The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1912-02-23

ing the throng IN the lobby for hel
with whom his mind was occupied Il
the exclusion Of all else.
The system-gambler followed hin
with a stare of lncredulous amaze
ment. What a mani" said h'
to himself. II half aloud. A seconC
later he added: what admirable act
ing!"
But he was mistaken. There was
nothing assumed in O'Rourke's air oI
apathy. He was actually quite indlf
ferent and already preoccupied with
his new interest-the pursuit Of the
woman whose unexpected appearance
in Monte Carlo seemed likely to upset
all his calculations. The sails Of the
barque of his fortunes had all his
| life long been trimmed to the winds
of Chance; he was accustomed TO see
ing them fall fiat and tapping, empty
| just when a venture seemed most
propitious. The loss OF the money
was nothing; the initial amount had
been little enough IN all conscience
though the major part Of all that he
possessed; but to him the woman was
everything-the world and all.
And now she was gone. had disap-
peared with her companions! In that
instant in which he had turned from
her to the table. she had made her es-
/ cape.
He cursed roundly the weakness
that had lost her TO him. and passing
rapidly through the lobby left the
Casino, pausing before the entrance
to look right and left.
There was no sign Of what he
sought; the party had vanished. And
who should say whittier?
"Damnation!" he grumbled.
Monsieur" a voice intruded at his
side.
He turned with a start, annoyed.
"Well?" he demanded curtly. recogniz-
ing De Trebes.
The Frenchman bowed. 81 have the
honor to address Monsieur le Colonel
O'Rourke?"
Rejecting that the man might af,
ford him the information he sought.
O'Rourke unbent. II am he, Monsieur
des Trebes."
Surprised. the latter lifted his eye
brows, showing even white teeth in a
deprecatory smile. You know me.
monsieur"
by sight and reputation only, mon
sieur"
Il am honored."
No more than meself, If it comes to
that"
The llcomte laughed Then | may
presume to ask the favor of a word
with your"
Are ye not having it, monsieur"
True But in private?"
"One moment. Ye can do me a
favor, if ye will Afterwards"
81 am charmed"
"'Tis not much I'll be asking ye-
merely a question or two Now that
gentleman ye were talking with awhile
back: isn't he the Honorable BERTHE
Glynn?"
THE same, monsieur"
And the lady who spoke to
him"
Madame Smyth-Herriott, believe;
know her only slightly"
Then ye are not of their party?"
"Party?" Des Trebes appeared per.
picked. What party?"
why, Lady Plinlimmon's. of
course
Il have not the honor of thai lady's
acquaintance, monsieur"
"Oh, ye have not? But Mr. Giynn?"
rs here with me, monsieuf-a fly.
ing trip We ran down from ~. is but
yesterday Our meeting with Madame
Smyth Herriott was quite accidental"
"Oh, the divvle!" said ORourEE be-
meath his breath. Plainly he hight
expect nothing more helpful from this
man; he had jumped prematurely at a
conclusion, 1t seemed And
by now II was much too late to Shink
of further pursuit. THAT ls all |
wished to know monsieur" he admit
ted lamely. There was a lady in the
group whom | thought recognized.
| wished to find her, and fancied ye
might perhaps direct me. Ye didn't
by any chance happen to hear Mrs.
say where she was 60
ing with Mr. Glynn?"
"Unhappily, no. monsieur"
Very well then. What can have
the happiness to serve ye in?"
The Frenchman hesitated briefly.
This is a trife public" he suggest
ed. will you not be kind enough to
walk with me little distance, while
we converse?"
Gladly. monsieur"
Des Trebes produced cigarette case
and together, smoking. the two turned
heir backs upon the casino and wan
1ered off along the paths OF the ter
raced gardens. Ever descending, they
came al length to the secluded, little |
lighted and less frequented portions Of |
he grounds which border the water. /
'ront, and presently sat side by side
tpon bench, looking out over the
larbor, Then and then only aid Des
rrebes approach hts subiect-some-
hing which he had until now studious.
y avoided, dlstracting the not over
patient Irishman by falling fire Of
,analities
u dare say, Colonel oRourke," he
abandoning his mother
ongue for excellent English--"l dare
ay you are wondering"
II am that"
u feared SO But It was essential
hat we should speak in privacy"
Yes"
But before I proceed, may pul you
question or two bordering perhaps,