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If he had not chanced to enter Miss Spencer's office at that precise moment, and if he had not been impressed in a somewhat peculiar way by the physiognomy of the millionaire, not all Mr Racksole's American energy and ingenuity would have availed for a confabulation with the owner of the Grand Babylon Hotel that night. Theodore Racksole, however, was ignorant that a mere accident had served him.
He displayed to Racksole's bewildered gaze, in their due order, all the wines of three continents nay, of four, for the superb and luscious Constantia wine of Cape Colony was not wanting in that most catholic collection of vintages.
He therefore nimbly surmounted the railings the railings of his own hotel and was gingerly descending the ladder, when lo! a rough hand seized him by the coat-collar and with a ferocious jerk urged him backwards. The fact was, Theodore Racksole had counted without the policeman. That guardian of the peace, mistrusting Racksole's manner, quietly followed him down the lane.
Knowing the sacrifices which I shall have made in order to marry her, she will not hesitate to place that fortune in my hands for our mutual use, said Aribert stiffly. 'You will decidedly be rich, mused Eugen, as his ideas dwelt on Theodore Racksole's reputed wealth. 'But have you thought of this, he asked, and his mild eyes glowed again in a sort of madness.
The narration was a decided ordeal to a man of Racksole's temperament. 'A strange story! commented Detective Marshall, and he could not avoid a smile. 'The climax was unfortunate, but you have certainly got some valuable facts. Racksole said nothing. 'I myself have a clue, added the detective. When your message arrived I was just coming up to see you.
The shopman mildly inquired what price. 'What are the best you've got? asked Theodore Racksole. 'Five shillings each, sir, said the man promptly. 'Give me a penny one, was Theodore Racksole's laconic request, and he walked out of the shop smoking the penny cigar. It was a new sensation for him.
'What is that? asked the Prince, in answer to Racksole's remark. 'We have got to settle whether we shall tell the police at once all that has occurred, or whether we shall proceed on our own responsibility. There can be no doubt as to which course we ought to pursue.
Could this be a West End hotel, Racksole's own hotel, in the very heart of London, the best-policed city in the world? It seemed incredible, impossible; yet so it was. Once more he remembered what Felix Babylon had said to him and realized the truth of the saying anew.
'I have the highest admiration for Miss Racksole, said the Prince, and he looked Miss Racksole's father full in the face. 'You honour us, Prince, Racksole observed. 'Let us come to business. Am I right in assuming that you have a reason for keeping the police out of this business, if it can possibly be done? 'Yes, said the Prince, and his brow clouded.
He could not for an instant believe that Hans was not the very soul of fidelity, and yet, despite himself, Racksole's words had caused him a certain uneasiness. At that moment Prince Eugen murmured across the table: 'Aribert, I withdraw my promise. Observe that, I withdraw it. Aribert shook his head emphatically, without removing his gaze from Hans.