Ensign Knightley and Other Stories by A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley) Mason
page 146 of 322 (45%)
page 146 of 322 (45%)
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"A trap not laid for you," said Christina. "Be sure of that! Until you
spoke of Olvera I did not know." "No," admitted Shere, "not laid for me to your knowledge, but to Esteban's. You were surprised at my coming--Esteban only at the manner of my coming. He asked if I had ridden into the gates of my own accord I remember. He was in Ronda this afternoon. Very likely it was he who told my colonel of my knowledge of the neighbourhood. It would suit his purposes well to present me to you suddenly, not merely as an enemy, but an active enemy. Yes, I understand that. But," and his voice hardened again, "even to your knowledge the trap was laid for the man who carries the letter. You have your share in the trick." He repeated the word with a sharp laugh, savouring it, dwelling upon it as upon something long forgotten, and now suddenly remembered. "A murderous trick, too, it seems! I wonder what would have happened if I had not turned in at the gates of my own accord. How much farther should I have ridden towards Olvera, and by what gentle means should I have been stopped?" "By nothing more dangerous than a hand upon your bridle and an excuse that you might do me some small service at Olvera." "An excuse, a falsity! To be sure," said Shere bitterly. "Yet you still stand before the door though you know the letter will not be yours. Is the trick after all so harmless? Is there no one--Esteban, for instance--in the dark passage outside the door or on the dark road outside the gates?" "I will prove to you you are wrong." |
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