The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1896-11-27
THE MAN WHO VANISHED.
By FERGUS HUME.
/.
Flying From Justice

sat Two young men playing cards A
handsome room it was, but evidently
that of a bachelor. as in the pictur-
esque confusion there was wanting
that subtle touch of refinement and
order which indicates the hand of
m
In the centre was a table at which
set the two young men aforesaid in
eVAning dress. with several packs of
CAY >s scattered at their feet and their
eye. intent upon the game, which
seemed to be rather an expensive one
judging by the pile Of gold pieces that
lay on the green cloth.
One OF the players was tall, with
clearly-cut features dark hair. closely
cropped, and a small dark mustache,
beneath which CLEANED regular teeth
when be smiled, which he did not
seem inclined to do at the present
moment. Adrian Lancaster was not
at all pleased. as luck was dead
against him. HIS friend Philip
T%revanna. was short fair and insie-
nlficant-looking, so much so that not
even the Well-cut clothes he wore
could give him a distinguished APP
pearance.
he Louis Quinze clock on a bracket
IN n corner Of the room chimed
eleven, with a silvery ring. but still
the two young men played on steadily.
The savage look on Adrian's face
showed that he was losing still, until
at last the look of triumph on his
companion SNUG countenance proved
too much for his philosophy, and ris-
Ing from his feet with a stiAed oath
he flung down his cards, upset the
table by his sudden movement, and
lounging over to the fireplace. lighted
q cigarette.
'Hullo." said Trevanna lazily,
looking at the overturned table and
the scattered cards with an air Of we'll
bred surprise, whats the matter?"
Nothing" replied Adrian, thrust
Ing his hands into his pockets and
looking down at the debris from his
height of six feet odd. 'only Pm sick
of playing-you've won a deuce of a
lot, SO unless I want to leave myself a
pauper: l think I'll give the game a
rest for tonight"
Better luck next time, said Ire
wanna. rising and stretching himself.
you're a bad loser"
There never yet was a philosopher
who could bear the toothache patient
~" quoted Adrian with a grim smile,
You call losing at cards tooth
ache" murmured Philip indolently,
~ dare say you're right it's quite as
dlsagreeable at all events"
he glanced complacently over the
bundle of l q US he held in his hand.
added the amounts together. then Of
fered them to his companion.
I'm rather in luck's way to-
night he said in a satisfied tone, If
you don't mind. old chap, Id like a
check for a thousand"
Adrian bit his neither lip angrily.
then walking toward his desk and
pulling out a blank check made it out
for the amount named. which he
handed to Philip without a word. then
taking the 1 O.U's he tore them up
and threw the pieces on the floor.
That pretty we'll clears me of
ready money! he said at length. re-
Stunning his position in front of the
mantel-piece
Never mind" said Trevanna with
IN evil smile your marriage with
Olive Maunders will put you
straight"
leave Miss Maunders out of the
question, observed Adrian imperious-
ly, you've no right tc use her name"
'Tll use the name Of anybody l
tike. " retorted 1revanna-
Except hers" said Lancaster qui-
city. although his dark face was
flushed with anger
Philip Trevanna laughed i%nsolently
at the remark and taking up a few
cards lightly balanced them in his
hand.
Don't talk bosh," said 1revanna
politely" you know you only want to
marry Olive Maunders for her money"
Speak for yourself" cried Ian
caster. going over to a side table and
saking up a decan:er. Il know you'd
give anything to be in my place"
Tell you what.' said Trevanna.
with an ugly look. Iii play you
Tor her-if l win, I'll marry her"
Hold your tongue" retorted
Adrian, grasping the stem of the de-
capter in d p~aroxyism Of rage.
..rll back this thousand against
(Olive Maunders," observed Trevan-
ma ignoring the menacing look of his
friend. will you play?"
NO"
Then go to the devil" shouted
Philip, losing control of himself and
dinging the cards he was holding in
TO the face of Adrian. Take that"