That is my passion for cards--or, to put it more strongly and properly, my passion for gambling." Bart whistled.
"You don't mean to say that you have a failing or a fault that you cannot govern, do you ?" he asked.
Frank put out one hand, and partly turned away.

Instantly Bart sprang forward and caught the hand, saying swiftly: "There, there, Merriwell--don't notice it! I didn't mean anything.
You are sensitive to-day.

Hang it all, man! do you think I want to hurt your feelings without cause! I shouldn't have said it, for I see you are not yourself." "No, I am not," confessed Frank.

"You know every fellow has a secret.
I did not intend to tell mine.

I believe I was born with an intense passion for gambling." "And you cannot govern it ?" "Well, I have been able to do so during the past year." "Oh, you are all right; you have a strong mind and----" "Every strong mind has a weak spot.