The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-04-30

Joe. Let me play for him." She said
eagerly. ''Lucl's always with me-"
Yes. let her play" cried the men,
evidently amused at the novelty of the
thing. and also sure that Joe's superior
skill would win. ''Let Jess play for
him. Can you stake her, young feller?'
looked at the girl curiously. Her
big dark eyes were glittering with ex-
element, but she was cool and self
possessed. Taking out my purse,
which contained my wealth, about 500,
l handed tito her.
The cards were produced. and in Il
few moments she and Joe were seated
opposite each other, and the game be-
gan.
1t was weird scene, and l had the
odd feeling that I was simply q specta-
tor, and in no way concerned. l re-
member wishing for sketching mater
ials that might transfer it to canvas.
What picture it would make. The
low-ceilcd, uninviting room; the smoky
lamps shedding Il Pickering light upon
the eager group round the table. /
could see the face of the Young girl.
and knew that in all probabil INV
life hung upon her ''luck"
She played in silence except to indi-
cate how many cards she wanted at the
draw. 1t was an even game for a while:
then Joe began to win, and her pile of
coin gradually diminished. She played
cooily on, despite the comments of the
crowd. She was down to her last dol
lar when the tide turned in her favor
She won steadily, raLing in the coin
each time, till Joe was nearly broke.
He began to bet cautiously, having evil
IDENTIFY no desire to be be by girl.
watched her face closely for some
sign of excitement, but none was Wis
IDLE. She was thoroughly self-possesscd.
and the fact that she held my life in
her hands had no outward effect upon
her. Luck turned in Joc's favor again,
and they were soon about even. The
crowd grew impatient. What We
afraid Of Joe? Where's yer nerve:
Why don't yer bet?' and like express
sions were heard, while others encour-
aged the girl. ''Old Man Brown" came
around and patted her on the shoulder
remarking that Jess always did have
the dog-on-dcst luck"
They made it a jack pot, and it was
Joe's deal, Jess opened it for ten dol
lars and discarded two. Joe also dis
carded two, and after draw gave a
short laugh and raised her ten. She
glanced at her coin in an uncertain
way, then at her hand. She had three
dollars less than he. The excitement
was intense. For moment, only the
heavy breathing could be heard Then
Jess laughed a little and pushed her
last dollar into the pot.
Old ''Mizzoo' broke into discordant
laugh. jess don't bluff worth a
DAMN he cried.
Joe calmly pushed in the rest of his
money.
It'll be make or break this time" he
said, CHANGING over ut me. Sorry fcl
We, young Teller. Boys, git yer rope.
What yc got, Jess
She quietly laid down fonr mines and
the jack of hearts. He held three aces
and pair of cights. He strucl, the
table blow that made the money jim.
gle. Good girl. Luck's on your side
I'd "A stakcd my last cent on that hand
but tours are too much fer me. Come
on. boys. Let's irrigatc."
He led the way to the bar, followed
by crowd, nov Seemingly IN the best
of humors Jess calmly ralSed in the
pot. put the money in my purse, and
handed it to me, remarking laconically,
Here; you'd better take this and git
IL don't want it ALL" exclaimed
Only what put in"
Keep it all. It's yours. They've
killed your horse" and before l could
say anything more she left the room
My first impulse was to put as much
distance as possible between mysell
and the crowd, but on second thoughts
/ reflected that there was no other
house within several miles. that knew
nothing of the country, and if started
out on foot ! was liable to be run down
by another gang of robber- hunters.
therefore put on a bold front and asked
Brown 10 give me lodging for the
night.
He picked up IL guttcring candle,
called Jess, and told her to show me tc
the corral" This was big loft over
the bar-room, in which were a dozen
or more uninvitinS looking beds. Sh,
placed the candle ona box beside ono
OF these and was about to leave the
room, when detained her.
Miss Jessie, have not yet thanked
You for what you have done for me TO
night Is there nothing can do tc
show my gratitudc?'
She laughed in an embarrassed man
ner. "Why, it wasn't anything
like to play; I'd "a done it for any
body"
I'm sure of that; but is there moth
ing can do for your
She hesitated moment "Would
you mind giving me that picture?"
"What! My sisters? No, indeed
you can have it and welcome. She il
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