Edgar Wallace

“ Alan's heart sank.
"Oh, the fool, the imbecile!" he muttered, and as though his words were a reflection upon himself, Meister went on hastily:
"Any lawyer is an officer of the court: you know that, Wembury. If I know a man is about to commit a felony, whether he is a client or whether he isn't, it is my business to inform the police. I have queer people to deal with, but I must preserve my self-respect. I have invariably made it a practice, if any man has told me of an intended crime, to inform the police without delay."
"And to tell your clients that you have informed the police?" ”

“ Your brother isn't an old lag, but at the same time he's been unfortunate and he's had his lesson."
She nodded gravely.
"I wish you would have a little talk with Johnny, Alan? I think he would listen to you and give your words more value than he would give to mine."
"Pshaw!" Meister guffawed at the suggestion. "Don't be silly, my dear—the inspector has something better to do than run around after your brother. Bless my life! police officers aren't nursery governesses. I'll talk to Johnny."
"I will see him," said Alan, without any seeming notice of what the lawyer had said. ”

“ Meister unlocked a drawer of his desk, took out a small cash box and, throwing out a big wad of bank-notes, rummaged at the bottom and produced a key. Mr. Haggitt was more than an interested spectator: his eyes almost started from his head at the sight of so much real money.
"Haggitt!"
Mr. Haggitt blinked and brought himself to earth.
"Yes, sir?"
"Don't look at that money: it isn't good for you." ”