Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1845-07-23

s~-s-OA.e5 eAAS ASSeJ "tstcs SCuCD ~ ~ SsON0.
so zoe preachers got very little comfort
from Captain Summons.
Up,-up,-up we went. Christmas day
arrived. All the other preachers had
holden forth on divers occasions, and it be- |
ing ascertained that it was my intention to
leave the boat on her arrival at Cairo, a
formal request was preferred that l should
preach the Christmas sermoni The La
DIES (God bless them all!l were oery ur-
gent in their applications to me. "Oh do,
brother Smith! we wGnt to hear you
preach All the others have contributed
their share to our spiritual comfort-you
must oblige us--indeed you must" en-.
deavored to excuse myself the best way ]
could, alledging the necessity of my leav-
ing the boat in less than an hour-my
baggage was not ready had terrible
cold, and many other good and substantial
reasons were given; but all in vain
preach | must. "Well,'' thinks |, elf
must, must.n At this crisis, casting my
eyes down towards the Social Hall, and
seeing an unusual crowd assembled round
table, l asked one of the brethren
what might be going on down there? The
latest of the preaching gentlemen replied,
I" The poor miserable sinners have filled
the measure of their iniquity by opening
a FARO BANKp "HorribIe!' exclaimed /,
holding up my hands-and horrible!"
echoed the ladies and missionaries in cho-
rus. "Cannot such things be put stop
to-" asked an elderly lady, addressing the
pious travellers. 81 fear not,o groaned
my Methodist cotemporary, (the fat one. }
We have been trying TO convince the
Captain that some dreadful accident will
inevitably befall the boat, if such proceed
ings are permitled-and what do you think
he answered." "What?" we all asked,
of course. "Why, he just said that mas
much as he permitted US to preach and
pray, he should let other passengers dance
and play cards, if they choose TO do so;
and that if | didn't like the proceeding |
complained of, 1 might leaUe the boat! Yes
he did, and moreover he mentioned that
it was IL o'clock, and asked me if would
not liquorn'' This announcement of the
Captains stubbornness and impiety was
met with general groan of pity and sor-
rev, and Mercsuu>ed tho conversation re-.
speeding the unhaIowed faro bank. sit
is much to be regretted" remarked the ell
DERBY lady, who had spoken before, /" that
something can't be done-Brother Smith"
she continued, appealing directly 10 me,
and laying her forefnger impressively up
on my arm, "cannol you break up that
bank? 2" "Dear madam / answered,
"you know not the difficulty of the task
you impose upon me,-FARo BANKS ARE
NOT so EASILY BROKEN UP as you ina
CINE; however, as you all appear so anx-
ious about it, if you'll excuse me from the
sermon III see what can be done." "Ah!
that's a dear soul!"-" knew he would
ltry''--" he'll be sure to succeed!e-" our
prayers shall not be wanting!' Such were
the EXPLANATIONS that greeted me, as
moved off towards the faro bank. Elbow
| ing my way into the crowd, got near the
table in front of the dealer, and was for a
time completely concealed from the view
of my pious friends near the door of the
ladies' cabin. | found the bank to be a
small affair. The betters were risking tri.
| fling sums, ranging from six 10 twenty. five
cents.
"Mr. Dealer" | remarked, 81 have
lcome to break up this bank.'' The
deuce you have!' replied the banker
let's see you do it," what amount
nave you in bankf' | enquired. {" Ele.
ven dollars" was his answer. "What i:
your limit?" asked |. "a dollar,o he re-
piled. Very WE'LL" said I, placing 9
ragged Indiana dollar behind the Queen
"turn on.'' He turned, and the King wor
for me. | took The two dollars up, and lie
. him make another turn, when / replaced
the bet, and the Queen came up in my
favor--I had now four dollars; which
placed in the square, taking the 5, IS, 7 AM
8, and i. won again! Here were sever
dollars Of the Bankers money. / pocket
: ed three of them, and bet four dollars be
: hind the Queen again-the jack won, ant
the BANK WAS BROKEN! The crowd dis
!. persed in all directions, laughing at th,
breaking up Of the petty bank, and | mad
? my way towards the ladies' cabin, whcr
my new friends were anxiously awaitin,
the result of my bold attempt. !" We'll
!. well, well,'' they all exclaimed VIVA
; SUGGEST have you done ito do let US hea
about it," wiped the perspiration frOr
! my brow, and putting on very seriou
: face, said solemnly HAVE BROKE
: THAT BANKl'' You have!" they all eS
: claimed. Yes, I'll be d-n if he hasn't!
!. muttered the disappointed gamester, th
keeper of the late bank, who was just &C
: !. ing into his state.room. In the midst {
! the congratulations which were showere
!. upon me, received a summons from III
= Captain 10 come forward with my baggag
- 8. e.. re- Y .,a.so Ron.osIIa