An Apostle of Gloom Read Free Page B

in the way of urges, I suppose. And,” he added irrelevantly, “it’s Janet’s birthday. I remembered it this afternoon and came rushing over to apologise for not having wished her many happy returns and all that. If times were normal,” he added, catching a glimpse of the tea-table, “there would be an iced cake! Ah, me, what times they were when we could feed, and for coupons and points there was no need! I say, Jan, could you rustle up a cup of tea and a biscuit?”
    â€œOf course,” said Janet, smiling so sweetly upon Abbott that had Roger not already suspected that she knew what was behind Mark’s astonishing performance, he would have done so then. “Won’t you stay to tea, Superintendent?”
    Abbott had listened to Mark’s protestations of regret with a face gradually resuming its stony aspect. Now he turned to Janet and, to do him justice, he appeared ill at ease. Roger contributed to his embarrassment by offering him a cigarette.
    â€œDon’t get worried, Abbott,” he said, “all this will work itself out, you know. Why don’t you have a cup of tea and talk about it?”
    â€œHallo, what’s this?” demanded Mark. “Sticky business on the criminal stakes? Famous member of the Big Five flummoxed, Handsome West called in to get his nose on the trail?” Mark beamed about him.
    â€œYou’re not going to take Roger away!” Janet said swiftly, and Abbott had the grace to cough in confusion.
    Roger put him out of his misery.
    â€œNot in the usual way, Jan, anyhow.” He smiled as if he were beginning to see the funny side of the situation. “I don’t know what’s gone wrong, but he’s turned up with a search-warrant – I must be credited with having broken open a till.”
    â€œWhat?” gasped Mark.
    â€œWhat?” cried Janet.
    Roger thought that they put in just a shade more emphasis than was needed for true realism, although he might have gained that impression because he felt so sure that there was something afoot between them; he had not yet grappled with the problem of what it might be.
    Abbott appeared to think their amazement understandable and sincere; he coughed again.
    â€œYou can’t be serious!” exclaimed Janet.
    â€œI am afraid I am, Mrs. West,” said Abbott, “and I really must not waste any more time.” He shot a quick, almost furtive glance at Roger and went on: “Information has been lodged to the effect that you received, today, a sum of money as a bribe. West, in consideration of withholding official action when you knew that such action was demanded.”
    Roger stared at him, blankly.
    â€œNow, come, let’s be serious,” said Mark, “a joke is a joke and I like one with any man, but this—”
    â€œIt is not a joking matter,” Abbott assured him, coldly, “it is quite serious and, but for the circumstances, I would not have made the statement in this room. However, you appear to wish your wife to know, West, so that is your responsibility.”
    Janet stepped to Roger’s side and asked, clearly: “Is he sane, Roger?”
    Roger smiled, thinly. “Yes, he has a warrant, but it’s coming to something when he adopts this method instead of tackling me at the Yard. I suppose he could have come while I was out instead of while I’m here, but apparently that’s the extent of the consideration I can expect.” He seemed faintly amused. “It’s all so fantastic that it’s not worth getting worked up about. It explains why Martin was dogging me, too,” he added, looking at Janet, “he’s probably been making sure I didn’t pass the swag on to anyone else!”
    Abbott regarded him coldly.
    â€œI can see nothing amusing in the situation, West.”
    â€œI suppose not,” said Roger, dryly. “Hadn’t you better start searching? You’ll want to begin on