The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1922-06-16
The Mardi Gras Mystery
By
H. BEDFORD-JONES


drop the prince stuff altogether if these
French people around here would let
him."
A page brought the domino. Fell,
discarding 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 riotous, filed
with an eddying, laughing crowd Of
masQuers and merrymakers of all ages,
and sexes; confetti twirled 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 well 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 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 it cried. "Forfeit-where
are your masks, sober gentlemen? 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 fell into step,
glancing at the gay figure between
them. A Columbine, she was both
cloaked and masked Encircling her
hair was magnificent scarf shot with
metal designs of solid gold-a most
unusual thing. Also, from her words
it was evident that she had recognizedt
them.
Willingly, fair Columbine," respond
ed Fell in his dry and unimpassioned
tone of voice. eve 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.
''Nay, good physician, farther!" 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 I would venture a random guess
that, clasped about her slender throat,
lies the queens collar of star sap
phires-"
"Ohw From the Columbine broke
cry of warning and swift dismay.
Don't you dare speak my name, sir
don't you darew
Fell assented with a chuckle, and
subsidized.
Ansley regarded his two companions
with sidelong curiosity. He could not
recognize Columbine, and he could not
tell whether Fell was speaking of the
scarf and jewels in jest or earnest.
Such historic things were not uncom-
mon in New Orleans, yet Ansley never
heard of these particular treasures.
However, it seemed that Fell knew
their companion, and accepted her as a
fellow guest at the Maillard house.
"What are you doing out on the
streets alone?" demanded Fell, sud-
denly. Haven't you any friends or
relatives to take care Of your
Columbine's laughter pealed out, and
she pressed Fell's arm confidingly.
'Have 1 not some little rights in the
world, monsieur?" she said in French.
II have been mingling with the dear
crowds and enjoying them, before go
to be buried in the dull splendors of
the rich mans house. Tell me, do you
think that the Midnight Masquer will
make an appearance tonightY
II have every reason to believe that
he WILL" said Jachin Fell, gravely.
; Columbine put one hand to her
throat, and shivered trifle.
"Y0u-you really think so? You are
not trying TO frighten me?" Her voice
was no longer gay. "But-the jewels
If they are taken by the Masquer-"
"In thar case" said Fell, 'let the
blame be mine entirely. If they are
lost, little Columbine, others will be
lost with them, fear not think that
this party would be a rich haul for the
Masquer, Ell? Take the rich man and
his friends-they could bear plucking,
that crowdl Rogues ALL"
"Confound you, Fell" exclaimed
Ansley. uneasily. eff the bandit does
show up there would be the very devil
to pay"