Edgar Wallace

The Clue of the New Pin Edgar Wallace

MR. TRASMERE walked steadily and at one pace, keeping to the more populous streets. Then at exactly 8.21; he turned into Peak Avenue, that wide and pleasant thoroughfare where his house was situated. A man who had been idling away a wasted half-hour saw him and crossed the road."Excuse me, Mr. Trasmere."Jesse shot a scowling glance at the interrupter of his reveries. The stranger was young and a head taller than the old man, well dressed, remarkably confident."Eh?""You don't remember me-Holland? I called upon you about a year ago over the trouble you had with the municipality."Jesse's face cleared."The reporter? Yes, I remember you. You had an article in your rag that was all wrong, sir-all wrong! You made me say that I had a respect for municipal laws, and that's a lie! I have no respect for municipal laws or lawyers. They're thieves and grafters!"He thumped the ferrule of his umbrella on the ground to emphasize his disapproval."I shouldn't be surprised," said the young man, with a cheerful smile; "and if I made you toss around a few bouquets, that was faire bonne mine. I'd forgotten anyway, but it is the job of an interviewer to make his subject look good."