Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-10-29
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The unpleasant sensation of moving in the
dark remained with Miibanke while Asshlin.
stiA nodsdly excited, arranged the stakes.
cut for the deal. and. having won the cut,
distributed the cards. BY nature he was
lethargic and placid. by habit he was pre-
else, methodical and commonplace. This
advent into this new atmosphere with its
inexplicable suggestions and volcanic out
bursts left him distressed and Ill at ease.
He was the type Of man who. in every rela-
ton of life, likes to know exactly where he
stands. Having once satisfied himself upon
that point. he was usually content to fols
low the routine of existence without trouble
to those around him; but until 1t was fully
defined he was prey to vague uneasi-
ness.
So absorbed was he by the trend Of his
own speculations that for the first five
games he gave but small consideration to
the cards. Then, however, his host logged
his attention with no uncertain hand.
Pausing in the shutting of the cards. he
glanced across the table. You're playing
like on old woman. James. Are your wits
mountaineering that you've let me win every
blessed gamer"
Milbanke looked up. Forgive me-" he
said. hastily. Forgive me. 1 was think
ing
Irishman isn't high enough game to fly at?''
Asshlin laughed. well, I'll put some life
into YOU I'll double the stakes. What do
you say to that?" He leaned back in his
chair, balancing the pack Of cards in his
hands.
Milbanke. with. suddenly awakened OBJ
servation, saw that his eyes glittered with
excitement and that his lips were set:
Double the stakes?'' he echoed. doubtful
ly. "Oh-certainly. IL you think it will i'm
prove the game. For myself l rarely play
for money; always think that the
cards.
ga - u,,Roiart n, +borosoJvos oupnoeo -
Asshlin laughed. Don't you believe 1t,
James. Or II you do. I'll teach you better.
Come along. In for penny, in for q
pound! Are you agreeable?"
For a moment Milbanke was thoughtful
then he became conscious of the others i'm
patient glance.
''why-why. certainly" he said. ANY
thing you like"
Spoken like a man" Asshlin impulsively
threw down the cards and then gathered
them UP again. 81 see the embalming proc
ess isn't completed yet The antiquarians
have left a shred or two of frail humanity
in you. Well. wen have it out. Wen put
an edge on it. Come along" He leaned for
ward. the reckless brightness deepening In
his eyes.
But Milbanke hesitated. Hadn't we bet
ter settle up the first score and start
afresh?" he said. How do we stand?'
He put his hand into his pocket.
But the other waived the point.
els 1t paying at this hour of the night?''
he cried. Give me a pencil and I'll Jot
down our difference, IL you're conscientious.
But the balance will be on the other side
before the candles are burned out. The
devil forgot to bring luck to the Asshlins
since poor anthony went below. But come
along, man. Come along. Here's to the
youth Of usr' He drained his glass and
turned again to the business In hand.
During the next half-dozen games neither
spoke. With deep absorption Asshlin fol-
lowed the run Of the cards. Once or twice
an exclamation escaped him; once or twice
he paused to replenish Milbanxe's glass or
his own. but in every other respect he had
eyes and thoughts for nothing but the busi-
ness of the moment; Mflbanke. ION the con-
trary. gambler neither by instinct nor: train
Ing. was infinitely more Interested in hts
opponent than In the play
AS he watched Asshlin, a score Of recol-
lections rose Ito his NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. that
time and advancing age had all but effaced
He recalled the numberfess occasions upon
which the Irishman, in the exuberance OF
youth. had sat over a gaming table until
the daylight had streamed in across the
scattered cards. the heaped-up cigar ashes.
and the emptied glasses; he reviewed the