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From: | Dobbin Ayers |
Subject: | [Aleona-CVS] nervously |
Date: | Mon, 18 Sep 2006 21:23:51 +0200 |
Even whenhe had the paper in his hands, they shook
so he could not read it.
This particular arrow was a little different from
the others in the shapeof its shaft. The report of the analysts was lying on the
writing - table just beneathhis eyes. Sometimes they are toocareless or are driven
by necessity to a rash thing. Hissuspicion, winged like the arrow in the plate, was
flying straight tothis evident mark. He lookedfrom one to the other of his audience
with a nod to drive the point home.
Hanaud leaned back in his chair when he had come to
the end of thisparagraph. He was speaking of a definite hour and a place and of a
definiteincident which happened there.
I doubt if that would be so helpful as you think.
You, better than anyone, will understandthat this is a difficult hour for me. Yes,
but you did come back, Monsieur Waberski, Hanaud said, and thisis where I am
perplexed.
Waberski reached out a trembling arm, afraid to
venture nearer. Hanauds senses wereconcentrated on the two girls at neither of whom
he so much as glanced. But somehow amistake is made and justice wins the game. But -
and he leaned back in an easier attitude - you will see mydifficulty, Monsieur
Waberski. You write for me what I dictate to you and in English. And she clasped
herhands together in supplication.
Theres noreason in the world that I should. Yes, he
muttered, no doubt I have made a mistake. Ann Upcott shut the doorand sat down in a
chair a little apart from the others. Thenwhat will you say, Monsieur, if I tell you
that the body of MadameHarlowe has been exhumed?
It was probably morphine, but I cannot be sure. I
saw him sitting here, she replied quickly, half an hour ago - abject- in tears - a
man! Hanaud folded uphis newspaper and laid it aside. Forover the door I read the
name, Jean Cladel, Herbalist.
I have accused no one, said Hanaud steadily. Jim
Frobisher stoodlike a man whom some calamity has stunned.
I dont understand, said Waberski
doubtfully.
Oh, yes, and we willnot forget them when the moment
comes for the extenuating pleas. Jean Cladel, Herbalist of the street Gambetta,
Hanaud repeated slowly.
Good night, said Jim, and with a little twist of
her shoulders Annfollowed Betty.
But its out of all probability that acollector of
rare things would have allowed him to keep it. VII: EXIT WABERSKIJIM FROBISHER
neither saw nor heard any more of Hanaud that day.
We shall not need our sentry here any more, he said
as he turned backinto the room.
I wouldengage her to nurse me tomorrow, were my
health to fail. The day Madame Harlowes will wasread and you found you were left no
money. Hissuspicion, winged like the arrow in the plate, was flying straight tothis
evident mark. All in good time, Mademoiselle, he said quickly.
And in sodifficult a matter I can afford to neglect
no clue.
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