The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-02-24
WHEN 1 AM KlCn
 By Roy Mason Copyright, G. w. Dillingham; Company, 1909)

Well" said Chester, T don't want to die."
 Neither do l." replied the French it."
 'Then your proposition was bluff?"
 The other mans eyes narrowed and a.kened. The whole hue Of hls race seemed to grow blacker. His strong wnne teeth contrasted cruelty with s:fs red lips and black mustache.
 -.-~ you call it a bluff, you Amer ieans, he said, when a man will substantiate it-make it good?"
 He drew forth a tiny lacquered box containing a single translucent pellet. and pronered it to Chester
 Have one," he invited grimly.
 "Awfully good of you," Chester an- swered, but really I don't feel hun- gry.''
 Then" exclaimed Richepin, "you are a damned coward
 He paused for his dramatic effect. Ii failed to come. Elkins had turned away. Chester looked amused, Gold smith impa ssible.
 Bring me my account immediate iy,' Richepin vociferated.
 Certainly I'1r have it made up" answered Chester.
 He gave his order to the cashier, and stood watching the angry French man.
 Afraid I've lost you good ac- count he muttered to Goldsmith.
 ''So?' replied his big employer calmly MT. Langhams will be steadier Richepin's was very heavy to carry. and moreover his eccentri- cities are very hard on my friend Elkins' nerves. It would cost some thing doubtless to lose it butt won- der if he knows just where it stands
 What do you mean?" inquired Chester.
 s'He went out of her at eleven thirty. The market went all to pieces in the last half hour of trading. Some of our customers were very hard hit. Richepins margains were wiped out" ''But then?"
 Perhaps thel lines of worry vii! be less deep on my friend Elkins' face. It was done by my orders"
 Has he lost everything?"
 ''Who knows? We have thought so before, and he has come back with yet more money"
 Did he ever get angry and leave tefore?''
 Many times, especially when MT. Elkins was away. He loves to ex- cite and worry him. My disposition is too placid to suit.''
 Do you ever get excited?" innuir- ed Chester.
 ''Yes, but I try to keep feeling cheerful inside. It helps''
 Yes agreed Chester, stirred with a sudden memory of the hard faced little gambler, "it certainly helps.'', A stock boy approached the nut tering >Richepin and handed him a carefully ruled account The latter bounded from his chair.
 ..Misericorde!" he shouted wildly .In twenty minutes! And you sold, You did not notify me! An, the scoundrels! An, the villains! An. :" Goldsmith tapped him on the shoulder.
 "Ples SC do not force me to request my athletic young friend to throw you out
 Richepin's face turned suddenly from purple rage to ashy grey. He sank back into leather-covered chair
 But you do not understand" he sobbed. You cannot know!"
 "Oh, yes," said Goldsmith, ''I un- rstand' Then he added aside % Chester: Keep your eye on the lit : tie pill"
 He had scarcely spoken when Richepin snatched the lacquered pox from his pocket. The cover came off as if by magic, and in another in- stant he would have ciapped the pois- on in his mouth, but Chester seized him by the wrist. Then with readi- ness which surprised him later he reached down, grasped the leg of the heavy chair. and tipped it on it's back. Goldsmith upset an inkstand as he 1eaped forward to arrest Riche- pins suicidal intent. The pill went rolling on the floor, and the averted tragedy suddenly assumed a collie as- pect Richepin was forced to rise from his awkward position with neither dignity nor grace.
 The impetus of the slam which he gave the, office door as he departed shattered the glass, leaving a frag- ment which spelled only Gold. , Chester drew deep breath
 'The stock brokerage business is somewhat more exciting than I had anticipated he said. "Is he given to the pill habit ?''
 "IntermitfeutJv replied Goldsmith