Evening star., 1928-04-15

oped to the occupying of the same table
in the dining room of the Timeo.
Mama" said Mr.. Parmalee, after he
had refused a portion of the fish with
the Objectionable eyes and tail, I'VE amt
taken in the Casino yet"
I'll arrange 1t for you." said Roland,
And so. a couple of hours later. they
entered the Casinos hospitable doors.
1T could be in Ionia.' said Mr.. Par
Then. jocularly, Roland, there's your
best girl dancin' with them whiskers."
When the music ceased its squawling
the signurinedda and her hirsute part
ner returned to seats at an adjoining
table. She bowed to Roland distantly.
He watched her companion covertly,
with the jealousy of youth. The man
ordered champagne. The waiter re-
turned opened the bottle. filled their
glasses and stood eXpectant. The whis-
kered one felt in an accustomed pocket,
frowned. felt in other pockets, scowled.
leaned across the table. His face was
close to the signurinedda's and he eyed
her balefully
II do not make a scene" he said In
harsh Italian. Il do not wish trouble
in this place. Give 1t back"
She drew away from the man. wide
eyed. AS though involuntarily, her head
turned toward Roland, almost as If she
appealed to him for help.
"Signore" she said.
Make 1t to be returned" said the
man. My wallet. 1t is too early in
the evening for such tricks. little one"
"Cochon!' whispered the signurin-
edda.
The whiskered one laid a huge hand
upon her wrist. mo scene in this pub
lie room." he said 1T is not my wish
Come quietly-you! To the office,
where there shall be searching. Do
you come, or do / drag you before all
eyes?"
The words had reached Rolands ears.
but so sudden was the impact of them
that his grasp upon their meaning could
not fasten itself. He pushed back his
chair. A wallet! The signurinedda! |!
This whiskered man accused the signur-
inedda of stealing his Wallet
1T was but matter of seconds, and
he was following toward the door. In
the hall he saw the bulky figure of the
man urging the Signurinedda through
the door 70 the Office. 1t had scarcely
closed when Roland opened 1t again
and stepped inside. Before him sat
oAsAipiC NtAi. GNAlClltly dSLOfllS[leQ, pa
tiently nonplussed. The whiskered one
glowered The signurinedda stood very
white and still. None of them seemed
to notice Roiand's presence.
My wallet" said the man. During
the dance she took 1t. If let you rob
me at the gaming-table. 1t is because I
do not object. / think 1t is in the bag
upon her arm"
He Snatched the bag, bursting its rib
bons. and clawed it open. triumphantly
holding up to view a pocketbook of
leather, plump and prosperous of out
line. The slgnurinedda gasped.
"All will remain here" said the man.
Il send for the police"
Signore Neri struggled to his feet and
his extended hand trembied. rs that a
necesSity?" he asked. THE signore has
again his property Is he not content?"
NO"
The man showed his teeth through
his beard. You have taken my money
at your tables, en-? Why. then. should
not expect somewhat of yours?" He ap-
peared to regard this In the light Of
humor and chuckled naming a sum in
Ira the equivalent of $4,000,
But. Signorel am but the mana
ger. This is my daughter. have no
such sums II is a thing impossible.
You do not demand this with serious
ness"
That" said the man. "or nothing. "
Roland. his back against the door.
spoke In cool, detached voice Sig
nurinedda,T he said, II can not believe.
i do not believe" This was argument
to allay his own apprehensions.
Go away" said the signurinedda In
English.
"Of all times this" he said. lis the
one in which am required to remain.
YOU" he addressed the man.
There Is that here which / do not I'M
derstand. have not the sum in cash,
but upon my letter of credit"
mo! Nor cried the signurinedda.
"Ah, a good friend of the lady, Is 1t
not7 Well. IL is one TO me what pocket
is emptied. A letter OF credit. eh? The
thing can be arranged"
Yes, yes" said Signore Neri.
But so that the gentleman may not.
experiencing regret for his generosity.
order stoppage OF payment. Eth? Now
we shall see, This. / think, suffices.
The gentleman receives the cash from
this house He takes 1t 10 the tables.
and there. attentively. he loses IT, Then.
having lost this sum 10 you, Signore
Neri. you In turn. place 1t in my keep
ing"
mo" said the signurinedda again.
In whatever way you arrange 1t" ac-
Then. to the tables" said the
stranger.
You will leave me moment with
your daughter" said Roland