Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-27

A thought later he caught the crou
piers eye and drove the wnger hon'
with n nod. His heart stopped beating
Five dollars. All he had In th'
world.
Tho. whir OF the deadly little ball II
its ebony runway was like nothing les
than the exultant shrek of banshee
Three. red the croupier began hi:
chant
p. Sybarite failed to hear the rest
The croupier tossed him chocolate
token. He was conscious that ht
touched 1t with numb and witiess fin
gers. mechanically pushing it upon the
red diamond.
Ensued another awful. soul sicken
ing minute OF suspense.
twenty-five. red
A second brown chip appeared mag
ically on top OF the first p. Sybarite
regarded them stupidity. Afraid to
touch them. his brain communicated
to his hand the impulse to remove the
chips ere it was too late. but the hand
hung moveless in listless mutiny.
'"Thirty-four. red
Two more chips were added to his
stack.
And this time his brain sulked. If
his body wouldn't heed its plain and
sagacious admonition-very well. 1t
Just wouldn't bother itself to signal
any further advice.
But quite instinctively his hand
moved out, tenderly embraced the four
brown chips and transferred them to
the green area dominated by the black
diamond.
Twelve. black
Forty dollars was represented by
that stunted pillar of brown wafersi
P. Sybarite experienced an effect Of
coming to his senses after an abbre
Waited and. to tell the truth, somewhat
nightmariSh nap. Aping the manner
of one or two other players whom he
had observed before this madness pos
sessed him. he thrust the chips out of
the charmed circle Of chance and nod
ded again with what seasoned arb
to the croupier.
Cash or chips?" inquired that func-
tionary.~
"Oh, cash. thank you"
The chips gathered into the company
Of their brethren. Two twenty dollar
bills replaced them.
Stuffing these last into his pocket. p.
Sybarite turned and strolled indiffer
emily toward the door.
Better get away before it's too late"
counseled.
Right you are" he admitted fairly.
I'll go home now before anybody
axes this away from me-"
Sensible OF you" intelligence APP
proved.
Still" suggested the small. but clear |
'oice of greed before he could gain the |
read OF the stairs. you've got your |
original 81 yet to lose. BE sport |
Don't go away without turning in
ent TO the house. 1t wouldn't look |
,retty.''
There's something in that" admit |
ed Il. Sybarite.
Nevertheless he never quite under
TODD how il was that his feet carried
i'm TO the other roulette table at the
nd of the room opposite that at which
e had been playing or how 1t was
hat his fingers produced one of the
wenty dollar notes rather than the
Modest five he had meant to risk and
DOLLY handed it over the board.
How many" asked the new crou-
Ter pleasantly.
Before he could make up his mind
yactly twenty white counters We're
leted ont TO him.
What are these WORTH" he demand
4 increduiously. dropping into a chair.
"One dollar EACH lie was Informed.
Indeed he replied. politely smoth-
ring a slight yawn.
To save his face now he'd have to
D through his twenty. But after that
exit.
He made this promise to himself.
Prying n single chip apart from its
allows. he tossed il heedlcssly upon
he numbered squares. Ii landed upon
: rim. rolled toward the whee; and
United gracefully upon the green com
lrtment numered 90
The croupier cooked an eyebrow az
i'm. as IF questioning his intention ct
lie instant the ivory bali began TO sing
$ one loEG sustained note. Abruptly
was chatterinE: in another instant it
as still.
The double o. announced voice.
a player next L. Sybarite swore soul
lily.
Thirty-fve white chips were stacked
ongside the winning stake. With I'M
coming haste p. Sybarite removed
em. =
AIT 0AI tn