Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1907-03-07

MI. James Haruon WAS miiu
booking 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 fatiguing winter
season.
Quite what his occupation was very
few people knew. He occasionally
backed horses-to lose; knew rev
card tricks with which he amused
strangers; and good many more
which he neither showed to them nor
amused them with. He was a fairly
good pigeon shot; and an exception
ally clever billiard player.
Coleman had been recommended to
him by his bosom friend, Samuel Dug
ger. who was a native Of the place.
On this particular afternoon he was
gazing mildly at the "Freemasons
Hotel" debating whether he should
enter or not. After a few minutes
cogitation he sauntered In, and made
for the billiard room.
Calling for scotch and soda. he lit
q cigarette, and stood watching pale
faced, lanky individual awkwardly
knocking the balls about the table.
do you play?" queried that gentle
man, catching Mr.. Hardons interest
ed look.
"You can hardly call 1t playing"
he replied, hesitatingly. Seeing he
made 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 IL 1 remembered the
game"
well, 1 don't mind trying my
hand" murmured Mr.. Harden.
Right" cried the young man,
briskly. What shall 1t be? Fifty
up?"
Fifty up? oh, that means we've
got to make so points doesn't it?"
Eyes," said the young man, chalk
ing the tip of his cue industriously;
"the man who makes 80 first wins"
81 see! Which ball do have?
I've almost forgotten"
About 20 minutes play, when the
game stood 10 to IL, the young man
carelessly suggested having a little
something up on it.
well, I'm not gambler" stated
Mr.. Harden, "but ! don't mind half q
dollar"
= "Go ahead, then, it's your play"
Playing ping-pong?" inquired 6
gentleman who had entered whilst
the game was in progress, after the
two innocents had sent their balls
on the floor half a dozen times.
At the end of an hours play Mr.
Harden raced out winner by SO tt
As; and 1t is doubtful If he would
have won then had not the pale-facet
young man sent his last two balls or
the ground.
Lets have another game" sug
gested the loser, paying over his 81
cents.
Don't forget they close at 49,
Extensively remarked the gentleman
who had been watching the game.
II don't mind" answered Mr.. Har
don, ignoring this individual, Same
stakes?"
Lets have a decent bit up on Il
this time, seeing we're about level
What do you say to ten dollars?"
go ahead, then" said Mr.. Harden
See here" exclaimed the specta
tor who by his greasy appearance
seemed to be butcher, addressing
Mr.. Harden, you're both pretty bat
players, but l rather fancy the Other
chap is bit better than you"
you do, do you?" answered Mr.
Harden, blandly.
Yes! And in spite OF your win
ming the last game Pm ready to bach
him"
Let me see," reflected Mr.. Har
don, II won the game on a 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 hacker
exchanged knowing glances.
go It," cried the former as hi,
opponent bent over the table.
And Mr. Harden did Ego 1t" to tn,
extent of making a beautiful littl,
break of %.
Here, what do you call this? p
clustered the greasy gentleman.
Billiards" said Mr.. Harden, mild
ly. What did you think it was
Ping-pong?"
Shut up. Barker" said the youn,
man, .irritably, you put me out"
Gritting his teeth he surveyed tn,
table darkly. The balls were too bad
ly placed for him to make more
than ten.