Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1856-10-16
THE GAMBLERS ALARMED.

THE GAMBLERS ALARMED.
The following narratives true one
describes scene that actually took place
not many years since. in country village
in the State Of Maine:
One evening in the month Of December,
1884, number of tOwnsmen had assem-
bled at the store of Mr.. Putnam, to talk
over "matters and things" smoke, drink,
and, in short, to do anything "to kill
time"
Three hours had passed. away. They
ha1 laughed. and talked, and drinked. and
chatted, and had good time generally; so
that about the usual hour of shutting up
shop. leach ofthe party felt particularly first
rate.
".Ccme." said Charles Hatch-one of
complny--"let's all liquor, and then have
a game of hish -low-jack
80 say," exclaimed. another one "who
has got the cards?'
Fetch on your keerds," drawlel out a
t'.;rd, his eyes half closed from tho effects
of the liquor he had drank.
After drinking all around, all old pire
table was drawn up before the fire place
whore burned brightly large fire of hem.
lock logs, which would snap and crsekle.-
throwing large live Goals cut upon the
hearth.
All drew up around the table, seating
themselves on whatever came handiest.-
Four of them had rolled up to the table
some kegs, which from their weight were
supposed to contain nails.
Now" said Hatch, chow shall we play
every one for himself?'
mo; have partners" growled one man.
"No. hang'd fill play" shouted the
former. bringing his fist down upon the Ia
bic, knocking one candle on. of the stick,
and another upon the floor.
Come. come" said Hatch, ono quar-
reliny; all who say for having partners,
stani up
Three arose.
Now all who say each one for himself,
stand up
The remaining four then immediately got
up.
"You see. Barclay" said Hatch. "tbe
majority are against you. Come, will YOU
play?"
well, as l don't want to be on the 3D.
poslte side, I'll play" answered Barclay.
somewhat cooled down.
Mr.. Putnam was not in the store that
evening, and the clerk, who was busy be.
hind the counter. had taken very little no.
tIce OF the proceedings. About half-past
ten O'Clock, Mr.. Putnam thought he would
sep over to the store and see that every.
thing was safe. As he went in. he walked
up to the fire.
When within few steps of where the
men were sitting, he started back in hor.
ror.
Before him sat seven men. half crazv
with drink and the excitement of plavino
cards. There they were, within few feel
OF the fire just described, and four Of then,
seated on Kegs Of powder.
Barclay, who was heavy man, had
pressed in the head of the keg on which
he sat. bursting the top hoop, and press.
ed the powder out through the chinks. By
the continued motion of their feet, the DOW
der had spread about the floor, and now
covered space of two feet all around
them.
Dir. Putnam's first movement was TO-
ward the door, but recovering him elf, he
walked up to the fire. Should either OF
them attempt to rise, he thought and scat
ter fe" grains a little further into the fire.
place, whore lay !srge quantity Of live
Goals. inevitable destruction awaited them
A. TINT moment Hatch looked up. and
seeing Mr. Putnam with his face deadly
pale, gazing into the fire, exclaimed
'Putnam what ails you?" at the same
time making motion to rise.
'Gentlemen. do not rise,'' said Mr.. Put
NAM -Four of You sit on kegs of powder
1t Is scattered all around you-one move
ment mi5 ht send you all to eternity. There
are two buckets of water behind the bar
But keep your seats ior one minute. anc
You are Saved--moye, and You are deaG
men,"
In an instant every man was perfectly
so5ered--aot limb moyed--each seemeI
paralyzed.
In less time than We have taken 10 de-
scribe this thrilling scene, Mr.. Putnam hat
poured the water and completely saturated
the powder on the floor, and extinouisbet
the fire, SO that an explosion was impcssi
Bile. Then, and not ill then. was there ;
word spoken.
BaDre those seven men left the store
that very night, they pledged themselve:
never to taste another GLASS Of l;oror =,