The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1908-06-11

while Bills went out into the night.
boarded freight and deposited the
plumber in New York! The Texan was
innocent. of course. but would other
people think so? Yet she would. There
was comfort in that. : If she believed
In him. nothing else mattered very
much.
At this stage of the proceedings there
was quite a commotion on the front
porch, due to the arrival Of several
visitors. Harriet and Imogene went
out and greeted Miss Sempton nerv-
ously, explaining the state of affairs
briefly. while Mr.. Renwyck also came
to the door. impatient at the unlocked
for interruption.
"Sfr." questioned the pompous Eng
ltsh gentleman, who had arrived few
minutes after the lighter footed young
lady, IAN l correct in assuming that
that is Mr.. Jacob Renwyck?"
Mr.. Renwyck bowed.
HIN! My card" went on the visitor.
II am. as you see. Sir Rodney Hick-
w1ch, British ambassador at Washing
ton. have written repeatedly on mat
tiers of most urgent business to a gen.
tleman who I learn has been a guest
at this charming home, but my letters
and kilograms have elected no reply.
Humph! I allude, sir, to the Earl of
Croyland Does he chance to be still
with you?"
"Yes," answered Mr.. Renwyck.
"Come in. must apologize for our up
set state, butt the fact is we have Just
discovered serious robbery. Pray be
seated, Sir Rodney. Lord Croyland
was here a moment ago. I will send
for him.
II shall he obliged, I'm sure. l regret
to disturb you under the circum.
stances, but it's really most important.
you know, and"-
"Not at ALL" said Mr.. Renwyck cour-
teously. James," he called to the but
Ter, ''send some one to Lord Croyland
with this card"
eyes, SIR" answered James. Il think
I see him on the lawn. sir. He's CON-
ing now"
Richard, having spied Miss Sempton
coming up the path, had promptly
moved out upon the lawn in order to
postpone the inevitable discovery as
long as possible. He saw her go with
Harriet and Imogene up the stairs;
then he turned once more toward the
house. At the steps he was stopped by
q farmer, the hard featured official
and the fussy little mechanical indi-
vidual who seemed to have joined
forces on the way.
'Thats one Of 'em now" loudly de-
clared the rustic, pointing grimy fin
ger at Richard. II recognize him. off,
Ger. He was there all right"
"What's this-what's this?' demand
ed Mr.. Renwyck, Fastening out at the
sound of the excited voice.
''1ts all right, Mr.. Renwyck," said
the fussy little man, touching his cap.
II think we can settle it without any
trouble whatever. Is this Lord Croy-
land?''
Eyes, it u.s." answered the puzzled
master of Restmore. What is all this
fuss about? 1t is very annoying to
have you people coming here at this
time. What do you want? Be BRIEF"
MY name," said the man, lis Par
ker-John Parker Of the Layton Motor
company. Lord Croyland here rented
one Of our machines a week ago and
never brought it back. We learned in
cidentally that he smashed it up and
failed to report the accident We in
quired for him at his hotel, but he had
left without giving an address. We
had great deal Of trouble in locating
the damaged motor, but found it at
last at New Rochelle. And we have
had more trouble in locating him here
too. have heavy bill against his
lordship."
But here the farmer broke in angrily:
eyes, an he broke up my Vaughn an
kilt my dawg. I'll have the law on
him. Here, you," he cried, turning to
Richard-"you got to come along with
us back to New York! My lawyer says
you've got to pay a thousand dollars
damages. This man has summons
fer you. That's him. constable Take
him in
with look Of refined establishment
Really, Lord Croyland," he began.
but Richard smiled brazenly and
checked further speech.
"Mr. Renwyck," he said, Il must
apologize to you for this unfortunate
interruption. I did have an automo-
bile accident. it is true, but I paid to
have the damaged machine lowed to
the nearest garage and thought, Of
course, that the matter would be re-
ported promptly by the officer employ
ed. gave my address and heard
nothing further from the owners Of
the automobile nor from this worthy
farmer whose wagon and dog were
both butted into kingdom come" Rich
ard turned to Mr.. Parker. "At what
hotel did you inquire for me?"
"Hotel Astor. sir. the address on our
books"
"Ah!' smiled the Texan. THAT &C.
counts for it. I had changed my ad.