Evening star., 1937-04-25
Mogozins Section


fire. He offered to take me up to the West
End in his car; although desperately wanted
to have private talk with Morton, thought
it better to accept. My cousin accompanied us
to the outer gateway, a Yeoman Warder going
ahead of us with lighted lantern, and
noticed that Cardinal walked with his hand
on Morton sleeve A big limousine was wait
ing outside. Cardinal told me he was staying
at the Marquise Hotel, and gave his chauffeur
orders to drop me at my apartment.
After saying good night to Henry Cardinal
l went upstairs feeling curiously i'll at ease.
believed that l had carried off difficult
situation rather we'll, and had said nothing
that could have disclosed my real opinion. Yet
somehow felt that those pale sightless eyes
had been penetrating into the deepest crevice
of my mind. No doubt he had trained his
other senses to the keenest pitch, so that any
hesitation of ones voice, the sound of any
movement, gave him hint of what was pass
ing through ones thoughts. There was some
thing almost uncanny about the man. AS
slipped the latchkey into the door, l won
dered if | ought to call my cousin before
went to bed. Already l was wishing l had
stayed behind to have talk with him. went
into the sitting room and switched on the
light.
What the deuce l began.
My voice trailed away, and took step
back Standing motionless on the hearthrug
was man. tried to laugh, but a cold shiver
ran up my spine Still the stranger did not
Move He was short and black-haired with
extraordinarily brilliant black eyes, and
powerful jaw. The set of his shoulders gave
an impression of physical strength. There was
a short silence, while we stared at each other,
and then he spoke:
Good evening, sir" He had a deep mod
ulated voice, with just the faintest hint of
foreign accent. "You may call me Brown. I'm
your new valet.
Il said valet, sir am sleeping in this apart
ment tonight - and every night this week.
When your manservant arrives tomorrow
morning. you will order him to have a
holiday
Taking cigarette from my case, | lit it. |
noticed that my fingers we're little unsteady.
The mans dark eyes watched me with
interest.
There's the door" said at last. Il recon-
mend that you get outside in double-quick
time" The stranger did not move muscle,
and began to walk towards the telephone.
Il warn you I'm going to call up Savile Row
police station"
That won't help you, MIR. Elliott" said
the man quietly. Before the police arrive,
this apartment will be empty. have my
instructions On that point"
looked at him over my shoulder: ANY
other Instructions"
Several, sir Until word comes through to
me, you will not leave this apartment, nor use
the telephone. If anyone asks for you at the
door, l shall say you away from home"
drew thoughtfuny at my cigarette. "In
other words, you're telling me that I'm a
prisoner here?"
Precisely. l don't think you need any
explanation" There was metallic glitter in
the big, brilliant eyes. Il must warn you,
Mr. Elliott, that it will be unwise to do any
thing foolish have instructions covering that
point also
"Yes. think understand" said slowly.
"Your employer - whoever he is = has an
idea that | know too much. But from his
point of view," added, perhaps it's un-
fortunate that there's somebody else in the
vicinity of London who also knows
The man looked at me for moment, then