Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1896-08-22
The STORY Teller.
DOUBLE OR QUITS.
A THRILLING ADVENTURE.

A THRILLING ADVENTURE.
Although the experience related in
the following lines occurred great
many years ago, the incidents with
which it deals are as fresh in my recol-
lection as if they happened but yes
terday, nor do suppose they will ever
be effaced from my mind. The as
founding nature of the details, their
terrible vividness and reality, and the
remembrance of those awful moments
, spent in the companionship of death,
have left mark on my memory that
will last as long as life itself.
1t was the close of day toward the
end of the London season. Ihad been
) dining from home with some friends,
and returning early, dropped into a
fashionable club in the neigborhood
of Covent Garden where knew some
kindred spirits were in the habit OF
congregating. My steps led me to
the card roof, less with the intention OF
playing than of Willing half an hour
pleasantly away.
For a time I amused myself by
: watching the play at one or another
of the many well-flled tables, and was
thus employed when was invited to
game by an individual who was
quite a stranger to me, and who, /
was aware, had been eyeing me in
tently for several minutes. Despite q
} polite and gentlemanly bearing, the
man had such an unprepossessing look
about him that I did not at once ac-
cede to his request. He was pressing,
however, and, after some little hesita-
ton, yielded.
He was a good player, holding the
cards cleverly and with skill, and bis
performance did not in the least bear
out my half-formed idea that he was a
possible sharper. On the contrary, his
play was perfectly square and above
board, and was not open to suspicion
in the slightest particular. Luck, how
ever, was entirely against him, and in
less than an hours play he left of con-
siderably in my debt.
"Look here" he said, at the finish
of a game for increased stakes, 81 owe
YOU G5. Come around to my rooms,
and I will pay you at once. My place
is not far from here"
u Naturally, somewhat anxious to get
what was due me, I acquiesced,
and followed him out of the club. 1
did not take particular notice OF the
route pursued, as my companion walk
ed fast, and I experienced some diff
Guilty in keeping up with him; but, af-
ter passing through several by-streets,
he suddenly pulled up before the door
of house in what seemed to me quite
y deserted neighborhood.
Taking latch key from his pocket,
he noislessly opened the door, and led
the way up flight of stairs into big
scantily furnished room, which had
more the appearance of workshop
than q dwelling. was not little
surprised and somewhat alarmed to
find that he locked the door imme-
diately upon our entrance, and pocket
ed the key. :.
| Noticing that I was watching his
movements, he smiled reassuringly,
and drawing forward couple OF
chairs, which he placed one on each
side of table that stood in the centre
lof the room, he bade me be seated.
Mechanically I dropped into one of
the chairs, while he went to drawer,
and opening it, produced pack OF
cards.
"We will play double or quits" d"
said the stranger, in a polite but COM
manding tone.
To this I demurred, as the idea did
not at all commend itself to my judg-
ment.
"Indeed, would rather not" re-
piled, at once ~ do not care for that
kind of play"
"Oh, but am sure you will oblige
me-" he said, insinuatingly, shuffiing
the cards as he spoke.
I do not know what it was, but
something in the mans manner seem
ed to warn me that I had better hu-
NOR him, so after little protestation
1 gave way, and permitted him to
deal out the cards. We played and
he won.
"The game is yours, and we are
quits" 1 said, somewhat chagrined,
getting up from my chair at the con-
clusion of the game and moving to-
ward the door. "If you will kindly
undo this lock, 1 will now 60 about
my business"
"Ha! hal" laughed the fellow,
dropping his polite bearing and as
suming a threatening attitude; "you-
re not going to get off so easily as
that, assure you! What do you
, suppose I have brought you here for?"
"For no improper purpose, trust, "
I replied, thrusting my hands into my
pockets, as the thought occurred to
me that robbery was his game.
II will tell you," said he coming
close to me and speaking in my ear,
81 am going to take your life"
I gave start and looked at the man
f amazedly, wondering whether be was
mad or fool. A strange look about