Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1857-06-05
THE GAMBLER;
Or a night in a SpOrtins-HOuse.
BY A SPECTATOR.

1t was the height of the season, and
the rooms were crowded. ...a &c.,. E.
That evening at the party there was
dancing on one side and playing on the
other. Here the glare of wax lights, the
sparkle of diamonds on the foreheads OF
the women, and the confused murmur oil
living conversation drowned in the har.
moniOus voice Of the orchestra; there
were two or three wax lights on table,
round which were seated a group OF
grave. anxious looking and thoughtful
men-a few words exchanged at inter-
walls, and for accompaniment the metallic
clink of the handfuls Of gold, which roll
ed and tinkled as they fell.
When the beautiful EsteIIe Montgom-
cry entered the saloon, leaning on Frank
VIncsnL'S ann, the crowd made way for
her, every one admirng the handsome
couple as they advanced up the ball
room. lu short time afterwards Estelle.
beset on every side with invitations.
WAS darcing and smiling. as ii oblvlous
of all around her.
EsteIe was the only daughter Of a rich
merchant, and an heiress of immense
wealth. Frank Vincent was an Ameri-
can by birth. and an officer in the navy.
Estelle was his cousin. and he was to
marry her.
The dances were made up, and the ball
room was filled to suROcaLion. The
young men, fatigued with the glare of the
lights, the hustle and heat, entered an
adjoining room. where tables were set for
play"
Come. gentlemen" said a banker,
''there is still stake or two to be made
up" .....-... .#
Count me in for the balance" said
Frank, uucoucernedly, willing to try
whether the sad torebodlng with which
his mind had been haunted during the
day had the slightest foundation.
And then without further thought on
the subject, he leaned against the door Of
the saloon, searching among the crowds
of faded forms. resplendent with jewelry,
features heightened with rouge, and eyes
sparkling with artificial lus:re. for the
charming little head and sweet look Of his
lovely Estelle.
The harsh voice Of the banker recalled
the young sailor from his reverie.
"You have won." said he sharply.
And the banker pushed towards him a
heap of geld.
''I.'' said Frank; approaching the ta-
BILE. care you sure Of that ~
"He refuses" cried one Of the players,
leaning his elbow on the table, and ca.
gerly devouriug with his eyes the gilt
tering pile of gold.
"Pshaw! are such things ever refused?"
speeringly cried another, .--..-.-.- --..,.-----
The young sailor cast another glance
at the players, whose eyes were all fixed
upon him. and addressing the banker,
said:
''This, sir. take it as Joke. 1t can't
be possible that all this belongs to me. "
"But it is all yours. sir - replied the
banker. in the same cold tone, with Bit
ter smile. You held the blank and cards
pay"
Then. gentlemen" exclaimed Frank.
''the deal is void -
A prolonged murmur Of astonishment
ran through the assemblage.
II was not aware that | was playing
for so high a stake continued the young
seaman; land had lost, l certainly
should have never paid you" ... g..
Tue banker was man as yet in the
prime of life, but grown old and harden
ed by long career of wickedness. VI.
"Ah." said he, leaning back in his
chair, his paIlid lips curling with faint
laugh of scorn. "indeed young gentle
man. but you would most certainly have
paid it through-and that, too, in good
hard gold, or else you would have paid
it at the muzzle of a pistol p
Frank made convulsive spring back
wards: -.
'Liar ~ he exclaimed in hollow
voice. -7.-
The banker sat motionless, but his lips
quivered with suppressed anger. The
same sardonic smile played on his fea-
lures. but their paleness had faded TO a
yet more livid and ashy hue.
In an instant the players were on their
feet, and grouping round the two actors
OF thus strange and unexpected drama.
Frank was standing up with his hands
couVuIs'Vely clenched, his eyes dilated,
and his whole frame shaking with rage.
The banker, on the contrary, was rocking
himself forward and backward in his
chair, and casting on the spectators a
look of self-possession, at the same time
playing with the pile Of gold heaped up
on his right. -,
''Sir p he at last said, measuring
Frank with his eye from head to foot,
with coolest effrontery. eft is probable
you do not know who am; that, to me,
indeed is sufficiently clear. And as to
these gentlemen here" he added. with