Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1859-08-19
A GAMBLERS STORY.

1t is now nearly four years since ousl-
ness of importance compelled me to make
long and dangerous journey through
the wilds of New Mexico.
Ichanced to have for travelling COM
panion, noted Californian gambler by
the name of Tom Hickman, and as the
Apache tribe of Indians were just at that
time unusually hostile, the company of
this brave man was quite agreeable to
me.
Mounted on our hardy little Mexican
ponies, with our trusty rifles resting easl-
ly across our saddles we started and
moved slowly onward, apparently indit-
ferent to the surrounding peril.
The menotony of being a silent sentinel
is at all times irksome, but never more so
than when travelling in an Indian country.
| reminded Hickman of this fact, and pro-
uose6 to him that he should narrate to me
brief sketch of his life, " for" said :" it
must be checkered with many strange
adventures"
He replied, +" Indeed, you are right as
to its having been strange, for so it often
appears to me, when / recall any portion
of il but listen while tell it to you -
a was born on the right bank of the
Missouri river, several hundred miles
above its mouth. My father owned
small farm and few slaves. There was
a large family of US, and we all had to
work hard to obtain the means of subsist-
ence. Schools were scarce in our parts,
and the only lesson studied after work
ing hours was the art of playing cards.
Seated on logs, have spent night after
night in gambling with our negroes
The stakes usually played for in these
games consisted of such minor articles as
pocket knives, buttons, &C.; but often
times it happened that even these worldly
goods were scarce among us, and then we
played 10 kill time, as the saying is.
The fatboats on the river would fire.
uuently tie up at our woodward, and the
first sum of money that ever won was
obtained from the boatmen on them.
Thus years flew by, until at last one
day found myself possessed of sufficient
money to buy of neighbor valuable
horse and equipments.
My father dispatched me soon after this
event. to a town located over fifty miles
from our lighthouse. 1t was the first time
in my life l had been SO far from home
or had seen a settlement. With merry
heart | made the journey to the place
but with sad one returned. twas th
old story of the green country boy beini
duped by the village sharpers.
Not satisfied with seeing the sights
made new aquaintances, and finally | fe
into the hands of professional blackleG
who easily won my horse and saddle,
Bankrupt both in pocket and spirits,
travelled home on foot. This adventur
made me resolve never to touch anotht
card, and for five years ] kept my prom
ise.
The Mexican war broke out, and el
listed in company of volunteers, ar
was actively engaged during the war
Fighting and gaming, you know, go bar
in hand therefore my old habits return'
60 me.
When peace was declared, and o
company disbanded, visited my frlen
in Missouri, and then, in company wi
some emigrants, ] started overland
California.
The skill here exhibited as dea
of the Mexican game of monte, caus
my services to be engaged in the then
NOUS Ell Dorado House, of San Francis
Money, or rather gold dust, was plen
and as gambling was fashionable, ] ne'
lacked for customers.
! had thus been employed about
months, when one night was drawn il
an encounter with desperate, and
self-defense ] was obliged to infict VI
him a severe wound with my bowie kn
This fellow was member of party
cut-throats who lived about the gambl
establishments Of city, and of VIII
the gamblers were in great dread.
1t now became necessary for me
make my escape to distant part of
country. l advised with my friends,
they counselled me to go to the mines
The knowledge bad gained of
world by at first being woodsman, t
a soldier, and finally the boon compar
of different individuals who style .th
selves gentlemen, made me accomplis
in almost any character / chose to un
take.
To win the confidence of the miner
the locality to which l was bound, i
a - L