The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1910-04-28
ANGEL ESQUIRE
BY EDGAR WALLACE

they looked doubtfully at old George.
who. seated on q chair with crossed
legs and his head bent, was talking
with great rapidity in an undertone to
himself.
Gentlemen" said the stranger. IT
have come with the object OF gaining
your help. Mr.. Conner has told me
that he has already informed you about
Reales millions. Briefly, I have de-
cided to forestall other people, and Sc
cure the money for myself. ! offer you
half share of the money, to be equally
divided amongst you. and as an earnest
Of my intention, am paying each man
who is willing to help me hundred
pounds down"
He drew from one Of his pockets
thick package OF notes. and from two
other pockets similar bundles. He
cry eyes Of the Borough Lott focused
upon the crinkling paper.
What I shall ask you to do" the
stranger proceeded. Il shall tell you
later"
wait Bit" interrupted Bat. "who
else Is in thisT'
I'VE alone" replied the man.
us Jimmy in it?"
us Angel in it?"
mo" Gmpatiently).
60 on" said Bat, satisfied.
"The money Is in a safe that can
only opened by word. That word no.
body knows-so far. rhe clew to the
word was stolen q 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
on. lis to open the safe with something
more powerful than word"
But the guard" said Bat. There's
an armed guard kept by the lawyer"
:. I'VE &c can mar arrange about the guard"
why not get the lawyer| It was
Curt Goy!e who made the suggestion.
The stranger frowned.
THE lawyer cannot be got at" he
said shortly. Nov, are you with
meT
There was no need to ask. Conner
was sorting the notes into little bum
dies on the table, and the 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
Connor
He was left alone with the newcom-
err save for the old man, who hadn't
changed his attitude, and was still in
the midst Of some imaginary CONVEX
sation.
"Who is this?" 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, I
down to this-drink or drugs or just
ordinary Madness don't know.
The stranger looked with interest at
the unconscious man, and old George,
as IL 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, all
the time sustaining his mumbled con-
versation.
"Ah." he said in a voice rising from
| it's inaudibility, "a gentleman! Pleased
| to meet you, sir, pleased to meet you.
| Omnia mutantur, nos ct mutamur In
| ills. but you have not changed"
He relapsed again into mutterings.
II have never met him before" the
stranger said, turning to Common.
"Oh, old George always thinks he
has met people" said Conner with a
grin.
"A gentleman" old George muttered,
"every inch a gentleman, and NUM-
fcent patron. He bought copy of my
book-you have read it? 1t Is called
dear me, have forgotten what 1t is
called--and sent to consult me in his
ah! -anagram-"
WHAT" The strangers face was
ashen, and he gripped Conner by the
arm. Listen, listen!" he whispered
| fiercely.
| Old George threw up his head again
and started blandly at the stranger.
| "A perfect gentleman" he said with
pathetic insolence, Invariably address,
ing me as the 'professor-a most deli
cate and gentlemanly thing to do"
He pointed triumphant finger to
| the stranger.
II know you!" he cried shrilly, and
his cracked laugh rang through the
room. Speeding, that's your name!
Lawyer, too. / saw you In the car
riage Of my patron"
1.-The book, the book!" gasped Sped
ding. What was the name Of your
book?"
Old Georges voice had dropped to
its normal level when he replied with
extravagant courtesy
THAT is the one thing, sir, I can
never remember"