Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-01-06

l hath warrant for such speech. The man who can make sept ct le va thrice l in one evening is hard company for I his friends"
 1 John Law leaned back comfortably in his chair.
 1 tI make no doubt,'' said he, ..that I shall make trente ct le va, here at this table, this very evening""
 Smiles and good-natured sneerings met this calm speech. I stTrente ct le va--it hath not come out in the history of London play for the past four seasons!" cried Wilson. "I'll lay you any odds that you're not within eye-sight of trente ct le va these next five evenings. if you favor us with your company
 Be easy with me, good friends" said John Law calmly, T am not yet in condition for individual wagers, as my jewel is my fortune, till tomorrow at least. But if ye choose to make the play at Landsknecht, will plunge at the bank to the best of my capital. Then, if I win, shall be blithe to lay ye what ye like.Y
 The young Englishmen sat looking at their guest with some curiosity His strange assurance daunted them.
 Good sir,'' said Law, "let us first of all have the joint"
 T humbly crave a pardon, sir," said Pembroke. .In this new sort of dis course had forgot thine appetite. We shall mend that at once. Here, Simon: l Go fetch up MT. Laws brother, who waits below, and fetch two covers and | In &~ enA <~r f1aTyra Tayr berry, too, and make haste! We have much yet to do."
 ''Now we must to business" cried Castleton, as the dishes were at last cleared away. Show him thy talis- l man, Penn, and let him kiss his jewel good by."
 Pembroke threw upon the table once more the moccasin of the Indian girl. John Law picked it up and examined l it long and curiously, asking again and again searching questions regarding it's origin.
 1T have read of this new land of lsAmerica," said he Some day it will be more prominent in all plans
 He laid down the slipper and unused for a moment, apparently forgetful of ] the scene about him.
 Perhaps, cried Castleton, the zeal l of the gambler now showing in his I eye. But let us make play here to- I night. Let Pembroke bank. His luck is best to win this vaunter's stake" l Pembroke dealt the cards about for l the first round The queen fell John Law won. ..Deux," he said. calmly. l and turned away as though it were a l matter of course The cards went :. round again. "Trois,' he said, as he l glanced at his stakes, now doubled l again.
 Wilson murmured. ''Lucks with l him for a start" said he, but 'tis a long road' He himself had lost at the second turn. "Quint!'' "Seix!" Sept ct le val" in turn called Law, still coolly, still regarding with little inter- est the growing heap of coin upon the board opposite the glittering ring I which he had left lying on the table. s'vingt-un, ct le val" l Good God!" cried Castleton, the sweat breaking out upon his forehead ''See the fellows luck!-Pembroke, sure he hath stole thy slipper. Such run of cards was never seen in this room since Rigby, of the Tenth, made his great game four years ago."
 ''Vingt-cinq; ct le val" said John Law, calmly.
 '.I'Il lay thee 50 to one that the next turn sees thee lose!" cried Castleton.
 "none." said John Law.
 "You lose, MT. Castleton," said Law, 1 calmly, as the cards came again his way. He swept his winnings from the coin pushed out to him.
 Now we have thee, MT. Law!" cried Pembroke. One more turn, and hope your very good nerve will leave the stake on the board. for so we'll see it all come back to the bank, even as the sheep came home at eventide. Here your lane turns. And 'tis at the | last stage, for the next is the limit of the rules of the game. But you'll not l win it.''
 Anything you like for little per- l 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 s50?" asked John Law.
 "Why--yes-," hesitated Pembroke, for the moment feeling doubt of 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 I 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, a 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 le va, he said. T knew that it would come. Sir Arthur, I half 1 regret to rob thee thus, but shall ask my slipper in hand paid. Pardon me, too, if l chide thee for risking 1t in l play. Gentlemen, there is much in