The Young Visiters | Page 9

bill at the desk. Outside Mr Salteena found a tall policeman.
Could you direct me to the Crystale Pallace if you please said Mr
Salteena nervously.
Well said the geniul policeman my advice would be to take a cab sir.
[Pg 49] Oh would it said Mr Salteena then I will do so.
He hailed a Hansome and got speedily in to the Crystal Palace he cried
gaily and holding his bag on his knees he prepared to enjoy the sights
of the Metropilis. It was a merry drive and all too soon the Palace
heaved in view. Mr Salteena sprang out and paid the man and then he
entered the wondrous edifice. His heart beat very fast as two huge men
in gold braid flung open the doors. Inside was a lovely fountain in the
middle and all round were little stalls where you could buy sweets and
lemonade also scent handkerchiefs and many dainty articles. There
were a lot of peaple but nobody very noteable.
At last after buying two bottles of scent and some rarther nice sweets
which stuck to his teeth Mr Salteena beheld a wooden door on which
was nailed a notice saying To the Privite Compartments.
Ah ha said Mr Salteena to himself this is [Pg 50] evidently my next
move, and he gently pushed open the door straitening his top hat as he
did so. Inside he found himself in a dimly lit passage with a thick and
handsom carpet. Mr Salteena gazed round and beheld in the gloom a
very superier gentleman in full evening dress who was reading a
newspaper and warming his hands on the hot water pipes. Mr Salteena
advanced on tiptoe and coughed gently as so far the gentleman had paid
no attention. However at the second cough he raised his eyes in a weary
fashion. do you want anything he asked in a most noble voice.
Mr Salteena got very flustered. Well I am seeking the Earl of Clincham
he began in a trembly voice are you by any chance him he added most
respectfully.
No not exacktly replied the other my name happens to be Edward
Procurio. I am half italian and I am the Groom of the Chambers.

[Pg 51] What chambers asked Mr Salteena blinking his eyes.
These said Edward Procurio waving a thin arm.
Mr Salteena then noticed several red doors with names of people on
each one. Oh I see he said then perhaps you can tell me where the Earl
of Clincham is to be found.
At the end of the passage fourth door down said Procurio tritely of
course he may be out one never knows what they are up to.
I suppose 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