The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1907-03-14

A BILLIARD
BET
Copyright, by Joseph B. Bowles)
BY r. Harris Deems

looking young man, with light sandy
hair carefully parted down the center
of his head. That he looked milder
and younger than he really was,
may or may not have been his
fault-it certainly was not his mis-
fortune.
He had arrived two days previous
ly at the little town of Coleman, to
recuperate after a fatiguing winter
season.
Quite what his occupation was very
few people knew He occasionally
backed horses-to lose; knew few
card tricks with which he amused
strangers: and a good many more
wh.th h he neither showed to them nor
amused them with. He was a fairly
good ligeon shot, and an exception
ally clever billiard rlayer.
Coleman had been recommended to
him b. his bosom friend, Samuel Dug
ger, who was a native of the place.
On this particular afternoon he was
gazing mildly at the "Freemason's
Hotel debating whether he should
enter or not After a few minutes
cogltation he sauntered In, and made
for the billiard room.
Calling for scotch and soda, he lit
a cigarette, and stood watching pale
faced lanky individual awkwardly
knocking the balls about the table.
DO you play?" queried that gentle
man, catching Mr.. Hardon's interest
ed look.
You can hardly call 1t playing"
he replied, hesitatingly. Seeing he
made a fairly comfortable living with
his billiards, this was perhaps
fact Besides, I'm awfully out of
practice
Som l." confessed the young
man; Il was Just knocking the balls
about to see If | remembered the
ggno."
We'll, I don't mind trying my
hand" murmured Mr.. Hardon.
Right" cried the young man.
briskly. What shall it be? Fifty
up?'
Fifty up? Oh, that means we've
got to make 80 points doesn't it?"
Yes" said the young man, chalk
ing the tip of his cue industriously;
the man who makes so first wins"
Il see! Which ball do l have?
I've almost forgotten"
About 20 minutes play, when the
game stood 10 to ~, the young man
carelessly suggested having a little
something up on 1t.
We'll. I'm not gambler" stated
Mr.. Hardon, but / don't mind half
dollar"
go ahead, then, it's your play"
Now, whether IL was that he was
not used to the table, or that he took
pity on the ignorance Of his opponent,
remains uncertain, but for the next
half hour Mr. Hardon played about
as badly as he ever had in his life.
Playing ping-pong?" inquired a
gentleman who had entered whilst
the game was in progress, after the
two innocents had sent their balls
on the floor half dozen times.
At the end of an hours play Mr..
Hardon raced out a winner by so to
46; and 1t Is doubtful II he would
have won then had not the pale-faced
young man sent his last two balls on
the ground.
Let's have another game" sug-
gested the loser, paying over his so
cents.
Don't forget they close at 12,"
extensively remarked the gentleman
who had been watching the game.
Il don't mind answered Mr.. Har-
don, ignoring this individual. Same
stakes"
Lets have a decent bit up on II
this time, seeing we're about level.
What do you say to ten dollars?"
go ahead, then" said Mr.. Hardon.
See here" exclaimed the specta.
tor who by his greasy appearance
seemed to be a butcher. addressing
Mr.. Hardon, you're both pretty bad
players, but ! rather fancy the other
chap is bit better than you"
You do, do you?" answered Mr..
Hardon, blandly.
Yes! And in spite of your win.
ming the last game I'm ready to back
him"
Let me see." reflected Mr.. Har.
don. 81 won the game On strange
table"
Then what'll you back him for?"
he asked, suddenly.
Same as the stakes. Ten"
Done with you" said Mr.. Harden,
picking up his cue.
The pale young man and his backey
exchanged knowing glances.
Go IT," cried the former as his
opponent bent over the table.
And Mr.. Hardon did "go 1t" to the
extent of making a beautiful little
break of 20.
well. I'm" exclaimed the young
man, as he looked from Mr.. Hardon
to the nasty position in which the
balls were placed.
Here, what do you call thisY