The Waynesburg Republican. [volume] (Waynesburg, Pa.) 1867-18??, 1868-04-29


time was the utmost Importance 10
me. 1t was known that | carried
large sums Of money, and | was al
ways apprehensive lest Sturdivant
should ask me to play. l had made
up my mind to refuse him, and if he
attempted to draw me into quarrel
to shoot him without mercy, as |
knew the only chance of my life lay
in getting the advantage of him.
Strange to say he did not make any
such proposition to me, and gave
him no chance to do so.
One night we had started out from
Vicksburg, and were heading merrily
down the river, when Sturdivant came
to the group which had gathered
around the stove. He had been drink
ing, and was smoking 9 fine cigar
as he approached, All made way for
him.
"Well, gentleman" said he m an
unsteady tone YOU seem to be terribly
dull. Who wants to play for twenty
dollars ante ?"
There was no reply. All present
seemed to know the man, and no one
cared to volunteer to place himself in
his clutches.
"Umph ~ he exclaimed with an
expression of contempt, "afraid to try
your h,ck wrn Daniel Sturdivant, ell !?
Or may bcyou want a coaxing. Some
of Won must play with me, can't
stand such treatment. Come let's see
who it will be-"
He glanced around the crowd as if
to select his victim. For the first time
noticed the gaze OF one Of the group
fixed steadily upon him. He was a
stranger ~ me, and was dressed in a
nonospun, and his face was partially
Ga ccarl hv broad brimed sombrcro
which was drawn down over it. He
was a small hut powerful made man,
and in the decided expression of his
head | read an unusual tirmness and in
tcn-i'y of purpose.
care you Daniel Sturlivant, the
gambler ?" he asked in calm tone
without rising.
Sturdivant flushed darkly, and gave
. jlje -H~u..r dark dance.
",>om" persons call me SO behind my
back, ue said u~ocntly, "but no one
won,d care to apply that term to me
before my face
"Nevcrtheless,' replied the stranger
81 want an answer-yes orno."
"Well, then, am" said the gam
bier, angrily "what ofit?"
"Simply this" said the stranger, 81
have heard it said that you claim to
be the best card player in the South
west. ! have come two hundred
miles to prove you a liar" Sturdi
want strobe forward a step Or two, and
thrust his hand into his breast, as if to
grasp weapon.
"Stop," said the stranger. If you
shoot me you will simply prove your
self afraid of me. Take your seat at
the table and | will make my words
good"
There was something in the calm,
stern manner of the stranger that SEEM
ed to render the gambler powerless.
lie hesitated q moment, and then said,
bullying;
81 ncverplay with a man whose face
| cannot sce."
"Never mind my face" said the
stranger. "If You are not afraid of
losing you shall see it when am done
with you"
"But how do know that you have
money for such sport ?" persisted
Sturdivant. "You look seedy enough
my fine fellQw."
"Thcrc," said the stranger, "I have
ten thousand dollars there. Ifyon can
win it you shall do So"
With an oath Sturdivant placed
himself at the table and bade his chal-
lenger to do like wise. Those of us
who had listened to this singular dia-
logne now gathered around the table
expecting to see scene of more than
usual interest. The stranger had not
raised his hat brim, and we had not
seen his face but we all felt from his
general air and manner that Daniel
Sturdivant had at last met his match.
1t did not take long to show us that
the stranger was an unusually good
player. For an hour or more the
playing went on in silence. The
stakes were high and the contest mark
ed with rare skill. Sturdvant exer-
ted himself as he had never done be-
fore, but in spite of all his efforts he
lost steadily. By the expiration ofthe
time indicated above he had lost over
two thousand dollars. noticed the flush
upon his face deepenel and strang-
light come into his eyes. At last, with
an exclamation of triumph he drew to-
ward him the heap ofnotes.
"That was well done" said the stran-
ger, "you are an expert in cheating.
But go on l can beat yoY whether you
play open or dishonesty"
Sturdivant said nothing, but dealt
the cards again. The hand played and
Sturdivant was about to sieze the