Manfred's Quest: Or, The Mystery of a Trunk — page 9: what you’re looking at

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

. ee On Sa 5 ieee communicated with him, and he watched his opportunity to secure the card, and also managed to read it without attracting observation. On the card was penciled the following singular request: ** Sir, will you please pretend to be acquainted with me and in my company, and I will explain?’’ The card was signed: °* A lady in peril.” The detective well knew how to play his part, and waited until an opportunity offered, when, in the most natural ‘and ordinary manner, he picked up the lady’s wrap and threw it across her shoulders; the act was performed in such a conventional manner, one would have supposed, as _ @ matter of course, that he and the veiled lady were in company. As the detective adjusted the wrap, he carelessly looked round, and his glance passed over the man who had been watching the lady for whom he had performed the service, and he observed a look of surprise and evident disappoint-— ment pass over the man’s face. At the same instant, in a perfectly natural manner, the lady protested against wear- ing the wrap, and the gentleman persisted, and finally pre- valled and resumed his seat. | A moment later the veiled lady said in a low tone, from under her veil: ** Well done; I am much obliged. ” Manfred pretended to make a conventional remark—his manner so indicated—but in reality he said: ** Madame, I will be glad to be of any service to you.’’ The lady faced round and said: ** Be careful how you promise. ” 66¢ Why? 39 ** Your promise may invite a peril.” ** 'The Eroapedt would not deter me from a renewal of amy offer.’ °* You would really be of service to me???’ ** Certainly. ”’ ~ ** And with a danger to do so?’ ** Certainly; and enjoy the service.’ ‘* Have you ever encountered peril?” ** My life has been passed amidst constant peril.” ** This must all appear strange to you?” **T am accustomed to strange incidents. ’? t: *: would seem bold for me to appeal to a total stran- ger.” ** Not at all; if your safety is threatened you did per- _ dectly right to appeal to me.”’ °* Tam being pursued by a villain. ” ** The fellow seated 3 in chair 20??? €é Yes. 3 ** T have observed him.’’ ** You have observed him?” £6 Yes.’? ** How did you come to watch him?” ** Because I discovered he was watching you.” ** That is strange. 7’ ** How strange?’’ ** That you should note such a trifling incident.’? ‘*T am accustomed to keep my eyes and ears open; it is @ part of my business. ”’ ** What is your business, sir??? The detective did not answer. ** Ah, my question is impertinent??? ** No, but I would know more of the circumstances at- tending your peril before I tell you my business. ”’ ** I can only tell you, sir, that I have discovered that the man in seat 20 is following me.’’ ‘‘ How do you know ne 3 is following you? : ae ro nae » 4 * 4 3 r Pat bh ke A a ie Sh — MANFRED’S QUEST, Ten ae =) **T am positive. ”’ ** What proof have you?” ‘* He has been on my track several days.’? , ** Has he ever addressed you?’’ ** No; I have managed to evade him. ” **Do you know of any reason why he should follow The lady did not make an immediate reply, and the de- tective asked: °° Is he an officer?’ ** No,’’ replied the lady; ‘‘ he is a villain!’? CHAPTER VIL. ‘‘ THEN you know him?” said the detective. ‘* No, I do not know him; .but I do know he is a villain, simply because there is no reason why I should be pursued by an officer, I would not attempt to evade an officer.’’ ‘**'Then the man must have some motive in following you. ” °° He has. ” ‘** Do you suspect his motive?’’ 6¢ T do. 33 ** What do you suspect??’’ A moment the lady was silent, but at length she said: ‘“* IT may startle you if I answer your question.” **T will give no sign if I am startled.”’ ‘**'The man means to murder me!’’ - The detective was startled, as it was certainly a startling declaration the woman had made. ‘*He means to murder you?” repeated our hero, ina calm voice. ¢é¢ Yes. IF ‘* Why should he seek to murder yout”’ ‘* Tt is a long story, and one I can not consistently repeat to an absolute stranger. ’’ ‘* There may be reasons why you should repeat the story to me.’’ ‘**T wish there were.’’ *¢ Why do you not do so??? °* T dare not.’? ** You dare not?” 74 N O. I °¢ Why not?” °*T can not tell without letting you into my secret, but I will assure you I am an honorable, innocent and a perse- cuted woman, and I am worthy the protection of a gentle- man against the purposes of that villain. ’’ ‘*-You certainly are, madame, and you shall have my protection at all hazards. ’’ °* All I ask is that you will aid me to evade him—ay, to escape him—when the train reaches New York.’’ °° I will do so; you can rely upon me.” | ‘* And some day you may be proud of the service, sirs and I will ask that before we separate you will give me your name and address. I may communicate with you some day in the near future.” **’You shall have my name and address, madame, but listen; it may be well for you to confide in me. ”’ ** I feel that I could trust you, but I might make a mis- | take.”? ** You need not fear; I am an officer!’’ ** You are an officer?’’ 6¢ I am. 33 °° A police detective?” °° A detective. ”* A moment the lady was silent, but at length she re- marked: