The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1908-04-10

knuckle bones, you know, seem to be
very sensitive to sudden shock, and In
this particular instance had no
earthly cause TO complain. Perhaps
you are wondering how ! could shoot
so accurately. Well, I'll tell you"
Richard leaned forward and confided
In pleased whisper, II had just oiled
my gun"
Bills now began to sober up with
astonishing rapidity. His putty-like
complexion had grown grayer still.
while his eyes were watery, wandering
about In the fruitless hope of detecting
some avenue Of escape. Even his hair
seemed to stir restlessly ON his head.
and feeling of weakness and nausea
came over him.
"Wot-wot became of the gentleman,
sir?'' he asked. with a choky click in
his voice.
Gentleman" repeated Richard alb
sently. What gentleman"
IVY. the-target gentleman. sir the
one as was losin parts of ITSELF that
don't count. Mr.. Williams, sir.
mean
ooh, yes. yes!' laughed the Texan.
II was thinking of something else.
You mean my contract man? l don't
remember exactly. He was alive when
| left him. l believe. but rather think
he crows got him in the end" There
was another pause. in which Richard
listened intently "Ahv he exclaimed.
II believe l hear Miss Renwyck COM
ing downstairs. Hadn't you better see
her before we go for our rider"
Bills breathed hard, thought for
awhile, then looked up timidly.
an lord
Don't call me my lord" said Rich
ard so sharply that the servant nearly
fell out of his chair. II have no right
to that title now-since we've parted
company. No; I'm just plain Mr.. Will
liams. COW puncher, man eater, any
thing you like except an English noble
man."
"But-but-m' lord" persisted Bills.
rising unsteadily and becoming the re-
Spectful servant once more, II don't
want to leave you, sir. Candid, Mr..
Williams, sir, I'll serve you faithful
deed / will. 1t was only the drink
wot made me forgit meself, Lord VIII
liams, sir-I mean-good Gawd! NJ lord
you won't think of shootin' at my
knuckle bones when l was only foolin',
sir-when"-
"Oh, is that it?" Richard interrupted.
1T was a joke, then?"
Yes, sir"
"My! What a delicate humor you
Englishmen have! Am l to under
stand that you will continue to be my
servant on the original terms of agree
ment?"
ut would make me 'appy, M lord.
oh, so 'appyw
Every WELL" said Richard. "Pll give
you another trial. But understand me,
Bills, there must be no more non
sense!'
"No, sir"
"No more brandyw
"No, SIR"
"And you will obey me implicitly in
everything?"
II will, so 'elp me"
Gall right" smiled the Texan. "Ill
give you an order as starter. Just
get those new riding boots of Lord
Croyland's, will you, and put them on
break them in for me? l may be out
for several hours. You will walk up
and down in them until return"
"But-but," protested Bills, them
boots is too small for you, sir-I mean,
your lordship-an' my foot is biggern
yours, sir"
81 know that perfectly" answered
Richard pleasantly. Singular how Bills
had never before recognized how
pleasant his master could be! well
kill two birds with one stone. Not
only Will you break those boots for
me, but per contra at the same time
you may be reminded of what 1t means
TO break q contract with me. Am i
clear?"
The valet sat limp and speechless.
He made no move to obey the harsh
command, so Richard turned on his
heel, crossed to the window and stood
looking out among the trees.
"Bills," he asked presently, ''have
you noticed how many crows are fly
ing about the place? never observed
them before"
Eyes, yes, M lordw the servant gasp
ed. 1--WE noticed 'em frequent, sir,
an'-an', awskin' your pardon, sir. I'm
ready to put the boots on"
Richard watched the operation in
grim enjoyment, The fit was tight
one. but Bills accomplished the feat
at last, though the perspiration came
out on his forehead in copious profu-
sion.
"Thank you" said the Texan simply
and departed without giving any fur
Their directions.
He enjoyed his ride with Miss Har
riet hugely. For three long, blissful
hours he cantered with her on beauti-
full country roads, where the air was
sweet and invigorating, where the
scent Of wild flowers came to them and
the fragrance of the wild woods sweet
er still in the deepening dusk. A hun
dred times he was on the verge of
confessing all, of throwing himself up
on the mercy of her gentleness, but