Monroe City Democrat. (Monroe City, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1904-11-10
GAMBLING
WITH FATE
By WILLIAM WALLACE COOK
Azthsr Of "Ths Cold GleNn.rsi A storT q
the Cyanide Tanks," "wilby's Dan,"
"His Friend the Enemy," Rogers
Of Butte" Eto., Etc.
ICOpyright. iOOs, By william wallace C0OkI
CHAPTER XVII.
Darrell UNMAsKED.

he had heretofore left McCloud entirely |
out of his calculations.
Before Lenyard could follow up his
startling announcement with an ex-
PLANTATION, the sallow-faced clerk |
pushed into the room, paused, and
looked around him, aghast al the dis
order.
"Where's-where's Murgatroyd?" he
asked.
1--WE don't want Murgatroyd now"
said Lenyard and drew close to the
clerk and whispered to him.
The clerk whispered a reply, five
words OF which Darrell happened to
overhear-"down the hall-tuckered
out" Who was down the hall and
tuckered out? Darrell reused himself
with freshened interest.
This is most astounding, young
man." said he TO Lenyard, with jeer-
ing incredulity.
1.-THE truth comes that way, some
times" returned Lenyard.
But your accusation is arrant nom
sense" persisted Darrell feigning an
cry impotence. "These gentlemen
he waved his hand toward Payton and
Merrick-"will not believe you. | have
already proved my case against Murga-
troyd."
Not exactly proved It," qualified
the doctor The revolver has yet to
be found and examined In this coun-
try five loads don't often remain in
q gun for a month. I'm not very hope
full about your end of 1t, although OAR
rel's ruse was a clever one"
What was the ruse?" asked Len
yard
The doctor told him, with now and
then word from Merrick.
When the recital was finished, ex-
pressive looks flashed between the
clerk and Lenyard.
THE marking Of those bullets" de-
clared Lenyard, "proves that McCloud
killed Sturgis."
"Why in the fiend's name should Nc
at wasn't McCloud that Quarreled
with Sturgis in Hawkbill's."
There couldn't have been any mo-
tive" spoke up the doctor, who seemed
to be a stickler on that phase of the
question.
You'll not find Murgatroyds re-
volver in Murgatroyd's possession"
insisted Lenyard doggedly. IF you
find it anywhere you'll find it in Nc.
Clouds pocket. Look and see."
Come on, Merrick," said Darrell, get
ting up and raising his hands above
his head.
You'll not find it," remarked Len
yard while the marshal was making
his search; "he wouldn't be so willing
to let you look, if he had it. He's got
rid of it somewhere"
"Any one would know the old mans
gum" observed the clerk; there amt
tana"
eve seen it a dozen times" said
the marshal as he returned to his chair
without finding the weapon. you've
opened this up, Lenyard, and it's up
to you to make good"
Eyes" said the doctor, land be very
careful, Roy. It's very serious mat
ter"
at was serious for Darrell" an
swered the young man warmly, "to
have his good name taken away from
him"
Good name!" echoed Darrell deris-
lively. "a gambler, gentlemen" he
went on, turning to the doctor and the
marshal, "a man who follows the cards
for living. This boy has a peculiar
way of looking at things"
Lenyard grew angry
"McCloud," said he, 81 told you II
Hawkbill's that l wasn't done with
you"
"Give us your proofs" said Darrell
shortly.
"Dr. Payton," continued the young
man, you know how hard l have
worked to clear barrels name during
the last month because l felt sure OF
his innocence. l did not go to you
with what had d covered because
was waiting TO find this man McCloud
ION the night Sturgis was muir
dered, McCloud was in that private
room, there, with Murgatroyd. Muir
gatroyd had been very late in getting
back from the hills and he had fount
q letter from Darrell that made hin
savage and desperate. He looked on
OF the street window and saw Dare
returning to HawkbilIs after havini
gone with me to the hotel.
TELLING McCloud to remain wher
he was, Murgatroyd rushed out Of tn
room, but did not take his revolve
with him. Don't forget that point