slim styles. There seemed to be a man who assisted in the conduct
of the place, a heavy-set fellow with a closely curling mustache.
But as he kept discreetly in the offing, we did not see much of
him.

Miss Lottie was frankly glad to see us, coming so well introduced,
and outspokenly disappointed that we would not take a seat in the
game that was in progress. However, Garrick passed that over by
promising to come around soon. Excise laws were apparently held in
puny respect in this luxurious atmosphere, and while the
hospitable Miss Lottie went to summon a servant to bring
refreshments--at our expense--we had ample opportunity to glance
about at the large room in which we were seated.

Garrick gazed long and curiously at an arc-light enclosed in a
soft glass globe in the center of the ceiling, as though it had
suggested an idea of some sort to him.

Miss Lottie, who had left us for a few moments, returned
unexpectedly to find him still gazing at it.

"We keep that light burning all the time," she remarked, noticing
his gaze. "You see, in the daytime we never use the windows. It is
always just like it is now, night or day. It makes no difference
with us. You know, if we ever should be disturbed by the police,"
she rattled on, "this is my house and I am giving a little private
party to a number of my friends."

I had heard of such places but had never seen one before. I knew
that well-dressed women, once having been caught in the toils of