Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-04-09

Three times the cards went all marked cards had yet fallen from his hand. The excitement as he began the fourth distribution was overwhelming. There were just cards enough to go once more entirely round. The prince, who sat second from the dealers left, would receive, in the reverse mode of dealing practiced at the club, the sec ond last card. The third player turned up black ace; it was the ace of clubs. The next received a diamond, the next a heart and so on. but the ace of spades was still undelivered. At last Gerald inc, who sat upon the princes left, turned his card It was an ace, but the ace of hearts.
 When Prince Florize1 saw his fate upon the table in front of him, his heart stood still. He was a brave man, but the sweat poured off his face. There were exactly fifty chances out of hundred that he was doomed. He reversed the card; it was the ace of spades. A loud roaring filled his brain, and the table swan before his eyes. He.heard the player on his right break into fit of laughter that sounded be- tween mirth and disappointment. He saw the company rapidly dispersing, but his mind was full of other thoughts. He recognized how foolish, how crim- fnal. had been his conduct Tn perfect health, in the prime of his years, the heir to a throne, he had gambled away his future and that of a brave loyal ', {15 IA R0S~ give niev' And with that the confu- sion of his senses passed away, and he regained his self possession in mo- ment.
 To his surprise Geraldine had disap- peared. There was no one in the card room but his destined butcher consult ing with the president, and the young man of the cream tarts, who slipped up to the prince and whispered in his ear:
 T would give million, if had it, for your luck"
 His highness could not help reflect ing as the young man departed that he would have sold his opportunity for a much more moderate sum.
 The whispered conference now came to an end. The holder of the ace of clubs left the room with a look of in- telligence, and the president, approach ing the unfortunate prince proffered him his hand.
 II am pleased to have met you, sir said he, land pleased to have been in position to do you this trifiing serv- ice. Atsleast you cannot complain of delay. On the second evening-what a stroke of luckp'
 The prince endeavored in vain to ar ticulate something in response, but his mouth was dry and his tongue seemed paralyzed. ,H
 "You feel little sickish?' asked the president, with some show of solici- tude. Most gentlemen do. Will you take little brandy"
 The prince signified in the affirma- tive, and the other immediately poured some of the spirit into tumbler
 Poor old MalthyT' calculated the ,I president as the prince drained the glass. ''He drank near upon a pint and little enough good it seemed to dc him." .:~.
 T am more amenable to treatment ;
 
 q am my own man again at once as you perceive. And so, let me ask you what are my directions"
 "You will proceed along the Strand in the direction of the city, and on tht left hand pavement, until you meet the gentleman who has just left the room He will continue your instructions and him you will have the kindness to obey !. -the authority of the club is vested 1T his person for the night. And now, added the president, T wish you ( pleasant walk
 Florizel acknowledged the salutatioI rather awkwardly and took his leave He passed through the smoking room where the bulk of the players were stil lJconsuming champagne, some of whicl !, he had himself ordered and paid for