Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1874-08-21

other times, denounce gambling in the
severest terms, and warn others never to
be led into it, Yet, there he was, shut
fling the cards like an expert, and APP
parently deeply cngrossed in the paly.
He was excited, that was plain to be
seen, and the intensity of his interest in
the game both panied and alarmed me.
! For full hour watched him, and
those engaged with him, at the tables. -
| Not once did he raise his eyes to see who
was looking on
He gave not the least attention to any
thing apart from the game; spoke not a
word but in reference to it.
His face, thought, Frightened as the
hours wore away. He had won repeat
edly--almost invariably. in fact, though
the stakes as yet we're small But though
he continued to win for a time, | pited
him, as he sat there, and felt painfully
concerned for him. | was sure those
cold faced, willy villains who were around
him had marked him for their victim,
and were only Turing him on to utter de-
struction. But dared not utter one
warning word would have cost me
my life,
At last the tide began to turn against
Mr.. Lamoyle. He lost, and lost again.
! The sum was considerable, and saw he
was dismayed. The old, uneasy lock
came back to his lately Frightening
countenance.
At the next game he won.
I. l.. IL
mark not directly connected with the
game:
IF had twenty thousand dollars of
my own, | would stop here" he said.
Twenty thousand dollars of his ownl
Why he owed our firm that much, and
had promised to pay it. Had he in some
way lost and was be thus madly endeav-
oring to retrieve his broken fortune p
| Twenty thousand dollars | had suppos-
ed he was worth ten times that sum.
A cold, contemptuous smile, and some
words that could not catch, was the
reply made to him by his opponent.
The play then went on-the stakes
were doubled Mr. Lamoylo lost His
face grew white with fear, his hand
trembled.
The stakes were again doubled again
the miserable man lost. He arose, with
a smothered groan.
~ have lost all !" he muttered, and
the expression in his face was sickoning
to behold.
In silent agony he withdrew from the
table. All made way for him, many
eyes following him, pityingly.
| Looking up he saw me. His features
flushed with shame, while at the same
time different look was to be seen in
them--something set and determined.
Come with me-, he said, abruptly,
but with touch Of the kindness in his
tones.
took bis arm, and we walked to the
stern Of the boat There, in the soft
gloom of the night, he disengagcd his
arm from mine, and then said, clamly
.Iipromised to pay you; it is impos-
sible now p
IL am sorry" / faltered sorry
on your account, and on that of others.
81 am ruined p he said; bitterly,
"Oh, cured be the hour when first
yielded to temptation! Why it was do
not know. I--I-God help me Every
thing is gone-I must break my pledge
to you and to others 1t is the first time
1t shall be the last time. Good bye!"
And before | could guess his intention,
or lift an arm to Illustrate it, he leaped
on the railing, and thence into the rush
ing waters below.
called out wildly, and gave the alarm,
but in vain was every attempt at rescue,
the mighty river swept on to death.
The dreadful incident produced an i'm
pressiona transparent one at least
upon the hardened hearts Of those who
had lurcd him to ruin. There was no
more open play on board the boat night.
The next day ! went ashore.