The Monticellonian., 1903-04-23
A GAME OF CARDS.

] , lately completed his course at Oxford, anc | young Dick Ffennell, son of Sir Richar' Wayke Ffennell, the great millionaire. Thel had been to the show, and Dick was now growing at the fatuous law of his nativ' land that required a London public house to close its doors at 12:30 a. m, when lift was just beginning to be exciting. At th' further end of the bar stood the third; 6 smart-looking man of about 40, in evennt dress.
 Presently Dick said: eWhere shall we g. now"
 Home, said Tom, with laugh Home and to bed. l have had quite enough, and you, my little eherub, have had just drol too much.
 Nonsense! I'm going to have another drink. if l die for it!'
 "Time, please, gentlemen! Time!' cried a burly person in livery famIliarly known as the chueker-out "Time!"
 Come along Dick l don't want to be turned out of place like this"
 No. I'm gong to have another drink first"
 "Time, please, gentlemenl' cried the liv- cried one, getting angry. Then the third lounger approached the other two, and ad- dressing Tom said, i'll very gentlemanly way: "I think we met one evening at the Erratics; Philip Winslow introduced us. My name Is Capt Ardale.
 T don't recal the name, but I've been to the Erratics, said Tom.
 My rooms are close by, and if you and your friend care to come round and Joln me II final glass 1 shall be very pleased.
 "Introduce me" said Dick, promptly.
 Tom hesitated for a moment, but the man
 f..1, tod hTS friend and the three started of together, The captain had comfortable rooms Tn a street nearby. They were spacious and tastefully furnished, and on the sideboard were various spirits in decanters and two or three syphons. The captain mixed drink for each, turning his back upon them as he did so; and a suspicion flashed across Toms mind. It was probably groundless one, but he left the drink untouched. Dick, meanwhile, had made his way to a sofa and was lying there too dazed to do anything.
 The host rattled on pleasantly, and in a l little while the door was opened and two more visitors were 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 | GDIlADI ldDtN StdbGhS N Hat Ht's stA ttiN nigat is yet young-what say you to a little | game of poker:
 ..The very thing" exclaimed the two late arrivals rubbing their hands.
 sI should like it immensely, said Tom after moment, finding all eyes fixed upon l him. but l know nothing ef the game. As matter of fact he knew 1t very well in | deed, but he had become uneasy, and had l I 1.l, Sal and his friend out of the place as quickly and as pleasantly as possible.
 "Oh, we're not going to believe that, said the captain, with a laugh. as he drew forth two packs of cards and threw them upon the table.
 T assure you 1t is a fact. honestly can not tell one card from another. Besides, you see my friend has had too much. SO that he will be no use. am awfully obliged for the drinks, but If l stay now shall only spoil your game.
 Bless you, you'll pick it up in no time, , said the captain, pleasantly. Well just have a round or two, for love, and then, if you don't take to it we can drop 1t. That s fair enough, eh 9''
 There was nothing for it but to join in, so 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 acesi Do you want any cards"' said the cap tain, who had previously explained to the novice the various declarations
 T suppose not. don't know What do you think? There's my hand!" And he ex- posed it.
 Great Scott What luckl Why you have foursi' Throw away the little diamond and choose card from the pack, said the cap tain Tom obeyed and-drew the joker!
 "Why. now you have 'hves! cried the captain with wellassumed innocence. Five faces, too! Did you ever see such thing" 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 acel said the captain, little impatiently.
 T tell you l don't know one card from another. l repeat, gentlemen, l shall only spoil your game. It is really unfair to you for me to play
 But the gallant host was not easily discour. aged. One of his friends was the next deal CT, 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 tlme.D he said artlessly.
 Isn't that king?" said the captain, pointing to the king of clubs.
 q don't know" said Tom. Perhaps The other looks like woman"
 "You have the ace, king, queen, knave and ten of clubs. My dear fellow, there never was such luck. You simply must play.
 Are these clubs? You see, know noth- ing of the game. Is it worth while my going on? You see the disadvantage am at. Il you won you would scarcely like to take my money. If l won l should feel the same towards you So l really think must with draw" And with that he 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 to give the signal. Tom reused hi, friend, and, after many adieux and renewed thanks for the hospitality so 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 ar undertone T should like word with you if you will come this way Tom moved aside with him After you left my room. the other night made bet with one of my friends and l want you to tell ne ii l hac won 1t or not,