The Lamar register., 1902-10-22

sation over the green-baize tables,
and while the illustrious name Of
Jones might not go laundering down
the ages" as a liberator of enthralled
mankind, 1t would ever be held in re-
membrance as belonging to the man
who, aided by some astonishing good
fortune. together with a magnificent
system" had broken the famous bank
at Monte Carlo two nights in SUCCESS
sion.
Perhaps the actual result trended
the other way, and there was more
extravagant play the balance of the
season than ever before; since q prac-
tical demonstration had proven that
the long-sought system was possible,
every one who had ever bucked
against the tiger returned to the
charge refreshed and invigorated. and
many a unique set of figures, long
since discarded as hopeless. was made
to do duty again.
Jones. in his official capacity,
might have rejoiced to lay hands on
Villebois, but the count vanished
from the scene. and was next heard
Of in equatorial Africa. where he
joined his fortune as an exile from
France with the two daring captains
who aspired to found a new nation
among the refugee blacks of the
great Soudan.
Merrick having endured so much
for the girl he loved, was very urgent
with regard to a speedy wedding:
perhaps he still entertained some
faint fear lest his old dread of SEEM
ing to be a fortune hunter should
overwhelm him, and bring about
fresh troubles.
Nor could Constance, whose very
existence was now wrapped up in his.
say him nay; SO when they reached
London. in company with the genial
old colonel, the knot was tied secure
ly that made him the happiest man
on earth.
Having followed their fortunes thus
far, and witnessed their safe arrival
in the harbor of matrimony after
stormy voyage over the uncertain sea
of courtship, it would be folly to
spend any further time over their
joys and their sorrows. from which
even the most favored individuals
may not be wholly free.
While doing the great city of New
York some months later, Merrick re-
ceived a communication from an old
friend SO characteristic of Jones N
his happiest mood that 1t afforded
him more than little amusement.
even while he mourned over the
weakness of poor mankind. The let
ter was extremely brief and pithy.
being directly to the point:
Your prophecy. my dear boy, was,
alas! fulfilled. The wonderful pr.n.
cess charmed me as she has done
many better man, woul.d me around
her finger like piece of silk. made
love to me one day and laughed a.
me the next, until fell into fever
and threatened to cross the Styx, only
for once Jones, he wasn't able 70
pay the freight. The Cossack and
fought a duel, do you mind, and I'm
nursing the poor devil even yet in q
hospital; we've sworn eternal friend.
ship. and plan to go to China to win
fortune there. Confession is good for
the soul. dear Mark, so hear me out.
Every napoleon l won at Monte Carlo
went to the siren for diamonds and
rubies ct al; then, when the end
came, she married a rich old Brazilian
banker and is now on the high sea.
bound for Rio Janeiro. Poor devil.
how l pity him! l think il the Cos
sack fails to keep his word l shall
get me to nunnery or accept an
offer from Kruger in the Transvaal.
Yours humiliatingly. Jones"
(The end)