Rock Island Argus., 1901-07-02
The Daily Short Story
THE KING.
BY BARRY PAIN.

w lamp
walking tour would ne good thing
One night a week later, at about II
o'clock, he found himself lost on :
Yorkshire moor. His feet We're weary
his new knapsack was heavy; hi
road map was all wrong; he wa,
thirsty and sleepy. In this condition
he was extremely glad to sight at las
a very small cottage with light burn
ing in the window. That meant res
and a direction. There would also bt
something 81 the way of supper vii
fred quickened his steps and knocked
gently on the door of the cottage.
The door was opened, considerably
to Wilfred's surprise, by a gaunt old
1 gentleman in evening dress. Wilfred
had expected n peasant, but he pulled
himself together and told his story and
made his requests as we'll as he could
| You are the second stranger that
has called here within these 20 years -
| said the old gentleman. Il came here
| to be out of the world. which had ceas-
ed to want me, and yet the world drifts
in. But do not let me seem umgracious.
Such hospitality as L am able to offer
I is entirely at your service. Pray come
in"
The old man led the way into a small
book lined living room. Il must tell
you," he aGded, that have no serv-
ant, live by myself and am accustomed
to do everything for myself. You will
excuse any shortcomings"
For the life of him Wrfred could not
help his glance straying to that perfect
shirt front. Yes, L know" said the
old gentleman. ''It does seem incon-
sistent. 1t is an old habit. Let us hope
that it may help me to act as your
waiter with Il skill that shall not lag
too far behind my good will or the
part. Please be seated and excuse me
for few moments while prepare sup
per for you"
Wilfred's offer of assistance was de-
clined, and an excellent and simple
meal was soon ready. 1t was only
when he had finished the omelet and
was pouring out the last glass of the
old burgundy that his curiosity got the
better of his appetite and his discre-
ton. He tried leading question.
Certainly" said the old gentleman.
with n courteous smile, as he handed
should be asking yourself who this
amiable lunatic may he. Potentially
am king of the world. Born in the
right age and in the right stage OF
civilization-or. if you prefer it, bar
barism-I should unquestionably have
been the king of the world. The iron,
scientific, conventional, civilized world
of today is too strong for me. When
you contend against it, it gives you
seven years penal servitude. L myself
have done sevenyears' penal servitude."
"You are jesting, of course said Will
fred Camp.
Il never jest. There is little dignity
in it. l was fellow of my college at the
time of the sentence, many years ago.
When l came out, my relatives and a
few friends were ready with advice,
penitential gibberish and forgiveness.
Others were ready to despise or mis-
rust. l could not understand the point
1f view of any of them. You see, am
ut heart n king, one to whom forgive
ness or contempt must be purely ridic-
llous. To myself. and no other, can 1
ever be answerable. Obviously world |
IF men and women of the type that is |
spawned nowadays was no place for
ne. 1 came out of it. 1 am alone, and |
am the king, the king in exile. the |
ling without Il Kingdom. Chance can |
lot affect that. 1t moves me from my /
light epoch and sets me down in a /
-ulgar generation with absurd ideas /
hat cannot understand me. Briefly, it /
Ienies me my kingdom, but can do no /
more. No. l am stronger than chance /
here. L am, in myself and all through /
Myself, king unalterebly."
The old mans eyes glittered. and his
manner was rapidly becoming more
xcited. Mr.. Wilfred Camp was as
apidly becoming very nervous.
I'm afraid" he said, you find my
isit terrible intrusion. / was, as you
aw, the victim of circumstances, but
thank you for your hospitality and
-ill not trespass on it further. If you
ould kindly direct me to Venners-
w.
The old man looked away from him
nd muttered. as if to himself, 1.-TWO in
D years" Then he suddenly turned to
i'm again, raising his voice. Address
lie properly, and on your knees"
Wilfred was down on his knees at
nee. May it please your majesty to
ermit me to retire?''
Every well. You wiz walk back
ard until you reach the door. On
aving the house you will not run
Mess you wish my dogs to run after
OH. / shall not direct you on your
ay, for then you might return. You
i'll get lost again. The other stranger |
Ot buried. You are kneeling on his
rave at this moment. Out before L
lange my mindw
Wilfred Camp rose and backed to-
ard the door. As lie reached it the
adman made a rush at him, and he
Irned and ran. He neither saw nor
card anything of the dogs. at lit
g distance he took one look back at
e cottage. The madman stood in the