Des Arc citizen., 1859-01-28
THE MYSTERIOUS GAMBLER.
BY AN OLD STAG FER


 5 have made several passages up the Missis- sippi and Ohio rivers, and never without sec ing on board the steamer more or less profess sion gamblers. It 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 but day or two--long en- ough to have their true character exposed.
 These gentry had become such an intolera- ble nuisance that the captains of the boats did and not unfrequently brace of blacklegs were landed in the woods when their profession was discovered. 8E
 During one of my trips the boat put in at the mouth of Arkansas river, and as usual, I took stroll on shore. heard the bell for the de- parture of the steamer, and hastened back to the landing. As I was on my way, l was overtaken by gentleman with broad brim- ed hat, green goggles, and white neckcloth, tugging along with large valise.
 s.I am rather late, am I not?' said he as he joined me.
 '.True enough, sir" replied, respectfully, for the gentleman was clergyman, Metho- dist itinerant, supposed.
 'sMy valise is rather heavy, and feared should lose the boat.'
 'sLet me help you carry it, sir"
 He accepted my civil offer, and took hold of the vaise, which was certainly loaded very heavy for methodist parson. In a few mo- ments we reached the steamer, and l passed on board, but my new acquaintance had ac- complished but half the distance. when the plank canted, and he was thrown into the riv- CT. Fortunately for him, was prompt in my efforts to rescue him, and he was immediately drawn on board, with no other detriment than a thorough ducking.
 My friend, whom, as I never learned his name, shall have to call the Rev. NIT. Cog gles, retired to vacant state-room. It was now nearly dark, and did not see him that night
 As usual in the evening, there was table devoted to cards, in word, there was gamb- ling without stint. No one objected to the practice, 50 long as it was not done by profess sional blacklegs. I never played, but l often stood by the table to observe the progress of the game and study the looks of the players, as they were agitated by the fickle chances of a moment.
 While was thus watching them I observed on the opposite side of the table we'll dress ed gentleman, who was regarding with eager interest the plays of the gamblers. He mani fested desire to engage in the place of one who had been '.cleaned out"
 It was soon apparent that the new conner was skillful player, and time after time he swept the board of all that had been staked. In short time his companions had enough of it and withdrew. He had won large sum of money, and was evidently satisfied with his evenings work. a4fes
 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- 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 breakfast time my Methodist friend made his appear ance. Mn . My young friend, have to thank you for the good service you 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 l cannot"
 "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, if agreeable to the passengers Of course it was agreeable, and the parson pray ed and exhorted with zeal that would have done honor to the most celebrated of the re- vivalists.
 The impression produced by the services, am sorry to say. was not permanent, for when mysterious gambler appeared, again, much to the surprise of all, for it was believed that he had landed, or been lost overheard. He play ed, and sweptthe board as before. Some of the weaker ones began to think he was the devil in disguise, ard their belief was almost confirmed when the next day nothing could be found of him.
 The passengers made him the subject of their conversation, and quite an excitement was kinded. The captain swore, if he ap- peared again, he would throw him into the river A thorough search was made for him but all in vain. My Methodist friend was es- pecially indignant, and believed it would be better to hang every gambler. As soon as the