The Island School — page 141: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

116 he sat upon the ground, with the everlasting cigar- ette between his lips. Mr. Groby toiled up the slope, and was received cordially, Reonardo kissing the tips of his fingers to- wards him, and hailing him as ‘‘ my Groby.” ‘“T am a little late, I fear,’ said the master, “ but in my anxiety to be here at the appointed time I kept awake more than half the night, and when I did fall asleep I wes very sound.” “There is time for all we have to do,” replied Reonardo, “ for I have nothing to suggest. My boat is there, my men are ready, and I am prepared to convey you and your intended bride away at any hour you may name.” “It must be in the afternoon,” said Mr. Groby. * She has made her arrangements to come out with her mother, sketching. The girl is clever in that direction. She is mistress of the brush, insomuch THE ISLAND that one day,if she has the opportunity, she will make © aname. I hope to have the opportunity of slevclow: ing her talents.” “ And. of profiting by her gifts?” said Reonardo, | pleasantly. “I beg pardon?” “Nay, do not be offended. I merely spoke of your probable action as 1 would of myself. It is enough. At what hour will you be here P” ‘We shall not be here at all, and that is the mis- chief of it,” was the gloomy answer, “for she intends going in the other direction, half-way up the path leading to that infernal castle. She says there is a view from there she especially desires to paint.” “That,” said Reconardo, reflecting, “entails some additional trouble.” “You might work your way round by the wood and ‘seize on her there. Two or three men would suffice.” The Spaniard shook his head. “A half-dozen at least would be required,” he asserted. ‘Carrying a woman against her will is hard work. She will kick and scream, and fight to the last. They all do it on principle, even though they are willing to be carried away.” “Well, half a dozen, then. Surely between now and the afternoon you will be able to get your men into position P” Yes, it shall be done.” “Tn a half-willing way Eveline has accepted me as escort,” said Mr. Groby, “and when the time comes I may be of some assistance.” “Yes,” said Reonardo, with a charming simplicity, “you might keep the mother quiet. Or help to bind her limbs and gag her. It will be a painful necessity, out it must be done.” “The road through the wood must be very circuit- ous 7’ said Mr. Groby. | ~ a ET a NE 5 i SCHOOL. “Tt is, entailing much climbing, and covering miles of inane untrodden ground.” “You would not be back here with your burden’ until night P” “No. It will be a work of many hours. must have rest.” ‘‘ How, then, would it do to secure both,” said Me. Groby, ‘‘and keep them hidden until nightfall, when you could perform the lighter journey by the beach. By making a slight circuit, and keeping close to the water, you would avoid observation.” “ Would they not be missed ?” ** Having secured them, I could return to the school and account for their lengthened absence. After- wards I would meet you by the chine, say at nine o'clock.” “ Youare clever,my Groby,” said Reonardo, placing his hand affectionately on the master’s shoulder, “you have ahead. ‘The girl will be nothing to carry by the easier route,” My men “T could also devise something to Bad all of the — house within doors,” continued Mr. Groby—* amuse- ment of some sort, in which the men could share. It shall be seen to. “ All is arranged, then,” said the master, after a pause, as he got upon his feet. “If you are there by three o’clock it will betime enough. Yor the present, adieu.” “ Au revoir, my Groby. What a head you have for detail, to be sure! Half-way up the path to the castle at the hour of three. We shall be there.” Reonardo kissed his hand by way of a parting salute, and Mr. Groby, feeling confident that he had everything now in trim order, hastened gaily down the slope. Reonardo watched him with a smile upon his face until he disappeared. Then he turned his face tothe interior of the cave, put his fingers to his mouth, and sent forth a shrill whistle. Im response, another whistle was heard from out the depths of the gloomy cavern, and shortly after Vampa strolled into view. “T saw the gull,” he said; “ what of him P” Reonardo gave him the substance of the interview, and Vampa appeared to be exceedingly amused. ‘“ As arranged,” he said, ‘we can settle him before going to Minorca P” Reonardo nodded approval. ‘Tt will save the trouble of conveying him there» and the possible investigation as to the cause of his death.” “My Vampa,” said Reonardo, placing his hands. upon the shoulders of the other, a favourite action of his when he wanted a favour done, “that will be your task. Choose your own time and place.” “« And the price ?” asked Vampa. a business-like understanding in these matters.” micbooks ( @) Sf @ ) “One must have — mn