The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-02
IN GEORGES REIGN.

It was towards the end of the reign of
HE third George. The day was intensely
warm, the Mall thronged with gaily-
dressed gallants and fine ladies. Among
those who walked there none attracted
more attention than a man of somewhat
naughty bearing and distinguished appear
Rnce He was in age about S5, in dress a
civilian of the rather fine order, in feature
handsome. His cane, supported about his
wrist by a fine silk cord, was of ivory
whiteness adorned by a mount of gold
Twice had this individual traversed the
length of the shaded walk, and was about
to take turn which would lead him from
the park when a man of sturdy build, al
belt somewhat coarse of countenance, ap-
preached him.
T1e gentleman greed him with a friend
ly smile.
Anil Croachr' he cried, land how has
dght?'
Fairly well, my lord, fairly well, though
I've had many a skinful thatll render me
unfit to fight again for some time to come.
But my lord, came to speak to you upon
q matter of some Importance to yourself"
The nobleman scrutinized the other close
1y. He knew his man, and the pugilist was
not one to speak without occasion
WELL Croach," he said, lightly, '1f 1t
is as you say, let us journey as far as
Fleming's, and over a glass of good wine
you shall have your will of me-"
Ensconced within the quaint old-world
room at Fleming's, with its sawdust-cov-
cred floor and cobwebbed ceilings, the
fighting man proceeded to unburden him.
self.
Il was at Topers saloon the other even
ing, my lord" he began. at was great
night for the boys, for the Prince was there
In person, and a right good sort he was,
drinking his rum punch with the rest In
his train there was the Chevalier st. Louis
"Anon, over the flowing cup, my lord
talk was made about your forthcoming
marriage with Miss Selwyn, and then up
Jumps the Chevalier, swearing a mighty
oath that the match shall not take place.
The Prince seemed highly amused and SO
taken was he with the humor of the things
that he wngers the Chevalier a thousand
pounds upon the match"
A half smile, half sneer, lit up the face
OF the nobleman, but ere he could speak
his companion continuedi
ut was not that, my lord. which made
me speak of this. I heard later, when In
his Cups, the Chevalter declare that sooner
than see you married to my lady Eelwyn
he would do you personal mischief, and
SUCH is the bad character of the man that
thought it would be kindness to you
to put you upon your guard"
The nobleman detached his gold watch
and FOB from his person and handed 1T to
the other
"Thank you, Croach, for your good will -
he said, land pray accept this little present
as an interest for your thought for me. I
am not one of those who look lightly upon
kttle things, but If the Chevalier gets the
better of Mason in any one Thing will for
felt my right to my title and estates. Again
thank you, and, remember, at any time
my house and home are at your disposal"
And, changing the conversation deftly
Lord Mason drew Croach on about sport
until such time as they left the perlieu of
the resort. Very thoughtful was the young
Lord Mason when he at length resumed his
walk towards home. Croach having left
him, he had leisure in which to think. He
realized the truth of the fighting mans
statement, and herein by any difficulty
which might intervene in his dealing with
the Chevalier. The latter was high in the
favor of Prince George, who might, with