Edgar Wallace

Name: The Law of the Four Just Men — The Man Who Hated Earthworms
Author: Edgar Wallace

The Law of the Four Just Men — The Man Who Hated Earthworms (1921)

Summary

“The Law of the Four Just Men — The Man Who Hated Earthworms”, published in 1921, is a work by Edgar Wallace. It explores elements such as Manfred, Gonsalez and earthworm.

Quotes from The Law of the Four Just Men — The Man Who Hated Earthworms (Edgar Wallace)

Edgar Wallace, The Law of the Four Just Men — The Man Who Hated Earthworms (1921)

“ It was apparently a box full of common garden mould and then Leon saw to his amazement a wriggling little red shape twisting and twining in its acute discomfort. The little red fellow sought to hide himself and burrowed sinuously into the mould.
"Curse you! Curse you!" The doctor's voice rose until it was a howl. His face was twisted and puckered in his mad rage. "How I hate you!"
If ever a man's eyes held hate and terror, they were the eyes of Dr. Felix Viglow.
Manfred drew a long breath and stepped back a pace the better to observe him. Then the man calmed himself and peered down at Leon. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Edgar Wallace, The Law of the Four Just Men — The Man Who Hated Earthworms (1921)

“ They paced the lawn in silence for a while and then:
"Was it necessary?" asked Manfred.
"Very necessary," said Leon gravely. "You have to realise first of all that although this man was mad, he had discovered not only a poison but an infection."
"But, my dear fellow," smiled Manfred, "was an earthworm worth it?"
"Worth more than his death," said Leon. "There isn't a scientist in the world who does not agree that if the earthworm was destroyed the world would become sterile and the people of this world would be starving in seven years." ”

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Source: Wikisource

Edgar Wallace, The Law of the Four Just Men — The Man Who Hated Earthworms (1921)

“ Viglow, eminent naturalist and scientist, should have regarded this beneficent little fellow.
"I have a theory," said the doctor. He was calmer now and was wiping the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief, "that in cycles every type of living thing on the earth becomes in turn the dominant creature. In a million years' time man may dwindle to the size of an ant and the earthworm, by its super-intelligence, its cunning and its ferocity, may be pre-eminent in the world! I have always thought that," he went on when neither Leon nor Manfred offered any comment. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Edgar Wallace, The Law of the Four Just Men — The Man Who Hated Earthworms (1921)

“ The only person at the table who had not been perturbed by Viglow's outburst had been the dumpy complacent lady on Manfred's right. She had tittered audibly at the reference to her allowance, and when the hum of conversation became general she lowered her voice and leant toward Manfred.
"Dear Felix is so eccentric," she said, "but he is quite the nicest, kindest soul. One must look after one's girls, don't you agree, señor?"
She asked this latter question in very bad Spanish and Manfred nodded. He shot a glance at the girl. She was still deathly pale. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Edgar Wallace, The Law of the Four Just Men — The Man Who Hated Earthworms (1921)

“ Gonsalez had heard of this peculiarity and approached the cottage with some caution, for a frightened man is more dangerous than a wicked man. He rapped at the door and heard a step across the flagged floor. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Edgar Wallace, The Law of the Four Just Men — The Man Who Hated Earthworms (1921)

“ Manfred came back the next morning from his walk and found Gonsalez pacing the lawn, smoking an extra long cigar.
"My dear Leon," said Manfred as he slipped his arm in the other's. "You did not tell me."
"I thought it best to wait," said Leon.
"I heard quite by accident," Manfred went on. "The story is that a burglar broke into the cottage and shot the doctor when he was telephoning for assistance. All the silverware in the outer room has been stolen. The doctor's watch and pocket-book have disappeared." ”

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Source: Wikisource

Edgar Wallace, The Law of the Four Just Men — The Man Who Hated Earthworms (1921)

“ One hears so much about the modern girl."
"Human nature isn't modern," said Gonsalez briskly, "and most mothers are fools where their daughters are concerned. I know you won't agree but I speak with authority. Mantegazza collected statistics of 843 families——"
Manfred chuckled.
"You and your Mantegazza!" he laughed. "Did that infernal man know everything?"
"Almost everything," said Leon. "As to the girl," he became suddenly grave. "She will not marry him of course."
"What is the matter with him?" asked Manfred. "He seems to have an ungovernable temper." ”

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Source: Wikisource

Edgar Wallace, The Law of the Four Just Men — The Man Who Hated Earthworms (1921)

“ Every minute after he has announced a discovery he is tortured with the fear that he has forgotten something, some essential, or has reached a too hasty conclusion. But I think I'm right," he said, speaking half to himself. ”

Edgar Wallace

Summary

Quotes from The Law of the Four Just Men — The Man Who Hated Earthworms (Edgar Wallace)

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