The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1897-09-03

any ulubIcuCt III
But she did not know that the cum h.
bad lost had never been his own ut all
but his employers!
Ruin stared him In tho face ct ever!
turn.
How was he to pay Grayson the debt o
honor and replace the money he had stolel
from the frmS
In week or two the books would b
overhauled, and as he had heard rumor,
that the principal intended to employ 9
fresh firm Of accountants this year theil
scrutiny would be more searching and hi
defaloations could not fail to escape notice
IL meant ruin, swift and complete.
But Dick, in spite Of his faults, was moi
one to give in without a struggle. Veal
no might be, but at heart he was no DOW
ard. He would see Grsyson that night
and ask for time, and In the meanwhile
endeavor to raise loan to satisfy ths
amount he had withdrawn at the office.
Making an excuse to his wife, he rushed
off to the Anenemone, but Grayson wal
not there.
The next morning when he reached the
office later than usual. worn out with
want Of sleep, he found to his dismay the
accountants had already commenced work
Ere many hours had passed he learned
their names. They were Smith g. Gray.
son. Gould there be any connection be-
tween ono Of them and the gambler Of
the Anenenones With that thought In
his head, Dick made tracks for their
offices. He would set his mind at rest on
that point once for all.
Mr.. Grayson was In. Yes, he was q
dual individual, man Of business In the
daytime and gambler BY night!
He looked up on seeing Wellby, and
Dick plunged into the matter at once.
you're auditing Branson g. Branson' q
accounts, and have been appropriating
money from the frm-in all couple Of
hundred pounds, Mr. Grayson." And his
voice tremblsd. "You hold the ruin Of q
man in your hands. What are you going
to dor"
The man looked at the other calmly.
What II do what suppose you want
mo to do-preyent your exposuref"
"I'll never touch card againi"
1t was the gambler who laughed.
"Do you think that's possible I've
said that to myself scores Of times, but tho
fever's got too tight hold"
"But I've wife and child. swear II
for their sakes!"
"Why didn't you think Of that beforei"
He went to desk and from drawer he
produced pack Of cards.
"Sit down." he cried. "You win, and
the defalcations are made good and your
debt will be cancelled, but on conditions
only"
He looked straight Into his oompanion's
face "And those conditions are that you
never play game Of chance again and
take care Of your wife,"
He dealt out the cards, and the other
not replying the two commenced battle
to be fought under such terrible ciroum-
stances and with such momentous issues.
Dick Wellby's face beonme CHASTITY pale
and his hands trembled as he turned up
the cards mechanically, but something
oeemed to tell him that Grayson, the In
veterate gambler, was for once playing
reoklessly and oarelessly.
For few minutes-it seemed an l,our
there was deadly silence, and then
Dick rose oxcitedly to his feet.
"Thank Godl" He had won.
George Grayson gathered up the cards
and carefully looked them In bis desk
again. He bad crossed tho room and shook
his companions hand.
"wellby, can't help thinking I've been
assisting In your ruin. You must look
after your wife. You don't know the
treasure you've gotl"
Dick glanced OF the speaker in astonish.
ment.
my wifei Do-do you know herp''
Eyes. We're IN your place should DO
O different man. Listeni Wellby, you've
usurped q position once hoped to Obtain.
I reckoned ON Mabel becoming my bride,
but 1t wasn't to be. She sought me here
yesterday as an old friend to assist her In
some temporary difficulty, and now you
know Goodby, Dick, and God bless you'll"
stretching out his hand again.
Dick remained silent for a moment, un-
nblo at first to grasp the situation. and
then replied:
"You say you would be different man
had you been in my place. Como home
with mo tonight. We both owe you 90
much. Let us both thank you.
Tho man hesitated, and then said:
swell, yes, promise.
And Dick Wellby left 30 Basinghall
street with light heart.
He Is wealthy man now, nnd has kept
his vow never to gamble again, and Gray
son himself from that memorable after.
noon In his Office never touched another
card. -Rambler.