The Deeds of the Disturber by Elizabeth Peters Page B

grumbled. "I cannot trust you, Amelia, indeed I cannot."
    "But by then it may be too late," I exclaimed. "Who knows what that ill-omened figure portends? Once in its vile clutches—"
    Emerson had come to a stop at the bottom of the steps. He shook me absent-mindedly. "Amelia, I beg you will not go on in that fashion. Certain citizens of this metropolis enjoy wandering about the streets and the museums in bizarre costumes. No doubt the climate has addled their brains. Lunatics, who ought to be confined—"
    "Precisely, Emerson. Miss Minton may even now be in the power of an escaped lunatic. Let us not waste time arguing, but instantly pursue—"
    Emerson's face relaxed. He turned me around. "Your concern is needless, Amelia."
    Miss Minton was no longer alone; facing her was a tallish, thin young man wearing a long overcoat and a silk hat. They appeared to be arguing; two voices, one baritone, the other a piercing alto, blended in passionate duet.
    Emerson called out. "Are you in need of assistance, Miss—er—or is that a friend of yours?"
    The young lady abandoned her companion and darted across the pavement, splashing recklessly through puddles. Emerson had taken the precaution of closing the gate behind him; she could advance no further, but stood clutching the bars and peering between them like a prisoner in gaol.
    "Please, Professor and Mrs. Emerson—a brief interview? It will only take a few moments—"
    Emerson let out a roar. "Curse it, young woman, have you no sense of decency? We delayed only to make certain your rash action had not led you into difficulty, and you reward our charitable concern with—"
    "Now, Emerson," I interrupted. "You have made your point and I am sure it has been taken."
    "Quite," said the young man, who had joined Miss Minton at the gate. He was wearing eyeglasses; they kept slipping, perhaps because of the damp, and throughout the ensuing conversation he was perpetually adjusting them. "Good evening, Mrs. Emerson—Professor. I had the pleasure of meeting you last year in Mr. Budge's office at the Museum. My name is Wilson. I don't suppose you remember me."
    "Vaguely," Emerson replied. "What the devil are you—"
    "Emerson, you can be heard clear across the square," I said. "If we were to join the young people at the gate, it would not be necessary to shout."
    "Not on your life, Peabody," my husband replied, taking a firmer grip on me.
    "I am a friend of Miss Minton's," the young man went on. "Thank you for your concern, but you need not worry about her. I did my best to keep her from bothering you and Mrs. Emerson, but could not prevail; naturally I felt obliged to accompany her, though at her request I kept at a distance."
    "Shame should have kept you at a distance," Emerson shouted. "What an outrageous thing! You, a fellow professional, aiding and abetting—"
    "It was not his fault," the young lady cried, brandishing her umbrella. "He did his best to prevent me."
    "Well, well," Emerson said, with surprising good humor. "I believe I understand. I presume the lunatic made good his escape?"
    The young lady scowled. Her companion said timidly, "I saw no such person, Professor. It is very foggy."
    "Emerson," I murmured, "that large man coming toward the house appears to be a constable."
    The argument would have had no effect on Emerson, but young Mr. Wilson caught sight of the advancing form, its oilcloth coat glistening wetly in the lamplight, and with a muffled exclamation, he drew the young lady away. Emerson waved cheerfully at the constable, who had paused at the gate to examine us curiously, and we went into the house.
    The entire household had gathered in the hall. Evelyn rushed to me. "Amelia, you are soaked to the skin. Had you not better change your wet clothing at once?"
    "Certainly," I replied, handing my parasol and my wrap to the butler. "I hope I am not too late for tea. A cup of the genial beverage would be just the thing."
    "Wouldn't you prefer a whiskey and soda?" asked my