Evening star., 1928-09-06
CONTINUED from Yesterdays Starr
INSTALLMENT XXXIv.
Gerald BorrowS From an Obliging
Gentleman.

~ ERALD hesitatei for moment
with the pen in his hand. He
T had only once heard the name
~ whispered, but there seemed
to him something vaguely ia
miliar about it. lie dashed off the
check, however, and stuck the notes
into his pocket.
You needn't be afraid of having a
gamble now." Porle observed. mo ono
ever loses with my money"
Are you lucl;y?" Gerald inquired,
rising 10 his feet.
Il never lose" was the quiet reply.
ct know every game of cards from be-
ginning to end. I might call 1t the
hobby of my life. You may think that
in games of chance this makes no diff
ference. 1 Go not agree. IT you play
often enough a profound knowledge Of
the game is helpful.
We'll, I'll let you know how get on
with your money" Gerald promised,
hurrying out.
Victor Porle finished his brandy
Slowly and followed the young man
whom he had befriendcd. The chemin-
defer table, presided over by an OBJ
viouSly professional croupier was
crowded now, and there were people
standing two or three deep waiting for
a place. He paused for moment by
the side of Solomon Graunt, who look
ed up from his seat with smile OF
triumph. Before him was a great pile
of notes and counters.
II have disproved your theory, friend
Victor" he announced. Il have bought
for fifty pounds bank that had al
ready run seven times and it ran for
another five"
Victor Porle was unmoved.
THE theory remains" he remarked,
passing on.
He watched the game for some time
and finally came to a standstill behind
Gerald'S chair The young man was
flushed and nervous. He had very few
chips in front of him and had evidently
been losing. The bank on his left had
run three times already. The croupier
was dividing the counters into little
heaps and separating the notes.
-Four hundred and forty pounds" he
announced.
He glanced at Gerald.
"Banquo," Victor Porle whispered in
his ear.
How the devil can ~" was the irri-
tated reply. Il followed three times
and I've only seventy left"
We'll go it together" Victor Porle
suggested, anu II We lOoC L IL oahC SOuA
check for the balance of your share.
Done" Gerald asSented eagerly.
Banquet"
The woman whose bank it was heSi-
tated. Finally with a little Shrug OF
the shoulders she gave the CARDS.
Gerald picked his up with shaking
fingers. He had ten and two.
Gard" he demanded.
The woman threw a ten and seven
face upward upon the table and tossed
q card over to Gerald. He looked at it
with an anxiety which he was power
less to conceal and gave vent to little
exclamation of triumph as he recog-
nized e seven. The woman pushed on
the shoe with gesture Of anger.
Il was fool to give it" she declared.
Victor Porle stood listening with
faint smile of contempt to her shrin
complaints and to Gerald's voluble
gratitude.
IF you hadn't come along just then
I shouldn't have dared to go that
'banquc' jolly decent of you to back
me up. Regular good samaritan, aren't
you? Wen have a drink together dl-
rectly. Here's your share" he added,
as the money was passed over. III be
able to cash my own check before the
end of the evening"
Victor Porle gathered up his money
and passed on smiling. Presently
Solomon Graunt plucked him by the
arm.
Il am thirsty" he confided.