Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1872-03-08
quented the gamiDg-house, but houses of

quented the gamipg.house, but houses {
worse repute."
Chow know you this ?"
81 have it from Thomas Aubrey"
''And would you believe him againa
Walter Harling?" demanded Edith, he
cheeks flushing.
II think Thomas Aubrey is trying t.
lead proper life," replied the BROTHER
"But I have it not upon his authority alone
Others, whom cannot doubt-men whom
l have purposely set to watch Mr.. Harling'
nomenclature told me the same story
| Edith's eyes flashed, and her fingers were
clutched in the folds of her robe.
"Mr. Aubrey has spoken to you Of gain
ing my hand 2 she said, in hushed tone
'He has limited at such a thing; but
have given him no encouragement. Do no
think, my sister, that make this accuse
ton in his interest. God knows that your
good is my only aim p
Edith kissed her brother, and said that
she believed him; and then she walked
away to the window, and looked cat into
the darkness. When she came back her
lips were compressed, and a new light was
upon her face and in her eyes.
"Charles," she said, 'slet this matter rest
between US for season My love may be
blind, but my reason is not. Twill set an
agent to watch Fear not to trust me. My
agent shall be in every way reliable. Imean
to KNOW of thisf'
Greatly" said Walter Harling, as he
took his hat from its peg, II begin to tire
of this. gain much insight into the uu-
dercurrents of life in our city, it is true ;
but the view is not pleasant | will leave
others to write up the story of these dens. y
''Bu5 you will 60 with me this eve
ming p said Gideon Smart. ''You must
see the inside of the Royal Bengal. It is
the most famed gaming hall in the coun-
try
eyes" answered Harling, Il will go
this evening for [ own that | have curl
osity to see the inside of that place."
And the two set forth. 1t was early in
the evening when they reached the vesti-
bule of the Royal Bengal, and the sentinel
at the door passed them in. Close behind
them followed fair-headed boy whom the
guard stopped; but the lad presented card
bearing a name which was authority in the
place, and he was allowed to enter.
'sMy dear Harling, let US have glass Of
wine" said Smart, as they passed near the
bar in the outer hall.
emo" answered Walter II do not use
wine"
''But, just drop for friendships sake"
"Wine is an evil with which I do not
tamper and would cement no friend
ship in such treacherous element. You
Will excuse me, Mr.. Smart"
Gideon Smart bit his lip, for he saw near
at hand witnesses-there by appointment
whom he had hoped to entertain with the
sight of Walter Harling drinking wine at
the bar Of the Royal Bengal.
And at the same time the fair faced boy,
who stood apart in the shadow, but near
enough to hear and to see, clasped his
hands as though in grateful emotion, and
bright, llmpid light was in his wonderfully
deep azure eyes
From the bar-room the two passed on in
to the main saloon-a sumptuous, palatial
room-where gold and cut-glass reflected
the light of thousand gas jets, and where
pictures and statuary of the first quality
abounded. Here were the appliances gam
bling-arpliances of every description. At
the far end Of he room they found faro
bank at which no one was playing, though
the dealer sat at his post awaiting custom
erS.
EDO you understand faro 2" asked Smart.
II understand nothing at all Of any game
of hazard" replied Walter.
''This is curious game. Let me ex-
plain it to you"
Walter was curious, and as no one was
playing at the table, he drew nearer and
listened
"You observe these cards fixed in the
face of the table-the thirteen ranks Of the
pack, from ace to king inclusive. Now let
me explain. Have you piece of silver in
your pocket"
Walter took out half-dollar, and extern
ded it to his companion but Smart said.
"No,-just lay it upon one of those
cards y
And Walter laid it down.
At moment from Smart the dealer be-
gan to draw cards from his deal-box, and
lay them down alternately to the right and
left.
"Queen wins !" said he, presently, and
pushed silver half-dollar over the board.
Walter picked up his money and put it
into his pocket.
"Here" said his companion, -"you have
left this"
"What ~
"The half-dolar which you have won."
"Don't insult me, Smart. [ had no
thought Of trying my fortune in that man
ner. Give that piece of money back to the
man who owns it. You may smile at my
simplicity but halfrdollar taken in that
way would burn through my pocket and
SINCE my conscience. I'll none Of it,"
Gidson Smart slipped the money into his
own pocket, and as the backs Of the twain
were turned the boy with the marvellous
eyes wore look upon his face that was
seraphic.
Shortly after this. while Walter was en-
gagged in examining an exquisite painting,
Smart joined man who had been mutfled
up in cloak in another part of the hall
s'Have you seen ?" asked Smart.
II have seen thus far" answered Thomas
Aubrey, letting his cloak partially fall.
"And you will see 20 further" pursued
Smart RI am at the end of my rope
Harling has proved himself a tougher GUS
toner than I thought. 1 can't bag him
anyhow But you saw him put money up
on the faro spread-out p
eyes"
"Then make the most Of that. Others
saw the same thing