"
I perceived a faint smile on the old woman's face. I was sure
then that I was on the track of Bauer, and probably of more than
Bauer. But my first duty was to obey orders and get to Zenda.
Besides, I could not force my way in, there in open daylight,
without a scandal that would have set all the long ears in
Strelsau aprick. I turned away reluctantly. I did not even know
for certain that Bauer was within, and thus had no information of
value to carry with me.
"If your lordship would kindly recommend me--" said the old hag.
"Yes, I'll recommend you," said I. "I'll recommend you to be
careful whom you take for lodgers. There are queer fish about,
mother."
"I take the money beforehand," she retorted with a grin; and I
was as sure that she was in the plot as of my own existence.
There was nothing to be done; James's face urged me towards the
station. I turned away. But at this instant a loud, merry laugh
sounded from inside the house. I started, and this time
violently. The old woman's brow contracted in a frown, and her
lips twitched for a moment; then her face regained its composure;
but I knew the laugh, and she must have guessed that I knew it.
Instantly I tried to appear as though I had noticed nothing.
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