The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-02-18
WHENIT VAS DARK--STORY OF A GREAT CONS


| He drew UP chair to the writing
desk.
",lhe firman has been granted" he said
| a quick interest shonc ON Professor
| Lleweliyn's face.
"Ah." he said. ut has come at last,
then, after MI these nionths of waiting
! began to despair OF the Turkish govern
ment. / never thought 1t would be
granted. Then the Society will really
begin to excavate at last in the prohibited
spots. Really that is splendid news,
Lambert. We shall have some startling
results. Results. mind you, which will
be historical, historicali doubt but that
| the whole theory OF the Gospel narrative
will have to be reconstructed during the
next few years!i'
ut is quite possible" said Lambert
But, on the other hand. 1t may happen
| that nothing whatever Is found
LlcwelIyn nodded. Then a sudden
thought seemed to strike him. But how
do you know Of this, LAMBERT" he said
and how has 1t happened?"
Lambert was pleasant open-faced
fellow, young and with a certain air
OF distinction. He laughed gaily, and re-
turned his chiefs look Of interest with
an affectionato expression in his eyes.
"Ah!' he said. II have heard n great
deal, sir, and have something to tell
you which j am very happy about. 1t is
gratifying to bring you tho first news.
Last night was dining with my uncle.
Sir Michael Manichoe. you know The
Home Secretary was there, great friend
OF my uncle's. You know the great in
terest he takes in the work of the Ex-
ploration Society, and his general in
terest in the Holy Land?"
"oh, OF course" said Llwellyn. Hes
the leader of tho uncomproInising Pro-
testant party in the House; owes his
position to It, in fact. Hc breakfasts with
the Septuagint, lunches off the Gospels.
and sups with Revelations. well?"
II is owing to his personal interest
III the work, continued Lambert that
the Sultan has granted rlrman. AZ
Ter dinner no took me aside, and we had
longuish talk. He was very gracior
| and most eager to hear of all our recent
Work here, and additions TO the coll
iections In our department. 1 was ex-
tremely pleased. as you may imagine. He
spoke Of you. sir, as the greatest living
Notwithstanding hear of Conrad
Schick, of Clermont- Ganneau In the same
| breath with you. He went on to sa,
in confidence, and he limited to me that
! had his permission to tell YOU, though
| he didn't say as much in so many word
that they are going to offer you knight
hood in few days."
| sudden flush suffused the face of the
elder man Then he laughed little.
| Your news is certainly unexpected
| my dear boy he said, and, for my
| part, knighthood Is no very welcome thing
personally. But 1t would be idle to deny
| that I'm pleased. 1t means recognition
! OF my work, you see. In that way only
| 1t is good news that you have brought.
! That's just 1t. Professor the young
| man answered enthusiastically. 1aat's
| exactly 1t. Sir Robert Llweyllyn, or Mr.
| Llwellyn, of course, cannot matter tc
| you personally. But it is fitting and
| graceful recognition OF the work II is
a proper thing that the greatest living
authority on the antiquities and his
| tory OF Asia Minor should be officially
| recognized. 1t encourages all OF us, yor
| see. Professor"
| The young mans generous excitement
| pleased Llwellyn. He placed his hand
upon his shoulder with a kindly affec-
/ tiona.e gesture.
| AT that moment messenger knocked
| and entered with bundle OF letters
which had just arrived by the half-past-
! four post, and with a congratulatory
shake of the hand, Lambert left his
| chief to his correspondence.
| The great specialist, when he had left
| the room, rose from his chair, went to.
| wards the door with swift. cat-like steps
| and locked It. Then he returned to the
desk. opened deep drawer with key