Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19

template the deeps in which lie found
himself. Here he was in n strange
house under n borrowed name and ii.
tie. with little knowledge or expert
ence to enable him to carry off the I'M
position successfully. True, from his
associations with-the earl in Texas he
could recall some of the Englishman's
oddities of speech and manner, to
which his Own soft southern accent
readily accommodated itself. but this
was Il tlinsy sraffolding by which to
build a successful fraud. Though we'll
educated, Richards environment had
afforded him small opportunity to be-
come familiar With the manners of po-
lite society. and his knowledge of Eng.
land and English customs; like that of
many better Informed Americans, was
meager. On the other hand, he had
plenty of common sense, much of his
fathers native shrewdness, fund of
ready wit. Il cool courage in an emcr-
gency and in general nerve enough to
bTazen out the affair until such a time
as lie might see fit TO make Il clean
breast of it and trust the rest to luck.
Having made his preparations for
luncheon, he WAS pacing up and down
the rooms which had been assigned to
him, thoughtfully turning the matter
over In his mind, when a servant an.
noInced the arrival Of Croyland's man
Bills.
:" Ah." said Richard, very eager to
encounter what might prove to be the
first check and get II over with Show
him up, please"
The servant departed, and to the ad.
venturer came another inspiration.
Here was an opportunity which, II
handled delicately, might lead to bril-.
liant results. The valet entered-a
slight man of medium height, with q
clean shaven face, a puttylike com
plexion and pale, Unconditional eye.
M lord'-
The man stopped suddenly, passed
his hand over his mouth and stood star
ing at Richard, while look of recog
milton slowly illumined his brain.
why, Mr.. Williams. sir" he burst
out presently II thought
"4Ah." smiled Richard, in his most in
nocent and beguiling manner, so you
haven't forgotten your little trip to
Texas?"
Mono, sir. An those awful COW
gentlemen, sir!' faltered Bills. with q
shulder Of remembrance of some prac.
tical jokes OF which lie had been the
victim at the hands of some. of the COW
punchers before he left for New York
and civilization.
Good! Now, attend me carefully
DO you know anything of the reasons
why your masteri il; in New York;
"A little, Sir, but not much-some
business for the, ,Iaps. for foreign
government, sir" IS
Richard took thoughtful turn up
and down the room, then faced the
man again.
You look rather an intelligent man,
BILLS. and can appreciate what am
going to say to you. Your master finds
it necessary to lie low for week OF
two. Understands"
Very good, SIR"
In the first place, Lord Croyland au
thorlzed me to discharge you immedi
ately upon Your arrival"
The servant looked up quickly, G
CLEAN of suspicion in his fishy eye.
"Asliin' your pardon, SIR" lie saii
deferentially, "but low am to know
sir. that you-that"-
'That am acting on the level?" fin
, islled Richard. II admire your caution
To begin with. you'll have to take my
word. If this. however, has no weight
nm to freshen your memory with {
little matter of four pound six and {
(. jeweled cigar cutter. Follow me|
The valet licked his lips and sale
nothing. Richard went on:
IF you still have doubts Oh the sub
iect, Lord Croyland is in possession o.
All inquiry from a friend of yours il
Scotland Yard-nn inquisitivc duck O
the name of Drake. dare say hes
asking after your health. Well?"
Wen would you have me leave
sir?' asked Bills most deferentiall.
again. without change of counte
nance.
Richard regarded the man critically.
That's just the point. Friend Wool
sey. think | can arrange to give yol
Il position that is, for time at least
How much does your master pay you?'
Twelve pounds a month, sir, an m.
Keep"
Very WELL" nodded Richard, 81 cal
do the same for you, with the promise
of Il fat bonus for good behavior. Now
listen. I'm going to trust you an,
speak candidly. Lord Croyland's go
to lie low-Jap-er-you know"
low long?"
"Isor a week or perhaps longer.
am TO lie Earl of Croyland. You ar
To attend me as my man, address m
as Lord Croyland and render me sucl
assistance as require. Is that salts
factory?"
The Wallets lips twitched, but h
answered. in a level tone:
beg pardon. Mr.. Williams, but !
cawn't be done"
why not?" demanded Richard.
"Cawn't reconcile it with my con
science, sir"
How much is this delicate organ o
yours worth, Bills:"
twenty-five pounds a month, sill
an'-the bonus as you We're goo
enough to mention, SIR
The valet had the whip hand Of hin
and no one knew it better than til
arch conspirator; therefore he hasten
cd to clinch the bargain before tn
terms thereof should rise.
An right" he agreed, 'T'll do it
IN conditions. engage you for on
month. that's S125, and n like sum,
you serve me faithfully, at the en-,
Of 1t"
".An'-tie other Lord Croyland, sir?
I'm square you with him all right
You know who / am'-he paused
and fixed his keen gray eye upon tn
man. adding. as his square Chi
grew more dominant-"but no monke,
shines! | have n sort of bonus TO
That too. Just please remember tina
can hit half dollar Mt seyenty-fiv
x,nrIc-Si1a lI--nul | WON'T he trif1p