The Morning herald., 1877-10-03
CHAPTER XII.
ON THE RIGHT TRACK,

Old Corkscrew, who knew everything
and everybody, was perfectly we'll
acquainted with the character of the hon.
est money-lender. In fact, he had been
rather intimate with him when he was col
hSaing soms Yars old books vAich Ducros
hAa seized on bill of sale.
"Hilloh, old Crocodlew he cried out;
"so you've got dealings in my house, have
you7"
$50 it appears answered Ducroe, drly,
who did not like the familiar tone adopt
ed by the Daddy"
"Well, we'll, you're clever fellow, and
no mistake" g..
Then, stimulated by very natural Gu
riosity, praiseworthy in a proprietor who
likes to have his rents paid regularly, he
asked anxiously, "And which of my ten
ants may it be whose ruin you are con.
templatinga"
"I've never ruined anybody" retorted
Monsieur Ducroe, with an air Of offended
dignity. Ibid you ever lose anything in
your transactions with me? If you want
proof Of that, 60 and ask your young
friend the barrister, and he'll pretty soon
tell you whether he has any reason to re-
gret having made my acquaintance"
Monsieur Tabaret was painfully sur.
prised. III .@
81 know" he said, trying to draw tho
other out, "that Noel has very heavy ex-
penses."
ut is not Ae," objected the money-lend-
err" that's been extravagant; only girl
he's engaged to-fat little thing-who's
got an appetite that would eat up the
devil, horns, hoofs and ALL"
The revelation went like a dagger to the
old mans heart. u.
"Oh, know all about thatw he said,
grinning = ghastly smile. "We must sow
our wild oats"
"Yes; but if we SOW them at the rate of
a thousand a year, and owe, at the end of
four years, about the same. sum of money,
| can't see that we have reaped good
harvest"
In four years, four thousand pounds!
Daddy Tabaret's heart swelled painful
ly. To hide his emotion he dissimulated
a distressing cough. -
"Don't let me detain you any longer"
ne said, hurriedly. "I'm suffering from
bronchitis. -bye-good-b
With eyes half-blnled by tears, he was
rushing up the stairs that led to his rooms,
when a whirlwind Of lace and silk barred
his passage.
Above the whirlwind of lace and silk he
saw a pretty, smiling face, with lovely
dark eyes, surmounted by hair as black |
Is the ravens wing.
She passed him, with rustic and a
flash, and disappeared into the neat little |
brougham that drove off at a pace that
was worthy Of the beautiful bay mare
that had attracted the Daddy's attention.
On the landing, Monsieur Tabaret met
his porter. leaning against the wall, and |
Investigating, with fearful eyes, gold
piece, which glistened in the palm of his
hand.
"Oh, Monsieur" he said, "why didn't
you come five minutes sooner2 That lady
that beautiful lady as you saw going
down the stairs, has been asking after
Monsieur Noel Gerdy. She gave me
twenty francs to answer her questions.
The porter had been speaking hitherto
with his eyes atfectionately attached to
The gold piece he held in his palm. When
he raised his head TO interrogate the face
Of his lord and master, Daddy Tabaret
had disappeared.
He had scampered after the lady in tho
lace and silk, and was just in time to see
The brougham, and the superb bay mare,
turning the corner of the street.
"Thunder and lightningp' he muttered. II
II must oveltake her! The truth lies
there; and it's only through her that I |.
shall discover the mystery" J.