Witness to the Deed Part 37

"I know you do," said Guest quietly; "but I am not going."

Stratton drew a heavy, catching breath, and lay back in his chair, while Guest opened the book he had taken at random, and read from it half a dozen romances which he made up as he went on. For he could not see a word of the printed matter, and in each of these romances his friend was the hero, who was being hunted to desperation by some woman with whom he had become entangled.

From time to time he glanced across at his friend as the hours glided by, hoping to see that he slept; but he always caught a glimpse of a pair of eager eyes watching him.

At last, about six o'clock, faint, weary, and oppressed by the terrible silence in the room, Guest laid down the book.

"Going?" said Stratton eagerly.

"No. Only to send for Mrs Brade."

"What for?"

"To get her to run to the Peac.o.c.k, and tell them to bring some dinner and a bottle of Ba.s.s. You can eat something?"

"Bring dinner--here?" gasped Stratton.

"Yes. I have had nothing since early breakfast."

"You cannot have it here," said Stratton, making an effort, and speaking firmly. "I am better and calmer now. After a night's rest I shall be myself again."

"I hope so," said Guest quietly.

"So go now, there's a good fellow. I'll explain everything to you some day, and I shall be far better alone."

"Yes; you are fit to trust!"

"You need not sneer. You think I shall make some insane attempt upon my life."

Guest looked at him fixedly.

"Yes; you have good reason for doubting me, but I swear to you that you may trust me."

At that moment steps were heard upon the stairs, almost inaudible; but whoever it was whistled some melody, and before Stratton could stay him, Guest threw open the door, and called to the whistler to come back.

"Want me, sir?" said a telegraph boy, appearing in the opening.

"Yes," said Guest, giving the boy sixpence; "ask the woman at the lodge to come up here directly."

"All right, sir."

Guest returned to his seat, and saw that Stratton's face was averted and his eyes closed.

"Finds he must give way," said the young barrister to himself; and once more there was silence, till Mrs Brade's knock was heard.

Guest admitted her, and cut short a string of wondering exclamations by giving her his orders.

"Oh, certainly, sir," she cried; "but I thought--"

"Yes, of course you did, my dear madam, but unfortunately Mr Stratton was suddenly taken ill."

"Oh, poor dear!" cried Mrs Brade, in deep concern. "Let me go and ask my doctor to--"

"No," cried Stratton so fiercely that the woman started and turned pale.

"Go and do as I said," whispered Guest; and after a while the refreshments were brought, partaken of, and, in spite of his friend's protests, Guest insisted upon pa.s.sing the night in an easy-chair, dropping off to sleep occasionally, to dream that Stratton was threatening to destroy his life, and waking to find him in his easy-chair thrust back to the side of the fireplace between him and the panelled door.

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR.

TWO NIGHTS OF WATCHING.

"Thank goodness!" said Guest to himself, as he moved slightly and saw that his companion appeared to be sleeping heavily; but as he rose Stratton followed his example, looking very pale, but more like himself.

"Morning; how are you?" said Guest.

"Better--much better."

"You should have undressed and gone to bed, and you'd have been better still. How's the shoulder?"

"Gave me a good deal of pain several times in the night, but it is easier now."

"Glad of it, but take my advice; let's have in a doctor, and let him dress it properly."

"There's no need," said Stratton quietly. "A wound only needs to be kept from exposure to the air to heal itself."

"Well, of all the obstinate fellows!"

"Oh, no," said Stratton, with a wan smile. "You see I have been very obedient. If the wound is disposed to turn bad, as I shall soon know, I will have medical advice. If there is no need, surely you can spare me the annoyance of answering a surgeon all kinds of questions, and being tied-down to his routine."

"Well, I will not worry you, old fellow, for you do seem to be better."

"Much," said Stratton quietly. "I only want to be at peace for a time.

I think I shall go into the country."

"Will you?"

"Y-e-s, I think I will."

"With me. Then we'll go as soon as you can start."

"No, no," cried Stratton excitedly. "I should be poor company, and would rather go alone."

"Not fit. Look here. Happy thought. I'll ask Brettison in."

"No, no!" cried Stratton excitedly.

"But he's the very man. Quiet, calm, and don't talk. Go and pick b.u.t.tercups and daisies along with him for a few days, and then come back to me quite _compos mentis_, and we'll see what can be done."