The Ekalaka eagle. [volume] (Ekalaka, Mont.) 1909-1920, 1912-01-19
CHAPTER ti.-(Ccntinued.)

CHAPTER tI.-(Continued.)
Blackst0ck interpOsed hastily THAT
fcurtb-best spade Of yours certainly
did lead him up to slaughter" He
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 . wan
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 imperceptible tremor
in his voice.
Prudence is the better part of
bridge" Van Tuyl explained careful
ly. He's a prudent man who be-
GENES 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
10nl- Thor With ~ 1;f& - ~ ~l,~,~
shoulders he turned away, nodding to
his host. Dundas and Coast.
"Good-night," he said b%rusguely. and
80 betrayed the effort his ~self-control
cost him. "You-all can send your
checks if l am anything ahead"
Well try not to forget, thanks" A
tatiric smile on Van Tuyl's 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 Tuyl's partner
and took the chair TruaX had just va.
Gated.
"Deal?" he inquired.
Yours" Dundas told him.
"AnG," Van Tuyl interiected as
Coast took up the cards. Get us trust
you've more bridge sense than that
professional dummy" He nodded TO
indicate the departing Truax. Il 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
i 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
o sprainiEg something in your at.
Temps to be insolent. Van?" he in
qnired 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 Tuyl's dark eyes met his stead
lily in a sardonic stare. I'm the heav.
lest loser here he said. you've
played like a raw amateur every time
you've played with me. Interpret that
to your liking"
! shall" Coast got up. white to
the lips. 1T spells goodnight to me-"
Blackstock struck in with a heavy
note OF insincere suavity. oh, come
now! It's early yet. Van doesn't
know what he's saying"
1t was Van Tuyl's turn to rise; he
accomplished the action with surpvls,
ing dignity if with a slight urstcadi,
ness, Since when did | appoint a
bourder like you to read ny mean
ing" he asked crisply.
BlackstOck hesitated. swayinc n liz.
tie as his temper strained at the
leash. IN take that from you N
your present condition, Van Tuyl,' he
said slowly.
In his nervous anxiety to avert the
quarrel, little Dundas bltnde-ed and
precipitated it. oh, say now" he
piped. We're all good friends. Don
let's us slang one another. Come on
Van Tuyl-let's have a drink and
make up"
At the suggestion Van Tuyrs wealth.
ervane humor veered. IAN right he
assented; that listens like sense
He to- ned to the buffet, Dundas witt
him.
Goodnight. Blackstock." Coast Of
Tered his hand I'm OF now"