The penny press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1859-1860, 1860-02-09
A Rustic Gambler Beaten by a Hand
Organ.

A Rustic Gambler Beaten Dy HAND
Organ.
Sam Collins was bound to have spree.
He had sold his boatload of flour, received
the money, and intended to indemnify
himself for the labor and hard life of a
fiat.boat; so he laid off fifty dollars, to see
New Orleans. In the hands Of an
exquisite, at firstclass hotel with wines,
dinners, operas, and their consequences,
fifty dollars would 60 q very short dis
lance; while the same sum would 60 a
good way in cheap brandy, theater tickets,
corporation fines, and the catalogue OF
amusements appropriate to them.
Without doubt, Sam would have made
out his week, and have been dragged
aboard On up-rivcr boat, by some moro
careful colleague, but that his fifty dollars
came to premature end.
Among other tastes which he had
acquired about the boat. yard, on the head
waters of the noble Tennessee, was an
indiscrimiatelpartiality for all games Of
chance. Hc was not only versed in all
the arts of 'short cards" but had attacked
all fancy amusements which came along,
from the faro dealer, in his buggy, to the
more humble thimble-rigger, who paused
in the tavern porch long enough to collect
a few dimes from the unwary.
Having limited himself to certain
sum, Mr.. Collins reflected that if he could
only "git streak agin some Of them
id gamcs," he could extend his stay
in Orleans to an indefinite period, at the
expense of the gamblers. So, after fixing
up with the assistance of his friends, he
set off to find game. He played against
the faro bank, got into a row with a by
stander, who refused to drink with him,
and was turned out, after great row,
and obstinate resistance on his part; in
the course of which he knocked down
his antagonist, and received slight
wound on the shoulder. His valorous
boatmen carried him off, swearing ven.
geanoe against their "d---d bone-mill." "
He was, however, appeased by an intro
duction to an elegant apartment, where
the game of rouge ct noir was conducted,
by some silent and genteel Frenchman.
There were very few persons in the room,
80 Sam drank claret (they had nothing
clse,) as long as he had room for it but
the whole affair was Chocktaw to him.
After few words, which were quite un-
intelligible to him, they paid him dollar.
Then came some more gibberish, when
they racked down five dollars. 1t was a
dull affair-he understood not word,
knew nothing of the game, and was rap
idly drinking himself and party sober.
Besides he begun to learn that it was a
losing game. So, as the place was too
quiet, genteel and expensive for the party,
they left. With the exception of slight
scuffle with some watchmen, they met
with no other adventure, until they
reached the purlieus of the city, and saw,
to their great delight, the congenial beams
of a red lantern, in low doggery. Here
they felt perfectly at home They called
for liquors, made proclamation of their
united and several capacities to click the
city," or any of its citizens and made
the acquaintance of very 'peaceable'
little man, who soon led the way to a
room in which there was new devise,
with which Sam was charmed. Among
other games going on there, we're severa
tables, ornamented with horizontal alwheels
the edges thereof, as well as those Of th'
circular box in which the wheel was in
closed, was fitted with little tin pockets
numbered to correspond with the figures
painted upon an oil-cloth, spread on 9
table. The person who bet, placed his
money upon any number he liked; the
wheel was put in rapid motion, and
marble was thrown upon its surface
when the impetus given the wheel wal
exhausted. The marble, Of course
stopped in one Of the little pockets. L
the number of that pocket correspondec
with that upon which the better had
placed his money, he received a consider
ably larger amount Of money than h'
had put down. If it did not correspond
of course he lost his stake. Our friend
soon comprehcnded this game. They
drank Strychnine whisky, and followed
the marble ia its rapid revolution, unit
they were perfectly giddy. They wer'
quito at home, and formed acquaintance
from every Hatboat at the levee; but th'
demon of discord again disturbed thoi
enjoyment Two boatmen began t.
squabble about bet. This soon grew t.
a tight, in which Sam and his merry mel
took an active part. This resulted in
call of the police, and the extinguishmen
of the lamps and, as Tam O'Shanter ha
it,
SIN an instant all was Dark"
The game and the gamblers had di'
appeared when tho police entered; bu
notwithstanding they made a dcsperat
resistance, the police marched them o
to his Calaboose.
Upon the examination of witnesses,
appeared that Sam and his men had bee
drunk and disorderly, and they were ac
cordingly fined. This somewhat reduce
Sans "pile;" but then he had mo shown
agin the perleese." ="
Upon being discharged, the party foun
that it was broad day; so, having at
iourned TO an sating-housc, they refreshe
themselves with drink, oysters, and ro
with the bar-keepcr but as he did M
possess sufficient muscle to afford any on
of them decent fight, Sam interfered an
restored peace.
1t was now ten o clock, and Sam bega
to long for something fresh AccOr'
ingly, he set out, accompanied by one {
two Of his party. For while, they sa
nothing but nursery-maids and children
a.. Il