May 15, 2025 • 35 mins
Journey with Paul Walmsley, a well-known regular at Stephanos, as his peaceful dinner is interrupted by a fast-acting stranger who not only steals his meal but also hands him a mysterious packet beneath the table. This encounter marks the start of exhilarating adventures with the enigmatic American adventurer, Joseph H. Parker and his charming daughter, Eve. Please note that there is an alternative narration for section 8, both renditions are equally compelling and we invite you to enjoy either or both.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Chapter fourteen of An Amiable Charlatan. This is a LibriVox recording.
All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more
information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org. Recording
by Kirsten Webber. An Amiable Charlatan by E. Phillips Oppenheim,
(00:21):
Chapter fourteen, Mister Bundercombe's love affair. Mister Bundercombe, who, notwithstanding
his wife's temporary absence in the country, had not been
in the best of spirits for several days. During the
course of our tete a tete dinner at Luigi's, became
suddenly and unexpectedly animated. The change in him was so
(00:45):
noticeable that I leaned forward in my place to see
what could have produced it. Two people had entered the
restaurant and ran conversation now with Luigi about a table.
Mister Bundercombe, who in the affairs of every day life
had no idea of concealing his feeling, was regarding them
with every appearance of lively interest. Paul, he whispered, you
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must notice these two people, who watch them. There's a
good fellow. They took their places at a table almost
opposite ours. The girl, though she was more quietly and
tastefully dressed, and seemed to need better looking, and recognized
at once as mister Bundercombe's companion at Prince's restaurant on
one memorable occasion, the man I had never seen before.
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He appeared to be of about medium height, slim, with
a sallow skin, dark sleepy eyes which suggested the foreigner,
a mouth that straight and fan though it was turned
up a little at the corners, as though in contradiction
of his somewhat indolent general appearance, he was exceedingly well
dressed and carried himself with quiet assurance of a man
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accustomed to moving in the world. Most interesting, mister Bundercombe murmured,
having with an effort withdrawn his eyes from the girl.
You doubtless recognize. She was once a typist in the
office of Messos Harding and Densmore. She was quite lately,
as I dare say you remember, able to give me
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some very useful information. In fact, it is through her
that mister Stanley did not leave this country for South
Africa with a hundred pounds in his pockets. And the
man I asked mister Bundercombe was thoroughly enjoying himself. He
drew his chair a little closer to mine and waited
until he was quite sure that no one was in earshot.
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The man, he replied, is one of the world's most
famous criminals. He doesn't look it, I remarked, glancing across
the room with some interest. Mister Bundercombe smiled. Great criminals
are not all of the same type. He reminded me, reprovingly.
That is where you people who don't understand the cult
of criminology, make your foolish mistakes. Our friend opposite is
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without a doubt of gentle though not of aristocratic births.
I know nothing of his bringing up, but his instincts
do all that is necessary for him. The first time
I saw him was in one of the criminal courts
in New York. He was being tried for his life
for an attempted robbery in Fifth Avenue and the murder
of a policeman. He defended himself and fitted brilliantly. In
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the end he got off. There is scarcely a person, however,
who doubts that he was guilty. I looked across at
the subject of a discussion with renewed interest. He shot him.
I suppose I asked. On the contrary, mister Bundcombe replied,
he throttled him. The man has the sinews of an ox.
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The second time I saw him was at a dancing
hall in New York. He was there with a very
gay party, indeed, but one of them, the wealthiest, mysteriously disappeared.
Rodwell Dagger Rodwell was his nickname. Came to England. I
saw him once or twice. Just before I visited you
down in Bedfordshire, Collin warned me off him. However, wouldn't
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let me have a word to say to him. He
doesn't sound the best companion in the world for your
little typest friend, I remarked. Mister Bundercombe glanced across the room,
and at that moment the girl noticed him. She bowed
and waved her hand. Mister Bundercombe responded gallantly. I fancy,
he murmured, that she could take care of herself. Come,
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I really feel that I am in an interesting atmosphere
once more, mister Bundercombe's deportment are certainly more cheerful. For
the last week or two he had been depressed. He
had paid visits with Eve and myself, and devoted a
reasonable amount of time to his wife. The demands on
his complete respectability, however, had been axome. He was too
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obviously finding no savor in life. I really was not
altogether sorry at first to notice the improvement in his spirits,
though my sentiments changed when a little later in the evening,
the girl opposite left her place and came over to us.
She greeted mister Bundercombe with the most brilliant of smiles,
and he held her hand quite as long as was necessary.
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He presented me, and I learned that her name was
miss Blanche Spencer. I must not stay long, she said,
laughing the gentleman I am with this sort of cousin
of mine, and we don't get on very well. But
I mustn't be rude. Mister Bundercombe and she seemed to
have a good deal to say to each other, and
presently I noticed that their heads were drawn closer together.
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The girl dropped her voice. She was proposing something to
which mister Bundercombe was listening with keen interest. I heard
him sigh. If it weren't for certain changes, he explained regretfully,
I guess I wouldn't hesitate a moment. But I heard
a whispered reference to myself as his daughter's fiance, and
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anne allusion to the continued presence of his wife in London.
She nodded sympathetically. Now if there were any other way,
mister Bundcombe concluded, in which I could still further show
my gratitude to you personally for a certain little matter.
Why I'm all for hearing about it. I consider the
balance is still on my side, she laughed. You are
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really rather a dear, she declared. Do you know I'm
thinking of starting in business for myself? Where and as what,
mister Bundercombe inquired, I shook open an evening paper and
heard no more. The girl's leave taking, however, a few
minutes later, was both reluctant and impressive. I felt it
my duty to allude to the matter as soon as
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we were alone. You know, sir, I said, this, helping
young women to set up in business is a proceeding
that's very likely to be misunderstood over here. I am
not in the least sure that even Eve would quite approve.
Mister Bundercombe smile, the smile of a man of the world.
One can't tell one's womankind everything, he declared, grandiloquently. I
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was a little puzzled, I felt convinced that mister Bundercombe
was concealing something from me. Furthermore, I continued feeling my
duty to speak frankly to my future father in law.
A man of your position needs to be very careful
when he has financial transactions with a good looking young woman,
as miss Blanche. The young lady herself might take advantage
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of it. Mister Bundercombe appeared to be giving my words
full consideration. Well, well, he said a little vaguely, We
shall see. I don't mind telling you, though, Paul, that
I would have nothing to say to her first suggestion.
On your account, my boy, there's a scheme on foot
in which her interesting companion is concerned which needs financing.
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I haven't the least doubt that it is something entirely interesting,
probably a mammoth jewel robbery or something of the sort.
I looked across at the man, who seemed to be
reproaching the gar of her long absence. Almost at that moment,
he looked up and our eyes met. For a brief instant.
There seemed to be nothing in his gaze beyond a
measure of polite and not too pointed interest. Nevertheless, When
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I looked away, I begged mister Bundercombe to go of
for the bill. I have had enough of this place,
I declared a little abruptly. Next time Eve goes to
bed with a headache, I shall take you to the club.
I was walking down Bond Street with Eve one morning
when my suspicions as to mister Bundercombe and a certain
matter were first roused. As we neared the Piccadilly, and
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I distinctly saw him vanish through a doorway on the
left hand side. He was more carefully dressed, and carried
in his hand a long paper parcel that could contain
nothing but flowers. Upon some excuse, I prevailed upon Eve
to cross the road. There was one small brass plate
only on the side of the entrance through which mister
Bundercombe had disappeared, scarcely larger than my hand, and on
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it was engraved in very elegant characters Blanche Manicure. I
made no comment at the time. Curiously enough, that afternoon,
as we sat under our trees at Ranleigh, Eve referred
to the subject of her parent. Do you notice, Paul?
She asked, how much less we see of Dad lately?
He does seem to have been out a good deal,
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I admitted. She glanced at me. You haven't any idea.
I suppose the glance and her tone were quite sufficient
for me. I hastened to disclaim all responsibility for mister Bundercombe,
your father, I assured her, has never treated me with
less confidence. Whatever he may be doing at present, he
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is doing let me assure you entirely on his own responsibility.
Then I think, if you don't mind, please, she begged,
you must try and get him to take you into
his confidence. Of course, she went on, watching idly apolo
team canter into the field. I do not wish you
to feel that he is in any way a responsibility.
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On the other hand, it does seem so queer, Paul.
He has taken a dressing most carefully, and he leaves
the house regularly every morning at ten o'clock. You've no
clue at all as to what he does with himself,
I ask none, she replied, except that I never saw
any one with such overmanicured nails as his. I never
knew him to go to a manicurist in my life,
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but he's obviously going to on nearly every day now,
or he couldn't keep the polish on. If that helps
in any way, it might, I admitted, with a sigh.
There he is, Eve exclaimed, suddenly coming towards us too.
Do please take this opportunity, Paul, and see if you
could find out anything you see. A week ago he
(10:47):
seemed bored to tears, and now he has just that happy,
contented expression which he wears all the time when he
really is engaged in something outrageous. I will go and
talk to your sister. I think she's over there with
Captain Green. Mister Bundercombe greeted me heartily and at once
directed my attention to a small tent where cool drinks
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were being served. I suffered him to lead me in
that direction, and placed myself in his hands as regards
the selection of a suitable beverage. We found a small
table and sat down. Haven't seen much of you lately, sir,
I began, Ah, that's because I don't spend three parts
of my time in Milliner's shops. Mister Bundercombe replied, where
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are you spending most of your time? I asked, determined
to take the bull by the horns, Mister Bundercombe set
down his glass. I've been expecting this, he remarked, pleasantly.
Eve's been setting you to pump me. Eh. I nodded,
that's exactly it, I admitted. We are due to be
married in ten days. We are neither of us anxious
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for anything in the way of an unfortunate incident. Mister
Bundercomb appeared to view with surprise the advent of a
second tumbler. He reconciled himself to its arrival, however, and
handed money to the attendant. I realized the position entirely,
my dear fellow, he assured me. I am glad you
have opened the subject up. I have been bursting to
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tell you all about it, but I have hesitated for
fear of being misunderstood. I glanced at his nails. Of course,
I observed slowly the position of an elderly gentleman with
a marriageable daughter and a wife. I went on, bravely,
who finances a young lady interested in man? Occurring in
an establishment in Bond Street is liable to misinterpretation. Mister
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Bundercombe was a little taken aback. He hid his face
for a moment behind the newly arrived tumbler. Kind of observant,
aren't you, he remarked, I saw you in Bond Street
this morning. I told him you and a paper parcel.
You were entering the establishment. I believe of Mademoiselle Blanche,
whoever she is, small place London. Mister Bundercombe sighed, Were
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you were alone? I was with Eve, I replied, but
she did not see you, and I did not mention
the matter. My boy. Mister Bundercombe decided, I shall take
you wholly into my confidence. I am engaged in a
big affair. My heart sank. I can only pray heaven.
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I said fervently that the day New Mau of this
affair will not take place within the next ten days.
On the contrary, mister Bundercombe answered, leaning back in his chair,
looking at me, with the flat of one hand laid
on the table and the palm of the other on
his left knee. On the contrary, he repeated, the day
new mar is due tomorrow. Hum glad you didn't consider us,
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I observed gloomily. Mister Bundercombe smiled. I find myself in
this last affair, he remarked, airily, occupying. What I must
confess for me is a somewhat peculiar position. I am
on the side of the established authorities. I am in
the cast iron position of the man who falls into
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line with the law of the land. In other words,
you behold in me so far as regards this affair,
respectability and rectitude personified. I may even choose to give
our friend mister Colin a leg up. I was relieved
to hear it, and told him so. I presume, I
said that Mademoiselle Blanche of Bond Street is identical with
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the young lady who talked to us at Stefano's the
other night. Say you're becoming perfectly wonderful at the art
of deduction. My future father in law declaide same person.
She seems quite attractive, I admitted, with a taste for
pink roses. I think mister Bundercombe appeared to regard my
remark as frivolous. He moved his chair, however, and brought
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it closer to mine. I dare say you remember. He
went on how the young lady proposed to me that
night that I should finance a little venture in which
she and her sleepy eyed friend opposite were interested. I noted, yes,
I remember that. From that, mister Bundcombe continued. She went
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on to suggest that I should help her in the
ambition of her life, which it seems was to take
a single room for manicuring a few clients. In an
ordinary way, I should have refused that too, and if
she had been hard up, begged to be allowed to
oblige her with a trifling loan and ended the matter
in that way. The reason I didn't was simply because
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I felt convinced that her desire to require a single
room in a manicure business was somehow associated with the
scheme she had at first suggested. Therefore, I temporized, I
appeared to be interested. I asked her in what locality
she wished to commence business. She never hesitated. There was
only one place she wanted, and that was the room
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she's got. Just to test her, I took her to
see really slap up premise in another part of Bond Street.
She pretended to look at them, but never took the
slightest interest. It was just one room she wanted, and
one room only. I realized that both she and her
friend were either too desperately hard up to engage that room,
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or else they were particularly anxious to do it in
some one else's name. That was quite enough for me.
I engaged the room. I glanced once more at mister
Bundercombe's nails. You, at any rate, I relocked, have been
a faithful customer, Paul. Mister Bundercombe continued, I am playing
a part. I am playing the part of a silly
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old fool. It isn't easy sometimes, but I am keeping
it up. I spend a good part of my time
in that beastly little parlor having my nails done over
and over again. The girl is bored to death, and I,
though I don't flatter myself that I show it, I
guess I'm bored to death too. I've kept it up
all right until now, and the job comes off tomorrow.
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Miss Blanche is convinced that my interest in her is
sent a medal, and she has occasionally not been quite
so careful as she might have been. I have picked
up here and there certain small details that enabled me
to form a very fair idea as to the nature
of this venture in which I was invited to participate.
The last few days I have been hesitating whether I
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should take you into my confidence or not. As it happened,
you have forced it. Have you anything particular to do tomorrow?
I thought for a moment, nothing very much until the
late afternoon when I go down to the house, I replied.
Then tomorrow you shall see the end of this thing
with me, mister Bundcombe promised. If luck goes our way,
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you well find we shall have quite a pleasant few minutes.
Eve put her head in at the tent and we
hastened to join her. She drew me a little to
one side. I think it's all right, I told her.
I am so glad, she replied, and poll hadn't you
better up at a hint that missus Bundercombe will be
home tomorrow. I think he'd better have the shine taken
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off his nails. At twelve o'clock the next morning, I
met mister Bundercombe by appointment in the Burlington Arcade. We
strolled slowly round into Bond Street. Mister Bundercombe was for
him unusually serious. He looked about him all the time
with swift, careful glances. As we turned into Bond Street,
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his pace became slower and slower. Within a yard or
two of the spot where I had first seen him disappear,
he paused, and, under pretense of talking earnestly to me,
he looked up and down and across the street with keen,
careful glances. At last, with a sudden turn, he led
the way into the passage. Together we ascended the stairs.
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On a door almost opposite to us. At the end
of the landing was another little brass plate, on which
was engraved the name of Mademoiselle Blanche. Mister Bundercombe took
a latch key from his pocket and opened the door,
which he carefully closed after him. No one here, I remarked,
Not yet, mister Bundcombe said a little grimly. From now
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onward you will be able to understand certain things. Miss
Blanche informed me that to day she had an invitation
to go into the country. It was the only way
I could discover the day in which they were planning
to bring off the coup. If I had been an
occasional visitor, she might have risked my coming and finding
her away. Since, however, I presented myself every morning at
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eleven o'clock, she was forced to tell me, you understand
as much as that perfectly. You see where we are. Then,
mister Bundercombe continued, has any reason occurred to you for
the young lady's unalterable decision that no other spot in
the whole of London would do for her manicure parlor.
I looked out the window. We are next door to Totteran's,
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I observed. Mister Bundcombe smiled approvingly. We are within a
few yards, he said, of the jeweler's shop that contains
more value old gems than any other establishment in the world.
We are at the present moment, within forty yards of
a million pounds worth of jewels. When you come to
reflect upon the character and the past of our friend
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Dagger Rodwell, you will understand the significance of that fact.
I was beginning to show mister Bundicombe's obvious excitement. I
too had the feeling that we were on the brink
of an adventure. He made me stand up against the
wall by the side of the window so that I
could see down into the street. He himself was father
back in the room. Follow my lead closely in everything, Paul,
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he directed meantime, keep your eye glued on the pavement.
If things turn out as I expect, there will be
a gray touring motor car outside Hardaran's shop. In the
course of a few minutes. From that car will descend
dagger Rodwell, he will enter Tartarin's. Watch then, as though
your very life depended upon it, I squeezed myself against
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the wall and looked down upon a never ending procession.
The street was continually blocked with motor cars and taxicabs
on the other side of the ways. Dreams of people
were moving all the time. I recognized many acquaintances even
those few minutes. And then suddenly I saw the gray
motor car. I held out my hand to mister Bundercombe
without the slightest attempt at concealment. The man mister Bundercombe
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had called a dagger Rodwell, alighted from the motor and
stood for a moment looking into the window of Tartarin's shop.
Before he entered. He was faultlessly dressed in mourning clothes,
smoking a cigarette and carrying a silver headed cane. After
some hesitation, he entered the shop. Mister Bundercombe drew a
little breath. He had been looking at another part of
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the street. Now things are beginning to move, he observed softly,
Come here, Paul. He pulled aside a little curtain, behind
which was a sort of cubicle, an easy chair, A
manicurist stool at a table. Step inside here, he whispered.
Quickly I obeyed him, and in an instant he had
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entered a similar one. We were scarcely there before I
heard the sound of a key in the door threw
a chink in the curtain. I saw Miss Blanche. She
pushed back the latch and stood for a moment, as
though listening. Her face turned towards the stairs up which
she had come. If I had had any doubt but
that tragedy was afoot that morning, it would have been
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banished by a glance at her face. She was terribly pale.
Her hands were shaking rapidly. She withdrew the pins from
her hat, hung it up on a peg, and smoothed
her hand in front of the looking glass. Then, though
her hands were trembling all the time, she filled a
bowl with hot water and arranged a manicure set on
little table. Once or twice she stopped to listen, once,
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as though drawn by some fascination. She was powerless to resist.
She moved to the window and looked down into the street.
Mister Bundock remained motionless, and I followed his example. At
the back of my cubicle was a window, from which
I could still gain a view of the pavement. The
streets were thronged with people, and I noticed that the
motor car, which at first I had missed, was standing
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in a side street almost opposite. Suddenly I saw the
man for whose reappearance I was so earnestly waiting, step
casually out on to the pavement. He attempted to cross
the street and was quickly lost to sight in a
tangle of vehicles. A second later, I could have sworn
that I saw him back again at the entrance to
the passage below. Then I heard a shout from the pavement,
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and I distinctly saw him clamber into the motor car,
which shot off as though it had started in fourth speed.
An elderly gentleman who had rushed from the shop was
half way across the street. Already there was a chorus
of shouts. Traffic was momentarily suspended. A policeman started running
down the side street. Then I turned away from the window.
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Thou Art sounds closer at hand. A footstep on the stairs,
swift and gentle. In a moment, the door of the
little manicure room was opened and closed. Dagger Rodwell stood there,
pale and breathless. Not a word passed between him and
the girl. He dashed into the third of little cubicles,
and it seemed to me that in less than thirty
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seconds he reappeared. The change was marvelous. He was wearing
a tweed suit and a gray humbug hat. His eye
glass had gone. Even his collar and tie seemed different.
He sat down before the girl and held out his hand.
They listened. There was plenty of commotion in the street,
no sound at all on the stairs. We've done it,
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he muttered. There after the car they'll catch Dolly. He'll
bluff it out. She whispered. Sure, don't let your hands
tremble like that, you little fool, were safe. I tell you.
Get on with your work now. The two were three
or four yards away from the cube in which I was,
but almost within a couple of feet of mister Bundercombe's
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from where I was sitting. I suddenly saw a strange thing.
I saw mister Bundercombe's left arm shoot out from behind
the curtain. In a moment, he had the man by
the throat. His other hand traveled over his clothes like lightning.
It was all over almost before I could think. Rodwell
was on his feet with a livid mark on his throat,
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and mister Bundercombe had stepped back with a little shining
revolver in his hand, which he was carefully stowing away
in his pocket. Sorry to be a trifle hasty, mister Rodwell,
he said, I saw the shape of this little weapon
in your pocket, and it didn't seem altogether agreeable to me.
We are not great at firearms over on this side,
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you know. Blanch and Rodwell stared at him, too, complete
their stupefaction. I stepped out of my cubicle. What sort
of game is this? Rodwell muttered, though he was paled
at the lips Blanch. He turned toward her with sudden fierceness.
She sat there wringing her hands. Mister Bundercombe, she exclaimed feebly,
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mister Bundercombe, So this is your silly old fool, is it?
Rodwell hissed, This is the old fool you could twist
round your finger. Who found the money for your manicure parlor?
And who was in love with you? Ah? What are
you anyway? He added, turning furiously upon mister Bundercombe, A cop?
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Is this why you were trying to put up to
me a few weeks ago. Mister Bundercombe waved aside the accusation.
Nothing of the sort, he declared. Then what is it
you want, Rodwell demanded, Is it a share of the
swag you're after? Mister Bundercomb shook his head. I am afraid,
he sighed, there will not be any swag. Rodwell's face
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was the most vicious thing I had ever looked on,
yet he kept his head. Mister Bundercombe and I were
an impossible proper position to an unarmed man in the
first place. Mister Bundercombe said, I must congratulate you most
heartily on your scheme. I saw your double bolt cross
the road and jump into the car. Every one's eyes
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were upon him. They never saw you slip round into
the passage. Your double is I presume well supplied with
an alibi and evidences of respectability. Rudwell nodded shortly. It's
his own car, and he's an autmobile agent. He replied.
He'd been in the next shop. The people there will
be able to swear to him. He gave them plenty
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of trouble on purpose. And you, mister Bundercombe, murmured, have
the necklace I have, Rudwell snapped, what about it? I've
got to divide with the girl here. How much do
you want? Only the necklace? Mister Bundercombe replied. Mister Rudwell's
geographical description of where he would see mister Bundercombe fast
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is too lurid for print. Mister Bundercombe, however, only shook
his head with a gentle smile upon his lips. If
you're not a cop and you won't stand in, what
in the name of glory are you? Rodwell's spluttered at last,
I am afraid I must describe myself as a meddler,
mister Bundercombe confessed an intervener. I stand midway between the
(28:22):
law and the criminal. I sympathize wholly with neither. I
admire the skill and courage you have shown to day,
but I also sympathize with the head of that establishment,
whom you have relieved of possibly many thousand pounds worth
of diamonds. I could not. Rodwell then made his effort,
but mister Bundercombe was more than ready. Intervention on my
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part was quite unnecessary. Mister Bundercombe's left arm shot out
like a piston rod, and the unfortunate victim of his
blow remained on the carpet with his hand to his cheek.
Quite in order, of course, mister Bundercombe remarked, but absolutely useless.
Boxing was my only sport when I was a young man,
to say nothing of my remarkable athletic young companion. It
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won't do, Rodwell. You'd better hand over the jewels. Give
them to miss Blanche and she'll hand them over to me.
They're in a Morocco case, I think in your trousers pocket.
Rodwell produced them sullenly. It's your fault, you miserable little fool,
he muttered at Blanche. I ought to have known better
than to have let you in on the thing. Fancy
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taking him for a mug. Mister Bundercombe smiled a pleased smile.
Come come, he said, things are not so bad. You
might have been caught. Aren't you going to give information?
Rodwell asked quickly, Not a thought of it, mister Bundercombe
assured him. Catching the case Rodwell threw towards him. I
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want so far as possible to see both sides happy here, Paul,
put these in your pocket, he added, turning to myself.
You take my advice, Rodwell, He concluded, you'll stay where
you are until I return. I promise you that mister
Walmsley and I will return alone, and that I will
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give no intimation of your presence here to any person whatsoever.
Rodwell was puzzled. He rose slowly to his feet, however,
and walked toward the basin at the other end of
the apartment. All right, he agreed, sullenly. I shall be here,
mister Bundercombe, and I descended into the street. I was
(30:31):
feeling a little dazed. Mister Bundercombe led the way into
the Tartarine Establishment, which was still in a state of disorder.
He asked to speak to the principal, who came forward,
still looking very perturbed. Sorry to hear of this robbery,
mister Bundercombe said, have they caught the fellow? They caught
the man in the motor car, The manager groaned, but
(30:53):
he had no jewels on him, and my people can't
sweat to him. He seems to have a very coherent story.
Have you communicated with the police, mister bundercombast The manager
stretched out his hand. Four of them are in the
place now, he answered, a little despairingly. What's the good
the fellow's got away? He's got the finest necklace in
(31:14):
the shop with him JEMs Worth twenty thousand pounds. Mister
Bundercombe nodded sympathetically. Have you offered a reward yet? We
can't do everything in ten minutes, the manager replied, a
little testily, we shall offer one, of course. What amount
are you prepared to go to, mister bundercombast The man
(31:35):
looked at him eagerly. Do you mean, sir? He began.
Mister Bundercombe stretched out his hands. You may search me,
he interrupted. I have nothing in the way of jewels
on me. My name is Joseph H. Bundercombe, and I
have a house in Prince's Gardens. This is my son
in law to be mister Walmsley, m P for Bedfordshire.
(31:59):
The manager bow, I know you quite well, sir, he said,
and mister Walmsley, of course, both he and many of
his relatives are valued clients of OZ. But about the jewels,
what reward do you offer? Five hundred pounds was the
prompt reply, More if necessary? Mister Bundercombe smiled approvingly. Circumstances,
(32:23):
he explained, of a peculiar nature, into which I am
quite sure it will suit your purpose, not to inquire,
have enabled me to claim the reward and to restore
to you the jewels. The manager gripped him by the arm.
Come into the office at once, he begged. We followed
him into a little room at the back of the shop.
(32:44):
He was trembling all over. No questions asked, mister Bundercombe insisted,
not the shadow of one. The manager agreed, I don't
care if pardon me, sir, if you stole them yourself.
The loss of those jewels would do the firm more
harm than I can explain to you. Mister Bundercombe turned
toward me and I produced the case. The manager seized it,
(33:06):
eagerly opened it, turned on the electric light, and closed
the case again. With a great sigh of relief. He
held out his hand, mister Bundercombe, He said, I don't
care how you got these. I have been robbed three
times and put the matter into the hands of the
police and never recovered a single stone. I'd shake hands
(33:27):
with the man who stole them, so long as I
got them back. How will you have the reward, sir,
notes if you can manage it, mister Bundercombe replied. The
manager went to his safe and counted over notes and
gold to the amount of five hundred pounds, which mister
Bundercombe buttoned up into his pockets. I ask you, now, sir,
(33:47):
he said, for your word of honor, that you will
not have us followed or make any further inquiries into
this affair. It is given freely given, the manager promised.
When you leave this establishment, I shall turn my back
to you. You may hand over the notes to whosoever
you like upon the pavement outside, and it won't concern me,
(34:08):
nor he added, shall I tell the police for at
least half an hour that I have a necklace? They
deserve a little extra trouble for letting the fellow get away.
Mister Bundercombe and I left the shop and ascended the
stat leading to the manicure parlor. Rodwell, who had bathed
his face and made a complete change of toilet, was
pacing up and down the little room. Blanche too was
(34:31):
standing still, pale and weeping. Now, mister Bundercombe began, as
he carefully closed the door behind him. I told you
a few minutes ago that I was neither on your
side nor on the side of the law. I am
about to prove it. I have returned the jewels to
Tartaran's no questions to be asked, and I've got the reward.
(34:52):
There you are, young lady, he added, placing the roll
of notes and a handful of gold in her hand.
You have given me a week or so of intense
interest and amusement. There is your reward for it. If
you want to divide it with your friend, it's nothing
to do with me. Take it and run along. So
far as regards this little establishment, the rent is paid
(35:14):
for another three months. But so far as regards my
connection with it, I think I needn't explain that you've
been fooling me. The girl interrupted, a faint smile at
the corners of her lips. Do you know sometimes I
suspected that you weren't in earnest, and then one day
I saw your wife and I wasn't sure. Good morning,
(35:36):
mister Bundercombe said severely. Come along, Paul. End of chapter fourteen.
Recording by Kirsten Webber
Chapter fourteen of An Amiable Charlatan. This is a LibriVox recording.
All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more
information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org. Recording
by Kirsten Webber. An Amiable Charlatan by E. Phillips Oppenheim,
(00:21):
Chapter fourteen, Mister Bundercombe's love affair. Mister Bundercombe, who, notwithstanding
his wife's temporary absence in the country, had not been
in the best of spirits for several days. During the
course of our tete a tete dinner at Luigi's, became
suddenly and unexpectedly animated. The change in him was so
(00:45):
noticeable that I leaned forward in my place to see
what could have produced it. Two people had entered the
restaurant and ran conversation now with Luigi about a table.
Mister Bundercombe, who in the affairs of every day life
had no idea of concealing his feeling, was regarding them
with every appearance of lively interest. Paul, he whispered, you
(01:07):
must notice these two people, who watch them. There's a
good fellow. They took their places at a table almost
opposite ours. The girl, though she was more quietly and
tastefully dressed, and seemed to need better looking, and recognized
at once as mister Bundercombe's companion at Prince's restaurant on
one memorable occasion, the man I had never seen before.
(01:29):
He appeared to be of about medium height, slim, with
a sallow skin, dark sleepy eyes which suggested the foreigner,
a mouth that straight and fan though it was turned
up a little at the corners, as though in contradiction
of his somewhat indolent general appearance, he was exceedingly well
dressed and carried himself with quiet assurance of a man
(01:51):
accustomed to moving in the world. Most interesting, mister Bundercombe murmured,
having with an effort withdrawn his eyes from the girl.
You doubtless recognize. She was once a typist in the
office of Messos Harding and Densmore. She was quite lately,
as I dare say you remember, able to give me
(02:11):
some very useful information. In fact, it is through her
that mister Stanley did not leave this country for South
Africa with a hundred pounds in his pockets. And the
man I asked mister Bundercombe was thoroughly enjoying himself. He
drew his chair a little closer to mine and waited
until he was quite sure that no one was in earshot.
(02:34):
The man, he replied, is one of the world's most
famous criminals. He doesn't look it, I remarked, glancing across
the room with some interest. Mister Bundercombe smiled. Great criminals
are not all of the same type. He reminded me, reprovingly.
That is where you people who don't understand the cult
of criminology, make your foolish mistakes. Our friend opposite is
(02:58):
without a doubt of gentle though not of aristocratic births.
I know nothing of his bringing up, but his instincts
do all that is necessary for him. The first time
I saw him was in one of the criminal courts
in New York. He was being tried for his life
for an attempted robbery in Fifth Avenue and the murder
of a policeman. He defended himself and fitted brilliantly. In
(03:23):
the end he got off. There is scarcely a person, however,
who doubts that he was guilty. I looked across at
the subject of a discussion with renewed interest. He shot him.
I suppose I asked. On the contrary, mister Bundcombe replied,
he throttled him. The man has the sinews of an ox.
(03:44):
The second time I saw him was at a dancing
hall in New York. He was there with a very
gay party, indeed, but one of them, the wealthiest, mysteriously disappeared.
Rodwell Dagger Rodwell was his nickname. Came to England. I
saw him once or twice. Just before I visited you
down in Bedfordshire, Collin warned me off him. However, wouldn't
(04:08):
let me have a word to say to him. He
doesn't sound the best companion in the world for your
little typest friend, I remarked. Mister Bundercombe glanced across the room,
and at that moment the girl noticed him. She bowed
and waved her hand. Mister Bundercombe responded gallantly. I fancy,
he murmured, that she could take care of herself. Come,
(04:32):
I really feel that I am in an interesting atmosphere
once more, mister Bundercombe's deportment are certainly more cheerful. For
the last week or two he had been depressed. He
had paid visits with Eve and myself, and devoted a
reasonable amount of time to his wife. The demands on
his complete respectability, however, had been axome. He was too
(04:54):
obviously finding no savor in life. I really was not
altogether sorry at first to notice the improvement in his spirits,
though my sentiments changed when a little later in the evening,
the girl opposite left her place and came over to us.
She greeted mister Bundercombe with the most brilliant of smiles,
and he held her hand quite as long as was necessary.
(05:18):
He presented me, and I learned that her name was
miss Blanche Spencer. I must not stay long, she said,
laughing the gentleman I am with this sort of cousin
of mine, and we don't get on very well. But
I mustn't be rude. Mister Bundercombe and she seemed to
have a good deal to say to each other, and
presently I noticed that their heads were drawn closer together.
(05:38):
The girl dropped her voice. She was proposing something to
which mister Bundercombe was listening with keen interest. I heard
him sigh. If it weren't for certain changes, he explained regretfully,
I guess I wouldn't hesitate a moment. But I heard
a whispered reference to myself as his daughter's fiance, and
(05:59):
anne allusion to the continued presence of his wife in London.
She nodded sympathetically. Now if there were any other way,
mister Bundcombe concluded, in which I could still further show
my gratitude to you personally for a certain little matter.
Why I'm all for hearing about it. I consider the
balance is still on my side, she laughed. You are
(06:22):
really rather a dear, she declared. Do you know I'm
thinking of starting in business for myself? Where and as what,
mister Bundercombe inquired, I shook open an evening paper and
heard no more. The girl's leave taking, however, a few
minutes later, was both reluctant and impressive. I felt it
my duty to allude to the matter as soon as
(06:44):
we were alone. You know, sir, I said, this, helping
young women to set up in business is a proceeding
that's very likely to be misunderstood over here. I am
not in the least sure that even Eve would quite approve.
Mister Bundercombe smile, the smile of a man of the world.
One can't tell one's womankind everything, he declared, grandiloquently. I
(07:09):
was a little puzzled, I felt convinced that mister Bundercombe
was concealing something from me. Furthermore, I continued feeling my
duty to speak frankly to my future father in law.
A man of your position needs to be very careful
when he has financial transactions with a good looking young woman,
as miss Blanche. The young lady herself might take advantage
(07:29):
of it. Mister Bundercombe appeared to be giving my words
full consideration. Well, well, he said a little vaguely, We
shall see. I don't mind telling you, though, Paul, that
I would have nothing to say to her first suggestion.
On your account, my boy, there's a scheme on foot
in which her interesting companion is concerned which needs financing.
(07:53):
I haven't the least doubt that it is something entirely interesting,
probably a mammoth jewel robbery or something of the sort.
I looked across at the man, who seemed to be
reproaching the gar of her long absence. Almost at that moment,
he looked up and our eyes met. For a brief instant.
There seemed to be nothing in his gaze beyond a
measure of polite and not too pointed interest. Nevertheless, When
(08:17):
I looked away, I begged mister Bundercombe to go of
for the bill. I have had enough of this place,
I declared a little abruptly. Next time Eve goes to
bed with a headache, I shall take you to the club.
I was walking down Bond Street with Eve one morning
when my suspicions as to mister Bundercombe and a certain
matter were first roused. As we neared the Piccadilly, and
(08:39):
I distinctly saw him vanish through a doorway on the
left hand side. He was more carefully dressed, and carried
in his hand a long paper parcel that could contain
nothing but flowers. Upon some excuse, I prevailed upon Eve
to cross the road. There was one small brass plate
only on the side of the entrance through which mister
Bundercombe had disappeared, scarcely larger than my hand, and on
(09:02):
it was engraved in very elegant characters Blanche Manicure. I
made no comment at the time. Curiously enough, that afternoon,
as we sat under our trees at Ranleigh, Eve referred
to the subject of her parent. Do you notice, Paul?
She asked, how much less we see of Dad lately?
He does seem to have been out a good deal,
(09:23):
I admitted. She glanced at me. You haven't any idea.
I suppose the glance and her tone were quite sufficient
for me. I hastened to disclaim all responsibility for mister Bundercombe,
your father, I assured her, has never treated me with
less confidence. Whatever he may be doing at present, he
(09:43):
is doing let me assure you entirely on his own responsibility.
Then I think, if you don't mind, please, she begged,
you must try and get him to take you into
his confidence. Of course, she went on, watching idly apolo
team canter into the field. I do not wish you
to feel that he is in any way a responsibility.
(10:04):
On the other hand, it does seem so queer, Paul.
He has taken a dressing most carefully, and he leaves
the house regularly every morning at ten o'clock. You've no
clue at all as to what he does with himself,
I ask none, she replied, except that I never saw
any one with such overmanicured nails as his. I never
knew him to go to a manicurist in my life,
(10:27):
but he's obviously going to on nearly every day now,
or he couldn't keep the polish on. If that helps
in any way, it might, I admitted, with a sigh.
There he is, Eve exclaimed, suddenly coming towards us too.
Do please take this opportunity, Paul, and see if you
could find out anything you see. A week ago he
(10:47):
seemed bored to tears, and now he has just that happy,
contented expression which he wears all the time when he
really is engaged in something outrageous. I will go and
talk to your sister. I think she's over there with
Captain Green. Mister Bundercombe greeted me heartily and at once
directed my attention to a small tent where cool drinks
(11:07):
were being served. I suffered him to lead me in
that direction, and placed myself in his hands as regards
the selection of a suitable beverage. We found a small
table and sat down. Haven't seen much of you lately, sir,
I began, Ah, that's because I don't spend three parts
of my time in Milliner's shops. Mister Bundercombe replied, where
(11:29):
are you spending most of your time? I asked, determined
to take the bull by the horns, Mister Bundercombe set
down his glass. I've been expecting this, he remarked, pleasantly.
Eve's been setting you to pump me. Eh. I nodded,
that's exactly it, I admitted. We are due to be
married in ten days. We are neither of us anxious
(11:51):
for anything in the way of an unfortunate incident. Mister
Bundercomb appeared to view with surprise the advent of a
second tumbler. He reconciled himself to its arrival, however, and
handed money to the attendant. I realized the position entirely,
my dear fellow, he assured me. I am glad you
have opened the subject up. I have been bursting to
(12:11):
tell you all about it, but I have hesitated for
fear of being misunderstood. I glanced at his nails. Of course,
I observed slowly the position of an elderly gentleman with
a marriageable daughter and a wife. I went on, bravely,
who finances a young lady interested in man? Occurring in
an establishment in Bond Street is liable to misinterpretation. Mister
(12:36):
Bundercombe was a little taken aback. He hid his face
for a moment behind the newly arrived tumbler. Kind of observant,
aren't you, he remarked, I saw you in Bond Street
this morning. I told him you and a paper parcel.
You were entering the establishment. I believe of Mademoiselle Blanche,
whoever she is, small place London. Mister Bundercombe sighed, Were
(13:00):
you were alone? I was with Eve, I replied, but
she did not see you, and I did not mention
the matter. My boy. Mister Bundercombe decided, I shall take
you wholly into my confidence. I am engaged in a
big affair. My heart sank. I can only pray heaven.
(13:20):
I said fervently that the day New Mau of this
affair will not take place within the next ten days.
On the contrary, mister Bundercombe answered, leaning back in his chair,
looking at me, with the flat of one hand laid
on the table and the palm of the other on
his left knee. On the contrary, he repeated, the day
new mar is due tomorrow. Hum glad you didn't consider us,
(13:44):
I observed gloomily. Mister Bundercombe smiled. I find myself in
this last affair, he remarked, airily, occupying. What I must
confess for me is a somewhat peculiar position. I am
on the side of the established authorities. I am in
the cast iron position of the man who falls into
(14:05):
line with the law of the land. In other words,
you behold in me so far as regards this affair,
respectability and rectitude personified. I may even choose to give
our friend mister Colin a leg up. I was relieved
to hear it, and told him so. I presume, I
said that Mademoiselle Blanche of Bond Street is identical with
(14:28):
the young lady who talked to us at Stefano's the
other night. Say you're becoming perfectly wonderful at the art
of deduction. My future father in law declaide same person.
She seems quite attractive, I admitted, with a taste for
pink roses. I think mister Bundercombe appeared to regard my
remark as frivolous. He moved his chair, however, and brought
(14:50):
it closer to mine. I dare say you remember. He
went on how the young lady proposed to me that
night that I should finance a little venture in which
she and her sleepy eyed friend opposite were interested. I noted, yes,
I remember that. From that, mister Bundcombe continued. She went
(15:11):
on to suggest that I should help her in the
ambition of her life, which it seems was to take
a single room for manicuring a few clients. In an
ordinary way, I should have refused that too, and if
she had been hard up, begged to be allowed to
oblige her with a trifling loan and ended the matter
in that way. The reason I didn't was simply because
(15:32):
I felt convinced that her desire to require a single
room in a manicure business was somehow associated with the
scheme she had at first suggested. Therefore, I temporized, I
appeared to be interested. I asked her in what locality
she wished to commence business. She never hesitated. There was
only one place she wanted, and that was the room
(15:55):
she's got. Just to test her, I took her to
see really slap up premise in another part of Bond Street.
She pretended to look at them, but never took the
slightest interest. It was just one room she wanted, and
one room only. I realized that both she and her
friend were either too desperately hard up to engage that room,
(16:15):
or else they were particularly anxious to do it in
some one else's name. That was quite enough for me.
I engaged the room. I glanced once more at mister
Bundercombe's nails. You, at any rate, I relocked, have been
a faithful customer, Paul. Mister Bundercombe continued, I am playing
a part. I am playing the part of a silly
(16:37):
old fool. It isn't easy sometimes, but I am keeping
it up. I spend a good part of my time
in that beastly little parlor having my nails done over
and over again. The girl is bored to death, and I,
though I don't flatter myself that I show it, I
guess I'm bored to death too. I've kept it up
all right until now, and the job comes off tomorrow.
(17:00):
Miss Blanche is convinced that my interest in her is
sent a medal, and she has occasionally not been quite
so careful as she might have been. I have picked
up here and there certain small details that enabled me
to form a very fair idea as to the nature
of this venture in which I was invited to participate.
The last few days I have been hesitating whether I
(17:21):
should take you into my confidence or not. As it happened,
you have forced it. Have you anything particular to do tomorrow?
I thought for a moment, nothing very much until the
late afternoon when I go down to the house, I replied.
Then tomorrow you shall see the end of this thing
with me, mister Bundcombe promised. If luck goes our way,
(17:42):
you well find we shall have quite a pleasant few minutes.
Eve put her head in at the tent and we
hastened to join her. She drew me a little to
one side. I think it's all right, I told her.
I am so glad, she replied, and poll hadn't you
better up at a hint that missus Bundercombe will be
home tomorrow. I think he'd better have the shine taken
(18:05):
off his nails. At twelve o'clock the next morning, I
met mister Bundercombe by appointment in the Burlington Arcade. We
strolled slowly round into Bond Street. Mister Bundercombe was for
him unusually serious. He looked about him all the time
with swift, careful glances. As we turned into Bond Street,
(18:27):
his pace became slower and slower. Within a yard or
two of the spot where I had first seen him disappear,
he paused, and, under pretense of talking earnestly to me,
he looked up and down and across the street with keen,
careful glances. At last, with a sudden turn, he led
the way into the passage. Together we ascended the stairs.
(18:48):
On a door almost opposite to us. At the end
of the landing was another little brass plate, on which
was engraved the name of Mademoiselle Blanche. Mister Bundercombe took
a latch key from his pocket and opened the door,
which he carefully closed after him. No one here, I remarked,
Not yet, mister Bundcombe said a little grimly. From now
(19:10):
onward you will be able to understand certain things. Miss
Blanche informed me that to day she had an invitation
to go into the country. It was the only way
I could discover the day in which they were planning
to bring off the coup. If I had been an
occasional visitor, she might have risked my coming and finding
her away. Since, however, I presented myself every morning at
(19:32):
eleven o'clock, she was forced to tell me, you understand
as much as that perfectly. You see where we are. Then,
mister Bundercombe continued, has any reason occurred to you for
the young lady's unalterable decision that no other spot in
the whole of London would do for her manicure parlor.
I looked out the window. We are next door to Totteran's,
(19:54):
I observed. Mister Bundcombe smiled approvingly. We are within a
few yards, he said, of the jeweler's shop that contains
more value old gems than any other establishment in the world.
We are at the present moment, within forty yards of
a million pounds worth of jewels. When you come to
reflect upon the character and the past of our friend
(20:16):
Dagger Rodwell, you will understand the significance of that fact.
I was beginning to show mister Bundicombe's obvious excitement. I
too had the feeling that we were on the brink
of an adventure. He made me stand up against the
wall by the side of the window so that I
could see down into the street. He himself was father
back in the room. Follow my lead closely in everything, Paul,
(20:40):
he directed meantime, keep your eye glued on the pavement.
If things turn out as I expect, there will be
a gray touring motor car outside Hardaran's shop. In the
course of a few minutes. From that car will descend
dagger Rodwell, he will enter Tartarin's. Watch then, as though
your very life depended upon it, I squeezed myself against
(21:02):
the wall and looked down upon a never ending procession.
The street was continually blocked with motor cars and taxicabs
on the other side of the ways. Dreams of people
were moving all the time. I recognized many acquaintances even
those few minutes. And then suddenly I saw the gray
motor car. I held out my hand to mister Bundercombe
without the slightest attempt at concealment. The man mister Bundercombe
(21:25):
had called a dagger Rodwell, alighted from the motor and
stood for a moment looking into the window of Tartarin's shop.
Before he entered. He was faultlessly dressed in mourning clothes,
smoking a cigarette and carrying a silver headed cane. After
some hesitation, he entered the shop. Mister Bundercombe drew a
little breath. He had been looking at another part of
(21:46):
the street. Now things are beginning to move, he observed softly,
Come here, Paul. He pulled aside a little curtain, behind
which was a sort of cubicle, an easy chair, A
manicurist stool at a table. Step inside here, he whispered.
Quickly I obeyed him, and in an instant he had
(22:08):
entered a similar one. We were scarcely there before I
heard the sound of a key in the door threw
a chink in the curtain. I saw Miss Blanche. She
pushed back the latch and stood for a moment, as
though listening. Her face turned towards the stairs up which
she had come. If I had had any doubt but
that tragedy was afoot that morning, it would have been
(22:28):
banished by a glance at her face. She was terribly pale.
Her hands were shaking rapidly. She withdrew the pins from
her hat, hung it up on a peg, and smoothed
her hand in front of the looking glass. Then, though
her hands were trembling all the time, she filled a
bowl with hot water and arranged a manicure set on
little table. Once or twice she stopped to listen, once,
(22:52):
as though drawn by some fascination. She was powerless to resist.
She moved to the window and looked down into the street.
Mister Bundock remained motionless, and I followed his example. At
the back of my cubicle was a window, from which
I could still gain a view of the pavement. The
streets were thronged with people, and I noticed that the
motor car, which at first I had missed, was standing
(23:14):
in a side street almost opposite. Suddenly I saw the
man for whose reappearance I was so earnestly waiting, step
casually out on to the pavement. He attempted to cross
the street and was quickly lost to sight in a
tangle of vehicles. A second later, I could have sworn
that I saw him back again at the entrance to
the passage below. Then I heard a shout from the pavement,
(23:38):
and I distinctly saw him clamber into the motor car,
which shot off as though it had started in fourth speed.
An elderly gentleman who had rushed from the shop was
half way across the street. Already there was a chorus
of shouts. Traffic was momentarily suspended. A policeman started running
down the side street. Then I turned away from the window.
(23:59):
Thou Art sounds closer at hand. A footstep on the stairs,
swift and gentle. In a moment, the door of the
little manicure room was opened and closed. Dagger Rodwell stood there,
pale and breathless. Not a word passed between him and
the girl. He dashed into the third of little cubicles,
and it seemed to me that in less than thirty
(24:19):
seconds he reappeared. The change was marvelous. He was wearing
a tweed suit and a gray humbug hat. His eye
glass had gone. Even his collar and tie seemed different.
He sat down before the girl and held out his hand.
They listened. There was plenty of commotion in the street,
no sound at all on the stairs. We've done it,
(24:43):
he muttered. There after the car they'll catch Dolly. He'll
bluff it out. She whispered. Sure, don't let your hands
tremble like that, you little fool, were safe. I tell you.
Get on with your work now. The two were three
or four yards away from the cube in which I was,
but almost within a couple of feet of mister Bundercombe's
(25:05):
from where I was sitting. I suddenly saw a strange thing.
I saw mister Bundercombe's left arm shoot out from behind
the curtain. In a moment, he had the man by
the throat. His other hand traveled over his clothes like lightning.
It was all over almost before I could think. Rodwell
was on his feet with a livid mark on his throat,
(25:26):
and mister Bundercombe had stepped back with a little shining
revolver in his hand, which he was carefully stowing away
in his pocket. Sorry to be a trifle hasty, mister Rodwell,
he said, I saw the shape of this little weapon
in your pocket, and it didn't seem altogether agreeable to me.
We are not great at firearms over on this side,
(25:47):
you know. Blanch and Rodwell stared at him, too, complete
their stupefaction. I stepped out of my cubicle. What sort
of game is this? Rodwell muttered, though he was paled
at the lips Blanch. He turned toward her with sudden fierceness.
She sat there wringing her hands. Mister Bundercombe, she exclaimed feebly,
(26:10):
mister Bundercombe, So this is your silly old fool, is it?
Rodwell hissed, This is the old fool you could twist
round your finger. Who found the money for your manicure parlor?
And who was in love with you? Ah? What are
you anyway? He added, turning furiously upon mister Bundercombe, A cop?
(26:30):
Is this why you were trying to put up to
me a few weeks ago. Mister Bundercombe waved aside the accusation.
Nothing of the sort, he declared. Then what is it
you want, Rodwell demanded, Is it a share of the
swag you're after? Mister Bundercomb shook his head. I am afraid,
he sighed, there will not be any swag. Rodwell's face
(26:53):
was the most vicious thing I had ever looked on,
yet he kept his head. Mister Bundercombe and I were
an impossible proper position to an unarmed man in the
first place. Mister Bundercombe said, I must congratulate you most
heartily on your scheme. I saw your double bolt cross
the road and jump into the car. Every one's eyes
(27:13):
were upon him. They never saw you slip round into
the passage. Your double is I presume well supplied with
an alibi and evidences of respectability. Rudwell nodded shortly. It's
his own car, and he's an autmobile agent. He replied.
He'd been in the next shop. The people there will
be able to swear to him. He gave them plenty
(27:35):
of trouble on purpose. And you, mister Bundercombe, murmured, have
the necklace I have, Rudwell snapped, what about it? I've
got to divide with the girl here. How much do
you want? Only the necklace? Mister Bundercombe replied. Mister Rudwell's
geographical description of where he would see mister Bundercombe fast
(27:58):
is too lurid for print. Mister Bundercombe, however, only shook
his head with a gentle smile upon his lips. If
you're not a cop and you won't stand in, what
in the name of glory are you? Rodwell's spluttered at last,
I am afraid I must describe myself as a meddler,
mister Bundercombe confessed an intervener. I stand midway between the
(28:22):
law and the criminal. I sympathize wholly with neither. I
admire the skill and courage you have shown to day,
but I also sympathize with the head of that establishment,
whom you have relieved of possibly many thousand pounds worth
of diamonds. I could not. Rodwell then made his effort,
but mister Bundercombe was more than ready. Intervention on my
(28:44):
part was quite unnecessary. Mister Bundercombe's left arm shot out
like a piston rod, and the unfortunate victim of his
blow remained on the carpet with his hand to his cheek.
Quite in order, of course, mister Bundercombe remarked, but absolutely useless.
Boxing was my only sport when I was a young man,
to say nothing of my remarkable athletic young companion. It
(29:07):
won't do, Rodwell. You'd better hand over the jewels. Give
them to miss Blanche and she'll hand them over to me.
They're in a Morocco case, I think in your trousers pocket.
Rodwell produced them sullenly. It's your fault, you miserable little fool,
he muttered at Blanche. I ought to have known better
than to have let you in on the thing. Fancy
(29:30):
taking him for a mug. Mister Bundercombe smiled a pleased smile.
Come come, he said, things are not so bad. You
might have been caught. Aren't you going to give information?
Rodwell asked quickly, Not a thought of it, mister Bundercombe
assured him. Catching the case Rodwell threw towards him. I
(29:51):
want so far as possible to see both sides happy here, Paul,
put these in your pocket, he added, turning to myself.
You take my advice, Rodwell, He concluded, you'll stay where
you are until I return. I promise you that mister
Walmsley and I will return alone, and that I will
(30:11):
give no intimation of your presence here to any person whatsoever.
Rodwell was puzzled. He rose slowly to his feet, however,
and walked toward the basin at the other end of
the apartment. All right, he agreed, sullenly. I shall be here,
mister Bundercombe, and I descended into the street. I was
(30:31):
feeling a little dazed. Mister Bundercombe led the way into
the Tartarine Establishment, which was still in a state of disorder.
He asked to speak to the principal, who came forward,
still looking very perturbed. Sorry to hear of this robbery,
mister Bundercombe said, have they caught the fellow? They caught
the man in the motor car, The manager groaned, but
(30:53):
he had no jewels on him, and my people can't
sweat to him. He seems to have a very coherent story.
Have you communicated with the police, mister bundercombast The manager
stretched out his hand. Four of them are in the
place now, he answered, a little despairingly. What's the good
the fellow's got away? He's got the finest necklace in
(31:14):
the shop with him JEMs Worth twenty thousand pounds. Mister
Bundercombe nodded sympathetically. Have you offered a reward yet? We
can't do everything in ten minutes, the manager replied, a
little testily, we shall offer one, of course. What amount
are you prepared to go to, mister bundercombast The man
(31:35):
looked at him eagerly. Do you mean, sir? He began.
Mister Bundercombe stretched out his hands. You may search me,
he interrupted. I have nothing in the way of jewels
on me. My name is Joseph H. Bundercombe, and I
have a house in Prince's Gardens. This is my son
in law to be mister Walmsley, m P for Bedfordshire.
(31:59):
The manager bow, I know you quite well, sir, he said,
and mister Walmsley, of course, both he and many of
his relatives are valued clients of OZ. But about the jewels,
what reward do you offer? Five hundred pounds was the
prompt reply, More if necessary? Mister Bundercombe smiled approvingly. Circumstances,
(32:23):
he explained, of a peculiar nature, into which I am
quite sure it will suit your purpose, not to inquire,
have enabled me to claim the reward and to restore
to you the jewels. The manager gripped him by the arm.
Come into the office at once, he begged. We followed
him into a little room at the back of the shop.
(32:44):
He was trembling all over. No questions asked, mister Bundercombe insisted,
not the shadow of one. The manager agreed, I don't
care if pardon me, sir, if you stole them yourself.
The loss of those jewels would do the firm more
harm than I can explain to you. Mister Bundercombe turned
toward me and I produced the case. The manager seized it,
(33:06):
eagerly opened it, turned on the electric light, and closed
the case again. With a great sigh of relief. He
held out his hand, mister Bundercombe, He said, I don't
care how you got these. I have been robbed three
times and put the matter into the hands of the
police and never recovered a single stone. I'd shake hands
(33:27):
with the man who stole them, so long as I
got them back. How will you have the reward, sir,
notes if you can manage it, mister Bundercombe replied. The
manager went to his safe and counted over notes and
gold to the amount of five hundred pounds, which mister
Bundercombe buttoned up into his pockets. I ask you, now, sir,
(33:47):
he said, for your word of honor, that you will
not have us followed or make any further inquiries into
this affair. It is given freely given, the manager promised.
When you leave this establishment, I shall turn my back
to you. You may hand over the notes to whosoever
you like upon the pavement outside, and it won't concern me,
(34:08):
nor he added, shall I tell the police for at
least half an hour that I have a necklace? They
deserve a little extra trouble for letting the fellow get away.
Mister Bundercombe and I left the shop and ascended the
stat leading to the manicure parlor. Rodwell, who had bathed
his face and made a complete change of toilet, was
pacing up and down the little room. Blanche too was
(34:31):
standing still, pale and weeping. Now, mister Bundercombe began, as
he carefully closed the door behind him. I told you
a few minutes ago that I was neither on your
side nor on the side of the law. I am
about to prove it. I have returned the jewels to
Tartaran's no questions to be asked, and I've got the reward.
(34:52):
There you are, young lady, he added, placing the roll
of notes and a handful of gold in her hand.
You have given me a week or so of intense
interest and amusement. There is your reward for it. If
you want to divide it with your friend, it's nothing
to do with me. Take it and run along. So
far as regards this little establishment, the rent is paid
(35:14):
for another three months. But so far as regards my
connection with it, I think I needn't explain that you've
been fooling me. The girl interrupted, a faint smile at
the corners of her lips. Do you know sometimes I
suspected that you weren't in earnest, and then one day
I saw your wife and I wasn't sure. Good morning,
(35:36):
mister Bundercombe said severely. Come along, Paul. End of chapter fourteen.
Recording by Kirsten Webber
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