The Washington herald., 1911-08-03
CHAPTER v.
Spolia Opima.

Dunwody remained seated at the table,
| carelessly shuff1ing the cards between his
| fingers. Once in while he cast an
amused glance toward Carlisle, and at
| last remarked. as though continuing an
arrested thought:
| ''Amanuensis, is she?" He chuckled.
| The other ventIred 10 reply.
My dear sir. at your age, I congratu-
| late you, The choice Of an amanuensis
is one very important for a public man.
not less so. I imagine. for a military
| man. Consider the need"
II think that will do. my dear Dun
wodv." rejoined Carlisle at length. the
hot blood in his face. Frankly, this
conversation is unwelcome to me-
I'll tell you what I'll do with you,"
exclaimed the Missourian suddenly I'll
bet you every cent in this pile Of my
winnings here that that young lady isn't
your amanuensis, and never has been.
I'll bet it's like that she is no relative
of yours I'll bet 1t all over again that
she Is the most beautiful woman that
ever set foot on a boat on this river, or
ever set foot on any land. Moreover, III
| bet again"
You might win certain share OF
these wagers,'' smiled the young officer,
willing TO pass by a possible argument
Moreover. I am quite willing to discuss
arrangements for changing the term Of
servitude of this young lady I've been
doing little thinking about one or two
matters since this morning
What
quite right. I wouldn't care to re-
strain her in any way If she cared to
travel in other company. Our work is
well advanced toward completion, as it
is
Yet you came here with her? Then
what
Never mind what the relation may
have been, my dear fellow. It irks me
now Especially does this sort Of con-
versation irk me, because 1t is not fair to
the young lady herself"
Dunwody drew in his breath with a
strong sigh. He sat up straight in his
chair, then rested an arm on the table.
as he leaned forward toward the other.
A young lady has had a poor protector
who would not protect her name. OF
course"
In any case" smiled Carlisle. forcing
the frown away from his face, my for
tunes need mendng now. Do you think
I could continue a journey down the
river n company so strong at cards as
yours? At a later time, If you like, I
will endeavor to get my revenge"
Suppose you have it now" said Dun
woody calmly.
Haven't you just heard me say I
haven't the means?'
You have as much as have"
Tut. tut! I don't borrow to play
cards.
You do not need to borrow. I say.
your stake equals mine, and we will play
at evens. too. Come, deal one hand,
poker between two. and to the hilt
The other man looked at him and gazed
at the heaped pile of coins and notes
which lay before him. He himself was
no pale-blooded opponent. nor usually
disposed to slight the opportunities Of
the game. II don't understand" said
he finally. Certainly I am not willing
to pledge my land and 'niggers. like our
friend from Belmont here. Perhaps my
fall has been hard enough not to tempt
me to go on with my sort Of luck. Sup
pose declineI'
You don't understand me-" said Dun
woody, looking him fair in the face. II
said that your stake can easily be equal
with this on the table. I'll play you just
two out of three jackpots between the
two of U.S. You see my stake"
But mine?''
You can make 1t even by writing one
name-and correctly-here on a piece of
paper. Full value-yes; ten times as
much as mine! You are giving odds,
man."
II don't understand you"
CONTINUED TOMORROW