The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1859-01-05
9flett O. Il Ie.
THE MYSTERIOUS GAMBLER.
BY AN OLD STAGER.

without seeing on board the steamer more
or less professional gamblers. 1t is a
thriving business on the boats where time
hangs heavily on the hands of the passen-
gers, and the blacklegs carry off large
sums of money. They usually remain on
board but a day or two--long enough to
have their true character exposed.
+, These gentry had become such an in
|tolerablel nuisance that the captains of the
boats did not knowingly permit one to
come on board; and not unfrequently
q brace of backlegs were landed in the
woods when their profession was discov-
cred. H.a H5rfs.s u.,a ---
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 departure of the steamer,
and FASTENED back to the landing. As l
was on my way, was overtaken by a gen.
tleman with broad brimed hat, green
goggles, and a white neckcloth, tugging
along with large valise.
II am rather late, am I not!" said he
as he Joined me. -ta,
b "True enough, SIR" replied respect
fully, for the gentleman was clergyman,
o Methodist itlnerant, supposed.
S. "My valise is rather heavy, and fear
ed i should loose the boat"
"Let me help you carry it, sir,
He accepted my civil offer, aud l took
bold of the valise, which was certainly
loaded very heavy for a methodist parson.
In a few moments we reached the steamer,
and I 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, I was prompt in my efforts to res7
cue him, ard he was Immediately drawn
on board, with no other detriment than o.
thorough ducking. ra.. -.-
kMy friend, whom, as never learned his
name, I shall have to call the Rev. Mr..
Goggles, retired to vacant state-room.
1t was now nearly dark, and did not see
him that night: --.- -...:.
| As usual in the evening, there was q
table devoted to cards, in word, there
was gambling without stint. No one
Eobjected to the practice, SO long as it was
not done by professional blacklegs. l
never played, but I 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 fckle chances of a
T., While / was thus watching them OBJ
served on the opposite side of the table
q well dressed gentlemen, who was regar-
ding with eager interest the plays Of the
gamblers. He manifested desire to en-
lgsge in the place of one who had been
'cleaned out" .sF-i7e - .4'i-
| Ii was soon apparent that the new
come was a skilful player, and time af-
Ter time he swept the board of all that had
been staked. < In short time his com
panions had enough Of it and Withdrew
He had won large sum of money, and
was. evidently satisfied with his evenings
work. fUrsa - 5000 it- .
He smoked on the boiler deck until al
the passengers had retired. and then left
much curiosity had been manifested tc
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 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 hi
appearance.
E.T"My young friend, / have to thank yol
for the good service you did me last eve
ming. am poor; 1 have none of thi
worlds goods. Itrust that all my treas
nres are laid up in heaven But the Lore
q will reward you if cannot"
Don't mention it, my dear sir. au
happy to have been the means of saving
you" q tae@a's ,.4i '', '@ Fl" e.
We conversed a while upon the matter
and my friend then spoke Of having ser
vice on board, If agreeable to the passen
gers. Of course it was agreeable, ant
( the parson prayed and exorted with yea
that would have done honor to the mos
celebrated Of the revivalists. '''~ 80
The impression produced by the servi
z ces, am sorry to say, was not permanent
for when evening came, the games com
menced.- The mysterious gambler ap
ipeared again, much to the surprise Of all
for it was believed that he had landed, o
! been1lost overheard. He played, an,
g swept the board as before Some of tn
Q weaker ones began to think he was tn
Z devil in disguise. and their belief was al
J most confirmed when the next day moth
ing could be found of him. m..,ss-sl ,r--
The passengers made him the subjec
. . of their conversation, and quite an excite
ment was, ,kindled. The captain swore
If he appeared again, ne would throw: hin
into the river. A thorough search wa
made for him but all in vain. Ny Metho
dist friend was especially indignant, anc
believed it would be better to hang ever,
gambler. AS soon as the true characte
was discovered, agreed with him entirely
| One young man from Cincinnati wa
aS