Maruja

t white pine; the arabesque screens and lattices that looked as if made of pierced cardboard; the golden minarets that seemed to be glued to the shell-like towers, and the hollow battlements that visi

ouse had been built by a conscientious genie with a view to the possibility of

u like to join 'em-they ain't more than half through now-or will you come right to the billiard-room-the latest thing out in stained glass and iron-ez pretty as fresh paint? or will you meander along to the bridal suite, and see the bamboo and silver dressing-room, and the white satin and crystal bed that cost fifteen thousand dollars as it stands. Or," he added, confidentially, "would you like to cut the whole cussed thing, and I'll get out Jim's 2.32 trotter and his spider-legged buggy and we'll take a spin over to the Springs afore dinner?" It was, however, more convenient to Carroll's purpose to conceal his familiarity with the Aladdin treasures, and to politely offer to follow his guide through the house. "I reckon Jim's pretty busy just now," continued the stranger; "what with old Doc West going under so suddent, just ez he'd got things boomin' with th

, coldly. "I know a lady named Sal

ell, the Doctor's got her into it, up to the ey

r it; and HE, in his utter selfishness, had never suspected it. Perhaps that letter was her delicate way of breaking the news to him, for he should certainly now hear it all from Aladdin's lips. And this man, who ev

oaching. "There's Jim and his gang now," said his cicerone; "I'll tell him you're here, and step out of this show business myself. So long! I reckon I'll see you at dinner." At this moment Prince and a number of lad

nated by Carroll's quiet and secure self-possession and self-contentment in a community of restless ambition and aggressive assertion. He came forward to welcome him cordially; he introduced him with

ring. Are we not to see the spot where the incantation that produces these marvels is held, even if we are forbidd

all, and entered a small, plainly furnished room, containing a table piled with papers, some of which were dusty and worn-looking. Carroll instantly conceived the idea that these were Dr. West's propert

ation is on!" he cried, waving his arms in the air; "the genie is at work. No admittance except on business! Follow Miss Wilson," he added, clapping both hands on the shoulders of the prettiest and shyest young lady of the party, with an irresistible paternal familiarity. "She's your h

dozen ivory knobs with a sudden energy. Then he returned to the table, and began hurriedly to glance over the memoranda and indorsements of the files of papers piled upon it. Carroll's quick eye caug

has she to

as written and handed to me about three hours ago.

here's Buchanan, and Raymond

e the news reached her, if that is what you wish to know," said Carroll, still following the par

you s

ost

the widow Saltonstall owed Dr. West about a million, tied up in investments, and we calculated to pull her through with perhaps the loss of half. If she's got this assignment of the Doctor's property that she speaks of in her letter, as collateral security, and it's all regular, and she-so to speak-steps into Dr. West's place, by G-d, sir, we owe HIM about three millions, and we've got to settle with

d satisfaction at this news of which he had been the unconsciou

randum of this assignment," continu

said Carroll, taking u

etters she refers to in this lette

packet. There were three or four close

ld girl wants 'em back. She don't care to have the whee

rince, yet so skillfully as to frustrate any attempt of the latter to read them. "Th

o," said

d put it in his pocket. "Then I'll r

," said Prince, st

rn them to her," rep

u! I never consented to thei

aid Carroll, coldly; "it w

t, sir! I call

on who claims these letters to describe the act of any one who

e to return them to me?" sa

ided

orner and rang a bell. "I have summoned my manager,

hink

why,

tain way; neither was he a fool. He knew that Carroll would keep his word; he knew that he should have to fight him; that, whatever the issue of the duel was, the cause of the quarrel would be known, and scarcel

to make a scene here which the LAW can do for me as well elsewhere. It will settle pretty quick whe

lity in this matter, legal or otherwise,"

return of his brusque frankness; "you might

have given them to

, Captain. Did they teach you thi

ntly. "And they allowed me to make exchanges under the same rule. I picked up this pocket-book on the spo

h whom he could never be confidential kept

emoranda it contained, his face assumed something of the same concentrated attention it wor

ve exam

ed nothing of importance to the person

r's clear eyes. Something of embarrassmen

rtant to us, you know. But nothing referring to YOUR principal.

eturned Carroll,

, goo

still regarding him, passed quietly by the outstret

st"; that the "haughty victor who had just left with his ill-gotten spoil had put into his hands the weapon of his friend's destruction"; that the "hour had come"; and, possibly he might have said, "Ha! ha!" But, being a practical, good-natured, selfish rascal, not much