ss the table, you and Jason where you are,
while I stand over here. Brutus, give the cards to Mr. Lawton."

My father smiled and bowed. From his manner it might have been some treat
he was proposing, some pleasant bit of sport that all knew ended in
hilarity. Still smiling, he glanced from one to the other, and then
towards Mademoiselle and me, as though seeking our approbation. Even with
his bandaged arm and weather stained clothes, he carried himself with a
gaiety and grace.

"Always trust in chance, my son," he said.

My uncle leaned forward, and drew his hand across his lips, his eyes
blank and staring.

"And if you get the pistol?" he demanded hoarsely.

"In that case," replied my father, "Your troubles will be over, Jason.
Pray rest assured--I shall attend to that. And then, when that is
finished Brutus shall bring two other pistols, and Lawton and I shall
draw again."

Mr. Lawton grasped the cards uncertainly.

"You give us the first two choices?" he demanded.

"The host naturally is last," said my father. "One must always be
polite."

"Then you're mad," said Mr. Lawton bluntly. "Come, Shelton, step outside,
and we'll finish it on the lawn."

"And I should undoubtedly kill you," said my father. "Pray do not tempt
me, Lawton."

"I tell you, you're mad," said Mr. Lawton.

"I have been told that once before today," said my father. "And still I
am not sure. I have often pictured this little scene, Lawton. We have
only one thing to add to it. Now tell me if I'm mad."

My father had reached up to his throat, and was fumbling at his collar.
When he drew away his hand, something glittered between his fingers.
Silently he placed his closed fist on the table, opened it, and there was
the gold locket which I had perceived in the morning. He pressed the
spring, and the lid flew free. Mr. Lawton leaned forward, glanced at the
picture inside, and then drew back very straight and pale.

"Come, Lawton," said my father gravely. "Which is it now--madness or an
appeal for justice and retribution? With her picture on the table,
Lawton, I have wondered--I have often wondered, Lawton--who will be the
lucky man to draw the loaded pistol? Let us leave it there, where we can
watch it before we fire. I have often thought that she would like it so.
And now--" he nodded again and smiled,--"surely you will oblige me.
Shuffle the cards, Lawton, and let the game go on."

Mr. Lawton bit his lower lip, fingered the cards uncer