The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1922-09-08

l drop the prince stuff altogether II thes
French people around here would lie
him"
A page brought the domino. Eel
discarding the mask. threw the domino
about his shoulders, and the two mel
left the club In company.
They sought their destination afoot
the home OF the banker Joseph Mail
lard. The streets were riotous, filled
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 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 J" 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,
plnnRinU or
them. A Columbine she was both
cloaked and masked. Encircling her
hair was a magnificent scarf shot with
metal designs OF solid gold-a most
unusual thing. Also, from her words
1t 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 cake 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, fartherl" went
on Fell. "Our Columbinc has an excel
lent passport, assure you. This gauzy
woven for the good Queen Hrtense,
and l would venture a random guess
that. clasped about~her slender throat,
lies the queens collar of star sap
phires-"
"Ohl" From the Columbine broke a
cry of warning and swift dlsmay.
Don't you dare speak my name, STR
don't you darei"
Fell assented with 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, 1t seemed that Fell knew
their companion, and accepted her as |
fellow guest at the MaiIlard house.
'What are you doing out on the |
streets alone?" demanded Fell, sud |
denly. Haven't you any friends or
toftake care of you?"
Columbine's laughter pealed out, and
she pressed Fell's arm confidingly.
"Have l not some little rights in the
world, monsieur" she said in French.
Il have been mingling with the dear
crowds and enjoying them, before go
70 be buried in the dull splendors of
he rich mans house. Tell me, do you
.hink that the Midnight Masquer will
make an appearance tonight?'
81 have every reason to believe that
he WILL" said joachim Fell, gravely.
C0lumbine put one hand to her
hrOat, and shivered a trifle.
"You-you really think so? You are
lot trying to brighten me?" Her voice
vas no longer gay. "But-the jewels
( they are taken by the Masquer-"
"In thar case" said Fell, let the
lame be mine entirely. If they are
ost, little Columbine, others will be
ost with them, fear not think that
his party would be rich haul for the
iasQuer, eh7 Take the rich man and
is friends-they could bear plucking,
hat crowd ROgues ALL"
"Confound you, Fell" exclaimed
lnsley, uneasily. "If the bandit does
how up there would be the very devil
o payl"