Velvet Shadows by Andre Norton

Author:Andre Norton
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Open Road Media

“Not ordinary seamen. Very extraordinary ones to accomplish what they did. No, owner's share comes from legitimate trading. This find was the result of their risking their lives. They are entitled to benefit from their effort, if ever men did. That jade—it must once have been the pride of some imperial princess or concubine. How did it wind up in the strongbox of a Straits pirate?”

“In a way I would not care to dwell upon.” I spoke my earlier thought aloud.

“Quite right!” Alain returned promptly.

We did not return at once to the hotel; rather Alain escorted us to the famous French restaurant, The Poodle Dog. There we lunched on viands which I had not seen or tasted since I left Brussels on the India Queen. It was when we arose after dining that I caught a glimpse of a dark head beside a pillar on the far side of the room, eyes which watched us.

Was that the young man I had seen with Victorine on the balcony? Or was I inclined to see that stranger in any man of the right height and coloring? My glimpse had been so fleeting I could not be sure.

A waiter came hurrying just as Alain was handing us into the carriage. He reached past Mr. Sauvage and handed a folded handkerchief to Victorine.

“Mademoiselle dropped this—”

Victorine murmured thanks, crumpled the linen square to ruck it into the lace undersleeve of her dress. A small enough incident, and an innocent one—but it lingered in my memory.

As we entered the Lick House Alain was presented with a telegram which set him frowning. His mouth became grim and all the harsh lines in his face were emphasized.

“Bad news?” Mrs. Deaves asked quickly. She appeared ready to offer sympathy but I could not imagine Alain Sauvage wishing that, no matter what blows life might deal.

“There is difficulty at the Horseshoe again. I thought that this last time I had made Parkinson see reason. He simply cannot deal well with the men. It is time I made a change there. But this means another trip to Virginia City. I shall make it as short as possible.”

“At least,” Victorine observed after he left, “he did not send us back to the country. Here there is something to do, to see—”

“But you have not wished to do anything.” I was more disturbed at the change of events than I dared display.

Again I was responsible, and if Victorine had only been waiting for Alain to go—what could I do?

“That was because Alain spoke always of the docteur and said I must not tire myself by doing things until I saw him. Now Alain is no longer here to shake his head and say be careful. I am not ill, as I have told him—all of you—but never does he listen. I have only now and then an aching head which makes me feel queer and giddy. Now I do not feel that way at all and we shall do things without seeing Alain's stern face.

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