Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1857-04-21

OF NE, bo nt grown old and hatdened BY long
career of wickedness.
tAh,' said he, leaning back in his chair. his
palId lips curling with a faint laugh 81 scortl
indeed young Eebtlenans bsitsou would, most
certainly have paid it though-and that, too.
in good hard gold, OF else you would have paid
itsae tie tm1zzle of pistol'PsiI s51z.o .
i Frank made, a rdnstisisea spring back.
wards !: hIi
.Liatsr;he exclaimed in a hoII W voice. -
The Banker sat riotiutlsss, but his lips
ouiveredawith suppressed anger. The same
sardonic smile played on his features, but their
paleness bad faded to a yet more litiid and
sshy hue. i7 iii 80 .a2a
In an instant the players were on their feet,
and grouping round. the two actors of this
strange and unexpected drama. ~ Frank was
standing up with his hands, conyulsiSeIy!
clenciied, his eyes di!ated, and his whole frame
shaking with rage The banker, on the con.
trary, was rocking himself forward aad back
ward in his chair, and casting, on, the specta-
tors look of selfpossess:on at the same time
playing with the pile of goli heaped up on
his right. ID 'a7a r. aNAFs o. 'H.F
'Sir j. he at last said, measuring Frank with
his eye from head TO foot. with coolest effron..-
cry, 1T is probable You do not know who i
am that, To me, indeed, is sufficiently clear.
And as to these gentlemen here he added,
with an impatient wave of his hand towards
the spectators, i have every reason to suppose
them, you would not have taken upon YOUR
self to give me the lie in their presence. Prey
sir, what may be your name T m ... ed
'Insoent fellow T cried Frank in concentra-
ted rage. d ~ u a2h
Very well, if that name pleases YOU re-
piled tue banker, with imperturabie csmness.
L have the choice of weapons sir. Perhaps
it is well you should know that never yet
missed my man. 10. H'~'5
You try hard to frighten somebody, don't
you = said Frank, impalientIy. .. I5inyf -ast
gI!-not in the least replied the banker,
with Indifference, and with the same cold sneer
and smile of dupIicity. But cannot find it
IN my conscience to assassinate you.' t'4.
And so saying, he drew a long rifle pistol
from his pocket, and coolly laid it on the table
before him.
A death like silence pervaded the room.
'Ihere, SIR he cohtinted, this is the best
thing have to propose-indeed, tits all thai.
can possibly do to accommodate you
Bring the dice he continued, in the same tone
of voice, turning half around in his chair
'and shut that door, ......s
The door of the play room was closed, and
the dice played upon the table The music
ct the orchestra and the hum Of voices only
reached the room in suppressed and distant
murmur. lis
Nov them said the b; hker, here we have
dice and pistol. The highest throw kills the
other
The young sailor approached the table seized
the dice box in mere desperation, shook it with
convuISlve energy, cast one furtive glance
towards the ball room, and threw.
40 if bowed by electric shock, every
head was bent upon the cloth. The action OF
this terrific drama had passed so rapidly
and the end was so near at hand-that one
could not believe in The reality OF this atrnci-
Gus scene enacting without noise or Interrupt,
ton, and hundreds of people within call!
The banker in u loud voice, reckoned up tue
points.
Six and six are twelve and one makes thir-
teen-a good throw. very good throw.
unon my word, young gentleman, a very good
throwP --.
He took the dice, and replaced them in the
box with an air of the coolest indifference
addressing the spectators:
Thirteen he exclaimed, a very good point,
but it Is always an uhlucky number. Come
gentlemen, who bets a couple Of hundred on
the life OF that young gentleman yonder z he
continued fixing his eye with malignant and
deadly gl4re on the young man, who quaiIed
beneath it, .r. Il
Tile players turned pale, and remained 81.
lent.
Well, them said he with smile, as there
seems to be none to bet, here's for myself
and the dice rolled out on the table.
Fifteen! You've lost, sir Its a pity
too, with SO good point. The affair was
well contested, at all events. So, then, sir
your life belongs TO me. Are YOU ready?
All present drew back in terror. The
banker, still stretched out in his chair, was
quietly engaged in adjusting the lock, and
carefully examining the printing of his pistol.
4 attn ready replied the young man, stand
ing motionless before him. ..a-a .
"A little more room, if you please, gefitie-
men, said the banker, at the same time bow
ing to the spectators, aud mo ioning with his
arm for them to stand on one side. .'
Fire ! said Frank, uncove'ing his breast.
his cOuntenance beaming with intrepidisy and
unShrinking resignation. =
The, banker withdrew his hand and raised
his head. --.... .-- o.
The spectators bfeathed once more. The
unnatural scene had been protracted too long,
and for an instant there was hope
we have not chosen our seconds he re-
marked. Bat as for that he added, after a
serve as witnesses in case Of need
He le7eled again and fred The Young
leuteuadt lay gasping upon the floor in the
last agonies Of death.
The cards pass, gentlemen cried the
bankeri as he laid the pistol, still smoking
upon the table.
a the noise made by the report of the pis-
tol, the folding doors of the saloon were burst
open, nd the crowd rushed In. There was
piercing shriek-a young girl fell sensel.ss
upon tho klpedin0. cornsa NJ EronL V;,,no.t