Adventure, December 1914 — page 136: what you’re looking at

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

134 “They can persevere, Mr. Outerbridge, but they may find that there are occasions on which perseverance is vain.”’ “TI think not; I really think not. Better be wise and give them what is their own.” ‘The way in which they, and you, are trying to get it proves that it isn’t their own. However, I don’t wish to enter into all that again. I wish you good day.” The visitor shook his head as one shakes one’s head at a foolish child—with a twinkle in his eye. ‘““You’re talking of what you don’t under- stand, Mr. Adair. You’ll have a swarm of wasps about you before you’re very much older. You're trying to take their nest, and under those circumstances wasps sting. Now be sensible, Mr. Adair; hear reason.”’ “Which is it to be—the door or the win- dow?” Mr. Outerbridge eyed the speaker quiz- zically, then again he shook his head; he even sighed, as if troubled for the other’s sake. ‘Not the window—no, I’d rather not. If I must choose, I prefer the door; I’ve never left a room by means of a window yet.” The speaker descended from his corner of the table to the floor. ‘Honestly, my dear friend—if you’ll permit me to call you my friend - | “T’d rather you didn’t; I don’t want you to insult me.”’ ‘‘Humorous, always humorous; and hu- mor is such a gift. I was about to ask you, my dear enemy, before I leave the room— by the door—to listen to a word of wisdom. This may be the only chance you'll ever have. If you don’t—later you'll be sorry.”’ ‘Then Ill be sorry.” Adair was standing close up to the door. “If your friends are without, waiting to try a rush when I open the door for you, you favor them with a word of wisdom—recommend them to do nothing of the kind. Now, sir, stand just there, and the instant the door is opened go out or—you’ll be sorry.” “Is this the exact position you wish me to occupy, Mr. Adair?’’ - . “That will do. Now.” Adair slipped back the bolt, allowing the door to open perhaps eighteen inches, shot the visitor through it, closed the door again and made fast the bolt. He listened. ‘‘They were outside; they’re there now. Is he bestowing on them his words of wis- dom?” — Adventure CHAPTER IX THE BROOCH S MR. ADAIR that evening strolled up the lane toward what was for the present his home, he saw coming through the cottage gate a feminine figure—this time there was no doubt that the figure was feminine. At sight of him, the owner of the figure stopped “You are Mr. Martin Adair?” The gentleman addressed removed his hat. He was beyond the usual height of men, and the lady who put the question was under the average height of women. She wore so large a hat that she seemed lost be- neath it; it was probably as many inches around as she was high. She had to tilt her head to look up at Mr. Adair—out of rather an impertinent pair of big gray eyes. The gentleman admitted his name. ‘The lady continued: “Tt am Mrs. Bishop Guy—a silly name, isn’tit? Permit me—my card.” She took a piece of pasteboard out of the pink leather bag which she was carrying. “I’m a friend of Winnie’s—Winnie, as you probably know, is Miss Dennis. Miss Dennis has been. telling me all about you; that is, she’s been telling me a good deal about you; I’ve just been calling there, and as probably the oldest friend she has, I should rather like to make your acquaint- ance, Mr. Adair. You'll find my address on that card. Let me know when you are coming and I shall surely be in; and if you can make it an evening I shall be happy to introduce you to my husband, Mr. Bishop Guy. May I—may we—anticipate the pleasure of seeing you?” “T shall be very glad to call upon you, Mrs. Guy—I should say Mrs. Bishop Guy —if you will be so good as to permit me.” “Oh, [ll permit you; I’ll do more than permit you. I won’t say I'll command you, but I will say that I wish you to come—at the earliest possible moment.” - The little lady, inclining her head, passed on down the lane. The gentleman went on to the Dovecote. Miss Dennis opened the door for him, anxiety written large all over her. Before he had crossed the threshold she began on the subject which occupied her mind. “They haven’t fetched away the furni- ture; not yet.” comicloool C@