Wilkie Collins

The Fallen Leaves Wilkie Collins

Book Excerpt: ... Satisfied so far, old Ronald condescended to approach the speculative side of the subject, with the assistance of his subordinate. "If what you said just now means anything," he resumed, "it means that you suspect the reason why Farnaby has left my service. Let's hear it.""You know that I never liked John Farnaby," the clerk began. "An active young fellow and a clever young fellow, I grant you. But a bad servant for all that. False, Mr. Ronald--false to the marrow of his bones."Mr. Ronald's patience began to give way. "Come to the facts," he growled. Why has Farnaby gone off without a word to anybody? Do you know that?""I know no more than you do," the clerk answered coolly. "Don't fly into a passion. I have got some facts for you, if you will only give me time. Turn them over in your own mind, and see what they come to. Three days ago I was short of postage-stamps, and I went to the office...