The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1916-04-16


II she saw the book when she was herself7-
of counsel And, IL Is, she does not
them She won't find out until she gets her next
statement from her bank Oh, it's wonderful
from bis point of view. You see she's just given
him the checks He can say they were for pro-
tessionsl services, and / don't see what she can
answer 70 that! He doesn't help her-nstUrslly.
time -
Mary. the invalid, set out to win the Doctors
affection. In few days she and Doctor
hyoScine were on terms that approached in
umacN' and he was frequent and welcome ca Her
in her rooms-ber supposed illness being excuse
enough. Mary, of course, studied him sttentiVely.
And she soon decided that the mans great weak.
ness was his love for gambling: that IL was upon
this side that he might be most easily spproscbSd.
Frequently he was her escort in the Casino
Mary herself did not play.
"Oh. have scruples against gamblins!-
she said. Its this public play that don't care
for. And-must confess IL? have . vulgar
fondness for poker, Of all games OF course I
couldn't play that here Some time, thourh per
haPs, we could have game in my room-snd I'll
show you that I'm good sport, you men
say"
Hyoscine smiled. He thought he knew the
sort of poker a woman would want 70 PLAY! How
ever he would be willing 90 endure even a petit
coat game for the sake of her company. He had
walked pretty far into Mary's trap. this willy
doctor who had proved too clever for Lefty Nc
Lean herself!
Mary had seen that she must have help And
she was not surprised when. day or so after her
talk about poker with Hyoscine. bored young
man bowed to her on the terrace. She knew him
as Marty McMurtha, whose speciality the i'm
Personstion of q young man of wealth
"Ah-Mr. Winthrop, isn't it2" she said.
"Doctor-you must meet Mr.. winthrop-John
Hyde Winthrop Srd, of Boston He and 1 are
always meeting at places like this -
"Oh. one does, you know" said Winthrop.
Nice place this-heaIthy. too, Ell. doctor?'
Doctor HyosCiue scowled a little. Winthrop
did good deal TO remove any faint and lingering
dOrbfS he had still Cd
The was irreProacha bic he was dressed in
the latest fashion. Speech, manner, appearance,
all proclaimed the man Of good family, the rsri-
fed, superior Bostonian. Moreover, il was quite
plain that he saw in Mary most attractive
woman, and that she was BY no means indifferent
TO nor displessed by his interest in her. Doctor
Hyoscine saw q rivsl-snd naturally his own in
terest in Mary increased at once.
That night Hyoscine. calling to see Mary,
disguised TO find Winthrop with her he
wanted her TO accompany him 20 the Casino
and Mary knew. from Mona, that he had csshed
big check that day.
"Oh, stay here, instead!- abe said. Mr..
Winthrop will join US in q game Of foker-you
can have your excitement here =" OF course the
Doctor did not know that Marty old card
sharp and confidence man.
He hesitated then he yielded. he didn't want
TO leave her with Winthrop Mary sent for cards
-cleverlv she substituted a doctored pack for
the new one. There was no element Of chance in
the ga me that followed. Marty cast caution 70
the winds when he how excited the doctor
And in less than hour HyociDe
stripped Of all he had Winthrop was the big
winner. Mary few dollars only ahead. Win
throP. yawning got up and excused himself
Hyocine was angry and for moment,
pathy, and reprosched herself with such apparent
sincerity for her part in his loss, that he found
himself unable TO believe that he had anything
more than bad luck 10 regret
"Oh. what's the difference" he said, inn
pulsively. Il can get plenty more where that
came from. And then he turned toward her with
sudden fierce jealousy. You don't care for
that dude from Boston, do you?" he cried.
Mary hesitated q moment.
No" she said softly.
All! - cried the doctor. "Then-wait untn
get the money! Will you come away with me
then? In the morning? We can be married on the
way North"
oh" cried Mary. "I-you're so ouick-do
you expect me to decide now? Come 20 me in thu
morning -snd will give you my snswer.-
And with that assurance he had to be con
tent. In the morning he came 10 her But not
before Mona, early as IL was when he came.
He got another check from her - said Mona
his own supply. Hurry, Msry-hen Be here a.
he has had the check csshed"
Hide in my bedroom" said Mary. tn be
ready when he comes"
She had only Just time enough for the prepa-
rstions she had to make before he came.
-Tve got the money!" he cried, eagerly. And
now want my answer"
~ Mary made q gesture o. surrender, and the
started back at once with 9 sharp cry looking
at his finger. On 1t there appeared q tiny spot
of blood
"Oh"' cried Mary. I'm so sorry-see-this
Sin in my waist was understandable must have
scratched yOur'
He laughed Smilingly he helped her 70 fssten
the pin-and never saw the curious ring she
wore nor knew that il contained a hidden spring
and tiny needle that had forced into his veins
an injection Of the very drug that was his chief
reliance Caught in his trap IL WAS not long
before the drug took effect upon him. stupor
Overcame him. And in few minutes he was as
much at Mary's mercy Mrs. Mclean had been
at his. She smiled triumphsntly she saw this.
Give me the money! said Mary and he
obeyed. And nOw-write what / tell YOU ?"
So Il was that when the effect Of the drug
wore of. he found himself alone in Marys apart
meut The girl was gune-and with her ali her
belongings. and every trace OF her occupancy Of
the rooms. Gone too. was his money. Only note
was left-a note written. he saw. in his own
hand. In IL he assured Mary Of his love and his
repentsnc and told her that he wHs giving her
the ill-gOtten money he had gathered by way Of
proof of his sincerity.
You were the victim Of your own drug!-
Mary had written ironically below his declare
ton.