I
suppose the fact of the animal being nameless was what attracted me."
"Did it win?" asked Jerton.
"No, came in fourth, the most irritating thing a horse can do when you've
backed it win or place. Anyhow, I know now that I'm not Lady Befnal."
"It seems to me that the knowledge was rather dearly bought," commented
Jerton.
"Well, yes, it has rather cleared me out," admitted the identity-seeker;
"a florin is about all I've got left on me. The lobster Newburg made my
lunch rather an expensive one, and, of course, I had to tip that boy for
what he did to the Kestrel-Smith locks. I've got rather a useful idea,
though. I feel certain that I belong to the Pivot Club; I'll go back to
town and ask the hall porter there if there are any letters for me. He
knows all the members by sight, and if there are any letters or telephone
messages waiting for me of course that will solve the problem. If he
says there aren't any I shall say: 'You know who I am, don't you?' so
I'll find out anyway."
The plan seemed a sound one; a difficulty in its execution suggested
itself to Jerton.
"Of course," said the lady, when he hinted at the obstacle, "there's my
fare back to town, and my bill here and cabs and things. If you'll lend
me three pounds that ought to see me through comfortably. Thanks ever
so. Then there is the question of that luggage: I don't want to be
saddled with that for the rest of my life. I'll have it brought down to
the hall and you can pretend to mount guard over it while I'm writing a
letter.
Pages:
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172