Page:William Le Queux - The Czar's Spy.djvu/372

 CHAPTER XXXV

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE "LOLA"

THROUGHOUT the long night I called many times at the hospital, but the reply was always the same. Jack had not regained consciousness, and the doctor regarded his case as hopeless.

In the morning I drove in hot haste to Bassett Road, Notting Hill, and at the address Olinto had given me found Muriel. When she entered the room with folding-doors into which I had been shown, I saw that she was pale and apprehensive, for we had not met since her flight, and she was no doubt at a loss for an explanation. But I did not press her for one. I merely told her that the Italian Santini had given me her address, and that I came as bearer of unfortunate news.

"What is it?" she gasped quickly.

"It concerns Captain Durnford," I replied. "He has been injured in the street, and is in Charing Cross Hospital."

"Ah!" she cried. "I see. You do not explain the truth. By your face I can toll there is something more. He's dead! Tell me the worst."

"No, Miss Leithcourt," I said gravely, "not