Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1875-04-08

not iOTSet, duueu, W lutTouuCc inc
to Mr.. Rivers. We are not acquaint-
ed"
A few minutes later the introduction
took place, and lively and interesting
game was entered upon. The stakes
were high, and, although / was prac-
ticed player, my luck seemedquite mar
velous. Weakly assisted by Erskine, I
easily won the first three games.
As the deal was made by Rivers ut
the beginning Of hefourth game, hap
pened carelsssly to glance toward his
face. 1t was one of those mobile faces
on which the passions or emotions of
the "inner man" are easily portrayed.
/ read there, to my intense surprise,
the profoundest contempt, mixed with
an apparently almost ungovernable an
ger. He returned my glance with a
fierce expression in his deep-black, Span.
ish sort of eyes that was far from pleas
ing me. 1t was kind of look which no
gentleman cares about receiving from
another
Nv blood rose on the instant. Was
it possible that he suspected me of foul
play? What could have done to mer-
it this most singular Indignation, tacit-
ly expressed, it is true, but none the less
evident?
"Oblige me by explaining" said, in
a voice that thoroughly controlled the an
noyance I felt, "the cause of your some-
what peculiar demeanor towards me,
Mr.. Rivers. 1 am 10th to believe that
any misunderstanding should have oc-
Cured between US, but"
To my CONSERVATION, he interrupted
me with sneer and a contemptuous
wave of the hand in nv direction.
"Mr Sternforth need not assume with
me the manners of an injured party. l
hare played tchist too often not to detect
swindling, especially when SO paipable
and open as this. The manners Of low
gambling houses have been up to the
present time, 1 believe, wholly foreign
to the card-tables of the L Club
/ regret that one whom believed to be
a gentleman should have introduced
them this evening"
was on nv feet now with clenched
hands, and face that must have been
white and ghastly with half-smothered
rage.
"Do you dare to assert" began;
but passion choked me, and the cold
sneering tones of Rivers continued:
Il dare to assert, Edward Sternforth,
that you are a swindling card-sharper!"
answered him with a blow this time;
not damaging blow, however, for the
quick hand Of Erskire thrust mine aside
before it had time to more than Craze
the cheek of nv insulter. Then there
was great noise of rushing feet. and,
before l could well realize my position.
fully fifty men stood between Rivers and
myself.
ut was an outrageous insult" said
the voice of Erskine. who stood close at
nv side amid the throng; land You re-
turned it bravely, or would have done
So. had not prevented you"
(which l greatly regret, Erskine. "
Ny GOODNESS was beginning to return
now,
why regret it?" continued Erskine.
Gentlemen should find other weapons
than their fists, Sternforth. A blow is
blow. however, no matter how light
ly dealt. suppose Rivers will chal-
lenge YOU"
He had hardly finished speaking be-
fore Holmes, the gentleman who had
been Rivers partner at whist, made his
way toward the throng.
II am requested by Mr.. Rivers" he
said, ito demand immediate satisfac-
tion from You for the insult You have
inflicted"
Immediate satisfaction / said, coolly
How is that possible. Although the
age of duelling is past
.Ah, all you hesitate" exclaimed
twenty voices.
l looked about me. 1t seemed as il
the eyes of every man present were
fixed intently upon my face.
You are mistaken, gentlemen said
with the greatest calmness of manner
could assume. Il do not hesitate.
merely desire to know what is expected
of me in this matter
To fight answered the twenty voices
Il then do not refuse Dir. Rivers chal.
lenge. / am skillful at no weapon bu,
the pistol; and as have, believe, the
choice of weapons'-addressing myself
now exclusively to Holmes-I shall Of
course choose that. ANY further change
in the matter of time and place, will,
trust, be assumed by my friend, Mr.
Erskine'
Erskine bowed assen.insly. A few
moments of conversation took place be
tween himself and Holmes. when, turn
ing TO NE, he at length said:
! I have decided upon both place ant
time-here and now. Does the ar
rangement meet with your approval
There is no necessity Of making this af
fair-provided it does not result in Ter,
serious nse9uences-unduly public
Rivers has expressed wish that tn,
duel, if YOU accept his challenge, tax,
place at once. The weapons, also ar,
in the building
Very WE'LL / said, with q voice tha
shook little, in spite of NV efforts I,
control it; i consent to your PROPOSE
tion.'
1t is not the frst time that matter
of this sort have been settled here i,
the club upon the evening of thei
occurrence, Erskine went on. So fa
l am glad to state that nothing NOR,
serious than heshwounds have been th,
result. Will you remain here Will,
Holmes and l measure the PAGES in an
other portion Of the room? All vii
be prepared in very few moments.