The Lamar register., 1902-09-10

them a.l-its Unsuitable nav had
swallowed their filthy lucre. and they
gloated over the fact that its day Of
doom had apparently come at last.
The dealer now began to cast anx-
ious glances up at the clock as though
in hopes the hour for closing opera
tions was close at hand.
But this was folly and he knew it.
The game must be played to its
conclusion.
Seldom did single cog slip in
Jones' wheel. and the conviction at
last seized upon those who looked on
that u wonder had arrived with a
system that must revolutionize all
games of hazard from this time on.
The end was in sight.
Jones never let up.
His buckskin bag had a duplicate,
and both were well lcaded. a fortunes
in each.
He felt that he could keep up this
business as long as the bank was able
to stand it: but the losses of that
hitherto impregnable institution were
| simply enormous.
Finally the croupier threw up the
sponge. and as he showed more gold
across the table in the direction
whence all the rest had gone. he re-
marked in that metallic voice of his,
now tinged with real alarm:
There can be no further play here
tonight, ladies and gentlemen-for
the second time in its existence the
bank is brokeni"
The most tremendous excitement
followed this dramatic announcement
on the part Of the veteran croupier,
when circumstances entirely beyond
| his control compelled him to an
nounce the bursting of the bank Of
Monte Carlo.
| Jones was the cynosure of all eyes.
He could not complain Of any lack
of attention now-this wonderful feat
made him for the tim, being almost
god.
The old gamesters crowded about
him and wrung his hand with all
manner of congratuialory phrases.
which he could of course accept at
their true value. The man who sue
ceeds has no lack of friends. Jones
was human. and rejoiced at the tri-
umphant vindication of his work.
The count and his Russian ally had
no reason to complain. since they
were in for goodly pile; but what
they had won was a mere bagatelle to
what the future held for the posses
sor of that magical chart.
And well they knew 1t.
Jones had made all preparations for
just such an emergency. even as he
had supplied the buckskin reservoirs
for sacking the bank.
For an amateur bank burglar he had
covered himself with considerable
glory.
True, there was Merrick, sturdy
enough to stagger under one Of the
sacks, but to reach Nice in safety
might be a problem.
Mark was engaged Just then. hav-
ing found an opportunity to address
Constance and this in his mind was
far more to be desired than the task
of guarding q treasure trove.
Little Miss Millions had never
gambled a cent in her life, and yet she
had been dreadfully interested in
Jones' daring raid-she who had
hunted springbok and hartebeast. per
haps even the Cape buffalo in his ma.
tive wild. knew what danger and ex.
element meant. and her little hands
had done their best in applauding the
bold plunger when victory came.
The little chat Mark had with the
girl gave him some pleasure. and he
was glad to know she was now in the
care of the English colokcl who had
been a friend during her girlhood
| L. IT. - ~,
Transvaal.
1t was time they made a move II
desirous of getting back to Nice that
night, as the last train would present.
ly be going.
So Merrick said goodnight and
turned to assist his comrade.
So strange a spectacle had rarely
been seen in the last zen years, and a
great crowd of enthusiastic people
formed body guard to conduct the
successful raider to the train.
Really 1t was a triumphal march.
Merrick could not but secretly
laugh at the absurdity of it all-at the
same time he would hardly have been
human had he failed to enjoy the Pc
culiar sensation that comes with
such wonderful success.
On the following night 1t would be
his turn to play the system. while at
tention was directed to Jones, who
would win and lose alternately.
Hard lines had fallen upon Monte
Carlo, and If this thing continued long
the glory of the great gaming resort
would have departed.
A feverish unrest possessed the
town. and on every corner knots Of
people could be seen eagerly discuss
ing the tremendous catastrophe.