The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1872-08-13
= II =
Again taking the box Dart madr or

other throw, but the Mexican called
out:
Two, three. four-nine A deci.
ded pallor spread over the young off.
GERS face, as he again threw the dice
upon the table. Three skies! You are
in luck, sir. That throw may save your
life. Now, try again"
The hand holding the dice box visi-
bly, shook as the last throw was made
but ere the dice could be counted by the
Mexican the table gave wav with the
weight upon it, and again the little reg.
hung, were scattered.
A frown darkened the commanders
brow and several Of the staff conversed
togesher in low tones as the table was
being set up again and the last chance
was given. The throw was made
Three skies Eighteen and twenty
seven are forty five. You have won
sir. A close game of chance" said the
Mexican as Dart sprang to his feet una
BILE to conceal his great joy at his es.
cape
"Well Dart, I have lost. Here, old
fellow, are my papers, watch and pock.
ct book. This ring belongs now to Ida
made my will in her favor before
left F.. Good bye, old fellow,
and tell them at home that died brave
ly. Gentlemen I am ready" And with
a firm bearing, the American turned to
his captors and was led away to execu.
ton, while Dart Bradford was forward.
ed to the lines to be exchanged with 9
Mexican officer of equal rank with him,
self
Three years went by. Peace once
more reigned in the land; and the shat.
tered remnants of the F. guards
returned TO their homes crowned with
victory. -fs
Dart Bradford returned with them, but
with the rank Of Colonel for he had
been promoted to that grade
Upon reaching the American lines af
ter the game of life he had played with
poor Roy Worthington. be had forwar.
ded the things TO Ida Bonner entrusted
to his care, and told her what had hap
peaed, and that he had begged Roy to
let him die in his stead, as no ties of re,
Quilted love bound him to the world
with anticipations of future happiness.
Ida deeply mourned for him, and
wrote Dart beautiful letter thanking
him for the noble part he had acted to-
ward his rival and friend, for she believ.
ed all that he had said, and upon the
return of the gallant colonel it was not
many weeks before he gained the prom
ise of Lida to. become his wife.
The Joy of her bridal eve was dimmed
to Ida Bonner by the thought of poor
Roy, lying far away in foreign land /;
for although she loved Dart with true
affection, she could not feel for him the
same deep love she had given his friend
All was in readiness foY the ceremo
ny the minister stood, book in hand
ready to join Dart Bradford and Lids
Bonner together as man and wife, wher
the maiden uttered a shrek just as she
entered the parlor leaning upon the arm
of her father, and swooned away, ,..I.
All present were transfxed with
amazement, for there before them, be
side the open balcony window, stood
Roy Worthington, emaciated and pale
as if by long suffering, and dressed il
| his blue uniform. He stood before
them and gazed sternly upon his for
mer friend, Dart Bradford.
"Why, Roy, We all thought you dead
what does this mean" said Dart, step
ping forward.
at means, sir. that by false rcpresen
tations yon are now standing where
should be, the promised husband of Ii
da Bonner"
"Sir, you presume. L"
pardon me--not that I anticipate
that / may ever again win the affection:
of Miss Bonner, but to open her eyes
to the character of the man she is go
ing to marry, l now say what do,'
and as Roy Worthington spoke,he step
ped forward and faced the assembled
guests, while Ida, having returned tc
consciousness, was an attentive listener
when prisoner in Mexico with
Col. Bradford one of US was doomed e
die; game Of chance was to decide be.
tween US. ! lost fairly / believe, for
trusted nv friend was honorable; he
won life and was exchanged the same
day. The commander of the Mexicans
spared my life; long years was pris,
oner, and now that the war is over
have returned home, and with me is m5
friend General Waldo de Riva, who now
will explain the conduct of Colonel
Bradford when we sambied for oui
lives"
Roy Wortiington ceased speaking
as he did Sc, gorgeously uniformed
officer stepped from the balcony and
stood beside him. The dark skin and
quick, black eye denoted his nation, as
well as his uniform, as in a broken &C.
cent he said:
"This gentleman and that enc were
my prisoners; my government deman
ded one shot in retaliation for Mexi
can officer shot by General Tayler.
wished not to make choice, so I lef)
it to game of chance who should die
Captain Wortbingtou acted most hon
orably: that man dishonorably and s
coward, for he cheated, as myself and
staff will verify, while his friend nobly
offered to take his place. Then saved
Captain Worthington's life, and confin
ed him as prisoner for the war. Now
we stand here to face that coward" and
the Mexican's eye lell uIon Dart Brad
ford.
$50! never come near noe again !
and Ida Bonner pointed to the door
while her angry eyes turned upon the
man who in few moments more would
have been her husbaSd
Captain Worthington, you have my
watmest welcome home; Colonel Brad
ford, leave my house." and as Judge
Bonner spoke he grasped Roy's hand
Curse you all for this!' exclaimed
Dart Bradford, and he left the house
Nay, more, he left the State, and he;
never since been heard from; while the
Grave man he had deceived soon aftel