The Devil's Cocktail by Alexander Wilson Page B

he said. ‘What’s the big idea? When did you take to valeting, and what the hell do you mean by saying that you were in my service for six years?’
    Cousins shook his head reprovingly.
    â€˜Your language hasn’t improved apparently,’ he said.
    â€˜Answer my questions!’
    â€˜Well, you big stiff – you notice I am using your own phraseology out of respect for you – I had to say something, when all those fellows in the smoking room heard your absurd greeting. It would look nice for the well-known American traveller to be on terms of friendship with a valet, wouldn’t it?’
    â€˜Let me get this thing straight!’ said Miles. ‘Are you really a valet?’
    â€˜Of course, I am! I have been with Captain Shannon for years, and I am accompanying him to India, because I could not bear to leave his service.’
    â€˜Forget it!’ said the American in threatening tones. ‘Just blow out the hot air and give me the real facts!’
    Cousins’ eyes twinkled, and his face creased into smile.
    â€˜I am giving you the real facts,’ he said. ‘I am Captain – now Professor – Shannon’s valet, and as Sydney Carton says, “It is a far, far better thing I do than I have ever done”.’
    Miles seized him by the shoulders, and pushed him on to the settee, then turned to Hugh, who had been watching the two with amusement
    â€˜Say,’ he said; ‘perhaps I can get some enlightenment from you, Shannon. I have known this goop for donkeys’ years and we have been firm friends – in fact, he is one of the few friends I have on your side and he occasionally deigns to write to me. Is he really your valet, or is he not?’
    â€˜He is!’ replied Hugh promptly.
    â€˜Well, I’m darned!’ exclaimed the other and sat down on Hugh’s bunk.
    â€˜This is a situation that tickles my artistic soul,’ said Cousins. ‘Here are two men, each afraid of saying too much in case he gives me away to the other, and each anxious to know how much the other knows. Truly life hath its compensations. One of these days I’ll take to play-writing and the present situation will be the basis of my first plot.’
    â€˜Look here, Cousins,’ commenced Hugh. ‘If—’
    â€˜Say no more!’ said the little man, with a lordly gesture. ‘It is a shame to keep you in suspense.’ He rose. ‘Captain Shannon, may I have the pleasure of presenting Mr Oscar Julius Miles to you as oneof America’s greatest Secret Service agents. For years, owing to the understanding which exists between our two great countries, he has worked hand and glove with our own service, and our Chief has a particularly high opinion of him.’ He turned to the other. ‘Mr Miles, you see before you one of the most brilliant of the rising generation of Secret Service men of Great Britain. He goes to India to profess in a college; he has certain other duties to perform with my poor assistance. I trust I have made myself quite clear! Need I say more?’
    The two men smiled at each other with relief and a wholehearted pleasure. Instinctively their hands shot out, and they gripped warmly.
    â€˜Say,’ said Miles; ‘this is an occasion. It requires honouring. What’s yours?’
    â€˜Mine is a Manhattan cocktail,’ interposed Cousins.
    â€˜You don’t count,’ said Hugh, with a grin. ‘Do you really expect me to drink with my valet?’
    â€˜Nevertheless he shall have a treat on this occasion,’ said Miles. ‘I think three Manhattans will about meet the case. Where’s the darned bell push?’
    Hugh pushed the button, and at the same moment the luncheon gong went.
    â€˜Guess that can wait,’ said the American.
    Joan had nearly finished luncheon when her brother appeared, looking very much pleased with himself.
    â€˜You seem to have found a lot to talk about to Mr