The jewels were locked in his pack
upstairs. He went up to his room half a dozen times and almost
instantly walked down again, after satisfying himself that the pack
had not been rifled.
Exasperation filled his soul. Ten o'clock came and still no sign of
the lazy actors. Rehearsal at eleven, and not one of them out of bed.
Peter came to the hotel soon after ten. He had forgotten Peter and his
decision to send him down to the Berkshires that day, and was sharply
reminded of the necessity for doing so by the appearance of the man
who had registered just before midnight. This individual strolled
casually into the lobby a few seconds behind Peter.
He acted at once and with decision. The stranger took a seat in the
window not far away. Barnes, in a brisk and business-like tone,
informed Peter that he was to leave on the one o'clock train for the
south, and to go direct to his sister's place near Stockbridge. He was
to leave the automobile in Crowndale for the present.
"Here is the money for your railroad fare," he announced in
conclusion. "I have telegraphed Mrs. Courtney's man that you will
arrive this evening. He will start you in on your duties to-morrow. I
understand they are short-handed on the place.
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