Rock Island Argus., 1902-10-10
DAILY SHORT STORY
Nothing Risk, Nothing Gain
IOriginal.l.

tinctly. He had studied his profession
in a country town where he would not
be diverted from his purpose by the
influences of city life and now pro-
posed to become part of n small COM
munity where his identity would not
be lost. He would thus have every
opportunity to acquire distinction.
Reginald spent the summer before
entering on the practice of the law at
ThistIedown, the country. residence of
his uncle. where he met, among other
guests. Marion Blythe. Marion was n
dashing girl who. II she had been born
a man, would have been more devoted
to studying the points of winning
horses on the turf than the principles
laid down by Blackstone. Reginald
fell desperately in love with her, and,
though she did not reveal her prefer
ence for him, he at times felt sure she
loved him.
Reasons of convenience, however, had
seemed to determine Marion's future.
She had been brought up to wealth,
but her father had died insolvent. Her
mother had planned for her to marry
a rich man. Indeed, it had been ar
ranged that Howard Blakely, the es-
timated owner of half a million. should
meet her at Thistledown for the pur-
pose of becoming her husband. He
possessed one trait in common with
Marion-he was devoted to those sports
in which money is lost and won. The
young men at Thistledown did not
scruple to play poker in the drawing
room after the ladies had retired to
their rooms, and some of the latter oc-
casionally remained to watch the
game. Gambling in any form was not
In accordance with Reginalds plans,
and he resolutely kept aloof.
Reginald" said Marion one evening
when both were watching the players,
why don't you take hand?"
Il never gamble"
IF you take no risk in life you will
win no great prize. There should be a
ieaven of chance taking in a mans ma
ture"
Now, Blakely was at the time bet
ting high and losing with admirable
good nature. Reginald felt that he
was overshadowed in Marion's good
graces by the mans especial proclivi-
ty, and it fretted him. Give me SO
in chips" he said to the banker and
was soon playing with the rest.
This was the beginning. The end
ing was one night when all had drop
ped out of the game except Emory and
Blakely, the others having gone to a
fete. Marion had come down looking
very charming in evening costume,
ready to go with the others, but see
ing Emory and Blakely over the cards,
had remained TO watch them play
Emory had developed remarkable in
tuitive foresight when to take risks,
and. though Marion was not aware of
it, a portion of Blakely's fortune had
passed to Emory
THAT eXhausts my bank account"
said Blakely after losing an enormous
pot, ''but L have certificates showing Il
deposit of 100000 in stocks and bonds
ut my brokers'
Never mind the certificates" re-
piled Emory. Your word is suffi-
cient."
The night wore on. The men contin-
ued to play, the girl to look on. Blake
ly's fortune passed into Emory's hands
till at last all was lost. Blakely sat
like one in trance. The change from
afIiuence to poverty was so appalling
that he was benumbed by it. Finally
he arose and took Emory apart. There
was a short conference, after which
the two returned to the table. Hav-
ing each been dealt a hand and drawn,
they showed their cards.
Three kings" said Blakely.
Full OF tens said Emory.
Blakely arose and, with melancholy
adieu, looking at Marion, but not
speaking to her, left the room and the
house.
What was the subject of conversa-
ton between you and Howard when
you withdrew from me?" asked Mar
| ion.
He proposed to decide by one poker
| hand whether he should give up all
pretentiOns to your hand against $1O,-
600, with which to get new start. 1
changed the money terms to all 1 had
won.''
And you two had the assurance to
gamble for my favor?'
You told me before 1 began to play
poker at all, If you take no risk in
life. you will win no great prize
The girl sat thinking.
Reginald" she said at last, at am
not sure whether L have acted wisely
in endeavoring to introduce more
chance taking into your nature, but
this 1 know-there are great possibili-
! ties in you. For fear that some silly
woman may wreck them L will take
charge of them myself. Restore How
ard Blakely's fortune. 1 will see that
hereafter you do not swerve from that
purpose which you have marked out
for yourself
'I cannot restore a fortune 1 have
not received, but when it comes to me
1 shall decline to take it."
Reginald Emory went to a small
country town, as he had intended to
do, and opened an Office. Several years
after he married Marion Blythe, and
every one said that such a woman,
bred to city life, would wreck his ca