Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1889-06-29

This was worse than almost anything,
this craze for betting, knew, for had
gone through the experience myself.
would almost rather have heard that
Horace had fallen into any other form Of
vice than this particular one Of backing
horscs--not because Il Is In itself more
hcinous, but because It's hold on its vic-
tim is SO tenacious, and because Of it,
wide spreading side issues.
There was no doubt left In my mind
now on the subject OF Cynthia's troubles
--sho knew OF this weakness Of her
brothers.
did not speak to Horace, but got
away from tho offlcc as soon a. could
that afternoon and went to her to tell
her had found out her secret and to
arrange some plan for reclaiming the
young idiot, When I was announced
sho seemed less self possessed than
usual, thought, and her agitation In
creased when she heard my story.
"You are wrong on one point, Gerald"
she said, when she had heard all had
to tell her; II knew Horace was In DIM
culties, but did not know how he got
into them. ! never had suspicion Of
tho cause--I only know no was IN de-.
pcratoly low spirits and owed moro mon
ey than no could possibly pay; but be
never told mo II was betting that had
caused his troubles"
"But, all the same, hc has managed 70
make your life ono Of perpetual torment
TO you," ! returned angrily, as thought
Of the worry tho young rascal had been
TO her. II know all about II. my dear
girl; you need not try to defend him. I
can quito understand how he has come
homo when his horse had been mo-
where how he has cried out against
fate, and snorted and fumed and paced
the room, and sworn he was ruined
man, and declared there was only one
way out OF his misery--to put an end to
himself--and all the rest of tho cheap
twaddle. Now, confess to me, Cynthia,
that you havo raised money for him
more than oncef"
YES" she said quietly. averting her
eyes and locking ashamed OF herself.
~ could not let him be 80 worried while
had the means to help him."
"And suppose you have parted with
some Of your mothers jewelrys"
~ did not want II now, you see," shs
answered.
"How much have you lost" ! asked,
feeling my rage increasing within me at
every reply she made. "Go and fetch
me all you have left, Cynthia; win
keep It for you--he shall have no more"
II have none left, Gerald"
II was quite as much a. I could do 70
keep back the exclamation that rosa 10
my lips, but did. She shamed mo into
calmncss. What right had to storm
and rave when the chief sufferer was
patient?
! took few rapid turns up and down
the room, and, when had thoroughly
regained my self control spoke again.
SIS he In debt nowT'-"Ycs."
Tho word was scarcely more than Q
sigh, but knew what ii cost her to
say 1t.
"How much-do you know"
She looked at mo without speaking,
and her lips quivered.
Don't be foolish, Cynthiai' ] said,
going over to her. "What Is little
money to me compared with your COM
fort and happiness7 You ought not to
feel It so."
She tried to speak, but her face worked
convulsively, and she put up her hand
and covered her eyes for a few moments.
smoothed her pretty hair gently; and,
when heard a sob come from behind
tho sheltering hand, felt wanted TO
murder some one-Horace for choice.
BY and by, when she took her hand
from her eyes, and murmured something
about being silly, l drew forward Q chair
and sat down in front Of her.
"Now am going to talk business"
said very solemnly "This betting is .
serious matter, and don't know how
best to set about curing Horace. III
could give him a real good fright &
might perhaps have some effect on him.
Will you let me wait here until he comes
homes And II you viii leave us q.
gether, will go at him hammer and
tongs, and threaten him with instant dis
missal unless he gives me his word Of
honor not to stoop to this folly again.
When I've given him good shaking up
I'll finish by settling his present debtz
What is the amountr'
l took my cheque book from my pocket
as spoke, and began to fill in, 30 that
Cynthia might have time to recover her
self. When had written in "Pay to Nh.
Horace Debenham." "and signed my name
turned back the last tally to look at the
date. ss.,,,,.,,,,,,-
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