Something New · P. G. Wodehouse
"He has only just joined Mr. Peters, sir; and he has never been in service before. He told me so himself, and I was unable to elicit from him any information as to his antecedents. His manner struck me, sir, as peculiar. It crossed my mind to wonder whether Mr. Peters happened to be aware of this. I should dislike to do any young man an injury; but it might be anyone coming to a gentleman without a character, like this young man. Mr. Peters might have been deceived, sir."
The Efficient Baxter's manner became distraught. His mind was working rapidly.
"Should he be informed, sir?"
"Eh! Who?"
"Mr. Peters, sir—in case he should have been deceived?"
"No, no; Mr. Peters knows his own business."
"Far from me be it to appear officious, sir; but—"
"Mr. Peters probably knows all about him. Tell me, Beach, who was it suggested this visit to the museum? Did you?"
"It was at the young man's express desire that I conducted him, sir."
The Efficient Baxter returned to the museum without a word. Ashe, standing in the middle of the room, was impressing the topography of the place on his memory. He was unaware of the piercing stare of suspicion that was being directed at him from behind.
He did not see Baxter. He was not even thinking of Baxter; but
Baxter was on the alert. Baxter was on the warpath. Baxter knew!
· · ·
End of part 8 of 15
Continue readingCHAPTER VI
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