The next morning, with the help of the high collar and a little
strategy, my companion's incognito was preserved, and by half-past
eleven we had breakfasted and were once more in the car. It was
another brilliant day, and at five minutes past twelve we ran into
Steeple Abbas. Eve was sitting in front by my side this time. As we
turned into the main street, I slowed down. Outside 'The Three Bulls'
stood the limousine, weather-beaten a little and its nickel work dull,
but seemingly all right. In the middle of the road stood a chauffeur,
his cap pushed back and a hand to his head. As we approached, he
looked away from the little writing-block and stared up at the
signboard of the inn. When he heard the car approaching, he made for
the pavement, turning a puzzled face in our direction. At that moment
I heard Jill's voice.
"Berry, Berry, I can hear a car coming. I expect it's Boy."
There was not a moment to lose. Quick as a flash I drew alongside the
limousine, which stood on our left between us and the hotel. Then I
stopped, stood up, leaned across my companion and opened the big car's
door.
"Good-bye, dear," I said.
The next moment she had changed cars. To thrust her rug and
dressing-case after her was the work of a second. For a moment I held
her hand to my lips. Then I shut the door, slipped back into my seat,
and drove on and in to the kerb. As I pulled up, Jill came running
down the steps of the inn.
"Then you got home all right, Boy?"
Before I had time to answer, Berry appeared in the doorway. "Aha,"
said he, "the brave's return! Skaul! You are late, but never mind.
Skaul again, my pathfinder. I thought of you when I was going to bed.
Was the snow-hut comfortable? I hope you didn't find that coat too
much? It isn't really cold, you know. Now, when I was in Patagonia--"
"Are you all ready?" said I. "I'm just coming in to warm my hands." I
followed Jill up the steps. In the doorway I turned and took off my
hat. The chauffeur was starting up the limousine. And Eve was leaning
forward, looking out of the open window. As I smiled, she kissed her
hand to me.
Ten minutes later we left 'The Three Bulls.' I had thrown my gauntlets
on to the front seat before I entered the inn. As I drew on the right
one, I felt a sheet of paper in its cuff. I plucked it out, wondering.
It had been torn from the writing-block, and bore the message I had
written for Falcon the night before. The signature was Evelyn Fairie,
and underneath had been added, "Castle Charing, Somerset. With my
love."
I slipped it into my pocket and started the car.
"And how did Jilly get on?" I said abstractedly, as we rolled down the
street.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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