The Farmville herald. [volume] (Farmville, Va.) 1890-1934, 1903-04-24
A GAME OF CARDS.

Wayke Ffennell, the great millionaire. They
had been to the show, and Dick was now
growing at the fatuous law of his native
land that required a London public house
to close its doors at 1880 a. m, when life
was just beginning to be exciting. At the
further end Of the bar stood the third;
smartlooking man Of about 40, in evening
dress.
Presently Dick said; Where shall go
now!"
"Home," said Tom, with laugh. Home,
and TO bed. have had quite enough, and
you, my little cherub, have had just drop
too much"
"Nonsensel I'm going to have another
drink, if die for i'll"
Time. please, gentlemenl Timei" cried
burly person in livery, famiiarly knownas
the chucker-out. Time"
"Come along, Dick. don't want to be
turned out Of place like this"
"NO. I'm going to have another drink
first"
Time, please, gentlemenl" cried the hv.
cried one, getting angry. Then the third
lounger approached the other two, and ad-
dressing Tom said, in a very gentlemanE
way: 81 think We met one evening at the
Erratics; Philip Winslow introduced US.
My name is Capt. Ardale."
Il don't recall the name, but I've been to
the Erratics," said Tom.
'My rooms are close by, and II you and
your friend care TO come round and JOIN me
N final glass, shall be very pleased.
Introduce me-" said Dick, promptly.
Tom hesitated for a moment, but the man
looked all right, so be duly presented ms
friend and the three started on together,
The captain had comfortable rooms In
street nearby. They were spacious and
tastefully furnished, and on the aideboard
were various spirits in decanters and two or
three syphons. The captain mixed drlnA
for each, turning his back upon them as he
did so; and a suspicion flashed across Toms
mind. Il was probably a grouhdless one
but be left the drink untouched. Dack,
meanwhile, had made his way to sofa and
was lying there too dazed to do anything.
The host ratified on pleasantly, and IN
little while the door was opened and two
more visitors we're announced; men also in
evening dress, turning little shabby at the
knees. Tom was introduced and more
drinks were mixed.
"Well," said the captain, when all were
comfortably seated, What say you-tne
night il yet young-what say you to htue
game Of pokerT
"The very thing" exclaimed the two late
arrivals, rubbing their hands.
81 should like il immensely" said Tom
after A moment, finding ell eyes fixed upon
him. "but know nothing Of the game" As
A matter of fact he knew it very well in
deed. but be had become uneasy, and had
now only one desire, namely, 70 get himself
and his friend out Of the place as quickly
and as pleasantly as possible.
"Oh, we're not going to believe that, " saia
the captain, with laugh, as be drew forth
two packs Of cards and threw them uponthe
table.
81 assure you It is fact. honestly can
not tell one card from another. Besides,
you see my friend has had too much, 90 that
he will be no use. am awfuly obliged for
the drinks, but If stay now shall only spol
your game"
Bless you, you'll pick it up in no time"
said the captain, pleasantly. Wen Just
have a round or two, for love, and then, II
you don't take to it We can drop it. That's
fair enough, ehl"
There was nothing for it but to join in, go
the four drew to the table and the game
commenced. The captain dealt the cards
and Tom Immediately had a wonderful piece
Of luck. -Four Of his five cards were acesl
"Do you want any cards" said the cap
tain, who had previously explained TO the
novice the various declarations.
81 suppose not. don't know. What do
YOU Think There's my handl" And he e1-
posed it.
Great Scottl What luck Why you have
'fours! Throw away the little diamond and
choose a card from the pack" said the cap
tain. Tom obeyed, and-drew the joker!
"Why, now you have 'fvesl" cried the
captain with well-assumed innocence. Five
laces, tool Did you ever see such thingl
And he looked at his two friends, who held
up their hands in mute wonder.
Really" said Tom. Are these things
aces"
"You don't mean to say you don't know an
ace :" said the captain, little impatiently.
IL tell you / don't know one card from
another. / repeat, gentlemen, l shall only
spoil your game. 1t is really unfair to you
for ne to play"
But the gallant host was not easily discour'
aged. One Of his friends was the next deal
er, and this time, oddly enough, Tom found
that his five cards made straight flush.
Again he exposed his hand.
"You see, they are no good this timel" be
said, artlessly.
isn't that king" said the captain,
pointing to the hsg Of clubs.
Il don't know" said Tom. Perhaps
| The other looks like a woman"
"You have the ace, king, queen, knaye
and ten of clubs. My dear fellow, there
never was such luck. You simply must
play"
"Are these clubs, You see, l know moth
ing of the game. Is it worth while my going
ong You see the disadvantage l am at. II
YOU won you would scarcely like to take my
money. IL / won l should feel the same
towards YOU. So really think must with
draw" And with that be rose from the
table and the captain and his accomplices
rose with him, biting their lips in silence
and ready for mischief; but the captain
failed 10 give the signal. Tom reused has
friend, and, after many adieux and renewed
thanks for the hospitality 80 kindly shown,
the two managed to make their way down
stairs and out into the street.
A couple Of evenings later Vernon, with
some friends, caught sight Of Captain Ar.
dale. who came over to him and said in an
undertone: 81 should like word with you
If you viii come this way" Tom moved
aside with him. AFTER you left my rooms
the other night made bet with one Of my
friends and / want you TO tell me If had
won it or not"
what was the wager| asked Tom,
quietly.
81 bes him a fver that you knew all about
the game all the while. Was rights"
II was a ticklish question. However,
after moments reflection Tom just looked
him steadily in the face and said: That il
a bet. sir, which must leave you and your
friend 70 settle between you" and turned
upon his heel. II was good answer. Tom
however, had had a lucky escape. He vii
never accept such an invitation as Capt