Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1850-07-19
Ja celI AT c o u d
CONFESSIONS OF A GAMBLER.
BY MAJOR NOAH.

! In almost all occupations and pursuits
there are degrees in the downward tenden-
clcs of life, if we could only keep the
run Of them, and understand the moral.
The dashing beauty, who has made the
first false step, and all around whom is gay,
! tlauering, and convivial, does not see in
! perspective the strides that reach the bot
tom-how she sinks by degrees, like the
/ barometer in an approaching storm.
Stepping into popular Cafe, a few
days since, for cooling drink, we heard
the rafting of billiard balls, and saw two
lads in fashionable attire, with cigars in
their mouths and coats off, playing at one
of the tables, and an old fellow whose
| countenance was familiar to us, keeping
game for them. We remember him in the
prime of life as a gentleman gambler.
We make that distinction between pro-
lessional gambler. who cheats at cards, and
one who plays skilfuIly but honorably.
He had had some consideration in society,
for his occupation was not generally known.
He had respectable acquaintance gen.
tlemcn nodded TO him in a friendly way;
his manners were always correct and his
dress was neat, without being hashy. He
led the life of agambler, however-to-day
rich, tomorrow poOr-With all the phases
and changes incident to that calling. We
saw at once that in his descent he had got
as low as q billiard marker, and could not
throw off his early habits, although he
had no longer any money 10 sport with.
Well,' said we, here YOU are yet
Always at game of chance, or a game
of skill. You look as if fortune had dealt
hardly with YOU"
Il don't complain-why should I ?" he
replied, g never had any certainty in
my professional life. If had thousands
one day, | was without dollar the next.
Now | am sure to get seven dollars at the
end of the week, and | am contented"
Do you know" said we. taking seat
alongside of him on the cushioned settee.
- that | have curiosity to learn what was
the largest sum you ever won at cards at a
sitting ?"
" One night won thirty thousand dol
lars at brag - was his answer.
- PrOdigious Thirty thousand dollars
did you say -
Yes. | played all night, and lost it
all back excepting eight hundred dollars.
| should have lost that, but it was Sunday
morning, and | heard the bells ring for
church and recollecting that had prom
ised my wife to go to hear the bishop
preach, | washed my hands and face,
smoothed my hair, and, with downcast
looks and piOus features, joined in the lita-
ny and chauntpd tho DSaImS -
From the gaming table to the church!'
8 Yes: and | am not the only one who
underwent that transition. 1t is not very
unnatural or unreasonable. If you win,
you have something to give thanks for: if
you lose, you can pray for better luck in
future" This is the consolation of the
gamblers life
Did you never forswcar gambling ?"
we inquired.
"Oh frequently; but always broke
my oath. One night lost three thousand
dollars--all had in the world-and went
home quite melancholy with friend. 1t
was past two o'clock, and | invited him
to drink glass of brandy and water.
swore all the bitter oaths could remem-
ber that never again would handle cards.
While | was thus swearing, felt in my
pocket for little tobacco, and found
bank-note Of one hundred dollars rolled
up in corner. All my gambling propen-
sites revived in an instant. Lets go
back said /, and try our luck once more
with this hundred. may win five thou
sand We went back, and lost the note
in five minutes SO much for the virtu-
Gus resolutions of gambler. Human ma
ture is not to be trusted.'
The gambling houses of the present
day." said we, are rather on higher
scale, my old friend, than in your time"
Everything 'on a similar scale is the
same. We are a progressive people
Houses of a questionable character used
o.. Ln IN nnnl-. .,.l ..r.1nr- ,..harn NJ la,.a,a