The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1904-05-04

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 va!''
Good God!" cried Castleton. the
sweat breaking out upon his forehead.
"See the fellows luck!-Penbroke,
sure he hath stole thy slipper. Such
q run of cards was never seen in this
room since Rigby. sof sthes Tenth, made
his great game four years ago."
"vingt-cinq: ct lie val" said John
Law, calmly.
"I'll lay thee 80 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 I
hope your very good nerve will leave
the stake on the board, for SO Well
see it all come back to the bank, even
as the sheep came home at eventide.
Here your lane turns. And tits 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 G50?"
asked John Law.
'Why--yes-," hesitated Pembroke,
for the moment feeling doubt of the
luck that had favored him so long that
evening. "Id rather make it sover-
eigns, but since you name the slipper,
even make it so, for l 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 lie va" he said. Il knew
that it would come. Sir Arthur, l 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 when laid him odds that
there was but one woman in London
who could wear this shoe. l offered
him odds that his good friend, Kittie
Lawrence"
Nor had We the right to offer such
bet!" cried Wilson, ruffled by the do
ings Of the evening.
"I'll 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, since
it's now thy shoe!"
"I'll lay you 40 crowns, then, that /
know smaller foot than that of
Madam Lawrence" said Law, suavely.
"I'll lay you another 40 crowns that
I'll try it on for the test, though first
saw the lady this very morning. I'll
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 somewhat I'M
steady attitude, and, turning towards
Law, addressed him with tone which
left small option as to its meaning.
"Sirrah!" cried he, IL know nj I who
you are, but would have word or
two of good advice for you!"
Sir. thank you," said John Law,
put perhaps do not need advice. -
He did not rise from his seat.
Have it then at any rate, and be
civil" cried the older man. You
seem staggering sort, with your TAX
OF love and luck, and such are sure to
get their combs cut early enough here
among Englishmen. I'll not tolerate
your allusion to a lady you have never
met, and one honor deeply, sir, deep
ly"
II am but 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 il 1 evaded
that fotune, whatsoever it may be-"
Then you'll take back that talk of
Mrs. Lawrence!"
II have made no talk Of Mrs. Law
renee, sir" said Law, "and even had
| l, should take back nothing for de-
mand like yours 'Tis not meet, sir,
where no offense was meant, to crowd
in an offensive remark"