"THE LITTLE GAME."

Dunstan Times, Issue 784, 27 April 1877, Page 4

"THE LITTLE GAME."

Years ago, when the world-renowned Lord Dundreary was plain Mr Sothern, he was the support of an aged mother and several brothers and sisters through his employment as fourth utility man in a small theatre. He only received a small salary, and sometimes had to sit up all night studying whilst his relatives stitched madly at his costume. By dint of strict economy, however, he was always neatly dressed and his family well supported, besides being able 10 put by a little money every week. One unlucky night he determined to carry his savings to the theatre with him, being afraid to leave them at home during his absence, as all his relatives had passes that night to witness his rendition of the rule of the twenty-seventh thief in the popular drama known as the “ Forty Thieves.” At the close of the play, in which he had made as great a hit as was possible in the part, he was so thirsty that, contrary to his usual custom, he stopped in a saloon and drank three glasses of beer. An unlucky display of the notes in his possession so excited the cupidityofsomegamblers standing near that they enticed Mr Sothern into conversation, and, finding out who he was, praised his talents so highly that the young actor was delighted. A game of cards was proposed between the two strangers, at. which Mr Sothern was invited to look on. The game proceeded as usual until one of the parties winked to Mr Sothern and showed him four kings in his hand. The excited comedian seeing a chance to make a little coin, offered to bet his pile on the man’s hand, which offer was promptly accepted by the opposite party. Out came two hundred and fo> ty six dollars and three bits, a pot of rouge, a rod wig and three stage jewels, against which the gambler put up two liun dred and fiftv dollars, all the money he had. “I'll go everything down to my shirt and pants,” yelled the excited actor, “ Done,” cried the sport, and off came their hats, overcoats, neckties, vests, coats, and boots. “ Put up your socks, too,” screamed Mr Sothern. “I never wear any,” retorted the gambler “ Then up with your boots," halloed the other, “ and I’ll go two siicks better. It was too late to go hack now. There was a large crowd standing round and the gambler was deathly pale. ■ As he slowly pulled off his long top hoots Mr Sothern seized them, turned them up-

side down, and seven aces, which he had secreted there, fell on the table. The excited bystanders, determining to see fair play, held the man while Mr Sothern gathered up the money and rushed out of the den into the fresh air. With tears of repentance he ex plained all that happened at home, and since that night he has never made a bet. The socks are still preserved in the family mansion, and Mr Sothem never shows them to any one up to this day without being deeply agitated.

A Miser’s Outfit. —Of a person who was a sordid miser it was told Mr Curran that ho had set out from Cork to Dublin with one shirt and a guinea. “ Yes ” said Curran, “ and I will answer for it. he will change neither of them until he returns.”