The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1924-03-28
CHAPTER TX

&
The two men left Soto's together.
very much in the fashion Of two or
binary acQuaintances sallying out to
spend the evening together. Sir limo
thy's Rolls-Royce limousine was In at
tendance, and In few minutes they
were threading the purlieus Of Covent
Garden. 1t was here that an incident
occurred which afforded Francis con-
siderable food for thought during the
next few days.
1t was Friday night, and one or
two wagons laden with vegetable
produce weres already threading their
way through the difficult thorough
fares. Suddenly Sir Timothy, VINO was
looking out of the window, pressed
the button of the car, which was at
once brought to standstill Before
the footman could reach the door Sir
Timothy was out in the street. For
the first time Francis saw him angry.
His eyes were blazing. His voice
Francis had followed him at once into
the street--shook with passion. His
hand had fallen heavily upon the
shoulder of huge carter, who, with
whip In hand, was belaboring thin
scarecrow Of a horse.
What the devil are you doing2" Sir
Timothy demanded
The man stared at his questioner,
and the instructive antagonism Of race
vibrated In his truculent reply. The
carter was beery-faced, untidy-look-
ing brute, but powerfully built and
with huge shoulders. Sir Timothy,
straight as dart, without overcoat or
any covering to his thin evening
clothes, looked like STRIPPING in front
of him.
I'm whippin' 'er, If yer want to
know" was the carriers reply 1--WE
got to get up the Ill, 'aven't I? earn
and mind yer own businessl"
'This Is my business" Sir Timothy
declared, laying his hand upon the
neck Of the horse. Il am an Official
of the Society for the Prevention Of
Cruelty to Animals. You are laying
yourself open to a fine for your treat
ment of this poor brute"
''I'll lay myself open for fine for
the treatment Of something else, If
you dpn't quid old of my 'oss," the
carter retorted, throwing his whip
back into the wagon and coming a
step nearer. oyer 'ear? / don't
want any swells interferin' with my
business. You 'op 1t. Is that strife
enough? 'Op 1t, quick !"
Sir Tlmothy's anger seemed to have
abated. There was even the begin
ming of a smile upon his lips All the
time his hand caressed the neck of
the horse. Francis noticed with
amazement that the poor brute had
raised its head and seemed to be max
ing some faint effort at reciprocation.
"My good man." Sir Timothy said.
''yOu seem to be one of those brutal
persons unfit to be trusted with an
animal. However,"
The carter had heard quite enough.
Sir Timothy's tone seemed to madden
him. He clenched his fist and rushed
In.
you take that for interferin'. you
big toff !" he shouted.
The result Of the mans effort at
pugilism was almost ridiculous. His
arms appeared to go round like wind
mills beating the air. 1t really seemed
as though he had rushed upon the
point of Sir Timothy's knuckles, which
had suddenly shot out like the piston
of an engine. The carter lay on his
back for moment. Then he stag
gered viciously to his feet.
Don't" Sir Timothy begged, as he
saw signs of another attack. II don't
want to hurt you. have been anna
teur champion of two countries. Not
quite fair, is it?"
"Wot dyer want to come interferin'
with chaps business for?"l the man
growled. dabbing his cheek with a
filthy handkerchief but keeping at a
respectful distance.
1T happens to. be my business ALSO"
Sir Timothy replied, ''to interfere
whenever l see animals ill-treafed.
Now don't want to be unreasonable.
That animal has done all the work II
ought to do In this world. How much
is she worth to your"
THAT 'oss." he said. "ain't what she
was. it's true, but there's lot Of work