Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1924-12-27
BY
E. Phillips OppeRheim
CHAPTER IX-Continued
Copyrlght 81 Llttle. Brown : Co.
- IL.

the pdSShEE anu AUUh seat III lNc
lounge of the hotel Within the time
promised, transformed Monsieur
Zubln made his appearance Gerald
found Il difficult 10 restrain his sur
prise. His dinner suit was faultless-
ly cut, his black pearl studs we're
marvellous. lie had been carefully
shaved and his hair had been trimmed.
He carried white kid gloves In his
hnnd. Ti0ssv silk hat. and a malac-
ca cane crowned with malachte lie
came over at once TO Gerald and
signed to a walter who was lowering
about with a bottle upon a tray
"You win give me three minutes"
he begged q was Interested in a
series Of numbers, and I forgot to
dins. ] have ordered bottle Of
wine. You VIII perhaps ioin me"
very good Of you" Gerald replied
''It is rather between times for me.
ri have a fine champagne II I may"
Monsieur Zubin bowed gravely and
the brandy was brought without
turning a hair, he drank two tum-
blerfuls Of the wine Then he turned
courteously to his companion.
"If you have no objection" he pro-
posed. 1--WE will walk outside 10 the
Sporting club The distance is the
same and the air Is fresher'
Gerald assenfed readily, and they
started Off side by side The Russian
was walking with his shoulders back,
like A man on parade. and Gerald sud
denly felt TIM; his own stature had
become insignificant All the way his
companion seemed 10 be reciting to
himself I'm some foreign tongue. reclt-
ing something which now and tten
seemed TO have the swing Of blank
verse AS they reached the steps
which led up to the Sporting cub he
came TO full stop and glanced
around.
young man" he said, facing Ger
aid, " you are probably a little curious
about me This IL the truth Let
those know II who may be interested.
] am the steward Of Madame lie
PonIere and the trustee of as much
as Is left of her revenues. came
here ashamed OF their scautiness, and
The Wild idea Of enlargng them at
the tables occurred to me. | have
failed, There is volture here, YOU
see, hy my side, and the commissions
aire Is there to help YOU apologize
for the trouble ! am giving | charge
you 70 deliver the expression Of my
undylng devotion to Madame and
Mademoiselle'
Ills right hand. which had been
fumbllng in the pocket OF his dinner
coat, shot ont like lightning A small
revolver. flashing IN the electric light,
was pressed to his temple There
were two almost simultaneous reports.
Rumors werA already floating about
the club when Gerald hurried In, i've
minutes later Both women looked
at him ia halffaurful inquiry. Ger
aid was very grave
Madame" he announced. bring
bad news"
Madame unfurled her black lace fan
and famed herself slowly.
zone hears that a man has shot
himself outside" she sS.d at is,
perhaps. the man whom | sent you TO
seck?"
1T is he" Gerald acknowledged
Madame de Poniere rose to her feet.
She was an ugly woman whom. mp 70
that moment Gerald had detested. He
found himself now admiring her pro-
foundly. She leaned a little upon the
stick which she carried in her left
hand Her right she extended to-
wards Gerald
III you will give me the support Of
your arm downstairs. Lord Dombey.
! shall be glad" she continued Il
am an old woman. and these shocks
become more poignant with the years.
Zuhln was faithful servant Of my
house / am affected"
They made their slow progress
from the room. Madame held her
head high MademoiseUe was a little
paler than usual bur her good night
10 the commiSslouaIre was as clear
and gracious as ever No signs OF
any disturbance remained outside -
Monte Carlo knew how 10 deal with
these things. Their automobile was
already in attendance and the two
women took their places at once
I'VE are much obliged for your as
sistance, Lord Domhey." madame de
clared ''I regret that we should have
given you so traglcal an errand.-
You viii permit me to call perhaps
at the vIlla?" Gerald begged.
Il shall not be receiving for severa
days" madame replied "If you are
60 gracious as to leave card, my
servants viii tell you when ann dis
posed TO see friends"
The car glided OF. Madame eanet
back with closed eyes. Gerald caught
just faint glimpse OF Paulines pro
file, ivory pale, a CLEAN or terror II
her eyes. as though she knew ma
they were passing over the spot wher,
Zubin had died,