human
Well, cap'n! he exclaimed, anxiously, as Gramont drew up.
gpt
You're smilin', so I guess it ain't a pinch!
human
Those boxes? Nonsense! Say, sergeant, you must have been scared stiff when you saw them!
gpt
Scared? I was ready to flop, that's all! And how in the name o' goodness did they get in _her_ house? What's behind all this?
human
It seems that I was more or less mistaken about Fell being on our trail, he explained, reflectively.
gpt
We had a very frank talk about it, and he disclaimed all knowledge of the boxes themselves. I gathered from little things he dropped that some criminal had looted the stuff from the car, and that it came to his attention yesterday in a legal capacity----
human
Legal capacity, hell! snorted Hammond.
gpt
Did you swallow all that?
human
My swallowing capacity was pretty good, and Gramont chuckled.
gpt
It seems that he opened one of the boxes, and found the note I had written. This explained the business, and by way of a little joke he turned over the loot to Miss Ledanois and she had a bit of fun with us. Fell, in fact, proved to be a pretty good fellow----
human
He sure handed you out a fine line of bull! commented Hammond, savagely.
gpt
What gets me is your falling for all that dope! Looks like you wanted to believe him, cap'n.
human
Perhaps I did. Gramont shrugged his shoulders.
gpt
Why not? I've no reason to disbelieve him. The note made it plain that we were not criminals; now the whole affair is cleaned up and out of the way. We're out of it in good shape, if you ask me!
human
You said something there, agreed Hammond, not without a sigh of relief.
gpt
All right, if you say so, only I ain't sure about this Fell----
human
Don't worry. The stuff is returned, and the matter is now closed. We can forget all about the Midnight Masquer. Now, there's another and more important thing that I want to speak with you about, a matter of business----
gpt
Hold on, cap'n! interrupted Hammond, quietly, his eye on a spot behind Gramont.
human
One of your friends is headed over this way, and if I know anything about it, he's got blood in his eye.
gpt
Have you a moment to spare, Gramont?
human
All afternoon, answered Gramont, cheerfully. He affected not to observe Maillard's air of heavy business, nor the frowning suspicion that lurked half-veiled in the other's glowering features.
gpt
By the way, I've been looking up a New Orleans landmark without much success--the Ramos gin fizz establishment. It seems to be gone!
human
It is, returned Maillard, sourly.
gpt
Prohibition killed it, like it's killing everything. François moved into the place last September from Old 27, and it's become his restaurant now. But look here, Gramont! The two were standing a bit apart, and Hammond was fussing with one of the headlights, but Gramont suspected that the chauffeur was listening avidly.
human
I've just come from a talk with dad. How did it happen that you sold him that stock of yours in the company?
gpt
I happened to need the money. Why?
human
But why the devil didn't you hang on to that stock? Or if you needed money, why didn't you come to me?
gpt
Heavens! drawled Gramont, who was quite willing to exasperate young Maillard to the limit.
human
You seem frightfully concerned about it! What's the big idea, anyway? I don't recall that any of us went into an agreement not to sell if we wanted to. I offered the stock to your father at a discount. He realized that it was a good buy, and took it. What's wrong with that?
gpt
Nothing wrong, if you put it that way, snapped Maillard, angrily.
human
But it's a confounded sly way of doing things----
gpt
Now, just wait right there! Gramont's easy smile vanished.
human
I don't take that kind of talk, Maillard. One more such insinuation, and you'll need to use a mask at the ball to-night, I promise you! I'll show you how sly I am, my friend! I'm off in the morning to start work on that report I was engaged to make. When the report comes in, my resignation comes with it.
gpt
All right. Let it come here and now, then. Maillard's tone was ugly.
human
If you're so blamed anxious to get out of the company, get out!
gpt
Thanks. I'll be glad to be relieved of the job. Gramont turned and addressed his chauffeur.
human
Hammond, you'll kindly remember this conversation, in case your future testimony is needed----
gpt
Confound you, what d'you mean talking that way? broke out Maillard.
human
Do you suppose I'll deny firing you?
gpt
I don't care to have you offer any reflections on my actions, Maillard, said Gramont, evenly.
human
My course in this matter is perfectly open and above board, which is more than you can say for your doings.
gpt
What? Maillard clenched his stick and took a forward step, anger working in his face.
human
What the devil d'you mean?
gpt
Exactly what I say--and perhaps I can prove it. Remember the oil concern to which you persuaded your precious father to sell some of Miss Ledanois's bayou land? Remember the real estate company to which you persuaded him to sell her St. Landry parish property? You had interests in both concerns; I don't imagine you'd care to have your share in those transactions exposed. Further, I entirely understand your indignation over my getting rid of this stock before the crash, and it ill becomes you to assume any such attitude.