The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1826-07-06
THE GAMESTEn.
A TRUE TALE.


ing a gambling house in New-Orleans.-I
cous, and contained all the different mach-
merry and Implements necessary for carrying
on that destructive and nefarious practice.
Tn one part there was Faro bank in an
other, one of the fraternity was seated at
the table with a pack of cards before him
ready to entrap and fleece the young and
inexperienced, and in third was roulette
Il took my stand by the last and silently
observed the players, The keeper of the
wheel sat behind little counter, and gold,
silver and bank notes were piled up IN
tempting array before him. l viewed with
establishment the fluctuations of fortune
One man would stake few dollars, and a
short time by lucky turn of the wheel be
in possession of hundreds and another
lose sum after sum, until enraged and dis
appointed he would curse his luck and leave
the house in despair. The different piles
of money rapidly increased and diminished
and the glittering treasure changed hands
every moment.
The owner of the wheel invited me in the
technical language of the craft to try my
lick. was tempted to do so !; lost ten
dollars in about as MANY minutes but be-
fore it was too late / summoned all my
resolution to my aid and turned my back on
the gaming table and its facinations. AS
left it, young man apparently about
twenty eight or thirty years of age, and of
prepossessng appearance, stepped up and
LAYING down two notes of hundred dollars
each IN a voice somewhat hurried and agita-
tied requested the banker to observe his bet.
The like sum was deposited, the wheel
was turned and the stranger won. A faint
smile came over his anxious countenance as
he took up the money but instantly laying it
down and doubling his bet, he declared he
would again try his fortune. He proved
lucky a second time ; and now appeared to
debate with himself whether he should re-
tire with the present winnings or push his
fortune further--his evil genius prevailed
He continued playing, and in one short hour
saw hnf stripped of not only his previous
winnings but also of large sum besides.
| AS he laid down his last stake sigh es-
capped him, and when it also shared the fate
of the rest, the paeness of death e'erspread
his features, and with an unsteady step he
left the house.
insensibly felt interested in his fate, ap-
prehensive from the composure he exhibit
ed under his losses-for it was not the calm
ness of resignation, but the calmness of des'
pair-that he mightattempt some rash act
and determined TO follow him. AS he
paced the lonely street, the bitter groans O
heartfelt anguish that burst from him, suf-
fcently denoted his misery and sufferings
After walking for square or two he stop
ped under one Of those large lamps that are
) suspended from the corners of the street
: and drawing out pistol appeared to exam
inc the printing. All my fears were now re-
: allied, and it was now too evident that he
| meditated suicide. After casting hass}
I glance around him he turned into dark al
2 ley. Immediately followed, and saw hin
! raise the pistol to his head But one mo
e ment more and should have been too late
S the deed would have been done ant
t the succeeding second would have foun'
1 him in eternity. As he was in the very &C