Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1860-01-26

bell for the departure of the steamer, and
FASTENED to tire landing. AS was on the
way, L was overtaken by gentleman with
n broad brinl1ned hat, green goggles, and
u white neckcloth, tugging along with a
large .vaiise.- ~.. -se
II am rather late, am I not?'' said he,
IS he joined me-
''True enough, SIR I replied respect
fully. for the gentleman was. a clergyman,
Methodist itinerant. supposed. -
''My valise was rather heavy and fear
/ should lose the boat
Let me help you carry it, sir
lie accepted my civil offer, and | took
hold of the valise. which was certainly
ioaded very heavy for methodist parson.
In few moments we reached the steamer,
and 1 passed on board; but my new ac-
quaintance had accomplished but half the
distance, when the plank cantered, and he
was thrown into the stream. Fortunately
for him, was prompt m my efforts to
rescue him, and he was Immediately drawn
on board; with no other detriment than
thorough dIcling.
My frienl, as | did not learn bis name
j shall have to call Rev. Mr.. Goggles, re-
tired TO 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 cards; in
word there was gambling without stint
No one objected to the practice SO long as
it was not done by professional blacklegs.
1 never played, but / often stood by
the table to observe the progress of the
game. and study the looks of the players
While was thus watching them, l OBJ
served or the opposite side of the table,
a well dressed gentleman. who was regard
ing with eager interest, the play Of the
gamblers He manifested desire to en-
gage in the place of one who had been
cleaned out"
1t was soon apparent that the new conner
was a skillful player, and time after time
he swept the board of all that had been
staized. In q short time, his companions
had enough Of it, and withdrew. He had
won large sum Of money, and was ev
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 ne 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 his
appearance.
"My young friend thank you for the
good service You did me last evening. /
am poor have one of this worlds goods.
Ny treasurers are all laid up in heaven.
trust the Lord viii reward you if l can
not"
Don't mention it dear sir. l am hap
py to have been the means of saving you"
We conversed while upon the matter,
and nv friend then spoke of having SER
vice on board if agreeable, and the parson
PRAYED and exhorted with zeal that would
Rave done honor to the most celebrated of
the revivalists.
The impression produced by the service
] am sorry to say was not permanent, for
when evening came, the gaming table was
spread out as usual and the games COM
menced. The mysterious gambler again
appeared much to the surprise of all, for
it was believed he had been lost overheard,
or stopped at one Of the landings. lie
played and swept the board as before
Some of the weaker ones began to believe
he was the devil in disguise, and their
belief was almost confirmed, when, the
aext 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 ap-
pcared again, he would throw him into the
river. A thorough seach was made for
him but all in vain. My Methodist friend
was especially indignant, and believed it
would be good plan to hang every
gambler As soon as his true character
was observed I ageeed with him entirely.
One young man from Cincinnati, was
particularly distressed in the sudden disap-
pearance of the blackleg. for lie had under
the influence of an overdose of Brandy.
staked and lost half eagle, which his
mother had given him just before her
death. 1t was not the loss of the money
that distressed him for he had plenty oil
that. but was the association connected
with the piece itself There was. history
belonging to it, be said, and he would give
the gambler double the vaule of it if he
would return it, with little ring attached
to 4ssz essstia&- s
That evening to the disappointment OF
all who were prepared to deal with him in
summary manner, the blackleg did not
appear. Man or devil he had the means
of knowing of the Indignation he had caus-
ell. There was a strange mystery about
him. Every part of the steamer was again
searched in vain for him, and it seemed
certain that he could not have gone ashore
The next day was talking with the
Rev. Mr.. Goggles, not about the gambler
bot on general topics. OF course his life,
as an itinerant, was full of interest to me.
He told me how cheaply he lived and trav-
eled from place to place, that he was often
hungry. .nd never had more than ten dol
lars at once. - ffffI itz.tiltfl
81 have only FIVE now" he said; and in
verifcation Of his statement, he drew from
his pocket half eagle.
Iglanclei att. There was hole in it,