The San Francisco call., 1907-02-03

of the hall for any other date which
you may select My people here, and
myself, shall esteem it pleasure 10
be among your audience.
was quite overwhelmed. l could
only murmur my thanks. The Duke
went on to speak for while on gen
eral matters, and then skillfuliy
brought the conversation back TO my
self and my own affairs. Before
knew where I was l found myself sub
jected to a close and merciless cross
examination. My youth, my college
career. my subsequent adventures
seemed all to be subjects of interest
TO him, and L. although every moment
my bewilderment increased, answered
him with the obedience of a school
boy.
myself confronted with a question
which. If / had answered it truthfully.
must have disclosed my penniless con-
dition. / rose instead to my feet
Your grace will excuse me-, / said
sbut / am taking UP too much OF your
time 1t is not possible that these
small personal details can be of any
interest to YOU
He waved me back to my chair.
which 1 did not. however, Immediately
resume. ] was not in the least oftend-
ed. The Dukes manner throughout.
and the framing of his questions, had
been too tactful to awaken any re-
sentiment But l had no fancy for ex-
posing nv ill luck and friendless state
to any one. / was democrat enough TO
feel that a cross-examinatfon which
would have been impertinent in any
body else was becoming little too
personal even from the Duke OF Row
chester.
.Sit down. Mr.. Ducaine.' he said L
do not blame you for resenting what
seems to be curiosity, but you must
take my word for it that IL is nothing
of the sort I can perhaps explain my
self better by asking you still another
sort of question. Are you in position
to accept a post of some Importance
I looked at him in surprise, as we'll
might.
"Sit down, Mr.. Ducaine," he repeat
ed. II have said enough. / hope. to
prove that I am not trifiing with YOU"
you have managed. at any rate, to
surprise me very much. your Grace.
1 said Il am eager to receive employ
ment of any sort. May l ask what it
was that you had in view?"
He shook his head slowly
Il cannot tell you today. he said.
at is a matter upon which l should
have TO consult others.
A sudden thought struck me-
May / ask at whose suggestion you
thought OF me?' l asked.
ut was Colonel Ray who pointed out
certain necessary qualifications which
you possess" the Duke answered. II
shall report to him and to some others
the result of our conversation, and I
presume you have no objections to my
making such inquiries as think neces-
sary concerning your
None whatever" I answered
The Duke rose to his feet. I took
up my cap.
III Colonel Ray is in / said. "and
1t is not inconvenient. should be glad
to see him for moment"
Colonel Ray left unexpectedly by
the first train this morning" the Duke
answered. looking at me keenIy.
7 gave no sign, but my heart sank.
III IT is anything important I can
give you his address" he remarked.
Thank you," I answered. 1T is OF
no consequence"
There was moments silence. 1t
watching me with peculiar intentness
Ray stayed with you late last
night" he remarked.
Colonel Ray was very kind"
answered.
"By-the-by.'' he said. Il hear that
some stranger lost his life in the storm
last night. You found the body. did
you not?'
yes" 1 answered. There was a
great deal OF wreckage on the shore
this morning.
The Duke nodded
1t was no one belonging to the
sneighborhood. 1 understand" he asked.
The man was a stranger TO all of
u.s.. I answered.
The Duke stood with knitted brows.
He seemed on the point of asking me
some other question. but apparently he
abandoned the idea. He nodded again
and rang the bell. was dismissed.