Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1863-04-16

strangers paid 1t over as quick and ca
sy as they would brush off fly. ]
thought, II dull Joe has won so quickly
such sum, why may rot ], who am
so lucky at cards? They urged me to
take q hand, and the sightthe new bills
on the Merchants Exchange Bank so
won upon my better understanding.
that I drew right up to the table. ]
thought only Of winning; never
thought Of losing. We played and
won, and played and lost, and lost, and
lost. Obi mother, l lost all this money
quick as fash; and thay taunted me
that could not pay; but / must pay it,
or have my honor lost before the whole
village I know how wrong it was, but
il hard work will make itup to you,
YOU shall never want Here Sam
broke down, and cried Ike child.
"Thee is welcome TO take the money,
Sam," said his mother quietly. "I
wish thee would promise never to touch
a card again. Dear mother. l SOL
emnly-, "No Sam! no osths. Re-
member thee will be tempted this very
night to try and win back this very
money" - M F.Ef& vvE1
"No, I have seen too many winks
pass between those two men. They
are gamblers, who have come down to
impose upon us 'greenhorns' in the
country. When l think how many
hard days work i have performed, and
how many chickens and eggs you have
raised to sell, all for one good object,
and that my cursed folly has ruined all,
l am ready to despair
"I shall not live long to W ant money,
Sam; l only thought Of thee and FL
len, who is so soon to become thy wife"
Samuel grosned, and left the house
with heavy heart. He knew by the
twinkling light across the fields that
Ellen sat watching for his visit, but be
sped on toward the village, until, stamp
ing the snow from his shoes, he entered
once more the tavern" Again, in
private parlor, he found the companions
of the previous night. He went firm
ly up to the table and deposited his
money. al have come," said he in q
bold voice, "to pay you what you won
from me last night" The man merely
waved his hand, on which shone Jew
el, toward him, in negligent manner,
and went on with his game. 'Oh, a
mere trif1e,' he said, "time enough by
and by"
Sam turned toward the fire, with a
groan. Evil thoughts took possession
of his mind. "Can some men make
money thus easily by the toss of card
or the turn of die? and yet, after all
my honest labor, must l be turned from
my humble home, and my happy pros
poets broken up for life by two despe-
rate gamblers?" Fierce passions seemed
at war within him, as the sweet visions
of former hopes passed away. He did
not notice that there were mutterings
of wrath at the table. as one after an
other was feeced in his turn. Cries Of
"unfair," "unfair play" were met by
contemptuous sneers from the successful
men who pocketed the gains.
Samuers little roll Of bills still lay
upon the table, and he could not bear to
leave il there. 1t seemed sacred money.
"How little my father thought when he
left me the farm, with only this mort
gage as an encumbrance, that should
prove so recreant to my solemn engage
ment TO take care of my dear mother
Oh, God forgive me, and spare me,
that may do better in the future."-
And at that moment a softer emotion
sprung up in his heart. He felt a
loathing for sin of all kinds that he
had never felt before, and determined
to shun even the smallest deviation from
duty, if its retribution was so dreadful.
This was a more desirable state of mind,
and an humble spirit breathed its bless.
ing over him, as he rose up and but
toned his thin coat over his breast.
again to face the cutting wind of the
wintry night. uri-,ro ~
About this time handsome sleigh
had driven up 20 the door Of the tavern.
The horses were fecked with foam. and
the frost hung about their trappings,
showing how swiftly they had Travelled.
Two strong men had leaped from it, and
hastily entered the house. The host
came obsequiously to the door. They
drew him aside. -. -r-
ave have tracked two notorious
black legs from Boston here, and think
ing they might be making a little mis-
chief have. come down. Indicate, !
say, the room where they now are, OF
we shall arrest you as an accomplice!
QUICKLY" as the CLEAN of q revolver
sbone in the cold moonlight. "In there,
in thereP' stammered the landlord,
trembling with alarm. The detectives
came very softly, but not so gently
that the gamblers did not listen intently.
!, One said, Throw the cards in the FIRE!
raise the windowl harkP'' Just then
the door was violently thrown OPEN
"Ah my hearties, well metl We have
had quite a drive for you;" adjusting
handouts all the time, as though they
were used to the business. in spite ol
the desperate struggles of the two mer'
"Now, my birds, we will see what you
have cagedl" said these minions of the
law, and forthwith began to pick their
pockets, having laid them at length on
} the floor.
| "Counterfeit bills in plenty, some
} golden eagles, silyerl Get pen and