Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1886-04-09

Of his son what he had never noticed before
perhaps he had never before seen his sons
signature "a fatal resemblance to his own.
you have not yet, sir" said Hugh,
ssaiven us your name and address"
The stranger laid his card upon the table.
Hugh took it, read it, and handed it to Mr..
Murridge.
''Signor Giuseppe Piranesi, No. IS Agile
square That address will always find
your
will find me for a few weeks longer"
'Why did you lend my son money!" Mr..
Murridge asked, quietly.
ITO pay his losses at cards"
''His losses at-at cardss Dicks losses at
cardsa"
"Your sons losses at cards.
''You will have to prove these things,
sir,n said Mr. Murridge 'sYou will have to
prove them. You shall go before magis-
trate."
s'Before the lord mayor himself if you
document" He replaced the o q in his
pocketbook. "And if I might suggest, as
the next STEP you might put one or two
questions to your son. As, first, how and
where he spends his evenings; next, how ne
has done lately in the matter of luck; and,
thirdly who has lent him money to go on
withg'
Mr. Murridge said nothing
"As to the first, he will reply that he spends all
his evenings at certain club, where there is social
conversation, with little friendly gambling-such
as baccarat table and tables for ecarte, and
forth, and that he is gambler acharne-for his age,
Ihave never seen more determined gambler. As
for the second question, he will tell you that luck
has been very much against him for some weeks;
and to the third that the proprietor of the club
lent him money from time to time When you have
gut these questions and received these answers,
think that you will not want to go before any mag
istrates"
You are, them" said Hugh, "the proprietor Of
gambling clubf'
II am its founder, young gentleman. shall be
happy to welcome you in you, too, like Mr..
Richard Murrfdge are devoted to the green table.
You will find the club highly respectable body OF
gentlemen"
Mr.. Murridge sat quite silent.
Just then Daffodn arrived. He knew nothing OF
any trouble and walked in with his careless cheer
full bearing.
Here am, Mr.. Murridge. What do you want mo
fort Is my father elevated to an earl or a dukef'
"Win you ask him the question: or shall II" said
Hugh.
Mr. Murridge shook his head.
well, them" Hugh went on, sfbe serious, Daft, If
you can Do you remember cashing check at the
Royal City and Provincial Bank the other day?'
eyes: cashed check all right. Fortwelve pounds
1t was"
allow did you get that check7"
why, Dick gave 1t to me- Asked me to cash it on
my way to Crosby Hall, where was to meet him.
gave him the money. Why2"
Never mind why. Do you know this gentleman"
The signor offered his hand.
'Itis my young friend whom fortune favors When
shall you come againp
The young blushed.
81 know him." he said ~ have seen him twice"
"Only twiceY Hugh asked. Consider"
"Only twice." replied the signor. 1.-THE young gen.
tleman has only twice been to the club"
Are you in the habit of gambling, Daff?"
ave only gambled twice in my life," he replied,
hlushing
aAre you in debtY
81 owe about five pounds to my tailor It is more
than can pay but it is all owe"
"You have only played cards for money twice?'
II have played whist in some Of the fellows rooms
for threepenny points. But have only gambled
twice. The first time five shilings, and the
second fifty shillines and more"