Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-06-13

l can see it plainly, though he tries to
laugh away my fears. I know it is so, for
I have been told by one who is my friend,
and who told Inc out of pure friendship for
Ambrose. 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 COM
panions are leading him astray, and yet
he thinks them friends
s'And do you think he is gone to the
card-table to-night?'' inquired her brother.
| II am afraid so,''. she replied Sand If
he does-oh! dare not think of it! He
has good deal of money with him. Be-
fore you came was weeping over my
fears. I have never let him know how
much knew concerning his course, for I
feared 'twould only make him more excl
ted. Alas! know not what to do. I do
not think he has yet ostmuch, but 1 know
he will never leave the facinating habit
until he is ruined, unless something can
be done to move him."
"Tis true enough, LYDIA" returned the
captain, II did teach Ambrose to play
though God knows never meant to teach
him to gamble-and will cure him now
if l can. Do you think he is at it now?''
II think he would have been at home
before this time if he had not fallen ia
with some of his evil associates said
Lydia.
''Then my dear sister, you rest here
while 60 and find him. said James.
.I'll save him if I CAM
''But you'll come back soon,' said his
sister.
James stopped, and thought for mo-
ment' II don't know he said. ''But
don't you be worried. No harm shall be-
fall Ambrose tonight
1t was just nine o'clock as Ambrose
Dearborn entered gambling house. His
business had kept him later than usual
and having made good sum in trade that
day, he had determined to stake the
amount upon the altar of fortune. His
wife was right in her fears. The card ia
BILE had gained facinatlng power over
him, and he had lost some heavy sums;
but on the previous evening 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 to
continue his luckl He meant only to play
an hour or so, and then 90 home. He
went up to the sidebeard and took glass
of wine, and as he turned he met stran-
ger, who had apparently come for the
same purpose.
"Good evening"" said the stranger, in
a pleasant tone, as he poured out a tumbler
full of water from the pitcher and drank
it. Ambrose returned the salutatlon. II
came in to take few minutes recreation
at cards. said the stranger, ''but find
no friends here.''
$50 did t. answered Ambrose, 'sand
my friends are missing.'
"Then suppose we take hand or two,
just to pass away the time until others
come" said the stranger.
with pleasure" said Dearborn.
Accordingly the two sat down, and were
soon on the most friendly terms. The
cards were dealt, and for while the play
ing was on small scale and the luck
about even. By-and-by Ambrose began
to win, and he went on until he had won
more than twenty pounds. He would have
felt somewhat ashamed had not his antag-
mo Sv,fo inn ,o6 hy,,,~ 4
smiled SO kindly when he lost.
But anon the luck changed. Ambrose
lost all he had won, and soon lost over
twenty pounds besides. He had just ten
sovereigns more. A new hand was dealt
he was the non-dealer, and therefore
considered to have an advantage over his
opponent-he held four jacks. Twas the
best hand by far that had been out during
the game, it being the first ''quatorze" he
had seen during the evening. He bet a
sovereign. His antagonist covered it and
went another sovereign higher.
81 have an excellent hand,' said the
stranger, with a Ii hit laugh.'' 1 have held
better ones, but this is good. l shall bet
high on it."
Ambrose did not speak. He was excl
ted. He was afraid his antagonist would
mistrust how good his hand was aud stop
betting. But the betting went on until
Ambrose had placed his last coin on the
table.
''Shall 60 higher?' asked the stranger
''As you please" said Ambrose.
''Then 1 must say another ffty,'' repli-
ed the stranger. "By the trump of
trumpsl you shall have chance to win
this time.''
Ambrose hesitated moment, and then
he placed his ha nd in his bosom and drew
forth package Of bank notes. There
were four hundred pounds. 1t was sum
he had drawn from the bank that very
day. It was the accumulation of four
years labor, and economy, for the purpose
of paying for his house and shop. He
his antagonists last stake. He hesitated
for moment, and then he drew another
fifty and event that'' over. The stranger
covered the fifty and ''went a hundred
more" Ambrose covered the hundred,
but he dared but no higher, and he called
for his companions hand. The stranger
smiled as he showed it-four queens!
Ambrose uttered deep groan as he
folded his CARDS and placed them on the
pack.
"Upon my world that 8 hard, my friend, .
said the stranger; 'but better luck next
time. Come! III deal for you this time.''
A new hand was dealt, and this time
| Ambrose won twenty pounds. He began
to revive Next he won fifty pounds more.
He went and got another glass OF wine,
and then returned in better spirits. But