Page:Walpole--portrait of man with red hair.djvu/90

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
86
PORTRAIT OF A MAN

know that if there's anything I can do—anything in the world—I will do it. Tell me if there is. We have only a moment."

On looking back afterwards he thought it marvellous of her that, realising who was behind them, she scarcely turned her head, showed no emotion, but speaking swiftly, answered:

"Yes, I am in great trouble—desperate trouble. I am sure you are kind. There is a thing you can do."

"Tell me," he urged. They were now nearly by the door and the two men were coming up.

"I have a friend. I told him that if I would agree to his plan I would send a message to him to-night. I did not mean to agree, but now—I'm not brave enough to go on. He is to be at half-past nine at a little hotel—'The Feathered Duck'—on the sea-front. Any one will tell you where it is. His name is Dunbar. He is young, short, you can't mistake him. He will be waiting there. Go to him. Tell him I agree. I'll never forget...."

Crispin's forehead confronted them. "What do you say to this? Here is a sheltered corner."

Dunbar? Dunbar? Where had he heard the name before?

They all sat down.