I was inexpressibly relieved. The picture, then, was not that of M. Felix, but of Emilia's husband. I was glad to possess it, and glad also of the mute evidence it presented, denoting that the original must have been of a frank and honest nature. I put it in my pocket without scruple12; intrinsically the portrait was of no value, and I considered myself entitled to appropriate it. To make sure, however, that the likeness was not that of M. Felix, I showed it to Mrs. Middlemore, without informing her how I had become possessed13 of it. She had never seen it, she said, and it was not a portrait of M. Felix, who was a different kind of man. Satisfied on this point I went out with Sophy to hire a servant to take her place in her absence. We had no difficulty in obtaining one; as Sophy had said, we could have obtained a score, and we picked out the nicest and most amenable14, the choice being Sophy's, upon whose judgment15 in this selection it was safest to depend. The new domestic being officially installed in Mrs. Middlemore's kitchen, I gave that worthy16 woman "something on account," and bade her good-morning, and told her that Sophy and I would probably be absent for two or three weeks.
"You'll take care of 'er, sir, I'm sure," said Mrs. Middlemore.
"You need have no anxiety," I replied. "She will be quite safe with me."
Before these words were exchanged I had asked Sophy whether she was still of the same mind as she had been on the previous evening.
"'Course I am," said Sophy. "I wouldn't give it up for nothink you could orfer me."
She had given herself "a good scrub," and had tidied her hair, and I was surprised at the difference this made in her appearance.
"Now, Sophy," I said, after I had bidden Mrs. Middlemore good-by, "here are four sovereigns. Go to some wardrobe shop where you are not known, and buy a complete outfit17 of second-hand18 decent clothes, stockings, petticoats, boots, and everything you wear, and come to my rooms in them at half-past one. Be careful that you choose neat clothing, nothing showy or conspicuous19; the way you are dressed the next time I see you will prove whether you understand what it is I wish you to do."
"You sha'n't find fault with me," said Sophy, with tears in her eyes. "I never thought I should 'ave sech a slice of luck as this."
At noon I was in my chambers20, having arranged with the editor of the Evening Moon for another absence from duty. Bob Tucker was to come at one, and I employed the intervening minutes in setting things right in my rooms. I should have liked to go to Emilia for the purpose of showing her the picture I had found, and of receiving confirmation21 that it was a portrait of her husband, but I had not the time. The chimes of Westminster had just proclaimed the half-hour when I heard a knock at the outer door of my chambers. "Bob is early," I thought, and I went and opened the door. A stranger confronted me, a middle-aged22 man, with sandy hair and light fluffy23 whiskers, and of a rather ponderous24 build.
"I have come to see Mr. Agnold," said the stranger.
"He is busy," I replied, testily25, "and cannot be seen." I did not know the man, and the business I had to transact26 was too important for interruption.
"I will wait," said the stranger, coolly.
"It will be useless waiting," I said. "Mr. Agnold cannot be seen to-day."
"I will wait till to-morrow," said the stranger, pulling his fluffy whiskers, and gazing at me with more than warrantable attention.
"Yes," I said, "call to-morrow, and unless your errand is urgent and personal do not call at all. Mr. Agnold's time is valuable."
I closed the door unceremoniously in his face and re-entered my sitting-room. My behavior is open to an unfavorable construction, I admit, but bachelors living in chambers in the houses roundabout are much annoyed by persons who intrude27 at all unseasonable hours, and who for the most part turn out to be commercial travellers desirous to show you samples of goods you do not want. But there was another reason in this particular instance for my unceremonious treatment of the uninvited visitor. All the time he was speaking to me I was conscious that he was observing me in a manner which I resented. There was an intentional28 rudeness in his pertinacious29 scrutiny30 which aroused in me a certain anger, which, reasonably or unreasonably31, was a guide in my conduct toward him.
I resumed my employment, but my mind was disturbed by the incident, and I could not drive it away. The man could not be a commercial traveller, I reflected, for those individuals are models of pleasantry and politeness, and do everything in their power to win your good graces. What, therefore, could be his object in paying me a visit? Had I done wrong in sending him away without inquiring its nature?
"Confound the fellow!" I said. "He has got into my head and is likely to remain there, a fixture32. I suppose he has gone."
I went to the door and threw it open. On a little bench in the lobby outside sat the man, quietly and patiently.
"Not gone!" I cried.
"Not gone," he replied.
"You heard what I said, did you not?"
"Perfectly33. You said Mr. Agnold cannot be seen today. Upon which I replied that I would wait till to-morrow."
"To wait here?" I exclaimed.
"Yes, to wait here till to-morrow, or the next day, or the next. In point of fact, to wait till I have had a few minutes' chat with Mr. Agnold."
"I am Mr. Agnold," I said, angrily.
"I knew that all along," he said, with irritating politeness.
"What is it you want with me? Will you detain me long?"
"Not very long; it will depend upon yourself. I come on behalf of Dr. Peterssen."
My anger instantly subsided34; I became as cool as my visitor.
"Enter," I said, "and let us get it over. Who is Dr. Peterssen, and what has he got to do with me, or I with him?"
These last words were spoken when my visitor and I were standing36 face to face in my sitting-room.
"Oh, I am not here to answer questions," said my visitor. "I have a commission to execute, and a question or two myself to ask on behalf of Dr. Peterssen."
"Which I shall answer or not, as I please."
"Of course it is entirely37 within your discretion38; I cannot force you; I am merely an instrument."
"I must know with whom I am conversing," I said, "before we proceed further."
He handed me a card, on which was printed, "Mr. Nettlefold, The Elms, Ealing."
"I never heard of you," I said, putting the card on the table.
"I can't help that," he responded. "Perhaps it will expedite matters if I inform you that I do not come from Dr. Peterssen direct. Before presenting myself to you I paid a visit to Mr. Bob Tucker."
I was confounded. Was the cunning scheme suggested by Bob, and to carry out which I had enlisted39 Sophy's services, to be nipped in the bud?
"Mr. Tucker," continued Mr. Nettlefold, "refused all explanations, and referred me to you, who, it seems, are the prime mover in this affair."
"In what affair?"
"As you are aware, Dr. Peterssen resides at Tylney House, Sheldon. He desires this fact to be widely known, having no motives42 for secrecy43. Mr. Bob Tucker has been prowling about this neighborhood lately, making inquiries44 concerning Dr. Peterssen, and prying into his private affairs in a manner to which Dr. Peterssen does not propose to submit."
"A nice mess Bob has made of it," I thought. "What a fool I was to trust to him!"
"I beg your pardon," said Mr. Nettlefold, "did you speak?"
"I did not."
"I thought I saw your lips move. To continue. Mr. Bob Tucker could not have been aware that while he was thus clumsily playing Paul Pry4, he was himself being watched, and that all the information given to him of Dr. Peterssen's affairs was false. When Mr. Tucker left Sheldon he was followed and his address in London discovered. He paid you a visit last night, and your address was discovered. I am commissioned by Dr. Peterssen to inquire your motive41 for your proceedings45?"
"I shall answer no questions. Finish your commission, and go."
"Very well. I am instructed to say that should Mr. Bob Tucker, or you, or any person in your employ, come again to Sheldon for the purpose of making injurious inquiries, he, you, or the other person will receive a sound horsewhipping, and after that a ducking in a convenient pond. That is all. Have you anything to say?"
"Just one observation. You can tell Dr. Peterssen in the plainest possible terms that I know him to be an infernal scoundrel, and that it is my intention to expose him. I shall visit Sheldon very soon, and he will have an opportunity of putting his threats into execution; it will then be seen who has the most to fear, he or I. There is the door, Mr. Nettlefold. Remove yourself quickly, if you do not wish to be removed."
To my astonishment46, my visitor, instead of hurrying to the door, threw himself into my most comfortable arm-chair, and burst into a loud fit of laughter. I had not recovered from my astonishment before he spoke35.
"Capital. Capital. Settled my disguise last night. Carried it out this morning. Took me about an hour. Altered my voice. Altered the way I speak as Bob Tucker. Changed my clothes. And my hair. And my manner. Rather good isn't it? Compliment me."
And there in my chair sat, not Mr. Nettlefold, but my old friend Bob Tucker, laughing and wagging his head at the trick he had played me.
"Upon my word, Bob," I said with a feeling of great relief, "you gave me a turn. I should never have known you."
"Thought you wouldn't. When I looked in the glass didn't know myself. Thought I was another fellow. Thought I'd try it on you first, to make sure, you know."
"Bob," I said, shaking hands heartily47 with him, "you're splendid. Scotland Yard's a fool to you. I would trust you with my life."
"You might. It would be quite safe with me. So long as you kept your breath. Think I'm a match for Peterssen?"
"For a dozen Peterssens. You're a gem48 of the first water. I've hardly got over it."
"Don't think any more of it. Plenty of time by and by. Always knew I was cut out for this sort of thing. Let's to business. You see what I've done. What have you done?"
"I have got the girl."
"Good. Sharp! Clever! Cool!"
"You shall see her; she will be here soon."
Then I related to him everything I knew of Sophy, and dwelt especially upon her behavior on the night of the disappearance49 of the body of M. Felix, which I could see made a powerful impression upon him.
"By Jove!" he exclaimed. "Got pluck, that girl. Seems just the article we want."
His admiration50 increased when I told him of the expedient51 suggested by Sophy to keep her lack of education from the knowledge of Dr. Peterssen's people.
"She's a nugget," he said. "Take quite an interest in her already. Possibilities in that girl. She will come through this affair with flying colors."
"That is my opinion, Bob. She will be a relation of yours, I suppose."
"Step-daughter," he said, with a wink52. "By my first wife. The girl in the way then. Much more in the way now. Why? Her mother's dead, and I'm married again. Conundrum53. What relation is she to my second wife? Work it out. Name, Maria. A perfect encumbrance54. Dumb from her birth. And silly. Horrible nuisance. No vice40 in her. Not dangerous in the least. Therefore, friendly patient. No restraint or punishment. To be allowed to go about the house and grounds. Do as she likes. Must sleep in room by herself. Will give no trouble. Quarter paid in advance. Make her happy, and she shall remain for years. Must be kindly55 treated. Will programme do?"
"It is excellently arranged."
"I go down as Mr. Nettlefold, The Elms, Ealing. Cousin of mine lives there. Should letters addressed Nettlefold arrive, will forward them on to me wherever I am. As I say, go down as Mr. Nettlefold. Leave Sheldon as such. Return to Sheldon as another man. To watch over Sophy, otherwise Maria. Got danger signals ready." He produced a number of small pellets, some blue, some white, weighted, and attached to thin cords. "Sophy," he continued, "otherwise Maria, ties these to underclothing. Stays. String of petticoat. Anything. Detaches one when required. I'll instruct her. Every day one thrown over wall. None thrown, go in and see her. Quite safe. Will she remain long?"
I answered that I thought she would be able to get hold of the desk in less than a week, and that under no circumstances should she remain longer than a fortnight. If she could not accomplish her task in that time it would be useless to keep her there. We continued talking about the arrangements till half-past one, when my faithful and punctual Sophy made her appearance. She looked the picture of neatness, and her eyes beamed when I expressed approval of her attire56. Bob gazed upon her with satisfaction.
"She'll do," he said. "You keep quiet. I'll take her in hand."
I left it to him to explain matters and to teach her her lesson. He could have had no apter pupil; in less than half an hour she was proficient57.
"We start, the three of us," said Bob, "at three o'clock. Not for Sheldon. Four miles from there is a large village, Nutford. We put up there. Arrive six-twenty. Have dinner. Dark night. Walk to Sheldon. Reconnoitre. Show you the wall, where you can get over. If you want to. Show you where to throw pellets. Four o'clock every afternoon. Convenient time. Dr. Peterssen probably away. Feel all right?"
"As right as a trivet," said Sophy.
"You're a girl--after my own heart. Have something to eat before we start. Tuck away."
At three o'clock we were in the train which was to convey us to our destination.
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1
dagger
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| n.匕首，短剑，剑号 | |
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sitting-room
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| n.（BrE）客厅，起居室 | |
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conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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pry
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| vi.窥(刺)探，打听；vt.撬动(开，起) | |
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prying
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| adj.爱打听的v.打听，刺探（他人的私事）( pry的现在分词 )；撬开 | |
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likeness
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| n.相像，相似（之处） | |
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mused
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| v.沉思，冥想( muse的过去式和过去分词 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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dressing
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| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
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fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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scruple
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| n./v.顾忌，迟疑 | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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amenable
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| adj.经得起检验的；顺从的；对负有义务的 | |
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judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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outfit
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| n.（为特殊用途的）全套装备，全套服装 | |
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second-hand
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| adj.用过的，旧的，二手的 | |
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conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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chambers
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| n.房间( chamber的名词复数 )；（议会的）议院；卧室；会议厅 | |
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confirmation
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| n.证实，确认，批准 | |
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middle-aged
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| adj.中年的 | |
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fluffy
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| adj.有绒毛的，空洞的 | |
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ponderous
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| adj.沉重的，笨重的，(文章)冗长的 | |
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testily
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| adv. 易怒地, 暴躁地 | |
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transact
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| v.处理；做交易；谈判 | |
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intrude
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| vi.闯入；侵入；打扰，侵扰 | |
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intentional
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| adj.故意的，有意（识）的 | |
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pertinacious
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| adj.顽固的 | |
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scrutiny
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| n.详细检查，仔细观察 | |
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unreasonably
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| adv. 不合理地 | |
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fixture
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| n.固定设备；预定日期；比赛时间；定期存款 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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subsided
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| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的过去式和过去分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
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spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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enlisted
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| adj.应募入伍的v.（使）入伍， （使）参军( enlist的过去式和过去分词 )；获得（帮助或支持） | |
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vice
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| n.坏事；恶习；[pl.]台钳，老虎钳；adj.副的 | |
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motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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secrecy
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| n.秘密，保密，隐蔽 | |
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inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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48
gem
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| n.宝石，珠宝；受爱戴的人 [同]jewel | |
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49
disappearance
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| n.消失，消散，失踪 | |
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50
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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51
expedient
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| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
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52
wink
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| n.眨眼，使眼色，瞬间；v.眨眼，使眼色，闪烁 | |
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53
conundrum
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| n.谜语；难题 | |
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54
encumbrance
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| n.妨碍物，累赘 | |
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55
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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proficient
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| adj.熟练的，精通的；n.能手，专家 | |
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