The San Francisco call., 1908-05-10

I1<ANt- ASKED

Sir Rcnard Escombe KNOWS our rule-why does he
ask US what il Isl?
the mood toward him change. Sir Richard knows the
rule; the rest is with him..
So they taunted him. while in Richard Escombes 5
eyes there flashed thought which among
them might truly read.
Had they but known the torture doubt he
in their keenn a. his I life ~ t M ms nohor
leved that they meant to have his life. the chap
lains fine plotting and planning by board
rectly the old mockng enemy stood among them. God
how they had ninched, of them when the
Dick Escombe of old time had turned upon them! And
how much they owed him of hate and shame i'll paid
to nothing of that bunderer, Tobias Cambray
perpetuay prating of King George and the draroons?
Brethren Tobias fallen again to the old man
ner of speaking in his excitement brethren, doubt
not that Sir Richard Escombe has here throw
himself upon our clemency and to offer his most
humble apologies"
NAY, nay" gasps my lord. 1--WE show Glenn
ency-I claim the penalty. This offended let
him why he should not suffer-"
Gentlemen says he at last, making heard
with difficulty, II have asked what is pleas
rule made by drunkards for the salvation of their
vices? Shall name it Jest of rogues in house
upon towards? Nay that would home too closely
to you ALL Ye have trapped by your laws and am
this took step forward toward my lords couch
and drew pistol from his pocket SO unexpected
that seemed already weapon pointed
against his forehead ana to hear the report Of it
ing and possible consequence of their hate made them
selves manifest. They could depict Richard
prone upon floor could themselves riding head
long London could hear already the rumor in the
city the palace. Let this here at Medmen-
ham and tomorrow the king would accuse them Who
shall their volte face their sudden almost
mad desire to stay Escombe's hand?
Not here by God"' cried Ailsa.
Many echoed the words One roared "D--n him.
he'll blow his brains out Then they turned to the
chaplain Lord how white he was almost as ghastly
spectacle my lord who sat bolt upright fevered
eyes upon Escombes face, purpose of the
expressed in that yearning look which
ly Richard Escombe's death.
All, If the trigger had but fallen, Ny lord watched
it other watch the dice box about to
be His parched lips tried an exclama-
tion but failed him. He could have rubicund
jowIed Tobias when that worthy voice In a
pitifui appeal, spoken from his very heart:
Gentlemen Gentlemen If you pease" roared
Tobias. "Sir Richard Escombe implore you gentle
there must be no scandal at Medmenhan. What
have to say
They received him with shouts of order! order!"
For many minutes the babel was indescribabIe. And
through all Sir Dick stood unmoved, cooked pistol
n hand 5ame kindly smile upon his face He
quite willing to listen to Tobias The chaplain
had attentive auditor last he obtained
hearing
Gentlemen" says he, speaking more calmly now
Sir Richard by his here admits gravity
that ofense of which society him guilty
The rule has been broken We forbidden pain
woman Sir Richard has done that, and honor would
demand that he the penalty, my lord has said
we, gentlemen, not such inpacable friends
of tradition would make out. say that we
show clemency upon occasion and that today Is
such occasion In your tell Sir Richard Es-
combe that II he will leave this kingdom Of England
today