The Placer herald., 1857-02-14
The Game of Cards.


striking his fist upon the table, 'show 'em
up and let us see what they look like"
The young planter who had lost, sent one
of the boat servants below for John and
Helen. The passengers awaited the appear
ance Of the servants in silence for long
time, but they came not.
The servant had informed them Of change
of owners, and they dreaded to see their new
master. They were attached to the young
planter and his wife, and did not like to leave
them; besides they had children of their own
at home, and what was to become of them?
The winner began to wax impatient at the
delay, and exclaimed
"Come, Danton, hurry up the niggers.
They must move quicker than this when
send for 'em, or they'll never know what
hurt 'em."
The young planters aristocratic face flush
ed crimson at this rude and brutal exclama-
tion, but he made no reply. He was about
when his purpose was stayed by the appear
ance of Mrs. Danton.
Her husband had been gaming, and she
had been weeping ever since the boat had
LEFT Cincinnati, and when we were far down
the Mississippi No WONDER then, that she
was pale and wan, and her eyes looked as
though they had been nearly wept away:
but she was exquistely lovely, nevertheless.
| Although many years have pass since that
evening, can see the stricken young wife
now as she gded up to the table and looked
her husband in the face. He could not bear
up under her gaze. He had lost all their
money in fit Of desperation had also staked
end lost the two slaves. Laying her little
hand on his arm, she said:
"It is true, Charles, that you have lost
John and Helen?"
Her Husband made no reply; he could
not even look up.
The passengers were now fast gathering
around and the scene was growing painful.
Ny father (who had come North to fetch me
from school, and was taking the longest pos.
sibe way honey was holding me by the
hand, and knew by the tightening of his
grasp that he was becoming much excl
led.
AS Danton did not seem inclined to an
swer bis wife's question, the gamester rough
ly said:
Yes, maam, John and Helen are mine,
and want 10 see 'em quick"
Danton sprang TO his feet, and, STOPPING
across the table, Kissed, in the teeth Of the
gamester:
"Vi'lian don't you presume to speak to
my wife aoain!'
The look with which this menace was ac-
companied was perfectly blasting, and made
the swarihy and pt;ed face of the gamester
fairly turn white
'les, Mary. John and Helen aye lost"
he said at last, as he let the games er fjom
under his gaze; "they are lost and II can't
be helped now; so don't let's have a scene
about IT.
81 shall not let them GO" sad Mary firm
ly, "and shall have scene about it, did
not say word about the money, but now
that you have played them away-oh,
Charles!" and she leaned her head on her
husbands breast.
"Ah, here they come ~ said the gamester,
as John and Helen approached.
John was powerful and fne-look'ng mu-
latto, and his face indicated unusual intelli-
gence and kndheartedness. Helen was
much viii er than her husband, and remarka
b!y handsome.
The gamester's evil eyes cleaned as he
surveyed her; and turning to savage-look-
ing man near him, said:
''Il sell you John in the morning, Ham
mond, but Helen I shall keep-at least for
few days."
"I'm agreeable" said the slave trader, for
such he was; "but I'd like the gal as soon as
possible"
II tell you shall not let them co." re-
peated Mrs. Danton, addressing the stranger;
'they were brought up in my mothers fam
lily, besides they have children at home from
whom it would be cruel to seperate them"
The gamester and slave dealer exchanged
sneers at Mrs. Danton's sentimental reasons
for not letting the slaves 60, and her hus-
band said:
''It can't be helped now. Mary, let us go
TO our room."
20, Missus! don't 90 and leab me wild dat
man." shrieked Helen: Il shall die, or jump
overheard. o, don't you leab your own
true Helen, who sabed your life when you
fell in the byoo"*
81 shall not leave you, Helen. DO not
"Bress de lord for dat" interrupted Helen:
81 knows we are safe now, kase you alters
does jest what you say you Wills
81 think it's about time this nonsence was
stopped" said the gamester, rising from the
table, "You acknowledge Danton, that
these negroes are my property; consequently
they are mine, and I've a right to do as l
please with them; no bill of sale is necces-
sarry between two gentlemen. And now,
you niggers, just come along with me- and
don't make fuss, or I'll have you Aogged
and put in irons"
The scene now became extremely exciting
John drew Helen to his side, and cenched
his teeth and fsts, while their young mistress
stood close in front, as ifwith her feeble arm
she would protect them from the clutches