The Argosy — page 311: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

to WO Lo A SWeOD - ID Beears NL Se FOUNDED ON FACT. [Date, August 4th, 1864.] t* you please, sir, Simmons wishes to speak to you.” ‘By all means,” rephed Colonel Holt, apparently surprised that Simmons should make the request through the medium of the footman. ‘Tell him to come here at once.” A few moments later came a hesitating knock, and it was not until Colonel Holt had twice shouted ‘‘Come in,” that the door opened to admit the aforesaid Simmons. Looking up somewhat impatiently, Colonel Holt was struck by the change in the man’s demeanour. No longer the spruce, erect, middle- aged butler, but a pallid, trembling man, stood before him. “Good heavens! Are you ill, Simmons ?” ‘No, sir, but I must go away this very day. You must let me go; indeed you must, sir.” ‘Certainly, if you wish it ; but give me some reason for this sudden determination. What has happened ?” “T can tell you nothing, sir. Let me go without question, that is all I ask of you.” “Tt is a great deal to ask,” said Colonel Holt, more and more surprised ; “and I am not sure that I can grant so much. Come, Simmons, tell me honestly what has happened. If I can help you cs st ees ) “Thank you, sir, you can only let me go.” ‘Perhaps you are in some money trouble? Speak out frankly if you are.” A faint flush came upon the man’s face; he hesitated. ‘Money, sir, has to do with my trouble,” he replied, “‘ but it is not my reason for wishing to go away. Have pity on me, I implore you ; let me go. I must, whether you consent or not.” And a look of the utmost misery crossed the man’s face. “Well, well,” said his easy-going master, “‘how long do you want to be away ? for a time only, or do you want to leave altogether ?” “Tf you are kind enough to let me return, sir, I can do so safely by the twentieth of this month.” ‘¢ Safely,” muttered Colonel Holt; ‘‘what does the fellow mean.” Then aloud: ‘And who is to fill your place; you know we have visitors coming to-day, and —-— ” Again that haggard look of terror came into Simmons’s face as he ventured to interrupt his master. ‘Ves, sir, I have thought of that, and I have a brother staying in the village who is butler to Sir Henry Curtis, at Beauchamp Park. The family are abroad, and he has a month’s holiday, and will gladly EMNNIELIOOKSE©)