The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-04-12
AFoRTUNATE FAILURE.
BY WREN WRYpELL.

By her manner she evidently meant what she had spoken.
 No. shall never marry man who gambles, be it cards or stocks.' she re- peated.
 Joel wondered at her attitude, but re- solved that she should never be the wiser in regard to his recent scheming on the market
 Perhaps that is why you did not att tend the last progressive euchre party at the De Laneys."
 You guessed right; 1t was in conflict with my principle. hence declined to at- tend"
 He began to suspect that his path in the wooing of Marie would not be as smooth as his sanguine expectations had pictured 1t.
 N,"It is very exciting" he ventured.
 And very exhilarating when you lose, I presume"
 ITO lose is not necessary for our health and happiness, besides 1t is fine sport to win"
 q hope you are not speaking for your self: If you are we can never be the best of friends. I am sure."
 He gazed through the window down the broad avenue and. although 1t was nine o'clock at night, he readily recog- nized the face of Williams. his most hated adversary on exchange passing in his automobile. His wife and daughter were with him, evidently out for an even ing spin. and for moment Joel realized. that he was planning their ruin.
 A moment later she continued: "I am at present writing a magazine article upon the evils of stock gambling. l shall use the most telling arguments In favor of government control of the mar ket.''
 He suddenly came to the conclusion that there was only one way open to him and that was to win her before his corner of eggs was announced. She step ped to the piano and he obedientiy fol- lowed. Possessing fine baritone voice he now, as he so often had done before. poured out his love in song. He laid such stress upon each recurrence of any reference to the delicate passion that she could not help but understand. She seem ed engrossed in the manipulation of the Keyboard but he recognized by the bow ing of her head that his pleading in song was not in vain. Between the luils in the music he would whisper what he left unsunR. and the result as sooner ar later was to he expected. their engagement would be announced in the near future.
 Upon leaving he added: "I,et me hope that your magazine article will be ap- preciated by your readers" and chuckled within himself while stepping around the corner to his residence.
 The next, morning he awoke with the firm conviction that life was one long. sweet song. Not that he doubted this before, but he began to realize that the proper incentive had been lacking.
 While partaking of his breakfast he kH-n twan IFH financial column there was naturally much to interest him. and with a glance of speculation It is admitted that he heading about his relations with the mar ket. His corner Is well-nigh complete and he is recognized as a genius of specu- lation. It is admitted that he will arnass a stupendous fortune. In the editorial section he also finds a leading article about himself. Here he is roundly abused: is accused of forcing the price of eggs to an unprecedented height. thereby robbing the poor af a necessity of life. His speedy downfall is 'ferventiy hoped for; which causes Joel to become only more decided in his endeavor There is no turning back now, no matter what the papers say.
 With a start he is reminded that Marie may read this. To say the least his mind was far from It's accustomed ease that morning. On arriving on exchange his mind in- voluntarily cleared for action. With scant delibeFation. but with marvellous foresight. he swept everything before him. His adversaries including Will Hams, were upon mad stampede. vain ;ly endeavoring to hold their forces to- gether, and. above all, ruin stared them in the face.
 At the first sight of Marie in the draw ing room at her home that evening he fell prey to decided misgiving. We will speedily discover the cause.
 From the table she produced news paper and pointing to a leading editorial inquired for an explanation. Having concluded she added: Remember. will never marry a man who gambles.
 But, dear" he answered in some alarm. If do not make fortune by manipulating the market some one else will"
 Rsther a poor argument. and mo- ment later he became convinced of It. as she answered with spirit:
 Does another's wrong doing justly your own? Joel you cannot imagine how this has affected me today" Point ing to the editorial. she continued: T could hardly endure the pain of the
 
 husband. Mercy! For, your own loves sake-give it up!'
 She fell into his arms and wept bit terly. He had experienced many trying moments in business. but he readily con- fessed that this was the limit. He never for a moment, however. intended to re- Iinduish his corner on the market for mere sentiment. He did not doubt his ability in the least to convert her to his standpoint in the matter
 He kissed her upturned face tenderly, murmurlng the while softly:
 My own, my darling owiI. The pa pers have grossly exaggerated the mat ter. Cannot the love we pear each other mold this slight difference over?"
 Mold it over! Oh. how miserable l am! For my sake stop the daily gamble. I will die if you do not!''
 Joers heart was touched deeply. For a moment he entered the thought that he would drop the game. But, what would his friends. they who expected So much of him. think? Human nature is passionately fond of show and if in its self-complacency 1t can appear above It's fellows the hardest toll will he as play. The pinnacle of fame. in it's glitter. Is suf- flciently enchanting to enthrall us in It's glory; but tho greed for wealth entirely circumvents our better nature and leaves us but vestige of our real selves.
 Such was the situation with Joel. He did not require additional wealth to exist better. He could nos live in bet ter comfort with any number of millions added to his already vast store But deep in his nature there lurlced the germ of greed. It found food upon contem-