Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-12-07

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 "No; he's a lazy beggar," returned the earl, languidly expressing yawn, "and a thief, too, by love! The last time 1t was four pound six and my Jeweled cigar cutter. Mention it to him-heIl understand. You might say also that have letter from his friend MT. Drake of Scotland Yard"
 For half an hour longer Richard re- mained with the earl discussing the de- tails of the explanation to MT. Ren- wyck and some other matters which he could attend to for Lord Croyland ising to run up to Irvington the next morning.
 "Oh, I say, Wilson," the earl called after him as he reached the door, the nurse having just entered with warn- ing that Mr. Williams must be left alone forthwith. you won't forget about that beastly machine, will you:'
 Certainly not" returned the buoyant Richard and immediately became ob- livious to "beastly machines" and ev erything else on earth except the mem- ory of warm, limp form that had nes- tied in his arms and head of wind blown hair that cuddled against his shoulder while he rode amid that mass of cattle on that faroff Texan prairie.
 On the following morning Mir. Rich ard Williams, dressed in his best and with soul full of hope and fOrebod ing. took the 10:30 local train at the Grand Central station. He chanced to be the only male passenger to alight at IrvingtOn. and with beating heart he walked down the platform to the exit gate, when suddenly he heard voice say:
 Pardon me, but are you not Lord CrcylanG"
 Richard turned to see outside the fence restive mare hitched to per fecty appointed trap, in which sat an elderly man of distinguished appear ance. He recognized him at once, of course Now, the Texan had not count ed upon meeting Mir. Jacob Renwyck at the station, and his plans were dis arranged materially by the unfortunate contretemps. He had hoped to enter the house before his name became known, and also he had prayed that | the master thereof might not be at home at the moment of his arrival. However, he must put on a bold front and trust to luck. He pushed his way through the gate and approached the vehicle.
 II recognized you instantly from your picture" said Mir. Renwyck, thrusting out a cordial hand. Glad i to see you. Jump in
 Pardon me, MT Renwyck," Richard began nervously, but the other inter- rupted:
 No time now. The mare has the devil in her this morning. Jump in. Steady, Molly, Steady"
 Richards mind was in a whirl. If he wished to see the daughter, he must pass the fractious father first of all, so without more ado he sprang into the trap, intending to explain as they went along. The mare reared, wheel eu duu SldIltu oll dl Il llNtlt puCe. MI. Renwyck held the lines with an expert hand and plunged into rapid fire of small talk
 First trip up the Hudson, I take it. Magnificent river. but of course noth- ing like the Rhine. That's old Wal ker's place over on your right. Steep hill, this, but good for Molly. Will take some of the spunk out of her, confound her! Steady, girl. Steady"
 Pardon me. Mir. Renwyck," Richard began again, my name"-
 Yes, yes: know" said the old gen. tleman, taking corner sharply; names all right. I have your letter from Carthwaite. Fine old fellow, isn't he? Had hoped to have him during your visit. but he's gone to Chicago. Hello. pOstman. Whoa, Molly! Any thing for me-"
 A letter carrier stepped from the sidewalk and handed packet of mail Party by the name of Lord Croyland stopping at your place, sir?" he asked.
 Yes" replied MT. Renwyck; this is the gentleman. Here you are, Lord Croyland. Thanks, postman. Go along, girl"'
 The bewildered Richard found sev- eral official looking envelopes handed to him and. scarcely knowing what to do with them at present. thrust them into his pocket. They had reached the crest of the hill now and swung away to the left on q level road Richard essayed once more to straighten out his friends affair. when his host again cut in: You've been in this country for some time. haven't youT' "Yes. for some time" answered Rich ard, sparring for an opening. What part of it:'' "Oh. around in spots-Texas mostly -dabbling in cattle. you know" The oId gentleman drew his mare up sharply, then let her go again.
 Texas. eh: So have l. Ever met an old skinfiint. cattle king. and so on, named Bill williams?"
 The tone of MT. Renwyck's voice in dicated perfectly in what low estlma- tiOn he held the aforesaid Williams.
 Fl know his son. said Richard nonchaIantly
 "Cmph: Any improvement on the father:" ''In a way. res" the young man re- piled with a ghost of a smile Haottv inc s-ouve-SstFpn uas rravv- ing interesting. For the moment Rich