Putnam patriot., 1916-02-18

cano of wrath.
 Meanwhile Gordon Leith had gone to his bank. He ha. saved up over two thousand dollars. He drew an even half of this. Then he proceeded straightway in search of this threaten. ing Davenal. Leith had no difficulty In locating the Gregory cafe. It's up per story had partitioned on compart- ments. Number 2T contained an indi- yidual. coarse-faeed. evil-eyed, who sat leisnrely smoking a cigar.
 Are you Davenalg demanded Leith, facing him.
 That's me" nodded the other inso, lently.
 Leith passed beyond the drapery of the doorway and sat down at a little table opposite the gamester.
 T came in behalf of your victim. young Harry Merriam" he spoke sternly. He is out of the city and appear in his stead. You demand thousand dollars from him."
 Honestly owed. yes"
 You made provision" went on Leith steadily, that he can have his revenge. Does that hold2'
 The gamester studied his visitor keenly. Then he replied: "Rishto.7
 T know but one game of cards, proceeded Leith.
 And what is that?"
 eWhist l Nin stake one thousand dollars cash against those l. O. us. same ten points
 The gambler smiled To his point of view tbis cleareyed, respectable appearing Leith seemed easy prey. He was. too. nettled at the manifest con tempt evinced by Leith and longed to give him a trimming.
 And if you lose?' questioned Dave nal ooolly.
 Then give you check for another thousand dollars and redeem the l. o. Us"
 eDone!" and the fellow produced a pack of cards and began shuAing them
 A strange expression came into the eyes of Gordon Leith. He drew his coat closer to conceal a dangling or oament attached to his watch chain as if that might betray vital secret It was a prize given to the champion of leading whist club in his college days. He had not touched a card for two years, but in the old days!-a memory of his eonquests gave him nerve and confidence. Only the click-swish of the bits of pasteboard, the quick breathing of the gamester as, two points scored for himself and nine for his opponent. he threw down his hand, confessing de- feat and passed over the I. o. us. Silently Leith walked from Number 27. From beyond the drapery of Num- Der 2S stepped-Mr. Merriam! "Deceiver! Gamester! Hypocrite!" he voiced. his eyes flaming, his scorn whitening. T have traced you to your hauntsi You are unmasked-and i Vera shall know!" Gordon Leith paled Startled, he un- consciously dropped the bundle of l. l o. us from his hand. With bowed head he passed from the place. MT. Merriam picked up the papers. One | glance and he staggered back, over. | come. The facts were revealed-he reaG the name of his son and knew the trsth.
 Whats the row, governor?' chirped the gamester, appearing on the scene.
 T have wronged a true and noble man." uttered Mir. Merriam. Tell me all of this affair and I will reward you"
 The gamester glibly eoarsely stated the facts as he understood them. Mir. Merriam guessed the vast sacrifice that Leith had made, even in the face of being disgraeed accepting mutely the enus of degradation not his DOT tion.
 Vera Merriam-within four days Mrs. Gordon Leith-never knew of the episode. Harry Merriam knew of it, for his father charged him with his misdemeanors when he returned to the city.
 But Harry Merriam was changed num- and a realization of the brave loyalty of a true friend strengthened his determination to forever evade the pitfalls that had nearly engulfed him. | -----------------------