The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1924-02-20
FORTUNES
~ Fool:L
y AA v RAFAEL
TN ~ SAeATihl -
Z ~ a


justice-to his reputation. It was the
first time that he had heard him de-
scribed as a soldier, and the descrip-
ton awakened his surprise. But of
this he betrayed nothing. Colby he
inclined his head in response to the
dividing bow with which Sir Harry
honored him.
There is no need to solicit my good
offices for any friend of your grace's, -
he answered, coldly courteous. "A
chair, your grace. Sir Harry" He
waved the fop to the second and lesser
of the two chairs that faced his writ,
ing table. viii your grace acquaint
me how I may have the honor of being
of seryice?"
Sir Harry said buckingham, lean
| ing back in his armchair, and. throw
ing one faultlessly stockinged leg over
the other, desires, for certain reasons
of his own, to see the world"
Albemarle- had no illusions as to
what those reasons were.
But Sir Harry" Buckingham was
resuming after the slightest Of pauses,
lis commercially moved by the wish
to render his absence from England
of profit to His Majesty"
I'm short" said Albemarle, trans
lating brusquely. for he could not re-
press certain disdain, Sir Harry de-
sires an appointment overseas"
And the character of this appoint
ment?" Albemarle inquired tonelessly.
"A military character would be best
suited to Sir Harry's tastes and quail
tiles. He has the advantage of some
military experience. He held for a
time a commission in the Guards"
Tn the Guards thought Abe
marie. MY God! What recommen-
dation,' But his expression said MOTH
ing. Aloud, at length. he made an
swer: Very we'll. will bear in mind
your grace's application on Sir Harrys
behalf. and when a suitable position
offers = -
But it offers now" Buckingham
interjected langufdly.
'Indeed?" The black brows went
up. wrinkling the heavy forehead.
Il am not aware of it."
"There is this command in Bonn
bay. which has fallen vacant through
the death Of poor Mccartney.
heard of it last night at court You
are forgetting that, think. 1t is an
office eminently suitable to Sir Harry
here
Albemarle was frowning. He pom
dered a moment; but only because it
was ever his way to move slowly.
Then he gently shook his head and
pursed his heavy lips.
y have also to consider, your grace,
whether Sir Harry is eminently suit.
able to the Office, and. to be quite
frank. and with all submission. must
say that I cannot think So
buckingham was taken aback. He
stared haughtily at Albemarle. II
don't think I understand" he said.
Albemarle fetched a sigh, and pro.
ceeded to explain himself
For this office-one of considerable
responsbility-we require a soldier Of
tried experience and character. Sir
Harry is no doubt endowed with many
commendable qualities. but at his age
| it is impossible that he should have
gained the experience without which
he could not possibly discharge to ad,
would await him. Nor is that the
only obstacle, your grace. I have
not only chosen my mainland such a
man as I have described-but I have
| already offered, and he has already
accepted, the commission. So that
post can no longer me considered va
can't"
But the commission was signed
only last night by His Majesty
signed in blank. as I have reason to
know"
True. But I am none the less
pledged. 1 am expecting at any mo-
ment now, the gentleman upon whom
the appointment is already conferred. "
Buckingham did not dissemble his
annoyance. May one inquire his
name?" he asked, and the question
was a demand. ,
Albemarle hestiated He realized
the danger to Holes in naming him
at this unfortunate juncture. His
name would not be known to your
grace He is a comparatively obscure
soldier. whose merits, however, are
fully known to me, and 1 am per-
sfaded that better man for the office
| could not be found. But something
else will, no doubt. offer within few
| days, and then ="
| Buckingham interrupted him AFRO
gantly
at is not a question of something
else. your grace, but of this have
already obtained His Majestys sane
ton. If your grace requires more
explicit instruction, I shall be happy
to obtain you His Majesty's COM
mands in writing"
Albemarle was checkmated. He sat
there grim and impressive as if he
were carved of stone. But his mind
was a seething cauldron of anger. 1t
was always thus. The places of trust,
the positions demanding experienced
heads and able hands that England
might be served to the best advantage
by her most meritorious sons, We're
constantly being flung away upon the
worthless parasites that flocked about
Charles lecherous Court. And he
was the more angered here, because
his hands were tied against resist
aHce by the very identity of the man
he was appointing. Had it been a
question OF any other man of Holes
soldierly merit, but OF such antece.
dents as would permit the disclosure
Of his name, he would clap on his ha,
and step across to the palace to argue
the matter with the King. And he
would know how ito conduct the ar