Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1883-05-26
:. I know II won't, for I don't intend to

play
" The gentleman is a rare Joker replied
. tall man, who handled cards with an eas'
| and lost with good will that almost chal
lenged respect.
| Eyes, replied the young gentleman, &
rare joker, because it is rare that joke.
| Ah, and punster,' said the tall man
relinquishing 81 600 with smile.
| +" 1T makes little difference to you what
| am. came here to quietly look on, not in
tending to engage in the game or the cenver
sation, and, especially, not to be the butt OF
| any jokes that might arise from ill luck OF
success at the table. Regardless of the bus
| mess you follow, I hope that you are well
| enough acquainted with the manners of gen.
| tlemen to treat an unobtrusive locker on
| with civility, if not with courtesy
"'You speak well,' exclaimed the tall
man. 4 hope that am gentleman of good
birth and education, and hope that I have
! not insulted you. If 1 have, 1 sincerely beg
your pardon. Grant it willingly, and all will
be well reluctantly, and as a gentleman,
which you undoubtedly profess to be, you
know your recourse.
But for your last remark. I would have
heartily forgiven you of any intention to in
suit me. AS it is, I do not grant pardon, re-
aEzing that gentleman is not expected TO
have dealings with such a man as you And,
furthermore, let nae say that regard you as
cowardly villain
s'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 y
Every one arose, but no one felt disposed
to prevent bloodshed.
s'sI said regarded you as a cowardly vii
lain. Keep cool and I'll tell you why. While
we were engaged in insinuating conversation
I saw you steal roll of bills from that man,
10 of "a MIA GTTutYl
and but for the remark you made, trying to
compel cheerful granting of pardon, was
disposed to pay little attention to anything
you might say. Now, sir, I have made my
statement. I have been led into this and I
may regret the consequences-don't hold
him-but shall make no concessions
"The tall mans eyes actually glared. i
have killed five men, and all for less than
this, he exclaimed. Get out of the way :!
I'll cut him in twoi'
Get out of the way y said the quiet
man. 1T would greatly please me if he were
to sit down and conduct himself less danger
ously, but if he is determined upon a wicked
action, let him be under no restraint.
You are foolish p exclaimed one of the
gamblers, turning to the quiet man. You
are not armed, and even if you were Captain
Aicle would kill you. I am the man from
whom you say he purloined the bills I saw
the action, but did not dare to interpose.'
sc so this is Captain Aicle p said the young
gentleman. 4 have heard of him. He has
a very unsavory reputation in New Orleans.
If well constructed reports be true, he is not
only thief, but murderer
st Get out of my way!' howled the cap
tain, and, struggling, he threw his compan-
ions aside and sprang forward. Like sud
den revolution of a wheel-ike an action
whose quiekness cannot be contemplated
the young man drew a derringer and sent a
ball through the captains brain, killing him
instantly.
Gentlemen, said the quiet man, begin
ming to talk ere the smoke lifted, I had more
than one reason for committing this deed
was insulted, as you saw, and was in danger,
as you know; but, worse of all, that man
murdered my father. did not contemplate
killing him, but, as said, 1 would have
granted pardon for his insulting taunts.
From the first, though, contemplated his
arrest, which I should have accomplished had
he not attempted to take my life. am sor-
ry that have caused such confusion, and I
hope that you will all, as know God will,
forgive me-
'tHs walked away, gracefully bowing to
some one who hurried to the scene of the
tragedy. The boat was soon landed. The
captains acquaintance took charge of the
body and went ashore. Wsawsre soon on our
way again, and but for certain little infuen-
ces that hung around no one would have
band of music. q common steamboat feature
in those days, struck up lively air, and the
only suggestive remembrance of the captains
death was the wet carpet where boy had
mopped away the blood.
''1t was late at night when reached my
landing. Alone made my way to the near
est house, where, after my business was
known, was kindly received. Next day ]
attended church and was at once escorted to
the pulpit, behind which some half dozen
preachers were seated. weIl-known minis
ter arose and said that tive preachers from
New Orleans had arrived. Brothers Jackson
(myself) and Mableson, and that Brother
Madison would first address the congrega-
ton. The gentleman arose, and imagine my
surprise when I recognized in the preacher
the quiet young gentleman who had killed
the captain. He delivered an eloquent, pow
erful sermon, and after services approached
me and, extending his hand, said
"sYou must excuse me for not making
myself known to you I kept my identity
under a cloak of caution. When I boarded
the boat I recognized my fathers murderer,
and I thought that if 1 revealed my identity
my plans might be frustrated. AS I said,
only intended to follow and arrest him at
the next town, but you see how it re-
suited
'sYears have passed since then, years of
intimate acquaintance between the quiet
young man and me. Some time ago, after
successful life, closed his eyes in death.
He smiled with sublime willingness, and
went without a groan. l never knew truer
or kinder hearted man.