The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1896-09-03
A TERRIBLE ADVENTURE.

| A TERRIBLE ADVENTURE.
! Although the experience related in
blowing lines occurred great many
Sears ago, the incidents with which 1t
eals are as fresh in my recollection as
! they happened but yesterday, nor do
suppose they will be ever be effaced
rom my mind. The astounding ma
|lre of the details, their terrible vivid
less and reality, and the remem-
rance of those awful moments spent
the companionship of death, have
LIT mark on my memory that will
st as long as life itself.
LII was the close of day toward the
hd of the London season. l had been
ming from home with some friends,
bd returning early. dropped into a
shionable club in the neighborhood
Covent Garden, where l knew some
ndred spirits were in the habit of
ngregating. My step led me to the
rd room, less with the intention of
aging than of Willing half an hour
easantly away.
For a time | amused mySelf by
Itching the play at one or other OF
many well-filled tables, and was
ns employed when | was invited to
game by an individual who was
lite stranger to me, and who, | be-
me aware, had been eying me intent
for several minutes. Despite a po-
and gentlemanly bearing, the man
such an unprepossessing look
but him that / did not at once ac-
Ie to his request. He was pressing,
wever, and, after some little hesi-
ion, yielded.
He was u good player, handling his
ids cleverly and with skill, and his
formance did not in the least bear
my half-formed idea that he was a
Psible sharper. On the contrary, his
y was perfectly square and above
brd, and was not open to suspicion
the slightest particular. Luck
Eever, was entirely against him,
in less than an hours play he left
considerably in my debt.
.ook here" he said, at the finish Of
Same for increased stakes. Il owe
f5. Come round to my rooms, and
Fill pay you at once. My place is
far from here"
aturally somewhat anxious to get
Pt was due to me, acquiesced. and
pwed him out of the club. | did not
particular notice of the route we
sued as my companion walked
and experienced some difficulty
keeping up with him; but, after
ling through several by-streets, he
1enly pulled up before the door of
|use in what appeared to me quite
serted neighborhood.
king latch key from his pocket,
noiselessly opened the door, and
the way up fight of stairs into
Eng ana scantily furnished room,
N had more the appearance of a
kshOp than a dwelling. l was not
title surprised, and somewhat
ned to find that he locked the door
ediately upon our entrance and
eted the key.
|tlcing that / was watching his
Pments, he smiled reassuringly,
drawing forward a couple of
s, which he placed one on each
pr table that stood in the centre
Pc room, he bade me be seated.
anically l dropped into one of the
8, while he went to q drawer,
opening it, produced a pack Of
E will play double or quits" said
ranger, in a polite but command
pne
this | demurred, as the idea did
all commend itself to my judg-
Iced, l would rather not" 1 re-
at once, II do not care for that
of play"
but l am sure you will oblige
ne said, insinuatingly, shutting
rds as he spoke.
not know what it was, but some
In the mans manner seemed to
me that l had better humor him.
ter little protestation, l gave
md permitted him to deal out the
We played, and he won.
game is yours, and we are
said, somewhat chagrined,
up from my chair at the con-
of the game and moving to-
the door. IF you will kindly
nis lock, l will now go about my
ss."
mar laughed the fellow, drop
5 polite bearing, and assuming
tening attitude, you're not go
get Off so easily as that, 1 as
gu! What do you suppose I
ought you here for?'
40 improper purpose, trust,' /
tnrusting my hands into my
n sf u ~ y 'fA Is f j #