The Mena weekly star., 1913-04-03

l George naively.
 As they do in Cork"
 never saw 1t spelled that way be- l fore"
 Nothing surprising in that" replied Ryanne. No one else has. either"
 George laughed and waited for the explanation.
 You see, Ryan is as good a mama cs they make them; but it classes with prize-fighters, politicians and bar chemists. The two extra letters put the finishing touch to the name. A jewel is all right, but what tells is the way you hang it round your neck. To me, those additional letters repre- sent the jewel Ryan in the hands of Lalique."
 You talk like an American"
 T am; three generations. Whats the matter?" with sudden concern. George was frowning. Haven't I met you somewhere before?" Not to my recollection" A specu- lative frown now marred Ryanne's forehead. It did not illustrate search in his memory for such a casualty as the meeting of George. He never for. got face and certainly did not re. member Georges. Rather, the frown had it's source in the mild dread that Percival Algernon had seen him some where during one of those indisposi- tions of the morning after. "No: I think you have made mistake"
 Likely enough. It just struck me that you looked something like chap named Wadsworth, who was half-back Jn the varsity when I entered my freshman year."
 "A university man? Lord, no! was turned loose at ten; been hustling ever since." Ryanne spoke easily. not tremor in his voice, although he had received a slight mental jolt. No; no college record here. But I want to chat with you about rugs. I've heard of you, indirectly"
 From the carpet fellows? We do a big business over here. What have you got?"
 Well, I've a rug up in my room I'd like to show you. want your judg- ment for one thing. Will you do me the favor"
 Since the girl had disappeared and with her those imaginary appurte- nances that had for a space trans formed the lounging-room into a stage, George saw again with normal vision that the room was simply a common meeting-ground for well-dressed per sons and Addressed persons, of the unimpeachable, the impeccable, the doubtful and the peceant; for in Cairo, as in ancient Egypt, there is every class and kind of humans, for whom the Decalogue was written, tran scribed, and shattered by the turbu- lent Moses. an incident more or less forgotten these days. From the tail of his eye he gave swift scrutiny to his chance acquaintance. and he found nothing 10 warrant suspicion. It was not an unusual procedure for men to hunt him up in Cairo, in Constantinople, in Smyrna. or in any of the Oriental cities where his business itinerary led him. The house of Mortimer & Jones was widely known. This man Ryanne might have been anywhere between thirty and forty. He was tall, well set up. blond and smooth-skinned. True, he appeared to have been ill-fed re- gently. little more flesh under the cheek-bones, touch of color, and the Irishman would have been a handsome man. George could read rug league off, as they say, but he was child in the matter of physiognomy, whereas Ryanne was a postmaster in this re- gard it was necessary both for his busiress and safety.
 "Gertainly, I'll take a look at 1t. But I tell you frankly" went on George, that to interest me it's got to be very old one. You see, it's little fad of mine, outside the business end of 1t. I'm crazy over real rugs, and I know something about every rare one in existence, or known to ex- ist. Is it a copy?"
 "No. I'll tell you more about 1t when We get to my room."
 Come on, then" George was now quite willing to discuss rugs and car pets.
 Having gained the room. Ryanne threw of his coat and relighted his cigar, which, in a saving mood, he had allowed to go out He motioned George to be seated.
 Just little yarn before l show you the rug. See these cuffs?" "Yes"
 "You will observe that I have had to reverse them. Note this collar! Same thing. Trousers-hems Dit frayed, coat shiny at the elbows, Ryanne exhibited his sole fortune -Four sovereigns between me and jail"
 George became thoughtful. He was generous and kind-hearted among those he knew intimately or slightly. hut he had the instinctive reserve ot the seasoned traveller in cases like this. He waited.
 "The truth is. I'm all but done for And if fail to strike q bargain hers with you. Well. l should hate to tell you the result. Our consul would have to furnish me passage home. Were you ever up against 1t to the extent of reversing your cuffs ana turning your collarsY You don't kno" what life is, then"
 George gravely produced two good cigars and offered one to his most rxN