Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1916-02-16

more nor less than one of these sew.
eral private gambling clubs of Paris
which the French government toll
crates more or less openly, despite
adequate restrictive legislation; and
gambling was Lanyard's ruling pas.
sion-a legacy from Bourke together
with the rest of his professional equip
ment.
To every man his vice-the argu-
ment is Bourke's, in defense of his
failing-and perhaps the least mis-
chievous vice a professional cracks
man can indulge is that of gambling,
since it can hardly drive him to
lengths more desperate than those
whereby he gains his daily livelihood.
In the esteem of Paris Count Remy
de Morbihan himself was scarcely a
more light.hearted plunger than M.
Lanyard.
Naturally, with this reputation, he
was always free of the handsome sa-
Ions wherein the Friends OF Humanity
devoted themselves to roulette, auc-
ton bridge, baccarat, and chemin de
fer-and Of this freedom he now pro-
ceeded to avail himself with his hat
just shade aslant on his head, his
hands in his pockets, a suspicion of
smile on his lips, and CLINT of the
devil in his eyes-in all an expression
accurately rejecting the latest phase
of his humor, which had become large
ly one of contemptuous federation,
thanks to what he chose to consider
an exhibition of insipid stupidity on
the part of the Pack.
Nor was this humor in any way
modified when, in due course, he con-
firmed anticipation by discovering M.
lie Comte Remy de Morbihan lounging
beside one Of the roulette tables,
watching the play and now and then
risking a maximum or two on his own
account.
A flash of animation crossed the un-
lovely mask Of the count when he saw
Lanyard approaching, and he greeted
the adventurer with gay little firt Of
his pudgy, dark hand.
"Ah, my friend!" he cried. 1T is
you, then, who have changed your
mind! But this is delightful"
"And what has become of your
American friend?" asked the adven-
turer.
"He tired quickly, that one, and
packed himself off to Troyon's. Be
sure didn't press him to continue the
grand tour"
Then you really wanted to see me
tonight" Lanyard inquired innocently.
"Always-always, my dear Lam
yard!" the count declared, jumping up.
But come" he insisted, II have
word for your private ear, If these
gentlemen will excuse u.s.
IDOL" Lanyard addressed in conf
Dental tone those he knew at the
table before turning away to the tug Of
the counts hand on his arm-"I think
he means to pay up twenty pounds he
owes mol"
Some derisive laughter greeted this
sally.
II mean that, however," Lanyard in
formed the other. cheerfully, as they
moved away to corner where con-
versation without an audience was
possible--syou ruined that Bank Of
England note. you know
Cheap at the price!" the count
protested, producing his bill-fold Five
hundred francs for an Introduction to
monsieur, the Lone Wolff
Are you joking?" Lanyard asked
blankly, and with a magnificent ges-
ture abolished the proffered banknote
Joking? /! But surely you don't
mean to deny"
my friend" Lanyard interrupted,
before we assert or deny anything, let
us gather the rest of the players round |
the table and deal from a sealed deck. |
Meantime, let US rest on the under |
standing that have found, at one end, t
a message scrawled on a banknote |
hidden in a secret place, at the other |
and beyond these points exists mys- |
terry, Of which one anticipates eluci-
dation."
"You shall have it," De Molbihan
promised. ''But first we must go to |
find those others who await u.s. I
'Not so fast!" Lanyard interposed. |
what am to understand? That you
wish me to accompany you to the
Of the Pack?"
where else?" De Morbihan grinned.
"But where is it,"
II am not permitted to say"
Still one has ones eyes. Why not
satisfy me here?"
''Your eyes, by your leave, monsieur,
will be blindfoided."
Impossible"
"Pardon-it is an essential"
"Come, come, my friend-we are not
In the middle ages!"
II have no discretion, monsieur. My
II insist, there must be trust on both
sides, or no negotiations"
"But assure you, my dear friend"
my dear count, it is useless. l am
determined. Blindfold? / should say
1ot! This is not-need I remind you
again ?-the Paris of Balzac and that
Dumas of yours!"
What do you propose, them" De
Norbihan inquired, worrying his mus
ache.
What better place for the proposed
conference than here?'
But not here, mOnsieur!"