The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1912-04-24
The GAMBLERS
LAST WAGER
Fortune Staked to Win the
Favor of a Girl.

be diverted from his purpose by the
influences of city life and now pro-
posed to become part Of n small COM
munity where his identity would not
be lost.
Reginald spent the summer before
entering on the practice of the law at
Thistledown, the country residence OF
his uncle, where he met, among other
guests, Marion Blythe. Marion was
dashing girl. Reginald fell desperately
In love with her, and, though she did
not reveal her preference for him, he
at times felt sure she loved him.
Reasons Of convenience, however
had seemed to determine Marlon's fu-
ture. She had been brought up to
wealth, but her father had died in
solvent. Her mother had planned for
her to marry a rich man. Indeed. It
had been arranged that Howard Blake
ly, the estimated owner OF half n mil
lion, should meet her at Thistledown
for the purpose Of becoming her hus-
band. He possessed one trait in com
mon with Marion-he was devoted to
those sports in which money Is lost
and won. The young men at Thistle
down did not scruple to play poker in
the drawing room after the ladies' had
retired to their rooms, and some Of the
latter occasionally remained to watch
the game. Gambling in any form was
not in accordance with Reginald's
plans. and he resolutely kept aloof.
Do 4
when both were watching the players,
why don't you take handT
81 never gamble"
"lf you take no risk in life you will
win no great prize. There should be a
leaven of chance taking in a mans ma
ture."
Now, Blakely was at the time bet
ting high and losing with admirable
good nature. Reginald felt that he was
overshadowed in Marion's good graces
by the mans especial prochvity, and it
fretted him. Give me so in chips"
be said to the banker.
This was the beginning. The ending
was one night when all had dropped
out Of the game except Emory and
Blakely, the others having gone to
fete. Marion had come down loof ing
very charming in evening costume,
ready to go with the others, but, see
ing Emory and Blakely over the cards.
had remained to watch them play.
Emory had developed a remarkable in
tuitive foresight when to take risks,
and, though Marion was not aware OF
it, portion of Blakely's fortune had
passed to Emory.
That exhausts my bank account"
said Blakely after losing an enormous
pot, but have certificates showing a
deposit Of 100000 in stocks and bonds
at my brokers'"
"Never mind the certificates" replied
Emory. Your word is sufficient"
The night wore on. The men contin-
ued to play, the girl to look on. Blake
ly's fortune passed into Emory's hands
till at last all was lost Blakely sat
like one in a trance. The change from
attluence to poverty was so appalling
that he was benumbed by it. Finally
he arose and took Emory apart. There
was a short conference, after which
the two returned to the table. Hav-
ing each been dealt hand and drawn,
they showed their cards.
Three kings" said Blakely.
Full OF tens" said Emory.
Blakely arose and, with melancholy
adieu, looking at Marion, but not
speaking to her, left the house.
What was the subject OF conversa-
tion between you and Howard when
you withdrew from me?' asked Mar
ion.
He proposed to decide by one poker
hand whether he should give up all
pretensions to your hand against $1O,-
600, with which to get a new start. l
changed the money terms to all had
won"
And you two had the assurance to
gamble for my favorS
"You told me before l began to play
poker at all, If you take no risk in
life, you will win no great prize"
The girl sat thinking.
Reginald" she said at last, 81 am
not sure whether l have acted wisely
in endeavoring to introduce mere
chance taking into your nature, but
this l know-there are great possiblli-
ties in you. For fear that some silly
woman may wreck them / will take
charge of them myself. Restore How
ard Blakely's fortune. l will see that
hereafter you do not swerve from that
purpose which you have marked out
for yourself"
81 cannot restore n fortune | have
not received, but when 1t comes to me
] shall decline to take It,"
Reginald Emory went to small
country town, as he had intended to
do, and opened an office Several years
after he married Marion Blythe, and
every one said that such a woman,
bred to city life, would wreck his ca
reer with country people. Marion, how
ever, showed rare tact, and after sew
eral acts Of kindness she became a
great favorlte with her country neigh
bors. The pair managed to save a lit
tie money, which they risked in various
ventures with such skill that thav he