The Mineral argus., 1884-08-14
A LONDON HOLIDAY.

SON0 4NONCDlOOA
night when the rain was coming down
in torrents. Pleasant or not, Joseph
Norton, Esq, only son of the Rev. J,
Norton, rector Of a place with an out
landish name in North Wales, was
staring up at the outside of the lodg-
ing-house not far from Covent garden
with the knowledge that, although he
had the latchkey in his pocket, and
was sober enough to properly insert
that latchkey, he was locked out. He
had been to n eff the theatres, and
had stopped on the way back to have a
bite of supper, and so was about five
minutes too late. His respectable land
lady always told her young gentlemen
that unless they gave notice beforehand
the house would be locked and bolted
mp at II. Joe Norton turned away
from the door, heartily wishing himself
at home In the quiet rectory, and think
ing it an unlucky day on which he re-
solved to spend a fortnight in London,
when he noticed a man just. opp osite
him, leaning against a lamp-post, with
his hands in his pockets.
"Halloa, sir, can't you get in?"
"No, 1 can't answered Joe; and what
is that to you?"
"Oh, nothing if you like, only 1 can
show you where to have a couple of
hours amusement, instead of walking
about in the wet. I'm a waiter sir, and
my time to begin work is about l o'clock,
so if You'll stand a drink for the address,
I'll take you straight there. You can't
get i'll without some one to introduce you,
unless the governor knows you, and I
guess he don't"
Joe was perfectly certain the governor
did not. The bargain was struck, and
very lucky Joe thought himself. At 1
sharp they entered a dull, respectable
looking street in which to all appearance
every house was closed and every in
habitant asleep. The ordinary kitchen
door was opened by a pretty maidser-
want; who silently admitted them and
opened the door of what appeared to
be a good-sized cupboard. Stepping
inside, Joe found himself in a brilliant
ly-lighted room with about eighteen
men, mostly in evening dress, playing
cards. He knew as much about gamb-
ling and cards as a bear knows about
dancing before it is taught. He noticed
all the various types of the genus gamb-
Ter, and ordered a cigar and a glass of
sherry, as he was evidently expected to
do something, and that was about the
least he could do to stop there at all, No,
thought he, they shall not tempt me to
try to play. So he watched. Present
~ the green baize door which formed
the cupboard on the other side was
opened and a nan came ina hagge I'd
looking man, tall and gentlemanly, but
with afearful look of despair on his face
as he walked across to where Joe was
standing.
"Haveyou been playing tonight, sir ?"
asked the stranger.
mo, l never play"
"Then don't begin tonight, lad.
"See that man there? He is the pro-
Just look at his face as he
handles the money. See how the gold
flashes through his fingers. Lookl"
Joe was heartily wishing himself out
side, even in the pouring Wet, and was
wondering how to get there. The man
frightened him with his wild, disjointed
so he pulled out his purse to
pay for what he had. Quick as thought,
he had time to move, the purse
vas gone, and the man had disappeared.
Luckily he had some loose one and
10 calling his friendly waiter to him
he informed him of what had oc-
mo use to make a fuss, sir. I'll tell
I'D Bullseye and he'll let you CO."
Giving him an address as to where to
,ome for his promised fee, Joe was eau
let out into the kitchen, where
he discovered the maidservant, who,
With a tired look, was sitting with her
lands in her lap. She started up as he
Joe % explained, told of his loss,
md described the man who had robbed
him.
81 know him, poor fellow" she said.
I know where he lives"
"Then," said Joe, 81 shall be greatly
if you will give me his address,
nd 1 will send the police on the rascal
n the morning"
"Wlll you. Would you like all the
world to read in the newspapers as to
where you lost your money"
That was quite a new way of looking
t it. 1t would hardly do for the rector
f that quiet, secluded Welsh village to
cad in the weekly papers a vivid de-