The Minneapolis journal., 1901-10-11
T. 9HA a BACHELORS
E$e' COuSTN.
40 u....S ....r

Copyright, 1901, by A. S. Richardson.
I am a respectable bachelor, and have
respectable lodging in London. My landlord,
by valet and my charwoman will give me a
certificate Of character at a minutes notice.
While my friends have not dubbed me Miss
Nancy, the general opinion is that ! did well
not to attempt to be a man about town. am
considered guileless and innocent to a sur
prising degree, and my valet has often taken
1t upon himself to caution me against the
general wickedness of the world. Some mas
ters might think this absurdly presumptuous
on the part OF the valet, but simply take 1t
that George has my best interests at heart
and feels it part of his duty to see that
escaped the snares and pitfalls which entrap
so many confdtng men.
During the first week of certain June,
ten or twelve years ago, l spent few days
with relative down in the country of Kent.
1t was an event in my life to get away,
and it was at the time of the murder of Sir
James Barfeld, whose property was only two
miles from the farm where 1 visited. Sir
James was broken down gentleman.
mean by that he was so years old, in poor
health, without money, and had led a fast
and vicious life. His reputation was so bad
that his existence was ignored by all respect
able people. He had never married, and was
now living in seclusion on the last Of his
acres, with three or four servants to attend
| him.
On the last evening but one of my visit
| filled my pipe and set out for walk to
the grounds of Sir James Barfeld. AS came
near the gates l encountered young woman
who seemed to be spying out the lay of the
land. noticed that she was young and fair
looking, and that she also seemed to be
anxious, but I passed on without giving her
much attention. My friends insist that /
ought to have halted and entered into con-
versation with her, and thereby probably
prevented what followed, but l argue to the
contrary. l had right to believe that she
was one Of the servants Of the house. If not
that, then she was some farmers daugter
keeping tryst, and what right had to NEEDLE
with love affair? l passed on and left her,
and when I returned she was no longer in
sight.
Next evening at o'clock ] took the train
from Beechenbrook for London. This was a
small country station, and about mile from
Barfeld house. 1t was my own choice and l
walked to the station, carrying my port
manteau There was no moving about
as l passed the gates of Sir James property,
but about a quarter of a mile further on
I overlook a youth carrying baggage similar
to my own. He was walking at fast gait
and seemingly trying to keep ahead Of me.
When l bade him good evening he replied in
nervous manner and looked as If he would
| fee. but the kindliness Of my tones evidently
reassured him.
MY dear boy" 1 said as we walked side
by side, you are probably bound jour
ney. Does it so happen that you are going
up to London?"
but you won't stop me?' he replied in
pleading tones. Il have no parents. l ana
running away from a cruel master"
1T may not be wise step" | said as we
logged along, but l shall certainly not in
| terfere 1 ran away myself when I was a
lad Of Is, and l don't know but what / did
| the right thing. How old you?''
Sixteen, sir.
"You don't seem strong, and 1t can't be that
you have any too much money"
1--we got about pound sir. Oh, if you
| would only help me when we get to the sta
tionl Won't you buy my ticket for me7
Won't you let me seem to be relative of
| yours?''
And this master Of yours-will he try to
| get you back? L know 1t is against the law
| to assist apprentice to away
"He wont follow nor make trouble.
think he'll be glad l left He cursed and beat
me because could not do the hard work. ]
was afraid Of my life. sir"