Page:Bailey - Call Mr Fortune (Dutton, 1921).djvu/190

Rh better than to restore mademoiselle to her mother. I"

"Spoleto!"

They turned. The Prince of Ragusa stood at the head of the companion. "My dear uncle"

"Spoleto! You are a traitor. You"

"That is not true!"

"You plot against me with this fellow. It is incredible. It is villainous. It is treachery."

"Sir, I will take that from no man."

"Yes, you will take it. You will—" It seemed to Reggie that His Highness was about to box his nephew's ears. Reggie let himself go as the yacht pitched. They all jostled together. His Highness vanished down the companion with a crash.

"Now you've done it," said Reggie.

Spoleto exclaimed, peered at the body lying below, showed Reggie a white face, and hurried down. Reggie followed slowly.

His Highness was already surrounded by servants and his suite.

"When you have all finished, I'll tell you where he's hurt," said Reggie incisively.

"Ah, yes, you are a surgeon," Spoleto cried. "Stand aside, stand aside. The gentleman is a surgeon. Tell me, is he dead?" His Highness had begun to groan.

"Don't be futile," said Reggie, and knelt and began to straighten out the heap. The process caused