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Today’s story is about a character known as the Lacework Kid, because of his expertise at handling the playing cards. He meets Broadway, and relates this story that takes place during his wartime service.
The Kid was shot down, and taken as a prisoner of war to a German prison camp where he is recognized by a guard. Lt Schultz worked with the Kid before the war, working a con game where Schultz roped in a sucker, and the Lacework Kid proceeded to gamble with the target, each sharing in the profits. Getting settled in, the Kid is told of the hated Commandant who was forced to take this lowly position. The prisoners call him the Butcher; the guards hate the man.
One day Schultz takes the Kid aside for a special assignment. He is to play gin rummy with the Butcher. What do the guards have on the Butcher? Why pick on the Kid, his game of expertise is definitely not gin. What can he do? The Kids instincts kick in and using funding from the guards, he leads the Commandant on until he is far in debt. Where is all this leading? Well, just listen in for the secret that the guards have over their menacing boss, and the surprise ending.
Still, there’s yet a few secrets to be told, and Broad way will reveal them for you when you stay tuned to the end.
