The Delta independent. [volume] (Delta, Colo.) 1886-19??, 1912-02-16
CHAPTER XII.

The Villa d'Orleans proved to be
handsome house of white stone, stu
ated in extensive and well-groomed
grounds, on height outside the town,
overlooking the Mediterranean. So
complete and elegant seemed the es-
tablishment, indeed, viewed from with
out or within, that O'Rourke's suspic-
ions were stimulated and his certainty
that he was being played with resolv-
ed into a pretty definite conviction,
as he waited in the broad hallway.
1t was inconceivable that a man like
Des Trebes, so reduced as to be I'M
der the necessity of stealing-even of
stealing so considerable 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, bowling to
O'Rourke (but with care not to
offer his hand), "overpowers me with
his condescension and punctuality.
can only regret'-with a significant
glance at the bulge of the adventur-
er's coat-"that he thought it wise to
come armed"
Its a habit find 1t hard to break
meself Of" O'Rourke offered the in
adequate explanation in dry and
coolish tone.
at was unnecessary. I assure mon
sieur."
Faith, I'm convinced twill prove
So"
Tactfully the vicomte depressed
from the unpleasant topic. Il have
asked you here, monsieur" he said
with an air of depreciation, ito confer
with me on business after we have
dined. l trust the arrangement suits
your convenience.
I'm content, monsieur"
II 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
faltered a trifie, with curious smile
that O'Rourke failed to fathom. Mon
sieur Glynn," he said, "is-ah-a trifle
Indispensable sun. Nevertheless,
believe he will join US during dinner,
II you will be SO kind as to excuse
him"
81 could do very well without him.
The vicomte caught the eye of a
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 Berthe
Joined them; and on sight O'Rourke
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
ORourke with a curt nod and surly
look, then slumped Imply into chair
and called for champagne, which he
drank greedi1y and with a 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 Ire.
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. cynical smile pre-.
faced his first words.
so" he said, the farce is over.
Some regard for the conventions was
necessary before the servants of my
| friend, the owner of this villa. Now,
we can be natural, Monsieur lie Colo.
neil"
| BE all means; ! cannot say found
the play diverting, despite the skill of
your friends chef. 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
fully relieved him of the necessity.
"You have been then" pursued the
vicomte, without further circumlocu.
ton, ito the palace Of Monsieur lie
| Gouyexneur-Gen