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Aud the Rigor of the Game By ROBERT BARIi. [Copyright, 1307, by tho Author.] Old Mr Buuudera went homo with bowed in nd tiud angry brow. Ho hud not known that Diek was in tho habit of coming in lato, but he had uow no doubt of tho fact. Ho himself went to bed oarly ami slept soundly, as a man ?with a good conscience is entitled to do. But the hoy's mot In r must have known tho hours he kept, yet she had said noth ing. This made the matter all tho blacker. The father felt that mother und son wore lengui d ngniuat him. Ho had beo> too lenient. Now he would go to the root of things. Tho young man would speedily olltlUge his ways or take the consequences. Thero would bo no half measures. Poor old Mrs. Sounders saw the mo ment her husband eume in that there ?was a storm brewing, and a wild fear arose in bor heart that her hoy was tho cause. The first words of tho old man Bottled the question. "What time did Richard como in last nightr" "I?I don't know," slio hesitated. "Shuffling," her husband always called it. Site had been a buffer between fa ther and son since Dick WHS a child. "Why don't you know? Who let him in?" She s'ghcd. Tho secret Vad long ?weight J upon her. and she felt it would come at some hapless moment. "Ho has a key," she said at last. Tht old man glared in speechless amaze ucut In Iiis angriest mood he had never suspected anything so had as this. "A fcoyl How long has ho had a key?" "About six months. Ho did not want to disturb us.'' "Ho is v ry thoughtful. Whero does ho spend his nights?" "I don't know. He tells me ho be longs to a club, whero he takes somo kind of exercise." "Did lie tell you he exercised with oards? Did he say it was u gambling club?" "1 don't believe it is. T am sure Dick doesn't gamble. Dick is a good hoy, fa ther." "A precious lot you know about it evidently. Doyen think his employer, Banker Hammond, has any idea, Iiis olerk belongs to a gambling club?" "I am sure I don't know, is there anything wrong? Has any ono been speaking to you about Dick?" "Yes, and not to his credit." "Oh, dear!" cried the mother in an guish. ' Was it Mr. Hammond?" "I have never spokon to Hammond in my life," said the old man, relent ing a little when he saw how troubled bis wife was. "No; I propose to stop this" club business bolero it gets to tho banker's ears that one of Iiis clerks is a nightly attendant there. You will seo Robert when be COtnos home tins even ing. Tell him I wish to have a word or two with him tonight. Ho is to wait for me here. I will bu in shortly after ho lias his supper. " "You will not bo harsh with him, father. Remember, he is a young man now, so please, please advise and do not threaten. Angry words can do no good." "I will do my duty," said tho old man uncompromisingly. ?entle Mrs. Sauudors sighed, for sbo well knew the phrase about duty. It was a sure include to domestic trouhlo. When the old gentleman undertook to do his duly, lie nailed Iiis Hag to the mast. "Sen that lie waits for me tonight," was the parting shot as tho old man Olosed the doOf behind him. Mrs. Sauudors had had her sharo of trouble in the world, as every woman must who lives with a cantankerous man. Win n she could save her son a harsh word, or even a blow, sho was connnt to take cither uncomplainingly. Tho old man's severity bad put him out of touch with his son. Dicksullouly re sented Iiis boyhood of continual fear. During recent years, when fear had gradually diminished and finally disap peared, ho was somewhat troubled to find that the natural affection which a son should have for his father had van ished with it. Ho had, on several oecu ilons, made half hearted attempts at a otter understanding, but these at rapts had unfortunately fallen on iu ?portnne momenta, when the old man n not particularly gracious toward tvorld in general, and latterly there i been iileuco between the two. Tho ng man avoided hi* father as much possible. lie would not have re ined at homo had it not been for his thor. Her steady, unwavering affeo <n for him, her belief in him, and tho membranes of how sho bad stood up ir bim, ?specially when ho was in tho /rons,, had bound her to him with ???mit toft as silk aud strong as steel. Ie often felt it would be a pleasuro to go wrong, merely to refute his father's idoas rogarding the way a child should h bronght up. Yet Dick bad a sort of admiration for tho old man, whoso any good qualities wero somowhat erslmdowed by Iiis brutal temper. When Richard came homo that oven ?g, ho had Iiis supper aiono, as waa mal with him. Mrs. Sauudors drow her *lr near the table, and while tho meal out ou slin talked of many tilings, bat voided tho subject uppermost in her "Ind. which .-In. nontnoned until tho ;st moment. Perhaps airor an ano "uld not need to ask him to stay. Ho 'lit remain of his own accord. 8ho died him narrowly as sbo talked inwwith alarm that there wnH anx o his faoe. Some caro was worry in, and she yearned to liavo him (i his trouble to her. And yet aho and talked of other things. She l that I to made but a poor pretenso ng, and that ho allowed hor to bile ho made few replies, and ntmindedly. At last lie pushed 'mir witli a laugh that souud jother," ho said, "what is ') a row on, or is It merely o horizon? Has the lord kl Yci mustn't talk in iero is nothing mnoh tho ?. I want to speak with nr club." d Sharply ot his mother for then bo said: "Well, what want to know about the olub? i to join?" SUV yjaur father"-* hi didn't say it; tint, my dear yon are as transparent aa glass, i right through you and away . Now, somebody has been talk fathor about tho club, and ho is m warpath. Well, what does ho ? t to know?" Ho said it woa a gambling clnb." 'Ji.'ght for once." "Ob, Dick, is it?" 'Certainly it is. Moat olnba nrogam . g clubs and drinking clubs. I don't noso tho True Blues gamble more i others, but I'll let they don't gnm ny less." h, Diok, Dick, Pni sorry to hoar And Dick, my* darling boy, do I gamble, mother? No, I don't. / you'll believe though th* "\\ in n's IHchardt" loss. I can't afford it, for it takes money to gamble, and I'm not us rich as old Hammond yet. " "Oh, yes, Dickt dear, and that re minds me. Another thing your father feared was that Mr. Hammond might come to know you wore a member of tho club. It might hurt your prospects in tho bank," film added, not wishing to I frighten the boy with the threat of tho dismissal she felt B?ro would follow tho revelation. Dick threw hack his head and roared. For the lirst time that evening the lines of caro left bis brow. Then seeing hie mother's look of incomprehension ho Bobered down, repressing bis mirth with Home difflonlty. "Mother," ho said at last, "things havo changed since father was a boy. I'm afraid bo hardly appreciates how much. Tho old terrifying relations be tween employer and employeo do not exist now?at lei'i.t that is my experi ence. " "Still if Mr. Hammond camo to know that yon spent your evenings j at"? "Mother, listen to mo a moment. Jn tis Hammond proposed mo for moin 1 rship in the club?my employer. I F ould uevor have thought of joining if i hadn't boon for him. You remember my last raise in salary? You thought it was for merit, of course, and father thought it was luck. Well, it was neither?or both, perhaps. Now, this is confidential and to yourself only. I wouldn't tell it to any one elso. Ham mond called me into bis private oftlco 0110 afternoon when tho bank was closed and said: 'Saunders, I want you to join tho Athletic club. I'll proposo you.' I was amazed and told him I couldn't afford it. 'Yes, you can,' ho answered. 'I'm going to raise your salary double tho amount of entrance fee and annual. If you don't join, I'll cut it down.' So I joined. I think I should havo been a fool if I hadn't." "Dick, I never heard of such a thing. What in tho world did ho want you to join for?" "Well, mother," said Dick, looking at his watch, "that's a long story. I'll tell it to you somo other (veiling. I haven't time tonight. I must be off." "Oh, Dick, don't go tonight Please stay at homo for my sako." Dick smoothed his mother's gray hair and kissed her on tho forehead. Then ho said: "Won't tomorrow night do us Well, mother? I can't stay tonight. I havo an appointment at tho club." "Telegraph to them and put it off. Stay for my sake tonight, Dick. I never asked you before " Tho look of anxiety ouino into his f ace. ufuti?. "Motber, it is impossible; really it Is. Please don't ask mo again. Anyhow, I know it is father who wants mo to stay, not you. I presume he's on tho duty tack. I think what bo has to say will keep till tomorrow night. If ho must work off somo of his sentiments on I gambling, let him place his efforts whero they aro needed?let him tacklo Julo Hammond, but not during business hours. " "You surely don't mean to say that a respected business man?a banker liko Mr. Hammond?gambles?" "Don't I? Why Hammond's a plun ger from Plnngorville, if you know what that means. From 'J to 53 ho is the strict est and best business man in tho city. If you spoko to him then of tho True Blue Athletic (dub, ho wouldn't know what you were talking about, but after tt o'clock he'll take any odds you liko to offer, from matching pennies to backing an unknown horso." Mrs. Saunders sighed. It was a wicked world into which her boy had to go to earn his living, evidently. "And now, mother, I must really bo off. I'll stay at homo tomorrow night and take my scolding liko a man. Good night." Ho kissed her and hurried away be fore she could say anything more, leav ing her sitting there with folded hands to await, with hor customary patiouce aud just a trifle of apprehension, the coming of hor husband. There was no mistaking tho heavy footfall. Mrs. Saunders smiled sadly ns sho heard it, remembetting that Dick had said ouco that, oveu if he wcro safe within the gates of paradise, the sound of his fa ther's footsteps would make tho chills run np his backbone. Sho had reproved the levity of the remark at tho timo, but sho often thought of it, especially When she knew there was troublo ahead ?as there usually was. "Whore's Richard? Isn't ho homo yet?" woro tho old man's first words. "Ho has boen home, hut ho had to go out again. He had an appointment." "Did yoo toll him I wanted to speak with him?" "Yes, and ho said ho would stay homo tomorrow uiuhr. " "Did ho know that f said tonight?" "I'm sure that I told him you"?? "Don't shuffle, now. Ho either know or did not. Which is it?" *' Yes, ho knew, but ho thought it might not bo urgent and ho"? "That will do. Whero is his appoint ment?" "At the blab, I think." "Ah-h-hl" Tho old man dwelt on tho exclamation as if ho had at last drawn out the reluctant worst. "Did ho say when ho would bo homo?" "No." "Very well. I will wait half au honr I for him, and if he is not in by that timo I will go to his clnb and have my talk with him thoro." Old Mr. Stum dors sat grimly down with his hat sail on and crossed his bands ovor tho knob of his stout walk ing stick, watching the clock that tiokod slowly against tho wall. Under these distressing circumstances tho old wom an lost hor presence of mind and did tho vory thing sho should not havo dono. Sin should havo agreed with him, bnt instead of that shaopposod tho plan and so made it iuovitnblo. It wonld bo a cruel thing, sho said, to shame thoir son boforo his friends, to mako him a Jnnghing stock among his acquaintances. Whatever was to bo said eonld bo said as woll tomorrow night as tonight, and that in their own home, whoro, at loast, no stranger would ovor hear. As the old man mado no answer, bnt ailontly watcbod the clock, she bo onmc almost indignant with him. She felt she w ^^^^^^^^^ S WWWMM?W I II I II.I aioiotisjy unvttrci uiCR. ?ne nopea nno might turu hin resentment from their ? 8ou to herself uml would lmvo welcomed any outburst thut would bo directed against her alono. In tins excited state, being brought, as it were, to bay, sho hud the temerity to nay: "You were wrong about ono thing, and you may also bo wrong in thinking Dick?iu?in what you think about Dick." Tho old limn darted ono lowering look at her, and though she trembled she welcomed tho glanco as indicating tho success of her red herring. "What was I wrong about?" "You wero wrong?Mr. Hammond knows Dick is a member of tho club. Ho is a member himself, and ho insist ed that Dick join. That's why ho raised his salary." "A likely story 1 Who told you that?" "Dick told nie himself." "And you believe it, of course." Sounders laughed in a sneering, cynical sort of way ami resumed his scrutiny of the clock. Tho old woman gave up tho ! fight and began to woep silently, hoping, ! but iu vain, to iiear tho light stop of , bor son approaching tho door. Tho clock struck the hour. The old man roso j without a word, drew bis bat farther ! over his brow and left tho house. Up to tho last moment Mrs. Sauuders hardly believed her husband would ! carry out his threat. Now, when slio I realized ho was determined, she had ono wild thought of Hying to the club and warning her sou. A moment's consid eration put that idea out of tho ques tion. She calk ' the serving maid, who came, as it seemed to tho anxious wom an, with exasperating deliberation. "Jane." shn cried, "do yoa t>u\_ wncro tue Athletic club is? Do you know where Center street is?" Jane knew neither club nor locality. "I want a message taken tbero to Dick, and it must go quickly. Don't you think you could run there"? "It would be quioker to telegraph, ma'am," said Jane, who was not anx ious to run anywhere. "There's tolo graph paper in Mr. Richard's room, and tho office is just round the corner." "That's it, Jane. I'm glad you thought of it. Get me a telegraph form. Do make haste." She wrote with a trembling hand UP plainly as she could, so that her sou might havo no difficulty in reading: Richard founders, Athletio Club, Center Btroot: Your father is coming to see you. Ho will bo nt tho club before half an hour. "There is no need to sign it; ho will know his mother's writing," said Mrs. Sanndorsas she handed tho message and tho money to Jane, and Juno made no comment, for she knew as little of tole graphing as did her mistress. Then tho old woman, having done her best, prayed that tho telegram might arrive before her husband, and her prayer was au i svnred, for electricity is moro speedy than an old man's legs. Meanw hile Mr. Saunders strodo along from the suburb to the city. His stout stick struck tho .:*ono pavement with a sharp click that sounded in tho still, frosty night air almost like a pistol shot. He would show both his wife and his ?on that he was not too old to bo mas ter in his own house. Ho talked angrily to himself as ho went along and was wroth to find his anger lessening as ho ueared his destination. Anger must he very just to hold its own during a brisk walk in evening air that is cool and sweet. Mr. Sanndera was somewhat abashed to find the club building a much more imposing edifice than ho bad expected, j There was no low, groggy appearance about the True Blue Athletio edifice. It was brilliantly lit from basement to at tio. A group of men, with hands iu pockets, stood on the curl) as if v ?i*ing I for something. There was an air of 00 oasiou about the place. The old man in quired of ono of tho loafers if that was tho Athletio club. "Yes, it is," was tho answer. "Are you going iu?" "I iutr nd to." "Ard yon a member?" "No.." "< lot an invitation?" "No.' "Then I suspect yon won't go in. We've tried every dodge ourselves." The possibility of not getting in had never occurred to the old gentleman, and th(? thought that his son, safe with in the sacred products of a (dub. might defy him (logged his flagging anger and aroused Mi dogged determination. "I'll try, at least," he said, going up the stone steps. The men watched him with a smile on their lips. They saw him push the electric button, wheroopon tho door opened slightly. There was a brief, un heard parley ; then the door swung wido open, and when Mr. Saunders entored it shut again. "Well, I'm blessed I" said tho man on the curb "I wonder how tho old duffer worked it. I wish T .bud aalrnd mm. " Hone or mo rest nia?q any com mout. They were struck dumb with amazement at tho Rnccess of tho old gentleman who had even to ask if that wero the club. When the porter opened tho door, ho repeated ono of the questions asked a moment before by the man on tho curb. "Havo you nn invitation, sir?" "No," answered the old man, deftly placing his stick so that tho barely opened door con Id not be closed until it was withdrawn. "No. I want to seo my sou, Biohard Sanndera. Is bo in side?" Tho porter instantly throw open the door. " Yes, sir," ho said. ' 'They 're expect ing you, sir. Kindly conio this way, sir." Tho old man followod, wondering nt tho cordiality of his reception. There must be some mistako. Expecting him? Brow could that he? Ho was led into a most sumptuous parlor where a cluster of electric lamps in tho coiling threw a soft radiance around the room. "Ho seated, sir. I shall toll Mr. Hammond that you aro hero." "But?stop a moment?I don't want to seo Mi Hammond. I have nothing to do with Mr. Hammond. I want to sco my son. Is it Mr. Hammond tho banker?" "Yes, sir. Ho told >no to bring yon in horo when you camo and to let him know nt onco." Tho old man drew his hand noross his brow, and ero ho could reply tho porter had disappeared. Hosnt down iu ono of tho exceedingly easy leather ohnira and gazed in bowildormont around tho room. Tho flno pictures on tho wnlls related exclusively to sport ing auhjects. A trim yacht, with its tall, slim masts and towering cloud of canvas at an apparently dangerous nnglo, seemed sailing directly nt tho spectator. Pugilists unked to tho waists held their clinched lists in men acing nttitndes. Kaco horses in states of activity and nt rest wero inter spersed horo and tbero. In tho oentor of tho room stood a pedestal of blank mnr blo, and npon it rested a hugo silver vnso iucrustod with ornnmentation. The old man did not know that tlr i elaborate specimen of tho silversmith's ?im ?afnrrod to uh tha "nun. " Rnmn one had hung a placnru on it bearing in orudoly scrawled lottors the words: I'm < thoo well, and if forovor ttt ill forever faro thoe well I While tho old man whs wondering ooniyuurtcu ami Micro entered an elder- | \y gentleman Bouiowhat jauntily attired in evening dross with a roso at his but touhole. Bauuderh iustautly reeoguized him as the bauker, and be felt a reseat meat at what In- considered I is foppish appearance, realizing almost at the same moment the rustiuess of his own ? clothes.au everyday suit, not too ex pensive even when now. "How are you, Mr. Saunders?" cried tho banker, cordially extending his band. "I am very pleased indeed to meet you. Wo got your telegram, but thought it liest not to give it to Diek. I took the liberty of opening it myself. You see WO can't bo too careful about ??He's been going from bad to xvorse." those littlo detailB. I told tho portor to look after you and let me kn >w tho moment you came. Of courso you are anxious about your boy." "I am," said tho old man firmly. "That's why I'm here." "Certainly, certainly. So are wo all, and I presume I'm tho most anxious man of tho lot. Now what you want to know is how ho is getting along?" "Yes, I want to know tho truth." ??Well, unfortunately, tho truth is about as gloomy as it can bo. IIo's boon going from had to worse, and no man in 1 more sorry than 1 am." "Do you mean to tell mo so?" "Yea There Is no use deluding our selves. Frankly I have no hope for him. There is not one chance in 10,000 of his recovering his lost ground." Tho old man caught his breath nnd loaned on his cane for support. Ho real ized now the hollowno8H of his previous I anger. Ho had never for a moment be lieved the boy was going to the had. Down underneath bis crustiness were a deep love for his son and a strong faith in him. He had allowed his old habit of domineering togot the better of him, and now in searching after a phantom ho had Suddenly come upon a ghastly reality. "Look here," said the hanker, notic ing bis agitation, "have a drink of our special Scotch with me. ft is the best thoro is to be had for money. Wo al wayR take off our hats when wo speak of th.? special in this club. Then wo'll go and see how things arc moving." As he turned to order the lhpior he noticed for tho first time tho placard on the cup. "Now, who the dickens put that there?" ho cried angrily. "There is no uso in giving up before you're thrashed. " Saying which he took off the placard, tore it up and threw it into tho waste bnsket "Does Richard drink?" asked tho old man huskily, remembering tho eulogy on th-) special. "Bless you, no, nor smokoeither; no, nor gamble, which is more extraordi nary. No, it's all right for old fellows like you and me to indulge in the spe cial?bless it!?but n young man who needs to keep his nerves in order has to livo like a monk. I imagine it'b a love affair. Of course there's no uso asking you. You would bo the last one to know. When ho came in tonight, I saw ho was worried over something. I asked him what it was, but ho declared there was nothing wrong. Here's tho lirpior. You'll lind that it reaches the spot. Tho old man gulped down some of tho eolobrated special; then ho said: "It is true that you induced my sou to join this club?" "Certainly. I heard what ho could do from a mau I bad confidence in, and I said to myself, 'Wo must huvu young Banndors for a member.' " "Then don't you think yonaro large ly to blame?" "Oh, if you liko to put it that way, yes. Still, I'm tho chief loser. I loso $10,000 by him." "Good God!" criod tho stricken father. Tho bankor looked at the old man a littlo nervously, as if ho feared his head was not exactly right. Then ho said: "Of courso you will bo anxious to seo how tho thing ends. Come in with me, but bo careful tho boy doesn't catch a sight of you. It might rattle him. I'll get you a place at tho back, where you oun soo without boing seen." They rose, and tho hanker led tho way on tiptoe through between tho cur tains into a large room filled with silent men earnestly watching a player at a billiard table in the center of tho aonrt moinr. lonipurnry seats nau noon emit around tho walla, Dor above tier, and every placo was taken. Sumatera no ticed his son standing near tho table in his shirt sleeves, with his cuo butt downward on the ground. Ilia faco was i pale and his lips compressed as ho watched his opponent's play liko a man fascinated. Evidently his back was against tho wall, nnd ho was fighting a hopeless fight, but was grit to the last. old Saunders only faintly understood tho situation, but his whole sympathy wont out to his boy, and ho felt au in stinctive hatred of tho confident oppo nent who was knocking tho balls ubout with a reckless accuracy which was : evidently bringing dismay to tho hearts of at least half of tho onlookers. All at once thoro was a burst of np plauso, and tho player stood up straight with a laugh. "By Jovo!" cried tho banker. "IIo's missed. Didn't put ouough stick behind it. That cornea of boing too blamed ! suro. Shouldn't wonder but thoro is go I ing to bo a turn of luck. IVrhups you'll provo a mascot, Mr. Saunders." Ho placed the old man on an olovatod Beat at the back. Thoro was a buzz of talk as young Saunders stood thcro chalking his cue, apparently loath to bo gin. Hammond mixed among tho crowd and apoko eagorly now to one, now to another. Old Saunders said to tho man next him: "What is it all about? Is thia an im portant match?" "ImportantI You hot it Ja. I anpposo thoro'a moro money on thia gamo than waa over up ou n billiard match hofore. Why, Julo Hammond alono haa $10,000 on Saunders." Tho old man gnvo a quivoring sigh of reliof. Ho was beginning toundorstand. Tho $10,000, thou, was not tho tigere of a defalcation. "Yos," continued tho othor, "it's tho great match for tho oup. Thoro'a been a series of games, and this is tho culmi nating one. Prognor has won one and Saunders one. Now this game settles it. Prognor is tho man it the High Fliers' nhA He's a good ope. Sanndors won JftyBftJUptti*frat year, sq they Royal makes th/> pur?, wholesome and delicious. xni-y vo never nan a man tocoaonoaau dors in this club since it bogatl. I doubt if there's auother amateur liko him in this country. He's u man to ho proud Off although ho seemed to go to pieces tonight, they'll all he down on him to morrow if they loso their money, al though he doesn't make anything ono way or another. I believe It's the high betting that's miulo him so anxious and spoiled his play." "Hush, hush!" was whispered around tho "ooin. Young Saunders had begun to play. ProgUOl stood bj with a supe rior smile on Iiis lips. He was certuin POWDER Absolutely Puro ROYAl BAKING POWOER CO., NEW YORK. to go out when his-tum came ngaiu. j Buuudera played very carefully, tak ing no risks, and Iiis father watched him with absorbed breathless iuterost. Though ho knew nothing of the game, ho hoou began to see how points were made. Tho boy never looked up from tho green cloth and the balls. Ho stepped around the table to his different posi tions without hurryi and yet without unduo tardiness. All eyes were fastened on Ins play, aud there was not a sound in the large room but the ever recurring click clack of the halls. Tho father mar veled at the almost magical command the player bad over the ivory spheres. Th?f came and went, rebounded and struck, seemingly because he willed this result or that. 1 'hero were a dexter ity of touch, an accurate measurement of forco, a correct estimate of angles, a truth of the eye and a muscular control that left the old man amazed that the combination of all these delicate nice ties was concentrated in one person, and that person his own son. At last two of the balls lay closo to gether, and tho young man, playing very deftly, appeared to be able to keep them in that position as if ho might go on scoring indefinitely. He went on in this way for some time, when suddenly the silenco was broken by ProgUOr cry ing out: "I don't call that billiards. It's baby play." Instantly there was an uproar. Sauu dors grounded his cue on tho floor ami "Your father had his eye on you all ths time." stood calmly amid tho storm, his eyes fixed on the green cloth. Thero were shouts of, " You wero not interrupted 1" "That's for the mnpires to decide," "Play your game, Saunders!" "Don't bo bluffed 1" The edd man stood up with Hie rest, and ins natural combativoncss urged him to take part in tho fray and fmil for fail olav Tl>? nnvoire voko und uemanoed order. When tho tumult had subsided, be sat down. Some of the high fliers, however, cried: "Decision! Decision!" "Thero is nothing to decide." said the umpire severely. "Uo on with your play, Air. Saunders." Thou young Saunders did a thing that took away tho breath of his friends. IIe deliberately struck the balls with Ids cue ball and scattered them far and wide. A simultaneous sigli seemed to riso from the breasts of tho True Blues. "That is magnificent, but it is not war," said the man beside old Saun ders. "Ho has no right to throw away a singlo chance when ho is so far be hind " "Ob, he's not so far behind I Look at tho score," put in a man on tho right. Saunders carefully nursed tho halls up together once more, scored off thorn for awhile, and again ho struck them far apart. This ho did three times. Ho apparently seemed benton showing bow OOropletoly he had tho table under con trol. Suddenly a great cheer broke out, and young Saunders rested as before without taking his eyes from tho oloth. "What does that mean?" cried tho old man excitedly, with dry lips. "Why, don't yon see? He's tied tho scoro. I imagine this is an almost un precedented run. I bcliovo he's got Prognor on toast, if you ask mo." Hammond came np With flushed faeo and grasped the old man by tho arm with a vigor that made him wince. "Did you ever seo anything grander than that?" ho said, under cover of tho momentary applause. "I'm willing to lofio my $10,000 now without u mur mur. You see you are a mascot after all." ? Tho old man was too much excited to speak, but be hoped the boy would tako no more chances. Again came tho click clack of the balls. Tho father was pleased to seo that Dick played now with all tho care and caution lie had observed at flrfet. The silence became intense, al most pninful. Every man leaned for ward and scarcely breathed. All at once Prognor Strode down to tho billiard table and stretohed bis hdnd across it. A cheer shook tho coiling. Th0 cup would remain on tho black mar blo pedestal. Saunders had won. Ho took tho outstretched hand of his defeat ed opponent, and tho building rang again. Banker Hammond pushed bis way through tho coiigratub.tiiig crowd and araoto tho winner cord ally on 'ho shoul dor. "That was a great rue. Diok, my boy Tho old man was your mascot Youi hick changed tho moment ho cumo in Yonr father had his cyo on yon all the time." " Wbatt" cried Dick, with a Jump. "I'm very proud of you, my son,*' eoid his fat her when at last he reaohod him. "It takes skill and plnok aud nerve to win a contest like that I'm off now. X want to tell yonr mother abont It." "Wait a moment, father, and we'll walk home together," said Dick. CON FKIt KN CK APPOINTMENTS. How tlio Methodist Preachers Arc Assigned Tar tho Year mos. CiiAiii.KSTON DisTHiCT.?Presiding Edor?\V. 1'. Moadors. Trinity? J. W. Kilgo. Bethel-II. W. Bays. Spring Street?S. P. II. Elwell. Cumberland?.1. M. Stcadman. Berkeley?\V. II. Thrower. Summervillo-G. P. Watson. Hidgeville and Cypress?J.L. Hay and (.). N. Hountreo. St. George's Station?A. C. Walker. St. George's Circuit?W. T. Patrick. Colleton?II. C. Mouzon. Round O and St. Paul? E. K. Moore and W. H. Buchanan. Walterboro?W. M. Duncan. Hendersonvillo?0. llueks. Hampton aid Port Royal? R. L. Hol roy d and W. A. Fairoy. Allcndalc W. B. Duncan. Black Swamp ?W. H. Wroton. Hard".,villo?J. C. Welch, supply. Beaufort?I'. A. Murray. MoClollanvillo and St. Stephens-G. W. Gatlin and I). A Patrick. Hurley villo - E, M. McKlsslck. CoKKsiteav Distkict.?Presiding Elder?G. T. Harmon. Cokosbury?J. c. Chandler, Gicon wood?M. Dargan. Verdory-G. H Shatter. Ninety-Six ?W. A. IJetts. Donalds?W. H. Wliarlon. Abbeville - J. W. Daalel. Antrcvillc?W. J. Snydt r. MoCormlck -W. II /mail. Lowndosville?E. \V. Mason. Mt. Carinel? H. Stokes. Princeton S. D. Vaughun. Waterloo ? W. W. Jonos. Phoenix - P. Stokes. Ncwberry Station and City Mission? C. W. Grolguton and.I. VV. Bpcako. Now berry Circuit-1). Tiller. Kinard's?A. S. Lesley. Saluda?J. J, Stevenson. Butler?W. C. VVinu. Parks villo-J. c. Uolloy, supply. Prospeiity ? E. G. Trice. OoLUMUIA DISTRICT.? Presiding Elder ?.1. Walter Dickson. Washington Street-W. W. Daniel. Marion Street?P.L. Kirton. Green Street and Hrookland?W. B. Baker. Uichland and Granby?J. C. Ahncy, supply. Edgowood U. C.McRoy. Hyatt Park-J. VV. Nooly. Lexington - William M. Harden. Lexington Fork?M. L Banks, Jr. Lcwiedulo?J. N. Wright, supply. Lecsville?N. B. Clarkson. Batosburg?D. I). Dantzlor. Johnston?C. 0. Herhert. fidgclicld? D.Z. Dant/ler. Granitcvillc?N. (1. ballcnger. Langloy? J. II. Nolaud. Upper St. Matthews ?J. W. Ariail. Fort Motte? R. W. Humphries,supply. Hidgcway?A. H. Phillips. Wluusboro?J. D. Crout. Fairlicld-W. 11. Miller. Columbia Female Oollego?J. A Rice, president, and R. E. Stack house, pro fessor. Kpworth Orphanage - George II. Wad dell, superintendent. Paiuc Institute?George W. Walker, president. Fl.ohbnck District?Presiding Elder ? E. T. Hodges. Florence Station?W. I. Herbert. Darlington?It. A. Child. Cheraw?D. M. Mcbcod. Choraw Circuit?R. E. Mood. HattSVlllo? G. P. Clarkson. Clyde?J. S. Abercrombie. Darlington Circuit?W. S. Martin. Lamar-J. M. Boyd. Thnmousvillo?R. W. Barber. Claussen ? M. 11. Pooser. South Florence?lt. M. Duboso. Seranton?J. \Y. Harris. Lake City?W. H. Kirton. Kingstroo?A. B. Karle. Union?G. W. Davis. Lane's?.1. A. White. Sailers- R. 0. Boulwaro. Johnsonvillo?A. K. Holler. Georgetown -A. J. Stokes. Georgetown Circuit?O. L. DuRant and J. B. Wchlon. Gki.knviu.ic DI8TR1CT? Presiding El der?W. C. Power. Greenville - buncombe Street and Mills?W. A. Rogers and 1). W. Keller. Greenville-St. Paul's?II. B. Browne. Anderson, St. John and West End ? W. R. Richardson aid S. B. Harper. Starr and Iva?F. IL Shuloi and R. E. Turnipsced. Willianiston anil Helton?P. F. Kilgo. Pel/.cr?T. G. Herbert, Jr. Piedmont - H. P. Taylor. Greenville Circuit?J. C. Counts. Fountain Inn?J. W. Shell; one to bo supplied. Reidvillo-C. H. Clyde. Qreer's and Pelham -A. II. Best; one to he supplied. Traveler's Rcst-O. B. Burns. Easloy and Bethcsda?J. E. Rusbtou. Piekens ami West Pickcns?J. S. Porter, A. M. Attaway, supernumerary, North Piekens-To he supplied. Walhalla Circuit-Supplied by J. L. Mullinax. Seneca and Walhalla?J. L. Daniel. Westminster? It. R. Dagnall. Townvillo?L. L. [nabinot. Pondloton?A. T. Dunlap. Williamston Circuit and West Ander* son ? W. J. Dowcll; one supplied by I N. Stone. Editor Southern Christian Advocate ? J. (). Willson. Assistant editor Southern Christian Advocato-S. A. Weber. Assistant Sunday School Bditor?L. F. Beuty. Williamston Female College?S. Lan der, president. Marion District.? Presiding Elder? J. B. Wilson. Marion?T. E. Morris. Ceutcnnry?G. H. Whitaker. Britten's Neck---E. S. Campholl, supply. Conway?W. S. Stokes. Conway Circuit?W. F.. Barre. Bucksvillo?J. F. Way. Waeeumaw?D. A. Culhoun. Bayhoro? Sum Jones, supply. Loris?J. R. Sojourner. Mullins?8. J. Betkea. North Mullins?J. K. McCain. Latta-J. K. Beard. Little Rock?A. .1. Cauthen, Jr. Clio-W. W. Williams. Blcnhehn-P. H. Wells. Bennott;;villo ?J. L. Stokes. Benncttsville Circuit-J. S. Hcasley. Brightsville ?J. B. Tray wick. McColl Mission?T. L. Belvin, supply. North Marlboro?W. S. Goodwin. Ouanokiujuo District.?Presiding Elder?John Owen. Orangeburg and City Mission?E. O. Watson andJ. C. Strickland. Orangchurg Circuit?W. L. Wait. Lower St, Matthews?M. W. Hook. Providence?C. D. Mann and E. Z. James, supply. Branchville?J. C Stoll. South Branchville? E. A. Wilkcs. Bamherg-T. C. O'Doll. Denmark?M. B. Kelly. Baruwell?W. A. Wright. Williston-J. C. Davis. Springfield- O. E. Stokes. Boiling Springs?J. I). Fricrson. Orange?N. K. Melton. Edisto?J. 0. Yonguo. Aiken?A. J. StnlTord. Swansea?J. T. Macfarlunc, supply. Wagcncr?To be supplied. RoOK HiMj Dirthict.? Presiding Elder J. B. Oampboll. Chester- J. E. Grior. Chester Circuit?J. K. MahafToy. East Chester?R. A. Yonguo. Richburg- E. P. Hutson. Rock Hill, St. John?S. H. Zimmcr nu n.J Rock Hill Circuit and Laurel 8trcet? T. C. Ligen. North Rock Hill?.J. B. Harris. Yorkvillo?A. N Brunson. Blacksburg-II J. Cauthen. Hickory Orovo-J. II Thackor. York Circuit?J. W. Humbort. Fort Mill?J. A. Campbell. Van Wyck-8. H. Booth. Lancaster-J. E. Carlisle, i Lancaster Circuit?G. O. Leonard, f Tradesvlllo?L. L. Bodenbaugh. Choetorfiold-J. P. Attaway. Jefferson?Allan McFarlan. li'llil'lfllllhll- || 1 SPAKTANnuno DISTRICT.?Presiding Elder?A. J. Cauthen. Spartnuburg, Central ?M. L. Carlisle Duncan?W. C. Kirklaud. bpartanburg Mission ? E. B. Luyless. Clifton - K. W. Bplgner. Union Station and Mills?W. A. Mas sebeau and J. C. Hoper. OalTrey?T. M. Dent. UalTucy Circuit-S. T. Creech, supply. Laurens Station and Mission?R. II. Jones and J. M. Shell, supply. North Laurens ?1). P. Hoyd. Cherokee?J. M. Law son. Jonosvillo?K. II Beckham. Kol ton ? J. N. Isom. Pacolet Mills - Ii. M. drier. Pacolet Circuit ? E S. Jones. Bnoreo?J. M. Pridy. Clinton?.). L. Barley. Whitnnro?I). A. Phillips. Santuc?A. P. Berry. Campobollo?S. A. Nettles. Eehnont ?S T. Blackman. WolTord College-C. B. Smith, pro fessor. Bumtkh District.?-Presiding Bldsr? T. J. Clyde. Sunder ? J. a. Clifton. Magnolia St. Mission ? W. A. Kelley. Sumtor Circuit?M. N. Bird, supply. Manning?W. H. Hodges. Santee?A. B. Wat80U. Jordan?W. a. Pitts. PorcBton?J R. Conoland. New /.ion ?W. E. Wiggins. Lynchburg?W. B. Justus. Oswogo?J. P. Anderson. Bishopvillo?J. W. Klkins. Bethany?O. II. Poosor. Salem Station?S. W. Henry. Kershaw?J. G. Meek with. Bmithvillo?W. T. Duncan. Catndon?J. T. Pate. Camdon Circuit?B. M. Robertson. WatercL'?S. i). Bailoy, supply. Rickland -T. .!. White. Wodge?old?P. Spoor. BUPBHANNUTBD PUBAC1IBKB. F. Auld, M. Ii. Banks, J. C. Bissell, Sidi II. Browne..I. M. Carlisle, Williuni Carson, W. A. Clark, A. M. Ohreitzborg, (). A. Darby, R. L. Duflle, J. P. Smith, J. A. Wood, A. W. Walker, J. J. Work man, John Attaway, L. M. Hamor, A. W. Jackson, Simpson Jonos. L. A. John* son, Paul F. Kistler, L. C. Loyal, M. M. Brabham, J. J, Novlllt.S. J. Nowborry, J. A. Porter, W. C. Patterson, T. 1'. Phillips, 0. K. Wiggins, J. 8. Sifley. SUl'BUNUMBHAltY PHBA0IIBH8. M. M. Ferguson,.!. M. Hogers, 'Phos. (}. Herbert, Sr., T. E Wannamakcr, A. M. Attaway. ! follow loss of appetite, or headache, or nerv? ; ousncss and sleeplessness, or stupor. These sic the advance heralds of consumption, malaria, nervous exhaustion and piostra ? tloil, and a multitude of other ills. There is an easy way to avoid, and a sure way to escape from, ill-health, for. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery gives edge to the appetite, invigorates the liver, makes the digestion perfect and the blood pure. It is the goat appetite-sharpener, blood-maker. flesh builder and nerve-tonic. It cures c>8 per cent, of all cases of consumption. It does not make flabby flesh like cod - liver oil, but Grill, healthy tissue, without corpu lency. Honest dealers don't urge substi tutes for a little extra profit. "i cannot praise Or. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery too highly," writes Mrs. Mary A.Scny, of Audcrsonville, Knckiughatn Co., Vn. " ]\fy frieints gave me up as dying of consumption. I tried everything, t>ut grew worse, until I became B<> weak i gave up nil my housework. I tried four liottlcs of the 'Ol .en Medical Discovery' Bild have now HO more ncc<! to take medicine of any kind, i recommend your medicines?the ?C.olden Medical Discovery' and 'Pleasant rel icts' -to my friends with a full belief in their efficiency." When any member of the family is sick or butt, look in Dr. Pierce's Common Sense Medical Adviser, and there you will find *be remedy, it used to cost Si.so; now it's rur.r. looK patres. Over ,v*> illustrations. Send ?i one-cent stamps, to cover cost of mailing ; only, to World's Dispensary Medical Asso ciation, Buffalo, N. Y., for paper covered Copy. Cloth binding, to cents extra. l?^lt. _ It comes In . ? various guises. AfliAt first it is usually as a tri fling indiges tion or a slight ^ntlack of bil iousness. Then The raging lion that rav ages the earth, seeking that which it may d e v o n r is a fearsome an tagonist to fi z h t. 111 health i b a Btcalthier but I much more , dangerous en emy. It is al ways easier and better to avoid it than to fight ?The ways of tho Speaker of tho House of tho Georgia Legislature aro as poeuliar as thoso of tho other mem bers of that suprising assembly. A fow days ago, whou a quorum was not pres ent, be addressed tho doorkeeper as follows; "Mr. Doorkeeper, go ye out into tho high ways and hedges and sum mon all absent members to this ban quet ball, iiring ye them in so that this public feast may proceed." ?Tho best thing to give your onetny is forgiveness; to an opponent,tolerance, to a frieud, your heart: to your child,a good example; to your fathor, defence; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you: to youreolf, rospoct; to all men charity. I ?A Pennsylvania Railroad train made tho eastward run from Chicago t > I'itsburg in 505 minut ;s. It is ex pected to reduce tho time of tho limited between Chicago and Now York to twenty hours. ?A well informed statistician btutod that moro Jewish synagogues have been set up in this country during tho I past ton years than in all previous I years of America history. Needs No Explanation Madison, N. C, Aug. 4, 'U7. Goose Grease Liniment Co., Greens boro, N. C. Doar Sirs; I'leaso ship us at oneo ono gross Goose Grease Linimot. Wo are entirely out. Don't fail to ship at once. Please give us jobbers' prices. It is tho best tiling wo havo ever seen Yours truly, w. o. Jones & Co. /?"HARLK8TON * WESTERN CARC Una Railway Co. " Augusta and Aslu vdle short Lino." Schedule in effect tK'. 3rd, is;?7. Lv Augusta. 0 40 am 1 40 pm \r Greenwood.12 17 pm . l.v Anderson. (i 10 ana Ar Laurens. 1 15 pm 7 00 am Greenville. 2 00 pm 10 30 am Glenn Borings. 4 1)5 pm . Spartanburg. 3 00 pm 9 25 am Baluda ........ 6 3 > pm . Uendersonville. .. 6 03 pm . I Asheville. 7 00 pm . Lv Asheville. 8 20 am . Spartanburg.11 45 am 4 31 pm Greenville.1155 am 4 00 pro Laurens.... .... 115 pm 7 80 pro Anderson. 7 00 am . Greenwood. 2 28 pm 9 35 pm i Augusta. 5 00 pm 11 10 unc r A' en. 6 50 pm_ Lv Greenville. n 50 aw Ar Clinton. 2 10 pro Ncwberry. 2 57 pro Prosperity . 3 13 pro Columbia. 1 80 pro I Bumter. (i 42 pro I _Lanes.. 7 tw pm Lv Charleston. 7 00 am Lanes . 8 2(J am Bumter... ... :? um Columbia. 11 00 am Prosperity . 1158 am Newberry. 12 10 pm Clinton. 12 50 pm Ar Greenville_ . 3 no pm i lose connections ai ureenwoou 101 ui points on 8. A. L. and 0. ft G. Railway, anri >it Bpartanburg with Southern Railway. For information relative to tickets, rat e schedules, etc. address W.J. CUAIO, Gen ".'ass. Agent. Augusta, Oft, J. K Grllli i, Agent ; ?. H Bpoighte, Gcd Vnonl. Groenvlllo. 8. 0. W. H. MARTIN, Attorney at Law, Laurens, - South Carolina. Will practice in all Courts of this State Attention gl von to collections. J. T, JOHNSON. W. r. ri0hby JOHNSON & RICH ICY, ATTORNEYS AT LAW. Okki ok Fleming 'Corner, N ort host side of Public Square. a. Y. SIMPSON. 0. 1). OARKSDALF SIMPSON ?V BAKKSDALE, Attorneys nt Law, LAXTRENS, SOUTH CAROLINA Special attention g i ven to the investi gation of titles and collection of claims b. W. ball. ti. W. si M KINS. W. W. ball BALL, SIM KINS & BALL, Attorneys ut Law, Laurens, South Carolina. Will praotloe In all State and United States Court. Special attention given collections Who [ is Will Whitener? He is our Fashionable Hair Cutter and Shaver -IN BENDELLA HOTEL. W. H.Gibbes & Co., -AGENTS FOR AND DEALERS in Hki'Rkbrnts: A. B. Farnuhar Comptiny, engines, Boilers, Saw Mill*, Thrashing Ma chines; Chandler & Taylor Compan\% Engines and Boilers; Lombard Iron Works nud Supply Company. Boilers and saw Mills; biddcll Company, Cotton Presses, ICngines and hollers.8 <w Mills; Daniel Pratt Gin Company, cotton gins and cotton presses i YVInshlp Machine Company, cotton gins and cotton presses ? Drown Cotton uin Company, cotton gins; Lane Manufacturing Company, saw mills; Straub Ma chinery Company, grist mills; Brannon & Co.. cane mills, evaporator pans, etc: lien y it. VVorthington, steam pumps; Meridian Machino shops, "Hunter Pull Circlo May 1'reflBcn; Jno. ft, chisolm, "< hisolm's $35 hay press;" stover Manufac turing Company, wind mills, tanks and towers; Rife Mydranlic Manufacturing Company, hydraulic rams; Henry DlSStOll A Sons.saws; Peering Harvesting Com pany, harvesting Machinery; Keystone Manufacturing Company,corn shredders; j. A. Fay a ICgan Company,wood working machinery; Btudeoaker Brodten Man ufacturing Company, wagons, buggies, etc; J. B. Mcl'arlan Carriage Company, ve hicles; New York Belting and Packing Company, rubber belling and packings. Wo aro in a position to quoto Factory Prices on anything In tho Machin ery, Vohlc'.o or Mill Supply lines. Wo keep in stock eotton gins, threshing machines, hay presses, binders, m.)wors. reapers, hay rakes, cano mills evaporator r ? , furnaces, saws, diso harrows, pipe and pipe fittings of all kinds, lnjec. ?rs, boilor tubos, pumps, drive points, pump cylinders, rubbor and leather bolting, wagons, buggies, road carts and general machinery supplies. *??? Uollablo Goods. sj^T Low Prlcos. *ir Fair Treatment. W. H. GIBBES &CO., 801 Gervais St. COLUMBIA, 8. 0.