The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1859-09-15
The N ysteriolls Gambler.
BY AN OLD STAGER.

I have made several passages up the Mis-
sissippi and Ohio rivers, and never without
seeing on board the steamer more or less
professional gamblers. 1t is thriving bu-
siness on board the boat where time hangs
heavily on the hands of the passengers, and
the black-legs carry offlarge sums ofmoney.
They usually remain on board day or two
long enough to have their true character
exposed.
These gentry had become such an intole-
rable nuisance that the captains of the boats
did not knowingly permit one to come on
board, and not unfrequently a brace of black
legs were landed in the woods when their
profession was discovered.
During oneof my trips the boat put in at
the mouth of the Arkansas river, and as usu-
al | took stroll on the shore. heard the
bell for the departure of the steamer, and
hastened back to the landing. As was on
my way, was overtaken by gentleman
witha broad-brimmed hat, green goggles,
and white neckcloth, tugging along with a
large valise.
81 am rather late, am notg" said he, as
he joined me.
"True enough, sir" l replied, respectfully,
for the gentleman was clergyman, Meth
odist itinerant, supposed. T5.S
Ny valise is very heavy, and am afraid
/ shall lose the boat" @#h
"Let Inc 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 few
minutes we reached the steamer and pass
ed on board. My new acquaintance had nc
complished half the distance, when the plank
canted, and he was thrown into the river.
Fortunately for him, was prompt in my
efforts to rescue him, and he was immediate
ly drawn on board, with no other detriment
than thorough ducking.
My friend, whom, as never knew his
name, shall have to call the Rev. Mr.. Cog
giles, retired to . vacant state room. 1t was
now nearly dark, and I did not see him
again that right.
As usual in the evening, there was 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 professional black-legs. never
played but often stood by the table to OBJ
serve the progress Of the game, and study
the looks ofthe players. as they were agitated
by the tickle changes of the moment.
While / was thus watching them, OBJ
served on the opposite side of the table, a
well dressed gentlemen, who was regarding
with eager interest the plays ofthe gamblers.
He manifested desire to engage in the place
Of one who had been cleaned out"
Itwas apparent that the new conner was
skillfdl player, and time after time he swept
the board ofall that had been staked. In a
short time his companions had enough of it
and withdrew. He had won a large sum of
money, and was evidently 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 as to who and
what hewas. Nobody had seen him before,
and nobody remembered when he came on
board; and what seemed most singular of
al 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 ap-
pearance. : 2 ss 81 TT
my good friend, have to thank you for
the good service you did me last evening.
am poor have none of this world's goods.
| trust that all my treasures are laid up in
heaven. But the Lord will reward If I can
not" -
"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
prayed and exhcrted with . zeal that would
! Ihsye dopa heD17knh.us2cGt ss|abrated p,