Dougals grim face relaxed into an affectionate
smile.
I am of an older and prouder race than Prince John.
But she mesmerisesme, and thats the solemn truth.
They are as alien to us as Mastrovin and
Rosenbaum,though less hateful. Itseems that Juventus is the proposition we have to
consider. We cant talk here by the roadside,especially with Alison shrieking like a
pea-hen. Youre a well man, he says, but Id like to keep you here foranother three
weeks under observation. I want to hear what Dougalsaid, she told
Dickson.
I darent presumetoo far, of course, or the
confounded leg may sour on me. There have been times when I wanted to slip away and
hide myself inEngland. Juventus was a spontaneous movement of many people, and not
thecreation of one man. It was Alisonwho brought them back to business. His hair was
a little thinner than twoyears ago, but no greyer. Id as soon marry a were-wolf
asCousin Mintha. We have certainly spoiled you for this game.
Dickson asked with a curiousmixture of alarm and
rapture.
It is a very real thing, which you English do not
understand. She could run round Muresco and his lot, andeven Mastrovin has a healthy
respect for her.
Its a straight road, andthe town isnt five miles
off. Igot it two years back come October on the Solway sands. He departed to see to
the wine with acandlestick as large as a soup tureen. After that I became a mere
vegetable, a bored vegetable. You see, its a secret society, and you can nomore get
inside it than into a lodge of Masons. Jaikie whistled gently through his teeth,
which was ahabit of his. We have certainly spoiled you for this game.
He was with Count Paul, whomit seems he knew at
Cambridge.
I knew you were somewhere abroad, and Ihad a sort
of notion that you might give me a look in.
Dougal judgedthat he had reduced his weight by at
least a stone.
And ambition enoughfor half a dozen
Mussolinis.
Youll see nothing except the inside of a guardroom,
Dougalwailed. Dougal drew down the corners of his mouth.
He was with Count Paul, whomit seems he knew at
Cambridge.
Count Casimir Muresco is a sort of lesser Cavour.
When he isthrawn, he has a face thats my notion of the Devil. InDicksons voice there
was a note of dismal obstinacy which Dougalknew well.