Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1908-03-27

fercnance we may play another
game when this is ended, Darlington,
said Strathgate fercely.
AT your service for any stake will
any counters" returned the othel
smoothly.
"Sit down, you FOOLS" cried tn,
duchess promptly interfering to pre-
vent the imminent outbreak, "ant
let's have the game"
Madam" said Strathgate present
ing the pack, will you cut first?"
Ellen lifted the top card.
THE four Of hearts," she exclaimed
"'Tis low card, madam" sait
Strathgate smoothly, "but hearts 1!
the ladies' suit"
And mems pursuit" laughed Ell
len merrily. TRY your fortune, my
lord"
The three Of spades" said Strath
gate, turning a card. THE thousand
pounds is yours and | am the richer
in your triumph, madam" he added
bowling gracefully.
Two thousand pounds against two
of yours, for another cut, my lord
said Ellen.
AT your pleasure, madam" re
turned the earl, who was as reckless
and venturesome a gambler as evel
entered the game.
The knaye Of hearts," said Ellen
turning her card.
THE unmannerly ace Of clubs take.
in custody your knave," returned
Strathgate after making his cut.
And how stand we now, my lord p
Il have won a thousand pounds t.
my misfortune" returned Strath
gate.
Once more, and this time fol
$4,000"
81 cannot disoblige a lady" returned
Strathgate smiling, although his face
was growing somewhat pale. Surely
this was play such as he had never
ventured upon.
ELLEN, stop!" cried Darlington
dropping his hand upon her shout
der.
my lord, you hurt my shoulder
Thank you," she added as he removed
his hand.
The cards were cut again, and once
more Strathgate won. Ellen found
herself $4,000 in his debt.
my lady," said Old Admiral KEEP
hard, you have shown your pluck
and courage. God forbid that any
here should ever dispute it. Have you
not done enough for the honor OF
America and your house now"
Il like the game" returned Ellen
calmly. 1T interests me. Had
known the fascination Of II before,
mad played long since. Unless my
lord Strathgate is weary"
Madam, ! could play with you for
ever for any stake" returned Strath
gate, utterly oblivious Of the frightful
glance shot at him by Darlington.
TITS $4,000 then. Would you see
1t on the board?"
Your word is sufficient for me-" re-
piled Strathgate gravely.
Again Ellen lost and found herself
In debt $4,000.
Five thousand pounds the stake
now" cried my lady, cutting once
more.
Five thousand pounds, madam"
said Strathgate, very white and follow.
Ing suit.
And this time Ellen won.
How stands the score now?"
You owe me s3,OOO," said Strath.
gate.
Correct" cried the old duke. by
Cad, this is interesting!"
Once more and now for $4,000
pounds" said Ellen, her face flushed
with excitement.
The room was now as still as death.
Save for the deep breathing of the
men and the gritting of teeth upon
the part Of Darlington, there was not
a sound except for the voices Of the
two players.
Ellen's luck was with her and this
time she won.
And now," she said, the score is
in my favor"
Yss, madam ~ $4,000"
DO you wiM D quit now, my lord?
Never" said o. earl. 81 will play
with you to the sStsnt Of my fortune.
Il don't promise to go that far al
this round" answered Ellen. I'm
new at the game, and l do not wish to
play out my whole fortune at the first
trial"
AS you please, madam. The game
shsll stop when you say. What shall
the wager be now"
Seven thousand pounds" cried
Ellen.
And this time fortune was against
her, for my lord Of Strathgate won.
Fore God, the score weaves like
Q seesaw," cried Gen. Athelstrong.
Nov she owes him $4,000"
ELLEN" said Carrinpton desnerafa-