Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-09-02
HOW HE NEARLY WENT UNDER.

ihpresslFe.-IrOy ITeSS.
HOW HE NEARLY WENT UNDER.
Jack Howard stole away from Goodwood i'm
mediately after the cup had been run for and
took the first train back to town. He had not
the heart to make light of his ill-luck, to drown
sorrow in the flowing bowl, and to return to
BOxnOr with his brother officers on the reg-
mental drag, hilarious and excited, according to
precedent. 1t was by no means the first time
he had been badly hit, but on this occasion his
losses were SO serious and involved such grave
consequences that he felt almost stunned at the
dismal prospect before him.
He could not disguise the fact that he was
utterly broken. Impelled by desperation to
stake his honor and reputation upon the result
of the GOOdwOod cup, he found himself ruined
man, unable to meet his engagements and guilty
OF recklessness which might be called by very
unpleasant name. He returned to town stricken
with horror and despair, and mechanically
turned his steps towards the club. AS he was
walking westward he came face to face with the
man OF all others he would most gladly have
avoided at the moment, for Mr.. Porter Bligh
was his rival for the affections of the girl he
loved Jack attempted to pass by with a nod,
but Mr.. Porter Bgh bounced upon him.
81 say, Mr.. Howard! This is bad news for
you, isn't it ?" inquired Mr.. Bligh, mysterously
'Deuced bad, replied Jack, too miserable to
conceal his discontinue even from his rival.
81 was afraid so. l am sorry to hear it," con-
tinued Mr.. Bgh in tone which was not partic-
ularly sympathetic. Il have Just called on Miss
Ireyanen. promised to let her know the re-
suit of the race Immediately"
Indeed, said Jack, with twinge at his
hoe ho
lady's anxiety.
Il got friend to wire me the winner from
the course, and directly received the telegram
l took it on to Miss Trevanen. She could not
see me, but sent it in to her."
MIR. Bligh impaired this Information with the
air of a man who is talking for the sake of keep
ing up conversation. All the while he was
scanning Jacks miserable face with very keen
eyes.
(Which way are you going ?" he inquired alb
ruptly.
ITO the Club" replied Jack, moving of.
"You are going back to the city, suppose
81 will walk with you," said Mr.. Bligh, turn
Ing on his heel 81 should like to have a chat
with you. Between US we may be able to set
things straight"
Mr.. Blgh had a confident tone and manner
which OF ordinary occasions irritated Jack very
much, but which, in his present frame of mind,
sent mOmentary ray of hope through his
bosom. Nothing was further from his thoughts
than the idea OF seeking the assistance of his
rival In the difficulties which encOmpassed him,
but he instnctivey jumped at the prospect of
practical suggestion, just as a drowning man
will clutch at a straw He secretly entertained
rather an exaggerated notion of Mr. Bligh's
tact and shrewdness, holding the unsophsti-
Gated opinion that wealthy city man, who had
alnassed fortune by energy and enterprise,
was the personiication of worldly wisdom.
Mr.. Blgh passed his arm through Jacks with
unaccustOmed familiarity, but did not imme-
diately continue the conversation Jack was
naturally reticent about his affairs with COM
parative stranger, and consequently nothing
was said on the subj ect until they were both
seated in corner of the smOking-room of the
Phoenix Club, which at that hour and on such q
day was completely deserted.
well. Mr.. Howard. what is the figure?" in
quired Mr.. Bligh. cheerily, as he lit cigar.
Jack looked at his companion with puzzled
expression. He could not conceive the motive
OF his sudden frendiness yet he knew him suf-
fciently well to feel sure that he was not actu-
ated by pure benevOlence. 1t was rumOred that
Mr.. Porter Bligh had made good deal of his
money in INSCRIPTIONS ways, though no definite
charge had ever been proved against him. But
he looked 80 eminenty respectable that it was
impossible seriously to believe what was said
about him by enviOus persons; and as Jack
gazed upon the bold, handsome features the
neatly arranged irOn-gray hair and whiskers,
and the sedate attire Of his rival, he was seized
integrity and questioned his good nature
1T is really very kind of you, Mr. Bligh, to
interest yourself about me-" said he.
Don't mention it. am always pleased to do
a turn to friend when can" said Mr.. Bligh,
in an Off-hand way. Now. how much would
you require to enable you to settle up at Tat
tersails on MOnday?''
Jack named sum which. caused Mr. Bligh to
give loud whistle, for not anticipating that
MS MS rival contemplated Offering his pecuniary
M nf fnrv, mi 80 Al
Of his liabilities Mr. Bligh seemed quite taken
aDack by the amount, and sat silent for some
minutes, reviewing his shapely finger nails with
meditatlve air, while Jack wondered what was
passing in his mind. Presently he said, with
out looking up:
How much can you get7"
Nothing" said Jack, dejectedly; "at least,
nothing that would assist me. might raise a
few hundreds, perhaps"
Wont your uncle shell out-the Baronet I
mean2'
"No; we quarreled long ago." said Jack.
He married to spite you, I've heard, and he
seems to have effected his purpose completely
now that he has two sons of his own" said Mr.
Bligh, with rather coarse laugh.
Jacks lace flushed, for it was not pleasant to
be reminded. In the moment Of adversely Of the
origin OF his misfOrtunes. He had been brought
up as heir presumptive to Sir Spencer Howard.
wealthy, CROCHET old barOnet, who after help
ing TO form the young mans expensive tastes
ahu hauits oy lavish uDeraIlty, suddenly took Of
fence at word spoken in jest, and stopped sup
plies. Sir Spencer's subsequent marriage ruined
his nephews expectations and brought his
creditors down upon him, since which time; Jack
Howard had been going steadily down hill.
Restraining his impulse to give Mr.. Bligh a
curt answer, he said quietly:
1T would be perfectly hopeless to apply to my
uncle Besides, he has gone abroad, and don't
quite know where he Is. l believe he has taken
his wife and family for trip to Canada to visit an
estate he has bought there"
We'll, 1t seems to me you are In q consider
able hole, Mr.. Howard" said Mr.. Bligh, assum-
Ing busipess-like tone. 'YOu will have to
make up your mind to leave England at once"
THAT Is q trife. 1t Is the notion Of boiling
as defaulter that don't like" said Jack. '.In
fact, I've made up my mind to stay and face it
out"
Nonsense. That would subject you to q
good deal Of unpeasantness without doing any
good to anyone" said Mr. Bligh decidedly. 81
am about to offer to lend you the money on Ger.
tain conditions"
Lend me the money!" repeated Jack In
amaZement.
Eyes. Let US be frank with one another, Mr..
Howard" said Mr. Bligh. 81 don't propose to
do this entirely for your benefit, but chiefly for
my own. We have both fixed our affections
upon the same young lady, who prefers you,