Claiborne did not move; he smiled upon them, recrossed his legs, and
settled his back more comfortably against the mantel-shelf.
"I really forget where he said he would be at this hour. He and his man
may have gone to Washington, or they may have started for Vienna, or they
may be in conference with Baron von Marhof at my father's, or they may be
waiting for you at the gate. The Lord only knows!"
"Come; we waste time," said Durand in French. "It is a trap. We must not
be caught here!"
"Yes; you'd better go," said Claiborne, yawning and settling himself in a
new pose with his back still to the fireplace. "I don't believe Armitage
will care if I use his bungalow occasionally during my sojourn in the
hills; and if you will be so kind as to leave my horse well tied out
there somewhere I believe I'll go to bed. I'm sorry, Mr. Chauvenet, that
I can't just remember who introduced you to me and my family. I owe that
person a debt of gratitude for bringing so pleasant a scoundrel to my
notice."
He stepped to the table, his hands in his pockets, and bowed to them.
"Good night, and clear out," and he waved his arm in dismissal.
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