Sherlock Holmes complete collection by sir arthur conan doyle

The Valley of Fear Chapter 6 DANGER

IT WAS the height of the reign of terror. McMurdo, who had already beenappointed Inner Deacon, with every prospect of some day succeedingMcGinty as Bodymaster, was now so necessary to the councils of hiscomrades that nothing was done without his help and advice. The morepopular he became, however, with the Freemen, the blacker were thescowls which greeted him as he passed along the streets of Vermissa. Inspite of their terror the citizens were taking heart to band themselvestogether against their oppressors. Rumours had reached the lodge ofsecret gatherings in the Herald office and of distribution of firearmsamong the law-abiding people. But McGinty and his men wereundisturbed by such reports. They were numerous, resolute, and wellarmed. Their opponents [854] were scattered and powerless. It would allend, as it had done in the past, in aimless talk and possibly in impotentarrests. So said McGinty, McMurdo, and all the bolder spirits.It was a Saturday evening in May. Saturday was always the lodgenight, and McMurdo was leaving his house to attend it when Morris, theweaker brother of the order, came to see him. His brow was creased withcare, and his kindly face was drawn and haggard."Can I speak with you freely, Mr. McMurdo?""Sure.""I can't forget that I spoke my heart to you once, and that you kept it toyourself, even though the Boss himself came to ask you about it.""What else could I do if you trusted me? It wasn't that I agreed withwhat you said.""I know that well. But you are the one that I can speak to and be safe.I've a secret here," he put his hand to his breast, "and it is just burning thelife out of me. I wish it had come to any one of you but me. If I tell it, itwill mean murder, for sure. If I don't, it may bring the end of us all. Godhelp me, but I am near out of my wits over it!"McMurdo looked at the man earnestly. He was trembling in every limb.He poured some whisky into a glass and handed it to him. "That's thephysic for the likes of you," said he. "Now let me hear of it."Morris drank, and his white face took a tinge of colour. "I can tell it toyou all in one sentence," said he. "There's a detective on our trail."McMurdo stared at him in astonishment. "Why, man, you're crazy," hesaid. "Isn't the place full of police and detectives, and what harm did theyever do us?""No, no, it's no man of the district. As you say, we know them, and it islittle that they can do. But you've heard of Pinkerton's?""I've read of some folk of that name.""Well, you can take it from me you've no show when they are on yourtrail. It's not a take-it-or-miss-it government concern. It's a dead earnestbusiness proposition that's out for results and keeps out till by hook orcrook it gets them. If a Pinkerton man is deep in this business, we are alldestroyed.""We must kill him.""Ah, it's the first thought that came to you! So it will be up at thelodge. Didn't I say to you that it would end in murder?""Sure, what is murder? Isn't it common enough in these parts?""It is, indeed; but it's not for me to point out the man that is to bemurdered. I'd never rest easy again. And yet it's our own necks that maybe at stake. In God's name what shall I do?" He rocked to and fro in hisagony of indecision.But his words had moved McMurdo deeply. It was easy to see that heshared the other's opinion as to the danger, and the need for meeting it.He gripped Morris's shoulder and shook him in his earnestness."See here, man," he cried, and he almost screeched the words in hisexcitement, "you won't gain anything by sitting keening like an old wifeat a wake. Let's have the facts. Who is the fellow? Where is he? How didyou hear of him? Why did you come to me?""I came to you; for you are the one man that would advise me. I told you that I had a store in the East before I came here. I left good friendsbehind me, and one [855] of them is in the telegraph service. Here's aletter that I had from him yesterday. It's this part from the top of the page.You can read it yourself."This was what McMurdo read:How are the Scowrers getting on in your parts? We read plentyof them in the papers. Between you and me I expect to hear newsfrom you before long. Five big corporations and the two railroadshave taken the thing up in dead earnest. They mean it, and you canbet they'll get there! They are right deep down into it. Pinkertonhas taken hold under their orders, and his best man, BirdyEdwards, is operating. The thing has got to be stopped right now."Now read the postscript."Of course, what I give you is what I learned in business; so itgoes no further. It's a queer cipher that you handle by the yardevery day and can get no meaning from.McMurdo sat in silence for some time, with the letter in his listlesshands. The mist had lifted for a moment, and there was the abyss beforehim."Does anyone else know of this?" he asked."I have told no one else.""But this man-your friend-has he any other person that he would belikely to write to?""Well, I dare say he knows one or two more.""Of the lodge?""It's likely enough.""I was asking because it is likely that he may have given somedescription of this fellow Birdy Edwards-then we could get on his trail.""Well, it's possible. But I should not think he knew him. He is justtelling me the news that came to him by way of business. How would heknow this Pinkerton man?"McMurdo gave a violent start."By Gar!" he cried, "I've got him. What a fool I was not to know it.Lord! but we're in luck! We will fix him before he can do any harm. Seehere, Morris, will you leave this thing in my hands?""Sure, if you will only take it off mine.""I'll do that. You can stand right back and let me run it. Even yourname need not be mentioned. I'll take it all on myself, as if it were to methat this letter has come. Will that content you?""It's just what I would ask.""Then leave it at that and keep your head shut. Now I'll get down to thelodge, and we'll soon make old man Pinkerton sorry for himself.""You wouldn't kill this man?""The less you know, Friend Morris, the easier your conscience will be, and the better you will sleep. Ask no questions, and let these things settlethemselves. I have hold of it now."Morris shook his head sadly as he left. "I feel that his blood is on myhands," he groaned."Self-protection is no murder, anyhow," said McMurdo, smilinggrimly. "It's him or us. I guess this man would destroy us all if we lefthim long in the valley. [856] Why, Brother Morris, we'll have to elect youBodymaster yet; for you've surely saved the lodge."And yet it was clear from his actions that he thought more seriously ofthis new intrusion than his words would show. It may have been his guiltyconscience, it may have been the reputation of the Pinkerton organization,it may have been the knowledge that great, rich corporations had setthemselves the task of clearing out the Scowrers; but, whatever hisreason, his actions were those of a man who is preparing for the worst.Every paper which would incriminate him was destroyed before he leftthe house. After that he gave a long sigh of satisfaction; for it seemed tohim that he was safe. And yet the danger must still have pressedsomewhat upon him; for on his way to the lodge he stopped at old manShafter's. The house was forbidden him; but when he tapped at thewindow Ettie came out to him. The dancing Irish deviltry had gone fromher lover's eyes. She read his danger in his earnest face."Something has happened!" she cried. "Oh, Jack, you are in danger!""Sure, it is not very bad, my sweetheart. And yet it may be wise that wemake a move before it is worse.""Make a move?""I promised you once that I would go some day. I think the time iscoming. I had news to-night, bad news, and I see trouble coming.""The police?""Well, a Pinkerton. But, sure, you wouldn't know what that is, acushla,nor what it may mean to the likes of me. I'm too deep in this thing, and Imay have to get out of it quick. You said you would come with me if Iwent.""Oh, Jack, it would be the saving of you!""I'm an honest man in some things, Ettie. I wouldn't hurt a hair of yourbonny head for all that the world can give, nor ever pull you down oneinch from the golden throne above the clouds where I always see you.Would you trust me?"She put her hand in his without a word. "Well, then, listen to what Isay, and do as I order you; for indeed it's the only way for us. Things aregoing to happen in this valley. I feel it in my bones. There may be manyof us that will have to look out for ourselves. I'm one, anyhow. If I go, byday or night, it's you that must come with me!""I'd come after you, Jack.""No, no, you shall come with me. If this valley is closed to me and Ican never come back, how can I leave you behind, and me perhaps inhiding from the police with never a chance of a message? It's with meyou must come. I know a good woman in the place I come from, and it'sthere I'd leave you till we can get married. Will you come?""Yes, Jack, I will come." "God bless you for your trust in me! It's a fiend out of hell that I shouldbe if I abused it. Now, mark you, Ettie, it will be just a word to you, andwhen it reaches you, you will drop everything and come right down to thewaiting room at the depot and stay there till I come for you.""Day or night, I'll come at the word, Jack."Somewhat eased in mind, now that his own preparations for escape hadbeen begun, McMurdo went on to the lodge. It had already assembled,and only by complicated signs and countersigns could he pass through theouter guard and inner guard who close-tiled it. A buzz of pleasure andwelcome greeted him as he [857] entered. The long room was crowded,and through the haze of tobacco smoke he saw the tangled black mane ofthe Bodymaster, the cruel, unfriendly features of Baldwin, the vultureface of Harraway, the secretary, and a dozen more who were among theleaders of the lodge. He rejoiced that they should all be there to takecounsel over his news."Indeed, it's glad we are to see you, Brother!" cried the chairman."There's business here that wants a Solomon in judgment to set it right.""It's Lander and Egan," explained his neighbour as he took his seat."They both claim the head money given by the lodge for the shooting ofold man Crabbe over at Stylestown, and who's to say which fired thebullet?"McMurdo rose in his place and raised his hand. The expression of hisface froze the attention of the audience. There was a dead hush ofexpectation."Eminent Bodymaster," he said, in a solemn voice, "I claim urgency!""Brother McMurdo claims urgency," said McGinty. "It's a claim thatby the rules of this lodge takes precedence. Now, Brother, we attend you."McMurdo took the letter from his pocket."Eminent Bodymaster and Brethren," he said, "I am the bearer of illnews this day; but it is better that it should be known and discussed, thanthat a blow should fall upon us without warning which would destroy usall. I have information that the most powerful and richest organizations inthis state have bound themselves together for our destruction, and that atthis very moment there is a Pinkerton detective, one Birdy Edwards, atwork in the valley collecting the evidence which may put a rope round thenecks of many of us, and send every man in this room into a felon's cell.That is the situation for the discussion of which I have made a claim ofurgency."There was a dead silence in the room. It was broken by the chairman."What is your evidence for this, Brother McMurdo?" he asked."It is in this letter which has come into my hands," said McMurdo. Heread the passage aloud. "It is a matter of honour with me that I can giveno further particulars about the letter, nor put it into your hands; but Iassure you that there is nothing else in it which can affect the interests ofthe lodge. I put the case before you as it has reached me.""Let me say, Mr. Chairman," said one of the older brethren, "that Ihave heard of Birdy Edwards, and that he has the name of being the bestman in the Pinkerton service.""Does anyone know him by sight?" asked McGinty. "Yes," said McMurdo, "I do."There was a murmur of astonishment through the hall."I believe we hold him in the hollow of our hands," he continued withan exulting smile upon his face. "If we act quickly and wisely, we can cutthis thing short. If I have your confidence and your help, it is little that wehave to fear.""What have we to fear, anyhow? What can he know of our affairs?""You might say so if all were as stanch as you, Councillor. But thisman has all the millions of the capitalists at his back. Do you think thereis no weaker brother among all our lodges that could not be bought? Hewill get at our secrets-maybe has got them already. There's only one surecure.""That he never leaves the valley," said Baldwin.McMurdo nodded. "Good for you, Brother Baldwin," he said. "Youand I have had our differences, but you have said the true word to-night."[858] "Where is he, then? Where shall we know him?""Eminent Bodymaster," said McMurdo, earnestly, "I would put it toyou that this is too vital a thing for us to discuss in open lodge. God forbidthat I should throw a doubt on anyone here; but if so much as a word ofgossip got to the ears of this man, there would be an end of any chance ofour getting him. I would ask the lodge to choose a trusty committee, Mr.Chairman-yourself, if I might suggest it, and Brother Baldwin here, andfive more. Then I can talk freely of what I know and of what I adviseshould be done."The proposition was at once adopted, and the committee chosen.Besides the chairman and Baldwin there were the vulture-faced secretary,Harraway, Tiger Cormac, the brutal young assassin, Carter, the treasurer,and the brothers Willaby, fearless and desperate men who would stick atnothing.The usual revelry of the lodge was short and subdued: for there was acloud upon the men's spirits, and many there for the first time began tosee the cloud of avenging Law drifting up in that serene sky under whichthey had dwelt so long. The horrors they had dealt out to others had beenso much a part of their settled lives that the thought of retribution hadbecome a remote one, and so seemed the more startling now that it cameso closely upon them. They broke up early and left their leaders to theircouncil."Now, McMurdo!" said McGinty when they were alone. The sevenmen sat frozen in their seats."I said just now that I knew Birdy Edwards," McMurdo explained. "Ineed not tell you that he is not here under that name. He's a brave man,but not a crazy one. He passes under the name of Steve Wilson, and he islodging at Hobson's Patch.""How do you know this?""Because I fell into talk with him. I thought little of it at the time, norwould have given it a second thought but for this letter; but now I'm sureit's the man. I met him on the cars when I went down the line onWednesday-a hard case if ever there was one. He said he was a reporter. Ibelieved it for the moment. Wanted to know all he could about the Scowrers and what he called 'the outrages' for a New York paper. Askedme every kind of question so as to get something. You bet I was givingnothing away. 'I'd pay for it and pay well,' said he, 'if I could get somestuff that would suit my editor.' I said what I thought would please himbest, and he handed me a twenty-dollar bill for my information. 'There'sten times that for you,' said he, 'if you can find me all that I want.'""What did you tell him, then?""Any stuff I could make up.""How do you know he wasn't a newspaper man?""I'll tell you. He got out at Hobson's Patch, and so did I. I chanced intothe telegraph bureau, and he was leaving it."'See here,' said the operator after he'd gone out, 'I guess we shouldcharge double rates for this.'-'I guess you should,' said I. He had filledthe form with stuff that might have been Chinese, for all we could makeof it. 'He fires a sheet of this off every day,' said the clerk. 'Yes,' said I;'it's special news for his paper, and he's scared that the others should tapit.' That was what the operator thought and what I thought at the time; butI think differently now.""By Gar! I believe you are right," said McGinty. "But what do youallow that we should do about it?"[859] "Why not go right down now and fix him?" someone suggested."Ay, the sooner the better.""I'd start this next minute if I knew where we could find him," saidMcMurdo. "He's in Hobson's Patch; but I don't know the house. I've gota plan, though, if you'll only take my advice.""Well, what is it?""I'll go to the Patch to-morrow morning. I'll find him through theoperator. He can locate him, I guess. Well, then I'll tell him that I'm aFreeman myself. I'll offer him all the secrets of the lodge for a price. Youbet he'll tumble to it. I'll tell him the papers are at my house, and that it'sas much as my life would be worth to let him come while folk wereabout. He'll see that that's horse sense. Let him come at ten o'clock atnight, and he shall see everything. That will fetch him sure.""Well?""You can plan the rest for yourselves. Widow MacNamara's is a lonelyhouse. She's as true as steel and as deaf as a post. There's only Scanlanand me in the house. If I get his promise-and I'll let you know if I do-I'dhave the whole seven of you come to me by nine o'clock. We'll get himin. If ever he gets out alive-well, he can talk of Birdy Edwards' luck forthe rest of his days!""There's going to be a vacancy at Pinkerton's or I'm mistaken. Leave itat that, McMurdo. At nine to-morrow we'll be with you. You once get thedoor shut behind him, and you can leave the rest with us."