New Ulm weekly review., 1885-12-23
OLD ACCOUNTS.
- Story Of tho New Yoar-Bread Cast up
on the Waters Returns.

- Story Of tho New Yosr-Bread CAST Up
on the Waters Returns.
CHAPTER 1.
The scene was Washington; the time
Christmas; the year '62. It was an in
tensely cold and bitter night so cold
that, in spite Of the hustle and ex-
eitement which usually prevailed until
the latest hours for they were sleep
less times, as many can remember, q,
the street were almost wholly de-
serted, and exposed to view but a few
stray individuals whom actual neces-
slty had called abroad. The rest
were closeted indoors; and, judging by
the light at the wind lows, were endeav-
or1ng to Danish from their minds all
serse and recollection of the outward
gloom. Yet there was little cause for
Joy, many a household mourned, many
q heart was crushed with woe. But
the season was imperative in it's
claims, and shed the halo of it's COM
fort over all, forming bright paren-
thesis between the two eternities Of
past anxiety, and the dark and wither-
ing uncert tainty which yelled the future.
1t IS not, however, in the private parts
OF the city, nor in a private house,
nor even II. a private room, that. our
story opens, but in one of the public
resorts of the most public thorough
fares which at that particular time
were thronged day andnight by eager,
anxious crowds, discussing the events
OF the day and the probabilities ofthe
morrow, with the stern, excited inter-
est ofthe times.
On the particular evening relating to
events we are about to describe, this
hotel was more than usually crowded.
Soldiers had arrived from camp and
had taken every vacant room in the
building, and in addition to soldiers
were contractors, suffers, ,paymasters,
and other public characters whom the
times had assembled to the det-
riment of the times! Many of these
were lounging in the hall of the hotel,
discussing noisily the latest events OF
the war, and predicting all kinds of
imaginable issues; while the rest, or
greater number rather, were smoking
and chatting in the large billard-1oom
OF the establishment, engaging in the
game itself, or grouped around the
PLAYERS who were most distinguished
by their skill, and who afforded special
interest.
Among the latter were two young
officers, one twenty-eight or thirty
years Of age, the other between twenty
and twenty five; fine, manly fellows,
both OF them, who had done brave
service, and who looked prepared to
encounter as many hardships and
dangers as the country might still
further exact of them. The darkness
Of the one contrasted strongly with
the fairness of the other, and at times
impaired to his features-esp especially
when he trowned-such a stern and
sinister expression, that many would
have Judged him, although perhaps
unjustly, inferior to his adversary and
unworthy ofany sympathy as regard
ed the contest.
The latter was all frankness and
good nature, with soft ard almost
feminine expression of countenance,
suggestive Of much feeling. They were
both OF them deeply interested in the
same. So equally were they matched,
chat it seemed as il the issue merely
hinged on some chance stroke or op-
portunity, which usually decides the
eontest between even players. Both
&ere playing, with the greatest skill
nnd caution, and the plaudits of the
,lookers-on whenever a brilliant stroke
WAS scored increased the zest and
4hrdor of the combatants. There was
quite a crowd assembled round the
table, and such was the excitement
which prevailed on every side, that
large sums OF money were already
stalSed on the result. The interest OF
abhe game, moreover, was increased by
gta1e large amount which was staked by
Fhe players themselves. This was
bheir second game; and the light-ha;r-
I'D combatant, who had won the sym
pathy and confidence Of all from the
commencement, stood fair to win the
sum of $500 on the issue. He won it;
and again challenging his opponent,
commenced a third game. The stakes
we're doubled, and the excitement trose
TO such a pitch in consequence, that
the more prudent of the lockers on be-
gan to murmur and disclaim among
themselves; while bolder members fol-
lowed the example OF the players,
doubling their stakes, and taking q
closer and more personal interest in
the proceedings. This time fortune
declared itself in favor of the dark con-
testant. He did not seem to be the
better player Of the two, but he played
more carefully, was more at ease, and
bad his feelings under strong control.
His adversary, on the other hand, was
becoming more and more nervous and
sxclted AND altogether less reliable; he
was losing his selfmastery besides and
playing wildly and extravagantly; as
4 his better Judgment had forsaken
him. All this, combined with the ef-
tectS of the wine which he was freely