The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1875-12-18
Select Sturp.
A GAME FOR LIFE OR DEATH.
A THRILLING STORY.

II was night in the camp OF MaxlmiI- =
ian's army, aud sounds Of merriment were
heard upon all sides, for soldiers are ever
wont to indulge in pleasure, regardless of
what the morrow will bring forth.
In tentin the inner circle Of the camp
sat two officers at rude table, upon which
was marked with lead pencil chess, or
checker board, while black and white but
tons served for the linen"
Around the tent were stationed guards,
aud both Of the officers were unarmed,
while not weapon of any description was
visible in their canvas room.
They we're prisoners; soldiers in the SER
vice of Juarez, captured the day before ;
but their appearance indicated that they
were not Mexicans.
Both men were of tall commanding
forms, and of easy, graceful address; but.
where one had dark blue eyes, and light
hair and mustache, the other had eyes that
were large and black, with brown hair aud
mustache.
Both men were exceedingly handsome,
and upon their faces bore the impress Of
noble souls and hearts that knew no fear.
A love Of adventure had caused them to
leave their homes in the north, after the
close of the civil war, in which both had
fought bravely, and cast their swords with
Juarez, to aid in driving from Mexican
soil German emperor.
Capoul Monteith, the blonde officer, was
young man of wealth and good family, a
New Yorker, and pet 10 society
Garnet Weston, the brunette, was a poor
man, young lawyer in New York, Of
good, though poor parentage. He was
possessed of superior intelligence, and was
fast winning name, when he crossed the
path Of Mabel Mouteith, the sister Of Ca
ponl and beauty and an heiress.
So deeply did Garnet love Mabel that
he was miserable when not in her presence
und he believed she cared for him but bis
pride wns great, and he would not offer q
pnuper hand to belle and heiress, and SC
struggled hard to win fortune and fame in
his profession, H haQa Of 2rQ
One day, an evil day for Garnet, pre-
tended friend told him that Mabel was his
promised wife, but that their engagement
had not yet been made public
Like one in a dream Garnet Weston lis
tened, and then 10 despair determined tc
seek some more stirring field, where the
image of his lost love would not be evei
before him.
A month later found him cavalry cap
tain in the army of Bcnito Juarez, where
few weeks later, he was surprised to be
Joined by Capoul Monteith, who had alst
offered his service to the Mexican Presi
dent.
In an engagement, two days before they
arc presented to the reader in their tent
they had been captured and carried int
the lines of Maximilian.
That night in camp they were playing
game of checkers, pour Pa'ser 'e temps
and Capoul, who was an expert player, wa
surprised to see how readily he was beateI
by Garnet.
Suddenly heavy tread resounded with
out, the sentinel challenged, there was {
response, and the next instant three O
Maximilian's officers entered the tent, on'
of whom was an American, Republican
fighting for Imperial Mexico, against th'
Republic; another was a fashy-lookint
Frenchman, the third was Mexican
colonel,
Gentlemen, nm sorry to disturb you
but news has come tonight that Benit'
Juarez has executed captain Of our army
and have orders to select one Of you, aut
march you forth to die in retaliation" an(
the American Imperalist looked sud owe
the duty he had to perform.
"You cannot mean that one Of us mus
die for an offence against Macmillan b,
Juarez," said Capoul Monteith, rising.
@Eyen SO are my orders, sir but
know not witch to select, for my duty j
most painful
LET the gentlemen play game for tn
choice--,he loser to die" suggested tn
young Frenchman,
"a good idea, monsieur. Gentlemen
] observe you we're playing game o
checkers when we entered, so set to worl
and play three games, the one who win
two of them to escape, the other to die"
asWhen is this execution to be r. aske'
Garnet Weston
/" Within the hour, sir.
''Very well; Capoul, lam ready for th
game Of life and death.
Capoul NIontcith paced to and fro th
tent with quick, nervous strides he wa
young, handsome, possessed Of vast wealth
and fond Of life, and he cared not to b
thus shot down like a dog; but he was
brave man, and thought Of Garnet Weston
whom he bad always admired, and hal
wished to be the loser rather than TO Sc
his friend die.