The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-07-28

ham or no one at all. Nevertheless he always lived under the shadow of duty. At any moment his lordship was liable to send for him to ask the time of day or some equally important question. And this brings us to the hour when Saunders unfolded his star ting solution to the problem that con- fronted them all.
 First he ,confided in Britt soberly, sagely and in perfect good faith. Britt was bowled over. He stared at Saun- ders and gasped. Nearly two minutes elapsed before he could find words to reply, which proves conclusively that 1t must have been something of a shock to him. When at last he did express himself, however, there was nothing that could have been left un- said-absolutely nothing. He went so far as to call Saunders a doddering fool and a great many other things that Saunders had not in the least ex- pected.
 The Englishman was stubborn. They had it back and forth, from legal and other points of view, and finally Britt gave in to his colleague, reserv- ing the right to laugh when it was all over. Saunders, with a determina- ton that surprised even himself, called for a conference of all parties in Wyckholmes study at o'clock.
 "Now, what's it all about, Saun- ders?" demanded Deppingham, with a wide yawn. Saunders looked hurt.
 "It is high time we were discussing some way out of our difficulties" he said But five weeks remain before our stay is over. The apparent inn possibility of marriage between Lady Deppingham and MT. Browne natural ly throws our joint cause into jeop- ardy. There would be no controversy, of course, if the terms of the will could be carried out in that respect. The islanders understand our position and seem secure in their rights. They imagine that they have us beaten on the face of things. Now, the thing for us to do is to get married"
 He came to this conclusion with startling abruptness. Four of his hear CTS stared at him in blank astonish ment.
 Get marriedr' murmured first one, then another.
 Are you crazy? demanded Browne. Britt was grinning broadly.
 Certainly notv' snapped Saunders.
 'tOh, by Jove!' exclaimed Deppinge ham, relieved. 'I see. You mean you contemplate getting married. I con graduate you. You gave me quite a shock, Saund''-
 ''I don't mean anything of the sort, my lord,'' said Saunders, getting very red in the face. Miss Pelham looked up from her notebook quickly. He winked at her, and her ladyship saw him do it. "I mean that it is high time that Lady Deppingham and MT. Browne were. getting married. We havan't much tina tn snare It''-
 Good Lordr gasped Bobby Browne 'You are crazy, after a1l.''
 "Open the window and give some air." said Britt coolly.
 See here, Saunders, what the devil is the matter with youT' roared Dep. bingham.
 My lord, 1 am here to act as your legal adviser" said Saunders, with dig. nifty. May I be permitted to pro. ceedF'
 Rather queer legal advice, 'pon my word"
 Please let him explain" put in Mrs. Browne, whose sense of humor was strongly attracted by this time. 'If there is anything more to be learned 0oacerning matrimony I'd like to know it."
 'Yes, MT. Saunders, you may pro- ceed," said Lady Agnes, passing a hand over her bewildered eyes.
 Thank you, my lady. Well, here it is in a nutshell: I have not spoken of 1t before, but you and MT. Browne can very easily comply with the provisions of the will. You can be married at any time. Now, I'-
 And where do come in?' demand ed Deppingham sarcastically.
 "Yes, and I?" added Mrs. Browne. "Yor forget us. MT. Saunders"
 ''I include Mrs. Browne" amended Deppingham. Are we to be assas- sinated? By love, clever idea of yours, Saunders! Simplifies matters tremen- dously."
 "I hear no objection from the heirs,' g remarked Saunders meaningly, where upon Lady Agnes and Bobby came out of their stupor and protested vigor- ously.
 Miss Pelham" said Britt, breaking in sharply, "I trust you are getting all of this down. I wish to warn you, ladies and gentlemen, that I expect to overthrow the will on the ground that there is insanity on both sides. You'll oblige me by uttering just what you feel.''
 My plan is very simple began Saunders helplessly.
 .Demmed simple" growled Depping- ham.
 eve are living on an island where polygamy is practiced and tolerated. Why can't we take advantage of the custom and beat the natives at their own game? That's the ticket"'
 Of course this proposition, simple as it sounded, brought forth a storm of laughter and nxpostulation, but Saun- derS held his ground.
 You have Fully to embrace Moham- mechanism or organism, or whatever 1t is temporarflY-iust long enough to