The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1912-01-09

der the necessity or Steallng-eVen OF
stealing so considerable a sum as a
hundred thousand pounds-could main
tain so imposing an establishment.
His uneasy conjectures were inter-
rupted when the vicomte appeared to
welcome his guest. Suave, dressed
properly for the occasion, showing
traces neither Of fatigue nor Of his
antipathy for O'Rourke, blandly ignor-
ing the peculiarities of the situation
which his own inexplicable invitation
had created, he presented himself In
the guise of a gracious host.
Monsieur" he declared, boWing to
O'Rourke (but with care not to
offer his hand), "overpowers me with
his condescension and punctuality. I
can only regret a significant
glance at the bulge Of the adventur-
er's coat-"that he thought it wise to
come armed"
"'Tis a habit I find it hard to break
meself Of" ORourke offered the in
adequate explanation in a dry and
coolish tone.
"It was unnecessary, assure mon
sieur."
Faith, I'm convinced twill prove
co."
Tactfully the vicomte digressed
from the unpleasant topic. II have
asked you here, monsieur" he said
with an air Of depreciation, ITO confer
with me- on business after we have
dined. I trust the arrangement suits
your convenience"
I'm content, monsieur"
'I regret that circumstances pre-
vent me from receiving you under
my own roof-tree. The villa d'Orleans
is the property Of dear friend
merely loaned me during my stay in
Algiers."
"Ye're fortunate in your choice OF
friends"
Over his next remark Des Trebes
falt. red a trife, with curious smile
that o Rourke failed to fathom. "Mon'
sieur Glynn," he said, 'is-ah-a trife
indispos ed-the sun. Nevertheless, ]
believe he will join US during dinner
if you will be so kind as to excuse
him.
81 could do very well without him
The vicomte caught the eye of 6
servant, and, Dinner is announced,
he said. do me the honor to &C
company me to the table"
In the course of time, as the vicomte
had predicted, the Honorable Bertie
joined them; and on sight ORourke
diagnosed the "indisposition" as plain
intoxication. The Englishman was
deep in his cups, far too deep to ape
the urbanity Of his host. He favored
O'Rourke with a curt nod and surly
look, then slumped Imply into chair
and called for champagne, which be
drank greedily and with sullen AIR,
avoiding the vicomte's eye. Before
dessert was served he passed into a
black humor, and sat mutely glover
ing at his glass (what time he was
not unsteadily filling it, without re-
gard for either of his companions.
When the cloth was cleared and
the servants had withdrawn. Des Tre-
bes definitely cast aside pretence. A
cigarette between his lips, he lounged
In his chair, eyelids dropping over
eyes that never left his guests while
either spoke. A cynical smile pre-
laced his first words.
so" he said, "the farce ia over.
Some regard for the conventions was
necessary before the servants OF my
friend, the owner Of this villa. Now,
ne can be natural, Monsieur le Colo
nel."
"Be all means; I cannot say I found
the play diverting, despite the skill OF
your friends chef. I gather ye wish
to get to business? Well-I'm wait
ing" O'Rourke pulled at cigar,
honoring the man with cat-like at
tention. He had no longer to watch
the honorable; the latter had will
July relieved him of the necessity.
"You have been then,'' pursued the
vicomte, without further circumlocu-
ton, ito the palace of Monsieur le
Gouverneur-Generale?"
'I unfortunately a few days
too late, it seems"
"You are satisfed-?"
I'm satisfied that the Pool OF
Flame has been stolen"
Then you will probably believe
me when I declare myself the male
factor. It was an easy matter: l
purposely brought up the name OF
Chambret in conversation with the
Governor and by him was informed
Of the existence Of the packet which,
'K$E3YMaS6kS EEE5sssassS sySe5 s*ks&