He collects my rents on some little property I have left, and pays my bills, sir, and, if this blank civilization would only leave him alone, he'd be a good enough boy." Paul couldn't help thinking that the rents George collected were somewhat inconsistent with those he was evidently mending when he arrived, but at that moment the jingle of glasses was heard in the sitting-room, and the old negro reappeared at the door.

Drawing himself up with ceremonious courtesy, he addressed Paul.

"Wo'd yo' mind, sah, taking a glance at de wine for yo' choice ?" Paul rose, and followed him into the sitting-room, when George carefully closed the door.

To his surprise Hathaway beheld a tray with two glasses of whiskey and bitters, but no wine.

"Skuse me, sah," said the old man with dignified apology, "but de Kernel won't have any but de best champagne for hono'ble gemmen like yo'self, and I'se despaired to say it can't be got in de house or de subburbs.