The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-05-23

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 them to become friends. | She ran through the list of her friends and remembered the Count Mordac. The following day she saw him.
 ''It is," he said, "a most resrettable affair; although" "-eyeing her with a smile-"there are some who would see in it an opportunity for advertisement, and that only. That you should so concern yourself for the well-being of these two gentlemen almost makes me decide to duel myself"
 There is no jest in it, monsieur. shall never forgive myself. You will do your best to help mel"
 "Assuredly, and think I am honored in being asked, madame. I shall make it my business to find out their inten- tions from themselves"
 That night he saw Lolette. y Lolette was a shadow of her former self. Disappointment and envy were leaving their marks upon her. She was queen of her kingdom. In at tempting to crush Elise, L0lette had indeed crushed herself.
 What is all this about duely' she asked Mordac.
 He explained. Lolette watched him sullenly.
 Some people" she said, when Nor. dac had finished, "have all tie luck. Her picture will be in all the papers when one of those fools is dead"
 That is it." answered Mordac. "She doesn't want it."
 Lelette looked surprised and then sneered. ''So she is not changed, eh ?" She spoke softly, as though to herself. All this is make-believe. Oh-she is clever that one, but not clever enough. Tell me"-leaning forward-''is she, do you think, very happy?'
 For once Mordac could not follow the trend of Lolette's thoughts. He an- swered frankly.
 q do not. She is unhappy"
 'Lolette nodded. Sop
 They looked into each others eyes, each wondering of what the other was thinking. Mordac was telling himself that Elise behaved as she did because she sought safety in numbers, ssfety from himself and Brunei. But L0lette was remembering Kendrick. If only Kepdric1 could come back! Lolette, verN dimIy at this moment of it's in- ception, began. to see a tortuous path by which she might yet attain her goal, might yet destroy La Phalene. If only something would bring Kendrick back to Paris.
 Listen, mon camarade. Would you still be willing to do little thing for Lolette?"
 What is it?"
 When you have discovered the time and place of this duel, before you, in form that woman, come to me and tell me. That is all.
 Il will do It." Mordac felt forced to concede the point, for there were times when I1olette troubled him, when he read a latent threat in her every word and look. He considered her. T am wondering what you intend to do."
 You will know that in good time" :" CHAPTER S7-A STORMY IN.
 TERVIEW
 Ahmed went to the Hotel Crillon and saw Felice. Felice received him with considerable politeness and a jest.
 This" he said, lis both unexpected and unorthodox. my friend"
 Hardly" Ahmed, as usual, was very serious. "The arrangements I wish to discuss with you are unusual and could hardly be committed to the care of third party"
 Felice invited him to be seated. He was wondering if the incredible had happened, and Ahmed wished to with. draw.
 Ahmed said: Tt is about our little affair." was sent for by La Phalene.' ?
 "She is as interested as all that T'
 Not in me alone, but in both of us She asked me not to meet you"
 And youI' The little note of mock, cry which Felice managed to infuse into the words brought deeper tint te Ahmed's swarthy cheeks,
 II have called on you-7that is. the result of it."
 Felice's eyes dulIed ,''There shall be no withdrawal. Understand? If you IhSye come to beg. off, if you have tc crawl with apology-then you have wasted your time"
 Ahmed heard it in silence. When Felice had finished he said: "I am gratified to find my first impression of you was correct. Recently l have been wondering if was mistaken, and that after all, you might be a gentleman As it is, my pleasure at the prospect oi killing you is enhanced"
 Felice glared at him, vibrant with rage. All the materials for another outburst of violence were there, and il needed but a spark to set them liam, linz