Your paper makes a speciality of abusing all books not
written by some member of its own staff. That the author is a friend
of yours, I merely surmised. It is all a trivial example of ordinary
observation.'
'Really, Mr. Kombs, you are the most wonderful man on earth. You are
the equal of Gregory, by Jove, you are.'
A frown marred the brow of my friend as he placed his pipe on the
sideboard and drew his self-cocking six-shooter.
'Do you mean to insult me, sir?'
'I do not--I--I assure you. You are fit to take charge of Scotland
Yard tomorrow ----. I am in earnest, indeed I am, sir.'
'Then heaven help you,' cried Kombs, slowly raising his right arm.
I sprang between them.
'Don't shoot!' I cried. 'You will spoil the carpet. Besides, Sherlaw,
don't you see the man means well. He actually thinks it is a
compliment!'
'Perhaps you are right,' remarked the detective, flinging his revolver
carelessly beside his pipe, much to the relief of the third party.
Then, turning to the journalist, he said, with his customary bland
courtesy--
'You wanted to see me, I think you said. What can I do for you, Mr
Wilber Scribbings?'
The journalist started.
'How do you know my name?' he gasped.
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