 Chapter 5 of Call Mr. Fortune. It was a night in June. The chief of the Criminal Investigation Department was pensive. "'Did you ever want to marry Fortune?' he murmured. "'Often, but never wanted to time,' Reggie Fortune looked curiously at his host. The dinner had been good. The clare very good. The cigars were of the most benignet. But still, why this touch of sentiment, Loomis?' said he. "'Some students say women have no minds,' Loomis murmured drowsily. But that's partiality. The trouble is, women aren't human beings. Consider the parallel case of the dog. He is intelligent, but he sets different values on things from our values, in human values. Think of bones, cats, boots. It is also with women. I love Lassie, but she ate my best pumps. Loomis, my good child, are you merely driveling, or shall we come to something soon?' "'I am much exposed to women,' said the chief of the Criminal Investigation Department, pathetically, and roused himself. But this is a family skeleton. I have a sister Fortune. She is intelligent. She is almost as omniscient as you, my dear fellow, and much more practical. But she can be quite maddening. She is maddening me now. Unfortunately, she has no husband. She had too much intelligence. She owns a princely school at Tormoth. I believe it makes her as rich as Rockefeller. She certainly does herself very well. A month ago she wrote to me that a strange thing had happened. In the night one of the mistress's rooms had been turned upside down. Do they rag much at girls' schools?' regigioned. It might be picturesque. My wonderful sister wanted me to tell her what it meant. I am not proud Fortune. I know my limitations. I did not see myself in a girl's school, especially as an official. Now she has been writing to me that there are extraordinary developments. The room of another mistress has been upset. They do rag in girls' schools another advance of women. Oh, they'll have the vote soon. You show love to you, Fortune. My sister would not like it. This is a crime. A number of photographs were taken. Photographs of girls at the school. And there is no clue to the criminal. The great Tormoth mystery, leader in the daily scream, brains for Scotland Yard, but the independent expert found a pink hairpin in the mouth of the doxioned next door, brought to and brought the foul-deed home to the junior curate. I envy your spirit, Fortune, lomis aside. You have no sister, no maiden sister. And the dussel-tory conversation turned feebly to something else. In fact, both men were feeling the strain of that tangled and squalid crime, the Pimlico murder. They had at last contrived to hang, you remember it, the reluctant borough-counselor, but only Reggie Fortune could take a holiday. As he was going, he said that he thought of motoring in Devonshire. Are you better a call on my sister and investigate her case? Lomis smiled sourly. If it is a case, sometimes I think it's a dream. Being in girls' schools, by our special commission, horrible revelations, Lomis shook his head. I'm afraid my sister won't take to you. She's not flippant. Lomis, don't be improper. A flippant head, Mistress. I blush. A few days later Reggie Fortune drove into Tormoth, liked it, liked its hotel, and called on the honorable Evelyn Lomis. Miss Lomis was her brother's sister in face and shape, correctly handsome, slight, dapper, not the least like her brother in manner. She was, frankly, middle-aged, brisk, and direct. I'm so glad you could spare time, Mistress Fortune. She sat down to her writing-table. My brother tells me I can have every confidence in your discretion. So good of him, Reggie murmured. He was annoyed with Lomis. He had meant only to make friends with a good lady. It appeared that he was to be an official investigator of the silly girls' school mystery. An embarrassing position, and Miss Lomis was visibly without humor. You will understand that that discretion is essential in this case, Mr. Fortune. Anything in the nature of publicity would be unpardonable. You look very young. I try to be, Reggie said modestly, Miss Lomis coughed. These are the facts, Mr. Fortune. With minute and tiresome detail, Reggie heard it all over again, and learned nothing new. One, Mistress's room turned upside down in the night. Nothing spoiled or taken. An interval. Another, Mistress's room turned upside down, and a number of photographs of girls taken. Only that, and nothing more. Reggie was bored, and let his eyes wander from the intensity of Miss Lomis. When at last she stopped, frowning at his lack of attention, and waited in angry majesty for him to say something, are you interested in archaeology? was what he said. I beg your pardon, said Miss Lomis, in an awful voice. I was wondering about this, Reggie murmured, and took up from her table a little yellowish thing modeled into something like the shape of a woman. Fascinating, isn't she? It seems to me childish or disgusting, Mr. Fortune. Miss Lomis snapped at him. It has nothing to do with the case. But I am afraid my affairs merely amuse you, Mr. Fortune. Oh, please, please, Reggie protested. You see, you're so lucid, Miss Lomis. These odd affairs are hardly ever lucid. Anything may have to do with anything. Just consider, you tell me that in your school there has been something unusual. Extraordinary, unprecedented, and disturbing, Miss Lomis cried. And then I find this line about, a hot and taut Venus in a girl's school, it's very highly unusual. This thing is just a little ivory idol, said Miss Lomis, and took it from him, and looking at it with disgust. It was crudely and oddly shaped, like a child's modeling. It's not ivory, and probably it wasn't an idol, Reggie snapped. His excellent temper found Miss Lomis trying. It's a horse's tooth, and was no doubt carved as a doll or a work of art. But how did it come into a girl's school? I quite agree that it is most unassuitable. I should myself call it indecent. That is why I kept it on my desk. Reggie mastered a smile. It was found recently in the library. No doubt one of the girls, having relations in India or Africa, was given the thing as an odd, savage trinket. She lost it and, recognizing that it was an undesirable thing, is afraid to claim it. As a matter of school discipline, I am disturbed and annoyed. I cannot conceive that it concerns you, Mr. Fortune. It's the only thing that interests me, said Reggie. He was tired of the lady. You don't understand the question, Madam. This isn't the kind of trinket one can pick up. It's a jewel. This little lady, he handled her affectionately, she's fifteen thousand years old. She's paleolithic. There's only a few of her in the world. Some Frenchman called her type the Hottentot Venus, because she's a little like the women of that tribe. But the woman she was model on may have been an ancestor of yours or mine. I think not, Mr. Fortune. Miss Lomas was horrified. We have had time to improve on her, Madam, Reggie Bowd. This is the point. Outside national museums there are only half a dozen collections which own one of these ladies. Who's the quaint savant that gives them to a girl school to play with? May I see the names of your girls? I only accept pupils with the highest references, sir, said Miss Lomas, over odd but fuming. So Reggie was allowed to inspect her register. He studied it in vain. No name suggested connection with any of the few archaeologists likely to own a Hottentot Venus. He gave it up. Well, sir, Miss Lomas was triumphant and disdainful. I am very much obliged to you for your courtesy. I regret exceedingly that I have troubled you with my affairs. I need not ask you to waste any more of your valuable time on the case that I foolishly submitted to you. But, my dear Miss Lomas, I'm just getting interested, said Reggie with an engaging smile. You know, my first thoughts were that your children had been ragging. Really, Mr. Fortune, you're way of putting things. Please understand that the girls in my school do not rag, as you call it. I think my sex leaves that to young men, Mr. Fortune. Women are so revolted nowadays, Reggie murmured. I wonder, you have no new woman in the flock, no bold, bad rubble? The face of Miss Lomas answered him. I thought so. We must have the second solution. Somebody wanted somebody's photograph. But why? Why should one girl want to steal photographs of the other girls? Nonsensical. Oh, it's all nonsense, Reggie agreed cheerfully. It's gibberish till we find the key. But here's one odd thing for certain. The hot and taut Venus. I expect to find a lot more before we're done. Oh, do you wish to alarm me, Mr. Fortune? I'm only trying to keep you interested. Now, all these things have happened recently. Has anyone new come to the school recently? Any new servant? Any new teacher? Well, any new girl. It's very unusual to have any new girls this term. But we have had one. Alice Wadran. She came with the highest introductions, Mr. Fortune. The countess of Spillsboro asked me to take her. And who are Alice Wadran's people? Her father is English, but lives abroad. A distinguished looking man, obviously well off. He has friends, as you see, in the best society. Her mother, I believe, has been long dead. She was brought up in France and speaks French better than English. But this is all a waste of time, Mr. Fortune. Alice Wadran is a delightful girl. A sweet nature. I can't imagine anything against her. Pray don't form idle prejudices. And has anybody called to see Alice Wadran since the affair of the photographs? Miss Lomis showed some surprise. Oh, near me, Mr. Fortune. Now you mention it. Yes. Her father was over in England and came down to see her a few days ago. He had another man with him, I remember. Another. A du fond father's often bring a faithful friend down to see how their daughters are growing. Oh, now you mention it. I suppose it is unusual. Miss Lomis looked at Reggie with apprehension. Oh, still, it's quite reasonable, Mr. Fortune. Well, if he were a brother or a selected fiancée. Oh, really, Mr. Fortune. Alice is a child. Not more than sixteen. This other man was older than her father. Oh, I wish I could remember his name. So do I, Reggie agreed. Oh, it was nothing uncommon, I think. He was rather an uncommon looking man. A big and handsome, but artistic or bohemian in his clothes. After the fond father and the faithful friend saw Alice, you found this little lady. He held up the Haunted Venus in the library. Oh, it was the day after, Miss Lomis cried. Oh, good gracious. We are getting on, aren't we? Reggie smiled. But I wonder where we are getting to. They saw her in the library. I shall certainly ask Alice for an explanation, Miss Lomis said. Reggie put the Haunted Venus in his pocket and smiled at her. I'm sure you're much too wise. Let's say nothing till we can say something sensible. I should like to see Alice just afford to admire, you know. The girls will be playing in the field now. Oh, delightful. I suppose you walk me through. Treat me as if I was intended to be a parent. I beg your pardon, said Miss Lomis with emphasis. Oh, I mean a fond father coming to see if it was all nice enough for my darling daughter. Don't let Alice think I'm interested in her. Very well, Mr. Fortune. Miss Lomis went off for her hat. The plain field was a pleasant place, set about with old oaks, in the freshest of their leaves then, through which there were glimpses of the sunlit Devon Sea. Calmly girls and white clustered arms in the air at basketball, or ran and smote across the tennis courts. Reggie paused and sank down on a seat. This is very soothing and pretty, he murmured. Here are our young barbarians all at play. Why will they grow up, Miss Lomis? They're so much more satisfying now. Miss Lomis stared at him. Naturally they grow up, she explained. They can't be children all their lives. Some of us never were, Reggie sighed. Charming. Charming! Like the young things in Homer, what the maidens and the princess of the white arms they fell to plain at all. Charming. Especially that one. Yes. Which did you say was Alice? That is Miss Y. Wren. Miss Lomis pointed with her sunshade to two girls, arm in arm. One was a tall creature, a woman already in body, and stately, with a fine, bold face, and red-brown hair that glowed. Why, she's a goddess! Reggie said. Oh, dear, no! said Miss Lomis. That's Hilda Crowland. Alice is the little one. Oh, let's go and look at the basketball, Reggie suggested. And to do that walked across the field on a line, which brought them, for a moment, face to face with little Alice Wren. She was a tiny creature and had appropriately a round baby face. She was dark and plump and dimpled, but although her hair was not yet up, she need not have been younger than her magnificent companion. Reggie Fortune's interest in basketball was soon exhausted. They went back across the field at an angle, which brought them again, face to face, with Alice Wren and her imposing friend. And, while they passed, Reggie rather loudly, was asking Miss Lomis questions about the school games and the school timetable. As soon as they were out of hearing of the two girls, he broke this off with a sharp, great friends, are they, these two? They are always together, Miss Lomis admitted. And who is the magnificent creature? Hilda Crowland. Why, she's spent with me for years. And she's the bosom friend of this girl, who's only been here a couple of months. Oh, now you mention it. That is odd, Mr. Fortune. Oh, Lord, everything's odd, Reggie said irritably. Who is Hilda Crowland? Well, her mother is a widow and very well off, I believe. She lives in Cornwall. Hilda came to me through Lady de Berg. Of course, you understand, Mr. Fortune, that that implies irreproachable family connections. Oh, I dare say, I dare say. Well, Miss Lomis, it's a queer case. I will take it up and go into it further. Something is being planned, rather elaborately, in which your school, probably a girl in your school, is concerned. It may be a matter outside your responsibilities. It may be of something unpleasant. Oh, good gracious, Mr. Fortune, what do you suggest? A Miss Lomis was rather excited and then alarmed. I don't suggest anything. I have no information. The trouble is, Miss Lomis, you know nothing about your girls. Oh, really, Miss Fortune? As I have told you, I insist about good references. Anybody can find good references. Did your brother never tell you about the Prime Minister's butler? He came from an Archbishop. Is there anything you advise me to do? Be ordinary, absolutely ordinary. I shall stay in Tormath at present. I'm at the Bristol. So he left Miss Lomis rather ruffled. But under that, deeply gratified. Because her case really was a serious case. Her acumen was vindicated. Her brother put to shame. Her school found her more masterful than ever. Reggie's room at the Bristol had a balcony which looked on the sea. There he sat before an empty plate, which had held muffins, and lit one of his largest cigars. Now, where the devil have I seen that little minx before? said he. Upon that question he concentrated his mind, and, omitting the adventures into blind alleys, his thoughts were like this. Typewriting. Why does sweet Alice suggest typewriting? Mepetite mante des satinettes. My little satinette's sleeves. Now, what in wonder is that? Oh, my aunt! She was the demure little typist in that play at the Viraté last year. Oh, what was her name? Bress. Oh, Peter. A subretive from the Viraté in a blameless English girl's school. Yes, stately homes of England. Give me air. He took from his pocket the hot and taut Venus, and contemplated her severely. I don't know which of you is worse, darling, said he. You or Mademoiselle Duescher? What are you at, anyway? Lord, I won't have thought she had anything to do with paleolithic dolls. What's the connection, darling? The hot and taut Venus was naturally silent. Reggie sighed and put her away, and began to contemplate the beauties of nature. Tormath, you know, is placed upon an agreeable bay. Its sands are white, and its headlands of a dark rock, which in a flood of sunshine discover gleams of crystal amid a reddish glow. So Reggie saw them, as the western sky grew crimson, and the flood tide sparkled in a thousand golden jewels. A delectable scene. It was laborious to go on thinking. Tormath is an anchorage favored by yachts. And, though it was early summer, two or three white craft lay out in the bay. Reggie went into his room and came out again to the balcony with a binocular. The influence of the evening was upon him, and he felt a need of futile diversion. He focused the glasses upon the yachts. There was a big schooner, and two steamboats, one a small packet with the white ensign of the RYS, and the other a big craft under the Italian flag. He could not make out the names. A waiter came to take his tea away. I want the local paper, and do you keep Sheeran's yacht list? Both were brought. The yachts in Tormath Bay were reported as Sheila, Lorna, and Julia. He turned them up in the list and whistled. The owner of the Julia was the Prince of Ragusa. This is getting relevant, said he. The Prince of Ragusa, hereditary ruler of some ten square miles and fabulously wealthy, was known to the learned as a zealous archaeologist. He was one of the half-dozen men in the world whose collection might contain a hot and taut Venus. But, unless his reputation belied him, he was very unlikely to know or care anything about a subretta from Paris. And why should he send his hot and taut Venus to a girl's school? Still several unknown quantities, Reggie reflected. And yet there was the hot and taut Venus in the Tormath school, and there off Tormath lay the Prince of Ragusa. I think we'll make Brerlonis it up and take notice, said Reggie, and devoted himself to the composition of Latin prose. Thus. He wrote on telegraph forms, and with his own hand, presented to the lady at the post office, who was justly horrified. What language is it? she protested. Although you have me, Reggie confessed, it would like to be Latin, but I left school when I was young. The lady sniffed, but looking at it again, saw that it was addressed to Scotland Yard, and said, Ah! I understand! I wish I did, Reggie murmured. For the sense of that mysterious telegram is, I am anxious about your sister's school, and don't quite know what I am afraid of. There is a conspiracy on foot, which may be criminal. If anything unforeseen happens to me or the school, catch the Prince of Ragusa and his yacht. Yes, notch to crack for Lomas, said Reggie, and he went to dinner. It is now necessary to employ the narrative of Miss Somers, Bachelor of Science. On the next day there was a lecture given in the Tormath Assembly rooms by Mr. Horatio Bean, the photographer of a recent expedition to the Arctic regions, to such edifying entertainments Miss Lomas was accustomed to send her girls. Miss Somers, Bachelor of Science, was in charge of the detachment, which marched to the assembly rooms on this occasion. Her narrative, purged of emotion unfit for a female Bachelor of Science, goes like this. She noticed nothing till the pictures began, that is, till the room was darkened. Then two girls got up in a hurry, one of them, who was Alice Warren, whispered to her, as she passed, that Hilda Crowland didn't feel very well. Alice was going out with her and would look after her. They went. At the close of the lecture one of the attendants approached Miss Somers and said he had been asked to tell her that the two young ladies had gone back to the school. Upon this naturally follows the report of Constable Stewart of the Tormath Borough Police, to this effect. A was on duty three thirty p.m. on the quay. Motor launch from Italian Yacht came in and lay by number one steps. Two young ladies came in a hurry and entered a launch. Gentlemen who had been smoking cigar in vicinity thrust paper and half crown into my hands saying Constable, wire that immediate. Gentlemen then took flying leap into launch, which was already shoved off and engine started. Launch steered for Italian Yacht, returning to station to make report. The paper, when examined by inspector on duty, was found to bear these words. Lomas, Scotland Yacht, Two Girls on Julia, Me Too, F. A telegram was sent. About tea time Scotland Yacht telephoned to know whether the Yacht of Julia was still in Tormath. A sergeant hurrying to the harbour found PC Stewart back at his post, watching a smudge of smoke on the horizon. About that time Miss Lomas called at the police station to ask if anything had been heard or seen of two of her girls. So we leave the inspector almost exploding with a sense of the importance of his office. Mille Bordeaux, Mère Muséelle, said Reggie as he arrived in the launch and grabbed at his hat and involuntarily sat down upon Miss Crowland. With a firm and friendly hand she assisted him to recover his balance. She was, in all respects, made to sustain shocks. Her grey eyes smiled at him. A man, an oldish, solemn man who was horrified, confronted Reggie. Oh, you cannot come here, Monsieur, he cried in French. I dare to assure you of the contrary, said Reggie in the same language. This is a private launch. Oh, perfectly, of the Prince of Ragusa. It is why I have arrived. I have news for the Prince of Ragusa, news which will surprise him marvelously. The solemn man was embarrassed. Oh, nevertheless, I protest, sir. I make a note of your protest, said Reggie, and bowed. The solemn man bowed and seemed satisfied. Reggie sat down beside the little Alice Warren, who had been watching all this very demurely. A contrast to Miss Crowland, who was frankly amused. Permit a lover of art to address you, Mère Muséelle, said he. I desire infinitely to thank you for the great pleasure which you have given me. Oh, how, sir, I do not understand. She looked more a baby than ever. Oh, your little sleeves of satinette, Reggie murmured. Your adorable little sleeves of satinette. And then she laughed. And Reggie knew that he had made no mistake. She was the subretta of the Varaite. The laugh of Mère Muséelle Doucher was unforgettable. Oh, I am a great artist, sir. Am I not? Hilda Crowland smiled at her. A majeure is a friend of yours, Alice, she said in English. Of all in good time, only an admirer at present, darling. She gave Reggie a glance, which was not the least childish. I dare to hope, Reggie said, and again she laughed. They were alongside the yacht. The ladies were handed to the gangway, and Reggie went up it close on their heels. There seemed to be a deputation waiting for them on deck, a middle-aged deputation which, on the coming of the girls, bared its gray and bald heads. Two men stood out from it, who lifted their caps, but put them on again. One a young fellow of a sprightly air, the other gray and grave, with a certain assured statelyness. At him Alice made a saucy curtsy. He came forward and took Hilda Crowland's hand. My dear child, he said in English, I'd be very welcome. And he kissed her on both cheeks. She flushed faintly. I do not understand you, sir. She withdrew herself. I present to you your cousin, the cum despolito. The young man smiled at her and kissed her hand. The elder man turned to the others. A gentleman, I receive today my daughter, the Duchess de Zara. One by one they came forward and were presented, and kissed the wondering girl's hand. And at the end of them marched Reggie and stood before his highness, the Prince of Ragusa, who became immediately the most amazed of men. I do not know you, sir. He said, with intense disgust, Who is this, ordinaire? he turned to the man who had been on the launch. I represent her mother, said Reggie. A wave of emotion shook the deputation. Hilda flushed and looked at Alice, who laughed. His highness stood very stiff. I have not desired that her mother should be represented, he announced. I cannot defend the conduct of your highness, said Reggie blandly. I do not admit your right to be here, sir. The Prince cried. All that makes your conduct still more suspicious, said Reggie. Suspicious! the Prince gasped and turned upon the others. He says, suspicious! Horror overwhelmed them all. The Prince was the first to recover his self-control. Be pleased to follow me, sir, he said, with an awful courtesy. Hilda, my dear child, he gave her his arm. Spolito! The family party and Reggie went down to his highness's cabin. Only Hilda was asked to sit, and in perfect calm she sat. Nothing but a shade more color in her cheeks, a brighter gleam in her eye confessed that her stately head dined to take any interest in her strange situation. The Prince of Ragoza turned to Reggie. I do not yet know your name, sir. So Reggie gave him a card. A Mr. Reginald fortune. A lawyer, sir? I am a surgeon, but let's hope we shall not need my professional qualifications. It is a very well. You are here to represent my wife. I do not allow that my wife has any right to share my plans for my daughter. But, since you have intruded, sir, I do not choose to conceal my intentions. I have resumed my control of my daughter, because she is now of an age to take her proper place at my side, to perform her duty to her family, and to carry out the plans which I have formed for her. Admiral, and shall we hear Miss Crowland's intentions in the matter? Reggie looked at the girl. Be pleased to speak of my daughter as the Duchess a desire. A throb passed through the yacht. Reggie looked out of the porthole and saw the water sliding by. Oh, so we're off! he smiled. The yacht sails immediately for Ragoza. I shall not be able to put you ashore, sir, for any discomfort you undergo be pleased to blame yourself and your employer. I see a rashness in your actions which I should have expected from my wife. Reggie chuckled. Well, well, and of course you don't like being rash. On our arrival at Ragoza you may, if you choose, remain and be present at my daughter's marriage. Oh, shall I be present, sir? said Hilda, with a dangerous meekness. Oh, my dear child! his highness said affectionately. I miss the fortune. You have the happiness to be present at the metrothal of my daughter, the Duchess a desire to my nephew, to come despolito. It was Reggie who preserved an appropriate calm. He only gave one chuckle. How! but it is incredible! Spolito cried in French and recoiled in gesticulating. The prince flushed and glaring at him. Hilda stood up. This is ridiculous, sir, she said, and was pale. Oh, ridiculous! that is the word! Spolito cried. Be silent, Spolito, my dear child, you do not understand. I understand enough. You say you are my father. I think I ought to know my father. I do not mind knowing you, but this it is absurd and insulting. I will not hear any more about it. This gentleman, I know nothing about him. She surveyed Spolito with disdain. I do not wish to make his acquaintance. Oh, thank you very much! Spolito cried. Hilda, be pleased to remember that you are now to do your duty as my daughter. I do not permit disobedience. It's no use to talk so, said Miss Crowland. I am not a baby. His highness, whose gray hair was becoming disheveled, made a violent gesture. English! She is as English as her mother. Oh, if you are going to say things against my mother, I will go, said Miss Crowland. You came from my mother, sir. I should like to speak to you. Reggie bowed and opened the door for her. As they went out he heard Spolito say in French, Do you see, my uncle, this does not do. And then a storm. The house of Ragoza was divided against itself in throes. On deck, Miss Crowland seemed to have some difficulty in making up her mind what to say. Does my mother know about this? She broke out at last. That's between you and your conscience, isn't it? Reggie smiled. I haven't told her anything. But she has never told me anything, Miss Crowland said fiercely. How did she come to send you here? Oh, some rather odd things happened at school, you know. Oh, did they, said Miss Crowland, in delighted amusement, what things? I wonder if you know who little Alice Warren really is. She is an actress from the theatre Des Veratis in Paris. Miss Crowland laughed. Or she was employed to get a photograph of you, to find out all about you, to arrange for you to be kidnapped like this, and to persuade you to come aboard. A majeur is a detective. Alice slid up between them. Oh, but a very great detective. I knew all that, except that she is an actress. Miss Crowland turned to her. Are you an actress? Darling, Alice laughed all over her baby face. That is the prettiest compliment, is it not, majeur the detective? If you think she has cheated me, she has not. She told me that the Prince of Ragoza said he was my father, and that he wanted me to come on his yacht. My mother never would tell me anything about my father. I didn't think that was fair. So I came. And now, Mr. Fortune, what will my mother do? What shall we all do? Reggie laughed. You're in a hole, and your mother's in a hole, and the Prince of Ragoza is in the deepest hole of the three. Accepting always, majeur the detective, Alice laughed. Look, majeur, the beautiful England she vanishes adieu, the respectable country, and the nice policemen. Or do you imagine you are here to look after me, said Miss Crowland fiercely? Oh, think of me as a mother, said Reggie, and she went away in a rage. Well, majeur, Alice laughed at him. Are you are making friends everywhere? Are you are content, if I had a razor and a clean shirt, Reggie said. Alas, Ragoza, I have none. I do not play, how do you call them, a principal boy's. A bon voyage, majeur? She tripped away. It was made clear to Reggie that he was not going to be popular on board. The retinue of the Prince avoided him emphatically. The royal family remained below. He was taken to a cabin, and their dinner was served him. Not a bad dinner, either, said Reggie, as he went on deck again. It was dark and a moonless night. The yacht was meeting a southerly breeze, and the first of the ocean swell and grew lively. Reggie had the deck to himself. He was nearly at the end of his cigar, before anyone disturbed his humorous meditations. Mr. Fortune, you amuse yourself? It was the com despolito. I can smile. In effect, my friend, you are ridiculous. My uncle, he is a dreamer, a student. He sees a thing in his mind. It is logical, it is to his desire, and he conceives it done. He has been like that always, a temperament. He is not a man of the world. I guessed that, Reggie murmured. But what to do? The situation is impossible, my friend. Conceive my feelings. This young girl, she is fresh, she is superb as a morning in the mountains, and by me she is exposed to this humiliation. And I, whatever I do, I am ludicrous. I beg of you, my friend, believe that I feel it. Imagine my position. Imagine mine. You might lend me a razor, but hardly a toothbrush. He will not touch land before Spain. Oh yes, he is capable of it, my friend. But this young girl, did you bring a toothbrush for her? There is everything for her, maids, clothes. Oh, he has thought of everything, my uncle. He calls it her true soul. What a man. Better mutiny, seize the yacht. Can you navigate? I can't. That was always the trouble in the pirate stories. Mutiny, they would all die for him. Oh, you are laughing at me, won't you? My friend, this is very serious. I beg of you, confide in me. You must have some plan. I promise you, I desire nothing better than to restore Mademoiselle to her mother. I, Osbolito, they turned. The Prince of Ragoza stood at the head of the companion. Oh, my dear uncle, Osbolito, you are a traitor. Oh, that is not true. You plot against me with this fellow. It is incredible. It is villainous. It is treachery. Ah, sir, I will take that from an old man. Ah, yes, you will take it. You will. It seemed to Reggie that his highness was about to box his nephew's ears. Reggie let himself go as the yacht pitched. They all jostled together. His highness vanished down the companion with a crash. Oh, no, you've done it, said Reggie. Spolito exclaimed. Peered at the body-line below, showed Reggie a white face and hurried down. Reggie followed, slowly. His highness was already surrounded by servants and his suite. When you have all finished, I'll tell you where he's hurt, said Reggie incisively. Oh, yes, you are a surgeon, Spolito cried. Stand aside, stand aside. The gentleman is a surgeon. Oh, tell me, is he dead? His highness had begun to groan. Don't be futile, said Reggie, and knelt, and began to straighten out the heap. The process caused his highness anguish. Yes, he can't walk. We must get him to bed and to examine him. It was an elaborate process, and punctuated with lamentations, when at last his highness lay stripped in bed, and groaning faintly. My aunt, what a patient! Reggie grimaced to himself. I think I am everywhere, a bruise, Mr. the Virgin, the prince groaned, that scoundrel Spolito. All that won't do, sir. I'm sure he meant nothing, said Reggie, with admirable magnanimity. The yacht pitched. Now, about the elbow. He began handling it skillfully. Ah, yes, yes, it is certainly the elbow that is most painful, but my knee also gives me great pain, and my head aches violently. The knee, yes, the knee is badly bruised. There may be, ah, well. I can make you more comfortable for the time, sir, but it is my duty to tell you, frankly, I am anxious about the arm. I must have that elbow x-rayed at once. I'm afraid there's a fracture. A small operation may be necessary. I'm just a screw in it, you know. A screw in my elbow, the prince screamed. I suppose you don't wish to lose your arm, Reggie said sternly. Oh, lose my right arm. Oh, good God, Mr. Fortune, you don't mean I mean, that I must have an x-ray of your elbow immediately, and surgical resources at my disposal, or I won't answer for the consequences. The yacht must make for harbor at once. Am I in danger, Mr. Fortune? I hope to save your arm if you give me the chance. I am in your hands, Mr. Fortune, said the prince, feebly, or if you could do something to stop this neurologic pain in my arm. In fact, Reggie had a difficult time with him, which you may think was only fair. It was very late before his highness, who took a morbid interest in his limbs, could be gotten to sleep, very late, or early, before Reggie went to bed. But all the while the Julia was steaming back to Tormath, and when Reggie came on deck again, pink and beautiful, as he remarked to his mirror, thanks to a razor and linen of spolitos, the brown Tormath headlands loomed through the morning haze. Already upon deck were Spolito and Hilda walking together, negotiating, as it appeared, a defensive alliance. This is very gratifying, said Reggie. Oh, is my uncle Mr. Fortune, said Spolito. Oh, still asleep, thank heaven. He is not in any danger, said Hilda. Oh, well, you know, he is so anxious about himself. I should never forgive myself if anything happened, Spolito cried. Oh, I should, you know, I should, Reggie murmured thoughtfully. They did not attend to him. But you are not to blame. Hilda was interested in Spolito. You are not to blame for anything. Oh, you say that, Spolito cried. Oh, thank you, my cousin. And he kissed her hand. Oh, but you are absurd, said Hilda, and flushed faintly and turned away. Spolito made a gesture of despair. Quite quite, Reggie said. So we'd better have breakfast. During that meal he might have heard, if he had listened, the full history of the emotions of the com despolito. He escaped from them to visit his patient. The prince was much cheered by a night of sleep, still excessively interested in his injuries, but now hopeful about them. He gave great honor to Reggie's treatment of the case. Oh, my dear sitter, I must consider it a providential that you are on board. Oh, but certainly providential. Oh, well, sir, the affair might have taken a different turn without me, Reggie admitted, modestly. Oh, indeed, yes, said his highness. Good God, Mr. Fortune, and how I resented your appearance yesterday. He became thoughtful. I think what annoyed me most was that anyone should have discovered my plans. He gazed at Reggie. Are you free to tell me, Mr. Fortune? I am much interested to know what brought you here. Did Hilda say anything to her mother? Or is there a traitor in my camp? Spolito, that little actress. Here's the traitor, sir. Reggie took out of his pocket the hot and taut Venus. Oh, good heavens! The prince took her affectionately. My new paleolithic Venus! You left her in the library at the Torm of School. There are not many men in the world who have a hot and taut Venus to lose. So she suggested to me that the prince of Raguza was taking action with regard to Hilda Crowland. Oh, you have a great deal of acumen, Mr. Fortune, said the prince, and the sound of the cable broke off the conversation. There is a hospital at Tormoth. The com de Spolito went on shore to bring off its x-ray man. Reggie stretched himself in a deck chair to wait events. They were not long in arriving. A shoreboat brought off the honourable Stanley Lomas, dapper as ever, and a woman whom Reggie identified by her hair and her magnificent figure, as the mother of Hilda, Mrs. Crowland, the princess of Raguza. Reggie went down the gangway to meet them. Lomas sprang out of the boat. The princess was handed out and went up the gangway. Maudgarde, Fortune! Lomas shook hands. Oh, your I wonder. How did you bring them back? A genius, just a genius. The princess had met her daughter, who was not abashed. Hilda, why do you do this extraordinary thing? And Hilda said quietly, I wanted to know my father. Are you make us all ridiculous? The princess cried. I don't feel that. Hilda put up her chin. Oh, may I present Mr. Fortune, ma'am! Lomas put in. Reggie bowed. I'm sorry to tell you, madam, that the princess had an accident. A fall down the companion. He is in bed. I'm waiting for an x-ray to be taken of his arm. But I assure you there is no cause for alarm. I am not alarmed, said the princess. I wish to see him. Oh, certainly you will not forget that I have told him. I represent you. It was an impertinence, Mr. Fortune, said the princess, and swept to the companion. The door of the princess' cabin was shut on her. Jam for the prince, Reggie made aggrimus at Lomas. Or strictly speaking, what's my locus stond I? I said the chief of the criminal investigation department. Don't funk, Lomas, I daresay. She'll murder him. That's where you come in. So they were depressed till the return of the anxious spolito with his x-ray man. Reggie descended upon the prince and princess. She was sitting upon his bed. She was smiling. She kissed her hand to his highness as she went out. All which Reggie observed with a face of stone. I am infinitely your debtor, Mr. Fortune, his highness beamed. You are not married, no? It becomes every day less improbable, said Reggie grimly. A one who never knows the beauty of a woman's nature, a tell one is suffering, said his highness. The x-rays were put to work on the arm, and the operator and Reggie went off to the yacht's dark room. As the plate came out, I see no injury, Mr. Fortune, the operator complained. I'll fancy that, said Reggie. Outside the dark room, the princess was impatiently waiting. Well, Mr. Fortune? Well, madam, there will be no need of an operation. The princess frowned at him. I suppose I am much obliged to you, Mr. Fortune. I wish to hear more of your part in the affair. Reggie, he has confessed, trembled. The princess swept on. She opened the door of the music room. She revealed Hilda and Spolito. Hilda was being vehemently kissed. Reggie fled. Professional instinct, he explains, took him back to his patient. I am very pleased to tell you, sir, that there is no serious injury to the arm. A rest and good nursing are all that is now needed. His highness laughed like a boy and began to chatter all about himself. Reggie broke in at the first chance. It is a satisfaction to me that I leave you in such good spirits, sir. His highness overflowed with gratitude. He did not know how to thank Mr. Fortune, what to offer him. If I might have this little lady, sir, Reggie took up the hot and taut Venus. It would be a pleasant memento of an interesting adventure. And so he went off with the hot and taut Venus in his pocket. He hurried on deck to the uneasy Lomas. You are right, Lomas. You are always right. You have no locus astandi. And where's the shoreboat? They embarked hurriedly and rode away from the royal house of Ragusa. In heaven, said Reggie, there is neither marrying nor giving in marriage. Oh, that's why I'm going there. Look at her, he produced the hot and taut Venus. She's the only sensible woman I ever knew. Lomas, my dear old man, do you know you will have to explain all this to your sister? The chief of the criminal investigation department groaned aloud. End of chapter 5 Chapter 6 of Call Mr. Fortune This is a LibriVox recording, all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Call Mr. Fortune by H. C. Bailey. Chapter 6 The Business Minister Phase 1 The Scandal Oh, to be in England now that April's here, said Reggie Fortune, as trying to hide himself in his coat, he slipped and slid down the gangway to his native land. The balloon-boat behind him, lost in driving snow, could be inferred from escaping steam in the glimmer of a rosette of lights. The flying Dutchman's new packet, Reggie muttered, and hummed the helmsman's song from the opera, till a squall coming round the corner stung what of his face he could not bury like small shot. He continued to suffer. The heat in the pullman was tinned. He did not like the toast. The train ran slow, and whenever he wiped the steamy window he saw white-blanketed country and fresh swirls of snow. So he came to Victoria some seven hours late, and it had no taxi. He said what he could. You imagine him balanced by the two suitcases which he could not bear to part with, wading through deep snow from the tube station at Oxford Circus to Wimpole Street, and subsiding limp but still fluent into the arms of Sam his factotum, and the snow went on falling. It was about this time in his judgment, eleven p.m. on fifteenth April, that a man fell from the top story of Montmorency House, the hugest and newest of the new blocks of flats thereabouts. He fell down the well which lights the inner rooms, and, I suppose, made something of a thud as his body passed through the cushion of snow and hit the concrete below. But in the howl of the wind and the rattle of windows it would have been extraordinary if anyone had heard him or taken him for something more than a slate or a chimney-pot. He was not in a condition to explain himself, and the snow went on falling. Mr. Fortune, though free from his coat and his hat and his scarf and his gloves, though scorching both hands and one foot at the hall fire, was still telling Sam his troubles when the honourable Stanley Lomas came downstairs. Mr. Fortune said, Help! I had a good time, said Lomas, cheerly. I did you get to Seville? Oh, Peter, don't say things like that. I can't bear it. Have the feelings of a man. Be a brother, Lomas. I've been in nice, kind countries with a well-bred climate, and I come back to this epileptic blizzard. And here's Lomas, pale and perky, waiting for me on the mat. And then you're civil. Oh, Sufenizba, Sufenizba, oh. I did rather want to see you, Lomas explained. I hate seeing you. I hate seeing anything raw and live. If you talk to me, I shall cry, my dear man. Have you had dinner? Hours ago. That wasn't quite nice of you, you know. When you come to see me, you shouldn't dine, first. It makes me suspect your taste. Well, well, come and see me eat. That is a sight which has moved strong men to tears. The pure ecstasy of joy, Lomas. The sublime and the beautiful by our fortune. And Sam says Elise had a timbal foite gras and her very own entrecote. Dine again, Wittenton. And we will look up on the wine when it is red. My chamberteen is strongly indicated. And then I will fall asleep for a thousand years. Same like the sleeping beauty. I wish I could. Lomas, oh dear! Reggie turned and looked him over. Yes. You have been going it. You ought to get away. I daresay I shall. This is one of the things I'm going to ask you. What do you think about resignation? Oh, Peter! As bad as that! Reggie whistled. Oh, sorry I was futile, but I couldn't know. There's been nothing in the papers. Only in new windows. Damn, you can't get away from it in the clubs. They had it out over dinner. Some months before a new government had been formed, which was advertised to bring heaven down to earth without delay. And the first outward sign of its inward and spiritual grace was the great coal ramp. Some folks in the city begin to buy the shares of certain coal companies. Some folks in the city begin to spread rumors that the government was going to nationalize mines district by district. Those districts first, in which the shares had been bought. The shares then went to a vast price. All the usual nauseating features of a stock exchange boom, said Reggie. No, this is founded on fact, said Lomas. That's the distinguishing feature. It was worked on the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Whoever started the game had exact and precise information. They only touched those companies which the government meant to take over. They knew everything and they knew it right. Somebody of the inner circle gave the plan away. Politics is a cursed profession, said Reggie. Lomas looked gloomily at his burgundy. Politicians are almost the lowest of God's creatures, he agreed. I know that. I'm a civil servant, but I don't see how any of them can have had a finger in this pie. The scheme hadn't come before the cabinet. Everybody knew, of course, that something was going to be done, but the whole point is the particular company's concerned in this primary provisional scheme. And nobody knew which they were but the president of the board of trade and his private secretary. The president, that's Horace Kimball. Yes, no politics about him. He's the rubber king, you know. He was brought in on the businessmen for a business cabinet cry. He was really put to there to get these nationalization schemes through. And he begins by arousing city scandal. Businessmen and business methods, well, well. Give me the politicians after all. I was born respectable. I would rather be swindled in the quiet, old-fashioned way. I like a sense of style. Quite, quite, said Lomas Hartley. But I must say I have nothing against Kimball. He is the usual thing. Thinks he is like Napoleon. A pathetically anxious, you should suppose. He has been educated. But he really is quite an able fellow. And he means to be several. Only he's mad to catch the fellow who gave his scheme away. I don't blame him. But it's damned awkward. If only Kimball and his private secretary knew either Kimball or the private secretary gave it away. My dear fortune, if you say things like that, I shall break down. That is the hopeless sort of jingle I say in my sleep. I believe Kimball's honest. That's his reputation. As keen as they make him, but absolutely straight. And why should he play double? He is ridiculously rich. If he wanted money, it was idiotic to go into the government. He would do much better for himself in business. No. He must have gone into politics for power and position and so on. And then, at the start of his career, is mucked by a financial scandal. You can't suppose he had a hand in it. It's too mad. Remains the private secretary. Oh, don't Mr. Kimball like his private secretary? Oh, yes. Kimball thinks very well of him. I pointed out to Kimball that on the facts we were bound to suspect Sanford. And he was quite huffy about it. Said he had the highest opinion of Sanford. Ask what evidence I had. And so on. Oh, very good and proper and even intelligent. My respects to age Kimball. What evidence have you, Lomas, old thing? You just put the case yourself, said Lomas, with some irritation. Only Kimball and Sanford were in the secret. It's impossible in the nature of things Kimball should have sold it. Remains Sanford. Oh, Peter, that's not evidence. That's an argument. I know confound you, but this is evidence of a sort. One of Sanford's friends is a young fellow called Walkden. And he's in one of the firms which have been running the stock exchange boom. It's queer, said Reggie, and lit a pipe. But it wouldn't hang a yellow dog. Do you think I don't know that? Lomas cried. We have nothing to act on. And they're all cursing me because we haven't. Uh, meaning Kimball. Kimball. Kimball's calling twice a day to know how the case is going on, please. But the whole government on it now. Minutes from the home secretary, bitter memes from the prime minister. They want a scapegoat, of course. Governments do. Find us someone to hang or we'll hang you. I told you I was thinking of resigning because they want to bully you into making a case against the private secretary. And you have a conscience? Lord, no. I'd convict him today if I could. I don't like the fellow. He's a young prig. But I can't convict him. No, I don't think they want to hang anybody in particular. But they must have somebody to hang. And I can't find him. It isn't much in my way. The civil service frightened me. I have a brother-in-law in the treasury. Sometimes he lets me dine with him. Meditations among the tombs, for Reginald. No, it isn't much in my way. I want passion and gore. But you intrigue me, Lomas, you do indeed. I would know more of Mr. Kimball and Secretary Sanford. They worry me. My God, they worry me, said Lomas Hartley. Oh, they are too good to be true. I wonder if there's any other nigger in the woodpile. Well, I can't find him. Hope on, hope ever. Don't you remember it was the Dowager popped the bow-hunt sapphires? And don't you resign. If the Prime Minister sends you another nasty man, say you have your eye on his Gulf Pro. A man who putts like that must have something on his conscience. And don't you resign for all the politicians outside hell. It may be they want to get rid of you. I'll come and see you tomorrow. Oh, I wish you would, said Lomas. You have a mighty good eye for a face. My dear old thing, I never believe in faces. That's all. The only one I ever liked was that girl who broke her sister-in-law's nose. But I'll come round. Comforted by wine and sympathy, Lomas was sent away to trudge home through a foot of snow, and the snow went on falling. End of Chapter Six Phase One Phase Two The Private Secretary The snow lingered. Though hoses washed it out of the highways and every side street great mounds lay unmelted, end of the park was dingily white. Reggie shivered as he got out of his car in Scotland's yard, and he scurried upstairs and put himself as close as he could to Lomas' fire, ousting the superintendent's bell. I'm waiting for you, said Lomas quietly. There's a new fact. Three thousand pounds have been paid into Sanford's account. It was handed in over the counter in notes of small amounts yesterday morning. Cashier fancies it was paid in by a stoutish man in glasses, couldn't undertake to identify. It's a wicked world, Lomas. That wouldn't matter so much if it was sensible. Someday I will take to crime just to show you how to do it. Who is Sanford? What is he that such queer things happen round him? I don't know so much about queer, sir, said Superintendent Bell. I suppose this three thousand is his share of the swag. That's what we're meant to suppose, Reggie agreed. That's what I resent. I mean, why the devil should he have it put in the bank? He must know his account would be watched. That's the point I took, said Lomas wearily. Well, sir, as I was saying, it's the usual sort of thing, Superintendent Bell protested. When a city gang has bought a fellow in a good position and got all they can get out of him, it often happens they don't care any more about him. They'd rather break him than not. It happened in the Bewick affair, the Grantley deal. He reeled off a string of cases. What I mean to say, sir, there isn't honour among thieves. When they see one of themselves in a decent position, they'll do him in if they can. Envy, that's what it is. I suppose we're all envious, but in my experience, when a fellow isn't straight, he gets a double go of envy in him. I mean to say, for sheer spiteful envy, the crooks beat the band. Reggie nodded. Do you know, Bell, I don't ever remember you're being wrong when you had given an opinion. By the way, what is your opinion? Superintendent Bell smiled slowly. We do have to be so careful, sir. Would you believe it? I don't so much as know who did the open-air work in the coal ramp. There was half a dozen firms in the boom. But who had the tip first? And who was doing the big business? I know no more than the babe in arms. Yes, there's some brains about, Lomas agreed. But Reggie, who was watching the superintendent, said, What's up your sleeve, Bell? The superintendent laughed. You do have a way of putting things, Mr. Fortune. He lit a cigarette and looked at his chief. I don't know what you thought of Mr. Sunford, Mr. Lomas. More do I, Bell, said Lomas. I only know he's not a man and a brother. What I should describe as a lonely cove, sir, Bell suggested. Chiefly interested in himself, you might say. Well, he's a climber, said Lomas. Well, well, who is Sunford? What is he that all the world doesn't love him? Reggie asked. Who was his papa and what was his school? Well, though it's rather odd you should ask that, sir, said superintendent Bell. He didn't have a school. He didn't have a father, said Lomas. First he knows he was living with his widowed mother and only child in a little village in north Wales. L-l-l-l-l-something. He went to the local grammar school. He was a kind of prize boy. He got a scholarship at Pembroke, Oxford. Then Mrs. Sunford died, leaving him about a pound a week. He got firsts at Oxford and came into the home civil pretty high. Why, he's done well in his department, and they can't stand him." "'Good brain, no geniality, if you take my meaning,' said the superintendent. "'I hate him already,' Reggie murmured. "'Oh, that's quite easy,' said Lomas. "'Well, he's a clever second-writer, that's what it comes to.' "'For devil,' Reggie murmured. "'There's swarms of them in the service. The only odd thing about Sanford is that he don't seem to have any origins. Like that fellow in the Bible who had no ancestors. "'There's, um, a Malkisa deck, was it? Well, Mrs. Sanford had no beginning either. She wasn't native to land fairfetchin, that's the place. She came there when Sanford was a small kid. Nobody there knows where from. He says he don't know where from. Nobody knows who his father was. He says he don't know. He says she left no papers of any sort. She had an annuity, and the fifty pounds a year she left him was in consoles. He never knew of any relations. Nobody in Lenn—what's its name?—can remember anybody ever coming to see her, and she died ten years ago. "'You might say it looked as if she wanted to hide,' said Superintendent Bell. "'But Lord, you can't tell. Might be just a sorrowful widow. It takes him that way some time.' "'Has anybody ever shown any interest in Malkisa deck?' said Reggie.' "'Oh, Lord, no. Nobody ever heard of him out of his department. And there they all hate him. But he's the sort of fellow you can't keep down.' "'Poor devil,' Reggie murmured again. "'You won't be so damn sympathetic when you've met him,' Lomas said. A slip of paper was presented to him. "'Hello, Hare's Kimble. I thought he was leaving me alone too long. Well, we've got something for him today.'" He has a large, fat head. Thus some perky journalist began a sketch of the right Honorable Horace Kimble, and he faithfully reported to the first elementary fact of seeing Mr. Kimble, who looked a heavy fellow with a bulk of his head and neck deported on a sturdy frame. But on further acquaintance people discovered a vivacity of movement and a keenness of expression which made them uncomfortable. Yet he had, as I intend you to observe, a bluff genial manner, and his cruelest critics were always those who had not met him. For the rest he aimed at a beautiful neatness in his clothes and succeeded. He rushed in. "'Well, Lomas, if we don't make an end of this business it'll make an end of us,' he announced, and flung himself at a chair. Anything new?' "'I have just been discussing it with Mr. Fortune.' "'Oh, that's right. Want the best brains we can get?' He nodded his heavy head at Reggie. "'What do you make of it?' "'I don't wonder you'll find it harassing,' Reggie said. "'Harrassing! That's putting it mildly. I've lost more sleep over it than I want to think about.' He became aware that Reggie was studying him. "'Oh, Doctor, aren't you?' "'I'm not a case, you know.' "'I apologize for the professional instinct,' Reggie said. "'But it does make me say you ought to see your doctor, sir.' "'My doctor can't tell me anything I don't know. It's this scandal that's the matter with me. You wouldn't say I was sentimental? Would you? You wouldn't take me for an innocent?' "'Well, do you know? I've been in business thirty years, and I've never had one of my own people break faith with me. That's what irritates me. Somebody in my own office, somebody close to me, selling me! By God, it's maddening!' "'Oh, do you suspect?' said Reggie. Kimball flung himself about, and the chair creaked. "'Damn it, man! We've had all that out over and over again. I can't suspect anyone. I won't suspect anyone, but the things been done.' "'As I understand, the only people who knew the scheme were yourself and Sanford, your secretary?' "'I'd as soon suspect myself as Sanford.' "'Yesterday a three thousand pounds in notes was paid by somebody who didn't give his name into Sanford's account,' said Lomas. "'Great God!' said Kimball, and rolled back in his chair, breathing heavily. "'That's what I wouldn't let myself believe.' "'Have you got any, Brandy?' Lomas said Reggie, watching his pallor professionally. Lomas started up. Reggie reached out and began to feel Kimball's pulse. "'Don't do that!' said Kimball sharply, and dragged his hand away. "'Good Lord, man! I'm not ill. No thanks, Lomas. Nothing, nothing. I never touch spirits. I'll be all right in a moment. But it does rather knock me over to find I've got to believe it was Sanford.' He struggled out of his chair, walked to the window, and flung it up and dabbed at his forehead. He stood there a moment in the raw air, took a pinch of snuff, and turned on them vigorously. "'There's no doubt about this evidence. We can't get away from it.' "'I'm afraid we must ask Sanford for an explanation,' said Lomas. "'Most unpleasant thing I ever did in my life,' Kimball said. "'Well, there's no help for it, I suppose. Still, he may have a perfectly good explanation. Dammit, I won't make up my mind till I must. I've always found him quite straight and very efficient, too. Cleverest fellow I ever had about me. Send for him, then. Say, I'll be glad to see him here.' "'Come now, Lomas. What do you think yourself? He may be able to account for it quite naturally.' "'He may, but I can't see how,' Lomas said gloomily. "'Oh, can you?' "'I suppose you think I'm a fool. But I like to believe in my fellows,' said Kimball. And they passed an awkward five minutes till Sanford came.' "'He looked a good young man. He was rather small. He was very lean. He wore eyeglasses. Everything about him was correct and restrained. But there was an oddity of structure about his face. It seemed to come to a point at the end of his nose. And yet his lower jaw looked heavy. He made graded salutations to Kimball, his chief, and to Lomas. He looked at Reggie and the superintendent Bell, as though he expected them to retreat from his presence. And he turned upon Kimball a glance. That bade him lose no time. Kimball seemed to find some difficulty in beginning. He cleared his throat, blew his nose, and took another pinch of snuff. "'I don't know if you guess why I sent for you,' he broke out. I infer that it is on this matter of the gamble in cold shares,' said Sanford, precisely. "'Yes. Do you know any new fact?' Nothing has come before me. "'Well, there's something I want you to explain. I daresay you have a satisfactory explanation, but I'm bound to ask for it.' I have nothing to explain that I know of. It's been brought to my knowledge that yesterday, three thousand pounds in notes was paid into your account. Where did it come from?' Sanford took off his glasses and cleaned them, and put them on again. "'I have no information,' he said in the most correct official manner. "'Good God, man, you must see what this means,' Kimball cried. "'I beg your pardon, sir. I have no notion of what it means. I find it difficult to believe that you have been correctly informed.' "'You don't suppose I should take up a charge like this unless I was compelled to?' "'There's no doubt of the fact, Mr. Sanford,' said Lomas gloomily. "'Indeed, then I have only to say that no one has any authority to make payments into my account. As you have gone into the affair so carefully, I suppose, you have found out who did. He didn't give his name, you see. "'Can you tell us who he was?' Lomas said. "'I repeat, sir, I know nothing about the transaction.' "'And that's all you say?' "'I need hardly add that I shall not accept the money.' "'You know the matter can't end there,' Kimball cried. "'Come, man, you're not doing yourself justice. Nothing could be worse for you than this tone. Can't you see that?' "'I beg your pardon, sir. I do not see what you wish me to say. You spoke of making a charge. Will you be so kind as to state it?' "'If you must have it. This boom was begun on information which only you had besides myself. And immediately after the boom this large sum is paid secretly into your account. You must see what everybody will say, what I should say myself if I didn't know you. That you sold the plan. And this money is your price. Come! You must have some explanation for us. Some defense at least.' I say again, sir, I know nothing of the matter. I should hope that what scandal may say will have no influence upon anyone who knows my character and my career.' "'Good God, man!' "'We're dealing with facts.' "'Where did that three thousand pounds come from?' "'I have no information. I have no idea.' "'For the first time,' Reggie spoke. "'I wonder if you have a theory.' "'I don't consider it is my duty to imagine theories.' "'Oh, do you know anyone who wants to ruin you or why anyone should?' "'I beg your pardon. I must decline to be led into wild speculations of that kind.' Kimball started up. "'You may get impossible to do anything for you.' "'I have given you every chance. Remember that. Every chance.' "'It's beyond me now. I can only advise you to consider your position. I don't know whether your resignation will save you from worse consequences. I'll do what I can. But you make it very hard.' "'Good morning. You had better not go back to the office.' "'I deny every imputation,' said Sanford. "'Good morning, sir.' "'F-apologetically,' Kimball turned to the others. "'There's nothing for it, I suppose. We'll have to go through with it now. "'You'll let me have an official report.' "'This fellow is hopeless.' "'Poor devil!' "'I can't say he touches my heart,' said Lomis. Kimball laughed without mirth. "'He can't help himself,' he said, and went out. "'I shouldn't have thought Kimball was so human,' said Lomis. "'Well, sir, he always has stuck to his men, I must say,' said Superintendent Bell. "'I wonder he could stick to Sanford for a day.' "'That Mr. Sanford, he is what you might call a superior person,' Bell chuckled. Funny how they brazen it out that kind.' "'Yes, I don't doubt he thinks he was most impressive. Well, fortune, there's not much here for you, I'm afraid.' Reggie had gone to the window and was fidgeting there. "'I say, the winds changed,' said he. "'That's something, anyway.' End of chapter 6, phase 2