THE visit of His Royal Highness Ali Azim Mirza, nephew of the Shah,
accompanied by the Grand Vizier, Hasan Kuli, is fresh in our memories.
The mission of the Prince was to invest a distinguished personage with
the insignia of the Lion and the Sun in order to mark the Persian
monarch's appreciation of the Garter which had been recently conferred
upon him. The Mission duly returned with its object accomplished.
Outwardly everything happened as was anticipated, and there are but few
who know how nearly we approached to a war with Russia as a consequence
of the visit, while still fewer are aware that such a calamity was
averted by a cadet member of the Burglars' Club.
In the unwritten annals of the Club the incident stands out prominently.
It is well that it should be recorded before it is forgotten.
The special Mission was due to arrive in London on the 10th of the
month. It was to leave on the 16th. Lord Denton had placed his town
house at the disposal of the Prince and his retinue during their stay.
On the 4th, Mr. Birket Rivers, a cadet member of the Burglars' Club,
received an intimation that his entrance fee could be paid on the 13th
by the production of the insignia of the Order which the Prince was
bringing with him.
On the evening of the 8th, John Parker, a footman in the employ of Lord
Denton, called by request on Mr. Rivers at his rooms in the Albany.
"You wished to see me, sir?"
"Ah, Parker, how are you getting on?"
"Very well, thank you, sir."
"You are going to have great times, Parker. When does Lord Denton
leave?"
"To-morrow, sir."
"Are all the servants staying behind?"
"Only about half of us, sir. The Persians bring their own cooks and
men."
"Quite so. Are you remaining?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. I want you to let me take your place."
Parker opened his eyes very wide. "Beg pardon, sir," he said, feeling
sure he had misunderstood the last remark.
"I want to take your place as footman in Denton House while the Persians
are there. If you will help me to do so, Parker, there's ten pounds for
you."
Parker scratched his head. "I should like the ten pounds, sir; but I
don't see how I'm to get it. They'd never mistake you for me, sir,
though we are about the same build. Mr. Bradshaw would spot the
difference at once."
"Who is Mr. Bradshaw?"
"The butler, sir. He's pretty well left in charge of the house."
"Listen, Parker. The Prince comes the day after to-morrow. At eleven
o'clock in the morning of that day you've got to be taken ill. Tell
Bradshaw you can't work, and you think it's something infectious. Tell
him that your cousin, James Finny, who is only staying on with me till
he hears of a place, would jump at the job. Send me word, and I will
turn up at once."
"Mr. Bradshaw might know you, sir."
"I don't think so. I've never been at the house. Besides, I shall shave
off my moustache. Anyway, Parker, I'll take care you lose nothing by it,
even if I should be found out."
John Parker left a quarter of an hour later, ten pounds richer than he
came. In his pocket he carried a letter which eventually reached Mr.
Rivers by special messenger at noon on the 10th. It ran:
DEAR JAMES,--Come immediately. I am ill, and Mr.
Bradshaw says you can take my place.--Your loving
cousin,