QUAYLE OF THE YARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22741, 29 May 1937, Page 15 (Supplement)

QUAYLE OF THE YARD

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

CHAPTER XX.'—(Continued)

The next morning lie arrived at the Manor House punctually at the time arranged for, and found Susan awaiting him at tlio door. "Father is ready, but there is no one to carry our luggage except tiro maid. It 'seems that Rawlings went away late last night without leaving any word, i wonder if it is safe to go away during his absence?" asked Susan. "I don't believe for a moment that the presence of Kawlings in the house means safety. I think you are well rid of the fellow. By the by, I intend to have a talk to your father before I leave Fail-port to-night, and I have something to say to you." "What is it P" she asked quickly, and an anxious expression had appeared in her eyes.

"It is good news, and at tho same time bad, Father has asked me to promise him that we shall not be married for at least twelve months. Wo won't talk about it now, but perhaps you will give me your opinion later on. i do understand that he has not meant to be unkind either to you or myself, when he forbade the engagement. "Good morning, mj- boy," cried tho professor, appearing with a bag in his hand." It was a splendid idea of yours to get away, and 1 am looking forward to the trip!"

"Let me take that for you," cried Roger, and seizing the suitcase, placed it in the back of the car. Then he went inside the hall to collect the other pieces of luggage, all of which were quickly stowed away. "Will you sit in front with me, sir?" Roger asked politely, but the professor shook his head laughingly. "I was young once myself. I feel better already," he exclaimed, sighing his relief as lie fixed himself amid the haggage at the back. A few moments later -they were driving away, with the car turned toward the coast. For quite a little while there was little conversation between the lovers, and Susan was the first to break the silence.

"Dearest, I think you should give your father the promise for which he asks. It is such a tremendous relief to know that our marriage is no longer forbidden. After all, we are both young and time soon passes. It is funny what father said just now. 1, too, feel as if a tremendous load has been removed from niv mind. Oh. Roger, darling, how I had grown to loathe the Manor House —and Irma," she added, under her breath.

"1, too, am glad that you are no longer sharing the same roof. Dearest, you shall never do so again. I am going to ask that promise of you." "For my part I shall be only too glad to give it, and we will talk to dad to-night—both of ns." Before leaving Quayle Court. Roger had telephoned to the hotel, of which he had such pleasant recollections in his younger days, and engaged a couple of bedrooms. They arrived in time for luncheon, and after the meal was over the three of them strolled along tho beach until they reached a tiny cove, where they settled themselves down in the sunshine. Then Roger proceeded to tackle the professor, explaining to him what his lather had said 011 the previous night about marriage. "I hope, sir, you will give your daughter to me when I am in a position to provide for a wife." "This has taken me by surprise, Roger, although now 1 can see that 1 have been blind. It may be that it will be my duty to have a serious talk with you before any marriage with Susan can take place, so perhaps the year's delay is advisable." "I hope you don't object to me, sir, as a 'son." "On the contrary. Anything I may have to say to you only affects me personally. I do not think I can confide Susan to better hands than yours." "Thank you. And now may we talk of something else —of Miss Neville? 1 understand something of the financial arrangements you have made with her, but isn't it possible for you to write to her to-night and say that you do not intend to return to the Manor House. "I could do that, but it would need courage." "Courage?" Roger repeated question Iv. "I can't explain things to you now," cried the professor, his eyes resting on his daughter, and Roger hated to see their expression, which was one of deep anxiety, almost amounting to terror. Roger did not pursue the subject farther, although lie remained with them until it was time to start back. He had decided to reach Quayle Court in time for dinner, and to give his father the promise for which, he had asked.

CHAPTER, XXL When Josef Renault had visited Irma. at her hotel 110 deal had been effected, for he had refused to make what she thought to be a satisfactory offer for the Toot, which had been trebled in value by the • addition of tho Silbermaim collection, which had been deposited at her bank, with the proceeds of the other burglaries. It was Renault who had suggested that she should accompany him to Amsterdam, and he

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STORY OF CRIME, ADVENTURE, HONOUR AND LOVE

should act as her agent in the disposal of the loot, receiving a commission for his services. Irma came to the conclusion that this would be a wise move and she. accepted his offer. Then came her meeting with Thorn, and she was always ready for an affair with a young and good-looking man, so she decided to pursue the adventure. Moreover, his presence with her in Holland would make her less conspicuous. And then came the introduction of tile man she knew as Amstel, and slie was only too glad that he should travel with them, as he evidently knew the country well, being a Dutchman by extraction. Accordingly, when she returned to her hotel after visiting the bank she telephoned to Renault at his flat, explaining to him that she was travelling with friends and that it would be safer that he should not join them en route, but meet her in Amsterdam immediately after her arrival there. "When you get there make inquiries about a Mr. Hans Amstel, whose father was in the diamond trade. He's one of the friends I'm travelling with and he may prove to be useful,' she had concluded. So during the drive to the station she had told Thorn that she had received word, just before leaving the hotel, that her friend was unable to join, her that night, but would follow by air the next morning. "Therefore, I'm exceedingly glad to have your company, Mr. Thorn, and yours, Mr. Amstel, or L should have been alone. And I don't like journeying by myself," she said graciously.

"It's hardly wise for one so attractive as yourself," Thorn answered, and gave her a boldly admiring glance. "I hope I'm not going to find myself de trop, Peter said with a smile. "Personally, I'm very grateful, for if you had met Mr. Thorn I fear that f should not have had the pleasure of his company. Besides, both he and I are strangers to the country and we're hoping that you will be of service to us. Isn't that a selfish remark?" she asked laughingly. "Not at all, for it assures me that I shall not be in the way. May I ask if this trip is one of pleasure only, or have you some business over there?" Peter asked suavely.

"It's one of business and pleasure combined."

"Chiefly the latter, I hope," Thorn said gallantly and she smiled sweetly in answer.

Crawley was awaiting them at the station and had reserved a carriage, in which jthey took their seats at once. After a little discussion they had decided to postpone their meal until they arrived on board, when they could eat in comfort and at their leisure. Peter sat nj'xt to the window and his eyes searched the platform, and his expression did not alter when he saw Renault

—Humorist i pass their carriage and give a look at , irma, but make 110 sign of recognition. ; As soon as the train started Peter took up art evening paper and began to , read, while Thorn continued his siege of Irma's heart. Had she been some ordinary woman lie would have gloried in his task, for she appealed to him both mentally and physically. However, lie noticed how deftly she avoided answering any questions concerning herself and yet gave no impression that she was concealing anything of importance. When they reached the quay Peter slipped his hand under Thorn's arm and seized an opportunity of whispering to him: "What a perfect gigolo you would make! Carry 011 with the good work, old chap. You are doing splendidly, f believe the woman is really falling for your manly beauty. See that fat, greasy-looking chap ahead of us. Take a good squint at him —he is Josef Renault. j\ow, run on and pay attention to your inamorata," said Peter with a cheerful grin, for he was in his element and enjoying himself to the full. Before going into the dining-saloon their cabins were visited, and when he looked round Peter was careful to choose a table for their meal which was as far distant as possible from the one nt which Renault was already eating. Irma and Thorn came in together and it would seem that the former had made some change in her plans, for she bowed to Josef before seating herself. "That is the friend of whom I spoke. There must have been a mistake in the telephone message 1 received. I must have a few words with him, if you will excuse me," she explained, and rising, walked quickly over to Renault. "Josef, there was a telegram awaiting me 011 board. I did not intend to recognise you, but the message has made 1110 uneasy. It's from Rawlings and lie says that he's flying over to Amsterdam in the morning and must see me at once. It's evidently something of importance and I don't think it can be good. Still, I don't believe I left any clue by which I could be traced," she said reflectively. "Who arc those men with you?" "The good-looking one is a friend — a would-be lover and I'm using him as camouflage." "And the other?" "An Anglo-Dutchman and a friend of Thorn's. You remember my message about his father. Find out what you can about him. He is a pleasant and •simple youth and we may find him" useful. Now, I must get back to them. After you have finished eating you may as well join us." "All right. As you know, I do like company—preferably female. I wish I'd brought my girl with mo." "Which one?" Irma asked lightly, and left him. (To be continued daily)