schemes of chance. "I'll throw you the dice, my room against your
forty-five--and the devil take your luck if you win!"

Van agreed. They borrowed a box of dice, threw three times apiece--and
the horseman paid over his money.

"There you are, old man," said the plunger cheerfully. "Satisfied, I
hope."

"Not quite," said Van. "I'll owe you forty-five more and throw you
again."

"Right ho!" responded Trask. "Go as far as you like."

They shook again. Van lost as before. He borrowed again,
undiscouraged. For the third time they cast the little cubes of
uncertainty and this time Van actually won. The room was his to
dispose of as he pleased. It had cost him ninety dollars for the night.

In his pocket he had cautiously retained a little money--seven and
one-half dollars, to be accurate. He returned to Beth, informed her of
all he had discovered concerning her brother, took herself and Elsa to
dine in the camp's one presentable restaurant, paid nearly seven
dollars for the meal, and gave what remained to the waiter.

Then Beth, who had never in her life been so utterly exhausted,
resigned herself to Elsa's care, bade Van good-night, and left him
standing in the rain before the door, gallant, and smiling to the end.