Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 6,432 pages of information about Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works.

Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 6,432 pages of information about Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works.

Keith. [With a shrug] What made you choose that archway?

Larry.  It was the first dark place.

Keith.  Did his face look as if he’d been strangled?

Larry.  Don’t!

Keith.  Did it?

     [Larry bows his head.]

Very disfigured?

Larry.  Yes.

Keith.  Did you look to see if his clothes were marked?

Larry.  No.

Keith.  Why not?

Larry. [In an outburst] I’m not made of iron, like you.  Why not? 
If you had done it——!

Keith. [Holding up his hand] You say he was disfigured.  Would he be recognisable?

Larry. [Wearily] I don’t know.

Keith.  When she lived with him last—­where was that?

Larry.  In Pimlico, I think.

Keith.  Not Soho?

     [Larry shakes his head.]

How long has she been at this Soho place?

Larry.  Nearly a year.

Keith.  Living this life?

Larry.  Till she met me.

Keith.  Till, she met you?  And you believe——?

Larry. [Starting up] Keith!

Keith. [Again raising his hand] Always in the same rooms?

Larry. [Subsiding] Yes.

Keith.  What was he?  A professional bully?

     [Larry nods.]

Spending most of his time abroad, I suppose.

Larry.  I think so.

Keith.  Can you say if he was known to the police?

Larry.  I’ve never heard.

     Keith turns away and walks up and down; then, stopping at
     LARRY’s chair, he speaks.

Keith.  Now listen, Larry.  When you leave here, go straight home, and stay there till I give you leave to go out again.  Promise.

Larry.  I promise.

Keith.  Is your promise worth anything?

Larry. [With one of his flashes] “Unstable as water, he shall not excel!”

Keith.  Exactly.  But if I’m to help you, you must do as I say. 
I must have time to think this out.  Have you got money?

Larry.  Very little.

Keith. [Grimly] Half-quarter day—­yes, your quarter’s always spent by then.  If you’re to get away—­never mind, I can manage the money.

Larry. [Humbly] You’re very good, Keith; you’ve always been very good to me—­I don’t know why.

Keith. [Sardonically] Privilege of A brother.  As it happens, I’m thinking of myself and our family.  You can’t indulge yourself in killing without bringing ruin.  My God!  I suppose you realise that you’ve made me an accessory after the fact—­me, King’s counsel—­sworn to the service of the Law, who, in a year or two, will have the trying of cases like yours!  By heaven, Larry, you’ve surpassed yourself!

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Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.