Beverly banner. [volume] (Beverly, N.J.) 1877-1964, 1890-03-22


the party withdrew to the bar. Din
zolas was not an i'll looking man; he
wore enormous black whiskers and
long hair, and spoke English easily
but with a slight Spanish accent. After
several rounds at the bar, the general
proposed a game of poker. No objec-
tions were raised the Cuban was &C
commodating. They went to private
apartment, and were soon deep in the
thrilling anxiety Of the great Ameri-
can pastime." From the very first
Dinzolas began to win. The major
snorted and the general fumed, but the
Cuban, undisturbed, continued to rake
in the money.
1t must have been nearly daylight
when the major showed back his chair
and said:
I'm broke"
$50 am l." the general took occasion
to remark.
81 am very sorry, gentlemen" the
Cuban declared, "for have just begun
to get interested in the game. Have
you nothing that you can put up?'
NO." the major remarked, Gas I
have often been compelled to remark,
| have nothing left except my planta-
ton, my soul and my daughter"
"Ah," said the Cuban, "and would
you like to put one of them-the plan
tatiOn or the daughter ?"
"Sirp exclaimed the major, spring
ing to his feet, what do you mean ?"
ooh, no ofense, l assure you. |
have more respect for my friend, the
general, than to insult his friend. l
once won young lady-please be
seated, major; don't be excited, for |
assure you that l mean no insult"
"Major, hear what he's got to say"
the general interposed.
The major sat down; the Cuban
continued
"Once, in the city of Mexico, l
played for a gentleman's daughter and
won her. An agreement was drawn
up, reading about this way: Il agree to
give my daughter so-and-so, provided
he can gain her consent | won the
PAP er bearing these words, but in
truth did not win the girl. She
spurned me. Perhaps [ could be more
fortunate another time"
"Will you excuse the major and me
if we request a private interview" the
general asked, addressing Victor Din
zolas
"Most assuredly: l will withdraw"
Don't this beat anything you ever
heard off, said the major when the Gu
ban had withdrawn.
Rather peculiar, l must say; but
let me tell you, l see good in it. Agree
to his proposal-put up Zalie."
General, do you take me for an in
fernal barbarian?"
ooh, no. Now, if you put up your
daughter and lose her, this Cuban
might come around, and-well, he
might scare the life out of Bickles."
The major slapped the general on
the shoulder.
"You are the smartest man In the
world, general. Call that half niger
looking fellow"
The Cuban resumed his place, put
up $1,000 against Zalie and won.
Shortly afterwards the boat landed at
Campbell's Bend
One afternoon, several days later the
major and the general sat on the YER
anda overlooking the broad field of
cotton.
"Major, is Bickles still hanging
around ?"
"He was here yesterday, but left
somewhat downcast, as Zalie positively
refused to marry him without my con-
sent. Who is that coming through the
big gate? By gracious, it's that infer
nal Cuban"
Chats who it is,
"Confound my fool hide. | wish |
hadn't done that caper. wouldn't
have done it fl hadn't been halt
drunk. Now, that's nice piece OF
paper he's got. Wish Bickles was
here. I'd soon have them chewing
each other. | don't know what to do
Zalie came out on the varanda.
"Oh, who is that p she asked.
The Cuban had dismounted at the
yard gate.
ooh, but doesn't he look like hero
of novel"
"Zalie," Numbered the major, "gC
into the house"
The girl obeyed. The Cuban came
up the steps.
"Ah, general, glad to see you again
and the major, | hope he has not for
gotten me-
"No," said the major "sit down"
The Cuban took seat and began t.
fan himself with his broad brimme'
hat.
The major snorted; the genera
hemmed and hawed.
"Ah," said the Cuban, lis Miss
Miss-Miss Zalie. Is she at homer"
'Iook here" said the major; 6
want you to understand that m
daughter is not slave"
"Oh, certainly, understand tina
but she is mine if l can win her. Thi
paper" >,
"Hang the paper"
"But, as a gentleman, you canno
ah, give me word here, cannot r.
pudiate."
CHATS fact" the major ADMITTED
"Will you call her ?"
The majors face grew livid wit
rage, but he called Zalie. She can
out, and when the Cuban was presente
she bowed with charming grace.