Page:Barr--Stranleighs millions.djvu/250

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
238
STRANLEIGH'S MILLIONS

by the German police, but this cannot be true, for he has not had time to reach Berlin yet. Some very suspicious documents containing the signature of the Honourable John Hazel have been found during the search through Isaacstein's offices and house. I think you should tell him this, and advise him to remain in Spain, or get over into Morocco. I have just had news from Scotland Yard that Isaacstein has been arrested, but it is not at Berlin. You will be glad to know that no one will lose any money."

"Hang it all," cried Lord Stranleigh, real distress in his voice, "how can I tell poor old Jack. Mackeller is a capable man, but a callous beast to put such a task on my shoulders."

He fell into a deep meditation for a few minutes, then roused himself as one waking from a sleep.

"This is a nasty business," he said to the Professor, "and I'm not just sure how I should act. Of course, you understand the situation. I've been induced to come aboard this yacht by the Honourable John Hazel, whom I regarded as a friend. I don't know whether or not he knew that my name was to be used by Isaacstein in my absence, but he must have been paid to get me out of the way. I very much doubt if he was aware of the bare-faced swindle Isaacstein contemplated. He probably thought that I was finnicky in a refusal of my name, and, doubtless, supposed the