I conjure thee by the magic symbols of the
club-foot, the hand with the fingers clenched, and the bat, in this
the magical year of Kefana, to extend to me thy wonderful powers of
healing. Rena Vadoola Hipsano Eik Deoo Barrinaz.'"
The lisping voice ceased, and, with a convulsive start, the policeman
came to himself.
"Hulloa!" he said, in his natural gruff tones, rubbing his eyes. "I
must have 'dropped off.' Who are you? What are you doing in the Park
at this time of night?"
"We've been watching you!" Hamar said. "It is a bit of a phenomenon to
see a London bobby asleep on his beat."
"And to hear him talking in his sleep too," Curtis added.
"I didn't know I was talking," the policeman muttered. "It all comes
of being too many hours on duty. What have you got those note-books
out for? Not been taking down anything about me, have you?"
"Show us out of the Park and you'll hear no more about it," Hamar
said.
"And we'll give you half a sovereign into the bargain," Kelson chimed
in.
"Follow me then," the policeman said. "I'll take you to one of the
side entrances."
"Matt!" Hamar exclaimed as they passed the tree behind which Lilian
Rosenberg was hiding, "I smell scent--and what is more I recognize it.
It is Violette de mer--the scent that--Rosenberg uses! You were with
her this evening!"
"I swear I wasn't!" Kelson replied. "I bought some scent in Regent
Street this afternoon."
"Humph," Hamar grunted.
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