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The Amateur Gentleman by Farnol, Jeffery, 1878-1952



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"Has he," said Barnabas, "then I think I'll do the same."

"Ay, ay, sir, very good."

"In the meantime could you let me have pen, ink and paper?"

"Ay, sir, surely, in the sanded parlor, this way, sir."

Forthwith he led Barnabas into a long, low panelled room, with a wide fireplace at the further end, beside which stood a great high-backed settle with a table before it. Then Barnabas sat down and wrote a letter to his father, as here follows:--

* * * * *

My Dear Father and Natty Bell,--I have read somewhere in my books
that 'adventures are to the adventurous,' and, indeed, I have
already found this to be true. Now, since I am adventuring the great
world, I adventure lesser things also.
Thus I have met and talked with an entertaining pedler, from whom I
have learned that the worst place in the world is Giles's Rents down
by the River; from him, likewise, I purchased a book as to the
merits of which I begin to entertain doubts.
Then I have already thrashed a friend of the Prince Regent, and
somewhat spoiled a very fine gentleman, and, I fear, am like to be
necessitated to spoil another before the day is much older; from
each of whom I learn that a Prince's friend may be an arrant knave.
Furthermore, I have become acquainted with the son of an Earl, and
finding him a man also, have formed a friendship with him, which I
trust may endure.
Thus far, you see, much has happened to me; adventures have
befallen me in rapid succession. 'Wonderful!' say you. 'Not at all,'
say I, since I have found but what I sought after, for, as has been
said--'adventures are to the adventurous.' Therefore, within the
next few hours, I confidently expect other, and perchance weightier,
happenings to overtake me because--I intend them to. So much for
myself.
Now, as for you and Natty Bell, it is with deep affection that I
think of you--an affection that shall abide with me always. Also,
you are both in my thoughts continually. I remember our bouts with
the 'muffles,' and my wild gallops on unbroken horses with Natty Bell;
surely he knows a horse better than any, and is a better rider than
boxer, if that could well be. Indeed, I am fortunate in having
studied under two such masters.
Furthermore, I pray you to consider that this absence of mine will
only draw us closer together, in a sense. Indeed, now, when I think
of you both, I am half-minded to give up this project and come back
to you. But my destiny commands me, and destiny must be obeyed.
Therefore I shall persist unto the end; but whether I succeed or no,
remember, I pray of you, that I am always,
Your lover and friend,
Barnabas.
P.S.--Regarding the friend of the Prince Regent, I could wish now
that I had struck a little harder, and shall do so next time, should
the opportunity be given.

B.

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