Part 36 (2/2)
John Dory was accordingly admitted into the room which was so jealously guarded. At first sight, it possessed a somewhat singular appearance.
The windows had every one of them been boarded up, and the electric lights consequently fully turned on. A long table stood in the middle of the apartment, serving as support for a long gla.s.s showcase, open at the top. Within this, from end to end, stretched the presents which a large circle of acquaintances were presenting to one of the most popular young women in society, on the occasion of her approaching marriage to the Duke of Rochester. In the middle, the wonderful Clenarvon diamonds, set in the form of a tiara, flashed strange lights into the somberly lit apartment. At the end of the table a police sergeant was sitting, with a little pile of newspapers and ill.u.s.trated journals before him. He rose to his feet with alacrity at his superior's entrance.
”Good morning, Saunders,” John Dory said. ”I see you've got it pretty snug in here.”
”Pretty well, thank you, sir,” Saunders answered. ”Is there anything stirring?”
John Dory looked behind to be sure that the door was closed. Then he stopped for a moment to gaze at the wonderful diamonds, and finally sat on the table by his subordinate's side.
”Not exactly that, Saunders,” he said. ”To tell you the truth, I came down here because of that list of guests you sent me up.”
Saunders smiled.
”I think I can guess the name you singled out, sir,” he said.
”It was Peter Ruff, of course,” Dory said. ”What is he doing here in the house, under his own name, and as a guest?”
”I have asked no questions, sir,” Saunders answered. ”I underlined the name in case it might seem worth your while to make inquiries.”
John Dory nodded.
”Nothing has happened, of course?” he asked.
”Nothing,” Saunders answered. ”You see, with the windows all boarded up, there is practically only the ordinary door to guard, so we feel fairly secure.”
”No one hanging about?” the detective asked. ”Mr. Ruff himself, for instance, hasn't been trying to make your acquaintance?”
”No sign of it, sir,” the man answered. ”I saw him pa.s.s through the hall yesterday afternoon, as I went off duty, and he was in riding clothes all splashed with mud. I think he has been hunting every day.”
John Dory muttered something between his lips, and turned on his heel.
”How many men have you here, Saunders?” he asked.
”Only two, sir, beside myself,” the man replied.
The detective went round the boarded windows, examining the work carefully until he reached the door.
”I am going to see if I can have a word with his lords.h.i.+p,” he said.
He caught Lord Clenarvon in the act of mounting his horse in the great courtyard.
”What is it, Mr. Dory?” the Earl asked, stooping down.
”There is one name, your lords.h.i.+p, among your list of guests, concerning which I wish to have a word with you,” the detective said--”the name of Mr. Peter Ruff.”
”Don't know anything about him,” Lord Clenarvon answered, cheerfully.
”You must see my daughter, Lady Mary. It was she who sent him his invitation. Seems a decent little fellow, and rides as well as the best.
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