Forty Years a Gambler on the Mississippi by Devol, George H

8/14/2019 Forty Years a Gambler on the Mississippi by Devol, George H.

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Title:FortyYearsaGamblerontheMississippi

Author:GeorgeH.Devol

ReleaseDate:November22,2007[EBook#23587]

Language:English

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FORTYYEARSAGAMBLERONTHEMISSISSIPPI

BYGEORGEH.DEVOL.

ACABINBOYIN1839;COULDSTEALCARDSANDCHEATTHEBOYSATELEVEN;STOCKADECKATFOURTEEN;BESTEDSOLDIERSONTHERIOGRANDEDURINGTHEMEXICANWAR;WONHUNDREDSOFTHOUSANDSFROMPAYMASTERS,COTTONBUYERS,DEFAULTERS,ANDTHIEVES;FOUGHTMOREROUGH-AND-TUMBLEFIGHTSTHANANYMANINAMERICA,ANDWASTHEMOSTDARINGGAMBLERINTHE

WORLD.

ILLUSTRATED.

FIRSTEDITION.

DEVOL&HAINES.CINCINNATI:1887.


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EnteredaccordingtoActofCongress,the6thdayofOctober,1887,byDEVOL&HAINES,IntheofficeoftheLibrarianofCongressatWashington,D.C.

[Allrightsreserved.]

PREFACE.

Theauthorofthisbookhaswrittenthestoriesastheywouldrecurtohismemory,andnoefforthasbeenmadeatclassification.Theyarenotfictitious;manyofthepersonsnamedarenowliving,andtheycanandwilltestifythatthestoriesarefoundedonfacts.

HebelongstothecelebratedDevolfamilyofMarietta.Hisgrandfather,JonathanDevol,wasanofficerintheRevolutionaryWar,andwaswellknowntothepioneerhistoryofOhio.Hewasoneofthepassengersonthe_Mayflower_,whichheconstructedfortheuseofthefirstcompanyofemigrantstoOhio.HeerectedahouseontheCampusMartiusin1788,andwasjoinedbyhiswifeandsixchildreninDecemberofthatyear.Hewasoneofthecommitteetoexplorethecountryinsearchofsuitableplacesfor

millsandfarmingsettlements.In1791herepairedtoBelprewithhisfamily.Hesucceededinclearingapatchofland,andbuiltalogcabinnotfarbelowthehouseofCaptainWilliamDorce.ThenewsoftheBigBottommassacrereachedhimwhileattendingcourtatMarietta,andhehurriedhome.Mrs.Devol,hearingthattheIndianswereonthewar-path,orderedthechildrentoliedownwiththeirclotheson,readyforthedangersignal.Hebecamefamousbybuildingthefloatingmill.In1792hebuiltatwelve-oaredbargeoftwenty-fivetonsburdenforCaptainPutnam.Theauthor'sfatherwasBarkerDevol,whodiedatCarrollton,Ky.,onthe8thdayofMarch,1871,attheageof85.Hewasaship-builder,andworkedwithhisfatheratMarietta.Heleftawidowandsixchildren,whoareallliving,exceptone,theyoungestbeingGeorge

H.Devol.

TheAuthor.

CONTENTS.

AReligiousCaptainAColdDeckAWomanWithaGunAShrewdTrickAPaymaster'sBluffACrazyMan

AGoodNight'sWorkAEuchreHandAGoodStake-HolderAMileDashAnHonorableManABullFightADuckHuntAHardHeadASquareGameACoward


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AncientGambling

BoyhoodDaysBlowingUpofthePrincessBeataGoodHandButlerinNewOrleansBrokeaSnapGameBeforeBreakfastBillWouldGambleBill'sPresent

CaughtaSleeperCollaredtheWrongManCalledaGamblerControlOverSuckersCaughtAgainCaughtaWhaleCaughtaDefaulterCanadaBillCloseCallsCheapJewelryColdSteel

Didn'tWintheBags

Don'tDyeYourWhiskersDidn'tWintheKeyDickyRoachandIDetectivesandWatches

EventheJudgesDoItEightHundredDollarsAgainstaPistol

FiftytotheBarkeeperFightWithaLongshoremanFootRaceFortyMilesanHourFights

GotUpTooSoonGotOffBetweenStationsGoodLuckGovernorPinchbackGeneralRemarksGeorge,theButter

HomeAgainHardBoiledEggsHeKnewMyHandHerEyesWereOpenedHeNeverKnew

He'sOneofUsHowIWasBeatHe'sNotThatOld

IndiansCanPlayPokerItMadeaManofHimIHadFriendsItWasColdIRaisedtheLimitItShooktheChecks


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Jewvs.JewJudgeDevol

KnockedDown$300Kickers

LeavingHomeLeapforLifeLosthisWife'sDiamondsLuckyatPokerLackedtheNerveLeftinTime

MyFirstKenoMyJewPartnerMyFirstLoveMarkedCardsMyCrookedPartnerMyPartnerAlexanderMarriedHisMoneyMyCardsMyLittlePartnerMulesforLuck

MyVisittoOldBillMonumentalGallMuleThievesMyPartnerWonMcCooleandCoburnMobile

NowaGamblerNippedintheBudNoPlayOnThisBoatNoMoneyinLawNarrowEscapesNoGoodatShortCards

OntheCircuit

PutAshoreforFightingPittsburg'sBestMan"Pranking"WithaNewGamePosingasNicLongworth'sSon

QuickWork

RedandBlackRattlesnakeJackReducedthePrice

SavedMyPartner'sLifeSoldOutbyaPartner"SnapGames"SinkingoftheBelleZaneSnakedtheWheelStolenMoneySignalServiceSettledOurHashSheKissedMe


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SaltedDownStrategemSavedByHisWife"ShortStops"

TheGameofRondoTenThousandinCounterfeitMoneyTheFrenchmanandtheHorseHairTheChickenMenandTheirSilverTheHungryManTheBigCatfishTheSermononthe(Mount)BoatTheMonteKingTheDaguerreotypeBoatTheBlackDeck-HandTheJuergunsenWatchTheCottonManTaughtaLessonTheyPaidtheCostsTheBoysfromTexasTheQuadroonGirlTheCaptainSpoiledtheGameTooSicktoFightTheGamblerDisguised

TheBestLookingSuckerTheAlligatorsTheBigSuckerTheCrazyManTheBrilliantStoneTheHiddenHandTheThreeFivesTheKillerTheDeck-HandTheBlack(Leg)CavalryThePaymaster's$3.500TheU.S.Detective'sBluffTheYoungManFromNewYork

TheYellowJeansTheJackFishTheBlackManThePersuaderTheLap-RobeThePreacherAwayFromHomeTheCattleBuyerTheGreenCow-BoyThePoliceSignalTheGoodDeaconTheNatchezandtheLeeTheTrickKnifeTwoFortyontheShellRoad

TheArkansasKillersTheEnglishmanandHisGunTravelingKenoTheTwoJudgesTappedtheTill

WarWithMexicoWasinWiththeJudgeWonandLostWithaPoker


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WilliamJones(CanadaBill)

FortyYearsaGamblerontheMississippi.

BOYHOODDAYS.

"I'llservehisyouth,foryouthmusthavehiscourse,Forbeingrestraineditmakeshimtentimesworse;Hispride,hisriot,allthatmaybenamed,Timemayrecall,andallhismadnesstamed."

MyDearReader:IfirstsawthelightofdayinalittletowncalledMarietta,atthemouthoftheMuskingumRiverintheStateofOhio,onthefirstdayofAugust,1829.Iwastheyoungestofsixchildren,andwasthepetofthefamily.Myfatherwasashipcarpenter,andworkedatboat-buildinginthebeginningofthepresentcentury.Ihadgoodopportunitiestosecureanearlyeducation,aswehadgoodschoolsintheWestatthattime.Ihadverylittlelikingforbooks,andmuchlessforschool.Whenmyparentsthoughtmeatschool,Iwasplaying"hookey"withotherboys,runningabouttheriver,kickingfoot-ball,playing"shinnyonyourownside,"andhavingafightnearlyeveryday.Ihardly

everwenthomethatIdidnothavemyfaceallscratchedupfromhavingbeeninafight,whichinnocentamusementIlovedmuchbetterthanschool.WhenIwashardlytenyearsofage,Iwouldcarrystonesinmypocketandtackletheschoolteachersiftheyattemptedtowhipme.Myfatherwasawayfromhomeathisworkmostofthetime,andmymother(Godblessherdearoldsoul)couldnotmanageme.Shehasoftencalledinsomepasser-bytohelpherpunishme.IcannowseeIrichlydeservedallthepunishmentIeverreceived,andmoretoo.Whentherewascompanyatourhouse,andmymotherwouldbebusypreparingameal,Iwouldgetmybowandarrowsandshootthecupsofffromthetable,andthenrunaway.IguessIwasabouttheworstboyofmyagewestoftheAlleghenyMountainsthatwasbornofgoodChristianparents.Ihaveoftenheardthe

goodoldchurchmemberssay:"Thatboywillbehungifhelivestobetwentyyearsold."ButIhavefooledthem,andamstillontheturf,althoughIhavehadsomeprettyclosecalls,asyouwillseebyreadingthisbook.

LEAVINGHOME.

Intheyear1839,whileattheriveroneday,Isawasteamerlyingatthewharf-boatbythenameof_Wacousta_.ThefirststewardsaidIcouldshipasacabinboyat$4permonth.Ithoughtthisagreatopportunity,sowhentheboatbackedoutIwasonboardwithoutsayinganythingtomyparentsoranyoneelse.Myfirst

dutywastoscourknives.Iknewtheywouldstandnofoolishness,soatitIwent,andworkedlikealittletrooper,andbysodoingIgainedthegoodwillofthesteward.AtnightIwastoldtogetamattressandsleeponthefloorofthecabin;thisIwasverygladtodo,asIwastired.

Aboutfouro'clockinthemorningthesecondstewardcameuptomeandgavemeaprettyhardkickinthesidethathurtme,andcalledout:"Getuphere,andputyourmattressaway."Ididgetupandputawaymybed,andthenIwenttothestewardwhokickedmeand


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said:"Lookhere!Don'tkickmethatwayagain,foryouhurtme."Heletgoandhitmeaslapinthefacethatmademyearsring;sointohimIpitched.Iwasabigboyforonlytenyearsold;butIstruckthewrongmanthattime,forhehitmeanotherlickinthenosethatcameverynearsendingmetograss,butIralliedandcameagain.ThistimeIhadapieceofstonecoalthatIgrabbedoutofabucket;Iletitfly,anditcaughthimonthesideoftheheadandbroughthimtohisknees.Bythistimethepassengersweregettinguptoseewhatwasthematter;thepilotandfirststewardsoonputastoptothefight.Itoldmystorytotheboss,andhetooksideswithme.HetoldtheofficersoftheboatthatIwasthebestboytoworkthathehad;sotheydischargedthesecondstewardatCincinnati,andyoucanbetIwasglad.Iremainedonthe_Wacousta_forsometime,andthoughtmyselfagoodsteamboatman.Iknewitall,forIhadbeenthere.

ThenextboatIshippedonwasthe_WalnutHills_,at$7permonth.Youcouldhearher"scape"(whistle)foradistanceoftwentymilesonacleardayornight.Iwouldgetupearlyinthemorningandmakesome"five-centpieces"(therewerenonickelsinthosedays)byblackingboots.

PUTASHOREFORFIGHTING.

Iquitthe_WalnutHills_afterthreemonths,andshippedwithCaptainPattersononthe_Cicero_,boundforNashville.ThefirsttripuptheCumberlandRivertheboatwasfullofpassengers,andIhadafightwiththepantryman.TheCaptainsaidIshouldgoashore.Theybroughtmeuptotheoffice,andtheclerkwastoldtopaymemywages,whichamountedtothelargesumofonedollarandfiftycents.Iwastoldtogetmybaggage;butastwobluecottonshirtsandwhatIhadonmybackwasallIpossessed,itdidnottakemelongtopack.Mytrunkwasapieceofbrownpaperwithapinlock.Theylandedmeatapointwherethebankwasaboutonehundredfeethigh,andsosteepthatagoatcouldnotclimbit.Theycommencedtopullintheplank,whenthestewardyelledouttotheCaptain,

"thathecouldnotgetalongwithoutthatboy,"andaskedhimtoletmegoasfarasNashville.Iwastoldtocomeaboard,whichIdid,andIremainedonthatboatforoneyear,duringwhichtimeIlearnedtoplay"seven-up,"andto"stealcard,"sothatIcouldcheattheboys,andIfeltasifIwasfixedforlife.Iquitthe_Cicero_,andshippedwithCaptainMasononthesteamer_Tiago_.BillCampbell,afterwardthefirstcaptainofthe_RobertE.Lee_,wasacabinboyonthesameboat.HeisnowacaptainintheVicksburgPacketLine.DuringthetimeIwasonthe_Tiago_theMexicanWarbrokeout.

WARWITHMEXICO.

"LandsintersectedbyanarrowfrithAbhoreachother.MountainsinterposedMakeenemiesofnationswhohadelse,Likekindreddrops,beenmingledintoone."

WhentheMexicanWarbrokeout,ourboatwaslyingatPittsburg.TheGovernmentboughtanewboatcalledthe_Corvette_,thathadjustbeenbuiltatBrownsville.AcousinofminewasengagedtopilotherontheRioGrande.HisnamewasPressDevol.Hewasa


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goodpilotontheOhio,fromCincinnatitoPittsburg,buthadneverseentheRioGrande,exceptonthemap.IthoughtIwouldliketogotowar,andtoMexico.Mycousingotmethepositionasbarkeeper,soIquitourboat,andshippedonthe_Corvette_,forthewar.JackMcCourtney,ofWheeling,wastheownerofthebar.

Therewasamanaboard,onourwaydown,whotookagreatlikingtome.Hewaswellpostedoncards,andtaughtmeto"stockadeck,"soIcouldgiveamanabighand;soIwasasecondtime"fixedforlife."

WhenwegotdowntoNewOrleanstheytooktheboatovertoAlgiers,tookherguardsoff,andpartofhercabin,andwestartedacrosstheGulf;andyoubetmyhairstoodupattimes,whenthosebigswellswouldgoclearoverherinastorm.ButfinallywelandedatBagdad,andcommencedtoloadherwithsuppliesforthearmy.

IsoongottiredoftheRioGrande,andaftercheatingallthesoldiersthatIcouldatcards(astherewasnooneelsetorob),Itookavessel,andcamebacktoNewOrleans.WhenIlandedthere,Iwasverycomfortablyfixed,asIhadabout$2,700,andwasnotquiteseventeenyearsold.HereIwasinabigcity,andknewnoone;soIwentandgotaboardinghouse,andleftallmycash,butwhatImightneed,inthecareofanoldgentlemanthatlooked

somethinglikemyfather.Ithoughthemustbehonest,ashelookedlikehim,andheprovedhimselfso.

Ithenpickedupcourage,andsaidtomyself,"IbelievethatIwillgohome."Buttopaypassagewasallfoolishness,asIwassuchagoodhandonaboat,soIshippedonthesteamboat_Montgomery_,CaptainMontgomery,andWindyMarshall(astheycalledhim)Mate.Ishippedassecondsteward,attwentydollarspermonth.

Theboatwasfullofpeople,andthecardtablesweregoingevernightassoonasthesuppertableswerecleared.WehadbeenoutfromNewOrleanstwodaysandnightsbeforeIpickedupagame.Oneafternooninthetexas,Ibeatmymanoutof$170;andasthere

wasno"squeal"inthosedays,Iwasallright,althoughtheydidnotallowanyofthecrewtoplaywithpassengers.

WegottoLouisville,wheretheboatlaidupandpaidoffhercrew,andIcameontoCincinnati.

HOMEAGAIN.

"Beitaweakness,itdeservessomepraise;Welovetheplay-placeofourearlydays."

"Well,nowI'llgohometothefolks,"Isaid,"andseeifthey

willforgiveme."IthoughtIwouldtakehomesomepresents,soIboughtabout$400worthofgoods,includingcoffee,sugar,teas,etc.,andtooktheoldsteamer_Hibernia_,ofPittsburg,CaptainClinefelter,master.YououghttohaveseenmewhenIsteppedonthewharfboatatMarietta,mybirthplace,dressedtodeath,withmygoldwatchandchain,andafinetrunkIhadboughtinNewOrleansfor$40.Igotmygroceriesoffthewharfboat,andhiredawagon,andItookitafoot,asinthosedaysyoucouldnotgetahackexceptataliverystable.


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Mymotherknewmeatfirstsight.Fatherwasworkingattheship-yardatPortHomer,ontheothersideoftheMuskingumRiver,anddidnotcomehomeuntilnight.

Istoppedathomeayear,andhadafightnearlyeveryweek.IthencametoCincinnatiagain,whereImetmybrotherPaul,whowasworkingatcalkingsteamboats.Hecoaxedmetostaywithhim,sayingthathewouldteachmethetrade.Iconsented,andsoonwasabletoearn$4perday.Weworkedtogetherafewyears,andmadeagooddealofmoney;buteveryMondaymorningIwenttoworkbroke.Ibecameinfatuatedwiththegameoffaro,anditkeptmeaslave.SoIconcludedeithertoquitworkorquitgambling.Istudiedthematteroveralongtime.Atlastonedaywhilewewerefinishingaboatthatwehadcalked,andwereworkingonafloataftofthewheel,Igavemytoolsapushwithmyfoot,andtheyallwentintotheriver.MybrothercalledoutandaskedmewhatIwasdoing.Ilookedup,alittlesheepish,andsaiditwasthelastlickofworkIwouldeverdo.Hewassurprisedtohearmetalkthatway,andaskedmewhatIintendedtodo.ItoldhimIintendedtoliveoffoffoolsandsuckers.Ialsosaid,"Iwillmakemoneyrain;"andIdidcomeneardoingasIsaid.

THEGAMEOFRONDO.

Aftershovingmycalkingtoolsintotheriver,Iwenttokeepinga"Rondo"gameforDanielandJosephSmith,uponFifthStreet,at$18perweek.Hundredsofdollarschangedhandseveryhour,bothdayandnight.AttheendofsixmonthsIwastakeninasapartner,andatthattimethereceiptsofthegamewereabout$600everyday.Ihadmoneytosell(orthrowaway),and,foraboy,Imadeitfly.Inashorttimethepolicebegantoraidus,andwewouldbefinedfiftydollarseachaboutonceamonth.Thentheyraiseditto$100,andnextto$500.Thiswastoomuch,sowehadheavyoakandirondoorsputup;butthepolicewouldbatterthemdown,andgetusjustthesame.Onenighttheysurroundedthehouse,brokedownthedoor,andarrestedmytwopartners;butI

escapedbytheroof.ThenextdayIwentuptothejailtotaketheboyssomethingtoeat,whentheynabbedandlockedmeupalso.TheyputmeinthesamecellwithKissane,ofthesteamer_MarthaWashington_notoriety,whowaslivingingreatstyleatthejail.Theyfinedus$500eachandletusgo,andthatbrokeup"Rondo."

Afterretiringfromthe"Rondo"business,ItookpassagewithCaptainRiddleonthesteamer_AnnLivington_boundfortheWabashRiver,tovisitasister,wholivednearBloomfield,EdgarCounty,Ills.Therewerenorailroadsinthatpartofthecountryinthosedays.Mysister'shusbandbought3,000acresoflandnearParis,at$1.25peracre,andthesamelandisnowworth$300peracre.DuringmytripuptheriverIformedtheacquaintanceofSamBurges,

whowasagreatcircusman.CaptainRiddleandBurgesgottopayingpoker,andtheCaptain"bested"himforabout$200.ItoldBurgesthatIcouldmakehimwinifhecouldgetmeintothegame.So,aftersupper,theysatdowntoplay,andIwasalooker-on.Burgesaskedmetotakeahand,whichIdid,andonmydealIwould"fill"hishand,sothathesoonhadtheCaptainbadlyrattled,andhelostabout$900.TheoldCaptainwasgetting"full,"andIlookedforafightsoonerorlater.Burgesinvitedalltotakeadrink,whentheCaptainrefused,andtoldBurgesthathewasa"d----dgambler."Burgescalledhimaliar,soatittheywent.The


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Captainwasgettingthebestofitwhenwepartedthem,anditwasallwecoulddotokeepBurgesfromshooting.Igotone-halfofthe$900,andnoonecalledmeagamblereither.

Astheboatwasgoingthroughthe"draw,"atTerreHaute,shetooka"shear"onthepilot,andknockeddownherchimneys.TheCaptainwentupondeck,cursedthepilot,wentdownonthelowerdeck,knockeddowntwodeck-hands,andraisedcaingenerally.Burgesexpectedhewouldtacklehimagain,buttheCaptaindidnotwantanyofthatgun.Whenwearrivedatthelanding,Igotoff,andwenttomysister's.Iremainedthereaboutonemonth,andhadagoodtimeshootingwildturkeysandchickens.OnmyreturntripIgotintoagameofpoker,andtookinafewhundred.IstoppedoffatLouisvilleashorttime,andthenshippedforCincinnati,whereIremaineduntilIwasverynearbroke.

NOWAGAMBLER.

"Ifyetyoulovegameatsodeararate,Learnthis,thathatholdgamestersdearlycost;Dostlose?riseup.Dostwin?riseinthatstate.Whostrivestositoutlosinghandsarelost."

IleftCincinnatiforSt.Louis;andwhenIlandedthere,Ihadjust$40left.Isecuredaboardinghouse,andstartedtotakeinthetown.Imadeinquiriesforafarobank,andatlastfoundone;andIboltedinasifIwasanoldsport.Isteppeduptothetable,andaskedthedealerfor$40worthofchecks.Ithencommencedtoplay,andwon;and,pressingmygoodluck,intwohourshad$780inchecksinfrontofme.Itoldthedealertocashmychecks,andIwalkedout.

ThenextdayIwasonmywaytoSt.Paul,asatthattimetherewasagreatemigrationinthatdirection.Itookpassageonasteamerthathadnearly300peopleonboard,goingtheretobuyhomes,and,ofcourse,theyhadplentyofmoneywiththem.After

thesuppertableswerecleared,agameofpokerwascommenced;thenanother,thenanother,untiltherewerefivetablesgoing.Isatatoneofthetableslookingonforalongtime,untilatlengthoneofthegentlemensaidtome,"Doyoueverindulge?"Isaid,"Hardlyever,butIdonotcareifIplayawhile."Thebarwasopen,andtheyallappearedtoenjoyagooddrink,butInevercaredforanythingstrongerthanalemonade.Theresultwasthattheyallgotfull,andIthoughtImightaswellhavesomeoftheirmoneyastoletthebarkeeperhaveit,andIcommencedtotrysomeofthetricksIhadlearned.Ifoundtheyworkedfinely,andatdaybreakthebarandIhadallthemoney.Igotabout$1,300,whichmademe$2,000strong.

WhenwearrivedatSt.PaulIstruckanotherbank,andtomysorrow.IfoundoneconductedbyColeMartinand"KingCole,"twooldsports,whosoonrelievedmeofmy$2,000.Ithenwaswithoutacent,andtoogametoletthegamblersknowIwasbroke.AfterIhadbeenthereaboutaweek,oneofthemstoppedmeonthestreet,andaskedmewhyIdidnotcomearoundandseethem.Hesaid:"Idon'taskyoutoplay,butcomeanddinewithus."Iacceptedhisinvitation,andwentaroundthatevening,andhadasfineabirdsupperasIeversatdownto.


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MYFIRSTKENO.

"'Tisnotenoughtohelpthefeebleup,Buttosupporthimafter."

ThenextdayIvisitedanotherclub-house,wheretheyhadkenogoingatfiftycentsacard.Ihadseenitbefore,andtookagreatfancytothegame.Iinquiredhowmuchanoutfitwouldcost.Theysaidtheyhadtwokenosets,andifIwantedonetheywouldsellittomefor$250.

Nowcamethetugofwar--howtogetthekeno.Iatlastthoughtofaplan,andthatwastoborrowtheamountofoneofthedealerswhohadwonthe$2,000fromme.SoImadeaboldfrontandtoldhimwhatIwantedtodo,andhegaveme$300incash,sayingatthesametime,"Paymewhenyouareable,asIliketohelpayoungmanwhotriestohelphimself."Iboughtthekenoset,andhad$50left,whichpaidallmydebtsandstartedmeinbusiness.

ColeMartin,oneofthemenwholoanedmethemoney,saidtome:"Now,afterthefarobankclosesto-night,atmyhouse,ifyoubringyourkenooverIwillhelpyougetupagame.""Allright,"Isaid;soItookitover,andopenedonthebilliardtables,and

hebroughtallofhisplayersintotheroom,andsaid,"Letusstartthisyoungman'sgame."Theycommencedplayingat$1percardattwelveo'clock,andatsixinthemorningtheywereplayingat$20percard.Iwastakingout10percent.Theyallgotstuck.Thatnightmyreceiptsamountedto$1,300.

Theresultwastheyputthecarpentersatworktofitupaniceroomforme,andineightmonthsmypartofthegamewas$33,000.

ThenIbegantothinkIwasabloodedboy,andsoonbegantotakethegirlsoutridingandtowinesuppers,andtoplaythebankhigherthanacat'sback,astheoldkenogamewasagreatproducer.

AboutthistimethetownofWinonawaslookingup.Therewerebuttwoorthreelittleframehouses,butagreatmanypeoplegotoffthere,goingbackinthecountry.SoIwentdownthereandboughtaraftofgreatlumber,hiredcarpenters,andputthemtoworkbuildinghouses.Theysoonhadfiveorsixdone,andinaboutaweekaftertheywerefinished,youcouldstandoutsideandthrowabigdogthroughthecracks.Buttheywerefulleverynightat$1perhead,bringingtheirownblanketsandsleepingonthefloor.

Isentandgotanotherkenoset,andopenedabarroom,andwasmakingmoneylikedirt,whenonedayamanwalkedinwithabucketofwater,andcommencedpouringitononeofmybilliardtablesthatIgotinChicago,andwhichcostme$500.Iwalkeduptohim

andaskedhimwhathewasdoing?Hetoldmetogotoh--l.Iletfly,caughthimontheneck,anddownhewent,andhelaythereforsometime.Finallytheytookhimtowhereheandhiswifewerestopping,andthatnighthedied.ThenIcommencedtothinkaboutgettingoutofthathotbox.IgottogetherwhatmoneyIcould,andcarriedacanoetotheriver,andstartedforDubuque.Therewerenotelegraphlinesatthattime.Ihadbeentherebutafewdaysbeforethenewscametomethatthedoctorshadheldapostmortemexamination,anddecidedthemanhadhaddeliriumtremens,andcouldonlyhavelivedashorttime.Theysawedopenhisskull,


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andfoundhisbrainajellyinthecenter.SoIwentbackandfoundhiswife,gaveheroneofthehouseswhichIhadbuiltand$700inmoney.

Ithenputamaninchargeofmybusiness,andwentbacktoSt.Paul,wheremykenogameswerestillgoingon.ButthemanIleftinchargeofmybusinessatWinonasoldallhecouldandskippedout,andthatwasthelastseenofhimtillIwentuptheMissouriRivertwoyearsafter,whenIfoundhiminKansasCity.Atthattimetherewerebutthreeorfourhousesandahoteldownattheriverbank.ItwasagreatpointfortheSantaFtraders.

IbecameacquaintedwithamannamedMcGee,whoownedthelargestpartofKansasCity.Hewasagreatloverofthegameof"seven-up,"sowecommencedtoplayat$10agame,andIbeathimoutoffivelots(ashehadnomoney),whichIafterwardsoldat$10apiece.Twelveyearsago,asIpassedthroughthere,Isawthosesamelotsbringing$600perfoot.

IwentfromtheretoSt.Joe,Omaha,andCouncilBluffs,andbrokeagreatmanyfellowsplayingpoker.IthensettleddownatdealingfaroinSt.Joseph,Mo.AfterstayingthereoneyearIwenttoSt.Louis,whereIremainedtwoorthreemonths,andthenwenttoNewOrleans.Ilandedtherein1853.Theyellowfeverwasraging,

therebeing300deathsperday.Thenwasthetime,iftherewasanyfrightintheyounggambler,forittohaveshownitself;butImadeupmymindthatifIhadtogoImightaswellgothenasatanyothertime.

Iwastakendownwiththefever,andnurseswerescarce;butIgotanoldcoloredwoman,andtoldhertosticktome,andIwouldgiveher$25perdayaslongasIwassick,andifIhandedinmychecksshemighthaveallIleft.Intwenty-threedays,bythegraceofourgoodMaker,Iwasupeatingchickensoup.TheywatchedmesocloseIcouldgetnothingelse.

DuringthistimeIgotananswerfromaletterwrittentomypartner

atSt.Paul,tellinghimtoselloutasbesthecould,andtosendmemypart,whichhedid.

INDIANSCANPLAYPOKER.

TheyearIwasinSt.PaultheypaidoffalotofIndiansashortdistancefromthetown.IwastoldthattheRedManwasagoodpokerplayer,andwasalwayslookingforthebestofit.Theypaidtheminsilver;soIgotsomeofthehardmoney,hiredahorseandbuggy,gotsomewhisky,andstartedouttogivethemagame,moreforthefunandnoveltyofthethingthantowintheirmoney;forIhadtheoldkenogamerunning,andshewasagoodproducer.When

Igotamongthesavages,theywerehavingawardance.Afterthedancetheysmokedthepipeofpeaceanddrankmywhisky,andIsmokedtheirpipes.Afterthefriendlysmokingwasover,theystartedintoplayingpoker.Theyinvitedandinsistedonmechangingin,soatlastIsatdownandtookahand.Oneoftheoldbuckssoonbegantocheat.Hehadanoldhatinfrontofhim,andinsideofthehathehadalooking-glass,sothathecouldseeonhisdealeverycardhedealtout.Iknewhewasafterme,soItoldhimtoputthehatawayandplayfair.HesawthatIwasno"sucker,"soheputitaway.Weplayedforsometime,anditwasallIcould


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dotokeepevenbyplayingonthesquarewithbig"injins,"asIfoundthemverygoodcardplayers.Iheldoutahand,buthadtowaitsometimeforthe"wildmanoftheforest."Atlasttherewasabig"blindandstraddle,"andIkeptraisingitbeforethedraw.Theyall"stayed,"anddrewtwoorthreecards(Idonotrememberwhich).Itookone,andwhenwecameto"showdown,"Iwastheluckyfellow.Thiswastoomuchforthebucks,sothreeofthemdroppedout,andleftanoldchiefandmyselfsingle-handed.AsIwasover$150aheadofthegame,Iplayedliberally,todrawtheoldchieftainon;andashehadoneofhisbuckswalkingaroundbehind,andtalking"biginjin"allthetime,hewasgettingthebestofme.Iknewthatmyhandswerebeinggivenaway,butIdidnotletthemknowthatIwasontotheirracket.Iwaitedmychance,andclinchedontofourfoursandajack.Ikept"goingblind,"untilthechiefgotagoodhand,andthenhecamebackatmestrong.Wehadithotandheavy.Iletthebuckseemyhanduntilitcametothedraw,andthenIshiftedthehand,andcameupwiththefourfoursandthejack,butthewarriordidnotseemeget_that_hand.Ithenmadeabigbet.Theoldchiefcalledhissquaw,andshebroughthimasackofsilver.Hethen"called"me.Weshoweddown;themoneywasmine;andthenyoushouldhaveseenthefun.Thebuckthathadbeengivingmyhandawaystartedtorun.Theoldchiefjumpedup,grabbedhistomahawk,andlitoutafterhim.Ijerkedoffmycoat,dumpedallthesilverintoit,jumpedinto

mybuggy,andlostnotimeingettingoutofthatneckofthewoods.AsIwasgoingata2:40gait,Ilookedbackandsawthebuckandoldchiefgoingthroughthewoods.Ineverknewwhethertheoldmancaughtthebuckornot,butIdoknowhedidnotcatchme.Itookdesperatechancestowinthatpot,andIwasveryluckyinnotlosingmyscalp.IneverinquiredwhentheIndiansweretobepaidoffagain,forIhadnonotionofpayingthemavisit.Anyonewhohasadesiretoplaypokerwith"biginjins"hasmyconsent;butIwouldadvisethemtoplayasquaregame,andkeeptheireyeskinnedforthebig"buck"thattalkstothechief.

ARELIGIOUSCAPTAIN.

Iwasonboardthesteamer_WarEagle_goingfromDubuquetoSt.Paul.TheCaptainwasamemberofthechurch,anddidnotallowanygamblingonhisboat;andanyonecaughtatthatinnocentpastimewouldbeputashore.WhilewalkingovertheboatImetagentlemenwhoIthoughthadmoney(andIhardlyevermadeamistakeinmyman).Iinvitedhimtojoinmeinadrink,andthensteeredhimintothebarbershop.ItoldhimIhadlostsomemoneybettingoncards,butIdidnotmindverymuch,asmyfatherwaswealthy.WhileIwasshowinghimhowIhadlostthemoney,mypartnercame,andafterwatchingmethrowthecardsforalittlewhile,hewantedtobetme$100hecouldpickthecard.Ithrewthemagain,andtoldhimtoputup.He"turned,"andwonthemoney.Then,turning

totheman,heshowedhimoneofthecornersturnedup,andwantedtobetmeagain.ItoldhimIwouldnotplaywithamanthatbeatme.ThemanthenaskedmeifIwouldbetwithhim.IsaidIwould,providingtheotherfellowwouldnottellhimwhichcardtoturn,whichwasagreedto.Themanthengotouthisbigroll,andputup$100.ItoldhimifhewonIwouldonlybethimtheonetime;andifIwonIwouldonlybeeven;andthatIwouldnotbetlessthan$500.Heputupthe$500,andturnedthewrongcard.Afterputtingthemoneyoutofsight,Ibegantothrowthecardsagain;forIsawadiamondstudandringworthabout$1,000.Whilethe


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cardswereonthetableIturnedaroundtospit,andmypartnermarkedoneofthecardswithapencil,andletthemanseethemark.Hethenbetme$500,andwonit;thenhewalkedaway.Themanbegantogetnervousandfeelforhismoney;buthehadonlyaboutseventy-fivedollarsleft,andwantedtobetthat.ItoldhimIhadjustlost$500,andwouldnotbetlessthan$1,000.Heinsistedonbettingthe$75,butItoldhimtokeepitforexpenses,andthatIwouldbethim$500againsthisstudandring.Uptheywent,andIputup$500.Overwentthemarkedcard,andhelostagain.Outhewent,andwhenIsawhimagaintheCaptainwaswithhim.Iknewwhatwasinthewind,andIstoodmyground.TheCaptainsaidtome,"Haveyoubeengamblingonmyboat?""Idonotknowwhatyoumeanbythatquestion,"saysI."Youdon't?Well,Iwilltellyou,myboy;yougivethisgentlemanbackallthemoneyandjewelryyouwonfromhim,orIwillhavemymentakeitfromyou,andthenlandyouonthebank."Ilaughedathim,andtoldhimtobringuphiswholecrew,andIwouldsufferthedeathofJohnRodgersbeforeIwouldgiveuponecent.Heorderedupthemateandcrew.Ibackedupagainstthesideoftheboat,andtoldthemtocallforcards,asI"stoodpat."Theysaidtheydidnotwantany,fortheycouldseebymylooksIhadthebesthand,oratleastIwouldplayitforallitwasworth.TheCaptainthensaid,"Youmustgoashore."Isaid,"Landher;bothsidesoftheriverareinAmerica,andthatbigbrickhouseupthereis

whereIlive."Theoldfellowcouldnothelplaughingatmycheek,andsoconcludedtoletmealone.

IhaveoftenhadsteamboatcaptainstellmeImustgiveupthemoneyorgoashore,andIhadthemtotellthesuckerstogoandgetmoremoneyandtryitagain.Ihavealsohadthemtosaytheywouldputthesuckersashore,andthatwouldbreakthemallup.Asuckerthinkswhenheseesamarkonacardthatheisrobbingthegambler,andheisjustasmuchofarobberandgamblerastheotherman.

Whentwopersonsbet,one_must_lose;andthereisnolawinthiscountrytocompelamantobethismoneyorjewelryonanything.

Somyadviceis,don'tyoudoit.

ACOLDDECK.

Iwasaboardthe_Sultana_,boundforLouisville,andgotintoafive-handedgameofpoker.WhenwelandedatthemouthoftheCumberland,twoofourpartygotofftotakeaboatforNashville;thatleftourgamethree-handed.Forfearthatanotherwouldgetaway,IthoughtImustgetmyworkinwithoutfurtherdelay;soIexcusedmyselfforafewmomentsandwenttothebar.Igotadeckjustliketheonewewereusing,and"runup"threehands,givingonethreeaces,onethreekings,andmyselffourtrays.Weplayed

ashorttimeaftermyreturn,andonmydealIcalledtheirattentiontosomething,andatthesametimecameupwiththe"colddeck."Thebettingwaslively.Iletthemdotheraising,andIdidthecallinguntilitcametothedraw.Theyeachtooktwocards,andItookone,saying"IfIfillthisflush,Iwillmakeyousqueal."Iknewtheybothhad"fullhands,"andtheyjustslashedtheirmoneyonthetableuntiltherewasover$4,000up.ThenImadea"raise"of$1,200,andtheyboth"called.""Gentlemen,Isaid,"Isupposeyouhavemebeat;Ihaveonlytwopair.""Oh!"saysone,"Ihaveakingfull;"andtheotheronesaid,"Ihaveanacefull."


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"Well,boys,Icandownbothhands,forIhavetwopairoftrays."Thegamecametoaclose,fortherewasnomoremoneyontheotherside.

CAUGHTASLEEPER.

Iwasplayingpokeronceonthesteamer_GeneralQuitman_.Thepartywereallfullofgrapejuice.Alongaboutmorningthegamewasreducedtosingle-handed,andthatmanIwasplayingwithwasfastasleep,soIpickedupthedeckandtookfouracesandfourkingsout,withanoddcardtoeach.IgavehimthekingsandItooktheaces.Igavehimahunch,andtoldhimtowakeupandlookathishand.Hepartlyraisedhishand,butlaiditdownagainandIknewhehadnotseenit.Igavehimapushandshookhimupprettylively,andheopenedhiseyes.Isaid:"Come,lookatyourhand,orIwillquit."Hegotaglimpseofit,andIneversawsuchachangeinaman'scountenance.Hemadeadiveforhismoneyandsaid:"Iwillbetyou$100,forIwanttoshowyouIamnotasleep."ItoldhimIthoughthewas"bluffing."Isaidinajokingway:"Iwillraiseyou$1,000."Sohepulledoutallhismoneyandlaiditonthetable,andsaid:"Iwillonlycallyou,butIknowIhaveyoubeat."Ishoweddownfourbigliveaces,andhewasawakesureenoughafterthat.Heneverwentintoany

moreofthosefits,andweplayeduntiltheywantedthetableforbreakfast.Iusedtomakeitapointto"colddeck"asuckeronhisowndeal,astheythenhadgreatconfidenceintheirhands.Myoldpawislargeenoughtoholdoutacompressedbaleofcottonorawholedeckofcards,anditcomesinveryhandytodothework.Icouldholdonedeckinthepalmofmyhandandshuffleupanother,andthencomethechangeonhisdeal.Itrequiresagreatdealofcheekandgall,andIwasalwaysendowedwithboth--thatis,theyusedtosaysodownSouth.

TENTHOUSANDINCOUNTERFEITMONEY.

Wehadagreat"graft,"beforethewar,ontheUpperMississippi,betweenSt.LouisandSt.Charles.Wewouldgouponaboatandbackbyrail.Onenightgoingupwehaddoneagoodbusinessinourline,andwerejustputtinguptheshutters,whenamansteppedupandsaid"hecouldturntherightcard."Mypartner,PoseyJeffers,wasdoingthehonorsthatnight,andhesaid,"Iwillbetfrom$1to$10,000thatnomancanpickoutthewinningticket."Themanpulledoutarollnearlyaslargeasapillow,andputup$5,000.Poseyputupthesameamount,andoverthecardwentfor$5,000;butitwasnotthewinner."Mixthemupagain,"saidtheman,andheputupthesamesumasbefore.Heturned,andPoseyputthesecond$5,000inhispocket.Themanthenwentawayasiftolose$10,000wasanevery-daythingwithhim.Wethenclosed

upour"bankinghouse,"wellpleasedwithourselves.Thenextdaywewerecountingourcash,andwefoundwehadonhand$10,000innicenewbillsontheStateBankofMissouri,butitwascounterfeit.Wedepositeditinthe(fire)bank,aswehadnoimmediateuseforit.

BLOWINGUPOFTHEPRINCESS.

Iwasonboardofthesteamer_Princess_onadowntripwhenshe


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wascarryingalargenumberofpassengers,andtherewerefourteenpreachersamongthem,ontheirwaytoNewOrleanstoattendaconference.Theboatwasmakingthefastesttimeshehadevermade.Ihadabiggameof"roulette"inthebarbershop,whichranallSaturdaynight;andonSundaymorning,justafterleavingBatonRouge,Iopenedupagain,andhadthirty-fivepersonsintheshop,allputtingdowntheirmoneyasfastastheycouldgetuptothetable.Iwasdoingaland-officebusiness,whenallofasuddentherewasaterrificnoise,followedbythehissingofescapingsteam,mingledwiththescreamsandgroansofthewoundedanddying.Theboathadblownup,andwasalmostatotalwreck.Therewasbutverylittleleft,andthatconsistedmostlyofthebarbershop,whichwasatthetimefullofgamblers,andnotoneofthemwashurt.Thesteamers_Peerless_and_McRay_cametoouraid;oneboatlookedafterthedeadandwounded,andtheothertookusluckyfellowsoutofthebarbershop.OnehundredsoulswerelandedIntoeternitywithoutamoment'swarning,andamongthemwerethefourteenpreachers.Itwasahorriblesight;thebodiesweresomangledandscaldedthatonecouldnothaverecognizedhisownbrotherorsister.CaptainWilliamCampbell(nowoftheVicksburgPacketline)wasstewardofthe_Princess_atthetimeoftheexplosion,andtherewasnotamanontheboatthatworkedhardertosavelifeandrelievethewounded.Herichlydeservedhispromotion,andisnowoneofthebestcaptainsontheriver.

AWOMANWITHAGUN.

IwasonaboatcomingfromMemphisonenight,whenmypartnerbeatamanoutof$600,playingpoker.Afterthegamebrokeup,themanwentintotheladies'cabinandtoldhiswife.Sheranintohisroomandgothispistol,andsaid,"Iwillhavethatmoneyback,orkilltheman."Isawhercoming,pistolinhand,andsteppeduptothebarandtoldthebarkeepertohandmethatoldgunhehadinthedrawer,whichIknewhadnoloadsinit.Shecameon,frothingatthemouth,withbloodinhereyes.Isawshewasverymuchexcited,andIsaidtoher:"Madame,youareperfectly

right.Youwoulddorightinshootingthatfellow,forheisnothingbutagambler.Idon'tbelieveyourpistolwillgooff;youhadbettertakemypistol,forIamagovernmentdetective,andhavetokeepthebestofarms."SoIhandedherthepistol,andtookhers.Justamomentlateroutsteppedthemanwhohadwonthemoney,andshebolteduptohimandsaid:"Youwonmyhusband'smoney,andIwilljustgiveyouoneminutetohandittome,orIwillblowyourbrainsoutinthiscabin."Well,yououghttohaveseenthepassengersgettingoutofthecabinwhenshepulleddownonhim;butheknewthejokeandstoodpat,andshowedwhatagamefellowhewas.Hetoldthewomanherhusbandlostthemoneygambling,andhecouldnotgetacentback.Thensheletgo;butthepistolfailedtogooff,andhegothertogobackintothe

cabin,andpacifiedherbygivingher$100.Aftertakingthechargeoutofherpistol,Ireturnedittoher.So,reader,youcanseewhatagaylifethereisingambling.

THEFRENCHMANANDTHEHORSEHAIR.

IknewaFrenchmanwhousedtotraveltheriverplayingthewheel,whomadeagreatdealofmoneyandsentittoFrance.Onenightheopeneda$1,000snapatfaroandIwastoloanhimmytools.


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Heshuffledhisowncards,ashewastoosmarttouseanyother;andIwentdownondeckandpulledsomehairsoutofahorse'stail,andcamebackandgotoneofthecoppersandfastenedahairtoit.Acopperisusedtomakeabetloseandtakethebanker'sside.Whenthecopperisoff,thebetisopen.SoIgotmypartnertobuyabiglotofwhitechecks,sothatIcouldgetmysmallbetbehindthem.Mycheckswere$12.50apiece;hewasplayingwhitechecksat25cents.Wetookonecornerofthetable,sidebyside.Heplacedhischecksbetweenthedealerandme;thenIwouldputmylittlestackbehindhischecks,andwhenthedealermadeaturnhewouldhavetorisefromhisseattoseeifmybetwascopperedornot.Ifthecardlostthatwewereon,Iwouldletthecopperremain;ifiton,Igavethehorsehairalittlejerkandpulledthecopperoff,andwebothwon.Iusedtotakeitoffwhenhewasgoingtopaythebet,forfearhewouldgethisfingerstangledinthehair;andinthiswaywewonthebankroll,whichmadetheFrenchmanverysick.

SAVEDMYPARTNER'SLIFE.

Wewereoncecomingdownonthesteamer_BelleKey_,ofLouisville,andmypartnerwasdoingtheplayingthatday.Wehadwonsomebigmoney,andwereabouttoquit,whenupsteppedaverytallman,

wholookedpaleandsickly.Hewatchedthegameforsometime,andthenpulledouta$1,000noteandlaiditonthecardhewanted,andofcoursehelost.Hedidnotsayaword,butstartedbacktothisroom.Ithoughtheactedstrange,andIconcludedtokeepaneyeonhim.Prettysoonouthecamewithanovercoatonhisarm,andhewalkedupasnearthetableashecouldget,andcommencedtopushoneofthecrowdawaysoastogetcloser.Finallyhegotatmypartner'sback,withmecloseathisheels,whenhecommencedtopullfromunderhiscoatalargeColt'spistol.Asheleveledittoshoothiminthebackofthehead,Iknockedhimstiff,andthegundroppedonthefloor.Itwascocked,butitdidnotgooff.Theycarriedthemanbacktohisroom,putcoldwateronhim,andfinallybroughthimto.Hesentforme,andwentIwentback

hereachedouthishand,andsaid:"Friend,youdidmeakindlyact,forIhadmadeupmindtokillthatman.Iamgladithappenedso,foritwasallthemoneyIhad,anditwasraisedbymyfriends,who,knowingthatIneverwouldreachhomeagain,weresendingmetoFlorida,asallthedoctorshavegivenmeup;andIthoughtIwouldkillhim,asIdonotexpecttogetoffthisboatalive.Ihavegotconsumptioninitslaststages."SoIpulledout$1,000,counteditouttohim,andhecriedlikeachild.HispistolIgavetothemate,asIthoughthehadnoneedofsuchaweapon.

LEAPFORLIFE.

AnothertimeIwascominguponthesteamer_Fairchild_withCaptainFawcett,ofLouisville.WhenwelandedatNapoleontherewereabouttwenty-fiveofthe"ArkansasKillers"cameonboard,andIjustopenedoutandcleanedthepartyofmoney,watches,andalltheirvaluables.Thingswentalongsmoothlyforawhile,untiltheycommencedtodrinkprettyfreely.Finallyoneofthemsaid:"Jake,Sam,Ike,getBill,andletuskillthatd----dgamblerwhogotourmoney.""Allright,"saidtheparty,andtheybrokefortheirroomstogettheirguns.Isteppedoutofthesidedoor,andgotunderthepilot-house,asitwasmyfavoritehidingplace.


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Icouldheareveryworddownstairs,andcouldwhispertothepilot.Well,theyhuntedtheboatfromstemtostern--eventooklightsandwentdownintothehold--andfinallygaveupthechase,asonemansaidIhadjumpedoverboard.Islippedthepilot$100ingold,asIhadbothpocketsfilledwithgoldandwatches,andtoldhimatthefirstpointthatstoodoutagoodwaystorunherascloseashecouldandIwouldjump.Hewhispered,"Getready,"andIslippedoutandwalkedback,andstoodonthetopofthewheel-houseuntilshecame,asIthought,nearenoughtojump,andawayIwent;butitwasfartherthanIexpected,soIwentdownaboutthirtyfeetintotheriverandstruckintothesoftmudclearuptomywaist.Somepartieswhowerestandingonthesternoftheboatsawmeandgavethealarm,whenthe"killers"allrushedbackandcommencedfiringatme,andthebulletswentsplashingallaroundme.Thepilotthrewherintothebendasquickashecould,andthenletonshetookasheeronhimandnearlywenttotheotherside.Theshootingbroughttheniggersfromthefieldstothebankoftheriver.Ihallooedtothemtogetalongpoleandpullmeout,forIwasstuckinthemud.Theydidso,andIgotuponthebankandwaitedforanotherboat.

Iwasalwaysverystubbornaboutgivingupmoneyifanyonewantedtocompelmetodoit,butIwishIhadone-quarterofwhatIhavegivenbacktopeoplethatdidneedit.Ihaveseenmanyamanlose

allhehad,andthengobackintotheladies'cabinandgethiswife'sdiamonds,andlosethem,thinkinghemightgeteven.Butthatwasalwaysagoodcapforme,forIwouldwalkbackintothecabin,findthelady,andhandherjewelsback;andIneverbeatamanoutofhismoneythatIdidnotfindoutfromtheclerkifhispassagewaspaid.Ifnot,Iwouldpayit,andgivethemansomeofhismoneytoassisthimtohisdestination.BysodoingIwaslookeduponasbeingaprettygoodrobber--thatis,ifyoucallitrobbing;butItellyouthatamanthatwillbetonsuchagameasmonteisabiggerrobberthanthemanwhodoestheplaying,forhethinksheisrobbingyou,andyouknowyouarerobbinghim.

THECHICKENMENANDTHEIRSILVER.

Atonetime,beforethewar,silverwassuchadruginNewOrleansthatyoucouldget$105insilverfor$100inStatebanknotes;butthecommissionmenwouldpayitouttothehuckstersdollarfordollar.Theywouldputitinbagsandlabelitwiththeman'snameandtheamount.AtthistimeIwascomingoutonthesteamer_JohnRaine_,and,inlookingaroundforcustomers,Ifoundfifteenchickenmenonboard,whohadsoldtheir"coops,"andhadtheirsacksofsilversettingintheoffice,astherewasnoroomforitinthesafe.AftersupperIgotmymeninthebarbershop,pulledoutmythreecards,andbegantothrowthem,atthesametimetellingthemenIhadlost$1,000atthegame,andthatIwasgoing

topracticeuntilIcouldthrowequaltothemanthathadbeatmeoutofmymoney.Theyalltookagreatinterestinthegame,andcouldturntherightcardeverytimeforfun.Aboutthistimethe"capper"cameup,andsaidhewaspositivehecouldguessthecard,andkeptinsistingonbettingme$100;soatlastIconcludedtobethim,andhelostthe$100.Thenthefuncommenced.Oneofthechickenmensawthecornerofthe"right"cardturnedup;sohejumpedup,andwantedtobetme$500thathecouldpickoutthe"right"card.ItoldhimIdidnotwanttobet,butifhemadeit$2,000Iwouldbethim,andifIlostIwouldquit.Atthesame


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timeIpulledoutalargerollofsmallbills,withahundreddollarbillontheoutside,andlaiditonthetable.Thechickenmenheldacouncilofwar,andofcoursetheyallsawthecornerofthe"right"cardturnedup.Theywentfortheirsacksofsilver,andplankeddownfourofthem,with$500ineach.Iputupandsaid:"Gentlemen,youmustallagreeononecard,andselectonemantoturnit,asImusthavethetwochances."Theypickedouttheirman;heturnedthecardwiththecornerturnedup;but,ofcourse,itwasnotthe"right"card.Theboatwasjustlandingtotakeinsugar,soIsaid,"Gentlemen,Iwillhavetobidyougood-by,asthisismysugarplantation."Icalledtwooftheportersandtoldthemtotakemysacksashore.Theysaid,"Allright,MassaGeorge."YoushouldhaveseenthechickenmenlookatmewhenIlandedwithmysacks;andalltheniggerscametoshakehandsandsay,"Gladyouseback,MassaGeorge,"(forIknewalltheniggersonthecoast).Aftertheboatpulledout,Iopenedoneofthesacksandgaveeachblackoneofthe"chicken"half-dollars.Theyguardedthemoneyuntilanotherboatcamedown,whichtheyhailed,andIwassoononmywaybacktoNewOrleanstocatchsomemoresuckers.

THEHUNGRYMAN.

Iwasonboardthe_JohnSimonds_comingoutofNewOrleansonenight.Ihadaverylivelygameof"redandblack,"anddidnotcloseupuntiltwoo'clockinthemorning.Weweresittingaroundthestoveinthebar,drinking,smoking,andtellingstories,whentherewasamancameinwhomIhadnotseensincetheboatleftNewOrleans.Whenhecameaboardhewasprettyfullof"bug-juice,"andhadbeenasleep.Whenhewokeup,ofcoursehewasdry,andhadcomeintothebartogetadrink.Isaidtohim,"Youlookdry,andyouarejustintimetojoinus."Afterthankingme,hetookadrink,andthentoldmehehadmissedhissupper.ItoldhimIwouldsendtheporterintothetexas,andgethimalunch,whichIdid.IthenthoughtifIcangetsomemoreofthat"go-your-money"whiskyintohim,Icansizehimup.Soaftertaking

anotherround,Isaidtohim,"Youshouldhavebeenupwhenthebigbettingwasgoingon."Hesaid,"Whatwasit?"Isaid,"Therewasagreattallfellowsatdowntothetablejustaftersupper,andcalledallthemeninthecabintocomeandseehowhehadlost$2,000ofhisfather'smoney.Hepulledoutalotofcardsandbegantothrowthemonthetable,andsaidtous,'Ifyouseethesamefellowwhogotmymoney,don'tyoubetwithhim,forhehastwochancestohisone.'Ican'texplainjusthowhedidit,forIhaven'tgotanyofthecards."Thebarkeeperthensaid,"Ihavesomeofthefellow'scardsthatheleftwhenhegotofftheboat."Isaid,"LetmehavethemandIwilltryandshowthegame."Itookthecardsandbentthem,andthensaid,"Yououghttohaveseenhimthrowthemthroughthoselongfingers;itwouldhavemade

youlaugh."

Iwasthrowingandexplainingwhenmypartnercamein.AfterlookingonforalittlewhileheaskedmeifIwouldbetonthegame.Ipretendednottohearhim,butinvitedthembothtotakeadrink.Thenmypartnerofferedtobetthedrinks.Itookhimup,andhelost.Whileweweretalkinghepickedupthecardsandturneduponeofthecornersofthewinner,andthenlettheothermanseewhathehaddone.Icommencedtothrowthemagain,whenmypartnerwantedtoknowifIwouldbetjustastheylay.Isaid


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Iwouldaftertheshuffle.Hesaid,"Youbeatmeoutofthedrinks;nowIwillbetyou$100Icanpickupthecardthefirstpick.""Enough,"saysI,andupwentthemoneyinthe"hungry"man'shands.Overwentthecard,andmypartnercaughtmefor$100.Isaid,"Givehimthemoney,ashewonitfairly."Thestakeholderthrewdownhisbreadandmeat,jumpedup,pulledouthismoney,andsaid,"Iwillbetyou$500Icanturntherightcardthefirsttime."Isawhehadabout$1,500or$2,000,soIsaid,"Iwillmakebutonebet,andthenquit;Iwillbetyou$1,500.""Enoughsaid,I'llgoyou."Themoneywasputup,andoverwentthecard;but,asluckwouldhaveit,heturnedthewrongone;and,totellthetruth,Iwasgladofit.Hethenpulledout$400ingoldandwantedtobetthat;butItoldhimtokeepit,forIdidnotwanttowinitfromhim,butwantedtokeepwhatIhad.Wesatdownandhadadrink,andinashorttimethemanwentoutontheguards.MypartnerandIweretalkingandlaughingabouthowwewonthemoney,whenallofasuddeninrushedthemanwithhisclothesalltornandverymuchexcited.Weaskedhimwhathadhappened,whenhetoldusthattwofellowshadgrabbedandrobbedhimofthe$400ingold.

Wegotthemateandwatchman,andsearchedtheboatuntilwefoundoneoftherobbersinafireman'sbunk,downonthelowerdeck.Wegotallthemoneyfromhimandreturnedittotheman.The

otherrobbercouldnotbefound.WeturnedtheonewehadcapturedovertothepoliceofBatonRouge,andthatwasthelastweeverheardofhim.ItookthenextboatbacktoNewOrleans.

COLLAREDTHEWRONGMAN.

Ihadbeenattendingtobusinessprettyfaithfully,andhadaccumulatedsomewealth,whenitstruckmeImusttakearest;sowhenIarrivedinNewOrleansIlaidoff.Iwasplayingthe"bank"onenight,andwasabigloser.Therewasabigfightercameinandsatdownatthesametable,andinashorttimehebegantopickupchecks.Ithoughthewouldtakesomeofminenext,andI

wasnotinthehumortoletanyonetakemychecks.Sureenough,heclinchedontoastackIhadonthenine.Isaidtohim,"Thosearemyfifty."Heraisedup,tookmebythecollar,andsaid,"You'read----dliar."IthoughtIwouldgettheoldheadreadyforbusinessoncemore,soIarguedthequestionwithhimuntilIsawanopening,andthenIlethimhaveitjustbetweentheeyes.Hedroppedallinaheap,anditwassometimebeforetheycouldgethimtositup.Hewasprettybadlyhurt;hisnosewasbrokendownflatwithhisface;thebloodwasrunningoutofhisears,andIthoughtitwasabouttimeformetogetout.Icashedinmychecksandquitthegameover$6,000aloser.Soyouseeamanmustfightattimes,evenwhenhehasquithisregularbusiness,andislayingoffforarest.

MYJEWPARTNER.

Iwasonboardthesteamer_Sultana_oneevening,comingupfromNewOrleans,whena"Jew"cameuptome,tappedmeontheshoulder,andsaid:"Mr.Devol,Ihaveheardofyouforyears,andhavesatatthesametablewithyouinNewOrleansplayingthebank.Icaughtherthistripforover$4,000;butIhaveoftenwishedIcouldmakeasmuchmoneyasyoudo;youbetIwouldtakebetter


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careofitthanyou.Come,letusgoandhaveanicedrink."ItoldhimIdidnotdrinkanythingbutwine;andIwasverygladhehadbeatthebank,fortheynearlyalwaysbeatme;butIcouldholdmyownwithanymanatpoker.Hesaid:"Oh,Mr.Devol,Iknowthatnoonecanbeatyouatpoker,andIwouldliketoputmymoneyinwithyouandhaveaninterest."SomethingstruckmeimmediatelythatImightaswellhavethe$4,000asnot,soIsaidtohim:"IwillseeMr.Bush(mypartner),andletyouknowaftersupper."Thefirstthingtobedonewastomanufactureasuckertoplaymeabiggameofpoker.Iknewseveralgoodboysonboard;someweregamblersandsomewerehorsemen.Iselectedoneofthehorsemen,andtookhimtomyroomtoteachhimtheropes.Isaidtohim:"Iwillcolddeckyou,andgiveyouthreekings,asevenandaeight,andyoumustputyourthumboveroneofthespotsontheeight,sothattheJewwillthinkyouhaveakingfullonsevenswhenheseesyourhand.Iwillhaveanacefull,andwillbetyou$200or$300beforethedraw;thenyouraiseme$5,000."Aftergivinghimfullinstructions,sotherewouldbenomistake,Igavehimabigrollandlethimout,withinstructionsnottoknowmeuntilthetimeofthegame.ItoldBushtheplan,soaftersupperweopenedupwithourthreecardsandtookinafewhundreddollars.Afterwehadclosedfortheevening,Ipickedupmymanufacturedsuckerandcommencedadivvygameofpoker.ItoldmyJewpartnertoseeeveryhandthattheotherfellowheld,andtoattracthis

attentionsoIcouldcolddeckhim.Icameupwiththeiceandbet$250beforethedraw.Thesuckercamebackandraisedme$5,000.TheJewwasbehindhimandsawhiskingfullonsevens;hethencamearoundandsawmyacefullontrays.Ipretendedtobealittleshort,andcalledforBushtobringmesomemoney.Thenmywould-bepartnercommencedtogetouthismoney,andwasinsuchahurry(forfearhewouldnotbeintime)thathetorethebuttonsoffhisvest.Heputuphis$4,000;Bushgot$1,000fromJohnC.Heenan(theprizefighter,whowasontheboat),andIcalledthebet.Thegamehadattractedtheattentionofallthepassengers;theywereallaroundus,someonthetablesandchairs,andeveryonewasholdinghisbreathwaitingfortheresult,exceptmyJewpartner,whowassodelightedwiththesurethingofhaving

wonone-halfofthemoneythathecouldnotkeepstillamoment,butkeptdancingaround,rubbinghishandsandsmilingasifhehadsoldasuitofclotheswithoutcomingdownacent.When,toeverybody'sgreatsurprise,thesuckersaid,"Gentlemen,Ihavemadeamistakeinmyhand;can'tItakemymoneydown?"TheJewsaid:"Oh,wedon'trectifynomistakesinpoker."Thesuckerlookedupathimandsaid:"Whatintheh--lhaveyougottodowiththisgame?"TheJewsaid:"Ithoughtyouwasbluffin'."Thesuckerthensaid:"Holdon,gentlemen,wehavenotdrawnyet.IthoughtIhadakingfullonsevens."Hethenthrewdownthesevenandeightandcalledfortwocards.TheJewsaid:"Wedon'tcareforyourmistake,"andthenwalkedaroundbehindthesuckertoseewhathewouldgetinthedraw.Idealthimofftwocards,

buttheJewdidnotgettoseewhathegot.Theyhadsentmesomemoneyfromtheoffice,andIbethim$500.Thesuckerhesitatedamoment,andthenbet$5,000.IputupallthemoneyIhad,mybigsinglestone,pinandring,butthatwasnotenough.ThentheJewputuphisJuergunsenwatch,alargeclusterpinandring,andcalledthebet.Thesuckersaid,"Ihavetwopair."TheJewwassoglad(thinkingIhadwon)thathecouldnotkeepstill,butwentupanddownlikeajumping-jack.Ishoweddownmyacefull,andthenthesuckershoweddowntwopairofkings.Youshouldhaveseenmy"newpartner."Hethrewupbothhishands,groaned,and


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felloveronthefloordead.Wehadtothrowwaterinhisfacetobringhimaround,andwhenwegothimuphestartedfortheguards,saying:"Igodrownmyself;Idon'twanttolive."Someoneranandgothimalifepreserver,andtoldhimtoputitonbeforehejumpedoverboard.Hefinallyquieteddownandwenttohisroom.Itookthehorsemanintomyroom,gavehim$200inmoneyandmy"partner's"diamonds.Hewasthelionoftheboat,anddidnothavetopayfordrinksfromtheretoLouisville.IgotoffatBatonRougeatdaybreak,andwassoononmywaybacktoNewOrleans;andwhenIarrivedthere,everyoneImetwouldaskmeaboutmybadluck.Myfriendsweresorryforme.Icouldhaveborrowedalmostanyamountofmoney.ThepaperscameoutalloverthecountrythatDevolhadatlastfoundhismatch.

IsawtheJewinSt.Louissomeyearslater.Heknewme,andsaid:"Mr.Devol,comeandletusgetagooddrink.Seethatclothingstore?That'smine.Ineverplaypokersincethattimeontheboat;don'tyouremember?"

SOLDOUTBYAPARTNER.

OnenightIwascominguptheriveronthesteamer_Morrison_.IhadapartnerwithmenamedCharlesBush.Hewasagood,big-

heartedfellow,butdidnotknowmuchaboutbeatingasuckeroutofhismoney.Ihadtoteachhimhowtohandletheblokes.Well,Bushandmyselfhadmadesomemoney,andweresittingaroundlookingatthegamblers.Thereweretwenty-fiveofthemonboard,goingtotheMemphisraces.Finallyoneofthesports,namedDennisMcCarthy,saidtome,"Devol,Iwillplayyouseven-upfor$100agame."SoIturnedtoBushandaskedhimifhewantedanyinterestinit.Hesaid"No,"sohesatdownalongsideofme,wherehecouldseemyhand.Wecommencedtoplay.IcouldseeBushworkingatoothpickinhismouth,fromthecornertothemiddleandthenovertotheotherside.IthoughtInoticedwhenthetoothpickwasintheleftsideofhismouthIalwayshadonetrump;whenhehaditinthemiddleofhismouthIhadtwotrumps;wheninthe

rightsideIhadnotrumps.McCarthybeatmesixstraightgames.Thelastgameweplayedweweresixandsix.IsawBushtakethetoothpickoutofhismouth.Ilookedatmyhandandsawnotrumps.McCarthystoodhishand,andled.Hehadnotrumpseither,butashehadsomelargecardsinhishandhemadethegame,whichputhimout.Bushwassittingonmyright;soIletgowithmyleft,caughthimbetweentheeyes,andstraightenedhimoutonthefloor.Theygotapieceofbeefsteakandputitonhiseyes,andhewenttobed.Therewasabigsix-footfellownamedAnderson,whosaidthatanymanthatwouldhitanotherfornothingwasascoundrel,andhecouldwhiphim.Hewasnotposted,anddidnotknowwhyIhithim,sohemadethisbluff.Isaidtohim,"Takeoffyourcoatandcomeandseeme."Hetookoffhiscoat,andafterhegotit

offheweakened,andpickedupabigironpokerthatlaybythestove.Ipulledoutold"BetsyJane,"oneofthebesttarantulapistolsintheSoutherncountry,andtoldhimtodropthepoker,whichhedid."Now,"saidI,"ifyouwantitonthesquare,Iamyourman."Soatitwewent,andIhithimandknockedhimclearthroughtheofficedoor.Ithenreacheddownandcaughthimbythecollar,raisedhimupandstruckhimwiththatgoodoldfaithfulheadofmine,andthefightwasallover;forIhadbrokeneveryboneinhisnose.Theclerkscamerushingoutoftheoffice,theCaptainandpassengersalsocame,andtheCaptainaskedmewhat


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wasthematter.Itoldhim,andthematespokeupandsaidDevolwasperfectlyright,forhehadseenitall.Iofferedtopayforthedoorandchairswebroke,buttheCaptainwouldnotacceptonecent.

IwentbacktotheroomtoseeBush,forIwassorryIhadhithim,althoughIthoughthewasguilty.Itoldhimtogetupandlookoutforme,andIwouldopenfarobankforthegamblers,whichhedid.Theyallchangedinexceptthebigfellowwiththebrokennose;hewenttobed.Theresultwas,webrokeeveryoneofthem,andthengotoffatBatonRouge;theywenttoMemphis,wheretheracescommencedinafewdays.Bushwaswithmeforthreeyearsafterthat;andmanyanightIhavesatanddealtforabiggame,andinthemorningwoulddivideseveralhundreddollarswithBush,whowasinbedandasleep.

THEBIGCATFISH.

Myoldpartner(Bush)andIhadbeenupallnightinNewOrleansplayingfaro,andwewereseveralhundreddollarswinners,andthoughtwewouldwalkdowntotheFrenchmarketandgetacupofcoffeebeforewewenttobed.Wesawacatfishthatwouldweighabout125pounds;itsmouthwassolargethatIcouldputmyhead

intoit.Wegotstuckonthebigcat,andwhilewewerelookingatitanoldmancameuptomeandsaid:"ThatisthelargestcatfishIeversaw."Bushwasalittlewayofffrommejustatthetime,andknowingIwouldhavesomefun(ifnotabet)withtheoldman,hekeptoutoftheway.Isaidtotheoldgent:"YouaretheworstjudgeofafishIeversaw;thatisnotacat,itisapike,andthelargestoneeverbroughttothismarket."Helookedatmeandthenatthefish,andthensaid:"Lookhere,myboy,whereinthed---lwereyouraised?"ItoldhimIwasbornandraisedinIndiana."Well,Ithoughtyouwerefromsomehoop-poleState."Wegottoarguingaboutit;andIappearedtobemad,andofferedtobethim$100thatthefishwasapike.Sayshe,"Doyoumeanit?"Ipulledoutaroll,threwdown$100andtoldhim

tocoverit.Helammedherup,andIsaid:"Whowillweleaveitto?"WelookedaroundandsawBush,withamemorandumbookinhishandandapenbehindhisear,talkingtoawomanwhosoldvegetables,andhewasactingasifhewascollectorofthemarket.Isaid:"Maybethatmanwiththebookinhishandmightknow."TheoldfellowcalledBush,andsaidtohim,"Doyoubelongabouthere?""Oh,yes;Ihavebelongedabouthereforagoodmanyyears,"saysBush."Well,sir,youarejustthemanwewanttodecideourbet,"saystheoldgent."Well,gentlemen,Iaminsomewhatofahurry;butifyoudon'tdetainmetoolong,Iwillbegladtoserveyoutothebestofmyability,"saidBush."Wewantyoutotelluswhatkindofafishthisis.""Well,gentlemen,thatcanbedoneeasily.""Outwithit,"saidtheoldgent.Bushbracedhimself

up,andsaid:"Ihavebeenmarket-masterherefortwentyyears,andthatisthelargest_pike_Ieversawinthismarket.""Well!Well!Well!"saystheoldman;"IhavelivedontheTombigbeeRiverforforty-fiveyears,andIneversawtwobiggerfoolsthanyoutwo."Iinvitedtheoldmanandthe"market-master"tojoinmeinacupofcoffee.Bushaccepted,buttheoldonefromtheTombigbeedeclined,saying"hedidnotdrinkwithmenthatdidnotknowacatfishfromapike."Webidhimgoodmorningandwenthome,andwewerebothsoundasleepinashorttime;forwefeltwehaddidanhonestnight'sandmorning'swork.


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THESERMONONTHE(MOUNT)BOAT.

"Thehypocritehadlefthismass,andstoodInnakedugliness.HewasamanWhostoletheliveryofthecourtofheavenToservethedevilin."

IwascomingfromNewOrleansonboardthesteamer_E.H.Fairchilds_,boundforLouisville.Shewasliterallypackedwithpeople.Aftersupper,onSaturdayevening,westartedagameinthebarbershop,whichwaskeptupuntilSundaymorning.Over$8,000changedhands,andIwasabigwinner.AftereatingmybreakfastIwentoutontheguardstotakeasmokebeforegoingtobed.WhileIwasenjoyingmycigar,afinelookingoldgentlemanaboutsixtyyearsofagecameuptomeandenteredintoconversation.PresentlytheCaptainjoinedus.TheoldgentlemansaidhewasaministerfromLouisville,andwouldliketopreachinthecabin.TheCaptaingavehisconsent.Theministerplacedhisarminmine,and,beforeIwasawareofwhatweweredoing,hehadmehalfwaydowntheladies'cabin,andthenitwastoolatetobackoutorgetaway.Hesatmedownnearwherehewasstanding.Iwasimpressedwithhisdiscourse,foritwasfullofpracticalsayings.Hespokeofgamblinginveryplain

terms,andofthegamethathadbeenkeptupallnightinthebarbershop.Hesaid:"Itwasapitythatsuchafinelookinggentlemanastheonewhosatnearhimshouldplaycardsformoney."Totellthetruth,hisremarksonthesubjectofmybusinessdidmakemefeelalittlemean.Hedidnotlookdirectlyatme,butIthoughthewasgettingclosetohome.Thecollectionamountedtoconsiderable,andIchippedinmyshareliberally.AfterthemorningserviceswereoverIretiredtomyroomtotakeasleep,anditwasnotlonguntilIhadforgottenthatwehadanoldpreacheronboard.

IspentthatSundayeveningreadinguntilnearmidnight;mostofthepassengershadretired.Therewasbutonepassengerinthecabin,andhewassittingwithhisbacktome,reading.Iapproached

him,andfounditwastheminister.Ihadchangedmydresssothathedidnotrecognizeme.Isatdownnearhim,andhebegantalkingaboutthegamblinggameofthenightbefore,andhehandledthegamblerswithoutgloves.Isidedwithhiminhisviews,andthentrumpedupastoryofhowIhadbeenropedintothegame,andhadlost$1,000;butthatmyfatherwasrich,andgavemeallthemoneyIcouldspend,andthatIdidnotmindthelossverymuch.Hebecameverymuchinterested,andaskedagreatmanyquestions.ItoldhimIhadpickedupsomeoftheticketsthattheyplayedthegamewith,andhadtheminmyroom,andifhewouldliketoseethemIwouldgoandgetthem."Oh,Iwouldlikeverymuchtoseethewayitwasplayed,andIwillgotoyourroomifyouwillshowme."Wewenttomyroom,andIshowedhimtheoldthree-cardmonte

racket.Ilethimplaywiththecardsuntilhethoughtheknewallaboutthem,andhesaidtome:"Mydearsir,Ican'tseehowyoucouldlosemoneyonsuchasimplething.Iwouldnotfailtopickouttherightticketeverytime."Isaidtohim,"I'llmakeyouaproposition;Iwillthrowthetickets,andputup$100withyou.Ifyougainthemoney,youaretodonateittoyourchurch;andifIgetitIwilldothesame,forIwanttoshowyouhowIlostplayingthem."Theoldfellowacceptedmyproposition,forhewantedtogivethemoneytohischurch(andsodidI).OfcourseIdisplayedabigroll,andtoldhimIwouldjustassoonmakeit


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$200as$100.Heagreed,andweputup.Heturnedtheticket,buthefailedtopicktherightone.Itwassuchasimplethingthathegotexcited,andputdown$200more,andagainhefailedtopickouttherightone.Wekeptonuntiltheoldsuckerlostaneven$1,000,thenIsaidtohim,"Iamreallysorry,forIhadratherlosttheamountmyself.Thismoneywilldomenogood,anditwouldhardlybenefityourchurch;wehavehadlotsoffun,andIwantyoutogainthemoneyback.Iwillputupthe$1,000againstyourwatchandchain,andwhenyougainitbackwecanhaveabiglaughoverit."Heputuphishandsomewatchandchain(thathadbeenpresentedtohimbyhiscongregation),and,ashewasplayinginhardluck,Isoonhadthe"ticker."Hebademegoodnight,andwenttohisroom.

IwenttoseetheCaptain,andwhenIshowedhimthereverendgentleman'swatch,withtheinscriptionsonit,hecouldhardlybelievehisowneyes.AfterhavingagoodlaughwiththeCaptain,Iwenttotheminister'sroom,andfoundhimonhisknees.Whenhesawmehesaid,"Ihavejustbeenprayingforyou."Ireplied,"Brother,hadn'tyoudoalittleofthatforyourself?""Oh,"sayshe,"Ihaveprayedmostlyformyselfthisnight.""Well,"Isaid,"sinceyouhaveprayedforyourself,andmetoo,hereisyourwatch,chain,and$100.'Goandsinnomore.'"Hesaid(withtearsinhiseyes),"Godblessyou."IlefttheboatatNatchez,anddid

notgettoseetheoldgentlemanagain.

Icaughtapreacheronceforallhismoney,hisgoldspectacles,andhissermons.ThenIhadsomeofthosequeerfeelingscomeoverme(andwhentheycameuponmeIcouldnotresisttheirinfluence),soIgavehimhissermonsandspecksback.AtonetimetherewerefifteenpreachersontheJacksonRoad,goingtoaconferenceatHazelhurst.Igotinamongthem,and,justforfun,Iopenedupmonte,andIcaughtfiveoutofthefifteenforeverycenttheyhad.Itellyou,mydearreaders,preachersarebuthuman,andsomeofthemwillstealtheliveryofthecourtofheaventoservethedevil(Devol)in.

FIFTYTOTHEBARKEEPER.

IwasintheSt.Charlesbar-roomonemorning--havingbeenupallnightplayingthebank--whenagoodlookingoldfellowwalkedinandcalledforachampagnecocktail.Iturnedtohimandsaid,"Haveonewithme;Idrew$6,000outoftheHavanaLotterylastevening,andIwouldlikeyoutojoinme."Heacceptedtheinvitation;andwhilethebarkeeperwasmixingthedrinks,Islippedoutsomemontecards,andbeganplayingthemonthecounter.ItoldtheoldgentlemanitwasakindoflotteryIsawamanplay,andIwantedtolearnit.Helookedatthegame,andturnedthecardforfun,thenforthedrinksandcigars.Finallyhesaid,"I

willbetyoutwenty-fivedollarsIcanturnthecard."Isaid,"IfIbet,itwillnotbelessthan$100."Hegotouthiswallet,andtherewasplentyofmoneyinsight.IthenpretendedthatIwantedtobackout,andIofferedtotreattoabottleofwine.Hesaid,"Nosir;Iholdyoutothebet."Ithenactedalittlehuffy(ashethought),andofferedtobethim$1,000.Heputup$1,000;andasIsawsomeleft,Isaid,"Hereis$500more,andIwillbetbutonce."Heputuptheextra$500.Isaidtohim,"Youknowyoumustturnoverthebabycardthefirsttime,oryoulose.""Allright,"hesaid,andatthesametimehegrabbedacardas


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thoughhethoughtitwouldgetaway,andturneditover;butitwasnotthebaby,andIwas$1,500winner,anddidnothavetodividewithacapper,asIplayedtheoldsuckersingle-handed.Iinvitedhimtotakeanotherdrink,andthenbidhimgoodmorning.AsIwasgoingout,Irolledupafifty-dollarbillintoalittleball,andshotitatthebarkeeper.Hecaughtitonthefly,andputitinhispocket.Iwenttomyroomandsleptuntilevening,whenIwasupandreadyforthebankagain.

LOSTHISWIFE'SDIAMONDS.

Iwasplayingpokerwithagentlemanonboardthesteamer_JohnSimonds_,boundforLouisville,lateonenight,andhadwonafewhundreddollarsfromhim,whenhegotupwithoutsayingaword,andwenttotheladies'cabin.Inashorttimehecamebackwithasmallvelvet-coveredboxinhishand,andsaidtome,"Come,letusfinishourgame."Heopenedthebox,andIsawitwasfullofladies'diamondjewelry.Isaid:"Whatareyougoingtodowiththose?"Saidhe,"Iwillputthemupasmoney.""Oh,no,Ihavenouseforladies'jewelry.""Well,"sayshe,"ifIloseIwillredeemthemwhenwegettoLouisville."ItoldhimIwasnotgoingaboveVicksburg."Well,"sayshe,"ifyouwin,leavethemwiththeclerkandIwillpayhim."Ithenloanedhim$1,500onthe

jewelry,andwesatdowntoplay.Itwasabout3A.M.whenwecommenced,andbeforetheywantedthetablesforbreakfastIhadwonthe$1,500back.Wedrankachampagnecocktail,andhewenttohisroom.Thebarberwasatworkonme,sothatIwasalittlelateforbreakfast,andthestewardhadtotakemeintotheladies'cabintogetmeaseat.Therewasagentleman,averybeautifullady,andasweetlittlechildatthesametable;thelady'seyeswerered,asifshehadbeencrying.Ilookedatthegentleman,andsawitwasthesamepersonswhohadlostthediamonds.Somehow,mybreakfastdidnotsuitme;andthemoreIlookedatthatyoungwifeandmother,thelessIfeltlikeeating.SoatlastIgotupandleftthetable.Iwenttomyroom,gotthelittlevelvetbox,wrappeditup,andcarrieditback.Theywerejustleavingthe

tablewhenIreturned.Icalledthechambermaid,andtoldhertheladyhadleftapackage,andforhertotakeittoherroom.AfteritwasgoneIfeltbetter,andIeatasquaremeal.Thegentlemancameandthankedme,andwantedmyaddress;butasIneverhadanyonetosendmemoneylostatgambling,Itoldhimnottomindtheaddress;forIknewifIdidnotgiveit,Iwouldnotexpectanything,andthereforewouldnotbedisappointed.

THEMONTEKING.

AftergettingwellofthefeverinNewOrleans,ItookatripuptheriverononeoftheVicksburgpackets.OnthistripImeta

manbythenameofRollins,whowasthefirstmanIeversawplayingthree-cardmonte.SeeingIwasprettysmart,heproposedapartnership.Wecommenceddepredationsonthepackets.Hedidtheplaying,andIwasthecapper.Irepresentedaplanter'ssontravelingformyhealth.Thefirstpartythatwefellontowasaniggertrader,whohadforty-fivebigblackcoonsonboard,takingthemtoNewOrleanstosell.Wefoundhimaneasyvictim,anddownedhimfor$4,100andfourofhisniggers.Wewereafraidtowinanymorefromhimonaccountofasqueal,butheactedveryhonorablyandmadeoutabillofsale.


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Well,hereIwasaslave-holderwithplentyofmoney.MypartnerwasoneofthebestthatIeverworkedwith,exceptCanadaBill,whomIshallspeakoflater.

Wesoldourslavesatoneoftheyardsfor$4,400;theyaveraged$1,100apiece,andintwentyminutesafterIsawoneofthemputontheblockandbring$1,700.Weknockedaboutthecity,spendingourmoneyfreely;ridingtothelake,eatingbigsupperswiththegirls;andallwerefriends,forwewouldnotallowanypersontospendacent,andtheflowingchampagnewasagreatluxuryinthosedays.

ThenexttripwetookwasonaRedRiverpacket.WewentasfarasShreveportandbackonthesameboat;andonthetrip,clearofexpenses,wewere$6,000winners,asitwasnomoretroubletowin$1,000thenthan$1now.

Well,thegamblersbegantogetalittlejealousofus,andatthesametimewelostheavilyattheirgameswhenweplayed,aswewerebothgoodsuckersatanygameexceptourown.Onenightoneofthemstruckmypartner,andIjumpedinbetweenandtoldthemIdidallthefightingforboth;andatitwewent,andtheresultwasIdidhimup;forIalwayskeptmyselfingoodconditionby

usingdumb-bellsandtakingotherexercise.WhenIwastwenty-fiveyearsold,Ididnotthinktherewasamanintheworldthatcouldwhipmeinabar-roomoronthestreet.

AfterIgotawaywiththisgambler,theymadeuptheirmindsthattheywouldgetamanwhowouldmakemesqueal.Wecontinuedworkingtheboatsandmakingplentyofmoney,andeverytimewegotoutinthecitybothofuswouldloseabigsumofmoney;andthenperhapsIwouldhavetofight,fortheywerelookingforamantostartafusswithme.Onenightwehadbeendowntothelakeandhadabigsupper,andwedroveupoppositetheSt.CharlesHotelandwentin.Therewereabouttwenty-fivegamblersstandinginasalooncalledtheJewel.Isawataglancetheyweredrinkingandfull;

IalsosawtwoofmymenthatIhadwhippedpreviously.Well,Icouldnotshowthewhitefeather,soIcalledforabasketofwineandinvitedalltojoinme,whenoneofthepartysteppedoutintothemiddleoftheroom,tookoffhiscoat,andsaid:"Icanwhipanymanintheroom."Ilookedaround,andsawitwasajobtoeitherkillorwhipme.IsawataglanceIhadonlyonefriendinthehouse;thatwasCaptainSmoker,oftheVicksburgPacketCompany.Iknewhecouldbeofnoservicetome.Thedoorwaslocked.Iturnedtothechallengerandsaid:"Iknowwhoyoumeanthisfor,"andIuntiedmycravat.Ihadasinglestoneonmyshirtthatcostme$2,600.Itookoffmycoatandvest,andhandedthemalltothebarkeeper.Theenemywasapowerfullybuiltman,sixfeetandoneinchhigh,andweighedthirty-fivepoundsmore

thanmyself;atthattimeIweighed195pounds.Well,totellyouthetruth,itwasaprettyhardfight;butIgotonegoodlickathimwithmyhead,andthatwonthebattleforme.Ittookallthefightoutofhim.Hesaid,"Thatwilldo."Thedoorswerethrownopen,andinlessthanaminutetherewere1,000peopleinthere.

Wewerebotharrestedandtakentothestation-house,orcalaboose,wherewegavebail,CaptainSmokergoingonmybond.Whiletheyweresigningourbonds,myopponentmadesomeremarkthatIdidnotlike,andIhithimagoodcrackintheneckandbroughthim


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downonhisknees,buttheypartedus;andthenextday,whenweappearedincourt,theJudgesaidhehadanotiontofineus$100apiecefornotsendingforhim,ashewantedtoseeithimself;"butIwillletyougothistime."Theman'snamewasJohnMortice,ofNatchez,Miss.

Well,totellyouthetruth,Iwasprettywellusedup,butIstaidinmyroomtillIgotallrightagain.Wemadeseveralsuccessfultripsafterthattogether.Atlastweparted,andhewenttoCalifornia,andsoonafterdied.Iwasthenkingofthemontemen,anddidalloftheplayingmyself.IgotamannamedCharlieClarktodothecappingforme,andwemadeaworldofmoney.

"Eph"Holland,Alexander,andIwerecomingoutoftheRedRiveronenight.Theboatwasfullofpeople,andagreatmanywereplayingpoker.Itwas2:30A.M.,whenalargeandpowerfulmanrushedoutoftheladies'cabinwithnothingonbuthisnight-shirt,andwithalargebutcher-knifeinhishand.Herushedtooneofthetables,wherethereweresevenseated,andbeforetheycouldriseheplungedtheknifeuptothehiltintwoofthemen.Ijumpedupandranoutintothehall,determinedtokillhimifhemadeabreakforme;buttheCaptainhallooedatme,"Don'tshoot,heisacrazyman."HehadbeenbroughtonboardatAlexandriabyhiswife,whowastakinghimtoanasylum.Hecamerushingthrough

thecabintowardsthehall,andIsnatchedupabigironpoker;forImadeupmymindIwouldlayhimoutifhecamewithinreach.Hepickedoutanothermanandstartedforhim,andtheyhaditallaroundtheguards.Thepoorfellowthathewasafterwasalmostscaredtodeath.Ijumpedinsideofthedoor,andashecamebrandishinghisknifeIdealthimaheavyblowonthesideofthehead,whichbroughthimdown.Wethengotropeandtiedhim,andkepthiminthatpositiontilltheengineermadehand-cuffsforhim.

THEDAGUERROTYPEBOAT.

"Goodheaven!thatsotsandknavesshouldbesovain,

TowishtheirvileremembrancemayremainAndstandrecordedattheirownrequest,Tofuturedaysalibelorajest."

Beforethewar,"Eph"Holland,mypartnerAlexander,andmyselfwerewaitingforaboatatthemouthoftheRedRiver.Therewasalittleboatlyingatthelanding,nicelyfittedupforadaguerrotypegallery,andIproposedtotheboysthatwehaveourpicturestakenalltogether,andIwouldpayforit,asIthoughtitwouldmakeaprettygroup.Theyagreed,sowewentonboardtheboatandlettheartisttakeusallinabunch.Hollandwasinthemiddle,andthepictureflatteredhim;soheinsistedonhavingadozencopies.Isawthatthepicturedidnotdomejustice,soIwanted"Eph"to

sitalone,tellinghimitwouldcostless.Hesaidhewouldpaythebill,forhecouldseeitwasthecontrastthatshowedhimofftosogreatanadvantage.Well,topleasehimwelettheartistdrawabeadonuseleventimesmore;foratthattimetheycouldonlytakeonepictureatashot.Hollandpaidtheentirebill,whichwassolargethatIaskedthedaguerrotypemanifhewouldsellout."Oh,no;Iammakingtoomuchmoney,"sayshe.ThenIthought,Iwilltryandgetsomeofit;atleasttheamountthatpoor"Eph"hadpaidforhisvanity.ItoldtheoldstoryofhowIhadlostmymoney,andbegantothrowthecards.Isoonhadthem


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guessing;Alexanderturnedupthecornerofthewinner,andthenbetme$100thattheartistcouldturnit.Itookhimup,andlostthemoney.Theartistgotexcitedandwantedtobethismoney.Theresultwas,Iwonallhehad,andtoldhimIwouldgivehimachancetogeteven,andwouldbetallhehadlostagainsthisboatandcontents.Heacceptedtheproposition.Hollandmadeoutabillofsale,theartistsignedit,andinashorttimehehadlosthishomeandbusiness.ThenIsaidtohim:"Youhaveplayedinbadluck,soIwillpayyouasalarytomanagethebusinessforme."Heacceptedtheemployment.Webidhimgoodbye,andtookaboatforNewOrleans.TwoweekslaterIsawmypictureboatatBayouSara.Iwentonboard,andmyemployeewasgladtoseeme(oratleasthesaidhewas).Iaskedhimaboutthebusiness,andhetoldmehewaslosingmoney;soItoldhimIwouldliketosellout.Hewantedtoknowmyprice;Itoldhim$150.Heofferedme$40cash,andhisnoteforthebalance;soIthought,ashehadbeenlosingmoneyfortwoweeks,Ihadbettersell.Ihavehisnoteyet,andthefirsttimeIseeHollandIamgoingtotryandsellittohim.Therewasnomoneyinthebusinessforme,asitwasoutsideofmyline;andIhavecometotheconclusionthatamanshouldsticktohislegitimatebusiness."Eph"Hollandwassorryafterwardthatheeverhadhispicturetakeninagroup,forthenexttimehewenttoNewOrleanshewasarrestedonthestreetandtakentotheChief'soffice,andtherehesawhis"group"

pictureintherogues'gallery.Hetriedtoexplainhowitwasthathispicturecametobegroupedwithtwounknownhorse-thieves,buttheChiefcouldn'tseeit.ThenEphsentforhisfriends,whowentonhisbond,andhewasletoffuntilthenextmorning.AsheandhisfriendswereleavingtheChief'sofficehecaughtsightofme,andthenhe"dropped,"andsaidtome,"George,_you_gavethatpicturetotheChief."Isaid,"Whatpicture?"ThenEphsaid,"Boys,comeon;it'sallonme."TheChiefjoinedus;andwhenEphhadsettledthebill,hesaidtome,"George,thenexttimeIhavemypicturetakenIwillgoitalone."Isaidtohim,"Eph,allisvanityandvexationofspirit."

PITTSBURG'SBESTMAN.

Beforethewartherewereagreatmanycoalboatmentravelingontheriver.IwascomingupatthattimewithCaptainForsyth,onthesteamer_Cambria_.Someofthecoalboatcrewtraveledinthecabin,andothersondeck.Igotintoagamewithoneoftheirbullies.TheysaidhewasthebestmaninPittsburg.IntheplayIbestedhimoutofafewhundreddollars,andhedidnotlikeitabit.HewentdownondeckandtoldhispartytherewasaBOYupstairswhohadwonallhismoney."IfhecomesondeckIwillletyouknow,andwewillthrowhimdownandtakethemoneyawayfromhim."Thenewscametome,andIpreparedfortheboysbyputtingmymoneyandjewelryintheoffice,tookmypistolandwentdown

ondeck.Thebullywasthere;hepointedmeouttothegang.Theycommencedtogatheraroundme.Ibackedupagainstahogsheadofsugar,tellingthemnottocomeanynearertomeorIwouldhurtsomeofthem.Theytookthehint,butbegantoabuseme.Themateandsomeoftheboat'screwcamebackintothedeck-room,andthenIcommencedtoopenoutonthem."Now,"saidItothebully,"perhapsyoucanwhipme,butIcantellyouinafewwordsyouneversawaboymorewillingtofightthanmyself;andifyouwillgivemeaboy'sshow,wewillseewhoisthebestofthetwo."Hesaid,"Icanwhipyouinaminute;"andsosaying,hetookoffhis


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coat.Ithrewmineoffinquicktime,readyforafight.Itwasagoodone.HehitmeashardaseverSullivanhitaman;butIkeptdodgingmyhead,sohewouldhitthat,andhesoonhadhisrighthandasbigasanyman'shead.Iatlastcommencedtogiveittohimabouttheheadprettylively.Andtalkaboutahead!Hislookedlikethehind-quarterofabeef.Finallyoneofthecrewcalledoutenoughforhim,forhewasnotabletodoso.Theycarriedthebigbullyupstairsandlaidhiminhisbed.Totellthetruth,hewasthetoughestmanIeverhadanythingtodowith;forhewasapowerfulman,weighedtwohundredpounds,andcouldhitlikeajacka-kicking.ThePittsburgersdidhatetoseetheirmangetwhipped,ashewastheirleader.ThenewswenttoPittsburg,andtheycouldhardlybelievethathecouldgettheworstofarough-and-tumblefight.

AtonetimeIwascrossingtheleveeatNewOrleansabout6o'clockintheevening,whenabigfellowjumpedfrombehindacottonbaleandstruckmeontheheadwithanirondray-pin,whichheheldinbothhands.Theblowstaggeredme,andIfellonmyknees.Icaughtholdofthedray-pinuntilIrecoveredmyself,whenIgotholdofhimandtookthepinoutofhishand.Idownedhim;andwasjustgettingreadytogotowork,whenthepolicerushedinandpulledmeoff.Iwouldhavegiven$100iftheyhadletmealonejusthalfaminute.Theytookusbothtothelock-up.I

putupmoneyforbothofustoappear,asIwantedtogetathimagain;buthecalledonthepolicetoaccompanyhimtohisplaceofbusiness.Hewasabossdrayman,andaparticularfriendofastevedoreIhadwhippedayearpreviously,andhehaditinforme.

DIDN'TWINTHEBAGS.

TherewasamaninNewOrleansbeforethewarthatsuppliedthesteamboatmenwithsilvertopaytheirdeck-hands.Hecouldbuyitatadiscount,asitwasadrugonthemoneymarketatthattime.Ihaveoftenseenhimwithhistwoheavyleatherbags,onhiswayfromthebanktotheboats.Onedaymypartner(Charlie

Bush)andIwereinasaloononCampStreet,wheninwalkedthe"silverman,"carryinghisheavyleatherbags.IgaveBushthewink,andbeganthrowingthecardsonthecounter.Themangotstucklookingatthegame;andwhenBushbetme$100andwonit,hegotmoreinterestedandbetmethedrinks,whichIlost;thenhebetmethecigars,andIlostagain.Ithensaidtohim:"Youcan'tguessthewinnerfor$500."Hesaid,"Iwillbetyou$100Ican."ItoldhimIwouldnotbetlessthan$500;thenBushsaid,"Iwillbetyou,"andweputupthemoney,andBushwonit.Old"silver"gotexcitedwhenhesawBushpocketthe$500,andIsaidtohim,"Iwillbetyou$1,000againstthesilverinthetwobags."Heknewtherewasnotnear$1,000inthebags,sohejumpedthemuponthecounter,andsaid,"It'sago;"andthenhestoodclose

andwatchedmethrowthem,untilIsaid"Ready;"thenhemadeagrab,andturnedoverthewrongcard.Ifhehadbeenstruckbylightning,hecouldnothaveactedmoredazed.Hedroppedintoachairandlostallcontrolofhimself,andIfeltalittlesorryforhim;but"businessisbusiness."SoIpickedupthebagsandstartedtogo,whenthefellowcametohissensesandsaid:"Holdon;youdidnotwinthebags."Isawhehadmeonthebags;andasIknewhehadthemmadeforthebusiness,Isaidtohim:"Ifyougetmesomethingtoputthemoneyin,youcanhavethebags."Hejumpedupandranout;andwhenhereturnedwithameal-sack,


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hefoundthebarkeeperandhistwobags,butnotBushandme.Wehadboughtsometowelsofthebarkeeper,dumpedthesilverintothemandlitout,forfearthatthelittleoldsilvermanwouldbringbacka"cop"toholdus,inplaceofsomethingtoholdthesilver.Thelittlefellowwasgame,anddidnotsayanythingabouthisloss.ThenexttimeImethimherequestedmetosaynothingabouttheplay;andeverytimewemetwewouldtakeadrink,andlaughoverthejoke.ThelasttimeImetmysilverfriendhewascrippledupwiththerheumatismsohecouldhardlywalk,andhewas"deadbroke."Igavehim$10(forpastfavors),andIhavenotseenhimsince;andIexpectheisnowinhisgrave,forithasbeenmanyyearsagosinceIwonthesilver,butnotthebags.

THEBLACKDECK-HAND.

CharlieClarkandIleftNewOrleansonenightonthesteamer_DukeofOrleans_.Thereweretenortwelveroughlookingfellowsonboard,whodidtheirdrinkingoutofprivatebottles.Charlieopenedupshopinthecabin,andsoonhadagreatcrowdaroundhim.Isawthatthedevilshadbeendrinkingtoomuch,soIgaveCharliethewink,andhesoonclosedup,claimingtobebroke.ThenwearrangedthatIshoulddotheplaying,andhewouldbeonthelookout.Isoongotaboutallthemoneyandsomewatchesoutof

theroughs,besidesIbeatsevenoreightoftheotherpassengers.Theyallappearedtotakeitgood-naturedlyatthetime;butitwasnotlongbeforetheirloss,andthebadwhisky,begantoworkonthem.Isawtherewasgoingtobetrouble,soImadeasneakformyroom,changedmyclothes,andthenslippeddownthebackstairsintothekitchen.IsentwordforClarktocomedown.Ithenblackenedmyfaceandhands,andmademyselflooklikeadeck-hand.Ihadhardlyfinishedmydisguise,whenaterriblerumpusupstairswarnedmethattheballwasopen.Thewhiskywasbeginningtodoitswork.Theysearchedeverywhere;kickedinthestate-roomdoors,turnedeverythingupsidedown,andraisedh--lgenerally.Iftheycouldhavecaughtmethen,itwouldhavebeengoodbyeGeorge.Theycamedownondeck,walkedpast,andinquiredofa

roustaboutwhostoodbymeifhehadseenawell-dressedmanondeck.Hetoldthem"hehadnotseenanygemmandownondeckaforetheycamedown."Theyhadtheirgunsout,andwereswearingvengeance.Theboatwasplowingherwayalonguptheriver;thestevedoreswerehurryingthedarkiestogetupsomefreight,asalandingwassoontobemade.Thewhistleblew,andtheboatwasheadedforshore.ThosedevilsknewIwouldattempttoleavetheboat,soassoonastheplankwasputouttheyranoveronthebank,andcloselyscannedthefaceofeveryonewhogotoff.Therewasalotofplowstobedischarged,soIwatchedmychance,shoulderedaplow,followedbyalonglineofcoons,andIfairlyflewpastthemob.Ikeptonupthehighbankandthrewmyplowontothepile,andthenImadeforthecottonfields.Ilaydown

onmybackuntiltheboatwasoutofsight,andthenIcameout,washedmyselfwhite,andtookaboatforVicksburg,whereImetClarkthenextday,andwedividedtheboodlethathehadbroughtwithhim.HetoldmethatafterIhadlefttheboattheygotlightsandwentdownintothehold,lookingforme,astheyweresureIwasstillontheboat.Itwasaprettyclosecall,buttheywerelookingforawell-dressedman,andnotablackdeck-hand.

HARDBOILEDEGGS.


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IwasgoingfromBatonRougetoNewOrleansonthesteamer_GrandDuke_,oneNewYear'seve,andhadspentagreatdealofmoneyatthebarforwine.ThebarkeeperwasanItalianwithagreatname,whichwasNapoleon.Isaidtohim,"Nap,Ihearyouhavesixtydozeneggsonboard;supposeyoutreatmetoaneggnog.""Oh,no;menotreat;ifyoupay,memakesome.""Ifyoudon'ttreatmetoaneggnog,Iwillquitbuyingwine,"Isaid,andwalkedout.IwenttoDanielFindlay,thesteward,andtoldhimhowstingyold"Nap"wastome.Dansaid,"Nevermind,George;I'llfixhimandhiseggs."Hetoldthecooktofireup,andthengetthosesixtydozeneggsandboilthemhardash--l.Aftertheywereallhard-boiled,theyputthemintocoldwater,andthenputthembackintothebox.Iwentbacktothebar,andwaiteduntilDansentmewordthatallwasready;thenIsaidtooldNappy,"Iwasonlyinfun;Iwantedtoseeifyoucouldmakeagoodeggnog.""Imakegoodeggnoggyasanybody,"saidNap."Well,ItellyouwhatIwilldo;ifyouwillmakeenoughtotreatallthepassengers,Iwillgiveyou$10,"Isaid."Allright,"sayshe,andstartedtothestoreroomtogethissugar,milk,eggs,etc.Hesoonreturned,loadeddownwithstock.Hegotouthislargebowl,andthencrackedoneoftheeggs.Itdidn'tcracktosuithim;helookedatit,andthensaidtome,"Lookeydat!achickinthefirstegg!"Hethrewthatoneoutofthewindow,andthencrackedanother,whichwasjust

likethefirst;thenhesaid,"Meboughtytheeggforfresh;nogood;allrot."Thenhebrokeanother,andanother,andfinallyhebrokeoneopenandfoundithardboiled;thenhesaid,"Whobileytheegg?Megivefivedollietoknowwhobileytheegg!"HisItalianbloodwasuptofeverheat,anditwassometimebeforewecouldgetadrinkofanykind.HesoldtheeggsinmarketwhenwegottoNewOrleans.WedidnothaveoureggnogthatNewYear'seve,butwehadthebestlaughattheexpenseofoldNapoleonthatIeverhadinmylife.

"SNAPGAMES."

IwascomingdownfromtheMemphisracesonthe_R.W.Hill_.Therewereabouttwenty-fivegamblersontheboat,andtheywereallcrazyforagameoffaro.ItoldthemIhadasetoftoolsonboardthatIwouldloanthemiftheywantedtoopen.Theyacceptedtheoffer,andtookturnsinopening"snaps."Someopenedashighas$1,000atatime.Iwasplayingpoker,anddidnotpaymuchattentiontotheirgame.AftersupperItoldthemthatIwouldopena$1,000"snap,"andtheycouldtapitwhentheypleased.WhenIsatdowntodeal,Ihadamatchedsetofboxes;youcouldnottellonefromtheother.Oneboxwasfixedforallthecasestolose,andthisIkeptsecreted.Theyknockedmeoutof$400ononedeal;onthenextdealIshuffledupthesamecardsandputtheminthebox,sotheycouldseethateverythingwasonthe

square.AsIdidso,mypartnertippedoverabiglotofsilveronthelayout,whichhehadstackeduponpurposetodrawtheirattention,andIcamethechangeontheboxesandthrewmyhandkerchiefovertheboxIheldinmylap.Everythingwentonallright.Thefirstcasethatshowedonthecase-keepertheyalljumpedontoplayitopen,astheywantedtobreakthesnap,asthenIwouldopenanother;butthecaselost,andIwasagoodbigwinneroverthelastdeal.Whenitcametoanothercase,theyplayedittowin,anditlost;buttheydidnotthinkanythingwaswrong,sotheykeptfiringawaytilltheywereallprettywellcrippledin


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moneymatters.Theyplayedthedealout,andnearlyallwerebroke.AttheendofthedealIsaid,"Boys,Iwillhavetoquityou,asitistoomuchofaseesawgame;"andthentheycommencedtosmellarat,andyouwouldhavegiven$100tohaveheardthemcursingfornotwatchingmeshufflethatdeal.Thegameclosedwithnearlyallthemoneywon;someofthemIhadtoloanmoney,topaytheirexpenses.

THEJUERGUNSENWATCH.

IwonaJuergunsenwatchonetimefromaJew.Iput$1,000againstit.AfterIgotthewatchtheJewcametomeandsaid:"Lookhere,Iwanttotellyousomething.Iboughtthatwatchfor$5.Itisnotworththatmuch,sohelpmegracious;butIboughtitforabrotheronafarm,andhedon'tknowthedifference.I'lltellyouwhatIdo;Iwillgiveyou$10forit,forIdon'twanttofoolhim,asIamgoingouttherenow."Itoldhimitwasgoodenoughtogivetoaboy,andIwouldkeepitforablackboyIhad."ItellyouwhatIdo;ratherthanletaniggerboygetit,I'llgiveyou$15."Isaid"No."Hekeptraisingtillhegotto$400.AsIknewIcouldgetnomore,Ilethimhaveit.Afterhegotthewatchhecommencedtolaughandsaidhecheatedme,forthewatchcosthim$600.Iknewwhattheycost,forIhadpricedthe

samewatches,andtheywereworth$600atthattime.Itwasoneofthefinestmake,splitseconds,andhadanalarm.Thecaseswereveryheavy,withadiamondinthestemthatwouldweighakarat.TheJewthoughthehadbeatme,butheseemedtoforgetthatIhadbeathimfirst.

ITMADEAMANOFHIM.

"Yetfondlyweourselvesdeceive,Andemptyhopespursue;Thoughfalsetoothers,webelieveShewilltousprovetrue."

Onmywayuptheriveronboardtheoldsteamer_Natchez_(theboatthatwasburnedupduringthewar),Iwonsomemoneyandacheckfor$4,000ontheLouisianaStateBankofNewOrleans.Thecheckwassignedbyoneofthelargestplantersonthecoast,andIknewitwasgoodifpresentedbeforepaymentwasstopped;soItookpassageonthe_MaryKean_(oneofthefastestboatsontheriver),boundforNewOrleans.Welandedinthecityabout4o'clockMondaymorning.IgotacabtotakemedowntotheFrenchmarkettogetacupofcoffeebeforegoingtomyroom.AsIwaspassingtheSt.LouisHotelonmywayfromthemarket,IsawamanthatIrecognizedashailingfromCincinnati(Iwillnotgivehisname).Heappearedtobegladtoseeme;butIcouldseehewasnotathisease,so

afteralittlewhileIthoughtIwouldsoundhim,soIsaid,"WhatwasthattroubleyougotintoinCincinnati?"Helookedatmeinsurprise,andsaid:"Howdidyouhearaboutit?"(therewasnotelegraphlinefromCincinnatitoNewOrleansinthosedays).Itoldhimitwasallright,andhecouldtrustme.Iinvitedhimtotakebreakfastwithme;heacceptedtheinvitation,andtoldmehewouldtellmeabouthimselfwhenwewereinamoreprivateplace.Afterbreakfast,wewalkedovertothebank,andIdrewthe$4,000ontheplanter'scheck;thenwewenttomyroom,andhetoldmehisstory.Hewasabookkeeperforalargeporkhouse;became


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infatuatedwithagaymarriedwoman,madefalseentries,andfinallyranawaywiththeenticingmarriedwoman.Iadvisedhimtoputonadisguise,forIknewthepolicewouldsoonbelookingforhim.Heinvitedmetogowithhimandseehisladylove,forsaidhe,"Sheisoneofthetruestandbestwomenintheworld."Iwentwithhim,andmetaveryfinelookinglady.Ididnotblamehimverymuchforbeinginfatuated;butIwonderedhowmuchmoneyhedidgetawaywith,andhowamIgoingtogetmyshare;forIalwaysfeltthatitwasmyduty(asanhonestman)towinstolenmoney.Isoonfoundouthehadabout$8,000ofotherpeople'smoney,andIwantedit.Ifirsttaughthimtoplaypoker,sohecouldbeinwithmethefirsttimewecaughtasucker.IgotClarktoplaythepart,andhebeatusoutof$6,000,mostofwhichwas"porkmoney.""Thebestandtruestwomanintheworld"ranoffwithanotherfellow,whichlittlethingnearlybrokemyyoungfriend'sheart;butinashorttimehewenttoGalveston,Texas,gotintoalargecottonhouse,andthelasttimeIsawhimhesaid,"George,weliveandlearn.Thatlittlegamemadeamanofme."

THECOTTONMAN.

MypartnerandIwerewaitingatthemouthofRedRiverforaboattotakeustoNewOrleans.Therewasamanwhohadtwelvebales

ofcottononthewharf,andhewasalsowaitingforaboat.Itoldmypartnertogetacquaintedwithhim,andtokeepawayfromme.Theresultwasthattheyweregoodfriendswhenaboatarrived.Wealltookpassage,thecottonwasloaded,andwewereonourway.Iopenedupthethree-cardracket;mypartnerwon$100,andthenthecottonmanwascrazy,forhedidnothaveanymoneytobet.Mypartnertoldhimhewouldloanhimsomeonhiscotton.Theywenttotheclerk,whomadeoutabillofsaleforthetwelvebales.Hegotthemoney,andthenhewashappy,forhewassureofdoublingitwithme.Hewashappybutforashorttime.Ihadallhismoney,andmypartnerhadallofhiscotton,sohe(beingagoodfriend)lethimhavesomemoneytopayhisexpenses.Hedidnotremainlong,sothecostwasnotveryheavy.Thecottonwasworth

about12centsperpoundatthattime,butduringthewaritwasmanytimesthatprice.Iwasneververymuchstuckoncotton,asitwastoobulkytogetawaywithincaseyouhadtoleaveaboatinahurry.

TAUGHTALESSON.

Iwasplayingpokerwithaman,who,afterIhadbrokehim,wenttoagentlemanfriendofhisandpromisedhimtwenty-fivedollarsfortheloanof$500untilhegothome.Ashewasworthagreatdealofmoney,hisfriendloanedhimthe$500.Afterhegotanewstake,hecametomeandwantedtorenewtheplay.Ihadplayed

asquaregame,and,believinghimtobeagentleman,Isatdowntoplaythesameway;butIsoonsawhethoughthimselfabetterplayerthanmyself,soIlitintothenewstake,anditwasnotlonguntilIhadhimbrokeagain.ThenhewenttotheCaptainandsetupagreatkick.TheCaptainsaidtohim,"Ifyouhadwonthemoney,wouldyouhavegivenitback?"Hesaid,"Captain,IgiveyoumywordofhonorthatIwould.""Then,"saystheCaptain,"whydidyoupaytwenty-fivedollarsfortheloanofthemoney?""Oh,"sayshe,"Ionlywantedtoteachhimalesson.""Well,"saystheCaptain,"ifyoupaytwenty-fivedollarseverytimeyouwanttoteachsuch


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menasheisalesson,youwillsoongetbroke.Ican'tdoanythingforyou,myfinefellow."

Thepassengerslaughedathim,andsomecalledhim"agoodteacher"(andthatbrokehimallup).Hesoonsneakedofftohisroom,andthatwasthelastIsawofmyteacher.

SINKINGOFTHEBELLEZANE.

Iwasapassengeronthesteamer_BelleZane_duringthewinterseason,andnavigationwasexpectedtobeclosedsoon,astheriverwasfulloffloatingice.Wehadalargenumberofpassengersonboard,andweregettingalongverywelluntilwelefttheOhio.WehadleftCairo,andweresteamingdowntheMississippi,whentheboatstruckasnag,andinaveryshorttimehadsunkdowntothecabin.Itwasaboutfouro'clockinthemorning,butIwasup(asusual).Wehadthepassengersoutoftheirroomsinquicktime,andgotthemupontheroofintheirnightclothes,astherewasnotimeforthemtodress.Inafewmomentsthecabinseparatedfromthedeck,floatedoff,andthensankdownuntilwewerestandingintheiceandwaternearlykneedeep.Itwasaterriblesight;suchaoneasIhopeandprayImayneverseeagain.Men,women,andchildrenstandingamidthefloatingicenearlyfrozentodeath,

andexpectingeverymomenttosinkintoawaterygrave.Somewerescreamingforhelp,otherswerepraying,whileothersstoodasiftheywerelost.Icaughtuponepoorwoman,whowasnearlyfrozentodeath,andheldherinmyarmsabovethewater.Othersdidthesame,whilethecrewandsomeofthepassengerstoretheboardsoffthepilot-house,andtriedtopaddlethewrecktoshore.Wefloateddownuntilwestruckapoint.Thementhatweredoingthepaddlingjumpedoffontotheshore,andthenheldontothewreckuntiltheyswungitaroundintoaneddy.Wegotallthepassengersoff,butitwasaboutamiletothenearesthouse.Wewereallnearlyfreezing,andtherewasnotoneofusthatdidnothaveourfeetfrozen.Wehadnofire,noranywaytomak

Documents

Forty Years a Gambler on the Mississippi by Devol, George H