Held At Bay Read Free

right leg shot out. Granette tripped and went sprawling with a thud that shook the pictures on the walls.
    While Granette was still falling, the Baron drew back and sat on the edge of the table. Behind his mask his lips were curving, and his eyes were gleaming with a devil-may-care gleam.
    He waited as Granette got slowly to his feet. Granette’s eyes were glittering malevolently, and the Baron knew he had made an enemy who would never forget.
    â€œGet up, Granette, and sit on the sofa with Olling. Be good, like him, and I might not shoot you. Kelworthy and I have a little business to discuss, and I know you’ll like to hear it. Sit down I said !”
    There was a biting fury in his words, a glitter in his eyes that made Granette hurry to the settee and drop down.
    â€œThat’s fine,” said the Baron. “Now let’s talk about the Castilla jewels.”

Chapter Two
    The Baron Interferes
    The Baron seemed thoroughly at home as he sat on the corner of the table, with the trio of silent crooks in front of him. He put his automatic on the table, and took out cigarettes. He selected one, put it to his lips through a slit in the blue handkerchief, lit it and then tossed the case to Kelworthy. The old man caught the case and selected a cigarette with fingers that were still trembling.
    â€œPass it on,” said the Baron amiably. He waited until Granette was smoking. Olling was puffing at his cigar. The Baron caught the case that Granette tossed back, and tucked it away.
    â€œNow we’re all friendly and sociable, I’ll start correcting some impressions. In fact I’m probably twice as dangerous as you think – with you three.”
    â€œWhy with us?” demanded Kelworthy.
    â€œBecause you’re as wary of the police as I am,” said the Baron. “I draw the line at shooting policemen, but I don’t draw the line at anything with you. Don’t run away with the idea that I carry only a gas-pistol.”
    â€œWho’s been talking?” snapped Kelworthy.
    â€œCall it a little bird,” said the Baron. “I know that for the past two years you’ve been as busy as I have with stolen gems. But I don’t like your methods. Do you remember the night-watchman at Revel’s Depot, who was in hospital for seven months, Granette? Using a knife is going too far.”
    â€œYou can talk,” muttered Kelworthy. “The things you’ve done—”
    â€œWe’re discussing you, not me,” said the Baron. “Try and remember it. Another thing that interested me in you was your interest in the five Jewels of Castilla. They’re not gems I’d like you to handle. I didn’t come for the Isabella tonight, I came to talk to you. In fact, if you hadn’t mentioned you were carrying the Isabella, I might not have known you had it here. Very careless, Jacob, and it proves that you talk too much.”
    â€œFor how long did you have the pleasure of listening to us, Mannering?” asked Granette suddenly.
    The Baron turned speculative eyes towards the Frenchman.
    â€œI listened from the moment that you started talking. I followed you and Olling from the Elan, and opened a window while you were coming through the front door. It’s surprising how policemen and thieves never worry about burglar alarms. But you’ve one wrong impression. What gave you the idea that my name is Mannering?”
    Granette’s lips curled.
    â€œDid you not hear me mention Teevens?”
    â€œOh, yes. But I didn’t imagine you were gullible enough to believe all Teevens says. Teevens and Mannering quarrelled bitterly, and Teevens would like to get what he calls revenge. Mannering and I are excellent friends, although what would happen if he knew I was the Baron I really begin to wonder. Get the idea out of your head.”
    â€œMost unconvincing, Mannering,” Granette said tartly.
    â€œA lot of very convincing things will happen