The Columbus journal., 1907-06-12
CHAPTER XII.
Treachery.

Treachery.
Three hours later DR.. Starva and
myself were on the little steamboat en-
route for Vitznau, a journey OF an
hour. had met him at the quay; he
was alone. Madame de Varnier, he
coolly informed me, had taken an
earlier boat was not to see her un-
til next morning.
Frankly, l scarcely liked that.
could have wished for a more con-
genial companion. However, l was
embarked on an adventure; and must
take things as they came. 1t was to
be a game of give and take. 1 was de-
liberately permitting myself to be their
tool for the moment; l was to serve
their purpose. My wages for the serv-
ice were to be the opportunity of find
ing Sir Mortimer Brett. Until l had
penetrated the mystery of his disap-
pearance I would be as clay in their
hands. Perhaps it might be necessary
to be their partner for the nonce in
their intrigues. They might wonder
at my docility or guilelessness, but
they should not question it. That was
the delicate task l must bend myself
to for the present.
We had seated ourselves well for
ward and were quite alone. for at this
late hour the boat carried few pas
sengers. The wind coming from the
snow-clad peaks was piercing. l shiv-
cred, but rather from excitement than
from the chilly air. Already the lights
OF Vitznau could be seen dimly through
the thick mists.
Dr. Starva, rolling a huge cigar in
the corner of his loose, sensual mouth.
regarded me fixedly under shaggy eye
brOws.
1T is cold. We must have some
cognac." Without asking for my as
sent he summoned a waiter.
Even in SO trivial a matter as the
appropriateness of refreshments his
tone was more a command than an in
vitatiOn. The cagnac would be vel
come enough, but one less observing
than myself might have noticed the
alacrity with which he welcomed the
excuse for the liquor.
DO you know what 1t is to have a
headache?" he asked. and, fumbling
clumsily in his waistcOat pocket. he
produced a tiny packet.
NO." 1 said, yawning. and watching
him idly.
'-Ah, you are fortunate. This little
powder is a great benefactor to me.
We are close to VitZnau. Through
the trees there yau can get . glimpse
of the hotel We are to stop at"
He pointed at a building . quarter
Of a mile distant from the landing
stage We were fast approaching, hold
ing In mid-air the packet of powder
preparatory to placing It ON his
tongue.
looked where he pointed; there
was not much to see; the mist en-
veloped everything. The boy ap-
preached with the cognac.
My elbows on the table. I fingered
carelessly the little glass placed in
front Of me, while that Of Dr.. StarvA
was being filed. As l Tipped 1t to-
ward me caught glimpse OF white
powder in the bottom OF my glass.
Dr.. Starva's headache powder!
Here vas treachery indeed! But I
did not move = muscle. I lifted my
eyes slowly. DR.. Starva's great head
was tipped hack. The packet, empty
of its powder, of course. was placed at
his lips. But his rat-like eyes were
watching me narrowly.
had need to think and act quickly.
The powder was . narcotic to deaden
my senses. That must be prevented
ut any cost; and yet he must think
that I had taken the drug.
He had called my attention to the
hotel while he cleverly slipped the
powder into the glass. ought not to
be less adroit.
AZ the waiter passed around the
table his decanter in hand. thrust
out my leg and tripped him mp neatly.
He fell against Dr.. Starva, the decaA-
ter still held carefully aloft.
In that moment Of confusioa / emp