Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1882-02-01

twenty for every one OF the strangers
ten.
The New Yorker seemed somewhat
startled at the magnitude Of The stout
old part,'s coAllense; but he wasn't
going to be bluGea by an old Red
RIVER planter by any manner OF means;
so he cheeriully nodded assent, and
play was resumed, Clark losing heavily,
but making no compl 'In., though
obviously nervous-and trle disirust-
full of himself.
When Robbins had won five thous-
and dollars, the other said be had
enough of the planters play; and would
try his luck at three card monte by wa'
of a change; adding, with refreshing
candor, that it was trek game and
not one in fifty could win at it.
Robbins exulting told HIM to 60 ahead
and see if he found hlm so very slow.
Clark complied with the ease OF one
long accustomed 10 the business, and
sklfully threw the cards.
Robbins bet GU the ace OF hearts, and
won; again the cards were thrown, and
again the planter won. The stakes
were doubled, and still success "as his.
The game was getting exiting. Rob-
bins grew red in the face, his HANDS
shook and his eyes looked ready to
start from his head. Clark vas cool.
but watchful, aud so VAS Perkins, who
sat with bis carpet bag between his
knees and his feet drawn up under h.
chair. iurtively noting the manner ci
both the cotton planter and the cotton
buyer.
Ten thousand dollars in notes aud
gold lay on tie table.
Robbins bet his last shilling on The
seven of clubs, and-losl!
From red bis face became deadly
pale, his breath came in quick, difficult
gasps, and his lips trembled violently.
4 am ruined" he moarCd-'nlterly
rulneon
Il told yod it vas tick game
cody replied the gambler-'a mere
slight Of haud. You thought Joa cav
the seven OF clubs 10 be at the bottom
Of the pack, but he result proves that
you didn't
The planter arose, staggered to the
opposite side of the cabin, and threw
himself face downward on sofa that
happened to be there.
III try you Land at tEat ARE
game. said voice at the sharpcr's el-
bow. THROW your cards, mister, for l
kinder think, if ye haven't gol the pict-
ures set up, that kin bea! tie auimal
right here and now
The cotton bnyerp turned and con-
fronled the long featured. lalhy Perkins
VINO had risen, and mildly requested
the favor Of being cleaned ont Or win
ming back what the planter had lo't.
The astonished gambler, for such he
really was, started contemporary al
the lank speaker. but when he saw the
fellow take well llled wallet from hi
pocket. his frown became 4 smile, and
be eagerly assenled 20 the strangers
foelhardy proposition.
The two first games Pe.kins won; the
third and fourth he lost.
The wallet was empy but he was by
no means at the end OF his resources.
Deliberately unlocking his shabby Car
pet bag he took therelrOm a goodly
sized bag OF gold. and proudly thumped
1t down on the table.
Ten thousand dollars, stranger, can |
yoa cover .l?'
'Yes, and 80 you five thousand be;' |
ter
Coco! III sec you nve, aud double
1t twice
Forty thousand dollars and tie
gam bler's cheeks flushed. It's a BIZ
pile, stranger
Make 1t fifty, and toss your cards.
The older planter raised his head and
looked dazedly at The reckless Perkins.
His hands we're behind him, aud al
most touching the stove, in which there
was no fire, however, and so black ard
shiny as to make it a matter OF doubt
rs to whether il had ever contained
any.
Before giving Tie sharper PERMISSION
to toss The cards, The yerdan; looking
had taken The precaulion to
carefully examine each one, as if TO tho
roughly satisfy himself that lie was not
belug cheated.
Perkins bet on lie queen OF diamonds.
Ills light blue eyes were as sharp as fer
rel's, and the gambler felt that il would
not do 10 count to much on his apparent
yerdaucy. Passing over the first two
cards, Perkins quickly picked up the
queen of diamonds, and with
a single swift movement Of his long
hand swept the stakes into his carpet
bag aud drew his revolver.
You nre a swindler, an arrant knave'
;rled the enraged and completely OUT
tricked gambler-a 'despicable fraud,
and you have cheated me cut OF my
money
Easy, my ilieud! coolly advised
Perkins. It's fair thing, only | know
The games and don't bct on the card l
,ec. Here's you money, mister APP
preaching the amazed Robbins, and
.hrusting a sroll OF bank notes in his
hand, 'aud the next time sou play,
.hree card monte with professional,
don't forget to mark your picture before
,totiuo yonr njle.'