QUAYLE OF THE YARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22724, 10 May 1937, Page 17

QUAYLE OF THE YARD

(COPYRIGHT)

By PAUL TRENT Author of " When Greek Meets Greek," " Strange Inheritance," ** Max Logan," etc., etc.

STORY OF CRIME, ADVENTURE, HONOUR AND LOVE

CHAPTER Vl.—(Continued)

It /was ten o'clock when they reached Londoni and when sho got,out to enter the Langham Hotel she was wearing an evening dress, into which sho had changed during the drive. A room had already been engaged, and she went straight to it. Taking up the telephone, she asked for a number.

A man's voice answered her, and a short conversation followed.

" I have just arrived, John, and want you to take mo out to supper. Can you come along and meet mo now?" sho asked.

" The usual place at half-past ten. That will suit me," came the answer. Ihere was a smile of satisfaction on her face as she opened her handbag and examined its contents, trying to form a rough estimate of their value. As Tomkins had been dismissed for the night, she asked the porter to get a taxi, and got into it. telling the driver to go to the Ritz. There she paid him off, and entering the lounge, ordered a drink which she drank quickly, and then went out by the side entrance, where she engaged a second taxi-cab, and proceeded to a restaurant in Soho. She evidently knew her way about, for she asked no question, but went upstairs and entered a private diningroom. A waiter followed quickly on her heels, and handed her a menu, from which she made a careful choice, ordering a bottle of Veuve Clicquot of a vintage year.

She was just beginning to munch caviare, when there was a knock at the door, and a man came in, to whom she gave a curt nod of greeting.

" Good evening-, Josef. I was so hungry that I could not wait," she told him.

" By your expression. I imagine that you have brought it off." " Yes, and a better haul than 1 expected. These actresses often have so much dud stuff."

" Let ine look at them," he cried eagerly.

" Not until we have finished eating. Besides, I am not at all sure that I am going to do business with you. The last time you did not treat me any too well, and I believe I could get better terms elsewhere. " But look at the risks I run." " Not nearly so many as I do. Still, that is not quite the point. I want a fair market for my goods and I am going to have it. You have made a huge profit out of me since we have been dealing together, and on this occasion you can afford to be generous. My friends are beginning to grumble." she said coldly. "You always were a good bluffer, Irma. Still, we are not going to quarrel. Let me see the goods, and you will find I will stretch a point, in your favour. Let me have a look at them," he said insinuatingly. "Aren't you going to eat?" "I have already dined."

"Well, I have not. Nothing doing until I have finished. Have a cigar and a. liqueur.''

He realised that there was no alternative but to wait as patiently as possible. However, he chose a Lonsdale Corona and a so-called Napoleon brandy, both of which he proceeded to enjoy succulently. At last she was ready for him, and when the waiter had disappeared, having replenished their glasses, she went over to the door and turned the key in the lock. This done, she returned to the table, and displayed the jewels on the cloth.

"Fifteen thousand, and not a penny less," she said, with simple directness. Josef jumped to his feet, and glared at her in blank astonishment. "Five thousand is more than they are worth," he declared solemnly. "My dear friend', you have not even taken the trouble to examine the stones. The diamonds are Brazilian, and without flaws. Take up that string of pearls. Aren't they a splendid colour, and beautifully matched?" "Pearls." he repeated contemptuously. "With clever Japanese about you want an X-ray outfit to find out if' they are cultured or not. My dear woman, I can't give you a penny more than five thousand." "Then there is nothing doing. 1 am sorry to have wasted your time," she said, and began to collect' the pieces together. He watched her in silence until they were replaced, and the bag had been closed with a loud snap. "I think I might make it six, but only because it is you I am dealing with."

"Good night. Your conversation bores me. Josef. When you have decided to be reasonable von can telephone me at the hotel, and make an appointment. But it must be before ten o'clock to-morrow morning." "Sit down, my dear, and don't hurry awav." ... "Don't 'my dear' me," she cried, turning on him with angry eyes. "\ou know perfectly well that over in Holland these jewels will realise nearly twenty thousand pounds." "Perhaps so, in the open market, but I have to deal with people who will take advantage of the circumstances. Von naturally know that, by this time, the insurance company has distributed n description—a detailed description throughout the Continent." "But they only left their former owner a few hours ago. If vou have any go in you, vou would fly over to Amsterdam first thing in the morning, and do your business before the notices arrive." "What is the use of doing thatr I am well known there, and when the buvers realise that they have purchased stolen sroods they will naturally turn on me. Come now, my dear lady, I will give vou six thousand five hundred." _ . "There is nothing doing. 1 don t Imppen to he hard up at the moment. Til! ten o'clock in the morning, then. Good night." she called to him. and turning the key, left the room and returned to her hotel. Hitherto, she had disnosed ot all the booty to Josef, but all the time had been aware that she was being terribly underpaid for what she sold, and she was determined to, get a proper price for anv loot that may come info her hands 'in the future. She was tired after a strennou* night's work, and turning into bed. promptly fell asleep, with an easy conscience, being awakened in the 'morning b.v the ringing of the telephone bell. "1 could make it seven," ft voice said, slowlv and distinctly. "Don't be a fool. There is nothing doing." she cried, and replaced the receiver. Irma bathed and dressed, and afterward ate*n heartv breakfast in her bedroom. With her appetite satisfied, she lighted a cigarette, and sat down to think over the position. She had spoken the truth in saying that she was not, hard up at the moment, but she realised that a rest would he_ desirable. after the Silbermann affnir had been put through, and perhaps it might be possible for her to visit the Continent in person and dispose of the jewels. True, she was not acquainted 'with anvone in that particular form of "trade," byt doubtless Rawlings would

know of someone. So she decided to return to the Manor House at the time arranged but in the meantime she must find some temporary place of repose for her booty. It was natural to think of a safe deposit as the best and most convenient hiding-place, and when she was dressed for the street she packed the jewels into cardboard boxes, which she had obtained from the chambermaid, and then, wrapping them in brown paper, sealed the string. Then it occurred to her that it would be more sensible to leave them at her bank, where sho had had a substantial deposit for some time past. The manager, who had an eve for a pretty woman, received her personally in his office, and a deed box was placed at her disposal. It was with a sigh of relief that she left the building and entered her car, in which Tomkins sat, so solidlike in bis air of respectability; " Back to the hotel and then home to the Manor House," she told him. "Everything all right, miss?" he asked her, and his lips scarcely moved. " Quito satisfactory. But I am rather tired and shall be glad to be back home." It was indeed a pleasant drive back to the country, and Irma lay back on the cushions with an air of quiet satisfaction, and she decided to dismiss _ from her mind the disposal of the jewels until she had eil'ected the Silbermann haul, which promised to be a really profitable venture. She was received by Rawlings the car pulled up before the entrance to the Manor House, and after a stately bow he took her suitcase. "All right?" he asked under his breath "It is a beautiful day, isn't it, Rawlings? One could not fail to be happy with such gorgeous sunshine." she answered, and passed into the house. " I hope there is something to eat. I am simply starving. Where is 1 the professor?" I

" Luncheon is about to bo served. Miss Susan is playing golf with Mr. Qtiayle. She said she would probably remain at the club until the evening. Mr. Peter Quayle left a message for you, saying that he would be glad if you would go round and make a foursome," Rawlings announced suavely. " Damn Mr. Peter Quayle," lrma said under her breath. " I am going to wash. Please tell the professor that 1 ghall bo ready in five minutes, and ask him, not to be late." It was a quarter of an hour before she entered the dining room, and then Rutherford was seated and eating rapidly.

" Could you not wait for me?" " Rawlings said five minutes, and I thought you had forgotten. It is all right. Irma—he is keeping the food hot for you." " I detest warmed-up food. Have you written out particulars for me?" " Of what?" asked the professor. " Don't bo an old fool. Pull yourself together. Have you forgotten that you went to Silbermann's place a couple of days ago?" " Indeed, I have not. He has a thoroughly interesting collection. He invited me to go again, and I shall seize the first opportunity." "Have you drawn out the plans?" " What plans?" he asked, for his thoughts were evidently elsewhere. " Do you want to drive me mad? I hav& had a nervous time. Stop dreaming, you idiot. Did you get the information I wanted when you went to Silbermann's ?"

" Oh, 1 had forgotten all about it," he cried, and looked at her with frightened eves.

" But I presume that you took notice while you were there? Or had you eyes only for the collection?" she demanded accusingly. "Irma, I think 1 am getting too old for the work you want. Can't you use someone else? Besides, I am sick to death of it," he said wearily. She stood up and glared at him. raising her hand as though she would strike him, but controlled herself with an effort.

" We will go to your room. You had better drink a stiff whisky and soda. It will do you good. Come along," she said roughly, and placing her hand under his arm led him from the room. As they reached the hall lrma heard someone talking to Rawlings at the door, and tried to hurry the professor along, but Peter came in and approached her.

" Glad you are back, lrma. Get your clubs and come along. Susan and Roger are waiting for us," he said cheerfully.

" Sorry. 1 can't come," she answered. with a curtness that surprised him.

"And why not, pray?" " 1 have business to talk oyer with ho professor which is no business of •ours."

"Is that true, professor?'' " There is something which Miss Neville wishes to discuss with me, but 1 am not feeling very well." " That is quite sufficient excuse, Irma, to break off your talk. I will not have the professor worried, so get your clubs. T have got my car outside, and we shall be on the links iti a brace of shakes. Don't look so disagreeable. Your little trip does not seem to have done vou much good," he said airily. With a supreme effort Irma succeeded in controlling her anger, and decided that it would not be wise to quarrel with this persevering young man. Besides, she could handle the professor later on in the evening, when he might prove to be more amenable. "All right, I'll come," she said, with a sigh of resignation. CHAPTER VII. It was curious, but when they got into Peter's car, and Irma was seated beside him, the ingine refused to function, and lie jumped out. displaying pronounced surprise. "Ye gods! What has happened now?" he said, and proceeded to make several tests, all of which were without result. • "Perhaps you have run out of petrol?" Irma remarked dryly; but he shook his head, after examining the gauge. "No. 1 'Hir'l up yesterday. J confess 1 ai . not much of a mechanic. What about your fellow? Perhaps he might run us down in your car, and then come back and see what is wrong with the Alvis. I must say it is the first time she lias let nie down, and I have absolute faith in her." "Very well. I expect Tomkins has finished his dinner by this time," she said, after a pause, and called to Rawlings to fetch her chauffeur. A few minutes later they were seated in Inna's car, and Peter made the final suggestion that he himself should drive, and that Tomkins might bo good enough to attend to his Alvis while they were playing golf. "A good bus, yours," remarked Peter, as he pressed his foot on the accelerator, and made no further remark until he pulled up in the shedlike garage which was used by the members. Roger and Susan had waited for them, but neither uttered a complaint at the delay in Irma and Peter's arrival, for they had been talking together earnestly. As a matter of fact. Roger had welcomed his departure to fetch Irma, for it gave him an opportunity of talking alone with Susan. It appeared that she had already detected something strange in his manner toward her that morning, and was troubled. (To be continued daUrl