That's
my best offer."
Captain Bannister turned toward the door.
"Come along, Mr. Cheape!" he said. "You know my address, sir. Talk this
matter over with your--with Mr. Walmsley, if you please. If we hear
nothing from you on Monday morning a writ will be issued."
"Before Monday," Mr. Bundercombe declared, in a hollow voice, "my body
will be found in the Thames. Kick 'em out, Walmsley, and look after the
coats in the hall!"
I infused a shade more civility into my leavetaking than Mr. Bundercombe's
words invited. As soon as the door was closed behind the two men I
returned to the study. Mr. Bundercombe was still standing upon the
hearthrug, but the smile had faded from his lips. He looked at me a little
anxiously.
"Rotten lot of thieves!" he remarked. "I told you they were here for
blackmail."
"It's a beastly affair," I pointed out gloomily, "You see, they've nothing
to lose, with a lawyer who's standing in with them, in taking the case
into court; and you're just up for a couple of very good clubs. What did
happen?"
"Simple as ABC!" Mr. Bundercombe explained. "You see these two fellows,
Dimsdale and Pelham, really looked like mugs. I knew that Bannister was a
wrong 'un from the first; and Mrs.
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