The Case and the Girl

by Randall Parrish

  CHAPTER XV

  THE EDGE OF COMPROMISE

  The two men sat silently watching each other, Hobart pretending acarelessness he was far from feeling, uncertain as to West's realpurpose. The latter realized now the true seriousness of his position,yet this only increased his belief in the reality of the crime.Previously his mind had harboured doubts, but the very fact that Hobartwould resort to such desperate methods was ample proof of hisapprehension of danger. If Percival Coolidge had committed suicide, thisfellow would surely have nothing to fear; he could safely ignore anyefforts to trap him; indeed would possess no suspicions along that line.It was his own guilty conscience which drove him to desperation. Coolidgehad been murdered, and this man was either guilty of the crime, or elseknew the one who was, and had personal reasons for protecting the party.

  These thoughts took possession of his mind and were convincing. He nolonger questioned but what he was on the track of crime, yet his thoughtat that moment concentrated more vividly on his own personal peril. Howcould he escape? What was he about to be confronted with? Nothing aroundhim afforded inspiration. He was bound helplessly; Sexton haddisappeared, whether dead or a prisoner, he did not know; the walls ofthe room exhibited no signs of weakness, while Hobart eyed his everymovement coldly, evidently enjoying his predicament. Apparently the mancomprehended the nature of his thought.

  "Perfectly useless, West," he said carelessly. "This place wasconstructed for the purpose, and you are not the only one who has testedits strength. You will get out when I say so, and not before."

  "Do you intend to say so?"

  "Well, that depends," shrewdly. "Not if your release means my takingany chances. But frankly, I do not believe it will. So far as I can seeyou possess no particular interest in this matter--only the attractiona young fellow always feels in a pretty woman. Have I got that dopedout right?"

  "To an extent at least."

  "Yes, to a very large extent. Of course, curiosity also played a part,while everybody possesses a sneaking desire to do a detective act. MissCoolidge filled you up with a lot of bunk; she was good looking, and youfell for it. Certain things happened that you failed to understand, soyou rather naturally jumped to the conclusion that some crime was beingconcocted. That was what brought you here. Now I take it that,ordinarily, you are a man of some sense. Consequently I mean to try toget you to drop the whole affair, as being none of your business. If youagree to this, I accept your pledge, the door opens, and you go free;otherwise--" he waved his hand expressively.

  "Otherwise what?" asked West quietly.

  "I will see that you are removed from all temptation; my plans are tooimportant to be interfered with by a meddlesome fool."

  "But you can scarcely expect me to give such a promise?"

  "Well, I don't know about that. It doesn't pay to be too obstinate. Youhave been in the army, I understand; then you are aware there is a harshside to life, a way to make or break men. All right, now I've got thepower; I can keep you locked up here; I could even kill you if necessary.You are utterly helpless. There is an argument worth your consideration.But I will give you yet another which may have even more weight."

  "What?"

  The door opened quietly, and then closed, leaving Natalie Coolidgestanding there in the light, her eyes slightly frowning as she lookedsilently at the two men.

  "The lady, of course," explained Hobart, rising to his feet, "you will,at least, be gentleman enough to accept her word!"

  She waited, seemingly unable to quite grasp the situation, or realize thepart she was called upon to perform, but as West failed to respond,finally asked a question.

  "What is it, Jim? You sent for me?"

  "Yes, as a last resort. You recognize this man?"

  "Of course," indifferently; "what is he doing here?"

  Hobart laughed.

  "It seems the fellow hasn't taken his dismissal very seriously, Natalie,"he explained, "and remains very much interested in your affairs. Thatcovers the principal known facts in the case."

  "You mean he followed me here?"

  "He was on the trail, but just for what particular purpose I have failedto learn; the lad is a bit close mouthed, but it looks to me as though hewas in love with you."

  The girl smiled, tossing her head as she stepped forward.

  "In love with me," she echoed. "That is a joke, yet I had some suchsuspicion when I told him to quit the job. He acted like a fool then, andbegan to question me as though he had a right. It was that being engagedbusiness most likely."

  "Sure; he thought he had you copped, fortune and all, and it looks to melike he needs another jolt to put the idea entirely out of his head. Thatis what I brought you in for. I'll explain first just how it happened.This army guy blew in here before dark, along with another fellow,Sexton, who used to be a servant out at Fairlawn--you know him?"

  "Yes; he was discharged yesterday."

  "I was standing by the bar talking with Issy, and I was sure I knew thislad's face. I was stumped a bit at first where I had seen him; then allat once it came to me--he was the guy sitting out there alone in theautomobile over on Arch Street. I knew then what he was over here for,and got to talking with him. He give himself away the first thing, andthat is why we got him up in this dump."

  "How did he know I was here?"

  "Some of your precious help out there heard you talk to me over the'phone, and passed it on."

  "And what does he want? What do these men want?"

  "Well Sexton don't want much of anything--he's knocked out; the fool madea fight, and had to be hit; and, as to this bird, I rather think he wasjust naturally nosing around out of curiosity, and because he was stuckon you. I don't figure he is anything to be afraid of, but I am not goingto have the fellow gum-shoeing around. I'll take his word to get out, andstay out; otherwise he and I are going to have a little seance of ourown. That's all there is about it."

  West had said nothing, watching the others, and waiting to choose somecourse of action. His mind was confused, uncertain, yet he foundencouragement in Hobart's statement of the case. The fellow felt noserious fear of him; had no suspicion as yet that anyone believedPercival Coolidge murdered. The probability was that not even the girldreamed of such a thing. Whatever her connection might be with this man,she must be innocent of so foul a crime. If he could only speak to heralone; bring to her the truth; reveal to her the real character of thisman Hobart, there would be no doubt of the result. In spite of thestrange situation he yet retained faith in the girl; she had beendeceived, led astray in some manner, but his first impression of her truenature still controlled his thought. He could only believe her a victimof scheming villains, driven by circumstances to play a part utterlyforeign to her character. His only hope of learning the facts from herown lips, or of re-establishing her faith in him, lay in a moment'sconversation alone. His mind instantly leaped to this conclusion, and hiseyes met her own. They were wide-open, full of curiosity yet not unkind.He spoke swiftly.

  "That sounds fair enough, Hobart," he said quietly, taking the chance asthough it was the most natural thing in the world. "I am not huntingtrouble in any way, or seeking to butt in where I am not wanted. Yourguess as to my purpose in coming here is about right. I had no otherobject but to be of some service to this young lady. If I can talk withher a moment alone, and thus assure myself as to her wishes, I'll giveyou any pledge you want, and forget all about the affair. Is thatsatisfactory?"

  "Alone, you said? You want to see her alone?"

  "Absolutely; no other arrangement will answer. I want her to talkfreely; to answer my questions with no interference."

  Hobart glanced toward his companion inquiringly, evidently inclined todeny the request.

  "Hell, you don't want much," he said rather gruffly. "What do you thinkabout this proposition, Natalie?"

  The girl smiled, her eyes still on West's face.

  "Fair enough," she admitted as though the whole matter was a joke. "Theman can do me no harm, and I am willing eno
ugh to be interviewed. Itlooks like the easiest way out."

  His mood changed, influenced, no doubt, by her confidence in the result.

  "All right, if you say so. It is my guess you are equal to the job. Howmuch time do you want, West?"

  "Ten or fifteen minutes. I want to get down to the bottom of this thing."

  "Oh, you do, hey? Modest as ever, I see. Well, here's luck to you. Youneedn't be afraid of the guy, Natalie; we got his gat before we broughthim up here, and if he makes any break, I'll be out in the hall ready totake a hand. You're still for it?"

  "Yes," indifferently, seating herself on a convenient chair. "We mightas well talk it out now as any time. You go on, Jim, and leave it to me."

  Hobart was not entirely satisfied, hesitating as he lit a fresh cigar,his keen eyes watchful of them both. However, it was plain to be seen thegirl had made her decision, and he evidently knew her well enough torealize the uselessness of revolt.

  "All right, then," he replied finally, turning to the door. "Suityourself, only watch your step. Anyhow, I'll be within calling distance,if this guy gets gay."

  "Don't worry about that," a flash of anger in her eyes. "I am no baby,Jim Hobart. Go on now, and leave Captain West to me."

  He closed the door behind him, and the two were alone in the room. Nosound reached them from without, not even an echo of Hobart's footstepsin the hall. West looked across at the girl, who sat motionless, her eyesshaded by long lashes, and ringless fingers clasped in her lap. Sheappeared indifferent, uninterested, scarcely aware of his presence. Hewondered if Hobart was listening at the door; what had become of Mike,and whether Sexton was alive or dead. For the moment he could scarcelymake himself realize the true situation. His silence served to arouse herinterest, for she suddenly lifted her head and looked at him.

  "Well," she said soberly. "You have something to ask?"

  "Much--yes; but first, are we alone?"

  "Certainly--why?"

  "This man Hobart, you are sure he is not listening at the door?"

  She glanced about; then laughed.

  "Little good that would do him; there is no key-hole, no chance for soundto penetrate. We are quite alone, Captain, and you are perfectly free tosay whatever you please."

  "But even then, is this wholly fair?"

  "What do you mean?"

  "I came here," he explained earnestly, "with no bad intention; no desireto injure any one, Miss Coolidge; my only thought the possibility ofbeing of some service to you."

  "That is very interesting, I am sure. I am quite grateful."

  "Then I am going to ask you a favour. Release my hands and feet. You neednot be afraid; I give my pledge to make no attempt at escape while we aretogether. Will you do this?"