The San Francisco call., 1910-01-09
hra @RHE GETTY WOLF

superficial estimate OF his opponent If IL was an
apprentice the finer accomplishments of the leisure
class that strobe face the gambler across the
table it balanced, self-sure personality. He did
not raise his voice
Possibly such demand does impress you as being
srife raw Perhaps 1 am following the accepted
traditions in regard your profession Probably
you used to objections concerning losses But
/ repeat and emphasize-you to pay back $4,000
that you have taken from this boy
The humor of the thing broke upon Gringer and ne
smiled smoothly but unpleasantly-
"You are making yourself ridiculous, Mr.. Carter"
he said with notable restraint Il only suppose it
is because you have spent such short time in the
metropolitan atmosphere
Bill Gringer was sharp, but Carter did not finch.
"And you, Mr. Grnger, making a mistake in
thinking that this demand which seems merely hu-
morous you, is advanced with false understanding
of the situation. | have quarrel with you
with the way you make your money, except in this
one case For certain urgent reasons say again. you
must the l mentioned to this particular
player"
Gringer might have seen at this point that he had
not gagged his man or the motive, but he would not.
81 don't care to discuss the matter any further
he said
Very WE'LL" replied Carter Then shall have
to press it"
Gringer lost patience The veneer that long pros
perity and association with gilded refinement had
rough that started from his chair.
Now get out of herep he ordered sharply Get
out, and take that cub with you before kick you
out"
Exerting Pressure
Carter regarded him calmly and then took step
forward He leaned toward the gambler over the
table and spoke in low voice that Pulsain might
not hear
81 wouldn't make scene, Gringer' he said sooth-
raid? And, if so, could you survive examination
of your tabes?"
Gringer went fabby. his rage melting from him
81 think now" continued the Virginan still for his
private that you will give the boy his thou
sand. It came easily. You didn't have to work the
electric shift him very OFTEN He was playing IN
poor luck pretty consistently"
The man had fallen ashy white Carter sensed the
whirl of thoughts and fears that was raging through
his mind Moreover he knew that Gringer, II he con-
sidered himself seriously threatened, dangerous
and he stepped between the pause and untoward
possibility.
There is really no occasion for alarm" he said
"It my business know queer things and to keep
still about them. Your tables are concern Of mine
1t is quite TO my that you continue to enjoy
your patronage and that retain my right to mingle
with it I make only this one demand, more"
Gringer's hand fell to the table, groped for a
drawer while ne stood in lowering reflection Pulsain
gasped. Carter watched the hand with brain and
muscles taut ready to meet any untoward move with
swift check The gambler slowly opened the drawer
and drew out-a red portfolio. Without comment
he counted the bills then showed them the
table Carter took them handed them quickly to
Pusain and motioned him out.
1t was no part of his plan that he should make
active enemy of Bill Grnger For fifteen minutes
he talked with him. and when he followed Pusain at
the end of that time he felt that he had arranged
practicable armstice Which we'll, for Gringer
had many and strange resources.
AS he moved across the sale des jeux, toward the
cafe. he heard page calling Pulsain's name He
stopped the attendant and took square envelope
from the tray, intending to deliver it himself The
superscription in strong but feminine hand.
Robert Carter was none of your fnica adventurers.
He that the letter from the boys sister.
and this affair demanding close observance OF
the conventions He slipped into the cloakroom.
pried up the flap, which was loosely gummed. with
his penknife and scanned the contents. The letter
follows:
Dear Sam: You thought I didn't know what
you've been investing the money in, but you do.
I knew you must be worrying little, so I'm sending
this where it will reach you soonest Lectures
tiresome and never was blue stocking, Sam.
took necklace and other thing today and made
up the deficit suppose they will be missed from the
safety vault but for several days. In the
time 1 commend the situation to your consideration.
Lovingly your sister DOROTHEA"
Carter, with all his cynicism, conscious of
thrill Of admiration. He hurried to writing table
and composed brief explanation Of the of affairs
in just the style he would have used in addressing
man. He signed it with his and prepared
the envelope for delivery the upper Fifth avenue
house. Then he called page, gave him all the loose
change he had and him off post haste
Later he listened Pusain's profuse and very real
thanks mingled with frequent exclamations Of relief
and admiration, while they lad last drink
'eYou don't know what you've done for me- said
.La bo,, .orras+1,, t;e ande gambling Tor Sar,r,v