The Washington herald., 1915-04-27

tlemen Of the front row. And she had
such perfect taste, she looked so won
derfully beautiful in everything she
bought. and her sole delight was in the
pleasure this adornment gave the man
she loved Drum sighed as he scanned
the tragic figures again.
\ perfect wife she had made him, per-
feet save in her extravaganza. And
he had not warned at the time when
warning would have been easy. Now
she would take il rs a reproaCh. Now
where could he hope to raise $1,000
How would he make the $500 in his
pocket over into a sufficient sum to start
them anew
He pushed the tell-tale tabulation hur-
riedly aside as Flo swept into the bank
and sought his cage. The old thrill of
delight swept other thoughts aside as
he reveled in the grace, the beauty of
her, drank In deep draughts of the in
toxicating devotion that glowed in her
eyes as they found his own. He even
smiled as. in her dear. wheedling way
she glowingly described the beauties OF
a pearl necklace, amazingly low-priced.
she had seen in the window of Latti-
mers jewel shop. Drum was still smIl-
ing as his eyes followed her out of sight.
then the smile disappeared as move
ment of his hands brought the fatal in
rentory of debts to light again.
The hours dragged their intermina Bile
length across the clock dial. He thought
the hands would never point to g. In
those hours the teller seemed to pass a
lifetime. But they finally came to an
end and before the doors were even
closed. he was upon the street, striding
swiftly to ward a certain cigar store
which he knew was used as blind for
the gambling house in the rear which
Williams visited.
The gambler made explanation SIMPLE
by cutting squarely to the point From
under his brows he appraised Drum in
that swift. incisive glance which faro
dealer gives the players about his bank
most keenly and decisively apprsising Of
all looks.
"Flo's a great Jane. Drum the gambler
admitted slowly. She's been dandy
sister to me. But she certainly does
throw up the coin. She's got you on the
bum already. How much are you In
for"
He whistled as Drum thrust the list OF
debts into his hand, his eyes squirting
narrowly from it to the harassed teller.
Suddenly he came to a decision.
We'll. you're nailed hard. old man.
and you've got to make cleanup to
break loose. That's all I can see to
do and, believe me. IL there's a loop
hole from any scrape I don't need
spy glass to find it"
Drum lifted his hands. dropping them
helpessly to his sides. The situation was
entirely too much for him. Williams
smiled and slapped him cheerfully on the
back.
well. it don't get you anywhere rid
ing on a hearse before the undertaken
calls. You've got 600 beans and you've
gotta have $4,000. Take a chance-that's
the only answer. Brodie did and they're
still talking about it. Take a chance
do you get me right
good"
Il figser this way" Williams cut him
short, carelessly accepting the roll Of
bills. You're a beginner and old Mrs.
Luck likes fresh meat. On the other
hand. you need the coin badly and she
has a nasty way OF turning her back on
a guy when he's fixed that way. He
squinted speculatively at the ground and
Drum shivered as again he caught that
darting. appraising upward scrutiny from
under the brows. But maybe she'll let
you win for q teascr and throw you
down when you need 1t worse. Put your
money on Belamour tomorrow
III.
Restlessly. feverishly he performed his
duties the following day. The evening
had been one of agony to him, the in
ability to meet his wifes calm, tender
eyes. the failure to bring his thoughts
away from the impending transaction
that meant so much to him. He could
hardly wait until the papers were out.
CONTINUED Tomorrow