The Roswell daily record. [volume] (Roswell, N.M.) 1903-current, 1907-08-14

was Slavin. The cool, gray eyes, glanc-
ing with such apparent negligence
across he cards in his hands, noted
every slight movement of the red
bearded gambler. in expectation of de-
tectfng some sign of trickery, or some
evidence hat he had been selected by
this precious trio for the purpose Of
easy ~plucking. Knavery was Slavin's
style, but apparently he was now
playing a straight game, no doubt real
izing clearly, behind his impassive
mask of a face, the utter futility Of
seeking to outwit one of Hampton's
enViable reputation.
1t was, unquestionably, a fairly
fought four-handed battle, and at last,
thoroughly convinced of this, Hamp-
ton settled quietly down, prepared to
play out his game. The stakes grew
steadily larger. Several times drinks
were served, but Hampton contented
himself with a gulp of water, always
gripping al unlighted cigar between
his teeth. He was playing now with
apparent recklessness, never hesitat-
ing over a card, his eye as watchful as
that of a hawk, his betting quick, con-
ident, ~audacious. The contagion Of
his spirit seemed to affect the others,
to force them into desperate wagers.
The p~erspiration was beading Slavin's
forehead, and now and then an oath
burst unrestrained from his hairy lips.
Halves and Willis sat wh~ite-faced, bent
forward a~nxiously over the table, their
fingers shaking as they handled the
Hateful cards, but Hampton played
without perceptible tremor, his utter
ances few and monosyllabic, his calm
face ~betrayinE not the faintest emo
ton.
And he was steadily winning. Occa-
sionally some other hand drew in the
growing stock of gold and bank notes,
but not often enough to Offset those
continued gains that began to heap up
in such an alluring pile upon his por-
ton of the table. The lookers-on who
had come in began to observe this, and
gathered more closely about his chair,
fascinated by the luck with which the
cards came floating into his hands, the
cool judgment of his critical plays, the
reckless abandon with which he forced
success. Suddenly lie forced the fight
to a finish. The opportunity came in
a Jackpot which Halves had opened.
The betting began with q cool thou
sand. Then Hampton's turn came.
Without drawing, his cards yet lying
downward before him on the board,
his calm features as immovable as the
Sphinx, he quietly pushed his whole
accumulated pile to the center, named
the sum, and leaned back in his chair,
his eyes cold, impassive. Halves
threw down his hand, wiping his
streaming face with his handkerchief;
Willis counted his remaining roll, hest
tated, looked again at the faces of his
cards, flung aside two, drawing to fill,
and called loudly for a. showdown. his
eyes ~protruding. Slavtn, cursing
Aerce4y under his red beard, having
drawn one card, his perplexed fac in
stantly Frightening as he glanced ae
1t, went back into his hip pocket for
every cen he had, and added his pro-
fame demand for a chance Mt the
money.
A fortune rested on the table, q for
tune the ownership of which was to
be decided in a single moment, and by
the movement of a hand. Willis was
gasping, his whole body quivering;
was watching Hampton's hands
as a cat does a mouse, his thick lips
pdIl0uy Ills uuSCIS IW1ICAluA nCT NOuS1J.
The latter smiled grimly, his motion
deliberate, his eyes never wavering.
Slowly, one by one he turned up his
cards, never wen deigning to glance
his entire that Of
unstudied Indifference. One-two-
three. Willis uttered a snarl like q
stricken wild beastt, and sank back in
his chair, his eyes closed, his cheeks
CHASTITY. o Slavin brought down
great clenched first with q crash
the table, a string of oaths bursting
unrestrained from his lips. Five.
meyer stirring n muscle, sat
there Hike a statue, watching. Els
hand kept hidden beneath the
table, with his left he quietly drew In
the stack of bills and coin, pushing the
stuff heedlessly int the side pocket Of
coat, his gaze lever once wander
ing from those stricken faces fronting
him. Then he softly pushed back his
chair and stood erect. Willis never
but Slavin rose unsteadily to
feet, gripping the table Aercely
with both hands.
Gentlemen" said Hampton, grave
ly, his clear voice sounding 1 the
peal Of a bell. 81 car only thank
you for your courtesy in this matter,
and bic you all goodnight However.
before l go it may be OF some interest
me to say nat I have played NAY
last game"
Somebody laughed sarcastica11y, .
harsh, hateful laugh. The speaker
whirled, took one step forward; there
was the flash Of an extended arm, q
amll crunch, and Red Slavin went
crashing backward against the wall.
As he gazed up, dazed and bewildered,
from the floor, the lights glimmered
along a b1ue-steel barrel.
Not n move, you red brute" and
spurned him contemporary
with his heel. This Is no variety
show. and your laughter was in poor