Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1858-06-30
FIGHTING TIE TIGER.

Flunllhu lHE lluEn.
Some years ago, says writer IN the Phiadei'
phia Dispatch, I was in a gambling house in
Cincinnati, silent lookeron at game OF faro.
In those days such operations were carrled on
rather openly, and almost under the eyes OF the
authorities, with unbarred doors, so that any one
could walk in, either in the capacity of n better,
or o mere spectator. In the latter capacity !
found myself, near midnight when the door of
the den opened. Just as the game began to
flag, and not sound was heard but the click of
the checks and the rattle of some dishes dar.
key was placing on table. in walked a tall, raw
boned country.looking chap, in gray satinet
coat and coon-skin cap. He walked right up
to the only vacant place ut the table, and draw
ing from side-pocket an enormous caliskln
wallet, which looked rs if it might contain at
least thousand, in fives and tens, addressed
the dealer;
sLook here, Mister, I'm going to fight this
here tiger up to the mines Understand me, |
alters fight to the death; that is, until break
you or you break me"
"Very good" said the dealer, "you are one
of the kind we like to deal for" And his eyes
fairly danced at the certainty of depicting the
fredericksburg pocketbook.
"But, understand me- continued the rough
customer, "there is one thing you must first
agree to; and that is, if you break me, you must
give me money enough to carry NE home"
"I'll do it,, sad the "lcg."
"You all on you hear, gentlemen" said Rough,
that have the word OF an honorable sporting
man, that if he wins all the money in this ycre
pocket-book, he gives me money enough to carry
me heme."
"Yes! yes yes' responded the entire party.
Here the darkey announced supper, and the
keeper Of "thc tiger announced recess for
half on hour. The crowd went into the good
things prepared, and Rough was not q whit be.
hind the rest. lie dived into the venison, the
oyster pie, ami the "chicken fxins,' until he
could cat no more with any degree of safety to
himsel-not forgetting to wash down the whole
with liberal rota,ions Of brandy.
Refreshment over, laborb bade fnir to commence
in right down earnest The dealer took off his
coat; rolled up his sleeves, and seated himself.
Rough squared himself at the t.ble, and again
drew the ponderous wallet. All eyes were now
turned upon him i; for spectators, patrons OF the
establishment, and even bankers themselves,
looked for tall game. Rough drew from one
of the pockets of the wallet greasy and rather
suspicious looking five dollar bill, and called for
the worth of it in chips. After scru.inizing it a
moment, the dealer toSsed it into his drawer,
aud passed over stack of ten chips to Rough.
He next gave the cards sundry scientific airts, y
placed them in the box and announced "All
ready!' Rough placed his ten chips on the ace,
and the deal went on. Some eight or ten cards
were drawn out, when an ace came to view, on
the top of the box, and the dealer Immediately
put ten more chips on the top of Roughs pile.
Rough let the twenty chips lay upon the ace,
and it was not long before another one made its
appearance, but this time it fell by the side OF
the box, and the dealer "raked down" the ell
tire pile. He then waited y few moments in ex-
pectation that Rough would open the pocket.
book again, but that individual continued resting
his chin on the palm of his hand, and gazing
abstractedy on the ace.
"Wel," said the "leg," aint you going to bet
any more?'
"Nary red-l'm broke-latr' said Rough.
The "leg" laid back in his chair, and i'll tone
of the most profound astonshment, said, The
deuce YOU arc! And pledged myself to give
you money enough to carry you home, in case
you got broke?'
' ou did that same, old hoss.'
"Whcre do you live?'
"At Brownsville up the river"
"What will it cost to take you there?"
"At the present stage of water, think l can
get up for about fourteen dollars"
Such q shout as went up at this juncture was
never before heard within the walls of u faro
room!-while with great good humor the "leg'
counted out the fourteen dollars.
"My friend" said he to Rough, "it is not
every day one meets patron like you. Go and
help yourself TO another drink OF brandy, ana Il.
gar. Whenever you come to townagain, give us a
call. Call often-yuu will find the latchs:rlng
out. wish you safe journey. Give my res.
poets to your wife and the children. Bye, byel'
"Roug Oh didn't shrink one iota from this rail.
lery, but took the proffered drink and cigar. " l
say, said he, as he held the door ajar, g wish
you better luck with the next green-looking GUS
toner that comes along but before you make
such bargain with him, jest ascertain where
he lvcs and the size Of his pils!r- so say
ing, he disappeared amid the outlaws of the
crowd, in which the dealer himself heartily
joined.
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