Evening star., 1923-11-25
TONY. r.
He smiled at
life and--

c=Es==<zEEs=E=zN
ed with smooth gold. Behind him
came ten gigantic figures in in
credible green uniforms Lanterns
swung from their great paws and in
the gilded holsters at their waists
the mother-of-pearl handles of the
famous automatics CLEANED like the
milky way.
The British adviser rose easily to
his feet
Your majesty" he saluted, with
precisely the correct infection OF
gratifled amazement.
"Excellency" His majesty's accent
was more British than the Honorable
Tony's. but he purred in his throat.
which is not done. I'VE were alarm
ed by the good Ghundrs report OF
your health. You suffer-"
"Oh. Ghundfs overdone it" pro-
tested the Honorable Tony, all cour-
teous regret. I'm no end sorry that
you've had all this bother. Nothing
in the world the matter but a rather
stiff nip Of fever; was going to turn
! In in another minute and sleep 1t Off"
I'VE will drive off this pestilential
fever with three good rubbers and
four good drinks" his majesty sug-
!, gested. "Ahnet will fetch your coat
1t is in your room? Ahmet"
The Honorable Tony moved more
swiftly than Ahmet. He laid one
hand on the handle of the bedroom
door.
Il do honestly feel too rotten bad
to last out even hand" he said
pleasantly. I'll be ft as a fiddle in
the morning and entirely at your
majesty's disposal, but for tonight
I'm going to ask you to excuse me"
But tonight we will most GER
tainly not excuse you" his imperial
majesty replied amiably. NO. no, on
the contrary. Tonight, excellence
we are quite through. Stand aside
I beg you. When Ahmet fetches your
excellency's coat and your excel
lency's boots he will also fetch your
excellency's lady"
The Honorable Tony gave a shout
of astounded delight.
My hat he cried. But this is
simply gorgeous. Just what are you
Shoot you where you stand. Come.
come. We are overpatient'
The Honorable Tony sighed beau
| tifically.
"Oh, come now. shooting me down
! in this casual way-what d'you think
the British governments going to
| make Of it?"
Nothing" replied the British gov
ernments loyal ally blandly. TN
due time the proper authorities will
| be informed that you were lost over
| board on an expedition after croco-
diles and your body was not recov-
cred. / do not believe the loss will
| aff1ict the government SO deeply as
you imagine"
THE Honorable Tony's manner
changed abruptly TO cold inso-
lence.
And that's enough" he said.
Take your army and be off. Remem-
Der that we're In the twentieth CEN
| tury. not the Adelphi Theater"
I'VE are in Asia said his imperial
majesty. Life is good, excellency.
!
The woman is not worth tt-a gutter
rat out of the music halls Stand
| aside, beg"
MY mother was from the music
halls" said the Honorable Tony. ~
nave half mind to mop up the floor
with You before 1 turn in
You are brave man." said his
imperial majesty equally. land a
fool He turned to the black and
emerald giants, Attention" The
giants stood very straight.
Ready" said Bhakdi softly. The
pearl-handled automatics flashed
aim" said Bhakdi. with a flick OF
! the handkerchief toward the slim
! figure framed in the doorway.
You ought to be jolly grateful TO
| me for teaching YOU all those nice
| words" remarked the Honorable
| Tony reproachfully. "They sound
! simply corking when you snap 'em
| out like that"
Il count" said Bhakdi. "One."
| II wish you could see yourselves
! said the Honorable Tony admiringly
For all the world like a lot OF
4
! big bad blackfaced chief'-you know
the kind of thing
| 1.-TWO" said Bhakdi.
II say, you are going it," cried the
British adviser. In the gleam from
| the lanterns his hair ruffled gold. and
! his eyes black mischief. Aren't you
afraid of Its being bit of a let-down
to the Imperial Guard after all this?
| "Three!" said Bhakdi. and Fire"
| There was a rattle of sound along
| the green line-from the other side OF
and bolted door there came q fainst
reply. sharp as an echo. The Honor
| able Tony sagged forward to his
knees, his face lit with incredulous
| amazement.
by heaven" he whispered. "By
| heaven, you've done it," In the lean
| curve of his cheek the dimple danced
once more riotous and unconQuered.
II say" he murmured, II say, Bid
dy, comic opera, what? That-that's
| a good one-on me-"
His fingers slipped from the door,
and he was silent.
(Copyright, 1873.