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He drew up two easy-chairs and produced a box of cigars. "Now then!" he exclaimed, "for the mysteries! By Jove, I'm glad to see you, Hardross! Light one of those they're the old sort -and go ahead." "You're not a nervous person, are you, Gilbert?" I asked quietly. "I don't think so," he answered. "You've given my nerves a pretty good test just now, I think! Why do you ask?"
Perhaps because I looked, thinking of myself as I had been in the days before these strange happenings had come into my life, I answered his question promptly. "I cannot believe," I said, "that any one would know me for Hardross Courage. I am perfectly certain, too, that I should not recognize in you to-day the Leslie Guest who died at Saxby." "I believe that you are right," Guest admitted.
I hastened downstairs and into the office. "I wish to see the manager as soon as possible," I said to one of the reception clerks behind the counter. "Certainly, sir, what name?" he asked; drawing a slip of paper towards him. "Courage " I told him, "Mr. Hardross Courage!" The man's manner underwent a distinct change. "I am sorry, sir," he said, "but Mr. Blumentein is engaged.
His voice was hoarse and raspy, and there were drops of sweat upon his forehead. "Is it true, Mr. Courage," he said, "that you are still believed here to be dead?" "Certainly!" I answered. "I have not communicated even with my lawyers. My substitute's fate was enough to make me careful!" "Does any one know on this side?" "My cousin, Sir Gilbert Hardross. He is with us.
"Have you seen a doctor lately, Hardross?" he asked. "Not necessary," I answered. "I'm as fit as I can be!" "Then will you tell me," he asked, "why, with the shooting just on, and the hunting in full view, you are talking of going to America?" "I've had a good many years of hunting and shooting and cricket and sport of all sorts, Gilbert," I answered. "Perhaps I'm not quite so keen as I was."
"Death is by my side like my own shadow. In straits like mine, the uses of chicanery are past. I come of a family of English gentlemen, even as you, Hardross Courage. We are of the same order, and I speak to you man to man, with the dew of death upon my lips. You will listen?" "Yes!" I answered, "I will listen!" "You will believe?" "Yes!" I answered, "I will believe!" He drew a breath of relief.
I am a magistrate in two counties; Sir Gilbert Hardross, who is a patron of your restaurant, is my cousin, and I expect him here to call for me within half an hour. I am up in town to play for my County against the M.C.C. at Lord's; I am a person who is perfectly well known, and my word as to what happened last night will be readily accepted.
"Thanks, the deck steward is bringing it," she answered. "Let me introduce you to my friends Mrs. Van Reinberg my stepmother, Miss Van Reinberg, Miss Sara Van Reinberg, Mr. de Valentin Mr. Hardross Courage." I bowed collectively. Mr. de Valentin greeted me stiffly, Mrs. Van Reinberg and the Misses Van Reinberg, with a cordiality which somewhat surprised me.
I looked at him, around the room, which was still in some confusion, and down at the note, which was clearly addressed to me, J. Hardross Courage, Esq. Suddenly my eyes fell upon the smashed door, and I remembered at once the events of the previous night. I tore open the note. It was typewritten and brief: "The manager presents his compliments to Mr.
"Hardross," she said softly, "what is the matter with him?" "General breakdown," I answered; "I do not know of anything else." "What does the doctor say?" "The London doctor," I admitted, "gave little hope. Rust cannot discover that anything much is the matter with him." "You yourself what do you think?" I hesitated. Her fingers gripped my arm. "I think that he is very ill," I answered. "Dying?"
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