Evening star., 1936-03-15
The Fabulous Valley


again.
MIR. Bullett smiled as he listened to
Sandy's request. which was precisely
that just made by Henry Long. He
refused in the same terms and added
dryly: Il assume that you will not
require the addresses given in the Will.
fancy saw you making some notes
while it was being read
Sandy grinned. That's right, so if
you can't give me any further in
formation I won't trouble you any
more now. Goodbye. Sir"
Sandy had already carefully studied
his pencilled list and few moments
after leaving the lawyers Office he was
telephoning to Messrs. Burgoyne, the
biggest importers of South African
wines in London with whom, as vine
yard proprietor, he sometimes had
dealings. They promptly supplied him
with the address of Rithen. Ruthern
and Co.
On his way to Rithen. Ruthern's.
Sandy considered his list again, as he
thought it most important to learn all
he could of Uncle John past through
the various benehciaries in the will.
Such data might aid him considerably
as to the right quarter in which to pro-
duce the knobkerrie. For Sandy had
already made up his mind to attempt
the journey into the Kalahari.
The taxi set him down at the Wine
Merchants in Oxford Street, where
the manager informed him that the
fortunate Roger PhiIbeach had left
their employment only week before
on receipt of an advance out of his
legacy.
Sandy's face fell when he learned
that the man lived out at Wembley,
but Philbeach had left a special re-
quest that if any South Africans or
members of the Long family inquired
for him. his firm should get in touch
with him at once. The manager oblig-
ingly put through a telephone call.
Philbeach was in, and agreed to meet
Sandy at his old firms Office within
the hour.
When Philbeach arrived ne proved
to be big. hearty, red-faced fellow
about fifty years of age. His expanse
of face was so large that his little black
eyes were almost buried in rolls of fat.
Sandy stated his business and Phil
beach gave a sudden roar of laughter.
We'll. well, so you're old Johns
nephew. arc you? I'm delighted to
meet you. delighted! He was great
scout. old John; and fancy his leaving
me five thousand, too"
You knew him in the War. sup
pose?" Sandy hazarded.
Rather" the other doomed. I'VE
shared a dugout. and we shared every
bottle we could lay our hands on, too.
But let's get out of this. Come along
to some place where we can talk
quietly and have a drink" Philbeach
led the way out of the shop and hailed
taxi. How are you off for time?" he
asked Sandy as the cab drew up.
Il have to be at Simpsons in the
Strand by seven-thirty. but I'm free
until then"
Fine. Well slip up to little place
know. then" He gave an address to
the driver and the cab moved off.
The dreary winter night had fallen.
and hundreds of tired, rain-soaked
wage -earners waited patiently for the
crowded buses at Oxford Circus. AS
the taxi turned north up Portland,
Place only a few pedestrians were hur-
rying through the steady downpour,
and when the taxi entered the Outer
Circle of Regents Park not passer-
by was to be seen.
Philbeach had taken the knobkerrie
from Sandy in response to question
about it and was weighing it carefully
in his hand.
mo, I've never seen this thing be-
fore - but what weapon, eh?"