The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1908-04-17

cried. indeed this will be most veX-
atious to his lordship, and will lose
me his custom"
Now, It's certain enough that had
4 conserved my wits more properly,
and that dismal juice was not so
fluent in my blood, | would never
have risked this place of deviltry.
The room was buzzing with sound,
and the warmth and the fare pleased
me very well. But where the devil
was l gotten, and who the devil these
thus politely admitted to the board
these were the enigmas that float
ed about in my head. Not that l was
in any embarrassment; for it was
enough for me if l was to be enter
| tanned thus royalty, waited upon
with the best, and conjoined with
high company, such as was scattered
as q single trespass upon the pocket.
But by and by my civil neighbor
turned to me.
you are late" says he. Il sup
pose you were held at the court; or
| do you ride from town."
| WELL" says l, very careful, for l
am not the man to trip myself over
| a word, lin a manner you may say
yes" l says and 1 took a draught of
| the tanker afore me-
"Ah!" he said, and seemed to puzzle
his wits over the rejoinder; but l
| conceived he was in no very active
| condition of mind, and it is like
enough that what l said seemed from
some corners of aspect to contain a
sensible answer. So he followed
after my example and slipped his wine
| meditatively.
His lordship," says he, soon
again, sis in high feather this even
ing"
You may say that" said I, delivering
| glance towards the head of the
table, where sat a long-faced, hand
some looking fellow, whom, to say
sooth, had not yet minded in the sat
isfaction of my appetite, "he is fill
ing paunch, l warrant" l said, with
a laugh.
Hush whispered he, with a
scared look on his face, and glanc-
ing about him, you will be over
heard"
Overheard" l said Am l a wench
that must walk mimmouthed through
her wine and not deal in the kings
plain English? l permit no man to
dictate me upon my language-not l."
The fellow stared at me Sor a time,
and then: You have a bold tongue"
said he, with what 1 could perceive
doubt you ply it well. What is your
court?" says he.
THE same as yours, says |.
ooh" says he, breaking into a smile.
Il wear my professions very discerni-
BILE, them"
yes, you do" said I, bluntly.
Il am glad 1 have met you," he
went on, pleasantly, "and l shall make
it my duty to pursue our acquaintance.
1t is odd, indeed. And what think you,
sir, of the Fassett business?"
"Ah, you may we'll ASK" says 1,
nodding my head. Cad and l see you
are agreed with me. The circumstan-
ces stand so plain that there is no de-
NAL. Be sure you are right; I'll war
rant that; and l myself am game to
prove it with the point" says 1, slap
ping my sword.
The gentleman drew away, looking
at me with some amazement, and
presently his face took on an express
sion of confusion, and Quite SOL" says
he. And l took off my gaze from
him and was for letting it fall
hack on my neighbor to interrogate
him upon the identity Of this fine
cock when it's passage along the op-
posite side of the table discovered, not
very far from his lordship himself, no
other than the prim-faced gentleman
of the parti-colored chaise that Tony
and had ransacked that same after
noon upon the moors.
The Gully turned trife pale and
WINGED, moving in his seat. Then he
frowned and seemed nightly taken
up with his plate, after which he lifted
his head again and directed a look on
me.
Well" says 1 to myself 81 am
committed to it now and it's my bear
ing against his, and the best Gre
dentials." And with that feeling that
the matter was passed out of my
hands l turned on my neighbor and
says l to him, but still keeping an eye
on the pale-faced BOBBY: who may
his lordship be-" says.
"You are testing" says he. "His
lordship?"
Well" says I, trifie grimly, for I
saw the same lordship casting his
eyes upon the paper. "And maybe you
can put name on him if l can't
"But-but," he stammered, and
then: "Who may you be-" he asked,
with some suspicion and in another
manner.
Oh you'll" said I; tive put you
question and gentleman should
need no reminder of his necessary
civilities," for by this saw his lord
ships soft and shining eyes directed
on us. Whats the cully's name?"
I asked.
"Tis my Lord Jeffreys," he says, in
bare whisper. You will believe me,
and I make no shame to admit it, that
my legs took a tremor at the words
"Thank'ee," says I, calmly, to my
neighbor. "Tis well. | have some