Page:Vance--The rass bowl.djvu/377

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

RECESSIONAL

"Poor, poor old chap!" he said brokenly. "How in Heaven——"

But at Bannerman's look the words died on his lips. The lawyer moved restlessly. "Don't pity me," he said in a low tone. "This is what I might have … expected, I suppose … man of Anisty's stamp … desperate character … it's all right, Dan, my just due. …"

"I don't understand, of course," faltered Maitland.

Bannerman lay still a moment, then continued: "I know you don't. That's why I sent for you. … 'Member that night at the Primordial? When the deuce was it? I … can't think straight long at a time. … That night I dined with you and touched you up about the jewels? We had a bully salad, you know, and I spoke about the Graeme affair. …"

"Yes, yes."

"Well … I've been up to that game for years. I'd find out where the plunder was, and

355