Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1906-01-16

the master with the pretcXt of dish. Sercombe spoke low and across his shoulder, neryously exploring the coli- tents of the dish with q spoon. Hoo1 said nothing and, raising his eyes, Solt- ly fixed them upon me at the other eIlt. of tine table. For q moment we reSal~sa ed each other luminously, and then h'= glaHfe fell politely away. Sercompt still whispered and, 1 thought with q growing anxiety. It was time for me to interfere.
 Captain Serconbe," I cried sharply. breaking upon the tail of Sheppard yarn. these communications are not included ill the compact.
 The captain started. and his face rct- dened deeper, but he was always cool hand.
 T must ask yoa to remember, Nr Grea toreX." SQ:d he suayely, that am your guest
 That is true" said Sheppard, moi ding his head.
 sercombp looked at me with some asFefity.
 T think. sir said he, that in the circumstances you will soc that yoH have overstcppcl the privileges of gen- tlemon."
 '.1he word is hardly ill the case. think we are agreed that it k as tl4ieve@ we meet" interjected Sheppard smooth ly.
 You are right, Captain Serconhr I answered. being in my turn in coi.- mand of myself. and l offer you my apology for the rudeness. but l am at least the master of my own servants and Hood shall keep his distance and not hang about annoying my guests. With which ordered him forthwith tc the window, command wllie! he has: tened to obey almost by anticipation.
 I must say that this unpleasant epi- sode at once changed the atmosphere of the room. On the whole. l did not regret this. as I conceived that We had perhaps reached the proper term of our familiarity with Sercombe. It was strange to see the instant revolution i'll our mutual attitudes. Whether Ser combe himself had been as easy as he had previously seemed. or whether he had acted part for our benefit. can not say but it is certain that now he was charged with anxiety. Now and again his eyes, puffed and bloodshot, flickered uneasily on Hood, where the man stood in his corner q memorial of black sobriety, and his demeanor was carefully under restraint. The situa tion became little disagreeable, and thought the time had arrived to end it.
 Captain Sercombe," said, quite formally. Il fancy our dinner, such as it is, is over, and if you will take no more wine perhaps We had better get to business.
 "Certainly, sir said the captain cheerfully and draining bis glass. T am at your service"
 1 looked at Hood Tt is time now" said I, that we were alone" And waited to see the man move
 A quick exchange of glances took place between them, and then the inn keeper turned his back on us and bus jed himself with the plates upon th.. sidebOard.
 Sercombe colored angrly and was visibly disconcerted. T beg your par don, sir" said he. with a slight stam- mer, 'but have already had the honor of informing you that am not alone in this natter
 Really" said Sheppard gently, "I do not think we can invite our servants to discuss this matter with us.'
 SercOmbe bit his lip and after d glance at Hood, who still kept his atti- tude 'I understand your feeling. gen tlemen,' he replied. "and, in fact. I sympathiZe with it. But
 He hesitated, and I began to perceive for the first time how far he was in volved with the other and to what ex- tent he was under his control. It was evident that he was chagrined by his position
 "LeaVe the room, HOOd," said I. not that I had any certain intention that he should quit us, but rather out Of curiosity as to what would enSue. The issue surprised me. Hood turned ohe- dently on his heel and made for the door. As it closed upon him Scrcombe turned to us and broke out with em-
  barrassment: You are right, gentlemen. I agree with you. These things are better managed between gentlemen. But His pelplexities struggled in evidence upon his face yet he had an uncom- mon gift of recovering himself. which had had occasion already to admire and l Was to admire him still more at this moment. You will perceive. MT. GreatoreX," he said abruptly. but with sudden suavity of voice. that. as you have just pronounced we have concluded our friendly dinner, and it | k to business that We turn take it. therefore, that we are no longer here in the capacity of hosts and guests"
 True said I.
 Then. he exclaimed triumphantly. Hood, 1 take it. is no longer a serv- ant:"
 Captain Sercombe is right said