Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1871-12-01
Gclcttc0 AlisfeIIanp.
THE LOADED DICE.


this sketch, while detained at Louisvilcawaii-
ing the rise of the Ohio river, to begin his
journey to New Orleans, first made the ac-
quainance Of Mr.. llnrris, a wealthy young
merchant, of the above named city, who had
been spending the summer in Cincinnati,
where he had gone to settle up some accounts
of long standing. He was now on his way
home carrying n large amount of money
which he had collected for the firm OF which
he was junior member.
The season had been remarkably dry and in
consequence the FLYER was lower than could
be recoIleeted 10y the oldest settlers bntns The
antumnal season advanced, when the semi
annual rise OF water might he confidently eX-
pectrd, many travellers arrived at Louisville 10
take advantage Of the earliest boats for the
lower country.
After many dsappoinments the river hogan
TO swell in good earnest, and all hurried on
board TO their respective steamers 10 secure
their passage home.
Mr. Harris and |, after having selected our
state-room, and seen to the safety Of our bag
gage, had leisure TO look around us and make
the acquaintance Of our fcllow-travelers. We
found TO our intense disgust, it had been our
misfortune to take passage with as large and
accomplished set OF gamblers rs ever disgra-
ced decent society. They were bound down
the river on professional tour through the
Southern States.
AS soon as we were well under way, the
implements of their nefarious trade were bro't
forth. Faro, rouge ct noir," and various
other games, were exhibited to tempt the I'M
wary to risk money At first many of the
gentlemen on board objected to having the
cabin turned into gambling hell but the
professionals loudly protested that they played
on the square. and furthermore declared that
should one of their number be detected in
cheating, the stakes should be forfeited, and
he put on shore nj the nearest land. After this
no more WAS said, and The numerous games
went on without interruption.
For some time lJarris, who was known to
have n large amount Of money in Ills posses-
sion, and who wns the object Of the gamblers
especial regard firmly declined all invitations
to try his luck. But one evening after Tie
suppcr table had been cleaned, he, weary of
their opportunities, or Welding MS he after
wards told me, to a natural love for the cx-
element Of play. consented TO make one Of n
party of four who were about to sit down to a
game Of cards for small stakes, Gust TO pass
away the time"
For awhile my Interest in the fortunes Of
Harris induced me to remain at his side and
watch the chances of the game, but rs the
sums slakcd were small, and rs the parties
seemed evidently matched in point OF skill, ]
soon tired Of such unintcresting employment
and retired TO distant part Of the cabin to
anluse myself with u book--in the contents Of
which almost Immediately became absorbed
read for m hour and half; but while paus-
ing to Gu. the leaves ftle book was a new one,
became conscious that an unusual stiffness
pervaded the room. There was no longer TO
be heard the rattle Of dice, the sharp click Of
the ivory "farro check, f" or the subducd MUIR
mnr OF the players. Raising my eyes TO see
what could he the caHse Of the snbdned still
ness / saw that all The |blanks" had been
deserted and The players were standing mO-
tiOnless around the table at which | had left
Ilarris and his companions engaged in game
OF cuchre.
Wondering what conld induce men who
were accustomed to risk the largest stakes on
the turn Of n card 10 take such an interest in
90 small game, | threw down M book, and
approaching the party soon made way 10 the
table. | saw ut once that great change had
taken place since had been locker on The
Stak es were largely increased and two. Of The
party either unable or too timid 10 risk such
large amounts. had Withdrawn from the table.
Harris aud one Of the gamblers, however stu
retained their seats, and with eager faces and
shaking hands, shuHled the cards. Fortune
seemed to have favored harris, for just as !
reached the spot be marked the last point in
closely contested game, while the professional,
with q deep oath dashed down the cards and
challenged him to give him his revenge with
dice to which propositions after moments
hesitation, Harris assented.
The dice and the cups were produced and
the excited gamesiers again betting their mO-
ney but no longer with the same result. llar~
ris' good luck seemed to have deserted bin,
and his antagonist won stake after stake
Harris seemed now wild with excitement. lie
doubled every time until no less than ten thou
sand dollars lay upon the table to be won or
lost Al n single throw Of the dire. Again the
gambler was successful. Harris now sprung
from his chair, aud calling on biz antagonist
to remain where he was, repaired to his state
room, ard, returning in few minutes, he
dashed down upon the table large roll Of
bank notes. saying at the time to the gam
bier
lyon have already won from me over Gf-
teen thousand dollars. The bank bills repre-
sent double the amount; dare you risk little
sum. and let the ownership Of the whole be
decided by n single cast ~
TIE gambler at once expressed his willing
ness 10 do 50, but declared that he bad not so
much money in his possession. The deficiency
was, however, made up by others OF the fra
fernity, and they prepared to resume the game.
There was a large carving fork lying near
Harris, which the waiter had neglected 10 re-
move when he had cleared the table that even
ing. This Harris. with careless and appa-
renily ms he took his seat) accidental move
ment Of his arm, dFew close 10 bis side.
All nov drew near in eager expectation, r