The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-08-22

AWcHIyIlF0. Otlllb why!
AN I'm sixty-five. Did you aim
at that man, Kynaston? AS God is
your judge, answer mel"
And straight as a shot came Kynas.
toms answer. Il aimed as deliberate
ly at him as l ever aimed at anything
in my life. Did your"
Il did. An without lynn more than
ordinarily do, can say that If did
miss it's the first time for a long time.
Did you see the body?"
mo. They covered it up with the
blanket too quick for me to see Why?'
Il wonder IL it's possible that we
both plugged him."
That's got nothing to do with it."
said Kynaston roughly. They only
claim one Of us. Play your hand, Up
ton! What ails your"
"Nothin', only I'd like to bet that
II you killed him he's got two bullet
holes In him. / must say don't like
the idea of havin' a clean miss set
down against me-takin' up the
widow. are your"
For Kynaston, the play passing to
him, quietly laid down his hand and
picked the five cards from the center
of the table.
Wouldn't have me stand on two
small pairs with the stakes we're play
in for, would your"
There was little mirth in the TEST.
Just so do men jest who, standing on
the Peaks of Peril, look down into the
Valley Of the Shadow. Just SO have
AngloSaxon men jested from time i'm
memorial, playing with death as boys
do with marbles, holding 1t indeed to
be a little thing where honor is to be
gained.
The older man speculated. Then
he threw down a card. This gave him
the right on the next play to throw
down one card and pick up two.
Shall we turn up the cards?"
The sweat had started again on
Kynaston's face, but he summoned a
Taught was the poorest imitation
that was ever heard-and flung down
his hand face up. It was one ace. one
king, one seven and-two fours!
II you've got anything at all in
your hand as 1t is, you have me beaten.
l can't better my hand from what l
threw down. In the name of Heaven,
Upton, show down.
Upton, with quick look at his
young opponent, laid his hand quietly
upon the table. Three Jacks peered
out from behind seven spot.
Il was aiming to speculate again
on the next round IL you hadn't
dropped out an then try for the four
jacks. Want drink?''
Kynaston nodded, smiling wanly at
his host.
ITS all right, old man." he said
presently. IT'S as 1t should be. You
see you've got Dorothy to look after
-and-Td have liked that job myself
II the cards had fallen the other
way"
Upton whistled.
Good Heavens, boy! Does she
know"
kynaston shook his head softly.
mo. 1t came too late for me to
tell her. She must never know. I'm.
ton. Not word Of this II 20 down
at dusk. You must ret the ladies'
In the back room on some pretext
They would raise the deuce and all IL
they knew-and then III walk ON
down.
shall not take rifle with me.
but ] will take that little thirty-eiRht
automatic OF Yours. 1t may come In
handy in the time of need, and I can
hide that where heavy gun would
be detected. And now, If you don't
mind, old fellow, I'll trouble you for
a sheet or two of paper.
If am reported as killed over
here the American papers would jump
to the conclusion that had deserted
Then Ill have a couple of notes that
Id like you to deliver when-when-
when I've gone down there"
kynaston! don't like to ask Won
this-but, man and boy, I've known
the army for fifty years, and | know
that an officer doesn't get a chance n
put by any money. Were your peo,
pAo army peOplo!
Yes. Why?"
rs your sister dependent upon Won
N any way?"
None of your business, Mr.. UPTON"
'aid the youngster. mo one need be
concerned in this matter but YOU and
ne. We played the game. lost and
mean to pay
There was no mistaking the taar,
n the old mans eyes as he looked
steadily at his opponent.
y know" he said slowly, fiddl,ns
With the pack. though his hands
nook. Il know. / won't insult you
y Offering to trade places with you.
lou have answered my question, boy.
I 1t IL any small comfort to you, you
an rest assured that your sister shall
10 provided for. wherere YOU
,oin'?"
To my room q moment. I'll see
ou when come back"
To Kynaston as he passed out of
be great main room the world seemed
WhiTl. The game WAS fair anon1b