|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 94
Paul Harley had learned these things also, and now at this very
hour Paul Harley lay a captive in Hillside. Naida had assured him
that Paul Harley was alive and safe. It had been decided that his
death would lead to the destruction of the movement, but pressure
was being brought upon him to ensure his silence.
Yes, he, Nicol Brinn, was bound and manacled to a gang of
assassins; and because his tongue was tied, because the woman he
loved better than anything in the world was actually a member of
the murderous group, he must pace the deserted country lanes
inactive; he must hold his hand, although he might summon the
resources of New Scotland Yard by phoning from Lower Claybury
station!
Through life his word had been his bond, and Nicol Brinn was
incapable of compromising with his conscience. But the direct way
was barred to him. Nevertheless, no task could appal the
inflexible spirit of the man, and he had registered a silent vow
that Ormuz Khan should never leave England alive.
Not a soul was astir yet upon the country roads, and sitting down
upon a grassy bank, Nicol Brinn lighted one of his black cigars,
which in times of stress were his food and drink, upon which if
necessary he could carry-on for forty-eight hours upon end.
In connection with his plan for coercing Harley, Ormuz Khan had
gone to London by rail on the previous night, departing from
Lower Claybury station at about the time that Colonel Lord
Wolverham came out of the Cavalry Club to discover his Rolls
Royce to be missing. This same Rolls Royce was now a source of
some anxiety to Nicol Brinn, for its discovery by a passing
labourer in the deserted barn seemed highly probable.
However, he had matters of greater urgency to think about, not
the least of these being the necessity of concealing his presence
in the neighbourhood of Hillside. Perhaps his Sioux-like face
reflected a spirit allied in some respects to that of the once
great Indian tribe.
His genius for taking cover, perfected upon many a big-game
expedition, enabled him successfully to accomplish the feat; so
that, when the limousine, which he had watched go by during the
morning, returned shortly after noon, the lack-lustre eyes were
peering out through the bushes near the entrance to the drive.
Instinct told him that the pretty girl with whom Ormuz Khan was
deep in conversation could be none other than Phil Abingdon, but
the identity of her companion he could not even guess. On the
other hand, that this poisonously handsome Hindu, who bent
forward so solicitously toward his charming travelling companion,
was none other than the dreaded Fire-Tongue, he did not doubt.
He returned to a strategic position which he had discovered
during the night. In a measure he was nonplussed. That the
presence of the girl was primarily associated with the coercion
of Paul Harley, he understood; but might it not portend something
even more sinister?
When, later, the limousine departed again, at great risk of
detection he ran across a corner of the lawn to peer out into the
lane, in order that he might obtain a glimpse of its occupant.
This proved to be none other than Phil Abingdon's elderly
companion. She had apparently been taken ill, and a dignified
Hindu gentleman, wearing gold-rimmed pince-nez, was in
attendance.
Nicol Brinn clenched his jaws hard. The girl had fallen into a
trap. He turned rapidly, facing the house. Only at one point did
the shrubbery approach the wall, but for that point he set out
hot foot, passing from bush to bush with Indian cleverness,
tense, alert, and cool in despite of his long vigil.
At last he came to the shallow veranda with its four sightless
windows backed by fancifully carven screens. He stepped up to the
first of these and pressed his ear against the glass.
Fate was with him, for almost immediately he detected a smooth,
musical voice speaking in the room beyond. A woman's voice
answered and, listening intently, he detected the sound of a
closing door.
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|