The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-06-26
TheAmateur Gentleman
by Jeffrey FarnoI

into his pocket, while Mr.. Smivvle
smilingly caressed his whiskers, and
his bold. black eyes darted glances
here and there, from Bsrnsbas
mending his pen to the table. from
the table 70 the walls. 20 the ceiling.
and from that altitude they dropped
70 the table again, and lowered
there.
Sir said Barnabas without look
ing Up. pray excuse the blot. the
pen was bad one: I am making
another. as YOU see
Mr.. Smivvle started. and raised
his eyes swiftly. Stared at uncon-
scious Barnabas rubbed his nose,
felt for his whisker. and, having
found it, tugged it viciously.
Blot. sirl' he exclaimed loudly,
now. upon my soul and honor
what blot, sir?"
This" said Barnabas. taking up
his unfinished letter to the viscount
IF you've finished. VIC may as well
. destroy it." and forthwith he crum-
pied IL into a ball, and tossed it into
the empty fireplace.
Sir" exclaimed Mr.. Smivvle,
. louder than before, pom my soul
now. if you mean TO insinuate-"
Here he paused. staring at Barna-
has. and with his whiskers iercer
than ever.
We'll. sir?" inquired Barnabas,
still busily trimming his quill.
Mr.. Smivvle frowned; but finding
Barnabas was quite unconscious of
il. shook his head. felt for his
whisker again. found it, tugged and
and laughed iovially.
Sir said he. you are a devilish
sharp fellow. and fine fellow. I
swear YOU arc ! like your spirit. on
my soul and honor I do, and. as for
blots. I VOW 10 you I never write
letter myself that I don't smear
most damna bly-curSe me if I don't
That blot. sir. shall be another bond
between us, for I have conceived a
great regard for you. The astound-
ing likeness between you and one
who-was Snatched away in the
flower of his youth-draws me, sir
draws me most damnably; for
have a heart. sir. a heart-why
should I disguise it?"
Here Mr.. Smivvle tapped the
third lcft-hand button Of his coat.
And so long as that organ cOntin-
ueS its functions, you may count
Dighy Smivvle your friend. and at
his little place in Worcestershire he
will he proud to show you the hos
pitality Of Smivvlc. Meanwhile,
sir. seeing We are both strangers in
a strange place. supposing we-join
/ forces and. if you are up for the
race, I propose"
The racei" exclaimed Barnabas,
looking up suddenly.
Yes. sir, devlish swell affair, with
gentlemen to ride. and Royalty to
look on-a race of races! London's
agog with it, all the clubs discuss it,
coffee houses ring with it, inns and
/ taverns clamor with it-soul and
honor. betting - everywhere. The
odds slightly favor Sir Mortimer
/ CarnabyS Clasher'; but VisCount
Devenham's 'Moonraker' is we'll up
Then there's Captain Slingsby's
Rascal Mr.. Tressider's Pilot. Lord
Jerningham's 'Chnker,' and five or
six others. But. as I tell you, Clash
err and Moonraker' carry the
money. though many knowing ones
are sweet on the Rascal But,
surely, you must have heard of the
great SteeplchaSe! Devlish ugly
course, they tell me-"
The viscount spoke of it, I re-
member" said Barnabas, absently.
"Viscomt. sir - not - Viscount
/ Devenham?'
Yes"
TTERE Mr.. Smivvle whistled soft
L ". took of the curly brimmed
hat, looked at 1t, and put it on
again at a more rskish anTle than
ever.
Didn't happen to mention my
name. did he-Smivvle, sir?"
No"
Nor Dig, perhaps?"
No, sir"
] n. Tanfsv,nodl