The King of Diamonds: A Tale of Mystery and AdventureTracy, Louis
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The King of Diamonds: A Tale of Mystery and Adventure
Tracy, Louis
Detective and mystery stories; Fiction
"Leaving Scarsdale at 2.30 P. M. Passing through Malton at four
o'clock, and reach York five-ten. Dr. Scarth permits journey, and
accompanies me. Send any further messages care of respective
station masters prior to hours named. Accept statement implicitly
that I will reach London to-night. Will wire you from York certain;
earlier if necessary. As for identity, you will recall May 15th,
Hyde Park, near Stanhope Gate, four o'clock."
Evelyn and he alone knew that at that spot on the day and hour named,
they became engaged.
The policeman valiantly lent the few shillings necessary, and the sturdy
horse from the Fox and Hounds tore back to Scarsdale.
But the constable was of additional value. His researches in Scarsdale
provided a fairly accurate history and description of the two denizens
of the Grange House.
Philip himself had, of course, seen "Dr. Williams" in broad daylight and
undisguised--not yet could he remember where he heard that
smooth-tongued voice. Jocky Mason he only pictured hazily after the
lapse of years, but the policeman's details of his personal appearance
coincided exactly with Philip's recollection, allowing for age and the
hardships of convict life.
At last came the doctor, with a valise.
"I am sorry," he laughed, "but all the money I can muster at such short
notice is twelve pounds."
"I began life once before with three halfpence," was the cheery reply.
The few inhabitants of the hamlet gathered to see them off, and the
fisherman's wife was moved to screw her apron into her eyes when Philip
shook hands with her, saying that she would see him again in a few days.
"Eh, but he's a bonny lad," was her verdict. "'Twas a fair sham' te
treat him soa."
At Scarsdale and at Malton again came loving words from Evelyn. Now she
knew who it was who telegraphed to her.
And the mysterious Philip Anson at York remained dumb.
"The wretch!" she said to her mother. "To dare to open my letter and
send me impudent replies."
More than once she thought of going to York to meet her lover, but she
wisely decided against this course. Mr. Abingdon was out of town, and
Philip might need some one he could trust to obey his instructions in
London.
At ten minutes past five Anson and Dr. Scarth arrived in York.
A long discourse in the train gave them a plan. They would not appeal at
once to the police. Better clear the mist that hid events before the aid
of the law was invoked. There were two of them, and the assistance of
the hotel people could be obtained if necessary.
They hurried first to the station master's office. Anything for Anson?
Yes. Only a few words of entreaty from Evelyn to avoid further risk.
Then to the hotel. They sought the manager.
"Is there a man staying here who represents that his name is Philip
Anson?"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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