Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1871-12-08

get drunk"
I had no words wherewith to reply;
the fact was. could scarcely credit what
I bad Witnessed.
The next night Ralph was of again and
I passed the evening alone at home.
There was clerk in our house by the
name of Joe Thorn. He was good
uatured, happy fellow. He. moreover.
never appeared to be popular with Mr..
Storer. 1t was. therefore. with some
surprise that I noticed him ore day closet
ed with the head of the house, in the pri-
vate Office.
During the day Joe came to me and
said Il wish you would 60 out with me
this evening; 1 shall not keep you long.
I've heard something that makes me feel
badly; it's about Ralph. Old Storer has
been trying to pump me; but as l know
nothing except by rumor. had not any
Information to vouchsafe him. Yet, if
what 1 hear of Ralph's doings are true,
the sooner be leaves this place. the better
for him. Will you go with me?"
Certainly" I replied. ''if it refers to
Ralph; but what is it, Joe, will you not
tell mc?''
"No," he replied. ''I'd sooner not do
so if it be false, I will have said nothing;
and if 1t be true, you will see for yourself,
aud therefore will need no one to tell you.
I will call for you this evening at nine.
But not word to Ralph"
At the appointed hour Joe Thorn and
myself left my boarding house. Ralph
had gone an hour before. The night was
dark. there was scarcely star visible in
the heavens. We hurried along the streets,
Joe keeping remarkably silent all the way.
At length he stopped before a tall house
and examined it attentively.
This is the place, think" he said.
Nov don't express any surprise at what
you behold carry yourself at your case.
like man of the town. you understand" !"
So saying, he pulled the bell.
The door was opened Immediately BY a
waiter who bowed as be ushered us into
the well-lighted hall.
"F,llow me-" whispered Joe, as be de-
posted his hat in the entry and commenc-
ed to ascend the stairs. Arriving on the
second floor, we found ourselves in cou-
pie of brilliantly illuminated apartments.
where number of men we're busily en-
gagged at gaming table. To my horror
Ralph Moulton sat in the midst, absorbed
in betting. He had bis back towards US,
ana did not observe US when we entered.
Joe pulled me by the sleeve. l could
only gaze at him with speechless astoDish-
ment. Just then Ralph turned his head.
and the next moment he lost bis bet. The
color came aud went from bis face, and l
thought l heard smothered profanity
escape his lips He arose and came to
where we were standing.
How is this2' he asked. looking at US.
dercely; ''do you come here to spy me
out' If you do"
Joe held up bis finger and beckoned
him to retired part of the room.
Ralph" he said, 1.-THE old man has
heard something Of this. Only yesterday
he questioned me on the subject. but l
knew nothing about it We came here
tonight to sec if the rumor we heard was
really true. Unfortunately>>it seems to
be So Let me advise you to leave Storer
at once. for should be discover this, you'll
be dismissed 10 disgrace. Don't imagine
We will carry any tales-we are your
friends. You've got into bad company !;
that's. perhaps. the worst that can be said;
but, if you are prudent. you'll stop where
you arc"
Joe Thorn spoke quickly. but with
friendly earnestness.
Ralph gased at him steadily for mo-
ment, and then answered.
Il ke you at your own estimate. and
will consider your visit here friendly act
to myself Your advice may be good
yonder gambler who sits at the head Of
the table warned me away. He certainly
was disinterested, for they would sooner
have callers than goers. l followed. my
own inclination. however. I sm in con-
sequence several thousand dollars richer,
and he is that much poorer. for won the
money of him"
Ralph Moulton did not return home
that night. but the next morning he sent
me note saying be was sick. and re.
quested me to report the same to the head
book-keeper. That day Ralph was dis.
charged from Mr.. stare''s ''ssmrloy.