Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1925-09-11

circle by reason of her undoubted
beauty. He wondered how a rather
ugly fellow like Norton could attract
such woman. Norton was not richer
than he, nor better educated-ln fact,
Mason felt sure he could match him
In any Of the masculine qualities.
Then why had Kitty finally chosen
Norton? He was puzzling over the
problem, old as the world, which VIII
be enacted as long as sex is sex.
Then his thoughts required to Eliza
beth, who had been his wife. For
three years they had lived together.
Then Norton had again come into his
life, and when he left Chicago for
heaven knows where, Elizabeth had
forsaken home and husband to be his
companion. What was this mans fas-
cination?
Feeling hungry, he ate his sand
wiches, then spent some time looking
for spring. He finally located
small but clean trlckle of water and
refreshed himself. Then the heat and
q full stomach claimed their due and
he slept.
He awoke at about seven. was
still light, but he felt that he had bet
ter be on his way. Bathing his face in
the spring, 1t refreshed him somewhat
and he set out for the village.
Two hours later, refreshed, well-fed,
sprucely clad, he stepped into the gam
ing room of the "Palais de Chance"
His revolver was In a pocket conven-
lent for immediate action. II neces-
sary. It had been q constant COM
panion, as in his wanderings Of the
past few years he had had more than
one occasion to draw 1t.
The gaming room was typical
western gambling place, with Its
wheels, attendants and Its motley
crowd.
Mason scanned the room-at first
he could not make out his man; then,
when about to give up, he felt GER
tain that the man whose back was
to him was Norton. He was play
ing with two Spaniards. Deeply I'm
mersed in his cards, he paid no atten-
ton as Mason changed his position 80
as to get better view of his face.
1t was Norton.
Taking a seat In a secluded corner,
Mason waited, considering plan Of
action. He decided he would not dis
close himself to Norton until he should
find him alone. He waited for nearly
an hour, when the black-halred Span
iards rose from their chairs, broke.
He heard Norton invite them to come
for their revenge the following night !;
then the two filed out of the room.
Mason felt that now was his time.
Norton had not yet noticed him. Ma
son got up and approached his man
from the rear; then he tapped him on
the shoulder
The gambler turned negllgently In
his chair, then look OF fear came
into his eyes. His hand sought his
pocket, but Mason forestalled him.
Mason's revolver was out before Nor
ton could draw, and Norton's hand
slid to his side, empty.
"NOne OF that" said Mason. 81 can
draw gun fraction OF second
quicker than most men In the West,
and that fraction is all I require" He
seated himself before Norton and neg
llgently fingered the cards.
Norton seemed fascinated by the
sight OF the man whose women he had
stolen. His eyes were dIlated with
fear and his eyellds made slts Of his
efO -. -.
his throat and lump take its place.
He grew hot and then cold, by turns.
He recollected the swift justice Of the
West that meted out punishment and
then judged the criminal. He waited,
convinced his last minute had come.
yet not daring to move.
Mason, after calmly considering,
spoke: Morton, to start with. you and
I will play some hands at cards"
Norton was stunned What new
kind Of torture was Mason preparlng1
Where would this lead?
Mason broke In upon his fevered
thoughts again: "And, mind, no crook
edness. can detect 1t instantly.
Somehow, always could beat you at
cards. It's going to be two handed
poker. We want no others In this
game"
They were singularly alone The
other players In the room, intent upon
their own winnings and losses, had
paid no attention to this little by play.
shuttle the cards." commanded Ma
son "and no tricks"
"Ill play square, Mason. At last
I'll play square with you" Norton
dealt out the cards.
The game lasted half an hour, Ma
son making all suggestions, Norton
not daring to contradict him even once.
Under the circumstances, the game
was entirely In favor Of the newcomer,
and Mason had Cleaned" Norton out
Of some nine hundred dollars when
the half-hOur was up. Mason rose to
his feet, look of triumph on his face.
Norton sat rigid, his face llyid.
Finally, after what seemed to Nor
ton an uncomfortable period, Mason
spoke.
Norton" he said, "you robbed me
Of Kitty, my first and only love"
Norton did not dare reply
"For which I thank you, seeing she
proved u woman who spent her hus-
bands last cent on clothes, cards and
entertainments far beyond her means.
''Then you robbed me Of Elizabeth,
my wife, who nagged the deuce out OF
me, but never gave me legal cause for
divorce until then. And now win
nine hundred from you.
Morton, you've always been my
meat. promised myself. If ever
was in your nelghbOrhOod, I'd thank
you personally and invite you to have
the best In the house. Come over a.
he bar"
We sell the hest