The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-08-08

LIZ. II - - :. 4 .s,,.s ., :
around Eers his, friends; t6ey had eaten
|of his SOP ds5sEk Of his cnp. aad ssyeled
on his eb6nhty. Verify, Paul Graham
hss sSsR ssss as ais
dering what the bankrupt spendthrift
he was one that was stswohld die, and
make NO moan, ~ and hot lie some of
nerveless mould. como whining around
his lost f0rtune. -,grrx,
He stood just in front OF the nan who
had hSaped up before him the remnant
of his abundant wealth. 4he wine flush
had died from his face. and his fiery eyes
gleamed fromT their pale settings, like
living GOALS in the dead;w6ite ashes.
walter Elbert," addressing his fortu-
nate rival, ':you have known me long.
and known me to be an honest man,
though foolish one. Fortune came to
me unexpectedly. and turned my brain;
but before it came, I had one treasure
that priced above all the gold that ever
glittered en- that table. I have it yet.
Risk something against it, and give me
one more chance to walk ont into Gods
free world, for, as O beggar, will never
leave these walls; and tell you, though
smiling and uuconcerned as you sit
there, my blood will be upon your
head"
"What is your treasure, Paul?" asked
the other, lightly. Perhaps I'll stake
few thousands against it. may just
notes and money lying before him.
sit is the woman who once promised
to be my wife-the fairest and best in all
the world" ,:--r... .--r
Such laugh as went UP from these
''Bad stock, Paul; bad stock" said
Walter Elbert. "That happens to be a
little article for which I have no use
And suppose would be willing to take
mademoiselle, who is to guarantee the
little firt's acquiescence?"
''She would marry even you to save
meI'
'Tut, Paul. my verdant; I am not
marrying man; know me better"
The sudden light that famed over the
young mans face checked the Infamous
insinuation on Elbert's lip.
However" he continued, 81 never
did the shabby by fallen foe, 80 here
goes for thousand on your fair capital;
and may she bring you luck, say t.
She did bring him luck. Once more
they stood front to front on that despe-
rate battlefield The ground that had
already been won and lost was gone over
again with bitter tenaoity. The sun went
down, and night deepened, but still they
played-fortune balancing her favors so
evenly that the young men cursed her
for the tickle jade she is ever represented
to be. But at last there was a change,
and the heap before Paul grew in magni-
tude, until it swallowed ali the winnings
OF his opponent, and made deep inroads
into the capital of the bank.
He was rich again; and he bet with O
maddened recklessness that startled the
oldest habitues of that splendid temple
of sin.
A few more nervous revolutions of the
wheel, and the bank was broken! Paul
Graham had redeemed his squandered
heritage. His gold, his notes and vouch-
ers were all arranged; then he arose,
smiling, with his haggard, ghastly face,
and pointing to the coming day, said,
airily-
"Carpe diem! Gentlemen, I bid you
happy farewell"
He reached the sidewalk, managed to
signal carriage, and, with the drivers
assistance, got in. That was the last he
knew for many long days and weeks; for
the tense brain and nerves relaxed, and
fever, that almost took the mind and
life out Of him, held him long in its con-
Stunning fires. But through all his into
lerable burning and anguish, there SEEM
ed to be plying angel ever near, mi
nistering to his frenzied wants. And
when the disease at length released its
death like grasp, and he opened his eyes
again to consciousness, the same angelic
presence stood by his side, and looked
pityingly down on his helplessness. His
feeble lips could just form the syllable
Fan, when they were sealed by light
kiss. which gave the impression of for
giveness and reconciliation.
When he grew strong enough, which
he finally did, mutual explanations were
given. He learned that he had been left
at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. The physi-
clan who was called in, hearing the young
mans piteous entreaties for ''sweet
Fam" looked among his papers. and
finding that young lady's address, did
not hesitate to despatch for her.
And 8 he, tender, compassionate, for
giving Fan, came and nursed him
through his desperate and tedious i'll
ness. and now, that he was getting we'll
again, she was going back home. to the