Litchfield enquirer., 1859-03-17
THE MYSTERIOUS GAMBLER.

sssippi and Ohio rivers, and never without | seeing on board the steamers more or less pro ] fessional gamblers. It is thriving business 1 on the boats where time hangs heavily on the l hands of the passengers, and the black legs | carry off large sums of money. They usually | remain on board but day or two-long enough to have their true character exposed. These gentry had become such an intolera- ble nuisance that the captains of the boats did not knowingly permit one to come on board and not unfrequently brace of blacklegs were landed in the woods when their profes- sions were discovered.
 During one.of my trips the boat put in at the mouth of the Arkansas rlver. and as usu- al took stroll on shore 1 heard the bell for the departure of the steamer, and hasten ed back to the landing. As l was on my way, was overtaken by gentleman with a broad brimmed hat, green goggles, and a white neck cloth, tuggng along with large valise. -55 -s' .. s..A
 am rather late, am not ?" said he, as he joined me e
 <" True enongh, sir" I replied, respectfully, for the gentleman was clergyman, Metho- dist itinerant, l supposed.
 C My valise is rather heavy, and supposed 1 should lose the boat" a#
 Let me help you carry it, sir"
 He accepted my civil offer and 1 took hold of the valise which was certainly loaded very heavy for a Methodist parson. In 8 few mo- ments we reached the steamer, and I passed on board but my new acquaintance had ac- complshcd but half the distance, when the plank canted, and he was thrown into the riv- CT. Fortunately for him, I was prompt in my efforts to rescue him, and he was in medi- ately drawn on board, with no other dctriment than thorough ducking.
 My friend. whom, as I never learned his name, shall have to call the Rev. Mr. Cog gles, retired to vacant state room. It was now nearly dark, and I did not see him again that night. -f
 As usual, in the evening, there was table in the cabn devoted to cards in word there was gambling without stint No one objected to the practice, so long as it was not done by professional blacklegs. never play ed but often stood by the tahle to observe the progress of the game, and study the looks of the players, as they were agitated by the fckle changes of moment
 While was watching them, I observed on the opposite side of the table we-dressed gentleman, who was regarding with eager in- terest the play of the gamblers. He mani fested desire to engage in the place of one who had been cleaned out" ag.4
 It was soon apparent that the new conner was sklful player, and time after time he swept the board of all that had been staked. In short time his companions got enough of it and withdrew He had won large sur of money, and was evidently satisfied with his evenings works
 He smoked on the boiler deck until all the passengers had retired and then left Much 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 breakfast time my Methodist friend made his appearance
 My good friend, have to thark yon for the service you did me last evening am poor-I have none of this worlds goods. I trust that all my treasures are laid up in hcav- en. But the Lord will reward you if I can not"
 Don't mention it, my dear sir. am hap py to have been the means of saving you."
 We conversed while upon the matter, and my friend then spoke of having duty on board, if agreeable to the passengers Of course it was agreeable, and the parson prayed and exhorted with a zeal that would have done honor to the most celebrated of the re- vivalists
 The impression produced by the service. I am sorry to say, was not so permanent, for yph ho ok spread out as usual, and the games commence ed. The mysterious gambler appeared again, much to the surprise of all, for it was believed that he had larded or been lost overboard. He played and swept the board as before. Some of the weaker cnes began to think 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 of their conversation, and quite an excitement was kindled. 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. My Methodist friend was especially in- dignant and believed it would be good plan to hang every gambler. As soon as the true character was discovered, agreed with him entirely. s F6a 7as s7a laa' s3s-ss ..s
 One young man from Cincinnati was partic- uiarly distressed in the sudden disappearance Of the blackleg, for he had, under the influence Of an overdose of brandy, staked and lost half eagle which his mother had given him just befofe her death. It was Hot the loss of the money that distressed him, for he had plenty of that, but it was the associations connected with the coin itself. There was history be- longing to it, he said. and he would give double the value of it, it he would return it with the little ring attached to it. asaasae
 That evening to the disappointment of all on board who were prepared to deal with him in summary manner, the blackleg did not ap- pear Man or devil, he had the means of