Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1908-03-06


gency and In general nerve enough TO
brazen out the affair until such time
as he might see ht TO make clean
breast Of It and trust the rest to luck.
Having made his preparations for
luncheon. he was pacing up and down
the rooms which had been assigned to
him. thoughtfully turning the matter
over In his mind, when a servant an
nounced the arrival OF Croyland's man
Bills.
"Ahr' said Richard. very eager to
encounter what might prove to be the
first check and get II over with. SHOW
him up, please"
The servant departed. and to the ad-
yenturer came another inspiration.
Here was an opportunity which. II
handled delicately. might lead to bril-
liant results. The valet entered-a
slight man OF medium height. with
clean shaven face. puttylike COM
plexion and a pale. Unconditional eye.
IN lord
The man stopped suddenly. passed
his hand over his mouth and stood star
ing at Richard, while a look Of recog
milton slowly illumined his brain.
"Why. Mr.. Williams. sir" he burst
out presently. II thought
"Ah." smiled Richard. In his most In
nocent and begulllng manner. 80 you
haven't forgotten your little trip tc
TexasT
"No-no. sir. An those awful COW
gentlemen. sirt' faltered Bills, with a
|. shudder OF remembrance OF some prac
teal Jokes OF which he had been the
victim at the hands OF some Of the COW
punchers before he left for New York
laand civilization.
Good, Now, attend me carefully
do you know anything Of the reasons
why your master Is In New York;
"a little, sir. but not much-som'
business for the Japs. for foreigI
government. sir"
Richard took a thoughtful turn vi
and down the room. then faced the
man again.
Ou lOOh uh lhltIibtht
Bills. and can appreciate what | an
going to say to you. Your master finds
1t necessary to lie low for week o.
two Understand
VERY good. sir"
''fn the first place. Lord Croyland au
thorized me to discharge you immedi
ately upon your arrival"
The servant looked up quickly, q
gleam OF suspicion In his flshy eye.
"Askin your pardon. SIR" he sait
deferentially. but 'ow am to know
sir. that you-that"-
THAT | am acting on the level?" fin
ished Richard. II admire your caution
To begin with. you'n have to take my
word. II this. however. has no weight
/ am to freshen your memory with @
little matter OF four pound six and q
jeweled cigar cutter. Follow mer'
The valet licked his lips and said
nothing. Richard went on:
III you still have doubts on the sub
ject. Lord Croyland Is in possession OF
an inquiry from friend OF yours In
Scotland Yard-an inquisitive duck o.
the name OF Drake. | dare say he:
asking after your health. wellr
"W'en would you have me leave
SIR" asked Bills most deferentially
again. without a change Of counte
nance.
Richard regarded the man critically.
That's Just the point, Friend Wool
sey. think can arrange TO give you
a posltion-that u, for time at least
How much does your master pay you ?
Twelve pounds Il month, sir, an my
keep"
Very we'll" nodded Richard, II car
do the same for you. with the promise
OF fat bonus for good behavior. Now
listen. I'm going 10 trust you ant
speak candldy. Lord Croyland's go
TO lie low-Jap--er-you know"
."Ow long?"
For a week or perhaps longer.
am TO be Earl Of Croyland. You are
to attend me as my man. address me
as Lord Croyland and render me sucl
assistance as | require. Is that salts
factory?"
The valet's lips twltched but he
l answered in level tone:
BEG pardon, Mr.. Williams. hut II
cawn't be done"
why notJ' demanded Richard.
"Cawn't reconcile It with my con,
science. sir"
How much Is this delicate organ OF
/ yours worth. Bulsf"
"Twenty.hve pounds month, sir
an'-the bonus as you were good
/ enough 10 mention. sir"
The valet had the whip hand OF him
| and no one knew II better than the
arch consplrator; therefore he hasten
cd TO clluch the bargain before the
terms thereof should rise.
IAN right" he agreed, I'm do it
ON conditions, engage you for one
month. that's Sl25. and like sum, II
/ You serve me faithfully. at the end
OF It."
"An'-the other Lord Croyland. SirT
I'm square YOU with him an right
You SNOW who am'-he paused