Edgar Wallace

“ Reeder pointed to the lowest rung, and, stooping, gripped the leg of the detective and, displaying an unsuspected strength, lifted him bodily so that he was able to grip the lower rung.
"Fix your belt to the rod, hold fast to the nearest rung, and I will climb up over you," said Mr. Reeder.
Never an acrobat moved with greater nimbleness than this man who so loved to pose as an ancient. There was need for hurry. The very iron to which he was clinging trembled and vibrated in his grasp. The fall of stone down the well was continuous and constituted a very real danger. ”

“ Mr. Reeder seized the lamp from the table and went out into the tunnel. He had hardly passed the door before there was a crash, and the infernal noises which had come from the cave were suddenly muffled. He looked backward, but could see nothing. He guessed what had happened.
"There is a general subsidence going on in this mass of earth," he said. "We shall be lucky if we get away."
He ran ahead to the opening of the well, and a glad sight met his eyes. On the floor lay a coil of new rope, to which was attached a body belt. ”

“ Reeder stooped down and drew the girl to her feet.
"Take this lady with you," he said, and, to Olga: "I will get your box, and I may not—I am not quite sure—ask you to open it for me."
He waited till the officer had gone, and added:
"Just now I am feeling rather—tender toward young lovers. That is a concession which an old lover may make to youth."
His voice had grown husky. There was something in his face that brought the tears to her eyes.
"Was it ... not Margaret Belman?" she asked in a hushed voice, and she knew before he answered that she had guessed well. ”