Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1895-10-31
M0DINGTON'S MONEY.
BY WILL L1skNnEE.

It was nasty business that got
Anto on my last trip to Rio, but it was
-all the fault of Rugby, or, might say,
1t was the fault of the bad rum he had
been drinking; for Rugby would drink,
and itdid seem that he always picked on
the vi1est stuff he could put his lips to.
Our ship, the Flying Fish, had been
lying in port at Rio for nearly a week,
=and as Capt. Hope was very easy with
much as we pleased. There was not a
day that Ruggy did not go ashore, and,
though he managed to keep pretty
rstraight when under the eyes of the
captain, I knew well enough that he
was drinking more rum than was good
for him.
But drinking was not the only fault
Ruggy had, for, once let him get filed
mp on rum. and he would be seized with
an almost insane passion for gambling.
AT such times he seemed totally devoid
.sof all reason and would willingly stake
his Last copper on any game. no matter
how great the odds might be against
him. have seen him bet his clothes,
his last plug of tobacco, and even his al
1owance of grog-which was saying a
great deal in Ruggy's case-upon the
most trivial incidents Of the voyage,
ssuch as the way the wind would blow
the next day, whether there would be
clouds or sunshine, and he would some
times go as far as to bet on the direc-
ton which the next gull seen would be
flying, such was his passion for gam
bling. But let me come to my story:
Among the few who were to take pas
sage with us for New York was an old
man by the name of Richard Moding
ton. He had amassed quite snug for
tune in some specializing schemes in
Rio, it was said, and was now return
ing to his native land to enjoy the fruits
of his labor. His luggage had been sent
to the Flying Fish, and, as he was an
.zold friend of Capt. Hope, he came
aboard himself, though we were not to
sail for several days. He spent most of
his time in his cabin, for it was whis-
pered that he brought large amount of
money with him and wanted to be
near it.
had been knocking about the city
In the afternoon, and about sunset, as
1 was returning to the ship, met Rug
gy. He carried small hand satchel
and seemed greatly excited. I could
see that he had been drinking, and
1 would have left him, but he held on
TO me, saying that he wished to talk TO
me on important business. Reluctant
ly followed him into a brightly light
ed public house, and, passing to the rear
end of the room, we entered stall and
took seats at table. My companion
ordered some refreshments and wine.
insisting that he would not disclose his
business with me till we had eaten and
drunk.
I was but youth then, and though
had been three years q sailor had
never tasted strong drink. Urged On
by Rugby. drank a glass of the wine.
The taste was pleasant and the effect
very strange to me, and it took little
nersuasion to induce me to take the
next glass. i kept this up till my brain
was in a whirl and my senses benumbed.
Then it was that Ruggy began to I'm.
fold his object in OBTAINING me.
He first opened the satchel and drew
therefrom large roll of United States
money and q bag filed with Spanish
.,doubloons. He held them before my
gaze and. began to talk wildly, incoher-
. ently. of some vast fortune he was soon
to gain through their agency. My
senses were too much benumbed by the
wine tofeel any great surprise at seeing
so much wealth in his possession, yet /
sat stupidity waiting for him to ex-
plain
.It,sold Modingt on'smoney." he said,
at length, in hoarse whisper. But
didn't steal it. Oh, no, Rugby has
never been guilty of that-not If he
knows it! Eve only borrowed it, Jack.
my boy. 20 you need not look so fright
-ened.
.But-but what do you mean to do
with ft2s I asked. "And how did old
Modington happen 60 loan You 80 much
money
he closed one eye. stared at me with
-tIe other and nodded knowingly, q
cunning look coming over his counte-
nance
II Amt no fool, jack" he said, lay
snc his hand ON my shoulder. Don't
4hink Was fool enough to AJAX him, for
he /. not the man to see into plan like
,,,,,fne-not him. But & will be all the
.,.eme = the end. He'll get his money
l,ock. every copper, and he will be none
the wiser. though Ne win be richer by
41,oueazida yes, thousands! Why.
ther. should No not take fortune at
q fidel I'm not the man to sit down