Call Mr. Fortune | Page 8

frowning... She panted a little and began to smile. Then faintly, softly, "No, no. No more now. Ah, dearest." It was in her own language. She opened heavy eyes. " What is it? "
"The Archduke has spoken, madame. He said - your name."
Then she began to cry and, holding out both hands to Reggie, "Let me go to him - please - please."
"Not now. Not yet. He must have no emotions. You will go to your room and sleep."
"You - you are a boy." She laughed through her tears, and thrust her hands into Reggie's.
"I beg your pardon, madame," Reggie said stiffly. The creature was absurdly adorable.
"You? Oh - Englishman." It was made plain to him that he was expected to kiss her hand. He did it like an Englishman. Then the other was put to his lips.
He cleared his embarrassed throat. "I must insist, madame, you will say nothing of this to any one. It's necessary the household should suppose the Archduke still in danger."
"Why? " A spasm crossed her face. " You are afraid of Leopold!"
"And you, madame?" Reggie said.
"Afraid? No, but - " she shuddered " - but he is not a man."
"Have no anxieties, madame. I have none," Reggie said, and opened the door. Then, "She's a bit of a dear," he said to himself, and rang for his lunch.
Four times that afternoon the Archduke Leopold sent to ask for news of his brother, and each time Reggie answered that the patient was much the same. "Leopold will be doin' some thinking," Reggie chuckled. "Happy days for Leopold."
Towards tea-time the Hon. Stanley Lomas arrived, jauntier than ever.
"Well, doctor, been enjoying yourself, what?" He shook hands heartily. "Best congratulations and all that. Sound scheme. Ve-ry sound scheme. Well, I expect you'll be glad to be rid of Leopold, what? I conceive I can put the fear of God into him now. Free hand, don't you know. Let's take him on."
It was announced to the Archduke Leopold that the Hon. Stanley Lomas of the Criminal Investigation Department desired to confer with him. The Archduke, who was drinking tea, was pleased to receive Mr. Lomas. He also received Reggie. "Dr. Fortune? You have something to tell me?"
"There is no change, sir."
"No change yet! And you gave me such hopes this morning. These are anxious hours, Mr. Lomas."
"I can imagine it, sir. But I hope to relieve some of your anxieties. I believe we shall discover who was responsible for last night's outrage."
"So! And so soon! But you are wonderful, you English police. You will sit down, Mr. Lomas." He looked at Reggie, whose lingering naturally surprised him. "Is there anything more, Dr. Fortune?"
"Dr. Fortune is part of my evidence, sir," said Lomas.
"Is it possible? But you interest me - you interest me exceedingly. Permit me one moment." He slid out of the room.
Lomas turned in his chair and lifted an eyebrow at Reggie, who was settling his tie before an old Italian mirror. "Probably gone to change his clothes," Reggie said. "He's only worn one suit to-day."
A footman brought in more tea-things, and a moment after the Archduke came back.
"I am all impatience, Mr. Lomas. But pray take a more comfortable chair. Dr. Fortune - I recommend the chair by the screen. Let me give you some tea." He was all smiles.
"Have you made arrangements to leave England, sir?" Lomas said sharply.
"Mr. Lomas!"
"You have time to catch the mail to-night."
"I hope that I do not understand you, sir. You appear insolent."
"Oh, sir, there will be no delicacy in handling the affair. You went to Dr. Fortune's room this morning." The Archduke gave a glance at Reggie, who sat intent on stirring his tea. "He was preparing an injection of strychnine for his patient."
"Hallo, what's that?" Reggie cried, and nodded at the window. "Oh, I suppose it's the car, Lomas, Your fellows will have found her and brought her round."
'' The car, sir? " the Archduke said, and Lomas put up his eyeglass.
"The car that did the deed."
The Archduke slid across to the window. Lomas, too, stood up and looked out. They turned and stared at Reggie, who was sipping his tea. Lomas frowned. "There's nothing there, Fortune."
The Archduke smiled. "Dr. Fortune has hallucinations," and he pulled out his handkerchief and dabbed his face, sat down, and drank his tea in gulps.
"We'll keep to the point, if you please." Lomas was annoyed. "Dr. Fortune told you that two of his strychnine tablets would kill a man. He went out of the room. While he was gone you dropped half a dozen tablets into the injection prepared for your brother. I have to demand, sir, that you leave England by the next boat."
The Archduke burst out laughing. "The good Dr. Fortune! As you have seen, he has hallucinations. He hears what