Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-02-16
THE MYSTERIOUS GAMBLER.
BY AN OLD srAGER

THE MtSIERIOtS GAMBLER.
BY AN OLD sTAGER.
! have made several passages mp the Missis-
Sippi and Ohio rivers, and never without see
ing on board the steamers more or less pro-
iessional gamblers. 1t is thriving business
on the boats, where time hangs heavily on the
hands of the passengers, and the blacklegs
carry off large sums of money. They usually
remain on board bat day or two-long enough
TO have their true character exposed.
These gentry had become such an iutolera-
bic nuisance that the captains of the boats did
not knowingly permit one to come on board,
and not unfrequently brace of backlegs
!. were landed in the woods, when their profess
sion was discovered.
During one of my trips, the boat put in at
the mouth of Arkansas river, and usual
took stroll on shore. l heard the bell for
the departure of the steamer, and fastened
back to the landing. As was my way,
was overtaken by gentleman with a broad
brimmed hat, green goggles and white neck
cloth, tugging along large valise.
81 am rather late, am l not ?'' said he, as he
Joined me.
..Truc enough, sir, - replied, respectfully,
for the gentleman, | supposed from his APP
pearance, wasa clergyman.
my vaiise is rather heavy, and l am afraid
] shall lose the boat said he,
s'Lct me help you carry it, sir.''
lie accepted my civil offer and | took hold
~ the vaisc, which was certainly loaded very
heavy for that OF an itinerant parson. In a
few minutes we reached the steamer, and 1
passed board but my new acquaintance
had accomplished but half the distance, when
the plank canted ,sand he was thrown into the
river Fortunately for him was prompt in
my efforts to rescue him, and lie was immedi-
atvly drawn on board, with no other detriment
Than a thorough dncking.
Nv friend. whom, as | never learned his
name shall have to call the Rev. Mr.. Cog
giles, retired to a vacant state room. 1t was
now nearly dark and did not see him again
that night.
As usual, in the evening, there was a table
in the cabin, devoted tG cards. in word,
there was gambling without stint. No one
objected TO the practice, so long as it was not
done by professional blacblegs. l never play
cd but l often stood by the table to observe
the progress Of the game, and study the looks
of the players, they were agitated by the
tickle changes of moment.
While / was thus watching them, l observed
on the opposite side Of the table, well dress
ed gentleman, who was regarding with eager
interest the plays of the gamblers. He mani
Tested desire to engage in the place of one
who had been 'scleaned."
1t was soon apparent that the new conner
was . slillful player, and time after time he
swept the bOayd Of all that had been staked.
il was not long before his companions had G.
uough Of il, and withdrew. lie had won a
large sum of money, and was evidently salts
fed with his evenings work.
He smoked on the boiler deck until all the
passengers had retired, and then left. Much
curiosity had been manifested to know who
and what he was. Nobody had seen him be.
fore and nobody remembered when he came
on board and what seemed most singular Of
all. he was not seen the next day, though the
boat was not stopped during the night.
The next day was Sunday, and at breakfas
time my clerical friend made his appearance.
s.My good friend,'' said he to me, ssI have
TO thank you for the good service you did mt
last evening. / lm poor ! have none of this
worlds goods. I trust Il at all my Treasures
are laid up in heaven. But the Lord will re
ward you if l cannOt.''
ssDon't mention it, my dear sir. am hap
~ TO have been the means of saving YOU"
We convcrsed a while upon the matter, ant
my friend then spoke OF having religious ser
vice on board, If agreeable to the passengers
Ot course ii was agreeable and the parser
prayed and exh0rted with zeal that woul'
have done honor to the most celebrated o
the Tcviyalists.
The impression produced by the service,
am sorry TO say, was not permanent, Tor Whel
evening came, the gaming table was sprea'
ont as usual, and games commenced In
mysterious gambler appeared again, much I
the surprise of all, for il was believed that II
had been landed, or been lost overheard Ill
played, and swept the board as before Som
Of the weaker ones began to think he was tn
devil in disguise, aud the belief was almos
confirmed when the IeXt day nothing coui
be found of him.
The passengers made him the subject
.heir conversation, and quite an excitemen
was kindled The captain swore If he appear
ed again. he would throw him into the river
: thorough search was made for him, but a
n vain Nv clerical friend was especially IN
diguant, and believed it would be good pla
10 hang every gambler. As soon as the tru
character was discovered, agreed with hir
entirely.
One young man from Cincinnati was pai
ticularly distressed ST the sudden disappear
ancc OF the blacizleg for he had, under IN
lntiuence Of an overdose of brandy, stake
and lost , half eagle, which his mother ha
given him just before her death. 1t was nc
the loss OF the money that had distressed hin
for ne had plenty of that, but it was the a.
sOcintions connected with the coin itsel
There vas history belonging to it, he saiC
and he would give the gambler double til
value Of it, if he would return it, with lttl
ring attached TO Il
That evening, TO the disappointment of a
on board, who were prepared to deal with hil
in 6 summary manner, the blacllleg did NJ
appear Mon or devil, he had the means
L !.