The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-08-15
THE LOADED DICE.

at Louisville awaiting the rise oil the
Ohio river, to begin his journey to New
Orleans, first made the acquaintance of
Mr.. Harris, wealthy young merchant of
the above named city, who had been
spending the Summer in Cincinnati,
where he had gone to settle up some ac-
counts of long standing. He was now on
his way home, carrying with him large
amount of money, which he had collect
ed for the firm of which he was the jun
Tor member.
The season had been remarkably dry,
and, in consequence, the river was lower
than could be recollected by the Oldest
settlers, but as the Autumnal season
advanced, when the semiannual rise OF
water might be confidently expected,
many travellers arrived at Louisville to
take advantage of the earliest boats for
the lower country.
After many disappointments the river
began to rise in good earnest,and all hur-
ried on board of their respective steamers
to secure their passage home.
Mr.. Harris and |, after having select
ed our state-room andseen to the safety of
our baggage, had leisure to look around
MS and make the acquaintance Of our fel-
low-travelers We found to our intense
disgust, it had been our misfortune to
take passage with large and as accom-
plished set of gamblers as ever disgraced
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 brought fourth. " Faro" rouge
ct noir," aud various other games were
exhibited to tempt the unwary to risk
their money. At first, many of the
gentleman on board objected to having
the boat 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 cheating, that the stakes
should be forfeited, and he put on shore
on the nearest land After this no more
was said, and the numerous games went
on without interruption.
For some time Harris, who was known
to have large amount Of money in his
possession, and who was evidently an
object of the gamblers, especial regard,
firmly declined all invitations to try his
luck" But one evening, after the supper
table had been cleared, he, weary Of their
importantly, or yielding, as he afterwards
told me, to natural love for the excite
ment of play consented to make one of a
party of four, who were about to sit down
to game of cards for small stakes, "just
to pass away the time"
The players took their seats-the cards
were dealt, and the game began
For while my interest in the fortune
of Harris induced me to remain at his
side and watch the chances of the game J;
but as the sums staked were small, and
the parties seemed evenly matched in
point of skill, | soon tired of such uninter-
resting employment and retired TO a
distant part of the cabin to amuse myself
with book-in the contents of which
/ almost Immediately became absorbed.
read on for some time, probably an hour
and half; but while pausing few mo-
ments to cut the leaves-the book was a
new one-I 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 4" faro
check" or the subdued murmer Of the
players. Raising my eyes to see what
could be the cause Of this unusual silence,
| saw that all the banks" had been de-
serted and the players were standing
motiorless around the table, at which |
had left Harris and his companions engag-
ed at euchre.
Wondering what could induce men who
were accustomed to risk the largest stakes
on the turn of card to take such an
interest so small game, l threw down
my book, and approaching the party,soo
made my way close up to the table.
/ saw at once that great change had
taken place since / had been looker-on
The stakes were largely increased, and
two of the party either unable, or too timid
to risk such large amounts, had with,
drawn from the table. ii. and one Of
the gamblers, however, still retained theii
seats, and with eager faces and shaking
hands, shuffied and dealt the cards
Fortune seemed to favor Harris, for just
as reached the spot he marked the las
point in closely contested game whilC
the professional, with fierce oath, dash
ed down the cards and challenged hin
to give him his revenge with dice, t
which proposition, after moments hesi
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