Edgar Wallace

“ Chapelle?” he asked suddenly.
Palythorpe did not immediately reply. When he did, it was parabolically.
“Every man has some secret in his life which he doesn't want made public. The best and the greatest of them have that, Elmers. I haven't been in this game for years without knowing that the perfect man doesn't exist. Why, there are twenty people in London, men who hold big positions, whom I could ruin, if I took the risk! ”

“ Mr. Elmers had lain upon the grassy heath, immediately opposite to the priory and in full view, wondering in his thick way just how he could satisfy his employer's remarkable curiosity. He had been given a commission in regard to which he had consciously failed, and, indeed, recognizing its difficulty, had not attempted to execute. ”

“ Palythorpe. “Now don't interrupt me. I am giving you a good salary, and you're not earning it. You told me you'd get me into touch with the prime minister's friends.”
“So I can,” said Tom Elmers arrogantly. “I tell you all these scientific fellows know him. Why, I've spent days with Mr. Maggerson, correcting his proofs, and I know Mr. van Roon, and they're friends of Mr. Chapelle.” ”