The Dermott news., 1919-06-19

| ward information on the last word. T do not know where I am going" she answered slowly. "I have never been in New York until today"
 But you have friends here7" She shook her head.
 But are you really carrying eight thousand dollars about with you in New York at night? 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 Mir Daly's gam Ing house. l 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 III to play him. hotel near Mir. Daly's house, and then l shall play every night until our for tune is made. Tonight I lost nearly two thousand dollars. But was nerv- ouS in that strange place. And the system expressly says that one may lose at first. Tomorrow raise the stakes and We shall begin to win. Scc?"
 She pulled A little pad from her bag covered with a maze of figuring.
 But where do you come fromr asked. "Where is your father?"
 Again l saw that look of terror come into her eyes. She glanced quickly 0hpIrf hpr cni ha thinking of escaping from me-
 hastened to reassure her.
 Forgive me" said. Tt is no bus mess of mine And now. If you will trust me little further I will try to find Il hotel for you
 It would have disarmed the worst man to feel her little hand slipped into his arm in that docile manner of hers. l took her to the Seward the Grand. the Cornhill and the Merri- mac-each in turn.
 Vain hope When I asked for a room for her the clerk would eye her fu!S dubiously. 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, if her story were true? What was she? She looked French and had something of the French frankness
 There was only one thing to do, and. though l shrank from the suggestion 1t had to be made
 Tt Is evident that you must go somewhere tonight" I said. "I 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 call for you at nine in the morning"
 She smiled at me gratefully-she did not seem surprised at all.
 You have some baggage?" I asked.
 "N0, monsieur" she answered.
 She was French. then-Canadian French. I had no doubt was hardly surprised at her answer. had ceased to be surprised at anything she told me.
 Tomorrow I shall show you where to make some purchases. then" I said And now, mademoiselle, suppose we take q taxicab."
 As her hand frightened upon my arm I saw s man standing on the west side of Broadway and staring intentiy at us.
 He was of singular appear rance. He wore q fur coat with a collar of Persian lamb, and on his head was Q lambskin cap such as worn iE colder climates but is seldom seen in New York. He had an aspect decidedly foreign. and l imagined that he was scowling at us indignantly.
 called taxicab and gave the driver my address.
 GO through some side streets nnd 70 fast" I said.
 The fellow nodded He understood my motive. though I fear he may have misinterpseted the circumstances. During the drive instructed my companion emphatieally.
 Since you have no friends here you must have confidence in me. mademci- selle." l said.
 And you are my friend7 We'll. monsieur be sure l trust you." she answered.
 "You must listen to me attentively. then" l continued. You must not admit anybody to the apartment until 1 ring tomorrow. have the key, and I shall arrive at nine and ring, and then unlock the door But take no notice of the bell. You understand"
 "Yes, monsieur" she answered wearily. Her eyelids dropped; saw that she was very sleepy.