Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1909-11-25

VI ISSSliCi, anu HAllCu ILLS 8-NolCt
dropped little and he looked rount
the great, luxurious room-"and then
people are whispering about" He
4 hesitated moment
Il know" said the Duke, gravely
and with the simple directness of his
age and position. II know they're
talking about Beatrice and young
Michael Grant 1t appears that he
cannot be found, either; but will
lay my life-pon my soul, will.-that
there's nothing in that. There's nc
reason for it, to begin with. Why or
earth should Beatrice go off with
young Grant? And is young Grant the
sort OF man 10 play. a scurvy trick ?
Not bit of it. There is nothing in
that, whatever the chattermong gers
may say. and | beg, Marriott, and you,
Sir Anthony, that you will squash any
such rumors instantly. and firmly.sas
myself Should do. | may tell you in
confidence that the rumour had reach
ed certain quarter two days ago, but
was able very satisfactorily to dis
abuse her mind--well, you know what
| | mean" t&tlt3
That's good" Sir Anthony an
| sWered; but all the same, society is
being shaken right away down. to its
foundations by this extraordinary mys-
terry Not~only society, Sir Hercules.
bur the middle classes and the public
are beginning to be filled with furious
curiosity. You have no idea of the
efforts my department has been com
PEELED to make to prevent continue
ton Of the extraordinary nonsense
that appeared in the press when the
little Duke disappeared"
Sir Hercules Marriott had said very
little during this scene, but now he
leant forward and spoke. His face
was sngulariy earnest. The old blue
eyes, with the network of fine wrinkles
round them. We're grave. aud he ca
rressed his pointed white beard with
his left hand. IA ~
Il think ought 10, tell you some
thing" he said. My boy has disap
peared, too"
The other men looked at him in
amazement. H.
What dye mean. the Duke said,
testify. Another COMPOUNDED mys-
terry. What?'' @
Not another" the Admiral answer.
ed. but part OF. stfe same Michael
Grant and my lad and the Duchess
know more. about all this than we
three do; And what sit,san means is
absolutely beyond me.".
The old Duke snarled. Il am moi
going to stand it much longer" hs
said Something must be done az
once"
"Exactly." Sir Anthony replied.
But what?''
COMPOUNDED if know, said the
Duke, hopelessly, - ~,
i wish ! knew where Michael Grar,s
was. said Sir Anthony Heller
81 wish | knew where my boy Basai
was The Admiral echoed him. &
II Think said the Duke. that I,
will take a little milk, and brandy.
Will you order it for me, Marriott?"
The Duke sippedE his mixture.
Well he Esaid after moment or
two, Il suppose must be getting on.
1 am going up into Piccadilly to ses
the seoundrels who make my boots. .:
Sir Anthony smiled at the Admiral.
Very well, Duke he said5 81 sthiiIx
i shall stay here with Marriott; bat
we will see you into your cab, or have
you a carriage waiting?"
II Cab be, bloWed;,iltsaid the Duke,
'"and carriage. too. If-gI cannot walk
from Carlton Rouse Terrace up ints.
Piecadilly then l am indeed the de-
ci,epit old fool that am represented
10 be in Punch. Thank'ees | don't
need any Of your kind help
He got up grumblipg and irritable,
distinguished still, prince of England
still, but yet--in another aspect-a
futile. senile old fellow. whose lips
moved and quiyered, whose face, was.
but hardly rejuvenated by the rouge
upon his cheeks. whose stays We're
too palpable. to deceive anyone at all.
Despite his protests Sir Anthony and.
Sir Hercules We're accompanying him
to the high. carved door of the smok-
ingToom. when it was suddenlyopened
BY 1.-THE porter and two young men
walked Sin together. -
They were perfectly dressed, ia.
shining silk hats, frock-coats, and
light trousers. Both of them might
have stepped straight from the hands
OF their Wallets
The three elderly men. who were
standing in lilfe at the moment Of
this entrance. started back
by Cad" said5.the Duke. III
Good heavens. Sir Anthony Hell.
lie i eiaeulated q. @ rs s;is sss ss
Basil! BY all that's lucky said
Sin Hercules Marriott.
4 H alIoa, g,iv'nor.' said Basil Mar
fiott. 81 wondered if / should find
volt here. Grant has brought me in.
How are you r.
"a am very fit, my dear boy said
the Admiral. but where the deuce
have you been r. RE-
Sc went on to the Continent for a dag;
Ior two, Basil answered, simply.
1sE{ov III van n a II ii Am; 4 49,,