The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-04-08
A LONDON HOLIDAY,

out on that cold November night when the
rain was coming down in torrents. Pleasant
or not, Joseph Norton, Esq, only son of
Rev. J. Norton, rector OF place with an out
andish name in North Wales, was staring up
81 the outside OF the lodging house not far
from Convent Garden, with the knowledge
that, although he carried the Iatch-key in
his pocket. and ves sober enough to proper
~ insert that latch-key, he was locked out.
He had been to one OF the theaters, end had
stepped on the way back to have bit or sup.
per, and so wss about five minutes too late.
His respectable landlany always told her
young gentlemen that unless they gave no.
tice before hand the house would be locked
and bolted up at L. Joe Norton turned
away nom the deer heartily wishing him
self home in the quiet rectory, and thinking
ii an unlucky day on which he resolved to
spend fortnight in London, when he no
ticed q man Just opposite him, leaning
against lamp post with bis hands in his
pockets.
"Hslloa, sir, can't you get IMP"
mo, l can't" answered ice; land what is
that 10 you"
oh nothing If you like, only can show
you where TO have a couple of hours amuse.
ment, instead OF walking about in the wet
I'm a waiter, sir, and my time 10 begin work
1s about O'Clock. SO II you'll stand drink
ior the address, / II take you straight there.
You can't get IN without some one intro
duces y on, unless the governor knows you,
and i gUets 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 dull, resOectsb bic looking street in
which TO 81 apps arsnces every house was
closed AID every inhsbitsnt asleep. The
ordinary Kitchen door was opened by pref.
" maidssrvant; who silently admitted them
and opened ths door CT what appeared TO be
a goosizsd cupboard. Stepping iosids, Joe
found himself in brilliantly ted
room with about eighteen men, mostly
An evening dIsse, play ing cards. de knew
as much about gam biiEg or cards as q bsar
knevs about dancing before it is taught.
He noticed all the various tyres Of the genus
gambler and ordered cigar and glass of
sherry, as bs was evidently expected to do
something and that wa about the least he
could dc to stay there st all. No, thought
he, they shall not tempt ms TO try to play.
SO lie watched. Presently tbs green baizs
door which formed the cupboard on the
other side was opened. and a man came in
haggaJd lOOkli man, tall and gentleman.
IL, but with fearful look CT despair on his
face as he walked across to where Joe was
standing.
Have you been playing tonight, sir?"
asked the stranger.
No, never play"
Then don't begin tonight, lad"
See that man there? He is the proprietor.
Just look at his face as be handles the
money. See how the gold flashes through
bis fingers. Look"
Joe was heartily wishing himself outside,
even in the pouring wet, and was wondering
how to get there. The man frightened him
with his wild, disjointsd talking; so he
pulled out his purse to pay for what he bsd
had. Quick as thought, before lie had time
to move, tbs purse was gone, and the man
had disappeared. Luckily he had some
waiter 10 him he informed him OF what had
occurred.
mo use to make fuss. sir. I'll tell old
Bullseye and he'll let you Co."
Giving him al address as to where to
come for his promised fee, Joe was cautiously
Jet out into the kitchen, where he discovered
The maiSservant, who, with q tired look, was
sitting with her hands in her lap. She
started up as be entered.
Joe soon explained, told OF his loss, and
described the man who had robbed him.
II know him, poor fellow" she said. 81
know where he lives"
Then" said Joe, 81 shall be greatly
obliged If you will give me his address, and
/ will set the police on the rascal in the
morning"
will your WoaId you like all the world
20 read in the newspapers IS TO where you
lost your money!
That was quite new way OF looking at it
1twould hardly do for the rector of that
quiet. secluded Welsh village to read in the
weekly papers vivid description OF gamb-
ling saloon, in which his son was robbed.
Meantime the girl had pm. on a dark bon.
netsnd CLOAK, and had filed basket full CT
establss.
Now, sir, come with me and I will show
you where be is, and, il am not mistaken
IN your face, do act think you will be hard
on him. Come"
She took his hand and led him up the
dark erta steps- No one was about. and
shortly sfterward they got into the West
minister brlf road. After tia girl had ex-
amirec two cr three doors, she turned the
handle Of Gro and went in, reckoning Joe
TO follow her up the close. dark, wooden
staircase. lighted by the help OF one OF Joe's
matches
Listen" she said when they got to the
ton.
They wsre standing BY an open door. Joe
Listened aDd card the voice OF the man who
had stoe en- mis- purse.
Kate, dear. see here is money-gold, gold,
gold. kind gentleman gave il TO me, and
now they can't turn US ont tomorrow. aud
you can have food and wine, dear, and then
you will Get better. my darling
God bless him said q sweet. SD voice.
That's what / told him, dear" said the
man egssD.
LOOK said the girl. and Joe did look.
There. close to the bed, knelt man, trying
hard TO Keep back his sobs. holding woman's
hand in kis; and the woman who lay on that
tumble down bed was streking his brown
hair and trying 20 comfort BIN by saying
she would soon be better.
viii you hurt him now?" whispered the
girl. Tell me-"
The truth was Joe could hardly speak he
had . lump in his throat and wss rather
hlny about the eyes, but he shook his head