第73章

Although it was spring, Simla still lay in its winter sleep.It had been deserted by the lively, brilliant society which, when the intolerable, moist heat of summer drove the Viceroy from Calcutta, enlivened the magnificent valleys and heights with its horses and carriages, its games, parties, and elegant dresses.Only the resident population, and the servants who had been left to look after the buildings and keep them in good order, remained, English Society being kept away by the war.

The hills were about a mile and three-quarters above the level of the Indian Ocean, and frequent showers of rain made the climate so raw that Heideck rode with his cloak on, and Edith flung a dragoon's long cloak over her shoulders to protect herself against the cold.

The officers were commissioned to search the Government buildings for important legal documents and papers, which the English Government might have left behind in Simla, and which were of importance to the Russian Government.

Heideck had to examine the seven handsome blocks of Government offices, especially the buildings set apart for the Commander-in-Chief, the Quartermaster-General, the general railway management, and the post and telegraph offices.

He found none but subordinate officials anywhere until he came to the office of the Judge Advocate General.Here he found a dignified old gentleman, sitting so quietly in his armchair that Heideck was involuntarily reminded of Archimedes when the Roman soldiers surprised him at his calculations.

As the officer entered, accompanied by the soldiers, the old gentleman looked at them keenly out of his large, yellowish eyes.

But he neither asked what they wanted, nor even attempted to prevent their entrance.Heideck bowed politely, and apologised for the intrusion necessitated by his duty.This courteous behaviour appeared to surprise the old gentleman, who returned his greeting, and said that there was nothing left for him but to submit to the orders of the conqueror.

"As there seems nothing to be found in these rooms but legal books and documents," said Heideck, "I need not make any investigation, for we are simply concerned with military matters.I should be glad if I could meet any personal wishes of yours, for I do not think I am mistaken in assuming that I have the honour of speaking to a higher official, whom special reasons have obliged to remain in Simla.""As a matter of fact, my physicians were of opinion that it would be beneficial to my health to spend the winter in the mountains.

You can imagine how greatly I regret that I took their advice--I am Judge-Advocate-General Kennedy.""Is your family also in Simla?" asked Heideck.

"My wife and daughter are here."

"Sir, there is an English lady with our column, the widow of an officer who was killed at Lahore.Would you be disposed to let her join your family?""An English lady?"

"She is the victim of a series of adventurous experiences, as to which she can best inform you herself.Her name is Mrs.Irwin.

Would you be disposed to grant her your protection? If so, Ishould certainly be the bearer of welcome news to her.""My protection?" repeated the old gentleman in surprise."My family and I need protection ourselves, and how can we, in the present circumstances, undertake such a responsibility?""You and your family have nothing to fear from us, sir.On the contrary, we intend to maintain quietness and order.""Well, sir, your behaviour is that of a gentleman, and if the lady wishes to come to us we will offer no objection.Can I speak to her, that we may come to an understanding?""I will make haste and fetch her."

In fact, he did not hesitate for a moment.As he expected, Edith was very grateful to him for his friendly proposition.

Mr.Kennedy was extremely astonished to see a young rajah enter the room, and did not seem quite agreeably impressed by the masquerade.

"Is this the lady of whom you spoke?" he asked in surprise.But his serious face visibly cleared when Edith said, in her sweet, gentle voice--"A countrywoman, who owes her life to this gentleman here, and who has only escaped death and dishonour by the aid of this disguise.""Mrs.Irwin, if you decide to join Mrs.Kennedy," said Heideck, "Iwill send your belongings to Mr.Kennedy's house.I must now leave you for the present.I have other official duties to perform, but I will return later.""In any case I am glad to welcome my countrywoman," protested the old gentleman."You can see my house from the window here, and Ibeg you will call upon me when your duties are over."It was not till after sunset that Heideck called at Mr.Kennedy's house.He stood for a moment at the garden-gate and saw the snow-clad heights glowing in the fire of the evening light.Long chains of blue hills rose higher and higher towards the north, till at last the highest range on the distant horizon, bristling with eternal glaciers, mounted towards the sky in wondrous brilliancy.

Mr.Kennedy lived in a very imposing villa.Heideck was received with such friendliness by the master of the house and the ladies that he recognised only too clearly that Edith must have spoken warmly in his favour.She must also certainly have told them that he was a German.She was dressed as a woman again, and had already won the hearts of all by her frankness.Mrs.Kennedy was a matron with fine, pleasant features, and evidently of high social standing.Her daughter, about the same age as Edith, appeared to have taken a great fancy to the visitor.

Heideck sat with the family by the fire, and all tried to forget that he wore the uniform of the enemy.