Eight thousand pounds was needed to start the workings, but
he had not mentioned it to any one, as he wanted to keep the whole
thing to himself, and thought he could save the money on his
estates in Portugal. However, to oblige "Maria," he would let
Whibley supply the money. Whibley supplied it--in cash, and no one
has ever seen the Count since.
That broke up Whibley's faith in "Maria," and a sensible doctor,
getting hold of him threatened to prescribe a lunatic asylum for
him if ever he found him carrying on with any spirits again. That
completed the cure.
THE MAN WHO WENT WRONG
I first met Jack Burridge nearly ten years ago on a certain North-
country race-course.
The saddling bell had just rung for the chief event of the day. I
was sauntering along with my hands in my pockets, more interested
in the crowd than in the race, when a sporting friend, crossing on
his way to the paddock, seized me by the arm and whispered hoarsely
in my ear:-
"Put your shirt on Mrs. Waller."
"Put my -?" I began.
"Put your shirt on Mrs. Waller," he repeated still more
impressively, and disappeared in the throng.
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