The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-01-17
A BEAUTIFUL RELIC.
lOld Maeazine.1

The following account of an inciden
 which occurred on Mississippi steam
 boat just before the late war between
 north and south, is given by Dr. Hauffe
 the eminent German traveller. He says
 "l ascended the Mississippi in steamer
 on board of which were Judge I. and
 General K, of Pennsylv mia, with both
 of whom l was slightly acquainted. "A
 hard set, these Natchez men, said the
 captain, who met us on the cabin stairs.
 There's some of them down in the saloon
 playing a high game. How men can
 be such fools, l could never seep Let's
 go down and look on awhile,' sue gested
 the judge. In the saloon we found four
 men seated at table, around which a
 crowd of spectators were gathered. The
 four were the heavy players The game
 was poker and the money changed
 hands rapidly. We had not been look
 ing on long, when one of the players, a
 mlddle-aged man, who 1 learned was a
 cotton planter, bet his last dollar against
 the hand of one of his antagonists. The
 latter showed four kings, while he had
 only four queens. He was cleaned out. ;
 and rose as though he were going to
 leave the table. Are you broke, col
 onel |! asked one of the men. Dead r
 was the laconic reply. Never mind 1;
 I'll lend you No; can make raise,
 l reckon. Here, Pompp Here, massa r
 responded an old negro, as he emerged
 from one corner of the saloon. Bring
 that girl and her youngster here that
 bought in Natchez. Wait few minutes,
 gentlemen, I'll raise some money The
 old negro went on his errand, and soon
 returned with the girl and her young ster.' The girl proved to be a stately mulatto woman. about thirty-fve years old. Her youngster was a fine intelli- gent-lookin boy eleven or twelve years old, whose complexion showed him to be much more nearly allied to the white race than the black. Here, gentlemen said the planter, as they entered 'you see this girl and her boy-two as the niggers as you can find anywhere. paid eight hundred dollars for them yes terday in Natchez Who will give me six hundred for themY Will you sell them separater asked some one. No, can't do it; promised not to. The girl swears she Il take her life if she's separ- ated from her boy, and her old master said that he was sure she'd keep her word. But don't you all see that the girl is worth more money than ask for both of them. Come, who'll give me six hun dred for both ? The planter waited for a reply, and then said, Well, must have some money. Come, what you say to a file thirty chances, at twenty dollars a chance? Out with your cash, gentle men. The first on the list has the first throwP This proposition created a de- cided stir among all present. The three players at the table led of by taking three chances each. Their example was followed by the spectators, and twenty chances were taken as rapidly as the plant CT could write down the names and take the money. Then there was a slight pause. The planter himself now took two chances, and he was followed by his three fellow-players, who each took one chance more. Finally, three more chances were taken by the spectators, when the planter cried out, Two chances still gentlemen! Who will have them 2 General K whispered something in Judge J s ear, and then went to the ta ,le and | laid two ten-dollar gold pieces on it. Name, siF, please. Never mind the name. Put 1t down for the woman.' Eh- what! for the girl herselfr Yes, let's give her a chance.' Ali | right One for Ninette. And now That's for the boy said Judge ] quietly, as he laid down twenty dollars on the | table. 'Goodl bravo ? cried the planter and several of the bystanders. One for Tommy, which makes the thirty. Now, gentlemen, let's see whom luck favors.' The dice were brought, and the throwing began. Each chance entitled the holder to three throws. Thirty-six was the high est throw until the holder of the eleventh chance threw. He scored 42 Then a less namber was thrown, until No. 2I scored 4o The excitement now became intense Forty-nine was hard to beat the highest throw possible being nine Again and again the dice rattled Tn the box, until it came to No 2o Come, Ninette; It's your turn now!' As the poor woman came forward, her hands crossed and pressed convulsively against her breast, it was truly painful to witness her agitation. Wont the gentleman who took the chance for me please throw ? she asked, in a low tremulous tone. No; let your boy throw,' replied the gentleman perhaps he would have more luck than l.' Come, Tom,' said the planter. Tom came forward and picked up the box. The woman pressed her lips firmly together, and clasped her hands as if in prayer. The boy trembled like an aspen leaf but shook the dice, and threw-three. For a moment he stared at the dice as though he could not believe his eyes, then he put down the box and stepped back, pale and dejected. Come, Tommy, throw again. urged the planter. Its no use, master; l couldn't throw 4o now.' Very true, but you have your own chance. Throw that Ger tainly,' said Judge ]. sThat one was your mothers. Now throw for yourself On the chance gave you. Have stout heart, my boy, and may heaven smile on you Again the boy returned to the table, and took up the box. He pressed his lips together, and did his best to con-