The L'Anse sentinel., 1898-10-01

sIndlls utdtly-DOuuu DOCK, Wnlcn 1ell
to the floor. 1t was a Bible, present
from Miss Dawson. He picked II up
hurriedly, intending to replace it in
his pocket, when his eye happened to
fall on this verse of an open page:
"And It was so when the king saw Esther,
the queen, standing In the court that she
obtained favor In his sight: and the king
held out to Esther the golden scepter that
was in his hand."-Esther. Chapter ".
Verse 2.
1t is to be hoped that the chronicler
of this truthful narrative will not be
accused of irreverence in detailing the
actions of Tom Hall on this memorable
night. Certainly Tom acted with no
irreverence. Far from it. Watchful,
as are all gamblers for the slightest in
cident that may seem to betoken a
change of fortune, his belief was in
slant and sincere that it was sign
from the right quarter to direct him
in the church work in which he was en-
gagged. Without the slightest hesita-
tion he gathered together every bet
he had upon the board and placed
them upon the queen. Within three
winnings to remain on the card, and
again the queen won. Once more he
dared fate, and after a number of
turns the queen showed in the box.
This was marvellous luck, and aston
ishment was OH every face when he
drew down his triple winnings.
While the cards were being shuffled
for the next deal Tom stealthily
opened the little Bible now lying in
his lap andIpeeped into it. He read:
N-"For the children of Israel shall abide
many days without king."-Hosea, Chap
ter Ill, Verse 4.
The king was Immediately coppered
for huge stack of chips. At the same
time he judiciously placed number
of bets on different cards, for he saw
disposition OH the part of the other
players to follow" him, and he want
ed no assistance in his laudabl. en-
deavor to "bust the bank."l In due
course the king lost twice in success
sion, and his pile became so formidable
as to engross the attention of all.
Never before had such peculiar sys-
TEN of playing been seen at Dono-
vans, and the apparent recklessness
displayed in risking large stakes upon
single card was freely commented
upon.
Tom, however, continued to win
steadily, and row frequently consult
ed his Bible without making any eff
fort to conceal it. He had just read
from Ezra, Chapter VI, Verse 3:
and let the foundations thereof
be strongly laid: the height thereof three
score cubits and the breadth thereof three
score cubits. L. With three rows Of great
stones"
"That means the tray, sure" he said
to himself, as he pushed big bet to-
ward the card.
"Is that Hoyle you got there, Tom?"
asked the lookout, unable any longer
to conceal his curiosity.
"Nope; better book than Hoyle."
"You playin' system out of it?"
That's what" was the unctuous re-
ply.
The game went on, but it was not
long before Toms remarkable run of
luck came to a close. This greatly sur
vinced he could not lose when depend
ing upon Biblical hints, and not an
important bet had been made without
referring to the sacred volume. He
chose rather to believe finally that the
dealer, in order to save the house, was
practicing some crooked work. OF
this he became convinced when, upon
betting "deuce, jack" on the turn at
the end of the deal, the cards came
out Jack, deuce"
"Keep your fingers on top of that
box!" he cried out, angrily, to the
dealer.
"D'ye mean to say" began that
functionary.
II mean to say this" declared Tom,
in a loud voice, as he sprang to his feet.
"that you've got to give me a square
deal. 1 have book here that says so.
and what this book says goes. 1t says
right here in Exodus, Chapter VIII,
Verse 30, let not Pharaoh deal deceit
fully any more"
whats that? What book is that?"
"It's the Biblc-that's what it is"
''The Bible?" came from the open
mouthed and amazed dealer.
'"The B-i-b-l-e?" echoed the others,
in an incredulcus, half-frightened way.
"Yes, the Bible," repeated Tom, in
triumphant tones; "the best book ever
written, and it has a warning for you
faro dealers, just the same as for other
sinners"
Donovan, the proprietor of the
rooms and the tables, was now beside
his dealer, and his voice was heard for
the first time:
"Well, Tom Hall, the Bible is barred
at this layout, and this game stops for
tonight. You're a big winner, but you
can cash in, and reckon we've got
enough of the stuff to pay YOU"
The organ that is used in the little
white church on the hill to-day is one
of the sights Of the town, and stran-
gers are even asked IL they have seen
it. 1t is said to have cost several thou
sand dollars. Donovan has more than
4. A.. 4