Evening star., 1909-08-28


them 10 their destination. On the OUT
skirts of the little town lay the allotments.
They were twelve in number, each com
nrisins half an acre of land. Three coz
tages stood facing the allotments. win
their backs to the high road. One OF these
now appertained to the duke
He began to dig at $50 am. His allot-
ment had been a good deal neglected, ana
the ground happened to be hard. Pres
emily he found himself afflicted with acute
sensations in the back. He began to Won
der what men on allotments did when
they felt tired A thought struck him-a
reminiscence of his wide and curious read
ing. Observing a small girl seated on the
railing which bordered the allotments, ne
approached her.
"Child," said he, kindly. "be good enough
to go TO the nearest public house and fetch
me a pint of four-'alf."
"W'eres your money!" said the child.
The duke had been too realistic; there
was no money in his pocket. He returned
to his labors the had promised himself to
be independent of Frank for at least three
hours) with sigh: the little girl laughed
scornfullv, and then performed a somer-
sault. The duke was not quite pleased
By II o'clock his back was very bad and
his hands blistered: his corduroy trousers
were cutting him at the back of the knees
Also it had begun to rain.
II have the sensation vividy enough for
the moment. will return to the cottage
and have lunch," he said to himself
throwing down his spade. He had turned
UP considerable amount of earth ana
uad found some vegetables among 1t; he
was not very clear what they were. He
picked up his coat, put 1t on and began,
instinctively, to feel for cigarette. No
case was to be found
.Oh. confound that Frank said the
duke, mechanically.
Need YOU swear?" asked voice, sud-
denly.
who wouldn't?. mumbed the duke.
who was just wiping his brow (Which was
like that of the blacksmith in the poem)
with a large and painfully rough pocket
handkerchief.
What"
The voice was very sharp. 1t recalled
TO the duke the necessities of his situation
Emerging from behind the handkerchief,
he found himself in the presence of tall.
stout lady of imperious demeanor. She
wore a skirt, consequentially ample. o.
shiny black, and a black velvet mantle
embellished with beads, apparently jet.
The dukes instinct rarely failed him;
that was what would have made him such
great man of affairs The parsons
wife" he thought to himself without
moments hesitation. Then he cast about
for his wisest course of action.
why aren't you at work." the lady de-
manded. sternly.
Il do be of a-workn'.'' said the duke.
"Leastaways l do be of a just avin' done
It," He clung to his be" with small
confidence.
where do you come from?'
.'Zummerzett,' said he.
You talk in funny way. When did
you come here?"
The duke felt sure that he ought not to
say Last night Accordingly he replied,
'.Yuster-een.
The lady looked suspicious. You're
seeking employment?
Suddenly-and opportunely-the Duke re-
membered Franks warning; he was to be
out of work. ''Yus. l be-" he said, won.
dering if his face was dirty enough.
Church or chapel?" she asked. sharply.
..Charch," answered the duke. And. by
a happy thought, he added. 'marm.''
What's your name?' With the question
d
pencil.
Dew he began. thoughtlessly. He
stopped. A barren invention. and a mind
acute TO the danger Of hesitation. COM
bined to land him in "Devvle.'
Devil? That's very odd name"
My feyther's name afore me- affirmed
the duke. who felt that ne was playing his
part rather WELL though he regretted that
Cured TO him.
distrustful glance.
Have you had any beer this morning? ?'
she asked.
The duke had not taken beer for years
not even in the morning. Nav" he re-
piled, with a touch Of indignation.
II wish l was sure OF that" she re-
marked.
The duke, himself regretfully sure (for,
has been seen. the digging had changed
his feelings toward beer, wondered at h sr
suspicious disposition.
Well We shall see. You're in my daugh-
ter's district. She will come and see you y
'.Vurry good, marm. said the duke.
''Are you married?"
NO. marm."
"You live alone, them
Swiftly the duke reflected. II got a
brother. marin. but e do be kind o'-kind
o. weak"
"A pair of you, / think she remarked
rather disconcertingly. as she turned and
marched off.
The duke returned to his cottage and de.
cided. over a pint of hook and bottle o.
seitzer. that he had come out of the In
terview with much credit.
On his walk through what proved to be
exceedingly pretty country the duke medi
i ed In admiration mingled with annoy
ance, on the excellent organization OF
English rural parishes. The immediate
notice taken of his arrival, the instantane.
Gus zeal for his moral welfare, argued
much that was good Cthe duke determined
to say a few words about il in the house
of lords) but, on the other hand, IL Ger
tainiy rendered more difficult his expert
~,ent in the simple life-to say nothing OF