The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1922-06-30


French people around here would let
him"
A page brought the domino. Fell,
disearding the mask. threw the domino
about his shoulders, and the two men
left the club in company.
They sought their destination afoot
the home of the banker Joseph Mall
lard. The streets were rioteus, filed
with an eddying. laughing crowd OF
masquefs and merrymakers of all ages
and seyes: confetti twiried through
the air. horns were deafening and
laughing voices rose into sharp screams
of unrestrained delight.
AT last gaining St. Charles avenue,
with the Maillard residence a half
dozen blocks distant, the two compan-
ions found themselves we'll away from
the main carnival throngs.
As they walked along they were sud
denly aware OF 1.-THE figure approach
ing from the rear; with a running leap
| and an exclamation of delight the fig
ure forced itself in between them,
grasping an arm of either man, and
bantering voice broke in upon their
train of talk.
Forfeit ~ 1t cried. "Forfeit-where
are your masks. sober gentlemena This
| grave physician may be pardoned. but
not domino who refuses TO mask
And for forfeit you shall be my escort
and take me whittier you are going
Laughing. the two fele into step,
glancing at the gay figure between
| them. A Columbine, she was both
cloaked and masked. Encircling her
metal designs of solid gold-a most
unusual thing. Also, from her words
! it was evident that she had recognized
| them.
Willingly. fair Columbine," respond
ed Fell in his dry and unimpassioned
tone of voice. 1--WE shall be most happy
indeed to protect and take you with
| us"
$50 far as the door, at least" inter
| rupted Ansley, with evident caution.
But Fell drily laughed aside this wary
| limitation. -@
1 way, ssbON WENT
on Fell. "Our Columbine has an excel.
lent passport, assure you. This gauzy
scarf about her raven tresses was
woven for the good Queen Hortense
and would venture random guess
that. clasped about her slender throat
lies the queens collar of star sap.
phires-"
"Oh!" From the Columbine broke 6
cry of warning and swift dismay
Don't ysu dare speak my name, sir
don't you dare!"
Fell assented with a chuckle, ant
subsidized.
Ansley regarded his two companions
with sidelong curiosity. He could no
recognize Columbine, and he could no
tell whether Fell was speaking of TIL,
scarf and jewels in jest or earnest
Such historic things were not uncom
mon in New Orleans, vet Ansley nevel
heard of these particular treasures
However, it seemed that Fell knew
their companion, and accepted her as
fellow guest at the Maillard house
what are you doing out on tn,
streets alone?" demanded Fell, sud
denly. Haven't you any friends O
relatives to take care of your"
Columbine's laughter pealed out, an,
she pressed Fell's arm confidingly.
''Have not some little rights in tn
world, monsieur?" she said in French
81 have been mingIing with the dea
crowds and enjoying them, before ! G
TO be buried in the dull splendors o
the rich mans house. Tell me, do yoI
think that the Midnight Masquer viii
make an appearance tonight7'
81 have every reason to believe tina
he WILL" said joachim Fell, gravely.
Columbine put one hand to he
throat, and shfvered trifle.
"You--you really think so? You ar
not trying to frighten meg" Her voic
was no longer gay. "But-the jewels
If they are taken by the Masquer-"
, in thar case" said Fell, "let tn
blame be mine entirely. If they ar
, lost, little Columbine, others will b
, lost with them, fear not think tina
this party would be rich haul for Iii
Masquer, Ell? Take the rich man an
his friends they could bear pluckini
that crowd! Rogues all"
"Confound you, Fell" exclaime
AnsIey, uneasily. eff the bandit doe
show up there would be the very dew