The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1860-02-17

n Spiucu oultc ubou iDC tcli. HO hCo'Ci
looked up and again her eyes met those Of
the unshorn stranger. She knew not why
for thousand ewes had gased as intentIy
into hers before-but the color mounted
to her cheek, and she involuntarily ad
monished the miner to Withdraw his bet
The indication shght though it appeared,
was not lost to the gambler who answered
it with a frown dark as midnight, and
turned a searching stare upon the stranger
who met it with glance of defiance that
brought the hand of the gambler % the
handle Of revolver in his belt. The wo
man observed all. The miner quietly
folded his arms, and the dealer with trem
bling hand. proceeded to draw the cards.
The jack won. Again the cards were dealt
and two ounces ere thrown down by the
stranger instead of one He lost second
time. AMI again. and pile of golden pieces
had been transferred from his pocket to
the table.
Let your husband deal" said the los
er, addressing the woman, perhaps it
may change my luck"
Certainly" replied the gambler, reach
ing for the cards.
At the mention of the word husband
peculiar smile rested upon his lips, an !
the eyes of the woman dropped to the ia
bic, as if to avoid the scrutiny of the s'ran-
ger, that he might not read in them con
tes>ion that she had no husband, although
she was a mother. But he read all
Again the cards were dealt, There was
q rctiiiibie j,vrrcce ptiibie nervousness of the hand and
strange twinkle in the eve of the miner,
as he drew from the pocket Of his over
coat two purses. All eyes were turned to
wards him.
"I'll bet hundred ounces on the a"e,'
he exclaimed to the astonished gambler,
dropping the sacks of dust upon the table,
and will draw the cards myself"
Five hundred dollarsis the limit" ex-
claimed the gambler.
"There is no limit to your rascality,"
thundered the stranger, "nor should there
be to your camel" and he replaced the
purse, in his pocket.
The gambler sprano to his feet, with his
hand upon his revolver; but ere lie could
draw it blow from the horny fist Of the
stalwart miner sen. him reeling to the
floor.
In a moment all was confusion. A doz-
en- gamblers from the adjoining tables
rushed to the rescue of the fallen blackleg
with pistols and knives gIittering In the
Iampllght The woman had risen to her
feet, auu siuyu .pr,-u,,,v5rra r,-ui,,,5ra behind the t.be
Io. l. IL 81.
ING from his belt with his left hand huge
bowie knife, and swinging an eight inch
navy revolver in the other. Stand back"
he repeated, retreatng against the wall as
he gamblers attempted to close in upon
him, "or by the Mother of God FL strew
he floor with your cArca>es -
" Shoot him down" cried one of the
gamblers. brandishing pistol over his
heal, and evncing ltt:e inclination to un-
derake the job himself.
"Ihe first man that pals a trigger die>"
said An elderly gentleman, breaking
through the crowd, and placing himself
beside the lion hearted miner Ten to
one is too great an odds for any man lie
is stranger to me, but by HI, he shall
have fair play"
Right right shouted the crowd, be-
ginning to understand the nature of the
broil give him a chance" and a dozen
more pistols found the light.
Let me at him - yelled the garntler
who had been knocked down, attempting
10 reach the offender through the throng
Make way for him." hissed the miner,
and will use nothing but this" aud he
raised his twelveinch : bowie" and threw
himself into an attitude of defence.
:. Hold - said the elderly man. who had
first insisted upon far play; "If YOU really
want to fight. select so,ne spot wh"re there
are fewer spectators; if not put up your
Neapous."
"You are right, my friend" said the
miner; hut ! will meet the scoundrel
where he will, when he will, and with what
lie will y
" Enough" returned the gambler, ren
dered desperate in his rage, follow me
in ten minutes -
Il am completely at your service"
said the ranger; bat have no friend
here, unless may call YOU friend, from
the friendly part YOU have already assum
ed in the difficulty.'
II will not desert YOU now," said the
old man, extending bis hand, = for you
are a brave man, and Kentuckian knows
how to appreciate courage :"
Tie miner smiled and stepping towards
the table where the woman was sitting.
pale and trembling, said to her in low
voice:
Fear nothing-if you are sent for do
not fail to come then taking the arm of
the Kentuckian he, followed the gambler,
who had just quilted the saloon accom-
panied bv friend
my friend said the miner. as soon as
he had reached the st, eet, the fight must
be in a room alone, and without seconds
with wha. weapons | care not. Let
whatever NAV transpie thereafter excite
no inquiry, will explain all tomorrow,
The Kentuckian bowed Both parties
passed down Washington street for some
distance and halted in front of small two