"THE LITTLE GAME."

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2622, 4 June 1877, Page 2

"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 to put by a little money every week. One unlucky night he determined to carry his sayings 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 role 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 possible in the part, he was so thirsty that, contrary to usual custom, .he stopped in a saloon and drank three glasses of beer. An unlucky display of the' notes .in his possession so excited tlie cupidity of some gamblers 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 fo\\r kings in his hand.' The excited comedian, seeing a chance to make a little coin, offered to bet las' pile on the man's hand; <wbich offer was promptly accepted by the opposite party. Out came two hundred, and sixty dollars and three bits, a pot of rouge, a red wig, and thr^gj^ stage jewels, against which the gambler put up two hundred and fifty 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," reto ted the gambler. "Then up with your boots," halloed the other, ," and I'll go , two socks better." It was too late to go back now. There was a large crowd standing round and the gambler was deathly pale. As he slowly pulled off his long top boots Mr Sothern seized them, turned them upside down, and .seven aces, which he had secreted there, fell on the table. The excited bystanders', determined 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 explained at home all that had happened, and since that night he has never made a bet. The socks are still preserved in the family, mansion, and Mr Sothern ifever shows them to. any one Uftto this flay without being deeply agitated,' ..