"THE LITTLE GAME."

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 774, 2 June 1877, Page V

"THE LITTLE GAME."

Yra.ks '»«jo, when the worldrenowned Lord jbnmireary vras piain iVIc Sothern, he whs the support of an. tured mother, and several brothers and sisters, through his employment as fourth' utility man m a small thertf.re. He only receired a small salary nnd sometimes had to ait up aIF night studying', whilst his relatives stitched madly at hia cbi> tnme. By dint of striot economy however, he wag neatly dressed, and his family .well supported, besides beinjr able bo put by a little money every week. One unlucky night he determiner! to carry his savings to the theatro with him, being afraid to leave them at home during, hia absence, as all hia relatives had passes that night to witness Jiis rendering the role oC the twentyseventh thief, m the popular drama, known as the "Forty thieves." At the, close of the play, m Which ha had made as great a hit as was possible m the part, he was so thirsty that contrary to his usual custom he stopped m a saloon and drank threo glases of beer. An unlucky display of the*notes m his possession so excited the cupidity of gamblers standing near, that they enticed Mr Sothern into conversation, and finding out who he was, praised his talents bo highly that the young actor was delighted. A game of cards was proposed between the two strangers, at which Mr Southern waa invited to look on. The game proceeded as usual until one of the parties winked to Mr Sothera and showed him four kings m his hand. The excited comedian seeing a chance to make a little coin offered to bet his pile on ther* man's hand, which offer was promptly accepted by the opposite party. Out came two-hundred and forty six dollars and three bits, a pot of rouge, a red wig, and three' stage jewels- against which the gambler pmfe up fcwo hundred and fifty dollars, all the money he had. " Pll "go everything, down to my shirt and pmnli," jelled the excited aotop. " Done," cried the sport, and off came their hats, ; overcoats, neckti*?, verts, and coats. Put np your socks too," scroamed Mr Southern. I never wear any," retorted the gambler. rt Then. up

with your boots," -hollered the other, and I'll go two socks better." It was too late to gp back now. There" was a large crowd standing around ieind the gambler was deadly ,j>ale. .As no slowly pulled off- his top-boots Mr Southern neiaed them,tamed them upside down, and seven aces which he had sec»ur«d there fell •on the 'table. The excited bystanders, determined to see fair play, held the toan while Mr Southern 1 -gathered up the money »nd rushed out of the den into the- fresh air. With tears of repentance he ex"plaiued all that happened, at home, -and sinoe that night he has never made a bet. The socks are still preserved m the family mansion, and Mr Sou thorn never shows them to -any one up to "this day, without 'being deeply agifcafed-