Page:Guy Boothby--A Bid for Fortune.djvu/221

Rh again, and we looked towards the darkest corner; somebody was there, lying on the ground. I rushed across and knelt down to look. ''It was Beckenham; his mouth gagged and his hands and feet bound. The noise we had heard was that made by him trying to call us to his assistance.''

In less time than it takes to tell I had cut his bonds and helped him to sit up. Then I explained to the inspector who he was.

"Thank God you're found!" I cried. "But what does it all mean? How long have you been like this? and where is Nikola?"

"I don't know how long I've been here," he answered, "and I don't know where Nikola is."

"But you must know something about him!" I cried. "For heaven's sake tell me all you can! I'm in awful trouble, and your story may give me the means of saving a life that is dearer to me than my own."

"Get me something to drink first, then," he replied; "I'm nearly dying of thirst; after that I'll tell you all I can."

Fortunately I had had the foresight to put a flask of whisky into my pocket, and I now took it out and gave him a stiff nobbier. It revived him somewhat, and he prepared to begin his tale. But the inspector interrupted:

"Before you commence, my lord, I must send word to the Commissioner that you have been found." He wrote a message on a piece of paper and despatched the constable with it. Having done so he turned to Beckenham and said:

"Now, my lord, pray let us hear your story."

Beckenham forthwith commenced.