Edgar Wallace

“ Dumbfounded, John Watson listened, his sense of adventure piqued. "Certainly you may rely upon me," he said. "I am a bachelor and live alone—I usually come to Katterdown to spend Christmas—and I haven't even a servant in the house. I was born here and have a certain sentimental feeling towards the place. I am giving you confidence for confidence—my name is Watson, by the way."
"Thank you," said the other simply. "My name is James—Colonel Alfred James."
He walked towards the machine, and John heard him speak. "You may descend, Highness," he said. ”

“ The pilot, for such he seemed to be, came in, grimy of face and black of hands. "I've put it right," he said. "You can be ready to move as soon as you like. I have explored the field, and there's plenty of room to take her off."
"Go back to the machine and stand by," said the other sharply. And then, to John: "I am extremely obliged to you for your courtesy, and I'm glad we have not had to trespass longer on your hospitality. And may I add the thanks of the Princess to mine!"
"You may," said John.
James ran up the stairs and knocked at the bedroom door. "I am ready, Your Highness." ”

“ Quick as a cat, the man dodged the blow, and in another instant he had gripped the other in his powerful hands. J. B. wrenched his left arm free and struck twice at the man, but his padded coat softened the blows, and it was not until a lucky blow caught Colonel James under the jaw that he went floundering to the ground. There was the sound of voices outside. John took the key from his pocket and flung it at the foot of the terrified girl. ”

“ He turned to see the rubicund countenance and the blue coat of a policeman.
"Happy Christmas, Mr. Watson! You going out to Katterdown?"
"Why, yes, sergeant, as soon as I can get a cab."
"Likely you'll see my dog Mowser round about the village. He's a rare fellow for Katterdown; there's a dog there he's always fighting. Will you send him home with a flea in his ear? Give him a whack, and he'll go. Getting into bad habits, that dog. Comes home in the middle of the night and scratches the door till I let him in." ”

“ John shook his head. "No," he said, with a half smile, "we have nothing quite so modern at Katterdown Cottage, except a very modern bathroom leading from my room. May I show Your Highness the way?"
The tall man inclined his head gravely. "Will you go first, please?" he said.
Lighting a candle, John went up the narrow stairs, opened the door of his chamber, a cosy room with its old four-poster and its log fire smouldering in the grate. ”

“ The manager shook his head. "I don't know—'F. G.' her initials are." He frowned. "I never trouble about the names of people. Oh, yes, it's Frances, that's the name. I've often thought she's quite a good-looking girl."
"You've often thought that, have you?" said John scornfully.
The man was scarcely human, and yet he was loath to let him go, and searched around in his mind for some excuse for detaining him.
"Where do you go for Christmas, Mr. Gray?"
"Home," said the other, showing the first sign of animation. "The two days in the year I look forward to are Good Friday and Christmas Day. ”

“ With that he was gone, leaving John alone with the Colonel.
"Will you come into the sitting-room?" asked John.
"I think not," replied James. "You see, Mr. Watson, my responsibility is a great one. Certain things have happened in London which have reduced Her Highness to the verge of despair. She has enemies—personal enemies, you understand—who would not hesitate to take her life."
He pulled up his leather coat and from his pocket slipped out a long-barrelled Browning and snapped back the jacket. ”

“ A sleeping Mowser lifted his wiry head inquiringly as the two men came into the kitchen, and watched them with unconcern, till, realising that nothing in the shape of food was imminent, he tucked his head between his paws and went to sleep again. ”

“ At the foot of the stairs stood the little fat man, grotesquely huge in his leather coat, and as grotesquely ridiculous in his leather headgear.
"Her Highness is comfortable," said the bearded man. "You can go to work on the machine. ”