New-York tribune., 1910-07-24
BY LOUIS TRACY


other matter when take her to Brighton for lunch on
Sunday
Dale said nothing. He had met his employer at Mar
SellleS in October, when Lord Medenham landed from
Africa during the preceding twelve months his license
had been ndorSed three times for exceeding the speed
limit on the Brighton Road, and he had paid forty
pounds in fines and to various petty seasonal
courts IN Surrey and Sussex Sunday therefore, prom
Sed developments.
Medenham seemed to think that his aunt Lady St.
Maur would be waiting for him on the doorstep. As
no matronly figure materalized in that locality. he
alighted and obeyed a brass lettered injunction to
knock and ring" Then he disappeared inside the
house and remained there long that Daes respect
Tor the law began to weaken. The chauffeur had been
given racing certainty for the first the hour
nearing twelve. and every road leading to Epson Downs
would surely be congested.
His Lordship came out alone and it clear that the
unexpected had happened
Nice thing" he said with the closest semblance
a growl that his good natured drawl capable of.
The whole show is busted, Dale Her LadyShip is IN
bed with her annual bilious attack-ComeS OF eating
forced Strawberries she says And she adores straw
berries. So do l. There's pounds of EN- in that lunch
con basket Who's going to 'eno"
Dale fOreSaW difficulties that respect but he
did realize at once that his master cared little about
racing, and, so far Epson concerned, would
abandon the day excursion without pang He grew
desperate But being something of stole; he kept his
feelings in check and played card that could hardly
fail.
You will find plenty of youngsters on the hill who
will be glad of them, my Lord" said he.
You don't tell me so! Riddles at the Derby! Well.
why not? 1t shows what stranger | am in my own
land that | should have the blessed race.
Right ahead then Dale; must back the King horse
and arrange school treat. But I'll take the wheel.
Can YOU tuck your legs that basket? m not going
to sit alone in the tonneau. And-who knows?-we
may pick up on the road.
STARTING, the switch, the sprang off toward
Pccady. Dale sighed in his relief. With ordinary
luck they ought reach Epson before one o'clock, and
racing did not begin till half hour later He left
wholly out of reckoning the mysterious element II
human affairs that alots adventures to the adventurous,
though close association with Viscont Medenham dur
ing the last nine months ought to have taught him the
wisdom of caution. Several chapters OF very inter
estng book might be supplied by his Lordshps motor
ing experiences the Continent and these would only
supplement the still CheCkered biography OF
who at the close of the Boer War; elected to shoot his
way home through the mid African haunts of big game
rather than by orthodox troopsp. On the face
Of things absurd to imagine that self confessed
wanderer should be permitted his first Derby III
the SacroSanCt company OF a stout aunt and we'll
filled luncheon basket. Even Medenhams recording
angel have smiled at the ConCeit though doubtless
shaking grave head when the announcement OF the
dowagers indspositon revealed the first twist from the
path of good intent As for Lady St Maur she declared
long afterward that the whole amazing ENHANCEMENT
could be traced distinctly her ondneSS for the duca
fruit raised under glass. cherry stone lodged in tie
verrniform appendix of Emperor has more than
once played strange pranks with the map OF Europe;
it is not surprising that strawberry, subtly be-
slowed in place we'll adapted to the exercise of its fell
skill should be able to convulse section of the British
peerage.
Be that as it may. the hap that put Medenham IN
control of his Mercury unquestionaby led to the next