Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 14, Number 25, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 15 December 1883 — Page 8

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THE MAIL

4*

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

[Prom the Author's Advance Proof Shcet^S\

Mike Patchett,

Romance of the Gold Fields.

& A E O N

Author of "Blade o' Grass," "Grlf," "Bread and Cheese and Kisses," "Joshua Marvel," Ac. w. [The story of "Mike Patchett" was commenced In this paper Oct. 27tb. Back num.bers will be »ent to any address on receipt of Ave cents for each copy.]

CHAPTER XVI.

A DESPERATE GAME.

Two circumstances bad not escaped his attention. The first, that Antonio bad not joined the party and be came to the conclusion that the Italian was more that good for bim. For bis own part, al though be ordered liquor, he did not taste it, except on one occasion, about half an hour after be commenced to play when Horace invited bim to drink. Even then be seized a favorable opportunity to pour the spirits under the table and till bis glass with water.

•eproiitably engaged. The second, Horace was drinking more than was

There is a superstition with many gatnulera that when a man for the first time plays game in which be is not over proticient he is certain to win. There is a less polite way of putting it the greater the fool the greater the luck.

Mike Patchett commenced to win from the first band of oards that was dealt bim,and gave his own explanation of it. "I've got into a luck seat," be said.

Vjry envious looks indeed had Spotty cast at Mine Patchett's bundle of notes, only one of which had found its way into the pool at the commencement of his play, and this be drew out, with four I. O. U. B, in consequence of his winning the "tip-up." He had nooccasion thereafter to draw upon his own money, for Hushes, king and queen, or ace and a number of trumps literally poured upon bim. "How is It done?" asked Spotty, as Mike Patchett, for the sixth or seventh time in almost as many minutes swept the pool. "That's what you've got to And out," said Mike Patchett, cheerfully. "I'd like to," responded Spotty.

The two of the hawk tribe who were left were inwardly disturbed at the melting away of their piles of I, O. U.'s. It was like water finding its level at the exact spot of the table before which Mike Patchett was sitting. A dim suspicion tormented them that this outwardly simple gold-digger was an adept at playing the cards, as tjey were themselves, Spotty also being no mean band at it. But, although they watched him narrowly, they could not detect the slightest indication of uufair play* Furtive as were their glances, Mike Patchett knew of them, but did not betray bis knowledge, contenting himself with keeping as close ana secret a watch upon them as they did upon him.

Horace, unsuspicious of this byplay, continued to lose with imperturbable good humor, and to write out his I. O. U.'sand fliug them across the table, not with the carelessness of a Rothschild— for It is a lact, despite foolish sayings, that very wealthy men are greedier for money and more eager to win than those whose bank accouuts resemble a level plank, upon which uo game of see-saw can be played. Horace, then, scribbled his I. 0. U.'s and tossed them into the pool with no thought of to-morrow, or of where the money was to oome from to meet bis engagements. He was fond of the exoitement of playing for high stakes, but had never experienced the keen agony ot a gamester to whom the turning up of a card, or the shaking of a dice box, or the culling out of a number, is almost a matter of life or death. From this Are (wbich burnsall the more fiercely because its Hamosare unseen) he was not likely ever to sutfeV. He was too supremely careless and indifferent, and too secure in the strong faith which posessed bim, to realize the torture which wrings the gamester's heart as the game proceeds against him. Neither, therefore, was it possible for auch a natures his to experience the joy of wining the money he won—when fortune favored him—never did him any good. On these oocasions he was invariably driven to some act of needless extravagance which quickly emptied his pocket. "You're in luck's way," said Horace to Mike Palcbett, pleasantly, having been looed by the gold digger. "1 wish he'd get out ot it then," remarked Spotty, sotto voice. "I told yer, said Mike Patchett, "this morning that it was my lucky day. It never rains but it pours."

So persistently did it pour for Mike Patchett that Spotty jumped irom his turned it around thi chair and "Now yer

three times,

to win," said Mike

Patchett with a grin. At one o'clock be was nearly four hundred pounds to the good, and then it was proposed that the slakes should be raised to Ave guineas unlimited. Mike Patchett looked grave at this proposal and turned to Horace. "Why not?" said that young gentleman "It will put life into us. This is getting monotonous."

His eyes were brighter than usual, and Mitse Patchett saw that the drinks be had taken was having an effect upon him.

Kach player put in five guineas, making a total of twenty-five guineas, which sum represented the amount a player could be looed for. The cards* were cut for the "tit" and the ase of hearts was .turned up. Each of the pl» consequently had to put in twent v» guinea*, which made the pool a huti red and fifty guinea*, that sum n« •resenting" the loo. The cards v*r*» -it and dealt again and Horace was «b« jlrst to declare. He had three *n hi* hand and he took mis? are truiupe. Spotty was pallet I mined bis card* he bad fcimt ^eof trumps and the ten of the table with Ute Up ot .be tiu finger of his right bund. "Miss and one,*' said a h**k, throwing up his cards with an Sanation of disgust. The oUw: a* wiso threw up his cards. Mike h» the last to declare. •4Play,M he said.

Up to thH point Horat" had not examined the ouaa. Taking up his card* be saw queen and fix ot trumps and the ace of hearts. He played toe queen, with a triumphant rap of his a triumphant rap of edit with the king, tchcit qnickly laid down

Spotty, knuckle*, clapped it with the king, and Mike Pat wee

Spotty glared at the tacky player, and lis eras almost started oat ot his need

as Mike Patchett followed up the aoe of trumps with the knave, and thus secured two tricks out of three

Everything now depended upon the card Mike Patchett had left. A small spade and Spotty would take the last triek, a heart, and the tries would be Horace's. It was the five of diamonds, and Mike Patchett took the whole pool.

Spotty grew paler as Mike Patchett swept on to his pile the hundred and fifty guineas worth of I. O. U.'s, all in Horace's handwriting.

Horace and Spotty now bad to put in each one hundred and fifty guineas, and the next loo, if the player failed to make a trick, was three hundred guineas. Again did luck favor the lucky digger, and Mike Patchett took two tricks out of three, and one of the hawks and Spotty each being looed for three hundred guineas. Under the condition ot the

Sme,

therefore, if a player lost a trick, was looed for six hundred guineas. This was serious, and three out cf the five players showed their sense of it. The hawks shifted uneasily in their chairs nearly all their winnings were gone. 8potty's face was very white. When Mike Patchett came into tbe game Spotty beld between five and sixiiundred pounds worth of Horace's I. O. U.'s. Of these, barely fifty pounds' worth remained. He bad hitherto been playing on velvet now he was playing on thorns. Strive as be and the two hawks might, they oould notchaugetbe luck, and at two o'clock Mike Patchett found himself in posaession of every one of Horace's I. O. U.'s.

At this moment it was that Mike Patchett heard a voice at his bacK. "Diavolo! It is a fine night's work, Eccentric." "Jest so, Italiano," said Mike Patchett,

gim.

lancing at the dark 'ace bending over "And how have you been getting on?" •*I have also won," and Antoniosliook in.tbe palms of bis hands a number of sovereigns. At this moment, too, a disagreeable diversion occurred, of which Mike Patcbet was the originator. Oae of the hawks being looed. wrote and I. O. U. Mif Patchett shook his head and simply said— "I object." "To what?" asked the hawk. "To that," replied Jnise Paiuhwu., pointing to tbe piece of paper. "If I lose to you I will pay cash—on the nail." "You have taken others, said the hawk, with a look which was not amiable, at Mike Patchett's Pile "why not mine?"

Bits of paper," explained Mike Patchett, "are all very well when yer know who yerdealing v'th. When yer don t. they ain't to be compared to cash." "In that case," said the hawk, "I decline to continue playing—on principle.' "A very good thing is principle," said Mike Patckett, genially "it's a credit to a man as tollers it out. I'll take the vote of the meeting on it. Will you be responsible for this gentleman's bits of paper, Mr. Horace? "Not 1," said Horace, indolently leaning back in bis chair I have not tbe pleasure of his acquaintance." "i thought as much. Will you, Italiano?" "I have to do with my own," said Antonio, his lynx eyes traveling round tbe table: "it is enough. I cannot what you call guarantee." "Mike Patchett folded his arms and, imitating Horace, leaned back in his chair. "Then. I suppose, said the hawk, sullenly, ''the game is broken up." "II yer can't find nothink better than that bit of writing, I suppose it in." "TJIS comes of admitting a stranger into the game," said the hawk, with wrathful glances at Spotty. "Don't blame me," said Spotty. "My honored friend"—waving his band towards Mike Patchett—"is a millionaire, and if he is resolved not to play for anything but hard cash, nothing that I can say will cause him to change his mind, I'm sure." "Spoke like a book," said Mike Patchett, in bis most agreeable manner, "bound in a calf, with all the leaves torn out."

The hawk rose and muttering that tbe next time he cut cards in that room be would be careful of his company, prepared to depart. His companion hawk follow suit, and the table was left to Spotty, Horace/Mike Patchett and Antonio, who dropped into one of the vacant chairs. Horace, the party, did not stir from bis indolent position. It was a matter of indifference to him whether they continued playing—he cared not at what game, he was ready for any that was proposed —or not. A pliant reed, should he be unfortunate enough to fall into the hands of ragues. Antonio decided the question. "It is yet early," ne said to Horace. "Shall we play?" "ASyou please," said Horace. "Brings me a brandy and soda, waiter." "What game?" "Any." igi "Euchre, shall we say?" "By all means, let us say uchre, if it will be any gratification to you." "Five little sovereigns a game, yriU that be agreeable?' "Quite, or ten if you wish." "To oblige you, ten. I am complaisant, ever."

Antonio did not indulge that evening in his operatic reminiscences. Singing wtt not allowed in the room. At this hour there were not so many persons presents* in the earlier part of the evening, but the play was higher and it was easier to see who were the loosers and who the winners. The more prudent gamesters had gradually disappeared, and only the most careless and the most desperate remained.

Freeh card* were called for, and Horace and Antonio commenced their euchre match. Mike Patchett and Spotty were left out in the cold. "I propose for you and me" aaid, Spotty, "a modest game. It iadull work looking on. A modest game for small stakes. I am not a millionaire." "All right, said Mike Patchett, "I'm agreeable, so long as it's for cash on tbe nail, and tbe same's one as I'm up in." "Certainly, for cash on tbe nail," acquiesced Spotty, with Inward misgiving, for be bad uot ten pounds of ready cash in his pocket. And tbe game aball be uet." n't know It," j, -Lansquenet." 1*' "Dont know nothink of them French faddles. We'll play a good old English game, all fours—high, low, jack and game, for a crown, the beat two out of three."

picqtw "Dot

illSllllii

This waa coming to earth with a vengeance. After five gulneau loo unlimited, all fours for five shilling* tbe beat two game* out of three waa a terrible tumble. But It suited Spotty's pocket, and it anited his humor also not to run counter to Mike PatcbettVi wishes. Atit they went, then, and Spotty did not find It at all disagreeable, tor be won rub after rub, and in iesa than thirty minutes was (MMT by exactly as many shillings. "Just my luck," be aaid **if was for pounds instead of shillings I suppoee I abonld drop it like steam."

Xer«r turn op your noaeat erumba," aaid MikePatcbett. **tbe sparrer* don't." A pteoeof pbiloeophy whkkiinade8poUy stares

In the meantime the game bad changed with Antonio ana Horace. Euchre being voted too slow tbey had drifted into the more dangerous game of poker, the excitement of which was so powerful that Horace called for one drink after another of brandy and soda. He had drank a great deal more than he was accustomed to, and his senses were fast leaving bim.

Interested as he appeared to be in his game of all fours, Mike Patchett did not for one moment relax tbe vigilant and secret watch he bad kept tbe whole night upon Horaoe. A little before three oclock he declined to continue the playing with Spotty, saying he was tired of all fours, and he turned his attention to Horace and Antonio. Horace was still losing, and much more heavily than he had done very nearly two thousand

Kilian.

nndsin his I. O. U.'s lay before tbe Tbey .had by degrees increased tbe limit until it was fixed at a hundred pounds, which was the highest "raise' either player could make. Poker was a game with which Mike Patchett was conversant, and he knew that it required a steady brain and a perfect control of the facial musclee. He soon peroeived that Horace was in no condition to play with any chance of success, and he cast about for some means to provoke a diversion. To this end he adopted a singular course be encouraged Horace to drink, and Horace, after twojstiff glasses af brandy, could hardly keep bis eyes open. This what MikePatcbett wanted. While Horace was nodding over his band, Mike Patchett exclaimed "Why, you're arf asleep!" "Upon my honor, you are right," said Horace with a feeble laugh "it would do me a word of good to close my eyes for a few moments. But Antonio has so much money of mine at his elbow that I don't care to leave off playing unless he insists upon it." "Insist upon it, friend of my heart!" exclaimed tbe Italian, waving bis band grandly. "Who that knows Antonio ever knew him to be tbe first to fly? It would be dastardly. It belongs not to his nation. But if you are unable to continue tbe game, what then? Would it not bo taking an unfair advantage of you?" And be shrugged bis shoulders as though he were tbe helpless one, and looked round for approval of his magnanimous. speech. "Spoke like a gentleman," said Mike Patchett in a cordial tone. For Doliteness in which there's no gammon tbe Italians beats us holler. Well then, if Couut Antonio sees no objection—" "Count Antonio!" exclaimed the Italian, shaking with laughter, "that is good it is more than good: it isaroll." "What do you say," coutlnued Mike Patchett, "to my playing foi Mr. Horace while he takes a little nap?" "While he takes a little nap," repeated Antonio, slowly, with a greedy look at tbe bulky pile of notes which Mike Patchett bad not removed from tbe table. "With all my heart I am willing." "You area right-down good fellow," said Horace, with friendly taps on Mike Patchett shoulder, "and you shall do me tbe service. Play for me till I can wake myself up but mind, I pay what you lose." "That understood.''

Almost before tbe words were out of Mike Patchett'a lips, Horace was fast asleep. "It is after my own heart," said Antonio, shuffling the cards "a friend in need is a friend indeed. Is not that one of your English proverbs? I will put in the pool, as long as I have any, these paper obligations of your friend who sleeps—as long as I have any, I say, for you English are clever fellows. And you, my friend, what will you stake? Bank notes would please me." "You shall be pleased," said Mike Patchett, "There's a few thousand here, and I stake 'em against Mr. Horace's paper. Win 'em and spend 'em, Italiano." "To buy my organ with," said Antonio, in high spirits. "I will try, Eccentric. I will try."

The deal fell to Mike Patchett, and the game commenced. Tbe Italian did not touch bis cards, and put five pounds into tbe pool, saying: "Five pounds olind." "What does that mean?'' asked Mike Patchett, looking over bis cards. "That if you wish to have a chance of winning my five pounds," replied Antonio. secretly exulting,for the question askea was the question of a novice, "you must put in ten." "With pleasure." And Mike Patchett put in a ten pound note. "I see you,' said Antonio, after examining his cards, "and go ten pounds better. One little look at my hand will oust you ten pounds more." "O, I'll have a look at it,'* said Mike Patchett, putting in another ten pound note.

Antonio showed his cards be bad a pair of queens. Mike Patchett showed hist be had no pair, and his highest card waa a nine. Antonio took tbe pool, and shuffled the cards for tbe next deal.

Spotty was sitting in a position that he could see both hands, supposingtbe players did not take the trouble to nide them from his sight, and a look of intelligence passed between him and the Italian. If be thought that this look, light as it was, escaped Mike Patcbett's notice, he was egregiously mistaken but no shade of expression on Mi* Patcbett'sface gave indication of bis knowledge. Translated into plain English, tbe look on Spotty's side said: "He knows nothing of the game. You've got a pigeon pluck him

T'

TERRS] HAUTE SAl\JiviAY EVJ»5IJ_N«- MATT.

and

on the Italian's side it said: "I mean to." Mike Patchett being, in this second deal, the first to speak, followed tbe Italian's example. He put in a bank note, and said: "FSve pound blind."

Antonio allowing bis cards to remain uuseen, put in an i. O. U. for ten pounds, saying: "J straddleyou." "What does that mean?'* again asked Mike Patchett. "It means," replied Antotlio, "that it will cost you not leas than fifteen pounds to come into tbe game." "O, I'm com'ng in," aaid Mike Patchett, putting in three five pound notea "you can't frighten me ea»ily." "One who is made of money," said Antonio, as he glanced at bis hands, "and who as well has a generous soul, is not easily frightened. It Is tbe poor Italian who baa not tbe nerve. He la not of tbe buldog breed. I put In ten pounds, making our stakes even,and raise you twenty, pounds." "I must put In twenty pounds to aee you, tben. I'm beginning to understand tbe game." "You wfil la as you pounds if you are curious, more, up to one hundred, as yonr heart and courage whisper to you.!? "If it comeato con rage," aaid Mike Patchett, puckering his brows as be studied his cards, "111 back an Englishman agin an Italiano any day in tbe week—meaning no offense. But my heart and my courage, this time, whispers to me to make yon a present of tbe pool."

will be,presently a master. It a say. You must pot In twenty if you are curious, and aa much

Mow, It happened that he could bare won tbe pool had be been sufficiently

bold, for be held a sequence 'up to the knave, while the strength of Antonio's hand lay in a pair of fives. Spotty saw all the cards, and another secret look of intelligence passed between him and tbeltaliau. This look translated into plain English, said. "Bluffed."

For fifteen or twenty minutes the game proceeded on these linee slowly and surely Mike Patchett's bank notes were being transferred to a foreign master. "I keep them on one ride," said Antonio "observe that. For the reason that we shall be able to county them— should I continue to win, which is not likely—so that you may get your money back from our friend who sleeps."

Its very good of yer," said Mike Patchett "I dont forgit that it's bis money I'm playing for it makes losing all tbe easier, don't it?"

Tbey laughed at this, and said of course it dia, and then Antonio asked, in a careless tone: "Is he rich, our sleeping friend?"

Mike Patchett promptly replied, "His father could buy me up—and I ain't poor, mind yer—twenty times over, and tben have plenty left." "It is pleasant to bear," said Antonio. "It matters not, therefore, a great deal to bim a thousand or two more or less." "Not a bit be can pay what he loses. Why, if Mr. Horace wants five thousand pounds of me to-morrer, he can have it for tbe asking," "It is good Co have such a friend," said Antonio to Spotty. "I wish I bad one like it," wu Spotty's reply. "As for Mr. Horace's paper," continued Mike Patchett, "if yer want tbe money for it yer've only got to come to me."

Winning makes some men cautious, and others it makes greedy for more. This latter was the case with Antonio. The golden opportunity was his, he believed. Why should ne not take the fullest advantage of it. He had won money, it is true, a considerable sum, but as yet not one-tenth of Mike Patcbett's pile of bank notes had found its way into bis possession. He would make a bold bid for fortune no time like the present. He was playing with a man who knew little of the game if he allowed such a chance to slip he was nothing less than a fool. "Yet that a sleeping man should lose," he said, "seems hardly fair to one of my nation, whose first standing is honor. Win his money back for bim by making tbe limit two hundred instead of one. "Nothink could be fairer said Mike Patchett "it's giving a feller a chance, for we can play much longer, as daylight'll soon be here. I'll do as you did —he was addressing Spotty—"when you tried to change the luck. 111 turn my chair round three times."

He rose and very gravely turned bis chair thrice. When ne sat down on it there was a difference in its position, and Spotty could not see bis cards as easily as before.

At tbe game of poker between two players, if it is played long enough, there generally comes a time when good bands are dealt to each, and when tbe betting becomes fast and furious. Autonio was waiting for such a erisis to make grand coup, never doubting that the advantage would be on his side. Gradually he led up to the crisis, some^ times winning, sometimes purposely losing be dared not attempt to sharp, for he bad a fear of being detected in which case the natural result would be a repudiation of the paper winnings he had already gained from Horace. Without running any such risk his expectation was realized.

It was his deal. Mike Patchett went ten pounds blind be straddled it with twenty. Mike Patchett looked at his cards, and holding them close shut in his hand, put into the pool the necessary thirty pounds. Then tbe Italian examined his cards, and without exhibiting the slightest emotion made up tbe the pool and said: "A hundred pounds better."

Mike Patchett said promptly, "I see yer, and raise yer two nundredT pound." Spotty caught his breath it was the first time that tbe limit had been declared.

Without any exhibition of concern Antonio said, "Two hundred pounds better," and put four hundred pounds into the pool.

Spotty gasped, and bis agitation was so great that he could not close his mouth for a few seconds. "Two hundred better," said Mike Patchett.

There were now twelve hundred and eighty pounds in the poo!. Antonio, with great caution, examined his cards. There was a pause of quite half a minute. This was a ruse on tbe part of the Italian his mind was already made up. "Two hundred better," he said.

Without a moment's hesitation Mike Patchett raised the pool another two hundred pounds. "And again," said the Italian, putting in the money. "And again," said Mike Patchett.

Spotty was livid with excitement, intensified befause the players bad kept their hands from him, and he had ao idea what they held.

For tbe third time the Italian examined his cards again he paused and again he said— "Two hundred better."

There were now over three thousands pounds in tbe pool, and Spotty gazed hopelessly and enviously at the great pile of bank notes and I. O. U.'s.

At this moment there were not many

gad

amblers in tbe saloon, the fever height been reached for most, and tbey had left the field, jubilant or despairing as the may be. Electrically cunsch that something extraordinary was

on at this small table, the majority tbe gamblers gathered around it, ana waited tbe result. "Two hundred better," said Mike Patchett. ,.

As if in desperation, the Italian aaid, "Two hundred better." "Two hundred better," said Mike Pstcbett.

The contrast between tbe players waa so marked that it oould not fail to impress the observers. Antonio shifted in his seat, trifled with his cards without exhibiting them and betrayed other symptoms of restlessness. Mike Patchett waa perfectly composed. From the time be bad first looked at bis cards and placed tbem on tbe table be bad not touched tbem. The only movement 1m had made was to takea bowieknife from the girdle around bis waist and lay it on the cards which tbe Italian bad dealt him. .. "1 raise you once more tbe limit," said tbe Italian. "I follow soot," said Mike Patchett ooolly, "and if It's any aatis&cUon to yer. III raise yer till yer bloo in the face."

In tbe pool, which now represented five thousand two hundred and eighty pounds, every I. O. U. which Horace had written, alt tbe money which Mike Patchett had lost to Antonio, and some of Antonio's monay aa welL

Spotty waa glued to his chair. Had bo bean a principal actor in the aoane be could not have been moreanthralled. "You will raise me," said Antoolo,

"till I am blue in the face! How shall that be brought about? It is good of you to warn me, yet had I money I would raise you, Ecaentric, till you were bluer than the poor Italian. As it is, I to have invest once more two hundred English pounds to see you. It clears me out. Declare, then, your cards or, if it will please you, I will first declare

mine." "Let's have a look at 'em, then," said Mike Patchett.

One by one the Italian slowly laid out bis cards. An ace and four queens. A buzz of admiration

ran

round tbe table.

As it included an aoe it was the secondbest possible hand that could be held. Mike Patchett nodded his head and said: "At first I thought you was trying to bluff me, Italian*, I'm sorry for yer."'

Raising his bowie knife, he, with it* blsde, tipped his cards faces upwards. He held the four kings and a knave. Very quietly he drew towards him the contents of the pool, and stuffed the paper and notes in his breast pocket. "The game is over then," said Antonio. "Ah, well, it is the fortune of war." Wben he saw Mike Patchett's cards he had trembled slightly, but as be spoke now he was quite calm and composed, and it was difficult to realize that be had so nearly missed winning what would have been a fertune to htm. "You have emptied my purse there remains only that little soverign I won from you at the door. I have, notwithstanding, one supreme consolation." And he softly hummed: "M'appari tutt' amor, il mio sguardo l'incontro bells sochiel mio cor ansio so a lei volo.1' "And pretty it is," said Mike Patchett aprovingly. "You've a light heart, Italiano, if that's yer consolation." "My consolation, Eccentric, is that a man who bas luck at cards is unlucky at love and, therefore, per contr*. In my next love atfoir fortune will favor me. Addio." .-v-^

*V* CHAPTER XVII. A \SHKTIK HOME IW THE BARLT MORNING. Day was breaking as Mike Patchett and Horace returned to St. Kilda. No conveyance was to be obtained, and they had to walk. Toe exercise in tbe sweet fresh air, and tbe nap he had indulged in, sobered Horace, who was sufficiently dazed when ...ike Patchett roused bim in tbe Bull and Mouth not to be able to understand a word that was said to him. Mike Patchett, therefore, did not attempt to explain what bad passed, but devoted all bis attention to an improvement in Horace's condition. He was rewarded soon good health, tbe natural elasticity of youth, and the favorable circumstances which attended him, conspired to clear Horace's brain from tbe fumes of drink, and by tbe time they were half way on their road tbe young gen tlemen's steps were steady, his eyes -bright, and his body erect. Coincldeutly with this physical change for the better, tbe cloud which hung over his mental faculties gradually cleared away. He gave vent to a self-conscious, shamefaced laugb. "I believe," be said, "that I must have drank too much in that den." "More than was good for yer, Mr. Horace," said Mike Patchett, "as inany a man has done afore yer, and'U do It agin. Though I make bold to say that the room we've jest left Is about tbe worst place a gentleman like yerself could cnoose to drink in.' "My dear Mr. Patchett,I did nut choose it these things come to a careless fellow like myself without premeditation. But I agree with you that I was Imprudent. I give you my honor—I don't know wny I should, but I do—that it's the first time it has occurred in company which s( man has no warranty to be proud of." "I am glad to hear it, Mr. Horace, and am proua of yer confidence." "Let me see," said Horace, passing his hand across his brow, "wben that spell of sleep overpowered me I was playing with Antonio?" "You was, Mr. Horace." "At poker?" "Yes, sir, at poker. If there's a game of cards where Its necessary for a man to have a clear head it's that." "It is not to be gainsaid, and I was pretty well muddled. I was losing." "You was, sir." "Before that the five of us were playing unlimited loo, and I was losing then." "Yes, yes, you was losing then." "I can assure you I am in complete ignorance of the amount, but I should not be surprised to hear that it was considerable. "I don't know as I am in a postion to tell yer how much, but I should say. as you suspect, that it was a pretty big lump." -a "Assist me, Mr. Patchett. AntonNP and I playing together, you, with a thonghtfulness for wblch I cannot be sufficiently grateful, peroeived that, in my condition, I was playing at enormous odds against myself. How it came about I can't exactly recall, but you volunteered, as I asked you, to take my place." "I orfered, Mr. Horaoe to play for yer, and ycru kindly agreed. It was a risk, sir, a big risk agin a man like Italiano." "The risk was mine, Mr. Patchett, I will pay whatever vou have lost, and I sincerely apologize for saddling you with so serious a responsibility. There is little more in my power to tell. I fell asleep and beard nothing whatever of what passed." "The call, sir, is now with me. There ain't much to tell. Poker's a grime as I'm not quite ignorant of, thougb tbe Italiano didn't give me credit for being a dab at it. I played my money agin your I. O. U.'s,and I'm sorry to say tbe more I played the more I loat." "Pray doo't allow it to distress you. I shall be able to make arrangements for a settlement." "Have you any notion, sir, that you was playing poker at a limit of a hundred pound?" "Is It possible that I can have been so mad?" "With that idea, Mr. Horace, of tbe madness of such a limit, what have vou got to say to me when I tell yer that, plaving as I waa for your money, I consented to double tbe limit?" "What have I tossy, my good feJlow?" said Horace, heartily. "Why that I am in finitely obliged to you for your attempt to extricate me from tbe scrape I brought foolishly on myself. You have no cause for selfjreproach, I assure you. How did It all end??' "It ended, air, in two wonderful bands being dealt out. We raised and raised till tbere waa more than two thouaand pound in tbe pool." "By Jove! Don't I wish I bad been

"Well, sir, I thought the Italian was trying to bluff me, and I made up my mind not to give In." "Quite right, Mr. Patchett." "I'm not ao sure of that myself. If It was my own money I waa playing for. well and good, bat it was your*n, and 1 ain't easy about It. Howsomever, we

pOOl« 1D6D9

had to show our hands.' "Mr. Patched, I giye you my word you have interested me."

Mj

•if: '•f\\

"He orfered to show his cards first and I agreed. He had four queena and an ace." "By heavens!" said Horace, with a long whistle in a low key. "Tne.'e was only one band to beat it. You must have been ready to pucch your own head." "Not a bit of it, sir. "For I bad the only other hand that could beat the Italiano's four queens. I had four ki nga and a knave, and I won the pool for yer."

Horace did not speak for a few minutes. The service this rough man had rendered him was so great tliat he could not immediately find words to express his obligation of it. [TO BK CONTINUED NEXT WKBK.]

LONB JACK, Mo., Sept., 14, 1879* I have been using Hop Bitters, and have re ceivfd great benefit from them for liver complaints and malarial fever. They are superior to all other aiedicines.

EPILEPSY, SPASMS

COHVULSIOIS, FtUlM SICKNESS. JT. VITUS DMCE, ILtlOIOUSi.

OPIUM EATIHB, STPIIUIS, SCMfUli, (IKS EVIL,

UBLV BLOOD DISEASES, irSPEPStf, NERVOUSNESS, SICK lEJUUNE, RHEUMATISM, NERVOUS VEttRESS,

NERVOUS PROSTUTIII, BRAIN WORRY, MOD SORES, BILIOUSNESS, BOSTIVENESS, KIDNEY TROUBLES AND IRREIULAMT1ES.

g^"1.50p«lettl», »ttaaiiti."W|

Tie Dr. S. A. BlcluDoid KelCo.,rroDrletpl

ST. JOSEPH, MO.

Correspondence freely anawered by Physicians.

4t,

P. M. BARNES,

Moore's Pilules, a Positive

Malarial Antidote,

Better and Cheaper than Qnininc Wabash Scratches and Ilcli.

Is cured In thirty minutes by the application of WOOLFOUtcS SANITARY LOTION. Sold by Bun tin A Armstrong.

CHAPTER II.

"Maiden, Mass., Feb 18S0. Gentlemen— Qsuflfered with attacks of sick headache." Neuralgia, female trouble, for years in the most terrible and excruvating manner.

No medicine or doctor could give me relief or cure until I used Hop Bitters. "Tb« first bottle

Nearly cured me The secodd made me as well and strongas wben a child, "And I have been so to this day."

My husband was an invalid for twenty years with a serious "Kidnq^, liver and urinary complaint, "Pronounced by Boston's best physicians— "Incurable!"

Seven bottles ot your bltiers cured hint, and I know of the "Lives of eight persons"

ln

my neighborhood that have been wived bjfcyour bitters. And many more are nsing them with great benefit. "Thry almost

Do miraeli'h?"

L-Mrc.

E. D. Slack.

•lEMilfS

«E as® fCOMQUEROR.)

A SPECIFIC FOR

IT

(41)

For testimonials and circnlarg send stamp. (Continuedfrom lad week.) How Watch Cases are Made.

It is a fact not generally known that the Janus Jiottf Gold Watch Canes really contain more pure gold than many "solid" gold cases The demand for these watck cases has led to the manufacture of a very poor grade of solid gold watch eases— low in quality, and deficient in quantityThese cases are made from 4f to 10 karats, and a 5 or 6 karat case is often sold for 12 or 14 karats. It is HOT economy to buy a watch case so poor in quality that it will soon lose its color, or one so soil that it will lose its shape and fail to shut tight, thus letting in dust and damaging the works, or one so thin that a slight blow will break the crystal, and perhaps the movement. It IS economy to buy a James Boa? Gold Watch tbae, in which NONK of these things ever occur. This watch ca#e is not an experiment—it has been made nearly thirty yeart.

HAZUTRO*, PA., Oct M, MM.

I sold two Umm Boas' Gold Watch Cues thirty years ago, when they first came out, and they are la good oondlUoa yet One of them to carried by a •arpenter, Mr. L. W. Drake, of Hasleton, and only shows the wear ia one or two places tbj other by Mr. Bowman, of Canningliain, Pa and can produce oo« or both of these caeca at any time.

STLTsarsa

EMOLS,

MS to bfitoM W»W Cm• fmrimrim, FWtafchlilii Pa* far llta»trtf«l PaapfcM tfcewlat he* {To bt Contkwi.)

HATEFUL— ©WFORTIHG.

EPPS'S COCOA

BREAK FANT.

"By a thorough knowledge of thenatursl

Cocoa,

Mr.

Epps naa piwiutu wr

tables with a delicately flavored beverags which may save u« many heavy doctors' bills. It ta by the Judicious oae of such articles of diet that a constitution may be gradually bailt up nntll strong enough to resist every tendeno to disease. Hundred* of subtle maladies are floating anrand ns ready to attack wherever there 1M a weak point. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pare biood and a properly nourished frame."—{Civil Service Gazette.

Made simply with boiling water or milk Sold in tins only (%lb. and lb.) by Grocers, labeled thus: Jmmem Ppp»* Homoeopathic Ob em lata, London, England,

f9page

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