The Dolores star., 1924-11-28

IL ~ uol tiiut AZ hAas Fh' "NN''N"
him indiiferently. There Is really no
reason why we should not meet In
place like this on equal terms. but my
aunt Is woman With only one Idea In
her head. and for the successful devel-
opment of that Idea II is advisable
that we make no acquaintances what
ever here. There, my Lord Dombey.
have I not been kind to you? | would
see more of you II could, because In
II place Ike this the escort of man Is
an advantage. AS II Is, ! can assure
you that risk a good deal In taking
these afternoon rides. II ynI knew
how wearisone my life was and how
grateful really am to you for these
few hours of escape. you would feel
more kindly toward me. See. | give
you my hand Let us be friends
II was the first time during all their
acquaintance that she had accorded
him the slightest mark of favor The
touch of her fingers thrilled and sur
prised him. He held her hand unresist-
Ingly for several moments. Then she
drew IT quietly but firmly away.
We'll, that Is settled" she said.
Now talk to me about other things,
Is there no news at the rooms? Has
no one been breaking the bankf"
There was something | was going
to tell you" Gerald replied. with
sudden fash OF recollection. 81 sat
next TO a man at dinner last night in
Cirn's grill. who they say broke the
bank several times during the after
noon. believe they said that he was
n Russian. I suppose you know all
about him. however"
IT. she exclaimed "Why should II"
Because. between the courses OF his
dinner. he wrote letter and sent 1t
or by messenger. He was at the next
table and II was impossible for me to
avoid seeing the envelope. II was ad-
dressed to Madame de Poniere.''
She looked at him. amazed.
ITO my auntI" she repeated. "But
we received no letter from any one
last night. What was this man like?"
They said that he was Russian
and that his name was Zubin." Gerald
replied. They also said that he had
noon"
.Zubln!" she exclaimed, with n little
start. Describe him at once, II you
please"
That is easy" Gerald acguiesced.
"He must have been at least six foot
three or four. and he had tremendous
shoulders. He was one OF the most
f,,I 10,
In my life. He had n sallow complex
Ion, lined face, black eyes and
mass OF black and gray hair"
She put her hand upon his.
stop the car, please" she begged.
Turn round as quickly as you Gun.
l must go home"
Gerald ran on to an adjacent Wild
ening OF the road. reversed the car,
and headed back for Monte Carlo.
IF had known that my news was
going TO shorten our drive" he grum.
bed, II shouldn't have mentioned the
fellow at ALL"
MY friend" she said earnestly
what you have told me may be Of
immense benefit for me to know"
You recognize the man, then?"
'He Is probably my aunt's steward.s
she coniided, after moments hesha
tion. There. you see am telling
you secrets. Do you know whether
he played last night?"
81 was only at the club" GernId re-
piled. "He did not come there. Is
there anything can do? Would you
like me to go and look for hIm?"
YES, you might do that" she said
thonghtfuily. when you have
dropped me, drive down to the rooms.
If you find him there, touch him on
the shoulder. Say that Madame de
Poniere awaits him. You will not for
get this7"
"Tll drive there at once" Gerald
promised
He set Pauline down. rs usual, Mt
the gates OF her villa. She scarcely
stayed to say goodby. but her smile
was more gracious and her manner a
little kinder. 1t was obvious, how
ever. that she was disturbed by his
information. Gerald injurious though
he was at most times. felt a growing
interest in his mission
Arrived at the rooms. he walked
straight through to the Cercle Prive,
visited each roulette and trente ct
quarante table, and strolled round the
bnccnrat room. Seated next to the
croupier, at the most remote table.
with little crowd of people behind
his chair, and with great pile of
notes before him, sat Monsieur Zubin.
The Russian was betting in maxi
NUNS, apparently on some system,
and with varying success. To all En-.
| pearances. he had not changed his
clothes, bathed or shaved since the
| evening before. There was an untidy
growth Of beard upon his chin. a
bloodshot streak in his eyes his col.
lar and tie were crumpled: his hair,
over-luxuriant at the best of times
was unkempt and disordered. Gerald
leaned towards the attendant seated
behind the croupier's chair. under
pretense Of handing him n small stake