The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1910-04-28
ANGEL
BY EDGAR WALLACE

who. seated on q cha with crossed
legs and his head bent, was talking
with great rapidity in an undertone to
himself.
"Gentlemen," said the stranger. II
have come with the object of gaining
your help. Mr.. Connor has told me
that he has already informed you about
Reale's millions. Briefly, l have de-
cided to forestall other people, and Sc
cure the money for myself. l offer o
divided amongst you. n as an earnest
OF my intention, / am paying each man
who is willing to help me a hundred
pounds down."
He drew from one of his pockets a
thick package of notes, and from two
handed them to Conner, n the hun
cry eyes of the Borough Lott focused
upon the Grinding paper.
"What I shall ask you to do" the
stranger proceeded, Il shall tell o
Wait a bit" interrupted Bat. Who
w alone,'' replied the man.
rs Jimmy in it?"
NO"
us Angel in it?"
NO Gmpatiently).
Go on" said Bat, satisfied.
THE money is in a safe that a
only opened by a word. That word no
body knows-so far. i'he clew to the
word was stolen a few nights ago from
the lawyer in charge of the case by
jimmy"
He paused to note the effect Of his
words.
Jimmy has passed the clew on to
Scotland Yard, and we cannot hope to
get it,"
"Well?" demanded Bat.
What we can do the other went
I~~ IT. 49, Ia --E~ ,j&l - {,-
more powerful han a word"
But the guard" said Bat. There's
an armed guard kept by the lawyer"
W. can arrange about the guard"
said the other
Why not get the lawyer?" 1t was
Curt GC.-le who made the suggestion.
The stranger frowned.
THE lawyer cannot be got at" he
said shortly. Nov, are you with
me?"
There was no need to ask. Conner
was sorting the notes into little bun
dies on the table, and he men came
up one by one, took their money, and
after a few words with Conner took
their leave, with an awkward saluta-
ton to the stranger.
Bat was the last to go.
Tomorrow night-here," muttered
Conner
He was left alone with the newcom-
er, save for the old man, who hadn't
changed his attitude, and was still in
the midst OF some imaginary conver-
sation.
Who is this? 2" the stranger demand
ed.
Conner smiled.
AN old chap as mad as a March
hare. A gentleman, too, and a scholar;
talks all sorts of mad languages
Latin and Greek and the Lord knows
what. He's been a scnoolmaster, ]
should say, and what brought him
down to this-drink or drugs or just
ordinary madness-I don't know.
The stranger looked with interest at
the unconscious man, and old George
as if suddenly realizing that he was
under scrutiny, woke up with a start
and sat blinking at the other. Then
he shuffled slowly to his feet and peer
ed closely into the strangers face, al
the time sustaining his mumbled con-
%verSation.
its inaudibility, "a gentleman! Pleased
to meet you, sir, pleased to meet you
Omnia mutantur, nos ct mutamur il
Ills, but you have not changed"
He relapsed again into mutterings.
II nave never met him BEFORE" thu
strange: said. turning to Connor.
"Oh, old George always thinks HI
has met people" said Conner with I;
grin.
"A gentleman, old George muttered
every inch a gentleman, and Il NUM-
ficent patron. He bought a copy of m.
book-you nave read it? 1t is called
dear me, l have forgotten what it il
called-and sent to consul me in his
ah!-anagram-"
WHAT" The strangers face wa
ashen, and he gripped Conner by tn,
arm. Listen, listen!" he whispere,
f1ercely.
Old George threw up his head again
and started blandly at the stranger.
"A perfect gentleman" he said witt
pathetic insolence, Invariably address
ing me as the 'professor'-a most deli
cate and gentlemanly thing to do"
He pointed a triumphant finger t
{ the stranger.
II know you," he cried shrilly, an,
3 his cracked laugh rang through tn
room. Speeding, that's your name
Lawyer, too. 1 saw you in the car
riage of my patron"
THE book. the book" gasped Sped
ding. What was the name Of you
book"
l Old Georges voice had dropped t
it's normal level when he replied wit
, ~extravagant courtesy
That is the one thing, sir, ca,
? never remember"