The Amateur Gentleman

"Why then, Peterby--what of Sir Mortimer Carnaby?"

"He managed it by going into the ring with Jack Fearby, the 'Young

Ruffian,' and beating him in twenty-odd rounds for one thing, and

winning a cross-country race--"

"Ha!" exclaimed Barnabas, "a race!" and so he fell to staring up at

the ceiling again.

"But I fear, sir," continued Peterby, "that in making him your enemy,

you have damned your chances at the very outset, as I told you."

"A race!" said Barnabas again, vastly thoughtful.

"And therefore," added Peterby, leaning nearer in his earnestness,

"since you honor me by asking my advice, I would strive with all my

power to dissuade you."

"John Peterby--why?"

"Because, in the first place, I know it to be impossible."

"I begin to think not, John."

"Why, then, because--it's dangerous!"

"Danger is everywhere, more or less, John."

"And because, sir, because you--you--" Peterby rose, and stood with

bent head and hands outstretched, "because you gave a miserable

wretch another chance to live; and therefore I--I would not see you

crushed and humiliated. Ah, sir! I know this London, I know those

who make up the fashionable world. Sir, it is a heartless world,

cruel and shallow, where inexperience is made a mock of--generosity

laughed to scorn; where he is most respected who can shoot the

straightest; where men seldom stoop to quarrel, but where death is

frequent, none the less--and, sir, I could not bear--I--I wouldn't

have you cut off thus--!"

Peterby stopped suddenly, and his head sank lower; but as he stood

Barnabas rose, and coming to him, took his hand into his own firm

clasp.

"Thank you, John Peterby," said he. "You may be the best valet in

the world--I hope you are--but I know that you are a man, and, as a

man, I tell you that I have decided upon going on with the adventure."

"Then I cannot hope to dissuade you, sir?"

"No, John!"

"Indeed, I feared not."

"It was for this I came to London, and I begin--at once."

"Very good, sir."

"Consequently, you have a busy day before you; you see I shall

require, first of all, clothes, John; then--well, I suppose a house

to live in--"

"A--house, sir?"

"In a fashionable quarter, and furnished, if possible."

"A lodging, St. James's Street way, is less expensive, sir, and more

usual."

"Good!" said Barnabas; "to buy a house will be more original, at

least. Then there must be servants, horses--vehicles--but you will

understand--"

"Certainly, sir."

"Well then, John--go and get 'em."

"Sir?" exclaimed Peterby.

"Go now, John," said Barnabas, pulling out his purse, "this very

moment."

"But," stammered Peterby, "but, sir--you will--"

"I shall stay here--I don't intend to stir out until you have me

dressed as I should be--in 'clothes that exist,' John!"