Robert Barr

Name: Revenge! — "And the Rigour of the Game"
Author: Robert Barr

Revenge! — "And the Rigour of the Game" (1896)

Summary

“Revenge! — "And the Rigour of the Game"”, published in 1896, is a work by Robert Barr. It explores elements such as Saunders, club and Dick.

Quotes from Revenge! — "And the Rigour of the Game" (Robert Barr)

Robert Barr, Revenge! — "And the Rigour of the Game" (1896)

“ His stout stick struck the stone pavement with a sharp click that sounded in the still, frosty, night air almost like a pistol shot. He would show both his wife and his son that he was not too old to be master in his own house. He talked angrily to himself as he went along, and was wroth to find his anger lessening as he neared his destination. Anger must be very just to hold its own during a brisk walk in evening air that is cool and sweet.
Mr. Saunders was somewhat abashed to find the club building a much more imposing edifice than he had expected. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Robert Barr, Revenge! — "And the Rigour of the Game" (1896)

“ Saunders went home with bowed head and angry brow. He had not known that Dick was in the habit of coming in late, but he had now no doubt of the fact. He himself went to bed early and slept soundly, as a man with a good conscience is entitled to do. But the boy's mother must have known the hours he kept, yet she had said nothing; this made the matter all the blacker. The father felt that mother and son were leagued against him. He had been too lenient; now he would go to the root of things. The young man would speedily change his ways or take the consequences. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Robert Barr, Revenge! — "And the Rigour of the Game" (1896)

“ They rose, and the banker led the way on tiptoe between the curtains into a large room filled with silent men earnestly watching a player at a billiard table in the centre of the apartment. Temporary seats had been built around the walls, tier above tier, and every place was taken. Saunders noticed his son standing near the table in his shirt-sleeves, with his cue butt downward on the ground. His face was pale and his lips compressed as he watched his opponent's play like a man fascinated. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Robert Barr, Revenge! — "And the Rigour of the Game" (1896)

“ You will see Richard when he comes home this evening; tell him I wish to have a word or two with him to-night. He is to wait for me here. I will be in shortly after he has had his supper."
"You will not be harsh with him, father. Remember, he is a young man now, so please advise and do not threaten. Angry words can do no good."
"I will do my duty," said the old man, uncompromisingly.
Gentle Mrs. Saunders sighed—for she well knew the phrase about duty. It was a sure prelude to domestic trouble. When the old gentleman undertook to do his duty, he nailed his flag to the mast. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Robert Barr, Revenge! — "And the Rigour of the Game" (1896)

“ He told me he belongs to a club, where he takes some kind of exercise."
"Did he tell you he exercised with cards? Did he say it was a gambling club?"
"I don't believe it is; I am sure Dick doesn't gamble. Dick is a good boy, father."
"A precious lot you know about it, evidently. Do you think his employer, banker Hammond, has any idea his clerk belongs to a gambling club?"
"I am sure I don't know. Is there any thing wrong? Has any one been speaking to you about Dick?"
"Yes; and not to his credit."
"Oh dear!" cried the mother in anguish. "Was it Mr. Hammond?" ”

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Source: Wikisource

Robert Barr, Revenge! — "And the Rigour of the Game" (1896)

“ Down underneath his crustiness was a deep love for his son and a strong faith in him. He had allowed his old habit of domineering to get the better of him, and now in searching after a phantom he had suddenly come upon a ghastly reality.
"Look here," said the banker, noticing his agitation, "have a drink of our Special Scotch with me. It is the best there is to be had for money. We always take off our hats when we speak of the Special in this club. Then we'll go and see how things are moving."
As he turned to order the liquor he noticed for the first time the placard on the cup. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Robert Barr, Revenge! — "And the Rigour of the Game" (1896)

“ Saunders had had her share of trouble in this world, as every woman must who lives with a cantankerous man. When she could save her son a harsh word, or even a blow, she was content to take either uncomplainingly. The old man's severity had put him out of touch with his son. Dick sullenly resented his boyhood of continual fear. During recent years, when fear had gradually diminished and finally disappeared, he was somewhat troubled to find that the natural affection, which a son should have for his father, had vanished with it. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Robert Barr, Revenge! — "And the Rigour of the Game" (1896)

“ The old man was too much excited to speak, but he hoped the boy would take no more chances. Again came the click-click of the balls. The father was pleased to see that Dick played now with all the care and caution he had observed at first. The silence became intense, almost painful. Every man leaned forward and scarcely breathed.
All at once Prognor strode down to the billiard-table and stretched his hand across it. A cheer shook the ceiling. The cup would remain on its black marble pedestal. Saunders had won. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Robert Barr, Revenge! — "And the Rigour of the Game" (1896)

“ I think what he has to say will keep till to-morrow night. If he must work off some of his sentiments on gambling, let him place his efforts where they are needed—let him tackle Jule Hammond, but not during business hours."
"You surely don't mean to say that a respected business man—a banker like Mr. Hammond—gambles?"
"Don't I? Why, Hammond's a plunger from Plungerville, if you know what that means. From nine to three he is the strictest and best business man in the city. If you spoke to him then of the True Blue Athletic Club he wouldn't know what you were talking about. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Robert Barr, Revenge! — "And the Rigour of the Game" (1896)

“ Prognor is the man of the High Fliers' Club. He's a good one. Saunders won the cup for this club last year, so they can't kick much if they lose it now. They've never had a man to touch Saunders in this club since it began. I doubt if there's another amateur like him in this country. He's a man to be proud of, although he seemed to go to pieces to-night. They'll all be down on him to-morrow if they lose their money, although he don't make anything one way or another. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Robert Barr, Revenge! — "And the Rigour of the Game" (1896)

“ Saunders?" cried the banker, cordially extending his hand. "I am very pleased indeed to meet you. We got your telegram, but thought it best not to give it to Dick. I took the liberty of opening it myself. You see we can't be too careful about these little details. I told the porter to look after you and let me know the moment you came. Of course you are very anxious about your boy."
"I am," said the old man firmly. "That's why I'm here."
"Certainly, certainly. So are we all, and I presume I'm the most anxious man of the lot. Now what you want to know is how he is getting along?" ”

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Source: Wikisource

Robert Barr, Revenge! — "And the Rigour of the Game" (1896)

“ There is no use deluding ourselves. Frankly, I have no hope for him. There is not one chance in ten thousand of his recovering his lost ground."
The old man caught his breath, and leaned on his cane for support. ”

Robert Barr

Summary

Quotes from Revenge! — "And the Rigour of the Game" (Robert Barr)

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