Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1864-11-25
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The scene now became extremely ex
citing. John called Helen to his side
and clenched his teeth and fist, while thei
young mistress stood close in front, as i
with her feeble arm she would protec
them from the clutches Of the gamester
I was wild with excitement, and begged
father either to buy the slaves or shoe
the gamester. l did not care which. A
bloody fight seemed inevitable when O
young New Englander, who had been
very quiet during the whole trip, elbowed
his way to the table, and asked the game
ster at what sum he valued his slaves.
Two thousand dollars" said he; "dc
you want to buy 7"
Il have only thousand dollars" the
young man answered; I'll give you that
for thcm'
"No, sir, but I'll stake them against a
thousand dollars, and play you & ,ms oil
poker for the pile"
81 don't understand the game" said
the New Englander. 81 have played a
few games at all fours. but never gam.
blcd for cent in my life
"Well, Iii play you a game Of all
fours then. if-you like, and stake the mig.
gers against your thousand dollars"
To the surprise of every one present
the young man accepted the challenge
called for new pack of cards, staked his
thousand dollars, and the game commen.
ced-thc gamcster having the first deal
As the company drew more close.
ly around the tsblc, it seemed as though
watchmakcrs shop was in ou- midst, sc
distinctly we heard the tick of the
watches.
The first hand the New Englander
made three to the gamesters one, at
which buzz Of pleasure ran round the
group. The second hand the gamester
made three to his opponents nothing; the
third hand they each made two, which
made the New Englander two to go,while
the gamester had but one to make, and it
was his turn to beg. This was = great
advantage, and everybody seemed to give
up the thousand dollars as lost.
The New Englander dealt out the cards
with steady hand, however, and turned
up the jack of hearts, which placed him
even with his antagonist, but when he
raised his cards | saw that he had not a
single trump in his hand. and his adver.
sary to stand or beg if the former, the
game vas hi. to certainty; if the latter
there would be another chance for the
slaves.
After drumming on the back of the
cards for short time, he looked at the
New Englander to see if he could deter.
,nin by his manner which it was best te
do, bu, the young Bunker Hill met his
gaze without finching. and there they s II
for long time gazing into eacc others
eyes.
- Run the cards" said the gamester al
last. | could have hugsed him for his
mistake"
Bunker Hill again dealt, and the
queen of spades was turned. Every heart
stood still as the cards we're for the last
time lifted.
"They are mine ~ shouted the New
Englander or, rather, they are yours
said he in mildcr tone to Mrs. Danton,
as he threw down the ace of spades.
The beautiful and impctuous Southron
threw her arms around the winners neck
and three dcafening cheers lin which even
the Shareholders joined) were given to the
satisfaction of the audience.
Many years after | met the New Eng
lander in Mississippi, and claimed his ac-
quaintance, on the score Of being one OF
his enthusiastic partisans on the night OF
his well remembered triumph. lie had
prospered in business, and had become
rich. lie was making his annual pill
grimage to the family hearthstons-a
stone which has more potent charms tor
good than that. at which kneel Mahom-
medan devotees in the city Of their
prophet.
lie said he had never touched card
since that memorable game; that the
thousand dollars that he risked was the
sum of his savings for many toilsome
years but that he staked it, and played
the game with perfect conviction Of sue
cess.
Danton had sought him out and kept
the acquaintance ever since and Mrs.
Danton cosld now travel the world over
with her husband without fear, for he had
foresworn gambling from that never.to-be-
forgotten night.