Page:Bentley- Trent's Last Case (Nelson, nd).djvu/27

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KNOCKING THE TOWN ENDWAYS.
19

something a little sinister when anger or intense occupation put its imprint about his eyes and brow; but when his generous nature was under no restraint he was the most cordial of men. He was managing director of the company which owned that most powerful morning paper, the Record, and also that most indispensable evening paper, the Sun, which had its offices on the other side of the street. He was, moreover, editor-in-chief of the Record, to which he had in the course of years attached the most variously capable personnel in the country. It was a maxim of his that where you could not get gifts, you must do the best you could with solid merit; and he employed a great deal of both. He was respected by his staff as few are respected in a profession not favourable to the growth of the sentiment of reverence.

'You're sure that's all?' asked Sir James, after a few minutes of earnest listening and questioning. 'And how long has this been known?... Yes, of course, the police are; but the servants? Surely it's all over the place down there by now .... Well, we'll have a try .... Look here, Bunner, I'm infinitely obliged to you about this. I owe you a good