Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1910-01-27
THE
7rulner
BY
BaAauin
G,0AZer
copyrighted by Short Stories Co.. Ltd.)

getting ready to return to the city.
Only Count Erwin Studt, one of the
nobility belonging to the younger set,
was standing in the door of the
judges room, apparently waiting for
someone with great impotence. At
last the door of the box, which resem-
bles a small cage, opens, and there
from issues the judges, major OF
the Hungarian Guards, Barsay Miklos
by name, who had been considered
the most intrepid rider over a hurdle
race. in his day, and who, on account
of his age and weight, was now rele-
gated to be umpire; an umpire whose
word was law. The major was still a
fine-looking man in spite of his white
hair and avoirdupois, and owing to
his being a bachelor. was very popu-
lar with all the young men.
Erwin at once took possession of
him.
Major, have favor to ask of
you"
Out with it, my SOM"
You were speaking to a lady for
fully quarter of an hour before the
last race"
And you admire her, no doubt, in
stantly rejoined the older man.
she is the most beautiful woman
have ever seen," enthusiastically re-
piled the younger one.
THAT is quite an assertion, my son;
however, l am not accusing you of ex-
aggeration, but merely wish to say
that there are other beautiful women
in the world"
rs she a Russian?"
NO but her husband was half a
one; Herr Won Balten, secretary of
our legation at ST. Petersburg"
Then the lady is a widow"
Eyes, for two years past; her hus-
band, who was old enough to be her
father left her we'll provided for, hav-
ing been one of the richest land own
ers in that part of the country"
May | know what was the sub
ject between you, majcr?"
She wants me to recommend a
master of the horse to her, for imme-
diate engagement. A very difficult
thing, for people seem to think that
merely open my sleeves, when presto,
out walk grooms and trainers galore"
Major, you know my man Gibson,
do you not?"
Certainly, I know him, A very
capable fellow; why do you ask?"
Because want you to recommend
him to her."
"But you surely do not wish to lose
such fine trainer? You would be
foolish to give him up"
Il may be fool, but don't worry,
] do not intend to give Gibson up"
Then | don't understand why |
am to recommend him."
Just recommend Gibson to her, but
] shall go in his place"
Mani" exclaimed the major, have
you gone entirely daft?"
Il hope not" coolly rejoined his
young companion. Major, can you
keep secret?"
NUNS the word, If you say So
We'll, then intend to impersonate
Gibson, so as to be engaged"
What! with his papers and refer
ences? Why, you rogue that would be
deception"
That may be, but it doesn't matter:
I'll make it all right with Gibson. and
as for the lady, she won't be deceived
so badly. for isn't that the only bust
ness | really understand? The stables
won't be any the worse for my man
agement, and at the same time I'll
have decent occupation and shall
consequently be more useful mem
Der of society than | should be by
loafng around at home"
oh, indeed BY listening to YOU.
one would imagine you were about to
perform noble deed. But remem.
Der, wash my hands of the whole
business All ! promise to do is to
recommend Fred Gibson; the rest
know nothing about"
Very well; Just recommend him.
and be kind enough to look after my
stables occasionally. will your"
All right, I'll promise to do that"
That very evening Erwin Studt In.
troduced himself to Frau Won Balten
at the Hotel Imperial, and was at once
engaged. He had his mustache taken
off, in order to look more like an Eng
lishman, and, as Barsay had given
him an excellent reference. the mat.
ter was soon arranged He was told
to be at the station punctually at
eight o'clock the following morning
and to purchase tickets for his mis-.
tress, her maid and himself as the
train was to leave at $40 precisely.
These orders had been faithfully
carried out, and the train was already
making good Roadway when Frau Won
Balten, who wished to get better
view of the scenery. opened the con.
Meeting door leading to the next
coupe, and to her great surprise found
her new trainer there.
All! Mr.. Gibson, | thought you
would travel second class!"
Beg pardon, your excellency. for
my seeming presumption, but I had
several reasons for takino n oouna