Edgar Wallace

“ Now, Welland, are you going to be sensible?”
“Have you said all you wanted to say?” asked Welland steadily. “Because, if you have, you can go. I say I am glad I have seen you. It has revived whatever hopes and ambitions were fading from my heart. I have gone through hell fer you, Cæsar Valentine. I have suffered beyond your understanding in order that one day—one day ——” he nodded, and, despite his calm and self-possession, Cæsar felt a cold chill creeping down his spine. He was angry at the thought that any man should bring that thrill of fear to his heart. ”

“ Cæsar released his grip and crept out of the room as Welland struggled to a chair, voiceless, half senseless, and incapable of further movement. The big man stepped back into the room and blew out the lamp ”

“ There was nobody to greet him, but a tiny fire burned in the kitchen, and somebody had laid a plate and a cup and saucer. He put the kettle on and climbed a steep little flight of stairs which led to a neat bedroom, changing his clothes for others, which he took from a hanging cupboard. ”