Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-02-08
1airp Nenntbtt Sournal.
THE CARD TABLE.


sad and responding. She was not over
six-and-twenty, and though her face was
pale and wan. yet she was beautiful. A
warm fire burned in the CRATE, for 1t was
winter, and the lamp upon the centre
table was lighted, for it was evening.
She sat thus, trying to read when the door
was opened and a stranger entered. She
started up with fear at thus seeing a
strange man enter her apartment unbid-
den.
"Lyda-don't you know meY'
The woman started at the sound of the
voice, and the blood rushed to her brow
and temples. She took step forward
and gazed more sharply into the intruder S
face.
james ?" she murmured, nterroga-
lively.
Yes, my sister. Didn't you know
?n
But, instead of answering in words,
Lydia rushed forward and sank upon the
mans bosom, and there she wept for joy.
1t was, IN truth, her own brother.
"And you didn't know me Pr he said,
with a smile. after he had.taken a seat.
"Why, no, James. Five years have
altered you wonderfully. But then that
beard all over your face makes good
deal of difference
.'All the difference in the world, sister
Two years ago, while my ship lay at Can
ton. had my beard all shaved off, and
when | came aboard, some of my own
men did not know me at first
Then, | wish you'd shave ii off now.
for you look more like a bear than you do
like James Barrows."
The brother laughed. and then the con-
versation ran for awhile upon various top
les suggested by the return of the loved
one. James Barrows was now thirty-two
years of age. and had been absent from
his native city for five years during which
time he had command OF fine ship.
by the way" said the brother, at the
end of half an hour. Il stopped in New
York on my way here, and | saw Kate
Waldren there. She told me she heard
you say you wished your husband had
never known me. Did you ever say such
a thing as that ?"
Lydia's eyes filed with tears in mo-
ment. and deep sob broke from her
lips. Her brother was startled. lie
moved to her side, and put his arm about
her neck.
What is it sister ? he asked anxious
ly.
ALAS, James, l will tell you. But first
let me assure you that did not mean ex-
actly what said to Kate. You remem-
Der five years ago, when you used to tell
such stories about gambling scenes on the
Mississippi. Ambrose asked you to teach
him to play poker, as you call It. You
taught him the game, and one or two
evenings you went with him to some So
cial card parties"
"Yes, yes-I remember all that
"Well-the spirit OF gaming is now
fastening itself upon him. | can see it
plainly, though he tries to laugh away my
fears. / know it is so, for | have been
told by one who is my friend, and who
told me out of pure friendship for Am
brOse. But | have not yet dared to let
him know how sure my information is, for
he would be angry did he know that any
one had told this to me. Oh, know his
impetuous nature, and | fear he will be
lost ere he is aware of it. Evil companions
are leading him astray. He thinks them
friondsm
land do you think ne has gone to the
card table tonight ?"
81 am afraid so. And if he does--oh,
dare not think of it. He has much money
with him. Before you came was weep
ing over my fears. | have never let him
know how much | knew concerning his
course, for i feared 'twould only make
him more excited. Alas | know not
what to do. / do not think he has vet
lost much, but / know that he will never
leave the fascinating habit until he is
ruined, unless something can be done to
move him."
My soul, LYDIA returned the captain |
warmly, 81 did teach Ambrose to play
though God knows never meant to teach |
him to gamble-and | will cure him now
If | can. Do you think he is at it now p
81 think he would have been at home
before this time, if he had not fallen in
with some of his evil associates
Then you rest here while 90 and find
him. BY my soul, I'll save him if can -
''But you'll come back soon ?''-
James stopped and thought for a mo-
ment.
Il don't know" he said. "But don't
You be worried, no harm shall befall Am
brose tonight"
II was just nine o'clock as Ambrose
Dearborn entered one of the gambling sa-
looms of the city. His business had kept
him later than usual, and having made |
some fifteen dollars in trade since dark, |
had determined to stake that amount upon
the altar of fortune.
His wife was right in her fears The |
card-table had gained fascinating power
over him, and he had lost some heavy
sums. But on the previous evening he |
he had been cursed with turn of winning
luck, and had won back very nearly as |
much as he had lost. and he was now on
his way 10 continue his luck He meant
only to play an hour or so, and then 90
home. He went to the sideboard aud took !
glass of wine, and as he turned he met
a stranger, who had seemingly come for
the same purpose.