Donovan put the bandages in his room and tried to come up with a plausible explanation in case Jim found them. He went back downstairs and had a cup of coffee. He sat reading the paper, pondering what Artemus had told him, trying to fit the pieces together. He glanced at the clock and rose to go get Artemus. Just as they were descending the stairs Jim entered with Matthews and Ketchum.
"James, we were just on our way to join you for the afternoon session," Artie said as he gritted his teeth and stood up straight.
"There isn't going to be an afternoon session, Artie," Jim said scrutinizing his partner.
"Why not?" Donovan asked.
"Because there was a disturbance at their capital and they called the afternoon session off," Ketchum replied angrily.
"Well, Mr. Ketchum, when a man is murdered they have to conduct an investigation," Jim said.
"Wait, a man was murdered? When did this happen?" Artie asked innocently.
"About twenty minutes after you left," Matthews said, "apparently he fell down the stairs and broke his neck."
"Broke his neck?" Artie commented as he glanced at Jim who only shrugged his shoulders.
"Then what makes them think he was murdered?"
"They found a bloody knife in his hand," Jim said as he took in Ketchum's glare.
"Whoa, what's this about someone getting stabbed?" Artie asked as Donovan hid a smile.
"What do you say we take this conversation to the restaurant, Mr. Gordon? I don't know about you but I'm beyond hungry," Artie glared at him.
"Good idea, Don, and since it seems we have the afternoon free maybe we can find something to fill the time until dinner," Jim said, Artie groaned and rolled his eyes and Jim elbowed him in the side, it was all Artie could do not to faint.
They talked about the murder while they ate. Donovan was keeping an eye on Artemus and Jim keeping an eye on Donovan. They were up to something, Jim was sure of that. Artie was staring idly out the window. Jim knew from experience that Artie was working on some aspect of the case. He was brought back to the conversation by Ketchum's question.
"Mr. West, what would you say to us just staying in the hotel until dinner? I am a bit tired from all the excitement and the nonstop activity?" Jim regarded Ketchum closely to gauge his response.
"If you'd like to do that, Mr. Ketchum I think that's a good idea. We could all use a little break. What do you think, Artie?"
"Whatever you three men decide will suit me just fine," he replied, Jim noting his breathing was fast and shallow.
"It sounds good to me as well," Matthews said, Jim and Artie caught the exchanged glances between Matthews and Ketchum.
"A most excellent idea, Ketchum. I got some rather interesting artifacts at the museum yesterday and I would like to catalog them and crate them for shipment tomorrow. Mr. Gordon, would you mind helping me, you know a lot more about those artifacts than I do," Jim started at the request.
"Don, maybe Artie would like the afternoon off," Jim said even more surprised by his friends reply.
"I'd love to, you have one that I'm particularly interested in checking out," Jim just glared at him.
Artie and Donovan remained seated until the rest of the men departed. Donovan helped Artemus to his feet and up the stairs. Just before they reached the top Artemus pushed away from Donovan and took the remaining steps alone. Just as Artie had suspected, Jim was waiting in the hallway. Artie looked him in the eye.
"Something we can do for you, James?"
"Artie, what the hell was that about? You promised you'd rest." Jim was furious.
"Jim, I am going to rest. I just need to look at that artifact it will only take a second," Artie protested.
"That can keep, Artie, you need rest now."
"Jim, one of the artifacts Don bought has the same symbol I saw on that note. I just need to see if my suspicions are correct. Give me half an hour then come across the hall and get me. I promise, Jim," Artie pleaded.
"All right, Artie, but 30 minutes no more," Jim's face grim as he turned and went into his room almost slamming the door.
"I hate lying to him, Don, but this just can't be helped."
"Yea, I know, let's get in there and get things taken care of," Donovan opened his door and gestured Artemus in.
Donovan eased Artemus down onto his bed and tried to ease him back onto the pillows. Artemus pushed his hand away and asked Don to bring him a certain artifact he had purchased. He handed the artifact to Artemus who examined it closely. He turned it over and in a tiny recess on one corner he spotted what he had been seeking.
"Don, do you have something small enough to fit in there?" Artie showed him the piece.
"Yeah, sure, try this," Don handed him a small pick.
Artemus pushed it into the recess. A portion of the front of the statue moved. Artemus tilted the statue upright and peered into the opening. He pulled tweezers out of one of his many pockets, reached in and pulled out a piece of paper. He opened it and looked at it. Artemus handed the paper to Don and he leaned back on the headboard. Donovan looked at him in surprise.
"Artemus, we'd better take care of your side right away, you're leaking," Donovan said.
Donovan brought out the medical supplies and started to remove Artemus' bandage. Artie grimaced and Donovan paused, but Artemus shook his head. Donovan carefully cleaned the wound the way the doctor had shown him, while he had Artemus mixing up the slave. Just as he finished bandaging Artemus' side there was a knock at the door. Donovan quickly shoved the discarded bandages in a dresser drawer as Artemus buttoned his shirt and covered the bloodstain with his riding jacket. Donovan crossed to the door and opened it.
"Come in, James. I bet you're here to collect your partner."
"That I am, Don. You ready go to, Artie? I'm anxious to get you back to the room in time for a nap before dinner. Matthews and Ketchum want to spend the rest of the night in their rooms and, Artie, I think that would be a good idea for you as well."
"First, let me show you what we found."
Artie showed him the statue and the hidden compartment and then he showed him the paper they had found concealed there. Jim looked at it but couldn't figure it out since he didn't speak let alone read Russian. Artie told him it was a note about a meeting that was to take place that night.
"So that must be what that burglar was after," Jim surmised, "but he was in the wrong room."
"Sure looks that way, Jim. According to this note the meeting will take place in the barn at the old Duncan place at 9pm tonight," Artie was saying.
"So all we have to do is get there early and…"
"And nothing doing, Artie, we'll find a way to get agents there. You are going nowhere," Jim glared at his partner.
"But, Jim…" Artie protested.
"But nothing, Artie. I'm sick and tired of your later I promise routine. You keep running off full steam, with no regard for yourself at all. Someone has to think about you if you're too thickheaded to do it."
"Jim all I want to do is sit there and listen to the meeting. If what I suspect is true neither you nor Donovan will be able to do it. These notes are all in Russian, Jim. Neither you nor Don speak or understand Russian I do. Don can sneak out with me…we just sneak in listen to a little of the meeting and we'll come back and fill you in. Then I promise I'll do whatever you say," Artie said.
"Whatever I say even if I tell you to check yourself into the nearest hospital as soon as these guys are on the stage?" Jim asked, he noticed Artie and Donovan exchange glances.
"Yes, Jim, anything you want. Just let me do this. Look, I still have five hours till the meeting. If I lie down till eight will that satisfy you?"
"No it won't but we don't have a choice. You win, but I swear to you, pal, as soon as we put Matthews and Ketchum on that stage you're butt will be in the hospital before Grant can say look out Lee here I come!" Jim glared.
"Thanks, Jim. Don, we need to go over something real quick…"
"Artie, you promised…."
"Jim this will take ten minutes tops then it's right to bed, honest."