The Southern herald., 1922-09-01

An, mere are FELL ana AnSleyV eX
claimed Malllard, almost with relief
"l-ah-my friends, | don't suppose
you've seen Bob recently?"
Ansley was silent Jachin Fell
however, responded with cold noe
Of assent.
Yes" he said in his peculiarly tone
less manner. Eyes, we have. At least
] believe 1t was he"
"Pm worried" said Malllard, anxi.
ously, hurrledly. He made an express.
I've gesture Of despair. Hes In cos.
tune, Of course. I've been given to
understand that-well, that he has
been-well, drinking"
"He has" said Jachln Fell, without
any trace Of compassion. "a number
Of the Krewe are occupying one of
the rooms In the building, and they
must have been visiting 1t frequently.
l trust for your sake that the fact
hasn't become generally known In
slider"
haillard nodded. Shame and anger
lay heavily in his eyes.
Judge Forester, in his kindly way,
Iaid his hand on the bankers arm.
"Tut, tut, Joseph" he said, gently,
fund of sympathy In his voice.
"BOys will be boys, you know; really,
this Is no great matter! Don't let 1t
hit you so hard. I'll 60 with you to
hnd the room, Of course. Where is
1t, Jachin2"
"We'll all CO." put in AnsIey. "WeIl
have a little party Of our own, gentle
men. Come on, believe wen be able
to discover the place"
The four men left the foyer and
started through the corridors.
81 hear" said Judge Forester to
Doctor Ansley, as they followed the
other two, "that there has been aston
ishing news today from the Midnight
Masquer. 1t seems that a number of
people have received back property
this afternoon-loot the bandit had
taken. 1t appears to have been some
sort OF a carnival joke, after ALL"
"A poor one, then" responded Ans
ley, "and in doubtful taste I've
heard nothing Of it. l wouldn't mind
getting back the little cash lost
though I must say III believe the
story when see the money"
he broke Off quickly.
As they turned a corner of the cor
Kidor to the four men came reallza-
tiOn that they had attained their goal.
From one of the rooms ahead there
sounded snatches Of a bolsterous Choir
us being rOared forth Justify. As
they halted, to distinguish from which
door the singing proceeded the CHOIR
us was broken Off by an abrupt and
sudden silence. This silence was ac-
centuated by the preceding noise, as
though the singers had checked their
maudlin song in mld-career
"D-n it," muttered Maillard "Did
they hear US coming? No, that
wouldn't matter hang to them-but
what checked them so quIckly?"
'Thls door" said Fell, Indicating
one to their right. He paused at it,
listening, and over his features came
a singular expression. As the others
Joined him, they caught a low MUIR
mur Of voices, hushed sound of talk,
a rattle as a number of chips fell
from a table.
Cursed Queerw observed Jachln
Fell, frowning 81 wonder what han
pened to them so abruptly? Perhaps
the deal was fnished-they're having
a game. Well, go ahead, Joseph! |
Wen back you up as a deputation
from the blackcoats, and If you need
any moral support, call on Judge For
ester"
That gentleman flung open the door,
and Maillard entered at his side They
then came to a startled halt, at view
Of the scene which greeted them.
The room was large and well light
ed windows and transOm darkened
for the occasion. Tobacco smoke
made blush haze in the air. In |
the center of the room stood large
table, Uttered with glasses and bot
ties, with scattered cards, with chips
and money.
About this table had been sitting
half a dozen members of the Krewe
of Comus Now, however, they were
standing, their various Identities COM
pletely concealed by the grotesque cos
tunes which cloaked them. Their
hands were in the air.
Standing at another doorway, mid
way between their group and that of
the four unexpected intruders, was the
Midnight Masquer-holding them up at
the point of his automatic!
Maillard was the first to break the
silence Of stupefaction.
by heavens" he cried, furIously.
Here's that id villain agaln-hold
him, you at him, everybody"
In a blind rage, transported out of
hiEIself by his sudden access Of pas
ZION, the banker hurled himself for.
yard. From the bandit burst a cry
II futile warming; the pistol in his
land veered toward his assailant.
This action precipitated the eves,