The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1879-09-20
AN EVEN BET.

Slumberwell is the slightly old-fash-
Toned market-town of one of the west
ern shires Of "merrie England"
1t is a sleepy-looking place, except on
market days.
The Bears Head" is the best-and
nearly only-commercial "house" in
Slumberwell
Now, then, gentlemen, pleased
times upH shouts the landlord, putting
his head into the billiard-room at the
closing-time one night.
Make it an even bet and I'll take
you, Waggersl" exclaims Harry Doun-
ton, young man of forward and lady
killing appearance.
Donel Put down your coin, Harry!
Ten pounds a sidew
And Mr. Waggers young
man, square built, shock-headed, small
eyed, and with boisterous, frolicsome
way-drew out a handful of mixed gold
and silver coins, and counted out ten
sovereigns on to the green cloth.
go it, Waggersl Hullo, Daunton,
you're in for it, Down with your ten
'quidg" cried the little crowd of men
looking on.
Times up, please gents" this time
from Perks, the pot boy, who seemed to
make an instantaneous and magic appear
ance among the party.
1t would have been difficulty to
guess even at the age of Perks. Any
thing between ten and forty. His voice
was shrill as boys; his height just four
feet eleven; face weakened and hairless
head about two sizes too large for his
small body, and close-cropped; handy
legged and with long, muscular arms.
No one took the slightest notice of
Perks's admonition.
Hand the stakes to Wilkins; he'll
hold them" exclaimed several
Harry Daunton produced bank note
from his pocket-book, and dropped it
among the gold.
Whats it all aboutg asked tall
man, with the most "refereeish" look
of the party, stepping forward, and
gathering up the money with quite
used-to-it sort of way.
A chorus of explanations followed,
with which Perks's shrill "Time's up,
gents~ mingled to no purpose.
Zone at timep expostulated Will
kins, the tall man. "Now, then, Wag-
gersp'
"Well," commenced that individual,
Harry Daunton has just bet me even
money-you hold the stakes-that to-
morrow not being market-day, and
weather permitting-he will set off from
the door below at midday, and proceed
ing on the left-hand side half mile
down the street-that is to say, as far
down as DowselPs pump-k kiss every
woman he meets on his own side! Eli,
Harry?"
"That's It'll" returned Mr.. Daunton,
confidently. you'll be there, Wilkins,
to see all's square?"
Wilkins nodded, and made a note in
the fiy-leaf of his betting book.
Z Now, gets, times upp
simultaneously the lights went out,
and the party followed, scampering and
jostling.
Why did Mr.. Waggers rise next morn
ing with the worm that precedes the
early bird, and make such an untimely
visit to the Institute for Aged and
Respectable Females" that was situated
opposite DowselP S pump?
well, that's a good 'unw calculated
old Dame Scaremale, when he had gone.
He says whoever'll have drop of gin
toddy this cold day, with rusk to help
it down, let 'em come up to the Boar's
Head about twelve o'clock. He's a
gentleman Pm onp'
Dame Scaremale was a raw, bony
woman, past the prime of life, but with
nails and muscles in good condition yet,
and a very virago for modesty. 1t is
true she had married a man; but the
report goes, he only survived it two
months.
II
Outside of the front entrance to the
Bears Headn
Now, then, Daunton; it's twelver'
said Wilkins, returning his watch to his
pocket. "There are deuced few people
in sight,"
" All right said Harry; but you
feliows--only Waggers and Wilkins to
accompany, mindP'
A murmur of assent came from the few
who had gathered round to see the start.
Where's PerksT' shouted Waggers.
Got half days leave sir" said the
landlord, coming forward.
Waggers drew him aside, and some
whispering took place.
All right sir,' nodded the landlord,
when they had finished. "Pl see they
has it as they comes in, sir, and put It
down to your account"
Off they start, the unabashed Harry
Leading on the left hand side; Messrs.
Waggers and Wilkins followed on the
other.
Harry was in luck. Looking down the
long street, there scarcely seemed a
dozen folks in sight altogether.
First he met a young shop girl. who
received his salute with blush and a
stare; theh fresh-colored farmers wife
who declared the young man must be
mad; but, there! after all" then an
aged, stout gentleman with his charming
daughter, who shrank from him in vain,
while her paternal relative could dc
nothing but snort, and vociferate empty
threats after the hence speeding rogue
then he surprised cook and housemaid
outside theirfrontdoor, who only laughed
and asked for another, which they didn't
got; then 1t was \ girl of about fourteen,