Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-12-22

me to play. I had fully made up mind
to refuse him, and if he attempted TO
draw me into quarrel to shoot him with
out mercy, as knew that the only chance
for my life lay in getting the advantage
of him. Strarge to say, he aid not make
any such proposition to me, and I gave
him no chance to do so.
One night we had started out from
Yicksburg and were heading merrily
down the river, when Sturdivant came
up to the group which had gathered
around the stove. He had been drink
ing and was smoking a fine cigar. As
be approached all made way for him.
well, gentlemen he said, in an un-
steady tone. ssyou seem to be terrible
dull. Who wants to pay for $50 ante9"
There was no reply.
"Umphp' he exclaimed with an ex-
preston of contempt, 'afraid to try your
luck against Dan Sturdiyant, ehl Or
maybe you want q little coaxing. Some
of you must play with me. I can't stand
such treatment. Come. let's see who it
will be-"
he glanced around the crowd as if 20
select his victim. For the first time
noticed the gaze of one of the group fixed
steadily upon him. He was stranger
to me, and was dressed in a plain suit Of
homespun, and his face was partially
concealed y wide brimmed sombrero
which were drawn over it. He was a
small but powerfully made man, and in
the decided expression OF his well shaped
hand read an unsuaI irmness and in
tensity of purpose.
"Are you DAME! Sturdivant, the gam
blerg' he asked in calm tone, without
rising.
Sturdivant flushed darkly and gave
the stranger fierce glance.
'Some persons cali me so, behind my
back, he said, insolently, "but no one
woul5 dare TO apply that term to me be-
fore my face"
"Nevertheless," said the stranger, II
want an answer-yes or nc"
"Well, then," said the gambler, angrily,
II am. What of it2n
Simply this" replied the stranger, 81
have heard it said that you claim to be
the best card player in the southwest. |
have come two hundred miles to prove
you liar.
Sturdivant strobe forward step or two
and thrust his hand into his breast as il
to grasp weapon.
stop" said the stranger, eff you shoot
me, you will simply prove yourself afraid
of me. Take your seat at the table, and
I WI II m Ia m VI u,orI mad -
There was something in the calm, stern
manner of the stranger that seemed to
render the gambler powerless. He hest
tated tor moment and then said, bully
ingly:
81 never play with a man whose face l
cannot see."
"Never mind my face" said the strang-
er. eff you are not afraid of losing, you
shall see it when I am done with you"
"But how do know you have money
| enodgh for such sport?" persisted Sturdi.
want. "You look seedy enough, my fine
fellow"
"There," said the stranger, producing
a large pocket-book 81 have $4,000
there; if you can win it, you shall dc
| So"
! With an oath Sturdivant placed him
self at the table and babe his challenger
do likewise. Those of us who had lis
tened to this singular dialogue now gath
erd around the table expecting to see 6
| scene OF more than usual interest. The
stranger had not yet raised his hat brim
and none Of US had seen his face, but We
all felt from his general air and manner
that Daniel Sturdiyant had at last met his
match. 1t did not take long to show
that the stranger was an unusually good
player. For an hour or more the play.
| ing went on in silence. The stakes were
high and the contest marked with rare
skill. Sturdivant exerted himself as be
had never done before, but in spite of his
efforts he lost steadily. By the expira
ton of the time indicated above he had
lost So, 900. noticed the flush upon his
face deepen, and a strange light came in
to his eyes, at last with an exclamation Of
triumph, he drew toward him the heal
of notes.
''That was we'll DONE" said the stranger
"You are an expert at cheating. But g
on, can beat you whether you play
openly or dishonesty"
Sturdlvant said nothing but dealt the
cards again. The hand was played and
Sturdivant was about to seize the stakes
when the stranger laid down card and
checked him. The gambler uttered a
sharp cry and sat motionless with his
eyes fixed on the card, worn and faded
ace of hearts with dark red stain across
the face. Sturdivant's face worked con
vulsively as he gazed at it and the spec
tators gathered more closely around the
two, wondering at the strange scene.
In Gods name who are you2" gasped
Sturdivant, his eyes still fixed On the
card
"Look at me-" said the stranger out
city.
As if powerfess to resist, Sturdivant
raised bis eyes to the speaker TIE
stranger had raised his hat and sat look
ing at the trembling man with eyes thar
fairly blazed with fury. Sturaivant ut
tered groan and sank back in his chair,
with his face white and ligid. The
stranger with one sweep gathered up the
money from the table and thrust it into
his breast.
cha ace of hearts is an unluctzy car
for you, Daniel sturdivant," he said,
boldly. "You played itNonce when you
thoaght it to your advantage. Now God
help you, for that play is returned!"
AS he spoke he raised pistol which
VIC had not seen, and before we could
stop him, AIMED it deliberately at the
trembling man and fred. The gambler
fell heavily upon the table corpse, and
the bright blood streamed over it, hiding
the fatal card from sight.
Gentlemen" said the stranger, rising