Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1904-07-28
CHAPTER XIII.
~ PARIS

the first stage of his eventful journey.
CHAPTER XIII.
JlJ PARIS.
When, after a rough passage in the
,hannel, Max reached Paris lin the early
morning, drove through Its just awall-
ened streets, he felt like a man who had
been reused from bad dreams to realize
hat he was free from fear and danger.
All his late restlessness running into
Jew channels, reused and made him
feel delight in his present surroundings.
which had for him all the charm of
novelty, all the exhilaration of gaieiy.
Historic sights, grand old churches
and treasures of art were to him Moth
ing more than places that chilled him
Dy their somberness or bored him in
sufferaby.
Therefore he avoided the glleries of
the Luxembourg and the vast halls of
the Louvre, With their Incompatible
treasures of pictures and statues, their
relics of a royal race and jewels that
mad crowned monarchs.
His eujoyments lay i'm other dilec-
tions. He appreciated the dainty dim
ners served TO him in the most fash
lonabl restaurants. and he afterward
delighted to smoke the choicest cigars
i'm cafes blazing with lights and filled
by joyous crowds of the gayest people
I'm Europe. He promenaded the boule-
wards, drove in the Bois. visited fresh
music halls each night i'm succession,
and danced at the Moulin Rouge with "a
spirit that riNaled the most vivacious.
He had spent week in Paris, when
one evening, having finished his dinner
at a famous restaurant, he was slowly
sauntering down between rows of little
tables, with their group of chattering
,ltr, 1,tp F<,1i
man seated alone, Il puzzled expression
ON his face, as he bent over his menu
card. Max Immediately recognized him
as Lord Surreymore, eldest son of the
Marquis of Darlington. They had been
at Cambridge together, but had not be-
longed TO the same college.
Max had not exchanged a dozen sen
fences with him in the course of their
previous meetings, but that did not pre-
vent him from advancing to his ac-
quantarce with friendly smile. Sur
reynore looked up from the menu
which he had some difficulty i'm under
standing. gave him a glance of doubtful
recognition, nodded his head coldly, and
in response TO the friendly smile said
You here?"
Thought i knew your face as ! was
passing out. | have been week in
Paris. seeing everything; never enjoyed
myself SO much" said Max glibly, add
Ing, Are you alone?"
Yes. l am on my way to Nice,
where some of my people are staying
This is my second day here and 1 find
it rather dull
Paris dull?" exclaimed Max, to
whom such a thing seemed an impossi-
bility.
Max sat down beside him with sinl-
Ing readiness, explained the titles of
the entrees, selected the dishes for him,
interpreted his wants to the waiter, and
made himself generally useful to him
In the space OF u few minutes.
over their coffee, their cognac and
cigarettes the names of university men
known to both We're introduced by Max
by way of paving his way more effect
ually to Surreymores friendship; and
as the latter was supplemented, fresh
and inexperienced, this was not difficult
to gain.
Before the night ended surreymore
had altered his determination to leave
Paris next morning, preferring to re-
main day or two longer In II city
made SO pleasant to him by his expe-
rienced cicerone. And as they parted
he asked Max to breakfast with him
next morning at the hotel where he was
staying, an invitation which was imme-
diately accepted.
1t was at this meal that the younger
man. who was unwilling to part with
ed to Max that he should GO with him
to Nice.
Il have never been there. but have
always wanted to see the place-or.
rather, its suburb Monte Carlo" Max
confessed.
Here was an opportunity to see the
Casino OF Monte Carlo which might not
occur again for years. and then might
find him without the desire to see the
place. He was within q few hours'
journey of 1t; journey that could be
made with brevity, ease and luxury
that seemed to tempt mankind thither.
His father need never know he had
quilted Parts.
The idea intoxicated him, carried him
away. What a time he would have In
Paris with an unlimited supply of cash
to feed his Unsuitable desire for pleas
ure; and what nights aud days of en-
joyment he might have in London had
he but the golden key which unlocks
such delights.
AND having made UP his mind to
take the journey, he burned with eager
ness until it was begun; so that two
evenings later than that on which he
had met Lord Surreymore. both young
men had started by the express train
Tor Marseilles, on their way to Nice.
Max got out at the " ate Carlo sta
lton, while Surreymore went on few
miles farther to Nice. where his mother,
the Marchioness of Burlington, was
expecting him. The young men parted
as excellent friends. Surreymore prom
sing to come over and see Max later
On.
The ancient town of Monte Carlo
presents picturesque sight. AS Max
f1n on \, 10
ike gold upon the seat, the violet sky
vas undimmed by cloud, and the
whole land, basking in delicious
was verdant to the shore.
But he scarcely needed the beauty
II the place, all his attention being.
iveted on the casino. the Imposing
gamblers hell. to which people Of both
sexes. of ali ages and every nationality |
lock day by day, and year after year !
MI of the phantom hope of enriching
II was not far from his hotel and
I'm Mill tn1x