The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1888-02-23

WcuI uOUO Win the TuQluSuio VI d DdO
cold, an unpleasant stiffness in the legs,
and an aggravated sense OF grievance
against the lower orders generally; but,
fortunately, with nothing worse. A week
or two later, however, his fortitude and
sense of duty were put 70 sharper test.
| He received notice that, in view Of the
threatening demonstration being organized
at the other side of London, the regular
! constables on duty in his district would be
withdrawn in the evening, and special con-
stables, in pairs, would replace them on
their beats. The beat assigned to Mr.
| Tidywaite included Portland Square,
| Duchess Place and several adjoining streets
| in the Wes: End.
The day duly arrived, and dreadful day
1t was. Heavy snow i'll the morning was
succeeded by a general drlzzle as the day
| wore on. The cold which Mr. Tldywalte
had caught in CavendIsh Square had now
assumed portentous dimensions and settled
on his chest His rheumatism was also
troublesome. At the last moment Mrs
TiGywaite was anxious for a medical GER
| tiHcate, but, unlu ckily, did not think OF 1t
TIL TO late, and she was about to help her
husband get ready for his work when they
were informed that the police superi ntend-
| ent desired to see Mr.. Tidywaite.
81 just called, SIR" said the officer, ITO
warn you to keep sharp lookout on No. y
Portland Square. 1t is the Duke of Dub
Inns house. He is the President OF the
Irish Landlords Ancient Rights Aainten-
ance League, you know, sir"
"Ah, certainly. You are not anticipating
any attack on the Dukes house, hopeF'
inquired Mr.. 1idywaite, rather anxiously.
NO; but We have standing instructions
to look after the residences of gentlemen In
the Dukes position, and we know the dyna-
miters are very active again just now."
Dear me, how dreadful And can you
tell me who will be with me On my bcatf
''The Hon. Guy Wyldfre, sir-Lord Little
brains youngest son. You will find him a
very pleasant young gentleman, l think
Good night, sir. Sorry you have such a
nasty evening"
This interview did not raise Mr.. Tidy
waiie's spirits. On the contrary, il filled
him with uneasincss. Itwas his rule never
to keep firearms in the house, but he wished
now that he had had pistol that he could
put in his pocket 10 supplement the protec-
ton of his truncheon. AS it was, he could
muster no more deadly weapon than pair
of handouts, which he had purchased short
ly after being sworn in, as likely TO be OF
service in the event OF his having to effect
an arrest. These he now slowed away N
one Of his deepest pockets. while Mrs.
Tldywaite assisted him in his other prepara-
tions, wra piping good length OF stout fan
mel around his knee-the rheumatic one
and stufiing his pockets with sausage-rolls,
sandwiches, flask or two of comforting
cordials, and a plentiful stock Of cough
loZenges. Thus provisioned, and equipped
in his largest overcoat and new pair OF
golOshes, the banker marched forth.
''Stop, JosephI stopv' cried his wife, as
the door was closing on him "You are
going without your respirator."
81 didn't forget it, my DEAR" said the old
gentleman, rather nervously. But l
thought that it would look-a-that is, that
l should hardly require"
Look or no look, Joseph" replied his
wife, who was accustomed TO be obeyed in
such matters, "you put on that respirator
before you 90 outside the door"
Poor Joseph submitted with the best
grace he could. The respirator was duly
adjusted, and the good man made the best
of his way to the spot where he was to re-
lieve the regular constable, and where he
found not only Hon. Guy Wyldfire, but also
a select quorum of street boys and loafers
who had come to see the fun.
80, my eyel 'Ere's the City Corporation
been and swore hisself in as speshulr'
calculated one Of the bystanders at the
sight of Mr.. Tidywaite's portly form.
'Hallo, copper; when did you see your
toes lastm inquired another.
81 say, Bill" said third, "what's the
bloze been and gagged hisself for!"
ITO save his false teeth from bein'
knocked down his throat, most likely" re-
piled Bill.
'Please, sir, be you the speshul or the
hextra, or the hextra speshul" cried a
cheeky Arab.
Amid an encouraging churus in this key
the two constables started on their rounds.
They walked slowly over the extent of
their beat, and then came to a standstin in
Portland Square. Snow had now set in
again vigorously, and keen northeaster
drove the fakes in the faces Of the two
specials, and caused the elder to shiver be-
meath his wraps.
'Do you think" said the banker, pres
emily, ''that it would appear-a-unprofes
sionaI if l were to put up an umbrella!"
Contrary to all the regulations" " replied
Mr.. Wyldfire, who kept up his spirits very
creditably under the circumstances. "Dou't
you let the Inspector catch you at It'll l
Inluh, luOuSu. ludG L Cdil put y Ou up 10
better dodge than that"
''Pray, what is itl' inquired Mr.. Tidy
waite, much interested.
''P 73, the peeler on the beat, tipped me
wink as he was going away, and whispered
that we should find No. "a the right sort
of shop. l can't say what he meant.
but I caught a glimpse of a larky-look-
ing slavey at No "a Duchess Place.
as we came by. l mean to have another
look If you'll stop here minute 1 will re-
turn anon and report progress" And,
without further explanation, the scion of
the aristocracy departed. At the end OF
about a quarter of an hour he returned, Wis
IDLY satisfied with the result of his mission.
''It's all right" he said. ''P 80 is brick
There's comfortable kitchen entirely at
our disposal at No "a. The slavies are
full of fun. The family are out, and I've
sent for bottle of whisky. Come onr'
The banker gazed at his comrade in blank
amazement.
"You don't mean to say" he gssped,
"that you expect me to"
"Why not? What's the use of playing az
peeler if you don't do the thing properlyr
"But what about the beat, and the Dukes
house here?"
20, they'll look after themselves for half
an hour. For the matter OF that, it wouldn't
be much loss to society If the Fenians were
to blow old Dublin into smithereens You
had better come. The cooks topper, /
can tell you-iust your sort"
Had it been any one else than an Earrs
son who spoke, Mr.. Tidywaite would uu-
doubtedly have met this ribald speech with
the rebuke it merited. AS it was, he con-
tented himself with declining the invita-
ton as stifiiy as politeness perm tilted.
oAs vou nlease said the Eonora hla c,,,-