Evening star., 1934-12-25
CHAPTER XXVI.

MIR. CRESSWELL.
1T UNDERSTAND" said Jimny
- earnestly. You leave it to
me, sir. I amt one to miss
i much that's going on"
I picked up an envelope
from the table beside me, and lotted
down Jerrys address and telephone
number.
Here YOU are" said, "and here's
a pound note just in case you want 1t.
you're stout fellow. Jimmy, and I'm
much obliged to YOU
He slipped the money and envelope
into his trousers pocket and grinned
cheerfully.
I looked up from the typewriter
document which I was holding in my
hand.
But, hang it ALL" protested. "this
Is absurd"
Mr.. Cresswell slipped his glass Of
port, and then, knocking the ash on
his cigar, glanced at me over his
spectacles.
"And where precisely does the alb
surdity come in?"
why, the whole things ridiculous.
It's just a bare statement OF your
out t-of-pocket expenses. You haven't
charged ha'penny for all the work
you've done yourself"
IT don't intend to-" He sat back,
his head little on one side and his
face puckered up in a smile. 1T
has afforded me the utmost happiness
to be able to help you. and no re-
spectacle solicitor charges for his own
pleasures"
That's all very we'll" I expostu-
lated, "but-"
Now listen to me, my dear boy.
Your father was my oldest friend.
and for that reason, even if I wasn't
as fond of you as I am, wouldn't
dream of taking any more of your
money. This wretched business has
already cost you the best part Of 500
pounds. You will need what you have
left-every penny Of it. If consulted
my own wishes, would much prefer
to throw that piece of paper into the
fire, and regard the whole thing as
finished, but since you insist upon a
statement, you can send me check
| for the amount stated there. Now, I'LL
up your glass and don't let's argue
about the matter any more"
tucked the account into my inside
pocket, and carried out his instruc-
tions.
so be It," I said, but I wish I
could think of some way to express
my gratitude. I'd like to make a
+ fuIl-length statue of you, and stick
it up in the middle of Bedford Row."
His eyes twinkled. "It's a tempt
ing suggestion, but I think, on the
whole, I should be better satisfied If
you were to tell me little more
about your immediate plans and in
tentions." He scrutinized me shrewdly.
$50 far, you know, you have been
how shall we put it?-just trifle
evasive. I've a strong suspicion that
you're up to something OF which
you're not quite certain that I should
altogether approve"
I laughed to cover my embarrass-
ment.
"You make me feel exactly like
George Washington" I said. Father,
cannot tell a lie" hesitated. 1.-THE
truth is that I'm in bit OF a diff
Guilty. Certain things have happened
the last two days which I am not at
liberty to discuss. If were, you would
be the first person should consult" !"
"I am glad to hear that, anyway.
You mustn't think I want to force
your confidence, but If you are trying
to get to the bottom Of this mystery,
and if you have discovered anything
which throws a fresh light on Os-
borne's death, it's not altogether i'm
possible that my advice might be OF
some value"
II can promise you one thing at
least" answered. "The very mo-
ment I've any definite proof Of what
I'm looking for shall come straight
to you"
"Well, I wish you the best Of for
tune" He paused. do you propose
to stay on with your friend Mordaunt,
or are you going back to your own
studio?"
IT shall stop with Jerry for the time
being" I said. IT cant get on with
out somebody to talk to, and most
of the people used to know have
wiped me off their visiting list"
Aren't you taking rather an exag-
gerated view of the situation?"
"Not a Bit" I replied. Look at
Seymour and look at my dear friends
at the Royal United Arts. Oh. by the
way, talking Of that, forgot to tel
you that I'd sent in my resignation
after all"
He shook his head. "I am sorry to
hear it. From your own point OF
view think you have taken a false
step"
Perhaps So" admitted. "Any-
how. 1t will be great relief to Sey-
rn0lIr and II will saue old Radla M