, 1908-08-06

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 8 start.
or. 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 sembiance of a smile.
"Ah, Eob," he exclaimed, with an
evident effort at cordially; 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 int
trude," he explained. quietly, watching
the uplifted aces. Il believe 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 1t is money thai
talks at this table tonight. Mr.. Hamp,
ton, permit me to present Judge
Halves. of Denver, and Mr.. Edgar VIII
lis. president of the T. P. e X. have.
no idea what they are doing in this
hell-hole of a town, but they are dead
game sports, and I have beer 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 a vacant chair. What limit
w 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 it nance to go above my pile I'll
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
glances e~sidencing 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 whethcr or not there existed II
prior arrangement between them. He
was there for a purpose, a clearly de-
fined purpose, Int he felt no inclina-
ton to accept unnecessary chances
with the tickle Goddess of Fortune. To
II trained in the calm observation of
small things, and long accustomed to
weigh his adversaries with care. it was
not extremely difficult 10 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-
teal individuals who had loudly and
vainly protested over his occupancy of
the best rooms at the hotel. He
chnckled 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-
taat;r, ,--.- ..~u -
evidence that he had been selected by
CONTINUED on 4th Pape)