The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1886-01-01
OLD ACCOUNTS.
Aeeery Of the New Year-nr~ad Cast Up
AAthA WA4ers Raturns.

Asesry Of The New Year-nr~ad Cast Up.
IN the Waters Returns.
CHAPTER I.
The scene was Washington; the time
Christmas; the year '62. twas an in.
tsnsa.y cold and bitter night-so cold
That, in spite Of the hustle and ex.
element which usuallypreyailed until
the latest hours-for they we're sleep
less times, as many can remember
the street were almost wholly de.
serted, and exposed to view but a few
stray individuals whom actual neces-
saty 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
seEse and recollection OF the outward
gloom. Yet there was little cause for
Joy, manya household mourned, many
9 heart was crushed with woe. But
the eason was imperative in it's
claims, and shed the halo OF its COM
tort over all, forming a bright paren-
thesis between the two eternities Of
past anxiety, and the dark and wither-
ing uncertainty which yelled the future.
1t IS not, however, in the private parts
OF the city, nor in a private house,
nor even in 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 relatsngto
events VIZ r 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 assemhled-alasl to the det-
riment OF the timesl Many of these
were lonnging 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 glarge billard-1 DOM
OF the establishment, engaging i'll the
game itself. or grouped around the
players who were most distinguished
by %theirskill, and who afforded special
interest.
Among the latter were two young
officers, n 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 n contrasted strongly with
the fairness Of the other, and at times
Impaired to his features-especially
when he trowned-such q 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 a soft and almost
feminine expression of c~ountenance,
suggestive OF much feeling. They were
both OF them deeply interested in the
game. Soequally were they matched,
that it seemed as II the issue merely
hinged on some chance stroke or op-
portunity, which usually decides the
contest between even players. Both
yer playing with the greatest skill
and caution, and the plaudits OF the
lOokers-on whenever q brilliant stroke
was scored increased the zest and
ardor of the combatants. There was
quite q 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 stakedby
the players themselves. This was
their second game; and the light-h hair
ed 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
were doubled, and the excitement rose
to such a pitch in consequence, that
the prudent of thelookers-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
dee.areditself in favor OF thedark con-
testant. He did not seem to be the
better player OF the two. but heplayed
more carefully, was more at ease, and
had his feelings under strong control.
His adversary, on the other hand, was
becoming more and more nervous and
excited and altogether less reliable; he
waslosing his self-mastery besides and
playing wildly and extravagantly; as
II his better Judgment had forsaken
him. All this, combined with the eff
fects 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 OH his success moved
moodlly away to other quarters.
Before commencing a new game a
brother officer stepped upto him, and
drawing him aside, endeavored to lead
him away It vas OF no avail. After
challenging his comrade to play an
other game, he continued the contest
and lost. Again he played. and sill
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
world, and he and fate were left to
fight it out alone.
Amurmur of sympathy arose from
the crowd rs he retired; but he took
no notice Of it. He walked or STAG