Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1897-06-17

tatton was speaking, II don't think
there's much run in writing paper to
this extent when We are going to tear
1t up, think III join the ladies'"
"Stt still, Hatton," cried Miner,
Let's see who wins the deal"
Then a moment later the other went
on, I've lost again. Come now Milly,
it's mostly my paper in the pool Let's
play for It out and out"
r The anxious listener heard Major
Thompson's warning voice, and even
bingham demonstrated. but Hatton
took no notice Of either,
d "Milner stopped ne just now when
wanted to chuck up, and It's nearly
all my tiimsy. Wen play it. Come
Mr. Scotchman, challenge YOU to so
ON until it's won"
TO Nina's horror Miner replied;
Done with YOU, Ratton, Deal out
the cards, III SO you double or quits.
| won't be blufIed in this way" Then
perceiviug the shocked face of his
hostess, who. irresisthly drawn back
into the room, stood by the table, he
added: Don't be afraid, Mrs. Billy,
Aatton and are going to have II out,
III pay BINS q US Il he has any.
Thompson left tho table and Uatton
proceeded To deal out the cards, lie
turned up Il high one Bingham who,
60 his wite's surprise, had gone ON
playing, passed It, Neither of the
others was able to win tho round and
the pool trebled 20 thousands. Mrs
BILLY was almost faiuting with con
Mornation nj such proceeding in her
house, With view to putting an end,
If possible. to the game, she crossed
over and murmured something to her
husband, who turned 10 listen to her
Rut whatever she might have urged
would have boon Use loss, lie fever OF
play Was too strong, and the players
too completely absorbed, Bingham
motioned her to be quiet, and the
game proceeded.
/ Peggy stood by tho doorway through
which she had just entered from tho
veranda, her tall slim figure dimly
outlined against the portiere, Her
eyes, which expressed nothing but en-
IRENE disapproval. were fixed upon
Hatton Tho room was In q deep
shadow, but hanging lamp above
the table threw strong light upon tho
faces and hands of the players,
Bingham, having dealt and turned
up low card. drank OH feverishly
the remains of whiskey and soda,
With what Nina was convinced was u
forced air Of nonchalance, Miner
wrote an q for nm immense sum
in rupees, and turned up better,
We're waiting for you, Hatton, +"
cried the host, impatiently setting
down his glass, lie had hardly
spoken when there was a faint sound,
or was 1t Il groan? from the figure at
the window, At all events, II attracted
the attention OF Nina, who again ap-
preached the table in time to zee the
planter turn up the winning card-~~a
ten.
All three players were white to the
lips; Hatton perfectly liyd. lie pushed
back his chair, and then with u sudden
effort rose and took the pile of paper
out of tho pool.
I'm send these over tomorrow, Mil
ner" he said. They'll pay for Donna,
and l hope you'll reCoup on her"
Peggy still stood motioniess by the
door. He advanced to wish her good
night, but the girl, with II look of
sCorn In her beautiful eyes, lot him
pass her without q word. He laughed
unoasily.
Miss Carleton disalproyos of
gambling, and SO do you, Mrs. Bling!
ham, I'm afraid But you must not
be too shocked Losing Ii not an UNI
common occurrence. and It's all luck.
The moment he was out OF hearing
the overweight little hostess burst
into a flood Of tears, and the three
men left behind all began talking at
once.
1t was late next day when, In answer
to an urgent summons. Captain Miner
called upon Mrs Bingham. She was
only slightly less agitated than on
the preyioug evening.
II couldn't come earlier" he apollo
gized; I'm explain why presently.
But what is the matter?"
Such dreadful thing! II makes
me sick to think OF 1t. Peggy Is so dis
gusted" Then leaning forward, she
went on in frightened whisper
- bat wretched man cheated last
night! Peggy saw him, and she Is per-
fcCtly frantic at the idea Of your pay
ing him all that money oh, why, why
did you go on playing?"
1T was foolish but tell me. is Miss
Carleton sure? What proof has sheY"
"1 bats just It; she has no proof ex-
ecpt fer own eyesisht, though 10
picl cd up three Of diamonds on the
fCtr. Or course. the dear girl didn''
care to make fuss In our house"
WAS the three Of diamonds under
his chair?"
NO; II was thrown on one side"
Miner shook his head. 1T won't do.
A A.