The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1922-08-15

and sexes; confetti twirled through
the air, horns. were sdeafening. and
laughing voices rose into sharp screams
Of unrestrained; delight. ,&s..41s -.
At last gaining st. Charles avenue,
with the MaiKlard residence half
dozen blocks distant, the two compan-
ions found themselves well away from
the main carnival throngs. 80
As they walked along they were sud-
denly aware Ola 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 san arm Of either man, and
a bantering voice broke in upon their
train Of talk. 49,. -t>.< = 4
Forfeit, it cried. "Forfeit-where
are your masks. sober gentlemen? This
grave physician may be pardoned, but
not a 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
1t was evident that she had recognized
them. ~ - +, r. -.
"Willingly, fair Columbine," respond.
ed Fell in his dry and unimpassioned
tone Of voice I'VE 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. %>-<s7
"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 would venture a random guess
that, clasped about her slender throat,
lies the queens collar Of star sap
phires-" Z" = r.. -. a..
'!""Oh" From the Columbine broke a
cry of warning and swift; dismay.
|" Don't you dare speak my name. sir
OOA yOA N0AC a.
Fell .assented with chuckle, and
subsidized. *,t.1;.:| 49,. -, 49,
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 q
fellow guest at the Maillard house.
what are you doing out on the
streets atoneT' 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 confdingly.
:Have not some little rights In the
world, monsieurT' she said in French.
II have been mingling with the dear
crowds and enjoying them, before 60
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 tonightr' '
II have every reason to believe that
he will" said joachim Fell, gravely. !.
Columbtne put one hand to her
throat, and shivered a trife.
:"You--you really think so? You are
not trying to brighten mer' Her voice
was no longer gay. "But-the Jewels
If they are taken BY the MssQuer-"
''1n that case" said Fell, "let tho
blame be mine entirely. If they are
lost, little Columbine, others will be
lost with them. fear not! I think that
this party would be rich haul for the
Masquer, Ell? Take the rich man and
his friends-they could bear plucklns,
that crowd! Rogues ALL" H.
"Confound you, Felt" exclaimed
Ansley, ,uneasily. If the bandit does
show up there would be the very devil
to pay!" .~@ Ill b. l.. -; -.
"And Maillard would do the paying"
Fell's dry chuckle held q note of Bit
terness. LET him. Who cares7 Look
at his house, there, blazing with lights.
Why pays for those lights? The people
his financial tentacles have closed their
sucker.like grip upon. His wife's jew
dshave been purchased with the coin
Of oppression and injustice. His sons
life1ds one Of roguery and drunken
wildness-' ..sE. s:3-s ss 4 IA
,tt.tlian, are you madT" Ansley indi-
Gated the Columbine between them.
"We're not alone here--you must not
talk that wav--" sa s@4s..s s>sEs&5t i.
Jachin Fell only chuckled again. Col
umbine's laugh broke in with renewed
gaiety: @s4,
Nonsense, my dear Galen! We
masquers may admit among ourselves
that Bob Maillard is"
us not the man we would have our
daughters marry, provided we had
daughters" said Fell. .[s..
They had come to a file of limou-
sines and cars, and approached the
gateway Of the Maillard home. They
turned into the gate. Jachin Fen