Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1891-02-19

his back. You are stranger and may
have plenty of money which you can
afford to lose, but my suspicious that
the play at Mr.. Emericls's house was
not always fair, were confirmed tonight
and give you warning. Be careful"
These words set Grey thinking, but
they of course did not deter him from
going to Mr.. Emerick's on that night
week.
During the time which intervened he
took trip up the Rio de Ia Plata to one
of the river ports, and returned on the
morning of his appointment for the card
party.
When evening came Mr.. limerick
called for him at the hotel and together
they went out to the merchants house.
Percy was left to himself for about half
an hour before dinner, and he occupied
most of the time with his thoughts. He
could not by an means make up his mind
that this man limerick was the man he
was searching for, yet he could not give
up the idea that limerick was in hiding
for some purpose of his own. There was
a slight resemblance to Velasquez, as he
remembers that rascal, but SO long a
time had elapsed since he used to watch
the high play at the gaming house in
San Francisco that it would be danger
Gus to accuse this man of being Mario
Delaro's murderer and then discover
that he was altogether mistaken. Be-
sides, in regard to finding out whether
he was the woman Bregy's husband or
not, he possessed no clew of any kind
on which to work.
The early part of the evening passed
pleasantly enough. Percy continued to
win and so did the gentleman who had
given him the warning on the last occa-
sion of their playing. But after mid
night-the turn came In an incredibly
short space of time the Spaniard's pile
was reduced to almost nothing, and
Percy also played a losing game. All of
sudden he detected the unpleasant
fact that they were being cheated.
When he made this discovery he did not
hesitate moment, but threw down his
cards and refused to play. The Span
iards and Mr.. limerick stared at him in
amazement and asked the reason. Lean
ing back in his chair and quietly light
ing cigar, he said, as he pulled away
without the slightest regard to conse-
quences: because this game is crook
ed.''
Lively "dA OASCPU edO SpohAaI0 VIII
had warned Percy jumped to his feet.
''Sir," they said in unison, "what dc
you mean by this insu1t?" Precisely
Englishman replied.
"Such insults may pass unnoticed in
England" said Mr.. limerick, with as.
sumed haughtiness, but here things
are different The insult which you
have offered us can only be wiped out
in one way"
ION the modern French plan or in the
stern reality?" asked Percy, who could
at the man for whom he had conceived
such strong dislike.
1--WE have but one plan here" spoke
up tall, mustached Spaniard, land
that is to fight to the DEATH"
"Undoubtedly a very good one, too
but do you propose that 1 should fight
| each of you singly. will you all pounce
upon me at once, or do take my choice
of opponent?" was Percy's reply, made
as easily as though he was engineering
| his way on an unfamiliar street. The
| Spaniards at once commenced speaking
| rapidly to each other, at the same time
| casting angry chances at Percy, but hi
never flinched.
During this conversation Percy's
! thoughts chased each other through his
| mind with lightning swiftness. If he
fought, his opponent must be this mar
limerick. And what if limerick should
| prove the better man? In that case il
might never be learned who he really
| was. He felt that he had made a mis-
| take in offending these hot-headed
| Spaniards. True, there was one who
would probably render him assistance
but even he could not be relied upon
Percy had no faith at all in men of thei1
| nationality.
! In few moments they ceased thei
confab, and Mr.. limerick, acting a.
| spokesman, said:
1--WE have decided that you mus
either name one of US gentlemen tx
! fight with weapons which you shall b.
allowed to choose or prepare to b
treated as a coward and liar
sit is hardly possible that I shall
choose the latter" answered. Percy. 81