The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 04Stevenson, Robert Louis
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The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 04
Stevenson, Robert Louis
English literature -- 19th century; Short stories
"Foolish and wicked men," said he, "as many of you as have been driven
into this strait by the lack of fortune shall receive employment and
remuneration from my officers. Those who suffer under a sense of guilt
must have recourse to a higher and more generous Potentate than I. I
feel pity for all of you, deeper than you can imagine; to-morrow you
shall tell me your stories; and as you answer more frankly, I shall be
the more able to remedy your misfortunes. As for you," he added, turning
to the President, "I should only offend a person of your parts by any
offer of assistance; but I have instead a piece of diversion to propose
to you. Here," laying his hand on the shoulder of Colonel Geraldine's
young brother, "is an officer of mine who desires to make a little tour
upon the Continent; and I ask you, as a favour, to accompany him on
this excursion. Do you," he went on, changing his tone, "do you shoot
well with the pistol? Because you may have need of that accomplishment.
When two men go travelling together, it is best to be prepared for all.
Let me add that, if by any chance you should lose young Mr. Geraldine
upon the way, I shall always have another member of my household to
place at your disposal; and I am known, Mr. President, to have long
eyesight, and as long an arm."
With these words, said with much sternness, the Prince concluded his
address. Next morning the members of the club were suitably provided for
by his munificence, and the President set forth upon his travels, under
the supervision of Mr. Geraldine, and a pair of faithful and adroit
lackeys, well trained in the Prince's household. Not content with this,
discreet agents were put in possession of the house in Box Court, and
all letters or visitors for the Suicide Club or its officials were to be
examined by Prince Florizel in person.
_Here_ (says my Arabian author) _ends The Story of_ THE YOUNG MAN WITH
THE CREAM TARTS, _who is now a comfortable householder in Wigmore
Street, Cavendish Square. The number, for obvious reasons, I suppress.
Those who care to pursue the adventures of Prince Florizel and the
President of the Suicide Club, may read_
THE STORY OF THE PHYSICIAN AND THE SARATOGA TRUNK
Mr. Silas Q. Scuddamore was a young American of a simple and harmless
disposition, which was the more to his credit as he came from New
England--a quarter of the New World not precisely famous for those
qualities. Although he was exceedingly rich, he kept a note of all his
expenses in a little paper pocket-book; and he had chosen to study the
attractions of Paris from the seventh story of what is called a
furnished hotel in the Latin Quarter. There was a great deal of habit in
his penuriousness; and his virtue, which was very remarkable among his
associates, was principally founded upon diffidence and youth.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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