Call Mr. Fortune | Page 5

was now in a claret-coloured velvet
which did violence to his complexion and his pale beard. He sat in the
smoking-room with a book on the entomology of Java and a glass of
eau sucree. He smiled at them and waved them to chairs.
" I have to tell you, sir, that your brother lies in grave danger," said Sir
Lawson.
Reggie looked at him sideways.
"Ah, the concussion! It is serious, then? I am deeply distressed."
"The concussion is most serious. There's another matter. In your
brother's chest above the heart, at which it must have been aimed, we
have found-this."
" Mon Dieu! It is a hatpin-a woman's hatpin. But it is incredible! It is
murder."
"Attempted murder."
"But what do you suggest, sir? Do you accuse some one?"
"Not my function. That pin was driven at your brother's heart by some
one. Can you tell me any more, sir?"
The Archduke buried his face in his hands. "I will not believe it," he
muttered - "I will not believe it." After a little he controlled himself.
"Gentlemen, you have a right to my confidence. I will tell you
everything. I trust you to do all that is possible for my poor brother and

for the honour of our family, which to him, as to me, is dearer than life.
You know that he is the heir to the throne of Bohemia. My uncle, the
Emperor, has long been vexed with his living in England. I came here
to persuade my brother to go back to his country. My poor brother had
made his home here at the wish of the Archduchess, who dislikes the
duties of royalty. He was passionately, madly, in love with her. But,
alas! in these love marriages there is often difficulty. They were not of
the same mind upon many things, and the Archduchess is of a
vehement temper. I fear - but you will forgive me if I say no more. I
take one small thing. My brother loved to go walking. The
Archduchess is passionately fond of her motor-car, drives it herself,
loves wild speed. My brother detested motor-cars. I fear that my
coming gave them cause for fresh quarrels. My brother was ready to go
back to Bohemia. The Archduchess was violently opposed to it. I
confess to you, gentlemen, I have feared some scandal, "some madness.
I thought she would leave him. But this - it is appalling."
"The Archduchess was out in her motor-car tonight?" Sir Lawson said.
"Yes. Yes. It is true. But this - must we think it?"
"We have to think of nothing but our duty to our patient," said Sir
Lawson.
The Archduke grasped his hand. "You are right. I thank you. I shall not
forget your fidelity."
The Archduchess whirled into the room. She, as Reggie remarked, had
not cared to change her clothes. She had not even touched her hair,
which was escaping in a wild disorder from under her hat. "They will
not let me see him," she cried. "Leopold -- "
"It is by my instructions, madame," Sir Lawson said. "I am responsible
for the Archduke's safety."
She bit her lip. "Is he so hurt?" she said unsteadily.
"He lies in very grave danger, madame. I permit no one in his room."

She stared at him, her throat quivering, her great eyes bold and bright.
Then with a little shrug she turned away and, plucking at the gold
things which jingled from her waist, took out a cigarette and lit it.
Reggie saw one of those foreign matches with the violet heads.
Sir Lawson made his bow, and Reggie went with him to his car. "Why
did you tell them that the Archduke was in grave danger?" he said.
"He'll be safer if they believe he is going to die," said Sir Lawson.
"Oh, do you think so?" said Reggie, as the car shot away.
Then he made an excellent supper and slept sound.
He found his patient peaceful in the morning. No sign of consciousness
yet, but more colour in the cheeks, a deeper breathing and a stronger
pulse, more warmth. "The Archduchess has come twice in the night to
ask about him, doctor," the nurse said. "I told her he was no better."
'' Did she make a noise?'' Reggie frowned.
"No, she was very good."
Reggie went out to take the air, and the air is not bad on the
Westhampton heights. He made a good pace under the great beeches of
Boldrewood, and came out on the open road across the heath. Just there
he had found the dead man. A dull red stain could still be seen. It was
farther on that the Archduke was struck. Just beyond the turn to
Brendon. He found the place. There