The Glenwood post., 1924-10-02

aid made his way Dy means VI tue
private passage to the Sporting club
Madame de Poniere and her niece
were seated where he had left them,
the elder lady slipping some cohee'
| Pauline looking around her with a
languid air Of half-amused Interest.
Save for the fact that Madame De
poniere's lips frightened a little AZ sne
saw Gerald alone, there was not t1e
slightest Indication In their manner
or expression that they were con-
frcnted in any way with an excep-
tional situation.
" have found our friend" he an
nounced. "He II making some a.
terations to his toilet. am meeting
him in few minutes and shall bring
|, him here"
quired.
.Not when / arrived" was the eau
tious reply. .,a.
coffee negligently.
.Had he" she asked. "the air Of h
man who has been loFngr
n fear" Gerald admitted. "that ne
rather gave me that impression"
Pauline smiled up at rim.
1T Is very good Of you to give your
ye1f so much trouble" she said. my
aunt and I are greatly indebted to
you. Please do not lose any time IN
bringing Monsieur Zubin here"
The words were almost dismissal
Gerald made his way back through
the passage and took seat in the
lounge of the hotel. Within the time
promised, transformed Monsieur
Zubin made his appearance. Gerald
found 1t difficult to restrain his sur
prise His dinner suit was faultless-
ly cut, his black pearl studs were
marvellous. he had been carefully
shaved and his hair had been trimmed.
He carried white kid gloves In his
hand, a glossy SIR hat and malac-
ca cnne crowned with malachite He
came over at once to Gerald and
signed tn waiter who was lowering
about with bottle upon tray
.You will give me three minutes"
be begged "I was interested In a
series of numbers. and forgot to
dine. 1 nave GU q DOtttS OA
wine. You will perhaps Join me-"
Every good of you.'r Gerald replied.
'Tt rs rather between times for me.
TIL nnve a fine champagne, II I may"
Monsieur Zubin bowed gruvely and
the brandy was brought. Without
turning a hair. he drank two tum-
blerfuis Of the wine. Then ire turned
courteousiy to his companion
.1f you have no objection" he pro
posed, 1--WE will walk outside to the
Sporting club The distance is the
same and the air is fresher."
Gerald assented readily. and they
started OFT side by side. The Russian
was walking with his shoulders back,
like man on parade, and Gerald sud-
denly felt that his own stature had
become insignificant. AIT the way his
companion seemed to be- recftfng to
himself in some foreign tongue. recit-
ing something which now and then
seemed to have the swing Of blank
verse. As they reached the steps
which led up to the Sporting club, he
came to a full stop and glanced
around
"Young man." he said, facing Ger
aid, you are probably little curious
about me. This is the truth. Let
those know 1t who may be interested.
I am the steward of Madame de
Poniere and the trustee Of as much
as is left of her revenues. l came
here ashamed Of their scantfness and
the wild idea of enlarging them at
the tables occurred to me. have
failed. There is voiture here, you
zee, by ny side, and the. commission
aire IL there to help you. apologize
for the trouble am giving. charge
you to deliver the expression of my
undying devotion to Madame and
Mademoiselle."
His night hand, which had been
fumblins in the pocket OF his dinner
coat, she< out like lightning A small
revolver, flashing in the electric light,
was pressed to his temple. There
were two almost simultaneous repo' is.
Runners were already floating about
the club when Gerald hurried in. five
minutes later. Both women looked
at him IN half-fearful Inquiry. Ger
aid was very grave.
"Madame," he annoumeti. I bring
bad news.~
Nadine unfurled her black lace fan
and famed herself slowly.
"One hears that a man has shot
himself outside," She said. at is.
perhaps, the man whom ! sent you to
seekf-
1T Is he," Gerald acknowledged
Madame de POniero rose TO her feet.
She was an ugly woman whom. up to
that moment, Gerald, had detested. He
found himself now admiring her pro
f0undly. She leaned little upon the
stick which she carried in her left
hand. Her right she extended to-
wards Gerald.
IF you will give me the support Of
H. v0pr opy,, = ,rxl no.ut.zx.