The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1873-04-04

and sup with them, They rebuked the
host for his impertinence, who went back
to the bar quite chap-falen. A young
Major rose, took Abrer's arm and leading
him to the head of the table, gave him the
seat OF honor. One of the company now
requested the friend at the head of the ia
bic TO ask blessing. Abner now humbly
bowed his head for few moments, when
raising his hands he exclaimed in esinging
tone, May friend George win the day, and
restore this land of promise to the rightful
owners" which was received with applause
by his audience. Abner appeared to relish
his supper and ate heartily. He had drank
a cup of coffee and passed his cup for more.
The waiter, by instruction from one OF the
red coats, filled his cup with sparkling
wine, which he supped without comment
and passed his cup for more. 1t was again
filled with the generous beverage, which
the Quaker, being too polite to grumble ut
what was set before him, drank likewise.
Supper was now over and the company re-
turned to the bar room. They soon retired
to their private parlor, inviting the Friend
to go with them. The quiet Quaker went
with them, and was soon seated with King
Georges officers in their gambling saloon.
There We're several tables, and number of
the loyalists were soon engaged insplaying
cards for small sums of money. The Qua
ker, who apparently felt his wine, seemed
greatly amused, and remarked loud enough
to be heard, "innocent amusement" 1t
was now that British Major, who had re-
ceived his education in the gambling hells
of London, and was considered an expert
| being by far the most skillful player
| f,in 1,o
and asked to take game with him, merely
for pastime; but Abner said, may, friend,
don't tempt me; for verify the game hath
charms to me, being gamester in my youth
full days, but the overseers Of our meeting
would deal hardly with me i'll were to play
a game with thee; and Deborah, my 10y
ing wife, would not like it. Therefore, my
good friend thou wilt please excuse me-"
But the Major would not excuse him,
telling him that neither the overseers nor
Deborah would ever know it, and that he
might do it in honor to the King if moth
ing else.
Abner now said, Friend, verify when
thee names honor to the King, thee over
comes me for now, behold, l will play a
single game, but thee must not tell the
overseers or my wife, for if size knew it she
would pull half the hair from my head"
| His persua1er promised him, on the hon
or of British officer, that he would never
betray him, and the honest Quaker sue
cumbed. Abner now took u seat opposite
the major, and quietly taking a guinea
from his stocking, he laid it on the table,
which the Briton covered. But Abner
handling his cards awkwardly, played mis-
erably, and although his antagonist wish
ed him to win, yet he was compelled to
take the Quaker's guinea, at the loss of
which he heaved deep sigh, saying it was
all vanity. The Major said "Better luck
next time, friend" With another deep
drawn sigh Abner drew forth another gui
nea, which, after holding some time he laid
on the table, remarking be must have his
first guinea back, or Deborah would tear
his eyes out. But he played so badly thai
! he lost his second guinea. He now held
saying the loss would ruin him, and that
he was afraid to go home, for his loving
wife would turn him out Of doors He said
he would now quit playing, as he felt faint,
and if his friend would permit he fain
would seek his pillow and let the inner
man commune with the spirit. But the
Major had no idea Of letting him seek his
pillow. He told him to take glass OF
wine, and he would feel better. The Qua
ker said he would like to have little wine.
The wine was brought, but Abner would
not drink until he saw his gis-G-UiS drink q
glass from the bottle. He now seized the
bottle and drank two goblets, much to the
satisfaction of the red faced Briton that he
was playing with.
The wine appeared to act like magic on
the simple Quaker. His bright eyes flashed
like fire, and drawing forth his stocking
he deliberately counted out 100 guineas,
which he placed on the table, merely say
ing, "Frend, will thee please cover Them
A Colonel, who had been mounfully watch
ing Abner, now came to him and told him
in a whisper that his venture was too large
and to put up his money, as he would
surely lose it; but Abner gave him a SIM
pie, half-drunken look, and said, Never do
you mind, my good friend, for know what
| am about" With mournful look the
honorable Colonel now left him to his fate
Abncr's pile was quickly covered, and the
game now commenced. 1t was the Qua.
ker's deal. He now appeared to be trans
formed into another man. He took the
cards, and giving them flirt commenced
to deal with the precision of an expert
The ruddy face of the Major turned to a
chocolate color, but he still thought there
was no danger. The Quaker no longer
played awkwardly, and in despite of the
English experts skill the Quaker won
merely saying to his antagonist, "Perhaps
thee will have better luck next time, fol
verify, behold, will give thee a chance tc
win thy money back, for will verify leave
the 200 bright guineas on the table, which
please cover"
, Intense excitement now pervaded the
room. The company crowded around the
table, and emptying their pockets, and af
ter borrowing 100 guineas from the land
lord, they raised the 200 guineas and pla
ced them on the pile. The playing again
commenced, and again the simple half-drun
4 ken Quaker had it all his own way, his an
taoonist not getting a single trick. TIL,
or ker won the game. Four hundred
on; leas were now on the table, and the,
Eel ,Ynged to the uncouth looking Quaker
without any exulting comment, Abner now
me6kly told his antagonist to cover the pile
even the 400 bright pieces, as he wished tt
uivfe him chance to win his money back
9np that he felt assured that he might bav,
Inc iter luck next time. But now came tn,
mbrtifying confession that they were brok
eri, and could play no more.
IAbner told them that he was sorry, bu
tItat he would give them chance to VIII
tJheir money back in the morning A pri
late interview now took place between TIN
:. ,Sed coats, and some them advised to TAX