The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-11-07

case or the ILScoHuiud AhihS' ~
ised me other work of the same kihu'
plenty, il / cared to take it up, ana soon
sent to ask whether could undertake
confidential mission to Algeria.
IT was to convey a considerable sum OF
money in specie to the remote town of
Riskra. a health resort Of growing pop
clarity. situated in the far-off desert,
almost on the confines of the great
Sahara.
THE money is to be paid over in ex-
change for a certain compromising doc
ument, one that closely affects the honor
and character of a great family. Will
you go?' said Harry Brightsmith.
| expressed my readiness, but asked
why the sum could not be paid by check.
The demand is for gold. In any case,
we wish to secure the papers in full ac-
quajntance, and this can best-can only
be done by the hand of a thoroughly
trust worthy agent, some one who will,
IL necessary, give and take at one and
the same time"
"If necessarily" | inquired, catching
at the doubt implied.
eve have no absolute certainty, Mac,
that the demand is justified, that the
case is bona fide, and not trumped up for
the extortion of blackmail. This is an
other and still stronger reason for our
application to you. If you can only find
that there has been any foul play any
where you will earn the eternal gratitude
of his highness AIS well as a handsome
douceur. Wait Let me tell you the
whole story.
You have heard of the Medeas?
They were once a reigning house, and
may some day come to the throne again.
Meanwhile, Prince Casimir de Medea
lives in great retirement on the Thames,
and his eldest son, Stanislas, who has
come to mans estate, has been sent
round the world to complete his educa-
ton, with Cook ticket, in so days.
"Prince Stanislas is said to be lively
youth, fond of horses, sport, amusement,
the fair sex-all that makes life enjoy
able at %. He has cost his highness
good deal Of money at times, but his
father has paid without a murmur-un-
til now. The present demand-that on
which we seek your cooperation, Mac
u for the liquidation Of gambling debt
incurred under peculiar-indeed, as it is
alleged, disgraceful circumstances. The
young prince has been accused of
aagrant attempt to correct fortune"
"In plain English, Of cheating at
cards"
Nothing less. And on the surface
she case seems perfectly clear. The
charge Of cheating is supported by his
own confession, owning up, in so many
words, signed by his own hand. and
duly attested. We have no notarial, au-
thenticated copy in our hands. Here it
10. But first read the letter that ac-
companied it,
It was dated from the hotel des lib
aus-Biskra, and, translated, ran as fol-
lows:
"Your Highness-It is our inexpres-
sibly painful task to bring to your high
ness notice the deliberately dishonest
and disgraceful conduct Of your son,
Prince Stanislas de Medea. He has been
caught cheating at barccarat; caught in
the act, dagrantly. The deplorable af-
fair occurred at the Cercle ell Salaphin, to
which the Prince was readily admitted
On account of his rank and presumed
gentlemanly character.
LAST night, when engaged in friend
~ game, he took the bank with capt.
tai of 1000 francs, advanced him without
question by the gerant OF the club. Up
TO that point he had lost steadily, but
now the luck turned. 1t became phe-
4UluCudls al CNtly uCdl LuC l. AiASC WOhs
he cleared the table. For quite an hour
this lasted, but with a growing sus-
picion in the minds Of several players
that all was not well. We set ourselves
to watch the prince. / myself was
chosen to stand behind him, and at a
given moment, signal being made, to
seize and hold his hands.
II did so, and Immediately a pack Of
card, concealed somewher within his
paletot, fell to the ground. 1t was a
pack made up chiefly of threes' and
fours.' Ii your highness is acquainted
with the game of baccarat the capital
Importance of these numbers will need
no explanation.
s4Play was stopped, and two of us
were deputed to draw up proces-verbal
describing the occurrence.
"Of course the princes gains were de-
elared null and void, and he was
called upon to make restitution, also to
pay the previous losses, and the advance
made by the gerant. These amounted in
all to 1907 francs, and, as he had no
funds, discharged the debt, taking his
acknowledgement.
1--WE also prepared for your sons sig
uature confession of his misconduct,
y COPY u WulCu, uuIy SCAtiACu Wy a nv
tary, is now inclosed. The original will
be surrendered to your son or to any
person you may name on one condition:
that you hand over in exchange a sum
OF $4,000 francs, to be applied for the
relief Of the poor Arabs in this oasis.
1--WE think that your highness will
zee the wisdom of meeting us fairly and
promptly. 1t can hardly be your wish
that prince de Medea, the direct heir
- your ancient name, and future holder
OF the high fortune that may some day
return to your noble house, should be
exposed as a cheat, branded as a black
guard, throughout the civilized world.
It is only out of consideration to your
Aighness that we spare him the igno-
miny he so richly merits.
"Conceivng that your highness would
wish to avoid all publicity, we consent
to receive the moneys claimed in gold.
Ii your highness' representative will
meet ourS in 4 IpiarS on tho ORD NOvpm-