Part 16 (1/2)
CHAPTER XVI
AGAIN THE LADY
I must think rapidly, and act as quickly. Yet, if what Grant had said was true, that he had already posted guards on each side the house, then escape by daylight was practically impossible. From all I could see there was no concealment close at hand, and while the fellows were without arms, yet their numbers were sufficient to make any attempt at running their lines extra hazardous. And I had much at risk, for if taken it would be as a spy, and not a mere prisoner of war. There was no place for concealment in the library, but there might be upstairs, in the attic, or on the roof. The chance was worth the trial, and there could be no better time for such an experiment than while the three officers were at breakfast. Whatever servants remained about the house would be busily employed also, and probably I should have the entire upper portion to myself. Deciding to make the venture I had my hand on the k.n.o.b of the door, when it was opened quietly from without, and I was startled by the sudden appearance of Peter. Whatever excitement may have prevailed among the other members of this peculiar household this model servitor remained with dignity unruffled. He surveyed me calmly, rubbing his bald head with one hand.
”You will pardon the delay, sir,” he said calmly. ”But circ.u.mstances have arisen changing the original plans. Will you kindly accompany me?”
”But where, Peter? I don't wish to be seen by these new arrivals.”
”Have no fear, sir,” condescendingly, and with an authoritative wave of the hand. ”The officers are at table, and will know nothing of our movements.”
I followed meekly enough, and he led the way up the broad stairs to the second story, turning to the left in the upper hall, and coming to a pause before a partially opened door. A glimpse within made me deem it a music room, although I could see merely along one wall.
”You will enter, sir, while I return to the guests below.”
With one glance into his perfectly expressionless countenance, half suspicious of some new trick, I stepped across the threshold. The curtains were drawn, and the room seemed dark after the sun-glare of the hall. I advanced a step or two, almost convinced the apartment was unoccupied, when a voice addressed me.
”Under more favorable conditions, Major Lawrence, it would give me pleasure to welcome you to the hospitalities of Elmhurst.”
I swung about as on a pivot and saw her standing with one hand upon the high back of a chair, her blue eyes smiling merrily. I felt the hot rush of blood to my cheeks, the quick throb of pulse, with which I recognized her. I was so surprised that, for the instant, the words I sought to utter choked in my throat.
[Ill.u.s.tration: ”You have not suspected?” she asked. ”You did not know this was my home?”]
”Nothing was farther from my thoughts,” I exclaimed hastily. ”All I knew of your home was that it was situated somewhere in the Jerseys. But wait, perhaps I begin to understand--the lieutenant who brought me here; his voice has been echoing in my ears all night in familiarity. He is some near relative of yours--this Eric?”
”Oh, you have overheard? You know the name through hearing Captain Grant speak?”
”Yes; I could not very well help doing so. Peter had stationed me in the library, but there was nothing said between you two to make me suspect your ident.i.ty.”
”You supposed me to be the lieutenant?”
”You have not suspected?” she asked. ”You did not know this was my home?”
”Why should I not? The voice was the same; at least sufficiently similar to deceive me, and he never addressed you in a way to arouse my suspicions. Is your brother named Eric?”
”Yes; I told you, did I not, that we are twins? The physical resemblance between us is very strong; no doubt our voices sound alike also, or would to a comparative stranger. Will you not be seated, Major? We shall not have long to converse, and there is much to be said before those downstairs complete their rather frugal meal--Peter has promised to delay serving as much as possible, but, as our larder is not extensive, at best it will not be long. You overheard Captain Grant's threat?”
”To search the house for your brother--yes.”
”He will carry it out,” quietly, her eyes, no longer smiling, on my face.
”There has never been friends.h.i.+p between those two, and of late my own relations with Captain Grant have become very unpleasant. I think he is almost glad of an opportunity to thus exercise some authority over me. He is the kind of a man who must either rule or ruin. Convinced that Eric is concealed here, he will search the house as much to spite me as for any other reason. I should only laugh at him, but for your presence.”
”Then your brother is not here?”
”Certainly not; Eric is in no danger--but, Major Lawrence, you are.”
The earnestness with which she spoke made my heart leap. Whatever the girl's political sentiments might be, she was plainly desirous of serving me, of once again exposing herself in my defence. Yet her words, the frank expression of her eyes, gave no suggestion of sentiment--she was but a friend, an ally, performing a woman's part in the war game.
”But I fail to understand--”