The Case and The Girl | Page 3

of where he waited. The chauffeur, dressed in
plain dark livery, stepped out, and threw open the rear door, without
asking so much as a question. Except that the fellow stood there,
looking directly toward him, his fingers on the latch, expectantly, West
would not have known that he was wanted. Yet it was all so obvious he
could not question. Silently he picked up his bag, and stepped forward.
He saw no one within, but firm in the belief that the chauffeur must
have his orders, he entered blindly, the door closing instantly behind
him. The curtains were drawn, the interior gloomy and indistinct, and
the driver had resumed his seat, and started the motor, before West
realized that he was not alone. In one corner of the wide back seat,
drawn back from any possible observation from without, sat a woman.
At first glance he could only barely distinguish the outlines of her
figure, dimly discernable against the dark background of the upholstery,
but, as his eyes accustomed themselves to the faint light, her features
also became dimly visible--enough so, at least, to convince him that she
was young. Neither spoke for some moments, while the automobile

gathered speed, and West had an uncomfortable feeling that the lady
was watching him with great intentness. Slightly embarrassed, and
uncertain as to his best course of action, the young man remained silent,
his eyes on the burly back of the chauffeur, revealed through the front
glass. He could only quietly await her explanation of this strange
situation. The delay was not a long one. She laughed, nervously
perhaps, yet with a sense of humour at the awkward position.
"Quite melodramatic, is it not, Captain West?" she asked, in a
decidedly pleasant voice. "I trust it appeals thoroughly to that
disposition for adventure of which you wrote. I assure you I have
arranged the details to the best of my ability."
"Nothing more could be desired, I am sure," he confessed, surprised at
her tone, and glancing toward her. "I certainly am left completely in the
dark, unable even to clearly distinguish my mysterious companion in
adventure."
"And there really is no longer any occasion for such concealment." She
lifted the heavy curtain beside her, permitting the grey light to rest
upon her face. "I preferred not to be seen at the park for obvious
reasons; but here, alone with you, such precaution is quite unnecessary.
We are to be either friends, or enemies, so frankness is the best course."
He saw the face of a young woman of twenty-four, or five, with dark
eyes and hair, her cheeks flushed with health and excitement, her lips
smiling. It was a face of unusual attractiveness, not regular, perhaps, in
any of its features, yet filled with character, and glowing with life. It
was to him a totally unfamiliar countenance, but one which as instantly
awakened his interest. He liked the girl, and believed in her.
"I can only thank you," he said, rather lamely. "Although I do not
understand now how we could ever become enemies. Surely, that is not
a threat?"
"Oh, no, it is far too true. You have yet to learn what I require. Yet that
was very nicely said. I take it to mean your first impression of me is not
unfavourable?"

"Very far from it. I am already deeply interested in my task. If I lacked
an incentive before, you have furnished it. I am only too glad I was the
fortunate volunteer."
She laughed again softly, her eyes still on his face.
"Really, I had not anticipated such a sincere compliment. No doubt you
learned these delightful speeches in France," she answered, a very faint
tinge of sarcasm in the words. "However, this is a very serious matter,
Captain West, and really has nothing to do with my personal
appearance. I am, of course, being a woman, glad that I please you, but
we must consider this particular affair from an entirely different
standpoint. I am seeking neither flirtation nor compliment; merely a
trustworthy agent. First of all, it is necessary that you comprehend
this."
He bowed, impressed by her manner, and somewhat ashamed of his
impetuousity.
"I accept the reproof," he said quietly, "and will endeavour henceforth
not to offend in any way. I am entirely at your service."
"There is no offence; I merely thought it best there should be no
misunderstanding. Now, I am sure, we can proceed intelligently. Indeed,
I am going to frankly confess, I also like your appearance. This mutual
liking ought to be half the battle. We have quite a ride before us yet;
you may question me if you wish."

CHAPTER II
A SUDDEN ENGAGEMENT
West gazed out through the window, wondering where they were. In
his interest in