Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1934-05-25
CHAPTER 2


be crowded. The Club of Cards, bril-
liantly decorated and swept by cool
breeZes, was an ideal rendezvous on
a warm summer night. Niles let his
gaze stray curiously about the scene
while low, haunting music from the
orchestra drifted over the tables. The
club was on the roof of the building,
laid out in patio fashion, open in the
center. Shrubbery in boxes fringed
the edge of the upper roof and above
was the velvet dark of the sky, stud
ded with stars. It was restful and
luxurious, but he was not deceived.
There were faces, here and there,
amid the crowd that belonged to the
sinister understratum of Broadway
against which he fought. In many
spot like this, to the strains of music
and the popping of champagne corks,
schemes of blackmail and worse were
set on foot. Hard callous features,
stony eyes, pale lips were in evidence
as the minutes passed and the Club of
Cards filled to overlooking. The light
laughter of women sounded amid the
hum Of conversation.
Idly Niles glanced toward the door.
Framed in 1t was man in evening
dress, erect and distinguished, with
CRAVING hair and face channeled by
long lines. A spasm Of uncomfortable
fury was passing across his oddly
carved cheeks. Something had occur
red to disturb this visitor. Behind him
Niles glimpsed the figure of girl
in a vivid scarlet and black costume
whom the gray-haired man seemed to
be motioning angrily away. The or
chestra swung suddenly into the
rhythmic beats of jazz and the floor
in moment was packed with dancers
Their swaying bodies cut off all fur
ther sight of the door and Niles
turned to inspect them. Nothing had
happened so far, perhaps nothing
would happen no matter how long he
remained in the club. He could only
sit there and watch.
Pardon" said soft, polite voice.
might I have your attention for a
moment, sir?" Niles moved around in
his chair. A stranger in a dinner
coat had come up and was sitting next
to him at the table. He had approach
ed soundlessly while Niles attention
was distracted and taken the adjoin-
ing seat. "You will excuse the intrus-
ion, trust? Waiter"-manicure fin
gers snapped with an air of author
ity-"champagne!"
The newcomer flashed a smile at
Niles that showed white, even teeth.
His handsome face was dark and his
hair a raven black-a perfect Latin
type. A gold-filled bottle appeared
Immediately in a silver bucket and
there was the report of drawn cork.
Two glasses dubbed with golden liq-
uid. ct is more cheering-si?-I
than the mineral water which you
have before you, went on the stranger.
II am Ramos, the proprietor of this
establishment"
"Yes?" said Niles. He schooled
his face to polite blank. He did
not have to be told that it was far
from usual for the owner of night
club thus informally to extend him
self for an unknown, casual patron.
"And what can I do for you?"
The Spaniard spread his hands. II
am repairing small error which has !
been made in your case. Quite a small
error but I do not care to have them
occur" He smile appeared again. He
seemed to turn it on and off mechan-
ically. 'You see, my courtroom girl
has given you the wrong check. You
should have had this one" He laid a
queen of hearts on the table and push
ed it towards Niles. "Will you give
me the ace of spades, please?"
Niles lifted his glass and slipped
slowly at the wine it contained. He
searched the face of Ramos and read
beneath its mask of courtesy a polish
ed ruthlessness.
why" he said slowly, SHOULD I
give you the ace of spades? ?"
81 have already told you," returned
Ramos. "It is the matter of mis-
take. If you will"
He put out his hand and Niles ig-
nored it. Slowly he felt a familiar
thrill rising in him. There was some
thing here that he could not fathom,
something that lay behind an appar-
emily simple request. Or was it an
order? Ramos, the suave Span
lard, wanted that particular card