The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-03-11

adroitly. There was no loophoie in the
L transaction fhe money was safe. and at
| the command OF the strange girls moth
er
GAY LIFE IN NEW ORLEANS. ~
Texas was glad to see her go, and New
Orleans welcomed her once more. Her
next exploit is without parallel In the
history OF crime A notorious young
spendthrift. by name cage iiorn, VINO
hsdfor several years divided his time be-
tween the plot house and the gambling
saloon OF a magnificent steamboat, be-
came Infatuated with the Western
beauty. This young reprobate's father
was a mulumllionaire.
He owned several fine ships and a dozen
or more steamboats, that were running
on various rivers and bayous I'm Southern
waters. One OF the fastest and prettiest
OF these floating palaces was called the
Creole. During a short era OF good feel
ing that prevailed between Cage Horn
and his father the young man was per-
mitted 90 take the Creole into Atchafalia
bayou and see II he could not behave
himself and better his fortunes.
lie might have done so, but he was now
completely in the power Of the latest
wonder in silks and diamonds. lie could
not leave her for weeks or day, for the
restless beauty was not TO be trusted.
dozen young bloods were ready TO fall
at her feet.
The girl has always said she loved Cage
Horn, or she would not have followed
him away from the gay city where she
was a recognized queen OF set who
placed everything al her command.
She soon got tired of riding up and
down the bayou, and, being always eager
for adventure, she persuaded her lover
10 steal the steamboat. lie was first
amazed at the audacity OF her proposal.
but finding himself short or FUNDS ana In
fear that otherwise he might lose the
beauty, he finally assented TO her plans.
After writing his father that business
had fallen OF I'm the bayou, Cage Horn
took advantage of dark night. and, slip
ping me cables OF the Creole. he steamed
slowly along the Texan coast.
The Rio Grande trade happened 10 be
particularly good when the Elaine, with
many Streamers flying and brass band
on her roof, started on her first voyage
against the current of the Bravo.
CRIMES ON STOLEN BOAT.
Several crimes had been committed in
completing this bold and daring transac-
ton not the least OF which was the
forgery of certain maritime papers.
While the Elaine was lying at the wharf
at Camargo, Cage Horn learned that Sc
rious trouble awaited him at Brownsville.
and he began TO make frequent visits TO
the gilded bar.
There was music and dancing In the
cabin. and Elaine appeared TO be as gay
and happy as one OF the birds of para
disc that sing in her native mountains.
In the picturesque language of Texas,
Cage Horn went all the gaits."
lie might have played better. for he
was no ordinary gambler. but clear
through the best cards that he picked up
he frequently saw jaiI doors and Il
prison cell. He lost heavily. The dane
ing had ended. but the game continued
and the stakes were high. AS morning
approached the desperate young man
drew nearer toward inevitable ruin.
There were now but two men at the
table. One was notorious Mexican
monte dealer. by name Alva Lugo, and
the other was Cage Horn. Though they
affected carelessness. the two accom-
pished gamblers watched each other
with the eyes OF eagles. When Horn
found himself with good cards he thought
that the opportune moment had come
for him to retrieve his previous bad for
tune bysa bold stroke.
He bet at the Mexican like a bulldog.
and when the game rascal came back
at him with hig pile OF glitterirg gold
he pulled his mustache for a moment
STAFF TO rudderl
lie felt n light touch on his shoulder
and he looked into the bright eyes of the
Texas beauty. He lost the stolen steam
boat and he was about 10 arise from the
table. when the smiling Mexican said:
"You have one more chance, senor. There
are two Eiaines. IL would be inartistic
to separate thcm-they match so we'll
Let us cut the cards to determine who
shall own them both"
GAMBLED FOR THE GIRL
Horn was about 20 reach for his gun,
but the cold. masterful woman at his
elbow stopped him Am not your mas
cot?" she said. Let us be game to the
core Cage" Before either realized the
desperate girls meaning she sprang
upon the table.
Now. Cage, gamble with your heart"
she said. The man was dumb and his
face was colorlcss, but he cut the cards
with steady hand ana turned up the
deuce of spades. "Onlv, one thing is
lower" he said, "and tnst Is helll"
There was a fash Of flame and the re-
port OF a pistol. Cage Horns lifcblood
spurted out upon the feet of the woman
who had ruined him. She never lived
a moment with the desperate gambler
who had won hcr. Doubtless fearing ar
rest. she mysteriously disappeared in the
town of Camargo while the excitement
created by the tragedy on the Elaine pie-
vailed.
Several years passed, and the name uf
the wilful girl was never uentionel IN
the valley whore she WAS born a few
days ago a Texan who returned from
Manzanllo set every one talking about
pretty Lane Sinkler. This man had
known her from childhood and he had
secn her and talked with her
lie could tell n story about her that
was little less interesting than many that
had been told before. When the Texan
saw her for the first time she was seated
In fine carriage and she fairly sparkicd
with gold and brilliant gems.
Never SAYS the Texan. had ] seen
any mortal so marvelously beautiful.
She did not look a day older than when
a schoolgirl She captured all hearts
Age had improved her irresistible charms
OF face and form. She was the wife of
.T H.. sf, al In, ho rtfx