The Raymer enterprise., 1923-10-04
CHAPTER I-contlnusd.

0Vetteu lHe pEOule gave lne impress
sion Of utter obliviousness to the
crowded room. His English small
clothes were rather passe for the pc
Rod: and the powdered hair above a
coat Of blue broadcloth, his bun
breeches and silk stockings thrust
into low silver-buckled shoes gave q
quaint distinction to his tall figure.
The two young men watched bis
bronsed hand turning . card under
the ruby light After a moment Jar
vis yawned audibly; and then a nudge
came between him and the Count de
Almonaster. They looked down upon
the short, stout form Of Dominique.
the alderman. Behind him peered
Beluche. the restless seaman Of Car
tagena.
The artist strolled again to the bar.
room. Not even the buzz Of interest
that followed violent exclamation In
the cardroom lured him again from
his cognac. But Dominique. the alder.
man, had started to his tiptoes with
Z curious glance at his fellow-buc-
cancer. "A voicer hs whispered, and
stared past tho onlookers.
The British ohicer, flushed with
drink and chagrin. had leaned closer
to his opponent. "Do you question my
word. sir, al to the worth Of the
wenchi Put her upon the block at
tho Rotunda tomorrow She would
fetch three thousand dollars at
Charleston; and In this town. SIR, II
you will find a fairer one-slave, or
free woman Of color-or even among
its reputed beauties"
There was a stir; the Creole gentle
men glanced at one another darkling.
Langhorne, the consul. raised his
hand. but Sazarac had answered
slowly:
"Your pardon, SIR. I did not know
the-the-she was chattel. I own
no slaves, sir, nor do I care to wager
for one"
"You shall play on, sir. You have
ruined my fortunes on this river voy-
age, and In last nights playl I de-
mand my chance at retrieving. You
have Just accepted my two horses in
pledge. Now, then-thls San Domingo
girl, upon the card, sir7"
Sasarac gathered the long rough
surtout about his shoulders as II to
arise. The consul whispered to the
red-faced Carr. The dealer sat back
with glance at the circle Of faces.
@Youa cannot leave!" Carr cried
hoarsely He turned to those behind
him: "Gentlemenl Is It customary,
In New Orleans. for q loser to be re-
fused any legitimate wager that may
relnstate himT
There was murmur; 1t was the
code at Maspero's. The stranger must
know. De Marigny whispered: "He
has Sazarac there. The stranger must
playp
The stranger glanced about. Carr
struck the table violently.
1T Is my privilege, gentlemen A
card, sirl The turn Of one card, In
stead Of running the deal! No chance,
then, for trickery"
The stiffness became acute. It was
q bad word at Maspero's. De Marigny
expected the next instant to see the
unknown gamester fling his glove into
Carr's face. But the quiet profile did
not change. Langhorne clucked In his
throat as II the situation were lntol-
erable-as II, indeed, more portentous
things than slave girl hung on the
turn Of the card.
sThe card, then Sazarac went on
slowly. Three thousand dollars on
the red against the bond girl"
'Taken-" Carr bowed. '.rhe black
will turn, gentlemen"
The dealer threw the cards in q
semicircle across the cloth. Deliber.
ately, but with a flash of his white
fingers. he picked one at random and
turned It up.
It was the ace Of hearts.
The groups watched It curiously.
Captain Sazarac arose, threw his
cloak higher about his face, although
the day was warm, and turned to 70.
The dealer. at a gesture from him.
swept the notes and gold upon the
cloth, into a leather bag. The groups
broke up with a comment here and
there; the gentlemen by the door gave
away to the stranger as he advanced.
Colonel Carr had started sullenly at
this abrupt dismissal BY his victorious
opponent Whatever wild word was
upon the ruined mans lips was
checked BY the consul's muttered
warning. But Carr. too, arose, fol-
lowing pace to groM over the crowd
at the door.
''The girl. sir. will be at your dis
posal at the hotel at whatever hour
you claim your property
The stranger bowed. Out In the
drinking-room he seemed like one con.
sdous that the eyes Of all New Or
leans' men Of affairs were upon him.
Just outside the door he stopped ab-
ruptly. In the shadow Of the arched
sourtway Of st. Louis street two
squat. short figures. their heads TO-