Arizona republican., 1909-06-14
THE LURE OF THE MASK
 By Copyright HAR6LD M'GRATH The
(continued from yesterday.)

1
 Its only a matter of time. Tho man who hangs on wins finally Merrihew had lost none of his con- | fidence.
 'I see; they marry you to get rid of you," said Hillard. Yes. the man who hangs on finally wins, in love or war or fortune. But I haven't any thing to hang on to-"
 "Who knows?" said Merrihew. wag- ging his head.
 From the Halle they went down stairs to the billiard room. The pockets in the table bothered Merrihew; he did not care particularly for the English game; and the American table was occupied by quartet of young Americans who were drinking champagne like PittsburG million aires The ventilation was so bad that the two friends were forced to give up the game. Under the arcade they found a small table. It was cool and delightful here. and there was d second boot of Munish beer.
 Officers passed to and fro, in pairs or with women. Presently two of ficers, one in the resplendcnt uniform of a colonel, went past. MIerrihew touched Hillard with his foot excited ly. Hillard nodded, but his pulse was tuned to a quicker stroke.
 "I hope he doesn't see us" he said, tipping his panama over his eyes.
 Merrihew curled the ends O: his juvenile mustache and scowled fierce Iy.
 This is his post evidently" he said What a smackinS uniform, He must have had long furlough to be wandering over Europe and America. If I get a chance I'm going to ask a waiter who he is."
 50 long as he doesn't observe us" said Hillard. 'I have no inter est in his affairs" Had he none? he wondered. "A lady? Grace of Mary, that is drolr' The muscles in his jaws hardened.
 But you twisted his cuffs for him that night in Monte Carlo. Monte Carlo," rcminiscently. Eight cen hundred dollars. my boy, and good fourteen hundred still in my inside pocket. Wasn't l lucky? But I'll never forgive Kitty for running away from us. That's got to be ex- plained fully some day"
 He is coming this way, again, Dan." Hillard observed quietly.
 An"
 They waited. Hillard changed his mind: he pushed back his hat and held up his chin. If the man with the scar saw him and spoke he would reply. The colonel. glancing at the pair casually, halted. At first he was not certain. but as he met the steady eyes of Hillard he no longer doubted. It was true. He turned and spoke to his brother officer. Merri- hew's throat grew full, but not from fear. The man with the scar stepped over to the table and leaned with his hands upon it. There was say age humor in his dark eyes.
 Did I not tell you that we should meet again?" he said to Hillard. This is a pleasant moment" He stood back again.
 Are you speaking to me-" asked Hillard. not the least perturbed. He had not stirred in his chair. though every muscle in his body was alert and ready at the moments call.
 Certainly I am speaking to you. You understand Italian sufficiently well. This is the fellow" speaking to his companion, at the same time drawing off his gloves, this is the fellow I spoke to you about.
 "I object to the word fellow" said Hillard, smiling grimly. Besides. Il do not know you"
 "Ah. discreet" sneered the man with the scar.
 Be careful, Enrico." warned the brother officer. There are many about. and scene is not wise. Ask the American to take q walk. You could arrange with more ease
 Thank you said Hil!ard, but I am perfectly comfortable where I am. If this gentleman has anything to say. he must say it here and now
 "Colonel," cried the subaltern, as his senior smoothed the gloves and placed them carefully in his left hand, closing his fingers over them.
 "Oh, l am calm. But I have been dreaming of this moment. Now" The colonel readdressed IIillard. You meddled with an affair that night in which you had no concern" he be- gan truculently.
 Are you quite sure?'
 Merrihew eyed Hillard nervOusly. He did not understand the words, worse luck, but the tone conveyed volumes. It was crisp and angry. Hillard possessed a temper which was backed by considerable strength. and only on rare occasions did this temper slip from his control. Thor oughly angry, HilIard was not a hap py man to antagonize.
 Yes, l am sure. And yet, as II think it over, as I recollect the wo- man." went on the colonel with a smile which was evil and insinuat- ing. Well, I shall not question you The main thing is, you annoyed me. In Monte Carlo I was practically alone Here the scene is different: it is Florence Doubtless you will He struck out with his gloves.
 But they never touched Hillard's face His hand, expectant of this very movement. caught the assail- ants wrist and, with a quick jerk, brought him half way across the table He bore down on the wrist so fiercely that the Italian cried faintly. Hillard. with his face but a span from the others spoke tensely, but in an 
 Listen carefully to what I have to
 A.