Harp and the Blade by John Myers Myers

Author:John Myers Myers [Myers, John Myers]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780441317509
Google: DxYoTOu4-mMC
Amazon: 0441317502
Goodreads: 7323467
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Published: 1940-12-31T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter

Thirteen

SOMEWHERE in the back of my mind I could see that infernal Pict grinning triumphantly. In recent months I had stepped into sufficient trouble but always at times when circumstances had me cornered, leaving no loophole. Now I was outbidding eager scapegoats.

“One reason I’m better suited for this job,” I explained to Conan’s lieutenants, “is that I’m a stranger to Gregory and all his men, not to mention the fact that I’m obviously not a native. You’re both known by reputation and, I suspect, personally.”

They nodded glumly. “Moreover,” I gestured toward where my harp hung on the wall, “that will give me entry and a reason for passing that way on the loose which demands no explanation.”

“All right,” Jean gave in. “What are you going to do once you’re inside?”

“I don’t know,” I answered frankly. “Anything that seems indicated. I’m not guaranteeing I’ll be of any use even, because they’ve got us on the hip and no mistake. But it’s our only chance.”

“Yes,” Ann said after a long moment, and that settled it.

“You’ll need a guide,” Rainault said hopefully.

“I will,” I agreed, “but it can’t be either of you. You’ll both be needed to save what’s possible if Conan doesn’t return.”

I didn’t want a companion that would pound me with ad-

vice and suggestions. But there was one among them, who, I felt sure, would follow and obey me blindly when, as, and if I conceived a plan. The youngster, Fulke, had a bad case of hero worship which he’d get over in time, being a sound lad. Now, however, I could make use of it.

“If you know the way, I’d like you to go with me, Fulke.” His face lighted up as if I’d just given him something of immense value instead of inviting him on an expedition to get his throat cut. “Sure, I know the way. Thanks, Finnian!”

I grunted sourly. Everybody except myself seemed to think that extricating a man from a well-garrisoned fort was some sort of delightful pastime. Had I chosen to stay with them, the other men would have gone on discussing the project, but I wasn’t in the mood for useless gab. “I’m going outside for a while,” I announced. “Try to get some sleep, Fulke.”

He had the saccharine docility of a child with a treat in store. “I’ll go to bed right away,” he promised.

Ann’s face was stiff and white. “I’ll have food ready when the night starts to change.” With an ineffably poignant gesture she touched my arm, then turned away. I nodded to the others and strode to the door.

It was a star night, cool and quiet. Ordinarily I might have found it too chilly without a cloak, but trifling discomforts could make no impression on me then. I walked slowly over to a low, unfinished portion of the outer wall and after first notifying the watchman of my presence sat down to consider. I had vaguely hoped that inspiration for a course of procedure might come to me, but the

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