Yours faithfully,
Henry Jacobs, Secretary.
Lieut.-Col. Sandstream,
272, Piccadilly, W.
To Pringle this businesslike communication hardly seemed to deserve so much consideration as Colonel Sandstream had given it, but having read and pondered it over afresh, he walked back to his chambers in Furnival’s Inn.
He lived at No. 33, on the left as you enter from Holborn, and anyone who, scaling the stone stairs, reached the second floor, might observe on the entrance to the front set of chambers the legend, “Mr. Romney Pringle, Literary Agent.” According to high authority, the reason of being of the literary agent is to act as a buffer between the ravening publisher and his prey. But although a very fine oak bureau with capacious pigeon-holes stood conspicuously in Pringle’s sitting-room, it was tenanted by no rolls of MS, or type-written sheets. Indeed, little or no business appeared to be transacted in the chambers. The buffer was at present idle, if it could be said to have ever worked! It was “resting” to use the theatrical expression.
Mr. Pringle was an early riser, and as nine o’clock chimed the next morning from the brass lantern-clock which ticked sedately on a mantel unencumbered by the usual litter of a bachelor’s quarters, he had already spent some time in consideration of last night’s incident, and a further study of the letter had only served thoroughly to arouse his curiosity, and decided him to investigate the affair of the mysterious “Rejuvenator.” Unlocking a cupboard in the bottom of the bureau, he disclosed a regiment of bottles and jars. Sprinkling a few drops from one on to a hare’s-foot, he succeeded, with a little friction, in entirely removing the port-wine mark from his cheek. Then from another phial he saturated a sponge and rubbed it into his eyebrows, which turned in the process from their original yellow to a jetty black. From a box of several, he selected a waxed moustache (that most facile article of disguise), and having attached it with a few drops of spirit-gum, covered his scalp with a black wig, which, as is commonly the case, remained an aggressive fraud in spite of the most assiduous adjustment. Satisfied with the completeness of his disguise, he sallied out in search of the offices of the “Assyrian Rejuvenator,” affecting a military bearing which his slim but tall and straight-backed figure readily enabled him to assume.
“My name is Parkins—Major Parkins,” said Pringle, as he opened the door of a mean-looking room on the second floor of No. 82, Barbican. He addressed an oleaginous-looking gentleman, whose curly locks and beard suggested the winged bulls of Nineveh, and who appeared to be the sole representative of the concern. The latter bowed politely, and handed him a chair.
“I have been asked,” Pringle continued, “by a friend who saw your advertisement to call upon you for some further information.”
Now the subject of rejuvenation being a delicate one, especially where ladies are concerned, the business of the company was mainly transacted through the post. So seldom, indeed, did a client desire a personal interview, that the Assyrian-looking gentleman jumped to the conclusion that his visitor was interested in quite another matter.
“Ah yes! You refer to “Pelosia”,” he said briskly. “Allow me to read you an extract from the prospectus.”
And before Pringle could reply he proceeded to read from a small leaflet with unctuous elocution:
“Pelosia. The sovereign remedy of Mud has long been used with the greatest success in the celebrated baths of Schwalbach and Franzensbad. The proprietors of Pelosia having noted the beneficial effect which many of the lower animals derive from the consumption of earth with their food, have been led to investigate the internal uses of mud. The success which has crowned the treatment of some of the longest-standing cases of dyspepsia (the disease so characteristic of this neurotic age), has induced them to admit the world at large to its benefits. To thoroughly safeguard the public, the proprietors have secured the sole right to the alluvial deposits of a stream remote from human habitation, and consequently above any suspicion of contamination. Careful analysis has shown that the deposit in this particular locality, consisting of finely divided mineral particles, practically free from organic admixture, is calculated to give the most gratifying results. The proprietors are prepared to quote special terms for public institutions.”
“Many thanks,” said Pringle, as the other momentarily paused for breath; “but I think you are under a slight misapprehension. I called on you with reference to the ‘Assyrian Rejuvenator.’ Have I mistaken the offices?”
“Pray excuse my absurd mistake! I am secretary of the ‘Assyrian Rejuvenator Company,’ who are also the proprietors of ’Pelosia’.” And in evident concern he regarded Pringle fixedly.
It was not the first time he had known a diffident person to assume an interest in the senility of an absent friend, and he mentally decided that Pringle’s waxed moustache, its blue-blackness speaking loudly of hair-dye, together with the unmistakable wig, were evidence of the decrepitude for which his new customer presumably sought the Company’s assistance.
“Ours, my dear sir,” he resumed, leaning back in his chair, and placing the tips of his fingers in apposition—“Ours is a world-renowned specific for removing the ravages which time effects in the human frame. It is a secret which has been handed down for many generations in the family of the original proprietor. Its success is frequently remarkable, and its absolute failure is impossible. It is not a drug, it is not a cosmetic, yet it contains the properties of both. It is agreeable and soothing to use, and being best administered during the hours of sleep does not interfere with the ordinary avocations of every-day life. The price is so moderate—ten and sixpence, including the Government stamp—that it could only prove remunerative with an enormous sale. If you—ah, on behalf of your friend!—would care to purchase a bottle, I shall be most happy to explain its operation.”
Mr. Pringle laid a half sovereign and a sixpence on the table, and the secretary, diving into a large packing-case which stood on one side, extracted a parcel. This contained a cardboard box adorned with a representation of Blake’s preposterous illustration to “The Grave,” in which a centenarian on crutches is hobbling into a species of banker’s strongroom with a rocky top, whereon is seated a youth clothed in nothing, and with an ecstatic expression.
“This,” said Mr. Jacobs impressively, “is the entire apparatus!” And he opened the box, displaying a moderate-sized phial and a spirit-lamp with a little tin dish attached. “On retiring to rest, a teaspoonful of the contents of the bottle is poured into the receptacle above the lamp, which is then lighted, and the preparation being vaporized is inhaled by the patient. It is best to concentrate the thoughts on some object of beauty whilst the delicious aroma sooths the patient to sleep.”
“But how does it act?” inquired the Major a trifle impatiently.
“In this way,” replied the imperturbable secretary. “Remember that the appearance of age is largely due to wrinkles; that is to say, to the skin losing its elasticity and fulness—so true is it that beauty is only skin-deep.” Here he laughed gaily. “The joints grow stiff from loss of their natural tone, the figure stoops, and the vital organs decline their functions from the same cause. In a word, old age is due to a loss of elasticity, and that is the very property which the “Rejuvenator” imparts to the system, if inhaled for a few hours daily.”
Mr. Pringle diplomatically succeeded in maintaining his gravity while the merits of the “Rejuvenator” were expounded, and it was not until he had bidden Mr. Jacobs a courteous farewell, and was safely outside the office, that he allowed the fastening of his moustache to be disturbed by an expansive grin.
About nine o’clock the same evening the housekeeper of the Barbican offices was returning from market, her thoughts centred on the savoury piece of fried fish she was carrying home for supper.
“Mrs. Smith?” said a man’s voice behind her, as she produced her latch-key.
“My name’s ’Odges,” she
replied unguardedly, dropping the key in her agitation.
“You’re the housekeeper, aren’t you?” said the stranger, picking up the key and handing it to her politely.
“Lor’, sir! You did give me a turn,” she faltered.
“Very sorry, I’m sure. I only want to know where I can find Mr. Jacobs, of the “Assyrian Rejuvenator Company”.”
“Well, sir, he told me I wasn’t to give his address to anyone. Not that I know it either, sir, for I always send the letters to Mr. Weeks.”
“I’ll see you’re not found fault with. I know he won’t mind your telling me.” A sovereign clinked against the latch-key in her palm.
For a second she hesitated, then her eye caught the glint of the gold, and she fell.
“All I know, sir, is that when Mr. Jacobs is away I send the letters—and a rare lot there are—to Mr. Newton Weeks, at the Northumberland Avenue Hotel.”
“Is he one of the firm?”
“I don’t know, sir, but there’s no one comes here but Mr. Jacobs.”
“Thank you very much, and good night,” said the stranger; and he strode down Barbican, leaving Mrs. Hodges staring at the coin in her hand as if doubting whether, like fairy gold, it might not disappear even as she gazed.
The next day Mr. Jacobs received a letter at his hotel:
April 7th
Sir—
My friend Col. Sandstream informs me he has communicated with the police, and has sworn an information against you in respect of the moneys you have obtained from him, as he alleges, by false pretences. Although I am convinced that his statements are true, a fact which I can more readily grasp after my interview with you today, I give you this warning in order that you may make your escape before it is too late. Do not misunderstand my motives; I have not the slightest desire to save you from the punishment you so richly deserve. I am simply anxious to rescue my old friend from the ridiculous position he will occupy before the world should he prosecute you.
Your obedient servant,
Joseph Parkins, Major.
Newton Weeks, Esq.,
Northumberland Avenue Hotel.
Mr. Jacobs read this declaration of war with very mixed feelings.
So his visitor of yesterday was the friend of Colonel Sandstream! Obviously come to get up evidence against him. Knowing old dog, that Sandstream! But then how had they run him to earth? That looked as if the police had got their fingers in the pie. Mrs. Hodges was discreet. She would never have given the address to any but the police. It was annoying, though, after all his precautions; seemed as if the game was really up at last. Well, it was bound to come some day, and he had been in tighter places before. He could hardly complain; the “Rejuvenator” had been going very well lately. But suppose the whole thing was a plant—a dodge to intimidate him?
He read the letter through again. The writer had been careful to omit his address, but it seemed plausible enough on the face of it. Anyhow, whatever the major’s real motive might be, he couldn’t afford to neglect the warning, and the one clear thing was that London was an unhealthy place for him just at present. He would pack up, so as to be ready for all emergencies, and drive round to Barbican and reconnoitre. Then, if things looked fishy, he could go to Cannon Street and catch the 11.5 Continental. He’d show them that Harry Jacobs wasn’t the man to be bluffed out of his claim!
Mr. Jacobs stopped his cab some doors from the “Rejuvenator” office, and was in the act of alighting when he paused, spellbound at the apparition of Pringle. The latter was loitering outside No. 82, and as the cab drew up he ostentatiously consulted a large pocket-book, and glanced several times from its pages to the countenance of his victim as if comparing a description. Attired in a long overcoat, a bowler hat, and wearing thick boots of a constabulary pattern to the nervous imagination of Mr. Jacobs, he afforded startling evidence of the police interest in the establishment; and this idea was confirmed when Pringle, as if satisfied with his scrutiny, drew a paper from the pocket-book and made a movement in his direction. Without waiting for further developments, Mr. Jacobs retreated into the cab and hoarsely whispered through the trap-door, “Cannon Street as hard as you can go!”
The cabman wrenched the horse’s head round. He had been an interested spectator of the scene, and sympathised with the evident desire of his fare to escape what appeared to be the long arm of the law. At this moment a “crawling” hansom came up, and was promptly hailed by Pringle.
“Follow that cab and don’t lose it on any account!” he cried, as he stood on the step and pointed vigorously after the receding hansom.
While Mr. Jacobs careered down Barbican, his cabman looked back in time to observe this expressive pantomime, and with the instinct of a true sportsman lashed the unfortunate brute into a hand-gallop. But the observant eye of a policeman checked this moderate exhibition of speed just as they were rounding the sharp corner into Aldersgate Street, and had not a lumbering railway van intervened Pringle would have caught him up and brought the farce to an awkward finish. But the van saved the situation. The moment’s respite was all that the chase needed, and in response to the promises of largesse, frantically roared by Mr. Jacobs through the trap-door, he was soon bounding and bumping over the wood pavement with Pringle well in the rear.
Then ensued a mad stampede down Aldersgate Street.
In and out, between the crowded files of vans and buses, the two cabs wound a zig-zag course; the horses slipping and skating over the greasy surface, or ploughing up the mud as their bits skidded them within inches of a collision. In vain did policemen roar to them to stop—the order fell on heedless ears. In vain did officious boys wave intimidating arms, or make futile grabs at the harness of the apparent runaways. Did a cart dart unexpectedly from out a side street, the inevitable disaster failed to come off. Did an obstacle loom dead ahead of them, it melted into thin air as they approached. Triumphantly they piloted the narrowest of straits, and dashed unscathed into St. Martin’s-le-Grand.
There was a block in Newgate Street, and the cross traffic was stopped. Mr. Jacobs’ hansom nipped through a temporary gap, grazing the pole of an omnibus, and being lustily anathematised in the process. But Pringle’s cabman, attempting to follow, was imperiously waved back by a policeman.
“No go, I’m afraid, sir!” was the man’s comment, as they crossed into St. Paul’s Churchyard after a three minutes’ wait. “I can’t see him nowhere.”
“Never mind,” said Pringle cheerfully. “Go to Charing Cross telegraph office.”
There he sent the following message:
TO MRS. HODGES, 82, BARBICAN. CALLED AWAY TO COUNTRY. MR. WEEKS WILL TAKE CHARGE OF OFFICE—JACOBS.
About two the same afternoon, Pringle, wearing the wig and moustache of Major Parkins, rang the housekeeper’s bell at 82.
“I’m Mr. Weeks,” he stated, as Mrs. Hodges emerged from the bowels of the earth. “Mr. Jacobs has had to leave town, and has asked me to take charge of the office.”
“Oh yes, sir! I’ve had a telegram from Mr. Jacobs to say so. You know the way up, I suppose.”
“I think so. But Mr. Jacobs forgot to send me the office key.”
“I’d better lend you mine, then, sir, till you can hear from Mr. Jacobs.” She fumbled in her voluminous pocket. “I hope nothing’s the matter with him?”
“Oh dear no! He found he needed a short holiday, that’s all,” Pringle reassured her, and taking the key from the confiding woman he climbed to the second floor.
Sitting down at the secretarial desk, he sent a quick glance round the office. A poor creature, that Jacobs, he reflected, for all his rascality, or he wouldn’t have been scared so easily. And he drew a piece of wax from his pocket and took a careful impression of the key.
He had not been in possession of the “Rejuvenator” offices for very long before he discovered that Mr. Jacobs’ desire to break out in a fresh p
lace had proved abortive. It will be remembered that on the occasion of his interview with that gentleman, Mr. Jacobs assumed that Pringle’s visit had reference to “Pelosia,” whose virtues he extolled in a leaflet composed in his own very pronounced style. A large package in the office Pringle found to contain many thousands of these effusions, which had apparently been laid aside for some considerable time. From the absence in the daily correspondence of any inquiries thereafter, it was clear that the public had failed to realize the advantages of the internal administration of mud, so that Mr. Jacobs had been forced to stick to the swindle that was already in existence. After all, the latter was a paying concern—eminently so! Besides, the patent-medicine trade is rather overdone.
The price of the “Assyrian Rejuvenator” was such as to render the early cashing of remittances an easy matter. Ten-and-sixpence being a sum for which the average banker demurs to honour a cheque, the payments were usually made in postal orders; and Pringle acquired a larger faith in Carlyle’s opinion of the majority of his fellow-creatures as he cashed the previous day’s takings at the General Post Office on his way up to Barbican each morning. The business was indeed a flourishing one, and his satisfaction was only alloyed by the probability of some legal interference, at the instance of Colonel Sandstream, with the further operations of the Company. But for the present Fortune smiled, and Pringle continued energetically to despatch parcels of the “Rejuvenator” in response to the daily shower of postal orders. In this indeed he had little trouble, for he had found many gross of parcels duly packed and ready for posting.
The Victorian Villains Megapack Page 17