Monroe City Democrat. (Monroe City, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1904-09-22

u
You're never satisfied, C1iff," re-
turned Sturgis, tossing OF the contents
Of glass just brought by o waiter
May I sit in with you, gentlemen?'
inquired Darrell, pleasantly.
At that moment he looked the un-
sophisticated and ingenious eastern
gentleman, caring sothing for little
money and desirous only Of Willing
away the time As he spoke, he dis
played large roll of bills.
Il had thought Of quitting" said
Sturgis, shooting a. glance at his con-
fsderate, but stiTI. IL you want a
round, guess could accommodate
you. Do you want to take a hand?"
he added, earefessly, to the other gam
bier.
Il might" returned Cliff, with ap-
parent reluctance. "Tm not having
much luck tonight, though"
Three win make it more interest
ing" observed Darrell, dropping into
chair that placed him so he could
still watch the entrance.
Thereupon the playing began, the
youth whose battle Darrell was fight
ing, approaching the table and watch
ing eagerly. Darrell allowed the two
harpies to win enough of his none.
to give them confidence, then careless
ly proposed that they play for a stake
consisting of all the money they had
about them.
Certain OF winning, the other two
agreed, and from that moment to the
end of the game Darrell showed him
self the veteran player he was. Stur-
gis purpOsely dealt him three aces and
himself four queens, the younger man
dropped out in feigned despair and
Darrell plucked a diamond stud from
his shirt and laid it on the heap of
gold and silver.
From various parts of the room a
general movement of the idly curious
had set in towards that particular
table, which made it necessary for
Darrell to request, in his politest tones,
that those between the table and the
door should draw aside in order that
he might watch for the entrance Of "a
man he was waiting for"
The request was complied with. Be-
hind his chair Darrell could hear the
sharp, tense breathing of the boy.
Sturgis asked how much the diamond
stud was worth and. when informed
borrowed $500 from Hawlibill Hem
ierson, 5000 to meet barrels bet and
$500 to raise" him. Darrell took
magnificent watch from his vest pock-
Of tho GOLD noSa cHu6dad ,,ith c,o,o.
IL am a stranger here" said he,
quietly, land this is as far as can go.
What have your"
Sturgis exultantly spread out his
four queens. Darrell laid down four
kings and an ace.
Take your money" said he, turning
to the boy.
A growl of rage came from Sturgis.
Catching up his opponents discard he
turned the pasteboards over.
"Trickedi" he shouted, springing
erect. "He had three aces and dis
carded two! Hawkbill, demand the
stakes"
Henderson, red-faced, bull-necked
and corpulent, staggered closer.
said wheezingly to Darrell, land if
you've juggled the cards the stakes go
to Sturgis."
Leaning forward with a quick move
ment, Darrell swept his hand under
the edge of the table in front of Stur-
gis. Sturgis tried to stop the hand,
but was not quick enough.
The hand reappeared with a small,
nicllel-plated continuance known as a
table hold out" A murmur passed
through the crowd
"Sturgis has been using that all
evening"" remarked Darrell, coolly.
"He cheated that boy out of his money
and
With an imprecation, Sturgis hurled
himself towards Darrell, a cleaning
object in his mind. Hawkbill threw
himself in the way and ordered Sturgis
to keep back.
1t was evident that the bafIied gam
bier had friends who would rally to
his side and Darrell swept the stakes
into his hat, clapped the hat on his
head and caught the boy by the arm
and hurried him out.
At the hotel the young mans money
was returned to him. Tears stood in
his eyes as he thanked Darrell and the
latter, grufIiy bidding him remember
his promise, went out into the dark
street intent on returning to Hawk
bills and waiting for Murgatroyd.