Part 6 (1/2)

Mr. Cullen rose at once to his feet.

”My warning has been given, sir,” he said. ”It only remains for me now to wish you good morning, and to a.s.sure you most regretfully that your name will be added to those whom Scotland Yard thinks it well to watch and that your movements from place to place will be noted.”

”I trust that Scotland Yard will benefit,” I replied politely, and showed him out.

At half past ten I rang up 3771A Gerrard. The telephone was answered almost immediately by a man, apparently a servant. I inquired for Mr.

Parker and in a moment or two I heard his voice at the telephone.

”This is Joseph H. Parker speaking. Who are you?”

”I am Paul Walmsley. You told me I might ring up between ten and eleven.”

”Sure!” was the prompt reply. ”My dear fellow, I am delighted to hear from you. None the worse for our little adventure last night, I hope?”

”Not in the least,” I a.s.sured him. ”On the contrary I am looking forward to another.”

”You shall have one,” was the delighted answer.

”What about--What is it, Eve? Excuse me for one moment, Mr. Walmsley.”

Mr. Parker was apparently dragged away from the telephone. I waited impatiently. He returned in a moment or two. His voice sounded as though he were a little irritated.

”Sorry,” he said. ”I was going to make a little suggestion to you for this evening, but my daughter here doesn't fall in with it. They will have their own way--these girls.”

”It's very disappointing!” I said. ”Don't you think you could prevail on her?”

”Look here!” Mr. Parker continued. ”I'll tell you what: Let's meet accidentally at dinner tonight. I'll talk Eve round before then. You drop into Stephano's for dinner at about seven-thirty. Then, when you see us there, you can come over and join us.”

”Thank you very much,” I replied heartily. ”By the by, I suppose you couldn't tell me your address? I should like to send Miss Parker some flowers.”

Mr. Parker obviously hesitated.

”Better not,” he decided regretfully--”not this morning, at any rate. Eve is a bit peculiar; and if you come into our little scheme and it goes wrong the less you know of us the better. See you later!”

I did see Mr. Parker later, but not quite so late as the time appointed.

He was in the American bar at the Milan when I looked in there just before luncheon and was talking to two of the most ferocious and objectionable- looking ruffians I had ever seen in my life. He glanced at me blandly, but without any sign of recognition, save that I fancied I caught the slightest twitch of his left eyebrow. I took the hint and did not join him. My reward came presently; for, after leaving the room with his two acquaintances, Mr. Parker strolled back again, and coming straight over to me clapped me on the shoulder.

”This is capital!” he exclaimed. ”We meet tonight?”

”Without a doubt,” I a.s.sured him.

He drew me a little on one side.

”Say,” he inquired, scratching the side of his chin, ”have you any objection to a bit of a sc.r.a.p?”

”Not the slightest,” I replied, ”so long as Miss Parker is out of it!”

”Good boy!” Mr. Parker p.r.o.nounced. ”Yes; we'll keep her out of it, all right. I shall count on you then. Just keep yourself in reserve. We'll talk it over at dinner time. You just stroll in casually and I'll call you over. By the by,” he added, lowering his voice, ”did you see those two fellows I was with?”