The Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1903-1909, 1906-04-24
dows of the governors house ablaxe

rum the lUit pldyeu lOT the uauCtTS
in the ball room and entertained the
large gathering of spectators outside,
who looked through the open windows
upon the flash of color and sparkle of
province celebrated the annual ball
given by Don Francisco Louis Hector,
Baron de Carondelet, Governor and
Intendant of Louisiana and West Flor.
ida
In an apartment opening from the
ball room, several men, whose years
or tastes made cards more attractive
than dancing, were gathered about
table upon which gold and silver were
stacked in miniature towers before
the players, one of whom was saying
with an unconcealed sheer, directed al
tall, handsome man, who, clad In the
British uniform, sat opposite, "Msiem
Stanley's hoard of gold promises to be
mere than he can well carry away"
why not pay more attention to
your cards. De la Chaise, and prevent
the pile increasingly" inquired man
at the little Frenchman's side-a mar
who greatly resembled Laro, captain
of the 'Aigle," and erstwhile patroa
of LIE Chem Heureux.
De la Chaise not answering, thd
other continued, with malicious light
now shining in the dark eyes fixed
upon the Englishman's impassiye face,
Saw you the Count de Cazeneau this
afternoon, may ask, Captain Stan
ley?"
The latter encountered, and appear.
ed to understand, the look of his ques
ticner, and steel-like glinting showed
in his eyes as he replied, "That is an
odd inquiry to make, Don Morales, in.
ssmuch as have to recall that | met
you entering his house as / was leav'
ing it"
Very true; so you did, admitted
| Laro (for he it was), land | was won,
dering If you left the count in thu
same devilish humor as that in which
| | found him."
At this an angry red showed in tho
officers cheeks, and a 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,
gathered his earnings and strobe from
the room.
1t was generally suspected that Cap
tain Edward Stanley was one of the
numerous worshipers of Count de
Cazeneaus lovely daughter; and Cos
sip had been unusually busy with their
names during the present week, at the
close of which the English officer, hav.
ing concluded the mission upon which
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
Engishman.
why did you try to prick him, Don
Morales?" asked one of the players,
tall, spare man, with gray hair and
heavy, overhanging eyebrows.
Don Morales laughed scornfully.
Because it is worth something to
kindle a 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 a 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
thereabouts, sitting beside Colonel
Zachary; what was there for him to
get angry about, for angry he was at
something? 1t couldn't have been his
cards, for looked at what he threw
down"
"See here, Don, inquired the quick
witted ensign, who, although a recent
widower, with young boy, was--in
secret-one of Roselles adorers, SIS it
that you know or think he went to
see Count de Cazeneau this afternoon,
and that his asking for the daughters
hand aroused the old mans temper"
A curious and not pleasant express
sion came to Don Morales eyes and
the colonel said, now speaking some4
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
sacred matter as lady's affairs"
is it true, what | have heard Don
Morales" now inquired De la Chaise,
that you sail for France in the morn
ing? If SO, am of half a mind-yes,
three-quarters-to ask you to let me
take passage"
Il carry no passengers" was the
brusque reply, made while the speak
or was drawing in some winnings and