Among the Humorists and After-Dinner Speakers (Volume 3); A New Collection of Humorous Stories and Anecdotes (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1909. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... THE ESCAPE OF WILKINS BY ARTHUR TRAIN " T ARTY to see you, sir, in the visitors' room. * Didn't have a card. Said you would know him, sir." Although Peter spoke in his customary deferential tones there was a queer look upon his face that did not escape McAllister as the latter glanced up from the afternoon paper which he had been perusing in the window. "H'm " remarked the clubman, gazing out at the rain falling in torrents. Who in thunder could be calling upon him a day like this, when there wasn't even a cab in sight and the policemen had sought sanctuary in convenient vestibules. It was evident that this "party" must want to see him very badly indeed. "What shall I say, sir?" continued Peter gently. McAllister glanced sharply at him. Of course it was absurd to suppose that Peter, or any one else, had heard of the extraordinary events at the Blairs' the night before; of the theft of the Benson pearls, the escape of the burglar in McAllister's coat and hat under the very nose of the best detective on the New York police, and the clubman's own part in the trans Copyrieht 1905 by Charles Scribner's Sons action, during which he had not only recovered the famous jewels but had also connived at the escape of the criminal--his old valet, Wilkins. No, Peter could know nothing of them, yet vaguely McAllister felt that this stranger must in some mysterious way be connected with the occurrences referred to. In any case there was no use trying to duck the consequences of the adventure, whatever they might prove to be. "I'll see him," said the clubman. Maybe it was another detective after additional information, or perhaps a reporter. Without hesitation he crossed the marble hall and parted the portieres of the visitors' room. Before him stood the rain-soaked, bedraggled...