The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1908-04-30

1shed Richard. Il admire your caution.
| To begin with, you'll have to take my
| word. If this. however, has no weight,
! l am to freshen your memory with a
little matter Of four pound six and a
| jeweled cigar cutter. Follow me?"
The valet licked his lips and said
nothing. Richard went on:
IF you still have doubts on the sub
| ject, Lord Croyland Is in possession of
| an inquiry from a friend Of yours in
| Scotland Yard-an inquisitive duck of
the name Of Drake. dare say he's
asking after your health. Well?"
gwen would you have me leave,
sir?" asked Bills most deferentially
again. without change of counte-
| nance.
Richard regarded the man critically.
''That's just the point, Friend Wool
sey. I think 1 can arrange to give you
a position-that is, for time at least
How much does your master pay your"
'Twelve pounds a month, sir, an my
keep
Every WE'LL" nodded Richard, II can
do the same for you, with the promise
of fat bonus for good behavior. Now,
listen. I'm going to trust you and
speak candidly. Lord Croyland's got
to lie low-Jap-er-you know"
SOW long?"
"For week or perhaps longer.
am to be Earl Of Croyland. You are
to attend me as my man, address me
| as Lord Croyland and render me such
;ofo
| factory?"
The Wallets lips twitched, but he
answered, in a level tone:
BEG pardon, Mr.. Williams. but it
| cawn't be DONE"
"Why not? demanded Richard.
"Cawn't reconcile it with my con-
science. sir.''
"How much is this delicate organ of
yours worth, Bills?'
'Twenty-fve pounds a month, sir,
an'-the bonus as you were good
enough to mention, sir"
The valet had the whip hand of him,
and no one knew it better than the
arch conspirator; therefore he hasten
| ed to clinch the bargain before the
| terms thereof should rise.
Gail right he agreed, "I'll do it
on conditions. I engage you for one
month, that's $125, and like sum, if
you serve me faithfully. at the end
Of it,"
"An'-the other Lord Croyland, STRIP
'I'll square you with him all right
You know who I annie paused
and fixed his keen gray eye upon the
man, adding, as his square chin
grew more dominant-"bpt no monkey
shines! l have a sort Of bonus for
that too. Just please remember that
can hit half dollar at seventy-fve
! yards-size 44-and I won't be trifed
with. l, too, have a sensitive con-
science, Bills but it has it's limitations.
Now. then, what do you say?
Every good, m lord" said Bills. with
another deferential bow
| Richard chuckled and rubbed his
hands. Matters were beginning to
assume a more cheerful aspect He
paced up and down for moment or
two longer. then turned to the waiting
servant.
Nov, Cardinal Woolsey, Veil get
right down to business. I want you
to go to the city this morning and
bring me a condensed history Of Eng
land and map Of your jolly little is
land. Then I'll need some rather siren
uous coaching. Did you bring the-er
Il mean-my trunks?"
"Your lordship's boxes, M lord?"
ooh. yes. boxes, Of course Thank
you. Did you bring them?'
'"Ihey are in the all below, M lord.
I'll ave 'em up immejitly, SIR
Bills turned to go. but Richard
checked him.
wait l haven't finished yet. On
your way to town and back I want
you to take memorandum of the
names Of Lord-of my friends in
London and here in America. l want
to know about my family, where l
nave been and whom I have met.
You understand? General informa-
ton. Now get those boxes and let's
have a look at my togs'
II understand. SIR
TITS lucky" soliloquized Richard
aAter TIE departure or the valet, that
Bills Is such an Internal rascal or I'd
nave trouble with him. Yet I suppose
we might be called birds Of feather
in this" He frowned "Oh, we'll, it's
the only way to win her, and if I can
make her love me she'll forgive me
anything
The luggage was presently brought
up and inspected critically, Richard
finding with JOY that the earl's clothes
fitted him to perfection, and while
Bills was placing them in the various
drawers and closets the new Lord
Cro?land sought for pointers thirstily.
by the way" he exclaimed sudden
~, 'there is something important which
I almost forgot. I've got to run the
gantlet Of that table at luncheon in
about half an hour, and want YOU
to brush me up in the matter of cut
lery. Do you understand the game?"