Читать книгу Dangerous Dilemmas: Startling but True онлайн

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"You are exaggerating now," replied the Baron smiling. "Let us rejoice that we both escaped and are free from these undesirable complications. Only twice in my life have I been so near death."

"Indeed! Are the particulars interesting? If not of a private nature, I should like to hear them."

"There is no reason now, whatever there may have been, why I should not satisfy your curiosity. The narration will not occupy much time."

"Early in life I was sent to Java to look after the branch of our Rotterdam banking house. On one occasion it was my duty to visit a gentleman who resided a short distance from town, for the purpose of collecting a large sum of money. Whether this fact got abroad I know not, but one thing is certain, that I was followed to my friend's plantation by two sinister-looking individuals, who seemed to be very much interested in my movements. When I saw the men dogging my steps I regretted that I had chosen to walk. The planter would have gladly lent me a horse, but I could frame no valid excuse for asking the favour. I did not feel inclined to be thought a coward. At the plantation I met an acquaintance who was engaged to one of the proprietor's daughters, and I made sure he would return to town with me, and that consequently my money would be quite safe. Contrary to my expectations, the lover was not ready to join me when I started, and I went back alone. It was getting dark and I kept a good look out, but I reached my house without molestation, and I came to the conclusion that my suspicions had been groundless. Early next day, however, I was horrified to hear that the acquaintance I had left at the planter's, making love to his sweetheart, had, on returning to town later in the evening been brutally stabbed to death, and robbed of everything of value. Before leaving the plantation I had taken the precaution, without saying a word to anybody, to change my light overcoat for a dark one hanging close beside it. It seems that the murdered man had been unfortunate enough to put on my coat. The exchange of garments no doubt saved my life."