Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1904-02-03


ct lie 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
which he had left lying ON the table.
''Vingt-un, ct lie val"
Good Cod" cried Castleton. the
sweat breaking out upon his forehead.
See the fellows luck.-P.Inbroke
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 lie va" said John
Law, calmly.
I'll lay thee so to one that the next
turn sees thee lose." 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 TO him.
Now We have thee, Mr.. Law," cried
Pembroke. "One more turn, and
hope your very good nerve will leave
the stake on the board, for so well
see 1t all come back To- the bank, even
as the sheep came home at eventide
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 it,"
Anything you like for 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 G5O?"
asked John Law.
"Why--yes-." hesitated Pembroke
for the moment feeling a doubt OF the
luck that had favored him so long that
evening. I'D rather make 1t 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, a groan,
long b:eath 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, if ch!de thee for risking it 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. TiS 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 VIXEN laid him odds that
there was but one woman in London
who could wear this shoe / offered
him odds that his good friend, Kittie
Lawrence
Nor had We the right to offer such
bet!' cried Wilson, rufiied by the do
inSs of the evening.
III lay you myself there's no wom-
an in England whom you know with
foot small enough TO wear it," cried
Castleton.
Meaning to me?" asked Law, po-
litel-
ITO any one" cried Castleton. quick
ly, but most to thee. | fancy. Stree
It's now thy shoei"
III lay you 40 crowns, then. that
know a smaller foot Than hat of
Madam Lawrence" said Law. suavely.
III lay you another 40 crowns that
I'll try it on for the test, though 4! first
saw the lady this very morning. III
lay you another 40 crowns that Madam
Lawrence cannot wear this shoe.
though her | have never seen"
These words ranked, though they
were said off-hand and with the license
of coffee-house talk at so late an hour.
Beau Wilson rose, in a somewhat un-
steady attitude, and, turning towards
Law, addressed him with tone which
left small option as TO it's meaning
'Sirrah.' cried he, II know net who
you are, but | would have a word or
two of SOod advice for you"
Sir, | thank YOU" said John Law.
but perhaps | do not need advice"
He did not rise from his seat
Have 1t then at any rate. and be
civ'l!' cried the older man. You
seem a staggering sort. with your talk
OF love and luck, and such are sure to
get their combs cut early enough here
among Englishmen. III not tolerate
your allusion to n lady you have never
met, and enc honor deeply, sir, deep
ly."
i am but n young man started out
TO seek his fortune" said John Law.
his eye kindling now for the first time
and ! should do very i'll If evadcd
that foiunc whatsoever it may be"
Then you'll take back that talk OF
Mrs. Lawrcncc!"
! have made no talk Of Mrs. Law
renee. sir. said Law. "aad even had
], ] should take back nothing for a de-
mand like yours "ris not meet sir