The Elbert County tribune., 1919-05-23

she answered slowly. Il have never
been in New York until today"
But you have friends hereY"
She shook her head.
But are you really carrying eight
thousand dollars about with you In
New York at nlght7 Do you know
the character of the place you came
out Off" I asked. trying to find some
clue to her actions.
"Oh. yes. That Is Mr.. Days gam
ing house. came to New York to
play at roulette there"
She was looking at me so frankly
that l was sure she was wholly igno-
rant of evil.
MY father Is too Ill to play him
self" she explained, 80 must find n
hotel near Mr.. Dnly's house. and then
l shall play every night until our for
tune is made. Tonight 1 lost nearly
two thousand dollars. But I was nerv-
Gus in that strange place. And the
system expressly says that one may
lose at first. Tomorrow 1 raise the
stakes and we shall begin to win.
See?-
She pulled little pad from her bag
covered with maze of figuring.
But where do you come from7' I
asked. "Where is your father7"
Again saw that look of terror come
into her eyes. She glanced quickly
about her. and | was sure she was
thinking of escaping from me.
l hastened TO reassure her.
"Forgive me-" I said. at Is nc bus
mess OF mine. And now, IL you will
trust me little further 1 will try to
find hotel for you"
1t would have disarmed the worst
man to feel her little hand slipped
into his arm in that docile manner of
hers. I took her to the Seward the
Grand, the Cornhill and the Merrl-
mnc-each In turn.
Vain hope When l asked for
room for her the clerk would eye her
furs obviously, look over his book in
pretense, and then inform me that the
hotel was full.
My curiosity had given place to deep
anxiety on her account What was
this child doing In New York alone,
and what sort of father had let her
come. II her story were true? What
was she7 She looked French and had
something Of the French frankness.
There was only one thing to do. and,
though I shrank from the suggestion
it had to be made
ut is evident that you must go
somewhere tonight" / said. 81 have
two rooms which I am vacating to-
morrow. They are poorly furnished,
but there is clean linen; and If you
Will occupy them for the night I can
go elsewhere, and I will cali for you
at nine in the morning."
She smiled at me gratefully-she
did not seem surprised at all.
you have some baggage?" / asked.
mo. monsieur" she answered.
She was French, then-CanadIan
French. had no doubt. / was hardly
surprised at her answer. / had ceased
to be surprised at anything she told
me.
Tomorrow | shall show you where
to make some purchases. then" said
"And now. mademoiselle. suppose we
take n taxicab.'
AS her hand tightened upon my arm
I saw man standing on the west side
of Broadway and staring intently
at us.
He was of a singular appearance
He wore a fur coat with collar of
Persian lamb and on his head was
lambskin emp such as worn in colder
climates but Is seldom seen in New
York. He had an aspect decidedly
foreign, and I imagined that he was
ScaHlinp nt lis malignantly
I called d taxicab and gave the
driver my address
"Go through some side streets and
go fast" l said.
The fellow nodded. He understood
my motive, though fear he may have
misinterpreted the circumstances.
During the drive I instructed my
companion emphatically.
"Since you have no friends here you
must have confidence in me, mademoi-
selle." 1 said.
"And you are my friend? Well.
monsieur. be sure l trust you" she
answered.
"You must listen to me attentlvely
then" l continued. you must not
admit anybody to the apartment until
| ring tomorrow. have the key, and
/ shall arrive at nine and ring, and
then unlock the door. But take no
notice of the bell. You understand"
"Yes. .1onsieur,'' she answered
wearIly. Her eyelids dropped; l saw
that she was very sleepy.
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