The Wooden Hand: A Detective Story — David Hume — John Shaqi
The Wooden Hand: A Detective Story
David Hume · en
"By the window," said Giles. "I explained to Father Don here, in
London. Hill has taken up his quarters in a Japanese room on the
west side of the house, just over the wall. There are French
windows opening on to the lawn. You can steal up and the grass
will deaden the sound of footsteps. It goes right up to the
window. That may be open. If not, Jerry can burst it, and then you
and Don can enter."
"But if Hill isn't alone?"
"Well then, act as you think best. Mrs. Hill's twice the man her
husband is. She might give the alarm. But there's no one in the
house, and she'll have to sing out pretty loudly before the alarm
can be given to the village."
"There won't be any alarm," said Father Don calmly. "I intend to make
use of that paper I got from you. Where did you get it, Merry?"
"From Butsey. I found him with Strode's blue pocket-book, and made
a grab at it. I saw notes. But Butsey caught those and bolted. I
got the book and some papers. The one I gave you, Don, will make
Hill give up the diamonds, if he has them."
"He must have them," said Don decidedly, "we know from the letter
sent to Mask, and which was left at his office by Butsey, that the
hand could be opened. I did open it and found nothing. I believe
that Strode stored the diamonds therein. If Hill stole the hand,
and took it home, he must have found the diamonds, and they are
now in his possession. I expect he looked for them."
"No," said Merry grimly, "he was looking for that paper you intend
to show him. He'll give up the diamonds smart enough, when he
sees that. Then you can make for Westhaven----"
"What of the charry-bang?" asked Jerry in heavy tones.
"That's a blind. It will come round at eleven, but by that time we
will all be on our way to Westhaven. If there is pursuit, Wasp and
his friend will follow in the wrong direction. Then Father Don can
make for Antwerp, and later we can sell the diamonds. But no
larks," said Merry, showing his teeth, "or there will be trouble."
"Suppose young Hill and his friend tell the police?"
"Oh," said Giles, grinning, "they will do so at the risk of the
contents of that paper being made public. Don't be a fool, Don,
you've got the whole business in your own hands. I don't want a
row, as I have to meet a lady in a few days," Giles grinned again,
when he thought of Lady Ipsen, "and we have to do business."