The Gem CollectorWodehouse, P. G. (Pelham Grenville)
General
The Gem Collector
Wodehouse, P. G. (Pelham Grenville)
Humorous stories; Jewel thieves -- Fiction
"You _are_ brooding over them. Spike, I'll tell you something which
will console you a little before you start out on your wanderings.
That necklace was paste."
"What's dat?"
"Nothing but paste. They weren't worth thirty dollars."
A light of understanding came into Spike's eyes. His face beamed with
the smile of one to whom dark matters are made clear.
"So _dat's_ why you wouldn't stand for gettin' away wit' dem!" he
exclaimed.
* * * * *
The last voyager had embarked. The deck was full to congestion.
"They'll be sending us ashore in a minute," said Jimmy. "I'd better be
moving. Let me know how you're making out, Spike, from time to time.
You know the address. And, I say. It's just possible you may find you
want a dollar or two, every now and then. When you're going to buy
another automobile, for instance. Well, you know where to write for
it, don't you?"
"T'anks, Mr. Chames. But dat'll be all right. I'm going to sit in at
another game dis time. Politics, Mr. Chames. A fr'en' of a mug what I
knows has got a pull. Me brother Dan is an _alderman_ wit' a grip on
de 'Levent' Ward," he went on softly. "He'll find me a job!"
"You'll be a boss before you know where you are."
"Sure!" said Spike, grinning modestly.
"You ought to be a thundering success in American politics," said
Jimmy. "You've got all the necessary qualities."
A steward passed.
"Any more for the shore?"
"Which shore?" asked Jimmy. "Well, Spike----"
"Good-by, Mr. Chames."
"Good-by," said Jimmy. "And good luck!"
* * * * *
Two tugs attached themselves excitedly to the liner's side. The great
ship began to move slowly from the shore. Jimmy stood at the water
side, and watched her. The rails were lined with gesticulating
figures. In the front row, Spike waved his hat with silent vigor.
The sun had gone behind the clouds. As the ship slid out on its way, a
stray beam pierced the grayness.
It shone on a red head.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account