The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1909-06-22
The TUMULT OF PASSION.
BY CHRISTINE v. PENNEY


way and gazed across at a closed
window. The old. wild passion cap
tivated him. His fingers twitched
nCrvously. His eyes burned through
the light, evening mist, and strained
toward the building opposite.
Cd, what fool! What fool!
Can't keep away" He pulled roll
of bills from his fur lined topcoat,
and quickly ran them through Bah!
Only $500. The very last, too It's
not drop in the bucket" He start
ed, as If come upon something I'M
expectedly. From an inner pocket he
drew large wallet Carefully, he
counted note after note. Five thou
sand!-Ill do it! I'll risk it. i've
got to win-the tides bound to turn.
I can pay 1t back"
Unconsciously, Brentwood spoke
aloud An italian flower vendor, in
the alley alongside, listened curious
ly. Brentwood started across the
street
Flowers, sir? Nice, fresh roses,
sir?"
NO, snapped Brentwood The
lad held up the fragrant blossoms
temptingly. Here, though, I guess
Eli let you take some up to the
house for my daughter-126 West
-th street; Brentwood's the name;
for Madge Brentwood. understand ?"
'Madge Brentwood" The Italian
paled.
Correct, my boy" Brentwood
impatiently thrust bill into the fell
lows hand, flung past him and en-
tered the great gambling house of the
city.
Within all was brilliant. Luxuri-
Dus comfort fawned upon you. Piles
upon piles of red, blue and white
dozenges clicked in your ears. Win
or lose their rattle lured you on, and
On again! Stacks of greenbacks gloat-
ed behind the bars of a cashiers
cage. The sight of them made your
ayes bulge, your cheeks feverish, and
= your brain throbl The call of the
card5i Harvey Brentwood knew well
its irresistible fascination!
Three men lolled at table near
the door.
One of them motioned to Brent
wood.
"Play?" he asked.
"How many?" inquired Brent
wood.
'tFour-handed.
Limit"
No limit, sir
Brentwood sat in. The game was
on! Pot after pot rolled away from
him. Seal after seal snapped on new
packs of cards. Brentwood held
good hands, antied and raised, but at
the call, the other fellow always had
better His cash was petering out
5 His cash? That was long since gone
1t was the balance Of the $4,000
Great heavens He must win this
time!
1T will cost you fifty to draw
cards." said the dealer. Two of the
players threw in their hands.
"I'll stick" said Brentwood, care
aessly. He drew one card. He no
ticed that his opponent did likewise.
''I'll bet you $500" cried the man.
There's your $500, and $500 bet
ter" muttered Brentwood. He had
otdhSu LIS ldSL -uOlldr.
We'll, I'll call you
1.-TWO pair" Brentwood's voice
sounded harsh. Aces high-aces
and kings" He held out his hand.
Two pair here. Jacks up and
Jacks down. sneered the man oppo-
site. -Four of kind, If you prefer"
The cards trickled from Brent
woods fingers. He crumbled like
tender, blighted plant. With a pitt
able groan he showed the chips from
aim. They clattered across the board.
and the winner drew them in. Smil-
Ing, he arranged them in neat rows
before him. Brentwood's bleared
eyes stared at them. They seemed to
stretch unendingly, and they all
meant ollars-thousand Of them
With gasp, he fell back.
Try another hand, Brentwood"
''I'm all In, gentlemen. I'll have
to-say- good night" He staggered
to his feet.
'I'll back you" A quiet voice
spoke from the doorway. Brentwood
wheeled about and scrutinized the
speaker. 1t was young man,
scarcely more than boy, he seemed.
The collar of his ulster mufied up to
his ears, and soft hat, the brim
pulled down in front, still lay upon
his head. 1t was no unusual thing
for loser here to find some willing
champion to back him. But this
was mere boy! Brentwood consid-
eTed--hesitated Then the thought
Of his lossv-his crime-beat about
him.
"All right, sir. Come in, won't
you: I'm losing heavily. You're
sure you want to chance it?' The
man nodded. Come in, and hang
up your coat. Be comfortable" !.
I'm comfortable. thank you. 'T'll
look on from here. Win-we1l split.
Lose-I'll stand ii.
Brentwood looked sharply at the
lad. He had spoken so listlessly, in
q wornout way. Men who talked So
seldom came here, But he turned to