The Vestibule Limited Mystery — page 119: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

110 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. “A Scotch-American, sir. I was born over here, but my parents were both Edinburgh people,” and when I tell them of my connections their respect in- creases. “Mr. Craig, what is your object in seeking this interview ?” “My lord, you say Robert was ‘your friend. Do you still count him as such?” “Certainly. And if your mission here is to solicit my assistance in doing him a good turn, there is no need of putting the question. Count on me heart and soul.” “Ah! I knew when I set eyes on you that such would be the answer,” I declare. | “Why, I owe my life to Robert Hammond. But for his courage an old rogue elephant would have killed me. I can never forget that.” I take out the packet. “My lord, you may not know that the man in your employ, who is tracking these people, is in this hotel at present.” “'Who—Billings?” “Sergeant Billings. I had met him before in Lon- don. He believes that: by getting these people ina corner with Robert’s case he will be able to make terms on account of the other, and hence is dis- posed to assist me.” “Quite right, quite right. I’d trust Billings any- where. He has a long head.” “He allowed me to have these documents to hand to you. You understand what they are of course.” He flushes a little at sight of them, and then gives a short laugh. “Yes, lreckon I do, Mr. Craig, Ah! here is her deceitful face.” ‘comicboo ‘S (efe)