Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-21


might have found themselves sinking in some
such unexpected quicksand and be not one
whit less bemuSed than the miserable chauf-
feur. Morally, he had given the only pos
sible answer that left open a way of escape,
and he had formed sufficiently shrewd esti-
mate of the relations between his master and
the remarkably good looking young woman
whom the said master was serving with ex-
emplary diligence to fear dire consequences
to himself if he became the direct cause of a
broken idyl The position was even worse
if he fell back on an artistic lie. The Earl
was dour person where servants were con-
cerned and Salome did not demand John
the Baptist's head on a salver with greater
gusto than the autocrat of Fairholme would
insist on Dales dismissal when he discov-
cred the facts. Talk of the horned dilemma!
Here was an unfortunate asked to choose
which bristle of porcupine he would sit on.
The mere presence of his Lordship in
Bristol betokened social atmosphere
charged with electricity, a phase of the
problem that constituted the o., y clear
item in Dale's seething brain. 1t was too
much for him. In sudden desperation he de-
termined to stick to the plain truth. He had
to elect very quickly; for the peppery tenn
pered Earl would not brook delay
Not gone to London, you say? Then
where has he gone? A gentleman at the
hotel. French gentleman, who said he had
met these-these persons with whom my
son is gadding about the country, told me
that they had left Bristol this morning for
London, because a car that was expected to
meet them here had broken down."
SUDDENLY his Lordship, county mag
y istrate noted for his sharpness, glanced at
Simmonds. He marched round to the front
of the car and saw that it was registered in
London. He waved an accusing umbrella in
air.
What car is this? Is this the motor that
won't GO? 1t seems to have reached Bristol
all right! Now, my men, must have cam
did tale from each of you, or the conse-
quences may be most disagreeable. You. l
presume" and he lunged at Simmonds,
"have an employer of some sort, and shall
make it my business"
This is my own car my Lord" said
Simmonds stiffiy. He could be stubborn as
any member of the Upper House when occa-
sion served. Your Lordship needn't use
any threats. Just ask me what you like, an
I'll answer if l cam
Fairholme, by no means hasty man in the
ordinary affairs of life, and upset now only
by the unforeseen annoyances of an unusual
ly disquieting mission, realized that he was
losing caste. 1t was novel experience to be
IcDukcu ny CIlduucuT, Out ne HdQ Tie
sense to swallow his wrath.
Perhaps l ought to explain that am
particularly anxious to see Lord Meden- 4
ham," he said more calmly. Il left London
at eight o'clock this morning, and it is most
irritating to have missed him by few min
utes. l only wish to be assured as to his
whereabouts, and of course l have no reason
to believe that any sort of responsibility for
my sons movements rests with you."
That's all right, my Lord" said Sim
monds. "Viscount Medenham was very
kind to me last Wednesday. l had first
rate job, and was on my way to the Savoy
Hotel to take it up, when van ran into me
an smashed the transmission shaft. His
Lordship met me in Down-st. an offered to
run my two ladies to Epson an along the
south coast for day or two while repaired
damages. l was to turn up here,-an' here
l am,-but it suited his arrangements better
to 60 on with the tour. an that is all there
is to it. A bit of joke, l call it."
Yes, my Lord, that's hit hexactly," put
in Dale with nervous eagerness.
The Earl managed to restrain another
outburst Nothing to cavil at so far" he
said with forced composure. 1.-The only
point that remains is, Where is Lord Meden-
ham now?"
Somewhere between here an Gloucester,
my Lord" said SimmondS.