The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-10-18

that hs had % perfectly mastered the great poet"
 "i believe him." said Forbes. "for 1 never read Paradise Lost but fe~ times and can almost repeat some of it."
 ~l know that can," rejoined Black. Now morn her rosy steps in th' eastern cline Advancing. sowsd the earth with orient pearl, When Adam walked, so eustomed, for his sleep
 Was airy light from pure digestion bred, And temperate vapors blend, which tn only sound l Of leaves and fuming rills. Aurora's fan Lightly dispersed, and the shrill matin song Of buds on every bough.' There," said Mir. Black, when he had finished the recital. "I have that much, any way"
 "lt is no, correct" Yates declared.
 Black touched me. Hooked down and saw tha, he had an open copy of" Paradise Lost,' lying on his lap.
 -I say it is. I'll repeat it again" He recited the lines again, and by following him, saw that he was correct, still Yates protested. @Why," he ex- claimed, "if were betting character wouid-but it's useless to talk to you, Black"
 "Yes, when you oppose something which know to be right"
 To relieve you of little of the con- ceit which has lately crept in among your other accomplishments, I'll bet you five hundred pounds"
 "I haven't that much money with me I'll bet you fifty pounds"
 "No, be- five hundred pounds. Your words good"
 "H Have you that amount about you, Bledsoe T whispered Black. "I would like to take some of the self-con6dence out of him."
 "l counted out the bank notes and handed them to him"
 Here Forbes" said Black, hold the stakes"
 "I am not a member of jockey club" replied Forbes.
 "No," said Yates, "you are very con- scien ious. You can follow an army in the hope of seeing men get their heads shot of, but are rather tender-hearted in matters of finance. Labouchere, hold the stakes"
 "Wait minute and I'll be the most interested gambler oi this occasion. Give me match, somebody. My cigars out"
 "Why don't you nngr
 Ring why that fellows asleep. Mir. Bledsoe, have you a match fn
 handed him match. He struck it, but the head flew of. "Give me another please"
 compiled, but it went out. Here" said I, handing him my last match, "if this fails to serve you"
 Cts all right, he said. Pass over your poodle, gentlemen"
 AtS poSA enS iuOhSy, oa0 AaC ugAt lu- stant found myself in total darkness"
 Whats the matter with the gas, La bouchereT P asked.
 No reply. Biack-Forbes! Here, you d-d rascals !''
 Vainly l searched my pockets for a match. Igroped abou, in darkness until l found the door. l opened i, and en- tered hallway equally dark. I shouted until my voice was hoarse, bu, heard no welcome foot-steps-no rejoinder save chilling echo. must have groped around for hours before found an out let. This led me into a dismal court. yard at last gained the street by ser pentine alleys. When once again under the glare of light, 1 blushed for my stu pidity. l thought of securing the ser vices of detectives, but blushed deeper, and deciding to profit by my experience, returned to my hotel. left London the next day. without having chance to bid my literary and journalistic friends an emotional farewell. l became much at- tached to them during our few hours of acquaintance, and should like to mee. them again. wish had them down on my plantation.
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