Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1899-10-26
The spot was but a step from hades but

The spot was but a step from hades, but
4 great place for much coming and going and
hearing the news; and then twas near the
shipyard off which lay the Phantom. Never
a day passed without one broil, and often
two or three, most of them ending in more
or less bloodshed, and one of them put a
stop to the life | was then leading
l mind me it was on a cloudy Saturday
forenoon early in August, though through
the wet in the air and the yelled heat evers
pore oozed as if one had raced. There had
been but few about. | was half doing un.
der locust in the tavern yard when be.
came conscious that two men had but Just
settled themselves at small table near me-
and was thoroughly wakened by hearing the
name of "Scammell" in connection with
some matter they had been discussing.
One was boyish-looking naval officer,
seated with his face toward me, the other
being in a dress a cross betwixt soldier and
a civilian. Like the officer, he wore a sword,
but could see no more of him than the
broad of his back
Using b1t the tail of my eye, ms rked
them begin game of cards for stakes, for
could near the clash of coin, and after q
hand or two he of the back spoke.
Does Clinton know the man"
NAY, but he knows of him and what he
has done" was the answer. 81 was told
last night that he has been about. There's
something afoot outside, and he'll be need.
ed. 'Tis wonder he has not turned up for
another job; Clinton is liberal with the
kings cash. I'll give you pound to find
him"
There was silence for moment or two
as the officer drew in a stake and dealt the
cards.
81 wish could get fingers on this same
kings cash." the unknown remarked.
"Card-playing for shillings is small truck for
man, and ye have had all the luck. Could
] pass myself off, dye think, an do the
work instead O the chap yer after?"
Nay, you're no sailor, and have but q
shady record for pluck"
Then it's a sailor you wantl As for
shades an records, tbs but case O the pot
an kettle! It's the way ye naval chaps
have of robbing man of an honest living!
Now I've lost time with We because | fan.
cied | scented cash. All last night | won
nothing save a sore head for this morning
Come! ye but stave me off from the Job
Play, then, for something save shillings and
crowns an thin wine. I'm sick of it, I'll
lay ye the pound ye offered on the better O.
three hands, an then quit, win or lose"
God knows I'm willing to quit" was the
return. I've played all night and am
tagged. I'll play you the pound for the
last" And the officer yawned as he tossed
the cards to his opponent.
Now ! knew this to be nothing less than
the trick of a blackleg. To lose on shillings
and win on pounds was a common prac-
tlce with them, as it is to this day. The
officer must have been green not to have
seen through it, but | had little sympathy
for anyone wearing the scarlet, and, in
truth, was interested in seeing how the
game would be played and possibly hearing
more of Scammel.
Doubtless | had been taken for drunk.
en- drover as | sat with my chin on my chest
and my chair tilted against the tree; any
way, they gave me no notice.
[To BE Continued