Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-30

caviar sandwiches between +. Sybarite
and his host and filled their glasses
from newly opened bottle he with
drew from the lounge and closed the
door behind him.
PenGcld's eyes promptly lost much
OF their genial glow. Notwithstanding
this with no loss OF manner he lifted
a ceremonious glass TO the health of
his guest.
Congratulations said be. and
drank as n thirsty man drinks
May your shadow never grow less"
p Sybarite returned. putting down an
empty glass.
That's n perfectly good wish plumb
wasted" said Penfield. refillng both
glasses. his features twisted into the
! wryest OF grimaces. Fact isl don't
mind telling you-your luck tonight
has I'm afraid. played the very devil
with me. This house won't open up
again until 1 raise another bankroli"
My sympathy" said +. Sybarite. sip
ping. I'm really distressed. And yet
you couldn't have won against me to-
| night. 1t could not be done. 1 am in
vincible. 1t is-kismet-my day of
| days"
|. BennelQ laugneu ulScOTuauIly-
Maybe it looks that way to you.
! But aren't you little premature? You
haven't banked that wad yet, you
know. Any minute something might
happen TO make you think otherwise"
Nothing like that is going to hap
pen," T. Sybarite retorted. with calm
conviction. The luck's with me-"
BELIEVE me-" insisted the other with
convincing simplicity, I'm such bum
loser. I'm willing to stake my last
| $500 on the proposition that you don't
| leave this house n dollar richer than
you entered 1t"
"Done!" said P. Sybarite instantly.
IF l get away with 1t you pay me
| $500. Is that right?"
Exactly"
"But-where shall we meet to settle
the wager"
Penheld smiled cheerfully. Dine
with me at the Bizarre this evening
at a."
IF I lose. with pleasure. Other
wise. you are to be my guest"
Its a bargain. I'm curious to know
how you came to butt In here on my
personal card OF Introduction. Where
did you get It?"
Found it in n hat left in my pos
session by a gentleman in a great
hurry. whom | much desired to see
again and therefore-presuming him to
be Mr.. Bailey Pendeld-came here to
find"
THE gentleman was unknown to
you:"
"Entirely-a tall young man with
an ugly mouth: rather fancies him.
self. l should say: bit of a bounder.
You recognize this slletch?"
Perhaps" Penfeld murmured
thoughtfully.
His name?"
Perhaps he wouldn't thank me for
telling you that"
Very well. Now. why and how are |
you going to separate me from my |
winnings
by force" said Mr.. Penfeld. with |
engaging candor. 1T desolates me to /
descend TO rough neck methods. but !
am a larger. stronger man than you
Mr.
"Sybarite." said the little man flush.
ing. ply the grace OF God-Syba-
ritter
Delighted 10 make your acquaint-
ance. Mr. Sybarite. But before we lose
our tempers, what do You say TO fair
proposition. Leave with me what you
have won tonight. and I'll pay it back
to the last cent with interest within
six months"
II have every confidence in your pro
fessional honor" p. Sybarite replied
blandly. sup TO the certain point TO
which we have attained tonight. But
the truth isl need the money"
You're unwise." said the other and
sighed profoundly. I'm sorry. You
oblige me TO 20 the limit"
Not |. On the contrary. advise
you against any such dangerous
the police"
The pOlice?" PenfieId elaborated an
infection of derision. II keep this pre-
rinct in my vest pocket
"Possibly-So far as concerns your
OF this gambling house
But murdcr-that's another matter"
Again the gambler sighed. What
must be must" said he. rising Nov
ne To the wall. he pressed n call but
on and simultaneously whipped re-
'olver into view. Il hope you're not
lrmed." he protested sincerely. at
would only make things messy. And
hen hnte TO have my employees run
my risk
You are summoninS posse. ! take
Z" inquired 2. Sybarite, likewise on
IFS feet.
Half dozen huskies," assented the
ther- If you know your little book
QUILL come through Mt once and save
ourself manhandling."
It's too bad" Il. Sybarite regretted
ensively. and cast desperate gIanc,
ound the room.
But exactly ut the moment when de
pair entered into the heart of the lit
e man-diSpossessing altogether his