Hearts and Masks

But I had lost the golden opportunity. Caesar had gone to join the

shades of other noble Romans; in vain I searched high and low for him.

Once I ran into Hamilton. His face was pale and disturbed and anxious.

"What's the trouble, Hamilton?" I asked, with forced gaiety.

He favored me with a penetrating glance.

"The very devil is the trouble," he growled. "Several of the ladies

have begun to miss valuable jewels. Anne of Austria has lost her

necklace and Queen Elizabeth is without a priceless comb; altogether,

about ten thousand dollars."

"Robbery?" I looked at him aghast.

"That's the word. Curse the luck! There is always something of this

sort happening to spoil the fun. But whoever has the jewels will not

get away with them."

"What are you going to do?"

"I have already sent for the village police. Now I shall lock

all the doors and make every man and woman produce cards for

identification,"--abruptly leaving me.

Thunderbolts out of heaven! My knees and collar bothered me again; the

first attack was trifling compared to this second seizure. How the

devil was I to get out?

"Are you searching for me?" inquired a soft voice at my elbow.

I turned instantly. The Blue Domino had come back to me.

"I have been searching for you everywhere," I said gallantly.

"Oh! but that is a black one. Never mind; the fib was well meant."

I led her over to a secluded nook, within a few feet of the door which

gave entrance to the club cellars. This door I had been bearing in

mind for some time. It is well to know your topography. The door was

at the left of the band platform. There was a twin-door on the other

side. We sat down.

"Have you heard the news?" I asked.

"No. Has some one been discovered making love to his own wife by

mistake?"

"It's serious. Anne of Austria and Queen Elizabeth have been robbed of

some jewels."

"A thief among us?"

"A regular Galloping Dick. I'm a thief myself, for that matter."

"You?" she drew away from me a bit.

"Yes. My name is Procrastination."

"Ah, my grave Capuchin, we do not steal time; we merely waste it. But

is what you tell me true?"

"I am very sorry to say it is. The jewels were worth something like

ten thousand dollars."

"Merciful heavens!"