rn."

"That is a good trait."

"Do you know, or rather would you suspect, that he was a poor orphan,
and the architect of his own great fortune?"

"No, he acts to me like a man born to wealth."

"On the contrary, he is the son of Irish parents. He was born out West.
His father was a ne'er-do-well. Girard at the age of twelve started in
to provide for his mother and brothers and sisters. He went to Chicago
and got in with a firm on the produce exchange. He served them well for
several years and saved money until he could speculate on his own
account. He is an honorable fellow. He resigned his position the moment
he started in to deal on his own account, and he moved right along,
making little successes, until finally he had money enough to go in for
a big strike. He caught the market just right and at the age of
twenty-eight got out of business with half a million to the right side
of his hank account. He then came on to New York, and here he has lead
an easy life, just enjoying himself in a quiet way; and, as I said, his
great weakness is poker. He don't play a heavy game, but loses with a
good grace and wins with exceeding courtesy."

"I reckon he must be a pretty good fellow."

"He is, and hang me, if we are not going to have the pleasure of his
company. That pretty girl did not ring him into her party, and he has
come to make things pleasant for us. I am glad he is here."

Girard, looking as innocent and jovial as a "let her go easy," honest
man, joined Oscar and Thatford, and started in with a pretty compliment,
saying:

"Well, gentlemen, I got left, but I am stranded on a pleasant shore when
my 'renig' sends me to such excellent company and such a bountiful
repast."

CHAPTER V.

THE GAME GOES ON AND FINE PLAY IS DISPLAYED ON BOTH SIDES.

"Well, you are a good one," thought Oscar, and he mentally questioned
whether or not he was coming out ahead of such a bold schemer, for the
detective was well aware that the invitation business was a
misleader--what is called a "fake." The fellow really intended to gain
time to put up his job for "doing" our hero, in case it was decided that
he was to be "done up." Herein Girard had the advantage. He had fixed
his plan and our hero was going it blind, not having had time to arrange
a trick against the one he well knew was being set up for him.

Girard sat down and commenced a lively talk. He spoke in glowing terms
of the lady who had recognized him in the th