The Bourbon news., 1912-01-19

tnat ne was being p,ayed with reso.v-
ed into a pretty Gesai.e conviction,
as he waited in the broad hallway.
1t was inconceiyable that a nan Ike
Des Trebes, so reduced as to De ur-
der the necessity of stealing-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 ORourke, blandiy ignor-
ing the peculiarities of the situation
which his own inexplicable invitation
had created. he presented himself in
the guise CT a gracious host.
Monsieur" he declared, bowing to-
O'Rourks (Sut with care not to
offer his hand),, "overpowers me with
his condescension and punctuality. 1
can only regret"-with a significant
glance at the bulge of the adventur-
er's coat-'that he thought it wise to
come armed"
"'Tis habit find it hard to break
meself Of" O'Rourke offered the in-
adequate explanation in a dry and
coolish tone
1T was unnecessary, assure mon
sieur."
Faith. I'm convinced twill prove
So"
Tactfully the vicomte digressed
| from the unpleasant topic. Il have
asked you here, monsieur" he said
with an air of depreciation, "to confer
with me on business after we have
dined. I trust the arrangement suits
your convenience"
I'm content, monsieur"
Il regret that circumstances pre-
vent me from receiving you under
my own roof-tree. The Villa d'Orleans
is the property of a 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 trife. with a curious smile
that O'Rourke failed to fathom. Mon
sieur Glynn," he said, ''is-ah-a trifie
indisposed-t sun. Nevertheless. T
believe he will join Us during dinner.
If you will be so kind as to excuse
him."
Il could do very we'll without him."
The vicomte caught the eye of q
j.
he said. do me the honor to ac-
company me to the table"
In the course OF time, as the yicomte
had predicted, the Honorable BERTHE
Joined them; and on sight O'Rourke
diagnosed the 'fndisposition" 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 curt nod and a surly
look, then slumped Imply into a chafr
and called for champagne, which he
drank greedily and with a sullen air,
| avoiding the vicomte's eye. Before
dessert was served he passed into
black humor, and sat mutely glover
ing at his glass (what time he was
! not unsteadily filling IT'D 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-
/ faced his first words.
so" he said, the farce is over.
Some regard for the conventions was
friend, the owner of this villa. Now,
we can be natural, Monsieur le Colo
mel"
BE all means; I cannot say found
the play diverting, despite the skill Of
your friends chef. l gather ye wish
to get 10 business? Well-Tm wait
ing" O'Rourke pulled at a cigar,
honoring the man with a 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-
tiOn, Ito the palace of Monsieur 10
GOuyerneur-General
Il ve-unfortunately a few days
too late it seems"
You are satisfied"
I'm satisfied that the Pool OF
Flame has been stolen"
Then you will probably believe
me when / declare myself the male
factor. 1t was an easy matter: L
purposely brought up the name OF
Chambret in conversation with the
Governor ard by him was informed
of the existence of the packet-which.