The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1911-11-09
CHAPTER lI.-(continued.)

reached over and took up the deck at
Truax's elbow. spreading the cards
with dextrous sweep of his strong.
blunt fingers. New game. Cut, you
fellows"
The invitation tempts; but there
are some skins too thick Van
Tuyl pursued.
Truax pushed back his chair, nod
ding cheerfully to Coast. But for a
heightened tint OF color he showed no
trace Of being aware Of Van Tuyl's in
science "Cut in, Garrett; It's your
turn. Unless" he added,
'you-all want to quit. It's pretty late
think III drop, for one"
Drop" said Van Tuyl sweetly. "and
be damned"
What do you mean by that?" Tru
ak, on his feet, turned upon his tor
mentor with an imperceptlble tremor
In his voice.
Prudence is the better part OF
bridge" Van Tuyl explained careful
comes conscious Of chilled extremlties
when ahead Of the game"
Crimson with resentment, Truax
hesitated. the retort on the tip of his
tongue only withheld because OF
Coasts appealing and sympathetic
look Then with lift Of his plump
shoulders he turned away. nodding to
his host. Dundas and Coast.
Goodnight" he said brusquely. and
so betrayed the effort his selfcontrol
cost him. "You-all can send your
checks II am anything ahead"
Well try not to forget, thanks" A
satirlc smile on Van Tuyls thin lips
winged the Parthian dart
Truax did not reply. but left the
room abruptly Blackstock accompany.
ing him to the door. In his absence
Coast cut In as Van Tuyls partner
and took the chair Truax had Just va
Gated
"Deal?" he inquired.
Yours" Dundas told him.
And" Van Tuyl interjected as
Coast took up the cards. "let us trust
you've more bridge sense than that
professional dummy" He nodded to
Indicate the departing Truax II care.
fully told him. early in the evening.
that when ! doubled ! wanted not his
highest heart, but the highest card of
Ills weakest suit Do you think you
can remember that?"
Yes" said Coast shortly, annoyed
BY the others offensive manner.
y sincerely trust so. | didn't come
here 20 be rocked by everybody, by in
competent partners included"
Coast quietly put down the cards
Without completing the deal. Aren't
you spraining something In your at
tempts TO be insolent, Van!" he in
CURED as Blackstock reappeared. 1T
happens I've been your partner this
evening more frequently than anybody
else"
Precisely"
And you think yourself justified In
suggesting that I've played against
you?"
van Tuyrs dark eyes met his stead.
ny IN sardonic stare. I'm the heay.
Test loser here" he said. You've
payed like raw amateur every time
you've played with me. Interpret that
TO your liking"
! snail Coast got up. white to
me lips. 1T spells goodnight to me.
hlackstock struck in with a heavy
note OF insincere suavity. "Oh, come
now! It's early yet. Van doesn't
Know what he's saying"
II was Van Tuyl's turn TO rise: he
accomplished the action with surpris.
ing dignity II with a slight unsteadi.
ness Since when did appoint n
FOUNDER like you to read my mean.
lhg!' he asked crisply.
hIackstock hesitated, swaying n ~.
We as his temper strained at the
ieash "rll take that from YOU IN
your present condition. Van Tuyl." he
said slowly.
:" uls nervous anxiety to avert the
quartel little Dundas blundered and
pee,pilated 1t. "Oh, say now," he
p'peu' We're all good friends Don't
w 's us slang one another Come on
van Iuyl-let's have drink and
make up"
AT 'ne suggestion Van TuyPs wealth.
e.Vahe humor veered. "All right" he
SSSehted that listens like sense {"
e s turned to the buffet, Dundas with
Goodnight, Blackstock." Coast of.
eu MS hand. Pm off now"
"ny goodnight" Black
mouth smiled, but his speech
"ss mechanical and his eyes, slightly
,loui'hent and magnified by thick
ioos s' met Coasts with an opaque
"S avoN sinsularly suggesting a cast
Go u sorry our party has to break up
ro,,- ooA here!" Van Tuyl swung
eulu with glass half.full of raw
~ T.In IoI In his hand. Aren't you going
.A, nuahk you, no." said Coast dryly
odaoS sad Blackstock. And" he
,bo, u | were you, Van, I'd chop
Of good" w 'ou "oriu
"nonu Van Tuyl smiled acidly
ne0o you know | reserve the priv.
~ y, acting as my own wet-nurse p"
wm,, auVised you as friend, but I'm
Won e " push the trespass and tell
know '0'uethlng you evidently don't
uglys van Tuyl; drink. makes you
sudGos, lingering In anxiety, detected
uuuenly the gleam os d,;r,.