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

Richards first impulse was to take
the offender by the scruff of the mech
and kick him soundly through his
hosts baronial halls, repeating the at.
tention until his valet reached a point
somewhere beyond the Renwycks
front gate, but on second thought he
changed his mind. First and foremost
he wanted information. The kicking
could be postponed. There would be
time enough for that later.
well. Bills" he began, with a dash
OF sarcasm in his voice, ''for a recently
employed servant you seem to be doing
remarkably we'll"
"Yes, sir" returned the valet, with
the utmost complacence; I'm dom
nicely, thank you" He helped himself
to another pabulum of liquid cheer and
held the glass between his eye and
the light. This ere brandy, sir, is
equal good as wot we as on the other
side. Your judgments better than the
earls, sir. You 'ealth, SIR"
Richard stuffed his clinched hands
deep into his pockets, striving with all
his might to keep them from the i'm
pudent rascal's collar What did IL
mean? However, there was nothing to
be gained by violence, while much
could be learned through the exercise
Of a little tact. Therefore he curbed
his rage and spoke calmly. II Bills
had known the Texan better he would
have realized that when he was most
quiet he was most dangerous.
might inquire as to the reason of
your present condition." asked his
master
Yes" answered Bills alrily, but
nevertheless in quite open defiance:
me an you as got to part company.
Mr. Williams"
"Ah!'
Eyes, sir"
The murder was out. The mans
manner of address implied many
things which Richard was as quick to
grasp as to appreciate their conse-
quences. Bills might drop bomb
shell in the Renwyck household by a
mere mention of the name of mfr.
Williams" A confession on Richards
part would be bad enough. but to be
forced to admit the accusation of a
servant would be infinitely . worse
Bills. too, seemed aware Of the situa-
ton and was determined to make the
most OF 1t. as was shown by his next
remark.
Mr.. Williams" he began, with the
confidence Of holding the whip hand,
"I'm not disposed / to make trouble,
sir. though 1t do go against me to be
deceivin' people. I've got no complaint
ag'inst my present dooties. Mr.. VIII
Hams, sir, an special so as they Is
light" Richard made no answer, and
Bills continued, II might say
might-be indooced TO stay on, sir, for
q small advance of two hundud pun.
with promise OF another one to
come
Il dare say you might" assented
Richard, with ironic calm quite lost
upon the man. Anything else?'
'.Yes. sir. fancy Mr.. Renwyck
would do ms well as that maybe
more"
Probably" agreed Richard. Hes
richer than ! and inclined to be more
generous. Try It by all means, Bills.
should hate to stand IN the way of
your making an honest penny or two"
The Texan began to undress, while
The surprised valet stared at him In
wonder. He had rather expected
scene, but his masters easy acceptance
Df the Matchmaking scheme took him
nnawares. He was comSletely non
plused BY this seemingly indifferent
reception OF his statement. His bomb
shell, which he had charged so elabo-
rately. seemed to be hanging Ere. He
was not 80 sure that Mr.. Renwyck
would pay for his information after
al. and bird In the hand is worth
many ON the wing. especially to an In
sbriate. whose facilities for bird catch |
Ing are limited.
ibid ruther stay with you. sir"
be faitered presently. with a sugges-
hon OF compromise. not to say sur
ender. In his tones.
4 1850 y ~*e@ ~F<&1 R@@A44~N A&kCuuI0 ktU-
ally, more Indifferent than ever.
The matter IL o. too hltis importance |
q trouble over--really. Get me out
hat pair Of dove colored riding breech-
y. 80 long as you are here. win YOUR
The valet brought the desired article
IA, looking bis master eQuarely In the
bee, summoned the last vestige or his
|xt1ncially supplied courage and made
hnal bold attemp< at blackmailing
I'm:
'Wfll you give me two hundud pun.
- Or won't you. now7s
sCouIdnf think Of II" laughed the
soxan lightly. r made bargain with
on, and Jon break Il at your own risk.
low. bring me Lord Croyland's second /
~ pair OF riding boots The new
neg are tribe small and pinch nv
~ damnabIy. That's right Thank
6u" He looked up with happy
ME. ~It's your deal, Woolsey, what