Pursuit of a Parcel by Patricia Wentworth Read Free Book Online

than you can say about everyone.”
    Antony wondered whether it was more than could be said for Cornelius himself. He began to talk about the business that had brought him over—this and that information in the reports Cornelius had furnished—how he got them, where had he got them, and did anyone know that he had got them, and so forth.
    Cornelius took out a cigar and lit it. He let Antony talk and said nothing. When Antony had finished, he let go a mouthful of smoke and enquired, “Am I to understand that I am not giving satisfaction?”
    â€œI don’t know why you should say that. If your stuff’s correct it’s valuable—you must know that. What I’m here for is to check it over with you. There is a little vagueness about your sources of information, and they’d like it cleared up.”
    Cornelius produced a slow smile.
    â€œI saw the big little man in Berlin the other day, and allowing for the difference in phraseology, that is what he said too. I seem to be an object of suspicion to both sides.”
    Antony cocked an eyebrow. “If they really suspect you in Berlin, Con, why aren’t you dead?”
    â€œI may have been able to disarm his suspicions.” He paused, and added, “Why does Garrett suspect me?”
    â€œI didn’t say he suspected you. I said he wanted this stuff checked up. It’s too important to take any chances over. Come along, Con, tell me how you got it!”
    Cornelius said placidly, “I think I’d better tell him myself. The fact is I’m clearing out, and the sooner I clear the better for me. I suppose you didn’t get a parcel from me before you left?”
    â€œNo, I didn’t. What kind of a parcel?”
    Cornelius still watched his cigar.
    â€œOh, a very important parcel indeed—a parcel which is practically my life, in a nice strong box done up in brown paper and addressed to ‘Antony Rossiter, Esq. By Hand.’”
    Antony leaned forward. “Con—what are you talking about?”
    â€œMy parcel,” said Cornelius. “I would like you to go back to England again as quickly as you can, because as long as you stay over here on this stupid inquisitive business which Colonel Garrett has sent you to pry into you are risking my life in a very dangerous way. You see, the little man knows what is inside the parcel, and he would guess that I should not be so stupid as to keep it in any place where he can get his hands on it. He does not kill me or put me in a concentration camp, because I have told him that if he does so, my parcel will begin to make things very unpleasant for him, and though he has a very unbelieving nature, I was able to convince him that this would be the case.”
    Antony looked at him quizzically. “I suppose you know what you’re talking about, Con. I don’t.”
    â€œIt is not necessary,” said Cornelius in his grandest manner. He was once more the lordly elder brother giving his orders to the little boy who had adored him. “You will get back to England as quickly as you can. Some arrangement has been made, I suppose, for getting you back. Mr. Merridew will have the parcel, and it is marked to be given to you by hand, but I am very uneasy as long as you are over here. As I said before, I am being followed wherever I go. I think I got rid of him tonight. But it is no great matter—they will think I have an assignation with Anna—she is quite a handsome creature still. I hope I got rid of him the night I handed my parcel over in a waterside tavern. I took every precaution, but one can never be quite sure. If he has found out that it has gone to England—and I am afraid I cannot regard that as impossible—then he will stick at nothing to get it back.”
    â€œWhat’s inside?” Antony’s tone displayed a lively curiosity.
    Cornelius drew at his cigar and let out the smoke.
    â€œHigh explosive,” he said