The Holly chieftain., 1905-01-20

large gathering Of spectators outside,
who locked through the open windows
upon the fash of color and sparkle of
gems. as the elite cf the city and
province celebrated the annual ball
given 6y Don Francisco Louis Hector,
Baron de CaIonde!et. Governor and
!ntendant of Louisiana and West Flor
ida
In an apartment opening from the
bail ROOM several men, whose years
or tastes made cards more attractive
than dancing. were gathered about a
table upon which geld and silver were
stacked in miniature towers before
the players, one of whom was saying,
with an unconcealed sneer, directed at
a tall, handsome man, who, clad in the
British uniform, sat opposite, "M'sieur
Stanley's hoard of gold promises to be
mere than he can we'll carry away"
why not pay more attention to
your cards, De la Chaise, and prevent
the pile increasing?" inquired man
at the little Frenchmans side-a man
who greatly resembled Laro, captain
of the "Aigle." and erstwhile patron
of lie Chem Heureux.
De la Chaise not answering, the
other continued, with a malicious light
now shining in the dark eyes fixed
upon the Englishman's impassive face,
Saw you the Count de Cazeneau this
afternoon, may l ask, Captain Stan.
ley?"
The latter encountered, and appear.
ed to understand. the look of his ques
tiCner, and steellike glinting showed
in his eyes as he replied, That is an
odd inquiry to make, Don Morales, in.
asmuch as | have to recall that | met
YOU entering his house as l was leav.
ing it."
Very true; so you did," admitted
| Laro tfor he 1t was), "and | was won
dering if you left the count in the
same devilish humor as that in which
| | found him."
At this an angry red showed in the
officers cheeks, and CLEAN of wrath
in his eyes. But, without looking
; again at Laro, he picked up his cards
and glanced at them; then, with an
oath, he threw them upon the table
the room.
1t was generally suspected that Cap
tain Edward Stanley was one of the
numerous worshipers of Count de
CaZeneaus lovely daughter; and gos
sip had been unusually busy with their
names during the present week, at the
close of which the English officer, hav.
hn icci \, ioJ,
he had been sent to New Orleans. was
to return to Mobile, where the garri
son was composed equally of British
and Spanish troops. 1t was also under.
stood that Count de CaZeneau had no
liking for the stalwart, calm faced
Englishman.
why did you try to prick him, Don
Mcrales?' asked one of the players, a
tall, spare man, with gray hair and
heavy, overhanging eyebrows.
Don Morales laughed scornfully.
because it is worth something to
kindle little fire in the cold blood OF
an English dog"
But what is it all about?" inquired
another of the party. Don Morales
but asked simple question. What
was there in it to justify any man,
English or otherwise, calling for sat.
isfaction?'
Yes" added a young American Of.
| ficer looking to be twenty-five or
| thcreabouts, sitting beside Colonel
Zachary; what was there for him tc
get angry about for angry he was at
of DIM ho1 Ia;
cards, for | looked at what he threw
down"
See here, Dom inquired the quick.
witted ensign, who, although recent
widower. with young boy, was-in
secret-one of Roselle's adorers, sis il
that you know or think he went tc
sec Count de CaZeneau this afternoon
and that his asking for the daughters
hand aroused the old mans temper?"
A curious and not pleasant expires,
sion came to Don Morales eyes, and
the colonel said. now speaking some
what sternly as he touched the young
mans arm, you are forgetting your
usual code, Tommy. to say nothing of
your good sense. This Is neither the
time nor place to be discussing such
a sacred matter as a lady's AFFAIRS"
SIS it true, what have heard, Don
Morales" now inquired De Ia Chaise
that you sail for France in the morn
ing? If so. am of half mind-yes,
three-quarters-to ask you' 10 let me
take passage"
81 carry no passengers" was the
brusque reply, made while the speak
er was drawing in some winnings; and
Colonel Zachary, looking distinctly