The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1908-06-11
HIS BORlcAL
slry' he asked, with cboky S1RNE TY.

his voice. ..--.-''.
Gentleman repeated Richard alb
sently. What gentleman
"W'y, the-target gentleman, Sir, the
one as was losin' parts Of 'isself that
don't count, Mr.. Williams, sir 1
mean
"Oh, yes, yesv' laughed the Texan.
II was thinking of something else
You mean my contract man? don't
remember exactly. He was alive when
1 left him, 1 believe, but rather think
the crows got him in the end" There
was another pause, in which Richard
listened inteatly. "Ahw he exclaimed
II believe hear Miss Renwyck com.
Ing downstairs. Hadn't you better see
her before we go for our ride"
Bills breathed hard, thought fol-
awhile, then looked up timidly.
"M' lord"-
Don't call me my lord" said Rich
ard so sharply that the servant nearly
fell out Of his chair. IT have no right
to that title now-since we've parted
company. No; I'm just plain Mr.. Will
Hams, 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, IT don't
want to leave you, SIR Candid, Mr..
Williams, sir, III serve you faithful;
deed I will. 1t was only the drink
wot made me forgit meself, Lord vii
Hams, sir-I mean-good Gawd! NJ lord
you won't think of shootin' at my
knucl1e bones when I was only foolin',
sir-when''-
''Oh, is that it," Richard interrupted.
1T was a joke, then?'
Eyes, SIR
my! What delicate humor YOU
Englishmen have! Am I to under
stand that you will continue to be my
servant on the original terms of agree
ment?'
1T would make me 'appy, M lord
oh, so 'appy!'
Every WELL" said Richard. "rIl give
you another trial. But understand me,
Bills, there must be no more non
sense.'
'No, SIR
mo more brandy:"
"No, SIR
"And you will obey me implicitly in
everything?"
Il will, so 'elp mev'
call right" smiled the Texan. "TI
give you an order as a starter. Just
get those new riding boots of Lord
Croyland's, will you, and put them on
break them in for me? I may be out
for several hours. You will walk up
and down in them until I return
"But-but," protested Bills, 'them
boots is too small for you, sir-I mean,
your lordship-an' my foot is bigger'n
yours, SIR
II 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 tt means
to break contract with me- Am
clear?''
The valet sat limp and speeches..
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 lord!' 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 a 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.
BE 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
oSSAL VI w. uONSlS Cdme 10 90O
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
warning something held him in check.
and in spite of his impulses-like the
sailor in the opera-he remained an
ho f,,r Fl +;
with sparkling eyes.
do you know" she said, there are
times when you remind me so of a
man CHANGED to meet that-that''-
'The cowboy?" Richard asked.
She made no answer, but flushed and
gave free rein to her eager horse, while
the Texan spurred after her, laying a
firm hand upon her bride arm.
F, And if were he would it make a
6ffforon0o fhor-o 1iHforo~oo