Part 39 (1/2)
”And Burrill?”
”He knew nothing of him, and recommended me to look after my own vermin.”
”He's a sharp tongued cur,” said Frank, with a short laugh.
”Next, I went to Sybil's rooms; she was sitting over a roasting fire, wrapped in a shawl, and s.h.i.+vering from head to foot; she almost shrieked at the mention of Burrill's name; Sybil looks bad, very bad. When we get these other matters safely settled, we must do something for the girl.”
”And that means----”
”That we must master Burrill. We will soon be in a position to do it, I hope.”
”I hope so,” gloomily.
”We must be, or be ruined. You will settle this business with Constance, at once, to-day?”
”Yes--I suppose so.”
”You suppose! man, you talk as if you were leading a forlorn hope. Do you _expect_ a refusal?”
”I don't know _what_ to expect,” flinging away his segar, angrily, ”I can't understand Constance; I wish that cursed Heath were safely out of my path.”
”Can't you trust him to Belknap?”
”There we are again! what is that confounded detective doing? He has been here five days, or nearly that; four days ago, Constance asked three days to consider upon the case. What did that mean? Belknap should have been here with his report long ago. Why don't he come?”
”That I can't tell you; he has his own way of doing things; his absence does not alter the fact, that I must use this opportunity for getting to the city; and you must press this business with Constance, and bring it to a settlement. I don't think there is much doubt as to her answer.”
”Well, I wish I could feel as sanguine, that's all.”
At this moment there came the sound of wheels on the gravel outside, and glancing toward the window, Frank sprang up exclaiming:
”There's Belknap, and not a minute to lose. I'll go meet him,” and he hurried out, wearing a look of relief, mingled with expectancy.
In a moment he returned, closely followed by the smiling detective.
”Quick, Belknap,” said Frank, closing the door, carefully, ”give us the important points. The carriage will be here in a short time, to take the old man to town, and he must be on time, for trains won't wait.”
”True,” said Mr. Belknap, seating himself near the table. ”I should have reported to you last evening, but thought it best to remain about town, and let myself be seen by the hotel loungers; people, in a place like this, are curious about a man who keeps too much to himself, and one must always conciliate suspicion.”
”True,” from Mr. Lamotte.
”I saw Miss Wardour yesterday, gentlemen; she entirely withdraws the case.”
”What! entirely?” asked Frank.
”Entirely; she asked for my account, paid it, and dismissed me, saying, that she should not resume the search, but should double the reward.”
”Double the reward!” repeated Frank.