Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-01-01


rowed coin. Besides, should feel
that had offended my good angel did
I ask it to help me out of mine own
folly. II we have but bit Of this
cold joint, and place for my brother
Will to sit in comfort as we play, I !
shall beg to hope, my friends, that I
shall be allowed to stake this tribe
against little of the money that see
here; which, take it, is subject to the
fortunes of war"
He tossed on the board ring, which |
carried in its setting diamond Of !,
size and brilliance.
This fellow hath a cool assurance !
enough" muttered Beau Wilson to his
neighbor as he leaned toward him at
the table.
Pembroke, always good.natured.
laughed at the effrontery of the new
conner.
"You say very well; it is there for
the fortune of war;" said he. TT is
all yours, il you can win It; but warn
you, beware, for I shall have your
jewel and your letters Of credit too,
il We keep not sharp watch"
Eyes," said Castleton, Pembroke
hath warrant for such speech. The
man who can make sept ct lie va thrice
in one evening is hard company for
his friends"
John Law leaned back comfortably
in his chair.
81 make no doubt" said he, "that
shall make trente ct lie va, here at this
table, this very evening"
Smiles and good-natured sneerings
met this calm speech.
"Trente ct lie vat 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 oversight of trente ct lie va these
next five evenings, If you favor US
with your company"
BE easy with me, good friends"
said John Law, calmly. II am not yet
| in condition for individual wagers, as
my jewel is my fortune, till tomorrow
at least. But if we 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
| We what We like"
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"
81 humbly crave pardon, sir" said
/ Pembroke. ''In this new sort of dis
course had forgot thine appetite. We
shall mend that at once. Here. Simon:
Go fetch up Mr.. Laws brother, who
waits below. and fetch two covers and
a bit to eat. Some of thy new lava
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 tails
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
it long and curiously, asking again and
again searching questions regarding its
origin.
II have read of this new land Of
America" said he. Some day it will
be more prominent in all plans"
He laid down the slipper and unused
for moment, apparently forgetful OF
the scene about him.
a Perhaps, cried Castleton, the zeal
of the gambler now showing in his
Eeye. But let us make play here to-
night. Let Pembroke bank. His luck
is best to win this vaunter's stake"
Pembroke dealt the cards about for
the first round. The queen fell. John
Law won. "Deux,' he said, calmly,
and turned away as though it were a
matter OF course. The cards went
round again. "Trois,' he said, as he
glanced at his stakes. now doubled
again.
Wilson murmured. "Luck's with
him for a start" said he, "but It's q
long road" He himself had lost at the
second turn. "Quint!" "Seix!" "sep'
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.
u 'Vingt-un, ct lie val"
], Good God!" cried Castleton, The
sweat breaking out upon his forehead
'See the fellows luck!-Pembroke
i sure he hath stole thy slipper Suct
a run of cards was never seen In thil
. room since Rigby. Of the Tenth, made
, his great game four years ago."
j "Vingt-cinq; ct lie val" said Johr
: Law, calmly.
+ "I'll lay thee so to one that the mex
. turn sees thee lose!" cried Castleton.
"Done," said John Law.
.TOu lose, Mr.. Castleton, said Law
!, calmly, as the cards came again his
l way. He swept his winnings from tha
l coin pushed out to him.
Now we have thee, Mr.. Law!" crieG
Pembroke. One more turn, and
Is hope your very good nerve will leave
: the stake on the board, for SO wei
Z see 1t all come back to the bank, ever
I as the sheep came home at eventide
y Here your lane turns. And It's at tn,
o last stage, for the next is the limit O
y the rules of the game. But you'll no
9 win IT,.
$ Anything you like for little per
a sonal wager. said the other, with nj
IT excitement In his voice.
9 why, then, anything you like your
Z self SIR said Pembroke.
your little slipper against ESQ.,?
% asked john Law.
y "Why-yes-," hesitated Pembroke
i for the moment feeling doubt of tn
luck that had favored him so long tina