human
It would be safer,
gpt
It would not be safer, retorted the negro.
human
While the police were debating and searching, the Vands would be getting out of the kingdom, and we could not stop them. Besides, they have the jewels. I am certain of that from what Granny Tunks saw when I loosened her spirit. Once the Vands got news of the police being on their track they would hide those jewels, and we should never find them. I want those jewels for you, Miss Huxham, as, before I leave England, I wish to see you happily married to Cyril Lister here. It is the least that I can do for his father's son.
gpt
But if my father is alive and has the jewels?
human
That will make a difference, assented Durgo,
gpt
he added in gloomy tones,
human
But with your occult powers, can't you learn if my father is dead or alive?
gpt
No, said Durgo very decidedly.
human
You forget that on the side of the unseen are mighty powers who have to be obeyed. I can do much, but not all, and for some reason I am not permitted to know the truth about my master. Sooner or later I shall understand about this. What we have to do at the present time is to prevent the Vands from escaping. Will you both help?
gpt
Yes, said Bella, anticipating Cyril;
human
Be comforted, said Durgo ironically;
gpt
added Durgo impatiently,
human
Yes, said Cyril simply.
gpt
What do you want us to do?
human
Missy --Durgo turned to the girl--
gpt
For an evening's amusement my father--I mean Captain Huxham--once showed me how to manipulate it.
human
Well it is in good order, as we know that Vand used it last night. You can get into the house by the secret passage and watch for the going out of our two friends. Then turn on the search-light and use it as a pointer.
gpt
I can use the search-light, and I daresay it is in order since Henry Vand used it last night, said Bella quickly;
human
Direct the ray on to Vand and his wife; they may come down this path, or they may try and escape in another way. But if you bend the ray of the search-light to where they are, I'll be able to catch them. Use the ray as a finger, as it were.
gpt
I see, and where will you be?
human
I shall hide in the corn somewhere or another, explained Durgo.
gpt
I don't know where, as I can't be sure how Vand and his wife intend to escape.
human
They may take the boat, suggested Cyril,
gpt
No; said Durgo shaking his head;
human
What am I to do? asked Cyril anxiously;
gpt
No you wait in Mrs. Tunk's hut. I daresay she is alone, as I asked her to send her grandson away to his gipsy caravan before I came. I shall walk down with you, while Miss Huxham goes to the Manor-house.
human
I would rather go with Bella,
gpt
I am quite safe, said Bella determinedly,
human
One moment, said Durgo, as she was moving away.
gpt
Since you think that I may use violence, I may tell you, to quieten your minds, that the police are coming, after all.
human
When did you tell the police to come? I thought you said----
gpt
Yes, yes! interrupted the negro impatiently.
human
I know what I said. But I saw Inspector Inglis the other day when I went to Pierside, and informed him of my suspicions. I wired him to-day asking him to be with three or four men on the bank of the boundary channel opposite to Granny Tunks' hut.
gpt
At what time?
human
About eleven, as I don't suppose that the Vands will try and escape until everyone in Marshely is asleep.
gpt
Did you tell Inglis about the jewels?
human
No, there is no need to tell more than is necessary. Besides, the police might take possession of the jewels, and I want them for Miss Huxham. All Inglis knows is that I suspect the Vands of a double murder, and that they intend to fly. He will come with his constables to arrest them if there is sufficient evidence.
gpt
But I say, Durgo. I wanted you to do as you say, some time ago, and you talked of it not being advisable to bring the police into the matter. It seems that you have done so.
human
It is a fact, said Durgo drily.
gpt
I didn't wish to tell you all my plans at once, as you and Miss Huxham here seemed to be so certain that I intended blue murder. If you had not been ready to trust me, I should not have changed my mind or have told you about the presence of the police. You look on me as a barbarous black man.
human
We look on you as a very good friend,
gpt
There! there! said Durgo gruffly, but bowing to the compliment.
human
Go to the Manor-house, Miss Huxham, and do what you can.
gpt
Good-bye, Cyril,
human
Don't go without a kiss, Bella, he said, catching her in his arms.
gpt
God keep you, my darling, and bring us safely through this dark business!
human
I'm not afraid, now that I know Inspector Inglis and his men will be on the spot, whispered Bella.
gpt
Good-bye! and good-bye! and good-bye!
human
There will be a storm, prophesied Durgo, as the two men proceeded side by side to Mrs. Tunks' hut.
gpt
Hark!
human
I smell the rain. Glory! look at the lightning.
gpt
It is going to be a fierce night, said Durgo, dilating his nostrils to breathe the freshness of the air.
human
Do you remember in Macbeth, Cyril Lister, of the night of Duncan's murder?
gpt
You are a strange man, Durgo. One would think that you were almost--
human
A white man, finished Durgo coolly.
gpt
No, my friend. I am an educated black man, and an ingrained savage. He spoke mockingly, then flung back his military cloak.
human
Look! Would a man be like this in your sober England?
gpt
Why have you stripped to the buff?
human
I may have hard work to catch those two this night, said Durgo, replacing his cloak, which made him look quite respectable,
gpt
But there was no need to strip. The police won't be stripped.
human
It's my way, and was the way of my fathers before me.
gpt
In Africa, but not in England.
human
Pooh!