The herald., 1893-07-10

party were aroused to the consciousness
that the quiet man ct the far corner of
the table, whose face was concealed be-
meath the brim Of his hat, was winning
all tho money in the crowd.
"You are playing great luck" re-
marked the colonel.
Eyes, easy money. First I've seen
lately"
The party became slightly nettled, and
the colonel proposed extending the limit.
They all agreed, and the stranger still
kept on at his old gait.
'.Tm DONE" said one of them present
ly as no threw down his hand.
The stranger WAS still playing in the
same easy, half careless manner, his bets
being made without any apparent
thought, while the others were more de-
liberate and played with the greatest
caution.
II think we had better let out few
more laps in this limit, sold the colonel
as he warmed to the music.
Suppose we cut loose altogether" ;"
suggested the Spaniard in tone of
feigned calmness, although his eyes
blazed with excitement. Some of them
assented, the rest dropped out and
watched the battle.
who's in this timer" asked the stran-
ger as he began to deal. "All right,
here you go. What's up, gentsY'
give hundred" said the colonel as
he threw note in the center of the
table.
''Tll have to raise you 500, colonel"
said the stranger as it came 10 him.
"One thousand above you," said the
colonel.
Fifteen hundred" shouted the Span
lard as he threw down the stuff. The
rest here dropped out.
1.-TWO Thousand better, my FRIEND"
said tho stranger.
They raised him again, and things
were growing interesting when the stran-
ger quietly mentioned 10000. and taking
up a rubber purse that had been lying
upon the table counted out the money.
"Im done," said the colonel, throwing
down his hand.
II, too,' echoed the Spaniard in de-
jeoted manner. gr
"Ah, well, so it goes, said the stranger,
as he reached for the pot, throwing down
his hand, containing only pair of jacks.
"Well, be -" said the Spaniard.
"Me, too," said the colonel.
Suddenly there was a loud knock at
the door, and rough voice shouted
"Open up!' Every one started in sur
prise except the stranger, who was busy
stufiing the money into his rubber wallet.
"What do you wantf" asked some one
as he opened the door.
Three burly forms pushed hurriedly
in, but all stopped simultaneously when
their eyes fell upon the stranger, who
was standing quietly with two big re-
volvers trained upon them.
GOOD evening, gents. Your peremp-
tory entrance seems TO be little rude.
Suppose You drop your guns"
The clatter Of several heavy articles
was heard upon the floor.
"You might put up your hands-sorry
to trouble you."
Six hands were at once seen in the
neighborhood of the ceiling.
Lucky the game was done; ha, colo
mel? These officers are, always trouble
some. Bout face, there, you fellows;
keep your hands up if you don't want to
know how it feels to get hurt. Forward,
marchl Look out for the stairs; that's
good. Right dress (as the men stood
by the rail upon the boiler declx). Now,
then-one, two, jump!"
A heavy splash Immediately followed
his words. The boat was just rounding
the bend and not more than 20 yards
from shore.
bon voyage" said he, sticking the re-
volvers In his pockets.
Captain, land me at the nearest wood
yard on the other side"
"All right" said he, making signal
to the pilot. Immediately the faint, far
away jingle of bells was heard, and the
boat turned her nose toward the oppo-
site bank.
"Good night, gents" he called to the
crowd hanging around the rails as the
gangplank was slammed into place. 81
always did prefer this mode of landing"
"Who was it?' asked the Spanish ac-
cent, as the boat swung out into her
course again.
Steamboat Frank" said the captain.
II thought So" muttered the colonel.
--Philadelphia Press.