Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1893-05-12

H0N 'ANtA
won hand over fist. AS one man hal
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
ut the gambling rooms. On this occasion
he entered, irreproachably dressed and with
tae quiet, gentlemanly demeanor habitual
with him. The professional gambler was
never known to lose his temper. When dis.
pleased, he became quieter, if possible, thar
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 20
ing in a way that did not suit him. He
spoke in a low tone to Mellish.
What's the excitement down at the 9th
err end of the room? Every one seems con
gregated there"
"Oh," answered Mellish. 'its n boy "a
stranger-who is having the devils own
luck at the start. 1t will be the ruin Of
him."
rs he playing high?"
"High9 should say so. He's perfectly
reckless. He'll be brought up with asharp
turn and will borrow money from me to
get out of town. I've seen a futter like
that before"
"In that case" said Pony TRANQUILITY, 81
must have a go 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 will get up in a mo
mani EY,oxy fla cifrpc ~
With the air of a gentleman of leisure,
somewhat tired of the frivolities 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. 1t 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 Rowell.
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 squeal?" 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 COR
the first time that he had gone under "A diff
ferent name at some period of his life.
During the momentary 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. ut 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 nan 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 you? | won't miss
this time. Drop thatl'
The last command was given in a ring.
ing voice that attracted every ones atten-
ton to Sotty. He had picked up IA re-
volver from somewhere behind the bar and
had come out with it in his hand. Nc
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 lie
no shooting. You may go quietly. No one
will interfere with you"
You bet you sweet life they won't"
said Mclean, with Il laugh.
"Gentlemen," continued Mellish, 1.-THE
house will tai the loss. III | 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 to have
a rowing commission all over the room 10
the nervous dread of many respectable per
sons who covered within range. When he
reached the door, he said to Pony:
"Ihope you'll excuse me, Greggs, but thi,
is too good an opportunity to miss. I'm
going to kill you in your tracks"