Part 19 (2/2)
”Six o'clock, ye G.o.ds'.” stormed the man impatiently. ”What dog am I that I should wait till six?”
He gave a savage little tug at his beard.
”Six o'clock, eh? You will tell Mr. Kara that I called. Give me those books.”
”But I a.s.sure you, sir,--” stammered Fisher.
”Give me those books!” roared the other.
Deftly he lifted his left hand from the pocket, crooked the elbow by some quick manipulation, and thrust the books, which the valet most reluctantly handed to him, back to the place from whence he had taken them.
”Tell Mr. Kara I will call at my own time--do you understand, at my own time. Good morning to you.”
”If you would only wait, sir,” pleaded the agonized Fisher.
”Wait be hanged,” snarled the other. ”I've waited three years, I tell you. Tell Mr. Kara to expect me when he sees me!”
He went out and most unnecessarily banged the door behind him. Fisher went back to the library. The girl was sealing up some letters as he entered and looked up.
”I am afraid, Miss Holland, I've got myself into very serious trouble.”
”What is that, Fisher!” asked the girl.
”There was a gentleman coming to see Mr. Kara, whom Mr. Kara particularly wanted to see.”
”Mr. Gathercole,” said the girl quickly.
Fisher nodded.
”Yes, miss, I couldn't get him to stay though.”
She pursed her lips thoughtfully.
”Mr. Kara will be very cross, but I don't see how you can help it. I wish you had called me.”
”He never gave a chance, miss,” said Fisher, with a little smile, ”but if he comes again I'll show him straight up to you.”
She nodded.
”Is there anything you want, miss?” he asked as he stood at the door.
”What time did Mr. Kara say he would be back?”
”At six o'clock, miss,” the man replied.
”There is rather an important letter here which has to be delivered.”
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