The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1872-08-13
GAMBLING FOR A LIFE.
BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM.

BY COLONEL PRENTISS 1NGRAHAM.
All was scene of gayety in the pretty
village of F., situated in one of the
most fertile districts in the rich State Of
Kentucky, The United States had call
ed on her sons to brave the dangers of
war, the country was aroused, and an
army under the starry flag was about to
invade Mexico.
In F. a gallant company Of citizen
soldiers had heen raised, ,and on the NOR
row were to leave their pleasant homes
for the scenes Of war. ...
1t was the night before their depart
ure, and one of the wealthy citizens of
the town had given grand farewell en-
tertainment in their honor, and thus all
was pleased confusion in preparing for
the gay scene at Judge Bonners large
and handsome mansion.
The generous old Judge had spared
neither pains nor expense to make their
entertainment one of great magniicence,
and when the evening arrived received
his numerous guests, aided by his only
child, daughter of seventeen years of
age
Ida Bonner was the acknowledged
belle of F., and she was beloved for
her beauty and lovely character not only
by the young gallants of the village, but
also by her school companions, for at
the opening of this story she was yet a
school girl.
The company from F. was COM
manded by Captain Roy Worthington, a
planter of means, and as handsome as he
was popular His first lieutenant was
one OF his most intimate friends, and vet
between the two there came slight
cloud, for both Roy Worthington and
Dart Bradford loved Ida Bonner To
both of the young men the beautiful girl
listened, for she was a sad .coquette, but
toward the gallant captain her heart had
awakened with feelings of love, and ye.
neither knew his fate at her hands upon
that day, the eve of their departure for
far-off Mexico. ...
"Lida, are you totally Indifferent to
me? Can I not hope, even if may
hope to return to dear old F., that
you will not have forgotten me ?" said
Roy.
"Indeed you are dear to me, Roy, and
| promise that you shall not be forgot
teh
'Do you love me, Ida? Will you
promise me this little hand upon my re-
turn ?"
81 promise, Roy" And thus the two
pledged their love and once more enter.
ed the brilliantly illuminated parlors of
the mansion, for they had strayed away
into the gardens.
"Miss Ida, this is my dance, be-
lieve ?" and Dart Bradford stood before
the lovers
"Yes. I'll see you again, Roy"
And the young girl was whirled away
in the waltz.
"WGl you promenade once round the
garden, Lida2'
"Yes, Dart; for how can I refuse You
brave soldiers anything2'
The blue eyes were turned with full
force upon her companion.
For some moments they walked in ST.
lence, and then Dart Bradford stopped
suddenly and said:
aida, asked you to come here that
I might tell you loved you; that
"Oh, Dart, do not pain me. Let me
be frank with you for l would not raise
hope in your heart that cannot falfl.
/ am engaged to another
"The other is" e8s
"Roy Worthington, your best friend" J"
"Be it so. Miss Bonner. Shall we re-
turn to the mansion?" And, offering
his arm, they were soon again mingling
mid the gay dancers.
From the village 10 old Kentucky the
scene has changed to sunny Mexico -
Seated in tent within tie Mexican lines
are two young officers unarmsd, and
their surroundings prove thoy are priso-
ners. Though pale and with saddened
faces easily to be recognized are Roy
Worthington and Dart Bradford The
former wears his left arm in sling and
appears to be suffering, although his face
looks brave and determined
"Well, Dart, this will end the ambi-
tious and bright dreams OF one Of US !;
which, it is hard to say"
"Yes, Roy. Our poor company sac
riiced in the last desperate charge, and
ourselves prisoners; you wounded, and
one Of us condemned to die in retalia-
ton for that officer spy whom Gen. Tay-
lor had shot some days since. 1t is re-
ally too bad"
An officer entered dressed in gorgeous
Mexican uniform.
"Gentlemen," he said, Kit is the decis-
ion that one of you must die The com
manding officer has determined not to
make the selection, but that You shall
play game Of chance-that is, gamble
for your lives-the victor to be spared"
eThat were useless Let me be the
victim" And Roy Worthington step
ped forward, while a gleam of hope
overspread Dart Bradford's face.
"You are brave and generous, young
sir, but l prefer the game of chance to
settle it," said the commanding officer,
entering the tent, accompanied by his
aides
What say you, Dart?'
"Very well, let this end the farce
and Dart Bradford face darkened.
Seated at the table, dice were placed
before the two young officers, and while
the Mexicans stood around eagerly
watching the result, the throwing for
! life or death commenced Three dice
were used and three throws allowed to
each officer, the one throwing the high
est number was to escape. Roy Wor.
thington was the first to begin, and with
a firm hand he rattled the dice in the
box and then threw them upon the ia
ble
"Three, five, and six-fourteen =
Throw again, sir" said the Mexican
commander "Yop throw well, sir
Once more. Two sizes and three
fifteen! Twice fifteen and fourteen are