Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1893-05-21

at one of the card tables for ever increasing
stakes, Mellish kept an eye on him for q
time. The boy was having the luck of most
beginners. He played reckless game and
won hand over fist. AS one man had
enough and rose from the table another
eagerly took his place, but there was no
break in the boys winnings.
Pony Rowell was always late In arriving
at the gambling rooms. On this occasion
he entered, frreproachably dressed and with
the quiet, gentlemanly demeanor habitual
| with him. The professional gambler was
newer known to lose his temper When dis.
| pleased, he became quieter ifpossible, than
before. The only sign Of inward anger was
a mark like an old scar, which extended
from his right temple, beginning over the
eye and disappearing in his closely cropped
hair behind the ear. This line became an
angry red that stood out against the gen
eral pallor of his face when things were go
ing in way that did not suit him. lie
spoke in low tone TO Mellish.
Whats the excitement down at the 9th
err end of the room2 Every one seems con
J gregated there"
"Oh," answered Mellish, Its boy--a
stranger-who Is having the DEVILS own
| luck at the start. II will be the ruin Of
him"
rs he playing highS'
"Hight l should say so. He's perfectly
reckless. He'll be brought up with sharp
turn and will borrow money from me TO
| get out Of town. I've seen dutter like
that before"
"In that case" said Pony TRANQUILITY, Il
must have 90 at him. | like TO tackle a
youngster in the first flush of success, espe-
cially if he is plunging"
You will soon have a chance" answered
Mellish, "for even Ragstock knows when
he has enough. He viii get up in a mo
ment. know the signs"
J With the air Of gentleman Of leisure,
somewhat tired Of the friyolities Of this
! world, Rowell made his way slowly to the
group As he looked over their shoulders
at the boy a curious glitter came into his
! piercing eyes, and his lips, usually so well
under control, frightened. The red mark
began to come out as his face paled. IL was
evident that he did not intend TO speak and
that he was about to move away again, but
the magnetism Of his keen glance seemed
to disturb the player, who suddenly looked
up over the head Of his opponent and met
the stern gaze Of Rowel.
The boy did three things-he placed his
cards face downward on the table, put his
right hand over the pile Of money and drew
his chair back.
what do you mean by that'" cried Rag
stock.
The youth ignored the question, still
keeping his eyes on Rowell.
"Do you squealY" he asked.
~ squeal, +" said Pony, whatever the ques-
ton and answer might mean. Then he said,
slightly raising his voice so that all might
hear:
This man Is Cub Mclean, the most no
torious card sharper, thief and murderer in
the west. He couldn't play straight if he
tried"
Mclean laughed. YES" he said, "and if
you want to see my trademark look at the
side of Greggs' face"
Every man looked at Pony, learning for
the first time that he had gone under diff
ferent name at some period Of his life.
During the momeutary distraction Nc
Lean swept Off the money on the table and
put it in his pockets.
Hold on" cried Ragstock, seemingly
not quite understanding the situation.
you haven't won that yet"
Again Mclean laughed. 1T would have
been all the same in 10 minutes"
He jumped up, scattering the crowd be-
hind him.
Look to the doors" cried Pony. Don't
let this man out"
Mclean had his back TO the wall From
under his coat he whipped two revolvers,
which he held out, one in each hand.
you ought to know me better than that,
Greggs," he said. DO you want me to
have another shot at your won't miss
this time Drop thatp
The last command was given in a ring.
ing voice that attracted every ones atten-
ton to Sotty. He had picked up re-
volver from somewhere behind the bar and
had come out with it in his hand. Me-
Leans eyes seemed TO take in every motion
In the room, and he instantly covered the
bartender with one of the pistols as he gave
the command.
drop it," said Mellish There must be
no shooting. You may go quietly, No one
will interfere with you"
you bet your sweet life they won't"
said Mclean. with a laugh.
"Gentfemen," continued Mellish, "the
house will stand the loss. II | allow a
swindler in my rooms, It is but right that
alone should suffer. Now you put up your
guns and walk out
Good old Mellish," sneered Mclean,
you ought TO be running a Sunday school"
Notwithstanding the permission to depart
Mclean did not relax his precautions for a
moment His shoulders scraped their way
along the wall as he gradually worked
towards the door. He kept Pony covered
with his left hand while the polished barrel
Of the revolver in his right seemed 10 have
a rowing commission all over the room to
the nervous dread OF many respectable per
sons who covered within range. When he
raanhad the door ha oaf1 tn Dopy.
"Ihope you'll excuse me, Greggs, but this
is too good an opportunity to miss. I'm
going to kill you in your tracks"
THAT'S about your size, !" said Pony, put,
ting his hands behind him and standing in
his place, while those near him edged away.
II am unarmed, so it is perfectly safe. You
will insure your arrest; so blaze away"
Dodge under the table, then, and / will
spare you"
Pony invited him to take up his abode in
tropical fnturity