Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-01-07
you've got cheek enough for anything, af.
ter YOUR behavior last nightp, W

|
"Perhaps," assented Mr.. Dreyfus, nj
in the least disturbed; 81 am not trouble
with nervousness. 'But," he added
quickly, "my capabilities are not in ques
ton just now. Will you carry the mes
sage, or will you not?"
"Let's hear" said John, cautiously
"and then I'll judge"
'It cannot be delivered here" remarke'
Dreyfus, after pause. "You had bette
come to the inn where am staying
i "Indeede' said John. "That look
fishy"
'sWhat do you mean, sir9" replied sgd
ney Dreyfus, angrily. 'You were not ask
ed to make comments, but to answer {
question-to say whether you would deliv
er message to Miss Mason or not. As
have been so unfortunate as to offend tht
lady, thought you would be the best ~
son-to take it; but since you do not cho
to be civil, I'll withdraw my request, al
find means to see Miss Mason myself I
can't well return to town and tell Mr.. May
land the lawyer, his message is not deliver
ed. Good morning
And Mr.. Sydney Dreyfus made feint tt
walk off; but before he reached the gate
John had followed him, as he expected.
"Come, now," cried the footman in a
conciliatory tone, for the mention of Mr.
Mayland had allayed his fears; ''you needn't
be SO fast or AXE offence so easily. "1'n
give your message and will come to the inr
to receive it if that'll please you, though /
can't see for the life of me why you can't
give it here in whisper, if it's SO particu.
lar''
Sydney Dreyfus replied with a smile,
and held out his hand.
otis all right, john" said he, simply
"You come to the Rose end Crown a,
half past six o'clock this evening, and the,
you'll know my reason for not telling NE
business here" hi
| A few minutes later John walked in
Janet's room, and repeated the conver
tion which he had just had with Sydr n
Dreyfus, as near as he could rememboil
word for word. rel
sWhat shall I do, miss?" he conclnd
''Tve said I Il 60, but if you haven't ,cI
any particular curiosity, rll disappoint sfe
rascal, Just to serve him out for his CleE
duct to you." 'hH
"Oh, you had better go, John" decided
Janet.
And so, at the time appointed, John
dappeerd up. in private clothes, with stick
in his hand, found himself on the way tt
the 'Rose and Crown"
Sydney Dreyfus was awaiting his yisitol
in private room OF the little country inn
He had his watch in his hand, and w
grumbling at his apparent delay;i but JoE
was only few minutes behind the ii a
appointed when he was shown into
apartment which Mr.. Maylandfs clerk
especially engaged for the intelsgie:%
The footman entered with movement
meant for bow, but Mr.. Dreyfus stepped
forward, and welcomed him with hearty
shake of the hand, as il he was familiar
friend.
John was little surprised and a little
suspicious, but he thought it prudent te
make no remark and took the chair offered
him with the manner of one come Oh bust
ness.
This Sydney Org fyfus noticed with i;
smile.
els your time limited, my dear fellow?'
he asked.
''Oh, dear, no!' answered John. Mis-
Mason knows | am out"
''That's r'ght?' said Dreyfus. "Thel
We'll talk in comfortable fashion over /:
cigar and glass fof wine. What will yo,
take?"
John hesitated.
81 don't smokl le,'' hs said, after panse
''and don't d1t Ink wine.'
/ "Then have l. giass of beer,'' said hi
entertainer, inf Ia persuasive voice, "or /;
drop of spiritI 1 can't make myself hap
py if you stan on one side. Come, now
you are not al aEteetotaller, suppoae. Art
you?"
"No," rd blied the footmap, trying tt
feel at hobe, since Dreyfus seemed
anxious thai he should do SO.
"Well, tben," said Dreyfus, ''you We nj
excuse. Have little whiskey and waite
cold or Holland I'll join you.n
ga littR cold, then," said John, "sinc
you are s. pressing; but it must not b.
strong"
"Oh, ~, it must not be strong" echoed
Dreyfus.p ringing the bell. 81 never TAX
anythinl,' very strong myself; it is PERM
cious habit. I'll mix you the same as
drink rlyself;" and he gave the order t.
the servant, who at that moment entered
While the order was being executed
Mr.. Dreyfus cut the end of a cigar, ant
remarked, "It is really very ki2d of you t.
come -.-hInn1u