Page:Bailey - Call Mr Fortune (Dutton, 1921).djvu/121

110 chucked the pistol away. I don't know what I did. Doctor, I swear it's God's truth." He started up. "What do you mean to do now?"

For Reggie sat silent looking at him. "If it's the truth, Mr. Lunt, I advise you to tell it."

"It is the truth. Don't you know it's the truth? O God!"

"I am not God, Mr. Lunt."

Victor Lunt screamed. Two men had come into the room. "Mr. Victor Lunt? I am Superintendent Bell. I hold a warrant" Victor Lunt fell upon the hearth.

They rushed at him, dragged him out of the fire "Apoplexy," Reggie said. "I thought it was coming." The detective's eyebrows asked him a question. Reggie shook his head.

"This warrant won't run," said Superintendent Bell. "What was he doing here, sir?"

"Asking for mercy," Reggie said. "He's taking the case to a higher court. I wonder. I wonder."

And that night Victor Lunt died

A few days afterwards Reggie gave a little dinner to Cranford and Nurse Dauntsey, and Nurse Dauntsey in a shy evening-frock was adorably happy. And in due time, "Have another peach," Reggie said.

"Do you want to see me blush, Mr. Fortune?" But she took another.