Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-02

one would like to reconstruct the Sto-
~. Poor little FlossieI She was most
amusing, but just little. very. little.
too fond of fiourishing her jewelry.
One will miss her though"
referring for one moment to our
meeting at the cafe. You told me a
story there-you and your friend ma
dame-of young English lady, which
the facts seem scarcely to sustain"
The baron sighed.
"My friend" he said, I'VE did the
best we could at moments notice |
rather fancied the story myself. AS to
facts. what have they to do with it?
You demanded a story. and you got it.
rather fiattered myself that under the
circumstances it was not bad"
'You admit now, them that it was
not the TRUTH
THE truth! My dear Sir George.
Surprising that the whereabouts of
your charming young friend had been
known to me, do you suppose that
should have permitted myself to have
been bullied into disclosing it? For
give me, if l speak plainly, but if you
really wished for Information which
you supposed that had your method
of seeking it put you at once out of
court. A French gentleman does not
permit himself to be bullled.''
Duncombe was silent for several mo-
ments. There We're many things which
use?
"As n French gentleman. then" he
said at last, will you permit me tc
make personal appeal to you? Miss
Phyllis Poynton is a young lady in
whom l am deeply Interested She
| was last seen at the Cafe Montmartre
from which place she disappeared
am an Englishman of your own sta
ton. Tell me where can find her OF
what has become of her"
| 'AIy dear Sir George" the baron said
you might have saved yourself grea
deal of trouble IL you had spoken lik,
this to me at the first. Frankly. then
have not the least idea. Young Eng
lish ladies come and go every eyenin:
at the Cafe Montmartre and sucl
places. One remembers only those VIII,
happen to have amused one and no
always those. Forgive me il | speal
plainly. A young lady who had visit
ed the Cafe Montmartre alone-well
you might look for her anywhere, bu
most assuredly in that case if you
anxiety was to induce her to return t,
her friends you would be little to
late. All! We have arrived. Now. m
friend, must make you free of til
place"
Duncombe was tuning with anger
but he had discretion enough to re
main silent.
DO you play bridgeT' the baro
asked as they entered the card room.
occasionally" Duncombe assentetl.
II will so and see If / can find an
men," the baron remarked. Il wi
leave my young friend De Bergillac t
entertain you. The Vicomte de Be
gillac-Sir George Duncombe"
Duncombe shook hands with q pal,
weary looking youth, most Immaculate
ly dressed, but whose whole appea
ance was distinguished by marke
| hIptohio VI IoSsituuSi III
They sat in easy chairs almost opposit
to one another. and Duncombe foun
the others scrutiny almost embarras
ing.
; You speak French perhaps-yes
the young man asked at length.
; Yes. l speak French" Duncomt
admitted.
Then listen to me-" the vicom
said slowly. 81 speak as one man
honor TO another. Do not play cards
this club
Not play cards? Why not?" Du
/. combe asked. amazed.
: You can take my advice or lea
it." the vicomte answered calmly.
have no explanation to offer you.
you choose TO repeat my remark W
would place me in ain exceedingly aw
IT ward position. You see, rely upt
i you as a man of honor"
II Il am only too much obliged to "
Z for the hint" Duncombe declare
:" But this ciub-the Cercle Anglais' =
1.-The club is all right" the vicom
admitted calmly. unfortunately the
is no place In Paris which would
II entirely safe for you. You have t
= | fcfn 60 I,o IN,