The Osceola times., 1883-07-07
A YOUNG PREACHERS EXPERIENCE
ABOARD A BOAT on THE MIS-
SISSIPPI.
How Reverend Mableson Disposed of the
slayer Of His Aged Father.
Arkan saw Traveller.


whose reputation has gone beyond the
boundaries of Arkansas, "There was
something about Mississippi river ex-
perience that tended to aid in vivid
reproduction. The grand floating draw
ing rooms, the wealth displayed at every
turn, and the studied politencss and con-
ventional ceremony Of supposed good
breeding which you everywhere meet,
all come,up at once in reportrayal of
character which, thus surrounded, you
have contemplated. But all of this po-
liteness and exhibition of good breeding
must say, was but the white foam of
muddy water. 1t was the courtesy that
could grasp the hand of a new acquain-
tance or shoot an old friend.
an the spring of 1850 l boarded a
grand steamer at New Orleans bound for
up the river / was under orders to go
to a small community and assist in con-
Quoting a revival. There was something
of war being wagcd between two
churches, and il stood our church in
hand 10 concentrate forces or lose ascen-
dancy in the neighborhood. Those
were the days of political and religious
vigor, and avowed opposition in religious
contests was regarded as being no more
out of place or in i'll keeping with the
faith than the fierce struggles engaged
in by the Wings and Democrats. was
told at headquarters that another young
preacher would be sent to assist me, and
that if needed more help to make my
demands known at once. When |
boarded the boat looked around for my
companion-in-arms, whose name l even
had not learned. The closest search
failed to discover my assistant, and con-
Guiding that he had either preceded or
would come after me, dismissed the
matter and settled down to the quiet en-
joyment of the occasion.
"Theie were quite number of gam
blers, polished gentlemen, on board, and
although | was opposed to gambling, |
could not refrain from looking on and
contemplating with what serenity of
countenance the players alternately part
ed with thousands of dollars.
"'Won't you take hand p asked one
of the players one evening, addressing
young, pleasant looking gentleman who
stood near.
az never play he replied.
"'Won't do you no harm
az know it won't, for don't intend
to play
"'The gentleman is a rare joker re-
piled tall man, who handled cards with
an ease and lost with good will that
almost challenged respect.
"Yes,' replied the young gentleman,
"a rare joker, because it is rare that |
joke
"Ab, and punster,' said the tall man
relinquishing 81 600 with a smile.
at makes little difference to You
what | am. | came here to quietly look
on, not intending to engage in the game
or the conversation, and, especially, not
to be the butt of any jokes that might
arise from i'll luck or success at the table.
Regardless of the business you follow,
hope you are well enough acquainted
with the manners OF gentlemen to treat
an unobtrusive locker ON with oivility, if
not with courtesy
"'You speak WELL exclaimed the tall
man. Il hope that am gentleman of
gooi birth and education, and l hope
that have not insulted you. If have,
! sincerely beg your pardon. Grant it
willingly, and all will be well reluctant
ly, and, as a gentleman which you un-
doubtedly profess to be, you know your
recourse
"'But for your last remark, | wonld
have heartily forgiven you of any inten-
ton TO insult me. As il is do not grant
pardon, realizing that a gentleman is not
expected to have dealings with such
man as you. And, furthermore, let me
say that | regard you as cowardly vii
lain.'
The tall man sprang TO his feet and
drew bowie knife. The quiet man did
not even look at him.
""Take that back or I'll rub your heart
over your face
Every one arose, but no one felt dis
posed to prevent bloodshed.
az said that l regarded you as a cow.
ardly villain. Keep cool and I'll tell
you why. While we were engaged in
insinuating conversation saw YOU steal
roll of bills from that man, pointing
to one of the players. Until then, and
but for the remark you made, irving to
compel a cheerful granting of pardon, |
was disposed to pay little attention to
anything you might say Now, sir, |
have made my statement. | NAV regret
the consequences-don't hold him-but
/ shall have no concessions.
The tai! mans eyes actually glared.
| have killed five men, and all for less
than this, he exclaimed. Get out of
the way! I'll cut him in two
Get out of the wayp said the quiet
man. 1T would greatly please me if he
were to sit down and conduct himself
less dangerously, but If he is determined
upon wicked action. let him be under
no restraint
You are foolish, exclaimed one of
the gamblers, turning TO the quiet man.
You are not armed, and even if YOU
were Capt. Aicle would kill you. / am
the man from whom, he purloined the
bills. saw the action, but did not dare
to intcrpose.'
$50 this is Captain Aicler said the
young man. i have heard of him. He
has a very unsayory reputation in New.
Orleans. IL well constructed reports be