Of course, I can supplement it a bit. The
book is a very valuable one--you see," he went on, with a careless wave of
his hand towards his book-shelves. "I'm something of a collector of rare
books. I bought this particular book yesterday afternoon, at a well-known
dealer's in High Holborn. Soon after buying it, I got into a Cricklewood
omnibus, which I left at Chapel Street--at the corner of Praed Street, as
a matter of fact: I wished to make a call at the Great Western Hotel. It
was not till I made that call that I found I'd left the book in the 'bus--
I was thinking hard about a business matter--I'd placed the book in a
corner behind me--and, of course, I'd forgotten it, valuable though it is.
And so, later on, after telephoning to the omnibus people, who'd heard
nothing, I sent that advertisement round to all the morning papers. I'm
very glad to hear of it--and I shall be pleased to reward you," he
concluded, turning to Melky. "Handsomely!--as I promised."
But Melky made no sign of gratitude or pleasure. He was eyeing the rich
man before him in inquisitive fashion.
"Mister!" he said suddenly. "I'd like to ask you a question.
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