The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1884-08-15
A LONDON HOLIDAY.

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 ut 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 latchley, he was locked out. He
had been to one eff the theatres, and
had stopped on the way back to have q
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
up at ~. Joe Norton turned away
from the door, heartily wishing himself
at home IN the quiet rectory, and think
ing it an unlucky lay on which he re-
solved to spend a fortnight in London,
when he noticed q man just p osite
him, leaning against a lamp-post, with
his hands in his pockets.
"Halloa, sir, can't you get i n?"
No, l can't answered Joe; and what
is that to you?"
"Oh, nothing if you like, only I can
show you where to have n couple of
hours amusement, instead of walking
about in the wet. Tn q 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 in without someo 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 |
sharp they entered q dull, respectable
looking street in whichto 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 o with about eighteen
men, mostly in evening dress, playing
cards. He knew as much about gamb-
ling and cards rs 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 n 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.
ly the green baize door which formed
the cupboard on the other side was
opened and a man came ina haggf 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.
"HaveEou been playing tonight, sir ?"
asked the stranger.
mo, / ever play"
Then don't begin tonight, lad.
"See that man there? He is the pro-
p%rietor. 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
talking; SO he pulled out his purse to
pay for what he had. Quick rs thought.
before he had time to move, the purse
was gone, and the man had disappeared.
Luckily he had some loose money, and
SO calling his friendly waiter to him
ne informed him of what had oc-
cured.
mo use to make a fuss, sir. I'll tell
old Bullseye and he'll let you CO."
Giving him an address as to where to
come for his promised fee, Joe was eau
tiously let out into the kitchen, where
he discovered the maidservant, who,
with o tired look, was sitting with her
hands in her lap. She started up as he
ntered.
Joe soon explained, told of his loss,
and described the man who had robbed
him.
II know him, poor fellow" she said.
Il know where he lives"
"Then," said Joe, II shall be greatly
obliged if you will give me his address,
and I will send the police on the rascal
in the morning"
"Wlll you. Would you like all the
world to read in the newspapers as to
where you lost your money J"
That. was quite q new way of looking
at it. II would hardly do for the rector
Of that quiet, secluded Welsh village to
read in the weekly papers a vivid de-
scription ola gambling saloon, in which
his son was robbed. Meantime the girl
had put on a dark bonnet and cloak,
and had filed o basket full of eatables.
Now, sir, come with me and I will
show you where he is and, if I nm not
mistaken in your face, I do not think
you will be hard IN him. Come"
She took his hand, and led him up
the dark area steps. No n was about,
and shortly afterward they got into the
Westminster bridge road. After the
girl had examined two or three doors,
she turned the handle of one and went
in, reckoning Joe to follow her up the
close, dark, wooden staircase. lighted
by the help of N of Joe's matches.
"Listen," she said, when she got to
the top.
They we're standing by an open door.
Joe listened, and heard the voice of the
man who had stolenthis purse.
Kate, dear, see here is money,
gold, gold, gold! A kind gentleman
gave it to me, and now they can't turn
us out tomorrow, and you can have
food and wine, dear, and then you
will get better. my darling"
God bless him." said q sweet, sad
voice.
That's what I told him, DEAR" said
the man again.
Look" said the girl. And Joe did
look.
There, close to the bed, knelt q man
trying bard to keep back his sobs,
holding n woman;s hand in his. and