Lincoln telegraph. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1836-1846, 1838-09-27
BATH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 81, 1888

former companions. Before a week had
elapsed, he informed his wife That business
of Importance would require him in the
city, and that he should return in few
days. Many were the conjectures of the
fair Clara; she knew that his propensity
for gaming was strong, and she feared that
it would eventually prove his ruin. The
morning arrived for his departure and she
arose with heavy heart TO bid him adieu.
when Charles arrived in the city. he re-
ceived hearty Welcome from his compan
ions; and immediately repaired with them
| to their place of rendezvous, aud after 90,
| ing through the regular commonplace con-
, versaton, some proposed "a hand or two at
cards Charles declined, in consequence
Of the faiyues of travelling, but proposed
regular play at a more convenient place
the next day. This offer was accepted by
his companions. and they retired. Charles
remained seated by the fire, pondcring over
the inc dtn 8 which had happened since his
fr introduction t society from which so
much was to be dr. AIDED wi elasil anger en-
tered The apartment, whose peculiar dress
and downcast look attracted his attention.
Ell was ra'l and well bull ,and appeared to
be about twenty-five years OF age. A black
cap cover d his head, spoie handker-
chief was lied carcless'y round his neck,
which, with a-huge pair OF mustachios,
gave him more the resemblance to Cas-
par than any other being.
Charles retired to his room and rose ear
ly, anxious to meet his companions. But
the time was delayed, and he was not at
the appointed place so soon as he expected.
There were in the room when Charles arr-
we'd, four prolessed gamblers, who had for
a long time formed an alliance with each
other, aud the spoil was to be equally divi-
ded. The game agreed upon was whist,
and three OF. the gamblers were chosen with
Charles, and the play commenced. Sever
al games we're played. in all of which
Charles was loser when motion was made
by him. that new turn 81 ould be made
FIR partners which was dune. Scarcely
had they resumed their play, when the door
was thrown open, and the same strange
looking gentleman whom he had seen at the
hotel with so much establishment, entered
the room and seated himself cross-legged
bv the fire. Charles lost two successive
games, in consequence of the mismanage-
tnent Of his partner, who, like his pre-
decessor, acted well his part Just as
they had finished the last, the bell rang for
dinner, and tie gamesters proposed short
respite. All lel the room except Charles
and the stranger, who remained seated by
the fire, with his eyes fixed upon the floor.
There was something very mysterious in
that look. Charles was determined to re-
in the money he had lost, which, in con-
sequence of the late hour of his arrival,was
not great, or risk his whole fortune to such
unmerclul villains. He was not aware of
The treacherous designs of his companions
towards him. But deep plot was form
| ed for his destruction. While he was care
essly shutting the cards. the stranger drew
his chair near the table, and proposed
playing. Charles accepted, in hopes that
luck would turn in his favor. But the
stranger proved to be good player, and
was successful IN every game. The stakes
wetc constantly doubled, and he still con-
tinued to be the winner. In this way did
/ they play, until Charles found his money
quite exhausted, when, unable TO contain
| himself, he drew several mortgages upon
his estate and placed them sngly against
| tiicH tVu.fhl'Ht w iHohHF. Dut sun W. :
tune favored The mysterious stranger, aud
she whole estate soon came into his possess
ion Charles had nothing more to lose,
and as it was late in the evening, the stan
ger rose from his seat and with hasty steps
left the room, bidding his unfortunate com-
panion good night Charles now fully
experienced the butter effects of gambling
He had lost every thing, aud his hopes of
future prosperity had vanished. The
wretches who had decoyed him to theif
haunts, and VINO expected under the mask
of deception to have ruined him them
selves, now left him to his fate. He arri-
we'd at the house which was now no longer
in his possession, with heavy heart. His
haggard look too plainly showed tina; some-
thing had befallen him. Clara did all in
her power to comfort him, but he wished to
be left alone, and ordered her from the
room. She had not been away above half
an hour, when violent knocking was
heard at the door. Charles arose at the
summons and threw it open, which was no
sooner done than the mysterious visitor en-
tered.
Charles suddenly started back-his eyes
flashed fire, and his whole features were
convulsed The sudden reverse of his for
tune had so worked upon his mind as par
italy to derange him. He exciaimed-'art
| thou fiend sent on earth to ruin mankind?
bcgone thy presence spreads pollution
Der my blasted senses:--brgnnc, say.
ct. A