Edgar Wallace

“ If he had not been absurd, he would have been a poor man all his life. The eccentricities which unthinking people condemn in a mature and comfortable man are very often the forces which secured him that assured position.
"You have reckoned everything, I suppose?" he suggested hopefully.
"Everything—your furniture and household effects are put in at valuation," said the patient accountant.
Carfew rose and pushed the bell; he could be very determined in small as well as great matters. His man Villiers, a calm and gracious servitor, answered the call. ”

“ Carfew closed the door quietly behind him as he went out.
His blood was up. It was absurd that a man of his attainments should have the slightest difficulty in raising one and—in raising four shillings and eightpence ha'penny. ”

“ In all probability—the theory is offered for what it is worth—North-countrymen aren't any harder-headed than people who live in Balham.
Wilner would have passed on with a nod, but Carfew had an inspiration and stopped him.
"Give me five shillings," he demanded.
Wilner drew back a pace, then he grinned, and his hand wandered to his trousers pocket.
"Come out without money?" he said. "Shall I lend you a sovereign?"
"I don't want you to lend me anything," said Carfew firmly; "I want you to give me five shillings." ”