Then
Johnstone bore off his purple prize, set in red and gold.
The wide ripple of excitement caused by General Abercromby's reported
arrival had crowded the railway station. Hugh Johnstone chuckled,
"Evidently Hawke knows nothing," as the two old friends drove away
in splendid state. But Major Hawke, an hour later, at his Club, was
suddenly interrupted in a cozy breakfast by the most unceremonious
entrance of Major Harry Hardwicke, whose promotion was at last
gazetted. "Hello! I see you're a Major now. Lucky devil! What can
I do for you, Hardwicke?" cried Alan Hawke, eyeing the haggard and
worn-looking young officer with a strange dawning suspicion of the
truth. "Did he know, too, of the Hegira?"
Major Hardwicke threw himself down in a chair, curtly saying: "You
can tell me who effectuated this lightning disappearance act of
Madame Delande and young Miss Johnstone."
"You speak in riddles to me, Hardwicke," coolly said the wary Major.
"I've just come in from Allahabad with General Abercromby, who is
here to settle old Johnstone's accounts. I know nothing of what
you refer to. I expected to meet both the ladies at dinner to-day."
"Then I will not uselessly take up your time, Major Hawke," gloomily
rejoined Hardwicke, as he picked up his sword, and, with a cold
formal bow, quitted the room.
"I must watch this young fool," growled Alan Hawke. "Thank my
lucky stars, the woman is far away! But, he's well connected, has
a brilliant record, and is a V.
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