The Devil's Cocktail Read Online Free Page A

much that I really don’t know where to begin,’ he said. ‘I must write first of all and accept the appointment, then I shall have to explain things at the Foreign Office, order my kit, collect the money from Grindlays, and – oh, a host of other things, including the booking of our passage.’
    â€˜When shall we leave?’
    â€˜The end of next week, if you can be ready by then, and we can get a boat.’
    â€˜Oh, dear! What terribly short notice! Still I’ll see what can be done.’
    She ran off, and in five minutes had turned the usually well-ordered flat into a scene of bustle. Hugh went out, and jumping into a taxi was driven to Whitehall. He found that the Deputy Chief had already arrived, and he asked for an interview, which was immediately granted.
    Major Brien was standing on the hearthrug of his cosy office, when Hugh entered.
    â€˜Morning, Shannon!’ he nodded. ‘Sit down! Everything fixed up, I suppose?’
    â€˜Yes, sir!’ said Hugh. ‘I received the letter appointing me this morning.’ He handed it to the other, who read it through without any comment, before passing it back.
    â€˜Well, there is nothing to delay you, is there?’ he asked.
    â€˜No, sir!’
    â€˜When do you think you can get away?’
    â€˜By the end of next week, if I am lucky enough to get a couple of berths.’
    â€˜Why a couple?’
    â€˜My sister is coming with me, sir.’
    â€˜Oh, is she? I’m glad to hear that, Shannon. If I were you, though, I should not take her into my confidence more than is absolutely necessary. I am sure that Miss Shannon is entirely reliable, but in a case like this the fewer in the know the better.’
    â€˜She hasn’t the vaguest idea what the real reason for my taking this appointment is. As a matter of fact, sir, she does not even know that I am in the Secret Service.’
    â€˜What!’ said Major Brien in astonishment. ‘Have you never told her?’
    â€˜No, sir!’
    â€˜Well, you’re a funny fellow! And you think she does not know?’
    â€˜I’m sure of it!’
    The Deputy Chief smiled.
    â€˜If I were you,’ he said after a pause, ‘I should tell her. Something is bound to happen sooner or later which will rouse her suspicions, and ignorance is rather apt to breed unhappiness, more especially as I know you are very attached to each other.’
    â€˜I let her think that I was still at the Foreign Office, sir. I thought it better not to tell her that I was attached to this department.’
    â€˜How has she regarded your sudden disappearances from home?’
    â€˜She has always thought that I went away on some duty connected with the Foreign Office.’
    Major Brien shook his head.
    â€˜Not good enough,’ he remarked. ‘No; I think you should tell her – You don’t want to go into details, of course, and in the present case just let her know that your work in India is partly connected with the Intelligence Department and that is all. You’ll have her full confidence and trust then, and you may find that a day will come when her woman’s wit may be of great use to you. I never did believe in being too secretive, and I know the Chief’s ideas are the same as mine.’
    â€˜I have always acted on the saying, sir, that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.’
    â€˜No knowledge at all is sometimes apt to be more dangerous. There is another reason, too, why it is necessary that she should know a little. Sir Leonard has decided to send out Cousins with you.’
    Hugh looked surprised.
    â€˜Won’t that rather give things away?’ he asked.
    â€˜Not a bit! Why should it? Isn’t it very natural that your valet who has been with you for years should accompany you, especially as you prefer having an English servant to an Indian?’
    Hugh appeared more astonished than ever.
    â€˜Cousins my valet!’ he