Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-11-08

which Tor obvious reasons, L am ue-
barred from doing. The season was
spring. The occasion was the five mile
amateur championship of the world at
Lille Bridge. had just run and won
that event. and having donned my
sweater and overcoat, was walking
back to the dressing room when ! was
accosted by an elderly gentleman.
Pardon me, sir" he said in tone OF
enthusiastic commendation, but you
ran superbly. The way you lost those
other fellows in the last lap was
treat to witness. And You don't seem
much distressed by your efforts.
either" he added, regarding me criti-
cally with his keen black eyes.
"Oh, not worth speaking Of" / re-
piled. I'm in the very pink just now.
And ! finished WIN a good bit up my
sleeve. as I generally do
THAT was evident" he answered.
You had the other fellows in hand all
the way. Excuse my asking. but am
informed that you are one OF the junior
clerks in the --- officeI
You are informed correctly" ! re-
piled. somewhat surprised by this in
quiry on the part of total stranger.
And that your salary is only $3.50
a year,"
Really" answered, for naturally
resented this sort of catechism from
man on whom | had never before set
eyes in my life. Il cont see that my
salary is any concern of yours. How
ever, there's no secret about ii. You
can find it for yourself in any direc-
tory. and it is the precise amount that
you have mentioned"
Forgive me-" he exclaimed quickly.
II had no intention to offend. But the
idea crossed my mind that a man like
you-such a perfect specimen of health
and vigor-ought to be worth more
money"
There ! quite agree with you," l
laughed. And if you can persuade
her majesty's government of the fact
shall be extremely obliged to you"
IF you'll give me your attention for
five minutes I'll explain" he answered
gravely.
''Oh, I'll give you my attention right
enough" | laughed rather fiippantiy
's.1'm always ready to do that when
there arg thousand poundses flying
about
First. let me tell you who am" he
replied, ignoring my sarcasm. Il am
a man not altogether unknown in the
medical world. My name is Jasper
Harvey"
Sir Jasper Harvey. The celebrated
surgeon?"
'"rhe celebrated surgeon-since you
are good enough to use the phrase"
he answered modestly.
looked at him in some suspicion.
Was he speaking the truth. or was he
merely an imposter with swindling de-
signs upon me that would peep out
later on?
He saw my suspicious and answered
them:
Il see you doubt my bona fides, and
1 am not surprised, since you have
only my bare word for my identity
with Sir Jasper Harvey. However, I
can easily satisfy you on that. point.
Are you engaged this evening""
replied in the negative.
Then will you dine with me at my
house in Brook street at 7.30? You
will thus be able to satisfy yourself
that l am really the man | represent
myself to be. and we can further dis
cuss the matter to which l have re-
ferred. What do you say?"
After some slight hesitation | said
/ would go. For at worst" | thought
TO myself, IF this man is an imposter
trying to hoax me | shall find it out
when l arrive at Sir Jasper's house in
Brook street. While. on the other
hand, il he is really Sir Jasper. and is
kind enough 10 wish to put me in the
way of making a thousand pounds 1t
would be rather foolish on my part not
at least to hear what he has to say.
Ten to one, of course. there will be con-
ditions attached mat | can't possibly
comply with. I've always heard that
Sir Jasper is bit of character. with
some rather cranky ideas. and | dare
say this is one. However, | may as
we'll go and take the offchance of being
put on to something sound"
When | arrived at the famous sur
geon's house on Brook street all my
doubts as TO his identity with my in
terlocutor at Lille Bridge were in
stantly dissipated. He received me in
his library with polite and courteous
greeting; then We repaired TO the din
ingroom and discussed simple but
admirably served repast, tete-a-tete.
Sir Jasper's conversation was pleasing
and interesting. He talked and talk
ed well. upon many public topics. But
not until we were seated over our wine
and the servants had withdrawn, did
he touch upon the particular matter
which was the object of our inter-
view.
Then he said, with almost startling
suddenness:
Il told you this afternoon that |
could put you in the way of making
a thousand pounds"
nodded. My heart began to beat. To
me. who had not a halfpenny of CAPT.
tai. a thousand pounds seemed untold
wealth. What was | to be called upon
to do in order to qualify for such af-
fuence I waited with eager impatience
for Sir Jasper to proceed.
And when I speak of a thousand
pounds" he continued deliberately. Il
must give you to understand that this
sum, handsome though il is. does not