You’re a thief just as another man is a stamp collector or a hunter.

“You seem to be fairly well known here,” said Jimmy.

“Yes,” replied Angel ruefully, “a jolly sight too well known. You’re not quite a stranger, Jimmy,” he added.

“No,” said the other a little bitterly; “but we’re on different sides of the House, Angel. You’re in the Cabinet, and I’m in the everlasting Opposition.”

“Muffled sobs!” said Angel flippantly. “Pity poor Ishmael who ‘ishes’ for his own pleasure! Pathos for a fallen brother! A silent tear for this magnificent wreck who’d rather be on the rocks than floating any day of the week. Don’t humbug yourself, Jimmy, or I shall be falling on your neck and appealing to your better nature. You’re a thief just as another man is a stamp collector or a hunter. It’s your blooming forte.

Edgar Wallace, Angel Esquire

As I said earlier this week, Edgar Wallace can be very funny while telling a crime mystery.

The Angel of Terror

This can't really match the description of the cover of the book that Freddy was reading. However, it is one of my favorite Edgar Wallace books. 

Here's another cover which is much closer to the description of Freddy's book. It also is a favorite of mine, which tells you something about my taste in light reading.