Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1883-11-15
service, also. Mr.. Markby," he added,

service, also. Mr.. Markby," he added,
pleasantly.
"Well, my Lord, 1 don't mind own
ing. between you and me, that owe
the Annerlys a grudge," acquiesced
Sam, rather unwillingly. ''But the in
formation have given your Lordship
is true, nevertheless, and l thought you
might be glad to know it,
"Iam, Mr.. Markby The more I reflect
the more obvious my duty appears to
be. AS for the Annerlys. it is like their
Internal impudence," said Lord Alger-
non, gravely, though Sam fancied he
detected grin about the corners of his
mouth. However, you may safely
leave the matter in my hands. By the
by, Markby," added his Lordship. in an
off-hand tone, "oddly enough l was
coming to see you. Just look at that
picture on the sofa there. I'm told it's
worth $500"
"Your Lordship mustn't believe all
you are told" said Sam, recognizing
the work of art referred to as an old
acquaintance. Il suppose you took
it instead of cash?'
II had to. That little thief Isaacs
insisted. Of course. it isn't worth half
what he says" laughed Lord Algernon,
good-humoredly. "Tll tell you what
though, Markby. you Shall have it for
f2OO.
Sam was not unprepared for some
thing of this kind. He had brought his
check-book with him, knowing that
Lord Algernon never rendered a service
without some equivalent. He raised a
faint protest, but ultimately yielded
with good grace. The picture was in
trinsically almost valueless; but he did
not object to pay for the luxury of re-
venge, and he perceived that Lord AL
gernOn needed some incentive. He
therefore wrote check, and arranged
to send for the picture-Lord Algernon
volunteering to look in in the course of
day or two, and let him know the re-
suit of his mission.
His Lordship was better than his
word, for the very next afternoon he
strollcd into Sans shop and accosted
him in his sanctum.
81 lost no time, you see. It was an
exceedingly unpleasant business" he
said, mysterious y. "My brother was
a good deal cut up for the youngsters
sake; but the marriage is off. Reavely,
l hear, is awfully indignant with old
Annerly. The fact is, 1 think Annerly
behaved mighty deceitfully, and SO do
other people, as he will find out. ]
shouldn't wonder if the Annerlys were
cold-shouldered next season."
"Oh! 1t is known already?" said
Sam, highly delighted.
"WeIl, it is known in quiet way.
I've mentioned it to several mutual
friends, with my brothers consent. In
fact, in self-defense, we are bound to
to publish the reason for Reavely back
ing out"
Naturally. Then, l suppose it is nc
longer secret" said Sam, exultantly.
about the engagement being broken
off? Not the least. AS regards the
other thing, we don't want it to get into
the papers for our own sakes. But the
Annerlys will soon find people know
about it,
Sam felt strongly tempted when Lord
Algernon had departed to write letter
Of mock coincidence to Miss Annerlv,
but he had sufficient sense of decency tc
refrain. His satisfaction was complete
when he heard the Annerlys had sud-
denly left town, and he considered he
had effectually revenged himself. 1t
never crossed his mind that Lord Alger-
non had played him false, and consc.
quently the announcement which ap-
peared in the papers shortly afterward
of the marriage of Lord Reavely and
Miss Amy Annerly came upon him like
thunder clap. The ceremony had
taken place down in the country, and
among the guests present at the we'd
ding Lord Algernon Todd's name was
conspicuous. Before he could realize
the meaning of his lordship's conduct,
he received the following note from Mr..
Montagu, which clearly explained the
situation:
DEAR SAM: If you know where to lay your
hand on any of Lord Algy Todd's paper, buy il
Immediately, either on your own account or
on Wine. hear on the best authority that
Mr.. Annerly, whose daughter was married the
other day. is going to pay his debts. Between
Won and me, fancy Lord Algy must have got
hold Of that scandal about Mrs. A. and done
good stroke of business.