Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1854-06-01

/ Despair seemed 10 be written upon every hnea-
ment of Bob's features, when he found that he
could not persuade his friend to play. At last,
he said to several who had been watching the
game:
g Won't some of you gentlemen take my part
ner's pIace?"
There was pause of a few moments, then a
young man, scarcely one -and-twcnty, took the
vacant seat, saying:
.sIf you have no objections, I'll try my hand :"
agreed ~
'Here bar-leeper, give US another pack of
cards, said the young man.
Another pack was brought-the stranger open
ed them, and then handed them back, saying:
g want pack of another color. These are
the same color as those they have been playing
with. We might as we'll change the color, just
for luck
| The gamblers exchanged glanccs.
Another pack was brought-the game com
menced-and the gamblers won. Bob grew un-
easy.
Come, let's double the stake ~ said the
stranger, whose turn it was to deal.
Just as you like, replied the gamblers.
The stakes were doubled, and the stranger and
his partner won. a CLEAN of sunshine illumed
Bob's couDtcnanco. Another game played, Bob
and his partner again successful. The stakes
| ncreased-the gamblers losers.
Bar-keeper, bring US another pack Of cards
of different color from these" said the stran-
| ger, who was about to deal.
One Of the gamblers looked at his partner
while a dark frown oversprcad his features.
| Three more games were played and Bob had
retrieved his losses. The stranger again called
for another pack of cards. st this one of the
| gamblers exclaimed
* No more changing: We play with these :"
. You may play with what you please" re
| piled the young man, as an almost imperceptibe
smile passed over her features, g But if my
partner and myself play we must have another
| pack"
| Boblooked at his partner and then at George.
Stick to what your partner says, Bob. He's
the right stripe and will come out head horse, or
I'm nigger!" exclaimed George, slapping Bob
on the shoulder.
Il agree to what my partner says said Bob,
in reply to the gamblers looks Of inquiry.
The glaInb blers exchanged looks and then con-
sentcd to the arrangement.
Four more games were played and each time
Bob and the stranger won.
1t was again the strangers deal. One Of the
gamblers watched him closely, and suddenly cx-
claimed
@You-young villain Cheating arc you s''
playing with you at your game. l
| have watched you all night. and saw you cheat
my partner and his friend. Even now you've
got dozen cards in the sleeve of your coat
| never play on the square with thievcs!" replied
the stranger hastily, as u deadly paleneSs stole
over his features.
knife cleaned in the gamblers hand, and,
as the blow aimed at the stranger descended,
dozen cards fell from his sleeve the table This
was noticed by ell the by-standers The stran-
ger avoided the blow, and with rapid move
| ment caught the assaiIant by the throat, giving
his cravat q sudden twist and they both rolled
on the floor.
While this was taking place, the spectators
prevented the other gambler from interfering,
and in this struggle number of cards dropped
from his coat sleeve. The social hall was now
scene of confusion.
''Game! clear grit, by thunder" exclaimed
| George, as he with others separated the combat
ants.
The gamblers face and breast was covered
with blood as was also the young strangers hand.
Has the white liyercd thief stabbed you, my
| young hickory 2" inquired George as he pulled
| the young man towards the light
No. guess not"
But the blood dropped fast from the young
man s hand, and upon washing off the blood it
was discovered that his right thumb was nearly
| severed In the scufle he succeeded IN disarm-
ing the gambler and thus probably saved his
life. The wound was dressed and bound up,
and the stranger returned to the Social Hail.
The gambler who was chatting with rage, eyed
him with demoniac look then shaking his first
at him exclaimed
81 allow no man to call we thief, and you
must give me satisfaction -
sIu give you any satisfaction you want, ynu
cowartly cat-throat." " was the reply.
q And if he can't I'm the chap that will :" eX-
claimed George, throwing off his coat.
Stop my friend, this is my quarrel, and III
allow no one to take my place in it %
Good my young Davy but that fellow IS
big enough 70 swallow you
Yes, but maybe he can't digest me-
at wouldn't be a fair fight" interposcd sev-
ea4l by-standers.
"Weu, there is one thing that modifes brute
force and places all on an equal footing"
.. That's the talk, Davy. Your my mani"
exclaimed George, slapPing the stranger on the
| back.
Hes right ~ said one Of the by-standers, a
man about forty, stepping forward. The
young man is right, and I'm his friend in this
matter. 1t is as clear as day and the affair
very soon be settled.
| L,l