Arizona republican., 1915-11-28

the billiard room gave ingress and eEress to the quiet spot. A few couples strayed out and in, but for the most part Esther was alone in this small tearoom after Smyths left her, to apprise the master Of the house that lady wished to see him there.
 In the great ballroom the gay Set of Los Angeles were hilarious with wine and music. Blair, a handsome and striking fig ure in the full uniform of a Confederate of- f1cer, forgot his schemes and plans and ens joyed himself with all the abandon of his reckless nature. Durand. arrayed in a con- ventionalized costume as the King of Dia- monds. looked like that court card come to life.
 "I am running true to form" he yvhfs- pered to Vivian. "'The pack called me the King of Diamonds. and here am, you see costumed for the part!"
 You wouldn't have dared to dress in character abroad" laughed Vivian. "The police of Europe look too constantly for the King Of Diamonds."
 You are right. my dear girl" replied Durand. carelessly. But, speaking of Eu- rope, even the carnival at Monte Carlo was no gayer scene than this. Certainly our friend, the whilom John Powell. is giving a princely fete But what is this big surprise he Is to spring?'
 "I haven't the least idea" confessed Vivian. " He is very secretive of late"
 Then her brow knit in a slight frovn as she remembered that Arthur had promised to give her the diamond this night. but when she had sent him note by her maid he had only returned her word that the diamond would be given her later in the evening. Where was he. what was his prise?
 "I thought you would come as the Queen of Hearts," remarked Durand, interrupting her train of thought. When we despoiled Europe you were known in the pack $  the King of Diamonds. De VauX, too. is Chary of our old pseudonyms. He touted for our victims at the select and exclusive clubs in the various capitals of Europe-so he was called the Knave of Clubs. But he. too, seems to wish to forget There he is, dancing with a dark eyed oriental houri. in the costume of a French zouave"
 Let us forget the past-and our pasts! said Vivian bitterly.
 Then Durand exchanged smile with charmer attired a Neapolitan flower girl, and whirled away in the dance with her.
 Outside, Quabba and the gardener peered through the windows at the gay scene, in company with chauffeurs and coachmen.
 Upstairs. Esther waited nervous and im- patient, half regretting she had come. Then she remembered Luke. unjustly in prison. and her resolution returned.
 In the ballroom below, Srnythe, her ec- centric yet faithful knight, wandered about seeking the master of the mansion.
 Suddenly the music stopped. There was 9 fanfare of trumpets and the rays of calcium light were turned from the gallery toward the great purple velvet curtains at the end of the ballroom. These were drawn aside by two slim young girls in the cos tune of Tudor pages, and there. between the parted velvet curtains, full in the great pencil of light directed at him, sat the fig ure of a cavalier on-a great white horse with crimson trappings. Immovable as a statue stood rider and steed. Then the band crashed march. and through the ballroom to the center came rider and horse. Here they paused and the rider made a sweeping bow to the startled assemblage.
 It was Arthur Stanley of Stanley hall, Virginia, but known here, save to a few, as John Powell, rightly "the mad millionaire" He took from his neck the great gleamlng diamond in its curious locket and chain