His
composure in part returned and he thought rapidly. What did this
strange man know? Was he simply making shrewd guesses, or had he
some mysterious knowledge of this matter? Walcott could not know
that Mason meant only Fate, that he believed her to be his great
enemy. Walcott had never before doubted his own ability to meet
any emergency. This mighty jerk had carried him off his feet. He
was unstrung and panic-stricken. At any rate this man had promised
help. He would take it. He put the paper and envelope carefully
into his pocket, smoothed out his rumpled coat, and going over to
Mason touched him on the shoulder.
"Come," he said, "if you are to help me we must go."
The man turned and followed him without a word. In the hall Mason
put on his hat and overcoat, and the two went out into the street.
Walcott hailed a cab, and the two were driven to his house on the
avenue. Walcott took out his latchkey, opened the door, and led
the way into the library. He turned on the light and motioned
Mason to seat himself at the table. Then he went into another room
and presently returned with a bundle of papers and a decanter of
brandy.
Pages:
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125