Part 1 (2/2)

”My experience has proved the contrary,” returned Westly, ”for religion--or, rather, G.o.d--has saved _me_ from drink and gaming.”

”If it _be_ G.o.d who has saved you, why has He not saved me?” demanded Brixton.

”Because that mysterious and incomprehensible power of Free Will stands in your way. In the exercise of your free will you have rejected G.o.d, therefore the responsibility rests with yourself. If you will now call upon Him, life will, by His Holy Spirit, enable you to accept salvation through Jesus Christ.”

”No use, Fred, no use,” said Tom, shaking his head. ”When you and I left England, three years ago, I might have believed and trusted as you do, but it's too late now--too late I say, so don't worry me with your solemn looks and sermons. My mind's made up, I tell you. With these three paltry little lumps of gold I'll gamble at the store to-night with Gashford. I'll double the stake every game. If I win, well--if not, I'll--”

He stopped abruptly, because at that moment Paddy Flinders re-entered with the sugar; possibly, also, because he did not wish to reveal all his intentions.

That night there was more noise, drinking, and gambling than usual at Lantry's store, several of the miners having returned from a prospecting trip into the mountains with a considerable quant.i.ty of gold.

Loudest among the swearers, deepest among the drinkers, and most reckless among the gamblers was Gashford ”the bully,” as he was styled.

He had just challenged any one present to play when Brixton entered the room.

”We will each stake all that we own on a single chance,” he said, looking round. ”Come, that's fair, ain't it? for you know I've got lots of dust.”

There was a general laugh, but no one would accept the challenge--which Brixton had not heard--though he heard the laugh that followed. Many of the diggers, especially the poorer ones, would have gladly taken him up if they had not been afraid of the consequences if successful.

”Well, boys, I couldn't make a fairer offer--all I possess against all that any other man owns, though it should only be half an ounce of gold,” said the bully, tossing off a gla.s.s of spirits.

”Done! I accept your challenge,” cried Tom Brixton, stepping forward.

”You!” exclaimed Gashford, with a look of contempt; ”why, you've got nothing to stake. I cleaned you out yesterday.”

”I have this to stake,” said Tom, holding out the three little nuggets of gold which he had found that day. ”It is all that I possess, and it is more than half an ounce, which you mentioned as the lowest you'd play for.”

”Well, I'll stick to what I said,” growled Gashford, ”if it _be_ half an ounce. Come, Lantry, get out your scales.”

The storekeeper promptly produced the little balance which he used for weighing gold-dust, and the diggers crowded round with much interest to watch, while Lantry, with a show of unwonted care, dusted the scales, and put the three nuggets therein.

”Three-quarters of an ounce,” said the storekeeper, when the balance ceased to vibrate.

”Come along, then, an' let's have another gla.s.s of grog for luck,” cried Gashford, striking his huge fist on the counter.

A throw of the dice was to decide the matter. While Lantry, who was appointed to make the throw, rattled the dice in the box, the diggers crowded round in eager curiosity, for, besides the unusual disparity between the stakes, there was much probability of a scene of violence as the result, Brixton having displayed a good deal of temper when he lost to the bully on the previous day.

”Lost!” exclaimed several voices in disappointed tones, when the dice fell on the table.

”Who's lost?” cried those in the rear of the crowd.

”Tom Brixton, to be sure,” answered Gashford, with a laugh. ”He always loses; but it's no great loss this time, and I am not much the richer.”

There was no response to this sally. Every one looked at Brixton, expecting an outburst of rage, but the youth stood calmly contemplating the dice with an absent look, and a pleasant smile on his lips.

”Yes,” he said, recovering himself, ”luck is indeed against me. But never mind. Let's have a drink, Lantry; you'll have to give it me on credit this time!”

Lantry professed himself to be quite willing to oblige an old customer to that extent. He could well afford it, he said; and it was unquestionable truth that he uttered, for his charges were exorbitant.

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