The Portsmouth inquirer. [volume] (Portsmouth, O. [Ohio]) 1849-1855, 1855-01-25
a irishs a the Gamias Table.
AN EPISODE OF REAL LIFE.

sVeam mooat onthe MISSISSIPPI, playing cards
They had played from about 8 O'Clock il
the evening till near midnight, The par
ty consisted of four persons, two of whom
were notorious gamblers, and the othel
two were frank unsuspecting countrymer
who had beento New Orleans to dispose
other produce, and were returning home
Near midnight, one of the ,countrymen
arose from the table, saying to his part
.ner: 2%' "Ia pio@ ." 9E'"'yi F@A9'
tLuck's against us, Bob la Might as
well try to beat the devil himself as these
fellowsp
'Oh! for Gods sake don't quit yeti
Give me some chance to get back my mon
eypL d .a.d g,I > aaos.l 10 :.
No use, Bob, I'm nigh busted. .Pret.
ty near clean swept out h; ..4 u,
Despair seemed written on every linea-
ment Of Bob's features, when he found
thathe could no longer persuade his friend
to play. lot #ueJ s'l se
At last he said to several that had been
watching the game: sl
Wont some Of you gentlemen take my
partners placer -
There was a pause for few moments,
then a young man scarcely one e-and- -twen-
ty, took the vacant seat, saying:
III you have no objection, I'll try my
hand
'Agreedl' was the reply.
Another pack was brought; the stranger
opened them savino.
Il want pack Of another color. These
are the same color as they have been play
ing with. We might as well change the
color just for luck
The gamblers exchanged glanoes.
Another pack was brought the game
commenced, and the gambler won. Bob
grew uneasy.
Come let's double the stakesp said the
stranger, whose turn was to deal.
Just as you like said the gamblers.
The stakes were doubled aud the stran-
ger and his partner won. A gleam of
sunshine illumined Bob's countenance. -
Another game was played. Bob and his
partner were again successful. The stakes
inerease--the gamblers lose. ~ u a.
Barkeeper, bring US another pack of
cards of another color from these said the
stranger, who was about to deal. ol5il
One Of the gamblers looked at his part
nef while dark frown oyerspread his fea.
lures. tr.- ,...s..nl j.
Three more games were played, and
Bob hal retrieved his losses. The stran-
ger again called for another pack of cards.
al this one Of the gamblers exclaimed---
No more changing We play with thesep
You play with what you please;' re-
piled the young man, as an almost imper-
ceptible smile passed over his features,
but if my partner and myself play, we
must have another pack
Bob looked at his partner and then at
George g
Stick to what your partner says, Bob.
He's the right stripe and will come out
head horse, or I'm nigger!' Exclaimed
George, slapping Bob on the shoulder.
Il agree to what my partner says, said
Bob, in reply to the gamblers looks Of in.
quiry.
The gamblers exchanged looks, and
then consented 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 gam
bers watched him closely, and suddenly
exclaimed
'You-you young yillainl Cheating are
you?' r-i.
Playing with you at your own game.
l have watched you all night, and saw you
cheat my partner and his friend. Even
now you have got dozen 'ards in the
sleeves of your coat. l never play on the
square with thieves, replied the stranger
hastily, as deadly paleness overspread
his features, a.iJ
A knife cleaned in the gamblers hand,
and, as the blow aimed at the stranger de-
scended, dozen cards fell from his sleeve
on the. table. This was noticed by all the
bystanders. The stranger avoided the
blow and with rapid movement caught
the assailant by the throat giving his era
vat twist, and they both rolled on the
floor. While this was taking place the
spectators prevented the other gambler
from interfering; in the struggle number
of other cards dropped from his coat.--
The social hall nov Lecano Scvne oi
confusion. rr,., ~.
Game! clear grit, by thunder!, exclaim-
ed George, as he with others separated
the eombatants,
The gamblers face and breast was cov-
cred with blood, as was also the young
strangers hand. M
Has the white hvered theft 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 Of
the blood, il was discovered that his right
thumb was nearly severd. In the scuffle
he succeeded in disarming the gambler
and thus probably saved his life. The
wound was dressed and bound up, and the
stranger returned to the social hall. The
gambler was chatting with rage, eyeing him
with demoniac look, and shaking his fist
at him he exclaimed: 'i''R
L allow no man to call me thief and
you must give me satisfactionP n sis'.'3
IN give you any satisfaction you
want, you cowardly cut-throat, was the
reply. i'e y ete X