The Washington times., 1911-09-10

kxT HAD tnouBht tnat the AFFAIR
was quite at an end, since
my nephew's bethrothal to
Princess Anna Of Eckstein-
Schwartzburg is shortly to be an
nounced. But yesterday saw the lady
TO whom ! have referred driving on the
Digue. The coincidence of her pres
ence here with my nephew's disappear
ance is too extraordinary to be dIsre-
garded."
But how does this theory square
with the murder of Reginald Dim
mock?"
1T does not square with It. My idea
Is that the murder OF poor Dimmock
and the disappearance Of my nephew
are entirely unconnected - unless, in-
deed. this Berlin actress is playing into
the hands of the murderers. had not
thought Of that
Then what do you propose to do
tonight?"
II propose to enter the house which
Miss Racksole entered last night and
to find out something definite"
II concur" said Racksole. IT shall
heartily enjoy II. But let me tell you,
Prince, and pardon me for speaking
bluntly-your surmise is incorrect. I
has been kidnapped
what grounds have you for being
so sure?''
"Ahr' said Racksole, that is a long
story. Let me begin by asking you
this: Are you aware that your neph-
* million Of money" cried Prince
Aribert. astonished. 1T is impossible"
Nevertheless he does" said Rack
ScIe Then saiIS' he told him all that he had
learned from Mr.. Sampson Levi.
what have you to say to thatF
Prince Aribert made no reply.
What have you to say to that!
Racksole insisted. .
Merely that Eugen is ruined, even II
Not at ALL" Racksole returned with
cheerfulness. Not at all. we snaii
see about that: The special thing that
l want to know Just now from you ls
this: Has any previous application ever
been made for the hand Of the Princess
Yes. Last year. The King Of Bos-
mia sued for it, but his proposal was de-
'clined."
"Why?"
because my nephew was considered
to be a more suitable match for her"
Not because the personal character
of His Majesty Of Bosnia Is scarcely OF
the brightest"
possible to consider questions OF per-
sonal character when royal match Is
concerned"
Then If for any reason the mar
rage of Princess Anna to your nephew
is frustrated, the King Of Bosnia would
have a fair chance in that quarter"
"He would. The political aspect OF
things would be perfectly satisfactory.
Thanks" said Racksole. ~ will wa
ger another $4,000 that some one In
Bosnia-I don't accuse the KING MINI
self-is at the bottom Of this business.
The methods of Balkan politicians nave
always been half Oriental. Let US CO."
80 this precious house Of Nella's ad-
venture" ..,.,
SO It is." said Racksole. and We
shall want few things. too; For In,
stance, a dark lantern. I think / Will
90 out and forage for lantern
and a revolver" suggested Prince
Aribert. 49,
Does It mean revolvers?
The millionaire laughed.
at may come to that.
Here YOU are then, my friend" said
Racksole. and he pulled one out OF his
hip pocket. "And yours
IT, said the prince. l nave your
aThe deuce you have!" murmured
Racksole to himself.
n was then half-past 9. They decided
that IL would be impolitic to begin their
operations till after midnight ihere
were three hours to spare
"I et us 90 and see the gambling"
Racksole suggested. I'VE might encoun-
ter the Berlin lady.
The suggestion, in the nrst instance;
was not made seriously, but It appeared
1,aN fhnNy
than spend the intervening time. in the
gorgeous saloon of the Kursaal, where,
In the season, as much money ts won
and lost as at Monte Carlo.
I 1t was striking 10 o'clock as they en-.
tered the rooms. There was large
company present-a company which In
cluded some Of the most notorious per-
sons in Europe -
In that multifarious assemblage all
were equal. The electric light shone
on the unjust. on the fool and the knave,
on the European and the Asiatic:
AS usual, women monopolized the best
places at the tables. The scene was
familiar enough 20 Prince Aribert who
had witnessed 1t frequently at Monaco.
but Theodore Racksole had never be-
fore entered amy European gaming
palace. He had only the haziest idea or
the rules Of play, and he was at once
For some time they watched the play
at the table which happened to be
nearest to them. Racksole never moved
his lips.
With eyes glued on the table and ears
open for every remark Of the players
and the croupier, he took his first lesson
in roulette.
He saw a mere youth win 1900 francs
in as many minutes. He saw 1000 of
those francs stolen In the most bare
faced manner by q rouged girl scarcely
gamesters stake their coins and lose
and walk quietly out Of the place. He
saw the bank win $1,000 francs at a sin
gle turn.
This is rather good fun" he said at
length. but the stakes are too small
to make II really exciting. I'll try my
luck. I'm bound 10 win
.'Why?'' asked the prince.
II a H.. .IAl