Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1899-08-19

4
but the point of interest was concealed
by the throng.
The pressure soon became so great
that / was crowded up against the
| wall More TO save myself from suffo-
cation than from curiosity. reached
mp to the top of decreasing, put my
foot on the knob, and was at once able
to elevate myself over all heads. and
look directly down upon the table.
The position was uncomfortable; but
was not compelled 60 keep it more than
ten minutes
Two men sat at the table playing
cards. The one facing me recognized
at once as he who had been pointed
out to me by Mr.. Dorion as Conrad
BOstoclx.
The crowd Overtopped them, hung
over them, but they paid no attention
TO anything but their game.
Piles Of gold and notes were upon
the table. I could not see what the
game was or how II was being played;
bat 1t was apparent that Bostock was
largely the winner. The pile OF money
In front of hum steadily increased. and
the light sound OF cards striking the
table was now and then punctuated by
something like an oath from the other
player.
Suddenly this man made a noise
that sounded like q deep growl. and
drawing a knife from his sleeve
pinned to the table the card that his
opponent had just played. And SO
quickly that the whole seemed to be
but single motion, he drew a re-
volver, cooked il and pointed IL at the
others head.
The crowd fell back in fright; some
were thrown down and trampled under
foot, some were carried back against
the wall, and many who could hed
from the room The two gamblers sat
. motionless-
''You wouldn't send = man out of
the world this way?' the one who was
threatened by the pistol said
81 ought to, you cheating scoundrell
| Sir" to a bystander, Just look NJ this
| ace Of diamonds that he played last
Now look at the trumps he's played
there. and see IL there amt another OF
en-
The man addressed ran over the
, cards. and quietly threw out another.
I 81 thought so; thought ! was
cheated, an hour back, but l couldu't
lay my finger on the spot till this min
q ute. I'm going to take every dollar OF
y that money. Dan Turner. rake Il in
. The revolver still covered Conrad
Bostoclx's head. The companion Of the
}. man who held Il proceeded to stuff hi,
3 pockets with great handfuls of the
l. gold and notes on the table until MOI
3 \ dollar remained
Il Now, I've done with you. you mis-
. | cradle. clumsy ckeatvs the rnnn with
q the pistol said "You ought e
}. be iynched. You're y disgrace x
. the company of all gentlemen; but
IT Lynch himi Throw him into thu
? rfverl Drown hint Tie him fast 20
> nigger!" came shower of suggestion
> from the crowd
% The object of their attentions turpeC
, pale. had marveled TO see bis com
IS posture when the muzzle OF the re
- volver was at his forehead; but b.
q doubtless was thoroughly acQuaintec
l. with his own class, and knew tina
ID there was no danger OF more than
1t menace from that quarter, provided b.
r sat still and made no resistance. Blu
N when those hostile cries were heard, h
realized his danger ut once. He wa
among gamblers. sporting men. specu
lators and adventures; many of then
had been drinking freely; his offens
was something each man, by reason O
7 his own mode OF life. was prepared I
regard as a personal insult and injury
| And he probably knew, too, that n
NJ | wild beast of the forest or the wild
N so cruel in its rage as n crowd Of mer
II No time was allowed him 10 thin
u | about it. A rush was made for him;
Il | dozen hands seized him; spite of hi
Is | struggles, cries and curses. he wa
u dragged along toward the gangway.
n The captain came running dow
" hearing tho commotion; and, seein
the situation of affairs, began TO int
cede for the endangered man.
For Gods sake. gentlemen, what
n the matter? Don't have any violenC
~ here"
Its only - card-sharp we're g.
No ing to give duclSing."
'.It's about time we made an exam
pie of some of these blacklegs WI
On travel along the river. heecing homes
~ gentlemen
'sI'd like to have him put down
or the furnace-rooms till the boat gets
IN New Orleans"
~ Save me, Cppt. Norrisl'' the wretc
% ed man exclaimed.
As "Ah!--is it you, Con Bostock?' Il
captain cried. ~ know you OF oil
~ Gentlemen. just spare him this tim
ne and IL he ever dares TO come aboai
srs the Queen again, you can drown him
pa hang him, for all care. But to-nigh
ms please let's have no violence.
10 might hurt the good name Of my boat
ne The appeal was successful II
ng captains interference had given tv
Ids ,,,;or,as for ret,ection. and when a m,
he -, b.. cot 10 tb;nl, there is hone of
he Vv;,h 800 d;sseut 4h,a ncrcifnl con
,ne sci was approved.
us But you'll set him ashore?" sor
80 one suggested.
led ,,Dd;nc ,tyo niles below. he'll have
-ge Ill, ,1vo miles IN and a house"