Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1866-11-03
'The PrIest ..II al and his Cards.

=
In recently published volume on ,.Life
IN Russia, II Is the following curious Incl
dent. illustrative, In part. Of the character
Of many Of the pHestsa "A gambling eccle-
siastic sat up all Saturday night over the
cards, dear TO almost all Russians, playing
with two other priests and an Englishman,
till it was time for morning service. The
writer sayS:.ettuaYtlh feteSA
cannot say these men we're drunk; on
the contrary they seemed more sober than
they had been when L left them at two
O'Clock; but the demon OF play helu them
IN his grip they we're as fresh Tor it, and hs
absorbed. asif they had only PLAYED two
or three hours Ny circumstances apdex-
p0stulations were thrown away, and IN ln-
d'"rapt curiosity sat downlto watch the
end .'.... ~. t.,-.. y,.r
rne priest and his partner lost. Pins
and his partner won another fry. The
next game was to be double or quits; the
deal made with fresh pack, and, as Il sat
in full view Of the tall priest, IocOuh see
his face brighten up, and look Of intelli-
gence pass between him and his partner.
At this moment the, decohock again en-
tered. "ThreeC minutes TO eight o'clock"
All bat the-tall priest threw their cards
on the table and rose, saying, "A fresh deal
after service" "a. atr"l - -
mo, no." he said, Tkeep your hand,
partner; shall keep mine, 1t is good
one, and we shall play the game after our
return; here, Vassilla, give me a towel,
wet; that will do. Now my myrobeszthere- !
that comb; and go every one to your posts.
shall be there presently" Thus saying
he proceeded with firm step to the church.
by the private entrance already mentioned.
AS he left the room saw him place his
good hand of cards within his sacret robes,
under the inside fastening. He was evil
IDENTIFY determined not to lose sight of his
trumps, and carried them of, on his person,
into the church. ran round to the front
entrance, and was just Id time to witness
the commencement of the service. 1t is a
wonder Judgment did not fall on the chief
priest. And Is did in a way. At one part
OF the service, just as he was stepping on
the platform, he put his hand inside his'Pebe
to pull out his Handkerchief aud as he
drew it out, the cards came also unbidden,
and scattered over the altar floor. This
would have paralyzed any ordinary man
hut that,priest never WINGED feE a moment.
He looked coolly at the cards, then steadily
at the people, as much as TO say, You all |
see that take notice of It shall tell you |
about that, by-and-by" He then continued |
the service. AT the close he pointed to the
cards, then beckoned little peasant boy, |
with shock head of white faxen har,
dressed IN shift Oh coarse Ilhen' anu I,oW-
sers 70 matcn; nos very lsa clsaIl, VINO nau Ueea
crossing anu penuihS Desiue@ pVOr peasant
woman, his mother; AI2L-.
"Come mere, OoyF Ane '1oyiwsns' Lurnr
ing 10 the congregation, ne saiu snaII
give you lesson you VIII noe loLEet lor
some time. You see these cards lying on
the foor. 10 you tnink mn put tnem there
for nothing! we snat see "nae Is your
name, my ooyT" ~ ,f r- srrr-.ir
Peter Petroyicn." -La, Il
"Well Peter Petrovlcn, 70 ana PICK up
one OF those cards you see on Ine noor >I! ano
bring lt 10 me. Inere tnat VIII 40. NOW
tel me, Peter fetroVlch' "nat carl carl Is
TINS 2 .,-a..,-
zine ace OF spades, saia the Doy' WIN
ready knowledge. -
very gooo, feCer TetIoViGui DlliR me
anotner-thats gooo Doy' "nas caru 10
tbatg '2'c
1.-The queen Oh spaoes, sald PeterS -
"HOT wen you Know now ohem, 5eteL h.t tesIo- N
vich. Bring me another.f Anu what may
that one beY" ta.ra et'd 't. n1
1.-The ten OF hearts.T Ti 0if