Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1906-10-12

Implying that he had already in.
creased his holdings. he opened and
closed his hpuds several times. finally
closed and clinched them-a sure sign
OF energetic nervous action. and in
that particular instance a sign Of de.
ception, because there was no energy
In his remark and no reason for en-.
ergy. am not srperstitious. but | be.
lieve In palmistry to a certain extent.
Even more than the face are the
hands sensitive recorder Of what is
passing in the mind
But | was then too intent upon my
dilemma carefully to study a man who
had already lulled me into absolute
confidence in him. left him as soon
as he would let me 90. His last words
we're, mo gambling, Mathew! No
abuse OF the opportunity God is giving
as. Be content with the Just profits
from investment. ! have seen gam
blers come and so, many OF them able
men-very able men. But they have
melted away, and where are they?
And | have remained and have in
creased. feel that can trust you.
You began as Spectator. but success
has steadied you. and you have put
yourself on the firm ground where we
see the solid men into whose hands
God has given the development of the
Astounding resources Of this beloved
country of ours"
Do you wonder that I went away
with heart full OF shame for the
gambling projects my head was plan.
ming upon the information that good
man had given me?
shut myself in my private office
for several hours of hard thinking
as can now see. the first real atten.
ton had given my business in two
months. 1t soon became clear enough
that my textile plunge was a folly;
but it was too late to retrace. The
only question was, could and should
| assume additional burdens? |
looked at the National coal problem
from every standpOint-so ! thought
And could see no possible risk. Did
not Roebuck's statement make II GER
tain as sunrise that, as soon as the
reorganization was announced, all coal
stocks would rise? Yes, | should be
risking nothing; could with abso-
lutte safety stake my credit; to make
contracts TO buy coal stocks at pres
ent prices for future delivery was no
more of a gamble than depositing
cash in the United States treasury.
You've gone back to gambling
lately, Matt" said to myself. You've
been on a bender, with your head
aflre. You must get out of this tex
tile business as soon as possible. But
it's good sound sense 10 plunge on the
coal stocks. In fact, your profits there
would save you II by some mischaHce
textile should rise instead Of fall. Act.
ing on Roebuck's tip isn't gambling.
it's insurance"
J ! emerged to issue orders that soon
threw into the National coal venture
all | had not staked on a falling mar.
ket for textiles. ! was not content
as the pious gambling-hater, Roebuck,
had begged me TO be-with buying
only what stock | could pay for.
went plunging on. contracting for
many times the amount could have
bought outright.
The next time ! saw Langdon | was
full of enthusiasm for Roebuck. | can
see his smile as he listened.
Il had no idea you were an expert
on the trumpetS of praise, Blackjack"
said he finally. "A very snowy &C.
complishment," he added, but rather
dangerous. don't you think! The
player may become enchanted by his
own music"
i try to look on the bright side Of
things" said |, even of human ma
ture."
Since when?" drawled he.
laughed-a good, hearty laugh
for this shy reference to my affair Of
the heart tckled me. enjoyed ia
the full only in long retrospect the
look he gave me.
AS soon as man falls in love,
said he, trustees should be appointed
to take charge Of his estate"
You're wrong there, old man."
replied. I've never worked harder
or with a clearer head than since
learned that there are"-I hesitated
and ended lamely-"other things in
life"
Langdon's handsome face suddenly
darkened, and | thought | saw in his
eyes a look of savage pain. 81 envy
you" said he with an effort at his
wonted lightness and cynicism. But
that look touched my heart; talked
no more Of my own happiness. To do
30, felt would be like bringing laugh.
ter into the house Of grief.