The Mission of Poubalov — page 221: what you’re looking at

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

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. 217 ‘*An Is’pose I’m to let you know if I see what’s-his- name or Patterson on the way?’’ ‘**By all means! do not stop unless you do.’’ The half hour’s drive to Roxbury was without adven- ture. Clara now had the curtains of the coupé up, and she glanced from side to side through the windows as they rolled along, ever alert to catch any sign of her adversa- ries.” The old tavern looked, indeed, deserted. It needed but a touch of moss or ivy, to suggest a ruin, for it was not only an ancient building, but sadly out of repair as well. After they had passed beyond it a little way, Clara signaled to Mike to stop. ‘“‘T dare not leave this place unguarded a moment,’’ she said; ‘‘there is no telling when Poubaloy will return, but I must go home for avery short time, or there will be anxiety and perhaps search for me. Suppose you stay here till I come back. It won’t take me long if I go by car. Please, Michael, don’t do anything rash. There was an- other good fellow, not so sensible as you, poor man! who tried to help me, and he got himself into dreadful trouble over it. This man, Poubalov, is a terrible enemy, Michael. ’’ “Ts he the sort that carries a gun in one pocket and a razor in another?’’ asked Mike with perfect seriousness. ‘‘He goes well armed,’’ replied Clara, earnestly, ‘‘and he has neither conscience nor fear. You know what I want to accomplish, Michael, but if any life is risked to save another’s, it must be mine. 1 shall be very much dis- pleased if anything serious happens while I am gone. Wait for me, sure.’”’ ‘‘All right, miss,’’ said Mike, resignedly; “‘if anything happens after you get back, though, you bet I’ll take a hand in!’’ And if there had been any temptation for a scr mmage during Clara’s absence, there is no manner of doubt that (CONMIEOOOKS (C(O) im