Part 14 (1/2)
”I was adjusting my gla.s.ses, sir.”
”All set now?”
”Yes, sir. Shall I read the headlines first?”
”Read everything.”
The butler cleared his throat.
”Good Heavens, Bayliss,” moaned Jimmy, starting, ”don't gargle.
Have a heart! Go on!”
Bayliss began to read.
FRACAS IN FAs.h.i.+ONABLE NIGHT-CLUB
SPRIGS OF n.o.bILITY BRAWL
Jimmy opened his eyes, interested.
”Am I a sprig of n.o.bility?”
”It is what the paper says, sir.”
”We live and learn. Carry on.”
The butler started to clear his throat, but checked himself.
SENSATIONAL INTERNATIONAL CONTEST
BATTLING PERCY
(England)
v
CYCLONE JIM
(America)
FULL DESCRIPTION BY OUR EXPERT
Jimmy sat up.
”Bayliss, you're indulging that distorted sense of humour of yours again. That isn't in the paper?”
”Yes, sir. Very large headlines.”
Jimmy groaned.
”Bayliss, I'll give you a piece of advice which may be useful to you when you grow up. Never go about with newspaper men. It all comes back to me. Out of pure kindness of heart I took young Bill Blake of the _Sun_ to supper at the Six Hundred last night. This is my reward. I suppose he thinks it funny. Newspaper men are a low lot, Bayliss.”