Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-11-24

thought that he never had seen more sullen
expression In his life. Even the beauty Of her
eyes was marred.
My father has III health" she went en- Tie
cannot live very long He has only one passion,
and that Is to play cards and to rob any one
who plays with him. have TO tell you this
but am his daughter, and my Sympathies are
entirely with him as against any fool whose
money he can take. have been to Nice to tTy
to fnd some one to come and play piquet. He
is quite invincible at piquet. He can win just
as much money as his opponent chooses to play
for. VIII you play with him?"
Certainly WILL" TTesholm accepted with q
queer little smile. "I must warn you that arm
rather good ut the game myself"
you could not succeed against my father
because he cheats" she rejoined curtly
Nevertheless. it will probably make his last few
days happier If he can win some money from
you. Can you afford to lose?"
II certainly can." Tresholm assured her.
'You are wealthy" she insisted.
Sufficiently"
warned. You will not complain afterward?"
II give you my promise" he replied that
win submit to whatever may happen to me-"
She produced another sphon of saltwater
and set out a card table. "You need not be
afraid of the whisky and soda" she said dryly
This Is gamblers den but that is the end Of
it. You are here to be cheated, but the drinks
are all right. Sit there, please and wait while
1 fetch my father. Your solitude will give you
an excuse to escape If you are afraid"
He opened the door for her and she passed
him as though utterly unconscious of his pres
ence. Tresholm resumed his seat with a little
grin. He loved adventure. Although he had a
sort Of instructive confidence in the ungracious
young woman who had just left him, he fully
realized that he might very well find himself
involved in q Sngularly unpleasant adventure
He waited for her return, however, without any
feeling Of apprehension. Very soon he heard
footsteps. She opened the door and entered
Leaning upon her arm was tall, emaciated-
looking man whose suit of ancient gray tWeeds
hung loosely upon his shrunken figure It
needed only q glance into his face to convince
TreshOlm that the girl had been right about
his health
This is my father" the girl announced
shortly. "Mr. Tresholm. A gentleman staying
down at Monte Carlo He will play piauet
with you for an hour"
Very good of him, am sure-very good"
the old MN declared he extended a skinny
hand Pleased to welcome you. Mr.-what did
you say his name was, grip" he asked harshly.
She spelled 1t cut with care
"Tresholm," he murmured. Quite a good
name. Very kind of you to give me a game sir
VIII you sit there? have brought the cards"
HE laid two packs of cards and some markers
upon the table, and lowered himself assist
ed by his daughter. into the chair He COM
menced stunning. and Tresholm watched his
Icing fingers, fascinated. One part of the man,
at least. retained its old nimbleness.
What points do you care to play, sir?" the
old man asked.
II am in your hands," Tresholm replied.
Would 25-franc points seem to much?"
II could manage that" TreshOlm agreed II
should warn yOu sir, that. although have not
played lately, am supposed to be rather good"
The old man looked across at him without
expression in his face
There is no one in the world" he said. who
can beat me at piquct"
They cut for deal. Monsieur Brisnoles won
1T is permitted to smokc?" Treshoim asked.
by all MEANS" the girl acquiesced $50 long
as you have your own cigarettes We have