418. Gambling down
© Bruce Goodman 2 December 2014






There was no doubt that Albert could “read the horses”. He was forever winning substantial amounts at the races. That was his livelihood. He was also very adept at spending the winnings on further betting, and at the hotel. His dear wife, Anne, had a devil of a time finding enough money at home to raise the five kids.

But now the oldest boy, Ronald, was twelve. He would go with his father to the races. His father, after each race, would send Ronald with the betting ticket to collect the winnings.

Albert won heaps. Ronald would collect the winnings and return to his father. Collect the winnings and return to his father. Collect the winnings and return to his father.

That evening, Albert drank and gambled all his winnings away. They returned home.

Anne had scrapped together a meagre meal for her children. When husband Albert went to bed, young Ronald rolled down his sleeves and pulled down his socks.

His mother never wanted for again.


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