Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-12-07

asking after your health. Well!'
 "Wen would you have me leave, sirT' asked Bills most deferentially again, without a change of counte- nance. -a
 Richard regarded the man critically.
 That's just the point, Friend Wool sey. think can arrange to give you a position-that is, for time at least. How much does your master pay you?''
 Twelve pounds month, sir, an my keep"
 "Very we'll" nodded Richard, T can do the same for you, with the promise of fat bonus for good behavior. Now. listen. I'm going to trust you and speak candidly. Lord Croyland's got to lie low-Jap-er-you know"
 "Ow long?"
 , "For a week or perhaps longer. l am to be Earl of Croyland. You are i to attend me as my man, address me as Lord Croyland and render me such assistance as require. Is that satis- factory?"
 The yalet's lips twitched, but he 
 answered, in level tone:
 Beg pardon, MT. Williams, but 1t cawn't be done."
 "Why not?" demanded Richard. "Cawnt reconcile it with my con- science, sir"
 "How much is this delicate organ of yours worth, Bills?"
 Twenty-Five pounds month, sir, an-the bonus as you were good enough to mention, sir.'
 The valet had the whip hand of him, and no one knew it better. than the arch conspirator; therefore he hasten ed to clinch the bargain before the terms thereof should rise.
 "All right" he agreed, "I'll do it. on conditions. I engage you for one month, that's $125, and like sum, if you serve me faithfully, at the end of it."
 "An'-the other Lord Croyland, sir"
 "I'll square you with him all right. You know who l am"-he paused and fixed his keen gray eye upon the man, adding, as his square chin grew more dominant-"but no monkey shines. I have a sort of bonus for that too. Just please remember that can hit half dollar at seventy-fve yards-size 4+and l won't be trifed with. I, too, have a sensitive con- science, Bills, but it has its limitations. Now. then, what do you say?
 "Very good, m lord," said Bills, with another deferential bow.
 Richard chuckled and rubbed his hands. Matters were beginning to assume a more cheerful aspect. He paced up and town for a moment or two longer, then turned to the waiting servant.
 Now. Cardinal Woolsey, we'll get right down to business. l want you to go to the city this morning and bring me a condensed history of Eng land and map of your jolly little is- land Then I'll need some rather stren- uous coaching. Did you bring the-er Il mean-my trunks?"
 Your lordship's boxes, m lord?"
 "Oh. yes. boxes. of course Thank you. Did you bring them?'
 "1'hey are in the 'all below, m lord. I'll ave 'em up immejitly, sir"
 Bills turned to go, but Richard checked him.
 Wait. haven't finished yet. On your way to town and back I want you to take memorandum of the names of Lord-Of my friends in London and here in America. l want to know about my family. where have been and whom I have met. You understand? General informa- tion. Now get those boxes and let's have a look at my togs."
 ''I understand. sir"
 Its lucky" soliloquized Richard after the departure of the valet. that Bills is such an internal rascal or I'd have trouble with him. Yet suppose we might be called birds of a feather in this" He drowned. "Oh. well, it's the only way to win her. and if can make her love me she'll forgive me anything
 The luggage was presently brought up and inspected critically. Richard finding with joy that the earl's clothes fitted him to perfection. and while Bills was placing them in the various drawers and closets the new Lord Croyland sought for pointers thirstily.
 By the way" he exclaimed sudden ly. there is something important which l almost forgot. I've got to run the gantlet of that table at luncheon fin about half an hour. and I want you to brush me up in the matter of cut lery. Do you understand the gamer"
 "Yes, sir: movin' in the best circles as gentleman's gentleman, I know all about if. sir
 You might throw in a few lords, you know. Bills. just to keep in prac- tice. so you won't forget"
 "Yes, n lord"
 Well, as I was saying" went On Richard. ''I went 10 a swell dinner at Houston once and haven't stopped blushing about it yet. squandered seven different kinds of forks before the dessert came and found myself with a choice between a butter knife and an oyster sticker to eat ice cream with. It was depressing"
 Bills curbed his smile and supplied the needed information. then made himself ready to take the F o'clock train to New York.
 'Is there anything else. m Ioud?" he asked. .Yesn safd Richard rrhn ras ne-.