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Forgive me, he said, but Ive had no food since midday.
Theappearance of
Jacqueline had taken all the unpleasantness out ofthe situation. That is my
final decision, and nothing will shake me. Do you know that you have come intoa
place of death?
So at supper he exerted himself to be both discreet and
agreeable.
In this matter you have unconsciouslybeen working with us, and we
approve. Adam finished his coffee in the restaurant and then walkedleisurely to
his hotel.
At supper he was a brisk companion, for he wasbeginning to see merit
in this adventure.
And why withouta word had he righted his machine and flown
away?
Theyhave isolated this place on the south, and to-morrow they
willcomplete the cordon. Jacqueline was rather silent, but he was exhilarated
by herpresence.
He searched his memory for gossip about LadyWarmestre and could
find none.
I am afraid there is nohope in that direction. For her eyes were
thelit eyes of the bride.
He had a finely cut face, dark levelbrows and sombre
eyes.
The man was an odd figure in a heavychauffeurs coat. But my Lancia broke
down some way back, and weve had to hump ourswag and foot it.
Soon a roaring
stove and three lamps gave an air of comfort to thebleak little hall. He was a
brave man, but this suddencrumbling of foundations sent a chill to his heart. I
was under theimpression that my doings were not so fortunate as to have
yourapproval. He took Jacquelines hand, as she stood in the snow at
thedoorstep. He was back in Eilean Bàn, and the time was afternoon. Do you know
that you have come intoa place of death? The pale bright skies of the isle
disappeared, and he was lookingat a narrow saddle between rocks.
If our friends
are coming up the valleythey will meet us.
I have been leftstranded by an
infernal aeroplane which should have taken me toParis. It wont melt before
midday, andit shows footsteps.
The thing was utterly beyond his
comprehension.
I am going to ask her to stay here andreceive our guests from
over the mountains.
At one corner he caught aglimpse of the hotel. Then he said
something that roused her interest.
Its about time we found somewhere to sleep,
she said, and shecalled to Amos.
Soon a roaring stove and three lamps gave an
air of comfort to thebleak little hall.
But she remained rathersilent and
distraite.
You see, I am notvery fond of Mr Creevey. He remembered his urgent
business in London.
Man, Andrew, this is the proper job for you. Damn you,
Melfort, do you think Imso little of a man as to take shelter behind a woman?
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