"Neither," said Barnabas.

"Why, then, we 'ave some rare old burgundy, sir--'ighly esteemed by

connysoors and (cough again) other--gentlemen."

"No, thank you."

"On the other 'and--to suit 'umbler tastes, we 'ave,"--here the

waiter closed his eyes, sighed, and shook his head--"ale, sir,

likewise beer, small and otherwise."

"Nothing, thank you," said Barnabas; "and you will observe the door

is still where it was."

"Door, sir, yessir--oh, certainly, sir!" said he, and stalked out of

the room.

Then Barnabas set a sheet of paper before him, selected a pen, and

began to write as follows:-George Inn,

Borough.

June 2, 18--.

To VISCOUNT DEVENHAM, MY DEAR DICK,--I did not think to be asking favors

of you so soon, but--(here a blot).

"Confound it!" exclaimed Barnabas, and taking out his penknife he

began to mend the spluttering quill. But, in the midst of this

operation, chancing to glance out of the window, he espied a

long-legged gentleman with a remarkably fierce pair of whiskers; he

wore a coat of ultra-fashionable cut, and stood with his booted legs

wide apart, staring up at the inn from under a curly-brimmed hat.

But the hat had evidently seen better days, the coat was frayed at

seam and elbow, and the boots lacked polish; yet these small

blemishes were more than offset by his general dashing, knowing air,

and the untamable ferocity of his whiskers. As Barnabas watched him,

he drew a letter from the interior of his shabby coat, unfolded it

with a prodigious flourish, and began to con it over. Now, all at

once, Barnabas dropped knife and pen, thrust a hand into his own

breast and took thence a letter also, at sight of which he

straightway forgot the bewhiskered gentleman; for what he read was

this:-Dearest and Best of Sisters,--Never, in all this

world was there such an unfortunate, luckless dog as I--were

it not for your unfailing love I should have

made an end of it all, before now.

I write this letter to beg and implore you to grant

me another interview, anywhere and at any time you may

name. Of course you will think it is more money I want--so

I do; I'm always in need of it, and begin to fear

I always shall be. But my reasons for wishing this meeting

are much more than this--indeed, most urgent!

(this underlined). I am threatened by a GRAVE DANGER

(this doubly underlined). I am at my wit's end, and

only you can save me, Cleone--you and you only.

Chichester has been more than kind, indeed, a true friend

to me! (this also underlined). I would that you could

feel kinder towards him.

This letter must reach you where none of your

guardian's spies can intercept it; your precious Captain

has always hated me, damn him! (this scratched out).

Oh, shame that he, a stranger, should ever have been

allowed to come between brother and sister. I shall

journey down to Hawkhurst to see you and shall stay

about until you can contrive to meet me. Chichester

may accompany me, and if he should, try to be kinder

to your brother's only remaining friend. How different

are our situations! you surrounded by every luxury,

while I--yet heaven forbid I should forget my manhood

and fill this letter with my woes. But if you ever loved

your unfortunate brother, do not fail him in this, Cleone.




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