The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1916-04-28

impasse OF the Grand Guignol and the
Rue PigalIe.
Now the neophyte needs the intro
duetion OF trusted sponsor before he
can win admission TO the clubhouse in
the Rue Chaptal Of the exclusive Cir
Gle Of Friends OF Humanity; but Ian
yards knock secured him prompt and
unquestioned entrance. The unfor-
tunate fact is he was a member in the
best Of standing, for this society OF
pseudo-altruistic aims was nothing
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 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 NJ.
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 a
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 NJ.
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 fash Of animation crossed the UNI
lovely mask of the count when he saw
Lanyard approaching, and he greeted
the adventurer with a 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 adyen-
turer
HE tired quickly, that one, and
packed himself off to Troyons. 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, Il have a
word for your private ear, If these
gentlemen will excuse u.s."
Dol" 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 vi twenty pounds hi
owes mel"
Some derisive laughter greeted this
sally.
Il mean that, however" Lanyard in
formed the other cheerfully. as they
moved away to a corner where con
versation without al audience was
possible syoH sRks y silat l2sRls 'of
England note, ydd know"
"Cheap at the price," the count
protested, producing his bill-fold. give
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? II 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 sealed deck.
Meantime, let us rest on the under
standing that ! have found, at one end,
message scrawled on banknote
hidden in secret place, at the other
end yourself, M. lie Comte. Between
and beyond these points exists a mys-
terry, of which one anticipates eluci-
dation."
you shall have IT," De Morbihan
promised. But first we must go to
find those others who await u.s."
mot SO fast!" Lanyard interposed
what am to understand? That you
wish me to accompany you to the
ah-den OF the Pack?"
Where else?" De Morbihan grinned
"But where is it,"
II am not permitted to say"
"StiIl one has ones eyes. Why not
satisfy mo hara9"
"Your eyes, by your leave, monsieur,
will be blindfolded."
Impossible"
"Pardon-it is an essential"
Come, come, my friend-we are not
in the middle ages!"
Il have no discretion, monsieur. My
confreres-"
Il insist, there must be trust on both
sides. or no negotiations.
But | assure you, my dear friend"
"My dear count, it is useless, am
determined. Blindfold? | should say
not! This is not--need | remind you
again?-t Paris of Balzac and that