And I had done it
myself, single-handed--ipse egomet!
I pictured Raffles, his surprise, his delight. He would think a
little more of me in future. And that future, it should be
different. We had two thousand pounds apiece--surely enough to
start afresh as honest men--and all through me!
In a glow I sprang out at Esher, and took the one belated cab
that was waiting under the bridge. In a perfect fever I beheld
Broom Hall, with the lower story still lit up, and saw the front
door open as I climbed the steps.
"Thought it was you," said Raffles cheerily. "It's all right.
There's a bed for you. Sir Bernard's sitting up to shake your
hand."
His good spirits disappointed me. But I knew the man: he was one
of those who wear their brightest smile in the blackest hour. I
knew him too well by this time to be deceived.
"I've got it!" I cried in his ear. "I've got it!"
"Got what?" he asked me, stepping back.
"The picture!"
"WHAT?"
"The picture. He showed it me. You had to go without it; I saw
that. So I determined to have it. And here it is."
"Let's see," said Raffles grimly.
I threw off my cape and unwound the canvas from about my body.
While I was doing so an untidy old gentleman made his appearance
in the hall, and stood looking on with raised eyebrows.
"Looks pretty fresh for an Old Master, doesn't she?" said
Raffles.
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