Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-09-29
~ T corner table in the restaurant
Of the Hotel de Paris, at Monte
~ Carlo, four very distinguished local
notabilities were enjoying a midday

was host, white-haired but vigorous with keen
dark eyes,
On his right sat Monsieur lie General de St.
Hflaire, from the barracks at Nice, a solderly
looking rerson. with fierce gray mustache,
who wore his imposing row of ribbons with the
air Of one who has earned them.
On the left of his host was Monsieur
DeSrolleS, the chef de surete of Monaco a
man Of mysteries, If ever there was one, tall
dark and hatchet-faced, severe of department,
rs beftted the custodian of many secrets
The fourth man at the table was Gustave
Sordel the leading spirit in the Societe des
Bains de Mer. that vast organization responsible
primarily for the gambling rooms, and, in q
minor degree, for such less important institu-
tons as the Baths, the Tir aux Pigeons, the
Cafe de Paris, and the golf course
The conversation was of food and its glorious
corollary, wine. Monsieur Robert was engaged
in the pleasing task of making the mouths of
his guests water.
Suddenly he broke of with frown At his
elbow stood Henri of the reception bureau,
with q paper in his hand.
what Is this, Henri?" he demanded. Mon
sieur Grammont IS In his office. You see that
lunch with friends? An occasion, this! Why
am disturbed?"
Henri overweighted with apologies
"It is Monsieur Grammont who thought that
fded. "It Is thing incomprehensible One
does not know whether to allot the room"
Monsieur Robert produced q horn-rimmed
eyeglass, and adjusted it. 1.-THE allotment of
the. rooms Is no concern of mine" he grumbled
"YOU win permit a word of explanation
Monsieur" the young man begged eagerly
Prom the Blue Train there arrived, q quarter
Of an hour ago. this gentleman Monsieur An
drew Tresholm, an Englishman. He had en-
gagged by correspondence a room looking over
the gardens, with bath and small salon. Nom
sieur Grammont suggested suite 80. took
him to it upon his arrival
He was satisfied with the apartments and
the price. AL goes well, you perceive I hand
him the papers from the Bureau of Police, and
invite him to sign them. He fills in his name
you see it there. His age, So. His place Of
birth. county IN England He arrives at
profession He leaves that blank. Monsieur
DeSrolles," the young man added, will remenn-
Der his recent injunction"
Certainly" the chef de surete assented
I'VE wish in all cases to have this profession
stated There has been certain slackness In
this respect"
Henri bowed his grateful acknowledgements
across the table.
i desire to carry out the official request" he
continued, land press Monsieur Tresholm to
NIL In the space. He protests mildly insist.
He takes up the pen, hesitates Then he
smiles He Is of that type-he smiles to him
self Then he writes. Behold, Monsieur
Robert, what he writes"
The great man took the paper into his hand
and stared as though bewildered. "'Occupa-
uon,," he read out, professional gambler.
professional gambler" Monsieur Robert
xeNeatNd fF0n he
They all exchanged bewildered gIances.
"A joke perhaps?" the general suggested.
The young man shook his head.
Tnls Monsieur Tresholm seemed perfectly
serious, !" he declared. 'T asked him If he were
In earnest. and he replied, Certainly It
Is the only profession have he assured me.
and 1t keeps me fully occupied Those were
MS words Am. to send this in to the police?'
I asked him. Certainly he assented. IF thew
must know my profession, there it is"
Here, perhaps, Is the end of the world for
u.s. said Monsieur Robert. "A professional
gambler, mark you. He may know something.
defeating system may have arrived Soon
you may have to close your doors, Gustave and
I my hotel"
Henri waited patiently. what am to do
about the gentleman's ROOM Monsieur Roberto"
he inquired.
Give it to him, by all means. was the
prompt reply See that Madame Grund adorns
It with flowers, that the servants, too, show
this eccentric every attention. Stop. though,
His luggage!"
He has great deal Of very superior quality"
Henri con1ided. There is also a motor car OF
expensive make"
Ma fol! He makes 1t pay!" Monsieur Robert
erunted. But that is very good. EXCELLENT"
Henri took his leave, and they all began to
talk at once.
An inbecile without doubt"
Perhaps humorist."
stop. stop, my friends!" Gustave sordel
begged There have been others who arrived
here with equal confidence. We have heard