Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-02

shiver ran through me- l was turned to stone
could not move a muscle. Looking up or about me
hand the clutch of which mine grew stronger and,
thought, less cold How long this condition lasted
have no idea; but was aroused from it by pres
of the fingers of the hand Its fingers parted my
fingers, and the pencil changed from my grasp to that
of the hand Then the voice said again. very softly,
in sort of whisper
That is the card called for!
My eyes snapped in the direction l knew
meant There was mark drawn clear through the
figure four in the heart line The thirteenth trump
had been played at the right tmei
NOV looked up, and what l startled me be-
~ yond expression Seated at the end of the table
in Pounderby's place, was Pounderby himself! Yes.
Pounderby, white, pale, wan, hollow eyed, his over
coat buttoned tight at his throat his peaked cap,
which he often wore in the evening when we came in
here, drawn down over his forehead. You may mag
inc how gazed at him, the wild incredulity of my
stare the utter disbelief that could be sitting there
minutes before! l could not speak am of that:
but he did He said, with a smile
You are surprised at seeing me here aren't YOU"
Heaven, Pounderby! What doest mean R Robbins
What about Robbins?
How did you-does he"
"Oh, yes said Pounderby quietly Robbins
knows I've gone
"And-and he let you go?'
Pounderby shrugged his shoulders "of course, =
But, good Lord, mani" l said. What was he
thinking of You out in the night arl Why. he's
i
Pounderby raised his hand expostulatingly.
Where you going! he asked
To telephone to Robbins l said.
ne saa mani Peaahg mat rn way
minute so shall be quite willing. came here to
find YOU, though and must not 60 away without
without Strengthening things out"
"Oh, that all right " l said divining his meaning
and now that had him with me- quite ready to
drop the whole distressing matter of the card game
as had been anxious to follow it to the bitter end
No" said Pounderby it isn't all right. That's
why came here"
You alone?" asked. You looked in at
NO l came directly here from l came here
first. l knew you were here. But that has nothing
to do with it. Let us talk about that other matter
"Pounderby, old fellow, said l. Il don't want to
talk about it forget it, and to apologize to
you for my childish anger over-over such foolish
mistake
He smiled wanly. 1T wasn't mistake he said.
Il made the revoke on purpose"
Oh. well" said l, you weren't yourself: You
are sick man, and you mustn't stay here. m go
ing to call a cab.
MOT yeti he said. Il myself when played
: as did. Oh, yes, l was! l was never near
being myself at that moment. Rawllng, l have
always wanted to cheat l never played game of
when it looked necessary No, never let the temp
tation get the better of me. 1t wouldn't have been
WE'LL gentlemanly. Besides, knew that if you found
it out you would have anything further to do
with me, and couldn't have borne that, Rawling l
liked you too we'll l saw tears in his eyes, and his
voice full of them.
"Oh, come, comet cried Enough of thisl
You are crazy Pounderby, crazy! You SICK
you must get back to bed! Please let me take you
home right away!"
Again that wan smile, an almost amused smile as
he said, There is no hurry, danger. l am we'll
here anywhere. Now let me go on. | always
wanted to cheat, as have told you; but always
strong, very strong, Rawng. saw that must lose
if played honestly, and somehow couldn't sta..d