Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-11-13

.lO York office building tall
~ young man in fur lined coat
stood shivering.
Why did he shiver in that coat? He
shivered because he was fused, poor
chap. Because he was ratified, from
the soles of his custom made boots to
the apex of his Piccadilly hat. A pain
full, palpitating spectacle he stood.
Meanwhile, on the other side Of the
door, the business Of the American
branch of that famous marine insur-
ance firm, Boyd's of London-usually
termed in magazine articles "The
Greatest Gambling Institution In the
World''-went on obliyious to the shiv-
erer who approached.
The shiverer, with a nervous move
ment, shifted his walking stick to his
left hand and laid his right on the
doorknob. Though he is not at his
best, let us take look at him. Tall,
as has been noted, perfectly garbed
after London's taste, mild and blue as
to eye, blond as to hair. A handsome,
II somewhat weak face. Very distin-
guished-even aristocratic-in appear
ance. Perhaps-the thrill for us dem
ocrats hereof the nobility. And at
this moment sadly in need of a gener-
Gus dose of that courage that abounds
see any book of familiar quotations
on the playing fields of Eton.
Utterly destitute of the Eton or any
other brand, he pushed open the door.
The click of two dozen American type
writer's smote upon his hearing. An
office boy of the dominant New York
race demanded in loud, indiscreet
tones his business there
MY business" said the tall young
man weakly, lis with Boyd's of Lon
don"
The boy wandered off down that
stenographer bordered lane. In a mo-
ment he was back.
mfr. Thacker II see you," he an
nounced
Mr.. Thacker sat in plump and genial
prosperity before a polished fiat top
desk. Opposite him at desk equally
polished sat an even more polished
young American of capable bearing.
For an embarrassed moment the tall
youth in fur stood looking from one to
the other. Then Mr.. Thacker spoke
What can we do for you?" Mr..
Thacker was cold and matter of fact,
like card index. Steadily through
each week he grew more business
like. and this was Saturday morning.
The visitor performed a shaky but
remarkable Juggling feat with his
walking stick
"I-well-T'- he stammered
"Oh, come, Gomez thought Mr..
Thacker impatiently.
WELL" said the tall young man des-
perately, perhaps 1t would be best
for me to make myself known at once.
/ am Allan. Lord Harrowby, son and
heir of James Nelson Harrowby, earl
of Raybrook. And II have come
here
The younger of the Americans spoke
in more kindly fashion:
"You have proposition to maker"
Exactly" said Lord Harrowby and
sank. with sigh of relief. into chair
as though that concluded his portion
of the entertainment.
.'Let's hear It," doomed the relentless
Thacker.
Lord Harrowby writhed in his chair.
II am sure you will pardon me-" he
said, ."if l preface my--er-proposition
with the statement that 1t is utterly
fantastic. And If add also that it
should be known to the fewest possible
number" e
Mr.. Thacker waved his hand acros,
the cleaning surfaces of two desks.
"This Is my assistant manager. Mr.
Richard Minot," lie announced. "Mr
Minot, You must know. Is In on all tn,
secrets of the firm. Now. let's. have 1t.
Il am right, am / not" his lordskil
continued" In the assumption that YOU
company frequently takes rather un
usual risksi