Chapter 21 Chapter Twenty

I went back to the hotel, I didn't know anyone in the lounge, I ran upstairs and knocked on Suzanne's door.Her voice came out, telling me to come in.When she saw it was me, she hugged me openly and kissed my neck. "Annie, my dear, where have you been? I'm so worried. What have you been doing?" "The adventure is gone," I replied, "Pamela's third episode." I told her the whole story.When I finished, she let out a deep sigh. "Why do these things keep happening to you?" she asked disappointedly. "Why doesn't anyone tie up my hands and feet and stuff my mouth with rags?"

"You wouldn't like it if they did that to you," I said to her with certainty, "I'm not at all as adventurous as I used to be, to tell you the truth, and a little bit of that kind of thing is enough for you. .” Suzanne didn't seem to understand.An hour or two of being bound hand and foot and gagged with a rag was enough to change her mind quickly.Suzanne likes stimulation, but she hates discomfort. "So what do we do now?" she asked. "I don't know," I said thoughtfully, "you're still going to Rhodesia, of course, watch Pagett—"

"how about you?" This is exactly my problem.Has Chichester boarded the "Gillmorden Castle"?Did he really go to Durban as originally planned?Judging by the time of his departure from Muzenburg, both seemed possible.If so, I should take the train to Durban.I think I should get there earlier than that boat.On the other hand, if news of my escape had come along, he would have simply disembarked in Port Elizabeth or East London to avoid me. This is really a problem. "Anyway, let's ask about the train times to Durban first," I said. "Besides, it's not too late for morning tea," said Suzanne. "Let's go to the lounge."

The people at the railway station told me that the train to Durban left at a quarter past eight that night.I didn't have to make a decision yet, so I went to drink "morning tea at eleven o'clock" with Suzanne. "Don't you think you'd recognize Chichester—I mean, in spite of his disguise?" asked Suzanne. I shyly shook my head. "I didn't recognize him when he was disguised as a waitress, and I might never have if you hadn't drawn the picture." "That man was a professional actor, I believe," said Suzanne thoughtfully, "and his disguise is amazing. He might come off the ship as a sailor or something, and you'd never recognize it." .”

"You're really good at comforting people," I said. Then Colonel Race came out and joined us. "What is Sir Eustace doing?" asked Suzanne. "I haven't seen him today." A strange expression crossed the colonel's face. "He's busy with some things of his own." "tell us." "I shouldn't reveal other people's secrets." "Then tell us what it is—even if you have to make it up for us." "Well, what would you say if I said that the famous 'Man in Brown' sailed here with us?" "what?"

I felt the color fade from my face for a moment, then come back again.Fortunately Colonel Race did not notice. "I believe it to be true. He is closely watched in every port, and he tricked Peter into taking him aboard as a secretary!" "Not Mr. Pagett?" "Oh, not Pagett—the other one, calling himself Rayburn." "Did they arrest him?" Suzanne asked.She squeezed my hand tightly under the table.I waited with bated breath for an answer. "He seems to have disappeared without a trace." "And what was Sir Eustace's reaction?" "It is regarded as an insult to him personally by the God of Destiny."

Shortly later that day we had an opportunity to hear Sir Eustace's own view of the whole matter.A note from a waiter woke us up from our nap.The note, in touching words, invited us to have tea with him in his sitting room. The poor man was really in a pitiable state.Encouraged by Suzanne's occasional sympathetic voices (she's a master at it), he confides in us. "First there was a complete stranger who had the disrespect to allow herself to be murdered in my house - trying to get me in trouble, I really thought so. Why in my house? Why, there are so many houses in the UK, Why should I choose my 'mill'? What did I do to her that made her have to let herself be killed there?"

Suzanne spoke again in sympathy, and Sir Eustace went on in a more mournful tone. "And, as if that wasn't enough, the guy who murdered her has the audacity to follow me as my secretary. My secretary, my God! I'm so tired of secretaries, I don't want any more, They're either hidden murderers or drunken rioters. Have you ever seen Pagett's dark circles under his eyes? Of course you have. How can I have a secretary like that? And he's got such a disgusting sallow complexion— —just the color to go with dark circles. I'm sick of secretaries—unless I have a secretary. A nice girl with watery eyes who holds me when I'm in a bad mood hand. How are you, Miss Anne? Do you want the job?"

"How long do I have to hold your hand?" I asked with a smile. "All day," replied Sir Eustace cheerfully. "That way I won't be able to type much," I reminded him. "That's all right. The job was Pagett's idea. He wants me to work to my death. I'm going to keep him in Cape Town." "He wants to stay?" "Yes, he's enjoying himself, chasing Rayburn like a detective. It's the kind of thing that suits Pagett best. He likes to plot. Seriously, do you want to come? Bly Mrs. Er can be your female companion, and you have occasional holidays to dig bones."

"Thank you very much, Sir Eustace," I said cautiously, "but I think I'm leaving for Durban to-night." "Oh, don't be so uncooperative. Remember? There's a lot of lions in Rhodesia, and you'll like lions. All girls do." "Could they be doing low jumps?" I asked as I sat. "No, thank you very much, but I have to go to Durban." Sir Eustace looked at me, sighed slightly, opened the door of the adjoining room, and called Pagett. "If you've had enough of your nap, my good secretary, perhaps you'd like to work for a change."

Pagett appeared in the aisle.He bowed to us, a little startled at the sight of me, and answered in a pathetic voice: "I've been working on memos all afternoon, Sir Eustace." "Well, stop calling then. Go to the Bureau of Commerce, or the Department of Agriculture, or the Division of Mines, or whatever, and ask them to lend me a girl to take to Rhodesia. She must have clear Watery eyes, and no objection to my squeezing her hand." "Yes, Sir Eustace. I will ask them for a competent shorthand typist." "Pagett is a scoundrel," said Sir Eustace, after his secretary had left. "I bet he's going to single out a stereotypical woman to get on my nerves. I forgot to tell him - she must have beautiful legs too." I grabbed Suzanne's hand excitedly and dragged her back to her room. "Now, Suzanne," I said, "we've got to plan--quickly. Pagett's staying here--you hear?" "Yes, I think that means I can't go to Rhodesia--which is a real disappointment, because I want to go to Rhodesia. It's no fun." "Be happy," I said, "that you're still going to Rhodesia. I don't think you can pull out at the last minute without a crisis. And, besides, Pagett is likely to be suddenly Sergeant Sergeant, so that your journey with him will be more difficult." "That would be disgraceful," said Suzanne with a smirk, "and I'd have to pretend to have a predestined affection for him." "On the other hand, if you're there when he arrives, it's all very simple and natural. Besides, I don't think we should lose our attention completely to the other two." "Oh, Anne, I don't think you can doubt Colonel Race and Sir Eustace?" "I doubt everyone," I said with a scowling face, "and if you've read any detective novels, Suzanne, you must know that the bad guy is always the most unlikely guy. There are a lot of bad guys like Eustace." Fatty as merry as Sir Sir." "Colonel Race isn't particularly fat—nor really jovial." "Sometimes they're thin and melancholy," I retorted quickly. "I don't mean to seriously suspect any of them, but, after all, the woman was murdered in Sir Eustace's house—" "Yes, yes, we don't have to start over. I'll keep an eye on him for you, Anne, and if he gets a little fatter or happier, I'll telegraph you right away." Sir Eustace Suspect Seriously, come here immediately.'” "Really, Suzanne," I exclaimed, "you really seem to think it's all a game!" "I know," said Suzanne without embarrassment, "it's like a game. It's your fault, Anne. I've been caught by your 'Let's be adventurous, that's not real'. God Oh, if Clarence knows I'm running all over Africa, watching criminals, he'll be surprised if he doesn't pass out." "Why didn't you telegraph him?" I asked sarcastically. Suzanne's sense of humor always left her when it came to telegraphing.She took my suggestion seriously. "I might. It's bound to be a long telegram." Her eyes sparkled. "But I think it's better not to fight. A husband always wants to interfere with his wife's harmless entertainment." "Well," I concluded, "you watch Sir Eustace and Colonel Race—" "I know why I have to spy on Sir Eustace," interrupted Suzanne, "because of his size, his humorous conversation. But I think it's a little too much to suspect Colonel Race; I really I think so. Why? He has something to do with the Secret Service, you know? Anne, I believe we'd better trust him and tell him everything." I vehemently object to this risky proposition.I saw in it the trouble-making effect of married life.I've often heard very wise women say with authority, "Edgar said—" And you know very well that Edgar is a total idiot.Suzanne was longing for a man to rely on because she was married. In any case, she promised me with great confidence that she would not reveal a word to Colonel Race, and we continued with our plan. "Obviously, I have to stay here to keep an eye on Pagett, and it's best if I do. Tonight I have to pretend I'm going to Durban, get my bags, etc., but in reality I'm moving to another part of town. Go to a small hotel. I can change my appearance a little - put on a little blond wig and a thick white lace veil, so that I have a better chance of seeing what he is up to, if he thinks I If you are relieved to have left." Suzanne wholeheartedly endorsed the plan.We made the necessary and deliberately ostentatious preparations, inquired again about the departure time of the train, packed my luggage, and so on. We eat together in the restaurant.Colonel Race did not appear, but Sir Eustace and Pagett were seated by the window.Pagett left the table in the middle of the meal, which disturbed me because I planned to say goodbye to him in person.In any case, saying goodbye to Sir Eustace had the same effect.After I finished my meal, I walked over. "Good-bye, Sir Eustace," I said. "I am going to Durban to-night." Sir Eustace breathed a deep sigh of relief. "I've heard that, you don't like me going with you?" "I like." "Good girl. Are you sure you won't change your mind about going to Rhodesia to see lions?" "Pretty sure." "He must be a very handsome fellow," said Sir Eustace disappointedly, "some pompous young man in Durban, who, I suppose, makes my mature beauty pale. Well, in a minute or two, Pagett will be driving, and he can take you to the station." "Oh, no, thank you," I said quickly, "Mrs. Blair and I have ordered a taxi." I don't want to go with Pagett!Sir Eustace was watching me closely. "I don't think you like Pagett. I don't blame you for that. That overly obliging, meddling donkey--looking like a suffering martyr, trying to bother me!" "What is he doing now?" I asked curiously. "He got me a secretary. You've never seen a woman like this! Forty years old, but as if she had just been born, with her pince-nez and riding boots, and the quickness and efficiency of her movements. I just wanted to die. A very flat woman." "Didn't she shake your hand?" "I hope she'd better not!" cried Sir Eustace. "That's the most intolerable thing. Now, good-bye, clear eyes. If I shot the lion, I wouldn't To give you the skin of the lion—after you deserted me." He squeezed my hand tightly and we parted.Suzanne was looking for me in the lobby, she was going to see me off at the station. "Let's get to work right away," I said hurriedly, walking to the concierge to hail a taxi. At this time, a voice sounded behind the hand, which made me jump: "Excuse me, Miss Beddingfield, I'm just going to drive, and I can take you and Mrs. Blair to the station by the way." "Oh, thank you," I said quickly, "don't bother you, I—" There is nothing I can do.I could have pushed back further, but Suzanne nudged me lightly to signal my vigilance. "Thank you, Mr. Pagett," I said coldly. We all got in the car.I racked my brains for something to say as we sped down the town, and finally Pagett broke the silence himself. "I have found a competent secretary for Sir Eustace," said he. "Mrs Pettigrew." "He was just talking about her," I said. Pagett gave me a cold look. "She's a good shorthand typist," he said, holding back his breath. We got off in front of the station, where he should have left us, of course.I turned and held out my hand to say goodbye - but oh no. "I want to take you to the bus. It's exactly eight o'clock, and your bus will leave in fifteen minutes." He asked the porter to take out the luggage.I stood there helpless, afraid to look at Suzanne.He was suspicious of me, and he decided to make sure I took the train and left.And what should I do?There is no way.I foresee myself fifteen minutes from now, following the train out of the station, with Pagett standing on the platform, waving me goodbye.He has tactfully thrown me difficult questions, and his attitude toward me has changed, greatly changed.His genial, gentle demeanor, full of unease, made him sad and made me almost sick.This guy is a slippery hypocrite.First he tried to murder me, and now he treats me with respect!Did he ever think about that night on the boat, I didn't recognize him?No, it was just a posturing, a gesture he was trying to force into my acquiescence; he was never sincere at all. I followed his instructions helplessly like a sheep.My luggage was stacked away from my berth - I have a bunk.It was already 8:12, and the train was about to leave in three minutes. Pagett ignored Suzanne, however. "It's going to be a hot ride, Anne," she said suddenly, "especially when we pass through Kalu tomorrow. Have you got cologne or mint water?" My chance has come. "Oh shit," I exclaimed, "I forgot my cologne on the hotel dresser." Suzanne made people's habits work.She turned sharply to Pagett. "Hurry up, Mr. Pagett. There is still time. There is a pharmacy opposite the station. Anne must bring some cologne." He hesitated, but Suzanne's forceful attitude made it impossible for him not to obey.She was a born dictator, and he went.Suzanne's eyes followed him until he disappeared. "Quick, Anne, get off the other side--just in case he doesn't actually go, but is watching us on the other side of the platform. Leave your luggage alone, you can wire to-morrow to get back. Oh, Let's hope the train leaves on time!" I opened the door to the other platform and climbed down, no one was paying attention to me.I just saw Suzanne standing there with her head up as if saying goodbye to me through the window.The whistle sounded, and the train began to move slowly.Then I heard hurried footsteps on the platform over there, and I ducked behind a newsstand. Suzanne waved her handkerchief at the departing train, turning just in time. "It's too late, Mr. Pagett," she said cheerfully. "She's gone. Is that cologne? It's a pity we didn't think of it!" They walked not far from me, leaving the train station.Pagett was sweating all over, apparently running all the way to the pharmacy and back. "Shall I call a taxi for you, Mrs Blair?" Suzanne went on playing. "Okay, thanks. Can't I give you a lift back? Don't you have a lot to do for Sir Eustace? Well, I wish Anne Beddingfield would come with us tomorrow. I don't Like to have a young girl like that go to Durban by herself. But she must go, and maybe there's something there that attracts her, I think—" They went out of my hearing range.Smart Suzanne, she saved me. I waited for a minute or two, then walked out of the station too, and as I did I almost ran into a man--a hideous-looking man with a big, unseemly nose on his face.