Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1912-02-01
CHAPTER lI.-(Continued.)

CHAPTER ll.-(Continued.)
Blackstock interposed hastily That
fourth-best spade OF yours certainly
did lead him up to slaughter" lie
reached over and took up the deck at
Truax's elbow, spreading the cards
with a 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 sour
turn. Unless" he added.
'you-all want to quit. It's pretty late
l think I'll drop. for one"
Drop" said Van Tuyl sweetly, land
be damned
What do you mean by that" Tru-
AK, on his feet. turned upon his tor
mentor with an imperceptible tremor
in his voice
Prudence is the better part of
bridge" Van Tuyl explained careful
~ He's a prudent man who be-
comes conscious of chilled eXtremities
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 a lift of his plump
shoulders he turned away. nodding 60
his host. Dundas and Coast
Goodnight, be said brusquely, and
so betrayed the effort his self-control
cost him You-all can send your
checks If ] am anything ahead"
Wen try not to forget, thanks" A
Satire smile on Van Tuyl's thin lips
winged the Parthian dart.
Truax did not reply. but left the
room abruptly. Blackstock accompany
Coast cut in as Van Tuyls partner
and took the chair Iruax 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. 81 care
fully told him, early in the evening.
that when ! doubled ! wanted not his
highest heart, but the highest card Of
his weakest suit Do you think you
can remember that?"
Yes" said Coast shortly, annoyed
by the others offensive manner
Il sincerely trust so. ! didn't come
here TO 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
quired as Blackstock reappeared. ut
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
your"
Van Tuyls dark eyes met his stead
lily in sardonic stare. I'm the heav-
lest loser here" he said You've
played like raw amateur every time
you've played with me- Interpret that
to your liking"
81 shall" Coast got up white to
the lips. ut spells goodnight TO me-"
Blackstock struck in with a heavy
note of insincere suavity. oh come
nowl 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 slight unsteadi.
ness "Since when did I appoint a
bounder like you to read my mean
ing?" he asked crisply.
Blackstock hesitated. swaying a lit
tie as his temper strained at the
leash. "T'll take that from you IN
your present condition. Van Tuyl." he
said slowly.
In his nervous anxiety to avert the
quarrel, little Dundas Numbered and
precipitated It. "Oh. say now" he
piped. We're all good friends Don t
let's us slang one another. Come on,
Van Tuyl-let's have a drink and
make up"
AT the suggestion Van Tuyl's wealth
ervane humor veered. "All right, he
assented; that listens like sense. "
He turned to the buffet. Dundas with
him
Goodnight. Blackstock Coast Of
fered his hand. I'm off now"