Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, November 14, 1915, Page 26

WRITTEN BY GEORGE RANDOLPH CHESTER Author of “Get-Rich-Quick- Wallingford” DRAMATIZED BY CHARLES W. GODDARD Builder of the World's Greatest Serials INTRODUCING BURR McINTOSH MAX FIGMAN LOLITA ROBERTSON - Copyright, 1015, by the Etar Company. All Forelgn Rights Reserved. THE HILAS SPLASH. « HEN you put on this crushed egg- W plant display you'll make Gladys there look like orphan Maggie out In the cold,” deciared Biackie Daw admiringly, as the plump blonde model swished haughtily past blue-eyed Violet Warden. “Girlle, bring it back.” Violet flushed compliment, then she glEgled; and the plump blonde model swanned back across the floor of the pink and gray salon with the cold blank expression of & perfect | lady. Violet, admiring the imported lav- jat ender creation, suddenly stooped and plcked up the hem eritically. “Jt looks as if it might have been worn,” she suggested, and, at that mo- ment Monsleur Perigord danced into the room with bis perpetual air of having al- most remembered something urgent. Only the briefest flashing glance between Blackie and Violet, This was the man whom they had comeé to study. “You didn‘t borrow this for the French model's ball, did you, sister?”’ Inquired Blackle loudly. monajeur,” replied the girl In & rich East Side accent, and she cast one corner of her eye on Monsieur Perigord, who was hurrying toward them Monsieur Perigord, a dark little man with black freckles and a kinky beard, was shocked to the very center of his prettily ‘at the frank |jjbrary, Snore! That's right. Now listen,” being. “Impossible!” he cried, both hands aloft. *The house of Mondeaux does not permit it! The costume is new, it iy ex- clusive, it is delicious! With mademol- selle's exquisite color the effect s mag- nificent.” “I'ye color harmony 18 a cinch,” agreed Blackle, smiling to Violet, “But it looks to me as If this gown had paraded an to tyou do ot kKpow the' Americans always house of Mondeaux! __ think first of clever little tricks! “That’s knock!” decided Blackie. "‘nnn.l no money in clever little |:|cu Grafting is a sport, not & business. smbied wisely. murhlwru!nfllh-" WAR | ith a sudden whimsical idea. ing. A long, lean hand reached into the patch of moonlight, and u finger tickled Wallingford's ear. A snort and the big sleeper turned over. Another tickle. A gurgling grunt and a flop Wallingford, slowly awakening, becamo aware that someone was whispering in his ear “Jim! Snore, you fool,- snore! Jim! Snore! Mush! Listen! Keep on snoring, I teil you! Jim! There's a burglar in the and Blackle, like a tall, lean, gaunt ghost In his pyjamas, carefully detalled his in- structions. Shorty Tucker, working industriously the safe in the library, whirled sud- denly and peked up his gun, and, with an unerring, Instinct for the direction of sound, covered {he large gentleman who had appeared In toe library door. “Holler and I'll bore you!" hissed Shorty Tucker, pointing his revolver straight into Wallingford's scared eye. “Hands up!" “All right,” agreed Wallingford hastily, and stuck both plump palms straight up. “I haven't a holler in me.” “You Letter not,” warned £horty. “This trigger—Huh!" That “huh” was jerked out of Bhorty Tucker as a long, lean arm shot out from behind and snatched the gun from his right hand, while another long, lean arm wrapped itself in & vice-llke grasp around Bhorty's thick neck. J. Rufus flashed up the library lghts, and grinned at tne spectacle of the thick burglar being bent irresistibly back into & Hbrary chair. “Well,” husked the burglar sulkily, esti- mating that his chances of a fight were ‘worse thap useless, with his own revolver In possession of the enemy, “What are you going to do about it “Turn you up,” replied Wallingford. “Lot's give him an even brenk.” Blackie's restless eyes had rested on a deck of cards, and he picked them up “Criminal, I' play you one hand of freeze-out to ‘mop ‘whether you go on your useful way or wear handcuffs,” and, sitting down opposite Bhorty, he rapldly dealt five cards aplece. ‘et some highball ice, Jim," “All right.” Wallingtord, sleep return- ing heavily to him, walked numbly out into the dining room, and Blackie's several thousand dollars—on the ide'— |umused eyes followed his stumbling for Andre Perigord!" he exulted. course. In that instant, Shorty Tucker, Anothte quick glance between Blackle |1y freedom at stake, took a furtive glance Daw ond his pretty companion. They |4 the top card of the deck. His broad knew where Perigord had secured forty |face brightened as he saw the card, and thousand of his “‘on the side’” money; his | e hastily switched it into his own hand, name was fifth on the lst of that cllque, | aropping his discard into a tall ash jar. hesded by 1. H. Falls, who had robbed | «Curds,” sald Blackle oriskly, pieking Violet und Fannie Warden of their $,00,~ | up the deck. 0% fortune, on the death of their father. | “Onet* And this amount Blackie Daw and his | “You're too conservative.” Blackle cast partner, J. Rufus Wallingfoid, had eworn {4 shrewd glance at his opponent. “Now, to secure from the members of the cliqus for the beautiful orphans. Four nam were already crossed off that list. “Somebody'll catch you without your license number, Andre,' warned Blacklie diyly. “How about that llac splash, Violet? Do you like it two hundred and weventy-five?” “It's pretty,” hesitated Violet. ordered Blackie lightly, “Ulac splash’ cume home, - and Fannle Warden were called out of town by the iliness of hile Aunt Patty, and they were gone their return’ the girls the shopping district, r exclusive Mondeaux As they stepped out of the new which had been made possible half-million ar more already re- lady came up the ave- & lavender walking costume as exact duplicate of the i panels, buttons and all! As the #irls approached the big dry goods store, they stopped, stunned, In front of the show window. There, on a lovely wax lady with & bright-toothed smile, was the | same exquisite lavender Waaing sut, panels, buttons and all, marked “$6!" In & Broadway shop, at noon, they saw a threng of stenosraphers sdmiring the ceatral display of a big show window; a panels and buttons. They started »\wn in a hurry, and, as they crossed Wilty-third streer, saw a large, flabby, colored woman and & highly per- oxyded white woman pass each other with glares of undying hatred. They cheap taflfeta lavender walk- with the exclusive Mon- and buttona! In & show th street was o lavender and buttons! It was i il | | i E | me, I'll take all this hand will stand; nd if 1 improve it, eulprit, I'll try to get you @ cell on the sunny side," and he Gealt himself two cards. There was a moment of silence, then Bhorty cleared his throat. “I'd like to make a little side bet,” he offered, and dug into his pocket. He preduced $8.45 centa. “Raiso you 8L65," accepted Blackis, opening the drawer of the table and throwing down & §10 bill, grinning as he THE OMAHA J. Rufus Wallingford Blackie Daw - Violet “What do you think of that for Jim Wallingford's big shoulders heaved. “It sounds like the explanation for a black eye,” he chuckled. Monsieur Perizord was no longer polite, he ®as no longer grieved, he was no longer indignant; he was outraged! “I am insulted!” he charged, slapping himself on the breast and storping to cough. “You insult also the house of Mondeaux! I shall be kind! T shall ex- plain! Mademoiselle has worn the frock for five weeks; Do you not see? There has been plenty of time for your clever American manufacturers, Very well!” fus looked at each “Jim, he's a corking good llar,” com- leur Perigord was no longer able to control himself, “It is too much!” he shrieked. “Oh, hush, Andre,’ advised Blackle, kindly. - “I've nosed around and found two firms who get their deslgns through you; and, besides, Miss Warden never flashed this dress until yesterday. Give me the money before I'get rough.” The change in Monsjeur Perigord was slow, but it was complete. His rage meited Into smiling suavity In a beauti- fully graded transition of about one min- ute. “Monsleur, I shall pay back the money for the frock like an honorable gentleman,” he offered. Wallingford, watching him with heavy- lidded eyes, smiled. s this a regular Mondeaux trick?’ he asked. “Mon Dieu, no!" laughed Perigord. “But the house of Mondeaux Is in Parls, and 1 am here,"” “And tossing the bunk both ways," added Blackle: “into your firm and your customers In one and the same gentle operation: and working other grafts be- sides. And without investment.” “One becomes clever In America," boasted Perigord, with a self-satiafled smile, “I have learned the little trick to saw Shorty's regretful eyes glued on that dragwer. “I'm all In." Shorty looked at his hand sorrowfully. “That's & 3 gun.” ““Raise me the difference? and Blackle, extracting the cartridges, laid it on the money, ‘Tl see that with this silver meerschaum pipe.” A ring came off Shorty's finger. Blackle produced a stick pin, and the kit of burglar's tools went up. Hiackie threw off his pajama jacket, and Shorty tossed down his coat and vest. § "Call you," he husked. “I got to keep lmy pants. Look at these!" and with {triumph he tossed down four jacks and | a deuce. | Laughing glefully, he reached forward |10 #coop in the assorted stakes and his fredom, but Blackie, holding. otit a restraining hand, calmly spread down |four aces and a nine spot. “All over, Jim,” he called nonchalantly, as J. Rufus came into the room with |the bowl of cracked ico. “Call the po- MNee." “Aw say'' Shorty, Tucker ploture of abject humiliation. was the make money. Now I learn the little trick to Invest with rapidness. With fifty-four | thousand dollars to start—volla!" “Fifty-tour theusand!” then responded Blackle, glancing at J, Rufus. Wallingford, at the window, suddeniy wheeled and came back looking at his watch, “I'm afrald‘l can't wait until you settle with Mr. Perigord,” he stated. “What's your hurry, Jim?" protested Blackje. "It won't take long now. When people pass money they part.” “I have kept my eye on a certaln rapid investm sald Wallingford, impres- sively. TIl see you tomorrow at the office and settle with you for the next pool. By the way, here's your thousasd dollars.” *Oh, give it to a newsboy,” laughed Blackle, with a nonchalant wave of the hand. “I don't care what you do with it,” re- sponded Wallingford, gravely, producing & big red pocketbook. ““My business is to pay you this thousand dollars in return for the hundred and fifty you invested with me yesterday,” and Into the hands “How much will you invest tomorrow If there's anything I can do for you Buys, you just call on Shorty Tucker.” “Sorry, sport. but we don't want any burglaring done, de we. Jim?™ “Not tonight,” chuckled Wallingford, “It's a crude, undignified method of ac- quiring a profit on your energy, and—' Suddenly the smile left Wallingford's it He stopped and thought A moment, then his round, pink countenance beamed with joviality. “By George, we have a {Job for Shorty!" He walked over to the table, opened the drawer from which | Black’e bad extracted the loose money, | pawed sround for a little memorandum book, tore out & leaf and tossed it over to’'the worker of the night. “Do you suppose you gould get us this gentleman's private papers™ 80 striklng—so attractive™ he susvely expluined. “Those clever American manu. ~ “Bo that's the way its done” mused morning " “The wad,” Blackle answered promptly, and started to hand back the money, “You know better than that” Walling- ford reprovingly reminded him. “A| hundred and fifty fs the limit in this| pool, as I have often told you." | “Can't you let me go in for two hun- dred ™' argued Blackle, “T don't ltke to play for a plker bet ke thia" “Then stay out” retorted Wallingford. “I offered to let you In on a fifty-thou- sand-doliar pool onos, and you falled to | me at three-thiry, so now you take little pools. Walt a minute,” and consulted a red memorandum bool. fifty dollars for you yesterday, and to- duy he gives you back a thousand. “Yes, confound him," grumbled Blackie, “He's At me and won't let me in on his Eame." SUNDAY BEE NOVEMBER 14 1915, Blackie calmly spread down four aces and & nine spot. ment, looking gredily at the money in Blackie's hand, “Do you call this small ™ i “It's & tin-horn proposition,” scorned | Blackle, | “But how does he make it7" “Wallingford won't tell.” Blackie half | ‘whisperingly confided. ‘“‘He is one of our most clever Americans. Nobody knows how much money he Is worth. | Nobody knows how much I am worth. I don't know myself."” “And did Mr. Wallipgford make you ail your money?! "Every' last milllon dollars,” asserted Blackie. v “Ah!" breathed Monsieur Perigord in ‘worship. ‘1, also, would become rich— quick! - 8o rich that I also could say of 8 thousand dollars, ‘Give the tin harn to | the newsboy.! Monsiour Daw, would you | truly give that much money to a newsboy or was it what you clever Americans call & joke?" } Blackle's eyes widened in astonishment such a question should be asked. 'd glve it to anybody,” he stated, with & flash of inspiration. ‘‘Would you like to have 1t?” “Nine hundred dollarst™ Monsieur Perigord iIn terror. “lIs it nine hundred? Why, so it is" counted Blackie negligently. ‘“Here, Perigord, take it and buy yourself a dinner,” and, thrusting the bills into the hands of the dumbfounded Perigord he stalked out of the place. “I forgot to get Miss Warden's check,” explained Blackie the next day, walking into Monsieur Perigord's with a saxa- phone case in his hand. “It Is ready, monsieur,” cordially stated the Importer, greeting Blackie with the enthusiasm of an old friend. He clasped his hands and bowed profoundly. He de- livered the check with a flourish. “It| glves me great pleasure to make mysolf n honorable with mademolselle."” he'll appreciate it,” grinned Blackie. “Thanks, Perigord, Good day,” and he started for the door, Pardon, monsleur, one little moment,” | began Perigord. Blackle, expecting that call, turned with slow reluctance. He looked at his watch, “Your friend, Monsieur Wallingford," insinuated Perigord. “I am consumed with curlosity to know how much he gave you for your hundred dollars of yester- | ®asped Oh," returned Blackle, with a bored expression. “I don't know yet. As a matter of fact, I hadn't thought of in quiring about it. He probably has only | six or elght hundred dollars for me. I'll Just let it go.” y | “Ah, monsieur!” protested Perigord. “Even it it is only a little money like that, to you Who are so rich it should be taken. Perhaps monsieur would like to glve it to some friend.” “Very well,” agreed Blackie, yawning. | ‘Wallingford's office hours dre from 3 to, 4 Would you like to o over with me?" | “I shall be transported!” exclaimed | Monsieur Peeigord, In a flutter of do- light, this being the boon for which he had been eager to ask He ran. He brought his silk hat. He! brought his gray gloves. He brought his | litile cane. He brushed his kinky beard, He tripped down the stairs two steps ahead of Blackie Daw! Only when they| reached the office did he hang back tim- idly. | That was & brand npw office, in & brand | new akyscraper, and on the door was the legend: “J. Rufus Wallingford, Invest- | ments.” Monsieur Perigord did not no- | [nervous and apprehensive. average of $200 to $300 a day out of your Investment, haven't you?" “Yes, sir,” admitted Mr. Pollet. “The lowest you ever made me out of my $% was $100. But I want to go on your larger list. Nearly all your customers are allowed to Invest from $100 to $250 a day, and they make from four to six times as much as L do. It lsn't fair,” “That settles it!” roared Wallingford, at the limit of his patience. ‘‘You get out!' Your place on the list is vacant!" The door opened suddenly, and out shot & chunky young man who wore thick spectacles. Monsieur Perigord noted that he had money in both hands. He turned in the middle of the anteroom. “Go on out, you!" ordered the spider- legged boy, as J. Rufus Wallingtord him- self slammed the door of the private ttice, i Mr, Pollet walked slowly out.of the room. The walting fnvestors - looked A little bell rang sharply.. The spider-legged boy darted inte Wallingford's room. He bounced out The totally bald-headed man shambled in, casting a jealous look at Monsieur greeted Walling- ave 81,100 for you. you $1,000 clear profit. Pretty Perigord’'s eyea glistened. “Not the best day we've had, but I'm satisfied,”” laughed Jones. *‘I hear you're golng to start a new pool, Mr, Walling- ford."” “Next week,"” returned J. Rufus. “Any chance of my getting a share in e “I think not, Jones,” advised Walling- ford. “I won't split that pool into shares. I plan to take in just ome big investor ** “All right," agreed Jonea. with anything you do. 1 get in for tomorrow?" “One hundred,” stated Wallingford. “Just give me that hundred-dollar bilL" “There you are,” returned Mr. Jones contentedly. ‘‘Good day, Mr. Walling- ford."” The bell rang. The spider-legged boy darted in. Mr. Jones shambled out, with his hang full of money. Andre Perigord’s breath came quickly. ‘W, W. Willams," sang the boy. ‘The full-bearded man went in. “Good afternoon, Chinchill Wallingford cheerily. *‘You got in for a hundred and fifty didn't you?' Well, here's sixteen hundred and fifty dollars. Ull have to, cut you down to a hundred today." “Sorry sir,” eald Willams. "By the is Pollet dropped from the pool?” snapped Wallingford. “I'd like to take up his share.' ‘No,” snapped Wallingford. ‘Just as you say,” hastily responded Chinchilla Willlams. “Lord, I don’t want you to get sore at me, too." “I guess I am a little grouchy,” con- fessed Wallingford; “but every time 1 turn around somebody wants to hand we money. I'm tired of it “I know,” admitted Willams. “You have too much capital now. I guess if you dropped about half of us the rest of us coulq make more money." “If I dropped you all, I could make the “I'm tickled How much can |entire profit for myselt,” Walingford re- | minded him. “That's what I'm going to do on this next pool—take just one live partner with a hundred thousand dollars and split the profits.” “I'll gig you up & hundred thousand dol- lars in a minute,” quickly offered Will- \ams. Presented By This CWSPAPER,, in COLLABORATION With The famovs PaTHE' PLavers < the frown. His astounded eyes glued on the novel decorations of Walling- other money, “Anybody else out there, Jesse Jap yelled Wallingford. * replied the boy. ford. * the desk. tomorrow. “All right,”” assented Blackle, carelessly, and held the money loosely in his hand thumb. up, Mr. Wallingford?"* “All but a twenty-five-dollar share,’ answered the clever investor, he didn’t show up. sleur Perigord had been trying to speak, but he had been too excited. I will take it,” he offered. Perigord. next week."” \ “I am all gratitude!” fervently ex- { Ingford should change his mind. the other greenbacks. Monsieur Perigord smiled and smiled. ty-five dollars?" he wanted to know. “I guarantee nothin, returned Wal- lingford, casting on him a cold look. > ! may not make you over $100. I may even lose your money." Both Blackle and Monsieur Perigord |laughed at that absurd supposition. Again Monsieur Perigord ventured a Question. “If I may intrude upon mon- sleur's courtesy, how does he make such enormous profits?’” “I never tell,” declared Wallingtord. “Volla!" accepted Perigord. ‘‘Monsieur Wallingford, I thank you. Monsleur Daw, {1 thank you also. Shall T come over to- {morrow to get my money?’ “No, don't bother nie. I'll drop in and "hlnd it to you,” stated Wallingford care- {lessly. Good day, gentlemen." They filed out of the office, and Wal- illnlford called Blackle back, and Mon- sleur Perigord, listening Intently, heard ‘Wallingford say: “Your friend Perigord is very agreeable. | He s generous. He looks trus ng." Andre Perigord's heart was glad. What he did not hear Wallingford say wa | this: . me take care of this real coln. We'll leave the phony stuff here, but I'm nerv- {ous since 1 had Onlon Jones and Chin |cbflla Willlams and big Tim M this room. At last Andre Perigord was a happy |man! He was profiting by American en in cleverness, and he had the most clever | man In America as his investing agent. | On the first day Wallingford handed him $200 for his §25. On the second day Wal- lingford handed him $30 for his $%. On the third day "Wallingford handed him tice that the paint was still fresh. for| ‘“Nothing doing, Chinchilla,” bluntly re- |$2%, but on the fourth $350! Wallingford himself had carefully dusted and otherwise aged it. He had spent the morning on the job, Inside was & small antercom, in which there sat waiting a totally bald-headed man, and & man with a bushy beard, and & large red-necked man with a muatache, one end of which had been chewed to a tassel. A spider-legwed boy, guarding the entrance to the door of the private office, greeted Blackle with a nod, and turned 1 the glass partition could be heard the loud and ankry wvolce of that Poeriess invester, J. Rufus Wallingford. - “No, My, Pollet, you can't get on the preferfed list.” shouted the voice. “You have the gull of & burglar' 1 let you have §%5-a-day in this little pool prac- fused Wallingford. “I have to have a partner 1 lke. He must be generous, |ing clever. He knew now where Walling- i trustful, and agreeable, and you won't do Good day, Willlams." “Good day, sin” sadly. The bell reng as he came out with money In his hands. “Mr. Measen,” announced the spider- legged boy. The red-necked man with the chewed mustache lumbered In. He spoke a fow husky words. Whalitngford did not talk at ail. Big Tim came out with his hands full returned Williams when he saw the stranger with Blackie “Big!" repeated Perigord in astomish- |toally out of charity. You've made an|Daw, but Mopsieur Perigord did not see Y [ Andre Perigord smiled. He was becom- ford made these enormous profits; on the Bourse; the Stock exchange! That was where these clever Americans made thelr quick fortunes! It was the only place! | But Andre Perigord was wise! He sald | nothing! He held his peace and took the money. It was a shame that the amount was, after all, s0 small! It was a tin horn! {1 he could only invest in the larger busi- ness which Wallingford was about to launch, then he might be a millionaire quickly, and go back to Parls, and do nothing, and be & gentleman, and wear @ different dress shirt every evening! He must be more agreeable to Mr. Walling- ford; more gemerous; more trustful. “Well, Andre,” sald Wallingford, on the were ford's desk. These decorations consisted entirely of money; stacks of five-dollar | bills, of tens, twenties, fifties, hundreds, five hundyeds and thousands! There were packages of money still unopened, and from a slightly projecting drawer peeped lock the door,” ordered Walling- ‘Mr, Daw, here’s your eleven hun- dred dollars,” and he nonchalantly se- lected the money from the assortment on ‘‘You may get in for a hundred Passing Wallingford a hundred, he stuffed the rest in his vest pocket with his “‘Your tomorrow's pool all made “I was go- ing to let old man Dokes have that, but Moreover, I'm afraid Dokes can't keep his mouth shut., Mon- “If it will be any favor to monsieur ““Me, Andre “I don't like to let strangers in,” hesi- tated Wallingford, with a frown, “but I think I shall let Mr, Perigord in on this pool, Mr. Daw; that s, until it closes claimed Monsieur Perigord, whipping out his pocketbook and planking down his twenty-five dollars In a hurry, lest Wall- “You're on,” said Wallingford, tossing the money carelessly onto the desk with ‘How much shall I receive for my twen- | "Double right back, Blackie, ‘and help | fifth day, “the little pool is ended. Here s your last rakeoff—$22." “But there will be another pool!" pro- tested Andre. “Cannot monsleur make me a place in that, ever so little a place; only $% or $0, or $1007" “No,” refused Wallingford, kindly, but firmly. “I've cut out the small shares! I've dropped about half my investdrs. I've carried lots of them along because they were with me in the start, when 1 had enough. I don't like to monkey with 80 many people. The smallest shares in this new pool are $20, and it's filled up.” Andre cleared his throat. “But there was a larger pool,” he suggested. ‘Just Monsieur Wallingford and one agreeable partner.” , “Yes, that's Wallingford for that.” “Monsieur; my special pet,” agreed “I need & man with $100,000 1ook!" begged Andre. “I have $6,20, upon which 1 have lald my hands in the clever American fashion. Now, Monsieur Wallingford, could not this amount be made to do?" Wallingfora frowned. ‘i llke you, but it would not be fair,” he objected. “I do all the work and have all the respon- sibility. If you were to put up less than $100,000, T would be compelled either ta take In another small partner or put up some of my own money. No, I must have $100,000." “Then I am in despair!"” worried Andre, “I cannot borrow $3,70, even in the name of Mondeaux.” “I see,” mused Wallipgford. “Well, it's too bad, Andre, because you're a very agreeable entleman, and exactly the kind of partner I' would like to have. However, if you can't raise the money I shall accept some of my other applicas tions."” “One moment,” pleaded Andre. “Ho much money would this grand pool maka me?” “I don't know,” replied Wallingford, ‘I guarantee nothing. It might maxe us $5,000000. It might make us $1.00. I might lose the money." *“That is droll,”” laughed Andre. ‘“Mon< sleur Wallingford, I am desperate to bes come your partner. Look! Could you not yourself loan me the money, and take back the $8760 out of the first day's profits?* The big pink face of Wallingford brightened Immediately, and his brqad shoulders heaved. “By George, you're a genh Andre!” he chuckled. “That was & happy idea. T'll take your money." “Volla!" cried Andre. ‘The bank will ,| close too soon thfs afternoon, my friend . | Wallingford, but tomorrow morning & shall lay the amount in your hands.” ““All right,” agreed Wallingtord. * 8ring it over to the office—in cash, please."” One day passed; two days passed; thres +|days - passed, and Wallingford did not bring any millions! He aid not, in fact bring any money at all. Indeed, he aid not come at all. Andre Perigord brushed his kinky beard, He put on his ellk hat. He donned his gray gloves. He took up his little cane, and he trotted over to the office of J, Rufus Wallingford, Investments, Some vague, cold presentiment possessed bim as he entered the anteroom. There were no waiting Investors. There was no #pider-legged boy. The door of the pri« vato office was open and he entered. There was no money on the desk. It wa as bare as varnish could make it. Thers Was no money peeping from the halt-open drawer. Monsleur Perigord's heart wasg sinking fast. In the blg swivel-chalr sat J. Rufus Wallingford, with his silk hat on and a huge diamond glowing in his cravat. He was contentedly smoking a big black clgar. Opposite him, with his long legs sprawled under the desk, and his sili¢ hat miraculously poised on the back of his head, sat the grinning Blackle Daw, contentedly puffing a cigarette. They had sat thus every day from three to four, #ince Andre had joined the grand pool. They could afford to loaf. The restitution fund of the Warden girls was richer by forty thousand dollars; ahd there wag over fifteen thousand dollars added to the expense fund. - ** exclaimed Andre. ‘‘You are here, I have not seen you at the Malson Mondeaux!" “No use to come, Andre,” Wallingford. “You're broke.” Andre Perigord dropped into a chain “Broke!" he gasped. ‘‘You did not lose my money!" ““You aid,” advised Wallingford; “ever; cent. Besides that, -you owe me forty. three thousand seven hundred and .fifty dollars. 1 thought I wouldn't bother you for that just now." “Mon dieu!” groaned Andre.” “Why Monsleur, you have lost me not only Wi my money, but some of the money ol the house of Mcndeaux!" “Toug! commented Wallingford. *1 suppose you'll now have to juggle witk your books, and rent the Mondeaui creations to the designers until you cas replace their money in tHe bank. Have & clgar.” Andre turned to the grinning face of Blackie. “It is & graft!” he suddenly dey clded, and jumped to his feet. T go t4 the police!” “And have me pinched, and get all ow |names In the pape'®, and let the houst {of Mondeaux find it out,” puggested Wall ingford. “Whatever happens Andre, can see you in the penitentiary, wity short hair and no necktie, learning tq paste paper soles on water-proof shoes Look here, Andre; here are the proof that you have cheated the house of Mondeaux. Shall they have them?" The face of the luckless Investor was ¢ study! “It s true,” Andre admitted. “I ad what you call, up against it.” A shorl silence and then the ever optimistic Andr brightened. “But I have learned anothel American trick. Also, T am still cleven and I shall yet be rich. I ghall not go t the penitentiary if they do not hear tha I have lost 80 much money. Gentlemen applaud me, e already juggled the books. Volla!" and, highly pleased himself he strode jauntily out. Blackie and Wallingford looked at eac! other dumbly. Bleckie elevated his hunds in the Perigord fashion. “Volla!" he said. (To Be Conttnued.) explained ( began In'a small way. But now they'vies {