The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1859-04-13
THE MYSTERIOUS GAMBLER.

SlSSlppl anu Onlo rivers, ana never Wltnout
seeing more or less professional gamblers.
1t is thriving business on board the boats,
where time hangs heaviey on the hands of
the passengers, and the blacklegs carry off
large sums of money They usually re-
main on board day or two-long enough
to have their character exposed.
These gentry had become such an intol-
cradle nuisance that the captains Of the boats
did not knowingly permit one to come on
board; and not unfrequently brace of
blacklcgs were landed in the woods when
their professions were discovered.
During one of my trips the boat put in
at the mouth of the Arkansas river, and as
usual, took stroll on shore. l heard the
bell for the departure of the steamer, and
FASTENED back to the landing. As was
on my way back met a gentleman with a
broad brimmcd hat, green goggles, and white
ncckclcth, tugging a long with large
yalise.
81 am rather late, am not ~ said he, as
he Joined me-
"True enough, sir" replied respectful
ly, for the gentleman was clergyman, a
Methodist itinerant, supposed.
"My valise is rather heavy, and l feared
| should lose the boat"
"Let me help you carry it sir"
He accepted my civil offer, and took
hold of the valise, which was certainly
loaded very heavy for Methodist parson.
In a few moments we reached the steamer,
and passed on board; but my new ac-
quaintance had accomplished but half the
distance, when the plank canted and he
was thrown into the river. Fortunately
for him, was prompt in my efforts to res
cue him, and he was Immediately drawn on
board with no other detriment than a
thorough ducking.
My friend, whom, as never learned his
name, l shall have to call him the Rev.
Mr.. Goggles, retired to a vacant state room.
1t was now nearly dark, and | did not sc
him again that night.
AS usual, in the evening, there was a
table in the cabin, devoted to cards; in
a word, there was gambling without stint.
No one objected to the practice, so long as
it was not done by professional blacklegs.
never played, but | 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 tickle changes of for
tune
While was thus watching them, l OBJ
served on the opposite side of the table, a
well dressed gentleman, who was regarding
with interest the plays of the gamblers
lie manifested desire to engage in the
place of one who had been cleaned"
1t was soon apparent that the new com
er was skilful 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
love Of,
IDENTITY satisfied 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 before, and nobody remembered
when he came on board, and what seemed
the 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 break
fast time my Methodist friend made his APP
pearance.
''My good friend, | have to thank you
for the good service you did me last even.
ing. | am poor; | have none of this
worlds goods. l trust that all my treas
ures arc laid up in heaven. But the Lord
viii reward you if cannot"
Don't mention it my dear sir. am
happy to have been the means of saving
you"
We conversed awhile upon the matter,
and my friend then spoke of having ser.
vices on board, ifagreeable to the passengers.
Of course it 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 sermon,
am sorry to say, was not permanent, for
when tho evening came the gambling table
was spread out as usual, and the game COM
menced. The mysterious gambler appear
ed again, much to the surprise of all, for il
was believed he had landed or was lost over
board. He played and swept the board as
before. Some of the weaker ones began tt
think that 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 OIL
Their conversation, and quite an excitement
was kindled. The Captain swore if he saw
hun again he would throw him into tn.
river. A thorough search was made 70,
him, but all in vain. My Methodist friend
was especially indignant and believed il
would be good plan to hang every gamb
Ter as soon rs the true character was dis
covered. Iagreed with him entirely.
One young man from Cincinnati was par
ticularly distressed in the sudden disap
pearance OF the blackleg, for he had, un.
der the influence of an overdose of brandy
stated and lost half eagle which his moth
CT mad given him just before her death
There was history belonging to it, he said
lie would give the gambler double the value
OF 1t, if he would return it with ring at
tached to it.
That evening, to the disappointment OF
all on board, who were prepared to deal
with MN In summary manner, the black
leg 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 was searched in vain for him.
And 1t seemed certain that he could no,
have gone on shore.
The next day was talking with the
Rev. Mr. Goggles notabout the gambler but
on general topics. OF course, his life, as
an itinerant, was full of interest to me-
lie told me chiefly how he lived and trav-
eled from place to place and that he was
often hungry, and never had more than ten
dollars at once
II have only five now" he said, and to
verify his statement, he took from his peck.
ct half eagle.
Iglanced at it. There was hole in it.
with ring attached to it, 1t was certain
ly the property Of the young man.
what is the ring forg'' asked.
This piece was given me by a woman in
Arkansas, who was converted under nv
preaching"
The liar! had already made up my
mind that he was an impostor, in short
that he was the mysterious gambler Be.
fore dinner time, had an opportunity to