Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-07-18

CHAPTER TX.
HONOR AMONG THIEVES.
w YHEN Gabreau went back TO
A q, about parlS ssn, Molly sb 5eau1 Sss
watched the pantomime at
the roulette table, particu-
larly after Juanita had gone to her
ROOM Divitt usually came over to the
cage during the evening, keeping In
touch with what was going on. Tonight
he seemed to be avoiding her. Molly
was troubled by this, linking 1t with
Juanitas disposition and his subse-
ouent interview with Ledbetter and
Fouche. The interview had been a
smiling affair, and Divitt had at once
to explain and to make light. Then
Ledbetter had written a note, and
Gabreau had gone out with it. Gabreau
explained now, and Molly was relieved.
The incident had nothing to do. she
saw, with Divitt's avoidance OF her.
Molly watched Gabreau take his sta
ton between the two front windows.
The evening wore on. Few were left
in the room beside the group at the
roulette wheel. Kirk Stanard leaned
over Mrs. Belaise. apparently saying
that they must leave. Mrs. Belaise
shook her head, laid down coin.
Molly saw Divitt look at Gabreau.
Gabreau came slowly from his sta
ton against the wall. Slowly he passed
very slowly behind Mrs. Belaise's chair
Molly, watching, saw Mrs. Belaise's
painted shawl brushed to the floor.
Kirk Stanard bent to pick it up, but
Gabreau had paused and now placed 1t
carefully about the lady's shoulders as
If in apology for having brushed it
from the chair. Then he went on and
took his station against the wall.
Kirk Stanard had persuaded Mrs
BelaiSe to leave. AS she rose something
glittering slipped down her white dress
to the floor. She stood protesting while
Kirk folded the painted shawl more
closely about her and led her out, fol-
lowed by Ledbetter and Fouche. the
bright thing that had slipped down
her dress lying under the roulette table.
Divitt bowed them out, returning to
the deserted wheel, where Gabreau was
putting things to rights. When they
came away the bright thing that had
been under the table was gone.
The last players were leaving. Divitt
and Gabreau began to clear the tables.
Divitt glanced at Molly. little bright
eyed bird. watching from her cage.
Get to bed, kid" he said.
She came out, closing and locking
the gilded door. AS she passed him.
she touched his sleeve, a little unspoken
good night" TO which he responded
with q nod.
Molly had reached the door of her
room when the gate bell rang. In the
dark of the court she watched Gabreau
answer it. Stanard entered, hurried
into the parlors where Divitt was put
ting out the lights.
Mrs. Belaise has lost something" he
said. I'D like to see II it's here"
Divitt switched on the lights She
was nowhere but the roulette wheel"
he remarked, and drew back the cover
He and Kirk looked underneath.
1T was her necklace" Kirk said
then. She didn't miss 1t till she got
home"
You looked in the car, of course:"
Divitt asked.
Kirk nodded. We've looked in every
plausible place-hurr:edly Of course
She knows she had it on while she was
PLAYING. She remembers lingering 1t. y
She probably loosened it then. III
have Gabreau look on the sidewalk.
Wait till 1 get my fash"
Kirk and Gabreau went out on the
sidewalk, Divitt going INST with his
flash. They returned presently, D.vitt
offering his condolences. Il dislike
such thinks to happen here" he said,
You will advertise. of course
IT shall try to get 1t IN tonight KIRK
answered, and was gone.
Molly opened her door stood for an
instant in the dark. then switched on
the light at the beds head. Her coat
and hat lay on the bed, for Molly hao
been that afternoon to see the doctor
had not got home till time TO hurry
into the parlors. She gathered them
I'D now-hat and coar-placed them IN
the armoire. Then she sat down on
the beds edge. rumpling the satln
spread. staring into the dim old room.
ITS a hell Of a place to bring BABY
to-" she said.
At noon next day Divitt sent Tor
,Juanita to come to his Office. Divitts
Office was directly over the room that
he shared with Molly. A door had been
cut in the wall that separated 1t from
the Hotel THOU, making 1t accessible
tn either place. No denizen OF the
house invaded the upper balcony where
IT. passed Divitt's ONCE; so Juanlta
walked there for the frst time.
Here alone Mollys hand was not
visible. Uncarpted floor. dust, shabby
desk and chairs. Divitt rose as Juanlta
entered. motioned her TO chair.
In the dress of black silk with but
tons at wrist and belt, her hair knotted
smoothly. she was a different person
from the young woman he had seen
that first night. tumbled and dlstraught.
vet beautiful withal. Divitt had watched
lassitude come over the girl, had real
lied that something had snapped some
where. He had thought that in this
relaxed state she would conf1de in some
one-in Molly. certainly-knew that her
silence was due to the gravity OF her
secret. The knowledge SATISFIED him
for the moment.
Juanita had been an asset. greater
! than he had foreseen. She had mag
netism. enhanced by mystery. Molly S
idea of the veil had been good, Its
protection had given Juanita courage,
and its allurement. coupled with Molly
clavelv planted explanation OF 1t, had
advei tised both Juanita and the place
Eric Lcdbctter had unquestionaoly
| come solely 10 see her. also the dis
tinguished Mexican VINO brought Kirk
Stanerd's card.
But Juanita must not be so touchy
| about the veil She had left the group
last night simply because Fouche had
ioSed about Snatching 1t of. The rumor
! of this LONELINESS would<ge about. de-
strovine whatever charm she derived
| from her attire. Divitt had been q
! little astonished. however. at the clever
/ ness with which Juanita had escaped
! from the contretemps of last night
that kiss she had left upon Ledbetter'S
! Jaw He would have thought she was