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J. M. DENT & SONS LTD.
PARIS: J. M. DENT ET. FILS
First Edition | February 1915 |
Reprinted | April 1915; August 1919 |
To
Mr. and Mrs. RALPH WEDGWOOD
this sheaf ofcare-free ante-bellum pages
in gratitude for their charminghospitality
in the last month of peace
Contents
| page |
The Planter of Malata | |
The Partner | |
The Inn of the Two Witches | |
Because of the Dollars |
p.3THE PLANTER OF MALATA
CHAPTER I
In the private editorial office of the principal newspaper ina great colonial city two men were talking. They were bothyoung. The stouter of the two, fair, and with more of anurban look about him, was the editor and part-owner of theimportant newspaper.
The other’s name was Renouard. That he wasexercised in his mind about something was evident on his finebronzed face. He was a lean, lounging, active man. The journalist continued the conversation.
“And so you were dining yesterday at oldDunster’s.”
He used the word old not in the endearing sense in which it issometimes applied to intimates, but as a matter of soberfact. The Dunster in question was old. He had been aneminent colonial statesman, but had now retired from activepolitics after a tour in Europe and a lengthy stay in England,during which he had had a very good press indeed. Thecolony was proud of him.
“Yes. I dined there,” said Renouard. “Young Dunster asked me just as I was going out of hisoffice. It seemed to be like a sudden thought. Andyet I can’t help suspecting some purpose behind it. He was very pressing. He swore that his uncle would be verypleased to see me. Said his uncle had mentioned lately thatthe granting to me of the Malata concession was the last act ofhis official life.”
“Very touching. The old boy sentimentalises overthe past now and