The Delta independent. [volume] (Delta, Colo.) 1886-19??, 1912-01-19

also, will provide you with the funds
you require"
Thank ye."
Their hands met.
Good night. Monsieur O'Rourke."
Good night. =
Half way to the door, Des Trebes
paused. "Oh. by the way" he ex-
claimed carelessly, Il believe you are
a friend of my old school-fellow, Cham
bret-mon cher Adolph?"
'Tis So assented the Irishman
warmly. The best of men-Cham
brett"
odd" commented the vicomte:
only this afternoon l was thinking
of him, wondering what had become
of the man."
THE last l heard of him. he was in
Algeria, monsieur-with some French
force in the desert"
Thank you - On the point
of leaving the vicomte snapped his
teeth on second Good night" and
swore beneath his breath.
O'Rourke, surprised, stared. The
Frenchman was standing stiffly at at
tention. as If alarmed. His pallor was,
If possible. increased, livid-his close
ly shaven beard showing blueblac on
his heavy jowls and prominent chin.
His eyes blazed, shifting from the al
cove to O'Rourke.
Monsieur" he demanded harshly,
what does this insult mean p"
Mean" iterated ORourke. Insult?
Faith. ye have me there"
Speeches. with rage, Des Trebes ges-
tured violently toward the alcove; and
O'Rourke became aware that the cur
tains were shaking-wavering as
though a draught stirred them. But
there was no draught. And beneath
their edge he saw two feet-two small
bewitching feet in the daintiest and
most absurd of evening slippers. with
an inch or SO of silken stockings show
ing above each.
Des Trebes' eyes, filled with an ex-
preston unspeakably offensive, met
the Irishman's blank wondering gaze.
1T is no doubt" the Frenchman STAN
mered, Sanctioned by your code to
have me spied upon by the partner of
your liaisons."
But, monsieur"
81 compliment the lady upon the
smallness of her feet, as well as upon
ankles SO charming that cannot bring
myself to leave without glimpse of
their mistress features"
Des Trebes moved toward the al
cove. Thunderstorm, O'Rourke rap
ped out a stupeied oath. then In a
stride forestalled the man. With him
it was as If suddenly a circuit had
closed in his intelligence. establishing
definite connection between the three
now four-most mystifying incidents
| of the evening
Less haste, monsieur" he coun-
seled in a voice of ice. His hand fell
with almost paralyzing force upon the
others wrist as he sought to grasp
the curtain. and swung him roughly
back. yourself will never know who's
there-whoever the lady may be. :.
All. but no. monsieur"
Maddened beyond prudence, Des
Trebes had struck at his face.
O'Rourke warded off the blow and in
what seemed the same movement
whirled the man round by his captive
wrist and caught the other arm from
the back. The briefest of struggles en-
sued. The Frenchman. taken at a COM
sistance hustled to the door and
thrown through 1t before he fairly COM
pretended what was happening.
Free at length. II on all tours, he
scrambled to his feet to find O'Rourke
had shut the door behind him. calmly
awaiting the next move.
Haven't ye had enough?" demand
ed the Irishman as the vicomte. blind
ed with passion, seemed about to re-
new the attack. "Or are we wishful
to be going downstairs In the same
fashion,"
Des Trebes drew back, snarling.
You dog!" he cried Then abrupt.
ly by an admirable effort, he Gained
himself surprisingly. drawing himself
up with considerable dignity and throt
Ting his temper as he quietly adjust
ed the disorder of his clothing. Only
in his eyes, black as sloes and small.
did there remain any trace of his ma
iignant and unquenchable hatred.
Il am unfortunately" he sneered.
incapable of participating in such
. orawls as you prefer. Colonel O'Rourke.
But am not content. | warn
you My rank prevents me from
Furnishing you personally; am Obliged
to fight gentlemen only"
O'Rourke laughed openly.
But advise you to leave Monte
Carlo before morning. Should you re-
main, or should you come within my
neighborhood another time-at what
ever time-I will kill you as | would a
-abid cur-or cause you to be shot.
There's always the towards al
tentative" returned the Irishman.
But ye mustn't forget we've only the
one leg to stand upon In society-your