A man's voice did reply, but neither in "Mex" nor with a foreign
accent. It said: "My name is Paul Van Vreck. Open quickly, please. I may
be followed."
Annesley's heart jumped; but without hesitation she pulled back the
latch, and as she opened the door a rush of sand-laden wind wrenched it
from her hand. She staggered away as the door swung free, and there was
just time to see a tall, thin figure slip in like a shadow before the
light of the hanging-lamp blew out. The girl and the newcomer were in the
dark save for a yellow ray that filtered into the hall from her room, but
she saw him stoop to place a bag or bundle on the floor, and then,
pulling the door to against the wind, slammed it shut with a click.
Having done this, the tall shadow bent to pick up what it had laid down.
"Thank you, Mrs. Donaldson, for letting me in," said the most charming
voice Annesley had ever heard--more charming even than Knight's.
"Evidently you've heard your husband mention me, or you might have kept
me out there parleying, if you're alone, for these are stirring times."
"Yes, I--I've heard you mentioned by--many people," the girl answered,
stammering like a nervous child.
Pages:
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403