The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1907-08-10

dental and entered the barroom, which
was crowded by jostling figures, the
ever-moving mass as yet good-natured,
for the night was young. At the lower
end Of the long, sloppy bar he stopped
for moment to nod to the fellow be-
hind.
Anything going on tonight worth
while. JIM" he questioned. quietly.
Rather stiff game, they tell me, just
started in the back ROOM" was the
genial reply. 1.-TWO eastern suckers,
with Red slavin sitting in
The gambler passed on, pushing
rather unceremoniously through the
throng of perspiring humanity. The
large front room upstairs was ablaze
with lights. every game in full opera
ton and surrounded by crowds of de-
voices. He walked directly toward the
rear of the room. A thick, dingy red
curtain hung there; he held back its
heavy folds and stepped within the
smaller apartment beyond.
Three men sat at the single table,
cards in hand, and Hampton invol.
UNFAIRLY whistled softly behind his
teeth at the first glimpse of the money
openly displayed before them. This
was apparently not so bad for a start
er, and his waning interest revived. A
red.bearded giant, sitting so as to face
the doorway, glanced up quickly at his
entrance. his coarse mouth instantly
taking on the semblance of smile.
"Ah. Bob" he exclaimed, with an
evident effort at cordiality; been won
dering If you wouldn't show up before
the night was over. You're the very
fellow to make this four-handed af-
fair, provided you carry sufficient
stuff"
Hampton came easily forward into
the full glow Of the swinging oil lamp,
his manner coolly deliberate, his face
expressionless. Il feel no desire to in
trude," he explained, quietly, watching
the uplifted faces. y believe l have
never before met these gentlemen"
Slavin laughed, his great white
fingers drumming the table.
1T is an acquaintance easily made"
he said, provided one can afford to
trot in their class, for it is money that
talks at this table tonight. Mr.. Hamp-
ton, permit me to present Judge
Halves, of Denver, and Mr.. Edgar Will
lis. president of the T. P. & R. l have
no idea what they are doing in this
hell-hole of town. but they are dead
game sports, and have been trying
my best to amuse them while they're
here"
Hampton bowed, instantly recogniz-
ing the names.
Glad to assist" he murmured, sink
ing into vacant chair. What limit"
I'VE have had no occasion to discuss
that matter as yet" volunteered
Halves. sneeringly. However, If you
have scruples we might settle upon
something within reason"
Hampton ran the undealt pack care
lessly through his fingers. his lips
smiling pleasantly. "Oh, never mind,
II 1t chances to go above my pile I'll
drop out. Meanwhile, I hardly believe
there is any cause for you to be mod
ost on my account"
The play opened quietly and with
some restraint. the faces of the men
remaining impassive. their watchful
glances evtdencing nothing either of
success or failure. Hampton played
with extreme caution for some time,
his eyes studying keenly the others
about the table, seeking some deeper
understanding of the nature Of his op.
ponents, their strong and weak points,
and whether or not there existed any
prior arrangement between them. He
was there for purpose, clearly de-
fined purpose, and he felt no inclina-
ton to accept unnecessary chances
with the tickle Goddess of Fortune. To
one trained in the calm observation Of
small things, and long accustomed to
weigh his adversaries with care, it was
not extremely difficult to class the two
strangers, and Hampton smiled softly
on observing the size of the rolls
rather ostentatiously exhibited by
them. His satisfaction was in noways
lessened by the sound Of their voices,
when incautiously raised In anger
over some unfortunate play. He i'm
mediately recognized them as the iden-
tical individuals who had loudly and
vainly protested over his occupancy of
the best rooms at the hotel. He
chuckled grimly.
But what bothered him particularly
was Slavin. The cool. gray eyes, glanc-
ing with such apparent negligence
across the cards in his hands, noted
every slight movement of the red.
bearded gambler. in expectation of de-
tecting some sign OF trickery. or some
evidence that he had been selected by
this precious trio for the purpose of
easy plucking. Knavery was Slavin's
style. but apparently he was now
playing straight game. no doubt real.
izing clearly. behind his impassi1e
mask Of face, the utter futility OF
seeking to outwit one Of Hampton q
enviable reputation.
1t was, unquestionably, q fairly
fought four-handed battle, and at last,
thoroughly convinced Of this, Hamp
tnn settled n,liet1y down nrAna rod r.