Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1885-12-25
OLD ACCOUNTS.
A Story of the New Year-BroaiNC Cast Up
on the Waters Returns.

D.
on tho Waters Returns.
CHAPTER I.
TIE scene was Washington; the time
Christmas; the year '62. Itwas an in
tenSey cold and bitter night-so cold
that, in spite OF the hustle and ex-
citenent which usually prevailed until
the latest hours-for they were Sleep
less times, as many can remember
the street were almost wholly de-
serted and exposed to view but q few
stray individuals whom actual neces-
slty had called abroad. The rest
were closeted indoors; and, judging by
the light at the windows, were endeav-
oring to Danish from their minds all
case and recollection Of the outward
gloom, Yet there was little cause for
y, many q household mourned, MANY
a 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 IL bright paren-
thesis between the two eternities of
pas anxiety, and the dark and wither-
ing uncer' ainty which yelled the future.
1t IS not, however, in the private parts
OF the city, nor in a private house,
nor even III 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 and night by eager,
anxious crowds, discussing the events
Of the day and the probabilities ofthe
morrow, with the stern, excited inter-
est of the 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-alas, to the det-
rimcnt Of the times! Many of these
We're lo'nging in the hall of the hotel
discussing oisily the latest events of
the war, and predicting all kinds of
imaginable issues; while the rest. or
greater number rather, were smoking
and chat ting in the large billard-1oom
OF the establishment, engaging in the
game itself, Or grouped around the
players who were most distinguished
by th"lrskill, and who afforded special
interest.
Among the latter were two Young
officers, one twentyeight 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--es pecially
when he trowned-such stern and
sinister expression, that many would
have Judged him, although perhaps
unj ustl y, inferior to his adversary and
unworthy ofany sympathy as rex gard
ed the contest.
The latter was all frankness and
good nature, with soft and almost
feminine expression of countenance,
suggestive OF much feeling. They were
both OF them deeply interested in the
game: Soequally were they matched,
that it seemed as il the issue merely
hinged GIL some chance stroke or op-
portunity, which usually decides the
contest between even players. Both
were playing with the greatest skill
and caution, and the plaudits of the
lookers-on whenever a brilliant stroke
was scored increased the zest and
ardOr 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
staked on the result. The interest Of
the game, moreover, was increased by
the large amount which was staked by
the players themselves. This was
their second game; and the light hair
ed combataht, 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 third game. The stakes
were doubled, and the excitement rose
to such pitch in consequence, that
the more prudent of the lookers-on be-
gan to murmur and disclaim among
themselves; while holder members fol-
lowed the example OF the players,
doubling their stakes, and taking a
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
had his feelings under strong control
His ad versary, on the other hand was
becoming more and more nervous and
excited and altogether less reliable; he
was losing his self-mastery besides and
playing wildly and extravagantly; as
II his better Judgment had forsaken
Mm. All this, combined with the ef-
tects Of the wine which he was freely
drinking, tended to convince the look
ers on that he would have but little
chance If he continued; and those who
had lately bet on his success moved
moodlly away to other quarters.
Before commencing a new game o.
brother officer stepped upto him, and
drawing him aside, endeavored to lead
HIM away. 1t vas of no avail. After
challenging his comrade to play an
other game, he continued the contest
and lost. Again he played, and still
the same result; until. at length, his
last remaining sum-which he had
staked with trembling hands-was
swept away; all-all he had in the
orld, and he and fate were left to
int it out alone.