PLOTS AND PLAYS
"Very wise of you," yawned Deede Dawson."That's just what Ella said - what's that?"For instinctively Dunn had raised his hand, but he lowered it again at once.
"Oh, cut the cackle," he said impatiently."Tell me what you want me to do, and make it plain, very plain, for I can tell you there's a good deal about all this I don't understand, and I'm not inclined to trust you far.For one thing, what are you after yourself? Where do you come in? What are you going to get? And there's another thing I want to say.If you are thinking of playing any tricks on me don't do it, unless you are ready to take big risks.There's only one man alive who ever made a fool of me, and his name is Rupert Dunsmore, and I don't think he's today what insurance companies call a good risk.Not by any manner of means." He paused to laugh harshly."Let's get to business," he said."Look here, how do Iknow you mean all you say about Rupert Dunsrnore? What's he to you?""Nothing," answered Deede Dawson promptly."Nothing.But there's some one I'm acting for to whom he is a good deal.""Who is that?" Dunn asked sharply.
"Do you think I'm going to tell you?" retorted the other, and laughed in his cold, mirthless manner."Perhaps you aren't the only one who owes him a grudge.""That's likely enough, but I want to know where I'm standing," said Dunn."Is this unknown person you say you are acting for anxious to bring about Rupert Dunsmore's death?""I'm not answering any questions, so you needn't ask them," replied Deede Dawson.
"But I will tell you that there's something big going on.Or Ishouldn't be in it, I don't use my brains on small things, you know.
If it comes off all right, I - " He paused, and for once a thrill of genuine emotion sounded in his voice."Thousands," he said abruptly."Yes, and more - more.But there's an obstacle - Rupert Dunsmore.It's your place to remove him.That '11 suit you, and it'll mean good pay, as much as you like to ask for in reason.And Ella, if you want her.The girl won't be any use to me when this is over, and you can have her if you like.I don't think she'll object from what I can see - not that it would matter if she did.
So there you are.Put Rupert Dunsmore out of the way and it'll be the best day's work you've ever done, and you shall have Ella into the bargain - if you claim her.Makeweight."He began to laugh again and Dunn laughed, too, for while he was not sure what it was that amused Deede Dawson, there were certain aspects of all this that bore for him a very curious and ironic humour.
"All right," he said."You bring me face to face with Rupert Dunsmore and you won't have to grumble about the result, for Iswear only one of us will go away alive.But how are you going to do it?""I've my plan, and it's simple enough," answered Deede Dawson.
"Though I can tell you it took some working out.But the simplest problem is always the best, whether in life or in chess." Again he indulged in a low and guarded outburst of his thin, mirthless laughter before he continued: "I suppose you know Rupert Dunsmore is one of those restless people who are never content except when wandering about in some out of the way place or another, as often as not no one having the least idea of his whereabouts.Then he turns up unexpectedly, only to disappear again when the whim takes him.Lately he has been away on one of these trips, but I happen to know he is coming back almost at once - what's the matter?""I was only wondering how you knew that," answered Dunn, who had given a sudden start.
"Oh, I know, never mind how," Deede Dawson said."I know that tomorrow afternoon at four o'clock he will be waiting by the side of Brook Bourne Spring in Ottom's Wood, near General Dunsmore's place.Which is as out of the way and quiet and lonely a spot as you could wish for.""And you have information that he will be there?" Dunn said incredulously."How can you possibly be sure of that?""Never mind how," answered Deede Dawson."I am sure.That's enough.
My information is certain."
"Oh, it is, is it? "Dunn muttered."You are a wonderful man, Mr.
Dawson.You know everything - or nearly everything.You are sure of everything - or nearly everything - but suppose he changes his mind at the last moment and doesn't come after all?""He won't," answered Deede Dawson."You be there and you'll find him there all right.""Well, perhaps," said Dunn slowly."But what I want to know is why you are so sure? There's a good deal hangs on your being right, you know.""I only wish I was as certain of everything else," Deede Dawson said.
