Omaha daily bee., 1914-03-10
'"THE KING OF DIAMONDS"
A Thrilling Story Of Modern Monte CristO
BY LOUIS TRACY.


uncle would not have cared were you
killed that night. All he wanted was your
money. Now he has that, and mine. He
was, indeed. wicked man"
Mother, dear. ne is unhappy. Are we7
But Mr.. Anson. what wonderful change
in your fortunes has taken place since
our first meeting? Is the newspaper trade
SO thriving that a carriage and pair. a
supper at the Savoy, stalls at the
Regents hall and a bouquet from Rosa
lind's are mere trimmings, so to speak,
to a busy day?"
''Hcvelyn!" protested Mrs Atcherley.
But the girl was too buoyant, too ut
terly oblivious to all that this meeting
meant to Philip, to cease from chatting
him.
Please, Mr.. Anscn, do tell US the Sc
cret. 1 will sell any paper you name.
get guineas for singing two songs, 4
admit, but may only sing them once .
month. / have loads of time to run ahou;
crying, 'Extrey sneshul! orrible disaws-
ter. Or does the magic spring from writ
ing those thrilling stories one sees plae-
arded on the hoardings? I believe in
lady's magazine for a set Of verses, the
genuine and unaIded production of a
girl aged under IA"
Philip compelled himself to respond TO
her mood. He promised to reveal his
specific for money-maklng at some fu.
ture period, when she was sufficiently
dazzled to accept his words as those OF
q prophet
With the tact Of a woman OF the world,
Mrs. Atherley led the conversation back
taurant was rapidly filling now. The oc-
cupants OF neighboring tables cast occa-
sionai glances at the merry trio which
discussed the foibles OF the musical world,
the ways of agents, the little meannesses
and petty spites Of the greatest artists,
and, incidentally, did ample justice to an
excellent meal.
Philip thought he had never before met
such delightful girl Evelyn was quito
certain that some unknown good fairy
had given her this pleasant acquaintance,
and Mrs. Atherley. after & silent spasm
of regret that her daughter should oe
denied the position in the greater world
for which she was SO admirably fitted,
abandoned herself to the infectious gay
ETY. Of the younger people.
Both she and Evelyn confessed to n
feeling OF renewed surprise when Philip
happened to mention his London address.
Whatever the denixens OF Park Lane
may possess, that Of being unknown
cannot be reckoned among them, and
Mrs. Atherley, in a period not very re-
mote. knewAthe occupants OF every house
in that remarkable thoroughfare. She
could not, however, recall the name of
Anson.
At last most enjoyable meal came to
mend Philip. supported most ably by
a skilled head waiter, spun It out to the
utmost possible limit, but the inexorable
clock would not be denied.
He thought the two ladies might prefer
to drive home alone so he sent them away
in his carriage, and made an excuse that
he mad an appointment at his club. In
truth, he wished TO be free to walk far
and fast, while his excited brain de-
manded a solution of the strange con-
geries of events which had so crowded
into his life during forty-eight hours.
About the time that Philips coachman
safely deposited Evelyn and her mother
at their residence, Victor Grenier, again
attired in evening dress and accompanied
by Jockey Mason. whose huge frame was
encased in a suit OF gray tweed. entered
fashionable West End bar and found
an elegant young person leaning against
the marble topped counter. engaged in a
war of wits with a barmaid.
The arrival OF the two men, however.
put quick stop to the badinage. The
youth quilted the counter with a careless
discourtesy that annoyed the girl 20
whom he was talking.
/ B ssNVaIl 10. Na tsata
anything happen?"
Jimmie" was the cool reply "I told
you that your stupid ruse last night
would result in failure. Far worse. II has
! supplied you with a rival against whom
you may as we'll give up the game at
once"
ROT" cried the other. fiereely. with
an oath. Don't irritate me. Tell me
plainly what has gone wrong now
"She was there. and sang delightfully."-
! Pom my honor, she is a pretty girl. But
the man was there too, and he managed
to improve so we'll on the opportunity
you were kind enough TO provide for
him, Jimmie, that after her show was
over she and her mother met him at the
main entrance, and they drove off to-
gether to the Savoy in a carriage and
pair"
Then who the deuce is hep" demanded
the angry youth.
II tell you, Jimmie. you have no
earthly chance. Last nights intruder was
none other than Mr.. Philip Anson, the
millionaire"
| "Philip Anson. Great Scott He-of all
men in the world"
The youngest man became very pale,
and his eyes rolled in a species of de-
lirious agitation. But Jocky Mason had
caught the name. though he did not COM
prehend the exact subject of their dis.
course.
Phillip Ansong' he said. az there $
anything on foot where rhilip Anson is
concerned count me as his enemy.
Curse hint Curse him TO all eternity"
And he struck table with his great
first until other men began to stare, and
Grenier was forced earnestly to counsel
mis- associates 10 control themselves IN
such public place.
The Master Ftend.
Come 70 my chambers," muttered the
1 youngest OF the trio. I'VE are fools 20
discuss such things here. II is your fault.
Grenier. Why did you drop this bombshell
On W.,