The Cairo bulletin., 1904-09-21

lie was nDOut 10 rise III his nOTroT
when he caught the princes eye II
was Qxed upon him from across the
room With frownng and angry stare
In n moment Geraldine recovered his
composure.
"After ALL" he added, "why not?
And since you say the game Is inter
esting, vogue la galere-l follow the
club.
Mr. Nautilus had kecnly enjoyed the
coloners amazement and disgust. IIc
had the vanity OF wickedness, ana 1t
pleased him to see another man give
way to generous movement while he
felt himself in his entire corruption SUI
perior to such emotions.
You now, after your first moment or
surprise" said he. ARE In position 10
appreciate the delights of our society
You can see how ii combines the eX-
element OF gaming table, duel ana
n Roman amphitheater. The pagnns
did well enough--I cordially admire
the refinement Of their minds but Il
has been reserved for Christian coun-
try to attain this extreme. this quintes-
sence, this absolute polgnaEcy. You
will understand how yapid are all
amusements to a man who has ac-
quircd taste for this one. The game
we play" he continued, is one Of eX-
IRENE simplicity. A full pack but
perceive you are about to see the thing
in progress. VIII you lend me the rep
of your arm2 am, unfortunately, par
alyzed."
Indeed just as Mr.. Nautilus was be-
ginning his description another pair
of folding doors was thrown open, and
the whole club began TO pass, not with
out some hurry, into the adjoining
room. 1t was similar in every respect
to the one from which 1t was entered
but somewhat differently furnished.
The center was occupied by Il long
green table, at which the president sat
Shutting d pack of cards with great
particularly. Even with the stick ana
the coloners arm Mr.. Matthias walked
with so much difficulty that every one
was seated before this pair and the
prince. who had waited for them, en-
tered the apartment and In conse-
duence the three took seats close to-
gether at the lower end of the board.
"It Is a pack of fifty-two." whispered
Mr.. MaIthus watch for the ace of
spades, which is the sign of death and
the nee of clubs, which designates the
official of the night. Happy, happy
Young menu he added. You have
good eyes and can follow the game.
Alas | cannot tell an ace from deuce
across the table
And he proceeded to equip himself
with second pair of spectacles,
II must at least watch the faces" he
explained.
The colonel rapidly Informed his 4
friend of all that he had learned from
the honorary member and q the horri-
bic alternative that lay before them.
The prince was conscious of a deadly
chill and contraction about his heart.
He swallowed with difficulty and look
ed from side to side like man in Il
maze.
"One bold stroke" whispered the
colonel, "and we may still escape"
But the suggestion recalled the
princes spirits.
"Silencew said he. Let me see that
you can play like gentleman for any
stake, however serious"
And he looked about him. once more
to all appearance at his ease, although
his heart beat thiclily, and he was con
scious of an unpleasant heat in his
bosom. The members were all very
quiet and intent. Every one was pale,
but none so pale as Mr. Nautilus. His
eyes protruded. His head kept nod
ding involuntarly upon his spine. His
hands found their way one after the
other to his mouth where they made
clutches Mt his tremulous and ashcn
lips. 1t was plain that the honorary
member enjoyed his membership on
very startllng terms.
Attention, gentlemen" said the pres
ident.
ITO be continued.)