ff my partner, whom I had thoroughly
posted. When I reached Alexandria I went at once to the Ice House,
for that was the odd name given to the hotel, where I soon found
Brogan; and having had a good shake of the hand and a few drinks,
we sat down for a social chat about old times, beguiling away the
time with choice Havanas.

We had been chatting away for about an hour and a half, when a
rough-looking fellow walked into the bar-room and asked if he could
get a dram. "I've come a good distance," he said, "and am very
tired. The fact is, I have been out in the back country looking
up a mill site, and tramped 'round a good deal more than I
calculated."

"Take something with me, my friend," spoke up Brogan. "I don't
mind," and we all three took a drink together. The stranger called
shortly for another round, and as he settled, pulled out a roll of
bills as big as a pillow, that at once caught Brogan's eyes. He
gave me a significant hunch. After supper the miller walked into
the bar-room, purchased a cigar, and walked out. Then Brogan said
to me, "How is the best way to get some of that money?" I told
him, "I'll play monte for you; perhaps he'll bite at that." John
hunted around, and soon brought the miller into the bar-room again.
I was up to snuff, and made my talk and showed my cards, and John
won $100 from me. Then the miller said, "I'll take a hand." He
lost $200. I kept on playing the cards, but the miller would bet
no more, remarking to me, "I think you are a sharper."

John then asked the miller if he ever played poker. "Oh, sometimes;
I used to play for a quarter ante." "Let's have a little game,
then, to pass away time." The game began, and Brogan trotted out
his marked cards. I insisted on playing, but the miller said, "No,
that I was too smart." So, somewhat crestfallen, I walked out and
took a stroll, and was gone perhaps a couple of hours. When I
returned they were playing for ten dollars ante, and Brogan was
losing very fast. I remained around the card table only for a
short time and then went away. When I came back the miller had
won every dollar Brogan had as well as his diamonds, amounting to
something like $4,500. Brogan came to me and wanted to borrow
$500. I said, "Certainly, you can have it; but, John, you are
drinking too much; take my advice and wait till morning." "All
right; then my luck will change." "Of course, and that miller will
be on hand."

Late that night a bo