I studied
your case. I became interested in it. I learned that your time was almost
up. A chance inquiry revealed to me a state of things that I determined to
bring before your knowledge."
"You sent me a telegram," Mr. Stanley interrupted, "as I was stepping on
the steamer at Southampton. I have returned to London for your
explanation."
"You will probably," Mr. Bundercombe remarked genially, "be thankful all
your life that you did. Now listen!"
"Who is this person?" Mr. Stanley asked, indicating me. "He is my
prospective son-in-law, Mr. Paul Walmsley," Mr. Bundercombe explained; "a
member of Parliament. I have asked him to be present because I may need a
little support, and also because it may help to convince you that I am in
earnest.
"Twenty years ago, Mr. Stanley, you came to the conclusion that honest
methods were of little use to any one seeking to make a large fortune. You
joined with two other men, Richard Densmore and Philip Harding, in a
series of semicriminal conspiracies.
"You pooled all your money--you had the most --and you determined that if
you could not make a living honestly you would rob those with less brains
than yourself. When half your capital was gone, this Hammersmith bank
robbery was planned and took place.
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