BOOK 4
ILLUSTRATIONS
FROM DRAWINGS BY WILL OWEN
Mr Chase, with his friend in his powerful grasp, was doing his best |
FAIRY GOLD
"Come and have a pint and talk it over," said Mr. Augustus Teak. "I'vegot reasons in my 'ead that you don't dream of, Alf."
Mr. Chase grunted and stole a side-glance at the small figure of hiscompanion. "All brains, you are, Gussie," he remarked. "That's why itis you're so well off."
"Come and have a pint," repeated the other, and with surprising easepushed his bulky friend into the bar of the "Ship and Anchor." Mr.Chase, mellowed by a long draught, placed his mug on the counter andeyeing him kindly, said—
"I've been in my lodgings thirteen years."
"I know," said Mr. Teak; "but I've got a partikler reason for wantingyou. Our lodger, Mr. Dunn, left last week, and I only thought of youyesterday. I mentioned you to my missis, and she was quite pleased. Yousee, she knows I've known you for over twenty years, and she wants tomake sure of only 'aving honest people in the 'ouse. She has got areason for it."
He closed one eye and nodded with great significance at his friend.
"Oh!" said Mr. Chase, waiting.
"She's a rich woman," said Mr. Teak, pulling the other's ear down to hismouth. "She—"
"When you've done tickling me with your whiskers," said Mr. Chase,withdrawing his head and rubbing his ear vigorously, "I shall be glad."
Mr. Teak apologized. "A rich woman," he repeated. "She's been stintingme for twenty-nine years and saving the money—my money!—money that I'ave earned with the sweat of my brow. She 'as got over three 'undredpounds!"
"'Ow much?" demanded Mr. Chase.
"Three 'undred pounds and more," repeated the other; "and if she had 'adthe sense to put it in a bank it would ha' been over four 'undred by thistime. Instead o' that she keeps it hid in the 'Ouse."
"Where?" inquired the greatly interested Mr. Chase.
Mr. Teak shook his head. "That's just what I want to find out," heanswered. "She don't know I know it; and she mustn't know, either.That's important."
"How did you find out about it, then?" inquired his friend.
"My wife's sister's husband, Bert Adams, told me. His wife told 'im instrict confidence; and I might 'ave gone to my grave without knowingabout it, only she smacked his face for 'im the other night."
"If it's in the house you ought to be able to find it easy enough," saidMr. Chase.