'This was in the waste bin too. I pity his poor wife putting up
with a swine like him!'

'Top stuff!' beamed Pike, who was still limping slightly from the
kicks, although seemingly in high spirits in spite of it. He
smoothed out the pages on his desk while his bright eyes almost
caressed the numbers before him. 'Oh dear Lucky boy, have I got
news for you............and it's all BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD!' The
unexpected knock at the door made both the would be conspirators
exchange sharp glances of alarm before grabbing up the contraband
paperwork and hastily stuffing in back into the envelope. Edging
the door ajar they were flabbergasted to behold Mr George Hayduke.
His raised eyebrow and unmistakable expression of spirited
amusement told them the game was up before they'd even started, but
his opening line put all fears to rest.

'Don't get mad..........Get Even!' ........and so saying he burst
out laughing at their gaping wide eyed expressions. While to Dutton
the broad chested American was a total stranger, Pike recognised
him at once and knew him to be the celebrated author of that very
same book which ranked the man as the world's foremost authority on
the art of comeuppance. Entering the small apartment and gently
closing the door George explained he had witnessed the episode of
the afternoon assault, and had come to offer some playful
suggestions that might be worth five minutes of their time. In the
event the discussion lasted a good deal longer, but the boys took
copious notes and hastily scribbled addendum's to all that George
had to say. It was close to midnight when they heartily shook his
hand with profuse thanks, before he slipped away and was swallowed
up by the shadows. A sudden flash of an impish grin and he was
gone. Pike knew him to be a legend in his own lifetime. He wondered
briefly where and when he'd show up next, but dismissed the musing
as totally unrealisable.
Page 6

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