Читать книгу A King by Night онлайн

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"I know nothing about this infernal scoundrel!" said Marcus violently. "All I know is that I, a respectable merchant, a free-man of the City, a man whose name stands as high as anybody's in London, have been the victim of a gross police outrage, and you shall hear more of this, inspector!"

Timms let him rave on, and when he had finished:

"I'm not taking you, Goldy," he said. "That is a pleasure in store. Coming my way?"

"I'd rather stop and talk with real gentlemen," said Mr. Locks gently.

The door of the outer office had closed on the detective when Fleet turned furiously upon his visitor.

"You swine!" he hissed. "You ought to have known they were 'tailing you up,' an old lag like you! To bring them straight to my office, you dog!"

"I have been so often likened to domestic animals," said Locks wearily, "that nothing you say hurts my feelings. I'll take that five thousand if you don't mind."

Without asking permission, he pulled the drawer open, gathered the bills together and stuffed them in his pocket.