boy on a sailing vessel bound for
Liverpool. I reached London and found employment as stable boy at
Ascot. There I learned the fatal fascination of gambling. With what I
saved from my wages I bet on the horses. I won and won again. I went
back to London and frequented the gambling houses. I won, always won.
One day there was a row. Someone complained I had cheated. The police
arrested me. When I left jail I went to the continent and began
gambling again. I have gambled ever since." Pointing in the direction
of the mines he added bitterly:

"That was my last gamble and I lost. That's all I have to tell."

Kenneth listened with keen interest. When the other stopped speaking
he asked:

"And now--what will you do?"

Handsome shrugged his shoulders and made no answer. Kenneth went on:

"You can't keep up the old life--that is impossible. You owe something
to the blood that's running in your veins. There is only one thing for
you to do. You must break off with the past for good, and come home
with me. Are you known in New York?"

Handsome shook his head.

"No, I never returned there since I was a child."

"Your operations in America were confined to San Francisco, Chicago and
St. Louis----"

"Yes."

Kenneth breathed more freely.

"That makes matters easier. No one in New York, therefore, has
anything against you. There it will be possible to live down your
past. You will cease being an outcast, a wanderer on the face of the
earth. You will take the place in society for which Nature intended
you."

Handsome smiled cynically. Grimly he replied:

"I guess Nature never expected much of me."

"You never can tell," said Kenneth quickly. "Your environments no
doubt were responsible for your downfall. You have been a victim of
circumstances."

Handsome was silent. This free roving life had come second nature to
him. He looked with suspicion on any other. After a pause, he asked:

"What can I do in New York?"

"I will dress and house you like a gentleman. For a time you can make
your home with us. If we find we can't agree, well--we'll part. I
will find you employment----"

Handsome laughed. Mockingly he said:

"Then I am to be dependent on you----"

"No--not on me----. On your own efforts. There is no reason why, if
given a chance, you will not make a success in the world. You are
still young and energetic. I will give you a start in any line you
wish to enter. I will