She had made her plans and walked swiftly to the restaurant.
She knew "Old Blazes," for she had dined at his famous hostelry more
than once with her husband or friends.
There was a party in the private restaurant. She walked directly to
one of the cubicles and rang for a waiter and told him to send M'sieu
to her at once.
"Old Blazes" came immediately, and if she expected him to look
astonished she was agreeably disappointed. Nothing astonished him.
She held out her bracelet and brooch. "I want you to lend me some
money on these," she said. "My husband will redeem them."
"Very well, madame." (He was far too discreet to recognize her.) "I
will bring you the money at once."
"And I wish to buy a quart of Bourbon, which I shall take with me.
You may also bring me a glass."
"Very well, madame."
He left the room and returned in a moment with a bottle of Bourbon,
from which he had drawn the cork, a glass, and a bottle of Napa Soda.
He also handed her two gold pieces. He had been a generous friend to
many patrons and had reaped his reward.
"I should advise you to leave by the back entrance," he said. "Shall
I have a hack there--in--"
"Send for it at once and I will take it when I am ready. Tell the
man to drive on to the boat and to the Occidental Hotel.
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