The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1850-03-07

gantly dressed, wearing a white vest,
from the pocket of which dangled a
handsome brequet-chain; his moustache
was black, and of unimpeachable style.
ado mark it, Monsieur Crequeville," /"
was the reply of his younger companion,
also fashionably dressed man, "Ihave
marked it sincen-
"Hush p muttered the other, "all in
good time. Watchw
The play went on. The young man,
who began to play the first night BY
merely calculating on losing few
crowns, as everybody else does, having
no idea of what this might lead to, was
now heart and soul engaged in his avo-
cation. Avarice and cupidity-all the
immoderate passions which gaming
arouses, were awakened up within him.
From regarding the gaming table, in
the abstract, with horror: from looking
on the gay but deceptive scene around
him with apathy, his lurid eyes betrayed
| the fatal interest all these things now
possessed for him.
The young gambler did not look
away-his eyes were riveted on the ta-
ble-his heart was clutching the gold.
The elder of the two. who was called
Crequeville, touched the arm of his
companion, and they silently withdrew
from the table.
In that chamber, groups of two, three,
or more, whispering together, even
though these consisted of the most re-
nowned sharpers of the day, caused no
surprise; and yet if any one had been
observant enough, they would have no.
ticed that these two men were also
keenly watched by pair of piercing
eyes they belonged to an agent of the
police.
.What did you call me for, Creque-
ville!' demanded the younger, in a
low whisper
.You know the direction which that
young fellow takes, when he leaves
this place % replied Crequeville.
"Eh! should think SO. My faith
did not you and l watch him through
thes-but Levesque was interrupted.
Thousand devilsw muttered the
other. angrily,.' don't speak so loud !;
and, above all, don't speak so plain.n
:. 1t is very well to talk so, but when
know that he has regularly done US
both -
How much has he won :, asked
Crequeville. composedly.
How the devil should | know !
There is not a golden piece to be found
upon the table. The very croupier
scratches his head in utter amazement
How is he TO carry it home without
helpe What say you, shall we escort
him home! Death and the devil look,
the banker is changing some of his
gold for notes. All . he will clear that
of. alsoo
He will win,v said Crequeville,
drawing his handsome and white hand
languidly over his moustache. !" "Egad!
it is laugnable, too: for only fancy what
\ will become Of our industrious friends,
when they come to Monsieur Midas,
the creupier, and find his table empty.
and his bank broken.n
:. Very laughable, certainly" OBJ
served Levesque, gloomily.
By-the-bye, my dear friend,n said
Crequeville, still more languidly, afiec-
ting to lean on Levesque's shoulders,
while one foot crossed the other, If
we take care of a millionaire going
home, one ought at least to have arms =
" 1t is . thing in which agree with
you, monsieur; and it happens that 1
carry in my great-coat a life preseryer."
e Admirable !" cried the other, lifting
up his hands. snow, of all fortunate
condolences for that gentleman, this
happens to be the luckiest. for also
happen to have a superb stiletto"
At that instant their eyes met, and
the premeditated assassination flashed
forth from them. They spoke no more,
only grasped each others hand with q
peculiar sign and pressure, which de-
noted that they would be faithful to
each other.
The person who was observing all this
| smiled, as they walked away. "They
will pick his pockets" !" thought he. 8 It
is no business Of mine, but ! will
watch, ~
Crequeville, going up to a gorgeous
woman, almost literally half naked,
whispered something in her ear. She,
in moment afterwards, left him, and
taking goblet Of hot wine 1T IS in
sporm ssime that all soporifcs dissolve
best) was passing up the table towards
the young gambler, who ftsntically
played on-still still winning; when
the disguised police-oficer stumbled
against the female.
q Pardon, madame, !" said he, bowing
profoundly, g for my clumsihess, but !
was tripped by this form.p
The female smiled forgiveness; but
rs she went back, she cuzsed him n
her heart.
Once more she filed The cup and
bore it 70 he youth: tsWill moosieur
do me IL pleasure Of tasting thisW
Such = x ostion cs6sed no surprise.
Il was sl0Sys The custoan for the most
beautiful yl5ens =. attend 70 those on
whom foefune smiled nmost. Love
vooed fortune. md fortun0 Emilsd while
paying love kef due.
Ii youth 6sshed tho cup aside,
Avsm1 nth : nd aiy Madame. d0