Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 275, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 November 1911 — The Poll of Flame [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

The Poll of Flame

By LOUIS JOSEPH VANCE

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C3oiwr icrtit 1309 abv T jnn in *loscoli Vadpa •s* » SYNOPSIS. - r " , " ITI ’ mSSJ® je«i In his hotel. O’Rourke, a military free lance and something of a gambler, Is dressing for appearance In the restaurant below when the sound of a girlish voice .Ringing attracts hl* attention. .Leaning out on the balcony.-he sees a beautiful CHAPTER 11. After that bitter disappointment his interest in his personal appearance dwindled to the negligible. In a black temper with himself (whom alone he blamed for the deception to- which he'had fallen too facile a victim) he searched blindly for a fresh tie, found ' It somehow, and knotted It round his collar tn the most haphazard fashion imaginable. Then he Shrugged a dress coat upon his shoulders and marched forth to dine. In this humor he propelled himself with determination into the public restaurant of the establishment, and, oblivious to the allure of many pairs of bright eyes that brightened all too readily to challenge his, insisted upon a table all to himself, and dined in solitary grandeur, comporting himself openly as a morose and misunderstood person, and to his waiter with a manner so near rude that the latter began almost to respect him. r After some time he was disgusted to discover that he felt better. An Impulse toward analysis led him to probe the psychology of the change, with the result that he laid the blame for it at the the neck—of a half-bottle of excellent burgundy. So he ordered another, and, resolutely dismissing -from' his mind the woman.who had no right whatever to be able to sing a certain song the way she had, Set his wits to work on the riddle of Tomorrow.

To a man whose trade was fighting, the world Just then was a most distressful place, too peaceful entirely. „ Over his coffee the adventurer nodded in despair and frowned in dis gust; then rousing, he summoned the waiter and paid hta reckoning with a secret grin at himself, a fifty-franc note and a gesture which splendidly 'Obliterated altogether evdry trace of suspicion that he, intended to take back any part of the change due him. Trimming and lighting a cigar,'he • reviewed the restaurant with a 11stless eye which discovered no one of . his acquaintance;, therefore, with neither haste nor waste of time, he rose add betook himself to the Casino —that Is, to the-one place where one may feel ndrtain of encountering, soon- • er or later, everybody who Is anybody within the bqunds of the principality. This night, more particularly than on any preceding it, now that he had made up his mind to seek,betterment ■of his fortunes elsewhere, he played heedlessly, little concerned with the fate of what money he had about him. He had set aside a reserve fund sufficient to settle his hotel bill and carry him a considerable distance into the unknown which he was resolved to beard, and was resigned to lose the remainder. It was a tenet of his creed of fatalism that chance seldom favored him when he had money in his pockets; the tide of his affairs must be at its lowest ebb ere it turned. His policy then was obvious—childishly plain: he must fling to the winds all that which he had. * Now never was there a man whe . plgyed to lose who didn’t win his point. Colonel O'Rourke’s case can be cited as no exception to this rule Elbow to elbow on one side with an artless old lady from Terre Hants, who risked her minimums with the feroclous Jealousy of a miser making an unsecured loan, on the other with an intent little Austrian gambler absorbed in the workings of his ’“system,” the adventurer scattered gold upon the numbered and illuminated gridiron as unconcernedly as though he had been matching shillings, and saw the coins gathered in by the greedy rakeoften aa tye little ivory ball ceased to chatter on the wheel. For the better part of an hour this .continued. Apd the little group of sycophants which had gathered behind bis chair to watch his play Insensibly dissipated. A whisper ran through the ranks of the habitues that the luck of thp mad Irishman had turn•dj and forthwith he ceased to be an object 6f interest. Only the little Austrian, having risked the number of stakes prescribed by his system for one evening's play, put aw«y his notebook and pencil and, surrendering his place to another, lingered behind O’Rourke’s chair, unable to resist the fascination of watching a man who could at once lose money and retain jkt length, Inexpressibly bored and ST .li’XJte 2® 21*Jo* ,n ? TIUb, » ■ • * —* ■* —Z3.

1 this sanaaHnnind for < itffljb Hma ed by 4he whirring of the wheel, but cared so little that he would not turn to watch the outcome. Only an exclamatlon of the Austrian’s appraised him of thq fact that red had won. He glanced listlessly round to see the money doubled, and let it rest, turning back to his survey of the throng. A moment later his attention became fixed upon two men who stood in the doorway, looking toward him. Again the wheel buzzed, the ball clattered-and was still. The word rouge among others in the announcement told him that again he had won; this time, however, be did not turn, but, frowning in speculation, stared back at the two. 7 Stared? Indeed and he did just that. If It was impertinent, sure and were they not staring at him? And who should gainsay an O’Rourke the right to stare at anybody, be he king or commoner? Furthermore, who [might these men be, and what their interest in himself? ; f’ The one was tall and slender, saturnine; an elegant, owing as much to the art of his tailor and upholsterer as to his own indisputable, native distinction; a Frenchman—at least of a type unquestionably Gallic. His face was very pale, his fine, pointed mustache very precise. Jaw square, forehead high, eyes deep and dark beneath brows heavy, level and black, manner marked by a repose almost threatening in its impassibility. His companion was shorter of stature, a younger man by at least ten years, rather stout and very nervous, with a fresh red face marred by hallmarks of dissipation; British, every inch of him. “That, I’m thinking,’* mused O'Rourke, “will be the Honorable Bertie Glynn. Faith, he looks the part, at least; 'tis just that kind—inbred, underbred, without brains or real stamina—that would run through a half-million sterling inside a year.” But the other? *

“Monsieur,” the little Austrian stammered excitedly in his ear, "for you the red had doubled a fourth time.” “Thank ye,” replied O’Rourke without moving.' “ Twill turn up .seven, this run.” The system-gambler subsided, petrified; But the other? O’Rourke continued to probe his memory. Something In thd ipaa’s personality was curiously reminiscent. . . . Qf a sudden, remembered. The Frenchman had been pointed out to him, years ago, in Pans, as a principal in a Boulevard scandal which had terminated in a duel —a real duel, An which he had been victorious. He was accustomed -to anticipate such an outcome of his affair of honor, however; that was why he had been named* to O’Rourke; Des Treble (that was the name; .the Vlscomte des Trebes) was a duelist of International disrepute. “Monsieur,” the agitated voice fluttered In his ear, “you have won yet again—for the sixth time!” “Let it stand for the seventh, mon amt”. Why should Des Trebes be watching him so openly, so pointedly? As he watched he became aware that these two, the Frenchman and the Englishman,-were not alone; detached though their attitude was, they were evidently of a party of ladies and gentlemen' whose gay, chattering group formed their background. “Monsieur, the seventh turn!” "Yes, yes.” “Rein ne va plus,” croaked tho croupier. One of the ladles turned to speak to the Honorable Mr. Glynn. Smiling, he nodded, and offered her an arm. She lingered, addressing Des Trebes. The latte? bowed, lifted his shoulders and laughed lightly, plainly excusing himself. A general movement took place In the party; It began to disintegrate,, men and women pairing off, all moving at leisure toward the lobby. Des Trebes alone remained. O’Rourke could see that- the personnel of the gathering was largely British. He recognized Lady Pllnlimmon, whose yacht (he had heard casually) had arrived la the harbor that morfnlng. Evidently this was her party. Another woman’s figure caught his attention; her back was turned, but she had an air, a graceful set of the shoulders, an individual pride and spirit U the polfle of her head, that O’Rourke could have sworn he knew. He was conscious that he flushed suddenly, that Ms heart was pounding. He made as it to rise and follow, but was prevented, almost forced back by a harnf which the Austrian in his feverish Interest had unconsciously placed on the Irishman's shoulder, • “Monsieur, monsieur!’ ho gasped, his eyes, protruding, fixed Upon tho wheel Beads of sweat gitatenad on his forehead. Ho trembled as though hla own fortunes hung on the change. Impressed', O’Rourke could not forbear to Unger, to cast a reluctant glance at the table. Tho else of Ms pllo of gold and notes on. the red was * somewhat WW rnttltag over the compartments

.11 .Im o OCCUP O the exclusion of all else. Th« svftfpm-ramhlAr fnllnwpd Mm with a stare of incredulous amazement “What a man!** said he to himself, if half aloud. A second later he added: “What admirable act,n But he was mistaken. There was nothing assumed in O’Rourke’s air of apathy. He was actually quite indifferent and already preoccupied with his new interest—the pursuit of the woman whose unexpected appearance m Monte Carlo seemed likely to upset' all his calculations. The sails of the barque of his fortunes had all his

life long been trimmed to the winds of Chance; he was accustomed to seeing them fall flat and flapping, empty, just when a venture seemed most propitious. The loss of the money was nothing; the initial amount had been little enough in all conscience, though the major part of all that he possessed; but to him the woman was > everything —the world and all. now qhe was gone, had disappeared with her companions! In that Instant in which he had turned from her to the table, she had made her es-

cape. . . .. He cursed roundly the weakness that had lost her to him, and passing rapidly through the lobby, left the (Jasine, pausing before the entrance to look right and left. ' There was Ao sign of what he sought; the partial vanished. And who should Say Whither? “Damnation!*’ he grumbled. “Monsieur,*ya voice intruded at his side. . < . -

“He turned with a start, annoyed. “Well?” he demanded curtly, recognizing De Trebes. . The Frenchman bowed. “I have the honor to address Monsieur le Colonel O’Rourke?” Reflecting that the man might afford him the information he sought, O’Rourke unbent. “I am he, Monsieur des Trebes.” Surprised, the latter lifted bis eyebrows, showing even white teeth In a deprecatory smile. “You know, me, monsieur?” “By sight and reputation only, monsieur." 3a' >

‘1 am honored.” "No more than meself, if it comes to that.”

The vicomte laughed "Then I may presume to ask the favor of a word with you?” > “Are ye not having it, monsieur?" “True . . ..But In private?" “One moment. Ye can d° me a favor, if ye will. Afterwards—” “I am charmed.” ‘ " Tis not much I’ll be asking yd—merely a question or two. Now that gentleman ye were talking with awhile back: isn’t he the Honorable Bertie Glynn?”

) ‘The same, monsieur.” “And the lady who spoke to him—?”

“Madaffie Smyth-Herriott, I believe; I know her only slightly.” “Then ye are not of their party?” “Party?” 'Des Trebes appeared perplexed. "What party?" “Why, Lady Plinlimmon's, of course.” T have not the honor of that lady’s acquaintance, monsieur.” “Oh, ye have not? But Mr. Glynn?” “Is here with me, monsieur—a flying trip. We ran down from Paris but yesterday. . Our meeting with Madame Smyth-Herriott was quite accidental.” “Oh, the dlvvle!” said O’Rourke booeath his breath. Plainly he might expect nothing more helpful from this man; ho had jumped prematurely at a ' baseless conclusion, it seemed. And by now it was much too late to think as further' pursuit. ‘That h all I wished to know, monsieur" ho admitted lamely. ’There was a lady to tbo group whom I thought t recognized. I wished to And her, and fancied ye might perhaps direct me. Ye didn’t by any chance happen to hear Mrs. Smyth-Herrtot say where she was going with Mr. Glynn?” "Unhappily, no. monsieur.” "Very well then. What can I have the happiness to serve ye in?" The Frenchman hesitated briefly.

L«' - • r ’***'*' ■ ‘-■A". I “eir t^£ e upo7M l e^rino>d’ , of front, and presently sat side by side upon a bench looking out over the harbor. Then'and then only did Des r Fi*AK«sa annrftflnh Hla <evv KA tltw thing which he had until now-studious-ly avoided, distracting the not overbanalltteß - -- “I dare say. Colonel O’Rourke,” he suggested abandoning his mother tongue for excellent English—“l dare say you are wondering—** *1 am that.” "I feared so. But It was essential that we should speak in privacy.” “Yes— r* “But before I proceed, may I put you a question or two bordering, perhaps, upon impertinence, yet not so conceived ?” ■‘"■■.' ■J'• ■ “What a long-winded beggar!" O’Rourke commented mentally. “As for that,” said he aloud, “ ’tis impossible for me to calculate the impertinence until ’tis put to me.' Eh?” "Believe me, str, I am anxious only ter avoid indiscretion. It Is the question of your Identity alone. I desire only to be assured that you are the Colonel O’Rourke I take you to be.” "My faith! And who else would I be, now?” “There’s the bare possibility that two of the same name might exist” “ ’Tis so bare that ’tis fairly indecent,” chuckled the Irishman. “But fire away.” - “I am not mistaken in assuming that I address the Colonel Terence O’Rourke who was at one time a party to le petit Lemercie’s mad Empire du Sahara* project and who later married Lemarcier’s widow, Madame la Prlncesse de Grandlieu?” O'Rourke took a long breath and looked his questioner up and down. “Ye have a very pretty taste in the matters of impertinences,” he said gravely. “However, let that pass. I’m the same man.” “A thousand pardons. Caution in matters such as this —" A. shrug completed the thought most eloquently. “You can give me proofs of your identity, then?”. . “Proofs!” O’Rourke got to his feet. “Believe me, monsieur, ye have all the proof I’m willing to give ye, and that’s my last word. If ye find it insufficient, why, then—” ‘ “Pardon!” Des Trebes Interrupted, rising. “J am myself more than content. But the Government of France —’’ “The Government of France —1” O’Rourke whistled. “Is more exacting than I. ; It knows a certain. Colonel O’Rourke and him alone does it need.” “The diwle it does! And what will it be wanting with me?”

■ “I can say at present ne more than that I represent Government In an affair demanding secrecy and dispatch. I have a certain diplomatic mission to discharge, and shall have need, monsieur, of a man strong, bold, venturesome, willing to undertake a long and perhaps perilous journey.” Had Des Trebes been Inspired he could have formulated no speech better calculated to intrigue the Irishman; the merest echo of its import would have fired Ms hearer’s fancy. He added: “And I am authorized to retain for that purpose, should I be fortunate enough to find him unengaged, a certain Colonel Terence O’Rourke.”

“Say no more, monsieur. ’Tis enough. ’Secrecy—dispatch—a lon g and perilous journey!’ Faith I’m just your man!” .. , ' ' . V “You have no other business of the moment?" ’ ,*• “None whatever.” ’Then I am Indeed fortunate. And now,. I presume, yon will no longer object to satisfying me as to your Identity.” “Not in the least. Although, to be candid, monsieur, I’m not in the habit of carrying . me Bertilllon record about me. But if ye’U have the goodnes to accompany me. to the Orient, over there, I’ll put your mind at ease before ye can say knife." Des Trebes nodded. T should be delighted, but unfortunately” he snapped the case of his watch—"l have an appointment with a confrere. May we fix a time —In half an hour, say—when it will be convenient for you to have me call at the Orient?" “In half an hour? I’ll await ye then, monsieur.”

. "Pardon/then, my haste. lam late. I must be off.” The man's hand touched O'Rourke’s In the most brief of claapq, singularly firm and cold. The Irishman pondered the sensation for some moments after Des Trebes’ hurrying figure had vanished in shadows. T don’t like it,” he averred; “*tla a bad sign—a hand that’s naturally cold. I never yet touched one like It that belonged to a man ye could trust. I misdoubt sound "at the core, Dec Trebes. . . . But then, what’s the odds? Can I not take care of meself? And since 'tis the Government of France I'm treating with, and himself only the medium—that puts altogether a different 'complexion oa tho matter■” , He spent the-ensuing half-hour loitering in the more populous portion of the grounds, smoking as ho strolled. hta eyes keen to scrutinise each woman who camo his way. But ho discovered none rooembltog her whom he had sdea tn the Casino. , (To bo continued f*.

"I Have the Honor to Address Monsieur Le Colonel O’Rourke."