Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-11-05
A Story of Love, Adventure
and Mystery By REX BEAcH
TIE NET"
ooprriehted. 1gla. ~ Res Beach.

the honor, but-Lord! 1t is disgusting to
be poor" He prodded viciously with his
cane.
1T is a great thing for any girl TO be
queen. The chance may not come again"
Dreux made creditable effort TO con-
I ceaI his disappointment. but he was
really beside himself with chagrin. You
needn't tell me-" he said. but there is
no use of my even dreaming Of it; I've
/ figured over the expense too often. She
| was Queen of Momus last year-thats
I why I've had 20 voucf FOR so many
LATTE swords and Davis high hats. II
those tourists ever compare notes theyn
think that old pirate must have been
centipede or a devil fish to WELD all
those weapons"
Il would like TO have her accept"
Bernie DreuX glanced at the speaker
quickly. feeling a warm glow suffuse
his withered body at the hint Of en-
couragement for his private hopes.
I'm view of the circumstances,
war was requested last evening by the
urged Blake. ''and considering al IL
means TO Myra Nell. 1 would think II
privilege to lend you whatever you
require. She need never know"
Involuntarily the little bachelor
flushed and drew himself up.
Thanks! It's very good of you, but
II can't accept, really"
Even for her sake?'
Even if ! din't know you so WELL
I'd resent such a proposal
| Nonsense! Don't be foolish. Sup
pose we say nothing further about IL
/ for the timle being. Perhaps you will
/ feel differently later"
I After a pause Dreux said: These
pageants are a frigh tful drain on the
ANTIQUE business I'm afraid ] shall
have to drop out next season. I-scarce-
I ly know what to do
Why don't you marry Blake in
quired.
Marry Dreux smiled whimsically.
That lumber king had daughter but
she was freckled."
'Felicite Delord isn't freckled."
What do you know about Felicite?''
All there is to know, believe.
Enough at any rate. to realize that you
ought to marry her. She is willing, OF
course?"
"Of course"
Then why don't you do it,"
''The very fact that people-weii,
that I know I ought to, perhaps. Then.
too. there's Myra Nell"
I 1T seems to me you owe something
to Felicite"
MY dear boy. you talk like alike
a
Southern gentleman" Blake smiled.
Nevertheless. Miss Delord is a delight
full little person and you can make her
happy. Nobody knows of your rela-
tons with her
you know said the bachelor
Z stifhy. and therefore others must
know, hence ii is quite impossible I'd
prefer not to discuss it II you don't
mind"
Certainly. want you to keep that
loan in mind. however"
"Ah.'' said Bernie suddenly. as II
seizing with relief on a chance to emo
the discussion I think / heard some
one in the outer office
ITO be sure" exclaimed Blake.
That must be Donnelly. ' had an ap-
I pointment with him here which I'd for
gotten all about"
THE chief of police? He's quite a
| friend OF yours"
Yes; we met while I was sheriff
He's a remarkably able officer
Well. then. I'll be going" said Ber-
ME, rising.
No; stay and meet him" Blake rose
I 10 greet a TALL slender man of about
Dreux's age, who came in without
knocking. Chief Donnelly had an impas-
sive face, into which was set pair of
those peculiar smoky blue eyes which
] nave become IdIullldI upon our lIOA-
tiers. He acknowledged his introduc-
ticn to Bernie quietly and measured the
! little man curiously.
Mr.. Dreux is a friend of mine. and
he was anxious to meet you. so asked
him TO stay,y Norvin explained
IF I'm not intruding." Bernie said.
/ "Om! there's nothing much on my
mind" the chief declared. i've come
in for some information which I don't
believe Blake can give me" To Nor
vim he said: Il remembered hearing that
you'd been 10 Italy. so ! thought you
might help me out"
Mr.. Dreux sat back, eliminated him
self from the conversation in his own
effective. manner. and regarded the Off
Ger as a mouse might gaze upon a lion.
Yes. but that was five years ago."
Norvin replied
IAN the better. Were you ever in
Sicily?"
Blake started. The mention of Sicily
was like touch on an exposed nerve.
Il was in Sicily twice." he SAID,
slowly.
Then perhaps you can help me after
all. I recalled some sort of experience
you had over there with the Malta, and
took a chance"
The chief drew from his pocket note
hook which he consulted.
Did you ever hear of a Sicilian
named Narcone? Clan NarconeT'
He looked up to see that his friend s
face had gone colorless.
Blake nodded silently.
ALSO a chap named-some noble