Jack Harkaway in New York; or, The Adventures of the Travelers' Club Read online

  CHAPTER III.

  THE ASSASSIN AT WORK.

  Thanks to his youth, aided, by a strong and vigorous constitution, LordMaltravers passed through the valley of the shadow of death withoutsuccumbing to the fell destroyer.

  In a fortnight he was out of danger.

  The doctor predicted that his recovery would be slow, and advised thathe should remain where he was until his strength was fully established.

  Lady Maltravers returned to London, rejoicing that her child was savedto her, for with all his faults she loved him with the strong intensityof a fond and over-indulgent mother.

  Consequently his lordship remained at Calais in the charge of hisfaithful valet, Bambino.

  One day, while sitting up for the first time, his pale and haggardface brought into prominence by the rays of the sun which streamed inthrough the open window, he received a letter from Simpkins, to whom hehad written for news.

  In this letter he was informed that Harkaway and four friends wereabout to depart for New York in a few days on board the steamer Erin,Miss Van Hoosen having preceded them by a week.

  "Bambino," exclaimed his lordship.

  "Signor," replied the valet, who glided softly to his side, with thenoiseless motion of a black snake.

  "Three years ago, when I was in Florence, a man named Bambino was beingtried for the commission of a double murder. He had killed the woman hewas about to marry and a man of whom he was jealous. The trial excitedgreat interest; and finally, being found guilty, Bambino was condemnedto the galleys for the term of his natural life."

  The Italian raised his hand deprecatingly.

  "That was in the past, master," he said.

  "True; but it is necessary that I should recall it. I took an interestin you, visiting you in prison before your transportation to the coastto begin your life-long slavery. I wanted just such a man as yourself."

  "You have ever found me grateful, signor."

  "Don't interrupt me. You swore by your faith that if I procured yourrelease, your life should be mine to dispose of, as I thought fit. Byexpending large sums in bribing your jailers, I contrived that youshould escape, and since then you have lived a life of comparative easeand luxury."

  "It is true," exclaimed Bambino.

  "The time has how arrived when I want you to exercise your peculiartalents on my behalf."

  "You have but to command, my lord," replied the Italian. "It is for meto obey."

  "Good. You have seen Mr. Harkaway?"

  "I know him well."

  "Again, good," exclaimed Maltravers, whose dark eyes flashedvindictively. "Harkaway is my enemy!"

  "He shall die," said Bambino, solemnly.

  "Very well. It is for you to see to that. I am in the position you seeme now, through that man. He starts for New York on Saturday in thesteamer Erin, following a lady I love, whom he intends to steal from meand marry, if I do not stop him. You will embark on the same vessel,and by the time I am well enough to join you in New York, you will haverendered a good account of him."

  "His spirit shall have gone to the land of shades. I, Bambino, swearit," said the Italian.

  "I rely on you. Is it requisite for me to say anything more?"

  "Nothing, my lord."

  "Then take what money you want and be off," returned Lord Maltravers.

  That night Bambino was on his way to Liverpool, from which port thesteamer started.