“I daresay it’s true. I’m not sure. Nevertheless, I am so unfortunate as to have only a slight knowledge of their mechanics. I have driven a good deal, but not being so energetic as Prince Henry of Prussia, I leave details to my chauffeurs.”
“Very good. You are doubtless well acquainted with the merits of a car from the owner’s point of view. Come out with me in this Detroit motor, and I will be your chauffeur, or you may drive the machine yourself, if you remember that in this country you keep to the right side of the road.”
Thus the appointment was made, and was kept by Lord Stranleigh. At the end of his run, he said to Parkes—
“The car seems to be a satisfactory piece of construction, but I own two or three American cars in London, any one of which, I think, is equally good; in fact, as Mark Twain said about his Jumping Frog—‘I see no points about this frog different from any other frog.’ However, I will consider your proposal, and will let you know the result. Meanwhile, many thanks for a most interesting ride.”
Stranleigh sauntered down town, and entered a cable office.
“Can I send a message to London, and leave a deposit here for the reply, that it may not cost my London friend anything?”
“Certainly, sir.”
Stranleigh wrote—
“Duke of Rattleborough, Camperdown Club, London.