Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1855-02-28
4 NIGHT AT THE GAMING HOUSE.

taoie III Tue sPecla nall oi u Steauiuoat OH Tue
Mississippi PLAYING cards. They had played
from about nine o'clock in the evening till near
midnight. The party consisted of four persons,
two OF whom were notorious gamblers, and the
other two were returning home. At near mid
night, one of the ntrymen who had been to
N. Orleans to dispose of produce, arose from
the table, saying to his partner:
"Luck's against us, Bob! Might as we'll try
to beat the devil himself as these fellows"
"Oh for Gods sake don't quit yet Give me
some chance to get back my money!"
No use Bob, I'm nigh busted Pretty near
clean swept out"
Despair seemed written on every lineament Of
Bob's features, when he found he couldn't per-
suade his friend to play. f.a..
| At last he said to several who had been look
ing on the game, "wont some of you gentlemen
take my partners place?'
! There was pause for few moments, then a
young man, scarcely twenty-one, took the vacant
seat saying
"If you have no objections, I'll try hand"
"Agrcedw was the reply
"Here, bar. keeper, give us another pack Of
cards." said the young man.
| Another pack was brought; the stranger O..
pened them and handed them back again, say
ing:
Il want pack of another color These are
the same color as those they have been playing
with. We might as well change the color just
for luck"
The gamblers exchanged gances.
| Another pack was brought, the game CON-
menced, and the gamblers won. Bob grew un-
easy.
"Come, let's double the stakes.' said the
stranger, whose turn it was to deal.
"Just as you like" said the gamblers.
The stakes were doubled and the stranger and
his partner won. A gleam of sunshine i'll umn-
ated Bob's countenance. Another game was
played, Bob and his partner again successful
The stakes'increased- gamblers lose.
"Bar-keeper, bring us another pack of cards
of another color from these" said the stranger
who was about to deal.
One of the gamblers looked at his partner
while dark frown overspread his features.
Three more games were played, and Bob had
retrieved his losses. The stranger again called
tor another pack of cards. At this one of the
gamblers exclaimed
"No more changing We play with these !"p
"You play with what you please" replied the
young man, as an almost imperceptible smile
passed over his features, " but if my partner and
myself play, we must have another pack"
"Stick to what your partner says, Bob. He's
the right stripe, and will come out head horse, or
I'm niger" exclaimed George, slapping Bob ON
the shoulder.
g agree to what my partner says" said Bob
in reply to the gamblers looks of inquiry.
The gamblers exchanged looks, and then con-
scnted to the arrangement.
Four more games were played, and each time
Bob and the stranger won.
1t was again the strangers deal. One Of the
gamblers watched him closely, and suddenly ex-
claimed
"You - young villain! Cheating are
youw
"Paying with you at your own game.
have watched you all night, and saw you cheat
my partner and his friend. Even now you have
got dozen cards in the sleeves of your coat
never play on a square with thieves" replied
the stranger, hastily, as deadly paleness stole
over his features.
A knife cleaned in the gamblers hand, and as
the blow aimed at the stranger descended a doz-
en- cards fell from his sleeves on the table. This
was noticed by all the by-standers. The stran-
ger avoided the blow, and with rigid move
ment caught the assaiant by the throat, giving
his cravat twist, and they both rolled upon the
floor.
While this was taking place, the spectators
prevented the other gambler from interfering,
and in the struggle number of cards dropped
from his coat. This social hall was now scene
of confusion.
Game! clear grit, by thunder" exclaimed
George, as he with others separated the combat.
ants.
The gamblers face and hands were covered
with blood, as was also the strangers hand.
Has the white-vered thief stabbed you, my
young hickory?" said George, as he pulled the
young man towards the light.
"No, guess not"
But the blood dropped fast from the young
mans hand, and upon washing off the blood, it
was discovered that his right thumb was nearly
severed In the scuffie he had succeeded in dis
arming the gambler, and thus probably saved his
ife
The old man was toing through the burden
heat Of the day. in cultivating his field with his
own hand, and depositing the promising seeds
into the fruitful lap Of yielding earth. Sudden
y there stood before him, under the shade OF
huge linden tree, vision. The old man was
struck with amazement.
81 am Solomon" spoke the phantom, in
friendly voice. "What are you doing here, old
man"
"If you are Solomon" replied the venerable
laborer, how can you ask this In my youth
you sent me to the ant; | saw its occupation
and learned from thai insect to be Industrious