Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-03-16
CHI APrER vII1-continued.

of the room. On the whole, dlu not
regret this. as | conceived that we had
perhaps reached the proper term Of our
familiarity with Sercombe. 1t was
strange to see the instant revolution In
our mutual attitudes. Whether Ser
combe himself had been as easy as he
had previously seemed, or whether he
had acted part for our benefit, can
not say, but it is certain that now he
was charged with anxiety. Now and
again his eyes, pulled and bloolshot,
illckered uneasily on Hood, where the
man stood in his corner, Il memorial of
black sobriety, and his demeanor was
carefully under restraint. The situa-
ton became a little disagreeable, and l
thought the time had arrived to end 1t.
Captain SercoMbe," l said, quite
formally, Il fancy our dinner, such as
it is, is over, and if you will take no
more wine perhaps we had better get
TO business
"Certainly, sir said the captain
cheerfully and draining his glass. II
am ut your service.
said l, THAT we were alone And
waited to see the man move.
A quick exchange Of glances took
place between them, and then the inn
keeper turned his back on us AMI bus
led himself with the plates upon the
sideboard.
Sercombe colored angrily and was
visibly Disconnected. Il beg your par
don, sir" said he, with slight STAN
mer, "but have already had the honor
of informing you that l am not alone in
this matter"
Really" said Sheppard gently, 81 do
not think we can invite our servants to
discuss this matter with u.s."
Sercombe bit Lis lip, and after a
glance ut Hood, who still kept his atti-
tude, II understand your feeling, gen
tlemen,' he replied, "and, in fact, l
sympathize, with it. But
He hesitated and began to perceive
for the first time how far he was In
volved with the other and to what ex-
tent he was under his control. 1t was
evident that he was chagrined by his
position.
Leave the room, Hood" said I, not
that 1 had any certain intention that
he should quit US, but rather out OF
curiosity MS to what would ensue. The
issue surprised me. Hood turned ODE
diently on his heel and made for the
door. As it closed upon him Sercombe
turned to us and broke out with en-
barrassment:
"You are right, gentlemen. l agree
with you. These things are better
managed between gentlemen. But
His perpleXities struggled In evidence
upon his face. yet he had an uncom-
mon gift Of recovering himself, which
had had occasion already to admire.
and I was to admire him still more at
this moment. You will perceive, Mr..
Greatorex," he said abruptly, but with
sudden suavity of voice, that, as
you have just pronounced, we have
concluded our friendly dinner, and 1t
is to business that we tu-n. / take 1t,
therefore, that we are nc longer here
in the capacity Of hosts and guests"
True" said l.
':Then," he exclaimed triumphantly,
Hood, take 1t, is no longer serv-
anti"
Captain sercombe is right" said
Sheppard promptly, turning to me,
land, by your leave, Ned, I will ring
and have him up"
II accept your theory" answered.
"Let us have him up, certainly"
Sheppard rose and when the, man
returned ushered him with some cere-
mony to the table. "a chair for Mr..
Hood" he said. "Where will you sit,
Mr.. Hood-by the captain? That's
right. Please make yourself conlforta-
Bile. We have just enjoyed an excellent
dinner very well served, Mr.. Hood, but
I fear you are too late Montgomery,
a glass Of wine for Mr.. Hood. Bust
ness is business, and I never conduct
a piece without the usual sherry"
If this elaborate irony disturbed Ser
combe, as it seemed to do, it had no
effect upon Hood.
THANK you, sir. I will stand, sir.
No wine, thank you, sir." Such was
his brief reception Of the courtesies.
He assumed place at the hncR Of
the captain, commanding view of the
table, Sercombe spread his hands up
on the table.
Gentlemen, let us show our cards. y
he said.
There was a momentary silence, and
then / was conscious Of slight bus
tie of excitement that stirred the room
into sound. Sheppard looked at me,
and Montgomery's gaze was riveted
upon the captain. Sheppard coughed
gently and slipped his wine.
"That is very proper demand, Cap
tain sercombe,'' said, seeing that it
is what we are here for, but l hardly
yet see my way clear to table all my
tricks. Let us understand one another
better"
The captain did not color, as he
might well have colored under this i'm
plicit distrust. AS l have said, he was
singular in the partial hold he kept
upon his gentility. Instead he laughed,
but somewhat awkwardly.
81 see," he answered and looked
down at his hands, appearing 10 con-
slider He lifted a big and somewhat
clumsy hand and scratched his swoll-
en- cheek, smoothing long wisp Of red
hair across his naked crown. Il can
NOT pratend TO misunderstood ytul' he