ch had fallen upon the party was abruptly broken by
Quirk, who suddenly bent forward and read the title of the book which
Guly had laid upon their card-table.

"H--ll!" he muttered between his short teeth; "what the devil did you
lay that right in the midst of our cards for? that's no place for it.
Who ever heard of cards and Bible keeping company on the same board?"

"Had you never neglected the one, you would not now be engaged with the
other," returned Guly, speaking in a soft but impressive voice; and
turning his eyes for an instant from Arthur to Quirk, but immediately
reverting them.

Arthur flung his cards upon the table, but without once lifting his
eyes. He seemed to feel all that his brother looked, without meeting
that full, sad gaze of hopeless sorrow.

"Come, now, Arthur," said Guly, at last, laying his small, girlish hand
upon his brother's brow; "you are tired and excited. It is late,
too--come with me to our own room."

Arthur was ashamed to show any heed of his brother's words before his
present companions, and he drew his head away from the gentle touch of
that kindly hand, and remarked that he would go when he chose--not
before; that he was used to late hours, and he'd run the risk of all
deleterious effects.

"That's it--I like your pluck!" shouted Quirk, too excited by the wine
he had drank to heed the presence of the head clerk. "Don't let's be
scared out of our rubber by a baby-faced boy, and a big Bible--'hanged
if we will."

"You shall not play another round beneath this roof to-night," said
Wilkins, resolutely. "If you do not vacate this place within five
minutes, I will turn every one of you out of doors by main force."

"I'd like to see you try that game once," replied Quirk, instantly,
bending suddenly forward, as if to grasp the book upon the table.

Before he could touch it, Guly had caught it in his own hands.

"This was my mother's Bible. Never shall a defiling finger touch its
sacred pages. Oh! Arthur, if there is any brotherly love left in your
heart for me, go with me to-night. You well know there is no fear of
reproof from me--I could not give it, if I would."

Arthur rose resolutely, swept the gold into his pocket, and took his
brother's hand.

"Zounds, Pratt! you won't leave us so!"

"Your five minutes are up," said Wilkins, firmly, lifting his foot and
turning the table, with its contents, over upon the floor.

"Ten thousand devils!" shouted Quirk, madly; and catc