Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-11-17
JUST A GAME OF BLUFF.

ga rag and bone and a hank OF
hair, cynically quoted Marion. The
next moment he repented his words,
when he noted the hurt look, accom-
panied by the flash of resentment, in
Warren's eyes.
Marion meant to be sympathetic,
after the manner OF men, by uttering
philosophical platitudes as a balm for
sentimental heart troubles, but he
quickly realized that the case before
him was too genuine and severe to be
cured by such superficial ointment as
quotations from cynical Kipling. So
he took another tack.
"0f course, old man, there are
women and women. Some can be had
for the asking, while others play for
all the line they can get. It's just hike
fshing--his metaphor suggesting an
illustration from out his sporting pro-
clivities-"a hornpout will bite at al.
most anything but gamy trout in
sists on nice fly for an attraction,
and even after you've got one really
hooked you've got to play it until
your patience is almost gone. Now,
you'd rather have a girl with come
spirit, one who'd stand you off for
time, than one who was all The time
throwing herself az your head,
wouldn't your
Warren vouchsafed a weak, doubt.
full yes"
by the way, have you asked her?"
mo. That's the difficulty. ! don't
really get a chance. just as l get
myself spurred up to the mark some
COMPOUNDED interruption interferes, or
she switches me off on a sidetrack
with some remark or other"
"You think the girl really cares for
you" asked Marion, dropping his
raillery and becoming serious.
81 think she does" frankly an.
swered Warren. although sometimes
] feel as il didn't know whether she
did or not" he continued, somewhat
obviously.
"Wel, there's only one way to find
out" remarked Marion, "and that is
to-say, | have a plan" breaking
abruptly into his sentence. 81 have
PLAN" he slowly repeated, land ] be-
lieve it will work if you follow my
advice. Put yourself in my hands"
he continued, his face Frightening as
his plan was unfolded TO his mind
land I'll bet dollars to doughnuts
that you'll win out" Then he but.
tonholed Warren, pulled him into a
corner ard addressed him in low,
earnest tone, interspersing his re-
marks with emphatic gestures. When
he had finished Warren still looked
dubious, hut somewhat more hopeful.
"0h, good evening, Mr.. Warren. I'm
so glad to see you. We're just pack.
ing up, getting ready to 60 to the
mountains"
Indeed! Lovely weather. Hope
you'll have a pleasant time But he
might have been monograph, or a
Punch-and-Judy operator, for all the
expression he put into his words.
ooh, I've no doubt we will" she an.
swered, with toss of her head
There's so much going on there all
the time, and so many interesting
people to meet" she continued, with
bored air, as II her immediate sur
roundings were productive Of nothing
but ennui.
"Yes," he assented, In a listless
monotone, which might mean any
thing or nothing.
She pretended not to notice his alb.
stracted manner, and ratified on.
"My friends write me there are ever
30 many nice people there, and with
golf end driving and dancing there'll
be no end of fun"
Eyes"
Again that tone OF polite indffer-
ence.
"Well, I'm going for trip myself"
he added, rousing himself from his
lethargy, and almost blurting out his
remark.
Indeed! Where?'
This was her turn, and she coun-
tered forciby in the matter Of polite
Indifference. 4
ITO Hong Kong"
ITO Hong Kong?"
This time she was interested, in
spite Of herself. She repeated his re-
mark, with distinct emphasis on the
words, and a rising infection on the
end OF each. 20, come, now, you're
joking. You're
mo, really" he asserted; there's
an opening there in our house They |
want young man to take charge Of
their branch banking house there,
and I can have the place. II looks
like a good opening, and ] thought
Id take 1t. OF course, 1t means
his throat-"tearing ones