Blackfoot news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1891-1902, 1893-09-16


occupants OF the room; "thc notice
saying that there were three whist
players in the east card-room VINO
wanted a fourth at a quarter past
eight Only good players need
apply"
Richmond glanced at the young
man with certain severity, behind
which was a CLEAN OF amusement,
and came toward the card table
"l"-began young Stevens; but IL
was old Mrs Mccullough who settled
the matter.
We'll" she interrupted. 'do come
and sit down. I'm sure don't know
how you got here. but we're glad
enough TO see you. I'll play with
Mr.. Mccullough because ] am used
TO him. You can play with my part
ner.
''We're wasting lot Of precious
time said Mr.. Mccullough. and the
handsome woman came forward from
the doorway and picked up the cards
that lay AT her place.
Richmond seated himself opposite.
and for ten minutes not word was
spoken. She did play we'll -one OF
those intelligent. pliable games which
show science. memory and conpre-
hension. Richmond was delighted
with her. II al critical point he
planned brilliant stroke. she caught
his intention instantly and cooper.
ated. He was not curious about her
personally; he had barely looked at
her; she was simply his s6illful com
rade. II was her deal. and as she
picked up the cards she shufiied them
once. Richmond's eyes were on her
fingers. and he started a little. She
mixed the cards by an odd bit of
manipulation He had never seen
but one other person do il The next
time he watched her; then he glanced
from her fingers 10 her face in sudden,
sha p inquiry. Her eyes were on his;
they wore a look that might have
been triumph. Tie game went ON.
The low tones Of the young people
were almost whispers
III you had that ace you were
long time playing IL. Charlotte, said
Mr.. Mccullough. at the endoi hand.
Zone doesn't win by being in
hurry she answered, easily.
mo. said the stranger, speaking
for almost the first time. zone does
not
The words were simple. but TO
Richmond's ear they were emphatic
He looked at her with a certain air
Of suspense ard again she met his
look. Another hand was played.
You did ii that time. said Rich
mond NJ the end Of 1t, as he scored
1 three tricks.
Yes. said She, smiling. II thought
Il was time took matters into my
I own hands
He turned little pale. and dealt
( the cards with his eyes on her face.
I The evening slipped on; the game
was close and interesting.
That play Of yours was an unusual
one. said Richmond, "but success
full
Yes, she answered, slowly; II
broke all the rules 20 do IL. II was a
forced lead. but there seemed nothing
else 10 do"
There were bright red spots in her
checks and sho held her handsome
head vcry high as she spoke, lie
laid down the cards as II TO stop
4 playing; then
at saved the game" he said con-
eisoly. as he picked them up again.
II thought YOU had that queen,
Charlotte" said Mr. Mccullough IN
ireful reproach. from the way you
played before.
lit Is dangerous TO draw infer
cnces,n said Richmond quickly, look
ing across the table
mot usually she answered light
~. Iii one knows ones partner"
At 10 o'clock Richmond. instead
Of taking up the hand she had just
dealt him, put both his arms on the
table aud leaned across IL Mrs Nc
Cullough looked as If the skies would
fall and Mr.. Mccullough said;
"Comel Come" Richmond needed
neither Of them.
"Will you tell me why you played
as you didg' he asked with sudden
sternness. His partner looked Al
him and her eyes fell for a moment,
Then, with her first full composure,
she answered:
alt has taken me n long time &
return your lead; but | found, soor
enough. that it is from what is my
strongest suit rs we'll
"Come, come" said Mr. Me
Cullough; "a great deal OF talk
about hand that is past and gone.
Pick up your cards, manm
Instead Of doing so Richmond stood
ur The young people stopped talk
ing, and even the reading old mar
laid down his book.
lis your name still Frances Ening
ham, he asked.
"Yes. she said, rising too.
Have you come back to mem
"Yes, she said again.
IL have waited a long time" h,
went on.
Eyes. y There was pause.