The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1874-03-11

AMOUNT that Colonel Frank Powers
las lost his left arm, and that his
right arm is whole
The money was deposited in the
hands of the mutual friend, with
instructions that he should pay it to
the winner. And then they agreed
that the three should go at once to
tile hotel and settle the matter.
Twelve months before this time
John Ogden would not have bet so
large a sum under any circumstan-
ccs; but the habit had indeed
grown upon him.
Arrived at the hotel the three
we're admitted to the colonel's
presence.
"Ah, boys, I am glad to see you.
am feeling much better to-day.
John, old fellow, I can get up for
you now. How are you?
And Frank Powers arose and
extended his hand-his right hand
and when John felt it's grasp he
found it true flesh and blood, warm
and pulsating. lie staggered back
with groan.
You will excuse us, Colonel,''
said Peter; but John and l had a
little dispute. lie thoughtyo you had
lost your right arm
90, no, returned Powers, smiling.
'Thank Heaven, my right arm is
spared me,'-extending his good
right hand but this poor stump
is all that is left of its fellow poin-
ting to the empty sleeve that hung
by his left side.
John got away as soon as he
could. In the lower hall the two
thousand dollars was paid over to
Peter Cartwright.
I am sorry you lost your money,
John,' the latter said, as he put the
bank-notes into his bocket-book,
but think won it fairly
Its all right, Peter And John
tried to smile as he said so, but he
could not do it.
A miserable man was John o.
den that afternoon and more mis-
cradle was he when he went to his
home in the evening. His wife
asked him what was the matter,
but he would not tell her; and
when she pressed him he was an
CRY. lie could not-hc dared not
tell her that the savings Of years
the money that was to have paid
for their precious home-had been
swept away in a moment-swept
away by an act of his OWN sin and
folly.
That night he slept not a wink.
.On the following morning, pale
and shaking, he started to 60 away
from his home without breakfast.
tOn his doorstep he was met by
Cartwright's clerk, who handed
him scaled packet.
1T is from Mr.. Cartwright, Sir.
do you wait for an answcr?'
No, SIR
John went back into his house,
and broke the seal, and opened the
packet. lie found within one
thousand dollars in crisp bank.
notes and a folded letter. lie open,
ed and read:
DEAR JoHN-With this I send
you back your thousand dollars. J
won the money as honestly as gam.
bling bets are often won, and yet
did not win it fairly. Frank and
deceived you on purpose. On your
first visit his right arm was hidden
beneath his coat, and his wooden
left arm was strapped on. AS he
did not rise from his chair the de-
ception was perfect. You found
him on your second visit as he real
ly Was, only the wooden arm hae
been laid aside.
Forgive me, John, and believe
that + bad an aim in this, which
} God Grant may be fulfilled. PETER
"P. ST. should like that this
subject should never be referred tc
between us. Please me in this
WON'T Won =? sP.'
Dear John, what is it?'
Susan had come in, and as sh'
spoke she put her arm around he
) husbands's neck and kissed him
lie returned the kiss.
"Not now, Susan," he said hus
kily. 81 will tell you some time.
But you will come and cat som'
breakfast 2
If you won't ask any more ques
tions-yes.'
The blow had been q severe one
and the effects of a shock did no
quickly pass away. But John Og
den revived in time; and when n
told to his wife the secret of hi
trouble on that unhappy night, h
: was prepared to give her a grea
. and lasting joy by adding that h
had made his last bct.--Le(lgcr.