II - A FOOL AND HIS MONEY

WITH THAT UNEASY FEELING THAT something was going to happen, Wilfrid Bayfield followed the others to the library where the card-tables were set out. He was as much annoyed with himself as with Horace Bentley. He had allowed the other to anger him in quite an unnecessary fashion, and had promised to play for any stakes the lawyer liked. He could not retreat very well now, though he felt that had he been firm at first there would have been no pressure on the part of the others, and no reflection on his decision.

But there was that cynical, meaning smile on the face of Bentley. It would be hard to back out of it altogether. There were not enough men to make up three tables, and Wilfrid hoped sincerely that he would be cut out in the turn of the cards for partners.

But his luck was not going to stand him in such good stead. Not only did he cut in with Bentley, but he was the latter’s antagonist. Bentley smiled as he took his seat.

“Lucky in love, unlucky at cards,” he said with a smile that caused Wilfrid to grip his fingers together. “Never knew the old saying to fail, eh? Better draw in your horns when you get the chance and play half-a-crown a hundred.”

“Not I!” laughed Wilfrid’s partner. “Not much f