Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-01-05
we meet" interjected Sheppard smooth

least the master of my own servants and Hood shall keep his distance ant not hang about annoying my guests With which ordered him forthwith tt the window, command which he has tened to obey almost by anticipation. must say that this unpleasant epi sode at once changed the atmosphere of the room. On the whole, I did moi regret this, as conceived that we had perhaps reached the proper term of oul familiarity with Sercombe. It was strange to see the instant revolution ir 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, a memorial of black sobriety, and his demeanor was carefully under restraint. The situe. ton became little disagreeable, and thought the time had arrived to end it.
 Captain Sercombe," I said quite formally, T 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 his glass. "I am at your service"
 looked at Hood. Tt is time now,' said I, 'that we were alone" And l 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 the sideboard. 4.- Sercombe colored angrily and was visibly disconcerted. T beg your par don, sir," said he, with 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 q glance at Hood. who still kept his atti- tude, ''I understand your feeling, gen. tlemen," he replied, "and, in fact, sympathize with it. But He hesitated, and 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 etshould quit HIS, but rather out of curiosity as to what would ensue. The issue surprised me. Hood turned obe- diently on his heel and made for the door, As it closed upon him Sercombe 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 perplexities struggled in evidence upon his face, yet he had an uncom- mon gift of recovering himself, which had had occasion already to admire, and I was to admire him still more at this moment You will perceive, Mir. Greatorex," he said abruptly, but with a sudden suavity of voice, ''that, as you have just pronounced, we have concluded our friendly dinner, and it is to business that we turn. I take 1t, therefore, that we are no longer here in the capacity of hosts and guests.'
 True" said I.
 Then" he exclaimed triumphantly. Hood, I take it, is no longer a serv- ant ?''.-....,., -.,. , ......, Captain Sercombe is right" said Sheppard promptly, turning to me, land. by your leave. Ned, will ring and have him up."
 q accept your theory" I answered. 'Let us have him up. certainly"
 Sheppard rose and when the man returned ushered him with some cere- mony to the table. "A chair for Mir. Hood" he said. Where will you sit, Mir, Hood-by the captain? That's right. Please make yourself comforta- ble. We nave just enjoyed an excellent dinner very well served, Mir. Hood, but fear you are too late. Montgomery. a glass of wine for Mir. Hood. Busi- ness is business, and never conduct a piece without the usual sherry"
 If this elaborate irony disturbed Ser combe. as it seemed to do, it had no effect upon Hood.
 Thank you. sir. I will stand, sir. No wine. thank you. sir" Such was his brief reception of the courtesies.
 He assumed a place at the back of the captain, commanding view of the table. Sercombe spread his hands up- on the table.
 Gentlemen, let us show our cards" he said.
 There was a momentary silence, and then 1 was conscious of a slight bus tlc of excitement that stirred the room Into sound. Sheppard looked at me. and Montgomery's gaze was riveted upon the captain. Sheppard coughed gently and slipped his wine.
 That is a very proper demand. Cap tain Sercombe." I said. seeing that it is what we are here for. but I hardly yet see my way clear to table all my tricks. Let us understand one another better
 The captain did not color. as he might well have colored under this inn plIcit distrust As have said. he was singular in the partial hold he kept upon his gentillty. Instead he laughed. but somewhat awkwarfly.