The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1922-09-01

CHAPTER vIIl-continued
--12-
"Ah, here are Fell and Ansleyi" ex-
claimed Maillard, almost with relief
'sI--ah-my friends, l don't suppose
you've seen Bob recently?"
Ansley was silent. Jachin Fell,
however, responded with cold nod
of assent.
EYES," he said in his peculiarly tone
less manner. yes, we have. At least
i believe it was he"
I'm worried" said Maillard, anxi-
ously, hurriedly. He made an express
i've gesture of despair. He's in cos
tune, of course. I've been given to
understand that-well, that he has
been-well, drinking"
HE has," said joachim Fell, without
any trace of compassion. ga number
of the Krewe are occupying one of
the rooms in the buildings and they
must have been visiting it frequently,
trust for your sake that the fact
hasn't become generally known in
slider"
Mail}ard nodded. Shame and anger
lay heavily in his eyes.
Judge Forester, in his kindly way,
laid 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 ii
hit you so hard. I'll go with you to
find the room, of course. Where is
it, JachinT
"We'll all CO." put in Ansley "We'll
have little party of our own, gentle
men. Come on, believe we'll be able
to discover the place."
The four men left the foyer and
started through the corridors.
II hear" said Judge Forester to
Doctor Ansley, as they followed the
other two, shat there has been aston
ishing news today from the Midnight
Masquer it seems that number OF
people have received back property
this afternoon-loot the bandit had
taken. II appears to have been some
sort Of a carnival joke. after ALL"
"a poor one, Them responded Ans
ley, "and in doubtful taste. I've
heard nothing of it. wouldn't mind
getting back the little cash I lost
though / must say I'll believe the
story when see the money"
He broke OFF quickly.
AS they turned a corner Of the cor
ridor to the four men came realiza.
tion that they had attained their goal
i From one of the rooms ahead there
sounded snatches of boisterous 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 mid-career.
"D--n 1t I" muttered Maillard. "Did
they hear us coming? No, that
wouldn't matter a hang to them-but
what checked them so quickly?"
'aThis 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
muir Of voices, hushed sound of talk
rattle as number of chips fell
from table.
"Cursed queerw observed joachim
Fell, frowning. 81 wonder what hap.
pened to them so abruptly? Perhaps
the deal was finished-they're having
game. Well, go ahead, Joseph
Well back you up as deputatior
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 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 a blush haze in the air. In
the center Of the room stood a 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 MISUNDERSTANDING them up al
the point Of his automaticl
Maillard was the first to break the
silence of stupefaction.
"By heavensl" he cried, furiously
Here's that id villain again-hold
him, you'll at him, everybody"
In a blind rage, transported out Of
himself by his sudden access of pas
sion, the banker hurled himself for
ward. From the bandit burst cry
-