Page:Bailey - Call Mr Fortune (Dutton, 1921).djvu/97

86 found shot, and the police have pinched me. Take it easy and go slow, and we'll comb it all out—Yours, V."

Nurse Dauntsey gazed at Reggie with very big eyes.

"Sounds as if he knew his own mind," Reggie murmured. "And all this bein' thus, you want me to take up the case. Why?"

Nurse Dauntsey was startled. "But to get him off, of course—to defend him."

"Yes. But don't let's be previous. Speakin' frankly, did he do it?"

Nurse Dauntsey stood up. "I am engaged to him, Mr. Fortune," she said with dignity.

"Quite. That's the best thing I know about him. But I don't know much else."

"And I am sure he's not guilty."

"That kind of man, is he?"

"Just that kind of man," said Nurse Dauntsey, and her eyes glowed. "He couldn't do anything that wasn't fair and clean."

"Then he'd better have a solicitor. Do you suppose he's got one?"

"He'd never think of such a thing."

"Make him have Moss and Gordon. Ask for Donald Gordon, and say I sent you."

"But I want you, Mr. Fortune. You know there's no one like you."