Page:A courier of fortune (1904).djvu/109

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THE PLOT THICKENS
93

his ear jammed to the door of the chamber where she was watching."

"Did you break his head for him?"

"Nearly; but I did better. I played spy in my turn; and your honest man can beat a rogue at his own trade when he tries, even when that trade is spying. Presently the rascal went to the door of the apartments where we are to lie, and, after listening and waiting, he knocked, at first gently, and then more boldly, and finding no one within, entered, and I caught him ransacking among our baggage. Holy Peter! but he cut a sorry figure when he saw me peeping round the door at him;" and Pascal laughed.

"What did you do? I hope you were discreet."

"I first knocked him down and drubbed him soundly, and then tied him up with a roll of cloth for his supper, and locked him in a cupboard. Then I came for you that we may try him together."

"Who is he?"

"I gave him no time to say. But come, or he may be smothered—for I'm a novice with the gag—and in that case we shall get nothing out of him; which would be a pity."

"It's a curious turn," said Gerard uneasily, as they hurried away together.