Part 16 (1/2)
”Where do you suppose he comes from?”
”I don't care where. What's he after, to take all this trouble?
Something big, I'll warrant.”
And then, for a time, they smoked like Turks, in silence.
”By George, it's a good joke; you and I trying to choke each other, while the real burglar makes off.”
”It has some droll sides.”
”And you all but broke my arm.”
Breitmann chuckled. ”You were making the same move. I was quicker, that was all.”
Another pause.
”The admiral has seen some odd corners. Think of seeing, at close range, the j.a.panese-Chinese naval fight!”
”He tells a story well.”
”And the daughter is a thoroughbred.”
”Yes,” non-committally.
”By the way, I'm going to the Pole in June or August.”
”The Italian expedition?”
”Yes.”
”That ought to make fine copy. You will not mind if I turn in? A bit sleepy.”
”Not at all. Shall we tell the admiral?”
”The first thing in the morning. Good night.”
Fitzgerald finished his cigar, and went to bed also. ”Interesting old place,” wadding a pillow under his ear. ”More interesting to-morrow.”
Some time earlier, the individual who was the cause of this nocturnal exploit hurried down the hill, nursing a pair of skinned palms, and laughing gently to himself.
”Checkmate! I shall try the other way.”
On the morrow, Fitzgerald recounted the adventure in a semi-humorous fas.h.i.+on, making a brisk melodrama out of it, to the quiet amus.e.m.e.nt of his small audience.
”I shall send for the mason this morning,” said the admiral. ”I've been dreaming of _The Black Cat_ and all sorts of horrible things. I hate like sixty to spoil the old chimney, but we can't have this going on. We'll have it down at once. A fire these days is only a nice touch to the mahogany.”
”But you must tell him to put back every brick in its place,” said Laura. ”I could not bear to have anything happen to that chimney. All the same, I am glad the matter is going to be cleared up. It has been nerve-racking; and I have been all alone, waiting for I know not what.”
”You haven't been afraid?” said Fitzgerald.
”I'm not sure that I haven't.” She sighed.