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Oppenheim, E. Phillips (Edward Phillips), 1866-1946

"A Millionaire of Yesterday"


I sometimes think, my brother, that you would do better to give me
even more of your confidence. You are a very clever man, but you
do keep yourself so secret. If I too were not clever, how would I
know to send you this news, how would I know that it will make you
glad? But there, you will go your way. I know it!
"Now for the news! Monty, as I cabled (I send the bill) has gone
secretly to London. Since Scarlett Trent found our Hausa friend
and the rum flask, there have been no means of getting liquor to
him, so I suppose he has very near regained his senses, anyhow he
shipped off very cunning, not even Missionary Walsh knowing, but
he made a very big mistake, the news of which I send to you knowing
it will be good. Hiram, he stole the money to pay for his passage
from the missionary's cash-box! All one day he stood under a tree
looking out to sea, and a steamer from Capetown called, and when he
heard the whistle and saw the surf boats he seemed to wake up. He
walked up and down restlessly for a long time, muttering to himself.
Mrs. Walsh came out to him and he was still staring at the steamer.
She told him to come in out of the sun, which was very hot, but he
shook his head. 'She's calling me,' he kept on saying, 'calling
me!' She heard him in the room where the money was and then saw no
more of him.


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