Front matter (continued 6)
Reading edition
With a happy sigh she rose. It was just wonderful! and together they strolled back to their hotel. In his pocket was the piece of paper; and who could be sending him messages in such a manner save one man—a man now awaiting his trial?
In the hall he stayed behind to inquire for letters, and a man nodded to him.
“Heard the news?” he inquired.
“No,” said Hugh. “What’s happened?”
“That man Peterson and the girl have got away. No trace of ’em.” Then he looked at Drummond curiously. “By the way, you had something to do with that show, didn’t you?”
“A little,” smiled Hugh. “Just a little.”
“Police bound to catch ’em again,” continued the other. “Can’t hide yourself these days.”
And once again Hugh smiled, as he drew from his pocket the piece of paper:
“Only au revoir, my friend; only au revoir.”
He glanced at the words written in Peterson’s neat writing, and the smile broadened. Assuredly life was still good; assuredly....
“Are you ready for dinner, darling?” Quickly he swung round, and looked at the sweet face of his wife.
“Sure thing, kid,” he grinned. “Dead sure; I’ve had the best appetiser the old pot-house can produce.”
“Well, you’re very greedy. Where’s mine?”
“Effects of bachelordom, old thing. For the moment I forgot you. I’ll have another. Waiter—two Martinis.”
And into an ash-tray near by he dropped a piece of paper torn into a hundred tiny fragments.
“Was that a love-letter?” she demanded with assumed jealousy.
“Not exactly, sweetheart,” he laughed back. “Not exactly.” And over the glasses their eyes met. “Here’s to hoping, kid; here’s to hoping.”
THE END
Printed in Great Britain by Hazell, Watson & Viney, Ld., London and Aylesbury.
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WORKS BY THE SAME AUTHOR
THE HUMAN TOUCH NO MAN’S LAND MEN, WOMEN, AND GUNS SERGEANT MICHAEL CASSIDY THE LIEUTENANT AND OTHERS MUFTI
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