The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-07-22

(Continued.)

ing into a 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. ooh, never mind,
If it chances to go above my pile III
drop out. Meanwhile, l hardly believe
there is any cause for you TO be mod
est on my account"
The play opened quietly and with
some restraint, the faces of the men
remaining impressive. their watchful
gIances evldencing 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 OPP
ponents, their strong and weak points,
and whether or not there existed any
prior arrangement between them. He
was there for purpose, d 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,
mediattly recognized them as the iden-
teal 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. Tho 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 a straight game, no doubt real.
izing clearly, behind his impassive
mask OF face, the utter futility Of
seeking to outwit one of Hampton's
enviable reputation.
It was, unquestionably, a fairly
fought four-handed battle and at last,
thoroughly convinced Of this, Hamp-
ton settled quietly down, prepared to
play out his game. The stakes grew
steadily larger. Several times drinks
were served but hampton contented
himself with a gulp of water, always
gripping an unlighted cigar between
his teeth. He was playing now with
apparent recklessness, never hesitat-
ing over card, his eye as watchful as
that of hawk, his betting quick, con.
fldent, audacious. The contagion OF
his spirit seemed to affect the others
TO force them into desperate wagers
The perspiration was beading Slavin $
forehead, and now and then an oath
burst unrestrained from his hairy lips
Halves and Willis sat white-faced, bent
forward anxiously over the table, their
fingers shaking as they handled the
fateful cards, but Hampton played
without perceptible tremor his utter
ances few and mcnosyllabic, his calm
face betraying not the faintest emo
ton.
And he was steadily winning. Occa
sionally some other hand drew in the
growing stock of gold and bank notes
but not often enough to Offset those
continued gains that began to heap w
in such an alluring pile upon his por
ton of the table. The lookers-on who
had come in began to observe this, and
gathered more closely about his chair
fascinated by the luck with which the
cards came floating into his hands, the
cool judgment of his critical plays. the
reckless abandon with which he forced
success. Suddenly he forced the fight
to a finish. The opportunity came IN
a Jackpot which Halves had opened
The betting began with ccol thou
sand. Then Hamptons turn came
Without drawing. his cards yet lying
downward before him on the board
his calm features as immovable as the
Sphinx. he quietly pushed his whole
accumulated pile to the center. named
the sum, and leaned back in his chair
his eyes cold, impressive. Halves
threw down his hand, wiping his
streaming face with his handkerchief;
Willis counted his remaining roll, hest
tated, looked again at the faces OF his
cards. flung aside two. drawing to fill
and called loudly for a showdown, his
eyes protruding. Slavin, cursing
flercely under his red beard. having
drawn one card, his perplexed face in
stantly Frightening as he glanced a
1t, went back into his hi9 pocket fol-
every cent he had. and added his pro
fame demand for a chance at the
money.
A fortune rested on the table, for
tune the ownership Of which was Il