River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1884-08-28

ooh, nothing if you like. only can
show you where 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,
so if You'll stand a 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 /
guess he don't"
Joe was perfectly certain the governor
did not. The bargain was struck, land
very lucky Joe thought himself At
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 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 brilliant
ly-hghted 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
all the various types of the genus gamb-
Ter, and ordered cigar and a 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
ly the green baize door which formed
the cupboard ON the other side was
opened and a man came ina haggs rd-
looking man, tall and gentlemanly, but
with fearful look of despair on his face
as he walked across to where Joe was
standing.
"HaveiEou been playing tonight, sir ?"
asked the stranger.
"No, 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
dashes through his fingers. LookT'
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
Luckily he had some loose money, and
so calling his friendly waiter to him
he informed him of what had oc-
Cured.
"No 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 fee, Joe was eau
tiouslv let out into the kitchen, where
he discovered the maidservant, who,
with tired look, was sitting with her
hands in her lap. She started up as he
tered.
Joe soon explained, told of his loss,
and described the man who had robbed
him.
81 know him, poor fellow" she said
II know where he lives"
"Then," said Joe, II shall be greatly
obliged if 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
where you lost your money!"
That was quite new way of looking
at it. 1t would hardly do for the rector
of that quiet, secluded Welsh village to
read in the weekly papers vivid de-
seription of a gambling saloon, in which
his son was robbed Meantime the girl
had put ON a dark bonnet and cloak,
and had filled basket full of eatables.
''Now, sir, come with me and l will
show you where he is; and. if l 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, reckoning 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 4 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 what 1 told him, DEAR" said
the man again.
Look" said the girl. And Joe did
look.
There, close to the bed, knelt man
trying bard 70 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 sooH be better.
"Will you hurt him now?" whispered
the girl Tell me-"
The truth was Joe could hardly speak
He had lump in his throat, and was
rather filmy about the eyes; but he
shook his head. and drew his compan-
ion farther from the door,
al had better not go in" he said, She
night say something before her that
night brighten her about that, you
know"
The young girl by his side caught his
nand and kissed it. That did not by
any means improve Jeo's equanimity
Il will go and tell him friend wants
to speak to him. May / say friend2r
Joe vigorously nodded his head. The
man came out soon. The landing on
which they stood was only lighted by
The reffe ction of the candle in the room.
II guessed it was you sir. Don't tell
her might, that's ALL 1t will kill her
when she does know it. I never meant
TO take it, sir. went to see if I could
get some money from her father. 1t
was so hard to see her starve in this
wretehed hole, and now it viii be worse
than ever
There in the dim light which made
darkness visible, Joe held out his hand.
The man looked at it and then into
Toes face. Then he broke down. The