Sir Reginald Scott paced his study, his hands behind his back, his face reflecting the sternness of his thoughts. Hugh sat in a chair watching him. Presently the Governor ceased his walking and stood looking down at him.
‘What you tell me is awful – horrible!’ he said. ‘And you have no clue to your sister’s whereabouts?’
‘None whatever, sir! Of course I shall be able to track Novar and Rahtz on Tuesday night after the conference, but in the meantime—’ He stopped and the pain in his eyes was reflected in the other’s.
‘Yes,’ said the Governor almost mechanically; ‘what is going to happen in the meantime.’ His teeth clenched. ‘Is there nothing we can do at all? Has Rainer no suggestions to offer?’
Hugh shook his head.
‘I feel myself to blame for openly defying Novar last night,’ he groaned. ‘My disclosure that I knew him must have made the man desperate, and this is the result.’
‘But how does he think that kidnapping your sister will help him?’
‘I daresay I shall receive a letter warning me that if I take any action against him or his companions harm will come to her.’
‘Then if you appear to do nothing perhaps Miss Shannon will be safe.’
‘She’ll never be safe while that brute Hudson is near her, sir. I told you what happened on the ship coming out.’
His Excellency nodded moodily.
‘What step is Rainer taking?’ he asked.
‘He is having the whole district searched, and both Miles and Cousins are out making enquiries, but I have very little hope that anything will come of their efforts. Novar and Rahtz are far too clever to leave any trace.’
‘Then you think they are still in the environs of Lahore?’
‘I’m sure of it, sir. They would not go far away with this meeting so imminent; besides Rahtz must be too ill to travel far. Personally I have a feeling that they are quite close to Mozang College, and Cousins is devoting himself to that neighbourhood.’
‘It is a terrible thing,’ said Sir Reginald, ‘and I only wish I could do something to help your sister and relieve you of the agony you must be suffering.’
‘You are very kind,’ murmured Hugh.
The Governor turned on him almost irritably.
‘The matter is too serious for banalities, Shannon,’ he snapped, then smiled. ‘I am afraid my inability to think of any way to confound these scoundrels has made me irritable,’ he went on. ‘But I must explain why I sent for you.’ He sat down at his desk and unlocking a drawer took out a large official envelope. ‘This arrived yesterday morning from England by air. The pilot made a record trip and left within five days of the receipt of your despatch to Sir Leonard Wallace. It will please you to know that the British Government acted immediately; the American and French Ambassadors were shown the two letters from the Soviet Foreign Minister to Novar, and the whole plot was reported at once to Washington and Paris, with the result that the United States and France are taking action with us. I have the whole report here in this letter which is from Sir Leonard through the India office. He asks me to arrange for your release from the contract with Sheranwala College. Therefore, instead of three years as a professor your term will be reduced to three months.’
Hugh started to his feet, a smile of pleasure on his face. ‘Then he considers that there is no longer any necessity for me to remain in India, sir?’ he asked.
‘I cannot say anything about that, but there certainly is no reason for you to remain a professor. You have accomplished in three months what he expected would take a considerable time; besides your real profession may come to light in the course of the next week or so. During that time, Shannon, very stirring events are going to take place. I think you may consider yourself the saviour of your country.’
‘I am afraid I have done very little, sir,’ said Hugh modestly. ‘The credit belongs to Miles and Cousins. But I am delighted that I need no longer work as a professor of English literature. It isn’t that I dislike the work, but I loathe the College and those in authority who call themselves the governing board.’
His Excellency laughed.
‘I know quite a lot about them myself,’ he said. ‘Their methods are certainly not to be commended, but all the same from what I have heard of you, you will be badly missed. I must have a talk this afternoon with Mahommed Abdullah about your leaving. By the way, to revert to our former discussion, there will be no need for you to track Novar and Rahtz on Tuesday night. Your instructions are to surround the building and permit nobody to escape – but read Sir Leonard’s enclosure to you!’
He took a letter from the envelope and handed it to Hugh. It was in the Chief’s own writing, and was dated from his private address.
Dear Shannon (it ran),
Your communication with enclosures arrived in good time, and I am glad you took such precautions to get it here safely. I need not say that your information is of the most tremendous importance, and was immediately placed before the Government with the result that action is imminent.
Your association with Mr Miles of the United States Intelligence Department is a happy accident, and I congratulate both you and him, and of course Cousins, on the wonderful results which have accrued from your efforts. The country owes a great debt of gratitude to you, and I am more than delighted that you have proved so worthy of my confidence in your ability. In sending you out to India I was aware that an event of some magnitude was pending, but had no idea that it would prove to be a colossal plot against Great Britain, almost ready to burst into a conflagration that would have had results too awful to contemplate: I fully expected that you would have been occupied in your inquiries for very nearly, if not quite, three years. As it is there is no necessity for you to stay in Sheranwala College, and I have asked Sir Reginald Scott to obtain your release on plea of some Government employment.
I desire you to be present at the conference which is due to take place on the 21st December. Make arrangements for the building to be surrounded and everybody present arrested. There are likely to be some very important men there and I want you to take them all. My old friend Rainer, the Deputy Commissioner, will help in arranging details and you could not have a better man. But wait till the meeting is finished before disclosing your presence. I want everything that is said to be reported by cable the same night. As soon as the report is received, Great Britain, the United States and France will move.
I will cable further instructions to you through His Excellency after Tuesday.
The Prime Minister has asked me to convey his appreciation to you and your companions.
Please give my regards and thanks to Messrs. Miles and Cousins.
Sincerely yours,
Leonard Wallace
A glow of genuine pleasure filled Shannon when he had read the letter. It was most unusual for the Chief to write to any of his agents in such a congratulatory vein, and Hugh knew that he would rather receive such a communication than any number of decorations and honours. Sir Leonard Wallace had the power of making his assistants adore him. There was not a member of the Secret Service who would not gladly give his, or her, life for the rather mild-looking man who controlled the department which was Great Britain’s eyes and ears. Hugh realised with a thrill that the receipt of such a document would make him the envied of his colleagues.
The Governor smiled, as he noticed the delight depicted on his companion’s face.
‘I can see that Sir Leonard has expressed his appreciation,’ he said. ‘And I can guarantee that it was deserved. If you are an example of the men of the Intelligence Department, Shannon, there is no doubt that it must be a remarkably efficient service.’
‘I don’t think I honestly deserve all this praise, sir,’ replied Hugh. ‘Cousins and Miles accomplished the really vital work. If I didn’t admit that, I should feel that I was sailing under false colours. And,’ his voice became bitter and his face clouded, ‘I did not prevent my sister being kidnapped.’
‘Neither did your companions! Have you any idea how it was done?’
‘We can only conjecture, sir. Every door and window was locked before we went to bed last night and on examination none of them were found to be tampered with in the slightest degree. It is fairly evident, therefore, that they, or one of them – for there must have been more than one – entered the house before we went to bed and hid somewhere.’
‘Whoever it was did not lack daring,’ commented His Excellency.
‘Daring of a sort,’ groaned Hugh, ‘with a poor girl, who has never harmed a soul, as a victim of their courage!’
Sir Reginald crossed to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
‘Bear up, Shannon!’ he said. ‘Do not give away to despair. Remember you have much to do yet, and you must be in a condition to do it.’
‘You are right, sir,’ said Hugh, rising. ‘It is foolish to let my feelings get the better of me but she is just everything in the world to me.’
‘I quite understand,’ said the Governor gently. ‘And now tell me; what are your plans?’
‘I shall go straight home,’ replied Shannon, ‘and see if Miles or Cousins have any news. Then the three of us will call on Mr Rainer and make arrangements for our coup on Tuesday night.’
‘I should very much like to be present at your discussion so perhaps you will hold it here?’
‘I will send a message to Rainer. Will seven o’clock suit you?’
‘Admirably, sir.’
‘Good! I hope you and your companions, as well as Rainer, will give me the pleasure of dining with me afterwards?’
For a moment Hugh hesitated. He had no desire to dine out anywhere while the burden of his sister’s disappearance oppressed his mind. But he could not very well refuse an invitation of this sort, so accepting on behalf of his companions and himself, he presently took his leave.
As he left the house a car drove up and from it descended the Deputy Commissioner and Abdul Rahim. Hugh hardly glanced at the latter, his eyes being entirely occupied in watching the Commissioner’s face; and truly it was a sight for a sick heart. Rainer appeared so thoroughly pleased with himself and the world in general, that he wore a broad smile, which threatened to be the prelude to a roar of laughter.
‘Hullo, Shannon!’ he called cheerily.
‘You seem jolly pleased about something,’ said Hugh eagerly. ‘Have you any news?’
‘Lots,’ said Rainer vaguely. ‘I’ve met an old friend, and failed to recognise him, and—’
‘Oh, hang your old friend!’ exclaimed Hugh rudely. ‘Have you any news of Joan I mean?’
‘Well, my friend has,’ replied the other, without showing any resentment. ‘Let me introduce you to Mr Abdul Rahim.’ He indicated the Indian. ‘Captain Shannon!’ he added to Rahim.
Hugh bowed mechanically and turned back at once to Rainer.
‘Where is your friend, and what does he say?’ demanded Hugh.
‘You’ve just bowed to him rather coldly,’ chuckled Rainer. ‘Perhaps he will tell you his news himself!’
Shannon looked at the Mahommedan in astonishment.
‘I am sorry if I appeared rude,’ he said, ‘but I am worried. Apparently from what Mr Rainer says you know of the disappearance of my sister.’
The smart-looking Indian bent his head in acknowledgement. He was standing in what appeared to be a favourite attitude of his – his left hand stuck into a coat pocket.
‘I heard it from his lips this morning,’ was the reply spoken in perfect but rather sibilant English. ‘And it was a very strange coincidence, because last night I happened to see the man you are after enter a house on the outskirts of Lahore, and as he did not emerge again, I presume that he lives there. Since Mr Rainer told me of your sister’s disappearance, we have both agreed that it is very likely she was also taken there.’
‘Where is this house?’ demanded Hugh excitedly.
‘Look here, Shannon,’ put in Rainer, ‘you leave this to us. You said yourself that Novar and Rahtz must not be interfered with before the meeting, so—’
‘Shut up, you fool!’ hissed Hugh.
For answer, and still smiling, the Commissioner took him by the arm and led him a little away from the Mahommedan.
‘You need not worry about Rahim,’ he said, ‘he is the soul of discretion.’
‘I don’t care what he is,’ said Shannon bluntly. ‘You had no right to say anything to him.’
‘I have hardly said a word. Do I look the sort of fool to go blabbing, especially when I know what great issues are at stake?’
‘No, you don’t,’ admitted Hugh.
‘Well, listen! As luck would have it he knows where Novar is. He spent some time near the house this morning, and heard that the owner, a Bombay Parsee merchant, arrived yesterday. He is quite convinced that the Parsee is Novar and I am inclined to agree with him. Now where Novar is we can be pretty certain Rahtz and Hudson also are and where they are Miss Shannon is sure to be.’
‘Yes, yes,’ said Hugh. ‘Go on!’
‘He proposes to get into the house and rescue your sister tonight, and he can go where we could not without bringing all the occupants on us, and in consequence being compelled to arrest them.’
‘How is he going to do it?’
‘He won’t tell me that. Take my advice, old chap, and leave it to him. He’ll get her away somehow I am certain and without interfering with the liberty of Novar and the others. Of course, they’ll disappear again, but that doesn’t matter – your sister will be restored to you – and they will be free to turn up at Mozang College on Tuesday night.’
‘Can you rely upon him?’
‘Absolutely!’
‘Then I suppose I must leave it to him,’ said Hugh reluctantly; ‘but I’d like to be at hand in case of mistakes.’
‘You can take my word for it,’ said Rainer earnestly, ‘there won’t be any mistakes.’
Hugh smiled with real gratitude, he felt as if an enormous load had been lifted from his heart.
‘You are a brick, Rainer,’ he said. ‘But for God’s sake,’ he added, ‘don’t say too much about our plans to him!’
‘I won’t,’ the Commissioner assured him.
‘Who the devil is he?’
‘One of the greatest detectives in the world,’ said Rainer, and they returned to Abdul Rahim.
‘I don’t know how to thank you for what you are about to do for my sister and me,’ said Hugh. ‘God grant you will be successful!’
The Mahommedan bowed with true Oriental politeness.
‘Allah always looks after his chosen,’ he said. ‘I shall succeed!’
Hugh held out his hand impulsively, the other clasped it, and they looked into each other’s eyes for a second, then turning to the Deputy Commissioner:
‘The Governor has a lot to tell you,’ said Hugh. ‘You have come at a most opportune time.’
‘Good!’ exclaimed Rainer. ‘I have few things to tell him also.’
He nodded cheerfully and went up the steps with Abdul Rahim.
Hugh watched them disappear, then with a song of gladness in his heart, jumped into his car and drove home. He found Miles and Cousins awaiting him with such unhappy faces that he knew at once that they had failed in their quest. Miles handed him a letter which had been delivered by hand. Hugh tore open the envelope and discovered a single sheet of paper on which half a dozen lines had been typewritten:
Miss Shannon is perfectly safe and will come to no harm, unless any further efforts are made to interfere with us, or she is searched for, when she will disappear for good.
That was all – there was not even a signature. Hugh read the warning aloud, but neither of his companions made any comment.
The three sat down to lunch – there was no longer any reason why Cousins should play the servant, at any rate in the house – and, without preamble, Hugh plunged into an account of his interview with the Governor, and handed round the Chief’s letter. For a moment Cousins and Miles forgot the shadow of sorrow that was resting on their spirits and delighted grins and mutual congratulations passed between them. Miles even insisted on their drinking a toast – ‘Great Britain and the United States!’ – and they stood up and drank it with the emotion of true patriots. But afterwards the gloom returned with redoubled force, whereupon Hugh told them of his meeting with Rainer and Abdul Rahim. Then gradually the sorrow left their countenances, and when Shannon had finished speaking, Miles leant across the table, the light of a great hope in his eyes, his voice trembling with eagerness.
‘Hugh,’ he said, ‘do you really think this guy will do it?’
Hugh nodded.
‘I don’t know why,’ he said, ‘but when I was speaking to him, something told me he would never fail in anything he undertook. He did not say much, but there was a sort of inflexible purpose underlying his words and I have only once or twice met men who gave me such utter confidence. I never thought I should meet an Indian with a personality like that. Rainer has no doubt whatever!’
Miles rose from the table.
‘I can’t eat any more,’ he said apologetically. ‘I feel kinder choky.’
At five minutes to seven that evening the three men, who in such a short time had done so much and had become such inseparable friends, entered the main gates of Government House, not bothering in the least whether a whole army of spies was tracking them or whether they entered unnoticed. Cousins was the only one who felt in any way disgruntled with his lot, and his dress suit was the cause. He had brought only one to India with him and, in his role of valet, had regarded even that as impedimenta; thus he had left it in his trunk without ever bothering to take it out and give it an airing. The result was that when he drew it forth that afternoon it was so creased that Hugh, who watched the ceremony, declared rudely that it resembled its owner’s face. With the assistance of all the servants, including even the cook, the erstwhile valet did his best to press it, and when it was hung out in the sun it looked more like what a dress suit should be. But, alas, when he came to adorn himself in it, it was apparently so annoyed at its long disuse that it bunched itself up in unfamiliar places, and flopped plaintively in others; also, sad to relate, the moth had been having a bean feast in one or two hallowed spots. However, when arrayed, Cousins was assured by his companions that it looked splendid; nevertheless, on the way to Government House he felt awkward, which to say the least of it was most unusual with him and, in consequence, bothered him considerably.
They were shown straight into the Governor’s study, which by now had become quite familiar to Hugh. There whisky and sodas, cigars and cigarettes were placed before them, and they were informed that His Excellency would join them in five minutes. In that time exactly he appeared, followed almost immediately by the Deputy Commissioner. He was introduced to Cousins and shook hands with Miles.
‘It is a great pleasure to meet men like you, gentlemen,’ he said gracefully, ‘who devote their lives to their countries, and risk everything in serving them. You, Mr Miles,’ he smiled, ‘have been a great surprise to me. I never thought, on the few occasions we met, that you were anything but an American traveller getting the best out of the world. You are one of those who hide your light—’
‘Under a pair of spectacles, sir,’ interposed Cousins. ‘Miles’ benevolent look is entirely due to wearing those tortoiseshell abominations of his. If he would take them off you would see the cunning, hard man underneath.’
There was a general laugh, after which the Governor turned to Hugh.
‘I have spoken to Mr Abdullah,’ he said, ‘and although he is very upset at losing you, he understands that it is a matter against which neither he nor his board of governors can protest. He will make arrangements for you to be relieved of your duties in Sheranwala College immediately.’
Hugh expressed his satisfaction.
‘I believe you know that an effort is to be made to rescue your sister tonight,’ went on His Excellency. ‘Rainer brought the – er – man who is going to undertake it to see me, and I must say I feel quite confident of his ability to succeed.’
‘So do I, sir,’ replied Hugh. ‘I don’t know why, but I feel perfectly certain he will.’
Rainer laughed.
‘It is extraordinary how Abdul Rahim always gives everyone such entire confidence in him,’ he remarked. ‘And he never fails when he undertakes a task. I am as sure that Miss Shannon will be back tonight as I am certain I am in this room.’
‘God grant it!’ said His Excellency. ‘I have told him to let me know at once, if he effects the rescue, and I shall wait very anxiously until I hear from him.’
‘He’s a remarkable man for an Indian,’ said Miles. ‘I feel a new respect for a race that can breed a man with such courage and personality.’
They then devoted themselves to considering the surest way of capturing every man who attended the meeting on Tuesday at Mozang College. All details were discussed and no likely eventuality lost sight of. Hugh, Miles, and Cousins were to make their way into the College by some means or other, which was not apparent at the present, but the two former intended to try if the papers they possessed with the maps of India drawn on them and decorated with the eagles and dragons were passports which would get them through. Cousins had already spent some time examining the place, and he was going there early and would conceal himself above the room where the conference was almost certain to be held. He amazed everyone by relating how he had removed enough of the roof to enable him to crawl on to the rafters beneath and listen through the thin plaster which hid them from the room below. He had covered up the hole he had made so that it would not be noticed by anyone who took it into his head to prowl about on the roof in the meantime.
It was arranged that Rainer and some of his best men were to conceal themselves close to the College and watch, while a strong detachment of armed men would wait some distance away, but within call. As soon as the Deputy Commissioner was sure all the plotters were inside the building he would surround it with his detachment and arrest any man he came across. There were to be two cordons of police, the outer one would remain in a circle round the College and permit nobody to pass in or out, the inner one would wait for three blasts blown on a whistle by Hugh, when the men were to enter and make their way direct to the room where the meeting was being held and arrest every man therein. Absolute secrecy was to be maintained throughout, so that no whisper of alarm could reach the conspirators before they were in the building.
A long time was taken in formulating the plans, so that there could be no possibility of misunderstanding, but at last the Governor rose and expressed himself as satisfied that they had done all that could be done to ensure the complete success of the raid.
‘I feel confident, gentlemen,’ he said, ‘that, unless something unforeseen happens, the success of your endeavours in bringing to light this conspiracy will be crowned with complete triumph on Tuesday night, and I wish you all the very best of luck.’
They went into dinner after that and Lady Scott was the only lady present. She was a charming woman who still retained a great measure of beauty and had always proved herself a perfect helpmate to her husband. She was tactful, clever and strong-minded and was very popular in Northern India. She gave her visitors a warm welcome and the dinner, being quite an informal affair, was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Hugh and his two friends left Government House at half past nine and went straight home. In the minds of each of them was the question – ‘Will she come?’
They sat in the sitting room or, to be correct, they tried to sit, for every now and again one of them would get up and pace the apartment, a prey to conflicting thoughts and emotions. Time went by on leaden wings; they tried to talk to each other, but hardly knew what they were saying; they smoked an enormous amount of tobacco, and hardly realised that they were smoking. Ten o’clock came and went, half past ten passed slowly by – still no sign. Every unusual sound brought them to their feet with hands clenched in their excitement; once or twice the distant hum of a motor car made them dash to the door. But there was no sign of Joan, and gradually their hearts began to fail them, their hopes to fade away. Cousins was almost as strongly affected as were Hugh and Miles, for he had made no misstatement when he declared that he, too, loved Joan. He loved her as he would have loved a daughter had he ever had one and inside the little man there beat a heart which had the power of a great and lasting affection. Eleven o’clock struck and they began to look at each other grimly, with pale faces and eyes in which the agony of the uncertainty they were suffering was clearly revealed. Minute by minute ticked away and gradually the half hour approached. With a groan Miles dropped his head between his hands, but still the clock ticked on, and the large hand marked half past eleven and moved on in its inexorable way.
‘Oh, my God!’ burst from Hugh at last, and it was as though his very heart had bared itself. ‘He must have failed.’