The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-01-20

1t was soon apparent that the new conner
was skllfal player, and time after time. he
swept the board Of oil that had been staked
In short time his companions had enough
of it and withdrew. lie had won large
sum of money, and was evidently satisfied
with his evenings work
lie 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 before, and nobody remembered when
he came on board, and what seemed most
| singular OF all, he was 1ot seen the next day
though the boat was not stopped during the
night.
The next day was Sunday, and at break
fest time my Methodist friend made his ap-
pearance.
My good friend have to thank you for
the good service yon did me last evening |
| am poor have none Of this worlds goods.
trust that all my treasures are laid up in
heaven. But the Lord will reward you if |
can not"
Don't mention it, my dear sir. am
happy TO have been the means Of saving
you.
We conversed while upon the matter,
and my friend then spoke of having service
on board, il agreeable to the passengers.
OF course il was agreeable, and the parson
prayed and exhorted with zeal that would
have done honor TO the most celebrated Of
the revivalists.
The impression produced by the service,
! am sorry to say, was not 50 permanent,
for when evening came, the gaming table
was spread out as usual, and the games com
menced. The mysterious gambler appeared
again, much to the surprise Of ALL for it was
believed that be had been landed, or been
lost overheard He played, and swept the
board as before. Some Of the weaker ones
began TO think he was the devil in disguise,
and their belief was almost confirmed when
the next day nothing could be found Of him
The passengers made him the subject Of
their conversation, aud quite an excitement
was kindIed. The Captainsswore il he ap
peared again, be would throw him into the
river. A thorough search was made for
him but all in vain. My Methodist friend
was especially indignant, and believed it
would be good plan TO hang every gam
bier. As soon az bis true character was
discovered agreed with him entirely.
One young man from Cincinnati was par
ticuIarly distressed in the sudden disappear
auce OF the 6ackleg, for he had under the
influence Of an overdose Of brandy. staked
and lost half eagle, which his mother had
given him just before her death, 1t was
not the loss Of the money that had distressed
bin, FOR he had plenty OF that. but il wns
the associations connected with the coin
itself. There was history belonging to il,
he said, and be would give the gambler dou.
BILE the value Of it, il be would return it,
with little ring attached to il.
That evening TO the disappointment OF all
on board, who were prepared TO deal with
him in a summary manner, the bIackleg did
not appear. Man or devil, he had the means
Of knowing Of the Indignation his acts had
caused There was strange mystery about
him Every part Of the steamer vas search
cd 10 vain for him. And it seemed certain
that he could not have gone ashore
The next day ] was talking with the Rev.
Mr.. Goggles. not about the gambler. but
on general topics. OF course, his life, "a an
itinerant, was full Of interest 10 me Ne
told me how cbeapy he lived and travelled,
from place to place that he was often bun.
CRY, aud never had over ten dollars at once
% have only five, uow he said and 10
verify biz statement, he took from his pgCk.
It bait eagle.
glanced at il. There wss a hole in il,
With ring attached 1t was certainly the
property Of the young man from Cincin-
uatl.
What - the r,ug sor ! a-ked.
This piece was given me by woman IN
Afkansas, who was converted undsr Iny
preaching.
The lar had already made up my mud
thai be va. an .inp0s'sr. "a shori, that b.
"a. the M s,er,O4s gambler. Before dInnxT
time, had an opportunity 10 whisper ny
yIeWs tn the captain, aud whi.c we were at
dinEeF, his sat- room Va. searcHr'i. A
IArge sum OF money .as found iAefe. aud
many 81 the gambler tnJis as Hg.. a. .lr
drus. toe urknown Lad worn.
Porsoa, can you ssim? a-kg1 .he cap
tain the Reverend Mr. Gezg.es cane gp
"a tie boiler d.ck
\ little b, rcp.,cd, with ..maTe
.ul.e,
Yoa viii have chance To try afa
ggn2 % Iarve y0u 8ver yoari.
IAs captain toO. him BY The eo,.4r, AL
axp.a 81 'lc matter to tie a.i1u.,h-d ,As-
s.nger. Fb. zere quite rtady 10 as-.s, G
tmp,y!h. b.. y0ckeG aud then thro&irg
TIM overheard. i-s 'aobey take. from him
sss paid over 90 h,- victims.
Tie as, we saS q l.n b. 20. lwifan.hg
Vigorously toward. H. a -. cara,aR tLc
captain sitG gait a. Egca 4 a. a. hf had
ryd IN yrsyiug and exhOr'.uZ.
IT, ypucg Ran from t.ar.laa' gDi his
cher .s-! eHtn. sn,i ,r,.t "a stI I-s.4
70 -0n.