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Bab: A Sub-Deb, a novel by Mary Roberts Rinehart |
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Chapter 5. The G.A.C. (cont.) |
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_ CHAPTER V (CONT.) APRIL 14TH. I have taken a heavy cold and am, alas, HORS DE COMBAT. The Familey has issued orders that I am to stay in bed this A. M. and if stopped sneazing by 2 P. M. am to be allowed up but not to go to Camp. Elaine is in bed to, and her mother called up and asked my Parents if they would not send me back to school, as I had upset everything and they could not even get Elaine to the Dentist's, as she kept talking about teeth being unimportant when the safety of the Nation was hanging in the Balence. As I lie here and reflect, it seems to me that everywhere around me I see nothing but Sloth and Indiference. One would beleive that nothing worse could happen than a Cook giving notice. Will nothing rouze us to our Peril? Are we to sit here, talking about housecleaning and sowing women and how wide are skirts, when the minions of the German Army may at any time turn us into slaves? Never!
William brought up my tray this morning. I gave him a peircing glance and said: "Is the Emblem out?" He avoided my eye. "Not yet, miss," he said. "Your father left sharp orders as to being disturbed before 8 A. M." "As it is now 9:30," I observed coldly, "there has been time enough lost. I am HORS DE COMBAT, or I would have atended to it long ago." He had drawn a stand beside the bed, and I now sat up and looked at my Tray. The orange was cut through the wrong way! Had I needed proof, dear log or journal, I had it there. For any BUTLER knows how to cut a breakfast orange. "William," I said, as he was going out, "how long have you been a Butler?" Perhaps this was a foolish remark as being calculated to put him on his guard. But "out of the fullness of the Heart the Mouth speaketh." It was said. I could not withdraw my words. He turned suddenly and looked at me. "Me, miss?" he said in a far to inocent tone. "Why, I don't know exactly." He then smiled and said: "There are some who think I am not much of a Butler now." "Just a word of advise, William," I said in a signifacant tone. "A real Butler cuts an orange the other way. I am telling you, because although having grape fruit mostly, some morning some one may order an orange, and one should be very careful THESE DAYS." Shall I ever forget his face as he went out? No, never. He knew that I knew, and was one to stand no nonsense. But I had put him on his guard. It was to be a battle of Intellagence, his brains against mine. Although regretful at first of having warned him, I feel now that it is as well. I am one who likes to fight in the open, not as a serpent coiled in the grass and pretending, like the one in the Bible, to be a friend.
But Mrs. Gray was very unpleasant from one of their windows and said I was a Murderer at heart. Has the Average Parent no soul?
This is a fine day, being warm and bright and all here but Elaine and Mademoiselle--the latter not greatly missed, as although French and an Ally she thinks we should be knitting etcetera, and ordered the car to be driven away when ever we tried to load the gun. A quorum being present, it was moved and seconded that we express wherever possable our disaproval in war time of
2. Drinking 3. Low-necked dresses 4. Parties 5. Fancy deserts 6. Golf and other sports--except when necesary for health. 7. Candy.
Passed unanamously. The class in Telegraphy reported that it could do little or nothing, as it is easy to rap out a dot but not possable to rap a dash. We therfore gave it up for The Study of the Rifle and Its Care. Luncheon today: Canned salmon, canned beans and vanila wafers.
I am still trembling. At one moment I think that I must go again to Father and demand consideration, as more mature than he seems to think, and absolutely certain I was not walking in my sleep. But the next moment I think not, but that if I can discover William's plot myself, my Familey will no longer ignore me and talk about my studying Vocal next winter instead of coming out. To return to William, dear Log or journal. I had been asleep for some time, but wakened up to find myself standing in the dining room with a napkin in each hand. I was standing in the Flag Signal position for A, which is the only one I remember as yet without the Manual. I then knew that I had been walking in my sleep, having done so several times at School, and before Examinations being usualy tied by my Room-mate with a string from my ankle to the door knob, so as in case of getting out of bed to wake up. I was rather scared, as I do not like the dark, feeling when in it that Something is behind me and about to cluch at me. I therfore stood still and felt like screaming, when suddenly the door of the Butler's pantrey squeaked. Could I then have shreiked I would have, but I had no breath for the purpose. Somebody came into the room and felt for the table, passing close by me and stepping by accident on the table bell, which is under the rug. It rang and scared me more than ever. We then both stood still, and I hoped if he or it heard my Heart thump he or it would think it was the hall clock. After a time the footsteps moved on around the table and out into the hall. I was still standing in position A, being as it were frosen thus. However, seeing that it was something human and not otherwise, as its shoes creaked, I now became angry at the thought that Treason was under the roof of my home. I therfore followed the Traitor out into the hall and looked in through the door at him. He had a flash light, and was opening the drawers of my father's desk. It was William. I then concealed myself behind my father's overcoat in the hack hall, and considered what to do. Should I scream and be probably killed, thus dying a noble Death? Or should I remain still? I decided on the latter. And now, dear Log or Journal, I must record what followed, which I shall do as acurately as I can, in case of having later on to call in the Secret Service and read this to them. There is a safe built in my resadence under the stairs, in which the silver service, plates, etcetera, are stored, as to big for the Safe Deposit, besides being a nusance to send for every time there is a dinner. This safe only my father can unlock, or rather, this I fondly believed until tonight. But how diferent are the facts! For William walked to it, after listening at the foot of the stairs, and opened it as if he had done so before quite often. He then took from it my father's Dispach Case, locked the safe again, and went back through the dining room. It is a terrable thing to see a crime thus comitted and to know not what to do. Had William repaired again to his chamber, or would he return for the plates, etcetera? At last I crept upstairs to my father's room, which was locked. I could not waken him by gently taping, and I feared that if I made a noise I would warn the lurking Criminal in his den. I therfore went to my bathroom and filled my bath sponge with water, and threw it threw the transom in the direction of my father's bed. As it happened it struck on his face, and I heard him getting up and talking dreadfully to himself. Also turning on the lights. I put my mouth to the keyhole and said: "Father!" Had he but been quiet, all would have been well. But he opened the door and began roaring at me in a loud tone, calling me an imp of Mischeif and other things, and yelling for a towle. I then went in and closed the door and said: "That's right. Bellow and spoil it all." "Spoil what?" he said, glareing at me. "There's nothing left to spoil, is there? Look at that bed! Look at me!" "Father," I said, "while you are raging about over such a thing as a wet Sponge, which I was driven to in desparation, the house is or rather has been robbed." He then sat down on the bed and said: "You are growing up, Bab, although it is early for the burglar obsession. Go on, though. Who is robbing us and why? Because if he finds any Money I'll divide with him." Such a speach discouraged me, for I can bear anything except to be laughed at. I therfore said: "William has just taken your Dispach Case out of the safe. I saw him." "William!" "William," I repeated in a tence voice. He was then alarmed and put on his slippers and dressing gown. "You stay here," he observed. "Personally I think you've had a bad dream, because William can't possably know the combination of that safe. It's as much as I can do to remember it myself." "It's a Spy's business to know everything, father." He gave me a peircing glance. "He's a Spy, is he?" he then said. "Well, I might have known that all this war preparation of yours would lead to Spies. It has turned more substantile intellects than yours." He then swiched on the hall lights from the top of the stairs and desended. I could but wait at the top, fearing at each moment a shot would ring out, as a Spy's business is such as not to stop at Murder. My father unlocked the safe and looked in it. Then he closed it again and disapeared into the back of the house. How agonising were the moments that ensued! He did not return, and at last, feeling that he had met a terrable Death, I went down. I went through the fatal dining room to the pantrey and there found him not only alive, but putting on a plate some cold roast beef and two apples. "I thought we'd have a bite to eat," he said. "I need a little nourishment before getting back into that puddle to sleep." "Father!" I said. "How can you talk of food when knowing----" "Get some salt and pepper," he said, "and see if there is any mustard mixed. You've had a dream, Bab. That's all. The Case is in the safe, and William is in his bed, and in about two minutes a cold repast is going to be in me." Ye gods! He is now asleep, and I am writing this at 2 A. M. I, and I alone, know that there is a Criminal in this house, serving our meals and quareling with the cook as if a regular Butler, but really a Spy. And although I cry aloud in my anguish, those who hear me but maintain that I am having a nightmare. I am a Voice crying in the Wilderness.
Father has told mother about last night, and I am not to have coffee in the evenings. This is not surprizing, as they have always considered me from a physical and not a mental standpoint. My very Soul is in revolt.
(1) "Hold the rifle on the mark." (2) "Aim properly." (3) "Squeeze the Triger properly." (4) "Call the shot." We had but just started, and Mademoiselle had taken the car and gone back to the Adams's residence to bring out Mr. Adams, as she considers gun-shooting as dangerous, when a farmer with to dogs came over a fense and objected, saying that it was Sunday and that his cows were getting excited anyhow and would probahly not give any milk. "These are War times," I said, in a dignafied manner. "And if you are doing nothing for the country yourself you should at least allow others to do so." He was a not unreasonable tipe and this seemed to effect him. For he sat down on one of our stools and said: "Well, I don't know about that, miss. You see----" "Captain," I put in. Because he might as well know that we meant business. "Captain, of course!" he said. "You'll have to excuze me. This thing of Women in War is new to me. But now don't you think that you'll be doing the country a service not to interfere with the food supply and so on?" He then looked at me and remarked: "If I was you, miss or Captain, I would not come any to clost to my place. My wife was pretty well bruized up that time you upset our milk waggon." IT WAS INDEED HE! But he was not unpleasant about it, although remarking that if he had a daughter and a machine, although he had niether, and expected niether, the one would never be allowed to have the other until carefully taught on an emty road. He then said: "You girls have been wig-wagging, I see." "We are studying flag signals." "Humph!" he observed. "I used to know something about that myself, in the Spanish war. Now let's see what I remember. Watch this. And somebody keep an eye on that hill and report if a blue calico dress is charging from the enemies' Trenches." It was very strange to see one who apeared to be but an ordinary Farmer, Or Milkman, pick up our flags and wave them faster than we could read them. It was indeed thrilling, although discouraging, because if that was the regular rate of Speed we felt that we could never acheive it. I remarked this, and he then said: "Work hard at it, and I reckon I can slip over now and then and give you a lesson. Any girl that can drive an automobile hell-bent" (these are his words, not mine) "can do most anything she sets her mind on. You leave that gun alone, and work at the signaling, and I guess I can make out to come every afternoon. I start out about 2 A. M. and by noon I'm mostly back." We all thanked him, and saluted as he left. He saluted to, and said: "Name's Schmidt, but don't worry about that. Got some German blood way back, but who hasn't?" He then departed with his to dogs, and we held a meeting, and voted to give up everything but signaling. Passed unanamously.
Leila had a Doctor to dinner. She met him at the Red Cross, and he would, I think, be a good husband. He sat beside me, and I talked mostly about her, as I wished him to know that, although having her faults as all have, she would be a good wife. "She can sow very well," I told him, "and she would probably like to keep House, but of course has no chance here, as mother thinks no one can manage but herself." "Indeed!" he said, looking at me. "But of course she will probably have a house of her own before long." "Very likely," I said. "Although she has had a number of chances and always refuses." "Probably the right Person has not happened along;" he observed. "Perhaps," I said, in a signifacant tone. "Or perhaps he does not know he is the right Person." William, of whom more anon, was passing the ice cream just then. I refused it, saying: "Not in war time." "Barbara," mother said, stiffly. "Don't be a silly. Eat your desert." As I do not like seens I then took a little, but no cake. During dinner Leila made an observation which has somewhat changed my opinion of Carter Brooks. She said his mother did not want him to enlist which was why he had not. She has no other sons and probably never will have, being a widow. I have now come to William. Lucy Gray had been on Secret Service that day, but did the observing from the windows of their house, as my Familey was at home and liable to poke into my room at any moment. William had made it up with the cook, Lucy said, and had showed her a game of Solitaire in the morning by the kitchin window. He had then fallen asleep in the pantrey, the window being up. In the afternoon, luncheon being over and the Familey out in the car for a ride, he had gone out into the yard behind the house and pretended to look to see if the crocuses were all gone. But soon he went into the Garage and was there a half hour. Now it is one of the rules of this Familey that no house servants go to the Garage, owing to taking up the Chauffeur's time when he should be oiling up, etcetera. Also owing to one Butler stealing the Chauffeur's fur coat and never being seen again. But alas, what am I to do? For although I reported this being in the Garage to mother, she but said: "Don't worry me about him, Bab. He is hopelessly inefficient. But there are no Men Servants to be had and we'll have to get along."
I must now go to bed, as the Manual says, page 166: "Retire early and get a good night's rest."
Camp convened at 12 noon, as we spent the morning helping to get members of the Other Sex to enlist. We pinned a pink Carnation on each Enlister, and had to send for more several times. We had quite a Crowd there and it was very polite except one, who said he would enlist twice for one kiss. The Officer however took him by the ear and said the Army did not wish such as he. He then through (threw?) him out. This morning I warned the new Chauffeur, feeling that if he had by chance any Milatary Secrets in the Garage he should know about William. "William!" he said, looking up from where he was in the Repair Pit at the time. "WILLIAM!" "I am sorry, Henry," I said, in a quiet voice. "But I fear that William is not what he apears to be." "I think you must be mistaken, miss." He then hamered for some time. When he was through he climbed out and said: "There's to much Spy talk going on, to my thinking, miss. And anyhow, what would a Spy be after in this house?" "Well," I observed, in an indignant manner, for I am sensative and hate to have my word doubted, "as my father is in a business which is now War Secrets and nothing else, I can understand, if you can't." He then turned on the engine and made a terrable noise, to see if hitting on all cylinders. When he shut it off I told him about William spending a half hour in the Garage the day before. Although calm before he now became white with anger and said: "Just let me catch him sneaking around here, and I'll--what's he after me for anyhow? I haven't got any Milatary Secrets." I then sugested that we work together, as I felt sure William was after my father's blue prints and so on, which were in the Dispach Case in the safe at night. He said he was not a Spy-catcher, but if I caught William at any nonsense I might let him know, and if he put a padlock on the outside of his door and mother saw it and raised a fuss, I could stand up for him. I agreed to do so.
She said this to father, but I heard her and observed: "Mother, is a doctor then to have no Familey life, and only to bring into the world other people's children?" She would usualy have replied to me, but she merely sighed, as she is not like herself, being worried about father. She beleives that my Father's Life is in danger, as although usualy making steel, which does not explode and is therfore a safe business, he is now making shells, and every time it has thundered this week she has ohserved: "The mill!" She refuses to be placated, although knowing that only those known to the foremen can enter, as well as having a medal with a number on it, and at night a Password which is new every night. I know this, because we have this evening made up a list of Passwords for the next week, using a magazine to get them out of, and taking advertisements, such as Cocoa, Razers, Suspenders and so on. Not these actualy but others like them. We then learned them off by heart and burned the paper, as one cannot be to carefull with a Spy in the house, even if not credited as such by my Parents. Have forgotten the Emblem. Must take it in.
Henry brought me out in the big car, as mine has a broken spring owing to going across the field with it. He says he has decided to help me, and that I need not watch the safe, etcetera, at night. I therfore gave him a key to the side door, and now feel much better. He also said not to have any of the Corps detailed to watch William in the daytime, as he can do so, because the Familey is now spending all day at the Red Cross. He thinks the Password idea fine, as otherwise almost anybody could steal a medal and get into the mill. William seems to know that I know something, and this morning, while opening the door for me, he said: "I beg pardon, Miss Bab, but I see Henry is driving you today." "It is not hard to see," I replied, in a hauty manner. It is not the Butler's business who is driving me, and anyhow I had no intention of any unecessary conversation with a Spy. "Your own car being out of order, miss?" "It is," I retorted. "As you will probably be going to the Garage, although against orders, while Henry is out, you can see it yourself." I then went out and sat in front in order to converce with Henry, as the back is lonely. I looked up at the door and William was standing there, with a very queer look on his face.
Luncheon was a great surprize, as at 12:45 a car apeared on the sky line and was reported by our Sentry as aproaching rapidly. When it came near it was seen to be driven by Carter Brooks, and to contain several baskets, etcetera. He then dismounted and saluted and said: "The Commiseriat has sent me forward with the day's rations, sir." "Very good," I returned, in an official manner. "Corps will line up and count. Odd numbers to unpack and evens to set the table." This of course was figurative, as we have no table, but eat upon the ground. He then carried over the baskets and a freezer of ice cream. He had brought a fruit salid, cold chicken, potatoe Chips, cake and ice-cream. It was a delightful Repast, and not soon to be forgotten by the Corps. Mademoiselle got out of the Adams's car and came over, although she had her own lunch as usual. She then had the Chauffeur carry over a seat cushion, and to see her one would beleive she was always pleasant. I have no use for those who are only pleasant in the presence of Food or Strangers. Carter Brooks sat beside me, and observed: "You see, Bab, although a Slacker myself, I cannot bear that such brave spirits as those of the Girls' Aviation Corps should go hungry." I then gave him a talking-to, saying that he had been a great disapointment, as I thought one should rise to the Country's Call and not wait until actualy needed, even when an only son. He made no defence, but said in a serious tone: "You see, it's like this. I am not sure of myself, Bab. I don't want to enlist because others of the Male Sex, as you would say, are enlisting and I'm ashamed not to. And I don't want to enlist just to wear a Unaform and get away from business. I don't take it as lightly as all that." "Have you no Patriotism?" I demanded. "Can you repeat unmoved the celabrated lines:
Mademoiselle had at that moment felt an ant somewhere and was not looking. Therfore she did not perceive when he reached over and put his hand on my foot, which happened to be nearest to him. He then pated my foot, and said: "What a nice kid you are!" It is strange, now that he and the baskets, etcetera, have gone away, that I continue to think about his pating my foot. Because I have known him for years, and he is nothing to me but a good friend and not sentamental in any way. I feel this way. Suppose he enlists and goes away to die for his Country, as a result of my Speach. Can I endure to think of it? No. I did not feel this way about Tom Gray, who has gone to Florida to learn to fly, although at one time thinking the Sun rose and set on him. It is very queer. The Sentry reports Mr. Schmidt and the dogs coming over the fense.
Mother has been very sweet to me this evening. I cannot record how I feel about the change. I used to feel that she loved me when she had time to do so, but that she had not much time, being busy with Bridge, Dinners, taking Leila out and Housekeeping, and so on. But now she has more time. Tonight she said: "Bab, suppose we have a little talk. I have been thinking all day what I would do if you were a boy, and took it into that Patriotic head of yours to enlist. I couldn't bear it, that's all." I was moved to tears by this afection on the part of my dear Parent, but I remembered being Captain of the Corps, and so did not weep. She then said that she would buy us an Emblem for the Camp, and have a luncheon packed each day. She also ofered me a wrist watch. I cannot but think what changes War can make, bringing people together because of worry and danger, and causing gifts, such as flags and watches, and ofering to come out and see us in a day or so. It is now 9 P. M. and the mention of the flag has reminded me that our own Emblem still fluters beneath the Starry Sky.
The terrable thought comes--has he a wireless concealed there, by which he sends out clandestine messages, perhaps to Germany? This I know. He cannot get into Henry's room, as the padlock is now on.
"Nonsense! We're rushed at the Mill, that's all. You see, Bab, War is more than Unaforms and saluting. It is a nasty Business. And of course, between your forgetting The Emblem until midnight, when I am in my first sleep, and putting it out at Dawn, I am not getting all the rest I really need." He then took my hand and said: "Bab, you haven't by any chance been in my Dispach Case for anything, have you?" "Why? Is something missing?" I said in I startled tone. "No. But sometimes I think--however, never mind about that. I think I'll take the Case upstairs and lock my door hereafter, and if the Emblem is an hour or to late, we will have to stand for it. Eight o'clock is early enough for any Flag, especialy if it has been out late the night before." "Father" I said, in a tence voice. "I have before this warned you, but you would not listen, considering me imature and not knowing a Spy when I see one." I then told him what I knew about William, but he only said: "Well, the only thing that matters is the Password, and that cannot be stolen. As for William, I have had his record looked up by the Police, and it is fine. Now go to bed, and send in the Spy. I want a Scotch and Soda."
To night I shall watch the Chimney, as there is an ark light near it, so that it is as bright as Day. The cook has given notice, as she and William cannot get along, and as he can only make to salids and those not cared for by the other servants.
He has just gone, and I am sure kissed Leila in the hall while Hannah and the nurse were getting pen, ink, etcetera. Perhaps after all Romanse has at last come to my beloved sister, who will now get married. If so, I can come out in November, which is the best time, as December is busy with Xmas and so on. How shall I tell the tradgic story of that night? How can I put, by means of a pen, my Experiences on paper? There are some things which may not be written, but only felt, and that mostly afterwards, as during the time one is to excited to feel. On April 21st, Saturday, I had a bad cold and was not allowed to go to camp. I therfore slept most of the day, being one to sleep easily in daytime, except for Hannah coming in to feel if I was feverish. My father did not come home to dinner, and later on telephoned that he was not to be looked for until he arived, owing to somthing very important at the Mill and a night shift going on for the first time. We ate Dinner without him, and mother was very nervous and kept saying that with foremen and so on she did not see why father should have to kill himself. Ye gods! Had we but realised the Signifacance of that remark! But we did not, but went to living in a Fool's Paradice, and complaining because William had put to much vinigar in the French Dressing. William locked up the house and we retired to our Chambers. But as I had slept most of the day I could not compose myself to Slumber, but sat up in my robe de nuit and reflected about Carter Brooks, and that perhaps it would be better for him not to enlist as there is plenty to be done here at home, where one is safe from bullets, machine guns and so on. Because, although not Sentamental about him or silly in any way, I felt that he should not wish to go into danger if his mother objected. And after all one must consider mothers and other Parents. I put a dressing gown over my ROBE DE NUIT, and having then remembered about the Wireless, I put out my light and sat in the window seat. But there was no Mast to be seen, and nothing but the ark light swinging. I then saw some one come in the drive and go back to the Garage, but as Henry has a friend who has been out of work and sleeps with him, although not told to the Familey, as probably objecting,--although why I could not see, since he used half of Henry's bed and therfore cost nothing--I considered that it was he. It was not, however, as I shall now record in this Log or Journal. I had perhaps gone to sleep in my place of watching, when I heard a rapping at my Chamber door. "Only this and nothing more." Poe--The Raven. I at once opened the door, and it was the cook. She said that Henry had returned from the mill with a pain in his ear, and had telephoned to her by the house 'phone to bring over a hot water bottle, as father was driving himself home when ready. She then said that if I would go over with her to the Garage and drop some laudinum into his ear, she being to nervous, and also taking my hot water bottle, she would be grateful. Although not fond of her, owing to her giving notice and also being very fussy about cake taken from the pantrey, I am one to go always where needed. I also felt that a member of the Corps should not shirk Duty, even a Chauffeur's ear. I therfore got my hot water bottle and some slippers, etcetera, and we went to the Garage. I went up the stairs to Henry's room, but what was my surprize to find him not there, but only his friend. I then said: "Where is Henry?" The cook was behind me, and she said: "He is coming. He has to walk around because it aches so." Then Henry's friend said, in a queer voice: "Now, Miss Bab, there is nothing to be afraid of, unless you make a noise. If you do there will be trouble and that at once. We three are going to have a little talk." Ye gods! I tremble even to remember his words, for he said: "What we want is simple enough. We want tonight's Password at the Mill. DON'T SCREAM." I dropped the hot water bottle, because there is no use pretending one is not scared at such a time. One is. But of course I would not tell them the Password, and the cook said: "Be careful, Miss Bab. We are not playing. We are in terrable ernest." She did not sound like a cook at all, and she looked diferent, being very white and with to red spots on her cheeks. "So am I," I responded, although with shaking teeth. "And just wait until the Police hear of this and see what happens. You will all be arested. If I scream----" "If you scream," said Henry's friend in an awful voice, "you will never scream again." There was now a loud report from below, which the neighbors afterwards said they heard, but considered gas in a muffler, which happens often and sounds like a shot. There was then a sort of low growl and somebody fell with a thump. Then the cook said to Henry's friend: "Jump out of the window. They've got him!" But he did not jump, but listened, and we then heard Henry saying: "Come down here, quick." Henry's friend then went downstairs very rapidly, and I ran to the window thinking to jump out. But it was closed and locked, and anyhow the cook caught me and said, in a hissing manner: "None of that, you little fool." I had never been so spoken to, especially by a cook, and it made me very angry. I then threw the bottle of laudinum at her, and broke a front tooth, also cutting her lip, although I did not know this until later, as I then fainted. When I came to I was on the floor and William, whom I had considered a Spy, was on the bed with his hands and feet tied. Henry was standing by the door, with a revolver, and he said: "I'm sorry, Miss Bab, because you are all right and have helped me a lot, especially with that on the bed. If it hadn't been for you our Goose would have been cooked." He then picked me up and put me in a chair, and looked at his watch. "Now," he said, "we'll have that Password, because time is going and there are things to be done, quite a few of them." I could see William then, and I saw his eyes were partly shut, and that he had been shot, because of blood, etcetera. I was about to faint again, as the sight of blood makes me sick at the stomache, but Henry held a bottle of amonia under my nose and said in a brutal way: "Here, none of that." I then said that I would not tell the Password, although killed for it, and he said if I kept up that attitude I would be, because they were desperate and would stop at nothing. "There is no use being stubborn," he said, "because we are going to get that Password, and the right one to, because if the wrong one you, to, will be finished off in short order." As I was now desperate myself I decided to shriek, happen what may. But I had merely opened my mouth to when he sprang at me and put his hand over my mouth. He then said he would be obliged to gag me, and that when I made up my mind to tell the Password, if I would nod my Head he would then remove the gag. As I grew pale at these words he threw up a window, because air prevents fainting. He then tied a towel around my mouth and lips, putting part of it between my teeth, and tied it in a hard knot behind. He also tied my hands behind me, although I kicked as hard as possable, and can do so very well, owing to skating and so on. How awfull were my sensations as I thus sat facing Death, and remembering that I had often been excused from Chapel when not necesary, and had been confirmed while pretending to know the Creed while not doing so. Also not always going to Sunday School as I should, and being inclined to skip my Prayers when very tired. We sat there for a long time, which seemed Eternities, Henry making dreadful threats, and holding a revolver. But I would not tell the Password, and at last he went out, locking the door behind him, to consult with the other Spies. I then heard a whisper, and saw that William was not dead. He said: "Here, quick. I'll unloose your hands and you can drop out the window." He did so, but just in time, as Henry returned, looking fierce and saying that I had but fifteen minutes more. I was again in my chair, and he did not percieve that my hands were now untied. I must stop here, as my hands tremble to much to hold my trusty pen.
Doctor Connor came in a moment later and kissed me to, calling me his brave little Sister. How pleasant it is to lie thus, having wine jelatine and squab and so on, and wearing a wrist watch with twenty-seven diamonds, and mother using the vibrator on my back to make me sleepy, etcetera. Also, to know that when one's father returns he will say: "Well, how is the Patriot today?" and not smile while saying it. I have recorded in this journal up to where I had got my hands loose, and Henry was going to shoot me in fifteen minutes. We have thus come to Mr. Schmidt. Suddenly Henry swore in an angry manner. This was because my father had brought the machine home and was but then coming along the drive. Had he come alone it would have been the end of him and the Mill, for Henry and his friend would have caught him, and my father is like me--he would die before giving the Password and blowing up all the men and so on in the Mill. But he brought the manager with him, as he lives out of town and there is no train after midnight. My father said: "Henry!" So Henry replied: "Coming, sir" and went out, but again locked the door. Before he went out he said: "Now mind, any noise up here and we will finish you and your father also. DON'T YOU OVERTURN A CHAIR BY MISTAKE, YOUNG LADY." He then went down, and I could hear my dear Parent's voice which I felt I would probably never hear again, discussing new tires and Henry's earache, which was not a real one, as I now knew. I looked at William, but he had his eyes shut and I saw he was now realy unconscious. I then however heard a waggon in our alley, and I went to the window. What was my joy to see that it was Mr. Schmidt's milk waggon which had stopped under the ark light, with he himself on the seat. He was getting some milk bottles out, and I suppose he heard the talking in our Garage, for he stopped and then looked up. Then he dropped a milk bottle, but he stood still and stared. With what anguished eyes, dear Log or Journal, did I look down at him, unable to speak or utter a sound. I then tried to untie the Towle but could not, owing to feeling weak and sick and the knots being hard. I at one moment thought of jumping out, but it was to far for our Garage was once a Stable and is high. But I knew that if the Criminals who surounded my Father and the manager heard such a sound, they would then attack my Father and kill him. I was but a moment thinking all this, as my mind is one to work fast when in Danger. Mr. Schmidt was still staring, and the horse was moving on to the next house, as Mr. Schmidt says it knows all his Customers and could go out alone if necesary. It was then that I remembered that, although I could not speak, I could signal him, although having no flags. I therfore signaled, saying: "Quiet. Spies. Bring police." It was as well that he did not wait for the last to letters, as I could not remember C, being excited and worried at the time. But I saw him get into his waggon and drive away very fast, which no one in the Garage noticed, as milk waggons were not objects of suspicion. How strange it was to sit down again as if I had not moved, as per orders, and hear my Father whistling as he went to the house. I began to feel very sick at my Stomache, although glad he was safe, and wondered what they would do without me. Because I had now seen that, although insisting that I was still a child, I was as dear to them as Leila, though in a different way. I had not cried as yet, but at the thought of Henry's friend and the others coming up to kill me before Mr. Schmidt could get help, I shed a few tears. They all came back as soon as my Father had slamed the house door, and if they had been feirce before they were awfull then, the cook with a handkerchief to her mouth, and Henry's friend getting out a watch and giving me five minutes. He had counted three minutes and was holding his Revolver to just behind my ear, when I heard the milk waggon coming back, with the horse galloping. It stopped in the alley, and the cook said, in a dreadfull voice: "What's that?" She dashed to the Window, and looked out, and then turned to the other Spies and said: "The Police!" I do not know what happened next, as I fainted again, having been under a strain for some time. I must now stop, as mother has brought the Vibrater.
As I now have a horse, perhaps the Corps should become Cavalry. Memo: Take this up with Jane.
He has gone to the War. I cannot write more.
Always before I have had no Secrets from Jane, even in matters of the Other Sex. But I feel very strange about this and like thinking about it rather than putting it into speach. Also I feel very kind toward everybody, and wish that I had been a better girl in many ways. I have tried to be good, and have never smoked cigarettes or been decietful except when forced to be by the Familey not understanding. But I know I am far from being what Carter Brooks thinks me to be. I have called Hannah and given her my old watch, with money to for a new chrystal. Also stood by at Salute while my father brought in the Emblem. For William can no longer do it, as he was not really a Butler at all but a Secret Service Inspector, and also being still in the Hospital, although improving. He had not told the Familey, as he was afraid they would not then treat him as a real Butler. As for the code in the pantrey, it was really not such, but the silver list, beginning with 48 D. K. or dinner knives, etcetera. When taking my Father's Dispach Case from the safe, it was to keep the real Spies from getting it. He did it every night, and took the important papers out until morning, when he put them back. To-night my father brought in the Emblem and folded it. He then said: "Well, I admit that Fathers are not real Substatutes for young men in Unaform, but in times of Grief they may be mighty handy to tie to." He then put his arms around me and said: "You see, Bab, the real part of War, for a woman--and you are that now, Bab, in spite of your years--the real thing she has to do is not the fighting part, although you are about as good a soldier as any I know. The thing she has to do is to send some one she cares about, and then sit back and wait." As he saw that I was agatated, he then kissed me and sugested that we learn something more than the first verse of the National Hymn, as he was tired of making his lips move and thus pretending to sing when not actualy doing so. I shall now record about Carter Brooks coming today. I was in a chair with pilows and so on, when Leila came in and kissed me, and then said: "Bab, are you able to see a caller?" I said yes, if not the Police, as I had seen a great many and was tired of telling about Henry and Henry's friend, etcetera. "Not the Police," she said. She then went out in the hall and said: "Come up. It's all right." I then saw a Soldier in the door, and could not beleive that it was Carter Brooks, until he saluted and said: "Captain, I have come to report. Owing to the end of the Easter Holadays the Girls' Aviation Corps----" I could no longer be silent. I cried: "Oh, Carter!" So he came into the room and turned round, saying: "Some soldier, eh?" Leila had gone out, and all at once I knew that my Patriotism was not what I had thought it, for I could not bear to see him going to War, especialy as his mother would be lonly without him. Although I have never considered myself weak, I now felt that I was going to cry. I therfore said in a low voice to give me a Handkercheif, and he gave me one of his. "Why, look here," he said, in an astounded manner, "you aren't crying about ME, are you?" I said from behind his Handkercheif that I was not, except being sorry for his mother and also for him on account of Leila. "Leila!" he said. "What about Leila?" "She is lost to you forever," I replied in a choking tone. "She is betrothed to another." He became very angry at that, and observed: "Look here, Bab. One minute I think you are the cleverest Girl in the World, and the next--you little stuped, do you still insist on thinking that I am in love with Leila?" At that time I began to feel very queer, being week and at the same time excited and getting red, the more so as he pulled the Handkercheif from my eyes and commanded me: "Bab, look at me. Do I LOOK as though I care for Leila?" I, however, could not look at him just then. Because I felt that I could not endure to see the Unaform. "Don't you know why I hang around this House?" he said, in a very savige manner. "Because if you don't everybody else does." Dear Log or Journal, I could but think of one thing, which was that I was not yet out, but still what is called a Sub-Deb, and so he was probably only joking, or perhaps merely playing with me. I said so, in a low tone, but he only gave a Groan and said: "I know you are not out and all the rest of it. Don't I lie awake at night knowing it? And that's the reason I----" Here he stopped and said: "Damm it" in a feirce voice. "Very well," he went on. "I came to say Good-bye, and to ask you if you will write to me now and then. Because I'm going to War half because the Country needs me and the other half because I'm not going to disapoint a certain young Person who has a way of expecting people to be better than they are." He then very suddenly stood up and said: "I guess I'd better go. And don't you dare to cry, because if you do there will be Trouble." But I could not help it, as he was going to War for my Native Land, and might never come back. I therfore asked for his Handkercheif again, but he did not listen. He only said: "You are crying, and I warned you." He then stooped over and put his hand under my Chin and said: "Good-bye, sweetheart." AND KISSED ME. He went out at once, slaming the door, and passed Leila in the lower Hall without speaking to her.
After all, I could not realy care for any one who would not rise to the Country's Call.
"I want to ask you something. Do you remember the time you wrote me that you were BLITED and I sugested that we be blited together. How about changing that a bit, and being PLITED. Because if I am not cheered by something of the sort, my Patriotism is going to ooze out of the blisters on my heels."
{1" tall figure of a man holding semifore flags--his right arm is to the right and his left arm is up} Which means "Afirmative" [THE END] _ |
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