ing eyes, as he rose to greet her. This, then, was her chosen
work under the regime of John Mark. It was as a gambler that she was
great. The uneasy fire was in her eyes, the same fire that he had seen
in Western gold camps, in Western gaming houses. And the delicate,
nervous fingers now took on a new meaning to him.

That she had won heavily this evening he saw at once. The dangerous and
impalpable flush of the gamester was on her face, and behind it burned a
glow and radiance. She looked as if, having defeated men by the coolness
of her wits and the favor of luck, she had begun to think that she could
now outguess the world. Two men trailed behind her, stirring uneasily
about when she paused at Ronicky's alcove table.

"You've found the place so soon?" she asked. "How is your luck?"

"Not nearly as good tonight as yours."

"Oh, I can't help winning. Every card I touch turns into gold this
evening. I think I have the formula for it."

"Tell me, then," said Ronicky quickly enough, for there was just the
shadow of a backward nod of her head.

"Just step aside. I'll spoil Mr. McKeever's game for him, I'm afraid."

Ronicky excused himself with a nod to the other two and followed the
girl into the next room.

"I have bad news," she whispered instantly, "but keep smiling. Laugh if
you can. The two men with me I don't know. They may be his spies for all
we can tell. Ronicky Doone, John Mark is out for you. Why, in Heaven's
name, are you interfering with Caroline Smith and her affairs? It will
be your death, I promise you. John Mark has arrived and has placed men
around the house. Ronicky Doone, he means business. Help yourself if you
can. I'm unable to lift a hand for you. If I were you I should leave,
and I should leave at once. Laugh, Ronicky Doone!"

He obeyed, laughing until the tears were glittering in his eyes, until
the girl laughed with him.

"Good!" she whispered. "Good-by, Ronicky, and good luck."

He watched her going, saw the smiles of the two men, as they greeted her
again and closed in beside her, and watched the light flash on her
shoulders, as she shrugged away some shadow from her mind--perhaps the
small care she had given about him. But no matter how cold-hearted she
might be, how thoroughly in tune with this hard, bright world of New
York, she at least was generous and had courage. Who could tell how much
she risked by giving him that warning?

Ronicky went back to his place at the table, still