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Page 22
The lieutenant faced me, and I hope never again to see such a look
in a man's eyes.
"I loved him!" he cried. "That is why. For his honor, for the
honor of our family, I am making this request of you. Believe me,
it is not easy. I can tell you no more than that. You knew my
brother?"
"Slightly."
"Then, for his sake--do this thing I ask."
"But--murder--"
"You heard the sounds of a struggle. I shall say that we quarreled
--that I struck in self-defense." He turned to his father. "It
will mean only a few years in prison--I can bear that!" he cried.
"For the honor of our name!"
The old man groaned, but did not raise his head. The boy walked
back and forth over my faded carpet like a lion caged. I stood
wondering what answer I should make.
"I know what you are thinking," said the lieutenant. "You can not
credit your ears. But you have heard correctly. And now--as you
might put it--it is up to you. I have been in your country." He
smiled pitifully. "I think I know you Americans. You are not the
sort to refuse a man when he is sore beset--as I am."
I looked from him to the general and back again.
"I must think this over," I answered, my mind going at once to
Colonel Hughes. "Later--say to-morrow--you shall have my decision."
"To-morrow," said the boy, "we shall both be called before Inspector
Bray. I shall know your answer then--and I hope with all my heart
it will be yes."
There were a few mumbled words of farewell and he and the broken
old man went out. As soon as the street door closed behind them I
hurried to the telephone and called a number Colonel Hughes had
given me. It was with a feeling of relief that I heard his voice
come back over the wire. I told him I must see him at once. He
replied that by a singular chance he had been on the point of
starting for my rooms.
In the half-hour that elapsed before the coming of the colonel I
walked about like a man in a trance. He was barely inside my door
when I began pouring out to him the story of those two remarkable
visits. He made little comment on the woman's call beyond asking
me whether I could describe her; and he smiled when I mentioned
lilac perfume. At mention of young Fraser-Freer's preposterous
request he whistled.
"By gad!" he said. "Interesting--most interesting! I am not
surprised, however. That boy has the stuff in him."
"But what shall I do?" I demanded.
Colonel Hughes smiled.
"It makes little difference what you do," he said. "Norman
Fraser-Freer did not kill his brother, and that will be proved in
due time." He considered for a moment. "Bray no doubt would be
glad to have you alter your testimony, since he is trying to fasten
the crime on the young lieutenant. On the whole, if I were you, I
think that when the opportunity comes to-morrow I should humor the
inspector."
"You mean--tell him I am no longer certain as to the hour of that
struggle?"
"Precisely. I give you my word that young Fraser-Freer will not be
permanently incriminated by such an act on your part. And
incidentally you will be aiding me."
"Very well," said I. "But I don't understand this at all."
"No--of course not. I wish I could explain to you; but I can not.
I will say this--the death of Captain Fraser-Freer is regarded as
a most significant thing by the War Office. Thus it happens that
two distinct hunts for his assassin are under way--one conducted
by Bray, the other by me. Bray does not suspect that I am working
on the case and I want to keep him in the dark as long as possible.
You may choose which of these investigations you wish to be
identified with."
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