The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-09-03

yond being little men and dark. he could
not say
We thanked him. and he withdrew.
Then my uncdle. turning to me, address
ed me for the first time, using, sthrange
10 say, precisely the same words my
father had so often employed:
"Davie. we must pack up"
/ offered no shadow OF an objection to
my uncle's proposal. and after breakfast
on the following morning we drove TO
Victoria and took train for Brighton
Upon our arrival In Brighton We drove to
the Metropole.
Needless to say. our first promenade
along the front was not made with our
eyes shut. but no one resembling Woo
ching, or the spy OF Dover street was
seen. Nor later on. when people came
to drink tea In the winter garden. was
anything of a suspicious nature discover
ed. But an hour or so after as i was
passing through the vestibule i encoun-
tered my friend OF the Empire. the young
fellow who had warned me against the
drink.
Recognizing me. instantly no held out
his hand.
"Ah, how do you do? This Is a de-
lightfui surprise. When did you come
DOWN
This morning. And your.
About an hour ago. Delightful place.
Brighton. isn't itT"
Very"
thought he seemed a trine excited,
and I noticed that his slim fingers felt
very cold as they rested against my palm.
stopping here. suppose7" he asked
next.
Yes"
$50 am !. Awfuiiy glad TO have met
you"
Thanks very much. You may be sure
after the service you rendered me last
night that fully reciprocate"- /.
"Poohi" he said. Don't mention It
thought II looked fishy. and spoks Let's
say no more about II. at least as far as
am concerned"
He opened HIS case and offered me
cigarette taking one himself. Then he
struck a match and held IL to me, for
which duly thanked him. But my
thanks merely added to his embarrass-
ment. He struck me as being sfngularly
nervous young gentleman.
thought hs was not quite 30 presenta-
bic by daylight as he had been In the artI
fetal glare OF the theatre. His face. or
sickly. pallid tone, showed unmistakable
traces OF an irregular mode OF lie. HIS
eyes were narrow and blue and shifty,
the pupils OF which seemed TO remind me
OF pricking pin points. Indeed I might go
so far as 10 say that closer acquaint-
ance with the young gentleman, who, by
the was. was not so young by daylight,
aid nos impress me with an ardent de-
sire TO cultivate him
I think he read something OF my
thoughts, for ne had a shrewd face, and
ne accordingly smiled somewhat amused
ly.
Always begin heavy night at the
Empire" he whispered confdentially
Brighton next day. No pick me UP like
1t. Fellows are awful fools. You don't dis
sipate7"
We'll" said 7. not altogether reiishing
the fact that my virtues were so clearly
imprinted upon my face, ut all depends
on what you call dissipation
He smiled almost extensively. thought.
yet in a way which many people would
have called clever. At all events, II deep
ened my first impression OF him, witch
In spite of my gratitude, was not alto
gether complimentary.
Just then my Uncle Jim came along.
and I Immediately introduced my new
friend
This is my uncle, Mr.. Davie. This Is
the gentleman who warned me In the En-
pire last night"
pleased 10 meet you, sir. May we ex-
change cards7"
We oil three Immediately took out our
cases The strangers card bore the leg
end Mr. Cyril George Wentworth"
'I am delighted 20 meet you" said my
uncle warmly. MY nephew has fully de-
lieve we are greatly indebted TO you.
sir"
ct hope not, indeed. Perhaps, after all,
I may have been mistaken. The mans
action was certainly suspicious. but 1t
was all done so quickly that * is Just
possible may have imagined the worst"
My uncle looked serious.
unfortunately. l am unable TO think
So No doubt Mr Kingston has told you
that we have enemies2'
II believe he did say something 10 that
effect" replied Mr.. Wentworth, but 1
hope your enemies are not OF the desper-
ate class?'
'I hope not. indeed" said Jim. the willy
one. But you will admit that your story
is n little stimulating7"
well. yes" he admitted. 1T certainly
r. II one takes Il seriously"
1T take II very seriouly," answered my
uncle gravely.
Then It IS possible that your enemies
are desperate7"
IT am afraid ~ r.. Tell me. what was
this man like who tampered with the
drink
Mr.. wentworth screwed HIS face up
and tapped his head In n vain effort 10
recollect
Upon my soul. he was very ordinary
individual with board. That beard is
about the only thing ! seem TO remem-
ber"
was he fair or dark7"
ooh. dark. decidedly. and. now 7 come
60 think OF &C, rather foreign looking"
That's hei" cried my uncle.
"Ho?" echoed our new acquaintance.
"A gentleman ! would give ten years OF
my llfe 10 meet"
"oh." said Mr. wentworth. is n as se-
rious az that7"
Jim smiled rather apoiogeticaiiy. as
though iust a little ashamed OF HIS yehe-