Adventure, December 1914 — page 112: what you’re looking at

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

IIo front room, which Mr. Creed had used as an office, two men were seated at a large, old- fashioned and shabby writing-table. In front of them stood an individual who held a dilapidated top-hat in his hand; some- how his whole appearance was in sympathy with that top-hat. One of the men at the table—small, lean, dark, with eyes and nose which seemed too large for his face—was addressing this individual in anything but friendly tones. “It’s no good, Hackman; pay, or do the other thing. We won’t give you another day; not another hour. We’re sick of your sort. The money by ten o’clock tomorrow morning, or every stick you’ve got in your house by twelve. Now off you go; that’s enough of you.” The shabby man endeavored to expostu- late. “But, Mr. Issachar, I give you my word that if it hadn’t been for a series of the most unexpected misfortunes e Mr. Issachar cut him short. “Yes, I know—whisky and Hollands. Too much drink and too many horses. I won’t listen toa word! Are you going?” “But, Mr. Issachar, if you’ll allow me to say Just one wor eB Mr. Issachar struck a bell which was be- side him. A burly man came out of an- other room. “Potter, put this man into the street.” Potter approached the shabby-looking in- dividual, who put his hat on in evident haste. “T’ll go, Mr. Issachar, I’ll go——”’ ‘‘No, you won’t, Mr. Hackman; if you please, you'll stay.”” Martin Adair came into the room. “You shouldn’t leave your door open, Issachar. I’ve been listening on the landing. What are you doing in this room, Mr. Issachar; and you, Mr. Daniel?” The little Jew stared up at the newcomer. ‘““What are we doing? Of all the impu- dence! What are you doing, you—gen- tleman picked out of the gutter? You get out of this, quick! No nonsense, my man! Your services are no longer required; we pre- fer your room to your company. Why Mr. Creed ever stood you at all I can’t make out. Take yourself off, or Potter shall attend to you.” “Tf I were you, Potter, I don’t think I should try.” Adair had come right into the room, and Adventure stood in front of the table at which the two men were seated. “Mr. Issachar, Mr. Daniel, this room, and all it contains, is mine. You are tres- passers. As you were good enough to say to me, your services are not required. If I have to employ solicitors they won’t be your kind. You'll be held responsible for every- thing you’ve done since the death of Mr. Creed, and matters will at once be carefully gone into to see what you have done. At present, good morning.” Messrs. Issachar and Daniel looked at each other, as if doubting if the newcomer was serious. Presently Mr. Daniel asked: ‘“‘What game’s this, Adair? What are you trying to play at?” Mr. Daniel spoke with a strong Cockney accent, and he squinted. Martin Adair looked down at him as at some puny thing. “The game, Mr. Daniel, is that Mr. Jern- ingham Creed’s will has been found.” Both men started; again they looked at each other. ‘‘What are you giving us, Adair? What will’s been found? Don’t you try to come it over us—take a tip from me.” ‘Mr. Creed, gentlemen, made a will which he deposited for safe keeping with Mr. Edward Foster, a legal gentleman of very highest repute, who has chambers in Gray’s Inn Buildings. I’ve just heard that will read. It’s very simple—Mr. Creed has left me everything.” “T don’t believe it!’ Mr. Issachar snapped. His partner added— ‘‘We neither of us believe it. You tell it for a tale! Why should he leave you so much as a penny piece? I don’t believe he did.” “Ts that so, Mr. Issachar and Mr. Dan- ielP Here is Mr. Foster—he may be able to give you a little assistance. As he spoke the gentleman referred to entered the room. “Mr. Foster, I don’t know if you are ac- quainted with Mr. Issacher and Mr. Dan- iel; if you’re not I’m sure you don’t want to be. I’ve just been informing them that Mr. Creed’s will has been found, and that by it I’m sole residuary legatee—I believe that’s the proper legal term. Would you mind informing these persons that that is the case?” “That certainly is the case Mr. Adair.” The newcomer looked at the two men at the table. ‘‘Mr. Adair is quite accurate in comicloook< C©