Year: 1869

OOme years ago, Wullt JouTneylhS IulouSu tne
central part of Ohio, terrible snow storm occur
red, which so obstructed the road that several
passengers, including myself, were obliged to find
accommodations in small wooden tavern, situated
near by. After satisfying our 'inner man. with
a warm supper, we all congregated around the
bar.room fire. and soon were engaged in smoking
telling stories, and enjoying ourselves generally


Among us was middle aged gentleman, appar
emily merchant who remained silent listener
to the conversation the first part Of the evening
but soon our vocabulary of stories were exhausted
and the gentleman was politely invited to revive
the dropping conversation by telling story. He
readily accepted the invitation, and told the fol
lowing, which give to the reader as near as my
memory will permit:


About twenty years ago, he began, l was con
nected with wealthy firm in St. Louis, and, de-
string to visit New Orleans, was entrusted with {
considerable sum of money by my employers tt
be conveyed with all possible haste to New Or
leans merchant


Early in the morning, got on board the boat
and leaned listlessy over the railing, watching the
inhabitants as they went forth to their various oc
cupations. I had not remained in that position
long, before the steamer moved slowly away frolr
the pier, and soon the city was entirely lost t.
view


During the day nothing transpired to render the
voyage disagreeable, and as the shades Of nigh
began to hover over the water repaired to the
saloon, where several gentleman were engaged il
a rather stormy discussion Of politics. Soon l be
came entangled along with the rest and gave my
particular views on political subjects.


While conversing, I thoughtlessly mentioned
the fact of my having large sum of money in my
possession Nothing further was said about it a
the time, however, but the thought flashed upon
my mind that in crowd Of such desperate and un
principled individuals as were my associates, il
was not the place to tell such secret, which KEPT
me rather backward in conversation during the
remainder of the evening. | retired soon after
fully resolved to be more prudent in the future.


The next day I made the acquaintance ofa gen
tleman who professed to be Methodist preacher
He gave me several tracts, and soon we entered
into conversation that resulted in quite friendly
intimacy. He appeared to be we'll versed in hi
profession, and altogether, very agreeable com
panion After conversing on the various topics
of the day, the conversation naturally turned tt
the previous evenings discussion. Not being
very we'll pleased with what had occurred at tha
time, I attempted to change the subject but wa
prevented by my friend remarking:


"You were very indiscreet, Mr.. R, in re
vealing the fact that you had money in your pos
session. There are men on this boat who woulC
not hesitate to rob you if On opportunity presen
ted; therefore, I advise you to be more careful
hereafter.


I thanked him for his kind advice, and assured
him that intended to keep aloof from all suspi
cious individuals.


To this he made no reply, butrosc from his seat
and with cane in hand, walked leisurely away tt
his room, leaving me to my own reflections, which
were that had a good companion and valuable
friend in the preacher.


On the journey made the acquaintance Of sew
eral gentlemen, but none that valued so mucf
as the clergyman.


Nothing occurred of note after this, and we ar
rived, late in the evening, at New Orleans. No
being very we'll acquainted in the city, my frient
offered to conduct me to hotel where my expen