by Old Sleuth
CHAPTER IX.
ALMOST A BREAK--A NOVEL GAME TO ROB--OUR HERO'SARTISTIC ACTING--A TABLEAU AND A GRAND SURPRISE.
Again the sharp fixed his eyes upon our hero, but it was not agive-away; Desmond was playing his game too well. He appeared like anexcited gambler, an amateur, who apparently believed he had a surething.
"I'll warn you once more," said the sharp.
"To the dogs with your warning, you daren't bet."
"Oh, yes, I dare bet, but I like you; I've a dead sure hand, you can'tbeat me."
"That's my lookout."
"Then you know just what you are doing?"
"Yes, I do."
"These men can bear witness that I want to throw up my hand."
"You needn't."
"And you will really bet?"
"Yes, I will."
"With your eyes open?"
"Dead sure."
"All right; what is your raise?"
Desmond gave a lift and the sharp raised back, and so the play went onuntil the stake was a thousand dollars on the two hands, and the sharpsaid:
"See here, young follow, five hundred is enough for you to lose."
"No, no, I am not losing."
"You ain't?"
"No."
"Suppose you are mistaken."
"I can stand it."
"You can?"
"I can."
"All right; no use for me to attempt to stand against a young fellowlike you. I begin to suspect you've been playing innocent, and I willteach you a lesson; I raise you a hundred."
"I see it and go two hundred better."
Each time a bet was made the money was laid on the table, and it was avery exciting scene and moment. The sharp looked puzzled; he had laidout for a dead sure thing, but there had come a complete change overDesmond, and it was the latter fact that scared the sharp. Hehesitated, but at length, in a slow tone, said:
"I'll see you a call," and he laid down his cards. He held four jacks, agreat hand, but one that is often beaten, of course, and it was beatenon this occasion, for, strange to declare, Desmond held four kings.
Right here let us offer an explanation. Our hero was playing against afalse deal; the man who was leading him made the fatal mistake that hewas working with a gudgeon on his hook, consequently he was notwatchful. The wizard tramp had taught Desmond a great many tricks, andthe lad's natural discernment and watchfulness had prepared him for thehand when the great trick was to be sprung, and unwatched he worked abigger trick. He did not know what the hand was he was pitted against,but he had been let in to gamblers' tricks, that is, "snide" gamblers.These fellows in making a false deal do not win on the highest hands,for they always know the hand against them. The fellow who was seekingto rob Desmond thought he knew our hero's hand, but it was right therehe was fooled. Our hero had worked his own trick, as stated--he stole ahand so deftly that the unwatchful robbers did not see him do it, and itwas there he had them. He was really taking a slight chance, but only aslight one, and what followed? Well, it was a case of the biter bitten,and when Desmond exposed his hand there came a look upon the sharp'sface that can never be described, but which might be photographed with asnap-shot machine.
There fell a dead stillness in that car for a few seconds, and then thedefeated sharp said:
"Aha! you are a cheat."
"Am I?"
Desmond was perfectly cool.
"Yes, you are, and that money is mine."
"Is it?"
"Oh, see here, young fellow, don't you attempt to bluff me, or I'll markyou."
As intimated, there had come a great change over Desmond. He did notlook like and he certainly did not act like the same person who a littletime previously had been learning gambling tricks from the sharp. Thegambler attempted to rake the money from the seat, and it was at thatmoment the real fun commenced.
"You miserable rascal," cried Desmond, "lay a finger on a bill on thatseat and I'll pin your hand to the car seat."
Well, there was a scene of consternation around there just at thatinstant, and our hero said:
"I've been carrying out your programme, amusing myself with a sneakthief, and now, Mr. Senator's Son, you have evidence that Yorkers doknow a thing or two, and you get yourself together and get out of thiscar and off the train at the next station, or I'll make a horse-fly netof you. Is that plain English? Take your own money, I don't need it. Youare under cover, but let me give you a pointer--you play the senator'sson too well altogether to make a success of it."
The group of gamblers stared in silence. They did not dare make ahostile move; there was something about Desmond in his transformedappearance that froze them--indeed, even his youth was a mystery tothem, for he acted like a man who had had years of experience.
"You started in, gentlemen, to play a big game of robbery, but ran upagainst a snag. I am letting you off easy--very easy--but you see weyoung fellows from York are not malicious."
The gamblers had indeed gotten off easily, and we will here explain thatthey did not fear Desmond in a scrimage; but they would have feared anyone who would have made a fight, as they did not wish to draw theattention of the train men to their scheme which had been exposed. Hadthey been winners they would have made a fight, but the game they wereattempting was one of highway robbery, for they had been outwitted inthe deal, and had no claim upon the money.
The train arrived at a station and the gamblers started to alight. Theyfelt bitter, and the self-styled senator's son said to Desmond:
"The train will stop here fifteen minutes. You are a good fellow, I likeyou, I'd like to have you stop off a minute and have a cool drink withus."
Desmond well knew the scoundrel's purpose, but being fond of adventurehe determined to give the rascals a still greater surprise. He was insplendid condition, his muscles were developed up to the consistency ofwhit-leather, and with a smile he rose to follow the man who had invitedhim to alight for refreshment. The gambler stepped off the car ahead ofDesmond; the latter followed, when the former suddenly swung round andmade a vicious lunge at the youth who had so cleverly outwitted him, andonce again the scamp was outwitted. A second time he ran up against asnag, for our hero dodged the blow that was meant for him and counteredwith a tremendous slugger which landed on his assailant's nose, and overthe man fell with a swiftness that would have suggested the kick of ahorse, and when he fell he lay there; but two of the other chaps had inthe meantime made a rush for Desmond, and they received a rapsuccessively--indeed, they had run in on our young walking championwhere he was at home. He was a wonder in science, strength and agility;no two or three ordinary men would have had any show with him at all,and the fact was the assailants so determined, for the attack was notrenewed, and our hero stepped aboard the train, the object of thewondering glances of twenty people who had witnessed the assault andits culmination.
Desmond sat down in the car as coolly as though he had just gone out fora breath of fresh air.
Our hero encountered several other adventures of a minor character, butin good time arrived in New York City. He had not announced his returnto the farm, and consequently spent several days in the all-roundgreatest city in the world. There is no place like old New York; thereis more life to be seen in the great American metropolis in one day thancan be seen in any other great capital in two. It is a city peculiar toitself, unlike any other, in its situation between two rivers and itsnose practically putting out to the sea; in its activities and generalloveliness--indeed, it in a wonderful place, and Desmond enjoyed everyminute during his sojourn, but at length he took a train up-country andin due time arrived at the station from which he was to team it to theold farm where his grandfather and father had lived and died.
As stated, Desmond had not announced his return, and when within a mileof the farm he alighted from the wagon that had carried him over andstarted afoot. It was late in the afternoon when he arrived in sight ofthe old farm, and he was standing on a rise of ground looking overtoward his old home, when he espied a gi
rl sitting beneath a tree. Oneglance was sufficient; he recognized Amy, and he determined to stealupon her unawares. He managed to gain a clump of bushes located withintwenty feet of where the girl sat, and he had an opportunity to studyher unobserved. We will not describe his emotions, but it was abeautiful sight that fell under his delighted gaze. The life on the farmhad been of great advantage to Amy in many ways, and in her white muslindress she appeared so beautiful as to make it seem that she was out ofplace in that wild region. Her form was perfect in its grace, and herface--well, we will not go into a description, but let it suffice to saythat there are few girls in all the world who surpass her in theexquisite loveliness of her face.
Desmond studied the girl for a long time and he observed that sheappeared to be perfectly contented and happy. She had her mandolin withher, and after quite a period of abstraction she took up her instrument,and soon her splendid voice sounded clear and melodious on the stillair, for it was an afternoon when nature rested under a spell, as itwere; not a breath of air appeared to float amid the leaves and flowers.
A moment, and our hero made the most delightful discovery of his life.Amy was singing and improvising; she did it readily and charmingly, andher hidden auditor was indeed charmed. She was singing to an absent one,and she mingled the name of our hero in her song. It was a plea for theabsent one to return, and the sweetness of the melody was not moreentrancing than the verses. She appeared to be not only a singer but apoetess, possessed of rare talent.
Desmond did not appear inclined to break the spell, but when he saw Amymaking preparations to depart he stepped from his place of concealment.The girl uttered a cry; at the first glance she did not recognize thefarmer boy, transformed as he was into a gentleman in dress, but whenshe caught sight of his face and heard his merry laugh and pleasantsalutation, she exclaimed:
"Oh, Desmond, I did not know you at first. How elegant you look!"
"Thank you; how is my mother?"
"She is well, but did not know you were coming home; neither did I."
"Well, no, I thought I would give you a surprise. It's all right, here Iam, this side up with care."
"Your mother will be delighted."
"And you?"
"I am giddy with delight, and I hope all is well with you and with my--"The girl stopped short and said, "Mr. Brooks."
"Yes, when I left him he was all right."
"Did he come with you?"
"No, he remained behind to transact some business; and, Amy, if you aresurprised to see me looking so elegant, as you say, you would be moresurprised did you behold at this moment your--I mean Mr. Brooks."
A shadow flitted across the girl's face, but it was succeeded a momentlater by a bright smile, as she said:
"Oh, I am so happy, I was never happier in my whole life."
"And what makes you so happy?"
The question was put abruptly.
CHAPTER X.
CONCLUSION.
Amy suddenly appeared to realize--well, our readers can guess what. Itappeared to cross her mind that she was betraying too great happiness,and was a little too free in betraying it. She hesitated and blushed,and after an instant of embarrassment Desmond said:
"Oh, don't be afraid, tell me why you are so happy."
"Everything makes me happy, and I shall continue to be happy unless--"Again the girl stopped short.
"Go on," said Desmond.
"Unless I am to be taken away from your mother."
"Do you desire to remain with my mother?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"I love your mother."
"You love my mother?"
"Yes, I do."
"And who else?"
The question came in a pointed manner; Amy was a girl nearly sixteen.
"My--I mean Mr. Brooks."
"Who else?"
The girl did not answer.
"Come, Amy, who else do you love?"
"You are real mean."
"I am?"
"Yes."
"How?"
"You know."
"I do?"
"Yes."
"I don't want to be mean, but tell me who else you love?"
"I won't."
"You won't?"
"No."
There was bantering in the tones of both these young people at thatmoment.
"Shall I tell you who I love?"
"Yes."
"I love my mother."
"You can't help it."
"I have learned to love Mr. Brooks, your--I mean--well, Mr. Brooks."
In a tantalizing tone the girl asked:
"Who else?"
"Oh, you're real mean," said Desmond, imitating Amy's tone at themoment she had made the same remark to him.
"I don't want to be mean."
"You don't?"
"No."
"Will you keep my secret?"
"Yes," came the eager answer.
"Honor bright?"
"Yes, honor bright."
"You won't tell even my mother?"
The girl did not answer.
"Come, promise."
"I promise."
"I've met a girl I love, and I've made you my confidante, but don't tellmy mother."
Amy had turned desperately pale, and in a pettish, trembling tone, shesaid:
"Yes, I will tell your mother."
"You promised not to do so."
"I don't care, I'll break my promise."
"Oh, Amy, you are real mean."
"I can't help it if I am."
"You can't?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"I am mad--real mad."
"You are?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because you went and fell in love with a girl; it's ridiculous,anyway."
"It is?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"You are only a boy."
"I am?"
"Yes."
"What are you, pray? you are only a girl."
"I know it."
"I couldn't fall in love with a mere girl, could I?"
"Yes, you could."
Desmond laughed in a merry manner, and said:
"Well, to tell the truth, I did fall in love with a mere girl. Do youwant to hear about her?"
"No."
"You don't?"
"No, I don't."
"I am going to tell you all the same; you are the girl I've fallen inlove with."
There came a bright, happy look to Amy's beautiful face as she said:
"Oh, you are real mean."
"I am?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"To tell me that so suddenly."
"Well, who else do you love?"
"I love you."
"All right; go and break your promise and tell my mother," said Desmondin a provoking tone, following his advice by encircling Amy's waist andimprinting upon her red-hot cheek a kiss.
"You tell your mother yourself," said Amy.
"No, I won't; you said you would."
"Then I will."
"You will?"
"Yes."
"Well, well!"
"Your mother will be glad."
"What?" ejaculated Desmond.
"Your mother will be glad."
"How do you know?"
"She told me so."
That night there was a happy party under the old farmhouse roof. Mrs.Dare had met her son with tears of joy in her eyes, and Desmond had toldthe weird tale of his remarkable adventures.
At once our hero set to work to prepare for college. He had talked thematter over with his mother and with Amy, and in due time he did enterAmherst College, and for a long time his adventures ceased. He heardoccasionally from Mr. Brooks, who appeared to be doing well and who sentmoney on at intervals, but no explanation. And so the time passed untilDesmond graduated and returned home. He met his mother and Amy, and amoment later there came forth from the house a well-known figure; it wasBrooks, th
e whilom wizard tramp.
Again there followed a pleasant evening, and on the following morningDesmond was out bright and early to take a walk over the farm. He hadgone but a short distance when he saw a figure in the grove near thehouse. He advanced and met his old friend the wizard tramp.
"You are out early," said Desmond.
"Yes, I thought I might meet you."
"And you will now tell me how you have succeeded?"
"Yes, Desmond, I will tell you all now, and I owe all to you. We arerich--very rich. We found the mine, Creedon and I, and we gotcapitalists interested and developed it. You were our silent partner,and to-day you are worth a quarter of a million and I am worth as muchmore, or rather Amy is, for I have been working for my child."
"I have suspected all along that Amy was your daughter. Has she told youanything?"
"Yes, she has told me she is to become your wife."
"What do you think of it?"
"It has been the one hope of my life that you would win her love and sheyours. It was for this reason I insisted upon your returning to theEast, and the wisdom of my plans is fully confirmed."
"You have a revelation to make to me."
"I have made the revelation--Amy is my own child."
"And is that all you have to reveal? I've known that all along."
"That is my most important revelation, but I have another to make. Myfather was the younger son of an English nobleman; he married abeautiful but poor girl, as the world counts riches, and his fatherdrove him away, and he came here to America. He never saw his brotheragain; his nephew, my cousin, inherited the estates and title, butstrange to say, I was the nearest of kin. Five years ago my cousin died;he left no estate, but the title which had been maintained in honor bymy ancestors has descended to me, and when you marry Amy you will marrya lord's daughter."
Desmond meditated a moment, and then said:
"I am satisfied to marry the daughter of plain Mr. Brooks."
"Thank you, my son, but I shall clear the estate, and for a season atleast dwell in the ancient halls of my ancestors. I will remain towitness your marriage and shall then go home to England. And now comesmy last revelation: you and Amy are distantly connected; my remoteancestors were yours also. Your grandfather came down from the youngerline a long time back, but blood as good as any one's flows in yourveins."
"Yes, from my mother."
"I admit it, _from your mother_."
Our readers know what followed. Amy and Desmond were married, and onthe night of the wedding he remarked to his father-in-law:
"This time I took no desperate chance."
"Neither did Amy when she intrusted her future happiness to you," camethe bright and elegant answer.
The whilom wizard tramp did return to England, and it was in theancestral halls that Desmond and Amy spent their delightful honeymoon.
THE END.
