The Black Moth
Page 72
My lord dropped his eye-glass.
"What the devil do you mean--'No, sir'?"
"I ask your pardon, sir, an I presume, but I can't and won't let ye ridealone with your wound but just healed." There was not a hint of defianceor impertinence in the quiet voice, but it held a great determination.
"You won't, eh? Do you imagine I am a child?"
"No, sir."
"Or unable to take care of myself?"
"I think ye are weaker than ye know, sir."
"Oh, you do, do you?"
Jim came up to him.
"Ye'll let me ride with ye, sir? I won't trouble ye, and I can ridebehind, but I can't let ye go alone. Ye might faint--sir--"
"I can assure you I am not like to be a pleasant companion!" saidCarstares with a savage little laugh.
"Why, sir, I understand there's something troubling ye. Will ye let mecome?"
My lord scowled up at him, then relented suddenly.
"As you please."
"Thank ye, sir." Salter returned to his packing, cording one bag andplacing it near the door, and quickly filling another. The piles oflinen grew steadily smaller until they disappeared, and he retired intoa cupboard to reappear with a great armful of coats and small-clothes.
For a long while my lord sat silent staring blankly before him. Hewalked to the window and stood with his back to the room, looking out,then he turned and came back to his chair. Jim, watching him covertly,noted that the hard glitter had died out of his eyes, and that he lookedwearier than ever.
Carstares studied his nails for a moment in silence. Presently he spoke:
"Jim."
"Yes, sir?"
"I shall be--going abroad again shortly."
If Carstares had remarked that it was a fine day the man could not haveshown less surprise.
"Shall we, sir?"
John looked across at him, smiling faintly.
"You'll come, Jim?"
"I would go anywhere with ye, sir."
"And what about that little girl at Fittering?"
Salter blushed and stammered hopelessly.
"My dear fellow, since when have I been blind? Did you think I did notknow?"
"Why, sir--well, sir--er--yes, sir!"
"Of course I knew! Can you leave her to come with me?"