Part 19 (2/2)

He moved on, frowning, and presently found Elsie in the drawing-room.

”I did my best, but d.i.c.k's going with Williamson,” he said. ”You didn't want him to?”

”No,” she answered frankly, but with some embarra.s.sment. ”Of course, there's no obvious reason for our interfering.”

”That was my difficulty. d.i.c.k will soon be master here. I'm only his guest, and Williamson is a friend of Staffer's. n.o.body knows anything against the man.”

”And yet--” Elsie stopped.

”I'm vexed? You can take it that I don't like to be beaten, particularly by my youthful cousin,” Andrew answered with a smile, wis.h.i.+ng to allay her uneasiness.

Staffer and Mrs. Woodhouse came in then; and when the party broke up for the night, Whitney went with Andrew to his room.

”I guess you noticed the coincidences that happened this evening,” he said, sitting on the broad window-seat and lighting a cigarette.

”I feel rather annoyed by d.i.c.k, if that is what you mean,” Andrew replied in a discouraging tone.

Whitney smiled.

”Not altogether that. One,”--enumerating them on his fingers--”you try to stop his going with the fellow and just about put it over. Two, Staffer mentions the boat and rushes us off in his car. Three, Marshall says the boat's all right and hints Staffer may have mistaken his remarks. Four, we return and find that d.i.c.k has changed his plans.

Five,--”

”Oh, I'll admit that Staffer is a clever fellow,” Andrew interrupted.

”I've known that for some time.”

”I've an idea that Mackellar's on his trail; and--well, if you need me, I'm ready. You're playing a straight game, and I want you to win.

It would be a fine thing for you to save d.i.c.k; and Elsie expects it of you. Then, Staffer knows he's up against you. Keep it at that; it's quite enough for the present.”

”You mean there's something else going on?” Andrew said in a curiously quiet voice.

”Of course! But you want to let Staffer think you're only fighting him for your cousin. He can understand that and won't suspect you of guessing he's engaged in another game. I'll play up to you as much as I can. Staffer doesn't take much stock in me.”

”But what object can he have?”

”Can't say,” Whitney answered non-committally. ”But he may be forced to show his hand. Well, I'll get along to bed.”

d.i.c.k started for London with Williamson the next morning; and he let himself go when he got there. With his companion's help, he spent several days and the greater part of several nights in exciting amus.e.m.e.nts and adventures. It was not often the sparkling cup of pleasure was held out to him full, and he drained it to the dregs. As one result of this, he did not feel quite up to the mark; but d.i.c.k was something of a philosopher and knew that one cannot get anything without payment. Besides, if quietness was good for him, it was to be had in abundance at Appleyard.

For all that, when he left Euston at midnight, a reaction had begun, and he wondered whether he had made the pace too hot. On reflection, however, he suspected that it had rather been made for him and he had tactfully been encouraged to fall into his companion's stride. Well, he had had a glorious time; but he wished his head did not ache so badly and he could get rid of the unpleasant, shaky feeling that troubled him, because there was some business he must talk over with Williamson before they reached Rugby.

”We had better get things settled now,” he said. ”Your friend, Marsden, has my note for thirty pounds, but you paid the other fellows, as well as for that supper, and the hotel bill. How much am I in?”

Williamson took out his notebook, and d.i.c.k got a shock.

”Forty pounds in an evening!” he exclaimed. ”I knew I was going it, but this is a bit of a facer. With all the other things, it's a pretty hot pace; especially as I have just half a sovereign left.”

”You needn't be disturbed about it. Your promise is good enough; I can wait.”

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