not said Mr Salteena in an interested tone.

One can not gamble on anything really said Procurio returning to the
hot water pipes though of course I know a lot more than most peaple
about the inmates here.

What are the habbits of the Earl of Clincham said Mr Salteena.

Procurio gave a smile many and varius he replied I cant say much in my
position [Pg 52] but one lives and learns. He heaved a sigh and shruged
his shoulders.

Well good day said Mr Salteena feeling better for the chat.

Procurio nodded in silence as Mr Salteena trotted off down the
passage. At last he came to a door labelled Clincham Earl of in big
letters. With a beating heart Mr Salteena pulled the bell and the door
swung open of its own accord. At the same moment a cheery voice rang
out from the distance. Come in please I am in the study first door on
left.

With a nervous bound Mr Salteena obeyd these directions and found
himself in a small but handsome compartment done in dark green lether
with crests on the chairs. Over the mantlepiece was hung the painting
of a lady in a low neck looking quite the thing. By the desk was
seated a tall man of 35 with very nice eyes of a twinkly nature and
curly hair he wore a quite plain suit of palest grey but well [Pg 53]
made and on the table reposed a grey top hat which had evidently been
on his head recently. He had a rose in his button hole also a signet
ring.

Hullo said this pleasant fellow as Mr. Salteena was spell bound on
mat.

Hullo your Lord Ship responded our hero bowing low and dropping his
top hat do I adress the Earl of Clincham.

You do said the Earl with a homely smile and who do I adress eh.

Our hero bowed again Alfred Salteena he said in deep tones.

Oh I see said the kindly earl well come in my man and tell me who you
are.

Mr Salteena seated himself gingerly on the edge of a crested chair.

To tell you the truth my Lord I am not anyone of import and I am not a
gentleman as they say he ended getting very red and hot.

Have some whiskey said lord Clincham and he poured the liquid into a
glass at his [Pg 54] elbow. Mr. Salteena lapped it up thankfully.

Well my man said the good natured earl what I say is what dose it
matter we cant all be of the Blood royal can we.

No said Mr Salteena but I suppose you are.

Lord Clincham waved a careless hand. A small portion flows in my viens
he said but it dose not worry me at all and after all he added piously
at the Day of Judgement