Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1910-01-07
A Mystery
Romance
Y
CHAPTER II.
Copyright. 1909. by Dodd.
Mead & Co.

NhADl.GoAOGa . - ~ " ~
baugh's house of thousand
chances. rearing its four sto-
~ ries OF brownstone. spreading
itself out literally on the north side
of one of the side streets which is fast
being given over to fashionable clubs
and restaurants-is thoroughly up to
date establishment In appointments
the house is luxurious and gorgeous
aud is so closely shattered that not
ray of light from outside is permitted
to penetrate it. In addition to the
main hall Of play there are accommo
dations for parties wishing to indulge
In quiet games among themselves.
Meals are served at all hours. supper
being the speciality of the house. and
; Notwithstanding that no charge what
ever is made for them. the cuisine and
service are beyond reproach.
1t was to this establishment. then.
that Challoner directed cabby to take
him after hours of unsuccessful at.
tempts to borrow money from his
friends. And finally in desperation he
had offered to sell the Mastodon. But
the dealers knew his wife owned the
handsome car. and on Challoner dis
gustedly ordering his chauffeur home
dealer more daring than the others
had said to him with familiarity. "Hes
your wife's bill of sale. Chailoner: Well
buy 1t then. all right"
A spark Of anger Immediately lit up
/ Challoners eyes Resentment was deep
down in his Utmost soul. but his brain
had been absinthiated for days. his
sensibilities biunted. and indignities fell
from him like the proverbiai water
from q ducks back. Nevertheless.
oyerindulgence had not grossened him.
! He was still good looking and had an
air about him few men had. When
ever he wanted money hP had not for
gotten that fact. 1t had always count
ed with Miriam until now. 1t counted
still with Miss Lefty Love Of the Fri.
voiity.
There had been moments. 1t is true.
when rushing madly about town for
funds. that he had felt it would surely
have been better for him il he had
never gone to Cradlebaugh's. but then
like a fash would come the thought
that If he had not gone to Cradle
baugh's he would never have known
Lefty Love. And by no means had he
arrived at the state where he could
have wished that.
1 With the thought of Lefty Love
there came another indissolubly con
nected with 1t: Was Colonel Hargraves
slowly undermining. ousting him out
of her affections? Not without reason
he argued that Colonel Hargraves had
plenty Of money. and the man with
money was going to win out in the
graces of the Frivolity actress!
Before the main street door the driv.
err pulled up his horse. and ChaIlonel
hurriedly walked-as one whose nose
was straight and who followed bis
Cradlebaugh's.
For fully half an hour Challonel
STOOD at the buffet. every now une
then unsteadily fitting the decanter
Presently be said to himself: "I'll try
him-yes. Why not:'
He called a servant and asked.
Where Is Pemmican?"
"Faro. sir"
Challoner assembled swiftly to tn,
second floor. Halfway down the cor
ridor he met Pemmican. head caro-
dealer Of Cradlebaugh's. Il man with {
pasty face. low brow and shifty eyes
~ man who knew his business. Who
ever controlled the gambling hous.
had chosen him wisely.
'Pemmican. want some money
about and Challoner broke off alb
ruptly.
Instinctively Pemmican knew tina
the game was up with Challoner
Moreover he saw that the man wa
very drunk. He walked away quickly
saying:
I'm sorry. sir. It's against tn
rules
What rot!" replied Challoner
Pemmica" had reached the end o
the hall. leaving the other to gathe
i what he could of his excuses.
! Angpred. Challoner resumed his pc
\ sition at the buffet. Suddenly he fei
q q touch on the arm. Turning. he foun'
4 himself face to face with Pemmican.
why don't you try Colonel Har
graves?' whispered the latter
:. WHAT? came from the cloggel
: brain of ChallOner.
TRY Hargraves." the other went or
Hes been down to Gravesend for tw
days. and he's back"
Pemmican of the low brow sprea
out his palms and said pointed!y:
HE pulled out ten thousand on Flor
Mcqueen at Gravesend. that's ALL"
"What?" Challoner began to under
stand.
Pemmican nodded.
"Sure thirg-$1O.O00."
I Slowly Challoner refilled his glass
II c;l0 ho