"TWO ON THE ROAD"

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 October 1938, Page 10

"TWO ON THE ROAD"

PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT COPYRIGHT.

BY

JOHN MACLEOD

CHAPTER IX..—(Continued)

“Yeh?” was the sarcastic reply. “An' then we'll engage a suite of ■ rooms at the ‘Astoria.’ ” “That won’t be necessary," went on Smith, seriously. “We may even make a few shilling on the exchange, and that will do for your fare down in the train. I'm afraid I couldn’t ask them to take you in the car.” Shep stared at Smith in cynical admiration. It didn’t seem possible to him that any sane person would attempt to go through with such an impossible plan. Smith was arranging the details as calmly as though he were managing a picnic. “You’ve sure got some organisin’ genius,” said Shep at last. “With your brains an’ my beauty, we ought to go a long way in a long time.” Smith was thinking deeply, and took no notice of the sarcasm. “You’ll have to make sure that whatever suit you get is a good fit. I don’t want a size three valet in a size six suit. Get a nice blue one, and tell your uncle you’ll be calling for the one you’re leaving within a month. For the time being, you’ll have to wear .some of these things, such as a shirt and collar, and a pair of shoes; they wouldn’t be noticed.”

“Well, you’re sure the curiouest hobo I’ve ever met,” declared Shep. “I can see us landin’ in gaol before we’re through.” Smith looked at him in inock severity. “You ought to be thankful for the vzay I’m arranging your future, Shep." “A future in a dress speckled with broad arrows doesn’t appeal to me,” responded the unappreciative Shep. “Have you thought of the stretch we’ll get if somethin’ happens?” “You’re hopelessly lacking in knowledge of the laws of your country. There’s no penalty I know of for accepting an invitation; unless,” he hesitated, smiling, “it be that one is supposed to invite one’s friends to return the visit. We could hardly invite them here, could we, Shep?” Even Shep smiled at that. “Well,” continued Smith, “we have quite a lot to do this morning.” He looked at Shep keenly, and there was a twinkle in his eye. "You must have a bath and a shave, whether you like it or not.” This was something Shep was totally unprepared for. He glared at Smith indignantly. . . “Gee! That’s a bit thick, isnt it? ‘Yes,” agreed Smith, “but we’ll manage to scrape it off all right. . You 11 feel cooler with it off, anyway., Come on.” . , ~ He rose and walked towards the lagoon, whistling Shep looked after him in consternation; then, shaking his head sadly, he followed at a more leisurely pace, and without the whistle. On the creek bank, he hesitated, watching Smith undressing. “Won’t it do if I just wash my face and have a shave?” he asked, appealingly. „ ',,, Certainly not. If all goes well you 11 be sleeping in a real bed tonight, and I’d hate to see the sheets in the morning after you had left them.” “'Taint no use me makin’ resolutions,” said Shep, shaking his head sorrowfully. They always gets broke. He undressed slowly, mutering to himself all the while, and then entei - ed the water even more slowly. The whole thing seemed madness to him, the bath being probably the maddest thing of all. Smith cheerfully assisted in the cleansing of his unfortunate companion, much to the latter’s annoyance. He was more enthusiastic than was absolutely necessary, . rubbing and scrubbing until Shep was read with the friction,' protesting volubly during the operation. "Struth! It don’t go right through, does it?" he cried at last. “I thought it did for a start,” relied Smith grinning, “but it’s coming off.all right.”

When Shep finally stood on the creek band, he was clean in body, if outraged in spirit. He gave Smith to understand that he had never been subjected to a greater indignity in his life. Smith next proceeded to shave him, a kindness which was appreciated as little as the bath, and during which Smith advised him to reserve his remarks until later, unless he wanted to look like a bad accident. When this operation was over, Smith stepped back to examine him. “Why,” he said in surprise, “you’re not so bad looking after all. When I get you dressed up you’ll look quite a passable valet." They breakfasted from the remains of the cakes and sandwiches which had been left over from the previous night, after which Smith produced the cigarettes he had saved. At the sight, of this luxury, Shep’s eyes opened wide.

“Gee!” he murmured, fingering one lovingly. “This is the supreme moment of a man’s life. A real smoke, too.” He applied a match and for some time was silent, puffing away contentedly. Then he turned, and looked at Smith. “I believe I could forgive you for anything after this—at least,” he added, reflectively, “anything but the bath." Smith smiled. Shop was sore on the matter of the bath. After they had finished smoking! Shep was persuaded to take the suitcase containing the suit that had to be exchanged, and he left for Weyburn. At first he was afraid of risking the police, but Smith pointed out to him that as long as they weren’t seen together no one would take any notice of him. Smith now had time to review the position. He was looking forward to tne adventure in more ways that. one. The more he thought of Marie, the more he wanted to see her again, even though she was engaged. Apart from that, it was going to be very interesting. For a penniless wayfarer to enter society, and carry himself through, was going to be something of an achievement. Again Smith thought of Lakin, and tried' hard to -place the name. Somewhere very recently he had heard it, and it annoyed him to think that it persistently eluded him. Lakin's antagonism, too, had very pronounced, and he speculated as to the cause of it. It wasn't jealousy, as Marie had suggested, because it had dated from | the time of introduction. Then there' was Mira’s attempt to draw him out.

That it was such an attempt, he hadn’t the slightest doubt. He wondered vaguely if they by any chance knew of his past life. He shook his head very decidedly as this thought occurred to him. It was impossible that they would know anything against him-, even if they did. He mused thus until Shep returned from Weyburn. If he hadn’t shaved him himself before he had left, Smith wouldn’t have recognised him. He had made a good exchange, and looked an entirely different person. Unknown to Smith, he had taken a pair of shoes, a shirt, and a collar and tie with him. He had dressed in a convenient part of his “uncle’s** establishment, which was set aside for the purpose’ of making quick changes, and he looked an altogether new and much more attractive Shep. “By jove!” said Smith, in admiration. “You could almost adopt the title of Shepley de Gdvett now.” Shep threw out his chest and strutted in front of Smith. Presently he cleared his throat and. began most impressively: “Have you ever though how people is influenced by dress? Now. an hour ago, if I’d walked through the streets, the cops would’ve kept me on the-move until I ” “Don’t, Shep,?’ pleaded Smith, smil-

ing. “I’ll take youi’ word for it. You have certainly make a change foi’ the better; you’re quite a respectable citizen now.”

Smith explained to Shep the various duties that were expected from a valet, and impressed on hirn the manner in which he must conduct himself when others were present. Shep listened patiently, not at all enthusiastic, and with -a grim foreboding of trouble. “I admit,” he said, after Smith had finished, “it’s fine to get dressed up in them clothes, but it’s what’s goin’ to happen when we get there that’s worryin’ me. I suppose this is intended to be another pleasant expedition?” “I hope so,” replied Smith. “Me, too, but I’d a lot sooner’ve pawned the lot of this gear. You still ’ave to get picked up at this hotel.” “I have,” said Smith, making a move towards Emmerson’s suitcase. “And that means I’ll have to be at the hotel. Let’s get a move on or we’ll be late — and that would be disastrous.” He took one of the suits which had been loaned to him and dressed himself. He used the strap of Emmerson’s case to tie around the other one with the broken locks, and then, looking like anything but tramps, they set out for Weyburn, Smith confidently, Shep not at all sure of himself. When they arrived in the city it was a quarter past two, and by the time they reached the “Astoria” there was not a great deal of time on hand. On the steps of the hotel, Smith gave a few final injunctions to Shep. “Now look cheerful; you’re like a mute at a funeral. Take the suitcases and get the train, and when I get down there I’ll send .someone to meet you; and, dont forget when you address me, call me sir!"

Shep looked at him hard, then said quietly: “I. know a whole lot of things I’m going to call you if we get pinched.” Smith smiled at Shep walked off to get the tyain. The change in Shep’s appearance was remarkable, and, although! it had taken a good deal of encouragement to accomplish, it was well worth it. He glanced at a nearby clock. Twenty-five minutes past two; five more minutes, and Walford was due. Smith mounted the steps leading to the hotel, and walked over the clerk on duty. He had thought the whole matter out carefully, and his course of action was decided. “Has a Mr Humphrey registered here this morning,” he inquired. He chose this name as being one of the most uncommon he could think of. It might have proved inconvenient if he had asked for a Mr Jones, or, he though with a smile, a Mr Smith. He might have been informed that a gentleman of that name had indeed registered, and that would have been rather complicating. The clerk consulted his book.

“No, sir,” he replied. “Not so far.” Smith looked at the hotel clock as thought it was rather disappointing; then adopted an air of resignation. “Oh, I’ll sit down and wait for a while. He’ll probably be along presently.” He took a seat as near the door as possible, and one which commanded a view of the front, so that he could see any car which pulled up outside. He hadn’t, long to wait, and almost befor Walford’s car had come to a standstill, he was on his way down the steps. Mr Walford stepped out as Smith came up. “Just timed it nicely,” he said as he shook hands. “Where are your things?” “My valet has taken them on by train,” replied Smith easily. He raised his hat to Mrs Walford and Betty, and, stepping inside, he embarked on the first stage of his adventure. As the car drew away from the hotel steps, Jeans and Mira came hurrying down the steps from inside. They had come downstairs just in time to see Smith enter the car and drive away. They looked at each other in astonishment.

“Well,” said Jeans in surprise, “doesn’t that, lick everything?" He hurried back into the hotel and approached the clerk. “Is there a Mr Smith living here?” he asked. The clerk looked at him curiously. Everyone appeared to be developing a sudden interest in everyone else. Once more he referred to his book. “There are two Smiths on the register,” he replied. Jeans turned away and rejoined Mira. “Looks as if you might be right about that fellow. It’s quite possible ho has been living here to spy on us, and now that he knows we are going ’to Cranford Hall, he . By jove, Mira! He may have worked this invitation for the purpose of being with US.” 41 X “I've told you a dozen times that I don’t like this business,” complained Mira, whose knees were acting rather strangely. He hesitated for a moment, then turned on his heel and made for the door.

(To be Continued.)