The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-08-17
TheAmateur Gentleman
by Jeffrey Farnol

men. you are all witness Of the let.
Come. Viscount - Slingsby - here
good money going s-begging-why
not gather it in-eh, Marquis?'
But the trio sat very silent, so
that the scratch Of Sir Mortimer
pencil could be plainly heard as he
duly registered his bet. which done,
he turned MS attention 70 Barna-
pas.
Hum" said he musingly 1T
sticks in my mind that have seen
you-somewhere or other, before We
met at Sir George Annersley's. Per-
haps you Will tell me where?"
with pleasure, sir" answered
Barnabas. putting away his memo
randum book, 1T was in Annersley
Wood. rather early in the morning.
And you wore"
"Annersley-WoOdi" Sir Mortim-
er's careless. lounging air vanished,
and ne stared at Barnabas with di-
lating eyes.
And you wore. I remember, a
bottle-green coat. which I had the
misfortune to tear, sir"
And here there fell a silence, once
more. but ominous now, and full Of
menace: a pregnant stiffness, wnere-
IN the viscount sat leaned forward,
his hands clutching his chair-arms,
his gaze fixed upon Barnabas; as
for the marquis, he had taken out
his snuff and. in his preoccupation,
came very nearly inhaling a pinch;
which Captain Slingsby sat open
mouthed. Then, all at once, Sir
Mortimer was on his feet and had
caught up a heavy riding whip, and
thus he and Barnabas fronted each
other. eve to eye-each utterly still,
yet very much on the aleart.
INSTALLMENT EIGHTY-THREE
DUT now upon this tense silence
ID came the soft, smooth tones Of
Mr.. Chichester:
Pray, Mr.. Beverley. may speak
a word with youth private?"
IF the company will excuse us"
Barnabas replied; whereupon Mr..
Chichester rose and led the way into
the adjoining room. and. closing the
door. took a folded letter from his
pocket.
Sir" said he, Il would remind
you that the last time we met. you
warned me-indeed you have
weakness for warning people, it
seems-you also threatened me that
unless I agreed tO-certain condi-
tions. you would dispossess me OF
my inheritance"
And I repeat it." said Barnabas.
"Oh. sir. save your breath and
listen" smiled Mr.. Chichester, for
let me tell you. threats beget threats,
and warnings. warnings! Here is
one. which I think-yes, which l
venture to think you will heed
So saying, he unfolded the letter
and laid it upon the table. Barna-
has glanced at it. hesitated, then
stopping, read as follows:
Dear Lady Cleone-I write this
to warn you that the person calling
himself Mr.. Beverley. and posing as
a gentleman of wealth and breeding,
is. in reality. nothing better than a
rich vulgarian. one Barnabas Barty,
son Of a country innkeeper. The
truth of which shall be proved to
your complete satisfaction whenever
you will, by
Yours always humbly to COM
mand, WILFRED CHICHESTER. "
Now when he had finished read
ing. Barnabas sank down into a
chair, and, leaning his elbow upon
the table, hid his face between his
hands; seeing which, Mr.. Chichester
laughed softly.and taking up the
letter. turned to the door.
Sir" said he. "as I mentioned be-
fore. therats beget threats. Now,
you move. and I move. tell you,
if YOU presume to interfere with me
again in any way.-or with my
future plans in any way, then, in
that same hour, Cleone shall know
YOU for the impudent impostor you
arei"
So Mr.. Chichester laughed again,
and laid his hand upon the latch of
the door. But Barnabas sat rigid,
and did not move or lift his heavy
head even when the door opened
and closed and he knew he was
alone.
ITO Be Continued