Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1886-03-26

This evening it might have been remarked
that the count was good deal engaged in
watching Dicks play. He observed two or
three things. When Dick won he put his
winnings into his pocket without word or
sign of satisfaction. When he lost he saw
the stake raked up without the least emo
ton. Further, he observed that Dick lost
nearly every time The luck was dead
against him from the beginning. And this
circumstance afforded him a certain salts.
faction, but why, one could hardly explain.
At ten o'clock Dick rose from the table
and laid his hand upon his friends shoulder.
'Come," he whispered; they will be ex-
pecting you at home"
The boy rose unwillingly. He was win
ming, and for the first time il his life his
pocket was heavy with silver. But Dick
dragged him from the table.
s'My young friends said the count, as
they left the table, "you leave us too early.
time. hope you have not lostp
He spoke very good English, but with
slightly foreign accent, and he spoke as il
he really did take the deepest interest in
their fortune.
Gas for me-" cried Daffodil, eagerly. "rv.
won a pot "Look herel He pulled out a
handful of shillings. t.Its glorious!"
The count laughed encouragingly.
''Good," he said, Every good! Luck is
always with the boys. At your age should
have broken all the banks. Come again
soon. love to see the boys win. And you,
friend Richards"
1T doesn't matter to any one except my
SELF" Dick replied, gloomily, whether l
win or lose"
HE is SILENT" said the count. II watch
him at his play. When the others laugh, or
when they curse, he is silent No one can
tell from his face whether he has won or
lost. A good player should be silent. Will
you drink before you go?"
Daffodil went to the bar and had drink:
Dick refused.
do you want another advance, my
friendw asked the count
Dick shook his head, but with uncer-
tainty.
''What is the good" he asked. ''My in
fernal luck follows me every night. I'm
cleaned out again"
"Dear me! am very sorry. Let me see
your account. You have given me three
checks, each for twelve pounds. They were
passed"-he glanced quickly at Dicks face
without question"
''Why the devil should they be ques-
tioneda" Dick asked.
AN, my friend, yours is the face for the
gambler You can keep your co tenance,
whatever happens 1t is a gre gift.
Steady eyes-look me in the face-full,
steady eyes, and fngers"-he took Dicks
hand in his, and squeezed the fingers critic
ally fingers that are sensitive and quick
Sometimes I think that fingers are alive
Why, if a devil was to enter into one of these
fingers, and persuade it lowell, to initiate
another persons handwriting
what do you means" asked Dick.
STEADY eyes-steady eyesi Why, that
the finger would initiate that writing to per-
lection. Well, as to our account. You owe
me, my young friend, twenty-four pounds
Shall I make you another advanced Well,
come here tomorrow morning at eleven
Can you spare the timea Comet We shall
be quite alone, and l shall have something
to say. Steady eyes, delicate fingers hard
and cold face. These are the gifts of the
true gambler"
what then?' said Dick
what, indeed! I fear they are gifts
which may be wasted. Some day, when
you are in troublesome day, when you
want money