Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1859-02-17
fau,ilg Giirtle,
A Mysterious Gambler.
BY AN OLD sTAGER.

-MloSloolpPl LdHu OHiO IlfClo, anu Lob
without seeing on board m1re or less pro-
fessional gamblers. 1t is thriving bust
ness on the boat where time hangs heavi
ly 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 enough to have
their true character exposed.
This 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 a
brace of blacklegs were landed in the
woods when their profession was discov-
cred.
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 land
ing. AS l was on my way, a broad brim
med hat, green goggles, and white meek
cloth, was Juggling along with large va
lise.
q. am rather late am | not 2" said he,
as he joined me.
"True enough, sir" l replied, respect
fully, for the gentleman was clergyman,
a Methodist itinerant, suppose.
"My valise is rather heavy, and fear,
ed | should lose the boat"
F" 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 a Methodist par
son. In few moments we reached the
steamer, and passed on board, but my
new acquaintance accomplished but hal,
the distance, when the plank canted-
and he was pitched into the river. For
tunately for him, he was Immediately
drawn on board, with no other injury
than thorough ducking.
My friend whom as never learned his
name, shall have to call the Rev. Mr..
Goggles, retired to q vacant state room.
1t was now nearly dark and | did not see
him again that night.
As usual, in the evening, there was a
table in the cabin, devoted to the cards !;
in word there was gambling without
stint. No one objected to the practice,
so long as it was not done by profession
al 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 chances of a moment.
While was thus watching them, OBJ
served on the opposite side of the ia
BILE well dressed gentleman, who was
regarding with eager interest the plays
Of the gamblers. He manifested desire
to engage in the place Of one who had
been cleaned out"
1t was soon apparent that the new
conner was a skillful player, and time af
ter time he swept the board, Of all that
had been staked. In a short time his
companions had won q large sum of
money, and was evidently satisfied with
his evenings work.
He smoked on the boiler deck until 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 remem-
bered 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
breakfast time my Methodist friend made
his appearance.
My young friend, have to thank you
forithe good service you done me last
evening. am poor have none of this
worlds goods. trust that all my treas
ures are laid up in heaven. But the Lord
will reward you if l cannot"
Don't mention it, dear sir; / am hap
Ply to have been the means of saving you"
We conversed while upon the matter,
and my friend then spoke of having a
sermon preached on board. if agreeable
to the passengers. Of course it was
agreeable, SO the parson prayed and ex.
horted with zeal that would have done
honor to the most celebrated of the revi-
valists.
The impression produced by the SER
vices am sorry to say, was not perma-
nent, Tor when evening came, the gaming
table was spread out as usual, and the
games commenced. The mysterious gam
bier appeared again, much to the surprise
OF all, for it was believed that he landed,
or was lost overheard. He played, and
he 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 moth
Ing could be found of him.
The passengers made him the subject
of their conversation and quite an ex-
citement was kincled. The captain swore
if he appeared again, he would throw him
into the river. A thorough search was
made for him, but all in vain. Ny Meth.
odist friend was especially indignant, and
believed it would be good plan to hang
every gambler. AS soon as his true char
acter was discovered, l agreed with him
entirely.
One young man from Cincinnati was
particularly distressed in the sudden dis
appearance of the blackleg, for he had
under the influence of an overdose of
brandy, staked and lost a half eagle which
his mother had given him just before her
death. It was not the loss of money that
had distressed him, for he had plenty of
that, but it was the associations connec-
ted with the coin itself. There was a
history belonging to it, he said, and he
would give the gambler double the value
of it, if he would return it, with little
ring attached to it.
That evening, to the disappointment of
all on board, who were prepared to deal