The $500 Check — page 242: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

BERT SECURES BOARD. 223 back, if I get a start. You’ll be doing me a oreat favor, and there will be no risk.’’ ‘‘He must take me for a fool,’’ thought Bert. ‘‘You had better apply to some one else,”’ he said coldly. ‘‘I can’t possibly help you.’’ ‘So young and so hard-hearted!’’ mur- mured the other, eying Bert reproachfully. ‘“°oTwas ever thus from childhood’s hour. I was born under an unlucky star. Sir, I am afraid I must withdraw from our pleasant game unless you will kindly lend me a dollar to continue.”’ His late antagonist shrugged his shoulders. ‘‘T don’t see how that would benefit me,’’ he said. ‘‘ We'll wait till another time when you are in funds. Then I shall be happy toaccom- modate you.”’ ‘“Did you lose much ?’’ asked Bert, as his companion resumed a seat at his side. ‘‘Hifteen dollars! ’Tis not much, but ’twas my all. Ifyou would oblige me with a dollar, 7 can win it all back.”’ Beri shook his head. “7 have no money of my own,”’ he said. GOmMmichoo Ss (E(@) m