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The Club of Queer Trades | Gilbert K. Chesterton | |
The Tremendous Adventures of Major Brown |
Page 8 of 15 |
"The lady was in the conspiracy, of course," said Rupert, nodding. Major Brown turned brick red. "I beg your pardon," he said, "I think not." Rupert raised his eyebrows and looked at him for a moment, but said nothing. When next he spoke he asked: "Was there anything in the pockets of the coat?" "There was sevenpence halfpenny in coppers and a threepenny-bit," said the Major carefully; "there was a cigarette-holder, a piece of string, and this letter," and he laid it on the table. It ran as follows: Dear Mr Plover, I am annoyed to hear that some delay has occurred in the arrangements re Major Brown. Please see that he is attacked as per arrangement tomorrow The coal-cellar, of course. Yours faithfully, P. G. Northover. Rupert Grant was leaning forward listening with hawk-like eyes. He cut in: "Is it dated from anywhere?" "No--oh, yes!" replied Brown, glancing upon the paper; "14 Tanner's Court, North--" Rupert sprang up and struck his hands together. "Then why are we hanging here? Let's get along. Basil, lend me your revolver." Basil was staring into the embers like a man in a trance; and it was some time before he answered: "I don't think you'll need it." "Perhaps not," said Rupert, getting into his fur coat. "One never knows. But going down a dark court to see criminals--" "Do you think they are criminals?" asked his brother. Rupert laughed stoutly. "Giving orders to a subordinate to strangle a harmless stranger in a coal-cellar may strike you as a very blameless experiment, but--" "Do you think they wanted to strangle the Major?" asked Basil, in the same distant and monotonous voice. |
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The Club of Queer Trades Gilbert K. Chesterton |
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