This gave me several reasons for thought, and disregarding the appeals
from the coffee-room to come in and tell them all about it, I walked
into the courtyard of the Inn to consider.
First, what was the _other_ wire from Joe? Heavens, was he on his way
from Oxford to Wolverhampton? If my fake telegram were discovered too
soon I should be in a very embarrassing position. Second, Joe was a
cousin, was he! One of those annoying second cousins, probably, who are
close enough to the family to be a familiar figure, and yet far enough
away in blood to marry the daughter! And then there was this sinister
person, Fred, who was “really quite one of the family.” Another cousin,
perhaps? What was the matter with the devil, anyway? If he needed
exercise why didn't he go and get it? Certainly I didn't want to spend
an afternoon antiquarianizing with him. How was I to get him out of the
way, so that I could get a tete-a-tete with K.?
I could see that if this game was to be played through successfully it
must be played with some daring. _Toujours de l'audace_! I thought, and
let breakfast go hang. Moreover, my sudden disappearance would help
to demoralize my rivals. I stuck my head into the breakfast-room where
Priapus was just dishing out the bacon and eggs. In that instant it
struck me again that the Goblin was not there. I cried “Ye Gods!” in a
loud voice, and slammed the door behind me. As I ran out of the front
door I laughed at the picture of their disconcerted faces.
My idea was to lure Fred away from Bancroft Road at all hazards. This
could only be done by another telegram. And as it was Sunday, the
railway station was the only place to send one from. It was a beautiful,
clear morning, and I hurried through the streets with exultation, but
also with a good deal of nervousness as to the outcome of this shameless
hoaxing. At any rate, I thought, I may as well live up to my privileges
as an irresponsible American. The Great Kathleen Excursion was beginning
to take on in my mind the character of an international joust or
tourney.
At the station (or at the depot as one would say at home), I sent the
following message: