The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1853-01-08
MIS- ELL NEo US.
The ThimbIe Rigger.

00cC
which Stirling Castle is erected, but
still at dizzy elevation above the
plain, there is wide, conveniently
graded walk. Il is favorite promen-
ade of citizens and visitors-and de-
servsdiy so, for finer scenery, en-
braeing fruitful field, PERCEPTIONS crag,
winding river, and lofty mountains in
the distance, was never beheld than
what is viewed from the westerly and
northcfnly section of the walk.
After passing rapid curve in that
pedestrian gallery, we saw group of
five gentlemen few rods in advance
Of US, miuistering, we thought, to an
invalid who was seated on the ground,
with his back against the wall. We
had not the Levite's choice of pass
ing by on the other side," even had We
been disposed to avoid participation in
the work Of humanity.
On closer approach we perceived tha.
the seated mortal was not an invalid,
but a Thimble Rigger, who was adroitIy
inveigling the gentlemen intothe "loss
and gain" especially the loss-of gam
bling, by means of the three hazle-nut
cups about the diameter of thimble.
and . bali aboutth size of small pea.
Under which of the cups is the ball
was the question.
We had frequently heard of this
game as one of the many vagabond
ways BY which certain men swindle
living oat of green horns," but never
before had We seen it in operation
Partly curiosity and partly sympathy
with . young man who was sadly in the
losing line. induced US to stop and wit
ness the procedure. The young man
was speedily minus five pounds, being
all his funds, except q half crown, and
this the Rigger refused to accept as a
stake. He was one of the big-bug
humbugs, and would not play for less
than pound.
The friend of the loser came indig-
nantiy to the rescue determined to win
back the spoils. | begged him TO de-
sist, and interposed my person to re-
strain him.
Il beg your pardon, sir, and appre-
ciate your motive." said he, "but I
must and sciH win back my friends five
poUnds.D
"It is throwing good money after
bad" ] replied. Even granting no
slight Of heed oheatiss "a the Case, the
Rigger evidently has two chances out
of three.n
There, shere!s whispered the gen.
leman, and turned about. The Rig
gers attention was so riveted upon us
that he did not see a gentleman on the
opposite edge of the semi-clrcle. silly
Lift cup, reveal the ball. and immedi-
ately recover it. In a briefer space
than this paragraph can be read, the
friend of the loser wagered two pounds
on that cup, and gained like sum-
This so assured him that he tried il
again with a single pound, losing-and
again, winaing-his funds in the end
being exhausted
Meanwhile the sly trick of lifting
the cup was successfully repeated on
the right and left of the Rigger, ac-
cording as his attention was attracted
by growing aud absorbing interest in
the game. am fearful that this fraud
against fraud was, not nnfeservedly
condemned in my consideration of the
case.
will stake this lever watch gainst
= pound" said the loser, with all the
earnestness of desperation.
- / will play for nothing but money!
ceoliy answered the Bigger
have . bill of exchange for thirty |
pouRds-I viii stake ii against ten" said |
She loser, Eehemently; for he had seen |
the little ball on the board, after sly |
of fha Mnn haf,aro
- I will play for nothing but ready |
money! replied the Rigger. sa
Will any gentleman loan me ten
pounds on this bill Of exchange % said
1he agitated loser.
No one responded. n.a sad IS
90 Please sir, loan me five pounds
three pounds he continued, address
aaR himself tome; the sam diminish.
ing as slewly but decidedly shook my
head.
You shall have This watch as secu-
Eity,p he persisted, pressing it on my
hand, as,l stood with folded arms sur
Yeying him sorrewfaily. :" Indeed, sir,
I.atusf win back my frlead'smoney and |
my own. Do loan me two pounds this
time I'm sure to Win." He had seen
the little ball, and 80 had |.
+ No, sir was my reply. II never
gamble, even for the value of pin,
and |. will not eonaiye at gambling in
any wag. Iwoaid not wager pound
on that beard against thodsan,t, al
though certain of winning"
y = DO sgoH know which cnpsthe ball is
undeFW said the Bigger
siYes ! dopI replied.
Is Thsn Why don't you stake pound
or two, and win 7" said he.
Because, sir, ! asn opposed 10 gam-
bling, on p1Snesple."
s>Pefhsps the gentleman has no mon
ey, and therefore hasvno means of win-
ming niponnd or two" fejoined the Rig.
GET; satcastically. /.
otsI am opposed to gambling, sir, on
rrin6ipIsyp said, and | would not bet
= penny on your board, were Stirling
Gastls to balance it ia the resultn Fl
aPerhaps the gentleman is poor