1. Translations
  2. English to ¡Multilingo!
  3. An African Millionaire - By Grant Allen - VII -
en-ML
An African Millionaire - By Grant Allen - VII -
Difficulty: Medium    Uploaded: 5 years, 10 months ago by Bouchka     Last Activity: None
0% Upvoted
0% Translated but not Upvoted
434 Units
0% Translated
0% Upvoted
•VII - THE EPISODE OF THE ARREST OF THE COLONEL How much precisely Charles dropped over the slump in Cloetedorps I never quite knew.

•But the incident left him dejected, limp, and dispirited.

•"Hang it all, Sey," he said to me in the smoking-room, a few evenings later.

•"This Colonel Clay is enough to vex the patience of Job—and Job had large losses, too, if I recollect aright, from the Chaldeans and other big operators of the period."


•"Three thousand camels," I murmured, recalling my dear mother's lessons; "all at one fell swoop; not to mention five hundred yoke of oxen, carried off by the Sabeans, then a leading firm of speculative cattle-dealers!"


•"Ah, well," Charles meditated aloud, shaking the ash from his cheroot into a Japanese tray—fine antique bronze-work.

•"There were big transactions in live-stock even then! •Still, Job or no Job, the man is too much for me."


•"The difficulty is," I assented, "you never know where to have him."


•"Yes," Charles mused; "if he were always the same, like Horniman's tea or a good brand of whisky, it would be easier, of course; you'd stand some chance of spotting him.

•But when a man turns up smiling every time in a different disguise, which fits him like a skin, and always apparently with the best credentials, why, hang it all, Sey, there's no wrestling with him anyhow."


•"Who could have come to us, for example, better vouched," I acquiesced, "than the Honourable David?"


•"Exactly so," Charles murmured. •"I invited him myself, for my own advantage.

•And he arrived with all the prestige of the Glen-Ellachie connection."

•"Or the Professor?" •I went on. •"Introduced to us by the leading mineralogist of England."


•I had touched a sore point. •Charles winced and remained silent.


•"Then, women again," he resumed, after a painful pause. •"I must meet in society many charming women.

•I can't everywhere and always be on my guard against every dear soul of them.

•Yet the moment I relax my attention for one day—or even when I don't relax it—I am bamboozled and led a dance by that arch Mme. •Picardet, or that transparently simple little minx, Mrs. Granton.

•She's the cleverest girl I ever met in my life, that hussy, whatever we're to call her.

•She's a different person each time; and each time, hang it all, I lose my heart afresh to that different person."


•I glanced round to make sure Amelia was well out of earshot.


•"No, Sey," my respected connection went on, after another long pause, sipping his coffee pensively, "I feel I must be aided in this superhuman task by a professional unraveller of cunning disguises.

•I shall go to Marvillier's to-morrow—fortunate man, Marvillier—and ask him to supply me with a really good 'tec, who will stop in the house and keep an eye upon every living soul that comes near me.

•He shall scan each nose, each eye, each wig, each whisker.

•He shall be my watchful half, my unsleeping self; it shall be his business to suspect all living men, all breathing women.

•The Archbishop of Canterbury shall not escape for a moment his watchful regard; he will take care that royal princesses don't collar the spoons or walk off with the jewel-cases.

•He must see possible Colonel Clays in the guard of every train and the parson of every parish; he must detect the off-chance of a Mme. •Picardet in every young girl that takes tea with Amelia, every fat old lady that comes to call upon Isabel.

•Yes, I have made my mind up. •I shall go to-morrow and secure such a man at once at Marvillier's."


•"If you please, Sir Charles," Césarine interposed, pushing her head through the portière, "her ladyship says, will you and Mr. Wentworth remember that she goes out with you both this evening to Lady Carisbrooke's?"


•"Bless my soul," Charles cried, "so she does! •And it's now past ten! •The carriage will be at the door for us in another five minutes!"


•Next morning, accordingly, Charles drove round to Marvillier's.

•The famous detective listened to his story with glistening eyes; then he rubbed his hands and purred.

•"Colonel Clay!" •he said; "Colonel Clay! •That's a very tough customer!

•The police of Europe are on the look-out for Colonel Clay.

•He is wanted in London, in Paris, in Berlin.

•It is le Colonel Caoutchouc here, le Colonel Caoutchouc there; till one begins to ask, at last, IS there any Colonel Caoutchouc, or is it a convenient class name invented by the Force to cover a gang of undiscovered sharpers?

•However, Sir Charles, we will do our best.

•I will set on the track without delay the best and cleverest detective in England."


•"The very man I want," Charles said. •"What name, Marvillier?"


•The principal smiled. •"Whatever name you like," he said.

•"He isn't particular. •Medhurst he's called at home. •We call him Joe. •I'll send him round to your house this afternoon for certain."


•"Oh no," Charles said promptly, "you won't; or Colonel Clay himself will come instead of him.

•I've been sold too often. •No casual strangers! •I'll wait here and see him."


•"But he isn't in," Marvillier objected.


•Charles was firm as a rock. •"Then send and fetch him."


•In half an hour, sure enough, the detective arrived.

•He was an odd-looking small man, with hair cut short and standing straight up all over his head, like a Parisian waiter.

•He had quick, sharp eyes, very much like a ferret's; his nose was depressed, his lips thin and bloodless.

•A scar marked his left cheek—made by a sword-cut, he said, when engaged one day in arresting a desperate French smuggler, disguised as an officer of Chasseurs d'Afrique.

•His mien was resolute. •Altogether, a quainter or 'cuter little man it has never yet been my lot to set eyes on.

•He walked in with a brisk step, eyed Charles up and down, and then, without much formality, asked for what he was wanted.


•"This is Sir Charles Vandrift, the great diamond king," Marvillier said, introducing us.


•"So I see," the man answered.


•"Then you know me?" •Charles asked.


•"I wouldn't be worth much," the detective replied, "if I didn't know everybody.

•And you're easy enough to know; why, every boy in the street knows you."


•"Plain spoken!" •Charles remarked.


•"As you like it, sir," the man answered in a respectful tone.

•"I endeavour to suit my dress and behaviour on every occasion to the taste of my employers."

•"Your name?" •Charles asked, smiling.

•"Joseph Medhurst, at your service. •What sort of work? •Stolen diamonds? •Illicit diamond-buying?"

•"No," Charles answered, fixing him with his eye. •"Quite another kind of job. •You've heard of Colonel Clay?"


•Medhurst nodded. •"Why, certainly," he said; and, for the first time, I detected a lingering trace of American accent. •"It's my business to know about him."

•"Well, I want you to catch him," Charles went on.

•Medhurst drew a long breath. •"Isn't that rather a large order?" •he murmured, surprised.

•Charles explained to him exactly the sort of services he required.

•Medhurst promised to comply. •"If the man comes near you, I'll spot him," he said, after a moment's pause.

•"I can promise you that much. •I'll pierce any disguise. •I should know in a minute whether he's got up or not.

•I'm death on wigs, false moustaches, artificial complexions. •I'll engage to bring the rogue to book if I see him.

•You may set your mind at rest, that, while I'm about you, Colonel Clay can do nothing without my instantly spotting him."


•"He'll do it," Marvillier put in. •"He'll do it, if he says it. •He's my very best hand.

•Never knew any man like him for unravelling and unmasking the cleverest disguises."


•"Then he'll suit me," Charles answered, "for I never knew any man like Colonel Clay for assuming and maintaining them."


•It was arranged accordingly that Medhurst should take up his residence in the house for the present, and should be described to the servants as assistant secretary.

•He came that very day, with a marvellously small portmanteau.

•But from the moment he arrived, we noticed that Césarine took a violent dislike to him.


•Medhurst was a most efficient detective.

•Charles and I told him all we knew about the various shapes in which Colonel Clay had "materialised," and he gave us in turn many valuable criticisms and suggestions.

•Why, when we began to suspect the Honourable David Granton, had we not, as if by accident, tried to knock his red wig off?

•Why, when the Reverend Richard Peploe Brabazon first discussed the question of the paste diamonds, had we not looked to see if any of Amelia's unique gems were missing?

•Why, when Professor Schleiermacher made his bow to assembled science at Lancaster Gate, had we not strictly inquired how far he was personally known beforehand to Sir Adolphus Cordery and the other mineralogists?

•He supplied us also with several good hints about false hair and make-up; such as that Schleiermacher was probably much shorter than he looked, but by imitating a stoop with padding at his back he had produced the illusion of a tall bent man, though in reality no bigger than the little curate or the Graf von Lebenstein.

•High heels did the rest; while the scientific keenness we noted in his face was doubtless brought about by a trifle of wax at the end of the nose, giving a peculiar tilt that is extremely effective.

•In short, I must frankly admit, Medhurst made us feel ashamed of ourselves.

•Sharp as Charles is, we realised at once he was nowhere in observation beside the trained and experienced senses of this professional detective.


•The worst of it all was, while Medhurst was with us, by some curious fatality, Colonel Clay stopped away from us.

•Now and again, to be sure, we ran up against somebody whom Medhurst suspected.

•But after a short investigation (conducted, I may say, with admirable cleverness), the spy always showed us the doubtful person was really some innocent and well-known character, whose antecedents and surroundings he elucidated most wonderfully.

•He was a perfect marvel, too, in his faculty of suspicion. •He suspected everybody.

•If an old friend dropped in to talk business with Charles, we found out afterwards that Medhurst had lain concealed all the time behind the curtain, and had taken short-hand notes of the whole conversation, as well as snap-shot photographs of the supposed sharper, by means of a kodak.

•If a fat old lady came to call upon Amelia, Medhurst was sure to be lurking under the ottoman in the drawing-room, and carefully observing, with all his eyes, whether or not she was really Mme. •Picardet, padded.

•When Lady Tresco brought her four plain daughters to an "At Home" one night, Medhurst, in evening dress, disguised as a waiter, followed them each round the room with obtrusive ices, to satisfy himself just how much of their complexion was real, and how much was patent rouge and Bloom of Ninon.

•He doubted whether Simpson, Sir Charles's valet, was not Colonel Clay in plain clothes; and he had half an idea that Césarine herself was our saucy White Heather in an alternative avatar.

•We pointed out to him in vain that Simpson had often been present in the very same room with David Granton, and that Césarine had dressed Mrs. Brabazon's hair at Lucerne: this partially satisfied him, but only partially.

•He remarked that Simpson might double both parts with somebody else unknown; and that as for Césarine, she might well have a twin sister who took her place when she was Mme. •Picardet.


•Still, in spite of all his care—or because of all his care—Colonel Clay stopped away for whole weeks together.

•An explanation occurred to us.

•Was it possible he knew we were guarded and watched? •Was he afraid of measuring swords with this trained detective?


•If so, how had he found it out? •I had an inkling, myself—but, under all the circumstances, I did not mention it to Charles.

•It was clear that Césarine intensely disliked this new addition to the Vandrift household.

•She would not stop in the room where the detective was, or show him common politeness.

•She spoke of him always as "that odious man, Medhurst."

•Could she have guessed, what none of the other servants knew, that the man was a spy in search of the Colonel?

•I was inclined to believe it. •And then it dawned upon me that Césarine had known all about the diamonds and their story; that it was Césarine who took us to see Schloss Lebenstein; that it was Césarine who posted the letter to Lord Craig-Ellachie!

•If Césarine was in league with Colonel Clay, as I was half inclined to surmise, what more natural than her obvious dislike to the detective who was there to catch her principal?

•What more simple for her than to warn her fellow-conspirator of the danger that awaited him if he approached this man Medhurst?


•However, I was too much frightened by the episode of the cheque to say anything of my nascent suspicions to Charles.

•I waited rather to see how events would shape themselves.


•After a while Medhurst's vigilance grew positively annoying.

•More than once he came to Charles with reports and shorthand notes distinctly distasteful to my excellent brother-in-law.

•"The fellow is getting to know too much about us," Charles said to me one day.

•"Why, Sey, he spies out everything.

•Would you believe it, when I had that confidential interview with Brookfield the other day, about the new issue of Golcondas, the man was under the easy-chair, though I searched the room beforehand to make sure he wasn't there; and he came to me afterwards with full notes of the conversation, to assure me he thought Brookfield—whom I've known for ten years—was too tall by half an inch to be one of Colonel Clay's impersonations."


•"Oh, but, Sir Charles," Medhurst cried, emerging suddenly from the bookcase, "you must never look upon any one as above suspicion merely because you've known him for ten years or thereabouts.

•Colonel Clay may have approached you at various times under many disguises.

•He may have built up this thing gradually.

•Besides, as to my knowing too much, why, of course, a detective always learns many things about his employer's family which he is not supposed to know; but professional honour and professional etiquette, as with doctors and lawyers, compel him to lock them up as absolute secrets in his own bosom.

•You need never be afraid I will divulge one jot of them. •If I did, my occupation would be gone, and my reputation shattered."

•Charles looked at him, appalled.

•"Do you dare to say," he burst out, "you've been listening to my talk with my brother-in-law and secretary?"


•"Why, of course," Medhurst answered. •"It's my business to listen, and to suspect everybody.

•If you push me to say so, how do I know Colonel Clay is not—Mr. •Wentworth?"


•Charles withered him with a look.

•"In future, Medhurst," he said, "you must never conceal yourself in a room where I am without my leave and knowledge."


•Medhurst bowed politely. •"Oh, as you will, Sir Charles," he answered; "that's quite at your own wish.

•Though how can I act as an efficient detective, any way, if you insist upon tying my hands like that, beforehand?"


•Again I detected a faint American flavour.

•After that rebuff, however, Medhurst seemed put upon his mettle.

•He redoubled his vigilance in every direction.

•"It's not my fault," he said plaintively, one day, "if my reputation's so good that, while I'm near you, this rogue won't approach you.

•If I can't catch him, at least I keep him away from coming near you!"


•A few days later, however, he brought Charles some photographs.

•These he produced with evident pride. •The first he showed us was a vignette of a little parson.

•"Who's that, then?" •he inquired, much pleased.


•We gazed at it, open-eyed. •One word rose to our lips simultaneously: "Brabazon!"


•"And how's this for high?" •he asked again, producing another—the photograph of a gay young dog in a Tyrolese costume.

•We murmured, "Von Lebenstein!"


•"And this?" •he continued, showing us the portrait of a lady with a most fetching squint.


•We answered with one voice, "Little Mrs. •Granton!"


•Medhurst was naturally proud of this excellent exploit. •He replaced them in his pocket-book with an air of just triumph.


•"How did you get them?" •Charles asked.


•Medhurst's look was mysterious.

•"Sir Charles," he answered, drawing himself up, "I must ask you to trust me awhile in this matter.

•Remember, there are people whom you decline to suspect.

•I have learned that it is always those very people who are most dangerous to capitalists.

•If I were to give you the names now, you would refuse to believe me.

•Therefore, I hold them over discreetly for the moment.

•One thing, however, I say. •I know to a certainty where Colonel Clay is at this present speaking.

•But I will lay my plans deep, and I hope before long to secure him.

•You shall be present when I do so; and I shall make him confess his personality openly.

•More than that you cannot reasonably ask. •I shall leave it to you, then, whether or not you wish to arrest him."


•Charles was considerably puzzled, not to say piqued, by this curious reticence; he begged hard for names; but Medhurst was adamant.

•"No, no," he replied; "we detectives have our own just pride in our profession.

•If I told you now, you would probably spoil all by some premature action.

•You are too open and impulsive! •I will mention this alone: Colonel Clay will be shortly in Paris, and before long will begin from that city a fresh attempt at defrauding you, which he is now hatching.

•Mark my words, and see whether or not I have been kept well informed of the fellow's movements!"


•He was perfectly correct.

•Two days later, as it turned out, Charles received a "confidential" letter from Paris, purporting to come from the head of a second-rate financial house with which he had had dealings over the Craig-Ellachie Amalgamation—by this time, I ought to have said, an accomplished union.

•It was a letter of small importance in itself—a mere matter of detail; but it paved the way, so Medhurst thought, to some later development of more serious character.

•Here once more the man's singular foresight was justified.

•For, in another week, we received a second communication, containing other proposals of a delicate financial character, which would have involved the transference of some two thousand pounds to the head of the Parisian firm at an address given.

•Both these letters Medhurst cleverly compared with those written to Charles before, in the names of Colonel Clay and of Graf von Lebenstein.

•At first sight, it is true, the differences between the two seemed quite enormous: the Paris hand was broad and black, large and bold; while the earlier manuscript was small, neat, thin, and gentlemanly.

•Still, when Medhurst pointed out to us certain persistent twists in the formation of his capitals, and certain curious peculiarities in the relative length of his t's, his l's, his b's, and his h's, we could see for ourselves he was right.

•Both were the work of one hand, writing in the one case with a sharp-pointed nib, very small, and in the other with a quill, very large and freely.


•This discovery was most important.

•We stood now within measurable distance of catching Colonel Clay, and bringing forgery and fraud home to him without hope of evasion.


•To make all sure, however, Medhurst communicated with the Paris police, and showed us their answers.

•Meanwhile, Charles continued to write to the head of the firm, who had given a private address in the Rue Jean Jacques, alleging, I must say, a most clever reason why the negotiations at this stage should be confidentially conducted.

•But one never expected from Colonel Clay anything less than consummate cleverness.

•In the end, it was arranged that we three were to go over to Paris together, that Medhurst was to undertake, under the guise of being Sir Charles, to pay the two thousand pounds to the pretended financier, and that Charles and I, waiting with the police outside the door, should, at a given signal, rush in with our forces and secure the criminal.


•We went over accordingly, and spent the night at the Grand, as is Charles's custom.

•The Bristol, which I prefer, he finds too quiet. •Early next morning we took a fiacre and drove to the Rue Jean Jacques.

•Medhurst had arranged everything in advance with the Paris police, three of whom, in plain clothes, were waiting at the foot of the staircase to assist us.

•Charles had further provided himself with two thousand pounds, in notes of the Bank of France, in order that the payment might be duly made, and no doubt arise as to the crime having been perpetrated as well as meditated—in the former case, the penalty would be fifteen years; in the latter, three only.

•He was in very high spirits.

•The fact that we had tracked the rascal to earth at last, and were within an hour of apprehending him, was in itself enough to raise his courage greatly.

•We found, as we expected, that the number given in the Rue Jean Jacques was that of an hotel, not a private residence.

•Medhurst went in first, and inquired of the landlord whether our man was at home, at the same time informing him of the nature of our errand, and giving him to understand that if we effected the capture by his friendly aid, Sir Charles would see that the expenses incurred on the swindler's bill were met in full, as the price of his assistance.

•The landlord bowed; he expressed his deep regret, as M. le Colonel—so we heard him call him—was a most amiable person, much liked by the household; but justice, of course, must have its way; and, with a regretful sigh, he undertook to assist us.


•The police remained below, but Charles and Medhurst were each provided with a pair of handcuffs.

•Remembering the Polperro case, however, we determined to use them with the greatest caution.

•We would only put them on in case of violent resistance.

•We crept up to the door where the miscreant was housed.

•Charles handed the notes in an open envelope to Medhurst, who seized them hastily and held them in his hands in readiness for action.

•We had a sign concerted.

•Whenever he sneezed—which he could do in the most natural manner—we were to open the door, rush in, and secure the criminal!


•He was gone for some minutes.

•Charles and I waited outside in breathless expectation.

•Then Medhurst sneezed. •We flung the door open at once, and burst in upon the creature.


•Medhurst rose as we did so. •He pointed with his finger.

•"This is Colonel Clay!" •he said; "keep him well in charge while I go down to the door for the police to arrest him!"

•A gentlemanly man, about middle height, with a grizzled beard and a well-assumed military aspect, rose at the same moment.

•The envelope in which Charles had placed the notes lay on the table before him.

•He clutched it nervously. •"I am at a loss, gentlemen," he said, in an excited voice, "to account for this interruption."

•He spoke with a tremor, yet with all the politeness to which we were accustomed in the little curate and the Honourable David.


•"No nonsense!" •Charles exclaimed, in his authoritative way.

•"We know who you are. •We have found you out this time. •You are Colonel Clay. •If you attempt to resist—take care—I will handcuff you!"


•The military gentleman gave a start. •"Yes, I am Colonel Clay," he answered. •"On what charge do you arrest me?"


•Charles was bursting with wrath. •The fellow's coolness seemed never to desert him.

•"You are Colonel Clay!" •he muttered. •"You have the unspeakable effrontery to stand there and admit it?"


•"Certainly," the Colonel answered, growing hot in turn.

•"I have done nothing to be ashamed of. •What do you mean by this conduct? •How dare you talk of arresting me?"


•Charles laid his hand on the man's shoulder. •"Come, come, my friend," he said. •"That sort of bluff won't go down with us.

•You know very well on what charge I arrest you; and here are the police to give effect to it."


•He called out "Entrez!" •The police entered the room.

•Charles explained as well as he could in most doubtful Parisian what they were next to do.

•The Colonel drew himself up in an indignant attitude. •He turned and addressed them in excellent French.


•"I am an officer in the service of her Britannic Majesty," he said.

•"On what ground do you venture to interfere with me, messieurs?"


•The chief policeman explained. •The Colonel turned to Charles. •"Your name, sir?" •he inquired.


•"You know it very well," Charles answered. •"I am Sir Charles Vandrift; and, in spite of your clever disguise, I can instantly recognise you.

•I know your eyes and ears. •I can see the same man who cheated me at Nice, and who insulted me on the island."


•"You Sir Charles Vandrift!" •the rogue cried. •"No, no, sir, you are a madman!" •He looked round at the police.

•"Take care what you do!" •he cried. •"This is a raving maniac.

•I had business just now with Sir Charles Vandrift, who quitted the room as these gentlemen entered.

•This person is mad, and you, monsieur, I doubt not," bowing to me, "you are, of course, his keeper."

•"Do not let him deceive you," I cried to the police, beginning to fear that with his usual incredible cleverness the fellow would even now manage to slip through our fingers.

•"Arrest him, as you are told. •We will take the responsibility." •Though I trembled when I thought of that cheque he held of mine.


•The chief of our three policemen came forward and laid his hand on the culprit's shoulder.

•"I advise you, M. le Colonel," he said, in an official voice, "to come with us quietly for the present.

•Before the juge d'instruction we can enter at length into all these questions."


•The Colonel, very indignant still—and acting the part marvellously—yielded and went along with them.


•"Where's Medhurst?" •Charles inquired, glancing round as we reached the door. •"I wish he had stopped with us."


•"You are looking for monsieur your friend?" •the landlord inquired, with a side bow to the Colonel.

•"He has gone away in a fiacre. •He asked me to give this note to you."


•He handed us a twisted note. •Charles opened and read it. •"Invaluable man!" •he cried.

•"Just hear what he says, Sey: 'Having secured Colonel Clay, I am off now again on the track of Mme. •Picardet.

•She was lodging in the same house. •She has just driven away; I know to what place; and I am after her to arrest her.

•In blind haste, MEDHURST.' •That's smartness, IF you like. •Though, poor little woman, I think he might have left her."

•"Does a Mme. •Picardet stop here?" •I inquired of the landlord, thinking it possible she might have assumed again the same old alias.


•He nodded assent. •"Oui, oui, oui," he answered.

•"She has just driven off, and monsieur your friend has gone posting after her."

•"Splendid man!" •Charles cried. •"Marvillier was quite right. •He is the prince of detectives!"

•We hailed a couple of fiacres, and drove off, in two detachments, to the juge d'instruction.

•There Colonel Clay continued to brazen it out, and asserted that he was an officer in the Indian Army, home on six months' leave, and spending some weeks in Paris.

•He even declared he was known at the Embassy, where he had a cousin an attaché; and he asked that this gentleman should be sent for at once from our Ambassador's to identify him.

•The juge d'instruction insisted that this must be done; and Charles waited in very bad humour for the foolish formality.

•It really seemed as if, after all, when we had actually caught and arrested our man, he was going by some cunning device to escape us.


•After a delay of more than an hour, during which Colonel Clay fretted and fumed quite as much as we did, the attaché arrived.

•To our horror and astonishment, he proceeded to salute the prisoner most affectionately.

•"Halloa, Algy!" •he cried, grasping his hand; "what's up? •What do these ruffians want with you?"


•It began to dawn upon us, then, what Medhurst had meant by "suspecting everybody": the real Colonel Clay was no common adventurer, but a gentleman of birth and high connections!


•The Colonel glared at us.

•"This fellow declares he's Sir Charles Vandrift," he said sulkily.

•"Though, in fact, there are two of them. •And he accuses me of forgery, fraud, and theft, Bertie."


•The attaché stared hard at us. •"This is Sir Charles Vandrift," he replied, after a moment.

•"I remember hearing him make a speech once at a City dinner. •And what charge have you to prefer, Sir Charles, against my cousin?"


•"Your cousin?" •Charles cried. •"This is Colonel Clay, the notorious sharper!"


•The attaché smiled a gentlemanly and superior smile. •"This is Colonel Clay," he answered, "of the Bengal Staff Corps."


•It began to strike us there was something wrong somewhere.

•"But he has cheated me, all the same," Charles said—"at Nice two years ago, and many times since; and this very day he has tricked me out of two thousand pounds in French bank-notes, which he has now about him!"


•The Colonel was speechless. •But the attaché laughed.

•"What he has done to-day I don't know," he said; "but if it's as apocryphal as what you say he did two years ago, you've a thundering bad case, sir; for he was then in India, and I was out there, visiting him."


•"Where are the two thousand pounds?" •Charles cried. •"Why, you've got them in your hand! •You're holding the envelope!"


•The Colonel produced it.

•"This envelope," he said, "was left with me by the man with short stiff hair, who came just before you, and who announced himself as Sir Charles Vandrift.

•He said he was interested in tea in Assam, and wanted me to join the board of directors of some bogus company.

•These are his papers, I believe," and he handed them to his cousin.

•"Well, I'm glad the notes are safe, anyhow," Charles murmured, in a tone of relief, beginning to smell a rat.

•"Will you kindly return them to me?"


•The attaché turned out the contents of the envelope.

•They proved to be prospectuses of bubble companies of the moment, of no importance.


•"Medhurst must have put them there," I cried, "and decamped with the cash."


•Charles gave a groan of horror. •"And Medhurst is Colonel Clay!" •he exclaimed, clapping his hand to his forehead.


•"I beg your pardon, sir," the Colonel interposed. •"I have but one personality, and no aliases."


•It took quite half an hour to explain this imbroglio.

•But as soon as all was explained, in French and English, to the satisfaction of ourselves and the juge d'instruction, the real Colonel shook hands with us in a most forgiving way, and informed us that he had more than once wondered, when he gave his name at shops in Paris, why it was often received with such grave suspicion.

•We instructed the police that the true culprit was Medhurst, whom they had seen with their own eyes, and whom we urged them to pursue with all expedition.

•Meanwhile, Charles and I, accompanied by the Colonel and the attaché—"to see the fun out," as they said—called at the Bank of France for the purpose of stopping the notes immediately.

•It was too late, however.

•They had been presented at once, and cashed in gold, by a pleasant little lady in an American costume, who was afterwards identified by the hotel-keeper (from our description) as his lodger, Mme. •Picardet.

•It was clear she had taken rooms in the same hotel, to be near the Indian Colonel; and it was she who had received and sent the letters.

•As for our foe, he had vanished into space, as always.


•Two days later we received the usual insulting communication on a sheet of Charles's own dainty note.

•Last time he wrote it was on Craig-Ellachie paper: this time, like the wanton lapwing, he had got himself another crest.



•"MOST PERSPICACIOUS OF MILLIONAIRES!—Said I not well, as Medhurst, that you must distrust everybody?

•And the one man you never dreamt of distrusting was—Medhurst. •Yet see how truthful I was!

•I told you I knew where Colonel Clay was living—and I did know, exactly.

•I promised to take you to Colonel Clay's rooms, and to get him arrested for you—and I kept my promise.

•I even exceeded your expectations; for I gave you two Colonel Clays instead of one—and you took the wrong man—that is to say, the real one.

•This was a neat little trick; but it cost me some trouble.

•"First, I found out there was a real Colonel Clay, in the Indian Army.

•I also found out he chanced to be coming home on leave this season.

•I might have made more out of him, no doubt; but I disliked annoying him, and preferred to give myself the fun of this peculiar mystification.

•I therefore waited for him to reach Paris, where the police arrangements suited me better than in London.

•While I was looking about, and delaying operations for his return, I happened to hear you wanted a detective.

•So I offered myself as out of work to my old employer, Marvillier, from whom I have had many good jobs in the past; and there you get, in short, the kernel of the Colonel.

•"Naturally, after this, I can never go back as a detective to Marvillier's.

•But, on the large scale on which I have learned to work since I first had the pleasure of making your delightful acquaintance, this matters little.

•To say the truth, I begin to feel detective work a cut or two below me.

•I am now a gentleman of means and leisure.

•Besides, the extra knowledge of your movements which I have acquired in your house has helped still further to give me various holds upon you.

•So the fluke will be true to his own pet lamb. •To vary the metaphor, you are not fully shorn yet.
•"Remember me most kindly to your charming family, give Wentworth my love, and tell Mlle. •Césarine I owe her a grudge which I shall never forget.

•She clearly suspected me.

•You are much too rich, dear Charles; I relieve your plethora. •I bleed you financially.

•Therefore I consider myself—Your sincerest friend, "CLAY-BRABAZON-MEDHURST, "Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons."


•Charles was threatened with apoplexy.

•This blow was severe. •"Whom can I trust," he asked, plaintively, "when the detectives themselves, whom I employ to guard me, turn out to be swindlers?

•Don't you remember that line in the Latin grammar—something about, 'Who shall watch the watchers?'

•I think it used to run, 'Quis custodes custodiet ipsos?'"

•But I felt this episode had at least disproved my suspicions of poor Césarine.
unit 1
VII - THE EPISODE OF THE ARREST OF THE COLONEL How much precisely Charles dropped over the slump in Cloetedorps I never quite knew.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 2
But the incident left him dejected, limp, and dispirited.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 3
"Hang it all, Sey," he said to me in the smoking-room, a few evenings later.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 4
"This Colonel Clay is enough to vex the patience of Job—and Job had large losses, too, if I recollect aright, from the Chaldeans and other big operators of the period."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 5
"Three thousand camels," I murmured, recalling my dear mother's lessons; "all at one fell swoop; not to mention five hundred yoke of oxen, carried off by the Sabeans, then a leading firm of speculative cattle-dealers!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 6
"Ah, well," Charles meditated aloud, shaking the ash from his cheroot into a Japanese tray—fine antique bronze-work.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 7
"There were big transactions in live-stock even then!
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 8
Still, Job or no Job, the man is too much for me."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 9
"The difficulty is," I assented, "you never know where to have him."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 10
"Yes," Charles mused; "if he were always the same, like Horniman's tea or a good brand of whisky, it would be easier, of course; you'd stand some chance of spotting him.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 11
But when a man turns up smiling every time in a different disguise, which fits him like a skin, and always apparently with the best credentials, why, hang it all, Sey, there's no wrestling with him anyhow."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 12
"Who could have come to us, for example, better vouched," I acquiesced, "than the Honourable David?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 13
"Exactly so," Charles murmured.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 14
"I invited him myself, for my own advantage.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 15
And he arrived with all the prestige of the Glen-Ellachie connection."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 16
"Or the Professor?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 17
I went on.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 18
"Introduced to us by the leading mineralogist of England."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 19
I had touched a sore point.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 20
Charles winced and remained silent.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 21
"Then, women again," he resumed, after a painful pause.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 22
"I must meet in society many charming women.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 23
I can't everywhere and always be on my guard against every dear soul of them.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 24
Yet the moment I relax my attention for one day—or even when I don't relax it—I am bamboozled and led a dance by that arch Mme.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 25
Picardet, or that transparently simple little minx, Mrs. Granton.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 26
She's the cleverest girl I ever met in my life, that hussy, whatever we're to call her.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 27
She's a different person each time; and each time, hang it all, I lose my heart afresh to that different person."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 28
I glanced round to make sure Amelia was well out of earshot.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 29
"No, Sey," my respected connection went on, after another long pause, sipping his coffee pensively, "I feel I must be aided in this superhuman task by a professional unraveller of cunning disguises.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 30
I shall go to Marvillier's to-morrow—fortunate man, Marvillier—and ask him to supply me with a really good 'tec, who will stop in the house and keep an eye upon every living soul that comes near me.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 31
He shall scan each nose, each eye, each wig, each whisker.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 32
He shall be my watchful half, my unsleeping self; it shall be his business to suspect all living men, all breathing women.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 33
The Archbishop of Canterbury shall not escape for a moment his watchful regard; he will take care that royal princesses don't collar the spoons or walk off with the jewel-cases.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 34
He must see possible Colonel Clays in the guard of every train and the parson of every parish; he must detect the off-chance of a Mme.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 35
Picardet in every young girl that takes tea with Amelia, every fat old lady that comes to call upon Isabel.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 36
Yes, I have made my mind up.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 37
I shall go to-morrow and secure such a man at once at Marvillier's."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 38
"If you please, Sir Charles," Césarine interposed, pushing her head through the portière, "her ladyship says, will you and Mr. Wentworth remember that she goes out with you both this evening to Lady Carisbrooke's?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 39
"Bless my soul," Charles cried, "so she does!
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 40
And it's now past ten!
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 41
The carriage will be at the door for us in another five minutes!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 42
Next morning, accordingly, Charles drove round to Marvillier's.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 43
The famous detective listened to his story with glistening eyes; then he rubbed his hands and purred.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 44
"Colonel Clay!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 45
he said; "Colonel Clay!
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 46
That's a very tough customer!
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 47
The police of Europe are on the look-out for Colonel Clay.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 48
He is wanted in London, in Paris, in Berlin.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 49
It is le Colonel Caoutchouc here, le Colonel Caoutchouc there; till one begins to ask, at last, IS there any Colonel Caoutchouc, or is it a convenient class name invented by the Force to cover a gang of undiscovered sharpers?
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 50
However, Sir Charles, we will do our best.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 51
I will set on the track without delay the best and cleverest detective in England."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 52
"The very man I want," Charles said.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 53
"What name, Marvillier?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 54
The principal smiled.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 55
"Whatever name you like," he said.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 56
"He isn't particular.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 57
Medhurst he's called at home.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 58
We call him Joe.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 59
I'll send him round to your house this afternoon for certain."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 60
"Oh no," Charles said promptly, "you won't; or Colonel Clay himself will come instead of him.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 61
I've been sold too often.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 62
No casual strangers!
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 63
I'll wait here and see him."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 64
"But he isn't in," Marvillier objected.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 65
Charles was firm as a rock.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 66
"Then send and fetch him."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 67
In half an hour, sure enough, the detective arrived.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 68
He was an odd-looking small man, with hair cut short and standing straight up all over his head, like a Parisian waiter.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 69
He had quick, sharp eyes, very much like a ferret's; his nose was depressed, his lips thin and bloodless.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 70
A scar marked his left cheek—made by a sword-cut, he said, when engaged one day in arresting a desperate French smuggler, disguised as an officer of Chasseurs d'Afrique.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 71
His mien was resolute.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 72
Altogether, a quainter or 'cuter little man it has never yet been my lot to set eyes on.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 73
He walked in with a brisk step, eyed Charles up and down, and then, without much formality, asked for what he was wanted.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 74
"This is Sir Charles Vandrift, the great diamond king," Marvillier said, introducing us.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 75
"So I see," the man answered.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 76
"Then you know me?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 77
Charles asked.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 78
"I wouldn't be worth much," the detective replied, "if I didn't know everybody.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 79
And you're easy enough to know; why, every boy in the street knows you."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 80
"Plain spoken!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 81
Charles remarked.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 82
"As you like it, sir," the man answered in a respectful tone.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 83
"I endeavour to suit my dress and behaviour on every occasion to the taste of my employers."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 84
"Your name?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 85
Charles asked, smiling.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 86
"Joseph Medhurst, at your service.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 87
What sort of work?
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 88
Stolen diamonds?
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 89
Illicit diamond-buying?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 90
"No," Charles answered, fixing him with his eye.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 91
"Quite another kind of job.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 92
You've heard of Colonel Clay?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 93
Medhurst nodded.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 94
"Why, certainly," he said; and, for the first time, I detected a lingering trace of American accent.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 95
"It's my business to know about him."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 96
"Well, I want you to catch him," Charles went on.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 97
Medhurst drew a long breath.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 98
"Isn't that rather a large order?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 99
he murmured, surprised.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 100
Charles explained to him exactly the sort of services he required.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 101
Medhurst promised to comply.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 102
"If the man comes near you, I'll spot him," he said, after a moment's pause.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 103
"I can promise you that much.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 104
I'll pierce any disguise.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 105
I should know in a minute whether he's got up or not.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 106
I'm death on wigs, false moustaches, artificial complexions.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 107
I'll engage to bring the rogue to book if I see him.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 108
You may set your mind at rest, that, while I'm about you, Colonel Clay can do nothing without my instantly spotting him."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 109
"He'll do it," Marvillier put in.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 110
"He'll do it, if he says it.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 111
He's my very best hand.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 112
Never knew any man like him for unravelling and unmasking the cleverest disguises."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 113
"Then he'll suit me," Charles answered, "for I never knew any man like Colonel Clay for assuming and maintaining them."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 114
It was arranged accordingly that Medhurst should take up his residence in the house for the present, and should be described to the servants as assistant secretary.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 115
He came that very day, with a marvellously small portmanteau.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 116
But from the moment he arrived, we noticed that Césarine took a violent dislike to him.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 117
Medhurst was a most efficient detective.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 118
Charles and I told him all we knew about the various shapes in which Colonel Clay had "materialised," and he gave us in turn many valuable criticisms and suggestions.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 119
Why, when we began to suspect the Honourable David Granton, had we not, as if by accident, tried to knock his red wig off?
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 120
Why, when the Reverend Richard Peploe Brabazon first discussed the question of the paste diamonds, had we not looked to see if any of Amelia's unique gems were missing?
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 121
Why, when Professor Schleiermacher made his bow to assembled science at Lancaster Gate, had we not strictly inquired how far he was personally known beforehand to Sir Adolphus Cordery and the other mineralogists?
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 122
He supplied us also with several good hints about false hair and make-up; such as that Schleiermacher was probably much shorter than he looked, but by imitating a stoop with padding at his back he had produced the illusion of a tall bent man, though in reality no bigger than the little curate or the Graf von Lebenstein.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 123
High heels did the rest; while the scientific keenness we noted in his face was doubtless brought about by a trifle of wax at the end of the nose, giving a peculiar tilt that is extremely effective.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 124
In short, I must frankly admit, Medhurst made us feel ashamed of ourselves.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 125
Sharp as Charles is, we realised at once he was nowhere in observation beside the trained and experienced senses of this professional detective.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 126
The worst of it all was, while Medhurst was with us, by some curious fatality, Colonel Clay stopped away from us.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 127
Now and again, to be sure, we ran up against somebody whom Medhurst suspected.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 128
But after a short investigation (conducted, I may say, with admirable cleverness), the spy always showed us the doubtful person was really some innocent and well-known character, whose antecedents and surroundings he elucidated most wonderfully.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 129
He was a perfect marvel, too, in his faculty of suspicion.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 130
He suspected everybody.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 131
If an old friend dropped in to talk business with Charles, we found out afterwards that Medhurst had lain concealed all the time behind the curtain, and had taken short-hand notes of the whole conversation, as well as snap-shot photographs of the supposed sharper, by means of a kodak.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 132
If a fat old lady came to call upon Amelia, Medhurst was sure to be lurking under the ottoman in the drawing-room, and carefully observing, with all his eyes, whether or not she was really Mme.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 133
Picardet, padded.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 134
When Lady Tresco brought her four plain daughters to an "At Home" one night, Medhurst, in evening dress, disguised as a waiter, followed them each round the room with obtrusive ices, to satisfy himself just how much of their complexion was real, and how much was patent rouge and Bloom of Ninon.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 135
He doubted whether Simpson, Sir Charles's valet, was not Colonel Clay in plain clothes; and he had half an idea that Césarine herself was our saucy White Heather in an alternative avatar.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 136
We pointed out to him in vain that Simpson had often been present in the very same room with David Granton, and that Césarine had dressed Mrs. Brabazon's hair at Lucerne: this partially satisfied him, but only partially.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 137
He remarked that Simpson might double both parts with somebody else unknown; and that as for Césarine, she might well have a twin sister who took her place when she was Mme.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 138
Picardet.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 139
Still, in spite of all his care—or because of all his care—Colonel Clay stopped away for whole weeks together.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 140
An explanation occurred to us.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 141
Was it possible he knew we were guarded and watched?
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 142
Was he afraid of measuring swords with this trained detective?
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 143
If so, how had he found it out?
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 144
I had an inkling, myself—but, under all the circumstances, I did not mention it to Charles.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 145
It was clear that Césarine intensely disliked this new addition to the Vandrift household.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 146
She would not stop in the room where the detective was, or show him common politeness.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 147
She spoke of him always as "that odious man, Medhurst."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 148
Could she have guessed, what none of the other servants knew, that the man was a spy in search of the Colonel?
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 149
I was inclined to believe it.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 150
And then it dawned upon me that Césarine had known all about the diamonds and their story; that it was Césarine who took us to see Schloss Lebenstein; that it was Césarine who posted the letter to Lord Craig-Ellachie!
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 151
If Césarine was in league with Colonel Clay, as I was half inclined to surmise, what more natural than her obvious dislike to the detective who was there to catch her principal?
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 152
What more simple for her than to warn her fellow-conspirator of the danger that awaited him if he approached this man Medhurst?
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 153
However, I was too much frightened by the episode of the cheque to say anything of my nascent suspicions to Charles.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 154
I waited rather to see how events would shape themselves.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 155
After a while Medhurst's vigilance grew positively annoying.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 156
More than once he came to Charles with reports and shorthand notes distinctly distasteful to my excellent brother-in-law.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 157
"The fellow is getting to know too much about us," Charles said to me one day.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 158
"Why, Sey, he spies out everything.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 159
Would you believe it, when I had that confidential interview with Brookfield the other day, about the new issue of Golcondas, the man was under the easy-chair, though I searched the room beforehand to make sure he wasn't there; and he came to me afterwards with full notes of the conversation, to assure me he thought Brookfield—whom I've known for ten years—was too tall by half an inch to be one of Colonel Clay's impersonations."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 160
"Oh, but, Sir Charles," Medhurst cried, emerging suddenly from the bookcase, "you must never look upon any one as above suspicion merely because you've known him for ten years or thereabouts.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 161
Colonel Clay may have approached you at various times under many disguises.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 162
He may have built up this thing gradually.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 163
Besides, as to my knowing too much, why, of course, a detective always learns many things about his employer's family which he is not supposed to know; but professional honour and professional etiquette, as with doctors and lawyers, compel him to lock them up as absolute secrets in his own bosom.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 164
You need never be afraid I will divulge one jot of them.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 165
If I did, my occupation would be gone, and my reputation shattered."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 166
Charles looked at him, appalled.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 167
"Do you dare to say," he burst out, "you've been listening to my talk with my brother-in-law and secretary?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 168
"Why, of course," Medhurst answered.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 169
"It's my business to listen, and to suspect everybody.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 170
If you push me to say so, how do I know Colonel Clay is not—Mr.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 171
Wentworth?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 172
Charles withered him with a look.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 173
"In future, Medhurst," he said, "you must never conceal yourself in a room where I am without my leave and knowledge."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 174
Medhurst bowed politely.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 175
"Oh, as you will, Sir Charles," he answered; "that's quite at your own wish.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 176
Though how can I act as an efficient detective, any way, if you insist upon tying my hands like that, beforehand?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 177
Again I detected a faint American flavour.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 178
After that rebuff, however, Medhurst seemed put upon his mettle.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 179
He redoubled his vigilance in every direction.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 180
"It's not my fault," he said plaintively, one day, "if my reputation's so good that, while I'm near you, this rogue won't approach you.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 181
If I can't catch him, at least I keep him away from coming near you!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 182
A few days later, however, he brought Charles some photographs.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 183
These he produced with evident pride.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 184
The first he showed us was a vignette of a little parson.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 185
"Who's that, then?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 186
he inquired, much pleased.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 187
We gazed at it, open-eyed.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 188
One word rose to our lips simultaneously: "Brabazon!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 189
"And how's this for high?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 190
he asked again, producing another—the photograph of a gay young dog in a Tyrolese costume.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 191
We murmured, "Von Lebenstein!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 192
"And this?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 193
he continued, showing us the portrait of a lady with a most fetching squint.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 194
We answered with one voice, "Little Mrs.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 195
Granton!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 196
Medhurst was naturally proud of this excellent exploit.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 197
He replaced them in his pocket-book with an air of just triumph.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 198
"How did you get them?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 199
Charles asked.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 200
Medhurst's look was mysterious.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 201
"Sir Charles," he answered, drawing himself up, "I must ask you to trust me awhile in this matter.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 202
Remember, there are people whom you decline to suspect.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 203
I have learned that it is always those very people who are most dangerous to capitalists.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 204
If I were to give you the names now, you would refuse to believe me.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 205
Therefore, I hold them over discreetly for the moment.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 206
One thing, however, I say.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 207
I know to a certainty where Colonel Clay is at this present speaking.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 208
But I will lay my plans deep, and I hope before long to secure him.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 209
You shall be present when I do so; and I shall make him confess his personality openly.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 210
More than that you cannot reasonably ask.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 211
I shall leave it to you, then, whether or not you wish to arrest him."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 212
Charles was considerably puzzled, not to say piqued, by this curious reticence; he begged hard for names; but Medhurst was adamant.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 213
"No, no," he replied; "we detectives have our own just pride in our profession.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 214
If I told you now, you would probably spoil all by some premature action.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 215
You are too open and impulsive!
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 216
I will mention this alone: Colonel Clay will be shortly in Paris, and before long will begin from that city a fresh attempt at defrauding you, which he is now hatching.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 217
Mark my words, and see whether or not I have been kept well informed of the fellow's movements!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 218
He was perfectly correct.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 219
Two days later, as it turned out, Charles received a "confidential" letter from Paris, purporting to come from the head of a second-rate financial house with which he had had dealings over the Craig-Ellachie Amalgamation—by this time, I ought to have said, an accomplished union.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 220
It was a letter of small importance in itself—a mere matter of detail; but it paved the way, so Medhurst thought, to some later development of more serious character.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 221
Here once more the man's singular foresight was justified.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 222
For, in another week, we received a second communication, containing other proposals of a delicate financial character, which would have involved the transference of some two thousand pounds to the head of the Parisian firm at an address given.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 223
Both these letters Medhurst cleverly compared with those written to Charles before, in the names of Colonel Clay and of Graf von Lebenstein.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 224
At first sight, it is true, the differences between the two seemed quite enormous: the Paris hand was broad and black, large and bold; while the earlier manuscript was small, neat, thin, and gentlemanly.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 225
Still, when Medhurst pointed out to us certain persistent twists in the formation of his capitals, and certain curious peculiarities in the relative length of his t's, his l's, his b's, and his h's, we could see for ourselves he was right.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 226
Both were the work of one hand, writing in the one case with a sharp-pointed nib, very small, and in the other with a quill, very large and freely.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 227
This discovery was most important.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 228
We stood now within measurable distance of catching Colonel Clay, and bringing forgery and fraud home to him without hope of evasion.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 229
To make all sure, however, Medhurst communicated with the Paris police, and showed us their answers.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 230
Meanwhile, Charles continued to write to the head of the firm, who had given a private address in the Rue Jean Jacques, alleging, I must say, a most clever reason why the negotiations at this stage should be confidentially conducted.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 231
But one never expected from Colonel Clay anything less than consummate cleverness.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 232
In the end, it was arranged that we three were to go over to Paris together, that Medhurst was to undertake, under the guise of being Sir Charles, to pay the two thousand pounds to the pretended financier, and that Charles and I, waiting with the police outside the door, should, at a given signal, rush in with our forces and secure the criminal.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 233
We went over accordingly, and spent the night at the Grand, as is Charles's custom.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 234
The Bristol, which I prefer, he finds too quiet.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 235
Early next morning we took a fiacre and drove to the Rue Jean Jacques.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 236
Medhurst had arranged everything in advance with the Paris police, three of whom, in plain clothes, were waiting at the foot of the staircase to assist us.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 237
Charles had further provided himself with two thousand pounds, in notes of the Bank of France, in order that the payment might be duly made, and no doubt arise as to the crime having been perpetrated as well as meditated—in the former case, the penalty would be fifteen years; in the latter, three only.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 238
He was in very high spirits.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 239
The fact that we had tracked the rascal to earth at last, and were within an hour of apprehending him, was in itself enough to raise his courage greatly.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 240
We found, as we expected, that the number given in the Rue Jean Jacques was that of an hotel, not a private residence.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 241
Medhurst went in first, and inquired of the landlord whether our man was at home, at the same time informing him of the nature of our errand, and giving him to understand that if we effected the capture by his friendly aid, Sir Charles would see that the expenses incurred on the swindler's bill were met in full, as the price of his assistance.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 242
The landlord bowed; he expressed his deep regret, as M. le Colonel—so we heard him call him—was a most amiable person, much liked by the household; but justice, of course, must have its way; and, with a regretful sigh, he undertook to assist us.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 243
The police remained below, but Charles and Medhurst were each provided with a pair of handcuffs.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 244
Remembering the Polperro case, however, we determined to use them with the greatest caution.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 245
We would only put them on in case of violent resistance.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 246
We crept up to the door where the miscreant was housed.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 247
Charles handed the notes in an open envelope to Medhurst, who seized them hastily and held them in his hands in readiness for action.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 248
We had a sign concerted.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 249
Whenever he sneezed—which he could do in the most natural manner—we were to open the door, rush in, and secure the criminal!
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 250
He was gone for some minutes.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 251
Charles and I waited outside in breathless expectation.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 252
Then Medhurst sneezed.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 253
We flung the door open at once, and burst in upon the creature.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 254
Medhurst rose as we did so.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 255
He pointed with his finger.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 256
"This is Colonel Clay!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 257
he said; "keep him well in charge while I go down to the door for the police to arrest him!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 258
A gentlemanly man, about middle height, with a grizzled beard and a well-assumed military aspect, rose at the same moment.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 259
The envelope in which Charles had placed the notes lay on the table before him.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 260
He clutched it nervously.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 261
"I am at a loss, gentlemen," he said, in an excited voice, "to account for this interruption."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 262
He spoke with a tremor, yet with all the politeness to which we were accustomed in the little curate and the Honourable David.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 263
"No nonsense!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 264
Charles exclaimed, in his authoritative way.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 265
"We know who you are.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 266
We have found you out this time.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 267
You are Colonel Clay.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 268
If you attempt to resist—take care—I will handcuff you!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 269
The military gentleman gave a start.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 270
"Yes, I am Colonel Clay," he answered.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 271
"On what charge do you arrest me?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 272
Charles was bursting with wrath.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 273
The fellow's coolness seemed never to desert him.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 274
"You are Colonel Clay!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 275
he muttered.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 276
"You have the unspeakable effrontery to stand there and admit it?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 277
"Certainly," the Colonel answered, growing hot in turn.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 278
"I have done nothing to be ashamed of.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 279
What do you mean by this conduct?
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 280
How dare you talk of arresting me?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 281
Charles laid his hand on the man's shoulder.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 282
"Come, come, my friend," he said.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 283
"That sort of bluff won't go down with us.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 284
You know very well on what charge I arrest you; and here are the police to give effect to it."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 285
He called out "Entrez!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 286
The police entered the room.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 287
Charles explained as well as he could in most doubtful Parisian what they were next to do.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 288
The Colonel drew himself up in an indignant attitude.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 289
He turned and addressed them in excellent French.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 290
"I am an officer in the service of her Britannic Majesty," he said.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 291
"On what ground do you venture to interfere with me, messieurs?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 292
The chief policeman explained.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 293
The Colonel turned to Charles.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 294
"Your name, sir?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 295
he inquired.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 296
"You know it very well," Charles answered.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 297
"I am Sir Charles Vandrift; and, in spite of your clever disguise, I can instantly recognise you.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 298
I know your eyes and ears.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 299
I can see the same man who cheated me at Nice, and who insulted me on the island."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 300
"You Sir Charles Vandrift!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 301
the rogue cried.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 302
"No, no, sir, you are a madman!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 303
He looked round at the police.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 304
"Take care what you do!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 305
he cried.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 306
"This is a raving maniac.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 307
I had business just now with Sir Charles Vandrift, who quitted the room as these gentlemen entered.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 308
This person is mad, and you, monsieur, I doubt not," bowing to me, "you are, of course, his keeper."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 309
"Do not let him deceive you," I cried to the police, beginning to fear that with his usual incredible cleverness the fellow would even now manage to slip through our fingers.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 310
"Arrest him, as you are told.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 311
We will take the responsibility."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 312
Though I trembled when I thought of that cheque he held of mine.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 313
The chief of our three policemen came forward and laid his hand on the culprit's shoulder.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 314
"I advise you, M. le Colonel," he said, in an official voice, "to come with us quietly for the present.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 315
Before the juge d'instruction we can enter at length into all these questions."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 316
The Colonel, very indignant still—and acting the part marvellously—yielded and went along with them.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 317
"Where's Medhurst?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 318
Charles inquired, glancing round as we reached the door.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 319
"I wish he had stopped with us."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 320
"You are looking for monsieur your friend?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 321
the landlord inquired, with a side bow to the Colonel.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 322
"He has gone away in a fiacre.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 323
He asked me to give this note to you."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 324
He handed us a twisted note.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 325
Charles opened and read it.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 326
"Invaluable man!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 327
he cried.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 328
"Just hear what he says, Sey: 'Having secured Colonel Clay, I am off now again on the track of Mme.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 329
Picardet.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 330
She was lodging in the same house.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 331
She has just driven away; I know to what place; and I am after her to arrest her.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 332
In blind haste, MEDHURST.'
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 333
That's smartness, IF you like.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 334
Though, poor little woman, I think he might have left her."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 335
"Does a Mme.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 336
Picardet stop here?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 337
I inquired of the landlord, thinking it possible she might have assumed again the same old alias.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 338
He nodded assent.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 339
"Oui, oui, oui," he answered.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 340
"She has just driven off, and monsieur your friend has gone posting after her."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 341
"Splendid man!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 342
Charles cried.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 343
"Marvillier was quite right.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 344
He is the prince of detectives!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 345
We hailed a couple of fiacres, and drove off, in two detachments, to the juge d'instruction.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 346
There Colonel Clay continued to brazen it out, and asserted that he was an officer in the Indian Army, home on six months' leave, and spending some weeks in Paris.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 347
He even declared he was known at the Embassy, where he had a cousin an attaché; and he asked that this gentleman should be sent for at once from our Ambassador's to identify him.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 348
The juge d'instruction insisted that this must be done; and Charles waited in very bad humour for the foolish formality.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 349
It really seemed as if, after all, when we had actually caught and arrested our man, he was going by some cunning device to escape us.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 350
After a delay of more than an hour, during which Colonel Clay fretted and fumed quite as much as we did, the attaché arrived.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 351
To our horror and astonishment, he proceeded to salute the prisoner most affectionately.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 352
"Halloa, Algy!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 353
he cried, grasping his hand; "what's up?
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 354
What do these ruffians want with you?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 355
It began to dawn upon us, then, what Medhurst had meant by "suspecting everybody": the real Colonel Clay was no common adventurer, but a gentleman of birth and high connections!
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 356
The Colonel glared at us.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 357
"This fellow declares he's Sir Charles Vandrift," he said sulkily.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 358
"Though, in fact, there are two of them.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 359
And he accuses me of forgery, fraud, and theft, Bertie."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 360
The attaché stared hard at us.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 361
"This is Sir Charles Vandrift," he replied, after a moment.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 362
"I remember hearing him make a speech once at a City dinner.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 363
And what charge have you to prefer, Sir Charles, against my cousin?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 364
"Your cousin?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 365
Charles cried.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 366
"This is Colonel Clay, the notorious sharper!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 367
The attaché smiled a gentlemanly and superior smile.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 368
"This is Colonel Clay," he answered, "of the Bengal Staff Corps."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 369
It began to strike us there was something wrong somewhere.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 370
"But he has cheated me, all the same," Charles said—"at Nice two years ago, and many times since; and this very day he has tricked me out of two thousand pounds in French bank-notes, which he has now about him!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 371
The Colonel was speechless.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 372
But the attaché laughed.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 373
"What he has done to-day I don't know," he said; "but if it's as apocryphal as what you say he did two years ago, you've a thundering bad case, sir; for he was then in India, and I was out there, visiting him."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 374
"Where are the two thousand pounds?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 375
Charles cried.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 376
"Why, you've got them in your hand!
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 377
You're holding the envelope!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 378
The Colonel produced it.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 379
"This envelope," he said, "was left with me by the man with short stiff hair, who came just before you, and who announced himself as Sir Charles Vandrift.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 380
He said he was interested in tea in Assam, and wanted me to join the board of directors of some bogus company.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 381
These are his papers, I believe," and he handed them to his cousin.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 382
"Well, I'm glad the notes are safe, anyhow," Charles murmured, in a tone of relief, beginning to smell a rat.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 383
"Will you kindly return them to me?"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 384
The attaché turned out the contents of the envelope.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 385
They proved to be prospectuses of bubble companies of the moment, of no importance.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 386
"Medhurst must have put them there," I cried, "and decamped with the cash."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 387
Charles gave a groan of horror.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 388
"And Medhurst is Colonel Clay!"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 389
he exclaimed, clapping his hand to his forehead.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 390
"I beg your pardon, sir," the Colonel interposed.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 391
"I have but one personality, and no aliases."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 392
It took quite half an hour to explain this imbroglio.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 393
But as soon as all was explained, in French and English, to the satisfaction of ourselves and the juge d'instruction, the real Colonel shook hands with us in a most forgiving way, and informed us that he had more than once wondered, when he gave his name at shops in Paris, why it was often received with such grave suspicion.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 394
We instructed the police that the true culprit was Medhurst, whom they had seen with their own eyes, and whom we urged them to pursue with all expedition.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 395
Meanwhile, Charles and I, accompanied by the Colonel and the attaché—"to see the fun out," as they said—called at the Bank of France for the purpose of stopping the notes immediately.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 396
It was too late, however.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 397
They had been presented at once, and cashed in gold, by a pleasant little lady in an American costume, who was afterwards identified by the hotel-keeper (from our description) as his lodger, Mme.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 398
Picardet.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 399
It was clear she had taken rooms in the same hotel, to be near the Indian Colonel; and it was she who had received and sent the letters.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 400
As for our foe, he had vanished into space, as always.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 401
Two days later we received the usual insulting communication on a sheet of Charles's own dainty note.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 402
Last time he wrote it was on Craig-Ellachie paper: this time, like the wanton lapwing, he had got himself another crest.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 403
"MOST PERSPICACIOUS OF MILLIONAIRES!—Said I not well, as Medhurst, that you must distrust everybody?
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 404
And the one man you never dreamt of distrusting was—Medhurst.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 405
Yet see how truthful I was!
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 406
I told you I knew where Colonel Clay was living—and I did know, exactly.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 407
I promised to take you to Colonel Clay's rooms, and to get him arrested for you—and I kept my promise.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 408
I even exceeded your expectations; for I gave you two Colonel Clays instead of one—and you took the wrong man—that is to say, the real one.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 409
This was a neat little trick; but it cost me some trouble.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 410
"First, I found out there was a real Colonel Clay, in the Indian Army.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 411
I also found out he chanced to be coming home on leave this season.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 412
I might have made more out of him, no doubt; but I disliked annoying him, and preferred to give myself the fun of this peculiar mystification.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 413
I therefore waited for him to reach Paris, where the police arrangements suited me better than in London.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 414
While I was looking about, and delaying operations for his return, I happened to hear you wanted a detective.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 415
So I offered myself as out of work to my old employer, Marvillier, from whom I have had many good jobs in the past; and there you get, in short, the kernel of the Colonel.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 416
"Naturally, after this, I can never go back as a detective to Marvillier's.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 417
But, on the large scale on which I have learned to work since I first had the pleasure of making your delightful acquaintance, this matters little.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 418
To say the truth, I begin to feel detective work a cut or two below me.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 419
I am now a gentleman of means and leisure.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 420
Besides, the extra knowledge of your movements which I have acquired in your house has helped still further to give me various holds upon you.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 421
So the fluke will be true to his own pet lamb.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 422
To vary the metaphor, you are not fully shorn yet.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 423
"Remember me most kindly to your charming family, give Wentworth my love, and tell Mlle.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 424
Césarine I owe her a grudge which I shall never forget.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 425
She clearly suspected me.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 426
You are much too rich, dear Charles; I relieve your plethora.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 427
I bleed you financially.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 428
Therefore I consider myself—Your sincerest friend, "CLAY-BRABAZON-MEDHURST, "Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons."
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 429
Charles was threatened with apoplexy.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 430
This blow was severe.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 431
"Whom can I trust," he asked, plaintively, "when the detectives themselves, whom I employ to guard me, turn out to be swindlers?
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 432
Don't you remember that line in the Latin grammar—something about, 'Who shall watch the watchers?'
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 433
I think it used to run, 'Quis custodes custodiet ipsos?'"
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate
unit 434
But I felt this episode had at least disproved my suspicions of poor Césarine.
0 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity None
Translate

VII - THE EPISODE OF THE ARREST OF THE COLONEL

How much precisely Charles dropped over the slump in Cloetedorps I never quite knew.

But the incident left him dejected, limp, and dispirited.

"Hang it all, Sey," he said to me in the smoking-room, a few evenings later.

"This Colonel Clay is enough to vex the patience of Job—and Job had large losses, too, if I recollect aright, from the Chaldeans and other big operators of the period."

"Three thousand camels," I murmured, recalling my dear mother's lessons; "all at one fell swoop; not to mention five hundred yoke of oxen, carried off by the Sabeans, then a leading firm of speculative cattle-dealers!"

"Ah, well," Charles meditated aloud, shaking the ash from his cheroot into a Japanese tray—fine antique bronze-work.

"There were big transactions in live-stock even then! Still, Job or no Job, the man is too much for me."

"The difficulty is," I assented, "you never know where to have him."

"Yes," Charles mused; "if he were always the same, like Horniman's tea or a good brand of whisky, it would be easier, of course; you'd stand some chance of spotting him.

But when a man turns up smiling every time in a different disguise, which fits him like a skin, and always apparently with the best credentials, why, hang it all, Sey, there's no wrestling with him anyhow."

"Who could have come to us, for example, better vouched," I acquiesced, "than the Honourable David?"

"Exactly so," Charles murmured. "I invited him myself, for my own advantage.

And he arrived with all the prestige of the Glen-Ellachie connection."

"Or the Professor?" I went on. "Introduced to us by the leading mineralogist of England."

I had touched a sore point. Charles winced and remained silent.

"Then, women again," he resumed, after a painful pause. "I must meet in society many charming women.

I can't everywhere and always be on my guard against every dear soul of them.

Yet the moment I relax my attention for one day—or even when I don't relax it—I am bamboozled and led a dance by that arch Mme. Picardet, or that transparently simple little minx, Mrs. Granton.

She's the cleverest girl I ever met in my life, that hussy, whatever we're to call her.

She's a different person each time; and each time, hang it all, I lose my heart afresh to that different person."

I glanced round to make sure Amelia was well out of earshot.

"No, Sey," my respected connection went on, after another long pause, sipping his coffee pensively, "I feel I must be aided in this superhuman task by a professional unraveller of cunning disguises.

I shall go to Marvillier's to-morrow—fortunate man, Marvillier—and ask him to supply me with a really good 'tec, who will stop in the house and keep an eye upon every living soul that comes near me.

He shall scan each nose, each eye, each wig, each whisker.

He shall be my watchful half, my unsleeping self; it shall be his business to suspect all living men, all breathing women.

The Archbishop of Canterbury shall not escape for a moment his watchful regard; he will take care that royal princesses don't collar the spoons or walk off with the jewel-cases.

He must see possible Colonel Clays in the guard of every train and the parson of every parish; he must detect the off-chance of a Mme. Picardet in every young girl that takes tea with Amelia, every fat old lady that comes to call upon Isabel.

Yes, I have made my mind up. I shall go to-morrow and secure such a man at once at Marvillier's."

"If you please, Sir Charles," Césarine interposed, pushing her head through the portière, "her ladyship says, will you and Mr. Wentworth remember that she goes out with you both this evening to Lady Carisbrooke's?"

"Bless my soul," Charles cried, "so she does! And it's now past ten! The carriage will be at the door for us in another five minutes!"

Next morning, accordingly, Charles drove round to Marvillier's.

The famous detective listened to his story with glistening eyes; then he rubbed his hands and purred.

"Colonel Clay!" he said; "Colonel Clay! That's a very tough customer!

The police of Europe are on the look-out for Colonel Clay.

He is wanted in London, in Paris, in Berlin.

It is le Colonel Caoutchouc here, le Colonel Caoutchouc there; till one begins to ask, at last, IS there any Colonel Caoutchouc, or is it a convenient class name invented by the Force to cover a gang of undiscovered sharpers?

However, Sir Charles, we will do our best.

I will set on the track without delay the best and cleverest detective in England."

"The very man I want," Charles said. "What name, Marvillier?"

The principal smiled. "Whatever name you like," he said.

"He isn't particular. Medhurst he's called at home. We call him Joe. I'll send him round to your house this afternoon for certain."

"Oh no," Charles said promptly, "you won't; or Colonel Clay himself will come instead of him.

I've been sold too often. No casual strangers! I'll wait here and see him."

"But he isn't in," Marvillier objected.

Charles was firm as a rock. "Then send and fetch him."

In half an hour, sure enough, the detective arrived.

He was an odd-looking small man, with hair cut short and standing straight up all over his head, like a Parisian waiter.

He had quick, sharp eyes, very much like a ferret's; his nose was depressed, his lips thin and bloodless.

A scar marked his left cheek—made by a sword-cut, he said, when engaged one day in arresting a desperate French smuggler, disguised as an officer of Chasseurs d'Afrique.

His mien was resolute. Altogether, a quainter or 'cuter little man it has never yet been my lot to set eyes on.

He walked in with a brisk step, eyed Charles up and down, and then, without much formality, asked for what he was wanted.

"This is Sir Charles Vandrift, the great diamond king," Marvillier said, introducing us.

"So I see," the man answered.

"Then you know me?" Charles asked.

"I wouldn't be worth much," the detective replied, "if I didn't know everybody.

And you're easy enough to know; why, every boy in the street knows you."

"Plain spoken!" Charles remarked.

"As you like it, sir," the man answered in a respectful tone.

"I endeavour to suit my dress and behaviour on every occasion to the taste of my employers."

"Your name?" Charles asked, smiling.

"Joseph Medhurst, at your service. What sort of work? Stolen diamonds? Illicit diamond-buying?"

"No," Charles answered, fixing him with his eye. "Quite another kind of job. You've heard of Colonel Clay?"

Medhurst nodded. "Why, certainly," he said; and, for the first time, I detected a lingering trace of American accent. "It's my business to know about him."

"Well, I want you to catch him," Charles went on.

Medhurst drew a long breath. "Isn't that rather a large order?" he murmured, surprised.

Charles explained to him exactly the sort of services he required.

Medhurst promised to comply. "If the man comes near you, I'll spot him," he said, after a moment's pause.

"I can promise you that much. I'll pierce any disguise. I should know in a minute whether he's got up or not.

I'm death on wigs, false moustaches, artificial complexions. I'll engage to bring the rogue to book if I see him.

You may set your mind at rest, that, while I'm about you, Colonel Clay can do nothing without my instantly spotting him."

"He'll do it," Marvillier put in. "He'll do it, if he says it. He's my very best hand.

Never knew any man like him for unravelling and unmasking the cleverest disguises."

"Then he'll suit me," Charles answered, "for I never knew any man like Colonel Clay for assuming and maintaining them."

It was arranged accordingly that Medhurst should take up his residence in the house for the present, and should be described to the servants as assistant secretary.

He came that very day, with a marvellously small portmanteau.

But from the moment he arrived, we noticed that Césarine took a violent dislike to him.

Medhurst was a most efficient detective.

Charles and I told him all we knew about the various shapes in which Colonel Clay had "materialised," and he gave us in turn many valuable criticisms and suggestions.

Why, when we began to suspect the Honourable David Granton, had we not, as if by accident, tried to knock his red wig off?

Why, when the Reverend Richard Peploe Brabazon first discussed the question of the paste diamonds, had we not looked to see if any of Amelia's unique gems were missing?

Why, when Professor Schleiermacher made his bow to assembled science at Lancaster Gate, had we not strictly inquired how far he was personally known beforehand to Sir Adolphus Cordery and the other mineralogists?

He supplied us also with several good hints about false hair and make-up; such as that Schleiermacher was probably much shorter than he looked, but by imitating a stoop with padding at his back he had produced the illusion of a tall bent man, though in reality no bigger than the little curate or the Graf von Lebenstein.

High heels did the rest; while the scientific keenness we noted in his face was doubtless brought about by a trifle of wax at the end of the nose, giving a peculiar tilt that is extremely effective.

In short, I must frankly admit, Medhurst made us feel ashamed of ourselves.

Sharp as Charles is, we realised at once he was nowhere in observation beside the trained and experienced senses of this professional detective.

The worst of it all was, while Medhurst was with us, by some curious fatality, Colonel Clay stopped away from us.

Now and again, to be sure, we ran up against somebody whom Medhurst suspected.

But after a short investigation (conducted, I may say, with admirable cleverness), the spy always showed us the doubtful person was really some innocent and well-known character, whose antecedents and surroundings he elucidated most wonderfully.

He was a perfect marvel, too, in his faculty of suspicion. He suspected everybody.

If an old friend dropped in to talk business with Charles, we found out afterwards that Medhurst had lain concealed all the time behind the curtain, and had taken short-hand notes of the whole conversation, as well as snap-shot photographs of the supposed sharper, by means of a kodak.

If a fat old lady came to call upon Amelia, Medhurst was sure to be lurking under the ottoman in the drawing-room, and carefully observing, with all his eyes, whether or not she was really Mme. Picardet, padded.

When Lady Tresco brought her four plain daughters to an "At Home" one night, Medhurst, in evening dress, disguised as a waiter, followed them each round the room with obtrusive ices, to satisfy himself just how much of their complexion was real, and how much was patent rouge and Bloom of Ninon.

He doubted whether Simpson, Sir Charles's valet, was not Colonel Clay in plain clothes; and he had half an idea that Césarine herself was our saucy White Heather in an alternative avatar.

We pointed out to him in vain that Simpson had often been present in the very same room with David Granton, and that Césarine had dressed Mrs. Brabazon's hair at Lucerne: this partially satisfied him, but only partially.

He remarked that Simpson might double both parts with somebody else unknown; and that as for Césarine, she might well have a twin sister who took her place when she was Mme. Picardet.

Still, in spite of all his care—or because of all his care—Colonel Clay stopped away for whole weeks together.

An explanation occurred to us.

Was it possible he knew we were guarded and watched? Was he afraid of measuring swords with this trained detective?

If so, how had he found it out? I had an inkling, myself—but, under all the circumstances, I did not mention it to Charles.

It was clear that Césarine intensely disliked this new addition to the Vandrift household.

She would not stop in the room where the detective was, or show him common politeness.

She spoke of him always as "that odious man, Medhurst."

Could she have guessed, what none of the other servants knew, that the man was a spy in search of the Colonel?

I was inclined to believe it. And then it dawned upon me that Césarine had known all about the diamonds and their story; that it was Césarine who took us to see Schloss Lebenstein; that it was Césarine who posted the letter to Lord Craig-Ellachie!

If Césarine was in league with Colonel Clay, as I was half inclined to surmise, what more natural than her obvious dislike to the detective who was there to catch her principal?

What more simple for her than to warn her fellow-conspirator of the danger that awaited him if he approached this man Medhurst?

However, I was too much frightened by the episode of the cheque to say anything of my nascent suspicions to Charles.

I waited rather to see how events would shape themselves.

After a while Medhurst's vigilance grew positively annoying.

More than once he came to Charles with reports and shorthand notes distinctly distasteful to my excellent brother-in-law.

"The fellow is getting to know too much about us," Charles said to me one day.

"Why, Sey, he spies out everything.

Would you believe it, when I had that confidential interview with Brookfield the other day, about the new issue of Golcondas, the man was under the easy-chair, though I searched the room beforehand to make sure he wasn't there; and he came to me afterwards with full notes of the conversation, to assure me he thought Brookfield—whom I've known for ten years—was too tall by half an inch to be one of Colonel Clay's impersonations."

"Oh, but, Sir Charles," Medhurst cried, emerging suddenly from the bookcase, "you must never look upon any one as above suspicion merely because you've known him for ten years or thereabouts.

Colonel Clay may have approached you at various times under many disguises.

He may have built up this thing gradually.

Besides, as to my knowing too much, why, of course, a detective always learns many things about his employer's family which he is not supposed to know; but professional honour and professional etiquette, as with doctors and lawyers, compel him to lock them up as absolute secrets in his own bosom.

You need never be afraid I will divulge one jot of them. If I did, my occupation would be gone, and my reputation shattered."

Charles looked at him, appalled.

"Do you dare to say," he burst out, "you've been listening to my talk with my brother-in-law and secretary?"

"Why, of course," Medhurst answered. "It's my business to listen, and to suspect everybody.

If you push me to say so, how do I know Colonel Clay is not—Mr. Wentworth?"

Charles withered him with a look.

"In future, Medhurst," he said, "you must never conceal yourself in a room where I am without my leave and knowledge."

Medhurst bowed politely. "Oh, as you will, Sir Charles," he answered; "that's quite at your own wish.

Though how can I act as an efficient detective, any way, if you insist upon tying my hands like that, beforehand?"

Again I detected a faint American flavour.

After that rebuff, however, Medhurst seemed put upon his mettle.

He redoubled his vigilance in every direction.

"It's not my fault," he said plaintively, one day, "if my reputation's so good that, while I'm near you, this rogue won't approach you.

If I can't catch him, at least I keep him away from coming near you!"

A few days later, however, he brought Charles some photographs.

These he produced with evident pride. The first he showed us was a vignette of a little parson.

"Who's that, then?" he inquired, much pleased.

We gazed at it, open-eyed. One word rose to our lips simultaneously: "Brabazon!"

"And how's this for high?" he asked again, producing another—the photograph of a gay young dog in a Tyrolese costume.

We murmured, "Von Lebenstein!"

"And this?" he continued, showing us the portrait of a lady with a most fetching squint.

We answered with one voice, "Little Mrs. Granton!"

Medhurst was naturally proud of this excellent exploit. He replaced them in his pocket-book with an air of just triumph.

"How did you get them?" Charles asked.

Medhurst's look was mysterious.

"Sir Charles," he answered, drawing himself up, "I must ask you to trust me awhile in this matter.

Remember, there are people whom you decline to suspect.

I have learned that it is always those very people who are most dangerous to capitalists.

If I were to give you the names now, you would refuse to believe me.

Therefore, I hold them over discreetly for the moment.

One thing, however, I say. I know to a certainty where Colonel Clay is at this present speaking.

But I will lay my plans deep, and I hope before long to secure him.

You shall be present when I do so; and I shall make him confess his personality openly.

More than that you cannot reasonably ask. I shall leave it to you, then, whether or not you wish to arrest him."

Charles was considerably puzzled, not to say piqued, by this curious reticence; he begged hard for names; but Medhurst was adamant.

"No, no," he replied; "we detectives have our own just pride in our profession.

If I told you now, you would probably spoil all by some premature action.

You are too open and impulsive! I will mention this alone: Colonel Clay will be shortly in Paris, and before long will begin from that city a fresh attempt at defrauding you, which he is now hatching.

Mark my words, and see whether or not I have been kept well informed of the fellow's movements!"

He was perfectly correct.

Two days later, as it turned out, Charles received a "confidential" letter from Paris, purporting to come from the head of a second-rate financial house with which he had had dealings over the Craig-Ellachie Amalgamation—by this time, I ought to have said, an accomplished union.

It was a letter of small importance in itself—a mere matter of detail; but it paved the way, so Medhurst thought, to some later development of more serious character.

Here once more the man's singular foresight was justified.

For, in another week, we received a second communication, containing other proposals of a delicate financial character, which would have involved the transference of some two thousand pounds to the head of the Parisian firm at an address given.

Both these letters Medhurst cleverly compared with those written to Charles before, in the names of Colonel Clay and of Graf von Lebenstein.

At first sight, it is true, the differences between the two seemed quite enormous: the Paris hand was broad and black, large and bold; while the earlier manuscript was small, neat, thin, and gentlemanly.

Still, when Medhurst pointed out to us certain persistent twists in the formation of his capitals, and certain curious peculiarities in the relative length of his t's, his l's, his b's, and his h's, we could see for ourselves he was right.

Both were the work of one hand, writing in the one case with a sharp-pointed nib, very small, and in the other with a quill, very large and freely.

This discovery was most important.

We stood now within measurable distance of catching Colonel Clay, and bringing forgery and fraud home to him without hope of evasion.

To make all sure, however, Medhurst communicated with the Paris police, and showed us their answers.

Meanwhile, Charles continued to write to the head of the firm, who had given a private address in the Rue Jean Jacques, alleging, I must say, a most clever reason why the negotiations at this stage should be confidentially conducted.

But one never expected from Colonel Clay anything less than consummate cleverness.

In the end, it was arranged that we three were to go over to Paris together, that Medhurst was to undertake, under the guise of being Sir Charles, to pay the two thousand pounds to the pretended financier, and that Charles and I, waiting with the police outside the door, should, at a given signal, rush in with our forces and secure the criminal.

We went over accordingly, and spent the night at the Grand, as is Charles's custom.

The Bristol, which I prefer, he finds too quiet. Early next morning we took a fiacre and drove to the Rue Jean Jacques.

Medhurst had arranged everything in advance with the Paris police, three of whom, in plain clothes, were waiting at the foot of the staircase to assist us.

Charles had further provided himself with two thousand pounds, in notes of the Bank of France, in order that the payment might be duly made, and no doubt arise as to the crime having been perpetrated as well as meditated—in the former case, the penalty would be fifteen years; in the latter, three only.

He was in very high spirits.

The fact that we had tracked the rascal to earth at last, and were within an hour of apprehending him, was in itself enough to raise his courage greatly.

We found, as we expected, that the number given in the Rue Jean Jacques was that of an hotel, not a private residence.

Medhurst went in first, and inquired of the landlord whether our man was at home, at the same time informing him of the nature of our errand, and giving him to understand that if we effected the capture by his friendly aid, Sir Charles would see that the expenses incurred on the swindler's bill were met in full, as the price of his assistance.

The landlord bowed; he expressed his deep regret, as M. le Colonel—so we heard him call him—was a most amiable person, much liked by the household; but justice, of course, must have its way; and, with a regretful sigh, he undertook to assist us.

The police remained below, but Charles and Medhurst were each provided with a pair of handcuffs.

Remembering the Polperro case, however, we determined to use them with the greatest caution.

We would only put them on in case of violent resistance.

We crept up to the door where the miscreant was housed.

Charles handed the notes in an open envelope to Medhurst, who seized them hastily and held them in his hands in readiness for action.

We had a sign concerted.

Whenever he sneezed—which he could do in the most natural manner—we were to open the door, rush in, and secure the criminal!

He was gone for some minutes.

Charles and I waited outside in breathless expectation.

Then Medhurst sneezed. We flung the door open at once, and burst in upon the creature.

Medhurst rose as we did so. He pointed with his finger.

"This is Colonel Clay!" he said; "keep him well in charge while I go down to the door for the police to arrest him!"

A gentlemanly man, about middle height, with a grizzled beard and a well-assumed military aspect, rose at the same moment.

The envelope in which Charles had placed the notes lay on the table before him.

He clutched it nervously. "I am at a loss, gentlemen," he said, in an excited voice, "to account for this interruption."

He spoke with a tremor, yet with all the politeness to which we were accustomed in the little curate and the Honourable David.

"No nonsense!" Charles exclaimed, in his authoritative way.

"We know who you are. We have found you out this time. You are Colonel Clay. If you attempt to resist—take care—I will handcuff you!"

The military gentleman gave a start. "Yes, I am Colonel Clay," he answered. "On what charge do you arrest me?"

Charles was bursting with wrath. The fellow's coolness seemed never to desert him.

"You are Colonel Clay!" he muttered. "You have the unspeakable effrontery to stand there and admit it?"

"Certainly," the Colonel answered, growing hot in turn.

"I have done nothing to be ashamed of. What do you mean by this conduct? How dare you talk of arresting me?"

Charles laid his hand on the man's shoulder. "Come, come, my friend," he said. "That sort of bluff won't go down with us.

You know very well on what charge I arrest you; and here are the police to give effect to it."

He called out "Entrez!" The police entered the room.

Charles explained as well as he could in most doubtful Parisian what they were next to do.

The Colonel drew himself up in an indignant attitude. He turned and addressed them in excellent French.

"I am an officer in the service of her Britannic Majesty," he said.

"On what ground do you venture to interfere with me, messieurs?"

The chief policeman explained. The Colonel turned to Charles. "Your name, sir?" he inquired.

"You know it very well," Charles answered. "I am Sir Charles Vandrift; and, in spite of your clever disguise, I can instantly recognise you.

I know your eyes and ears. I can see the same man who cheated me at Nice, and who insulted me on the island."

"You Sir Charles Vandrift!" the rogue cried. "No, no, sir, you are a madman!" He looked round at the police.

"Take care what you do!" he cried. "This is a raving maniac.

I had business just now with Sir Charles Vandrift, who quitted the room as these gentlemen entered.

This person is mad, and you, monsieur, I doubt not," bowing to me, "you are, of course, his keeper."

"Do not let him deceive you," I cried to the police, beginning to fear that with his usual incredible cleverness the fellow would even now manage to slip through our fingers.

"Arrest him, as you are told. We will take the responsibility." Though I trembled when I thought of that cheque he held of mine.

The chief of our three policemen came forward and laid his hand on the culprit's shoulder.

"I advise you, M. le Colonel," he said, in an official voice, "to come with us quietly for the present.

Before the juge d'instruction we can enter at length into all these questions."

The Colonel, very indignant still—and acting the part marvellously—yielded and went along with them.

"Where's Medhurst?" Charles inquired, glancing round as we reached the door. "I wish he had stopped with us."

"You are looking for monsieur your friend?" the landlord inquired, with a side bow to the Colonel.

"He has gone away in a fiacre. He asked me to give this note to you."

He handed us a twisted note. Charles opened and read it. "Invaluable man!" he cried.

"Just hear what he says, Sey: 'Having secured Colonel Clay, I am off now again on the track of Mme. Picardet.

She was lodging in the same house. She has just driven away; I know to what place; and I am after her to arrest her.

In blind haste, MEDHURST.' That's smartness, IF you like. Though, poor little woman, I think he might have left her."

"Does a Mme. Picardet stop here?" I inquired of the landlord, thinking it possible she might have assumed again the same old alias.

He nodded assent. "Oui, oui, oui," he answered.

"She has just driven off, and monsieur your friend has gone posting after her."

"Splendid man!" Charles cried. "Marvillier was quite right. He is the prince of detectives!"

We hailed a couple of fiacres, and drove off, in two detachments, to the juge d'instruction.

There Colonel Clay continued to brazen it out, and asserted that he was an officer in the Indian Army, home on six months' leave, and spending some weeks in Paris.

He even declared he was known at the Embassy, where he had a cousin an attaché; and he asked that this gentleman should be sent for at once from our Ambassador's to identify him.

The juge d'instruction insisted that this must be done; and Charles waited in very bad humour for the foolish formality.

It really seemed as if, after all, when we had actually caught and arrested our man, he was going by some cunning device to escape us.

After a delay of more than an hour, during which Colonel Clay fretted and fumed quite as much as we did, the attaché arrived.

To our horror and astonishment, he proceeded to salute the prisoner most affectionately.

"Halloa, Algy!" he cried, grasping his hand; "what's up? What do these ruffians want with you?"

It began to dawn upon us, then, what Medhurst had meant by "suspecting everybody": the real Colonel Clay was no common adventurer, but a gentleman of birth and high connections!

The Colonel glared at us.

"This fellow declares he's Sir Charles Vandrift," he said sulkily.

"Though, in fact, there are two of them. And he accuses me of forgery, fraud, and theft, Bertie."

The attaché stared hard at us. "This is Sir Charles Vandrift," he replied, after a moment.

"I remember hearing him make a speech once at a City dinner. And what charge have you to prefer, Sir Charles, against my cousin?"

"Your cousin?" Charles cried. "This is Colonel Clay, the notorious sharper!"

The attaché smiled a gentlemanly and superior smile. "This is Colonel Clay," he answered, "of the Bengal Staff Corps."

It began to strike us there was something wrong somewhere.

"But he has cheated me, all the same," Charles said—"at Nice two years ago, and many times since; and this very day he has tricked me out of two thousand pounds in French bank-notes, which he has now about him!"

The Colonel was speechless. But the attaché laughed.

"What he has done to-day I don't know," he said; "but if it's as apocryphal as what you say he did two years ago, you've a thundering bad case, sir; for he was then in India, and I was out there, visiting him."

"Where are the two thousand pounds?" Charles cried. "Why, you've got them in your hand! You're holding the envelope!"

The Colonel produced it.

"This envelope," he said, "was left with me by the man with short stiff hair, who came just before you, and who announced himself as Sir Charles Vandrift.

He said he was interested in tea in Assam, and wanted me to join the board of directors of some bogus company.

These are his papers, I believe," and he handed them to his cousin.

"Well, I'm glad the notes are safe, anyhow," Charles murmured, in a tone of relief, beginning to smell a rat.

"Will you kindly return them to me?"

The attaché turned out the contents of the envelope.

They proved to be prospectuses of bubble companies of the moment, of no importance.

"Medhurst must have put them there," I cried, "and decamped with the cash."

Charles gave a groan of horror. "And Medhurst is Colonel Clay!" he exclaimed, clapping his hand to his forehead.

"I beg your pardon, sir," the Colonel interposed. "I have but one personality, and no aliases."

It took quite half an hour to explain this imbroglio.

But as soon as all was explained, in French and English, to the satisfaction of ourselves and the juge d'instruction, the real Colonel shook hands with us in a most forgiving way, and informed us that he had more than once wondered, when he gave his name at shops in Paris, why it was often received with such grave suspicion.

We instructed the police that the true culprit was Medhurst, whom they had seen with their own eyes, and whom we urged them to pursue with all expedition.

Meanwhile, Charles and I, accompanied by the Colonel and the attaché—"to see the fun out," as they said—called at the Bank of France for the purpose of stopping the notes immediately.

It was too late, however.

They had been presented at once, and cashed in gold, by a pleasant little lady in an American costume, who was afterwards identified by the hotel-keeper (from our description) as his lodger, Mme. Picardet.

It was clear she had taken rooms in the same hotel, to be near the Indian Colonel; and it was she who had received and sent the letters.

As for our foe, he had vanished into space, as always.

Two days later we received the usual insulting communication on a sheet of Charles's own dainty note.

Last time he wrote it was on Craig-Ellachie paper: this time, like the wanton lapwing, he had got himself another crest.

"MOST PERSPICACIOUS OF MILLIONAIRES!—Said I not well, as Medhurst, that you must distrust everybody?

And the one man you never dreamt of distrusting was—Medhurst. Yet see how truthful I was!

I told you I knew where Colonel Clay was living—and I did know, exactly.

I promised to take you to Colonel Clay's rooms, and to get him arrested for you—and I kept my promise.

I even exceeded your expectations; for I gave you two Colonel Clays instead of one—and you took the wrong man—that is to say, the real one.

This was a neat little trick; but it cost me some trouble.

"First, I found out there was a real Colonel Clay, in the Indian Army.

I also found out he chanced to be coming home on leave this season.

I might have made more out of him, no doubt; but I disliked annoying him, and preferred to give myself the fun of this peculiar mystification.

I therefore waited for him to reach Paris, where the police arrangements suited me better than in London.

While I was looking about, and delaying operations for his return, I happened to hear you wanted a detective.

So I offered myself as out of work to my old employer, Marvillier, from whom I have had many good jobs in the past; and there you get, in short, the kernel of the Colonel.

"Naturally, after this, I can never go back as a detective to Marvillier's.

But, on the large scale on which I have learned to work since I first had the pleasure of making your delightful acquaintance, this matters little.

To say the truth, I begin to feel detective work a cut or two below me.

I am now a gentleman of means and leisure.

Besides, the extra knowledge of your movements which I have acquired in your house has helped still further to give me various holds upon you.

So the fluke will be true to his own pet lamb. To vary the metaphor, you are not fully shorn yet.
"Remember me most kindly to your charming family, give Wentworth my love, and tell Mlle. Césarine I owe her a grudge which I shall never forget.

She clearly suspected me.

You are much too rich, dear Charles; I relieve your plethora. I bleed you financially.

Therefore I consider myself—Your sincerest friend,

"CLAY-BRABAZON-MEDHURST,

"Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons."

Charles was threatened with apoplexy.

This blow was severe. "Whom can I trust," he asked, plaintively, "when the detectives themselves, whom I employ to guard me, turn out to be swindlers?

Don't you remember that line in the Latin grammar—something about, 'Who shall watch the watchers?'

I think it used to run, 'Quis custodes custodiet ipsos?'"

But I felt this episode had at least disproved my suspicions of poor Césarine.