Part 30 (1/2)

”I must see him,” he said simply, but with such an air of determination that Simmons weakened.

”Well, if you wait a few minutes,” replied Smiley, ”I will see if he will speak to you.”

Shock waited till Smiley opened the door, whereupon, stepping quickly forward, he set his foot against the lower panel and pushed the door wide open.

In a small room, bare of furniture except for tables and chairs and a hanging lamp, sat four men, of whom Shock recognised two. The Kid was one, and Macfarren the other. Across the table from these sat two men, one by his uniform the Inspector of the Mounted Police. The face of the other had to Shock a familiar look, but where he had seen him he could not remember.

As Shock opened the door the man in uniform started up with an oath, and Macfarren blew out the light.

”What's that for, Macfarren?” said The Kid.

”Shut up, you fool,” growled Macfarren.

”What did you say, sir?” enquired The Kid, in a voice somewhat thick and unsteady.

”Get him out of here,” said Macfarren, in a low tone.

”I want to have a few words with Mr. Stanton,” said Shock, standing in the doorway.

”Here you are. Fire away,” replied the boy. ”The light is not good, but I can hear in the dark.”

”You are wanted, Mr. Stanton, very earnestly by a friend of yours.”

”Let him walk right in if he wants me,” replied The Kid.

”That he cannot do. He is very ill.”

”Ah! who is he, may I ask?” enquired Stanton, striking a match.

It was promptly blown out.

”I wouldn't do that again,” he said gently. ”Who is it?” he repeated, striking another match and lighting the lamp.

”It is Ike,” said Shock. ”He is very ill--dying, for all I know, and he wants you.”

For answer there was a contemptuous laugh from the Mounted Policeman, in which Macfarren joined.

”Rather good that,” said Macfarren.

”Excuse me, gentlemen,” said the boy, making a strenuous effort to pull himself together. ”I hate to leave this good company, but I must go. I happen to pay Ike wages, but he is my friend. He has asked for me, and I am going to him.”

”Oh, blank it all! Don't be a fool,” said the policeman. ”Ike's all right. He has been taking an extra drink, but you can't kill Ike. Wait for half an hour, and we'll go down and see how he is.”

The young lad hesitated. The stranger made a signal to Smiley, and suddenly Shock found himself; pushed backward from the entrance, and the door slammed in his face.

”Open that door!” he heard The Kid cry.

There was a murmur in response.

”Open it, I say, Simmons.”