The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1912-11-27

Iudu u mdu Cdu w.. Lucy gave Liz
the rug. Your bones, on such a quest
would have been bleaching upon the
banks of the Tigris."
What the deuce Is this company
called?" George was enjoying the con
versation immensely.
The United Romance and Adven'
ture company, Ltd, Of London, Paris
and New York"
Have you any of the company's
paper with you?" George repressed
his laughter because Ryanne's face
was serious enough.
Unfortunately, no. But II you will
give me your bankers address I'll be
pleased, to forward you the prospec
tus."
"Knauth, Nachod and Kuhne.
am shortly leaving for home. Better
send it to New York. I say, suppose
a chap buys an adventure that Is not
up to the mark; can be return 1t OF
exchange 1t for another?"
|. mo. It's all chance, you know
The rules of the game are steel
bound. We find you an adventure;
it's up to you to make good"
"But, once more suppose a chap gets
a little too rough a game. and doesn't
turn up for his dividends; what then?'
I'm that event." answered Ryanne
sadly, "the stock reverts to the gen
eral fund"
George lay back in his chair and LEI
go his laughter. You are mighty
good company, Mr.. Ryanne."
well, well; we'll say nothing more
about it. But a moment gone you
spoke as If you were game for an ex
ploit."
"I still am. But If I knew the ad'
venture was prearranged, as you say
and I was up against q wall, there
would be the inclination to cable the
firm for more Instructions"
Ryanne himself laughed this time
That's a good idea. l don't believe
the company ever thought of such q
contingency. But I repeat, our bust
ness is to give you the KICKOFF. After
that you have to fight for your OWL
downs"
1.-THE stock isn't listed?" again
laughing.
scarcely. One man tells another
as I tell you, and 80 on"
"You send me the prospectus. I'm
rather curious to have a look at It,
81 certainly shall do So" replied
Ryanne, with gravity unassumed
"Ah! Here come Mrs. Chedsoye and
her daughter. If you don't mind, III
make myself scarce. 1 do not care
to see them just now. after your haV'
ing told them about the stolen
Yhiordes."
I'm sorry" said George, rising
eagerly.
OTIS all in the game" gallantly.
George saw him gracefully ma
neuver his way round the crush to,
ward the stairs leading to the bar
Really. he would like to know more
about this amiable free-lance. AS the
old fellows used to say, he little
dreamed that destiny, n Of those
things from Pandora's box, was pre-
pairing a deeper and more intimate
acquaintance. H..
"And what has been amusing you,
Mr.. Jones?' asked Mrs. Chedsoye. 81
saw you laughing"
81 was talking with the rug chap!
He's a droll fellow. He said that he
had met you somewhere. but con,
cluded not to renew the acquaintance,
since l told him that his adventure In
part was known to you"
THAT is foolish. I rather enjoy
meeting men of his stamp. Don't you,
Fortune?"
Sometimes" with a dry little
smile. 81 believe we have met him,
mother. There vas something IA
miliar about his head. OF course, We
saw him only from a distance" .
81 do not think there is any real
harm In him." said George. What
made me laugh was a singular propo-
sition he set before me. He said he
owned stock in a concern called The
United Romance and Adventure com
pany;' and that for a specified sum of
money, one could have any adventure
one pleased"
did you ever hear of such a
thing?" cried the mother merrily. For
tune searched her face keenly. The
United Romance and Adventure Com
pany! He must have been Joking.
What did you say his name ISL"
"Ryanne. Joking Is my idea exact
ly," George agreed. THE scheme is
to plunge the stakeholder into a real
live adventure, and then let him pull
himself out the best way he can.
Sounds good. He added that this rug
business was an instance of the sue
cess of the concern. There goes the
music. Do you dance, Miss Ched-
soye?"
"a little" Fortune was preoccu,
pied. She was wondering what lay
behind Mr.. Ryanne's amiable jest.
go along, both Of you." said Mrs.
Chedsoye. 81 am too old to'dance.
prefer watching people" She sat
down and arranged herself comfort,
ably. She was always arranging her
self comfortably; 1t was n Of the Sc.
crets of her perennial youth. She
was very lovely, but George had eyes
for the daughter only. Mrs. Ched-
soye saw this, but was not in the least
chagrined.