The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1908-04-03

prOteStS grew Nedhei anu WS"hci,
finally subsiding In II suggestion that
relieved the situation from every point
of view.
"Why not have MIR. Van der Awe do
the partY" he asked. with beaming
smile directed at that young gentle
man. You'd do II splendidly. old
chap. and | shall be uncommonly
obliged to you"
Amid chorus of approval the young
lover accepted blushingly, while Rich
ard not only freed himself Of hate
full task, but became n hero and
genius in the eyes of the entire party.
AS they passed out Of the dining
room Cornelius plucked Richards
sleeve and whispered:
"See here; l thought you said you
couldn't act?"
Cant" returned the Texan, with
sly wink. "That was what you Amer
leans call bluff, but IL you let on I'll
wiring your neck"
The Earl of Croyland pro TEN. pro-
ceeded to his rooms with the object
of arraylng himself in certain riding
suit in the wardrobe of the Earl Of
Croyland, In actu, which would have
made a COW puncher snort with dis
dain, but which Richard in his pres
ent state Of mind rather longed for.
Certainly he had no fault to find either
with his prototypes taste or tailor.
On entering his dressing room he was
greeted by n sight which fairly took
his breath away, and he was not easily
surprised either. In corner opposite
the door stood a handsome morris
chair In the chair sprawled Mr.. Wool
sey Bills holding tumbler in one hand
and Richards brandy flask in the 9TH
er. One-third of the original contents
was still In the glass; the other two
thirds was obviously in Bills, for that
worthy smiled pleasantly at his mas
ter ana made no attempt to rise or to
apologize for his extraordinary con-
duct.
Richards first impulse was to take
the offender by the scruff of the neck
and kick him soundly through his
hosts baronial halls, repeating the at
tention until his valet reached n 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 dash
of sarcasm in his voice, ''for q recently
employed servant you seem to be doing
remarkably we'll"
Eyes, 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
earl's, 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 rascals collar. What did 1t
mean? However, there was nothing to
be gained by violence. while much
could be learned through the exercise
of little tact Therefore he curbed
his rage and spoke calmly If 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
Eyes," answered Bills airily, but
nevertheless in quite open defiance;
"me an you as got to part company,
Mr.. Williams"
"Ahw
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 "Mr.
Williams" A confession on Richards
part would be bad enough, but to be
forced to admit the accusation of q
servant would be infinitely worse.
Bills, too, seemed aware Of the situa-
ton and was determined to make the
most Of it, 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 it do go against me to be
deceivin' people. I've got no complaint
aginst my present dooties, Mr.. Will
liams, sir, an special so as they Is
light" Richard made no answer, and
Bills continued, 81 might say I
might-be indooced to stay on, sir, for
a small advance Of two hundud pun,
with a promise of another one to
come"
II dare say you might" assented
Richard, with ironic calm quite lost
upon the man. Anything elseT'
Eyes. sir. fancy Mr.. Renwyck
would do as well as that - maybe
more"
Probably" agreed pScnard. Hes
richer than l and Trimmed 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 a
scene. but his masters easy acceptance
of tho black ma ling schemo took hin,