Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1908-06-25

your Judgments better than the earl's' y
in its workings too. 1t dazzles me-"
He paused and sighed. "And a man
like You would sell himself for f2O0!
What pity! Have you really decided
to break with meY'
81 ave-" said the valet resolutely.
A coward at heart, he had fortified
bis spirits with a liberal stimulant,
and now, at the sting of ridicule. which
CALLED him In tender spot. he became
rather n dangerous rascal Whom the
gods destroy they first make drunk,
and the besotted Bills went sullenly to
his doom.
Look 'erer he cried. "You told me
once you wouldn't stand no nonsense
No more will l. You got my offer-two
hundud pun. Take it or leave it! You
daren't ave me peach to Miss Rem
wyck, an you know 1t! | know
more than you think know. an Mr.
Williams cawn't cover itsup with none
of Is mawkish smiles No, stree!
ave you Were | want you, an you've
got to pay. You got to make ii three
an cash down at that! Now, one
last time-will you or won't your"
mo, Woolsey," said Richard. calmly
drawing on his boot, II won't"
Bills scowied at him angrily and
turned toward the door. He was drunk
enough to put his threat into execu-
ton, and well Richard knew that such
an exposure would be a deathknell to
his hopes of winning Harriet
"waitw
At the sharp command the valet
turned suddenly; then his master
changed his tone and continued in an
even voice: miss Renwyck is dressing
for a ride with me, and at present you
can't see her. She will probably be
down In twenty minutes, after which
You may do as you like and be hanged
to you! In the meantime would be
obliged II you would get me that small
bottle of machine oil on the closet
shelf; then find ma piece of soft
white rag"
The valet wanted to refuse, but his
servants training. together with GER
tain compelling something In Richards
eye. enforced obedience. He brought
one of Lord Croyland's handkerchiefs
from the bureau drawer and laid II
with the bottle of machine oil on a
table In the center OF the room. Rich
ard thanked him, seated himself again
and began tearing the handkerchief In
to narrow strips. while Bills stood
watching him, his human curiosity be-
ginning to get the better even of his
anger.
"Sit down, Cardinal" said Richard
pleasantly. You have twenty min
utes to wait, so why hurry? I have
found that morris chair to be very
comfortable indeed. You were enjoy
ing 1t when came In. Don't let me
spoil your afternoon. Try 1t again."
The valet still wondering and un,
certain, took the indicated seat. mar
rowly watching his master while the
Texan crossed the room, returning to
the table with small screwdriver and
formidable revolver. He seated him
self and began taking the weapon to
pieces, oiling each part carefully and
then running greasy rag through the
barrel. Bills became more and more
interested In this singular and to him
unfamiliar proceeding. but Richard Of
fered no explanation OF bis unusual oc-
cupation, After i've minutes OF utter
silence the valet could stand the strain |
no longer.
"Er-beg pardon. sir" he asked. and |
The tremor In his voice indicated his |
uneasiness. ''but wot are you a-doln'
n, sir1"
Cleaning my gum returned Rich
lsd laconically. "What did yoh think |
was doing shavingr'
~o-ohF' said Billss and lapsed into
Hence.
Richard began to whistle. 1t was |
merry, happy little tune, but somehow
got on the vaiet's nerves. His mind /
'ommenced to work and draw infer
nces. The gun had a very unsympa-
hetic look, which was lessened In no
|egrec BY the six enormous cartridges
hat the worker placed before him on
be table. He wished that the Texan