TIE & TRICK,

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2376, 1 October 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

TIE & TRICK,

BY HAWLEY SMART,

!t<u*etfst*

AITIIUK 01* l, ]}llKKZlK LaNCTON*,” "JJkoken Honks, - ’ ‘• .Sotrra I. Sixnkks,” ‘-Tmh UukatTu.nti.nh,” “At T’aci.t,” &e., &c. CHATTER Will. MOUNTAIN LAW. Two days passed ami Wheldrake saw nothing of I’atroeeni. Sarini, as at La Vienna, visited liim daily to inquire after Ids licaltli and to ascertain if lie required anything. lie was allowed to stroll about the camp within certain limits, but saw that he was jealously guarded. Any desire he expressed that w’as within the power of his captors was at once gratilied, in answer to his demand to see the Count, Sarini replied that His E xccllency was much disippointed at the nonappearance of some English friends whom he had expected, and whose society he was sure would make the .Signor’s visit most enjoyable, if the Signor would only have a little patience. Ilia Excellency was away just now on a little matter of business, but would be back that evening, ami would no doubt call on the Signor. “ lint what is the object or keeping me in ignorance of the cause of my detention? “ I’ardon, Signor, His Excellency explained, that yon hail thrust yourself into his allairs. An imprudent liberty to take with a man of his stamp. His Excellency has many irons in the lire apt to hum the lingers „f people who meddle with teem. Will ‘.lie Signor accept one bit of advice? In this country, at all events, don’t be too curious about how people get their living, ’’ and with' this Sarini made the prisoner a low how and departed. Ves, the bandit had no doubt the best of the argument. He, Wheldrake, had set himself deliberately to pump Giovanni with a view to ascertaining who I’atrooeni was, and thanks to that worthy's pet infirmity had discovered, as the Count said, too much. He certainly had the strongest of reasons for ascertaining what character Tatrneeni bore in bis own country. Is.it Sarini was right, it was evidently best not to enquire too closely into a gentleman’s profession in Italy, Then lie wondered what had become of Chisel. The valet, he knew, would he sorely nonplussed at the disappearance of Ids master. He was a shrewd, quick-witted man, and in England would no doubt have made speedy and effectual enquiry as to what had become of him, but lie laboured here under the great disadvantage of knowing noth lug of the ways of the country, and being quite unable to speak the language. Then, again. Wheldrake reflected that the Italian police were not wont to put themselves in a fuss about anything, much less about the disappearance of a stray Englishman. No, lie felt that ho had little to hope from police interference in his behalf, besides he had heard over and over again that in these cases of brigandage the police were just as often as not in collusion with the brigand. How it was all to end he knew not. I’atroconi, to all intents and purposes, was supreme master of the situation. Then he was evidently expecting daily to capture Sir Jasper and his party. He could have but one object, the ordinary one of his profession, the exacting a heavy ransom ; and apparently lie preferred, in the language of the auetionroom, “ to put them up in tiie lump,” That evening, as Sarini had said, the Count made,his appearance in Winddrake's tent. After a few courteous inquiries after his health and the expression of some regret as to the dii.bier.s nf the life which Wheldrake had been constrained to lead for the past few days, I’atroeoni continued, "It is most unfortunate, Mr Wheldrake, hut business took me from home and prevented my fulfilling my duties as a host, also our old friends from Wrottsley have so far dis. appointed mo but I think I can now promise they will ho with me 10-morrow.

In tiir 111< itiilln:shall ire while away the fvimiilll4 with a lianil at cards? You iraid to be film! of baccarat—and—lucky at it !" “ My hrai'cns !” said Wheldrake. starting to bis feet, “ do you think it is safe to taunt the man you have mined'/ You are in the midst of your men, and have plenty of help within call, but remember 1 value my hie not a rush. Another such gibe and I'll ehoke the coward’s breath out, ot you, let the consequences to myself he what they may." “ Hah retorted the Count, with u contemptuous smile, ‘'don’t tall; like a Mustering schoolboy. I’atroceiii has proved his manhood on many a well(might lii-ld and in many a personal riienunter. Whatever he may lie the police can tell yon 1m is 110 coward ; besides," he added, touching signilicantly the hilt of the poignard he wore at his belt, “it is not likely I should ever require to call for assistance. He patient. •Signor Wheldrake, wo will have a little game at baccarat. Once more I say he patient, it will interest you before we iinisli it. Sarini, Sarini,” lie exclaimed, raising his voice, ami that worthy speedily appeared at the tent door. “ All Sarini,’’said the Count; “you arc fond of a little baccarat; the Signor complains that he finds the evenings dull here ; we must exert such prior talents us we have to lighten them for him .Sit down, .Mr Wheldrake. Heforc wo commence, how shall we play? On the square, or on the cross?’ - Once more Wheldrake sprang to his feet. “ How dare yOll use such words to me, you well know that I was innocent of that juggling lie at Wrotlsley. I decline to play cards with ynu ; the supposition that 1 would play unfairly is an insult. 1 culled you coward just now, sir I, was right. What can he more cowardly than to insult 011 c who is completely in your power.’’ " Pray bo seated, Signor; listen. In the civilised world in which you live there is a prejudice against dexterous manipulations of the cards. In the free air of the mountains we arc above such petty considerations. We regard a man who cheats cleverly much as you do a fine whist player. It is customary to settle beforehand which game you will play. The Signor, Snrini has decided to play upon the square.” 11 And suppose,” exclaimed Wheldrake, now interested in spite of himself by the Count’s cool cynicism, “after this arrangement anyone should feel his old habits too strong for him, and should resort to unfair play, what then ?” “Ah, in the mountains that is attended with some danger, it would depend somewhat on whether he is detected, ami a good deal upon the temper of the detector. As he is pretty certain to be detected wo may say it tarns on tbu latter point.” “And the consequences?” inquired Wheldrake. “ Would bo a more case whether the detector preferred shot or steel.” It was a glorious night. At a sign from the Count, Sarini throw open the door to its fullest extent, and the moonlight flooded the tent. Not a breath stirred the trees, and with the exception of the distant sounds of voices, and I,nigh ter from the main body of the brigands congregated some two hundred yards along at the furthest extremity of tlm plateau, not a sound broke the stillness. Wheldrake had noticed some little stir amongst the hand during the day; there had been much furbishing of anus, idling of locks, filling of water bottles etc. When 011 is cnfurccahly idle one notices all such trivial circumstances. It was the preparation for such mimic war as these freebooters made. The locusts, of dime, who devour honest men’s substance in all countries manifest much method in their rapacity, and surprise, and deception arc the very' essence of robbery'. It had struck U held rake that the “respectable farmers” were preparing to receive .Sir.lasper and his party. “ L’ray be seated, Sarini; I have now explained our mountain law to .Signor Wheldrake. As you know lie has elected to play on the square. Cheating is prohibited, and as ho spoke the Count shuffled the cards. “Ah, your Excellency,” said Sarini, with a low hull’ll, “ yon are aware that no one loves a turn with the cards more than I do, but, Excellency, do not forget that I must ho on the march two hours before daybreak and would fain snatch two or three hours’ sleep before leaving. We will play, hnt yon will not make it kite?” “,Ob, no, we will just while away two or three hours ; as for the stakes, they are at Mr Wheldrake’s discretion.” Wheldrake hesitated for a moment, he • lid not in truth quite know what stake it would be judicious to name: whether that they had been accustomed to play at Wrottaley, or something lower. The Count cut the knot for him by suggesting the former, and in a few minutes the cards were cut and \Vheldrake in a state of bewilderment found himself playing baccarat with two brigands on the heights above Amalfi—a strange whirligig of chances! He little thought when he called I,’atroccni liar on that fatal night at Wrottsley, that the next time he played cards with him would he by the light of the moon amidst scenery as lovely as Shakespeare paints the forest of Ardennes. The game proceeded with various fluctuations at first, but it was not long before luck had apparently settled down in favour of Sarini, who scored deal after deal, and whom it seemed hopeless to hut against. “Uiavolol" exclaimed the Count. “ The cards come to your call, Signor. It would he well for Mr Wheldrake and myself that you were to rest.” “It shall bo as you will, gentlemen, for another nour or so. I am a winner so far but your Excellency knows business requires my early departure, and winner or loser must permit my retiring at rest then.’’ “Certainly, Sarini, neither Mr Whcldrake nor myself are such faint-hearted players that we cannot accept defeat. When the moon disappears behind the big clump of cedars, we’ll consider that the lights arc out and the game played out.” Sarini rose and went to the door of the tout, gazing out upon the glorious moonlight. “ Ah !” he said at length, still standing with his back to the tent, “ I have near two hours to give yon vet, signors, in which to recover your losses.” “Pshaw! Monsieur Wheldrake, we will not take quite solongas that,” hissed Patroceni across the table. “Not a word ! leave the tiling to me, ami I will show von an old trick of tho game of baccarat,” and 11s he spolm quick as lightning the (taunt produced two c ir.l-s from bis sleeve and slipped them amongst the notes .Sarini had left, on the table. “Come, Sarini,” continued he aloud, “it we have so short a time in which to mump ourselves do not let ns waste it. Pray keep your admiration of tho prospect for some other evening,” There was another round nr two of the card-, wh m su l lenly IVrerviii exilaiinei], “ Pardon, .■signor Sarini, it was mid rstoo.-l at the coMimciicoment of the gime that the play was to be fair. You know our mountain law—to cheat or mu to cheat, is a declaration at starling from which we never swerve. Vim have. Signor .Sarini. Tim!"' are f-d e ca damongst yournotps. Yon mu ‘ ide iim usual eouscqu nee of an infra 'tion of ;he game.”

“ If thi-be 11 jest of your Excellency's. I can only say 1 tbink such fooling illtimed. ’’ “ .le-t !” said the Count, fiercely, “do yon call this a j. st,’’ and as he spike he tossed Sarini’- pile o’ notes lightly over, and discovered tin; two cards ho had placed there. “Tlm-e who bide know whereto find,” remarked Sarini, perfectly unmoved. Vonr Excellency’s is a poor jest, and as I am in no mood for bullooiiery, betake myself to vest.” “ Ab, you intend to take advantage of mv discovery to break off play and retire with your winnings. Good, Signor; 1 will take my revenge in other fashion. Vi in will delay your journey sometime, and give me ten minutes at daybreak tomorrow. ” Marini rose leisurely from the table, and gathered up tho notes in front of him. “We have fought side by siilo, Excel I. 1 ley, too often to doubt cacti other’s manhood, if you are in the sumo way of thinking at daybreak I will continue the game in the way you propose. I have the honour to wish you good night, gentlemen.'’ “ Rather nu reroir, Signor Sarini, tiT sunrise. * Tis ill fencing with such a swordsman as yourself by moonlight ’’ WhelJrnke’s first impulse had been to spring to his fo"fc, denounce tho Count, and take Sarini’s part, but ho bethought him of the old adage that “ when knaves quarrel, Inmost men come by their own,’ and remained passive. In another minute the idea dawned upon him that this was a new comedy ho was witnessing, a comedy got up for his especial edification, though wit.li what, motive he was at a loss to con jecture. The Count was unfathomable, but he felt pretty certain that Sarini was merely playing a part. The Count was a born actor, and could assume nearly aiiv role he chose, and lie had in his time played many parts. The rumours about him were true. Ot a good Italian family, be had imbibed revolutionary principles in his youth, and been engaged ever since in every revolutionary movement ot his country. He had been proscribed, imprisoned, condemned to death ; bis whole existence had been one of disguise and intrigue. He had gambled for political, power all his life again and again fearlessly on the result. For if Patroceni desired a republic, it was one in which lie would be the ruling spirit. The old burlesque line rather describes his republican opinions—- “ Lei’s all be equal, i’ll be king.” Be that as it may, his sagacity and daring made him rcoogni-ed as quite one of tin; leaning revolutionary chiefs. Sarini was also 11 man of good family and of similar ideas. He had been Patroconi’s right band for years, standing in tho same relation to him that Noy did to Napoleon. But ho had.neither the bruins of tho Count nor those wonderful powers of personation licit made Patroceni so dangerous a conspirator. He had played his part so ill to-night that Wheldrake had speedily detected the mockery of the quarrel and recognised that it was but a comedy rehearsed for his special benefit. “ Good night, Mr Wheldrake,” said Patroceni, rising, “We are unfortunate in our baccarat. Something always arises to mu 1 tho harmony of the evening. Ones more, good night.’

CHAPTER XIX.

AN AL FRE3UO HOTEL. The more Wheldrake thought over the scene of the preceding night, the more convinced he was that the whole thing had been a pure comedy got up in his behoof. From his tent the next morning lie could see Patroceni lounging, smoking, and reading or writing. Whatever had been the events of the morning, lie, at all events, was none the worse for them. And that threatened duel between him and Sarini ? Wheldrake came to the conclusion it had never taken place, nor ever been intended to take place. The more he thought over it, (he more convinced he was that this was a mere rehearsal of tlie alfair at Wrottsley ; only upon this occasion he hud been admitted behind tlie scenes, and allowed to see the machinery that had worked his ruin. But what object could Patroceni have, after blasting ids life in England, ia revealing to him the way in which it had lioeu brought about; ami, once more, what object could Patroceni have had in such a diabolical plot against one who had never injured him. From what he had seen of tlie Count he could imagine him vengeful, hard, relentless when crossed, but a man quite capable of even a magnanimous action, and oatorau though lie was, ho was neither a vulgar scandal-monger nor common robber. From what Barini bad said, no doubt lie would have Sir Jasper ami his party in his keeping before many hours were over. This could scarcely mean but one thing —ransom —and it struck him that he could not do better than at once proceed to discuss that point with the Count. Having come to which conclusion lie despatched a message at once to Patroceni to say that if he bad leisure he should be glad to have a little conversation with him. The Count speedily made Ids appearance, and suavely demanded if there was anything he could do for Mr Wheldrake’s comfort. “ Anything you like but baccarat, Signor. That seems destined to end uncomfortably whenever you and I engage in it,” said Patroceni, laughing. “Pray be seated, Count,” rejoined Wheldrake. “It is useless to resort to further subterfuge. lam your prisoner. Let mo know at once in what light I am to regard myself; am I a prisoner held up to ” “Stop,” interposed Patroceni, “Pray don’t speak so coarsely of things. Regard yourself, pray, as a guest in the worst and most expensive hotel in Europe.” “I don’t understand you,” rejoined Wheldrake. “ I should have given you credit for being quicker. Having been obliged to trap you I shall have to charge for the trouble. Have a cigarette,” and as he spoke the Count tendered the handsome silver ease lie habitually carried. "I understand now, ynu demand a ransom,” rejoined Wheldrake. “Precisely so,” replied Patroceni with a low bow. “My followers expect their little perquisites; grasping perhaps as country house servants usually are, but not opening their mouths much wider than those of your own country.” “And if I refuse, my life, I presume, is the penalty.” “No, not necessarily,” rejoined the Count, quietly, as he emitted a breath of pale blue smoko from beneath his dark moustache. “We generally begin with a linger or a toe. “ You mean mutilation ?” “ You are dreadfully coarse in your remarks, Mr Wheldrake. A mere reminder to their friends that the matter is urgent.” “ And if f refuse ?” “Bah, iiinn i.'ini, people never do refuse.” “You have got a guest you never ivckoiud on," rejoined Wheldrake, sharply. “H I wanted tn discover your whereabouts R was fur another purpose. Life! No, I won't value mine much. Y’ou know as well as I do that the world is dead to mo. Y’on’ve caught a bird scarce worth the trapping, Count.” “Tim old. old story; but men change their note with the first—ahem -shall it be an ear or a linger? For old days I would wish to meet your views.”

“ Heath has no terrors tor me,” rejoined Wheldrake, haughtily. “ You are bargaining with a man for his life who would as lieve you took it.” “Try another cigarette,” rejoined Patroceni. quietly. ‘ ‘ Contempt for death is all very well in the abstract, or when one’s blood is up. Coolly considered, there is considerable repugnance to parting with life. I speak from experience.” “It may he,” said Wheldrake musingly. “1 am curious tn see. what value you pnt upon mine. Don’t appraise it too highly, I warn you. The sunshine has gone out of it, and—l am fond of my relations.” “And, therefore, anxious to sec them again,’’ rejoined the Count, drily. “ On the contrary, more solicitous they should benefit by my death.” “Yon must excuse my saying your conversation is more witty than veracious. Our widows, our mistresses, or our mothers, arc the sole women as a rule we care to provide for. Mr Wheldrake, to tho best of my belief, is blessed with none of those ties.’ “ You think I am afraid to die,” retorted Wheldrake, angrily. “ I think notiiing of th■? kind,” replied Patroceni, as he lit a fresh cigarette, “ for the best possible reasons. I have never as yet thought about if. That you are in my hands is the result of your own curiosity, I’ve no wish to meddle with you, and have as yet not quite made l up my mind as to what I’ll do with you.” At this moment one of tho bandits entered and whispered a few words into Patroconi’s car, whose face immediately lit up ns a low laugh c-cuped him. “Tell mo tho real story of that night at Wrottsley, and I will willingly pay yon live thousand pounds for my freedom.” “You arc too Lite,” returned the Count, blandly. “1 must n-k ynu to excuse mo, as I am expecting some friends of yours every minute. For the present, adieu.” As Patroceni strolled across to his hut, he muttered, “ Y’ou were wrong, flammerton. Yes, very wrong ; three thousand pounds, and you said no. Hero’s tho other side already offering five. But as matters stand, another quarter of an hour at the outside and I shall have fish in my not worth six times that. Thirty thousand,” said the Count to himself, as he rubbed his hands softly, “ is a nice little windfall.” At this moment Petro emerged from the wood, and rapidly traversing the plateau, approached Patroceni. “ The travellers, Excellenza. The English milord and parly. Wo have them, they will be hero directly,” he said in a hoarse hurried whisper. The Count responded by a quiet authoritative nod of dismissal, “ Poor Sir Jasper,” ho murmured, as he threw himself into an arm chair at the top of the plateau, and lit a fresh cigarette, “it seems rather a sorry return for his hospitality, but he is a philosopher, or a man of tho world, which is better, and knows other countries ! have other customs. However, I don’t j want to meet my guests just yet, so shall go for a stroll at the back of the camp.” Patroceni had barely disappeared when 1 Sir Jasper and his party appeared upon tlie plateau under the escort of Sarini and his myrraidoms. “ Y T ou will pay for this, you scoundrel,” said Sir Jasper, as ho seated himself upon a fallen tree, “ you are iuteiferring with Englishmen, remember, and the arm of England is long.” “Wo will take onr chance of that. It is possible to bo out of tho reach of the longest arm, remember,” rejoined Sarini, with a contemptuous smile, “Signors, pray be seated ; you arc at your journey’s end,” ho continued, speaking in broken English. “And those aro brigands, Mr Glanfield ? Dear me, bow exceedingly romantic. What will they do with us r” “ Empty our pockets to begin with, I suppose, and draw our bunkers’ accounts dry afterwards. Glad you find it romantic. Always thought a game at which I’d no chance to win prosaic in tho extreme myself.” “ I don’t understand you,” said the widow. “ Well, there’s not much romance in attending a—a—a garden party of this sort. It’s expensive and uncomfortable. Tho solo interest I feel in the whole thing is as to what tho bill will come to.” “ Now Fred, what are we to do. You know the country. These scamps want money, of course. If this is their chief,” and Sir Jasper indicated Sarini, “ tell him to lot us to know the worst at once. Ask him what will satisfy him.” “There’s no groat cause of alarm, Undo. Bled in tho pockets wc must expect to be. A couple of dais’ inconvenient bivouacking is all that is likely to happen to us. You will have to rough it with a vengeance, Mamie, I fear.” “ Oh, never mind me. I shall manage well enough, but, father, I have heard these men are at times hard to deal with They fix their ransoms high, and are cruel if their terms aro not speedily complied with.” “ Don’t fret, my dear,” replied Sir Jasper. “ Fred, let’s see tho leader of these men at once.” “ That’s it, Sir Jasper ; that’s it,” cried Glanfield. “ Now you,” he conlinued, motioning to Sarini, “ where are the stewards of this meeting ? I’ut that into their jargon, Hainmerton, the fools never understand English.” “And Italian wasn’t taught when you wont to school, except in the obsolete form of Latin,” interposed Mrs Fullerton. “ Well, I can’t say I ever fancied myself much at Latin,” replied Glanfield. “ Oh, dear, what a provoking man ho is, said Mrs Fullerton to herself, “to fancy someone else is what is required of him.” Hammerton now' moved off to Sarini, and saying that ho presumed he was the chief of the band in whoso hands they were, was about to propose discussing their ransom with him, when ho was slopped by a rapid disclaimer on Sarini’s part. “No, Signor! I am not the chief of these men. I am only second in command, but ah ’ here comes his Excellency to speak for himself,” and as he spoke he waved his hand in the direction of his hut, from behind which the Count was now seen approaching. “ Count Fatrooeni !!!’’ burst from all lips, as tho party sprang simultaneously to their foot, while Jackson was heard to murmur, soldo voce, that there was no knowing where to have these foreigners.” “A surprise, gentlemen, doubtless,” exclaimed tho Count, with a low bow, but fate—and business—draw people together all over tho world. Depend upon it, ladies, you shall he made as comfortable as circumstances will admit of during 4 your stay with me.” “ If this is a jest, Count, tho sooner it is put an end to tho better,” said Hammerlon, sleruly. “It is very odd,” replied as if addressing an imaginary audience, “people always think I am jesting. If over a man led a life of serious purpose I have done so. My dear friend, I keep an ni I'rcH'o hotel,” heeoiHi mod, addressing Hainmerton, “ami induce all travellers I cm to visit my establishment. The air is bracing, and you will find both the wine and cookery fair. My guests always benefit much by their residence here/ Upon one point only do we ever differ. After the manner of my class, I require all bills settled before leaving, and as in other hostclriea there is

sometimes a manmh q<m\t d'hmio over that little, alfair.” “ Does the man really mean he is chief of the, bandits ?” said Mrs Fullerton. “ \es, that's about his social position," replied Glimfield. “Now, Count,” lie continued, turning sharply to I’atroeeui, “ the sooner wc proceed to business the better. We know that we aro in the rat-trap. How much for opening the door ?’’ “ Oh, it’s a pleasure to meet a real man of business,” rejoined Patroceni. “ What a lesson for yon, iii'in chn\"' lie added, significantly in an aside to Hanimerton. “ Thirty thousand pounds will settle the bill for the whole party.” “ Thirty thousand pounds 1” ejaculated Glanfield. “You must be mad, Count.” “Impossible,” almost screamed Mrs Fullerton. “That means tlie pledging of our diamonds and sacc-cioth for yeirs.” “ Impossible,” exclaimed Sir Jasper. “You cannot seriously mean to place such a price upon onr liberty !” “ Thirty thousand pounds,” said Hammerton. “ What does this mean ?" In two or three strides Patroceni was hy his side. “It means, sir,” he hissed into Himmerton’s ear ; “ that yon refused me my percentage on the portion of the bride 1 helped you to ! It means that I intend to have it all now. It means that I consider the lady fair enough to be taken for her own sweet self.” “Isay this won’t do, yon know,” exclaimed Glanfield. “We haven’t won the Derby, or anything of that sort. Thirty thousand pounds is a very large amount of money.” “ Which yon will speedily make up amongst you,” replied the Count. “I will leave yon to talk it over amongst yourselves. I hate intruding on these little family arrangements. Tlie ladies will find that hut all ready for their accommodation whenever they may wish to retire to it. For the present I will bid you adieu.” And with those words Patroceni retired towards the further tent. “ He surely cannot mean that he fixes our ransom at thirty thousand pounds,” said Sir Jasper, uneasily, after a considerable pause. “ Never saw a man who looked more determined to have his money. He had that particularly suave, courteous manner that always characterises the ruthless creditor. When they storm and bluster there’s hope; but when they’re so horribly silky i hey not only mean having their money, but having it pretty soon.” “ You surely don’t think, Mr Glanfield, that Count Patroceni means to keep us here till we have raised such a monstrous sum as thirty thousand pounds. Surely it is all braggadocio, and one or two thousand is the outside he would actually price our liberty at. Uoon my word, Fred, you had bei tor be a little, more carotid in future about the acquaintances yon pick up abroad.” And Mrs Fullerton favoured her nephew with a glance which spoke volumes. For the first time the party had awoke to the consciousness of the situation being serious, They were beginning to recogm.-e now that their freedom was not a matter of a few hundreds, with all the romance of bavins’ been for a few days in the hands of real bandits ; but a. matter of many thousands and detention till such time as so large a load cool 1 be obtained, and however good the security thirty thousand pounds is a sum not to be raised at short notice without reference to tlie children of Israel. “ I’m afraid, Aunt, I’ve made a great mistake.”said Hainmerton, humbly, “ By jove, I should rather think you had ; your friend Pntroceni’s about the biggest Wclsher I’ve fore-gathered with for many a day,” exclaimed Glanfield. “ Welsher, Mr Glanfield,” cried Mrs F nllortou. “ Beg pardon. No reflection on tho Ancient Britons, though no doubt, like most clotheless people, they collared everything that came in their way. I mean a class of men well known on the racecourse who may bo described as living by the snatch and skip business. Pocketpicking would perhaps more accurately describe it to you.” “ And yon think the Count’s in that lino inquired Kir Jasper. “ Yes,” replied Glanfield, drily, “ and pretty well top of the class.” (To be continued.)