The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1904-02-05

a run or cards was never sssn in thil
room since Rigby. OF the Tenth. made
his great game four years ago"
.Vingt-cinG: Ell lie val" said John
Law. calmly.
"In lay thee 80 to one that the mex
turn sees thee losei" cried Castleton-
Done said John Law.
you lose, Mr.. Castleton," said Law,
calmly, as the cards came again his
way he swept his winnings from the
coin pushed out 10 hiEi.
Now We nave thee. Mr.. Law!" cried
Pembroke. '0ne more turn, and
hope your very good nerve will leave
the stake on the board, Tor so We II
see it all come back To the bank, even
as the sheep came home at eyentide
Here your lane turns. And tbs at the
last stage, for the next is the limit OF
the rules of the game. But you'll not
win il"
Anything you like for a little per-
sonal wager" said the other, with no
excitement in his voice.
Why. then, anything you like your
self sir" said Pembroke.
Your little slipper against &50?"
asked John Law.
"Why-yes-," hesitated Pembroke,
for the moment feeling doubt CT the
luck that had favored him so long that
evening. I'D rather make it sover-
eigns, but since you name the slipper,
even make it so, for | know there is
but one chance in hundreds that you
win"
The players leaned over the table as
the deal went on. Once, twice, thrice,
the cards went round. A sigh, groan,
long breath broke from those who
looked at the deal. Neither groan nor
sigh came from John Law. He gazed
indifferently at the heap of coin and
paper that lay on the table, and which
by the law of play, was now his own.
''Trente ct lie va" he said. Il knew
that it would come Sir Arthur, | half
regret to rob thee thus, but shall
ask my slipper in hand paid Pardon |
me-. too, II / chide thee for risking 1t IN !
play. Gentlemen, there is much in |
this little shoe, empty as it is"
He dangled it upon his finger, hardly |
looking at the winnings that lay be-
fore him. IT'S monstrous pretty, this
little SHOE" he said, rousing himself !
from his half reverie.
But heard you not the wager which
was proposed over the little shoe?"
broke in Castleton. Wilson, here,
was angered when l laid him odds that
here was but one woman in London
who could wear this shoe. l offered
hin odds that his good friend, Kittis
lawrence"
Nor had We the right to offer such
,et!' cried Wilson, rufiied by the do
ngs of the evening.
"I'll lay you myself there's no won.
IN in England whom you know with
DOT small enough to wear it," cried |
Castleton.
Meaning to me?" asked Law, po-
itely.
ITO any one," cried Castleton. quick
v, "but most to thee, fancy, since
It's now thy shoe!"
!
now a smaller foot than that OF
Iadam Lawrence" said Law, suavely
I'll lay you another 40 crowns that
ii try it on for the test, though | first
aw the lady this very morning. I'll
ny you another 40 crowns that Madam
lawrence cannot wear this shoe, II
hough her l have never seen"
These words ranked, though they
rere said off-hand and with the license
f coffee-house talk at SO late an hour.
eau Wilson rose, in somewhat un.
teady attitude, and, turning towards
Jaw, addressed him with a tone which
1T small option as to its meaning.
"Sirrah!" cried he, Il know n, who
on are, but would have word Oh
wo of good advice for you'll
"Sir, | thank YOU" said John Law,
but perhaps l do not need advice"
e did not rise from his seat. g
"Have it then at any rate, and be
Will" cried the older man. You a
,em staggering sort, with your talk y
love and luck, and such are sure to -
1t their combs cut early enough here
nong EngliShmen. I'll not tolerats
our allusion to lady you have never
ct, and enc honor deeply, sir, deep
I"
Il am but a young man started out
seek his fortune" said John Law,
S eye kindling now for the first time.
md | should do very i'll If / evaded
at fotune, whatsoever it may be-
Then you'll take back that talk oil 4
RS. Lawrence!"
Il have made no talk of Mrs. Law
nee, SIR said Law, "and even had
should take back nothing for de.
and like yours. IT'S not meet, sir. "
here no offense was meant, to crowd
an offensive remark"
Pembroke said nothing. The situa-
IN was ominous enough at this point u
sudden gravity and dignity fell upon
Q young men who sat there, schooled e'
an etiquette whose first lesson was "a
at of personal courage OF