The Devil's Cocktail by Alexander Wilson Page A

that,’ said Hugh. ‘It was the same thing at home.’
    â€˜Gee! You can’t compare home with India.’ He smiled at Hugh whimsically. ‘Say, boy,’ he said. ‘I’m talking more than I should. You’ll be wanting to punch my head, if I don’t cut the cackle some.’
    â€˜Not a bit,’ said Hugh. ‘You’re rather refreshing.’
    â€˜Well, so long as you don’t think I’m getting fresh, instead of refreshing, it’s all right, I guess.’
    â€˜Have another drink?’
    â€˜Thanks! As it’s getting near luncheon, it’s about time I indulged in a sherry and bitters.’
    The drinks were ordered, and when they were placed before them, Miles gazed at his seriously for a moment.
    â€˜Say,’ he said; ‘I guess you had a narrow escape with that girl. You have to be mighty circumspect with Eurasians, or they’ll raise Cain!’
    Hugh looked at him in astonishment.
    â€˜Eurasian!’ he exclaimed. ‘Why she’s as pureblooded as I am.’
    â€˜Not on your life! She looks the goods all right, but if you get the chance just take a peek at her finger nails and didn’t you notice thatpeculiar rising inflection in her voice? When you hear that, Shannon, you can bet your bottom dollar the tar brush has been about.’
    â€˜Why should she talk about going home on six months’ leave then?’
    â€˜Say; you’re acting innocent, aren’t you? Bless you, they love to talk of home and leave! She gave herself away on the other boat – told me her Pa had married in India, and that that was her first trip home. He’s made a lot of money in something down South.’
    â€˜But the fact that she had never been home before hardly makes her Eurasian, does it?’
    â€˜Perhaps not! But you see she also said she had persuaded her Ma not to go with her, as she had never seen the sea and was frightened of it! Guess the real reason was that Ma isn’t quite the same colour as she is, and she didn’t want her to give the show away but you can’t get away from the voice and the finger nails.’ He shook his head. ‘No that sort are good to keep away from; they can be mighty dangerous!’
    At that moment Cousins came into the room and seeing Hugh made his way towards him. Miles gave a gasp and rising to his feet held out his hand.
    â€˜Say, Jerry,’ he exclaimed, ‘this is the best bit of luck I’ve had since leaving the States. Put it there, boy!’
    Cousins glanced round hurriedly, and then diffidently took the other’s hand.
    â€˜Don’t be so effusive, you mutt,’ he whispered, and then raised his voice, so that all who had noticed the greeting could hear him. ‘I am very glad to see you, sir,’ he said.
    The American gaped at him, and Hugh looked his astonishment.
    â€˜Then you have met before?’ he asked.
    â€˜Yes, sir,’ said Cousins. ‘I was Mr Miles’ valet for close on six years.’
    â€˜You what?’ gasped Miles, and sat down.
    â€˜This is rather a strange coincidence, if I may be allowed to say so, sir,’ said Cousins urbanely.
    â€˜Almighty strange,’ said Miles, looking at him as though he thought he had gone mad. The little man turned to Hugh, who, having realised the situation, was smiling with a trace of perplexity on his face.
    â€˜Will you be good enough to step down to the cabin, sir?’ he said. ‘There are one or two matters which require your attention!’
    â€˜Guess I’ll step right along too!’ said Miles.

CHAPTER NINE
Old Friends
    Once in the cabin Cousins turned to Miles, and held out his hand.
    â€˜Now, Oscar, old lad,’ he said, ‘you can shake it as much as you like.’
    The American took him at his word, and for some seconds, used Cousins’ arm like a pump-handle.
    â€˜I guess I’m falling over myself with astonishment, Jerry,’