The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-07-06

Almost With the Motion It earked, and
 the Big Man WE,irIed to the Floor. tempIated his choice an instant and suddenly whirled on his heel in light ming about face. $, 55s s.-,...' '5-...i { Although momentarily startled by this unexpected evidence that Johnny was not 50 far of guard as he had seemed, the despazado's hand dropped swiftly to the butt of his pistol. At the same instant Johnny's arm snap ped forward In the familiar motion of drawing from the sleeve. The motion started clean and smooth, but half through caught, dragged. halted. I gasped aloud but had time for no more than that. Searface Charley's revolver was already on the leap. Then at last Johnny's derringer appeared, apparently as the result of a desperate effort. Almost with the motion 1t parked, and the big man whirled to the floor, his pistol, already at half raise, clattering away. The whole ep- isode from the beginning occupied the space of two eye winks. Probably no one but myself and Danny Randall could have caught the slight hitch in Johnny's draw, and, indeed, doubt if anybody saw whence be had snatched the derrfnger.
 A complete silence fell. It could have lasted only m instant, but John ny seized that instant.
 Has this man any friends here?" he asked clearly. ,,.,
 His head vas back, and his snapping black eyes seemed to see everywhere at once.
 No one answered or stirred. Johnny held them for perhaps ten seconds, then deliberately turned back to the table.
 s.That's my bet on the even," said he. "Let her rollp'
 The gambler lifted his face, white in the brilliant Illumination directly over his head, and I thought to catch a flicker of something like admiration in his passionless eyes. Then with his left hand he spun the wheel. The soft, dull whir and tiny clicking of the ball as 1t rebounded from the metal grooves struck across the tense stiffness. As though this was the re leasing signal, roar of activity burst forth. Men all talked at once. The other tables and the bar were deseft- ed, and everybody crowded down to ward the lower end of the room. Dan ny Randall and his friends rushed de l terminedly to the center of disturb ance. Some men were carrying out l Scarface Charley. Others were talk. ing excitedly. A little clear space sur rounded the roulette table, at which, as may be imagined, Johnny was now
 he only player. Quite methodically he laid three more bets.
 q think that's enough for now" he i told the dealer pleasantly and turned away,
 "Hullo, Randall! Hullo, Frankw he greeted us. i've just won three bets straight. Let's have drink. Bring your friends" he told Randall. ] We turned toward the bar, and way was instantly made for us. Johnny
 poured himself big drink of whisky ] A number of curious men, mere boys
 most-of them, had crowded close after us and were standing staring at John ny with | curiosity they made slight
 attempt to conceal. Johnny suddenly 1 turned to them, holding high his whis ky in hand as steady as rock. Here's to crime, .boysy he said and
 frank 1t down at gulp. Then he stood staring them uncompromisingly
 h the face until they had slunk away
 Ne called for, and drank another whis
 Ky, then abruptly moved toward the
 door.
 (To Be Continued.)