The Black Bag by Louis Joseph Vance
page 32 of 378 (08%)
page 32 of 378 (08%)
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yourself. I--I--"
Kirkwood saw fit to lead him on; partly because, out of the corner of his eye, he was aware of the girl's unconcealed suspense. "Go on, please, Mr. Calendar. You throw yourself on a total stranger's mercy because you're in the deuce of a hole; and--?" "It's this way; I'm called away on urgent business imperative business. I must go at once. My daughter is with me. My daughter! Think of my embarrassment; I can not leave her here, alone, nor can I permit her to go home unprotected." Calendar paused in anxiety. "That's easily remedied, then," suggested Kirkwood. "How?" "Put her in a cab at the door." "I ... No. The devil! I couldn't think of it. You won't understand. I--" "I do not understand,--" amended the younger man politely. Calendar compressed his lips nervously. It was plain that the man was quivering with impatience and half-mad with excitement. He held quiet only long enough to regain his self-control and take counsel with his prudence. "It is impossible, Mr. Kirkwood. I must ask you to be generous and believe me." |
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