Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-11-14
The Gambler FOiIcd.

The Gambler FOiIed.
Captain Fitz Osborne, professed gambler,
had marked out as victim, Frederick Willis,
who had just become possessed of large for
tune. He contrived to get introduced 10 young
Willis, and soon after contrved to lose to him
no less than three thousand pounds. 1t was
following dinner, and much champagne, at the
captains own lodgings, that this artful loss
took place, and F'itz Osborne could scarcely for
bear laughing as he saw Willis depart in de-
lirium of JOY at this his first stroke in gaming
The captain was invited by Willis in return
Two or three friends he said would meet
him, but this should not prevent him from Civ
ing him his revenge Fitz Osborne assented
to This cheerfully. He made up his mind to
lose again, but TO small extent, so as not TO
excite attention in those present then with
another quiet evening at his lodgings, he cal
cuated on finishing the business. 1t was es-
sential to be prompt; for though Willis. he
trusted, had not heard the reports to his preju-
dice. there was every danger that he would do
so before long. And now the second evening
of this well arranged series was in progress.
Fitz Osborne and Willis took up their position
at small table by themselves. There were
two things that caused the captain some regret !;
firstly, he had taken too much wine; and sec
ondly, Willis had not taken quite enough
Still affairs went on prosperously. Helost, and
Willis won, as he had intended. But he could
not account for quiet sarcastic sort Of smile,
which he detected on the countenance of his
antagonist, and which seemed very unlike the
unrestrained expression of triumph he had
evinced when they last played together
Whilst he was throwing and cogitating, Willis
suddenly addressed him:
How much have won, captain1'
'Oh, my dear fellow, trifie!' replied Fitz
Osborne. Two hundred or thereabouts but
l mean to win it back, can tell you'
Il play no more!' exclaimed Willis throw
ing himself back in his chair, and folding his
arms.
oh, as you please-as you please, certain
ly,' said Fitz Osborne. But why baulk your
good fortune, when you have it all your own
way
Il believe / won three thousand pounds of
you on Wednesday EVENING" said Frederick,
not attending to the captains disinterested in
quiry.
Yes, my dear friend, about that said Fit1
Osborne, looking rather disturbed. But what
means all this,
There is the money! said Frederick, pre-
senting three bank notes. The two hundred
pounds which have just won, decline to re-
ceive.'
What does this mean sirs' exclaimed the
captain, in tone which betrayed the struggle
between dismay and anger.
II means sir, that have discovered your
plot, replied Frederick, smiling contemptuous-
ly. The only thing required for success was,
that should be as great fool as you thought
me. So you lost purposely; and no doubt,
when you had excited me enough, was to pay
at least five hundred per cent for the loan. |
had not been seated with you three minutes
this evening, when discovered plainly that
You were cheating me-
Captain Fitz Osborne rose slowly from his
chair-twirled his left, and then his right nous
tachie-looked fercely and defying at the by
ISLANDERS, and, turning to Willis, exclaimed in
loud voice, you will repent this sir. am a
man of honor and whilst have an arm, no
man shall question that honor with impunity
You shall hear from me, sir
Il am no duellist, said Willis.
What, sir, are you coward as well as a
slandererl' exclaimed Fitz Osborne, strutting
up to Willis, and scowling fearfnlly. DO you
refuse to meet me, Sir
Il refuse either to shoot you, or be shot by
you,' said Willis though, indeed, after des-
cending to be gambler, might we'll go a
little lower, and become duellist. Still, rob
berry is better than murder; and | swear
to take no steps that may lead to the other
A man of honor, indeedn exclaimed Willis,
losing his tone of calmness, his cheek flushing,
and his eve flashing YOU are swindler with
out honor, or mind to comprehend what honor
truly is. know you now, sir, and the world
shall know you.'
With these words, and before the bystanders
could interfere or suspect his intention, he threw
himself on his burly antagonist, and in an in
slant had borne him to the ground.
| Fitz Osborne made desperate attempt to
SWALLOW something-but his hand was arrested
torn open BY main force, and Willis, start.
Ing to his feet, held up before the gaze Of all
q loaded die.