The weekly Oskaloosa herald. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Iowa) 1855-1885, 1873-08-07

4 OO OoA ~ 1910.
by the. coquetish Luiz assumed pc
sition behind her chair in anothe
portion OF the room.
A scanty supply of ices, wines an,
fruit had been handed around to tn
guests, and then the important bust
ness OF the evening commenced il
earnest. The closeness of the eve
ming, combined with the pressure O
the crowd at the tables, soon render
ed the atmosphere of the saloon YER
oppressive. The faces of the gentle
men were hot and excited, while tn
ladies were flushed, and their ampl,
bosoms rose and fell heavily unde
the stanty lace drapery thrown owe
their shoulders.
Hal and his companion were seat
ed by faro table. Before the bank
er lay heaps of coin that formed tn,
center of attraction to hundreds O
greedy eyes flashing alternately will
rage, exultation or envy as the pile.
OF gold and silver changed owners
and were swept hurriedly into bag,
and purses by bristling old ladies o.
sharp eyed priests.
Donna Maria had been betting
heavily, and her pile of gold was
rapidly dwindling away. Her oppo
nent was tall, heavy-whiskereG
man with a jeweled order on hil
breast. He played with great non
chalamce, paying no attention to the
countless CALCULATIONS which burst
continually from the donna's lips
She had staked her last dollar and
lost, and a shade of modification
passed over her beautiful features al
she beheld her stakes swept into the
capacious bag of her opponent, hel
eyes flashed ire as, unclasping her
jewels from her neck and wrists; she
threw them on the table as single
stake. Their value was quickly GOV.
cred, and all eyes were quickly direc
ted toward the desperate little game e.
ster. With straining eyes she watch
ed the cards which were told out
slowly and deliberately. Luck was
against the lady and again she lost.
A smile of gratified triumph play.
ed for an instant about the mouth of
the successful gambler as he secured
the jewels about his person but be,
fos he could turn from the scene of
his triumph the d ,ep voice of Hal
was heard challenging him to an.
swer to his stake. A deep scowl
darkened the brow of Halls adverse
ry as he disdainfully threw down the
desired amount. A turn of the cards
and Hal won.
'Double or quit !" hissed the Pc
ruvian. s
Hal nodded, and was again tri.
umphant. Fortune had changed,
and the tickle goddess showered her
choicest favors on the naval officer.
Not only were the gold pieces of
Donna Maria won back, but also her
jew els, together With large portion
of the gamblers funds. The stakes
had been large, the game reckless,
so much so that the table had be-
come the center of attraction.
Thrusting the crowd unceremo.
niously back, the discounted game
ster glared angrlly at Hal, uttering
horrld imprecations.
"You cursed Yankee sailor" he
half shouted, "do you presume to
come here to practice your tricks on
gentlemen ?"
'For the love of the Holy Virgin,
Don Henrique answer him not. He
is the terror of Lima" and Donna
Elvira laid her hand beseechingly
on Halls stout arm.
But her advice was unheeded the
dark eyes of the sailor shot forth an
angry glea n. as clearing the table
with bound, he caught the gam.
bier by the throat, dealing him a
blow that laid the rascal full length
on the floor of the saloon. The spec
tators had shrunk back, not daring
to interfere, forming dense circle
about the combatants. With deep
oath the worsted cavalier sprang to
to his feet and drew poignard from
his bosom (; but the glittering barrel
of the Colts revolver, and the cool,
undaunted aspect of Hal, proved too
much for him.
Shrinking back, he muttered few
unintelligible words, and disappear.
ed.
Hal quietly secured his winnings,
slowed them away in his various
pockets, besides having a goodly
sized bag full to the brim. Donna
Maria's eyes glistened with pleasure
and gratitude as Hal gracefully Sc
cured the redeemed jewels on her
painting bosom and rounded arms.
The game, which for a moment had
been disturbed, was again resumed
and the accident forgotten. But Hal
and his companion withdrew to q
quiet nook where their moyeme ents
would not likely be observed.
ooh, Henrique, how impetuous
you have been. Your life will be in
danger every moment you tarry here.
That man is noted duellist, and
will hesitate at nothing to obtain
revenge. ~.
81 am able to take care of him
should he attack me-" G,.ts Eg
"Oh, that's not it. He'll not fight
you openly, but, like cowardly dog
that he is, will creep upon you in an
unguarded moment, and strike a,
your life in the dark. And YOU have
so far to 60. Holy Virgin / trem
BILE for you. A dozen hired rascals
may waylay you between the cit,
and the landing. But your trienc
where is hep" '.' Hia'
"Dick Oh, he's all right, / fancy
in company with your friend, proba
bly, enjoying the fresh air of the gar
dens. Shall we promenade ?"
care you mad 1 tell you you
life is in danger, and you must b,
wary. You have befrjended me
and will return the favor even a
the risk of my reputation. Ny car
riage is at the door. and 1 will en-
tertain you at my villa outside tn,
walls" yli u E-Hf 80
Sand my friend" g lla.
"Shall accompany us. Remain
here, and will 60 find them"
The party were soon reunited and
Dick, who had been in the gardens
opened his eyes wide with astouish
ment when Hal related the particu
lars of the fracas.