloud, low-swung above the city, had helped him to piece +together many a detail of decoration and furnishing, alike somber and +richly dignified. Kirkwood told himself that the owner, whoever he might +be, was a man of wealth and taste inherited from another age; he had found +little of meretricious to-day in the dwelling, much that was solid and +sedate and homely, and--Victorian.... He could have wished for more; a box +of early Victorian vestas had been highly acceptable. + +Making his way down-stairs to the stricken man--who was quite as he had +been--Kirkwood bent over and thrust rifling fingers into his pockets, +regardless of the wretched sense of guilt and sneakishness imparted by the +action, stubbornly heedless of the possibility of the man's awakening to +find himself being searched and robbed. + +In the last place he sought, which should (he realized) have been the +first, to wit, the fob pocket of the white waistcoat, he found a small gold +matchbox, packed tight with wax vestas; and, berating himself for crass +stupidity--he had saved a deal of time and trouble by thinking of this +before--lighted the candle. + +As its golden flame shot up with scarce a tremor, preyed upon by a +perfectly excusable concern, he bent to examine the man's countenance.... +The arm which had partly hidden it had fallen back into a natural position. +It was a young face that gleamed pallid in the candlelight--a face unlined, +a little vapid and insignificant, with features regular and neat, betraying +few characteristics other than the purely negative attributes of a +character as yet unformed, possibly unformable; much the sort of a face +that he might have expected to see, remembering those thin and pouting lips +that before had impressed him. Its owner was probably little more than +twenty. In his attire there was a suspicion of a fop's preciseness, aside +from its accidental disarray; the cut of his waistcoat was the extreme of +the then fashion, the white tie (twisted beneath one ear) an exaggerated +"butterfly," his collar nearly an inch too tall; and he was shod with pumps +suitable only for the dancing-floor,--a whim of the young-bloods of London +of that year. + +"I can't make him out at all!" declared Kirkwood. "The son of a gentleman +too weak to believe that cubs need licking into shape? Reared to man's +estate, so sheltered from the wicked world that he never grew a bark?... +The sort that never had a quarrel in his life, 'cept with his tailor?... +Now what the devil is _this_ thing doing in this midnight mischief?... +Damn!" + +It was most exasperating, the incongruity of the boy's appearance assorted +with his double role of persecutor of distressed damsels and nocturnal +house-breaker! + +Kirkwood bent closer above the motionless head, with puzzled eyes striving +to pin down some elusive resemblance that he thought to trace in those +vacuous features--a resemblance to some one he had seen, or known, at some +past time, somewhere, somehow. + +"I give it up. Guess I'm mistaken. Anyhow, five young Englishmen out of +every ten of his class are just as blond and foolish. Now let's see how bad +he's hurt." + +With hands strong and gentle, he turned the round, light head. Then, "Ah!" +he commented in the accent of comprehension. For there was an angry looking +bump at the base of the skull; and, the skin having been broken, possibly +in collision with the sharp-edged newel-post, a little blood had stained +and matted the straw-colored hair. + +Kirkwood let the head down and took thought. Recalling a bath-room on the +floor above, thither he went, unselfishly forgetful of his predicament if +discovered, and, turning on the water, sopped his handkerchief until it +dripped. Then, returning, he took the boy's head on his knees, washed the +wound, purloined another handkerchief (of silk, with a giddy border) +from the other's pocket, and of this manufactured a rude but serviceable +bandage. + +Toward the conclusion of his attentions, the sufferer began to show signs +of returning animation. He stirred restlessly, whimpered a little, and +sighed. And Kirkwood, in consternation, got up. + +"So!" he commented ruefully. "I guess I am an ass, all right--taking all +that trouble for you, my friend. If I've got a grain of sense left, this is +my cue to leave you alone in your glory." + +He was lingering only to restore to the boy's pockets such articles as he +had removed in the search for matches,--the match-box, a few silver coins, +a bulky sovereign purse, a handsome, plain gold watch, and so forth. But +ere he concluded he was aware that the boy was conscious, that his eyes, +open and blinking in the candlelight, were upon him. + +They were blue eyes, blue and shallow as a doll's, and edged with long, +fine lashes. Intelligence, of a certain degree, was rapidly informing them. +Kirkwood returned their questioning glance, transfixed in indecision, his +primal impulse to cut-and-run for it was gone; he had nothing to fear from +this child who could not prevent his going whenever he chose to go; while +by remaining he might perchance worm from him something about the girl. + +"You're feeling better?" He was almost surprised to hear his own voice put +the query. + +"I--I think so. Ow, my head!... I say, you chap, whoever you are, what's +happened?... I want to get up." The boy added peevishly: "Help a fellow, +can't you?" + +"You've had a nasty fall," Kirkwood observed evenly, passing an arm +beneath the boy's shoulder and helping him to a sitting position. "Do you +remember?" + +The other snuffled childishly and scrubbed across the floor to rest his +back against the wall. + +"Why-y ... I remember fallin'; and then ... I woke up and it was all dark +and my head achin' fit to split. I presume I went to sleep again ... I say, +what're you, doing here?" + +Instead of replying, Kirkwood lifted a warning finger. + +"Hush!" he said tensely, alarmed by noises in the street. "You don't +suppose--?" + +He had been conscious of a carriage rolling up from the corner, as well as +that it had drawn up (presumably) before a near-by dwelling. Now the rattle +of a key in the hall-door was startlingly audible. Before he could move, +the door itself opened with a slam. + +Kirkwood moved toward the stair-head, and drew back with a cry of disgust. +"Too late!" he told himself bitterly; his escape was cut off. He could run +up-stairs and hide, of course, but the boy would inform against him and.... + +He buttoned up his coat, settled his hat on his head, and moved near the +candle, where it rested on the floor. One glimpse would suffice to show him +the force of the intruders, and one move of his foot put out the light; +then--_perhaps_--he might be able to rush them. + +Below, a brief pause had followed the noise of the door, as if those +entering were standing, irresolute, undecided which way to turn; but +abruptly enough the glimmer of candlelight must have been noticed. Kirkwood +heard a hushed exclamation, a quick clatter of high heels on the parquetry, +pattering feet on the stairs, all but drowned by swish and ripple of silken +skirts; and a woman stood at the head of the flight--to the American an +apparition profoundly amazing as she paused, the light from the floor +casting odd, theatric shadows beneath her eyes and over her brows, edging +her eyes themselves with brilliant light beneath their dark lashes, showing +her lips straight and drawn, and shimmering upon the spangles of an evening +gown, visible beneath the dark cloak which had fallen back from her white, +beautiful shoulders. + + + + +VIII + + +MADAME L'INTRIGANTE + +"Mrs. Hallam!" cried Kirkwood, beneath his breath. + +The woman ignored his existence. Moving swiftly forward, she dropped on +both knees by the side of the boy, and caught up one of his hands, clasping +it passionately in her own. + +"Fred!" she cried, a curious break in her tone. "My little Freddie! Oh, +what has happened, dearie?" + +"Oh, hello, Mamma," grunted that young man, submitting listlessly to her +caresses and betraying no overwhelming surprise at her appearance there. +Indeed he seemed more concerned as to what Kirkwood, an older man, would +be thinking, to see him so endeared and fondled, than moved by any other +emotion. Kirkwood could see his shamefaced, sidelong glances; and despised +him properly for them. + +But without attending to his response, Mrs. Hallam rattled on in the uneven +accents of excitement. "I waited until I couldn't wait any longer, Freddie +dear. I had to know--had to come. Eccles came home about nine and said that +you had told him to wait outside, that some one had followed you in here, +and that a bobby had told him to move on. I didn't know what--" + +"What's o'clock now?" her son interrupted. + +"It's about three, I think ... Have you hurt yourself, dear? Oh, why +_didn't_ you come home? You must've known I was dying of anxiety!" + +"Oh, I say! Can't you see I'm hurt? 'Had a nasty fall and must've been +asleep ever since." + +"My precious one! How--?" + +"Can't say, hardly ... I say, don't paw a chap so, Mamma ... I brought +Eccles along and told him to wait because--well, because I didn't feel so +much like shuttin' myself up in this beastly old tomb. So I left the door +ajar, and told him not to let anybody come in. Then I came up-stairs. There +must've been somebody already in the house; I know I _thought_ there was. +It made me feel creepy, rather. At any rate, I heard voices down below, and +the door banged, and somebody began hammerin' like fun on the knocker." + +The boy paused, rolling an embarrassed eye up at the stranger. + +"Yes, yes, dear!" Mrs. Hallam urged him on. + +"Why, I--I made up my mind to cut my stick--let whoever it was pass me on +the stairs, you know. But he followed me and struck me, and then I jumped +at him, and we both fell down the whole flight. And that's all. Besides, my +head's achin' like everything." + +"But this man--?" + +Mrs. Hallam looked up at Kirkwood, who bowed silently, struggling to hide +both his amusement and perplexity. More than ever, now, the case presented +a front inscrutable to his wits; try as he might, he failed to fit an +explanation to any incident in which he had figured, while this last +development--that his antagonist of the dark stairway had been Mrs. +Hallam's son!--seemed the most astounding of all, baffling elucidation +completely. + +He had abandoned all thought of flight and escape. It was too late; in the +brisk idiom of his mother-tongue, he was "caught with the goods on." "May +as well face the music," he counseled himself, in resignation. From what he +had seen and surmised of Mrs. Hallam, he shrewdly suspected that the tune +would prove an exceedingly lively one; she seemed a woman of imagination, +originality, and an able-bodied temper. + +"_You_, Mr. Kirkwood!" + +Again he bowed, grinning awry. + +She rose suddenly. "You will be good enough to explain your presence here," +she informed him with dangerous serenity. + +"To be frank with you--" + +"I advise that course, Mr. Kirkwood." + +"Thanks, awf'ly.... I came here, half an hour ago, looking for a lost purse +full--well, not _quite_ full of sovereigns. It was my purse, by the way." + +Suspicion glinted like foxfire in the cold green eyes beneath her puckered +brows. "I do not understand," she said slowly and in level tones. + +"I didn't expect you to," returned Kirkwood; "no more do I.... But, anyway, +it must be clear to you that I've done my best for this gentleman here." He +paused with an interrogative lift of his eyebrows. + +"'This gentleman' is my son, Frederick Hallam.... But you will explain--" + +"Pardon me, Mrs. Hallam; I shall explain nothing, at present. Permit me +to point out that your position here--like mine--is, to say the least, +anomalous." The random stroke told, as he could tell by the instant +contraction of her eyes of a cat. "It would be best to defer explanations +till a more convenient time--don't you think? Then, if you like, we can +chant confidences in an antiphonal chorus. Just now your--er--son is not +enjoying himself apparently, and ... the attention of the police had best +not be called to this house too often in one night." + +His levity seemed to displease and perturb the woman; she turned from him +with an impatient movement of her shoulders. + +"Freddie, dear, do you feel able to walk?" + +"Eh? Oh, I dare say--I don't know. Wonder would your friend--ah--Mr. +Kirkwood, lend me an arm?" + +"Charmed," Kirkwood declared suavely. "If you'll take the candle, Mrs. +Hallam--" + +He helped the boy to his feet and, while the latter hung upon him and +complained querulously, stood waiting for the woman to lead the way with +the light; something which, however, she seemed in no haste to do. The +pause at length puzzled Kirkwood, and he turned, to find Mrs. Hallam +holding the candlestick and regarding him steadily, with much the same +expression of furtive mistrust as that with which she had favored him on +her own door-stoop. + +[Illustration: He helped the boy to his feet, and stood waiting.] + +"One moment," she interposed in confusion; "I won't keep you waiting...;" +and, passing with an averted face, ran quickly up-stairs to the second +floor, taking the light with her. Its glow faded from the walls above and +Kirkwood surmised that she had entered the front bedchamber. For some +moments he could hear her moving about; once, something scraped and bumped +on the floor, as if a heavy bit of furniture had been moved; again there +was a resounding thud that defied speculation; and this was presently +followed by a dull clang of metal. + +His fugitive speculations afforded him little enlightenment; and, meantime, +young Hallam, leaning partly against the wall and quite heavily on +Kirkwood's arm, filled his ears with puerile oaths and lamentations; so +that, but for the excuse of his really severe shaking-up, Kirkwood had +been strongly tempted to take the youngster by the shoulders and kick him +heartily, for the health of his soul. + +But eventually--it was not really long--there came the quick rush of Mrs. +Hallam's feet along the upper hall, and the woman reappeared, one hand +holding her skirts clear of her pretty feet as she descended in a rush that +caused the candle's flame to flicker perilously. + +Half-way down, "Mr. Kirkwood!" she called tempestuously. + +"Didn't you find it?" he countered blandly. + +She stopped jerkily at the bottom, and, after a moment of confusion. "Find +what, sir?" she asked. + +"What you sought, Mrs. Hallam." + +Smiling, he bore unflinching the prolonged inspection of her eyes, at once +somber with doubt of him and flashing with indignation because of his +impudence. + +"You knew I wouldn't find it, then!... Didn't you?" + +"I may have suspected you wouldn't." + +Now he was sure that she had been searching for the gladstone bag. That, +evidently, was the bone of contention. Calendar had sent his daughter for +it, Mrs. Hallam her son; Dorothy had been successful ... But, on the other +hand, Calendar and Mrs. Hallam were unquestionably allies. Why, then--? + +"Where is it, Mr. Kirkwood?" + +"Madam, have you the right to know?" + +Through another lengthening pause, while they faced each other, he marked +again the curious contraction of her under lip. + +"I have the right," she declared steadily. "Where is it?" + +"How can I be sure?" + +"Then you don't know--!" + +"Indeed," he interrupted, "I would be glad to feel that I ought to tell you +what I know." + +"_What_ you know!" + +The exclamation, low-spoken, more an echo of her thoughts than intended +for Kirkwood, was accompanied by a little shake of the woman's head, mute +evidence to the fact that she was bewildered by his finesse. And this +delighted the young man beyond measure, making him feel himself master of +a difficult situation. Mysteries had been woven before his eyes so +persistently, of late, that it was a real pleasure to be able to do a +little mystifying on his own account. By adopting this reticent and +non-committal attitude, he was forcing the hand of a woman old enough to be +his mother and most evidently a past-mistress in the art of misleading. All +of which seemed very fascinating to the amateur in adventure. + +The woman would have led again, but young Hallam cut in, none too +courteously. + +"I say, Mamma, it's no good standing here, palaverin' like a lot of flats. +Besides, I'm awf'ly knocked up. Let's get home and have it out there." + +Instantly his mother softened. "My poor boy!... Of course we'll go." + +Without further demur she swept past and down the stairway before +them--slowly, for their progress was of necessity slow, and the light most +needed. Once they were in the main hall, however, she extinguished the +candle, placed it on a side table, and passed out through the door. + +It had been left open, as before; and Kirkwood was not at all surprised to +see a man waiting on the threshold,--the versatile Eccles, if he erred not. +He had little chance to identify him, as it happened, for at a word from +Mrs. Hallam the man bowed and, following her across the sidewalk, opened +the door of a four-wheeler which, with lamps alight and liveried driver on +the box, had been waiting at the carriage-block. + +As they passed out, Kirkwood shut the door; and at the same moment the +little party was brought up standing by a gruff and authoritative summons. + +"Just a minute, please, you there!" + +"Aha!" said Kirkwood to himself. "I thought so." And he halted, in +unfeigned respect for the burly and impressive figure, garbed in blue and +brass, helmeted and truncheoned, bull's-eye shining on breast like the +Law's unblinking and sleepless eye, barring the way to the carriage. + +Mrs. Hallam showed less deference for the obstructionist. The assumed +hauteur and impatience of her pose was artfully reflected in her voice as +she rounded upon the bobby, with an indignant demand: "What is the meaning +of this, officer?" + +"Precisely what I wants to know, ma'am," returned the man, unyielding +beneath his respectful attitude. "I'm obliged to ask you to tell me what +you were doing in that 'ouse.... And what's the matter with this 'ere +gentleman?" he added, with a dubious stare at young Hallam's bandaged head +and rumpled clothing. + +"Perhaps you don't understand," admitted Mrs. Hallam sweetly. "Of course--I +see--it's perfectly natural. The house has been shut up for some time +and--" + +"Thank you, ma'am; that's just it. There was something wrong going on early +in the evening, and I was told to keep an eye on the premises. It's duty, +ma'am; I've got my report to make." + +"The house," said Mrs. Hallam, with the long-suffering patience of one +elucidating a perfectly plain proposition to a being of a lower order of +intelligence, "is the property of my son, Arthur Frederick Burgoyne Hallam, +of Cornwall. This is--" + +"Beg pardon, ma'am, but I was told Colonel George Burgoyne, of Cornwall--" + +"Colonel Burgoyne died some time ago. My son is his heir. This is my son. +He came to the house this evening to get some property he desired, and--it +seems--tripped on the stairs and fell unconscious. I became worried about +him and drove over, accompanied by my friend, Mr. Kirkwood." + +The policeman looked his troubled state of mind, and wagged a doubtful head +over the case. There was his duty, and there was, opposed to it, the fact +that all three were garbed in the livery of the well-to-do. + +At length, turning to the driver, he demanded, received, and noted in his +memorandum-book, the license number of the equipage. + +"It's a very unusual case, ma'am," he apologized; "I hopes you won't 'old +it against me. I'm only trying to do my duty--" + +"And safeguard our property. You are perfectly justified, officer." + +"Thank you, ma'am. And would you mind giving me your cards, please, all of +you?" + +"Certainly not." Without hesitation the woman took a little hand-bag from +the seat of the carriage and produced a card; her son likewise found his +case and handed the officer an oblong slip. + +"I've no cards with me," the American told the policeman; "my name, +however, is Philip Kirkwood, and I'm staying at the Pless." + +"Very good, sir; thank you." The man penciled the information in his little +book. "Thank you, ma'am, and Mr. Hallam, sir. Sorry to have detained you. +Good morning." + +Kirkwood helped young Hallam into the carriage, gave Mrs. Hallam his hand, +and followed her. The man Eccles shut the door, mounting the box beside the +driver. Immediately they were in motion. + +The American got a final glimpse of the bobby, standing in front of Number +9, Frognall Street, and watching them with an air of profound uncertainty. +He had Kirkwood's sympathy, therein; but he had little time to feel with +him, for Mrs. Hallam turned upon him very suddenly. + +"Mr. Kirkwood, will you be good enough to tell me who and what you are?" + +The young man smiled his homely, candid smile. "I'll be only too glad, Mrs. +Hallam, when I feel sure you'll do as much for yourself." + +She gave him no answer; it, was as if she were choosing words. Kirkwood +braced himself to meet the storm; but none ensued. There was rather a lull, +which strung itself out indefinitely, to the monotonous music of hoofs and +rubber tires. + +Young Hallam was resting his empty blond head against the cushions, and had +closed his eyes. He seemed to doze; but, as the carriage rolled past the +frequent street-lights, Kirkwood could see that the eyes of Mrs. Hallam +were steadily directed to his face. + +His outward composure was tempered by some amusement, by more admiration; +the woman's eyes were very handsome, even when hardest and most cold. It +was not easy to conceive of her as being the mother of a son so immaturely +mature. Why, she must have been at least thirty-eight or -nine! One +wondered; she did not look it.... + +The carriage stopped before a house with lighted windows. Eccles jumped +down from the box and scurried to open the front door. The radiance of +a hall-lamp was streaming out into the misty night when he returned to +release his employers. + +They were returned to Craven Street! "One more lap round the track!" mused +Kirkwood. "Wonder will the next take me back to Bermondsey Old Stairs." + +At Mrs. Hallam's direction, Eccles ushered him into the smoking-room, on +the ground floor in the rear of the dwelling, there to wait while she +helped her son up-stairs and to bed. He sighed with pleasure at first +glimpse of its luxurious but informal comforts, and threw himself +carelessly into a heavily padded lounging-chair, dropping one knee over the +other and lighting the last of his expensive cigars, with a sensation of +undiluted gratitude; as one coming to rest in the shadow of a great rock in +a weary land. + +Over his shoulder a home-like illumination was cast by an electric +reading-lamp shaded with red silk. At his feet brass fire-dogs winked +sleepily in the fluttering blaze of a well-tended stove. The walls were +hung with deep red, the doors and divans upholstered in the same restful +shade. In one corner an old clock ticked soberly. The atmosphere would +have proved a potent invitation to reverie, if not to sleep--he was very +sleepy--but for the confusion in the house. + +In its chambers, through the halls, on the stairs, there were hurryings and +scurryings of feet and skirts, confused with murmuring voices. Presently, +in an adjoining room, Philip Kirkwood heard a maid-servant wrestling +hopefully with that most exasperating of modern time-saving devices, +the telephone as countenanced by our English cousins. Her patience and +determination won his approval, but availed nothing for her purpose; in the +outcome the telephone triumphed and the maid gave up the unequal contest. + +Later, a butler entered the room; a short and sturdy fellow, extremely ill +at ease. Drawing a small taboret to the side of Kirkwood's chair, he placed +thereon a tray, deferentially imparting the information that "Missis 'Allam +'ad thought 'ow as Mister Kirkwood might care for a bit of supper." + +"Please thank Mrs. Hallam for me." Kirkwood's gratified eyes ranged the +laden tray. There were sandwiches, biscuit, cheese, and a pot of black +coffee, with sugar and cream. "It was very kindly thought of," he added. + +"Very good, sir, thank you, sir." + +The man turned to go, shuffling soundlessly. Kirkwood was suddenly +impressed with his evasiveness; ever since he had entered the room, his +countenance had seemed turned from the guest. + +"Eccles!" he called sharply, at a venture. + +The butler halted, thunderstruck. "Ye-es, s-sir?" + +[Illustration: Eccles] + +"Turn round, Eccles; I want a look at you." + +Eccles faced him unwillingly, with a stolid front but shifty eyes. Kirkwood +glanced him up and down, grinning. + +"Thank you, Eccles; I'll remember you now. You'll remember me, too, won't +you? You're a bad actor, aren't you, Eccles?" + +"Yes, sir; thank you, sir," mumbled the man unhappily; and took instant +advantage of the implied permission to go. + +Intensely diverted by the recollection of Eccles' abortive attempt to stop +him at the door of Number 9, and wondering--now that he came to think of +it--why, precisely, young Hallam had deemed it necessary to travel with +a body-guard and adopt such furtive methods to enter into as well as to +obtain what was asserted to be his own property, Kirkwood turned active +attention to the lunch. + +Thoughtfully he poured himself a cup of coffee, swallowing it hot and black +as it came from the silver pot; then munched the sandwiches. + +It _was_ kindly thought of, this early morning repast; Mrs. Hallam seemed +more and more a remarkable woman with each phase of her character that she +chose to disclose. At odds with him, she yet took time to think of his +creature needs! + +What could be her motive,--not in feeding him, but in involving her name +and fortune in an affair so strangely flavored?... This opened up a desert +waste of barren speculation. "What's anybody's motive, who figures in this +thundering dime-novel?" demanded the American, almost contemptuously. +And--for the hundredth time--gave it up; the day should declare it, if so +hap he lived to see that day: a distant one, he made no doubt. The only +clear fact in his befogged and bemused mentality was that he was at once +"broke" and in this business up to his ears. Well, he'd see it through; +he'd nothing better to do, and--there was the girl: + +Dorothy, whose eyes and lips he had but to close his own eyes to see +again as vividly as though she stood before him; Dorothy, whose unspoiled +sweetness stood out in vivid relief against this moil and toil of +conspiracy, like a star of evening shining clear in a stormy sky. + +"Poetic simile: I'm going fast," conceded Kirkwood; but he did not smile. +It was becoming quite too serious a matter for laughter. For her sake, +he was in the game "for keeps"; especially in view of the fact that +everything--his own heart's inclination included--seemed to conspire to +keep him in it. Of course he hoped for nothing in return; a pauper who +turns squire-of-dames with matrimonial intent is open to the designation, +"penniless adventurer." No; whatever service he might be to the girl would +be ample recompense to him for his labors. And afterwards, he'd go his +way in peace; she'd soon forget him--if she hadn't already. Women (he +propounded gravely) are queer: there's no telling anything about them! + +One of the most unreadable specimens of the sex on which he pronounced this +highly original dictum, entered the room just then; and he found himself at +once out of his chair and his dream, bowing. + +"Mrs. Hallam." + +The woman nodded and smiled graciously. "Eccles has attended to your needs, +I hope? Please don't stop smoking." She sank into an arm-chair on the +other side of the hearth and, probably by accident, out of the radius of +illumination from the lamp; sitting sidewise, one knee above the other, her +white arms immaculate against the somber background of shadowed crimson. + +She was very handsome indeed, just then; though a keener light might have +proved less flattering. + +"Now, Mr. Kirkwood?" she opened briskly, with a second intimate and +friendly nod; and paused, her pose receptive. + +Kirkwood sat down again, smiling good-natured appreciation of her +unprejudiced attitude. + +"Your son, Mrs. Hallam--?" + +"Oh, Freddie's doing well enough.... Freddie," she explained, "has a +delicate constitution and has seen little of the world. Such melodrama +as to-night's is apt to shock him severely. We must make allowances, Mr. +Kirkwood." + +Kirkwood grinned again, a trace unsympathetically; he was unable to +simulate any enthusiasm on the subject of poor Freddie, whom he had sized +up with passable acumen as a spoiled and coddled child completely under the +thumb of an extremely clever mother. + +"Yes," he responded vaguely; "he'll be quite fit after a night's sleep, I +dare say." + +The woman was watching him keenly, beneath her lowered lashes. "I think," +she said deliberately, "that it is time we came to an understanding." + +Kirkwood agreed--"Yes?" affably. + +"I purpose being perfectly straightforward. To begin with, I don't place +you, Mr. Kirkwood. You are an unknown quantity, a new factor. Won't you +please tell me what you are and.... Are you a friend of Mr. Calendar's?" + +"I think I may lay claim to that honor, though"--to Kirkwood's way of +seeing things some little frankness on his own part would be essential if +they were to get on--"I hardly know him, Mrs. Hallam. I had the pleasure of +meeting him only this afternoon." + +She knitted her brows over this statement. + +"That, I assure you, is the truth," he laughed. + +"But ... I really don't understand." + +"Nor I, Mrs. Hallam. Calendar aside, I am Philip Kirkwood, American, +resident abroad for some years, a native of San Francisco, of a certain +age, unmarried, by profession a poor painter." + +"And--?" + +"Beyond that? I presume I must tell you, though I confess I'm in doubt...." +He hesitated, weighing candor in the balance with discretion. + +"But who are you for? Are you in George Calendar's pay?" + +"Heaven forfend!"--piously. "My sole interest at the present moment is to +unravel a most entrancing mystery--" + +"Entitled 'Dorothy Calendar'! Of course. You've known her long?" + +"Eight hours, I believe," he admitted gravely; "less than that, in fact." + +"Miss Calendar's interests will not suffer through anything you may tell +me." + +"Whether they will or no, I see I must swing a looser tongue, or you'll be +showing me the door." + +The woman shook her head, amused, "Not until," she told him significantly. + +"Very well, then." And he launched into an abridged narrative of the +night's events, as he understood them, touching lightly on his own +circumstances, the real poverty which had brought him back to Craven Street +by way of Frognall. "And there you have it all, Mrs. Hallam." + +She sat in silent musing. Now and again he caught the glint of her eyes +and knew that he was being appraised with such trained acumen as only +long knowledge of men can give to women. He wondered if he were found +wanting.... Her dark head bended, elbow on knee, chin resting lightly in +the cradle of her slender, parted fingers, the woman thought profoundly, +her reverie ending with a brief, curt laugh, musical and mirthless as the +sound of breaking glass. + +"It is so like Calendar!" she exclaimed: "so like him that one sees how +foolish it was to trust--no, not to trust, but to believe that he could +ever be thrown off the scent, once he got nose to ground. So, if we suffer, +my son and I, I shall have only myself to thank!" + +Kirkwood waited in patient attention till she chose to continue. When she +did "Now for my side of the case!" cried Mrs. Hallam; and rising, began to +pace the room, her slender and rounded figure swaying gracefully, the while +she talked. + +"George Calendar is a scoundrel," she said: "a swindler, gambler,--what I +believe you Americans call a confidence-man. He is also my late husband's +first cousin. Some years since he found it convenient to leave England, +likewise his wife and daughter. Mrs. Calendar, a country-woman of yours, by +the bye, died shortly afterwards. Dorothy, by the merest accident, obtained +a situation as private secretary in the household of the late Colonel +Burgoyne, of The Cliffs, Cornwall. You follow me?" + +"Yes, perfectly." + +"Colonel Burgoyne died, leaving his estates to my son, some time ago. +Shortly afterwards Dorothy Calendar disappeared. We know now that her +father took her away, but then the disappearance seemed inexplicable, +especially since with her vanished a great deal of valuable information. +She alone knew of the location of certain of the old colonel's personal +effects." + +"He was an eccentric. One of his peculiarities involved the secreting of +valuables in odd places; he had no faith in banks. Among these valuables +were the Burgoyne family jewels--quite a treasure, believe me, Mr. +Kirkwood. We found no note of them among the colonel's papers, and without +Dorothy were powerless to pursue a search for them. We advertised and +employed detectives, with no result. It seems that father and daughter were +at Monte Carlo at the time." + +"Beautifully circumstantial, my dear lady," commented Kirkwood--to his +inner consciousness. Outwardly he maintained consistently a pose of +impassive gullibility. + +"This afternoon, for the first time, we received news of the Calendars. +Calendar himself called upon me, to beg a loan. I explained our difficulty +and he promised that Dorothy should send us the information by the +morning's post. When I insisted, he agreed to bring it himself, after +dinner, this evening.... I make it quite clear?" she interrupted, a little +anxious. + +"Quite clear, I assure you," he assented encouragingly. + +"Strangely enough, he had not been gone ten minutes when my son came +in from a conference with our solicitors, informing me that at last a +memorandum had turned up, indicating that the heirlooms would be found in a +safe secreted behind a dresser in Colonel Burgoyne's bedroom." + +"At Number 9, Frognall Street." + +"Yes.... I proposed going there at once, but it was late and we were dining +at the Pless with an acquaintance, a Mr. Mulready, whom I now recall as a +former intimate of George Calendar. To our surprise we saw Calendar and his +daughter at a table not far from ours. Mr. Mulready betrayed some agitation +at the sight of Calendar, and told me that Scotland Yard had a man out with +a warrant for Calendar's arrest, on old charges. For old sake's sake, Mr. +Mulready begged me to give Calendar a word of warning. I did so--foolishly, +it seems: Calendar was at that moment planning to rob us, Mulready aiding +and abetting him." + +The woman paused before Kirkwood, looking down upon him. "And so," she +concluded, "we have been tricked and swindled. I can scarcely believe it of +Dorothy Calendar." + +"I, for one, don't believe it." Kirkwood spoke quietly, rising. "Whatever +the culpability of Calendar and Mulready, Dorothy was only their hoodwinked +tool." + +"But, Mr. Kirkwood, she must have known the jewels were not hers." + +"Yes," he assented passively, but wholly unconvinced. + +"And what," she demanded with a gesture of exasperation, "what would you +advise?" + +"Scotland Yard," he told her bluntly. + +"But it's a family secret! It must not appear in the papers. Don't you +understand--George Calendar is my husband's cousin!" + +"I can think of nothing else, unless you pursue them in person." + +"But--whither?" + +"That remains to be discovered; I can tell you nothing more than I have.... +May I thank you for your hospitality, express my regrets that I should +unwittingly have been made the agent of this disaster, and wish you good +night--or, rather, good morning, Mrs. Hallam?" + +For a moment she held him under a calculating glance which he withstood +with graceless fortitude. Then, realizing that he was determined not by any +means to be won to her cause, she gave him her hand, with a commonplace +wish that he might find his affairs in better order than seemed probable; +and rang for Eccles. + +The butler showed him out. + +He took away with him two strong impressions; the one visual, of a +strikingly handsome woman in a wonderful gown, standing under the red glow +of a reading-lamp, in an attitude of intense mental concentration, her +expression plainly indicative of a train of thought not guiltless of +vindictiveness; the other, more mental but as real, he presently voiced to +the huge bronze lions brooding over desolate Trafalgar Square. + +"Well," appreciated Mr. Kirkwood with gusto, "_she's_ got Ananias and +Sapphira talked to a standstill, all right!" He ruminated over this for +a moment. "Calendar can lie some, too; but hardly with her picturesque +touch.... Uncommon ingenious, _I_ call it. All the same, there were only +about a dozen bits of tiling that didn't fit into her mosaic a little +bit.... I think they're all tarred with the same stick--all but the girl. +And there's something afoot a long sight more devilish and crafty than that +shilling-shocker of madam's.... Dorothy Calendar's got about as much active +part in it as I have. I'm only from California, but they've got to show +me, before I'll believe a word against her. Those infernal +scoundrels!...Somebody's got to be on the girl's side and I seem to have +drawn the lucky straw.... Good Heavens! is it possible for a grown man to +fall heels over head in love in two short hours? I don't believe it. It's +just interest--nothing more.... And I'll have to have a change of clothes +before I can do anything further." + +He bowed gratefully to the lions, in view of their tolerant interest in his +soliloquy, and set off very suddenly round the square and up St. Martin's +Lane, striking across town as directly as might be for St. Pancras Station. +It would undoubtedly be a long walk, but cabs were prohibited by his +straitened means, and the busses were all abed and wouldn't be astir for +hours. + +He strode along rapidly, finding his way more through intuition than by +observation or familiarity with London's geography--indeed, was scarce +aware of his surroundings; for his brain was big with fine imagery, rapt in +a glowing dream of knighterrantry and chivalric deeds. + +Thus is it ever and alway with those who in the purity of young hearts rush +in where angels fear to tread; if these, Kirkwood and his ilk, be fools, +thank God for them, for with such foolishness is life savored and made +sweet and sound! To Kirkwood the warp of the world and the woof of it was +Romance, and it wrapped him round, a magic mantle to set him apart from +all things mean and sordid and render him impregnable and invisible to the +haunting Shade of Care. + +Which, by the same token, presently lost track of him entirely, and +wandered off to find and bedevil some other poor devil. And Kirkwood, his +eyes like his spirit elevated, saw that the clouds of night were breaking, +the skies clearing, that the East pulsed ever more strongly with the +dim golden promise of the day to come. And this he chose to take for an +omen--prematurely, it may be. + + + + +IX + + +AGAIN "BELOW BRIDGE"; AND BEYOND + +Kirkwood wasted little time, who had not much to waste, were he to do that +upon whose doing he had set his heart. It irked him sore to have to lose +the invaluable moments demanded by certain imperative arrangements, but his +haste was such that all was consummated within an hour. + +Within the period of a single hour, then, he had ransomed his luggage at +St. Pancras, caused it to be loaded upon a four-wheeler and transferred to +a neighboring hotel of evil flavor but moderate tariff, where he engaged +a room for a week, ordered an immediate breakfast, and retired with his +belongings to his room; he had shaved and changed his clothes, selecting +a serviceable suit of heavy tweeds, stout shoes, a fore-and-aft cap and a +negligee shirt of a deep shade calculated at least to seem clean for a long +time; finally, he had devoured his bacon and eggs, gulped down his coffee +and burned his mouth, and, armed with a stout stick, set off hotfoot in the +still dim glimmering of early day. + +By this time his cash capital had dwindled to the sum of two pounds, ten +shillings, eight-pence, and would have been much less had he paid for his +lodging in advance. But he considered his trunks ample security for the +bill, and dared not wait the hour when shopkeepers begin to take down +shutters and it becomes possible to realize upon one's jewelry. Besides +which, he had never before been called upon to consider the advisability of +raising money by pledging personal property, and was in considerable doubt +as to the right course of procedure in such emergency. + +At King's Cross Station on the Underground an acute disappointment awaited +him; there, likewise, he learned something about London. A sympathetic +bobby informed him that no trains would be running until after five-thirty, +and that, furthermore, no busses would begin to ply until half after seven. + +"It's tramp it or cab it, then," mused the young man mournfully, his +longing gaze seeking a nearby cab-rank--just then occupied by a solitary +hansom, driver somnolent on the box. "Officer," he again addressed +the policeman, mindful of the English axiom: "When in doubt, ask a +bobby."--"Officer, when's high-tide this morning?" + +The bobby produced a well-worn pocket-almanac, moistened a massive thumb, +and rippled the pages. + +"London Bridge, 'igh tide twenty minutes arfter six, sir," he announced +with a glow of satisfaction wholly pardonable in one who combines the +functions of perambulating almanac, guide-book, encyclopedia, and conserver +of the peace. + +Kirkwood said something beneath his breath--a word in itself a comfortable +mouthful and wholesome and emphatic. He glanced again at the cab and +groaned: "O Lord, I just dassent!" With which, thanking the bureau of +information, he set off at a quick step down Grey's Inn Road. + +The day had closed down in brilliance upon the city--and the voice of the +milkman was to be heard in the land--when he trudged, still briskly if a +trifle wearily, into Holborn, and held on eastward across the Viaduct and +down Newgate Street; the while addling his weary wits with heart-sickening +computations of minutes, all going hopelessly to prove that he would be +late, far too late even presupposing the unlikely. The unlikely, be it +known, was that the _Alethea_ would not attempt to sail before the turn of +the tide. + +For this was his mission, to find the _Alethea_ before she sailed. +Incredible as it may appear, at five o'clock, or maybe earlier, on the +morning of the twenty-second of April, 1906, A.D., Philip Kirkwood, +normally a commonplace but likable young American in full possession of +his senses, might have been seen (and by some was seen) plodding manfully +through Cheapside, London, England, engaged upon a quest as mad, forlorn, +and gallant as any whose chronicle ever inspired the pen of a Malory or +a Froissart. In brief he proposed to lend his arm and courage to be the +shield and buckler of one who might or might not be a damsel in distress; +according as to whether Mrs. Hallam had spoken soothly of Dorothy Calendar, +or Kirkwood's own admirable faith in the girl were justified of itself. + +Proceeding upon the working hypothesis that Mrs. Hallam was a polished liar +in most respects, but had told the truth, so far as concerned her statement +to the effect that the gladstone bag contained valuable real property +(whose ownership remained a moot question, though Kirkwood was definitely +committed to the belief that it was none of Mrs. Hallam's or her son's): +he reasoned that the two adventurers, with Dorothy and their booty, would +attempt to leave London by a water route, in the ship, _Alethea_, whose +name had fallen from their lips at Bermondsey Old Stairs. + +Kirkwood's initial task, then, would be to find the needle in the +haystack--the metaphor is poor: more properly, to sort out from the +hundreds of vessels, of all descriptions, at anchor in midstream, moored to +the wharves of 'long-shore warehouses, or in the gigantic docks that line +the Thames, that one called _Alethea_; of which he was so deeply mired in +ignorance that he could not say whether she were tramp-steamer, coastwise +passenger boat, one of the liners that ply between Tilbury and all the +world, Channel ferry-boat, private yacht (steam or sail), schooner, +four-master, square-rigger, barque or brigantine. + +A task to stagger the optimism of any but one equipped with the sublime +impudence of Youth! Even Kirkwood was disturbed by some little awe when +he contemplated the vast proportions of his undertaking. None the less +doggedly he plugged ahead, and tried to keep his mind from vain surmises +as to what would be his portion when eventually he should find himself a +passenger, uninvited and unwelcome, upon the _Alethea_.... + +London had turned over once or twice, and was pulling the bedclothes over +its head and grumbling about getting up, but the city was still sound +asleep when at length he paused for a minute's rest in front of the Mansion +House, and realized with a pang of despair that he was completely tuckered +out. There was a dull, vague throbbing in his head; weights pressed upon +his eyeballs until they ached; his mouth was hot and tasted of yesterday's +tobacco; his feet were numb and heavy; his joints were stiff; he yawned +frequently. + +With a sigh he surrendered to the flesh's frailty. An early cabby, cruising +up from Cannon Street station on the off-chance of finding some one astir +in the city, aside from the doves and sparrows, suffered the surprise of +his life when Kirkwood hailed him. His face was blank with amazement when +he reined in, and his eyes bulged when the prospective fare, on impulse, +explained his urgent needs. Happily he turned out a fair representative of +his class, an intelligent and unfuddled cabby. + +"Jump in, sir," he told Kirkwood cheerfully, as soon as he had assimilated +the latter's demands. "I knows precisely wotcher wants. Leave it all to +me." + +The admonition was all but superfluous; Kirkwood was unable, for the time +being, to do aught else than resign his fate into another's guidance. Once +in the cab he slipped insensibly into a nap, and slept soundly on, as +reckless of the cab's swift pace and continuous jouncing as of the sunlight +glaring full in his tired young face. + +He may have slept twenty minutes; he awoke faint with drowsiness, tingling +from head to toe from fatigue, and in distress of a queer qualm in the pit +of his stomach, to find the hansom at rest and the driver on the step, +shaking his fare with kindly determination. "Oh, a' right," he assented +surlily, and by sheer force of will made himself climb out to the +sidewalk; where, having rubbed his eyes, stretched enormously and yawned +discourteously in the face of the East End, he was once more himself and +a hundred times refreshed into the bargain. Contentedly he counted three +shillings into the cabby's palm--the fare named being one-and-six. + +"The shilling over and above the tip's for finding me the waterman and +boat," he stipulated. + +"Right-o. You'll mind the 'orse a minute, sir?" + +Kirkwood nodded. The man touched his hat and disappeared inexplicably. +Kirkwood, needlessly attaching himself to the reins near the animal's head, +pried his sense of observation open and became alive to the fact that he +stood in a quarter of London as strange to him as had been Bermondsey Wall. + +To this day he can not put a name to it; he surmises that it was Wapping. + +Ramshackle tenements with sharp gable roofs lined either side of the way. +Frowsy women draped themselves over the window-sills. Pallid and wasted +parodies on childhood contested the middle of the street with great, slow +drays, drawn by enormous horses. On the sidewalks twin streams of masculine +humanity flowed without rest, both bound in the same direction: dock +laborers going to their day's work. Men of every nationality known to the +world (he thought) passed him in his short five-minute wait by the horse's +head; Britons, brown East Indians, blacks from Jamaica, swart Italians, +Polaks, Russian Jews, wire-drawn Yankees, Spaniards, Portuguese, Greeks, +even a Nubian or two: uniform in these things only, that their backs were +bent with toil, bowed beyond mending, and their faces stamped with the +blurred type-stamp of the dumb laboring brute. A strangely hideous +procession, they shambled on, for the most part silent, all uncouth and +unreal in the clear morning glow. + +The outlander was sensible of some relief when his cabby popped hurriedly +out of the entrance to a tenement, a dull-visaged, broad-shouldered +waterman ambling more slowly after. + +"Nevvy of mine, sir," announced the cabby; "and a fust-ryte waterman; knows +the river like a book, he do." + +The nephew touched his forelock sheepishly. + +"Thank you," said Kirkwood; and, turning to the man, "Your boat?" he asked +with the brevity of weariness. + +"This wye, sir." + +At his guide's heels Kirkwood threaded the crowd and, entering the +tenement, stumbled through a gloomy and unsavory passage, to come out at +last upon a scanty, unrailed veranda overlooking the river. Ten feet below, +perhaps, foul waters purred and eddied round the piles supporting the +rear of the building. On one hand a ladder-like flight of rickety steps +descended to a floating stage to which a heavy rowboat lay moored. In the +latter a second waterman was seated bailing out bilge with a rusty can. + +"'Ere we are, sir," said the cabman's nephew, pausing at the head of the +steps. "Now, where's it to be?" + +The American explained tersely that he had a message to deliver a friend, +who had shipped aboard a vessel known as the _Alethea_, scheduled to sail +at floodtide; further than which deponent averred naught. + +The waterman scratched his head. "A 'ard job, sir; not knowin' wot kind of +a boat she are mykes it 'arder." He waited hopefully. + +"Ten shillings," volunteered Kirkwood promptly; "ten shillings if you get +me aboard her before she weighs anchor; fifteen if I keep you out more than +an hour, and still you put me aboard. After that we'll make other terms." + +The man promptly turned his back to hail his mate. "'Arf a quid, Bob, if we +puts this gent aboard a wessel name o' _Allytheer_ afore she syles at turn +o' tide." + +In the boat the man with the bailing can turned up an impassive +countenance. "Coom down," he clenched the bargain; and set about shipping +the sweeps. + +Kirkwood crept down the shaky ladder and deposited himself in the stern of +the boat; the younger boatman settled himself on the midship thwart. + +"Ready?" + +"Ready," assented old Bob from the bows. He cast off the painter, placed +one sweep against the edge of the stage, and with a vigorous thrust pushed +off; then took his seat. + +Bows swinging down-stream, the boat shot out from the shore. + +"How's the tide?" demanded Kirkwood, his impatience growing. + +"On th' turn, sir," he was told. + +For a long moment broadside to the current, the boat responded to the +sturdy pulling of the port sweeps. Another moment, and it was in full +swing, the watermen bending lustily to their task. Under their unceasing +urge, the broad-beamed, heavy craft, aided by the ebbing tide, surged more +and more rapidly through the water; the banks, grim and unsightly with +their towering, impassive warehouses broken by toppling wooden tenements, +slipped swiftly up-stream. Ship after ship was passed, sailing vessels +in the majority, swinging sluggishly at anchor, drifting slowly with the +river, or made fast to the goods-stages of the shore; and in keen anxiety +lest he should overlook the right one, Kirkwood searched their bows and +sterns for names, which in more than one case proved hardly legible. + +The _Alethea_ was not of their number. + +In the course of some ten minutes, the watermen drove the boat sharply +inshore, bringing her up alongside another floating stage, in the shadow +of another tenement.--both so like those from which they had embarked that +Kirkwood would have been unable to distinguish one from another. + +In the bows old Bob lifted up a stentorian voice, summoning one William. + +Recognizing that there was some design in this, the passenger subdued his +disapproval of the delay, and sat quiet. + +In answer to the third ear-racking hail, a man, clothed simply in dirty +shirt and disreputable trousers, showed himself in the doorway above, +rubbing the sleep out of a red, bloated countenance with a mighty and grimy +fist. + +"'Ello," he said surlily. "Wot's th' row?" + +"'Oo," interrogated old Bob, holding the boat steady by grasping the stage, +"was th' party wot engyged yer larst night, Bill?" + +"Party name o' _Allytheer_," growled the drowsy one. "W'y?" + +"Party 'ere's lookin' for 'im. Where'll I find this _Allytheer?_" + +"Best look sharp 'r yer won't find 'im," retorted the one above. "'E _was_ +at anchor off Bow Creek larst night." + +Kirkwood's heart leaped in hope. "What sort of a vessel was she?" he asked, +half rising in his eagerness. + +"Brigantine, sir." + +"_Thank--you!_" replied Kirkwood explosively, resuming his seat with +uncalculated haste as old Bob, deaf to the amenities of social intercourse +in an emergency involving as much as ten-bob, shoved off again. + +And again the boat was flying down in midstream, the leaden waters, shot +with gold of the morning sun, parting sullenly beneath its bows. + +The air was still, heavy and tepid; the least exertion brought out beaded +moisture on face and hands. In the east hung a turgid sky, dull with haze, +through which the mounting sun swam like a plaque of brass; overhead it +was clear and cloudless, but besmirched as if the polished mirror of the +heavens had been fouled by the breath of departing night. + +On the right, ahead, Greenwich Naval College loomed up, the great +gray-stone buildings beyond the embankment impressively dominating the +scene, in happy relief against the wearisome monotony of the river-banks; +it came abreast; and ebbed into the backwards of the scene. + +The watermen straining at the sweeps, the boat sped into Blackwall Reach, +Bugsby Marshes a splash of lurid green to port, dreary Cubitt Town and the +West India Docks to starboard. Here the river ran thick with shipping. + +"Are we near?" Kirkwood would know; and by way of reply had a grunt of the +younger waterman. + +Again, "Will we make it?" he asked. + +The identical grunt answered him; he was free to interpret it as he would; +young William--as old Bob named him--had no breath for idle words. Kirkwood +subsided, controlling his impatience to the best of his ability; the men, +he told himself again and again, were earning their pay, whether or not +they gained the goal of his desire.... Their labors were titanic; on +their temples and foreheads the knotted veins stood out like discolored +whip-cord; their faces were the shade of raw beef, steaming with sweat; +their eyes protruded with the strain that set their jaws like vises; their +chests heaved and shrank like bellows; their backs curved, straightened, +and bent again in rhythmic unison as tiring to the eye as the swinging of a +pendulum. + +Hugging the marshy shore, they rounded the Blackwall Point. Young William +looked to Kirkwood, caught his eye, and nodded. + +"Here?" + +Kirkwood rose, balancing himself against the leap and sway of the boat. + +"Sumwhere's ... 'long ... o' 'ere." + +From right to left his eager glance swept the river's widening reach. +Vessels were there in abundance, odd, unwieldy, blunt-bowed craft with +huge, rakish, tawny sails; long strings of flat barges, pyramidal mounds of +coal on each, lashed to another and convoyed by panting tugs; steam cargo +boats, battered, worn, rusted sore through their age-old paint; a steel +leviathan of the deep seas, half cargo, half passenger boat, warping +reluctantly into the mouth of the Victoria Dock tidal basin,--but no +brigantine, no sailing vessel of any type. + +The young man's lips checked a cry that was half a sob of bitter +disappointment. He had entered into the spirit of the chase heart and soul, +with an enthusiasm that was strange to him, when he came to look back +upon the time; and to fail, even though failure had been discounted a +hundredfold since the inception of his mad adventure, seemed hard, very +hard. + +He sat down suddenly. "She's gone!" he cried in a hollow gasp. + +The boatmen eased upon their oars, and old Bob stood up in the bows, +scanning the river-scape with keen eyes shielded by a level palm. +Young William drooped forward suddenly, head upon knees, and breathed +convulsively. The boat drifted listlessly with the current. + +Old Bob panted: "'Dawn't--see--nawthin'--o' 'er." He resumed his seat. + +"There's no hope, I suppose?" + +The elder waterman shook his head. "'Carn't sye.... Might be round--nex' +bend--might be--passin' Purfleet.... 'Point is--me an' young Wilyum +'ere--carn't do no more--'n we 'as. We be wore out." + +"Yes," Kirkwood assented, disconsolate, "You've certainly earned your pay." +Then hope revived; he was very young in heart, you know. "Can't you suggest +something? I've _got_ to catch that ship!" + +Old Bob wagged his head in slow negation; young William lifted his. + +"There's a rylewye runs by Woolwich," he ventured. "Yer might tyke tryne +an' go to Sheerness, sir. Yer'd be positive o' passin' 'er if she didn't +syle afore 'igh-tide. 'Ire a boat at Sheerness an' put out an' look for +'er." + +"How far's Woolwich?" Kirkwood demanded instantly. + +"Mile," said the elder man. "Tyke yer for five-bob extry." + +"Done!" + +Young William dashed the sweat from his eyes, wiped his palms on his hips, +and fitted the sweeps again to the wooden tholes. Old Bob was as ready. +With an inarticulate cry they gave way. + + + + +X + + +DESPERATE MEASURES + +Old Bob seemed something inclined toward optimism, when the boat lay +alongside a landing-stage at Woolwich, and Kirkwood had clambered ashore. + +"Yer'll mebbe myke it," the waterman told him with a weatherwise survey of +the skies. "Wind's freshenin' from the east'rds, an' that'll 'old 'er back +a bit, sir." + +"Arsk th' wye to th' Dorkyard Styshun," young William volunteered. "'Tis +th' shortest walk, sir. I 'opes yer catches 'er.... Thanky, sir." + +He caught dextrously the sovereign which Kirkwood, in ungrudging +liberality, spared them of his store of two. The American nodded +acknowledgments and adieux, with a faded smile deprecating his chances of +winning the race, sorely handicapped as he was. He was very, very tired, +and in his heart suspected that he would fail. But, if he did, he would at +least be able to comfort himself that it was not for lack of trying. He +set his teeth on that covenant, in grim determination; either there was a +strain of the bulldog latent in the Kirkwood breed or else his infatuation +gripped him more strongly than he guessed. + +Yet he suspected something of its power; he knew that this was altogether +an insane proceeding, and that the lure that led him on was Dorothy +Calendar. A strange dull light glowed in his weary eyes, on the thought of +her. He'd go through fire and water in her service. She was costing him +dear, perhaps was to cost him dearer still; and perhaps there'd be for +his guerdon no more than a "Thank you, Mr. Kirkwood!" at the end of the +passage. But that would be no less than his deserts; he was not to forget +that he was interfering unwarrantably; the girl was in her father's hands, +surely safe enough there--to the casual mind. If her partnership in her +parent's fortunes were distasteful, she endured it passively, without +complaint. + +He decided that it was his duty to remind himself, from time to time, +that his main interest must be in the game itself, in the solution of +the riddle; whatever should befall, he must look for no reward for his +gratuitous and self-appointed part. Indeed he was all but successful in +persuading himself that it was the fascination of adventure alone that drew +him on. + +Whatever the lure, it was inexorable; instead of doing as a sensible person +would have done--returning to London for a long rest in his hotel room, ere +striving to retrieve his shattered fortunes--Philip Kirkwood turned up the +village street, intent only to find the railway station and catch the first +available train for Sheerness, were that an early one or a late. + +A hapchance native whom he presently encountered, furnished minute +directions for reaching the Dockyard Station of the Southeastern and +Chatham Rail-way, adding comfortable information to the effect that the +next east-bound train would pass through in ten minutes; if Kirkwood would +mend his pace he could make it easily, with time to spare. + +Kirkwood mended his pace accordingly, but, contrary to the prediction, had +no time to spare at all. Even as he stormed the ticket-grating, the train +was thundering in at the platform. Therefore a nervous ticket agent passed +him out a first-class ticket instead of the third-class he had asked for; +and there was no time wherein to have the mistake rectified. Kirkwood +planked down the fare, swore, and sprinted for the carriages. + +The first compartment whose door he jerked violently open, proved to be +occupied, and was, moreover, not a smoking-car. He received a fleeting +impression of a woman's startled eyes, staring into his own through a thin +mesh of veiling, fell off the running-board, slammed the door, and hurled +himself to-wards the next compartment. Here happier fortune attended upon +his desire; the box-like section was untenanted, and a notice blown upon +the window-glass announced that it was "2nd Class Smoking." Kirkwood +promptly tumbled in; and when he turned to shut the door the coaches were +moving. + +A pipe helped him to bear up while the train was making its two other stops +in the Borough of Woolwich: a circumstance so maddening to a man in a +hurry, that it set Kirkwood's teeth on edge with sheer impatience, and +made him long fervently for the land of his birth, where they do things +differently--where the Board of Directors of a railway company doesn't +erect three substantial passenger depots in the course of a mile and a half +of overgrown village. It consoled him little that none disputed with +him his lonely possession of the compartment, that he _had_ caught the +Sheerness train, or that he was really losing no time; a sense of deep +dejection had settled down upon his consciousness, with a realization of +how completely a fool's errand was this of his. He felt foredoomed to +failure; he was never to see Dorothy Calendar again; and his brain seemed +numb with disappointment. + +Rattling and swaying, the train left the town behind. + +Presently he put aside his pipe and stared blankly out at a reeling +landscape, the pleasant, homely, smiling countryside of Kent. A deeper +melancholy tinted his mind: Dorothy Calendar was for ever lost to him. + +The trucks drummed it out persistently--he thought, vindictively: +"_Lost!... Lost!... For ever lost!..._" + +And he had made--was then making--a damned fool of himself. The trucks had +no need to din _that_ into his thick skull by their ceaseless iteration; he +knew it, would not deny it.... + +And it was all his own fault. He'd had his chance, Calendar had offered him +it. If only he had closed with the fat adventurer!... + +Before his eyes field and coppice, hedge and homestead, stream and flowing +highway, all blurred and ran streakily into one another, like a highly +impressionistic water-color. He could make neither head nor tail of the +flying views, and so far as coherent thought was concerned, he could not +put two ideas together. Without understanding distinctly, he presently did +a more wise and wholesome thing: which was to topple limply over on the +cushions and fall fast asleep. + + * * * * * + +After a long time he seemed to realize rather hazily that the carriage-door +had been opened to admit somebody. Its smart closing _bang_ shocked him +awake. He sat up, blinking in confusion, hardly conscious of more, to begin +with, than that the train had paused and was again in full flight. Then, +his senses clearing, he became aware that his solitary companion, just +entered, was a woman. She was seated over across from him, her back to the +engine, in an attitude which somehow suggested a highly nonchalant frame of +mind. She laughed, and immediately her speaking voice was high and sweet in +his hearing. + +"Really, you know, Mr. Kirkwood, I simply couldn't contain my impatience +another instant." + +Kirkwood gasped and tried to re-collect his wits. + +"Beg pardon--I've been asleep," he said stupidly. + +"Yes. I'm sorry to have disturbed you, but, you know, you must make +allowances for a woman's nerves." + +Beneath his breath the bewildered man said: "The deuce!" and above it, in a +stupefied tone: "Mrs. Hallam!" + +She nodded in a not unfriendly fashion, smiling brightly. "Myself, Mr. +Kirkwood! Really, our predestined paths are badly tangled, just now; aren't +they? Were you surprised to find me in here, with you? Come now, confess +you were!" + +He remarked the smooth, girlish freshness of her cheeks, the sense and +humor of her mouth, the veiled gleam of excitement in her eyes of the +changing sea; and saw, as well, that she was dressed for traveling, +sensibly but with an air, and had brought a small hand-bag with her. + +"Surprised and delighted," he replied, recovering, with mendacity so +intentional and obvious that the woman laughed aloud. + +"I knew you'd be!... You see, I had the carriage ahead, the one you didn't +take. I was so disappointed when you flung up to the door and away again! +You didn't see me hanging half out the window, to watch where you went, did +you? That's how I discovered that your discourtesy was unintentional, that +you hadn't recognized me,--by the fact that you took this compartment, +right behind my own." + +She paused invitingly, but Kirkwood, grown wary, contented himself +with picking up his pipe and carefully knocking out the dottle on the +window-ledge. + +"I was glad to see _you_," she affirmed; "but only partly because you +were you, Mr. Kirkwood. The other and major part was because sight of you +confirmed my own secret intuition. You see, I'm quite old enough and wise +enough to question even my own intuitions." + +"A woman wise enough for that is an adult prodigy," he ventured cautiously. + +"It's experience and age. I insist upon the age; I the mother of a +grown-up boy! So I deliberately ran after you, changing when we stopped +at Newington. You might've escaped me if I had waited until We got to +Queensborough." + +Again she paused in open expectancy. Kirkwood, perplexed, put the pipe in +his pocket, and assumed a factitious look of resignation, regarding her +askance with that whimsical twist of his eyebrows. + +"For you are going to Queensborough, aren't you, Mr. Kirkwood?" + +"Queensborough?" he echoed blankly; and, in fact, he was at a loss to +follow her drift. "No, Mrs. Hallam; I'm not bound there." + +Her surprise was apparent; she made no effort to conceal it. "But," she +faltered, "if not there--" + +"'Give you my word, Mrs. Hallam, I have no intention whatever of going to +Queensborough," Kirkwood protested. + +"I don't understand." The nervous drumming of a patent-leather covered +toe, visible beneath the hem of her dress, alone betrayed a rising tide of +impatience. "Then my intuition _was_ at fault!" + +"In this instance, if it was at all concerned with my insignificant +affairs, yes--most decidedly at fault." + +She shook her head, regarding him with grave suspicion. "I hardly know: +whether to believe you. I think...." + +Kirkwood's countenance displayed an added shade of red. After a moment, "I +mean no discourtesy," he began stiffly, "but--" + +"But you don't care a farthing whether I believe you or not?" + +He caught her laughing eye, and smiled, the flush subsiding. + +"Very well, then! Now let us see: Where _are_ you bound?" + +Kirkwood looked out of the window. + +"I'm convinced it's a rendezvous...?" + +Kirkwood smiled patiently at the landscape. + +"Is Dorothy Calendar so very, very beautiful, Mr. Kirkwood?"--with a trace +of malice. + +Ostentatiously Kirkwood read the South Eastern and Chatham's framed card +of warning, posted just above Mrs. Hallam's head, to all such incurable +lunatics as are possessed of a desire to travel on the running-boards of +railway carriages. + +"You are going to meet her, aren't you?" + +He gracefully concealed a yawn. + +The woman's plan of attack took another form. "Last night, when you told me +your story, I believed you." + +He devoted himself to suppressing the temptingly obvious retort, and +succeeded; but though he left it unspoken, the humor of it twitched the +corners of his mouth; and Mrs. Hallam was observant. So that her next +attempt to draw him out was edged with temper. + +"I believed you an American but a gentleman; it appears that, if you ever +were the latter, you've fallen so low that you willingly cast your lot with +thieves." + +Having exhausted his repertoire of rudenesses, Kirkwood took to twiddling +his thumbs. + +"I want to ask you if you think it fair to me or my son, to leave us in +ignorance of the place where you are to meet the thieves who stole our--my +son's jewels?" + +"Mrs. Hallam," he said soberly, "if I am going to meet Mr. Calendar or Mr. +Mulready, I have no assurance of that fact." + +There was only the briefest of pauses, during which she analyzed this; +then, quickly, "But you hope to?" she snapped. + +He felt that the only adequate retort to this would be a shrug of his +shoulders; doubted his ability to carry one off; and again took refuge in +silence. + +The woman abandoned a second plan of siege, with a readiness that did +credit to her knowledge of mankind. She thought out the next very +carefully, before opening with a masked battery. + +"Mr. Kirkwood, can't we be friends--this aside?" + +"Nothing could please me more, Mrs. Hallam!" + +"I'm sorry if I've annoyed you--" + +"And I, too, have been rude." + +"Last night, when you cut away so suddenly, you prevented my making you a +proposal, a sort of a business proposition...." + +"Yes--?" + +"To come over to our side--" + +"I thought so. That was why I went." + +"Yes; I understood. But this morning, when you've had time to think it +over--?" + +"I have no choice in the matter, Mrs. Hallam." The green eyes darkened +ominously. "You mean--I am to understand, then, that you're against us, +that you prefer to side with swindlers and scoundrels, all because of a--" + +She discovered him eying her with a smile of such inscrutable and sardonic +intelligence, that the words died on her lips, and she crimsoned, +treasonably to herself. For he saw it; and the belief he had conceived +while attending to her tissue of fabrication, earlier that morning, was +strengthened to the point of conviction that, if anything had been stolen +by anybody, Mrs. Hallam and her son owned it as little as Calendar. + +As for the woman, she felt she had steadily lost, rather than gained, +ground; and the flash of anger that had colored her cheeks, lit twin +beacons in her eyes, which she resolutely fought down until they faded to +mere gleams of resentment and determination. But she forgot to control +her lips; and they are the truest indices to a woman's character and +temperament; and Kirkwood did not overlook the circumstance that their +specious sweetness had vanished, leaving them straight, set and hard, quite +the reverse of attractive. + +"So," she said slowly, after a silent time, "you are not for Queensborough! +The corollary of that _admission_, Mr. Kirkwood, is that you are for +Sheerness." + +"I believe," he replied wearily, "that there are no other stations on this +line, after Newington." + +"It follows, then, that--that I follow." And in answer to his perturbed +glance, she added: "Oh, I'll grant that intuition is sometimes a poor +guide. But if you meet George Calendar, so shall I. Nothing can prevent +that. You can't hinder me." + +Considerably amused, he chuckled. "Let us talk of other things, Mrs. +Hallam," he suggested pleasantly. "How is your son?" + +At this juncture the brakes began to shriek and grind upon the wheels. +The train slowed; it stopped; and the voice of a guard could be heard +admonishing passengers for Queensborough Pier to alight and take the branch +line. In the noise the woman's response was drowned, and Kirkwood was +hardly enough concerned for poor Freddie to repeat his question. + +When, after a little, the train pulled out of the junction, neither found +reason to resume the conversation. During the brief balance of the journey +Mrs. Hallam presumably had food for thought; she frowned, pursed her lips, +and with one daintily gloved forefinger followed a seam of her tailored +skirt; while Kirkwood sat watching and wondering how to rid himself of her, +if she proved really as troublesome as she threatened to be. + +Also, he wondered continually what it was all about. Why did Mrs. Hallam +suspect him of designing to meet Calendar at Queensborough? Had she +any tangible ground for believing that Calendar could be found in +Queensborough? Presumably she had, since she was avowedly in pursuit of +that gentleman, and, Kirkwood inferred, had booked for Queensborough. +Was he, then, running away from Calendar and his daughter to chase a +will-o'-the-wisp of his credulous fancy, off Sheerness shore? + +Disturbing reflection. He scowled over it, then considered the other side +of the face. Presuming Mrs. Hallam to have had reasonably dependable +assurance that Calendar would stop in Queensborough, would she so readily +have abandoned her design to catch him there, on the mere supposition that +Kirkwood might be looking for him in Sheerness? That did not seem likely +to one who esteemed Mrs. Hallam's acumen as highly as Kirkwood did. He +brightened up, forgot that his was a fool's errand, and began again to +project strategic plans into a problematic future. + +A sudden jolt interrupted this pastime, and the warning screech of the +brakes informed that he had no time to scheme, but had best continue on the +plan of action that had brought him thus far--that is, trust to his star +and accept what should befall without repining. + +He rose, opened the door, and holding it so, turned. + +"I regret, Mrs. Hallam," he announced, smiling his crooked smile, "that +a pressing engagement is about to prohibit my 'squiring you through the +ticket-gates. You understand, I'm sure." + +His irrepressible humor proved infectious; and Mrs. Hallam's spirit ran as +high as his own. She was smiling cheerfully when she, too, rose. + +"I also am in some haste," she averred demurely, gathering up her hand-bag +and umbrella. + +A raised platform shot in beside the carriage, and the speed was so +sensibly moderated that the train seemed to be creeping rather than +running. Kirkwood flung the door wide open and lowered himself to the +running-board. The end of the track was in sight and--a man who has been +trained to board San Francisco cable-cars fears to alight from no moving +vehicle. He swung off, got his balance, and ran swiftly down the platform. + +A cry from a bystander caused him to glance over his shoulder; Mrs. Hallam +was then in the act of alighting. As he looked the flurry of skirts +subsided and she fell into stride, pursuing. + +Sleepy Sheerness must have been scandalized, that day, and its gossips have +acquired ground for many, an uncharitable surmise. + +Kirkwood, however, was so fortunate as to gain the wicket before the +employee there awoke to the situation. Otherwise, such is the temper of +British petty officialdom, he might have detained the fugitive. As it was, +Kirkwood surrendered his ticket and ran out into the street with his luck +still a dominant factor in the race. For, looking back, he saw that Mrs. +Hallam had been held up at the gate, another victim of British red-tape; +her ticket read for Queensborough, she was attempting to alight one station +farther down the line, and while undoubtedly she was anxious to pay the +excess fare, Heaven alone knew when she would succeed in allaying the +suspicions and resentment of the ticket-taker. + +"That's good for ten minutes' start!" Kirkwood crowed. "And it never +occurred to me--!" + +Before the station he found two hacks in waiting, with little to choose +between them; neither was of a type that did not seem to advertise its +pre-Victorian fashioning, and to neither was harnessed an animal that +deserved anything but the epithet of screw. Kirkwood took the nearest for +no other reason than because it was the nearest, and all but startled the +driver off his box by offering double-fare for a brisk pace and a simple +service at the end of the ride. Succinctly he set forth his wants, jumped +into the antiquated four-wheeler, and threw himself down upon musty, dusty +cushions to hug himself over the joke and bless whatever English board of +railway, directors it was that first ordained that tickets should be taken +up at the end instead of the outset of a journey. + +It was promptly made manifest that he had further cause for gratulation. +The cabby, recovering from his amazement, was plying an indefatigable whip +and thereby eliciting a degree of speed from his superannuated nag, that +his fare had by no means hoped for, much less anticipated. The cab rocked +and racketed through Sheerness' streets at a pace which is believed to be +unprecedented and unrivaled; its passenger, dashed from side to side, had +all he could do to keep from battering the vehicle to pieces with his head; +while it was entirely out of the question to attempt to determine whether +or not he was being pursued. He enjoyed it all hugely. + +In a period of time surprisingly short, he saw, from fleeting glimpses of +the scenery to be obtained through the reeling windows, that they were +threading the outskirts of the town; synchronously, whether by design or +through actual inability to maintain it, the speed was moderated. And in +the course of a few more minutes the cab stopped definitely. + +Kirkwood clambered painfully out, shook himself together and the bruises +out of his bones, and looked fearfully back. + +Aside from a slowly settling cloud of dust, the road ran clear as far as he +could see--to the point, in fact, where the town closed in about it. + +He had won; at all events in so much as to win meant eluding the +persevering Mrs. Hallam. But to what end? + +Abstractedly he tendered his lonely sovereign to the driver, and without +even looking at it, crammed the heavy weight of change into his pocket; an +oversight which not only won him the awe-struck admiration of the cabby, +but entailed consequences (it may be) he little apprehended. It was with an +absentminded nod that he acquiesced in the man's announcement that he might +arrange about the boat for him. Accordingly the cabby disappeared; and +Kirkwood continued to stare about him, eagerly, hopefully. + +He stood on the brink of the Thames estuary, there a possible five miles +from shore to shore; from his feet, almost, a broad shingle beach sloped +gently to the water. + +On one hand a dilapidated picket-fence enclosed the door-yard of a +fisherman's cottage, or, better, hovel,--if it need be accurately +described--at the door of which the cabby was knocking. + +The morning was now well-advanced. The sun rode high, a sphere of tarnished +flame in a void of silver-gray, its thin cold radiance striking pallid +sparks from the leaping crests of wind-whipped waves. In the east a wall +of vapor, dull and lusterless, had taken body since the dawn, masking the +skies and shutting down upon the sea like some vast curtain; and out of the +heart of this a bitter and vicious wind played like a sword. + +To the north, Shoeburyness loomed vaguely, like a low-drifted bank of +cloud. Off to the right the Nore Lightship danced, a tiny fleck of warm +crimson in a wilderness of slatey-blue waters, plumed with a myriad of +vanishing white-caps. + +Up the shelving shore, small, puny wavelets dashed in impotent fury, and +the shingle sang unceasingly its dreary, syncopated monotone. High and dry, +a few dingy boats lay canted wearily upon their broad, swelling sides,--a +couple of dories, apparently in daily use; a small sloop yacht, dismantled +and plainly beyond repair; and an oyster-smack also out of commission. +About them the beach was strewn with a litter of miscellany,--nets, oars, +cork buoys, bits of wreckage and driftwood, a few fish too long forgotten +and (one assumed) responsible in part for the foreign wealth of the +atmosphere. + +Some little distance offshore a fishing-boat, catrigged and not more than +twenty-feet over all, swung bobbing at her mooring, keen nose searching +into the wind; at sight of which Kirkwood gave thanks, for his adventitious +guide had served him well, if that boat were to be hired by any manner of +persuasion. + +But it was to the farther reaches of the estuary that he gave more +prolonged and most anxious heed, scanning narrowly what shipping was there +to be seen. Far beyond the lightship a liner was riding the waves with +serene contempt, making for the river's mouth and Tilbury Dock. Nearer +in, a cargo boat was standing out upon the long trail, the white of riven +waters showing clearly against her unclean freeboard. Out to east a little +covey of fishing-smacks, red sails well reefed, were scudding before +the wind like strange affrighted water-fowl, and bearing down past a +heavy-laden river barge. The latter, with tarpaulin battened snugly down +over the cockpit and the seas dashing over her wash-board until she seemed +under water half the time, was forging stodgily Londonwards, her bargee at +the tiller smoking a placid pipe. + +But a single sailing vessel of any notable tonnage was in sight; and when +he saw her Kirkwood's heart became buoyant with hope, and he began to +tremble with nervous eagerness. For he believed her to be the _Alethea_. + +There's no mistaking a ship brigantine-rigged for any other style of craft +that sails the seas. + +From her position when first he saw her, Kirkwood could have fancied she +was tacking out of the mouth of the Medway; but he judged that, leaving the +Thames' mouth, she had tacked to starboard until well-nigh within hail of +Sheerness. Now, having presumably, gone about, she was standing out toward +the Nore, boring doggedly into the wind. He would have given a deal for +glasses wherewith to read the name upon her bows, but was sensible of no +hampering doubts; nor, had he harbored any, would they have deterred him. +He had set his heart upon the winning of his venture, had come too far, +risked far too much, to suffer anything now to stay his hand and stand +between him and Dorothy Calendar. Whatever the further risks and hazards, +though he should take his life in his hands to win to her side, he would +struggle on. He recked nothing of personal danger; a less selfish passion +ran molten in his veins, moving him to madness. + +Fascinated, he fixed his gaze upon the reeling brigantine, and for a space +it was as if by longing he had projected his spirit to her slanting deck, +and were there, pleading his case with the mistress of his heart.... + +Voices approaching brought him back to shore. He turned, resuming his mask +of sanity, the better to confer with the owner of the cottage and boats--a +heavy, keen-eyed fellow, ungracious and truculent of habit, and chary of +his words; as he promptly demonstrated. + +"I'll hire your boat," Kirkwood told him, "to put me aboard that +brigantine, off to leeward. We ought to start at once." + +The fisherman shifted his quid of tobacco from cheek to cheek, grunted +inarticulately, and swung deliberately on his heel, displaying a bull neck +above a pair of heavy shoulders. + +"Dirty weather," he croaked, facing back from his survey of the eastern +skies before the American found out whether or not he should resent his +insolence. + +"How much?" Kirkwood demanded curtly, annoyed. + +The man hesitated, scowling blackly at the heeling vessel, momentarily +increasing her distance from shore. Then with a crafty smile, "Two pound'," +he declared. + +The American nodded. "Very well," he agreed simply. "Get out your boat." + +The fisherman turned away to shamble noisily over the shingle, huge booted +heels crunching, toward one of the dories. To this he set his shoulder, +shoving it steadily down the beach until only the stern was dry. + +Kirkwood looked back, for the last time, up the road to Sheerness. Nothing +moved upon it. He was rid of Mrs. Hallam, if face to face with a sterner +problem. He had a few pence over ten shillings in his pocket, and had +promised to pay the man four times as much. He would have agreed to ten +times the sum demanded; for the boat he must and would have. But he had +neglected to conclude his bargain, to come to an understanding as to +the method of payment; and he felt more than a little dubious as to the +reception the fisherman would give his proposition, sound as he, Kirkwood, +knew it to be. + +In the background the cabby loitered, gnawed by insatiable curiosity. + +The fisherman turned, calling over his shoulder: "If ye'd catch yon vessel, +come!" + +With one final twinge of doubt--the task of placating this surly dog was +anything but inviting--the American strode to the boat and climbed in, +taking the stern seat. The fisherman shoved off, wading out thigh-deep in +the spiteful waves, then threw himself in over the gunwales and shipped the +oars. Bows swinging offshore, rocking and dancing, the dory began to forge +slowly toward the anchored boat. In their faces the wind beat gustily, and +small, slapping waves, breaking against the sides, showered them with fine +spray.... + +In time the dory lay alongside the cat-boat, the fisherman with a gnarled +hand grasping the latter's gunwale to hold the two together. With some +difficulty Kirkwood transhipped himself, landing asprawl in the cockpit, +amid a tangle of cordage slippery with scales. The skipper followed, with +clumsy expertness bringing the dory's painter with him and hitching it to a +ring-bolt abaft the rudder-head. Then, pausing an instant to stare into the +East with somber eyes, he shipped the tiller and bent to the halyards. As +the sail rattled up, flapping wildly, Kirkwood marked with relief--for it +meant so much time saved--that it was already close reefed. + +But when at least the boom was thrashing overhead and the halyards had +been made fast to their cleats, the fisherman again stood erect, peering +distrustfully at the distant wall of cloud. + +Then, in two breaths: "Can't do it," he decided; "not at the price." + +"Why?" Kirkwood stared despairingly after the brigantine, that was already +drawn far ahead. + +"Danger," growled the fellow, "--wind." + +At a loss completely, Kirkwood found no words. He dropped his head, +considering. + +"Not at the price," the sullen voice iterated; and he looked up to find the +cunning gaze upon him. + +"How much, then?" + +"Five poun' I'll have--no less, for riskin' my life this day." + +"Impossible. I haven't got it." + +In silence the man unshipped the tiller and moved toward the cleats. + +"Hold on a minute." + +Kirkwood unbuttoned his coat and, freeing the chain from his waistcoat +buttonholes, removed his watch.... As well abandon them altogether; he had +designed to leave them as security for the two pounds, and had delayed +stating the terms only for fear lest they be refused. Now, too late as +ever, he recognized his error. But surely, he thought, it should be +apparent even to that low intelligence that the timepiece alone was worth +more than the boat itself. + +"Will you take these?" he offered. "Take and keep them--only set me aboard +that ship!" + +Deliberately the fisherman weighed the watch and chain in his broad, hard +palm, eyes narrowing to mere slits in his bronzed mask. + +"How much?" he asked slowly. + +"Eighty pounds, together; the chain alone cost me twenty." + +The shifty, covetous eyes ranged from the treasure in his hand to the +threatening east. A puff of wind caught the sail and sent the boom +athwartships, like a mighty flail. Both men ducked instinctively, to escape +a braining. + +"How do I know?" objected the skipper. + +"I'm telling you. If you've got eyes, you can see," retorted Kirkwood +savagely, seeing that he had erred in telling the truth; the amount he had +named was too great to be grasped at once by this crude, cupidous brain. + +"How do I know?" the man repeated. Nevertheless he dropped watch and chain +into his pocket, then with a meaning grimace extended again his horny, +greedy palm. + +"What...?" + +"Hand over th' two pound' and we'll go." + +"I'll see you damned first!" + +A flush of rage blinded the young man. The knowledge that the _Alethea_ +was minute by minute slipping beyond his reach seemed to madden him. +White-lipped and ominously quiet he rose from his seat on the combing, as, +without answer, the fisherman, crawling out on the overhand, began to haul +in the dory. + +"Ashore ye go," he pronounced his ultimatum, motioning Kirkwood to enter +the boat. + +The American turned, looking for the _Alethea_, or for the vessel that he +believed bore that name. She was nearing the light-ship when he found +her, and as he looked a squall blurred the air between them, blotting +the brigantine out with a smudge of rain. The effect was as if she had +vanished, as if she were for ever snatched from his grasp; and with Dorothy +aboard her--Heaven alone knew in what need of him! + +Mute and blind with despair and wrath, he turned upon the man and caught +him by the collar, forcing him out over the lip of the overhang. They were +unevenly matched, Kirkwood far the slighter, but strength came to him in +the crisis, physical strength and address such as he had not dreamed was at +his command. And the surprise of his onslaught proved an ally of unguessed +potency. Before he himself knew it he was standing on the overhang and had +shifted his hold to seize the fellow about the waist; then, lifting him +clear of the deck, and aided by a lurch of the cat-boat, he cast him +bodily into the dory. The man, falling, struck his head against one of the +thwarts, a glancing blow that stunned him temporarily. Kirkwood himself +dropped as if shot, a trailing reef-point slapping his cheek until it stung +as the boom thrashed overhead. It was as close a call as he had known; the +knowledge sickened him a little. + +Without rising he worked the painter loose and cast the dory adrift; then +crawled back into the cockpit. No pang of compassion disturbed him as he +abandoned the fisherman to the mercy of the sea; though the fellow lay +still, uncouthly distorted, in the bottom of the dory, he was in no danger; +the wind and waves together would carry the boat ashore.... For that +matter, the man was even then recovering, struggling to sit up. + +Crouching to avoid the boom, Kirkwood went forward to the bows, and, +grasping the mooring cable, drew it in, slipping back into the cockpit to +get a stronger purchase with his feet. It was a struggle; the boat pulled +sluggishly against the wind, the cable inching in jealously. And behind +him he could hear a voice bellowing inarticulate menaces, and knew that in +another moment the fisherman would be at his oars. + +Frantically he tugged and tore at the slimy rope, hauling with a will and a +prayer. It gave more readily, towards the end, but he seemed to have fought +with it for ages when at last the anchor tripped and he got it in. + +Immediately he leaped back to the stern, fitted in the tiller, and seizing +the mainsheet, drew the boom in till the wind should catch in the canvas. +In the dory the skipper, bending at his oars, was not two yards astern. + +He was hard aboard when, the sail filling with a bang, Kirkwood pulled the +tiller up; and the cat-boat slid away, a dozen feet separating them in a +breath. + +A yell of rage boomed down the wind, but he paid no heed. Careless alike of +the dangers he had passed and those that yawned before him, he trimmed +the sheet and stood away on the port tack, heading directly for the Nore +Lightship. + + + + +XI + + +OFF THE NORE + +Kirkwood's anger cooled apace; at worst it had been a flare of +passion--incandescent. It was seldom more. His brain clearing, the +temperature of his judgment quickly regained its mean, and he saw his +chances without distortion, weighed them without exaggeration. + +Leaning against the combing, feet braced upon the slippery and treacherous +deck, he clung to tiller and mainsheet and peered ahead with anxious eyes, +a pucker of daring graven deep between his brows. + +A mile to westward, three or more ahead, he could see the brigantine +standing close in under the Essex shore. At times she was invisible; again +he could catch merely the glint of her canvas, white against the dark loom +of the littoral, toned by a mist of flying spindrift. He strained his eyes, +watching for the chance which would take place in the rake of her masts and +sails, when she should come about. + +For the longer that manoeuver was deferred, the better was his chance of +attaining his object. It was a forlorn hope. But in time the brigantine, +to escape Maplin Sands, would be forced to tack and stand out past the +lightship, the wind off her port bows. Then their courses would intersect. +It remained to be demonstrated whether the cat-boat was speedy enough to +arrive at this point of contact in advance of, or simultaneously with, the +larger vessel. Every minute that the putative _Alethea_ put off coming +about brought the cat-boat nearer that goal, but Kirkwood could do no more +than hope and try to trust in the fisherman's implied admission that it +could be done. It was all in the boat and the way she handled. + +He watched her anxiously, quick to approve her merits as she displayed +them. He had sailed small craft before--frail center-board cat-boats, handy +and swift, built to serve in summer winds and protected waters: never such +an one as this. Yet he liked her. + +Deep bosomed she was, with no center-board, dependent on her draught and +heavy keel to hold her on the wind; stanch and seaworthy, sheathed with +stout plank and ribbed with seasoned timber, designed to keep afloat in +the wickedest weather brewed by the foul-tempered German Ocean. Withal her +lines were fine and clean; for all her beam she was calculated to nose +narrowly into the wind and make a pretty pace as well. A good boat: he had +the grace to give the credit to his luck. + +Her disposition was more fully disclosed as they drew away from the beach. +Inshore with shoaling water, the waves had been choppy and spiteful but +lacking force of weight. Farther out, as the bottom fell away, the rollers +became more uniform and powerful; heavy sweeping seas met the cat-boat, +from their hollows looming mountainous to the man in the tiny cockpit; who +was nevertheless aware that to a steamer they would be negligible. + +His boat breasted them gallantly, toiling sturdily up the steep +acclivities, poising breathlessly on foam-crested summits for dizzy +instants, then plunging headlong down the deep green swales; and left a +boiling wake behind her,--urging ever onward, hugging the wind in her wisp +of blood-red sail, and boring into it, pulling at the tiller with the +mettle of a race-horse slugging at the bit. + +Offshore, too, the wind stormed with added strength, or, possibly, had +freshened. For minutes on end the leeward gunwales would run green, and now +and again the screaming, pelting squalls that scoured the estuary would +heel her over until the water cascaded in over the lee combing, and the +rudder, lifted clear, would hang idle until, smitten by some racing billow, +the tiller would be all but torn from Kirkwood's hands. Again and again +this happened; and those were times of trembling. But always the cat-boat +righted, shaking the clinging waters from her and swinging her stem into +the wind again; and there would follow an abbreviated breathing spell, +during which Kirkwood was at liberty to dash the salt spray from his eyes +and search the wind-harried waste for the brigantine. Sometimes he found +her, sometimes not. + +Long after he had expected her to, she went about and they began to close +in upon each other. He could see that even with shortened canvas she was +staggering drunkenly under the fierce impacts of the wind. For himself, it +was nip-and-tuck, now, and no man in his normal sense would have risked a +sixpence on the boat's chance to live until she crossed the brigantine's +bows. + +Time out of reckoning he was forced to kneel in the swimming cockpit, +steering with one hand, using the bailing-dish with the other, and +keeping his eyes religiously turned to the bellying patch of sail. It was +heartbreaking toil; he began reluctantly to concede that it could not last +much longer. And if he missed the brigantine he would be lost; mortal +strength was not enough to stand the unending strain upon every bone, +muscle and sinew, required to keep the boat upon her course; though for +a time it might cope with and solve the problems presented by each new, +malignant billow and each furious, howling squall, the end inevitably must +be failure. To struggle on would be but to postpone the certain end ... +save and except the possibility of his gaining the brigantine within the +period of time strictly and briefly limited by his powers of endurance. + +Long since he had become numb with cold from incessant drenchings of +icy spray, that piled in over the windward counter, keeping the bottom +ankle-deep regardless of his laborious but intermittent efforts with the +bailing dish. And the two, brigantine and cockle-shell, were drawing +together with appalling deliberation. + +A dozen times he was on the point of surrender, as often plucked up hope; +as the minutes wore on and he kept above water, he began to believe that if +he could stick it out his judgment and seamanship would be justified ... +though human ingenuity backed by generosity could by no means contrive +adequate excuse for his foolhardiness. + +But that was aside, something irreparable. Wan and grim, he fought it out. + +But that his voice stuck in his parched throat, he could have shouted in +his elation, when eventually he gained the point of intersection an eighth +of a mile ahead of the brigantine and got sight of her windward freeboard +as, most slowly, the cat-boat forged across her course. + +For all that, the moment of his actual triumph was not yet; he had still to +carry off successfully a scheme that for sheer audacity of conception and +contempt for danger, transcended all that had gone before. + +Holding the cat-boat on for a time, he brought her about handsomely a +little way beyond the brigantine's course, and hung in the eye of the wind, +the leach flapping and tightening with reports like rifle-shots, and +the water sloshing about his calves--bailing-dish now altogether out of +mind--while he watched the oncoming vessel, his eyes glistening with +anticipation. + +She was footing it smartly, the brigantine--lying down to it and snoring +into the wind. Beneath her stem waves broke in snow-white showers, whiter +than the canvas of her bulging jib--broke and, gnashing their teeth in +impotent fury, swirled and eddied down her sleek dark flanks. Bobbing, +courtesying, she plunged onward, shortening the interval with mighty, +leaping bounds. On her bows, with each instant, the golden letters of her +name grew larger and more legible until--_Alethea_!--he could read it plain +beyond dispute. + +Joy welled in his heart. He forgot all that he had undergone in the +prospect of what he proposed still to do in the name of the only woman the +world held for him. Unquestioning he had come thus far in her service; +unquestioning, by her side, he was prepared to go still farther, though all +humanity should single her out with accusing fingers.... + +They were watching him, aboard the brigantine; he could see a line of heads +above her windward rail. Perhaps _she_ was of their number. He waved +an audacious hand. Some one replied, a great shout shattering itself +unintelligibly against the gale. He neither understood nor attempted to +reply; his every faculty was concentrated on the supreme moment now at +hand. + +Calculating the instant to a nicety, he paid off the sheet and pulled up +the tiller. The cat-boat pivoted on her heel; with a crack her sail flapped +full and rigid; then, with the untempered might of the wind behind her, she +shot like an arrow under the brigantine's bows, so close that the bowsprit +of the latter first threatened to impale the sail, next, the bows plunging, +crashed down a bare two feet behind the cat-boat's stern. + +Working in a frenzy of haste, Kirkwood jammed the tiller hard alee, +bringing the cat about, and, trimming the mainsheet as best he might, found +himself racing under the brigantine's leeward quarter,--water pouring in +generously over the cat's. + +Luffing, he edged nearer, handling his craft as though intending to ram the +larger vessel, foot by foot shortening the little interval. When it +was four feet, he would risk the jump; he crawled out on the overhang, +crouching on his toes, one hand light upon the tiller, the other touching +the deck, ready ... ready.... + +Abruptly the _Alethea_ shut off the wind; the sail flattened and the cat +dropped back. In a second the distance had doubled. In anguish Kirkwood +uttered an exceeding bitter cry. Already he was falling far off her +counter.... + +A shout reached him. He was dimly conscious of a dark object hurtling +through the air. Into the cockpit, splashing, something dropped--a coil of +rope. He fell forward upon it, into water eighteen inches deep; and for the +first time realized that, but for that line, he had gone to his drowning in +another minute. The cat was sinking. + +As he scrambled to his feet, clutching the life-line, a heavy wave washed +over the water-logged craft and left it all but submerged; and a smart tug +on the rope added point to the advice which, reaching his ears in a bellow +like a bull's, penetrated the panic of his wits. + +"Jump! _Jump, you fool_!" + +In an instant of coherence he saw that the brigantine was luffing; none the +less much of the line had already been paid out, and there was no reckoning +when the end would be reached. Without time to make it fast, he hitched it +twice round his waist and chest, once round an arm, and, grasping it above +his head to ease its constriction when the tug should come, leaped on the +combing and overboard. A green roaring avalanche swept down upon him and +the luckless cat-boat, overwhelming both simultaneously. + +The agony that was his during the next few minutes can by no means be +exaggerated. With such crises the human mind is not fitted adequately +to cope; it retains no record of the supreme moment beyond a vague and +incoherent impression of poignant, soul-racking suffering. Kirkwood +underwent a prolonged interval of semi-sentience, his mind dominated +and oppressed by a deathly fear of drowning and a deadening sense of +suffocation, with attendant tortures as of being broken on the wheel--limb +rending from limb; of compression of his ribs that threatened momentarily +to crush in his chest; of a world a-welter with dim swirling green +half-lights alternating with flashes of blinding white; of thunderings in +his ears like salvoes from a thousand cannon.... + +And his senses were blotted out in blackness.... + +Then he was breathing once more, the keen clean air stabbing his lungs, the +while he swam unsupported in an ethereal void of brilliance. His mouth +was full of something that burned, a liquid hot, acrid, and stinging. He +gulped, swallowed, slobbered, choked, coughed, attempted to sit up, was +aware that he was the focal center of a ring of glaring, burning eyes, like +eyes of ravening beasts; and fainted. + +His next conscious impression was of standing up, supported by friendly +arms on either side, while somebody was asking him if he could walk a step +or two. + +He lifted his head and let it fall in token of assent, mumbling a yes; and +looked round him with eyes wherein the light of intelligence burned more +clear with every second. By degrees he catalogued and comprehended his +weirdly altered circumstances and surroundings. + +He was partly seated, partly held up, on the edge of the cabin sky-light, +an object of interest to some half-dozen men, seafaring fellows all, by +their habit, clustered round between him and the windward rail. Of their +number one stood directly before him, dwarfing his companions as much by +his air of command as by his uncommon height: tall, thin-faced and sallow, +with hollow weather-worn cheeks, a mouth like a crooked gash from ear to +ear, and eyes like dying coals, with which he looked the rescued up and +down in one grim, semi-humorous, semi-speculative glance. In hands both +huge and red he fondled tenderly a squat brandy flask whose contents had +apparently been employed as a first aid to the drowning. + +As Kirkwood's gaze encountered his, the man smiled sourly, jerking his head +to one side with a singularly derisive air. + +"Hi, matey!" he blustered. "'Ow goes it now? Feelin' 'appier, eigh?" + +[Illustration: "Hi, matey!" he blustered. "'Ow goes it now?"] + +"Some, thank you ... more like a drowned rat." Kirkwood eyed him +sheepishly. "I suppose you're the man who threw me that line? I'll have to +wait till my head clears up before I can thank you properly." + +"Don't mention it." He of the lantern jaws stowed the bottle away with +jealous care in one of his immense coat pockets, and seized Kirkwood's +hand in a grasp that made the young man wince. "You're syfe enough now. +My nyme's Stryker, Capt'n Wilyum Stryker.... Wot's the row? Lookin' for a +friend?" he demanded suddenly, as Kirkwood's attention wandered. + +For the memory of the errand that had brought him into the hands of Captain +William Stryker had come to the young man very suddenly; and his eager eyes +were swiftly roving not along the decks but the wide world besides, for +sight or sign of his heart's desire. + +After luffing to pick him up, the brigantine had been again pulled off on +the port tack. The fury of the gale seemed rather to have waxed than waned, +and the _Alethea_ was bending low under the relentless fury of its blasts, +driving hard, with leeward channels awash. Under her port counter, a mile +away, the crimson light-ship wallowed in a riot of breaking combers. +Sheerness lay abeam, five miles or more. Ahead the northeast headland +of the Isle of Sheppey was bulking large and near. The cat-boat had +vanished.... + +More important still, no one aboard the brigantine resembled in the +remotest degree either of the Calendars, father or daughter, or even +Mulready, the black-avised. + +"I sye, 're you lookin' for some one you know?" + +"Yes--your passengers. I presume they're below--?" + +"Passengers!" + +A hush fell upon the group, during which Kirkwood sought Stryker's eye in +pitiful pleading; and Stryker looked round him blankly. + +"Where's Miss Calendar?" the young man demanded sharply. "I must see her at +once!" + +The keen and deep-set eyes of the skipper clouded as they returned to +Kirkwood's perturbed countenance. "Wot're you talking about?" he demanded +brusquely. + +"I must see Miss Calendar, or Calendar himself, or Mulready." Kirkwood +paused, and, getting no reply, grew restive under Stryker's inscrutable +regard. + +"That's why I came aboard," he amended, blind to the absurdity of the +statement; "to see--er--Calendar." + +"Well ... I'm damned!" + +Stryker managed to infuse into his tone a deal of suspicious contempt. + +"Why?" insisted Kirkwood, nettled but still uncomprehending. + +"D'you mean to tell me you came off from--wherever in 'ell you did come +from--intendin' to board this wessel and find a party nymed Calendar?" + +"Certainly I did. Why--?" + +"Well!" cried Mr. Stryker, rubbing his hands together with an air +oppressively obsequious, "I'm sorry to _hin_-form you you've come to the +wrong shop, sir; we don't stock no Calendars. We're in the 'ardware line, +we are. You might try next door, or I dessay you'll find what you want at +the stytioner's, round the corner." + +A giggle from his audience stimulated him. "If," he continued acidly, +"I'd a-guessed you was such a damn' fool, blimmy if I wouldn't've let you +drownd!" + +Staggered, Kirkwood bore his sarcastic truculence without resentment. + +"Calendar," he stammered, trying to explain, "Calendar _said_--" + +"I carn't 'elp wot Calendar said. Mebbe 'e _did_ myke an engygement with +you, an' you've gone and went an' forgot the dyte. Mebbe it's larst year's +calendar you're thinkin' of. You Johnny" (to a lout of a boy in the group +of seamen), "you run an' fetch this gentleman Whitaker's for Nineteen-six. +Look sharp, now!" + +"But--!" With an effort Kirkwood mustered up a show of dignity. "Am I to +understand," he said, as calmly as he could, "that you deny knowing George +B. Calendar and his daughter Dorothy and--" + +"I don't 'ave to. Listen to me, young man." For the time the fellow +discarded his clumsy facetiousness. "I'm Wilyum Stryker, Capt'n Stryker, +marster and 'arf-owner of this wessel, and wot I says 'ere is law. We don't +carry no passengers. D'ye understand me?"--aggressively. "There ain't no +pusson nymed Calendar aboard the _Allytheer_, an' never was, an' never will +be!" + +"What name did you say?" Kirkwood inquired. + +"This ship? The _Allytheer_; registered from Liverpool; bound from London +to Hantwerp, in cargo. Anythink else?" + +Kirkwood shook his head, turning to scan the seascape with a gloomy +gaze. As he did so, and remarked how close upon the Sheppey headland the +brigantine had drawn, the order was given to go about. For the moment he +was left alone, wretchedly wet, shivering, wan and shrunken visibly with +the knowledge that he had dared greatly for nothing. But for the necessity +of keeping up before Stryker and his crew, the young man felt that he could +gladly have broken down and wept for sheer vexation and disappointment. + +Smartly the brigantine luffed and wore about, heeling deep as she spun away +on the starboard tack. + +Kirkwood staggered round the skylight to the windward rail. From this +position, looking forward, he could see that they were heading for the open +sea, Foulness low over the port quarter, naught before them but a brawling +waste of leaden-green and dirty white. Far out one of the sidewheel boats +of the Queensborough-Antwerp line was heading directly into the wind and +making heavy weather of it. + +Some little while later, Stryker again approached him, perhaps swayed by an +unaccustomed impulse of compassion; which, however, he artfully concealed. +Blandly ironic, returning to his impersonation of the shopkeeper, "Nothink +else we can show you, sir?" he inquired. + +"I presume you couldn't put me ashore?" Kirkwood replied ingenuously. + +In supreme disgust the captain showed him his back. "'Ere, you!" he called +to one of the crew. "Tyke this awye--tyke 'im below and put 'im to bed; +give 'im a drink and dry 'is clo's. Mebbe 'e'll be better when 'e wykes up. +'E don't talk sense now, that's sure. If you arsk me, I sye 'e's balmy and +no 'ope for 'im." + + + + +XII + + +PICARESQUE PASSAGES + +Contradictory to the hopeful prognosis of Captain Stryker, his unaccredited +passenger was not "better" when, after a period of oblivious rest +indefinite in duration, he awoke. His subsequent assumption of listless +resignation, of pacific acquiescence in the dictates of his destiny, was +purely deceptive--thin ice of despair over profound depths of exasperated +rebellion. + +Blank darkness enveloped him when first he opened eyes to wonder. Then +gradually as he stared, piecing together unassorted memories and striving +to quicken drowsy wits, he became aware of a glimmer that waxed and waned, +a bar of pale bluish light striking across the gloom above his couch; and +by dint of puzzling divined that this had access by a port. Turning his +head upon a stiff and unyielding pillow, he could discern a streak of +saffron light lining the sill of a doorway, near by his side. The one +phenomenon taken with the other confirmed a theretofore somewhat hazy +impression that his dreams were dignified by a foundation of fact; that, in +brief, he was occupying a cabin-bunk aboard the good ship _Alethea_. + +Overhead, on the deck, a heavy thumping of hurrying feet awoke him to +keener perceptiveness. + +Judging from the incessant rolling and pitching of the brigantine, the +crashing thunder of seas upon her sides, the eldrich shrieking of the gale, +as well as from the chorused groans and plaints of each individual bolt +and timber in the frail fabric that housed his fortunes, the wind had +strengthened materially during his hours of forgetfulness--however many the +latter might have been. + +He believed, however, that he had slept long, deeply and exhaustively. He +felt now a little emaciated mentally and somewhat absent-bodied--so he put +it to himself. A numb languor, not unpleasant, held him passively supine, +the while he gave himself over to speculative thought. + +A wild night, certainly; probably, by that time, the little vessel was in +the middle of the North Sea ... _bound for Antwerp_! + +"Oh-h," said Kirkwood vindictively, "_hell_!" + +So he was bound for Antwerp! The first color of resentment ebbing from his +thoughts left him rather interested than excited by the prospect. He found +that he was neither pleased nor displeased. He presumed that it would be +no more difficult to raise money on personal belongings in Antwerp than +anywhere else; it has been observed that the first flower of civilization +is the rum-blossom, the next, the conventionalized fleur-de-lis of the +money-lender. There would be pawnshops, then, in Antwerp; and Kirkwood was +confident that the sale or pledge of his signet-ring, scarf-pin, match-box +and cigar-case, would provide him with money enough for a return to London, +by third-class, at the worst. There ... well, all events were on the knees +of the gods; he'd squirm out of his troubles, somehow. As for the other +matter, the Calendar affair, he presumed he was well rid of it,--with a +sigh of regret. It had been a most enticing mystery, you know; and the +woman in the case was extraordinary, to say the least. + +The memory of Dorothy Calendar made him sigh again, this time more +violently: a sigh that was own brother to (or at any rate descended in +a direct line from) the furnace sigh of the lover described by, the +melancholy Jaques. And he sat up, bumped his head, groped round until his +hand fell upon a doorknob, opened the door, and looked out into the blowsy +emptiness of the ship's cabin proper, whose gloomy confines were made +visible only by the rays of a dingy and smoky lamp swinging violently in +gimbals from a deck-beam. + +Kirkwood's clothing, now rough-dried and warped wretchedly out of shape, +had been thrown carelessly on a transom near the door. He got up, collected +them, and returning to his berth, dressed at leisure, thinking heavily, +disgruntled--in a humor as evil as the after-taste of bad brandy in his +mouth. + +When dressed he went out into the cabin, closing the door upon his berth, +and for lack of anything better to do, seated himself on the thwartships +transom, against the forward bulkhead, behind the table. Above his head a +chronometer ticked steadily and loudly, and, being consulted, told him that +the time of day was twenty minutes to four; which meant that he had slept +away some eighteen or twenty hours. That was a solid spell of a rest, +when he came to think of it, even allowing that he had been unusually and +pardonably fatigued when conducted to his berth. He felt stronger now, and +bright enough--and enormously hungry into the bargain. + +Abstractedly, heedless of the fact that his tobacco would be water-soaked +and ruined, he fumbled in his pockets for pipe and pouch, thinking to +soothe the pangs of hunger against breakfast-time; which was probably two +hours and a quarter ahead. But his pockets were empty--every one of them. +He assimilated this discovery in patience and cast an eye about the room, +to locate, if possible, the missing property. But naught of his was +visible. So he rose and began a more painstaking search. + +The cabin was at once tiny, low-ceiled, and depressingly gloomy. Its +furniture consisted entirely in a chair or two, supplementing the transoms +and lockers as resting-places, and a center-table covered with a cloth of +turkey-red, whose original aggressiveness had been darkly moderated by +libations of liquids, principally black coffee, and burnt offerings of +grease and tobacco-ash. Aside from the companion-way to the deck, four +doors opened into the room, two probably giving upon the captain's and the +mate's quarters, the others on pseudo state-rooms--one of which he had just +vacated--closets large enough to contain a small bunk and naught beside. +The bulkheads and partitions were badly broken out with a rash of pictures +from illustrated papers, mostly offensive. Kirkwood was interested to read +a half-column clipping from a New York yellow journal, descriptive of the +antics of a drunken British sailor who had somehow found his way to the +bar-room of the Fifth Avenue Hotel; the paragraph exploiting the fact that +it had required four policemen in addition to the corps of porters to +subdue him, was strongly underscored in red ink; and the news-story wound +up with the information that in police court the man had given his name as +William Stranger and cheerfully had paid a fine of ten dollars, alleging +his entertainment to have been cheap at the price. + +While Kirkwood was employed in perusing this illuminating anecdote, eight +bells sounded, and, from the commotion overhead, the watch changed. A +little later the companion-way door slammed open and shut, and Captain +Stryker--or Stranger; whichever you please--fell down, rather than +descended, the steps. + +Without attention to the American he rolled into the mate's room and roused +that personage. Kirkwood heard that the name of the second-in-command was +'Obbs, as well as that he occupied the starboard state-room aft. After a +brief exchange of comment and instruction, Mr. 'Obbs appeared in the shape +of a walking pillar of oil-skins capped by a sou'wester, and went on deck; +Stryker, following him out of the state-room, shed his own oilers in a +clammy heap upon the floor, opened a locker from which he brought forth a +bottle and a dirty glass, and, turning toward the table, for the first time +became sensible of Kirkwood's presence. + +"Ow, there you are, eigh, little bright-eyes!" he exclaimed with surprised +animation. + +"Good morning, Captain Stryker," said Kirkwood, rising. "I want to tell +you--" + +But Stryker waved one great red paw impatiently, with the effect of +sweeping aside and casting into the discard Kirkwood's intended speech of +thanks; nor would he hear him further. + +"Did you 'ave a nice little nap?" he interrupted. "Come up bright and +smilin', eigh? Now I guess"--the emphasis made it clear that the captain +believed himself to be employing an Americanism; and so successful was he +in his own esteem that he could not resist the temptation to improve upon +the imitation--"Na-ow I guess yeou're abaout right ready, ben't ye, to hev +a drink, sonny?" + +"No, thank you," said Kirkwood, smiling tolerantly. "I've got any amount of +appetite..." + +"'Ave you, now?" Stryker dropped his mimicry and glanced at the clock. +"Breakfast," he announced, "will be served in the myne dinin' saloon at +eyght a. m. Passingers is requested not to be lyte at tyble." + +Depositing the bottle on the said table, the captain searched until he +found another glass for Kirkwood, and sat down. + +"Do you good," he insinuated, pushing the bottle gently over. + +"No, thank you," reiterated Kirkwood shortly, a little annoyed. + +Stryker seized his own glass, poured out a strong man's dose of the +fiery concoction, gulped it down, and sighed. Then, with a glance at the +American's woebegone countenance (Kirkwood was contemplating a four-hour +wait for breakfast, and, consequently, looking as if he had lost his last +friend), the captain bent over, placing both hands palm down before him and +wagging his head earnestly. + +"Please," he implored,--"Please don't let me hinterrupt;" and filled his +pipe, pretending a pensive detachment from his company. + +The fumes of burning shag sharpened the tooth of desire. Kirkwood stood it +as long as he could, then surrendered with an: "If you've got any more of +that tobacco, Captain, I'd be glad of a pipe." + +An intensely contemplative expression crept into the captain's small blue +eyes. + +"I only got one other pyper of this 'ere 'baccy," he announced at length, +"and I carn't get no more till I gets 'ome. I simply couldn't part with it +hunder 'arf a quid." + +Kirkwood settled back with a hopeless lift of his shoulders. Abstractedly +Stryker puffed the smoke his way until he could endure the deprivation no +longer. + +"I had about ten shillings in my pocket when I came aboard, captain, +and ... a few other articles." + +"Ow, yes; so you 'ad, now you mention it." + +Stryker rose, ambled into his room, and returned with Kirkwood's +possessions and a fresh paper of shag. While the young man was hastily +filling, lighting, and inhaling the first strangling but delectable whiff, +the captain solemnly counted into his own palm all the loose change except +three large pennies. The latter he shoved over to Kirkwood in company with +a miscellaneous assortment of articles, which the American picked up piece +by piece and began to bestow about his clothing. When through, he sat back, +troubled and disgusted. Stryker met his regard blandly. + +"Anything I can do?" he inquired, in suave concern. + +"Why ... there _was_ a black pearl scarfpin--" + +"W'y, don't you remember? You gave that to me, 'count of me 'avin syved yer +life. 'Twas me throwed you that line, you know." + +"Oh," commented Kirkwood briefly. The pin had been among the most valuable +and cherished of his belongings. + +"Yes," nodded the captain in reminiscence. "You don't remember? Likely +'twas the brandy singing in yer 'ead. You pushes it into my 'ands,--almost +weepin', you was,--and sez, sez you, 'Stryker,' you sez, 'tyke this in +triflin' toking of my gratichood; I wouldn't hinsult you,' you sez, 'by +hofferin' you money, but this I can insist on yer acceptin', and no +refusal,' says you." + +"Oh," repeated Kirkwood. + +"If I for a ninstant thought you wasn't sober when you done it.... But no; +you're a gent if there ever was one, and I'm not the man to offend you." + +"Oh, indeed." + +The captain let the implication pass, perhaps on the consideration that he +could afford to ignore it; and said no more. The pause held for several +minutes, Kirkwood having fallen into a mood of grave distraction. Finally +Captain Stryker thoughtfully measured out a second drink, limited only by +the capacity of the tumbler, engulfed it noisily, and got up. + +"Guess I'll be turnin' in," he volunteered affably, yawning and stretching. + +"I was about to ask you to do me a service...." began Kirkwood. + +"Yes?"--with the rising inflection of mockery. + +Kirkwood quietly produced his cigar-case, a gold match-box, gold card-case, +and slipped a signet ring from his finger. "Will you buy these?" he asked. +"Or will you lend me five pounds and hold them as security?" + +Stryker examined the collection with exaggerated interest strongly +tinctured with mistrust. "I'll buy 'em," he offered eventually, looking up. + +"That's kind of you--" + +"Ow, they ain't much use to me, but Bill Stryker's allus willin' to +accommodate a friend.... Four quid, you said?" + +"Five...." + +"They ain't wuth over four to me." + +"Very well; make it four," Kirkwood assented contemptuously. + +The captain swept the articles into one capacious fist, pivoted on one heel +at the peril of his neck, and lumbered unsteadily off to his room. Pausing +at the door he turned back in inquiry. + +"I sye, 'ow did you come to get the impression there was a party named +Almanack aboard this wessel?" + +"Calendar--" + +"'Ave it yer own wye," Stryker conceded gracefully. + +"There isn't, is there?" + +"You 'eard me." + +"Then," said Kirkwood sweetly, "I'm sure you wouldn't be interested." + +The captain pondered this at leisure. "You seemed pretty keen abaht seein' +'im," he remarked conclusively. + +"I was." + +"Seems to me I did 'ear the nyme sumw'eres afore." The captain appeared to +wrestle with an obdurate memory. "Ow!" he triumphed. "I know. 'E was a chap +up Manchester wye. Keeper in a loonatic asylum, 'e was. 'That yer party?" + +"No," said Kirkwood wearily. + +"I didn't know but mebbe 'twas. Excuse me. 'Thought as 'ow mebbe you'd +escyped from 'is tender care, but, findin' the world cold, chynged yer mind +and wanted to gow back." + +Without waiting for a reply he lurched into his room and banged the door +to. Kirkwood, divided between amusement and irritation, heard him stumbling +about for some time; and then a hush fell, grateful enough while it lasted; +which was not long. For no sooner did the captain sleep than a penetrating +snore added itself unto the cacophony of waves and wind and tortured ship. + +Kirkwood, comforted at first by the blessed tobacco, lapsed insensibly +into dreary meditations. Coming after the swift movement and sustained +excitement of the eighteen hours preceding his long sleep, the monotony +of shipboard confinement seemed irksome to a maddening degree. There was +absolutely nothing he could discover to occupy his mind. If there were +books aboard, none was in evidence; beyond the report of Mr. Stranger's +Manhattan night's entertainment the walls were devoid of reading matter; +and a round of the picture gallery proved a diversion weariful enough when +not purely revolting. + +Wherefore Mr. Kirkwood stretched himself out on the transom and smoked and +reviewed his adventures in detail and seriatim, and was by turns indignant, +sore, anxious on his own account as well as on Dorothy's, and out of all +patience with himself. Mystified he remained throughout, and the edge of +his curiosity held as keen as ever, you may believe. + +Consistently the affair presented itself to his fancy in the guise of a +puzzle-picture, which, though you study it never so diligently, remains +incomprehensible, until by chance you view it from an unexpected angle, +when it reveals itself intelligibly. It had not yet been his good fortune +to see it from the right viewpoint. To hold the metaphor, he walked endless +circles round it, patiently seeking, but ever failing to find the proper +perspective.... Each incident, however insignificant, in connection with +it, he handled over and over, examining its every facet, bright or dull, as +an expert might inspect a clever imitation of a diamond; and like a perfect +imitation it defied analysis. + +Of one or two things he was convinced; for one, that Stryker was a liar +worthy of classification with Calendar and Mrs. Hallam. Kirkwood had +not only the testimony of his sense to assure him that the ship's name, +_Alethea_ (not a common one, by the bye), had been mentioned by both +Calendar and Mulready during their altercation on Bermondsey Old Stairs, +but he had the confirmatory testimony of the sleepy waterman, William, who +had directed Old Bob and Young William to the anchorage off Bow Creek. That +there should have been two vessels of the same unusual name at one and +the same time in the Port of London, was a coincidence too preposterous +altogether to find place in his calculations. + +His second impregnable conclusion was that those whom he sought had boarded +the _Alethea_, but had left her before she tripped her anchor. That they +were not stowed away aboard her seemed unquestionable. The brigantine was +hardly large enough for the presence of three persons aboard her to be long +kept a secret from an inquisitive fourth,--unless, indeed, they lay in +hiding in the hold; for which, once the ship got under way, there could be +scant excuse. And Kirkwood did not believe himself a person of sufficient +importance in Calendar's eyes, to make that worthy endure the discomforts +of a'tween-decks imprisonment throughout the voyage, even to escape +recognition. + +With every second, then, he was traveling farther from her to whose aid he +had rushed, impelled by motives so hot-headed, so innately, chivalric, so +unthinkingly gallant, so exceptionally idiotic! + +Idiot! Kirkwood groaned with despair of his inability to fathom the abyss +of his self-contempt. There seemed to be positively no excuse for _him_. +Stryker had befriended him indeed, had he permitted him to drown. Yet +he had acted for the best, as he saw it. The fault lay in himself: an +admirable fault, that of harboring and nurturing generous and compassionate +instincts. But, of course, Kirkwood couldn't see it that way. + +"What else could I do?" he defended himself against the indictment +of common sense. "I couldn't leave her to the mercies of that set of +rogues!... And Heaven knows I was given every reason to believe she would +be aboard this ship! Why, she herself told me that she was sailing ...!" + +Heaven knew, too, that this folly of his had cost him a pretty penny, +first and last. His watch was gone beyond recovery, his homeward passage +forfeited; he no longer harbored illusions as to the steamship company +presenting him with another berth in lieu of that called for by that +water-soaked slip of paper then in his pocket--courtesy of Stryker. He had +sold for a pittance, a tithe of its value, his personal jewelry, and had +spent every penny he could call his own. With the money Stryker was to give +him he would be able to get back to London and his third-rate hostelry, but +not with enough over to pay that one week's room-rent, or ... + +"Oh, the devil!" he groaned, head in hands. + +The future loomed wrapped in unspeakable darkness, lightened by no least +ray of hope. It had been bad enough to lose a comfortable living through +a gigantic convulsion of Nature; but to think that he had lost all else +through his own egregious folly, to find himself reduced to the kennels--! + +So Care found him again in those weary hours,--came and sat by his side, +slipping a grisly hand in his and tightening its grip until he could have +cried out with the torment of it; the while whispering insidiously subtile, +evil things in his ear. And he had not even Hope to comfort him; at +any previous stage he had been able to distil a sort of bitter-sweet +satisfaction from the thought that he was suffering for the love of his +life. But now--now Dorothy was lost, gone like the glamour of Romance in +the searching light of day. + +Stryker, emerging from his room for breakfast, found the passenger with a +hostile look in his eye and a jaw set in ugly fashion. His eyes, too, were +the abiding-place of smoldering devils; and the captain, recognizing them, +considerately forbore to stir them up with any untimely pleasantries. To be +sure, he was autocrat in his own ship, and Kirkwood's standing aboard was +_nil_; but then there was just enough yellow in the complexion of Stryker's +soul to incline him to sidestep trouble whenever feasible. And besides, he +entertained dark suspicions of his guest--suspicions he scarce dared voice +even to his inmost heart. + +The morning meal, therefore, passed off in constrained silence. The captain +ate voraciously and vociferously, pushed back his chair, and went on deck +to relieve the mate. The latter, a stunted little Cockney with a wizened +countenance and a mind as foul as his tongue, got small change of his +attempts to engage the passenger in conversation on topics that he +considered fit for discussion. After the sixth or eighth snubbing he rose +in dudgeon, discharged a poisonous bit of insolence, and retired to his +berth, leaving Kirkwood to finish his breakfast in peace; which the latter +did literally, to the last visible scrap of food and the ultimate drop of +coffee, poor as both were in quality. + +To the tune of a moderating wind, the morning wearied away. Kirkwood went +on deck once, for distraction from the intolerable monotony of it all, got +a sound drenching of spray, with a glimpse of a dark line on the eastern +horizon, which he understood to be the low littoral of Holland, and was +glad to dodge below once more and dry himself. + +He had the pleasure of the mate's company at dinner, the captain remaining +on deck until Hobbs had finished and gone up to relieve him; and by that +time Kirkwood likewise was through. + +Stryker blew down with a blustery show of cheer. "Well, well, my little +man!" (It happened that he topped Kirkwood's stature by at least five +inches.) "Enj'yin' yer sea trip?" + +"About as much as you'd expect," snapped Kirkwood. + +"Ow?" The captain began to shovel food into his face. (The author regrets +he has at his command no more delicate expression that is literal and +illustrative.) Kirkwood watched him, fascinated with suspense; it seemed +impossible that the man could continue so to employ his knife without +cutting his throat from the inside. But years of such manipulation had made +him expert, and his guest, keenly disappointed, at length ceased to hope. + +Between gobbles Stryker eyed him furtively. + +"'Treat you all right?" he demanded abruptly. + +Kirkwood started out of a brown study. "What? Who? Why, I suppose I ought +to be--indeed, I _am_ grateful," he asserted. "Certainly you saved my life, +and--" + +"Ow, I don't mean that." Stryker gathered the imputation into his paw and +flung it disdainfully to the four winds of Heaven. "Bless yer 'art, you're +welcome; I wouldn't let no dorg drownd, 'f I could 'elp it. No," he +declared, "nor a loonatic, neither." + +He thrust his plate away and shifted sidewise in his chair. "I 'uz just +wonderin'," he pursued, picking his teeth meditatively with a pen-knife, +"'ow they feeds you in them _as_-ylums. 'Avin' never been inside one, +myself, it's on'y natural I'd be cur'us.... There was one of them +institootions near where I was borned--Birming'am, that is. I used to see +the loonies playin' in the grounds. I remember _just_ as well!... One of +'em and me struck up quite an acquaintance--" + +"Naturally he'd take to you on sight." + +"Ow? Strynge 'ow _we_ 'it it off, eigh?... You myke me think of 'im. Young +chap, 'e was, the livin' spi't-'n-himage of you. It don't happen, does it, +you're the same man?" + +"Oh, go to the devil!" + +"Naughty!" said the captain serenely, wagging a reproving forefinger. "Bad, +naughty word. You'll be sorry when you find out wot it means.... Only 'e +was allus plannin' to run awye and drownd 'is-self."... + +He wore the joke threadbare, even to his own taste, and in the end got +heavily to his feet, starting for the companionway. "Land you this +arternoon," he remarked casually, "come three o'clock or thereabahts. +Per'aps later. I don't know, though, as I 'ad ought to let you loose." + +Kirkwood made no answer. Chuckling, Stryker went on deck. + +In the course of an hour the American followed him. + +Wind and sea alike had gone down wonderfully since daybreak--a circumstance +undoubtedly in great part due to the fact that they had won in under the +lee of the mainland and were traversing shallower waters. On either hand, +like mist upon the horizon, lay a streak of gray, a shade darker than the +gray of the waters. The _Alethea_ was within the wide jaws of the Western +Scheldt. As for the wind, it had shifted several points to the northwards; +the brigantine had it abeam and was lying down to it and racing to port +with slanting deck and singing cordage. + +Kirkwood approached the captain, who, acting as his own pilot, was standing +by the wheel and barking sharp orders to the helmsman. + +"Have you a Bradshaw on board?" asked the young man. + +"Steady!" This to the man at the wheel; then to Kirkwood: "Wot's that, me +lud?" + +Kirkwood repeated his question. Stryker eyed him suspiciously for a +thought. + +"Wot d'you want it for?" + +"I want to see when I can get a boat back to England." + +"Hmm.... Yes, you'll find a Bradshaw in the port-locker, near the for'ard +bulk'ead. Run along now and pl'y--and mind you don't go tearin' out the +pyges to myke pyper boatses to go sylin' in." + +Kirkwood went below. Like its adjacent rooms, the cabin was untenanted; the +watch was the mate's, and Stryker a martinet. Kirkwood found the designated +locker and, opening it, saw first to his hand the familiar bulky red volume +with its red garter. Taking it out he carried it to a chair near the +companionway, for a better reading light: the skylight being still battened +down. + +The strap removed, the book opened easily, as if by force of habit, at the +precise table he had wished to consult; some previous client had left a +marker between the pages,--and not an ordinary book-mark, by any manner +of means. Kirkwood gave utterance to a little gasp of amazement, and +instinctively glanced up at the companionway, to see if he were observed. + +He was not, but for safety's sake he moved farther back into the cabin +and out of the range of vision of any one on deck; a precaution which was +almost immediately justified by the clumping of heavy feet upon the steps +as Stryker descended in pursuit of the ever-essential drink. + +"'Find it?" he demanded, staring blindly--with eyes not yet focused to the +change from light to gloom--at the young man, who was sitting with the +guide open on his knees, a tightly clenched fist resting on the transom at +either side of him. + +In reply he received a monosyllabic affirmative; Kirkwood did not look up. + +"You must be a howl," commented the captain, making for the seductive +locker. + +"A--what?" + +"A howl, readin' that fine print there in the dark. W'y don't you go over +to the light?... I'll 'ave to 'ave them shutters tyken off the winders." +This was Stryker's amiable figure of speech, frequently employed to +indicate the coverings of the skylight. + +"I'm all right." Kirkwood went on studying the book. + +Stryker swigged off his rum and wiped his lips with the back of a red paw, +hesitating a moment to watch his guest. + +"Mykes it seem more 'ome-like for you, I expect," he observed. + +"What do you mean?" + +"W'y, Bradshaw's first-cousin to a halmanack, ain't 'e? Can't get one, +take t'other--next best thing. Sorry I didn't think of it sooner; like my +passengers to feel comfy.... Now don't you go trapsein' off to gay Paree +and squanderin' wot money you got left. You 'ear?" + +"By the way, Captain!" Kirkwood looked up at this, but Stryker was already +half-way up the companion. + +Cautiously the American opened his right fist and held to the light that +which had been concealed, close wadded in his grasp,--a square of sheer +linen edged with lace, crumpled but spotless, and diffusing in the +unwholesome den a faint, intangible fragrance, the veriest wraith of +that elusive perfume which he would never again inhale without instantly +recalling that night ride through London in the intimacy of a cab. + +He closed his eyes and saw her again, as clearly as though she stood before +him,--hair of gold massed above the forehead of snow, curling in adorable +tendrils at the nape of her neck, lips like scarlet splashed upon the +immaculate whiteness of her skin, head poised audaciously in its spirited, +youthful allure, dark eyes smiling the least trace sadly beneath the level +brows. + +Unquestionably the handkerchief was hers; if proof other than the +assurance of his heart were requisite, he had it in the initial delicately +embroidered in one corner: a D, for Dorothy!... He looked again, to make +sure; then hastily folded up the treasure-trove and slipped it into a +breast pocket of his coat. + +No; I am not sure that it was not the left-hand pocket. + +Quivering with excitement he bent again over the book and studied it +intently. After all, he had not been wrong! He could assert now, without +fear of refutation, that Stryker had lied. + +Some one had wielded an industrious pencil on the page. It was, taken as a +whole, fruitful of clues. Its very heading was illuminating: + +LONDON to VLISSINGEN (FLUSHING) AND BREDA; + +which happened to be the quickest and most direct route between London and +Antwerp. Beneath it, in the second column from the right, the pencil had +put a check-mark against: + +QUEENSBOROUGH ... DEP ... 11A10. + +And now he saw it clearly--dolt that he had been not to have divined it ere +this! The _Alethea_ had run in to Queensborough, landing her passengers +there, that they might make connection with the eleven-ten morning boat for +Flushing,--the very side-wheel steamer, doubtless, which he had noticed +beating out in the teeth of the gale just after the brigantine had picked +him up. Had he not received the passing impression that the _Alethea_, when +first he caught sight of her, might have been coming out of the Medway, on +whose eastern shore is situate Queensborough Pier? Had not Mrs. Hallam, +going upon he knew not what information or belief, been bound for +Queensborough, with design there to intercept the fugitives? + +Kirkwood chuckled to recall how, all unwittingly, he had been the means +of diverting from her chosen course that acute and resourceful lady; then +again turned his attention to the tables. + +A third check had been placed against the train for Amsterdam scheduled to +leave Antwerp at 6:32 p. m. Momentarily his heart misgave him, when he saw +this, in fear lest Calendar and Dorothy should have gone on from Antwerp +the previous evening; but then he rallied, discovering that the boat-train +from Flushing did not arrive at Antwerp till after ten at night; and there +was no later train thence for Amsterdam. Were the latter truly their +purposed destination, they would have stayed overnight and be leaving that +very evening on the 6:32. On the other hand, why should they wait for the +latest train, rather than proceed by the first available in the morning? +Why but because Calendar and Mulready were to wait for Stryker to join them +on the _Alethea_? + +Very well, then; if the wind held and Stryker knew his business, there +would be another passenger on that train, in addition to the Calendar +party. + +Making mental note of the fact that the boat-train for Flushing and London +was scheduled to leave Antwerp daily at 8:21 p. m., Kirkwood rustled the +leaves to find out whether or not other tours had been planned, found +evidences of none, and carefully restored the guide to the locker, lest +inadvertently the captain should pick it up and see what Kirkwood had seen. + +An hour later he went on deck. The skies had blown clear and the brigantine +was well in land-bound waters and still footing a rattling pace. The +river-banks had narrowed until, beyond the dikes to right and left, the +country-side stretched wide and flat, a plain of living green embroidered +with winding roads and quaint Old-World hamlets whose red roofs shone like +dull fire between the dark green foliage of dwarfed firs. + +Down with the Scheldt's gray shimmering flood were drifting little +companies of barges, sturdy and snug both fore and aft, tough tanned sails +burning in the afternoon sunlight. A long string of canal-boats, potted +plants flowering saucily in their neatly curtained windows, proprietors +expansively smoking on deck, in the bosoms of their very large families, +was being mothered up-stream by two funny, clucking tugs. Behind the +brigantine a travel-worn Atlantic liner was scolding itself hoarse about +the right of way. Outward bound, empty cattle boats, rough and rusty, +were swaggering down to the sea, with the careless, independent +thumbs-in-armholes air of so many navvies off the job. + +And then lifting suddenly above the level far-off sky-line, there appeared +a very miracle of beauty; the delicate tracery of the great Cathedral's +spire of frozen lace, glowing like a thing of spun gold, set against the +sapphire velvet of the horizon. + +Antwerp was in sight. + +A troublesome care stirring in his mind, Kirkwood looked round the deck; +but Stryker was very busy, entirely too preoccupied with the handling of +his ship to be interrupted with impunity. Besides, there was plenty of +time. + +More slowly now, the wind falling, the brigantine crept up the river, her +crew alert with sheets and halyards as the devious windings of the stream +rendered it necessary to trim the canvas at varying angles to catch the +wind. + +Slowly, too, in the shadow of that Mechlin spire, the horizon grew rough +and elevated, taking shape in the serrated profile of a thousand gables and +a hundred towers and cross-crowned steeples. + +Once or twice, more and more annoyed as the time of their association +seemed to grow more brief, Kirkwood approached the captain; but Stryker +continued to be exhaustively absorbed in the performance of his duties. + +Up past the dockyards, where spidery masts stood in dense groves about +painted funnels, and men swarmed over huge wharves like ants over a crust +of bread; up and round the final, great sweeping bend of the river, the +_Alethea_ made her sober way, ever with greater slowness; until at length, +in the rose glow of a flawless evening, her windlass began to clank like a +mad thing and her anchor bit the riverbed, near the left bank, between old +Forts Isabelle and Tete de Flandre, frowned upon from the right by the grim +pile of the age-old Steen castle. + +And again Kirkwood sought Stryker, his carking query ready on his lips. But +the captain impatiently waved him aside. + +"Don't you bother me now, me lud juke! Wyte until I gets done with the +custom hofficer." + +Kirkwood acceded, perforce; and bided his time with what tolerance he could +muster. + +A pluttering customs launch bustled up to the _Alethea's_ side, discharged +a fussy inspector on the brigantine's deck, and panted impatiently until +he, the examination concluded without delay, was again aboard. + +Stryker, smirking benignly and massaging his lips with the back of his +hand, followed the official on deck, nodded to Kirkwood an intimation that +he was prepared to accord him an audience, and strolled forward to the +waist. The American, mastering his resentment, meekly followed; one can not +well afford to be haughty when one is asking favors. + +Advancing to the rail, the captain whistled in one of the river-boats; +then, while the waterman waited, faced his passenger. + +"Now, yer r'yal 'ighness, wot can I do for you afore you goes ashore?" + +"I think you must have forgotten," said Kirkwood quietly. "I hate to +trouble you, but--there's that matter of four pounds." + +Stryker's face was expressive only of mystified vacuity. "Four quid? I +dunno _as_ I know just wot you means." + +"You agreed to advance me four pounds on those things of mine...." + +"Ow-w!" Illumination overspread the hollow-jowled countenance. Stryker +smiled cheerfully. "Garn with you!" he chuckled. "You will 'ave yer little +joke, won't you now? I declare I never see a loony with such affecsh'nit, +pl'yful wyes!" + +Kirkwood's eyes narrowed. "Stryker," he said steadily, "give me the four +pounds and let's have no more nonsense; or else hand over my things at +once." + +"Daffy," Stryker told vacancy, with conviction. "Lor' luv me if I sees +'ow he ever 'ad sense enough to escype. W'y, yer majesty!" and he bowed, +ironic. "I '_ave_ given you yer quid." + +"Just about as much as I gave you that pearl pin," retorted Kirkwood hotly. +"What the devil do you mean--" + +"W'y, yer ludship, four pounds jus pyes yer passyge; I thought you +understood." + +"My passage! But I can come across by steamer for thirty shillings, +first-class--" + +"Aw, but them steamers! Tricky, they is, and unsyfe ... No, yer gryce, the +W. Stryker Packet Line Lim'ted, London to Antwerp, charges four pounds per +passyge and no reduction for return fare." + +Stunned by his effrontery, Kirkwood stared in silence. + +"Any complynts," continued the captain, looking over Kirkwood's head, "must +be lyde afore the Board of Directors in writin' not more'n thirty dyes +arfter--" + +"You damned scoundrel!" interpolated Kirkwood thoughtfully. + +Stryker's mouth closed with a snap; his features froze in a cast of wrath; +cold rage glinted in his small blue eyes. "W'y," he bellowed, "you bloomin' +loonatic, d'ye think you can sye that to Bill Stryker on 'is own wessel!" + +He hesitated a moment, then launched a heavy fist at Kirkwood's face. +Unsurprised, the young man side-stepped, caught the hard, bony wrist as the +captain lurched by, following his wasted blow, and with a dexterous twist +laid him flat on his back, with a sounding thump upon the deck. And as the +infuriated scamp rose--which he did with a bound that placed him on +his feet and in defensive posture; as though the deck had been a +spring-board--Kirkwood leaped back, seized a capstan-bar, and faced him +with a challenge. + +"Stand clear, Stryker!" he warned the man tensely, himself livid with rage. +"If you move a step closer I swear I'll knock the head off your shoulders! +Not another inch, you contemptible whelp, or I'll brain you!... That's +better," he continued as the captain, caving, dropped his fists and moved +uneasily back. "Now give that boatman money for taking me ashore. Yes, I'm +going--and if we ever meet again, take the other side of the way, Stryker!" + +Without response, a grim smile wreathing his thin, hard lips, Stryker +thrust one hand into his pocket, and withdrawing a coin, tossed it to the +waiting waterman. Whereupon Kirkwood backed warily to the rail, abandoned +the capstan-bar and dropped over the side. + +Nodding to the boatman, "The Steen landing--quickly," he said in French. + +Stryker, recovering, advanced to the rail and waved him a derisive _bon +voyage_. + +"By-by, yer hexcellency. I 'opes it may soon be my pleasure to meet you +again. You've been a real privilege to know; I've henjoyed yer comp'ny +somethin' immense. Don't know as I ever met such a rippin', Ay Number One, +all-round, entertynin' ass, afore!" + +He fumbled nervously about his clothing, brought to light a rag of cotton, +much the worse for service, and ostentatiously wiped from the corner of +each eye tears of grief at parting. Then, as the boat swung toward the +farther shore, Kirkwood's back was to the brigantine, and he was little +tempted to turn and invite fresh shafts of ridicule. + +Rapidly, as he was ferried across the busy Scheldt, the white blaze of his +passion cooled; but the biting irony of his estate ate, corrosive, into his +soul. Hollow-eyed he glared vacantly into space, pale lips unmoving, his +features wasted with despair. + +They came to the landing-stage and swung broad-side on. Mechanically the +American got up and disembarked. As heedless of time and place he moved +up the Quai to the gangway and so gained the esplanade; where pausing he +thrust a trembling hand into his trouser pocket. + +The hand reappeared, displaying in its outspread palm three big, round, +brown, British pennies. Staring down at them, Kirkwood's lips moved. + +"Bed rock!" he whispered huskily. + + + + +XIII + + +A PRIMER OF PROGRESSIVE CRIME + +Without warning or presage the still evening air was smitten and made +softly musical by the pealing of a distant chime, calling vespers to its +brothers in Antwerp's hundred belfries; and one by one, far and near, the +responses broke out, until it seemed as if the world must be vibrant +with silver and brazen melody; until at the last the great bells in the +Cathedral spire stirred and grumbled drowsily, then woke to such ringing +resonance as dwarfed all the rest and made it seem as nothing. + +Like the beating of a mighty heart heard through the rushing clamor of the +pulses, a single deep-throated bell boomed solemnly six heavy, rumbling +strokes. + +Six o'clock! Kirkwood roused out of his dour brooding. The Amsterdam +express would leave at 6:32, and he knew not from what station. + +Striding swiftly across the promenade, he entered a small tobacco shop and +made inquiry of the proprietress. His command of French was tolerable; he +experienced no difficulty in comprehending the good woman's instructions. + +Trains for Amsterdam, she said, left from the Gare Centrale, a mile or so +across the city. M'sieur had plenty of time, and to spare. There was the +tram line, if m'sieur did not care to take a fiacre. If he would go by way +of the Vielle Bourse he would discover the tram cars of the Rue Kipdorp. +M'sieur was most welcome.... + +Monsieur departed with the more haste since he was unable to repay this +courtesy with the most trifling purchase; such slight matters annoyed +Kirkwood intensely. Perhaps it was well for him that he had the long walk +to help him work off the fit of nervous exasperation into which he was +plunged every time his thoughts harked back to that jovial black-guard, +Stryker.... He was quite calm when, after a brisk walk of some fifteen +minutes, he reached the station. + +A public clock reassured him with the information that he had the quarter +of an hour's leeway; it was only seventeen minutes past eighteen o'clock +(Belgian railway time, always confusing). Inquiring his way to the +Amsterdam train, which was already waiting at the platform, he paced its +length, peering brazenly in at the coach windows, now warm with hope, now +shivering with disappointment, realizing as he could not but realize that, +all else aside, his only chance of rehabilitation lay in meeting Calendar. +But in none of the coaches or carriages did he discover any one even +remotely resembling the fat adventurer, his daughter, or Mulready. + +Satisfied that they had not yet boarded the train, he stood aside, tortured +with forebodings, while anxiously scrutinizing each individual of the +throng of intending travelers.... Perhaps they had been delayed--by the +_Alethea's_ lateness in making port very likely; perhaps they purposed +taking not this but a later train; perhaps they had already left the city +by an earlier, or had returned to England. + +On time, the bell clanged its warning; the guards bawled theirs; doors were +hastily opened and slammed; the trucks began to groan, couplings jolting +as the engine chafed in constraint. The train and Kirkwood moved +simultaneously out of opposite ends of the station, the one to rattle and +hammer round the eastern boundaries of the city and straighten out at top +speed on the northern route for the Belgian line, the other to stroll +moodily away, idle hands in empty pockets, bound aimlessly anywhere--it +didn't matter! + +Nothing whatever mattered in the smallest degree. Ere now the outlook had +been dark; but this he felt to be the absolute nadir of his misfortunes. +Presently--after a while--as soon as he could bring himself to it--he would +ask the way and go to the American Consulate. But just now, low as the tide +of chance had ebbed, leaving him stranded on the flats of vagabondage, +low as showed the measure of his self-esteem, he could not tolerate the +prospect of begging for assistance--help which would in all likelihood be +refused, since his story was quite too preposterous to gain credence in +official ears that daily are filled with the lamentations of those whose +motives do not bear investigation. And if he chose to eliminate the strange +chain of events which had landed him in Antwerp, to base his plea solely on +the fact that he was a victim of the San Francisco disaster ... he himself +was able to smile, if sourly, anticipating the incredulous consular smile +with which he would be shown the door. + +No; that he would reserve as a last resort. True, he had already come to +the Jumping-off Place; to the Court of the Last Resort alone could he now +appeal. But ... not yet; after a while he could make his petition, after he +had made a familiar of the thought that he must armor himself with callous +indifference to rebuff, to say naught of the waves of burning shame that +would overwhelm him when he came to the point of asking charity. + +He found himself, neither knowing nor caring how he had won thither, in the +Place Verte, the vast venerable pile of the Cathedral rising on his right, +hotels and quaint Old-World dwellings with peaked roofs and gables and +dormer windows, inclosing the other sides of the square. The chimes (he +could hear none but those of the Cathedral) were heralding the hour of +seven. Listless and preoccupied in contemplation of his wretched case he +wandered purposelessly half round the square, then dropped into a bench on +its outskirts. + +It was some time later that he noticed, with a casual, indifferent eye, a +porter running out of the Hotel de Flandre, directly opposite, and calling +a fiacre in to the carriage block. + +As languidly he watched a woman, very becomingly dressed, follow the porter +down to the curb. + +The fiacre swung in, and the woman dismissed the porter before entering the +vehicle; a proceeding so unusual that it fixed the onlooker's interest. +He sat rigid with attention; the woman seemed to be giving explicit +and lengthy directions to the driver, who nodded and gesticulated his +comprehension. + +The woman was Mrs. Hallam. + +The first blush of recognition passed, leaving Kirkwood without any +amazement. It was an easy matter to account for her being where she was. +Thrown off the scent by Kirkwood at Sheerness, the previous morning, she +had missed the day boat, the same which had ferried over those whom she +pursued. Returning from Sheerness to Queensborough, however, she had taken +the night boat for Flushing and Antwerp,--and not without her plan, who was +not a woman to waste her strength aimlessly; Kirkwood believed that she +had had from the first a very definite campaign in view. In that campaign +Queensborough Pier had been the first strategic move; the journey to +Antwerp, apparently, the second; and the American was impressed that he was +witnessing the inception of the third decided step.... The conclusion of +this process of reasoning was inevitable: Madam would bear watching. + +Thus was a magical transformation brought about. Instantaneously lassitude +and vain repinings were replaced by hopefulness and energy. In a twinkling +the young man was on his feet, every nerve a-thrill with excitement. + +Mrs. Hallam, blissfully ignorant of this surveillance over her movements, +took her place in the fiacre. The driver clucked to his horse, cracked +his whip, and started off at a slow trot: a pace which Kirkwood imitated, +keeping himself at a discreet distance to the rear of the cab, but prepared +to break into a run whenever it should prove necessary. + +Such exertion, however, was not required of him. Evidently Mrs. Hallam +was in no great haste to reach her destination; the speed of the fiacre +remained extremely moderate; Kirkwood found a long, brisk stride fast +enough to keep it well in sight. + +Round the green square, under the beautiful walls of Notre Dame d'Anvers, +through Grande Place and past the Hotel de Ville, the cab proceeded, dogged +by what might plausibly be asserted the most persistent and infatuated soul +that ever crossed the water; and so on into the Quai Van Dyck, turning to +the left at the old Steen dungeon and, slowing to a walk, moving soberly up +the drive. + +Beyond the lip of the embankment, the Scheldt flowed, its broad shining +surface oily, smooth and dark, a mirror for the incandescent glory of the +skies. Over on the western bank old Tete de Flandre lifted up its grim +curtains and bastions, sable against the crimson, rampart and parapet edged +with fire. Busy little side-wheeled ferry steamers spanked the waters +noisily and smudged the sunset with dark drifting trails of smoke; and ever +and anon a rowboat would slip out of shadow to glide languidly with the +current. Otherwise the life of the river was gone; and at their moorings +the ships swung in great quietness, riding lights glimmering like low wan +stars. + +In the company of the latter the young man marked down the _Alethea_; a +sight which made him unconsciously clench both fists and teeth, reminding +him of that rare wag, Stryker.... + +To his way of thinking the behavior of the fiacre was quite unaccountable. +Hardly had the horse paced off the length of two blocks on the Quai ere +it was guided to the edge of the promenade and brought to a stop. And the +driver twisted the reins round his whip, thrust the latter in its socket, +turned sidewise on the box, and began to smoke and swing his heels, +surveying the panorama of river and sunset with complacency--a cabby, one +would venture, without a care in the world and serene in the assurance of +a generous _pour-boire_ when he lost his fare. But as for the latter, she +made no move; the door of the cab remained closed,--like its occupant's +mind, a mystery to the watcher. + +Twilight shadows lengthened, darkling, over the land; street-lights flashed +up in long, radiant ranks. Across the promenade hotels and shops were +lighted up; people began to gather round the tables beneath the awnings of +an open-air cafe. In the distance, somewhere, a band swung into the dreamy +rhythm of a haunting waltz. Scattered couples moved slowly, arm in arm, +along the riverside walk, drinking in the fragrance of the night. Overhead +stars popped out in brilliance and dropped their reflections to swim lazily +on spellbound waters.... And still the fiacre lingered in inaction, still +the driver lorded it aloft, in care-free abandon. + +In the course of time this inertia, where he had looked for action, this +dull suspense when he had forecast interesting developments, wore upon the +watcher's nerves and made him at once impatient and suspicious. Now that he +had begun to doubt, he conceived it as quite possible that Mrs. Hallam (who +was capable of anything) should have stolen out of the cab by the other +and, to him, invisible door. To resolve the matter, finally, he took +advantage of the darkness, turned up his coat collar, hunched up his +shoulders, hid his hands in pockets, pulled the visor of his cap well +forward over his eyes, and slouched past the fiacre. + +Mrs. Hallam sat within. He could see her profile clearly silhouetted +against the light; she was bending forward and staring fixedly out of the +window, across the driveway. Mentally he calculated the direction of her +gaze, then, moved away and followed it with his own eyes; and found himself +staring at the facade of a third-rate hotel. Above its roof the gilded +letters of a sign, catching the illumination from below, spelled out the +title of "Hotel du Commerce." + +Mrs. Hallam was interested in the Hotel du Commerce? + +Thoughtfully Kirkwood fell back to his former point of observation, now +the richer by another object of suspicion, the hostelry. Mrs. Hallam was +waiting and watching for some one to enter or to leave that establishment. +It seemed a reasonable inference to draw. Well, then, so was Kirkwood, no +less than the lady; he deemed it quite conceivable that their objects were +identical. + +He started to beguile the time by wondering what she would do, if... + +Of a sudden he abandoned this line of speculation, and catching his breath, +held it, almost afraid to credit the truth that for once his anticipations +were being realized under his very eyes. + +Against the lighted doorway of the Hotel du Commerce, the figures of two +men were momentarily sketched, as they came hurriedly forth; and of the +two, one was short and stout, and even at a distance seemed to bear himself +with an accent of assertiveness, while the other was tall and heavy of +shoulder. + +Side by side they marched in step across the embankment to the head of the +Quai gangway, descending without pause to the landing-stage. Kirkwood, +hanging breathlessly over the guard-rail, could hear their footfalls +ringing in hollow rhythm on the planks of the inclined way,--could even +discern Calendar's unlovely profile in dim relief beneath one of the +waterside lights; and he recognized unmistakably Mulready's deep voice, +grumbling inarticulately. + +At the outset he had set after them, with intent to accost Calendar; but +their pace had been swift and his irresolute. He hung fire on the issue, +dreading to reveal himself, unable to decide which were the better course, +to pursue the men, or to wait and discover what Mrs. Hallam was about. In +the end he waited; and had his disappointment for recompense. + +For Mrs. Hallam did nothing intelligible. Had she driven over to the hotel, +hard upon the departure of the men, he would have believed that she was +seeking Dorothy, and would, furthermore, have elected to crowd their +interview, if she succeeded in obtaining one with the girl. But she did +nothing of the sort. For a time the fiacre remained as it had been ever +since stopping; then, evidently admonished by his fare, the driver +straightened up, knocked out his pipe, disentangled reins and whip, and +wheeled the equipage back on the way it had come, disappearing in a dark +side street leading eastward from the embankment. + +Kirkwood was, then, to believe that Mrs. Hallam, having taken all that +trouble and having waited for the two adventurers to appear, had been +content with sight of them? He could hardly believe that of the woman; it +wasn't like her. + +He started across the driveway, after the fiacre, but it was lost in a +tangle of side streets before he could make up his mind whether it was +worth while chasing or not; and, pondering the woman's singular action, he +retraced his steps to the promenade rail. + +Presently he told himself he understood. Dorothy was no longer of her +father's party; he had a suspicion that Mulready's attitude had made it +seem advisable to Calendar either to leave the girl behind, in England, or +to segregate her from his associates in Antwerp. If not lodged in another +quarter of the city, or left behind, she was probably traveling on ahead, +to a destination which he could by no means guess. And Mrs. Hallam was +looking for the girl; if there were really jewels in that gladstone bag, +Calendar would naturally have had no hesitation about intrusting them to +his daughter's care; and Mrs. Hallam avowedly sought nothing else. How +the woman had found out that such was the case, Kirkwood did not stop to +reckon; unless he explained it on the proposition that she was a person of +remarkable address. It made no matter, one way or the other; he had lost +Mrs. Hallam; but Calendar and Mulready he could put his finger on; they had +undoubtedly gone off to the _Alethea_ to confer again with Stryker,--that +was, unless they proposed sailing on the brigantine, possibly at turn of +tide that night. + +Panic gripped his soul and shook it, as a terrier shakes a rat, when he +conceived this frightful proposition. + +In his confusion of mind he evolved spontaneously an entirely new +hypothesis: Dorothy had already been spirited aboard the vessel; Calendar +and his confederate, delaying to join her from enigmatic motives, were now +aboard; and presently the word would be, Up-anchor and away! + +Were they again to elude him? Not, he swore, if he had to swim for it. And +he had no wish to swim. The clothes he stood in, with what was left of his +self-respect, were all that he could call his own on that side of the North +Sea. Not a boatman on the Scheldt would so much as consider accepting three +English pennies in exchange for boat-hire. In brief, it began to look as if +he were either to swim or ... to steal a boat. + +Upon such slender threads of circumstance depends our boasted moral health. +In one fleeting minute Kirkwood's conception of the law of _meum et tuum_, +its foundations already insidiously undermined by a series of cumulative +misfortunes, toppled crashing to its fall; and was not. + +He was wholly unconscious of the change. Beneath him, in a space between +the quays bridged by the gangway, a number of rowboats, a putative score, +lay moored for the night and gently rubbing against each other with the +soundless lift and fall of the river. For all that Kirkwood could determine +to the contrary, the lot lay at the mercy of the public; nowhere about was +he able to discern a figure in anything resembling a watchman. + +Without a quiver of hesitation--moments were invaluable, if what he feared +were true--he strode to the gangway, passed down, and with absolute +nonchalance dropped into the nearest boat, stepping from one to another +until he had gained the outermost. To his joy he found a pair of oars +stowed beneath the thwarts. + +If he had paused to moralize--which he didn't--upon the discovery, he would +have laid it all at the door of his lucky star; and would have been wrong. +We who have never stooped to petty larceny know that the oars had been +placed there at the direction of his evil genius bent upon facilitating his +descent into the avernus of crime. Let us, then, pity the poor young man +without condoning his offense. + +Unhitching the painter he set one oar against the gunwale of the next boat, +and with a powerful thrust sent his own (let us so call it for convenience) +stern-first out upon the river; then sat him composedly down, fitted the +oars to their locks, and began to pull straight across-stream, trusting to +the current to carry him down to the _Alethea_. He had already marked down +that vessel's riding-light; and that not without a glow of gratitude to see +it still aloft and in proper juxtaposition to the river-bank; proof that it +had not moved. + +He pulled a good oar, reckoned his distance prettily, and shipping the +blades at just the right moment, brought the little boat in under the +brigantine's counter with scarce a jar. An element of surprise he held +essential to the success of his plan, whatever that might turn out to be. + +Standing up, he caught the brigantine's after-rail with both hands, one of +which held the painter of the purloined boat, and lifted his head above +the deck line. A short survey of the deserted after-deck gave him further +assurance. The anchor-watch was not in sight; he may have been keeping +well forward by Stryker's instructions, or he may have crept off for forty +winks. Whatever the reason for his absence from the post of duty, Kirkwood +was relieved not to have him to deal with; and drawing himself gently in +over the rail, made the painter fast, and stepped noiselessly over toward +the lighted oblong of the companionway. A murmur of voices from below +comforted him with the knowledge that he had not miscalculated, this time; +at last he stood within striking distance of his quarry. + +The syllables of his surname ringing clearly in his ears and followed by +Stryker's fleeting laugh, brought him to a pause. He flushed hotly in the +darkness; the captain was retailing with relish some of his most successful +witticisms at Kirkwood's expense.... "You'd ought to've seed the wye'e +looked at me!" concluded the _raconteur_ in a gale of mirth. + +Mulready laughed with him, if a little uncertainly. Calendar's chuckle was +not audible, but he broke the pause that followed. + +"I don't know," he said with doubting emphasis. "You say you landed him +without a penny in his pocket? I don't call that a good plan at all. Of +course, he ain't a factor, but ... Well, it might've been as well to give +him his fare home. He might make trouble for us, somehow.... I don't mind +telling you, Cap'n, that you're an ass." + +The tensity of certain situations numbs the sensibilities. Kirkwood had +never in his weirdest dreams thought of himself as an eavesdropper; he did +not think of himself as such in the present instance; he merely listened, +edging nearer the skylight, of which the wings were slightly raised, and +keeping as far as possible in shadow. + +"Ow, I sye!" the captain was remonstrating, aggrieved. "'Ow was I to know +'e didn't 'ave it in for you? First off, when 'e comes on board (I'll sye +this for 'im, 'e's as plucky as they myke 'em), I thought 'e was from the +Yard. Then, when I see wot a bally hinnocent 'e was, I mykes up my mind +'e's just some one you've been ply in' one of your little gymes on, and 'oo +was lookin' to square 'is account. So I did 'im proper." + +"Evidently," assented Calendar dryly. "You're a bit of a heavy-handed +brute, Stryker. Personally I'm kind of sorry for the boy; he wasn't a bad +sort, as his kind runs, and he was no fool, from what little I saw of +him.... I wonder what he wanted." + +"Possibly," Mulready chimed in suavely, "you can explain what you wanted +of him, in the first place. How did you come to drag him into _this_ +business?" + +"Oh, that!" Calendar laughed shortly. "That was partly accident, partly +inspiration. I happened to see his name on the Pless register; he'd put +himself down as from 'Frisco. I figured it out that he would be next door +to broke and getting desperate, ready to do anything to get home; and +thought we might utilize him; to smuggle some of the stuff into the States. +Once before, if you'll remember--no; that was before we got together, +Mulready--I picked up a fellow-countryman on the Strand. He was down and +out, jumped at the job, and we made a neat little wad on it." + +"The more fool you, to take outsiders into your confidence," grumbled +Mulready. + +"Ow?" interrogated Calendar, mimicking Stryker's accent inimitably. "Well, +you've got a heap to learn about this game, Mul; about the first thing +is that you must trust Old Man Know-it-all, which is me. I've run more +diamonds into the States, in one way or another, in my time, than you ever +pinched out of the shirt-front of a toff on the Empire Prom., before they +made the graft too hot for you and you came to take lessons from me in the +gentle art of living easy." + +"Oh, cut that, cawn't you?" + +"Delighted, dear boy.... One of the first principles, next to profiting by +the admirable example I set you, is to make the fellows in your own line +trust you. Now, if this boy had taken on with me, I could have got a bunch +of the sparklers on my mere say-so, from old Morganthau up on Finsbury +Pavement. He does a steady business hoodwinking the Customs for the benefit +of his American clients--and himself. And I'd've made a neat little profit +besides: something to fall back on, if this fell through. I don't mind +having two strings to my bow." + +"Yes," argued Mulready; "but suppose this Kirkwood had taken on with you +and then peached?" + +"That's another secret; you've got to know your man, be able to size him +up. I called on this chap for that very purpose; but I saw at a glance he +wasn't our man. He smelt a nigger in the woodpile and most politely told +me to go to the devil. But if he _had_ come in, he'd've died before he +squealed. I know the breed; there's honor among gentlemen that knocks the +honor of thieves higher'n a kite, the old saw to the contrary--nothing +doing.... You understand me, I'm sure, Mulready?" he concluded with +envenomed sweetness. + +"I don't see yet how Kirkwood got anything to do with Dorothy." + +"Miss Calendar to you, _Mister_ Mulready!" snapped Calendar. "There, there, +now! Don't get excited.... It was when the Hallam passed me word that a man +from the Yard was waiting on the altar steps for me, that Kirkwood came in. +He was dining close by; I went over and worked on his feelings until he +agreed to take Dorothy off my hands. If I had attempted to leave the place +with her, they'd've spotted me for sure.... My compliments to you, Dick +Mulready." + +There came the noise of chair legs scraped harshly on the cabin deck. +Apparently Mulready had leaped to his feet in a rage. + +"I've told you--" he began in a voice thick with passion. + +"Oh, sit down!" Calendar cut in contemptuously. "Sit down, d'you hear? +That's all over and done with. We understand each other now, and you won't +try any more monkey-shines. It's a square deal and a square divide, so +far's I'm concerned; if we stick together there'll be profit enough for all +concerned. Sit down, Mul, and have another slug of the captain's bum rum." + +Although Mulready consented to be pacified, Kirkwood got the impression +that the man was far gone in drink. A moment later he heard him growl +"Chin-chin!" antiphonal to the captain's "Cheer-o!" + +"Now, then," Calendar proposed, "Mr. Kirkwood aside--peace be with +him!--let's get down to cases." + +"Wot's the row?" asked the captain. + +"The row, Cap'n, is the Hallam female, who has unexpectedly shown up in +Antwerp, we have reason to believe with malicious intent and a private +detective to add to the gaiety of nations." + +"Wot's the odds? She carn't 'urt us without lyin' up trouble for 'erself." + +"Damn little consolation to us when we're working it out in Dartmoor." + +"Speak for yourself," grunted Mulready surlily. + +"I do," returned Calendar easily; "we're both in the shadow of Dartmoor, +Mul, my boy; since you choose to take the reference as personal. Sing Sing, +however, yawns for me alone; it's going to keep on yawning, too, unless I +miss my guess. I love my native land most to death, _but_ ..." + +"Ow, blow that!" interrupted the captain irritably. "Let's 'ear about the +'Allam. Wot're you afryd of?" + +"'Fraid she'll set up a yell when she finds out we're planting the loot, +Cap'n. She's just that vindictive; you'd think she'd be satisfied with +her end of the stick, but you don't know the Hallam. That milk-and-water +offspring of hers is the apple of her eye, and Freddie's going to collar +the whole shooting-match or madam will kick over the traces." + +"Well?" + +"Well, she's queered us here. We can't do anything if my lady is going to +camp on our trail and tell everybody we're shady customers, can we? The +question now before the board is: Where now,--and how?" + +"Amsterdam," Mulready chimed in. "I told you that in the beginning." + +"But how?" argued Calendar. "The Lord knows I'm willing but ... we can't go +by rail, thanks to the Hallam. We've got to lose her first of all." + +"But wot I'm arskin' is, wot's the matter with--" + +"The _Alethea_, Cap'n? Nothing, so far as Dick and I are concerned. But my +dutiful daughter is prejudiced; she's been so long without proper paternal +discipline," Calendar laughed, "that she's rather high-spirited. Of course +I might overcome her objections, but the girl's no fool, and every ounce +of pressure I bring to bear just now only helps make her more restless and +suspicious." + +"You leave her to me," Mulready interposed, with a brutal laugh. "I'll +guarantee to get her aboard, or..." + +"Drop it, Dick!" Calendar advised quietly. "And go a bit easy with that +bottle for five minutes, can't you?" + +"Well, then," Stryker resumed, apparently concurring in Calendar's +attitude, "w'y don't one of you tyke the stuff, go off quiet and dispose of +it to a proper fence, and come back to divide. I don't see w'y that--" + +"Naturally you wouldn't," chuckled Calendar. "Few people besides the two of +us understand the depth of affection existing between Dick, here, and +me. We just can't bear to get out of sight of each other. We're sure +inseparable--since night before last. Odd, isn't it?" + +"You drop it!" snarled Mulready, in accents so ugly that the listener was +startled. "Enough's enough and--" + +"There, there, Dick! All right; I'll behave," Calendar soothed him. "We'll +forget and say no more about it." + +"Well, see you don't." + +"But 'as either of you a plan?" persisted Stryker. + +"I have," replied Mulready; "and it's the simplest and best, if you could +only make this long-lost parent here see it." + +"Wot is it?" + +Mulready seemed to ignore Calendar and address himself to the captain. +He articulated with some difficulty, slurring his words to the point of +indistinctness at times. + +"Simple enough," he propounded solemnly. "We've got the gladstone bag here; +Miss Dolly's at the hotel--that's her papa's bright notion; he thinks she's +to be trusted ... Now then, what's the matter with weighing anchor and +slipping quietly out to sea?" + +"Leavin' the dootiful darter?" + +"Cert'n'y. She's only a drag any way. 'Better off without her.... Then we +can wait our time and get highest market prices--" + +"You forget, Dick," Calendar put it, "that there's a thousand in it for +each of us if she's kept out of England for six weeks. A thousand's five +thousand in the land I hail from; I can use five thousand in my business." + +"Why can't you be content with what you've got?" demanded Mulready +wrathfully. + +"Because I'm a seventh son of a seventh son; I can see an inch or two +beyond my nose. If Dorothy ever finds her way back to England she'll spoil +one of the finest fields of legitimate graft I ever licked my lips to look +at. The trouble with you, Mul, is you're too high-toned. You want to play +the swell mobs-man from post to finish. A quick touch and a clean getaway +for yours. Now, that's all right; that has its good points, but you don't +want to underestimate the advantages of a good blackmailing connection.... +If I can keep Dorothy quiet long enough, I look to the Hallam and precious +Freddie to be a great comfort to me in my old age." + +"Then, for God's sake," cried Mulready, "go to the hotel, get your brat by +the scruif of her pretty neck and drag her aboard. Let's get out of this." + +"I won't," returned Calendar inflexibly. + +The dispute continued, but the listener had heard enough. He had to get +away and think, could no longer listen; indeed, the voices of the three +blackguards below came but indistinctly to his ears, as if from a distance. +He was sick at heart and ablaze with indignation by turns. Unconsciously he +was trembling violently in every limb; swept by alternate waves of heat and +cold, feverish one minute, shivering the next. All of which phenomena were +due solely to the rage that welled inside his heart. + +Stealthily he crept away to the rail, to stand grasping it and staring +across the water with unseeing eyes at the gay old city twinkling back with +her thousand eyes of light. The cool night breeze, sweeping down unhindered +over the level Netherlands from the bleak North Sea, was comforting to +his throbbing temples. By degrees his head cleared, his rioting pulses +subsided, he could think; and he did. + +Over there, across the water, in the dingy and disreputable Hotel du +Commerce, Dorothy waited in her room, doubtless the prey of unnumbered +nameless terrors, while aboard the brigantine her fate was being decided by +a council of three unspeakable scoundrels, one of whom, professing himself +her father, openly declared his intention of using her to further his +selfish and criminal ends. + +His first and natural thought, to steal away to her and induce her to +accompany him back to England, Kirkwood perforce discarded. He could +have wept over the realization of his unqualified impotency. He had no +money,--not even cab-fare from the hotel to the railway station. Something +subtler, more crafty, had to be contrived to meet the emergency. And there +was one way, one only; he could see none other. Temporarily he must make +himself one of the company of her enemies, force himself upon them, +ingratiate himself into their good graces, gain their confidence, then, +when opportunity offered, betray them. And the power to make them tolerate +him, if not receive him as a fellow, the knowledge of them and their plans +that they had unwittingly given him, was his. + +And Dorothy, was waiting.... + +He swung round and without attempting to muffle his footfalls strode toward +the companionway. He must pretend he had just come aboard. + +Subconsciously he had been aware, during his time of pondering, that the +voices in the cabin had been steadily gaining in volume, rising louder and +yet more loud, Mulready's ominous, drink-blurred accents dominating the +others. There was a quarrel afoot; as soon as he gave it heed, Kirkwood +understood that Mulready, in the madness of his inflamed brain, was forcing +the issue while Calendar sought vainly to calm and soothe him. + +The American arrived at the head of the companionway at a critical +juncture. As he moved to descend some low, cool-toned retort of Calendar's +seemed to enrage his confederate beyond reason. He yelped aloud with wrath, +sprang to his feet, knocking over a chair, and leaping back toward the foot +of the steps, flashed an adroit hand behind him and found his revolver. + +"I've stood enough from you!" he screamed, his voice oddly clear in that +moment of insanity. "You've played with me as long as you will, you hulking +American hog! And now I'm going to show--" + +As he held his fire to permit his denunciation to bite home, Kirkwood, +appalled to find himself standing on the threshold of a tragedy, gathered +himself together and launched through the air, straight for the madman's +shoulders. + +As they went down together, sprawling, Mulready's head struck against a +transom and the revolver fell from his limp fingers. + + + + +XIV + + +STRATAGEMS AND SPOILS + +Prepared as he had been for the shock, Kirkwood was able to pick himself up +quickly, uninjured, Mulready's revolver in his grasp. + +On his feet, straddling Mulready's insentient body, he confronted Calendar +and Stryker. The face of the latter was a sickly green, the gift of his +fright. The former seemed coldly composed, already recovering from his +surprise and bringing his wits to bear upon the new factor which had been +so unceremoniously injected into the situation. + +[Illustration: Straddling Mulready's body, he confronted Calendar and +Stryker.] + +Standing, but leaning heavily upon a hand that rested flat on the table, +in the other he likewise held a revolver, which he had apparently drawn in +self-defense, at the crisis of Mulready's frenzy. Its muzzle was deflected. +He looked Kirkwood over with a cool gray eye, the color gradually returning +to his fat, clean-shaven cheeks, replacing the pardonable pallor which had +momentarily rested thereon. + +As for Kirkwood, he had covered the fat adventurer before he knew it. +Stryker, who had been standing immediately in the rear of Calendar, +immediately cowered and cringed to find himself in the line of fire. + +Of the three conscious men in the brigantine's cabin, Calendar was probably +the least confused or excited. Stryker was palpably unmanned. Kirkwood was +tingling with a sense of mastery, but collected and rapidly revolving the +combinations for the reversed conditions which had been brought about by +Mulready's drunken folly. His elation was apparent in his shining, boyish +eyes, as well as in the bright color that glowed in his cheeks. When he +decided to speak it was with rapid enunciation, but clearly and concisely. + +"Calendar," he began, "if a single shot is fired about this vessel the +river police will be buzzing round your ears in a brace of shakes." + +The fat adventurer nodded assent, his eyes contracting. + +"Very well!" continued Kirkwood brusquely. "You must know that I have +personally nothing to fear from the police; if arrested, I wouldn't be +detained a day. On the other hand, you ... Hand me that pistol, Calendar, +butt first, please. Look sharp, my man! If you don't..." + +He left the ellipsis to be filled in by the corpulent blackguard's +intelligence. The latter, gray eyes still intent on the younger man's face, +wavered, plainly impressed, but still wondering. + +"Quick! I'm not patient to-night..." + +No longer was Calendar of two minds. In the face of Kirkwood's attitude +there was but one course to be followed: that of obedience. Calendar +surrendered an untenable position as gracefully as could be wished. + +"I guess you know what you mean by this," he said, tendering the weapon as +per instructions; "I'm doggoned if I do.... You'll allow a certain +latitude in consideration of my relief; I can't say we were anticipating +this--ah--Heaven-sent visitation." + +Accepting the revolver with his left hand and settling his forefinger on +the trigger, Kirkwood beamed with pure enjoyment. He found the deference +of the older man, tempered though it was by his indomitable swagger, +refreshing in the extreme. + +"A little appreciation isn't exactly out of place, come to think of it," +he commented, adding, with an eye for the captain: "Stryker, you bold, bad +butterfly, have you got a gun concealed about your unclean person?" + +The captain shook visibly with contrition. "No, Mr. Kirkwood," he managed +to reply in a voice singularly lacking in his wonted bluster. + +"Say 'sir'!" suggested Kirkwood. + +"No, Mr. Kirkwood, sir," amended Stryker eagerly. + +"Now come round here and let's have a look at you. Please stay where you +are, Calendar.... Why, Captain, you're shivering from head to foot! Not ill +are you, you wag? Step over to the table there, Stryker, and turn out your +pockets; turn 'em inside out and let's see what you carry in the way of +offensive artillery. And, Stryker, don't be rash; don't do anything you'd +be sorry for afterwards." + +"No fear of that," mumbled the captain, meekly shambling toward the table, +and, in his anxiety to give no cause for unpleasantness, beginning to empty +his pockets on the way. + +"Don't forget the 'sir,' Stryker. And, Stryker, if you happen to think of +anything in the line of one of your merry quips or jests, don't strain +yourself holding in; get it right off your chest, and you'll feel better." + +Kirkwood chuckled, in high conceit with himself, watching Calendar out of +the corner of his eye, but with his attention centered on the infinitely +diverting spectacle afforded by Stryker, whose predacious hands were +trembling violently as, one by one, they brought to light the articles of +which he had despoiled his erstwhile victim. + +"Come, come, Stryker! Surely you can think of something witty, surely you +haven't exhausted the possibilities of that almanac joke! Couldn't you +ring another variation on the lunatic wheeze? Don't hesitate out of +consideration for me, Captain; I'm joke proof--perhaps you've noticed?" + +Stryker turned upon him an expression at once ludicrous, piteous and +hateful. "That's all, sir," he snarled, displaying his empty palms in token +of his absolute tractability. + +"Good enough. Now right about face--quick! Your back's prettier than your +face, and besides, I want to know whether your hip-pockets are empty. I've +heard it's the habit of you gentry to pack guns in your clothes.... None? +That's all right, then. Now roost on the transom, over there in the corner, +Stryker, and don't move. Don't let me hear a word from you. Understand?" + +Submissively the captain retired to the indicated spot. Kirkwood turned +to Calendar; of whose attitude, however, he had not been for an instant +unmindful. + +"Won't you sit down, Mr. Calendar?" he suggested pleasantly. "Forgive me +for keeping you waiting." + +For his own part, as the adventurer dropped passively into his chair, +Kirkwood stepped over Mulready and advanced to the middle of the cabin, at +the same time thrusting Calendar's revolver into his own coat pocket. The +other, Mulready's, he nursed significantly with both hands, while he stood +temporarily quiet, surveying the fleshy face of the prime factor in the +intrigue. + +A quaint, grim smile played about the American's lips, a smile a little +contemptuous, more than a little inscrutable. In its light Calendar grew +restive and lost something of his assurance. His feet shifted uneasily +beneath the table and his dark eyes wavered, evading Kirkwood's. At length +he seemed to find the suspense unendurable. + +"Well?" he demanded testily. "What d'you want of me?" + +"I was just wondering at you, Calendar. In the last few days you've given +me enough cause to wonder, as you'll admit." + +The adventurer plucked up spirit, deluded by Kirkwood's pacific tone. "I +wonder at you, Mr. Kirkwood," he retorted. "It was good of you to save my +life and--" + +"I'm not so sure of that! Perhaps it had been more humane--" + +Calendar owned the touch with a wry grimace. "But I'm damned if I +understand this high-handed attitude of yours!" he concluded heatedly. + +"Don't you?" Kirkwood's humor became less apparent, the smile sobering. +"You will," he told the man, adding abruptly: "Calendar, where's your +daughter?" + +The restless eyes sought the companionway. + +"Dorothy," the man lied spontaneously, without a tremor, "is with friends +in England. Why? Did you want to see her?" + +"I rather expected to." + +"Well, I thought it best to leave her home, after all." + +"I'm glad to hear she's in safe hands," commented Kirkwood. + +The adventurer's glance analyzed his face. "Ah," he said slowly, "I see. +You followed me on Dorothy's account, Mr. Kirkwood?" + +"Partly; partly on my own. Let me put it to you fairly. When you forced +yourself upon me, back there in London, you offered me some sort of +employment; when I rejected it, you used me to your advantage for the +furtherance of your purposes (which I confess I don't understand), and made +me miss my steamer. Naturally, when I found myself penniless and friendless +in a strange country, I thought again of your offer; and tried to find you, +to accept it." + +"Despite the fact that you're an honest man, Kirkwood?" The fat lips +twitched with premature enjoyment. + +"I'm a desperate man to-night, whatever I may have been yesterday." The +young man's tone was both earnest and convincing. "I think I've shown that +by my pertinacity in hunting you down." + +"Well--yes." Calendar's thick fingers caressed his lips, trying to hide the +dawning smile. + +"Is that offer still open?" + +His nonchalance completely restored by the very naivete of the proposition, +Calendar laughed openly and with a trace of irony. The episode seemed to be +turning out better than he had anticipated. Gently his mottled fat fingers +played about his mouth and chins as he looked Kirkwood up and down. + +"I'm sorry," he replied, "that it isn't--now. You're too late, Kirkwood; +I've made other arrangements." + +"Too bad." Kirkwood's eyes narrowed. "You force me to harsher measures, +Calendar." + +Genuinely diverted, the adventurer laughed a second time, tipping back +in his chair, his huge frame shaking with ponderous enjoyment. "Don't do +anything you'd be sorry for," he parroted, sarcastical, the young man's +recent admonition to the captain. + +"No fear, Calendar. I'm just going to use my advantage, which you won't +dispute,"--the pistol described an eloquent circle, gleaming in the +lamplight--"to levy on you a little legitimate blackmail. Don't be alarmed; +I shan't hit you any harder than I have to." + +"What?" stammered Calendar, astonished. "What in hell _are_ you driving +at?" + +"Recompense for my time and trouble. You've cost me a pretty penny, first +and last, with your nasty little conspiracy--whatever it's all about. Now, +needing the money, I purpose getting some of it back. I shan't precisely +rob you, but this is a hold-up, all right.... Stryker," reproachfully, "I +don't see my pearl pin." + +"I got it 'ere," responded the sailor hastily, fumbling with his tie. + +"Give it me, then." Kirkwood held out his hand and received the trinket. +Then, moving over to the table, the young man, while abating nothing of +his watchfulness, sorted out his belongings from the mass of odds and ends +Stryker had disgorged. The tale of them was complete; the captain had +obeyed him faithfully. Kirkwood looked up, pleased. + +"Now see here, Calendar; this collection of truck that I was robbed of by +this resurrected Joe Miller here, cost me upwards of a hundred and fifty. +I'm going to sell it to you at a bargain--say fifty dollars, two hundred +and fifty francs." + +"The juice you are!" Calendar's eyes opened wide, partly in admiration. +"D'you realize that this is next door to highway robbery, my young friend?" + +"High-seas piracy, if you prefer," assented Kirkwood with entire +equanimity. "I'm going to have the money, and you're going to give it up. +The transaction by any name would smell no sweeter, Calendar. Come--fork +over!" + +"And if I refuse?" + +"I wouldn't refuse, if I were you." + +"Why not?" + +"The consequences would be too painful." + +"You mean you'd puncture me with that gun?" + +"Not unless you attack or attempt to follow me. I mean to say that the +Belgian police are notoriously a most efficient body, and that I'll make +it my duty and pleasure to introduce 'em to you, if you refuse. But you +won't," Kirkwood added soothingly, "will you, Calendar?" + +"No." The adventurer had become suddenly thoughtful. "No, I won't. 'Glad to +oblige you." + +He tilted his chair still farther back, straightening out his elephantine +legs, inserted one fat hand into his trouser pocket and with some +difficulty extracted a combined bill-fold and coin-purse, at once heavy +with gold and bulky with notes. Moistening thumb and forefinger, "How'll +you have it?" he inquired with a lift of his cunning eyes; and when +Kirkwood had advised him, slowly counted out four fifty-franc notes, placed +them near the edge of the table, and weighted them with five ten-franc +pieces. And, "'That all?" he asked, replacing the pocket-book. + +"That will be about all. I leave you presently to your unholy devices, you +and that gay dog, over there." The captain squirmed, reddening. "Just by +way of precaution, however, I'll ask you to wait in here till I'm off." +Kirkwood stepped backwards to the door of the captain's room, opened it and +removed the key from the inside. "Please take Mulready in with you," he +continued. "By the time you get out, I'll be clear of Antwerp. Please don't +think of refusing me,--I really mean it!" + +The latter clause came sharply as Calendar seemed to hesitate, his weary, +wary eyes glimmering with doubt. Kirkwood, watching him as a cat her prey, +intercepted a lightning-swift sidelong glance that shifted from his face +to the port lockers, forward. But the fat adventurer was evidently to a +considerable degree deluded by the very child-like simplicity of Kirkwood's +attitude. If the possibility that his altercation with Mulready had been +overheard, crossed his mind, Calendar had little choice other than to +accept the chance. Either way he moved, the risk was great; if he refused +to be locked in the captain's room, there was the danger of the police, +to which Kirkwood had convincingly drawn attention; if he accepted the +temporary imprisonment, he took a risk with the gladstone bag. On the other +hand, he had estimated Kirkwood's honesty as thorough-going, from their +first interview; he had appraised him as a gentleman and a man of honor. +And he did not believe the young man knew, after all ... Perplexed, at +length he chose the smoother way, and with an indulgent lifting of eyebrows +and fat shoulders, rose and waddled over to Mulready. + +"Oh, all right," he conceded with deep toleration in his tone for the +idiosyncrasies of youth. "It's all the same to me, beau." He laughed a +nervous laugh. "Come along and lend us a hand, Stryker." + +The latter glanced timidly at Kirkwood, his eyes pleading for leave to +move; which Kirkwood accorded with an imperative nod and a fine flourish of +the revolver. Promptly the captain, sprang to Calendar's assistance; and +between the two of them, the one taking Mulready's head, the other his +feet, they lugged him quickly into the stuffy little state-room. Kirkwood, +watching and following to the threshold, inserted the key. + +"One word more," he counseled, a hand on the knob. "Don't forget I've +warned you what'll happen if you try to break even with me." + +"Never fear, little one!" Calendar's laugh was nervously cheerful. "The +Lord knows you're welcome." + +"Thank you 'most to death," responded Kirkwood politely. "Good-by--and +good-by to you, Stryker. 'Glad to have humored your desire to meet me soon +again." + +Kirkwood, turning the key in the lock, withdrew it and dropped it on the +cabin table; at the same time he swept into his pocket the money he had +extorted of Calendar. Then he paused an instant, listening; from the +captain's room came a sound of murmurs and scuffling. He debated what they +were about in there--but time pressed. Not improbably they, were crowding +for place at the keyhole, he reflected, as he crossed to the port locker +forward. + +He had its lid up in a twinkling, and in another had lifted out the +well-remembered black gladstone bag. + +This seems to have been his first compound larceny. + +As if stimulated by some such reflection he sprang for the companionway, +dropping the lid of the locker with a bang which must have been +excruciatingly edifying to the men in the captain's room. Whatever their +emotions, the bang was mocked by a mighty kick, shaking the door; which, +Kirkwood reflected, opened outward and was held only by the frailest kind +of a lock: it would not hold long. + +Spurred onward by a storm of curses, Stryker's voice chanting infuriated +cacophony with Calendar's, Kirkwood leapt up the companionway even as the +second tremendous kick threatened to shatter the panels. Heart in mouth, a +chill shiver of guilt running up and down his spine, he gained the deck, +cast loose the painter, drew in his rowboat, and dropped over the side; +then, the gladstone bag nestling between his feet, sat down and bent to the +oars. + +And doubts assailed him, pressing close upon the ebb of his +excitement--doubts and fears innumerable. + +There was no longer a distinction to be drawn between himself and Calendar; +no more could he esteem himself a better and more honest man than that +accomplished swindler. He was not advised as to the Belgian code, but +English law, he understood, made no allowance for the good intent of those +caught in possession of stolen property; though he was acting with the most +honorable motives in the world, the law, if he came within its cognizance, +would undoubtedly place him on Calendar's plane and judge him by the same +standard. To all intents and purposes he was a thief, and thief he would +remain until the gladstone bag with its contents should be restored to its +rightful owner. + +Voluntarily, then, he had stepped from the ranks of the hunters to those of +the hunted. He now feared police interference as abjectly as did Calendar +and his set of rogues; and Kirkwood felt wholly warranted in assuming that +the adventurer, with his keen intelligence, would not handicap himself by +ignoring this point. Indeed, if he were to be judged by what Kirkwood had +inferred of his character, Calendar would let nothing whatever hinder him, +neither fear of bodily hurt nor danger of apprehension at the hands of the +police, from making a determined and savage play to regain possession of +his booty. + +Well! (Kirkwood set his mouth savagely) Calendar should have a run for his +money! + +For the present he could compliment himself with the knowledge that he had +outwitted the rogues, had lifted the jewels and probably two-thirds of +their armament; he had also the start, the knowledge of their criminal +guilt and intent, and his own plans, to comfort him. As for the latter, he +did not believe that Calendar would immediately fathom them; so he took +heart of grace and tugged at the oars with a will, pulling directly for the +city and permitting the current to drift him down-stream at its pleasure. +There could be no more inexcusable folly than to return to the _Quai Steen_ +landing and (possibly) the arms of the despoiled boat-owner. + +At first he could hear crash after splintering crash sounding dully muffled +from the cabin of the _Alethea_: a veritable devil's tattoo beaten out by +the feet of the prisoners. Evidently the fastening was serving him better +than he had dared hope. But as the black rushing waters widened between +boat and brigantine, the clamor aboard the latter subsided, indicating +that Calendar and Stryker had broken out or been released by the crew. In +ignorance as to whether he were seen or being pursued, Kirkwood pulled on, +winning in under the shadow of the quais and permitting the boat to drift +down to a lonely landing on the edge of the dockyard quarter of Antwerp. + +Here alighting, he made the boat fast and, soothing his conscience with a +surmise that its owner would find it there in the morning, strode swiftly +over to the train line that runs along the embankment, swung aboard an +adventitious car and broke his first ten-franc piece in order to pay his +fare. + +The car made a leisurely progress up past the old Steen castle and the Quai +landing, Kirkwood sitting quietly, the gladstone bag under his hand, a +searching gaze sweeping the waterside. No sign of the adventurers rewarded +him, but it was now all chance, all hazard. He had no more heart for +confidence. + +They passed the Hotel du Commerce. Kirkwood stared up at its windows, +wondering.... + +A little farther on, a disengaged fiacre, its driver alert for possible +fares, turned a corner into the esplanade. At sight of it Kirkwood, +inspired, hopped nimbly off the tram-car and signaled the cabby. The latter +pulled up and Kirkwood started to charge him with instructions; something +which he did haltingly, hampered by a slight haziness of purpose. While +thus engaged, and at rest in the stark glare of the street-lamps, with +no chance of concealing himself, he was aware of a rising tumult in the +direction of the landing, and glancing round, discovered a number of people +running toward him. With no time to wonder whether or no he was really the +object of the hue-and-cry, he tossed the driver three silver francs. + +"Gare Centrale!" he cried. "And drive like the devil!" + +Diving into the fiacre he shut the door and stuck his head out of the +window, taking observations. A ragged fringe of silly rabble was bearing +down upon them, with one or two gendarmes in the forefront, and a giant, +who might or might not be Stryker, a close second. Furthermore, another +cab seemed to have been requisitioned for the chase. His heart misgave him +momentarily; but his driver had taken him at his word and generosity, +and in a breath the fiacre had turned the corner on two wheels, and the +glittering reaches of the embankment, drive and promenade, were blotted +out, as if smudged with lamp-black, by the obscurity of a narrow and +tortuous side street. + +He drew in his head the better to preserve his brains against further +emergencies. + +After a block or two Kirkwood picked up the gladstone bag, gently opened +the door, and put a foot on the step, pausing to look back. The other cab +was pelting after him with all the enthusiasm of a hound on a fresh +trail. He reflected that this mad progress through the thoroughfares of a +civilized city would not long endure without police intervention. So he +waited, watching his opportunity. The fiacre hurtled onward, the driver +leaning forward from his box to urge the horse with lash of whip and +tongue, entirely unconscious of his fare's intentions. + +Between two streets the mouth of a narrow and darksome byway flashed into +view. Kirkwood threw wide the door, and leaped, trusting to the night to +hide his stratagem, to luck to save his limbs. Neither failed him; in a +twinkling he was on all fours in the mouth of the alley, and as he picked +himself up, the second fiacre passed, Calendar himself poking a round bald +poll out of the window to incite his driver's cupidity with promises of +redoubled fare. + +Kirkwood mopped his dripping forehead and whistled low with dismay; it +seemed that from that instant on it was to be a vendetta with a vengeance. +Calendar, as he had foreseen, was stopping at nothing. + +At a dog trot he sped down the alley to the next street, on which he turned +back--more sedately--toward the river, debouching on the esplanade just one +block from the Hotel du Commerce. As he swung past the serried tables of a +cafe, whatever fears he had harbored were banished by the discovery that +the excitement occasioned by the chase had already subsided. Beneath the +garish awnings the crowd was laughing and chattering, eating and sipping +its bock with complete unconcern, heedless altogether of the haggard and +shabby young man carrying a black hand-bag, with the black Shade of Care +for company and a blacker threat of disaster dogging his footsteps. Without +attracting any attention whatever, indeed, he mingled with the strolling +crowds, making his way toward the Hotel du Commerce. Yet he was not at all +at ease; his uneasy conscience invested the gladstone bag with a magnetic +attraction for the public eye. To carry it unconcealed in his hand +furnished him with a sensation as disturbing as though its worn black sides +had been stenciled STOLEN! in letters of flame. He felt it rendered him a +cynosure of public interest, an object of suspicion to the wide cold world, +that the gaze which lit upon the bag traveled to his face only to espy +thereon the brand of guilt. + +For ease of mind, presently, he turned into a convenient shop and spent ten +invaluable francs for a hand satchel big enough to hold the gladstone bag. + +With more courage, now that he had the hateful thing under cover, he found +and entered the Hotel du Commerce. + +In the little closet which served for an office, over a desk visibly +groaning with the weight of an enormous and grimy registry book, a sleepy, +fat, bland and good-natured woman of the Belgian _bourgeoisie_ presided, +a benign and drowsy divinity of even-tempered courtesy. To his misleading +inquiry for Monsieur Calendar she returned a cheerful permission to seek +that gentleman for himself. + +"Three flights, M'sieu', in the front; suite seventeen it is. M'sieu' does +not mind walking up?" she inquired. + +M'sieu' did not in the least, though by no strain of the imagination could +it, be truthfully said that he walked up those steep and redolent stairways +of the Hotel du Commerce d'Anvers. More literally, he flew with winged +feet, spurning each third padded step with a force that raised a tiny cloud +of fine white dust from the carpeting. + +Breathless, at last he paused at the top of the third flight. His heart +was hammering, his pulses drumming like wild things; there was a queer +constriction in his throat, a fire of hope in his heart alternating with +the ice of doubt. Suppose she were not there! What if he were mistaken, +what if he had misunderstood, what if Mulready and Calendar had referred to +another lodging-house? + +Pausing, he gripped the balustrade fiercely, forcing his self-control, +forcing himself to reflect that the girl (presuming, for the sake of +argument, he were presently to find her) could not be expected to +understand how ardently he had discounted this moment of meeting, or how +strangely it affected him. Indeed, he himself was more than a little +disturbed by the latter phenomenon, though he was no longer blind to its +cause. But he was not to let her see the evidences of his agitation, lest +she be frightened. + +Slowly schooling himself to assume a masque of illuding self-possession and +composure, he passed down the corridor to the door whose panels wore the +painted legend, 17; and there knocked. + +Believing that he overheard from within a sudden startled exclamation, he +smiled patiently, tolerant of her surprise. + +Burning with impatience as with a fever, he endured a long minute's wait. + +Misgivings were prompting him to knock again and summon her by name, when +he heard footfalls on the other side of the door, followed by a click of +the lock. The door was opened grudgingly, a bare six inches. + +Of the alarmed expression in the eyes that stared into his, he took no +account. His face lengthened a little as he stood there, dumb, panting, +staring; and his heart sank, down, deep down into a gulf of disappointment, +weighted sorely with chagrin. + +Then, of the two the first to recover countenance, he doffed his cap and +bowed. + +"Good evening, Mrs. Hallam," he said with a rueful smile. + + + + +XV + + +REFUGEES + +Now, if Kirkwood's emotion was poignant, Mrs. Hallam's astonishment +paralleled, and her relief transcended it. In order to understand this it +must be remembered that while Mr. Kirkwood was aware of the lady's presence +in Antwerp, on her part she had known nothing of him since he had so +ungallantly fled her company in Sheerness. She seemed to anticipate that +either Calendar or one of his fellows would be discovered at the door,--to +have surmised it without any excessive degree of pleasure. + +Only briefly she hesitated, while her surprise swayed her; then with a +hardening of the eyes and a curt little nod, "I'm sorry," she said with +decision, "but I am busy and can't see you now, Mr. Kirkwood"; and +attempted to shut the door in his face. + +Deftly Kirkwood forestalled her intention by inserting both a foot and a +corner of the newly purchased hand-bag between the door and the jamb. He +had dared too greatly to be thus dismissed. "Pardon me," he countered, +unabashed, "but I wish to speak with Miss Calendar." + +"Dorothy," returned the lady with spirit, "is engaged...." + +She compressed her lips, knitted her brows, and with disconcerting +suddenness thrust one knee against the obstructing hand-bag; Kirkwood, +happily, anticipated the movement just in time to reinforce the bag with +his own knee; it remained in place, the door standing open. + +The woman flushed angrily; their glances crossed, her eyes flashing with +indignation; but Kirkwood's held them with a level and unyielding stare. + +"I intend," he told her quietly, "to see Miss Calendar. It's useless your +trying to hinder me. We may as well understand each other, Madam, and I'll +tell you now that if you wish to avoid a scene--" + +"Dorothy!" the woman called over her shoulder; "ring for the porter." + +"By all means," assented Kirkwood agreeably. "I'll send him for a +gendarme." + +"You insolent puppy!" + +"Madam, your wit disarms me--" + +"What is the matter, Mrs. Hallam?" interrupted a voice from the other side +of the door. "Who is it?" + +"Miss Calendar!" cried Kirkwood hastily, raising his voice. + +"Mr. Kirkwood!" the reply came on the instant. She knew his voice! "Please, +Mrs. Hallam, I will see Mr. Kirkwood." + +"You have no time to waste with him, Dorothy," said the woman coldly. "I +must insist--" + +"But you don't seem to understand; it is Mr. Kirkwood!" argued the +girl,--as if he were ample excuse for any imprudence! + +Kirkwood's scant store of patience was by this time rapidly becoming +exhausted. "I should advise you not to interfere any further, Mrs. Hallam," +he told her in a tone low, but charged with meaning. + +How much did he know? She eyed him an instant longer, in sullen suspicion, +then swung open the door, yielding with what grace she could. "Won't you +come in, Mr. Kirkwood?" she inquired with acidulated courtesy. + +"If you press me," he returned winningly, "how can I refuse? You are too +good!" + +His impertinence disconcerted even himself; he wondered that she did not +slap him as he passed her, entering the room; and felt that he deserved it, +despite her attitude. But such thoughts could not long trouble one whose +eyes were enchanted by the sight of Dorothy, confronting him in the middle +of the dingy room, her hands, bristling dangerously with hat pins, busy +with the adjustment of a small gray toque atop the wonder that was her +hair. So vivacious and charming she seemed, so spirited and bright her +welcoming smile, so foreign was she altogether to the picture of her, worn +and distraught, that he had mentally conjured up, that he stopped in an +extreme of disconcertion; and dropped the hand-bag, smiling sheepishly +enough under her ready laugh--mirth irresistibly incited by the +plainly-read play of expression on his mobile countenance. + +"You must forgive the unconventionally, Mr. Kirkwood," she apologized, +needlessly enough, but to cover his embarrassment. "I am on the point of +going out with Mrs. Hallam--and of course you are the last person on earth +I expected to meet here!" + +"It's good to see you, Miss Calendar," he said simply, remarking with much +satisfaction that her trim walking costume bore witness to her statement +that she was prepared for the street. + +The girl glanced into a mirror, patted the small, bewitching hat an +infinitesimal fraction of an inch to one side, and turned to him again, +her hands free. One of them, small but cordial, rested in his grasp for an +instant all too brief, the while he gazed earnestly into her face, +noting with concern what the first glance had not shown him,--the almost +imperceptible shadows beneath her eyes and cheek-bones, pathetic records of +the hours the girl had spent, since last he had seen her, in company with +his own grim familiar, Care. + +Not a little of care and distress of mind had seasoned her portion in those +two weary days. He saw and knew it; and his throat tightened inexplicably, +again, as it had out there in the corridor. Possibly the change in her had +passed unchallenged by any eyes other than his, but even in the little time +that he had spent in her society, the image of her had become fixed so +indelibly on his memory, that he could not now be deceived. She was +changed--a little, but changed; she had suffered, and was suffering and, +forced by suffering, her nascent womanhood was stirring in the bud. The +child that he had met in London, in Antwerp he found grown to woman's +stature and slowly coming to comprehension of the nature of the change in +herself,--the wonder of it glowing softly in her eyes.... + +The clear understanding of mankind that is an appanage of woman's estate, +was now added to the intuitions of a girl's untroubled heart. She could +not be blind to the mute adoration of his gaze; nor could she resent it. +Beneath it she colored and lowered her lashes. + +"I was about to go out," she repeated in confusion. "I--it's pleasant to +see you, too." + +"Thank you," he stammered ineptly; "I--I--" + +"If Mr. Kirkwood will excuse us, Dorothy," Mrs. Hallam's sharp tones struck +in discordantly, "we shall be glad to see him when we return to London." + +"I am infinitely complimented, Mrs. Hallam," Kirkwood assured her; and of +the girl quickly: "You're going back home?" he asked. + +She nodded, with a faint, puzzled smile that included the woman. "After a +little--not immediately. Mrs. Hallam is so kind--" + +"Pardon me," he interrupted; "but tell me one thing, please: have you any +one in England to whom you can go without invitation and be welcomed and +cared for--any friends or relations?" + +"Dorothy will be with me," Mrs. Hallam answered for her, with cold +defiance. + +Deliberately insolent, Kirkwood turned his back to the woman. "Miss +Calendar, will you answer my question for yourself?" he asked the girl +pointedly. + +"Why--yes; several friends; none in London, but--" + +"Dorothy--" + +"One moment, Mrs. Hallam," Kirkwood flung crisply over his shoulder. "I'm +going to ask you something rather odd, Miss Calendar," he continued, +seeking the girl's eyes. "I hope--" + +"Dorothy, I--" + +"If you please, Mrs. Hallam," suggested the girl, with just the right shade +of independence. "I wish to listen to Mr. Kirkwood. He has been very kind +to me and has every right...." She turned to him again, leaving the woman +breathless and speechless with anger. + +"You told me once," Kirkwood continued quickly, and, he felt, brazenly, +"that you considered me kind, thoughtful and considerate. You know me +no better to-day than you did then, but I want to beg you to trust me a +little. Can you trust yourself to my protection until we reach your friends +in England?" + +"Why, I--" the girl faltered, taken by surprise. + +"Mr. Kirkwood!" cried Mrs. Hallam angrily, finding her voice. + +Kirkwood turned to meet her onslaught with a mien grave, determined, +unflinching. "Please do not interfere, Madam," he said quietly. + +"You are impertinent, sir! Dorothy, I forbid you to listen to this person!" + +The girl flushed, lifting her chin a trifle. "Forbid?" she repeated +wonderingly. + +Kirkwood was quick to take advantage of her resentment. "Mrs. Hallam is not +fitted to advise you," he insisted, "nor can she control your actions. It +must already have occurred to you that you're rather out of place in the +present circumstances. The men who have brought you hither, I believe you +already see through, to some extent. Forgive my speaking plainly ... But +that is why you have accepted Mrs. Hallam's offer of protection. Will you +take my word for it, when I tell you she has not your right interests at +heart, but the reverse? I happen to know, Miss Calendar, and I--" + +"How dare you, sir?" + +Flaming with rage, Mrs. Hallam put herself bodily between them, confronting +Kirkwood in white-lipped desperation, her small, gloved hands clenched and +quivering at her sides, her green eyes dangerous. + +But Kirkwood could silence her; and he did. "Do you wish me to speak +frankly, Madam? Do you wish me to tell what I know--and all I know--," with +rising emphasis,--"of your social status and your relations with Calendar +and Mulready? I promise you that if you wish it, or force me to it...." + +But he had need to say nothing further; the woman's eyes wavered before his +and a little sob of terror forced itself between her shut teeth. Kirkwood +smiled grimly, with a face of brass, impenetrable, inflexible. And suddenly +she turned from him with indifferent bravado. + +"As Mr. Kirkwood says, Dorothy," she said in her high, metallic voice, "I +have no authority over you. But if you're silly enough to consider for a +moment this fellow's insulting suggestion, if you're fool enough to go with +him, unchaperoned through Europe and imperil your--" + +"Mrs. Hallam!" Kirkwood cut her short with a menacing tone. + +"Why, then, I wash my hands of you," concluded the woman defiantly. "Make +your choice, my child," she added with a meaning laugh and moved away, +humming a snatch from a French _chanson_ which brought the hot blood to +Kirkwood's face. + +But the girl did not understand; and he was glad of that. "You may judge +between us," he appealed to her directly, once more. "I can only offer +you my word of honor as an American gentleman that you shall be landed in +England, safe and sound, by the first available steamer--" + +"There's no need to say more, Mr. Kirkwood," Dorothy informed him quietly. +"I have already decided. I think I begin to understand some things clearly, +now.... If you're ready, we will go." + +From the window, where she stood, holding the curtains back and staring +out, Mrs. Hallam turned with a curling lip. + +[Illustration: From the window, Mrs. Hallam turned with a curling lip.] + +"'The honor of an American gentleman,'" she quoted with a stinging sneer; +"I'm sure I wish you comfort of it, child!" + +"We must make haste, Miss Calendar," said Kirkwood, ignoring the +implication. "Have you a traveling-bag?" + +She silently indicated a small valise, closed and strapped, on a table by +the bed, and immediately passed out into the hall. Kirkwood took the case +containing the gladstone bag in one hand, the girl's valise in the other, +and followed. + +As he turned the head of the stairs he looked back. Mrs. Hallam was still +at the window, her back turned. From her very passiveness he received an +impression of something ominous and forbidding; if she had lost a trick or +two of the game she played, she still held cards, was not at the end of her +resources. She stuck in his imagination for many an hour as a force to be +reckoned with. + +For the present he understood that she was waiting to apprise Calendar and +Mulready of their flight. With the more haste, then, he followed Dorothy +down the three flights, through the tiny office, where Madam sat sound +asleep at her over-burdened desk, and out. + +Opposite the door they were fortunate enough to find a fiacre drawn up in +waiting at the curb. Kirkwood opened the door for the girl to enter. + +"Gare du Sud," he directed the driver. "Drive your fastest--double fare for +quick time!" + +The driver awoke with a start from profound reverie, looked Kirkwood over, +and bowed with gesticulative palms. + +"M'sieu', I am desolated, but engaged!" he protested. + +"Precisely." Kirkwood deposited the two bags on the forward seat of the +conveyance, and stood back to convince the man. "Precisely," said he, +undismayed. "The lady who engaged you is remaining for a time; I will +settle her bill." + +"Very well, M'sieu'!" The driver disclaimed responsibility and accepted the +favor of the gods with a speaking shrug. "M'sieu' said the Gare du Sud? _En +voiture_!" + +Kirkwood jumped in and shut the door; the vehicle drew slowly away from +the curb, then with gratifying speed hammered up-stream on the embankment. +Bending forward, elbows on knees, Kirkwood watched the sidewalks narrowly, +partly to cover the girl's constraint, due to Mrs. Hallam's attitude, +partly on the lookout for Calendar and his confederates. In a few moments +they passed a public clock. + +"We've missed the Flushing boat," he announced. "I'm making a try for the +Hoek van Holland line. We may possibly make it. I know that it leaves by +the Sud Quai, and that's all I do know," he concluded with an apologetic +laugh. + +"And if we miss that?" asked the girl, breaking silence for the first time +since they had left the hotel. + +"We'll take the first train out of Antwerp." + +"Where to?" + +"Wherever the first train goes, Miss Calendar.... The main point is to get +away to-night. That we must do, no matter where we land, or how we get +there. To-morrow we can plan with more certainty." + +"Yes..." Her assent was more a sigh than a word. + +The cab, dashing down the Rue Leopold de Wael, swung into the Place du Sud, +before the station. Kirkwood, acutely watchful, suddenly thrust head and +shoulders out of his window (fortunately it was the one away from the +depot), and called up to the driver. + +"Don't stop! Gare Centrale now--and treble fare!" + +"_Oui, M'sieu'! Allons!_" + +The whip cracked and the horse swerved sharply round the corner into the +Avenue du Sud. The young man, with a hushed exclamation, turned in his +seat, lifting the flap over the little peephole in the back of the +carriage. + +He had not been mistaken. Calendar was standing in front of the station; +and it was plain to be seen, from his pose, that the madly careering fiacre +interested him more than slightly. Irresolute, perturbed, the man took +a step or two after it, changed his mind, and returned to his post of +observation. + +Kirkwood dropped the flap and turned back to find the girl's wide eyes +searching his face. He said nothing. + +"What was that?" she asked after a patient moment. + +"Your father, Miss Calendar," he returned uncomfortably. + +There fell a short pause; then: "Why--will you tell me--is it necessary to +run away from my father, Mr. Kirkwood?" she demanded, with a moving little +break in her voice. + +Kirkwood hesitated. It were unfeeling to tell her why; yet it was essential +that she should know, however painful the knowledge might prove to her. + +And she was insistent; he might not dodge the issue. "Why?" she repeated as +he paused. + +"I wish you wouldn't press me for an answer just now, Miss Calendar." + +"Don't you think I had better know?" + +Instinctively he inclined his head in assent. + +"Then why--?" + +Kirkwood bent forward and patted the flank of the satchel that held the +gladstone bag. + +"What does that mean, Mr. Kirkwood?" + +"That I have the jewels," he told her tersely, looking straight ahead. + +At his shoulder he heard a low gasp of amazement and incredulity +commingled. + +"But--! How did you get them? My father deposited them in bank this +morning?" + +"He must have taken them out again.... I got them on board the Alethea, +where your father was conferring with Mulready and Captain Stryker." + +"The Alethea!" + +"Yes." + +"You took them from those men?--you!... But didn't my father--?" + +"I had to persuade him," said Kirkwood simply. + +"But there were three of them against you!" + +"Mulready wasn't--ah--feeling very well, and Stryker's a coward. They gave +me no trouble. I locked them in Stryker's room, lifted the bag of jewels, +and came away.... I ought to tell you that they were discussing the +advisability of sailing away without you--leaving you here, friendless and +without means. That's why I considered it my duty to take a hand.... I +don't like to tell you this so brutally, but you ought to know, and I can't +see how to tone it down," he concluded awkwardly. + +"I understand...." + +But for some moments she did not speak. He avoided looking at her. + +The fiacre, rolling at top speed but smoothly on the broad avenues that +encircle the ancient city, turned into the Avenue de Keyser, bringing into +sight the Gare Centrale. + +"You don't--k-know--" began the girl without warning, in a voice gusty with +sobs. + +"Steady on!" said Kirkwood gently. "I do know, but don't let's talk about +it now. We'll be at the station in a minute, and I'll get out and see +what's to be done about a train, if neither Mulready or Stryker are about. +You stay in the carriage.... No!" He changed his mind suddenly. "I'll not +risk losing you again. It's a risk we'll have to run in company." + +"Please!" she agreed brokenly. + +The fiacre slowed up and stopped. + +"Are you all right, Miss Calendar?" Kirkwood asked. + +The girl sat up, lifting her head proudly. "I am quite ready," she said, +steadying her voice. + +Kirkwood reconnoitered through the window, while the driver was descending. + +"Gare Centrale, M'sieu'," he said, opening the door. + +"No one in sight," Kirkwood told the girl. "Come, please." + +He got out and gave her his hand, then paid the driver, picked up the two +bags, and hurried with Dorothy into the station, to find in waiting a +string of cars into which people were moving at leisurely rate. His +inquiries at the ticket-window developed the fact that it was the 22:26 for +Brussels, the last train leaving the Gare Centrale that night, and due to +start in ten minutes. + +The information settled their plans for once and all; Kirkwood promptly +secured through tickets, also purchasing "Reserve" supplementary tickets +which entitled them to the use of those modern corridor coaches which take +the place of first-class compartments on the Belgian state railways. + +"It's a pleasure," said Kirkwood lightly, as he followed the girl into one +of these, "to find one's self in a common-sense sort of a train again. +'Feels like home." He put their luggage in one of the racks and sat down +beside her, chattering with simulated cheerfulness in a vain endeavor to +lighten her evident depression of spirit. "I always feel like a traveling +anachronism in one of your English trains," he said. "You can't +appreciate--" + +The girl smiled bravely.... "And after Brussels?" she inquired. + +"First train for the coast," he said promptly. "Dover, Ostend, +Boulogne,--whichever proves handiest, no matter which, so long as it gets +us on English soil without undue delay." + +She said "Yes" abstractedly, resting an elbow on the window-sill and her +chin in her palm, to stare with serious, sweet brown eyes out into the +arc-smitten night that hung beneath the echoing roof. + +Kirkwood fidgeted in despite of the constraint he placed himself under, to +be still and not disturb her needlessly. Impatience and apprehension of +misfortune obsessed his mental processes in equal degree. The ten minutes +seemed interminable that elapsed ere the grinding couplings advertised the +imminence of their start. + +The guards began to bawl, the doors to slam, belated travelers to dash +madly for the coaches. The train gave a preliminary lurch ere settling down +to its league-long inland dash. + +Kirkwood, in a fever of hope and an ague of fear, saw a man sprint +furiously across the platform and throw himself on the forward steps of +their coach, on the very instant of the start. + +Presently he entered by the forward door and walked slowly through, +narrowly inspecting the various passengers. As he approached the seats +occupied by Kirkwood and Dorothy Calendar, his eyes encountered the young +man's, and he leered evilly. Kirkwood met the look with one that was like a +kick, and the fellow passed with some haste into the car behind. + +"Who was that?" demanded the girl, without moving her head. + +"How did you know?" he asked, astonished. "You didn't look--" + +"I saw your knuckles whiten beneath the skin.... Who was it?" + +"Hobbs," he acknowledged bitterly; "the mate of the _Alethea_." + +"I know.... And you think--?" + +"Yes. He must have been ashore when I was on board the brigantine; he +certainly wasn't in the cabin. Evidently they hunted him up, or ran across +him, and pressed him into service.... You see, they're watching every +outlet.... But we'll win through, never fear!" + + + + +XVI + + +TRAVELS WITH A CHAPERON + +The train, escaping the outskirts of the city, remarked the event with an +exultant shriek, then settled down, droning steadily, to night-devouring +flight. In the corridor-car the few passengers disposed themselves to +drowse away the coming hour--the short hour's ride that, in these piping +days of frantic traveling, separates Antwerp from the capital city of +Belgium. + +A guard, slamming gustily in through the front door, reeled unsteadily down +the aisle. Kirkwood, rousing from a profound reverie, detained him with a +gesture and began to interrogate him in French. When he departed presently +it transpired that the girl was unaquainted with that tongue. + +"I didn't understand, you know," she told him with a slow, shy smile. + +"I was merely questioning him about the trains from Brussels to-night. We +daren't stop, you see; we must go on,--keep Hobbs on the jump and lose him, +if possible. There's where our advantage lies--in having only Hobbs to deal +with. He's not particularly intellectual; and we've two heads to his one, +besides. If we can prevent him from guessing our destination and wiring +back to Antwerp, we may win away. You understand?" + +"Perfectly," she said, brightening. "And what do you purpose doing now?" + +"I can't tell yet. The guard's gone to get me some information about the +night trains on other lines. In the meantime, don't fret about Hobbs; I'll +answer for Hobbs." + +"I shan't be worried," she said simply, "with you here...." + +Whatever answer he would have made he was obliged to postpone because of +the return of the guard, with a handful of time-tables; and when, rewarded +with a modest gratuity, the man had gone his way, and Kirkwood turned again +to the girl, she had withdrawn her attention for the time. + +Unconscious of his bold regard, she was dreaming, her thoughts at +loose-ends, her eyes studying the incalculable depths of blue-black night +that swirled and eddied beyond the window-glass. The most shadowy of smiles +touched her lips, the faintest shade of deepened color rested on her +cheeks.... She was thinking of--him? As long as he dared, the young man, +his heart in his own eyes, watched her greedily, taking a miser's joy of +her youthful beauty, striving with all his soul to analyze the enigma of +that most inscrutable smile. + +It baffled him. He could not say of what she thought; and told himself +bitterly that it was not for him, a pauper, to presume a place in her +meditations. He must not forget his circumstances, nor let her tolerance +render him oblivious to his place, which must be a servant's, not a +lover's. + +The better to convince himself of this, he plunged desperately into +a forlorn attempt to make head or tail of Belgian railway schedule, +complicated as these of necessity are by the alternation from normal +time notation to the abnormal system sanctioned by the government, and +_vice-versa_, with every train that crosses a boundary line of the state. + +So preoccupied did he become in this pursuit that he was subconsciously +impressed that the girl had spoken twice, ere he could detach his interest +from the exasperatingly inconclusive and incoherent cohorts of ranked +figures. + +"Can't you find out anything?" Dorothy was asking. + +"Precious little," he grumbled. "I'd give my head for a Bradshaw! Only it +wouldn't be a fair exchange.... There seems to be an express for +Bruges leaving the Gare du Nord, Brussels, at fifty-five minutes after +twenty-three o'clock; and if I'm not mistaken, that's the latest train out +of Brussels and the earliest we can catch,... if we _can_ catch it. I've +never been in Brussels, and Heaven only knows how long it would take us to +cab it from the Gare du Midi to the Nord." + +In this statement, however, Mr. Kirkwood was fortunately mistaken; not +only Heaven, it appeared, had cognizance of the distance between the two +stations. While Kirkwood was still debating the question, with pessimistic +tendencies, the friendly guard had occasion to pass through the coach; and, +being tapped, yielded the desired information with entire tractability. + +It would be a cab-ride of perhaps ten minutes. Monsieur, however, would +serve himself well if he offered the driver an advance tip as an incentive +to speedy driving. Why? Why because (here the guard consulted his watch; +and Kirkwood very keenly regretted the loss of his own)--because this +train, announced to arrive in Brussels some twenty minutes prior to the +departure of that other, was already late. But yes--a matter of some ten +minutes. Could that not be made up? Ah, Monsieur, but who should say? + +The guard departed, doubtless with private views as to the madness of all +English-speaking travelers. + +"And there we are!" commented Kirkwood in factitious resignation. "If we're +obliged to stop overnight in Brussels, our friends will be on our back +before we can get out in the morning, if they have to come by motor-car." +He reflected bitterly on the fact that with but a little more money at +his disposal, he too could hire a motor-car and cry defiance to their +persecutors. "However," he amended, with rising spirits, "so much the +better our chance of losing Mr. Hobbs. We must be ready to drop off the +instant the train stops." + +He began to unfold another time-table, threatening again to lose himself +completely; and was thrown into the utmost confusion by the touch of +the girl's hand, in appeal placed lightly on his own. And had she been +observant, she might have seen a second time his knuckles whiten beneath +the skin as he asserted his self-control--though this time not over his +temper. + +His eyes, dumbly eloquent, turned to meet hers. She was smiling. + +"Please!" she iterated, with the least imperative pressure on his hand, +pushing the folder aside. + +"I beg pardon?" he muttered blankly. + +"Is it quite necessary, now, to study those schedules? Haven't you decided +to try for the Bruges express?" + +"Why yes, but--" + +"Then please don't leave me to my thoughts all the time, Mr. Kirkwood." +There was a tremor of laughter in her voice, but her eyes were grave and +earnest. "I'm very weary of thinking round in a circle--and that," she +concluded, with a nervous little laugh, "is all I've had to do for days!" + +"I'm afraid I'm very stupid," he humored her. "This is the second time, you +know, in the course of a very brief acquaintance, that you have found it +necessary to remind me to talk to you." + +"Oh-h!" She brightened. "That night, at the Pless? But that was _ages_ +ago!" + +"It seems so," he admitted. + +"So much has happened!" + +"Yes," he assented vaguely. + +She watched him, a little piqued by his absent-minded mood, for a moment; +then, and not without a trace of malice: "Must I tell you again what to +talk about?" she asked. + +"Forgive me. I was thinking about, if not talking to, you.... I've been +wondering just why it was that you left the _Alethea_ at Queensborough, to +go on by steamer." + +And immediately he was sorry that his tactless query had swung the +conversation to bear upon her father, the thought of whom could not but +prove painful to her. But it was too late to mend matters; already her +evanescent flush of amusement had given place to remembrance. + +"It was on my father's account," she told him in a steady voice, but with +averted eyes; "he is a very poor sailor, and the promise of a rough passage +terrified him. I believe there was a difference of opinion about it, he +disputing with Mr. Mulready and Captain Stryker. That was just after we had +left the anchorage. They both insisted that it was safer to continue by +the _Alethea_, but he wouldn't listen to them, and in the end had his way. +Captain Stryker ran the brigantine into the mouth of the Medway and put us +ashore just in time to catch the steamer." + +"Were you sorry for the change?" + +"I?" She shuddered slightly. "Hardly! I think I hated the ship from the +moment I set foot on board her. It was a dreadful place; it was all +night-marish, that night, but it seemed most terrible on the _Alethea_ with +Captain Stryker and that abominable Mr. Hobbs. I think that my unhappiness +had as much to do with my father's insistence on the change, as anything. +He ... he was very thoughtful, most of the time." + +Kirkwood shut his teeth on what he knew of the blackguard. + +"I don't know why," she continued, wholly without affectation, "but I was +wretched from the moment you left me in the cab, to wait while you went in +to see Mrs. Hallam. And when we left you, at Bermondsey Old Stairs, after +what you had said to me, I felt--I hardly know what to say--abandoned, in a +way." + +"But you were with your father, in his care--" + +"I know, but I was getting confused. Until then the excitement had kept me +from thinking. But you made me think. I began to wonder, to question ... +But what could I do?" She signified her helplessness with a quick and +dainty movement of her hands. "He is my father; and I'm not yet of age, you +know." + +"I thought so," he confessed, troubled. "It's very inconsiderate of you, +you must admit." + +"I don't understand..." + +"Because of the legal complication. I've no doubt your father can 'have +the law on me'"--Kirkwood laughed uneasily--"for taking you from his +protection." + +"Protection!" she echoed warmly. "If you call it that!" + +"Kidnapping," he said thoughtfully: "I presume that'd be the charge." + +"Oh!" She laughed the notion to scorn. "Besides, they must catch us first, +mustn't they?" + +"Of course; and"--with a simulation of confidence sadly deceitful--"they +shan't, Mr. Hobbs to the contrary notwithstanding." + +"You make me share your confidence, against my better judgment." + +"I wish your better judgment would counsel you to share your confidence +with me," he caught her up. "If you would only tell me what it's all about, +as far as you know, I'd be better able to figure out what we ought to do." + +Briefly the girl sat silent, staring before her with sweet somber eyes. +Then, "In the very beginning," she told him with a conscious laugh,--"this +sounds very story-bookish, I know--in the very beginning, George Burgoyne +Calendar, an American, married his cousin a dozen times removed, and an +Englishwoman, Alice Burgoyne Hallam." + +"Hallam!" + +"Wait, please." She sat up, bending forward and frowning down upon her +interlacing, gloved fingers; she was finding it difficult to say what she +must. Kirkwood, watching hungrily the fair drooping head, the flawless +profile clear and radiant against the night-blackened window, saw hot +signals of shame burning on her cheek and throat and forehead. + +"But never mind," he began awkwardly. + +"No," she told him with decision. "Please let me go on...." She continued, +stumbling, trusting to his sympathy to bridge the gaps in her narrative. +"My father ... There was trouble of some sort.... At all events, he +disappeared when I was a baby. My mother ... died. I was brought up in +the home of my great-uncle, Colonel George Burgoyne, of the Indian +Army--retired. My mother had been his favorite niece, they say; I presume +that was why he cared for me. I grew up in his home in Cornwall; it was my +home, just as he was my father in everything but fact. + +"A year ago he died, leaving me everything,--the town house in Frognall +Street, his estate in Cornwall: everything was willed to me on condition +that I must never live with my father, nor in any way contribute to his +support. If I disobeyed, the entire estate without reserve was to go to his +nearest of kin.... Colonel Burgoyne was unmarried and had no children." + +The girl paused, lifting to Kirkwood's face her eyes, clear, fearless, +truthful. "I never was given to understand that there was anybody who might +have inherited, other than myself," she declared. + +"I see..." + +"Last week I received a letter, signed with my father's name, begging me to +appoint an interview with him in London. I did so,--guess how gladly! I was +alone in the world, and he, my father, whom I had never thought to see.... +We met at his hotel, the Pless. He wanted me to come and live with +him,--said that he was growing old and lonely and needed a daughter's love +and care. He told me that he had made a fortune in America and was amply +able to provide for us both. As for my inheritance, he persuaded me that it +was by rights the property of Frederick Hallam, Mrs. Hallam's son." + +"I have met the young gentleman," interpolated Kirkwood. + +"His name was new to me, but my father assured me that he was the next of +kin mentioned in Colonel Burgoyne's will, and convinced me that I had no +real right to the property.... After all, he was my father; I agreed; I +could not bear the thought of wronging anybody. I was to give up everything +but my mother's jewels. It seems,--my father said,--I don't--I can't +believe it now--" + +She choked on a little, dry sob. It was some time before she seemed able to +continue. + +"I was told that my great-uncle's collection of jewels had been my mother's +property. He had in life a passion for collecting jewels, and it had been +his whim to carry them with him, wherever he went. When he died in Frognall +Street, they were in the safe by the head of his bed. I, in my grief, at +first forgot them, and then afterwards carelessly put off removing them. + +"To come back to my father: Night before last we were to call on Mrs. +Hallam. It was to be our last night in England; we were to sail for the +Continent on the private yacht of a friend of my father's, the next +morning.... This is what I was told--and believed, you understand. + +"That night Mrs. Hallam was dining at another table at the Pless, it seems. +I did not then know her. When leaving, she put a note on our table, by my +father's elbow. I was astonished beyond words.... He seemed much agitated, +told me that he was called away on urgent business, a matter of life and +death, and begged me to go alone to Frognall Street, get the jewels and +meet him at Mrs. Hallam's later.... I wasn't altogether a fool, for I began +dimly to suspect, then, that something was wrong; but I was a fool, for I +consented to do as he desired. You understand--you know--?" + +"I do, indeed," replied Kirkwood grimly. "I understand a lot of things now +that I didn't five minutes ago. Please let me think..." + +But the time he took for deliberation was short. He had hoped to find a way +to spare her, by sparing Calendar; but momentarily he was becoming more +impressed with the futility of dealing with her save in terms of candor, +merciful though they might seem harsh. + +"I must tell you," he said, "that you have been outrageously misled, +swindled and deceived. I have heard from your father's own lips that Mrs. +Hallam was to pay him two thousand pounds for keeping you out of England +and losing you your inheritance. I'm inclined to question, furthermore, the +assertion that these jewels were your mother's. Frederick Hallam was the +man who followed you into the Frognall Street house and attacked me on the +stairs; Mrs. Hallam admits that he went there to get the jewels. But he +didn't want anybody to know it." + +"But that doesn't prove--" + +"Just a minute." Rapidly and concisely Kirkwood recounted the events +wherein he had played a part, subsequent to the adventure of Bermondsey Old +Stairs. He was guilty of but one evasion; on one point only did he slur the +truth: he conceived it his honorable duty to keep the girl in ignorance of +his straitened circumstances; she was not to be distressed by knowledge of +his distress, nor could he tolerate the suggestion of seeming to play for +her sympathy. It was necessary, then, to invent a motive to excuse his +return to 9, Frognall Street. I believe he chose to exaggerate the +inquisitiveness of his nature and threw in for good measure a desire +to recover a prized trinket of no particular moment, esteemed for its +associations, and so forth. But whatever the fabrication, it passed muster; +to the girl his motives seemed less important than the discoveries that +resulted from them. + +"I am afraid," he concluded the summary of the confabulation he had +overheard at the skylight of the Alethea's cabin, "you'd best make up your +mind that your father--" + +"Yes," whispered the girl huskily; and turned her face to the window, a +quivering muscle in the firm young throat alone betraying her emotion. + +"It's a bad business," he pursued relentlessly: "bad all round. Mulready, +in your father's pay, tries to have him arrested, the better to rob him. +Mrs. Hallam, to secure your property for that precious pet, Freddie, +connives at, if she doesn't instigate, a kidnapping. Your father takes her +money to deprive you of yours,--which could profit him nothing so long as +you remained in lawful possession of it; and at the same time he conspires +to rob, through you, the rightful owners--if they are rightful owners. And +if they are, why does Freddie Hallam go like a thief in the night to secure +property that's his beyond dispute?... I don't really think you owe your +father any further consideration." + +He waited patiently. Eventually, "No-o," the girl sobbed assent. + +"It's this way: Calendar, counting on your sparing him in the end, is going +to hound us. He's doing it now: there's Hobbs in the next car, for proof. +Until these jewels are returned, whether to Frognall Street or to young +Hallam, we're both in danger, both thieves in the sight of the law. And +your father knows that, too. There's no profit to be had by discounting the +temper of these people; they're as desperate a gang of swindlers as ever +lived. They'll have those jewels if they have to go as far as murder--" + +"Mr. Kirkwood!" she deprecated, in horror. + +He wagged his head stubbornly, ominously. "I've seen them in the raw. +They're hot on our trail now; ten to one, they'll be on our backs before we +can get across the Channel. Once in England we will be comparatively safe. +Until then ... But I'm a brute--I'm frightening you!" + +"You are, dreadfully," she confessed in a tremulous voice. + +"Forgive me. If you look at the dark side first, the other seems all the +brighter. Please don't worry; we'll pull through with flying colors, or my +name's not Philip Kirkwood!" + +"I have every faith in you," she informed him, flawlessly sincere. "When +I think of all you've done and dared for me, on the mere suspicion that I +needed your help--" + +"We'd best be getting ready," he interrupted hastily. "Here's Brussels." + +It was so. Lights, in little clusters and long, wheeling lines, were +leaping out of the darkness and flashing back as the train rumbled through +the suburbs of the little Paris of the North. Already the other passengers +were bestirring themselves, gathering together wraps and hand luggage, and +preparing for the journey's end. + +Rising, Kirkwood took down their two satchels from the overhead rack, +and waited, in grim abstraction planning and counterplanning against the +machinations in whose wiles they two had become so perilously entangled. + +Primarily, there was Hobbs to be dealt with; no easy task, for Kirkwood +dared not resort to violence nor in any way invite the attention of the +authorities; and threats would be an idle waste of breath, in the case of +that corrupt and malignant, little cockney, himself as keen as any needle, +adept in all the artful resources of the underworld whence he had sprung, +and further primed for action by that master rogue, Calendar. + +The train was pulling slowly into the station when he reluctantly abandoned +his latest unfeasible scheme for shaking off the little Englishman, +and concluded that their salvation was only to be worked out through +everlasting vigilance, incessant movement, and the favor of the blind +goddess, Fortune. There was comfort of a sort in the reflection that +the divinity of chance is at least blind; her favors are impartially +distributed; the swing of the wheel of the world is not always to the +advantage of the wrongdoer and the scamp. + +He saw nothing of Hobbs as they alighted and hastened from the station, and +hardly had time to waste looking for him, since their train had failed to +make up the precious ten minutes. Consequently he dismissed the fellow from +his thoughts until--with Brussels lingering in their memories a garish +vision of brilliant streets and glowing cafes, glimpsed furtively +from their cab windows during its wild dash over the broad mid-city, +boulevards--at midnight they settled themselves in a carriage of the Bruges +express. They were speeding along through the open country with a noisy +clatter; then a minute's investigation sufficed to discover the mate of the +_Alethea_ serenely ensconced in the coach behind. + +The little man seemed rarely complacent, and impudently greeted Kirkwood's +scowling visage, as the latter peered through the window in the coach-door, +with a smirk and a waggish wave of his hand. The American by main strength +of will-power mastered an impulse to enter and wring his neck, and returned +to the girl, more disturbed than he cared to let her know. + +There resulted from his review of the case but one plan for outwitting Mr. +Hobbs, and that lay in trusting to his confidence that Kirkwood and Dorothy +Calendar would proceed as far toward Ostend as the train would take +them--namely, to the limit of the run, Bruges. + +Thus inspired, Kirkwood took counsel with the girl, and when the train +paused at Ghent, they made an unostentatious exit from their coach, finding +themselves, when the express had rolled on into the west, upon a station +platform in a foreign city at nine minutes past one o'clock in the +morning--but at length without their shadow. Mr. Hobbs had gone on to +Bruges. + +Kirkwood sped his journeyings with an unspoken malediction, and collected +himself to cope with a situation which was to prove hardly more happy for +them than the espionage they had just eluded. The primal flush of triumph +which had saturated the American's humor on this signal success, proved but +fictive and transitory when inquiry of the station attendants educed the +information that the two earliest trains to be obtained were the 5:09 for +Dunkerque and the 5:37 for Ostend. A minimum delay of four hours was to be +endured in the face of many contingent features singularly unpleasant to +contemplate. The station waiting-room was on the point of closing for the +night, and Kirkwood, already alarmed by the rapid ebb of the money he had +had of Calendar, dared not subject his finances to the strain of a night's +lodging at one of Ghent's hotels. He found himself forced to be cruel to +be kind to the girl, and Dorothy's cheerful acquiescence to their sole +alternative of tramping the street until daybreak did nothing to alleviate +Kirkwood's exasperation. + +It was permitted them to occupy a bench outside the station. There the +girl, her head pillowed on the treasure bag, napped uneasily, while +Kirkwood plodded restlessly to and fro, up and down the platform, communing +with the Shade of Care and addling his poor, weary wits with the problem +of the future,--not so much his own as the future of the unhappy child for +whose welfare he had assumed responsibility. Dark for both of them, in his +understanding To-morrow loomed darkest for her. + +Not until the gray, formless light of the dawn-dusk was wavering over the +land, did he cease his perambulations. Then a gradual stir of life in the +city streets, together with the appearance of a station porter or two, +opening the waiting-rooms and preparing them against the traffic of the +day, warned him that he must rouse his charge. He paused and stood over +her, reluctant to disturb her rest, such as it was, his heart torn with +compassion for her, his soul embittered by the cruel irony of their estate. + +If what he understood were true, a king's ransom was secreted within the +cheap, imitation-leather satchel which served her for a pillow. But it +availed her nothing for her comfort. If what he believed were true, she was +absolute mistress of that treasure of jewels; yet that night she had been +forced to sleep on a hard, uncushioned bench, in the open air, and this +morning he must waken her to the life of a hunted thing. A week ago she had +had at her command every luxury known to the civilized world; to-day she +was friendless, but for his inefficient, worthless self, and in a strange +land. A week ago,--had he known her then,--he had been free to tell her of +his love, to offer her the protection of his name as well as his devotion; +to-day he was an all but penniless vagabond, and there could be no dishonor +deeper than to let her know the nature of his heart's desire. + +Was ever lover hedged from a declaration to his mistress by circumstances +so hateful, so untoward! He could have raged and railed against his fate +like any madman. For he desired her greatly, and she was very lovely in his +sight. If her night's rest had been broken and but a mockery, she showed +few signs of it; the faint, wan complexion of fatigue seemed only to +enhance the beauty of her maidenhood; her lips were as fresh and desirous +as the dewy petals of a crimson rose; beneath her eyes soft shadows lurked +where her lashes lay tremulous upon her cheeks of satin.... She was to him +of all created things the most wonderful, the most desirable. + +The temptation of his longing seemed more than he could long withstand. But +resist he must, or part for ever with any title to her consideration--or +his own. He shut his teeth and knotted his brows in a transport of desire +to touch, if only with his finger-tips, the woven wonder of her hair. + +And thus she saw him, when, without warning, she awoke. + +Bewilderment at first informed the wide brown eyes; then, as their +drowsiness vanished, a little laughter, a little tender mirth. + +"Good morning, Sir Knight of the Somber Countenance!" she cried, standing +up. "Am I so utterly disreputable that you find it necessary to frown on me +so darkly?" + +He shook his head, smiling. + +"I know I'm a fright," she asserted vigorously, shaking out the folds of +her pleated skirt. "And as for my hat, it will never be on straight--but +then _you_ wouldn't know." + +"It seems all right," he replied vacantly. + +"Then please to try to look a little happier, since you find me quite +presentable." + +"I do..." + +Without lifting her bended head, she looked up, laughing, not ill-pleased. +"_You'd_ say so... really?" + +Commonplace enough, this banter, this pitiful endeavor to be oblivious of +their common misery; but like the look she gave him, her words rang in his +head like potent fumes of wine. He turned away, utterly disconcerted for +the time, knowing only that he must overcome his weakness. + +Far down the railway tracks there rose a murmuring, that waxed to a +rumbling roar. A passing porter answered Kirkwood's inquiry: it was the +night boat-train from Ostend. He picked up their bags and drew the girl +into the waiting-room, troubled by a sickening foreboding. + +Through the window they watched the train roll in and stop. + +Among others, alighted, smirking, the unspeakable Hobbs. + +He lifted his hat and bowed jauntily to the waiting-room window, making it +plain that his keen eyes had discovered them instantly. + +Kirkwood's heart sank with the hopelessness of it all. If the railway +directorates of Europe conspired against them, what chance had they? If the +night boat-train from Ostend had only had the decency to be twenty-five +minutes late, instead of arriving promptly on the minute of 4:45 they two +might have escaped by the 5:09 for Dunkerque and Calais. + +There remained but a single untried ruse in his bag of tricks; mercifully +it might suffice. + +"Miss Calendar," said Kirkwood from his heart, "just as soon as I get you +home, safe and sound, I am going to take a day off, hunt up that little +villain, and flay him alive. In the meantime, I forgot to dine last night, +and am reminded that we had better forage for breakfast." + +Hobbs dogged them at a safe distance while they sallied forth and in a +neighboring street discovered an early-bird bakery. Here they were able to +purchase rolls steaming from the oven, fresh pats of golden butter wrapped +in clean lettuce leaves, and milk in twin bottles; all of which they +prosaically carried with them back to the station, lacking leisure as they +did to partake of the food before train-time. + +Without attempting concealment (Hobbs, he knew, was eavesdropping round the +corner of the door) Kirkwood purchased at the ticket-window passages on +the Dunkerque train. Mr. Hobbs promptly flattered him by imitation; and +so jealous of his luck was Kirkwood by this time grown, through continual +disappointment, that he did not even let the girl into his plans until they +were aboard the 5:09, in a compartment all to themselves. Then, having with +his own eyes seen Mr. Hobbs dodge into the third compartment in the rear of +the same carriage, Kirkwood astonished the girl by requesting her to follow +him; and together they left by the door opposite that by which they had +entered. + +The engine was running up and down a scale of staccato snorts, in +preparation for the race, and the cars were on the edge of moving, +couplings clanking, wheels a-groan, ere Mr. Hobbs condescended to join them +between the tracks. + +Wearily, disheartened, Kirkwood reopened the door, flung the bags in, and +helped the girl back into their despised compartment; the quicker route to +England via Ostend was now out of the question. As for himself, he waited +for a brace of seconds, eying wickedly the ubiquitous Hobbs, who had popped +back into his compartment, but stood ready to pop out again on the least +encouragement. In the meantime he was pleased to shake a friendly foot at +Mr. Kirkwood, thrusting that member out through the half-open door. + +Only the timely departure of the train, compelling him to rejoin Dorothy at +once, if at all, prevented the American from adding murder to the already +noteworthy catalogue of his high crimes and misdemeanors. + +Their simple meal, consumed to the ultimate drop and crumb while the +Dunkerque train meandered serenely through a sunny, smiling Flemish +countryside, somewhat revived their jaded spirits. After all, they were +young, enviably dowered with youth's exuberant elasticity of mood; the +world was bright in the dawning, the night had fled leaving naught but an +evil memory; best of all things, they were together: tacitly they were +agreed that somehow the future would take care of itself and all be well +with them. + +For a time they laughed and chattered, pretending that the present held no +cares or troubles; but soon the girl, nestling her head in a corner of the +dingy cushions, was smiling ever more drowsily on Kirkwood; and presently +she slept in good earnest, the warm blood ebbing and flowing beneath +the exquisite texture of her cheeks, the ghost of an unconscious smile +quivering about the sensitive scarlet mouth, the breeze through the open +window at her side wantoning at will in the sunlit witchery of her hair. +And Kirkwood, worn with sleepless watching, dwelt in longing upon the dear +innocent allure of her until the ache in his heart had grown well-nigh +insupportable; then instinctively turned his gaze upwards, searching his +heart, reading the faith and desire of it, so that at length knowledge and +understanding came to him, of his weakness and strength and the clean love +that he bore for her, and gladdened he sat dreaming in waking the same +clear dreams that modeled her unconscious lips secretly for laughter and +the joy of living. + +When Dunkerque halted their progress, they were obliged to alight and +change cars,--Hobbs a discreetly sinister shadow at the end of the +platform. + +By schedule they were to arrive in Calais about the middle of the forenoon, +with a wait of three hours to be bridged before the departure of the Dover +packet. That would be an anxious time; the prospect of it rendered both +Dorothy and Kirkwood doubly anxious throughout this final stage of their +flight. In three hours anything could happen, or be brought about. Neither +could forget that it was quite within the bounds of possibilities for +Calendar to be awaiting them in Calais. Presuming that Hobbs had been acute +enough to guess their plans and advise his employer by telegraph, the +latter could readily have anticipated their arrival, whether by sea in the +brigantine, or by land, taking the direct route via Brussels and Lille. If +such proved to be the case, it were scarcely sensible to count upon the +arch-adventurer contenting himself with a waiting role like Hobbs'. + +With such unhappy apprehensions for a stimulant, between them the man and +the girl contrived a make-shift counter-stratagem; or it were more accurate +to say that Kirkwood proposed it, while Dorothy rejected, disputed, and +at length accepted it, albeit with sad misgivings. For it involved a +separation that might not prove temporary. + +Together they could never escape the surveillance of Mr. Hobbs; parted, he +would be obliged to follow one or the other. The task of misleading the +_Alethea's_ mate, Kirkwood undertook, delegating to the girl the duty of +escaping when he could provide her the opportunity, of keeping under +cover until the hour of sailing, and then proceeding to England, with the +gladstone bag, alone if Kirkwood was unable, or thought it inadvisable, to +join her on the boat. + +In furtherance of this design, a majority of the girl's belongings were +transferred from her traveling bag to Kirkwood's, the gladstone taking +their place; and the young man provided her with voluminous instructions, a +revolver which she did not know how to handle and declared she would never +use for any consideration, and enough money to pay for her accommodation at +the Terminus Hotel, near the pier, and for two passages to London. It was +agreed that she should secure the steamer booking, lest Kirkwood be delayed +until the last moment. + +These arrangements concluded, the pair of blessed idiots sat steeped in +melancholy silence, avoiding each other's eyes, until the train drew in at +the Gare Centrale, Calais. + +In profound silence, too, they left their compartment and passed through +the station, into the quiet, sun-drenched streets of the seaport,--Hobbs +hovering solicitously in the offing. + +Without comment or visible relief of mind they were aware that their fears +had been without apparent foundation; they saw no sign of Calendar, Stryker +or Mulready. The circumstance, however, counted for nothing; one or all of +the adventurers might arrive in Calais at any minute. + +Momentarily more miserable as the time of parting drew nearer, dumb with +unhappiness, they turned aside from the main thoroughfares of the city, +leaving the business section, and gained the sleepier side streets, +bordered by the residences of the proletariat, where for blocks none but +children were to be seen, and of them but few--quaint, sober little bodies +playing almost noiselessly in their dooryards. + +At length Kirkwood spoke. + +"Let's make it the corner," he said, without looking at the girl. "It's a +short block to the next street. You hurry to the Terminus and lock yourself +in your room. Have the management book both passages; don't run the risk of +going to the pier yourself. I'll make things interesting for Mr. Hobbs, and +join you as soon as I can, _if_ I can." + +"You must," replied the girl. "I shan't go without you." + +"But, Dor--Miss Calendar!" he exclaimed, aghast. + +"I don't care--I know I agreed," she declared mutinously. "But I won't--I +can't. Remember I shall wait for you." + +"But--but perhaps--" + +"If you have to stay, it will be because there's danger--won't it? And +what would you think of me if I deserted you then, af-after all y-you've +done?... Please don't waste time arguing. Whether you come at one to-day, +to-morrow, or a week from to-morrow, I shall be waiting.... You may be +sure. Good-by." + +They had turned the corner, walking slowly, side by side; Hobbs, for the +first time caught off his guard, had dropped behind more than half a long +block. But now Kirkwood's quick sidelong glance discovered the mate in the +act of taking alarm and quickening his pace. None the less the American was +at the time barely conscious of anything other than a wholly unexpected +furtive pressure of the girl's gloved fingers on his own. + +"Good-by," she whispered. + +He caught at her hand, protesting. "Dorothy--!" + +"Good-by," she repeated breathlessly, with a queer little catch in her +voice. "God be with you, Philip, and--and send you safely back to me...." + +And she was running away. + +Dumfounded with dismay, seeing in a flash how all his plans might be set at +naught by this her unforeseen insubordination, he took a step or two after +her; but she was fleet of foot, and, remembering Hobbs, he halted. + +By this time the mate, too, was running; Kirkwood could hear the heavy +pounding of his clumsy feet. Already Dorothy had almost gained the farther +corner; as she whisked round it with a flutter of skirts, Kirkwood dodged +hastily behind a gate-post. A thought later, Hobbs appeared, head down, +chest out, eyes straining for sight of his quarry, pelting along for dear +life. + +As, rounding the corner, he stretched out in swifter stride, Kirkwood was +inspired to put a spoke in his wheel; and a foot thrust suddenly out from +behind the gate-post accomplished his purpose with more success than he +had dared anticipate. Stumbling, the mate plunged headlong, arms and legs +a-sprawl; and the momentum of his pace, though checked, carried him along +the sidewalk, face downwards, a full yard ere he could stay himself. + +Kirkwood stepped out of the gateway and sheered off as Hobbs picked +himself up; something which he did rather slowly, as if in a daze, without +comprehension of the cause of his misfortune. And for a moment he stood +pulling his wits together and swaying as though on the point of resuming +his rudely interrupted chase; when the noise of Kirkwood's heels brought +him about face in a twinkling. + +"Ow, it's you, eh!" he snarled in a temper as vicious as his countenance; +and both of these were much the worse for wear and tear. + +"Myself," admitted Kirkwood fairly; and then, in a gleam of humor: "Weren't +you looking for me?" + +His rage seemed to take the little Cockney and shake him by the throat; he +trembled from head to foot, his face shockingly congested, and spat out +dust and fragments of lurid blasphemy like an infuriated cat. + +Of a sudden, "W'ere's the gel?" he sputtered thickly as his quick shifting +eyes for the first time noted Dorothy's absence. + +"Miss Calendar has other business--none with you. I've taken the liberty of +stopping you because I have a word or two--" + +"Ow, you 'ave, 'ave you? Gawd strike me blind, but I've a word for you, +too!... 'And over that bag--and look nippy, or I'll myke you pye for w'at +you've done to me ... I'll myke you pye!" he iterated hoarsely, edging +closer. "'And it over or--" + +"You've got another guess--" Kirkwood began, but saved his breath in +deference to an imperative demand on him for instant defensive action. + +To some extent he had underestimated the brute courage of the fellow, the +violent, desperate courage that is distilled of anger in men of his kind. +Despising him, deeming him incapable of any overt act of villainy, Kirkwood +had been a little less wary than he would have been with Calendar or +Mulready. Hobbs had seemed more of the craven type which Stryker graced so +conspicuously. But now the American was to be taught discrimination, to +learn that if Stryker's nature was like a snake's for low cunning and +deviousness, Hobbs' soul was the soul of a viper. + +Almost imperceptibly he had advanced upon Kirkwood; almost insensibly his +right hand had moved toward his chest; now, with a movement marvelously +deft, it had slipped in and out of his breast pocket. And a six-inch blade +of tarnished steel was winging toward Kirkwood's throat with the speed of +light. + +Instinctively he stepped back; as instinctively he guarded with his right +forearm, lifting the hand that held the satchel. The knife, catching in his +sleeve, scratched the arm beneath painfully, and simultaneously was twisted +from the mate's grasp, while in his surprise Kirkwood's grip on the +bag-handle relaxed. It was torn forcibly from his fingers just as he +received a heavy blow on his chest from the mate's fist. He staggered back. + +By the time he had recovered from the shock, Hobbs was a score of feet +away, the satchel tucked under his arm, his body bent almost double, +running like a jack-rabbit. Ere Kirkwood could get under way, in pursuit, +the mate had dodged out of sight round the corner. When the American caught +sight of him again, he was far down the block, and bettering his pace with +every jump. + +He was approaching, also, some six or eight good citizens of Calais, men of +the laboring class, at a guess. Their attention attracted by his frantic +flight, they stopped to wonder. One or two moved as though to intercept +him, and he doubled out into the middle of the street with the quickness of +thought; an instant later he shot round another corner and disappeared, the +natives streaming after in hot chase, electrified by the inspiring strains +of "Stop, thief!"--or its French equivalent. + +Kirkwood, cheering them on with the same wild cry, followed to the farther +street; and there paused, so winded and weak with laughter that he was fain +to catch at a fence picket for support. Standing thus he saw other denizens +of Calais spring as if from the ground miraculously to swell the hue and +cry; and a dumpling of a gendarme materialized from nowhere at all, to fall +in behind the rabble, waving his sword above his head and screaming at the +top of his lungs, the while his fat legs twinkled for all the world like +thick sausage links marvelously animated. + +The mob straggled round yet another corner and was gone; its clamor +diminished on the still Spring air; and Kirkwood, recovering, abandoned +Mr. Hobbs to the justice of the high gods and the French system of +jurisprudence (at least, he hoped the latter would take an interest in the +case, if haply Hobbs were laid by the heels), and went his way rejoicing. + +As for the scratch on his arm, it was nothing, as he presently demonstrated +to his complete satisfaction in the seclusion of a chance-sent fiacre. +Kirkwood, commissioning it to drive him to the American Consulate, made +his diagnosis _en route_; wound a handkerchief round the negligible wound, +rolled down his sleeve, and forgot it altogether in the joys of picturing +to himself Hobbs in the act of opening the satchel in expectation of +finding therein the gladstone bag. + +At the consulate door he paid off the driver and dismissed him; the fiacre +had served his purpose, and he could find his way to the Terminus Hotel at +infinitely less expense. He had a considerably harder task before him as +he ascended the steps to the consular doorway, knocked and made known the +nature of his errand. + +No malicious destiny could have timed the hour of his call more appositely; +the consul was at home and at the disposal of his fellow-citizens--within +bounds. + +In the course of thirty minutes or so Kirkwood emerged with dignity from +the consulate, his face crimson to the hair, his soul smarting with +shame and humiliation; and left an amused official representative of his +country's government with the impression of having been entertained to the +point of ennui by an exceptionally clumsy but pertinacious liar. + +For the better part of the succeeding hour Kirkwood circumnavigated the +neighborhood of the steamer pier and the Terminus Hotel, striving to render +himself as inconspicuous as he felt insignificant, and keenly on the +alert for any sign or news of Hobbs. In this pursuit he was pleasantly +disappointed. + +At noon precisely, his suspense grown too onerous for his strength of will, +throwing caution and their understanding to the winds, he walked boldly +into the Terminus, and inquired for Miss Calendar. + +The assurance he received that she was in safety under its roof did not +deter him from sending up his name and asking her to receive him in the +public lounge; he required the testimony of his senses to convince him that +no harm had come to her in the long hour and a half that had elapsed since +their separation. + +Woman-like, she kept him waiting. Alone in the public rooms of the hotel, +he suffered excruciating torments. How was he to know that Calendar had not +arrived and found his way to her? + +When at length she appeared on the threshold of the apartment, bringing +with her the traveling bag and looking wonderfully the better for her +ninety minutes of complete repose and privacy, the relief he experienced +was so intense that he remained transfixed in the middle of the floor, +momentarily able neither to speak nor to move. + +On her part, so fagged and distraught did he seem, that at sight of his +care-worn countenance she hurried to him with outstretched, compassionate +hands and a low pitiful cry of concern, forgetful entirely of that which he +himself had forgotten--the emotion she had betrayed on parting. + +"Oh, nothing wrong," he hastened to reassure her, with a sorry ghost of his +familiar grin; "only I have lost Hobbs and the satchel with your things; +and there's no sign yet of Mr. Calendar. We can feel pretty comfortable +now, and--and I thought it time we had something like a meal." + +The narrative of his adventure which he delivered over their _dejeuner a +la fourchette_ contained no mention either of his rebuff at the American +Consulate or the scratch he had sustained during Hobbs' murderous assault; +the one could not concern her, the other would seem but a bid for her +sympathy. He counted it a fortunate thing that the mate's knife had been +keen enough to penetrate the cloth of his sleeve without tearing it; the +slit it had left was barely noticeable. And he purposely diverted the girl +with flashes of humorous description, so that they discussed both meal and +episode in a mood of wholesome merriment. + +It was concluded, all too soon for the taste of either, by the waiter's +announcement that the steamer was on the point of sailing. + +Outwardly composed, inwardly quaking, they boarded the packet, meeting with +no misadventure whatever--if we are to except the circumstance that, when +the restaurant bill was settled and the girl had punctiliously surrendered +his change with the tickets, Kirkwood found himself in possession of +precisely one franc and twenty centimes. + +He groaned in spirit to think how differently he might have been fixed, had +he not in his infatuated spirit of honesty been so anxious to give Calendar +more than ample value for his money! + +An inexorable anxiety held them both near the gangway until it was cast off +and the boat began to draw away from the pier. Then, and not till then, did +an unimpressive, small figure of a man detach itself from the shield of a +pile of luggage and advance to the pier-head. No second glance was +needed to identify Mr. Hobbs; and until the perspective dwarfed him +indistinguishably, he was to be seen, alternately waving Kirkwood ironic +farewell and blowing violent kisses to Miss Calendar from the tips of his +soiled fingers. + +So he had escaped arrest.... + +At first by turns indignant and relieved to realize that thereafter they +were to move in scenes in which his hateful shadow would not form an +essentially component part, subsequently Kirkwood fell a prey to prophetic +terrors. It was not alone fear of retribution that had induced Hobbs to +relinquish his persecution--or so Kirkwood became convinced; if the mate's +calculation had allowed for them the least fraction of a chance to escape +apprehension on the farther shores of the Channel, nor fears nor threats +would have prevented him from sailing with the fugitives.... Far from +having left danger behind them on the Continent, Kirkwood believed in his +secret heart that they were but flying to encounter it beneath the smoky +pall of London. + + + + +XVII + + +ROGUES AND VAGABONDS + +A westering sun striking down through the drab exhalations of ten-thousand +sooty chimney-pots, tinted the atmosphere with the hue of copper. The +glance that wandered purposelessly out through the carriage windows, +recoiled, repelled by the endless dreary vista of the Surrey Side's +unnumbered roofs; or, probing instantaneously the hopeless depths of some +grim narrow thoroughfare fleetingly disclosed, as the evening boat-train +from Dover swung on toward Charing Cross, its trucks level with the eaves +of Southwark's dwellings, was saddened by the thought that in all the world +squalor such as this should obtain and flourish unrelieved. + +For perhaps the tenth time in the course of the journey Kirkwood withdrew +his gaze from the window and turned to the girl, a question ready framed +upon his lips. + +"Are you quite sure--" he began; and then, alive to the clear and +penetrating perception in the brown eyes that smiled into his from under +their level brows, he stammered and left the query uncompleted. + +Continuing to regard him steadily and smilingly, Dorothy shook her head in +playful denial and protest. "Do you know," she commented, "that this is +about the fifth repetition of that identical question within the last +quarter-hour?" + +"How do you know what I meant to say?" he demanded, staring. + +"I can see it in your eyes. Besides, you've talked and thought of nothing +else since we left the boat. Won't you believe me, please, when I say +there's absolutely not a soul in London to whom I could go and ask for +shelter? I don't think it's very nice of you to be so openly anxious to get +rid of me." + +This latter was so essentially undeserved and so artlessly insincere, that +he must needs, of course, treat it with all seriousness. + +"That isn't fair, Miss Calendar. Really it's not." + +"What am I to think? I've told you any number of times that it's only an +hour's ride on to Chiltern, where the Pyrfords will be glad to take me in. +You may depend upon it,--by eight to-night, at the latest, you'll have me +off your hands,--the drag and worry that I've been ever since--" + +"Don't!" he pleaded vehemently. "Please!... You _know_ it isn't that. I +_don't_ want you off my hands, ever.... That is to say, I--ah--" Here +he was smitten with a dumbness, and sat, aghast at the enormity of his +blunder, entreating her forgiveness with eyes that, very likely, pleaded +his cause more eloquently than he guessed. + +"I mean," he floundered on presently, in the fatuous belief that he would +this time be able to control both mind and tongue, "_what_ I mean is I'd be +glad to go on serving you in any way I might, to the end of time, if you'd +give me...." + +He left the declaration inconclusive--a stroke of diplomacy that would have +graced an infinitely more adept wooer. But he used it all unconsciously. "O +Lord!" he groaned in spirit. "Worse and more of it! Why in thunder can't I +say the right thing _right_?" + +Egotistically absorbed by the problem thus formulated, he was heedless of +her failure to respond, and remained pensively preoccupied until roused by +the grinding and jolting of the train, as it slowed to a halt preparatory +to crossing the bridge. + +Then he sought to read his answer in the eyes of Dorothy. But she was +looking away, staring thoughtfully out over the billowing sea of roofs +that merged illusively into the haze long ere it reached the horizon; and +Kirkwood could see the pulsing of the warm blood in her throat and cheeks; +and the glamorous light that leaped and waned in her eyes, as the ruddy +evening sunlight warmed them, was something any man might be glad to live +for and die for.... And he saw that she had understood, had grasped the +thread of meaning that ran through the clumsy fabric of his halting speech +and his sudden silences. + +She had understood without resentment! + +While, incredulous, he wrestled with the wonder of this fond discovery, +she grew conscious of his gaze, and turned her head to meet it with one +fearless and sweet, if troubled. + +"Dear Mr. Kirkwood," she said gently, bending forward as if to read between +the lines anxiety had graven on his countenance, "won't you tell me, +please, what it can be that so worries you? Is it possible that you still +have a fear of my father? But don't you know that he can do nothing +now--now that we're safe? We have only to take a cab to Paddington Station, +and then--" + +"You mustn't underestimate the resource and ability of Mr. Calendar," he +told her gloomily; "we've got a chance--no more. It wasn't...." He shut his +teeth on his unruly tongue--too late. + +Woman-quick she caught him up. "It wasn't that? Then what was it that +worried you? If it's something that affects me, is it kind and right of you +not to tell me?" + +"It--it affects us both," he conceded drearily. "I--I don't--" + +The wretched embarrassment of the confession befogged his wits; he felt +unable to frame the words. He appealed speechlessly for tolerance, with a +face utterly woebegone and eyes piteous. + +The train began to move slowly across the Thames to Charing Cross. + +Mercilessly the girl persisted. "We've only a minute more. Surely you can +trust me...." + +In exasperation he interrupted almost rudely. "It's only this: I--I'm +strapped." + +"Strapped?" She knitted her brows over this fresh specimen of American +slang. + +"Flat strapped--busted--broke--on my uppers--down and out," he reeled off +synonyms without a smile. "I haven't enough money to pay cab-fare across +the town--" + +"Oh!" she interpolated, enlightened. + +"--to say nothing of taking us to Chiltern. I couldn't buy you a glass of +water if you were thirsty. There isn't a soul on earth, within hail, who +would trust me with a quarter--I mean a shilling--across London Bridge. I'm +the original Luckless Wonder and the only genuine Jonah extant." + +With a face the hue of fire, he cocked his eyebrows askew and attempted +to laugh unconcernedly to hide his bitter shame. "I've led you out of +the fryingpan into the fire, and I don't know what to do! Please call me +names." + +And in a single instant all that he had consistently tried to avoid doing, +had been irretrievably done; if, with dawning comprehension, dismay +flickered in her eyes--such dismay as such a confession can rouse only in +one who, like Dorothy Calendar, has never known the want of a penny--it +was swiftly driven out to make place for the truest and most gracious and +unselfish solicitude. + +"Oh, poor Mr. Kirkwood! And it's all because of me! You've beggared +yourself--" + +"Not precisely; I was beggared to begin with." He hastened to disclaim the +extravagant generosity of which she accused him. "I had only three or four +pounds to my name that night we met.... I haven't told you--I--" + +"You've told me nothing, nothing whatever about yourself," she said +reproachfully. + +"I didn't want to bother you with my troubles; I tried not to talk about +myself.... You knew I was an American, but I'm worse than that; I'm a +Californian--from San Francisco." He tried unsuccessfully to make light of +it. "I told you I was the Luckless Wonder; if I'd ever had any luck I would +have stored a little money away. As it was, I lived on my income, left +my principal in 'Frisco; and when the earthquake came, it wiped me out +completely." + +"And you were going home that night we made you miss your steamer!" + +"It was my own fault, and I'm glad this blessed minute that I did miss it. +Nice sort I'd have been, to go off and leave you at the mercy--" + +"Please! I want to think, I'm trying to remember how much you've gone +through--" + +"Precisely what I don't want you to do. Anyway, I did nothing more than any +other fellow would've! Please don't give me credit that I don't deserve." + +But she was not listening; and a pause fell, while the train crawled warily +over the trestle, as if in fear of the foul, muddy flood below. + +"And there's no way I can repay you...." + +"There's nothing to be repaid," he contended stoutly. + +She clasped her hands and let them fall gently in her lap. "I've not +a farthing in the world!... I never dreamed.... I'm so sorry, Mr. +Kirkwood--terribly, terribly sorry!... But what can we do? I can't consent +to be a burden--" + +"But you're not! You're the one thing that ..." He swerved sharply, at an +abrupt tangent. "There's one thing we can do, of course." + +She looked up inquiringly. + +"Craven Street is just round the corner." + +"Yes?"--wonderingly. + +"I mean we must go to Mrs. Hallam's house, first off.... It's too +late now,--after five, else we could deposit the jewels in some bank. +Since--since they are no longer yours, the only thing, and the proper thing +to do is to place them in safety or in the hands of their owner. If you +take them directly to young Hallam, your hands will be clear.... And--I +never did such a thing in my life, Miss Calendar; but if he's got a spark +of gratitude in his make-up, I ought to be able to--er--to borrow a pound +or so of him." + +"Do you think so?" She shook her head in doubt. "I don't know; I know so +little of such things.... You are right; we must take him the jewels, +but..." Her voice trailed off into a sigh of profound perturbation. + +He dared not meet her look. + +Beneath his wandering gaze a County Council steam-boat darted swiftly +down-stream from Charing Cross pier, in the shadow of the railway bridge. +It seemed curious to reflect that from that very floating pier he had +started first upon his quest of the girl beside him, only--he had to +count--three nights ago! Three days and three nights! Altogether incredible +seemed the transformation they had wrought in the complexion of the world. +Yet nothing material was changed.... He lifted his eyes. + +Beyond the river rose the Embankment, crawling with traffic, backed by the +green of the gardens and the shimmering walls of glass and stone of the +great hotels, their windows glowing weirdly golden in the late sunlight. +A little down-stream Cleopatra's Needle rose, sadly the worse for London +smoke, flanked by its couchant sphinxes, wearing a nimbus of circling, +sweeping, swooping, wheeling gulls. Farther down, from the foot of that +magnificent pile, Somerset House, Waterloo Bridge sprang over-stream in +its graceful arch.... All as of yesterday; yet all changed. Why? Because a +woman had entered into his life; because he had learned the lesson of love +and had looked into the bright face of Romance.... + +With a jar the train started and began to move more swiftly. + +Kirkwood lifted the traveling bag to his knees. + +"Don't forget," he said with some difficulty, "you're to stick by me, +whatever happens. You mustn't desert me." + +"You _know_," the girl reproved him. + +"I know; but there must be no misunderstanding.... Don't worry; we'll win +out yet, I've a plan." + +_Splendide mendax_! He had not the glimmering of a plan. + +The engine panting, the train drew in beneath the vast sounding dome of the +station, to an accompaniment of dull thunderings; and stopped finally. + +Kirkwood got out, not without a qualm of regret at leaving the compartment; +therein, at least, they had some title to consideration, by virtue of their +tickets; now they were utterly vagabondish, penniless adventurers. + +The girl joined him. Slowly, elbow to elbow, the treasure bag between +them, they made their way down toward the gates, atoms in a tide-rip +of humanity,--two streams of passengers meeting on the narrow strip of +platform, the one making for the streets, the other for the suburbs. + +Hurried and jostled, the girl clinging tightly to his arm lest they be +separated in the crush, they came to the ticket-wicket; beyond the barrier +surged a sea of hats--shining "toppers," dignified and upstanding, the +outward and visible manifestation of the sturdy, stodgy British spirit of +respectability; "bowlers" round and sleek and humble; shapeless caps with +cloth visors, manufactured of outrageous plaids; flower-like miracles of +millinery from Bond Street; strangely plumed monstrosities from Petticoat +Lane and Mile End Road. Beneath any one of these might lurk the maleficent +brain, the spying eyes of Calendar or one of his creatures; beneath all of +them that he encountered, Kirkwood peered in fearful inquiry. + +Yet, when they had passed unhindered the ordeal of the wickets, had run +the gantlet of those thousand eyes without lighting in any pair a spark of +recognition, he began to bear himself with more assurance, to be sensible +to a grateful glow of hope. Perhaps Hobbs' telegram had not reached its +destination, for unquestionably the mate would have wired his chief; +perhaps some accident had befallen the conspirators; perhaps the police had +apprehended them.... No matter how, one hoped against hope that they had +been thrown off the trail. + +And indeed it seemed as if they must have been misguided in some +providential manner. On the other hand, it would be the crassest of +indiscretions to linger about the place an instant longer than absolutely +necessary. + +Outside the building, however, they paused perforce, undergoing the +cross-fire of the congregated cabbies. It being the first time that he +had ever felt called upon to leave the station afoot, Kirkwood cast about +irresolutely, seeking the sidewalk leading to the Strand. + +Abruptly he caught the girl by the arm and unceremoniously hurried her +toward a waiting hansom. + +"Quick!" he begged her. "Jump right in--not an instant to spare.--" + +She nodded brightly, lips firm with courage, eyes shining. + +"My father?" + +"Yes." Kirkwood glanced back over his shoulder. "He hasn't seen us yet. +They've just driven up. Stryker's with him. They're getting down." And to +himself, "Oh, the devil!" cried the panic-stricken young man. + +He drew back to let the girl precede him into the cab; at the same time +he kept an eye on Calendar, whose conveyance stood half the length of the +station-front away. + +The fat adventurer had finished paying off the driver, standing on the deck +of the hansom. Stryker was already out, towering above the mass of people, +and glaring about him with his hawk-keen vision. Calendar had started to +alight, his foot was leaving the step when Stryker's glance singled out +their quarry. Instantly he turned and spoke to his confederate. Calendar +wheeled like a flash, peering eagerly in the direction indicated by the +captain's index finger, then, snapping instructions to his driver, threw +himself heavily back on the seat. Stryker, awkward on his land-legs, +stumbled and fell in an ill-calculated attempt to hoist himself hastily +back into the vehicle. + +To the delay thus occasioned alone Kirkwood and Dorothy owed a respite of +freedom. Their hansom was already swinging down toward the great gates of +the yard, the American standing to make the driver comprehend the necessity +for using the utmost speed in reaching the Craven Street address. The man +proved both intelligent and obliging; Kirkwood had barely time to drop down +beside the girl, ere the cab was swinging out into the Strand, to the peril +of the toes belonging to a number of righteously indignant pedestrians. + +"Good boy!" commented Kirkwood cheerfully. "That's the greatest comfort of +all London, the surprising intellectual strength the average cabby displays +when you promise him a tip.... Great Heavens!" he cried, reading the girl's +dismayed expression. "A tip! I never thought--!" His face lengthened +dismally, his eyebrows working awry. "Now we are in for it!" + +Dorothy said nothing. + +He turned in the seat, twisting his neck to peep through the small rear +window. "I don't see their cab," he announced. "But of course they're after +us. However, Craven Street's just round the corner; if we get there +first, I don't fancy Freddie Hallam will have a cordial reception for our +pursuers. They must've been on watch at Cannon Street, and finding we were +not coming in that way--of course they were expecting us because of Hobbs' +wire--they took cab for Charing Cross. Lucky for us.... Or is it lucky?" he +added doubtfully, to himself. + +The hansom whipped round the corner into Craven Street. Kirkwood sprang up, +grasping the treasure bag, ready to jump the instant they pulled in toward +Mrs. Hallam's dwelling. But as they drew near upon the address he drew back +with an exclamation of amazement. + +The house was closed, showing a blank face to the street--blinds drawn +close down in the windows, area gate padlocked, an estate-agent's board +projecting from above the doorway, advertising the property "To be let, +furnished." + +Kirkwood looked back, craning his neck round the side of the cab. At the +moment another hansom was breaking through the rank of humanity on the +Strand crossing. He saw one or two figures leap desperately from beneath +the horse's hoofs. Then the cab shot out swiftly down the street. + +The American stood up again, catching the cabby's eye. + +"Drive on!" he cried excitedly. "Don't stop--drive as fast as you dare!" + +"W'ere to, sir?" + +"See that cab behind? Don't let it catch us--shake it off, lose it somehow, +but for the love of Heaven don't let it catch us! I'll make it worth your +while. Do you understand?" + +"Yes, sir!" The driver looked briefly over his shoulder and lifted his +whip. "Don't worry, sir," he cried, entering into the spirit of the game +with gratifying zest. "Shan't let 'em over'aul you, sir. Mind your 'ead!" + +And as Kirkwood ducked, the whip-lash shot out over the roof with a crack +like the report of a pistol. Startled, the horse leaped indignantly +forward. Momentarily the cab seemed to leave the ground, then settled +down to a pace that carried them round the Avenue Theatre and across +Northumberland Avenue into Whitehall Place apparently on a single wheel. + +A glance behind showed Kirkwood that already they had gained, the pursuing +hansom having lost ground through greater caution in crossing the +main-traveled thoroughfare. + +"Good little horse!" he applauded. + +A moment later he was indorsing without reserve the generalship of their +cabby; the quick westward turn that took them into Whitehall, over across +from the Horse Guards, likewise placed them in a pocket of traffic; a +practically impregnable press of vehicles closed in behind them ere +Calendar's conveyance could follow out of the side street. + +That the same conditions, but slightly modified, hemmed them in ahead, went +for nothing in Kirkwood's estimation. + +"Good driver!" he approved heartily. "He's got a head on his shoulders!" + +The girl found her voice. "How," she demanded in a breath, face blank with +consternation, "how did you dare?" + +"Dare?" he echoed exultantly; and in his veins excitement was running like +liquid fire. "What wouldn't I dare for you, Dorothy?" + +"What have you not?" she amended softly, adding with a shade of timidity: +"Philip..." + +The long lashes swept up from her cheeks, like clouds revealing stars, +unmasking eyes radiant and brave to meet his own; then they fell, even as +her lips drooped with disappointment. And she sighed.... For he was not +looking. Man-like, hot with the ardor of the chase, he was deaf and blind +to all else. + +She saw that he had not even heard. Twice within the day she had forgotten +herself, had overstepped the rigid bounds of her breeding in using his +Christian name. And twice he had been oblivious to that token of their +maturing understanding. So she sighed, and sighing, smiled again; resting +an elbow on the window-sill and flattening one small gloved hand against +the frame for a brace against the jouncing of the hansom. It swept on with +unabated speed, up-stream beside the tawny reaches of the river; and for +a time there was no speech between them, the while the girl lost +consciousness of self and her most imminent peril, surrendering her being +to the lingering sweetness of her long, dear thoughts.... + +"I've got a scheme!" Kirkwood declared so explosively that she caught her +breath with the surprise of it. "There's the Pless; they know me there, and +my credit's good. When we shake them off, we can have the cabby take us to +the hotel. I'll register and borrow from the management enough to pay our +way to Chiltern and the tolls for a cable to New York. I've a friend or two +over home who wouldn't let me want for a few miserable pounds.... So you +see," he explained boyishly, "we're at the end of our troubles already!" + +She said something inaudible, holding her face averted. He bent nearer to +her, wondering. "I didn't understand," he suggested. + +Still looking from him, "I said you were very good to me," she said in a +quavering whisper. + +"Dorothy!" Without his knowledge or intention before the fact, as +instinctively as he made use of her given name, intimately, his strong +fingers dropped and closed upon the little hand that lay beside him. "What +_is_ the matter, dear?" He leaned still farther forward to peer into her +face, till glance met glance in the ending and his racing pulses tightened +with sheer delight of the humid happiness in her glistening eyes. "Dorothy, +child, don't worry so. No harm shall come to you. It's all working out--all +working out _right_. Only have a little faith in me, and I'll _make_ +everything work out right, Dorothy." + +Gently she freed her fingers. "I wasn't," she told him in a voice that +quivered between laughter and tears, "I wasn't worrying. I was ... You +wouldn't understand. Don't be afraid I shall break down or--or anything." + +"I shan't," he reassured her; "I know you're not that sort. Besides, +you'd have no excuse. We're moving along famously. That cabby knows his +business." + +In fact that gentleman was minute by minute demonstrating his peculiar +fitness for the task he had so cheerfully undertaken. The superior +horsemanship of the London hackney cabman needs no exploitation, and he +in whose hands rested the fate of the Calendar treasure was peer of his +compeers. He was instant to advantage himself of every opening to forward +his pliant craft, quick to foresee the fortunes of the way and govern +himself accordingly. + +Estimating with practised eye the precise moment when the police supervisor +of traffic at the junction of Parliament and Bridge Streets, would see +fit to declare a temporary blockade, he so managed that his was the last +vehicle to pass ere the official wand, to ignore which involves a forfeited +license, was lifted; and indeed, so close was his calculation that he +escaped only with a scowl and word of warning from the bobby. A matter of +no importance whatever, since his end was gained and the pursuing cab had +been shut off by the blockade. + +In Calendar's driver, however, he had an adversary of abilities by no means +to be despised. Precisely how the man contrived it, is a question; that he +made a detour by way of Derby Street is not improbable, unpleasant as it +may have been for Stryker and Calendar to find themselves in such close +proximity to "the Yard." At all events, he evaded the block, and hardly +had the chase swung across Bridge Street, than the pursuer was nimbly +clattering in its wake. + +Past the Houses of Parliament, through Old Palace Yard, with the Abbey on +their left, they swung away into Abingdon Street, whence suddenly they +dived into the maze of backways, great and mean, which lies to the south of +Victoria. Doubling and twisting, now this way, now that, the driver tooled +them through the intricate heart of this labyrinth, leading the pursuers +a dance that Kirkwood thought calculated to dishearten and shake off the +pursuit in the first five minutes. Yet always, peering back through the +little peephole, he saw Calendar's cab pelting doggedly in their rear--a +hundred yards behind, no more, no less, hanging on with indomitable grit +and determination. + +By degrees they drew westwards, threading Pimlico, into Chelsea--once +dashing briefly down the Grosvenor Road, the Thames a tawny flood beyond +the river wall. + +Children cheered them on, and policemen turned to stare, doubting whether +they should interfere. Minutes rolled into tens, measuring out an hour; +and still they hammered on, hunted and hunters, playing their game of +hare-and-hounds through the highways and byways of those staid and aged +quarters. + +In the leading cab there were few words spoken. Kirkwood and Dorothy alike +sat spellbound with the fascination of the game; if it is conceivable +that the fox enjoys his part in the day's sport, then they were enjoying +themselves. Now one spoke, now another--chiefly in the clipped phraseology, +of excitement. As-- + +"We're gaining?" + +"Yes--think so." + +Or, "We'll tire them out?" + +"Sure-ly." + +"They can't catch us, can they, Philip?" + +"Never in the world." + +But he spoke with a confidence that he himself did not feel, for hope as +he would he could never see that the distance between the two had been +materially lessened or increased. Their horses seemed most evenly matched. + +The sun was very low behind the houses of the Surrey Side when Kirkwood +became aware that their horse was flagging, though (as comparison +determined) no more so than the one behind. + +In grave concern the young man raised his hand, thrusting open the trap +in the roof. Immediately the square of darkling sky was eclipsed by the +cabby's face. + +"Yessir?" + +"You had better drive as directly as you can to the Hotel Pless," Kirkwood +called up. "I'm afraid it's no use pushing your horse like this." + +"I'm sure of it, sir. 'E's a good 'oss, 'e is, but 'e carn't keep goin' for +hever, you know, sir." + +"I know. You've done very well; you've done your best." + +"Very good, sir. The Pless, you said, sir? Right." + +The trap closed. + +Two blocks farther, and their pace had so sensibly moderated that Kirkwood +was genuinely alarmed. The pursuing cabby was lashing his animal without +mercy, while, "It aren't no use my w'ippin' 'im, sir," dropped through the +trap. "'E's doing orl 'e can." + +"I understand." + +Despondent recklessness tightened Kirkwood's lips and kindled an unpleasant +light in his eyes. He touched his side pocket; Calendar's revolver was +still there.... Dorothy should win away clear, if--if he swung for it. + +He bent forward with the traveling bag in his hands. + +"What are you going to do?" The girl's voice was very tremulous. + +"Stand a chance, take a losing hazard. Can you run? You're not too tired?" + +"I can run--perhaps not far--a little way, at least." + +"And will you do as I say?" + +Her eyes met his, unwavering, bespeaking her implicit faith. + +"Promise!" + +"I promise." + +"We'll have to drop off in a minute. The horse won't last.... They're in +the same box. Well, I undertake to stand 'em off for a bit; you take the +bag and run for it. Just as soon as I can convince them, I'll follow, but +if there's any delay, you call the first cab you see and drive to the +Pless. I'll join you there." + +He stood up, surveying the neighborhood. Behind him the girl lifted her +voice in protest. + +"No, Philip, no!" + +"You've promised," he said sternly, eyes ranging the street. + +"I don't care; I won't leave you." + +He shook his head in silent contradiction, frowning; but not frowning +because of the girl's mutiny. He was a little puzzled by a vague +impression, and was striving to pin it down for recognition; but was so +thoroughly bemused with fatigue and despair that only with great difficulty +could he force his faculties to logical reasoning, his memory to respond to +his call upon it. + +The hansom was traversing a street in Old Brompton--a quaint, prim by-way +lined with dwellings singularly Old-Worldish, even for London. He seemed +to know it subjectively, to have retained a memory of it from another +existence: as the stage setting of a vivid dream, all forgotten, will +sometimes recur with peculiar and exasperating intensity, in broad +daylight. The houses, with their sloping, red-tiled roofs, unexpected +gables, spontaneous dormer windows, glass panes set in leaded frames, red +brick facades trimmed with green shutters and doorsteps of white stone, +each sitting back, sedate and self-sufficient, in its trim dooryard fenced +off from the public thoroughfare: all wore an aspect hauntingly familiar, +and yet strange. + +A corner sign, remarked in passing, had named the spot "Aspen Villas"; +though he felt he knew the sound of those syllables as well as he did +the name of the Pless, strive as he might he failed to make them convey +anything tangible to his intelligence. When had he heard of it? At what +time had his errant footsteps taken him through this curious survival of +Eighteenth Century London? + +Not that it mattered when. It could have no possible bearing on the +emergency. He really gave it little thought; the mental processes recounted +were mostly subconscious, if none the less real. His objective attention +was wholly preoccupied with the knowledge that Calendar's cab was drawing +perilously near. And he was debating whether or not they should alight +at once and try to make a better pace afoot, when the decision was taken +wholly out of his hands. + +Blindly staggering on, wilted with weariness, the horse stumbled in the +shafts and plunged forward on its knees. Quick as the driver was to pull it +up, with a cruel jerk of the bits, Kirkwood was caught unprepared; lurching +against the dashboard, he lost his footing, grasped frantically at the +unstable air, and went over, bringing up in a sitting position in the +gutter, with a solid shock that jarred his very teeth. + +For a moment dazed he sat there blinking; by the time he got to his feet, +the girl stood beside him, questioning him with keen solicitude. + +"No," he gasped; "not hurt--only surprised. Wait...." + +Their cab had come to a complete standstill; Calendar's was no more than +twenty yards behind, and as Kirkwood caught sight of him the fat adventurer +was in the act of lifting himself ponderously out of the seat. + +Incontinently the young man turned to the girl and forced the traveling-bag +into her hands. + +"Run for it!" he begged her. "Don't stop to argue. You promised--run! I'll +come...." + +"Philip!" she pleaded. + +"Dorothy!" he cried in torment. + +Perhaps it was his unquestionable distress that weakened her. Suddenly she +yielded--with whatever reason. He was only hazily aware of the swish of her +skirts behind him; he had no time to look round and see that she got away +safely. He had only eyes and thoughts for Calendar and Stryker. + +They were both afoot, now, and running toward him, the one as awkward as +the other, but neither yielding a jot of their malignant purpose. He held +the picture of it oddly graphic in his memory for many a day thereafter: +Calendar making directly, for him, his heavy-featured face a dull red with +the exertion, his fat head dropped forward as if too heavy for his neck of +a bull, his small eyes bright with anger; Stryker shying off at a discreet +angle, evidently with the intention of devoting himself to the capture of +the girl; the two cabs with their dejected screws, at rest in the middle of +the quiet, twilit street. He seemed even to see himself, standing stockily +prepared, hands in his coat pockets, his own head inclined with a +suggestion of pugnacity. + +To this mental photograph another succeeds, of the same scene an instant +later; all as it had been before, their relative positions unchanged, save +that Stryker and Calendar had come to a dead stop, and that Kirkwood's +right arm was lifted and extended, pointing at the captain. + +So forgetful of self was he, that it required a moment's thought to +convince him that he was really responsible for the abrupt transformation. +Incredulously he realized that he had drawn Calendar's revolver and pulled +Stryker up short, in mid-stride, by the mute menace of it, as much as by +his hoarse cry of warning: + +"Stryker--not another foot--" + +With this there chimed in Dorothy's voice, ringing bell-clear from a little +distance: + +"Philip!" + +Like a flash he wheeled, to add yet another picture to his mental gallery. + +Perhaps two-score feet up the sidewalk a gate stood open; just outside it a +man of tall and slender figure, rigged out in a bizarre costume consisting +mainly of a flowered dressing-gown and slippers, was waiting in an attitude +of singular impassivity; within it, pausing with a foot lifted to the +doorstep, bag in hand, her head turned as she looked back, was Dorothy. + +[Illustration: A costume consisting mainly of a flowered dressing-gown and +slippers.] + +As he comprehended these essential details of the composition, the man in +the flowered dressing-gown raised a hand, beckoning to him in a manner as +imperative as his accompanying words. + +"Kirkwood!" he saluted the young man in a clear and vibrant voice, "put +up that revolver and stop this foolishness." And, with a jerk of his +head towards the doorway, in which Dorothy now waited, hesitant: "Come, +sir--quickly!" + +Kirkwood choked on a laugh that was half a sob. "Brentwick!" he cried, +restoring the weapon to his pocket and running toward his friend. "Of all +happy accidents!" + +"You may call it that," retorted the elder man with a fleeting smile as +Kirkwood slipped inside the dooryard. "Come," he said; "let's get into the +house." + +"But you said--I thought you went to Munich," stammered Kirkwood; and so +thoroughly impregnated was his mind with this understanding that it was +hard for him to adjust his perceptions to the truth. + +"I was detained--by business," responded Brentwick briefly. His gaze, weary +and wistful behind his glasses, rested on the face of the girl on the +threshold of his home; and the faint, sensitive flush of her face deepened. +He stopped and honored her with a bow that, for all his fantastical attire, +would have graced a beau of an earlier decade. "Will you be pleased to +enter?" he suggested punctiliously. "My house, such as it is, is quite at +your disposal. And," he added, with a glance over his shoulder, "I fancy +that a word or two may presently be passed which you would hardly care to +hear." + +Dorothy's hesitation was but transitory; Kirkwood was reassuring her with +a smile more like his wonted boyish grin than anything he had succeeded +in conjuring up throughout the day. Her own smile answered it, and with a +murmured word of gratitude and a little, half timid, half distant bow for +Brentwick, she passed on into the hallway. + +Kirkwood lingered with his friend upon the door-stoop. Calendar, recovered +from his temporary consternation, was already at the gate, bending over +it, fat fingers fumbling with the latch, his round red face, lifted to the +house, darkly working with chagrin. + +From his threshold, watching him with a slight contraction of the eyes, +Brentwick hailed him in tones of cloying courtesy. + +"Do you wish to see me, sir?" + +The fat adventurer faltered just within the gateway; then, with a truculent +swagger, "I want my daughter," he declared vociferously. + +Brentwick peered mildly over his glasses, first at Calendar, then at +Kirkwood. His glance lingered a moment on the young man's honest eyes, and +swung back to Calendar. + +"My good man," he said with sublime tolerance, "will you be pleased to take +yourself off--to the devil if you like? Or shall I take the trouble to +interest the police?" + +He removed one fine and fragile hand from a pocket of the flowered +dressing-gown, long enough to jerk it significantly toward the nearer +street-corner. + +Thunderstruck, Calendar glanced hastily in the indicated direction. +A blue-coated bobby was to be seen approaching with measured stride, +diffusing upon the still evening air an impression of ineffably capable +self-contentment. + +Calendar's fleshy lips parted and closed without a sound. They quivered. +Beneath them quivered his assortment of graduated chins. His heavy and +pendulous cheeks quivered, slowly empurpling with the dark tide of his +apoplectic wrath. The close-clipped thatch of his iron gray mustache, even, +seemed to bristle like hairs upon the neck of a maddened dog. Beneath him +his fat legs trembled, and indeed his whole huge carcass shook visibly, in +the stress of his restrained wrath. + +Suddenly, overwhelmed, he banged the gate behind him and waddled off to +join the captain; who already, with praiseworthy native prudence, had +fallen back upon their cab. + +From his coign of strategic advantage, the comfortable elevation of +his box, Kirkwood's cabby, whose huge enjoyment of the adventurers' +discomfiture had throughout been noisily demonstrative, entreated Calendar +with lifted forefinger, bland affability, and expressions of heartfelt +sympathy. + +"Kebsir? 'Ave a kebsir, do! Try a ride be'ind a real 'orse, sir; don't you +go on wastin' time on 'im." A jerk of a derisive thumb singled out the +other cabman. "'E aren't pl'yin' you fair, sir; I knows 'im,--'e's a +hartful g'y deceiver, 'e is. Look at 'is 'orse,--w'ich it aren't; it's a +snyle, that's w'at it is. Tyke a father's hadvice, sir, and next time yer +fairest darter runs awye with the dook in disguise, chyse 'em in a real +kebsir, not a cheap imitashin.... Kebsir?... Garn, you 'ard-'arted--" + +Here he swooped upwards in a dizzy flight of vituperation best unrecorded. +Calendar, beyond an absent-minded flirt of one hand by his ear, as who +should shoo away a buzzing insect, ignored him utterly. + +Sullenly extracting money from his pocket, he paid off his driver, and in +company with Stryker, trudged in morose silence down the street. + +Brentwick touched Kirkwood's arm and drew him into the house. + + + + +XVIII + + +ADVENTURERS' LUCK + +As the door closed, Kirkwood swung impulsively to Brentwick, with the +brief, uneven laugh of fine-drawn nerves. + +"Good God, sir!" he cried. "You don't know--" + +"I can surmise," interrupted the elder man shrewdly. + +"You turned up in the nick of time, for all the world like--" + +"Harlequin popping through a stage trap?" + +"No!--an incarnation of the Providence that watches over children and +fools." + +Brentwick dropped a calming hand upon his shoulder. "Your simile seems +singularly happy, Philip. Permit me to suggest that you join the child in +my study." He laughed quietly, with a slight nod toward an open door at the +end of the hallway. "For myself, I'll be with you in one moment." + +A faint, indulgent smile lurking in the shadow of his white mustache, he +watched the young man wheel and dart through the doorway. "Young hearts!" +he commented inaudibly--and a trace sadly. "Youth!..." + +Beyond the threshold of the study, Kirkwood paused, eager eyes searching +its somber shadows for a sign of Dorothy. + +A long room and deep, it was lighted only by the circumscribed disk of +illumination thrown on the central desk by a shaded reading-lamp, and the +flickering glow of a grate-fire set beneath the mantel of a side-wall. At +the back, heavy velvet portieres cloaked the recesses of two long windows, +closed jealously even against the twilight. Aside from the windows, doors +and chimney-piece, every foot of wall space was occupied by towering +bookcases or by shelves crowded to the limit of their capacity with an +amazing miscellany of objects of art, the fruit of years of patient and +discriminating collecting. An exotic and heady atmosphere, compounded of +the faint and intangible exhalations of these insentient things, fragrance +of sandalwood, myrrh and musk, reminiscent whiffs of half-forgotten +incense, seemed to intensify the impression of gloomy richness and +repose... + +By the fireplace, a little to one side, stood Dorothy, one small foot +resting on the brass fender, her figure merging into the dusky background, +her delicate beauty gaining an effect of elusive and ethereal mystery in +the waning and waxing ruddy glow upflung from the bedded coals. + +"Oh, Philip!" She turned swiftly to Kirkwood with extended hands and a low, +broken cry. "I'm _so_ glad...." + +A trace of hysteria in her manner warned him, and he checked himself upon +the verge of a too dangerous tenderness. "There!" he said soothingly, +letting her hands rest gently in his palms while he led her to a chair. "We +can make ourselves easy now." She sat down and he released her hands with a +reluctance less evident than actual. "If ever I say another word against my +luck--" + +"Who," inquired the girl, lowering her voice, "who is the gentleman in the +flowered dressing-gown?" + +"Brentwick--George Silvester Brentwick: an old friend. I've known him for +years,--ever since I came abroad. Curiously enough, however, this is the +first time I've ever been here. I called once, but he wasn't in,--a few +days ago,--the day we met. I thought the place looked familiar. Stupid of +me!" + +"Philip," said the girl with a grave face but a shaking voice, "it was." +She laughed provokingly.... "It was so funny, Philip. I don't know why I +ran, when you told me to, but I did; and while I ran, I was conscious +of the front door, here, opening, and this tall man in the flowered +dressing-gown coming down to the gate as if it were the most ordinary thing +in the world for him to stroll out, dressed that way, in the evening. And +he opened the gate, and bowed, and said, ever so pleasantly, 'Won't you +come in, Miss Calendar?'--" + +"He did!" exclaimed Kirkwood. "But how--?" + +"How can I say?" she expostulated. "At all events, he seemed to know +me; and when he added something about calling you in, too--he said 'Mr. +Kirkwood '--I didn't hesitate." + +"It's strange enough, surely--and fortunate. Bless his heart!" said +Kirkwood. + +And, "Hum!" said Mr. Brentwick considerately, entering the study. He had +discarded the dressing-gown and was now in evening dress. + +The girl rose. Kirkwood turned. "Mr. Brentwick--" he began. + +But Brentwick begged his patience with an eloquent gesture. "Sir," he said, +somewhat austerely, "permit me to put a single question: Have you by any +chance paid your cabby?" + +"Why--" faltered the younger man, with a flaming face. "I--why, no--that +is--" + +The other quietly put his hand upon a bell-pull. A faint jingling sound was +at once audible, emanating from the basement. + +"How much should you say you owe him?" + +"I--I haven't a penny in the world!" + +The shrewd eyes flashed their amusement into Kirkwood's. "Tut, tut!" +Brentwick chuckled. "Between gentlemen, my dear boy! Dear me! you are slow +to learn." + +"I'll never be contented to sponge on my friends," explained Kirkwood in +deepest misery. "I can't tell when--" + +"Tut, tut! How much did you say?" + +"Ten shillings--or say twelve, would be about right," stammered the +American, swayed by conflicting emotions of gratitude and profound +embarrassment. + +A soft-footed butler, impassive as Fate, materialized mysteriously in the +doorway. + +"You rang, sir?" he interrupted frigidly. + +"I rang, Wotton." His master selected a sovereign from his purse and handed +it to the servant. "For the cabby, Wotton." + +"Yes sir." The butler swung automatically, on one heel. + +"And Wotton!" + +"Sir?" + +"If any one should ask for me, I'm not at home." + +"Very good, sir." + +"And if you should see a pair of disreputable scoundrels skulking, in the +neighborhood, one short and stout, the other tall and evidently a seafaring +man, let me know." + +"Thank you, sir." A moment later the front door was heard to close. + +Brentwick turned with a little bow to the girl. "My dear Miss Calendar," he +said, rubbing his thin, fine hands,--"I am old enough, I trust, to call you +such without offense,--please be seated." + +Complying, the girl rewarded him with a radiant smile. Whereupon, striding +to the fireplace, their host turned his back to it, clasped his hands +behind him, and glowered benignly upon the two. "Ah!" he observed in +accents of extreme personal satisfaction. "Romance! Romance!" + +"Would you mind telling us how you knew--" began Kirkwood anxiously. + +"Not in the least, my dear Philip. It is simple enough: I possess an +imagination. From my bedroom window, on the floor above, I happen to behold +two cabs racing down the street, the one doggedly pursuing the other. The +foremost stops, perforce of a fagged horse. There alights a young gentleman +looking, if you'll pardon me, uncommonly seedy; he is followed by a young +lady, if she will pardon me," with another little bow, "uncommonly pretty. +With these two old eyes I observe that the gentleman does not pay his +cabby. Ergo--I intelligently deduce--he is short of money. Eh?" + +"You were right," affirmed Kirkwood, with a rueful and crooked smile. +"But--" + +"So! so!" pursued Brentwick, rising on his toes and dropping back again; +"so this world of ours wags on to the old, old tune!... And I, who in my +younger days pursued adventure without success, in dotage find myself +dragged into a romance by my two ears, whether I will or no! Eh? And now +you are going to tell me all about it, Philip. There is a chair.... Well, +Wotton?" + +The butler had again appeared noiselessly in the doorway. + +"Beg pardon, sir; they're waiting, sir." + +"The caitiffs, Wotton?" + +"Yessir." + +"Where waiting?" + +"One at each end of the street, sir." + +"Thank you. You may bring us sherry and biscuit, Wotton." + +"Thank you, sir." + +The servant vanished. + +Brentwick removed his glasses, rubbed them, and blinked thoughtfully at the +girl. "My dear," he said suddenly, with a peculiar tremor in his voice, +"you resemble your mother remarkably. Tut--I should know! Time was when I +was one of her most ardent admirers." + +"You--y-you knew my mother?" cried Dorothy, profoundly moved. + +"Did I not know you at sight? My dear, you are your mother reincarnate, for +the good of an unworthy world. She was a very beautiful woman, my dear." + +Wotton entered with a silver serving tray, offering it in turn to Dorothy, +Kirkwood and his employer. While he was present the three held silent--the +girl trembling slightly, but with her face aglow; Kirkwood half stupefied +between his ease from care and his growing astonishment, as Brentwick +continued to reveal unexpected phases of his personality; Brentwick himself +outwardly imperturbable and complacent, for all that his hand shook as he +lifted his wine glass. + +"You may go, Wotton--or, wait. Don't you feel the need of a breath of fresh +air, Wotton?" + +"Yessir, thank you, sir." + +"Then change your coat, Wotton, light your pipe, and stroll out for half an +hour. You need not leave the street, but if either the tall thin blackguard +with the seafaring habit, or the short stout rascal with the air of mystery +should accost you, treat them with all courtesy, Wotton. You will be +careful not to tell either of them anything in particular, although I don't +mind your telling them that Mr. Brentwick lives here, if they ask. I am +mostly concerned to discover if they purpose becoming fixtures on the +street-corners, Wotton." + +"Quite so, sir." + +"Now you may go.... Wotton," continued his employer as the butler took +himself off as softly as a cat, "grows daily a more valuable mechanism. He +is by no means human in any respect, but I find him extremely handy to +have round the house.... And now, my dear," turning to Dorothy, "with your +permission I desire to drink to the memory of your beautiful mother and to +the happiness of her beautiful daughter." + +"But you will tell me--" + +"A number of interesting things, Miss Calendar, if you'll be good enough to +let me choose the time. I beg you to be patient with the idiosyncrasies +of an old man, who means no harm, who has a reputation as an eccentric to +sustain before his servants.... And now," said Brentwick, setting aside his +glass, "now, my dear boy, for the adventure." + +Kirkwood chuckled, infected by his host's genial humor. "How do you know--" + +"How can it be otherwise?" countered Brentwick with a trace of asperity. +"Am I to be denied my adventure? Sir, I refuse without equivocation. Your +very bearing breathes of Romance. There must be an adventure forthcoming, +Philip; otherwise my disappointment will be so acute that I shall be +regretfully obliged seriously to consider my right, as a householder, to +show you the door." + +"But Mr. Brentwick--!" + +"Sit down, sir!" commanded Brentwick with such a peremptory note that the +young man, who had risen, obeyed out of sheer surprise. Upon which his host +advanced, indicting him with a long white forefinger. "Would you, sir," +he demanded, "again expose this little lady to the machinations of that +corpulent scoundrel, whom I have just had the pleasure of shooing off my +premises, because you choose to resent an old man's raillery?" + +"I apologize," Kirkwood humored him. + +"I accept the apology in the spirit in which it is offered.... I repeat, +now for the adventure, Philip. If the story's long, epitomize. We can +consider details more at our leisure." + +Kirkwood's eyes consulted the girl's face; almost imperceptibly she nodded +him permission to proceed. + +"Briefly, then," he began haltingly, "the man who followed us to the door +here, is Miss Calendar's father." + +"Oh? His name, please?" + +"George Burgoyne Calendar." + +"Ah! An American; I remember, now. Continue, please." + +"He is hounding us, sir, with the intention of stealing some property, +which he caused to be stolen, which we--to put it bluntly--stole from him, +to which he has no shadow of a title, and which, finally, we're endeavoring +to return to its owners." + +"My dear!" interpolated Brentwick gently, looking down at the girl's +flushed face and drooping head. + +"He ran us to the last ditch," Kirkwood continued; "I've spent my last +farthing trying to lose him." + +"But why have you not caused his arrest?" Brentwick inquired. + +Kirkwood nodded meaningly toward the girl. Brentwick made a sound +indicating comprehension, a click of the tongue behind closed teeth. + +"We came to your door by the merest accident--it might as well have been +another. I understood you were in Munich, and it never entered my head that +we'd find you home." + +"A communication from my solicitors detained me," explained Brentwick. "And +now, what do you intend to do?" + +"Trespass as far on your kindness as you'll permit. In the first place, +I--I want the use of a few pounds with which to cable some friends in New +York, for money; on receipt of which I can repay you." + +"Philip," observed Brentwood, "you are a most irritating child. But I +forgive you the faults of youth. You may proceed, bearing in mind, if you +please, that I am your friend equally with any you may own in America." + +"You're one of the best men in the world," said Kirkwood. + +"Tut, tut! Will you get on?" + +"Secondly, I want you to help us to escape Calendar to-night. It is +necessary that Miss Calendar should go to Chiltern this evening, where she +has friends who will receive and protect her." + +"Mm-mm," grumbled their host, meditative. "My faith!" he commented, with +brightening eyes. "It sounds almost too good to be true! And I've been +growing afraid that the world was getting to be a most humdrum and +uninteresting planet!... Miss Calendar, I am a widower of so many years +standing that I had almost forgotten I had ever been anything but a +bachelor. I fear my house contains little that will be of service to a +young lady. Yet a room is at your disposal; the parlor-maid shall show you +the way. And Philip, between you and me, I venture to remark that hot water +and cold steel would add to the attractiveness of your personal appearance; +my valet will attend you in my room. Dinner," concluded Brentwick with +anticipative relish, "will be served in precisely thirty minutes. I shall +expect you to entertain me with a full and itemized account of every phase +of your astonishing adventure. Later, we will find a way to Chiltern." + +Again he put a hand upon the bell-pull. Simultaneously Dorothy and Kirkwood +rose. + +"Mr. Brentwick," said the girl, her eyes starred with tears of gratitude, +"I don't, I really don't know how--" + +"My dear," said the old gentleman, "you will thank me most appropriately +by continuing, to the best of your ability, to resemble your mother more +remarkably every minute." + +"But I," began Kirkwood----. + +"You, my dear Philip, can thank me best by permitting me to enjoy myself; +which I am doing thoroughly at the present moment. My pleasure in being +invited to interfere in your young affairs is more keen than you can well +surmise. Moreover," said Mr. Brentwick, "so long have I been an amateur +adventurer that I esteem it the rarest privilege to find myself thus on the +point of graduating into professional ranks." He rubbed his hands, beaming +upon them. "And," he added, as a maid appeared at the door, "I have already +schemed me a scheme for the discomfiture of our friends the enemy: a scheme +which we will discuss with our dinner, while the heathen rage and imagine a +vain thing, in the outer darkness." + +Kirkwood would have lingered, but of such inflexible temper was his host +that he bowed him into the hands of a man servant without permitting him +another word. + +"Not a syllable," he insisted. "I protest I am devoured with curiosity, my +dear boy, but I have also bowels of compassion. When we are well on with +our meal, when you are strengthened with food and drink, then you may +begin. But now--Dickie," to the valet, "do your duty!" + +Kirkwood, laughing with exasperation, retired at discretion, leaving +Brentwick the master of the situation: a charming gentleman with a will of +his own and a way that went with it. + +He heard the young man's footsteps diminish on the stairway; and again +he smiled the indulgent, melancholy smile of mellow years. "Youth!" he +whispered softly. "Romance!... And now," with a brisk change of tone as +he closed the study door, "now we are ready for this interesting Mr. +Calendar." + +Sitting down at his desk, he found and consulted a telephone directory; +but its leaves, at first rustling briskly at the touch of the slender and +delicate fingers, were presently permitted to lie unturned,--the book +resting open on his knees the while he stared wistfully into the fire. + +A suspicion of moisture glimmered in his eyes. "Dorothy!" he whispered +huskily. And a little later, rising, he proceeded to the telephone.... + +An hour and a half later Kirkwood, his self-respect something restored by +a bath, a shave, and a resumption of clothes which had been hastily but +thoroughly cleansed and pressed by Brentwick's valet; his confidence and +courage mounting high under the combined influence of generous wine, +substantial food, the presence of his heart's mistress and the +admiration--which was unconcealed--of his friend, concluded at the +dinner-table, his narration. + +"And that," he said, looking up from his savory, "is about all." + +"Bravo!" applauded Brentwick; eyes shining with delight. + +"All," interposed Dorothy in warm reproach, "but what he hasn't told--" + +"Which, my dear, is to be accounted for wholly by a very creditable +modesty, rarely encountered in the young men of the present day. It was, of +course, altogether different with those of my younger years. Yes, Wotton?" + +Brentwick sat back in his chair, inclining an attentive ear to a +communication murmured by the butler. + +Kirkwood's gaze met Dorothy's across the expanse of shining cloth; he +deprecated her interruption with a whimsical twist of his eyebrows. +"Really, you shouldn't," he assured her in an undertone. "I've done nothing +to deserve..." But under the spell of her serious sweet eyes, he fell +silent, and presently looked down, strangely abashed; and contemplated the +vast enormity of his unworthiness. + +Coffee was set before them by Wotton, the impassive, Brentwick refusing +it with a little sigh. "It is one of the things, as Philip knows," he +explained to the girl, "denied me by the physician who makes his life happy +by making mine a waste. I am allowed but three luxuries; cigars, travel +in moderation, and the privilege of imposing on my friends. The first I +propose presently, to enjoy, by your indulgence; and the second I shall +this evening undertake by virtue of the third, of which I have just availed +myself." + +Smiling at the involution, he rested his head against the back of the +chair, eyes roving from the girl's face to Kirkwood's. "Inspiration to +do which," he proceeded gravely, "came to me from the seafaring picaroon +(Stryker did you name him?) via the excellent Wotton. While you were +preparing for dinner, Wotton returned from his constitutional with the news +that, leaving the corpulent person on watch at the corner, Captain Stryker +had temporarily, made himself scarce. However, we need feel no anxiety +concerning his whereabouts, for he reappeared in good time and a +motor-car. From which it becomes evident that you have not overrated their +pertinacity; the fiasco of the cab-chase is not to be reenacted." + +Resolutely the girl repressed a gasp of dismay. Kirkwood stared moodily +into his cup. + +"These men bore me fearfully," he commented at last. + +"And so," continued Brentwick, "I bethought me of a counter-stroke. It is +my good fortune to have a friend whose whim it is to support a touring-car, +chiefly in innocuous idleness. Accordingly I have telephoned him and +commandeered the use of this machine--mechanician, too.... Though not a +betting man, I am willing to risk recklessly a few pence in support of my +contention, that of the two, Captain Stryker's car and ours, the latter +will prove considerably the most speedy.... + +"In short, I suggest," he concluded, thoughtfully lacing his long white +fingers, "that, avoiding the hazards of cab and railway carriage, we motor +to Chiltern: the night being fine and the road, I am told, exceptionally +good. Miss Dorothy, what do you think?" + +Instinctively the girl looked to Kirkwood; then shifted her glance to their +host. "I think you are wonderfully thoughtful and kind," she said simply. + +"And you, Philip?" + +"It's an inspiration," the younger man declared. "I can't think of anything +better calculated to throw them off, than to distance them by motor-car. It +would be always possible to trace our journey by rail." + +"Then," announced Brentwick, making as if to rise, "we had best go. If +neither my hearing nor Captain Stryker's car deceives me, our fiery chariot +is panting at the door." + +A little sobered from the confident spirit of quiet gaiety in which they +had dined, they left the table. Not that, in their hearts, either greatly +questioned their ultimate triumph; but they were allowing for the element +of error so apt to set at naught human calculations. Calendar himself had +already been proved fallible. Within the bounds of possibility, their turn +to stumble might now be imminent. + +When he let himself dwell upon it, their utter helplessness to give +Calendar pause by commonplace methods, maddened Kirkwood. With another +scoundrel it had been so simple a matter to put a period to his activities +by a word to the police. But he was her father; for that reason he must +continually be spared ... Even though, in desperate extremity, she should +give consent to the arrest of the adventurers, retaliation would follow, +swift and sure. For they might not overlook nor gloze the fact that hers +had been the hands responsible for the theft of the jewels; innocent +though she had been in committing that larceny, a cat's-paw guided by an +intelligence unscrupulous and malign, the law would not hold her guiltless +were she once brought within its cognizance. Nor, possibly, would the +Hallams, mother and son. + +Upon their knowledge and their fear of this, undoubtedly Calendar was +reckoning: witness the barefaced effrontery with which he operated against +them. His fear of the police might be genuine enough, but he was never for +an instant disturbed by any doubt lest his daughter should turn against +him. She would never dare that. + +Before they left the house, while Dorothy was above stairs resuming her +hat and coat, Kirkwood and Brentwick reconnoitered from the drawing-room +windows, themselves screened from observation by the absence of light in +the room behind. + +Before the door a motor-car waited, engines humming impatiently, +mechanician ready in his seat, an uncouth shape in goggles and leather +garments that shone like oilskins under the street lights. + +At one corner another and a smaller car stood in waiting, its lamps like +baleful eyes glaring through the night. + +In the shadows across the way, a lengthy shadow lurked: Stryker, beyond +reasonable question. Otherwise the street was deserted. Not even that +adventitous bobby of the early evening was now in evidence. + +Dorothy presently joining them, Brentwick led the way to the door. + +Wotton, apparently nerveless beneath his absolute immobility, let them +out--and slammed the door behind them with such promptitude as to give +cause for the suspicion that he was a fraud, a sham, beneath his icy +exterior desperately afraid lest the house be stormed by the adventurers. + +Kirkwood to the right, Brentwick to the left of Dorothy, the former +carrying the treasure bag, they hastened down the walk and through the gate +to the car. + +The watcher across the way was moved to whistle shrilly; the other car +lunged forward nervously. + +Brentwick taking the front seat, beside the mechanician, left the tonneau +to Kirkwood and Dorothy. As the American slammed the door, the car swept +smoothly out into the middle of the way, while the pursuing car swerved in +to the other curb, slowing down to let Stryker jump aboard. + +Kirkwood put himself in the seat by the girl's side and for a few moments +was occupied with the arrangement of the robes. Then, sitting back, he +found her eyes fixed upon him, pools of inscrutable night in the shadow of +her hat. + +"You aren't afraid, Dorothy?" + +She answered quietly: "I am with you, Philip." + +Beneath the robe their hands met... + +Exalted, excited, he turned and looked back. A hundred yards to the rear +four unwinking eyes trailed them, like some modern Nemesis in monstrous +guise. + + + + +XIX + +I----THE UXBRIDGE ROAD + +At a steady gait, now and again checked in deference to the street traffic, +Brentwick's motor-car rolled, with resonant humming of the engine, down +the Cromwell Road, swerved into Warwick Road and swung northward through +Kensington to Shepherd's Bush. Behind it Calendar's car clung as if towed +by an invisible cable, never gaining, never losing, mutely testifying to +the adventurer's unrelenting, grim determination to leave them no instant's +freedom from surveillance, to keep for ever at their shoulders, watching +his chance, biding his time with sinister patience until the moment when, +wearied, their vigilance should relax.... + +To some extent he reckoned without his motor-car. As long as they traveled +within the metropolitan limits, constrained to observe a decorous pace +in view of the prejudices of the County Council, it was a matter of no +difficulty whatever to maintain his distance. But once they had won through +Shepherd's Bush and, paced by huge doubledeck trolley trams, were flying +through Hammersmith on the Uxbridge Road; once they had run through Acton, +and knew beyond dispute that now they were without the city boundaries, +then the complexion of the business was suddenly changed. + +Not too soon for honest sport; Calendar was to have (Kirkwood would have +said in lurid American idiom) a run for his money. The scattered lights of +Southall were winking out behind them before Brentwick chose to give the +word to the mechanician. + +Quietly the latter threw in the clutch for the third speed--and the fourth. +The car leaped forward like a startled race-horse. The motor lilted merrily +into its deep-throated song of the open road, its contented, silken humming +passing into a sonorous and sustained purr. + +Kirkwood and the girl were first jarred violently forward, then thrown +together. She caught his arm to steady herself; it seemed the most natural +thing imaginable that he should take her hand and pass it beneath his +arm, holding her so, his fingers closed above her own. Before they had +recovered, or had time to catch their breath, a mile of Middlesex had +dropped to the rear. + +Not quite so far had they distanced Calendar's trailing Nemesis of the four +glaring eyes; the pursuers put forth a gallant effort to hold their place. +At intervals during the first few minutes a heavy roaring and crashing +could be heard behind them; gradually it subsided, dying on the wings of +the free rushing wind that buffeted their faces as mile after mile was +reeled off and the wide, darkling English countryside opened out before +them, sweet and wonderful. + +Once Kirkwood looked back; in the winking of an eye he saw four faded disks +of light, pallid with despair, top a distant rise and glide down into +darkness. When he turned, Dorothy was interrogating him with eyes whose +melting, shadowed loveliness, revealed to him in the light of the far, +still stars, seemed to incite him to that madness which he had bade himself +resist with all his strength. + +He shook his head, as if to say: They can not catch us. + +His hour was not yet; time enough to think of love and marriage (as if he +were capable of consecutive thought on any other subject!)--time enough to +think of them when he had gene back to his place, or rather when he should +have found it, in the ranks of bread-winners, and so have proved his right +to mortal happiness; time enough then to lay whatever he might have to +offer at her feet. Now he could conceive of no baser treachery to his +soul's-desire than to advantage himself of her gratitude. + +Resolutely he turned his face forward, striving with all his will and might +to forget the temptation of her lips, weary as they were and petulant with +waiting; and so sat rigid in his time of trial, clinging with what strength +he could to the standards of his honor, and trying to lose his dream +in dreaming of the bitter struggle that seemed likely to be his future +portion. + +Perhaps she guessed a little of the fortunes of the battle that was being +waged within him. Perhaps not. Whatever the trend of her thoughts, she did +not draw away from him.... Perhaps the breath of night, fresh and clean and +fragrant with the odor of the fields and hedges, sweeping into her face +with velvety caress, rendered her drowsy. Presently the silken lashes +drooped, fluttering upon her cheeks, the tired and happy smile hovered +about her lips.... + +In something less than half an hour of this wild driving, Kirkwood roused +out of his reverie sufficiently to become sensible that the speed was +slackening. Incoherent snatches of sentences, fragments of words and +phrases spoken by Brentwick and the mechanician, were flung back past his +ears by the rushing wind. Shielding his eyes he could see dimly that the +mechanician was tinkering (apparently) with the driving gear. Then, their +pace continuing steadily to abate, he heard Brentwick fling at the man a +sharp-toned and querulously impatient question: What was the trouble? His +reply came in a single word, not distinguishable. + +The girl sat up, opening her eyes, disengaging her arm. + +Kirkwood bent forward and touched Brentwick on the shoulder; the latter +turned to him a face lined with deep concern. + +"Trouble," he announced superfluously. "I fear we have blundered." + +"What is it?" asked Dorothy in a troubled voice. + +"Petrol seems to be running low. Charles here" (he referred to the +mechanician) "says the tank must be leaking. We'll go on as best we can and +try to find an inn. Fortunately, most of the inns nowadays keep supplies of +petrol for just such emergencies." + +"Are we--? Do you think--?" + +"Oh, no; not a bit of danger of that," returned Brentwick hastily. "They'll +not catch up with us this night. That is a very inferior car they have,--so +Charles says, at least; nothing to compare with this. If I'm not in error, +there's the Crown and Mitre just ahead; we'll make it, fill our tanks, and +be off again before they can make up half their loss." + +Dorothy looked anxiously to Kirkwood, her lips forming an unuttered query: +What did he think? + +"Don't worry; we'll have no trouble," he assured her stoutly; "the +chauffeur knows, undoubtedly." + +None the less he was moved to stand up in the tonneau, conscious of the +presence of the traveling bag, snug between his feet, as well as of the +weight of Calendar's revolver in his pocket, while he stared back along the +road. + +There was nothing to be seen of their persecutors. + +The car continued to crawl. Five minutes dragged out tediously. Gradually +they, drew abreast a tavern standing back a distance from the road, +embowered in a grove of trees between whose ancient boles the tap-room +windows shone enticingly, aglow with comfortable light. A creaking +sign-board, much worn by weather and age, swinging from a roadside post, +confirmed the accuracy of Brentwick's surmise, announcing that here stood +the Crown and Mitre, house of entertainment for man and beast. + +Sluggishly the car rolled up before it and came to a dead and silent halt. +Charles, the mechanician, jumping out, ran hastily up the path towards the +inn. In the car Brentwick turned again, his eyes curiously bright in the +starlight, his forehead quaintly furrowed, his voice apologetic. + +"It may take a few minutes," he said undecidedly, plainly endeavoring to +cover up his own dark doubts. "My dear," to the girl, "if I have brought +trouble upon you in this wise, I shall never earn my own forgiveness." + +Kirkwood stood up again, watchful, attentive to the sounds of night; but +the voice of the pursuing motor-car was not of their company. "I hear +nothing," he announced. + +"You will forgive me,--won't you, my dear?--for causing you these few +moments of needless anxiety?" pleaded the old gentleman, his tone +tremulous. + +"As if you could be blamed!" protested the girl. "You mustn't think of it +that way. Fancy, what should we have done without you!" + +"I'm afraid I have been very clumsy," sighed Brentwick, "clumsy and +impulsive ... Kirkwood, do you hear anything?" + +"Not yet, sir." + +"Perhaps," suggested Brentwick a little later, "perhaps we had better +alight and go up to the inn. It would be more cosy there, especially if the +petrol proves hard to obtain, and we have long to wait." + +"I should like that," assented the girl decidedly. + +Kirkwood nodded his approval, opened the door and jumped out to assist her; +then picked up the bag and followed the pair,--Brentwick leading the way +with Dorothy on his arm. + +At the doorway of the Crown and Mitre, Charles met them evidently seriously +disturbed. "No petrol to be had here, sir," he announced reluctantly; "but +the landlord will send to the next inn, a mile up the road, for some. You +will have to be patient, I'm afraid, sir." + +"Very well. Get some one to help you push the car in from the road," +ordered Brentwick; "we will be waiting in one of the private parlors." + +"Yes, sir; thank you, sir." The mechanician touched the visor of his cap +and hurried off. + +"Come, Kirkwood." Gently Brentwick drew the girl in with him. + +Kirkwood lingered momentarily on the doorstep, to listen acutely. But the +wind was blowing into that quarter whence they had come, and he could hear +naught save the soughing in the trees, together with an occasional burst +of rude rustic laughter from the tap-room. Lifting his shoulders in dumb +dismay, and endeavoring to compose his features, he entered the tavern. + + + + +II----THE CROWN AND MITRE + +A rosy-cheeked and beaming landlady met him in the corridor and, all bows +and smiles, ushered him into a private parlor reserved for the party, +immediately bustling off in a desperate flurry, to secure refreshments +desired by Brentwick. + +The girl had seated herself on one end of an extremely comfortless lounge +and was making a palpable effort to seem at ease. Brentwick stood at one of +the windows, shoulders rounded and head bent, hands clasped behind his back +as he peered out into the night. Kirkwood dropped the traveling bag beneath +a chair the farthest removed from the doorway, and took to pacing the +floor. + +In a corner of the room a tall grandfather's clock ticked off ten +interminable minutes. For some reason unconscionably delaying, the landlady +did not reappear. Brentwick, abruptly turning from the window, remarked +the fact querulously, then drew a chair up to a marble-topped table in the +middle of the floor. + +"My dear," he requested the girl, "will you oblige me by sitting over here? +And Philip, bring up a chair, if you will. We must not permit ourselves to +worry, and I have something here which may, perhaps, engage your interest +for a while." + +To humor him and alleviate his evident distress of mind, they acceded. +Kirkwood found himself seated opposite Dorothy, Brentwick between them. +After some hesitation, made the more notable by an air of uneasiness +which sat oddly on his shoulders, whose composure and confident mien had +theretofore been so complete and so reassuring, the elder gentleman fumbled +in an inner coat-pocket and brought to light a small black leather wallet. +He seemed to be on the point of opening it when hurried footfalls sounded +in the hallway. Brentwick placed the wallet, still with its secret intact, +on the table before him, as Charles burst unceremoniously in, leaving the +door wide open. + +"Mr. Brentwick, sir!" he cried gustily. "That other car--" + +With a smothered ejaculation Kirkwood leaped to his feet, tugging at the +weapon in his pocket. In another instant he had the revolver exposed. +The girl's cry of alarm, interrupting the machinist, fixed Brentwick's +attention on the young man. He, too, stood up, reaching over very quickly, +to clamp strong supple fingers round Kirkwood's wrist, while with the other +hand he laid hold of the revolver and by a single twist wrenched it away. + +Kirkwood turned upon him in fury. "So!" he cried, shaking with passion. +"This is what your hospitality meant! You're going to--" + +"My dear young friend," interrupted Brentwick with a flash of impatience, +"remember that if I had designed to betray you, I could have asked no +better opportunity than when you were my guest under my own roof." + +"But--hang it all, Brentwick!" expostulated Kirkwood, ashamed and contrite, +but worked upon by desperate apprehension; "I didn't mean that, but--" + +"Would you have bullets flying when she is near?" demanded Brentwick +scathingly. Hastily he slipped the revolver upon a little shelf beneath the +table-top. "Sir!" he informed Kirkwood with some heat, "I love you as my +own son, but you're a young fool!... as I have been, in my time ... and as +I would to Heaven I might be again! Be advised, Philip,--be calm. Can't you +see it's the only way to save your treasure?" + +"Hang the jewels!" retorted Kirkwood warmly. "What--" + +"Sir, who said anything about the jewels?" + +As Brentwick spoke, Calendar's corpulent figure filled the doorway; +Stryker's weather-worn features loomed over his shoulder, distorted in a +cheerful leer. + +"As to the jewels," announced the fat adventurer, "I've got a word to say, +if you put it to me that way." + +He paused on the threshold, partly for dramatic effect, partly for his own +satisfaction, his quick eyes darting from face to face of the four people +whom he had caught so unexpectedly. A shade of complacency colored his +expression, and he smiled evilly beneath the coarse short thatch of his +gray mustache. In his hand a revolver appeared, poised for immediate use if +there were need. + +There was none. Brentwick, at his primal appearance, had dropped a +peremptory hand on Kirkwood's shoulder, forcing the young man back to his +seat; at the same time he resumed his own. The girl had not stirred from +hers since the first alarm; she sat as if transfixed with terror, leaning +forward with her elbows on the table, her hands tightly clasped, her face, +a little blanched, turned to the door. But her scarlet lips were set and +firm with inflexible purpose, and her brown eyes met Calendar's with a look +level and unflinching. Beyond this she gave no sign of recognition. + +Nearest of the four to the adventurers was Charles, the mechanician, paused +in affrighted astonishment at sight of the revolver. Calendar, choosing to +advance suddenly, poked the muzzle of the weapon jocularly in the man's +ribs. "Beat it, Four-eyes!" he snapped. "This is your cue to duck! Get out +of my way." + +The mechanician jumped as if shot, then hastily, retreated to the table, +his sallow features working beneath the goggle-mask which had excited the +fat adventurer's scorn. + +"Come right in, Cap'n," Calendar threw over one shoulder; "come in, shut +the door and lock it. Let's all be sociable, and have a nice quiet time." + +Stryker obeyed, with a derisive grimace for Kirkwood. + +Calendar, advancing jauntily to a point within a yard of the table, +stopped, smiling affably down upon his prospective victims, and airily +twirling his revolver. + +"_Good_ evening, all!" he saluted them blandly. "Dorothy, my child," with +assumed concern, "you're looking a trifle upset; I'm afraid you've been +keeping late hours. Little girls must be careful, you know, or they lose +the bloom of roses in their cheeks.... Mr. Kirkwood, it's a pleasure to +meet you again! Permit me to paraphrase your most sound advice, and remind +you that pistol-shots are apt to attract undesirable attention. It wouldn't +be wise for _you_ to bring the police about our ears. I believe that +in substance such was your sapient counsel to me in the cabin of the +_Alethea_; was it not?... And you, sir!"--fixing Brentwick with a cold +unfriendly eye. "You animated fossil, what d'you mean by telling me to go +to the devil?... But let that pass; I hold no grudge. What might your name +be?" + +[Illustration: "_Good_ evening, all!" he saluted them blandly.] + +"It might be Brentwick," said that gentleman placidly. + +"Brentwick, eh? Well, I like a man of spirit. But permit me to advise +you--" + +"Gladly," nodded Brentwick. + +"Eh?... Don't come a second time between father and daughter; another man +might not be as patient as I, Mister Brentwick. There's a law in the land, +if you don't happen to know it." + +"I congratulate you on your success in evading it," observed Brentwick, +undisturbed. "And it was considerate of you not to employ it in this +instance." Then, with a sharp change of tone, "Come, sir!" he demanded. +"You have unwarrantably intruded in this room, which I have engaged for my +private use. Get through with your business and be off with you." + +"All in my good time, my antediluvian friend. When I've wound up my +business here I'll go--not before. But, just to oblige you, we'll get down +to it.... Kirkwood, you have a revolver of mine. Be good enough to return +it." + +"I have it here,--under the table," interrupted Brentwick suavely. "Shall I +hand it to you?" + +"By the muzzle, if you please. Be very careful; this one's loaded, too--apt +to explode any minute." + +To Kirkwood's intense disgust Brentwick quietly slipped one hand beneath +the table and, placing the revolver on its top, delicately with his +finger-tips shoved it toward the farther edge. With a grunt of approval, +Calendar swept the weapon up and into his pocket. + +"Any more ordnance?" he inquired briskly, eyes moving alertly from face to +face. "No matter; you wouldn't dare use 'em anyway. And I'm about done. +Dorothy, my dear, it's high time you returned to your father's protection. +Where's that gladstone bag?" + +"In my traveling bag," the girl told him in a toneless voice. + +"Then you may bring it along. You may also say good night to the kind +gentlemen." + +Dorothy did not move; her pallor grew more intense and Kirkwood saw her +knuckles tighten beneath the gloves. Otherwise her mouth seemed to grow +more straight and hard. + +"Dorothy!" cried the adventurer with a touch of displeasure. "You heard +me?" + +"I heard you," she replied a little wearily, more than a little +contemptuously. "Don't mind him, please, Mr. Kirkwood!"--with an appealing +gesture, as Kirkwood, unable to contain himself, moved restlessly in his +chair, threatening to rise. "Don't say anything. I have no intention +whatever of going with this man." + +Calendar's features twitched nervously; he chewed a corner of his mustache, +fixing the girl with a black stare. "I presume," he remarked after a +moment, with slow deliberation, "you're aware that, as your father, I am in +a position to compel you to accompany me." + +"I shall not go with you," iterated Dorothy in a level tone. "You may +threaten me, but--I shall not go. Mr. Brentwick and Mr. Kirkwood are taking +me to--friends, who will give me a home until I can find a way to take care +of myself. That is all I have to say to you." + +"Bravo, my dear!" cried Brentwick encouragingly. + +"Mind your business, sir!" thundered Calendar, his face darkening. Then, to +Dorothy, "You understand, I trust, what this means?" he demanded. "I offer +you a home--and a good one. Refuse, and you work for your living, my girl! +You've forfeited your legacy--" + +"I know, I know," she told him in cold disdain. "I am content. Won't you be +kind enough to leave me alone?" + +For a breath, Calendar glowered over her; then, "I presume," he observed, +"that all these heroics are inspired by that whipper-snapper, Kirkwood. Do +you know that he hasn't a brass farthing to bless himself with?" + +"What has that--?" cried the girl indignantly. + +"Why, it has everything to do with me, my child. As your doting parent, I +can't consent to your marrying nothing-a-year.... For I surmise you intend +to marry this Mr. Kirkwood, don't you?" + +There followed a little interval of silence, while the warm blood flamed in +the girl's face and the red lips trembled as she faced her tormentor. Then, +with a quaver that escaped her control, "If Mr. Kirkwood asks me, I shall," +she stated very simply. + +"That," interposed Kirkwood, "is completely understood." His gaze sought +her eyes, but she looked away. + +"You forget that I am your father," sneered Calendar; "and that you are a +minor. I can refuse my consent." + +"But you won't," Kirkwood told him with assurance. + +The adventurer stared. "No," he agreed, after slight hesitation; "no, +I shan't interfere. Take her, my boy, if you want her--and a father's +blessing into the bargain. The Lord knows I've troubles enough; a parent's +lot is not what it's cracked up to be." He paused, leering, ironic. +"But,"--deliberately, "there's still this other matter of the gladstone +bag. I don't mind abandoning my parental authority, when my child's +happiness is concerned, but as for my property--" + +"It is not your property," interrupted the girl. + +"It was your mother's, dear child. It's now mine." + +"I dispute that assertion," Kirkwood put in. + +"You may dispute it till the cows come home, my boy: the fact will remain +that I intend to take my property with me when I leave this room, whether +you like it or not. Now are you disposed to continue the argument, or may I +count on your being sensible?" + +"You may put away your revolver, if that's what you mean," said Kirkwood. +"We certainly shan't oppose you with violence, but I warn you that Scotland +Yard--" + +"Oh, that be blowed!" the adventurer snorted in disgust. "I can sail +circles round any tec. that ever blew out of Scotland Yard! Give me an +hour's start, and you're free to do all the funny business you've a mind +to, with--Scotland Yard!" + +"Then you admit," queried Brentwick civilly, "that you've no legal title to +the jewels in dispute?" + +"Look here, my friend," chuckled Calendar, "when you catch me admitting +anything, you write it down in your little book and tell the bobby on +the corner. Just at present I've got other business than to stand round +admitting anything about anything.... Cap'n, let's have that bag of my +dutiful daughter's." + +"'Ere you are." Stryker spoke for the first time since entering the room, +taking the valise from beneath the chair and depositing it on the table. + +"Well, we shan't take anything that doesn't belong to us," laughed +Calendar, fumbling with the catch; "not even so small a matter as my own +child's traveling bag. A small--heavy--gladstone bag," he grunted, opening +the valise and plunging in one greedy hand, "will--just--about--do for +mine!" With which he produced the article mentioned. "This for the discard, +Cap'n," he laughed contentedly, pushing the girl's valise aside; and, +rumbling with stentorian mirth, stood beaming benignantly over the +assembled company. + +"Why," he exclaimed, "this moment is worth all it cost me! My children, +I forgive you freely. Mr. Kirkwood, I felicitate you cordially on having +secured a most expensive wife. Really--d'you know?--I feel as if I ought to +do a little something for you both." Gurgling with delight he smote his fat +palms together. "I just tell you what," he resumed, "no one yet ever called +Georgie Calendar a tight-wad. I just believe I'm going to make you kids a +handsome wedding present.... The good Lord knows there's enough of this for +a fellow to be a little generous and never miss it!" + +The thick mottled fingers tore nervously at the catch; eventually he got +the bag open. Those about the table bent forward, all quickened by the +prospect of for the first time beholding the treasure over which they had +fought, for which they had suffered, so long.... + +A heady and luscious fragrance pervaded the atmosphere, exhaling from the +open mouth of the bag. A silence, indefinitely sustained, impressed itself +upon the little audience,--a breathless pause ended eventually by a sharp +snap of Calendar's teeth. "_Mmm_!" grunted the adventurer in bewilderment. +He began to pant. + +Abruptly his heavy hands delved into the contents of the bag, like the paws +of a terrier digging in earth. To Kirkwood the air seemed temporarily thick +with flying objects. Beneath his astonished eyes a towel fell upon the +table--a crumpled, soiled towel, bearing on its dingy hem the inscription +in indelible ink: "_Hotel du Commerce, Anvers_." A tooth-mug of substantial +earthenware dropped to the floor with a crash. A slimy soap-dish of the +same manufacture slid across the table and into Brentwick's lap. A battered +alarm clock with never a tick left in its abused carcass rang vacuously as +it fell by the open bag.... The remainder was--oranges: a dozen or more +small, round, golden globes of ripe fruit, perhaps a shade overripe, +therefore the more aromatic. + +The adventurer ripped out an oath. "Mulready, by the living God!" he raged +in fury. "Done up, I swear! Done by that infernal sneak--me, blind as a +bat!" + +He fell suddenly silent, the blood congesting in his face; as suddenly +broke forth again, haranguing the company. + +"That's why he went out and bought those damned oranges, is it? Think of +it--me sitting in the hotel in Antwerp and him lugging in oranges by the +bagful because he was fond of fruit! When did he do it? How do I know? If I +knew, would I be here and him the devil knows where, this minute? When my +back was turned, of course, the damned snake! That's why he was so hot +about picking a fight on the boat, hey? Wanted to get thrown off and take +to the woods--leaving me with _this_! And that's why he felt so awful +done up he wouldn't take a hand at hunting you two down, hey? +Well--by--the--Eternal! I'll camp on his trail for the rest of his +natural-born days! I'll have his eye-teeth for this, I'll--" + +He swayed, gibbering with rage, his countenance frightfully contorted, his +fat hands shaking as he struggled for expression. + +And then, while yet their own astonishment held Dorothy, Kirkwood, +Brentwick and Stryker speechless, Charles, the mechanician, moved suddenly +upon the adventurer. + +There followed two metallic clicks. Calendar's ravings were abrupted as if +his tongue had been paralyzed. He fell back a pace, flabby jowls pale and +shaking, ponderous jaw dropping on his breast, mouth wide and eyes crazed +as he shook violently before him his thick fleshy wrists--securely +handcuffed. + +Simultaneously the mechanician whirled about, bounded eagerly across the +floor, and caught Stryker at the door, his dexterous fingers twisting in +the captain's collar as he jerked him back and tripped him. + +"Mr. Kirkwood!" he cried. "Here, please--one moment. Take this man's gun, +from him, will you?" + +Kirkwood sprang to his assistance, and without encountering much trouble, +succeeded in wresting a Webley from Stryker's limp, flaccid fingers. + +Roughly the mechanician shook the man, dragging him to his feet. "Now," he +ordered sternly, "you march to that corner, stick your nose in it, and be +good! You can't get away if you try. I've got other men outside, waiting +for you to come out. Understand?" + +Trembling like a whipped cur, Stryker meekly obeyed his instructions to the +letter. + +The mechanician, with a contemptuous laugh leaving him, strode back to +Calendar, meanwhile whipping off his goggles; and clapped a hearty hand +upon the adventurer's quaking shoulders. + +"Well!" he cried. "And are you still sailing circles round the men +from Scotland Yard, Simmons, or Bellows, or Sanderson, or Calendar, or +Crumbstone, or whatever name you prefer to sail under?" + +Calendar glared at him aghast; then heaved a profound sigh, shrugged his +fat shoulders, and bent his head in thought. An instant later he looked up. +"You can't do it," he informed the detective vehemently; "you haven't got a +shred of evidence against me! What's there? A pile of oranges and a peck +of trash! What of it?... Besides," he threatened, "if you pinch me, you'll +have to take the girl in, too. I swear that whatever stealing was done, +she did it. I'll not be trapped this way by her and let her off without a +squeal. Take me--take her; d'you hear?" + +"I think," put in the clear, bland accents of Brentwick, "we can consider +that matter settled. I have here, my man,"--nodding to the adventurer as he +took up the black leather wallet,--"I have here a little matter which +may clear up any lingering doubts as to your standing, which you may be +disposed at present to entertain." + +He extracted a slip of cardboard and, at arm's length, laid it on the +table-edge beneath the adventurer's eyes. The latter, bewildered, bent over +it for a moment, breathing heavily; then straightened back, shook himself, +laughed shortly with a mirthless note, and faced the detective. + +"It's come with you now, I guess?" he suggested very quietly. + +"The Bannister warrant is still out for you," returned the man. "That'll be +enough to hold you on till extradition papers arrive from the States." + +"Oh, I'll waive those; and I won't give you any trouble, either.... I +reckon," mused the adventurer, jingling his manacles thoughtfully, "I'm a +back-number, anyway. When a half-grown girl, a half-baked boy, a flub like +Mulready--damn his eyes!--and a club-footed snipe from Scotland Yard can +put it all over me this way,... why, I guess it's up to me to go home and +retire to my country-place up the Hudson." He sighed wearily. + +"Yep; time to cut it out. But I would like to be free long enough to get in +one good lick at that mutt, Mulready. My friend, you get your hands on him, +and I'll squeal on him till I'm blue in the face. That's a promise." + +"You'll have the chance before long," replied the detective. "We received +a telegram from the Amsterdam police late this afternoon, saying they'd +picked up Mr. Mulready with a woman named Hallam, and were holding them +on suspicion. It seems,"--turning to Brentwick,--"they were opening +negotiations for the sale of a lot of stones, and seemed in such a precious +hurry that the diamond merchant's suspicions were roused. We're sending +over for them, Miss Calendar, so you can make your mind easy about your +jewels; you'll have them back in a few days." + +"Thank you," said the girl with an effort. + +"Well," the adventurer delivered his peroration, "I certainly am blame' +glad to hear it. 'Twouldn't 've been a square deal, any other way." + +He paused, looking his erstwhile dupes over with a melancholy eye; then, +with an uncertain nod comprehending the girl, Kirkwood and Brentwick, "So +long!" he said thickly; and turned, with the detective's hand under his arm +and, accompanied by the thoroughly cowed Stryker, waddled out of the room. + +III----THE JOURNEY'S END + +Kirkwood, following the exodus, closed the door with elaborate care and +slowly, deep in thought, returned to the table. + +Dorothy seemed not to have moved, save to place her elbows on the marble +slab, and rest her cheeks between hands that remained clenched, as they had +been in the greatest stress of her emotion. The color had returned to +her face, with a slightly enhanced depth of hue to the credit of her +excitement. Her cheeks were hot, her eyes starlike beneath the woven, massy +sunlight of her hair. Temporarily unconscious of her surroundings she +stared steadfastly before her, thoughts astray in the irridescent glamour +of the dreams that were to come.... + +Brentwick had slipped down in his chair, resting his silvered head upon its +back, and was smiling serenely up at the low yellow ceiling. Before him on +the table his long white fingers were drumming an inaudible tune. Presently +rousing, he caught Kirkwood's eye and smiled sheepishly, like a child +caught in innocent mischief. + +The younger man grinned broadly. "And you were responsible for all that!" +he commented, infinitely amused. + +Brentwick nodded, twinkling self-satisfaction. "I contrived it all," he +said; "neat, I call it, too." His old eyes brightened with reminiscent +enjoyment. "Inspiration!" he crowed softly. "Inspiration, pure and simple. +I'd been worrying my wits for fully five minutes before Wotton settled the +matter by telling me about the captain's hiring of the motor-car. Then, +in a flash, I had it.... I talked with Charles by telephone,--his name is +really Charles, by, the bye,--overcame his conscientious scruples about +playing his fish when they were already all but landed, and settled the +artistic details." + +He chuckled delightedly. "It's the instinct," he declared emphatically, +"the instinct for adventure. I knew it was in me, latent somewhere, but +never till this day did it get the opportunity to assert itself. A born +adventurer--that's what I am!... You see, it was essential that they should +believe we were frightened and running from them; that way, they would be +sure to run after us. Why, we might have baited a dozen traps and failed +to lure them into my house, after that stout scoundrel knew you'd had the +chance to tell me the whole yarn... Odd!" + +"Weren't you taking chances, you and Charles?" asked Kirkwood curiously. + +"Precious few. There was another motor from Scotland Yard trailing Captain +Stryker's. If they had run past, or turned aside, they would have been +overhauled in short order." + +He relapsed into his whimsical reverie; the wistful look returned to his +eyes, replacing the glow of triumph and pleasure. And he sighed a little +regretfully. + +"What I don't understand," contended Kirkwood, "is how you convinced +Calendar that he couldn't get revenge by pressing his charge against Miss +Calendar--Dorothy." + +"Oh-h?" Mr. Brentwick elevated his fine white eyebrows and sat up briskly. +"My dear boy, that was the most delectable dish on the entire menu. I have +been reserving it, I don't mind owning, that I might better enjoy the full +relish of it.... I may answer you best, perhaps, by asking you to scan what +I offered to the fat scoundrel's respectful consideration, my dear sir." + +He leveled a forefinger at the card. + +At first glance it conveyed nothing to the younger man's benighted +intelligence. He puzzled over it, twisting his brows out of alignment. +An ordinary oblong slip of thin white cardboard, it was engraved in fine +script as follows: + +MR. GEORGE BURGOYNE CALENDAR + +81, ASPEN VILLAS, S. W. + +"Oh!" exclaimed Kirkwood at length, standing up, his face bright with +understanding. "_You_--!" + +"I," laconically assented the elder man. + +Impulsively Kirkwood leaned across the table. "Dorothy," he said tenderly; +and when the girl's happy eyes met his, quietly drew her attention to the +card. + +Then he rose hastily, and went over to stand by the window, staring mistily +into the blank face of night beyond its unseen panes. + +Behind him there was a confusion of little noises; the sound of a chair +pushed hurriedly aside, a rustle of skirts, a happy sob or two, low voices +intermingling; sighs.... Out of it finally came the father's accents. + +"There, there, my dear! My dearest dear!" protested the old gentleman. +"Positively I don't deserve a tithe of this. I--" The young old voice +quavered and broke, in a happy laugh.... "You must understand," he +continued more soberly, "that no consideration of any sort is due me. When +we married, I was too old for your mother, child; we both knew it, both +believed it would never matter. But it did. By her wish, I went back +to America; we were to see what separation would do to heal the wounds +dissension had caused. It was a very foolish experiment. Your mother died +before I could return...." + +There fell a silence, again broken by the father. "After that I was in +no haste to return. But some years ago, I came to London to live. I +communicated with the old colonel, asking permission to see you. It was +refused in a manner which precluded the subject being reopened by me: I +was informed that if I persisted in attempting to see you, you would be +disinherited.... He was very angry with me--justly, I admit.... One must +grow old before one can see how unforgivably one was wrong in youth.... So +I settled down to a quiet old age, determined not to disturb you in your +happiness.... Ah--Kirkwood!" + +The old gentleman was standing, his arm around his daughter's shoulders, +when Kirkwood turned. + +"Come here, Philip; I'm explaining to Dorothy, but you should hear.... The +evening I called on you, dear boy, at the Pless, returning home I received +a message from my solicitors, whom I had instructed to keep an eye on +Dorothy's welfare. They informed me that she had disappeared. Naturally I +canceled my plans to go to Munich, and stayed, employing detectives. One +of the first things they discovered was that Dorothy had run off with an +elderly person calling himself George Burgoyne Calendar--the name I had +discarded when I found that to acknowledge me would imperil my daughter's +fortune.... The investigations went deeper; Charles--let us continue to +call him--had been to see me only this afternoon, to inform me of the plot +they had discovered. This Hallam woman and her son--it seems that they were +legitimately in the line of inheritance, Dorothy out of the way. But the +woman was--ah--a bad lot. Somehow she got into communication with this fat +rogue and together they plotted it out. Charles doesn't believe that the +Hallam woman expected to enjoy the Burgoyne estates for very many days. Her +plan was to step in when Dorothy stepped out, gather up what she could, +realize on it, and decamp. That is why there was so much excitement about +the jewels: naturally the most valuable item on her list, the most easy to +convert into cash.... The man Mulready we do not place; he seems to have +been a shady character the fat rogue picked up somewhere. The latter's +ordinary line of business was diamond smuggling, though he would condescend +to almost anything in order to turn a dishonest penny.... + +"That seems to exhaust the subject. But one word more.... Dorothy, I am +old enough and have suffered enough to know the wisdom of seizing one's +happiness when one may. My dear, a little while ago, you did a very brave +deed. Under fire you said a most courageous, womanly, creditable thing. And +Philip's rejoinder was only second in nobility to yours.... I do hope to +goodness that you two blessed youngsters won't let any addlepated scruples +stand between yourselves and--the prize of Romance, your inalienable +inheritance!" + +Abruptly Brentwick, who was no longer Brentwick, but the actual Calendar, +released the girl from his embrace and hopped nimbly toward the door. +"Really, I must see about that petrol!" he cried. "While it's perfectly +true that Charles lied about it's running out, we must be getting on. I'll +call you when we're ready to start." + +And the door crashed to behind him.... + +Between them was the table. Beyond it the girl stood with head erect, dim +tears glimmering on the lashes of those eyes with which she met Philip's +steady gaze so fearlessly. + +Singing about them, the silence deepened. Fascinated, though his heart was +faint with longing, Kirkwood faltered on the threshold of his kingdom. + +"Dorothy!... You did mean it, dear?" + +She laughed, a little, low, sobbing laugh that had its source deep in the +hidden sanctuary of her heart of a child. + +"I meant it, my dearest.... If you'll have a girl so bold and forward, who +can't wait till she's asked but throws herself into the arms of the man she +loves--Philip, I meant it, every word!..." + +And as he went to her swiftly, round the table, she turned to meet him, +arms uplifted, her scarlet lips a-tremble, the brown and bewitching lashes +drooping over her wondrously lighted eyes.... + +After a time Philip Kirkwood laughed aloud. + +And there was that quality in the ring of his laughter that caused the +Shade of Care, which had for the past ten minutes been uneasily luffing and +filling in the offing and, on the whole, steadily diminishing and becoming +more pale and wan and emaciated and indistinct--there was that in the +laughter of Philip Kirkwood, I say, which caused the Shade of Care to utter +a hollow croak of despair as, incontinently, it vanished out of his life. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Black Bag, by Louis Joseph Vance + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BLACK BAG *** + +This file should be named 7blbg10.txt or 7blbg10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, 7blbg11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, 7blbg10a.txt + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, Leonard Johnson +and PG Distributed Proofreading. + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: The Black Bag + +Author: Louis Joseph Vance + +Release Date: January, 2006 [EBook #9779] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on October 15, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BLACK BAG *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, Leonard Johnson +and PG Distributed Proofreading. + + + + +THE BLACK BAG + + +By LOUIS JOSEPH VANCE + + + +WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY THOMAS FOGARTY + + +1908 + + + + +TO MY MOTHER + + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER + + I. DIVERSIONS OF A RUINED GENTLEMAN + + II. "AND SOME THERE BE WHO HAVE ADVENTURES THRUST UPON THEM" + + III. CALENDAR'S DAUGHTER + + IV. 9 FROGNALL STREET, W. C. + + V. THE MYSTERY OF A FOUR-WHEELER + + VI. "BELOW BRIDGE" + + VII. DIVERSIONS OF A RUINED GENTLEMAN--RESUMED + + VIII. MADAME L'INTRIGANTE + + IX. AGAIN "BELOW BRIDGE"; AND BEYOND + + X. DESPERATE MEASURES + + XI. OFF THE NORE + + XII. PICARESQUE PASSAGES + + XIII. A PRIMER OF PROGRESSIVE CRIME + + XIV. STRATAGEMS AND SPOILS + + XV. REFUGEES + + XVI. TRAVELS WITH A CHAPERON + + XVII. ROGUES AND VAGABONDS + +XVIII. ADVENTURERS' LUCK + + XIX. i--THE UXBRIDGE ROAD + + ii--THE CROWN AND MITRE + + iii--THE JOURNEY'S END + + +THE BLACK BAG + + + + +I + + +DIVERSIONS OF A RUINED GENTLEMAN + +Upon a certain dreary April afternoon in the year of grace, 1906, the +apprehensions of Philip Kirkwood, Esquire, _Artist-peintre_, were enlivened +by the discovery that he was occupying that singularly distressing social +position, which may be summed up succinctly in a phrase through long usage +grown proverbial: "Alone in London." These three words have come to connote +in our understanding so much of human misery, that to Mr. Kirkwood they +seemed to epitomize absolutely, if not happily, the various circumstances +attendant upon the predicament wherein he found himself. Inevitably an +extremist, because of his youth, (he had just turned twenty-five), he +took no count of mitigating matters, and would hotly have resented the +suggestion that his case was anything but altogether deplorable and +forlorn. + +That he was not actually at the end of his resources went for nothing; he +held the distinction a quibble, mockingly immaterial,--like the store of +guineas in his pocket, too insignificant for mention when contrasted with +his needs. And his base of supplies, the American city of his nativity, +whence--and not without a glow of pride in his secret heart--he was wont to +register at foreign hostelries, had been arbitrarily cut off from him by +one of those accidents sardonically classified by insurance and express +corporations as Acts of God. + +Now to one who has lived all his days serenely in accord with the dictates +of his own sweet will, taking no thought for the morrow, such a situation +naturally seems both appalling and intolerable, at the first blush. It must +be confessed that, to begin with, Kirkwood drew a long and disconsolate +face over his fix. And in that black hour, primitive of its kind in his +brief span, he became conscious of a sinister apparition taking shape at +his elbow--a shade of darkness which, clouting him on the back with a +skeleton hand, croaked hollow salutations in his ear. + +"Come, Mr. Kirkwood, come!" its mirthless accents rallied him. "Have you +no welcome for me?--you, who have been permitted to live the quarter of a +century without making my acquaintance? Surely, now, it's high time we were +learning something of one another, you and I!" "But I don't understand," +returned Kirkwood blankly. "I don't know you--" + +"True! But you shall: I am the Shade of Care--" + +"Dull Care!" murmured Kirkwood, bewildered and dismayed; for the visitation +had come upon him with little presage and no invitation whatever. + +"Dull Care," the Shade assured him. "Dull Care am I--and Care that's +anything but dull, into the bargain: Care that's like a keen pain in your +body, Care that lives a horror in your mind, Care that darkens your days +and flavors with bitter poison all your nights, Care that--" + +But Kirkwood would not listen further. Courageously submissive to his +destiny, knowing in his heart that the Shade had come to stay, he yet found +spirit to shake himself with a dogged air, to lift his chin, set the strong +muscles of his jaw, and smile that homely wholesome smile which was his +peculiarly. + +"Very well," he accepted the irremediable with grim humor; "what must be, +must. I don't pretend to be glad to see you, but--you're free to stay as +long as you find the climate agreeable. I warn you I shan't whine. Lots of +men, hundreds and hundreds of 'em, have slept tight o' nights with you for +bedfellow; if they could grin and bear you, I believe I can." + +Now Care mocked him with a sardonic laugh, and sought to tighten upon his +shoulders its bony grasp; but Kirkwood resolutely shrugged it off and went +in search of man's most faithful dumb friend, to wit, his pipe; the which, +when found and filled, he lighted with a spill twisted from the envelope of +a cable message which had been vicariously responsible for his introduction +to the Shade of Care. + +"It's about time," he announced, watching the paper blacken and burn in the +grate fire, "that I was doing something to prove my title to a living." And +this was all his valedictory to a vanished competence. "Anyway," he added +hastily, as if fearful lest Care, overhearing, might have read into his +tone a trace of vain repining, "anyway, I'm a sight better off than those +poor devils over there! I really have a great deal to be thankful for, now +that my attention's drawn to it." + +For the ensuing few minutes he thought it all over, soberly but with a +stout heart; standing at a window of his bedroom in the Hotel Pless, hands +deep in trouser pockets, pipe fuming voluminously, his gaze wandering out +over a blurred infinitude of wet shining roofs and sooty chimney-pots: all +of London that a lowering drizzle would let him see, and withal by no means +a cheering prospect, nor yet one calculated to offset the disheartening +influence of the indomitable Shade of Care. But the truth is that +Kirkwood's brain comprehended little that his eyes perceived; his thoughts +were with his heart, and that was half a world away and sick with pity +for another and a fairer city, stricken in the flower of her loveliness, +writhing in Promethean agony upon her storied hills. + +There came a rapping at the door. + +Kirkwood removed the pipe from between his teeth long enough to say "Come +in!" pleasantly. + +The knob was turned, the door opened. Kirkwood, swinging on one heel, +beheld hesitant upon the threshold a diminutive figure in the livery of the +Pless pages. + +"Mister Kirkwood?" + +Kirkwood nodded. + +"Gentleman to see you, sir." + +Kirkwood nodded again, smiling. "Show him up, please," he said. But before +the words were fairly out of his mouth a footfall sounded in the corridor, +a hand was placed upon the shoulder of the page, gently but with decision +swinging him out of the way, and a man stepped into the room. + +"Mr. Brentwick!" Kirkwood almost shouted, jumping forward to seize his +visitor's hand. + +"My dear boy!" replied the latter. "I'm delighted to see you. 'Got your +note not an hour ago, and came at once--you see!" + +"It was mighty good of you. Sit down, please. Here are cigars.... Why, a +moment ago I was the most miserable and lonely mortal on the footstool!" + +"I can fancy." The elder man looked up, smiling at Kirkwood from the depths +of his arm-chair, as the latter stood above him, resting an elbow on +the mantel. "The management knows me," he offered explanation of his +unceremonious appearance; "so I took the liberty of following on the heels +of the bellhop, dear boy. And how are you? Why are you in London, enjoying +our abominable spring weather? And why the anxious undertone I detected in +your note?" + +He continued to stare curiously into Kirkwood's face. At a glance, this +Mr. Brentwick was a man of tallish figure and rather slender; with a +countenance thin and flushed a sensitive pink, out of which his eyes shone, +keen, alert, humorous, and a trace wistful behind his glasses. His years +were indeterminate; with the aspect of fifty, the spirit and the verve of +thirty assorted oddly. But his hands were old, delicate, fine and fragile; +and the lips beneath the drooping white mustache at times trembled, almost +imperceptibly, with the generous sentiments that come with mellow age. He +held his back straight and his head with an air--an air that was not a +swagger but the sign-token of seasoned experience in the world. The most +carping could have found no flaw in the quiet taste of his attire. To sum +up, Kirkwood's very good friend--and his only one then in London--Mr. +Brentwick looked and was an English gentleman. + +"Why?" he persisted, as the younger man hesitated. "I am here to find out. +To-night I leave for the Continent. In the meantime ..." + +"And at midnight I sail for the States," added Kirkwood. "That is mainly +why I wished to see you--to say good-by, for the time." + +"You're going home--" A shadow clouded Brentwick's clear eyes. + +"To fight it out, shoulder to shoulder with my brethren in adversity." + +The cloud lifted. "That is the spirit!" declared the elder man. "For the +moment I did you the injustice to believe that you were running away. But +now I understand. Forgive me.... Pardon, too, the stupidity which I must +lay at the door of my advancing years; to me the thought of you as a +Parisian fixture has become such a commonplace, Philip, that the news of +the disaster hardly stirred me. Now I remember that you are a Californian!" + +"I was born in San Francisco," affirmed Kirkwood a bit sadly. "My father +and mother were buried there ..." + +"And your fortune--?" + +"I inherited my father's interest in the firm of Kirkwood & Vanderlip; when +I came over to study painting, I left everything in Vanderlip's hands. The +business afforded me a handsome living." + +"You have heard from Mr. Vanderlip?" + +"Fifteen minutes ago." Kirkwood took a cable-form, still damp, from his +pocket, and handed it to his guest. Unfolding it, the latter read: + +"_Kirkwood, Pless, London. Stay where you are no good coming back +everything gone no insurance letter follows vanderlip_." + +"When I got the news in Paris," Kirkwood volunteered, "I tried the banks; +they refused to honor my drafts. I had a little money in hand,--enough +to see me home,--so closed the studio and came across. I'm booked on the +_Minneapolis_, sailing from Tilbury at daybreak; the boat-train leaves at +eleven-thirty. I had hoped you might be able to dine with me and see me +off." + +In silence Brentwick returned the cable message. Then, with a thoughtful +look, "You are sure this is wise?" he queried. + +"It's the only thing I can see." + +"But your partner says--" + +"Naturally he thinks that by this time I should have learned to paint well +enough to support myself for a few months, until he can get things running +again. Perhaps I might." Brentwick supported the presumption with a decided +gesture. "But have I a right to leave Vanderlip to fight it out alone? For +Vanderlip has a wife and kiddies to support; I--" + +"Your genius!" + +"My ability, such as it is--and that only. It can wait.... No; this means +simply that I must come down from the clouds, plant my feet on solid earth, +and get to work." + +"The sentiment is sound," admitted Brentwick, "the practice of it, folly. +Have you stopped to think what part a rising young portrait-painter can +contribute toward the rebuilding of a devastated city?" + +"The painting can wait," reiterated Kirkwood. "I can work like other men." + +"You can do yourself and your genius grave injustice. And I fear me you +will, dear boy. It's in keeping with your heritage of American obstinacy. +Now if it were a question of money--" + +"Mr. Brentwick!" Kirkwood protested vehemently. "I've ample for my present +needs," he added. + +"Of course," conceded Brentwick with a sigh. "I didn't really hope you +would avail yourself of our friendship. Now there's my home in Aspen +Villas.... You have seen it?" + +"In your absence this afternoon your estimable butler, with commendable +discretion, kept me without the doors," laughed the young man. + +"It's a comfortable home. You would not consent to share it with me +until--?" + +"You are more than good; but honestly, I must sail to-night. I wanted only +this chance to see you before I left. You'll dine with me, won't you?" + +"If you would stay in London, Philip, we would dine together not once but +many times; as it is, I myself am booked for Munich, to be gone a week, +on business. I have many affairs needing attention between now and the +nine-ten train from Victoria. If you will be my guest at Aspen Villas--" + +"Please!" begged Kirkwood, with a little laugh of pleasure because of the +other's insistence. "I only wish I could. Another day--" + +"Oh, you will make your million in a year, and return scandalously +independent. It's in your American blood." Frail white fingers tapped an +arm of the chair as their owner stared gravely into the fire. "I confess I +envy you," he observed. + +"The opportunity to make a million in a year?" chuckled Kirkwood. + +"No. I envy you your Romance." + +"The Romance of a Poor Young Man went out of fashion years ago.... No, my +dear friend; my Romance died a natural death half an hour since." + +"There spoke Youth--blind, enviable Youth!... On the contrary, you are but +turning the leaves of the first chapter of your Romance, Philip." + +"Romance is dead," contended the young man stubbornly. + +"Long live the King!" Brentwick laughed quietly, still attentive to the +fire. "Myself when young," he said softly, "did seek Romance, but never +knew it till its day was done. I'm quite sure that is a poor paraphrase of +something I have read. In age, one's sight is sharpened--to see Romance in +another's life, at least. I say I envy you. You have Youth, unconquerable +Youth, and the world before you.... I must go." + +He rose stiffly, as though suddenly made conscious of his age. The old eyes +peered more than a trifle wistfully, now, into Kirkwood's. "You will not +fail to call on me by cable, dear boy, if you need--anything? I ask it as +a favor.... I'm glad you wished to see me before going out of my life. One +learns to value the friendship of Youth, Philip. Good-by, and good luck +attend you." + +Alone once more, Kirkwood returned to his window. The disappointment he +felt at being robbed of his anticipated pleasure in Brentwick's company at +dinner, colored his mood unpleasantly. His musings merged into vacuity, +into a dull gray mist of hopelessness comparable only to the dismal skies +then lowering over London-town. + +Brentwick was good, but Brentwick was mistaken. There was really nothing +for Kirkwood to do but to go ahead. But one steamer-trunk remained to be +packed; the boat-train would leave before midnight, the steamer with the +morning tide; by the morrow's noon he would be upon the high seas, within +ten days in New York and among friends; and then ... + +The problem of that afterwards perplexed Kirkwood more than he cared to +own. Brentwick had opened his eyes to the fact that he would be practically +useless in San Francisco; he could not harbor the thought of going +back, only to become a charge upon Vanderlip. No; he was resolved that +thenceforward he must rely upon himself, carve out his own destiny. +But--would the art that he had cultivated with such assiduity, yield him a +livelihood if sincerely practised with that end in view? Would the mental +and physical equipment of a painter, heretofore dilettante, enable him to +become self-supporting? + +Knotting his brows in concentration of effort to divine the future, he +doubted himself, darkly questioning alike his abilities and his temper +under trial; neither ere now had ever been put to the test. His eyes became +somberly wistful, his heart sore with regret of Yesterday--his Yesterday of +care-free youth and courage, gilded with the ineffable, evanescent glamour +of Romance--of such Romance, thrice refined of dross, as only he knows who +has wooed his Art with passion passing the love of woman. + +Far away, above the acres of huddled roofs and chimney-pots, the +storm-mists thinned, lifting transiently; through them, gray, fairy-like, +the towers of Westminster and the Houses of Parliament bulked monstrous +and unreal, fading when again the fugitive dun vapors closed down upon the +city. + +Nearer at hand the Shade of Care nudged Kirkwood's elbow, whispering +subtly. Romance was indeed dead; the world was cold and cruel. + +The gloom deepened. + +In the cant of modern metaphysics, the moment was psychological. + +There came a rapping at the door. + +Kirkwood removed the pipe from between his teeth long enough to say "Come +in!" pleasantly. + +The knob was turned, the door opened. Kirkwood, turning on one heel, beheld +hesitant upon the threshold a diminutive figure in the livery of the Pless +pages. + +"Mr. Kirkwood?" + +Kirkwood nodded. + +"Gentleman to see you, sir." + +Kirkwood nodded again, smiling if somewhat perplexed. Encouraged, the child +advanced, proffering a silver card-tray at the end of an unnaturally rigid +forearm. Kirkwood took the card dubiously between thumb and forefinger and +inspected it without prejudice. + +"'George B. Calendar,'" he read. "'George B. Calendar!' But I know no such +person. Sure there's no mistake, young man?" + +The close-cropped, bullet-shaped, British head was agitated in vigorous +negation, and "Card for Mister Kirkwood!" was mumbled in dispassionate +accents appropriate to a recitation by rote. + +"Very well. But before you show him up, ask this Mr. Calendar if he is +quite sure he wants to see Philip Kirkwood." + +"Yessir." + +The child marched out, punctiliously closing the door. Kirkwood tamped +down the tobacco in his pipe and puffed energetically, dismissing the +interruption to his reverie as a matter of no consequence--an obvious +mistake to be rectified by two words with this Mr. Calendar whom he did not +know. At the knock he had almost hoped it might be Brentwick, returning +with a changed mind about the bid to dinner. + +He regretted Brentwick sincerely. Theirs was a curious sort of +friendship--extraordinarily close in view of the meagerness of either's +information about the other, to say nothing of the disparity between their +ages. Concerning the elder man Kirkwood knew little more than that they had +met on shipboard, "coming over"; that Brentwick had spent some years in +America; that he was an Englishman by birth, a cosmopolitan by habit, by +profession a gentleman (employing that term in its most uncompromisingly +British significance), and by inclination a collector of "articles of +virtue and bigotry," in pursuit of which he made frequent excursions to the +Continent from his residence in a quaint quiet street of Old Brompton. It +had been during his not infrequent, but ordinarily abbreviated, sojourns in +Paris that their steamer acquaintance had ripened into an affection almost +filial on the one hand, almost paternal on the other.... + +There came a rapping at the door. + +Kirkwood removed the pipe from between his teeth long enough to say "Come +in!" pleasantly. + +The knob was turned, the door opened. Kirkwood, swinging on one heel, +beheld hesitant upon the threshold a rather rotund figure of medium height, +clad in an expressionless gray lounge suit, with a brown "bowler" hat held +tentatively in one hand, an umbrella weeping in the other. A voice, which +was unctuous and insinuative, emanated from the figure. + +"Mr. Kirkwood?" + +Kirkwood nodded, with some effort recalling the name, so detached had been +his thoughts since the disappearance of the page. + +"Yes, Mr. Calendar--?" + +"Are you--ah--busy, Mr. Kirkwood?" + +"Are you, Mr. Calendar?" Kirkwood's smile robbed the retort of any flavor +of incivility. + +Encouraged, the man entered, premising that he would detain his host but a +moment, and readily surrendering hat and umbrella. Kirkwood, putting the +latter aside, invited his caller to the easy chair which Brentwick had +occupied by the fireplace. + +"It takes the edge off the dampness," Kirkwood explained in deference to +the other's look of pleased surprise at the cheerful bed of coals. "I'm +afraid I could never get acclimated to life in a cold, damp room--or a damp +cold room--such as you Britishers prefer." + +"It is grateful," Mr. Calendar agreed, spreading plump and well cared-for +hands to the warmth. "But you are mistaken; I am as much an American as +yourself." + +"Yes?" Kirkwood looked the man over with more interest, less +matter-of-course courtesy. + +He proved not unprepossessing, this unclassifiable Mr. Calendar; he was +dressed with some care, his complexion was good, and the fullness of his +girth, emphasized as it was by a notable lack of inches, bespoke a nature +genial, easy-going and sybaritic. His dark eyes, heavy-lidded, were +active--curiously, at times, with a subdued glitter--in a face large, +round, pink, of which the other most remarkable features were a mustache, +close-trimmed and showing streaks of gray, a chubby nose, and duplicate +chins. Mr. Calendar was furthermore possessed of a polished bald spot, +girdled with a tonsure of silvered hair--circumstances which lent some +factitious distinction to a personality otherwise commonplace. + +His manner might be best described as uneasy with assurance; as though he +frequently found it necessary to make up for his unimpressive stature by +assuming an unnatural habit of authority. And there you have him; beyond +these points, Kirkwood was conscious of no impressions; the man was +apparently neutral-tinted of mind as well as of body. + +"So you knew I was an American, Mr. Calendar?" suggested Kirkwood. + +"'Saw your name on the register; we both hail from the same neck of the +woods, you know." + +"I didn't know it, and--" + +"Yes; I'm from Frisco, too." + +"And I'm sorry." + +Mr. Calendar passed five fat fingers nervously over his mustache, glanced +alertly up at Kirkwood, as if momentarily inclined to question his tone, +then again stared glumly into the fire; for Kirkwood had maintained an +attitude purposefully colorless. Not to put too fine a point upon it, be +believed that his caller was lying; the man's appearance, his mannerisms, +his voice and enunciation, while they might have been American, seemed all +un-Californian. To one born and bred in that state, as Kirkwood had been, +her sons are unmistakably hall-marked. + +Now no man lies without motive. This one chose to reaffirm, with a show of +deep feeling: "Yes; I'm from Frisco, too. We're companions in misfortune." + +"I hope not altogether," said Kirkwood politely. + +Mr. Calendar drew his own inferences from the response and mustered up a +show of cheerfulness. "Then you're not completely wiped out?" + +"To the contrary, I was hoping you were less unhappy." + +"Oh! Then you are--?" + +Kirkwood lifted the cable message from the mantel. "I have just heard from +my partner at home," he said with a faint smile; and quoted: "'Everything +gone; no insurance.'" + +Mr. Calendar pursed his plump lips, whistling inaudibly. "Too bad, too +bad!" he murmured sympathetically. "We're all hard hit, more or less." +He lapsed into dejected apathy, from which Kirkwood, growing at length +impatient, found it necessary to rouse him. + +"You wished to see me about something else, I'm sure?" + +Mr. Calendar started from his reverie. "Eh? ... I was dreaming. I beg +pardon. It seems hard to realize, Mr. Kirkwood, that this awful catastrophe +has overtaken our beloved metropolis--" + +The canting phrases wearied Kirkwood; abruptly he cut in. "Would a +sovereign help you out, Mr. Calendar? I don't mind telling you that's about +the limit of my present resources." + +"Pardon _me_." Mr. Calendar's moon-like countenance darkened; he assumed a +transparent dignity. "You misconstrue my motive, sir." + +"Then I'm sorry." + +"I am not here to borrow. On the other hand, quite by accident I discovered +your name upon the register, down-stairs; a good old Frisco name, if you +will permit me to say so. I thought to myself that here was a chance +to help a fellow-countryman." Calendar paused, interrogative; Kirkwood +remained interested but silent. "If a passage across would help you, I--I +think it might be arranged," stammered Calendar, ill at ease. + +"It might," admitted Kirkwood, speculative. + +"I could fix it so that you could go over--first-class, of course--and pay +your way, so to speak, by, rendering us, me and my partner, a trifling +service." + +"Ah?" + +"In fact," continued Calendar, warming up to his theme, "there might be +something more in it for you than the passage, if--if you're the right man, +the man I'm looking for." + +"That, of course, is the question." + +"Eh?" Calendar pulled up suddenly in a full-winged flight of enthusiasm. + +Kirkwood eyed him steadily. "I said that it is a question, Mr. Calendar, +whether or not I am the man you're looking for. Between you and me and the +fire-dogs, I don't believe I am. Now if you wish to name your _quid +pro quo_, this trifling service I'm to render in recognition of your +benevolence, you may." + +"Ye-es," slowly. But the speaker delayed his reply until he had surveyed +his host from head to foot, with a glance both critical and appreciative. + +He saw a man in height rather less than the stock size six-feet so much +in demand by the manufacturers of modern heroes of fiction; a man a bit +round-shouldered, too, but otherwise sturdily built, self-contained, +well-groomed. + +Kirkwood wears a boy's honest face; no one has ever called him handsome. A +few prejudiced persons have decided that he has an interesting countenance; +the propounders of this verdict have been, for the most part, feminine. +Kirkwood himself has been heard to declare that his features do not fit; +in its essence the statement is true, but there is a very real, if +undefinable, engaging quality in their very irregularity. His eyes are +brown, pleasant, set wide apart, straightforward of expression. + +Now it appeared that, whatever his motive, Mr. Calendar had acted upon +impulse in sending his card up to Kirkwood. Possibly he had anticipated a +very different sort of reception from a very different sort of man. Even in +the light of subsequent events it remains difficult to fathom the mystery +of his choice. Perhaps Fate directed it; stranger things have happened at +the dictates of a man's Destiny. + +At all events, this Calendar proved not lacking in penetration; men of his +stamp are commonly endowed with that quality to an eminent degree. Not slow +to reckon the caliber of the man before him, the leaven of intuition began +to work in his adipose intelligence. He owned himself baffled. + +"Thanks," he concluded pensively; "I reckon you're right. You won't do, +after all. I've wasted your time. Mine, too." + +"Don't mention it." + +Calendar got heavily out of his chair, reaching for his hat and umbrella. +"Permit me to apologize for an unwarrantable intrusion, Mr. Kirkwood." He +faltered; a worried and calculating look shadowed his small eyes. "I _was_ +looking for some one to serve me in a certain capacity--" + +"Certain or questionable?" propounded Kirkwood blandly, opening the door. + +Pointedly Mr. Calendar ignored the imputation. "Sorry I disturbed you. +G'dafternoon, Mr. Kirkwood." + +"Good-by, Mr. Calendar." A smile twitched the corners of Kirkwood's +too-wide mouth. + +Calendar stepped hastily out into the hall. As he strode--or rather, +rolled--away, Kirkwood maliciously feathered a Parthian arrow. + +"By the way, Mr. Calendar--?" + +The sound of retreating footsteps was stilled and "Yes?" came from the +gloom of the corridor. + +"Were you ever in San Francisco? Really and truly? Honest Injun, Mr. +Calendar?" + +For a space the quiet was disturbed by harsh breathing; then, in a +strained voice, "Good day, Mr. Kirkwood"; and again the sound of departing +footfalls. + +Kirkwood closed the door and the incident simultaneously, with a smart bang +of finality. Laughing quietly he went back to the window with its dreary +outlook, now the drearier for lengthening evening shadows. + +"I wonder what his game is, anyway. An adventurer, of course; the woods are +full of 'em. A queer fish, even of his kind! And with a trick up his sleeve +as queer and fishy as himself, no doubt!" + + + + +II + + +"AND SOME THERE BE WHO HAVE ADVENTURES THRUST UPON THEM" + +The assumption seems not unwarrantable, that Mr. Calendar figuratively +washed his hands of Mr. Kirkwood. Unquestionably Mr. Kirkwood considered +himself well rid of Mr. Calendar. When the latter had gone his way, +Kirkwood, mindful of the fact that his boat-train would leave St. Paneras +at half-after eleven, set about his packing and dismissed from his thoughts +the incident created by the fat _chevalier d'industrie_; and at six +o'clock, or thereabouts, let himself out of his room, dressed for the +evening, a light rain-coat over one arm, in the other hand a cane,--the +drizzle having ceased. + +A stolid British lift lifted him down to the ground floor of the +establishment in something short of five minutes. Pausing in the office +long enough to settle his bill and leave instructions to have his luggage +conveyed to the boat-train, he received with entire equanimity the affable +benediction of the clerk, in whose eyes he still figured as that radiant +creature, an American millionaire; and passed on to the lobby, where he +surrendered hat, coat and stick to the cloak-room attendant, ere entering +the dining-room. + +The hour was a trifle early for a London dinner, the handsome room but +moderately filled with patrons. Kirkwood absorbed the fact unconsciously +and without displeasure; the earlier, the better: he was determined to +consume his last civilized meal (as he chose to consider it) at his serene +leisure, to live fully his ebbing moments in the world to which he was +born, to drink to its cloying dregs one ultimate draught of luxury. + +A benignant waiter bowed him into a chair by a corner table in +juxtaposition with an open window, through which, swaying imperceptibly the +closed hangings, were wafted gentle gusts of the London evening's sweet, +damp breath. + +Kirkwood settled himself with an inaudible sigh of pleasure. He was dining, +for the last time in Heaven knew how long, in a first-class restaurant. + +With a deferential flourish the waiter brought him the menu-card. He had +served in his time many an "American, millionaire"; he had also served this +Mr. Kirkwood, and respected him as one exalted above the run of his kind, +in that he comprehended the art of dining. + +Fifteen minutes later the waiter departed rejoicing, his order complete. + +To distract a conscience whispering of extravagance, Kirkwood lighted a +cigarette. + +The room was gradually filling with later arrivals; it was the most favored +restaurant in London, and, despite the radiant costumes of the women, its +atmosphere remained sedate and restful. + +A cab clattered down the side street on which the window opened. + +At a near-by table a woman laughed, quietly happy. Incuriously Kirkwood +glanced her way. She was bending forward, smiling, flattering her escort +with the adoration of her eyes. They were lovers alone in the wilderness of +the crowded restaurant. They seemed very happy. + +Kirkwood was conscious of a strange pang of emotion. It took him some time +to comprehend that it was envy. + +He was alone and lonely. For the first time he realized that no woman had +ever looked upon him as the woman at the adjoining table looked upon her +lover. He had found time to worship but one mistress--his art. + +And he was renouncing her. + +He was painfully conscious of what he had missed, had lost--or had not yet +found: the love of woman. + +The sensation was curious--new, unique in his experience. + +His cigarette burned down to his fingers as he sat pondering. Abstractedly, +he ground its fire out in an ash-tray. + +The waiter set before him a silver tureen, covered. + +He sat up and began to consume his soup, scarce doing it justice. His dream +troubled him--his dream of the love of woman. + +From a little distance his waiter regarded him, with an air of +disappointment. In the course of an hour and a half he awoke, to discover +the attendant in the act of pouring very hot and black coffee from a bright +silver pot into a demi-tasse of fragile porcelain. Kirkwood slipped a +single lump of sugar into the cup, gave over his cigar-case to be filled, +then leaned back, deliberately lighting a long and slender panetela as a +preliminary to a last lingering appreciation of the scene of which he was a +part. + +He reviewed it through narrowed eyelids, lazily; yet with some slight +surprise, seeming to see it with new vision, with eyes from which scales of +ignorance had dropped. + +This long and brilliant dining-hall, with its quiet perfection of +proportion and appointment, had always gratified his love of the beautiful; +to-night it pleased him to an unusual degree. Yet it was the same as ever; +its walls tinted a deep rose, with their hangings of dull cloth-of-gold, +its lights discriminatingly clustered and discreetly shaded, redoubled in +half a hundred mirrors, its subdued shimmer of plate and glass, its soberly +festive assemblage of circumspect men and women splendidly gowned, its +decorously muted murmur of voices penetrated and interwoven by the strains +of a hidden string orchestra--caressed his senses as always, yet with +a difference. To-night he saw it a room populous with lovers, lovers +insensibly paired, man unto woman attentive, woman of man regardful. + +He had never understood this before. This much he had missed in life. + +It seemed hard to realize that one must forego it all for ever. + +Presently he found himself acutely self-conscious. The sensation puzzled +him; and without appearing to do so, he traced it from effect to cause; and +found the cause in a woman--a girl, rather, seated at a table the third +removed from him, near the farther wall of the room. + +Too considerate, and too embarrassed, to return her scrutiny openly, look +for look, he yet felt sure that, however temporarily, he was become the +object of her intent interest. + +Idly employed with his cigar, he sipped his coffee. In time aware that she +had turned her attention elsewhere, he looked up. + +At first he was conscious of an effect of disappointment. She was nobody +that he knew, even by reputation. She was simply a young girl, barely out +of her teens--if as old as that phrase would signify. He wondered what she +had found in him to make her think him worth so long a study; and looked +again, more keenly curious. + +With this second glance, appreciation stirred the artistic side of his +nature, that was already grown impatient of his fretted mood. The slender +and girlish figure, posed with such absolute lack of intrusion against a +screen of rose and gilt, moved him to critical admiration. The tinted glow +of shaded candles caught glistening on the spun gold of her fair hair, +and enhanced the fine pallor of her young shoulders. He saw promise, and +something more than promise, in her face, its oval something dimmed by warm +shadows that unavailingly sought to blend youth and beauty alike into the +dull, rich background. + +In the sheer youth of her (he realized) more than in aught else, lay her +chiefest charm. She could be little more than a child, indeed, if he were +to judge her by the purity of her shadowed eyes and the absence of emotion +in the calm and direct look which presently she turned upon him who sat +wondering at the level, penciled darkness of her brows. + +At length aware that she had surprised his interest, Kirkwood glanced +aside--coolly deliberate, lest she should detect in his attitude anything +more than impersonal approval. + +A slow color burned his cheeks. In his temples there rose a curious +pulsing. + +After a while she drew his gaze again, imperiously--herself all unaware of +the havoc she was wreaking on his temperament. + +He could have fancied her distraught, cloaking an unhappy heart with placid +brow and gracious demeanor; but such a conception matched strangely her +glowing youth and spirit. What had she to do with Care? What concern had +Black Care, whose gaunt shape in sable shrouds had lurked at his shoulder +all the evening, despite his rigid preoccupation, with a being as +charmingly flushed with budding womanhood as this girl? + +"Eighteen?" he hazarded. "Eighteen, or possibly nineteen, dining at the +Pless in a ravishing dinner-gown, and--unhappy? Oh, hardly--not she!" + +Yet the impression haunted him, and ere long he was fain to seek +confirmation or denial of it in the manner of her escort. + +The latter sat with back to Kirkwood, cutting a figure as negative as his +snug evening clothes. One could surmise little from a fleshy thick neck, +a round, glazed bald spot, a fringe of grizzled hair, and two bright red +ears. + +Calendar? + +Somehow the fellow did suggest Kirkwood's caller of the afternoon. The +young man could not have said precisely how, for he was unfamiliar with the +aspect of that gentleman's back. None the less the suggestion persisted. + +By now, a few of the guests, theater-bound, for the most part, were +leaving. Here and there a table stood vacant, that had been filled, cloth +tarnished, chairs disarranged: in another moment to be transformed into its +pristine brilliance under the deft attentions of the servitors. + +Down an aisle, past the table at which the girl was sitting, came two, +making toward the lobby; the man, a slight and meager young personality, in +the lead. Their party had attracted Kirkwood's notice as they entered; why, +he did not remember; but it was in his mind that then they had been three. +Instinctively he looked at the table they had left--one placed at some +distance from the girl, and hidden from her by an angle in the wall. It +appeared that the third member had chosen to dally a few moments over his +tobacco and a liqueur-brandy. Kirkwood could see him plainly, lounging in +his chair and fumbling the stem of a glass: a heavy man, of somber habit, +his black and sullen brows lowering and thoughtful above a face boldly +handsome. + +The woman of the trio was worthy of closer attention. Some paces in the +wake of her lack-luster esquire, she was making a leisurely progress, +trailing the skirts of a gown magnificent beyond dispute, half concealed +though it was by the opera cloak whose soft folds draped her shoulders. +Slowly, carrying her head high, she approached, insolent eyes reviewing +the room from beneath their heavy lids; a metallic and mature type of dark +beauty, supremely selfconfident and self-possessed. + +Men turned involuntarily to look after her, not altogether in undiluted +admiration. + +In the act of passing behind the putative Calendar, she paused momentarily, +bending as if to gather up her train. Presumably the action disturbed her +balance; she swayed a little, and in the effort to recover, rested the tips +of her gloved fingers upon the edge of the table. Simultaneously (Kirkwood +could have sworn) a single word left her lips, a word evidently pitched +for the ear of the hypothetical Calendar alone. Then she swept on, +imperturbable, assured. + +To the perplexed observer it was indubitably evident that some +communication had passed from the woman to the man. Kirkwood saw the fat +shoulders of the girl's companion stiffen suddenly as the woman's hand +rested at his elbow; as she moved away, a little rippling shiver was +plainly visible in the muscles of his back, beneath his coat--mute token +of relaxing tension. An instant later one plump and mottled hand was +carelessly placed where the woman's had been; and was at once removed with +fingers closed. + +To the girl, watching her face covertly, Kirkwood turned for clue to the +incident. He made no doubt that she had observed the passage; proof of that +one found in her sudden startling pallor (of indignation?) and in her eyes, +briefly alight with some inscrutable emotion, though quickly veiled by +lowered lashes. Slowly enough she regained color and composure, while her +_vis-à-vis_ sat motionless, head inclined as if in thought. + +Abruptly the man turned in his chair to summon a waiter, and exposed his +profile. Kirkwood was in no wise amazed to recognize Calendar--a badly +frightened Calendar now, however, and hardly to be identified with the +sleek, glib fellow who had interviewed Kirkwood in the afternoon. His +flabby cheeks were ashen and trembling, and upon the back of his chair +the fat white fingers were drumming incessantly an inaudible tattoo of +shattered nerves. + +"Scared silly!" commented Kirkwood. "Why?" Having spoken to his waiter, +Calendar for some seconds raked the room with quick glances, as if seeking +an acquaintance. Presumably disappointed, he swung back to face the +girl, bending forward to reach her ears with accents low-pitched and +confidential. She, on her part, fell at once attentive, grave and +responsive. Perhaps a dozen sentences passed between them. At the outset +her brows contracted and she shook her head in gentle dissent; whereupon +Calendar's manner became more imperative. Gradually, unwillingly, she +seemed to yield consent. Once she caught her breath sharply, and, infected +by her companion's agitation, sat back, color fading again in the round +young cheeks. + +Kirkwood's waiter put in an inopportune appearance with the bill. The young +man paid it. When he looked up again Calendar had swung squarely about +in his chair. His eye encountered Kirkwood's. He nodded pleasantly. +Temporarily confused, Kirkwood returned the nod. + +In a twinkling he had repented; Calendar had left his chair and was wending +his way through the tables toward Kirkwood's. Reaching it, he paused, +offering the hand of genial fellowship. Kirkwood accepted it half-heartedly +(what else was he to do?) remarking at the same time that Calendar had +recovered much of his composure. There was now a normal coloring in the +heavily jowled countenance, with less glint of fear in the quick, dark +eyes; and Calendar's hand, even if moist and cold, no longer trembled. +Furthermore it was immediately demonstrated that his impudence had not +deserted him. + +"Why, Kirkwood, my dear fellow!" he crowed--not so loudly as to attract +attention, but in a tone assumed to divert suspicion, should he be +overheard. "This is great luck, you know--to find you here." + +"Is it?" returned Kirkwood coolly. He disengaged his fingers. + +The pink plump face was contorted in a furtive grimace of deprecation. +Without waiting for permission Calendar dropped into the vacant chair. + +"My dear sir," he proceeded, unabashed, "I throw myself upon your mercy." + +"The devil you do!" + +"I must. I'm in the deuce of a hole, and there's no one I know here besides +yourself. I--I--" + +Kirkwood saw fit to lead him on; partly because, out of the corner of his +eye, he was aware of the girl's unconcealed suspense. "Go on, please, Mr. +Calendar. You throw yourself on a total stranger's mercy because you're in +the deuce of a hole; and--?" + +"It's this way; I'm called away on urgent business imperative business. +I must go at once. My daughter is with me. My daughter! Think of my +embarrassment; I can not leave her here, alone, nor can I permit her to go +home unprotected." + +Calendar paused in anxiety. + +"That's easily remedied, then," suggested Kirkwood. + +"How?" + +"Put her in a cab at the door." + +"I ... No. The devil! I couldn't think of it. You won't understand. I--" + +"I do not understand,--" amended the younger man politely. + +Calendar compressed his lips nervously. It was plain that the man was +quivering with impatience and half-mad with excitement. He held quiet only +long enough to regain his self-control and take counsel with his prudence. + +"It is impossible, Mr. Kirkwood. I must ask you to be generous and believe +me." + +"Very well; for the sake of the argument, I do believe you, Mr. Calendar." + +"Hell!" exploded the elder man in an undertone. Then swiftly, stammering +in his haste: "I can't let Dorothy accompany me to the door," he declared. +"She--I--I throw myself upon your mercy!" + +"What--again?" + +"The truth--the truth is, if you will have it, that I am in danger of +arrest the moment I leave here. If my daughter is with me, she will have to +endure the shame and humiliation--" + +"Then why place her in such a position?" Kirkwood demanded sharply. + +Calendar's eyes burned, incandescent with resentment. Offended, he offered +to rise and go, but changed his mind and sat tight in hope. + +"I beg of you, sir--" + +"One moment, Mr. Calendar." + +Abruptly Kirkwood's weathercock humor shifted--amusement yielding to +intrigued interest. After all, why not oblige the fellow? What did anything +matter, now? What harm could visit him if he yielded to this corpulent +adventurer's insistence? Both from experience and observation he knew this +for a world plentifully peopled by soldiers of fortune, contrivers of +snares and pitfalls for the feet of the unwary. On the other hand, it is +axiomatic that a penniless man is perfectly safe anywhere. Besides, there +was the girl to be considered. + +Kirkwood considered her, forthwith. In the process thereof, his eyes sought +her, perturbed. Their glances clashed. She looked away hastily, crimson to +her temples. + +Instantly the conflict between curiosity and caution, inclination and +distrust, was at an end. With sudden compliance, the young man rose. + +"I shall be most happy to be of service to your daughter, Mr. Calendar," +he said, placing the emphasis with becoming gravity. And then, the fat +adventurer leading the way, Kirkwood strode across the room--wondering +somewhat at himself, if the whole truth is to be disclosed. + + + + +III + + +CALENDAR'S DAUGHTER + +All but purring with satisfaction and relief, Calendar halted. + +"Dorothy, my dear, permit me to introduce an old friend--Mr. Kirkwood. +Kirkwood, this is my daughter." + +"Miss Calendar," acknowledged Kirkwood. + +The girl bowed, her eyes steady upon his own. "Mr. Kirkwood is very kind," +she said gravely. + +"That's right!" Calendar exclaimed blandly. "He's promised to see you home. +Now both of you will pardon my running away, I know." + +"Yes," assented Kirkwood agreeably. + +The elder man turned and hurried toward the main entrance. + +Kirkwood took the chair he had vacated. To his disgust he found himself +temporarily dumb. No flicker of thought illuminated the darkness of his +confusion. How was he to open a diverting conversation with a young woman +whom he had met under auspices so extraordinary? Any attempt to gloze the +situation, he felt, would be futile. And, somehow, he did not care to +render himself ridiculous in her eyes, little as he knew her. + +Inanely dumb, he sat watching her, smiling fatuously until it was borne +in on him that he was staring like a boor and grinning like an idiot. +Convinced, he blushed for himself; something which served to make him more +tongue-tied than ever. + +As for his involuntary protégée, she exhibited such sweet composure that he +caught himself wondering if she really appreciated the seriousness of her +parent's predicament; if, for that matter, its true nature were known to +her at all. Calendar, he believed, was capable of prevarication, polite and +impolite. Had he lied to his daughter? or to Kirkwood? To both, possibly; +to the former alone, not improbably. That the adventurer had told him the +desperate truth, Kirkwood was quite convinced; but he now began to believe +that the girl had been put off with some fictitious explanation. Her +tranquillity and self-control were remarkable, otherwise; she seemed very +young to possess those qualities in such eminent degree. + +She was looking wearily past him, her gaze probing some unguessed abyss of +thought. Kirkwood felt himself privileged to stare in wonder. Her naïve +aloofness of poise gripped his imagination powerfully,--the more +so, perhaps, since it seemed eloquent of her intention to remain +enigmatic,--but by no means more powerfully than the unaided appeal of her +loveliness. + +Presently the girl herself relieved the tension of the situation, fairly +startling the young man by going straight to the heart of things. Without +preface or warning, lifting her gaze to his, "My name is really Dorothy +Calendar," she observed. And then, noting his astonishment, "You would be +privileged to doubt, under the circumstances," she added. "Please let us be +frank." + +"Well," he stammered, "if I didn't doubt, let's say I was unprejudiced." + +His awkward, well-meant pleasantry, perhaps not conceived in the best of +taste, sounded in his own ears wretchedly flat and vapid. He regretted it +spontaneously; the girl ignored it. + +"You are very kind," she iterated the first words he had heard from her +lips. "I wish you to understand that I, for one, appreciate it." + +"Not kind; I have done nothing. I am glad.... One is apt to become +interested when Romance is injected into a prosaic existence." Kirkwood +allowed himself a keen but cheerful glance. + +She nodded, with a shadowy smile. He continued, purposefully, to distract +her, holding her with his honest, friendly eyes. + +"Since it is to be confidences" (this she questioned with an all but +imperceptible lifting of the eyebrows), "I don't mind telling you my own +name is really Philip Kirkwood." + +"And you are an old friend of my father's?" + +He opened his lips, but only to close them without speaking. The girl moved +her shoulders with a shiver of disdain. + +"I knew it wasn't so." + +"You know it would be hard for a young man like myself to be a very old +friend," he countered lamely. + +"How long, then, have you known each other?" + +"Must I answer?" + +"Please." + +"Between three and four hours." + +"I thought as much." She stared past him, troubled. Abruptly she said: +"Please smoke." + +"Shall I? If you wish it, of course...." + +She repeated: "Please." + +"We were to wait ten minutes or so," she continued. + +He produced his cigarette-case. + +"If you care to smoke it will seem an excuse." He lighted his cigarette. +"And then, you may talk to me," she concluded calmly. + +"I would, gladly, if I could guess what would interest you." + +"Yourself. Tell me about yourself," she commanded. + +"It would bore you," he responded tritely, confused. + +"No; you interest me very much." She made the statement quietly, +contemptuous of coquetry. + +"Very well, then; I am Philip Kirkwood, an American." + +"Nothing more?" + +"Little worth retailing." + +"I'm sorry." + +"Why?" he demanded, piqued. + +"Because you have merely indicated that you are a wealthy American." + +"Why wealthy?" + +"If not, you would have some aim in life--a calling or profession." + +"And you think I have none?" + +"Unless you consider it your vocation to be a wealthy American." + +"I don't. Besides, I'm not wealthy. In point of fact, I ..." He pulled up +short, on the verge of declaring himself a pauper. "I am a painter." + +Her eyes lightened with interest. "An artist?" + +"I hope so. I don't paint signs--or houses," he remarked. + +Amused, she laughed softly. "I suspected it," she declared. + +"Not really?" + +"It was your way of looking at--things, that made me guess it: the +painter's way. I have often noticed it." + +"As if mentally blending colors all the time?" + +"Yes; that and--seeing flaws." + +"I have discovered none," he told her brazenly. + +But again her secret cares were claiming her thoughts, and the gay, +inconsequential banter died upon her scarlet lips as a second time her +glance ranged away, sounding mysterious depths of anxiety. + +Provoked, he would have continued the chatter. "I have confessed," he +persisted. "You know everything of material interest about me. And +yourself?" + +"I am merely Dorothy Calendar," she answered. + +"Nothing more?" He laughed. + +"That is all, if you please, for the present." + +"I am to content myself with the promise of the future?" + +"The future," she told him seriously, "is to-morrow; and to-morrow ..." She +moved restlessly in her chair, eyes and lips pathetic in their distress. +"Please, we will go now, if you are ready." + +"I am quite ready, Miss Calendar." + +He rose. A waiter brought the girl's cloak and put it in Kirkwood's hands. +He held it until, smoothing the wrists of her long white gloves, she stood +up, then placed the garment upon her white young shoulders, troubled by the +indefinable sense of intimacy imparted by the privilege. She permitted +him this personal service! He felt that she trusted him, that out of her +gratitude had grown a simple and almost childish faith in his generosity +and considerateness. + +As she turned to go her eyes thanked him with an unfathomable glance. He +was again conscious of that esoteric disturbance in his temples. Puzzled, +hazily analyzing the sensation, he followed her to the lobby. + +A page brought him his top-coat, hat and stick; tipping the child from +sheer force of habit, he desired a gigantic porter, impressively ornate in +hotel livery, to call a hansom. Together they passed out into the night, he +and the girl. + +Beneath a permanent awning of steel and glass she waited patiently, +slender, erect, heedless of the attention she attracted from wayfarers. + +The night was young, the air mild. Upon the sidewalk, muddied by a million +feet, two streams of wayfarers flowed incessantly, bound west from Green +Park or east toward Piccadilly Circus; a well-dressed throng for the most +part, with here and there a man in evening dress. Between the carriages at +the curb and the hotel doors moved others, escorting fluttering butterfly +women in elaborate toilets, heads bare, skirts daintily gathered above +their perishable slippers. Here and there meaner shapes slipped silently +through the crowd, sinister shadows of the city's proletariat, blotting +ominously the brilliance of the scene. + +A cab drew in at the block. The porter clapped an arc of wickerwork over +its wheel to protect the girl's skirts. She ascended to the seat. + +Kirkwood, dropping sixpence in the porter's palm, prepared to follow; but a +hand fell upon his arm, peremptory, inexorable. He faced about, frowning, +to confront a slight, hatchet-faced man, somewhat under medium height, +dressed in a sack suit and wearing a derby well forward over eyes that were +hard and bright. + +"Mr. Calendar?" said the man tensely. "I presume I needn't name my +business. I'm from the Yard--" + +"My name is not Calendar." + +The detective smiled wearily. "Don't be a fool, Calendar," he began. But +the porter's hand fell upon his shoulder and the giant bent low to bring +his mouth close to the other's ear. Kirkwood heard indistinctly his own +name followed by Calendar's, and the words: "Never fear. I'll point him +out." + +"But the woman?" argued the detective, unconvinced, staring into the cab. + +"Am I not at liberty to have a lady dine with me in a public restaurant?" +interposed Kirkwood, without raising his voice. + +The hard eyes looked him up and down without favor. Then: "Beg pardon, sir. +I see my mistake," said the detective brusquely. + +"I am glad you do," returned Kirkwood grimly. "I fancy it will bear +investigation." + +He mounted the step. "Imperial Theater," he told the driver, giving the +first address that occurred to him; it could be changed. For the moment +the main issue was to get the girl out of the range of the detective's +interest. + +He slipped into his place as the hansom wheeled into the turgid tide of +west-bound traffic. + +So Calendar had escaped, after all! Moreover, he had told the truth to +Kirkwood. + +By his side the girl moved uneasily. "Who was that man?" she inquired. + +Kirkwood sought her eyes, and found them wholly ingenuous. It seemed +that Calendar had not taken her into his confidence, after all. She was, +therefore, in no way implicated in her father's affairs. Inexplicably the +young man's heart felt lighter. "A mistake; the fellow took me for some one +he knew," he told her carelessly. + +The assurance satisfied her. She rested quietly, wrapped up in personal +concerns. Her companion pensively contemplated an infinity of arid and +hansom-less to-morrows. About them the city throbbed in a web of misty +twilight, the humid farewell of a dismal day. In the air a faint haze swam, +rendering the distances opalescent. Athwart the western sky the after-glow +of a drenched sunset lay like a wash of rose-madder. Piccadilly's asphalt +shone like watered silk, black and lustrous, reflecting a myriad lights in +vibrant ribbons of party-colored radiance. On every hand cab-lamps danced +like fire-flies; the rumble of wheels blended with the hollow pounding +of uncounted hoofs, merging insensibly into the deep and solemn roar of +London-town. + +Suddenly Kirkwood was recalled to a sense of duty by a glimpse of Hyde Park +Corner. He turned to the girl. "I didn't know where you wished to go--?" + +She seemed to realize his meaning with surprise, as one, whose thoughts +have strayed afar, recalled to an imperative world. + +"Oh, did I forget? Tell him please to drive to Number Nine, Frognall +Street, Bloomsbury." + +Kirkwood poked his cane through the trap, repeating the address. The +cab wheeled smartly across Piccadilly, swung into Half Moon Street, and +thereafter made better time, darting briskly down abrupt vistas of shining +pavement, walled in by blank-visaged houses, or round two sides of one of +London's innumerable private parks, wherein spring foliage glowed a tender +green in artificial light; now and again it crossed brilliant main arteries +of travel, and eventually emerged from a maze of backways into Oxford +Street, to hammer eastwards to Tottenham Court Road. + +Constraint hung like a curtain between the two; a silence which the young +man forbore to moderate, finding more delight that he had cared (or dared) +confess to, in contemplation of the pure girlish profile so close to him. + +She seemed quite unaware of him, lost in thought, large eyes sober, lips +serious that were fashioned for laughter, round little chin firm with some +occult resolution. It was not hard to fancy her nerves keyed to a high +pitch of courage and determination, nor easy to guess for what reason. +Watching always, keenly sensitive to the beauty of each salient line +betrayed by the flying lights, Kirkwood's own consciousness lost itself in +a profitless, even a perilous labyrinth of conjecture. + +The cab stopped. Both occupants came to their senses with a little start. +The girl leaned out over; the apron, recognized the house she sought in one +swift glance, testified to the recognition with a hushed exclamation, +and began to arrange her skirts. Kirkwood, unheeding her faint-hearted +protests, jumped out, interposing his cane between her skirts and the +wheel. Simultaneously he received a vivid mental photograph of the +locality. + +Frognall Street proved to be one of those by-ways, a short block in +length, which, hemmed in on all sides by a meaner purlieu, has (even in +Bloomsbury!) escaped the sordid commercial eye of the keeper of furnished +lodgings, retaining jealously something of the old-time dignity and reserve +that were its pride in the days before Society swarmed upon Mayfair and +Belgravia. + +Its houses loomed tall, with many windows, mostly lightless--materially +aggravating that air of isolate, cold dignity which distinguishes the +Englishman's castle. Here and there stood one less bedraggled than +its neighbors, though all, without exception, spoke assertively of +respectability down-at-the-heel but fighting tenaciously for existence. +Some, vanguards of that imminent day when the boarding-house should reign +supreme, wore with shamefaced air placards of estate-agents, advertising +their susceptibility to sale or lease. In the company of the latter was +Number 9. + +The American noted the circumstance subconsciously, at a moment when Miss +Calendar's hand, small as a child's, warm and compact in its white glove, +lay in his own. And then she was on the sidewalk, her face, upturned to +his, vivacious with excitement. + +"You have been so kind," she told him warmly, "that one hardly knows how to +thank you, Mr. Kirkwood." + +"I have done nothing--nothing at all," he mumbled, disturbed by a sudden, +unreasoning alarm for her. + +She passed quickly to the shelter of the pillared portico. He followed +clumsily. On the door-step she turned, offering her hand. He took and +retained it. + +"Good night," she said. + +"I'm to understand that I'm dismissed, then?" he stammered ruefully. + +She evaded his eyes. "I--thank you--I have no further need--" + +"You are quite sure? Won't you believe me at your service?" + +She laughed uneasily. "I'm all right now." + +"I can do nothing more? Sure?" + +"Nothing. But you--you make me almost sorry I can't impose still further +upon your good nature." + +"Please don't hesitate ..." + +"Aren't you very persistent, Mr. Kirkwood?" Her fingers moved in his; +burning with the reproof, he released them, and turned to her so woebegone +a countenance that she repented of her severity. "Don't worry about me, +please. I am truly safe now. Some day I hope to be able to thank you +adequately. Good night!" + +Her pass-key grated in the lock. Opening, the door disclosed a dark and +uninviting entry-hall, through which there breathed an air heavy with the +dank and dusty odor of untenanted rooms. Hesitating on the threshold, over +her shoulder the girl smiled kindly upon her commandeered esquire; and +stepped within. + +He lifted his hat automatically. The door closed with an echoing slam. He +turned to the waiting cab, fumbling for change. + +"I'll walk," he told the cabby, paying him off. + +The hansom swept away to a tune of hammering hoofs; and quiet rested upon +the street as Kirkwood turned the nearest corner, in an unpleasant temper, +puzzled and discontented. It seemed hardly fair that he should have been +dragged into so promising an adventure, by his ears (so to put it), only to +be thus summarily called upon to write "Finis" beneath the incident. + +He rounded the corner and walked half-way to the next street, coming to an +abrupt and rebellious pause by the entrance to a covered alleyway, of two +minds as to his proper course of action. + +In the background of his thoughts Number 9, Frognall Street, reared its +five-story façade, sinister and forbidding. He reminded himself of its +unlighted windows; of its sign, "To be let"; of the effluvia of desolation +that had saluted him when the door swung wide. A deserted house; and the +girl alone in it!--was it right for him to leave her so? + + + + +IV + + +9 FROGNALL STREET, W. C. + +The covered alleyway gave upon Quadrant Mews; or so declared a notice +painted on the dead wall of the passage. + +Overhead, complaining as it swayed in the wind, hung the smirched and +weather-worn sign-board of the Hog-in-the-Pound public house; wherefrom +escaped sounds of such revelry by night as is indulged in by the British +working-man in hours of ease. At the curb in front of the house of +entertainment, dejected animals drooping between their shafts, two hansoms +stood in waiting, until such time as the lords of their destinies should +see fit to sally forth and inflict themselves upon a cab-hungry populace. +As Kirkwood turned, a third vehicle rumbled up out of the mews. + +Kirkwood can close his eyes, even at this late day, and both see and hear +it all again--even as he can see the unbroken row of dingy dwellings that +lined his way back from Quadrant Mews to Frognall Street corner: all +drab and unkempt, all sporting in their fan-lights the legend and lure, +"Furnished Apartments." + +For, between his curiosity about and his concern for the girl, he was being +led back to Number 9, by the nose, as it were,--hardly willingly, at best. +Profoundly stupefied by the contemplation of his own temerity, he yet +returned unfaltering. He who had for so long plumed himself upon his strict +supervision of his personal affairs and equally steadfast unconsciousness +of his neighbor's businesses, now found himself in the very act of pushing +in where he was not wanted: as he had been advised in well-nigh as many +words. He experienced an effect of standing to one side, a witness of +his own folly, with rising wonder, unable to credit the strength of +the infatuation which was placing him so conspicuously in the way of a +snubbing. + +If perchance he were to meet the girl again as she was leaving Number +9,--what then? The contingency dismayed him incredibly, in view of the fact +that it did not avail to make him pause. To the contrary he disregarded it +resolutely; mad, impertinent, justified of his unnamed apprehensions, or +simply addled,--he held on his way. + +He turned up Frognall Street with the manner of one out for a leisurely +evening stroll. Simultaneously, from the farther corner, another pedestrian +debouched, into the thoroughfare--a mere moving shadow at that distance, +brother to blacker shadows that skulked in the fenced areas and unlively +entries of that poorly lighted block. The hush was something beyond belief, +when one remembered the nearness of blatant Tottenham Court Road. + +Kirkwood conceived a wholly senseless curiosity about the other wayfarer. +The man was walking rapidly, heels ringing with uncouth loudness, cane +tapping the flagging at brief intervals. Both sounds ceased abruptly as +their cause turned in beneath one of the porticos. In the emphatic and +unnatural quiet that followed, Kirkwood, stepping more lightly, fancied +that another shadow followed the first, noiselessly and with furtive +stealth. + +Could it be Number 9 into which they had passed? The American's heart beat +a livelier tempo at the suggestion. If it had not been Number 9--he was +still too far away to tell--it was certainly one of the dwellings adjacent +thereunto. The improbable possibility (But why improbable?) that the girl +was being joined by her father, or by friends, annoyed him with illogical +intensity. He mended his own pace, designing to pass whichever house it +might be before the door should be closed; thought better of this, and +slowed up again, anathematizing himself with much excuse for being the +inquisitive dolt that he was. + +Approaching Number 9 with laggard feet, he manufactured a desire to light +a cigarette, as a cover for his design, were he spied upon by unsuspected +eyes. Cane under arm, hands cupped to shield a vesta's flame, he stopped +directly before the portico, turning his eyes askance to the shadowed +doorway; and made a discovery sufficiently startling to hold him spellbound +and, incidentally, to scorch his gloves before he thought to drop the +match. + +The door of Number 9 stood ajar, a black interval an inch or so in width +showing between its edge and the jamb. + +Suspicion and alarm set his wits a-tingle. More distinctly he recalled the +jarring bang, accompanied by the metallic click of the latch, when the girl +had shut herself in--and him out. Now, some person or persons had followed +her, neglecting the most obvious precaution of a householder. And why? Why +but because the intruders did not wish the sound of closing to be audible +to her--or those--within? + +He reminded himself that it was all none of his affair, decided to pass on +and go his ways in peace, and impulsively, swinging about, marched straight +away for the unclosed door. + +"'Old'ard, guvner!" + +Kirkwood halted on the cry, faltering in indecision. Should he take the +plunge, or withdraw? Synchronously he was conscious that a man's figure +had detached itself from the shadows beneath the nearest portico and was +drawing nearer, with every indication of haste, to intercept him. + +"'Ere now, guvner, yer mykin' a mistyke. You don't live 'ere." + +"How do you know?" demanded Kirkwood crisply, tightening his grip on his +stick. + +Was this the second shadow he had seemed to see--the confederate of him who +had entered Number 9; a sentry to forestall interruption? If so, the fellow +lacked discretion, though his determination that the American should not +interfere was undeniable. It was with an ugly and truculent manner, if more +warily, that the man closed in. + +"I knows. You clear hout, or--" + +He flung out a hand with the plausible design of grasping Kirkwood by the +collar. The latter lifted his stick, deflecting the arm, and incontinently +landed his other fist forcibly on the fellow's chest. The man reeled back, +cursing. Before he could recover Kirkwood calmly crossed the threshold, +closed the door and put his shoulder to it. In another instant, fumbling in +the darkness, he found the bolts and drove them home. + +And it was done, the transformation accomplished; his inability to refrain +from interfering had encompassed his downfall, had changed a peaceable and +law-abiding alien within British shores into a busybody, a trespasser, a +misdemeanant, a--yes, for all he knew to the contrary, in the estimation of +the Law, a burglar, prime candidate for a convict's stripes! + +Breathing hard with excitement he turned and laid his back against the +panels, trembling in every muscle, terrified by the result of his impulsive +audacity, thunder-struck by a lightning-like foreglimpse of its possible +consequences. Of what colossal imprudence had he not been guilty? + +"The devil!" he whispered. "What an ass, what an utter ass I am!" + +Behind him the knob was rattled urgently, to an accompaniment of feet +shuffling on the stone; and immediately--if he were to make a logical +deduction from the rasping and scraping sound within the door-casing--the +bell-pull was violently agitated, without, however, educing any response +from the bell itself, wherever that might be situate. After which, as if in +despair, the outsider again rattled and jerked the knob. + +Be his status what it might, whether servant of the household, its +caretaker, or a night watchman, the man was palpably determined both to get +himself in and Kirkwood out, and yet (curious to consider) determined to +gain his end without attracting undue attention. Kirkwood had expected to +hear the knocker's thunder, as soon as the bell failed to give tongue; but +it did not sound although there _was_ a knocker,--Kirkwood himself had +remarked that antiquated and rusty bit of ironmongery affixed to the middle +panel of the door. And it made him feel sure that something surreptitious +and lawless was in process within those walls, that the confederate +without, having failed to prevent a stranger from entering, left unemployed +a means so certain-sure to rouse the occupants. + +But his inferential analysis of this phase of the proceedings was summarily +abrupted by that identical alarm. In a trice the house was filled with +flying echoes, wakened to sonorous riot by the crash and clamor of the +knocker; and Kirkwood stood fully two yards away, his heart hammering +wildly, his nerves a-jingle, much as if the resounding blows had landed +upon his own person rather than on stout oaken planking. + +Ere he had time to wonder, the racket ceased, and from the street filtered +voices in altercation. Listening, Kirkwood's pulses quickened, and he +laughed uncertainly for pure relief, retreating to the door and putting an +ear to a crack. + +The accents of one speaker were new in his hearing, stern, crisp, quick +with the spirit of authority which animates that most austere and dignified +limb of the law to be encountered the world over, a London bobby. + +"Now then, my man, what do you want there? Come now, speak up, and step out +into the light, where I can see you." + +The response came in the sniffling snarl of the London ne'er-do-well, the +unemployable rogue whose chiefest occupation seems to be to march in the +ranks of The Unemployed on the occasion of its annual demonstrations. + +"Le' me alone, carntcher? Ah'm doin' no 'arm, officer,--" + +"Didn't you hear me? Step out here. Ah, that's better.... No harm, eh? +Perhaps you'll explain how there's no harm breakin' into unoccupied +'ouses?" + +"Gorblimy, 'ow was I to know? 'Ere's a toff 'ands me sixpence fer hopenin' +'is cab door to-dye, an', sezee, 'My man,' 'e sez, 'yer've got a 'onest +fyce. W'y don'cher work?' sezee. ''Ow can I?' sez I. ''Ere'm I hout of +a job these six months, lookin' fer work every dye an' carn't find it.' +Sezee, 'Come an' see me this hevenin' at me home, Noine, Frognall Stryte,' +'e sez, an'--" + +"That'll do for now. You borrow a pencil and paper and write it down and +I'll read it when I've got more time; I never heard the like of it. This +'ouse hasn't been lived in these two years. Move on, and don't let me find +you round 'ere again. March, I say!" + +There was more of it--more whining explanations artfully tinctured with +abuse, more terse commands to depart, the whole concluding with scraping +footsteps, diminuendo, and another perfunctory, rattle of the knob as the +bobby, having shoo'd the putative evil-doer off, assured himself that +no damage had actually been done. Then he, too, departed, satisfied and +self-righteous, leaving a badly frightened but very grateful amateur +criminal to pursue his self-appointed career of crime. + +He had no choice other than to continue; in point of fact, it had been +insanity just then to back out, and run the risk of apprehension at the +hands of that ubiquitous bobby, who (for all he knew) might be lurking not +a dozen yards distant, watchful for just such a sequel. Still, Kirkwood +hesitated with the best of excuses. Reassuring as he had found the +sentinel's extemporized yarn,--proof positive that the fellow had had no +more right to prohibit a trespass than Kirkwood to commit one,--at the +same time he found himself pardonably a prey to emotions of the utmost +consternation and alarm. If he feared to leave the house he had no warrant +whatever to assume that he would be permitted to remain many minutes +unharmed within its walls of mystery. + +The silence of it discomfited him beyond measure; it was, in a word, +uncanny. + +Before him, as he lingered at the door, vaguely disclosed by a wan +illumination penetrating a dusty and begrimed fan-light, a broad hall +stretched indefinitely towards the rear of the building, losing itself in +blackness beyond the foot of a flight of stairs. Save for a few articles of +furniture,--a hall table, an umbrella-stand, a tall dumb clock flanked by +high-backed chairs,--it was empty. Other than Kirkwood's own restrained +respiration not a sound throughout the house advertised its inhabitation; +not a board creaked beneath the pressure of a foot, not a mouse rustled in +the wainscoting or beneath the floors, not a breath of air stirred sighing +in the stillness. + +And yet, a tremendous racket had been raised at the front door, within the +sixty seconds past! And yet, within twenty minutes two persons, at +least, had preceded Kirkwood into the building! Had they not heard? The +speculation seemed ridiculous. Or had they heard and, alarmed, been too +effectually hobbled by the coils of their nefarious designs to dare reveal +themselves, to investigate the cause of that thunderous summons? Or were +they, perhaps, aware of Kirkwood's entrance, and lying _perdui_, in some +dark corner, to ambush him as he passed? + +True, that were hardly like the girl. True, on the other hand, it +were possible that she had stolen away while Kirkwood was hanging in +irresolution by the passage to Quadrant Mews. Again, the space of time +between Kirkwood's dismissal and his return had been exceedingly brief; +whatever her errand, she could hardly have fulfilled it and escaped. At +that moment she might be in the power and at the mercy of him who had +followed her; providing he were not friendly. And in that case, what +torment and what peril might not be hers? + +Spurred by solicitude, the young man put personal apprehensions in his +pocket and forgot them, cautiously picking his way through the gloom to the +foot of the stairs. There, by the newel-post, he paused. Darkness walled +him about. Overhead the steps vanished in a well of blackness; he could +not even see the ceiling; his eyes ached with futile effort to fathom the +unknown; his ears rang with unrewarded strain of listening. The silence +hung inviolate, profound. + +Slowly he began to ascend, a hand following the balusters, the other with +his cane exploring the obscurity before him. On the steps, a carpet, thick +and heavy, muffled his footfalls. He moved noiselessly. Towards the top +the staircase curved, and presently a foot that groped for a higher level +failed to find it. Again he halted, acutely distrustful. + +Nothing happened. + +He went on, guided by the balustrade, passing three doors, all open, +through which the undefined proportions of a drawing-room and boudoir were +barely suggested in a ghostly dusk. By each he paused, listening, hearing +nothing. + +His foot struck with a deadened thud against the bottom step of the +second flight, and his pulses fluttered wildly for a moment. Two +minutes--three--he waited in suspense. From above came no sound. He went +on, as before, save that twice a step yielded, complaining, to his weight. +Toward the top the close air, like the darkness, seemed to weigh more +heavily upon his consciousness; little drops of perspiration started out on +his forehead, his scalp tingled, his mouth was hot and dry, he felt as if +stifled. + +Again the raised foot found no level higher than its fellows. He stopped +and held his breath, oppressed by a conviction that some one was near him. +Confirmation of this came startlingly--an eerie whisper in the night, so +close to him that he fancied he could feel the disturbed air fanning his +face. + +"_Is it you, Eccles_?" + +He had no answer ready. The voice was masculine, if he analyzed it +correctly. Dumb and stupid he stood poised upon the point of panic. + +"_Eccles, is it you_?" + +The whisper was both shrill and shaky. As it ceased Kirkwood was +half blinded by a flash of light, striking him squarely in the eyes. +Involuntarily he shrank back a pace, to the first step from the top. +Instantaneously the light was eclipsed. + +"_Halt or--or I fire_!" + +By now he realized that he had been scrutinized by the aid of an electric +hand-lamp. The tremulous whisper told him something else--that the speaker +suffered from nerves as high-strung as his own. The knowledge gave him +inspiration. He cried at a venture, in a guarded voice, "_Hands up_!"--and +struck out smartly with his stick. Its ferrule impinged upon something soft +but heavy. Simultaneously he heard a low, frightened cry, the cane was +swept aside, a blow landed glancingly on his shoulder, and he was carried +fairly off his feet by the weight of a man hurled bodily upon him with +staggering force and passion. Reeling, he was borne back and down a step +or two, and then,--choking on an oath,--dropped his cane and with one hand +caught the balusters, while the other tore ineffectually at wrists of +hands that clutched his throat. So, for a space, the two hung, panting and +struggling. + +Then endeavoring to swing his shoulders over against the wall, Kirkwood +released his grip on the hand-rail and stumbled on the stairs, throwing his +antagonist out of balance. The latter plunged downward, dragging Kirkwood +with him. Clawing, kicking, grappling, they went to the bottom, jolted +violently by each step; but long before the last was reached, Kirkwood's +throat was free. + +Throwing himself off, he got to his feet and grasped the railing for +support; then waited, panting, trying to get his bearings. Himself +painfully shaken and bruised, he shrewdly surmised that his assailant had +fared as ill, if not worse. And, in point of fact, the man lay with neither +move nor moan, still as death at the American's feet. + +And once more silence had folded its wings over Number 9, Frognall Street. + +More conscious of that terrifying, motionless presence beneath him, than +able to distinguish it by power of vision, he endured interminable minutes +of trembling horror, in a witless daze, before he thought of his match-box. +Immediately he found it and struck a light. As the wood caught and the +bright small flame leaped in the pent air, he leaned forward, over the +body, breathlessly dreading what he must discover. + +The man lay quiet, head upon the floor, legs and hips on the stairs. One +arm had fallen over his face, hiding the upper half. The hand gleamed white +and delicate as a woman's. His chin was smooth and round, his lips thin and +petulant. Beneath his top-coat, evening dress clothed a short and slender +figure. Nothing whatever of his appearance suggested the burly ruffian, the +midnight marauder; he seemed little more than a boy old enough to dress +for dinner. In his attitude there was something pitifully suggestive of a +beaten child, thrown into a corner. + +Conscience-smitten and amazed Kirkwood stared on until, without warning, +the match flickered and went out. Then, straightening up with an +exclamation at once of annoyance and concern, he rattled the box; it made +no sound,--was empty. In disgust he swore it was the devil's own luck, that +he should run out of vestas at a time so critical. He could not even say +whether the fellow was dead, unconscious, or simply shamming. He had little +idea of his looks; and to be able to identify him might save a deal of +trouble at some future time,--since he, Kirkwood, seemed so little able +to disengage himself from the clutches of this insane adventure! And the +girl--. what had become of her? How could he continue to search for her, +without lights or guide, through all those silent rooms, whose walls might +inclose a hundred hidden dangers in that house of mystery? + +But he debated only briefly. His blood was young, and it was hot; it was +quite plain to him that he could not withdraw and retain his self-respect. +If the girl was there to be found, most assuredly, he must find her. The +hand-lamp that had dazzled him at the head of the stairs should be his aid, +now that he thought of it,--and providing he was able to find it. + +In the scramble on the stairs he had lost his hat, but he remembered that +the vesta's short-lived light had discovered this on the floor beyond +the man's body. Carefully stepping across the latter he recovered his +head-gear, and then, kneeling, listened with an ear close to the fellow's +face. A softly regular beat of breathing reassured him. Half rising, he +caught the body beneath the armpits, lifting and dragging it off the +staircase; and knelt again, to feel of each pocket in the man's clothing, +partly as an obvious precaution, to relieve him of his advertised revolver +against an untimely wakening, partly to see if he had the lamp about him. + +The search proved fruitless. Kirkwood suspected that the weapon, like his +own, had existed only in his victim's ready imagination. As for the lamp, +in the act of rising he struck it with his foot, and picked it up. + +It felt like a metal tube a couple of inches in diameter, a foot or so +in length, passably heavy. He fumbled with it impatiently. "However the +dickens," he wondered audibly, "does the infernal machine work?" As it +happened, the thing worked with disconcerting abruptness as his untrained +fingers fell hapchance on the spring. A sudden glare again smote him in the +face, and at the same instant, from a point not a yard away, apparently, an +inarticulate cry rang out upon the stillness. + +Heart in his mouth, he stepped back, lowering the lamp (which impishly went +out) and lifting a protecting forearm. + +"Who's that?" he demanded harshly. + +A strangled sob of terror answered him, blurred by a swift rush of skirts, +and in a breath his shattered nerves quieted and a glimmer of common sense +penetrated the murk anger and fear had bred in his brain. He understood, +and stepped forward, catching blindly at the darkness with eager hands. + +"Miss Calendar!" he cried guardedly. "Miss Calendar, it is I--Philip +Kirkwood!" + +There was a second sob, of another caliber than the first; timid fingers +brushed his, and a hand, warm and fragile, closed upon his own in a passion +of relief and gratitude. + +"Oh, I am so g-glad!" It was Dorothy Calendar's voice, beyond mistake. +"I--I didn't know what t-to t-think.... When the light struck your face +I was sure it was you, but when I called, you answered in a voice so +strange,--not like yours at all! ... Tell me," she pleaded, with palpable +effort to steady herself; "what has happened?" + +"I think, perhaps," said Kirkwood uneasily, again troubled by his racing +pulses, "perhaps you can do that better than I." + +"Oh!" said the voice guiltily; her fingers trembled on his, and were gently +withdrawn. "I was so frightened," she confessed after a little pause, "so +frightened that I hardly understand ... But you? How did you--?" + +"I worried about you," he replied, in a tone absurdly apologetic. "Somehow +it didn't seem right. It was none of my business, of course, but ... I +couldn't help coming back. This fellow, whoever he is--don't worry; +he's unconscious--slipped into the house in a manner that seemed to me +suspicious. I hardly know why I followed, except that he left the door an +open invitation to interference ..." + +"I can't be thankful enough," she told him warmly, "that you did interfere. +You have indeed saved me from ..." + +"Yes?" + +"I don't know what. If I knew the man--" + +"You don't _know_ him?" + +"I can't even guess. The light--?" + +She paused inquiringly. Kirkwood fumbled with the lamp, but, whether its +rude handling had impaired some vital part of the mechanism, or whether the +batteries through much use were worn out, he was able to elicit only one +feeble glow, which was instantly smothered by the darkness. + +"It's no use," he confessed. "The thing's gone wrong." + +"Have you a match?" + +"I used my last before I got hold of this." + +"Oh," she commented, discouraged. "Have you any notion what he looks like?" + +Kirkwood thought briefly. "Raffles," he replied with a chuckle. "He looks +like an amateurish and very callow Raffles. He's in dress clothes, you +know." + +"I wonder!" There was a nuance of profound bewilderment in her exclamation. +Then: "He knocked against something in the hall--a chair, I presume; at all +events, I heard that and put out the light. I was ... in the room above the +drawing-room, you see. I stole down to this floor--was there, in the corner +by the stairs when he passed within six inches, and never guessed it. Then, +when he got on the next floor, I started on; but you came in. I slipped +into the drawing-room and crouched behind a chair. You went on, but I dared +not move until ... And then I heard some one cry out, and you fell down the +stairs together. I hope you were not hurt--?" + +"Nothing worth mention; but _he_ must have got a pretty stiff knock, to lay +him out so completely." Kirkwood stirred the body with his toe, but the man +made no sign. "Dead to the world ... And now, Miss Calendar?" + +If she answered, he did not hear; for on the heels of his query banged the +knocker down below; and thereafter crash followed crash, brewing a deep and +sullen thundering to rouse the echoes and send them rolling, like voices of +enraged ghosts, through the lonely rooms. + + + + +V + + +THE MYSTERY OF A FOUR-WHEELER + +"What's that?" At the first alarm the girl had caught convulsively at +Kirkwood's arm. Now, when a pause came in the growling of the knocker, she +made him hear her voice; and it was broken and vibrant with a threat of +hysteria. "Oh, what can it mean?" + +"I don't know." He laid a hand reassuringly over that which trembled on his +forearm. "The police, possibly." + +"Police!" she iterated, aghast. "What makes you think--?" + +"A man tried to stop me at the door," he answered quickly. "I got in before +he could. When he tried the knocker, a bobby came along and stopped him. +The latter may have been watching the house since then,--it'd be only his +duty to keep an eye on it; and Heaven knows we raised a racket, coming +head-first down those stairs! Now we are up against it," he added brightly. + +But the girl was tugging at his hand. "Come!" she begged breathlessly. +"Come! There is a way! Before they break in--" + +"But this man--?" Kirkwood hung back, troubled. + +"They--the police are sure to find and care for him." + +"So they will." He chuckled, "And serve him right! He'd have choked me to +death, with all the good will in the world!" + +"Oh, do hurry!" + +Turning, she sped light-footed down the staircase to the lower hall, he +at her elbow. Here the uproar was loudest--deep enough to drown whatever +sounds might have been made by two pairs of flying feet. For all that +they fled on tiptoe, stealthily, guilty shadows in the night; and at the +newel-post swung back into the unbroken blackness which shrouded the +fastnesses backward of the dwelling. A sudden access of fury on the part of +the alarmist at the knocker, spurred them on with quaking hearts. In half a +dozen strides, Kirkwood, guided only by instinct and the _frou-frou_ of the +girl's skirts as she ran invisible before him, stumbled on the uppermost +steps of a steep staircase; only a hand-rail saved him, and that at the +last moment. He stopped short, shocked into caution. From below came a +contrite whisper: "I'm so sorry! I should have warned you." + +He pulled himself together, glaring wildly at nothing. "It's all right--" + +"You're not hurt, truly? Oh, do come quickly." + +She waited for him at the bottom of the flight;--happily for him, for he +was all at sea. + +"Here--your hand--let me guide you. This darkness is dreadful ..." + +He found her hand, somehow, and tucked his into it, confidingly, and not +without an uncertain thrill of satisfaction. + +"Come!" she panted. "Come! If they break in--" + +Stifled by apprehension, her voice failed her. + +They went forward, now less impetuously, for it was very black; and the +knocker had fallen still. + +"No fear of that," he remarked after a time. "They wouldn't dare break in." + +A fluttering whisper answered him: "I don't know. We dare risk nothing." + +They seemed to explore, to penetrate acres of labyrinthine chambers and +passages, delving deep into the bowels of the earth, like rabbits burrowing +in a warren, hounded by beagles. + +Above stairs the hush continued unbroken; as if the dumb Genius of the +Place had cast a spell of silence on the knocker, or else, outraged, had +smitten the noisy disturber with a palsy. + +The girl seemed to know her way; whether guided by familiarity or by +intuition, she led on without hesitation, Kirkwood blundering in her wake, +between confusion of impression, and dawning dismay conscious of but one +tangible thing, to which he clung as to his hope of salvation: those firm, +friendly fingers that clasped his own. + +It was as if they wandered on for an hour; probably from start to finish +their flight took up three minutes, no more. Eventually the girl stopped, +releasing his hand. He could hear her syncopated breathing before him, and +gathered that something was wrong. He took a step forward. + +"What is it?" + +Her full voice broke out of the obscurity startlingly close, in his very +ear. + +"The door--the bolts--I can't budge them." + +"Let me ..." + +He pressed forward, brushing her shoulder. She did not draw away, but +willingly yielded place to his hands at the fastenings; and what had proved +impossible to her, to his strong fingers was a matter of comparative ease. +Yet, not entirely consciously, he was not quick. As he tugged at the bolts +he was poignantly sensitive to the subtle warmth of her at his side; he +could hear her soft dry sobs of excitement and suspense, punctuating the +quiet; and was frightened, absolutely, by an impulse, too strong for +ridicule, to take her in his arms and comfort her with the assurance that, +whatever her trouble, he would stand by her and protect her.... It were +futile to try to laugh it off; he gave over the endeavor. Even at this +critical moment he found himself repeating over and over to his heart the +question: "Can this be love? Can this be love? ..." + +Could it be love at an hour's acquaintance? Absurd! But he could not +laugh--nor render himself insensible to the suggestion. + +He found that he had drawn the bolts. The girl tugged and rattled at the +knob. Reluctantly the door opened inwards. Beyond its threshold stretched +ten feet or more of covered passageway, whose entrance framed an oblong +glimmering with light. A draught of fresh air smote their faces. Behind +them a door banged. + +"Where does this open?" + +"On the mews," she informed him. + +"The mews!" He stared in consternation at the pallid oval that stood for +her face. "The mews! But you, in your evening gown, and I--" + +"There's no other way. We must chance it. Are you afraid?" + +Afraid? ... He stepped aside. She slipped by him and on. He closed the +door, carefully removing the key and locking it on the outside; then joined +the girl at the entrance to the mews, where they paused perforce, she as +much disconcerted as he, his primary objection momentarily waxing in force +as they surveyed the conditions circumscribing their escape. + +Quadrant Mews was busily engaged in enjoying itself. Night had fallen +sultry and humid, and the walls and doorsteps were well fringed and +clustered with representatives of that class of London's population which +infests mews through habit, taste, or force of circumstance. + +On the stoops men sprawled at easy length, discussing short, foul cutties +loaded with that rank and odoriferous compound which, under the name and +in the fame of tobacco, is widely retailed at tuppence the ounce. Their +women-folk more commonly squatted on the thresholds, cheerfully squabbling; +from opposing second-story windows, two leaned perilously forth, slanging +one another across the square briskly in the purest billingsgate; and were +impartially applauded from below by an audience whose appreciation seemed +faintly tinged with envy. Squawking and yelling children swarmed over the +flags and rude cobblestones that paved the ways. Like incense, heavy and +pungent, the rich effluvia of stable-yards swirled in air made visible by +its faint burden of mist. + +Over against the entrance wherein Kirkwood and the girl lurked, confounded +by the problem of escaping undetected through this vivacious scene, a +stable-door stood wide, exposing a dimly illumined interior. Before it +waited a four-wheeler, horse already hitched in between the shafts, while +its driver, a man of leisurely turn of mind, made lingering inspection of +straps and buckles, and, while Kirkwood watched him, turned attention to +the carriage lamps. + +The match which he raked spiritedly down his thigh, flared ruddily; the +succeeding paler glow of the lamp threw into relief a heavy beefy mask, +with shining bosses for cheeks and nose and chin; through narrow slits +two cunning eyes glittered like dull gems. Kirkwood appraised him with +attention, as one in whose gross carcass was embodied their only hope of +unannoyed return to the streets and normal surroundings of their world. The +difficulty lay in attracting the man's attention and engaging him without +arousing his suspicions or bringing the population about their ears. Though +he hesitated long, no favorable opportunity presented itself; and in time +the Jehu approached the box with the ostensible purpose of mounting and +driving off. In this critical situation the American, forced to recognize +that boldness must mark his course, took the girl's fate and his own in his +hands, and with a quick word to his companion, stepped out of hiding. + +The cabby had a foot upon the step when Kirkwood tapped his shoulder. + +"My man--" + +"Lor, lumme!" cried the fellow in amaze, pivoting on his heel. Cupidity and +quick understanding enlivened the eyes which in two glances looked +Kirkwood up and down, comprehending at once both his badly rumpled hat +and patent-leather shoes. "S'help me,"--thickly,--"where'd you drop from, +guvner?" + +"That's my affair," said Kirkwood briskly. "Are you engaged?" + +"If you mykes yerself my fare," returned the cabby shrewdly, "I _ham_." + +"Ten shillings, then, if you get us out of here in one minute and +to--say--Hyde Park Corner in fifteen." + +"Us?" demanded the fellow aggressively. + +Kirkwood motioned toward the passageway. "There's a lady with me--there. +Quick now!" + +Still the man did not move. "Ten bob," he bargained; "an' you runnin' awye +with th' stuffy ol' gent's fair darter? Come now, guvner, is it gen'rous? +Myke it a quid an'--" + +"A pound then. _Will_ you hurry?" + +By way of answer the fellow scrambled hastily up to the box and snatched at +the reins. "_Ck_! Gee-e hup!" he cried sonorously. + +By now the mews had wakened to the fact of the presence of a "toff" in its +midst. His light topcoat and silk hat-rendered him as conspicuous as a red +Indian in war-paint would have been on Rotten Row. A cry of surprise was +raised, and drowned in a volley of ribald inquiry and chaff. + +Fortunately, the cabby was instant to rein in skilfully before the +passageway, and Kirkwood had the door open before the four-wheeler stopped. +The girl, hugging her cloak about her, broke cover (whereat the hue and cry +redoubled), and sprang into the body of the vehicle. Kirkwood followed, +shutting the door. As the cab lurched forward he leaned over and drew down +the window-shade, shielding the girl from half a hundred prying eyes. At +the same time they gathered momentum, banging swiftly, if loudly out of the +mews. + +An urchin, leaping on the step to spy in Kirkwood's window, fell off, +yelping, as the driver's whiplash curled about his shanks. + +The gloom of the tunnel inclosed them briefly ere the lights of the +Hog-in-the-Pound flashed by and the wheels began to roll more easily. +Kirkwood drew back with a sigh of relief. + +"Thank God!" he said softly. + +The girl had no words. + +Worried by her silence, solicitous lest, the strain ended, she might be on +the point of fainting, he let up the shade and lowered the window at her +side. + +She seemed to have collapsed in her corner. Against the dark upholstery her +hair shone like pale gold in the half-light; her eyes were closed and she +held a handkerchief to her lips; the other hand lay limp. + +"Miss Calendar?" + +She started, and something bulky fell from the seat and thumped heavily on +the floor. Kirkwood bent to pick it up, and so for the first time was +made aware that she had brought with her a small black gladstone bag of +considerable weight. As he placed it on the forward seat their eyes met. + +"I didn't know--" he began. + +"It was to get that," she hastened to explain, "that my father sent me ..." + +"Yes," he assented in a tone indicating his complete comprehension. "I +trust ..." he added vaguely, and neglected to complete the observation, +losing himself in a maze of conjecture not wholly agreeable. This was a new +phase of the adventure. He eyed the bag uneasily. What did it contain? How +did he know ...? + +Hastily he abandoned that line of thought. He had no right to +infer anything whatever, who had thrust himself uninvited into her +concerns--uninvited, that was to say, in the second instance, having +been once definitely given his congé. Inevitably, however, a thousand +unanswerable questions pestered him; just as, at each fresh facet of +mystery disclosed by the sequence of the adventure, his bewilderment +deepened. + +The girl stirred restlessly. "I have been thinking," she volunteered in a +troubled tone, "that there is absolutely no way I know of, to thank you +properly." + +"It is enough if I've been useful," he rose in gallantry to the emergency. + +"That," she commented, "was very prettily said. But then I have never known +any one more kind and courteous and--and considerate, than you." There was +no savor of flattery in the simple and direct statement; indeed, she was +looking away from him, out of the window, and her face was serious with +thought; she seemed to be speaking of, rather than to, Kirkwood. "And I +have been wondering," she continued with unaffected candor, "what you must +be thinking of me." + +"I? ... What should I think of you, Miss Calendar?" + +With the air of a weary child she laid her head against the cushions again, +face to him, and watched him through lowered lashes, unsmiling. + +"You might be thinking that an explanation is due you. Even the way we +were brought together was extraordinary, Mr. Kirkwood. You must be very +generous, as generous as you have shown yourself brave, not to require some +sort of an explanation of me." + +"I don't see it that way." + +"I do ... You have made me like you very much, Mr. Kirkwood." + +He shot her a covert glance--causelessly, for her _naiveté_ was flawless. +With a feeling of some slight awe he understood this--a sensation of +sincere reverence for the unspoiled, candid, child's heart and mind that +were hers. "I'm glad," he said simply; "very glad, if that's the case, and +presupposing I deserve it. Personally," he laughed, "I seem to myself to +have been rather forward." + +"No; only kind and a gentleman." + +"But--please!" he protested. + +"Oh, but I mean it, every word! Why shouldn't I? In a little while, ten +minutes, half an hour, we shall have seen the last of each other. Why +should I not tell you how I appreciate all that you have unselfishly done +for me?" + +"If you put it that way,--I'm sure I don't know; beyond that it embarrasses +me horribly to have you overestimate me so. If any courage has been shown +this night, it is yours ... But I'm forgetting again." He thought to divert +her. "Where shall I tell the cabby to go this time, Miss Calendar?" + +"Craven Street, please," said the girl, and added a house number. "I am to +meet my father there, with this,"--indicating the gladstone bag. + +Kirkwood thrust head and shoulders out the window and instructed the cabby +accordingly; but his ruse had been ineffectual, as he found when he sat +back again. Quite composedly the girl took up the thread of conversation +where it had been broken off. + +"It's rather hard to keep silence, when you've been so good. I don't want +you to think me less generous than yourself, but, truly, I can tell you +nothing." She sighed a trace resentfully; or so he thought. "There is +little enough in this--this wretched affair, that I understand myself; and +that little, I may not tell ... I want you to know that." + +"I understand, Miss Calendar." + +"There's one thing I may say, however. I have done nothing wrong to-night, +I believe," she added quickly. + +"I've never for an instant questioned that," he returned with a qualm of +shame; for what he said was not true. + +"Thank you ..." + +The four-wheeler swung out of Oxford Street into Charing Cross Road. +Kirkwood noted the fact with a feeling of some relief that their ride +was to be so short; like many of his fellow-sufferers from "the artistic +temperament," he was acutely disconcerted by spoken words of praise and +gratitude; Miss Calendar, unintentionally enough, had succeeded only in +rendering him self-conscious and ill at ease. + +Nor had she fully relieved her mind, nor voiced all that perturbed her. +"There's one thing more," she said presently: "my father. I--I hope you +will think charitably of him." + +"Indeed, I've no reason or right to think otherwise." + +"I was afraid--afraid his actions might have seemed peculiar, to-night ..." + +"There are lots of things I don't understand, Miss Calendar. Some day, +perhaps, it will all clear up,--this trouble of yours. At least, one +supposes it is trouble, of some sort. And then you will tell me the whole +story.... Won't you?" Kirkwood insisted. + +"I'm afraid not," she said, with a smile of shadowed sadness. "We are to +say good night in a moment or two, and--it will be good-by as well. It's +unlikely that we shall ever meet again." + +"I refuse positively to take such a gloomy view of the case!" + +She shook her head, laughing with him, but with shy regret. "It's so, none +the less. We are leaving London this very night, my father and I--leaving +England, for that matter." + +"Leaving England?" he echoed. "You're not by any chance bound for America, +are you?" + +"I ... can't tell you." + +"But you can tell me this: are you booked on the _Minneapolis_?" + +"No--o; it is a--quite another boat." + +"Of course!" he commented savagely. "It wouldn't be me to have _any_ sort +of luck!" + +She made no reply beyond a low laugh. He stared gloomily out of his window, +noting indifferently that they were passing the National Gallery. On their +left Trafalgar Square stretched, broad and bare, a wilderness of sooty +stone with an air of mutely tolerating its incongruous fountains. Through +Charing Cross roared a tide-rip of motor-busses and hackney carriages. + +Glumly the young man foresaw the passing of his abbreviated romance; their +destination was near at hand. Brentwick had been right, to some extent, at +least; it was quite true that the curtain had been rung up that very night, +upon Kirkwood's Romance; unhappily, as Brentwick had not foreseen, it was +immediately to be rung down. + +The cab rolled soberly into the Strand. + +"Since we are to say good-by so very soon," suggested Kirkwood, "may I ask +a parting favor, Miss Calendar?" + +She regarded him with friendly eyes. "You have every right," she affirmed +gently. + +"Then please to tell me frankly: are you going into any further danger?" + +"And is that the only boon you crave at my hands, Mr. Kirkwood?" + +"Without impertinence ..." + +For a little time, waiting for him to conclude his vague phrase, she +watched him in an expectant silence. But the man was diffident to a +degree--At length, somewhat unconsciously, "I think not," she answered. +"No; there will be no danger awaiting me at Mrs. Hallam's. You need not +fear for me any more--Thank you." + +He lifted his brows at the unfamiliar name. "Mrs. Hallam--?" + +"I am going to her house in Craven Street." + +"Your father is to meet you there?"--persistently. + +"He promised to." + +"But if he shouldn't?" + +"Why--" Her eyes clouded; she pursed her lips over the conjectural +annoyance. "Why, in that event, I suppose--It would be very embarrassing. +You see, I don't know Mrs. Hallam; I don't know that she expects me, unless +my father is already there. They are old friends--I could drive round for a +while and come back, I suppose." + +But she made it plain that the prospect did not please her. + +"Won't you let me ask if Mr. Calender is there, before you get out, then? I +don't like to be dismissed," he laughed; "and, you know, you shouldn't go +wandering round all alone." + +The cab drew up. Kirkwood put a hand on the door and awaited her will. + +"It--it would be very kind ... I hate to impose upon you." + +He turned the knob and got out. "If you'll wait one moment," he said +superfluously, as he closed the door. + +Pausing only to verify the number, he sprang up the steps and found the +bell-button. + +It was a modest little residence, in nothing more remarkable than its +neighbors, unless it was for a certain air of extra grooming: the area +railing was sleek with fresh black paint; the doorstep looked the better +for vigorous stoning; the door itself was immaculate, its brasses shining +lustrous against red-lacquered woodwork. A soft glow filled the fanlight. +Overhead the drawing-room windows shone with a cozy, warm radiance. + +The door opened, framing the figure of a maid sketched broadly in masses of +somber black and dead white. + +"Can you tell me, is Mr. Calendar here?" + +The servant's eyes left his face, looked past him at the waiting cab, and +returned. + +"I'm not sure, sir. If you will please step in." + +Kirkwood hesitated briefly, then acceded. The maid closed the door. + +"What name shall I say, sir?" + +"Mr. Kirkwood." + +"If you will please to wait one moment, sir--" + +He was left in the entry hall, the servant hurrying to the staircase and +up. Three minutes elapsed; he was on the point of returning to the girl, +when the maid reappeared. + +"Mrs. Hallam says, will you kindly step up-stairs, sir." + +Disgruntled, he followed her; at the head of the stairs she bowed him into +the drawing-room and again left him to his own resources. + +Nervous, annoyed, he paced the floor from wall to wall, his footfalls +silenced by heavy rugs. As the delay was prolonged he began to fume with +impatience, wondering, half regretting that he had left the girl outside, +definitely sorry that he had failed to name his errand more explicitly to +the maid. At another time, in another mood, he might have accorded more +appreciation to the charm of the apartment, which, betraying the feminine +touch in every detail of arrangement and furnishing, was very handsome in +an unconventional way. But he was quite heedless of externals. + +Wearied, he deposited himself sulkily in an armchair by the hearth. + +From a boudoir on the same floor there came murmurs of two voices, a man's +and a woman's. The latter laughed prettily. + +"Oh, any time!" snorted the American. "Any time you're through with your +confounded flirtation, Mr. George B. Calendar!" + +The voices rose, approaching. "Good night," said the woman gaily; "farewell +and--good luck go with you!" + +"Thank you. Good night," replied the man more conservatively. + +Kirkwood rose, expectant. + +There was a swish of draperies, and a moment later he was acknowledging the +totally unlooked-for entrance of the mistress of the house. He had thought +to see Calendar, presuming him to be the man closeted with Mrs. Hallam; +but, whoever that had been, he did not accompany the woman. Indeed, as she +advanced from the doorway, Kirkwood could hear the man's footsteps on the +stairs. + +"This is Mr. Kirkwood?" The note of inquiry in the well-trained voice--a +very alluring voice and one pleasant to listen to, he thought--made it seem +as though she had asked, point-blank, "Who is Mr. Kirkwood?" + +He bowed, discovering himself in the presence of an extraordinarily +handsome and interesting woman; a woman of years which as yet had not told +upon her, of experience that had not availed to harden her, at least in so +far as her exterior charm of personality was involved; a woman, in brief, +who bore close inspection well, despite an elusive effect of maturity, not +without its attraction for men. Kirkwood was impressed that it would be +very easy to learn to like Mrs. Hallam more than well--with her approval. + +Although he had not anticipated it, he was not at all surprised to +recognize in her the woman who, if he were not mistaken, had slipped to +Calendar that warning in the dining-room of the Pless. Kirkwood's state of +mind had come to be such, through his experiences of the past few +hours, that he would have accepted anything, however preposterous, as a +commonplace happening. But for that matter there was nothing particularly +astonishing in this _rencontre_. + +"I am Mrs. Hallam. You were asking for Mr. Calendar?" + +"He was to have been here at this hour, I believe," said Kirkwood. + +"Yes?" There was just the right inflection of surprise in her carefully +controlled tone. + +He became aware of an undercurrent of feeling; that the woman was +estimating him shrewdly with her fine direct eyes. He returned her regard +with admiring interest; they were gray-green eyes, deep-set but large, a +little shallow, a little changeable, calling to mind the sea on a windy, +cloudy day. + +Below stairs a door slammed. + +"I am not a detective, Mrs. Hallam," announced the young man suddenly. +"Mr. Calendar required a service of me this evening; I am here in natural +consequence. If it was Mr. Calendar who left this house just now, I am +wasting time." + +"It was not Mr. Calendar." The fine-lined brows arched in surprise, real +or pretended, at his first blurted words, and relaxed; amused, the woman +laughed deliciously. "But I am expecting him any moment; he was to have +been here half an hour since.... Won't you wait?" + +She indicated, with a gracious gesture, a chair, and took for herself one +end of a davenport. "I'm sure he won't be long, now." + +"Thank you, I will return, if I may." Kirkwood moved toward the door. + +"But there's no necessity--" She seemed insistent on detaining him, +possibly because she questioned his motive, possibly for her own +divertisement. + +Kirkwood deprecated his refusal with a smile. "The truth is, Miss Calendar +is waiting in a cab, outside. I--" + +"Dorothy Calendar!" Mrs. Hallam rose alertly. "But why should she wait +there? To be sure, we've never met; but I have known her father for many +years." Her eyes held steadfast to his face; shallow, flawed by her every +thought, like the sea by a cat's-paw he found them altogether inscrutable; +yet received an impression that their owner was now unable to account for +him. + +She swung about quickly, preceding him to the door and down the stairs. "I +am sure Dorothy will come in to wait, if I ask her," she told Kirkwood in a +high sweet voice. "I'm so anxious to know her. It's quite absurd, really, +of her--to stand on ceremony with me, when her father made an appointment +here. I'll run out and ask--" + +Mrs. Hallam's slim white fingers turned latch and knob, opening the street +door, and her voice died away as she stepped out into the night. For a +moment, to Kirkwood, tagging after her with an uncomfortable sense of +having somehow done the wrong thing, her figure--full fair shoulders and +arms rising out of the glittering dinner gown--cut a gorgeous silhouette +against the darkness. Then, with a sudden, imperative gesture, she half +turned towards him. + +"But," she exclaimed, perplexed, gazing to right and left, "but the cab, +Mr. Kirkwood?" + +He was on the stoop a second later. Standing beside her, he stared blankly. + +To the left the Strand roared, the stream of its night-life in high spate; +on the right lay the Embankment, comparatively silent and deserted, if +brilliant with its high-swung lights. Between the two, quiet Craven Street +ran, short and narrow, and wholly innocent of any form of equipage. + + + + +VI + + +"BELOW BRIDGE" + +In silence Mrs. Hallam turned to Kirkwood, her pose in itself a question +and a peremptory one. Her eyes had narrowed; between their lashes the green +showed, a thin edge like jade, cold and calculating. The firm lines of her +mouth and chin had hardened. + +Temporarily dumb with consternation, he returned her stare as silently. + +"_Well_, Mr.--Kirkwood?" + +"Mrs. Hallam," he stammered, "I--" + +She lifted her shoulders impatiently and with a quick movement stepped back +across the threshold, where she paused, a rounded arm barring the entrance, +one hand grasping the door-knob, as if to shut him out at any moment. + +"I'm awaiting your explanation," she said coldly. + +[Illustration: "I'm waiting your explanation," she said coldly.] + +He grinned with nervousness, striving to penetrate the mental processes of +this handsome Mrs. Hallam. She seemed to regard him with a suspicion which +he thought inexcusable. Did she suppose he had spirited Dorothy Calendar +away and then called to apprise her of the fact? Or that he was some sort +of an adventurer, who had manufactured a plausible yarn to gain him access +to her home? Or--harking back to her original theory--that he was an +emissary from Scotland Yard? ... Probably she distrusted him on the latter +hypothesis. The reflection left him more at ease. + +"I am quite as mystified as you, Mrs. Hallam," he began. "Miss Calendar was +here, at this door, in a four-wheeler, not ten minutes ago, and--" + +"Then where is she now?" + +"Tell me where Calendar is," he retorted, inspired, "and I'll try to answer +you!" + +But her eyes were blank. "You mean--?" + +"That Calendar was in this house when I came; that he left, found his +daughter in the cab, and drove off with her. It's clear enough." + +"You are quite mistaken," she said thoughtfully. "George Calendar has not +been here this night." + +He wondered that she did not seem to resent his imputation. "I think not--" + +"Listen!" she cried, raising a warning hand; and relaxing her vigilant +attitude, moved forward once more, to peer down toward the Embankment. + +A cab had cut in from that direction and was bearing down upon them with +a brisk rumble of hoofs. As it approached, Kirkwood's heart, that +had lightened, was weighed upon again by disappointment. It was no +four-wheeler, but a hansom, and the open wings of the apron, disclosing a +white triangle of linen surmounted by a glowing spot of fire, betrayed the +sex of the fare too plainly to allow of further hope that it might be the +girl returning. + +At the door, the cab pulled up sharply and a man tumbled hastily out upon +the sidewalk. + +"Here!" he cried throatily, tossing the cabby his fare, and turned toward +the pair upon the doorstep, evidently surmising that something was amiss. +For he was Calendar in proper person, and a sight to upset in a twinkling +Kirkwood's ingeniously builded castle of suspicion. + +"Mrs. Hallam!" he cried, out of breath. "'S my daughter here?" And then, +catching sight of Kirkwood's countenance: "Why, hello, Kirkwood!" he +saluted him with a dubious air. + +The woman interrupted hastily. "Please come in, Mr. Calendar. This +gentleman has been inquiring for you, with an astonishing tale about your +daughter." + +"Dorothy!" Calendar's moon-like visage was momentarily divested of any +trace of color. "What of her?" + +"You had better come in," advised Mrs. Hallam brusquely. + +The fat adventurer hopped hurriedly across the threshold, Kirkwood +following. The woman shut the door, and turned with back to it, nodding +significantly at Kirkwood as her eyes met Calendar's. + +"Well, well?" snapped the latter impatiently, turning to the young man. + +But Kirkwood was thinking quickly. For the present he contented himself +with a deliberate statement of fact: "Miss Calendar has disappeared." It +gave him an instant's time ... "There's something damned fishy!" he told +himself. "These two are playing at cross-purposes. Calendar's no fool; he's +evidently a crook, to boot. As for the woman, she's had her eyes open for +a number of years. The main thing's Dorothy. She didn't vanish of her own +initiative. And Mrs. Hallam knows, or suspects, more than she's going to +tell. I don't think she wants Dorothy found. Calendar does. So do I. Ergo: +I'm for Calendar." + +"Disappeared?" Calendar was barking at him. "How? When? Where?" + +"Within ten minutes," said Kirkwood. "Here, let's get it straight.... With +her permission I brought her here in a four-wheeler." He was carefully +suppressing all mention of Frognall Street, and in Calendar's glance read +approval of the elision. "She didn't want to get out, unless you were here. +I asked for you. The maid showed me up-stairs. I left your daughter in the +cab--and by the way, I hadn't paid the driver. That's funny, too! Perhaps +six or seven minutes after I came in Mrs. Hallam found out that Miss +Calendar was with me and wanted to ask her in. When we got to the door--no +cab. There you have it all." + +"Thanks--it's plenty," said Calendar dryly. He bent his head in thought for +an instant, then looked up and fixed Mrs. Hallam with an unprejudiced +eye, "I say!" he demanded explosively. "There wasn't any one here that +knew--eh?" + +Her fine eyes wavered and fell before his; and Kirkwood remarked that her +under lip was curiously drawn in. + +"I heard a man leave as Mrs. Hallam joined me," he volunteered helpfully, +and with a suspicion of malice. "And after that--I paid no attention at the +time--it seems to me I did hear a cab in the street--" + +"Ow?" interjected Calendar, eying the woman steadfastly and employing an +exclamation of combined illumination and inquiry more typically British +than anything Kirkwood had yet heard from the man. + +For her part, the look she gave Kirkwood was sharp with fury. It was more; +it was a mistake, a flaw in her diplomacy; for Calendar intercepted it. +Unceremoniously he grasped her bare arm with his fat hand. + +"Tell me who it was," he demanded in an ugly tone. + +She freed herself with a twist, and stepped back, a higher color in her +cheeks, a flash of anger in her eyes. + +"Mr. Mulready," she retorted defiantly. "What of that?" + +"I wish I was sure," declared the fat adventurer, exasperated. "As it is, +I bet a dollar you've put your foot in it, my lady. I warned you of that +blackguard.... There! The mischief's done; we won't row over it. One +moment." He begged it with a wave of his hand; stood pondering briefly, +fumbled for his watch, found and consulted it. "It's the barest chance," he +muttered. "Perhaps we can make it." + +"What are you going to do?" asked the woman. + +"Give _Mister_ Mulready a run for his money. Come along, Kirkwood; we +haven't a minute. Mrs. Hallam, permit us...." She stepped aside and he +brushed past her to the door. "Come, Kirkwood!" + +He seemed to take Kirkwood's company for granted; and the young man was not +inclined to argue the point. Meekly enough he fell in with Calendar on the +sidewalk. Mrs. Hallam followed them out. "You won't forget?" she called +tentatively. + +"I'll 'phone you if we find out anything." Calendar jerked the words +unceremoniously over his shoulder as, linking arms with Kirkwood, he drew +him swiftly along. They heard her shut the door; instantly Calendar +stopped. "Look here, did Dorothy have a--a small parcel with her?" + +"She had a gladstone bag." + +"Oh, the devil, the devil!" Calendar started on again, muttering +distractedly. As they reached the corner he disengaged his arm. "We've a +minute and a half to reach Charing Cross Pier; and I think it's the last +boat. You set the pace, will you? But remember I'm an oldish man and--and +fat." + +They began to run, the one easily, the other lumbering after like an +old-fashioned square-rigged ship paced by a liner. + +Beneath the railway bridge, in front of the Underground station, the +cab-rank cried them on with sardonic view-halloos; and a bobby remarked +them with suspicion, turning to watch as they plunged round the corner and +across the wide Embankment. + +The Thames appeared before them, a river of ink on whose burnished surface +lights swam in long winding streaks and oily blobs. By the floating pier a +County Council steamboat strained its hawsers, snoring huskily. Bells were +jingling in her engine-room as the two gained the head of the sloping +gangway. + +Kirkwood slapped a shilling down on the ticket-window ledge. "Where to?" he +cried back to Calendar. + +"Cherry Gardens Pier," rasped the winded man. He stumbled after Kirkwood, +groaning with exhaustion. Only the tolerance of the pier employees gained +them their end; the steamer was held some seconds for them; as Calendar +staggered to its deck, the gangway was jerked in, the last hawser cast off. +The boat sheered wide out on the river, then shot in, arrow-like, to the +pier beneath Waterloo Bridge. + +The deck was crowded and additional passengers embarked at every stop. In +the circumstances conversation, save on the most impersonal topics, was +impossible; and even had it been necessary or advisable to discuss the +affair which occupied their minds, where so many ears could hear, Calendar +had breath enough neither to answer nor to catechize Kirkwood. They found +seats on the forward deck and rested there in grim silence, both fretting +under the enforced restraint, while the boat darted, like some illuminated +and exceptionally active water insect, from pier to pier. + +As it snorted beneath London Bridge, Calendar's impatience drove him from +his seat back to the gangway. "Next stop," he told Kirkwood curtly; and +rested his heavy bulk against the paddle-box, brooding morosely, until, +after an uninterrupted run of more than a mile, the steamer swept in, +side-wheels backing water furiously against the ebbing tide, to Cherry +Gardens landing. + +Sweet name for a locality unsavory beyond credence! ... As they emerged on +the street level and turned west on Bermondsey Wall, Kirkwood was fain to +tug his top-coat over his chest and button it tight, to hide his linen. In +a guarded tone he counseled his companion to do likewise; and Calendar, +after a moment's blank, uncomprehending stare, acknowledged the wisdom of +the advice with a grunt. + +The very air they breathed was rank with fetid odors bred of the gaunt dark +warehouses that lined their way; the lights were few; beneath the looming +buildings the shadows were many and dense. Here and there dreary and +cheerless public houses appeared, with lighted windows conspicuous in a +lightless waste. From time to time, as they hurried on, they encountered, +and made wide detours to escape contact with knots of wayfarers--men +debased and begrimed, with dreary and slatternly women, arm in arm, +zigzaging widely across the sidewalks, chorusing with sodden voices the +burden of some popularized ballad. The cheapened, sentimental refrains +echoed sadly between benighted walls.... + +Kirkwood shuddered, sticking close to Calendar's side. Life's naked +brutalities had theretofore been largely out of his ken. He had heard of +slums, had even ventured to mouth politely moral platitudes on the subject +of overcrowding in great centers of population, but in the darkest flights +of imagination had never pictured to himself anything so unspeakably +foul and hopeless as this.... And they were come hither seeking--Dorothy +Calendar! He was unable to conceive what manner of villainy could be +directed against her, that she must be looked for in such surroundings. + +After some ten minutes' steady walking, Calendar turned aside with a +muttered word, and dived down a covered, dark and evil-smelling passageway +that seemed to lead toward the river. + +Mastering his involuntary qualms, Kirkwood followed. + +Some ten or twelve paces from its entrance the passageway swerved at a +right angle, continuing three yards or so to end in a blank wall, wherefrom +a flickering, inadequate gas-lamp jutted. At this point a stone platform, +perhaps four feet square, was discovered, from the edge of which a flight +of worn and slimy stone steps led down to a permanent boat-landing, where +another gas-light flared gustily despite the protection of its frame of +begrimed glass. + +"Good Lord!" exclaimed the young man. "What, in Heaven's name, Calendar--?" + +"Bermondsey Old Stairs. Come on." + +They descended to the landing-stage. Beneath them the Pool slept, a sheet +of polished ebony, whispering to itself, lapping with small stealthy +gurgles angles of masonry and ancient piles. On the farther bank tall +warehouses reared square old-time heads, their uncompromising, rugged +profile relieved here and there by tapering mastheads. A few, scattering, +feeble lights were visible. Nothing moved save the river and the wind. + +The landing itself they found quite deserted; something which the +adventurer comprehended with a nod which, like its accompanying, +inarticulate ejaculation, might have been taken to indicate either +satisfaction or disgust. He ignored Kirkwood altogether, for the time +being, and presently produced a small, bright object, which, applied to his +lips, proved to be a boatswain's whistle. He sounded two blasts, one long, +one brief. + +There fell a lull, Kirkwood watching the other and wondering what next +would happen. Calendar paced restlessly to and fro upon the narrow landing, +now stopping to incline an ear to catch some anticipated sound, now +searching with sweeping glances the black reaches of the Pool. + +Finally, consulting his watch, "Almost ten," he announced. + +"We're in time?" + +"Can't say.... Damn! ... If that infernal boat would only show up--" + +He was lifting the whistle to sound a second summons when a rowboat rounded +a projecting angle formed by the next warehouse down stream, and with +clanking oar-locks swung in toward the landing. On her thwarts two figures, +dipping and rising, labored with the sweeps. As they drew in, the man +forward shipped his blades, and rising, scrambled to the bows in order to +grasp an iron mooring-ring set in the wall. The other awkwardly took in his +oars and, as the current swung the stern downstream, placed a hand palm +downward upon the bottom step to hold the boat steady. + +Calendar waddled to the brink of the stage, grunting with relief. + +"The other man?" he asked brusquely. "Has he gone aboard? Or is this the +first trip to-night?" + +One of the watermen nodded assent to the latter question, adding gruffly: +"Seen nawthin' of 'im, sir." + +"Very good," said Calendar, as if he doubted whether it were very good or +bad. "We'll wait a bit." + +"Right-o!" agreed the waterman civilly. + +Calendar turned back, his small eyes glimmering with satisfaction. Fumbling +in one coat pocket he brought to light a cigar-case. "Have a smoke?" he +suggested with a show of friendliness. "By Heaven, I was beginnin' to get +worried!" + +"As to what?" inquired Kirkwood pointedly, selecting a cigar. + +He got no immediate reply, but felt Calendar's sharp eyes upon him while he +manoeuvered with matches for a light. + +"That's so," it came at length. "You don't know. I kind of forgot for a +minute; somehow you seemed on the inside." + +Kirkwood laughed lightly. "I've experienced something of the same sensation +in the past few hours." + +"Don't doubt it." Calendar was watching him narrowly. "I suppose," he put +it to him abruptly, "you haven't changed your mind?" + +"Changed my mind?" + +"About coming in with me." + +"My dear sir, I can have no mind to change until a plain proposition is +laid before me." + +"Hmm!" Calendar puffed vigorously until it occurred to him to change the +subject. "You won't mind telling me what happened to you and Dorothy?" + +"Certainly not." + +Calendar drew nearer and Kirkwood, lowering his voice, narrated briefly the +events since he had left the Pless in Dorothy's company. + +Her father followed him intently, interrupting now and again with +exclamation or pertinent question; as, Had Kirkwood been able to see the +face of the man in No. 9, Frognall Street? The negative answer seemed to +disconcert him. + +"Youngster, you say? Blam' if I can lay my mind to _him_! Now if that +Mulready--" + +"It would have been impossible for Mulready--whoever he is--to recover and +get to Craven Street before we did," Kirkwood pointed out. + +"Well--go on." But when the tale was told, "It's that scoundrel, Mulready!" +the man affirmed with heat. "It's his hand--I know him. I might have had +sense enough to see he'd take the first chance to hand me the double-cross. +Well, this does for _him_, all right!" Calendar lowered viciously at the +river. "You've been blame' useful," he told Kirkwood assertively. "If +it hadn't been for you, I don't know where _I'd_ be now,--nor Dorothy, +either,"--an obvious afterthought. "There's no particular way I can show my +appreciation, I suppose? Money--?" + +"I've got enough to last me till I reach New York, thank you." + +"Well, if the time ever comes, just shout for George B. I won't be +wanting.... I only wish you were with us; but that's out of the question." + +"Doubtless ..." + +"No two ways about it. I bet anything you've got a conscience concealed +about your person. What? You're an honest man, eh?" + +"I don't want to sound immodest," returned Kirkwood, amused. + +"You don't need to worry about that.... But an honest man's got no business +in _my_ line." He glanced again at his watch. "Damn that Mulready! I wonder +if he was 'cute enough to take another way? Or did he think ... The fool!" + +He cut off abruptly, seeming depressed by the thought that he might have +been outwitted; and, clasping hands behind his back, chewed savagely on his +cigar, watching the river. Kirkwood found himself somewhat wearied; the +uselessness of his presence there struck him with added force. He bethought +him of his boat-train, scheduled to leave a station miles distant, in an +hour and a half. If he missed it, he would be stranded in a foreign land, +penniless and practically without friends--Brentwick being away and all the +rest of his circle of acquaintances on the other side of the Channel. Yet +he lingered, in poor company, daring fate that he might see the end of the +affair. Why? + +There was only one honest answer to that question. He stayed on because of +his interest in a girl whom he had known for a matter of three hours, at +most. It was insensate folly on his part, ridiculous from any point of +view. But he made no move to go. + +The slow minutes lengthened monotonously. + +There came a sound from the street level. Calendar held up a hand of +warning. "Here they come! Steady!" he said tensely. Kirkwood, listening +intently, interpreted the noise as a clash of hoofs upon cobbles. + +Calendar turned to the boat. + +"Sheer off," he ordered. "Drop out of sight. I'll whistle when I want you." + +"Aye, aye, sir." + +The boat slipped noiselessly away with the current and in an instant was +lost to sight. Calendar plucked at Kirkwood's sleeve, drawing him into the +shadow of the steps. "E-easy," he whispered; "and, I say, lend me a hand, +will you, if Mulready turns ugly?" + +"Oh, yes," assented Kirkwood, with a nonchalance not entirely unassumed. + +The racket drew nearer and ceased; the hush that fell thereafter seemed +only accentuated by the purling of the river. It was ended by footsteps +echoing in the covered passageway. Calendar craned his thick neck round the +shoulder of stone, reconnoitering the landing and stairway. + +"Thank God!" he said under his breath. "I was right, after all!" + +A man's deep tones broke out above. "This way. Mind the steps; they're a +bit slippery, Miss Dorothy." + +"But my father--?" came the girl's voice, attuned to doubt. + +"Oh, he'll be along--if he isn't waiting now, in the boat." + +They descended, the man leading. At the foot, without a glance to right or +left, he advanced to the edge of the stage, leaning out over the rail as if +endeavoring to locate the rowboat. At once the girl appeared, moving to his +side. + +"But, Mr. Mulready--" + +The girl's words were drowned by a prolonged blast on the boatswain's +whistle at her companion's lips; the shorter one followed in due course. +Calendar edged forward from Kirkwood's side. + +"But what shall we do if my father isn't here? Wait?" + +"No; best not to; best to get on the _Alethea_ as soon as possible, Miss +Calendar. We can send the boat back." + +"'Once aboard the lugger the girl is mine'--eh, Mulready?--to say nothing +of the loot!" + +If Calendar's words were jocular, his tone conveyed a different impression +entirely. Both man and girl wheeled right about to face him, the one with a +strangled oath, the other with a low cry. + +"The devil!" exclaimed this Mr. Mulready. + +"Oh! My father!" the girl voiced her recognition of him. + +"Not precisely one and the same person," commented Calendar suavely. +"But--er--thanks, just as much.... You see, Mulready, when I make an +appointment, I keep it." + +"We'd begun to get a bit anxious about you--" Mulready began defensively. + +"So I surmised, from what Mrs. Hallam and Mr. Kirkwood told me.... Well?" + +The man found no ready answer. He fell back a pace to the railing, his +features working with his deep chagrin. The murky flare of the gas-lamp +overhead fell across a face handsome beyond the ordinary but marred by a +sullen humor and seamed with indulgence: a face that seemed hauntingly +familiar until Kirkwood in a flash of visual memory reconstructed the +portrait of a man who lingered over a dining-table, with two empty chairs +for company. This, then, was he whom Mrs. Hallam had left at the Pless; a +tall, strong man, very heavy about the chest and shoulders.... + +"Why, my dear friend," Calendar was taunting him, "you don't seem overjoyed +to see me, for all your wild anxiety! 'Pon my word, you act as if you +hadn't expected me--and our engagement so clearly understood, at that! ... +Why, you fool!"--here the mask of irony was cast. "Did you think for a +moment I'd let myself be nabbed by that yap from Scotland Yard? Were you +banking on that? I give you my faith I ambled out under his very nose! ... +Dorothy, my dear," turning impatiently from Mulready, "where's that bag?" + +The girl withdrew a puzzled gaze from Mulready's face, (it was apparent to +Kirkwood that this phase of the affair was no more enigmatic to him than to +her), and drew aside a corner of her cloak, disclosing the gladstone bag, +securely grasped in one gloved hand. + +"I have it, thanks to Mr. Kirkwood," she said quietly. + +Kirkwood chose that moment to advance from the shadow. Mulready started and +fixed him with a troubled and unfriendly stare. The girl greeted him with a +note of sincere pleasure in her surprise. + +"Why, Mr. Kirkwood! ... But I left you at Mrs. Hallam's!" + +Kirkwood bowed, smiling openly at Mulready's discomfiture. + +"By your father's grace, I came with him," he said. "You ran away without +saying good night, you know, and I'm a jealous creditor." + +She laughed excitedly, turning to Calendar. "But _you_ were to meet me at +Mrs. Hallam's?" + +"Mulready was good enough to try to save me the trouble, my dear. He's an +unselfish soul, Mulready. Fortunately it happened that I came along not +five minutes after he'd carried you off. How was that, Dorothy?" + +Her glance wavered uneasily between the two, Mulready and her father. The +former, shrugging to declare his indifference, turned his back squarely +upon them. She frowned. + +"He came out of Mrs. Hallam's and got into the four-wheeler, saying you had +sent him to take your place, and would join us on the _Alethea_." + +"So-o! How about it, Mulready?" + +The man swung back slowly. "What you choose to think," he said after a +deliberate pause. + +"Well, never mind! We'll go over the matter at our leisure on the +_Alethea_." + +There was in the adventurer's tone a menace, bitter and not to be ignored; +which Mulready saw fit to challenge. + +"I think not," he declared; "I think not. I'm weary of your addle-pated +suspicions. It'd be plain to any one but a fool that I acted for the best +interests of all concerned in this matter. If you're not content to see it +in that light, I'm done." + +"Oh, if you want to put it that way, I'm _not_ content, Mr. Mulready," +retorted Calendar dangerously. + +"Please yourself. I bid you good evening and--good-by." The man took a step +toward the stairs. + +Calendar dropped his right hand into his top-coat pocket. "Just a minute," +he said sweetly, and Mulready stopped. Abruptly the fat adventurer's +smoldering resentment leaped in flame. "That'll be about all, Mr. Mulready! +'Bout face, you hound, and get into that boat! D'you think I'll temporize +with you till Doomsday? Then forget it. You're wrong, dead wrong. Your +bluff's called, and"--with an evil chuckle--"I hold a full house, +Mulready,--every chamber taken." He lifted meaningly the hand in the coat +pocket. "Now, in with you." + +With a grin and a swagger of pure bravado Mulready turned and obeyed. +Unnoticed of any, save perhaps Calendar himself, the boat had drawn in at +the stage a moment earlier. Mulready dropped into it and threw himself +sullenly upon the midships thwart. + +"Now, Dorothy, in you go, my dear," continued Calendar, with a +self-satisfied wag of his head. + +Half dazed, to all seeming, she moved toward the boat. With clumsy and +assertive gallantry her father stepped before her, offering his hand,--his +hand which she did not touch; for, in the act of descending, she remembered +and swung impulsively back to Kirkwood. + +"Good night, Mr. Kirkwood; good night,--I shan't forget." + +He took her hand and bowed above it; but when his head was lifted, he still +retained her fingers in a lingering clasp. + +"Good night," he said reluctantly. + +The crass incongruity of her in that setting smote him with renewed force. +Young, beautiful, dainty, brilliant and graceful in her pretty evening +gown, she figured strangely against the gloomy background of the river, in +those dull and mean surroundings of dank stone and rusted iron. She was +like (he thought extravagantly) a whiff of flower-fragrance lost in the +miasmatic vapors of a slough. + +The innocent appeal and allure of her face, upturned to his beneath the +gas-light, wrought compassionately upon his sensitive and generous heart. +He was aware of a little surge of blind rage against the conditions that +had brought her to that spot, and against those whom he held responsible +for those conditions. + +In a sudden flush of daring he turned and nodded coolly to Calendar. "With +your permission," he said negligently; and drew the girl aside to the angle +of the stairway. + +"Miss Calendar--" he began; but was interrupted. + +"Here--I say!" + +Calendar had started toward him angrily. + +Kirkwood calmly waved him back. "I want a word in private with your +daughter, Mr. Calendar," he announced with quiet dignity. "I don't think +you'll deny me? I've saved you some slight trouble to-night." + +Disgruntled, the adventurer paused. "Oh--_all_ right," he grumbled. "I +don't see what ..." He returned to the boat. + +"Forgive me, Miss Calendar," continued Kirkwood nervously. "I know I've no +right to interfere, but--" + +"Yes, Mr. Kirkwood?" + +"--but hasn't this gone far enough?" he floundered unhappily. "I can't like +the look of things. Are you sure--sure that it's all right--with you, I +mean?" + +She did not answer at once; but her eyes were kind and sympathetic. He +plucked heart of their tolerance. + +"It isn't too late, yet," he argued. "Let me take you to your friends,--you +must have friends in the city. But this--this midnight flight down the +Thames, this atmosphere of stealth and suspicion, this--" + +"But my place is with my father, Mr. Kirkwood," she interposed. "I daren't +doubt him--dare I?" + +"I ... suppose not." + +"So I must go with him.... I'm glad--thank you for caring, dear Mr. +Kirkwood. And again, good night." + +"Good luck attend you," he muttered, following her to the boat. + +Calendar helped her in and turned back to Kirkwood with a look of arch +triumph; Kirkwood wondered if he had overheard. Whether or no, he could +afford to be magnanimous. Seizing Kirkwood's hand, he pumped it vigorously. + +"My dear boy, you've been an angel in disguise! And I guess you think me +the devil in masquerade." He chuckled, in high conceit with himself over +the turn of affairs. "Good night and--and fare thee well!" He dropped into +the boat, seating himself to face the recalcitrant Mulready. "Cast off, +there!" + +The boat dropped away, the oars lifting and falling. With a weariful sense +of loneliness and disappointment, Kirkwood hung over the rail to watch them +out of sight. + +A dozen feet of water lay between the stage and the boat. The girl's dress +remained a spot of cheerful color; her face was a blur. As the watermen +swung the bows down-stream, she looked back, lifting an arm spectral in its +white sheath. Kirkwood raised his hat. + +The boat gathered impetus, momentarily diminishing in the night's illusory +perspective; presently it was little more than a fugitive blot, gliding +swiftly in midstream. And then, it was gone entirely, engulfed by the +obliterating darkness. + +[Illustration: The boat gathered impetus.] + +Somewhat wearily the young man released the railing and ascended the +stairs. "And that is the end!" he told himself, struggling with an acute +sense of personal injury. He had been hardly used. For a few hours his +life had been lightened by the ineffable glamor of Romance; mystery and +adventure had engaged him, exorcising for the time the Shade of Care; he +had served a fair woman and been associated with men whose ways, however +questionable, were the ways of courage, hedged thickly about with perils. + +All that was at an end. Prosaic and workaday to-morrows confronted him in +endless and dreary perspective; and he felt again upon his shoulder the +bony hand of his familiar, Care.... + +He sighed: "Ah, well!" + +Disconsolate and aggrieved, he gained the street. He was miles from St. +Pancras, foot-weary, to all intents and purposes lost. + +In this extremity, Chance smiled upon him. The cabby who, at his initial +instance, had traveled this weary way from Quadrant Mews, after the manner +of his kind, ere turning back, had sought surcease of fatigue at the +nearest public; from afar Kirkwood saw the four-wheeler at the curb, and +made all haste toward it. + +Entering the gin-mill he found the cabby, soothed him with bitter, and, +instructing him for St. Pancras with all speed, dropped, limp and listless +with fatigue, into the conveyance. + +As it moved, he closed his eyes; the face of Dorothy Calendar shone out +from the blank wall of his consciousness, like an illuminated picture cast +upon a screen. She smiled upon him, her head high, her eyes tender and +trustful. And he thought that her scarlet lips were sweet with promise and +her glance a-brim with such a light as he had never dreamed to know. + +And now that he knew it and desired it, it was too late; an hour gone he +might, by a nod of his head, have cast his fortunes with hers for weal or +woe. But now ... + +Alas and alackaday, that Romance was no more! + + + + +VII + + +DIVERSIONS OF A RUINED GENTLEMAN--RESUMED + +From the commanding elevation of the box, "Three 'n' six," enunciated the +cabby, his tone that of a man prepared for trouble, acquainted with +trouble, inclined to give trouble a welcome. His bloodshot eyes blinked +truculently at his alighted fare. "Three 'n' six," he iterated +aggressively. + +An adjacent but theretofore abstracted policeman pricked up his ears and +assumed an intelligent expression. + +"Bermondsey Ol' Stairs to Sain' Pancras," argued the cabby assertively; +"seven mile by th' radius; three 'n' six!" + +Kirkwood stood on the outer station platform, near the entrance to +third-class waiting-rooms. Continuing to fumble through his pockets for an +elusive sovereign purse, he looked up mildly at the man. + +"All right, cabby," he said, with pacific purpose; "you'll get your fare in +half a shake." + +"Three 'n' six!" croaked the cabby, like a blowsy and vindictive parrot. + +The bobby strolled nearer. + +"Yes?" said Kirkwood, mildly diverted. "Why not sing it, cabby?" + +"Lor' lumme!" The cabby exploded with indignation, continuing to give a +lifelike imitation of a rumpled parrot. "I 'ad trouble enough wif you at +Bermondsey Ol' Stairs, hover that quid you promised, didn't I? Sing it! My +heye!" + +"Quid, cabby?" And then, remembering that he had promised the fellow a +sovereign for fast driving from Quadrant Mews, Kirkwood grinned broadly, +eyes twinkling; for Mulready must have fallen heir to that covenant. "But +you got the sovereign? You got it, didn't you, cabby?" + +The driver affirmed the fact with unnecessary heat and profanity and an +amendment to the effect that he would have spoiled his fare's sanguinary +conk had the outcome been less satisfactory. + +The information proved so amusing that Kirkwood, chuckling, forbore to +resent the manner of its delivery, and, abandoning until a more favorable +time the chase of the coy sovereign purse, extracted from one trouser +pocket half a handful of large English small change. + +"Three shillings, six-pence," he counted the coins into the cabby's grimy +and bloated paw; and added quietly: "The exact distance is rather less +than, four miles, my man; your fare, precisely two shillings. You may keep +the extra eighteen pence, for being such a conscientious blackguard,--or +talk it over with the officer here. Please yourself." + +He nodded to the bobby, who, favorably impressed by the silk hat which +Kirkwood, by diligent application of his sleeve during the cross-town ride, +had managed to restore to a state somewhat approximating its erstwhile +luster, smiled at the cabby a cold, hard smile. Whereupon the latter, +smirking in unabashed triumph, spat on the pavement at Kirkwood's feet, +gathered up the reins, and wheeled out. + +"A 'ard lot, sir," commented the policeman, jerking his helmeted head +towards the vanishing four-wheeler. + +"Right you are," agreed Kirkwood amiably, still tickled by the knowledge +that Mulready had been obliged to pay three times over for the ride that +ended in his utter discomfiture. Somehow, Kirkwood had conceived no liking +whatever for the man; Calendar he could, at a pinch, tolerate for his sense +of humor, but Mulready--! "A surly dog," he thought him. + +Acknowledging the policeman's salute and restoring two shillings and a +few fat copper pennies to his pocket, he entered the vast and echoing +train-shed. In the act, his attention was attracted and immediately riveted +by the spectacle of a burly luggage navvy in a blue jumper in the act of +making off with a large, folding sign-board, of which the surface was +lettered expansively with the advice, in red against a white background: + +BOAT-TRAIN LEAVES ON TRACK 3 + +Incredulous yet aghast the young man gave instant chase to the navvy, +overhauling him with no great difficulty. For your horny-handed British +working-man is apparently born with two golden aphorisms in his mouth: +"Look before you leap," and "Haste makes waste." He looks continually, +seldom, if ever, leaps, and never is prodigal of his leisure. + +Excitedly Kirkwood touched the man's arm with a detaining hand. +"Boat-train?" he gasped, pointing at the board. + +"Left ten minutes ago, thank you, sir." + +"Wel-l, but...! Of course I can get another train at Tilbury?" + +"For yer boat? No, sir, thank you, sir. Won't be another tryne till +mornin', sir." + +"Oh-h!..." + +Aimlessly Kirkwood drifted away, his mind a blank. + +Sometime later he found himself on the steps outside the station, trying to +stare out of countenance a glaring electric mineral-water advertisement on +the farther side of the Euston Road. + +He was stranded.... + +Beyond the spiked iron fence that enhedges the incurving drive, the roar of +traffic, human, wheel and hoof, rose high for all the lateness of the hour: +sidewalks groaning with the restless contact of hundreds of ill-shod +feet; the roadway thundering--hansoms, four-wheelers, motor-cars, dwarfed +coster-mongers' donkey-carts and ponderous, rumbling, C.-P. motor-vans, +struggling for place and progress. For St. Pancras never sleeps. + +The misty air swam luminous with the light of electric signs as with the +radiance of some lurid and sinister moon. The voice of London sounded in +Kirkwood's ears, like the ominous purring of a somnolent brute beast, +resting, gorged and satiated, ere rising again to devour. To devour-- + +Stranded!... + +Distracted, he searched pocket after pocket, locating his watch, cigar- and +cigarette-cases, match-box, penknife--all the minutiae of pocket-hardware +affected by civilized man; with old letters, a card-case, a square envelope +containing his steamer ticket; but no sovereign purse. His small-change +pocket held less than three shillings--two and eight, to be exact--and a +brass key, which he failed to recognize as one of his belongings. + +And that was all. At sometime during the night he had lost (or been +cunningly bereft of?) that little purse of chamois-skin containing the +three golden sovereigns which he had been husbanding to pay his steamer +expenses, and which, if only he had them now, would stand between him and +starvation and a night in the streets. + +And, searching his heart, he found it brimming with gratitude to Mulready, +for having relieved him of the necessity of settling with the cabby. + +"Vagabond?" said Kirkwood musingly. "Vagabond?" He repeated the word softly +a number of times, to get the exact flavor of it, and found it little to +his taste. And yet... + +He thrust both hands deep in his trouser pockets and stared purposelessly +into space, twisting his eyebrows out of alignment and crookedly protruding +his lower lip. + +If Brentwick were only in town--But he wasn't, and wouldn't be, within the +week. + +"No good waiting here," he concluded. Composing his face, he reëntered the +station. There were his trunks, of course. He couldn't leave them standing +on the station platform for ever. + +He found the luggage-room and interviewed a mechanically courteous +attendant, who, as the result of profound deliberation, advised him to try +his luck at the lost-luggage room, across the station. He accepted the +advice; it was a foregone conclusion that his effects had not been conveyed +to the Tilbury dock; they could not have been loaded into the luggage van +without his personal supervision. Still, anything was liable to happen when +his unlucky star was in the ascendant. + +He found them in the lost-luggage room. + +A clerk helped him identify the articles and ultimately clucked with a +perfunctory note: "Sixpence each, please." + +"I--ah--pardon?" + +"Sixpence each, the fixed charge, sir. For every twenty-four hours or +fraction thereof, sixpence per parcel." + +"Oh, thank you so much," said Kirkwood sweetly. "I will call to-morrow." + +"Very good, sir. Thank you, sir." + +"Five times sixpence is two-and-six," Kirkwood computed, making his way +hastily out of the station, lest a worse thing befall him. "No, bless your +heart!--not while two and eight represents the sum total of my fortune." + +He wandered out into the night; he could not linger round the station till +dawn; and what profit to him if he did? Even were he to ransom his trunks, +one can scarcely change one's clothing in a public waiting-room. + +Somewhere in the distance a great clock chimed a single stroke, freighted +sore with melancholy. It knelled the passing of the half-hour after +midnight; a witching hour, when every public shuts up tight, and gentlemen +in top-hats and evening dress are doomed to pace the pave till day (barring +they have homes or visible means of support)--till day, when pawnshops open +and such personal effects as watches and hammered silver cigar-cases may be +hypothecated. + +Sable garments fluttering, Care fell into step with Philip Kirkwood; Care +the inexorable slipped a skeleton arm through his and would not be denied; +Care the jade clung affectionately to his side, refusing to be jilted. + +"Ah, you thought you would forget me?" chuckled the fleshless lips by his +ear. "But no, my boy; I'm with you now, for ever and a day. 'Misery loves +company,' and it wouldn't be pretty of me to desert you in this extremity, +would it? Come, let us beguile the hours till dawn with conversation. +Here's a sprightly subject: What are you going to do, Mr. Kirkwood? _What +are you going to do?_" + +But Kirkwood merely shook a stubborn head and gazed straight before him, +walking fast through ways he did not recognize, and pretending not to hear. +None the less the sense of Care's solicitous query struck like a pain into +his consciousness. What was he to do? + +An hour passed. + +Denied the opportunity to satisfy its beast hunger and thirst, humanity +goes off to its beds. In that hour London quieted wonderfully; the streets +achieved an effect of deeper darkness, the skies, lowering, looked down +with a blush less livid for the shamelessness of man; cab ranks lengthened; +solitary footsteps added unto themselves loud, alarming, offensive echoes; +policemen, strolling with lamps blazing on their breasts, became as +lightships in a trackless sea; each new-found street unfolded its +perspective like a canyon of mystery, and yet teeming with a hundred masked +hazards; the air acquired a smell more clear and clean, an effect more +volatile; and the night-mist thickened until it studded one's attire with +myriads of tiny buttons, bright as diamond dust. + +Through this long hour Kirkwood walked without a pause. + +Another clock, somewhere, clanged resonantly twice. + +The world was very still.... + +And so, wandering foot-loose in a wilderness of ways, turning aimlessly, +now right, now left, he found himself in a street he knew, yet seemed not +to know: a silent, black street one brief block in length, walled with +dead and lightless dwellings, haunted by his errant memory; a street whose +atmosphere was heavy with impalpable essence of desuetude; in two words, +Frognall Street. + +Kirkwood identified it with a start and a guilty tremor. He stopped +stock-still, in an unreasoning state of semi-panic, arrested by a silly +impulse to turn and fly; as if the bobby, whom he descried approaching him +with measured stride, pausing new and again to try a door or flash +his bull's-eye down an area, were to be expected to identify the man +responsible for that damnable racket raised ere midnight in vacant Number +9! + +Oddly enough, the shock of recognition brought him to his +senses,--temporarily. He was even able to indulge himself in a quiet, +sobering grin at his own folly. He passed the policeman with a nod and a +cool word in response to the man's good-natured, "Good-night, sir." Number +9 was on the other side of the street; and he favored its blank and dreary +elevation with a prolonged and frank stare--that profited him nothing, by +the way. For a crazy notion popped incontinently into his head, and would +not be cast forth. + +At the corner he swerved and crossed, still possessed of his devil of +inspiration. It would be unfair to him to say that he did not struggle to +resist it, for he did, because it was fairly and egregiously asinine; yet +struggling, his feet trod the path to which it tempted him. + +"Why," he expostulated feebly, "I might's well turn back and beat that +bobby over the head with my cane!..." + +But at the moment his hand was in his change pocket, feeling over that same +brass door-key which earlier he had been unable to account for, and he was +informing himself how very easy it would have been for the sovereign purse +to have dropped from his waistcoat pocket while he was sliding on his ear +down the dark staircase. To recover it meant, at the least, shelter for +the night, followed by a decent, comfortable and sustaining morning meal. +Fortified by both he could redeem his luggage, change to clothing more +suitable for daylight traveling, pawn his valuables, and enter into +negotiations with the steamship company for permission to exchange his +passage, with a sum to boot, for transportation on another liner. A most +feasible project! A temptation all but irresistible! + +But then--the risk.... Supposing (for the sake of argument) the customary +night-watchman to have taken up a transient residence in Number 9; +supposing the police to have entered with him and found the stunned man on +the second floor: would the watchman not be vigilant for another nocturnal +marauder? would not the police now, more than ever, be keeping a wary eye +on that house of suspicious happenings? + +Decidedly, to reënter it would be to incur a deadly risk. And yet, +undoubtedly, beyond question! his sovereign purse was waiting for him +somewhere on the second flight of stairs; while as his means of clandestine +entry lay warm in his fingers--the key to the dark entry, which he had by +force of habit pocketed after locking the door. + +He came to the Hog-in-the-Pound. Its windows were dim with low-turned +gas-lights. Down the covered alleyway, Quadrant Mews slept in a dusk but +fitfully relieved by a lamp or two round which the friendly mist clung +close and thick. + +There would be none to see.... + +Skulking, throat swollen with fear, heart beating like a snare-drum, +Kirkwood took his chance. Buttoning his overcoat collar up to his chin +and cursing the fact that his hat must stand out like a chimney-pot on a +detached house, he sped on tiptoe down the cobbled way and close beneath +the house-walls of Quadrant Mews. But, half-way in, he stopped, confounded +by an unforeseen difficulty. How was he to identify the narrow entry of +Number 9, whose counterparts doubtless communicated with the mews from +every residence on four sides of the city block? + +The low inner tenements were yet high enough to hide the rear elevations of +Frognall Street houses, and the mist was heavy besides; otherwise he had +made shift to locate Number 9 by ticking off the dwellings from the corner. +If he went on, hit or miss, the odds were anything-you-please to one that +he would blunder into the servant's quarters of some inhabited house, +and--be promptly and righteously sat upon by the service-staff, while the +bobby was summoned. + +Be that as it might--he almost lost his head when he realized this--escape +was already cut off by the way he had come. Some one, or, rather, some two +men were entering the alley. He could hear the tramping and shuffle of +clumsy feet, and voices that muttered indistinctly. One seemed to trip over +something, and cursed. The other laughed; the voices grew more loud. They +were coming his way. He dared no longer vacillate. + +But--which passage should he choose? + +He moved on with more haste than discretion. One heel slipped on a cobble +time-worn to glassy smoothness; he lurched, caught himself up in time to +save a fall, lost his hat, recovered it, and was discovered. A voice, +maudlin with drink, hailed and called upon him to stand and give an account +of himself, "like a goo' feller." Another tempted him with offers of drink +and sociable confabulation. He yielded not; adamantine to the seductive +lure, he picked up his heels and ran. Those behind him, remarking with +resentment the amazing fact that an intimate of the mews should run away +from liquor, cursed and made after him, veering, staggering, howling like +ravening animals. + +For all their burden of intoxication, they knew the ground by instinct and +from long association. They gained on him. Across the way a window-sash +went up with a bang, and a woman screamed. Through the only other entrance +to the mews a belated cab was homing; its driver, getting wind of the +unusual, pulled up, blocking the way, and added his advice to the uproar. + +Caught thus between two fires, and with his persecutors hard upon him, +Kirkwood dived into the nearest black hole of a passageway and in sheer +desperation flung himself, key in hand, against the door at the end. Mark +how his luck served him who had forsworn her! He found a keyhole and +inserted the key. It turned. So did the knob. The door gave inward. He fell +in with it, slammed it, shot the bolts, and, panting, leaned against its +panels, in a pit of everlasting night but--saved!--for the time being, at +all events. + +Outside somebody brushed against one wall, cannoned to the other, brought +up with a crash against the door, and, perforce at a standstill, swore from +his heart. + +"Gorblimy!" he declared feelingly. "I'd 'a' took my oath I sore'm run in +'ere!" And then, in answer to an inaudible question: "No, 'e ain't. Gorn +an' let the fool go to 'ell. 'Oo wants 'im to share goo' liker? Not I!..." + +Joining his companion he departed, leaving behind him a trail of +sulphur-tainted air. The mews quieted gradually. + +Indoors Kirkwood faced unhappily the enigma of fortuity, wondering: Was +this by any possibility Number 9? + +The key had fitted; the bolts had been drawn on the inside; and while +the key had been one of ordinary pattern and would no doubt have proven +effectual with any one of a hundred common locks, the finger of probability +seemed to indicate that his luck had brought him back to Number 9. + +In spite of all this, he was sensible of little confidence; though this +were truly Number 9, his freedom still lay on the knees of the gods, his +very life, belike, was poised, tottering, on a pinnacle of chance. + +In the end, taking heart of desperation, he stooped and removed his shoes; +a precaution which later appealed to his sense of the ridiculous, in view +of the racket he had raised in entering, but which at the moment seemed +most natural and in accordance with common sense. Then rising, he held his +breath, staring and listening. About him the pitch darkness was punctuated +with fading points of fire, and in his ears was a noise of strange +whisperings, very creepy--until, gritting his teeth, he controlled his +nerves and gradually realized that he was alone, the silence undisturbed. + +He went forward gingerly, feeling his way like a blind man on strange +ground. Ere long he stumbled over a door-sill and found that the walls +of the passage had fallen away; he had entered a room, a black cavern of +indeterminate dimensions. Across this he struck at random, walked himself +flat against a wall, felt his way along to an open door, and passed through +to another apartment as dark as the first. + +Here, endeavoring to make a circuit of the walls, he succeeded in throwing +himself bodily across a bed, which creaked horribly; and for a full minute +lay as he had fallen, scarce daring to think. But nothing followed, and he +got up and found a shut door which let him into yet a third room, wherein +he barked both shins on a chair; and escaped to a fourth whose atmosphere +was highly flavored with reluctant odors of bygone cookery, stale water and +damp plumbing--probably the kitchen. Thence progressing over complaining +floors through what may have been the servants' hall, a large room with +a table in the middle and a number of promiscuous chairs (witness his +tortured shins!), he finally blundered into the basement hallway. + +By now a little calmer, he felt assured that this was really Number 9, +Frognall Street, and a little happier about it all, though not even +momentarily forgetful of the potential police and night-watchman. + +However, he mounted the steps to the ground floor without adventure and +found himself at last in the same dim and ghostly hall which he had entered +some six hours before; the mockery of dusk admitted by the fan-light was +just strong enough to enable him to identify the general lay of the land +and arrangement of furniture. + +More confidently with each uncontested step, he continued his quest. +Elation was stirring his spirit when he gained the first floor and moved +toward the foot of the second flight, approaching the spot whereat he was +to begin the search for the missing purse. The knowledge that he lacked +means of obtaining illumination deterred him nothing; he had some hope +of finding matches in one of the adjacent rooms, but, failing that, was +prepared to ascend the stairs on all fours, feeling every inch of their +surface, if it took hours. Ever an optimistic soul, instinctively inclined +to father faith with a hope, he felt supremely confident that his search +would not prove fruitless, that he would win early release from his +temporary straits. + +And thus it fell out that, at the instant he was thinking it time to begin +to crawl and hunt, his stockinged feet came into contact with something +heavy, yielding, warm--something that moved, moaned, and caused his hair to +bristle and his flesh to creep. + +We will make allowances for him; all along he had gone on the assumption +that his antagonist of the dark stairway would have recovered and made off +with all expedition, in the course of ten or twenty minutes, at most, from +the time of his accident. To find him still there was something entirely +outside of Kirkwood's reckoning: he would as soon have thought to encounter +say, Calendar,--would have preferred the latter, indeed. But this fellow +whose disability was due to his own interference, who was reasonably to be +counted upon to raise the very deuce and all of a row! + +The initial shock, however shattering to his equanimity, soon, lost effect. +The man evidently remained unconscious, in fact had barely moved; while the +moan that Kirkwood heard, had been distressingly faint. + +"Poor devil!" murmured the young man. "He must be in a pretty bad way, for +sure!" He knelt, compassion gentling his heart, and put one hand to the +insentient face. A warm sweat moistened his fingers; his palm was fanned by +steady respiration. + +Immeasurably perplexed, the American rose, slipped on his shoes and +buttoned them, thinking hard the while. What ought he to do? Obviously +flight suggested itself,--incontinent flight, anticipating the man's +recovery. On the other hand, indubitably the latter had sustained such +injury that consciousness, when it came to him, would hardly be reinforced +by much aggressive power. Moreover, it was to be remembered that the one +was in that house with quite as much warrant as the other, unless Kirkwood +had drawn a rash inference from the incident of the ragged sentry. The two +of them were mutual, if antagonistic, trespassers; neither would dare +bring about the arrest of the other. And then--and this was not the least +consideration to influence Kirkwood--perhaps the fellow would die if he got +no attention. + +Kirkwood shut his teeth grimly. "I'm no assassin," he informed himself, "to +strike and run. If I've maimed this poor devil and there are consequences, +I'll stand 'em. The Lord knows it doesn't matter a damn to anybody, not +even to me, what happens to me; while _he_ may be valuable." + +Light upon the subject, actual as well as figurative, seemed to be the +first essential; his mind composed, Kirkwood set himself in search of it. +The floor he was on, however, afforded him no assistance; the mantels were +guiltless of candles and he discovered no matches, either in the wide and +silent drawing-room, with its ghastly furniture, like mummies in their +linen swathings, or in the small boudoir at the back. He was to look either +above or below, it seemed. + +After some momentary hesitation, he went up-stairs, his ascent marked by a +single and grateful accident; half-way to the top he trod on an object that +clinked underfoot, and, stooping, retrieved the lost purse. Thus was he +justified of his temerity; the day was saved--that is, to-morrow was. + +The rooms of the second-floor were bedchambers, broad, deep, stately, +inhabited by seven devils of loneliness. In one, on a dresser, Kirkwood +found a stump of candle in a china candlestick; the two charred ends of +matches at its base were only an irritating discovery, however--evidence +that real matches had been the mode in Number 9, at some remote date. +Disgusted and oppressed by cumulative inquisitiveness, he took the +candle-end back to the hall; he would have given much for the time and +means to make a more detailed investigation into the secret of the house. + +Perhaps it was mostly his hope of chancing on some clue to the mystery of +Dorothy Calender--bewitching riddle that she was!--that fascinated his +imagination so completely. Aside from her altogether, the great house that +stood untenanted, yet in such complete order, so self-contained in its +darkened quiet, intrigued him equally with the train of inexplicable events +that had brought him within its walls. Now--since his latest entrance--his +vision had adjusted itself to cope with the obscurity to some extent; and +the street lights, meagerly reflected through the windows from the bosom of +a sullen pall of cloud, low-swung above the city, had helped him to piece +together many a detail of decoration and furnishing, alike somber and +richly dignified. Kirkwood told himself that the owner, whoever he might +be, was a man of wealth and taste inherited from another age; he had found +little of meretricious to-day in the dwelling, much that was solid and +sedate and homely, and--Victorian.... He could have wished for more; a box +of early Victorian vestas had been highly acceptable. + +Making his way down-stairs to the stricken man--who was quite as he had +been--Kirkwood bent over and thrust rifling fingers into his pockets, +regardless of the wretched sense of guilt and sneakishness imparted by the +action, stubbornly heedless of the possibility of the man's awakening to +find himself being searched and robbed. + +In the last place he sought, which should (he realized) have been the +first, to wit, the fob pocket of the white waistcoat, he found a small gold +matchbox, packed tight with wax vestas; and, berating himself for crass +stupidity--he had saved a deal of time and trouble by thinking of this +before--lighted the candle. + +As its golden flame shot up with scarce a tremor, preyed upon by a +perfectly excusable concern, he bent to examine the man's countenance.... +The arm which had partly hidden it had fallen back into a natural position. +It was a young face that gleamed pallid in the candlelight--a face unlined, +a little vapid and insignificant, with features regular and neat, betraying +few characteristics other than the purely negative attributes of a +character as yet unformed, possibly unformable; much the sort of a face +that he might have expected to see, remembering those thin and pouting lips +that before had impressed him. Its owner was probably little more than +twenty. In his attire there was a suspicion of a fop's preciseness, aside +from its accidental disarray; the cut of his waistcoat was the extreme of +the then fashion, the white tie (twisted beneath one ear) an exaggerated +"butterfly," his collar nearly an inch too tall; and he was shod with pumps +suitable only for the dancing-floor,--a whim of the young-bloods of London +of that year. + +"I can't make him out at all!" declared Kirkwood. "The son of a gentleman +too weak to believe that cubs need licking into shape? Reared to man's +estate, so sheltered from the wicked world that he never grew a bark?... +The sort that never had a quarrel in his life, 'cept with his tailor?... +Now what the devil is _this_ thing doing in this midnight mischief?... +Damn!" + +It was most exasperating, the incongruity of the boy's appearance assorted +with his double rôle of persecutor of distressed damsels and nocturnal +house-breaker! + +Kirkwood bent closer above the motionless head, with puzzled eyes striving +to pin down some elusive resemblance that he thought to trace in those +vacuous features--a resemblance to some one he had seen, or known, at some +past time, somewhere, somehow. + +"I give it up. Guess I'm mistaken. Anyhow, five young Englishmen out of +every ten of his class are just as blond and foolish. Now let's see how bad +he's hurt." + +With hands strong and gentle, he turned the round, light head. Then, "Ah!" +he commented in the accent of comprehension. For there was an angry looking +bump at the base of the skull; and, the skin having been broken, possibly +in collision with the sharp-edged newel-post, a little blood had stained +and matted the straw-colored hair. + +Kirkwood let the head down and took thought. Recalling a bath-room on the +floor above, thither he went, unselfishly forgetful of his predicament if +discovered, and, turning on the water, sopped his handkerchief until it +dripped. Then, returning, he took the boy's head on his knees, washed the +wound, purloined another handkerchief (of silk, with a giddy border) +from the other's pocket, and of this manufactured a rude but serviceable +bandage. + +Toward the conclusion of his attentions, the sufferer began to show signs +of returning animation. He stirred restlessly, whimpered a little, and +sighed. And Kirkwood, in consternation, got up. + +"So!" he commented ruefully. "I guess I am an ass, all right--taking all +that trouble for you, my friend. If I've got a grain of sense left, this is +my cue to leave you alone in your glory." + +He was lingering only to restore to the boy's pockets such articles as he +had removed in the search for matches,--the match-box, a few silver coins, +a bulky sovereign purse, a handsome, plain gold watch, and so forth. But +ere he concluded he was aware that the boy was conscious, that his eyes, +open and blinking in the candlelight, were upon him. + +They were blue eyes, blue and shallow as a doll's, and edged with long, +fine lashes. Intelligence, of a certain degree, was rapidly informing them. +Kirkwood returned their questioning glance, transfixed in indecision, his +primal impulse to cut-and-run for it was gone; he had nothing to fear from +this child who could not prevent his going whenever he chose to go; while +by remaining he might perchance worm from him something about the girl. + +"You're feeling better?" He was almost surprised to hear his own voice put +the query. + +"I--I think so. Ow, my head!... I say, you chap, whoever you are, what's +happened?... I want to get up." The boy added peevishly: "Help a fellow, +can't you?" + +"You've had a nasty fall," Kirkwood observed evenly, passing an arm +beneath the boy's shoulder and helping him to a sitting position. "Do you +remember?" + +The other snuffled childishly and scrubbed across the floor to rest his +back against the wall. + +"Why-y ... I remember fallin'; and then ... I woke up and it was all dark +and my head achin' fit to split. I presume I went to sleep again ... I say, +what're you, doing here?" + +Instead of replying, Kirkwood lifted a warning finger. + +"Hush!" he said tensely, alarmed by noises in the street. "You don't +suppose--?" + +He had been conscious of a carriage rolling up from the corner, as well as +that it had drawn up (presumably) before a near-by dwelling. Now the rattle +of a key in the hall-door was startlingly audible. Before he could move, +the door itself opened with a slam. + +Kirkwood moved toward the stair-head, and drew back with a cry of disgust. +"Too late!" he told himself bitterly; his escape was cut off. He could run +up-stairs and hide, of course, but the boy would inform against him and.... + +He buttoned up his coat, settled his hat on his head, and moved near the +candle, where it rested on the floor. One glimpse would suffice to show him +the force of the intruders, and one move of his foot put out the light; +then--_perhaps_--he might be able to rush them. + +Below, a brief pause had followed the noise of the door, as if those +entering were standing, irresolute, undecided which way to turn; but +abruptly enough the glimmer of candlelight must have been noticed. Kirkwood +heard a hushed exclamation, a quick clatter of high heels on the parquetry, +pattering feet on the stairs, all but drowned by swish and ripple of silken +skirts; and a woman stood at the head of the flight--to the American an +apparition profoundly amazing as she paused, the light from the floor +casting odd, theatric shadows beneath her eyes and over her brows, edging +her eyes themselves with brilliant light beneath their dark lashes, showing +her lips straight and drawn, and shimmering upon the spangles of an evening +gown, visible beneath the dark cloak which had fallen back from her white, +beautiful shoulders. + + + + +VIII + + +MADAME L'INTRIGANTE + +"Mrs. Hallam!" cried Kirkwood, beneath his breath. + +The woman ignored his existence. Moving swiftly forward, she dropped on +both knees by the side of the boy, and caught up one of his hands, clasping +it passionately in her own. + +"Fred!" she cried, a curious break in her tone. "My little Freddie! Oh, +what has happened, dearie?" + +"Oh, hello, Mamma," grunted that young man, submitting listlessly to her +caresses and betraying no overwhelming surprise at her appearance there. +Indeed he seemed more concerned as to what Kirkwood, an older man, would +be thinking, to see him so endeared and fondled, than moved by any other +emotion. Kirkwood could see his shamefaced, sidelong glances; and despised +him properly for them. + +But without attending to his response, Mrs. Hallam rattled on in the uneven +accents of excitement. "I waited until I couldn't wait any longer, Freddie +dear. I had to know--had to come. Eccles came home about nine and said that +you had told him to wait outside, that some one had followed you in here, +and that a bobby had told him to move on. I didn't know what--" + +"What's o'clock now?" her son interrupted. + +"It's about three, I think ... Have you hurt yourself, dear? Oh, why +_didn't_ you come home? You must've known I was dying of anxiety!" + +"Oh, I say! Can't you see I'm hurt? 'Had a nasty fall and must've been +asleep ever since." + +"My precious one! How--?" + +"Can't say, hardly ... I say, don't paw a chap so, Mamma ... I brought +Eccles along and told him to wait because--well, because I didn't feel so +much like shuttin' myself up in this beastly old tomb. So I left the door +ajar, and told him not to let anybody come in. Then I came up-stairs. There +must've been somebody already in the house; I know I _thought_ there was. +It made me feel creepy, rather. At any rate, I heard voices down below, and +the door banged, and somebody began hammerin' like fun on the knocker." + +The boy paused, rolling an embarrassed eye up at the stranger. + +"Yes, yes, dear!" Mrs. Hallam urged him on. + +"Why, I--I made up my mind to cut my stick--let whoever it was pass me on +the stairs, you know. But he followed me and struck me, and then I jumped +at him, and we both fell down the whole flight. And that's all. Besides, my +head's achin' like everything." + +"But this man--?" + +Mrs. Hallam looked up at Kirkwood, who bowed silently, struggling to hide +both his amusement and perplexity. More than ever, now, the case presented +a front inscrutable to his wits; try as he might, he failed to fit an +explanation to any incident in which he had figured, while this last +development--that his antagonist of the dark stairway had been Mrs. +Hallam's son!--seemed the most astounding of all, baffling elucidation +completely. + +He had abandoned all thought of flight and escape. It was too late; in the +brisk idiom of his mother-tongue, he was "caught with the goods on." "May +as well face the music," he counseled himself, in resignation. From what he +had seen and surmised of Mrs. Hallam, he shrewdly suspected that the tune +would prove an exceedingly lively one; she seemed a woman of imagination, +originality, and an able-bodied temper. + +"_You_, Mr. Kirkwood!" + +Again he bowed, grinning awry. + +She rose suddenly. "You will be good enough to explain your presence here," +she informed him with dangerous serenity. + +"To be frank with you--" + +"I advise that course, Mr. Kirkwood." + +"Thanks, awf'ly.... I came here, half an hour ago, looking for a lost purse +full--well, not _quite_ full of sovereigns. It was my purse, by the way." + +Suspicion glinted like foxfire in the cold green eyes beneath her puckered +brows. "I do not understand," she said slowly and in level tones. + +"I didn't expect you to," returned Kirkwood; "no more do I.... But, anyway, +it must be clear to you that I've done my best for this gentleman here." He +paused with an interrogative lift of his eyebrows. + +"'This gentleman' is my son, Frederick Hallam.... But you will explain--" + +"Pardon me, Mrs. Hallam; I shall explain nothing, at present. Permit me +to point out that your position here--like mine--is, to say the least, +anomalous." The random stroke told, as he could tell by the instant +contraction of her eyes of a cat. "It would be best to defer explanations +till a more convenient time--don't you think? Then, if you like, we can +chant confidences in an antiphonal chorus. Just now your--er--son is not +enjoying himself apparently, and ... the attention of the police had best +not be called to this house too often in one night." + +His levity seemed to displease and perturb the woman; she turned from him +with an impatient movement of her shoulders. + +"Freddie, dear, do you feel able to walk?" + +"Eh? Oh, I dare say--I don't know. Wonder would your friend--ah--Mr. +Kirkwood, lend me an arm?" + +"Charmed," Kirkwood declared suavely. "If you'll take the candle, Mrs. +Hallam--" + +He helped the boy to his feet and, while the latter hung upon him and +complained querulously, stood waiting for the woman to lead the way with +the light; something which, however, she seemed in no haste to do. The +pause at length puzzled Kirkwood, and he turned, to find Mrs. Hallam +holding the candlestick and regarding him steadily, with much the same +expression of furtive mistrust as that with which she had favored him on +her own door-stoop. + +[Illustration: He helped the boy to his feet, and stood waiting.] + +"One moment," she interposed in confusion; "I won't keep you waiting...;" +and, passing with an averted face, ran quickly up-stairs to the second +floor, taking the light with her. Its glow faded from the walls above and +Kirkwood surmised that she had entered the front bedchamber. For some +moments he could hear her moving about; once, something scraped and bumped +on the floor, as if a heavy bit of furniture had been moved; again there +was a resounding thud that defied speculation; and this was presently +followed by a dull clang of metal. + +His fugitive speculations afforded him little enlightenment; and, meantime, +young Hallam, leaning partly against the wall and quite heavily on +Kirkwood's arm, filled his ears with puerile oaths and lamentations; so +that, but for the excuse of his really severe shaking-up, Kirkwood had +been strongly tempted to take the youngster by the shoulders and kick him +heartily, for the health of his soul. + +But eventually--it was not really long--there came the quick rush of Mrs. +Hallam's feet along the upper hall, and the woman reappeared, one hand +holding her skirts clear of her pretty feet as she descended in a rush that +caused the candle's flame to flicker perilously. + +Half-way down, "Mr. Kirkwood!" she called tempestuously. + +"Didn't you find it?" he countered blandly. + +She stopped jerkily at the bottom, and, after a moment of confusion. "Find +what, sir?" she asked. + +"What you sought, Mrs. Hallam." + +Smiling, he bore unflinching the prolonged inspection of her eyes, at once +somber with doubt of him and flashing with indignation because of his +impudence. + +"You knew I wouldn't find it, then!... Didn't you?" + +"I may have suspected you wouldn't." + +Now he was sure that she had been searching for the gladstone bag. That, +evidently, was the bone of contention. Calendar had sent his daughter for +it, Mrs. Hallam her son; Dorothy had been successful ... But, on the other +hand, Calendar and Mrs. Hallam were unquestionably allies. Why, then--? + +"Where is it, Mr. Kirkwood?" + +"Madam, have you the right to know?" + +Through another lengthening pause, while they faced each other, he marked +again the curious contraction of her under lip. + +"I have the right," she declared steadily. "Where is it?" + +"How can I be sure?" + +"Then you don't know--!" + +"Indeed," he interrupted, "I would be glad to feel that I ought to tell you +what I know." + +"_What_ you know!" + +The exclamation, low-spoken, more an echo of her thoughts than intended +for Kirkwood, was accompanied by a little shake of the woman's head, mute +evidence to the fact that she was bewildered by his finesse. And this +delighted the young man beyond measure, making him feel himself master of +a difficult situation. Mysteries had been woven before his eyes so +persistently, of late, that it was a real pleasure to be able to do a +little mystifying on his own account. By adopting this reticent and +non-committal attitude, he was forcing the hand of a woman old enough to be +his mother and most evidently a past-mistress in the art of misleading. All +of which seemed very fascinating to the amateur in adventure. + +The woman would have led again, but young Hallam cut in, none too +courteously. + +"I say, Mamma, it's no good standing here, palaverin' like a lot of flats. +Besides, I'm awf'ly knocked up. Let's get home and have it out there." + +Instantly his mother softened. "My poor boy!... Of course we'll go." + +Without further demur she swept past and down the stairway before +them--slowly, for their progress was of necessity slow, and the light most +needed. Once they were in the main hall, however, she extinguished the +candle, placed it on a side table, and passed out through the door. + +It had been left open, as before; and Kirkwood was not at all surprised to +see a man waiting on the threshold,--the versatile Eccles, if he erred not. +He had little chance to identify him, as it happened, for at a word from +Mrs. Hallam the man bowed and, following her across the sidewalk, opened +the door of a four-wheeler which, with lamps alight and liveried driver on +the box, had been waiting at the carriage-block. + +As they passed out, Kirkwood shut the door; and at the same moment the +little party was brought up standing by a gruff and authoritative summons. + +"Just a minute, please, you there!" + +"Aha!" said Kirkwood to himself. "I thought so." And he halted, in +unfeigned respect for the burly and impressive figure, garbed in blue and +brass, helmeted and truncheoned, bull's-eye shining on breast like the +Law's unblinking and sleepless eye, barring the way to the carriage. + +Mrs. Hallam showed less deference for the obstructionist. The assumed +hauteur and impatience of her pose was artfully reflected in her voice as +she rounded upon the bobby, with an indignant demand: "What is the meaning +of this, officer?" + +"Precisely what I wants to know, ma'am," returned the man, unyielding +beneath his respectful attitude. "I'm obliged to ask you to tell me what +you were doing in that 'ouse.... And what's the matter with this 'ere +gentleman?" he added, with a dubious stare at young Hallam's bandaged head +and rumpled clothing. + +"Perhaps you don't understand," admitted Mrs. Hallam sweetly. "Of course--I +see--it's perfectly natural. The house has been shut up for some time +and--" + +"Thank you, ma'am; that's just it. There was something wrong going on early +in the evening, and I was told to keep an eye on the premises. It's duty, +ma'am; I've got my report to make." + +"The house," said Mrs. Hallam, with the long-suffering patience of one +elucidating a perfectly plain proposition to a being of a lower order of +intelligence, "is the property of my son, Arthur Frederick Burgoyne Hallam, +of Cornwall. This is--" + +"Beg pardon, ma'am, but I was told Colonel George Burgoyne, of Cornwall--" + +"Colonel Burgoyne died some time ago. My son is his heir. This is my son. +He came to the house this evening to get some property he desired, and--it +seems--tripped on the stairs and fell unconscious. I became worried about +him and drove over, accompanied by my friend, Mr. Kirkwood." + +The policeman looked his troubled state of mind, and wagged a doubtful head +over the case. There was his duty, and there was, opposed to it, the fact +that all three were garbed in the livery of the well-to-do. + +At length, turning to the driver, he demanded, received, and noted in his +memorandum-book, the license number of the equipage. + +"It's a very unusual case, ma'am," he apologized; "I hopes you won't 'old +it against me. I'm only trying to do my duty--" + +"And safeguard our property. You are perfectly justified, officer." + +"Thank you, ma'am. And would you mind giving me your cards, please, all of +you?" + +"Certainly not." Without hesitation the woman took a little hand-bag from +the seat of the carriage and produced a card; her son likewise found his +case and handed the officer an oblong slip. + +"I've no cards with me," the American told the policeman; "my name, +however, is Philip Kirkwood, and I'm staying at the Pless." + +"Very good, sir; thank you." The man penciled the information in his little +book. "Thank you, ma'am, and Mr. Hallam, sir. Sorry to have detained you. +Good morning." + +Kirkwood helped young Hallam into the carriage, gave Mrs. Hallam his hand, +and followed her. The man Eccles shut the door, mounting the box beside the +driver. Immediately they were in motion. + +The American got a final glimpse of the bobby, standing in front of Number +9, Frognall Street, and watching them with an air of profound uncertainty. +He had Kirkwood's sympathy, therein; but he had little time to feel with +him, for Mrs. Hallam turned upon him very suddenly. + +"Mr. Kirkwood, will you be good enough to tell me who and what you are?" + +The young man smiled his homely, candid smile. "I'll be only too glad, Mrs. +Hallam, when I feel sure you'll do as much for yourself." + +She gave him no answer; it, was as if she were choosing words. Kirkwood +braced himself to meet the storm; but none ensued. There was rather a lull, +which strung itself out indefinitely, to the monotonous music of hoofs and +rubber tires. + +Young Hallam was resting his empty blond head against the cushions, and had +closed his eyes. He seemed to doze; but, as the carriage rolled past the +frequent street-lights, Kirkwood could see that the eyes of Mrs. Hallam +were steadily directed to his face. + +His outward composure was tempered by some amusement, by more admiration; +the woman's eyes were very handsome, even when hardest and most cold. It +was not easy to conceive of her as being the mother of a son so immaturely +mature. Why, she must have been at least thirty-eight or -nine! One +wondered; she did not look it.... + +The carriage stopped before a house with lighted windows. Eccles jumped +down from the box and scurried to open the front door. The radiance of +a hall-lamp was streaming out into the misty night when he returned to +release his employers. + +They were returned to Craven Street! "One more lap round the track!" mused +Kirkwood. "Wonder will the next take me back to Bermondsey Old Stairs." + +At Mrs. Hallam's direction, Eccles ushered him into the smoking-room, on +the ground floor in the rear of the dwelling, there to wait while she +helped her son up-stairs and to bed. He sighed with pleasure at first +glimpse of its luxurious but informal comforts, and threw himself +carelessly into a heavily padded lounging-chair, dropping one knee over the +other and lighting the last of his expensive cigars, with a sensation of +undiluted gratitude; as one coming to rest in the shadow of a great rock in +a weary land. + +Over his shoulder a home-like illumination was cast by an electric +reading-lamp shaded with red silk. At his feet brass fire-dogs winked +sleepily in the fluttering blaze of a well-tended stove. The walls were +hung with deep red, the doors and divans upholstered in the same restful +shade. In one corner an old clock ticked soberly. The atmosphere would +have proved a potent invitation to reverie, if not to sleep--he was very +sleepy--but for the confusion in the house. + +In its chambers, through the halls, on the stairs, there were hurryings and +scurryings of feet and skirts, confused with murmuring voices. Presently, +in an adjoining room, Philip Kirkwood heard a maid-servant wrestling +hopefully with that most exasperating of modern time-saving devices, +the telephone as countenanced by our English cousins. Her patience and +determination won his approval, but availed nothing for her purpose; in the +outcome the telephone triumphed and the maid gave up the unequal contest. + +Later, a butler entered the room; a short and sturdy fellow, extremely ill +at ease. Drawing a small taboret to the side of Kirkwood's chair, he placed +thereon a tray, deferentially imparting the information that "Missis 'Allam +'ad thought 'ow as Mister Kirkwood might care for a bit of supper." + +"Please thank Mrs. Hallam for me." Kirkwood's gratified eyes ranged the +laden tray. There were sandwiches, biscuit, cheese, and a pot of black +coffee, with sugar and cream. "It was very kindly thought of," he added. + +"Very good, sir, thank you, sir." + +The man turned to go, shuffling soundlessly. Kirkwood was suddenly +impressed with his evasiveness; ever since he had entered the room, his +countenance had seemed turned from the guest. + +"Eccles!" he called sharply, at a venture. + +The butler halted, thunderstruck. "Ye-es, s-sir?" + +[Illustration: Eccles] + +"Turn round, Eccles; I want a look at you." + +Eccles faced him unwillingly, with a stolid front but shifty eyes. Kirkwood +glanced him up and down, grinning. + +"Thank you, Eccles; I'll remember you now. You'll remember me, too, won't +you? You're a bad actor, aren't you, Eccles?" + +"Yes, sir; thank you, sir," mumbled the man unhappily; and took instant +advantage of the implied permission to go. + +Intensely diverted by the recollection of Eccles' abortive attempt to stop +him at the door of Number 9, and wondering--now that he came to think of +it--why, precisely, young Hallam had deemed it necessary to travel with +a body-guard and adopt such furtive methods to enter into as well as to +obtain what was asserted to be his own property, Kirkwood turned active +attention to the lunch. + +Thoughtfully he poured himself a cup of coffee, swallowing it hot and black +as it came from the silver pot; then munched the sandwiches. + +It _was_ kindly thought of, this early morning repast; Mrs. Hallam seemed +more and more a remarkable woman with each phase of her character that she +chose to disclose. At odds with him, she yet took time to think of his +creature needs! + +What could be her motive,--not in feeding him, but in involving her name +and fortune in an affair so strangely flavored?... This opened up a desert +waste of barren speculation. "What's anybody's motive, who figures in this +thundering dime-novel?" demanded the American, almost contemptuously. +And--for the hundredth time--gave it up; the day should declare it, if so +hap he lived to see that day: a distant one, he made no doubt. The only +clear fact in his befogged and bemused mentality was that he was at once +"broke" and in this business up to his ears. Well, he'd see it through; +he'd nothing better to do, and--there was the girl: + +Dorothy, whose eyes and lips he had but to close his own eyes to see +again as vividly as though she stood before him; Dorothy, whose unspoiled +sweetness stood out in vivid relief against this moil and toil of +conspiracy, like a star of evening shining clear in a stormy sky. + +"Poetic simile: I'm going fast," conceded Kirkwood; but he did not smile. +It was becoming quite too serious a matter for laughter. For her sake, +he was in the game "for keeps"; especially in view of the fact that +everything--his own heart's inclination included--seemed to conspire to +keep him in it. Of course he hoped for nothing in return; a pauper who +turns squire-of-dames with matrimonial intent is open to the designation, +"penniless adventurer." No; whatever service he might be to the girl would +be ample recompense to him for his labors. And afterwards, he'd go his +way in peace; she'd soon forget him--if she hadn't already. Women (he +propounded gravely) are queer: there's no telling anything about them! + +One of the most unreadable specimens of the sex on which he pronounced this +highly original dictum, entered the room just then; and he found himself at +once out of his chair and his dream, bowing. + +"Mrs. Hallam." + +The woman nodded and smiled graciously. "Eccles has attended to your needs, +I hope? Please don't stop smoking." She sank into an arm-chair on the +other side of the hearth and, probably by accident, out of the radius of +illumination from the lamp; sitting sidewise, one knee above the other, her +white arms immaculate against the somber background of shadowed crimson. + +She was very handsome indeed, just then; though a keener light might have +proved less flattering. + +"Now, Mr. Kirkwood?" she opened briskly, with a second intimate and +friendly nod; and paused, her pose receptive. + +Kirkwood sat down again, smiling good-natured appreciation of her +unprejudiced attitude. + +"Your son, Mrs. Hallam--?" + +"Oh, Freddie's doing well enough.... Freddie," she explained, "has a +delicate constitution and has seen little of the world. Such melodrama +as to-night's is apt to shock him severely. We must make allowances, Mr. +Kirkwood." + +Kirkwood grinned again, a trace unsympathetically; he was unable to +simulate any enthusiasm on the subject of poor Freddie, whom he had sized +up with passable acumen as a spoiled and coddled child completely under the +thumb of an extremely clever mother. + +"Yes," he responded vaguely; "he'll be quite fit after a night's sleep, I +dare say." + +The woman was watching him keenly, beneath her lowered lashes. "I think," +she said deliberately, "that it is time we came to an understanding." + +Kirkwood agreed--"Yes?" affably. + +"I purpose being perfectly straightforward. To begin with, I don't place +you, Mr. Kirkwood. You are an unknown quantity, a new factor. Won't you +please tell me what you are and.... Are you a friend of Mr. Calendar's?" + +"I think I may lay claim to that honor, though"--to Kirkwood's way of +seeing things some little frankness on his own part would be essential if +they were to get on--"I hardly know him, Mrs. Hallam. I had the pleasure of +meeting him only this afternoon." + +She knitted her brows over this statement. + +"That, I assure you, is the truth," he laughed. + +"But ... I really don't understand." + +"Nor I, Mrs. Hallam. Calendar aside, I am Philip Kirkwood, American, +resident abroad for some years, a native of San Francisco, of a certain +age, unmarried, by profession a poor painter." + +"And--?" + +"Beyond that? I presume I must tell you, though I confess I'm in doubt...." +He hesitated, weighing candor in the balance with discretion. + +"But who are you for? Are you in George Calendar's pay?" + +"Heaven forfend!"--piously. "My sole interest at the present moment is to +unravel a most entrancing mystery--" + +"Entitled 'Dorothy Calendar'! Of course. You've known her long?" + +"Eight hours, I believe," he admitted gravely; "less than that, in fact." + +"Miss Calendar's interests will not suffer through anything you may tell +me." + +"Whether they will or no, I see I must swing a looser tongue, or you'll be +showing me the door." + +The woman shook her head, amused, "Not until," she told him significantly. + +"Very well, then." And he launched into an abridged narrative of the +night's events, as he understood them, touching lightly on his own +circumstances, the real poverty which had brought him back to Craven Street +by way of Frognall. "And there you have it all, Mrs. Hallam." + +She sat in silent musing. Now and again he caught the glint of her eyes +and knew that he was being appraised with such trained acumen as only +long knowledge of men can give to women. He wondered if he were found +wanting.... Her dark head bended, elbow on knee, chin resting lightly in +the cradle of her slender, parted fingers, the woman thought profoundly, +her reverie ending with a brief, curt laugh, musical and mirthless as the +sound of breaking glass. + +"It is so like Calendar!" she exclaimed: "so like him that one sees how +foolish it was to trust--no, not to trust, but to believe that he could +ever be thrown off the scent, once he got nose to ground. So, if we suffer, +my son and I, I shall have only myself to thank!" + +Kirkwood waited in patient attention till she chose to continue. When she +did "Now for my side of the case!" cried Mrs. Hallam; and rising, began to +pace the room, her slender and rounded figure swaying gracefully, the while +she talked. + +"George Calendar is a scoundrel," she said: "a swindler, gambler,--what I +believe you Americans call a confidence-man. He is also my late husband's +first cousin. Some years since he found it convenient to leave England, +likewise his wife and daughter. Mrs. Calendar, a country-woman of yours, by +the bye, died shortly afterwards. Dorothy, by the merest accident, obtained +a situation as private secretary in the household of the late Colonel +Burgoyne, of The Cliffs, Cornwall. You follow me?" + +"Yes, perfectly." + +"Colonel Burgoyne died, leaving his estates to my son, some time ago. +Shortly afterwards Dorothy Calendar disappeared. We know now that her +father took her away, but then the disappearance seemed inexplicable, +especially since with her vanished a great deal of valuable information. +She alone knew of the location of certain of the old colonel's personal +effects." + +"He was an eccentric. One of his peculiarities involved the secreting of +valuables in odd places; he had no faith in banks. Among these valuables +were the Burgoyne family jewels--quite a treasure, believe me, Mr. +Kirkwood. We found no note of them among the colonel's papers, and without +Dorothy were powerless to pursue a search for them. We advertised and +employed detectives, with no result. It seems that father and daughter were +at Monte Carlo at the time." + +"Beautifully circumstantial, my dear lady," commented Kirkwood--to his +inner consciousness. Outwardly he maintained consistently a pose of +impassive gullibility. + +"This afternoon, for the first time, we received news of the Calendars. +Calendar himself called upon me, to beg a loan. I explained our difficulty +and he promised that Dorothy should send us the information by the +morning's post. When I insisted, he agreed to bring it himself, after +dinner, this evening.... I make it quite clear?" she interrupted, a little +anxious. + +"Quite clear, I assure you," he assented encouragingly. + +"Strangely enough, he had not been gone ten minutes when my son came +in from a conference with our solicitors, informing me that at last a +memorandum had turned up, indicating that the heirlooms would be found in a +safe secreted behind a dresser in Colonel Burgoyne's bedroom." + +"At Number 9, Frognall Street." + +"Yes.... I proposed going there at once, but it was late and we were dining +at the Pless with an acquaintance, a Mr. Mulready, whom I now recall as a +former intimate of George Calendar. To our surprise we saw Calendar and his +daughter at a table not far from ours. Mr. Mulready betrayed some agitation +at the sight of Calendar, and told me that Scotland Yard had a man out with +a warrant for Calendar's arrest, on old charges. For old sake's sake, Mr. +Mulready begged me to give Calendar a word of warning. I did so--foolishly, +it seems: Calendar was at that moment planning to rob us, Mulready aiding +and abetting him." + +The woman paused before Kirkwood, looking down upon him. "And so," she +concluded, "we have been tricked and swindled. I can scarcely believe it of +Dorothy Calendar." + +"I, for one, don't believe it." Kirkwood spoke quietly, rising. "Whatever +the culpability of Calendar and Mulready, Dorothy was only their hoodwinked +tool." + +"But, Mr. Kirkwood, she must have known the jewels were not hers." + +"Yes," he assented passively, but wholly unconvinced. + +"And what," she demanded with a gesture of exasperation, "what would you +advise?" + +"Scotland Yard," he told her bluntly. + +"But it's a family secret! It must not appear in the papers. Don't you +understand--George Calendar is my husband's cousin!" + +"I can think of nothing else, unless you pursue them in person." + +"But--whither?" + +"That remains to be discovered; I can tell you nothing more than I have.... +May I thank you for your hospitality, express my regrets that I should +unwittingly have been made the agent of this disaster, and wish you good +night--or, rather, good morning, Mrs. Hallam?" + +For a moment she held him under a calculating glance which he withstood +with graceless fortitude. Then, realizing that he was determined not by any +means to be won to her cause, she gave him her hand, with a commonplace +wish that he might find his affairs in better order than seemed probable; +and rang for Eccles. + +The butler showed him out. + +He took away with him two strong impressions; the one visual, of a +strikingly handsome woman in a wonderful gown, standing under the red glow +of a reading-lamp, in an attitude of intense mental concentration, her +expression plainly indicative of a train of thought not guiltless of +vindictiveness; the other, more mental but as real, he presently voiced to +the huge bronze lions brooding over desolate Trafalgar Square. + +"Well," appreciated Mr. Kirkwood with gusto, "_she's_ got Ananias and +Sapphira talked to a standstill, all right!" He ruminated over this for +a moment. "Calendar can lie some, too; but hardly with her picturesque +touch.... Uncommon ingenious, _I_ call it. All the same, there were only +about a dozen bits of tiling that didn't fit into her mosaic a little +bit.... I think they're all tarred with the same stick--all but the girl. +And there's something afoot a long sight more devilish and crafty than that +shilling-shocker of madam's.... Dorothy Calendar's got about as much active +part in it as I have. I'm only from California, but they've got to show +me, before I'll believe a word against her. Those infernal +scoundrels!...Somebody's got to be on the girl's side and I seem to have +drawn the lucky straw.... Good Heavens! is it possible for a grown man to +fall heels over head in love in two short hours? I don't believe it. It's +just interest--nothing more.... And I'll have to have a change of clothes +before I can do anything further." + +He bowed gratefully to the lions, in view of their tolerant interest in his +soliloquy, and set off very suddenly round the square and up St. Martin's +Lane, striking across town as directly as might be for St. Pancras Station. +It would undoubtedly be a long walk, but cabs were prohibited by his +straitened means, and the busses were all abed and wouldn't be astir for +hours. + +He strode along rapidly, finding his way more through intuition than by +observation or familiarity with London's geography--indeed, was scarce +aware of his surroundings; for his brain was big with fine imagery, rapt in +a glowing dream of knighterrantry and chivalric deeds. + +Thus is it ever and alway with those who in the purity of young hearts rush +in where angels fear to tread; if these, Kirkwood and his ilk, be fools, +thank God for them, for with such foolishness is life savored and made +sweet and sound! To Kirkwood the warp of the world and the woof of it was +Romance, and it wrapped him round, a magic mantle to set him apart from +all things mean and sordid and render him impregnable and invisible to the +haunting Shade of Care. + +Which, by the same token, presently lost track of him entirely, and +wandered off to find and bedevil some other poor devil. And Kirkwood, his +eyes like his spirit elevated, saw that the clouds of night were breaking, +the skies clearing, that the East pulsed ever more strongly with the +dim golden promise of the day to come. And this he chose to take for an +omen--prematurely, it may be. + + + + +IX + + +AGAIN "BELOW BRIDGE"; AND BEYOND + +Kirkwood wasted little time, who had not much to waste, were he to do that +upon whose doing he had set his heart. It irked him sore to have to lose +the invaluable moments demanded by certain imperative arrangements, but his +haste was such that all was consummated within an hour. + +Within the period of a single hour, then, he had ransomed his luggage at +St. Pancras, caused it to be loaded upon a four-wheeler and transferred to +a neighboring hotel of evil flavor but moderate tariff, where he engaged +a room for a week, ordered an immediate breakfast, and retired with his +belongings to his room; he had shaved and changed his clothes, selecting +a serviceable suit of heavy tweeds, stout shoes, a fore-and-aft cap and a +negligée shirt of a deep shade calculated at least to seem clean for a long +time; finally, he had devoured his bacon and eggs, gulped down his coffee +and burned his mouth, and, armed with a stout stick, set off hotfoot in the +still dim glimmering of early day. + +By this time his cash capital had dwindled to the sum of two pounds, ten +shillings, eight-pence, and would have been much less had he paid for his +lodging in advance. But he considered his trunks ample security for the +bill, and dared not wait the hour when shopkeepers begin to take down +shutters and it becomes possible to realize upon one's jewelry. Besides +which, he had never before been called upon to consider the advisability of +raising money by pledging personal property, and was in considerable doubt +as to the right course of procedure in such emergency. + +At King's Cross Station on the Underground an acute disappointment awaited +him; there, likewise, he learned something about London. A sympathetic +bobby informed him that no trains would be running until after five-thirty, +and that, furthermore, no busses would begin to ply until half after seven. + +"It's tramp it or cab it, then," mused the young man mournfully, his +longing gaze seeking a nearby cab-rank--just then occupied by a solitary +hansom, driver somnolent on the box. "Officer," he again addressed +the policeman, mindful of the English axiom: "When in doubt, ask a +bobby."--"Officer, when's high-tide this morning?" + +The bobby produced a well-worn pocket-almanac, moistened a massive thumb, +and rippled the pages. + +"London Bridge, 'igh tide twenty minutes arfter six, sir," he announced +with a glow of satisfaction wholly pardonable in one who combines the +functions of perambulating almanac, guide-book, encyclopedia, and conserver +of the peace. + +Kirkwood said something beneath his breath--a word in itself a comfortable +mouthful and wholesome and emphatic. He glanced again at the cab and +groaned: "O Lord, I just dassent!" With which, thanking the bureau of +information, he set off at a quick step down Grey's Inn Road. + +The day had closed down in brilliance upon the city--and the voice of the +milkman was to be heard in the land--when he trudged, still briskly if a +trifle wearily, into Holborn, and held on eastward across the Viaduct and +down Newgate Street; the while addling his weary wits with heart-sickening +computations of minutes, all going hopelessly to prove that he would be +late, far too late even presupposing the unlikely. The unlikely, be it +known, was that the _Alethea_ would not attempt to sail before the turn of +the tide. + +For this was his mission, to find the _Alethea_ before she sailed. +Incredible as it may appear, at five o'clock, or maybe earlier, on the +morning of the twenty-second of April, 1906, A.D., Philip Kirkwood, +normally a commonplace but likable young American in full possession of +his senses, might have been seen (and by some was seen) plodding manfully +through Cheapside, London, England, engaged upon a quest as mad, forlorn, +and gallant as any whose chronicle ever inspired the pen of a Malory or +a Froissart. In brief he proposed to lend his arm and courage to be the +shield and buckler of one who might or might not be a damsel in distress; +according as to whether Mrs. Hallam had spoken soothly of Dorothy Calendar, +or Kirkwood's own admirable faith in the girl were justified of itself. + +Proceeding upon the working hypothesis that Mrs. Hallam was a polished liar +in most respects, but had told the truth, so far as concerned her statement +to the effect that the gladstone bag contained valuable real property +(whose ownership remained a moot question, though Kirkwood was definitely +committed to the belief that it was none of Mrs. Hallam's or her son's): +he reasoned that the two adventurers, with Dorothy and their booty, would +attempt to leave London by a water route, in the ship, _Alethea_, whose +name had fallen from their lips at Bermondsey Old Stairs. + +Kirkwood's initial task, then, would be to find the needle in the +haystack--the metaphor is poor: more properly, to sort out from the +hundreds of vessels, of all descriptions, at anchor in midstream, moored to +the wharves of 'long-shore warehouses, or in the gigantic docks that line +the Thames, that one called _Alethea_; of which he was so deeply mired in +ignorance that he could not say whether she were tramp-steamer, coastwise +passenger boat, one of the liners that ply between Tilbury and all the +world, Channel ferry-boat, private yacht (steam or sail), schooner, +four-master, square-rigger, barque or brigantine. + +A task to stagger the optimism of any but one equipped with the sublime +impudence of Youth! Even Kirkwood was disturbed by some little awe when +he contemplated the vast proportions of his undertaking. None the less +doggedly he plugged ahead, and tried to keep his mind from vain surmises +as to what would be his portion when eventually he should find himself a +passenger, uninvited and unwelcome, upon the _Alethea_.... + +London had turned over once or twice, and was pulling the bedclothes over +its head and grumbling about getting up, but the city was still sound +asleep when at length he paused for a minute's rest in front of the Mansion +House, and realized with a pang of despair that he was completely tuckered +out. There was a dull, vague throbbing in his head; weights pressed upon +his eyeballs until they ached; his mouth was hot and tasted of yesterday's +tobacco; his feet were numb and heavy; his joints were stiff; he yawned +frequently. + +With a sigh he surrendered to the flesh's frailty. An early cabby, cruising +up from Cannon Street station on the off-chance of finding some one astir +in the city, aside from the doves and sparrows, suffered the surprise of +his life when Kirkwood hailed him. His face was blank with amazement when +he reined in, and his eyes bulged when the prospective fare, on impulse, +explained his urgent needs. Happily he turned out a fair representative of +his class, an intelligent and unfuddled cabby. + +"Jump in, sir," he told Kirkwood cheerfully, as soon as he had assimilated +the latter's demands. "I knows precisely wotcher wants. Leave it all to +me." + +The admonition was all but superfluous; Kirkwood was unable, for the time +being, to do aught else than resign his fate into another's guidance. Once +in the cab he slipped insensibly into a nap, and slept soundly on, as +reckless of the cab's swift pace and continuous jouncing as of the sunlight +glaring full in his tired young face. + +He may have slept twenty minutes; he awoke faint with drowsiness, tingling +from head to toe from fatigue, and in distress of a queer qualm in the pit +of his stomach, to find the hansom at rest and the driver on the step, +shaking his fare with kindly determination. "Oh, a' right," he assented +surlily, and by sheer force of will made himself climb out to the +sidewalk; where, having rubbed his eyes, stretched enormously and yawned +discourteously in the face of the East End, he was once more himself and +a hundred times refreshed into the bargain. Contentedly he counted three +shillings into the cabby's palm--the fare named being one-and-six. + +"The shilling over and above the tip's for finding me the waterman and +boat," he stipulated. + +"Right-o. You'll mind the 'orse a minute, sir?" + +Kirkwood nodded. The man touched his hat and disappeared inexplicably. +Kirkwood, needlessly attaching himself to the reins near the animal's head, +pried his sense of observation open and became alive to the fact that he +stood in a quarter of London as strange to him as had been Bermondsey Wall. + +To this day he can not put a name to it; he surmises that it was Wapping. + +Ramshackle tenements with sharp gable roofs lined either side of the way. +Frowsy women draped themselves over the window-sills. Pallid and wasted +parodies on childhood contested the middle of the street with great, slow +drays, drawn by enormous horses. On the sidewalks twin streams of masculine +humanity flowed without rest, both bound in the same direction: dock +laborers going to their day's work. Men of every nationality known to the +world (he thought) passed him in his short five-minute wait by the horse's +head; Britons, brown East Indians, blacks from Jamaica, swart Italians, +Polaks, Russian Jews, wire-drawn Yankees, Spaniards, Portuguese, Greeks, +even a Nubian or two: uniform in these things only, that their backs were +bent with toil, bowed beyond mending, and their faces stamped with the +blurred type-stamp of the dumb laboring brute. A strangely hideous +procession, they shambled on, for the most part silent, all uncouth and +unreal in the clear morning glow. + +The outlander was sensible of some relief when his cabby popped hurriedly +out of the entrance to a tenement, a dull-visaged, broad-shouldered +waterman ambling more slowly after. + +"Nevvy of mine, sir," announced the cabby; "and a fust-ryte waterman; knows +the river like a book, he do." + +The nephew touched his forelock sheepishly. + +"Thank you," said Kirkwood; and, turning to the man, "Your boat?" he asked +with the brevity of weariness. + +"This wye, sir." + +At his guide's heels Kirkwood threaded the crowd and, entering the +tenement, stumbled through a gloomy and unsavory passage, to come out at +last upon a scanty, unrailed veranda overlooking the river. Ten feet below, +perhaps, foul waters purred and eddied round the piles supporting the +rear of the building. On one hand a ladder-like flight of rickety steps +descended to a floating stage to which a heavy rowboat lay moored. In the +latter a second waterman was seated bailing out bilge with a rusty can. + +"'Ere we are, sir," said the cabman's nephew, pausing at the head of the +steps. "Now, where's it to be?" + +The American explained tersely that he had a message to deliver a friend, +who had shipped aboard a vessel known as the _Alethea_, scheduled to sail +at floodtide; further than which deponent averred naught. + +The waterman scratched his head. "A 'ard job, sir; not knowin' wot kind of +a boat she are mykes it 'arder." He waited hopefully. + +"Ten shillings," volunteered Kirkwood promptly; "ten shillings if you get +me aboard her before she weighs anchor; fifteen if I keep you out more than +an hour, and still you put me aboard. After that we'll make other terms." + +The man promptly turned his back to hail his mate. "'Arf a quid, Bob, if we +puts this gent aboard a wessel name o' _Allytheer_ afore she syles at turn +o' tide." + +In the boat the man with the bailing can turned up an impassive +countenance. "Coom down," he clenched the bargain; and set about shipping +the sweeps. + +Kirkwood crept down the shaky ladder and deposited himself in the stern of +the boat; the younger boatman settled himself on the midship thwart. + +"Ready?" + +"Ready," assented old Bob from the bows. He cast off the painter, placed +one sweep against the edge of the stage, and with a vigorous thrust pushed +off; then took his seat. + +Bows swinging down-stream, the boat shot out from the shore. + +"How's the tide?" demanded Kirkwood, his impatience growing. + +"On th' turn, sir," he was told. + +For a long moment broadside to the current, the boat responded to the +sturdy pulling of the port sweeps. Another moment, and it was in full +swing, the watermen bending lustily to their task. Under their unceasing +urge, the broad-beamed, heavy craft, aided by the ebbing tide, surged more +and more rapidly through the water; the banks, grim and unsightly with +their towering, impassive warehouses broken by toppling wooden tenements, +slipped swiftly up-stream. Ship after ship was passed, sailing vessels +in the majority, swinging sluggishly at anchor, drifting slowly with the +river, or made fast to the goods-stages of the shore; and in keen anxiety +lest he should overlook the right one, Kirkwood searched their bows and +sterns for names, which in more than one case proved hardly legible. + +The _Alethea_ was not of their number. + +In the course of some ten minutes, the watermen drove the boat sharply +inshore, bringing her up alongside another floating stage, in the shadow +of another tenement.--both so like those from which they had embarked that +Kirkwood would have been unable to distinguish one from another. + +In the bows old Bob lifted up a stentorian voice, summoning one William. + +Recognizing that there was some design in this, the passenger subdued his +disapproval of the delay, and sat quiet. + +In answer to the third ear-racking hail, a man, clothed simply in dirty +shirt and disreputable trousers, showed himself in the doorway above, +rubbing the sleep out of a red, bloated countenance with a mighty and grimy +fist. + +"'Ello," he said surlily. "Wot's th' row?" + +"'Oo," interrogated old Bob, holding the boat steady by grasping the stage, +"was th' party wot engyged yer larst night, Bill?" + +"Party name o' _Allytheer_," growled the drowsy one. "W'y?" + +"Party 'ere's lookin' for 'im. Where'll I find this _Allytheer?_" + +"Best look sharp 'r yer won't find 'im," retorted the one above. "'E _was_ +at anchor off Bow Creek larst night." + +Kirkwood's heart leaped in hope. "What sort of a vessel was she?" he asked, +half rising in his eagerness. + +"Brigantine, sir." + +"_Thank--you!_" replied Kirkwood explosively, resuming his seat with +uncalculated haste as old Bob, deaf to the amenities of social intercourse +in an emergency involving as much as ten-bob, shoved off again. + +And again the boat was flying down in midstream, the leaden waters, shot +with gold of the morning sun, parting sullenly beneath its bows. + +The air was still, heavy and tepid; the least exertion brought out beaded +moisture on face and hands. In the east hung a turgid sky, dull with haze, +through which the mounting sun swam like a plaque of brass; overhead it +was clear and cloudless, but besmirched as if the polished mirror of the +heavens had been fouled by the breath of departing night. + +On the right, ahead, Greenwich Naval College loomed up, the great +gray-stone buildings beyond the embankment impressively dominating the +scene, in happy relief against the wearisome monotony of the river-banks; +it came abreast; and ebbed into the backwards of the scene. + +The watermen straining at the sweeps, the boat sped into Blackwall Reach, +Bugsby Marshes a splash of lurid green to port, dreary Cubitt Town and the +West India Docks to starboard. Here the river ran thick with shipping. + +"Are we near?" Kirkwood would know; and by way of reply had a grunt of the +younger waterman. + +Again, "Will we make it?" he asked. + +The identical grunt answered him; he was free to interpret it as he would; +young William--as old Bob named him--had no breath for idle words. Kirkwood +subsided, controlling his impatience to the best of his ability; the men, +he told himself again and again, were earning their pay, whether or not +they gained the goal of his desire.... Their labors were titanic; on +their temples and foreheads the knotted veins stood out like discolored +whip-cord; their faces were the shade of raw beef, steaming with sweat; +their eyes protruded with the strain that set their jaws like vises; their +chests heaved and shrank like bellows; their backs curved, straightened, +and bent again in rhythmic unison as tiring to the eye as the swinging of a +pendulum. + +Hugging the marshy shore, they rounded the Blackwall Point. Young William +looked to Kirkwood, caught his eye, and nodded. + +"Here?" + +Kirkwood rose, balancing himself against the leap and sway of the boat. + +"Sumwhere's ... 'long ... o' 'ere." + +From right to left his eager glance swept the river's widening reach. +Vessels were there in abundance, odd, unwieldy, blunt-bowed craft with +huge, rakish, tawny sails; long strings of flat barges, pyramidal mounds of +coal on each, lashed to another and convoyed by panting tugs; steam cargo +boats, battered, worn, rusted sore through their age-old paint; a steel +leviathan of the deep seas, half cargo, half passenger boat, warping +reluctantly into the mouth of the Victoria Dock tidal basin,--but no +brigantine, no sailing vessel of any type. + +The young man's lips checked a cry that was half a sob of bitter +disappointment. He had entered into the spirit of the chase heart and soul, +with an enthusiasm that was strange to him, when he came to look back +upon the time; and to fail, even though failure had been discounted a +hundredfold since the inception of his mad adventure, seemed hard, very +hard. + +He sat down suddenly. "She's gone!" he cried in a hollow gasp. + +The boatmen eased upon their oars, and old Bob stood up in the bows, +scanning the river-scape with keen eyes shielded by a level palm. +Young William drooped forward suddenly, head upon knees, and breathed +convulsively. The boat drifted listlessly with the current. + +Old Bob panted: "'Dawn't--see--nawthin'--o' 'er." He resumed his seat. + +"There's no hope, I suppose?" + +The elder waterman shook his head. "'Carn't sye.... Might be round--nex' +bend--might be--passin' Purfleet.... 'Point is--me an' young Wilyum +'ere--carn't do no more--'n we 'as. We be wore out." + +"Yes," Kirkwood assented, disconsolate, "You've certainly earned your pay." +Then hope revived; he was very young in heart, you know. "Can't you suggest +something? I've _got_ to catch that ship!" + +Old Bob wagged his head in slow negation; young William lifted his. + +"There's a rylewye runs by Woolwich," he ventured. "Yer might tyke tryne +an' go to Sheerness, sir. Yer'd be positive o' passin' 'er if she didn't +syle afore 'igh-tide. 'Ire a boat at Sheerness an' put out an' look for +'er." + +"How far's Woolwich?" Kirkwood demanded instantly. + +"Mile," said the elder man. "Tyke yer for five-bob extry." + +"Done!" + +Young William dashed the sweat from his eyes, wiped his palms on his hips, +and fitted the sweeps again to the wooden tholes. Old Bob was as ready. +With an inarticulate cry they gave way. + + + + +X + + +DESPERATE MEASURES + +Old Bob seemed something inclined toward optimism, when the boat lay +alongside a landing-stage at Woolwich, and Kirkwood had clambered ashore. + +"Yer'll mebbe myke it," the waterman told him with a weatherwise survey of +the skies. "Wind's freshenin' from the east'rds, an' that'll 'old 'er back +a bit, sir." + +"Arsk th' wye to th' Dorkyard Styshun," young William volunteered. "'Tis +th' shortest walk, sir. I 'opes yer catches 'er.... Thanky, sir." + +He caught dextrously the sovereign which Kirkwood, in ungrudging +liberality, spared them of his store of two. The American nodded +acknowledgments and adieux, with a faded smile deprecating his chances of +winning the race, sorely handicapped as he was. He was very, very tired, +and in his heart suspected that he would fail. But, if he did, he would at +least be able to comfort himself that it was not for lack of trying. He +set his teeth on that covenant, in grim determination; either there was a +strain of the bulldog latent in the Kirkwood breed or else his infatuation +gripped him more strongly than he guessed. + +Yet he suspected something of its power; he knew that this was altogether +an insane proceeding, and that the lure that led him on was Dorothy +Calendar. A strange dull light glowed in his weary eyes, on the thought of +her. He'd go through fire and water in her service. She was costing him +dear, perhaps was to cost him dearer still; and perhaps there'd be for +his guerdon no more than a "Thank you, Mr. Kirkwood!" at the end of the +passage. But that would be no less than his deserts; he was not to forget +that he was interfering unwarrantably; the girl was in her father's hands, +surely safe enough there--to the casual mind. If her partnership in her +parent's fortunes were distasteful, she endured it passively, without +complaint. + +He decided that it was his duty to remind himself, from time to time, +that his main interest must be in the game itself, in the solution of +the riddle; whatever should befall, he must look for no reward for his +gratuitous and self-appointed part. Indeed he was all but successful in +persuading himself that it was the fascination of adventure alone that drew +him on. + +Whatever the lure, it was inexorable; instead of doing as a sensible person +would have done--returning to London for a long rest in his hotel room, ere +striving to retrieve his shattered fortunes--Philip Kirkwood turned up the +village street, intent only to find the railway station and catch the first +available train for Sheerness, were that an early one or a late. + +A hapchance native whom he presently encountered, furnished minute +directions for reaching the Dockyard Station of the Southeastern and +Chatham Rail-way, adding comfortable information to the effect that the +next east-bound train would pass through in ten minutes; if Kirkwood would +mend his pace he could make it easily, with time to spare. + +Kirkwood mended his pace accordingly, but, contrary to the prediction, had +no time to spare at all. Even as he stormed the ticket-grating, the train +was thundering in at the platform. Therefore a nervous ticket agent passed +him out a first-class ticket instead of the third-class he had asked for; +and there was no time wherein to have the mistake rectified. Kirkwood +planked down the fare, swore, and sprinted for the carriages. + +The first compartment whose door he jerked violently open, proved to be +occupied, and was, moreover, not a smoking-car. He received a fleeting +impression of a woman's startled eyes, staring into his own through a thin +mesh of veiling, fell off the running-board, slammed the door, and hurled +himself to-wards the next compartment. Here happier fortune attended upon +his desire; the box-like section was untenanted, and a notice blown upon +the window-glass announced that it was "2nd Class Smoking." Kirkwood +promptly tumbled in; and when he turned to shut the door the coaches were +moving. + +A pipe helped him to bear up while the train was making its two other stops +in the Borough of Woolwich: a circumstance so maddening to a man in a +hurry, that it set Kirkwood's teeth on edge with sheer impatience, and +made him long fervently for the land of his birth, where they do things +differently--where the Board of Directors of a railway company doesn't +erect three substantial passenger depôts in the course of a mile and a half +of overgrown village. It consoled him little that none disputed with +him his lonely possession of the compartment, that he _had_ caught the +Sheerness train, or that he was really losing no time; a sense of deep +dejection had settled down upon his consciousness, with a realization of +how completely a fool's errand was this of his. He felt foredoomed to +failure; he was never to see Dorothy Calendar again; and his brain seemed +numb with disappointment. + +Rattling and swaying, the train left the town behind. + +Presently he put aside his pipe and stared blankly out at a reeling +landscape, the pleasant, homely, smiling countryside of Kent. A deeper +melancholy tinted his mind: Dorothy Calendar was for ever lost to him. + +The trucks drummed it out persistently--he thought, vindictively: +"_Lost!... Lost!... For ever lost!..._" + +And he had made--was then making--a damned fool of himself. The trucks had +no need to din _that_ into his thick skull by their ceaseless iteration; he +knew it, would not deny it.... + +And it was all his own fault. He'd had his chance, Calendar had offered him +it. If only he had closed with the fat adventurer!... + +Before his eyes field and coppice, hedge and homestead, stream and flowing +highway, all blurred and ran streakily into one another, like a highly +impressionistic water-color. He could make neither head nor tail of the +flying views, and so far as coherent thought was concerned, he could not +put two ideas together. Without understanding distinctly, he presently did +a more wise and wholesome thing: which was to topple limply over on the +cushions and fall fast asleep. + + * * * * * + +After a long time he seemed to realize rather hazily that the carriage-door +had been opened to admit somebody. Its smart closing _bang_ shocked him +awake. He sat up, blinking in confusion, hardly conscious of more, to begin +with, than that the train had paused and was again in full flight. Then, +his senses clearing, he became aware that his solitary companion, just +entered, was a woman. She was seated over across from him, her back to the +engine, in an attitude which somehow suggested a highly nonchalant frame of +mind. She laughed, and immediately her speaking voice was high and sweet in +his hearing. + +"Really, you know, Mr. Kirkwood, I simply couldn't contain my impatience +another instant." + +Kirkwood gasped and tried to re-collect his wits. + +"Beg pardon--I've been asleep," he said stupidly. + +"Yes. I'm sorry to have disturbed you, but, you know, you must make +allowances for a woman's nerves." + +Beneath his breath the bewildered man said: "The deuce!" and above it, in a +stupefied tone: "Mrs. Hallam!" + +She nodded in a not unfriendly fashion, smiling brightly. "Myself, Mr. +Kirkwood! Really, our predestined paths are badly tangled, just now; aren't +they? Were you surprised to find me in here, with you? Come now, confess +you were!" + +He remarked the smooth, girlish freshness of her cheeks, the sense and +humor of her mouth, the veiled gleam of excitement in her eyes of the +changing sea; and saw, as well, that she was dressed for traveling, +sensibly but with an air, and had brought a small hand-bag with her. + +"Surprised and delighted," he replied, recovering, with mendacity so +intentional and obvious that the woman laughed aloud. + +"I knew you'd be!... You see, I had the carriage ahead, the one you didn't +take. I was so disappointed when you flung up to the door and away again! +You didn't see me hanging half out the window, to watch where you went, did +you? That's how I discovered that your discourtesy was unintentional, that +you hadn't recognized me,--by the fact that you took this compartment, +right behind my own." + +She paused invitingly, but Kirkwood, grown wary, contented himself +with picking up his pipe and carefully knocking out the dottle on the +window-ledge. + +"I was glad to see _you_," she affirmed; "but only partly because you +were you, Mr. Kirkwood. The other and major part was because sight of you +confirmed my own secret intuition. You see, I'm quite old enough and wise +enough to question even my own intuitions." + +"A woman wise enough for that is an adult prodigy," he ventured cautiously. + +"It's experience and age. I insist upon the age; I the mother of a +grown-up boy! So I deliberately ran after you, changing when we stopped +at Newington. You might've escaped me if I had waited until We got to +Queensborough." + +Again she paused in open expectancy. Kirkwood, perplexed, put the pipe in +his pocket, and assumed a factitious look of resignation, regarding her +askance with that whimsical twist of his eyebrows. + +"For you are going to Queensborough, aren't you, Mr. Kirkwood?" + +"Queensborough?" he echoed blankly; and, in fact, he was at a loss to +follow her drift. "No, Mrs. Hallam; I'm not bound there." + +Her surprise was apparent; she made no effort to conceal it. "But," she +faltered, "if not there--" + +"'Give you my word, Mrs. Hallam, I have no intention whatever of going to +Queensborough," Kirkwood protested. + +"I don't understand." The nervous drumming of a patent-leather covered +toe, visible beneath the hem of her dress, alone betrayed a rising tide of +impatience. "Then my intuition _was_ at fault!" + +"In this instance, if it was at all concerned with my insignificant +affairs, yes--most decidedly at fault." + +She shook her head, regarding him with grave suspicion. "I hardly know: +whether to believe you. I think...." + +Kirkwood's countenance displayed an added shade of red. After a moment, "I +mean no discourtesy," he began stiffly, "but--" + +"But you don't care a farthing whether I believe you or not?" + +He caught her laughing eye, and smiled, the flush subsiding. + +"Very well, then! Now let us see: Where _are_ you bound?" + +Kirkwood looked out of the window. + +"I'm convinced it's a rendezvous...?" + +Kirkwood smiled patiently at the landscape. + +"Is Dorothy Calendar so very, very beautiful, Mr. Kirkwood?"--with a trace +of malice. + +Ostentatiously Kirkwood read the South Eastern and Chatham's framed card +of warning, posted just above Mrs. Hallam's head, to all such incurable +lunatics as are possessed of a desire to travel on the running-boards of +railway carriages. + +"You are going to meet her, aren't you?" + +He gracefully concealed a yawn. + +The woman's plan of attack took another form. "Last night, when you told me +your story, I believed you." + +He devoted himself to suppressing the temptingly obvious retort, and +succeeded; but though he left it unspoken, the humor of it twitched the +corners of his mouth; and Mrs. Hallam was observant. So that her next +attempt to draw him out was edged with temper. + +"I believed you an American but a gentleman; it appears that, if you ever +were the latter, you've fallen so low that you willingly cast your lot with +thieves." + +Having exhausted his repertoire of rudenesses, Kirkwood took to twiddling +his thumbs. + +"I want to ask you if you think it fair to me or my son, to leave us in +ignorance of the place where you are to meet the thieves who stole our--my +son's jewels?" + +"Mrs. Hallam," he said soberly, "if I am going to meet Mr. Calendar or Mr. +Mulready, I have no assurance of that fact." + +There was only the briefest of pauses, during which she analyzed this; +then, quickly, "But you hope to?" she snapped. + +He felt that the only adequate retort to this would be a shrug of his +shoulders; doubted his ability to carry one off; and again took refuge in +silence. + +The woman abandoned a second plan of siege, with a readiness that did +credit to her knowledge of mankind. She thought out the next very +carefully, before opening with a masked battery. + +"Mr. Kirkwood, can't we be friends--this aside?" + +"Nothing could please me more, Mrs. Hallam!" + +"I'm sorry if I've annoyed you--" + +"And I, too, have been rude." + +"Last night, when you cut away so suddenly, you prevented my making you a +proposal, a sort of a business proposition...." + +"Yes--?" + +"To come over to our side--" + +"I thought so. That was why I went." + +"Yes; I understood. But this morning, when you've had time to think it +over--?" + +"I have no choice in the matter, Mrs. Hallam." The green eyes darkened +ominously. "You mean--I am to understand, then, that you're against us, +that you prefer to side with swindlers and scoundrels, all because of a--" + +She discovered him eying her with a smile of such inscrutable and sardonic +intelligence, that the words died on her lips, and she crimsoned, +treasonably to herself. For he saw it; and the belief he had conceived +while attending to her tissue of fabrication, earlier that morning, was +strengthened to the point of conviction that, if anything had been stolen +by anybody, Mrs. Hallam and her son owned it as little as Calendar. + +As for the woman, she felt she had steadily lost, rather than gained, +ground; and the flash of anger that had colored her cheeks, lit twin +beacons in her eyes, which she resolutely fought down until they faded to +mere gleams of resentment and determination. But she forgot to control +her lips; and they are the truest indices to a woman's character and +temperament; and Kirkwood did not overlook the circumstance that their +specious sweetness had vanished, leaving them straight, set and hard, quite +the reverse of attractive. + +"So," she said slowly, after a silent time, "you are not for Queensborough! +The corollary of that _admission_, Mr. Kirkwood, is that you are for +Sheerness." + +"I believe," he replied wearily, "that there are no other stations on this +line, after Newington." + +"It follows, then, that--that I follow." And in answer to his perturbed +glance, she added: "Oh, I'll grant that intuition is sometimes a poor +guide. But if you meet George Calendar, so shall I. Nothing can prevent +that. You can't hinder me." + +Considerably amused, he chuckled. "Let us talk of other things, Mrs. +Hallam," he suggested pleasantly. "How is your son?" + +At this juncture the brakes began to shriek and grind upon the wheels. +The train slowed; it stopped; and the voice of a guard could be heard +admonishing passengers for Queensborough Pier to alight and take the branch +line. In the noise the woman's response was drowned, and Kirkwood was +hardly enough concerned for poor Freddie to repeat his question. + +When, after a little, the train pulled out of the junction, neither found +reason to resume the conversation. During the brief balance of the journey +Mrs. Hallam presumably had food for thought; she frowned, pursed her lips, +and with one daintily gloved forefinger followed a seam of her tailored +skirt; while Kirkwood sat watching and wondering how to rid himself of her, +if she proved really as troublesome as she threatened to be. + +Also, he wondered continually what it was all about. Why did Mrs. Hallam +suspect him of designing to meet Calendar at Queensborough? Had she +any tangible ground for believing that Calendar could be found in +Queensborough? Presumably she had, since she was avowedly in pursuit of +that gentleman, and, Kirkwood inferred, had booked for Queensborough. +Was he, then, running away from Calendar and his daughter to chase a +will-o'-the-wisp of his credulous fancy, off Sheerness shore? + +Disturbing reflection. He scowled over it, then considered the other side +of the face. Presuming Mrs. Hallam to have had reasonably dependable +assurance that Calendar would stop in Queensborough, would she so readily +have abandoned her design to catch him there, on the mere supposition that +Kirkwood might be looking for him in Sheerness? That did not seem likely +to one who esteemed Mrs. Hallam's acumen as highly as Kirkwood did. He +brightened up, forgot that his was a fool's errand, and began again to +project strategic plans into a problematic future. + +A sudden jolt interrupted this pastime, and the warning screech of the +brakes informed that he had no time to scheme, but had best continue on the +plan of action that had brought him thus far--that is, trust to his star +and accept what should befall without repining. + +He rose, opened the door, and holding it so, turned. + +"I regret, Mrs. Hallam," he announced, smiling his crooked smile, "that +a pressing engagement is about to prohibit my 'squiring you through the +ticket-gates. You understand, I'm sure." + +His irrepressible humor proved infectious; and Mrs. Hallam's spirit ran as +high as his own. She was smiling cheerfully when she, too, rose. + +"I also am in some haste," she averred demurely, gathering up her hand-bag +and umbrella. + +A raised platform shot in beside the carriage, and the speed was so +sensibly moderated that the train seemed to be creeping rather than +running. Kirkwood flung the door wide open and lowered himself to the +running-board. The end of the track was in sight and--a man who has been +trained to board San Francisco cable-cars fears to alight from no moving +vehicle. He swung off, got his balance, and ran swiftly down the platform. + +A cry from a bystander caused him to glance over his shoulder; Mrs. Hallam +was then in the act of alighting. As he looked the flurry of skirts +subsided and she fell into stride, pursuing. + +Sleepy Sheerness must have been scandalized, that day, and its gossips have +acquired ground for many, an uncharitable surmise. + +Kirkwood, however, was so fortunate as to gain the wicket before the +employee there awoke to the situation. Otherwise, such is the temper of +British petty officialdom, he might have detained the fugitive. As it was, +Kirkwood surrendered his ticket and ran out into the street with his luck +still a dominant factor in the race. For, looking back, he saw that Mrs. +Hallam had been held up at the gate, another victim of British red-tape; +her ticket read for Queensborough, she was attempting to alight one station +farther down the line, and while undoubtedly she was anxious to pay the +excess fare, Heaven alone knew when she would succeed in allaying the +suspicions and resentment of the ticket-taker. + +"That's good for ten minutes' start!" Kirkwood crowed. "And it never +occurred to me--!" + +Before the station he found two hacks in waiting, with little to choose +between them; neither was of a type that did not seem to advertise its +pre-Victorian fashioning, and to neither was harnessed an animal that +deserved anything but the epithet of screw. Kirkwood took the nearest for +no other reason than because it was the nearest, and all but startled the +driver off his box by offering double-fare for a brisk pace and a simple +service at the end of the ride. Succinctly he set forth his wants, jumped +into the antiquated four-wheeler, and threw himself down upon musty, dusty +cushions to hug himself over the joke and bless whatever English board of +railway, directors it was that first ordained that tickets should be taken +up at the end instead of the outset of a journey. + +It was promptly made manifest that he had further cause for gratulation. +The cabby, recovering from his amazement, was plying an indefatigable whip +and thereby eliciting a degree of speed from his superannuated nag, that +his fare had by no means hoped for, much less anticipated. The cab rocked +and racketed through Sheerness' streets at a pace which is believed to be +unprecedented and unrivaled; its passenger, dashed from side to side, had +all he could do to keep from battering the vehicle to pieces with his head; +while it was entirely out of the question to attempt to determine whether +or not he was being pursued. He enjoyed it all hugely. + +In a period of time surprisingly short, he saw, from fleeting glimpses of +the scenery to be obtained through the reeling windows, that they were +threading the outskirts of the town; synchronously, whether by design or +through actual inability to maintain it, the speed was moderated. And in +the course of a few more minutes the cab stopped definitely. + +Kirkwood clambered painfully out, shook himself together and the bruises +out of his bones, and looked fearfully back. + +Aside from a slowly settling cloud of dust, the road ran clear as far as he +could see--to the point, in fact, where the town closed in about it. + +He had won; at all events in so much as to win meant eluding the +persevering Mrs. Hallam. But to what end? + +Abstractedly he tendered his lonely sovereign to the driver, and without +even looking at it, crammed the heavy weight of change into his pocket; an +oversight which not only won him the awe-struck admiration of the cabby, +but entailed consequences (it may be) he little apprehended. It was with an +absentminded nod that he acquiesced in the man's announcement that he might +arrange about the boat for him. Accordingly the cabby disappeared; and +Kirkwood continued to stare about him, eagerly, hopefully. + +He stood on the brink of the Thames estuary, there a possible five miles +from shore to shore; from his feet, almost, a broad shingle beach sloped +gently to the water. + +On one hand a dilapidated picket-fence enclosed the door-yard of a +fisherman's cottage, or, better, hovel,--if it need be accurately +described--at the door of which the cabby was knocking. + +The morning was now well-advanced. The sun rode high, a sphere of tarnished +flame in a void of silver-gray, its thin cold radiance striking pallid +sparks from the leaping crests of wind-whipped waves. In the east a wall +of vapor, dull and lusterless, had taken body since the dawn, masking the +skies and shutting down upon the sea like some vast curtain; and out of the +heart of this a bitter and vicious wind played like a sword. + +To the north, Shoeburyness loomed vaguely, like a low-drifted bank of +cloud. Off to the right the Nore Lightship danced, a tiny fleck of warm +crimson in a wilderness of slatey-blue waters, plumed with a myriad of +vanishing white-caps. + +Up the shelving shore, small, puny wavelets dashed in impotent fury, and +the shingle sang unceasingly its dreary, syncopated monotone. High and dry, +a few dingy boats lay canted wearily upon their broad, swelling sides,--a +couple of dories, apparently in daily use; a small sloop yacht, dismantled +and plainly beyond repair; and an oyster-smack also out of commission. +About them the beach was strewn with a litter of miscellany,--nets, oars, +cork buoys, bits of wreckage and driftwood, a few fish too long forgotten +and (one assumed) responsible in part for the foreign wealth of the +atmosphere. + +Some little distance offshore a fishing-boat, catrigged and not more than +twenty-feet over all, swung bobbing at her mooring, keen nose searching +into the wind; at sight of which Kirkwood gave thanks, for his adventitious +guide had served him well, if that boat were to be hired by any manner of +persuasion. + +But it was to the farther reaches of the estuary that he gave more +prolonged and most anxious heed, scanning narrowly what shipping was there +to be seen. Far beyond the lightship a liner was riding the waves with +serene contempt, making for the river's mouth and Tilbury Dock. Nearer +in, a cargo boat was standing out upon the long trail, the white of riven +waters showing clearly against her unclean freeboard. Out to east a little +covey of fishing-smacks, red sails well reefed, were scudding before +the wind like strange affrighted water-fowl, and bearing down past a +heavy-laden river barge. The latter, with tarpaulin battened snugly down +over the cockpit and the seas dashing over her wash-board until she seemed +under water half the time, was forging stodgily Londonwards, her bargee at +the tiller smoking a placid pipe. + +But a single sailing vessel of any notable tonnage was in sight; and when +he saw her Kirkwood's heart became buoyant with hope, and he began to +tremble with nervous eagerness. For he believed her to be the _Alethea_. + +There's no mistaking a ship brigantine-rigged for any other style of craft +that sails the seas. + +From her position when first he saw her, Kirkwood could have fancied she +was tacking out of the mouth of the Medway; but he judged that, leaving the +Thames' mouth, she had tacked to starboard until well-nigh within hail of +Sheerness. Now, having presumably, gone about, she was standing out toward +the Nore, boring doggedly into the wind. He would have given a deal for +glasses wherewith to read the name upon her bows, but was sensible of no +hampering doubts; nor, had he harbored any, would they have deterred him. +He had set his heart upon the winning of his venture, had come too far, +risked far too much, to suffer anything now to stay his hand and stand +between him and Dorothy Calendar. Whatever the further risks and hazards, +though he should take his life in his hands to win to her side, he would +struggle on. He recked nothing of personal danger; a less selfish passion +ran molten in his veins, moving him to madness. + +Fascinated, he fixed his gaze upon the reeling brigantine, and for a space +it was as if by longing he had projected his spirit to her slanting deck, +and were there, pleading his case with the mistress of his heart.... + +Voices approaching brought him back to shore. He turned, resuming his mask +of sanity, the better to confer with the owner of the cottage and boats--a +heavy, keen-eyed fellow, ungracious and truculent of habit, and chary of +his words; as he promptly demonstrated. + +"I'll hire your boat," Kirkwood told him, "to put me aboard that +brigantine, off to leeward. We ought to start at once." + +The fisherman shifted his quid of tobacco from cheek to cheek, grunted +inarticulately, and swung deliberately on his heel, displaying a bull neck +above a pair of heavy shoulders. + +"Dirty weather," he croaked, facing back from his survey of the eastern +skies before the American found out whether or not he should resent his +insolence. + +"How much?" Kirkwood demanded curtly, annoyed. + +The man hesitated, scowling blackly at the heeling vessel, momentarily +increasing her distance from shore. Then with a crafty smile, "Two pound'," +he declared. + +The American nodded. "Very well," he agreed simply. "Get out your boat." + +The fisherman turned away to shamble noisily over the shingle, huge booted +heels crunching, toward one of the dories. To this he set his shoulder, +shoving it steadily down the beach until only the stern was dry. + +Kirkwood looked back, for the last time, up the road to Sheerness. Nothing +moved upon it. He was rid of Mrs. Hallam, if face to face with a sterner +problem. He had a few pence over ten shillings in his pocket, and had +promised to pay the man four times as much. He would have agreed to ten +times the sum demanded; for the boat he must and would have. But he had +neglected to conclude his bargain, to come to an understanding as to +the method of payment; and he felt more than a little dubious as to the +reception the fisherman would give his proposition, sound as he, Kirkwood, +knew it to be. + +In the background the cabby loitered, gnawed by insatiable curiosity. + +The fisherman turned, calling over his shoulder: "If ye'd catch yon vessel, +come!" + +With one final twinge of doubt--the task of placating this surly dog was +anything but inviting--the American strode to the boat and climbed in, +taking the stern seat. The fisherman shoved off, wading out thigh-deep in +the spiteful waves, then threw himself in over the gunwales and shipped the +oars. Bows swinging offshore, rocking and dancing, the dory began to forge +slowly toward the anchored boat. In their faces the wind beat gustily, and +small, slapping waves, breaking against the sides, showered them with fine +spray.... + +In time the dory lay alongside the cat-boat, the fisherman with a gnarled +hand grasping the latter's gunwale to hold the two together. With some +difficulty Kirkwood transhipped himself, landing asprawl in the cockpit, +amid a tangle of cordage slippery with scales. The skipper followed, with +clumsy expertness bringing the dory's painter with him and hitching it to a +ring-bolt abaft the rudder-head. Then, pausing an instant to stare into the +East with somber eyes, he shipped the tiller and bent to the halyards. As +the sail rattled up, flapping wildly, Kirkwood marked with relief--for it +meant so much time saved--that it was already close reefed. + +But when at least the boom was thrashing overhead and the halyards had +been made fast to their cleats, the fisherman again stood erect, peering +distrustfully at the distant wall of cloud. + +Then, in two breaths: "Can't do it," he decided; "not at the price." + +"Why?" Kirkwood stared despairingly after the brigantine, that was already +drawn far ahead. + +"Danger," growled the fellow, "--wind." + +At a loss completely, Kirkwood found no words. He dropped his head, +considering. + +"Not at the price," the sullen voice iterated; and he looked up to find the +cunning gaze upon him. + +"How much, then?" + +"Five poun' I'll have--no less, for riskin' my life this day." + +"Impossible. I haven't got it." + +In silence the man unshipped the tiller and moved toward the cleats. + +"Hold on a minute." + +Kirkwood unbuttoned his coat and, freeing the chain from his waistcoat +buttonholes, removed his watch.... As well abandon them altogether; he had +designed to leave them as security for the two pounds, and had delayed +stating the terms only for fear lest they be refused. Now, too late as +ever, he recognized his error. But surely, he thought, it should be +apparent even to that low intelligence that the timepiece alone was worth +more than the boat itself. + +"Will you take these?" he offered. "Take and keep them--only set me aboard +that ship!" + +Deliberately the fisherman weighed the watch and chain in his broad, hard +palm, eyes narrowing to mere slits in his bronzed mask. + +"How much?" he asked slowly. + +"Eighty pounds, together; the chain alone cost me twenty." + +The shifty, covetous eyes ranged from the treasure in his hand to the +threatening east. A puff of wind caught the sail and sent the boom +athwartships, like a mighty flail. Both men ducked instinctively, to escape +a braining. + +"How do I know?" objected the skipper. + +"I'm telling you. If you've got eyes, you can see," retorted Kirkwood +savagely, seeing that he had erred in telling the truth; the amount he had +named was too great to be grasped at once by this crude, cupidous brain. + +"How do I know?" the man repeated. Nevertheless he dropped watch and chain +into his pocket, then with a meaning grimace extended again his horny, +greedy palm. + +"What...?" + +"Hand over th' two pound' and we'll go." + +"I'll see you damned first!" + +A flush of rage blinded the young man. The knowledge that the _Alethea_ +was minute by minute slipping beyond his reach seemed to madden him. +White-lipped and ominously quiet he rose from his seat on the combing, as, +without answer, the fisherman, crawling out on the overhand, began to haul +in the dory. + +"Ashore ye go," he pronounced his ultimatum, motioning Kirkwood to enter +the boat. + +The American turned, looking for the _Alethea_, or for the vessel that he +believed bore that name. She was nearing the light-ship when he found +her, and as he looked a squall blurred the air between them, blotting +the brigantine out with a smudge of rain. The effect was as if she had +vanished, as if she were for ever snatched from his grasp; and with Dorothy +aboard her--Heaven alone knew in what need of him! + +Mute and blind with despair and wrath, he turned upon the man and caught +him by the collar, forcing him out over the lip of the overhang. They were +unevenly matched, Kirkwood far the slighter, but strength came to him in +the crisis, physical strength and address such as he had not dreamed was at +his command. And the surprise of his onslaught proved an ally of unguessed +potency. Before he himself knew it he was standing on the overhang and had +shifted his hold to seize the fellow about the waist; then, lifting him +clear of the deck, and aided by a lurch of the cat-boat, he cast him +bodily into the dory. The man, falling, struck his head against one of the +thwarts, a glancing blow that stunned him temporarily. Kirkwood himself +dropped as if shot, a trailing reef-point slapping his cheek until it stung +as the boom thrashed overhead. It was as close a call as he had known; the +knowledge sickened him a little. + +Without rising he worked the painter loose and cast the dory adrift; then +crawled back into the cockpit. No pang of compassion disturbed him as he +abandoned the fisherman to the mercy of the sea; though the fellow lay +still, uncouthly distorted, in the bottom of the dory, he was in no danger; +the wind and waves together would carry the boat ashore.... For that +matter, the man was even then recovering, struggling to sit up. + +Crouching to avoid the boom, Kirkwood went forward to the bows, and, +grasping the mooring cable, drew it in, slipping back into the cockpit to +get a stronger purchase with his feet. It was a struggle; the boat pulled +sluggishly against the wind, the cable inching in jealously. And behind +him he could hear a voice bellowing inarticulate menaces, and knew that in +another moment the fisherman would be at his oars. + +Frantically he tugged and tore at the slimy rope, hauling with a will and a +prayer. It gave more readily, towards the end, but he seemed to have fought +with it for ages when at last the anchor tripped and he got it in. + +Immediately he leaped back to the stern, fitted in the tiller, and seizing +the mainsheet, drew the boom in till the wind should catch in the canvas. +In the dory the skipper, bending at his oars, was not two yards astern. + +He was hard aboard when, the sail filling with a bang, Kirkwood pulled the +tiller up; and the cat-boat slid away, a dozen feet separating them in a +breath. + +A yell of rage boomed down the wind, but he paid no heed. Careless alike of +the dangers he had passed and those that yawned before him, he trimmed +the sheet and stood away on the port tack, heading directly for the Nore +Lightship. + + + + +XI + + +OFF THE NORE + +Kirkwood's anger cooled apace; at worst it had been a flare of +passion--incandescent. It was seldom more. His brain clearing, the +temperature of his judgment quickly regained its mean, and he saw his +chances without distortion, weighed them without exaggeration. + +Leaning against the combing, feet braced upon the slippery and treacherous +deck, he clung to tiller and mainsheet and peered ahead with anxious eyes, +a pucker of daring graven deep between his brows. + +A mile to westward, three or more ahead, he could see the brigantine +standing close in under the Essex shore. At times she was invisible; again +he could catch merely the glint of her canvas, white against the dark loom +of the littoral, toned by a mist of flying spindrift. He strained his eyes, +watching for the chance which would take place in the rake of her masts and +sails, when she should come about. + +For the longer that manoeuver was deferred, the better was his chance of +attaining his object. It was a forlorn hope. But in time the brigantine, +to escape Maplin Sands, would be forced to tack and stand out past the +lightship, the wind off her port bows. Then their courses would intersect. +It remained to be demonstrated whether the cat-boat was speedy enough to +arrive at this point of contact in advance of, or simultaneously with, the +larger vessel. Every minute that the putative _Alethea_ put off coming +about brought the cat-boat nearer that goal, but Kirkwood could do no more +than hope and try to trust in the fisherman's implied admission that it +could be done. It was all in the boat and the way she handled. + +He watched her anxiously, quick to approve her merits as she displayed +them. He had sailed small craft before--frail center-board cat-boats, handy +and swift, built to serve in summer winds and protected waters: never such +an one as this. Yet he liked her. + +Deep bosomed she was, with no center-board, dependent on her draught and +heavy keel to hold her on the wind; stanch and seaworthy, sheathed with +stout plank and ribbed with seasoned timber, designed to keep afloat in +the wickedest weather brewed by the foul-tempered German Ocean. Withal her +lines were fine and clean; for all her beam she was calculated to nose +narrowly into the wind and make a pretty pace as well. A good boat: he had +the grace to give the credit to his luck. + +Her disposition was more fully disclosed as they drew away from the beach. +Inshore with shoaling water, the waves had been choppy and spiteful but +lacking force of weight. Farther out, as the bottom fell away, the rollers +became more uniform and powerful; heavy sweeping seas met the cat-boat, +from their hollows looming mountainous to the man in the tiny cockpit; who +was nevertheless aware that to a steamer they would be negligible. + +His boat breasted them gallantly, toiling sturdily up the steep +acclivities, poising breathlessly on foam-crested summits for dizzy +instants, then plunging headlong down the deep green swales; and left a +boiling wake behind her,--urging ever onward, hugging the wind in her wisp +of blood-red sail, and boring into it, pulling at the tiller with the +mettle of a race-horse slugging at the bit. + +Offshore, too, the wind stormed with added strength, or, possibly, had +freshened. For minutes on end the leeward gunwales would run green, and now +and again the screaming, pelting squalls that scoured the estuary would +heel her over until the water cascaded in over the lee combing, and the +rudder, lifted clear, would hang idle until, smitten by some racing billow, +the tiller would be all but torn from Kirkwood's hands. Again and again +this happened; and those were times of trembling. But always the cat-boat +righted, shaking the clinging waters from her and swinging her stem into +the wind again; and there would follow an abbreviated breathing spell, +during which Kirkwood was at liberty to dash the salt spray from his eyes +and search the wind-harried waste for the brigantine. Sometimes he found +her, sometimes not. + +Long after he had expected her to, she went about and they began to close +in upon each other. He could see that even with shortened canvas she was +staggering drunkenly under the fierce impacts of the wind. For himself, it +was nip-and-tuck, now, and no man in his normal sense would have risked a +sixpence on the boat's chance to live until she crossed the brigantine's +bows. + +Time out of reckoning he was forced to kneel in the swimming cockpit, +steering with one hand, using the bailing-dish with the other, and +keeping his eyes religiously turned to the bellying patch of sail. It was +heartbreaking toil; he began reluctantly to concede that it could not last +much longer. And if he missed the brigantine he would be lost; mortal +strength was not enough to stand the unending strain upon every bone, +muscle and sinew, required to keep the boat upon her course; though for +a time it might cope with and solve the problems presented by each new, +malignant billow and each furious, howling squall, the end inevitably must +be failure. To struggle on would be but to postpone the certain end ... +save and except the possibility of his gaining the brigantine within the +period of time strictly and briefly limited by his powers of endurance. + +Long since he had become numb with cold from incessant drenchings of +icy spray, that piled in over the windward counter, keeping the bottom +ankle-deep regardless of his laborious but intermittent efforts with the +bailing dish. And the two, brigantine and cockle-shell, were drawing +together with appalling deliberation. + +A dozen times he was on the point of surrender, as often plucked up hope; +as the minutes wore on and he kept above water, he began to believe that if +he could stick it out his judgment and seamanship would be justified ... +though human ingenuity backed by generosity could by no means contrive +adequate excuse for his foolhardiness. + +But that was aside, something irreparable. Wan and grim, he fought it out. + +But that his voice stuck in his parched throat, he could have shouted in +his elation, when eventually he gained the point of intersection an eighth +of a mile ahead of the brigantine and got sight of her windward freeboard +as, most slowly, the cat-boat forged across her course. + +For all that, the moment of his actual triumph was not yet; he had still to +carry off successfully a scheme that for sheer audacity of conception and +contempt for danger, transcended all that had gone before. + +Holding the cat-boat on for a time, he brought her about handsomely a +little way beyond the brigantine's course, and hung in the eye of the wind, +the leach flapping and tightening with reports like rifle-shots, and +the water sloshing about his calves--bailing-dish now altogether out of +mind--while he watched the oncoming vessel, his eyes glistening with +anticipation. + +She was footing it smartly, the brigantine--lying down to it and snoring +into the wind. Beneath her stem waves broke in snow-white showers, whiter +than the canvas of her bulging jib--broke and, gnashing their teeth in +impotent fury, swirled and eddied down her sleek dark flanks. Bobbing, +courtesying, she plunged onward, shortening the interval with mighty, +leaping bounds. On her bows, with each instant, the golden letters of her +name grew larger and more legible until--_Alethea_!--he could read it plain +beyond dispute. + +Joy welled in his heart. He forgot all that he had undergone in the +prospect of what he proposed still to do in the name of the only woman the +world held for him. Unquestioning he had come thus far in her service; +unquestioning, by her side, he was prepared to go still farther, though all +humanity should single her out with accusing fingers.... + +They were watching him, aboard the brigantine; he could see a line of heads +above her windward rail. Perhaps _she_ was of their number. He waved +an audacious hand. Some one replied, a great shout shattering itself +unintelligibly against the gale. He neither understood nor attempted to +reply; his every faculty was concentrated on the supreme moment now at +hand. + +Calculating the instant to a nicety, he paid off the sheet and pulled up +the tiller. The cat-boat pivoted on her heel; with a crack her sail flapped +full and rigid; then, with the untempered might of the wind behind her, she +shot like an arrow under the brigantine's bows, so close that the bowsprit +of the latter first threatened to impale the sail, next, the bows plunging, +crashed down a bare two feet behind the cat-boat's stern. + +Working in a frenzy of haste, Kirkwood jammed the tiller hard alee, +bringing the cat about, and, trimming the mainsheet as best he might, found +himself racing under the brigantine's leeward quarter,--water pouring in +generously over the cat's. + +Luffing, he edged nearer, handling his craft as though intending to ram the +larger vessel, foot by foot shortening the little interval. When it +was four feet, he would risk the jump; he crawled out on the overhang, +crouching on his toes, one hand light upon the tiller, the other touching +the deck, ready ... ready.... + +Abruptly the _Alethea_ shut off the wind; the sail flattened and the cat +dropped back. In a second the distance had doubled. In anguish Kirkwood +uttered an exceeding bitter cry. Already he was falling far off her +counter.... + +A shout reached him. He was dimly conscious of a dark object hurtling +through the air. Into the cockpit, splashing, something dropped--a coil of +rope. He fell forward upon it, into water eighteen inches deep; and for the +first time realized that, but for that line, he had gone to his drowning in +another minute. The cat was sinking. + +As he scrambled to his feet, clutching the life-line, a heavy wave washed +over the water-logged craft and left it all but submerged; and a smart tug +on the rope added point to the advice which, reaching his ears in a bellow +like a bull's, penetrated the panic of his wits. + +"Jump! _Jump, you fool_!" + +In an instant of coherence he saw that the brigantine was luffing; none the +less much of the line had already been paid out, and there was no reckoning +when the end would be reached. Without time to make it fast, he hitched it +twice round his waist and chest, once round an arm, and, grasping it above +his head to ease its constriction when the tug should come, leaped on the +combing and overboard. A green roaring avalanche swept down upon him and +the luckless cat-boat, overwhelming both simultaneously. + +The agony that was his during the next few minutes can by no means be +exaggerated. With such crises the human mind is not fitted adequately +to cope; it retains no record of the supreme moment beyond a vague and +incoherent impression of poignant, soul-racking suffering. Kirkwood +underwent a prolonged interval of semi-sentience, his mind dominated +and oppressed by a deathly fear of drowning and a deadening sense of +suffocation, with attendant tortures as of being broken on the wheel--limb +rending from limb; of compression of his ribs that threatened momentarily +to crush in his chest; of a world a-welter with dim swirling green +half-lights alternating with flashes of blinding white; of thunderings in +his ears like salvoes from a thousand cannon.... + +And his senses were blotted out in blackness.... + +Then he was breathing once more, the keen clean air stabbing his lungs, the +while he swam unsupported in an ethereal void of brilliance. His mouth +was full of something that burned, a liquid hot, acrid, and stinging. He +gulped, swallowed, slobbered, choked, coughed, attempted to sit up, was +aware that he was the focal center of a ring of glaring, burning eyes, like +eyes of ravening beasts; and fainted. + +His next conscious impression was of standing up, supported by friendly +arms on either side, while somebody was asking him if he could walk a step +or two. + +He lifted his head and let it fall in token of assent, mumbling a yes; and +looked round him with eyes wherein the light of intelligence burned more +clear with every second. By degrees he catalogued and comprehended his +weirdly altered circumstances and surroundings. + +He was partly seated, partly held up, on the edge of the cabin sky-light, +an object of interest to some half-dozen men, seafaring fellows all, by +their habit, clustered round between him and the windward rail. Of their +number one stood directly before him, dwarfing his companions as much by +his air of command as by his uncommon height: tall, thin-faced and sallow, +with hollow weather-worn cheeks, a mouth like a crooked gash from ear to +ear, and eyes like dying coals, with which he looked the rescued up and +down in one grim, semi-humorous, semi-speculative glance. In hands both +huge and red he fondled tenderly a squat brandy flask whose contents had +apparently been employed as a first aid to the drowning. + +As Kirkwood's gaze encountered his, the man smiled sourly, jerking his head +to one side with a singularly derisive air. + +"Hi, matey!" he blustered. "'Ow goes it now? Feelin' 'appier, eigh?" + +[Illustration: "Hi, matey!" he blustered. "'Ow goes it now?"] + +"Some, thank you ... more like a drowned rat." Kirkwood eyed him +sheepishly. "I suppose you're the man who threw me that line? I'll have to +wait till my head clears up before I can thank you properly." + +"Don't mention it." He of the lantern jaws stowed the bottle away with +jealous care in one of his immense coat pockets, and seized Kirkwood's +hand in a grasp that made the young man wince. "You're syfe enough now. +My nyme's Stryker, Capt'n Wilyum Stryker.... Wot's the row? Lookin' for a +friend?" he demanded suddenly, as Kirkwood's attention wandered. + +For the memory of the errand that had brought him into the hands of Captain +William Stryker had come to the young man very suddenly; and his eager eyes +were swiftly roving not along the decks but the wide world besides, for +sight or sign of his heart's desire. + +After luffing to pick him up, the brigantine had been again pulled off on +the port tack. The fury of the gale seemed rather to have waxed than waned, +and the _Alethea_ was bending low under the relentless fury of its blasts, +driving hard, with leeward channels awash. Under her port counter, a mile +away, the crimson light-ship wallowed in a riot of breaking combers. +Sheerness lay abeam, five miles or more. Ahead the northeast headland +of the Isle of Sheppey was bulking large and near. The cat-boat had +vanished.... + +More important still, no one aboard the brigantine resembled in the +remotest degree either of the Calendars, father or daughter, or even +Mulready, the black-avised. + +"I sye, 're you lookin' for some one you know?" + +"Yes--your passengers. I presume they're below--?" + +"Passengers!" + +A hush fell upon the group, during which Kirkwood sought Stryker's eye in +pitiful pleading; and Stryker looked round him blankly. + +"Where's Miss Calendar?" the young man demanded sharply. "I must see her at +once!" + +The keen and deep-set eyes of the skipper clouded as they returned to +Kirkwood's perturbed countenance. "Wot're you talking about?" he demanded +brusquely. + +"I must see Miss Calendar, or Calendar himself, or Mulready." Kirkwood +paused, and, getting no reply, grew restive under Stryker's inscrutable +regard. + +"That's why I came aboard," he amended, blind to the absurdity of the +statement; "to see--er--Calendar." + +"Well ... I'm damned!" + +Stryker managed to infuse into his tone a deal of suspicious contempt. + +"Why?" insisted Kirkwood, nettled but still uncomprehending. + +"D'you mean to tell me you came off from--wherever in 'ell you did come +from--intendin' to board this wessel and find a party nymed Calendar?" + +"Certainly I did. Why--?" + +"Well!" cried Mr. Stryker, rubbing his hands together with an air +oppressively obsequious, "I'm sorry to _hin_-form you you've come to the +wrong shop, sir; we don't stock no Calendars. We're in the 'ardware line, +we are. You might try next door, or I dessay you'll find what you want at +the stytioner's, round the corner." + +A giggle from his audience stimulated him. "If," he continued acidly, +"I'd a-guessed you was such a damn' fool, blimmy if I wouldn't've let you +drownd!" + +Staggered, Kirkwood bore his sarcastic truculence without resentment. + +"Calendar," he stammered, trying to explain, "Calendar _said_--" + +"I carn't 'elp wot Calendar said. Mebbe 'e _did_ myke an engygement with +you, an' you've gone and went an' forgot the dyte. Mebbe it's larst year's +calendar you're thinkin' of. You Johnny" (to a lout of a boy in the group +of seamen), "you run an' fetch this gentleman Whitaker's for Nineteen-six. +Look sharp, now!" + +"But--!" With an effort Kirkwood mustered up a show of dignity. "Am I to +understand," he said, as calmly as he could, "that you deny knowing George +B. Calendar and his daughter Dorothy and--" + +"I don't 'ave to. Listen to me, young man." For the time the fellow +discarded his clumsy facetiousness. "I'm Wilyum Stryker, Capt'n Stryker, +marster and 'arf-owner of this wessel, and wot I says 'ere is law. We don't +carry no passengers. D'ye understand me?"--aggressively. "There ain't no +pusson nymed Calendar aboard the _Allytheer_, an' never was, an' never will +be!" + +"What name did you say?" Kirkwood inquired. + +"This ship? The _Allytheer_; registered from Liverpool; bound from London +to Hantwerp, in cargo. Anythink else?" + +Kirkwood shook his head, turning to scan the seascape with a gloomy +gaze. As he did so, and remarked how close upon the Sheppey headland the +brigantine had drawn, the order was given to go about. For the moment he +was left alone, wretchedly wet, shivering, wan and shrunken visibly with +the knowledge that he had dared greatly for nothing. But for the necessity +of keeping up before Stryker and his crew, the young man felt that he could +gladly have broken down and wept for sheer vexation and disappointment. + +Smartly the brigantine luffed and wore about, heeling deep as she spun away +on the starboard tack. + +Kirkwood staggered round the skylight to the windward rail. From this +position, looking forward, he could see that they were heading for the open +sea, Foulness low over the port quarter, naught before them but a brawling +waste of leaden-green and dirty white. Far out one of the sidewheel boats +of the Queensborough-Antwerp line was heading directly into the wind and +making heavy weather of it. + +Some little while later, Stryker again approached him, perhaps swayed by an +unaccustomed impulse of compassion; which, however, he artfully concealed. +Blandly ironic, returning to his impersonation of the shopkeeper, "Nothink +else we can show you, sir?" he inquired. + +"I presume you couldn't put me ashore?" Kirkwood replied ingenuously. + +In supreme disgust the captain showed him his back. "'Ere, you!" he called +to one of the crew. "Tyke this awye--tyke 'im below and put 'im to bed; +give 'im a drink and dry 'is clo's. Mebbe 'e'll be better when 'e wykes up. +'E don't talk sense now, that's sure. If you arsk me, I sye 'e's balmy and +no 'ope for 'im." + + + + +XII + + +PICARESQUE PASSAGES + +Contradictory to the hopeful prognosis of Captain Stryker, his unaccredited +passenger was not "better" when, after a period of oblivious rest +indefinite in duration, he awoke. His subsequent assumption of listless +resignation, of pacific acquiescence in the dictates of his destiny, was +purely deceptive--thin ice of despair over profound depths of exasperated +rebellion. + +Blank darkness enveloped him when first he opened eyes to wonder. Then +gradually as he stared, piecing together unassorted memories and striving +to quicken drowsy wits, he became aware of a glimmer that waxed and waned, +a bar of pale bluish light striking across the gloom above his couch; and +by dint of puzzling divined that this had access by a port. Turning his +head upon a stiff and unyielding pillow, he could discern a streak of +saffron light lining the sill of a doorway, near by his side. The one +phenomenon taken with the other confirmed a theretofore somewhat hazy +impression that his dreams were dignified by a foundation of fact; that, in +brief, he was occupying a cabin-bunk aboard the good ship _Alethea_. + +Overhead, on the deck, a heavy thumping of hurrying feet awoke him to +keener perceptiveness. + +Judging from the incessant rolling and pitching of the brigantine, the +crashing thunder of seas upon her sides, the eldrich shrieking of the gale, +as well as from the chorused groans and plaints of each individual bolt +and timber in the frail fabric that housed his fortunes, the wind had +strengthened materially during his hours of forgetfulness--however many the +latter might have been. + +He believed, however, that he had slept long, deeply and exhaustively. He +felt now a little emaciated mentally and somewhat absent-bodied--so he put +it to himself. A numb languor, not unpleasant, held him passively supine, +the while he gave himself over to speculative thought. + +A wild night, certainly; probably, by that time, the little vessel was in +the middle of the North Sea ... _bound for Antwerp_! + +"Oh-h," said Kirkwood vindictively, "_hell_!" + +So he was bound for Antwerp! The first color of resentment ebbing from his +thoughts left him rather interested than excited by the prospect. He found +that he was neither pleased nor displeased. He presumed that it would be +no more difficult to raise money on personal belongings in Antwerp than +anywhere else; it has been observed that the first flower of civilization +is the rum-blossom, the next, the conventionalized fleur-de-lis of the +money-lender. There would be pawnshops, then, in Antwerp; and Kirkwood was +confident that the sale or pledge of his signet-ring, scarf-pin, match-box +and cigar-case, would provide him with money enough for a return to London, +by third-class, at the worst. There ... well, all events were on the knees +of the gods; he'd squirm out of his troubles, somehow. As for the other +matter, the Calendar affair, he presumed he was well rid of it,--with a +sigh of regret. It had been a most enticing mystery, you know; and the +woman in the case was extraordinary, to say the least. + +The memory of Dorothy Calendar made him sigh again, this time more +violently: a sigh that was own brother to (or at any rate descended in +a direct line from) the furnace sigh of the lover described by, the +melancholy Jaques. And he sat up, bumped his head, groped round until his +hand fell upon a doorknob, opened the door, and looked out into the blowsy +emptiness of the ship's cabin proper, whose gloomy confines were made +visible only by the rays of a dingy and smoky lamp swinging violently in +gimbals from a deck-beam. + +Kirkwood's clothing, now rough-dried and warped wretchedly out of shape, +had been thrown carelessly on a transom near the door. He got up, collected +them, and returning to his berth, dressed at leisure, thinking heavily, +disgruntled--in a humor as evil as the after-taste of bad brandy in his +mouth. + +When dressed he went out into the cabin, closing the door upon his berth, +and for lack of anything better to do, seated himself on the thwartships +transom, against the forward bulkhead, behind the table. Above his head a +chronometer ticked steadily and loudly, and, being consulted, told him that +the time of day was twenty minutes to four; which meant that he had slept +away some eighteen or twenty hours. That was a solid spell of a rest, +when he came to think of it, even allowing that he had been unusually and +pardonably fatigued when conducted to his berth. He felt stronger now, and +bright enough--and enormously hungry into the bargain. + +Abstractedly, heedless of the fact that his tobacco would be water-soaked +and ruined, he fumbled in his pockets for pipe and pouch, thinking to +soothe the pangs of hunger against breakfast-time; which was probably two +hours and a quarter ahead. But his pockets were empty--every one of them. +He assimilated this discovery in patience and cast an eye about the room, +to locate, if possible, the missing property. But naught of his was +visible. So he rose and began a more painstaking search. + +The cabin was at once tiny, low-ceiled, and depressingly gloomy. Its +furniture consisted entirely in a chair or two, supplementing the transoms +and lockers as resting-places, and a center-table covered with a cloth of +turkey-red, whose original aggressiveness had been darkly moderated by +libations of liquids, principally black coffee, and burnt offerings of +grease and tobacco-ash. Aside from the companion-way to the deck, four +doors opened into the room, two probably giving upon the captain's and the +mate's quarters, the others on pseudo state-rooms--one of which he had just +vacated--closets large enough to contain a small bunk and naught beside. +The bulkheads and partitions were badly broken out with a rash of pictures +from illustrated papers, mostly offensive. Kirkwood was interested to read +a half-column clipping from a New York yellow journal, descriptive of the +antics of a drunken British sailor who had somehow found his way to the +bar-room of the Fifth Avenue Hotel; the paragraph exploiting the fact that +it had required four policemen in addition to the corps of porters to +subdue him, was strongly underscored in red ink; and the news-story wound +up with the information that in police court the man had given his name as +William Stranger and cheerfully had paid a fine of ten dollars, alleging +his entertainment to have been cheap at the price. + +While Kirkwood was employed in perusing this illuminating anecdote, eight +bells sounded, and, from the commotion overhead, the watch changed. A +little later the companion-way door slammed open and shut, and Captain +Stryker--or Stranger; whichever you please--fell down, rather than +descended, the steps. + +Without attention to the American he rolled into the mate's room and roused +that personage. Kirkwood heard that the name of the second-in-command was +'Obbs, as well as that he occupied the starboard state-room aft. After a +brief exchange of comment and instruction, Mr. 'Obbs appeared in the shape +of a walking pillar of oil-skins capped by a sou'wester, and went on deck; +Stryker, following him out of the state-room, shed his own oilers in a +clammy heap upon the floor, opened a locker from which he brought forth a +bottle and a dirty glass, and, turning toward the table, for the first time +became sensible of Kirkwood's presence. + +"Ow, there you are, eigh, little bright-eyes!" he exclaimed with surprised +animation. + +"Good morning, Captain Stryker," said Kirkwood, rising. "I want to tell +you--" + +But Stryker waved one great red paw impatiently, with the effect of +sweeping aside and casting into the discard Kirkwood's intended speech of +thanks; nor would he hear him further. + +"Did you 'ave a nice little nap?" he interrupted. "Come up bright and +smilin', eigh? Now I guess"--the emphasis made it clear that the captain +believed himself to be employing an Americanism; and so successful was he +in his own esteem that he could not resist the temptation to improve upon +the imitation--"Na-ow I guess yeou're abaout right ready, ben't ye, to hev +a drink, sonny?" + +"No, thank you," said Kirkwood, smiling tolerantly. "I've got any amount of +appetite..." + +"'Ave you, now?" Stryker dropped his mimicry and glanced at the clock. +"Breakfast," he announced, "will be served in the myne dinin' saloon at +eyght a. m. Passingers is requested not to be lyte at tyble." + +Depositing the bottle on the said table, the captain searched until he +found another glass for Kirkwood, and sat down. + +"Do you good," he insinuated, pushing the bottle gently over. + +"No, thank you," reiterated Kirkwood shortly, a little annoyed. + +Stryker seized his own glass, poured out a strong man's dose of the +fiery concoction, gulped it down, and sighed. Then, with a glance at the +American's woebegone countenance (Kirkwood was contemplating a four-hour +wait for breakfast, and, consequently, looking as if he had lost his last +friend), the captain bent over, placing both hands palm down before him and +wagging his head earnestly. + +"Please," he implored,--"Please don't let me hinterrupt;" and filled his +pipe, pretending a pensive detachment from his company. + +The fumes of burning shag sharpened the tooth of desire. Kirkwood stood it +as long as he could, then surrendered with an: "If you've got any more of +that tobacco, Captain, I'd be glad of a pipe." + +An intensely contemplative expression crept into the captain's small blue +eyes. + +"I only got one other pyper of this 'ere 'baccy," he announced at length, +"and I carn't get no more till I gets 'ome. I simply couldn't part with it +hunder 'arf a quid." + +Kirkwood settled back with a hopeless lift of his shoulders. Abstractedly +Stryker puffed the smoke his way until he could endure the deprivation no +longer. + +"I had about ten shillings in my pocket when I came aboard, captain, +and ... a few other articles." + +"Ow, yes; so you 'ad, now you mention it." + +Stryker rose, ambled into his room, and returned with Kirkwood's +possessions and a fresh paper of shag. While the young man was hastily +filling, lighting, and inhaling the first strangling but delectable whiff, +the captain solemnly counted into his own palm all the loose change except +three large pennies. The latter he shoved over to Kirkwood in company with +a miscellaneous assortment of articles, which the American picked up piece +by piece and began to bestow about his clothing. When through, he sat back, +troubled and disgusted. Stryker met his regard blandly. + +"Anything I can do?" he inquired, in suave concern. + +"Why ... there _was_ a black pearl scarfpin--" + +"W'y, don't you remember? You gave that to me, 'count of me 'avin syved yer +life. 'Twas me throwed you that line, you know." + +"Oh," commented Kirkwood briefly. The pin had been among the most valuable +and cherished of his belongings. + +"Yes," nodded the captain in reminiscence. "You don't remember? Likely +'twas the brandy singing in yer 'ead. You pushes it into my 'ands,--almost +weepin', you was,--and sez, sez you, 'Stryker,' you sez, 'tyke this in +triflin' toking of my gratichood; I wouldn't hinsult you,' you sez, 'by +hofferin' you money, but this I can insist on yer acceptin', and no +refusal,' says you." + +"Oh," repeated Kirkwood. + +"If I for a ninstant thought you wasn't sober when you done it.... But no; +you're a gent if there ever was one, and I'm not the man to offend you." + +"Oh, indeed." + +The captain let the implication pass, perhaps on the consideration that he +could afford to ignore it; and said no more. The pause held for several +minutes, Kirkwood having fallen into a mood of grave distraction. Finally +Captain Stryker thoughtfully measured out a second drink, limited only by +the capacity of the tumbler, engulfed it noisily, and got up. + +"Guess I'll be turnin' in," he volunteered affably, yawning and stretching. + +"I was about to ask you to do me a service...." began Kirkwood. + +"Yes?"--with the rising inflection of mockery. + +Kirkwood quietly produced his cigar-case, a gold match-box, gold card-case, +and slipped a signet ring from his finger. "Will you buy these?" he asked. +"Or will you lend me five pounds and hold them as security?" + +Stryker examined the collection with exaggerated interest strongly +tinctured with mistrust. "I'll buy 'em," he offered eventually, looking up. + +"That's kind of you--" + +"Ow, they ain't much use to me, but Bill Stryker's allus willin' to +accommodate a friend.... Four quid, you said?" + +"Five...." + +"They ain't wuth over four to me." + +"Very well; make it four," Kirkwood assented contemptuously. + +The captain swept the articles into one capacious fist, pivoted on one heel +at the peril of his neck, and lumbered unsteadily off to his room. Pausing +at the door he turned back in inquiry. + +"I sye, 'ow did you come to get the impression there was a party named +Almanack aboard this wessel?" + +"Calendar--" + +"'Ave it yer own wye," Stryker conceded gracefully. + +"There isn't, is there?" + +"You 'eard me." + +"Then," said Kirkwood sweetly, "I'm sure you wouldn't be interested." + +The captain pondered this at leisure. "You seemed pretty keen abaht seein' +'im," he remarked conclusively. + +"I was." + +"Seems to me I did 'ear the nyme sumw'eres afore." The captain appeared to +wrestle with an obdurate memory. "Ow!" he triumphed. "I know. 'E was a chap +up Manchester wye. Keeper in a loonatic asylum, 'e was. 'That yer party?" + +"No," said Kirkwood wearily. + +"I didn't know but mebbe 'twas. Excuse me. 'Thought as 'ow mebbe you'd +escyped from 'is tender care, but, findin' the world cold, chynged yer mind +and wanted to gow back." + +Without waiting for a reply he lurched into his room and banged the door +to. Kirkwood, divided between amusement and irritation, heard him stumbling +about for some time; and then a hush fell, grateful enough while it lasted; +which was not long. For no sooner did the captain sleep than a penetrating +snore added itself unto the cacophony of waves and wind and tortured ship. + +Kirkwood, comforted at first by the blessed tobacco, lapsed insensibly +into dreary meditations. Coming after the swift movement and sustained +excitement of the eighteen hours preceding his long sleep, the monotony +of shipboard confinement seemed irksome to a maddening degree. There was +absolutely nothing he could discover to occupy his mind. If there were +books aboard, none was in evidence; beyond the report of Mr. Stranger's +Manhattan night's entertainment the walls were devoid of reading matter; +and a round of the picture gallery proved a diversion weariful enough when +not purely revolting. + +Wherefore Mr. Kirkwood stretched himself out on the transom and smoked and +reviewed his adventures in detail and seriatim, and was by turns indignant, +sore, anxious on his own account as well as on Dorothy's, and out of all +patience with himself. Mystified he remained throughout, and the edge of +his curiosity held as keen as ever, you may believe. + +Consistently the affair presented itself to his fancy in the guise of a +puzzle-picture, which, though you study it never so diligently, remains +incomprehensible, until by chance you view it from an unexpected angle, +when it reveals itself intelligibly. It had not yet been his good fortune +to see it from the right viewpoint. To hold the metaphor, he walked endless +circles round it, patiently seeking, but ever failing to find the proper +perspective.... Each incident, however insignificant, in connection with +it, he handled over and over, examining its every facet, bright or dull, as +an expert might inspect a clever imitation of a diamond; and like a perfect +imitation it defied analysis. + +Of one or two things he was convinced; for one, that Stryker was a liar +worthy of classification with Calendar and Mrs. Hallam. Kirkwood had +not only the testimony of his sense to assure him that the ship's name, +_Alethea_ (not a common one, by the bye), had been mentioned by both +Calendar and Mulready during their altercation on Bermondsey Old Stairs, +but he had the confirmatory testimony of the sleepy waterman, William, who +had directed Old Bob and Young William to the anchorage off Bow Creek. That +there should have been two vessels of the same unusual name at one and +the same time in the Port of London, was a coincidence too preposterous +altogether to find place in his calculations. + +His second impregnable conclusion was that those whom he sought had boarded +the _Alethea_, but had left her before she tripped her anchor. That they +were not stowed away aboard her seemed unquestionable. The brigantine was +hardly large enough for the presence of three persons aboard her to be long +kept a secret from an inquisitive fourth,--unless, indeed, they lay in +hiding in the hold; for which, once the ship got under way, there could be +scant excuse. And Kirkwood did not believe himself a person of sufficient +importance in Calendar's eyes, to make that worthy endure the discomforts +of a'tween-decks imprisonment throughout the voyage, even to escape +recognition. + +With every second, then, he was traveling farther from her to whose aid he +had rushed, impelled by motives so hot-headed, so innately, chivalric, so +unthinkingly gallant, so exceptionally idiotic! + +Idiot! Kirkwood groaned with despair of his inability to fathom the abyss +of his self-contempt. There seemed to be positively no excuse for _him_. +Stryker had befriended him indeed, had he permitted him to drown. Yet +he had acted for the best, as he saw it. The fault lay in himself: an +admirable fault, that of harboring and nurturing generous and compassionate +instincts. But, of course, Kirkwood couldn't see it that way. + +"What else could I do?" he defended himself against the indictment +of common sense. "I couldn't leave her to the mercies of that set of +rogues!... And Heaven knows I was given every reason to believe she would +be aboard this ship! Why, she herself told me that she was sailing ...!" + +Heaven knew, too, that this folly of his had cost him a pretty penny, +first and last. His watch was gone beyond recovery, his homeward passage +forfeited; he no longer harbored illusions as to the steamship company +presenting him with another berth in lieu of that called for by that +water-soaked slip of paper then in his pocket--courtesy of Stryker. He had +sold for a pittance, a tithe of its value, his personal jewelry, and had +spent every penny he could call his own. With the money Stryker was to give +him he would be able to get back to London and his third-rate hostelry, but +not with enough over to pay that one week's room-rent, or ... + +"Oh, the devil!" he groaned, head in hands. + +The future loomed wrapped in unspeakable darkness, lightened by no least +ray of hope. It had been bad enough to lose a comfortable living through +a gigantic convulsion of Nature; but to think that he had lost all else +through his own egregious folly, to find himself reduced to the kennels--! + +So Care found him again in those weary hours,--came and sat by his side, +slipping a grisly hand in his and tightening its grip until he could have +cried out with the torment of it; the while whispering insidiously subtile, +evil things in his ear. And he had not even Hope to comfort him; at +any previous stage he had been able to distil a sort of bitter-sweet +satisfaction from the thought that he was suffering for the love of his +life. But now--now Dorothy was lost, gone like the glamour of Romance in +the searching light of day. + +Stryker, emerging from his room for breakfast, found the passenger with a +hostile look in his eye and a jaw set in ugly fashion. His eyes, too, were +the abiding-place of smoldering devils; and the captain, recognizing them, +considerately forbore to stir them up with any untimely pleasantries. To be +sure, he was autocrat in his own ship, and Kirkwood's standing aboard was +_nil_; but then there was just enough yellow in the complexion of Stryker's +soul to incline him to sidestep trouble whenever feasible. And besides, he +entertained dark suspicions of his guest--suspicions he scarce dared voice +even to his inmost heart. + +The morning meal, therefore, passed off in constrained silence. The captain +ate voraciously and vociferously, pushed back his chair, and went on deck +to relieve the mate. The latter, a stunted little Cockney with a wizened +countenance and a mind as foul as his tongue, got small change of his +attempts to engage the passenger in conversation on topics that he +considered fit for discussion. After the sixth or eighth snubbing he rose +in dudgeon, discharged a poisonous bit of insolence, and retired to his +berth, leaving Kirkwood to finish his breakfast in peace; which the latter +did literally, to the last visible scrap of food and the ultimate drop of +coffee, poor as both were in quality. + +To the tune of a moderating wind, the morning wearied away. Kirkwood went +on deck once, for distraction from the intolerable monotony of it all, got +a sound drenching of spray, with a glimpse of a dark line on the eastern +horizon, which he understood to be the low littoral of Holland, and was +glad to dodge below once more and dry himself. + +He had the pleasure of the mate's company at dinner, the captain remaining +on deck until Hobbs had finished and gone up to relieve him; and by that +time Kirkwood likewise was through. + +Stryker blew down with a blustery show of cheer. "Well, well, my little +man!" (It happened that he topped Kirkwood's stature by at least five +inches.) "Enj'yin' yer sea trip?" + +"About as much as you'd expect," snapped Kirkwood. + +"Ow?" The captain began to shovel food into his face. (The author regrets +he has at his command no more delicate expression that is literal and +illustrative.) Kirkwood watched him, fascinated with suspense; it seemed +impossible that the man could continue so to employ his knife without +cutting his throat from the inside. But years of such manipulation had made +him expert, and his guest, keenly disappointed, at length ceased to hope. + +Between gobbles Stryker eyed him furtively. + +"'Treat you all right?" he demanded abruptly. + +Kirkwood started out of a brown study. "What? Who? Why, I suppose I ought +to be--indeed, I _am_ grateful," he asserted. "Certainly you saved my life, +and--" + +"Ow, I don't mean that." Stryker gathered the imputation into his paw and +flung it disdainfully to the four winds of Heaven. "Bless yer 'art, you're +welcome; I wouldn't let no dorg drownd, 'f I could 'elp it. No," he +declared, "nor a loonatic, neither." + +He thrust his plate away and shifted sidewise in his chair. "I 'uz just +wonderin'," he pursued, picking his teeth meditatively with a pen-knife, +"'ow they feeds you in them _as_-ylums. 'Avin' never been inside one, +myself, it's on'y natural I'd be cur'us.... There was one of them +institootions near where I was borned--Birming'am, that is. I used to see +the loonies playin' in the grounds. I remember _just_ as well!... One of +'em and me struck up quite an acquaintance--" + +"Naturally he'd take to you on sight." + +"Ow? Strynge 'ow _we_ 'it it off, eigh?... You myke me think of 'im. Young +chap, 'e was, the livin' spi't-'n-himage of you. It don't happen, does it, +you're the same man?" + +"Oh, go to the devil!" + +"Naughty!" said the captain serenely, wagging a reproving forefinger. "Bad, +naughty word. You'll be sorry when you find out wot it means.... Only 'e +was allus plannin' to run awye and drownd 'is-self."... + +He wore the joke threadbare, even to his own taste, and in the end got +heavily to his feet, starting for the companionway. "Land you this +arternoon," he remarked casually, "come three o'clock or thereabahts. +Per'aps later. I don't know, though, as I 'ad ought to let you loose." + +Kirkwood made no answer. Chuckling, Stryker went on deck. + +In the course of an hour the American followed him. + +Wind and sea alike had gone down wonderfully since daybreak--a circumstance +undoubtedly in great part due to the fact that they had won in under the +lee of the mainland and were traversing shallower waters. On either hand, +like mist upon the horizon, lay a streak of gray, a shade darker than the +gray of the waters. The _Alethea_ was within the wide jaws of the Western +Scheldt. As for the wind, it had shifted several points to the northwards; +the brigantine had it abeam and was lying down to it and racing to port +with slanting deck and singing cordage. + +Kirkwood approached the captain, who, acting as his own pilot, was standing +by the wheel and barking sharp orders to the helmsman. + +"Have you a Bradshaw on board?" asked the young man. + +"Steady!" This to the man at the wheel; then to Kirkwood: "Wot's that, me +lud?" + +Kirkwood repeated his question. Stryker eyed him suspiciously for a +thought. + +"Wot d'you want it for?" + +"I want to see when I can get a boat back to England." + +"Hmm.... Yes, you'll find a Bradshaw in the port-locker, near the for'ard +bulk'ead. Run along now and pl'y--and mind you don't go tearin' out the +pyges to myke pyper boatses to go sylin' in." + +Kirkwood went below. Like its adjacent rooms, the cabin was untenanted; the +watch was the mate's, and Stryker a martinet. Kirkwood found the designated +locker and, opening it, saw first to his hand the familiar bulky red volume +with its red garter. Taking it out he carried it to a chair near the +companionway, for a better reading light: the skylight being still battened +down. + +The strap removed, the book opened easily, as if by force of habit, at the +precise table he had wished to consult; some previous client had left a +marker between the pages,--and not an ordinary book-mark, by any manner +of means. Kirkwood gave utterance to a little gasp of amazement, and +instinctively glanced up at the companionway, to see if he were observed. + +He was not, but for safety's sake he moved farther back into the cabin +and out of the range of vision of any one on deck; a precaution which was +almost immediately justified by the clumping of heavy feet upon the steps +as Stryker descended in pursuit of the ever-essential drink. + +"'Find it?" he demanded, staring blindly--with eyes not yet focused to the +change from light to gloom--at the young man, who was sitting with the +guide open on his knees, a tightly clenched fist resting on the transom at +either side of him. + +In reply he received a monosyllabic affirmative; Kirkwood did not look up. + +"You must be a howl," commented the captain, making for the seductive +locker. + +"A--what?" + +"A howl, readin' that fine print there in the dark. W'y don't you go over +to the light?... I'll 'ave to 'ave them shutters tyken off the winders." +This was Stryker's amiable figure of speech, frequently employed to +indicate the coverings of the skylight. + +"I'm all right." Kirkwood went on studying the book. + +Stryker swigged off his rum and wiped his lips with the back of a red paw, +hesitating a moment to watch his guest. + +"Mykes it seem more 'ome-like for you, I expect," he observed. + +"What do you mean?" + +"W'y, Bradshaw's first-cousin to a halmanack, ain't 'e? Can't get one, +take t'other--next best thing. Sorry I didn't think of it sooner; like my +passengers to feel comfy.... Now don't you go trapsein' off to gay Paree +and squanderin' wot money you got left. You 'ear?" + +"By the way, Captain!" Kirkwood looked up at this, but Stryker was already +half-way up the companion. + +Cautiously the American opened his right fist and held to the light that +which had been concealed, close wadded in his grasp,--a square of sheer +linen edged with lace, crumpled but spotless, and diffusing in the +unwholesome den a faint, intangible fragrance, the veriest wraith of +that elusive perfume which he would never again inhale without instantly +recalling that night ride through London in the intimacy of a cab. + +He closed his eyes and saw her again, as clearly as though she stood before +him,--hair of gold massed above the forehead of snow, curling in adorable +tendrils at the nape of her neck, lips like scarlet splashed upon the +immaculate whiteness of her skin, head poised audaciously in its spirited, +youthful allure, dark eyes smiling the least trace sadly beneath the level +brows. + +Unquestionably the handkerchief was hers; if proof other than the +assurance of his heart were requisite, he had it in the initial delicately +embroidered in one corner: a D, for Dorothy!... He looked again, to make +sure; then hastily folded up the treasure-trove and slipped it into a +breast pocket of his coat. + +No; I am not sure that it was not the left-hand pocket. + +Quivering with excitement he bent again over the book and studied it +intently. After all, he had not been wrong! He could assert now, without +fear of refutation, that Stryker had lied. + +Some one had wielded an industrious pencil on the page. It was, taken as a +whole, fruitful of clues. Its very heading was illuminating: + +LONDON to VLISSINGEN (FLUSHING) AND BREDA; + +which happened to be the quickest and most direct route between London and +Antwerp. Beneath it, in the second column from the right, the pencil had +put a check-mark against: + +QUEENSBOROUGH ... DEP ... 11A10. + +And now he saw it clearly--dolt that he had been not to have divined it ere +this! The _Alethea_ had run in to Queensborough, landing her passengers +there, that they might make connection with the eleven-ten morning boat for +Flushing,--the very side-wheel steamer, doubtless, which he had noticed +beating out in the teeth of the gale just after the brigantine had picked +him up. Had he not received the passing impression that the _Alethea_, when +first he caught sight of her, might have been coming out of the Medway, on +whose eastern shore is situate Queensborough Pier? Had not Mrs. Hallam, +going upon he knew not what information or belief, been bound for +Queensborough, with design there to intercept the fugitives? + +Kirkwood chuckled to recall how, all unwittingly, he had been the means +of diverting from her chosen course that acute and resourceful lady; then +again turned his attention to the tables. + +A third check had been placed against the train for Amsterdam scheduled to +leave Antwerp at 6:32 p. m. Momentarily his heart misgave him, when he saw +this, in fear lest Calendar and Dorothy should have gone on from Antwerp +the previous evening; but then he rallied, discovering that the boat-train +from Flushing did not arrive at Antwerp till after ten at night; and there +was no later train thence for Amsterdam. Were the latter truly their +purposed destination, they would have stayed overnight and be leaving that +very evening on the 6:32. On the other hand, why should they wait for the +latest train, rather than proceed by the first available in the morning? +Why but because Calendar and Mulready were to wait for Stryker to join them +on the _Alethea_? + +Very well, then; if the wind held and Stryker knew his business, there +would be another passenger on that train, in addition to the Calendar +party. + +Making mental note of the fact that the boat-train for Flushing and London +was scheduled to leave Antwerp daily at 8:21 p. m., Kirkwood rustled the +leaves to find out whether or not other tours had been planned, found +evidences of none, and carefully restored the guide to the locker, lest +inadvertently the captain should pick it up and see what Kirkwood had seen. + +An hour later he went on deck. The skies had blown clear and the brigantine +was well in land-bound waters and still footing a rattling pace. The +river-banks had narrowed until, beyond the dikes to right and left, the +country-side stretched wide and flat, a plain of living green embroidered +with winding roads and quaint Old-World hamlets whose red roofs shone like +dull fire between the dark green foliage of dwarfed firs. + +Down with the Scheldt's gray shimmering flood were drifting little +companies of barges, sturdy and snug both fore and aft, tough tanned sails +burning in the afternoon sunlight. A long string of canal-boats, potted +plants flowering saucily in their neatly curtained windows, proprietors +expansively smoking on deck, in the bosoms of their very large families, +was being mothered up-stream by two funny, clucking tugs. Behind the +brigantine a travel-worn Atlantic liner was scolding itself hoarse about +the right of way. Outward bound, empty cattle boats, rough and rusty, +were swaggering down to the sea, with the careless, independent +thumbs-in-armholes air of so many navvies off the job. + +And then lifting suddenly above the level far-off sky-line, there appeared +a very miracle of beauty; the delicate tracery of the great Cathedral's +spire of frozen lace, glowing like a thing of spun gold, set against the +sapphire velvet of the horizon. + +Antwerp was in sight. + +A troublesome care stirring in his mind, Kirkwood looked round the deck; +but Stryker was very busy, entirely too preoccupied with the handling of +his ship to be interrupted with impunity. Besides, there was plenty of +time. + +More slowly now, the wind falling, the brigantine crept up the river, her +crew alert with sheets and halyards as the devious windings of the stream +rendered it necessary to trim the canvas at varying angles to catch the +wind. + +Slowly, too, in the shadow of that Mechlin spire, the horizon grew rough +and elevated, taking shape in the serrated profile of a thousand gables and +a hundred towers and cross-crowned steeples. + +Once or twice, more and more annoyed as the time of their association +seemed to grow more brief, Kirkwood approached the captain; but Stryker +continued to be exhaustively absorbed in the performance of his duties. + +Up past the dockyards, where spidery masts stood in dense groves about +painted funnels, and men swarmed over huge wharves like ants over a crust +of bread; up and round the final, great sweeping bend of the river, the +_Alethea_ made her sober way, ever with greater slowness; until at length, +in the rose glow of a flawless evening, her windlass began to clank like a +mad thing and her anchor bit the riverbed, near the left bank, between old +Forts Isabelle and Tête de Flandre, frowned upon from the right by the grim +pile of the age-old Steen castle. + +And again Kirkwood sought Stryker, his carking query ready on his lips. But +the captain impatiently waved him aside. + +"Don't you bother me now, me lud juke! Wyte until I gets done with the +custom hofficer." + +Kirkwood acceded, perforce; and bided his time with what tolerance he could +muster. + +A pluttering customs launch bustled up to the _Alethea's_ side, discharged +a fussy inspector on the brigantine's deck, and panted impatiently until +he, the examination concluded without delay, was again aboard. + +Stryker, smirking benignly and massaging his lips with the back of his +hand, followed the official on deck, nodded to Kirkwood an intimation that +he was prepared to accord him an audience, and strolled forward to the +waist. The American, mastering his resentment, meekly followed; one can not +well afford to be haughty when one is asking favors. + +Advancing to the rail, the captain whistled in one of the river-boats; +then, while the waterman waited, faced his passenger. + +"Now, yer r'yal 'ighness, wot can I do for you afore you goes ashore?" + +"I think you must have forgotten," said Kirkwood quietly. "I hate to +trouble you, but--there's that matter of four pounds." + +Stryker's face was expressive only of mystified vacuity. "Four quid? I +dunno _as_ I know just wot you means." + +"You agreed to advance me four pounds on those things of mine...." + +"Ow-w!" Illumination overspread the hollow-jowled countenance. Stryker +smiled cheerfully. "Garn with you!" he chuckled. "You will 'ave yer little +joke, won't you now? I declare I never see a loony with such affecsh'nit, +pl'yful wyes!" + +Kirkwood's eyes narrowed. "Stryker," he said steadily, "give me the four +pounds and let's have no more nonsense; or else hand over my things at +once." + +"Daffy," Stryker told vacancy, with conviction. "Lor' luv me if I sees +'ow he ever 'ad sense enough to escype. W'y, yer majesty!" and he bowed, +ironic. "I '_ave_ given you yer quid." + +"Just about as much as I gave you that pearl pin," retorted Kirkwood hotly. +"What the devil do you mean--" + +"W'y, yer ludship, four pounds jus pyes yer passyge; I thought you +understood." + +"My passage! But I can come across by steamer for thirty shillings, +first-class--" + +"Aw, but them steamers! Tricky, they is, and unsyfe ... No, yer gryce, the +W. Stryker Packet Line Lim'ted, London to Antwerp, charges four pounds per +passyge and no reduction for return fare." + +Stunned by his effrontery, Kirkwood stared in silence. + +"Any complynts," continued the captain, looking over Kirkwood's head, "must +be lyde afore the Board of Directors in writin' not more'n thirty dyes +arfter--" + +"You damned scoundrel!" interpolated Kirkwood thoughtfully. + +Stryker's mouth closed with a snap; his features froze in a cast of wrath; +cold rage glinted in his small blue eyes. "W'y," he bellowed, "you bloomin' +loonatic, d'ye think you can sye that to Bill Stryker on 'is own wessel!" + +He hesitated a moment, then launched a heavy fist at Kirkwood's face. +Unsurprised, the young man side-stepped, caught the hard, bony wrist as the +captain lurched by, following his wasted blow, and with a dexterous twist +laid him flat on his back, with a sounding thump upon the deck. And as the +infuriated scamp rose--which he did with a bound that placed him on +his feet and in defensive posture; as though the deck had been a +spring-board--Kirkwood leaped back, seized a capstan-bar, and faced him +with a challenge. + +"Stand clear, Stryker!" he warned the man tensely, himself livid with rage. +"If you move a step closer I swear I'll knock the head off your shoulders! +Not another inch, you contemptible whelp, or I'll brain you!... That's +better," he continued as the captain, caving, dropped his fists and moved +uneasily back. "Now give that boatman money for taking me ashore. Yes, I'm +going--and if we ever meet again, take the other side of the way, Stryker!" + +Without response, a grim smile wreathing his thin, hard lips, Stryker +thrust one hand into his pocket, and withdrawing a coin, tossed it to the +waiting waterman. Whereupon Kirkwood backed warily to the rail, abandoned +the capstan-bar and dropped over the side. + +Nodding to the boatman, "The Steen landing--quickly," he said in French. + +Stryker, recovering, advanced to the rail and waved him a derisive _bon +voyage_. + +"By-by, yer hexcellency. I 'opes it may soon be my pleasure to meet you +again. You've been a real privilege to know; I've henjoyed yer comp'ny +somethin' immense. Don't know as I ever met such a rippin', Ay Number One, +all-round, entertynin' ass, afore!" + +He fumbled nervously about his clothing, brought to light a rag of cotton, +much the worse for service, and ostentatiously wiped from the corner of +each eye tears of grief at parting. Then, as the boat swung toward the +farther shore, Kirkwood's back was to the brigantine, and he was little +tempted to turn and invite fresh shafts of ridicule. + +Rapidly, as he was ferried across the busy Scheldt, the white blaze of his +passion cooled; but the biting irony of his estate ate, corrosive, into his +soul. Hollow-eyed he glared vacantly into space, pale lips unmoving, his +features wasted with despair. + +They came to the landing-stage and swung broad-side on. Mechanically the +American got up and disembarked. As heedless of time and place he moved +up the Quai to the gangway and so gained the esplanade; where pausing he +thrust a trembling hand into his trouser pocket. + +The hand reappeared, displaying in its outspread palm three big, round, +brown, British pennies. Staring down at them, Kirkwood's lips moved. + +"Bed rock!" he whispered huskily. + + + + +XIII + + +A PRIMER OF PROGRESSIVE CRIME + +Without warning or presage the still evening air was smitten and made +softly musical by the pealing of a distant chime, calling vespers to its +brothers in Antwerp's hundred belfries; and one by one, far and near, the +responses broke out, until it seemed as if the world must be vibrant +with silver and brazen melody; until at the last the great bells in the +Cathedral spire stirred and grumbled drowsily, then woke to such ringing +resonance as dwarfed all the rest and made it seem as nothing. + +Like the beating of a mighty heart heard through the rushing clamor of the +pulses, a single deep-throated bell boomed solemnly six heavy, rumbling +strokes. + +Six o'clock! Kirkwood roused out of his dour brooding. The Amsterdam +express would leave at 6:32, and he knew not from what station. + +Striding swiftly across the promenade, he entered a small tobacco shop and +made inquiry of the proprietress. His command of French was tolerable; he +experienced no difficulty in comprehending the good woman's instructions. + +Trains for Amsterdam, she said, left from the Gare Centrale, a mile or so +across the city. M'sieur had plenty of time, and to spare. There was the +tram line, if m'sieur did not care to take a fiacre. If he would go by way +of the Vielle Bourse he would discover the tram cars of the Rue Kipdorp. +M'sieur was most welcome.... + +Monsieur departed with the more haste since he was unable to repay this +courtesy with the most trifling purchase; such slight matters annoyed +Kirkwood intensely. Perhaps it was well for him that he had the long walk +to help him work off the fit of nervous exasperation into which he was +plunged every time his thoughts harked back to that jovial black-guard, +Stryker.... He was quite calm when, after a brisk walk of some fifteen +minutes, he reached the station. + +A public clock reassured him with the information that he had the quarter +of an hour's leeway; it was only seventeen minutes past eighteen o'clock +(Belgian railway time, always confusing). Inquiring his way to the +Amsterdam train, which was already waiting at the platform, he paced its +length, peering brazenly in at the coach windows, now warm with hope, now +shivering with disappointment, realizing as he could not but realize that, +all else aside, his only chance of rehabilitation lay in meeting Calendar. +But in none of the coaches or carriages did he discover any one even +remotely resembling the fat adventurer, his daughter, or Mulready. + +Satisfied that they had not yet boarded the train, he stood aside, tortured +with forebodings, while anxiously scrutinizing each individual of the +throng of intending travelers.... Perhaps they had been delayed--by the +_Alethea's_ lateness in making port very likely; perhaps they purposed +taking not this but a later train; perhaps they had already left the city +by an earlier, or had returned to England. + +On time, the bell clanged its warning; the guards bawled theirs; doors were +hastily opened and slammed; the trucks began to groan, couplings jolting +as the engine chafed in constraint. The train and Kirkwood moved +simultaneously out of opposite ends of the station, the one to rattle and +hammer round the eastern boundaries of the city and straighten out at top +speed on the northern route for the Belgian line, the other to stroll +moodily away, idle hands in empty pockets, bound aimlessly anywhere--it +didn't matter! + +Nothing whatever mattered in the smallest degree. Ere now the outlook had +been dark; but this he felt to be the absolute nadir of his misfortunes. +Presently--after a while--as soon as he could bring himself to it--he would +ask the way and go to the American Consulate. But just now, low as the tide +of chance had ebbed, leaving him stranded on the flats of vagabondage, +low as showed the measure of his self-esteem, he could not tolerate the +prospect of begging for assistance--help which would in all likelihood be +refused, since his story was quite too preposterous to gain credence in +official ears that daily are filled with the lamentations of those whose +motives do not bear investigation. And if he chose to eliminate the strange +chain of events which had landed him in Antwerp, to base his plea solely on +the fact that he was a victim of the San Francisco disaster ... he himself +was able to smile, if sourly, anticipating the incredulous consular smile +with which he would be shown the door. + +No; that he would reserve as a last resort. True, he had already come to +the Jumping-off Place; to the Court of the Last Resort alone could he now +appeal. But ... not yet; after a while he could make his petition, after he +had made a familiar of the thought that he must armor himself with callous +indifference to rebuff, to say naught of the waves of burning shame that +would overwhelm him when he came to the point of asking charity. + +He found himself, neither knowing nor caring how he had won thither, in the +Place Verte, the vast venerable pile of the Cathedral rising on his right, +hotels and quaint Old-World dwellings with peaked roofs and gables and +dormer windows, inclosing the other sides of the square. The chimes (he +could hear none but those of the Cathedral) were heralding the hour of +seven. Listless and preoccupied in contemplation of his wretched case he +wandered purposelessly half round the square, then dropped into a bench on +its outskirts. + +It was some time later that he noticed, with a casual, indifferent eye, a +porter running out of the Hôtel de Flandre, directly opposite, and calling +a fiacre in to the carriage block. + +As languidly he watched a woman, very becomingly dressed, follow the porter +down to the curb. + +The fiacre swung in, and the woman dismissed the porter before entering the +vehicle; a proceeding so unusual that it fixed the onlooker's interest. +He sat rigid with attention; the woman seemed to be giving explicit +and lengthy directions to the driver, who nodded and gesticulated his +comprehension. + +The woman was Mrs. Hallam. + +The first blush of recognition passed, leaving Kirkwood without any +amazement. It was an easy matter to account for her being where she was. +Thrown off the scent by Kirkwood at Sheerness, the previous morning, she +had missed the day boat, the same which had ferried over those whom she +pursued. Returning from Sheerness to Queensborough, however, she had taken +the night boat for Flushing and Antwerp,--and not without her plan, who was +not a woman to waste her strength aimlessly; Kirkwood believed that she +had had from the first a very definite campaign in view. In that campaign +Queensborough Pier had been the first strategic move; the journey to +Antwerp, apparently, the second; and the American was impressed that he was +witnessing the inception of the third decided step.... The conclusion of +this process of reasoning was inevitable: Madam would bear watching. + +Thus was a magical transformation brought about. Instantaneously lassitude +and vain repinings were replaced by hopefulness and energy. In a twinkling +the young man was on his feet, every nerve a-thrill with excitement. + +Mrs. Hallam, blissfully ignorant of this surveillance over her movements, +took her place in the fiacre. The driver clucked to his horse, cracked +his whip, and started off at a slow trot: a pace which Kirkwood imitated, +keeping himself at a discreet distance to the rear of the cab, but prepared +to break into a run whenever it should prove necessary. + +Such exertion, however, was not required of him. Evidently Mrs. Hallam +was in no great haste to reach her destination; the speed of the fiacre +remained extremely moderate; Kirkwood found a long, brisk stride fast +enough to keep it well in sight. + +Round the green square, under the beautiful walls of Notre Dame d'Anvers, +through Grande Place and past the Hôtel de Ville, the cab proceeded, dogged +by what might plausibly be asserted the most persistent and infatuated soul +that ever crossed the water; and so on into the Quai Van Dyck, turning to +the left at the old Steen dungeon and, slowing to a walk, moving soberly up +the drive. + +Beyond the lip of the embankment, the Scheldt flowed, its broad shining +surface oily, smooth and dark, a mirror for the incandescent glory of the +skies. Over on the western bank old Tête de Flandre lifted up its grim +curtains and bastions, sable against the crimson, rampart and parapet edged +with fire. Busy little side-wheeled ferry steamers spanked the waters +noisily and smudged the sunset with dark drifting trails of smoke; and ever +and anon a rowboat would slip out of shadow to glide languidly with the +current. Otherwise the life of the river was gone; and at their moorings +the ships swung in great quietness, riding lights glimmering like low wan +stars. + +In the company of the latter the young man marked down the _Alethea_; a +sight which made him unconsciously clench both fists and teeth, reminding +him of that rare wag, Stryker.... + +To his way of thinking the behavior of the fiacre was quite unaccountable. +Hardly had the horse paced off the length of two blocks on the Quai ere +it was guided to the edge of the promenade and brought to a stop. And the +driver twisted the reins round his whip, thrust the latter in its socket, +turned sidewise on the box, and began to smoke and swing his heels, +surveying the panorama of river and sunset with complacency--a cabby, one +would venture, without a care in the world and serene in the assurance of +a generous _pour-boire_ when he lost his fare. But as for the latter, she +made no move; the door of the cab remained closed,--like its occupant's +mind, a mystery to the watcher. + +Twilight shadows lengthened, darkling, over the land; street-lights flashed +up in long, radiant ranks. Across the promenade hotels and shops were +lighted up; people began to gather round the tables beneath the awnings of +an open-air café. In the distance, somewhere, a band swung into the dreamy +rhythm of a haunting waltz. Scattered couples moved slowly, arm in arm, +along the riverside walk, drinking in the fragrance of the night. Overhead +stars popped out in brilliance and dropped their reflections to swim lazily +on spellbound waters.... And still the fiacre lingered in inaction, still +the driver lorded it aloft, in care-free abandon. + +In the course of time this inertia, where he had looked for action, this +dull suspense when he had forecast interesting developments, wore upon the +watcher's nerves and made him at once impatient and suspicious. Now that he +had begun to doubt, he conceived it as quite possible that Mrs. Hallam (who +was capable of anything) should have stolen out of the cab by the other +and, to him, invisible door. To resolve the matter, finally, he took +advantage of the darkness, turned up his coat collar, hunched up his +shoulders, hid his hands in pockets, pulled the visor of his cap well +forward over his eyes, and slouched past the fiacre. + +Mrs. Hallam sat within. He could see her profile clearly silhouetted +against the light; she was bending forward and staring fixedly out of the +window, across the driveway. Mentally he calculated the direction of her +gaze, then, moved away and followed it with his own eyes; and found himself +staring at the façade of a third-rate hotel. Above its roof the gilded +letters of a sign, catching the illumination from below, spelled out the +title of "Hôtel du Commerce." + +Mrs. Hallam was interested in the Hôtel du Commerce? + +Thoughtfully Kirkwood fell back to his former point of observation, now +the richer by another object of suspicion, the hostelry. Mrs. Hallam was +waiting and watching for some one to enter or to leave that establishment. +It seemed a reasonable inference to draw. Well, then, so was Kirkwood, no +less than the lady; he deemed it quite conceivable that their objects were +identical. + +He started to beguile the time by wondering what she would do, if... + +Of a sudden he abandoned this line of speculation, and catching his breath, +held it, almost afraid to credit the truth that for once his anticipations +were being realized under his very eyes. + +Against the lighted doorway of the Hôtel du Commerce, the figures of two +men were momentarily sketched, as they came hurriedly forth; and of the +two, one was short and stout, and even at a distance seemed to bear himself +with an accent of assertiveness, while the other was tall and heavy of +shoulder. + +Side by side they marched in step across the embankment to the head of the +Quai gangway, descending without pause to the landing-stage. Kirkwood, +hanging breathlessly over the guard-rail, could hear their footfalls +ringing in hollow rhythm on the planks of the inclined way,--could even +discern Calendar's unlovely profile in dim relief beneath one of the +waterside lights; and he recognized unmistakably Mulready's deep voice, +grumbling inarticulately. + +At the outset he had set after them, with intent to accost Calendar; but +their pace had been swift and his irresolute. He hung fire on the issue, +dreading to reveal himself, unable to decide which were the better course, +to pursue the men, or to wait and discover what Mrs. Hallam was about. In +the end he waited; and had his disappointment for recompense. + +For Mrs. Hallam did nothing intelligible. Had she driven over to the hotel, +hard upon the departure of the men, he would have believed that she was +seeking Dorothy, and would, furthermore, have elected to crowd their +interview, if she succeeded in obtaining one with the girl. But she did +nothing of the sort. For a time the fiacre remained as it had been ever +since stopping; then, evidently admonished by his fare, the driver +straightened up, knocked out his pipe, disentangled reins and whip, and +wheeled the equipage back on the way it had come, disappearing in a dark +side street leading eastward from the embankment. + +Kirkwood was, then, to believe that Mrs. Hallam, having taken all that +trouble and having waited for the two adventurers to appear, had been +content with sight of them? He could hardly believe that of the woman; it +wasn't like her. + +He started across the driveway, after the fiacre, but it was lost in a +tangle of side streets before he could make up his mind whether it was +worth while chasing or not; and, pondering the woman's singular action, he +retraced his steps to the promenade rail. + +Presently he told himself he understood. Dorothy was no longer of her +father's party; he had a suspicion that Mulready's attitude had made it +seem advisable to Calendar either to leave the girl behind, in England, or +to segregate her from his associates in Antwerp. If not lodged in another +quarter of the city, or left behind, she was probably traveling on ahead, +to a destination which he could by no means guess. And Mrs. Hallam was +looking for the girl; if there were really jewels in that gladstone bag, +Calendar would naturally have had no hesitation about intrusting them to +his daughter's care; and Mrs. Hallam avowedly sought nothing else. How +the woman had found out that such was the case, Kirkwood did not stop to +reckon; unless he explained it on the proposition that she was a person of +remarkable address. It made no matter, one way or the other; he had lost +Mrs. Hallam; but Calendar and Mulready he could put his finger on; they had +undoubtedly gone off to the _Alethea_ to confer again with Stryker,--that +was, unless they proposed sailing on the brigantine, possibly at turn of +tide that night. + +Panic gripped his soul and shook it, as a terrier shakes a rat, when he +conceived this frightful proposition. + +In his confusion of mind he evolved spontaneously an entirely new +hypothesis: Dorothy had already been spirited aboard the vessel; Calendar +and his confederate, delaying to join her from enigmatic motives, were now +aboard; and presently the word would be, Up-anchor and away! + +Were they again to elude him? Not, he swore, if he had to swim for it. And +he had no wish to swim. The clothes he stood in, with what was left of his +self-respect, were all that he could call his own on that side of the North +Sea. Not a boatman on the Scheldt would so much as consider accepting three +English pennies in exchange for boat-hire. In brief, it began to look as if +he were either to swim or ... to steal a boat. + +Upon such slender threads of circumstance depends our boasted moral health. +In one fleeting minute Kirkwood's conception of the law of _meum et tuum_, +its foundations already insidiously undermined by a series of cumulative +misfortunes, toppled crashing to its fall; and was not. + +He was wholly unconscious of the change. Beneath him, in a space between +the quays bridged by the gangway, a number of rowboats, a putative score, +lay moored for the night and gently rubbing against each other with the +soundless lift and fall of the river. For all that Kirkwood could determine +to the contrary, the lot lay at the mercy of the public; nowhere about was +he able to discern a figure in anything resembling a watchman. + +Without a quiver of hesitation--moments were invaluable, if what he feared +were true--he strode to the gangway, passed down, and with absolute +nonchalance dropped into the nearest boat, stepping from one to another +until he had gained the outermost. To his joy he found a pair of oars +stowed beneath the thwarts. + +If he had paused to moralize--which he didn't--upon the discovery, he would +have laid it all at the door of his lucky star; and would have been wrong. +We who have never stooped to petty larceny know that the oars had been +placed there at the direction of his evil genius bent upon facilitating his +descent into the avernus of crime. Let us, then, pity the poor young man +without condoning his offense. + +Unhitching the painter he set one oar against the gunwale of the next boat, +and with a powerful thrust sent his own (let us so call it for convenience) +stern-first out upon the river; then sat him composedly down, fitted the +oars to their locks, and began to pull straight across-stream, trusting to +the current to carry him down to the _Alethea_. He had already marked down +that vessel's riding-light; and that not without a glow of gratitude to see +it still aloft and in proper juxtaposition to the river-bank; proof that it +had not moved. + +He pulled a good oar, reckoned his distance prettily, and shipping the +blades at just the right moment, brought the little boat in under the +brigantine's counter with scarce a jar. An element of surprise he held +essential to the success of his plan, whatever that might turn out to be. + +Standing up, he caught the brigantine's after-rail with both hands, one of +which held the painter of the purloined boat, and lifted his head above +the deck line. A short survey of the deserted after-deck gave him further +assurance. The anchor-watch was not in sight; he may have been keeping +well forward by Stryker's instructions, or he may have crept off for forty +winks. Whatever the reason for his absence from the post of duty, Kirkwood +was relieved not to have him to deal with; and drawing himself gently in +over the rail, made the painter fast, and stepped noiselessly over toward +the lighted oblong of the companionway. A murmur of voices from below +comforted him with the knowledge that he had not miscalculated, this time; +at last he stood within striking distance of his quarry. + +The syllables of his surname ringing clearly in his ears and followed by +Stryker's fleeting laugh, brought him to a pause. He flushed hotly in the +darkness; the captain was retailing with relish some of his most successful +witticisms at Kirkwood's expense.... "You'd ought to've seed the wye'e +looked at me!" concluded the _raconteur_ in a gale of mirth. + +Mulready laughed with him, if a little uncertainly. Calendar's chuckle was +not audible, but he broke the pause that followed. + +"I don't know," he said with doubting emphasis. "You say you landed him +without a penny in his pocket? I don't call that a good plan at all. Of +course, he ain't a factor, but ... Well, it might've been as well to give +him his fare home. He might make trouble for us, somehow.... I don't mind +telling you, Cap'n, that you're an ass." + +The tensity of certain situations numbs the sensibilities. Kirkwood had +never in his weirdest dreams thought of himself as an eavesdropper; he did +not think of himself as such in the present instance; he merely listened, +edging nearer the skylight, of which the wings were slightly raised, and +keeping as far as possible in shadow. + +"Ow, I sye!" the captain was remonstrating, aggrieved. "'Ow was I to know +'e didn't 'ave it in for you? First off, when 'e comes on board (I'll sye +this for 'im, 'e's as plucky as they myke 'em), I thought 'e was from the +Yard. Then, when I see wot a bally hinnocent 'e was, I mykes up my mind +'e's just some one you've been ply in' one of your little gymes on, and 'oo +was lookin' to square 'is account. So I did 'im proper." + +"Evidently," assented Calendar dryly. "You're a bit of a heavy-handed +brute, Stryker. Personally I'm kind of sorry for the boy; he wasn't a bad +sort, as his kind runs, and he was no fool, from what little I saw of +him.... I wonder what he wanted." + +"Possibly," Mulready chimed in suavely, "you can explain what you wanted +of him, in the first place. How did you come to drag him into _this_ +business?" + +"Oh, that!" Calendar laughed shortly. "That was partly accident, partly +inspiration. I happened to see his name on the Pless register; he'd put +himself down as from 'Frisco. I figured it out that he would be next door +to broke and getting desperate, ready to do anything to get home; and +thought we might utilize him; to smuggle some of the stuff into the States. +Once before, if you'll remember--no; that was before we got together, +Mulready--I picked up a fellow-countryman on the Strand. He was down and +out, jumped at the job, and we made a neat little wad on it." + +"The more fool you, to take outsiders into your confidence," grumbled +Mulready. + +"Ow?" interrogated Calendar, mimicking Stryker's accent inimitably. "Well, +you've got a heap to learn about this game, Mul; about the first thing +is that you must trust Old Man Know-it-all, which is me. I've run more +diamonds into the States, in one way or another, in my time, than you ever +pinched out of the shirt-front of a toff on the Empire Prom., before they +made the graft too hot for you and you came to take lessons from me in the +gentle art of living easy." + +"Oh, cut that, cawn't you?" + +"Delighted, dear boy.... One of the first principles, next to profiting by +the admirable example I set you, is to make the fellows in your own line +trust you. Now, if this boy had taken on with me, I could have got a bunch +of the sparklers on my mere say-so, from old Morganthau up on Finsbury +Pavement. He does a steady business hoodwinking the Customs for the benefit +of his American clients--and himself. And I'd've made a neat little profit +besides: something to fall back on, if this fell through. I don't mind +having two strings to my bow." + +"Yes," argued Mulready; "but suppose this Kirkwood had taken on with you +and then peached?" + +"That's another secret; you've got to know your man, be able to size him +up. I called on this chap for that very purpose; but I saw at a glance he +wasn't our man. He smelt a nigger in the woodpile and most politely told +me to go to the devil. But if he _had_ come in, he'd've died before he +squealed. I know the breed; there's honor among gentlemen that knocks the +honor of thieves higher'n a kite, the old saw to the contrary--nothing +doing.... You understand me, I'm sure, Mulready?" he concluded with +envenomed sweetness. + +"I don't see yet how Kirkwood got anything to do with Dorothy." + +"Miss Calendar to you, _Mister_ Mulready!" snapped Calendar. "There, there, +now! Don't get excited.... It was when the Hallam passed me word that a man +from the Yard was waiting on the altar steps for me, that Kirkwood came in. +He was dining close by; I went over and worked on his feelings until he +agreed to take Dorothy off my hands. If I had attempted to leave the place +with her, they'd've spotted me for sure.... My compliments to you, Dick +Mulready." + +There came the noise of chair legs scraped harshly on the cabin deck. +Apparently Mulready had leaped to his feet in a rage. + +"I've told you--" he began in a voice thick with passion. + +"Oh, sit down!" Calendar cut in contemptuously. "Sit down, d'you hear? +That's all over and done with. We understand each other now, and you won't +try any more monkey-shines. It's a square deal and a square divide, so +far's I'm concerned; if we stick together there'll be profit enough for all +concerned. Sit down, Mul, and have another slug of the captain's bum rum." + +Although Mulready consented to be pacified, Kirkwood got the impression +that the man was far gone in drink. A moment later he heard him growl +"Chin-chin!" antiphonal to the captain's "Cheer-o!" + +"Now, then," Calendar proposed, "Mr. Kirkwood aside--peace be with +him!--let's get down to cases." + +"Wot's the row?" asked the captain. + +"The row, Cap'n, is the Hallam female, who has unexpectedly shown up in +Antwerp, we have reason to believe with malicious intent and a private +detective to add to the gaiety of nations." + +"Wot's the odds? She carn't 'urt us without lyin' up trouble for 'erself." + +"Damn little consolation to us when we're working it out in Dartmoor." + +"Speak for yourself," grunted Mulready surlily. + +"I do," returned Calendar easily; "we're both in the shadow of Dartmoor, +Mul, my boy; since you choose to take the reference as personal. Sing Sing, +however, yawns for me alone; it's going to keep on yawning, too, unless I +miss my guess. I love my native land most to death, _but_ ..." + +"Ow, blow that!" interrupted the captain irritably. "Let's 'ear about the +'Allam. Wot're you afryd of?" + +"'Fraid she'll set up a yell when she finds out we're planting the loot, +Cap'n. She's just that vindictive; you'd think she'd be satisfied with +her end of the stick, but you don't know the Hallam. That milk-and-water +offspring of hers is the apple of her eye, and Freddie's going to collar +the whole shooting-match or madam will kick over the traces." + +"Well?" + +"Well, she's queered us here. We can't do anything if my lady is going to +camp on our trail and tell everybody we're shady customers, can we? The +question now before the board is: Where now,--and how?" + +"Amsterdam," Mulready chimed in. "I told you that in the beginning." + +"But how?" argued Calendar. "The Lord knows I'm willing but ... we can't go +by rail, thanks to the Hallam. We've got to lose her first of all." + +"But wot I'm arskin' is, wot's the matter with--" + +"The _Alethea_, Cap'n? Nothing, so far as Dick and I are concerned. But my +dutiful daughter is prejudiced; she's been so long without proper paternal +discipline," Calendar laughed, "that she's rather high-spirited. Of course +I might overcome her objections, but the girl's no fool, and every ounce +of pressure I bring to bear just now only helps make her more restless and +suspicious." + +"You leave her to me," Mulready interposed, with a brutal laugh. "I'll +guarantee to get her aboard, or..." + +"Drop it, Dick!" Calendar advised quietly. "And go a bit easy with that +bottle for five minutes, can't you?" + +"Well, then," Stryker resumed, apparently concurring in Calendar's +attitude, "w'y don't one of you tyke the stuff, go off quiet and dispose of +it to a proper fence, and come back to divide. I don't see w'y that--" + +"Naturally you wouldn't," chuckled Calendar. "Few people besides the two of +us understand the depth of affection existing between Dick, here, and +me. We just can't bear to get out of sight of each other. We're sure +inseparable--since night before last. Odd, isn't it?" + +"You drop it!" snarled Mulready, in accents so ugly that the listener was +startled. "Enough's enough and--" + +"There, there, Dick! All right; I'll behave," Calendar soothed him. "We'll +forget and say no more about it." + +"Well, see you don't." + +"But 'as either of you a plan?" persisted Stryker. + +"I have," replied Mulready; "and it's the simplest and best, if you could +only make this long-lost parent here see it." + +"Wot is it?" + +Mulready seemed to ignore Calendar and address himself to the captain. +He articulated with some difficulty, slurring his words to the point of +indistinctness at times. + +"Simple enough," he propounded solemnly. "We've got the gladstone bag here; +Miss Dolly's at the hotel--that's her papa's bright notion; he thinks she's +to be trusted ... Now then, what's the matter with weighing anchor and +slipping quietly out to sea?" + +"Leavin' the dootiful darter?" + +"Cert'n'y. She's only a drag any way. 'Better off without her.... Then we +can wait our time and get highest market prices--" + +"You forget, Dick," Calendar put it, "that there's a thousand in it for +each of us if she's kept out of England for six weeks. A thousand's five +thousand in the land I hail from; I can use five thousand in my business." + +"Why can't you be content with what you've got?" demanded Mulready +wrathfully. + +"Because I'm a seventh son of a seventh son; I can see an inch or two +beyond my nose. If Dorothy ever finds her way back to England she'll spoil +one of the finest fields of legitimate graft I ever licked my lips to look +at. The trouble with you, Mul, is you're too high-toned. You want to play +the swell mobs-man from post to finish. A quick touch and a clean getaway +for yours. Now, that's all right; that has its good points, but you don't +want to underestimate the advantages of a good blackmailing connection.... +If I can keep Dorothy quiet long enough, I look to the Hallam and precious +Freddie to be a great comfort to me in my old age." + +"Then, for God's sake," cried Mulready, "go to the hotel, get your brat by +the scruif of her pretty neck and drag her aboard. Let's get out of this." + +"I won't," returned Calendar inflexibly. + +The dispute continued, but the listener had heard enough. He had to get +away and think, could no longer listen; indeed, the voices of the three +blackguards below came but indistinctly to his ears, as if from a distance. +He was sick at heart and ablaze with indignation by turns. Unconsciously he +was trembling violently in every limb; swept by alternate waves of heat and +cold, feverish one minute, shivering the next. All of which phenomena were +due solely to the rage that welled inside his heart. + +Stealthily he crept away to the rail, to stand grasping it and staring +across the water with unseeing eyes at the gay old city twinkling back with +her thousand eyes of light. The cool night breeze, sweeping down unhindered +over the level Netherlands from the bleak North Sea, was comforting to +his throbbing temples. By degrees his head cleared, his rioting pulses +subsided, he could think; and he did. + +Over there, across the water, in the dingy and disreputable Hôtel du +Commerce, Dorothy waited in her room, doubtless the prey of unnumbered +nameless terrors, while aboard the brigantine her fate was being decided by +a council of three unspeakable scoundrels, one of whom, professing himself +her father, openly declared his intention of using her to further his +selfish and criminal ends. + +His first and natural thought, to steal away to her and induce her to +accompany him back to England, Kirkwood perforce discarded. He could +have wept over the realization of his unqualified impotency. He had no +money,--not even cab-fare from the hotel to the railway station. Something +subtler, more crafty, had to be contrived to meet the emergency. And there +was one way, one only; he could see none other. Temporarily he must make +himself one of the company of her enemies, force himself upon them, +ingratiate himself into their good graces, gain their confidence, then, +when opportunity offered, betray them. And the power to make them tolerate +him, if not receive him as a fellow, the knowledge of them and their plans +that they had unwittingly given him, was his. + +And Dorothy, was waiting.... + +He swung round and without attempting to muffle his footfalls strode toward +the companionway. He must pretend he had just come aboard. + +Subconsciously he had been aware, during his time of pondering, that the +voices in the cabin had been steadily gaining in volume, rising louder and +yet more loud, Mulready's ominous, drink-blurred accents dominating the +others. There was a quarrel afoot; as soon as he gave it heed, Kirkwood +understood that Mulready, in the madness of his inflamed brain, was forcing +the issue while Calendar sought vainly to calm and soothe him. + +The American arrived at the head of the companionway at a critical +juncture. As he moved to descend some low, cool-toned retort of Calendar's +seemed to enrage his confederate beyond reason. He yelped aloud with wrath, +sprang to his feet, knocking over a chair, and leaping back toward the foot +of the steps, flashed an adroit hand behind him and found his revolver. + +"I've stood enough from you!" he screamed, his voice oddly clear in that +moment of insanity. "You've played with me as long as you will, you hulking +American hog! And now I'm going to show--" + +As he held his fire to permit his denunciation to bite home, Kirkwood, +appalled to find himself standing on the threshold of a tragedy, gathered +himself together and launched through the air, straight for the madman's +shoulders. + +As they went down together, sprawling, Mulready's head struck against a +transom and the revolver fell from his limp fingers. + + + + +XIV + + +STRATAGEMS AND SPOILS + +Prepared as he had been for the shock, Kirkwood was able to pick himself up +quickly, uninjured, Mulready's revolver in his grasp. + +On his feet, straddling Mulready's insentient body, he confronted Calendar +and Stryker. The face of the latter was a sickly green, the gift of his +fright. The former seemed coldly composed, already recovering from his +surprise and bringing his wits to bear upon the new factor which had been +so unceremoniously injected into the situation. + +[Illustration: Straddling Mulready's body, he confronted Calendar and +Stryker.] + +Standing, but leaning heavily upon a hand that rested flat on the table, +in the other he likewise held a revolver, which he had apparently drawn in +self-defense, at the crisis of Mulready's frenzy. Its muzzle was deflected. +He looked Kirkwood over with a cool gray eye, the color gradually returning +to his fat, clean-shaven cheeks, replacing the pardonable pallor which had +momentarily rested thereon. + +As for Kirkwood, he had covered the fat adventurer before he knew it. +Stryker, who had been standing immediately in the rear of Calendar, +immediately cowered and cringed to find himself in the line of fire. + +Of the three conscious men in the brigantine's cabin, Calendar was probably +the least confused or excited. Stryker was palpably unmanned. Kirkwood was +tingling with a sense of mastery, but collected and rapidly revolving the +combinations for the reversed conditions which had been brought about by +Mulready's drunken folly. His elation was apparent in his shining, boyish +eyes, as well as in the bright color that glowed in his cheeks. When he +decided to speak it was with rapid enunciation, but clearly and concisely. + +"Calendar," he began, "if a single shot is fired about this vessel the +river police will be buzzing round your ears in a brace of shakes." + +The fat adventurer nodded assent, his eyes contracting. + +"Very well!" continued Kirkwood brusquely. "You must know that I have +personally nothing to fear from the police; if arrested, I wouldn't be +detained a day. On the other hand, you ... Hand me that pistol, Calendar, +butt first, please. Look sharp, my man! If you don't..." + +He left the ellipsis to be filled in by the corpulent blackguard's +intelligence. The latter, gray eyes still intent on the younger man's face, +wavered, plainly impressed, but still wondering. + +"Quick! I'm not patient to-night..." + +No longer was Calendar of two minds. In the face of Kirkwood's attitude +there was but one course to be followed: that of obedience. Calendar +surrendered an untenable position as gracefully as could be wished. + +"I guess you know what you mean by this," he said, tendering the weapon as +per instructions; "I'm doggoned if I do.... You'll allow a certain +latitude in consideration of my relief; I can't say we were anticipating +this--ah--Heaven-sent visitation." + +Accepting the revolver with his left hand and settling his forefinger on +the trigger, Kirkwood beamed with pure enjoyment. He found the deference +of the older man, tempered though it was by his indomitable swagger, +refreshing in the extreme. + +"A little appreciation isn't exactly out of place, come to think of it," +he commented, adding, with an eye for the captain: "Stryker, you bold, bad +butterfly, have you got a gun concealed about your unclean person?" + +The captain shook visibly with contrition. "No, Mr. Kirkwood," he managed +to reply in a voice singularly lacking in his wonted bluster. + +"Say 'sir'!" suggested Kirkwood. + +"No, Mr. Kirkwood, sir," amended Stryker eagerly. + +"Now come round here and let's have a look at you. Please stay where you +are, Calendar.... Why, Captain, you're shivering from head to foot! Not ill +are you, you wag? Step over to the table there, Stryker, and turn out your +pockets; turn 'em inside out and let's see what you carry in the way of +offensive artillery. And, Stryker, don't be rash; don't do anything you'd +be sorry for afterwards." + +"No fear of that," mumbled the captain, meekly shambling toward the table, +and, in his anxiety to give no cause for unpleasantness, beginning to empty +his pockets on the way. + +"Don't forget the 'sir,' Stryker. And, Stryker, if you happen to think of +anything in the line of one of your merry quips or jests, don't strain +yourself holding in; get it right off your chest, and you'll feel better." + +Kirkwood chuckled, in high conceit with himself, watching Calendar out of +the corner of his eye, but with his attention centered on the infinitely +diverting spectacle afforded by Stryker, whose predacious hands were +trembling violently as, one by one, they brought to light the articles of +which he had despoiled his erstwhile victim. + +"Come, come, Stryker! Surely you can think of something witty, surely you +haven't exhausted the possibilities of that almanac joke! Couldn't you +ring another variation on the lunatic wheeze? Don't hesitate out of +consideration for me, Captain; I'm joke proof--perhaps you've noticed?" + +Stryker turned upon him an expression at once ludicrous, piteous and +hateful. "That's all, sir," he snarled, displaying his empty palms in token +of his absolute tractability. + +"Good enough. Now right about face--quick! Your back's prettier than your +face, and besides, I want to know whether your hip-pockets are empty. I've +heard it's the habit of you gentry to pack guns in your clothes.... None? +That's all right, then. Now roost on the transom, over there in the corner, +Stryker, and don't move. Don't let me hear a word from you. Understand?" + +Submissively the captain retired to the indicated spot. Kirkwood turned +to Calendar; of whose attitude, however, he had not been for an instant +unmindful. + +"Won't you sit down, Mr. Calendar?" he suggested pleasantly. "Forgive me +for keeping you waiting." + +For his own part, as the adventurer dropped passively into his chair, +Kirkwood stepped over Mulready and advanced to the middle of the cabin, at +the same time thrusting Calendar's revolver into his own coat pocket. The +other, Mulready's, he nursed significantly with both hands, while he stood +temporarily quiet, surveying the fleshy face of the prime factor in the +intrigue. + +A quaint, grim smile played about the American's lips, a smile a little +contemptuous, more than a little inscrutable. In its light Calendar grew +restive and lost something of his assurance. His feet shifted uneasily +beneath the table and his dark eyes wavered, evading Kirkwood's. At length +he seemed to find the suspense unendurable. + +"Well?" he demanded testily. "What d'you want of me?" + +"I was just wondering at you, Calendar. In the last few days you've given +me enough cause to wonder, as you'll admit." + +The adventurer plucked up spirit, deluded by Kirkwood's pacific tone. "I +wonder at you, Mr. Kirkwood," he retorted. "It was good of you to save my +life and--" + +"I'm not so sure of that! Perhaps it had been more humane--" + +Calendar owned the touch with a wry grimace. "But I'm damned if I +understand this high-handed attitude of yours!" he concluded heatedly. + +"Don't you?" Kirkwood's humor became less apparent, the smile sobering. +"You will," he told the man, adding abruptly: "Calendar, where's your +daughter?" + +The restless eyes sought the companionway. + +"Dorothy," the man lied spontaneously, without a tremor, "is with friends +in England. Why? Did you want to see her?" + +"I rather expected to." + +"Well, I thought it best to leave her home, after all." + +"I'm glad to hear she's in safe hands," commented Kirkwood. + +The adventurer's glance analyzed his face. "Ah," he said slowly, "I see. +You followed me on Dorothy's account, Mr. Kirkwood?" + +"Partly; partly on my own. Let me put it to you fairly. When you forced +yourself upon me, back there in London, you offered me some sort of +employment; when I rejected it, you used me to your advantage for the +furtherance of your purposes (which I confess I don't understand), and made +me miss my steamer. Naturally, when I found myself penniless and friendless +in a strange country, I thought again of your offer; and tried to find you, +to accept it." + +"Despite the fact that you're an honest man, Kirkwood?" The fat lips +twitched with premature enjoyment. + +"I'm a desperate man to-night, whatever I may have been yesterday." The +young man's tone was both earnest and convincing. "I think I've shown that +by my pertinacity in hunting you down." + +"Well--yes." Calendar's thick fingers caressed his lips, trying to hide the +dawning smile. + +"Is that offer still open?" + +His nonchalance completely restored by the very naïveté of the proposition, +Calendar laughed openly and with a trace of irony. The episode seemed to be +turning out better than he had anticipated. Gently his mottled fat fingers +played about his mouth and chins as he looked Kirkwood up and down. + +"I'm sorry," he replied, "that it isn't--now. You're too late, Kirkwood; +I've made other arrangements." + +"Too bad." Kirkwood's eyes narrowed. "You force me to harsher measures, +Calendar." + +Genuinely diverted, the adventurer laughed a second time, tipping back +in his chair, his huge frame shaking with ponderous enjoyment. "Don't do +anything you'd be sorry for," he parroted, sarcastical, the young man's +recent admonition to the captain. + +"No fear, Calendar. I'm just going to use my advantage, which you won't +dispute,"--the pistol described an eloquent circle, gleaming in the +lamplight--"to levy on you a little legitimate blackmail. Don't be alarmed; +I shan't hit you any harder than I have to." + +"What?" stammered Calendar, astonished. "What in hell _are_ you driving +at?" + +"Recompense for my time and trouble. You've cost me a pretty penny, first +and last, with your nasty little conspiracy--whatever it's all about. Now, +needing the money, I purpose getting some of it back. I shan't precisely +rob you, but this is a hold-up, all right.... Stryker," reproachfully, "I +don't see my pearl pin." + +"I got it 'ere," responded the sailor hastily, fumbling with his tie. + +"Give it me, then." Kirkwood held out his hand and received the trinket. +Then, moving over to the table, the young man, while abating nothing of +his watchfulness, sorted out his belongings from the mass of odds and ends +Stryker had disgorged. The tale of them was complete; the captain had +obeyed him faithfully. Kirkwood looked up, pleased. + +"Now see here, Calendar; this collection of truck that I was robbed of by +this resurrected Joe Miller here, cost me upwards of a hundred and fifty. +I'm going to sell it to you at a bargain--say fifty dollars, two hundred +and fifty francs." + +"The juice you are!" Calendar's eyes opened wide, partly in admiration. +"D'you realize that this is next door to highway robbery, my young friend?" + +"High-seas piracy, if you prefer," assented Kirkwood with entire +equanimity. "I'm going to have the money, and you're going to give it up. +The transaction by any name would smell no sweeter, Calendar. Come--fork +over!" + +"And if I refuse?" + +"I wouldn't refuse, if I were you." + +"Why not?" + +"The consequences would be too painful." + +"You mean you'd puncture me with that gun?" + +"Not unless you attack or attempt to follow me. I mean to say that the +Belgian police are notoriously a most efficient body, and that I'll make +it my duty and pleasure to introduce 'em to you, if you refuse. But you +won't," Kirkwood added soothingly, "will you, Calendar?" + +"No." The adventurer had become suddenly thoughtful. "No, I won't. 'Glad to +oblige you." + +He tilted his chair still farther back, straightening out his elephantine +legs, inserted one fat hand into his trouser pocket and with some +difficulty extracted a combined bill-fold and coin-purse, at once heavy +with gold and bulky with notes. Moistening thumb and forefinger, "How'll +you have it?" he inquired with a lift of his cunning eyes; and when +Kirkwood had advised him, slowly counted out four fifty-franc notes, placed +them near the edge of the table, and weighted them with five ten-franc +pieces. And, "'That all?" he asked, replacing the pocket-book. + +"That will be about all. I leave you presently to your unholy devices, you +and that gay dog, over there." The captain squirmed, reddening. "Just by +way of precaution, however, I'll ask you to wait in here till I'm off." +Kirkwood stepped backwards to the door of the captain's room, opened it and +removed the key from the inside. "Please take Mulready in with you," he +continued. "By the time you get out, I'll be clear of Antwerp. Please don't +think of refusing me,--I really mean it!" + +The latter clause came sharply as Calendar seemed to hesitate, his weary, +wary eyes glimmering with doubt. Kirkwood, watching him as a cat her prey, +intercepted a lightning-swift sidelong glance that shifted from his face +to the port lockers, forward. But the fat adventurer was evidently to a +considerable degree deluded by the very child-like simplicity of Kirkwood's +attitude. If the possibility that his altercation with Mulready had been +overheard, crossed his mind, Calendar had little choice other than to +accept the chance. Either way he moved, the risk was great; if he refused +to be locked in the captain's room, there was the danger of the police, +to which Kirkwood had convincingly drawn attention; if he accepted the +temporary imprisonment, he took a risk with the gladstone bag. On the other +hand, he had estimated Kirkwood's honesty as thorough-going, from their +first interview; he had appraised him as a gentleman and a man of honor. +And he did not believe the young man knew, after all ... Perplexed, at +length he chose the smoother way, and with an indulgent lifting of eyebrows +and fat shoulders, rose and waddled over to Mulready. + +"Oh, all right," he conceded with deep toleration in his tone for the +idiosyncrasies of youth. "It's all the same to me, beau." He laughed a +nervous laugh. "Come along and lend us a hand, Stryker." + +The latter glanced timidly at Kirkwood, his eyes pleading for leave to +move; which Kirkwood accorded with an imperative nod and a fine flourish of +the revolver. Promptly the captain, sprang to Calendar's assistance; and +between the two of them, the one taking Mulready's head, the other his +feet, they lugged him quickly into the stuffy little state-room. Kirkwood, +watching and following to the threshold, inserted the key. + +"One word more," he counseled, a hand on the knob. "Don't forget I've +warned you what'll happen if you try to break even with me." + +"Never fear, little one!" Calendar's laugh was nervously cheerful. "The +Lord knows you're welcome." + +"Thank you 'most to death," responded Kirkwood politely. "Good-by--and +good-by to you, Stryker. 'Glad to have humored your desire to meet me soon +again." + +Kirkwood, turning the key in the lock, withdrew it and dropped it on the +cabin table; at the same time he swept into his pocket the money he had +extorted of Calendar. Then he paused an instant, listening; from the +captain's room came a sound of murmurs and scuffling. He debated what they +were about in there--but time pressed. Not improbably they, were crowding +for place at the keyhole, he reflected, as he crossed to the port locker +forward. + +He had its lid up in a twinkling, and in another had lifted out the +well-remembered black gladstone bag. + +This seems to have been his first compound larceny. + +As if stimulated by some such reflection he sprang for the companionway, +dropping the lid of the locker with a bang which must have been +excruciatingly edifying to the men in the captain's room. Whatever their +emotions, the bang was mocked by a mighty kick, shaking the door; which, +Kirkwood reflected, opened outward and was held only by the frailest kind +of a lock: it would not hold long. + +Spurred onward by a storm of curses, Stryker's voice chanting infuriated +cacophony with Calendar's, Kirkwood leapt up the companionway even as the +second tremendous kick threatened to shatter the panels. Heart in mouth, a +chill shiver of guilt running up and down his spine, he gained the deck, +cast loose the painter, drew in his rowboat, and dropped over the side; +then, the gladstone bag nestling between his feet, sat down and bent to the +oars. + +And doubts assailed him, pressing close upon the ebb of his +excitement--doubts and fears innumerable. + +There was no longer a distinction to be drawn between himself and Calendar; +no more could he esteem himself a better and more honest man than that +accomplished swindler. He was not advised as to the Belgian code, but +English law, he understood, made no allowance for the good intent of those +caught in possession of stolen property; though he was acting with the most +honorable motives in the world, the law, if he came within its cognizance, +would undoubtedly place him on Calendar's plane and judge him by the same +standard. To all intents and purposes he was a thief, and thief he would +remain until the gladstone bag with its contents should be restored to its +rightful owner. + +Voluntarily, then, he had stepped from the ranks of the hunters to those of +the hunted. He now feared police interference as abjectly as did Calendar +and his set of rogues; and Kirkwood felt wholly warranted in assuming that +the adventurer, with his keen intelligence, would not handicap himself by +ignoring this point. Indeed, if he were to be judged by what Kirkwood had +inferred of his character, Calendar would let nothing whatever hinder him, +neither fear of bodily hurt nor danger of apprehension at the hands of the +police, from making a determined and savage play to regain possession of +his booty. + +Well! (Kirkwood set his mouth savagely) Calendar should have a run for his +money! + +For the present he could compliment himself with the knowledge that he had +outwitted the rogues, had lifted the jewels and probably two-thirds of +their armament; he had also the start, the knowledge of their criminal +guilt and intent, and his own plans, to comfort him. As for the latter, he +did not believe that Calendar would immediately fathom them; so he took +heart of grace and tugged at the oars with a will, pulling directly for the +city and permitting the current to drift him down-stream at its pleasure. +There could be no more inexcusable folly than to return to the _Quai Steen_ +landing and (possibly) the arms of the despoiled boat-owner. + +At first he could hear crash after splintering crash sounding dully muffled +from the cabin of the _Alethea_: a veritable devil's tattoo beaten out by +the feet of the prisoners. Evidently the fastening was serving him better +than he had dared hope. But as the black rushing waters widened between +boat and brigantine, the clamor aboard the latter subsided, indicating +that Calendar and Stryker had broken out or been released by the crew. In +ignorance as to whether he were seen or being pursued, Kirkwood pulled on, +winning in under the shadow of the quais and permitting the boat to drift +down to a lonely landing on the edge of the dockyard quarter of Antwerp. + +Here alighting, he made the boat fast and, soothing his conscience with a +surmise that its owner would find it there in the morning, strode swiftly +over to the train line that runs along the embankment, swung aboard an +adventitious car and broke his first ten-franc piece in order to pay his +fare. + +The car made a leisurely progress up past the old Steen castle and the Quai +landing, Kirkwood sitting quietly, the gladstone bag under his hand, a +searching gaze sweeping the waterside. No sign of the adventurers rewarded +him, but it was now all chance, all hazard. He had no more heart for +confidence. + +They passed the Hôtel du Commerce. Kirkwood stared up at its windows, +wondering.... + +A little farther on, a disengaged fiacre, its driver alert for possible +fares, turned a corner into the esplanade. At sight of it Kirkwood, +inspired, hopped nimbly off the tram-car and signaled the cabby. The latter +pulled up and Kirkwood started to charge him with instructions; something +which he did haltingly, hampered by a slight haziness of purpose. While +thus engaged, and at rest in the stark glare of the street-lamps, with +no chance of concealing himself, he was aware of a rising tumult in the +direction of the landing, and glancing round, discovered a number of people +running toward him. With no time to wonder whether or no he was really the +object of the hue-and-cry, he tossed the driver three silver francs. + +"Gare Centrale!" he cried. "And drive like the devil!" + +Diving into the fiacre he shut the door and stuck his head out of the +window, taking observations. A ragged fringe of silly rabble was bearing +down upon them, with one or two gendarmes in the forefront, and a giant, +who might or might not be Stryker, a close second. Furthermore, another +cab seemed to have been requisitioned for the chase. His heart misgave him +momentarily; but his driver had taken him at his word and generosity, +and in a breath the fiacre had turned the corner on two wheels, and the +glittering reaches of the embankment, drive and promenade, were blotted +out, as if smudged with lamp-black, by the obscurity of a narrow and +tortuous side street. + +He drew in his head the better to preserve his brains against further +emergencies. + +After a block or two Kirkwood picked up the gladstone bag, gently opened +the door, and put a foot on the step, pausing to look back. The other cab +was pelting after him with all the enthusiasm of a hound on a fresh +trail. He reflected that this mad progress through the thoroughfares of a +civilized city would not long endure without police intervention. So he +waited, watching his opportunity. The fiacre hurtled onward, the driver +leaning forward from his box to urge the horse with lash of whip and +tongue, entirely unconscious of his fare's intentions. + +Between two streets the mouth of a narrow and darksome byway flashed into +view. Kirkwood threw wide the door, and leaped, trusting to the night to +hide his stratagem, to luck to save his limbs. Neither failed him; in a +twinkling he was on all fours in the mouth of the alley, and as he picked +himself up, the second fiacre passed, Calendar himself poking a round bald +poll out of the window to incite his driver's cupidity with promises of +redoubled fare. + +Kirkwood mopped his dripping forehead and whistled low with dismay; it +seemed that from that instant on it was to be a vendetta with a vengeance. +Calendar, as he had foreseen, was stopping at nothing. + +At a dog trot he sped down the alley to the next street, on which he turned +back--more sedately--toward the river, debouching on the esplanade just one +block from the Hôtel du Commerce. As he swung past the serried tables of a +café, whatever fears he had harbored were banished by the discovery that +the excitement occasioned by the chase had already subsided. Beneath the +garish awnings the crowd was laughing and chattering, eating and sipping +its bock with complete unconcern, heedless altogether of the haggard and +shabby young man carrying a black hand-bag, with the black Shade of Care +for company and a blacker threat of disaster dogging his footsteps. Without +attracting any attention whatever, indeed, he mingled with the strolling +crowds, making his way toward the Hôtel du Commerce. Yet he was not at all +at ease; his uneasy conscience invested the gladstone bag with a magnetic +attraction for the public eye. To carry it unconcealed in his hand +furnished him with a sensation as disturbing as though its worn black sides +had been stenciled STOLEN! in letters of flame. He felt it rendered him a +cynosure of public interest, an object of suspicion to the wide cold world, +that the gaze which lit upon the bag traveled to his face only to espy +thereon the brand of guilt. + +For ease of mind, presently, he turned into a convenient shop and spent ten +invaluable francs for a hand satchel big enough to hold the gladstone bag. + +With more courage, now that he had the hateful thing under cover, he found +and entered the Hôtel du Commerce. + +In the little closet which served for an office, over a desk visibly +groaning with the weight of an enormous and grimy registry book, a sleepy, +fat, bland and good-natured woman of the Belgian _bourgeoisie_ presided, +a benign and drowsy divinity of even-tempered courtesy. To his misleading +inquiry for Monsieur Calendar she returned a cheerful permission to seek +that gentleman for himself. + +"Three flights, M'sieu', in the front; suite seventeen it is. M'sieu' does +not mind walking up?" she inquired. + +M'sieu' did not in the least, though by no strain of the imagination could +it, be truthfully said that he walked up those steep and redolent stairways +of the Hôtel du Commerce d'Anvers. More literally, he flew with winged +feet, spurning each third padded step with a force that raised a tiny cloud +of fine white dust from the carpeting. + +Breathless, at last he paused at the top of the third flight. His heart +was hammering, his pulses drumming like wild things; there was a queer +constriction in his throat, a fire of hope in his heart alternating with +the ice of doubt. Suppose she were not there! What if he were mistaken, +what if he had misunderstood, what if Mulready and Calendar had referred to +another lodging-house? + +Pausing, he gripped the balustrade fiercely, forcing his self-control, +forcing himself to reflect that the girl (presuming, for the sake of +argument, he were presently to find her) could not be expected to +understand how ardently he had discounted this moment of meeting, or how +strangely it affected him. Indeed, he himself was more than a little +disturbed by the latter phenomenon, though he was no longer blind to its +cause. But he was not to let her see the evidences of his agitation, lest +she be frightened. + +Slowly schooling himself to assume a masque of illuding self-possession and +composure, he passed down the corridor to the door whose panels wore the +painted legend, 17; and there knocked. + +Believing that he overheard from within a sudden startled exclamation, he +smiled patiently, tolerant of her surprise. + +Burning with impatience as with a fever, he endured a long minute's wait. + +Misgivings were prompting him to knock again and summon her by name, when +he heard footfalls on the other side of the door, followed by a click of +the lock. The door was opened grudgingly, a bare six inches. + +Of the alarmed expression in the eyes that stared into his, he took no +account. His face lengthened a little as he stood there, dumb, panting, +staring; and his heart sank, down, deep down into a gulf of disappointment, +weighted sorely with chagrin. + +Then, of the two the first to recover countenance, he doffed his cap and +bowed. + +"Good evening, Mrs. Hallam," he said with a rueful smile. + + + + +XV + + +REFUGEES + +Now, if Kirkwood's emotion was poignant, Mrs. Hallam's astonishment +paralleled, and her relief transcended it. In order to understand this it +must be remembered that while Mr. Kirkwood was aware of the lady's presence +in Antwerp, on her part she had known nothing of him since he had so +ungallantly fled her company in Sheerness. She seemed to anticipate that +either Calendar or one of his fellows would be discovered at the door,--to +have surmised it without any excessive degree of pleasure. + +Only briefly she hesitated, while her surprise swayed her; then with a +hardening of the eyes and a curt little nod, "I'm sorry," she said with +decision, "but I am busy and can't see you now, Mr. Kirkwood"; and +attempted to shut the door in his face. + +Deftly Kirkwood forestalled her intention by inserting both a foot and a +corner of the newly purchased hand-bag between the door and the jamb. He +had dared too greatly to be thus dismissed. "Pardon me," he countered, +unabashed, "but I wish to speak with Miss Calendar." + +"Dorothy," returned the lady with spirit, "is engaged...." + +She compressed her lips, knitted her brows, and with disconcerting +suddenness thrust one knee against the obstructing hand-bag; Kirkwood, +happily, anticipated the movement just in time to reinforce the bag with +his own knee; it remained in place, the door standing open. + +The woman flushed angrily; their glances crossed, her eyes flashing with +indignation; but Kirkwood's held them with a level and unyielding stare. + +"I intend," he told her quietly, "to see Miss Calendar. It's useless your +trying to hinder me. We may as well understand each other, Madam, and I'll +tell you now that if you wish to avoid a scene--" + +"Dorothy!" the woman called over her shoulder; "ring for the porter." + +"By all means," assented Kirkwood agreeably. "I'll send him for a +gendarme." + +"You insolent puppy!" + +"Madam, your wit disarms me--" + +"What is the matter, Mrs. Hallam?" interrupted a voice from the other side +of the door. "Who is it?" + +"Miss Calendar!" cried Kirkwood hastily, raising his voice. + +"Mr. Kirkwood!" the reply came on the instant. She knew his voice! "Please, +Mrs. Hallam, I will see Mr. Kirkwood." + +"You have no time to waste with him, Dorothy," said the woman coldly. "I +must insist--" + +"But you don't seem to understand; it is Mr. Kirkwood!" argued the +girl,--as if he were ample excuse for any imprudence! + +Kirkwood's scant store of patience was by this time rapidly becoming +exhausted. "I should advise you not to interfere any further, Mrs. Hallam," +he told her in a tone low, but charged with meaning. + +How much did he know? She eyed him an instant longer, in sullen suspicion, +then swung open the door, yielding with what grace she could. "Won't you +come in, Mr. Kirkwood?" she inquired with acidulated courtesy. + +"If you press me," he returned winningly, "how can I refuse? You are too +good!" + +His impertinence disconcerted even himself; he wondered that she did not +slap him as he passed her, entering the room; and felt that he deserved it, +despite her attitude. But such thoughts could not long trouble one whose +eyes were enchanted by the sight of Dorothy, confronting him in the middle +of the dingy room, her hands, bristling dangerously with hat pins, busy +with the adjustment of a small gray toque atop the wonder that was her +hair. So vivacious and charming she seemed, so spirited and bright her +welcoming smile, so foreign was she altogether to the picture of her, worn +and distraught, that he had mentally conjured up, that he stopped in an +extreme of disconcertion; and dropped the hand-bag, smiling sheepishly +enough under her ready laugh--mirth irresistibly incited by the +plainly-read play of expression on his mobile countenance. + +"You must forgive the unconventionally, Mr. Kirkwood," she apologized, +needlessly enough, but to cover his embarrassment. "I am on the point of +going out with Mrs. Hallam--and of course you are the last person on earth +I expected to meet here!" + +"It's good to see you, Miss Calendar," he said simply, remarking with much +satisfaction that her trim walking costume bore witness to her statement +that she was prepared for the street. + +The girl glanced into a mirror, patted the small, bewitching hat an +infinitesimal fraction of an inch to one side, and turned to him again, +her hands free. One of them, small but cordial, rested in his grasp for an +instant all too brief, the while he gazed earnestly into her face, +noting with concern what the first glance had not shown him,--the almost +imperceptible shadows beneath her eyes and cheek-bones, pathetic records of +the hours the girl had spent, since last he had seen her, in company with +his own grim familiar, Care. + +Not a little of care and distress of mind had seasoned her portion in those +two weary days. He saw and knew it; and his throat tightened inexplicably, +again, as it had out there in the corridor. Possibly the change in her had +passed unchallenged by any eyes other than his, but even in the little time +that he had spent in her society, the image of her had become fixed so +indelibly on his memory, that he could not now be deceived. She was +changed--a little, but changed; she had suffered, and was suffering and, +forced by suffering, her nascent womanhood was stirring in the bud. The +child that he had met in London, in Antwerp he found grown to woman's +stature and slowly coming to comprehension of the nature of the change in +herself,--the wonder of it glowing softly in her eyes.... + +The clear understanding of mankind that is an appanage of woman's estate, +was now added to the intuitions of a girl's untroubled heart. She could +not be blind to the mute adoration of his gaze; nor could she resent it. +Beneath it she colored and lowered her lashes. + +"I was about to go out," she repeated in confusion. "I--it's pleasant to +see you, too." + +"Thank you," he stammered ineptly; "I--I--" + +"If Mr. Kirkwood will excuse us, Dorothy," Mrs. Hallam's sharp tones struck +in discordantly, "we shall be glad to see him when we return to London." + +"I am infinitely complimented, Mrs. Hallam," Kirkwood assured her; and of +the girl quickly: "You're going back home?" he asked. + +She nodded, with a faint, puzzled smile that included the woman. "After a +little--not immediately. Mrs. Hallam is so kind--" + +"Pardon me," he interrupted; "but tell me one thing, please: have you any +one in England to whom you can go without invitation and be welcomed and +cared for--any friends or relations?" + +"Dorothy will be with me," Mrs. Hallam answered for her, with cold +defiance. + +Deliberately insolent, Kirkwood turned his back to the woman. "Miss +Calendar, will you answer my question for yourself?" he asked the girl +pointedly. + +"Why--yes; several friends; none in London, but--" + +"Dorothy--" + +"One moment, Mrs. Hallam," Kirkwood flung crisply over his shoulder. "I'm +going to ask you something rather odd, Miss Calendar," he continued, +seeking the girl's eyes. "I hope--" + +"Dorothy, I--" + +"If you please, Mrs. Hallam," suggested the girl, with just the right shade +of independence. "I wish to listen to Mr. Kirkwood. He has been very kind +to me and has every right...." She turned to him again, leaving the woman +breathless and speechless with anger. + +"You told me once," Kirkwood continued quickly, and, he felt, brazenly, +"that you considered me kind, thoughtful and considerate. You know me +no better to-day than you did then, but I want to beg you to trust me a +little. Can you trust yourself to my protection until we reach your friends +in England?" + +"Why, I--" the girl faltered, taken by surprise. + +"Mr. Kirkwood!" cried Mrs. Hallam angrily, finding her voice. + +Kirkwood turned to meet her onslaught with a mien grave, determined, +unflinching. "Please do not interfere, Madam," he said quietly. + +"You are impertinent, sir! Dorothy, I forbid you to listen to this person!" + +The girl flushed, lifting her chin a trifle. "Forbid?" she repeated +wonderingly. + +Kirkwood was quick to take advantage of her resentment. "Mrs. Hallam is not +fitted to advise you," he insisted, "nor can she control your actions. It +must already have occurred to you that you're rather out of place in the +present circumstances. The men who have brought you hither, I believe you +already see through, to some extent. Forgive my speaking plainly ... But +that is why you have accepted Mrs. Hallam's offer of protection. Will you +take my word for it, when I tell you she has not your right interests at +heart, but the reverse? I happen to know, Miss Calendar, and I--" + +"How dare you, sir?" + +Flaming with rage, Mrs. Hallam put herself bodily between them, confronting +Kirkwood in white-lipped desperation, her small, gloved hands clenched and +quivering at her sides, her green eyes dangerous. + +But Kirkwood could silence her; and he did. "Do you wish me to speak +frankly, Madam? Do you wish me to tell what I know--and all I know--," with +rising emphasis,--"of your social status and your relations with Calendar +and Mulready? I promise you that if you wish it, or force me to it...." + +But he had need to say nothing further; the woman's eyes wavered before his +and a little sob of terror forced itself between her shut teeth. Kirkwood +smiled grimly, with a face of brass, impenetrable, inflexible. And suddenly +she turned from him with indifferent bravado. + +"As Mr. Kirkwood says, Dorothy," she said in her high, metallic voice, "I +have no authority over you. But if you're silly enough to consider for a +moment this fellow's insulting suggestion, if you're fool enough to go with +him, unchaperoned through Europe and imperil your--" + +"Mrs. Hallam!" Kirkwood cut her short with a menacing tone. + +"Why, then, I wash my hands of you," concluded the woman defiantly. "Make +your choice, my child," she added with a meaning laugh and moved away, +humming a snatch from a French _chanson_ which brought the hot blood to +Kirkwood's face. + +But the girl did not understand; and he was glad of that. "You may judge +between us," he appealed to her directly, once more. "I can only offer +you my word of honor as an American gentleman that you shall be landed in +England, safe and sound, by the first available steamer--" + +"There's no need to say more, Mr. Kirkwood," Dorothy informed him quietly. +"I have already decided. I think I begin to understand some things clearly, +now.... If you're ready, we will go." + +From the window, where she stood, holding the curtains back and staring +out, Mrs. Hallam turned with a curling lip. + +[Illustration: From the window, Mrs. Hallam turned with a curling lip.] + +"'The honor of an American gentleman,'" she quoted with a stinging sneer; +"I'm sure I wish you comfort of it, child!" + +"We must make haste, Miss Calendar," said Kirkwood, ignoring the +implication. "Have you a traveling-bag?" + +She silently indicated a small valise, closed and strapped, on a table by +the bed, and immediately passed out into the hall. Kirkwood took the case +containing the gladstone bag in one hand, the girl's valise in the other, +and followed. + +As he turned the head of the stairs he looked back. Mrs. Hallam was still +at the window, her back turned. From her very passiveness he received an +impression of something ominous and forbidding; if she had lost a trick or +two of the game she played, she still held cards, was not at the end of her +resources. She stuck in his imagination for many an hour as a force to be +reckoned with. + +For the present he understood that she was waiting to apprise Calendar and +Mulready of their flight. With the more haste, then, he followed Dorothy +down the three flights, through the tiny office, where Madam sat sound +asleep at her over-burdened desk, and out. + +Opposite the door they were fortunate enough to find a fiacre drawn up in +waiting at the curb. Kirkwood opened the door for the girl to enter. + +"Gare du Sud," he directed the driver. "Drive your fastest--double fare for +quick time!" + +The driver awoke with a start from profound reverie, looked Kirkwood over, +and bowed with gesticulative palms. + +"M'sieu', I am desolated, but engaged!" he protested. + +"Precisely." Kirkwood deposited the two bags on the forward seat of the +conveyance, and stood back to convince the man. "Precisely," said he, +undismayed. "The lady who engaged you is remaining for a time; I will +settle her bill." + +"Very well, M'sieu'!" The driver disclaimed responsibility and accepted the +favor of the gods with a speaking shrug. "M'sieu' said the Gare du Sud? _En +voiture_!" + +Kirkwood jumped in and shut the door; the vehicle drew slowly away from +the curb, then with gratifying speed hammered up-stream on the embankment. +Bending forward, elbows on knees, Kirkwood watched the sidewalks narrowly, +partly to cover the girl's constraint, due to Mrs. Hallam's attitude, +partly on the lookout for Calendar and his confederates. In a few moments +they passed a public clock. + +"We've missed the Flushing boat," he announced. "I'm making a try for the +Hoek van Holland line. We may possibly make it. I know that it leaves by +the Sud Quai, and that's all I do know," he concluded with an apologetic +laugh. + +"And if we miss that?" asked the girl, breaking silence for the first time +since they had left the hotel. + +"We'll take the first train out of Antwerp." + +"Where to?" + +"Wherever the first train goes, Miss Calendar.... The main point is to get +away to-night. That we must do, no matter where we land, or how we get +there. To-morrow we can plan with more certainty." + +"Yes..." Her assent was more a sigh than a word. + +The cab, dashing down the Rue Leopold de Wael, swung into the Place du Sud, +before the station. Kirkwood, acutely watchful, suddenly thrust head and +shoulders out of his window (fortunately it was the one away from the +depot), and called up to the driver. + +"Don't stop! Gare Centrale now--and treble fare!" + +"_Oui, M'sieu'! Allons!_" + +The whip cracked and the horse swerved sharply round the corner into the +Avenue du Sud. The young man, with a hushed exclamation, turned in his +seat, lifting the flap over the little peephole in the back of the +carriage. + +He had not been mistaken. Calendar was standing in front of the station; +and it was plain to be seen, from his pose, that the madly careering fiacre +interested him more than slightly. Irresolute, perturbed, the man took +a step or two after it, changed his mind, and returned to his post of +observation. + +Kirkwood dropped the flap and turned back to find the girl's wide eyes +searching his face. He said nothing. + +"What was that?" she asked after a patient moment. + +"Your father, Miss Calendar," he returned uncomfortably. + +There fell a short pause; then: "Why--will you tell me--is it necessary to +run away from my father, Mr. Kirkwood?" she demanded, with a moving little +break in her voice. + +Kirkwood hesitated. It were unfeeling to tell her why; yet it was essential +that she should know, however painful the knowledge might prove to her. + +And she was insistent; he might not dodge the issue. "Why?" she repeated as +he paused. + +"I wish you wouldn't press me for an answer just now, Miss Calendar." + +"Don't you think I had better know?" + +Instinctively he inclined his head in assent. + +"Then why--?" + +Kirkwood bent forward and patted the flank of the satchel that held the +gladstone bag. + +"What does that mean, Mr. Kirkwood?" + +"That I have the jewels," he told her tersely, looking straight ahead. + +At his shoulder he heard a low gasp of amazement and incredulity +commingled. + +"But--! How did you get them? My father deposited them in bank this +morning?" + +"He must have taken them out again.... I got them on board the Alethea, +where your father was conferring with Mulready and Captain Stryker." + +"The Alethea!" + +"Yes." + +"You took them from those men?--you!... But didn't my father--?" + +"I had to persuade him," said Kirkwood simply. + +"But there were three of them against you!" + +"Mulready wasn't--ah--feeling very well, and Stryker's a coward. They gave +me no trouble. I locked them in Stryker's room, lifted the bag of jewels, +and came away.... I ought to tell you that they were discussing the +advisability of sailing away without you--leaving you here, friendless and +without means. That's why I considered it my duty to take a hand.... I +don't like to tell you this so brutally, but you ought to know, and I can't +see how to tone it down," he concluded awkwardly. + +"I understand...." + +But for some moments she did not speak. He avoided looking at her. + +The fiacre, rolling at top speed but smoothly on the broad avenues that +encircle the ancient city, turned into the Avenue de Keyser, bringing into +sight the Gare Centrale. + +"You don't--k-know--" began the girl without warning, in a voice gusty with +sobs. + +"Steady on!" said Kirkwood gently. "I do know, but don't let's talk about +it now. We'll be at the station in a minute, and I'll get out and see +what's to be done about a train, if neither Mulready or Stryker are about. +You stay in the carriage.... No!" He changed his mind suddenly. "I'll not +risk losing you again. It's a risk we'll have to run in company." + +"Please!" she agreed brokenly. + +The fiacre slowed up and stopped. + +"Are you all right, Miss Calendar?" Kirkwood asked. + +The girl sat up, lifting her head proudly. "I am quite ready," she said, +steadying her voice. + +Kirkwood reconnoitered through the window, while the driver was descending. + +"Gare Centrale, M'sieu'," he said, opening the door. + +"No one in sight," Kirkwood told the girl. "Come, please." + +He got out and gave her his hand, then paid the driver, picked up the two +bags, and hurried with Dorothy into the station, to find in waiting a +string of cars into which people were moving at leisurely rate. His +inquiries at the ticket-window developed the fact that it was the 22:26 for +Brussels, the last train leaving the Gare Centrale that night, and due to +start in ten minutes. + +The information settled their plans for once and all; Kirkwood promptly +secured through tickets, also purchasing "Reserve" supplementary tickets +which entitled them to the use of those modern corridor coaches which take +the place of first-class compartments on the Belgian state railways. + +"It's a pleasure," said Kirkwood lightly, as he followed the girl into one +of these, "to find one's self in a common-sense sort of a train again. +'Feels like home." He put their luggage in one of the racks and sat down +beside her, chattering with simulated cheerfulness in a vain endeavor to +lighten her evident depression of spirit. "I always feel like a traveling +anachronism in one of your English trains," he said. "You can't +appreciate--" + +The girl smiled bravely.... "And after Brussels?" she inquired. + +"First train for the coast," he said promptly. "Dover, Ostend, +Boulogne,--whichever proves handiest, no matter which, so long as it gets +us on English soil without undue delay." + +She said "Yes" abstractedly, resting an elbow on the window-sill and her +chin in her palm, to stare with serious, sweet brown eyes out into the +arc-smitten night that hung beneath the echoing roof. + +Kirkwood fidgeted in despite of the constraint he placed himself under, to +be still and not disturb her needlessly. Impatience and apprehension of +misfortune obsessed his mental processes in equal degree. The ten minutes +seemed interminable that elapsed ere the grinding couplings advertised the +imminence of their start. + +The guards began to bawl, the doors to slam, belated travelers to dash +madly for the coaches. The train gave a preliminary lurch ere settling down +to its league-long inland dash. + +Kirkwood, in a fever of hope and an ague of fear, saw a man sprint +furiously across the platform and throw himself on the forward steps of +their coach, on the very instant of the start. + +Presently he entered by the forward door and walked slowly through, +narrowly inspecting the various passengers. As he approached the seats +occupied by Kirkwood and Dorothy Calendar, his eyes encountered the young +man's, and he leered evilly. Kirkwood met the look with one that was like a +kick, and the fellow passed with some haste into the car behind. + +"Who was that?" demanded the girl, without moving her head. + +"How did you know?" he asked, astonished. "You didn't look--" + +"I saw your knuckles whiten beneath the skin.... Who was it?" + +"Hobbs," he acknowledged bitterly; "the mate of the _Alethea_." + +"I know.... And you think--?" + +"Yes. He must have been ashore when I was on board the brigantine; he +certainly wasn't in the cabin. Evidently they hunted him up, or ran across +him, and pressed him into service.... You see, they're watching every +outlet.... But we'll win through, never fear!" + + + + +XVI + + +TRAVELS WITH A CHAPERON + +The train, escaping the outskirts of the city, remarked the event with an +exultant shriek, then settled down, droning steadily, to night-devouring +flight. In the corridor-car the few passengers disposed themselves to +drowse away the coming hour--the short hour's ride that, in these piping +days of frantic traveling, separates Antwerp from the capital city of +Belgium. + +A guard, slamming gustily in through the front door, reeled unsteadily down +the aisle. Kirkwood, rousing from a profound reverie, detained him with a +gesture and began to interrogate him in French. When he departed presently +it transpired that the girl was unaquainted with that tongue. + +"I didn't understand, you know," she told him with a slow, shy smile. + +"I was merely questioning him about the trains from Brussels to-night. We +daren't stop, you see; we must go on,--keep Hobbs on the jump and lose him, +if possible. There's where our advantage lies--in having only Hobbs to deal +with. He's not particularly intellectual; and we've two heads to his one, +besides. If we can prevent him from guessing our destination and wiring +back to Antwerp, we may win away. You understand?" + +"Perfectly," she said, brightening. "And what do you purpose doing now?" + +"I can't tell yet. The guard's gone to get me some information about the +night trains on other lines. In the meantime, don't fret about Hobbs; I'll +answer for Hobbs." + +"I shan't be worried," she said simply, "with you here...." + +Whatever answer he would have made he was obliged to postpone because of +the return of the guard, with a handful of time-tables; and when, rewarded +with a modest gratuity, the man had gone his way, and Kirkwood turned again +to the girl, she had withdrawn her attention for the time. + +Unconscious of his bold regard, she was dreaming, her thoughts at +loose-ends, her eyes studying the incalculable depths of blue-black night +that swirled and eddied beyond the window-glass. The most shadowy of smiles +touched her lips, the faintest shade of deepened color rested on her +cheeks.... She was thinking of--him? As long as he dared, the young man, +his heart in his own eyes, watched her greedily, taking a miser's joy of +her youthful beauty, striving with all his soul to analyze the enigma of +that most inscrutable smile. + +It baffled him. He could not say of what she thought; and told himself +bitterly that it was not for him, a pauper, to presume a place in her +meditations. He must not forget his circumstances, nor let her tolerance +render him oblivious to his place, which must be a servant's, not a +lover's. + +The better to convince himself of this, he plunged desperately into +a forlorn attempt to make head or tail of Belgian railway schedule, +complicated as these of necessity are by the alternation from normal +time notation to the abnormal system sanctioned by the government, and +_vice-versa_, with every train that crosses a boundary line of the state. + +So preoccupied did he become in this pursuit that he was subconsciously +impressed that the girl had spoken twice, ere he could detach his interest +from the exasperatingly inconclusive and incoherent cohorts of ranked +figures. + +"Can't you find out anything?" Dorothy was asking. + +"Precious little," he grumbled. "I'd give my head for a Bradshaw! Only it +wouldn't be a fair exchange.... There seems to be an express for +Bruges leaving the Gare du Nord, Brussels, at fifty-five minutes after +twenty-three o'clock; and if I'm not mistaken, that's the latest train out +of Brussels and the earliest we can catch,... if we _can_ catch it. I've +never been in Brussels, and Heaven only knows how long it would take us to +cab it from the Gare du Midi to the Nord." + +In this statement, however, Mr. Kirkwood was fortunately mistaken; not +only Heaven, it appeared, had cognizance of the distance between the two +stations. While Kirkwood was still debating the question, with pessimistic +tendencies, the friendly guard had occasion to pass through the coach; and, +being tapped, yielded the desired information with entire tractability. + +It would be a cab-ride of perhaps ten minutes. Monsieur, however, would +serve himself well if he offered the driver an advance tip as an incentive +to speedy driving. Why? Why because (here the guard consulted his watch; +and Kirkwood very keenly regretted the loss of his own)--because this +train, announced to arrive in Brussels some twenty minutes prior to the +departure of that other, was already late. But yes--a matter of some ten +minutes. Could that not be made up? Ah, Monsieur, but who should say? + +The guard departed, doubtless with private views as to the madness of all +English-speaking travelers. + +"And there we are!" commented Kirkwood in factitious resignation. "If we're +obliged to stop overnight in Brussels, our friends will be on our back +before we can get out in the morning, if they have to come by motor-car." +He reflected bitterly on the fact that with but a little more money at +his disposal, he too could hire a motor-car and cry defiance to their +persecutors. "However," he amended, with rising spirits, "so much the +better our chance of losing Mr. Hobbs. We must be ready to drop off the +instant the train stops." + +He began to unfold another time-table, threatening again to lose himself +completely; and was thrown into the utmost confusion by the touch of +the girl's hand, in appeal placed lightly on his own. And had she been +observant, she might have seen a second time his knuckles whiten beneath +the skin as he asserted his self-control--though this time not over his +temper. + +His eyes, dumbly eloquent, turned to meet hers. She was smiling. + +"Please!" she iterated, with the least imperative pressure on his hand, +pushing the folder aside. + +"I beg pardon?" he muttered blankly. + +"Is it quite necessary, now, to study those schedules? Haven't you decided +to try for the Bruges express?" + +"Why yes, but--" + +"Then please don't leave me to my thoughts all the time, Mr. Kirkwood." +There was a tremor of laughter in her voice, but her eyes were grave and +earnest. "I'm very weary of thinking round in a circle--and that," she +concluded, with a nervous little laugh, "is all I've had to do for days!" + +"I'm afraid I'm very stupid," he humored her. "This is the second time, you +know, in the course of a very brief acquaintance, that you have found it +necessary to remind me to talk to you." + +"Oh-h!" She brightened. "That night, at the Pless? But that was _ages_ +ago!" + +"It seems so," he admitted. + +"So much has happened!" + +"Yes," he assented vaguely. + +She watched him, a little piqued by his absent-minded mood, for a moment; +then, and not without a trace of malice: "Must I tell you again what to +talk about?" she asked. + +"Forgive me. I was thinking about, if not talking to, you.... I've been +wondering just why it was that you left the _Alethea_ at Queensborough, to +go on by steamer." + +And immediately he was sorry that his tactless query had swung the +conversation to bear upon her father, the thought of whom could not but +prove painful to her. But it was too late to mend matters; already her +evanescent flush of amusement had given place to remembrance. + +"It was on my father's account," she told him in a steady voice, but with +averted eyes; "he is a very poor sailor, and the promise of a rough passage +terrified him. I believe there was a difference of opinion about it, he +disputing with Mr. Mulready and Captain Stryker. That was just after we had +left the anchorage. They both insisted that it was safer to continue by +the _Alethea_, but he wouldn't listen to them, and in the end had his way. +Captain Stryker ran the brigantine into the mouth of the Medway and put us +ashore just in time to catch the steamer." + +"Were you sorry for the change?" + +"I?" She shuddered slightly. "Hardly! I think I hated the ship from the +moment I set foot on board her. It was a dreadful place; it was all +night-marish, that night, but it seemed most terrible on the _Alethea_ with +Captain Stryker and that abominable Mr. Hobbs. I think that my unhappiness +had as much to do with my father's insistence on the change, as anything. +He ... he was very thoughtful, most of the time." + +Kirkwood shut his teeth on what he knew of the blackguard. + +"I don't know why," she continued, wholly without affectation, "but I was +wretched from the moment you left me in the cab, to wait while you went in +to see Mrs. Hallam. And when we left you, at Bermondsey Old Stairs, after +what you had said to me, I felt--I hardly know what to say--abandoned, in a +way." + +"But you were with your father, in his care--" + +"I know, but I was getting confused. Until then the excitement had kept me +from thinking. But you made me think. I began to wonder, to question ... +But what could I do?" She signified her helplessness with a quick and +dainty movement of her hands. "He is my father; and I'm not yet of age, you +know." + +"I thought so," he confessed, troubled. "It's very inconsiderate of you, +you must admit." + +"I don't understand..." + +"Because of the legal complication. I've no doubt your father can 'have +the law on me'"--Kirkwood laughed uneasily--"for taking you from his +protection." + +"Protection!" she echoed warmly. "If you call it that!" + +"Kidnapping," he said thoughtfully: "I presume that'd be the charge." + +"Oh!" She laughed the notion to scorn. "Besides, they must catch us first, +mustn't they?" + +"Of course; and"--with a simulation of confidence sadly deceitful--"they +shan't, Mr. Hobbs to the contrary notwithstanding." + +"You make me share your confidence, against my better judgment." + +"I wish your better judgment would counsel you to share your confidence +with me," he caught her up. "If you would only tell me what it's all about, +as far as you know, I'd be better able to figure out what we ought to do." + +Briefly the girl sat silent, staring before her with sweet somber eyes. +Then, "In the very beginning," she told him with a conscious laugh,--"this +sounds very story-bookish, I know--in the very beginning, George Burgoyne +Calendar, an American, married his cousin a dozen times removed, and an +Englishwoman, Alice Burgoyne Hallam." + +"Hallam!" + +"Wait, please." She sat up, bending forward and frowning down upon her +interlacing, gloved fingers; she was finding it difficult to say what she +must. Kirkwood, watching hungrily the fair drooping head, the flawless +profile clear and radiant against the night-blackened window, saw hot +signals of shame burning on her cheek and throat and forehead. + +"But never mind," he began awkwardly. + +"No," she told him with decision. "Please let me go on...." She continued, +stumbling, trusting to his sympathy to bridge the gaps in her narrative. +"My father ... There was trouble of some sort.... At all events, he +disappeared when I was a baby. My mother ... died. I was brought up in +the home of my great-uncle, Colonel George Burgoyne, of the Indian +Army--retired. My mother had been his favorite niece, they say; I presume +that was why he cared for me. I grew up in his home in Cornwall; it was my +home, just as he was my father in everything but fact. + +"A year ago he died, leaving me everything,--the town house in Frognall +Street, his estate in Cornwall: everything was willed to me on condition +that I must never live with my father, nor in any way contribute to his +support. If I disobeyed, the entire estate without reserve was to go to his +nearest of kin.... Colonel Burgoyne was unmarried and had no children." + +The girl paused, lifting to Kirkwood's face her eyes, clear, fearless, +truthful. "I never was given to understand that there was anybody who might +have inherited, other than myself," she declared. + +"I see..." + +"Last week I received a letter, signed with my father's name, begging me to +appoint an interview with him in London. I did so,--guess how gladly! I was +alone in the world, and he, my father, whom I had never thought to see.... +We met at his hotel, the Pless. He wanted me to come and live with +him,--said that he was growing old and lonely and needed a daughter's love +and care. He told me that he had made a fortune in America and was amply +able to provide for us both. As for my inheritance, he persuaded me that it +was by rights the property of Frederick Hallam, Mrs. Hallam's son." + +"I have met the young gentleman," interpolated Kirkwood. + +"His name was new to me, but my father assured me that he was the next of +kin mentioned in Colonel Burgoyne's will, and convinced me that I had no +real right to the property.... After all, he was my father; I agreed; I +could not bear the thought of wronging anybody. I was to give up everything +but my mother's jewels. It seems,--my father said,--I don't--I can't +believe it now--" + +She choked on a little, dry sob. It was some time before she seemed able to +continue. + +"I was told that my great-uncle's collection of jewels had been my mother's +property. He had in life a passion for collecting jewels, and it had been +his whim to carry them with him, wherever he went. When he died in Frognall +Street, they were in the safe by the head of his bed. I, in my grief, at +first forgot them, and then afterwards carelessly put off removing them. + +"To come back to my father: Night before last we were to call on Mrs. +Hallam. It was to be our last night in England; we were to sail for the +Continent on the private yacht of a friend of my father's, the next +morning.... This is what I was told--and believed, you understand. + +"That night Mrs. Hallam was dining at another table at the Pless, it seems. +I did not then know her. When leaving, she put a note on our table, by my +father's elbow. I was astonished beyond words.... He seemed much agitated, +told me that he was called away on urgent business, a matter of life and +death, and begged me to go alone to Frognall Street, get the jewels and +meet him at Mrs. Hallam's later.... I wasn't altogether a fool, for I began +dimly to suspect, then, that something was wrong; but I was a fool, for I +consented to do as he desired. You understand--you know--?" + +"I do, indeed," replied Kirkwood grimly. "I understand a lot of things now +that I didn't five minutes ago. Please let me think..." + +But the time he took for deliberation was short. He had hoped to find a way +to spare her, by sparing Calendar; but momentarily he was becoming more +impressed with the futility of dealing with her save in terms of candor, +merciful though they might seem harsh. + +"I must tell you," he said, "that you have been outrageously misled, +swindled and deceived. I have heard from your father's own lips that Mrs. +Hallam was to pay him two thousand pounds for keeping you out of England +and losing you your inheritance. I'm inclined to question, furthermore, the +assertion that these jewels were your mother's. Frederick Hallam was the +man who followed you into the Frognall Street house and attacked me on the +stairs; Mrs. Hallam admits that he went there to get the jewels. But he +didn't want anybody to know it." + +"But that doesn't prove--" + +"Just a minute." Rapidly and concisely Kirkwood recounted the events +wherein he had played a part, subsequent to the adventure of Bermondsey Old +Stairs. He was guilty of but one evasion; on one point only did he slur the +truth: he conceived it his honorable duty to keep the girl in ignorance of +his straitened circumstances; she was not to be distressed by knowledge of +his distress, nor could he tolerate the suggestion of seeming to play for +her sympathy. It was necessary, then, to invent a motive to excuse his +return to 9, Frognall Street. I believe he chose to exaggerate the +inquisitiveness of his nature and threw in for good measure a desire +to recover a prized trinket of no particular moment, esteemed for its +associations, and so forth. But whatever the fabrication, it passed muster; +to the girl his motives seemed less important than the discoveries that +resulted from them. + +"I am afraid," he concluded the summary of the confabulation he had +overheard at the skylight of the Alethea's cabin, "you'd best make up your +mind that your father--" + +"Yes," whispered the girl huskily; and turned her face to the window, a +quivering muscle in the firm young throat alone betraying her emotion. + +"It's a bad business," he pursued relentlessly: "bad all round. Mulready, +in your father's pay, tries to have him arrested, the better to rob him. +Mrs. Hallam, to secure your property for that precious pet, Freddie, +connives at, if she doesn't instigate, a kidnapping. Your father takes her +money to deprive you of yours,--which could profit him nothing so long as +you remained in lawful possession of it; and at the same time he conspires +to rob, through you, the rightful owners--if they are rightful owners. And +if they are, why does Freddie Hallam go like a thief in the night to secure +property that's his beyond dispute?... I don't really think you owe your +father any further consideration." + +He waited patiently. Eventually, "No-o," the girl sobbed assent. + +"It's this way: Calendar, counting on your sparing him in the end, is going +to hound us. He's doing it now: there's Hobbs in the next car, for proof. +Until these jewels are returned, whether to Frognall Street or to young +Hallam, we're both in danger, both thieves in the sight of the law. And +your father knows that, too. There's no profit to be had by discounting the +temper of these people; they're as desperate a gang of swindlers as ever +lived. They'll have those jewels if they have to go as far as murder--" + +"Mr. Kirkwood!" she deprecated, in horror. + +He wagged his head stubbornly, ominously. "I've seen them in the raw. +They're hot on our trail now; ten to one, they'll be on our backs before we +can get across the Channel. Once in England we will be comparatively safe. +Until then ... But I'm a brute--I'm frightening you!" + +"You are, dreadfully," she confessed in a tremulous voice. + +"Forgive me. If you look at the dark side first, the other seems all the +brighter. Please don't worry; we'll pull through with flying colors, or my +name's not Philip Kirkwood!" + +"I have every faith in you," she informed him, flawlessly sincere. "When +I think of all you've done and dared for me, on the mere suspicion that I +needed your help--" + +"We'd best be getting ready," he interrupted hastily. "Here's Brussels." + +It was so. Lights, in little clusters and long, wheeling lines, were +leaping out of the darkness and flashing back as the train rumbled through +the suburbs of the little Paris of the North. Already the other passengers +were bestirring themselves, gathering together wraps and hand luggage, and +preparing for the journey's end. + +Rising, Kirkwood took down their two satchels from the overhead rack, +and waited, in grim abstraction planning and counterplanning against the +machinations in whose wiles they two had become so perilously entangled. + +Primarily, there was Hobbs to be dealt with; no easy task, for Kirkwood +dared not resort to violence nor in any way invite the attention of the +authorities; and threats would be an idle waste of breath, in the case of +that corrupt and malignant, little cockney, himself as keen as any needle, +adept in all the artful resources of the underworld whence he had sprung, +and further primed for action by that master rogue, Calendar. + +The train was pulling slowly into the station when he reluctantly abandoned +his latest unfeasible scheme for shaking off the little Englishman, +and concluded that their salvation was only to be worked out through +everlasting vigilance, incessant movement, and the favor of the blind +goddess, Fortune. There was comfort of a sort in the reflection that +the divinity of chance is at least blind; her favors are impartially +distributed; the swing of the wheel of the world is not always to the +advantage of the wrongdoer and the scamp. + +He saw nothing of Hobbs as they alighted and hastened from the station, and +hardly had time to waste looking for him, since their train had failed to +make up the precious ten minutes. Consequently he dismissed the fellow from +his thoughts until--with Brussels lingering in their memories a garish +vision of brilliant streets and glowing cafés, glimpsed furtively +from their cab windows during its wild dash over the broad mid-city, +boulevards--at midnight they settled themselves in a carriage of the Bruges +express. They were speeding along through the open country with a noisy +clatter; then a minute's investigation sufficed to discover the mate of the +_Alethea_ serenely ensconced in the coach behind. + +The little man seemed rarely complacent, and impudently greeted Kirkwood's +scowling visage, as the latter peered through the window in the coach-door, +with a smirk and a waggish wave of his hand. The American by main strength +of will-power mastered an impulse to enter and wring his neck, and returned +to the girl, more disturbed than he cared to let her know. + +There resulted from his review of the case but one plan for outwitting Mr. +Hobbs, and that lay in trusting to his confidence that Kirkwood and Dorothy +Calendar would proceed as far toward Ostend as the train would take +them--namely, to the limit of the run, Bruges. + +Thus inspired, Kirkwood took counsel with the girl, and when the train +paused at Ghent, they made an unostentatious exit from their coach, finding +themselves, when the express had rolled on into the west, upon a station +platform in a foreign city at nine minutes past one o'clock in the +morning--but at length without their shadow. Mr. Hobbs had gone on to +Bruges. + +Kirkwood sped his journeyings with an unspoken malediction, and collected +himself to cope with a situation which was to prove hardly more happy for +them than the espionage they had just eluded. The primal flush of triumph +which had saturated the American's humor on this signal success, proved but +fictive and transitory when inquiry of the station attendants educed the +information that the two earliest trains to be obtained were the 5:09 for +Dunkerque and the 5:37 for Ostend. A minimum delay of four hours was to be +endured in the face of many contingent features singularly unpleasant to +contemplate. The station waiting-room was on the point of closing for the +night, and Kirkwood, already alarmed by the rapid ebb of the money he had +had of Calendar, dared not subject his finances to the strain of a night's +lodging at one of Ghent's hotels. He found himself forced to be cruel to +be kind to the girl, and Dorothy's cheerful acquiescence to their sole +alternative of tramping the street until daybreak did nothing to alleviate +Kirkwood's exasperation. + +It was permitted them to occupy a bench outside the station. There the +girl, her head pillowed on the treasure bag, napped uneasily, while +Kirkwood plodded restlessly to and fro, up and down the platform, communing +with the Shade of Care and addling his poor, weary wits with the problem +of the future,--not so much his own as the future of the unhappy child for +whose welfare he had assumed responsibility. Dark for both of them, in his +understanding To-morrow loomed darkest for her. + +Not until the gray, formless light of the dawn-dusk was wavering over the +land, did he cease his perambulations. Then a gradual stir of life in the +city streets, together with the appearance of a station porter or two, +opening the waiting-rooms and preparing them against the traffic of the +day, warned him that he must rouse his charge. He paused and stood over +her, reluctant to disturb her rest, such as it was, his heart torn with +compassion for her, his soul embittered by the cruel irony of their estate. + +If what he understood were true, a king's ransom was secreted within the +cheap, imitation-leather satchel which served her for a pillow. But it +availed her nothing for her comfort. If what he believed were true, she was +absolute mistress of that treasure of jewels; yet that night she had been +forced to sleep on a hard, uncushioned bench, in the open air, and this +morning he must waken her to the life of a hunted thing. A week ago she had +had at her command every luxury known to the civilized world; to-day she +was friendless, but for his inefficient, worthless self, and in a strange +land. A week ago,--had he known her then,--he had been free to tell her of +his love, to offer her the protection of his name as well as his devotion; +to-day he was an all but penniless vagabond, and there could be no dishonor +deeper than to let her know the nature of his heart's desire. + +Was ever lover hedged from a declaration to his mistress by circumstances +so hateful, so untoward! He could have raged and railed against his fate +like any madman. For he desired her greatly, and she was very lovely in his +sight. If her night's rest had been broken and but a mockery, she showed +few signs of it; the faint, wan complexion of fatigue seemed only to +enhance the beauty of her maidenhood; her lips were as fresh and desirous +as the dewy petals of a crimson rose; beneath her eyes soft shadows lurked +where her lashes lay tremulous upon her cheeks of satin.... She was to him +of all created things the most wonderful, the most desirable. + +The temptation of his longing seemed more than he could long withstand. But +resist he must, or part for ever with any title to her consideration--or +his own. He shut his teeth and knotted his brows in a transport of desire +to touch, if only with his finger-tips, the woven wonder of her hair. + +And thus she saw him, when, without warning, she awoke. + +Bewilderment at first informed the wide brown eyes; then, as their +drowsiness vanished, a little laughter, a little tender mirth. + +"Good morning, Sir Knight of the Somber Countenance!" she cried, standing +up. "Am I so utterly disreputable that you find it necessary to frown on me +so darkly?" + +He shook his head, smiling. + +"I know I'm a fright," she asserted vigorously, shaking out the folds of +her pleated skirt. "And as for my hat, it will never be on straight--but +then _you_ wouldn't know." + +"It seems all right," he replied vacantly. + +"Then please to try to look a little happier, since you find me quite +presentable." + +"I do..." + +Without lifting her bended head, she looked up, laughing, not ill-pleased. +"_You'd_ say so... really?" + +Commonplace enough, this banter, this pitiful endeavor to be oblivious of +their common misery; but like the look she gave him, her words rang in his +head like potent fumes of wine. He turned away, utterly disconcerted for +the time, knowing only that he must overcome his weakness. + +Far down the railway tracks there rose a murmuring, that waxed to a +rumbling roar. A passing porter answered Kirkwood's inquiry: it was the +night boat-train from Ostend. He picked up their bags and drew the girl +into the waiting-room, troubled by a sickening foreboding. + +Through the window they watched the train roll in and stop. + +Among others, alighted, smirking, the unspeakable Hobbs. + +He lifted his hat and bowed jauntily to the waiting-room window, making it +plain that his keen eyes had discovered them instantly. + +Kirkwood's heart sank with the hopelessness of it all. If the railway +directorates of Europe conspired against them, what chance had they? If the +night boat-train from Ostend had only had the decency to be twenty-five +minutes late, instead of arriving promptly on the minute of 4:45 they two +might have escaped by the 5:09 for Dunkerque and Calais. + +There remained but a single untried ruse in his bag of tricks; mercifully +it might suffice. + +"Miss Calendar," said Kirkwood from his heart, "just as soon as I get you +home, safe and sound, I am going to take a day off, hunt up that little +villain, and flay him alive. In the meantime, I forgot to dine last night, +and am reminded that we had better forage for breakfast." + +Hobbs dogged them at a safe distance while they sallied forth and in a +neighboring street discovered an early-bird bakery. Here they were able to +purchase rolls steaming from the oven, fresh pats of golden butter wrapped +in clean lettuce leaves, and milk in twin bottles; all of which they +prosaically carried with them back to the station, lacking leisure as they +did to partake of the food before train-time. + +Without attempting concealment (Hobbs, he knew, was eavesdropping round the +corner of the door) Kirkwood purchased at the ticket-window passages on +the Dunkerque train. Mr. Hobbs promptly flattered him by imitation; and +so jealous of his luck was Kirkwood by this time grown, through continual +disappointment, that he did not even let the girl into his plans until they +were aboard the 5:09, in a compartment all to themselves. Then, having with +his own eyes seen Mr. Hobbs dodge into the third compartment in the rear of +the same carriage, Kirkwood astonished the girl by requesting her to follow +him; and together they left by the door opposite that by which they had +entered. + +The engine was running up and down a scale of staccato snorts, in +preparation for the race, and the cars were on the edge of moving, +couplings clanking, wheels a-groan, ere Mr. Hobbs condescended to join them +between the tracks. + +Wearily, disheartened, Kirkwood reopened the door, flung the bags in, and +helped the girl back into their despised compartment; the quicker route to +England via Ostend was now out of the question. As for himself, he waited +for a brace of seconds, eying wickedly the ubiquitous Hobbs, who had popped +back into his compartment, but stood ready to pop out again on the least +encouragement. In the meantime he was pleased to shake a friendly foot at +Mr. Kirkwood, thrusting that member out through the half-open door. + +Only the timely departure of the train, compelling him to rejoin Dorothy at +once, if at all, prevented the American from adding murder to the already +noteworthy catalogue of his high crimes and misdemeanors. + +Their simple meal, consumed to the ultimate drop and crumb while the +Dunkerque train meandered serenely through a sunny, smiling Flemish +countryside, somewhat revived their jaded spirits. After all, they were +young, enviably dowered with youth's exuberant elasticity of mood; the +world was bright in the dawning, the night had fled leaving naught but an +evil memory; best of all things, they were together: tacitly they were +agreed that somehow the future would take care of itself and all be well +with them. + +For a time they laughed and chattered, pretending that the present held no +cares or troubles; but soon the girl, nestling her head in a corner of the +dingy cushions, was smiling ever more drowsily on Kirkwood; and presently +she slept in good earnest, the warm blood ebbing and flowing beneath +the exquisite texture of her cheeks, the ghost of an unconscious smile +quivering about the sensitive scarlet mouth, the breeze through the open +window at her side wantoning at will in the sunlit witchery of her hair. +And Kirkwood, worn with sleepless watching, dwelt in longing upon the dear +innocent allure of her until the ache in his heart had grown well-nigh +insupportable; then instinctively turned his gaze upwards, searching his +heart, reading the faith and desire of it, so that at length knowledge and +understanding came to him, of his weakness and strength and the clean love +that he bore for her, and gladdened he sat dreaming in waking the same +clear dreams that modeled her unconscious lips secretly for laughter and +the joy of living. + +When Dunkerque halted their progress, they were obliged to alight and +change cars,--Hobbs a discreetly sinister shadow at the end of the +platform. + +By schedule they were to arrive in Calais about the middle of the forenoon, +with a wait of three hours to be bridged before the departure of the Dover +packet. That would be an anxious time; the prospect of it rendered both +Dorothy and Kirkwood doubly anxious throughout this final stage of their +flight. In three hours anything could happen, or be brought about. Neither +could forget that it was quite within the bounds of possibilities for +Calendar to be awaiting them in Calais. Presuming that Hobbs had been acute +enough to guess their plans and advise his employer by telegraph, the +latter could readily have anticipated their arrival, whether by sea in the +brigantine, or by land, taking the direct route via Brussels and Lille. If +such proved to be the case, it were scarcely sensible to count upon the +arch-adventurer contenting himself with a waiting rôle like Hobbs'. + +With such unhappy apprehensions for a stimulant, between them the man and +the girl contrived a make-shift counter-stratagem; or it were more accurate +to say that Kirkwood proposed it, while Dorothy rejected, disputed, and +at length accepted it, albeit with sad misgivings. For it involved a +separation that might not prove temporary. + +Together they could never escape the surveillance of Mr. Hobbs; parted, he +would be obliged to follow one or the other. The task of misleading the +_Alethea's_ mate, Kirkwood undertook, delegating to the girl the duty of +escaping when he could provide her the opportunity, of keeping under +cover until the hour of sailing, and then proceeding to England, with the +gladstone bag, alone if Kirkwood was unable, or thought it inadvisable, to +join her on the boat. + +In furtherance of this design, a majority of the girl's belongings were +transferred from her traveling bag to Kirkwood's, the gladstone taking +their place; and the young man provided her with voluminous instructions, a +revolver which she did not know how to handle and declared she would never +use for any consideration, and enough money to pay for her accommodation at +the Terminus Hôtel, near the pier, and for two passages to London. It was +agreed that she should secure the steamer booking, lest Kirkwood be delayed +until the last moment. + +These arrangements concluded, the pair of blessed idiots sat steeped in +melancholy silence, avoiding each other's eyes, until the train drew in at +the Gare Centrale, Calais. + +In profound silence, too, they left their compartment and passed through +the station, into the quiet, sun-drenched streets of the seaport,--Hobbs +hovering solicitously in the offing. + +Without comment or visible relief of mind they were aware that their fears +had been without apparent foundation; they saw no sign of Calendar, Stryker +or Mulready. The circumstance, however, counted for nothing; one or all of +the adventurers might arrive in Calais at any minute. + +Momentarily more miserable as the time of parting drew nearer, dumb with +unhappiness, they turned aside from the main thoroughfares of the city, +leaving the business section, and gained the sleepier side streets, +bordered by the residences of the proletariat, where for blocks none but +children were to be seen, and of them but few--quaint, sober little bodies +playing almost noiselessly in their dooryards. + +At length Kirkwood spoke. + +"Let's make it the corner," he said, without looking at the girl. "It's a +short block to the next street. You hurry to the Terminus and lock yourself +in your room. Have the management book both passages; don't run the risk of +going to the pier yourself. I'll make things interesting for Mr. Hobbs, and +join you as soon as I can, _if_ I can." + +"You must," replied the girl. "I shan't go without you." + +"But, Dor--Miss Calendar!" he exclaimed, aghast. + +"I don't care--I know I agreed," she declared mutinously. "But I won't--I +can't. Remember I shall wait for you." + +"But--but perhaps--" + +"If you have to stay, it will be because there's danger--won't it? And +what would you think of me if I deserted you then, af-after all y-you've +done?... Please don't waste time arguing. Whether you come at one to-day, +to-morrow, or a week from to-morrow, I shall be waiting.... You may be +sure. Good-by." + +They had turned the corner, walking slowly, side by side; Hobbs, for the +first time caught off his guard, had dropped behind more than half a long +block. But now Kirkwood's quick sidelong glance discovered the mate in the +act of taking alarm and quickening his pace. None the less the American was +at the time barely conscious of anything other than a wholly unexpected +furtive pressure of the girl's gloved fingers on his own. + +"Good-by," she whispered. + +He caught at her hand, protesting. "Dorothy--!" + +"Good-by," she repeated breathlessly, with a queer little catch in her +voice. "God be with you, Philip, and--and send you safely back to me...." + +And she was running away. + +Dumfounded with dismay, seeing in a flash how all his plans might be set at +naught by this her unforeseen insubordination, he took a step or two after +her; but she was fleet of foot, and, remembering Hobbs, he halted. + +By this time the mate, too, was running; Kirkwood could hear the heavy +pounding of his clumsy feet. Already Dorothy had almost gained the farther +corner; as she whisked round it with a flutter of skirts, Kirkwood dodged +hastily behind a gate-post. A thought later, Hobbs appeared, head down, +chest out, eyes straining for sight of his quarry, pelting along for dear +life. + +As, rounding the corner, he stretched out in swifter stride, Kirkwood was +inspired to put a spoke in his wheel; and a foot thrust suddenly out from +behind the gate-post accomplished his purpose with more success than he +had dared anticipate. Stumbling, the mate plunged headlong, arms and legs +a-sprawl; and the momentum of his pace, though checked, carried him along +the sidewalk, face downwards, a full yard ere he could stay himself. + +Kirkwood stepped out of the gateway and sheered off as Hobbs picked +himself up; something which he did rather slowly, as if in a daze, without +comprehension of the cause of his misfortune. And for a moment he stood +pulling his wits together and swaying as though on the point of resuming +his rudely interrupted chase; when the noise of Kirkwood's heels brought +him about face in a twinkling. + +"Ow, it's you, eh!" he snarled in a temper as vicious as his countenance; +and both of these were much the worse for wear and tear. + +"Myself," admitted Kirkwood fairly; and then, in a gleam of humor: "Weren't +you looking for me?" + +His rage seemed to take the little Cockney and shake him by the throat; he +trembled from head to foot, his face shockingly congested, and spat out +dust and fragments of lurid blasphemy like an infuriated cat. + +Of a sudden, "W'ere's the gel?" he sputtered thickly as his quick shifting +eyes for the first time noted Dorothy's absence. + +"Miss Calendar has other business--none with you. I've taken the liberty of +stopping you because I have a word or two--" + +"Ow, you 'ave, 'ave you? Gawd strike me blind, but I've a word for you, +too!... 'And over that bag--and look nippy, or I'll myke you pye for w'at +you've done to me ... I'll myke you pye!" he iterated hoarsely, edging +closer. "'And it over or--" + +"You've got another guess--" Kirkwood began, but saved his breath in +deference to an imperative demand on him for instant defensive action. + +To some extent he had underestimated the brute courage of the fellow, the +violent, desperate courage that is distilled of anger in men of his kind. +Despising him, deeming him incapable of any overt act of villainy, Kirkwood +had been a little less wary than he would have been with Calendar or +Mulready. Hobbs had seemed more of the craven type which Stryker graced so +conspicuously. But now the American was to be taught discrimination, to +learn that if Stryker's nature was like a snake's for low cunning and +deviousness, Hobbs' soul was the soul of a viper. + +Almost imperceptibly he had advanced upon Kirkwood; almost insensibly his +right hand had moved toward his chest; now, with a movement marvelously +deft, it had slipped in and out of his breast pocket. And a six-inch blade +of tarnished steel was winging toward Kirkwood's throat with the speed of +light. + +Instinctively he stepped back; as instinctively he guarded with his right +forearm, lifting the hand that held the satchel. The knife, catching in his +sleeve, scratched the arm beneath painfully, and simultaneously was twisted +from the mate's grasp, while in his surprise Kirkwood's grip on the +bag-handle relaxed. It was torn forcibly from his fingers just as he +received a heavy blow on his chest from the mate's fist. He staggered back. + +By the time he had recovered from the shock, Hobbs was a score of feet +away, the satchel tucked under his arm, his body bent almost double, +running like a jack-rabbit. Ere Kirkwood could get under way, in pursuit, +the mate had dodged out of sight round the corner. When the American caught +sight of him again, he was far down the block, and bettering his pace with +every jump. + +He was approaching, also, some six or eight good citizens of Calais, men of +the laboring class, at a guess. Their attention attracted by his frantic +flight, they stopped to wonder. One or two moved as though to intercept +him, and he doubled out into the middle of the street with the quickness of +thought; an instant later he shot round another corner and disappeared, the +natives streaming after in hot chase, electrified by the inspiring strains +of "Stop, thief!"--or its French equivalent. + +Kirkwood, cheering them on with the same wild cry, followed to the farther +street; and there paused, so winded and weak with laughter that he was fain +to catch at a fence picket for support. Standing thus he saw other denizens +of Calais spring as if from the ground miraculously to swell the hue and +cry; and a dumpling of a gendarme materialized from nowhere at all, to fall +in behind the rabble, waving his sword above his head and screaming at the +top of his lungs, the while his fat legs twinkled for all the world like +thick sausage links marvelously animated. + +The mob straggled round yet another corner and was gone; its clamor +diminished on the still Spring air; and Kirkwood, recovering, abandoned +Mr. Hobbs to the justice of the high gods and the French system of +jurisprudence (at least, he hoped the latter would take an interest in the +case, if haply Hobbs were laid by the heels), and went his way rejoicing. + +As for the scratch on his arm, it was nothing, as he presently demonstrated +to his complete satisfaction in the seclusion of a chance-sent fiacre. +Kirkwood, commissioning it to drive him to the American Consulate, made +his diagnosis _en route_; wound a handkerchief round the negligible wound, +rolled down his sleeve, and forgot it altogether in the joys of picturing +to himself Hobbs in the act of opening the satchel in expectation of +finding therein the gladstone bag. + +At the consulate door he paid off the driver and dismissed him; the fiacre +had served his purpose, and he could find his way to the Terminus Hôtel at +infinitely less expense. He had a considerably harder task before him as +he ascended the steps to the consular doorway, knocked and made known the +nature of his errand. + +No malicious destiny could have timed the hour of his call more appositely; +the consul was at home and at the disposal of his fellow-citizens--within +bounds. + +In the course of thirty minutes or so Kirkwood emerged with dignity from +the consulate, his face crimson to the hair, his soul smarting with +shame and humiliation; and left an amused official representative of his +country's government with the impression of having been entertained to the +point of ennui by an exceptionally clumsy but pertinacious liar. + +For the better part of the succeeding hour Kirkwood circumnavigated the +neighborhood of the steamer pier and the Terminus Hôtel, striving to render +himself as inconspicuous as he felt insignificant, and keenly on the +alert for any sign or news of Hobbs. In this pursuit he was pleasantly +disappointed. + +At noon precisely, his suspense grown too onerous for his strength of will, +throwing caution and their understanding to the winds, he walked boldly +into the Terminus, and inquired for Miss Calendar. + +The assurance he received that she was in safety under its roof did not +deter him from sending up his name and asking her to receive him in the +public lounge; he required the testimony of his senses to convince him that +no harm had come to her in the long hour and a half that had elapsed since +their separation. + +Woman-like, she kept him waiting. Alone in the public rooms of the hotel, +he suffered excruciating torments. How was he to know that Calendar had not +arrived and found his way to her? + +When at length she appeared on the threshold of the apartment, bringing +with her the traveling bag and looking wonderfully the better for her +ninety minutes of complete repose and privacy, the relief he experienced +was so intense that he remained transfixed in the middle of the floor, +momentarily able neither to speak nor to move. + +On her part, so fagged and distraught did he seem, that at sight of his +care-worn countenance she hurried to him with outstretched, compassionate +hands and a low pitiful cry of concern, forgetful entirely of that which he +himself had forgotten--the emotion she had betrayed on parting. + +"Oh, nothing wrong," he hastened to reassure her, with a sorry ghost of his +familiar grin; "only I have lost Hobbs and the satchel with your things; +and there's no sign yet of Mr. Calendar. We can feel pretty comfortable +now, and--and I thought it time we had something like a meal." + +The narrative of his adventure which he delivered over their _déjeuner à +la fourchette_ contained no mention either of his rebuff at the American +Consulate or the scratch he had sustained during Hobbs' murderous assault; +the one could not concern her, the other would seem but a bid for her +sympathy. He counted it a fortunate thing that the mate's knife had been +keen enough to penetrate the cloth of his sleeve without tearing it; the +slit it had left was barely noticeable. And he purposely diverted the girl +with flashes of humorous description, so that they discussed both meal and +episode in a mood of wholesome merriment. + +It was concluded, all too soon for the taste of either, by the waiter's +announcement that the steamer was on the point of sailing. + +Outwardly composed, inwardly quaking, they boarded the packet, meeting with +no misadventure whatever--if we are to except the circumstance that, when +the restaurant bill was settled and the girl had punctiliously surrendered +his change with the tickets, Kirkwood found himself in possession of +precisely one franc and twenty centimes. + +He groaned in spirit to think how differently he might have been fixed, had +he not in his infatuated spirit of honesty been so anxious to give Calendar +more than ample value for his money! + +An inexorable anxiety held them both near the gangway until it was cast off +and the boat began to draw away from the pier. Then, and not till then, did +an unimpressive, small figure of a man detach itself from the shield of a +pile of luggage and advance to the pier-head. No second glance was +needed to identify Mr. Hobbs; and until the perspective dwarfed him +indistinguishably, he was to be seen, alternately waving Kirkwood ironic +farewell and blowing violent kisses to Miss Calendar from the tips of his +soiled fingers. + +So he had escaped arrest.... + +At first by turns indignant and relieved to realize that thereafter they +were to move in scenes in which his hateful shadow would not form an +essentially component part, subsequently Kirkwood fell a prey to prophetic +terrors. It was not alone fear of retribution that had induced Hobbs to +relinquish his persecution--or so Kirkwood became convinced; if the mate's +calculation had allowed for them the least fraction of a chance to escape +apprehension on the farther shores of the Channel, nor fears nor threats +would have prevented him from sailing with the fugitives.... Far from +having left danger behind them on the Continent, Kirkwood believed in his +secret heart that they were but flying to encounter it beneath the smoky +pall of London. + + + + +XVII + + +ROGUES AND VAGABONDS + +A westering sun striking down through the drab exhalations of ten-thousand +sooty chimney-pots, tinted the atmosphere with the hue of copper. The +glance that wandered purposelessly out through the carriage windows, +recoiled, repelled by the endless dreary vista of the Surrey Side's +unnumbered roofs; or, probing instantaneously the hopeless depths of some +grim narrow thoroughfare fleetingly disclosed, as the evening boat-train +from Dover swung on toward Charing Cross, its trucks level with the eaves +of Southwark's dwellings, was saddened by the thought that in all the world +squalor such as this should obtain and flourish unrelieved. + +For perhaps the tenth time in the course of the journey Kirkwood withdrew +his gaze from the window and turned to the girl, a question ready framed +upon his lips. + +"Are you quite sure--" he began; and then, alive to the clear and +penetrating perception in the brown eyes that smiled into his from under +their level brows, he stammered and left the query uncompleted. + +Continuing to regard him steadily and smilingly, Dorothy shook her head in +playful denial and protest. "Do you know," she commented, "that this is +about the fifth repetition of that identical question within the last +quarter-hour?" + +"How do you know what I meant to say?" he demanded, staring. + +"I can see it in your eyes. Besides, you've talked and thought of nothing +else since we left the boat. Won't you believe me, please, when I say +there's absolutely not a soul in London to whom I could go and ask for +shelter? I don't think it's very nice of you to be so openly anxious to get +rid of me." + +This latter was so essentially undeserved and so artlessly insincere, that +he must needs, of course, treat it with all seriousness. + +"That isn't fair, Miss Calendar. Really it's not." + +"What am I to think? I've told you any number of times that it's only an +hour's ride on to Chiltern, where the Pyrfords will be glad to take me in. +You may depend upon it,--by eight to-night, at the latest, you'll have me +off your hands,--the drag and worry that I've been ever since--" + +"Don't!" he pleaded vehemently. "Please!... You _know_ it isn't that. I +_don't_ want you off my hands, ever.... That is to say, I--ah--" Here +he was smitten with a dumbness, and sat, aghast at the enormity of his +blunder, entreating her forgiveness with eyes that, very likely, pleaded +his cause more eloquently than he guessed. + +"I mean," he floundered on presently, in the fatuous belief that he would +this time be able to control both mind and tongue, "_what_ I mean is I'd be +glad to go on serving you in any way I might, to the end of time, if you'd +give me...." + +He left the declaration inconclusive--a stroke of diplomacy that would have +graced an infinitely more adept wooer. But he used it all unconsciously. "O +Lord!" he groaned in spirit. "Worse and more of it! Why in thunder can't I +say the right thing _right_?" + +Egotistically absorbed by the problem thus formulated, he was heedless of +her failure to respond, and remained pensively preoccupied until roused by +the grinding and jolting of the train, as it slowed to a halt preparatory +to crossing the bridge. + +Then he sought to read his answer in the eyes of Dorothy. But she was +looking away, staring thoughtfully out over the billowing sea of roofs +that merged illusively into the haze long ere it reached the horizon; and +Kirkwood could see the pulsing of the warm blood in her throat and cheeks; +and the glamorous light that leaped and waned in her eyes, as the ruddy +evening sunlight warmed them, was something any man might be glad to live +for and die for.... And he saw that she had understood, had grasped the +thread of meaning that ran through the clumsy fabric of his halting speech +and his sudden silences. + +She had understood without resentment! + +While, incredulous, he wrestled with the wonder of this fond discovery, +she grew conscious of his gaze, and turned her head to meet it with one +fearless and sweet, if troubled. + +"Dear Mr. Kirkwood," she said gently, bending forward as if to read between +the lines anxiety had graven on his countenance, "won't you tell me, +please, what it can be that so worries you? Is it possible that you still +have a fear of my father? But don't you know that he can do nothing +now--now that we're safe? We have only to take a cab to Paddington Station, +and then--" + +"You mustn't underestimate the resource and ability of Mr. Calendar," he +told her gloomily; "we've got a chance--no more. It wasn't...." He shut his +teeth on his unruly tongue--too late. + +Woman-quick she caught him up. "It wasn't that? Then what was it that +worried you? If it's something that affects me, is it kind and right of you +not to tell me?" + +"It--it affects us both," he conceded drearily. "I--I don't--" + +The wretched embarrassment of the confession befogged his wits; he felt +unable to frame the words. He appealed speechlessly for tolerance, with a +face utterly woebegone and eyes piteous. + +The train began to move slowly across the Thames to Charing Cross. + +Mercilessly the girl persisted. "We've only a minute more. Surely you can +trust me...." + +In exasperation he interrupted almost rudely. "It's only this: I--I'm +strapped." + +"Strapped?" She knitted her brows over this fresh specimen of American +slang. + +"Flat strapped--busted--broke--on my uppers--down and out," he reeled off +synonyms without a smile. "I haven't enough money to pay cab-fare across +the town--" + +"Oh!" she interpolated, enlightened. + +"--to say nothing of taking us to Chiltern. I couldn't buy you a glass of +water if you were thirsty. There isn't a soul on earth, within hail, who +would trust me with a quarter--I mean a shilling--across London Bridge. I'm +the original Luckless Wonder and the only genuine Jonah extant." + +With a face the hue of fire, he cocked his eyebrows askew and attempted +to laugh unconcernedly to hide his bitter shame. "I've led you out of +the fryingpan into the fire, and I don't know what to do! Please call me +names." + +And in a single instant all that he had consistently tried to avoid doing, +had been irretrievably done; if, with dawning comprehension, dismay +flickered in her eyes--such dismay as such a confession can rouse only in +one who, like Dorothy Calendar, has never known the want of a penny--it +was swiftly driven out to make place for the truest and most gracious and +unselfish solicitude. + +"Oh, poor Mr. Kirkwood! And it's all because of me! You've beggared +yourself--" + +"Not precisely; I was beggared to begin with." He hastened to disclaim the +extravagant generosity of which she accused him. "I had only three or four +pounds to my name that night we met.... I haven't told you--I--" + +"You've told me nothing, nothing whatever about yourself," she said +reproachfully. + +"I didn't want to bother you with my troubles; I tried not to talk about +myself.... You knew I was an American, but I'm worse than that; I'm a +Californian--from San Francisco." He tried unsuccessfully to make light of +it. "I told you I was the Luckless Wonder; if I'd ever had any luck I would +have stored a little money away. As it was, I lived on my income, left +my principal in 'Frisco; and when the earthquake came, it wiped me out +completely." + +"And you were going home that night we made you miss your steamer!" + +"It was my own fault, and I'm glad this blessed minute that I did miss it. +Nice sort I'd have been, to go off and leave you at the mercy--" + +"Please! I want to think, I'm trying to remember how much you've gone +through--" + +"Precisely what I don't want you to do. Anyway, I did nothing more than any +other fellow would've! Please don't give me credit that I don't deserve." + +But she was not listening; and a pause fell, while the train crawled warily +over the trestle, as if in fear of the foul, muddy flood below. + +"And there's no way I can repay you...." + +"There's nothing to be repaid," he contended stoutly. + +She clasped her hands and let them fall gently in her lap. "I've not +a farthing in the world!... I never dreamed.... I'm so sorry, Mr. +Kirkwood--terribly, terribly sorry!... But what can we do? I can't consent +to be a burden--" + +"But you're not! You're the one thing that ..." He swerved sharply, at an +abrupt tangent. "There's one thing we can do, of course." + +She looked up inquiringly. + +"Craven Street is just round the corner." + +"Yes?"--wonderingly. + +"I mean we must go to Mrs. Hallam's house, first off.... It's too +late now,--after five, else we could deposit the jewels in some bank. +Since--since they are no longer yours, the only thing, and the proper thing +to do is to place them in safety or in the hands of their owner. If you +take them directly to young Hallam, your hands will be clear.... And--I +never did such a thing in my life, Miss Calendar; but if he's got a spark +of gratitude in his make-up, I ought to be able to--er--to borrow a pound +or so of him." + +"Do you think so?" She shook her head in doubt. "I don't know; I know so +little of such things.... You are right; we must take him the jewels, +but..." Her voice trailed off into a sigh of profound perturbation. + +He dared not meet her look. + +Beneath his wandering gaze a County Council steam-boat darted swiftly +down-stream from Charing Cross pier, in the shadow of the railway bridge. +It seemed curious to reflect that from that very floating pier he had +started first upon his quest of the girl beside him, only--he had to +count--three nights ago! Three days and three nights! Altogether incredible +seemed the transformation they had wrought in the complexion of the world. +Yet nothing material was changed.... He lifted his eyes. + +Beyond the river rose the Embankment, crawling with traffic, backed by the +green of the gardens and the shimmering walls of glass and stone of the +great hotels, their windows glowing weirdly golden in the late sunlight. +A little down-stream Cleopatra's Needle rose, sadly the worse for London +smoke, flanked by its couchant sphinxes, wearing a nimbus of circling, +sweeping, swooping, wheeling gulls. Farther down, from the foot of that +magnificent pile, Somerset House, Waterloo Bridge sprang over-stream in +its graceful arch.... All as of yesterday; yet all changed. Why? Because a +woman had entered into his life; because he had learned the lesson of love +and had looked into the bright face of Romance.... + +With a jar the train started and began to move more swiftly. + +Kirkwood lifted the traveling bag to his knees. + +"Don't forget," he said with some difficulty, "you're to stick by me, +whatever happens. You mustn't desert me." + +"You _know_," the girl reproved him. + +"I know; but there must be no misunderstanding.... Don't worry; we'll win +out yet, I've a plan." + +_Splendide mendax_! He had not the glimmering of a plan. + +The engine panting, the train drew in beneath the vast sounding dome of the +station, to an accompaniment of dull thunderings; and stopped finally. + +Kirkwood got out, not without a qualm of regret at leaving the compartment; +therein, at least, they had some title to consideration, by virtue of their +tickets; now they were utterly vagabondish, penniless adventurers. + +The girl joined him. Slowly, elbow to elbow, the treasure bag between +them, they made their way down toward the gates, atoms in a tide-rip +of humanity,--two streams of passengers meeting on the narrow strip of +platform, the one making for the streets, the other for the suburbs. + +Hurried and jostled, the girl clinging tightly to his arm lest they be +separated in the crush, they came to the ticket-wicket; beyond the barrier +surged a sea of hats--shining "toppers," dignified and upstanding, the +outward and visible manifestation of the sturdy, stodgy British spirit of +respectability; "bowlers" round and sleek and humble; shapeless caps with +cloth visors, manufactured of outrageous plaids; flower-like miracles of +millinery from Bond Street; strangely plumed monstrosities from Petticoat +Lane and Mile End Road. Beneath any one of these might lurk the maleficent +brain, the spying eyes of Calendar or one of his creatures; beneath all of +them that he encountered, Kirkwood peered in fearful inquiry. + +Yet, when they had passed unhindered the ordeal of the wickets, had run +the gantlet of those thousand eyes without lighting in any pair a spark of +recognition, he began to bear himself with more assurance, to be sensible +to a grateful glow of hope. Perhaps Hobbs' telegram had not reached its +destination, for unquestionably the mate would have wired his chief; +perhaps some accident had befallen the conspirators; perhaps the police had +apprehended them.... No matter how, one hoped against hope that they had +been thrown off the trail. + +And indeed it seemed as if they must have been misguided in some +providential manner. On the other hand, it would be the crassest of +indiscretions to linger about the place an instant longer than absolutely +necessary. + +Outside the building, however, they paused perforce, undergoing the +cross-fire of the congregated cabbies. It being the first time that he +had ever felt called upon to leave the station afoot, Kirkwood cast about +irresolutely, seeking the sidewalk leading to the Strand. + +Abruptly he caught the girl by the arm and unceremoniously hurried her +toward a waiting hansom. + +"Quick!" he begged her. "Jump right in--not an instant to spare.--" + +She nodded brightly, lips firm with courage, eyes shining. + +"My father?" + +"Yes." Kirkwood glanced back over his shoulder. "He hasn't seen us yet. +They've just driven up. Stryker's with him. They're getting down." And to +himself, "Oh, the devil!" cried the panic-stricken young man. + +He drew back to let the girl precede him into the cab; at the same time +he kept an eye on Calendar, whose conveyance stood half the length of the +station-front away. + +The fat adventurer had finished paying off the driver, standing on the deck +of the hansom. Stryker was already out, towering above the mass of people, +and glaring about him with his hawk-keen vision. Calendar had started to +alight, his foot was leaving the step when Stryker's glance singled out +their quarry. Instantly he turned and spoke to his confederate. Calendar +wheeled like a flash, peering eagerly in the direction indicated by the +captain's index finger, then, snapping instructions to his driver, threw +himself heavily back on the seat. Stryker, awkward on his land-legs, +stumbled and fell in an ill-calculated attempt to hoist himself hastily +back into the vehicle. + +To the delay thus occasioned alone Kirkwood and Dorothy owed a respite of +freedom. Their hansom was already swinging down toward the great gates of +the yard, the American standing to make the driver comprehend the necessity +for using the utmost speed in reaching the Craven Street address. The man +proved both intelligent and obliging; Kirkwood had barely time to drop down +beside the girl, ere the cab was swinging out into the Strand, to the peril +of the toes belonging to a number of righteously indignant pedestrians. + +"Good boy!" commented Kirkwood cheerfully. "That's the greatest comfort of +all London, the surprising intellectual strength the average cabby displays +when you promise him a tip.... Great Heavens!" he cried, reading the girl's +dismayed expression. "A tip! I never thought--!" His face lengthened +dismally, his eyebrows working awry. "Now we are in for it!" + +Dorothy said nothing. + +He turned in the seat, twisting his neck to peep through the small rear +window. "I don't see their cab," he announced. "But of course they're after +us. However, Craven Street's just round the corner; if we get there +first, I don't fancy Freddie Hallam will have a cordial reception for our +pursuers. They must've been on watch at Cannon Street, and finding we were +not coming in that way--of course they were expecting us because of Hobbs' +wire--they took cab for Charing Cross. Lucky for us.... Or is it lucky?" he +added doubtfully, to himself. + +The hansom whipped round the corner into Craven Street. Kirkwood sprang up, +grasping the treasure bag, ready to jump the instant they pulled in toward +Mrs. Hallam's dwelling. But as they drew near upon the address he drew back +with an exclamation of amazement. + +The house was closed, showing a blank face to the street--blinds drawn +close down in the windows, area gate padlocked, an estate-agent's board +projecting from above the doorway, advertising the property "To be let, +furnished." + +Kirkwood looked back, craning his neck round the side of the cab. At the +moment another hansom was breaking through the rank of humanity on the +Strand crossing. He saw one or two figures leap desperately from beneath +the horse's hoofs. Then the cab shot out swiftly down the street. + +The American stood up again, catching the cabby's eye. + +"Drive on!" he cried excitedly. "Don't stop--drive as fast as you dare!" + +"W'ere to, sir?" + +"See that cab behind? Don't let it catch us--shake it off, lose it somehow, +but for the love of Heaven don't let it catch us! I'll make it worth your +while. Do you understand?" + +"Yes, sir!" The driver looked briefly over his shoulder and lifted his +whip. "Don't worry, sir," he cried, entering into the spirit of the game +with gratifying zest. "Shan't let 'em over'aul you, sir. Mind your 'ead!" + +And as Kirkwood ducked, the whip-lash shot out over the roof with a crack +like the report of a pistol. Startled, the horse leaped indignantly +forward. Momentarily the cab seemed to leave the ground, then settled +down to a pace that carried them round the Avenue Theatre and across +Northumberland Avenue into Whitehall Place apparently on a single wheel. + +A glance behind showed Kirkwood that already they had gained, the pursuing +hansom having lost ground through greater caution in crossing the +main-traveled thoroughfare. + +"Good little horse!" he applauded. + +A moment later he was indorsing without reserve the generalship of their +cabby; the quick westward turn that took them into Whitehall, over across +from the Horse Guards, likewise placed them in a pocket of traffic; a +practically impregnable press of vehicles closed in behind them ere +Calendar's conveyance could follow out of the side street. + +That the same conditions, but slightly modified, hemmed them in ahead, went +for nothing in Kirkwood's estimation. + +"Good driver!" he approved heartily. "He's got a head on his shoulders!" + +The girl found her voice. "How," she demanded in a breath, face blank with +consternation, "how did you dare?" + +"Dare?" he echoed exultantly; and in his veins excitement was running like +liquid fire. "What wouldn't I dare for you, Dorothy?" + +"What have you not?" she amended softly, adding with a shade of timidity: +"Philip..." + +The long lashes swept up from her cheeks, like clouds revealing stars, +unmasking eyes radiant and brave to meet his own; then they fell, even as +her lips drooped with disappointment. And she sighed.... For he was not +looking. Man-like, hot with the ardor of the chase, he was deaf and blind +to all else. + +She saw that he had not even heard. Twice within the day she had forgotten +herself, had overstepped the rigid bounds of her breeding in using his +Christian name. And twice he had been oblivious to that token of their +maturing understanding. So she sighed, and sighing, smiled again; resting +an elbow on the window-sill and flattening one small gloved hand against +the frame for a brace against the jouncing of the hansom. It swept on with +unabated speed, up-stream beside the tawny reaches of the river; and for +a time there was no speech between them, the while the girl lost +consciousness of self and her most imminent peril, surrendering her being +to the lingering sweetness of her long, dear thoughts.... + +"I've got a scheme!" Kirkwood declared so explosively that she caught her +breath with the surprise of it. "There's the Pless; they know me there, and +my credit's good. When we shake them off, we can have the cabby take us to +the hotel. I'll register and borrow from the management enough to pay our +way to Chiltern and the tolls for a cable to New York. I've a friend or two +over home who wouldn't let me want for a few miserable pounds.... So you +see," he explained boyishly, "we're at the end of our troubles already!" + +She said something inaudible, holding her face averted. He bent nearer to +her, wondering. "I didn't understand," he suggested. + +Still looking from him, "I said you were very good to me," she said in a +quavering whisper. + +"Dorothy!" Without his knowledge or intention before the fact, as +instinctively as he made use of her given name, intimately, his strong +fingers dropped and closed upon the little hand that lay beside him. "What +_is_ the matter, dear?" He leaned still farther forward to peer into her +face, till glance met glance in the ending and his racing pulses tightened +with sheer delight of the humid happiness in her glistening eyes. "Dorothy, +child, don't worry so. No harm shall come to you. It's all working out--all +working out _right_. Only have a little faith in me, and I'll _make_ +everything work out right, Dorothy." + +Gently she freed her fingers. "I wasn't," she told him in a voice that +quivered between laughter and tears, "I wasn't worrying. I was ... You +wouldn't understand. Don't be afraid I shall break down or--or anything." + +"I shan't," he reassured her; "I know you're not that sort. Besides, +you'd have no excuse. We're moving along famously. That cabby knows his +business." + +In fact that gentleman was minute by minute demonstrating his peculiar +fitness for the task he had so cheerfully undertaken. The superior +horsemanship of the London hackney cabman needs no exploitation, and he +in whose hands rested the fate of the Calendar treasure was peer of his +compeers. He was instant to advantage himself of every opening to forward +his pliant craft, quick to foresee the fortunes of the way and govern +himself accordingly. + +Estimating with practised eye the precise moment when the police supervisor +of traffic at the junction of Parliament and Bridge Streets, would see +fit to declare a temporary blockade, he so managed that his was the last +vehicle to pass ere the official wand, to ignore which involves a forfeited +license, was lifted; and indeed, so close was his calculation that he +escaped only with a scowl and word of warning from the bobby. A matter of +no importance whatever, since his end was gained and the pursuing cab had +been shut off by the blockade. + +In Calendar's driver, however, he had an adversary of abilities by no means +to be despised. Precisely how the man contrived it, is a question; that he +made a detour by way of Derby Street is not improbable, unpleasant as it +may have been for Stryker and Calendar to find themselves in such close +proximity to "the Yard." At all events, he evaded the block, and hardly +had the chase swung across Bridge Street, than the pursuer was nimbly +clattering in its wake. + +Past the Houses of Parliament, through Old Palace Yard, with the Abbey on +their left, they swung away into Abingdon Street, whence suddenly they +dived into the maze of backways, great and mean, which lies to the south of +Victoria. Doubling and twisting, now this way, now that, the driver tooled +them through the intricate heart of this labyrinth, leading the pursuers +a dance that Kirkwood thought calculated to dishearten and shake off the +pursuit in the first five minutes. Yet always, peering back through the +little peephole, he saw Calendar's cab pelting doggedly in their rear--a +hundred yards behind, no more, no less, hanging on with indomitable grit +and determination. + +By degrees they drew westwards, threading Pimlico, into Chelsea--once +dashing briefly down the Grosvenor Road, the Thames a tawny flood beyond +the river wall. + +Children cheered them on, and policemen turned to stare, doubting whether +they should interfere. Minutes rolled into tens, measuring out an hour; +and still they hammered on, hunted and hunters, playing their game of +hare-and-hounds through the highways and byways of those staid and aged +quarters. + +In the leading cab there were few words spoken. Kirkwood and Dorothy alike +sat spellbound with the fascination of the game; if it is conceivable +that the fox enjoys his part in the day's sport, then they were enjoying +themselves. Now one spoke, now another--chiefly in the clipped phraseology, +of excitement. As-- + +"We're gaining?" + +"Yes--think so." + +Or, "We'll tire them out?" + +"Sure-ly." + +"They can't catch us, can they, Philip?" + +"Never in the world." + +But he spoke with a confidence that he himself did not feel, for hope as +he would he could never see that the distance between the two had been +materially lessened or increased. Their horses seemed most evenly matched. + +The sun was very low behind the houses of the Surrey Side when Kirkwood +became aware that their horse was flagging, though (as comparison +determined) no more so than the one behind. + +In grave concern the young man raised his hand, thrusting open the trap +in the roof. Immediately the square of darkling sky was eclipsed by the +cabby's face. + +"Yessir?" + +"You had better drive as directly as you can to the Hotel Pless," Kirkwood +called up. "I'm afraid it's no use pushing your horse like this." + +"I'm sure of it, sir. 'E's a good 'oss, 'e is, but 'e carn't keep goin' for +hever, you know, sir." + +"I know. You've done very well; you've done your best." + +"Very good, sir. The Pless, you said, sir? Right." + +The trap closed. + +Two blocks farther, and their pace had so sensibly moderated that Kirkwood +was genuinely alarmed. The pursuing cabby was lashing his animal without +mercy, while, "It aren't no use my w'ippin' 'im, sir," dropped through the +trap. "'E's doing orl 'e can." + +"I understand." + +Despondent recklessness tightened Kirkwood's lips and kindled an unpleasant +light in his eyes. He touched his side pocket; Calendar's revolver was +still there.... Dorothy should win away clear, if--if he swung for it. + +He bent forward with the traveling bag in his hands. + +"What are you going to do?" The girl's voice was very tremulous. + +"Stand a chance, take a losing hazard. Can you run? You're not too tired?" + +"I can run--perhaps not far--a little way, at least." + +"And will you do as I say?" + +Her eyes met his, unwavering, bespeaking her implicit faith. + +"Promise!" + +"I promise." + +"We'll have to drop off in a minute. The horse won't last.... They're in +the same box. Well, I undertake to stand 'em off for a bit; you take the +bag and run for it. Just as soon as I can convince them, I'll follow, but +if there's any delay, you call the first cab you see and drive to the +Pless. I'll join you there." + +He stood up, surveying the neighborhood. Behind him the girl lifted her +voice in protest. + +"No, Philip, no!" + +"You've promised," he said sternly, eyes ranging the street. + +"I don't care; I won't leave you." + +He shook his head in silent contradiction, frowning; but not frowning +because of the girl's mutiny. He was a little puzzled by a vague +impression, and was striving to pin it down for recognition; but was so +thoroughly bemused with fatigue and despair that only with great difficulty +could he force his faculties to logical reasoning, his memory to respond to +his call upon it. + +The hansom was traversing a street in Old Brompton--a quaint, prim by-way +lined with dwellings singularly Old-Worldish, even for London. He seemed +to know it subjectively, to have retained a memory of it from another +existence: as the stage setting of a vivid dream, all forgotten, will +sometimes recur with peculiar and exasperating intensity, in broad +daylight. The houses, with their sloping, red-tiled roofs, unexpected +gables, spontaneous dormer windows, glass panes set in leaded frames, red +brick façades trimmed with green shutters and doorsteps of white stone, +each sitting back, sedate and self-sufficient, in its trim dooryard fenced +off from the public thoroughfare: all wore an aspect hauntingly familiar, +and yet strange. + +A corner sign, remarked in passing, had named the spot "Aspen Villas"; +though he felt he knew the sound of those syllables as well as he did +the name of the Pless, strive as he might he failed to make them convey +anything tangible to his intelligence. When had he heard of it? At what +time had his errant footsteps taken him through this curious survival of +Eighteenth Century London? + +Not that it mattered when. It could have no possible bearing on the +emergency. He really gave it little thought; the mental processes recounted +were mostly subconscious, if none the less real. His objective attention +was wholly preoccupied with the knowledge that Calendar's cab was drawing +perilously near. And he was debating whether or not they should alight +at once and try to make a better pace afoot, when the decision was taken +wholly out of his hands. + +Blindly staggering on, wilted with weariness, the horse stumbled in the +shafts and plunged forward on its knees. Quick as the driver was to pull it +up, with a cruel jerk of the bits, Kirkwood was caught unprepared; lurching +against the dashboard, he lost his footing, grasped frantically at the +unstable air, and went over, bringing up in a sitting position in the +gutter, with a solid shock that jarred his very teeth. + +For a moment dazed he sat there blinking; by the time he got to his feet, +the girl stood beside him, questioning him with keen solicitude. + +"No," he gasped; "not hurt--only surprised. Wait...." + +Their cab had come to a complete standstill; Calendar's was no more than +twenty yards behind, and as Kirkwood caught sight of him the fat adventurer +was in the act of lifting himself ponderously out of the seat. + +Incontinently the young man turned to the girl and forced the traveling-bag +into her hands. + +"Run for it!" he begged her. "Don't stop to argue. You promised--run! I'll +come...." + +"Philip!" she pleaded. + +"Dorothy!" he cried in torment. + +Perhaps it was his unquestionable distress that weakened her. Suddenly she +yielded--with whatever reason. He was only hazily aware of the swish of her +skirts behind him; he had no time to look round and see that she got away +safely. He had only eyes and thoughts for Calendar and Stryker. + +They were both afoot, now, and running toward him, the one as awkward as +the other, but neither yielding a jot of their malignant purpose. He held +the picture of it oddly graphic in his memory for many a day thereafter: +Calendar making directly, for him, his heavy-featured face a dull red with +the exertion, his fat head dropped forward as if too heavy for his neck of +a bull, his small eyes bright with anger; Stryker shying off at a discreet +angle, evidently with the intention of devoting himself to the capture of +the girl; the two cabs with their dejected screws, at rest in the middle of +the quiet, twilit street. He seemed even to see himself, standing stockily +prepared, hands in his coat pockets, his own head inclined with a +suggestion of pugnacity. + +To this mental photograph another succeeds, of the same scene an instant +later; all as it had been before, their relative positions unchanged, save +that Stryker and Calendar had come to a dead stop, and that Kirkwood's +right arm was lifted and extended, pointing at the captain. + +So forgetful of self was he, that it required a moment's thought to +convince him that he was really responsible for the abrupt transformation. +Incredulously he realized that he had drawn Calendar's revolver and pulled +Stryker up short, in mid-stride, by the mute menace of it, as much as by +his hoarse cry of warning: + +"Stryker--not another foot--" + +With this there chimed in Dorothy's voice, ringing bell-clear from a little +distance: + +"Philip!" + +Like a flash he wheeled, to add yet another picture to his mental gallery. + +Perhaps two-score feet up the sidewalk a gate stood open; just outside it a +man of tall and slender figure, rigged out in a bizarre costume consisting +mainly of a flowered dressing-gown and slippers, was waiting in an attitude +of singular impassivity; within it, pausing with a foot lifted to the +doorstep, bag in hand, her head turned as she looked back, was Dorothy. + +[Illustration: A costume consisting mainly of a flowered dressing-gown and +slippers.] + +As he comprehended these essential details of the composition, the man in +the flowered dressing-gown raised a hand, beckoning to him in a manner as +imperative as his accompanying words. + +"Kirkwood!" he saluted the young man in a clear and vibrant voice, "put +up that revolver and stop this foolishness." And, with a jerk of his +head towards the doorway, in which Dorothy now waited, hesitant: "Come, +sir--quickly!" + +Kirkwood choked on a laugh that was half a sob. "Brentwick!" he cried, +restoring the weapon to his pocket and running toward his friend. "Of all +happy accidents!" + +"You may call it that," retorted the elder man with a fleeting smile as +Kirkwood slipped inside the dooryard. "Come," he said; "let's get into the +house." + +"But you said--I thought you went to Munich," stammered Kirkwood; and so +thoroughly impregnated was his mind with this understanding that it was +hard for him to adjust his perceptions to the truth. + +"I was detained--by business," responded Brentwick briefly. His gaze, weary +and wistful behind his glasses, rested on the face of the girl on the +threshold of his home; and the faint, sensitive flush of her face deepened. +He stopped and honored her with a bow that, for all his fantastical attire, +would have graced a beau of an earlier decade. "Will you be pleased to +enter?" he suggested punctiliously. "My house, such as it is, is quite at +your disposal. And," he added, with a glance over his shoulder, "I fancy +that a word or two may presently be passed which you would hardly care to +hear." + +Dorothy's hesitation was but transitory; Kirkwood was reassuring her with +a smile more like his wonted boyish grin than anything he had succeeded +in conjuring up throughout the day. Her own smile answered it, and with a +murmured word of gratitude and a little, half timid, half distant bow for +Brentwick, she passed on into the hallway. + +Kirkwood lingered with his friend upon the door-stoop. Calendar, recovered +from his temporary consternation, was already at the gate, bending over +it, fat fingers fumbling with the latch, his round red face, lifted to the +house, darkly working with chagrin. + +From his threshold, watching him with a slight contraction of the eyes, +Brentwick hailed him in tones of cloying courtesy. + +"Do you wish to see me, sir?" + +The fat adventurer faltered just within the gateway; then, with a truculent +swagger, "I want my daughter," he declared vociferously. + +Brentwick peered mildly over his glasses, first at Calendar, then at +Kirkwood. His glance lingered a moment on the young man's honest eyes, and +swung back to Calendar. + +"My good man," he said with sublime tolerance, "will you be pleased to take +yourself off--to the devil if you like? Or shall I take the trouble to +interest the police?" + +He removed one fine and fragile hand from a pocket of the flowered +dressing-gown, long enough to jerk it significantly toward the nearer +street-corner. + +Thunderstruck, Calendar glanced hastily in the indicated direction. +A blue-coated bobby was to be seen approaching with measured stride, +diffusing upon the still evening air an impression of ineffably capable +self-contentment. + +Calendar's fleshy lips parted and closed without a sound. They quivered. +Beneath them quivered his assortment of graduated chins. His heavy and +pendulous cheeks quivered, slowly empurpling with the dark tide of his +apoplectic wrath. The close-clipped thatch of his iron gray mustache, even, +seemed to bristle like hairs upon the neck of a maddened dog. Beneath him +his fat legs trembled, and indeed his whole huge carcass shook visibly, in +the stress of his restrained wrath. + +Suddenly, overwhelmed, he banged the gate behind him and waddled off to +join the captain; who already, with praiseworthy native prudence, had +fallen back upon their cab. + +From his coign of strategic advantage, the comfortable elevation of +his box, Kirkwood's cabby, whose huge enjoyment of the adventurers' +discomfiture had throughout been noisily demonstrative, entreated Calendar +with lifted forefinger, bland affability, and expressions of heartfelt +sympathy. + +"Kebsir? 'Ave a kebsir, do! Try a ride be'ind a real 'orse, sir; don't you +go on wastin' time on 'im." A jerk of a derisive thumb singled out the +other cabman. "'E aren't pl'yin' you fair, sir; I knows 'im,--'e's a +hartful g'y deceiver, 'e is. Look at 'is 'orse,--w'ich it aren't; it's a +snyle, that's w'at it is. Tyke a father's hadvice, sir, and next time yer +fairest darter runs awye with the dook in disguise, chyse 'em in a real +kebsir, not a cheap imitashin.... Kebsir?... Garn, you 'ard-'arted--" + +Here he swooped upwards in a dizzy flight of vituperation best unrecorded. +Calendar, beyond an absent-minded flirt of one hand by his ear, as who +should shoo away a buzzing insect, ignored him utterly. + +Sullenly extracting money from his pocket, he paid off his driver, and in +company with Stryker, trudged in morose silence down the street. + +Brentwick touched Kirkwood's arm and drew him into the house. + + + + +XVIII + + +ADVENTURERS' LUCK + +As the door closed, Kirkwood swung impulsively to Brentwick, with the +brief, uneven laugh of fine-drawn nerves. + +"Good God, sir!" he cried. "You don't know--" + +"I can surmise," interrupted the elder man shrewdly. + +"You turned up in the nick of time, for all the world like--" + +"Harlequin popping through a stage trap?" + +"No!--an incarnation of the Providence that watches over children and +fools." + +Brentwick dropped a calming hand upon his shoulder. "Your simile seems +singularly happy, Philip. Permit me to suggest that you join the child in +my study." He laughed quietly, with a slight nod toward an open door at the +end of the hallway. "For myself, I'll be with you in one moment." + +A faint, indulgent smile lurking in the shadow of his white mustache, he +watched the young man wheel and dart through the doorway. "Young hearts!" +he commented inaudibly--and a trace sadly. "Youth!..." + +Beyond the threshold of the study, Kirkwood paused, eager eyes searching +its somber shadows for a sign of Dorothy. + +A long room and deep, it was lighted only by the circumscribed disk of +illumination thrown on the central desk by a shaded reading-lamp, and the +flickering glow of a grate-fire set beneath the mantel of a side-wall. At +the back, heavy velvet portières cloaked the recesses of two long windows, +closed jealously even against the twilight. Aside from the windows, doors +and chimney-piece, every foot of wall space was occupied by towering +bookcases or by shelves crowded to the limit of their capacity with an +amazing miscellany of objects of art, the fruit of years of patient and +discriminating collecting. An exotic and heady atmosphere, compounded of +the faint and intangible exhalations of these insentient things, fragrance +of sandalwood, myrrh and musk, reminiscent whiffs of half-forgotten +incense, seemed to intensify the impression of gloomy richness and +repose... + +By the fireplace, a little to one side, stood Dorothy, one small foot +resting on the brass fender, her figure merging into the dusky background, +her delicate beauty gaining an effect of elusive and ethereal mystery in +the waning and waxing ruddy glow upflung from the bedded coals. + +"Oh, Philip!" She turned swiftly to Kirkwood with extended hands and a low, +broken cry. "I'm _so_ glad...." + +A trace of hysteria in her manner warned him, and he checked himself upon +the verge of a too dangerous tenderness. "There!" he said soothingly, +letting her hands rest gently in his palms while he led her to a chair. "We +can make ourselves easy now." She sat down and he released her hands with a +reluctance less evident than actual. "If ever I say another word against my +luck--" + +"Who," inquired the girl, lowering her voice, "who is the gentleman in the +flowered dressing-gown?" + +"Brentwick--George Silvester Brentwick: an old friend. I've known him for +years,--ever since I came abroad. Curiously enough, however, this is the +first time I've ever been here. I called once, but he wasn't in,--a few +days ago,--the day we met. I thought the place looked familiar. Stupid of +me!" + +"Philip," said the girl with a grave face but a shaking voice, "it was." +She laughed provokingly.... "It was so funny, Philip. I don't know why I +ran, when you told me to, but I did; and while I ran, I was conscious +of the front door, here, opening, and this tall man in the flowered +dressing-gown coming down to the gate as if it were the most ordinary thing +in the world for him to stroll out, dressed that way, in the evening. And +he opened the gate, and bowed, and said, ever so pleasantly, 'Won't you +come in, Miss Calendar?'--" + +"He did!" exclaimed Kirkwood. "But how--?" + +"How can I say?" she expostulated. "At all events, he seemed to know +me; and when he added something about calling you in, too--he said 'Mr. +Kirkwood '--I didn't hesitate." + +"It's strange enough, surely--and fortunate. Bless his heart!" said +Kirkwood. + +And, "Hum!" said Mr. Brentwick considerately, entering the study. He had +discarded the dressing-gown and was now in evening dress. + +The girl rose. Kirkwood turned. "Mr. Brentwick--" he began. + +But Brentwick begged his patience with an eloquent gesture. "Sir," he said, +somewhat austerely, "permit me to put a single question: Have you by any +chance paid your cabby?" + +"Why--" faltered the younger man, with a flaming face. "I--why, no--that +is--" + +The other quietly put his hand upon a bell-pull. A faint jingling sound was +at once audible, emanating from the basement. + +"How much should you say you owe him?" + +"I--I haven't a penny in the world!" + +The shrewd eyes flashed their amusement into Kirkwood's. "Tut, tut!" +Brentwick chuckled. "Between gentlemen, my dear boy! Dear me! you are slow +to learn." + +"I'll never be contented to sponge on my friends," explained Kirkwood in +deepest misery. "I can't tell when--" + +"Tut, tut! How much did you say?" + +"Ten shillings--or say twelve, would be about right," stammered the +American, swayed by conflicting emotions of gratitude and profound +embarrassment. + +A soft-footed butler, impassive as Fate, materialized mysteriously in the +doorway. + +"You rang, sir?" he interrupted frigidly. + +"I rang, Wotton." His master selected a sovereign from his purse and handed +it to the servant. "For the cabby, Wotton." + +"Yes sir." The butler swung automatically, on one heel. + +"And Wotton!" + +"Sir?" + +"If any one should ask for me, I'm not at home." + +"Very good, sir." + +"And if you should see a pair of disreputable scoundrels skulking, in the +neighborhood, one short and stout, the other tall and evidently a seafaring +man, let me know." + +"Thank you, sir." A moment later the front door was heard to close. + +Brentwick turned with a little bow to the girl. "My dear Miss Calendar," he +said, rubbing his thin, fine hands,--"I am old enough, I trust, to call you +such without offense,--please be seated." + +Complying, the girl rewarded him with a radiant smile. Whereupon, striding +to the fireplace, their host turned his back to it, clasped his hands +behind him, and glowered benignly upon the two. "Ah!" he observed in +accents of extreme personal satisfaction. "Romance! Romance!" + +"Would you mind telling us how you knew--" began Kirkwood anxiously. + +"Not in the least, my dear Philip. It is simple enough: I possess an +imagination. From my bedroom window, on the floor above, I happen to behold +two cabs racing down the street, the one doggedly pursuing the other. The +foremost stops, perforce of a fagged horse. There alights a young gentleman +looking, if you'll pardon me, uncommonly seedy; he is followed by a young +lady, if she will pardon me," with another little bow, "uncommonly pretty. +With these two old eyes I observe that the gentleman does not pay his +cabby. Ergo--I intelligently deduce--he is short of money. Eh?" + +"You were right," affirmed Kirkwood, with a rueful and crooked smile. +"But--" + +"So! so!" pursued Brentwick, rising on his toes and dropping back again; +"so this world of ours wags on to the old, old tune!... And I, who in my +younger days pursued adventure without success, in dotage find myself +dragged into a romance by my two ears, whether I will or no! Eh? And now +you are going to tell me all about it, Philip. There is a chair.... Well, +Wotton?" + +The butler had again appeared noiselessly in the doorway. + +"Beg pardon, sir; they're waiting, sir." + +"The caitiffs, Wotton?" + +"Yessir." + +"Where waiting?" + +"One at each end of the street, sir." + +"Thank you. You may bring us sherry and biscuit, Wotton." + +"Thank you, sir." + +The servant vanished. + +Brentwick removed his glasses, rubbed them, and blinked thoughtfully at the +girl. "My dear," he said suddenly, with a peculiar tremor in his voice, +"you resemble your mother remarkably. Tut--I should know! Time was when I +was one of her most ardent admirers." + +"You--y-you knew my mother?" cried Dorothy, profoundly moved. + +"Did I not know you at sight? My dear, you are your mother reincarnate, for +the good of an unworthy world. She was a very beautiful woman, my dear." + +Wotton entered with a silver serving tray, offering it in turn to Dorothy, +Kirkwood and his employer. While he was present the three held silent--the +girl trembling slightly, but with her face aglow; Kirkwood half stupefied +between his ease from care and his growing astonishment, as Brentwick +continued to reveal unexpected phases of his personality; Brentwick himself +outwardly imperturbable and complacent, for all that his hand shook as he +lifted his wine glass. + +"You may go, Wotton--or, wait. Don't you feel the need of a breath of fresh +air, Wotton?" + +"Yessir, thank you, sir." + +"Then change your coat, Wotton, light your pipe, and stroll out for half an +hour. You need not leave the street, but if either the tall thin blackguard +with the seafaring habit, or the short stout rascal with the air of mystery +should accost you, treat them with all courtesy, Wotton. You will be +careful not to tell either of them anything in particular, although I don't +mind your telling them that Mr. Brentwick lives here, if they ask. I am +mostly concerned to discover if they purpose becoming fixtures on the +street-corners, Wotton." + +"Quite so, sir." + +"Now you may go.... Wotton," continued his employer as the butler took +himself off as softly as a cat, "grows daily a more valuable mechanism. He +is by no means human in any respect, but I find him extremely handy to +have round the house.... And now, my dear," turning to Dorothy, "with your +permission I desire to drink to the memory of your beautiful mother and to +the happiness of her beautiful daughter." + +"But you will tell me--" + +"A number of interesting things, Miss Calendar, if you'll be good enough to +let me choose the time. I beg you to be patient with the idiosyncrasies +of an old man, who means no harm, who has a reputation as an eccentric to +sustain before his servants.... And now," said Brentwick, setting aside his +glass, "now, my dear boy, for the adventure." + +Kirkwood chuckled, infected by his host's genial humor. "How do you know--" + +"How can it be otherwise?" countered Brentwick with a trace of asperity. +"Am I to be denied my adventure? Sir, I refuse without equivocation. Your +very bearing breathes of Romance. There must be an adventure forthcoming, +Philip; otherwise my disappointment will be so acute that I shall be +regretfully obliged seriously to consider my right, as a householder, to +show you the door." + +"But Mr. Brentwick--!" + +"Sit down, sir!" commanded Brentwick with such a peremptory note that the +young man, who had risen, obeyed out of sheer surprise. Upon which his host +advanced, indicting him with a long white forefinger. "Would you, sir," +he demanded, "again expose this little lady to the machinations of that +corpulent scoundrel, whom I have just had the pleasure of shooing off my +premises, because you choose to resent an old man's raillery?" + +"I apologize," Kirkwood humored him. + +"I accept the apology in the spirit in which it is offered.... I repeat, +now for the adventure, Philip. If the story's long, epitomize. We can +consider details more at our leisure." + +Kirkwood's eyes consulted the girl's face; almost imperceptibly she nodded +him permission to proceed. + +"Briefly, then," he began haltingly, "the man who followed us to the door +here, is Miss Calendar's father." + +"Oh? His name, please?" + +"George Burgoyne Calendar." + +"Ah! An American; I remember, now. Continue, please." + +"He is hounding us, sir, with the intention of stealing some property, +which he caused to be stolen, which we--to put it bluntly--stole from him, +to which he has no shadow of a title, and which, finally, we're endeavoring +to return to its owners." + +"My dear!" interpolated Brentwick gently, looking down at the girl's +flushed face and drooping head. + +"He ran us to the last ditch," Kirkwood continued; "I've spent my last +farthing trying to lose him." + +"But why have you not caused his arrest?" Brentwick inquired. + +Kirkwood nodded meaningly toward the girl. Brentwick made a sound +indicating comprehension, a click of the tongue behind closed teeth. + +"We came to your door by the merest accident--it might as well have been +another. I understood you were in Munich, and it never entered my head that +we'd find you home." + +"A communication from my solicitors detained me," explained Brentwick. "And +now, what do you intend to do?" + +"Trespass as far on your kindness as you'll permit. In the first place, +I--I want the use of a few pounds with which to cable some friends in New +York, for money; on receipt of which I can repay you." + +"Philip," observed Brentwood, "you are a most irritating child. But I +forgive you the faults of youth. You may proceed, bearing in mind, if you +please, that I am your friend equally with any you may own in America." + +"You're one of the best men in the world," said Kirkwood. + +"Tut, tut! Will you get on?" + +"Secondly, I want you to help us to escape Calendar to-night. It is +necessary that Miss Calendar should go to Chiltern this evening, where she +has friends who will receive and protect her." + +"Mm-mm," grumbled their host, meditative. "My faith!" he commented, with +brightening eyes. "It sounds almost too good to be true! And I've been +growing afraid that the world was getting to be a most humdrum and +uninteresting planet!... Miss Calendar, I am a widower of so many years +standing that I had almost forgotten I had ever been anything but a +bachelor. I fear my house contains little that will be of service to a +young lady. Yet a room is at your disposal; the parlor-maid shall show you +the way. And Philip, between you and me, I venture to remark that hot water +and cold steel would add to the attractiveness of your personal appearance; +my valet will attend you in my room. Dinner," concluded Brentwick with +anticipative relish, "will be served in precisely thirty minutes. I shall +expect you to entertain me with a full and itemized account of every phase +of your astonishing adventure. Later, we will find a way to Chiltern." + +Again he put a hand upon the bell-pull. Simultaneously Dorothy and Kirkwood +rose. + +"Mr. Brentwick," said the girl, her eyes starred with tears of gratitude, +"I don't, I really don't know how--" + +"My dear," said the old gentleman, "you will thank me most appropriately +by continuing, to the best of your ability, to resemble your mother more +remarkably every minute." + +"But I," began Kirkwood----. + +"You, my dear Philip, can thank me best by permitting me to enjoy myself; +which I am doing thoroughly at the present moment. My pleasure in being +invited to interfere in your young affairs is more keen than you can well +surmise. Moreover," said Mr. Brentwick, "so long have I been an amateur +adventurer that I esteem it the rarest privilege to find myself thus on the +point of graduating into professional ranks." He rubbed his hands, beaming +upon them. "And," he added, as a maid appeared at the door, "I have already +schemed me a scheme for the discomfiture of our friends the enemy: a scheme +which we will discuss with our dinner, while the heathen rage and imagine a +vain thing, in the outer darkness." + +Kirkwood would have lingered, but of such inflexible temper was his host +that he bowed him into the hands of a man servant without permitting him +another word. + +"Not a syllable," he insisted. "I protest I am devoured with curiosity, my +dear boy, but I have also bowels of compassion. When we are well on with +our meal, when you are strengthened with food and drink, then you may +begin. But now--Dickie," to the valet, "do your duty!" + +Kirkwood, laughing with exasperation, retired at discretion, leaving +Brentwick the master of the situation: a charming gentleman with a will of +his own and a way that went with it. + +He heard the young man's footsteps diminish on the stairway; and again +he smiled the indulgent, melancholy smile of mellow years. "Youth!" he +whispered softly. "Romance!... And now," with a brisk change of tone as +he closed the study door, "now we are ready for this interesting Mr. +Calendar." + +Sitting down at his desk, he found and consulted a telephone directory; +but its leaves, at first rustling briskly at the touch of the slender and +delicate fingers, were presently permitted to lie unturned,--the book +resting open on his knees the while he stared wistfully into the fire. + +A suspicion of moisture glimmered in his eyes. "Dorothy!" he whispered +huskily. And a little later, rising, he proceeded to the telephone.... + +An hour and a half later Kirkwood, his self-respect something restored by +a bath, a shave, and a resumption of clothes which had been hastily but +thoroughly cleansed and pressed by Brentwick's valet; his confidence and +courage mounting high under the combined influence of generous wine, +substantial food, the presence of his heart's mistress and the +admiration--which was unconcealed--of his friend, concluded at the +dinner-table, his narration. + +"And that," he said, looking up from his savory, "is about all." + +"Bravo!" applauded Brentwick; eyes shining with delight. + +"All," interposed Dorothy in warm reproach, "but what he hasn't told--" + +"Which, my dear, is to be accounted for wholly by a very creditable +modesty, rarely encountered in the young men of the present day. It was, of +course, altogether different with those of my younger years. Yes, Wotton?" + +Brentwick sat back in his chair, inclining an attentive ear to a +communication murmured by the butler. + +Kirkwood's gaze met Dorothy's across the expanse of shining cloth; he +deprecated her interruption with a whimsical twist of his eyebrows. +"Really, you shouldn't," he assured her in an undertone. "I've done nothing +to deserve..." But under the spell of her serious sweet eyes, he fell +silent, and presently looked down, strangely abashed; and contemplated the +vast enormity of his unworthiness. + +Coffee was set before them by Wotton, the impassive, Brentwick refusing +it with a little sigh. "It is one of the things, as Philip knows," he +explained to the girl, "denied me by the physician who makes his life happy +by making mine a waste. I am allowed but three luxuries; cigars, travel +in moderation, and the privilege of imposing on my friends. The first I +propose presently, to enjoy, by your indulgence; and the second I shall +this evening undertake by virtue of the third, of which I have just availed +myself." + +Smiling at the involution, he rested his head against the back of the +chair, eyes roving from the girl's face to Kirkwood's. "Inspiration to +do which," he proceeded gravely, "came to me from the seafaring picaroon +(Stryker did you name him?) via the excellent Wotton. While you were +preparing for dinner, Wotton returned from his constitutional with the news +that, leaving the corpulent person on watch at the corner, Captain Stryker +had temporarily, made himself scarce. However, we need feel no anxiety +concerning his whereabouts, for he reappeared in good time and a +motor-car. From which it becomes evident that you have not overrated their +pertinacity; the fiasco of the cab-chase is not to be reënacted." + +Resolutely the girl repressed a gasp of dismay. Kirkwood stared moodily +into his cup. + +"These men bore me fearfully," he commented at last. + +"And so," continued Brentwick, "I bethought me of a counter-stroke. It is +my good fortune to have a friend whose whim it is to support a touring-car, +chiefly in innocuous idleness. Accordingly I have telephoned him and +commandeered the use of this machine--mechanician, too.... Though not a +betting man, I am willing to risk recklessly a few pence in support of my +contention, that of the two, Captain Stryker's car and ours, the latter +will prove considerably the most speedy.... + +"In short, I suggest," he concluded, thoughtfully lacing his long white +fingers, "that, avoiding the hazards of cab and railway carriage, we motor +to Chiltern: the night being fine and the road, I am told, exceptionally +good. Miss Dorothy, what do you think?" + +Instinctively the girl looked to Kirkwood; then shifted her glance to their +host. "I think you are wonderfully thoughtful and kind," she said simply. + +"And you, Philip?" + +"It's an inspiration," the younger man declared. "I can't think of anything +better calculated to throw them off, than to distance them by motor-car. It +would be always possible to trace our journey by rail." + +"Then," announced Brentwick, making as if to rise, "we had best go. If +neither my hearing nor Captain Stryker's car deceives me, our fiery chariot +is panting at the door." + +A little sobered from the confident spirit of quiet gaiety in which they +had dined, they left the table. Not that, in their hearts, either greatly +questioned their ultimate triumph; but they were allowing for the element +of error so apt to set at naught human calculations. Calendar himself had +already been proved fallible. Within the bounds of possibility, their turn +to stumble might now be imminent. + +When he let himself dwell upon it, their utter helplessness to give +Calendar pause by commonplace methods, maddened Kirkwood. With another +scoundrel it had been so simple a matter to put a period to his activities +by a word to the police. But he was her father; for that reason he must +continually be spared ... Even though, in desperate extremity, she should +give consent to the arrest of the adventurers, retaliation would follow, +swift and sure. For they might not overlook nor gloze the fact that hers +had been the hands responsible for the theft of the jewels; innocent +though she had been in committing that larceny, a cat's-paw guided by an +intelligence unscrupulous and malign, the law would not hold her guiltless +were she once brought within its cognizance. Nor, possibly, would the +Hallams, mother and son. + +Upon their knowledge and their fear of this, undoubtedly Calendar was +reckoning: witness the barefaced effrontery with which he operated against +them. His fear of the police might be genuine enough, but he was never for +an instant disturbed by any doubt lest his daughter should turn against +him. She would never dare that. + +Before they left the house, while Dorothy was above stairs resuming her +hat and coat, Kirkwood and Brentwick reconnoitered from the drawing-room +windows, themselves screened from observation by the absence of light in +the room behind. + +Before the door a motor-car waited, engines humming impatiently, +mechanician ready in his seat, an uncouth shape in goggles and leather +garments that shone like oilskins under the street lights. + +At one corner another and a smaller car stood in waiting, its lamps like +baleful eyes glaring through the night. + +In the shadows across the way, a lengthy shadow lurked: Stryker, beyond +reasonable question. Otherwise the street was deserted. Not even that +adventitous bobby of the early evening was now in evidence. + +Dorothy presently joining them, Brentwick led the way to the door. + +Wotton, apparently nerveless beneath his absolute immobility, let them +out--and slammed the door behind them with such promptitude as to give +cause for the suspicion that he was a fraud, a sham, beneath his icy +exterior desperately afraid lest the house be stormed by the adventurers. + +Kirkwood to the right, Brentwick to the left of Dorothy, the former +carrying the treasure bag, they hastened down the walk and through the gate +to the car. + +The watcher across the way was moved to whistle shrilly; the other car +lunged forward nervously. + +Brentwick taking the front seat, beside the mechanician, left the tonneau +to Kirkwood and Dorothy. As the American slammed the door, the car swept +smoothly out into the middle of the way, while the pursuing car swerved in +to the other curb, slowing down to let Stryker jump aboard. + +Kirkwood put himself in the seat by the girl's side and for a few moments +was occupied with the arrangement of the robes. Then, sitting back, he +found her eyes fixed upon him, pools of inscrutable night in the shadow of +her hat. + +"You aren't afraid, Dorothy?" + +She answered quietly: "I am with you, Philip." + +Beneath the robe their hands met... + +Exalted, excited, he turned and looked back. A hundred yards to the rear +four unwinking eyes trailed them, like some modern Nemesis in monstrous +guise. + + + + +XIX + +I----THE UXBRIDGE ROAD + +At a steady gait, now and again checked in deference to the street traffic, +Brentwick's motor-car rolled, with resonant humming of the engine, down +the Cromwell Road, swerved into Warwick Road and swung northward through +Kensington to Shepherd's Bush. Behind it Calendar's car clung as if towed +by an invisible cable, never gaining, never losing, mutely testifying to +the adventurer's unrelenting, grim determination to leave them no instant's +freedom from surveillance, to keep for ever at their shoulders, watching +his chance, biding his time with sinister patience until the moment when, +wearied, their vigilance should relax.... + +To some extent he reckoned without his motor-car. As long as they traveled +within the metropolitan limits, constrained to observe a decorous pace +in view of the prejudices of the County Council, it was a matter of no +difficulty whatever to maintain his distance. But once they had won through +Shepherd's Bush and, paced by huge doubledeck trolley trams, were flying +through Hammersmith on the Uxbridge Road; once they had run through Acton, +and knew beyond dispute that now they were without the city boundaries, +then the complexion of the business was suddenly changed. + +Not too soon for honest sport; Calendar was to have (Kirkwood would have +said in lurid American idiom) a run for his money. The scattered lights of +Southall were winking out behind them before Brentwick chose to give the +word to the mechanician. + +Quietly the latter threw in the clutch for the third speed--and the fourth. +The car leaped forward like a startled race-horse. The motor lilted merrily +into its deep-throated song of the open road, its contented, silken humming +passing into a sonorous and sustained purr. + +Kirkwood and the girl were first jarred violently forward, then thrown +together. She caught his arm to steady herself; it seemed the most natural +thing imaginable that he should take her hand and pass it beneath his +arm, holding her so, his fingers closed above her own. Before they had +recovered, or had time to catch their breath, a mile of Middlesex had +dropped to the rear. + +Not quite so far had they distanced Calendar's trailing Nemesis of the four +glaring eyes; the pursuers put forth a gallant effort to hold their place. +At intervals during the first few minutes a heavy roaring and crashing +could be heard behind them; gradually it subsided, dying on the wings of +the free rushing wind that buffeted their faces as mile after mile was +reeled off and the wide, darkling English countryside opened out before +them, sweet and wonderful. + +Once Kirkwood looked back; in the winking of an eye he saw four faded disks +of light, pallid with despair, top a distant rise and glide down into +darkness. When he turned, Dorothy was interrogating him with eyes whose +melting, shadowed loveliness, revealed to him in the light of the far, +still stars, seemed to incite him to that madness which he had bade himself +resist with all his strength. + +He shook his head, as if to say: They can not catch us. + +His hour was not yet; time enough to think of love and marriage (as if he +were capable of consecutive thought on any other subject!)--time enough to +think of them when he had gene back to his place, or rather when he should +have found it, in the ranks of bread-winners, and so have proved his right +to mortal happiness; time enough then to lay whatever he might have to +offer at her feet. Now he could conceive of no baser treachery to his +soul's-desire than to advantage himself of her gratitude. + +Resolutely he turned his face forward, striving with all his will and might +to forget the temptation of her lips, weary as they were and petulant with +waiting; and so sat rigid in his time of trial, clinging with what strength +he could to the standards of his honor, and trying to lose his dream +in dreaming of the bitter struggle that seemed likely to be his future +portion. + +Perhaps she guessed a little of the fortunes of the battle that was being +waged within him. Perhaps not. Whatever the trend of her thoughts, she did +not draw away from him.... Perhaps the breath of night, fresh and clean and +fragrant with the odor of the fields and hedges, sweeping into her face +with velvety caress, rendered her drowsy. Presently the silken lashes +drooped, fluttering upon her cheeks, the tired and happy smile hovered +about her lips.... + +In something less than half an hour of this wild driving, Kirkwood roused +out of his reverie sufficiently to become sensible that the speed was +slackening. Incoherent snatches of sentences, fragments of words and +phrases spoken by Brentwick and the mechanician, were flung back past his +ears by the rushing wind. Shielding his eyes he could see dimly that the +mechanician was tinkering (apparently) with the driving gear. Then, their +pace continuing steadily to abate, he heard Brentwick fling at the man a +sharp-toned and querulously impatient question: What was the trouble? His +reply came in a single word, not distinguishable. + +The girl sat up, opening her eyes, disengaging her arm. + +Kirkwood bent forward and touched Brentwick on the shoulder; the latter +turned to him a face lined with deep concern. + +"Trouble," he announced superfluously. "I fear we have blundered." + +"What is it?" asked Dorothy in a troubled voice. + +"Petrol seems to be running low. Charles here" (he referred to the +mechanician) "says the tank must be leaking. We'll go on as best we can and +try to find an inn. Fortunately, most of the inns nowadays keep supplies of +petrol for just such emergencies." + +"Are we--? Do you think--?" + +"Oh, no; not a bit of danger of that," returned Brentwick hastily. "They'll +not catch up with us this night. That is a very inferior car they have,--so +Charles says, at least; nothing to compare with this. If I'm not in error, +there's the Crown and Mitre just ahead; we'll make it, fill our tanks, and +be off again before they can make up half their loss." + +Dorothy looked anxiously to Kirkwood, her lips forming an unuttered query: +What did he think? + +"Don't worry; we'll have no trouble," he assured her stoutly; "the +chauffeur knows, undoubtedly." + +None the less he was moved to stand up in the tonneau, conscious of the +presence of the traveling bag, snug between his feet, as well as of the +weight of Calendar's revolver in his pocket, while he stared back along the +road. + +There was nothing to be seen of their persecutors. + +The car continued to crawl. Five minutes dragged out tediously. Gradually +they, drew abreast a tavern standing back a distance from the road, +embowered in a grove of trees between whose ancient boles the tap-room +windows shone enticingly, aglow with comfortable light. A creaking +sign-board, much worn by weather and age, swinging from a roadside post, +confirmed the accuracy of Brentwick's surmise, announcing that here stood +the Crown and Mitre, house of entertainment for man and beast. + +Sluggishly the car rolled up before it and came to a dead and silent halt. +Charles, the mechanician, jumping out, ran hastily up the path towards the +inn. In the car Brentwick turned again, his eyes curiously bright in the +starlight, his forehead quaintly furrowed, his voice apologetic. + +"It may take a few minutes," he said undecidedly, plainly endeavoring to +cover up his own dark doubts. "My dear," to the girl, "if I have brought +trouble upon you in this wise, I shall never earn my own forgiveness." + +Kirkwood stood up again, watchful, attentive to the sounds of night; but +the voice of the pursuing motor-car was not of their company. "I hear +nothing," he announced. + +"You will forgive me,--won't you, my dear?--for causing you these few +moments of needless anxiety?" pleaded the old gentleman, his tone +tremulous. + +"As if you could be blamed!" protested the girl. "You mustn't think of it +that way. Fancy, what should we have done without you!" + +"I'm afraid I have been very clumsy," sighed Brentwick, "clumsy and +impulsive ... Kirkwood, do you hear anything?" + +"Not yet, sir." + +"Perhaps," suggested Brentwick a little later, "perhaps we had better +alight and go up to the inn. It would be more cosy there, especially if the +petrol proves hard to obtain, and we have long to wait." + +"I should like that," assented the girl decidedly. + +Kirkwood nodded his approval, opened the door and jumped out to assist her; +then picked up the bag and followed the pair,--Brentwick leading the way +with Dorothy on his arm. + +At the doorway of the Crown and Mitre, Charles met them evidently seriously +disturbed. "No petrol to be had here, sir," he announced reluctantly; "but +the landlord will send to the next inn, a mile up the road, for some. You +will have to be patient, I'm afraid, sir." + +"Very well. Get some one to help you push the car in from the road," +ordered Brentwick; "we will be waiting in one of the private parlors." + +"Yes, sir; thank you, sir." The mechanician touched the visor of his cap +and hurried off. + +"Come, Kirkwood." Gently Brentwick drew the girl in with him. + +Kirkwood lingered momentarily on the doorstep, to listen acutely. But the +wind was blowing into that quarter whence they had come, and he could hear +naught save the soughing in the trees, together with an occasional burst +of rude rustic laughter from the tap-room. Lifting his shoulders in dumb +dismay, and endeavoring to compose his features, he entered the tavern. + + + + +II----THE CROWN AND MITRE + +A rosy-cheeked and beaming landlady met him in the corridor and, all bows +and smiles, ushered him into a private parlor reserved for the party, +immediately bustling off in a desperate flurry, to secure refreshments +desired by Brentwick. + +The girl had seated herself on one end of an extremely comfortless lounge +and was making a palpable effort to seem at ease. Brentwick stood at one of +the windows, shoulders rounded and head bent, hands clasped behind his back +as he peered out into the night. Kirkwood dropped the traveling bag beneath +a chair the farthest removed from the doorway, and took to pacing the +floor. + +In a corner of the room a tall grandfather's clock ticked off ten +interminable minutes. For some reason unconscionably delaying, the landlady +did not reappear. Brentwick, abruptly turning from the window, remarked +the fact querulously, then drew a chair up to a marble-topped table in the +middle of the floor. + +"My dear," he requested the girl, "will you oblige me by sitting over here? +And Philip, bring up a chair, if you will. We must not permit ourselves to +worry, and I have something here which may, perhaps, engage your interest +for a while." + +To humor him and alleviate his evident distress of mind, they acceded. +Kirkwood found himself seated opposite Dorothy, Brentwick between them. +After some hesitation, made the more notable by an air of uneasiness +which sat oddly on his shoulders, whose composure and confident mien had +theretofore been so complete and so reassuring, the elder gentleman fumbled +in an inner coat-pocket and brought to light a small black leather wallet. +He seemed to be on the point of opening it when hurried footfalls sounded +in the hallway. Brentwick placed the wallet, still with its secret intact, +on the table before him, as Charles burst unceremoniously in, leaving the +door wide open. + +"Mr. Brentwick, sir!" he cried gustily. "That other car--" + +With a smothered ejaculation Kirkwood leaped to his feet, tugging at the +weapon in his pocket. In another instant he had the revolver exposed. +The girl's cry of alarm, interrupting the machinist, fixed Brentwick's +attention on the young man. He, too, stood up, reaching over very quickly, +to clamp strong supple fingers round Kirkwood's wrist, while with the other +hand he laid hold of the revolver and by a single twist wrenched it away. + +Kirkwood turned upon him in fury. "So!" he cried, shaking with passion. +"This is what your hospitality meant! You're going to--" + +"My dear young friend," interrupted Brentwick with a flash of impatience, +"remember that if I had designed to betray you, I could have asked no +better opportunity than when you were my guest under my own roof." + +"But--hang it all, Brentwick!" expostulated Kirkwood, ashamed and contrite, +but worked upon by desperate apprehension; "I didn't mean that, but--" + +"Would you have bullets flying when she is near?" demanded Brentwick +scathingly. Hastily he slipped the revolver upon a little shelf beneath the +table-top. "Sir!" he informed Kirkwood with some heat, "I love you as my +own son, but you're a young fool!... as I have been, in my time ... and as +I would to Heaven I might be again! Be advised, Philip,--be calm. Can't you +see it's the only way to save your treasure?" + +"Hang the jewels!" retorted Kirkwood warmly. "What--" + +"Sir, who said anything about the jewels?" + +As Brentwick spoke, Calendar's corpulent figure filled the doorway; +Stryker's weather-worn features loomed over his shoulder, distorted in a +cheerful leer. + +"As to the jewels," announced the fat adventurer, "I've got a word to say, +if you put it to me that way." + +He paused on the threshold, partly for dramatic effect, partly for his own +satisfaction, his quick eyes darting from face to face of the four people +whom he had caught so unexpectedly. A shade of complacency colored his +expression, and he smiled evilly beneath the coarse short thatch of his +gray mustache. In his hand a revolver appeared, poised for immediate use if +there were need. + +There was none. Brentwick, at his primal appearance, had dropped a +peremptory hand on Kirkwood's shoulder, forcing the young man back to his +seat; at the same time he resumed his own. The girl had not stirred from +hers since the first alarm; she sat as if transfixed with terror, leaning +forward with her elbows on the table, her hands tightly clasped, her face, +a little blanched, turned to the door. But her scarlet lips were set and +firm with inflexible purpose, and her brown eyes met Calendar's with a look +level and unflinching. Beyond this she gave no sign of recognition. + +Nearest of the four to the adventurers was Charles, the mechanician, paused +in affrighted astonishment at sight of the revolver. Calendar, choosing to +advance suddenly, poked the muzzle of the weapon jocularly in the man's +ribs. "Beat it, Four-eyes!" he snapped. "This is your cue to duck! Get out +of my way." + +The mechanician jumped as if shot, then hastily, retreated to the table, +his sallow features working beneath the goggle-mask which had excited the +fat adventurer's scorn. + +"Come right in, Cap'n," Calendar threw over one shoulder; "come in, shut +the door and lock it. Let's all be sociable, and have a nice quiet time." + +Stryker obeyed, with a derisive grimace for Kirkwood. + +Calendar, advancing jauntily to a point within a yard of the table, +stopped, smiling affably down upon his prospective victims, and airily +twirling his revolver. + +"_Good_ evening, all!" he saluted them blandly. "Dorothy, my child," with +assumed concern, "you're looking a trifle upset; I'm afraid you've been +keeping late hours. Little girls must be careful, you know, or they lose +the bloom of roses in their cheeks.... Mr. Kirkwood, it's a pleasure to +meet you again! Permit me to paraphrase your most sound advice, and remind +you that pistol-shots are apt to attract undesirable attention. It wouldn't +be wise for _you_ to bring the police about our ears. I believe that +in substance such was your sapient counsel to me in the cabin of the +_Alethea_; was it not?... And you, sir!"--fixing Brentwick with a cold +unfriendly eye. "You animated fossil, what d'you mean by telling me to go +to the devil?... But let that pass; I hold no grudge. What might your name +be?" + +[Illustration: "_Good_ evening, all!" he saluted them blandly.] + +"It might be Brentwick," said that gentleman placidly. + +"Brentwick, eh? Well, I like a man of spirit. But permit me to advise +you--" + +"Gladly," nodded Brentwick. + +"Eh?... Don't come a second time between father and daughter; another man +might not be as patient as I, Mister Brentwick. There's a law in the land, +if you don't happen to know it." + +"I congratulate you on your success in evading it," observed Brentwick, +undisturbed. "And it was considerate of you not to employ it in this +instance." Then, with a sharp change of tone, "Come, sir!" he demanded. +"You have unwarrantably intruded in this room, which I have engaged for my +private use. Get through with your business and be off with you." + +"All in my good time, my antediluvian friend. When I've wound up my +business here I'll go--not before. But, just to oblige you, we'll get down +to it.... Kirkwood, you have a revolver of mine. Be good enough to return +it." + +"I have it here,--under the table," interrupted Brentwick suavely. "Shall I +hand it to you?" + +"By the muzzle, if you please. Be very careful; this one's loaded, too--apt +to explode any minute." + +To Kirkwood's intense disgust Brentwick quietly slipped one hand beneath +the table and, placing the revolver on its top, delicately with his +finger-tips shoved it toward the farther edge. With a grunt of approval, +Calendar swept the weapon up and into his pocket. + +"Any more ordnance?" he inquired briskly, eyes moving alertly from face to +face. "No matter; you wouldn't dare use 'em anyway. And I'm about done. +Dorothy, my dear, it's high time you returned to your father's protection. +Where's that gladstone bag?" + +"In my traveling bag," the girl told him in a toneless voice. + +"Then you may bring it along. You may also say good night to the kind +gentlemen." + +Dorothy did not move; her pallor grew more intense and Kirkwood saw her +knuckles tighten beneath the gloves. Otherwise her mouth seemed to grow +more straight and hard. + +"Dorothy!" cried the adventurer with a touch of displeasure. "You heard +me?" + +"I heard you," she replied a little wearily, more than a little +contemptuously. "Don't mind him, please, Mr. Kirkwood!"--with an appealing +gesture, as Kirkwood, unable to contain himself, moved restlessly in his +chair, threatening to rise. "Don't say anything. I have no intention +whatever of going with this man." + +Calendar's features twitched nervously; he chewed a corner of his mustache, +fixing the girl with a black stare. "I presume," he remarked after a +moment, with slow deliberation, "you're aware that, as your father, I am in +a position to compel you to accompany me." + +"I shall not go with you," iterated Dorothy in a level tone. "You may +threaten me, but--I shall not go. Mr. Brentwick and Mr. Kirkwood are taking +me to--friends, who will give me a home until I can find a way to take care +of myself. That is all I have to say to you." + +"Bravo, my dear!" cried Brentwick encouragingly. + +"Mind your business, sir!" thundered Calendar, his face darkening. Then, to +Dorothy, "You understand, I trust, what this means?" he demanded. "I offer +you a home--and a good one. Refuse, and you work for your living, my girl! +You've forfeited your legacy--" + +"I know, I know," she told him in cold disdain. "I am content. Won't you be +kind enough to leave me alone?" + +For a breath, Calendar glowered over her; then, "I presume," he observed, +"that all these heroics are inspired by that whipper-snapper, Kirkwood. Do +you know that he hasn't a brass farthing to bless himself with?" + +"What has that--?" cried the girl indignantly. + +"Why, it has everything to do with me, my child. As your doting parent, I +can't consent to your marrying nothing-a-year.... For I surmise you intend +to marry this Mr. Kirkwood, don't you?" + +There followed a little interval of silence, while the warm blood flamed in +the girl's face and the red lips trembled as she faced her tormentor. Then, +with a quaver that escaped her control, "If Mr. Kirkwood asks me, I shall," +she stated very simply. + +"That," interposed Kirkwood, "is completely understood." His gaze sought +her eyes, but she looked away. + +"You forget that I am your father," sneered Calendar; "and that you are a +minor. I can refuse my consent." + +"But you won't," Kirkwood told him with assurance. + +The adventurer stared. "No," he agreed, after slight hesitation; "no, +I shan't interfere. Take her, my boy, if you want her--and a father's +blessing into the bargain. The Lord knows I've troubles enough; a parent's +lot is not what it's cracked up to be." He paused, leering, ironic. +"But,"--deliberately, "there's still this other matter of the gladstone +bag. I don't mind abandoning my parental authority, when my child's +happiness is concerned, but as for my property--" + +"It is not your property," interrupted the girl. + +"It was your mother's, dear child. It's now mine." + +"I dispute that assertion," Kirkwood put in. + +"You may dispute it till the cows come home, my boy: the fact will remain +that I intend to take my property with me when I leave this room, whether +you like it or not. Now are you disposed to continue the argument, or may I +count on your being sensible?" + +"You may put away your revolver, if that's what you mean," said Kirkwood. +"We certainly shan't oppose you with violence, but I warn you that Scotland +Yard--" + +"Oh, that be blowed!" the adventurer snorted in disgust. "I can sail +circles round any tec. that ever blew out of Scotland Yard! Give me an +hour's start, and you're free to do all the funny business you've a mind +to, with--Scotland Yard!" + +"Then you admit," queried Brentwick civilly, "that you've no legal title to +the jewels in dispute?" + +"Look here, my friend," chuckled Calendar, "when you catch me admitting +anything, you write it down in your little book and tell the bobby on +the corner. Just at present I've got other business than to stand round +admitting anything about anything.... Cap'n, let's have that bag of my +dutiful daughter's." + +"'Ere you are." Stryker spoke for the first time since entering the room, +taking the valise from beneath the chair and depositing it on the table. + +"Well, we shan't take anything that doesn't belong to us," laughed +Calendar, fumbling with the catch; "not even so small a matter as my own +child's traveling bag. A small--heavy--gladstone bag," he grunted, opening +the valise and plunging in one greedy hand, "will--just--about--do for +mine!" With which he produced the article mentioned. "This for the discard, +Cap'n," he laughed contentedly, pushing the girl's valise aside; and, +rumbling with stentorian mirth, stood beaming benignantly over the +assembled company. + +"Why," he exclaimed, "this moment is worth all it cost me! My children, +I forgive you freely. Mr. Kirkwood, I felicitate you cordially on having +secured a most expensive wife. Really--d'you know?--I feel as if I ought to +do a little something for you both." Gurgling with delight he smote his fat +palms together. "I just tell you what," he resumed, "no one yet ever called +Georgie Calendar a tight-wad. I just believe I'm going to make you kids a +handsome wedding present.... The good Lord knows there's enough of this for +a fellow to be a little generous and never miss it!" + +The thick mottled fingers tore nervously at the catch; eventually he got +the bag open. Those about the table bent forward, all quickened by the +prospect of for the first time beholding the treasure over which they had +fought, for which they had suffered, so long.... + +A heady and luscious fragrance pervaded the atmosphere, exhaling from the +open mouth of the bag. A silence, indefinitely sustained, impressed itself +upon the little audience,--a breathless pause ended eventually by a sharp +snap of Calendar's teeth. "_Mmm_!" grunted the adventurer in bewilderment. +He began to pant. + +Abruptly his heavy hands delved into the contents of the bag, like the paws +of a terrier digging in earth. To Kirkwood the air seemed temporarily thick +with flying objects. Beneath his astonished eyes a towel fell upon the +table--a crumpled, soiled towel, bearing on its dingy hem the inscription +in indelible ink: "_Hôtel du Commerce, Anvers_." A tooth-mug of substantial +earthenware dropped to the floor with a crash. A slimy soap-dish of the +same manufacture slid across the table and into Brentwick's lap. A battered +alarm clock with never a tick left in its abused carcass rang vacuously as +it fell by the open bag.... The remainder was--oranges: a dozen or more +small, round, golden globes of ripe fruit, perhaps a shade overripe, +therefore the more aromatic. + +The adventurer ripped out an oath. "Mulready, by the living God!" he raged +in fury. "Done up, I swear! Done by that infernal sneak--me, blind as a +bat!" + +He fell suddenly silent, the blood congesting in his face; as suddenly +broke forth again, haranguing the company. + +"That's why he went out and bought those damned oranges, is it? Think of +it--me sitting in the hotel in Antwerp and him lugging in oranges by the +bagful because he was fond of fruit! When did he do it? How do I know? If I +knew, would I be here and him the devil knows where, this minute? When my +back was turned, of course, the damned snake! That's why he was so hot +about picking a fight on the boat, hey? Wanted to get thrown off and take +to the woods--leaving me with _this_! And that's why he felt so awful +done up he wouldn't take a hand at hunting you two down, hey? +Well--by--the--Eternal! I'll camp on his trail for the rest of his +natural-born days! I'll have his eye-teeth for this, I'll--" + +He swayed, gibbering with rage, his countenance frightfully contorted, his +fat hands shaking as he struggled for expression. + +And then, while yet their own astonishment held Dorothy, Kirkwood, +Brentwick and Stryker speechless, Charles, the mechanician, moved suddenly +upon the adventurer. + +There followed two metallic clicks. Calendar's ravings were abrupted as if +his tongue had been paralyzed. He fell back a pace, flabby jowls pale and +shaking, ponderous jaw dropping on his breast, mouth wide and eyes crazed +as he shook violently before him his thick fleshy wrists--securely +handcuffed. + +Simultaneously the mechanician whirled about, bounded eagerly across the +floor, and caught Stryker at the door, his dexterous fingers twisting in +the captain's collar as he jerked him back and tripped him. + +"Mr. Kirkwood!" he cried. "Here, please--one moment. Take this man's gun, +from him, will you?" + +Kirkwood sprang to his assistance, and without encountering much trouble, +succeeded in wresting a Webley from Stryker's limp, flaccid fingers. + +Roughly the mechanician shook the man, dragging him to his feet. "Now," he +ordered sternly, "you march to that corner, stick your nose in it, and be +good! You can't get away if you try. I've got other men outside, waiting +for you to come out. Understand?" + +Trembling like a whipped cur, Stryker meekly obeyed his instructions to the +letter. + +The mechanician, with a contemptuous laugh leaving him, strode back to +Calendar, meanwhile whipping off his goggles; and clapped a hearty hand +upon the adventurer's quaking shoulders. + +"Well!" he cried. "And are you still sailing circles round the men +from Scotland Yard, Simmons, or Bellows, or Sanderson, or Calendar, or +Crumbstone, or whatever name you prefer to sail under?" + +Calendar glared at him aghast; then heaved a profound sigh, shrugged his +fat shoulders, and bent his head in thought. An instant later he looked up. +"You can't do it," he informed the detective vehemently; "you haven't got a +shred of evidence against me! What's there? A pile of oranges and a peck +of trash! What of it?... Besides," he threatened, "if you pinch me, you'll +have to take the girl in, too. I swear that whatever stealing was done, +she did it. I'll not be trapped this way by her and let her off without a +squeal. Take me--take her; d'you hear?" + +"I think," put in the clear, bland accents of Brentwick, "we can consider +that matter settled. I have here, my man,"--nodding to the adventurer as he +took up the black leather wallet,--"I have here a little matter which +may clear up any lingering doubts as to your standing, which you may be +disposed at present to entertain." + +He extracted a slip of cardboard and, at arm's length, laid it on the +table-edge beneath the adventurer's eyes. The latter, bewildered, bent over +it for a moment, breathing heavily; then straightened back, shook himself, +laughed shortly with a mirthless note, and faced the detective. + +"It's come with you now, I guess?" he suggested very quietly. + +"The Bannister warrant is still out for you," returned the man. "That'll be +enough to hold you on till extradition papers arrive from the States." + +"Oh, I'll waive those; and I won't give you any trouble, either.... I +reckon," mused the adventurer, jingling his manacles thoughtfully, "I'm a +back-number, anyway. When a half-grown girl, a half-baked boy, a flub like +Mulready--damn his eyes!--and a club-footed snipe from Scotland Yard can +put it all over me this way,... why, I guess it's up to me to go home and +retire to my country-place up the Hudson." He sighed wearily. + +"Yep; time to cut it out. But I would like to be free long enough to get in +one good lick at that mutt, Mulready. My friend, you get your hands on him, +and I'll squeal on him till I'm blue in the face. That's a promise." + +"You'll have the chance before long," replied the detective. "We received +a telegram from the Amsterdam police late this afternoon, saying they'd +picked up Mr. Mulready with a woman named Hallam, and were holding them +on suspicion. It seems,"--turning to Brentwick,--"they were opening +negotiations for the sale of a lot of stones, and seemed in such a precious +hurry that the diamond merchant's suspicions were roused. We're sending +over for them, Miss Calendar, so you can make your mind easy about your +jewels; you'll have them back in a few days." + +"Thank you," said the girl with an effort. + +"Well," the adventurer delivered his peroration, "I certainly am blame' +glad to hear it. 'Twouldn't 've been a square deal, any other way." + +He paused, looking his erstwhile dupes over with a melancholy eye; then, +with an uncertain nod comprehending the girl, Kirkwood and Brentwick, "So +long!" he said thickly; and turned, with the detective's hand under his arm +and, accompanied by the thoroughly cowed Stryker, waddled out of the room. + +III----THE JOURNEY'S END + +Kirkwood, following the exodus, closed the door with elaborate care and +slowly, deep in thought, returned to the table. + +Dorothy seemed not to have moved, save to place her elbows on the marble +slab, and rest her cheeks between hands that remained clenched, as they had +been in the greatest stress of her emotion. The color had returned to +her face, with a slightly enhanced depth of hue to the credit of her +excitement. Her cheeks were hot, her eyes starlike beneath the woven, massy +sunlight of her hair. Temporarily unconscious of her surroundings she +stared steadfastly before her, thoughts astray in the irridescent glamour +of the dreams that were to come.... + +Brentwick had slipped down in his chair, resting his silvered head upon its +back, and was smiling serenely up at the low yellow ceiling. Before him on +the table his long white fingers were drumming an inaudible tune. Presently +rousing, he caught Kirkwood's eye and smiled sheepishly, like a child +caught in innocent mischief. + +The younger man grinned broadly. "And you were responsible for all that!" +he commented, infinitely amused. + +Brentwick nodded, twinkling self-satisfaction. "I contrived it all," he +said; "neat, I call it, too." His old eyes brightened with reminiscent +enjoyment. "Inspiration!" he crowed softly. "Inspiration, pure and simple. +I'd been worrying my wits for fully five minutes before Wotton settled the +matter by telling me about the captain's hiring of the motor-car. Then, +in a flash, I had it.... I talked with Charles by telephone,--his name is +really Charles, by, the bye,--overcame his conscientious scruples about +playing his fish when they were already all but landed, and settled the +artistic details." + +He chuckled delightedly. "It's the instinct," he declared emphatically, +"the instinct for adventure. I knew it was in me, latent somewhere, but +never till this day did it get the opportunity to assert itself. A born +adventurer--that's what I am!... You see, it was essential that they should +believe we were frightened and running from them; that way, they would be +sure to run after us. Why, we might have baited a dozen traps and failed +to lure them into my house, after that stout scoundrel knew you'd had the +chance to tell me the whole yarn... Odd!" + +"Weren't you taking chances, you and Charles?" asked Kirkwood curiously. + +"Precious few. There was another motor from Scotland Yard trailing Captain +Stryker's. If they had run past, or turned aside, they would have been +overhauled in short order." + +He relapsed into his whimsical reverie; the wistful look returned to his +eyes, replacing the glow of triumph and pleasure. And he sighed a little +regretfully. + +"What I don't understand," contended Kirkwood, "is how you convinced +Calendar that he couldn't get revenge by pressing his charge against Miss +Calendar--Dorothy." + +"Oh-h?" Mr. Brentwick elevated his fine white eyebrows and sat up briskly. +"My dear boy, that was the most delectable dish on the entire menu. I have +been reserving it, I don't mind owning, that I might better enjoy the full +relish of it.... I may answer you best, perhaps, by asking you to scan what +I offered to the fat scoundrel's respectful consideration, my dear sir." + +He leveled a forefinger at the card. + +At first glance it conveyed nothing to the younger man's benighted +intelligence. He puzzled over it, twisting his brows out of alignment. +An ordinary oblong slip of thin white cardboard, it was engraved in fine +script as follows: + +MR. GEORGE BURGOYNE CALENDAR + +81, ASPEN VILLAS, S. W. + +"Oh!" exclaimed Kirkwood at length, standing up, his face bright with +understanding. "_You_--!" + +"I," laconically assented the elder man. + +Impulsively Kirkwood leaned across the table. "Dorothy," he said tenderly; +and when the girl's happy eyes met his, quietly drew her attention to the +card. + +Then he rose hastily, and went over to stand by the window, staring mistily +into the blank face of night beyond its unseen panes. + +Behind him there was a confusion of little noises; the sound of a chair +pushed hurriedly aside, a rustle of skirts, a happy sob or two, low voices +intermingling; sighs.... Out of it finally came the father's accents. + +"There, there, my dear! My dearest dear!" protested the old gentleman. +"Positively I don't deserve a tithe of this. I--" The young old voice +quavered and broke, in a happy laugh.... "You must understand," he +continued more soberly, "that no consideration of any sort is due me. When +we married, I was too old for your mother, child; we both knew it, both +believed it would never matter. But it did. By her wish, I went back +to America; we were to see what separation would do to heal the wounds +dissension had caused. It was a very foolish experiment. Your mother died +before I could return...." + +There fell a silence, again broken by the father. "After that I was in +no haste to return. But some years ago, I came to London to live. I +communicated with the old colonel, asking permission to see you. It was +refused in a manner which precluded the subject being reopened by me: I +was informed that if I persisted in attempting to see you, you would be +disinherited.... He was very angry with me--justly, I admit.... One must +grow old before one can see how unforgivably one was wrong in youth.... So +I settled down to a quiet old age, determined not to disturb you in your +happiness.... Ah--Kirkwood!" + +The old gentleman was standing, his arm around his daughter's shoulders, +when Kirkwood turned. + +"Come here, Philip; I'm explaining to Dorothy, but you should hear.... The +evening I called on you, dear boy, at the Pless, returning home I received +a message from my solicitors, whom I had instructed to keep an eye on +Dorothy's welfare. They informed me that she had disappeared. Naturally I +canceled my plans to go to Munich, and stayed, employing detectives. One +of the first things they discovered was that Dorothy had run off with an +elderly person calling himself George Burgoyne Calendar--the name I had +discarded when I found that to acknowledge me would imperil my daughter's +fortune.... The investigations went deeper; Charles--let us continue to +call him--had been to see me only this afternoon, to inform me of the plot +they had discovered. This Hallam woman and her son--it seems that they were +legitimately in the line of inheritance, Dorothy out of the way. But the +woman was--ah--a bad lot. Somehow she got into communication with this fat +rogue and together they plotted it out. Charles doesn't believe that the +Hallam woman expected to enjoy the Burgoyne estates for very many days. Her +plan was to step in when Dorothy stepped out, gather up what she could, +realize on it, and decamp. That is why there was so much excitement about +the jewels: naturally the most valuable item on her list, the most easy to +convert into cash.... The man Mulready we do not place; he seems to have +been a shady character the fat rogue picked up somewhere. The latter's +ordinary line of business was diamond smuggling, though he would condescend +to almost anything in order to turn a dishonest penny.... + +"That seems to exhaust the subject. But one word more.... Dorothy, I am +old enough and have suffered enough to know the wisdom of seizing one's +happiness when one may. My dear, a little while ago, you did a very brave +deed. Under fire you said a most courageous, womanly, creditable thing. And +Philip's rejoinder was only second in nobility to yours.... I do hope to +goodness that you two blessed youngsters won't let any addlepated scruples +stand between yourselves and--the prize of Romance, your inalienable +inheritance!" + +Abruptly Brentwick, who was no longer Brentwick, but the actual Calendar, +released the girl from his embrace and hopped nimbly toward the door. +"Really, I must see about that petrol!" he cried. "While it's perfectly +true that Charles lied about it's running out, we must be getting on. I'll +call you when we're ready to start." + +And the door crashed to behind him.... + +Between them was the table. Beyond it the girl stood with head erect, dim +tears glimmering on the lashes of those eyes with which she met Philip's +steady gaze so fearlessly. + +Singing about them, the silence deepened. Fascinated, though his heart was +faint with longing, Kirkwood faltered on the threshold of his kingdom. + +"Dorothy!... You did mean it, dear?" + +She laughed, a little, low, sobbing laugh that had its source deep in the +hidden sanctuary of her heart of a child. + +"I meant it, my dearest.... If you'll have a girl so bold and forward, who +can't wait till she's asked but throws herself into the arms of the man she +loves--Philip, I meant it, every word!..." + +And as he went to her swiftly, round the table, she turned to meet him, +arms uplifted, her scarlet lips a-tremble, the brown and bewitching lashes +drooping over her wondrously lighted eyes.... + +After a time Philip Kirkwood laughed aloud. + +And there was that quality in the ring of his laughter that caused the +Shade of Care, which had for the past ten minutes been uneasily luffing and +filling in the offing and, on the whole, steadily diminishing and becoming +more pale and wan and emaciated and indistinct--there was that in the +laughter of Philip Kirkwood, I say, which caused the Shade of Care to utter +a hollow croak of despair as, incontinently, it vanished out of his life. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Black Bag, by Louis Joseph Vance + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BLACK BAG *** + +This file should be named 8blbg10.txt or 8blbg10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, 8blbg11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, 8blbg10a.txt + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, Leonard Johnson +and PG Distributed Proofreading. + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN EBOOKS*Ver.02/11/02*END* + diff --git a/old/8blbg10.zip b/old/8blbg10.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..521adec --- /dev/null +++ b/old/8blbg10.zip diff --git a/old/8blbg10h.htm b/old/8blbg10h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8afa27c --- /dev/null +++ b/old/8blbg10h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,13718 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> + +<html> +<head> + <title>The Black Bag</title> + <meta name="Generator" + content="Microsoft FrontPage 4.0"> + <meta name="Author" + content="LOUIS JOSEPH VANCE"> + <meta name="Keywords" + content=""> + <meta name="Description" + content=""> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> + <style type="text/css"> +<!-- +body {margin:10%; text-align:left} +--> +</style> +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Black Bag, by Louis Joseph Vance +#3 in our series by Louis Joseph Vance + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. 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You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: The Black Bag + +Author: Louis Joseph Vance + +Release Date: January, 2006 [EBook #9779] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on October 15, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BLACK BAG *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, Leonard Johnson and PG Distributed Proofreading. + + + + + +</pre> + + <center> + <h1><a name="THE BLACK BAG">THE BLACK BAG</a></h1> + + <h3>By LOUIS JOSEPH VANCE</h3> + + <p><img border="2" + src="covers.jpg" + alt="Book Cover"></p> + + <h4>WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY THOMAS FOGARTY</h4> + + + + <h5>COPYRIGHT 1908 </h5> + + <hr width="50%" size="1"> + + <h5>JANUARY</h5> + <hr> + + <p>TO MY MOTHER</p> + </center> + <hr> + + <h3 align="center">CONTENTS</h3> + + <h4>CHAPTER</h4> + + <table border="0" + width="100%" + > + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right"> + <p>I. </p> + </td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"> + </td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#I">DIVERSIONS OF A RUINED + GENTLEMAN</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="1%" + height="19" align="right"> + <p>II.</p> + </td> + + <td width="1%" + height="19"> + </td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#II">"AND SOME THERE BE WHO + HAVE ADVENTURES THRUST UPON THEM"</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right">III.</td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"></td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#III">CALENDAR'S + DAUGHTER</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right">IV.</td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"></td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#IV">9 FROGNALL STREET, W. + C.</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right">V.</td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"></td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#V">THE MYSTERY OF A + FOUR-WHEELER</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right">VI.</td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"></td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#VI">"BELOW BRIDGE"</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right">VII.</td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"></td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#VII">DIVERSIONS OF A RUINED + GENTLEMAN—RESUMED</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right">VIII.</td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"></td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#VIII">MADAME + L'INTRIGANTE</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right">IX.</td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"></td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#IX">AGAIN "BELOW BRIDGE"; AND + BEYOND</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right">X.</td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"></td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#X">DESPERATE + MEASURES</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right">XI.</td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"></td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#XI">OFF THE NORE</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right">XII.</td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"></td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#XII">PICARESQUE + PASSAGES</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right">XIII.</td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"></td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#XIII">A PRIMER OF PROGRESSIVE + CRIME</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right"> + <p> XIV.</p> + </td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"> + </td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#XIV">STRATAGEMS AND + SPOILS</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right">XV.</td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"></td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#XV">REFUGEES</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right">XVI.</td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"></td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#XVI">TRAVELS WITH A + CHAPERON</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right">XVII.</td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"></td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#XVII">ROGUES AND + VAGABONDS</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right">XVIII.</td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"></td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#XVIII">ADVENTURERS' + LUCK</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right">XIX.</td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"></td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href="#XIX">i—THE UXBRIDGE + ROAD</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right"></td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"></td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href= + "#II--THE%20CROWN%20AND%20MITRE">ii—THE CROWN + AND MITRE</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td width="9%" + height="19" align="right"></td> + + <td width="3%" + height="19"></td> + + <td width="102%" + height="19"><a href= + "#III--THE%20JOURNEY'S%20END">iii—THE JOURNEY'S + END</a></td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr> + + <center> + <h2><a href="#I">THE BLACK BAG</a></h2> + + <h2><a name="I">I</a></h2> + + <h3>DIVERSIONS OF A RUINED GENTLEMAN</h3> + </center> + + <p>Upon a certain dreary April afternoon in the year of grace, + 1906, the apprehensions of Philip Kirkwood, Esquire, + <i>Artist-peintre</i>, were enlivened by the discovery that he + was occupying that singularly distressing social position, + which may be summed up succinctly in a phrase through long + usage grown proverbial: "Alone in London." These three words + have come to connote in our understanding so much of human + misery, that to Mr. Kirkwood they seemed to epitomize + absolutely, if not happily, the various circumstances attendant + upon the predicament wherein he found himself. Inevitably an + extremist, because of his youth, (he had just turned + twenty-five), he took no count of mitigating matters, and would + hotly have resented the suggestion that his case was anything + but altogether deplorable and forlorn.</p> + + <p>That he was not actually at the end of his resources went + for nothing; he held the distinction a quibble, mockingly + immaterial,—like the store of guineas in his pocket, too + insignificant for mention when contrasted with his needs. And + his base of supplies, the American city of his nativity, + whence—and not without a glow of pride in his secret heart—he + was wont to register at foreign hostelries, had been + arbitrarily cut off from him by one of those accidents + sardonically classified by insurance and express corporations + as Acts of God.</p> + + <p>Now to one who has lived all his days serenely in accord + with the dictates of his own sweet will, taking no thought for + the morrow, such a situation naturally seems both appalling and + intolerable, at the first blush. It must be confessed that, to + begin with, Kirkwood drew a long and disconsolate face over his + fix. And in that black hour, primitive of its kind in his brief + span, he became conscious of a sinister apparition taking shape + at his elbow—a shade of darkness which, clouting him on the + back with a skeleton hand, croaked hollow salutations in his + ear.</p> + + <p>"Come, Mr. Kirkwood, come!" its mirthless accents rallied + him. "Have you no welcome for me?—you, who have been permitted + to live the quarter of a century without making my + acquaintance? Surely, now, it's high time we were learning + something of one another, you and I!" "But I don't understand," + returned Kirkwood blankly. "I don't know you—"</p> + + <p>"True! But you shall: I am the Shade of Care—"</p> + + <p>"Dull Care!" murmured Kirkwood, bewildered and dismayed; for + the visitation had come upon him with little presage and no + invitation whatever.</p> + + <p>"Dull Care," the Shade assured him. "Dull Care am I—and + Care that's anything but dull, into the bargain: Care that's + like a keen pain in your body, Care that lives a horror in your + mind, Care that darkens your days and flavors with bitter + poison all your nights, Care that—"</p> + + <p>But Kirkwood would not listen further. Courageously + submissive to his destiny, knowing in his heart that the Shade + had come to stay, he yet found spirit to shake himself with a + dogged air, to lift his chin, set the strong muscles of his + jaw, and smile that homely wholesome smile which was his + peculiarly.</p> + + <p>"Very well," he accepted the irremediable with grim humor; + "what must be, must. I don't pretend to be glad to see you, + but—you're free to stay as long as you find the climate + agreeable. I warn you I shan't whine. Lots of men, hundreds and + hundreds of 'em, have slept tight o' nights with you for + bedfellow; if they could grin and bear you, I believe I + can."</p> + + <p>Now Care mocked him with a sardonic laugh, and sought to + tighten upon his shoulders its bony grasp; but Kirkwood + resolutely shrugged it off and went in search of man's most + faithful dumb friend, to wit, his pipe; the which, when found + and filled, he lighted with a spill twisted from the envelope + of a cable message which had been vicariously responsible for + his introduction to the Shade of Care.</p> + + <p>"It's about time," he announced, watching the paper blacken + and burn in the grate fire, "that I was doing something to + prove my title to a living." And this was all his valedictory + to a vanished competence. "Anyway," he added hastily, as if + fearful lest Care, overhearing, might have read into his tone a + trace of vain repining, "anyway, I'm a sight better off than + those poor devils over there! I really have a great deal to be + thankful for, now that my attention's drawn to it."</p> + + <p>For the ensuing few minutes he thought it all over, soberly + but with a stout heart; standing at a window of his bedroom in + the Hotel Pless, hands deep in trouser pockets, pipe fuming + voluminously, his gaze wandering out over a blurred infinitude + of wet shining roofs and sooty chimney-pots: all of London that + a lowering drizzle would let him see, and withal by no means a + cheering prospect, nor yet one calculated to offset the + disheartening influence of the indomitable Shade of Care. But + the truth is that Kirkwood's brain comprehended little that his + eyes perceived; his thoughts were with his heart, and that was + half a world away and sick with pity for another and a fairer + city, stricken in the flower of her loveliness, writhing in + Promethean agony upon her storied hills.</p> + + <p>There came a rapping at the door.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood removed the pipe from between his teeth long enough + to say "Come in!" pleasantly.</p> + + <p>The knob was turned, the door opened. Kirkwood, swinging on + one heel, beheld hesitant upon the threshold a diminutive + figure in the livery of the Pless pages.</p> + + <p>"Mister Kirkwood?"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood nodded.</p> + + <p>"Gentleman to see you, sir."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood nodded again, smiling. "Show him up, please," he + said. But before the words were fairly out of his mouth a + footfall sounded in the corridor, a hand was placed upon the + shoulder of the page, gently but with decision swinging him out + of the way, and a man stepped into the room.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Brentwick!" Kirkwood almost shouted, jumping forward to + seize his visitor's hand.</p> + + <p>"My dear boy!" replied the latter. "I'm delighted to see + you. 'Got your note not an hour ago, and came at once—you + see!"</p> + + <p>"It was mighty good of you. Sit down, please. Here are + cigars.... Why, a moment ago I was the most miserable and + lonely mortal on the footstool!"</p> + + <p>"I can fancy." The elder man looked up, smiling at Kirkwood + from the depths of his arm-chair, as the latter stood above + him, resting an elbow on the mantel. "The management knows me," + he offered explanation of his unceremonious appearance; "so I + took the liberty of following on the heels of the bellhop, dear + boy. And how are you? Why are you in London, enjoying our + abominable spring weather? And why the anxious undertone I + detected in your note?"</p> + + <p>He continued to stare curiously into Kirkwood's face. At a + glance, this Mr. Brentwick was a man of tallish figure and + rather slender; with a countenance thin and flushed a sensitive + pink, out of which his eyes shone, keen, alert, humorous, and a + trace wistful behind his glasses. His years were indeterminate; + with the aspect of fifty, the spirit and the verve of thirty + assorted oddly. But his hands were old, delicate, fine and + fragile; and the lips beneath the drooping white mustache at + times trembled, almost imperceptibly, with the generous + sentiments that come with mellow age. He held his back straight + and his head with an air—an air that was not a swagger but the + sign-token of seasoned experience in the world. The most + carping could have found no flaw in the quiet taste of his + attire. To sum up, Kirkwood's very good friend—and his only + one then in London—Mr. Brentwick looked and was an English + gentleman.</p> + + <p>"Why?" he persisted, as the younger man hesitated. "I am + here to find out. To-night I leave for the Continent. In the + meantime ..."</p> + + <p>"And at midnight I sail for the States," added Kirkwood. + "That is mainly why I wished to see you—to say good-by, for + the time."</p> + + <p>"You're going home—" A shadow clouded Brentwick's clear + eyes.</p> + + <p>"To fight it out, shoulder to shoulder with my brethren in + adversity."</p> + + <p>The cloud lifted. "That is the spirit!" declared the elder + man. "For the moment I did you the injustice to believe that + you were running away. But now I understand. Forgive me.... + Pardon, too, the stupidity which I must lay at the door of my + advancing years; to me the thought of you as a Parisian fixture + has become such a commonplace, Philip, that the news of the + disaster hardly stirred me. Now I remember that you are a + Californian!"</p> + + <p>"I was born in San Francisco," affirmed Kirkwood a bit + sadly. "My father and mother were buried there ..."</p> + + <p>"And your fortune—?"</p> + + <p>"I inherited my father's interest in the firm of Kirkwood + & Vanderlip; when I came over to study painting, I left + everything in Vanderlip's hands. The business afforded me a + handsome living."</p> + + <p>"You have heard from Mr. Vanderlip?"</p> + + <p>"Fifteen minutes ago." Kirkwood took a cable-form, still + damp, from his pocket, and handed it to his guest. Unfolding + it, the latter read:</p> + + <p>"<i>Kirkwood, Pless, London. Stay where you are no good + coming back everything gone no insurance letter follows + vanderlip</i>."</p> + + <p>"When I got the news in Paris," Kirkwood volunteered, "I + tried the banks; they refused to honor my drafts. I had a + little money in hand,—enough to see me home,—so closed the + studio and came across. I'm booked on the <i>Minneapolis</i>, + sailing from Tilbury at daybreak; the boat-train leaves at + eleven-thirty. I had hoped you might be able to dine with me + and see me off."</p> + + <p>In silence Brentwick returned the cable message. Then, with + a thoughtful look, "You are sure this is wise?" he queried.</p> + + <p>"It's the only thing I can see."</p> + + <p>"But your partner says—"</p> + + <p>"Naturally he thinks that by this time I should have learned + to paint well enough to support myself for a few months, until + he can get things running again. Perhaps I might." Brentwick + supported the presumption with a decided gesture. "But have I a + right to leave Vanderlip to fight it out alone? For Vanderlip + has a wife and kiddies to support; I—"</p> + + <p>"Your genius!"</p> + + <p>"My ability, such as it is—and that only. It can wait.... + No; this means simply that I must come down from the clouds, + plant my feet on solid earth, and get to work."</p> + + <p>"The sentiment is sound," admitted Brentwick, "the practice + of it, folly. Have you stopped to think what part a rising + young portrait-painter can contribute toward the rebuilding of + a devastated city?"</p> + + <p>"The painting can wait," reiterated Kirkwood. "I can work + like other men."</p> + + <p>"You can do yourself and your genius grave injustice. And I + fear me you will, dear boy. It's in keeping with your heritage + of American obstinacy. Now if it were a question of + money—"</p> + + <p>"Mr. Brentwick!" Kirkwood protested vehemently. "I've ample + for my present needs," he added.</p> + + <p>"Of course," conceded Brentwick with a sigh. "I didn't + really hope you would avail yourself of our friendship. Now + there's my home in Aspen Villas.... You have seen it?"</p> + + <p>"In your absence this afternoon your estimable butler, with + commendable discretion, kept me without the doors," laughed the + young man.</p> + + <p>"It's a comfortable home. You would not consent to share it + with me until—?"</p> + + <p>"You are more than good; but honestly, I must sail to-night. + I wanted only this chance to see you before I left. You'll dine + with me, won't you?"</p> + + <p>"If you would stay in London, Philip, we would dine together + not once but many times; as it is, I myself am booked for + Munich, to be gone a week, on business. I have many affairs + needing attention between now and the nine-ten train from + Victoria. If you will be my guest at Aspen Villas—"</p> + + <p>"Please!" begged Kirkwood, with a little laugh of pleasure + because of the other's insistence. "I only wish I could. + Another day—"</p> + + <p>"Oh, you will make your million in a year, and return + scandalously independent. It's in your American blood." Frail + white fingers tapped an arm of the chair as their owner stared + gravely into the fire. "I confess I envy you," he observed.</p> + + <p>"The opportunity to make a million in a year?" chuckled + Kirkwood.</p> + + <p>"No. I envy you your Romance."</p> + + <p>"The Romance of a Poor Young Man went out of fashion years + ago.... No, my dear friend; my Romance died a natural death + half an hour since."</p> + + <p>"There spoke Youth—blind, enviable Youth!... On the + contrary, you are but turning the leaves of the first chapter + of your Romance, Philip."</p> + + <p>"Romance is dead," contended the young man stubbornly.</p> + + <p>"Long live the King!" Brentwick laughed quietly, still + attentive to the fire. "Myself when young," he said softly, + "did seek Romance, but never knew it till its day was done. I'm + quite sure that is a poor paraphrase of something I have read. + In age, one's sight is sharpened—to see Romance in another's + life, at least. I say I envy you. You have Youth, unconquerable + Youth, and the world before you.... I must go."</p> + + <p>He rose stiffly, as though suddenly made conscious of his + age. The old eyes peered more than a trifle wistfully, now, + into Kirkwood's. "You will not fail to call on me by cable, + dear boy, if you need—anything? I ask it as a favor.... I'm + glad you wished to see me before going out of my life. One + learns to value the friendship of Youth, Philip. Good-by, and + good luck attend you."</p> + + <p>Alone once more, Kirkwood returned to his window. The + disappointment he felt at being robbed of his anticipated + pleasure in Brentwick's company at dinner, colored his mood + unpleasantly. His musings merged into vacuity, into a dull gray + mist of hopelessness comparable only to the dismal skies then + lowering over London-town.</p> + + <p>Brentwick was good, but Brentwick was mistaken. There was + really nothing for Kirkwood to do but to go ahead. But one + steamer-trunk remained to be packed; the boat-train would leave + before midnight, the steamer with the morning tide; by the + morrow's noon he would be upon the high seas, within ten days + in New York and among friends; and then ...</p> + + <p>The problem of that afterwards perplexed Kirkwood more than + he cared to own. Brentwick had opened his eyes to the fact that + he would be practically useless in San Francisco; he could not + harbor the thought of going back, only to become a charge upon + Vanderlip. No; he was resolved that thenceforward he must rely + upon himself, carve out his own destiny. But—would the art + that he had cultivated with such assiduity, yield him a + livelihood if sincerely practised with that end in view? Would + the mental and physical equipment of a painter, heretofore + dilettante, enable him to become self-supporting?</p> + + <p>Knotting his brows in concentration of effort to divine the + future, he doubted himself, darkly questioning alike his + abilities and his temper under trial; neither ere now had ever + been put to the test. His eyes became somberly wistful, his + heart sore with regret of Yesterday—his Yesterday of care-free + youth and courage, gilded with the ineffable, evanescent + glamour of Romance—of such Romance, thrice refined of dross, + as only he knows who has wooed his Art with passion passing the + love of woman.</p> + + <p>Far away, above the acres of huddled roofs and chimney-pots, + the storm-mists thinned, lifting transiently; through them, + gray, fairy-like, the towers of Westminster and the Houses of + Parliament bulked monstrous and unreal, fading when again the + fugitive dun vapors closed down upon the city.</p> + + <p>Nearer at hand the Shade of Care nudged Kirkwood's elbow, + whispering subtly. Romance was indeed dead; the world was cold + and cruel.</p> + + <p>The gloom deepened.</p> + + <p>In the cant of modern metaphysics, the moment was + psychological.</p> + + <p>There came a rapping at the door.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood removed the pipe from between his teeth long enough + to say "Come in!" pleasantly.</p> + + <p>The knob was turned, the door opened. Kirkwood, turning on + one heel, beheld hesitant upon the threshold a diminutive + figure in the livery of the Pless pages.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Kirkwood?"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood nodded.</p> + + <p>"Gentleman to see you, sir."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood nodded again, smiling if somewhat perplexed. + Encouraged, the child advanced, proffering a silver card-tray + at the end of an unnaturally rigid forearm. Kirkwood took the + card dubiously between thumb and forefinger and inspected it + without prejudice.</p> + + <p>"'George B. Calendar,'" he read. "'George B. Calendar!' But + I know no such person. Sure there's no mistake, young man?"</p> + + <p>The close-cropped, bullet-shaped, British head was agitated + in vigorous negation, and "Card for Mister Kirkwood!" was + mumbled in dispassionate accents appropriate to a recitation by + rote.</p> + + <p>"Very well. But before you show him up, ask this Mr. + Calendar if he is quite sure he wants to see Philip + Kirkwood."</p> + + <p>"Yessir."</p> + + <p>The child marched out, punctiliously closing the door. + Kirkwood tamped down the tobacco in his pipe and puffed + energetically, dismissing the interruption to his reverie as a + matter of no consequence—an obvious mistake to be rectified by + two words with this Mr. Calendar whom he did not know. At the + knock he had almost hoped it might be Brentwick, returning with + a changed mind about the bid to dinner.</p> + + <p>He regretted Brentwick sincerely. Theirs was a curious sort + of friendship—extraordinarily close in view of the meagerness + of either's information about the other, to say nothing of the + disparity between their ages. Concerning the elder man Kirkwood + knew little more than that they had met on shipboard, "coming + over"; that Brentwick had spent some years in America; that he + was an Englishman by birth, a cosmopolitan by habit, by + profession a gentleman (employing that term in its most + uncompromisingly British significance), and by inclination a + collector of "articles of virtue and bigotry," in pursuit of + which he made frequent excursions to the Continent from his + residence in a quaint quiet street of Old Brompton. It had been + during his not infrequent, but ordinarily abbreviated, sojourns + in Paris that their steamer acquaintance had ripened into an + affection almost filial on the one hand, almost paternal on the + other....</p> + + <p>There came a rapping at the door.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood removed the pipe from between his teeth long enough + to say "Come in!" pleasantly.</p> + + <p>The knob was turned, the door opened. Kirkwood, swinging on + one heel, beheld hesitant upon the threshold a rather rotund + figure of medium height, clad in an expressionless gray lounge + suit, with a brown "bowler" hat held tentatively in one hand, + an umbrella weeping in the other. A voice, which was unctuous + and insinuative, emanated from the figure.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Kirkwood?"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood nodded, with some effort recalling the name, so + detached had been his thoughts since the disappearance of the + page.</p> + + <p>"Yes, Mr. Calendar—?"</p> + + <p>"Are you—ah—busy, Mr. Kirkwood?"</p> + + <p>"Are you, Mr. Calendar?" Kirkwood's smile robbed the retort + of any flavor of incivility.</p> + + <p>Encouraged, the man entered, premising that he would detain + his host but a moment, and readily surrendering hat and + umbrella. Kirkwood, putting the latter aside, invited his + caller to the easy chair which Brentwick had occupied by the + fireplace.</p> + + <p>"It takes the edge off the dampness," Kirkwood explained in + deference to the other's look of pleased surprise at the + cheerful bed of coals. "I'm afraid I could never get acclimated + to life in a cold, damp room—or a damp cold room—such as you + Britishers prefer."</p> + + <p>"It is grateful," Mr. Calendar agreed, spreading plump and + well cared-for hands to the warmth. "But you are mistaken; I am + as much an American as yourself."</p> + + <p>"Yes?" Kirkwood looked the man over with more interest, less + matter-of-course courtesy.</p> + + <p>He proved not unprepossessing, this unclassifiable Mr. + Calendar; he was dressed with some care, his complexion was + good, and the fullness of his girth, emphasized as it was by a + notable lack of inches, bespoke a nature genial, easy-going and + sybaritic. His dark eyes, heavy-lidded, were active—curiously, + at times, with a subdued glitter—in a face large, round, pink, + of which the other most remarkable features were a mustache, + close-trimmed and showing streaks of gray, a chubby nose, and + duplicate chins. Mr. Calendar was furthermore possessed of a + polished bald spot, girdled with a tonsure of silvered + hair—circumstances which lent some factitious distinction to a + personality otherwise commonplace.</p> + + <p>His manner might be best described as uneasy with assurance; + as though he frequently found it necessary to make up for his + unimpressive stature by assuming an unnatural habit of + authority. And there you have him; beyond these points, + Kirkwood was conscious of no impressions; the man was + apparently neutral-tinted of mind as well as of body.</p> + + <p>"So you knew I was an American, Mr. Calendar?" suggested + Kirkwood.</p> + + <p>"'Saw your name on the register; we both hail from the same + neck of the woods, you know."</p> + + <p>"I didn't know it, and—"</p> + + <p>"Yes; I'm from Frisco, too."</p> + + <p>"And I'm sorry."</p> + + <p>Mr. Calendar passed five fat fingers nervously over his + mustache, glanced alertly up at Kirkwood, as if momentarily + inclined to question his tone, then again stared glumly into + the fire; for Kirkwood had maintained an attitude purposefully + colorless. Not to put too fine a point upon it, be believed + that his caller was lying; the man's appearance, his + mannerisms, his voice and enunciation, while they might have + been American, seemed all un-Californian. To one born and bred + in that state, as Kirkwood had been, her sons are unmistakably + hall-marked.</p> + + <p>Now no man lies without motive. This one chose to reaffirm, + with a show of deep feeling: "Yes; I'm from Frisco, too. We're + companions in misfortune."</p> + + <p>"I hope not altogether," said Kirkwood politely.</p> + + <p>Mr. Calendar drew his own inferences from the response and + mustered up a show of cheerfulness. "Then you're not completely + wiped out?"</p> + + <p>"To the contrary, I was hoping you were less unhappy."</p> + + <p>"Oh! Then you are—?"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood lifted the cable message from the mantel. "I have + just heard from my partner at home," he said with a faint + smile; and quoted: "'Everything gone; no insurance.'"</p> + + <p>Mr. Calendar pursed his plump lips, whistling inaudibly. + "Too bad, too bad!" he murmured sympathetically. "We're all + hard hit, more or less." He lapsed into dejected apathy, from + which Kirkwood, growing at length impatient, found it necessary + to rouse him.</p> + + <p>"You wished to see me about something else, I'm sure?"</p> + + <p>Mr. Calendar started from his reverie. "Eh? ... I was + dreaming. I beg pardon. It seems hard to realize, Mr. Kirkwood, + that this awful catastrophe has overtaken our beloved + metropolis—"</p> + + <p>The canting phrases wearied Kirkwood; abruptly he cut in. + "Would a sovereign help you out, Mr. Calendar? I don't mind + telling you that's about the limit of my present + resources."</p> + + <p>"Pardon <i>me</i>." Mr. Calendar's moon-like countenance + darkened; he assumed a transparent dignity. "You misconstrue my + motive, sir."</p> + + <p>"Then I'm sorry."</p> + + <p>"I am not here to borrow. On the other hand, quite by + accident I discovered your name upon the register, down-stairs; + a good old Frisco name, if you will permit me to say so. I + thought to myself that here was a chance to help a + fellow-countryman." Calendar paused, interrogative; Kirkwood + remained interested but silent. "If a passage across would help + you, I—I think it might be arranged," stammered Calendar, ill + at ease.</p> + + <p>"It might," admitted Kirkwood, speculative.</p> + + <p>"I could fix it so that you could go over—first-class, of + course—and pay your way, so to speak, by, rendering us, me and + my partner, a trifling service."</p> + + <p>"Ah?"</p> + + <p>"In fact," continued Calendar, warming up to his theme, + "there might be something more in it for you than the passage, + if—if you're the right man, the man I'm looking for."</p> + + <p>"That, of course, is the question."</p> + + <p>"Eh?" Calendar pulled up suddenly in a full-winged flight of + enthusiasm.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood eyed him steadily. "I said that it is a question, + Mr. Calendar, whether or not I am the man you're looking for. + Between you and me and the fire-dogs, I don't believe I am. Now + if you wish to name your <i>quid pro quo</i>, this trifling + service I'm to render in recognition of your benevolence, you + may."</p> + + <p>"Ye-es," slowly. But the speaker delayed his reply until he + had surveyed his host from head to foot, with a glance both + critical and appreciative.</p> + + <p>He saw a man in height rather less than the stock size + six-feet so much in demand by the manufacturers of modern + heroes of fiction; a man a bit round-shouldered, too, but + otherwise sturdily built, self-contained, well-groomed.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood wears a boy's honest face; no one has ever called + him handsome. A few prejudiced persons have decided that he has + an interesting countenance; the propounders of this verdict + have been, for the most part, feminine. Kirkwood himself has + been heard to declare that his features do not fit; in its + essence the statement is true, but there is a very real, if + undefinable, engaging quality in their very irregularity. His + eyes are brown, pleasant, set wide apart, straightforward of + expression.</p> + + <p>Now it appeared that, whatever his motive, Mr. Calendar had + acted upon impulse in sending his card up to Kirkwood. Possibly + he had anticipated a very different sort of reception from a + very different sort of man. Even in the light of subsequent + events it remains difficult to fathom the mystery of his + choice. Perhaps Fate directed it; stranger things have happened + at the dictates of a man's Destiny.</p> + + <p>At all events, this Calendar proved not lacking in + penetration; men of his stamp are commonly endowed with that + quality to an eminent degree. Not slow to reckon the caliber of + the man before him, the leaven of intuition began to work in + his adipose intelligence. He owned himself baffled.</p> + + <p>"Thanks," he concluded pensively; "I reckon you're right. + You won't do, after all. I've wasted your time. Mine, too."</p> + + <p>"Don't mention it."</p> + + <p>Calendar got heavily out of his chair, reaching for his hat + and umbrella. "Permit me to apologize for an unwarrantable + intrusion, Mr. Kirkwood." He faltered; a worried and + calculating look shadowed his small eyes. "I <i>was</i> looking + for some one to serve me in a certain capacity—"</p> + + <p>"Certain or questionable?" propounded Kirkwood blandly, + opening the door.</p> + + <p>Pointedly Mr. Calendar ignored the imputation. "Sorry I + disturbed you. G'dafternoon, Mr. Kirkwood."</p> + + <p>"Good-by, Mr. Calendar." A smile twitched the corners of + Kirkwood's too-wide mouth.</p> + + <p>Calendar stepped hastily out into the hall. As he strode—or + rather, rolled—away, Kirkwood maliciously feathered a Parthian + arrow.</p> + + <p>"By the way, Mr. Calendar—?"</p> + + <p>The sound of retreating footsteps was stilled and "Yes?" + came from the gloom of the corridor.</p> + + <p>"Were you ever in San Francisco? Really and truly? Honest + Injun, Mr. Calendar?"</p> + + <p>For a space the quiet was disturbed by harsh breathing; + then, in a strained voice, "Good day, Mr. Kirkwood"; and again + the sound of departing footfalls.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood closed the door and the incident simultaneously, + with a smart bang of finality. Laughing quietly he went back to + the window with its dreary outlook, now the drearier for + lengthening evening shadows.</p> + + <p>"I wonder what his game is, anyway. An adventurer, of + course; the woods are full of 'em. A queer fish, even of his + kind! And with a trick up his sleeve as queer and fishy as + himself, no doubt!"</p> + + <h2 align="center"><a name="II">II</a></h2> + + <h3 align="center">"AND SOME THERE BE WHO HAVE ADVENTURES + THRUST UPON THEM"</h3> + + <p>The assumption seems not unwarrantable, that Mr. Calendar + figuratively washed his hands of Mr. Kirkwood. Unquestionably + Mr. Kirkwood considered himself well rid of Mr. Calendar. When + the latter had gone his way, Kirkwood, mindful of the fact that + his boat-train would leave St. Paneras at half-after eleven, + set about his packing and dismissed from his thoughts the + incident created by the fat <i>chevalier d'industrie</i>; and + at six o'clock, or thereabouts, let himself out of his room, + dressed for the evening, a light rain-coat over one arm, in the + other hand a cane,—the drizzle having ceased.</p> + + <p>A stolid British lift lifted him down to the ground floor of + the establishment in something short of five minutes. Pausing + in the office long enough to settle his bill and leave + instructions to have his luggage conveyed to the boat-train, he + received with entire equanimity the affable benediction of the + clerk, in whose eyes he still figured as that radiant creature, + an American millionaire; and passed on to the lobby, where he + surrendered hat, coat and stick to the cloak-room attendant, + ere entering the dining-room.</p> + + <p>The hour was a trifle early for a London dinner, the + handsome room but moderately filled with patrons. Kirkwood + absorbed the fact unconsciously and without displeasure; the + earlier, the better: he was determined to consume his last + civilized meal (as he chose to consider it) at his serene + leisure, to live fully his ebbing moments in the world to which + he was born, to drink to its cloying dregs one ultimate draught + of luxury.</p> + + <p>A benignant waiter bowed him into a chair by a corner table + in juxtaposition with an open window, through which, swaying + imperceptibly the closed hangings, were wafted gentle gusts of + the London evening's sweet, damp breath.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood settled himself with an inaudible sigh of pleasure. + He was dining, for the last time in Heaven knew how long, in a + first-class restaurant.</p> + + <p>With a deferential flourish the waiter brought him the + menu-card. He had served in his time many an "American, + millionaire"; he had also served this Mr. Kirkwood, and + respected him as one exalted above the run of his kind, in that + he comprehended the art of dining.</p> + + <p>Fifteen minutes later the waiter departed rejoicing, his + order complete.</p> + + <p>To distract a conscience whispering of extravagance, + Kirkwood lighted a cigarette.</p> + + <p>The room was gradually filling with later arrivals; it was + the most favored restaurant in London, and, despite the radiant + costumes of the women, its atmosphere remained sedate and + restful.</p> + + <p>A cab clattered down the side street on which the window + opened.</p> + + <p>At a near-by table a woman laughed, quietly happy. + Incuriously Kirkwood glanced her way. She was bending forward, + smiling, flattering her escort with the adoration of her eyes. + They were lovers alone in the wilderness of the crowded + restaurant. They seemed very happy.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood was conscious of a strange pang of emotion. It took + him some time to comprehend that it was envy.</p> + + <p>He was alone and lonely. For the first time he realized that + no woman had ever looked upon him as the woman at the adjoining + table looked upon her lover. He had found time to worship but + one mistress—his art.</p> + + <p>And he was renouncing her.</p> + + <p>He was painfully conscious of what he had missed, had + lost—or had not yet found: the love of woman.</p> + + <p>The sensation was curious—new, unique in his + experience.</p> + + <p>His cigarette burned down to his fingers as he sat + pondering. Abstractedly, he ground its fire out in an + ash-tray.</p> + + <p>The waiter set before him a silver tureen, covered.</p> + + <p>He sat up and began to consume his soup, scarce doing it + justice. His dream troubled him—his dream of the love of + woman.</p> + + <p>From a little distance his waiter regarded him, with an air + of disappointment. In the course of an hour and a half he + awoke, to discover the attendant in the act of pouring very hot + and black coffee from a bright silver pot into a demi-tasse of + fragile porcelain. Kirkwood slipped a single lump of sugar into + the cup, gave over his cigar-case to be filled, then leaned + back, deliberately lighting a long and slender panetela as a + preliminary to a last lingering appreciation of the scene of + which he was a part.</p> + + <p>He reviewed it through narrowed eyelids, lazily; yet with + some slight surprise, seeming to see it with new vision, with + eyes from which scales of ignorance had dropped.</p> + + <p>This long and brilliant dining-hall, with its quiet + perfection of proportion and appointment, had always gratified + his love of the beautiful; to-night it pleased him to an + unusual degree. Yet it was the same as ever; its walls tinted a + deep rose, with their hangings of dull cloth-of-gold, its + lights discriminatingly clustered and discreetly shaded, + redoubled in half a hundred mirrors, its subdued shimmer of + plate and glass, its soberly festive assemblage of circumspect + men and women splendidly gowned, its decorously muted murmur of + voices penetrated and interwoven by the strains of a hidden + string orchestra—caressed his senses as always, yet with a + difference. To-night he saw it a room populous with lovers, + lovers insensibly paired, man unto woman attentive, woman of + man regardful.</p> + + <p>He had never understood this before. This much he had missed + in life.</p> + + <p>It seemed hard to realize that one must forego it all for + ever.</p> + + <p>Presently he found himself acutely self-conscious. The + sensation puzzled him; and without appearing to do so, he + traced it from effect to cause; and found the cause in a + woman—a girl, rather, seated at a table the third removed from + him, near the farther wall of the room.</p> + + <p>Too considerate, and too embarrassed, to return her scrutiny + openly, look for look, he yet felt sure that, however + temporarily, he was become the object of her intent + interest.</p> + + <p>Idly employed with his cigar, he sipped his coffee. In time + aware that she had turned her attention elsewhere, he looked + up.</p> + + <p>At first he was conscious of an effect of disappointment. + She was nobody that he knew, even by reputation. She was simply + a young girl, barely out of her teens—if as old as that phrase + would signify. He wondered what she had found in him to make + her think him worth so long a study; and looked again, more + keenly curious.</p> + + <p>With this second glance, appreciation stirred the artistic + side of his nature, that was already grown impatient of his + fretted mood. The slender and girlish figure, posed with such + absolute lack of intrusion against a screen of rose and gilt, + moved him to critical admiration. The tinted glow of shaded + candles caught glistening on the spun gold of her fair hair, + and enhanced the fine pallor of her young shoulders. He saw + promise, and something more than promise, in her face, its oval + something dimmed by warm shadows that unavailingly sought to + blend youth and beauty alike into the dull, rich + background.</p> + + <p>In the sheer youth of her (he realized) more than in aught + else, lay her chiefest charm. She could be little more than a + child, indeed, if he were to judge her by the purity of her + shadowed eyes and the absence of emotion in the calm and direct + look which presently she turned upon him who sat wondering at + the level, penciled darkness of her brows.</p> + + <p>At length aware that she had surprised his interest, + Kirkwood glanced aside—coolly deliberate, lest she should + detect in his attitude anything more than impersonal + approval.</p> + + <p>A slow color burned his cheeks. In his temples there rose a + curious pulsing.</p> + + <p>After a while she drew his gaze again, imperiously—herself + all unaware of the havoc she was wreaking on his + temperament.</p> + + <p>He could have fancied her distraught, cloaking an unhappy + heart with placid brow and gracious demeanor; but such a + conception matched strangely her glowing youth and spirit. What + had she to do with Care? What concern had Black Care, whose + gaunt shape in sable shrouds had lurked at his shoulder all the + evening, despite his rigid preoccupation, with a being as + charmingly flushed with budding womanhood as this girl?</p> + + <p>"Eighteen?" he hazarded. "Eighteen, or possibly nineteen, + dining at the Pless in a ravishing dinner-gown, and—unhappy? + Oh, hardly—not she!"</p> + + <p>Yet the impression haunted him, and ere long he was fain to + seek confirmation or denial of it in the manner of her + escort.</p> + + <p>The latter sat with back to Kirkwood, cutting a figure as + negative as his snug evening clothes. One could surmise little + from a fleshy thick neck, a round, glazed bald spot, a fringe + of grizzled hair, and two bright red ears.</p> + + <p>Calendar?</p> + + <p>Somehow the fellow did suggest Kirkwood's caller of the + afternoon. The young man could not have said precisely how, for + he was unfamiliar with the aspect of that gentleman's back. + None the less the suggestion persisted.</p> + + <p>By now, a few of the guests, theater-bound, for the most + part, were leaving. Here and there a table stood vacant, that + had been filled, cloth tarnished, chairs disarranged: in + another moment to be transformed into its pristine brilliance + under the deft attentions of the servitors.</p> + + <p>Down an aisle, past the table at which the girl was sitting, + came two, making toward the lobby; the man, a slight and meager + young personality, in the lead. Their party had attracted + Kirkwood's notice as they entered; why, he did not remember; + but it was in his mind that then they had been three. + Instinctively he looked at the table they had left—one placed + at some distance from the girl, and hidden from her by an angle + in the wall. It appeared that the third member had chosen to + dally a few moments over his tobacco and a liqueur-brandy. + Kirkwood could see him plainly, lounging in his chair and + fumbling the stem of a glass: a heavy man, of somber habit, his + black and sullen brows lowering and thoughtful above a face + boldly handsome.</p> + + <p>The woman of the trio was worthy of closer attention. Some + paces in the wake of her lack-luster esquire, she was making a + leisurely progress, trailing the skirts of a gown magnificent + beyond dispute, half concealed though it was by the opera cloak + whose soft folds draped her shoulders. Slowly, carrying her + head high, she approached, insolent eyes reviewing the room + from beneath their heavy lids; a metallic and mature type of + dark beauty, supremely selfconfident and self-possessed.</p> + + <p>Men turned involuntarily to look after her, not altogether + in undiluted admiration.</p> + + <p>In the act of passing behind the putative Calendar, she + paused momentarily, bending as if to gather up her train. + Presumably the action disturbed her balance; she swayed a + little, and in the effort to recover, rested the tips of her + gloved fingers upon the edge of the table. Simultaneously + (Kirkwood could have sworn) a single word left her lips, a word + evidently pitched for the ear of the hypothetical Calendar + alone. Then she swept on, imperturbable, assured.</p> + + <p>To the perplexed observer it was indubitably evident that + some communication had passed from the woman to the man. + Kirkwood saw the fat shoulders of the girl's companion stiffen + suddenly as the woman's hand rested at his elbow; as she moved + away, a little rippling shiver was plainly visible in the + muscles of his back, beneath his coat—mute token of relaxing + tension. An instant later one plump and mottled hand was + carelessly placed where the woman's had been; and was at once + removed with fingers closed.</p> + + <p>To the girl, watching her face covertly, Kirkwood turned for + clue to the incident. He made no doubt that she had observed + the passage; proof of that one found in her sudden startling + pallor (of indignation?) and in her eyes, briefly alight with + some inscrutable emotion, though quickly veiled by lowered + lashes. Slowly enough she regained color and composure, while + her <i>vis-à-vis</i> sat motionless, head inclined as if + in thought.</p> + + <p>Abruptly the man turned in his chair to summon a waiter, and + exposed his profile. Kirkwood was in no wise amazed to + recognize Calendar—a badly frightened Calendar now, however, + and hardly to be identified with the sleek, glib fellow who had + interviewed Kirkwood in the afternoon. His flabby cheeks were + ashen and trembling, and upon the back of his chair the fat + white fingers were drumming incessantly an inaudible tattoo of + shattered nerves.</p> + + <p>"Scared silly!" commented Kirkwood. "Why?" Having spoken to + his waiter, Calendar for some seconds raked the room with quick + glances, as if seeking an acquaintance. Presumably + disappointed, he swung back to face the girl, bending forward + to reach her ears with accents low-pitched and confidential. + She, on her part, fell at once attentive, grave and responsive. + Perhaps a dozen sentences passed between them. At the outset + her brows contracted and she shook her head in gentle dissent; + whereupon Calendar's manner became more imperative. Gradually, + unwillingly, she seemed to yield consent. Once she caught her + breath sharply, and, infected by her companion's agitation, sat + back, color fading again in the round young cheeks.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood's waiter put in an inopportune appearance with the + bill. The young man paid it. When he looked up again Calendar + had swung squarely about in his chair. His eye encountered + Kirkwood's. He nodded pleasantly. Temporarily confused, + Kirkwood returned the nod.</p> + + <p>In a twinkling he had repented; Calendar had left his chair + and was wending his way through the tables toward Kirkwood's. + Reaching it, he paused, offering the hand of genial fellowship. + Kirkwood accepted it half-heartedly (what else was he to do?) + remarking at the same time that Calendar had recovered much of + his composure. There was now a normal coloring in the heavily + jowled countenance, with less glint of fear in the quick, dark + eyes; and Calendar's hand, even if moist and cold, no longer + trembled. Furthermore it was immediately demonstrated that his + impudence had not deserted him.</p> + + <p>"Why, Kirkwood, my dear fellow!" he crowed—not so loudly as + to attract attention, but in a tone assumed to divert + suspicion, should he be overheard. "This is great luck, you + know—to find you here."</p> + + <p>"Is it?" returned Kirkwood coolly. He disengaged his + fingers.</p> + + <p>The pink plump face was contorted in a furtive grimace of + deprecation. Without waiting for permission Calendar dropped + into the vacant chair.</p> + + <p>"My dear sir," he proceeded, unabashed, "I throw myself upon + your mercy."</p> + + <p>"The devil you do!"</p> + + <p>"I must. I'm in the deuce of a hole, and there's no one I + know here besides yourself. I—I—"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood saw fit to lead him on; partly because, out of the + corner of his eye, he was aware of the girl's unconcealed + suspense. "Go on, please, Mr. Calendar. You throw yourself on a + total stranger's mercy because you're in the deuce of a hole; + and—?"</p> + + <p>"It's this way; I'm called away on urgent business + imperative business. I must go at once. My daughter is with me. + My daughter! Think of my embarrassment; I can not leave her + here, alone, nor can I permit her to go home unprotected."</p> + + <p>Calendar paused in anxiety.</p> + + <p>"That's easily remedied, then," suggested Kirkwood.</p> + + <p>"How?"</p> + + <p>"Put her in a cab at the door."</p> + + <p>"I ... No. The devil! I couldn't think of it. You won't + understand. I—"</p> + + <p>"I do not understand,—" amended the younger man + politely.</p> + + <p>Calendar compressed his lips nervously. It was plain that + the man was quivering with impatience and half-mad with + excitement. He held quiet only long enough to regain his + self-control and take counsel with his prudence.</p> + + <p>"It is impossible, Mr. Kirkwood. I must ask you to be + generous and believe me."</p> + + <p>"Very well; for the sake of the argument, I do believe you, + Mr. Calendar."</p> + + <p>"Hell!" exploded the elder man in an undertone. Then + swiftly, stammering in his haste: "I can't let Dorothy + accompany me to the door," he declared. "She—I—I throw myself + upon your mercy!"</p> + + <p>"What—again?"</p> + + <p>"The truth—the truth is, if you will have it, that I am in + danger of arrest the moment I leave here. If my daughter is + with me, she will have to endure the shame and + humiliation—"</p> + + <p>"Then why place her in such a position?" Kirkwood demanded + sharply.</p> + + <p>Calendar's eyes burned, incandescent with resentment. + Offended, he offered to rise and go, but changed his mind and + sat tight in hope.</p> + + <p>"I beg of you, sir—"</p> + + <p>"One moment, Mr. Calendar."</p> + + <p>Abruptly Kirkwood's weathercock humor shifted—amusement + yielding to intrigued interest. After all, why not oblige the + fellow? What did anything matter, now? What harm could visit + him if he yielded to this corpulent adventurer's insistence? + Both from experience and observation he knew this for a world + plentifully peopled by soldiers of fortune, contrivers of + snares and pitfalls for the feet of the unwary. On the other + hand, it is axiomatic that a penniless man is perfectly safe + anywhere. Besides, there was the girl to be considered.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood considered her, forthwith. In the process thereof, + his eyes sought her, perturbed. Their glances clashed. She + looked away hastily, crimson to her temples.</p> + + <p>Instantly the conflict between curiosity and caution, + inclination and distrust, was at an end. With sudden + compliance, the young man rose.</p> + + <p>"I shall be most happy to be of service to your daughter, + Mr. Calendar," he said, placing the emphasis with becoming + gravity. And then, the fat adventurer leading the way, Kirkwood + strode across the room—wondering somewhat at himself, if the + whole truth is to be disclosed.</p> + + <h2 align="center"><a name="III">III</a></h2> + + <h3 align="center">CALENDAR'S DAUGHTER</h3> + + <p>All but purring with satisfaction and relief, Calendar + halted.</p> + + <p>"Dorothy, my dear, permit me to introduce an old friend—Mr. + Kirkwood. Kirkwood, this is my daughter."</p> + + <p>"Miss Calendar," acknowledged Kirkwood.</p> + + <p>The girl bowed, her eyes steady upon his own. "Mr. Kirkwood + is very kind," she said gravely.</p> + + <p>"That's right!" Calendar exclaimed blandly. "He's promised + to see you home. Now both of you will pardon my running away, I + know."</p> + + <p>"Yes," assented Kirkwood agreeably.</p> + + <p>The elder man turned and hurried toward the main + entrance.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood took the chair he had vacated. To his disgust he + found himself temporarily dumb. No flicker of thought + illuminated the darkness of his confusion. How was he to open a + diverting conversation with a young woman whom he had met under + auspices so extraordinary? Any attempt to gloze the situation, + he felt, would be futile. And, somehow, he did not care to + render himself ridiculous in her eyes, little as he knew + her.</p> + + <p>Inanely dumb, he sat watching her, smiling fatuously until + it was borne in on him that he was staring like a boor and + grinning like an idiot. Convinced, he blushed for himself; + something which served to make him more tongue-tied than + ever.</p> + + <p>As for his involuntary protégée, she exhibited + such sweet composure that he caught himself wondering if she + really appreciated the seriousness of her parent's predicament; + if, for that matter, its true nature were known to her at all. + Calendar, he believed, was capable of prevarication, polite and + impolite. Had he lied to his daughter? or to Kirkwood? To both, + possibly; to the former alone, not improbably. That the + adventurer had told him the desperate truth, Kirkwood was quite + convinced; but he now began to believe that the girl had been + put off with some fictitious explanation. Her tranquillity and + self-control were remarkable, otherwise; she seemed very young + to possess those qualities in such eminent degree.</p> + + <p>She was looking wearily past him, her gaze probing some + unguessed abyss of thought. Kirkwood felt himself privileged to + stare in wonder. Her naïve aloofness of poise gripped his + imagination powerfully,—the more so, perhaps, since it seemed + eloquent of her intention to remain enigmatic,—but by no means + more powerfully than the unaided appeal of her loveliness.</p> + + <p>Presently the girl herself relieved the tension of the + situation, fairly startling the young man by going straight to + the heart of things. Without preface or warning, lifting her + gaze to his, "My name is really Dorothy Calendar," she + observed. And then, noting his astonishment, "You would be + privileged to doubt, under the circumstances," she added. + "Please let us be frank."</p> + + <p>"Well," he stammered, "if I didn't doubt, let's say I was + unprejudiced."</p> + + <p>His awkward, well-meant pleasantry, perhaps not conceived in + the best of taste, sounded in his own ears wretchedly flat and + vapid. He regretted it spontaneously; the girl ignored it.</p> + + <p>"You are very kind," she iterated the first words he had + heard from her lips. "I wish you to understand that I, for one, + appreciate it."</p> + + <p>"Not kind; I have done nothing. I am glad.... One is apt to + become interested when Romance is injected into a prosaic + existence." Kirkwood allowed himself a keen but cheerful + glance.</p> + + <p>She nodded, with a shadowy smile. He continued, + purposefully, to distract her, holding her with his honest, + friendly eyes.</p> + + <p>"Since it is to be confidences" (this she questioned with an + all but imperceptible lifting of the eyebrows), "I don't mind + telling you my own name is really Philip Kirkwood."</p> + + <p>"And you are an old friend of my father's?"</p> + + <p>He opened his lips, but only to close them without speaking. + The girl moved her shoulders with a shiver of disdain.</p> + + <p>"I knew it wasn't so."</p> + + <p>"You know it would be hard for a young man like myself to be + a very old friend," he countered lamely.</p> + + <p>"How long, then, have you known each other?"</p> + + <p>"Must I answer?"</p> + + <p>"Please."</p> + + <p>"Between three and four hours."</p> + + <p>"I thought as much." She stared past him, troubled. Abruptly + she said: "Please smoke."</p> + + <p>"Shall I? If you wish it, of course...." </p> + + <p>She repeated: "Please."</p> + + <p>"We were to wait ten minutes or so," she continued.</p> + + <p>He produced his cigarette-case.</p> + + <p>"If you care to smoke it will seem an excuse." He lighted + his cigarette.</p> + + <p>"And then, you may talk to me," she concluded calmly.</p> + + <p>"I would, gladly, if I could guess what would interest + you."</p> + + <p>"Yourself. Tell me about yourself," she commanded.</p> + + <p>"It would bore you," he responded tritely, confused.</p> + + <p>"No; you interest me very much." She made the statement + quietly, contemptuous of coquetry.</p> + + <p>"Very well, then; I am Philip Kirkwood, an American."</p> + + <p>"Nothing more?"</p> + + <p>"Little worth retailing."</p> + + <p>"I'm sorry."</p> + + <p>"Why?" he demanded, piqued.</p> + + <p>"Because you have merely indicated that you are a wealthy + American."</p> + + <p>"Why wealthy?"</p> + + <p>"If not, you would have some aim in life—a calling or + profession."</p> + + <p>"And you think I have none?"</p> + + <p>"Unless you consider it your vocation to be a wealthy + American."</p> + + <p>"I don't. Besides, I'm not wealthy. In point of fact, I ..." + He pulled up short, on the verge of declaring himself a pauper. + "I am a painter."</p> + + <p>Her eyes lightened with interest. "An artist?"</p> + + <p>"I hope so. I don't paint signs—or houses," he + remarked.</p> + + <p>Amused, she laughed softly. "I suspected it," she + declared.</p> + + <p>"Not really?"</p> + + <p>"It was your way of looking at—things, that made me guess + it: the painter's way. I have often noticed it."</p> + + <p>"As if mentally blending colors all the time?"</p> + + <p>"Yes; that and—seeing flaws."</p> + + <p>"I have discovered none," he told her brazenly.</p> + + <p>But again her secret cares were claiming her thoughts, and + the gay, inconsequential banter died upon her scarlet lips as a + second time her glance ranged away, sounding mysterious depths + of anxiety.</p> + + <p>Provoked, he would have continued the chatter. "I have + confessed," he persisted. "You know everything of material + interest about me. And yourself?"</p> + + <p>"I am merely Dorothy Calendar," she answered.</p> + + <p>"Nothing more?" He laughed.</p> + + <p>"That is all, if you please, for the present."</p> + + <p>"I am to content myself with the promise of the future?"</p> + + <p>"The future," she told him seriously, "is to-morrow; and + to-morrow ..." She moved restlessly in her chair, eyes and lips + pathetic in their distress. "Please, we will go now, if you are + ready."</p> + + <p>"I am quite ready, Miss Calendar."</p> + + <p>He rose. A waiter brought the girl's cloak and put it in + Kirkwood's hands. He held it until, smoothing the wrists of her + long white gloves, she stood up, then placed the garment upon + her white young shoulders, troubled by the indefinable sense of + intimacy imparted by the privilege. She permitted him this + personal service! He felt that she trusted him, that out of her + gratitude had grown a simple and almost childish faith in his + generosity and considerateness.</p> + + <p>As she turned to go her eyes thanked him with an + unfathomable glance. He was again conscious of that esoteric + disturbance in his temples. Puzzled, hazily analyzing the + sensation, he followed her to the lobby.</p> + + <p>A page brought him his top-coat, hat and stick; tipping the + child from sheer force of habit, he desired a gigantic porter, + impressively ornate in hotel livery, to call a hansom. Together + they passed out into the night, he and the girl.</p> + + <p>Beneath a permanent awning of steel and glass she waited + patiently, slender, erect, heedless of the attention she + attracted from wayfarers.</p> + + <p>The night was young, the air mild. Upon the sidewalk, + muddied by a million feet, two streams of wayfarers flowed + incessantly, bound west from Green Park or east toward + Piccadilly Circus; a well-dressed throng for the most part, + with here and there a man in evening dress. Between the + carriages at the curb and the hotel doors moved others, + escorting fluttering butterfly women in elaborate toilets, + heads bare, skirts daintily gathered above their perishable + slippers. Here and there meaner shapes slipped silently through + the crowd, sinister shadows of the city's proletariat, blotting + ominously the brilliance of the scene.</p> + + <p>A cab drew in at the block. The porter clapped an arc of + wickerwork over its wheel to protect the girl's skirts. She + ascended to the seat.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood, dropping sixpence in the porter's palm, prepared + to follow; but a hand fell upon his arm, peremptory, + inexorable. He faced about, frowning, to confront a slight, + hatchet-faced man, somewhat under medium height, dressed in a + sack suit and wearing a derby well forward over eyes that were + hard and bright.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Calendar?" said the man tensely. "I presume I needn't + name my business. I'm from the Yard—"</p> + + <p>"My name is <i>not</i> Calendar." </p> + + <p>The detective smiled wearily. "Don't be a fool, Calendar," + he began. But the porter's hand fell upon his shoulder and the + giant bent low to bring his mouth close to the other's ear. + Kirkwood heard indistinctly his own name followed by + Calendar's, and the words: "Never fear. I'll point him + out."</p> + + <p>"But the woman?" argued the detective, unconvinced, staring + into the cab.</p> + + <p>"Am I not at liberty to have a lady dine with me in a public + restaurant?" interposed Kirkwood, without raising his + voice.</p> + + <p>The hard eyes looked him up and down without favor. Then: + "Beg pardon, sir. I see my mistake," said the detective + brusquely.</p> + + <p>"I am glad you do," returned Kirkwood grimly. "I fancy it + will bear investigation."</p> + + <p>He mounted the step. "Imperial Theater," he told the driver, + giving the first address that occurred to him; it could be + changed. For the moment the main issue was to get the girl out + of the range of the detective's interest.</p> + + <p>He slipped into his place as the hansom wheeled into the + turgid tide of west-bound traffic.</p> + + <p>So Calendar had escaped, after all! Moreover, he had told + the truth to Kirkwood.</p> + + <p>By his side the girl moved uneasily. "Who was that man?" she + inquired.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood sought her eyes, and found them wholly ingenuous. + It seemed that Calendar had not taken her into his confidence, + after all. She was, therefore, in no way implicated in her + father's affairs. Inexplicably the young man's heart felt + lighter. "A mistake; the fellow took me for some one he knew," + he told her carelessly.</p> + + <p>The assurance satisfied her. She rested quietly, wrapped up + in personal concerns. Her companion pensively contemplated an + infinity of arid and hansom-less to-morrows. About them the + city throbbed in a web of misty twilight, the humid farewell of + a dismal day. In the air a faint haze swam, rendering the + distances opalescent. Athwart the western sky the after-glow of + a drenched sunset lay like a wash of rose-madder. Piccadilly's + asphalt shone like watered silk, black and lustrous, reflecting + a myriad lights in vibrant ribbons of party-colored radiance. + On every hand cab-lamps danced like fire-flies; the rumble of + wheels blended with the hollow pounding of uncounted hoofs, + merging insensibly into the deep and solemn roar of + London-town.</p> + + <p>Suddenly Kirkwood was recalled to a sense of duty by a + glimpse of Hyde Park Corner. He turned to the girl. "I didn't + know where you wished to go—?"</p> + + <p>She seemed to realize his meaning with surprise, as one, + whose thoughts have strayed afar, recalled to an imperative + world.</p> + + <p>"Oh, did I forget? Tell him please to drive to Number Nine, + Frognall Street, Bloomsbury."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood poked his cane through the trap, repeating the + address. The cab wheeled smartly across Piccadilly, swung into + Half Moon Street, and thereafter made better time, darting + briskly down abrupt vistas of shining pavement, walled in by + blank-visaged houses, or round two sides of one of London's + innumerable private parks, wherein spring foliage glowed a + tender green in artificial light; now and again it crossed + brilliant main arteries of travel, and eventually emerged from + a maze of backways into Oxford Street, to hammer eastwards to + Tottenham Court Road.</p> + + <p>Constraint hung like a curtain between the two; a silence + which the young man forbore to moderate, finding more delight + that he had cared (or dared) confess to, in contemplation of + the pure girlish profile so close to him.</p> + + <p>She seemed quite unaware of him, lost in thought, large eyes + sober, lips serious that were fashioned for laughter, round + little chin firm with some occult resolution. It was not hard + to fancy her nerves keyed to a high pitch of courage and + determination, nor easy to guess for what reason. Watching + always, keenly sensitive to the beauty of each salient line + betrayed by the flying lights, Kirkwood's own consciousness + lost itself in a profitless, even a perilous labyrinth of + conjecture.</p> + + <p>The cab stopped. Both occupants came to their senses with a + little start. The girl leaned out over; the apron, recognized + the house she sought in one swift glance, testified to the + recognition with a hushed exclamation, and began to arrange her + skirts. Kirkwood, unheeding her faint-hearted protests, jumped + out, interposing his cane between her skirts and the wheel. + Simultaneously he received a vivid mental photograph of the + locality.</p> + + <p>Frognall Street proved to be one of those by-ways, a short + block in length, which, hemmed in on all sides by a meaner + purlieu, has (even in Bloomsbury!) escaped the sordid + commercial eye of the keeper of furnished lodgings, retaining + jealously something of the old-time dignity and reserve that + were its pride in the days before Society swarmed upon Mayfair + and Belgravia.</p> + + <p>Its houses loomed tall, with many windows, mostly + lightless—materially aggravating that air of isolate, cold + dignity which distinguishes the Englishman's castle. Here and + there stood one less bedraggled than its neighbors, though all, + without exception, spoke assertively of respectability + down-at-the-heel but fighting tenaciously for existence. Some, + vanguards of that imminent day when the boarding-house should + reign supreme, wore with shamefaced air placards of + estate-agents, advertising their susceptibility to sale or + lease. In the company of the latter was Number 9.</p> + + <p>The American noted the circumstance subconsciously, at a + moment when Miss Calendar's hand, small as a child's, warm and + compact in its white glove, lay in his own. And then she was on + the sidewalk, her face, upturned to his, vivacious with + excitement.</p> + + <p>"You have been so kind," she told him warmly, "that one + hardly knows how to thank you, Mr. Kirkwood."</p> + + <p>"I have done nothing—nothing at all," he mumbled, disturbed + by a sudden, unreasoning alarm for her.</p> + + <p>She passed quickly to the shelter of the pillared portico. + He followed clumsily. On the door-step she turned, offering her + hand. He took and retained it.</p> + + <p>"Good night," she said.</p> + + <p>"I'm to understand that I'm dismissed, then?" he stammered + ruefully.</p> + + <p>She evaded his eyes. "I—thank you—I have no further + need—"</p> + + <p>"You are quite sure? Won't you believe me at your + service?"</p> + + <p>She laughed uneasily. "I'm all right now."</p> + + <p>"I can do nothing more? Sure?"</p> + + <p>"Nothing. But you—you make me almost sorry I can't impose + still further upon your good nature."</p> + + <p>"Please don't hesitate ..."</p> + + <p>"Aren't you very persistent, Mr. Kirkwood?" Her fingers + moved in his; burning with the reproof, he released them, and + turned to her so woebegone a countenance that she repented of + her severity. "Don't worry about me, please. I am truly safe + now. Some day I hope to be able to thank you adequately. Good + night!"</p> + + <p>Her pass-key grated in the lock. Opening, the door disclosed + a dark and uninviting entry-hall, through which there breathed + an air heavy with the dank and dusty odor of untenanted rooms. + Hesitating on the threshold, over her shoulder the girl smiled + kindly upon her commandeered esquire; and stepped within.</p> + + <p>He lifted his hat automatically. The door closed with an + echoing slam. He turned to the waiting cab, fumbling for + change.</p> + + <p>"I'll walk," he told the cabby, paying him off.</p> + + <p>The hansom swept away to a tune of hammering hoofs; and + quiet rested upon the street as Kirkwood turned the nearest + corner, in an unpleasant temper, puzzled and discontented. It + seemed hardly fair that he should have been dragged into so + promising an adventure, by his ears (so to put it), only to be + thus summarily called upon to write "Finis" beneath the + incident.</p> + + <p>He rounded the corner and walked half-way to the next + street, coming to an abrupt and rebellious pause by the + entrance to a covered alleyway, of two minds as to his proper + course of action.</p> + + <p>In the background of his thoughts Number 9, Frognall Street, + reared its five-story façade, sinister and forbidding. He + reminded himself of its unlighted windows; of its sign, "To be + let"; of the effluvia of desolation that had saluted him when + the door swung wide. A deserted house; and the girl alone in + it!—was it right for him to leave her so?</p> + + <h2 align="center"><a name="IV">IV</a></h2> + + <h3 align="center">9 FROGNALL STREET, W. C.</h3> + + <p>The covered alleyway gave upon Quadrant Mews; or so declared + a notice painted on the dead wall of the passage.</p> + + <p>Overhead, complaining as it swayed in the wind, hung the + smirched and weather-worn sign-board of the Hog-in-the-Pound + public house; wherefrom escaped sounds of such revelry by night + as is indulged in by the British working-man in hours of ease. + At the curb in front of the house of entertainment, dejected + animals drooping between their shafts, two hansoms stood in + waiting, until such time as the lords of their destinies should + see fit to sally forth and inflict themselves upon a cab-hungry + populace. As Kirkwood turned, a third vehicle rumbled up out of + the mews.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood can close his eyes, even at this late day, and both + see and hear it all again—even as he can see the unbroken row + of dingy dwellings that lined his way back from Quadrant Mews + to Frognall Street corner: all drab and unkempt, all sporting + in their fan-lights the legend and lure, "Furnished + Apartments."</p> + + <p>For, between his curiosity about and his concern for the + girl, he was being led back to Number 9, by the nose, as it + were,—hardly willingly, at best. Profoundly stupefied by the + contemplation of his own temerity, he yet returned unfaltering. + He who had for so long plumed himself upon his strict + supervision of his personal affairs and equally steadfast + unconsciousness of his neighbor's businesses, now found himself + in the very act of pushing in where he was not wanted: as he + had been advised in well-nigh as many words. He experienced an + effect of standing to one side, a witness of his own folly, + with rising wonder, unable to credit the strength of the + infatuation which was placing him so conspicuously in the way + of a snubbing.</p> + + <p>If perchance he were to meet the girl again as she was + leaving Number 9,—what then? The contingency dismayed him + incredibly, in view of the fact that it did not avail to make + him pause. To the contrary he disregarded it resolutely; mad, + impertinent, justified of his unnamed apprehensions, or simply + addled,—he held on his way.</p> + + <p>He turned up Frognall Street with the manner of one out for + a leisurely evening stroll. Simultaneously, from the farther + corner, another pedestrian debouched, into the thoroughfare—a + mere moving shadow at that distance, brother to blacker shadows + that skulked in the fenced areas and unlively entries of that + poorly lighted block. The hush was something beyond belief, + when one remembered the nearness of blatant Tottenham Court + Road.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood conceived a wholly senseless curiosity about the + other wayfarer. The man was walking rapidly, heels ringing with + uncouth loudness, cane tapping the flagging at brief intervals. + Both sounds ceased abruptly as their cause turned in beneath + one of the porticos. In the emphatic and unnatural quiet that + followed, Kirkwood, stepping more lightly, fancied that another + shadow followed the first, noiselessly and with furtive + stealth.</p> + + <p>Could it be Number 9 into which they had passed? The + American's heart beat a livelier tempo at the suggestion. If it + had not been Number 9—he was still too far away to tell—it + was certainly one of the dwellings adjacent thereunto. The + improbable possibility (But why improbable?) that the girl was + being joined by her father, or by friends, annoyed him with + illogical intensity. He mended his own pace, designing to pass + whichever house it might be before the door should be closed; + thought better of this, and slowed up again, anathematizing + himself with much excuse for being the inquisitive dolt that he + was.</p> + + <p>Approaching Number 9 with laggard feet, he manufactured a + desire to light a cigarette, as a cover for his design, were he + spied upon by unsuspected eyes. Cane under arm, hands cupped to + shield a vesta's flame, he stopped directly before the portico, + turning his eyes askance to the shadowed doorway; and made a + discovery sufficiently startling to hold him spellbound and, + incidentally, to scorch his gloves before he thought to drop + the match.</p> + + <p>The door of Number 9 stood ajar, a black interval an inch or + so in width showing between its edge and the jamb.</p> + + <p>Suspicion and alarm set his wits a-tingle. More distinctly + he recalled the jarring bang, accompanied by the metallic click + of the latch, when the girl had shut herself in—and him out. + Now, some person or persons had followed her, neglecting the + most obvious precaution of a householder. And why? Why but + because the intruders did not wish the sound of closing to be + audible to her—or those—within?</p> + + <p>He reminded himself that it was all none of his affair, + decided to pass on and go his ways in peace, and impulsively, + swinging about, marched straight away for the unclosed + door.</p> + + <p>"'Old'ard, guvner!"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood halted on the cry, faltering in indecision. Should + he take the plunge, or withdraw? Synchronously he was conscious + that a man's figure had detached itself from the shadows + beneath the nearest portico and was drawing nearer, with every + indication of haste, to intercept him.</p> + + <p>"'Ere now, guvner, yer mykin' a mistyke. You don't live + 'ere."</p> + + <p>"How do you know?" demanded Kirkwood crisply, tightening his + grip on his stick.</p> + + <p>Was this the second shadow he had seemed to see—the + confederate of him who had entered Number 9; a sentry to + forestall interruption? If so, the fellow lacked discretion, + though his determination that the American should not interfere + was undeniable. It was with an ugly and truculent manner, if + more warily, that the man closed in.</p> + + <p>"I knows. You clear hout, or—"</p> + + <p>He flung out a hand with the plausible design of grasping + Kirkwood by the collar. The latter lifted his stick, deflecting + the arm, and incontinently landed his other fist forcibly on + the fellow's chest. The man reeled back, cursing. Before he + could recover Kirkwood calmly crossed the threshold, closed the + door and put his shoulder to it. In another instant, fumbling + in the darkness, he found the bolts and drove them home.</p> + + <p>And it was done, the transformation accomplished; his + inability to refrain from interfering had encompassed his + downfall, had changed a peaceable and law-abiding alien within + British shores into a busybody, a trespasser, a misdemeanant, + a—yes, for all he knew to the contrary, in the estimation of + the Law, a burglar, prime candidate for a convict's + stripes!</p> + + <p>Breathing hard with excitement he turned and laid his back + against the panels, trembling in every muscle, terrified by the + result of his impulsive audacity, thunder-struck by a + lightning-like foreglimpse of its possible consequences. Of + what colossal imprudence had he not been guilty?</p> + + <p>"The devil!" he whispered. "What an ass, what an utter ass I + am!"</p> + + <p>Behind him the knob was rattled urgently, to an + accompaniment of feet shuffling on the stone; and + immediately—if he were to make a logical deduction from the + rasping and scraping sound within the door-casing—the + bell-pull was violently agitated, without, however, educing any + response from the bell itself, wherever that might be situate. + After which, as if in despair, the outsider again rattled and + jerked the knob.</p> + + <p>Be his status what it might, whether servant of the + household, its caretaker, or a night watchman, the man was + palpably determined both to get himself in and Kirkwood out, + and yet (curious to consider) determined to gain his end + without attracting undue attention. Kirkwood had expected to + hear the knocker's thunder, as soon as the bell failed to give + tongue; but it did not sound although there <i>was</i> a + knocker,—Kirkwood himself had remarked that antiquated and + rusty bit of ironmongery affixed to the middle panel of the + door. And it made him feel sure that something surreptitious + and lawless was in process within those walls, that the + confederate without, having failed to prevent a stranger from + entering, left unemployed a means so certain-sure to rouse the + occupants.</p> + + <p>But his inferential analysis of this phase of the + proceedings was summarily abrupted by that identical alarm. In + a trice the house was filled with flying echoes, wakened to + sonorous riot by the crash and clamor of the knocker; and + Kirkwood stood fully two yards away, his heart hammering + wildly, his nerves a-jingle, much as if the resounding blows + had landed upon his own person rather than on stout oaken + planking.</p> + + <p>Ere he had time to wonder, the racket ceased, and from the + street filtered voices in altercation. Listening, Kirkwood's + pulses quickened, and he laughed uncertainly for pure relief, + retreating to the door and putting an ear to a crack.</p> + + <p>The accents of one speaker were new in his hearing, stern, + crisp, quick with the spirit of authority which animates that + most austere and dignified limb of the law to be encountered + the world over, a London bobby.</p> + + <p>"Now then, my man, what do you want there? Come now, speak + up, and step out into the light, where I can see you."</p> + + <p>The response came in the sniffling snarl of the London + ne'er-do-well, the unemployable rogue whose chiefest occupation + seems to be to march in the ranks of The Unemployed on the + occasion of its annual demonstrations.</p> + + <p>"Le' me alone, carntcher? Ah'm doin' no 'arm, + officer,—"</p> + + <p>"Didn't you hear me? Step out here. Ah, that's better.... No + harm, eh? Perhaps you'll explain how there's no harm breakin' + into unoccupied 'ouses?"</p> + + <p>"Gorblimy, 'ow was I to know? 'Ere's a toff 'ands me + sixpence fer hopenin' 'is cab door to-dye, an', sezee, 'My + man,' 'e sez, 'yer've got a 'onest fyce. W'y don'cher work?' + sezee. ''Ow can I?' sez I. ''Ere'm I hout of a job these six + months, lookin' fer work every dye an' carn't find it.' Sezee, + 'Come an' see me this hevenin' at me home, Noine, Frognall + Stryte,' 'e sez, an'—"</p> + + <p>"That'll do for now. You borrow a pencil and paper and write + it down and I'll read it when I've got more time; I never heard + the like of it. This 'ouse hasn't been lived in these two + years. Move on, and don't let me find you round 'ere again. + March, I say!"</p> + + <p>There was more of it—more whining explanations artfully + tinctured with abuse, more terse commands to depart, the whole + concluding with scraping footsteps, diminuendo, and another + perfunctory, rattle of the knob as the bobby, having shoo'd the + putative evil-doer off, assured himself that no damage had + actually been done. Then he, too, departed, satisfied and + self-righteous, leaving a badly frightened but very grateful + amateur criminal to pursue his self-appointed career of + crime.</p> + + <p>He had no choice other than to continue; in point of fact, + it had been insanity just then to back out, and run the risk of + apprehension at the hands of that ubiquitous bobby, who (for + all he knew) might be lurking not a dozen yards distant, + watchful for just such a sequel. Still, Kirkwood hesitated with + the best of excuses. Reassuring as he had found the sentinel's + extemporized yarn,—proof positive that the fellow had had no + more right to prohibit a trespass than Kirkwood to commit + one,—at the same time he found himself pardonably a prey to + emotions of the utmost consternation and alarm. If he feared to + leave the house he had no warrant whatever to assume that he + would be permitted to remain many minutes unharmed within its + walls of mystery.</p> + + <p>The silence of it discomfited him beyond measure; it was, in + a word, uncanny.</p> + + <p>Before him, as he lingered at the door, vaguely disclosed by + a wan illumination penetrating a dusty and begrimed fan-light, + a broad hall stretched indefinitely towards the rear of the + building, losing itself in blackness beyond the foot of a + flight of stairs. Save for a few articles of furniture,—a hall + table, an umbrella-stand, a tall dumb clock flanked by + high-backed chairs,—it was empty. Other than Kirkwood's own + restrained respiration not a sound throughout the house + advertised its inhabitation; not a board creaked beneath the + pressure of a foot, not a mouse rustled in the wainscoting or + beneath the floors, not a breath of air stirred sighing in the + stillness.</p> + + <p>And yet, a tremendous racket had been raised at the front + door, within the sixty seconds past! And yet, within twenty + minutes two persons, at least, had preceded Kirkwood into the + building! Had they not heard? The speculation seemed + ridiculous. Or had they heard and, alarmed, been too + effectually hobbled by the coils of their nefarious designs to + dare reveal themselves, to investigate the cause of that + thunderous summons? Or were they, perhaps, aware of Kirkwood's + entrance, and lying <i>perdui</i>, in some dark corner, to + ambush him as he passed?</p> + + <p>True, that were hardly like the girl. True, on the other + hand, it were possible that she had stolen away while Kirkwood + was hanging in irresolution by the passage to Quadrant Mews. + Again, the space of time between Kirkwood's dismissal and his + return had been exceedingly brief; whatever her errand, she + could hardly have fulfilled it and escaped. At that moment she + might be in the power and at the mercy of him who had followed + her; providing he were not friendly. And in that case, what + torment and what peril might not be hers?</p> + + <p>Spurred by solicitude, the young man put personal + apprehensions in his pocket and forgot them, cautiously picking + his way through the gloom to the foot of the stairs. There, by + the newel-post, he paused. Darkness walled him about. Overhead + the steps vanished in a well of blackness; he could not even + see the ceiling; his eyes ached with futile effort to fathom + the unknown; his ears rang with unrewarded strain of listening. + The silence hung inviolate, profound.</p> + + <p>Slowly he began to ascend, a hand following the balusters, + the other with his cane exploring the obscurity before him. On + the steps, a carpet, thick and heavy, muffled his footfalls. He + moved noiselessly. Towards the top the staircase curved, and + presently a foot that groped for a higher level failed to find + it. Again he halted, acutely distrustful.</p> + + <p>Nothing happened.</p> + + <p>He went on, guided by the balustrade, passing three doors, + all open, through which the undefined proportions of a + drawing-room and boudoir were barely suggested in a ghostly + dusk. By each he paused, listening, hearing nothing.</p> + + <p>His foot struck with a deadened thud against the bottom step + of the second flight, and his pulses fluttered wildly for a + moment. Two minutes—three—he waited in suspense. From above + came no sound. He went on, as before, save that twice a step + yielded, complaining, to his weight. Toward the top the close + air, like the darkness, seemed to weigh more heavily upon his + consciousness; little drops of perspiration started out on his + forehead, his scalp tingled, his mouth was hot and dry, he felt + as if stifled.</p> + + <p>Again the raised foot found no level higher than its + fellows. He stopped and held his breath, oppressed by a + conviction that some one was near him. Confirmation of this + came startlingly—an eerie whisper in the night, so close to + him that he fancied he could feel the disturbed air fanning his + face.</p> + + <p>"<i>Is it you, Eccles</i>?" He had no answer ready. The + voice was masculine, if he analyzed it correctly. Dumb and + stupid he stood poised upon the point of panic.</p> + + <p>"<i>Eccles, is it you</i>?"</p> + + <p>The whisper was both shrill and shaky. As it ceased Kirkwood + was half blinded by a flash of light, striking him squarely in + the eyes. Involuntarily he shrank back a pace, to the first + step from the top. Instantaneously the light was eclipsed.</p> + + <p>"<i>Halt or—or I fire</i>!"</p> + + <p>By now he realized that he had been scrutinized by the aid + of an electric hand-lamp. The tremulous whisper told him + something else—that the speaker suffered from nerves as + high-strung as his own. The knowledge gave him inspiration. He + cried at a venture, in a guarded voice, "<i>Hands up</i>!"—and + struck out smartly with his stick. Its ferrule impinged upon + something soft but heavy. Simultaneously he heard a low, + frightened cry, the cane was swept aside, a blow landed + glancingly on his shoulder, and he was carried fairly off his + feet by the weight of a man hurled bodily upon him with + staggering force and passion. Reeling, he was borne back and + down a step or two, and then,—choking on an oath,—dropped his + cane and with one hand caught the balusters, while the other + tore ineffectually at wrists of hands that clutched his throat. + So, for a space, the two hung, panting and struggling.</p> + + <p>Then endeavoring to swing his shoulders over against the + wall, Kirkwood released his grip on the hand-rail and stumbled + on the stairs, throwing his antagonist out of balance. The + latter plunged downward, dragging Kirkwood with him. Clawing, + kicking, grappling, they went to the bottom, jolted violently + by each step; but long before the last was reached, Kirkwood's + throat was free.</p> + + <p>Throwing himself off, he got to his feet and grasped the + railing for support; then waited, panting, trying to get his + bearings. Himself painfully shaken and bruised, he shrewdly + surmised that his assailant had fared as ill, if not worse. + And, in point of fact, the man lay with neither move nor moan, + still as death at the American's feet.</p> + + <p>And once more silence had folded its wings over Number 9, + Frognall Street.</p> + + <p>More conscious of that terrifying, motionless presence + beneath him, than able to distinguish it by power of vision, he + endured interminable minutes of trembling horror, in a witless + daze, before he thought of his match-box. Immediately he found + it and struck a light. As the wood caught and the bright small + flame leaped in the pent air, he leaned forward, over the body, + breathlessly dreading what he must discover.</p> + + <p>The man lay quiet, head upon the floor, legs and hips on the + stairs. One arm had fallen over his face, hiding the upper + half. The hand gleamed white and delicate as a woman's. His + chin was smooth and round, his lips thin and petulant. Beneath + his top-coat, evening dress clothed a short and slender figure. + Nothing whatever of his appearance suggested the burly ruffian, + the midnight marauder; he seemed little more than a boy old + enough to dress for dinner. In his attitude there was something + pitifully suggestive of a beaten child, thrown into a + corner.</p> + + <p>Conscience-smitten and amazed Kirkwood stared on until, + without warning, the match flickered and went out. Then, + straightening up with an exclamation at once of annoyance and + concern, he rattled the box; it made no sound,—was empty. In + disgust he swore it was the devil's own luck, that he should + run out of vestas at a time so critical. He could not even say + whether the fellow was dead, unconscious, or simply shamming. + He had little idea of his looks; and to be able to identify him + might save a deal of trouble at some future time,—since he, + Kirkwood, seemed so little able to disengage himself from the + clutches of this insane adventure! And the girl—. what had + become of her? How could he continue to search for her, without + lights or guide, through all those silent rooms, whose walls + might inclose a hundred hidden dangers in that house of + mystery?</p> + + <p>But he debated only briefly. His blood was young, and it was + hot; it was quite plain to him that he could not withdraw and + retain his self-respect. If the girl was there to be found, + most assuredly, he must find her. The hand-lamp that had + dazzled him at the head of the stairs should be his aid, now + that he thought of it,—and providing he was able to find + it.</p> + + <p>In the scramble on the stairs he had lost his hat, but he + remembered that the vesta's short-lived light had discovered + this on the floor beyond the man's body. Carefully stepping + across the latter he recovered his head-gear, and then, + kneeling, listened with an ear close to the fellow's face. A + softly regular beat of breathing reassured him. Half rising, he + caught the body beneath the armpits, lifting and dragging it + off the staircase; and knelt again, to feel of each pocket in + the man's clothing, partly as an obvious precaution, to relieve + him of his advertised revolver against an untimely wakening, + partly to see if he had the lamp about him.</p> + + <p>The search proved fruitless. Kirkwood suspected that the + weapon, like his own, had existed only in his victim's ready + imagination. As for the lamp, in the act of rising he struck it + with his foot, and picked it up.</p> + + <p>It felt like a metal tube a couple of inches in diameter, a + foot or so in length, passably heavy. He fumbled with it + impatiently. "However the dickens," he wondered audibly, "does + the infernal machine work?" As it happened, the thing worked + with disconcerting abruptness as his untrained fingers fell + hapchance on the spring. A sudden glare again smote him in the + face, and at the same instant, from a point not a yard away, + apparently, an inarticulate cry rang out upon the + stillness.</p> + + <p>Heart in his mouth, he stepped back, lowering the lamp + (which impishly went out) and lifting a protecting forearm.</p> + + <p>"Who's that?" he demanded harshly.</p> + + <p>A strangled sob of terror answered him, blurred by a swift + rush of skirts, and in a breath his shattered nerves quieted + and a glimmer of common sense penetrated the murk anger and + fear had bred in his brain. He understood, and stepped forward, + catching blindly at the darkness with eager hands.</p> + + <p>"Miss Calendar!" he cried guardedly. "Miss Calendar, it is + I—Philip Kirkwood!"</p> + + <p>There was a second sob, of another caliber than the first; + timid fingers brushed his, and a hand, warm and fragile, closed + upon his own in a passion of relief and gratitude.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I am so g-glad!" It was Dorothy Calendar's voice, + beyond mistake. "I—I didn't know what t-to t-think.... When + the light struck your face I was sure it was you, but when I + called, you answered in a voice so strange,—not like yours at + all! ... Tell me," she pleaded, with palpable effort to steady + herself; "what has happened?"</p> + + <p>"I think, perhaps," said Kirkwood uneasily, again troubled + by his racing pulses, "perhaps you can do that better than + I."</p> + + <p>"Oh!" said the voice guiltily; her fingers trembled on his, + and were gently withdrawn. "I was so frightened," she confessed + after a little pause, "so frightened that I hardly understand + ... But you? How did you—?"</p> + + <p>"I worried about you," he replied, in a tone absurdly + apologetic. "Somehow it didn't seem right. It was none of my + business, of course, but ... I couldn't help coming back. This + fellow, whoever he is—don't worry; he's unconscious—slipped + into the house in a manner that seemed to me suspicious. I + hardly know why I followed, except that he left the door an + open invitation to interference ..."</p> + + <p>"I can't be thankful enough," she told him warmly, "that you + did interfere. You have indeed saved me from ..."</p> + + <p>"Yes?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know what. If I knew the man—"</p> + + <p>"You don't <i>know</i> him?"</p> + + <p>"I can't even guess. The light—?"</p> + + <p>She paused inquiringly. Kirkwood fumbled with the lamp, but, + whether its rude handling had impaired some vital part of the + mechanism, or whether the batteries through much use were worn + out, he was able to elicit only one feeble glow, which was + instantly smothered by the darkness.</p> + + <p>"It's no use," he confessed. "The thing's gone wrong."</p> + + <p>"Have you a match?"</p> + + <p>"I used my last before I got hold of this."</p> + + <p>"Oh," she commented, discouraged. "Have you any notion what + he looks like?"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood thought briefly. "Raffles," he replied with a + chuckle. "He looks like an amateurish and very callow Raffles. + He's in dress clothes, you know."</p> + + <p>"I wonder!" There was a nuance of profound bewilderment in + her exclamation. Then: "He knocked against something in the + hall—a chair, I presume; at all events, I heard that and put + out the light. I was ... in the room above the drawing-room, + you see. I stole down to this floor—was there, in the corner + by the stairs when he passed within six inches, and never + guessed it. Then, when he got on the next floor, I started on; + but you came in. I slipped into the drawing-room and crouched + behind a chair. You went on, but I dared not move until ... And + then I heard some one cry out, and you fell down the stairs + together. I hope you were not hurt—?"</p> + + <p>"Nothing worth mention; but <i>he</i> must have got a pretty + stiff knock, to lay him out so completely." Kirkwood stirred + the body with his toe, but the man made no sign. "Dead to the + world ... And now, Miss Calendar?"</p> + + <p>If she answered, he did not hear; for on the heels of his + query banged the knocker down below; and thereafter crash + followed crash, brewing a deep and sullen thundering to rouse + the echoes and send them rolling, like voices of enraged + ghosts, through the lonely rooms.</p> + + <h2 align="center"><a name="V">V</a></h2> + + <h3 align="center">THE MYSTERY OF A FOUR-WHEELER</h3> + + <p>"What's that?" At the first alarm the girl had caught + convulsively at Kirkwood's arm. Now, when a pause came in the + growling of the knocker, she made him hear her voice; and it + was broken and vibrant with a threat of hysteria. "Oh, what can + it mean?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know." He laid a hand reassuringly over that which + trembled on his forearm. "The police, possibly."</p> + + <p>"Police!" she iterated, aghast. "What makes you + think—?"</p> + + <p>"A man tried to stop me at the door," he answered quickly. + "I got in before he could. When he tried the knocker, a bobby + came along and stopped him. The latter may have been watching + the house since then,—it'd be only his duty to keep an eye on + it; and Heaven knows we raised a racket, coming head-first down + those stairs! Now we are up against it," he added brightly.</p> + + <p>But the girl was tugging at his hand. "Come!" she begged + breathlessly. "Come! There is a way! Before they break + in—"</p> + + <p>"But this man—?" Kirkwood hung back, troubled.</p> + + <p>"They—the police are sure to find and care for him."</p> + + <p>"So they will." He chuckled, "And serve him right! He'd have + choked me to death, with all the good will in the world!"</p> + + <p>"Oh, do hurry!"</p> + + <p>Turning, she sped light-footed down the staircase to the + lower hall, he at her elbow. Here the uproar was loudest—deep + enough to drown whatever sounds might have been made by two + pairs of flying feet. For all that they fled on tiptoe, + stealthily, guilty shadows in the night; and at the newel-post + swung back into the unbroken blackness which shrouded the + fastnesses backward of the dwelling. A sudden access of fury on + the part of the alarmist at the knocker, spurred them on with + quaking hearts. In half a dozen strides, Kirkwood, guided only + by instinct and the <i>frou-frou</i> of the girl's skirts as + she ran invisible before him, stumbled on the uppermost steps + of a steep staircase; only a hand-rail saved him, and that at + the last moment. He stopped short, shocked into caution. From + below came a contrite whisper: "I'm so sorry! I should have + warned you."</p> + + <p>He pulled himself together, glaring wildly at nothing. "It's + all right—"</p> + + <p>"You're not hurt, truly? Oh, do come quickly."</p> + + <p>She waited for him at the bottom of the flight;—happily for + him, for he was all at sea.</p> + + <p>"Here—your hand—let me guide you. This darkness is + dreadful ..."</p> + + <p>He found her hand, somehow, and tucked his into it, + confidingly, and not without an uncertain thrill of + satisfaction.</p> + + <p>"Come!" she panted. "Come! If they break in—"</p> + + <p>Stifled by apprehension, her voice failed her.</p> + + <p>They went forward, now less impetuously, for it was very + black; and the knocker had fallen still.</p> + + <p>"No fear of that," he remarked after a time. "They wouldn't + dare break in."</p> + + <p>A fluttering whisper answered him: "I don't know. We dare + risk nothing."</p> + + <p>They seemed to explore, to penetrate acres of labyrinthine + chambers and passages, delving deep into the bowels of the + earth, like rabbits burrowing in a warren, hounded by + beagles.</p> + + <p>Above stairs the hush continued unbroken; as if the dumb + Genius of the Place had cast a spell of silence on the knocker, + or else, outraged, had smitten the noisy disturber with a + palsy.</p> + + <p>The girl seemed to know her way; whether guided by + familiarity or by intuition, she led on without hesitation, + Kirkwood blundering in her wake, between confusion of + impression, and dawning dismay conscious of but one tangible + thing, to which he clung as to his hope of salvation: those + firm, friendly fingers that clasped his own.</p> + + <p>It was as if they wandered on for an hour; probably from + start to finish their flight took up three minutes, no more. + Eventually the girl stopped, releasing his hand. He could hear + her syncopated breathing before him, and gathered that + something was wrong. He took a step forward.</p> + + <p>"What is it?"</p> + + <p>Her full voice broke out of the obscurity startlingly close, + in his very ear.</p> + + <p>"The door—the bolts—I can't budge them."</p> + + <p>"Let me ..."</p> + + <p>He pressed forward, brushing her shoulder. She did not draw + away, but willingly yielded place to his hands at the + fastenings; and what had proved impossible to her, to his + strong fingers was a matter of comparative ease. Yet, not + entirely consciously, he was not quick. As he tugged at the + bolts he was poignantly sensitive to the subtle warmth of her + at his side; he could hear her soft dry sobs of excitement and + suspense, punctuating the quiet; and was frightened, + absolutely, by an impulse, too strong for ridicule, to take her + in his arms and comfort her with the assurance that, whatever + her trouble, he would stand by her and protect her.... It were + futile to try to laugh it off; he gave over the endeavor. Even + at this critical moment he found himself repeating over and + over to his heart the question: "Can this be love? Can this be + love? ..."</p> + + <p>Could it be love at an hour's acquaintance? Absurd! But he + could not laugh—nor render himself insensible to the + suggestion.</p> + + <p>He found that he had drawn the bolts. The girl tugged and + rattled at the knob. Reluctantly the door opened inwards. + Beyond its threshold stretched ten feet or more of covered + passageway, whose entrance framed an oblong glimmering with + light. A draught of fresh air smote their faces. Behind them a + door banged.</p> + + <p>"Where does this open?"</p> + + <p>"On the mews," she informed him.</p> + + <p>"The mews!" He stared in consternation at the pallid oval + that stood for her face. "The mews! But you, in your evening + gown, and I—"</p> + + <p>"There's no other way. We must chance it. Are you + afraid?"</p> + + <p>Afraid? ... He stepped aside. She slipped by him and on. He + closed the door, carefully removing the key and locking it on + the outside; then joined the girl at the entrance to the mews, + where they paused perforce, she as much disconcerted as he, his + primary objection momentarily waxing in force as they surveyed + the conditions circumscribing their escape.</p> + + <p>Quadrant Mews was busily engaged in enjoying itself. Night + had fallen sultry and humid, and the walls and doorsteps were + well fringed and clustered with representatives of that class + of London's population which infests mews through habit, taste, + or force of circumstance.</p> + + <p>On the stoops men sprawled at easy length, discussing short, + foul cutties loaded with that rank and odoriferous compound + which, under the name and in the fame of tobacco, is widely + retailed at tuppence the ounce. Their women-folk more commonly + squatted on the thresholds, cheerfully squabbling; from + opposing second-story windows, two leaned perilously forth, + slanging one another across the square briskly in the purest + billingsgate; and were impartially applauded from below by an + audience whose appreciation seemed faintly tinged with envy. + Squawking and yelling children swarmed over the flags and rude + cobblestones that paved the ways. Like incense, heavy and + pungent, the rich effluvia of stable-yards swirled in air made + visible by its faint burden of mist.</p> + + <p>Over against the entrance wherein Kirkwood and the girl + lurked, confounded by the problem of escaping undetected + through this vivacious scene, a stable-door stood wide, + exposing a dimly illumined interior. Before it waited a + four-wheeler, horse already hitched in between the shafts, + while its driver, a man of leisurely turn of mind, made + lingering inspection of straps and buckles, and, while Kirkwood + watched him, turned attention to the carriage lamps.</p> + + <p>The match which he raked spiritedly down his thigh, flared + ruddily; the succeeding paler glow of the lamp threw into + relief a heavy beefy mask, with shining bosses for cheeks and + nose and chin; through narrow slits two cunning eyes glittered + like dull gems. Kirkwood appraised him with attention, as one + in whose gross carcass was embodied their only hope of + unannoyed return to the streets and normal surroundings of + their world. The difficulty lay in attracting the man's + attention and engaging him without arousing his suspicions or + bringing the population about their ears. Though he hesitated + long, no favorable opportunity presented itself; and in time + the Jehu approached the box with the ostensible purpose of + mounting and driving off. In this critical situation the + American, forced to recognize that boldness must mark his + course, took the girl's fate and his own in his hands, and with + a quick word to his companion, stepped out of hiding.</p> + + <p>The cabby had a foot upon the step when Kirkwood tapped his + shoulder.</p> + + <p>"My man—"</p> + + <p>"Lor, lumme!" cried the fellow in amaze, pivoting on his + heel. Cupidity and quick understanding enlivened the eyes which + in two glances looked Kirkwood up and down, comprehending at + once both his badly rumpled hat and patent-leather shoes. + "S'help me,"—thickly,—"where'd you drop from, guvner?"</p> + + <p>"That's my affair," said Kirkwood briskly. "Are you + engaged?"</p> + + <p>"If you mykes yerself my fare," returned the cabby shrewdly, + "I <i>ham</i>."</p> + + <p>"Ten shillings, then, if you get us out of here in one + minute and to—say—Hyde Park Corner in fifteen."</p> + + <p>"Us?" demanded the fellow aggressively.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood motioned toward the passageway. "There's a lady + with me—there. Quick now!"</p> + + <p>Still the man did not move. "Ten bob," he bargained; "an' + you runnin' awye with th' stuffy ol' gent's fair darter? Come + now, guvner, is it gen'rous? Myke it a quid an'—"</p> + + <p>"A pound then. <i>Will</i> you hurry?"</p> + + <p>By way of answer the fellow scrambled hastily up to the box + and snatched at the reins. "<i>Ck</i>! Gee-e hup!" he cried + sonorously.</p> + + <p>By now the mews had wakened to the fact of the presence of a + "toff" in its midst. His light topcoat and silk hat-rendered + him as conspicuous as a red Indian in war-paint would have been + on Rotten Row. A cry of surprise was raised, and drowned in a + volley of ribald inquiry and chaff.</p> + + <p>Fortunately, the cabby was instant to rein in skilfully + before the passageway, and Kirkwood had the door open before + the four-wheeler stopped. The girl, hugging her cloak about + her, broke cover (whereat the hue and cry redoubled), and + sprang into the body of the vehicle. Kirkwood followed, + shutting the door. As the cab lurched forward he leaned over + and drew down the window-shade, shielding the girl from half a + hundred prying eyes. At the same time they gathered momentum, + banging swiftly, if loudly out of the mews.</p> + + <p>An urchin, leaping on the step to spy in Kirkwood's window, + fell off, yelping, as the driver's whiplash curled about his + shanks.</p> + + <p>The gloom of the tunnel inclosed them briefly ere the lights + of the Hog-in-the-Pound flashed by and the wheels began to roll + more easily. Kirkwood drew back with a sigh of relief.</p> + + <p>"Thank God!" he said softly.</p> + + <p>The girl had no words.</p> + + <p>Worried by her silence, solicitous lest, the strain ended, + she might be on the point of fainting, he let up the shade and + lowered the window at her side.</p> + + <p>She seemed to have collapsed in her corner. Against the dark + upholstery her hair shone like pale gold in the half-light; her + eyes were closed and she held a handkerchief to her lips; the + other hand lay limp.</p> + + <p>"Miss Calendar?"</p> + + <p>She started, and something bulky fell from the seat and + thumped heavily on the floor. Kirkwood bent to pick it up, and + so for the first time was made aware that she had brought with + her a small black gladstone bag of considerable weight. As he + placed it on the forward seat their eyes met.</p> + + <p>"I didn't know—" he began.</p> + + <p>"It was to get that," she hastened to explain, "that my + father sent me ..."</p> + + <p>"Yes," he assented in a tone indicating his complete + comprehension. "I trust ..." he added vaguely, and neglected to + complete the observation, losing himself in a maze of + conjecture not wholly agreeable. This was a new phase of the + adventure. He eyed the bag uneasily. What did it contain? How + did he know ...?</p> + + <p>Hastily he abandoned that line of thought. He had no right + to infer anything whatever, who had thrust himself uninvited + into her concerns—uninvited, that was to say, in the second + instance, having been once definitely given his congé. + Inevitably, however, a thousand unanswerable questions pestered + him; just as, at each fresh facet of mystery disclosed by the + sequence of the adventure, his bewilderment deepened.</p> + + <p>The girl stirred restlessly. "I have been thinking," she + volunteered in a troubled tone, "that there is absolutely no + way I know of, to thank you properly."</p> + + <p>"It is enough if I've been useful," he rose in gallantry to + the emergency.</p> + + <p>"That," she commented, "was very prettily said. But then I + have never known any one more kind and courteous and—and + considerate, than you." There was no savor of flattery in the + simple and direct statement; indeed, she was looking away from + him, out of the window, and her face was serious with thought; + she seemed to be speaking of, rather than to, Kirkwood. "And I + have been wondering," she continued with unaffected candor, + "what you must be thinking of me."</p> + + <p>"I? ... What should I think of you, Miss Calendar?"</p> + + <p>With the air of a weary child she laid her head against the + cushions again, face to him, and watched him through lowered + lashes, unsmiling.</p> + + <p>"You might be thinking that an explanation is due you. Even + the way we were brought together was extraordinary, Mr. + Kirkwood. You must be very generous, as generous as you have + shown yourself brave, not to require some sort of an + explanation of me."</p> + + <p>"I don't see it that way."</p> + + <p>"I do ... You have made me like you very much, Mr. + Kirkwood."</p> + + <p>He shot her a covert glance—causelessly, for her + <i>naiveté</i> was flawless. With a feeling of some slight + awe he understood this—a sensation of sincere reverence for + the unspoiled, candid, child's heart and mind that were hers. + "I'm glad," he said simply; "very glad, if that's the case, and + presupposing I deserve it. Personally," he laughed, "I seem to + myself to have been rather forward."</p> + + <p>"No; only kind and a gentleman."</p> + + <p>"But—please!" he protested.</p> + + <p>"Oh, but I mean it, every word! Why shouldn't I? In a little + while, ten minutes, half an hour, we shall have seen the last + of each other. Why should I not tell you how I appreciate all + that you have unselfishly done for me?"</p> + + <p>"If you put it that way,—I'm sure I don't know; beyond that + it embarrasses me horribly to have you overestimate me so. If + any courage has been shown this night, it is yours ... But I'm + forgetting again." He thought to divert her. "Where shall I + tell the cabby to go this time, Miss Calendar?"</p> + + <p>"Craven Street, please," said the girl, and added a house + number. "I am to meet my father there, with this,"—indicating + the gladstone bag.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood thrust head and shoulders out the window and + instructed the cabby accordingly; but his ruse had been + ineffectual, as he found when he sat back again. Quite + composedly the girl took up the thread of conversation where it + had been broken off.</p> + + <p>"It's rather hard to keep silence, when you've been so good. + I don't want you to think me less generous than yourself, but, + truly, I can tell you nothing." She sighed a trace resentfully; + or so he thought. "There is little enough in this—this + wretched affair, that I understand myself; and that little, I + may not tell ... I want you to know that."</p> + + <p>"I understand, Miss Calendar."</p> + + <p>"There's one thing I may say, however. I have done nothing + wrong to-night, I believe," she added quickly.</p> + + <p>"I've never for an instant questioned that," he returned + with a qualm of shame; for what he said was not true.</p> + + <p>"Thank you ..."</p> + + <p>The four-wheeler swung out of Oxford Street into Charing + Cross Road. Kirkwood noted the fact with a feeling of some + relief that their ride was to be so short; like many of his + fellow-sufferers from "the artistic temperament," he was + acutely disconcerted by spoken words of praise and gratitude; + Miss Calendar, unintentionally enough, had succeeded only in + rendering him self-conscious and ill at ease.</p> + + <p>Nor had she fully relieved her mind, nor voiced all that + perturbed her. "There's one thing more," she said presently: + "my father. I—I hope you will think charitably of him."</p> + + <p>"Indeed, I've no reason or right to think otherwise."</p> + + <p>"I was afraid—afraid his actions might have seemed + peculiar, to-night ..."</p> + + <p>"There are lots of things I don't understand, Miss Calendar. + Some day, perhaps, it will all clear up,—this trouble of + yours. At least, one supposes it is trouble, of some sort. And + then you will tell me the whole story.... Won't you?" Kirkwood + insisted.</p> + + <p>"I'm afraid not," she said, with a smile of shadowed + sadness. "We are to say good night in a moment or two, and—it + will be good-by as well. It's unlikely that we shall ever meet + again."</p> + + <p>"I refuse positively to take such a gloomy view of the + case!"</p> + + <p>She shook her head, laughing with him, but with shy regret. + "It's so, none the less. We are leaving London this very night, + my father and I—leaving England, for that matter."</p> + + <p>"Leaving England?" he echoed. "You're not by any chance + bound for America, are you?"</p> + + <p>"I ... can't tell you."</p> + + <p>"But you can tell me this: are you booked on the + <i>Minneapolis</i>?"</p> + + <p>"No—o; it is a—quite another boat."</p> + + <p>"Of course!" he commented savagely. "It wouldn't be me to + have <i>any</i> sort of luck!"</p> + + <p>She made no reply beyond a low laugh. He stared gloomily out + of his window, noting indifferently that they were passing the + National Gallery. On their left Trafalgar Square stretched, + broad and bare, a wilderness of sooty stone with an air of + mutely tolerating its incongruous fountains. Through Charing + Cross roared a tide-rip of motor-busses and hackney + carriages.</p> + + <p>Glumly the young man foresaw the passing of his abbreviated + romance; their destination was near at hand. Brentwick had been + right, to some extent, at least; it was quite true that the + curtain had been rung up that very night, upon Kirkwood's + Romance; unhappily, as Brentwick had not foreseen, it was + immediately to be rung down.</p> + + <p>The cab rolled soberly into the Strand.</p> + + <p>"Since we are to say good-by so very soon," suggested + Kirkwood, "may I ask a parting favor, Miss Calendar?"</p> + + <p>She regarded him with friendly eyes. "You have every right," + she affirmed gently.</p> + + <p>"Then please to tell me frankly: are you going into any + further danger?"</p> + + <p>"And is that the only boon you crave at my hands, Mr. + Kirkwood?"</p> + + <p>"Without impertinence ..."</p> + + <p>For a little time, waiting for him to conclude his vague + phrase, she watched him in an expectant silence. But the man + was diffident to a degree—At length, somewhat unconsciously, + "I think not," she answered. "No; there will be no danger + awaiting me at Mrs. Hallam's. You need not fear for me any + more—Thank you."</p> + + <p>He lifted his brows at the unfamiliar name. "Mrs. + Hallam—?"</p> + + <p>"I am going to her house in Craven Street."</p> + + <p>"Your father is to meet you there?"—persistently.</p> + + <p>"He promised to."</p> + + <p>"But if he shouldn't?"</p> + + <p>"Why—" Her eyes clouded; she pursed her lips over the + conjectural annoyance. "Why, in that event, I suppose—It would + be very embarrassing. You see, I don't know Mrs. Hallam; I + don't know that she expects me, unless my father is already + there. They are old friends—I could drive round for a while + and come back, I suppose."</p> + + <p>But she made it plain that the prospect did not please + her.</p> + + <p>"Won't you let me ask if Mr. Calender is there, before you + get out, then? I don't like to be dismissed," he laughed; "and, + you know, you shouldn't go wandering round all alone."</p> + + <p>The cab drew up. Kirkwood put a hand on the door and awaited + her will.</p> + + <p>"It—it would be very kind ... I hate to impose upon + you."</p> + + <p>He turned the knob and got out. "If you'll wait one moment," + he said superfluously, as he closed the door.</p> + + <p>Pausing only to verify the number, he sprang up the steps + and found the bell-button.</p> + + <p>It was a modest little residence, in nothing more remarkable + than its neighbors, unless it was for a certain air of extra + grooming: the area railing was sleek with fresh black paint; + the doorstep looked the better for vigorous stoning; the door + itself was immaculate, its brasses shining lustrous against + red-lacquered woodwork. A soft glow filled the fanlight. + Overhead the drawing-room windows shone with a cozy, warm + radiance.</p> + + <p>The door opened, framing the figure of a maid sketched + broadly in masses of somber black and dead white.</p> + + <p>"Can you tell me, is Mr. Calendar here?"</p> + + <p>The servant's eyes left his face, looked past him at the + waiting cab, and returned.</p> + + <p>"I'm not sure, sir. If you will please step in."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood hesitated briefly, then acceded. The maid closed + the door.</p> + + <p>"What name shall I say, sir?"</p> + + <p>"Mr. Kirkwood."</p> + + <p>"If you will please to wait one moment, sir—"</p> + + <p>He was left in the entry hall, the servant hurrying to the + staircase and up. Three minutes elapsed; he was on the point of + returning to the girl, when the maid reappeared.</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Hallam says, will you kindly step up-stairs, sir."</p> + + <p>Disgruntled, he followed her; at the head of the stairs she + bowed him into the drawing-room and again left him to his own + resources.</p> + + <p>Nervous, annoyed, he paced the floor from wall to wall, his + footfalls silenced by heavy rugs. As the delay was prolonged he + began to fume with impatience, wondering, half regretting that + he had left the girl outside, definitely sorry that he had + failed to name his errand more explicitly to the maid. At + another time, in another mood, he might have accorded more + appreciation to the charm of the apartment, which, betraying + the feminine touch in every detail of arrangement and + furnishing, was very handsome in an unconventional way. But he + was quite heedless of externals.</p> + + <p>Wearied, he deposited himself sulkily in an armchair by the + hearth.</p> + + <p>From a boudoir on the same floor there came murmurs of two + voices, a man's and a woman's. The latter laughed prettily.</p> + + <p>"Oh, any time!" snorted the American. "Any time you're + through with your confounded flirtation, Mr. George B. + Calendar!"</p> + + <p>The voices rose, approaching. "Good night," said the woman + gaily; "farewell and—good luck go with you!"</p> + + <p>"Thank you. Good night," replied the man more + conservatively.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood rose, expectant.</p> + + <p>There was a swish of draperies, and a moment later he was + acknowledging the totally unlooked-for entrance of the mistress + of the house. He had thought to see Calendar, presuming him to + be the man closeted with Mrs. Hallam; but, whoever that had + been, he did not accompany the woman. Indeed, as she advanced + from the doorway, Kirkwood could hear the man's footsteps on + the stairs.</p> + + <p>"This is Mr. Kirkwood?" The note of inquiry in the + well-trained voice—a very alluring voice and one pleasant to + listen to, he thought—made it seem as though she had asked, + point-blank, "Who is Mr. Kirkwood?"</p> + + <p>He bowed, discovering himself in the presence of an + extraordinarily handsome and interesting woman; a woman of + years which as yet had not told upon her, of experience that + had not availed to harden her, at least in so far as her + exterior charm of personality was involved; a woman, in brief, + who bore close inspection well, despite an elusive effect of + maturity, not without its attraction for men. Kirkwood was + impressed that it would be very easy to learn to like Mrs. + Hallam more than well—with her approval.</p> + + <p>Although he had not anticipated it, he was not at all + surprised to recognize in her the woman who, if he were not + mistaken, had slipped to Calendar that warning in the + dining-room of the Pless. Kirkwood's state of mind had come to + be such, through his experiences of the past few hours, that he + would have accepted anything, however preposterous, as a + commonplace happening. But for that matter there was nothing + particularly astonishing in this <i>rencontre</i>.</p> + + <p>"I am Mrs. Hallam. You were asking for Mr. Calendar?"</p> + + <p>"He was to have been here at this hour, I believe," said + Kirkwood.</p> + + <p>"Yes?" There was just the right inflection of surprise in + her carefully controlled tone.</p> + + <p>He became aware of an undercurrent of feeling; that the + woman was estimating him shrewdly with her fine direct eyes. He + returned her regard with admiring interest; they were + gray-green eyes, deep-set but large, a little shallow, a little + changeable, calling to mind the sea on a windy, cloudy day.</p> + + <p>Below stairs a door slammed.</p> + + <p>"I am not a detective, Mrs. Hallam," announced the young man + suddenly. "Mr. Calendar required a service of me this evening; + I am here in natural consequence. If it was Mr. Calendar who + left this house just now, I am wasting time."</p> + + <p>"It was not Mr. Calendar." The fine-lined brows arched in + surprise, real or pretended, at his first blurted words, and + relaxed; amused, the woman laughed deliciously. "But I am + expecting him any moment; he was to have been here half an hour + since.... Won't you wait?"</p> + + <p>She indicated, with a gracious gesture, a chair, and took + for herself one end of a davenport. "I'm sure he won't be long, + now."</p> + + <p>"Thank you, I will return, if I may." Kirkwood moved toward + the door.</p> + + <p>"But there's no necessity—" She seemed insistent on + detaining him, possibly because she questioned his motive, + possibly for her own divertisement.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood deprecated his refusal with a smile. "The truth is, + Miss Calendar is waiting in a cab, outside. I—"</p> + + <p>"Dorothy Calendar!" Mrs. Hallam rose alertly. "But why + should she wait there? To be sure, we've never met; but I have + known her father for many years." Her eyes held steadfast to + his face; shallow, flawed by her every thought, like the sea by + a cat's-paw he found them altogether inscrutable; yet received + an impression that their owner was now unable to account for + him.</p> + + <p>She swung about quickly, preceding him to the door and down + the stairs. "I am sure Dorothy will come in to wait, if I ask + her," she told Kirkwood in a high sweet voice. "I'm so anxious + to know her. It's quite absurd, really, of her—to stand on + ceremony with me, when her father made an appointment here. + I'll run out and ask—"</p> + + <p>Mrs. Hallam's slim white fingers turned latch and knob, + opening the street door, and her voice died away as she stepped + out into the night. For a moment, to Kirkwood, tagging after + her with an uncomfortable sense of having somehow done the + wrong thing, her figure—full fair shoulders and arms rising + out of the glittering dinner gown—cut a gorgeous silhouette + against the darkness. Then, with a sudden, imperative gesture, + she half turned towards him.</p> + + <p>"But," she exclaimed, perplexed, gazing to right and left, + "but the cab, Mr. Kirkwood?"</p> + + <p>He was on the stoop a second later. Standing beside her, he + stared blankly.</p> + + <p>To the left the Strand roared, the stream of its night-life + in high spate; on the right lay the Embankment, comparatively + silent and deserted, if brilliant with its high-swung lights. + Between the two, quiet Craven Street ran, short and narrow, and + wholly innocent of any form of equipage.</p> + + <h2 align="center"><a name="VI">VI</a></h2> + + <h3 align="center">"BELOW BRIDGE"</h3> + + <p>In silence Mrs. Hallam turned to Kirkwood, her pose in + itself a question and a peremptory one. Her eyes had narrowed; + between their lashes the green showed, a thin edge like jade, + cold and calculating. The firm lines of her mouth and chin had + hardened.</p> + + <p>Temporarily dumb with consternation, he returned her stare + as silently.</p> + + <p>"<i>Well</i>, Mr.—Kirkwood?"</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Hallam," he stammered, "I—"</p> + + <p>She lifted her shoulders impatiently and with a quick + movement stepped back across the threshold, where she paused, a + rounded arm barring the entrance, one hand grasping the + door-knob, as if to shut him out at any moment.</p> + + <p>"I'm awaiting your explanation," she said coldly.</p> + + <p><br> + <br> + <br> + <img src="frontis2s.jpg" + alt= + ""I'm waiting your explanation," she said coldly." + align="middle"></p> + + <p>He grinned with nervousness, striving to penetrate the + mental processes of this handsome Mrs. Hallam. She seemed to + regard him with a suspicion which he thought inexcusable. Did + she suppose he had spirited Dorothy Calendar away and then + called to apprise her of the fact? Or that he was some sort of + an adventurer, who had manufactured a plausible yarn to gain + him access to her home? Or—harking back to her original + theory—that he was an emissary from Scotland Yard? ... + Probably she distrusted him on the latter hypothesis. The + reflection left him more at ease.</p> + + <p>"I am quite as mystified as you, Mrs. Hallam," he began. + "Miss Calendar was here, at this door, in a four-wheeler, not + ten minutes ago, and—"</p> + + <p>"Then where is she now?"</p> + + <p>"Tell me where Calendar is," he retorted, inspired, "and + I'll try to answer you!"</p> + + <p>But her eyes were blank. "You mean—?"</p> + + <p>"That Calendar was in this house when I came; that he left, + found his daughter in the cab, and drove off with her. It's + clear enough."</p> + + <p>"You are quite mistaken," she said thoughtfully. "George + Calendar has not been here this night."</p> + + <p>He wondered that she did not seem to resent his imputation. + "I think not—"</p> + + <p>"Listen!" she cried, raising a warning hand; and relaxing + her vigilant attitude, moved forward once more, to peer down + toward the Embankment.</p> + + <p>A cab had cut in from that direction and was bearing down + upon them with a brisk rumble of hoofs. As it approached, + Kirkwood's heart, that had lightened, was weighed upon again by + disappointment. It was no four-wheeler, but a hansom, and the + open wings of the apron, disclosing a white triangle of linen + surmounted by a glowing spot of fire, betrayed the sex of the + fare too plainly to allow of further hope that it might be the + girl returning.</p> + + <p>At the door, the cab pulled up sharply and a man tumbled + hastily out upon the sidewalk.</p> + + <p>"Here!" he cried throatily, tossing the cabby his fare, and + turned toward the pair upon the doorstep, evidently surmising + that something was amiss. For he was Calendar in proper person, + and a sight to upset in a twinkling Kirkwood's ingeniously + builded castle of suspicion.</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Hallam!" he cried, out of breath. "'S my daughter + here?" And then, catching sight of Kirkwood's countenance: + "Why, hello, Kirkwood!" he saluted him with a dubious air.</p> + + <p>The woman interrupted hastily. "Please come in, Mr. + Calendar. This gentleman has been inquiring for you, with an + astonishing tale about your daughter."</p> + + <p>"Dorothy!" Calendar's moon-like visage was momentarily + divested of any trace of color. "What of her?"</p> + + <p>"You had better come in," advised Mrs. Hallam brusquely.</p> + + <p>The fat adventurer hopped hurriedly across the threshold, + Kirkwood following. The woman shut the door, and turned with + back to it, nodding significantly at Kirkwood as her eyes met + Calendar's.</p> + + <p>"Well, well?" snapped the latter impatiently, turning to the + young man.</p> + + <p>But Kirkwood was thinking quickly. For the present he + contented himself with a deliberate statement of fact: "Miss + Calendar has disappeared." It gave him an instant's time ... + "There's something damned fishy!" he told himself. "These two + are playing at cross-purposes. Calendar's no fool; he's + evidently a crook, to boot. As for the woman, she's had her + eyes open for a number of years. The main thing's Dorothy. She + didn't vanish of her own initiative. And Mrs. Hallam knows, or + suspects, more than she's going to tell. I don't think she + wants Dorothy found. Calendar does. So do I. Ergo: I'm for + Calendar."</p> + + <p>"Disappeared?" Calendar was barking at him. "How? When? + Where?"</p> + + <p>"Within ten minutes," said Kirkwood. "Here, let's get it + straight.... With her permission I brought her here in a + four-wheeler." He was carefully suppressing all mention of + Frognall Street, and in Calendar's glance read approval of the + elision. "She didn't want to get out, unless you were here. I + asked for you. The maid showed me up-stairs. I left your + daughter in the cab—and by the way, I hadn't paid the driver. + That's funny, too! Perhaps six or seven minutes after I came in + Mrs. Hallam found out that Miss Calendar was with me and wanted + to ask her in. When we got to the door—no cab. There you have + it all."</p> + + <p>"Thanks—it's plenty," said Calendar dryly. He bent his head + in thought for an instant, then looked up and fixed Mrs. Hallam + with an unprejudiced eye, "I say!" he demanded explosively. + "There wasn't any one here that knew—eh?"</p> + + <p>Her fine eyes wavered and fell before his; and Kirkwood + remarked that her under lip was curiously drawn in.</p> + + <p>"I heard a man leave as Mrs. Hallam joined me," he + volunteered helpfully, and with a suspicion of malice. "And + after that—I paid no attention at the time—it seems to me I + did hear a cab in the street—"</p> + + <p>"Ow?" interjected Calendar, eying the woman steadfastly and + employing an exclamation of combined illumination and inquiry + more typically British than anything Kirkwood had yet heard + from the man.</p> + + <p>For her part, the look she gave Kirkwood was sharp with + fury. It was more; it was a mistake, a flaw in her diplomacy; + for Calendar intercepted it. Unceremoniously he grasped her + bare arm with his fat hand.</p> + + <p>"Tell me who it was," he demanded in an ugly tone.</p> + + <p>She freed herself with a twist, and stepped back, a higher + color in her cheeks, a flash of anger in her eyes.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Mulready," she retorted defiantly. "What of that?"</p> + + <p>"I wish I was sure," declared the fat adventurer, + exasperated. "As it is, I bet a dollar you've put your foot in + it, my lady. I warned you of that blackguard.... There! The + mischief's done; we won't row over it. One moment." He begged + it with a wave of his hand; stood pondering briefly, fumbled + for his watch, found and consulted it. "It's the barest + chance," he muttered. "Perhaps we can make it."</p> + + <p>"What are you going to do?" asked the woman.</p> + + <p>"Give <i>Mister</i> Mulready a run for his money. Come + along, Kirkwood; we haven't a minute. Mrs. Hallam, permit + us...." She stepped aside and he brushed past her to the door. + "Come, Kirkwood!"</p> + + <p>He seemed to take Kirkwood's company for granted; and the + young man was not inclined to argue the point. Meekly enough he + fell in with Calendar on the sidewalk. Mrs. Hallam followed + them out. "You won't forget?" she called tentatively.</p> + + <p>"I'll 'phone you if we find out anything." Calendar jerked + the words unceremoniously over his shoulder as, linking arms + with Kirkwood, he drew him swiftly along. They heard her shut + the door; instantly Calendar stopped. "Look here, did Dorothy + have a—a small parcel with her?"</p> + + <p>"She had a gladstone bag."</p> + + <p>"Oh, the devil, the devil!" Calendar started on again, + muttering distractedly. As they reached the corner he + disengaged his arm. "We've a minute and a half to reach Charing + Cross Pier; and I think it's the last boat. You set the pace, + will you? But remember I'm an oldish man and—and fat."</p> + + <p>They began to run, the one easily, the other lumbering after + like an old-fashioned square-rigged ship paced by a liner.</p> + + <p>Beneath the railway bridge, in front of the Underground + station, the cab-rank cried them on with sardonic view-halloos; + and a bobby remarked them with suspicion, turning to watch as + they plunged round the corner and across the wide + Embankment.</p> + + <p>The Thames appeared before them, a river of ink on whose + burnished surface lights swam in long winding streaks and oily + blobs. By the floating pier a County Council steamboat strained + its hawsers, snoring huskily. Bells were jingling in her + engine-room as the two gained the head of the sloping + gangway.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood slapped a shilling down on the ticket-window ledge. + "Where to?" he cried back to Calendar.</p> + + <p>"Cherry Gardens Pier," rasped the winded man. He stumbled + after Kirkwood, groaning with exhaustion. Only the tolerance of + the pier employees gained them their end; the steamer was held + some seconds for them; as Calendar staggered to its deck, the + gangway was jerked in, the last hawser cast off. The boat + sheered wide out on the river, then shot in, arrow-like, to the + pier beneath Waterloo Bridge.</p> + + <p>The deck was crowded and additional passengers embarked at + every stop. In the circumstances conversation, save on the most + impersonal topics, was impossible; and even had it been + necessary or advisable to discuss the affair which occupied + their minds, where so many ears could hear, Calendar had breath + enough neither to answer nor to catechize Kirkwood. They found + seats on the forward deck and rested there in grim silence, + both fretting under the enforced restraint, while the boat + darted, like some illuminated and exceptionally active water + insect, from pier to pier.</p> + + <p>As it snorted beneath London Bridge, Calendar's impatience + drove him from his seat back to the gangway. "Next stop," he + told Kirkwood curtly; and rested his heavy bulk against the + paddle-box, brooding morosely, until, after an uninterrupted + run of more than a mile, the steamer swept in, side-wheels + backing water furiously against the ebbing tide, to Cherry + Gardens landing.</p> + + <p>Sweet name for a locality unsavory beyond credence! ... As + they emerged on the street level and turned west on Bermondsey + Wall, Kirkwood was fain to tug his top-coat over his chest and + button it tight, to hide his linen. In a guarded tone he + counseled his companion to do likewise; and Calendar, after a + moment's blank, uncomprehending stare, acknowledged the wisdom + of the advice with a grunt.</p> + + <p>The very air they breathed was rank with fetid odors bred of + the gaunt dark warehouses that lined their way; the lights were + few; beneath the looming buildings the shadows were many and + dense. Here and there dreary and cheerless public houses + appeared, with lighted windows conspicuous in a lightless + waste. From time to time, as they hurried on, they encountered, + and made wide detours to escape contact with knots of + wayfarers—men debased and begrimed, with dreary and slatternly + women, arm in arm, zigzaging widely across the sidewalks, + chorusing with sodden voices the burden of some popularized + ballad. The cheapened, sentimental refrains echoed sadly + between benighted walls....</p> + + <p>Kirkwood shuddered, sticking close to Calendar's side. + Life's naked brutalities had theretofore been largely out of + his ken. He had heard of slums, had even ventured to mouth + politely moral platitudes on the subject of overcrowding in + great centers of population, but in the darkest flights of + imagination had never pictured to himself anything so + unspeakably foul and hopeless as this.... And they were come + hither seeking—Dorothy Calendar! He was unable to conceive + what manner of villainy could be directed against her, that she + must be looked for in such surroundings.</p> + + <p>After some ten minutes' steady walking, Calendar turned + aside with a muttered word, and dived down a covered, dark and + evil-smelling passageway that seemed to lead toward the + river.</p> + + <p>Mastering his involuntary qualms, Kirkwood followed.</p> + + <p>Some ten or twelve paces from its entrance the passageway + swerved at a right angle, continuing three yards or so to end + in a blank wall, wherefrom a flickering, inadequate gas-lamp + jutted. At this point a stone platform, perhaps four feet + square, was discovered, from the edge of which a flight of worn + and slimy stone steps led down to a permanent boat-landing, + where another gas-light flared gustily despite the protection + of its frame of begrimed glass.</p> + + <p>"Good Lord!" exclaimed the young man. "What, in Heaven's + name, Calendar—?"</p> + + <p>"Bermondsey Old Stairs. Come on."</p> + + <p>They descended to the landing-stage. Beneath them the Pool + slept, a sheet of polished ebony, whispering to itself, lapping + with small stealthy gurgles angles of masonry and ancient + piles. On the farther bank tall warehouses reared square + old-time heads, their uncompromising, rugged profile relieved + here and there by tapering mastheads. A few, scattering, feeble + lights were visible. Nothing moved save the river and the + wind.</p> + + <p>The landing itself they found quite deserted; something + which the adventurer comprehended with a nod which, like its + accompanying, inarticulate ejaculation, might have been taken + to indicate either satisfaction or disgust. He ignored Kirkwood + altogether, for the time being, and presently produced a small, + bright object, which, applied to his lips, proved to be a + boatswain's whistle. He sounded two blasts, one long, one + brief.</p> + + <p>There fell a lull, Kirkwood watching the other and wondering + what next would happen. Calendar paced restlessly to and fro + upon the narrow landing, now stopping to incline an ear to + catch some anticipated sound, now searching with sweeping + glances the black reaches of the Pool.</p> + + <p>Finally, consulting his watch, "Almost ten," he + announced.</p> + + <p>"We're in time?"</p> + + <p>"Can't say.... Damn! ... If that infernal boat would only + show up—"</p> + + <p>He was lifting the whistle to sound a second summons when a + rowboat rounded a projecting angle formed by the next warehouse + down stream, and with clanking oar-locks swung in toward the + landing. On her thwarts two figures, dipping and rising, + labored with the sweeps. As they drew in, the man forward + shipped his blades, and rising, scrambled to the bows in order + to grasp an iron mooring-ring set in the wall. The other + awkwardly took in his oars and, as the current swung the stern + downstream, placed a hand palm downward upon the bottom step to + hold the boat steady.</p> + + <p>Calendar waddled to the brink of the stage, grunting with + relief.</p> + + <p>"The other man?" he asked brusquely. "Has he gone aboard? Or + is this the first trip to-night?"</p> + + <p>One of the watermen nodded assent to the latter question, + adding gruffly: "Seen nawthin' of 'im, sir."</p> + + <p>"Very good," said Calendar, as if he doubted whether it were + very good or bad. "We'll wait a bit."</p> + + <p>"Right-o!" agreed the waterman civilly.</p> + + <p>Calendar turned back, his small eyes glimmering with + satisfaction. Fumbling in one coat pocket he brought to light a + cigar-case. "Have a smoke?" he suggested with a show of + friendliness. "By Heaven, I was beginnin' to get worried!"</p> + + <p>"As to what?" inquired Kirkwood pointedly, selecting a + cigar.</p> + + <p>He got no immediate reply, but felt Calendar's sharp eyes + upon him while he manoeuvered with matches for a light.</p> + + <p>"That's so," it came at length. "You don't know. I kind of + forgot for a minute; somehow you seemed on the inside."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood laughed lightly. "I've experienced something of the + same sensation in the past few hours."</p> + + <p>"Don't doubt it." Calendar was watching him narrowly. "I + suppose," he put it to him abruptly, "you haven't changed your + mind?"</p> + + <p>"Changed my mind?"</p> + + <p>"About coming in with me."</p> + + <p>"My dear sir, I can have no mind to change until a plain + proposition is laid before me."</p> + + <p>"Hmm!" Calendar puffed vigorously until it occurred to him + to change the subject. "You won't mind telling me what happened + to you and Dorothy?"</p> + + <p>"Certainly not."</p> + + <p>Calendar drew nearer and Kirkwood, lowering his voice, + narrated briefly the events since he had left the Pless in + Dorothy's company.</p> + + <p>Her father followed him intently, interrupting now and again + with exclamation or pertinent question; as, Had Kirkwood been + able to see the face of the man in No. 9, Frognall Street? The + negative answer seemed to disconcert him.</p> + + <p>"Youngster, you say? Blam' if I can lay my mind to + <i>him</i>! Now if that Mulready—"</p> + + <p>"It would have been impossible for Mulready—whoever he + is—to recover and get to Craven Street before we did," + Kirkwood pointed out.</p> + + <p>"Well—go on." But when the tale was told, "It's that + scoundrel, Mulready!" the man affirmed with heat. "It's his + hand—I know him. I might have had sense enough to see he'd + take the first chance to hand me the double-cross. Well, this + does for <i>him</i>, all right!" Calendar lowered viciously at + the river. "You've been blame' useful," he told Kirkwood + assertively. "If it hadn't been for you, I don't know where + <i>I'd</i> be now,—nor Dorothy, either,"—an obvious + afterthought. "There's no particular way I can show my + appreciation, I suppose? Money—?"</p> + + <p>"I've got enough to last me till I reach New York, thank + you."</p> + + <p>"Well, if the time ever comes, just shout for George B. I + won't be wanting.... I only wish you were with us; but that's + out of the question."</p> + + <p>"Doubtless ..."</p> + + <p>"No two ways about it. I bet anything you've got a + conscience concealed about your person. What? You're an honest + man, eh?"</p> + + <p>"I don't want to sound immodest," returned Kirkwood, + amused.</p> + + <p>"You don't need to worry about that.... But an honest man's + got no business in <i>my</i> line." He glanced again at his + watch. "Damn that Mulready! I wonder if he was 'cute enough to + take another way? Or did he think ... The fool!"</p> + + <p>He cut off abruptly, seeming depressed by the thought that + he might have been outwitted; and, clasping hands behind his + back, chewed savagely on his cigar, watching the river. + Kirkwood found himself somewhat wearied; the uselessness of his + presence there struck him with added force. He bethought him of + his boat-train, scheduled to leave a station miles distant, in + an hour and a half. If he missed it, he would be stranded in a + foreign land, penniless and practically without + friends—Brentwick being away and all the rest of his circle of + acquaintances on the other side of the Channel. Yet he + lingered, in poor company, daring fate that he might see the + end of the affair. Why?</p> + + <p>There was only one honest answer to that question. He stayed + on because of his interest in a girl whom he had known for a + matter of three hours, at most. It was insensate folly on his + part, ridiculous from any point of view. But he made no move to + go.</p> + + <p>The slow minutes lengthened monotonously.</p> + + <p>There came a sound from the street level. Calendar held up a + hand of warning. "Here they come! Steady!" he said tensely. + Kirkwood, listening intently, interpreted the noise as a clash + of hoofs upon cobbles.</p> + + <p>Calendar turned to the boat.</p> + + <p>"Sheer off," he ordered. "Drop out of sight. I'll whistle + when I want you."</p> + + <p>"Aye, aye, sir."</p> + + <p>The boat slipped noiselessly away with the current and in an + instant was lost to sight. Calendar plucked at Kirkwood's + sleeve, drawing him into the shadow of the steps. "E-easy," he + whispered; "and, I say, lend me a hand, will you, if Mulready + turns ugly?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes," assented Kirkwood, with a nonchalance not + entirely unassumed.</p> + + <p>The racket drew nearer and ceased; the hush that fell + thereafter seemed only accentuated by the purling of the river. + It was ended by footsteps echoing in the covered passageway. + Calendar craned his thick neck round the shoulder of stone, + reconnoitering the landing and stairway.</p> + + <p>"Thank God!" he said under his breath. "I was right, after + all!"</p> + + <p>A man's deep tones broke out above. "This way. Mind the + steps; they're a bit slippery, Miss Dorothy."</p> + + <p>"But my father—?" came the girl's voice, attuned to + doubt.</p> + + <p>"Oh, he'll be along—if he isn't waiting now, in the + boat."</p> + + <p>They descended, the man leading. At the foot, without a + glance to right or left, he advanced to the edge of the stage, + leaning out over the rail as if endeavoring to locate the + rowboat. At once the girl appeared, moving to his side.</p> + + <p>"But, Mr. Mulready—"</p> + + <p>The girl's words were drowned by a prolonged blast on the + boatswain's whistle at her companion's lips; the shorter one + followed in due course. Calendar edged forward from Kirkwood's + side.</p> + + <p>"But what shall we do if my father isn't here? Wait?"</p> + + <p>"No; best not to; best to get on the <i>Alethea</i> as soon + as possible, Miss Calendar. We can send the boat back."</p> + + <p>"'Once aboard the lugger the girl is mine'—eh, + Mulready?—to say nothing of the loot!"</p> + + <p>If Calendar's words were jocular, his tone conveyed a + different impression entirely. Both man and girl wheeled right + about to face him, the one with a strangled oath, the other + with a low cry.</p> + + <p>"The devil!" exclaimed this Mr. Mulready.</p> + + <p>"Oh! My father!" the girl voiced her recognition of him.</p> + + <p>"Not precisely one and the same person," commented Calendar + suavely. "But—er—thanks, just as much.... You see, Mulready, + when I make an appointment, I keep it."</p> + + <p>"We'd begun to get a bit anxious about you—" Mulready began + defensively.</p> + + <p>"So I surmised, from what Mrs. Hallam and Mr. Kirkwood told + me.... Well?"</p> + + <p>The man found no ready answer. He fell back a pace to the + railing, his features working with his deep chagrin. The murky + flare of the gas-lamp overhead fell across a face handsome + beyond the ordinary but marred by a sullen humor and seamed + with indulgence: a face that seemed hauntingly familiar until + Kirkwood in a flash of visual memory reconstructed the portrait + of a man who lingered over a dining-table, with two empty + chairs for company. This, then, was he whom Mrs. Hallam had + left at the Pless; a tall, strong man, very heavy about the + chest and shoulders....</p> + + <p>"Why, my dear friend," Calendar was taunting him, "you don't + seem overjoyed to see me, for all your wild anxiety! 'Pon my + word, you act as if you hadn't expected me—and our engagement + so clearly understood, at that! ... Why, you fool!"—here the + mask of irony was cast. "Did you think for a moment I'd let + myself be nabbed by that yap from Scotland Yard? Were you + banking on that? I give you my faith I ambled out under his + very nose! ... Dorothy, my dear," turning impatiently from + Mulready, "where's that bag?"</p> + + <p>The girl withdrew a puzzled gaze from Mulready's face, (it + was apparent to Kirkwood that this phase of the affair was no + more enigmatic to him than to her), and drew aside a corner of + her cloak, disclosing the gladstone bag, securely grasped in + one gloved hand.</p> + + <p>"I have it, thanks to Mr. Kirkwood," she said quietly.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood chose that moment to advance from the shadow. + Mulready started and fixed him with a troubled and unfriendly + stare. The girl greeted him with a note of sincere pleasure in + her surprise.</p> + + <p>"Why, Mr. Kirkwood! ... But I left you at Mrs. + Hallam's!"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood bowed, smiling openly at Mulready's + discomfiture.</p> + + <p>"By your father's grace, I came with him," he said. "You ran + away without saying good night, you know, and I'm a jealous + creditor."</p> + + <p>She laughed excitedly, turning to Calendar. "But <i>you</i> + were to meet me at Mrs. Hallam's?"</p> + + <p>"Mulready was good enough to try to save me the trouble, my + dear. He's an unselfish soul, Mulready. Fortunately it happened + that I came along not five minutes after he'd carried you off. + How was that, Dorothy?"</p> + + <p>Her glance wavered uneasily between the two, Mulready and + her father. The former, shrugging to declare his indifference, + turned his back squarely upon them. She frowned.</p> + + <p>"He came out of Mrs. Hallam's and got into the four-wheeler, + saying you had sent him to take your place, and would join us + on the <i>Alethea</i>."</p> + + <p>"So-o! How about it, Mulready?"</p> + + <p>The man swung back slowly. "What you choose to think," he + said after a deliberate pause.</p> + + <p>"Well, never mind! We'll go over the matter at our leisure + on the <i>Alethea</i>."</p> + + <p>There was in the adventurer's tone a menace, bitter and not + to be ignored; which Mulready saw fit to challenge.</p> + + <p>"I think not," he declared; "I think not. I'm weary of your + addle-pated suspicions. It'd be plain to any one but a fool + that I acted for the best interests of all concerned in this + matter. If you're not content to see it in that light, I'm + done."</p> + + <p>"Oh, if you want to put it that way, I'm <i>not</i> content, + Mr. Mulready," retorted Calendar dangerously.</p> + + <p>"Please yourself. I bid you good evening and—good-by." The + man took a step toward the stairs.</p> + + <p>Calendar dropped his right hand into his top-coat pocket. + "Just a minute," he said sweetly, and Mulready stopped. + Abruptly the fat adventurer's smoldering resentment leaped in + flame. "That'll be about all, Mr. Mulready! 'Bout face, you + hound, and get into that boat! D'you think I'll temporize with + you till Doomsday? Then forget it. You're wrong, dead wrong. + Your bluff's called, and"—with an evil chuckle—"I hold a full + house, Mulready,—every chamber taken." He lifted meaningly the + hand in the coat pocket. "Now, in with you."</p> + + <p>With a grin and a swagger of pure bravado Mulready turned + and obeyed. Unnoticed of any, save perhaps Calendar himself, + the boat had drawn in at the stage a moment earlier. Mulready + dropped into it and threw himself sullenly upon the midships + thwart.</p> + + <p>"Now, Dorothy, in you go, my dear," continued Calendar, with + a self-satisfied wag of his head.</p> + + <p>Half dazed, to all seeming, she moved toward the boat. With + clumsy and assertive gallantry her father stepped before her, + offering his hand,—his hand which she did not touch; for, in + the act of descending, she remembered and swung impulsively + back to Kirkwood.</p> + + <p>"Good night, Mr. Kirkwood; good night,—I shan't + forget."</p> + + <p>He took her hand and bowed above it; but when his head was + lifted, he still retained her fingers in a lingering clasp.</p> + + <p>"Good night," he said reluctantly.</p> + + <p>The crass incongruity of her in that setting smote him with + renewed force. Young, beautiful, dainty, brilliant and graceful + in her pretty evening gown, she figured strangely against the + gloomy background of the river, in those dull and mean + surroundings of dank stone and rusted iron. She was like (he + thought extravagantly) a whiff of flower-fragrance lost in the + miasmatic vapors of a slough.</p> + + <p>The innocent appeal and allure of her face, upturned to his + beneath the gas-light, wrought compassionately upon his + sensitive and generous heart. He was aware of a little surge of + blind rage against the conditions that had brought her to that + spot, and against those whom he held responsible for those + conditions.</p> + + <p>In a sudden flush of daring he turned and nodded coolly to + Calendar. "With your permission," he said negligently; and drew + the girl aside to the angle of the stairway.</p> + + <p>"Miss Calendar—" he began; but was interrupted.</p> + + <p>"Here—I say!"</p> + + <p>Calendar had started toward him angrily.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood calmly waved him back. "I want a word in private + with your daughter, Mr. Calendar," he announced with quiet + dignity. "I don't think you'll deny me? I've saved you some + slight trouble to-night."</p> + + <p>Disgruntled, the adventurer paused. "Oh—<i>all</i> right," + he grumbled. "I don't see what ..." He returned to the + boat.</p> + + <p>"Forgive me, Miss Calendar," continued Kirkwood nervously. + "I know I've no right to interfere, but—"</p> + + <p>"Yes, Mr. Kirkwood?"</p> + + <p>"—but hasn't this gone far enough?" he floundered + unhappily. "I can't like the look of things. Are you sure—sure + that it's all right—with you, I mean?"</p> + + <p>She did not answer at once; but her eyes were kind and + sympathetic. He plucked heart of their tolerance.</p> + + <p>"It isn't too late, yet," he argued. "Let me take you to + your friends,—you must have friends in the city. But + this—this midnight flight down the Thames, this atmosphere of + stealth and suspicion, this—"</p> + + <p>"But my place is with my father, Mr. Kirkwood," she + interposed. "I daren't doubt him—dare I?"</p> + + <p>"I ... suppose not."</p> + + <p>"So I must go with him.... I'm glad—thank you for caring, + dear Mr. Kirkwood. And again, good night."</p> + + <p>"Good luck attend you," he muttered, following her to the + boat.</p> + + <p>Calendar helped her in and turned back to Kirkwood with a + look of arch triumph; Kirkwood wondered if he had overheard. + Whether or no, he could afford to be magnanimous. Seizing + Kirkwood's hand, he pumped it vigorously.</p> + + <p>"My dear boy, you've been an angel in disguise! And I guess + you think me the devil in masquerade." He chuckled, in high + conceit with himself over the turn of affairs. "Good night + and—and fare thee well!" He dropped into the boat, seating + himself to face the recalcitrant Mulready. "Cast off, + there!"</p> + + <p>The boat dropped away, the oars lifting and falling. With a + weariful sense of loneliness and disappointment, Kirkwood hung + over the rail to watch them out of sight.</p> + + <p>A dozen feet of water lay between the stage and the boat. + The girl's dress remained a spot of cheerful color; her face + was a blur. As the watermen swung the bows down-stream, she + looked back, lifting an arm spectral in its white sheath. + Kirkwood raised his hat.</p> + + <p>The boat gathered impetus, momentarily diminishing in the + night's illusory perspective; presently it was little more than + a fugitive blot, gliding swiftly in midstream. And then, it was + gone entirely, engulfed by the obliterating darkness.<br> + <br> + <img src="illp115s.jpg" + width="462" + height="800" + border="0" + alt="The boat gathered impetus."></p> + + <p>Somewhat wearily the young man released the railing and + ascended the stairs. "And that is the end!" he told himself, + struggling with an acute sense of personal injury. He had been + hardly used. For a few hours his life had been lightened by the + ineffable glamor of Romance; mystery and adventure had engaged + him, exorcising for the time the Shade of Care; he had served a + fair woman and been associated with men whose ways, however + questionable, were the ways of courage, hedged thickly about + with perils.</p> + + <p>All that was at an end. Prosaic and workaday to-morrows + confronted him in endless and dreary perspective; and he felt + again upon his shoulder the bony hand of his familiar, + Care....</p> + + <p>He sighed: "Ah, well!"</p> + + <p>Disconsolate and aggrieved, he gained the street. He was + miles from St. Pancras, foot-weary, to all intents and purposes + lost.</p> + + <p>In this extremity, Chance smiled upon him. The cabby who, at + his initial instance, had traveled this weary way from Quadrant + Mews, after the manner of his kind, ere turning back, had + sought surcease of fatigue at the nearest public; from afar + Kirkwood saw the four-wheeler at the curb, and made all haste + toward it.</p> + + <p>Entering the gin-mill he found the cabby, soothed him with + bitter, and, instructing him for St. Pancras with all speed, + dropped, limp and listless with fatigue, into the + conveyance.</p> + + <p>As it moved, he closed his eyes; the face of Dorothy + Calendar shone out from the blank wall of his consciousness, + like an illuminated picture cast upon a screen. She smiled upon + him, her head high, her eyes tender and trustful. And he + thought that her scarlet lips were sweet with promise and her + glance a-brim with such a light as he had never dreamed to + know.</p> + + <p>And now that he knew it and desired it, it was too late; an + hour gone he might, by a nod of his head, have cast his + fortunes with hers for weal or woe. But now ... Alas and + alackaday, that Romance was no more!</p> + + <center> + <h2><a name="VII">VII</a></h2> + + <h3>DIVERSIONS OF A RUINED GENTLEMAN,—RESUMED</h3> + </center> + + <p>From the commanding elevation of the box, "Three 'n' six," + enunciated the cabby, his tone that of a man prepared for + trouble, acquainted with trouble, inclined to give trouble a + welcome. His bloodshot eyes blinked truculently at his alighted + fare. "Three 'n' six," he iterated aggressively.</p> + + <p>An adjacent but theretofore abstracted policeman pricked up + his ears and assumed an intelligent expression.</p> + + <p>"Bermondsey Ol' Stairs to Sain' Pancras," argued the cabby + assertively; "seven mile by th' radius; three 'n' six!"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood stood on the outer station platform, near the + entrance to third-class waiting-rooms. Continuing to fumble + through his pockets for an elusive sovereign purse, he looked + up mildly at the man.</p> + + <p>"All right, cabby," he said, with pacific purpose; "you'll + get your fare in half a shake."</p> + + <p>"Three 'n' six!" croaked the cabby, like a blowsy and + vindictive parrot.</p> + + <p>The bobby strolled nearer.</p> + + <p>"Yes?" said Kirkwood, mildly diverted. "Why not sing it, + cabby?"</p> + + <p>"Lor' lumme!" The cabby exploded with indignation, + continuing to give a lifelike imitation of a rumpled parrot. "I + 'ad trouble enough wif you at Bermondsey Ol' Stairs, hover that + quid you promised, didn't I? Sing it! My heye!"</p> + + <p>"Quid, cabby?" And then, remembering that he had promised + the fellow a sovereign for fast driving from Quadrant Mews, + Kirkwood grinned broadly, eyes twinkling; for Mulready must + have fallen heir to that covenant. "But you got the sovereign? + You got it, didn't you, cabby?"</p> + + <p>The driver affirmed the fact with unnecessary heat and + profanity and an amendment to the effect that he would have + spoiled his fare's sanguinary conk had the outcome been less + satisfactory.</p> + + <p>The information proved so amusing that Kirkwood, chuckling, + forbore to resent the manner of its delivery, and, abandoning + until a more favorable time the chase of the coy sovereign + purse, extracted from one trouser pocket half a handful of + large English small change.</p> + + <p>"Three shillings, six-pence," he counted the coins into the + cabby's grimy and bloated paw; and added quietly: "The exact + distance is rather less than, four miles, my man; your fare, + precisely two shillings. You may keep the extra eighteen pence, + for being such a conscientious blackguard,—or talk it over + with the officer here. Please yourself."</p> + + <p>He nodded to the bobby, who, favorably impressed by the silk + hat which Kirkwood, by diligent application of his sleeve + during the cross-town ride, had managed to restore to a state + somewhat approximating its erstwhile luster, smiled at the + cabby a cold, hard smile. Whereupon the latter, smirking in + unabashed triumph, spat on the pavement at Kirkwood's feet, + gathered up the reins, and wheeled out.</p> + + <p>"A 'ard lot, sir," commented the policeman, jerking his + helmeted head towards the vanishing four-wheeler.</p> + + <p>"Right you are," agreed Kirkwood amiably, still tickled by + the knowledge that Mulready had been obliged to pay three times + over for the ride that ended in his utter discomfiture. + Somehow, Kirkwood had conceived no liking whatever for the man; + Calendar he could, at a pinch, tolerate for his sense of humor, + but Mulready—! "A surly dog," he thought him.</p> + + <p>Acknowledging the policeman's salute and restoring two + shillings and a few fat copper pennies to his pocket, he + entered the vast and echoing train-shed. In the act, his + attention was attracted and immediately riveted by the + spectacle of a burly luggage navvy in a blue jumper in the act + of making off with a large, folding sign-board, of which the + surface was lettered expansively with the advice, in red + against a white background:</p> + + <p>BOAT-TRAIN LEAVES ON TRACK 3</p> + + <p>Incredulous yet aghast the young man gave instant chase to + the navvy, overhauling him with no great difficulty. For your + horny-handed British working-man is apparently born with two + golden aphorisms in his mouth: "Look before you leap," and + "Haste makes waste." He looks continually, seldom, if ever, + leaps, and never is prodigal of his leisure.</p> + + <p>Excitedly Kirkwood touched the man's arm with a detaining + hand. "Boat-train?" he gasped, pointing at the board.</p> + + <p>"Left ten minutes ago, thank you, sir."</p> + + <p>"Wel-l, but...! Of course I can get another train at + Tilbury?"</p> + + <p>"For yer boat? No, sir, thank you, sir. Won't be another + tryne till mornin', sir."</p> + + <p>"Oh-h!..."</p> + + <p>Aimlessly Kirkwood drifted away, his mind a blank.</p> + + <p>Sometime later he found himself on the steps outside the + station, trying to stare out of countenance a glaring electric + mineral-water advertisement on the farther side of the Euston + Road.</p> + + <p>He was stranded....</p> + + <p>Beyond the spiked iron fence that enhedges the incurving + drive, the roar of traffic, human, wheel and hoof, rose high + for all the lateness of the hour: sidewalks groaning with the + restless contact of hundreds of ill-shod feet; the roadway + thundering—hansoms, four-wheelers, motor-cars, dwarfed + coster-mongers' donkey-carts and ponderous, rumbling, C.-P. + motor-vans, struggling for place and progress. For St. Pancras + never sleeps.</p> + + <p>The misty air swam luminous with the light of electric signs + as with the radiance of some lurid and sinister moon. The voice + of London sounded in Kirkwood's ears, like the ominous purring + of a somnolent brute beast, resting, gorged and satiated, ere + rising again to devour. To devour—</p> + + <p>Stranded!...</p> + + <p>Distracted, he searched pocket after pocket, locating his + watch, cigar- and cigarette-cases, match-box, penknife—all the + minutiæ of pocket-hardware affected by civilized man; with + old letters, a card-case, a square envelope containing his + steamer ticket; but no sovereign purse. His small-change pocket + held less than three shillings—two and eight, to be exact—and + a brass key, which he failed to recognize as one of his + belongings.</p> + + <p>And that was all. At sometime during the night he had lost + (or been cunningly bereft of?) that little purse of + chamois-skin containing the three golden sovereigns which he + had been husbanding to pay his steamer expenses, and which, if + only he had them now, would stand between him and starvation + and a night in the streets.</p> + + <p>And, searching his heart, he found it brimming with + gratitude to Mulready, for having relieved him of the necessity + of settling with the cabby.</p> + + <p>"Vagabond?" said Kirkwood musingly. "Vagabond?" He repeated + the word softly a number of times, to get the exact flavor of + it, and found it little to his taste. And yet...</p> + + <p>He thrust both hands deep in his trouser pockets and stared + purposelessly into space, twisting his eyebrows out of + alignment and crookedly protruding his lower lip.</p> + + <p>If Brentwick were only in town—But he wasn't, and wouldn't + be, within the week.</p> + + <p>"No good waiting here," he concluded. Composing his face, he + reëntered the station. There were his trunks, of course. + He couldn't leave them standing on the station platform for + ever.</p> + + <p>He found the luggage-room and interviewed a mechanically + courteous attendant, who, as the result of profound + deliberation, advised him to try his luck at the lost-luggage + room, across the station. He accepted the advice; it was a + foregone conclusion that his effects had not been conveyed to + the Tilbury dock; they could not have been loaded into the + luggage van without his personal supervision. Still, anything + was liable to happen when his unlucky star was in the + ascendant.</p> + + <p>He found them in the lost-luggage room.</p> + + <p>A clerk helped him identify the articles and ultimately + clucked with a perfunctory note: "Sixpence each, please."</p> + + <p>"I—ah—pardon?"</p> + + <p>"Sixpence each, the fixed charge, sir. For every twenty-four + hours or fraction thereof, sixpence per parcel."</p> + + <p>"Oh, thank you so much," said Kirkwood sweetly. "I will call + to-morrow."</p> + + <p>"Very good, sir. Thank you, sir."</p> + + <p>"Five times sixpence is two-and-six," Kirkwood computed, + making his way hastily out of the station, lest a worse thing + befall him. "No, bless your heart!—not while two and eight + represents the sum total of my fortune."</p> + + <p>He wandered out into the night; he could not linger round + the station till dawn; and what profit to him if he did? Even + were he to ransom his trunks, one can scarcely change one's + clothing in a public waiting-room.</p> + + <p>Somewhere in the distance a great clock chimed a single + stroke, freighted sore with melancholy. It knelled the passing + of the half-hour after midnight; a witching hour, when every + public shuts up tight, and gentlemen in top-hats and evening + dress are doomed to pace the pave till day (barring they have + homes or visible means of support)—till day, when pawnshops + open and such personal effects as watches and hammered silver + cigar-cases may be hypothecated.</p> + + <p>Sable garments fluttering, Care fell into step with Philip + Kirkwood; Care the inexorable slipped a skeleton arm through + his and would not be denied; Care the jade clung affectionately + to his side, refusing to be jilted.</p> + + <p>"Ah, you thought you would forget me?" chuckled the + fleshless lips by his ear. "But no, my boy; I'm with you now, + for ever and a day. 'Misery loves company,' and it wouldn't be + pretty of me to desert you in this extremity, would it? Come, + let us beguile the hours till dawn with conversation. Here's a + sprightly subject: What are you going to do, Mr. Kirkwood? + <i>What are you going to do?</i>"</p> + + <p>But Kirkwood merely shook a stubborn head and gazed straight + before him, walking fast through ways he did not recognize, and + pretending not to hear. None the less the sense of Care's + solicitous query struck like a pain into his consciousness. + What was he to do?</p> + + <p>An hour passed.</p> + + <p>Denied the opportunity to satisfy its beast hunger and + thirst, humanity goes off to its beds. In that hour London + quieted wonderfully; the streets achieved an effect of deeper + darkness, the skies, lowering, looked down with a blush less + livid for the shamelessness of man; cab ranks lengthened; + solitary footsteps added unto themselves loud, alarming, + offensive echoes; policemen, strolling with lamps blazing on + their breasts, became as lightships in a trackless sea; each + new-found street unfolded its perspective like a canyon of + mystery, and yet teeming with a hundred masked hazards; the air + acquired a smell more clear and clean, an effect more volatile; + and the night-mist thickened until it studded one's attire with + myriads of tiny buttons, bright as diamond dust.</p> + + <p>Through this long hour Kirkwood walked without a pause.</p> + + <p>Another clock, somewhere, clanged resonantly twice.</p> + + <p>The world was very still....</p> + + <p>And so, wandering foot-loose in a wilderness of ways, + turning aimlessly, now right, now left, he found himself in a + street he knew, yet seemed not to know: a silent, black street + one brief block in length, walled with dead and lightless + dwellings, haunted by his errant memory; a street whose + atmosphere was heavy with impalpable essence of desuetude; in + two words, Frognall Street.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood identified it with a start and a guilty tremor. He + stopped stock-still, in an unreasoning state of semi-panic, + arrested by a silly impulse to turn and fly; as if the bobby, + whom he descried approaching him with measured stride, pausing + new and again to try a door or flash his bull's-eye down an + area, were to be expected to identify the man responsible for + that damnable racket raised ere midnight in vacant Number + 9!</p> + + <p>Oddly enough, the shock of recognition brought him to his + senses,—temporarily. He was even able to indulge himself in a + quiet, sobering grin at his own folly. He passed the policeman + with a nod and a cool word in response to the man's + good-natured, "Good-night, sir." Number 9 was on the other side + of the street; and he favored its blank and dreary elevation + with a prolonged and frank stare—that profited him nothing, by + the way. For a crazy notion popped incontinently into his head, + and would not be cast forth.</p> + + <p>At the corner he swerved and crossed, still possessed of his + devil of inspiration. It would be unfair to him to say that he + did not struggle to resist it, for he did, because it was + fairly and egregiously asinine; yet struggling, his feet trod + the path to which it tempted him.</p> + + <p>"Why," he expostulated feebly, "I might's well turn back and + beat that bobby over the head with my cane!..."</p> + + <p>But at the moment his hand was in his change pocket, feeling + over that same brass door-key which earlier he had been unable + to account for, and he was informing himself how very easy it + would have been for the sovereign purse to have dropped from + his waistcoat pocket while he was sliding on his ear down the + dark staircase. To recover it meant, at the least, shelter for + the night, followed by a decent, comfortable and sustaining + morning meal. Fortified by both he could redeem his luggage, + change to clothing more suitable for daylight traveling, pawn + his valuables, and enter into negotiations with the steamship + company for permission to exchange his passage, with a sum to + boot, for transportation on another liner. A most feasible + project! A temptation all but irresistible!</p> + + <p>But then—the risk.... Supposing (for the sake of argument) + the customary night-watchman to have taken up a transient + residence in Number 9; supposing the police to have entered + with him and found the stunned man on the second floor: would + the watchman not be vigilant for another nocturnal marauder? + would not the police now, more than ever, be keeping a wary eye + on that house of suspicious happenings?</p> + + <p>Decidedly, to reënter it would be to incur a deadly + risk. And yet, undoubtedly, beyond question! his sovereign + purse was waiting for him somewhere on the second flight of + stairs; while as his means of clandestine entry lay warm in his + fingers—the key to the dark entry, which he had by force of + habit pocketed after locking the door.</p> + + <p>He came to the Hog-in-the-Pound. Its windows were dim with + low-turned gas-lights. Down the covered alleyway, Quadrant Mews + slept in a dusk but fitfully relieved by a lamp or two round + which the friendly mist clung close and thick.</p> + + <p>There would be none to see....</p> + + <p>Skulking, throat swollen with fear, heart beating like a + snare-drum, Kirkwood took his chance. Buttoning his overcoat + collar up to his chin and cursing the fact that his hat must + stand out like a chimney-pot on a detached house, he sped on + tiptoe down the cobbled way and close beneath the house-walls + of Quadrant Mews. But, half-way in, he stopped, confounded by + an unforeseen difficulty. How was he to identify the narrow + entry of Number 9, whose counterparts doubtless communicated + with the mews from every residence on four sides of the city + block?</p> + + <p>The low inner tenements were yet high enough to hide the + rear elevations of Frognall Street houses, and the mist was + heavy besides; otherwise he had made shift to locate Number 9 + by ticking off the dwellings from the corner. If he went on, + hit or miss, the odds were anything-you-please to one that he + would blunder into the servant's quarters of some inhabited + house, and—be promptly and righteously sat upon by the + service-staff, while the bobby was summoned.</p> + + <p>Be that as it might—he almost lost his head when he + realized this—escape was already cut off by the way he had + come. Some one, or, rather, some two men were entering the + alley. He could hear the tramping and shuffle of clumsy feet, + and voices that muttered indistinctly. One seemed to trip over + something, and cursed. The other laughed; the voices grew more + loud. They were coming his way. He dared no longer + vacillate.</p> + + <p>But—which passage should he choose?</p> + + <p>He moved on with more haste than discretion. One heel + slipped on a cobble time-worn to glassy smoothness; he lurched, + caught himself up in time to save a fall, lost his hat, + recovered it, and was discovered. A voice, maudlin with drink, + hailed and called upon him to stand and give an account of + himself, "like a goo' feller." Another tempted him with offers + of drink and sociable confabulation. He yielded not; adamantine + to the seductive lure, he picked up his heels and ran. Those + behind him, remarking with resentment the amazing fact that an + intimate of the mews should run away from liquor, cursed and + made after him, veering, staggering, howling like ravening + animals.</p> + + <p>For all their burden of intoxication, they knew the ground + by instinct and from long association. They gained on him. + Across the way a window-sash went up with a bang, and a woman + screamed. Through the only other entrance to the mews a belated + cab was homing; its driver, getting wind of the unusual, pulled + up, blocking the way, and added his advice to the uproar.</p> + + <p>Caught thus between two fires, and with his persecutors hard + upon him, Kirkwood dived into the nearest black hole of a + passageway and in sheer desperation flung himself, key in hand, + against the door at the end. Mark how his luck served him who + had forsworn her! He found a keyhole and inserted the key. It + turned. So did the knob. The door gave inward. He fell in with + it, slammed it, shot the bolts, and, panting, leaned against + its panels, in a pit of everlasting night but—saved!—for the + time being, at all events.</p> + + <p>Outside somebody brushed against one wall, cannoned to the + other, brought up with a crash against the door, and, perforce + at a standstill, swore from his heart.</p> + + <p>"Gorblimy!" he declared feelingly. "I'd 'a' took my oath I + sore'm run in 'ere!" And then, in answer to an inaudible + question: "No, 'e ain't. Gorn an' let the fool go to 'ell. 'Oo + wants 'im to share goo' liker? Not I!..."</p> + + <p>Joining his companion he departed, leaving behind him a + trail of sulphur-tainted air. The mews quieted gradually. + Indoors Kirkwood faced unhappily the enigma of fortuity, + wondering: Was this by any possibility Number 9? The key had + fitted; the bolts had been drawn on the inside; and while the + key had been one of ordinary pattern and would no doubt have + proven effectual with any one of a hundred common locks, the + finger of probability seemed to indicate that his luck had + brought him back to Number 9. In spite of all this, he was + sensible of little confidence; though this were truly Number 9, + his freedom still lay on the knees of the gods, his very life, + belike, was poised, tottering, on a pinnacle of chance. In the + end, taking heart of desperation, he stooped and removed his + shoes; a precaution which later appealed to his sense of the + ridiculous, in view of the racket he had raised in entering, + but which at the moment seemed most natural and in accordance + with common sense. Then rising, he held his breath, staring and + listening. About him the pitch darkness was punctuated with + fading points of fire, and in his ears was a noise of strange + whisperings, very creepy—until, gritting his teeth, he + controlled his nerves and gradually realized that he was alone, + the silence undisturbed. He went forward gingerly, feeling his + way like a blind man on strange ground. Ere long he stumbled + over a door-sill and found that the walls of the passage had + fallen away; he had entered a room, a black cavern of + indeterminate dimensions. Across this he struck at random, + walked himself flat against a wall, felt his way along to an + open door, and passed through to another apartment as dark as + the first.</p> + + <p>Here, endeavoring to make a circuit of the walls, he + succeeded in throwing himself bodily across a bed, which + creaked horribly; and for a full minute lay as he had fallen, + scarce daring to think. But nothing followed, and he got up and + found a shut door which let him into yet a third room, wherein + he barked both shins on a chair; and escaped to a fourth whose + atmosphere was highly flavored with reluctant odors of bygone + cookery, stale water and damp plumbing—probably the kitchen. + Thence progressing over complaining floors through what may + have been the servants' hall, a large room with a table in the + middle and a number of promiscuous chairs (witness his tortured + shins!), he finally blundered into the basement hallway.</p> + + <p>By now a little calmer, he felt assured that this was really + Number 9, Frognall Street, and a little happier about it all, + though not even momentarily forgetful of the potential police + and night-watchman.</p> + + <p>However, he mounted the steps to the ground floor without + adventure and found himself at last in the same dim and ghostly + hall which he had entered some six hours before; the mockery of + dusk admitted by the fan-light was just strong enough to enable + him to identify the general lay of the land and arrangement of + furniture.</p> + + <p>More confidently with each uncontested step, he continued + his quest. Elation was stirring his spirit when he gained the + first floor and moved toward the foot of the second flight, + approaching the spot whereat he was to begin the search for the + missing purse. The knowledge that he lacked means of obtaining + illumination deterred him nothing; he had some hope of finding + matches in one of the adjacent rooms, but, failing that, was + prepared to ascend the stairs on all fours, feeling every inch + of their surface, if it took hours. Ever an optimistic soul, + instinctively inclined to father faith with a hope, he felt + supremely confident that his search would not prove fruitless, + that he would win early release from his temporary straits.</p> + + <p>And thus it fell out that, at the instant he was thinking it + time to begin to crawl and hunt, his stockinged feet came into + contact with something heavy, yielding, warm—something that + moved, moaned, and caused his hair to bristle and his flesh to + creep.</p> + + <p>We will make allowances for him; all along he had gone on + the assumption that his antagonist of the dark stairway would + have recovered and made off with all expedition, in the course + of ten or twenty minutes, at most, from the time of his + accident. To find him still there was something entirely + outside of Kirkwood's reckoning: he would as soon have thought + to encounter say, Calendar,—would have preferred the latter, + indeed. But this fellow whose disability was due to his own + interference, who was reasonably to be counted upon to raise + the very deuce and all of a row!</p> + + <p>The initial shock, however shattering to his equanimity, + soon, lost effect. The man evidently remained unconscious, in + fact had barely moved; while the moan that Kirkwood heard, had + been distressingly faint.</p> + + <p>"Poor devil!" murmured the young man. "He must be in a + pretty bad way, for sure!" He knelt, compassion gentling his + heart, and put one hand to the insentient face. A warm sweat + moistened his fingers; his palm was fanned by steady + respiration.</p> + + <p>Immeasurably perplexed, the American rose, slipped on his + shoes and buttoned them, thinking hard the while. What ought he + to do? Obviously flight suggested itself,—incontinent flight, + anticipating the man's recovery. On the other hand, indubitably + the latter had sustained such injury that consciousness, when + it came to him, would hardly be reinforced by much aggressive + power. Moreover, it was to be remembered that the one was in + that house with quite as much warrant as the other, unless + Kirkwood had drawn a rash inference from the incident of the + ragged sentry. The two of them were mutual, if antagonistic, + trespassers; neither would dare bring about the arrest of the + other. And then—and this was not the least consideration to + influence Kirkwood—perhaps the fellow would die if he got no + attention.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood shut his teeth grimly. "I'm no assassin," he + informed himself, "to strike and run. If I've maimed this poor + devil and there are consequences, I'll stand 'em. The Lord + knows it doesn't matter a damn to anybody, not even to me, what + happens to me; while <i>he</i> may be valuable."</p> + + <p>Light upon the subject, actual as well as figurative, seemed + to be the first essential; his mind composed, Kirkwood set + himself in search of it. The floor he was on, however, afforded + him no assistance; the mantels were guiltless of candles and he + discovered no matches, either in the wide and silent + drawing-room, with its ghastly furniture, like mummies in their + linen swathings, or in the small boudoir at the back. He was to + look either above or below, it seemed.</p> + + <p>After some momentary hesitation, he went up-stairs, his + ascent marked by a single and grateful accident; half-way to + the top he trod on an object that clinked underfoot, and, + stooping, retrieved the lost purse. Thus was he justified of + his temerity; the day was saved—that is, to-morrow was.</p> + + <p>The rooms of the second-floor were bedchambers, broad, deep, + stately, inhabited by seven devils of loneliness. In one, on a + dresser, Kirkwood found a stump of candle in a china + candlestick; the two charred ends of matches at its base were + only an irritating discovery, however—evidence that real + matches had been the mode in Number 9, at some remote date. + Disgusted and oppressed by cumulative inquisitiveness, he took + the candle-end back to the hall; he would have given much for + the time and means to make a more detailed investigation into + the secret of the house.</p> + + <p>Perhaps it was mostly his hope of chancing on some clue to + the mystery of Dorothy Calender—bewitching riddle that she + was!—that fascinated his imagination so completely. Aside from + her altogether, the great house that stood untenanted, yet in + such complete order, so self-contained in its darkened quiet, + intrigued him equally with the train of inexplicable events + that had brought him within its walls. Now—since his latest + entrance—his vision had adjusted itself to cope with the + obscurity to some extent; and the street lights, meagerly + reflected through the windows from the bosom of a sullen pall + of cloud, low-swung above the city, had helped him to piece + together many a detail of decoration and furnishing, alike + somber and richly dignified. Kirkwood told himself that the + owner, whoever he might be, was a man of wealth and taste + inherited from another age; he had found little of meretricious + to-day in the dwelling, much that was solid and sedate and + homely, and—Victorian.... He could have wished for more; a box + of early Victorian vestas had been highly acceptable.</p> + + <p>Making his way down-stairs to the stricken man—who was + quite as he had been—Kirkwood bent over and thrust rifling + fingers into his pockets, regardless of the wretched sense of + guilt and sneakishness imparted by the action, stubbornly + heedless of the possibility of the man's awakening to find + himself being searched and robbed.</p> + + <p>In the last place he sought, which should (he realized) have + been the first, to wit, the fob pocket of the white waistcoat, + he found a small gold matchbox, packed tight with wax vestas; + and, berating himself for crass stupidity—he had saved a deal + of time and trouble by thinking of this before—lighted the + candle.</p> + + <p>As its golden flame shot up with scarce a tremor, preyed + upon by a perfectly excusable concern, he bent to examine the + man's countenance.... The arm which had partly hidden it had + fallen back into a natural position. It was a young face that + gleamed pallid in the candlelight—a face unlined, a little + vapid and insignificant, with features regular and neat, + betraying few characteristics other than the purely negative + attributes of a character as yet unformed, possibly unformable; + much the sort of a face that he might have expected to see, + remembering those thin and pouting lips that before had + impressed him. Its owner was probably little more than twenty. + In his attire there was a suspicion of a fop's preciseness, + aside from its accidental disarray; the cut of his waistcoat + was the extreme of the then fashion, the white tie (twisted + beneath one ear) an exaggerated "butterfly," his collar nearly + an inch too tall; and he was shod with pumps suitable only for + the dancing-floor,—a whim of the young-bloods of London of + that year.</p> + + <p>"I can't make him out at all!" declared Kirkwood. "The son + of a gentleman too weak to believe that cubs need licking into + shape? Reared to man's estate, so sheltered from the wicked + world that he never grew a bark?... The sort that never had a + quarrel in his life, 'cept with his tailor?... Now what the + devil is <i>this</i> thing doing in this midnight mischief?... + Damn!"</p> + + <p>It was most exasperating, the incongruity of the boy's + appearance assorted with his double rôle of persecutor of + distressed damsels and nocturnal house-breaker!</p> + + <p>Kirkwood bent closer above the motionless head, with puzzled + eyes striving to pin down some elusive resemblance that he + thought to trace in those vacuous features—a resemblance to + some one he had seen, or known, at some past time, somewhere, + somehow.</p> + + <p>"I give it up. Guess I'm mistaken. Anyhow, five young + Englishmen out of every ten of his class are just as blond and + foolish. Now let's see how bad he's hurt."</p> + + <p>With hands strong and gentle, he turned the round, light + head. Then, "Ah!" he commented in the accent of comprehension. + For there was an angry looking bump at the base of the skull; + and, the skin having been broken, possibly in collision with + the sharp-edged newel-post, a little blood had stained and + matted the straw-colored hair.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood let the head down and took thought. Recalling a + bath-room on the floor above, thither he went, unselfishly + forgetful of his predicament if discovered, and, turning on the + water, sopped his handkerchief until it dripped. Then, + returning, he took the boy's head on his knees, washed the + wound, purloined another handkerchief (of silk, with a giddy + border) from the other's pocket, and of this manufactured a + rude but serviceable bandage.</p> + + <p>Toward the conclusion of his attentions, the sufferer began + to show signs of returning animation. He stirred restlessly, + whimpered a little, and sighed. And Kirkwood, in consternation, + got up.</p> + + <p>"So!" he commented ruefully. "I guess I am an ass, all + right—taking all that trouble for you, my friend. If I've got + a grain of sense left, this is my cue to leave you alone in + your glory."</p> + + <p>He was lingering only to restore to the boy's pockets such + articles as he had removed in the search for matches,—the + match-box, a few silver coins, a bulky sovereign purse, a + handsome, plain gold watch, and so forth. But ere he concluded + he was aware that the boy was conscious, that his eyes, open + and blinking in the candlelight, were upon him.</p> + + <p>They were blue eyes, blue and shallow as a doll's, and edged + with long, fine lashes. Intelligence, of a certain degree, was + rapidly informing them. Kirkwood returned their questioning + glance, transfixed in indecision, his primal impulse to + cut-and-run for it was gone; he had nothing to fear from this + child who could not prevent his going whenever he chose to go; + while by remaining he might perchance worm from him something + about the girl.</p> + + <p>"You're feeling better?" He was almost surprised to hear his + own voice put the query.</p> + + <p>"I—I think so. Ow, my head!... I say, you chap, whoever you + are, what's happened?... I want to get up." The boy added + peevishly: "Help a fellow, can't you?"</p> + + <p>"You've had a nasty fall," Kirkwood observed evenly, passing + an arm beneath the boy's shoulder and helping him to a sitting + position. "Do you remember?"</p> + + <p>The other snuffled childishly and scrubbed across the floor + to rest his back against the wall.</p> + + <p>"Why-y ... I remember fallin'; and then ... I woke up and it + was all dark and my head achin' fit to split. I presume I went + to sleep again ... I say, what're you, doing here?"</p> + + <p>Instead of replying, Kirkwood lifted a warning finger.</p> + + <p>"Hush!" he said tensely, alarmed by noises in the street. + "You don't suppose—?"</p> + + <p>He had been conscious of a carriage rolling up from the + corner, as well as that it had drawn up (presumably) before a + near-by dwelling. Now the rattle of a key in the hall-door was + startlingly audible. Before he could move, the door itself + opened with a slam.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood moved toward the stair-head, and drew back with a + cry of disgust. "Too late!" he told himself bitterly; his + escape was cut off. He could run up-stairs and hide, of course, + but the boy would inform against him and....</p> + + <p>He buttoned up his coat, settled his hat on his head, and + moved near the candle, where it rested on the floor. One + glimpse would suffice to show him the force of the intruders, + and one move of his foot put out the light; + then—<i>perhaps</i>—he might be able to rush them.</p> + + <p>Below, a brief pause had followed the noise of the door, as + if those entering were standing, irresolute, undecided which + way to turn; but abruptly enough the glimmer of candlelight + must have been noticed. Kirkwood heard a hushed exclamation, a + quick clatter of high heels on the parquetry, pattering feet on + the stairs, all but drowned by swish and ripple of silken + skirts; and a woman stood at the head of the flight—to the + American an apparition profoundly amazing as she paused, the + light from the floor casting odd, theatric shadows beneath her + eyes and over her brows, edging her eyes themselves with + brilliant light beneath their dark lashes, showing her lips + straight and drawn, and shimmering upon the spangles of an + evening gown, visible beneath the dark cloak which had fallen + back from her white, beautiful shoulders.</p> + + <center> + <h2><a name="VIII">VIII</a></h2> + + <h3>MADAME L'INTRIGANTE</h3> + </center> + + <p>"Mrs. Hallam!" cried Kirkwood, beneath his breath.</p> + + <p>The woman ignored his existence. Moving swiftly forward, she + dropped on both knees by the side of the boy, and caught up one + of his hands, clasping it passionately in her own.</p> + + <p>"Fred!" she cried, a curious break in her tone. "My little + Freddie! Oh, what has happened, dearie?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, hello, Mamma," grunted that young man, submitting + listlessly to her caresses and betraying no overwhelming + surprise at her appearance there. Indeed he seemed more + concerned as to what Kirkwood, an older man, would be thinking, + to see him so endeared and fondled, than moved by any other + emotion. Kirkwood could see his shamefaced, sidelong glances; + and despised him properly for them.</p> + + <p>But without attending to his response, Mrs. Hallam rattled + on in the uneven accents of excitement. "I waited until I + couldn't wait any longer, Freddie dear. I had to know—had to + come. Eccles came home about nine and said that you had told + him to wait outside, that some one had followed you in here, + and that a bobby had told him to move on. I didn't know + what—"</p> + + <p>"What's o'clock now?" her son interrupted.</p> + + <p>"It's about three, I think ... Have you hurt yourself, dear? + Oh, why <i>didn't</i> you come home? You must've known I was + dying of anxiety!"</p> + + <p>"Oh, I say! Can't you see I'm hurt? 'Had a nasty fall and + must've been asleep ever since."</p> + + <p>"My precious one! How—?"</p> + + <p>"Can't say, hardly ... I say, don't paw a chap so, Mamma ... + I brought Eccles along and told him to wait because—well, + because I didn't feel so much like shuttin' myself up in this + beastly old tomb. So I left the door ajar, and told him not to + let anybody come in. Then I came up-stairs. There must've been + somebody already in the house; I know I <i>thought</i> there + was. It made me feel creepy, rather. At any rate, I heard + voices down below, and the door banged, and somebody began + hammerin' like fun on the knocker."</p> + + <p>The boy paused, rolling an embarrassed eye up at the + stranger.</p> + + <p>"Yes, yes, dear!" Mrs. Hallam urged him on.</p> + + <p>"Why, I—I made up my mind to cut my stick—let whoever it + was pass me on the stairs, you know. But he followed me and + struck me, and then I jumped at him, and we both fell down the + whole flight. And that's all. Besides, my head's achin' like + everything."</p> + + <p>"But this man—?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. Hallam looked up at Kirkwood, who bowed silently, + struggling to hide both his amusement and perplexity. More than + ever, now, the case presented a front inscrutable to his wits; + try as he might, he failed to fit an explanation to any + incident in which he had figured, while this last + development—that his antagonist of the dark stairway had been + Mrs. Hallam's son!—seemed the most astounding of all, baffling + elucidation completely.</p> + + <p>He had abandoned all thought of flight and escape. It was + too late; in the brisk idiom of his mother-tongue, he was + "caught with the goods on." "May as well face the music," he + counseled himself, in resignation. From what he had seen and + surmised of Mrs. Hallam, he shrewdly suspected that the tune + would prove an exceedingly lively one; she seemed a woman of + imagination, originality, and an able-bodied temper.</p> + + <p>"<i>You</i>, Mr. Kirkwood!"</p> + + <p>Again he bowed, grinning awry.</p> + + <p>She rose suddenly. "You will be good enough to explain your + presence here," she informed him with dangerous serenity.</p> + + <p>"To be frank with you—"</p> + + <p>"I advise that course, Mr. Kirkwood."</p> + + <p>"Thanks, awf'ly.... I came here, half an hour ago, looking + for a lost purse full—well, not <i>quite</i> full of + sovereigns. It was my purse, by the way."</p> + + <p>Suspicion glinted like foxfire in the cold green eyes + beneath her puckered brows. "I do not understand," she said + slowly and in level tones.</p> + + <p>"I didn't expect you to," returned Kirkwood; "no more do + I.... But, anyway, it must be clear to you that I've done my + best for this gentleman here." He paused with an interrogative + lift of his eyebrows.</p> + + <p>"'This gentleman' is my son, Frederick Hallam.... But you + will explain—"</p> + + <p>"Pardon me, Mrs. Hallam; I shall explain nothing, at + present. Permit me to point out that your position here—like + mine—is, to say the least, anomalous." The random stroke told, + as he could tell by the instant contraction of her eyes of a + cat. "It would be best to defer explanations till a more + convenient time—don't you think? Then, if you like, we can + chant confidences in an antiphonal chorus. Just now + your—er—son is not enjoying himself apparently, and ... the + attention of the police had best not be called to this house + too often in one night."</p> + + <p>His levity seemed to displease and perturb the woman; she + turned from him with an impatient movement of her + shoulders.</p> + + <p>"Freddie, dear, do you feel able to walk?"</p> + + <p>"Eh? Oh, I dare say—I don't know. Wonder would your + friend—ah—Mr. Kirkwood, lend me an arm?"</p> + + <p>"Charmed," Kirkwood declared suavely. "If you'll take the + candle, Mrs. Hallam—"</p> + + <p>He helped the boy to his feet and, while the latter hung + upon him and complained querulously, stood waiting for the + woman to lead the way with the light; something which, however, + she seemed in no haste to do. The pause at length puzzled + Kirkwood, and he turned, to find Mrs. Hallam holding the + candlestick and regarding him steadily, with much the same + expression of furtive mistrust as that with which she had + favored him on her own door-stoop.</p> + + <p><img border="0" + src="illp148s.jpg" + alt="He helped the boy to his feet, and stood waiting." + width="506" + height="800"></p> + + <p> </p> + + <p>"One moment," she interposed in confusion; "I won't keep you + waiting...;" and, passing with an averted face, ran quickly + up-stairs to the second floor, taking the light with her. Its + glow faded from the walls above and Kirkwood surmised that she + had entered the front bedchamber. For some moments he could + hear her moving about; once, something scraped and bumped on + the floor, as if a heavy bit of furniture had been moved; again + there was a resounding thud that defied speculation; and this + was presently followed by a dull clang of metal.</p> + + <p>His fugitive speculations afforded him little enlightenment; + and, meantime, young Hallam, leaning partly against the wall + and quite heavily on Kirkwood's arm, filled his ears with + puerile oaths and lamentations; so that, but for the excuse of + his really severe shaking-up, Kirkwood had been strongly + tempted to take the youngster by the shoulders and kick him + heartily, for the health of his soul.</p> + + <p>But eventually—it was not really long—there came the quick + rush of Mrs. Hallam's feet along the upper hall, and the woman + reappeared, one hand holding her skirts clear of her pretty + feet as she descended in a rush that caused the candle's flame + to flicker perilously.</p> + + <p>Half-way down, "Mr. Kirkwood!" she called tempestuously.</p> + + <p>"Didn't you find it?" he countered blandly.</p> + + <p>She stopped jerkily at the bottom, and, after a moment of + confusion. "Find what, sir?" she asked.</p> + + <p>"What you sought, Mrs. Hallam."</p> + + <p>Smiling, he bore unflinching the prolonged inspection of her + eyes, at once somber with doubt of him and flashing with + indignation because of his impudence.</p> + + <p>"You knew I wouldn't find it, then!... Didn't you?"</p> + + <p>"I may have suspected you wouldn't."</p> + + <p>Now he was sure that she had been searching for the + gladstone bag. That, evidently, was the bone of contention. + Calendar had sent his daughter for it, Mrs. Hallam her son; + Dorothy had been successful ... But, on the other hand, + Calendar and Mrs. Hallam were unquestionably allies. Why, + then—?</p> + + <p>"Where is it, Mr. Kirkwood?"</p> + + <p>"Madam, have you the right to know?"</p> + + <p>Through another lengthening pause, while they faced each + other, he marked again the curious contraction of her under + lip.</p> + + <p>"I have the right," she declared steadily. "Where is + it?"</p> + + <p>"How can I be sure?"</p> + + <p>"Then you don't know—!"</p> + + <p>"Indeed," he interrupted, "I would be glad to feel that I + ought to tell you what I know."</p> + + <p>"What you know!"</p> + + <p>The exclamation, low-spoken, more an echo of her thoughts + than intended for Kirkwood, was accompanied by a little shake + of the woman's head, mute evidence to the fact that she was + bewildered by his finesse. And this delighted the young man + beyond measure, making him feel himself master of a difficult + situation. Mysteries had been woven before his eyes so + persistently, of late, that it was a real pleasure to be able + to do a little mystifying on his own account. By adopting this + reticent and non-committal attitude, he was forcing the hand of + a woman old enough to be his mother and most evidently a + past-mistress in the art of misleading. All of which seemed + very fascinating to the amateur in adventure.</p> + + <p>The woman would have led again, but young Hallam cut in, + none too courteously.</p> + + <p>"I say, Mamma, it's no good standing here, palaverin' like a + lot of flats. Besides, I'm awf'ly knocked up. Let's get home + and have it out there."</p> + + <p>Instantly his mother softened. "My poor boy!... Of course + we'll go."</p> + + <p>Without further demur she swept past and down the stairway + before them—slowly, for their progress was of necessity slow, + and the light most needed. Once they were in the main hall, + however, she extinguished the candle, placed it on a side + table, and passed out through the door.</p> + + <p>It had been left open, as before; and Kirkwood was not at + all surprised to see a man waiting on the threshold,—the + versatile Eccles, if he erred not. He had little chance to + identify him, as it happened, for at a word from Mrs. Hallam + the man bowed and, following her across the sidewalk, opened + the door of a four-wheeler which, with lamps alight and + liveried driver on the box, had been waiting at the + carriage-block.</p> + + <p>As they passed out, Kirkwood shut the door; and at the same + moment the little party was brought up standing by a gruff and + authoritative summons.</p> + + <p>"Just a minute, please, you there!"</p> + + <p>"Aha!" said Kirkwood to himself. "I thought so." And he + halted, in unfeigned respect for the burly and impressive + figure, garbed in blue and brass, helmeted and truncheoned, + bull's-eye shining on breast like the Law's unblinking and + sleepless eye, barring the way to the carriage.</p> + + <p>Mrs. Hallam showed less deference for the obstructionist. + The assumed hauteur and impatience of her pose was artfully + reflected in her voice as she rounded upon the bobby, with an + indignant demand: "What is the meaning of this, officer?"</p> + + <p>"Precisely what I wants to know, ma'am," returned the man, + unyielding beneath his respectful attitude. "I'm obliged to ask + you to tell me what you were doing in that 'ouse.... And what's + the matter with this 'ere gentleman?" he added, with a dubious + stare at young Hallam's bandaged head and rumpled clothing.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps you don't understand," admitted Mrs. Hallam + sweetly. "Of course—I see—it's perfectly natural. The house + has been shut up for some time and—"</p> + + <p>"Thank you, ma'am; that's just it. There was something wrong + going on early in the evening, and I was told to keep an eye on + the premises. It's duty, ma'am; I've got my report to + make."</p> + + <p>"The house," said Mrs. Hallam, with the long-suffering + patience of one elucidating a perfectly plain proposition to a + being of a lower order of intelligence, "is the property of my + son, Arthur Frederick Burgoyne Hallam, of Cornwall. This + is—"</p> + + <p>"Beg pardon, ma'am, but I was told Colonel George Burgoyne, + of Cornwall—"</p> + + <p>"Colonel Burgoyne died some time ago. My son is his heir. + This is my son. He came to the house this evening to get some + property he desired, and—it seems—tripped on the stairs and + fell unconscious. I became worried about him and drove over, + accompanied by my friend, Mr. Kirkwood."</p> + + <p>The policeman looked his troubled state of mind, and wagged + a doubtful head over the case. There was his duty, and there + was, opposed to it, the fact that all three were garbed in the + livery of the well-to-do.</p> + + <p>At length, turning to the driver, he demanded, received, and + noted in his memorandum-book, the license number of the + equipage.</p> + + <p>"It's a very unusual case, ma'am," he apologized; "I hopes + you won't 'old it against me. I'm only trying to do my + duty—"</p> + + <p>"And safeguard our property. You are perfectly justified, + officer."</p> + + <p>"Thank you, ma'am. And would you mind giving me your cards, + please, all of you?"</p> + + <p>"Certainly not." Without hesitation the woman took a little + hand-bag from the seat of the carriage and produced a card; her + son likewise found his case and handed the officer an oblong + slip.</p> + + <p>"I've no cards with me," the American told the policeman; + "my name, however, is Philip Kirkwood, and I'm staying at the + Pless."</p> + + <p>"Very good, sir; thank you." The man penciled the + information in his little book. "Thank you, ma'am, and Mr. + Hallam, sir. Sorry to have detained you. Good morning."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood helped young Hallam into the carriage, gave Mrs. + Hallam his hand, and followed her. The man Eccles shut the + door, mounting the box beside the driver. Immediately they were + in motion.</p> + + <p>The American got a final glimpse of the bobby, standing in + front of Number 9, Frognall Street, and watching them with an + air of profound uncertainty. He had Kirkwood's sympathy, + therein; but he had little time to feel with him, for Mrs. + Hallam turned upon him very suddenly.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Kirkwood, will you be good enough to tell me who and + what you are?"</p> + + <p>The young man smiled his homely, candid smile. "I'll be only + too glad, Mrs. Hallam, when I feel sure you'll do as much for + yourself."</p> + + <p>She gave him no answer; it, was as if she were choosing + words. Kirkwood braced himself to meet the storm; but none + ensued. There was rather a lull, which strung itself out + indefinitely, to the monotonous music of hoofs and rubber + tires.</p> + + <p>Young Hallam was resting his empty blond head against the + cushions, and had closed his eyes. He seemed to doze; but, as + the carriage rolled past the frequent street-lights, Kirkwood + could see that the eyes of Mrs. Hallam were steadily directed + to his face.</p> + + <p>His outward composure was tempered by some amusement, by + more admiration; the woman's eyes were very handsome, even when + hardest and most cold. It was not easy to conceive of her as + being the mother of a son so immaturely mature. Why, she must + have been at least thirty-eight or -nine! One wondered; she did + not look it....</p> + + <p>The carriage stopped before a house with lighted windows. + Eccles jumped down from the box and scurried to open the front + door. The radiance of a hall-lamp was streaming out into the + misty night when he returned to release his employers.</p> + + <p>They were returned to Craven Street! "One more lap round the + track!" mused Kirkwood. "Wonder will the next take me back to + Bermondsey Old Stairs."</p> + + <p>At Mrs. Hallam's direction, Eccles ushered him into the + smoking-room, on the ground floor in the rear of the dwelling, + there to wait while she helped her son up-stairs and to bed. He + sighed with pleasure at first glimpse of its luxurious but + informal comforts, and threw himself carelessly into a heavily + padded lounging-chair, dropping one knee over the other and + lighting the last of his expensive cigars, with a sensation of + undiluted gratitude; as one coming to rest in the shadow of a + great rock in a weary land.</p> + + <p>Over his shoulder a home-like illumination was cast by an + electric reading-lamp shaded with red silk. At his feet brass + fire-dogs winked sleepily in the fluttering blaze of a + well-tended stove. The walls were hung with deep red, the doors + and divans upholstered in the same restful shade. In one corner + an old clock ticked soberly. The atmosphere would have proved a + potent invitation to reverie, if not to sleep—he was very + sleepy—but for the confusion in the house.</p> + + <p>In its chambers, through the halls, on the stairs, there + were hurryings and scurryings of feet and skirts, confused with + murmuring voices. Presently, in an adjoining room, Philip + Kirkwood heard a maid-servant wrestling hopefully with that + most exasperating of modern time-saving devices, the telephone + as countenanced by our English cousins. Her patience and + determination won his approval, but availed nothing for her + purpose; in the outcome the telephone triumphed and the maid + gave up the unequal contest.</p> + + <p>Later, a butler entered the room; a short and sturdy fellow, + extremely ill at ease. Drawing a small taboret to the side of + Kirkwood's chair, he placed thereon a tray, deferentially + imparting the information that "Missis 'Allam 'ad thought 'ow + as Mister Kirkwood might care for a bit of supper."</p> + + <p>"Please thank Mrs. Hallam for me." Kirkwood's gratified eyes + ranged the laden tray. There were sandwiches, biscuit, cheese, + and a pot of black coffee, with sugar and cream. "It was very + kindly thought of," he added.</p> + + <p>"Very good, sir, thank you, sir."</p> + + <p>The man turned to go, shuffling soundlessly. Kirkwood was + suddenly impressed with his evasiveness; ever since he had + entered the room, his countenance had seemed turned from the + guest.</p> + + <p>"Eccles!" he called sharply, at a venture.</p> + + <p>The butler halted, thunderstruck. "Ye-es, s-sir?"</p> + + <p><img border="0" + src="illp158s.jpg" + alt="Eccles" + width="418" + height="800"></p> + + <p> </p> + + <p>"Turn round, Eccles; I want a look at you."</p> + + <p>Eccles faced him unwillingly, with a stolid front but shifty + eyes. Kirkwood glanced him up and down, grinning.</p> + + <p>"Thank you, Eccles; I'll remember you now. You'll remember + me, too, won't you? You're a bad actor, aren't you, + Eccles?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir; thank you, sir," mumbled the man unhappily; and + took instant advantage of the implied permission to go.</p> + + <p>Intensely diverted by the recollection of Eccles' abortive + attempt to stop him at the door of Number 9, and wondering—now + that he came to think of it—why, precisely, young Hallam had + deemed it necessary to travel with a body-guard and adopt such + furtive methods to enter into as well as to obtain what was + asserted to be his own property, Kirkwood turned active + attention to the lunch.</p> + + <p>Thoughtfully he poured himself a cup of coffee, swallowing + it hot and black as it came from the silver pot; then munched + the sandwiches.</p> + + <p>It <i>was</i> kindly thought of, this early morning repast; + Mrs. Hallam seemed more and more a remarkable woman with each + phase of her character that she chose to disclose. At odds with + him, she yet took time to think of his creature needs!</p> + + <p>What could be her motive,—not in feeding him, but in + involving her name and fortune in an affair so strangely + flavored?... This opened up a desert waste of barren + speculation. "What's anybody's motive, who figures in this + thundering dime-novel?" demanded the American, almost + contemptuously. And—for the hundredth time—gave it up; the + day should declare it, if so hap he lived to see that day: a + distant one, he made no doubt. The only clear fact in his + befogged and bemused mentality was that he was at once "broke" + and in this business up to his ears. Well, he'd see it through; + he'd nothing better to do, and—there was the girl:</p> + + <p>Dorothy, whose eyes and lips he had but to close his own + eyes to see again as vividly as though she stood before him; + Dorothy, whose unspoiled sweetness stood out in vivid relief + against this moil and toil of conspiracy, like a star of + evening shining clear in a stormy sky.</p> + + <p>"Poetic simile: I'm going fast," conceded Kirkwood; but he + did not smile. It was becoming quite too serious a matter for + laughter. For her sake, he was in the game "for keeps"; + especially in view of the fact that everything—his own heart's + inclination included—seemed to conspire to keep him in it. Of + course he hoped for nothing in return; a pauper who turns + squire-of-dames with matrimonial intent is open to the + designation, "penniless adventurer." No; whatever service he + might be to the girl would be ample recompense to him for his + labors. And afterwards, he'd go his way in peace; she'd soon + forget him—if she hadn't already. Women (he propounded + gravely) are queer: there's no telling anything about them!</p> + + <p>One of the most unreadable specimens of the sex on which he + pronounced this highly original dictum, entered the room just + then; and he found himself at once out of his chair and his + dream, bowing.</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Hallam."</p> + + <p>The woman nodded and smiled graciously. "Eccles has attended + to your needs, I hope? Please don't stop smoking." She sank + into an arm-chair on the other side of the hearth and, probably + by accident, out of the radius of illumination from the lamp; + sitting sidewise, one knee above the other, her white arms + immaculate against the somber background of shadowed + crimson.</p> + + <p>She was very handsome indeed, just then; though a keener + light might have proved less flattering.</p> + + <p>"Now, Mr. Kirkwood?" she opened briskly, with a second + intimate and friendly nod; and paused, her pose receptive.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood sat down again, smiling good-natured appreciation + of her unprejudiced attitude.</p> + + <p>"Your son, Mrs. Hallam—?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, Freddie's doing well enough.... Freddie," she + explained, "has a delicate constitution and has seen little of + the world. Such melodrama as to-night's is apt to shock him + severely. We must make allowances, Mr. Kirkwood."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood grinned again, a trace unsympathetically; he was + unable to simulate any enthusiasm on the subject of poor + Freddie, whom he had sized up with passable acumen as a spoiled + and coddled child completely under the thumb of an extremely + clever mother.</p> + + <p>"Yes," he responded vaguely; "he'll be quite fit after a + night's sleep, I dare say."</p> + + <p>The woman was watching him keenly, beneath her lowered + lashes. "I think," she said deliberately, "that it is time we + came to an understanding."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood agreed—"Yes?" affably.</p> + + <p>"I purpose being perfectly straightforward. To begin with, I + don't place you, Mr. Kirkwood. You are an unknown quantity, a + new factor. Won't you please tell me what you are and.... Are + you a friend of Mr. Calendar's?"</p> + + <p>"I think I may lay claim to that honor, though"—to + Kirkwood's way of seeing things some little frankness on his + own part would be essential if they were to get on—"I hardly + know him, Mrs. Hallam. I had the pleasure of meeting him only + this afternoon."</p> + + <p>She knitted her brows over this statement.</p> + + <p>"That, I assure you, is the truth," he laughed.</p> + + <p>"But ... I really don't understand."</p> + + <p>"Nor I, Mrs. Hallam. Calendar aside, I am Philip Kirkwood, + American, resident abroad for some years, a native of San + Francisco, of a certain age, unmarried, by profession a poor + painter."</p> + + <p>"And—?"</p> + + <p>"Beyond that? I presume I must tell you, though I confess + I'm in doubt...." He hesitated, weighing candor in the balance + with discretion.</p> + + <p>"But who are you for? Are you in George Calendar's pay?"</p> + + <p>"Heaven forfend!"—piously. "My sole interest at the present + moment is to unravel a most entrancing mystery—"</p> + + <p>"Entitled 'Dorothy Calendar'! Of course. You've known her + long?"</p> + + <p>"Eight hours, I believe," he admitted gravely; "less than + that, in fact."</p> + + <p>"Miss Calendar's interests will not suffer through anything + you may tell me."</p> + + <p>"Whether they will or no, I see I must swing a looser + tongue, or you'll be showing me the door."</p> + + <p>The woman shook her head, amused, "Not until," she told him + significantly.</p> + + <p>"Very well, then." And he launched into an abridged + narrative of the night's events, as he understood them, + touching lightly on his own circumstances, the real poverty + which had brought him back to Craven Street by way of Frognall. + "And there you have it all, Mrs. Hallam."</p> + + <p>She sat in silent musing. Now and again he caught the glint + of her eyes and knew that he was being appraised with such + trained acumen as only long knowledge of men can give to women. + He wondered if he were found wanting.... Her dark head bended, + elbow on knee, chin resting lightly in the cradle of her + slender, parted fingers, the woman thought profoundly, her + reverie ending with a brief, curt laugh, musical and mirthless + as the sound of breaking glass.</p> + + <p>"It is so like Calendar!" she exclaimed: "so like him that + one sees how foolish it was to trust—no, not to trust, but to + believe that he could ever be thrown off the scent, once he got + nose to ground. So, if we suffer, my son and I, I shall have + only myself to thank!"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood waited in patient attention till she chose to + continue. When she did "Now for my side of the case!" cried + Mrs. Hallam; and rising, began to pace the room, her slender + and rounded figure swaying gracefully, the while she + talked.</p> + + <p>"George Calendar is a scoundrel," she said: "a swindler, + gambler,—what I believe you Americans call a confidence-man. + He is also my late husband's first cousin. Some years since he + found it convenient to leave England, likewise his wife and + daughter. Mrs. Calendar, a country-woman of yours, by the bye, + died shortly afterwards. Dorothy, by the merest accident, + obtained a situation as private secretary in the household of + the late Colonel Burgoyne, of The Cliffs, Cornwall. You follow + me?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, perfectly."</p> + + <p>"Colonel Burgoyne died, leaving his estates to my son, some + time ago. Shortly afterwards Dorothy Calendar disappeared. We + know now that her father took her away, but then the + disappearance seemed inexplicable, especially since with her + vanished a great deal of valuable information. She alone knew + of the location of certain of the old colonel's personal + effects."</p> + + <p>"He was an eccentric. One of his peculiarities involved the + secreting of valuables in odd places; he had no faith in banks. + Among these valuables were the Burgoyne family jewels—quite a + treasure, believe me, Mr. Kirkwood. We found no note of them + among the colonel's papers, and without Dorothy were powerless + to pursue a search for them. We advertised and employed + detectives, with no result. It seems that father and daughter + were at Monte Carlo at the time."</p> + + <p>"Beautifully circumstantial, my dear lady," commented + Kirkwood—to his inner consciousness. Outwardly he maintained + consistently a pose of impassive gullibility.</p> + + <p>"This afternoon, for the first time, we received news of the + Calendars. Calendar himself called upon me, to beg a loan. I + explained our difficulty and he promised that Dorothy should + send us the information by the morning's post. When I insisted, + he agreed to bring it himself, after dinner, this evening.... I + make it quite clear?" she interrupted, a little anxious.</p> + + <p>"Quite clear, I assure you," he assented encouragingly.</p> + + <p>"Strangely enough, he had not been gone ten minutes when my + son came in from a conference with our solicitors, informing me + that at last a memorandum had turned up, indicating that the + heirlooms would be found in a safe secreted behind a dresser in + Colonel Burgoyne's bedroom."</p> + + <p>"At Number 9, Frognall Street."</p> + + <p>"Yes.... I proposed going there at once, but it was late and + we were dining at the Pless with an acquaintance, a Mr. + Mulready, whom I now recall as a former intimate of George + Calendar. To our surprise we saw Calendar and his daughter at a + table not far from ours. Mr. Mulready betrayed some agitation + at the sight of Calendar, and told me that Scotland Yard had a + man out with a warrant for Calendar's arrest, on old charges. + For old sake's sake, Mr. Mulready begged me to give Calendar a + word of warning. I did so—foolishly, it seems: Calendar was at + that moment planning to rob us, Mulready aiding and abetting + him."</p> + + <p>The woman paused before Kirkwood, looking down upon him. + "And so," she concluded, "we have been tricked and swindled. I + can scarcely believe it of Dorothy Calendar."</p> + + <p>"I, for one, don't believe it." Kirkwood spoke quietly, + rising. "Whatever the culpability of Calendar and Mulready, + Dorothy was only their hoodwinked tool."</p> + + <p>"But, Mr. Kirkwood, she must have known the jewels were not + hers."</p> + + <p>"Yes," he assented passively, but wholly unconvinced.</p> + + <p>"And what," she demanded with a gesture of exasperation, + "what would you advise?"</p> + + <p>"Scotland Yard," he told her bluntly.</p> + + <p>"But it's a family secret! It must not appear in the papers. + Don't you understand—George Calendar is my husband's + cousin!"</p> + + <p>"I can think of nothing else, unless you pursue them in + person."</p> + + <p>"But—whither?"</p> + + <p>"That remains to be discovered; I can tell you nothing more + than I have.... May I thank you for your hospitality, express + my regrets that I should unwittingly have been made the agent + of this disaster, and wish you good night—or, rather, good + morning, Mrs. Hallam?"</p> + + <p>For a moment she held him under a calculating glance which + he withstood with graceless fortitude. Then, realizing that he + was determined not by any means to be won to her cause, she + gave him her hand, with a commonplace wish that he might find + his affairs in better order than seemed probable; and rang for + Eccles.</p> + + <p>The butler showed him out.</p> + + <p>He took away with him two strong impressions; the one + visual, of a strikingly handsome woman in a wonderful gown, + standing under the red glow of a reading-lamp, in an attitude + of intense mental concentration, her expression plainly + indicative of a train of thought not guiltless of + vindictiveness; the other, more mental but as real, he + presently voiced to the huge bronze lions brooding over + desolate Trafalgar Square.</p> + + <p>"Well," appreciated Mr. Kirkwood with gusto, "<i>she's</i> + got Ananias and Sapphira talked to a standstill, all right!" He + ruminated over this for a moment. "Calendar can lie some, too; + but hardly with her picturesque touch.... Uncommon ingenious, + <i>I</i> call it. All the same, there were only about a dozen + bits of tiling that didn't fit into her mosaic a little bit.... + I think they're all tarred with the same stick—all but the + girl. And there's something afoot a long sight more devilish + and crafty than that shilling-shocker of madam's.... Dorothy + Calendar's got about as much active part in it as I have. I'm + only from California, but they've got to show me, before I'll + believe a word against her. Those infernal + scoundrels!...Somebody's got to be on the girl's side and I + seem to have drawn the lucky straw.... Good Heavens! is it + possible for a grown man to fall heels over head in love in two + short hours? I don't believe it. It's just interest—nothing + more.... And I'll have to have a change of clothes before I can + do anything further."</p> + + <p>He bowed gratefully to the lions, in view of their tolerant + interest in his soliloquy, and set off very suddenly round the + square and up St. Martin's Lane, striking across town as + directly as might be for St. Pancras Station. It would + undoubtedly be a long walk, but cabs were prohibited by his + straitened means, and the busses were all abed and wouldn't be + astir for hours.</p> + + <p>He strode along rapidly, finding his way more through + intuition than by observation or familiarity with London's + geography—indeed, was scarce aware of his surroundings; for + his brain was big with fine imagery, rapt in a glowing dream of + knighterrantry and chivalric deeds.</p> + + <p>Thus is it ever and alway with those who in the purity of + young hearts rush in where angels fear to tread; if these, + Kirkwood and his ilk, be fools, thank God for them, for with + such foolishness is life savored and made sweet and sound! To + Kirkwood the warp of the world and the woof of it was Romance, + and it wrapped him round, a magic mantle to set him apart from + all things mean and sordid and render him impregnable and + invisible to the haunting Shade of Care.</p> + + <p>Which, by the same token, presently lost track of him + entirely, and wandered off to find and bedevil some other poor + devil. And Kirkwood, his eyes like his spirit elevated, saw + that the clouds of night were breaking, the skies clearing, + that the East pulsed ever more strongly with the dim golden + promise of the day to come. And this he chose to take for an + omen—prematurely, it may be.</p> + + <center> + <h2><a name="IX">IX</a></h2> + + <h3>AGAIN "BELOW BRIDGE"; AND BEYOND</h3> + </center> + + <p>Kirkwood wasted little time, who had not much to waste, were + he to do that upon whose doing he had set his heart. It irked + him sore to have to lose the invaluable moments demanded by + certain imperative arrangements, but his haste was such that + all was consummated within an hour.</p> + + <p>Within the period of a single hour, then, he had ransomed + his luggage at St. Pancras, caused it to be loaded upon a + four-wheeler and transferred to a neighboring hotel of evil + flavor but moderate tariff, where he engaged a room for a week, + ordered an immediate breakfast, and retired with his belongings + to his room; he had shaved and changed his clothes, selecting a + serviceable suit of heavy tweeds, stout shoes, a fore-and-aft + cap and a negligée shirt of a deep shade calculated at + least to seem clean for a long time; finally, he had devoured + his bacon and eggs, gulped down his coffee and burned his + mouth, and, armed with a stout stick, set off hotfoot in the + still dim glimmering of early day.</p> + + <p>By this time his cash capital had dwindled to the sum of two + pounds, ten shillings, eight-pence, and would have been much + less had he paid for his lodging in advance. But he considered + his trunks ample security for the bill, and dared not wait the + hour when shopkeepers begin to take down shutters and it + becomes possible to realize upon one's jewelry. Besides which, + he had never before been called upon to consider the + advisability of raising money by pledging personal property, + and was in considerable doubt as to the right course of + procedure in such emergency.</p> + + <p>At King's Cross Station on the Underground an acute + disappointment awaited him; there, likewise, he learned + something about London. A sympathetic bobby informed him that + no trains would be running until after five-thirty, and that, + furthermore, no busses would begin to ply until half after + seven.</p> + + <p>"It's tramp it or cab it, then," mused the young man + mournfully, his longing gaze seeking a nearby cab-rank—just + then occupied by a solitary hansom, driver somnolent on the + box. "Officer," he again addressed the policeman, mindful of + the English axiom: "When in doubt, ask a bobby."—"Officer, + when's high-tide this morning?"</p> + + <p>The bobby produced a well-worn pocket-almanac, moistened a + massive thumb, and rippled the pages.</p> + + <p>"London Bridge, 'igh tide twenty minutes arfter six, sir," + he announced with a glow of satisfaction wholly pardonable in + one who combines the functions of perambulating almanac, + guide-book, encyclopedia, and conserver of the peace.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood said something beneath his breath—a word in itself + a comfortable mouthful and wholesome and emphatic. He glanced + again at the cab and groaned: "O Lord, I just dassent!" With + which, thanking the bureau of information, he set off at a + quick step down Grey's Inn Road.</p> + + <p>The day had closed down in brilliance upon the city—and the + voice of the milkman was to be heard in the land—when he + trudged, still briskly if a trifle wearily, into Holborn, and + held on eastward across the Viaduct and down Newgate Street; + the while addling his weary wits with heart-sickening + computations of minutes, all going hopelessly to prove that he + would be late, far too late even presupposing the unlikely. The + unlikely, be it known, was that the <i>Alethea</i> would not + attempt to sail before the turn of the tide.</p> + + <p>For this was his mission, to find the <i>Alethea</i> before + she sailed. Incredible as it may appear, at five o'clock, or + maybe earlier, on the morning of the twenty-second of April, + 1906, A.D., Philip Kirkwood, normally a commonplace but likable + young American in full possession of his senses, might have + been seen (and by some was seen) plodding manfully through + Cheapside, London, England, engaged upon a quest as mad, + forlorn, and gallant as any whose chronicle ever inspired the + pen of a Malory or a Froissart. In brief he proposed to lend + his arm and courage to be the shield and buckler of one who + might or might not be a damsel in distress; according as to + whether Mrs. Hallam had spoken soothly of Dorothy Calendar, or + Kirkwood's own admirable faith in the girl were justified of + itself.</p> + + <p>Proceeding upon the working hypothesis that Mrs. Hallam was + a polished liar in most respects, but had told the truth, so + far as concerned her statement to the effect that the gladstone + bag contained valuable real property (whose ownership remained + a moot question, though Kirkwood was definitely committed to + the belief that it was none of Mrs. Hallam's or her son's): he + reasoned that the two adventurers, with Dorothy and their + booty, would attempt to leave London by a water route, in the + ship, <i>Alethea</i>, whose name had fallen from their lips at + Bermondsey Old Stairs.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood's initial task, then, would be to find the needle + in the haystack—the metaphor is poor: more properly, to sort + out from the hundreds of vessels, of all descriptions, at + anchor in midstream, moored to the wharves of 'long-shore + warehouses, or in the gigantic docks that line the Thames, that + one called <i>Alethea</i>; of which he was so deeply mired in + ignorance that he could not say whether she were tramp-steamer, + coastwise passenger boat, one of the liners that ply between + Tilbury and all the world, Channel ferry-boat, private yacht + (steam or sail), schooner, four-master, square-rigger, barque + or brigantine.</p> + + <p>A task to stagger the optimism of any but one equipped with + the sublime impudence of Youth! Even Kirkwood was disturbed by + some little awe when he contemplated the vast proportions of + his undertaking. None the less doggedly he plugged ahead, and + tried to keep his mind from vain surmises as to what would be + his portion when eventually he should find himself a passenger, + uninvited and unwelcome, upon the <i>Alethea</i>....</p> + + <p>London had turned over once or twice, and was pulling the + bedclothes over its head and grumbling about getting up, but + the city was still sound asleep when at length he paused for a + minute's rest in front of the Mansion House, and realized with + a pang of despair that he was completely tuckered out. There + was a dull, vague throbbing in his head; weights pressed upon + his eyeballs until they ached; his mouth was hot and tasted of + yesterday's tobacco; his feet were numb and heavy; his joints + were stiff; he yawned frequently.</p> + + <p>With a sigh he surrendered to the flesh's frailty. An early + cabby, cruising up from Cannon Street station on the off-chance + of finding some one astir in the city, aside from the doves and + sparrows, suffered the surprise of his life when Kirkwood + hailed him. His face was blank with amazement when he reined + in, and his eyes bulged when the prospective fare, on impulse, + explained his urgent needs. Happily he turned out a fair + representative of his class, an intelligent and unfuddled + cabby.</p> + + <p>"Jump in, sir," he told Kirkwood cheerfully, as soon as he + had assimilated the latter's demands. "I knows precisely + wotcher wants. Leave it all to me."</p> + + <p>The admonition was all but superfluous; Kirkwood was unable, + for the time being, to do aught else than resign his fate into + another's guidance. Once in the cab he slipped insensibly into + a nap, and slept soundly on, as reckless of the cab's swift + pace and continuous jouncing as of the sunlight glaring full in + his tired young face.</p> + + <p>He may have slept twenty minutes; he awoke faint with + drowsiness, tingling from head to toe from fatigue, and in + distress of a queer qualm in the pit of his stomach, to find + the hansom at rest and the driver on the step, shaking his fare + with kindly determination. "Oh, a' right," he assented surlily, + and by sheer force of will made himself climb out to the + sidewalk; where, having rubbed his eyes, stretched enormously + and yawned discourteously in the face of the East End, he was + once more himself and a hundred times refreshed into the + bargain. Contentedly he counted three shillings into the + cabby's palm—the fare named being one-and-six.</p> + + <p>"The shilling over and above the tip's for finding me the + waterman and boat," he stipulated.</p> + + <p>"Right-o. You'll mind the 'orse a minute, sir?"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood nodded. The man touched his hat and disappeared + inexplicably. Kirkwood, needlessly attaching himself to the + reins near the animal's head, pried his sense of observation + open and became alive to the fact that he stood in a quarter of + London as strange to him as had been Bermondsey Wall.</p> + + <p>To this day he can not put a name to it; he surmises that it + was Wapping.</p> + + <p>Ramshackle tenements with sharp gable roofs lined either + side of the way. Frowsy women draped themselves over the + window-sills. Pallid and wasted parodies on childhood contested + the middle of the street with great, slow drays, drawn by + enormous horses. On the sidewalks twin streams of masculine + humanity flowed without rest, both bound in the same direction: + dock laborers going to their day's work. Men of every + nationality known to the world (he thought) passed him in his + short five-minute wait by the horse's head; Britons, brown East + Indians, blacks from Jamaica, swart Italians, Polaks, Russian + Jews, wire-drawn Yankees, Spaniards, Portuguese, Greeks, even a + Nubian or two: uniform in these things only, that their backs + were bent with toil, bowed beyond mending, and their faces + stamped with the blurred type-stamp of the dumb laboring brute. + A strangely hideous procession, they shambled on, for the most + part silent, all uncouth and unreal in the clear morning + glow.</p> + + <p>The outlander was sensible of some relief when his cabby + popped hurriedly out of the entrance to a tenement, a + dull-visaged, broad-shouldered waterman ambling more slowly + after.</p> + + <p>"Nevvy of mine, sir," announced the cabby; "and a fust-ryte + waterman; knows the river like a book, he do."</p> + + <p>The nephew touched his forelock sheepishly.</p> + + <p>"Thank you," said Kirkwood; and, turning to the man, "Your + boat?" he asked with the brevity of weariness.</p> + + <p>"This wye, sir."</p> + + <p>At his guide's heels Kirkwood threaded the crowd and, + entering the tenement, stumbled through a gloomy and unsavory + passage, to come out at last upon a scanty, unrailed veranda + overlooking the river. Ten feet below, perhaps, foul waters + purred and eddied round the piles supporting the rear of the + building. On one hand a ladder-like flight of rickety steps + descended to a floating stage to which a heavy rowboat lay + moored. In the latter a second waterman was seated bailing out + bilge with a rusty can.</p> + + <p>"'Ere we are, sir," said the cabman's nephew, pausing at the + head of the steps. "Now, where's it to be?"</p> + + <p>The American explained tersely that he had a message to + deliver a friend, who had shipped aboard a vessel known as the + <i>Alethea</i>, scheduled to sail at floodtide; further than + which deponent averred naught.</p> + + <p>The waterman scratched his head. "A 'ard job, sir; not + knowin' wot kind of a boat she are mykes it 'arder." He waited + hopefully.</p> + + <p>"Ten shillings," volunteered Kirkwood promptly; "ten + shillings if you get me aboard her before she weighs anchor; + fifteen if I keep you out more than an hour, and still you put + me aboard. After that we'll make other terms."</p> + + <p>The man promptly turned his back to hail his mate. "'Arf a + quid, Bob, if we puts this gent aboard a wessel name o' + <i>Allytheer</i> afore she syles at turn o' tide."</p> + + <p>In the boat the man with the bailing can turned up an + impassive countenance. "Coom down," he clenched the bargain; + and set about shipping the sweeps.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood crept down the shaky ladder and deposited himself + in the stern of the boat; the younger boatman settled himself + on the midship thwart.</p> + + <p>"Ready?"</p> + + <p>"Ready," assented old Bob from the bows. He cast off the + painter, placed one sweep against the edge of the stage, and + with a vigorous thrust pushed off; then took his seat.</p> + + <p>Bows swinging down-stream, the boat shot out from the + shore.</p> + + <p>"How's the tide?" demanded Kirkwood, his impatience + growing.</p> + + <p>"On th' turn, sir," he was told.</p> + + <p>For a long moment broadside to the current, the boat + responded to the sturdy pulling of the port sweeps. Another + moment, and it was in full swing, the watermen bending lustily + to their task. Under their unceasing urge, the broad-beamed, + heavy craft, aided by the ebbing tide, surged more and more + rapidly through the water; the banks, grim and unsightly with + their towering, impassive warehouses broken by toppling wooden + tenements, slipped swiftly up-stream. Ship after ship was + passed, sailing vessels in the majority, swinging sluggishly at + anchor, drifting slowly with the river, or made fast to the + goods-stages of the shore; and in keen anxiety lest he should + overlook the right one, Kirkwood searched their bows and sterns + for names, which in more than one case proved hardly + legible.</p> + + <p>The <i>Alethea</i> was not of their number.</p> + + <p>In the course of some ten minutes, the watermen drove the + boat sharply inshore, bringing her up alongside another + floating stage, in the shadow of another tenement.—both so + like those from which they had embarked that Kirkwood would + have been unable to distinguish one from another.</p> + + <p>In the bows old Bob lifted up a stentorian voice, summoning + one William.</p> + + <p>Recognizing that there was some design in this, the + passenger subdued his disapproval of the delay, and sat + quiet.</p> + + <p>In answer to the third ear-racking hail, a man, clothed + simply in dirty shirt and disreputable trousers, showed himself + in the doorway above, rubbing the sleep out of a red, bloated + countenance with a mighty and grimy fist.</p> + + <p>"'Ello," he said surlily. "Wot's th' row?"</p> + + <p>"'Oo," interrogated old Bob, holding the boat steady by + grasping the stage, "was th' party wot engyged yer larst night, + Bill?"</p> + + <p>"Party name o' <i>Allytheer</i>," growled the drowsy one. + "W'y?"</p> + + <p>"Party 'ere's lookin' for 'im. Where'll I find this + <i>Allytheer?</i>"</p> + + <p>"Best look sharp 'r yer won't find 'im," retorted the one + above. "'E <i>was</i> at anchor off Bow Creek larst night."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood's heart leaped in hope. "What sort of a vessel was + she?" he asked, half rising in his eagerness.</p> + + <p>"Brigantine, sir."</p> + + <p>"<i>Thank—you!</i>" replied Kirkwood explosively, resuming + his seat with uncalculated haste as old Bob, deaf to the + amenities of social intercourse in an emergency involving as + much as ten-bob, shoved off again.</p> + + <p>And again the boat was flying down in midstream, the leaden + waters, shot with gold of the morning sun, parting sullenly + beneath its bows.</p> + + <p>The air was still, heavy and tepid; the least exertion + brought out beaded moisture on face and hands. In the east hung + a turgid sky, dull with haze, through which the mounting sun + swam like a plaque of brass; overhead it was clear and + cloudless, but besmirched as if the polished mirror of the + heavens had been fouled by the breath of departing night.</p> + + <p>On the right, ahead, Greenwich Naval College loomed up, the + great gray-stone buildings beyond the embankment impressively + dominating the scene, in happy relief against the wearisome + monotony of the river-banks; it came abreast; and ebbed into + the backwards of the scene.</p> + + <p>The watermen straining at the sweeps, the boat sped into + Blackwall Reach, Bugsby Marshes a splash of lurid green to + port, dreary Cubitt Town and the West India Docks to starboard. + Here the river ran thick with shipping.</p> + + <p>"Are we near?" Kirkwood would know; and by way of reply had + a grunt of the younger waterman.</p> + + <p>Again, "Will we make it?" he asked.</p> + + <p>The identical grunt answered him; he was free to interpret + it as he would; young William—as old Bob named him—had no + breath for idle words. Kirkwood subsided, controlling his + impatience to the best of his ability; the men, he told himself + again and again, were earning their pay, whether or not they + gained the goal of his desire.... Their labors were titanic; on + their temples and foreheads the knotted veins stood out like + discolored whip-cord; their faces were the shade of raw beef, + steaming with sweat; their eyes protruded with the strain that + set their jaws like vises; their chests heaved and shrank like + bellows; their backs curved, straightened, and bent again in + rhythmic unison as tiring to the eye as the swinging of a + pendulum.</p> + + <p>Hugging the marshy shore, they rounded the Blackwall Point. + Young William looked to Kirkwood, caught his eye, and + nodded.</p> + + <p>"Here?"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood rose, balancing himself against the leap and sway + of the boat.</p> + + <p>"Sumwhere's ... 'long ... o' 'ere."</p> + + <p>From right to left his eager glance swept the river's + widening reach. Vessels were there in abundance, odd, unwieldy, + blunt-bowed craft with huge, rakish, tawny sails; long strings + of flat barges, pyramidal mounds of coal on each, lashed to + another and convoyed by panting tugs; steam cargo boats, + battered, worn, rusted sore through their age-old paint; a + steel leviathan of the deep seas, half cargo, half passenger + boat, warping reluctantly into the mouth of the Victoria Dock + tidal basin,—but no brigantine, no sailing vessel of any + type.</p> + + <p>The young man's lips checked a cry that was half a sob of + bitter disappointment. He had entered into the spirit of the + chase heart and soul, with an enthusiasm that was strange to + him, when he came to look back upon the time; and to fail, even + though failure had been discounted a hundredfold since the + inception of his mad adventure, seemed hard, very hard.</p> + + <p>He sat down suddenly. "She's gone!" he cried in a hollow + gasp.</p> + + <p>The boatmen eased upon their oars, and old Bob stood up in + the bows, scanning the river-scape with keen eyes shielded by a + level palm. Young William drooped forward suddenly, head upon + knees, and breathed convulsively. The boat drifted listlessly + with the current.</p> + + <p>Old Bob panted: "'Dawn't—see—nawthin'—o' 'er." He resumed + his seat.</p> + + <p>"There's no hope, I suppose?"</p> + + <p>The elder waterman shook his head. "'Carn't sye.... Might be + round—nex' bend—might be—passin' Purfleet.... 'Point is—me + an' young Wilyum 'ere—carn't do no more—'n we 'as. We be wore + out."</p> + + <p>"Yes," Kirkwood assented, disconsolate, "You've certainly + earned your pay." Then hope revived; he was very young in + heart, you know. "Can't you suggest something? I've <i>got</i> + to catch that ship!"</p> + + <p>Old Bob wagged his head in slow negation; young William + lifted his.</p> + + <p>"There's a rylewye runs by Woolwich," he ventured. "Yer + might tyke tryne an' go to Sheerness, sir. Yer'd be positive o' + passin' 'er if she didn't syle afore 'igh-tide. 'Ire a boat at + Sheerness an' put out an' look for 'er."</p> + + <p>"How far's Woolwich?" Kirkwood demanded instantly.</p> + + <p>"Mile," said the elder man. "Tyke yer for five-bob + extry."</p> + + <p>"Done!"</p> + + <p>Young William dashed the sweat from his eyes, wiped his + palms on his hips, and fitted the sweeps again to the wooden + tholes. Old Bob was as ready. With an inarticulate cry they + gave way.</p> + + <center> + <h2><a name="X">X</a></h2> + + <h3>DESPERATE MEASURES</h3> + </center> + + <p>Old Bob seemed something inclined toward optimism, when the + boat lay alongside a landing-stage at Woolwich, and Kirkwood + had clambered ashore.</p> + + <p>"Yer'll mebbe myke it," the waterman told him with a + weatherwise survey of the skies. "Wind's freshenin' from the + east'rds, an' that'll 'old 'er back a bit, sir."</p> + + <p>"Arsk th' wye to th' Dorkyard Styshun," young William + volunteered. "'Tis th' shortest walk, sir. I 'opes yer catches + 'er.... Thanky, sir."</p> + + <p>He caught dextrously the sovereign which Kirkwood, in + ungrudging liberality, spared them of his store of two. The + American nodded acknowledgments and adieux, with a faded smile + deprecating his chances of winning the race, sorely handicapped + as he was. He was very, very tired, and in his heart suspected + that he would fail. But, if he did, he would at least be able + to comfort himself that it was not for lack of trying. He set + his teeth on that covenant, in grim determination; either there + was a strain of the bulldog latent in the Kirkwood breed or + else his infatuation gripped him more strongly than he + guessed.</p> + + <p>Yet he suspected something of its power; he knew that this + was altogether an insane proceeding, and that the lure that led + him on was Dorothy Calendar. A strange dull light glowed in his + weary eyes, on the thought of her. He'd go through fire and + water in her service. She was costing him dear, perhaps was to + cost him dearer still; and perhaps there'd be for his guerdon + no more than a "Thank you, Mr. Kirkwood!" at the end of the + passage. But that would be no less than his deserts; he was not + to forget that he was interfering unwarrantably; the girl was + in her father's hands, surely safe enough there—to the casual + mind. If her partnership in her parent's fortunes were + distasteful, she endured it passively, without complaint.</p> + + <p>He decided that it was his duty to remind himself, from time + to time, that his main interest must be in the game itself, in + the solution of the riddle; whatever should befall, he must + look for no reward for his gratuitous and self-appointed part. + Indeed he was all but successful in persuading himself that it + was the fascination of adventure alone that drew him on.</p> + + <p>Whatever the lure, it was inexorable; instead of doing as a + sensible person would have done—returning to London for a long + rest in his hotel room, ere striving to retrieve his shattered + fortunes—Philip Kirkwood turned up the village street, intent + only to find the railway station and catch the first available + train for Sheerness, were that an early one or a late.</p> + + <p>A hapchance native whom he presently encountered, furnished + minute directions for reaching the Dockyard Station of the + Southeastern and Chatham Rail-way, adding comfortable + information to the effect that the next east-bound train would + pass through in ten minutes; if Kirkwood would mend his pace he + could make it easily, with time to spare.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood mended his pace accordingly, but, contrary to the + prediction, had no time to spare at all. Even as he stormed the + ticket-grating, the train was thundering in at the platform. + Therefore a nervous ticket agent passed him out a first-class + ticket instead of the third-class he had asked for; and there + was no time wherein to have the mistake rectified. Kirkwood + planked down the fare, swore, and sprinted for the + carriages.</p> + + <p>The first compartment whose door he jerked violently open, + proved to be occupied, and was, moreover, not a smoking-car. He + received a fleeting impression of a woman's startled eyes, + staring into his own through a thin mesh of veiling, fell off + the running-board, slammed the door, and hurled himself + to-wards the next compartment. Here happier fortune attended + upon his desire; the box-like section was untenanted, and a + notice blown upon the window-glass announced that it was "2nd + Class Smoking." Kirkwood promptly tumbled in; and when he + turned to shut the door the coaches were moving.</p> + + <p>A pipe helped him to bear up while the train was making its + two other stops in the Borough of Woolwich: a circumstance so + maddening to a man in a hurry, that it set Kirkwood's teeth on + edge with sheer impatience, and made him long fervently for the + land of his birth, where they do things differently—where the + Board of Directors of a railway company doesn't erect three + substantial passenger depôts in the course of a mile and a + half of overgrown village. It consoled him little that none + disputed with him his lonely possession of the compartment, + that he <i>had</i> caught the Sheerness train, or that he was + really losing no time; a sense of deep dejection had settled + down upon his consciousness, with a realization of how + completely a fool's errand was this of his. He felt foredoomed + to failure; he was never to see Dorothy Calendar again; and his + brain seemed numb with disappointment.</p> + + <p>Rattling and swaying, the train left the town behind.</p> + + <p>Presently he put aside his pipe and stared blankly out at a + reeling landscape, the pleasant, homely, smiling countryside of + Kent. A deeper melancholy tinted his mind: Dorothy Calendar was + for ever lost to him.</p> + + <p>The trucks drummed it out persistently—he thought, + vindictively: "<i>Lost!... Lost!... For ever lost!...</i>"</p> + + <p>And he had made—was then making—a damned fool of himself. + The trucks had no need to din <i>that</i> into his thick skull + by their ceaseless iteration; he knew it, would not deny + it....</p> + + <p>And it was all his own fault. He'd had his chance, Calendar + had offered him it. If only he had closed with the fat + adventurer!...</p> + + <p>Before his eyes field and coppice, hedge and homestead, + stream and flowing highway, all blurred and ran streakily into + one another, like a highly impressionistic water-color. He + could make neither head nor tail of the flying views, and so + far as coherent thought was concerned, he could not put two + ideas together. Without understanding distinctly, he presently + did a more wise and wholesome thing: which was to topple limply + over on the cushions and fall fast asleep.</p> + + <HR width="50%" align="center"> + + <p>After a long time he seemed to realize rather hazily that + the carriage-door had been opened to admit somebody. Its smart + closing <i>bang</i> shocked him awake. He sat up, blinking in + confusion, hardly conscious of more, to begin with, than that + the train had paused and was again in full flight. Then, his + senses clearing, he became aware that his solitary companion, + just entered, was a woman. She was seated over across from him, + her back to the engine, in an attitude which somehow suggested + a highly nonchalant frame of mind. She laughed, and immediately + her speaking voice was high and sweet in his hearing.</p> + + <p>"Really, you know, Mr. Kirkwood, I simply couldn't contain + my impatience another instant."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood gasped and tried to re-collect his wits.</p> + + <p>"Beg pardon—I've been asleep," he said stupidly.</p> + + <p>"Yes. I'm sorry to have disturbed you, but, you know, you + must make allowances for a woman's nerves."</p> + + <p>Beneath his breath the bewildered man said: "The deuce!" and + above it, in a stupefied tone: "Mrs. Hallam!"</p> + + <p>She nodded in a not unfriendly fashion, smiling brightly. + "Myself, Mr. Kirkwood! Really, our predestined paths are badly + tangled, just now; aren't they? Were you surprised to find me + in here, with you? Come now, confess you were!"</p> + + <p>He remarked the smooth, girlish freshness of her cheeks, the + sense and humor of her mouth, the veiled gleam of excitement in + her eyes of the changing sea; and saw, as well, that she was + dressed for traveling, sensibly but with an air, and had + brought a small hand-bag with her.</p> + + <p>"Surprised and delighted," he replied, recovering, with + mendacity so intentional and obvious that the woman laughed + aloud.</p> + + <p>"I knew you'd be!... You see, I had the carriage ahead, the + one you didn't take. I was so disappointed when you flung up to + the door and away again! You didn't see me hanging half out the + window, to watch where you went, did you? That's how I + discovered that your discourtesy was unintentional, that you + hadn't recognized me,—by the fact that you took this + compartment, right behind my own."</p> + + <p>She paused invitingly, but Kirkwood, grown wary, contented + himself with picking up his pipe and carefully knocking out the + dottle on the window-ledge.</p> + + <p>"I was glad to see <i>you</i>," she affirmed; "but only + partly because you were you, Mr. Kirkwood. The other and major + part was because sight of you confirmed my own secret + intuition. You see, I'm quite old enough and wise enough to + question even my own intuitions."</p> + + <p>"A woman wise enough for that is an adult prodigy," he + ventured cautiously.</p> + + <p>"It's experience and age. I insist upon the age; I the + mother of a grown-up boy! So I deliberately ran after you, + changing when we stopped at Newington. You might've escaped me + if I had waited until We got to Queensborough."</p> + + <p>Again she paused in open expectancy. Kirkwood, perplexed, + put the pipe in his pocket, and assumed a factitious look of + resignation, regarding her askance with that whimsical twist of + his eyebrows.</p> + + <p>"For you are going to Queensborough, aren't you, Mr. + Kirkwood?"</p> + + <p>"Queensborough?" he echoed blankly; and, in fact, he was at + a loss to follow her drift. "No, Mrs. Hallam; I'm not bound + there."</p> + + <p>Her surprise was apparent; she made no effort to conceal it. + "But," she faltered, "if not there—"</p> + + <p>"'Give you my word, Mrs. Hallam, I have no intention + whatever of going to Queensborough," Kirkwood protested.</p> + + <p>"I don't understand." The nervous drumming of a + patent-leather covered toe, visible beneath the hem of her + dress, alone betrayed a rising tide of impatience. "Then my + intuition <i>was</i> at fault!"</p> + + <p>"In this instance, if it was at all concerned with my + insignificant affairs, yes—most decidedly at fault."</p> + + <p>She shook her head, regarding him with grave suspicion. "I + hardly know: whether to believe you. I think...."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood's countenance displayed an added shade of red. + After a moment, "I mean no discourtesy," he began stiffly, + "but—"</p> + + <p>"But you don't care a farthing whether I believe you or + not?"</p> + + <p>He caught her laughing eye, and smiled, the flush + subsiding.</p> + + <p>"Very well, then! Now let us see: Where <i>are</i> you + bound?"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood looked out of the window.</p> + + <p>"I'm convinced it's a rendezvous...?"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood smiled patiently at the landscape.</p> + + <p>"Is Dorothy Calendar so very, very beautiful, Mr. + Kirkwood?"—with a trace of malice.</p> + + <p>Ostentatiously Kirkwood read the South Eastern and Chatham's + framed card of warning, posted just above Mrs. Hallam's head, + to all such incurable lunatics as are possessed of a desire to + travel on the running-boards of railway carriages.</p> + + <p>"You are going to meet her, aren't you?"</p> + + <p>He gracefully concealed a yawn.</p> + + <p>The woman's plan of attack took another form. "Last night, + when you told me your story, I believed you."</p> + + <p>He devoted himself to suppressing the temptingly obvious + retort, and succeeded; but though he left it unspoken, the + humor of it twitched the corners of his mouth; and Mrs. Hallam + was observant. So that her next attempt to draw him out was + edged with temper.</p> + + <p>"I believed you an American but a gentleman; it appears + that, if you ever were the latter, you've fallen so low that + you willingly cast your lot with thieves."</p> + + <p>Having exhausted his repertoire of rudenesses, Kirkwood took + to twiddling his thumbs.</p> + + <p>"I want to ask you if you think it fair to me or my son, to + leave us in ignorance of the place where you are to meet the + thieves who stole our—my son's jewels?"</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Hallam," he said soberly, "if I am going to meet Mr. + Calendar or Mr. Mulready, I have no assurance of that + fact."</p> + + <p>There was only the briefest of pauses, during which she + analyzed this; then, quickly, "But you hope to?" she + snapped.</p> + + <p>He felt that the only adequate retort to this would be a + shrug of his shoulders; doubted his ability to carry one off; + and again took refuge in silence.</p> + + <p>The woman abandoned a second plan of siege, with a readiness + that did credit to her knowledge of mankind. She thought out + the next very carefully, before opening with a masked + battery.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Kirkwood, can't we be friends—this aside?"</p> + + <p>"Nothing could please me more, Mrs. Hallam!"</p> + + <p>"I'm sorry if I've annoyed you—"</p> + + <p>"And I, too, have been rude."</p> + + <p>"Last night, when you cut away so suddenly, you prevented my + making you a proposal, a sort of a business + proposition...."</p> + + <p>"Yes—?"</p> + + <p>"To come over to our side—"</p> + + <p>"I thought so. That was why I went."</p> + + <p>"Yes; I understood. But this morning, when you've had time + to think it over—?"</p> + + <p>"I have no choice in the matter, Mrs. Hallam." The green + eyes darkened ominously. "You mean—I am to understand, then, + that you're against us, that you prefer to side with swindlers + and scoundrels, all because of a—"</p> + + <p>She discovered him eying her with a smile of such + inscrutable and sardonic intelligence, that the words died on + her lips, and she crimsoned, treasonably to herself. For he saw + it; and the belief he had conceived while attending to her + tissue of fabrication, earlier that morning, was strengthened + to the point of conviction that, if anything had been stolen by + anybody, Mrs. Hallam and her son owned it as little as + Calendar.</p> + + <p>As for the woman, she felt she had steadily lost, rather + than gained, ground; and the flash of anger that had colored + her cheeks, lit twin beacons in her eyes, which she resolutely + fought down until they faded to mere gleams of resentment and + determination. But she forgot to control her lips; and they are + the truest indices to a woman's character and temperament; and + Kirkwood did not overlook the circumstance that their specious + sweetness had vanished, leaving them straight, set and hard, + quite the reverse of attractive.</p> + + <p>"So," she said slowly, after a silent time, "you are not for + Queensborough! The corollary of that <i>admission</i>, Mr. + Kirkwood, is that you are for Sheerness."</p> + + <p>"I believe," he replied wearily, "that there are no other + stations on this line, after Newington."</p> + + <p>"It follows, then, that—that I follow." And in answer to + his perturbed glance, she added: "Oh, I'll grant that intuition + is sometimes a poor guide. But if you meet George Calendar, so + shall I. Nothing can prevent that. You can't hinder me."</p> + + <p>Considerably amused, he chuckled. "Let us talk of other + things, Mrs. Hallam," he suggested pleasantly. "How is your + son?"</p> + + <p>At this juncture the brakes began to shriek and grind upon + the wheels. The train slowed; it stopped; and the voice of a + guard could be heard admonishing passengers for Queensborough + Pier to alight and take the branch line. In the noise the + woman's response was drowned, and Kirkwood was hardly enough + concerned for poor Freddie to repeat his question.</p> + + <p>When, after a little, the train pulled out of the junction, + neither found reason to resume the conversation. During the + brief balance of the journey Mrs. Hallam presumably had food + for thought; she frowned, pursed her lips, and with one + daintily gloved forefinger followed a seam of her tailored + skirt; while Kirkwood sat watching and wondering how to rid + himself of her, if she proved really as troublesome as she + threatened to be.</p> + + <p>Also, he wondered continually what it was all about. Why did + Mrs. Hallam suspect him of designing to meet Calendar at + Queensborough? Had she any tangible ground for believing that + Calendar could be found in Queensborough? Presumably she had, + since she was avowedly in pursuit of that gentleman, and, + Kirkwood inferred, had booked for Queensborough. Was he, then, + running away from Calendar and his daughter to chase a + will-o'-the-wisp of his credulous fancy, off Sheerness + shore?</p> + + <p>Disturbing reflection. He scowled over it, then considered + the other side of the face. Presuming Mrs. Hallam to have had + reasonably dependable assurance that Calendar would stop in + Queensborough, would she so readily have abandoned her design + to catch him there, on the mere supposition that Kirkwood might + be looking for him in Sheerness? That did not seem likely to + one who esteemed Mrs. Hallam's acumen as highly as Kirkwood + did. He brightened up, forgot that his was a fool's errand, and + began again to project strategic plans into a problematic + future.</p> + + <p>A sudden jolt interrupted this pastime, and the warning + screech of the brakes informed that he had no time to scheme, + but had best continue on the plan of action that had brought + him thus far—that is, trust to his star and accept what should + befall without repining.</p> + + <p>He rose, opened the door, and holding it so, turned.</p> + + <p>"I regret, Mrs. Hallam," he announced, smiling his crooked + smile, "that a pressing engagement is about to prohibit my + 'squiring you through the ticket-gates. You understand, I'm + sure."</p> + + <p>His irrepressible humor proved infectious; and Mrs. Hallam's + spirit ran as high as his own. She was smiling cheerfully when + she, too, rose.</p> + + <p>"I also am in some haste," she averred demurely, gathering + up her hand-bag and umbrella.</p> + + <p>A raised platform shot in beside the carriage, and the speed + was so sensibly moderated that the train seemed to be creeping + rather than running. Kirkwood flung the door wide open and + lowered himself to the running-board. The end of the track was + in sight and—a man who has been trained to board San Francisco + cable-cars fears to alight from no moving vehicle. He swung + off, got his balance, and ran swiftly down the platform.</p> + + <p>A cry from a bystander caused him to glance over his + shoulder; Mrs. Hallam was then in the act of alighting. As he + looked the flurry of skirts subsided and she fell into stride, + pursuing.</p> + + <p>Sleepy Sheerness must have been scandalized, that day, and + its gossips have acquired ground for many, an uncharitable + surmise.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood, however, was so fortunate as to gain the wicket + before the employee there awoke to the situation. Otherwise, + such is the temper of British petty officialdom, he might have + detained the fugitive. As it was, Kirkwood surrendered his + ticket and ran out into the street with his luck still a + dominant factor in the race. For, looking back, he saw that + Mrs. Hallam had been held up at the gate, another victim of + British red-tape; her ticket read for Queensborough, she was + attempting to alight one station farther down the line, and + while undoubtedly she was anxious to pay the excess fare, + Heaven alone knew when she would succeed in allaying the + suspicions and resentment of the ticket-taker.</p> + + <p>"That's good for ten minutes' start!" Kirkwood crowed. "And + it never occurred to me—!"</p> + + <p>Before the station he found two hacks in waiting, with + little to choose between them; neither was of a type that did + not seem to advertise its pre-Victorian fashioning, and to + neither was harnessed an animal that deserved anything but the + epithet of screw. Kirkwood took the nearest for no other reason + than because it was the nearest, and all but startled the + driver off his box by offering double-fare for a brisk pace and + a simple service at the end of the ride. Succinctly he set + forth his wants, jumped into the antiquated four-wheeler, and + threw himself down upon musty, dusty cushions to hug himself + over the joke and bless whatever English board of railway, + directors it was that first ordained that tickets should be + taken up at the end instead of the outset of a journey.</p> + + <p>It was promptly made manifest that he had further cause for + gratulation. The cabby, recovering from his amazement, was + plying an indefatigable whip and thereby eliciting a degree of + speed from his superannuated nag, that his fare had by no means + hoped for, much less anticipated. The cab rocked and racketed + through Sheerness' streets at a pace which is believed to be + unprecedented and unrivaled; its passenger, dashed from side to + side, had all he could do to keep from battering the vehicle to + pieces with his head; while it was entirely out of the question + to attempt to determine whether or not he was being pursued. He + enjoyed it all hugely.</p> + + <p>In a period of time surprisingly short, he saw, from + fleeting glimpses of the scenery to be obtained through the + reeling windows, that they were threading the outskirts of the + town; synchronously, whether by design or through actual + inability to maintain it, the speed was moderated. And in the + course of a few more minutes the cab stopped definitely.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood clambered painfully out, shook himself together and + the bruises out of his bones, and looked fearfully back.</p> + + <p>Aside from a slowly settling cloud of dust, the road ran + clear as far as he could see—to the point, in fact, where the + town closed in about it.</p> + + <p>He had won; at all events in so much as to win meant eluding + the persevering Mrs. Hallam. But to what end?</p> + + <p>Abstractedly he tendered his lonely sovereign to the driver, + and without even looking at it, crammed the heavy weight of + change into his pocket; an oversight which not only won him the + awe-struck admiration of the cabby, but entailed consequences + (it may be) he little apprehended. It was with an absentminded + nod that he acquiesced in the man's announcement that he might + arrange about the boat for him. Accordingly the cabby + disappeared; and Kirkwood continued to stare about him, + eagerly, hopefully.</p> + + <p>He stood on the brink of the Thames estuary, there a + possible five miles from shore to shore; from his feet, almost, + a broad shingle beach sloped gently to the water.</p> + + <p>On one hand a dilapidated picket-fence enclosed the + door-yard of a fisherman's cottage, or, better, hovel,—if it + need be accurately described—at the door of which the cabby + was knocking.</p> + + <p>The morning was now well-advanced. The sun rode high, a + sphere of tarnished flame in a void of silver-gray, its thin + cold radiance striking pallid sparks from the leaping crests of + wind-whipped waves. In the east a wall of vapor, dull and + lusterless, had taken body since the dawn, masking the skies + and shutting down upon the sea like some vast curtain; and out + of the heart of this a bitter and vicious wind played like a + sword.</p> + + <p>To the north, Shoeburyness loomed vaguely, like a + low-drifted bank of cloud. Off to the right the Nore Lightship + danced, a tiny fleck of warm crimson in a wilderness of + slatey-blue waters, plumed with a myriad of vanishing + white-caps.</p> + + <p>Up the shelving shore, small, puny wavelets dashed in + impotent fury, and the shingle sang unceasingly its dreary, + syncopated monotone. High and dry, a few dingy boats lay canted + wearily upon their broad, swelling sides,—a couple of dories, + apparently in daily use; a small sloop yacht, dismantled and + plainly beyond repair; and an oyster-smack also out of + commission. About them the beach was strewn with a litter of + miscellany,—nets, oars, cork buoys, bits of wreckage and + driftwood, a few fish too long forgotten and (one assumed) + responsible in part for the foreign wealth of the + atmosphere.</p> + + <p>Some little distance offshore a fishing-boat, catrigged and + not more than twenty-feet over all, swung bobbing at her + mooring, keen nose searching into the wind; at sight of which + Kirkwood gave thanks, for his adventitious guide had served him + well, if that boat were to be hired by any manner of + persuasion.</p> + + <p>But it was to the farther reaches of the estuary that he + gave more prolonged and most anxious heed, scanning narrowly + what shipping was there to be seen. Far beyond the lightship a + liner was riding the waves with serene contempt, making for the + river's mouth and Tilbury Dock. Nearer in, a cargo boat was + standing out upon the long trail, the white of riven waters + showing clearly against her unclean freeboard. Out to east a + little covey of fishing-smacks, red sails well reefed, were + scudding before the wind like strange affrighted water-fowl, + and bearing down past a heavy-laden river barge. The latter, + with tarpaulin battened snugly down over the cockpit and the + seas dashing over her wash-board until she seemed under water + half the time, was forging stodgily Londonwards, her bargee at + the tiller smoking a placid pipe.</p> + + <p>But a single sailing vessel of any notable tonnage was in + sight; and when he saw her Kirkwood's heart became buoyant with + hope, and he began to tremble with nervous eagerness. For he + believed her to be the <i>Alethea</i>.</p> + + <p>There's no mistaking a ship brigantine-rigged for any other + style of craft that sails the seas.</p> + + <p>From her position when first he saw her, Kirkwood could have + fancied she was tacking out of the mouth of the Medway; but he + judged that, leaving the Thames' mouth, she had tacked to + starboard until well-nigh within hail of Sheerness. Now, having + presumably, gone about, she was standing out toward the Nore, + boring doggedly into the wind. He would have given a deal for + glasses wherewith to read the name upon her bows, but was + sensible of no hampering doubts; nor, had he harbored any, + would they have deterred him. He had set his heart upon the + winning of his venture, had come too far, risked far too much, + to suffer anything now to stay his hand and stand between him + and Dorothy Calendar. Whatever the further risks and hazards, + though he should take his life in his hands to win to her side, + he would struggle on. He recked nothing of personal danger; a + less selfish passion ran molten in his veins, moving him to + madness.</p> + + <p>Fascinated, he fixed his gaze upon the reeling brigantine, + and for a space it was as if by longing he had projected his + spirit to her slanting deck, and were there, pleading his case + with the mistress of his heart....</p> + + <p>Voices approaching brought him back to shore. He turned, + resuming his mask of sanity, the better to confer with the + owner of the cottage and boats—a heavy, keen-eyed fellow, + ungracious and truculent of habit, and chary of his words; as + he promptly demonstrated.</p> + + <p>"I'll hire your boat," Kirkwood told him, "to put me aboard + that brigantine, off to leeward. We ought to start at + once."</p> + + <p>The fisherman shifted his quid of tobacco from cheek to + cheek, grunted inarticulately, and swung deliberately on his + heel, displaying a bull neck above a pair of heavy + shoulders.</p> + + <p>"Dirty weather," he croaked, facing back from his survey of + the eastern skies before the American found out whether or not + he should resent his insolence.</p> + + <p>"How much?" Kirkwood demanded curtly, annoyed.</p> + + <p>The man hesitated, scowling blackly at the heeling vessel, + momentarily increasing her distance from shore. Then with a + crafty smile, "Two pound'," he declared.</p> + + <p>The American nodded. "Very well," he agreed simply. "Get out + your boat."</p> + + <p>The fisherman turned away to shamble noisily over the + shingle, huge booted heels crunching, toward one of the dories. + To this he set his shoulder, shoving it steadily down the beach + until only the stern was dry.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood looked back, for the last time, up the road to + Sheerness. Nothing moved upon it. He was rid of Mrs. Hallam, if + face to face with a sterner problem. He had a few pence over + ten shillings in his pocket, and had promised to pay the man + four times as much. He would have agreed to ten times the sum + demanded; for the boat he must and would have. But he had + neglected to conclude his bargain, to come to an understanding + as to the method of payment; and he felt more than a little + dubious as to the reception the fisherman would give his + proposition, sound as he, Kirkwood, knew it to be.</p> + + <p>In the background the cabby loitered, gnawed by insatiable + curiosity.</p> + + <p>The fisherman turned, calling over his shoulder: "If ye'd + catch yon vessel, come!"</p> + + <p>With one final twinge of doubt—the task of placating this + surly dog was anything but inviting—the American strode to the + boat and climbed in, taking the stern seat. The fisherman + shoved off, wading out thigh-deep in the spiteful waves, then + threw himself in over the gunwales and shipped the oars. Bows + swinging offshore, rocking and dancing, the dory began to forge + slowly toward the anchored boat. In their faces the wind beat + gustily, and small, slapping waves, breaking against the sides, + showered them with fine spray....</p> + + <p>In time the dory lay alongside the cat-boat, the fisherman + with a gnarled hand grasping the latter's gunwale to hold the + two together. With some difficulty Kirkwood transhipped + himself, landing asprawl in the cockpit, amid a tangle of + cordage slippery with scales. The skipper followed, with clumsy + expertness bringing the dory's painter with him and hitching it + to a ring-bolt abaft the rudder-head. Then, pausing an instant + to stare into the East with somber eyes, he shipped the tiller + and bent to the halyards. As the sail rattled up, flapping + wildly, Kirkwood marked with relief—for it meant so much time + saved—that it was already close reefed.</p> + + <p>But when at least the boom was thrashing overhead and the + halyards had been made fast to their cleats, the fisherman + again stood erect, peering distrustfully at the distant wall of + cloud.</p> + + <p>Then, in two breaths: "Can't do it," he decided; "not at the + price."</p> + + <p>"Why?" Kirkwood stared despairingly after the brigantine, + that was already drawn far ahead.</p> + + <p>"Danger," growled the fellow, "—wind."</p> + + <p>At a loss completely, Kirkwood found no words. He dropped + his head, considering.</p> + + <p>"Not at the price," the sullen voice iterated; and he looked + up to find the cunning gaze upon him.</p> + + <p>"How much, then?"</p> + + <p>"Five poun' I'll have—no less, for riskin' my life this + day."</p> + + <p>"Impossible. I haven't got it."</p> + + <p>In silence the man unshipped the tiller and moved toward the + cleats.</p> + + <p>"Hold on a minute."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood unbuttoned his coat and, freeing the chain from his + waistcoat buttonholes, removed his watch.... As well abandon + them altogether; he had designed to leave them as security for + the two pounds, and had delayed stating the terms only for fear + lest they be refused. Now, too late as ever, he recognized his + error. But surely, he thought, it should be apparent even to + that low intelligence that the timepiece alone was worth more + than the boat itself.</p> + + <p>"Will you take these?" he offered. "Take and keep them—only + set me aboard that ship!"</p> + + <p>Deliberately the fisherman weighed the watch and chain in + his broad, hard palm, eyes narrowing to mere slits in his + bronzed mask.</p> + + <p>"How much?" he asked slowly.</p> + + <p>"Eighty pounds, together; the chain alone cost me + twenty."</p> + + <p>The shifty, covetous eyes ranged from the treasure in his + hand to the threatening east. A puff of wind caught the sail + and sent the boom athwartships, like a mighty flail. Both men + ducked instinctively, to escape a braining.</p> + + <p>"How do I know?" objected the skipper.</p> + + <p>"I'm telling you. If you've got eyes, you can see," retorted + Kirkwood savagely, seeing that he had erred in telling the + truth; the amount he had named was too great to be grasped at + once by this crude, cupidous brain.</p> + + <p>"How do I know?" the man repeated. Nevertheless he dropped + watch and chain into his pocket, then with a meaning grimace + extended again his horny, greedy palm.</p> + + <p>"What...?"</p> + + <p>"Hand over th' two pound' and we'll go."</p> + + <p>"I'll see you damned first!"</p> + + <p>A flush of rage blinded the young man. The knowledge that + the <i>Alethea</i> was minute by minute slipping beyond his + reach seemed to madden him. White-lipped and ominously quiet he + rose from his seat on the combing, as, without answer, the + fisherman, crawling out on the overhand, began to haul in the + dory.</p> + + <p>"Ashore ye go," he pronounced his ultimatum, motioning + Kirkwood to enter the boat.</p> + + <p>The American turned, looking for the <i>Alethea</i>, or for + the vessel that he believed bore that name. She was nearing the + light-ship when he found her, and as he looked a squall blurred + the air between them, blotting the brigantine out with a smudge + of rain. The effect was as if she had vanished, as if she were + for ever snatched from his grasp; and with Dorothy aboard + her—Heaven alone knew in what need of him!</p> + + <p>Mute and blind with despair and wrath, he turned upon the + man and caught him by the collar, forcing him out over the lip + of the overhang. They were unevenly matched, Kirkwood far the + slighter, but strength came to him in the crisis, physical + strength and address such as he had not dreamed was at his + command. And the surprise of his onslaught proved an ally of + unguessed potency. Before he himself knew it he was standing on + the overhang and had shifted his hold to seize the fellow about + the waist; then, lifting him clear of the deck, and aided by a + lurch of the cat-boat, he cast him bodily into the dory. The + man, falling, struck his head against one of the thwarts, a + glancing blow that stunned him temporarily. Kirkwood himself + dropped as if shot, a trailing reef-point slapping his cheek + until it stung as the boom thrashed overhead. It was as close a + call as he had known; the knowledge sickened him a little.</p> + + <p>Without rising he worked the painter loose and cast the dory + adrift; then crawled back into the cockpit. No pang of + compassion disturbed him as he abandoned the fisherman to the + mercy of the sea; though the fellow lay still, uncouthly + distorted, in the bottom of the dory, he was in no danger; the + wind and waves together would carry the boat ashore.... For + that matter, the man was even then recovering, struggling to + sit up.</p> + + <p>Crouching to avoid the boom, Kirkwood went forward to the + bows, and, grasping the mooring cable, drew it in, slipping + back into the cockpit to get a stronger purchase with his feet. + It was a struggle; the boat pulled sluggishly against the wind, + the cable inching in jealously. And behind him he could hear a + voice bellowing inarticulate menaces, and knew that in another + moment the fisherman would be at his oars. Frantically he + tugged and tore at the slimy rope, hauling with a will and a + prayer. It gave more readily, towards the end, but he seemed to + have fought with it for ages when at last the anchor tripped + and he got it in.</p> + + <p>Immediately he leaped back to the stern, fitted in the + tiller, and seizing the mainsheet, drew the boom in till the + wind should catch in the canvas. In the dory the skipper, + bending at his oars, was not two yards astern.</p> + + <p>He was hard aboard when, the sail filling with a bang, + Kirkwood pulled the tiller up; and the cat-boat slid away, a + dozen feet separating them in a breath.</p> + + <p>A yell of rage boomed down the wind, but he paid no heed. + Careless alike of the dangers he had passed and those that + yawned before him, he trimmed the sheet and stood away on the + port tack, heading directly for the Nore Lightship.</p> + + <center> + <h2><a name="XI">XI</a></h2> + + <h3>OFF THE NORE</h3> + </center> + + <p>Kirkwood's anger cooled apace; at worst it had been a flare + of passion—incandescent. It was seldom more. His brain + clearing, the temperature of his judgment quickly regained its + mean, and he saw his chances without distortion, weighed them + without exaggeration.</p> + + <p>Leaning against the combing, feet braced upon the slippery + and treacherous deck, he clung to tiller and mainsheet and + peered ahead with anxious eyes, a pucker of daring graven deep + between his brows.</p> + + <p>A mile to westward, three or more ahead, he could see the + brigantine standing close in under the Essex shore. At times + she was invisible; again he could catch merely the glint of her + canvas, white against the dark loom of the littoral, toned by a + mist of flying spindrift. He strained his eyes, watching for + the chance which would take place in the rake of her masts and + sails, when she should come about.</p> + + <p>For the longer that manoeuver was deferred, the better was + his chance of attaining his object. It was a forlorn hope. But + in time the brigantine, to escape Maplin Sands, would be forced + to tack and stand out past the lightship, the wind off her port + bows. Then their courses would intersect. It remained to be + demonstrated whether the cat-boat was speedy enough to arrive + at this point of contact in advance of, or simultaneously with, + the larger vessel. Every minute that the putative + <i>Alethea</i> put off coming about brought the cat-boat nearer + that goal, but Kirkwood could do no more than hope and try to + trust in the fisherman's implied admission that it could be + done. It was all in the boat and the way she handled.</p> + + <p>He watched her anxiously, quick to approve her merits as she + displayed them. He had sailed small craft before—frail + center-board cat-boats, handy and swift, built to serve in + summer winds and protected waters: never such an one as this. + Yet he liked her.</p> + + <p>Deep bosomed she was, with no center-board, dependent on her + draught and heavy keel to hold her on the wind; stanch and + seaworthy, sheathed with stout plank and ribbed with seasoned + timber, designed to keep afloat in the wickedest weather brewed + by the foul-tempered German Ocean. Withal her lines were fine + and clean; for all her beam she was calculated to nose narrowly + into the wind and make a pretty pace as well. A good boat: he + had the grace to give the credit to his luck.</p> + + <p>Her disposition was more fully disclosed as they drew away + from the beach. Inshore with shoaling water, the waves had been + choppy and spiteful but lacking force of weight. Farther out, + as the bottom fell away, the rollers became more uniform and + powerful; heavy sweeping seas met the cat-boat, from their + hollows looming mountainous to the man in the tiny cockpit; who + was nevertheless aware that to a steamer they would be + negligible.</p> + + <p>His boat breasted them gallantly, toiling sturdily up the + steep acclivities, poising breathlessly on foam-crested summits + for dizzy instants, then plunging headlong down the deep green + swales; and left a boiling wake behind her,—urging ever + onward, hugging the wind in her wisp of blood-red sail, and + boring into it, pulling at the tiller with the mettle of a + race-horse slugging at the bit.</p> + + <p>Offshore, too, the wind stormed with added strength, or, + possibly, had freshened. For minutes on end the leeward + gunwales would run green, and now and again the screaming, + pelting squalls that scoured the estuary would heel her over + until the water cascaded in over the lee combing, and the + rudder, lifted clear, would hang idle until, smitten by some + racing billow, the tiller would be all but torn from Kirkwood's + hands. Again and again this happened; and those were times of + trembling. But always the cat-boat righted, shaking the + clinging waters from her and swinging her stem into the wind + again; and there would follow an abbreviated breathing spell, + during which Kirkwood was at liberty to dash the salt spray + from his eyes and search the wind-harried waste for the + brigantine. Sometimes he found her, sometimes not.</p> + + <p>Long after he had expected her to, she went about and they + began to close in upon each other. He could see that even with + shortened canvas she was staggering drunkenly under the fierce + impacts of the wind. For himself, it was nip-and-tuck, now, and + no man in his normal sense would have risked a sixpence on the + boat's chance to live until she crossed the brigantine's + bows.</p> + + <p>Time out of reckoning he was forced to kneel in the swimming + cockpit, steering with one hand, using the bailing-dish with + the other, and keeping his eyes religiously turned to the + bellying patch of sail. It was heartbreaking toil; he began + reluctantly to concede that it could not last much longer. And + if he missed the brigantine he would be lost; mortal strength + was not enough to stand the unending strain upon every bone, + muscle and sinew, required to keep the boat upon her course; + though for a time it might cope with and solve the problems + presented by each new, malignant billow and each furious, + howling squall, the end inevitably must be failure. To struggle + on would be but to postpone the certain end ... save and except + the possibility of his gaining the brigantine within the period + of time strictly and briefly limited by his powers of + endurance.</p> + + <p>Long since he had become numb with cold from incessant + drenchings of icy spray, that piled in over the windward + counter, keeping the bottom ankle-deep regardless of his + laborious but intermittent efforts with the bailing dish. And + the two, brigantine and cockle-shell, were drawing together + with appalling deliberation.</p> + + <p>A dozen times he was on the point of surrender, as often + plucked up hope; as the minutes wore on and he kept above + water, he began to believe that if he could stick it out his + judgment and seamanship would be justified ... though human + ingenuity backed by generosity could by no means contrive + adequate excuse for his foolhardiness.</p> + + <p>But that was aside, something irreparable. Wan and grim, he + fought it out.</p> + + <p>But that his voice stuck in his parched throat, he could + have shouted in his elation, when eventually he gained the + point of intersection an eighth of a mile ahead of the + brigantine and got sight of her windward freeboard as, most + slowly, the cat-boat forged across her course.</p> + + <p>For all that, the moment of his actual triumph was not yet; + he had still to carry off successfully a scheme that for sheer + audacity of conception and contempt for danger, transcended all + that had gone before.</p> + + <p>Holding the cat-boat on for a time, he brought her about + handsomely a little way beyond the brigantine's course, and + hung in the eye of the wind, the leach flapping and tightening + with reports like rifle-shots, and the water sloshing about his + calves—bailing-dish now altogether out of mind—while he + watched the oncoming vessel, his eyes glistening with + anticipation.</p> + + <p>She was footing it smartly, the brigantine—lying down to it + and snoring into the wind. Beneath her stem waves broke in + snow-white showers, whiter than the canvas of her bulging + jib—broke and, gnashing their teeth in impotent fury, swirled + and eddied down her sleek dark flanks. Bobbing, courtesying, + she plunged onward, shortening the interval with mighty, + leaping bounds. On her bows, with each instant, the golden + letters of her name grew larger and more legible + until—<i>Alethea</i>!—he could read it plain beyond + dispute.</p> + + <p>Joy welled in his heart. He forgot all that he had undergone + in the prospect of what he proposed still to do in the name of + the only woman the world held for him. Unquestioning he had + come thus far in her service; unquestioning, by her side, he + was prepared to go still farther, though all humanity should + single her out with accusing fingers....</p> + + <p>They were watching him, aboard the brigantine; he could see + a line of heads above her windward rail. Perhaps <i>she</i> was + of their number. He waved an audacious hand. Some one replied, + a great shout shattering itself unintelligibly against the + gale. He neither understood nor attempted to reply; his every + faculty was concentrated on the supreme moment now at hand.</p> + + <p>Calculating the instant to a nicety, he paid off the sheet + and pulled up the tiller. The cat-boat pivoted on her heel; + with a crack her sail flapped full and rigid; then, with the + untempered might of the wind behind her, she shot like an arrow + under the brigantine's bows, so close that the bowsprit of the + latter first threatened to impale the sail, next, the bows + plunging, crashed down a bare two feet behind the cat-boat's + stern.</p> + + <p>Working in a frenzy of haste, Kirkwood jammed the tiller + hard alee, bringing the cat about, and, trimming the mainsheet + as best he might, found himself racing under the brigantine's + leeward quarter,—water pouring in generously over the + cat's.</p> + + <p>Luffing, he edged nearer, handling his craft as though + intending to ram the larger vessel, foot by foot shortening the + little interval. When it was four feet, he would risk the jump; + he crawled out on the overhang, crouching on his toes, one hand + light upon the tiller, the other touching the deck, ready ... + ready....</p> + + <p>Abruptly the <i>Alethea</i> shut off the wind; the sail + flattened and the cat dropped back. In a second the distance + had doubled. In anguish Kirkwood uttered an exceeding bitter + cry. Already he was falling far off her counter....</p> + + <p>A shout reached him. He was dimly conscious of a dark object + hurtling through the air. Into the cockpit, splashing, + something dropped—a coil of rope. He fell forward upon it, + into water eighteen inches deep; and for the first time + realized that, but for that line, he had gone to his drowning + in another minute. The cat was sinking.</p> + + <p>As he scrambled to his feet, clutching the life-line, a + heavy wave washed over the water-logged craft and left it all + but submerged; and a smart tug on the rope added point to the + advice which, reaching his ears in a bellow like a bull's, + penetrated the panic of his wits.</p> + + <p>"Jump! <i>Jump, you fool</i>!"</p> + + <p>In an instant of coherence he saw that the brigantine was + luffing; none the less much of the line had already been paid + out, and there was no reckoning when the end would be reached. + Without time to make it fast, he hitched it twice round his + waist and chest, once round an arm, and, grasping it above his + head to ease its constriction when the tug should come, leaped + on the combing and overboard. A green roaring avalanche swept + down upon him and the luckless cat-boat, overwhelming both + simultaneously.</p> + + <p>The agony that was his during the next few minutes can by no + means be exaggerated. With such crises the human mind is not + fitted adequately to cope; it retains no record of the supreme + moment beyond a vague and incoherent impression of poignant, + soul-racking suffering. Kirkwood underwent a prolonged interval + of semi-sentience, his mind dominated and oppressed by a + deathly fear of drowning and a deadening sense of suffocation, + with attendant tortures as of being broken on the wheel—limb + rending from limb; of compression of his ribs that threatened + momentarily to crush in his chest; of a world a-welter with dim + swirling green half-lights alternating with flashes of blinding + white; of thunderings in his ears like salvoes from a thousand + cannon....</p> + + <p>And his senses were blotted out in blackness....</p> + + <p>Then he was breathing once more, the keen clean air stabbing + his lungs, the while he swam unsupported in an ethereal void of + brilliance. His mouth was full of something that burned, a + liquid hot, acrid, and stinging. He gulped, swallowed, + slobbered, choked, coughed, attempted to sit up, was aware that + he was the focal center of a ring of glaring, burning eyes, + like eyes of ravening beasts; and fainted.</p> + + <p>His next conscious impression was of standing up, supported + by friendly arms on either side, while somebody was asking him + if he could walk a step or two.</p> + + <p>He lifted his head and let it fall in token of assent, + mumbling a yes; and looked round him with eyes wherein the + light of intelligence burned more clear with every second. By + degrees he catalogued and comprehended his weirdly altered + circumstances and surroundings.</p> + + <p>He was partly seated, partly held up, on the edge of the + cabin sky-light, an object of interest to some half-dozen men, + seafaring fellows all, by their habit, clustered round between + him and the windward rail. Of their number one stood directly + before him, dwarfing his companions as much by his air of + command as by his uncommon height: tall, thin-faced and sallow, + with hollow weather-worn cheeks, a mouth like a crooked gash + from ear to ear, and eyes like dying coals, with which he + looked the rescued up and down in one grim, semi-humorous, + semi-speculative glance. In hands both huge and red he fondled + tenderly a squat brandy flask whose contents had apparently + been employed as a first aid to the drowning.</p> + + <p>As Kirkwood's gaze encountered his, the man smiled sourly, + jerking his head to one side with a singularly derisive + air.</p> + + <p>"Hi, matey!" he blustered. "'Ow goes it now? Feelin' + 'appier, eigh?"</p> + + <p><img src="illp222s.jpg" + width="600" + height="725" + border="0" + alt="'Hi, matey!' he blustered. ''Ow goes it now?'"> + +<p>"Some, thank you ... more like a drowned rat." Kirkwood eyed him +sheepishly. "I suppose you're the man who threw me that line? I'll have to +wait till my head clears up before I can thank you properly."</p> + + <p>"Don't mention it." He of the lantern jaws stowed the bottle + away with jealous care in one of his immense coat pockets, and + seized Kirkwood's hand in a grasp that made the young man + wince. "You're syfe enough now. My nyme's Stryker, Capt'n + Wilyum Stryker.... Wot's the row? Lookin' for a friend?" he + demanded suddenly, as Kirkwood's attention wandered.</p> + + <p>For the memory of the errand that had brought him into the + hands of Captain William Stryker had come to the young man very + suddenly; and his eager eyes were swiftly roving not along the + decks but the wide world besides, for sight or sign of his + heart's desire.</p> + + <p>After luffing to pick him up, the brigantine had been again + pulled off on the port tack. The fury of the gale seemed rather + to have waxed than waned, and the <i>Alethea</i> was bending + low under the relentless fury of its blasts, driving hard, with + leeward channels awash. Under her port counter, a mile away, + the crimson light-ship wallowed in a riot of breaking combers. + Sheerness lay abeam, five miles or more. Ahead the northeast + headland of the Isle of Sheppey was bulking large and near. The + cat-boat had vanished....</p> + + <p>More important still, no one aboard the brigantine resembled + in the remotest degree either of the Calendars, father or + daughter, or even Mulready, the black-avised.</p> + + <p>"I sye, 're you lookin' for some one you know?"</p> + + <p>"Yes—your passengers. I presume they're below—?"</p> + + <p>"Passengers!"</p> + + <p>A hush fell upon the group, during which Kirkwood sought + Stryker's eye in pitiful pleading; and Stryker looked round him + blankly.</p> + + <p>"Where's Miss Calendar?" the young man demanded sharply. "I + must see her at once!"</p> + + <p>The keen and deep-set eyes of the skipper clouded as they + returned to Kirkwood's perturbed countenance. "Wot're you + talking about?" he demanded brusquely.</p> + + <p>"I must see Miss Calendar, or Calendar himself, or + Mulready." Kirkwood paused, and, getting no reply, grew restive + under Stryker's inscrutable regard.</p> + + <p>"That's why I came aboard," he amended, blind to the + absurdity of the statement; "to see—er—Calendar."</p> + + <p>"Well ... I'm damned!"</p> + + <p>Stryker managed to infuse into his tone a deal of suspicious + contempt.</p> + + <p>"Why?" insisted Kirkwood, nettled but still + uncomprehending.</p> + + <p>"D'you mean to tell me you came off from—wherever in 'ell + you did come from—intendin' to board this wessel and find a + party nymed Calendar?"</p> + + <p>"Certainly I did. Why—?"</p> + + <p>"Well!" cried Mr. Stryker, rubbing his hands together with + an air oppressively obsequious, "I'm sorry to <i>hin</i>-form + you you've come to the wrong shop, sir; we don't stock no + Calendars. We're in the 'ardware line, we are. You might try + next door, or I dessay you'll find what you want at the + stytioner's, round the corner."</p> + + <p>A giggle from his audience stimulated him. "If," he + continued acidly, "I'd a-guessed you was such a damn' fool, + blimmy if I wouldn't've let you drownd!"</p> + + <p>Staggered, Kirkwood bore his sarcastic truculence without + resentment.</p> + + <p>"Calendar," he stammered, trying to explain, "Calendar + <i>said</i>—"</p> + + <p>"I carn't 'elp wot Calendar said. Mebbe 'e <i>did</i> myke + an engygement with you, an' you've gone and went an' forgot the + dyte. Mebbe it's larst year's calendar you're thinkin' of. You + Johnny" (to a lout of a boy in the group of seamen), "you run + an' fetch this gentleman Whitaker's for Nineteen-six. Look + sharp, now!"</p> + + <p>"But—!" With an effort Kirkwood mustered up a show of + dignity. "Am I to understand," he said, as calmly as he could, + "that you deny knowing George B. Calendar and his daughter + Dorothy and—"</p> + + <p>"I don't 'ave to. Listen to me, young man." For the time the + fellow discarded his clumsy facetiousness. "I'm Wilyum Stryker, + Capt'n Stryker, marster and 'arf-owner of this wessel, and wot + I says 'ere is law. We don't carry no passengers. D'ye + understand me?"—aggressively. "There ain't no pusson nymed + Calendar aboard the <i>Allytheer</i>, an' never was, an' never + will be!"</p> + + <p>"What name did you say?" Kirkwood inquired.</p> + + <p>"This ship? The <i>Allytheer</i>; registered from Liverpool; + bound from London to Hantwerp, in cargo. Anythink else?"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood shook his head, turning to scan the seascape with a + gloomy gaze. As he did so, and remarked how close upon the + Sheppey headland the brigantine had drawn, the order was given + to go about. For the moment he was left alone, wretchedly wet, + shivering, wan and shrunken visibly with the knowledge that he + had dared greatly for nothing. But for the necessity of keeping + up before Stryker and his crew, the young man felt that he + could gladly have broken down and wept for sheer vexation and + disappointment.</p> + + <p>Smartly the brigantine luffed and wore about, heeling deep + as she spun away on the starboard tack.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood staggered round the skylight to the windward rail. + From this position, looking forward, he could see that they + were heading for the open sea, Foulness low over the port + quarter, naught before them but a brawling waste of + leaden-green and dirty white. Far out one of the sidewheel + boats of the Queensborough-Antwerp line was heading directly + into the wind and making heavy weather of it.</p> + + <p>Some little while later, Stryker again approached him, + perhaps swayed by an unaccustomed impulse of compassion; which, + however, he artfully concealed. Blandly ironic, returning to + his impersonation of the shopkeeper, "Nothink else we can show + you, sir?" he inquired.</p> + + <p>"I presume you couldn't put me ashore?" Kirkwood replied + ingenuously.</p> + + <p>In supreme disgust the captain showed him his back. "'Ere, + you!" he called to one of the crew. "Tyke this awye—tyke 'im + below and put 'im to bed; give 'im a drink and dry 'is clo's. + Mebbe 'e'll be better when 'e wykes up. 'E don't talk sense + now, that's sure. If you arsk me, I sye 'e's balmy and no 'ope + for 'im."</p> + + <center> + <h2><a name="XII">XII</a></h2> + + <h3>PICARESQUE PASSAGES</h3> + </center> + + <p>Contradictory to the hopeful prognosis of Captain Stryker, + his unaccredited passenger was not "better" when, after a + period of oblivious rest indefinite in duration, he awoke. His + subsequent assumption of listless resignation, of pacific + acquiescence in the dictates of his destiny, was purely + deceptive—thin ice of despair over profound depths of + exasperated rebellion.</p> + + <p>Blank darkness enveloped him when first he opened eyes to + wonder. Then gradually as he stared, piecing together + unassorted memories and striving to quicken drowsy wits, he + became aware of a glimmer that waxed and waned, a bar of pale + bluish light striking across the gloom above his couch; and by + dint of puzzling divined that this had access by a port. + Turning his head upon a stiff and unyielding pillow, he could + discern a streak of saffron light lining the sill of a doorway, + near by his side. The one phenomenon taken with the other + confirmed a theretofore somewhat hazy impression that his + dreams were dignified by a foundation of fact; that, in brief, + he was occupying a cabin-bunk aboard the good ship + <i>Alethea</i>.</p> + + <p>Overhead, on the deck, a heavy thumping of hurrying feet + awoke him to keener perceptiveness.</p> + + <p>Judging from the incessant rolling and pitching of the + brigantine, the crashing thunder of seas upon her sides, the + eldrich shrieking of the gale, as well as from the chorused + groans and plaints of each individual bolt and timber in the + frail fabric that housed his fortunes, the wind had + strengthened materially during his hours of + forgetfulness—however many the latter might have been.</p> + + <p>He believed, however, that he had slept long, deeply and + exhaustively. He felt now a little emaciated mentally and + somewhat absent-bodied—so he put it to himself. A numb + languor, not unpleasant, held him passively supine, the while + he gave himself over to speculative thought.</p> + + <p>A wild night, certainly; probably, by that time, the little + vessel was in the middle of the North Sea ... <i>bound for + Antwerp</i>!</p> + + <p>"Oh-h," said Kirkwood vindictively, "<i>hell</i>!"</p> + + <p>So he was bound for Antwerp! The first color of resentment + ebbing from his thoughts left him rather interested than + excited by the prospect. He found that he was neither pleased + nor displeased. He presumed that it would be no more difficult + to raise money on personal belongings in Antwerp than anywhere + else; it has been observed that the first flower of + civilization is the rum-blossom, the next, the conventionalized + fleur-de-lis of the money-lender. There would be pawnshops, + then, in Antwerp; and Kirkwood was confident that the sale or + pledge of his signet-ring, scarf-pin, match-box and cigar-case, + would provide him with money enough for a return to London, by + third-class, at the worst. There ... well, all events were on + the knees of the gods; he'd squirm out of his troubles, + somehow. As for the other matter, the Calendar affair, he + presumed he was well rid of it,—with a sigh of regret. It had + been a most enticing mystery, you know; and the woman in the + case was extraordinary, to say the least.</p> + + <p>The memory of Dorothy Calendar made him sigh again, this + time more violently: a sigh that was own brother to (or at any + rate descended in a direct line from) the furnace sigh of the + lover described by, the melancholy Jaques. And he sat up, + bumped his head, groped round until his hand fell upon a + doorknob, opened the door, and looked out into the blowsy + emptiness of the ship's cabin proper, whose gloomy confines + were made visible only by the rays of a dingy and smoky lamp + swinging violently in gimbals from a deck-beam.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood's clothing, now rough-dried and warped wretchedly + out of shape, had been thrown carelessly on a transom near the + door. He got up, collected them, and returning to his berth, + dressed at leisure, thinking heavily, disgruntled—in a humor + as evil as the after-taste of bad brandy in his mouth.</p> + + <p>When dressed he went out into the cabin, closing the door + upon his berth, and for lack of anything better to do, seated + himself on the thwartships transom, against the forward + bulkhead, behind the table. Above his head a chronometer ticked + steadily and loudly, and, being consulted, told him that the + time of day was twenty minutes to four; which meant that he had + slept away some eighteen or twenty hours. That was a solid + spell of a rest, when he came to think of it, even allowing + that he had been unusually and pardonably fatigued when + conducted to his berth. He felt stronger now, and bright + enough—and enormously hungry into the bargain.</p> + + <p>Abstractedly, heedless of the fact that his tobacco would be + water-soaked and ruined, he fumbled in his pockets for pipe and + pouch, thinking to soothe the pangs of hunger against + breakfast-time; which was probably two hours and a quarter + ahead. But his pockets were empty—every one of them. He + assimilated this discovery in patience and cast an eye about + the room, to locate, if possible, the missing property. But + naught of his was visible. So he rose and began a more + painstaking search.</p> + + <p>The cabin was at once tiny, low-ceiled, and depressingly + gloomy. Its furniture consisted entirely in a chair or two, + supplementing the transoms and lockers as resting-places, and a + center-table covered with a cloth of turkey-red, whose original + aggressiveness had been darkly moderated by libations of + liquids, principally black coffee, and burnt offerings of + grease and tobacco-ash. Aside from the companion-way to the + deck, four doors opened into the room, two probably giving upon + the captain's and the mate's quarters, the others on pseudo + state-rooms—one of which he had just vacated—closets large + enough to contain a small bunk and naught beside. The bulkheads + and partitions were badly broken out with a rash of pictures + from illustrated papers, mostly offensive. Kirkwood was + interested to read a half-column clipping from a New York + yellow journal, descriptive of the antics of a drunken British + sailor who had somehow found his way to the bar-room of the + Fifth Avenue Hotel; the paragraph exploiting the fact that it + had required four policemen in addition to the corps of porters + to subdue him, was strongly underscored in red ink; and the + news-story wound up with the information that in police court + the man had given his name as William Stranger and cheerfully + had paid a fine of ten dollars, alleging his entertainment to + have been cheap at the price.</p> + + <p>While Kirkwood was employed in perusing this illuminating + anecdote, eight bells sounded, and, from the commotion + overhead, the watch changed. A little later the companion-way + door slammed open and shut, and Captain Stryker—or Stranger; + whichever you please—fell down, rather than descended, the + steps.</p> + + <p>Without attention to the American he rolled into the mate's + room and roused that personage. Kirkwood heard that the name of + the second-in-command was 'Obbs, as well as that he occupied + the starboard state-room aft. After a brief exchange of comment + and instruction, Mr. 'Obbs appeared in the shape of a walking + pillar of oil-skins capped by a sou'wester, and went on deck; + Stryker, following him out of the state-room, shed his own + oilers in a clammy heap upon the floor, opened a locker from + which he brought forth a bottle and a dirty glass, and, turning + toward the table, for the first time became sensible of + Kirkwood's presence.</p> + + <p>"Ow, there you are, eigh, little bright-eyes!" he exclaimed + with surprised animation.</p> + + <p>"Good morning, Captain Stryker," said Kirkwood, rising. "I + want to tell you—"</p> + + <p>But Stryker waved one great red paw impatiently, with the + effect of sweeping aside and casting into the discard + Kirkwood's intended speech of thanks; nor would he hear him + further.</p> + + <p>"Did you 'ave a nice little nap?" he interrupted. "Come up + bright and smilin', eigh? Now I guess"—the emphasis made it + clear that the captain believed himself to be employing an + Americanism; and so successful was he in his own esteem that he + could not resist the temptation to improve upon the + imitation—"Na-ow I guess yeou're abaout right ready, ben't ye, + to hev a drink, sonny?"</p> + + <p>"No, thank you," said Kirkwood, smiling tolerantly. "I've + got any amount of appetite..."</p> + + <p>"'Ave you, now?" Stryker dropped his mimicry and glanced at + the clock. "Breakfast," he announced, "will be served in the + myne dinin' saloon at eyght a. m. Passingers is requested not + to be lyte at tyble."</p> + + <p>Depositing the bottle on the said table, the captain + searched until he found another glass for Kirkwood, and sat + down.</p> + + <p>"Do you good," he insinuated, pushing the bottle gently + over.</p> + + <p>"No, thank you," reiterated Kirkwood shortly, a little + annoyed.</p> + + <p>Stryker seized his own glass, poured out a strong man's dose + of the fiery concoction, gulped it down, and sighed. Then, with + a glance at the American's woebegone countenance (Kirkwood was + contemplating a four-hour wait for breakfast, and, + consequently, looking as if he had lost his last friend), the + captain bent over, placing both hands palm down before him and + wagging his head earnestly.</p> + + <p>"Please," he implored,—"Please don't let me hinterrupt;" + and filled his pipe, pretending a pensive detachment from his + company.</p> + + <p>The fumes of burning shag sharpened the tooth of desire. + Kirkwood stood it as long as he could, then surrendered with + an: "If you've got any more of that tobacco, Captain, I'd be + glad of a pipe."</p> + + <p>An intensely contemplative expression crept into the + captain's small blue eyes.</p> + + <p>"I only got one other pyper of this 'ere 'baccy," he + announced at length, "and I carn't get no more till I gets + 'ome. I simply couldn't part with it hunder 'arf a quid."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood settled back with a hopeless lift of his shoulders. + Abstractedly Stryker puffed the smoke his way until he could + endure the deprivation no longer.</p> + + <p>"I had about ten shillings in my pocket when I came aboard, + captain, and ... a few other articles."</p> + + <p>"Ow, yes; so you 'ad, now you mention it."</p> + + <p>Stryker rose, ambled into his room, and returned with + Kirkwood's possessions and a fresh paper of shag. While the + young man was hastily filling, lighting, and inhaling the first + strangling but delectable whiff, the captain solemnly counted + into his own palm all the loose change except three large + pennies. The latter he shoved over to Kirkwood in company with + a miscellaneous assortment of articles, which the American + picked up piece by piece and began to bestow about his + clothing. When through, he sat back, troubled and disgusted. + Stryker met his regard blandly.</p> + + <p>"Anything I can do?" he inquired, in suave concern.</p> + + <p>"Why ... there <i>was</i> a black pearl scarfpin—"</p> + + <p>"W'y, don't you remember? You gave that to me, 'count of me + 'avin syved yer life. 'Twas me throwed you that line, you + know."</p> + + <p>"Oh," commented Kirkwood briefly. The pin had been among the + most valuable and cherished of his belongings.</p> + + <p>"Yes," nodded the captain in reminiscence. "You don't + remember? Likely 'twas the brandy singing in yer 'ead. You + pushes it into my 'ands,—almost weepin', you was,—and sez, + sez you, 'Stryker,' you sez, 'tyke this in triflin' toking of + my gratichood; I wouldn't hinsult you,' you sez, 'by hofferin' + you money, but this I can insist on yer acceptin', and no + refusal,' says you."</p> + + <p>"Oh," repeated Kirkwood.</p> + + <p>"If I for a ninstant thought you wasn't sober when you done + it.... But no; you're a gent if there ever was one, and I'm not + the man to offend you."</p> + + <p>"Oh, indeed."</p> + + <p>The captain let the implication pass, perhaps on the + consideration that he could afford to ignore it; and said no + more. The pause held for several minutes, Kirkwood having + fallen into a mood of grave distraction. Finally Captain + Stryker thoughtfully measured out a second drink, limited only + by the capacity of the tumbler, engulfed it noisily, and got + up.</p> + + <p>"Guess I'll be turnin' in," he volunteered affably, yawning + and stretching.</p> + + <p>"I was about to ask you to do me a service...." began + Kirkwood.</p> + + <p>"Yes?"—with the rising inflection of mockery.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood quietly produced his cigar-case, a gold match-box, + gold card-case, and slipped a signet ring from his finger. + "Will you buy these?" he asked. "Or will you lend me five + pounds and hold them as security?"</p> + + <p>Stryker examined the collection with exaggerated interest + strongly tinctured with mistrust. "I'll buy 'em," he offered + eventually, looking up.</p> + + <p>"That's kind of you—"</p> + + <p>"Ow, they ain't much use to me, but Bill Stryker's allus + willin' to accommodate a friend.... Four quid, you said?"</p> + + <p>"Five...."</p> + + <p>"They ain't wuth over four to me."</p> + + <p>"Very well; make it four," Kirkwood assented + contemptuously.</p> + + <p>The captain swept the articles into one capacious fist, + pivoted on one heel at the peril of his neck, and lumbered + unsteadily off to his room. Pausing at the door he turned back + in inquiry.</p> + + <p>"I sye, 'ow did you come to get the impression there was a + party named Almanack aboard this wessel?"</p> + + <p>"Calendar—"</p> + + <p>"'Ave it yer own wye," Stryker conceded gracefully.</p> + + <p>"There isn't, is there?"</p> + + <p>"You 'eard me."</p> + + <p>"Then," said Kirkwood sweetly, "I'm sure you wouldn't be + interested."</p> + + <p>The captain pondered this at leisure. "You seemed pretty + keen abaht seein' 'im," he remarked conclusively.</p> + + <p>"I was."</p> + + <p>"Seems to me I did 'ear the nyme sumw'eres afore." The + captain appeared to wrestle with an obdurate memory. "Ow!" he + triumphed. "I know. 'E was a chap up Manchester wye. Keeper in + a loonatic asylum, 'e was. 'That yer party?"</p> + + <p>"No," said Kirkwood wearily.</p> + + <p>"I didn't know but mebbe 'twas. Excuse me. 'Thought as 'ow + mebbe you'd escyped from 'is tender care, but, findin' the + world cold, chynged yer mind and wanted to gow back."</p> + + <p>Without waiting for a reply he lurched into his room and + banged the door to. Kirkwood, divided between amusement and + irritation, heard him stumbling about for some time; and then a + hush fell, grateful enough while it lasted; which was not long. + For no sooner did the captain sleep than a penetrating snore + added itself unto the cacophony of waves and wind and tortured + ship.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood, comforted at first by the blessed tobacco, lapsed + insensibly into dreary meditations. Coming after the swift + movement and sustained excitement of the eighteen hours + preceding his long sleep, the monotony of shipboard confinement + seemed irksome to a maddening degree. There was absolutely + nothing he could discover to occupy his mind. If there were + books aboard, none was in evidence; beyond the report of Mr. + Stranger's Manhattan night's entertainment the walls were + devoid of reading matter; and a round of the picture gallery + proved a diversion weariful enough when not purely + revolting.</p> + + <p>Wherefore Mr. Kirkwood stretched himself out on the transom + and smoked and reviewed his adventures in detail and seriatim, + and was by turns indignant, sore, anxious on his own account as + well as on Dorothy's, and out of all patience with himself. + Mystified he remained throughout, and the edge of his curiosity + held as keen as ever, you may believe.</p> + + <p>Consistently the affair presented itself to his fancy in the + guise of a puzzle-picture, which, though you study it never so + diligently, remains incomprehensible, until by chance you view + it from an unexpected angle, when it reveals itself + intelligibly. It had not yet been his good fortune to see it + from the right viewpoint. To hold the metaphor, he walked + endless circles round it, patiently seeking, but ever failing + to find the proper perspective.... Each incident, however + insignificant, in connection with it, he handled over and over, + examining its every facet, bright or dull, as an expert might + inspect a clever imitation of a diamond; and like a perfect + imitation it defied analysis.</p> + + <p>Of one or two things he was convinced; for one, that Stryker + was a liar worthy of classification with Calendar and Mrs. + Hallam. Kirkwood had not only the testimony of his sense to + assure him that the ship's name, <i>Alethea</i> (not a common + one, by the bye), had been mentioned by both Calendar and + Mulready during their altercation on Bermondsey Old Stairs, but + he had the confirmatory testimony of the sleepy waterman, + William, who had directed Old Bob and Young William to the + anchorage off Bow Creek. That there should have been two + vessels of the same unusual name at one and the same time in + the Port of London, was a coincidence too preposterous + altogether to find place in his calculations.</p> + + <p>His second impregnable conclusion was that those whom he + sought had boarded the <i>Alethea</i>, but had left her before + she tripped her anchor. That they were not stowed away aboard + her seemed unquestionable. The brigantine was hardly large + enough for the presence of three persons aboard her to be long + kept a secret from an inquisitive fourth,—unless, indeed, they + lay in hiding in the hold; for which, once the ship got under + way, there could be scant excuse. And Kirkwood did not believe + himself a person of sufficient importance in Calendar's eyes, + to make that worthy endure the discomforts of a'tween-decks + imprisonment throughout the voyage, even to escape + recognition.</p> + + <p>With every second, then, he was traveling farther from her + to whose aid he had rushed, impelled by motives so hot-headed, + so innately, chivalric, so unthinkingly gallant, so + exceptionally idiotic!</p> + + <p>Idiot! Kirkwood groaned with despair of his inability to + fathom the abyss of his self-contempt. There seemed to be + positively no excuse for <i>him</i>. Stryker had befriended him + indeed, had he permitted him to drown. Yet he had acted for the + best, as he saw it. The fault lay in himself: an admirable + fault, that of harboring and nurturing generous and + compassionate instincts. But, of course, Kirkwood couldn't see + it that way.</p> + + <p>"What else could I do?" he defended himself against the + indictment of common sense. "I couldn't leave her to the + mercies of that set of rogues!... And Heaven knows I was given + every reason to believe she would be aboard this ship! Why, she + herself told me that she was sailing ...!"</p> + + <p>Heaven knew, too, that this folly of his had cost him a + pretty penny, first and last. His watch was gone beyond + recovery, his homeward passage forfeited; he no longer harbored + illusions as to the steamship company presenting him with + another berth in lieu of that called for by that water-soaked + slip of paper then in his pocket—courtesy of Stryker. He had + sold for a pittance, a tithe of its value, his personal + jewelry, and had spent every penny he could call his own. With + the money Stryker was to give him he would be able to get back + to London and his third-rate hostelry, but not with enough over + to pay that one week's room-rent, or ...</p> + + <p>"Oh, the devil!" he groaned, head in hands.</p> + + <p>The future loomed wrapped in unspeakable darkness, lightened + by no least ray of hope. It had been bad enough to lose a + comfortable living through a gigantic convulsion of Nature; but + to think that he had lost all else through his own egregious + folly, to find himself reduced to the kennels—!</p> + + <p>So Care found him again in those weary hours,—came and sat + by his side, slipping a grisly hand in his and tightening its + grip until he could have cried out with the torment of it; the + while whispering insidiously subtile, evil things in his ear. + And he had not even Hope to comfort him; at any previous stage + he had been able to distil a sort of bitter-sweet satisfaction + from the thought that he was suffering for the love of his + life. But now—now Dorothy was lost, gone like the glamour of + Romance in the searching light of day.</p> + + <p>Stryker, emerging from his room for breakfast, found the + passenger with a hostile look in his eye and a jaw set in ugly + fashion. His eyes, too, were the abiding-place of smoldering + devils; and the captain, recognizing them, considerately + forbore to stir them up with any untimely pleasantries. To be + sure, he was autocrat in his own ship, and Kirkwood's standing + aboard was <i>nil</i>; but then there was just enough yellow in + the complexion of Stryker's soul to incline him to sidestep + trouble whenever feasible. And besides, he entertained dark + suspicions of his guest—suspicions he scarce dared voice even + to his inmost heart.</p> + + <p>The morning meal, therefore, passed off in constrained + silence. The captain ate voraciously and vociferously, pushed + back his chair, and went on deck to relieve the mate. The + latter, a stunted little Cockney with a wizened countenance and + a mind as foul as his tongue, got small change of his attempts + to engage the passenger in conversation on topics that he + considered fit for discussion. After the sixth or eighth + snubbing he rose in dudgeon, discharged a poisonous bit of + insolence, and retired to his berth, leaving Kirkwood to finish + his breakfast in peace; which the latter did literally, to the + last visible scrap of food and the ultimate drop of coffee, + poor as both were in quality.</p> + + <p>To the tune of a moderating wind, the morning wearied away. + Kirkwood went on deck once, for distraction from the + intolerable monotony of it all, got a sound drenching of spray, + with a glimpse of a dark line on the eastern horizon, which he + understood to be the low littoral of Holland, and was glad to + dodge below once more and dry himself.</p> + + <p>He had the pleasure of the mate's company at dinner, the + captain remaining on deck until Hobbs had finished and gone up + to relieve him; and by that time Kirkwood likewise was + through.</p> + + <p>Stryker blew down with a blustery show of cheer. "Well, + well, my little man!" (It happened that he topped Kirkwood's + stature by at least five inches.) "Enj'yin' yer sea trip?"</p> + + <p>"About as much as you'd expect," snapped Kirkwood.</p> + + <p>"Ow?" The captain began to shovel food into his face. (The + author regrets he has at his command no more delicate + expression that is literal and illustrative.) Kirkwood watched + him, fascinated with suspense; it seemed impossible that the + man could continue so to employ his knife without cutting his + throat from the inside. But years of such manipulation had made + him expert, and his guest, keenly disappointed, at length + ceased to hope.</p> + + <p>Between gobbles Stryker eyed him furtively.</p> + + <p>"'Treat you all right?" he demanded abruptly.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood started out of a brown study. "What? Who? Why, I + suppose I ought to be—indeed, I <i>am</i> grateful," he + asserted. "Certainly you saved my life, and—"</p> + + <p>"Ow, I don't mean that." Stryker gathered the imputation + into his paw and flung it disdainfully to the four winds of + Heaven. "Bless yer 'art, you're welcome; I wouldn't let no dorg + drownd, 'f I could 'elp it. No," he declared, "nor a loonatic, + neither."</p> + + <p>He thrust his plate away and shifted sidewise in his chair. + "I 'uz just wonderin'," he pursued, picking his teeth + meditatively with a pen-knife, "'ow they feeds you in them + <i>as</i>-ylums. 'Avin' never been inside one, myself, it's + on'y natural I'd be cur'us.... There was one of them + institootions near where I was borned—Birming'am, that is. I + used to see the loonies playin' in the grounds. I remember + <i>just</i> as well!... One of 'em and me struck up quite an + acquaintance—"</p> + + <p>"Naturally he'd take to you on sight."</p> + + <p>"Ow? Strynge 'ow <i>we</i> 'it it off, eigh?... You myke me + think of 'im. Young chap, 'e was, the livin' spi't-'n-himage of + you. It don't happen, does it, you're the same man?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, go to the devil!"</p> + + <p>"Naughty!" said the captain serenely, wagging a reproving + forefinger. "Bad, naughty word. You'll be sorry when you find + out wot it means.... Only 'e was allus plannin' to run awye and + drownd 'is-self."...</p> + + <p>He wore the joke threadbare, even to his own taste, and in + the end got heavily to his feet, starting for the companionway. + "Land you this arternoon," he remarked casually, "come three + o'clock or thereabahts. Per'aps later. I don't know, though, as + I 'ad ought to let you loose."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood made no answer. Chuckling, Stryker went on + deck.</p> + + <p>In the course of an hour the American followed him.</p> + + <p>Wind and sea alike had gone down wonderfully since + daybreak—a circumstance undoubtedly in great part due to the + fact that they had won in under the lee of the mainland and + were traversing shallower waters. On either hand, like mist + upon the horizon, lay a streak of gray, a shade darker than the + gray of the waters. The <i>Alethea</i> was within the wide jaws + of the Western Scheldt. As for the wind, it had shifted several + points to the northwards; the brigantine had it abeam and was + lying down to it and racing to port with slanting deck and + singing cordage.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood approached the captain, who, acting as his own + pilot, was standing by the wheel and barking sharp orders to + the helmsman.</p> + + <p>"Have you a Bradshaw on board?" asked the young man.</p> + + <p>"Steady!" This to the man at the wheel; then to Kirkwood: + "Wot's that, me lud?"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood repeated his question. Stryker eyed him + suspiciously for a thought.</p> + + <p>"Wot d'you want it for?"</p> + + <p>"I want to see when I can get a boat back to England."</p> + + <p>"Hmm.... Yes, you'll find a Bradshaw in the port-locker, + near the for'ard bulk'ead. Run along now and pl'y—and mind you + don't go tearin' out the pyges to myke pyper boatses to go + sylin' in."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood went below. Like its adjacent rooms, the cabin was + untenanted; the watch was the mate's, and Stryker a martinet. + Kirkwood found the designated locker and, opening it, saw first + to his hand the familiar bulky red volume with its red garter. + Taking it out he carried it to a chair near the companionway, + for a better reading light: the skylight being still battened + down.</p> + + <p>The strap removed, the book opened easily, as if by force of + habit, at the precise table he had wished to consult; some + previous client had left a marker between the pages,—and not + an ordinary book-mark, by any manner of means. Kirkwood gave + utterance to a little gasp of amazement, and instinctively + glanced up at the companionway, to see if he were observed.</p> + + <p>He was not, but for safety's sake he moved farther back into + the cabin and out of the range of vision of any one on deck; a + precaution which was almost immediately justified by the + clumping of heavy feet upon the steps as Stryker descended in + pursuit of the ever-essential drink.</p> + + <p>"'Find it?" he demanded, staring blindly—with eyes not yet + focused to the change from light to gloom—at the young man, + who was sitting with the guide open on his knees, a tightly + clenched fist resting on the transom at either side of him.</p> + + <p>In reply he received a monosyllabic affirmative; Kirkwood + did not look up.</p> + + <p>"You must be a howl," commented the captain, making for the + seductive locker.</p> + + <p>"A—what?"</p> + + <p>"A howl, readin' that fine print there in the dark. W'y + don't you go over to the light?... I'll 'ave to 'ave them + shutters tyken off the winders." This was Stryker's amiable + figure of speech, frequently employed to indicate the coverings + of the skylight.</p> + + <p>"I'm all right." Kirkwood went on studying the book.</p> + + <p>Stryker swigged off his rum and wiped his lips with the back + of a red paw, hesitating a moment to watch his guest.</p> + + <p>"Mykes it seem more 'ome-like for you, I expect," he + observed.</p> + + <p>"What do you mean?"</p> + + <p>"W'y, Bradshaw's first-cousin to a halmanack, ain't 'e? + Can't get one, take t'other—next best thing. Sorry I didn't + think of it sooner; like my passengers to feel comfy.... Now + don't you go trapsein' off to gay Paree and squanderin' wot + money you got left. You 'ear?"</p> + + <p>"By the way, Captain!" Kirkwood looked up at this, but + Stryker was already half-way up the companion.</p> + + <p>Cautiously the American opened his right fist and held to + the light that which had been concealed, close wadded in his + grasp,—a square of sheer linen edged with lace, crumpled but + spotless, and diffusing in the unwholesome den a faint, + intangible fragrance, the veriest wraith of that elusive + perfume which he would never again inhale without instantly + recalling that night ride through London in the intimacy of a + cab.</p> + + <p>He closed his eyes and saw her again, as clearly as though + she stood before him,—hair of gold massed above the forehead + of snow, curling in adorable tendrils at the nape of her neck, + lips like scarlet splashed upon the immaculate whiteness of her + skin, head poised audaciously in its spirited, youthful allure, + dark eyes smiling the least trace sadly beneath the level + brows.</p> + + <p>Unquestionably the handkerchief was hers; if proof other + than the assurance of his heart were requisite, he had it in + the initial delicately embroidered in one corner: a D, for + Dorothy!... He looked again, to make sure; then hastily folded + up the treasure-trove and slipped it into a breast pocket of + his coat.</p> + + <p>No; I am not sure that it was not the left-hand pocket.</p> + + <p>Quivering with excitement he bent again over the book and + studied it intently. After all, he had not been wrong! He could + assert now, without fear of refutation, that Stryker had + lied.</p> + + <p>Some one had wielded an industrious pencil on the page. It + was, taken as a whole, fruitful of clues. Its very heading was + illuminating:</p> + + <p>LONDON to VLISSINGEN (FLUSHING) AND BREDA;</p> + + <p>which happened to be the quickest and most direct route + between London and Antwerp. Beneath it, in the second column + from the right, the pencil had put a check-mark against:</p> + + <p>QUEENSBOROUGH ... DEP ... 11a10.</p> + + <p>And now he saw it clearly—dolt that he had been not to have + divined it ere this! The <i>Alethea</i> had run in to + Queensborough, landing her passengers there, that they might + make connection with the eleven-ten morning boat for + Flushing,—the very side-wheel steamer, doubtless, which he had + noticed beating out in the teeth of the gale just after the + brigantine had picked him up. Had he not received the passing + impression that the <i>Alethea</i>, when first he caught sight + of her, might have been coming out of the Medway, on whose + eastern shore is situate Queensborough Pier? Had not Mrs. + Hallam, going upon he knew not what information or belief, been + bound for Queensborough, with design there to intercept the + fugitives?</p> + + <p>Kirkwood chuckled to recall how, all unwittingly, he had + been the means of diverting from her chosen course that acute + and resourceful lady; then again turned his attention to the + tables.</p> + + <p>A third check had been placed against the train for + Amsterdam scheduled to leave Antwerp at 6:32 p. m. Momentarily + his heart misgave him, when he saw this, in fear lest Calendar + and Dorothy should have gone on from Antwerp the previous + evening; but then he rallied, discovering that the boat-train + from Flushing did not arrive at Antwerp till after ten at + night; and there was no later train thence for Amsterdam. Were + the latter truly their purposed destination, they would have + stayed overnight and be leaving that very evening on the 6:32. + On the other hand, why should they wait for the latest train, + rather than proceed by the first available in the morning? Why + but because Calendar and Mulready were to wait for Stryker to + join them on the <i>Alethea</i>?</p> + + <p>Very well, then; if the wind held and Stryker knew his + business, there would be another passenger on that train, in + addition to the Calendar party.</p> + + <p>Making mental note of the fact that the boat-train for + Flushing and London was scheduled to leave Antwerp daily at + 8:21 p. m., Kirkwood rustled the leaves to find out whether or + not other tours had been planned, found evidences of none, and + carefully restored the guide to the locker, lest inadvertently + the captain should pick it up and see what Kirkwood had + seen.</p> + + <p>An hour later he went on deck. The skies had blown clear and + the brigantine was well in land-bound waters and still footing + a rattling pace. The river-banks had narrowed until, beyond the + dikes to right and left, the country-side stretched wide and + flat, a plain of living green embroidered with winding roads + and quaint Old-World hamlets whose red roofs shone like dull + fire between the dark green foliage of dwarfed firs.</p> + + <p>Down with the Scheldt's gray shimmering flood were drifting + little companies of barges, sturdy and snug both fore and aft, + tough tanned sails burning in the afternoon sunlight. A long + string of canal-boats, potted plants flowering saucily in their + neatly curtained windows, proprietors expansively smoking on + deck, in the bosoms of their very large families, was being + mothered up-stream by two funny, clucking tugs. Behind the + brigantine a travel-worn Atlantic liner was scolding itself + hoarse about the right of way. Outward bound, empty cattle + boats, rough and rusty, were swaggering down to the sea, with + the careless, independent thumbs-in-armholes air of so many + navvies off the job.</p> + + <p>And then lifting suddenly above the level far-off sky-line, + there appeared a very miracle of beauty; the delicate tracery + of the great Cathedral's spire of frozen lace, glowing like a + thing of spun gold, set against the sapphire velvet of the + horizon.</p> + + <p>Antwerp was in sight.</p> + + <p>A troublesome care stirring in his mind, Kirkwood looked + round the deck; but Stryker was very busy, entirely too + preoccupied with the handling of his ship to be interrupted + with impunity. Besides, there was plenty of time.</p> + + <p>More slowly now, the wind falling, the brigantine crept up + the river, her crew alert with sheets and halyards as the + devious windings of the stream rendered it necessary to trim + the canvas at varying angles to catch the wind.</p> + + <p>Slowly, too, in the shadow of that Mechlin spire, the + horizon grew rough and elevated, taking shape in the serrated + profile of a thousand gables and a hundred towers and + cross-crowned steeples.</p> + + <p>Once or twice, more and more annoyed as the time of their + association seemed to grow more brief, Kirkwood approached the + captain; but Stryker continued to be exhaustively absorbed in + the performance of his duties.</p> + + <p>Up past the dockyards, where spidery masts stood in dense + groves about painted funnels, and men swarmed over huge wharves + like ants over a crust of bread; up and round the final, great + sweeping bend of the river, the <i>Alethea</i> made her sober + way, ever with greater slowness; until at length, in the rose + glow of a flawless evening, her windlass began to clank like a + mad thing and her anchor bit the riverbed, near the left bank, + between old Forts Isabelle and Tête de Flandre, frowned + upon from the right by the grim pile of the age-old Steen + castle.</p> + + <p>And again Kirkwood sought Stryker, his carking query ready + on his lips. But the captain impatiently waved him aside.</p> + + <p>"Don't you bother me now, me lud juke! Wyte until I gets + done with the custom hofficer."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood acceded, perforce; and bided his time with what + tolerance he could muster.</p> + + <p>A pluttering customs launch bustled up to the + <i>Alethea's</i> side, discharged a fussy inspector on the + brigantine's deck, and panted impatiently until he, the + examination concluded without delay, was again aboard.</p> + + <p>Stryker, smirking benignly and massaging his lips with the + back of his hand, followed the official on deck, nodded to + Kirkwood an intimation that he was prepared to accord him an + audience, and strolled forward to the waist. The American, + mastering his resentment, meekly followed; one can not well + afford to be haughty when one is asking favors.</p> + + <p>Advancing to the rail, the captain whistled in one of the + river-boats; then, while the waterman waited, faced his + passenger.</p> + + <p>"Now, yer r'yal 'ighness, wot can I do for you afore you + goes ashore?"</p> + + <p>"I think you must have forgotten," said Kirkwood quietly. "I + hate to trouble you, but—there's that matter of four + pounds."</p> + + <p>Stryker's face was expressive only of mystified vacuity. + "Four quid? I dunno <i>as</i> I know just wot you means."</p> + + <p>"You agreed to advance me four pounds on those things of + mine...."</p> + + <p>"Ow-w!" Illumination overspread the hollow-jowled + countenance. Stryker smiled cheerfully. "Garn with you!" he + chuckled. "You will 'ave yer little joke, won't you now? I + declare I never see a loony with such affecsh'nit, pl'yful + wyes!"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood's eyes narrowed. "Stryker," he said steadily, "give + me the four pounds and let's have no more nonsense; or else + hand over my things at once."</p> + + <p>"Daffy," Stryker told vacancy, with conviction. "Lor' luv me + if I sees 'ow he ever 'ad sense enough to escype. W'y, yer + majesty!" and he bowed, ironic. "I '<i>ave</i> given you yer + quid."</p> + + <p>"Just about as much as I gave you that pearl pin," retorted + Kirkwood hotly. "What the devil do you mean—"</p> + + <p>"W'y, yer ludship, four pounds jus pyes yer passyge; I + thought you understood."</p> + + <p>"My passage! But I can come across by steamer for thirty + shillings, first-class—"</p> + + <p>"Aw, but them steamers! Tricky, they is, and unsyfe ... No, + yer gryce, the W. Stryker Packet Line Lim'ted, London to + Antwerp, charges four pounds per passyge and no reduction for + return fare."</p> + + <p>Stunned by his effrontery, Kirkwood stared in silence.</p> + + <p>"Any complynts," continued the captain, looking over + Kirkwood's head, "must be lyde afore the Board of Directors in + writin' not more'n thirty dyes arfter—"</p> + + <p>"You damned scoundrel!" interpolated Kirkwood + thoughtfully.</p> + + <p>Stryker's mouth closed with a snap; his features froze in a + cast of wrath; cold rage glinted in his small blue eyes. "W'y," + he bellowed, "you bloomin' loonatic, d'ye think you can sye + that to Bill Stryker on 'is own wessel!"</p> + + <p>He hesitated a moment, then launched a heavy fist at + Kirkwood's face. Unsurprised, the young man side-stepped, + caught the hard, bony wrist as the captain lurched by, + following his wasted blow, and with a dexterous twist laid him + flat on his back, with a sounding thump upon the deck. And as + the infuriated scamp rose—which he did with a bound that + placed him on his feet and in defensive posture; as though the + deck had been a spring-board—Kirkwood leaped back, seized a + capstan-bar, and faced him with a challenge.</p> + + <p>"Stand clear, Stryker!" he warned the man tensely, himself + livid with rage. "If you move a step closer I swear I'll knock + the head off your shoulders! Not another inch, you contemptible + whelp, or I'll brain you!... That's better," he continued as + the captain, caving, dropped his fists and moved uneasily back. + "Now give that boatman money for taking me ashore. Yes, I'm + going—and if we ever meet again, take the other side of the + way, Stryker!"</p> + + <p>Without response, a grim smile wreathing his thin, hard + lips, Stryker thrust one hand into his pocket, and withdrawing + a coin, tossed it to the waiting waterman. Whereupon Kirkwood + backed warily to the rail, abandoned the capstan-bar and + dropped over the side.</p> + + <p>Nodding to the boatman, "The Steen landing—quickly," he + said in French.</p> + + <p>Stryker, recovering, advanced to the rail and waved him a + derisive <i>bon voyage</i>.</p> + + <p>"By-by, yer hexcellency. I 'opes it may soon be my pleasure + to meet you again. You've been a real privilege to know; I've + henjoyed yer comp'ny somethin' immense. Don't know as I ever + met such a rippin', Ay Number One, all-round, entertynin' ass, + afore!"</p> + + <p>He fumbled nervously about his clothing, brought to light a + rag of cotton, much the worse for service, and ostentatiously + wiped from the corner of each eye tears of grief at parting. + Then, as the boat swung toward the farther shore, Kirkwood's + back was to the brigantine, and he was little tempted to turn + and invite fresh shafts of ridicule.</p> + + <p>Rapidly, as he was ferried across the busy Scheldt, the + white blaze of his passion cooled; but the biting irony of his + estate ate, corrosive, into his soul. Hollow-eyed he glared + vacantly into space, pale lips unmoving, his features wasted + with despair.</p> + + <p>They came to the landing-stage and swung broad-side on. + Mechanically the American got up and disembarked. As heedless + of time and place he moved up the Quai to the gangway and so + gained the esplanade; where pausing he thrust a trembling hand + into his trouser pocket.</p> + + <p>The hand reappeared, displaying in its outspread palm three + big, round, brown, British pennies. Staring down at them, + Kirkwood's lips moved.</p> + + <p>"Bed rock!" he whispered huskily.</p> + + <center> + <h2><a name="XIII">XIII</a></h2> + + <h3>A PRIMER OF PROGRESSIVE CRIME</h3> + </center> + + <p>Without warning or presage the still evening air was smitten + and made softly musical by the pealing of a distant chime, + calling vespers to its brothers in Antwerp's hundred belfries; + and one by one, far and near, the responses broke out, until it + seemed as if the world must be vibrant with silver and brazen + melody; until at the last the great bells in the Cathedral + spire stirred and grumbled drowsily, then woke to such ringing + resonance as dwarfed all the rest and made it seem as + nothing.</p> + + <p>Like the beating of a mighty heart heard through the rushing + clamor of the pulses, a single deep-throated bell boomed + solemnly six heavy, rumbling strokes.</p> + + <p>Six o'clock! Kirkwood roused out of his dour brooding. The + Amsterdam express would leave at 6:32, and he knew not from + what station.</p> + + <p>Striding swiftly across the promenade, he entered a small + tobacco shop and made inquiry of the proprietress. His command + of French was tolerable; he experienced no difficulty in + comprehending the good woman's instructions.</p> + + <p>Trains for Amsterdam, she said, left from the Gare Centrale, + a mile or so across the city. M'sieur had plenty of time, and + to spare. There was the tram line, if m'sieur did not care to + take a fiacre. If he would go by way of the Vielle Bourse he + would discover the tram cars of the Rue Kipdorp. M'sieur was + most welcome....</p> + + <p>Monsieur departed with the more haste since he was unable to + repay this courtesy with the most trifling purchase; such + slight matters annoyed Kirkwood intensely. Perhaps it was well + for him that he had the long walk to help him work off the fit + of nervous exasperation into which he was plunged every time + his thoughts harked back to that jovial black-guard, + Stryker.... He was quite calm when, after a brisk walk of some + fifteen minutes, he reached the station.</p> + + <p>A public clock reassured him with the information that he + had the quarter of an hour's leeway; it was only seventeen + minutes past eighteen o'clock (Belgian railway time, always + confusing). Inquiring his way to the Amsterdam train, which was + already waiting at the platform, he paced its length, peering + brazenly in at the coach windows, now warm with hope, now + shivering with disappointment, realizing as he could not but + realize that, all else aside, his only chance of rehabilitation + lay in meeting Calendar. But in none of the coaches or + carriages did he discover any one even remotely resembling the + fat adventurer, his daughter, or Mulready.</p> + + <p>Satisfied that they had not yet boarded the train, he stood + aside, tortured with forebodings, while anxiously scrutinizing + each individual of the throng of intending travelers.... + Perhaps they had been delayed—by the <i>Alethea's</i> lateness + in making port very likely; perhaps they purposed taking not + this but a later train; perhaps they had already left the city + by an earlier, or had returned to England.</p> + + <p>On time, the bell clanged its warning; the guards bawled + theirs; doors were hastily opened and slammed; the trucks began + to groan, couplings jolting as the engine chafed in constraint. + The train and Kirkwood moved simultaneously out of opposite + ends of the station, the one to rattle and hammer round the + eastern boundaries of the city and straighten out at top speed + on the northern route for the Belgian line, the other to stroll + moodily away, idle hands in empty pockets, bound aimlessly + anywhere—it didn't matter!</p> + + <p>Nothing whatever mattered in the smallest degree. Ere now + the outlook had been dark; but this he felt to be the absolute + nadir of his misfortunes. Presently—after a while—as soon as + he could bring himself to it—he would ask the way and go to + the American Consulate. But just now, low as the tide of chance + had ebbed, leaving him stranded on the flats of vagabondage, + low as showed the measure of his self-esteem, he could not + tolerate the prospect of begging for assistance—help which + would in all likelihood be refused, since his story was quite + too preposterous to gain credence in official ears that daily + are filled with the lamentations of those whose motives do not + bear investigation. And if he chose to eliminate the strange + chain of events which had landed him in Antwerp, to base his + plea solely on the fact that he was a victim of the San + Francisco disaster ... he himself was able to smile, if sourly, + anticipating the incredulous consular smile with which he would + be shown the door.</p> + + <p>No; that he would reserve as a last resort. True, he had + already come to the Jumping-off Place; to the Court of the Last + Resort alone could he now appeal. But ... not yet; after a + while he could make his petition, after he had made a familiar + of the thought that he must armor himself with callous + indifference to rebuff, to say naught of the waves of burning + shame that would overwhelm him when he came to the point of + asking charity.</p> + + <p>He found himself, neither knowing nor caring how he had won + thither, in the Place Verte, the vast venerable pile of the + Cathedral rising on his right, hotels and quaint Old-World + dwellings with peaked roofs and gables and dormer windows, + inclosing the other sides of the square. The chimes (he could + hear none but those of the Cathedral) were heralding the hour + of seven. Listless and preoccupied in contemplation of his + wretched case he wandered purposelessly half round the square, + then dropped into a bench on its outskirts.</p> + + <p>It was some time later that he noticed, with a casual, + indifferent eye, a porter running out of the Hôtel de + Flandre, directly opposite, and calling a fiacre in to the + carriage block.</p> + + <p>As languidly he watched a woman, very becomingly dressed, + follow the porter down to the curb.</p> + + <p>The fiacre swung in, and the woman dismissed the porter + before entering the vehicle; a proceeding so unusual that it + fixed the onlooker's interest. He sat rigid with attention; the + woman seemed to be giving explicit and lengthy directions to + the driver, who nodded and gesticulated his comprehension.</p> + + <p>The woman was Mrs. Hallam.</p> + + <p>The first blush of recognition passed, leaving Kirkwood + without any amazement. It was an easy matter to account for her + being where she was. Thrown off the scent by Kirkwood at + Sheerness, the previous morning, she had missed the day boat, + the same which had ferried over those whom she pursued. + Returning from Sheerness to Queensborough, however, she had + taken the night boat for Flushing and Antwerp,—and not without + her plan, who was not a woman to waste her strength aimlessly; + Kirkwood believed that she had had from the first a very + definite campaign in view. In that campaign Queensborough Pier + had been the first strategic move; the journey to Antwerp, + apparently, the second; and the American was impressed that he + was witnessing the inception of the third decided step.... The + conclusion of this process of reasoning was inevitable: Madam + would bear watching.</p> + + <p>Thus was a magical transformation brought about. + Instantaneously lassitude and vain repinings were replaced by + hopefulness and energy. In a twinkling the young man was on his + feet, every nerve a-thrill with excitement.</p> + + <p>Mrs. Hallam, blissfully ignorant of this surveillance over + her movements, took her place in the fiacre. The driver clucked + to his horse, cracked his whip, and started off at a slow trot: + a pace which Kirkwood imitated, keeping himself at a discreet + distance to the rear of the cab, but prepared to break into a + run whenever it should prove necessary.</p> + + <p>Such exertion, however, was not required of him. Evidently + Mrs. Hallam was in no great haste to reach her destination; the + speed of the fiacre remained extremely moderate; Kirkwood found + a long, brisk stride fast enough to keep it well in sight.</p> + + <p>Round the green square, under the beautiful walls of Notre + Dame d'Anvers, through Grande Place and past the Hôtel de + Ville, the cab proceeded, dogged by what might plausibly be + asserted the most persistent and infatuated soul that ever + crossed the water; and so on into the Quai Van Dyck, turning to + the left at the old Steen dungeon and, slowing to a walk, + moving soberly up the drive.</p> + + <p>Beyond the lip of the embankment, the Scheldt flowed, its + broad shining surface oily, smooth and dark, a mirror for the + incandescent glory of the skies. Over on the western bank old + Tête de Flandre lifted up its grim curtains and bastions, + sable against the crimson, rampart and parapet edged with fire. + Busy little side-wheeled ferry steamers spanked the waters + noisily and smudged the sunset with dark drifting trails of + smoke; and ever and anon a rowboat would slip out of shadow to + glide languidly with the current. Otherwise the life of the + river was gone; and at their moorings the ships swung in great + quietness, riding lights glimmering like low wan stars.</p> + + <p>In the company of the latter the young man marked down the + <i>Alethea</i>; a sight which made him unconsciously clench + both fists and teeth, reminding him of that rare wag, + Stryker....</p> + + <p>To his way of thinking the behavior of the fiacre was quite + unaccountable. Hardly had the horse paced off the length of two + blocks on the Quai ere it was guided to the edge of the + promenade and brought to a stop. And the driver twisted the + reins round his whip, thrust the latter in its socket, turned + sidewise on the box, and began to smoke and swing his heels, + surveying the panorama of river and sunset with complacency—a + cabby, one would venture, without a care in the world and + serene in the assurance of a generous <i>pour-boire</i> when he + lost his fare. But as for the latter, she made no move; the + door of the cab remained closed,—like its occupant's mind, a + mystery to the watcher.</p> + + <p>Twilight shadows lengthened, darkling, over the land; + street-lights flashed up in long, radiant ranks. Across the + promenade hotels and shops were lighted up; people began to + gather round the tables beneath the awnings of an open-air + café. In the distance, somewhere, a band swung into the + dreamy rhythm of a haunting waltz. Scattered couples moved + slowly, arm in arm, along the riverside walk, drinking in the + fragrance of the night. Overhead stars popped out in brilliance + and dropped their reflections to swim lazily on spellbound + waters.... And still the fiacre lingered in inaction, still the + driver lorded it aloft, in care-free abandon.</p> + + <p>In the course of time this inertia, where he had looked for + action, this dull suspense when he had forecast interesting + developments, wore upon the watcher's nerves and made him at + once impatient and suspicious. Now that he had begun to doubt, + he conceived it as quite possible that Mrs. Hallam (who was + capable of anything) should have stolen out of the cab by the + other and, to him, invisible door. To resolve the matter, + finally, he took advantage of the darkness, turned up his coat + collar, hunched up his shoulders, hid his hands in pockets, + pulled the visor of his cap well forward over his eyes, and + slouched past the fiacre.</p> + + <p>Mrs. Hallam sat within. He could see her profile clearly + silhouetted against the light; she was bending forward and + staring fixedly out of the window, across the driveway. + Mentally he calculated the direction of her gaze, then, moved + away and followed it with his own eyes; and found himself + staring at the façade of a third-rate hotel. Above its + roof the gilded letters of a sign, catching the illumination + from below, spelled out the title of "Hôtel du + Commerce."</p> + + <p>Mrs. Hallam was interested in the Hôtel du + Commerce?</p> + + <p>Thoughtfully Kirkwood fell back to his former point of + observation, now the richer by another object of suspicion, the + hostelry. Mrs. Hallam was waiting and watching for some one to + enter or to leave that establishment. It seemed a reasonable + inference to draw. Well, then, so was Kirkwood, no less than + the lady; he deemed it quite conceivable that their objects + were identical.</p> + + <p>He started to beguile the time by wondering what she would + do, if...</p> + + <p>Of a sudden he abandoned this line of speculation, and + catching his breath, held it, almost afraid to credit the truth + that for once his anticipations were being realized under his + very eyes.</p> + + <p>Against the lighted doorway of the Hôtel du Commerce, + the figures of two men were momentarily sketched, as they came + hurriedly forth; and of the two, one was short and stout, and + even at a distance seemed to bear himself with an accent of + assertiveness, while the other was tall and heavy of + shoulder.</p> + + <p>Side by side they marched in step across the embankment to + the head of the Quai gangway, descending without pause to the + landing-stage. Kirkwood, hanging breathlessly over the + guard-rail, could hear their footfalls ringing in hollow rhythm + on the planks of the inclined way,—could even discern + Calendar's unlovely profile in dim relief beneath one of the + waterside lights; and he recognized unmistakably Mulready's + deep voice, grumbling inarticulately.</p> + + <p>At the outset he had set after them, with intent to accost + Calendar; but their pace had been swift and his irresolute. He + hung fire on the issue, dreading to reveal himself, unable to + decide which were the better course, to pursue the men, or to + wait and discover what Mrs. Hallam was about. In the end he + waited; and had his disappointment for recompense.</p> + + <p>For Mrs. Hallam did nothing intelligible. Had she driven + over to the hotel, hard upon the departure of the men, he would + have believed that she was seeking Dorothy, and would, + furthermore, have elected to crowd their interview, if she + succeeded in obtaining one with the girl. But she did nothing + of the sort. For a time the fiacre remained as it had been ever + since stopping; then, evidently admonished by his fare, the + driver straightened up, knocked out his pipe, disentangled + reins and whip, and wheeled the equipage back on the way it had + come, disappearing in a dark side street leading eastward from + the embankment.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood was, then, to believe that Mrs. Hallam, having + taken all that trouble and having waited for the two + adventurers to appear, had been content with sight of them? He + could hardly believe that of the woman; it wasn't like her.</p> + + <p>He started across the driveway, after the fiacre, but it was + lost in a tangle of side streets before he could make up his + mind whether it was worth while chasing or not; and, pondering + the woman's singular action, he retraced his steps to the + promenade rail.</p> + + <p>Presently he told himself he understood. Dorothy was no + longer of her father's party; he had a suspicion that + Mulready's attitude had made it seem advisable to Calendar + either to leave the girl behind, in England, or to segregate + her from his associates in Antwerp. If not lodged in another + quarter of the city, or left behind, she was probably traveling + on ahead, to a destination which he could by no means guess. + And Mrs. Hallam was looking for the girl; if there were really + jewels in that gladstone bag, Calendar would naturally have had + no hesitation about intrusting them to his daughter's care; and + Mrs. Hallam avowedly sought nothing else. How the woman had + found out that such was the case, Kirkwood did not stop to + reckon; unless he explained it on the proposition that she was + a person of remarkable address. It made no matter, one way or + the other; he had lost Mrs. Hallam; but Calendar and Mulready + he could put his finger on; they had undoubtedly gone off to + the <i>Alethea</i> to confer again with Stryker,—that was, + unless they proposed sailing on the brigantine, possibly at + turn of tide that night.</p> + + <p>Panic gripped his soul and shook it, as a terrier shakes a + rat, when he conceived this frightful proposition.</p> + + <p>In his confusion of mind he evolved spontaneously an + entirely new hypothesis: Dorothy had already been spirited + aboard the vessel; Calendar and his confederate, delaying to + join her from enigmatic motives, were now aboard; and presently + the word would be, Up-anchor and away!</p> + + <p>Were they again to elude him? Not, he swore, if he had to + swim for it. And he had no wish to swim. The clothes he stood + in, with what was left of his self-respect, were all that he + could call his own on that side of the North Sea. Not a boatman + on the Scheldt would so much as consider accepting three + English pennies in exchange for boat-hire. In brief, it began + to look as if he were either to swim or ... to steal a + boat.</p> + + <p>Upon such slender threads of circumstance depends our + boasted moral health. In one fleeting minute Kirkwood's + conception of the law of <i>meum et tuum</i>, its foundations + already insidiously undermined by a series of cumulative + misfortunes, toppled crashing to its fall; and was not.</p> + + <p>He was wholly unconscious of the change. Beneath him, in a + space between the quays bridged by the gangway, a number of + rowboats, a putative score, lay moored for the night and gently + rubbing against each other with the soundless lift and fall of + the river. For all that Kirkwood could determine to the + contrary, the lot lay at the mercy of the public; nowhere about + was he able to discern a figure in anything resembling a + watchman.</p> + + <p>Without a quiver of hesitation—moments were invaluable, if + what he feared were true—he strode to the gangway, passed + down, and with absolute nonchalance dropped into the nearest + boat, stepping from one to another until he had gained the + outermost. To his joy he found a pair of oars stowed beneath + the thwarts.</p> + + <p>If he had paused to moralize—which he didn't—upon the + discovery, he would have laid it all at the door of his lucky + star; and would have been wrong. We who have never stooped to + petty larceny know that the oars had been placed there at the + direction of his evil genius bent upon facilitating his descent + into the avernus of crime. Let us, then, pity the poor young + man without condoning his offense.</p> + + <p>Unhitching the painter he set one oar against the gunwale of + the next boat, and with a powerful thrust sent his own (let us + so call it for convenience) stern-first out upon the river; + then sat him composedly down, fitted the oars to their locks, + and began to pull straight across-stream, trusting to the + current to carry him down to the <i>Alethea</i>. He had already + marked down that vessel's riding-light; and that not without a + glow of gratitude to see it still aloft and in proper + juxtaposition to the river-bank; proof that it had not + moved.</p> + + <p>He pulled a good oar, reckoned his distance prettily, and + shipping the blades at just the right moment, brought the + little boat in under the brigantine's counter with scarce a + jar. An element of surprise he held essential to the success of + his plan, whatever that might turn out to be.</p> + + <p>Standing up, he caught the brigantine's after-rail with both + hands, one of which held the painter of the purloined boat, and + lifted his head above the deck line. A short survey of the + deserted after-deck gave him further assurance. The + anchor-watch was not in sight; he may have been keeping well + forward by Stryker's instructions, or he may have crept off for + forty winks. Whatever the reason for his absence from the post + of duty, Kirkwood was relieved not to have him to deal with; + and drawing himself gently in over the rail, made the painter + fast, and stepped noiselessly over toward the lighted oblong of + the companionway. A murmur of voices from below comforted him + with the knowledge that he had not miscalculated, this time; at + last he stood within striking distance of his quarry.</p> + + <p>The syllables of his surname ringing clearly in his ears and + followed by Stryker's fleeting laugh, brought him to a pause. + He flushed hotly in the darkness; the captain was retailing + with relish some of his most successful witticisms at + Kirkwood's expense.... "You'd ought to've seed the wye'e looked + at me!" concluded the <i>raconteur</i> in a gale of mirth.</p> + + <p>Mulready laughed with him, if a little uncertainly. + Calendar's chuckle was not audible, but he broke the pause that + followed.</p> + + <p>"I don't know," he said with doubting emphasis. "You say you + landed him without a penny in his pocket? I don't call that a + good plan at all. Of course, he ain't a factor, but ... Well, + it might've been as well to give him his fare home. He might + make trouble for us, somehow.... I don't mind telling you, + Cap'n, that you're an ass."</p> + + <p>The tensity of certain situations numbs the sensibilities. + Kirkwood had never in his weirdest dreams thought of himself as + an eavesdropper; he did not think of himself as such in the + present instance; he merely listened, edging nearer the + skylight, of which the wings were slightly raised, and keeping + as far as possible in shadow.</p> + + <p>"Ow, I sye!" the captain was remonstrating, aggrieved. "'Ow + was I to know 'e didn't 'ave it in for you? First off, when 'e + comes on board (I'll sye this for 'im, 'e's as plucky as they + myke 'em), I thought 'e was from the Yard. Then, when I see wot + a bally hinnocent 'e was, I mykes up my mind 'e's just some one + you've been ply in' one of your little gymes on, and 'oo was + lookin' to square 'is account. So I did 'im proper."</p> + + <p>"Evidently," assented Calendar dryly. "You're a bit of a + heavy-handed brute, Stryker. Personally I'm kind of sorry for + the boy; he wasn't a bad sort, as his kind runs, and he was no + fool, from what little I saw of him.... I wonder what he + wanted."</p> + + <p>"Possibly," Mulready chimed in suavely, "you can explain + what you wanted of him, in the first place. How did you come to + drag him into <i>this</i> business?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, that!" Calendar laughed shortly. "That was partly + accident, partly inspiration. I happened to see his name on the + Pless register; he'd put himself down as from 'Frisco. I + figured it out that he would be next door to broke and getting + desperate, ready to do anything to get home; and thought we + might utilize him; to smuggle some of the stuff into the + States. Once before, if you'll remember—no; that was before we + got together, Mulready—I picked up a fellow-countryman on the + Strand. He was down and out, jumped at the job, and we made a + neat little wad on it."</p> + + <p>"The more fool you, to take outsiders into your confidence," + grumbled Mulready.</p> + + <p>"Ow?" interrogated Calendar, mimicking Stryker's accent + inimitably. "Well, you've got a heap to learn about this game, + Mul; about the first thing is that you must trust Old Man + Know-it-all, which is me. I've run more diamonds into the + States, in one way or another, in my time, than you ever + pinched out of the shirt-front of a toff on the Empire Prom., + before they made the graft too hot for you and you came to take + lessons from me in the gentle art of living easy."</p> + + <p>"Oh, cut that, cawn't you?"</p> + + <p>"Delighted, dear boy.... One of the first principles, next + to profiting by the admirable example I set you, is to make the + fellows in your own line trust you. Now, if this boy had taken + on with me, I could have got a bunch of the sparklers on my + mere say-so, from old Morganthau up on Finsbury Pavement. He + does a steady business hoodwinking the Customs for the benefit + of his American clients—and himself. And I'd've made a neat + little profit besides: something to fall back on, if this fell + through. I don't mind having two strings to my bow."</p> + + <p>"Yes," argued Mulready; "but suppose this Kirkwood had taken + on with you and then peached?"</p> + + <p>"That's another secret; you've got to know your man, be able + to size him up. I called on this chap for that very purpose; + but I saw at a glance he wasn't our man. He smelt a nigger in + the woodpile and most politely told me to go to the devil. But + if he <i>had</i> come in, he'd've died before he squealed. I + know the breed; there's honor among gentlemen that knocks the + honor of thieves higher'n a kite, the old saw to the + contrary—nothing doing.... You understand me, I'm sure, + Mulready?" he concluded with envenomed sweetness.</p> + + <p>"I don't see yet how Kirkwood got anything to do with + Dorothy."</p> + + <p>"Miss Calendar to you, <i>Mister</i> Mulready!" snapped + Calendar. "There, there, now! Don't get excited.... It was when + the Hallam passed me word that a man from the Yard was waiting + on the altar steps for me, that Kirkwood came in. He was dining + close by; I went over and worked on his feelings until he + agreed to take Dorothy off my hands. If I had attempted to + leave the place with her, they'd've spotted me for sure.... My + compliments to you, Dick Mulready."</p> + + <p>There came the noise of chair legs scraped harshly on the + cabin deck. Apparently Mulready had leaped to his feet in a + rage.</p> + + <p>"I've told you—" he began in a voice thick with + passion.</p> + + <p>"Oh, sit down!" Calendar cut in contemptuously. "Sit down, + d'you hear? That's all over and done with. We understand each + other now, and you won't try any more monkey-shines. It's a + square deal and a square divide, so far's I'm concerned; if we + stick together there'll be profit enough for all concerned. Sit + down, Mul, and have another slug of the captain's bum rum."</p> + + <p>Although Mulready consented to be pacified, Kirkwood got the + impression that the man was far gone in drink. A moment later + he heard him growl "Chin-chin!" antiphonal to the captain's + "Cheer-o!"</p> + + <p>"Now, then," Calendar proposed, "Mr. Kirkwood aside—peace + be with him!—let's get down to cases."</p> + + <p>"Wot's the row?" asked the captain.</p> + + <p>"The row, Cap'n, is the Hallam female, who has unexpectedly + shown up in Antwerp, we have reason to believe with malicious + intent and a private detective to add to the gaiety of + nations."</p> + + <p>"Wot's the odds? She carn't 'urt us without lyin' up trouble + for 'erself."</p> + + <p>"Damn little consolation to us when we're working it out in + Dartmoor."</p> + + <p>"Speak for yourself," grunted Mulready surlily.</p> + + <p>"I do," returned Calendar easily; "we're both in the shadow + of Dartmoor, Mul, my boy; since you choose to take the + reference as personal. Sing Sing, however, yawns for me alone; + it's going to keep on yawning, too, unless I miss my guess. I + love my native land most to death, <i>but</i> ..."</p> + + <p>"Ow, blow that!" interrupted the captain irritably. "Let's + 'ear about the 'Allam. Wot're you afryd of?"</p> + + <p>"'Fraid she'll set up a yell when she finds out we're + planting the loot, Cap'n. She's just that vindictive; you'd + think she'd be satisfied with her end of the stick, but you + don't know the Hallam. That milk-and-water offspring of hers is + the apple of her eye, and Freddie's going to collar the whole + shooting-match or madam will kick over the traces."</p> + + <p>"Well?"</p> + + <p>"Well, she's queered us here. We can't do anything if my + lady is going to camp on our trail and tell everybody we're + shady customers, can we? The question now before the board is: + Where now,—and how?"</p> + + <p>"Amsterdam," Mulready chimed in. "I told you that in the + beginning."</p> + + <p>"But how?" argued Calendar. "The Lord knows I'm willing but + ... we can't go by rail, thanks to the Hallam. We've got to + lose her first of all."</p> + + <p>"But wot I'm arskin' is, wot's the matter with—"</p> + + <p>"The <i>Alethea</i>, Cap'n? Nothing, so far as Dick and I + are concerned. But my dutiful daughter is prejudiced; she's + been so long without proper paternal discipline," Calendar + laughed, "that she's rather high-spirited. Of course I might + overcome her objections, but the girl's no fool, and every + ounce of pressure I bring to bear just now only helps make her + more restless and suspicious."</p> + + <p>"You leave her to me," Mulready interposed, with a brutal + laugh. "I'll guarantee to get her aboard, or..."</p> + + <p>"Drop it, Dick!" Calendar advised quietly. "And go a bit + easy with that bottle for five minutes, can't you?"</p> + + <p>"Well, then," Stryker resumed, apparently concurring in + Calendar's attitude, "w'y don't one of you tyke the stuff, go + off quiet and dispose of it to a proper fence, and come back to + divide. I don't see w'y that—"</p> + + <p>"Naturally you wouldn't," chuckled Calendar. "Few people + besides the two of us understand the depth of affection + existing between Dick, here, and me. We just can't bear to get + out of sight of each other. We're sure inseparable—since night + before last. Odd, isn't it?"</p> + + <p>"You drop it!" snarled Mulready, in accents so ugly that the + listener was startled. "Enough's enough and—"</p> + + <p>"There, there, Dick! All right; I'll behave," Calendar + soothed him. "We'll forget and say no more about it."</p> + + <p>"Well, see you don't."</p> + + <p>"But 'as either of you a plan?" persisted Stryker.</p> + + <p>"I have," replied Mulready; "and it's the simplest and best, + if you could only make this long-lost parent here see it."</p> + + <p>"Wot is it?"</p> + + <p>Mulready seemed to ignore Calendar and address himself to + the captain. He articulated with some difficulty, slurring his + words to the point of indistinctness at times.</p> + + <p>"Simple enough," he propounded solemnly. "We've got the + gladstone bag here; Miss Dolly's at the hotel—that's her + papa's bright notion; he thinks she's to be trusted ... Now + then, what's the matter with weighing anchor and slipping + quietly out to sea?"</p> + + <p>"Leavin' the dootiful darter?"</p> + + <p>"Cert'n'y. She's only a drag any way. 'Better off without + her.... Then we can wait our time and get highest market + prices—"</p> + + <p>"You forget, Dick," Calendar put it, "that there's a + thousand in it for each of us if she's kept out of England for + six weeks. A thousand's five thousand in the land I hail from; + I can use five thousand in my business."</p> + + <p>"Why can't you be content with what you've got?" demanded + Mulready wrathfully.</p> + + <p>"Because I'm a seventh son of a seventh son; I can see an + inch or two beyond my nose. If Dorothy ever finds her way back + to England she'll spoil one of the finest fields of legitimate + graft I ever licked my lips to look at. The trouble with you, + Mul, is you're too high-toned. You want to play the swell + mobs-man from post to finish. A quick touch and a clean getaway + for yours. Now, that's all right; that has its good points, but + you don't want to underestimate the advantages of a good + blackmailing connection.... If I can keep Dorothy quiet long + enough, I look to the Hallam and precious Freddie to be a great + comfort to me in my old age."</p> + + <p>"Then, for God's sake," cried Mulready, "go to the hotel, + get your brat by the scruif of her pretty neck and drag her + aboard. Let's get out of this."</p> + + <p>"I won't," returned Calendar inflexibly.</p> + + <p>The dispute continued, but the listener had heard enough. He + had to get away and think, could no longer listen; indeed, the + voices of the three blackguards below came but indistinctly to + his ears, as if from a distance. He was sick at heart and + ablaze with indignation by turns. Unconsciously he was + trembling violently in every limb; swept by alternate waves of + heat and cold, feverish one minute, shivering the next. All of + which phenomena were due solely to the rage that welled inside + his heart.</p> + + <p>Stealthily he crept away to the rail, to stand grasping it + and staring across the water with unseeing eyes at the gay old + city twinkling back with her thousand eyes of light. The cool + night breeze, sweeping down unhindered over the level + Netherlands from the bleak North Sea, was comforting to his + throbbing temples. By degrees his head cleared, his rioting + pulses subsided, he could think; and he did.</p> + + <p>Over there, across the water, in the dingy and disreputable + Hôtel du Commerce, Dorothy waited in her room, doubtless + the prey of unnumbered nameless terrors, while aboard the + brigantine her fate was being decided by a council of three + unspeakable scoundrels, one of whom, professing himself her + father, openly declared his intention of using her to further + his selfish and criminal ends.</p> + + <p>His first and natural thought, to steal away to her and + induce her to accompany him back to England, Kirkwood perforce + discarded. He could have wept over the realization of his + unqualified impotency. He had no money,—not even cab-fare from + the hotel to the railway station. Something subtler, more + crafty, had to be contrived to meet the emergency. And there + was one way, one only; he could see none other. Temporarily he + must make himself one of the company of her enemies, force + himself upon them, ingratiate himself into their good graces, + gain their confidence, then, when opportunity offered, betray + them. And the power to make them tolerate him, if not receive + him as a fellow, the knowledge of them and their plans that + they had unwittingly given him, was his.</p> + + <p>And Dorothy, was waiting....</p> + + <p>He swung round and without attempting to muffle his + footfalls strode toward the companionway. He must pretend he + had just come aboard.</p> + + <p>Subconsciously he had been aware, during his time of + pondering, that the voices in the cabin had been steadily + gaining in volume, rising louder and yet more loud, Mulready's + ominous, drink-blurred accents dominating the others. There was + a quarrel afoot; as soon as he gave it heed, Kirkwood + understood that Mulready, in the madness of his inflamed brain, + was forcing the issue while Calendar sought vainly to calm and + soothe him.</p> + + <p>The American arrived at the head of the companionway at a + critical juncture. As he moved to descend some low, cool-toned + retort of Calendar's seemed to enrage his confederate beyond + reason. He yelped aloud with wrath, sprang to his feet, + knocking over a chair, and leaping back toward the foot of the + steps, flashed an adroit hand behind him and found his + revolver.</p> + + <p>"I've stood enough from you!" he screamed, his voice oddly + clear in that moment of insanity. "You've played with me as + long as you will, you hulking American hog! And now I'm going + to show—"</p> + + <p>As he held his fire to permit his denunciation to bite home, + Kirkwood, appalled to find himself standing on the threshold of + a tragedy, gathered himself together and launched through the + air, straight for the madman's shoulders.</p> + + <p>As they went down together, sprawling, Mulready's head + struck against a transom and the revolver fell from his limp + fingers.</p> + + <center> + <h2><a name="XIV">XIV</a></h2> + + <h3>STRATAGEMS AND SPOILS</h3> + </center> + + <p>Prepared as he had been for the shock, Kirkwood was able to + pick himself up quickly, uninjured, Mulready's revolver in his + grasp.</p> + + <p>On his feet, straddling Mulready's insentient body, he + confronted Calendar and Stryker. The face of the latter was a + sickly green, the gift of his fright. The former seemed coldly + composed, already recovering from his surprise and bringing his + wits to bear upon the new factor which had been so + unceremoniously injected into the situation.</p> + + <p><img src="illp285s.jpg" + width="600" + height="716" + border="0" + alt= + "Straddling Mulready's body, he confronted Calendar and Stryker."> + </p> + + <p>Standing, but leaning heavily upon a hand that rested flat + on the table, in the other he likewise held a revolver, which + he had apparently drawn in self-defense, at the crisis of + Mulready's frenzy. Its muzzle was deflected. He looked Kirkwood + over with a cool gray eye, the color gradually returning to his + fat, clean-shaven cheeks, replacing the pardonable pallor which + had momentarily rested thereon.</p> + + <p>As for Kirkwood, he had covered the fat adventurer before he + knew it. Stryker, who had been standing immediately in the rear + of Calendar, immediately cowered and cringed to find himself in + the line of fire.</p> + + <p>Of the three conscious men in the brigantine's cabin, + Calendar was probably the least confused or excited. Stryker + was palpably unmanned. Kirkwood was tingling with a sense of + mastery, but collected and rapidly revolving the combinations + for the reversed conditions which had been brought about by + Mulready's drunken folly. His elation was apparent in his + shining, boyish eyes, as well as in the bright color that + glowed in his cheeks. When he decided to speak it was with + rapid enunciation, but clearly and concisely.</p> + + <p>"Calendar," he began, "if a single shot is fired about this + vessel the river police will be buzzing round your ears in a + brace of shakes."</p> + + <p>The fat adventurer nodded assent, his eyes contracting.</p> + + <p>"Very well!" continued Kirkwood brusquely. "You must know + that I have personally nothing to fear from the police; if + arrested, I wouldn't be detained a day. On the other hand, you + ... Hand me that pistol, Calendar, butt first, please. Look + sharp, my man! If you don't..."</p> + + <p>He left the ellipsis to be filled in by the corpulent + blackguard's intelligence. The latter, gray eyes still intent + on the younger man's face, wavered, plainly impressed, but + still wondering.</p> + + <p>"Quick! I'm not patient to-night..."</p> + + <p>No longer was Calendar of two minds. In the face of + Kirkwood's attitude there was but one course to be followed: + that of obedience. Calendar surrendered an untenable position + as gracefully as could be wished.</p> + + <p>"I guess you know what you mean by this," he said, tendering + the weapon as per instructions; "I'm doggoned if I do.... + You'll allow a certain latitude in consideration of my relief; + I can't say we were anticipating this—ah—Heaven-sent + visitation."</p> + + <p>Accepting the revolver with his left hand and settling his + forefinger on the trigger, Kirkwood beamed with pure enjoyment. + He found the deference of the older man, tempered though it was + by his indomitable swagger, refreshing in the extreme.</p> + + <p>"A little appreciation isn't exactly out of place, come to + think of it," he commented, adding, with an eye for the + captain: "Stryker, you bold, bad butterfly, have you got a gun + concealed about your unclean person?"</p> + + <p>The captain shook visibly with contrition. "No, Mr. + Kirkwood," he managed to reply in a voice singularly lacking in + his wonted bluster.</p> + + <p>"Say 'sir'!" suggested Kirkwood.</p> + + <p>"No, Mr. Kirkwood, sir," amended Stryker eagerly.</p> + + <p>"Now come round here and let's have a look at you. Please + stay where you are, Calendar.... Why, Captain, you're shivering + from head to foot! Not ill are you, you wag? Step over to the + table there, Stryker, and turn out your pockets; turn 'em + inside out and let's see what you carry in the way of offensive + artillery. And, Stryker, don't be rash; don't do anything you'd + be sorry for afterwards."</p> + + <p>"No fear of that," mumbled the captain, meekly shambling + toward the table, and, in his anxiety to give no cause for + unpleasantness, beginning to empty his pockets on the way.</p> + + <p>"Don't forget the 'sir,' Stryker. And, Stryker, if you + happen to think of anything in the line of one of your merry + quips or jests, don't strain yourself holding in; get it right + off your chest, and you'll feel better."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood chuckled, in high conceit with himself, watching + Calendar out of the corner of his eye, but with his attention + centered on the infinitely diverting spectacle afforded by + Stryker, whose predacious hands were trembling violently as, + one by one, they brought to light the articles of which he had + despoiled his erstwhile victim.</p> + + <p>"Come, come, Stryker! Surely you can think of something + witty, surely you haven't exhausted the possibilities of that + almanac joke! Couldn't you ring another variation on the + lunatic wheeze? Don't hesitate out of consideration for me, + Captain; I'm joke proof—perhaps you've noticed?"</p> + + <p>Stryker turned upon him an expression at once ludicrous, + piteous and hateful. "That's all, sir," he snarled, displaying + his empty palms in token of his absolute tractability.</p> + + <p>"Good enough. Now right about face—quick! Your back's + prettier than your face, and besides, I want to know whether + your hip-pockets are empty. I've heard it's the habit of you + gentry to pack guns in your clothes.... None? That's all right, + then. Now roost on the transom, over there in the corner, + Stryker, and don't move. Don't let me hear a word from you. + Understand?"</p> + + <p>Submissively the captain retired to the indicated spot. + Kirkwood turned to Calendar; of whose attitude, however, he had + not been for an instant unmindful.</p> + + <p>"Won't you sit down, Mr. Calendar?" he suggested pleasantly. + "Forgive me for keeping you waiting."</p> + + <p>For his own part, as the adventurer dropped passively into + his chair, Kirkwood stepped over Mulready and advanced to the + middle of the cabin, at the same time thrusting Calendar's + revolver into his own coat pocket. The other, Mulready's, he + nursed significantly with both hands, while he stood + temporarily quiet, surveying the fleshy face of the prime + factor in the intrigue.</p> + + <p>A quaint, grim smile played about the American's lips, a + smile a little contemptuous, more than a little inscrutable. In + its light Calendar grew restive and lost something of his + assurance. His feet shifted uneasily beneath the table and his + dark eyes wavered, evading Kirkwood's. At length he seemed to + find the suspense unendurable.</p> + + <p>"Well?" he demanded testily. "What d'you want of me?"</p> + + <p>"I was just wondering at you, Calendar. In the last few days + you've given me enough cause to wonder, as you'll admit."</p> + + <p>The adventurer plucked up spirit, deluded by Kirkwood's + pacific tone. "I wonder at you, Mr. Kirkwood," he retorted. "It + was good of you to save my life and—"</p> + + <p>"I'm not so sure of that! Perhaps it had been more + humane—"</p> + + <p>Calendar owned the touch with a wry grimace. "But I'm damned + if I understand this high-handed attitude of yours!" he + concluded heatedly.</p> + + <p>"Don't you?" Kirkwood's humor became less apparent, the + smile sobering. "You will," he told the man, adding abruptly: + "Calendar, where's your daughter?"</p> + + <p>The restless eyes sought the companionway.</p> + + <p>"Dorothy," the man lied spontaneously, without a tremor, "is + with friends in England. Why? Did you want to see her?"</p> + + <p>"I rather expected to."</p> + + <p>"Well, I thought it best to leave her home, after all."</p> + + <p>"I'm glad to hear she's in safe hands," commented + Kirkwood.</p> + + <p>The adventurer's glance analyzed his face. "Ah," he said + slowly, "I see. You followed me on Dorothy's account, Mr. + Kirkwood?"</p> + + <p>"Partly; partly on my own. Let me put it to you fairly. When + you forced yourself upon me, back there in London, you offered + me some sort of employment; when I rejected it, you used me to + your advantage for the furtherance of your purposes (which I + confess I don't understand), and made me miss my steamer. + Naturally, when I found myself penniless and friendless in a + strange country, I thought again of your offer; and tried to + find you, to accept it."</p> + + <p>"Despite the fact that you're an honest man, Kirkwood?" The + fat lips twitched with premature enjoyment.</p> + + <p>"I'm a desperate man to-night, whatever I may have been + yesterday." The young man's tone was both earnest and + convincing. "I think I've shown that by my pertinacity in + hunting you down."</p> + + <p>"Well—yes." Calendar's thick fingers caressed his lips, + trying to hide the dawning smile.</p> + + <p>"Is that offer still open?"</p> + + <p>His nonchalance completely restored by the very + naïveté of the proposition, Calendar laughed openly + and with a trace of irony. The episode seemed to be turning out + better than he had anticipated. Gently his mottled fat fingers + played about his mouth and chins as he looked Kirkwood up and + down.</p> + + <p>"I'm sorry," he replied, "that it isn't—now. You're too + late, Kirkwood; I've made other arrangements."</p> + + <p>"Too bad." Kirkwood's eyes narrowed. "You force me to + harsher measures, Calendar."</p> + + <p>Genuinely diverted, the adventurer laughed a second time, + tipping back in his chair, his huge frame shaking with + ponderous enjoyment. "Don't do anything you'd be sorry for," he + parroted, sarcastical, the young man's recent admonition to the + captain.</p> + + <p>"No fear, Calendar. I'm just going to use my advantage, + which you won't dispute,"—the pistol described an eloquent + circle, gleaming in the lamplight—"to levy on you a little + legitimate blackmail. Don't be alarmed; I shan't hit you any + harder than I have to."</p> + + <p>"What?" stammered Calendar, astonished. "What in hell + <i>are</i> you driving at?"</p> + + <p>"Recompense for my time and trouble. You've cost me a pretty + penny, first and last, with your nasty little + conspiracy—whatever it's all about. Now, needing the money, I + purpose getting some of it back. I shan't precisely rob you, + but this is a hold-up, all right.... Stryker," reproachfully, + "I don't see my pearl pin."</p> + + <p>"I got it 'ere," responded the sailor hastily, fumbling with + his tie.</p> + + <p>"Give it me, then." Kirkwood held out his hand and received + the trinket. Then, moving over to the table, the young man, + while abating nothing of his watchfulness, sorted out his + belongings from the mass of odds and ends Stryker had + disgorged. The tale of them was complete; the captain had + obeyed him faithfully. Kirkwood looked up, pleased.</p> + + <p>"Now see here, Calendar; this collection of truck that I was + robbed of by this resurrected Joe Miller here, cost me upwards + of a hundred and fifty. I'm going to sell it to you at a + bargain—say fifty dollars, two hundred and fifty francs."</p> + + <p>"The juice you are!" Calendar's eyes opened wide, partly in + admiration. "D'you realize that this is next door to highway + robbery, my young friend?"</p> + + <p>"High-seas piracy, if you prefer," assented Kirkwood with + entire equanimity. "I'm going to have the money, and you're + going to give it up. The transaction by any name would smell no + sweeter, Calendar. Come—fork over!"</p> + + <p>"And if I refuse?"</p> + + <p>"I wouldn't refuse, if I were you."</p> + + <p>"Why not?"</p> + + <p>"The consequences would be too painful."</p> + + <p>"You mean you'd puncture me with that gun?"</p> + + <p>"Not unless you attack or attempt to follow me. I mean to + say that the Belgian police are notoriously a most efficient + body, and that I'll make it my duty and pleasure to introduce + 'em to you, if you refuse. But you won't," Kirkwood added + soothingly, "will you, Calendar?"</p> + + <p>"No." The adventurer had become suddenly thoughtful. "No, I + won't. 'Glad to oblige you."</p> + + <p>He tilted his chair still farther back, straightening out + his elephantine legs, inserted one fat hand into his trouser + pocket and with some difficulty extracted a combined bill-fold + and coin-purse, at once heavy with gold and bulky with notes. + Moistening thumb and forefinger, "How'll you have it?" he + inquired with a lift of his cunning eyes; and when Kirkwood had + advised him, slowly counted out four fifty-franc notes, placed + them near the edge of the table, and weighted them with five + ten-franc pieces. And, "'That all?" he asked, replacing the + pocket-book.</p> + + <p>"That will be about all. I leave you presently to your + unholy devices, you and that gay dog, over there." The captain + squirmed, reddening. "Just by way of precaution, however, I'll + ask you to wait in here till I'm off." Kirkwood stepped + backwards to the door of the captain's room, opened it and + removed the key from the inside. "Please take Mulready in with + you," he continued. "By the time you get out, I'll be clear of + Antwerp. Please don't think of refusing me,—I really mean + it!"</p> + + <p>The latter clause came sharply as Calendar seemed to + hesitate, his weary, wary eyes glimmering with doubt. Kirkwood, + watching him as a cat her prey, intercepted a lightning-swift + sidelong glance that shifted from his face to the port lockers, + forward. But the fat adventurer was evidently to a considerable + degree deluded by the very child-like simplicity of Kirkwood's + attitude. If the possibility that his altercation with Mulready + had been overheard, crossed his mind, Calendar had little + choice other than to accept the chance. Either way he moved, + the risk was great; if he refused to be locked in the captain's + room, there was the danger of the police, to which Kirkwood had + convincingly drawn attention; if he accepted the temporary + imprisonment, he took a risk with the gladstone bag. On the + other hand, he had estimated Kirkwood's honesty as + thorough-going, from their first interview; he had appraised + him as a gentleman and a man of honor. And he did not believe + the young man knew, after all ... Perplexed, at length he chose + the smoother way, and with an indulgent lifting of eyebrows and + fat shoulders, rose and waddled over to Mulready.</p> + + <p>"Oh, all right," he conceded with deep toleration in his + tone for the idiosyncrasies of youth. "It's all the same to me, + beau." He laughed a nervous laugh. "Come along and lend us a + hand, Stryker."</p> + + <p>The latter glanced timidly at Kirkwood, his eyes pleading + for leave to move; which Kirkwood accorded with an imperative + nod and a fine flourish of the revolver. Promptly the captain, + sprang to Calendar's assistance; and between the two of them, + the one taking Mulready's head, the other his feet, they lugged + him quickly into the stuffy little state-room. Kirkwood, + watching and following to the threshold, inserted the key.</p> + + <p>"One word more," he counseled, a hand on the knob. "Don't + forget I've warned you what'll happen if you try to break even + with me."</p> + + <p>"Never fear, little one!" Calendar's laugh was nervously + cheerful. "The Lord knows you're welcome."</p> + + <p>"Thank you 'most to death," responded Kirkwood politely. + "Good-by—and good-by to you, Stryker. 'Glad to have humored + your desire to meet me soon again."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood, turning the key in the lock, withdrew it and + dropped it on the cabin table; at the same time he swept into + his pocket the money he had extorted of Calendar. Then he + paused an instant, listening; from the captain's room came a + sound of murmurs and scuffling. He debated what they were about + in there—but time pressed. Not improbably they, were crowding + for place at the keyhole, he reflected, as he crossed to the + port locker forward.</p> + + <p>He had its lid up in a twinkling, and in another had lifted + out the well-remembered black gladstone bag.</p> + + <p>This seems to have been his first compound larceny.</p> + + <p>As if stimulated by some such reflection he sprang for the + companionway, dropping the lid of the locker with a bang which + must have been excruciatingly edifying to the men in the + captain's room. Whatever their emotions, the bang was mocked by + a mighty kick, shaking the door; which, Kirkwood reflected, + opened outward and was held only by the frailest kind of a + lock: it would not hold long.</p> + + <p>Spurred onward by a storm of curses, Stryker's voice + chanting infuriated cacophony with Calendar's, Kirkwood leapt + up the companionway even as the second tremendous kick + threatened to shatter the panels. Heart in mouth, a chill + shiver of guilt running up and down his spine, he gained the + deck, cast loose the painter, drew in his rowboat, and dropped + over the side; then, the gladstone bag nestling between his + feet, sat down and bent to the oars.</p> + + <p>And doubts assailed him, pressing close upon the ebb of his + excitement—doubts and fears innumerable.</p> + + <p>There was no longer a distinction to be drawn between + himself and Calendar; no more could he esteem himself a better + and more honest man than that accomplished swindler. He was not + advised as to the Belgian code, but English law, he understood, + made no allowance for the good intent of those caught in + possession of stolen property; though he was acting with the + most honorable motives in the world, the law, if he came within + its cognizance, would undoubtedly place him on Calendar's plane + and judge him by the same standard. To all intents and purposes + he was a thief, and thief he would remain until the gladstone + bag with its contents should be restored to its rightful + owner.</p> + + <p>Voluntarily, then, he had stepped from the ranks of the + hunters to those of the hunted. He now feared police + interference as abjectly as did Calendar and his set of rogues; + and Kirkwood felt wholly warranted in assuming that the + adventurer, with his keen intelligence, would not handicap + himself by ignoring this point. Indeed, if he were to be judged + by what Kirkwood had inferred of his character, Calendar would + let nothing whatever hinder him, neither fear of bodily hurt + nor danger of apprehension at the hands of the police, from + making a determined and savage play to regain possession of his + booty.</p> + + <p>Well! (Kirkwood set his mouth savagely) Calendar should have + a run for his money!</p> + + <p>For the present he could compliment himself with the + knowledge that he had outwitted the rogues, had lifted the + jewels and probably two-thirds of their armament; he had also + the start, the knowledge of their criminal guilt and intent, + and his own plans, to comfort him. As for the latter, he did + not believe that Calendar would immediately fathom them; so he + took heart of grace and tugged at the oars with a will, pulling + directly for the city and permitting the current to drift him + down-stream at its pleasure. There could be no more inexcusable + folly than to return to the <i>Quai Steen</i> landing and + (possibly) the arms of the despoiled boat-owner.</p> + + <p>At first he could hear crash after splintering crash + sounding dully muffled from the cabin of the <i>Alethea</i>: a + veritable devil's tattoo beaten out by the feet of the + prisoners. Evidently the fastening was serving him better than + he had dared hope. But as the black rushing waters widened + between boat and brigantine, the clamor aboard the latter + subsided, indicating that Calendar and Stryker had broken out + or been released by the crew. In ignorance as to whether he + were seen or being pursued, Kirkwood pulled on, winning in + under the shadow of the quais and permitting the boat to drift + down to a lonely landing on the edge of the dockyard quarter of + Antwerp.</p> + + <p>Here alighting, he made the boat fast and, soothing his + conscience with a surmise that its owner would find it there in + the morning, strode swiftly over to the train line that runs + along the embankment, swung aboard an adventitious car and + broke his first ten-franc piece in order to pay his fare.</p> + + <p>The car made a leisurely progress up past the old Steen + castle and the Quai landing, Kirkwood sitting quietly, the + gladstone bag under his hand, a searching gaze sweeping the + waterside. No sign of the adventurers rewarded him, but it was + now all chance, all hazard. He had no more heart for + confidence.</p> + + <p>They passed the Hôtel du Commerce. Kirkwood stared up + at its windows, wondering....</p> + + <p>A little farther on, a disengaged fiacre, its driver alert + for possible fares, turned a corner into the esplanade. At + sight of it Kirkwood, inspired, hopped nimbly off the tram-car + and signaled the cabby. The latter pulled up and Kirkwood + started to charge him with instructions; something which he did + haltingly, hampered by a slight haziness of purpose. While thus + engaged, and at rest in the stark glare of the street-lamps, + with no chance of concealing himself, he was aware of a rising + tumult in the direction of the landing, and glancing round, + discovered a number of people running toward him. With no time + to wonder whether or no he was really the object of the + hue-and-cry, he tossed the driver three silver francs.</p> + + <p>"Gare Centrale!" he cried. "And drive like the devil!"</p> + + <p>Diving into the fiacre he shut the door and stuck his head + out of the window, taking observations. A ragged fringe of + silly rabble was bearing down upon them, with one or two + gendarmes in the forefront, and a giant, who might or might not + be Stryker, a close second. Furthermore, another cab seemed to + have been requisitioned for the chase. His heart misgave him + momentarily; but his driver had taken him at his word and + generosity, and in a breath the fiacre had turned the corner on + two wheels, and the glittering reaches of the embankment, drive + and promenade, were blotted out, as if smudged with lamp-black, + by the obscurity of a narrow and tortuous side street.</p> + + <p>He drew in his head the better to preserve his brains + against further emergencies.</p> + + <p>After a block or two Kirkwood picked up the gladstone bag, + gently opened the door, and put a foot on the step, pausing to + look back. The other cab was pelting after him with all the + enthusiasm of a hound on a fresh trail. He reflected that this + mad progress through the thoroughfares of a civilized city + would not long endure without police intervention. So he + waited, watching his opportunity. The fiacre hurtled onward, + the driver leaning forward from his box to urge the horse with + lash of whip and tongue, entirely unconscious of his fare's + intentions.</p> + + <p>Between two streets the mouth of a narrow and darksome byway + flashed into view. Kirkwood threw wide the door, and leaped, + trusting to the night to hide his stratagem, to luck to save + his limbs. Neither failed him; in a twinkling he was on all + fours in the mouth of the alley, and as he picked himself up, + the second fiacre passed, Calendar himself poking a round bald + poll out of the window to incite his driver's cupidity with + promises of redoubled fare.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood mopped his dripping forehead and whistled low with + dismay; it seemed that from that instant on it was to be a + vendetta with a vengeance. Calendar, as he had foreseen, was + stopping at nothing.</p> + + <p>At a dog trot he sped down the alley to the next street, on + which he turned back—more sedately—toward the river, + debouching on the esplanade just one block from the Hôtel + du Commerce. As he swung past the serried tables of a + café, whatever fears he had harbored were banished by the + discovery that the excitement occasioned by the chase had + already subsided. Beneath the garish awnings the crowd was + laughing and chattering, eating and sipping its bock with + complete unconcern, heedless altogether of the haggard and + shabby young man carrying a black hand-bag, with the black + Shade of Care for company and a blacker threat of disaster + dogging his footsteps. Without attracting any attention + whatever, indeed, he mingled with the strolling crowds, making + his way toward the Hôtel du Commerce. Yet he was not at + all at ease; his uneasy conscience invested the gladstone bag + with a magnetic attraction for the public eye. To carry it + unconcealed in his hand furnished him with a sensation as + disturbing as though its worn black sides had been stenciled + STOLEN! in letters of flame. He felt it rendered him a cynosure + of public interest, an object of suspicion to the wide cold + world, that the gaze which lit upon the bag traveled to his + face only to espy thereon the brand of guilt.</p> + + <p>For ease of mind, presently, he turned into a convenient + shop and spent ten invaluable francs for a hand satchel big + enough to hold the gladstone bag.</p> + + <p>With more courage, now that he had the hateful thing under + cover, he found and entered the Hôtel du Commerce.</p> + + <p>In the little closet which served for an office, over a desk + visibly groaning with the weight of an enormous and grimy + registry book, a sleepy, fat, bland and good-natured woman of + the Belgian <i>bourgeoisie</i> presided, a benign and drowsy + divinity of even-tempered courtesy. To his misleading inquiry + for Monsieur Calendar she returned a cheerful permission to + seek that gentleman for himself.</p> + + <p>"Three flights, M'sieu', in the front; suite seventeen it + is. M'sieu' does not mind walking up?" she inquired.</p> + + <p>M'sieu' did not in the least, though by no strain of the + imagination could it, be truthfully said that he walked up + those steep and redolent stairways of the Hôtel du + Commerce d'Anvers. More literally, he flew with winged feet, + spurning each third padded step with a force that raised a tiny + cloud of fine white dust from the carpeting.</p> + + <p>Breathless, at last he paused at the top of the third + flight. His heart was hammering, his pulses drumming like wild + things; there was a queer constriction in his throat, a fire of + hope in his heart alternating with the ice of doubt. Suppose + she were not there! What if he were mistaken, what if he had + misunderstood, what if Mulready and Calendar had referred to + another lodging-house?</p> + + <p>Pausing, he gripped the balustrade fiercely, forcing his + self-control, forcing himself to reflect that the girl + (presuming, for the sake of argument, he were presently to find + her) could not be expected to understand how ardently he had + discounted this moment of meeting, or how strangely it affected + him. Indeed, he himself was more than a little disturbed by the + latter phenomenon, though he was no longer blind to its cause. + But he was not to let her see the evidences of his agitation, + lest she be frightened.</p> + + <p>Slowly schooling himself to assume a masque of illuding + self-possession and composure, he passed down the corridor to + the door whose panels wore the painted legend, 17; and there + knocked.</p> + + <p>Believing that he overheard from within a sudden startled + exclamation, he smiled patiently, tolerant of her surprise.</p> + + <p>Burning with impatience as with a fever, he endured a long + minute's wait.</p> + + <p>Misgivings were prompting him to knock again and summon her + by name, when he heard footfalls on the other side of the door, + followed by a click of the lock. The door was opened + grudgingly, a bare six inches.</p> + + <p>Of the alarmed expression in the eyes that stared into his, + he took no account. His face lengthened a little as he stood + there, dumb, panting, staring; and his heart sank, down, deep + down into a gulf of disappointment, weighted sorely with + chagrin.</p> + + <p>Then, of the two the first to recover countenance, he doffed + his cap and bowed.</p> + + <p>"Good evening, Mrs. Hallam," he said with a rueful + smile.</p> + + <h2 align="center"><a name="XV">XV</a></h2> + + <h3 align="center">REFUGEES</h3> + + <p>Now, if Kirkwood's emotion was poignant, Mrs. Hallam's + astonishment paralleled, and her relief transcended it. In + order to understand this it must be remembered that while Mr. + Kirkwood was aware of the lady's presence in Antwerp, on her + part she had known nothing of him since he had so ungallantly + fled her company in Sheerness. She seemed to anticipate that + either Calendar or one of his fellows would be discovered at + the door,—to have surmised it without any excessive degree of + pleasure.</p> + + <p>Only briefly she hesitated, while her surprise swayed her; + then with a hardening of the eyes and a curt little nod, "I'm + sorry," she said with decision, "but I am busy and can't see + you now, Mr. Kirkwood"; and attempted to shut the door in his + face.</p> + + <p>Deftly Kirkwood forestalled her intention by inserting both + a foot and a corner of the newly purchased hand-bag between the + door and the jamb. He had dared too greatly to be thus + dismissed. "Pardon me," he countered, unabashed, "but I wish to + speak with Miss Calendar."</p> + + <p>"Dorothy," returned the lady with spirit, "is + engaged...."</p> + + <p>She compressed her lips, knitted her brows, and with + disconcerting suddenness thrust one knee against the + obstructing hand-bag; Kirkwood, happily, anticipated the + movement just in time to reinforce the bag with his own knee; + it remained in place, the door standing open.</p> + + <p>The woman flushed angrily; their glances crossed, her eyes + flashing with indignation; but Kirkwood's held them with a + level and unyielding stare.</p> + + <p>"I intend," he told her quietly, "to see Miss Calendar. It's + useless your trying to hinder me. We may as well understand + each other, Madam, and I'll tell you now that if you wish to + avoid a scene—"</p> + + <p>"Dorothy!" the woman called over her shoulder; "ring for the + porter."</p> + + <p>"By all means," assented Kirkwood agreeably. "I'll send him + for a gendarme."</p> + + <p>"You insolent puppy!"</p> + + <p>"Madam, your wit disarms me—"</p> + + <p>"What is the matter, Mrs. Hallam?" interrupted a voice from + the other side of the door. "Who is it?" v"Miss Calendar!" + cried Kirkwood hastily, raising his voice. v"Mr. Kirkwood!" the + reply came on the instant. She knew his voice! "Please, Mrs. + Hallam, I will see Mr. Kirkwood."</p> + + <p>"You have no time to waste with him, Dorothy," said the + woman coldly. "I must insist—"</p> + + <p>"But you don't seem to understand; it is Mr. Kirkwood!" + argued the girl,—as if he were ample excuse for any + imprudence!</p> + + <p>Kirkwood's scant store of patience was by this time rapidly + becoming exhausted. "I should advise you not to interfere any + further, Mrs. Hallam," he told her in a tone low, but charged + with meaning.</p> + + <p>How much did he know? She eyed him an instant longer, in + sullen suspicion, then swung open the door, yielding with what + grace she could. "Won't you come in, Mr. Kirkwood?" she + inquired with acidulated courtesy. v"If you press me," he + returned winningly, "how can I refuse? You are too good!"</p> + + <p>His impertinence disconcerted even himself; he wondered that + she did not slap him as he passed her, entering the room; and + felt that he deserved it, despite her attitude. But such + thoughts could not long trouble one whose eyes were enchanted + by the sight of Dorothy, confronting him in the middle of the + dingy room, her hands, bristling dangerously with hat pins, + busy with the adjustment of a small gray toque atop the wonder + that was her hair. So vivacious and charming she seemed, so + spirited and bright her welcoming smile, so foreign was she + altogether to the picture of her, worn and distraught, that he + had mentally conjured up, that he stopped in an extreme of + disconcertion; and dropped the hand-bag, smiling sheepishly + enough under her ready laugh—mirth irresistibly incited by the + plainly-read play of expression on his mobile countenance.</p> + + <p>"You must forgive the unconventionally, Mr. Kirkwood," she + apologized, needlessly enough, but to cover his embarrassment. + "I am on the point of going out with Mrs. Hallam—and of course + you are the last person on earth I expected to meet here!"</p> + + <p>"It's good to see you, Miss Calendar," he said simply, + remarking with much satisfaction that her trim walking costume + bore witness to her statement that she was prepared for the + street.</p> + + <p>The girl glanced into a mirror, patted the small, bewitching + hat an infinitesimal fraction of an inch to one side, and + turned to him again, her hands free. One of them, small but + cordial, rested in his grasp for an instant all too brief, the + while he gazed earnestly into her face, noting with concern + what the first glance had not shown him,—the almost + imperceptible shadows beneath her eyes and cheek-bones, + pathetic records of the hours the girl had spent, since last he + had seen her, in company with his own grim familiar, Care.</p> + + <p>Not a little of care and distress of mind had seasoned her + portion in those two weary days. He saw and knew it; and his + throat tightened inexplicably, again, as it had out there in + the corridor. Possibly the change in her had passed + unchallenged by any eyes other than his, but even in the little + time that he had spent in her society, the image of her had + become fixed so indelibly on his memory, that he could not now + be deceived. She was changed—a little, but changed; she had + suffered, and was suffering and, forced by suffering, her + nascent womanhood was stirring in the bud. The child that he + had met in London, in Antwerp he found grown to woman's stature + and slowly coming to comprehension of the nature of the change + in herself,—the wonder of it glowing softly in her + eyes....</p> + + <p>The clear understanding of mankind that is an appanage of + woman's estate, was now added to the intuitions of a girl's + untroubled heart. She could not be blind to the mute adoration + of his gaze; nor could she resent it. Beneath it she colored + and lowered her lashes.</p> + + <p>"I was about to go out," she repeated in confusion. "I—it's + pleasant to see you, too."</p> + + <p>"Thank you," he stammered ineptly; "I—I—"</p> + + <p>"If Mr. Kirkwood will excuse us, Dorothy," Mrs. Hallam's + sharp tones struck in discordantly, "we shall be glad to see + him when we return to London."</p> + + <p>"I am infinitely complimented, Mrs. Hallam," Kirkwood + assured her; and of the girl quickly: "You're going back home?" + he asked.</p> + + <p>She nodded, with a faint, puzzled smile that included the + woman. "After a little—not immediately. Mrs. Hallam is so + kind—"</p> + + <p>"Pardon me," he interrupted; "but tell me one thing, please: + have you any one in England to whom you can go without + invitation and be welcomed and cared for—any friends or + relations?"</p> + + <p>"Dorothy will be with me," Mrs. Hallam answered for her, + with cold defiance.</p> + + <p>Deliberately insolent, Kirkwood turned his back to the + woman. "Miss Calendar, will you answer my question for + yourself?" he asked the girl pointedly.</p> + + <p>"Why—yes; several friends; none in London, but—"</p> + + <p>"Dorothy—"</p> + + <p>"One moment, Mrs. Hallam," Kirkwood flung crisply over his + shoulder. "I'm going to ask you something rather odd, Miss + Calendar," he continued, seeking the girl's eyes. "I + hope—"</p> + + <p>"Dorothy, I—"</p> + + <p>"If you please, Mrs. Hallam," suggested the girl, with just + the right shade of independence. "I wish to listen to Mr. + Kirkwood. He has been very kind to me and has every right...." + She turned to him again, leaving the woman breathless and + speechless with anger.</p> + + <p>"You told me once," Kirkwood continued quickly, and, he + felt, brazenly, "that you considered me kind, thoughtful and + considerate. You know me no better to-day than you did then, + but I want to beg you to trust me a little. Can you trust + yourself to my protection until we reach your friends in + England?"</p> + + <p>"Why, I—" the girl faltered, taken by surprise.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Kirkwood!" cried Mrs. Hallam angrily, finding her + voice.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood turned to meet her onslaught with a mien grave, + determined, unflinching. "Please do not interfere, Madam," he + said quietly.</p> + + <p>"You are impertinent, sir! Dorothy, I forbid you to listen + to this person!"</p> + + <p>The girl flushed, lifting her chin a trifle. "Forbid?" she + repeated wonderingly.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood was quick to take advantage of her resentment. + "Mrs. Hallam is not fitted to advise you," he insisted, "nor + can she control your actions. It must already have occurred to + you that you're rather out of place in the present + circumstances. The men who have brought you hither, I believe + you already see through, to some extent. Forgive my speaking + plainly ... But that is why you have accepted Mrs. Hallam's + offer of protection. Will you take my word for it, when I tell + you she has not your right interests at heart, but the reverse? + I happen to know, Miss Calendar, and I—"</p> + + <p>"How dare you, sir?"</p> + + <p>Flaming with rage, Mrs. Hallam put herself bodily between + them, confronting Kirkwood in white-lipped desperation, her + small, gloved hands clenched and quivering at her sides, her + green eyes dangerous.</p> + + <p>But Kirkwood could silence her; and he did. "Do you wish me + to speak frankly, Madam? Do you wish me to tell what I + know—and all I know—," with rising emphasis,—"of your social + status and your relations with Calendar and Mulready? I promise + you that if you wish it, or force me to it...."</p> + + <p>But he had need to say nothing further; the woman's eyes + wavered before his and a little sob of terror forced itself + between her shut teeth. Kirkwood smiled grimly, with a face of + brass, impenetrable, inflexible. And suddenly she turned from + him with indifferent bravado. v"As Mr. Kirkwood says, Dorothy," + she said in her high, metallic voice, "I have no authority over + you. But if you're silly enough to consider for a moment this + fellow's insulting suggestion, if you're fool enough to go with + him, unchaperoned through Europe and imperil your—"</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Hallam!" Kirkwood cut her short with a menacing + tone.</p> + + <p>"Why, then, I wash my hands of you," concluded the woman + defiantly. "Make your choice, my child," she added with a + meaning laugh and moved away, humming a snatch from a French + <i>chanson</i> which brought the hot blood to Kirkwood's + face.</p> + + <p>But the girl did not understand; and he was glad of that. + "You may judge between us," he appealed to her directly, once + more. "I can only offer you my word of honor as an American + gentleman that you shall be landed in England, safe and sound, + by the first available steamer—"</p> + + <p>"There's no need to say more, Mr. Kirkwood," Dorothy + informed him quietly. "I have already decided. I think I begin + to understand some things clearly, now.... If you're ready, we + will go."</p> + + <p>From the window, where she stood, holding the curtains back + and staring out, Mrs. Hallam turned with a curling lip.</p> + + <p> <img src="illp314s.jpg" + width="528" + height="800" + border="0" + alt= + "From the window, Mrs. Hallam turned with a curling lip."></p> + + <p>"'The honor of an American gentleman,'" she quoted with a + stinging sneer; "I'm sure I wish you comfort of it, child!"</p> + + <p>"We must make haste, Miss Calendar," said Kirkwood, ignoring + the implication. "Have you a traveling-bag?"</p> + + <p>She silently indicated a small valise, closed and strapped, + on a table by the bed, and immediately passed out into the + hall. Kirkwood took the case containing the gladstone bag in + one hand, the girl's valise in the other, and followed.</p> + + <p>As he turned the head of the stairs he looked back. Mrs. + Hallam was still at the window, her back turned. From her very + passiveness he received an impression of something ominous and + forbidding; if she had lost a trick or two of the game she + played, she still held cards, was not at the end of her + resources. She stuck in his imagination for many an hour as a + force to be reckoned with.</p> + + <p>For the present he understood that she was waiting to + apprise Calendar and Mulready of their flight. With the more + haste, then, he followed Dorothy down the three flights, + through the tiny office, where Madam sat sound asleep at her + over-burdened desk, and out.</p> + + <p>Opposite the door they were fortunate enough to find a + fiacre drawn up in waiting at the curb. Kirkwood opened the + door for the girl to enter.</p> + + <p>"Gare du Sud," he directed the driver. "Drive your + fastest—double fare for quick time!"</p> + + <p>The driver awoke with a start from profound reverie, looked + Kirkwood over, and bowed with gesticulative palms.</p> + + <p>"M'sieu', I am desolated, but engaged!" he protested.</p> + + <p>"Precisely." Kirkwood deposited the two bags on the forward + seat of the conveyance, and stood back to convince the man. + "Precisely," said he, undismayed. "The lady who engaged you is + remaining for a time; I will settle her bill."</p> + + <p>"Very well, M'sieu'!" The driver disclaimed responsibility + and accepted the favor of the gods with a speaking shrug. + "M'sieu' said the Gare du Sud? <i>En voiture</i>!"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood jumped in and shut the door; the vehicle drew + slowly away from the curb, then with gratifying speed hammered + up-stream on the embankment. Bending forward, elbows on knees, + Kirkwood watched the sidewalks narrowly, partly to cover the + girl's constraint, due to Mrs. Hallam's attitude, partly on the + lookout for Calendar and his confederates. In a few moments + they passed a public clock.</p> + + <p>"We've missed the Flushing boat," he announced. "I'm making + a try for the Hoek van Holland line. We may possibly make it. I + know that it leaves by the Sud Quai, and that's all I do know," + he concluded with an apologetic laugh.</p> + + <p>"And if we miss that?" asked the girl, breaking silence for + the first time since they had left the hotel.</p> + + <p>"We'll take the first train out of Antwerp."</p> + + <p>"Where to?"</p> + + <p>"Wherever the first train goes, Miss Calendar.... The main + point is to get away to-night. That we must do, no matter where + we land, or how we get there. To-morrow we can plan with more + certainty."</p> + + <p>"Yes..." Her assent was more a sigh than a word.</p> + + <p>The cab, dashing down the Rue Leopold de Wael, swung into + the Place du Sud, before the station. Kirkwood, acutely + watchful, suddenly thrust head and shoulders out of his window + (fortunately it was the one away from the depot), and called up + to the driver.</p> + + <p>"Don't stop! Gare Centrale now—and treble fare!"</p> + + <p>"<i>Oui, M'sieu'! Allons!</i>"</p> + + <p>The whip cracked and the horse swerved sharply round the + corner into the Avenue du Sud. The young man, with a hushed + exclamation, turned in his seat, lifting the flap over the + little peephole in the back of the carriage.</p> + + <p>He had not been mistaken. Calendar was standing in front of + the station; and it was plain to be seen, from his pose, that + the madly careering fiacre interested him more than slightly. + Irresolute, perturbed, the man took a step or two after it, + changed his mind, and returned to his post of observation.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood dropped the flap and turned back to find the girl's + wide eyes searching his face. He said nothing.</p> + + <p>"What was that?" she asked after a patient moment.</p> + + <p>"Your father, Miss Calendar," he returned uncomfortably.</p> + + <p>There fell a short pause; then: "Why—will you tell me—is + it necessary to run away from my father, Mr. Kirkwood?" she + demanded, with a moving little break in her voice.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood hesitated. It were unfeeling to tell her why; yet + it was essential that she should know, however painful the + knowledge might prove to her.</p> + + <p>And she was insistent; he might not dodge the issue. "Why?" + she repeated as he paused.</p> + + <p>"I wish you wouldn't press me for an answer just now, Miss + Calendar."</p> + + <p>"Don't you think I had better know?"</p> + + <p>Instinctively he inclined his head in assent.</p> + + <p>"Then why—?"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood bent forward and patted the flank of the satchel + that held the gladstone bag.</p> + + <p>"What does that mean, Mr. Kirkwood?"</p> + + <p>"That I have the jewels," he told her tersely, looking + straight ahead.</p> + + <p>At his shoulder he heard a low gasp of amazement and + incredulity commingled.</p> + + <p>"But—! How did you get them? My father deposited them in + bank this morning?"</p> + + <p>"He must have taken them out again.... I got them on board + the Alethea, where your father was conferring with Mulready and + Captain Stryker."</p> + + <p>"The Alethea!"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"You took them from those men?—you!... But didn't my + father—?"</p> + + <p>"I had to persuade him," said Kirkwood simply.</p> + + <p>"But there were three of them against you!"</p> + + <p>"Mulready wasn't—ah—feeling very well, and Stryker's a + coward. They gave me no trouble. I locked them in Stryker's + room, lifted the bag of jewels, and came away.... I ought to + tell you that they were discussing the advisability of sailing + away without you—leaving you here, friendless and without + means. That's why I considered it my duty to take a hand.... I + don't like to tell you this so brutally, but you ought to know, + and I can't see how to tone it down," he concluded + awkwardly.</p> + + <p>"I understand...."</p> + + <p>But for some moments she did not speak. He avoided looking + at her.</p> + + <p>The fiacre, rolling at top speed but smoothly on the broad + avenues that encircle the ancient city, turned into the Avenue + de Keyser, bringing into sight the Gare Centrale.</p> + + <p>"You don't—k-know—" began the girl without warning, in a + voice gusty with sobs.</p> + + <p>"Steady on!" said Kirkwood gently. "I do know, but don't + let's talk about it now. We'll be at the station in a minute, + and I'll get out and see what's to be done about a train, if + neither Mulready or Stryker are about. You stay in the + carriage.... No!" He changed his mind suddenly. "I'll not risk + losing you again. It's a risk we'll have to run in + company."</p> + + <p>"Please!" she agreed brokenly.</p> + + <p>The fiacre slowed up and stopped.</p> + + <p>"Are you all right, Miss Calendar?" Kirkwood asked.</p> + + <p>The girl sat up, lifting her head proudly. "I am quite + ready," she said, steadying her voice.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood reconnoitered through the window, while the driver + was descending.</p> + + <p>"Gare Centrale, M'sieu'," he said, opening the door.</p> + + <p>"No one in sight," Kirkwood told the girl. "Come, + please."</p> + + <p>He got out and gave her his hand, then paid the driver, + picked up the two bags, and hurried with Dorothy into the + station, to find in waiting a string of cars into which people + were moving at leisurely rate. His inquiries at the + ticket-window developed the fact that it was the 22:26 for + Brussels, the last train leaving the Gare Centrale that night, + and due to start in ten minutes.</p> + + <p>The information settled their plans for once and all; + Kirkwood promptly secured through tickets, also purchasing + "Reserve" supplementary tickets which entitled them to the use + of those modern corridor coaches which take the place of + first-class compartments on the Belgian state railways.</p> + + <p>"It's a pleasure," said Kirkwood lightly, as he followed the + girl into one of these, "to find one's self in a common-sense + sort of a train again. 'Feels like home." He put their luggage + in one of the racks and sat down beside her, chattering with + simulated cheerfulness in a vain endeavor to lighten her + evident depression of spirit. "I always feel like a traveling + anachronism in one of your English trains," he said. "You can't + appreciate—"</p> + + <p>The girl smiled bravely.... "And after Brussels?" she + inquired.</p> + + <p>"First train for the coast," he said promptly. "Dover, + Ostend, Boulogne,—whichever proves handiest, no matter which, + so long as it gets us on English soil without undue delay."</p> + + <p>She said "Yes" abstractedly, resting an elbow on the + window-sill and her chin in her palm, to stare with serious, + sweet brown eyes out into the arc-smitten night that hung + beneath the echoing roof.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood fidgeted in despite of the constraint he placed + himself under, to be still and not disturb her needlessly. + Impatience and apprehension of misfortune obsessed his mental + processes in equal degree. The ten minutes seemed interminable + that elapsed ere the grinding couplings advertised the + imminence of their start.</p> + + <p>The guards began to bawl, the doors to slam, belated + travelers to dash madly for the coaches. The train gave a + preliminary lurch ere settling down to its league-long inland + dash.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood, in a fever of hope and an ague of fear, saw a man + sprint furiously across the platform and throw himself on the + forward steps of their coach, on the very instant of the + start.</p> + + <p>Presently he entered by the forward door and walked slowly + through, narrowly inspecting the various passengers. As he + approached the seats occupied by Kirkwood and Dorothy Calendar, + his eyes encountered the young man's, and he leered evilly. + Kirkwood met the look with one that was like a kick, and the + fellow passed with some haste into the car behind.</p> + + <p>"Who was that?" demanded the girl, without moving her + head.</p> + + <p>"How did you know?" he asked, astonished. "You didn't + look—"</p> + + <p>"I saw your knuckles whiten beneath the skin.... Who was + it?"</p> + + <p>"Hobbs," he acknowledged bitterly; "the mate of the + <i>Alethea</i>."</p> + + <p>"I know.... And you think—?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. He must have been ashore when I was on board the + brigantine; he certainly wasn't in the cabin. Evidently they + hunted him up, or ran across him, and pressed him into + service.... You see, they're watching every outlet.... But + we'll win through, never fear!"</p> + + <center> + <h2><a name="XVI">XVI</a></h2> + + <h3>TRAVELS WITH A CHAPERON</h3> + </center> + + <p>The train, escaping the outskirts of the city, remarked the + event with an exultant shriek, then settled down, droning + steadily, to night-devouring flight. In the corridor-car the + few passengers disposed themselves to drowse away the coming + hour—the short hour's ride that, in these piping days of + frantic traveling, separates Antwerp from the capital city of + Belgium.</p> + + <p>A guard, slamming gustily in through the front door, reeled + unsteadily down the aisle. Kirkwood, rousing from a profound + reverie, detained him with a gesture and began to interrogate + him in French. When he departed presently it transpired that + the girl was unaquainted with that tongue.</p> + + <p>"I didn't understand, you know," she told him with a slow, + shy smile.</p> + + <p>"I was merely questioning him about the trains from Brussels + to-night. We daren't stop, you see; we must go on,—keep Hobbs + on the jump and lose him, if possible. There's where our + advantage lies—in having only Hobbs to deal with. He's not + particularly intellectual; and we've two heads to his one, + besides. If we can prevent him from guessing our destination + and wiring back to Antwerp, we may win away. You + understand?"</p> + + <p>"Perfectly," she said, brightening. "And what do you purpose + doing now?"</p> + + <p>"I can't tell yet. The guard's gone to get me some + information about the night trains on other lines. In the + meantime, don't fret about Hobbs; I'll answer for Hobbs."</p> + + <p>"I shan't be worried," she said simply, "with you + here...."</p> + + <p>Whatever answer he would have made he was obliged to + postpone because of the return of the guard, with a handful of + time-tables; and when, rewarded with a modest gratuity, the man + had gone his way, and Kirkwood turned again to the girl, she + had withdrawn her attention for the time.</p> + + <p>Unconscious of his bold regard, she was dreaming, her + thoughts at loose-ends, her eyes studying the incalculable + depths of blue-black night that swirled and eddied beyond the + window-glass. The most shadowy of smiles touched her lips, the + faintest shade of deepened color rested on her cheeks.... She + was thinking of—him? As long as he dared, the young man, his + heart in his own eyes, watched her greedily, taking a miser's + joy of her youthful beauty, striving with all his soul to + analyze the enigma of that most inscrutable smile.</p> + + <p>It baffled him. He could not say of what she thought; and + told himself bitterly that it was not for him, a pauper, to + presume a place in her meditations. He must not forget his + circumstances, nor let her tolerance render him oblivious to + his place, which must be a servant's, not a lover's.</p> + + <p>The better to convince himself of this, he plunged + desperately into a forlorn attempt to make head or tail of + Belgian railway schedule, complicated as these of necessity are + by the alternation from normal time notation to the abnormal + system sanctioned by the government, and <i>vice-versa</i>, + with every train that crosses a boundary line of the state.</p> + + <p>So preoccupied did he become in this pursuit that he was + subconsciously impressed that the girl had spoken twice, ere he + could detach his interest from the exasperatingly inconclusive + and incoherent cohorts of ranked figures.</p> + + <p>"Can't you find out anything?" Dorothy was asking.</p> + + <p>"Precious little," he grumbled. "I'd give my head for a + Bradshaw! Only it wouldn't be a fair exchange.... There seems + to be an express for Bruges leaving the Gare du Nord, Brussels, + at fifty-five minutes after twenty-three o'clock; and if I'm + not mistaken, that's the latest train out of Brussels and the + earliest we can catch,... if we <i>can</i> catch it. I've never + been in Brussels, and Heaven only knows how long it would take + us to cab it from the Gare du Midi to the Nord."</p> + + <p>In this statement, however, Mr. Kirkwood was fortunately + mistaken; not only Heaven, it appeared, had cognizance of the + distance between the two stations. While Kirkwood was still + debating the question, with pessimistic tendencies, the + friendly guard had occasion to pass through the coach; and, + being tapped, yielded the desired information with entire + tractability.</p> + + <p>It would be a cab-ride of perhaps ten minutes. Monsieur, + however, would serve himself well if he offered the driver an + advance tip as an incentive to speedy driving. Why? Why because + (here the guard consulted his watch; and Kirkwood very keenly + regretted the loss of his own)—because this train, announced + to arrive in Brussels some twenty minutes prior to the + departure of that other, was already late. But yes—a matter of + some ten minutes. Could that not be made up? Ah, Monsieur, but + who should say?</p> + + <p>The guard departed, doubtless with private views as to the + madness of all English-speaking travelers.</p> + + <p>"And there we are!" commented Kirkwood in factitious + resignation. "If we're obliged to stop overnight in Brussels, + our friends will be on our back before we can get out in the + morning, if they have to come by motor-car." He reflected + bitterly on the fact that with but a little more money at his + disposal, he too could hire a motor-car and cry defiance to + their persecutors. "However," he amended, with rising spirits, + "so much the better our chance of losing Mr. Hobbs. We must be + ready to drop off the instant the train stops."</p> + + <p>He began to unfold another time-table, threatening again to + lose himself completely; and was thrown into the utmost + confusion by the touch of the girl's hand, in appeal placed + lightly on his own. And had she been observant, she might have + seen a second time his knuckles whiten beneath the skin as he + asserted his self-control—though this time not over his + temper.</p> + + <p>His eyes, dumbly eloquent, turned to meet hers. She was + smiling.</p> + + <p>"Please!" she iterated, with the least imperative pressure + on his hand, pushing the folder aside.</p> + + <p>"I beg pardon?" he muttered blankly.</p> + + <p>"Is it quite necessary, now, to study those schedules? + Haven't you decided to try for the Bruges express?"</p> + + <p>"Why yes, but—"</p> + + <p>"Then please don't leave me to my thoughts all the time, Mr. + Kirkwood." There was a tremor of laughter in her voice, but her + eyes were grave and earnest. "I'm very weary of thinking round + in a circle—and that," she concluded, with a nervous little + laugh, "is all I've had to do for days!"</p> + + <p>"I'm afraid I'm very stupid," he humored her. "This is the + second time, you know, in the course of a very brief + acquaintance, that you have found it necessary to remind me to + talk to you."</p> + + <p>"Oh-h!" She brightened. "That night, at the Pless? But that + was <i>ages</i> ago!"</p> + + <p>"It seems so," he admitted.</p> + + <p>"So much has happened!"</p> + + <p>"Yes," he assented vaguely.</p> + + <p>She watched him, a little piqued by his absent-minded mood, + for a moment; then, and not without a trace of malice: "Must I + tell you again what to talk about?" she asked.</p> + + <p>"Forgive me. I was thinking about, if not talking to, + you.... I've been wondering just why it was that you left the + <i>Alethea</i> at Queensborough, to go on by steamer."</p> + + <p>And immediately he was sorry that his tactless query had + swung the conversation to bear upon her father, the thought of + whom could not but prove painful to her. But it was too late to + mend matters; already her evanescent flush of amusement had + given place to remembrance.</p> + + <p>"It was on my father's account," she told him in a steady + voice, but with averted eyes; "he is a very poor sailor, and + the promise of a rough passage terrified him. I believe there + was a difference of opinion about it, he disputing with Mr. + Mulready and Captain Stryker. That was just after we had left + the anchorage. They both insisted that it was safer to continue + by the <i>Alethea</i>, but he wouldn't listen to them, and in + the end had his way. Captain Stryker ran the brigantine into + the mouth of the Medway and put us ashore just in time to catch + the steamer."</p> + + <p>"Were you sorry for the change?"</p> + + <p>"I?" She shuddered slightly. "Hardly! I think I hated the + ship from the moment I set foot on board her. It was a dreadful + place; it was all night-marish, that night, but it seemed most + terrible on the <i>Alethea</i> with Captain Stryker and that + abominable Mr. Hobbs. I think that my unhappiness had as much + to do with my father's insistence on the change, as anything. + He ... he was very thoughtful, most of the time."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood shut his teeth on what he knew of the + blackguard.</p> + + <p>"I don't know why," she continued, wholly without + affectation, "but I was wretched from the moment you left me in + the cab, to wait while you went in to see Mrs. Hallam. And when + we left you, at Bermondsey Old Stairs, after what you had said + to me, I felt—I hardly know what to say—abandoned, in a + way."</p> + + <p>"But you were with your father, in his care—"</p> + + <p>"I know, but I was getting confused. Until then the + excitement had kept me from thinking. But you made me think. I + began to wonder, to question ... But what could I do?" She + signified her helplessness with a quick and dainty movement of + her hands. "He is my father; and I'm not yet of age, you + know."</p> + + <p>"I thought so," he confessed, troubled. "It's very + inconsiderate of you, you must admit."</p> + + <p>"I don't understand..."</p> + + <p>"Because of the legal complication. I've no doubt your + father can 'have the law on me'"—Kirkwood laughed + uneasily—"for taking you from his protection."</p> + + <p>"Protection!" she echoed warmly. "If you call it that!"</p> + + <p>"Kidnapping," he said thoughtfully: "I presume that'd be the + charge."</p> + + <p>"Oh!" She laughed the notion to scorn. "Besides, they must + catch us first, mustn't they?"</p> + + <p>"Of course; and"—with a simulation of confidence sadly + deceitful—"they shan't, Mr. Hobbs to the contrary + notwithstanding."</p> + + <p>"You make me share your confidence, against my better + judgment."</p> + + <p>"I wish your better judgment would counsel you to share your + confidence with me," he caught her up. "If you would only tell + me what it's all about, as far as you know, I'd be better able + to figure out what we ought to do."</p> + + <p>Briefly the girl sat silent, staring before her with sweet + somber eyes. Then, "In the very beginning," she told him with a + conscious laugh,—"this sounds very story-bookish, I know—in + the very beginning, George Burgoyne Calendar, an American, + married his cousin a dozen times removed, and an Englishwoman, + Alice Burgoyne Hallam."</p> + + <p>"Hallam!"</p> + + <p>"Wait, please." She sat up, bending forward and frowning + down upon her interlacing, gloved fingers; she was finding it + difficult to say what she must. Kirkwood, watching hungrily the + fair drooping head, the flawless profile clear and radiant + against the night-blackened window, saw hot signals of shame + burning on her cheek and throat and forehead.</p> + + <p>"But never mind," he began awkwardly.</p> + + <p>"No," she told him with decision. "Please let me go on...." + She continued, stumbling, trusting to his sympathy to bridge + the gaps in her narrative. "My father ... There was trouble of + some sort.... At all events, he disappeared when I was a baby. + My mother ... died. I was brought up in the home of my + great-uncle, Colonel George Burgoyne, of the Indian + Army—retired. My mother had been his favorite niece, they say; + I presume that was why he cared for me. I grew up in his home + in Cornwall; it was my home, just as he was my father in + everything but fact.</p> + + <p>"A year ago he died, leaving me everything,—the town house + in Frognall Street, his estate in Cornwall: everything was + willed to me on condition that I must never live with my + father, nor in any way contribute to his support. If I + disobeyed, the entire estate without reserve was to go to his + nearest of kin.... Colonel Burgoyne was unmarried and had no + children."</p> + + <p>The girl paused, lifting to Kirkwood's face her eyes, clear, + fearless, truthful. "I never was given to understand that there + was anybody who might have inherited, other than myself," she + declared.</p> + + <p>"I see..." v"Last week I received a letter, signed with my + father's name, begging me to appoint an interview with him in + London. I did so,—guess how gladly! I was alone in the world, + and he, my father, whom I had never thought to see.... We met + at his hotel, the Pless. He wanted me to come and live with + him,—said that he was growing old and lonely and needed a + daughter's love and care. He told me that he had made a fortune + in America and was amply able to provide for us both. As for my + inheritance, he persuaded me that it was by rights the property + of Frederick Hallam, Mrs. Hallam's son."</p> + + <p>"I have met the young gentleman," interpolated Kirkwood.</p> + + <p>"His name was new to me, but my father assured me that he + was the next of kin mentioned in Colonel Burgoyne's will, and + convinced me that I had no real right to the property.... After + all, he was my father; I agreed; I could not bear the thought + of wronging anybody. I was to give up everything but my + mother's jewels. It seems,—my father said,—I don't—I can't + believe it now—"</p> + + <p>She choked on a little, dry sob. It was some time before she + seemed able to continue.</p> + + <p>"I was told that my great-uncle's collection of jewels had + been my mother's property. He had in life a passion for + collecting jewels, and it had been his whim to carry them with + him, wherever he went. When he died in Frognall Street, they + were in the safe by the head of his bed. I, in my grief, at + first forgot them, and then afterwards carelessly put off + removing them.</p> + + <p>"To come back to my father: Night before last we were to + call on Mrs. Hallam. It was to be our last night in England; we + were to sail for the Continent on the private yacht of a friend + of my father's, the next morning.... This is what I was + told—and believed, you understand.</p> + + <p>"That night Mrs. Hallam was dining at another table at the + Pless, it seems. I did not then know her. When leaving, she put + a note on our table, by my father's elbow. I was astonished + beyond words.... He seemed much agitated, told me that he was + called away on urgent business, a matter of life and death, and + begged me to go alone to Frognall Street, get the jewels and + meet him at Mrs. Hallam's later.... I wasn't altogether a fool, + for I began dimly to suspect, then, that something was wrong; + but I was a fool, for I consented to do as he desired. You + understand—you know—?"</p> + + <p>"I do, indeed," replied Kirkwood grimly. "I understand a lot + of things now that I didn't five minutes ago. Please let me + think..."</p> + + <p>But the time he took for deliberation was short. He had + hoped to find a way to spare her, by sparing Calendar; but + momentarily he was becoming more impressed with the futility of + dealing with her save in terms of candor, merciful though they + might seem harsh.</p> + + <p>"I must tell you," he said, "that you have been outrageously + misled, swindled and deceived. I have heard from your father's + own lips that Mrs. Hallam was to pay him two thousand pounds + for keeping you out of England and losing you your inheritance. + I'm inclined to question, furthermore, the assertion that these + jewels were your mother's. Frederick Hallam was the man who + followed you into the Frognall Street house and attacked me on + the stairs; Mrs. Hallam admits that he went there to get the + jewels. But he didn't want anybody to know it."</p> + + <p>"But that doesn't prove—"</p> + + <p>"Just a minute." Rapidly and concisely Kirkwood recounted + the events wherein he had played a part, subsequent to the + adventure of Bermondsey Old Stairs. He was guilty of but one + evasion; on one point only did he slur the truth: he conceived + it his honorable duty to keep the girl in ignorance of his + straitened circumstances; she was not to be distressed by + knowledge of his distress, nor could he tolerate the suggestion + of seeming to play for her sympathy. It was necessary, then, to + invent a motive to excuse his return to 9, Frognall Street. I + believe he chose to exaggerate the inquisitiveness of his + nature and threw in for good measure a desire to recover a + prized trinket of no particular moment, esteemed for its + associations, and so forth. But whatever the fabrication, it + passed muster; to the girl his motives seemed less important + than the discoveries that resulted from them.</p> + + <p>"I am afraid," he concluded the summary of the confabulation + he had overheard at the skylight of the Alethea's cabin, "you'd + best make up your mind that your father—"</p> + + <p>"Yes," whispered the girl huskily; and turned her face to + the window, a quivering muscle in the firm young throat alone + betraying her emotion.</p> + + <p>"It's a bad business," he pursued relentlessly: "bad all + round. Mulready, in your father's pay, tries to have him + arrested, the better to rob him. Mrs. Hallam, to secure your + property for that precious pet, Freddie, connives at, if she + doesn't instigate, a kidnapping. Your father takes her money to + deprive you of yours,—which could profit him nothing so long + as you remained in lawful possession of it; and at the same + time he conspires to rob, through you, the rightful owners—if + they are rightful owners. And if they are, why does Freddie + Hallam go like a thief in the night to secure property that's + his beyond dispute?... I don't really think you owe your father + any further consideration."</p> + + <p>He waited patiently. Eventually, "No-o," the girl sobbed + assent.</p> + + <p>"It's this way: Calendar, counting on your sparing him in + the end, is going to hound us. He's doing it now: there's Hobbs + in the next car, for proof. Until these jewels are returned, + whether to Frognall Street or to young Hallam, we're both in + danger, both thieves in the sight of the law. And your father + knows that, too. There's no profit to be had by discounting the + temper of these people; they're as desperate a gang of + swindlers as ever lived. They'll have those jewels if they have + to go as far as murder—"</p> + + <p>"Mr. Kirkwood!" she deprecated, in horror.</p> + + <p>He wagged his head stubbornly, ominously. "I've seen them in + the raw. They're hot on our trail now; ten to one, they'll be + on our backs before we can get across the Channel. Once in + England we will be comparatively safe. Until then ... But I'm a + brute—I'm frightening you!"</p> + + <p>"You are, dreadfully," she confessed in a tremulous + voice.</p> + + <p>"Forgive me. If you look at the dark side first, the other + seems all the brighter. Please don't worry; we'll pull through + with flying colors, or my name's not Philip Kirkwood!"</p> + + <p>"I have every faith in you," she informed him, flawlessly + sincere. "When I think of all you've done and dared for me, on + the mere suspicion that I needed your help—"</p> + + <p>"We'd best be getting ready," he interrupted hastily. + "Here's Brussels."</p> + + <p>It was so. Lights, in little clusters and long, wheeling + lines, were leaping out of the darkness and flashing back as + the train rumbled through the suburbs of the little Paris of + the North. Already the other passengers were bestirring + themselves, gathering together wraps and hand luggage, and + preparing for the journey's end.</p> + + <p>Rising, Kirkwood took down their two satchels from the + overhead rack, and waited, in grim abstraction planning and + counterplanning against the machinations in whose wiles they + two had become so perilously entangled.</p> + + <p>Primarily, there was Hobbs to be dealt with; no easy task, + for Kirkwood dared not resort to violence nor in any way invite + the attention of the authorities; and threats would be an idle + waste of breath, in the case of that corrupt and malignant, + little cockney, himself as keen as any needle, adept in all the + artful resources of the underworld whence he had sprung, and + further primed for action by that master rogue, Calendar.</p> + + <p>The train was pulling slowly into the station when he + reluctantly abandoned his latest unfeasible scheme for shaking + off the little Englishman, and concluded that their salvation + was only to be worked out through everlasting vigilance, + incessant movement, and the favor of the blind goddess, + Fortune. There was comfort of a sort in the reflection that the + divinity of chance is at least blind; her favors are + impartially distributed; the swing of the wheel of the world is + not always to the advantage of the wrongdoer and the scamp.</p> + + <p>He saw nothing of Hobbs as they alighted and hastened from + the station, and hardly had time to waste looking for him, + since their train had failed to make up the precious ten + minutes. Consequently he dismissed the fellow from his thoughts + until—with Brussels lingering in their memories a garish + vision of brilliant streets and glowing cafés, glimpsed + furtively from their cab windows during its wild dash over the + broad mid-city, boulevards—at midnight they settled themselves + in a carriage of the Bruges express. They were speeding along + through the open country with a noisy clatter; then a minute's + investigation sufficed to discover the mate of the + <i>Alethea</i> serenely ensconced in the coach behind.</p> + + <p>The little man seemed rarely complacent, and impudently + greeted Kirkwood's scowling visage, as the latter peered + through the window in the coach-door, with a smirk and a + waggish wave of his hand. The American by main strength of + will-power mastered an impulse to enter and wring his neck, and + returned to the girl, more disturbed than he cared to let her + know.</p> + + <p>There resulted from his review of the case but one plan for + outwitting Mr. Hobbs, and that lay in trusting to his + confidence that Kirkwood and Dorothy Calendar would proceed as + far toward Ostend as the train would take them—namely, to the + limit of the run, Bruges.</p> + + <p>Thus inspired, Kirkwood took counsel with the girl, and when + the train paused at Ghent, they made an unostentatious exit + from their coach, finding themselves, when the express had + rolled on into the west, upon a station platform in a foreign + city at nine minutes past one o'clock in the morning—but at + length without their shadow. Mr. Hobbs had gone on to + Bruges.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood sped his journeyings with an unspoken malediction, + and collected himself to cope with a situation which was to + prove hardly more happy for them than the espionage they had + just eluded. The primal flush of triumph which had saturated + the American's humor on this signal success, proved but fictive + and transitory when inquiry of the station attendants educed + the information that the two earliest trains to be obtained + were the 5:09 for Dunkerque and the 5:37 for Ostend. A minimum + delay of four hours was to be endured in the face of many + contingent features singularly unpleasant to contemplate. The + station waiting-room was on the point of closing for the night, + and Kirkwood, already alarmed by the rapid ebb of the money he + had had of Calendar, dared not subject his finances to the + strain of a night's lodging at one of Ghent's hotels. He found + himself forced to be cruel to be kind to the girl, and + Dorothy's cheerful acquiescence to their sole alternative of + tramping the street until daybreak did nothing to alleviate + Kirkwood's exasperation.</p> + + <p>It was permitted them to occupy a bench outside the station. + There the girl, her head pillowed on the treasure bag, napped + uneasily, while Kirkwood plodded restlessly to and fro, up and + down the platform, communing with the Shade of Care and addling + his poor, weary wits with the problem of the future,—not so + much his own as the future of the unhappy child for whose + welfare he had assumed responsibility. Dark for both of them, + in his understanding To-morrow loomed darkest for her.</p> + + <p>Not until the gray, formless light of the dawn-dusk was + wavering over the land, did he cease his perambulations. Then a + gradual stir of life in the city streets, together with the + appearance of a station porter or two, opening the + waiting-rooms and preparing them against the traffic of the + day, warned him that he must rouse his charge. He paused and + stood over her, reluctant to disturb her rest, such as it was, + his heart torn with compassion for her, his soul embittered by + the cruel irony of their estate.</p> + + <p>If what he understood were true, a king's ransom was + secreted within the cheap, imitation-leather satchel which + served her for a pillow. But it availed her nothing for her + comfort. If what he believed were true, she was absolute + mistress of that treasure of jewels; yet that night she had + been forced to sleep on a hard, uncushioned bench, in the open + air, and this morning he must waken her to the life of a hunted + thing. A week ago she had had at her command every luxury known + to the civilized world; to-day she was friendless, but for his + inefficient, worthless self, and in a strange land. A week + ago,—had he known her then,—he had been free to tell her of + his love, to offer her the protection of his name as well as + his devotion; to-day he was an all but penniless vagabond, and + there could be no dishonor deeper than to let her know the + nature of his heart's desire.</p> + + <p>Was ever lover hedged from a declaration to his mistress by + circumstances so hateful, so untoward! He could have raged and + railed against his fate like any madman. For he desired her + greatly, and she was very lovely in his sight. If her night's + rest had been broken and but a mockery, she showed few signs of + it; the faint, wan complexion of fatigue seemed only to enhance + the beauty of her maidenhood; her lips were as fresh and + desirous as the dewy petals of a crimson rose; beneath her eyes + soft shadows lurked where her lashes lay tremulous upon her + cheeks of satin.... She was to him of all created things the + most wonderful, the most desirable.</p> + + <p>The temptation of his longing seemed more than he could long + withstand. But resist he must, or part for ever with any title + to her consideration—or his own. He shut his teeth and knotted + his brows in a transport of desire to touch, if only with his + finger-tips, the woven wonder of her hair.</p> + + <p>And thus she saw him, when, without warning, she awoke.</p> + + <p>Bewilderment at first informed the wide brown eyes; then, as + their drowsiness vanished, a little laughter, a little tender + mirth.</p> + + <p>"Good morning, Sir Knight of the Somber Countenance!" she + cried, standing up. "Am I so utterly disreputable that you find + it necessary to frown on me so darkly?"</p> + + <p>He shook his head, smiling.</p> + + <p>"I know I'm a fright," she asserted vigorously, shaking out + the folds of her pleated skirt. "And as for my hat, it will + never be on straight—but then <i>you</i> wouldn't know."</p> + + <p>"It seems all right," he replied vacantly.</p> + + <p>"Then please to try to look a little happier, since you find + me quite presentable."</p> + + <p>"I do..."</p> + + <p>Without lifting her bended head, she looked up, laughing, + not ill-pleased. "<i>You'd</i> say so... really?"</p> + + <p>Commonplace enough, this banter, this pitiful endeavor to be + oblivious of their common misery; but like the look she gave + him, her words rang in his head like potent fumes of wine. He + turned away, utterly disconcerted for the time, knowing only + that he must overcome his weakness.</p> + + <p>Far down the railway tracks there rose a murmuring, that + waxed to a rumbling roar. A passing porter answered Kirkwood's + inquiry: it was the night boat-train from Ostend. He picked up + their bags and drew the girl into the waiting-room, troubled by + a sickening foreboding.</p> + + <p>Through the window they watched the train roll in and + stop.</p> + + <p>Among others, alighted, smirking, the unspeakable Hobbs.</p> + + <p>He lifted his hat and bowed jauntily to the waiting-room + window, making it plain that his keen eyes had discovered them + instantly.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood's heart sank with the hopelessness of it all. If + the railway directorates of Europe conspired against them, what + chance had they? If the night boat-train from Ostend had only + had the decency to be twenty-five minutes late, instead of + arriving promptly on the minute of 4:45 they two might have + escaped by the 5:09 for Dunkerque and Calais.</p> + + <p>There remained but a single untried ruse in his bag of + tricks; mercifully it might suffice.</p> + + <p>"Miss Calendar," said Kirkwood from his heart, "just as soon + as I get you home, safe and sound, I am going to take a day + off, hunt up that little villain, and flay him alive. In the + meantime, I forgot to dine last night, and am reminded that we + had better forage for breakfast."</p> + + <p>Hobbs dogged them at a safe distance while they sallied + forth and in a neighboring street discovered an early-bird + bakery. Here they were able to purchase rolls steaming from the + oven, fresh pats of golden butter wrapped in clean lettuce + leaves, and milk in twin bottles; all of which they prosaically + carried with them back to the station, lacking leisure as they + did to partake of the food before train-time.</p> + + <p>Without attempting concealment (Hobbs, he knew, was + eavesdropping round the corner of the door) Kirkwood purchased + at the ticket-window passages on the Dunkerque train. Mr. Hobbs + promptly flattered him by imitation; and so jealous of his luck + was Kirkwood by this time grown, through continual + disappointment, that he did not even let the girl into his + plans until they were aboard the 5:09, in a compartment all to + themselves. Then, having with his own eyes seen Mr. Hobbs dodge + into the third compartment in the rear of the same carriage, + Kirkwood astonished the girl by requesting her to follow him; + and together they left by the door opposite that by which they + had entered.</p> + + <p>The engine was running up and down a scale of staccato + snorts, in preparation for the race, and the cars were on the + edge of moving, couplings clanking, wheels a-groan, ere Mr. + Hobbs condescended to join them between the tracks.</p> + + <p>Wearily, disheartened, Kirkwood reopened the door, flung the + bags in, and helped the girl back into their despised + compartment; the quicker route to England via Ostend was now + out of the question. As for himself, he waited for a brace of + seconds, eying wickedly the ubiquitous Hobbs, who had popped + back into his compartment, but stood ready to pop out again on + the least encouragement. In the meantime he was pleased to + shake a friendly foot at Mr. Kirkwood, thrusting that member + out through the half-open door.</p> + + <p>Only the timely departure of the train, compelling him to + rejoin Dorothy at once, if at all, prevented the American from + adding murder to the already noteworthy catalogue of his high + crimes and misdemeanors.</p> + + <p>Their simple meal, consumed to the ultimate drop and crumb + while the Dunkerque train meandered serenely through a sunny, + smiling Flemish countryside, somewhat revived their jaded + spirits. After all, they were young, enviably dowered with + youth's exuberant elasticity of mood; the world was bright in + the dawning, the night had fled leaving naught but an evil + memory; best of all things, they were together: tacitly they + were agreed that somehow the future would take care of itself + and all be well with them.</p> + + <p>For a time they laughed and chattered, pretending that the + present held no cares or troubles; but soon the girl, nestling + her head in a corner of the dingy cushions, was smiling ever + more drowsily on Kirkwood; and presently she slept in good + earnest, the warm blood ebbing and flowing beneath the + exquisite texture of her cheeks, the ghost of an unconscious + smile quivering about the sensitive scarlet mouth, the breeze + through the open window at her side wantoning at will in the + sunlit witchery of her hair. And Kirkwood, worn with sleepless + watching, dwelt in longing upon the dear innocent allure of her + until the ache in his heart had grown well-nigh insupportable; + then instinctively turned his gaze upwards, searching his + heart, reading the faith and desire of it, so that at length + knowledge and understanding came to him, of his weakness and + strength and the clean love that he bore for her, and gladdened + he sat dreaming in waking the same clear dreams that modeled + her unconscious lips secretly for laughter and the joy of + living.</p> + + <p>When Dunkerque halted their progress, they were obliged to + alight and change cars,—Hobbs a discreetly sinister shadow at + the end of the platform.</p> + + <p>By schedule they were to arrive in Calais about the middle + of the forenoon, with a wait of three hours to be bridged + before the departure of the Dover packet. That would be an + anxious time; the prospect of it rendered both Dorothy and + Kirkwood doubly anxious throughout this final stage of their + flight. In three hours anything could happen, or be brought + about. Neither could forget that it was quite within the bounds + of possibilities for Calendar to be awaiting them in Calais. + Presuming that Hobbs had been acute enough to guess their plans + and advise his employer by telegraph, the latter could readily + have anticipated their arrival, whether by sea in the + brigantine, or by land, taking the direct route via Brussels + and Lille. If such proved to be the case, it were scarcely + sensible to count upon the arch-adventurer contenting himself + with a waiting rôle like Hobbs'.</p> + + <p>With such unhappy apprehensions for a stimulant, between + them the man and the girl contrived a make-shift + counter-stratagem; or it were more accurate to say that + Kirkwood proposed it, while Dorothy rejected, disputed, and at + length accepted it, albeit with sad misgivings. For it involved + a separation that might not prove temporary.</p> + + <p>Together they could never escape the surveillance of Mr. + Hobbs; parted, he would be obliged to follow one or the other. + The task of misleading the <i>Alethea's</i> mate, Kirkwood + undertook, delegating to the girl the duty of escaping when he + could provide her the opportunity, of keeping under cover until + the hour of sailing, and then proceeding to England, with the + gladstone bag, alone if Kirkwood was unable, or thought it + inadvisable, to join her on the boat.</p> + + <p>In furtherance of this design, a majority of the girl's + belongings were transferred from her traveling bag to + Kirkwood's, the gladstone taking their place; and the young man + provided her with voluminous instructions, a revolver which she + did not know how to handle and declared she would never use for + any consideration, and enough money to pay for her + accommodation at the Terminus Hôtel, near the pier, and + for two passages to London. It was agreed that she should + secure the steamer booking, lest Kirkwood be delayed until the + last moment.</p> + + <p>These arrangements concluded, the pair of blessed idiots sat + steeped in melancholy silence, avoiding each other's eyes, + until the train drew in at the Gare Centrale, Calais.</p> + + <p>In profound silence, too, they left their compartment and + passed through the station, into the quiet, sun-drenched + streets of the seaport,—Hobbs hovering solicitously in the + offing.</p> + + <p>Without comment or visible relief of mind they were aware + that their fears had been without apparent foundation; they saw + no sign of Calendar, Stryker or Mulready. The circumstance, + however, counted for nothing; one or all of the adventurers + might arrive in Calais at any minute.</p> + + <p>Momentarily more miserable as the time of parting drew + nearer, dumb with unhappiness, they turned aside from the main + thoroughfares of the city, leaving the business section, and + gained the sleepier side streets, bordered by the residences of + the proletariat, where for blocks none but children were to be + seen, and of them but few—quaint, sober little bodies playing + almost noiselessly in their dooryards.</p> + + <p>At length Kirkwood spoke.</p> + + <p>"Let's make it the corner," he said, without looking at the + girl. "It's a short block to the next street. You hurry to the + Terminus and lock yourself in your room. Have the management + book both passages; don't run the risk of going to the pier + yourself. I'll make things interesting for Mr. Hobbs, and join + you as soon as I can, <i>if</i> I can."</p> + + <p>"You must," replied the girl. "I shan't go without you."</p> + + <p>"But, Dor—Miss Calendar!" he exclaimed, aghast.</p> + + <p>"I don't care—I know I agreed," she declared mutinously. + "But I won't—I can't. Remember I shall wait for you."</p> + + <p>"But—but perhaps—"</p> + + <p>"If you have to stay, it will be because there's + danger—won't it? And what would you think of me if I deserted + you then, af-after all y-you've done?... Please don't waste + time arguing. Whether you come at one to-day, to-morrow, or a + week from to-morrow, I shall be waiting.... You may be sure. + Good-by."</p> + + <p>They had turned the corner, walking slowly, side by side; + Hobbs, for the first time caught off his guard, had dropped + behind more than half a long block. But now Kirkwood's quick + sidelong glance discovered the mate in the act of taking alarm + and quickening his pace. None the less the American was at the + time barely conscious of anything other than a wholly + unexpected furtive pressure of the girl's gloved fingers on his + own.</p> + + <p>"Good-by," she whispered.</p> + + <p>He caught at her hand, protesting. "Dorothy—!"</p> + + <p>"Good-by," she repeated breathlessly, with a queer little + catch in her voice. "God be with you, Philip, and—and send you + safely back to me...."</p> + + <p>And she was running away.</p> + + <p>Dumfounded with dismay, seeing in a flash how all his plans + might be set at naught by this her unforeseen insubordination, + he took a step or two after her; but she was fleet of foot, + and, remembering Hobbs, he halted.</p> + + <p>By this time the mate, too, was running; Kirkwood could hear + the heavy pounding of his clumsy feet. Already Dorothy had + almost gained the farther corner; as she whisked round it with + a flutter of skirts, Kirkwood dodged hastily behind a + gate-post. A thought later, Hobbs appeared, head down, chest + out, eyes straining for sight of his quarry, pelting along for + dear life.</p> + + <p>As, rounding the corner, he stretched out in swifter stride, + Kirkwood was inspired to put a spoke in his wheel; and a foot + thrust suddenly out from behind the gate-post accomplished his + purpose with more success than he had dared anticipate. + Stumbling, the mate plunged headlong, arms and legs a-sprawl; + and the momentum of his pace, though checked, carried him along + the sidewalk, face downwards, a full yard ere he could stay + himself.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood stepped out of the gateway and sheered off as Hobbs + picked himself up; something which he did rather slowly, as if + in a daze, without comprehension of the cause of his + misfortune. And for a moment he stood pulling his wits together + and swaying as though on the point of resuming his rudely + interrupted chase; when the noise of Kirkwood's heels brought + him about face in a twinkling.</p> + + <p>"Ow, it's you, eh!" he snarled in a temper as vicious as his + countenance; and both of these were much the worse for wear and + tear.</p> + + <p>"Myself," admitted Kirkwood fairly; and then, in a gleam of + humor: "Weren't you looking for me?"</p> + + <p>His rage seemed to take the little Cockney and shake him by + the throat; he trembled from head to foot, his face shockingly + congested, and spat out dust and fragments of lurid blasphemy + like an infuriated cat.</p> + + <p>Of a sudden, "W'ere's the gel?" he sputtered thickly as his + quick shifting eyes for the first time noted Dorothy's + absence.</p> + + <p>"Miss Calendar has other business—none with you. I've taken + the liberty of stopping you because I have a word or two—"</p> + + <p>"Ow, you 'ave, 'ave you? Gawd strike me blind, but I've a + word for you, too!... 'And over that bag—and look nippy, or + I'll myke you pye for w'at you've done to me ... I'll myke you + pye!" he iterated hoarsely, edging closer. "'And it over + or—"</p> + + <p>"You've got another guess—" Kirkwood began, but saved his + breath in deference to an imperative demand on him for instant + defensive action.</p> + + <p>To some extent he had underestimated the brute courage of + the fellow, the violent, desperate courage that is distilled of + anger in men of his kind. Despising him, deeming him incapable + of any overt act of villainy, Kirkwood had been a little less + wary than he would have been with Calendar or Mulready. Hobbs + had seemed more of the craven type which Stryker graced so + conspicuously. But now the American was to be taught + discrimination, to learn that if Stryker's nature was like a + snake's for low cunning and deviousness, Hobbs' soul was the + soul of a viper.</p> + + <p>Almost imperceptibly he had advanced upon Kirkwood; almost + insensibly his right hand had moved toward his chest; now, with + a movement marvelously deft, it had slipped in and out of his + breast pocket. And a six-inch blade of tarnished steel was + winging toward Kirkwood's throat with the speed of light.</p> + + <p>Instinctively he stepped back; as instinctively he guarded + with his right forearm, lifting the hand that held the satchel. + The knife, catching in his sleeve, scratched the arm beneath + painfully, and simultaneously was twisted from the mate's + grasp, while in his surprise Kirkwood's grip on the bag-handle + relaxed. It was torn forcibly from his fingers just as he + received a heavy blow on his chest from the mate's fist. He + staggered back.</p> + + <p>By the time he had recovered from the shock, Hobbs was a + score of feet away, the satchel tucked under his arm, his body + bent almost double, running like a jack-rabbit. Ere Kirkwood + could get under way, in pursuit, the mate had dodged out of + sight round the corner. When the American caught sight of him + again, he was far down the block, and bettering his pace with + every jump.</p> + + <p>He was approaching, also, some six or eight good citizens of + Calais, men of the laboring class, at a guess. Their attention + attracted by his frantic flight, they stopped to wonder. One or + two moved as though to intercept him, and he doubled out into + the middle of the street with the quickness of thought; an + instant later he shot round another corner and disappeared, the + natives streaming after in hot chase, electrified by the + inspiring strains of "Stop, thief!"—or its French + equivalent.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood, cheering them on with the same wild cry, followed + to the farther street; and there paused, so winded and weak + with laughter that he was fain to catch at a fence picket for + support. Standing thus he saw other denizens of Calais spring + as if from the ground miraculously to swell the hue and cry; + and a dumpling of a gendarme materialized from nowhere at all, + to fall in behind the rabble, waving his sword above his head + and screaming at the top of his lungs, the while his fat legs + twinkled for all the world like thick sausage links marvelously + animated.</p> + + <p>The mob straggled round yet another corner and was gone; its + clamor diminished on the still Spring air; and Kirkwood, + recovering, abandoned Mr. Hobbs to the justice of the high gods + and the French system of jurisprudence (at least, he hoped the + latter would take an interest in the case, if haply Hobbs were + laid by the heels), and went his way rejoicing.</p> + + <p>As for the scratch on his arm, it was nothing, as he + presently demonstrated to his complete satisfaction in the + seclusion of a chance-sent fiacre. Kirkwood, commissioning it + to drive him to the American Consulate, made his diagnosis + <i>en route</i>; wound a handkerchief round the negligible + wound, rolled down his sleeve, and forgot it altogether in the + joys of picturing to himself Hobbs in the act of opening the + satchel in expectation of finding therein the gladstone + bag.</p> + + <p>At the consulate door he paid off the driver and dismissed + him; the fiacre had served his purpose, and he could find his + way to the Terminus Hôtel at infinitely less expense. He + had a considerably harder task before him as he ascended the + steps to the consular doorway, knocked and made known the + nature of his errand.</p> + + <p>No malicious destiny could have timed the hour of his call + more appositely; the consul was at home and at the disposal of + his fellow-citizens—within bounds.</p> + + <p>In the course of thirty minutes or so Kirkwood emerged with + dignity from the consulate, his face crimson to the hair, his + soul smarting with shame and humiliation; and left an amused + official representative of his country's government with the + impression of having been entertained to the point of ennui by + an exceptionally clumsy but pertinacious liar.</p> + + <p>For the better part of the succeeding hour Kirkwood + circumnavigated the neighborhood of the steamer pier and the + Terminus Hôtel, striving to render himself as + inconspicuous as he felt insignificant, and keenly on the alert + for any sign or news of Hobbs. In this pursuit he was + pleasantly disappointed.</p> + + <p>At noon precisely, his suspense grown too onerous for his + strength of will, throwing caution and their understanding to + the winds, he walked boldly into the Terminus, and inquired for + Miss Calendar.</p> + + <p>The assurance he received that she was in safety under its + roof did not deter him from sending up his name and asking her + to receive him in the public lounge; he required the testimony + of his senses to convince him that no harm had come to her in + the long hour and a half that had elapsed since their + separation.</p> + + <p>Woman-like, she kept him waiting. Alone in the public rooms + of the hotel, he suffered excruciating torments. How was he to + know that Calendar had not arrived and found his way to + her?</p> + + <p>When at length she appeared on the threshold of the + apartment, bringing with her the traveling bag and looking + wonderfully the better for her ninety minutes of complete + repose and privacy, the relief he experienced was so intense + that he remained transfixed in the middle of the floor, + momentarily able neither to speak nor to move.</p> + + <p>On her part, so fagged and distraught did he seem, that at + sight of his care-worn countenance she hurried to him with + outstretched, compassionate hands and a low pitiful cry of + concern, forgetful entirely of that which he himself had + forgotten—the emotion she had betrayed on parting.</p> + + <p>"Oh, nothing wrong," he hastened to reassure her, with a + sorry ghost of his familiar grin; "only I have lost Hobbs and + the satchel with your things; and there's no sign yet of Mr. + Calendar. We can feel pretty comfortable now, and—and I + thought it time we had something like a meal."</p> + + <p>The narrative of his adventure which he delivered over their + <i>déjeuner à la fourchette</i> contained no mention + either of his rebuff at the American Consulate or the scratch + he had sustained during Hobbs' murderous assault; the one could + not concern her, the other would seem but a bid for her + sympathy. He counted it a fortunate thing that the mate's knife + had been keen enough to penetrate the cloth of his sleeve + without tearing it; the slit it had left was barely noticeable. + And he purposely diverted the girl with flashes of humorous + description, so that they discussed both meal and episode in a + mood of wholesome merriment.</p> + + <p>It was concluded, all too soon for the taste of either, by + the waiter's announcement that the steamer was on the point of + sailing.</p> + + <p>Outwardly composed, inwardly quaking, they boarded the + packet, meeting with no misadventure whatever—if we are to + except the circumstance that, when the restaurant bill was + settled and the girl had punctiliously surrendered his change + with the tickets, Kirkwood found himself in possession of + precisely one franc and twenty centimes.</p> + + <p>He groaned in spirit to think how differently he might have + been fixed, had he not in his infatuated spirit of honesty been + so anxious to give Calendar more than ample value for his + money!</p> + + <p>An inexorable anxiety held them both near the gangway until + it was cast off and the boat began to draw away from the pier. + Then, and not till then, did an unimpressive, small figure of a + man detach itself from the shield of a pile of luggage and + advance to the pier-head. No second glance was needed to + identify Mr. Hobbs; and until the perspective dwarfed him + indistinguishably, he was to be seen, alternately waving + Kirkwood ironic farewell and blowing violent kisses to Miss + Calendar from the tips of his soiled fingers.</p> + + <p>So he had escaped arrest....</p> + + <p>At first by turns indignant and relieved to realize that + thereafter they were to move in scenes in which his hateful + shadow would not form an essentially component part, + subsequently Kirkwood fell a prey to prophetic terrors. It was + not alone fear of retribution that had induced Hobbs to + relinquish his persecution—or so Kirkwood became convinced; if + the mate's calculation had allowed for them the least fraction + of a chance to escape apprehension on the farther shores of the + Channel, nor fears nor threats would have prevented him from + sailing with the fugitives.... Far from having left danger + behind them on the Continent, Kirkwood believed in his secret + heart that they were but flying to encounter it beneath the + smoky pall of London.</p> + + <center> + <h2><a name="XVII">XVII</a></h2> + + <h3>ROGUES AND VAGABONDS</h3> + </center> + + <p>A westering sun striking down through the drab exhalations + of ten-thousand sooty chimney-pots, tinted the atmosphere with + the hue of copper. The glance that wandered purposelessly out + through the carriage windows, recoiled, repelled by the endless + dreary vista of the Surrey Side's unnumbered roofs; or, probing + instantaneously the hopeless depths of some grim narrow + thoroughfare fleetingly disclosed, as the evening boat-train + from Dover swung on toward Charing Cross, its trucks level with + the eaves of Southwark's dwellings, was saddened by the thought + that in all the world squalor such as this should obtain and + flourish unrelieved.</p> + + <p>For perhaps the tenth time in the course of the journey + Kirkwood withdrew his gaze from the window and turned to the + girl, a question ready framed upon his lips.</p> + + <p>"Are you quite sure—" he began; and then, alive to the + clear and penetrating perception in the brown eyes that smiled + into his from under their level brows, he stammered and left + the query uncompleted.</p> + + <p>Continuing to regard him steadily and smilingly, Dorothy + shook her head in playful denial and protest. "Do you know," + she commented, "that this is about the fifth repetition of that + identical question within the last quarter-hour?"</p> + + <p>"How do you know what I meant to say?" he demanded, + staring.</p> + + <p>"I can see it in your eyes. Besides, you've talked and + thought of nothing else since we left the boat. Won't you + believe me, please, when I say there's absolutely not a soul in + London to whom I could go and ask for shelter? I don't think + it's very nice of you to be so openly anxious to get rid of + me."</p> + + <p>This latter was so essentially undeserved and so artlessly + insincere, that he must needs, of course, treat it with all + seriousness.</p> + + <p>"That isn't fair, Miss Calendar. Really it's not."</p> + + <p>"What am I to think? I've told you any number of times that + it's only an hour's ride on to Chiltern, where the Pyrfords + will be glad to take me in. You may depend upon it,—by eight + to-night, at the latest, you'll have me off your hands,—the + drag and worry that I've been ever since—"</p> + + <p>"Don't!" he pleaded vehemently. "Please!... You <i>know</i> + it isn't that. I <i>don't</i> want you off my hands, ever.... + That is to say, I—ah—" Here he was smitten with a dumbness, + and sat, aghast at the enormity of his blunder, entreating her + forgiveness with eyes that, very likely, pleaded his cause more + eloquently than he guessed.</p> + + <p>"I mean," he floundered on presently, in the fatuous belief + that he would this time be able to control both mind and + tongue, "<i>what</i> I mean is I'd be glad to go on serving you + in any way I might, to the end of time, if you'd give + me...."</p> + + <p>He left the declaration inconclusive—a stroke of diplomacy + that would have graced an infinitely more adept wooer. But he + used it all unconsciously. "O Lord!" he groaned in spirit. + "Worse and more of it! Why in thunder can't I say the right + thing <i>right</i>?"</p> + + <p>Egotistically absorbed by the problem thus formulated, he + was heedless of her failure to respond, and remained pensively + preoccupied until roused by the grinding and jolting of the + train, as it slowed to a halt preparatory to crossing the + bridge.</p> + + <p>Then he sought to read his answer in the eyes of Dorothy. + But she was looking away, staring thoughtfully out over the + billowing sea of roofs that merged illusively into the haze + long ere it reached the horizon; and Kirkwood could see the + pulsing of the warm blood in her throat and cheeks; and the + glamorous light that leaped and waned in her eyes, as the ruddy + evening sunlight warmed them, was something any man might be + glad to live for and die for.... And he saw that she had + understood, had grasped the thread of meaning that ran through + the clumsy fabric of his halting speech and his sudden + silences.</p> + + <p>She had understood without resentment!</p> + + <p>While, incredulous, he wrestled with the wonder of this fond + discovery, she grew conscious of his gaze, and turned her head + to meet it with one fearless and sweet, if troubled.</p> + + <p>"Dear Mr. Kirkwood," she said gently, bending forward as if + to read between the lines anxiety had graven on his + countenance, "won't you tell me, please, what it can be that so + worries you? Is it possible that you still have a fear of my + father? But don't you know that he can do nothing now—now that + we're safe? We have only to take a cab to Paddington Station, + and then—"</p> + + <p>"You mustn't underestimate the resource and ability of Mr. + Calendar," he told her gloomily; "we've got a chance—no more. + It wasn't...." He shut his teeth on his unruly tongue—too + late.</p> + + <p>Woman-quick she caught him up. "It wasn't that? Then what + was it that worried you? If it's something that affects me, is + it kind and right of you not to tell me?"</p> + + <p>"It—it affects us both," he conceded drearily. "I—I + don't—"</p> + + <p>The wretched embarrassment of the confession befogged his + wits; he felt unable to frame the words. He appealed + speechlessly for tolerance, with a face utterly woebegone and + eyes piteous.</p> + + <p>The train began to move slowly across the Thames to Charing + Cross.</p> + + <p>Mercilessly the girl persisted. "We've only a minute more. + Surely you can trust me...."</p> + + <p>In exasperation he interrupted almost rudely. "It's only + this: I—I'm strapped."</p> + + <p>"Strapped?" She knitted her brows over this fresh specimen + of American slang.</p> + + <p>"Flat strapped—busted—broke—on my uppers—down and out," + he reeled off synonyms without a smile. "I haven't enough money + to pay cab-fare across the town—"</p> + + <p>"Oh!" she interpolated, enlightened.</p> + + <p>"—to say nothing of taking us to Chiltern. I couldn't buy + you a glass of water if you were thirsty. There isn't a soul on + earth, within hail, who would trust me with a quarter—I mean a + shilling—across London Bridge. I'm the original Luckless + Wonder and the only genuine Jonah extant."</p> + + <p>With a face the hue of fire, he cocked his eyebrows askew + and attempted to laugh unconcernedly to hide his bitter shame. + "I've led you out of the fryingpan into the fire, and I don't + know what to do! Please call me names."</p> + + <p>And in a single instant all that he had consistently tried + to avoid doing, had been irretrievably done; if, with dawning + comprehension, dismay flickered in her eyes—such dismay as + such a confession can rouse only in one who, like Dorothy + Calendar, has never known the want of a penny—it was swiftly + driven out to make place for the truest and most gracious and + unselfish solicitude.</p> + + <p>"Oh, poor Mr. Kirkwood! And it's all because of me! You've + beggared yourself—"</p> + + <p>"Not precisely; I was beggared to begin with." He hastened + to disclaim the extravagant generosity of which she accused + him. "I had only three or four pounds to my name that night we + met.... I haven't told you—I—"</p> + + <p>"You've told me nothing, nothing whatever about yourself," + she said reproachfully.</p> + + <p>"I didn't want to bother you with my troubles; I tried not + to talk about myself.... You knew I was an American, but I'm + worse than that; I'm a Californian—from San Francisco." He + tried unsuccessfully to make light of it. "I told you I was the + Luckless Wonder; if I'd ever had any luck I would have stored a + little money away. As it was, I lived on my income, left my + principal in 'Frisco; and when the earthquake came, it wiped me + out completely."</p> + + <p>"And you were going home that night we made you miss your + steamer!"</p> + + <p>"It was my own fault, and I'm glad this blessed minute that + I did miss it. Nice sort I'd have been, to go off and leave you + at the mercy—"</p> + + <p>"Please! I want to think, I'm trying to remember how much + you've gone through—"</p> + + <p>"Precisely what I don't want you to do. Anyway, I did + nothing more than any other fellow would've! Please don't give + me credit that I don't deserve."</p> + + <p>But she was not listening; and a pause fell, while the train + crawled warily over the trestle, as if in fear of the foul, + muddy flood below.</p> + + <p>"And there's no way I can repay you...."</p> + + <p>"There's nothing to be repaid," he contended stoutly.</p> + + <p>She clasped her hands and let them fall gently in her lap. + "I've not a farthing in the world!... I never dreamed.... I'm + so sorry, Mr. Kirkwood—terribly, terribly sorry!... But what + can we do? I can't consent to be a burden—"</p> + + <p>"But you're not! You're the one thing that ..." He swerved + sharply, at an abrupt tangent. "There's one thing we can do, of + course."</p> + + <p>She looked up inquiringly.</p> + + <p>"Craven Street is just round the corner."</p> + + <p>"Yes?"—wonderingly.</p> + + <p>"I mean we must go to Mrs. Hallam's house, first off.... + It's too late now,—after five, else we could deposit the + jewels in some bank. Since—since they are no longer yours, the + only thing, and the proper thing to do is to place them in + safety or in the hands of their owner. If you take them + directly to young Hallam, your hands will be clear.... And—I + never did such a thing in my life, Miss Calendar; but if he's + got a spark of gratitude in his make-up, I ought to be able + to—er—to borrow a pound or so of him."</p> + + <p>"Do you think so?" She shook her head in doubt. "I don't + know; I know so little of such things.... You are right; we + must take him the jewels, but..." Her voice trailed off into a + sigh of profound perturbation.</p> + + <p>He dared not meet her look.</p> + + <p>Beneath his wandering gaze a County Council steam-boat + darted swiftly down-stream from Charing Cross pier, in the + shadow of the railway bridge. It seemed curious to reflect that + from that very floating pier he had started first upon his + quest of the girl beside him, only—he had to count—three + nights ago! Three days and three nights! Altogether incredible + seemed the transformation they had wrought in the complexion of + the world. Yet nothing material was changed.... He lifted his + eyes.</p> + + <p>Beyond the river rose the Embankment, crawling with traffic, + backed by the green of the gardens and the shimmering walls of + glass and stone of the great hotels, their windows glowing + weirdly golden in the late sunlight. A little down-stream + Cleopatra's Needle rose, sadly the worse for London smoke, + flanked by its couchant sphinxes, wearing a nimbus of circling, + sweeping, swooping, wheeling gulls. Farther down, from the foot + of that magnificent pile, Somerset House, Waterloo Bridge + sprang over-stream in its graceful arch.... All as of + yesterday; yet all changed. Why? Because a woman had entered + into his life; because he had learned the lesson of love and + had looked into the bright face of Romance....</p> + + <p>With a jar the train started and began to move more + swiftly.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood lifted the traveling bag to his knees.</p> + + <p>"Don't forget," he said with some difficulty, "you're to + stick by me, whatever happens. You mustn't desert me."</p> + + <p>"You <i>know</i>," the girl reproved him.</p> + + <p>"I know; but there must be no misunderstanding.... Don't + worry; we'll win out yet, I've a plan."</p> + + <p><i>Splendide mendax</i>! He had not the glimmering of a + plan.</p> + + <p>The engine panting, the train drew in beneath the vast + sounding dome of the station, to an accompaniment of dull + thunderings; and stopped finally.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood got out, not without a qualm of regret at leaving + the compartment; therein, at least, they had some title to + consideration, by virtue of their tickets; now they were + utterly vagabondish, penniless adventurers.</p> + + <p>The girl joined him. Slowly, elbow to elbow, the treasure + bag between them, they made their way down toward the gates, + atoms in a tide-rip of humanity,—two streams of passengers + meeting on the narrow strip of platform, the one making for the + streets, the other for the suburbs.</p> + + <p>Hurried and jostled, the girl clinging tightly to his arm + lest they be separated in the crush, they came to the + ticket-wicket; beyond the barrier surged a sea of hats—shining + "toppers," dignified and upstanding, the outward and visible + manifestation of the sturdy, stodgy British spirit of + respectability; "bowlers" round and sleek and humble; shapeless + caps with cloth visors, manufactured of outrageous plaids; + flower-like miracles of millinery from Bond Street; strangely + plumed monstrosities from Petticoat Lane and Mile End Road. + Beneath any one of these might lurk the maleficent brain, the + spying eyes of Calendar or one of his creatures; beneath all of + them that he encountered, Kirkwood peered in fearful + inquiry.</p> + + <p>Yet, when they had passed unhindered the ordeal of the + wickets, had run the gantlet of those thousand eyes without + lighting in any pair a spark of recognition, he began to bear + himself with more assurance, to be sensible to a grateful glow + of hope. Perhaps Hobbs' telegram had not reached its + destination, for unquestionably the mate would have wired his + chief; perhaps some accident had befallen the conspirators; + perhaps the police had apprehended them.... No matter how, one + hoped against hope that they had been thrown off the trail.</p> + + <p>And indeed it seemed as if they must have been misguided in + some providential manner. On the other hand, it would be the + crassest of indiscretions to linger about the place an instant + longer than absolutely necessary.</p> + + <p>Outside the building, however, they paused perforce, + undergoing the cross-fire of the congregated cabbies. It being + the first time that he had ever felt called upon to leave the + station afoot, Kirkwood cast about irresolutely, seeking the + sidewalk leading to the Strand.</p> + + <p>Abruptly he caught the girl by the arm and unceremoniously + hurried her toward a waiting hansom.</p> + + <p>"Quick!" he begged her. "Jump right in—not an instant to + spare.—"</p> + + <p>She nodded brightly, lips firm with courage, eyes + shining.</p> + + <p>"My father?"</p> + + <p>"Yes." Kirkwood glanced back over his shoulder. "He hasn't + seen us yet. They've just driven up. Stryker's with him. + They're getting down." And to himself, "Oh, the devil!" cried + the panic-stricken young man.</p> + + <p>He drew back to let the girl precede him into the cab; at + the same time he kept an eye on Calendar, whose conveyance + stood half the length of the station-front away.</p> + + <p>The fat adventurer had finished paying off the driver, + standing on the deck of the hansom. Stryker was already out, + towering above the mass of people, and glaring about him with + his hawk-keen vision. Calendar had started to alight, his foot + was leaving the step when Stryker's glance singled out their + quarry. Instantly he turned and spoke to his confederate. + Calendar wheeled like a flash, peering eagerly in the direction + indicated by the captain's index finger, then, snapping + instructions to his driver, threw himself heavily back on the + seat. Stryker, awkward on his land-legs, stumbled and fell in + an ill-calculated attempt to hoist himself hastily back into + the vehicle.</p> + + <p>To the delay thus occasioned alone Kirkwood and Dorothy owed + a respite of freedom. Their hansom was already swinging down + toward the great gates of the yard, the American standing to + make the driver comprehend the necessity for using the utmost + speed in reaching the Craven Street address. The man proved + both intelligent and obliging; Kirkwood had barely time to drop + down beside the girl, ere the cab was swinging out into the + Strand, to the peril of the toes belonging to a number of + righteously indignant pedestrians.</p> + + <p>"Good boy!" commented Kirkwood cheerfully. "That's the + greatest comfort of all London, the surprising intellectual + strength the average cabby displays when you promise him a + tip.... Great Heavens!" he cried, reading the girl's dismayed + expression. "A tip! I never thought—!" His face lengthened + dismally, his eyebrows working awry. "Now we are in for + it!"</p> + + <p>Dorothy said nothing.</p> + + <p>He turned in the seat, twisting his neck to peep through the + small rear window. "I don't see their cab," he announced. "But + of course they're after us. However, Craven Street's just round + the corner; if we get there first, I don't fancy Freddie Hallam + will have a cordial reception for our pursuers. They must've + been on watch at Cannon Street, and finding we were not coming + in that way—of course they were expecting us because of Hobbs' + wire—they took cab for Charing Cross. Lucky for us.... Or is + it lucky?" he added doubtfully, to himself.</p> + + <p>The hansom whipped round the corner into Craven Street. + Kirkwood sprang up, grasping the treasure bag, ready to jump + the instant they pulled in toward Mrs. Hallam's dwelling. But + as they drew near upon the address he drew back with an + exclamation of amazement.</p> + + <p>The house was closed, showing a blank face to the + street—blinds drawn close down in the windows, area gate + padlocked, an estate-agent's board projecting from above the + doorway, advertising the property "To be let, furnished."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood looked back, craning his neck round the side of the + cab. At the moment another hansom was breaking through the rank + of humanity on the Strand crossing. He saw one or two figures + leap desperately from beneath the horse's hoofs. Then the cab + shot out swiftly down the street.</p> + + <p>The American stood up again, catching the cabby's eye.</p> + + <p>"Drive on!" he cried excitedly. "Don't stop—drive as fast + as you dare!"</p> + + <p>"W'ere to, sir?"</p> + + <p>"See that cab behind? Don't let it catch us—shake it off, + lose it somehow, but for the love of Heaven don't let it catch + us! I'll make it worth your while. Do you understand?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir!" The driver looked briefly over his shoulder and + lifted his whip. "Don't worry, sir," he cried, entering into + the spirit of the game with gratifying zest. "Shan't let 'em + over'aul you, sir. Mind your 'ead!"</p> + + <p>And as Kirkwood ducked, the whip-lash shot out over the roof + with a crack like the report of a pistol. Startled, the horse + leaped indignantly forward. Momentarily the cab seemed to leave + the ground, then settled down to a pace that carried them round + the Avenue Theatre and across Northumberland Avenue into + Whitehall Place apparently on a single wheel.</p> + + <p>A glance behind showed Kirkwood that already they had + gained, the pursuing hansom having lost ground through greater + caution in crossing the main-traveled thoroughfare.</p> + + <p>"Good little horse!" he applauded.</p> + + <p>A moment later he was indorsing without reserve the + generalship of their cabby; the quick westward turn that took + them into Whitehall, over across from the Horse Guards, + likewise placed them in a pocket of traffic; a practically + impregnable press of vehicles closed in behind them ere + Calendar's conveyance could follow out of the side street.</p> + + <p>That the same conditions, but slightly modified, hemmed them + in ahead, went for nothing in Kirkwood's estimation.</p> + + <p>"Good driver!" he approved heartily. "He's got a head on his + shoulders!"</p> + + <p>The girl found her voice. "How," she demanded in a breath, + face blank with consternation, "how did you dare?"</p> + + <p>"Dare?" he echoed exultantly; and in his veins excitement + was running like liquid fire. "What wouldn't I dare for you, + Dorothy?"</p> + + <p>"What have you not?" she amended softly, adding with a shade + of timidity: "Philip..."</p> + + <p>The long lashes swept up from her cheeks, like clouds + revealing stars, unmasking eyes radiant and brave to meet his + own; then they fell, even as her lips drooped with + disappointment. And she sighed.... For he was not looking. + Man-like, hot with the ardor of the chase, he was deaf and + blind to all else.</p> + + <p>She saw that he had not even heard. Twice within the day she + had forgotten herself, had overstepped the rigid bounds of her + breeding in using his Christian name. And twice he had been + oblivious to that token of their maturing understanding. So she + sighed, and sighing, smiled again; resting an elbow on the + window-sill and flattening one small gloved hand against the + frame for a brace against the jouncing of the hansom. It swept + on with unabated speed, up-stream beside the tawny reaches of + the river; and for a time there was no speech between them, the + while the girl lost consciousness of self and her most imminent + peril, surrendering her being to the lingering sweetness of her + long, dear thoughts....</p> + + <p>"I've got a scheme!" Kirkwood declared so explosively that + she caught her breath with the surprise of it. "There's the + Pless; they know me there, and my credit's good. When we shake + them off, we can have the cabby take us to the hotel. I'll + register and borrow from the management enough to pay our way + to Chiltern and the tolls for a cable to New York. I've a + friend or two over home who wouldn't let me want for a few + miserable pounds.... So you see," he explained boyishly, "we're + at the end of our troubles already!"</p> + + <p>She said something inaudible, holding her face averted. He + bent nearer to her, wondering. "I didn't understand," he + suggested.</p> + + <p>Still looking from him, "I said you were very good to me," + she said in a quavering whisper.</p> + + <p>"Dorothy!" Without his knowledge or intention before the + fact, as instinctively as he made use of her given name, + intimately, his strong fingers dropped and closed upon the + little hand that lay beside him. "What <i>is</i> the matter, + dear?" He leaned still farther forward to peer into her face, + till glance met glance in the ending and his racing pulses + tightened with sheer delight of the humid happiness in her + glistening eyes. "Dorothy, child, don't worry so. No harm shall + come to you. It's all working out—all working out + <i>right</i>. Only have a little faith in me, and I'll + <i>make</i> everything work out right, Dorothy."</p> + + <p>Gently she freed her fingers. "I wasn't," she told him in a + voice that quivered between laughter and tears, "I wasn't + worrying. I was ... You wouldn't understand. Don't be afraid I + shall break down or—or anything."</p> + + <p>"I shan't," he reassured her; "I know you're not that sort. + Besides, you'd have no excuse. We're moving along famously. + That cabby knows his business."</p> + + <p>In fact that gentleman was minute by minute demonstrating + his peculiar fitness for the task he had so cheerfully + undertaken. The superior horsemanship of the London hackney + cabman needs no exploitation, and he in whose hands rested the + fate of the Calendar treasure was peer of his compeers. He was + instant to advantage himself of every opening to forward his + pliant craft, quick to foresee the fortunes of the way and + govern himself accordingly.</p> + + <p>Estimating with practised eye the precise moment when the + police supervisor of traffic at the junction of Parliament and + Bridge Streets, would see fit to declare a temporary blockade, + he so managed that his was the last vehicle to pass ere the + official wand, to ignore which involves a forfeited license, + was lifted; and indeed, so close was his calculation that he + escaped only with a scowl and word of warning from the bobby. A + matter of no importance whatever, since his end was gained and + the pursuing cab had been shut off by the blockade.</p> + + <p>In Calendar's driver, however, he had an adversary of + abilities by no means to be despised. Precisely how the man + contrived it, is a question; that he made a detour by way of + Derby Street is not improbable, unpleasant as it may have been + for Stryker and Calendar to find themselves in such close + proximity to "the Yard." At all events, he evaded the block, + and hardly had the chase swung across Bridge Street, than the + pursuer was nimbly clattering in its wake.</p> + + <p>Past the Houses of Parliament, through Old Palace Yard, with + the Abbey on their left, they swung away into Abingdon Street, + whence suddenly they dived into the maze of backways, great and + mean, which lies to the south of Victoria. Doubling and + twisting, now this way, now that, the driver tooled them + through the intricate heart of this labyrinth, leading the + pursuers a dance that Kirkwood thought calculated to dishearten + and shake off the pursuit in the first five minutes. Yet + always, peering back through the little peephole, he saw + Calendar's cab pelting doggedly in their rear—a hundred yards + behind, no more, no less, hanging on with indomitable grit and + determination.</p> + + <p>By degrees they drew westwards, threading Pimlico, into + Chelsea—once dashing briefly down the Grosvenor Road, the + Thames a tawny flood beyond the river wall.</p> + + <p>Children cheered them on, and policemen turned to stare, + doubting whether they should interfere. Minutes rolled into + tens, measuring out an hour; and still they hammered on, hunted + and hunters, playing their game of hare-and-hounds through the + highways and byways of those staid and aged quarters.</p> + + <p>In the leading cab there were few words spoken. Kirkwood and + Dorothy alike sat spellbound with the fascination of the game; + if it is conceivable that the fox enjoys his part in the day's + sport, then they were enjoying themselves. Now one spoke, now + another—chiefly in the clipped phraseology, of excitement. + As—</p> + + <p>"We're gaining?"</p> + + <p>"Yes—think so."</p> + + <p>Or, "We'll tire them out?"</p> + + <p>"Sure-ly."</p> + + <p>"They can't catch us, can they, Philip?"</p> + + <p>"Never in the world."</p> + + <p>But he spoke with a confidence that he himself did not feel, + for hope as he would he could never see that the distance + between the two had been materially lessened or increased. + Their horses seemed most evenly matched.</p> + + <p>The sun was very low behind the houses of the Surrey Side + when Kirkwood became aware that their horse was flagging, + though (as comparison determined) no more so than the one + behind.</p> + + <p>In grave concern the young man raised his hand, thrusting + open the trap in the roof. Immediately the square of darkling + sky was eclipsed by the cabby's face.</p> + + <p>"Yessir?"</p> + + <p>"You had better drive as directly as you can to the Hotel + Pless," Kirkwood called up. "I'm afraid it's no use pushing + your horse like this."</p> + + <p>"I'm sure of it, sir. 'E's a good 'oss, 'e is, but 'e carn't + keep goin' for hever, you know, sir."</p> + + <p>"I know. You've done very well; you've done your best."</p> + + <p>"Very good, sir. The Pless, you said, sir? Right."</p> + + <p>The trap closed.</p> + + <p>Two blocks farther, and their pace had so sensibly moderated + that Kirkwood was genuinely alarmed. The pursuing cabby was + lashing his animal without mercy, while, "It aren't no use my + w'ippin' 'im, sir," dropped through the trap. "'E's doing orl + 'e can."</p> + + <p>"I understand."</p> + + <p>Despondent recklessness tightened Kirkwood's lips and + kindled an unpleasant light in his eyes. He touched his side + pocket; Calendar's revolver was still there.... Dorothy should + win away clear, if—if he swung for it.</p> + + <p>He bent forward with the traveling bag in his hands.</p> + + <p>"What are you going to do?" The girl's voice was very + tremulous.</p> + + <p>"Stand a chance, take a losing hazard. Can you run? You're + not too tired?"</p> + + <p>"I can run—perhaps not far—a little way, at least."</p> + + <p>"And will you do as I say?"</p> + + <p>Her eyes met his, unwavering, bespeaking her implicit + faith.</p> + + <p>"Promise!"</p> + + <p>"I promise."</p> + + <p>"We'll have to drop off in a minute. The horse won't + last.... They're in the same box. Well, I undertake to stand + 'em off for a bit; you take the bag and run for it. Just as + soon as I can convince them, I'll follow, but if there's any + delay, you call the first cab you see and drive to the Pless. + I'll join you there."</p> + + <p>He stood up, surveying the neighborhood. Behind him the girl + lifted her voice in protest.</p> + + <p>"No, Philip, no!"</p> + + <p>"You've promised," he said sternly, eyes ranging the + street.</p> + + <p>"I don't care; I won't leave you."</p> + + <p>He shook his head in silent contradiction, frowning; but not + frowning because of the girl's mutiny. He was a little puzzled + by a vague impression, and was striving to pin it down for + recognition; but was so thoroughly bemused with fatigue and + despair that only with great difficulty could he force his + faculties to logical reasoning, his memory to respond to his + call upon it.</p> + + <p>The hansom was traversing a street in Old Brompton—a + quaint, prim by-way lined with dwellings singularly + Old-Worldish, even for London. He seemed to know it + subjectively, to have retained a memory of it from another + existence: as the stage setting of a vivid dream, all + forgotten, will sometimes recur with peculiar and exasperating + intensity, in broad daylight. The houses, with their sloping, + red-tiled roofs, unexpected gables, spontaneous dormer windows, + glass panes set in leaded frames, red brick façades + trimmed with green shutters and doorsteps of white stone, each + sitting back, sedate and self-sufficient, in its trim dooryard + fenced off from the public thoroughfare: all wore an aspect + hauntingly familiar, and yet strange.</p> + + <p>A corner sign, remarked in passing, had named the spot + "Aspen Villas"; though he felt he knew the sound of those + syllables as well as he did the name of the Pless, strive as he + might he failed to make them convey anything tangible to his + intelligence. When had he heard of it? At what time had his + errant footsteps taken him through this curious survival of + Eighteenth Century London?</p> + + <p>Not that it mattered when. It could have no possible bearing + on the emergency. He really gave it little thought; the mental + processes recounted were mostly subconscious, if none the less + real. His objective attention was wholly preoccupied with the + knowledge that Calendar's cab was drawing perilously near. And + he was debating whether or not they should alight at once and + try to make a better pace afoot, when the decision was taken + wholly out of his hands.</p> + + <p>Blindly staggering on, wilted with weariness, the horse + stumbled in the shafts and plunged forward on its knees. Quick + as the driver was to pull it up, with a cruel jerk of the bits, + Kirkwood was caught unprepared; lurching against the dashboard, + he lost his footing, grasped frantically at the unstable air, + and went over, bringing up in a sitting position in the gutter, + with a solid shock that jarred his very teeth.</p> + + <p>For a moment dazed he sat there blinking; by the time he got + to his feet, the girl stood beside him, questioning him with + keen solicitude.</p> + + <p>"No," he gasped; "not hurt—only surprised. Wait...."</p> + + <p>Their cab had come to a complete standstill; Calendar's was + no more than twenty yards behind, and as Kirkwood caught sight + of him the fat adventurer was in the act of lifting himself + ponderously out of the seat.</p> + + <p>Incontinently the young man turned to the girl and forced + the traveling-bag into her hands.</p> + + <p>"Run for it!" he begged her. "Don't stop to argue. You + promised—run! I'll come...."</p> + + <p>"Philip!" she pleaded.</p> + + <p>"Dorothy!" he cried in torment.</p> + + <p>Perhaps it was his unquestionable distress that weakened + her. Suddenly she yielded—with whatever reason. He was only + hazily aware of the swish of her skirts behind him; he had no + time to look round and see that she got away safely. He had + only eyes and thoughts for Calendar and Stryker.</p> + + <p>They were both afoot, now, and running toward him, the one + as awkward as the other, but neither yielding a jot of their + malignant purpose. He held the picture of it oddly graphic in + his memory for many a day thereafter: Calendar making directly, + for him, his heavy-featured face a dull red with the exertion, + his fat head dropped forward as if too heavy for his neck of a + bull, his small eyes bright with anger; Stryker shying off at a + discreet angle, evidently with the intention of devoting + himself to the capture of the girl; the two cabs with their + dejected screws, at rest in the middle of the quiet, twilit + street. He seemed even to see himself, standing stockily + prepared, hands in his coat pockets, his own head inclined with + a suggestion of pugnacity.</p> + + <p>To this mental photograph another succeeds, of the same + scene an instant later; all as it had been before, their + relative positions unchanged, save that Stryker and Calendar + had come to a dead stop, and that Kirkwood's right arm was + lifted and extended, pointing at the captain.</p> + + <p>So forgetful of self was he, that it required a moment's + thought to convince him that he was really responsible for the + abrupt transformation. Incredulously he realized that he had + drawn Calendar's revolver and pulled Stryker up short, in + mid-stride, by the mute menace of it, as much as by his hoarse + cry of warning:</p> + + <p>"Stryker—not another foot—"</p> + + <p>With this there chimed in Dorothy's voice, ringing + bell-clear from a little distance:</p> + + <p>"Philip!"</p> + + <p>Like a flash he wheeled, to add yet another picture to his + mental gallery.</p> + + <p>Perhaps two-score feet up the sidewalk a gate stood open; + just outside it a man of tall and slender figure, rigged out in + a bizarre costume consisting mainly of a flowered dressing-gown + and slippers, was waiting in an attitude of singular + impassivity; within it, pausing with a foot lifted to the + doorstep, bag in hand, her head turned as she looked back, was + Dorothy.</p> + + <p><img src="illp385s.jpg" + width="516" + height="800" + border="0" + alt= + "A costume consisting mainly of a flowered dressing-gown and slippers."> + </p> + + <p>As he comprehended these essential details of the + composition, the man in the flowered dressing-gown raised a + hand, beckoning to him in a manner as imperative as his + accompanying words.</p> + + <p>"Kirkwood!" he saluted the young man in a clear and vibrant + voice, "put up that revolver and stop this foolishness." And, + with a jerk of his head towards the doorway, in which Dorothy + now waited, hesitant: "Come, sir—quickly!"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood choked on a laugh that was half a sob. "Brentwick!" + he cried, restoring the weapon to his pocket and running toward + his friend. "Of all happy accidents!"</p> + + <p>"You may call it that," retorted the elder man with a + fleeting smile as Kirkwood slipped inside the dooryard. "Come," + he said; "let's get into the house."</p> + + <p>"But you said—I thought you went to Munich," stammered + Kirkwood; and so thoroughly impregnated was his mind with this + understanding that it was hard for him to adjust his + perceptions to the truth.</p> + + <p>"I was detained—by business," responded Brentwick briefly. + His gaze, weary and wistful behind his glasses, rested on the + face of the girl on the threshold of his home; and the faint, + sensitive flush of her face deepened. He stopped and honored + her with a bow that, for all his fantastical attire, would have + graced a beau of an earlier decade. "Will you be pleased to + enter?" he suggested punctiliously. "My house, such as it is, + is quite at your disposal. And," he added, with a glance over + his shoulder, "I fancy that a word or two may presently be + passed which you would hardly care to hear."</p> + + <p>Dorothy's hesitation was but transitory; Kirkwood was + reassuring her with a smile more like his wonted boyish grin + than anything he had succeeded in conjuring up throughout the + day. Her own smile answered it, and with a murmured word of + gratitude and a little, half timid, half distant bow for + Brentwick, she passed on into the hallway.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood lingered with his friend upon the door-stoop. + Calendar, recovered from his temporary consternation, was + already at the gate, bending over it, fat fingers fumbling with + the latch, his round red face, lifted to the house, darkly + working with chagrin.</p> + + <p>From his threshold, watching him with a slight contraction + of the eyes, Brentwick hailed him in tones of cloying + courtesy.</p> + + <p>"Do you wish to see me, sir?"</p> + + <p>The fat adventurer faltered just within the gateway; then, + with a truculent swagger, "I want my daughter," he declared + vociferously.</p> + + <p>Brentwick peered mildly over his glasses, first at Calendar, + then at Kirkwood. His glance lingered a moment on the young + man's honest eyes, and swung back to Calendar.</p> + + <p>"My good man," he said with sublime tolerance, "will you be + pleased to take yourself off—to the devil if you like? Or + shall I take the trouble to interest the police?"</p> + + <p>He removed one fine and fragile hand from a pocket of the + flowered dressing-gown, long enough to jerk it significantly + toward the nearer street-corner.</p> + + <p>Thunderstruck, Calendar glanced hastily in the indicated + direction. A blue-coated bobby was to be seen approaching with + measured stride, diffusing upon the still evening air an + impression of ineffably capable self-contentment.</p> + + <p>Calendar's fleshy lips parted and closed without a sound. + They quivered. Beneath them quivered his assortment of + graduated chins. His heavy and pendulous cheeks quivered, + slowly empurpling with the dark tide of his apoplectic wrath. + The close-clipped thatch of his iron gray mustache, even, + seemed to bristle like hairs upon the neck of a maddened dog. + Beneath him his fat legs trembled, and indeed his whole huge + carcass shook visibly, in the stress of his restrained + wrath.</p> + + <p>Suddenly, overwhelmed, he banged the gate behind him and + waddled off to join the captain; who already, with praiseworthy + native prudence, had fallen back upon their cab.</p> + + <p>From his coign of strategic advantage, the comfortable + elevation of his box, Kirkwood's cabby, whose huge enjoyment of + the adventurers' discomfiture had throughout been noisily + demonstrative, entreated Calendar with lifted forefinger, bland + affability, and expressions of heartfelt sympathy.</p> + + <p>"Kebsir? 'Ave a kebsir, do! Try a ride be'ind a real 'orse, + sir; don't you go on wastin' time on 'im." A jerk of a derisive + thumb singled out the other cabman. "'E aren't pl'yin' you + fair, sir; I knows 'im,—'e's a hartful g'y deceiver, 'e is. + Look at 'is 'orse,—w'ich it aren't; it's a snyle, that's w'at + it is. Tyke a father's hadvice, sir, and next time yer fairest + darter runs awye with the dook in disguise, chyse 'em in a real + kebsir, not a cheap imitashin.... Kebsir?... Garn, you + 'ard-'arted—"</p> + + <p>Here he swooped upwards in a dizzy flight of vituperation + best unrecorded. Calendar, beyond an absent-minded flirt of one + hand by his ear, as who should shoo away a buzzing insect, + ignored him utterly.</p> + + <p>Sullenly extracting money from his pocket, he paid off his + driver, and in company with Stryker, trudged in morose silence + down the street.</p> + + <p>Brentwick touched Kirkwood's arm and drew him into the + house.</p> + + <center> + <h2><a name="XVIII">XVIII</a></h2> + + <h3>ADVENTURES' LUCK</h3> + </center> + + <p>As the door closed, Kirkwood swung impulsively to Brentwick, + with the brief, uneven laugh of fine-drawn nerves.</p> + + <p>"Good God, sir!" he cried. "You don't know—"</p> + + <p>"I can surmise," interrupted the elder man shrewdly.</p> + + <p>"You turned up in the nick of time, for all the world + like—"</p> + + <p>"Harlequin popping through a stage trap?"</p> + + <p>"No!—an incarnation of the Providence that watches over + children and fools."</p> + + <p>Brentwick dropped a calming hand upon his shoulder. "Your + simile seems singularly happy, Philip. Permit me to suggest + that you join the child in my study." He laughed quietly, with + a slight nod toward an open door at the end of the hallway. + "For myself, I'll be with you in one moment."</p> + + <p>A faint, indulgent smile lurking in the shadow of his white + mustache, he watched the young man wheel and dart through the + doorway. "Young hearts!" he commented inaudibly—and a trace + sadly. "Youth!..."</p> + + <p>Beyond the threshold of the study, Kirkwood paused, eager + eyes searching its somber shadows for a sign of Dorothy.</p> + + <p>A long room and deep, it was lighted only by the + circumscribed disk of illumination thrown on the central desk + by a shaded reading-lamp, and the flickering glow of a + grate-fire set beneath the mantel of a side-wall. At the back, + heavy velvet portières cloaked the recesses of two long + windows, closed jealously even against the twilight. Aside from + the windows, doors and chimney-piece, every foot of wall space + was occupied by towering bookcases or by shelves crowded to the + limit of their capacity with an amazing miscellany of objects + of art, the fruit of years of patient and discriminating + collecting. An exotic and heady atmosphere, compounded of the + faint and intangible exhalations of these insentient things, + fragrance of sandalwood, myrrh and musk, reminiscent whiffs of + half-forgotten incense, seemed to intensify the impression of + gloomy richness and repose...</p> + + <p>By the fireplace, a little to one side, stood Dorothy, one + small foot resting on the brass fender, her figure merging into + the dusky background, her delicate beauty gaining an effect of + elusive and ethereal mystery in the waning and waxing ruddy + glow upflung from the bedded coals.</p> + + <p>"Oh, Philip!" She turned swiftly to Kirkwood with extended + hands and a low, broken cry. "I'm <i>so</i> glad...."</p> + + <p>A trace of hysteria in her manner warned him, and he checked + himself upon the verge of a too dangerous tenderness. "There!" + he said soothingly, letting her hands rest gently in his palms + while he led her to a chair. "We can make ourselves easy now." + She sat down and he released her hands with a reluctance less + evident than actual. "If ever I say another word against my + luck—"</p> + + <p>"Who," inquired the girl, lowering her voice, "who is the + gentleman in the flowered dressing-gown?"</p> + + <p>"Brentwick—George Silvester Brentwick: an old friend. I've + known him for years,—ever since I came abroad. Curiously + enough, however, this is the first time I've ever been here. I + called once, but he wasn't in,—a few days ago,—the day we + met. I thought the place looked familiar. Stupid of me!"</p> + + <p>"Philip," said the girl with a grave face but a shaking + voice, "it was." She laughed provokingly.... "It was so funny, + Philip. I don't know why I ran, when you told me to, but I did; + and while I ran, I was conscious of the front door, here, + opening, and this tall man in the flowered dressing-gown coming + down to the gate as if it were the most ordinary thing in the + world for him to stroll out, dressed that way, in the evening. + And he opened the gate, and bowed, and said, ever so + pleasantly, 'Won't you come in, Miss Calendar?'—"</p> + + <p>"He did!" exclaimed Kirkwood. "But how—?"</p> + + <p>"How can I say?" she expostulated. "At all events, he seemed + to know me; and when he added something about calling you in, + too—he said 'Mr. Kirkwood '—I didn't hesitate."</p> + + <p>"It's strange enough, surely—and fortunate. Bless his + heart!" said Kirkwood.</p> + + <p>And, "Hum!" said Mr. Brentwick considerately, entering the + study. He had discarded the dressing-gown and was now in + evening dress.</p> + + <p>The girl rose. Kirkwood turned. "Mr. Brentwick—" he + began.</p> + + <p>But Brentwick begged his patience with an eloquent gesture. + "Sir," he said, somewhat austerely, "permit me to put a single + question: Have you by any chance paid your cabby?"</p> + + <p>"Why—" faltered the younger man, with a flaming face. + "I—why, no—that is—"</p> + + <p>The other quietly put his hand upon a bell-pull. A faint + jingling sound was at once audible, emanating from the + basement.</p> + + <p>"How much should you say you owe him?"</p> + + <p>"I—I haven't a penny in the world!"</p> + + <p>The shrewd eyes flashed their amusement into Kirkwood's. + "Tut, tut!" Brentwick chuckled. "Between gentlemen, my dear + boy! Dear me! you are slow to learn."</p> + + <p>"I'll never be contented to sponge on my friends," explained + Kirkwood in deepest misery. "I can't tell when—"</p> + + <p>"Tut, tut! How much did you say?"</p> + + <p>"Ten shillings—or say twelve, would be about right," + stammered the American, swayed by conflicting emotions of + gratitude and profound embarrassment.</p> + + <p>A soft-footed butler, impassive as Fate, materialized + mysteriously in the doorway.</p> + + <p>"You rang, sir?" he interrupted frigidly.</p> + + <p>"I rang, Wotton." His master selected a sovereign from his + purse and handed it to the servant. "For the cabby, + Wotton."</p> + + <p>"Yes sir." The butler swung automatically, on one heel.</p> + + <p>"And Wotton!"</p> + + <p>"Sir?"</p> + + <p>"If any one should ask for me, I'm not at home."</p> + + <p>"Very good, sir."</p> + + <p>"And if you should see a pair of disreputable scoundrels + skulking, in the neighborhood, one short and stout, the other + tall and evidently a seafaring man, let me know."</p> + + <p>"Thank you, sir." A moment later the front door was heard to + close.</p> + + <p>Brentwick turned with a little bow to the girl. "My dear + Miss Calendar," he said, rubbing his thin, fine hands,—"I am + old enough, I trust, to call you such without offense,—please + be seated."</p> + + <p>Complying, the girl rewarded him with a radiant smile. + Whereupon, striding to the fireplace, their host turned his + back to it, clasped his hands behind him, and glowered benignly + upon the two. "Ah!" he observed in accents of extreme personal + satisfaction. "Romance! Romance!"</p> + + <p>"Would you mind telling us how you knew—" began Kirkwood + anxiously.</p> + + <p>"Not in the least, my dear Philip. It is simple enough: I + possess an imagination. From my bedroom window, on the floor + above, I happen to behold two cabs racing down the street, the + one doggedly pursuing the other. The foremost stops, perforce + of a fagged horse. There alights a young gentleman looking, if + you'll pardon me, uncommonly seedy; he is followed by a young + lady, if she will pardon me," with another little bow, + "uncommonly pretty. With these two old eyes I observe that the + gentleman does not pay his cabby. Ergo—I intelligently + deduce—he is short of money. Eh?"</p> + + <p>"You were right," affirmed Kirkwood, with a rueful and + crooked smile. "But—"</p> + + <p>"So! so!" pursued Brentwick, rising on his toes and dropping + back again; "so this world of ours wags on to the old, old + tune!... And I, who in my younger days pursued adventure + without success, in dotage find myself dragged into a romance + by my two ears, whether I will or no! Eh? And now you are going + to tell me all about it, Philip. There is a chair.... Well, + Wotton?"</p> + + <p>The butler had again appeared noiselessly in the + doorway.</p> + + <p>"Beg pardon, sir; they're waiting, sir."</p> + + <p>"The caitiffs, Wotton?"</p> + + <p>"Yessir."</p> + + <p>"Where waiting?"</p> + + <p>"One at each end of the street, sir."</p> + + <p>"Thank you. You may bring us sherry and biscuit, + Wotton."</p> + + <p>"Thank you, sir."</p> + + <p>The servant vanished.</p> + + <p>Brentwick removed his glasses, rubbed them, and blinked + thoughtfully at the girl. "My dear," he said suddenly, with a + peculiar tremor in his voice, "you resemble your mother + remarkably. Tut—I should know! Time was when I was one of her + most ardent admirers."</p> + + <p>"You—y-you knew my mother?" cried Dorothy, profoundly + moved.</p> + + <p>"Did I not know you at sight? My dear, you are your mother + reincarnate, for the good of an unworthy world. She was a very + beautiful woman, my dear."</p> + + <p>Wotton entered with a silver serving tray, offering it in + turn to Dorothy, Kirkwood and his employer. While he was + present the three held silent—the girl trembling slightly, but + with her face aglow; Kirkwood half stupefied between his ease + from care and his growing astonishment, as Brentwick continued + to reveal unexpected phases of his personality; Brentwick + himself outwardly imperturbable and complacent, for all that + his hand shook as he lifted his wine glass.</p> + + <p>"You may go, Wotton—or, wait. Don't you feel the need of a + breath of fresh air, Wotton?"</p> + + <p>"Yessir, thank you, sir."</p> + + <p>"Then change your coat, Wotton, light your pipe, and stroll + out for half an hour. You need not leave the street, but if + either the tall thin blackguard with the seafaring habit, or + the short stout rascal with the air of mystery should accost + you, treat them with all courtesy, Wotton. You will be careful + not to tell either of them anything in particular, although I + don't mind your telling them that Mr. Brentwick lives here, if + they ask. I am mostly concerned to discover if they purpose + becoming fixtures on the street-corners, Wotton."</p> + + <p>"Quite so, sir."</p> + + <p>"Now you may go.... Wotton," continued his employer as the + butler took himself off as softly as a cat, "grows daily a more + valuable mechanism. He is by no means human in any respect, but + I find him extremely handy to have round the house.... And now, + my dear," turning to Dorothy, "with your permission I desire to + drink to the memory of your beautiful mother and to the + happiness of her beautiful daughter."</p> + + <p>"But you will tell me—"</p> + + <p>"A number of interesting things, Miss Calendar, if you'll be + good enough to let me choose the time. I beg you to be patient + with the idiosyncrasies of an old man, who means no harm, who + has a reputation as an eccentric to sustain before his + servants.... And now," said Brentwick, setting aside his glass, + "now, my dear boy, for the adventure."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood chuckled, infected by his host's genial humor. "How + do you know—"</p> + + <p>"How can it be otherwise?" countered Brentwick with a trace + of asperity. "Am I to be denied my adventure? Sir, I refuse + without equivocation. Your very bearing breathes of Romance. + There must be an adventure forthcoming, Philip; otherwise my + disappointment will be so acute that I shall be regretfully + obliged seriously to consider my right, as a householder, to + show you the door."</p> + + <p>"But Mr. Brentwick—!"</p> + + <p>"Sit down, sir!" commanded Brentwick with such a peremptory + note that the young man, who had risen, obeyed out of sheer + surprise. Upon which his host advanced, indicting him with a + long white forefinger. "Would you, sir," he demanded, "again + expose this little lady to the machinations of that corpulent + scoundrel, whom I have just had the pleasure of shooing off my + premises, because you choose to resent an old man's + raillery?"</p> + + <p>"I apologize," Kirkwood humored him.</p> + + <p>"I accept the apology in the spirit in which it is + offered.... I repeat, now for the adventure, Philip. If the + story's long, epitomize. We can consider details more at our + leisure."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood's eyes consulted the girl's face; almost + imperceptibly she nodded him permission to proceed.</p> + + <p>"Briefly, then," he began haltingly, "the man who followed + us to the door here, is Miss Calendar's father."</p> + + <p>"Oh? His name, please?"</p> + + <p>"George Burgoyne Calendar."</p> + + <p>"Ah! An American; I remember, now. Continue, please."</p> + + <p>"He is hounding us, sir, with the intention of stealing some + property, which he caused to be stolen, which we—to put it + bluntly—stole from him, to which he has no shadow of a title, + and which, finally, we're endeavoring to return to its + owners."</p> + + <p>"My dear!" interpolated Brentwick gently, looking down at + the girl's flushed face and drooping head.</p> + + <p>"He ran us to the last ditch," Kirkwood continued; "I've + spent my last farthing trying to lose him."</p> + + <p>"But why have you not caused his arrest?" Brentwick + inquired.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood nodded meaningly toward the girl. Brentwick made a + sound indicating comprehension, a click of the tongue behind + closed teeth.</p> + + <p>"We came to your door by the merest accident—it might as + well have been another. I understood you were in Munich, and it + never entered my head that we'd find you home."</p> + + <p>"A communication from my solicitors detained me," explained + Brentwick. "And now, what do you intend to do?"</p> + + <p>"Trespass as far on your kindness as you'll permit. In the + first place, I—I want the use of a few pounds with which to + cable some friends in New York, for money; on receipt of which + I can repay you."</p> + + <p>"Philip," observed Brentwood, "you are a most irritating + child. But I forgive you the faults of youth. You may proceed, + bearing in mind, if you please, that I am your friend equally + with any you may own in America."</p> + + <p>"You're one of the best men in the world," said + Kirkwood.</p> + + <p>"Tut, tut! Will you get on?"</p> + + <p>"Secondly, I want you to help us to escape Calendar + to-night. It is necessary that Miss Calendar should go to + Chiltern this evening, where she has friends who will receive + and protect her."</p> + + <p>"Mm-mm," grumbled their host, meditative. "My faith!" he + commented, with brightening eyes. "It sounds almost too good to + be true! And I've been growing afraid that the world was + getting to be a most humdrum and uninteresting planet!... Miss + Calendar, I am a widower of so many years standing that I had + almost forgotten I had ever been anything but a bachelor. I + fear my house contains little that will be of service to a + young lady. Yet a room is at your disposal; the parlor-maid + shall show you the way. And Philip, between you and me, I + venture to remark that hot water and cold steel would add to + the attractiveness of your personal appearance; my valet will + attend you in my room. Dinner," concluded Brentwick with + anticipative relish, "will be served in precisely thirty + minutes. I shall expect you to entertain me with a full and + itemized account of every phase of your astonishing adventure. + Later, we will find a way to Chiltern."</p> + + <p>Again he put a hand upon the bell-pull. Simultaneously + Dorothy and Kirkwood rose.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Brentwick," said the girl, her eyes starred with tears + of gratitude, "I don't, I really don't know how—"</p> + + <p>"My dear," said the old gentleman, "you will thank me most + appropriately by continuing, to the best of your ability, to + resemble your mother more remarkably every minute."</p> + + <p>"But I," began Kirkwood——.</p> + + <p>"You, my dear Philip, can thank me best by permitting me to + enjoy myself; which I am doing thoroughly at the present + moment. My pleasure in being invited to interfere in your young + affairs is more keen than you can well surmise. Moreover," said + Mr. Brentwick, "so long have I been an amateur adventurer that + I esteem it the rarest privilege to find myself thus on the + point of graduating into professional ranks." He rubbed his + hands, beaming upon them. "And," he added, as a maid appeared + at the door, "I have already schemed me a scheme for the + discomfiture of our friends the enemy: a scheme which we will + discuss with our dinner, while the heathen rage and imagine a + vain thing, in the outer darkness."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood would have lingered, but of such inflexible temper + was his host that he bowed him into the hands of a man servant + without permitting him another word.</p> + + <p>"Not a syllable," he insisted. "I protest I am devoured with + curiosity, my dear boy, but I have also bowels of compassion. + When we are well on with our meal, when you are strengthened + with food and drink, then you may begin. But now—Dickie," to + the valet, "do your duty!"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood, laughing with exasperation, retired at discretion, + leaving Brentwick the master of the situation: a charming + gentleman with a will of his own and a way that went with + it.</p> + + <p>He heard the young man's footsteps diminish on the stairway; + and again he smiled the indulgent, melancholy smile of mellow + years. "Youth!" he whispered softly. "Romance!... And now," + with a brisk change of tone as he closed the study door, "now + we are ready for this interesting Mr. Calendar."</p> + + <p>Sitting down at his desk, he found and consulted a telephone + directory; but its leaves, at first rustling briskly at the + touch of the slender and delicate fingers, were presently + permitted to lie unturned,—the book resting open on his knees + the while he stared wistfully into the fire.</p> + + <p>A suspicion of moisture glimmered in his eyes. "Dorothy!" he + whispered huskily. And a little later, rising, he proceeded to + the telephone....</p> + + <p>An hour and a half later Kirkwood, his self-respect + something restored by a bath, a shave, and a resumption of + clothes which had been hastily but thoroughly cleansed and + pressed by Brentwick's valet; his confidence and courage + mounting high under the combined influence of generous wine, + substantial food, the presence of his heart's mistress and the + admiration—which was unconcealed—of his friend, concluded at + the dinner-table, his narration.</p> + + <p>"And that," he said, looking up from his savory, "is about + all."</p> + + <p>"Bravo!" applauded Brentwick; eyes shining with delight.</p> + + <p>"All," interposed Dorothy in warm reproach, "but what he + hasn't told—"</p> + + <p>"Which, my dear, is to be accounted for wholly by a very + creditable modesty, rarely encountered in the young men of the + present day. It was, of course, altogether different with those + of my younger years. Yes, Wotton?"</p> + + <p>Brentwick sat back in his chair, inclining an attentive ear + to a communication murmured by the butler.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood's gaze met Dorothy's across the expanse of shining + cloth; he deprecated her interruption with a whimsical twist of + his eyebrows. "Really, you shouldn't," he assured her in an + undertone. "I've done nothing to deserve..." But under the + spell of her serious sweet eyes, he fell silent, and presently + looked down, strangely abashed; and contemplated the vast + enormity of his unworthiness.</p> + + <p>Coffee was set before them by Wotton, the impassive, + Brentwick refusing it with a little sigh. "It is one of the + things, as Philip knows," he explained to the girl, "denied me + by the physician who makes his life happy by making mine a + waste. I am allowed but three luxuries; cigars, travel in + moderation, and the privilege of imposing on my friends. The + first I propose presently, to enjoy, by your indulgence; and + the second I shall this evening undertake by virtue of the + third, of which I have just availed myself."</p> + + <p>Smiling at the involution, he rested his head against the + back of the chair, eyes roving from the girl's face to + Kirkwood's. "Inspiration to do which," he proceeded gravely, + "came to me from the seafaring picaroon (Stryker did you name + him?) via the excellent Wotton. While you were preparing for + dinner, Wotton returned from his constitutional with the news + that, leaving the corpulent person on watch at the corner, + Captain Stryker had temporarily, made himself scarce. However, + we need feel no anxiety concerning his whereabouts, for he + reappeared in good time and a motor-car. From which it becomes + evident that you have not overrated their pertinacity; the + fiasco of the cab-chase is not to be reënacted."</p> + + <p>Resolutely the girl repressed a gasp of dismay. Kirkwood + stared moodily into his cup.</p> + + <p>"These men bore me fearfully," he commented at last.</p> + + <p>"And so," continued Brentwick, "I bethought me of a + counter-stroke. It is my good fortune to have a friend whose + whim it is to support a touring-car, chiefly in innocuous + idleness. Accordingly I have telephoned him and commandeered + the use of this machine—mechanician, too.... Though not a + betting man, I am willing to risk recklessly a few pence in + support of my contention, that of the two, Captain Stryker's + car and ours, the latter will prove considerably the most + speedy....</p> + + <p>"In short, I suggest," he concluded, thoughtfully lacing his + long white fingers, "that, avoiding the hazards of cab and + railway carriage, we motor to Chiltern: the night being fine + and the road, I am told, exceptionally good. Miss Dorothy, what + do you think?"</p> + + <p>Instinctively the girl looked to Kirkwood; then shifted her + glance to their host. "I think you are wonderfully thoughtful + and kind," she said simply.</p> + + <p>"And you, Philip?"</p> + + <p>"It's an inspiration," the younger man declared. "I can't + think of anything better calculated to throw them off, than to + distance them by motor-car. It would be always possible to + trace our journey by rail."</p> + + <p>"Then," announced Brentwick, making as if to rise, "we had + best go. If neither my hearing nor Captain Stryker's car + deceives me, our fiery chariot is panting at the door."</p> + + <p>A little sobered from the confident spirit of quiet gaiety + in which they had dined, they left the table. Not that, in + their hearts, either greatly questioned their ultimate triumph; + but they were allowing for the element of error so apt to set + at naught human calculations. Calendar himself had already been + proved fallible. Within the bounds of possibility, their turn + to stumble might now be imminent.</p> + + <p>When he let himself dwell upon it, their utter helplessness + to give Calendar pause by commonplace methods, maddened + Kirkwood. With another scoundrel it had been so simple a matter + to put a period to his activities by a word to the police. But + he was her father; for that reason he must continually be + spared ... Even though, in desperate extremity, she should give + consent to the arrest of the adventurers, retaliation would + follow, swift and sure. For they might not overlook nor gloze + the fact that hers had been the hands responsible for the theft + of the jewels; innocent though she had been in committing that + larceny, a cat's-paw guided by an intelligence unscrupulous and + malign, the law would not hold her guiltless were she once + brought within its cognizance. Nor, possibly, would the + Hallams, mother and son.</p> + + <p>Upon their knowledge and their fear of this, undoubtedly + Calendar was reckoning: witness the barefaced effrontery with + which he operated against them. His fear of the police might be + genuine enough, but he was never for an instant disturbed by + any doubt lest his daughter should turn against him. She would + never dare that.</p> + + <p>Before they left the house, while Dorothy was above stairs + resuming her hat and coat, Kirkwood and Brentwick reconnoitered + from the drawing-room windows, themselves screened from + observation by the absence of light in the room behind.</p> + + <p>Before the door a motor-car waited, engines humming + impatiently, mechanician ready in his seat, an uncouth shape in + goggles and leather garments that shone like oilskins under the + street lights.</p> + + <p>At one corner another and a smaller car stood in waiting, + its lamps like baleful eyes glaring through the night.</p> + + <p>In the shadows across the way, a lengthy shadow lurked: + Stryker, beyond reasonable question. Otherwise the street was + deserted. Not even that adventitous bobby of the early evening + was now in evidence.</p> + + <p>Dorothy presently joining them, Brentwick led the way to the + door.</p> + + <p>Wotton, apparently nerveless beneath his absolute + immobility, let them out—and slammed the door behind them with + such promptitude as to give cause for the suspicion that he was + a fraud, a sham, beneath his icy exterior desperately afraid + lest the house be stormed by the adventurers.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood to the right, Brentwick to the left of Dorothy, the + former carrying the treasure bag, they hastened down the walk + and through the gate to the car.</p> + + <p>The watcher across the way was moved to whistle shrilly; the + other car lunged forward nervously.</p> + + <p>Brentwick taking the front seat, beside the mechanician, + left the tonneau to Kirkwood and Dorothy. As the American + slammed the door, the car swept smoothly out into the middle of + the way, while the pursuing car swerved in to the other curb, + slowing down to let Stryker jump aboard.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood put himself in the seat by the girl's side and for + a few moments was occupied with the arrangement of the robes. + Then, sitting back, he found her eyes fixed upon him, pools of + inscrutable night in the shadow of her hat.</p> + + <p>"You aren't afraid, Dorothy?"</p> + + <p>She answered quietly: "I am with you, Philip."</p> + + <p>Beneath the robe their hands met...</p> + + <p>Exalted, excited, he turned and looked back. A hundred yards + to the rear four unwinking eyes trailed them, like some modern + Nemesis in monstrous guise.</p> + + <center> + <h2><a name="XIX">XIX</a></h2> + + <h4>I——THE UXBRIDGE ROAD</h4> + </center> + + <p>At a steady gait, now and again checked in deference to the + street traffic, Brentwick's motor-car rolled, with resonant + humming of the engine, down the Cromwell Road, swerved into + Warwick Road and swung northward through Kensington to + Shepherd's Bush. Behind it Calendar's car clung as if towed by + an invisible cable, never gaining, never losing, mutely + testifying to the adventurer's unrelenting, grim determination + to leave them no instant's freedom from surveillance, to keep + for ever at their shoulders, watching his chance, biding his + time with sinister patience until the moment when, wearied, + their vigilance should relax....</p> + + <p>To some extent he reckoned without his motor-car. As long as + they traveled within the metropolitan limits, constrained to + observe a decorous pace in view of the prejudices of the County + Council, it was a matter of no difficulty whatever to maintain + his distance. But once they had won through Shepherd's Bush + and, paced by huge doubledeck trolley trams, were flying + through Hammersmith on the Uxbridge Road; once they had run + through Acton, and knew beyond dispute that now they were + without the city boundaries, then the complexion of the + business was suddenly changed.</p> + + <p>Not too soon for honest sport; Calendar was to have + (Kirkwood would have said in lurid American idiom) a run for + his money. The scattered lights of Southall were winking out + behind them before Brentwick chose to give the word to the + mechanician.</p> + + <p>Quietly the latter threw in the clutch for the third + speed—and the fourth. The car leaped forward like a startled + race-horse. The motor lilted merrily into its deep-throated + song of the open road, its contented, silken humming passing + into a sonorous and sustained purr.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood and the girl were first jarred violently forward, + then thrown together. She caught his arm to steady herself; it + seemed the most natural thing imaginable that he should take + her hand and pass it beneath his arm, holding her so, his + fingers closed above her own. Before they had recovered, or had + time to catch their breath, a mile of Middlesex had dropped to + the rear.</p> + + <p>Not quite so far had they distanced Calendar's trailing + Nemesis of the four glaring eyes; the pursuers put forth a + gallant effort to hold their place. At intervals during the + first few minutes a heavy roaring and crashing could be heard + behind them; gradually it subsided, dying on the wings of the + free rushing wind that buffeted their faces as mile after mile + was reeled off and the wide, darkling English countryside + opened out before them, sweet and wonderful.</p> + + <p>Once Kirkwood looked back; in the winking of an eye he saw + four faded disks of light, pallid with despair, top a distant + rise and glide down into darkness. When he turned, Dorothy was + interrogating him with eyes whose melting, shadowed loveliness, + revealed to him in the light of the far, still stars, seemed to + incite him to that madness which he had bade himself resist + with all his strength.</p> + + <p>He shook his head, as if to say: They can not catch us.</p> + + <p>His hour was not yet; time enough to think of love and + marriage (as if he were capable of consecutive thought on any + other subject!)—time enough to think of them when he had gene + back to his place, or rather when he should have found it, in + the ranks of bread-winners, and so have proved his right to + mortal happiness; time enough then to lay whatever he might + have to offer at her feet. Now he could conceive of no baser + treachery to his soul's-desire than to advantage himself of her + gratitude.</p> + + <p>Resolutely he turned his face forward, striving with all his + will and might to forget the temptation of her lips, weary as + they were and petulant with waiting; and so sat rigid in his + time of trial, clinging with what strength he could to the + standards of his honor, and trying to lose his dream in + dreaming of the bitter struggle that seemed likely to be his + future portion.</p> + + <p>Perhaps she guessed a little of the fortunes of the battle + that was being waged within him. Perhaps not. Whatever the + trend of her thoughts, she did not draw away from him.... + Perhaps the breath of night, fresh and clean and fragrant with + the odor of the fields and hedges, sweeping into her face with + velvety caress, rendered her drowsy. Presently the silken + lashes drooped, fluttering upon her cheeks, the tired and happy + smile hovered about her lips....</p> + + <p>In something less than half an hour of this wild driving, + Kirkwood roused out of his reverie sufficiently to become + sensible that the speed was slackening. Incoherent snatches of + sentences, fragments of words and phrases spoken by Brentwick + and the mechanician, were flung back past his ears by the + rushing wind. Shielding his eyes he could see dimly that the + mechanician was tinkering (apparently) with the driving gear. + Then, their pace continuing steadily to abate, he heard + Brentwick fling at the man a sharp-toned and querulously + impatient question: What was the trouble? His reply came in a + single word, not distinguishable.</p> + + <p>The girl sat up, opening her eyes, disengaging her arm.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood bent forward and touched Brentwick on the shoulder; + the latter turned to him a face lined with deep concern.</p> + + <p>"Trouble," he announced superfluously. "I fear we have + blundered."</p> + + <p>"What is it?" asked Dorothy in a troubled voice.</p> + + <p>"Petrol seems to be running low. Charles here" (he referred + to the mechanician) "says the tank must be leaking. We'll go on + as best we can and try to find an inn. Fortunately, most of the + inns nowadays keep supplies of petrol for just such + emergencies."</p> + + <p>"Are we—? Do you think—?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no; not a bit of danger of that," returned Brentwick + hastily. "They'll not catch up with us this night. That is a + very inferior car they have,—so Charles says, at least; + nothing to compare with this. If I'm not in error, there's the + Crown and Mitre just ahead; we'll make it, fill our tanks, and + be off again before they can make up half their loss."</p> + + <p>Dorothy looked anxiously to Kirkwood, her lips forming an + unuttered query: What did he think?</p> + + <p>"Don't worry; we'll have no trouble," he assured her + stoutly; "the chauffeur knows, undoubtedly."</p> + + <p>None the less he was moved to stand up in the tonneau, + conscious of the presence of the traveling bag, snug between + his feet, as well as of the weight of Calendar's revolver in + his pocket, while he stared back along the road.</p> + + <p>There was nothing to be seen of their persecutors.</p> + + <p>The car continued to crawl. Five minutes dragged out + tediously. Gradually they, drew abreast a tavern standing back + a distance from the road, embowered in a grove of trees between + whose ancient boles the tap-room windows shone enticingly, + aglow with comfortable light. A creaking sign-board, much worn + by weather and age, swinging from a roadside post, confirmed + the accuracy of Brentwick's surmise, announcing that here stood + the Crown and Mitre, house of entertainment for man and + beast.</p> + + <p>Sluggishly the car rolled up before it and came to a dead + and silent halt. Charles, the mechanician, jumping out, ran + hastily up the path towards the inn. In the car Brentwick + turned again, his eyes curiously bright in the starlight, his + forehead quaintly furrowed, his voice apologetic.</p> + + <p>"It may take a few minutes," he said undecidedly, plainly + endeavoring to cover up his own dark doubts. "My dear," to the + girl, "if I have brought trouble upon you in this wise, I shall + never earn my own forgiveness."</p> + + <p>Kirkwood stood up again, watchful, attentive to the sounds + of night; but the voice of the pursuing motor-car was not of + their company. "I hear nothing," he announced.</p> + + <p>"You will forgive me,—won't you, my dear?—for causing you + these few moments of needless anxiety?" pleaded the old + gentleman, his tone tremulous.</p> + + <p>"As if you could be blamed!" protested the girl. "You + mustn't think of it that way. Fancy, what should we have done + without you!"</p> + + <p>"I'm afraid I have been very clumsy," sighed Brentwick, + "clumsy and impulsive ... Kirkwood, do you hear anything?"</p> + + <p>"Not yet, sir."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps," suggested Brentwick a little later, "perhaps we + had better alight and go up to the inn. It would be more cosy + there, especially if the petrol proves hard to obtain, and we + have long to wait."</p> + + <p>"I should like that," assented the girl decidedly.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood nodded his approval, opened the door and jumped out + to assist her; then picked up the bag and followed the + pair,—Brentwick leading the way with Dorothy on his arm.</p> + + <p>At the doorway of the Crown and Mitre, Charles met them + evidently seriously disturbed. "No petrol to be had here, sir," + he announced reluctantly; "but the landlord will send to the + next inn, a mile up the road, for some. You will have to be + patient, I'm afraid, sir."</p> + + <p>"Very well. Get some one to help you push the car in from + the road," ordered Brentwick; "we will be waiting in one of the + private parlors."</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir; thank you, sir." The mechanician touched the + visor of his cap and hurried off.</p> + + <p>"Come, Kirkwood." Gently Brentwick drew the girl in with + him.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood lingered momentarily on the doorstep, to listen + acutely. But the wind was blowing into that quarter whence they + had come, and he could hear naught save the soughing in the + trees, together with an occasional burst of rude rustic + laughter from the tap-room. Lifting his shoulders in dumb + dismay, and endeavoring to compose his features, he entered the + tavern.</p> + + <h4 align="center"><a name= + "II——THE%20CROWN%20AND%20MITRE">II——THE CROWN AND MITRE</a></h4> + + <p>A rosy-cheeked and beaming landlady met him in the corridor + and, all bows and smiles, ushered him into a private parlor + reserved for the party, immediately bustling off in a desperate + flurry, to secure refreshments desired by Brentwick.</p> + + <p>The girl had seated herself on one end of an extremely + comfortless lounge and was making a palpable effort to seem at + ease. Brentwick stood at one of the windows, shoulders rounded + and head bent, hands clasped behind his back as he peered out + into the night. Kirkwood dropped the traveling bag beneath a + chair the farthest removed from the doorway, and took to pacing + the floor.</p> + + <p>In a corner of the room a tall grandfather's clock ticked + off ten interminable minutes. For some reason unconscionably + delaying, the landlady did not reappear. Brentwick, abruptly + turning from the window, remarked the fact querulously, then + drew a chair up to a marble-topped table in the middle of the + floor.</p> + + <p>"My dear," he requested the girl, "will you oblige me by + sitting over here? And Philip, bring up a chair, if you will. + We must not permit ourselves to worry, and I have something + here which may, perhaps, engage your interest for a while."</p> + + <p>To humor him and alleviate his evident distress of mind, + they acceded. Kirkwood found himself seated opposite Dorothy, + Brentwick between them. After some hesitation, made the more + notable by an air of uneasiness which sat oddly on his + shoulders, whose composure and confident mien had theretofore + been so complete and so reassuring, the elder gentleman fumbled + in an inner coat-pocket and brought to light a small black + leather wallet. He seemed to be on the point of opening it when + hurried footfalls sounded in the hallway. Brentwick placed the + wallet, still with its secret intact, on the table before him, + as Charles burst unceremoniously in, leaving the door wide + open.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Brentwick, sir!" he cried gustily. "That other + car—"</p> + + <p>With a smothered ejaculation Kirkwood leaped to his feet, + tugging at the weapon in his pocket. In another instant he had + the revolver exposed. The girl's cry of alarm, interrupting the + machinist, fixed Brentwick's attention on the young man. He, + too, stood up, reaching over very quickly, to clamp strong + supple fingers round Kirkwood's wrist, while with the other + hand he laid hold of the revolver and by a single twist + wrenched it away.</p> + + <p>Kirkwood turned upon him in fury. "So!" he cried, shaking + with passion. "This is what your hospitality meant! You're + going to—"</p> + + <p>"My dear young friend," interrupted Brentwick with a flash + of impatience, "remember that if I had designed to betray you, + I could have asked no better opportunity than when you were my + guest under my own roof."</p> + + <p>"But—hang it all, Brentwick!" expostulated Kirkwood, + ashamed and contrite, but worked upon by desperate + apprehension; "I didn't mean that, but—"</p> + + <p>"Would you have bullets flying when she is near?" demanded + Brentwick scathingly. Hastily he slipped the revolver upon a + little shelf beneath the table-top. "Sir!" he informed Kirkwood + with some heat, "I love you as my own son, but you're a young + fool!... as I have been, in my time ... and as I would to + Heaven I might be again! Be advised, Philip,—be calm. Can't + you see it's the only way to save your treasure?"</p> + + <p>"Hang the jewels!" retorted Kirkwood warmly. "What—"</p> + + <p>"Sir, who said anything about the jewels?"</p> + + <p>As Brentwick spoke, Calendar's corpulent figure filled the + doorway; Stryker's weather-worn features loomed over his + shoulder, distorted in a cheerful leer.</p> + + <p>"As to the jewels," announced the fat adventurer, "I've got + a word to say, if you put it to me that way."</p> + + <p>He paused on the threshold, partly for dramatic effect, + partly for his own satisfaction, his quick eyes darting from + face to face of the four people whom he had caught so + unexpectedly. A shade of complacency colored his expression, + and he smiled evilly beneath the coarse short thatch of his + gray mustache. In his hand a revolver appeared, poised for + immediate use if there were need.</p> + + <p>There was none. Brentwick, at his primal appearance, had + dropped a peremptory hand on Kirkwood's shoulder, forcing the + young man back to his seat; at the same time he resumed his + own. The girl had not stirred from hers since the first alarm; + she sat as if transfixed with terror, leaning forward with her + elbows on the table, her hands tightly clasped, her face, a + little blanched, turned to the door. But her scarlet lips were + set and firm with inflexible purpose, and her brown eyes met + Calendar's with a look level and unflinching. Beyond this she + gave no sign of recognition.</p> + + <p>Nearest of the four to the adventurers was Charles, the + mechanician, paused in affrighted astonishment at sight of the + revolver. Calendar, choosing to advance suddenly, poked the + muzzle of the weapon jocularly in the man's ribs. "Beat it, + Four-eyes!" he snapped. "This is your cue to duck! Get out of + my way."</p> + + <p>The mechanician jumped as if shot, then hastily, retreated + to the table, his sallow features working beneath the + goggle-mask which had excited the fat adventurer's scorn.</p> + + <p>"Come right in, Cap'n," Calendar threw over one shoulder; + "come in, shut the door and lock it. Let's all be sociable, and + have a nice quiet time." vStryker obeyed, with a derisive + grimace for Kirkwood.</p> + + <p>Calendar, advancing jauntily to a point within a yard of the + table, stopped, smiling affably down upon his prospective + victims, and airily twirling his revolver.</p> + + <p>"<i>Good</i> evening, all!" he saluted them blandly. + "Dorothy, my child," with assumed concern, "you're looking a + trifle upset; I'm afraid you've been keeping late hours. Little + girls must be careful, you know, or they lose the bloom of + roses in their cheeks.... Mr. Kirkwood, it's a pleasure to meet + you again! Permit me to paraphrase your most sound advice, and + remind you that pistol-shots are apt to attract undesirable + attention. It wouldn't be wise for <i>you</i> to bring the + police about our ears. I believe that in substance such was + your sapient counsel to me in the cabin of the <i>Alethea</i>; + was it not?... And you, sir!"—fixing Brentwick with a cold + unfriendly eye. "You animated fossil, what d'you mean by + telling me to go to the devil?... But let that pass; I hold no + grudge. What might your name be?"</p> + + <p align="center"><img src="illp421s.jpg" + width="600" + height="808" + border="1" + alt="'<i>Good</i> evening, all!' he saluted them blandly"></p> + + <p>"It might be Brentwick," said that gentleman placidly.</p> + + <p>"Brentwick, eh? Well, I like a man of spirit. But permit me + to advise you—"</p> + + <p>"Gladly," nodded Brentwick.</p> + + <p>"Eh?... Don't come a second time between father and + daughter; another man might not be as patient as I, Mister + Brentwick. There's a law in the land, if you don't happen to + know it."</p> + + <p>"I congratulate you on your success in evading it," observed + Brentwick, undisturbed. "And it was considerate of you not to + employ it in this instance." Then, with a sharp change of tone, + "Come, sir!" he demanded. "You have unwarrantably intruded in + this room, which I have engaged for my private use. Get through + with your business and be off with you."</p> + + <p>"All in my good time, my antediluvian friend. When I've + wound up my business here I'll go—not before. But, just to + oblige you, we'll get down to it.... Kirkwood, you have a + revolver of mine. Be good enough to return it."</p> + + <p>"I have it here,—under the table," interrupted Brentwick + suavely. "Shall I hand it to you?"</p> + + <p>"By the muzzle, if you please. Be very careful; this one's + loaded, too—apt to explode any minute."</p> + + <p>To Kirkwood's intense disgust Brentwick quietly slipped one + hand beneath the table and, placing the revolver on its top, + delicately with his finger-tips shoved it toward the farther + edge. With a grunt of approval, Calendar swept the weapon up + and into his pocket.</p> + + <p>"Any more ordnance?" he inquired briskly, eyes moving + alertly from face to face. "No matter; you wouldn't dare use + 'em anyway. And I'm about done. Dorothy, my dear, it's high + time you returned to your father's protection. Where's that + gladstone bag?"</p> + + <p>"In my traveling bag," the girl told him in a toneless + voice.</p> + + <p>"Then you may bring it along. You may also say good night to + the kind gentlemen."</p> + + <p>Dorothy did not move; her pallor grew more intense and + Kirkwood saw her knuckles tighten beneath the gloves. Otherwise + her mouth seemed to grow more straight and hard.</p> + + <p>"Dorothy!" cried the adventurer with a touch of displeasure. + "You heard me?"</p> + + <p>"I heard you," she replied a little wearily, more than a + little contemptuously. "Don't mind him, please, Mr. + Kirkwood!"—with an appealing gesture, as Kirkwood, unable to + contain himself, moved restlessly in his chair, threatening to + rise. "Don't say anything. I have no intention whatever of + going with this man."</p> + + <p>Calendar's features twitched nervously; he chewed a corner + of his mustache, fixing the girl with a black stare. "I + presume," he remarked after a moment, with slow deliberation, + "you're aware that, as your father, I am in a position to + compel you to accompany me."</p> + + <p>"I shall not go with you," iterated Dorothy in a level tone. + "You may threaten me, but—I shall not go. Mr. Brentwick and + Mr. Kirkwood are taking me to—friends, who will give me a home + until I can find a way to take care of myself. That is all I + have to say to you."</p> + + <p>"Bravo, my dear!" cried Brentwick encouragingly.</p> + + <p>"Mind your business, sir!" thundered Calendar, his face + darkening. Then, to Dorothy, "You understand, I trust, what + this means?" he demanded. "I offer you a home—and a good one. + Refuse, and you work for your living, my girl! You've forfeited + your legacy—"</p> + + <p>"I know, I know," she told him in cold disdain. "I am + content. Won't you be kind enough to leave me alone?"</p> + + <p>For a breath, Calendar glowered over her; then, "I presume," + he observed, "that all these heroics are inspired by that + whipper-snapper, Kirkwood. Do you know that he hasn't a brass + farthing to bless himself with?"</p> + + <p>"What has that—?" cried the girl indignantly.</p> + + <p>"Why, it has everything to do with me, my child. As your + doting parent, I can't consent to your marrying + nothing-a-year.... For I surmise you intend to marry this Mr. + Kirkwood, don't you?"</p> + + <p>There followed a little interval of silence, while the warm + blood flamed in the girl's face and the red lips trembled as + she faced her tormentor. Then, with a quaver that escaped her + control, "If Mr. Kirkwood asks me, I shall," she stated very + simply.</p> + + <p>"That," interposed Kirkwood, "is completely understood." His + gaze sought her eyes, but she looked away.</p> + + <p>"You forget that I am your father," sneered Calendar; "and + that you are a minor. I can refuse my consent."</p> + + <p>"But you won't," Kirkwood told him with assurance.</p> + + <p>The adventurer stared. "No," he agreed, after slight + hesitation; "no, I shan't interfere. Take her, my boy, if you + want her—and a father's blessing into the bargain. The Lord + knows I've troubles enough; a parent's lot is not what it's + cracked up to be." He paused, leering, ironic. + "But,"—deliberately, "there's still this other matter of the + gladstone bag. I don't mind abandoning my parental authority, + when my child's happiness is concerned, but as for my + property—"</p> + + <p>"It is not your property," interrupted the girl.</p> + + <p>"It was your mother's, dear child. It's now mine."</p> + + <p>"I dispute that assertion," Kirkwood put in.</p> + + <p>"You may dispute it till the cows come home, my boy: the + fact will remain that I intend to take my property with me when + I leave this room, whether you like it or not. Now are you + disposed to continue the argument, or may I count on your being + sensible?"</p> + + <p>"You may put away your revolver, if that's what you mean," + said Kirkwood. "We certainly shan't oppose you with violence, + but I warn you that Scotland Yard—"</p> + + <p>"Oh, that be blowed!" the adventurer snorted in disgust. "I + can sail circles round any tec. that ever blew out of Scotland + Yard! Give me an hour's start, and you're free to do all the + funny business you've a mind to, with—Scotland Yard!"</p> + + <p>"Then you admit," queried Brentwick civilly, "that you've no + legal title to the jewels in dispute?"</p> + + <p>"Look here, my friend," chuckled Calendar, "when you catch + me admitting anything, you write it down in your little book + and tell the bobby on the corner. Just at present I've got + other business than to stand round admitting anything about + anything.... Cap'n, let's have that bag of my dutiful + daughter's."</p> + + <p>"'Ere you are." Stryker spoke for the first time since + entering the room, taking the valise from beneath the chair and + depositing it on the table.</p> + + <p>"Well, we shan't take anything that doesn't belong to us," + laughed Calendar, fumbling with the catch; "not even so small a + matter as my own child's traveling bag. A + small—heavy—gladstone bag," he grunted, opening the valise + and plunging in one greedy hand, "will—just—about—do for + mine!" With which he produced the article mentioned. "This for + the discard, Cap'n," he laughed contentedly, pushing the girl's + valise aside; and, rumbling with stentorian mirth, stood + beaming benignantly over the assembled company.</p> + + <p>"Why," he exclaimed, "this moment is worth all it cost me! + My children, I forgive you freely. Mr. Kirkwood, I felicitate + you cordially on having secured a most expensive wife. + Really—d'you know?—I feel as if I ought to do a little + something for you both." Gurgling with delight he smote his fat + palms together. "I just tell you what," he resumed, "no one yet + ever called Georgie Calendar a tight-wad. I just believe I'm + going to make you kids a handsome wedding present.... The good + Lord knows there's enough of this for a fellow to be a little + generous and never miss it!"</p> + + <p>The thick mottled fingers tore nervously at the catch; + eventually he got the bag open. Those about the table bent + forward, all quickened by the prospect of for the first time + beholding the treasure over which they had fought, for which + they had suffered, so long....</p> + + <p>A heady and luscious fragrance pervaded the atmosphere, + exhaling from the open mouth of the bag. A silence, + indefinitely sustained, impressed itself upon the little + audience,—a breathless pause ended eventually by a sharp snap + of Calendar's teeth. "<i>Mmm</i>!" grunted the adventurer in + bewilderment. He began to pant.</p> + + <p>Abruptly his heavy hands delved into the contents of the + bag, like the paws of a terrier digging in earth. To Kirkwood + the air seemed temporarily thick with flying objects. Beneath + his astonished eyes a towel fell upon the table—a crumpled, + soiled towel, bearing on its dingy hem the inscription in + indelible ink: "<i>Hôtel du Commerce, Anvers</i>." A + tooth-mug of substantial earthenware dropped to the floor with + a crash. A slimy soap-dish of the same manufacture slid across + the table and into Brentwick's lap. A battered alarm clock with + never a tick left in its abused carcass rang vacuously as it + fell by the open bag.... The remainder was—oranges: a dozen or + more small, round, golden globes of ripe fruit, perhaps a shade + overripe, therefore the more aromatic.</p> + + <p>The adventurer ripped out an oath. "Mulready, by the living + God!" he raged in fury. "Done up, I swear! Done by that + infernal sneak—me, blind as a bat!"</p> + + <p>He fell suddenly silent, the blood congesting in his face; + as suddenly broke forth again, haranguing the company.</p> + + <p>"That's why he went out and bought those damned oranges, is + it? Think of it—me sitting in the hotel in Antwerp and him + lugging in oranges by the bagful because he was fond of fruit! + When did he do it? How do I know? If I knew, would I be here + and him the devil knows where, this minute? When my back was + turned, of course, the damned snake! That's why he was so hot + about picking a fight on the boat, hey? Wanted to get thrown + off and take to the woods—leaving me with <i>this</i>! And + that's why he felt so awful done up he wouldn't take a hand at + hunting you two down, hey? Well—by—the—Eternal! I'll camp on + his trail for the rest of his natural-born days! I'll have his + eye-teeth for this, I'll—"</p> + + <p>He swayed, gibbering with rage, his countenance frightfully + contorted, his fat hands shaking as he struggled for + expression.</p> + + <p>And then, while yet their own astonishment held Dorothy, + Kirkwood, Brentwick and Stryker speechless, Charles, the + mechanician, moved suddenly upon the adventurer.</p> + + <p>There followed two metallic clicks. Calendar's ravings were + abrupted as if his tongue had been paralyzed. He fell back a + pace, flabby jowls pale and shaking, ponderous jaw dropping on + his breast, mouth wide and eyes crazed as he shook violently + before him his thick fleshy wrists—securely handcuffed.</p> + + <p>Simultaneously the mechanician whirled about, bounded + eagerly across the floor, and caught Stryker at the door, his + dexterous fingers twisting in the captain's collar as he jerked + him back and tripped him.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Kirkwood!" he cried. "Here, please—one moment. Take + this man's gun, from him, will you?"</p> + + <p>Kirkwood sprang to his assistance, and without encountering + much trouble, succeeded in wresting a Webley from Stryker's + limp, flaccid fingers.</p> + + <p>Roughly the mechanician shook the man, dragging him to his + feet. "Now," he ordered sternly, "you march to that corner, + stick your nose in it, and be good! You can't get away if you + try. I've got other men outside, waiting for you to come out. + Understand?"</p> + + <p>Trembling like a whipped cur, Stryker meekly obeyed his + instructions to the letter.</p> + + <p>The mechanician, with a contemptuous laugh leaving him, + strode back to Calendar, meanwhile whipping off his goggles; + and clapped a hearty hand upon the adventurer's quaking + shoulders.</p> + + <p>"Well!" he cried. "And are you still sailing circles round + the men from Scotland Yard, Simmons, or Bellows, or Sanderson, + or Calendar, or Crumbstone, or whatever name you prefer to sail + under?"</p> + + <p>Calendar glared at him aghast; then heaved a profound sigh, + shrugged his fat shoulders, and bent his head in thought. An + instant later he looked up. "You can't do it," he informed the + detective vehemently; "you haven't got a shred of evidence + against me! What's there? A pile of oranges and a peck of + trash! What of it?... Besides," he threatened, "if you pinch + me, you'll have to take the girl in, too. I swear that whatever + stealing was done, she did it. I'll not be trapped this way by + her and let her off without a squeal. Take me—take her; d'you + hear?"</p> + + <p>"I think," put in the clear, bland accents of Brentwick, "we + can consider that matter settled. I have here, my + man,"—nodding to the adventurer as he took up the black + leather wallet,—"I have here a little matter which may clear + up any lingering doubts as to your standing, which you may be + disposed at present to entertain."</p> + + <p>He extracted a slip of cardboard and, at arm's length, laid + it on the table-edge beneath the adventurer's eyes. The latter, + bewildered, bent over it for a moment, breathing heavily; then + straightened back, shook himself, laughed shortly with a + mirthless note, and faced the detective.</p> + + <p>"It's come with you now, I guess?" he suggested very + quietly.</p> + + <p>"The Bannister warrant is still out for you," returned the + man. "That'll be enough to hold you on till extradition papers + arrive from the States."</p> + + <p>"Oh, I'll waive those; and I won't give you any trouble, + either.... I reckon," mused the adventurer, jingling his + manacles thoughtfully, "I'm a back-number, anyway. When a + half-grown girl, a half-baked boy, a flub like Mulready—damn + his eyes!—and a club-footed snipe from Scotland Yard can put + it all over me this way,... why, I guess it's up to me to go + home and retire to my country-place up the Hudson." He sighed + wearily.</p> + + <p>"Yep; time to cut it out. But I would like to be free long + enough to get in one good lick at that mutt, Mulready. My + friend, you get your hands on him, and I'll squeal on him till + I'm blue in the face. That's a promise."</p> + + <p>"You'll have the chance before long," replied the detective. + "We received a telegram from the Amsterdam police late this + afternoon, saying they'd picked up Mr. Mulready with a woman + named Hallam, and were holding them on suspicion. It + seems,"—turning to Brentwick,—"they were opening negotiations + for the sale of a lot of stones, and seemed in such a precious + hurry that the diamond merchant's suspicions were roused. We're + sending over for them, Miss Calendar, so you can make your mind + easy about your jewels; you'll have them back in a few + days."</p> + + <p>"Thank you," said the girl with an effort.</p> + + <p>"Well," the adventurer delivered his peroration, "I + certainly am blame' glad to hear it. 'Twouldn't 've been a + square deal, any other way."</p> + + <p>He paused, looking his erstwhile dupes over with a + melancholy eye; then, with an uncertain nod comprehending the + girl, Kirkwood and Brentwick, "So long!" he said thickly; and + turned, with the detective's hand under his arm and, + accompanied by the thoroughly cowed Stryker, waddled out of the + room.</p> + + <center> + <h4><a name="III——THE%20JOURNEY'S%20END">III——THE JOURNEY'S + END</a></h4> + </center> + + <p>Kirkwood, following the exodus, closed the door with + elaborate care and slowly, deep in thought, returned to the + table.</p> + + <p>Dorothy seemed not to have moved, save to place her elbows + on the marble slab, and rest her cheeks between hands that + remained clenched, as they had been in the greatest stress of + her emotion. The color had returned to her face, with a + slightly enhanced depth of hue to the credit of her excitement. + Her cheeks were hot, her eyes starlike beneath the woven, massy + sunlight of her hair. Temporarily unconscious of her + surroundings she stared steadfastly before her, thoughts astray + in the irridescent glamour of the dreams that were to + come....</p> + + <p>Brentwick had slipped down in his chair, resting his + silvered head upon its back, and was smiling serenely up at the + low yellow ceiling. Before him on the table his long white + fingers were drumming an inaudible tune. Presently rousing, he + caught Kirkwood's eye and smiled sheepishly, like a child + caught in innocent mischief.</p> + + <p>The younger man grinned broadly. "And you were responsible + for all that!" he commented, infinitely amused.</p> + + <p>Brentwick nodded, twinkling self-satisfaction. "I contrived + it all," he said; "neat, I call it, too." His old eyes + brightened with reminiscent enjoyment. "Inspiration!" he crowed + softly. "Inspiration, pure and simple. I'd been worrying my + wits for fully five minutes before Wotton settled the matter by + telling me about the captain's hiring of the motor-car. Then, + in a flash, I had it.... I talked with Charles by + telephone,—his name is really Charles, by, the bye,—overcame + his conscientious scruples about playing his fish when they + were already all but landed, and settled the artistic + details."</p> + + <p>He chuckled delightedly. "It's the instinct," he declared + emphatically, "the instinct for adventure. I knew it was in me, + latent somewhere, but never till this day did it get the + opportunity to assert itself. A born adventurer—that's what I + am!... You see, it was essential that they should believe we + were frightened and running from them; that way, they would be + sure to run after us. Why, we might have baited a dozen traps + and failed to lure them into my house, after that stout + scoundrel knew you'd had the chance to tell me the whole + yarn... Odd!"</p> + + <p>"Weren't you taking chances, you and Charles?" asked + Kirkwood curiously.</p> + + <p>"Precious few. There was another motor from Scotland Yard + trailing Captain Stryker's. If they had run past, or turned + aside, they would have been overhauled in short order."</p> + + <p>He relapsed into his whimsical reverie; the wistful look + returned to his eyes, replacing the glow of triumph and + pleasure. And he sighed a little regretfully.</p> + + <p>"What I don't understand," contended Kirkwood, "is how you + convinced Calendar that he couldn't get revenge by pressing his + charge against Miss Calendar—Dorothy."</p> + + <p>"Oh-h?" Mr. Brentwick elevated his fine white eyebrows and + sat up briskly. "My dear boy, that was the most delectable dish + on the entire menu. I have been reserving it, I don't mind + owning, that I might better enjoy the full relish of it.... I + may answer you best, perhaps, by asking you to scan what I + offered to the fat scoundrel's respectful consideration, my + dear sir."</p> + + <p>He leveled a forefinger at the card.</p> + + <p>At first glance it conveyed nothing to the younger man's + benighted intelligence. He puzzled over it, twisting his brows + out of alignment. An ordinary oblong slip of thin white + cardboard, it was engraved in fine script as follows:</p> + + <table border="1" + width="39%"> + <tr> + <td width="100%"> + <p align="left">MR. GEORGE BURGOYNE CALENDAR<br> + <br> + 81, ASPEN VILLAS, S. W.</p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + + <p>"Oh!" exclaimed Kirkwood at length, standing up, his face + bright with understanding. "<i>You</i>—!"</p> + + <p>"I," laconically assented the elder man.</p> + + <p>Impulsively Kirkwood leaned across the table. "Dorothy," he + said tenderly; and when the girl's happy eyes met his, quietly + drew her attention to the card.</p> + + <p>Then he rose hastily, and went over to stand by the window, + staring mistily into the blank face of night beyond its unseen + panes.</p> + + <p>Behind him there was a confusion of little noises; the sound + of a chair pushed hurriedly aside, a rustle of skirts, a happy + sob or two, low voices intermingling; sighs.... Out of it + finally came the father's accents.</p> + + <p>"There, there, my dear! My dearest dear!" protested the old + gentleman. "Positively I don't deserve a tithe of this. I—" + The young old voice quavered and broke, in a happy laugh.... + "You must understand," he continued more soberly, "that no + consideration of any sort is due me. When we married, I was too + old for your mother, child; we both knew it, both believed it + would never matter. But it did. By her wish, I went back to + America; we were to see what separation would do to heal the + wounds dissension had caused. It was a very foolish experiment. + Your mother died before I could return...."</p> + + <p>There fell a silence, again broken by the father. "After + that I was in no haste to return. But some years ago, I came to + London to live. I communicated with the old colonel, asking + permission to see you. It was refused in a manner which + precluded the subject being reopened by me: I was informed that + if I persisted in attempting to see you, you would be + disinherited.... He was very angry with me—justly, I admit.... + One must grow old before one can see how unforgivably one was + wrong in youth.... So I settled down to a quiet old age, + determined not to disturb you in your happiness.... + Ah—Kirkwood!"</p> + + <p>The old gentleman was standing, his arm around his + daughter's shoulders, when Kirkwood turned.</p> + + <p>"Come here, Philip; I'm explaining to Dorothy, but you + should hear.... The evening I called on you, dear boy, at the + Pless, returning home I received a message from my solicitors, + whom I had instructed to keep an eye on Dorothy's welfare. They + informed me that she had disappeared. Naturally I canceled my + plans to go to Munich, and stayed, employing detectives. One of + the first things they discovered was that Dorothy had run off + with an elderly person calling himself George Burgoyne + Calendar—the name I had discarded when I found that to + acknowledge me would imperil my daughter's fortune.... The + investigations went deeper; Charles—let us continue to call + him—had been to see me only this afternoon, to inform me of + the plot they had discovered. This Hallam woman and her son—it + seems that they were legitimately in the line of inheritance, + Dorothy out of the way. But the woman was—ah—a bad lot. + Somehow she got into communication with this fat rogue and + together they plotted it out. Charles doesn't believe that the + Hallam woman expected to enjoy the Burgoyne estates for very + many days. Her plan was to step in when Dorothy stepped out, + gather up what she could, realize on it, and decamp. That is + why there was so much excitement about the jewels: naturally + the most valuable item on her list, the most easy to convert + into cash.... The man Mulready we do not place; he seems to + have been a shady character the fat rogue picked up somewhere. + The latter's ordinary line of business was diamond smuggling, + though he would condescend to almost anything in order to turn + a dishonest penny....</p> + + <p>"That seems to exhaust the subject. But one word more.... + Dorothy, I am old enough and have suffered enough to know the + wisdom of seizing one's happiness when one may. My dear, a + little while ago, you did a very brave deed. Under fire you + said a most courageous, womanly, creditable thing. And Philip's + rejoinder was only second in nobility to yours.... I do hope to + goodness that you two blessed youngsters won't let any + addlepated scruples stand between yourselves and—the prize of + Romance, your inalienable inheritance!"</p> + + <p>Abruptly Brentwick, who was no longer Brentwick, but the + actual Calendar, released the girl from his embrace and hopped + nimbly toward the door. "Really, I must see about that petrol!" + he cried. "While it's perfectly true that Charles lied about + it's running out, we must be getting on. I'll call you when + we're ready to start."</p> + + <p>And the door crashed to behind him....</p> + + <p>Between them was the table. Beyond it the girl stood with + head erect, dim tears glimmering on the lashes of those eyes + with which she met Philip's steady gaze so fearlessly.</p> + + <p>Singing about them, the silence deepened. Fascinated, though + his heart was faint with longing, Kirkwood faltered on the + threshold of his kingdom.</p> + + <p>"Dorothy!... You did mean it, dear?"</p> + + <p>She laughed, a little, low, sobbing laugh that had its + source deep in the hidden sanctuary of her heart of a + child.</p> + + <p>"I meant it, my dearest.... If you'll have a girl so bold + and forward, who can't wait till she's asked but throws herself + into the arms of the man she loves—Philip, I meant it, every + word!..."</p> + + <p>And as he went to her swiftly, round the table, she turned + to meet him, arms uplifted, her scarlet lips a-tremble, the + brown and bewitching lashes drooping over her wondrously + lighted eyes....</p> + + <p>After a time Philip Kirkwood laughed aloud.</p> + + <p>And there was that quality in the ring of his laughter that + caused the Shade of Care, which had for the past ten minutes + been uneasily luffing and filling in the offing and, on the + whole, steadily diminishing and becoming more pale and wan and + emaciated and indistinct—there was that in the laughter of + Philip Kirkwood, I say, which caused the Shade of Care to utter + a hollow croak of despair as, incontinently, it vanished out of + his life.</p> + + <p><a href="#THE%20BLACK%20BAG">Top of Page</a></p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Black Bag, by Louis Joseph Vance + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BLACK BAG *** + +This file should be named 8blbg10h.htm or 8blbg10h.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, 8blbg11h.htm +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, 8blbg10ah.htm + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, Leonard Johnson and PG Distributed Proofreading. + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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