Evening star., 1901-12-21
ern. I warrant to keep him quiet with that

ern. warrant to keep him quiet with that
bribe.''
Very good-do so.''
Il will. Meantime, my lord, I very well
understand your lordship will make money
out of this job .
Il must arrange with my sister-in-law
for the permanent silence of the man. Is
he vindictive?"
Very vindictive. Well, my lord-let US
understand each other"
"Ah" His lordship looked up slowly, as
II the thing mattered little How much.
Pinder?"
The man held out his hand Halves my
lord"
Lord stratherrick sat up with sudden
show of wounded dignity. You forget your
position, Pinder.'
Not at all. 1 know my position Your
lordship will excuse me If l remind you of
1t You have not a sixpence except what
Mrs. Weyland gives you. Everybody knows
that. The servants hall discussed that a
long time ago. The whole company in the
park know it. You are going to buy the
silence of this man. That means that you
will give him a small sum and that you
will obtain from her ladyship a large sum
I shall be able TO find out-Oh, the thing
Is quite easy-what you get for buying the
mans silence and what you give. And if |
am to give him, meantime, the run Of my
cellars, l must be paid for the drink and
l must go halves with your lordship for the
rest"
Suppose refuse
"Oh! then, my lord, you will have to find
some other person to make these little ad
vances< and to find out these places where
your lordship can advertise for half crowns
instead of playing for rouleaux Of guineas
which was your former practice. Indeed,
your lordshtp Will find it difficult, indeed to
get on without me-"
Lord Stratherrick was silent awhile Then
he said, quietly, and without any show of
resentment, "Pinder, you may bring me
this man."
Pinder retired ouietly
1t was not many minutes walk to Jermyn
street. The landlord of the Grapes re-
turned, bringing with him the unfortunate
bankrupt.
He was not pleasant man to look at
being short and squat in figure, with legs
not only short. but crooked. His face was
impaired with strong drink. his nose was
painted with those flowers of experiences
called by sailors blossoms. his lips were
thick and tremulous, his eyes were shot
with red veins, his cheek was purple his
neck was thick. He was dressed, as Mr.
Pfnder said In good broadcloth, recently
acquired-stout brown cloth. such as a sub
stantial tradesman might wear.
Lord Stratherrick. said Pinder. softly
and with the greatest Difference to his lord
ship, has heard something Of your story
His lordship Is 4 nobleman of the most
philanthropic character. Tell him every
thing"
II understand, sir" His lordship raised
his head and looked down. without rising
from his chair. He was lower than his
visitor, yet he looked down upon him. The
thing Is done by lowering the eyes. AZ
understand, sir, that you have a history of
-cf-some kind Of misfortune to communi-
cate. do not promise to offer any relief
| understand. though consent to hear your
story"
His lordship will be satisfied with the
truth, the complete truth OF your story >,
Pinder whispered "Oh, hundreds of stories
are brought to him daily. but he receives
them all for examination. 'Tis the most
benevolent heart"
1t was indeed and Il shows what an ex-
cellent valet was lost to the world below
stairs when P.nder exchanged the servants
| hall for the white apron Of the fnnkeeper
In Jermyn street
| second time. well, my lord" he be-
| gan in a rusty voice. IT have had great
misfortune"
60 on Pinder whispered "TeH him
everything-who you. were-what you were
! II you don't tell him everything how are
you to be helped
'I was a draper. my lord in Ludeate
Hill. A draper in very large way of
| business A member Of the Drapers, Com
pany So large was my business and so ex-
traordinary that Twas commonly reputed
to be in the wholesale line. In fact I ex-
pected to become member OF the court Of
my company. and to wear fine gown like
all the members ofsthat most honorable
court. But my hopes were biasted-''
Pinder whispered. "Who by?'
by woman, gentlewon,an. a iaay Of
quality. She owed me a large sum Of
money, f500. more or less" It win be seen
that the fact was vie wed by the wort.y
man through spsr.crf;s If tme Rinatiou