u need
is sound judgment, the sense to recognize a good thing when you see it,
pluck, and the sporting instinct--you must be ready to back your opinion
and take a risk. It's only the necessity for that kind of thing which
makes it a fine game."

He broke off, looking up, and as Lisle strolled forward with a glance at
Crestwick, he saw Batley's genial expression change. It was evident that
the idea of being credited with the qualities mentioned appealed to the
lad, and Lisle realized that Batley was wishing him far away. He had,
however, no intention of withdrawing, and taking out a cigar he chose a
cue and awkwardly proceeded to practise a shot.

"This," he said nonchalantly, "is an amusement I never had time to learn,
and I really came along for a quiet smoke. Don't let me disturb you."

He saw Crestwick's look and understood what was in the lad's mind. It was
incomprehensible to the latter that a man should boldly confess his
ignorance of a game of high repute. Batley, however, seeing that the
intruder intended to remain, returned to the attack, and though he spoke
in a lower voice Lisle caught part of his remarks and decided that he was
cleverly playing upon Crestwick's raw belief in himself. This roused the
Canadian to indignation, though it was directed against Gladwyne rather
than his companion. Batley, he thought, was to some extent an adventurer,
one engaged in a hazardous business at which he could not always win, and
he had some desirable qualities--good-humor, liberality, coolness and
daring. The well-bred gentleman who served as his decoy, however,
possessed none of these redeeming characteristics. His part was merely
despicable; there was only meanness beneath his polished exterior.

"It certainly looks promising," Lisle heard Crestwick say; "you have
pretty well convinced me that it can't go wrong."

"I can't see any serious risk," declared Batley. "That, in the case of
mining stock, is as far as I'd care to go. On the other hand, there's
every prospect of a surprising change in the value of the shares as soon
as the results of the first reduction of ore come out. I can only add
that I'm a holder and I got you the offer of the shares as a favor from a
friend who's behind the scenes. Don't take them unless you feel
inclined."

This was a slip, as Lisle recognized. It is not in human nature to
dispose of a commodity that will shortly increase in value. Crestwick,
however, obviously failed to notice thi