The Washington times., 1913-09-30
PART I.
The White Cards.

AH playlnS soutalre very unsuc'
cessfully in the living room
of his apartment on Riverside
Drive. Solitaire requires a certain mild
and pleasurable concentration possible
only to q man at peace with his soul.
Mr.. Blosnt was evidently not in this
contented state. He sat on one corner
Of the chair and wrapped both legs
about one ieg Of the chair. His feet
twftched+ constantly. to the detriment
OF his patent leather pumps" His
little pigs eyes constantly darted fur
tive glances at the several doors of the
Apartment and he frequently turned
over three or four cards without bring
cigarette burned into the veneer and he
did not notice it.
Parker, the footman. entered with
several boxes of flowers, and. having
placed them to his satisfaction. stood
over the young man.
well. what are you standing around
This was quite the manner of the mas
ter with the man.
Tor you to finish the game. sir-so I
can take the cards away" replied the
footman. This was hardly the way of
the man with the master, and Mr..
Blount looked as II he would like to re-
sent II.
''Oh, you are? he snarled. and his
little. swollen eyes looked red.
Yes. sir. Mr. Andrews orders" re-
turned. the servant impassively. Mr..
Bkunt scattered the cards about the
floor with an angry sweep of his hand.
We'll. take then away. them" he
snapped. and he sprang up. Yes. sir.
said the servant. as unmoved as ever.
Mr. Blount thrust his hands into his
pockets and strode nervously about the
room. stopping at last to watch Parker
reaesembling the cards.
You think you're wise, don't you?"
he growied. His voice had the hard,
harsh quality Of another and darker life
that fitted strangely with his new even
ing clothes and the luxury and good
taste.
mo. SIR" was the respectful reply.
Mr.. Biount.s fists doubled instinctively
and his face was distorted with passion
snd terror.
Say. cut out that No. SIR and come
down to, cases. You know who I am,
don't you?"
Yes. SIR"
Mr. Blount moistened his lips. Kept
II to yourself for four months. didn't
you? But 1 thought you knew"
'Ah, That's what I thought" return
ed the servant suaveiy.
II was onto you the minute ] saw
you" ne went on. with energy. Then
he sprang forward and darted out his
forefinger at the footman. "But-Mr.
Andrew-who Is he,'' he demanded.
"Say-what is this game, anyway"
The footman eyed the quivering fore
finger imperturbably.
Il have been with Mr.. Andrew for ten
years" he replied. II never ask ques-
tions-simply obey orders"
''Rut he has got to show me" Mr..
Blount's voice rose to high throaty
screech. I'm not you"
mo, sir" agreed the servant gravely.
But when Mr.. Andrew picked you up
five months ago hiding like a rat from
.he Pinkertons. and promised you pro-
lection from the law. you were glad
enough to agree to anything"
Mr. Blount thrust his hands into his
pockets and walked into the dining room
and back before he could find a reply.
Fellow will promise anything when
the bulls are after him." he growled al
last. But / don't like a game that
don't know anything about"
You needn't be afraid. Master Wal
ter" said the servant, less like a serv-
ant than ever. Mr.. Andrew has prom
ised you protection"
But just the same I won't go any
further until 1 find out" the young
man fared UP and brought his fist
down on the table with a violent bang.
You won't7" said a steely voice be-
hind him. and Mr.. Blount wheeled to
face another servant.
This man dressed and looked the part
perienced English valet. The most
skilled observer Of men would have
taken him for nothing else. though
there were tremendous latent possi-
bilities in the massive skull, broad, low
forehead, the steady gray eyes three
quarters veiled by heavy lids, wide,
thin-Npped mouth, and short, heavy
Jaw.
The effect of his appearance on Mr..
Blount was remarkable. The young
man was a rat and coward at heart,
and he was now frightened into sort
of despair that took the place of cour-
age-like a rabbit turning on a weasel
at the end of the blind warren.
mo. / won't" he clustered, fronting
up to the tall. slender figure in the
doorway. You heard me the first time,
didn't you?"
The footman vanished and the valet
turned upon his master a look so cruel
and ccnsemptuous that he sprang back.
Very well. then he said coldly
Shall notify the Pinkertons-so that
you may return to your former condi-
tion?"
For the sake of what shred of man.
hood he had Mr.. Blount could not cave
In at once. II should know where
was. anyway" he growlef,
For certainty-Sing Sing" nodded
the other well. have you decided?
Shall II be william Slocumb. alias Dia-
mond Willie, and Sing Sing. or do you
think YOU would rather remain here
as Walter Blount and obey my orders
as you promised"
A.,ss