Black August Read Free Page B

there, and that’s probably what Fane and all the younger men think too—but nobody can just
become
a Cabinet Minister—they’ve got to get elected and work their way up.’
    â€˜Oh, that sort of pampered imbecile will arrive all right,’ she prophesied grimly. ‘He’ll get an under-secretaryship by the time he’s bald and there he’ll stick.’
    For a second he felt inclined to laugh at her bitter antagonism to the existing order, but it was growing upon him every moment what an unusual little person she was. Not merely pretty as he had thought at first—although her eyes would have made any man look at her a second time; but with her dark curling hair, clear healthy complexion and firm little chin, she was virtually a beauty. Not striking perhaps, because she was so short, but her figure was perfectly proportioned and her ankles were a joy—yet above all it was her quick vitality, the bubbling mirth which gave place so quickly to sober earnestness, that intrigued him so much.
    â€˜Well, you may be right about Fane,’ he said after a moment, ‘but the United British Party is the one hope we have of staving off Revolution. It stands for everybody who has a stake—either by inheritance or personal gain—in this England our ancestors have made for us; and that applies to the tobacconist with thelittle shop, or the girl who has fifty quid in the bank, every bit as much as these titled people you seem to think so effete. The Party is fighting for the continuance of law and order here at home while the world is cracking up all around, and that is why I think a girl like yourself should put aside your theories for the moment and use any influence you’ve got at Orford to help Fane win this election.’
    â€˜There will be no election!’ came a sudden harsh interruption from the far end of the carriage.
    They turned to stare in amazement at the small, bony man. His pale eyes glittered strangely in his pink, hairless face as he glared at them.
    â€˜The time is come,’ he cried in accents of fierce denunciation. ‘The money changers shall be cast cut of the Temple—the wine bibbers shall be choked with their excess—the women shall die filthily in the chambers of their whoredom. Those who have read the wisdom of the Pyramid shall see the light. Praise be to the builder for he was the architect of the Universe; but few shall survive, for the third Era of Azekel is at hand. As the great middle Empire of the Egyptians went down into Chaos—as Rome fell before the hordes of the Barbarian—so shall the strength be sapped from the loins of the people in this day. The Moon of Evil cometh with the opening of the month—and that which is written in the stone must be accomplished in human blood. Man shall be chastened yet again for his ungodliness. Nation shall war against Nation—Brother against Brother—and the Strongest shall go down into the Pit.’
    He ceased as abruptly as he had begun and, apparently oblivious of their startled stare, reverted to the contemplation of his little book.
    Further conversation seemed impossible in such circumstances and after a quick exchange of significant glances, Ann and Kenyon fell silent until the great blocks of indro-steel dwellings, which had recently sprung up outside Ipswich, came into sight. Then he leaned towards her again:
    â€˜Will there be anyone to meet you?’
    â€˜Yes,’ she replied softly. ‘Uncle Timothy, I expect, with the slug on wheels.’
    â€˜With what?’
    She smiled. ‘His ancient car I mean.’
    â€˜I see, well can I help you with your luggage or anything?’
    â€˜No, I’ve only got one suitcase—but it is nice of you to ask.’
    â€˜Not a bit—but look here. There’s one thing I would like to know.’
    â€˜Yes?’
    â€˜What is the number of the house in Gloucester Road?’
    â€˜Why?’