The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1913-01-09
CHAPTER XvI-(Continued.)

IT must not be supposed that LORD
Beachcombe was without curiosity as
to the use Robin had made OF the In
yitation and disguise he a borrowed
80 peremptorily. He questioned sew
eral people, but no n seemed TO nave
observed the scarlet domino, and the
one person who could have enlightened
him, he did not dream of connecting
with the exploits of a highwayman.
He began to feel treasured, and a
couple of bottles Of wine helped to re-
store his damaged amour propre,
though his temper was considerably
ruffled. He followed Prue to the ball
room, but his invitation to dance was
coldly declined and he retreated to the
card-room where Sir Godfrey was al
ready seated and hailed his coming
with fierce JOY. 1t would be strange.
indeed, he argued, IL means could not
be found to fasten a quarrel upon a
MAJ who came to the card table with
a naturally morose temper heated with
wine and still further excited by the
hitterAsweet arts OF a coquette.
That Beachcombe was stin infatu-
ated with his old love. Sir Godfrey
had not the slightest doubt. and that
he had persuaded her to jilt him he
had, as he firmly believed, the evidence
Of his own senses.
The play was high. and Sir Geof-
Hwy - luCh Ia INT aAtONAiS Ah III
The pile of guineas In front of him
grew apace and gradually the others
dropped out, except Beachcombe. who
had also been winning, though not so
largely. His luCk soon gave way be-
fore Sir Geoffrey's, and in n short time
he mad lost all his winnings and a
considerable sum besides. Seeing him
hesitate and half rise from the table,
his opponent ~laughingly exclaimed,
Don't leave me, Beachcombe; I'm in
the vein tonight"
"Unlucky in love. lucky at cards"
sneered B~eachcombe. Il see the widow
has Tilted you"
cried ST. Godfrey. Both the men
started to their feet and stood glaring
at each other across the table. Most
OF the other games were suspended,
and a breathless hush fell upon the
whole assembly.
rs hat intended for an insult ?'
said Beachcombe thickly. A laugh or
lockers as to the propriety of such a
question.
you can take 1t any way o
please" retorted Sir Godfrey. What
/ have said I am ready to repeat, IL
you require 1t. and uphold in n way
o demand"
A gray-haired man in generals uni
- SoAAO " "ohu ollo talu " Dduu
on the arm Of each.
Gentlemen" he said, 1.-The duchess
will be much offended. If this should
20 further under her roof, on such an
occasion as this. If you wish to con-
tinue this discussion, my quarters,
near by, are at your disposal after
the ball. Until then, pray let us avoid
any unpleasantness."
Beachcombe turned on his heel and
walked off to the other end Of the
room. Sir Godfrey accepted the old
generals invitation, and pocketing his
winnings. repaired to the ballroom, his
temper and spirits vastly improved.
There lie had the good fortune to
find Prue in a gracious mood, and
willing to make up for her previous
neglect by dancing with him and
allowing him to linger at her side I'M
til the ball came to- an End. Then
he had the felicity of shawling her
and handing her into her carriage,
whore she bade him good morrow and
permitted him to press a kiss upon
Robins pearl-embroidered gloves.