Chapter XXIV. Julius Takes a Hand

by Agatha Christie

　　In his suite at Claridge's, Kramenin reclined on a couch anddictated to his secretary in sibilant Russian.Presently the telephone at the secretary's elbow purred, and hetook up the receiver, spoke for a minute or two, then turned tohis employer."Some one below is asking for you.""Who is it?""He gives the name of Mr. Julius P. Hersheimmer.""Hersheimmer," repeated Kramenin thoughtfully. "I have heardthat name before.""His father was one of the steel kings of America," explained thesecretary, whose business it was to know everything. "This youngman must be a millionaire several times over."The other's eyes narrowed appreciatively."You had better go down and see him, Ivan. Find out what hewants."The secretary obeyed, closing the door noiselessly behind him. Ina few minutes he returned."He declines to state his business--says it is entirely privateand personal, and that he must see you.""A millionaire several times over," murmured Kramenin. "Bringhim up, my dear Ivan."The secretary left the room once more, and returned escortingJulius."Monsieur Kramenin?" said the latter abruptly.The Russian, studying him attentively with his pale venomouseyes, bowed."Pleased to meet you," said the American. "I've got some veryimportant business I'd like to talk over with you, if I can seeyou alone." He looked pointedly at the other."My secretary, Monsieur Grieber, from whom I have no secrets.""That may be so--but I have," said Julius dryly. "So I'd beobliged if you'd tell him to scoot.""Ivan," said the Russian softly, "perhaps you would not mindretiring into the next room----""The next room won't do," interrupted Julius. "I know theseducal suites--and I want this one plumb empty except for you andme. Send him round to a store to buy a penn'orth of peanuts."Though not particularly enjoying the American's free and easymanner of speech, Kramenin was devoured by curiosity. "Will yourbusiness take long to state?""Might be an all night job if you caught on.""Very good, Ivan. I shall not require you again this evening. Goto the theatre--take a night off.""Thank you, your excellency."The secretary bowed and departed.Julius stood at the door watching his retreat. Finally, with asatisfied sigh, he closed it, and came back to his position inthe centre of the room."Now, Mr. Hersheimmer, perhaps you will be so kind as to come tothe point?""I guess that won't take a minute," drawled Julius. Then, withan abrupt change of manner: "Hands up--or I shoot!"For a moment Kramenin stared blindly into the big automatic,then, with almost comical haste, he flung up his hands above hishead. In that instant Julius had taken his measure. The man hehad to deal with was an abject physical coward--the rest would beeasy."This is an outrage," cried the Russian in a high hystericalvoice. "An outrage! Do you mean to kill me?""Not if you keep your voice down. Don't go edging sidewaystowards that bell. That's better.""What do you want? Do nothing rashly. Remember my life is ofthe utmost value to my country. I may have been maligned----""I reckon," said Julius, "that the man who let daylight into youwould be doing humanity a good turn. But you needn't worry any.I'm not proposing to kill you this trip--that is, if you'rereasonable."The Russian quailed before the stern menace in the other's eyes.He passed his tongue over his dry lips."What do you want? Money?""No. I want Jane Finn.""Jane Finn? I--never heard of her!""You're a darned liar! You know perfectly who I mean.""I tell you I've never heard of the girl.""And I tell you," retorted Julius, "that Little Willie here isjust hopping mad to go off!"The Russian wilted visibly."You wouldn't dare----""Oh, yes, I would, son!"Kramenin must have recognized something in the voice that carriedconviction, for he said sullenly:"Well? Granted I do know who you mean--what of it?""You will tell me now--right here--where she is to be found."Kramenin shook his head."I daren't.""Why not?""I daren't. You ask an impossibility.""Afraid, eh? Of whom? Mr. Brown? Ah, that tickles you up!There is such a person, then? I doubted it. And the meremention of him scares you stiff!""I have seen him," said the Russian slowly. "Spoken to him faceto face. I did not know it until afterwards. He was one of acrowd. I should not know him again. Who is he really? I do notknow. But I know this--he is a man to fear.""He'll never know," said Julius."He knows everything--and his vengeance is swift. EvenI--Kramenin!--would not be exempt!""Then you won't do as I ask you?""You ask an impossibility.""Sure that's a pity for you," said Julius cheerfully. "But theworld in general will benefit." He raised the revolver."Stop," shrieked the Russian. "You cannot mean to shoot me?""Of course I do. I've always heard you Revolutionists held lifecheap, but it seems there's a difference when it's your own lifein question. I gave you just one chance of saving your dirtyskin, and that you wouldn't take!""They would kill me!""Well," said Julius pleasantly, "it's up to you. But I'll justsay this. Little Willie here is a dead cert, and if I was you I'dtake a sporting chance with Mr. Brown!""You will hang if you shoot me," muttered the Russianirresolutely."No, stranger, that's where you're wrong. You forget thedollars. A big crowd of solicitors will get busy, and they'll getsome high-brow doctors on the job, and the end of it all will bethat they'll say my brain was unhinged. I shall spend a fewmonths in a quiet sanatorium, my mental health will improve, thedoctors will declare me sane again, and all will end happily forlittle Julius. I guess I can bear a few months' retirement inorder to rid the world of you, but don't you kid yourself I'llhang for it!"The Russian believed him. Corrupt himself, he believedimplicitly in the power of money. He had read of American murdertrials running much on the lines indicated by Julius. He hadbought and sold justice himself. This virile young American, withthe significant drawling voice, had the whip hand of him."I'm going to count five," continued Julius, "and I guess, if youlet me get past four, you needn't worry any about Mr. Brown.Maybe he'll send some flowers to the funeral, but you won't smellthem! Are you ready? I'll begin. One--two three--four----"The Russian interrupted with a shriek:"Do not shoot. I will do all you wish."Julius lowered the revolver."I thought you'd hear sense. Where is the girl?""At Gatehouse, in Kent. Astley Priors, the place is called.""Is she a prisoner there?""She's not allowed to leave the house--though it's safe enoughreally. The little fool has lost her memory, curse her!""That's been annoying for you and your friends, I reckon. Whatabout the other girl, the one you decoyed away over a week ago?""She's there too," said the Russian sullenly."That's good," said Julius. "Isn't it all panning outbeautifully? And a lovely night for the run!""What run?" demanded Kramenin, with a stare."Down to Gatehouse, sure. I hope you're fond of motoring?""What do you mean? I refuse to go.""Now don't get mad. You must see I'm not such a kid as to leaveyou here. You'd ring up your friends on that telephone firstthing! Ah!" He observed the fall on the other's face. "Yousee, you'd got it all fixed. No, sir, you're coming along withme. This your bedroom next door here? Walk right in. LittleWillie and I will come behind. Put on a thick coat, that'sright. Fur lined? And you a Socialist! Now we're ready. Wewalk downstairs and out through the hall to where my car'swaiting. And don't you forget I've got you covered every inch ofthe way. I can shoot just as well through my coat pocket. Oneword, or a glance even, at one of those liveried menials, andthere'll sure be a strange face in the Sulphur and BrimstoneWorks!"Together they descended the stairs, and passed out to the waitingcar. The Russian was shaking with rage. The hotel servantssurrounded them. A cry hovered on his lips, but at the lastminute his nerve failed him. The American was a man of his word.When they reached the car, Julius breathed a sigh of relief. Thedanger-zone was passed. Fear had successfully hypnotized the manby his side."Get in," he ordered. Then as he caught the other's sidelongglance, "No, the chauffeur won't help you any. Naval man. Was ona submarine in Russia when the Revolution broke out. A brother ofhis was murdered by your people. George!""Yes, sir?" The chauffeur turned his head."This gentleman is a Russian Bolshevik. We don't want to shoothim, but it may be necessary. You understand?""Perfectly, sir.""I want to go to Gatehouse in Kent. Know the road at all?""Yes, sir, it will be about an hour and a half's run.""Make it an hour. I'm in a hurry.""I'll do my best, sir." The car shot forward through thetraffic.Julius ensconced himself comfortably by the side of his victim.He kept his hand in the pocket of his coat, but his manner wasurbane to the last degree."There was a man I shot once in Arizona----" he began cheerfully.At the end of the hour's run the unfortunate Kramenin was moredead than alive. In succession to the anecdote of the Arizonaman, there had been a tough from 'Frisco, and an episode in theRockies. Julius's narrative style, if not strictly accurate, waspicturesque!Slowing down, the chauffeur called over his shoulder that theywere just coming into Gatehouse. Julius bade the Russian directthem. His plan was to drive straight up to the house. ThereKramenin was to ask for the two girls. Julius explained to himthat Little Willie would not be tolerant of failure. Kramenin, bythis time, was as putty in the other's hands. The terrific pacethey had come had still further unmanned him. He had givenhimself up for dead at every corner.The car swept up the drive, and stopped before the porch. Thechauffeur looked round for orders."Turn the car first, George. Then ring the bell, and get back toyour place. Keep the engine going, and be ready to scoot likehell when I give the word.""Very good, sir."The front door was opened by the butler. Kramenin felt themuzzle of the revolver pressed against his ribs."Now," hissed Julius. "And be careful."The Russian beckoned. His lips were white, and his voice was notvery steady:"It is I--Kramenin! Bring down the girl at once! There is notime to lose!"Whittington had come down the steps. He uttered an exclamationof astonishment at seeing the other."You! What's up? Surely you know the plan----"Kramenin interrupted him, using the words that have created manyunnecessary panics:"We have been betrayed! Plans must be abandoned. We must saveour own skins. The girl! And at once! It's our only chance."Whittington hesitated, but for hardly a moment."You have orders--from him?""Naturally! Should I be here otherwise? Hurry! There is notime to be lost. The other little fool had better come too."Whittington turned and ran back into the house. The agonizingminutes went by. Then--two figures hastily huddled in cloaksappeared on the steps and were hustled into the car. The smallerof the two was inclined to resist and Whittington shoved her inunceremoniously. Julius leaned forward, and in doing so thelight from the open door lit up his face. Another man on thesteps behind Whittington gave a startled exclamation. Concealmentwas at an end."Get a move on, George," shouted Julius.The chauffeur slipped in his clutch, and with a bound the carstarted.The man on the steps uttered an oath. His hand went to hispocket. There was a flash and a report. The bullet just missedthe taller girl by an inch."Get down, Jane," cried Julius. "Flat on the bottom of the car."He thrust her sharply forward, then standing up, he took carefulaim and fired."Have you hit him?" cried Tuppence eagerly."Sure," replied Julius. "He isn't killed, though. Skunks likethat take a lot of killing. Are you all right, Tuppence?""Of course I am. Where's Tommy? And who's this?" She indicatedthe shivering Kramenin."Tommy's making tracks for the Argentine. I guess he thoughtyou'd turned up your toes. Steady through the gate, George!That's right. It'll take 'em at least five minutes to get busyafter us. They'll use the telephone, I guess, so look out forsnares ahead--and don't take the direct route. Who's this, didyou say, Tuppence? Let me present Monsieur Kramenin. Ipersuaded him to come on the trip for his health."The Russian remained mute, still livid with terror."But what made them let us go?" demanded Tuppence suspiciously."I reckon Monsieur Kramenin here asked them so prettily they justcouldn't refuse!"This was too much for the Russian. He burst out vehemently:"Curse you--curse you! They know now that I betrayed them. Mylife won't be safe for an hour in this country.""That's so," assented Julius. "I'd advise you to make tracks forRussia right away.""Let me go, then," cried the other. "I have done what you asked.Why do you still keep me with you?""Not for the pleasure of your company. I guess you can get rightoff now if you want to. I thought you'd rather I tooled you backto London.""You may never reach London," snarled the other. "Let me go hereand now.""Sure thing. Pull up, George. The gentleman's not making thereturn trip. If I ever come to Russia, Monsieur Kramenin, I shallexpect a rousing welcome, and----"But before Julius had finished his speech, and before the car hadfinally halted, the Russian had swung himself out and disappearedinto the night."Just a mite impatient to leave us," commented Julius, as the cargathered way again. "And no idea of saying good-bye politely tothe ladies. Say, Jane, you can get up on the seat now."For the first time the girl spoke."How did you 'persuade' him?" she asked.Julius tapped his revolver."Little Willie here takes the credit!""Splendid!" cried the girl. The colour surged into her face, hereyes looked admiringly at Julius."Annette and I didn't know what was going to happen to us," saidTuppence. "Old Whittington hurried us off. We thought it waslambs to the slaughter.""Annette," said Julius. "Is that what you call her?"His mind seemed to be trying to adjust itself to a new idea."It's her name," said Tuppence, opening her eyes very wide."Shucks!" retorted Julius. "She may think it's her name, becauseher memory's gone, poor kid. But it's the one real and originalJane Finn we've got here.""What?" cried Tuppence.But she was interrupted. With an angry spurt, a bullet embeddeditself in the upholstery of the car just behind her head."Down with you," cried Julius. "It's an ambush. These guys havegot busy pretty quickly. Push her a bit, George."The car fairly leapt forward. Three more shots rang out, butwent happily wide. Julius, upright, leant over the back of thecar."Nothing to shoot at," he announced gloomily. "But I guessthere'll be another little picnic soon. Ah!"He raised his hand to his cheek."You are hurt?" said Annette quickly."Only a scratch."The girl sprang to her feet."Let me out! Let me out, I say! Stop the car. It is me they'reafter. I'm the one they want. You shall not lose your livesbecause of me. Let me go." She was fumbling with the fasteningsof the door.Julius took her by both arms, and looked at her. She had spokenwith no trace of foreign accent."Sit down, kid," he said gently. "I guess there's nothing wrongwith your memory. Been fooling them all the time, eh?"The girl looked at him, nodded, and then suddenly burst intotears. Julius patted her on the shoulder."There, there--just you sit tight. We're not going to let youquit."Through her sobs the girl said indistinctly:"You're from home. I can tell by your voice. It makes mehome-sick.""Sure I'm from home. I'm your cousin--Julius Hersheimmer. Icame over to Europe on purpose to find you--and a pretty danceyou've led me."The car slackened speed. George spoke over his shoulder:"Cross-roads here, sir. I'm not sure of the way."The car slowed down till it hardly moved. As it did so a figureclimbed suddenly over the back, and plunged head first into themidst of them."Sorry," said Tommy, extricating himself.A mass of confused exclamations greeted him. He replied to themseverally:"Was in the bushes by the drive. Hung on behind. Couldn't letyou know before at the pace you were going. It was all I coulddo to hang on. Now then, you girls, get out!""Get out?""Yes. There's a station just up that road. Train due in threeminutes. You'll catch it if you hurry.""What the devil are you driving at?" demanded Julius. "Do youthink you can fool them by leaving the car?""You and I aren't going to leave the car. Only the girls.""You're crazed, Beresford. Stark staring mad! You can't letthose girls go off alone. It'll be the end of it if you do."Tommy turned to Tuppence."Get out at once, Tuppence. Take her with you, and do just as Isay. No one will do you any harm. You're safe. Take the trainto London. Go straight to Sir James Peel Edgerton. Mr. Carterlives out of town, but you'll be safe with him.""Darn you!" cried Julius. "You're mad. Jane, you stay where youare."With a sudden swift movement, Tommy snatched the revolver fromJulius's hand, and levelled it at him."Now will you believe I'm in earnest? Get out, both of you, anddo as I say--or I'll shoot!"Tuppence sprang out, dragging the unwilling Jane after her."Come on, it's all right. If Tommy's sure--he's sure. Be quick.We'll miss the train."They started running.Julius's pent-up rage burst forth."What the hell----"Tommy interrupted him."Dry up! I want a few words with you, Mr. Julius Hersheimmer."