The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-10-27

Mise forde and her ehaperon were at the ball--they saw you. The pleas not for them. Yes, they witnessed your infatuation, and not making al- lowances for your spirits and your temperament, my brother, they have said to you Adiosr and departed. Be- hold. now you are penitent; but you cannot have your cake and eat It. amuse yourself with one lady and keep a hold on anotherl Diosl"--starting. What is all this uproar In the draw ing-room? They are fghting--llstenp
 Paul sat erect. then sprang to his feet. "Yes-it Is el Duque's voice: he Is doubtless angry with my mother. Of course. they are talking of her debts. Shall we go?" He paused, irresolute. As he hesl- tated, the dopr was thrown open, and their father, with a corps-like face and flaming eyes. stood on the thresh- old. He was evidently labouring under intense excitement, as the said in a high. hoarse voice.
 Paul and Leon. my ssns-come here! La Dudhesa Mercede shad been din- ing at the villa; she. Dolores. el Duque and his wife were playing cords when suddenly, in the most unexpected way. the conversation turned to the neck lace; a joke about good luck" had brought 1t on the tapis. ''Mafia," said her husband abruptly. the Luck is here, is 1t not? She nodded quickly. and hastily pushing the cards toward him. said: Tt Is you to deal. Casper" Ills black eyes surveyed her sharply; nasty decision was formed in his mind.
 "Then bring the necklace. Maria" he said. thrusting away the cards and leaning back in his chair. T would refresh my eyes with the sight of the most precious thing in our posses sion"
 "Dios! Gasperl' she protested. Most of the servants have gone to bed--the places are locked-and my keys"
 "Never mind the servants" he in- terrupted fiercly, 'But get 1t now" Suspicion was dawing, and in his voice was threat.
 'oh yes, Tia Maria chimed in Do- lores, with caressing gesture; may we not all see the Luck? and want the Luck to see me, and give good fortune"
 No more talk" said el Duque rough ly, but let itNbe brought" With this command his lips closed.
 La Duduesa, pale and secretly shak- ing, without a word left her seat and the room. She was absent for a long time, whilst her husband, with folded arms, remained as impressive as a stone statue.
 Shall I go find what Is keeping herr" asked Dolores. looking from one to the other of her companions with her restless black eyes.
 Nc" thundered her uncle; "sit stillp'
 After another quaking silence, there was gropins sound at the door. which was pushed open, and la Duquesa en- tered, seemingly in a half-fainting condition, carrying In her hand an open empty case.
 T have been robbed" she seream ed, as she flung 1t on the table, and cast herself into a chair in wild hys- terics
 El Duqua was momentarily stunned; with trembling hand he turned over the red morocco case. and for some seconds there was silence that had in 1t something sinister--like the sud- den pause when the wind drops be- fore a cyclone. Then his passion broke loose. He raved, he storned in a voice that was thick and hoarsei he swore the necklace must be found. to hIs family--above all. to la Du- quesa. For years she had had her way, and carried the priceless jewel where she would. and now, Diosi she came and told him that 1t was stolen.
 At this Iuncture el Duque, who was almost ihcoherent, had burst open the door of the smoking room. and in1- periously summoned hls sons. When they Antered the salon, what a scene met their ayeS! on a sofa lay their mother. her hair dishevelled--a prone, limp figure utterihg long. gaspfng cries. whilst her sister in Jaw, Merce- Aes, vaInly endeavoured to silence and soothe her. There stood their father, speechless. evidently In the grip Of some uncomfortable emotion; there was Dolores. her black eyes dancing with excitement, and on the table be- side the cards an empty jewel-case.
 Tt Is gone" announcd Dolores. as she pointed dramatically to the case; "the Luck has been stolen"
 Paul and Leon, born de Sarazins deeply imbued with the true sense of ancestry. were almost as much over whelmed as their father. La Duduesa was too prostrated to answer any questions, and was presently carried away to her own apartments; then the major Dorno was summoned, also the lady's-maid.
 "oh. mol" she declared; "she had not touched or opened tho case for twelve months. La Duquesa never permitted It." The Major Domo, too. was an old and trusted retainer. Ultimately all the household were paraded before el Duque. whilst Paul set out on foot running to the police ofice. Here he put himself Into communication with a celebrated detective, and announced that a huge reward would be given for the return of the Sarazin necklace But, In spite of extraordinary exer. tlons and the tireless activity of the police. the necklace could not be traced. Paris. Amsterdam, Monte Car le and St. Petersburg were ransack ed In turn-and in vain.
 For six long days. Ia Duduesa ra- mained eloistered in her own room. dif nh and nhahinnAn nh n