Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1904-06-11
GAMBLING
WITH FATE
by WILLIAM WALLACE COOK
Aushor Of ''The Gold Gleanerss A story Of
the Cyanide Tanks, /" .Wiiby's Dnn,"
sHis Friend The Enemy, Rogers
Of Butte" Eto., Kto.
xcopyrixht. 1904 y william wallace Cook
CHAPTER XVII.
Darrell UNMAsKED.

his belief in Murgatroyd's guilt that
ae had heretofore left McCioud entirely
but 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 at 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 incredibly.
THE truth comes that way, some
times" returned Lenyard.
But your accusation is arrant non
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."
mot 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
gun for month. I'm not very hope
ful about your end of it, although OAR
rel's ruse was clever one"
What was the ruse?" asked Len
yard
The doctor told him, with now and
then a word from Merriek
When the recital was finished. ex-
pressive looks flashed between the
tclerk and Lenyard.
"The marking of those bullets" de-
cleared Lenyard, proves that McCloud
killed Sturgis.'
why in the fienG's name should Nc
Cloud kill Sturgis?" asked Merriclz.
1T wasn't McCloud that quarreled
with Sturgis in Hawkbills."
There couldn't have been any mo-
tive" spoke up the doctor, who seemed
TO be stickler on that phase of the
question.
you'll not find Murgatroyd's re-
svolver in Murgatroyds 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; che wouldn't be so. willing
to let you look, if he had it. He's got
rid Of 1t somewhere"
ANY one would know the old mans
gun" observed the clerk; there amt
another like it in the hull of Mon
Jtana"
i've 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, ITO
have his good name taken away from
him"
Good name!" echoed Darrell deris-
avely. "a gambler gentlemen" he
went on, turning to the doctor and the
marshal. "a man who follows the cards
for a living. This boy has a peculiar
way of looking at things"
Lenyard grew angry.
'McCloud," said he, 81 told you in
Hawkbilrs that wasn't done with
you"
GIVE us your proofs said Darrell,
shortly.
'D- Payton," continued the young
man you know how hard 1 have
worked TO clear barrels name during
the last month because / felt sure of
his innocence. did not go to you
with what | had discovered because l
'was waiting to find this man McCloud.
ON the night Sturgis, was muir
sdered, McCloud was in that private
room. there, with Murgatroyd. Muir
gacroyd had been very late in getting
Back from the hills and he had found
a letter from Darrell that made him
savage and desperate. He looked out
of the street window and saw Darrell
returning to Hawkbill's after having
gone with me to the hotel
Telling McCloud to remain where
he was, Murgatroyd rushed out of the
room, but did not take his revolver
with him. Don't forget that point,
gentlemen. Strange as 1t may seem to
yyou, 2durgatroyd was so excited he
aiid,not take his revolver.
1IcCIoud picked up the weapon and
I stepped to the open window. He
lgeaned out, and down the street, in the
Vsare nj light from the dance-hall OPP
s7osite. he saw Darrell confronted by
Rrcrgis. He raised the revolver sight
ed carefully, and fired. Then he rushed
away, pushing the weapon into his