The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1895-05-10

large sum in circular notes, disappeared
without any leavetakings. and became
at once as much lost to sight as though
ne had cast himself into the loves,
depths of the ocean.
SIX Years had elapsed since the mur-
DER OF the unhappy Dolores Corella,
ana her memory had long since been
forgotten by all save two men, CAST
mir Buloski and Lionel Briscoe. An
inward feeling told the latter. that the
Wiie had met her death at her hus.
pands hands but though he had even
gone the length of visiting the latter's
estates, ne had been unable to see the
man ne so much desired to see. The
curse of Cain seemed to have fallen
upon the count, and he became a wan.
oefer upon the face of the earth
Every Russian comes to Paris soon.
er or later muttered the Englishman,
ana ne accordingly took up his abode
III the gay city. His wealth and high
connections easily took him into the
pest society, and he wandered from
salon 10 salon like a veritable spectre
at the feast. He was a constant visit.
or at the clubs, more especially thos.
Where high play was carried on, for
there he felt that he would be most
likely to meet his man. He played
with the air of a man who cared not
whether he lost or won, and as a nat.
ural consequence fortune usually favor.
ed him, and his name was broached
about in gambling circles, as that of an
exceptionally lucky player. A slight
indisposition had confined him to his
room for three days, but on the evening
bA
himself to one of the most notorious
gambling clubs Of Paris. the we'll
known Cercle des Voyageurs.
The windows of the club were blaze
Of light, and as Lionel entered the ves-
hbule, gorgeously attired lackeys were
hurrying to and fro, bearing refresh
ments of various kinds upon their sill.
yer salvers. AS he paused before enter.
ing the principal card-room, fashion.
ably attired young man accosted him
with
/ Eth, mon cher. where have you been
hiding yourself for SO long? Rash man,
your planet is on the wane, for a lover
Of cards has been introduced here, who
has carried everyth before him.
Ma foe, if his wins continue, we shall
all be bankrupts."
And who may this fortunate gam.
ster be, my dear Gertram?" asked Lion
el, forcing smile.
"A Russian, of course, parblev," an.
swered the young man, they take away
all the money of us gentlemen, though
they scatter 1t pretty freely in other
quarters. Are you disposed to do battle
on our behalf, for you have been So
long amongst us that we look upon you
as one of ourselves?"
"A Russian" repeated Lionel, betray.
Ing an amount of sudden interest, which
considerably surprised his companion;
and what is his name, pray?'
"Peste, l am not good at the Mus
covite nomenclature" replied his COM
panion. "Ah, 1 have it, the lucky game
ster is the Count Buloskir'
Without another word, the English
man pushed his way into the card-room
and stood at last in the presence of the
man he had ardently sought for 50
many years.
The count had evidently been win
ming, for pile of gold and notes were
heaped up beside him, and there was a
cessation in the play, as if no one cared
TO encounter so redoubtable a champ.
lon.
"Ah, here comes our Lionel" exclaim-
ed many of the spectators. Now
count, you have a foeman worthy OF
your steel"
The count gazed upon the young Eng.
ishman, but without any sign of recog-
milton, and Lionel. whose face was as
impasstve as marble, drew his chair to
the table, and taking a well-filled note
Lf@
stake upon the table while a dead ST.
lence prevailed in the room, as the gam
blers watched this battle of giants.
It would be useless to follow the
course of the game. every turn of the
cards was to the Russians disadvant-
age, his vast pile of winnings melted
away, and the notes he produced pass
ed over to the side of his adversary.
"A hundred thousand frances on pa
role" cried he, hoarsely.
Lionel bowed his assent, and a few
\ turns of the cards decided the game in
his favor
The Russian rose from the table, and
after draining a glass of iced water, ap-
preached his opponent. who had also
vacated his seat.
Monsieur" returned he, fortune has
favored you tonight; if you will per-
nit me will arrange for the payment
Of the sum l have lost"
II am at your service" answered
Lionel; Suppose we leave these heated
rooms and discuss the affair else
where"
The two men got their hats and went
forth into the Place de L'Opera, in
which the club was situated.
you will not find me hard credit
or" remarked Lionel, "and r will for
give you your debt IL you will give me
little information"
II am not in the habit of settling
my debts of honor in that manner"
answered the Russian, haughtily, but
any information I possess Is entirely
at your service, monsieur"
"Then tell me, Count Buloski," said
the Englishman, speaking in cold. clear
tones, ''how you killed your wife, Dolo-
res Corella. and what motive you had
for so cowardly a deed"
Buloski staggered as though a flash
of electricity had struck him, and NUT
tered, hoarsely:-
"Who are your"
"Her avenger, murderer" returned
Lionel. "Had chosen I could have nut
the police on your track years ago, but
I preferred dealing with you myself"
Course you" retorted Buloski. 'I was
fool to ask such a question. Who are
you, l ask again."
IT know an answered Lionel, there
Is no use in talk know ALL
what" interrupted Buloski, ARE
you in position to assert that stab
bed her. and placing her body in a
trunk, threw Il into the marlboro"
IT was not in that position until now"