The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1884-09-19

COUNTY q o !, I DAKOTA, j & FRI
4 ioSDoI IOIIDAI.
twas MOI . pleasant thing TO be
locked out ON that cold November
night when tbs rain was coming down
in torrents. Pleasant or not, Joseph
Noeton, Esq. oily son Of the Rev. j.
Norton, rsctor Of Q place with an ont
landau nane In North Wales. was
staring mp IS the outside Of the lodo-
ing house not far from (,ovent garden,
with the knowledge that, although he
had tho latchkey in his pocket, and
was sober enough TO properly insert
that la*chkey, he was looked out. He
had been to one ef tho theatres, and
had stopped on the way hack to have Q
bite Of supper, and 30 was about Ave
minutes too late. His respectable land
lady always told her young gentlemen
that unless they gave notice beforehand
the house would be looked and bolted
up at 10. Joe Norton turned away
from the door, heartily wishing himself
at home IN the quiet reotory, and think.
ing it an unlucky lay cn which he re-
solved to spend fortnight in London,
when he noticed man just opp osite
him, leaning against q lamp-pos with
his hands in his pockets.
"Halloa, sir, can't you get in?n
mo, I can't answered Joe; and what
Is that 10 your"
oh, nothing il you like, only I can
show You whore to have couple Of
hours Amusement, instead Of walking
about in the wet. I'm waiter sir, and
my time to begin work is about / O'Clock.
20 it you'll stand drink for the address.
I'll take You straight there. You can't
get IN without some one to introduce you,
unless the governor knows you, and I
guess he don't"
Joe was perfectly certain the governor
did not. The bargain was struck, and
very lucky Joe thought himself. At 1
sharp they entered dull, respectable
looking street in which to all appearance
every house was closed and every in
habitant asleep. The ordinary kitchen
door was opened by q pretty maidser-
want; who silently admitted them and
opened the door of what appeared to
be good-sized cupboard. Stepping
inside, Joe found himself in briiliant.
ly-lighted room with about eighteen
men, mostly in evening dress, playing
cards. He knew as much about gamb-
ling and cards as bear knows about
dancing before it is taught. He noticed
sl the various types of the genus gamb-
ler, and ordered cigar and Q glass Of
sherry, as he was evidently expected to
do something, and that was about the
least he could do to stop there at all, No,
thought he, they shall not tempt me to
try to play. So he watched. Present.
" the green baize door which formed
the cupboard on tho other side was
opened and man came ina haggs rd-
looking man, tall and gentlemanly, but
with afearful look of despair ON his face
as he walked across to where Joe was
standing.
"Hsvelyou been playing tonight, sir ?"
asked the stranger.
mo, I never play"
"Then don't begin tonight, lad.
See that man there? He is the pro-
prietor. just look at his face as he
handles the money. See how the gold
flashes through his fingers. Look!"
Joe was heartily wishing himself out
side, even in the pouring wet, and was
wondering how to get there. The man
frightened him with his wild, disjointed
talking; so he pulled out his purse to
pay for what he had. Quick as thought,
before he had time to move, the purse
was gone, and the man had disappeared.
Luckily he had some loose money, and
SO calling his friendly waiter to him
he informed him Of what had CO.
CURED.
mo use to make fuss, sir. I'll tell
old Bullseye and he'll let you co."
Giving him an address as to where to
come for his promised fec, Joe was eau
tiously let out into the kitchen, where
he discovered the maidservant, who,
with q tired look, was sitting with her
hands in her lap. She started up as he
ntered.
Joe soon explained, told of his loss,
and described the man who had robbed
him.
II know him, poor fellow" she said.
II know where he lives"
Then" said Joe, II shall be greatly
obliged il you will give me his address,
and ] will send the police on the rascal
in the morning."
"Wlll You. Would you like all the
world to read in the newspapers as to
whore you lost your money 2"
That was quite a new way of looking
tit. II would hardly do for the rector
Of that quiet, secluded Welsh village to
read in the weekly papers vivid de-
scription of gambling saloon, in which
his son was robbed. Meantime the girl
had put on . dark bonnet and cloak,
and had filed basket full of catables.
s'Now, sir, come with me and I will
show you where he is; and. if am not
mistaken in your face, do not think
you will be hard on him. Come"
| She took his hand, and led him up
the dark area steps. No one was about,
and shortly afterward they got into the
Westminster bridge road. After the
girl had examined two or three doors,
she turned the handle of one and went
in, beckoning Joe to follow her up the
close, dark, wooden staircase, lighted
by the help of one Of Joe's matches.
Listen" }" she said, when she got to
the top. #
They were standing by an open door.
| Joe listened, and heard the voice of the
man who had stolen his purse.
Kate, dear, see here is money,
gold, gold, gold! A kind gentleman
gave it TO me, and now they can't turn
Us out Tomorrow, and you can have
food and wine, dear, and then you
will get better. my darling"
God bless him." said sweet, Sad
voice.
"Thats vha. I told him, DEAR" said
the man again. -. ~
"Look, !" said the girl. And Joe did
look. ~
There, close to the bed, knelts; man
trying bard to keep back his sobs,
holding woman's hand in his; and
the woman who lay on that tumble
down bed was stroking his brown hair,
and trying to comfort him by saying
she would soon be better.
"Wil1 you hurt him now?" whispered
the girl "Tell me-"
r.