Evening star., 1909-03-14

Engadine at this time of year | can't guess,
less perhaps he is interested in pretty face
At this time of the year, repeated SpenSer.
' Isn't this the season.
Not for him. He used to be a famous
climber; but he has given it up since he waxed
fat and prosperous. | have met him once or
twice at st. Moritz in the winter. Otherwise. he
usually shows up at the fashionable resorts in
August. Bower likes excitement, too. He often
opens a thousand pound bank at baccarat,
whereas people are shocked in Maloggia at see.
ing Hare play bridge at tenpence hundred
Il leave it, partner" broke in the vicar, to
whom the game was the thing.
No trumps. said Spenser without giving
the least heed to his cards 1t was true his eyes
were resting on the ace, king, and queen of
spades; but his mind was tortured by the be-
lief that by his fantastic conce1t in sending
Helen to this Alpine fastness he had delivered
her bound to the vultures
Double no trumps said Dunston, gloating
over the possession of long suit of hearts and
three aces. Hare looked anxious, and Spenser
suddenly awoke to the situation.
Satisfied he said.
Holt led the three of hearts, and Spenser
spread his cards on the table with the gravity
of a Sioux chief. In addition to the three high
spades he held six others,
Really" gasped the parson. ga most re-
markable declaration!"
Yet there was an agitated triumph in his
voice that was not pleasant hearing for Dun
Ston who took the trick with the ace of hearts
ana leo the lowest OF a sequence 10 dueeu
Got him!" painted Hare. producing the king.
The rest was easy. The vicar played a small
spade and scored ninety-six points without any
further risk.
1T is magnificent: but it is not bridge" said
the man from Pittsburgh
Dunston simply glowered.
Partner" demanded Hare timidly, may
ask why You called no trumps' on hand like
that"
"Thought l would give you a chance to dis
-, l.. ~ Ed 80
that sort OF thing rattles your opponents at the
beginning of game Keep your nerve now.
and YOU have 'em in a cleft stick"
AS it happened, Holt made mo trump"
declaration on very strong hand; but SpenSer
held seven clubs headed by the ace and king.
He doubled Holt redoubled. Spenser doub
led again.
Hare flushed somewhat. ALLOW me to say
that am very fond of bridge but cannot take
part in game that savors of gambling. even
for low stakes. he broke in.
Shall We let her go at forty-eight points
trick" Spenser asked.
"Yepr' snapped Holt. Got all the clubs?"
Not all: sufficient. perhaps
He played the ace. Dunston laid the queen
and knave the table. Spenser scored the
winning trick before his adversary obtained an
opening
VOU have a backbone of cast Steel" COM
mented Dunston who was an ironmaster.
" Do you play baccarat: he went on, with curl
Gus earneStneSS.
- regret tu state my education was COM
peted in Western mining camp.
Will YOU excuse the hberty!-and perhaps
Mr.. Hare won't listen for moment,-but l
will finance YOU in three banks of thousand
each either banking or punting. If you promise
to take Bower. | can arrange it easily l
say this because You personally may not care to
play for high sums
The suggestion was astounding, coming as 1T
did from a stranger: but Spenser merely said,
" You don't like Bower them"
That is So. | have business relations with
him occasionally. and there he IS all that could
be wished but have seen him clear out more
than one youngster ruthlessly,-force the play
to too high stakes. | mean. | think you could
take his measure.
I'm leaving here tomorrow.
"Ah well We ma yhave another eropportun1ty.
SpenSer continued to have amazing good for
tune and he PLAYED with skill, but without any
more fireworks. At the close of the sitting the
vicar said cheerfully:
You are not a ladies' man, Mr.. Spenser.
You know the old proverb Lucky at cards,
unucky in love: But let me hope that it does
not apply in Your case"
TALKING about a ladies' man, who is the
girl Your friend Bower dined WITH" asked
Holt. She has been in the hotel several days;
but she didn't seem to be acquainted with any
BODY until he blew in this afternoon"
=. She * a Miss Helen WyntOn " said the vicar.