He
was so pleased that he did just what I hoped he would do; he
showed me the great picture--luckily it isn't by any means a
large one--also the case he's got it in. It's an iron map-case
in which he brought over the plans of his land in Brisbane; he
wants to know who would suspect it of containing an Old Master,
too? But he's had it fitted with a new Chubb's lock, and I
managed to take an interest in the key while he was gloating over
the canvas. I had the wax in the palm of my hand, and I shall
make my duplicate this afternoon."
Raffles looked at his watch and jumped up saying he had given me
a minute too much.
"By the way," he added, "you've got to dine with him at the
Metropole to-night!"
"I?"
"Yes; don't look so scared. Both of us are invited--I swore you
were dining with me. I accepted for us both; but I sha'n't be
there."
His clear eye was upon me, bright with meaning and with mischief.
I implored him to tell me what his meaning was.
"You will dine in his private sitting-room," said Raffles; "it
adjoins his bedroom. You must keep him sitting as long as
possible, Bunny, and talking all the time!"
In a flash I saw his plan.
"You're going for the picture while we're at dinner?"
"I am."
"If he hears you?"
"He sha'n't."
"But if he does!"
And I fairly trembled at the thought.
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