Year: 1859

fA'ooi0SiPPi ouV OuiO Eifcls, duu never


without seeing on board the steamers


more or less professional gamblers. Itis


a thriving business on the boats where
time hangs SO heavily over the heads of
the passengers, and the blacklegs carry
off large sums of money. They usually
remain on board but day or two-long
enough to have their true character ex-
posed.


These gentry had become such an in
tolerable nuisance that the captains of
tho boats did not knowingly permit one
to come on board, and not unfrequently
brace of blacklegs we're landed in the
woods when their profession was discov-
cred.


During one of my trips the boat put in
at the mouth of the Arkansas river, aud
as usual, | took a stroll on shore. |
heard the bell for the departure of the
steamer, and FASTENED back to the land
ing. As was on my way, | was over
taken By gentleman with broad brim-
ed hat, green goggles, and white neck
cloth, tugging along with heavy valise.


81 am rather late, am I not!" said be,
as he joined me.


"True enough, sir" l replied, respect
fully, for the gentleman was a clergyman,
a Methodist itinerant, I supposed


My valise is rather heavy, and fear
ed | should miss the boat


Let me help you carry it, sir


He accepted my civil offer, and I took
hold Of the valise, which was certainly
loaded very heavy for Methodist parson.
in few moments We reached the steam
er, and | passed on board; but nay new
acquaintance had accomplished but half
the distance, when the plank canted, and
he was thrown into the river, was prompt
in my efforts to rescue him, and be was
immedi atcly drawn on board, with no 9th
er detriment than thorough ducking.


My friend, whom. as never learned
his name, | shall have to call the Rev.
Mr.. Goggles, retired to vacant state
room. 1t was now nearly dark, and l
did not see him again that night.


As usual, in the evening, there was q
table iu the cabi4, devoted to the cards;
in word, there was gambling without
stint. No one objected to the practice,
as long as it was not done By profession
al backlegs. | never played, but often
stood by the table to observe the progress
of the game and study the looks of the
players, as they were agitated by the
tickle changes of moment.


While | was thus watching them, | OBJ
served on the opposite side of the table q
well dressed gentleman, who was regard
ing with eager interest the plays of the
gamblers. He manifested desire to en-
gage in the place of one who had been
cleaned out


1t was soon apparent that the new
conner was skillful player, and time af-
ter time he swept the board of all that
had been staked. In a short tiue his
companions had enough of it and with
drew. He had won large sum of mon
ey, and was evidently satisfied with bis
evenings work.


He smoked on the boiler deck until al
the passengers had retired, and then left.
Much curiosity had been manifested to
know who and what be was. Nobody
had seen him before, and nobody reuem-
bered when be came on board, and what
seemed most singular of all, be was not
seen the next day though the boat was
not stopped during the night.


The next day was Sunday, and at
breakfast time my Methodist friend made
bis appearance.


MY good friend, 1 have to thank you
for the good service you did ne last e.
yening. Lam poor; have none of this
worlds goods, | trust that all my treas
ures are laid up in heaven. But the
Lord will reward you il cannot


Don't mention it, my dear sir. | am
happy to have been the means of saving
you


We conversed while upon the matter
and my friend then spoke of having SER
vice Oh board, if agreeable to the passen-
gers. OF course it was agreeable, and
the parson prayed and exorted with zeal
that would have done honor to the most
celebrated of the revivalists.


The impression produced by the SER
vice, am sorry to say, was not so per-
mancnt, for when evening came, the
gaming table was spread out as usual,
and the games commenced. The mystic
rious gambler appeared again, much to
the surprise of all, for it was believed
that he had landed, or been lost over
board He played, and swept the board
as before. Some of the weaker ones be-
gan to think he was the devil 10 disguise.
and their belief was almost confirmed
when the next day nothing could be
found of him.


The passengers made him the subject
ef their conversation, and quite an excite
ment was kindled The Captain swore
il he appeared again he would throw him :
into the river. A thorough search was
made for him but all in vain. My Meth