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4'5^ ^'

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

AN AUTOBIOGBAPHY.

EDITET) IIT

JOHN MORRIS.

"And wo wlU put down the things we havo seen as seen, and the things we have
heard as heard, in order that our book may be honest and true, without any Ue, and
that every one that mny rend or hear this book may believe it ; for all things it con-
tains are true."— ifeciMiJ de« Toyagei df, la Societi df Oeographie.— Voyage de Mareo
PoU).

i^H^

NEW YORK:
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR,

.. . ftfjf^^

H 1/& •/ /
,d)3

ICntorod ncooriling to Aot of rongrcss, in tliojonr IPTI), liy

J O n X II O IJ lU S ,

In tlio OfTu'c of the Libraritin of Congress, at Wnsliington, D. C.

iNxnom

Eabi.v

Early

PllOFES

TheCi

CaI'TAI

DU'Lo:

MAjOI

Faro
Depa
Pdan

VTnF.

OSTl

The

"W^AS
IJiVI
iNCt

/6 '/ / S

^"'i

T';

CONTENTS.

ISTRODUCTOnY

Eabi.y Days

Early Days

PllOFESSION

ThbClcb

Cai'taik William Smith

du'lomacy

Majoii Geoiigb Jenks

Faro

Departubb

Phastomb of the Memory

"WnEELINO

OS TO ElCHMOSn

TheHobsb

■Washinhtgn' City

Ixvextors

INCIJBI

J Shaupers

C HATTER I.
CUAI'TEB II.
CnATTER III.
CHAPTEK IV.
CIIAi'TETl V.
CHATTER VI.
CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER IX.
CHAPTER X.
CHAPTER XI.
CHAPTER XII.
CHAPTER XIII.
CHAPTER XIV.
CHAPTER XV.
CHAPTER XVI.
CHAPTER XVII.

87
. 30
. 37
. 47
. 56
.. 75
.. 64

.IOC
.112
..140
..156
..180
..187

4 CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XV III. P*""
SCKNU AT LONO BBAMCn '''''

CHAPTER XIX.

Bkcond-Cla«8 Skinnwo-Hoises 207

CHAPTER XX.

BnARrERS **

CHAPTER XXI.

BlOQUAl-niCAL Sketcuks "'*^

CHAPTER XXII.

NkwYohk ^^

CHAPTER XXIII.

BtivARiNn Accorars "^"^

CHAPTER XXIV.

In THE LOCK-UP ^^

CHAPTER XXV.

BOXRRS ^^'^

CHAPTER XXVI.

Pkhskcution ^^

CHAPTER XXVII.

FnKJUDICBS '^^

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Wolf-Thai-8 ^^*

CHAPTER XXIX.

"WoLr-TKAVa— Continued •. S^B

CHAPTER XXX.

Sbabf Practice ^*'

CHAPTER XXXI.

Lexington Races ^86

CHAPTER XXXII.

TbbFugbt ^"^

CHAPTER XXXIII.

The MI88IBSIFFI *^3

CHAPTER XXXIV.

Siver Sharpers *^

CHAPTER XXXV.

Three-Card Monte Throwers <35

CHAPTER XXXVI.

The Hoo-Drovek ***

CHAPTER XXXVII.

Mobile *^

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

A "Nigger IN the Fence." *^

CHAPTER XXXIX.
The "Nigger " gets Out *^^

tbau

beau

■with

the

beai

and

the

in t

hea

Bill
uut

ear

the

mil

of]

sue

ess

ne'

P«o«.
. . l'J7

..207

. .S21

..an

..262
..280
..285
..310
..321
.. 335
..354
. . .366
...380
...386
...401
...413
...428
...435
...444
...458
...463
....481

INTRODUCTORY.

" The castlod crnR of Draolionffils _

Frowuii o'er the wiUo and winding RUuio.

with highly-cultivated funiiH, vincyarcls, cl"»ehi;s ull. s ana
Thfp a ial residenccB of tho nohility. Beneath h.mhes the
beaut nivillago of Melheim, to the left the ru.na of foll^f ««?''
mid the islands of Nonnerswcrth and Oberwinter to tho right
the ruius of Godesburg, and, farther on, the eity of Bonn, whi e
S the dii distance the cathedral spires of Cologne point to

^'ITtho oye turns from tho river the scene is entirely changed
Billt e'evat'ed above hills, in endless Bucces^on of pyramids,
until tho eve turns for relief to the beautiful Rhine.

Tl^^ Rhino! Tho German's fairy-land! His heaven upon

earth ' Tl e emi-barbarous hordes who, centuries ago, mhabi ed

Se castles. hose picturesque -ins strike the traveler wthad^

miration and delight, are to him familiar nc^- ^b^^^f^

ite ^^chiUy. Truly, ^^^^^^^^^^^
SHLSSir ^S i^-=3^ity in the^.J.s
enclosed by them, had no rights which they l^«f t^j^^J^^^^
bouBd to respect. '" Might made rig^," according othe.rcr^^^^^^

and their scanty flocks were I'-^^d "f ^^^ "° ^ S
pleasure, and evc.i their wives and daughters t«™ f ;™ f .^j^^
arms to gratify the brutal lust of tueh: masters. Such were the

IJJTROUICTOUV.

Ulionisli liorocs, whoso (loo<lf( arc I ho tlionio of ports, liistoii-
iiiis, and wrilcrs of roiiiancc, and «hii.;c uia-iiilicriit I'aiihs,
ciiihlazoiied with llich- \iitii('s, adorn many nl' tho tcniplcs alunj^
tho hanks of tho Ifliino, wliiln tho rnins of tlioh- fouchil pahiccs
N'lill dot the hanks of tliat lioanliful wtrinun. inoiuiiiicntsof rapino
and oi»ini'.ssio!i.

From Bonn to Manhcim thf scenery i.s at times wild and
startling;, tlieu us serenely heautiful as one of Claude Lorraine's
cvciiinj? scenes.

Unt the hand of man has done as much to heautify tho sco-
nei-y along tho Rhino as tho hand of natnro. Improved arclii-
tecturo has given to tho dwellers on tho hanks of this storied
river, luoro coniinodious and niodcM-n, if loss picturcs([uo dwell-
ings, than thoso formerly occupied hy their robhcr chieftains,
and tho wayfarer is now shellorcd In ele,i;antly-appointed hotels,
instoiid of being tho guc'^t of lordly barons, and is i)lundered
after tho most approved modern fashion. No impolite demand
for " your moncjy or your life," accompanied with an argument
in tho shape of a sword, lanc(>, or battle-axe. Matters are
arranged in a nmch moro polished .stylo in these civilized days.
Mine host presents his bill v* ith tho courtly bow of the Mexican
robber while inviting a padre on tho road to disgorge. lie is
careful to wait until tho luggage of his guest is on tho cart, and
tho carriage waits to convey him to the steamer or railway sta-
tion, lie then presents his bill of costs. 'Tis of no uso to haggle
over tho items; as soon would the robber chieftains of old abate
one jot or tittle of their demand, as the smiling host who so
suavely insists on his ''bond," even to the uttermost farthing.

No grander treat can be given to the denizens of tho over-
crowded cities of London, Paris, or St. Petersburg, than a trip
through tho mountains of Switzerland and along tho Khine.
Tho scenery of Prance, England, and Ilussia, is tamo in compar-
ison, and they are ravished with delight on first bchoiding this
storied river. Have not Byron, Scott, and many othc-a, immor-
talized its scenic beauties, both in song and prose /

But the Irishman can find as pleasing scenery along his ovra
beautiful Shannon, and Switzerland nor Italy has nothing to
compare with tho charming Lakes of Killarney. Even the Scot
need not desert his native mountains for thoso of other coun-
tries, and the American, who crosses tho most dangerous ocean

in th

tiiieii

the I

Khiii

a lit a

and

Cru;

the

surr

grai

duel

tho

Yuc

unli
izec
ofv
tho
pro
ran

tho
roti

dui

Th
di\
as
thi

BOI

foi
thi
ca
nu
en

DOts, histoii-

icciit t'iiiihs,
riiiplcs jildiii^
iitliil piiluci'rt
'Ills of rapino

les wild and
lo Lorruiiiu'd

itily tlio Rco-
lovcd arclii-

tbis storied
csnuo dwell-
er chieftaiiia,
lintcd holds,
la i)lunil('i'ed
>lito demand
111 ari(i!iiieiit
Mattens arc
ivilized days,
the Mexican
oygo. lie is
ho cart, and
' railway sta-
iso to hag,i,do
of old al)ato
host who so
t farthinfj.

of the over-
, than a trip
: the Khino.
in compar-
jhoiding this
lies, i tumor-
long his own
i nothing to
iven the Scot
' other coim-
i^erous ocean

iNTKonrcTORV. 7

in tlio world to bcliold the bcauliex and wonders of another con-
tinent, leaves behind lii.u scenes as kimihI and heaiUiful along
the npp<;r Mississippi, the St. Lawrence, and the grout luJies.
Ho will not I'nid his native Hudson snrpassed, even by tho
Khine, nor lakes in llurope more cliarming than Saint (Jeorge.

The d-.vellers on tlio western raiigo of tho Andes can well
afford to look with indilVerenco on tho scenery of Switzerland,
and a snort sea \-oyi>,-" "'' t'""''" ^I'ly*^- *"''"'" ^'*'^^' *hleans to Vera
Cruz, and a forty miles journey, over one of the finest roads in
the world, to tho city of Jalapa, and the traveler finds himself
Burrounded by sceneiy inisurpassed on tho face of tho earth for
grandeur and sublimity, and where all the climates and pro-
ductions of tho world can bo embraced in a siuglo glauco from
tho mount aiii-sido above Jalapa.

Tho seeker after aiiticpiities may continue his journey to
Yucatan, where once flourished a now extinct and almost totally
unknown raco of beings, believed to have been as highly civil-
ized as tlio peojile of Assyria and Ancient Egypt, and the ruins
of whoso once splendid temples and cities ho will find, amongst
tho tropical forests of Misantla and J'apantla, and which *vill
prove as interesting to liim as climbing tlie pyramids of Egypt or
rambling among tho musty tombs of ^dciiiphis or of Thebes.

It is now, however, only fashionable for Americans to make
tho "tower of Oorop," and up tho Nile to tho Holy Land, and to
return tlioroughly disgusted with— cverything-Araericau.

La Belle lliviere, or the Ohio, was once a favorite resort
during tho summer months. It is, indeed, a beautiful stream !
Tho lovely valleys and rounded hills, into which its banks are
diversified, present to the eye a ouccession of verdure so varied
as to at onco attract the lover of beautiful scenery. For more
than^ix hundred miles tho eye is momentarily presented with
Boraething now to feed upon. It has not, indectl, the ruined
castles and churches, tho terraced vineyards and frowning cliffs,
for whicl' tho romantic Rhine is celebrated, but, at every turn of
tho river, finely-cultivated farms, thriving orchards, herds of
cattle, sheep, and horses, " on a thousand hills," with an endless
number of towns, cities, and villages, teeming with a restless and
energetic people.

Twcntv years ago the charming scenery of the Ohio was the
theme of painters and tourists who moved over its gentle waters,

'.';

y^i

rsTKoDt'croRT.

find enjoyed Its over-cliaiiKlnK sroiiery fi'oni the decks of piilntlnl
Htcaiuors which siip[)liod to the triivolor every luxury of a first-
cliVMs hotel.

IJut niihoiids have HuporHech-d tliis once deliKhtriil route, and
the beiuiticH of this most lovely river care left to an oceasiuiiid
wandering tv)urist, the dweller on its banks, or the boatmuu who
hiburs along it» lrau(inil waters.

^\.

» of palatini
J- (if II llrst-

l route, iiiid
I occasiiiiial
)atiuuu who

^;iw«i i t-»iiO ' '->i* '«— "

WANDERINGS OF A YAGAUOND.

CHAPTER I.

KAUIA' DAYS.

baKKlin« over tho q.ior y, ^^'^.^'^^'7,7, ''.'h,, ^^. no rontrol
a fortunate event, or otherwise t. ^ '^ f^V ^^^^^^ tho ..rtho-
or choieoln thdr -" J"-™:?^:^,;^ ^^ r^.^ tho beginning

s,:rMCSivr:;;,"n,,^;:.o.uteteruau

after, n.r the " clee.ls .hmo ^ ^J > • „,,„y ^^^

There is, ha« hoen, a id aUva>8 v, • o

believe birth to be a ^^'^]Ji:}Z^^oi outrageous
upon this earth to endure the h1 ngs .ml an ^^

fortune, and the thousand ^^^^ S^!^^^fl^^ ,^

to leave it for that raU.er ui.eerta m locaM v^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^

dieth not, and the lire is not qu ml d J^ 'j';^/ ;j,,^^ ,,;,,^^ ,„d

is too deep for me, ""^/.^^IJ^^ w^h tC -vie wasled much
wrangling priests a subject on ^"^^ ^'^^^ , ^..^^f Of this
argument, without arriving «\" . ^^^^ i -^^^
(to me) important fact, 1 ^f^^^"^^^^ fortune or

s^:s-pr;is f^o-^^j^Sh t:ttx^^:^

dream.

i'^

•.%-

■WANDEmXGS OF A VAGABOND.

If I nm sorry for anytliiii.ir, II, ''■ tliat llio tlicmo on wliicb I
■write is not in ir.oro a))le luuuls. l?ut ihc sulijoct is witliin tlio
knowledge of but few ; ;uiil of those few persons, I do noi know
of one any more capable of writing a Look upon the subject tlian
myself. Therefore, wiiatever may be its diffcts, let them be at-
tributed rather to the lack of education than lack of truth.

Forty years ago the town of ISInrietta was a thriving place,
depending mostly on the rich farming country by which it was
surrounded, and numbered a population of fifteen hundred souls.
It contained two flour mills, a foundry, and, as it was the county
Beau, a brick court-house and jail.

A fmo little wharf, paved in with cobble-stones, adorned the
city front, and atforded acconnnodalion to the steamlioats,
trading-boats, keol-boats, and' all the various river-craft that
plied on the waters of the placid Ohio.

The little town could boast also of fourdilTcrcnt religious sects,
for the godly lived in Sfarietta.

The Methodists and Presbyterians had each a small brick
church ; while the Catl<olics and Baptists had each a less preten-
tious temple, to wit, a small frame building.

As for as my recoil i3ction goes, the four religions denominations,
or at least their members, jogged on pretty peaceably together,
bp.iTingtho Tjsr.al amount of backbiting, "hate, envy, and allun-
charitablenesi.," to be found generally among Christian sects,
and all other c6.;ts, I suppose, who imagine their way the only
right one,' and their road to heaven the only legitimate one.

In our town the Methodists and Presbyterians were the ruling
powers, much inclined to Puritanism in their notions, and with a
disposition to ir.lo sinners by whip and spur.

None but the godly could hold any oirico in Marietta.

Groggeries, bowling .saloons, billiard tables, and other abom-
inations of "the world, the flesh and the devil," were not tolera-
ted, and the individual who desired to slake his thirst in a
draught of " red eye," or any other alcfiholic fluid, was obliged to
call at the bar of the "Old Hickory Tavern."

This venerable structure was a two-story house, built of logs,
with a curfew cupola on the top, from whence the alarm was
sounded, whic^ told the patrons of the "Old Uickoiy" when their
meals were ready.

As was customary in those days, a tall sign-post stood in

41 m ii M^ i n t^ j a e» mm»» ti t K

no on wliicb I
t is witliiii tlio
I do no: know
[ic subject than
ct thorn be iit-
of truth,
thrivins placo,
y which it was
hunch'od souls,
ivas the county

s, adorned the

steanilioats,
iver-craft that

religious sects,

a small brick

1 a less pretcn-

dc nominations,
cably together,
ivy, and all un-
christian sects,
r way the only
imatc one.
vere the ruling
3ns, and with a

rietta.

id other abom-

rero not tolcra-

liis thirst in a

was obliged to

3, built of logs,
the alarm was
(ry"w'hcn their

i-post stood in

r.AKLT PAYS.

ornamented with a poiti.iual "i'^^';" military style,

Sdugrs for the accommodation cf their g"^^^^^' '^J^^^f f ^^^^^

am xclngo whiskey-dispensing for P-l-^S-fnaUer vl"

finn llv crivon UP as irrevocably damned. Ho took tl o matter very

! i,nwov. r for one in his perilous situation, and oven seemed

easy, however, for one uiu j^j^^^i^dge that much good

ir^l^t^ sam^bStlith him, re^conciled him to his
foTFfor in even so holy a place aa Marietta, were many jolly

SfJ^Sn ^SU- godly townsmen, who con.,^^
flverv mio irremediably lost, who, under any circumstance, what-
Tv r v^t d a borse-Le, cock-light, bull-bait, tlie bar-room of
the Old Hickory, or so much as handled a pack of cards^

For a TcoT; far west, and so much frequented by boatni™,
MiSt a had more than her share of puritanical tyranny. But
fn hosed^vs this snrtof oppression had spread its influence
^X ta Sm lliores of k'; England to the confines of west-
em civilization, and made itself heavily felt in nearly all .ao

'"CJurSns wielded the law-making power of the country,

"WAXDERIITGS JF A VAGACOi'D.

and could they but h.avc effectually carried out their designs, ^»e
should now bo borne back to the good old days of Cotton Mather.

For many j'ears they held this jjowcr, but the uniuly spirits
of the land, more ettpecially in our large cities and many of tho
important towns in the Southern and Western States, revolted
against their arbitrary and despotic acts, and prevented them
from being enforced.

But if Puritanism received a check in that direction, it still
held unlimited sway over what is called "society."

" Society" shut its doors in the faces of those who dared
dispute its somber teachings, or enjoy life contrary to its rigid
and uncompromising rules.

Exceptions were of course made in favor of the unmarried sons
of the wealthy. Their infidelities could be tolerated until suita-
ble wives could be provided for them from among tho faithful,
and they could thereby bo brought into the godly .fold.

Money has the same powerful intluence over tho opinions of
the rigid moralist that it holds over those of the most hardened
and villainous.

That salutary laws are necessary to check the growth of im-
morahty, protect the interests of tho people, and curb vice within
bounds, is unquestionable ; but whenever such power has been
placed in the Jiands of Puritanism, it has been used IV..' sectarian
aggrandisement, and eventually has degenerated into intoler-
ance and oppression.

However despotic and brutal may have been tho means used
by Peter the great, to bring his subjects into a more ad\i-nced
state of civilization, ho was certainly tho greatest practical re-
former of those mentioned in history.

He partially succeeded in reforming tho morals of his people,
in the face of the most hostile opposition of an intolerant and
bigoted clergy ; but not before he had curbed the power and re-
formed tho morals of tho clergy themselves.

That tha morals and social condition of the people of iheso
United States have undergone a remarkable change, within the
last thirty years, no one will dispute. Rampant rowdyism and
drunkenness is not nearly so prevalent as at that period.

In my boyhood, a fourth of July, St. Patrick's day, a general
muster, or even a camp-meeting, thr.t pasbed without the average
amount of fighting having taken place, was a thing unheard of.

ani(
pro

\
oft
was
tov>
jus

I
cor
cit;
Ko

CO]

nu
su
sei

bi
nc
m

lo
tc
tl

P
k
a
t
i

)tton Mather,
iniuly spirits
many of tho
tos, revolted
vented them

iction, it still

) who dared
Y to its rigid

niaiTicd sons
[1 until suita-
tho faithful,
lid.

3 opinions of
ost hardened

rowth of im-
•b vice within
n-er has been
fi.:' sectarian
into intoler-

mcans used
re ad\i-nccd
practical rc-

if his people,
tolerant and
ower and ve-

)ple of vheso

o, within the

iwdyisro and

;riod.

ly, a general

t the average

' unheard of.

EAKLT PiVTo.

Each city, town, and village had its bullies, who were esteemed,
among a certain class of their townsmen, in proportion to their
prowess in "free lights."

Whenever tlu-so worthies met, at any public gathering, a light
of some sort was the inevitable consequence. If one could not, as
^vas preferable, be arranged with the champions ol some rn-al
town, their "dernier resort" was a "set-to" among tbemsel^es,
just to keep thcar hands in.

In those davs, lighting was p-nudar with tho masses, and the
contests of their gladiators were to them as interesting and ex-
citing as were those which took place in the arena of ancient

^Te'tween tC^'l.artisan bullies, that which begun in single
combat was freqintly Joined by the friends ot both parties,
numbering sometimes fifty or more, and a free flght was the re-
sXand a fortunate thing wa, it if it ended in nothmg more
eerious than black eyes, bloody noses, and cracked &,iulls.

organized police there was none worthy tho name, even
in our large cities; and if a constable, .beriff, or any other oflieer
presumed to interpose his authority to preserve the peace or
break up a fight, his interference was considered highly imperti-
nent, and as an infringement of his rights of amusement which
no son of liberty would for a moment tolerate.

Nor was this roughness of character confined entirely to the
lower daases ; even the wealthy, and, I am sorry to add, educa-
ted portion of the people, did not consider it beneath them to be
the aiders and abettors of rowdyism.
Even our lirst-class colleges were but little less than schools

''^'niTamusements of the scions of the aristocracy consisted in
playing excceding.y peisoral practical jokes, wrenching off
knockers and bell-handles, knocking down infirm watchmen,
and a constant succession of fights with the young men of the
town or those of rival colleges, which not unfrequently resuUed
in death to some, and disfigurement for life to many more.

Amon'^ the weaKhv and cultured classes punctiliousness was
mistaken for polittniess. and their haughty and patronizing man-
ner towards their p.orer and more ignorant neighbcn-s was near-
Ty unbearable, and must, in time, have led to ^ Woody social
revolution, had it not been for our extensive terntoiy, and the

■VTAXDERIXr.S OF A VAGAHOXD.

immense tide of Europcnii emigration eimstantlj' flowing in
uixni lis.

Uow often Imvo \Ye smarted beneath the lash of eriticism, so
unspaiingly indicted upon us by Dieivens, Capt. llaie, aud Mrs.
Troliopc. Tlie writers of this country liave exliausted tlieir
genius in abusing tliem, because tliey had the audacity to hold
up to tho world's ridieido the elegant peculiiirilics of the in-
habitants of tho "greatest country on tho face of tho earth."
But these criticisms have unciuestionably done much for our im-
provement; and though in many respects highly colored, have
certainly had the cfl'ect of polishing down many of the rough
points in our character.

It is now nearly forty years since ifrs. Trollope published lier
book— and what a sensatinn it created! It aroused the indigna-
tion of the reading public irom the great Lakes to the Gulf. Yet
nearly every statement made in that book was truthful ! ^Vllcn
she said, in her book of travels, that it was common on our
western river steamers to see men seated at their meals, in com-
pany with ladies, in their shirt-sleeves, she told only tho simple
truth; and only what I myself have witnessed repeatedly, and, I
doubt not, many who read this have also witnessed.

When she declared she had seen in the dress circle of our first-
class theatres, men seated on tho balustrade in their shirt-
sleeves, with their backs to tho audience, while dozens of feet at
tho same time rested on tli'j rail, she told but the truth ! Yet
hundreds of pens and thcasands of tongues branded her with
falsehood.

Before her work appeared, it was no uncommon thing for both
officers and passengers to be seen at table, on board the west-
ern steamers, in their shirt-sleeves. I saw tho same thing my-
self a few years after reading her work.

Whether the lady's book caused tho revolution or not, I am
unable to say; but within a year or two after its publication, no
person was permitted to seat himself at table, on a steamer car-
rying passengers, unless in proper costume.

For myself, I havo no recollection of ever seeing a person
seated on tho balustrade of tho dress-circle of a theatre in
his shirt-sleeves, with his back to tho stage while the perform-
ance was going on, but I have been credibly informed, by eye-
witnesses, that tho thing has been repeatedly witnessed by them ;

an(

h:>'

asl

ba'

ou:

K(
Al

Dli

Sr
sh
b£

tl
ni

tl
c
b
d

fi
t

I
t

EARLY DATS.

flowing in

criticism, so
c, and Mrs.
lUHtccl their
u'ity to hold
1 of tlie in-
tho earth."
for our im-
;)lored, havo
if the rough

Liblishcd licr
the indigiia-

Gulf. Yut
iful ! ^Vhen
iiion on our
pals, in com-
y tho simple
tedly, and, I

1 of our first-
thcir shirt-
Mis of feet at

truth ! Yet
ed her with

ling for both
:'d the west-
ic thing my-

or not, I am
blication, no
steamer car-

ng a person
[V theatre in
the perform -
med, by eye-
sed by them ;

and I havo mvsolf seen sucli a want of decorum between acts,
on several ocVasious, as m du.scrii.liou coul.l do justice to. I
bnve also seen, though I am glad to say not ottou, prrsous
aslcen in the dress-circle, with their legs hanging over the
balustrade, and il was no uncommon sight, a few years smce, ui
our southern and western tlicalres, to see, between the acts, an
extensive crop of boots reposing on it. .,,,,■, a

Such want of <lecorum was never permitted m tho Mobde and
New Ore ins theatres, but these were the only ones wcs ot tho
AllXuies and south of tho l'..tomac River, m which good
manners were not permitted to bo mlruiged.

1 doubt if there is now, within the broad compass of Uc o
Sam's dominion, a theatre where a person -" I'M-m^^ted to
show <lisrespect to the audience by hanging "^ /"S » «[ *^«
bilustrade sitting upon it, or by elevating Ins boots upon it.

Thl re?:.ruiation c'l.mmenced'in the pit, as that portion of the
theatre now occupied by orchestra chairs was formerly denonu-

° Whoever first started tho ery of "Boots," in the pit of a
thoatre, was the first reformer. The cry became popular ; v. hen-
everafoot appeared, the cry of "Boots" was started, taken up
by tho whole pit, and never ceased until tho obnoxious foot had

"^^ in' tho'courso of my wandering life, I havo witnessed two af-
fairs in theatres, which, in the way of disgraceful conduct ccr-
ta nly far surpassed anything described in Mrs. Trollope s book.

Tho first of these took place in the Jellersor. Street I heat e,
in Louisville, in tho summer of 1837. One of tho bloods of the
Place, having partaken too freely of the ardent, took the hbeity
to sleep it off in tho dress-circle, and also to find a resting-place
for his foot by hanging them over tho balustrade.

His indecorous position might havo passe.l unchallenged by
tbo pit of a Louisville theatre, which, at that period, had not
accustomed itself to be at all squeamish about an unusiul dis-
Tilav of le'-s, but the fellow snored so loudly as to attract tho at-
tention of"tho entire house. Tho rowdy pit was the first to take
exceptions to the gentleman's rather free-and-easy way of taking
his irvp" They commenced to call tho attention of tho rest ot
the audience by yells, cat-calls, hoots, and cries of "put 'em
out," "saw his legs off," "pitch 'em down," "grease his nos-

"WANDERINGS OF A VAOADOND.

trils, etc. The noise and confusion awolio the slumbering gen-
tleman, who stared around him for several seconds, and finally
began to comprehend tluit ho was the cause of the disturbance.
Ho flew into a violent rage, and appeared to bo seized with a
desire to thrash the wliolo house. Ue hurled at his tormentors
a volley of flerco oaths, which only caused them to hoot, hiss,
and yell the louder. At this instant his eye fell on a knot of per-
sons immediately beneath him, who, with arms outstretched
towards him, were hooting, yeUing and gesticulating like so many
fiends. His rage was now centered on this group. Without a
moment's hchitation he swung himself over the balustrade, land-
ing among his tormentors, and rained stunning blows from his
fist, right and left, wherever he saw a head to strike at. His at-
tacks wore so sudden and unexpected that he had floored three
of his tormentors, and made as many more feel the weight of
his fist, before they recovered from their surprise. They soon
Tallied, however, and after a short and bloody struggle, the
attacking party was beaten down, trodden under foot, and
thumped ne.irly out of all semblance to humanity, with scarcely
a stitch of clothing remaining on his person. After which short
but glorious struggle he was carried out, covered with blood,
while the sympathy of the audience, who were in a state of the
wildest excitement at this short act not mentioned on the bills,
showed itself unmistakably in favor of the cause of the dis-
,turbance.

The women seemed quite as much interested as the men, and
the actors on the stage never changed their places, but patient-
ly waited until the row was over, when the play was resumed.
Five years later I was present at a performance in iihire's
Theatre at Cincinnati.

Between the acts, a gentleman (?) seated himself on the balus-
trade, with his legs danglmg over the outside ; while in this posi-
tion he amused himself by squirting tobacco juice on to the
heads of the spectators beneath him in the pit — a piece of pleas-
antry which cost him dearly.

One of his victims, on discovering the outrage, quietly left the
theatre, and returned with two paving-stones, one of which,
being hurled at his head, at his next compliment in the tobacco-
juice line, brought him tumbling into the pit like a felled ox.
His assailant then explained his reason for such conduct, and

his es

aroun

wlio 1

and i

had r

him,

ncarl

I ha^

ment

meet

on t:

ofth

The

citie:

and

lawl

even

our

Unii

witl

pari

186'

to I

the

tot

tro(

effe

gac

pre

the

aut

hin

oui

EARLr DAYS.

sring gen-
lud fln.ally
sturbiijce.
cvd with a
oruieutors
hoot, hiss,
not of per-
itstretched
;e so many
Without a
•ade, land-
s from his
t. His at-
lored three
I weight of
They soou
■uggle, the
foot, and
th scarcely
Fhich short
rith blood,
itate of the
m tlie bills,
of the dis-

men, and
lut patient-
,s resumed.
5 in bhire's

1 the balus-
n this posi-

on to the
CO of pleas-

Btly left the
1 of which,
ho tobacco-
illed ox.
jnduct, and

his explanation bcin-borno out by tho so.lca garments of several
around him, twenty feet at least commenced kickmg the fellow,
who had not vet recovered from the blow from tho panng-stonc,
and it is probable he would have been killed then and there
had not a body ..f police forced th, ir way to the spot and rescu
him, in an insensible state, covered with blood, and beaten

""'Hlppiiy! suih want of decorum, and such barbarous scenes as
I have described, am no longer to be seen at our places of amuse-
ment I have hcMd of but a single fight at any of our race
meetings for fifteen years. That to which T allude took place
on the Metarie course, at New Orleans, during the ascendency

° Our "glorious fourth," and St. Patrick's day, pass off quietly.
The bands of firemen, who formerly disgraced our largo
cities with their frequent brawls and fights, have disappeared,
and the timid and peaceable will no more be disturbed by their
lawless conduct. Our numerous elections pass off quietly, ana
oven the " Bovne -^ater" creates but little cicitoment among
our Celtic citizens outside the city of New York.

New York, once considored the worst-governed city in the
United States, and as entirely given over to rowdyk-n, has,
within the last few years, carried her elections peaceablj m com-
parison with former times. During the presidential election of
1864, not a single fight took place, nor was there a drunken man
to be seen in the streets; but this surprising state ot things m
tho annals of New York was doubtless due in a great measure
to tho presence in the city of Gen. Butler with a large body of
troops-a fact which, no doubt, produced on many a very moral
effect It is true, our police force is now larger and better or-
ganized than formeriy, but if tho people had not learned to a,p-
preciate good order, the police would be poweriess. Formerly,
the people enjoyed a fight, and, so far from assisting any law ul
authority to prevent or break up a disturbance, would actually
hinder them in the discharge of their duty. Places of amuse-
ment and drinking saloons have increased with tho mcrease m
our population, yet there is less drunkenness at the present
time than forty years ago, and rowdyism is also happdy on the
decline. This change for the better has not been wrought by
religious sects, or the teachings of any of their creeds. It is

TVANDEniXCS Ol' A VAGABOND.

duo to a better arqiiaintanco with the world. Tho press, tele-
griii)li9, railroads, and itul)lic scliools, have boon our groat ro-
fonncrH. Tlio largo aiuouiit of emigration from other countrios
has iiiado us aciiuaiutcd with a now race of boinga. Many of
their custonia wo have adopted, tlmir more gentle manners have
had a tendency to soften numy of the rougher traits in our char-
acters. If wo still stick to the "red eye" whiskey, it is not
now, as formerly, the prevalent drink. From the emigrants wo
have learned tho use of malt liiiuors and light wines, and conco-
quently there is not tho same amount of drunkenness in the
country, with a popubtion of nearly forty millions, as when we
numbered scarcely one-third as many.

CHAPTER II.

T.l

EARLY DATS.

Facing the court-house, and within a few doors of tho "Old
Hickory" tavern, stood a one-story frame building, with a goodly
roof.

The front of this building was painted white, and a bright yel-
low door, on each side of which was a window witli green Vene-
tian blinds, affordec^ tho only means of egress and ingress ; and
tho flaming gilt letters on tho sign-board over the door inform-
ed the pul)lic that this was the establishment of "Giles & Mor-
ris, Merchant Tailors."

Tho inside of this institution, which was about twenty feet in
width, and something more than double that number in depth,
was divided by a partition into two apartments. The first of
these, which was tho l)usiness part of tho establishment, had a
planed floor, a plastered ceiling, and handsomely papered walls,
which were ornamented with penny pictures of hunting and fish-
ing scenes, racing and trotting horses, etc.

Near the partition, which divided tlio " store " from the work-
ing department, siood a long pine table or counter, on which
was arranged several bolts of foreign and domestic cloth, and on
the three shelves supported against the partition were various
descriptions of goods belonging to the tailoring business. The
furniture consisted of half a dozen cane-seat chairs, a ragged

EAULV DAYS.

le press, tole-
our groat ro-
tlior c'duiitrica
li^a. MiiTiy of
iiiiimicrs liiivo
;s in our char-
cey, it is not
emigrants wo
L'3, and conco-
euncss in the
8, as when we

s of the "Old
with a goodly

1 a bright yei-
h green Veno-
[ ingress; and
3 door inform-
" Giles &Mor-

twenty feet in
iber in depth,
The first of
ishment, had a
papered walls,
nting and flsh-

from the work-
ntcr, on which
c cloth, and on
1 were various
l)usiness. The
lairs, a ragged

sofa, and a large mirror, in which the customers of Giles k Morns
were wont to inspect their nowly-ni.ulc dotliing. A d-or m the
aforonu'UtioiKMl purtiti.ui gave eiUniuco to the worlc (Ifpartment,
whicli had also anotlicr entrance iu llio rear of the huiklmg.

As lar as appearances were couconicd, lliis room had not the
remotest claim to respectability. Tlio flooring and walls were
composed of unplaned boards, and the rough beams, on winch
rested the flooring of the ui)pcr story, were unc cred. It was
furnished with a tailoring table of a size to accommodate about
three workmen, a few pino benches, several splint-bottomed clian-s,
a water-pail, a wasli-basin, and a large metal stove.

In a corner of the room was a rough staircase, which led to the
regions above, where worn-out a.li.^lcs of various descriptions
wore stored, to be out of the way. One corner of tins lumber-
room was reserved, however, as a kind of arsenal, for storing shot-
gmis, rilles, game-bags, nets, fishing tackle, etc., etc.

Giles and Morris were both married, but I was the sole olTsprmg
of that illustrious firm. My father, John Morris, and his partner,
had conducted the only respectable tailoring ^•'!^'"*;«V" i„
place, since the year 18-^.% at which time they emigrated there,
from Pittsburg, which city was the native place of both

The business yielded them a very respectable hvmg, and, had
they been at all provident, they might have easily laid by some-
tWng for a rainy day. But the firm of Giles & Morns never
lool^ed ahead to meet trouble, but were firm be levers in an old
Irish ada-e, which afflrms that " It's llmo enough to bid the devil
goo moiSig when you meet him." They loved lii;e for the en-
j^ovient whidi it afforded them. IU.th were mighty hunters
and the life of the sporting fraternity in Marietta. They were
organizers and directors of all hunting an<l fishing excursions,
tie ump res at quarter-races, eock-fights, dog-fights, buU-baits,
ber -baits, etc. The two latter amusements, now almos un-
knowrweve in those days very popular. Both habitually dress-
ed in the stvle of hunters, and never moved without a retmue of
pointers, seiters and spaniels, at their heels ; while at their res
idences they never failed to have chained one or two fierce
bul -c o<^s, which thev were always ready to match in a fight
Snst^a^v other animals of the canine species, for sums vary-
itifT from twentv-flve to one hundred dollars.

T eThaTl also a fine breed of game-cocks, distributed on dif-
ferent farms in the vicinity, with which they were not averse to

WANDERINGS OF A VAUABOKD.

flgUt a main with any cockers who (lisputed the invinclblo prow-
ess of the biriLs of the Ih'iu of Morris &; Giles.

I suijposo thero iii'\ cr before or siiicc,' existed a firiii uliero per-
fect Kooil feeling and tramiuillily reigneil so siiiirenieiy as with
my father and his associate. Whatever was done by one part-
ner was cordially endorsed by the other. Any business contract
entered into by one partner receiv(;d the full concurrenco of the
other. And if one coinniited any little indiscretion, such as go-
ing on a spreo and spending or gambling away the money belong-
ing to the Arm, the amount so appropriated was set down as
"expenses," and not the slightest misuiiderstandhig or bickering
took place. " A bully firm " was the verdict of 4ho sports of the
town. I think no husbands were kinder or more attentive to
their wives, no ladies in .Marietta dressed belter than my mother
and the wife of my father's i)arrner, and I believe they were lov-
ing and faithful wives. ^ly parents lived very happily together,
according to my best recollections, during the short time they
were permitted to remain on this earth w ith mc. To mo thoy
were afl'ectionate and indulgent, more especially my mother, who
was a person of some literary attainments, and spent her leisure
hours reading books of travel, novels, poetry, etc. As for my
father, the only book of any sort ho was ever known to open was
his ledger.

In the summer of 1832 the town was visited by that fell
scourge whose poisonous sting has defied the researches of
medical science— the Asiatic cholera. Among its victims were
both my parents ; struck down within an hour of each other.
Amid this rapid havoc of death I was left alone, too young to
understand the loss I had suffered, or that I was the last of my
race. If my parents left any relatives behind them, they have
never come within the scope of my knowledge.

Death therefore dissolved the firm of " Giles ic Morris ; " but
the business was continued by the remaining partner, and the
large sign-board over the door remained unchanged. Mr. Giles
had many advantageous offers of partnership, all of which ho re-
fused, aflirraing that a copartnership existed between him and
myself, for I had fallen under his guardianship, together with the
property my parents had left, which consisted of the house where
we had lived, its fiu-niture, and a half interest mthe tailor's shop,
and the ground on which it stood.

ca
be

Ai
re

te
oi

S(
C(

r(
n
■w
•w
it
a
I
s
I
I

8
I

Bible prow-

where pcr-
lely us with
y ouo part-
n.sa contract
•euco of the
such as go-
iioy belong-
et down as
)r Ijidjcring
ports of tho
xttcntivo to
1 my motlicr
'y wcr(5 lov-
ly toi,'cthcr,
; tiiuo thoy
ro uio thoy
uotlier, who
her leisure
As for my
to open was

)y that fell
searches of
ictims were
each other.
)o young to
3 last of my
1, they have

[orris ; " but
ler, and the
Mr. Giles
fhich he re-
Bu him and
ler with the
iouse where
ailor's shop,

I'UOl T.SSION.

CnAPTEK III.

ruDi'Kssiox.

Shortly aftor tho death <.r my p;ir->nt.^ 1 was consigned to tho
care of an old Irishman, I'ebT MelJirney by name, who had
boon chosen bv Ibo go.lly I'resbylerians to pn-side over tlio
Academy of Marietta, and to .■nli-bten tho understanding, cor-
rect the tempers, and lorn, the manners of tho youtli ot the
place. During the live years which 1 passed under tlie fos-
teriu- care of tho venerai)lo -Mellirney, ho managed to lleg some
of the rudiments of reading, writing, and ciphering, mto my
cranium, lie was a severe master, and used tlu. rod upon his
scholars with an unsparing hun.l, and what htli., od.ieat.ou 1 re-
ceived from him cost mo many tears and stripes. \V lien 1 tould
read, write, and cast up accounts tolerably, Mr. Giles considered
my education fmi.shed, and removed mo In.m the care of this
worthy old gentlemau,and transferred mo to the tailoring board,
where it was intended 1 should bnirn tho trade of my father •, but
it requires two to mako a bargain, and iny worthy f;)ster-ather
and mvself were by no moans in accord on tho subject. The
business was hateful to me. A tailor ! My ambitious sou
soared far above such a comraonplaco occupation. In tact, i
had no desire to learn any trade, but had a romantic idea of
being a rover and of seeing the world-a desire which was
strengthened by reading novels, and boolcs of travels, of which I
was inordinately fond. My fond foster-parents saw with grief
my intractable disposition, for their minds were set on my occupy-
ing tho vacant place of my father in tho respectable hrra of
"Giles & Morris;" but "tho best laid sclicraes of mice and
men gang aft aglee," and thoy were doomed to disappointment.
Often did mv poor foster-mother, witli tears in her eyes, prophesy
that I should leave this world in the presence of a largo audience
some flno day, my exit being facilitated by "Jac^ ketch, ad
that all tho cares they had lavished on me would bo repaid by
mv brin<Ting their gray hairs in sorrow and shame to tho grave.
But, I am happy to say, none of these somber predictions have
been veriQed. So far, I have escaped with my lilo, and never i
behove, either brought shame or sorrow to the hearthstone of

..^/vMMai

WAJJUKUIXdS (iK A VA(1 Allo.M).

•' » - 7

mid tlicv will Iciivo vol
ship. (1- rioiidsliip ia ii
iiiiin ! I'riciKislii]), .sc[

my Kind lif'ii<'fiirl(>rH(('ipiitraiy, 1 didibt iinl, t(i their cxiicctatinnH),
or alliiwcd Wiiiil lo visit llioir door iu thi'ir old ago. And wiiea ft
kind I'rovidciii'i^ relifvcd ihoiii Iroiu ilio buriluiis of tliis hie, I
iMUscd ii neat iicad-stoiK' to iio [ilai'cd ul llio grave ol" eaeh, oa
wliicli were reeorded llii'ir names, a;;es, ami many virtnes.

Had r boon Iohs olistinato iu rol'iiMiiiij to com|)ly >\ith tho
wisheH of my foMter-parciit-i, I mi,dit iiave hecii to-day a icsprct-
nhlc inemiicr of soeifty, oik! of llio riilin;,' li;,'lilH of Marietta, pcr-
hiips — poHsiiily its Mayor, or even Governor of Ohio! Who
knows f Perliapa I rnij,'ht bo rieli in pM; tlio owner of wido
domains; the fatlier of numerom sons and daughters, surroimd-
od by liosts of friends, sincere, no ilonbt, so loug aa their inter-
ests led tliem to bo so.

While* wealtli is yours, nnd fortune Rniilcg, friends will throng
nround, and, like vultures, liatten apon you; but let the fieklo
Jade desert you, and tlie cold shade of adversity fall upon you,
and tl^ev will leiivo you as quiekly iis rats will abandon a sinking
a holy name, but how shamefully abiiseil by
'pavated from interest, is almost aa dillieiilt
to diseover , tlie rejuvenatin;; spriii!,'s in tho everglades of
Florida, wliieh so loiijj; haunted tlu* dreams of tho kiiijrhtly cut-
throats of Spain. No frii^ndship ean exist between tho ■wicked,
the voluptuous, men of liusiness, or jiolilicians. The first have
only ae(!om|>li<'es, the second companions, the third partners,
tho fourth de.'-iLrnini,' associates, ^t is only anionj,' tho truly vir-
tuous that friendship can exist;^^ Aa I was a disobedient and
wayward boy, and havo led a thril'tlesa and roving life, I am
possc.s.sed of neither lioiuu's, wealth, nor friends. Destiny do-
creed it ; every t hint; is Koverned by its immutable laws.

Jui)iter, suiu'cmo over gods and men, was ignorant that at
the birth of Thetis, the fates had c'ecreed that her otl'spring
should 1)0 greati'i' than his father, and had It not been for tho
dark hints thrown out by the Titan, whom ho had chained to a
rock, as a ]ninishinent for stealing firo from heaven, for tho bene-
fit of mankind, would have made her Queen of Heaven. The
Titan cxelian^'ed his secret for his liberty, and Juno was made
Queen of Heaven instead of the mother of Achilles.

If I did not learn tho tailoring businosa under tho worthy
Giles, I In a great measure transacted his business for him,
keeping his bocks, making out and collecting bis bills, and
otherwise rendering mvself useful to him.

For 1

and on

town <

boys"

cock k

wliene

the la\

certair

olllee,

to tho

the "l

reproli

riiii II

biiildii

a well-

been o

maiiiN

tho 111

of his

& Moi

Was i

tho""

that h

at cai

for m

loss 1

active

under

visitoi

tho 111

thoin.

citize;

shop,

engaj

sever

the w

sion,

the ii

rencc

citize

immitr*vmm^-

;i('t'tiitiiinH),

\th\ wIr'u u

IliiH life, I

t>r each, ou

tlR'S.

y with the

,• II rcHiicct-
ricttii, [iCT-
>lii()! Who
lor (if ^vitlo
, smroimcl-
thoh' hiter-

nill thrniiK

fh(> (icklo

uiiiiti yon,

m a sinking

iihnsnl hy

iia (lillicult

iTKliulcs of

liKlitly cut-

:ho wicked,

1 first luivo

I iiartnera,

truly vir-
ediont and

life, I am
)ostiny de-
vs.

mt that at
ir ofl'spiiiif;
?cu for tlio
lainod to a
r the bcno-
iveii. Tho
i was made

lio worthy
!S for him,

1 bills, and

ruorEssiox.

2f!

Forinanv vciun. old Scniu'UH, a bottlo-iiose.l iiluc I'resbytfrian,
and one of iiie •'uik'o -iiid," was iirosecutinu' attorney for tlio
town of Marietta. nolwitiistaiKlin^ Hie eiluilH of the "jolly
bovH" at cverv election, to oust iiiiii from lii.s ollice. Tlie old
cock knew liis"«tieii-tli, liowever, and uUn knew his foe«. And
whenever one of the lioys foiiml himself in tlie stromr ^rip of
thf^ kiw, he looked for no mercy at ilie hand^ of Scn!!,'-M, and
certainly found iiono. Fron the moment he was installed in his
oHlce, he allowed no opportunity to slip of showing his hostility
to the linn of "(liles iV Morris," wiiose place was considered by
tho "unco guid" of Marietta to be the lirad-(piarteis of all the
reprobates for miles around, and a liot-lxd of deviltry in n'eueral.
The mysterious Ki>llierin«s wliich took place ni;,'htly in that
huildiun could i>e for mi ^ood purpose. Had not vouulc Mortim,
a well-to-do dealer in the ^rrocery Trnt . bei'ii ruiiiiMl Iheie, and
been ol)li.i,'ed to (ly from tho town from inability to meet the do-
mauils of his creditors? Did not poor .lenkins, chief clerk In
the mercaiitii.' lirmof "Clarke iV. Fisher," emliez/.le tho money
of his onii)loyers, and Kinnl'le it away at the tailor-ihop of (Jlles
&c Morris, and, in conse(pience, had also lied to parts nidaiown?
Was it noL ])ul.ru'ly known that John Travis, tho landlord of
tho "Old Hickory," had for years been decoyimr his i,niests to
tiiat infamous place, that they mi;,'Iit be roblied of their money
at carda? Was it not eonmion talk, not only in Marietta, l)ut
for miles aromxl. that tho establishment was nothiiuj more nor
loss than a Kamiirmsj-hell ? Notwithstandim,' this, and tho
active means of Seru^ss and his associates, wlio stuck at no
underhanded measures to accomplish their ends, tho nightly
visitors of tho firm of "Giles 6c Moriis" managed to escape
tho punishment which their enemies were burning toinfliet upon
thorn. During the life of my tatlior, the sheritl', with a posso of
citizens, had oneo burst open tho door at tho baek of tho tailor-
shop, in tho expectation of arresting a i)arty of gamblers while
engaged at tLair nefarious l)usiness. Hut they only discoverod
several gentlemen in conversation over wliiskey and cigars in
the working doiiartmcnt, ard, to their great chagrin and confu-
sion, saw no signs ol cards, nor any indication whatever that
tho inmates had met for tho ])urposo of gambling. This occur-
renco created no small stir in tho little town. Many of the
citizens who abhorred gambling as much as thoft wore not at all

WAXDERINOS OF A VAGABOKD.

prepared to sanction tbo forcible entry into a house by the
officers of tlie law, unless armed with authority by a ni.igistratc.
Such a precedent was a dangerous one. and contained a menace
against the rights of domestic 'privpcy, which many of the reli-
gious and respectable citizens were not disposed to tolerate.

But Puritanism held its potent sway over the officers and the
courts, and scarcely a lawyer could be found in the place, who
liossessed sufficient courage to take a stand against its tyrauuy.
I forgot to say that after the sheriff and his party had perpe-
trated the outrage mentioned, they retired without making any
arrests, or the smallest excuse for their unwarrantable conduct.
The firm of Giles & Morris, when the district court next sat,
brought before that honorable body the outrage it had suffered,
and appealed to it for protection against similar violent visits in
the future, but the appeal was treated with iudiU'crence, if not
with contempt.

The result of this descent of the sheriiT and his lollowers, and
the refusal of the court to take any action on this outrage, was
the lormation of a new political party in the town, being the first
blow ever struck there against the absolute sway of Piiritanisra.
The firm of Giles & Morris were the head and front of this
new faction, and around them rallied all the free-livers and free-
thinkers in the vicinity. From the riverracn and longshoremen
residing in the place it gained its greatest support. The opposi-
tion, like all parties, bad its platform ; and among the many
planks in it was one advocatmg the introduction into the place
of gin-shops, bowling-alleys, billiard-saloons and other like
places of amusement. In its infancy the new party seemed but
a speck on the horizon ; but it gained strength year by year, un-
til it became so powerful as to be a serious thorn in the flesh
to the faction in power, which had been watchi-g its growth
with no little uneasiness. The second year after the death of
my parents, the Puritans and the opposition contested the bit-
terest election ever held in Marietta— the former, as usual, being
victorious. The feelings of both parties were aroused to a war
footing, though, happily, the affair passed without blood having
been spilled. Mr. Scruggs and his followers now became satisfied
that nothmg short of the total extinction of the firm of Giles &
Morris would sustain them in power. Accordingly, one night,when
no moon or stars mitigated in the shghtest degree the Cimmerian

• X'-.

a honso hy the
by a in.igistratc.
tained a menace
uany of the rcli-
l to tolerate,
ollicers and the
1 the place, who
.inst its tyranny,
arty had perpe-
out making any
■autahle conduct.
, court next sat,
J it had suffered,
• violent visits in
ulifference, if not

)in followers, and
this outrage, was
m, being the first
ly of Puritanism,
md front of this
e-livers and free-
nd longshoremen
ort. Thoopposi-
imong the many
on into the place

and other like
party seemed but
year by year, un-
thorn in the flesh
;chi*"g its growth
ifter the death of
ontestcd the bit-
er, as usual, being

aroused to a war
lout blood having
;r became satisfied
e firm of Giles &
ly, one night,when
ee the Cimmerian

PROFESSION.

darkness, and scarcely a twinkling light was to be seen m the
quiet little town, the sheriff and about twenty men, citizens of
the place, met by preconcerted arrangement at his house, and
proceeded with noiseless steps towards the building occupied by
the obnoxious parties, where it was supposed gambling took
place Mr. Scruggs accompanied the cxpeditiois, m order to
give to its acts the sanction of lawful authority. The party halt-
ed silentiv at the door at the rear of the establishment, which
was ordered bv the sheriff to be opened. Not receiving any re-
sponse to his summons, he burst the door open, with the assist-
ance of his companions ; when, however, they attempted to enter,
they were confronted with the muzzles of seven or eight double-
barreled guns, which had such an elVcct on them, that then-
courage, like Bob Acre's, "oozed out at their liuger-euds," and
from which they turned and. fled incontinently. , , .«,

When it became known, on the following day, that the sheriff
had been resisted in the discharge of his duty, a terrible excite-
ment stirred the town to its depths ; such outlawry was unknown
there, and an indignation meeting was called, which was presid-
ed over by the I>resbyterian minister, and in which Scruggs and
his colleagues, in stirring speeches, advocated the entire annihi-
lation of the Arm of Giles & Morris, and everything pertaining
thereto. His" proposal was carried by acclamation, and beloio
time had been allowed for matters to cool, a motley Jlirong of
more than two hundred peoplo were moving towards thepiem-
ises occupied by the parties concerned, with the determination
to wipe it from the face of the earth. But their benovcent pur-
pose was frustrated ; for, when they reached the place, they found
over forty determined men, armed with rifles, ready to protect it at
any cost: This unexpected sight cooled their ardor, and after some
muttering and threats, they abandoned thc:r hostile i"te"tion8
and disper -ed. Scruggs, finding himself defeated in his attempts
to break the law, fell back upon it to consummate his revenge.
Giles and as many as twenty of his associates were mdicted tor
sedition, and nearly every other crime in the statutes of the State.
But the determined resistance of tliose parties, to the attacKs
on them, convinced the Puritans that it was no use to push mat-
ters, unless they were prepared to fight. The court was willing
• to set aside the indictments brought against Giles and his friends
and to entertaiu the opinion that they had some rights in tuc

AVAXUKKINGS Of A VAUABONU.

commuuitj-, even if it were suspected tljey were iu the habit of

brealiiug the laws by participating in gamlihng. After all, courts

of justice are composed of only human intolllgcuces, who dispi-uso

justice according to public opinion, instead of the spirit of tlie law.

When, a few years before, Giles accused the shorilf before the court

with having forcibly entered his premises in direct violation of

the law, the court would not listen to him, because he had no

power in the community. When he became powerful enough to

resis* the encroachments of the authorities, the eye of the court

was open to conviction; it decided that the sheriff had over-

8tepj)ed his authority when he attempted to break into the house

of a private citizen, witliout a warrant from a magistrate, for the

purpose of arresting suspected gainbling i)arlies. This decision

freed the firm of Giles & Morris from the forcible vi.sitatio.is of

the officers of the law, but not from espionage. Scruggs was ever

on the alert to obtain evidence against the nightly frequeuterfi of

the place, but his attempts were generally frustrated. The grand

jury sat bat once in six months. Before the assembling of that

august body, Giles and his friends, or at least those of tliem who

had any fear of being summoned, would generally contrive to be

absent on a fishing or hunting excursion, and not return until the

danger was past. Since the opposition party had developed its

strength, some of its members were on the jury at each session ;

and if the tales were true, which Gile^ ind a few of his intimate

friends used to chuckle over, they, had timely warning whenever

a grand jury was disposed to bo troublesome. There were men

on those juries, who held the strange idea that one's first duty

was to protect one's friends, and. when that hung in the balance,

were not half as particular about the secrets which hang around

the august proceedings of grand juries, as was Hamlet's father

about those of his " prison-house."

sho
doc
pre
the
No
the
lini
bee
use
by

wo
the

we
"s
an
bu
on
pr«
res
an
pa
sol
ho
wl
do
cU
cb
th
qu
cu

ev
da

''-^^.

the habit of
ter all, courts
who ilispi'iiso
•it (if tlie law.
fore the court
t violation of

ho had no
ul enough to

1 of the court
iff had over-
iito the house
itrate, for the
This decision
visitatio.is of
iggs was ever
'rcqueuterfi of
. The grand
bling of that
of them who
ioutrive to ho
turn until the
developed its
each session;

his intimate
iug whenever
ere were men
le's first duty
1 the balance,

hang around
imlet's father

THE CLUB.

CHAPTER IV.

TUK CLUB.

The club, which assembled nearly every night at the tailor's
shop, numbered about fifteen, and was composed of lawyers,
doctors, merchants, farmers and mechanics. Mr. Giles was its
presiding officer, and no person could gain admittance without
the concurrence of the President, and at least six of its members.
No spies or garrulou.'i persons had a ghost of a chance of entering
the doors while any kind of gambling was going on. The gamb-
ling was usually confined to the working department; when this
became so crowded as to admit no more tables, the store was
used. The two, three or four journeymen constantly employed
by Mr. Giles, and who were also members, during the day
worked in the back room, and if a press of business protracted
their services into the evening, occupied the store.

The diflbreut species of gambling cawied on at this club
were poker, brag, euchre, all-fours, whist, "vingt-et-un," and
"snaps" at faro. For use in the latter game, Giles had provided
an old sheet-iron dealing-box, and about two hundred large horn
buttons, besides a piece of black cloth with thirteen cards pasted
on it, ranging from the ace to the king for a lay-out. The entire
profits of the club went into the pockets of Giles, and was a very
respectable rever.uo. Cards for playing all games except faro
and vingt-et-un \Terp sold to the players at twenty-five cents a
pack, thus affording a clear profit of fifteen cents on every pack
sold. At poker, a check was deducted from the pool, for the
house, whenever threes or over were exposed, and at brag
whenever a full was exposed; let the check be one cent or one
dollar, the claims of the house wore always the same. The house
clahned ten per cent, of the winnings each "snap" at faro, and
the same from the winnings of each game of vingt-et-un. Out of
this revenue the house was expected to supplv it.^, guests with li-
quors and cigars, but when lunches were desi'-d they were pro-
cured from the "Old Hickory Tavern," at the expense of the per-
son or persons ordering. During the hours devoted to play,
everything was done in a quiet and orderly manner. In fact, they
dared not do otherwise. The fear of detection and conviction

;

. miiii >i'*rii' fmir'riaiiai

■■■■■

28 AVANl)EUIN'(i.S OK A VACAUUND.

held in check all who nii^ht otherwise have been disposed to
be qucrnilsoine over their losses. Whenever dififereuces of opin-
ion arose regarding points of play or other matters belonging to
the game, the question in dispute was left to tho decision of any
Binglo pcsrson who i.uld bo agreed upon by both, and whoso de-
cision was final. If one or both parties were unwilling, as was
Bometimes the case, to leave the vexed question tc tlio decision
of a single person, each chose a referee, whoso decisions were
considered final, provided they could agree. In the event of
their disagreement, the referees choso an umpire, who deter-
mined the matter. But this last method of settling a dispute
was seldom required. Giles, being the high authority on all
subjects in dispute, was generally appealed to, to give his deci-
sion-a duty ho performed with tho utmost willingness, whether
able to do so properly or not.

The principal gatherings, and those which were the most
lucrative to Giles, took place on Saturday evenings, when
could bo found gathered in the club-room the whole sporting
fraternity of Marietta and its vicinity. On these nights, from
four to five tables were in full blast, running poker and brag
games, from five to twenty-flve cent ante, while snaps at
faro and vingt-et-un wouM bo also going forward. The hi(a<ory-
bottomed chairs and pine tables used for tho games were con-
coaled in the loft overhead tluring the day, and brought out at
night, as they were wanted for use. None of the members or
visitors to this club could be ranked even as third-rate players.
The best among the members were two men named John Clarke
and Richard Rathbon respectively, who wera partners in a
grocery store, as well as in their gambling opoiutions. To
those gentlemen the "club" had for many years been a source
of profit. Thej did not cheat their adversaries at play, for tho
simple reason that they knew nothing about the method of
doint so, but they were more skillful and cautious players than
any others belonging to the club, or any of those who were in
the habit of frequenting it. The next Iwst card-player, after
those I have mentioned, was an old member named Hicks, who
wiin tho owner of tho principal blacksmithing business in tho
place. Tho old fellow indulged only in poker, brag, and all-
fours. Ho was a -shrewd and cantious player, never aUowuig
himself to be disturbed by his losses, and for many years had

THE CLTTB.

disposed to
ices of opin-
)plonging to
■ision of any
(I whoso do-
lling, as was
tlio decision
cisions wcro
;ho event of
who doter-
ig a dispute
lority on all
;ivc his dcci-
ess, whether

re the most
nings, when
lolo sporting
nights, from
ior and brag
lie snaps at
The hickory-
es were con-
ought out at
members or
rate players.
John Clarke
artncrs in a
biutions. To
ecu a source
play, for tho
e method of
players than
who were in
-player, after
d Hicks, who
isiness in the
irag, and all-
L'vcr allowing
iny years had

been in tho habit of visiting the club, and depending on it as a
source of revenue. The three individuals named had been the
chief winners lor more than eight years, during wLich time it
had yielded them a rich harvest. The most unfortimate mem-
ber of tho clul) was Jim Willis, the ablest lawyer in the place,
but the poorest card-player. Uc was tho best producer of
money that freipiented the place, always anxious to play high,
and liad proven himself a rich placer to the three worthies men-
tioned. John Travis, tho landlord of the " Old Tavern," wps a
great support to tho club, from the fact of his introducing so
manv of his guests there, but ho was careful to present only
those for whoso integrity and secrecy ho could vouch. Though
Travis played but little himself, ho managed to pocket a portion
of tho spoils by taking at times a stated interest in the play of
Rathbon or Clarke, and occasionally in that of old Hicka.
Nearly all tho other freiiuenters of the place knew little or noth-
ing about cards, and made their visits to tho club more a matter
of pleasure than gain. " But pleasures are like poppies spread,"
Bays tho poet, and the verdant visitors to the club often were
able to echo the sentiment to their cost, and found they had
paid exceedingly "dear for the whistle," as frequently happens
to visitors to all such places, who love to dabble in play for their
own amusement. When this class of players win, a little satis-
fies them. When unfovtunate, they increase, their stakes in
order to regain their losses, and in nine cases out of ten leave the
table penniless. My foster-father, John Giles, was the most
desperate player of the club, and comparatively a poor one. He
either won everything in the shape of money there was to win,
or, as was much more frequently the case, lost all his own. But
he never gambled away more than the ready cash which he had
on hand. As I made myself useful to tho customers of my
foster-fatb'^r during the day, I soon extended my services into
the eve-..ing, and made myself useful to tho frequenters of that
part of our establishment where the club assembled during the
night. I soon made myself acquainted with the duties belonging
to this department, and took care of the interests of my foster-
father, according to tho best of my knowledge and ability. Noth-
ing afforded me more pleasure, fit that time, than to watch the
ga^mblers in their efforts to obtain possession of each other's
money. Tlie distance between observing and learnmg that

mfmmm»m^mm<t0^

iff) '.

•WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

which interests us strongly is but short, and in little raoro than
a year's time I could play all the games in vogue then, mort.
scientifically than any member of the club. Many of them
would at times ;jlay with mo for stakes — even those who had
sons of their own near my age. Hut I had grown up among
their amusements, and the boy was forgotten in the companion.
So I played, won and lost my money with them, and was treated
hi most respects as their equal. I was different from most boya
of my ago, who are apt to abuse a familiar intercourse with men;
I did not seek the society of boys, oven of those older than my-
self. Those persons I met in the card-room I never recognized
on tho street, unless first accosted by them ; I was attentive and
obliging to all, and, to use a slang poker-phrase, I never "chip-
ped in" when conversation was taking place, unless it was quite
proper for me to do so, and, young a" I was, I gained tho respect
and confidence of nearly every visitor to the rooms.

CHAPTER V.

CAPTAIN AVILLIAM SMITH

Was one of the persons introduced to the club by John Travis.
He was commander and i^art owner of the steamboat " States-
man," then making weekly trips between the ports of Marietta
and Cincinnati. Every Saturday night found her at the former
town, where she remained until the Monday morning following,
when she started again for Cincinnati. Capt. Smith was about
forty years old, tall and thin, with stooping shoulders, lank
black hair, which hung in long elf-locks about his ears, dark,
piercing eyes, a hooked nose, and a very sallow complexion.
Neither moustache nor whiskers adorned his moody coun-
tenance, and his gait was slouching and ungainly. His foppish
style of dress added to his ungraceful appearance. A long
swallow-tail coat, of fine black cloth, with pantaloons of the
same material, a red velvet vest, a ruffled shirt with a
high standing collar, and shiny stove-pipe hat, completed
his attire. A largo cluster-pin and four diamond studs
adorned the bosom of his shirt, and around his neck was fes-
tooned an immense gold chain, while from his fob depended

e moro than
! then, morf,
my of them
ISO who liad
II up among
) companion.
I was treated
m most boys
so with men j
ler than my-
)r recognized
ittentive and
lover "chip-
I it was quite
d tho respect

John Travis.

)at "States-
i of Marietta
it the former
ig following,
th was about
)ulder8, lank
! ears, dark,

complexion.
Qoody coun-

His foppish
ice. A long
iloons of the
lirt with a
, completed
mond studs
3ck was fcs-
)b depended

CAPTAIN WIM.IAM SMITH.

another, to which was attached several larf,'o seals He was a
nu.n of but lew words, whicli, by tho bye, were straiglit to the
purpose, and drawled them out in a low, measured tone. The
Captain, on bein,\' introduced to tho club, said he never played
any game at cards, except poker, and that only for anuisenient.
His appearance created quite a sensation, and Clarke, Kathbon,
and oven Hicks and Giles expected to get some line pickings
from him. Of course they had but ono night in the week to
work him. On tho night of his introduction they managed to
get about eighty dollars out of him ; but on the seven succeed-
ing Saturday nights he did not once fail to rise from the table a
considerable winner. Tho ante was at first only ten cents, which
was gradually raised to twenty-five, and could some of the party,
more especially Clarke and Rathbon, have had their desire,
would have been raised to a dollar. But tho Captain, strange
to say, was a timid player, and refused repeatedly to have the
ante raised higher than twenty-five cents. From such games
as these, he won, night after night, sums varying from twenty-
five to fifty dollars. Of course the boys thought him a very
lucky customer, but his success, instead of discouraging them,
only made them more anxious for his game, and impatient of
their time, until Saturday night brought tho " Statesman " in-
to her well-known place at the wharf of Marietta.

The Captain, while seated at play, was always very uneasy
lest his cards should be seen by tho bystanders. Ho allowed no
one to sit or stand behind him, and, after his first sitting, so
placed his chair that no one by any possibility could overlook
his hand, viz.: by sitting close in tho corner and drawing the
table .0 him. His behavior, straage to the members of the
club— for all were accistomcd to expose their cards freely to the
bystanders— created no little speculation. Tho Captain became
aware of this, and tried to explain his mistrustful manners,
while at play, by saying that he was nervous, and that it annoy-
ed him if any i erson looked over his shoulder at the face of his
cards, before he exposed them on the table. Had tho members
of the club been professional gamblers, they would have con-
cluded at once, from his actions, that his cards had been
"itemed," but they were not even aware of the existence of
such frauds. Such rascally tricks as "iteming" the hands of
players were unknown at the ruoms of our club. Whatever ro-

.- imiitiinmittliKI^

iVt

Twamm

88 WANDKRINGS OF A VAGAHOJO).

marks his opponciit.s miKht malcc at tho tablo, in rofjard to his
pliiyins, tlu! Captain hcciled tlicm not. He was cold as an icii'ic.
His whole attention was concentrated on tlio game. Uc was
never elated at his gains, or showed tlie sliglitost signs of anger
or depression at liia losses. He was a very indilVercnt player at
poker; so nnich so, tliat tlie poorest player among his adversa-
ries was more than bis match. Yet ho was almost constantly a
winner I

I had formed a dislike to the Captain tho first night ho made
his appearance at the rooms, which was not at all mitigated by
his insulting mo. On that evening, after ho had taken his scat
at tho poker table, I stood behind his chair, from whence I
watched his cards as he lifted them from tho table. As soon as
ho discovered my presence, ho ordered mo away in a smiy tone,
and remarked that I was too young to bo hanging round a gam-
ing tablo. His remark was certainly a very true one, but it
stung my pride, and made mo his enemy. The more I saw of
the Captain, tho more I disliked him, though ho never gave mo
any cause, after the night of our first meeting, except to treat
mo with tho utmost indifference, and utterly ignore my exist-
ence, while every one else in the room were treating me aa
their equal. I had formed, from my many opportunities,- a pretty
good notion of play, and could at once perceive when players
made bad, or foolish, or unusual plays. I was as proficient in
this respect, at poker, or brag, as at any other of tho short card
games. Tho Captain's actions and manner of playing had on
several occasions attracted, from me, more than usual notice.
I observed that he played very badly, often making ill-timed
blufifs, and that ho was most successful in winning pools on /lis
own deal ; that ho then bet more heavily, and that when his
hands were called, he would show domi on the table f'.rees of a
denomination that he had exposed on the hand which had been
called previously. I had seen this done as many as three times
consecutively. I noticed, after some close watching, that ho
placed his cards at tho bottom of tho pack, when ho shufHed for
a new deal, and that ho never disturbed these cards in tho
shuffle. All this made me suspect that tho Captain had somo-
how the best of his adversaries. But how ? was tho question.
It was beyond my comprehension. With all my boasted know-
ledge, I was at a loss to understand how he procured so many

■o<jard to his
I ii.H ail ii'iflc.
10. Uc was
Ljns of aiiKcr
lit player at
his advcraa-
couBtuutly a

;ht ho made
mitigated liy
ken Ilia seat
u wiienco I
As soon as
a surly tone,
ound a gam-
) one, but It
arc I saw of
iver gave mo
■opt to treat
I'o my exist-
?ating me aa
tics,- a pretty
Fhen players
proficient in
lio short card
ying had on
usual notice,
ing ill-timed
pools on /lis
lat when his
le f'Tces of a
ich had been
s three times
ling, that ho
10 shuffled for
cards in the
in had somo-
tho question,
oasted know-
ired so many

CAPTAIN WILLIAM SMITH.

largo hands, when he dealt the cards. I mentioned my sus-
picions to Ur. Giles, and was told in return that I was a fool !
which indignity only spurred me on the more to unravel tho
mystery. Coiiid I only get a sight of his cards, I said to myself,
tho riddlo would perhaps be solved. Such was tho brilliant
idea which fla.s]icd through my troubled brain, after cogitating
for many days over the manner in r.hich tho Captain managed
his game of poker.

To see his cards without his knowledge, or that of any one
else, nij-self excepted, I hit upon the following plan: I bored a
hole through one of tho wcatlier-boards of tho house, in tho cor-
ner where the Captain usually sat while playing, in a position
where I could get a plain view of his cards. This I finished two
days before the arrival of tho "Statesman" in port, days which
seemed to me weeks, so anxious was I to put my plan to the test.
At last tho eventful evening arrived, and with it the Captain.
Tho game wiia made upof (jiles, Uathbon, Willis, Hicks, and tho
Captain. The ganio was full-deck poker, tho winner of the
pool always dealing. (I mention this because twenty-deck poker
was a very favorite game also, at that period, throughout the
country ; that is, to discard from the pack all tho cards in the
pack, except the kings, queens, aces, jacks, and tens. But when
a game was made up of more than four players, tho full pack
was used. These games have long since fallen into disuse, and
have been superseded by the popular game of draw poker.) The
party each put twenty-five cents in the pool, none of them
showing more than fifty d( .liars on tho table. When tho game
was fairly under way, I left the room quietly and unnoticed,
went to my place of espial, and silently withdrew tho peg I had
inserted, to prevent discovery. As I expected, my position was
a favorable one. The Captain's cards, as he held thera
pnread out m his hand, were as plainly visible as if I myself
held them. For the space of an hour he held no pairs
among his cards, which would win him a pool, and made
several attempts on small ones, by making ill-timed blulTs, to
win one, but was caught, and obliged to pay tho penalty. In
this luck he played until his stake had vanished, when he
renewed it with fifty dollars more. Mr. Giles had his feathers
up, and every bluff tho Captain made ho called him out or run
over him and forced him to lay down his hand. He was using the

WANnEKIXCiS OF A VAGAPOND.

iM"

imii

entire party pretty roughly, but the Captain showed the sama
imperturljabie iiuliflercnco as lie was wont to show on former
occasions when ho was a winner. At the ear(i-tal)lo, ho
was a wortliy {liscii)lo of Zcno. Finally, he picl<0(l up a pair
of aces, and with tlicni won the flrst pool he had won sinco
the play bcKun. 'riicso aces ho pliircd toi^'ctiier at the bot-
tom of the pack. When he had dealt tho ^ards, and picked up
his hand, I discovered in it the identical aces wliich he had held
before. Ho bet two dollars for tho pool. Ilicks called him, on a
pair of queens, and lost. I saw tho Captain aj^ain place his
aces in tho same position he had before done, and also his
hand, at tho bottom of the pack. My position would not
permit mo to see in what inanner he slmflled the pack.
Again ho dealt, and when he onco more lilted his cards, tho
aces made their third appearance. Witli these ho won tho
pool, Giles being tho sufferer in this instance, having called him
on a smaller pair. When ho showed down his aces, Giles re-
marked, throwing his cards face upwards on tho table, " You
couldn't hold four <aces. Captain, for there's tho aeo of spades,"
(pointing at tho same time to that card among his own).

"That's .so," said tho Captain, taking up the cards which
Giles had thrown uixm the table, and, placing the ace of spadea
between his two, placed tho three aces at tho bottom of tho
pack. When he had shuttled his cards, the portion cut off by
his right-hand adversary he left on the tabic and dealt from the
other portion of tho pack. When ho again raised hie cards, I
discovered all three of tho aces in his hand, to wit, tho two ho
first held, and the aco of spades. Willis bet three dollars for the
pool. The Captain bet him ten more. Willis then threw up his
hand, and the Captain raked down tho money wi' iout showing
his cards. When ho again lifted his hand, after dealing, my old
friends, tho aces, made another appearance. This time Hicks
lost, having bet two dollars for the pool, the Captain betting ten
more, and being called by Hicks. Again was the same operation
repeated, the brag was passed up to him, he bet again ten dol-
lars. RathboD called him, and discovered, to his chagrin, tho
three aces.

"What!" cried Giles, "three aces again? You must have
charmed them, they stick so close to you I "

" They're good to hold in a tight place," said the Captain, in
his cold, drawling manner.

Tl
thre(
lar.^.

iiig 1
rill

fully
pass
give
susp
hare
my <
thVe
in tl
and
tain
time
and
and
one
hod
pad
fuse
mat
by i
tom

^— '

(I the SOTTiO

.' on former

(l-till)lo, lio

I up a pair
1 won sinco
at the bot-
l picked up
lie liad liold
■d liim, on a
n place his
lid alHO Ilia
would not
: the pack.
i cards, tlio
10 won tho
: called him
)s, Giles ro-
■iblc, " You
of spades,"

IVll).

aids which
CO of spades
ttom of tho
I cut off by
lalt from the
his cards, I

tho two ho
(liars for tho
hrew up his
3ut showing
ling, my old

time Hicks
I betting ten
ne operation
ain ten dol-
chagrin, tho

1 must have

Captain, in

CAPTAI.V WILMAM SMITtr.

Tho cards w(>re aj,'aiii dealt; llir Captain's cards showing
tluTO aces. The brag being pasM'd up tn him, ho bcl live dol-
lars. (Jlles called him. " Sliow your papers, Cap," said(JiIes,see.
ing him hesitate. "As I cannot show anylliing worth seeing,
I'll let yon take the money, Mr. Ciles," said the Captain, care-
fully putting his cards in the pack and shulHing tliem lieforo ho
passed it over to Giles. Tho remark of Giles aliout the aces had
given him a healthy scare, and belnro ho would risk arousing
suspicion, by sliowing them again, tlioM','h sneli an event wiis
hardly probalile, he pret'ened to lose his money. I remained in
my old position until I had seen him exercise on his adversaries
three (lueens and sul)se(iuently llireo eights, manipulating tliem
in tho same manner as the three ac(>s, wlien I replaecid my plug
and entered tlie dub-room. Taking a seat in front of the Cap-
tain, in order that I might watch him closely, I was but a short
time in solving the mystery of the three aces, the three queens,
and the three eights; they were placed at the bottom of tho pack,
and not disturbed in tho shuflle. The cards being dealt ro\md,
one to each, until the dealer ccmies to himself, rapid as thought
ho deals one to himself from tho bottom instead of tho top of tho
pack. This trick is now so old, that the most verdant fools \v.-
fuso to submit to it ; l)ut for several years after it was introduced,
many of tho shrewdest gamblers in tho country were victimized
by it. Any person liy im-ictico can learn to deal from tho bot-
tom, but very few can become skillful enough to impose it on a
party of players, without being detected. Like billiard i)laycrs,
they can obtain a certain speed, and no amountof practice can
make them more perfect. I have seen many skillful "bottom
dealers," but none who could equal Captain Smith. If his own
statement was correct, ho never had any instruction in it, and the
principle of it emanated from his own brain ; that is, he devised
it himself, altliough the trick had l)ecn known to a few sharpers
some years beHne.

Tho game continned until alwut four o'clock in tho morning,
when it was broken up by Captain Smith leaving tho table, a
loser for the first time since the night he joined tho club. Even
liis advantage over his adversaries could not save him, and he
left tho table, a loser of one hundred and twenty dollars. Giles
was tho only winner, and, as is usual in such cases, was estrorae-
ly happy— a state that owed something to the large number '

MMMHI

m WANnKIIINOH OF A VAdABOND.

whlskpv toddles of which he had pnrtnken rtiirlnff the orcnlnpf.
Oil our way hiiiuo lio hoM forth al ^rcat loii^cth on his Huporlor
psccllcupo ns a pokor-playcr. '• Didn't I toll yvv, Jack, that
tho Cai)tnin was a fiat ? Flod n heai) of luck, had tlio Cap-
tain, but r knew, if over tho luck iirok;^, I'd mnUo a fool of him.
Kh, .Jack! Lot hiui koo]) on [jlayinR ; you'll hoo if I don't
fetch him from his roost. Kh, Jack? Ain't that bo ?"

" YoH, Hir, I export ho," I replied, rarolossly.

"No, yon don't oxpeet anythin;^ of tho kind; you're a fool,
I know you arc 1 Didn't you toll me tho Cap. was ohoatinK us!
Ila! ha I ha! ha! That's rieh! Why dhln't ho cheat to-
night f Didn't I make him squirm f When I boat that nco
full for him I captured sixty good bucks from him on that
hand. They may play their cursed nigger-luck on mo for
a wlillo, but I'll bring Vm, whenever tho jjapors breaks oven,
and every ono of them fellers too! If they get ahead of Giles,
I'll agree to root for acorns tho rest of my life," etc., etc.

I allowed Mr. (Jiles to have all tho convensation to himself,
until we reached tho house, when I turned him ivcr to tho caro
of my foster mother, and retired to my chaml)or ; but it was
long after daylight before I fell asleep. The discovery I had
made drove away slumber. What should I do— expose tijo trick f
Hatred urged mo to expose tlio Captain. " Expose him !" also
cried vanity. " Expose him, and receive tho in-aisos of your elders
who had not brains enough to discover they were being fleeced
by this man." "Pshaw! there's no money in exposure," said
prudence; "don't be a fool ; put money in thy purse. Ha! did
not that prince of villains, lago, say o f And is ho not high
authority on the subject ? Who refuse follow his sago and
moral teachings t Does your meek i linister of the gospel, your
blatant moralist, or your astuto lawmaker, or your ermined dis-
penser of justice I By no means ! Does not each and all look
out to take precious good caro of numl)er ono, and feather his
own nest particularly well ? If tho Captain's secret could bo
made beneficial to mo, why should I expose it ? Why should
I give it away to others 1 No ! no ! Captain, my boy, I'll not
expose you, but I'll try and make some money out of you."

the
My

f'l'l'

cat(

had

aire

as <

pok

knc

for

a li

his

nrg

dot

tin;

Mr,

ti'm Mi] m i I »*

ho evening.
liiH Huporlor

Jack, that
•1 the f'ap-

fool of lilm.
> If I don't

iii'ro (I fool,
■licatiiif,' usi
I cheat to-
at that aco
ill! on that

on nio for
)roakH oven,
1(1 of Giles,
etc.

to himself,
r to the caro

but it was
ovory T had
50 tljo trick ?
I him !" also
fyoiir elders
)eing fleeced
Tosnro," said
30. Ha! did
ho not hlpli
lis sago and
gospel, your
jrmined dis-
and all look
d feather his
•et could bo
Why should
boy, I'll not
f you."

DIPLOMACY. 37

CHAPTKR VI.
niru)MA(T.

About Rpven In the evening I rei)aired to tho wharf, to meet
the Captain, on his way up fnun liis boat to tlie tailiins' hIioj).
My watch wa.s longer than I expected, and gave nic aniplo
oi»portunity to collect myself for tho Interview. For tlio deli-
cate piece of diplomacy, in which I was about to lainicii, r had
had a full week to ddilicrate and arrange my i)lan.-t. I had
already settled Giles; that is, I had placed him in such a position
as disabled him, at least for tlic present, from jilaying any morn
poker. That ho would not borrow money for that puri)oso I
knew, and conscciuently felt secure, as far as ho was concerned,
for a time at least. After his la.st game bo had in ready money
a little over six hundred dollars, and was, I know, indebted to
his cloth-merchant, Mr. Camplicll, eleven hundred (or goods. I
urged him to pay over what ready money be bad, towards tho
debt. "No," ho replied; "I never make half-way payr.ents."
"But you may lo.se your money, and tho cloth bill is really get-
ting too large. Pay in what money you have, before you lose it,
Mr. Giles," I remonstrated, but all to no purpose. " I .'han't
do it,'' ho tartly replied; "I am going to win a pile with this
money I've got; you see if I don't, .lack," ho cried, shaking his
head and mumbling on at me as if desirous of eflaciug any un-
pleasant impression.

Seeing that further attempts in this quarter would bo useless,
I changed my tactics by calling on Mr. Campbell, whom I re-
quested to dun Giles for seven hundred dollars, e.\[»)aining that
ho had nearly that amount on hand, and being in one of his
spreeing moods, was likely to squander it. I told him that my
only object was to save Giles, and requested that my visit might
bo kept a profound secret from him, as ho would bo ^ery angry
should ho find I had been meddling with his aflairs. Jir. Camp-
boll, who had been for many years tho warmest friend Giles had
in tho place, and who had never once, during tho long period of
their business relations, sent a bill to him, but allowed him al-
ways to settle his accounts with him at his own convenience,
promised all I asked, and sympathized with my efforts to prevent

. H ff j^ al i Mii wfOn i 'ioiiV i i)i_tf

isd

■WANBERIKGS or A VAGABOND.

Giles from squandering his money. Tliat same day he called
upon Giles and iircscntcd his bill in full, on the plea ^hat his
merchants in Baltimore vrcro pushing him for money, and
begged Giles to pay what he could on account, if unable to meet
the full amount. Such an appeal from this quarter was more
than Giles could resist, and he immediately handed o\-er six
hundred and forty dollars, which was all ho had, and told Mr.
Campbell that he would borrow the balance for hiiU immediate-
ly. Mr. Campbell insisted that the amount he had receiTed was
sufficient for his present wants, and the two parted the best of
friends ; Giles, to my great satisfaction, being left without a dol-
lar in ready cash. My first effort in diplomacy having proved so
successful, I was now waiting on the wharf to put my second in
execution.

It was a beautiful evening in the beginning of April. No
signs of life were visible on the levee, save the few lights that
twinkled aboard the "Statesman," the only steamer at the
wharf. The absence of drays, carts, and toiling men and
brutes, told that the week's labor was ended on the wharf of
Marietta. The clock on the court-house was just striking eight
as I discerned the Captain crossing the gangway-plank of the
Statesman. He walked slowly up the levee, with his eyes bent
on the cobble-stones, as if ho was afraid to lift them to tho
bright and tranquil moon which shone above hii i. Whatever
may have been the subject of his thoughts, ho was so deeply
plunged into meditation that he did not hear my approach, al-
though I tried to call his attention by clearing my throat loudly,
and beating tho cobble-stones with my feet. " A pleasant even-
ing, Captain 1 " I said at last, when he was within a few feet of
me. The unexpected sound of my voice startled him so much
that ho made a motion to run away; but f,aickly recovering
himself, and ashamed, probably, of being detected in showing
fear, demanded in a harsh, angry voice, without noticing my sal-
utation, "What are you doin' thar?"

"Waiting to see you, Captain," I replied.

"Well! yer see me, don't yer? What in h— 11 d' yerwanti"

"Don't speak so confounded cross, Captain, I am not going to
hurt you," I answered.

"No impudence, youngster, but tell yer business, if yer've got
any, and be quick about it too."

day he cailecl
3 plea ♦hat bis
r money, and
unable to meet
irtcr was more
mded o\cr six
, and told Mr.
lim immediatc-
xl receiTcd was
ed the best of

without a dol-
iving proved so
t my second in

of April. No
few lights that
teamer at the
ling men and
1 the wharf of
t striking eight
y-plank of the
I his eyes bent
ft them to the
h 1. Whatever

was so deeply
y approach, al-
y throat loudly,
. pleasant even-
n a few feet of
i him so much
ckly recovering
ited in showing
loticing my sal-

d' yerwantf"
am not going to

)ss, if yer've got

DIPLOMACT. «W

"Very well, sir, I'll do so; I want to go halves with you in
your poker games; here's my part for the stakes," I replied,
holding towards him, with my left hand, a roll of bank-bills.

lie stood gazing at mo in speechless astonishment and auger
for some moments, then hissed from between his closed teeth,
"Ton want to go halves with me in playing poker, eh?"

"That's the busmess which brought me hero to night," I
coolly replied.

no stared so fiercely at me with his little black eyes sparkling

with anger, fliat for a moment I imagined they were going to

pop out of his head and shoot me ; I stood my ground, however.

" It is, is it?" he finally ejaculated, still eyeing me from head

to foot.

"Nothing more or less, Captain," I rejoined.
"Why, you d— d dirty cub, I'll whip the life out of you."
"I reckon not, Captain," I rejoined, in the same cool and
tantalizing tone.

He made a spring for me, but I was expecting it, and jumped
nimbly out of his reach. Being foiled in his efforts to get hold
of rao seemed to madden him. He again started for me. But I
had too much speed for his bottom, and could have easily left
him far behind, had such been my object. I allowed him to pur-
sue me to the top of the levee, about fifty feet from where we
first met, then turned and faced him. On he came, fully bent
on doing me a mischief if I fell into his hands— a thing I was fully
prepared to prevent. I drew from beneath the bosom of my coat,
a large dragoon pistol, cocked it, and presented the muzzle to-
ward his head, when within a few feet of me. "Stop, or I'll
fire," I cried, in a determined voice.

The cocking of a pistol jars harshly on the ears of a foe.
The unexpected sound, together with the flashing of the barrel
in the bright moonlight, had a terrible effect on the Captain.
My admonition was useless. The fight was completely knocked
out of him ; he placed both arms before his face, as ?.f to ward off
the expected bullet, and stooped at the same time, as if to dodge
it. Baffled and cowed, he stammered, " Don't kill me, Jack, I
didn't mean any harm."

"You did, you ruffian ! You did," I almost shouted, for my
blood was up.
"Ton honor. Jack, I was only in fun; indeed I was ! Now put

■WAXDEKIXGS OK A VAGADOXI).

up thai pisto% Jack, that's a good soul; it might go oflfaccidePi,-
ally, and you'd lie sony. Do put it up, Jack."

" No, I shouldu't l)c sorry I'or it, cither. You'd whip tUo life
out of 1110, would you? I've a good notion to send a bullet
through your cowardly braius!"

"Don't, Jack; I meant you no harm; I tell you 'twas only a
joke ; do take away that pistol," ho cried, imploringly.

"I will, on condition that you listen quietly to whatever I hare
to say to you."

"I'll do anything you want mo to. Jack, if you'll put up that
shootin'-iron : it might go ofl" accidentally !"

" No, it shan't go off accidentally nor intentionally, if you keep
your hands off me, and listen quietly," I answered, lowering the
pistol, but holding it cocked in my hand, as security for his good
behavior. "Now, Captain, we'll resume business if you please,
without any more angry words."

"Yes, well, what is it you want?" ho hurriedly asked, still
trembling from the effects of his scare.

"Listen, and I'll tell j'ou in a very few words."

" Go on."

" I want an interest with you in your poker-playing at the
tailor-shop !"

" And what if I refuse f "

" Then you shan't play there anymore."

" TVliy not ? Who'll prevent mo ?"

"I will."

"How?"

" By exposing to the whole party the trick by which you have
been packing off their money."

" I don't understand what you mean. Jack ; it's all Greek tome."

" If you don't, it's because you don't want to understand," I
replied ; " but I shan't have any difficulty in making those people
understand me, when I explain to them how you've been robbing
them, by dealing from the bottom of the pack."

The accusation knocked him speechless. When he recovered
the use of his tongue, he stammered out, " Why, J-J-J-ack, you're
crazy I"

"Am I?" I asked, calmly. "Let's see if I am? I've been
watching you for the last month, fully satisfied that you were
cheating, but was unable to detect how until last Saturday night,

who

that

yoar

thel

the '

took

you

in SI

aftei

to si

agei

remi

then

you

meu

mys
Buffi

was

ask(

BO C

Boin
whi
eigl

mor
affe.
barl
ope:

seal

eh?

hon

oflf accidepi--

wbip tUo life
iend a bullet

'twas only a

atovcr I have

1 put up that

y, if you keep

lowering the

y for his good

f you please,

y askttd, still

aying at the

lich you have

Greek tome."
nderstand," I
5 those people
I been robbing

he recovered
-J-ack, you're

1? I've been
hat you were
iturday night,

DIPLOHACT.

when I bored a hole in the house immediately behind you, so
that I could sue the cards iu your band us plainly as you could
yojrsclf. In the lirst place. Captain, Til recall to your memory
tlie lirst pair of aces you held during the play ; with them you won
the ' pot.' Giles exposed to you the ace of spades which you
took, and put with your two aces. When you next dealt the cards,
you hold three aces, and you held the same three aces four times
iu succession. The last time you bunched them in the deck,
after beiug called for a five dollar brag, because you were afraid
to show them to the board again. Rather a bad piece of man-
agement on your part. Captain, to deal yourself cards on which
remarks had already been passed, on account of your holding
them so often, and then throw away five dollars on them, because
you had not the courage to show them. Kather bad manage-
ment that, Captain "

"Indeed!" sneered the Captain.

" Yes," I replied in the same cool tone ; " I should not have dealt
myself four aces the third time, and bet on them, unless I had
sufficient confidence to show them to the board when my hand
was called."

" What would you have done in such a case?" ho sneeringly
asked.

" Why, when Giles made the remark about your holding aces
80 often, I should have bunched them and waited until I had got
some other kind of threes, and worked them on the party for a
while, as you did the three queens, and afterwards the three
eights."

When I had finished ho neither moved nor spolce for several
moments. At last he tried to force himself into action with an
affected laugh, which, in sound, bore more resemblance to the
bark of a do;; than anything else. However, it acted the part of
opening chorus, and gave him time to regain in a measure his
scattered senses.

" A nice cock-and-bull story ! So they made you a spy on me,
eh? A fine den of thieves I've got mto ! I suppose they sent you
hero to assassinate me too, eh ?"

" You've lost no money in the den of thieves, as you call it, and
in whatever robbery has taken place there, you yourself have acted
the part of robber; but if you carry off any more plunder from
there, you'll have to divide equally with mo. If I assumed the

AVANDERIN08 OF A VAGABOND.

character of a spy upon your actions, it was at tlie suggestion of
no other person, but for the direi object of getting a sliare in
the spoils, and I am too greedy to have any partner in the busi-
ness except your-'elf ; so the iiuiclier we come to a friendly
understanding the better."

"You say that you've told no one of this nonsensical suspicion
of yours t"

" Not a soul !"

"Wliat, not even to Giles?"

'• No, not even to Giles 1" - •

" That's wonderful!"

a Why V

" Why ? Because it was your duty to tell him 1"

" Perhaps; but I want to make money, and bad I told Giles
I could not have done so !"

"Why not?"

" Because Giles is too honest a man to suffer his friends to be
robbed if ho knows it. Had I told him of this matter, the whole
country would have known it within an hour."

"Well, my boy, I'm glad you've been so sensible! If you'd told
this foolish story to them fellows at the tailor's shop, it might
have caused some mi&chief."

" I'm perfectly aware of it. Captain."

"Very well. Jack," he said, in a half-coaxing voice; " I've no
doubt you believe every word you've told me, but you're wrong;
you've let your suspicions run away with your reason. Can't a
man hold three aces half a dozen times, for the matter of that, in
succession ? There's nothing strange in that ! I saw a man hold
four Jack-fulls one after another, a few days ago, m Cmcinnati.
Nobody thought anything strange of that ! 'cos they knew it was
possible. I'm sorry such a foolish suspicion has got holt on you.
Jack, and I'm d— d glad you've kept it to yourself; so there's no
harm done. Now, Jack, I'm willing to forgive and forget every-
thing, if you'll solemnly promise mo never to mention this affair
to any one living. Come ! what do you say I"

" Yes, Captain, I'll kocp your secret, and also swallow all
you've been telling me, on one condition, which is thut I shall be
equally interested in all the poker gnmes played by you in
future at the tailor-shop."

" That's impossible ! Don't think of it," ho returned, shaking

his
wit:

lin$

tlet

dol
anj
wai

tha

pre

th€
yoi
ha'
au(
wii

mt
an

I suggestion of
ing a s^iuro in
•r in the busi-
to a friendly

sical suspicion

d I told Giles

s friends to be
ttcr, tlio whole

1 If you'd told
shop, it might

)ice; "I've no
you're wrong ;
ison. Can't a
,tter of that, in
iw a man hold
, m Cincinnati.
3y knew it was
3t holt on you,
'; so there's no
d forget every-
ition this affair

so swallow all
thrit I shall be
ed by you in

urnod, shaking

DIPLOMACY.

his head. "What! to be mixed up in a gambling transaction
with a mere boy ! "

" I want to bo interested with you in a stealing, not a gamb-
ling trausaction, Captain," I retorted, getting considerably net-
tled at his assumed airs.

"Call it what you please," ho said. "I'd sooner lose fifty
dollars of my own money, any time, than one of a boy's."

"Which means, I suppose, that the genie's too good to give
any of it away."

" I mean nothing of the kind," he retorted, angrily. " I don't
want tobeconcerncd in any such busiuesswith a boy of youragc."
" Boys of my ago have sometimes more sense than men older
than yourself."

" They think so, no doubt, especially when not kept in their
proper places."

" Maybe you're 'right. Captain ; but that's neither hero nor
there, in this case; and, as 1 have had sense enough to catch
you dealing from the bottom on those sap-heads up there, I
have also sense enough to benefit my pocket by the discovery ;
and, to close matters, you must let me have an equal interest
with you, or you play no more at the tailor's shop."
" I must, eh ? "
" That's the word ! "
" And if I refuse, what then ? "
"I'll expose you!"

" Very well ; if that's your game, I'll not go there any more."
" Then I'll be sure to do it."
" What ! Because I don't go there ? "
" You must continue playmg with the party, and allow me an
mterest in your games, otherwise I'll expose your tricks," I
answered m a quiet, but firm tone.

" Well, I see your drift. But if you think, Jack, that you can
bully me or force me into anything contrary to my own wishes,

d n it, you're m the wrong channel."

This vaiia boast betrayed to me his weakness, and convinced
me that my point was gained. " You control your own actions,
Captain," I said, "but those fellows up there," pointing with my
finger towards the shop, " won't like you any better, when t'ley
hear you've been chiseling them at poker ; and, let me tell you,
tLcre's some ugly customers among that party. Can you afibrd

WAKDEEINOS OF A VAGABOND.

to hare the report circulai ed all tLrough the country, that Cap-
tain Smith is a coiumou swiudlor at cards i I asii nothing
unreasouablo ; I have uiy sliaro of the money necessary ; and,
instead of gaining less by my being interested, you will make
much more than if ullovrod to go on in your miserable picayune
way. Why, man, there's ten thousand dollars to be won there !"

"Ten thousand lice to be won!" waa the contemptuous reply
of the Captain.

" That's all you know about it. I am speaking the truth, and
if you will but listen to reason, and follov- my directions, I'll en-
sure you five thousand for your share, in less than two months'
time."

" From wliom can it be won?"

"From several persons, but more particularly from Rathbon
and Clarke, who are rich, and who have won in the tailor's
shop during the last three years much more thau that amount."

"And what about Giles!" he asked.

" He must know nothing of the business," I answered.

" Well, by G — d, you want to beat your own father ! "

"No," I answered quietly. "Giles shall not play in the
game."

" Why not?" he demanded.

" Because I have so arranged it that he cannot," I replied.

"I see! I see ! A d n nice trap you're trying to draw me

into ! "

" What trap. Captain ? "

" How do I know ? But I expect you want to get me into the
tailor's shop and have mo robbed and murdered."

" Well, Captain," I said, laughing, " I could not expect any-
thing better ffom your distrustful nature ; but listen to reason.
If those fellows had made a plot to "ob and murder you after you
had entered the place, it was no use for them to send me to de-
coy you, as you have never failed to come of yor.r own free will
every Saturday night since the one you were introduced there—
and you were on your way there when I met you a short time
ago. The party are waiting for you, 'tis true : but to treat you
with all kindness, as they do every visitor, and to win your
money, if they can."

" But you say you've managed so that Giles can't play.
D n me if I see how ? "

becai
mom
from
read
soon

botb

goti

dolli

you
Wh

ing

((

sup

will

try, that Cap-
I ask nothing
cesaary; aud,
you will make
rablo picayune
)e won there !"
inptuoua reply

the truth, and
ictions, I'll en-
n two mouths'

from Rathbon
in the tailor's
that amount."

wered.
•her ! "
)t play in the

" I replied,
ig to draw me

jet me into the

>t expect any-
iten to reason.
sr you after you
end me to de-
own free will
:)duced there —
I a short time
ut to treat you
d to win your

les can't play.

UlI'LOMACT.

'<I have said already, I dare not make a confidant of him,
because he would not consent to have any one beat out of their
mouev, by foul play, at his place. I have managed to keep huu
from 'playing ^V compelling him to pay his debts with what
ready money he had, and it is not likely, I kn.>w, that he will
soon have any more. Ho long as he lias none, he wil never
bother us, because he won't borrow money to gamble with. ■
" You say you've got plenty of money. How much have you

^''" sTough to pay my way with if you should lose a thousand

dollars." ^ , ^.,,

" Why, how the h— 1 did you come by so much money 1

"Aslam anxious to arrange this matter satisfactorily with
vou, I am willing to tell you everything you wish to know.
What money I have, I have won duriug the last two years, play-
ing caras at the tailor's shop."

*' I never saw you playing any cards there, and I should uot
suppose any one would play with such a boy as you arc !

"Still I have done so, and every man you have seen there
will and has repeatedly played with me."

" And vou've beat 'em ? " , • , „

" I've got their money to show for it, and what's more, besides
winning it, have kept it in my possession."

"You're pretty good for your age, and if you keep up your
lick 'till the hair comes out strong on your lace, you 11 be a

^'^"Weli, Captain, I've now given you every assurance of my
willingness to help you in making money, and also all the infor-
mation you have asked me for, to erase from your mmd the
suspicions you seemed to entertain. Now are you willing to
accept my offer 1 It is getting late, the party is waiting for ycu,
and I want an interest in your game to-night."

"But you say you can direct how five times as much as I
have been making can be made."

"Yes, twenty times as much! Nothing is easier. Increase
the ante whenever they demand it, which Clarke, \^ ilhs and
Rathbon are sure to do, whenever they are losei-s in a game
i^w one of them will be willing to increase it up to ten dollars.
N-oue of the lest of the poker players will consent to play more
Sian d dollar ante, and will drop out of the game, which will

WANDEKING8 OF A VAGAJIOND.

make it all the easier ftjr you. I want you to break Rathbon
and Clarke — they arc too greedy for my use ; and you can do it if
you will only shove a little more sand in your craw. If you don't
want to risk your money, I'll take any share in the game you don't
want."

"I can stand na much as you can," replied the Captain, sul-
lenly.

" Well, pitch in then, and tret their money ; you'll find I'll ren-
der you more assistance tlian you'd exi)ect."

" Well, Jack, do you think you could keep yoin- mouth shut,
if we started in together f "

"Yes, until the grave shuts over it; would not exposure in-
jure me as much as yourself? Have confidence in me, Captain."

" Now, if I lose your money don't blame me for it, Jack !"

"If you lose it, I shall not cry for it; I made it by gambling."

I gave him two hundred dollars, and promised that I would
be careful not to betray, l)y words or looks, that any intimacy ex-
isted between us, after which we separated.

It waa arranged that I should call on board the " Statesman "
each day on which she left for Cincinnati, to settle accounts and
other matters connected with our compact.

That night the Captain phiyed poker until after daylight
with Clarke, Rathbon, ilicks, and a man by the name of Frazer.
Towards morning the ante was raised to one dollar, and the Cap-
tain rose from the table the winner of three hundred and eighty
dollars. I met him in his room on the Statesman shortly before
she started, when he handed me over my money, and my portion of
last night's spoils. As we parted he said, " Aleet me on the wharf
where we met last time, when we come back." I did so, and con-
tinued to meet him every Saturday night for three mouths, when
the river got so low that the " Statesman" had to lay up at Cincin-
nati. The Captain sold his interest in her, and never made his
appearance again in Marietta, at least while I remained there.
During my connection with this man, I dreaded him, and never
met him without being armed. That he hated me I was satisfied,
and I doubt not would have done me an ill turn, had I ever been so
unfortunate as to fall into his power. At our rendezvous of an
evening, I watched him as closely as if he had been a rattlesnake,
and I was looking for the fatal spring.

No words except those pertaining strictly to business ever

ID.

to break Rathbon
lul you c.nn do it if
raw. If you don't
lie game you don't

1 the Captain, sul-

you'U find I'll ren-

your mouth shut,

not exposure in-
;c in me. Captain."
for it, Jack !"
e it by gambling."
isod that I would
t any intimacy ex-

the " Statesman "
ettle accounts and

itil after daylight
10 name of Frazer.
Jilar, and the Cap-
indred and eighty
nan shortly before
, and my portion of
3t me on the wharf
I did so, and con-
ireo mouths, when
:o lay up at Cincin-
id never made his
I remained there.
3d him, and never
me I was satisfied,
, had lever been so
" rendezvous of an
jeen a rattlesnake,

to business ever

MAJOR 0EOR(!H JKNK3.

passed between ua; our interviews were brief and entirely to the

point.

riis dealings with me wore honest, and on llio whole wo divid-
ed bt'twccn UH, four thousand and seven hundred dollars, the
most of which came from the pockets of IJathlton and Clarke.

I managed to keep Giles from plaviug cards with the Captain,
by induoilig him to pay over to .Mr. Camr'iell, at various times,
what surplus money lie had. One niglit, while drunk, he insisted
on having a hand in the game, and lost forty dollars, what money
ho had about him. flo tried to biirrow some, but as I liad wiini-
ed those playing, that ho was unable to pay, he could get r
to loan to him, which caused him to leave in disgust, go

to bed."

CHxiPTEll VII.

MAJOU GEORUE JENKS.

The spring had passed away, and with it the volume of water
which floated palatial steamers on the bosom of the beautiful
Ohio. The long-sunken bars were drawn to the surface by the
heat of the sun, and so confined the channel to such narrow and
shallow limits as almo.st to impede navigation altogether. Had
it not been for a few light-drauglit stern-wheelers, and occasion-
ally a keel or flat-boat which struggled their way painfully, the
bosom of the river would have been as destitute of life as when
the savage glided over it in his bark canoe. The town was so
dull that the arrival of a dinkey at the wharf or the stage-coach
from the interior created no little excitement, and brought out
a largo portion of the inhabitants to stare at and speculate on
the few passengers who arrived or departed.

Like the calm that succeeds the storm, gambling died away
after the period of unusually high betting at the tailor's shop
which marked the era of Captain Smith. Ho had now ceased
to visit the place. Clarke and Rathbon, who had been Lis princi-
pal vicHms, grew despondent because they had no opportunity of
recov< ing their losses. Old Hicks would not measure his skill
with tueirs unless more verdant players could bo found to make
up the game, for their losses had made them wolfish. The

^^^^^^^^

-.S«i!:-».i>^« .t^'ii

■JXSSS

.#:

AVANUEIilNCJS OI' A VAC.ABOND.

pockets ofWilll.s hud Imon (Iniiiicil l)y tlic liplit-finffpretl Cap-
tain until ho was unahlo to borrow a tloljar nioiv. Uilea, it is
true, was willing to jjlay, bet. im it was Ibr his intevcst to have
yaincs going on in the shop, but ho was no niateh for such i)lay-
cis as Clarke and Hathbon and TlicUs, and I used all the elo-
(luenre I was master of, as well iis every stratagem I coidd devise,
to deter him from playing. But my advice and remonstrance
were equally thrown away. The only way I could succeed was
to keep him impoverished. 'J"hc money derived from his busi-
ness, after the payment of necessary expenses, I applied to tlie
payment of his debts, and the money which I received from the
gambling tables for household expenses, or handed over to the
custody of Mrs. Giles; and if more than she required, I gave it
to Mr. G. to dispose of as he pleased. Ho was not by any
means dispo.sed to submit in silence to the arbitrary acts of his
prime minister. Not that he objected to paying his debts, on
tho contrary he was very hcnsitivo about his obligations, and at
all times anxious to meet them ; but when he had drunk a few
glasses and wanted to gamble, ho imagined that the claims of
his creditors had no right to interfere with his anmsements. On
these occasions ho would insist on my giving him money. Ho
was aware that I kept on hand a stock of my own, but had not
tho remotest idea of the amount, neither had anyone else ; for I
allowed no one to share my confidence regarding tho strength
of my treasury. Giles believed I had four or live hundred dol-
lars, and, as ho frequently remarked to his friends, a suction-pipo
of forty-horse power could not draw any portion of it out of mo.
My frequent refusals to loan him money to gamble with made
him very angry, and ho indulged in such ill-tempo -od expres-
sions, bitter gibes, and sometimes even threats of violence, as
hiade my relations with him anything but comfortable. Cne day,
while in ono of his drunken and domin ;ering moods, he began
abusing me because I refused him money to jday poker. I told
him plainly that he must alter his style of behavior, or wo must
part company. Tie dreaded my leaving him, because I was in
many ways useful to him, and, besides that, he entertained for
me a rough kind of aflfcction. His wife loved me as much as if I
had been her own olVsjjring, and this little circumstance having
come to her knowledge, and the "gray mare being in this case
decidedly the better horse," Giles was induced to alter his bo-

I).

rht-fiiiRorcf''. Cap-
iiKii'o. Giles, it is
is interest to have
iti'h for such play-
I used ail the elo-
;etn I coiild devise,
and remonstrance
could succeed was
•ed from his busi-
1, I ajjplied to the
received from the
inded over to the
•cquired, I gave it
3 was not by any
bitrary acts of his
nng his debts, on
)bligations, and at
had (h'unk a few
that the claims of
; amusements. On
him money. He
own, but had not
anyone else; for I
•ding the strength
live hundred dol-
nds, a suction-pipe
on of it out of me.
;;amble with made
-tempe-ed oxpres-
ats of violence, as
fortable. Cneday,
f moods, he began
day poker. I told
lavior, or wo must
, because I was in
he entertained for
me as much as if I
rcumstanco having
being in this case
d to alter his be-

M.V.KiK CKOKilK .1 KMCS.

havlor towards me, and after this little all'air, which took ])laco a
few mouths previous to my collusion with ('apt. Smith, allowed
mo to conduct matters im'tty much as I pleased. When the
players, who were the nucleus iiiduiul which were gathered all
gambling operations wliiuii took place at the tailor's .shop, could
not keel) a game gt)ing, the ]ilaco ceased to bo a centre of at-
traction, and the hearts of llio "unco guid" were gladdened
on behoUUng at night the dark windows and the death-like
stillness which hung aroiuid the hated place.

But as a pebble drop]ied on the glassy surface of a lake will
agitate its waters from shore to shore, so was the sporting fra-
ternity of ISlarietta stirred by a report that the royal "tiger"
had made his appearance in the jjlace, and spread him.self, for
his prey, at the shop of Giles tc ^lorris.

Faro had been for years a favorite ga'- with the fre<iuenters
of the place ; snaps were frciiuently opened, averaging )'i iin five
dfdlars to one hundred, for which the sheet-iron dealing box
and big horn buttons of Giles were brought into requisition.
Sometimes as many as f:vc or six of these snaps wotdd be bro-
ken in a night, and but few were successful ; whicli can be ac-
counted for in this manner. The games were not dealt in pro-
portion to tho amount of capital in bank, or, in other words, tho
snaps were never limited; and as their capital was usually
small, nothing but an extraordinary nui of good luc!; at tho
start could save tliem from being broken. Ihit a regular out-
and-out faro game, with all its paraphernalia, and elegant ma-
hogany box ornamented with a handsome picture of the royal
"tiger," a fine silver dealing-box, six hundred ivory checks, on
each of which was carved the head of a horse, their valuation at
play being determined by their dill'erent colors ; thus the colors
being red, white, and blue ; the first represented one, the second
five, and the third twenty-five. Over tho table was spread a
fine green cloth, and on it a lay-out com[)osed of thirteen cards,"
ranging from the ace to the king. Such a display had never be-
fore met tho eyes of the crude gamblers of LI viotta; and,
withal, under tho guidance of a full-blooded professional gam-
bler.

Major George Jenks was an old friend of John Travis, and
was by him introduced to Giles as a high-toned sp rting gentle-
man. He obtained his consent to open his faro game at tho

30 WANDEIUXUS OF V VAll.VUONU.

tailor's shop tlmluK H"^ mcuinK^^. As ho wii8 the Ihisl profos-
Bloual sport, gambler, leg or black-leg, all of xvhich terms are sy.
nonymous, of whoso acquiuntanro I had tho honor, I shall en-
deavor to sUeteh his portrait. He was about hfty-llve years ol
ago, tall, and well proportioned. Ilia face was long and oval-
shaped ; his eves dark and penetrating, above wliieh met a pair
of shaggy gray eyebrows, and his hair, of which ho had a largo
crop, was also a shaggy gray. Uc imagined his complexion to
be florid, but, with the exception of a deep red tint on the end of
his nose, and the blossomy ]>rotulierances which adorried that
facial ornament, It was much nearer tho color of wet putty.
His countenance might, with the aforementioned exception, bo
called cadaver(Mis. When ho made his appearance before tho
citizens of Marietta, he was attireil in white linen pantaloons, a
claw-hammer coat of line blue cloth, an open black silk vest, a
lufllcd shirt, while around his neck was folded a largo black silk
handkerchief, turned over which his extensive shirt-collar shone
immaculate. A broad-brimmed wliito beaver covered his
shaggy heatl, and a small diamond twiidcled among tho rufllos
of Ws shirt. A largo gold fob-chain with several seals and small
keys attached, dangled from his thigh; his feet were covered
with brightly varnished shoes, and, to complete the picture, ho
carried in his hand a varnished hickory cane, ornamented at one
end with a brass ferule, and at tho other with a knob of fine
polished gold, on which was engraved tho name of Major Goorgo
Jenks. Ho was born in Virginia— a fact of which he was inor-
dinately proud ; but where can tho Virginian bo discovered who
is not! or where is the Virginian versed in the lore of his
native State, who cannot trace his pedigree far back among
Bomo of the titled families of tho British Isles?

His lantern jaws were entirely overworked ; for, when not
employed in masticating his food, they were always occupied—
except during his hours of sleep— in crushing the juice from that
weed so largely cultivated in his beloved native State.

Whenever tho brains of the Major became heated from over-
dosing himself with the " essence of corn," he would hold forth
at great length, and with much unction, on tho superiority of
Virginians in general, and tho Jenks family in particular, to all
creation. Ho would insist that his family wore among the first
settlors, and that its illustrious members could trace their pedi-

i the UiHl profos-
licb terms are sy-
loiinr, I sluill rii-
lit'ty-tiv(> years of
[IS long uiul oval-
wliii'h lui't a jialr
ell ho hud a larLto
his complf'xion to
tint on tho cud of
lich adoiTiod that
lor of wet putty,
med oxeeption, ho
!aranco before tho
ineu pantaloons, a
1 blaek silk vest, a
; a lavRO black silk
fihirt-eolUir shono
a\er covered his
anionjx the ruflles
ral seals and small
feet were covered
etc tho picture, ho
ornamented at ouo
ith a knob of fine
10 of Major Goorgo
dilcU ho was inor-
bo discovered who
in tho love of his
far back among
?

;cd ; for, when not

always occupied—

thejuico from that

vo State.

heated from ovcr-

would hold forth

1 tho superiority of
in particular, to all
?ro among the first
Id trace their pedi-

MAJOU OUUKUU JENKa.

greo back to tho IMantagencts; of which niuch-HulToring name,
and its bcirers, he had, however, a very confused notion. Ilo
was aware that this august nanio was the polar star of all ichor-
blooded Virginians, and ho lloin-ish(!d it before us with the utmost
looseness. 'I'ho .Major had but ono country, his heaven and iiis
earth— that was Virginia. When in one of liis convivial moods,
ho delighted to talkof the general.shipof Wasliington, thostates-
maushij) of .lelVeison and Madison, the chMpienco of Henry, and
tho wit of Randolph. Ho denounced (May and Jack.son a.s hum-
bugs and demagogues; and when reminded that Clay was a
Virginian, he insisted that ho was only a mongrel, who was
obliged to leave his native State because ho was imablo to copo
with the mighty intfdlects with which it was filled. In line, no
good thing, in tho Major's eyes, could come from anywhere out-
side of Virginia.

Of whou or how ho obtained tho title of Lfajor, I am profoundly-
ignorant; perhaps ho had bclongc'. to tho militia— tho country,
In those days, was filled with citizen ildiers— or, as is quito as
likely, it had been awarded by his i.icnds as an expression of
respect ; a way in which thousands of others havo obtained their
military titles. It is, indeed, a subject wo cannot afford to be too
curious about, in this country. I never asked him how he ob-
tained it, nor did he ever volunteer any information, though he
never failed, in putting his name to any paper, however insignifl-
cant, to adorn it with tho title of "Major." lie also aped tho
bearing of a military man, by shoving out his chest to what
must have been a most uncomfortable degree, and keeping his
head prcternaturally erect.

His faro-tablo, covered with the implement.'? of tho game,
created quito a sensation among his visitors, very few of whom
had ever seen anything better, in that lino, than Giles' sheet-iron^
box, big horn buttons, and lay-out of cards tacked to tho table.
Giles was careful that no persons should bo admitted to tho game,
but such as \ifishod to join in it. On tho first evening, tho Major
had a lively game, in which ho lo.st over three hundred dollars.
It broke up by ton o'clock ; the players, having all won, were
satisfied ; but the polite Major would not allow his customers to
leave imtil he had treated them to a lunch, which he ordered
from tho " Old Hickory." Some of the winners objected to this,
and proposed to make up a purse among themselves for that pur-

It- i

fi!

WANDEKDJGS OF A VAUA130ND.

his money, and were now ^"J"^ "^ , ^^'/"^'^[^^^^^^^
and ho showed them by his "^^"""- ^^ ^^ .^^^ ^^ f^ t^-^.k J, and
in his memory (or at least tried *« "J^^ ''^'^^r lavor than
Bvircceded), and that they could not do him a greater

to partake of his hos))itahty. .',cd-eYc" had some-

When a half-dozen or so of glasses ot ic^J^J^ ^

^hat enlivened the old fellow he «;!"g ^^ ^j^^^^J .7,;^ '^ ^^d
manly voice, to the ^-^-^^^^ ^^1:^^^ ilv

given my entire attention to the ^^'>"^'/l^.;';^ ' ^^,^^,1; ,vaitcd on
evening. I had helped 1^^ *« ''^"''^.^f.^f ^^^^ the "Old

the players, and afterwards brought ^^;j'^f^;';;,,i,es, and
Hickory." The old fellow ^f^^^^^^ h^ had

thanked me, in tboj---; etn we';t sX a's to prophesy
finished his love-song, ^e e\en \Ne

that I should some day ^-^Pr^^^l^^^^^.i^^' f,"S^^ channel.
Major's idea of f ^^^ness ran rdtoge^be^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^. ^^ ^

He showed much ^Y'^'!l\^^Z'crJr \n a sorrowful voice,
Tarn^ mTt^re^r crds,Cl'wIld from "the wrath to

''"But you don't practice ^hat you preach, Major," I laugb-
^^^!^Ss so, my son," ho r^^ed ; <;but^c^tancc. have
thrown me into my PJ-^^^PJ^! f^ u dsrw tricks,' you
E^^MttTdoir^o^llS n>o .o^.ivingyou good

^'"^; M^or, ^^I'-thankful foryom kind^nt^^^^^

'^'"Tnde?df""be exclaimed, regarding me curiously; ''pray,
what current is that, Master Jack V

W—i'l I I I I

iND.

by telling tliem they
, whether they won
;cr the hrnch, hnuora
the place aflbrrtcd,
bave entertained his
liteness, had he been
,ra. They liad won
lives at his expense;
i losses held no place
tlicni think so, and
a greater lavor than

' red-eye" had some-
i love-song, in a fine
f his hearers. I had
:he Major, during th'
1 faro-table, waited on
hnich froi tlic "Old
ed my services, and
ompany, after ho had
io far as to prophesy
rict in congress. The
in a political channel.
10 present told him I
in a sorrowful voice,
d from " the wrath to

ach, Major," I laugh-

ut circumstances have
I am now too far ad-

Id dogs new tricks,' you
from giving you good

X kind intentions; but
yn away on TOO, because
imbling is carrying me

mo curiously; "pray,

MAJOB GEORGE JENKS.

" Lovo of excitement and gain, sir," I rejoined.

" Damn me, gentlemen,"' cried tlie Major, bringing his hand
down on the table so fiercely that the bottles and glasses rung
again, " if I don't believe the youth on this side of the Ohio ad-
vance faster tlian tliose along our sea-shore ! " After which
forcible delivery of his opinion, lie invited all hands to join him
in another drink, wliicb they were quite ready to do, being all
capable drinkers.

" Then it's really yoi.r intention to become a gamblor. Jack?"
was the half-way inquiry of the Major, the round of liquor being
tossed down the capacious throats of the company.

"So it seems, Major."

" Then I'm sorry for you, my boy. You've got a crooked and
d d stoney road before you, that's all I can say."

"Well, Major, can't you give him some advice how he can
drive his team over that ar' road?" asked old Hicks, who was
present.

"I can, sir, with pleasure, if he will listen to it; but before
I begin, with your permission, sir (bowing to Hicks), we'll fill up
our glasses and take another round."

The company met the call to a man, and, having supplied his
cheek with a fresh quid of " nigger-head," the Alajor leaned
back in his chair, strotched his legs under the table, and pro-
ceeded to enlighten me as follows :

" My young friend, remember that cleanliness, not to mention
its being next to godliness, is the parent of health. Live accord-
ing to your means, dress well, but avoid foppishness ; make it
your study to use good language and acquire the manners of a
gentleman. Beware of intemperate and dissolute companions ;
never intermeddle with the business of others, or neglect your
own for frivolous pleasure. Avoid quarrels and quarrelsome
persons, and, above all, shun the company of abandoned women.
Enter into no business transaction without first giving the sub-
ject due reflection, and, when in doubt, seek the advice of men
on whose integrity and judgment you can rely. Wlien your
money or your honor is at stake, rely on your own natural
sense, if you have no triTstworthy friend at hand to advise you.
Give your confidence to few ; but should you ever bo so fortunate
as to have a tried friend, let nothing l)ut death separate you, one
from the other. Ne>'er borrow money under false pretences,

•<h y " '

•WAKDEBIKGS OF A VAGABOND.

however pressing may be your wants. Observe these instruc-
tions, my young friend, and, with the energy and pe.sonal ap-
pearance you possess, you cannot fail to succeed in the world."

" That's very good advice, Majoi , and worthy of a philosopher ;
but why is it not c(iually applioal)le to all other persons as well
as gamblers?" demanded Mr. Willis.

"Quito true, sir, quite true; but it is much more requisite
that a gambler should follow these instructions than any one."
" I don't see why," said Willis.

" Because integrity, upright behavior, and personal appear-
ance are his stock in trade. Should he deceive his friends, or
commit any otiier dishonorable or underhand act, all high toned
gamblers will shun him, and whenever they shun one of their
own fraternity, every one else whoso friendship is worth having
will also shun him."

" The same remark will apply to other men, as veil as gamb-
lers," replied Mr. Willis.

"In a measure, certainly; but all other men are not such
good judges of character as gamblers."

" Then you think gamblers better judges of character than
other people ?"

"Yes, sir," answered the Major, emphatically. "They are
the best judges of character on earth, especially the gamblers
from Virginia."

" Waal, that's all very fine. Major, so far as it goes. You've
told Jack what kind of a team he wants to carry him over that
ar' stoney an' twisted road o' yourn, but you isn't told 'im how
he's to drive it, and feed it on the way," chimed in old Hicks.

"If I understand you correctly, Mr. Hicks, you wish me to
inform the young gentleman what he must do to succeed in the
world, is it not, sir?" asked the Major, with one of his most dig-
nified bows.
" That's it, old stud," rejoined Hicks.
" I shall do so, sir," said the Major, curtly, not much liking, I
thought, the title of " old stud" conferred on him by Mr. Hicks;
then turning to me he said, " Jack, my boy, never back a loser."
" That's very good advice, but how the h— 1 are you going to
tell the loser from the winner?" inquired a big powerful fellow
by the name of Jones.
" You don't understand me) sir, because you interrupted me

e these instruc-
iid pe.sonal ap-
in the world."
)f a philosopher ;
' persons as well

1 more requisite
;han any cue."

icrRonal appear-

his friends, or
t, all high toned
lun one of their

1 is worth having

is well as gamb-

en are not such

f character than

illy. "They are
lly the gamblers

it goes. You've
ry him over that
m't told 'im how
d in old Hicks.
, you wish me to
to succeed in the
le of his most dig-

lot much liking, I
im by Mr. Hicks ;
ver back a loser."
are you going to
ig powerful fellow

u interrupted me

MAJOR GEOKGE JENKS.

before I had elucidated my subject," said the Major, with much
dignity. Witliout waiting Ibi' uu apology, he continued, address-
ing me, "Never bet on an unlucky horse or an unlucky man.
Whenever a breed of cocks have cstaljjished their reputation
follow them up with your money. Bo careful of a young race-
horse, regardless of his pedigree ; but whenever one of good
blood has shown extraordinary speed and bottom, keep betting
on him till he's beaten, then drop him. When you find your-
self over-matched at a game of cards, drop your adversary as
soon as possible: good card-players live on fools; be careful not
to be one of the latter cla.ss. If any one offers to bet you he can
perform any trick or feat, let him go by ; for 'tis a hundred to one
that if he finds any fools sufficiently green to take his bets he will
win them. Should you see one person take advantage of another
while at play, don't expose the fraud, but bet on him if you can
find any one to take your wager. Don't squander your money,
but keep it in readiness to make more with whenever the oppor-
tunity arrives. Choose your friends from moneyed men, because
poor ones can be of no use to you."

"How old are you, Major?" asked Mr. Willis.

" Wei;, I'm going on fifty-five sir, and I'm able to drink as mrch
whiskey as any man in this room; so I move we take a parting
drink and go to bed."

"Excuse me, Major," said Willis, "but one more question if you
please. Have you been following up this here advice you've
given to Jack all them years ?"

"No, sir, I have not," he stifQy replied; "for no person is ca-
pable of giving good advice until he's old enough to understand
he's been a damned fool." The concluding part of the Major's
speech was received with much laughter, besides a round of ap-
plause, after which, and a parting drmk,*the party separated for
the night.

"MHMWW

■ijij »Wigr iiMtw

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

CHAPTER VIII.

FARO.

Faro may be termed a national game, as it is the favorite
banking game of chance in tliis country. It ha ' its origin iu
Em-ope, where it was played extensively during thcscv.'iii. enth,
eighteenth, and the early part of the present century; but such is
the mutability of human events, that the game is now almost
entirely unknown in that country.

At what time or among what nation of people the game ol
faro IJrst made its appearance, tradition saith not, or if any re -
corfiing scribe has ever left such a record behind him, all traces
of It are now probably lost, which will not, I suppose, bo looked
upon by "society" as any very terrible calamit.r. The English
claim that the game, like many of their other vices, was in-
• troduced among them by the Ucrinans. The old tale, " brought
up virtuous, and afterwards corrupted by bad company."

Hoyle is the first writer known to us who has given the rules,
laws, and maxims of the game. He .says in his book of games,
" This game (speaking of faro) is a very peculiar one, played
but little iu England, and that it is purely a game for winning and
losing money." The technical terms formerly used in playing
this game being French, induces me to believe it was a French
invention, and introduced into their own country by the English
nobility, who were in the habit of adopting French games for their
amusement, looking upon their national ones as vulgar. If tho
game of faro originated in Germany, it has long since lost all
traces of its nationality;. Whether Hoyle was correct or not in
saying that faro was but little played in England, we find among
the statutes enacted by parliament during the reign of the second
George, one prohibiting gambling, under a penalty of two hun-
dred pounds' fine, and among the games particularly mentioned
are hazard, roly-poly, and faro.
I find no trace of the ga.ne farther back than this period.
We find in Washington Irving's tale of tho great Mississippi
bubble, a description of John Law, a Scotchman, who was the
prime uio ,er in that celebrated swindle. As far as relates to our
subject, wo shall give the author's own words. " Law remained

it is the favorite
ba ' its origin iu
g tliosevi'iiii entli,
utiiry ; but sudi is"
10 is uow almost

oplo tlic game nl
not, or if any ro -
ind bim, all traces
suppose, bo looked
it.r. Tbe Englisb
bcr vices, was in-
old tale, " brougbt
company."
as given tbe rules,
lis book of games,
euliar one, played
ne for winning and
•ly used in playing
e it was a Frencb
itry by tbe Englisb
nch games for tbeir
as vulgar. If tbo
long since lost all
i correct or not in
ind, we find among
reign of tbe second
cnalty of two bun-
ticularly mentioned

an tbis period.
great Mississippi
iman, wbo was tbe
far as relates to our
J. " Law remained

FAEO.

for a while in Paris, leading a gay and affluent existence, owing
to his iiandsome person, easy manner, lie.xible temper, and a faro-
bank which ho had set up. Ills agreeable existence was inter-
rupted by a message from D'ArgensoUj Lieutenant-General of
Police, ordering liini to ([uit Paris, alleging that he was rather too
skillful at the ganics tvhich he had introditrcd. This event took
place in the yoai- 1700. Tbo faro which John Law dealt, and
which Iloylc describes in his book of games, baa not been in use
over forty years."

As tbis game will bear an important part in these memoirs, it
is necessary that the reader should beconie acquainted with its
mysteries, its rules, maxims, and tbe manner in which it is
conducted at the present time. For this purpose I have made an
extract from the American Iloyle, which gives a full description
of the game of

FAEO.

Faro is played with a full deck of fifty-two cards. The dealer
sits at the table prepared for the purpose, with an assistant or
" looker-out" at his right hand. Upon the centre of the table is a
suit of cards, arranged in tbe following order, upon which the
players place their money or stake.«i, and which is called *' the
lay-out." It is composed of thirteen cards, either pasted or paint-
ed on a cloth. These cards are placed iu two rows, running
parallel with each other. The row next the players contsiins the
king, queen, and Jack (which are called the big figure), ten,
nine, and eight. The row next the dealer contains the ace, deuce,
and trois (which are called the little figure), the four, five, and
six. Next tbe six and eight is placed the seven. These three
cards comprise what is called " the pot." Four connecting cards
are called squares. For example, the king, queen, ace, and deuce,
is called the "grand square;" the Jack, trois, four, and ten, the
"Jack square;" the nine, eight, six, and five, the "uine
square." A bet placed in a square includes the four cards ; one
placed behind any named card, except tlie king or seven, in-
cludes that card, and also the two adjoining ones. For instance
•—a bet placed behind the queen would include the king and
Jack. A bet placed on the inside comer of any card includes the
two cards next to it, as well as tbe one it rests upon, in all the
States and Territories west and south of the otate of New York,

«t«il^

■VTANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

but in the latter State, and those cast of it, such a bet would bar
both cards alongside of it, and include the card it rested upon,
with the one diagonally opposite. A bet placed bet\\ eon any two
cards includes those two. A bet placed on the corner of a card
on- the outside connects two cards, as a bet placed on the corner
of the king would include the Jack, or one placed on the corner
of the ace would include the trois, and leave out the queen and

The stakes usually consist of counters or checks, made of
ivory, representing difTcrent sums, tliey are purchased of the
banker, and are redcomod by him at tlie option of tlie bolder.
The banker usually limits the sums so bet, accordmg to the

amount of his capital. j „„„i.

The game may be played by any number of persons, and each
player mav select any card or number of cards upon the lay-
out," and may change his bet from one card to another, when-
ever he pleases.

DEALING THE CABDS.

The pluyers having placed their stakes upon the "lay-out,"
and all other preliminaries being settled, the dealer shuffles
the cards, cuts them, and places them face up ma small
metal box, usually silver, which is a little larger than the
pack to be admitted ; this box is open at the top, so that
ihe top card may always be in view. It also has a small
opening at the side, sufficiently large to permit a smgle card to
pass through it conveniently. As the cards are pushed out, or
dealt from the top through this opening, the romamder of the
deck is forced upwards by springs placed in the bottom of the
box, and thus the cards are kept in their proper place until the
pack is exhausted. . ..

We will suppose, by the way of illustration tha the ace is he
top card, a. it appears in the box. This card is shoved through
the opening.when a ten appears-this is the banker's card, and
he wins all 4e money which may have been p aced upon it T e
ten, like the ace, is removed, disclosing a kmg, which is the
player's card, the bank losing all stakes found upon it- The
drawing of these two cards is called "a turn," which, being
made, the dealer takes and pays all the money won and lost
and then proceeds as before, drawing oat two more cards^the

FAKO.

ih a bet would bar
•d it rested upon,
1 betw eon any two
c corner of a card
aced on the corner
[iced on the corner
out the queen and

' checks, made of
purchased of tlio

tion of the holder,
according to the

r persons, and each
ds upon the " lay-
l to another, when-

pon the "lay-out,"
the dealer shuffles
ice up in a small
le larger than the
i,t the top, so that
t also has a small
mit a single card to
1 are pushed out, or
le remainder of the
n the bottom of the
roper place until the

n, that the ace is the
rd is shoved through
e backer's card, and
placed upon it. Tlie
I king, which is the
ound upon it. The
turn>" which, being
money won and lost,
two more cards^the

fn-st for the bank and the second for the phyer, and thus he
continues until the whole pack is doult out.

Whenever two cards of the sumo (lenomination, as, for exam-
ple, two .sevens or two fours, appear in the Siuue turn, the dealer
takes half the money found upon .such card— this is called a
"split," and is said to be tlio bank's greatest percentage, to
avoid which old faro players wait until tiiere is but one seven
or four, or card of any other denomination left in rlie box, and
then place their heavy beU upon that, thus avoiding the possi-
bility of a "split."

If a player wishes to play upon the banker's card, or to bet
any certain card will lose, ho indloutes it by placing a copper
upon the top of his stake, and if this card wins for the bank the
player also wins.

When there is but one turn left in the box, the plaver has the
privilege of " calling the last turn," that is, of guessing the
order in which the cards will appear, and if he calls it correctly
he receives four times the amount of his stake.

KEEPIKO THE GAME.

As it is important for both dealer and plavcr that the cards
remaming in should be known, the game is accurately kept, so
as to exhibit at a glance every phase of the deal. For this pur-
pose, printed cards are given to the players, upon which they
keep the game m the following manner.

No. 1.— This table, marked as the cards
are dealt, exhibits what each card Jias
done; the means that the card has lost,
1 that it won ; thus, the ace lost, won, lost,
and won; the four lost twice and won
twice; the seven won four times; the
queen lost four times, and the Jack split,
lost and won; the X indicating a split; the
six was the top, or "soda card," a& shown
by the *; the nine won, lost and won, the
fourth nine remaining in the box, being
the last, or "hock" card, which is indicated by the t

No. 2.— This table illustrates a deal partly made. One ace
has been dealt, and three remain in the box ; two deuces have

No. 1.

No. 2.

A— 0101

A— 1

2-0000

2—00

3—1001

3-000

4—0011

*4—

5-0010

5-01

*6— 101

fl— Oil

7-1111

7—

8—1100

8-11

9— lOlJ

9—011

10—1110

10—

J— XOl

J—

Q— 0(K)0
K-llOO

l=S

(JO WANDERINGS OF A VAOADOKD.

lost, and two remain in tho box ; four was the top card, and all
the sevens remain in the box, etc.

Vt this staKO of the game cautious players would avoid bet-
ting upon tS seven, ten, or Jack, preferring the trois, mx, or
nine because upon tliese latter ear.lH they cannot be split, an
r e is but onE of each in the box, while the seven ten, ad
Jack are all in the box. uud arc therefore liable to spht or to ap-
pear before tho othcra.

KEEPING THE GAME BY A CUE-BOX.

Another mode of keeping the game, common in tj^° Northern
States is by a "cue-box," by which the dUlcrent stages of the
g!^e are correctly noted by one of the players or by a regular
''cuc-kecper," who is usuahy attached to the bank.

The cue-box is a minir.turc "lay-out," with four buttons at-
tached to eacJ Ia. Those familiar with billiards w,ll recog-
nize this as the same method of keeping that game.

At the beginning of each deal, the buttons, which are placed
upon wfres extendrng from each card, are all shoved up to the
card- iis soonasaturnis made the buttons are pushed to the
oDDOsi e end of the wire. If the Jack is the soda card, one of
Su buttons belonging to that card is pushed to the opposite
ond of the wire. If the turn come a kmg, and then a four, a
blon Z:Z king and one from the four i^ P-becUo t^^^^^^^^^^
posite end of the wire, and so on to the end o the deal, so that
by a glance of the eye, the player can see how many of each
card remain in the dealer's box.

TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN FARO.

BanlerorBacker.-ThQ person who furnishes tho money for
^^iSr.-He who cieals^the cards, and takes and pays tho

^'c«e or Case-Keeper.-The person who marks game on the

cue-box.
iooA-er-o.i/.-The dealer's assistant.

C/iCcfcs.-Ivory tokens representing money, with which tue
.rnmn =q nlavod* thev vary in color, size, and value.
'"ZHCrorH^MUj Card is tho last card remaining in the
box after tho deal has been made. When one turn remam. to

^4.

top card, and all

would avoid bet-
tho trois, six, or
mnot 1)0 siilit, :vs
10 Hoveu, ton, and
e to split or to ap-

UE-BOX.

)n in tlie Northern

ircnt stages of tlio

3rs or by a i-ogular

bank.

;h four buttons at-

jilliards will rccog-

gaiue.

I, which aro placed

I shoved up to tho

s arc pushed to the

e soda card, one of

shed to the opposite

and then a four, a
Is pushed to the op-
of the deal, so that,

how many of each

N FARO.

ishes tho money for
takes and pays tho
marks game on the

ley, with which the
id value.

ard remaining in the
I one turn remains to

FARO.

be made, there arc three cards in the box. They may be, for ex-
ample, the live, six, and seven. We will .supi)o.sc tlio last turn to
be lir*!, six, leaving the seven in tho box, which would bo called
the hock card, because, as the game was originally played, tho
dealer took "liock," that is, all UKJUcy whicli happened to be
placed upon that card ; tho bank, therefore, luul a ccrlninty of
winning tliat money, witliout tho possibility of losing it; lienco
the term hock, which means certainty.

A Deal.— 'Tho dealer is said to have made a deal when ho has
dealt out tho whole deck.

A Ttirn.-— Tho two cards drawn from tho dealer's box, one for
tho bank and tlio other for tlio player, which thus determines
the events of tlio game, constitute a turn.

Coppering a Bct.—U a player wislios to bet that a card will
lose (that is, win for tho bank), ho indicates his wish by placing
a cent, or whatever may bo provided for that purpose, upon tho
top of his stake. It is called "coppering," because cojjpers
were first used to distinguish such bets.

To Bar a Bct.—K player having a bet upon a card, and wish-
ing to bar it for a turn, must say to the dealer, "I bar this bet
for tho turn," pointing to it, in which case it can neither win nor
lose.

Last CaW.— When three cards only remain in tho box, any
player has the privilege of calling the order in which they will
be dealt. This is termed the last call. Tho checks are placed so
as to express tho call, and, if correctly made, the bank pays four
for one, and if a "cat," two for one.

A Cat or Cat ifarpew.— When the last turn consists of two
cards of the same denomination, and one card, as two tens and
a king, it is called a cat.

ParoU or Par/ec— Suppose a player to bet five dollars upon
the ace, it wins, and the dealer pays it ; if tlie plaj'cr then allows
the ten dollars to remain upon the ace, he is said ♦^^o play his
paroU, which means the original stake and all its winnings.

Pressing a Bet. — To add to the original stake.

Betting even Stakes is when the player constantly bets the
same amount.

Stringing a Bet is taking in one or more cards, remote from
tho one upon which the bet is placed.

Playing a Bet Open is to bet a card will win, not to lose.

68 WAKDEHING3 OF A VAGABOND

Bevcatinq and Iimmr,f,.-A card is said to repeat vhen it
plays as it did upon tlio previous deal, and to trrersc when it
plays directly opposite ; that ir,, if it won four times it is said to
reverse if it loses four times.

Smp.-A temporary bank, not a reRular or established Rarae.

Slcrprrs.—X bet is said to bo a sleciicr when the owner has
forgotten it, when it becomes public property, any one having a

richt to take it. , , ,,

A Bet or Case Cnrd.—Vfhm three cards of one denomination

have been dealt, the one remaining in tho box is called a bet,

case, or sini/le card.

The Soda Card is the top card of tho deck, when put into the

dealing-box preparatory to a deal. , , v. *i

Snakinq a' Game.- X game is said to bo snaked when tbe
dealer's cards have been stok'n, and privately returned, marked,
or prepared in such a manner as th:.t when they are dealt, the
Bnaker knows what cards will win or lose. Faro banks are often

broken in this way. ,

Throiving off a Game.-V^hm a dealer, by a preconcerted
plan, allows a player to w in, he is said to throw off the game.

Catching a J'Mrn.-Sometimes tho dealer is so careless in
Bhuffling his cards, that a shrewd player will know what cards
have not been separated, or will have some other advantage by
which he will beat tho turn ; this is called " catching a turn."

LAWS OP THE GAMB.

The rules of faro are few and arbitrary, and are based upon
principles of j.rstice and equity. All questions or points of con-
troversy which may arise during a deal, may at once be settled
by refe'-'-''i«r to the general rules or principles of tho game.

All bets art to be taken or paid as they lie upon the card,
except there is m\ express understanding to tho contraiy. The
intentions of a pl.^er aro not to bo c^ siderod by tho dealer; his
bet being supposed to represent his lu. ^ntion.

If a player wishes to bar a bot on a card, ho must make the
dealer understand that ho bars it, when it will remain barred
until he says "it goes."

If a player should put a bet upon a card, and say to the dealer,
" One half of this bet goes," it would be so understood until the
end of the deal, unless the order was revoked.

to repeat vhen it

reverse when it
times it is said to

eatal)lishe(l Ranie.
leii tlie owner has

1 any quo having a

one denomination
)ox is 'galled a bet,

, when put into the

snaked when ti)e

returned, marked,

they am dealt, the

iiro banks are often

by a preconcerted
nw off the game.
• is so careless in
1 know what cards
other advantage by
catching a turn."

md are based upon
)ns or points of con-
y at once be settled
3 of the game.
' lie upon the card,
the contraty. The
d by the dealer; his
n.

, he must make the
will remain barred

md say to the dealer,
understood until the

FARO. W

Should a player or the dealer, by design or accident, remove
or alter a bet belonging to anotlicr, ho is responsiljlc, for its loss.

When two players bet the sumo stake "single" ujion dillbrciit
cards, one coppered and the other to win, and tliey both win
upon the same turn, the copper bet, being the llrst to win, must
be paid,

The dealer must pay all bets for which he turns, provided
they are made in checks, but only the limit of the game if in
bank bills.

The dealer should take and pay correctly, and not make mis-
takes by design or through carelessness ; nor should ho alter
the position of the cards dealt, but allow them to remain upon
their respective piles undisturbed.

When the i)laycrs have broken a bank, the dealer must take
and pay the largest bets first. Suppose the bank to have but
one dollar left, a turn "a made by which the dealer wins one
dollar and loses two ; ho mu.st take the dollar he wins, and pay
the dollar lost; the ruie is to take and pay the amount of the bank
in sight.

The dealer has the right to close his game, or to quit dealing,
whenever he sees proper to do so.

Players have the right to count, or otherwise examine the
cards of the dealer, if they suspect foul play, or if they wish to
guard against it. In all cases the dealer has the right to the
last shuffle and cut ; and where he permits a player to shufifle
or cut, it is an extension of courtesy to the player, and not bis
right.

THE CHANCES OF THE GAME.

The percentage in favor of the bank is generally estimated
to be about three per cent., but the average is evidently more
than that. Some players reduce the percentage against them
to almost nothing, while other players, less experienced, give
the bank enormous advantages. With all players the percent-
age varies with each turn of the cards, so that no proper esti-
mate of the bank's advantage can bo made. One thing, how-
ever, is certain — all regular faro players are reduced to poverty,
while dealers and bankers, who do not play against the game,
amass large fortunes; and, again, the higher order of faro-rooms
are gorgeously furnished — luxurious suppers and costly wines

>!|

■WANPElllNns OK A VAr.ABOXn.

arc pratultonsly oflVrod to plnvcrs, and tlio proprietors aro
cvorywhoro diHtiii-iiiislicd for tlii'ir rfcUlt'S'i (.'Xtriivii.i;iiiicc. A'l
this is siistiiiiicil hy the pr-rcciita;;!) of the niimi'.

Almost every laro-pl;iyer liiis soiiio pociiliar system, wliieli ho
rfrlves to believe will lieat tlie liank, ami wliieli sometimes doea
realize liis liopes ; but, in the end, all systems fail. Tlio truth
is, tlie fitum is based upon eertain matlicmatieal prineiplcs,
giviiit; it"a percentage which no system of iilayinjj caa overcome.

CALLING THE LAST TURN.

The bank's greatest percentage is when players call the last
turn, as is here illustrated :

Suppose the cards remaining In the box to bo the 4, 5, and
fi; the turn may come I, 5—4, (i— r>, 4—.'), G—C, 4, or 0, 5.
Therefore it may come six ditVerent ways, but ho who calls it
correctly receives only four for one, or four times the amount of
his stake.

When the turn happens to bo a "cat," it may como three
dillereut ways, but the bank pays only two for ono.

No better exposition could bo given regarding tlio rules, laws,
and maxims which govern faro as It Is dealt at the present time
in this country. But when the author tells us that the percent-
age in favor of the bank is generally estimated at three and a half
per cent., ho displays his ab.solute want of knowledge upon that
subject. Faro is the only banking game of chance known to us,
whoso percentage cannot bo clearly defined. The best algebraista
among the gambling community of this country have been un-
able to show us that faro has one and three-fourths per cent, in

its favor.

The author also informs us that "all regular faro-players are
reduced to poverty, while the dealers and bankers, who do not
play against the game, amass large fortunes." With all due re-
spect, he does not ki'ow what ho is talking about. He must
have derived his information from hearsay, and could never
have consulted intelligent gamblers on the subject. There are
thousands of persons who have played against faro games
almost every dav of their iives, from budding manhood to old
age, who have iiever been reduced to poverty. I can recall

proprietors aro
trava.i,'iincc. J!l

system, whicli ho
I somc'tiiiius (1(103
fiiil. Tho tnilh
atical priiiciiilcs,
ng caa ovcrcumOi

IN.

ycra call tho last

bo tho 4, 5, and
G— 0, 4, or r», 5.

it ho who calls it
103 tho amount of

may como three
• ono.

ng tlio rules, laws,
,t tho present time
that the porcent-
at three and a half
:)\vledge upon that
ance known to us,
he best algebraists
itry have been un-
burths per cent, in

IV faro-players are

inkers, who do not

With all due re-

about. He must

and could never

ibject. There are

ainst faro games,

ig manhood to old

rty. I can recall

FA no.

many sutli rnsea under my own observation, where (ho partieH
ares:till livini:, with iiniplo means tomistain tiieinM-iveM andthoso
l)el()n,i;ing lo llu'iii. I also doiilit if tliein are in tlie enuntry, or
liave lieen witiiin the last tiiirty years, twenty per-ions who Iiavo
amassed a fDrttiiic of one liinKlred thousand dollars l»y faro-
dealing. I have known within that |)eri()(l, myself, hnndreils of
I'aro-hankers who have n«>ver made more than a respeetaltlo
living from tlieir business.

The author says : " The higher order of faro-roonis aro
gorgecmsly furnished and deeorated, Itixurioiis suppers aro
gratuitously I'urnislicil ttt the players, together wKli eostly wines,
and the proprietors arc everywhere distiiiguished for thtir reek-
less extravaganee, etc., and all this is sustained by tho perrcnt-
;i;;o on the game."

The author, as well as the publie in general, has a most erro-
neou.s opinion on the .sulject of gambling-hou.ses and gamblers,
and is as unable to disthigui.sh between fair ganihrmg, and
swii.dling under that name, as to undeisland the dill'erenee be-
tween a car(l-sliari)er and an lutnest gand)ler. To separate
these ciiaracter -1, to plaec gambling, as carried on in tlii.) eonntry,
in its tr;io light, to exi)()se "card-sharping" in all its deformity,
before tlic rei der, is tho prlnci[)al obje(;t of the writer of this
book. On tlM^ matter I .shall sjjoak fully in its jjroper place.

There aro i'.» our largo cities many of tho upper class of gam-
bling-houses wl.o furnish suppers gratuitously to their i)atrons;
and some of thost, which deal what is called " day-games," give
dinners, but none iuiiiish wine to their guests, nor aro any of
these fitted up otherNvise tlirai rospcetably and comfortably,
that is to say, neither gorgeously nor luxuriously. Tho expense
often in some hou.sos amounts to ten df)llars per day, and in others
from twenty-flvo to fifty per day — an expen.so which any bank
having select players, and doing a fiiir business, can well alTord.
During tho civil war, when money was plentiful, a fow houses
in the city of New York did furnish luxurious suppers and costly
wines to their customers ; but these houses did not numl)er four
in all, and their unusual entertaimncnt did not last over a year.
The houses which furni.shetl them could well afi'ord to do so, as
each of them had an opportunity to win or lose daily from
twenty to thirty thousand dollars, and tho amount luade from
splits by such heavy play was enormous.

TVANDEEINGS OF A VAGABOND.

In New Orleans it was customary for such houses as gave en-
tertainment, to sot ordinary claret wine Ijcfore th'!ir guests, but
no other kind was given by any of the "square" gambling hous-
es in that city. , r X,

I am led to believe that we are indebted to the Frenca for the
game of faro, from the fact that all the peculiar technical \,ai^.3-
es used in playing the game were originally m that language.
As "punters" (players); "couche, or enjeu" (a bet); "coup"
(a turn); "doublet" (splits); "Vunpour I'autre" (stand off); " op-
pos6" (copper bet). All these terms were in common use until
American innovations were introduced into the game, which
commenced some fortj- --ars ago. It first flourished m Louisi-
ana, and from there st m. ihroughout the Union. When gam-
bling-houses first were \c. ased m New Orleans (some forty-five
years ago), faro was placed up.m a largo oval table covered
with green cloth; on one side was the "taiUeur" (dealer); and
on the other his ^'croupier" (look-out); dealing-boxes had not
then been invented, and gold, f::-- and bank-notes answered

the purpose of checks. , , , ^,

When the dealer had shuffled and cut his cards, he held the
deck (irmly m his left hand with the face downward. When the
pla) ' -s had made then- bets, he turned over the top card and
placed it face ucwards on the table. This card was for the
bank. Then m the same manner he exposed the next card, this
being for the players. As the dealer made his turns in this wise,
his "croupier" took the bets the bank won and paid those which
it lost— he sole duty of the dealer being to attend to the cards;
the croupier fu^alling all the other duties of the game. These
games were generally with a Umit of twenty-five dollars, but the
bankers would increase the limit when rivr iry sprang up be-
tween different bouses, in order to draw patronage, or when a
rich customer refused to play unless the lunit was increased foi
his especial accommodation.

In such cases the limit was usually raised by givmg to the
player the privilege of going his paroh. For example : if ho bet
twenty-five dollars and won, he could let his stake and its
produet remain, which allowed 1 im to bet fifty dollars. Some-
times the paroli was allowed to be repeated ^.wice, which enabled
the player to realize (supposing both stakes to have won) one
hundred and seventy-five dollars. This mithod of betting is

DND.

I houses as gave en-
ore tli'!ir guests, but
arc" gambling hous-

to the French for the
iliar technical j^hras-
ily m that language.
u" (a bet); "coup"
(re" (stand off);" op-
ia common use until
ito the game, which
flourished in Louisi-
Union. When gam-
eans (some forty-five
B oval table covered
jiUeiir" (dealer); and
ealing-boxes had not
bank-notes answered

lis cards, he held the
ownward. When the
ver the top card and
'his card was for the
5cd the next card, this
! his turns in this wise,
L and paid those which

attend to the cards;
of the game. These

ty-five dollars, but the
rivr iry sprang up be-
patronage, or when a
imit was increased foi

ised by giving to the
""or example : if ho bet
let his stake and its
it fifty dollars. Some-
id *.wice, which enabled
,kf,s to have won) one

1 mithod of betting is

H f i W W n-gw 'if'

FARO.

termed a running limit, and has been almost universally adopted
by the faro- bankers of the United States. Bankers made their
limits to suit their capital, small games made their limits thus :
Three doUai's the amount of tao first stake, with the privilege
of paroling it twice and taking down twenty-four dollars. Other
banks made their limits six and a quarter, with the privilege of
running it to fifty. Still others, twelve and a half, with the priv-
ilege of running it to one hundred, while others allowed the first
stake to be twenty-five, with the privilege of paroling it to two
hundred dollars, and a very few made their limit fifty, with
paroli to four hundred.

Deahng-boxes were invented for protecting the bank. How-
ever careful a dealer might be with the pack of cards in his
hand, scores of sharp eyes were ever on the alert to take advan-
tage of the least scratch, speck, or bend, and to turn it to their
own account. In this case it was the banker only, who was liable
to become the victim of wily sharpers. But about the year
1833, or perhaps a j jar earlier, it was discovered that the player
also required some pi otection. Somewhere about this period an
old German, named Swigel, maf^.e his appearance in New
Orleans. This worthy old gentleman was direct from Europe,
and could neither speak English or French. After taking a
bird's-eye view of that fast city, he concluded that he could
make a fortune there running a faro-bank. By his address and
money combined, he managed to procure a half interest in one
which was located in one of the principal gambling-houses in
the city. For more than six months ho went along swimmingly ;
his game having won in that time some sixty thousand dollars.
The principal moneyed gamblers played against his bank, be-
cause ho gave to them a larger limit than any other banker in
New Orleans was willing to do. In fact, at times the old fellow
did not believe the limit of a faro -bank was worthy of a thought.
Many people, observing his eccentric habits, believed him to be
insane, or at any rate " a little deranged ;" but, in spite of all, he
managed to haul in whatever money was bet against the bank.
He never associated with any one, and in the mornings could be
seen taking his solitary walk in the suburbs of the city. In
these promenades he always carried in his hands a pack of cards,
and kept his arms in cons' mt motion, as if dealing for his play-
ers. Finally the uld fellow was one evening detected in the act

!. :•

gg -WANrERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

of taking the second card from the pnck while dealing a heavy
game. This operation of course altered the turn, by throwing
the card which belonged to the player in favor of the bank. In
the general row that ensued, the worthy old gentleman made
his escape in safety, and was never heard of afterwards ni the
city of New Orleans. His bank, wliich contained at Ihc tnuo
about six thousand dollars, was seized by tlio players, togcthcT
w'thhis cards, which were discovered to be all privately marked.
This, however, would have been of no use to him, unless ho
could have changed the position of the cards in the turn, a tbmg
which he accomphshed with such unerring dexterity that the
shrewdest gamblers in tiiS land failed to detect it for months.
Though the house shared equally in the prolits, it is more than
probable that none of its proprietors were in the old fellow s
confidence. .

As long as public gaming was allowed to exist m New-
Orleans, rules and maxims for playing faro were established, Init
when, in 1836, the license-law was repealed, selfish men, m order
to benefit their pockets thereby, foisted upon the game many
unjust laws and innovations. The cases were not allowed to bo
kept, bets once placed on the "lay-out" were not to bo removed
until an action on them had taken place. The object of thiswas
to keep plavcrs in ignorance of which cards were "cases," and
to confine their bets to double, trebl , and quadruple cards.
" Hock" was revived bv many bankers, wh.le in licensed gamb-
iing-houses it was thrown from the game. 7.ut it was only cross-
road gamblers and those who dealt faro-games at race tracks,
that claimed " hoekelty." The only chance a player had to es-
cape "hock," was when the cards in the last turn were all
" cases." If any two of these three cards ccmnected, he could so
place his bet as to include the connecting cards, and by so doing
either won, lost, or had a stand-off for it. But if a " cat " was
in the last turn, he had either to risk losing his money in "hock,"
or to risk having his bet split, and he cmild not take the latter
chance unless the case and the double card were connectors.
Should the last three cards be, for example, the king, four, and
seven, none of which connect— and in those days no bet was al-
lowed to include any card which did not connect— the players
who had bets on anv of the cards mentioned could not remove
them, thus giving to tli^- bank a percentage of 33^ per cent, oa
all stakes placed on case cards on the last turn.

w;
fa

til

h;
tr
tl]
cc
tl
al
w
e^
It
d(

C£
tl

P
S(
01

•I

ilo dealing a heavy
a turn, by throwiug
or of the bauk. lu
Id geutlenmu made
)f afterwards in the
iitaincd at the time
10 players, together
all privately niarlunl.
10 to him, unless ho
s in the turn, a thing
; dexterity that the
etect it for months.
)lits, it is more than
) in the old fellow's

cd to exist in New
were established, but
, selfish men, in order
pon the game many
>ro not allowed to bo
■re not to bo removed
The object of this was
ds were "cases," and
;nd qnadniple cards,
lie in licensed gamb-

TAXt it was only cross-
:ames at race tracks,
c a player had to es-
,e last turn were all
onnected, he could so
3ards, and by so doing

But if a "cat" was
; his money in "hock,"
d not take the latter
■ard were connectors,
lo, the king, four, and
.0 days no bet was al-
, connect— the players
Qcd could not remove
e of 33^ per cent, on
turn.

VABO. 69

Competition, and a more liberal spirit ontho part of gamblers,
have destroyed the old-fogy system of playing, aud have divest-
ed faro of the frauiluleut rules foisted upou it by uuserupolous
men. For this desirable revolution wo are indebted to eastern
gamblers, more especially those of New York. The change was
gradual, and it was only after a struggle of years in duration
that faro was brought to its present perfection. First, " hockel-
ty " was abandoned, then cases were allowed to be kept by the
players with counters, or cheeks, to mark the game. This soon
led to the introduction of "cue-boards," or " case-keepers," and
shortly after that to "cue-papers." But the great struggle
was between the runniug and the open limit : the former being
far more advantageous to the bank. lu the first place it is ad-
vantageous to a bank to compel a player to win his bet three
times in order to win his highest limit. The odds are seven to
one he will not succeed. Besides this disadvantage, the running
game forced reclcless players to play on double, treble, and
quadruple cards, which they often did in order to run their first
stake to the extreme liuiit. so as to bet it on a case card. The
bankers would not allow players to pick up their bets from double,
treble, or quadruple cards, until an action had takeu place on
them ; but the owner of a bet had a right to include with it any
connecting card or cards. The greedy bankers also exercised
their arbitrary rules to such an extent, that they would not even
allow a plixyer to bat his bet for a single turn after ho had once
won it, or its paroli ; and if ho removed it from the lay-out, for
even a single turn, his next bet was reduced to the original limit.
It will be easily undei )od, from this compulsory method of
dealing faro, that the objectwas to drive the players upon double
cards, thereby enhancing the percentage of the bauk by splitting
their bets.

A faro-bank doahng the "copper" game, and with a limit of
twenty-five dollars and one hundred dollars, that is, the privilege
to paroli twenty-five to two hundred dollars, can bo beaten by a
player at a single deal, out of two thousand eight hundred and
seventy-five dollars ; but if the player lost every time possible
on the deal, the bank could only win from him one thousand two
hundred and fifty.

An open limit means when a bank takes a stated amount,
which may be bet by a player any time during the deal. A game

5 .
I, i

llli

1 I'l

WAKDEKIJ.OS Cv 1 VAGABOND.

of this sort, dealt with a limit of lifty-four dollars, would be equal in
money to arunning limit jf twenty-five, and one hundred dollars.
Either of those games may bo beaten on a single deal, providing
no split happens, out of two thousand eight hundred and seventy-
five dollars, and Lue bank, with an open limit, may win the same
amount on a deal; while the one with the running hmit could
only win one tbousand two hundred and fifty dollars. But as
the odds are 98,729, 443,094, 784 to 1, it is not probable that
we shall ever hoar of any person winning or losing on every card
throughout a deal at faro. This calculation is merely intended to
showlho difference between what can bo won and lost during a
deal of faro having an open limit, and one having a running limit.
The running game in bad luck can lose double the amount it can
win in good luck; while the open game can win as much on a deal
as it can lose. It would appear, at the first glance, that the open
game would be the best for the banker; but such is not the case.
The paroli is a heavy percentage hi favor of the bank, besides
having atendency to force players, as I have already stated, on
double cards; thus giving an opportunity to split the beta, which
can in a great measure bo avoided at the open games; for the
cautious player may greatly reduce the percentage, by playing
on small double nards until a case appears, when, if he wishes,
he can bet the liu.it, and have an even chance for his money.

The open game of faro was first introduced into New England,
and shortly after made its appearance in the city of New York ;
where, hi the course of a few years, it usurped the place of the
running game altogether. No faro games with any open hmits
were dealt in the Southern and Western States until after the
Mexican war. That event exerted considerable mfluence on
the introduction of the open game into the cities of New Orleans,
St. Louis, and Cincinnati. When the City of Mexico was cap-
tured by the American forces, many faro dealers from the States
flocked there. They found on their arrival there that moute was
the attracting game ; even professionals played against it rather
than the small faro games, which were dealt with running limits
of twenty-five and one hundred dollars, and many even less.
There was plenty of money, not only among those gamblers who
followed the army, but among contractors, merchants, and ofQcers,
numbers of whom would bo willing to patronize faro, if dealt on
a liberal scale. A rivalry relative to procuring players sprung

Pfp

OND.

vrs, would be equal in
one hundred dollars,
ingle deal, providing
undrcd and seventy -
it, may win the same
running hmit could
Qfty dollars. But as
is not probable that
losing on every card
is merely intended to
on and lost during a
iving a running limit,
ale the amount it can
rin as much on a deal
jlance, that the open
I such is not the case,
of the bank, besides
ve already stated, on
> split the bets, which
open games; for the
jrccntage, by playing
3, when, if he wishes,
ice for his money.
3d into New England,
le city of New York ;
•ped the place of the
with any open limits
tates until after the
iderable influence on
cities of New Orleans,
r of Mexico was cap-
jalers from the States
. there that moute was.
ayed against it rather
it with running limits
and many even less,
g those gamblers who
lerchants, and ofQcers,
onize faro, if dealt on
juring players sprung

FAKO.

up among tlie gamblers, especially among those newly arrived.
Banks were opened with running limits of flfty and two hundred
dollars, then witli limits of one liuiidrcd and four hundred dollars.
Such limits were only soon at the Mississippi land-sales, and in
Mobile, whon Brandon money was issued by the cord. Finally a
Tennessee gambler named Andrew Rogers oi)oned a bank, and
declared his limit to be an open two hundred dollars. The idea
was now in that place, and the players could bet their money as
they pleased, without l)elng trammeled by old-fogy notions and
rules. The new game was a success, and received the principal
patronage, and several others, not to be outdone, also p-^ claimed
their games to be an open limit of two hundred dollars. Com-
petition actually forced the now game on many bankers who
thought it had no percentage in its favor. But tbey soon dis-
covered their error. Many of tliese bankers, when peace was con-
cluded, opened their games in New Orleans, St. Louis, Cincinnati,
Louisville, and the watering-])lace3 of Kentucky. These games
were dealt with an open limit of one hundred, and sometimes fifty
dollars. From that time the open game became, throughout the
Southwest, extremely popular, and would undoubtedly have
broken up all the running games in the country, had not the
California excitement at this time drained the country of its
most liberal gamblers, leaving behind only an old-fogy class, who
were terrified at the very name of "open game of faro." So this
game was left exclusively to the city of Now York and tlje New
England States, in which last section it had its origin.

The principal faro-bankers who reached California early in
1849, had been in the City of Mexico. • All these set up the banks
with open limits. Whon the public gaming-houses had got well
started, the proprietors adopted the running limits of twenty-five
and one hundred dollars in their pul)lic saloons ; but in their pri-
vate rooms all their faro games wore dealt with open limits, and
V hen the New York and New England gamblers arrived, they
also dealt it. After the suppression of public gambling-houses,
there was not a running game of fiiro in the State of California.
The returning California gamblers, witli the assistance of those
from Now York cit^ and New England States, finally wiped out
every vestige of it from the United States, and scarcely a game
of the kind could be found there after the year 1859, and 'tis now
extremely doubtful wliether one can be found qp the continent
of North America.

•}

< iW

"'?, I

' 11

WANDEKIKGS OF A VAGABOND.

"Opposi'^' was idcntifloa with the old gario of faro, as men-
tionecl by Uoylo in his book of games. It means, transhited in-
to Eu'-lish, " copper-betting." Hut the early faro bankers of
this country exi)unge<l it from tiic game, believing it to bo un-
favorable to tlu'ir interi'Kts. They were unable to understand
that the more inducements they oflcred to players to stake their
ihoney ho more chances the bank had to split it. Still, coppcr-
bettiii'' was kept up in spi:o of the bankers, until it again found
a place in the game. Offers would be made and taken among
plavers that such or such a card would win for the bank ; such
wafers were termed "flyers," and were frequently taken by the
bankers themselves. When a player offere.l to make a bet of
this kind, and the dealer or any of bis assistants accepted it, the
stake was placed on the designated card and a copper cent
placed upon it to distinguish it from the other bets on the " lay-
out " About the year 1845 the faro-dcalers of New York city
received copper bets as a constituent part of the game for the
first time. From that city it spread through the State, and was
adopted by the dealers of the New England States. But the
dealers of Philadelphia and all cities south or west of it rehised
it until many years later, and even then it was forced upon them
by competition. In 1853 the first copper game was opened m
Philadelphia, and was introduced by a party of returned Califor-
nia gamblers. It was three years later before one was opened
in New Orleans, and but few of the faro-bankers south of the
Potomac River or west of the Alleghany Mountains adopted it
before the year 1857 ; nor would they have done so then, had it
not been for the gamblers from California, New York, and the
New En-Tlaud States. These nomads were traveling over the
country and setting up their games wherever players could be
found; and, by playing the copper game, succeeded m leaving
the local banks deserted— a proceeding which forced the deal-
ers to adopt it also. In this manner it was rendered a constitu-
ent part of faro. Notwithstanding the rivalry existing among
the faro-bankcrs in the city of ^Mexico, and their l)ids to procure
players, so fearful were they of the copper-game, that but one
bank in the city adopted it, that being the one mentioned as
running with an open limit. Some of these bankers would at
times Hsk their monev on games with open limit, but refused to
play the copp^. We find a few years later that this dread had

ei
e<
ir
P'

01
D(

fi'
to
th
lie
de
lei

so:

th(

nn:

bai

be(

tha

bul

ten

If i

sec(

the

eve

arg

car(

er,

hall

ceni

"h£

;d.

I ol" faro, as men-
ms, translated in-
ly faro bankers of
eviug it to bo un-
blo to understand
lyers to stake their
,t it. Still, c'opiicr-
ntil it again found
and taken among
;or the bank ; such
ontly taken by the

to make a bet of
iits accepted it, tlio
and a copper cent
■r bets on the " lay-

of New York city
■ the game for the

the State, and was
a States. But the
r west of it refused
IS forced upon them
ame was opened in
of returned Califor-
)rc one was opened
inkers south of tho
ountains adopted it
iono so then, had it
New York, and tho

tra^'eling over the
er players could be
icceeded in leaving
eh forced tho deal-
rendered a coustitu-
ilry cxistin.LT among
their bids to procure
-game, that but one
e one mentioned as
io bankers would at
limit, but refused to
that this dread had

FAUO.

!?ST * rr ^^\ ^^'^ °^"'" "'■^'^^•^'"^^ S''^'°'>l«r8 Who came
eai y to California dealt it. One was opened in San Francisco
early in 1849 that dealt tho copper, and without a limit. Those
in pub ic saloons played a running limit, but admitted tlio cop-
per only on tho last turn. In fact, nearly all the games through-
out tho State, that dealt a running limit, conducted their busi-
ness m a like muuuer, hut those who dealt an open limit played
the copper. i j^^

It was the prevailing belief among a largo majority of the
gambling fraternity that tho copper game was disadvantageous
to the bank, and so iinpres,scd were many of them with this idea,
that they would take no stock in sucli a game. They also be-
lieved that more cases would lose than ,vin in a stated number of
deals. For two or three years after the discovery of gold, gamb-
lers could bo found daily in front of faro-banks, endeavoring to
solve this problem by coppering tlio cases with even stakes, but
most of them got tho worst of tho bargain and retired "dead
broke." "oau.

For many years after coppering became an established part of
the game, it was tho general belief that coppering adoublocard
was disadvantageous to the player, regardless of splits. "If
two cards," they argued, "lie together in the dealing-box, they
must split, or the first that appears must win; consequently the
bank will either split tho bet or win it; whereas, if the bet had
been played open it must win if the cards do not divide " In
that case the player loses but half his money, which is tanta-
mount to his betting one to two. Such reasoning is very illusive
hut It hnz its hold on many of the gamblers of tho present day!
We will say, for instauc'c, that tho player coppers tho double
ten with a dollar; if the card does not split it wins and ho loses. ^
If It was destined the first ten should win, so was it that the
second should lose, for it lies under that exposed on the box •
then let the player copper the ten for another dollar, and he is
even; it, m fact, equalizes the whole matter. To support then-
argument against coppering double cards, they sav, " When a
card splits, tho first one on tho turn comes a winner'for the play-
er, when tho next one dashes realitv aside and makes him lose
half Ins money : thuy making a difference of seventy-five per
cent, against him in ippenrancc." " On the contrary," they say
had the bet no copper on It, the appearance of tlfc first card on

WANDKRINOS OF A VAOABOXD.

th« tnvn warns the player that his luonoy is lost, v;hen the agreo-
IberhroHheseioud returns half his money thus m appear-
:i : Sng him a gainer by fifty per -nt by bo turn ^

T?rn; Hii.h reasoniuK as this wo receive no mstrutt urns m mo
J oTe\anees%nd they only serve to display the suduen
vi. .r ons horn sorrow to joy and from joy to sorrow, wlueh ako
,:; "he mind of the player, as l^^-^^t''^;,!!;;" f i!^
' ' .V . Jlo the dealer is making a turn. If a card split t was
uestined -'so when the player placed his stake upon ,t and
also destined L3 should lose half his stake if he allowed it to re-
i'Sute^lit took place, and wh^^^^^^^^^^
on his stake or left it open, ho still loses half, no nioio, t^^o ^^^^^
Nor could the c™ on or off his bet, influence it favorably or
otherw^e 111 proc ss of reasoning to the contrary is fallacious.
tL bank bas aleidod advantage over bets placed .. dcnU^e,
treble, and quadruple cards, because ^'1^''" ^^.^^^.f P^^iV^i^', ^
half the money found upon it. Upon ca^o cards thebank hasno
nercenta<Te ; all reasoning to the contrary is defectu o.
TaUs we;e first adopted in the city of New York about the
same tlme^ the copper game, and after a great eugth of time
flnTly became one of the principles belonging to laro. StiU,
fhe e are ye^ to be found in the South and West, bankers who
rSe to receive them at their games, and who are mcapable of
roZeheXg that -calls" are the heaviest percentage m the
Tame of 5aio When there remains in the box but one turn, the
Ser hS to guess the order in which the cards will appear, in
2r to win his call. The chances are five to one against hs
dig ^; yet, if he succeeds, he is only paid four times iisbe ,
wS makes he percentage on calls twenty per cent, m favor of
. The bank. On a "cat" it is two to one that the player caiino
Zss the order in which the cards will appear, and if he
Sedlheis paid twice the amount of bi« ^take Jt is gen-
erally conceded by inteUigent gamblers, that the bank has no

T)ercentaeeon"calls"madoona "cat." ^

, ^ Many mathematicians have set their brains to work to discov-
or the cKact percentage on faro, but in every instance they have
i'nlinSy failed. ^They have told us that on one thousand
deaTof the game, the splits on each deal will average one and
one half, sle of these astute calculators have told us that two
sSms per de^ is a fair average, but it seems none of them, as

OXD.

lost, v;hen the agreo-
uey, tl.ua in appear-
by tbo turn."
no instructions in the
display tlio siulden
to sorrow, wliicli talco
clics tho issue of liis
If a card split it was
IS stake upon it, and
f be allowed it to ro-
ir be placed a copper
lalf, no more, no less.
uence it favorably or
contrary is fallacious.
Bts placed on double,
I a card splits it takes
cards tbo bank bas no
is defective.
New York about tbo
a great length of time
onging to faro. Still,
nd West, bankers wbo
1 who are incapable of
viest percentage in tbo
5 box but one turn, the
le cards will appear, in
five to one against his
paid four times his bet,
nty per cent, in favor of
that the player cannot
will appear, and if ho
r his stake. It is gen-
, that the bank has no

rains to work todiscov-
very instance they have
s that on one thousand
sal will average one and
)rs have told us that two
I; seems none of them, as

DEPABTUBE.

yet, have come to any defluito conclusion on that or any of these
pomts. They have also told us that a pack of cards in twenty-
live tm-u8, counting tho "soda" and "hock" as "dead" cards
can come six hundred and two different ways, counting among
that number, twenty-live splits which may take place. They
have calculated tho chances of quadruple, triple, and double
cards splitting at any stage of a deal. Still tlieso clear heads
are unable to arrive at tho exact percentage on the game. Some
think it will reach two and one-half per cent., while a majority
of the most intelligent gamblers iu tho couutry believe it willuot
exceed one and ono-lialf.

.' CHAPTER IX.

DEPARTURE.

Tlie assiduona attention which I paid to the Major and hia
patrons completely won his heart, and gained me the friendship
of that romarkablo man. I "looked out" for his faro game, and
made deals for him, whenever he was tired. From the first
night on which he opened his game, he had a full table of play-
ers, who were steadily eating up his bank; night after night it
lost, and night after night the smiling Major paid his losses with
as much good humor as if the money ;\ ere going into his pockets
mstead of out of them. The blind goddess seemed to have de-
serted him, but he never complained. He dealt a running limit
of SIX and a quarter, and twenty-five, and confined his players
strictly to that hmit. But Clarke, Rathbon, Willis and Giles
were the only players who would venture that amount. The
players, being successful, would usually win enough to satisfy
them for the nonce, and leave the room as early as eleven
clock. If Giles or myself offered our condolence to the Major,
on this unsatisfactory state of affairs, he would reply, "I'll win
when my time comes, and not before, sir." After the players had
left, It was the custom of the Major and Giles to have a "set-to "
at politics over their glasses. The latter was a whig of tho most
rabid sort, and a great admirer of Henry Clay. The Major es-
poused the cause of no party or individual who had not received

■ B \ i^i t i$sgmmmmn' t m mm g i \K

li'^

7ti

WANUEIUNUS OF A VAGABOND.

tlio Stamp of approval from Virginia. Ho dialikod Clay and
Callioun for no other reason than that they were iw Virginians.
To him bolhthoy and Jrckwon were w'coiid-rat(! lawyers, the lat-
ter of whom ho denouneed as a " narrow-minded liif,'ot." " The
most dangerons man that over sat in the I'rcsidential ehair," ho
said one cvcninj,' to diles, and "what's more, sir, the damned
party carrying out his infernal jxiliey will destroy the country if
Virgniia don't come to the rescue.'"'
"Or Clay," said Giles, quietly.

"Hc'8 a damned humbug, sir; ns great a humbug as was ever
foisted on the country. Virginia, sir, is the main prop and stay
of the land."

"Virginia Iw damned! What can it do?" demanded Giles,
contemptuously, nettled at this unwarrantable attack on his fa-
vorite hero.

" Virginia ! Virginia do ! " exclaimed tho Major, rising from his
seat, astounded at this audacious remark ; "Virginia is the Uni-
ted States, sir! let Virginia once raise her voice, sir, and Clay,
Calhoun, Jackson, and the infernal politicians who support
them, will be scattered to tho devil, sir."

This forcible argument knocked Giles completely out of time.
'Twas too deep for him. His ideas on polities' might bo de-
PTibed as rather limited. Ho know there must be two parties,
one good and tho other bad, and that it was tho cardinal duty
of every partisan to praise his party and damn tho opposing one.
The Major had lost steadily every night for two weeks. Clark
had won irom his bank, at the various sittings, sums varying
from $50 to $100, and had never made a losing. Giles had
won about three hundred, and all tho players had beaten it out
of various small amounts, nightly. One evening, after the play-
ers had gone, and Giles had also departed, tho Major and myself
sat alone in the tailor-shop, tho Major at one of tho tables, con-
sultinghis memorandum-book : "Twenty-one hundred and sixty-
dollars loser! pretty good losing, that. Jack, at a limit of six dol-
lars and a quarter, and twenty-five!" said the Major, peering at
me over the tops of his spectacles.

' ' Bad luck. Major ; but it's a long lane has no turning. I hope
better will come after a while," I replied, in a consoling tone.
" Not hero at least," he answered, calmly.
«' Why not here, Major?"

ir
d^

d<
w
tl
at
re
m
ai
op

no
m(
do

de
hoi
wil
ag(

air
wa
hei

the
up

lislikod Clay nnd
;ie luii Virginians.
iiiwycra, tlio lat-
Icdl.iKot." "Tho
idential chair," ho
!, sir, tho damned
troy tho country if

iinbuR as was ever
lain prop and stay

' domandcd Giles,
attack on his fa-

jor, risinpf from his
irpiniii is the Uni-
licc, sir, and Clay,
iaus who support

(letely out of time,
tics' might bo de-
ust bo two parties,

tho cardinal duty
n tho opposing one.
two weeks. Clark
ings, sums varying
losing. Giles had
5 had beaten it out
ing, after the play-
10 Major and myself

of tho tables, con-
I hundred and sixty-
it a limit of six dol-
10 Major, peering at

no turning. I hope
1 consoling tone.

DEPARTURE. If

" Bccansn I shall Icnvo this place on tho first boat for Whoel-
ing."

"Indeed! I'm sorry to hear you say that, Major. But why
do you go f "
" Hfcauso I've no more money to bank my game with, Jack."
" Well, Alajor, if that's what's tlio mutter, don't go," said I,
springing to my feet; "I've got a tiiousand doihirs, and will
deal it otr between us." Ue had closed his iiccouiit book, and
was In tho act of putting it in his breast pocket, when I niaJo
this proposition. He stopped as if suddenly petrified, and stared
at mo in speechless amazement. Without giving him time to
recover from his astonishment, I told him that I had a sum of
money, which I had won at various times at cards, that I was
anxious to make more with it, and that I believed a bettor
opportunity than tho present could not be found to invest it. " If
we lose tho money, M{\jor," I concluded, " I'll wait on yor, until
you're able to pay mo back your share of It, and you need have
no delicacy, on tho score of my age, about being interested with
me, because I understand i)erfectly what I am about, and I
don't w ish it to be known that I am in any way connected with
you."

" But what about Giles ? " tho Major finally found his tongue
to ask.

"I'm my own master, Major. Giles knows nothing about my
affairs whatever, and, what's more, I do not wish to have him."

"Jack, you're a generous fellow; and I'm glad to find you so
well fixed, my boy ! but takes my advice, let gambling go to the
devil. Remember, my boy, a gambler can never attain an
honorable position in society. The money which you have saved
will start you in some honorable business, and, if properly man-
aged, may bo the foundation of a fortune."

"Very good advice, sir, but quite thrown away on me. I'vo
already made my election. When I made this ofi'er to you, it
was because it was for my interest to do so. There's money
here, plenty of it, and I believe that faro can win it."

" That's true, my boy. But, Jack, I can't think of losing your
money! That would bo a cursed shame— a boy like you!"

"If you should, I should not cry about it, and should we lose
the first thousand, I've got another back of that, and I'll come
up with it. Should both be lost, I shan't complain, and I don't

tHI

WANDEKliJOS OF A VAOADOSD.

wnnt any ono to suspect that I furniHli any part of the money.
You mcil have no srniplos at all about tlio Inisinoss, Major."

"Very \vi'll,.Jack; I accept your ollrr, on your own terms; and
If wo should 1)1! unfortunato, whatever my part of the losa may
bo, I'll pay it to you within a uioiith aftcrwardH."

Tho followinK day I went to the Major's room at the "Old
Hickory," and handvd to him a thousai\d dollars. Whether his
bad luck had run out, or my good fortune carried him with mo,
is a mystery unexplained, and by mo uno.\plainablo ; but cer-
tain it is that after I had banked tho Major, ho d.wed his bank
winner every night while ho remained in tho town. When tho
players began losing, tho game extended much fartuer into the
Dight than formerly, and .sometimes did not close until daylight.
Wo did not make a losing for ten nights, and in that time tho
bank won about $3,100. Our customers were now playing on
tho raw material, as whatever money thoy had won from tho
Major's game they had already lost at ours, with considerable
more besides; inconsequence of which, several began to sliow
signs of ill temper. Clarke particularly had, on several occasions,
made himself disagreeable at tho game. Ho had lost all his
former winnings, and about $700 mo.e. On tho tenth night
aaer that on which tho Major and myself haa entered into our
copartnership, when Clarke entered the room, I immediately
observed he had been drinking, and apprehended wo should
have trouble with him. W^o had a full table of players, and the
Major was winning every bet laid down against him. Clarko
joined in the play, and lost $200, and then demanded of the
Major $100 worth of checks, saying if ho lost ho would go over
to the store and get tho money. Tho Major told him politely
that he made it his rule to credit no person for checks.

"I couldn't expect anything better from a low-flung blackleg
running about the country swindling people out of their money,"
roared Clarke, rising; and seizing tho chair on which he had been
Bitting, ho dashed it with all his force against tho wall, and then
rushed out of the room. The Major wished to close tho game,
being apprehensive that ho would return and display some more
of his rudeness; but Giles and tho rest of tho players msisted
that he should go on, promising that neither Clarko nor any ono
else should molest him further. With this assurance, tho game
was continued. Clarko was not absent from the room more than

!(»'

part of tho money,
sinoss, Mnjiir."
ur own tcniiH; and
lit of tho losa may
Is."

room at tho "Old
laiH. Whptlior hi«
iried him with mo,
iliunaV)lo ; but ccr-
ho cloned his bank
) tow?i. Whou tho
ich fartucr Into tho
;loso until daylight,
id in that time tho
ero now playing on
had won from tho
, with considerable
3ral began to show
m several occasions,
Bo had lost all his
On the tenth night
lacl entered into our
)om, I immediately
ehended wo should
of players, and tho
gainst him. Clarko
n demanded of the
st ho would go over
or told him politely
on for checks.
X low-flung blackleg
out of their money,"
)n which ho had been
3t tho wall, and then
i to close the game,
id display some more
tho players insisted
r Clarko nor any one
assurance, the game
I the room more than

SErAIlIUUB.

7!)

half an hour, when ho returned, and flourishing in h!s hand a
larf,'o roll of bank bills, id, " Clarke's credit ain't good for a hn.i-
drod, ohf Ho can buy you, Mr. Jonks, an<l all tlio dirty
blacklegs like you this side of h— 1, can't 1, Uotcli, old boy i " ho
asked of a burly butcher, r.ivmeil llotdikins, who was prcs(!nt.
Hero Giles and .su\eral (»thers rcmoiirttrated with Clarke, telling
him that if ho i)ersi.Hted in conducting himself iu this lioistcrous
manner it would lead to tho arrest of every person in the house.

"It's all right, boys," he replied; "I ain't another word to
say ; but I'm going to bust this d— d picayui. faro-liank ;" and,
drawing a chair to tho table, pulled from his roll of bills a S-TO
note, which ho threw over to tho AIaj(jr and demanded chocks
for. llo soon lost these and bought S.W more, with which ho
commenced crowding the Major's limit — a piece of aggression
which that gentleman would by no means tolerate. Tho amount
of chocks beyond tlio limit ho would remove from Clarke's bets
and politely hand them back to him. The latter would take them
without a word, but the moment tho Major's eyes were off him,
down would go tlie checks again on tho same card. Tho Miijor
kept winning every bet ho laid down, and in tho meanwhile re-
monstrating and handing him his surplus checks with the remark,
" Six dollars and twenty is tho limit of the giune, Mr. Clarko. I
beg you wont crowd it." In this manner he played along at the
game, holding a restraint on his tongue imtil ho had lost $400
from his roll of bank notes. He now began growling and curs-
ing at his luck, and finally commenced venting his spleen again
upon tho Major. " Two thousand dollar loser against this d— d
picayune bank, and they won't take a check over tho limit.

Blooded Virginians! Big gamblers! I'd hato d d bad

to meet one of 'em in an alley on a dark night." These, and
similar insults, excited tlio Major to such a pitch that ho did not
know what he was doing, and, had I not prevented him, would
have paid all tho stand-off bets on tho lay-out, and overlooked
those which ho had won. I requested him to get up and let mo
deal; ho consented, and asked Giles to "look out," saying, "I
want to go over to tho tavern a minute." The moment I seated
myself in the dealing-'hair, Clarke roared out, " What the h— 1
are you doing there r'

"I'm going to give yn some better luck, Mr. Clarko," I re-
plied, good-humoredly.

' i

AVAXUEIUNGS OF A VAGABOND.

He glared at me for a moment, seemingly in doubt whether
he should drag mo from the chair or not, but fina'ly, if such was
his idea, abandoned it, and, without making mo. any rejomder,
placed six dollars and a quarter l)chind the queen. It lost on
the turn He again placed the same amount iu the same place.
It won twice and then lost on the turn. With a terrible oath,
he seized a stack of checks lying before him, of $25 value, and
threw them down in the same place. I won them m a few turns.
He then took from his roll a $50 bill and placed it on the sanie
spot, for which I turned and won. He now laid $50 more ui
the same place, and won. Ho let the $100 remain andlost. The
stillness was painful. Not a word was spoken in the room, and
the sound of the cards, as they glided from the dealing-box was
distinctly audible. \ had made up my mind to let hun break
himself 'if he could, and I had a strong conviction that such
would be the case, because, on an average, such was his luck; he
could not win one bet out of Ave. He now bet $100 on the same
spot and lost, and made three more bets of the same aniount, on
the same spot, and lost, making him loser on the deal $o73.M.
While shuffling, preparatory to a fresh deal, a pm could have
been heard distinctly had it been dropped on the floor, although
there were as many as twenty persons in the room at the time.
Such unusually heavy -^lay tied the tongues of all present. Many
of those in the room, no doubt, anticipated a row if Clarke lost
all his money, as he seemed likely to do. I was perfectly cool,
and felt as if I could win every dollar hazarded against me.

When I had placed the cards in the dealing-box, Clarke bet
$150 behind the queen. In this manner he kept on betting be-
hind the queen, and whenever he won his bet would go the
paroli, but failed to win one of them. When the Major returned
he was terror-stricken at the sight of a bundle of bauk notes
behind the queen, and in an excited manner asked me what
the amount was. " Three hundred dollars, sir," I replied.
A few turns before Clarke had won $150 and had let it remain
with its product in the same place where he first laid it domi.
" Why, good God, Jack, what can you mean?" he demanded.
"Nothing, :Ma.jor. It's all right," I replied, turning away
without noticing him further.
I won the bet !
Clarke now threw down the balance of his roll iu a lump. 1

IXD.

f in doubt whether
It rina'ly,ifsuchwa3
; m& auy rejoiiulcr,
queen. It lost on
t iu the same place,
ith a terrible oath,
1, of $25 value, and
1 them in a few turns,
aced it on the same
w laid $50 more in
remain and lost. The
;en in the room, and
the dealing-box, was
id to let him break
-onviction that such
iuch was his luck; he
bet $100 on the same
the same amount, on
on the deal $573.50.
sal, a pin could have
nn the floor, although
lie room at the time.
I of all present. Many
a row if Clarke lost
I was perfectly cool,
rded against rae.
aling-box, Clarke bet
le kept on betting be-
liis bet would go the
en the Major returned
bundle of bank notes
.nner asked me what
•liars, sir," I replied.
,nd had let it remain
le first laid it dovNTi.

mean ? "
replied,

he demanded,
turning away

his roll in a lump

DEPARICRE.

did not stop to inquire the amount, but in a few turns won, and
found it made Clariie a loser that night to the tune of $2,100.

When he saw his last stake vanish from his grasp, ho said not
a word, but leaned back in liis chair and gazed vacantly down
on the lay-out, as if he could not realize his situation. The
remainder of the players handed in their checks and got the
money for them, and not a few immediately left the premises,
fearful, no doubt, that a row would take place.

Clarke rallied himself at length, and demanded a drink of
liquor, which, being given him by Giles, he swallowed it hastily ;
then rose from his chair, and pointing his finger towards Major
Jenks, addressed that gentleman in these words :

"I want all my money back; and d n mo if I don't have

it, too."

" For what reason, sir? " demanded the Major.

" Because I've been swindled out of it ; ain't that reason
enough 1 " ho shouted, savagely striking the table with his fist.

"It's false, sir. You've not been swindled out of anything
here," warmly replied the Majoj, reddening to the roots of his
hair.

" You can't fool me, old man," retorted Clarice, shaking his
fist in the Major's face. " You've refused over and over again to
let me bet a cent over your limit ! Ain't that so ? "

"Certainly, sir; but what has that to do with your being
swindled out of your money ? " sternly demanded the Major.

"It's got a heap to do with it."

"Explain yourself, sir."

"Why the h — 1 did you get out of that chair when I was play-
ing, and let that d — d cub sit there and turn for two and three
hundred dollars, if you didn't knoio ho was robbing me?" ho
fiercely asked.

" Because he wanted to show you, Mr. Clarke," said I, slowly
shaking my head at him, "that this was no low-flung picayune
game."

"You dirty puppy!" he cried, turning on me fiercely, "if you
open your mouth again until you're spoken to I'll smash it in for
you!"

"Oh, don't, Mr. Clarke," I said, laughing in his face; "that
would spoil my pretty looks."

"Would it ? damn you !" he screamed, reaching across the table
and catching me by my hair.

t'iS;

ill

I ' t

g2 WAIfDEmKGS OF A VAGABOND.

I had the dealing-box in ray hand, and his fingers had scarcely
f Jtencd ?heLe ivfs in my hair, before I dealt hi.n a heavy blow
with the sharp corner of the box, which brought his hej<i to tlY'
Table I followed this up with a rain of heavy blows on the head,
aSl was on y stopped when I was dragged away from my pros-
Se foe by GileV^nd others. So sudden had been the attack
anTthe repulse, t.at, before the bystanders could interfere,
Sarke w^stretchea a -^eless mass on the table before hem.
When tShad washed .1 blood from his head, and restored him
to some degree of consciousness, Giles and Kathbon, with the
iLtance ofsome others, led him over to his store ai^ in a few
moments after the row the Major and I were Iclt in tae sole pos

'''.-S'if ^/bad'business!" said the Major, looking pale and

"°S not in the least sorry about it," I replied; " he deserved

•""SruuX^" but they'll arrest us, and I shall be prosecuted

^^'Smrue, Major, and you must not wait for them to do so
I'll get Tom Jones to take you down to Cropps' landing to-night
mWs fishing-boat, and you can wait there in safety untd you can
get aboard of a steamer going down the river.
^ This course being agreed upon, we commence^ P^^ vit? nnd
faro tools, when in rushed Giles, frightened out of his wits, and
ootog more like a ghost than his flesh and blood and who cned
out^Jack, you've killed Clarke; he won;t five ti 1 morning ''
''Good God !" shrieked the Major, "is it so bad as that? '
Thiunexpectednews staggered me. T»ie thought tMt I might
have injured Clarke seriously never crossed my mind. But young
as I was I had more presence of mind than Giles or be Maj- ^^
this emergency. " We must leave here without a moment s delay
I So fhe Major. I informed Giles of my P^-T^^-^-^'^^J
of having the Major taken to Cropps' landmg, f ^^^j^^ «"\^ ^^^
for a boat to take him down the river; but told him I now
"tended to be the companion of his flight, fnd I asked hm J
.ssist the Major in getting his things down to Tom Jones Ash
ing place, while I preceded him there, to make arrangements for

""''Syou'll go to the house. Jack, and see the old woman, and
get your clothes, won't youf asked Giles.

)ND.

flnsers had scarcely
It him a heavy blow
ight his head to the ■
•y blows ou the head,
away from my pros-
had been the attack
lers could interfere,
) table before them.
!ad, aud restored him
1 Kathbon, with the
lis store, and in a few
•e left in the sole pos-

jor, looking pale aud

:cplied; "ho deserved

L I shall be prosecuted

rait for them to do so.
opps' landing to-night
iusafetyuntilyoucan

ver."

Qencud packing up the
id out of his wits, and
d blood, and who cried
t live till morning!"
it so bad as that?"
lie thought that I might
I my mind. But, young
n Giles or the Major, in
liout a moment's delay,"
my previous intention
ing, where he could wait
; but told him I now
;ht, and I asked him to
wn to Tom Jones' fish-
make arrangements for

see the old woman.

■s.

and

DEPARTURE.

"No, the clothes would ouly burdcu me, aud be useless besides
now, and I shall be spared the pain of breaking the terrible news
to Mrs. Giles; besides, wo have not one moment to lose; so hurry
down to the river."

When I reached the landing, to my great joy a stern- wheel
steamer was just turning the ben'l of the river — a sight which
entirely altered my plans for flight. I resolved to take passage on
her, and if she made Wheeling by the next evening, as she ought
to do, to stick by her until she reached that place, and if she got
stuck on a sand-bar to abandon her and take to the country,
where I should seek an asylum until I heard from Giles.

I met him and the Major coming down with the luggage.
They were both overjoyed at the sight of the steamer, and ap-
proved of my plan.

We got aboard of the boat as soon as. she landed. "Write to
mo at Wheeling, care of Mr. Lane, No. 147 Main street," said
the Major to Giles, as we stood together on the boiler deck of the
steamer. "Direct your letter to Joshua Watkins, instead of
Major George Jenks. Can you remember that, Mr. Giles?"

"Certainly lean ; but why not direct the letter to you?"

" Damn it, sir, do you want to direct a letter to Major George
Jenks, and set the shoriflF on our tracks ?"

"Oh! I see," cried Giles. "But in case I write you that
Clarke's dying, what then V

"Then rest assured that Jack and myself will get into the
mountains of Virginia fti.iter tlian deers, and when once there
we're safe, in spite of all the sheriifs in your d — d abolition State.
Giles promised to write to us every mail, and, after shaking the
Major warmly by the hand, aud bidding him watch over me, he
turned to me and said, "Jack, if anything bad happens to you,
it will kill the old woman !"

" You need not tell her of this scrape," I cried, eagerly; "make
up any other story and tell her about my leaving."

" Wijy,you fool ! Jack, don't you know that every tale -bearing
b — h in the town will be carrying the news to her before the dew
is off the ground ?"

"Get ashore!" sung out the mate, aud at the same moment
the stroke of the bell told us we were getting under way.

Giles wrung me by the hand, and jumped ashore just as the
clock on the court-house chimed eleven. In a few moments
more we were out of sight of Marietta.

te,

■t t

84 WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

CHAPTER X.

PHANTOMS OF THE MEMORY.

Shortly after the steamer left Marietta I turned iuto my berth
aud slept for about two hours. In the ineautime I had a horri-
ble dream, from which I awoke in a fright, aud which impressed
me so vividly that to this day I distinctly remember it. In my
dream I was riding on horseback over a turnpike re .d, which
ran alongside a beautiful stream of water. As I looked at Ujo
stream I suddenly became aware of an enormous tortoise swim-
ming along, following the direction of the road. As I looked
again I perceived that the tortoise had a man's head, and, as it
turned its face in the direction of mine, horror of horrors ! I
discovered the ghastly, blood-stained countenance of Clarke i
closed my eyes against the frightful vision and turned my i -^.d
from the stream to the other side of the road, but when I once
more opened my eyes and looked down, there, alongisido my horse,
was the tortoise, with the threatening eyes of Clarke lo.>!nng at
me from its face. I plunged my spurs into my horse's lianks,
and on wo flew with tho speed of the wind, but not sg iwiillj
but whenever I turned my eyes to either side of my hr^rw they
were met by those in the ghastly face of Clarke pou tit i.'fdy of
the tortoise. "Whether in the stream or upon tb. ruad, it .-howed
no signs of locomotion, yet th-- utmost speed of my gor-d horse
was insufficient to ^arry vm vond it. In an agony of terror I
awoke. It was some ir .;,TiCuti' 'lefore I could remember where I
was, but sc 1 tho disa^i .'(iua >^^\ ■ s of the evening returned up-
on my memory in their f .;! xoice. The Major was snoring with
a forty-horse power m the berth beneath me, and, without dis-
turbing him, I left my own, and sought the boiler-deck of the
steamer, where I remained tho rest of the night.

My dream had left such a fearful impression upon my mind,
that I felt certain that Clarke was dead ; and I began to feel
anxious about my own safety. Fear had clutched me with its
icy fingers, and f could not shake it off. My mind, during that
long night, would admit no subject but the murdered Clarke.
It pictured to me every possible phase of the subject— the news
spread through the Uttle town ; the people talking of it in little

a
tl
h
si
ai
ai

m
si
to

J"
T
m
w!

tr
ar
th

ch
an
ric
er,
thi
soi
fer

PHANTOMS OF THE MEMOET.

led iuto my berth
Qe I had a horri-
. which impressed
amber it. la my
ipilte re -d, which
.3 I looked at Um
^us tortoise swim-
ad. As I looked
s head, and, as it
ror of horrors! I
mce of Clarke I
. turned my i •^il
, but when 1 onoo
longisido my horse,
Clarke iooking at
Qy horse's tlanks,
)ut net SG iwifdy
of my borsi- thoy
e "ipon tLt !.'>dy of
b- read, it showed
of mygor-d horse
L agony of terror I
remember where I
ning returned up-
: was snoring Avith

and, without dis-
boiler-deck of the
ht.

)n upon my mind,
id I began to feel
itched me with its

mind, during that

murdered Clarke.

subject — the news
Iking of it in little

knots at the street-corners ; the coroner's inquest and those
who would bo there ; the verdict of the coroner's jury ; the offi-
cers in pursuit of me— every incident connected with my capture
and being brought back to Marietta and incarcerated in the lit-
tle stone jail. Then the trial in the crowded court-room witn
hundreds of familiar faces staring at me. My imagination
showed me every moment of the trial— the judge, the lawyers,
and old Scruggs giving me " blazes " in the cracked and discord-
ant voice I remembered to have heard so many times, trying to
convince the jury that the oiTender before him was the greatest
miscreant on the face of the earth, whom it would be a burning
shame and disgrace to all good men and true to allow any longer
to cumber the earth. Then would come the awful sentence of the
judge, "hanged by the neck until you are dead, dead, dead!"
Then the last dread scene, disclosing the gallows, the swaying
multitude, the sea of up-turned faces, and myself in the place
where I saw them put old man Langston for murdering his wife.
Then would rush over me, like a great wave, the grief and dis-
tress of my poor foster-mother, that her boy should come to such
an end. I would start from my seat at these thoughts and pace
the deck in an agony.

I tried to shake off these gloomy impressions and take a more
cheerful view of things, but it was useless : fhey returned agam
and again. The thought struck mc that the authorities might
ride to Whcehng and arrest me there on the arrival of i he steam-
er, and, had she landed during the night, I amQrmly convinced
that I should have taken "French leave" of the" Major, and
sought the woods for safety. " 'Tis the eye of childhood that
fears a painted devil."

In the gallery of the Louvre there is a picture, by Prudhon,
representing a saudy defile bristling with rocks, and lighted by the
full moon. Stretched naked on the sands is the corpse of a young
man, while his assassin, clad in a tunic and mantle, and holding
in his hand a poignard, is hurriedly making his escape. His
dark, brutal-looking countenance, with its low, narrow forehead,
is turned over his shoulder, as if attracted to the spot where lies
his murdered victim, above whom, flying in the air, are Ven-
geance and Justice. The former holds a torch in one hand and
with the other is in the act of seizing the murderer by the hair;
beside her is Justice, armed with a sword and scales. I have

- vmnjr ■■

3';

; tl-

^.3i

ge -WANDEBINGS OF A VAGABOND.

often cazed with admiration on this mastei-piccc, but never with-
out XLgTng fresh to my mind the terrible agony I endured
flnrinc the night of my flight from Marietta.

When the Major joined mo in the morning, he was struck by
my ha "gard appearance, and used all his powers o persuasion to
SuTe me to believe I was beyond the reach of danger He
took me with him on to the hurricane-deck, where he could talk
fo me wi hout being overheard, and tried his best to impress me
SSthe belief thci Clarke was not seriously injured. "Keep
Too? ?.ck mv boyTthere's not a bit of danger, not the least, sir.
AniSfvou'Sed the scoundrel on the spot you would only
^v'e Sd him right, damn him. The ^^- ^^'^fj^^^^
hair of vour head, sir. Damn it, what right had ho to violate
S person of a gentleman, sirf ' At every "-;•-"/«;- ^J*^^^
come the Major's cane, with a thump on the roof of the boat, as
He intended by that means to establish his opinion more
ionglf to my inind. But he didnot succeed in dissipating my
Jears and i I expressed my apprehension of being captured
at Wheeto^ on the arrival of the boat at that place, and brought
fa^to Ma ietta, he straightened himself up to his full height
andscorllly gazed down upon me. "'^^''^;^'^
thought you had some sp.ric, but ? ou haven't,- si . You re an
nSa! coward, sir ; that's what you are, sir I m ashamed of
vou sii and I'll have nothing more to do with you. At ea..n
"sil-" down came the ferule of the cane, as if he was bent n
™,nrhi ° -v hole through the roof of the boat. After tellmg me
TshouS hav nS -ore tu do with me, he flung is ca^.
nnder his arm, turned on his heel, and left me in disgust. I did
noUlame hTm-T^.'as disgusted with myself for being such a
InrH hnt twos all the effect of that horrible dream. The
Sal tdtlaboit half adozen steps away from me, wh^n
^Turned round and ran up to me, caught me by both hands
Syng ''Never mind me, my boy, I didn't mean a word of it I
^1^ spoke so to spur you up, and make you shake off that damn
scare vou've got. Cheer up, Jack, and be a man, as you a[«-
SneC leave you, sir; no, sir, -f^^-^^^^^^^ll^^Z
o\ orce Jenkfl. And if that scoundrel dies, I'll take you witn
^" To tlf mountains of Virginia, where you'll li^ ^ ^fe apnn-
Bir nd all the constables in Ohio can't take you out of it, sir.

'^'^rScS^SL about his handsome and well-

;c, but never with-
agony I endured

lie was struck by
rs of persuasion to
lb of danger. He
bere be could talk
best to impress me
T injured. "Keep
', not tbe least, sir.
3t you would only
• wouldn't toucb a
bad bo to violate
"sir," down would
roof of tbe boat, as
I bis opinion more
?d in dissipating my
1 of being captured
; place, and brought
1 to bis full beigbt,
?hy, damn it, sir, I
i't,sir. You're an
•. I'm asbamed of
itb you." At ea^^.b
i if be was bent en
t. After telling nie
3, bo flung bis can?
ue in disgust. I did
ilf for being such a
irrible dream. The
tway from mc, when
me by both bands,
mean a word of it ; I
L shake off that damn
a man, as you are.
lile my name's Major
>s, I'll take you with
ou'UliN ^ like a prince,
lie you out of it, sir.

■5 handsome and weU-

PHANTOMS OiT THE MEMORY.

stocked farm, which ho called " Tbe Hawk's Nost," lying in one
of the valleys along tbe Blue Ridge Mountains. According to bis
own tale, be was a person of some importance there. His relatives,
who were all wealthy farmers, resided there, and were the most
influential persons in the neighborhood. Of course I believed
eveiy word he said, and it gave mo no little satisfaction to know
that, in case of the worst, I should find an asylum in the mountain
fastnesses of Virginia. But I never had the pleasure of beholding
the lordly manor of "The Hawk's Nest," nor did I ever visit the
Blue Ridge Mountains, which the Major was so fond of talking
about. While I was with him in Virginia, he never once thought
of visiting "The Hawk's Nest," though be frequently referred to
it in conversation with mc, especially when telling me of the
number and quality of his racing colts, which he was intending to
bring on the turf in a few years. Before our flight I had dis-
covered that he was rather hyperbolical, but I never believed
him to be a Munchausenist until after our arrival in Richmond.
One day, while taking a stroll with one of his most intimate friends,
I incidentally mcniioned tbe glowing description the Major gave
of bis farm in the Blue Ridge, and of how important a personage
he wiis ni ^is neighborhood. My companion shook bis head and
laughed heartily. "Why!" I exclaimc-d, much surprised, "you
don't mean to say he's been stuffing me ? What could be his object
in doing so ?"

"None in tbe world," he replied, laughing good-humoredly.
" You can't find a more honest man than the Major, or one more
kind-hearted: but pomposity is his weakness. He's told that story
so often about his farm, that he's really got to believe it himself."

" And do you mean to say he's got no farm f "

" I don't believe he owns a foot of ground on earth !"

" And what about those rich relations of his?" I asked.

" Ho has got two brothers living on small patches of ground
somewhere in tbe Blue Ridge; but they wouldn't have hog and
hominy enough to keep tbe bide on themselves and their children,
if tbd Major did not give them some assistance now and then."

'You astonish me," I replied. "I knew the old fellow was
visionary; but I never knew before that he was such a confound-
ed liar."

"Don't let him know that you're any wiser on these points
than he wishes you to be, or he'll take tbe sulks and leave you."

I promised to obey his instructions, and we parted.

■(rniniMM

rfs>^'

=!|..,l

»:.

gg WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

CHAPTER XI.

WIIEELIXG.

It was lato in the ovcning when wo reached Wheeling, and, to
my great joy, I was not pursued and arrested, as I had gloomily
anticipated, on the landing of the steamer.

The Major took me with him to the residence o h f> end Mr.
Lane, in whose charge he left me, and proceeded to ho Un ted
States Hotel," which was a few steps from the landing, and to
which ho had ordered his luggage to be carried.

Mr. Richard Lane, in whose house I found an asylum, was the
only son of a highly respectable merchant of Wheelmg. His
moUier dying during his infancy, young Dick was brought up
under the ca?e of his remaining parent, who did not marry aga m
until ho was eighteen years of ago, at which time ho was sent o
?ho University of Virginia, to be made acquainted with the subtle

Intricacies of the law.

While there, young Lane paid full as much attention to the
mysteries attached to apack of cards as to unraveling he knotty
points of Coke or Blackstono. Money being requisite in bo h
fheso pursuits, the pockets of the older Lane ^^''^ 'i""^^^ t^^.^?^'
in order to meet the demands caused by the profligacies of his
.on. At first he paid grudgingly; but when ho «^vr ^'^'f ^" ^ho
repeated promises of reformation made by h.s son, ho buttoned up
his pockets and abandoned him to his fate, loung La^ie con-
tinued to live along on his wits, and ^ ^^ r'Tott of wS
promises to pay and drafts drawn upon his father, both of which
wore dishonored, when, for sorao moro outrageous P>eco of ras-
cality than usual, he was expelled from his college and his father
no less cruel than his preceptors, forbade his return homo aftei
such disgrace. Young Dick made his way to R'cb°^«°f '/^^^^
he divided his time between such of the gambling-rooms as ho
coumSL an entrance to. Hodid hisbest in the borrowing hno
playini at games and short cards, in which manner about throe
yelvs moije of his life passed. About this time an old gambler by
ho name of Brooks, living in Richmond, took a ^^^^J" f "=^.' ^s
made him a faro-dealer. It was here that Lane and M=M< ^ Jon^^
became acquainted, both being concerned m tho same gamblmg-

si
d

n:
d(
L

Pi
R

fa
tl]
Fi
w]
ye
of
ta
de
lal
th^
of
ha

ga
co]
coi
or

tyi

th(

ac(

sor

sen

boi

tim

tioi

the

pla

■WnEELINO.

Wheeling, and, to
as I had gloomily

of his friend, Mr.
cd to the " United
lO landing, and to
d.

an asylum, was the
of Wheeling. His
k -was brought up
\d not marry again
imo ho was sent to
ited with the subtle

;h attention to the
raveling the knotty
g requisite in both
were doubly taxed,
J profligacies of his
ho saw broken the
son, he buttoned up
Young Lane con-
rrowing on his own
ither, both of which
igeous piece of ras-
llcge, and his father,
is return home after
to Richmond, where
imbling-rooms as he
n the borrowing line,
manner about three
ae an old gambler by
i a fancy to Dick, and
ane and Major Jenks
L the same gambling-

house during the space of a year, and in which time they had re-
alized a clean profit of twenty-two tliousaiid dollars. Lane had
shaken off liis dissipated habits by this time, and Iiad paid all his
debts. A few years later his father died, without over beinc' re-
eonciled to his son; but, dying intestate, his only child, of c.urso,
foil heir to his property. Ho returned to Wheeling after an
absence of seven years, to find, to his chagrin and disappoint-
ment, that a smgle house valued at ten thousand dollars, and
debts amounting to four thousand dollars, were all that remained
Lane paid the debts and took possession of the house, and about
SIX months later married his wife, stealing her away from her
parents, who were bitterly opposed to him, and taking her to
llichmond. -Mrs. Lane was the offspring of one of the first
families of Wheeling-not the first families of Virginia, none of
that rather equivocnl stock having gotten as far west as Wheeling
From where did it derive its existence? From those emigrants
who landed from the three ships in the Chesapeake Bay, in the
year of our Lord lG07f If so, that party being composed entirely
of the male gender, the weaker vessels necessarily must have been
taken from among the Indian women, which might have a ten-
dency to adulterate the pure Anglo-Norman blood. Fortv years
ater wo find existing in Virginia a small oligarchy composed of
the principal landholders, who tried to rule the colony by right
of property or by " right divine," as all tyrannical bodies of men
nave ruled from time immemorial. Possibly from this oli-
garchy sprang originally the F. F. V.'s. But a good part of these
colonists havmg "left their country for their country's good "in
consequence of an inability to distinguish "mine" from "thine "
or some such little innocent idiosyncracy, which the cruel and
tyrannical lawsof Great Britain at that time punished by sending
them out to Virginia, to be sold as slaves for various periods
according to the enormity of their offenses, it is presumable that
some of these unfortunate individuals, at the expiration of their
sentences being purged, according to law, of the stains of dis-
honor and restored to tho rights of citizenship, would have work-
ed ou for themselves a brighter future; and that, in course of
time, their offspring, having obtained a respectable property posi-
tion m society, would come to be considered worthy consorts for
tne daughtero .i the wealthy land-owners. By these means it is
plausible to suppose that the "blue blood," which is believed to

iMi

■WANDERINGS OP A VAGABOND.

have formerly coursed throuRli tho veins of the first famiHea of
VlrRinia.has l)cenadiiltoratO(l,si) far, at least, aa to bilntr back its
color to tlio reddish hue of that which runs in the veins of ordi-
nary mortals. Such being tho case, it's very possil)le that not
adroj) of tho "cl'ar grit" can bo found at the present time in tho
Old Dominion.

Tho parents of Mrs Lane belonged to tho raoneyocracy ; and
families of that stamp, proud, arrogant, and conceited, may be
found in every one-horse town and village, as well as every dense-
ly populated city in the world ; consequently no one need bo
surprised that they resolutely shut their doors in her face for
having the audacity to marry a gambler, and a jroor one at that ;
a rich gambler might havo'been tolerated, but to tiirow herself
away on a poor one was impardonable.

Lane and his wife, after an absence ot . )out a year, during
which time they had lived in Richmond, returned to Wheeling,
in the hopes that her parents would relent and take them un-
der their fostering wing. But as well might the young Alexis
Petrowich have tried to move the icy heart of his father, Peter
tho Great, when he had decoyed him from Naples to Moscow, in
order to put him to death. Lane, finding that his wife's parents
still continued obdurate, was for disposing of what property he
had there and returning to Richmo; 1 ; but his wife, who had
inherited some of the stubborn nature of her parents, having
learned that her presence in the place was an eye-sore to them,
and they desired nothing so much as her absence, like an unduti-
ful child, she refused to budge an inch, thereby keeping her hus-
band in a place where it was impossible for him to make a living
by the exercise of his profession. By renting the lower part of
their house for a store, it being situated on a main business street,
they eked out a kind of a respectable living.

When I was introduced to Mr. Lane he was about thirty years
of age, remarkably handsome, both in face and figure. He con-
versed with ease and fluency, was witty and intelligent, and had
the manners and habits of a gentleman, besides being a tender
husband and devoted to his children, of whom he had two, a boy
and a girl. He possessed both energy and ability, and was ca-
pable of making ftiends wherever he went; but fashionable
society could not countenance him, because ho was tainted with
tho damned spot of the professional gambler. Mrs. Lane was a

sti
ha
Di
m.'
ou
hi.^
aci
wa
wL
ere
]
cci
rie
pn
an
th(
bo'
hoi
pis
th(
we
int
plti
an
an;
tre
coi
ing
tin
ed
tal
nig
lar
th€
by
ace
bai
sig
ad(
flic

first familiea of

1 to bilntr back its
tho veins of ordl-
poasihlo that not
resent time in tlio

iono5'ocracy ; and
onccitcd, may be
ell as every dense-
no one need be
s in her face for
poor one at that ;
to tiirow herself

ut a year, during
ned to Wheeling,
d take them un-
tbo young Alexis

his father, Peter
)les to Moscow, in

his wife's parents
ivhat property he
lis wife, who had
: parents, having
eye-sore to them,
ce, like an unduti-
j keeping her hus-
n to make a living
the lower part of
dn business street,

about thirty years
I figure. He con-
telligent, and had
3S being a tender
ho had two, a boy
ility, and was ca-
; but fashionable
3 was tainted with
Mrs. Lane was a

WnKELINO.

strong, healtliy woman, and if nature had denied her beauty, it
had endowed her with nobler gifts— choerfulnpsa and intelligence.
During the few days I was in hiding at her houao. she tried to
make my situation as easy and conifortablo as possible, with-
out once trying to pry into tlio circinnatances of the ease, or my
history— a thing many pcMson'. might have presumed on doing, on
account of my youth. That I was tho protege of Slajor Jenks
was sufficient for herself and I-- 'nnd; and 1 was confident that
while under their roof ' ,mg to fear from being treach-

erously given up to tho ...icers of tho law.

Lane's presence in Wheeling was barely tolerated by tho offi-
cers of the !;iw,who were of tho puritanical order, and who car-
ried out their policy with tho seeming intention of making the
present generation, if not tho next one, remember their intoler-
ant spirit. The Maine liquor law became an established fact in
tho place, billiard and bagatelle tables were prohibited, and also
bowling-alleys. Such individuals as indulged in their leisure
hours at cock-fights, dog-fights, or bull-baits, or any other dis-
plaj of the manly art, were mulcted in heavy fines. Whenever
tho patrons of these sports desired to amuso themselves they
were obliged to seek the fields of some adjoining county, or cross
into the more liberal State of Ohio. Faro-dealers had given the
place a wide berth within the last few years, previous to our
arrival in tho place, and well might they, if they had gathered
any wisdom from tho way in which the fraternity had been
treated there. Several had from time to time the temerity to
come within the sacred precincts of the city, and, after prospect-
ing it, to open their banks. They were allowed to proceed for a
time, to give them confidence, when they were suddenh pounc-
ed upon by the officers of the law, and with all their players
taken to the lock-up. The latter were usually released the same
night, or next morning, on payment of a fine of twonty-five dol-
lars, besides having the felicity of seeing their names in full in
the newspapers among the " list of gamblers captured last night
by our ' Argus-eyed ' police." The owners of tho bank were
accommodated with private lodgings in the brick jail, from the
barred windows of which they could solace themselves with a
sight of the beautiful foliage of the papaw bushes, which
adorned the hill back of their prison, and meditate on tho con-
flictmg opinions of mankind, and the arrogant pride of some ot

i^:

Pi WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

that Bpecles In foroiiiK tlio result of thoir opinions upon whoever
had tlio inisfortiino to (li.Hnjfrro witli tlicm, while "drossert in a
llitlf brief iuithoiity." Alter a few days' incarceration they wore
rolea.scd, hut not until they were leeched out of their last dollar,
and then c()ini)elle(l to leave the city within a few hours. Should
they refuse to accept their lilien . on Kuch hard tenns, ihoy nuist
either procure bail, or remain in jail till the court sat, which was
once In six months, when certain conviction, with a $1,000 fine
and imprisonment for one year in the county jail would bo their
doom. Of the two evils the former was the least, and such faro-
doalcrs m were arrested in the place chose it, and gave to the
offlcors their last dollar to escape their clutches. Thisjilun-
dor was divided between the Mayor of the city, the Marshal,
and the District Attorney. Over every foot of soil belonging to
the State of Virginia the punishment for dealing a banking game
of faro was a flno of$l,(X)0 and imprisonment for one year In
the county jail ; but the law had fallen into disuse except in
Wheeling, where it was enforced by a few rascally officials, for
the benefit of their own pockets.

Lane was the only person who had over had the hardihood not
to bo fleeced of his money, when arrested for dealing faro. Be-
ing a citizen, and having many influential friendsin the place, he
Imagined that if ho opened a faro-bank ho would be exempt
both from prosecution and persecution, so ho tried it on. This
happened about eighteen months before our arrival. Lane was
allowed to proceed for a time, and then was suddenly arrested,
with all his players. He furnished the necessary bail, stood his
trial, was convicted, and, according to statute, sentenced to pay a
fine of one thousand dollars, and be imprisoned for one year.
Through the influence of his friends in Richmond, however, he
was pardoned by the Governor, about two weeks after the pass-
ing of his sentence, to tho immense disgust of the prritans of
Wheeling. He never again tempted fortune by opening a faro-
bank there, although he told ns tho present M-vrshal was friend-
ly to him, and had said he might open ono if he wished, provided
he conducted it very quietly.

On the second day, the anxiously expected letter from Giles
arrived, and, to my unbounded joy, Clarke was not dead, "nor
is ho going to make a dio of it," wrote Giles. "But that lick
you gave him over the eye with the deahng-box has branded

sv.

lions upftn whnevor
liilo " (Iro.sserl in a
rccratinn thej'woro
of their last dollar,
few hours. Should
•d tirniH, ihoyiiuist
ourt sat, which was
with a $1,000 flno
jail would ho their
sast, and such faro-
t, and gave to tho
itches. This jilun-
city, tho Marshal,
if soil belonging to
np a banking game
nt for one year in
> disuse except in
iscally officials, for

1 tho hardihood not
dealing faro. Be-
ulsin tho place, he
would bo exempt
5 tried it on. This
arrival. Lane was
suddenly arrested,
3ary bail, stood his
, sentenced to pay a
aned for one year,
mond, however, he
seks after tho pass-
of tho prritans of
by opening a faro-
klirshal was friend-
10 wished, provided

I letter from Giles
fas not dead, "nor
s. "But that lick
j-box has branded

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23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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WHEELING.

him with ttie raarlc of the tiger, and he'll carry it to his grave
with him." He then went on to state that nearly all of those
•who were in the room, when the row occurred, left town that
night or tho next morning, being afraid they might, if they staid,
be brought up as witnesses; but it was unnecessary, for the
whole afliiir had been kept so silent that the saints in power had
received no inkling of it, up to the time of his writing. He
further stated that Clarke advised his friends to keep tho whole
affair under cover, but that he threatened to kill mc when he re-
covered. Giles therefore advised us not to return to Marietta
until he could come to some friendly understanding with him.
His admonition was entirely unnecessary. Nothing but force
would have induced tho Major to return, and as for myself, with
more than five thcjusand dollars in my pocket, and an anxiety to
see strange climes and faces, I certainly was not likely to do
80, all things considered. Clarke's threat would have withheld
me, if nothing else ; not that I feared him especially, and I was
certainly overjoyed to know I had not killed him, but it would
have been foolish for me to have returned where my presence
was certain to bring perplexity and trouble to those who loved
mc.

On the day following the reception of Giles' letter. Lane told
the Major and myself that he had had an interview with the
City Marshal, and that he was willing to permit us to open and
conduct a faro-bank in the place, provided we gave to him one
hundred dollars, and five per cent, of whatever we won. In
consideration of which wo should not be molested by him, and in
case any complaint was made against us, or any movements of
any kind that would endanger our safety on foot, that he would
give us timely warning. Lane advised us to accept tho terms,
promising, if we did so, to bring to us a valuable moneyed play,
and wouid also furnish the money to take a third interest in t^
game. The Major was pleased with the proposal, "because,"
said he, "after taking our money he won't betray us, and the
prospect of making more will induce him to protect us." So we
agreed to try our fortune in Wheeling, and lost no time in look-
ing out for a suitable place to set up our l)ank.

"My room at the hotel is just the thing," said the Major,
bringing down his open palm smartly upon his knee.

"That's so,"returned Lane, "and old Griffiths, the landlord, is

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

just the man vre want to do ousiness witb ; he'd walk a mile of
a rainy night, any time, to get a chance to play against faro; be-
sides, he'll bring every one with him that's worth having, so I'll
go down and sound the old cock."

Mr. Griffiths, the proprietor of the "United States Hotel,"
was a good-natured, jovia' kind of soul ; ho was fond of his tod-
dies, always ready to attend a cocli-fight or a horse-race, or to
play a stack of white checks against a faro-bank, or even to
amuse himself at a small game of poker. But to allow a faro-
bank to be conducted in his own house, the fine for such a httlo
delinquency being five hundred dollars, was more than the old
gentleman could stomach.

"But don't I tell you I've got the Marshal all right? " argued
Lane, in plea of his suit.

"Have you, though?" exclaimed mine host of the "United
States;" "and I tell you Iknow Jerry Clemmens, the Alarshal, as
you call him, a damn sight better than you do. He's a thief,
Mr Lane, and all them fellers connected with him are a set of
thieves, the whole kit and bilin' of 'era, as you'll find out to your
sorrow, if you tru.st any on 'em! "

Facing the upper end of the steamboat lauding, and built
against the steep bank of the river, was a-small three-story
brick house. The ground floor of this building was occupied as
a grocery store. The second story, which was unoccupied, had
in front a wooden balustrade, from which a ricketty stairway
descended to the street. The top story was entered by a single
door, from the back street, which wound from the landing to the
top of the hill, against which the house was built, and soon after
lost itself in the main street of the city. When seen from the
rear, it seemed merely a one-story brick house. This top room
was occupied by a drunken tailor, by the name of Morse, who
was, at one time, owner of the best tailoring establishment in
Wheeling; but love of liquor had brought him so low that his
former patrons dared not trust him with cloth sufficient to make
a pair of pantaloons, for fear he would sell it for whiskey. He
managed to live by working during the day at any stray jobs of
mending old clothes, and from what he could collect from small
poker parties, who met by stealth in his room at mght. He
would generally keep sober until he had accumulated twenty or
thirty dollars, when he would start on a spree, and keep it up
aa long as he had a cent or could run his face for a dram.

3ND.

he'd walk a mile of
lay against faro ; be-
ivorth having, bo I'll

nited States Hotel,"
was fond of his tod-
ir a horse-race, or to
ro-hank, or even to
But to allow a faro-
I fine for such a little
IS more than the old

al all right? "argued

host of the "United
mens, the Alarshal, as
Oil do. He's a thief,
vith him are a set of
Aou'U find out to your

it lauding, and built

a •small three -story

ding was occupied as

was unoccupied, had

I a ricketty stairway
IS entered by a single
•om the landing to the
s built, and soon after

When seen from the
louse. This top room
3 name of Morse, who
)ring establishment in
it him so low that his
loth sufficient to make

II it for whiskey. He
ly at any stray jobs of
)uld collect from small
s room at night. He
iccumulated twenty or

spree, and keep it up
'ace for a dram.

WHEELIXQ.

It was from this worthy gentleman, then, that we received
permission to set up our game iu his house. Ho was just get-
ting off one of his customary sprees, flat broke, and glad of the
opportunity to make another raise by renting his room to us
for two dollars a night. Lane, to quiet any fears he might en-
tertain of being punished for allowing us to deal faro in his
room, told him, with a significant wink, that there was no dan-
ger to be apprehended from the authorities, as he'd fixed them
all riglit.

" Clemmens, you mean, I know," said Morse, with a shake of the
head. Look out for him, Mr. Lane; he 's as slippery as an eel; I
ain't afeard o' his botherin' me, cos he can't make nothin' outer
me, but ho won't do, that'-s flat," said Air. Morse, with another
ominous shako of his head. " Eec'lect, Mr. Lane," he continued,
"your friends here is strangers, an' are got money, an' them there
robbers will go for it as quick as a bass will go for a minnow,
if you give 'em half a chance."

"Don't let that bother your head, old fellow; I've arranged all
that," said Laue.

" May be," returned Mr. Morse, " but there's no harm, Mr.
Lane, in just shutting the gate. Look there," he said, pointing
with his finger towards a corner of the floor; "make a trap door,
and a pair of stairs down into the room below; there ain't no-
body liviu' there, and from them there balcony stairs you can
make tracks towards the levee, if them peelers took it into their
heads to break in on yo some fine night when there was a lot
here a fightin' the tiger."

"By the Lord!" exclaimed the Major, jumping to his feet,
"you're the only sensible man among us, and your advice, sir, is
too good to be thrown away."

Lane procured a carpenter on whoso secrecy he could rely ; he
made the trap and ratairs at his shop, and fitted them to their
place, during the night. This part of our arrangements we kept
to ourselves, not deeming it wise to admit our customers into the
secret. Lane had a dealing-table, which we transferred from his
residence to the room, also during the night, and, with the as-
sistance of some chairs, candlesticks, and other requisite articles,
we were ready to receive customers. Lane commenced muster-
ing his players, but they fought very shy for the first two or
three nights. Lane would bring them in and introduce them,

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

incl the Major would show his hospitality by shoving before
"Itl'ui and glasses, or porter, if they pcife.ed . >. no
sooner had they swallowed thoir beverage than tae ^^ould le-
r i^^pitatefy, as if they were afraid the cljuvs ot he pohce
would seize upon them before they could leach the sticet.
lane's repeated assurances that there was nothing to lear, as he
had thel^ arshal all right, finally began to have its weight
The thh-d evening of our venture, two gentlemen having the
ia o' the law less before their eyes than tbcir conn)anu.„3
houaht twenty dollars' worth of checks, and with them tackled
SaLeT ' They lost, and almost immediately left the room.
They came again on the following evening, and tried their luck,
which gave confidence to others. From that night tl.e number
TfTurplayers gradually increased; eventhe jovial landlordo the

-uTted States" so for overcame his fears as to lend us the light
of his countenance, which was a host in our favor, .^^ccause every
player in the place, whose custom was worth having, ^'ouW fol-
low where old John Griffiths led. Finally our room was filled
evlry nigbt, with from fifteen to twenty players, al busmcss
men merchants, stage-agents, steamboat-raptaius, and the Ike
who'auiad plenty of money, which they bet liberally agains
Ihe Jame. The Major and myself dealt, and frequently did
not make acquaintance with our beds before daylight. Lane
Ltiiced the customers to the game, besides keepmg himself
in the good graces of the Marshal, on whom he was careful to
make I quiet call, every morning, and report proceedings^
?very precaution had been taken to keep our business aa
secret as possible. Not a light could be seen in our room from
the street. Morse was on duty in the street, with a key, that none
mi-ht gain admittance but our known customers, and having a
suspicion, notwithstanding the Marshal's assurance to Lane,
Ta? tie Wheeling authorities might not share Mr. Pitt's opinion,
that "the hut of the peasant should be as secure Irom official in-
trusion as the palace of the king," we had caused a strong oaken
bar, held by two heavy iron staples firmly fastened into the doov-
pos s, to be put up. We had also arranged with our worthy
sentinel, Morse, that in case a descent was made upon us, he
hould give finely warning, in order that we might nmke our es-
cape by the tran-door. The signal agreed upon was that he
sSld sing out;ioud enough for us to hear, " Whose corn-patch

»ND.

by shoving before
pcrfcncd it, but no
tbau they would re-
claws of the police
;1 reach the street,
lothiug to fear, as ho
to have its weight,
mtlemcn having the
n their coiapanions,
[1 with them tackled
lately left the room.

and tried their luck,
lat night the number

jovial landlord of the
IS to lend us the light

favor, because every
th having, would fol-
f our room was filled

players, all business
■aptaius, and the like,

bet liberally against
t, and frequently did
iforo daylight. Lane
jsides keeping himself
horn he was careful to
I report proceedings,
keep our business as
seen in our room from
t, with a key, that none
stomers, and having a
s assurance to Lane,
liaro Mr. Pitt's opinion,

secure from official in-
1 caused a strong oaken

fastened into the door-
anged with our worthy

was made upon us, he
, we might make oures-
reed upon was that he
ar, " Whose corn-patch

WHEKLINO.

Is to be robbed now ? " Tliis luminous idea emanated from the
prolific brain of the ifajnr, who contended it was an unusual
expression, and less likely to create a misunderstanding than
another. For more than two weeks <iiir game continued with-
out any Imjicdimcnt, during which time it won about i?2,;3()0.
But evcrytiiing is uncertain in this world, except death, rent-
day, and board-bills. On the eighteenth night, our gambling
carctM' in Wheeling was brouglit to an al)rupt close.

'"Twas the 'witching hour of night, when churchyards
yawn," etc., and our players were about 8"»00 ahead of tlio bank,
the first successlul assault they had made ui)on it since we had
opened. Their good Ibrtuno rendered tlicm good-natured, and
the four dozen of ale and porter, together with a gallon of
brandy, which they had hidden away behind their shirts, began
to make them feel conifortable and hapi)y. Among them was
a big burly red-headed Irishman named Dougherty, the only
loser in the party. He was interested in a wholesale liquoi store
in tlie place. llis excitable temperament would not allow him
to sit in a chair while at play, like any one else, but kept him
continually walking about tbo room, now and then reaching
over the heads of the other players to place a bet on the lay-
out, or pick ouQ up from it. Whenever his checks gave out,
and he discovered a card which he thought a winner, he would
sing out to me, " Ilowld where ye're, Jack, a bit, till I bate the
bank;" then ho would bid me put "tin dollars in ivory" ou hia
chosen card, " an' if I lose tliem, mo boy, sure I've the mojiey in
me fist to pay yez," at the same time displaying a gold eagle in
bis fingers. Whether from the closeness of the room, the Hquor
he had drank, or hia losing rather heavily against the bank, the
perspiration rolled in streams from his face, and between watch-
hig his bets and swabbing himself with a red bandana hand-
kerchief, he had quite enough to keep him ])rctty well employ-""
ed. "Howld there. Jack, till I bate ye's." "Yes sir, what can I
do for Mr. Dougherty!" " Ye'll put tin dollars in ivory beyant
the blagard king; it's bate me three times, he has, hand runnin',
bad luck till his dirty carcass." I placed the ten dollars' worth
of checks as he had desired, when he said, " By your lave,
master Jack, them cheeks will engraft themsilves on the black
sivin, and if there isn't a black sivin in the box, the divil other
one it'll take; do ye mind that, master Jack ?" "All right, Mr.

ti-'C'^^.'^.^"

98 WAXDEIJIXUS OF A VA(}ABOND.

Dougherty," had no sooner passed my lips, than the shrill voice
of Morse waa heard, singing out, "Whose corn-patch is to bo

robbed now V , ■ ..

"By the Eternal!" exclaimed the Major, "they're going to

break in upon us."

"^/hat's the matter? Any thing wrong f What's up?" queried

several of the players at once.

" The authorities are at the door, gentlemen," whispered tlie

Major. ,

All was now confusion and dismay. Some of the players de-
manded money for their checks, while some stuck theirs in their
pockets, as they rose frightened from their seats. I conveyed
what money was in the card-box to my breast-pocket, and had
barely done so when all the lights were extinguished, by whom,
I do not to this day know, but evidently by some of the players.
We now heard a short scuffle at the door, and the raised voice of
Morse crving, "This is my house, and you can't get into it." A
moment's stillness was broken by a smart rapping on the door
with a stick, and a stern voice demanding it to bo opened m the
name of the law. "It's tho Mayoi," whispered one of the play-
ers. No response being made to this demand, tho same voice
called out in a louder key, "If you don't open the door, I'll
burst it open." "Begorra, ye'd betther not, if ye're wise,
shouted Dougherty. A heavy surge against the door was the
only response, followed by another, which shook the old tene-
ment 80 that for a moment I thought it was about to tumble
into tho river. The strong oaken bar, before mentioned, kept
the door from being broken, but it was evident it would not
stand much further pressure. I had by this time gathered up
the faro tools, and, with the assistance of the Major, had placed
them in the valise. I then whispered in his ear, " The trap-door!
be quick!" He squeezed my arm, and I moved forward, or
rather groped my way, the Major holding by my arm till wp
reached the desired spot. I brushed from it the rubbish of old
clothing belonging to Morse, under which it was hidden, and
raised the trap. I made the Major descend first, and passed
hun the valise ; I then made the best of my way down myself. I
had scarcely placed my foot upon the second step of the narrow
staircase, when the powerful voice of Dougherty sounded on my
ear, calling to those battering at tho door, in stentorian tones,

iOND.

than the shrill voice
corn-patch is to bo

ir, "they're goinj,' to

What's up?" queried

)mcn," whispered the

me of the players do-
D stuck theirs in their
ir seats. I conveyed
■east-pocket, and had
tinguished, by whom,
.y some of the players.
md the raised voice of
I can't get into it." A
t rapping on the door
it to ho opened in the
)cred one of the play-
mand, the same voice
I't open the door, I'll
r not, if ye're wise,"
,inst the door was the
li shook the old teno-
; was about to tumble
jcfore mentioned, kept
i evident it would not
this time gathered up
the Major, had placed
sear, "The trap -door!
I moved forward, or
ing by my arm till we
m it the rubbish of old
ich it was hidden, and
5cend first, and passed
ly way down myself. I
lond step of the narrow
agherty sounded on my
)or, in stentorian tones,

WUKKUNG. ^

7y!"''' ^T^. T'^'l *^f * ^"•■''' ^'" '"""b«^ >^«ry mother's son
}cs rhey heeded hnn not, but with renewed energy as it

emod, continued surging against it with their united sS'gt,
the door now evidently showing signs of giving way. " Lot's
fight the d-d sons of b-s," cried a voice which I recognize 1 „s

longmg to an agent for one of the stage lines. " wS tho

bato'otV'"""* ""'' f" ''''' "«'^^'^'"' »^'-'l --^"'"""^ y4 am?
Uie eS oTCir^""'"'' ''""«'^^'"^'- "'^ '"''' see„,ed to'hav
pond o it T ^^'n"'''Vr '^ '''' '"''^'^'^^ •''l'I«^--™'l to re-
101 med me that they were preparing to give then- a8«ailnnf« -x
warm reception. They had barely thne to^se ze t^.^wl ' Hho

These escaped the worse fate of many of their companions who

them "to grass," not to "come up to time "again that nicht
either. The defenders of the citadel charged ui,on s ch o the

wiS S T """?'' ''''' ^^-^^ ^''^'^ ''^P-d-' thdr b t les
with such_ force and energy that the Mayor and his satellites
were all ignominiously routed, or placed "hors clu combat"

r/lrn? .?'^/*'?''"'' '"'■"S"^'' ^y '^'' 'I"" life'l^t ^vhich shone
n through the broken-down door, I lost all sense of my situa-
tion I listened to the powerful voice of Dougherty cheerinjr on
h.s iriends and could see his burly form as he "waded ,^o" Z
foes, knocking them right and left. The attack was o sudden
and unexpected, that the Mayor and his party were whipped
before they had time to make hardly a sho J of resistance The
Mojor had made his way to the balcony, which overlooked the
r r^ . T ' ^^7-^"'^ ^'' "" ^'"^ ™"'°''°t«' ^-^-Pecting momenta-

til * 77^'^ ^rJ^™- ^^^ '^'' ''^' I l^'^'i been standing on
the second step of the staircase, but was now brought to rav

tSS ?'wn,Tf ^~^ >« keeping you?" and made conscious
that I was loitering away time, which was precious. In a few
moments we were both standing on the levee, where Morse
came to us During the row, he had escaped from his captors,
and knowing we would make our exit bV the trap-door hS

about Jn^f "!; ^° '""'^^ "^ '^^^""" -^ ^^« "^^-^ if theVver
mr!i T r^'''' ^^''^'' *'' ^ ''^''^" '^^^' ^l^ere the ferry-
man slept. Morse roused him, and, after explaining our wants,

'^S'^r-

100

WANUliUlNUS OF A VACiAUOSD.

tho ferryman agreed to put us across tbe rivor in a skiflf for a

'^"il You'd bottor co.no ^vith us, Mor.c," I .luspored, so tbe
ferrynnmsbould not bear. "Wbyr' l"' '^f ;' ; .

" VVon'l iboy put you in jail, if Ibey cateb ) ou ? , , ^, „„

<.NoUbcy,"saidbo, lau,bin«. "Wantn.cf N"- i"'^?,^f 'J^^om
tbievcs van n.on.-v, an.l tbcy Icnow I ain't K-t any. llu<> ^van
vou am be o d nun bcrc, tbat's wbat tb.y ^vant and n.y best

""'to bad been paying bin, bis i.nt "'«^^^>>- j .-';^;;;;7;^;^,:^
owed bini but for tbe present nigbt. I gave inn, t nee ten . ol
hrl pieces, wbicb be received vvitb n.any tbanks, and after
SeCr l^'l toldbimto inl^am Lane tl-- - ■^'^ /;; -
to see bini at tbe botel at Hri.lgeport, as soon as bo uuUl n . o
It convenient on foe morrow, be sl»>ok us warn.ly by tbe band

'''"wil^n ferrvman had set us on tbe island, as agreed npon
we bad to walk about a nnle in order to reach t - ;|;ry o -
opposite side, and also carry the vah«o cont;um g tbe a.o- o^^^^
which got pretty heavy before we reached tl c i-'ud o it m ng
our tramp across the island, I tried several tnnes to d avv e
SoSinversation, with but scantsuccess. Our nigh s ad-

vSZe with the tran;p for the Hnale, ^^ -^^^^^}f^ ^^
ed hm When we finally reached tbe opposUe side, we spen
wba remaining strength we bad, bawling for ^^^^^J^
L,„n m„l tike us over. His boat was on tbe opposite sborc,
anThX doubt snug in bed and fast a.sleep, for no one came
?o ou 'rXritVas'now near three o'^l-k- -d wo had i^^
choice but to remain where we were until daybreak Iho
■ mov apparently took matters very coolly, for I could ™ g t .a

word out of him, which at that time made bis companions p

aimhing but agi^eeable. I Anally succeeded in t orcmg a ttlc
maUoVinto?im by making - -slaught on tbe inMbit^nts

of his native State. "Nice way this, Major, joui high-touea

Virginians have of treating faro-dealers."

-Damn it, sir, don't call them infernal thieves over there, Vu-

giniS^ Virginians are gentlemen, and know how to treat

strangers with courtesy, sir!"

vcT In a skill" for a
\vliisi)cre(l, so tho

•ou?" ■

No, indopcl! Them
[)t any. Tlioy want
want, and my best
(.1- ill (loulilc-qnicU,
auso if they fmd out
I lilio a thousand o'

y ; consoqucntly wo
e liim three ten dol-
ly tlianlvs, and after
\t wo should expect
)n as he could nudio
wp.nnly hy Uu' liund

md, as affreed upon,
lU'h the fciTy on tho
iiinuii,' the faro-tools,
he end of it. During
d times to draw the
icss. Our night's ad-
l completely cxhaust-
[losito side, we spent
: for tho ferrymari to
;i the opposite shore,
leep, for no one came
lock, and wo bad no
intil daybreak. The
, for I could not get a
do his companionship
led in forcing a little
;ht on the inhabitants
Eijor, your high-toued

liieves over there, Vir-
l know how to treat

WIIEELIN(i.

101

" Well, Jlnjor, if "\nioeling isn't in Virginia, I'll have to travel
over my geography again."

"Tan-handle, sir! Virginians have never acknowledged tho
damned abolition dog-holo as any part of their State, and I wish
an eartln|uako woidd swallow t!;e cursed place up, and not leave
a vestige of tho infernal race of rattlesnakes that inhabit it, to
show that it ever existed. " With this volley went what strength
remained after the fatigues and vexations of the night, and tho
coi)ioiis drinks of liquor ho had imbibed, and, too tired even to
swear, the irate Major stretched himself on tho grass, with Ids
head resting on his vali.se, and balmy sleep soon relieved nim
frotn Jus present troubles.

Not so with mo. For nearly three weary hours did I pace
backward and forward along the baidvs of tho river, breaking
tho monotony, at times, by stopping to pitch a atone into it, or
pausing in my sentinel stride to listen intently whenever any of
tho thousand and one " voices of the nigiit'' nade mo inuigino I
could hear the footsteps or voices of men, or the clattering hoof'-
of the horses of our pursuers. It was long after daybreak when
tho ferry-boat at last took us over to Uridgeiioit, a small place,
coutaiinng about thirty houses, and among them a small tavern,
where wo got some breakfast, and afterwards beds, into which
we tumbled, and H\o\}t till two o'clock in the day. Lane arrived
about two hours later, and from him wo learned that no arrests
had been made, up to tho time when ho left Wheeling. "Nor,"
ho continued, "do I believe there will bo any; the Mayor, nor
any of his party, were able to recognize a single one of your
players, and I understand the Mayor is laid up from a smash
of a bottlo ho got ovc tho eyes, and many others are dreadfully
cut up. Tho affair was creating considerable amusement iu
Wheeling, at tho expense of the authorities," who, he added,
" have few sympathizers, the verdict of almost every one boing7
"Served them exactly right." Tho first intimation I had of the
row, was being knocked up out of my sleep, by Morse, who told
me of the fight, and your escape; I was afraid to venture near
tho room, lest some of tho police might be prowling near the
spot, and grab mo. So I gave Morse a bed, and waited till I had
daylight for it, then went down to tho room. There wasn't a
soul there, nor near there. Tho door was smashed in, and
broken bottles, chairs, and candlesticks, together with other

lOB

WANDEUIN08 OF A VAGABOND.

debris, wore sratttTo.l In confusion about the place, showing
nlainly that somo hot work ha<l takon placo there. 1 set up
ho broken door and chmed the trap, which you had Mt open,
and went h.>mo aKaln. Aft..- br.>akfast, I u.ado it my nr«t
bushics.. to call upon tho Marshal, at his h.uise, and cl-mand an
explanation. Ho protended to be nu.chastonl.he.l, and declared
this was tho very Hrst be ha.l heard of it. Ho went on to sta e
hat^h^ evening before, business had called him to Wellsburg (a
place about elghtmiles above, on the river), whore ho was u ex-
Edly detafned, and did not arrive at home until two o'clock
fn the mornlnR. Ho then a.sked me to come back a noon say-
iL by that time ho should have succeeded in gcttrng all the
particulars relating to the affair, and would let mo know a
about it ; at the same time expressing groat concern, and as I n,
mo where you were. I told him I didn't know, and I waited
rxU,Sy enough for noon to come, because I did "«t ^-j to
como over here until I could bring you all the news I c"U^ ^o ct
m relation to the matter. In tho meantime I saw old Or. Uths
and some others of our customers, and have ascertained that
none oTthem are hurt; nor do they fool tho eas^^ uneasy
resarding tho affair. Griffiths said several had checks, which
Zt be Redeemed, and I told him to get them all together and
I would pay him the money for them. He promised to do so.
" That's right," said the Major. .

"At twelve, precisely," continued Lane, "I was again at the
Marshal's house. He pretended to bo in a great rage with the
Mayor whoX told mo' had purposely sent him to Wellsburg, ou
a trumped-up errand, that he might get a chance to arrest you m
ms absence. 'But I'll get oven with him for nterfonng with rny
duty, the old villain,' fumed Clemmens, shaking his fist. Im
darnn glad he's got licked, instead of grabbing (««/,['' '^^f ' .^^^J
I am, Mr. Lane. But he's a mighty bitter old fc low, a brttcr
piS%en he gets started, I tell you ; so tell your friends to fight
Z for a few days till this business blows over, and he won't love
you any better for it ; so keep your eye skinned for h m, Mr. Lane/
I tSanked him for his advice," said Lane, " but told h.m I had no
Idea where you were, but if I found out, should not fad topos you
up After skirmishing around some time longer, he inquired how
much the game had won. I told him, but he knew almost as
well as myself; he was always asking mo the same question.

the place, showing

ice there. 1 set up

you hiid 1< ft open,

I niado it my lirat

use, iind di'niand fin

iili*h(!(l, and declared

lie went on to state

hhn to Wellahurg (a

where ho was uncx-

no until two o'clock

hack at noon, say-
id in getting all the
uld let mo know all
t concern, and asking

know, and 1 waited
HO I did not want to
10 news I could collect
10 I saw old GrilUths,
lavo ascertained that
feel the least uneasy
al had checks, which
aem all together, and

1 promised to do so."

e, "I was again at the
a great rage with the
It him to Wellshurg, ou
chance to arrest you in
for interfering with my
shaking his fist. ' I'm
ibing your friends, tL .t
tter old fellow, a bitter
ell your friends to fight
aver, and he won't love
oncd for him, Mr. Lane.'
" but told him I had no
ould not fail to post you
I longer, ho inquired how
but he knew almost as
mo the same question,

\VIIKKI,1N(J.

UY,i

every time wo met. He then demanded his flvo per cent. I told
him you had tlio money, and were gone. ' That'.s got nothing
to do with mo; I look to you, Lane, for my money,' he replied.
' If thiit's the case,' I rejoined, ' you'll look for what you won't
find; for I tell you plainly that I won't give you a cent. You
have no right to it ; you did not protect ray friends as you
promised.' ' I did, as long as I could, Mr. Lane, and you'ro
not going to cheat mo out of my money,' ho cried, in his most
domineering manner. ' Not a cent will you got from mo,' I re-
plied, 'no, not if 'twas to save your life, Mr. Clommens; because
I believe this whole atifair was a put-up job hotwcen you and the
Mayor, to rob my friends.'

" 'You say that to cover your own rascality with mo ; but you
give mo my money,' ho cried, shaking his finger in my face, ' or
I'll make this town so damned hot for you, that 'twont hold you.'"

" You should have killed the danm scoundrel on the spot,"
said the Major, excitedly.

"I don't think, Major," said Lane, smiling, "that that would
have improved matters much, in my case, but I think I did
better: I just told him, point blank, that I didn't beliovo a word
of his Wellshurg story, neither did T believe the Mayor would
have dared to make a descent ou us, without his knowledge and
consent — that I was satisfied that 'twas all a put-up job. ' Now,
Mr. Clemmons,' I said, ' you've boon good enough to say you'll
make this town too hot to hold me. I'm glad you've warned me ;
I'll do the same little favor for you. When the grand jury
meets the first of next month, I'll go before it and swear that I
gpvo you one hundred dollars as a bribe, to allow a faro bank
to bo played in the place.'

"You had him there, Lane, whore his hair was short," said the
Major. • •

"Ho thought so himself, I reckon," repUod Lane, "for be
wilted immediately, and insisted that he didn't moan anything
when he said ho'd make the town too hot for me, and sworo to
me black and hluo that my suspicion of his having any know-
ledge of the Mayor's intentions to arrest you was all wrong, and
finally promised to have tho whole thing hushed up, and asked
me to come and see him again to-night oi .a the morning."

''Morse always said ho was a thief, and would betray us -when-
ever it was for his intb. csc to do so, and he spoke like a prophet,"
8aid the Major.

104

■WAN'DEKIXUS OF A VAGABOND.

..He deceived me," sai.l Laue; "I see it all now Ho was
afraid yc.a'd bo mis.,..:, . .nuo tine moruiug, kuowmg- hat s wha
L-cl do himself, and the tenn.tatio.. to u.b you -h' o Ue cou^,^
was t.io much for him. You had too much money, tha s \ hat s
the matter,' so he just put up the job that tl:e Mayor ^^^^^^
vest vo.,, while ho kept out of tlie way, to b uid me. 1 lj^>/';' S^^
they'coJlil squeeze ten or lifteen hundred dollars out of jou, at

least— a bis,' prize for them."

"Uv the Eternal! they caught the prize; out 'twas a Scotch

one," laughed the Major; "but you must hunt up our friends and
redeem their checks-I'll give you the money to ^o so-and brmg
over our baggage from the hotel, and settle our hi Is. Do it to-
day bcausfl ;ant to leave this place to-moiTOW. Then a new
cro.ket seized the Major's brain. Overjoyed ^ /he result of our
intended capture, ho wanted Lane to invite all our player to
come over, and he would give them a dinner. Ho ordered him
to bring a couplo of gallons of the best brandy he could imd,
together with two baskets of champagne. " Bring old Grilhths;
he^s a fud team, by the Lord! and don't forget l^^gl;;^^^^' ^^^l^^;
he's the only Irishmnu I ever liked; and we'll make r. joUy night
of it fi/r I'm in the humor, and feel lik 3 a young colt. _

B'M Lane, after much argument, dissuaded the Major from his
hospitable intentions, representing to him their impropriety.
«' Those gentlemen, Major, don't want to come all the way (iver
h-.re to eat a dinner at a one-horse country tavern, where they
can get nothing fit to eat anyhow; and besides, consider, they
want^ of course, to keep as duiet as possible just now, m coiise-
nuence of this alluir. If they are not already known to the
n.^thorities, their coming over hero to feast with you would spot
every ono of them out at once, because Clemmens and the rest
would bo sure to hear of it. Never mind the dinner; save your
money, Major ; you'll feel all the bettor after it to-morrow mornuig.
There's a boat expected down in the morning, and I'll have youi
luggage over in good time, and my team to take you to Bella.ro
where you can got aboard of her." The Major reluctantly yielded
to the advice of Lane, who shoruy left us for the night.

On the following day,a littlo after noon. Lane made his ap-
pearance in a carriage, bringing our baggage; we entered ua^d
;.ere driven to Bellaire. a town about four miles further down
the river. The expected steamer had not been heard from when

OND.

it all now. Ho was
kuowiiig that's what
b you ivhile he could
money, ' that's what's
the Mayor should ar-
iid me. They thought
doUars out of you, at

1 ; t)ut 'twas a Scotch
uut up our friends and
3y to do so— and hring
our bills. Do it to-
loiTow." Then a new
yoU at the result of our
rite all our players to
uer. Ho ordered him
brandy he could llud,
"Bring old Grilliths;
rget Dougherty, Lane;
vo'll make ?. jolly night
young colt."
(led the Major from his
lim their impropriety,
come all the way over
itry tavern, where they
. besides, consider, they
ble just now, in couse-
alrcady known to the
vst with you would spot
Clemmens and the rest
il the dinner; save your
jr it to-morrow morning,
•uing, and I'll have your
to take you to liellairo,
tfajor reluctantly yielded
! for the night.
)on, Lane made his ap-
gage; we entered it and
four miles further down
ot been heard from when

"WHEELI>"G.

lOS

Lane left Wheeling. From him we leannd the important facts
tuat Morse was ou a spree and that no arrests ha(l been made
of parties engaged in our aOair, nor were any likely to be made.
The .Marslial had said there would be none, and had apologized
for liis rough language to Lane.

"Look out for him, Mr. Lane,'' I said; "he's only waiting to
get a good tight grip on you."

" r\ nothing to fear from him, Jack, and if ho ever fools me
again 'tis my own fault. However, I'm going to leave the place;
I'm going to Kichmond to live."

"That's the talk !" cried the Major. " I'm glad to see you've got
some wisdom at last. But whoa are you going to start f Will
you take your family with you f"

"Yea, sir, I shall; and all that now detains mo is some busi-
ness matters, which it will take about a mouth to arrange satis-
factorily; then I'm off for Richmond."

" I'mglad to hear you say so — tliat's the place !" cried the Major,
enthusiasti''a]ly, "tlie paradise of the world! The only spot on
earth fit for a gentleman to live in! and when I meet you there,
sir, I'll extend t!ie right hand of fellowship to j'ou, sir, as I've
always done !"

"Thank you, Major; shall I see Jack there with you f"

" Certainly, sir! Why do you ask such a foolish question ? Jack
leave his guide, companion, tutor, friend ? No, sir; we're going to
open a gambiing-houso in Kichmond, and shall expect you to drop
in upon us when you arrive."

Lane promised to do so. He remained with us till near sun-
- down, when the anxiously expected boat having put in an appear-
ance, we took our farewell of him and got on board. Early the
next morning the steamer touched at Marietta; but the Major
and myself confined ourselves strictly to our berths, until she had
started again on her journey. In the evening we reached Pa*-
kersburg, where we landed, and took up our quarters at the only
hotel iu the place for the night.

106

WAiJDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

CHAPTER XII.

"ox TO KICUMOND."

that name been by EQgl»°'J" ^ '^^ and then, aB

of i Ti^^hrorLLiful isle, they transplanted U to tu^ new
ofitintnen m\n ^ml bestowed it on that spot o;: the

n,w mart of slavery, the Mecca of slave-dealers ; the strongnoiu
rtbetiieracy ; renowned for one of the most remarkable
Bieees in the annals of butchery.

Tm; President, will you favor one of my friends with a pass
to Kichmond I " requested a grave senator. ^

"It's useless, sir; I've already given passes to .00,0W meu to
go to Richmond, and they baven't got there. jct, replied the

"^^L^Sf and myself did not encounter so many difficulties
however, fs Mr. Lincoln's 200,000 sold ers. Trav^mg m the

slow coaches of the period, we ^^^'^^X'^J'^'^'Z^m
third day after leaving Parkersburgh. It was the middle ot ju^

len we entered the place, and the ^««-^«««XmTeCo^
just commencing. The slave-traders were arnvin^.rom the Cot

ion States to purchase their human ^^^^f^^J' ^^^^^^^^^^^^
merchants were busy preparing fi.r their fall «^^ '"^^
Pitv Ais full of strangers with plethoric pumes, a fair snare oi
wliUhadnosort^^^ away a leisure hour m a

X'\S purS'ln interest in a suit, of handsomely fur-
nisIedSnlUng-^^^^^^^ in a desirable locatio,., for^hichhe^d
ii iS The eentleman of whom we bought retained a third
Kt i Jfher we entertained our custo.ers wHh puppet.,
which were served every night at eleven o clock ^jd also^fur
nished them, gratuicously, with liquors and cigars. In the couree

ND.

sr, when the Welsh
laud from the head
How revered ha8
liey have cbristcnod
alaces ; and then, afl
Jestroy every vestige
lauted' it to tu' new
it on that spot o;: the
iidred years, was the
1 traffic— the illustri-
ilers ; the stronghold
the most remarkable

Y friends with a pass

sses to 200,000 men to
icre.yet," rephed the

r 80 many difficulties,
•8. Traveling in the
to reach there on the
was the middle of July
ilcst season there was
arriving 'rom the Cot-
ttels, ai.a the tobacco
r fall business. The
jurses, a fair share of
ivay a leisure hour in a

iiitc of handsomely fur-
itioii, for which he paid
)ugh't retained a third
astoiiievs with suppers,
o'clock, and also fur-
ad cigars. Inthecouree

ON TO KlCUilOND.

107

of a few weelci we hna the satisfaction of knowing that we were
doing as prosperous a business in our line as any house in the
city. Mr. Wilson w;^3 as popular with the sporting fraternity of
Richmond as any gambling-house keeper in the city, and de-
servedly -so. He was a plain, una.ssur.iing man, kind and oblig-
ing, of polished manners and easy address. It was his boast
that bo had not an enemy in the world. He was about fifty yeans
of age and the father of a grown-up family, nd had lived in
Richmond nearly all his life. The Major was also a well-known
character in Richmond, and an exceedingly popular one among
the card-playing portion of the city; so much so, ind cd, that he
could easily have obtained an Interest in any of the popular
Baml)ling-hou.scs of the place, and had he located himself per-
manently there, could, without doubt, have amassed a fortune.
But his rambling proclivities would not permit him to do so. Six
months or a year was the utmost the Major could be induced to
conflno himself to ''ny one place. But wherever he went ho made
valuable acquaintances, especially araoug the gambling fraterni-
ty, and there was no faro-dealer iu Richmond who had the same
influence among the nejrro-traders that the Major possessed.
Numbers of these constmtly filled the city, and were by far the
best customers to the faro games. From August to November
they were incessantly going and coming ; and in the evenings c^ur
rooms were thronged with them. They made their headquarters
at the gambling-rooms, made appointments to meet their friends
there, and, being generally loaded with money, would play liber-
ally against the faro-bank ; while but in few cases would one
win $500 at one sitting, many of them, during a sitting of bad
luck, would lose from .§ 1 ,000 to $5,000, some having lost as high
as $20,000 iu a single night. With all their bad qualities, I never
knew a negro-trader to sue for money lost at gambling ; but
generally speaking it was not safe to gamble with any of them
on a credit. No class in the South derived greater profits from
their investments than the negro-trader, and none were held m
greater abhorrence. In the more northern Slave States their ad-
vent on a farm was a source of unbounded terror and dismay to
the blacks, to whom " to fall into the hands of the trader, to be
sold down South," was their greatest fear; a tfireat to that
efifect generally having the power to reduce the most obdurate
at once. Should business call them to a farm-house, the hospi-

108 WANDERINGS OF A TAGABOifD.

talities Of the place were not extended to them. The hand of
fSdsht except amon« those of their own Uk, never ^niched
heh-s and brutaUzed as they were by then- homu trall>c aM
callou; aa they became from the cruoUies attondmg "l-^t, t ey
still retained a keen sense of their degradation. The sla\c
b ederrof tbe Border States, after bartering with them his hu-
man flesh for their gold, would feel his reputation endangered if
he reeognfzed them sicially in public. The lordly planter,
whose laborers were supplied to him by the trader, would com-
municate with him only through his factor, '^•^^^ ^^ f J^^,;«
considered himself lowered if even seenm conversation with 1 un.
SssocLl ostracism had the tendency to make them hate their
own spedes; and their great object in life was to speedly make
a for une in their nefarious traffic, and withdraw from it as soon
L posSe, hoping their wealth would cover their f« sms
and give the., a respectable position m society. In manneis
Sabifs, and education, they were but very little arther advanced
than the most ignorant blacks they bought and sold. Mobt of
them had begun life as overseers on small plantations at .aUxnes
varying from $500 to $2,000 per annwn, according to the value
o?Se place on which they were employed, or the duties entrust-
ed to ?hem. If they ever possessed a spark. of humanity or
decency, their slave-whipping profession in a few years com-
pSy quenched it, and they learned and retained through
life the low mean cunning which characterizes the negro slaves
nder their Oiaige. They obtained a knowledge, from the
nafure of thPir business, of the quaUties of negroes: what amoun
of labo^hey could perform, and for what kinds they were most
Bdtrwe- afso theamount of labor requisite yearly on the various
ptntati^ns or the towns and cities adjacent to where they hved.
They a 80 4ade themselves acquainted with the chances which
Tnhrht arise regarding the rise and fall of slave property. I vom
Sing rigle slave'and selling at a prolit, they would, step by
Sfncrease their gains, until they had accumulated a sufh-
cS fundTo Justify Uiem in throwing up their -^ua -n as ovoi -
seer and start out on their own hook as a buyer and sclli. of
humarbehigs. Thev would then invest money ; '.urchasing in
SSie owner of some slave-pen, or possibly gain the confidence
r some capitalist, whose thin-skinned scruples wou'rl not perm
Sm to be publici; engagedin such a traffic. They then opened

n. The hand of
ilk, never touched
hon-iu trallic, and
iding upon it, they
,tiou. The skivc-
with them his hu-
tioQ endangered if
he lordly planter,
radcr, would com-
, and would have
versation with him.
,ke them hate their
IS to spcedly make
[•aw from it as soon
• tl'.eir former sins,
ioty. In manners,
le farther advanced
ind sold. Most of
uitations, at sjalaries
ording to the value
r the duties entrust-
irk of humanity or
1 a few years com-
l retained through
zesthe negro slaves
nowledgc, from the
egroes : what amount
Linds they were most
j-early on the various
t to where they lived.
b the chances which
ive property. From
, they would, step by
accumulated a suffl-
aeu- situation as over-
k buyer and seller of
loney ; 'mi'di" »'"? in
)ly gain the confidence
iples won' r\ not permit
J. They then opened

ON TO EICHilOND.

109

a slave-pen of their own. To furnish these with an assortment
of slaves suitable for their neighborhood; they visited the great
slave mart of Richmond each summer and fall, tliat being sup-
plied by the slave-breeders of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware,
eastern Tennessee, and Kentucky.

It was the custom of these negro-traders, whenever they
bought a new slave, to administer to him, as soon as convenient,
a doso of seventy-five or a hundred strokes of a paddle. This
instrument was shaped similarly to tho bats used by school-
boys in playing ball, and about the same size. It was made of
tough oak wood, and was about two inches in thickness, being
bored all over with small gimlet holes. Tho olijoct of this last
being, that when the air was expelled through these holes it
would draw the flesh up, causing a sharp stinging sensation.
Sometimes a rawhide was substituted. When the victim had
partially recovered from this, he was lashed up again, and given
another flogging. The object of this cruelty being to give him
a "healthy scare," as it was termed; or, in plainer English, pre-
pare him for his future discipline. "Indulge a nigger at the
start," they argued astutely, and he'll take advantage of your
kindness, shuah ! He'll think he can lie and steal with impu-
nity, and when you're compelled to whip him for his dirty tricks,
sir, he'll cut away from you the very first chance ho gets ; then
you've got to keep on whipping him, just as long's you own him.
Spoils tho sale of him, too. Nobody wants to buy a run-away
nigger! But if you give hira a "healthy scare" to begin with,
you'll have no trouble afterwards. This inhuman policy was
literal!} carried out in nearly every slave-pen throughout tlio
South. The .slaves, wJiile there, were well fed and well clothed,
without being compelled to work, in order to make them look
sleek, and sell well, but were lashed unmercifully in order to
make their prison a hell to them which they could only escape-
by getting a new master. Therefore, whenever a customer en-
tered the pen, these unfortunates, being drawn up in line for
inspection, would cry out, " Buy me, masser ; I'se wants to hb
wid ye;" or, "I'se a good hand for dat ar' work, massa," at the
same time furtively watching the eye of the negro-trader, to see
wliether their acticmswero approved by him. Tlie most misera-
ble period of a slave's existence was when he was left to the
tender mercies of the trader.

no WAXDKniNGS OF A VAOABOKD.

While in Richmond I frequently attended sales r.: slaves
when would bo cngrcgalcl swarms of traders from the Cotton
Itati The dcsi'iirrng faces and heart-rending cries of ho
noor vrctcl S, huddled about the auctioneer's stand, as the de-
St oSe hammer tore asunder wives and lu>. -ds iw n s
nnri phildrcn fouud no throb of sympathy in the preasia ui
?;^nl, human Sds. I cannot recollect ever hearing one of

wouiu uiy. ovDcnse of the poor wretches, who had no

expressions, at tue cxptuao ui vuv t- „„.,i,i

mwer to prevent them from doing what they would.
^Sno day Tbeautiful quadroon girl of eighteen or nineteen
w-S placed on the block to be scM ; her appearance created a
Sd sensation. She had been torn from her home by he
sheriff and put under the auctioneer's hammer to sat s^y the
creditors of her deceased master and father. The girl was in
iy Evidently tenderly raised, the tears of shame and morti-

arras or even her limbs, ostensibly to ascertain if the article on
ZZlZ perfect in wind and limb. At these she would dart an
indignXlance and get farther back behind the auctioneer,

her beautiful face crimson. ^ ., , „ ^!«, bi, mallet

" Gentlemen," cried the auctioneer, stnking with his mallet

readinff writing, geography and arithmetic, and a so all the
dutts Vhousfkefping. She can also play the piano beau-

^'^^'c'hrist!" roared one of the bystanders "are we expected lo
buy all that ar' larnin' an' music, 'long with the galT

.'She'll swing high for a mistress for some o' them parley
vous'down there in New Orleans!" said another.

-Can^ ye take her in, Doddsl" querieda dimmutiva swarthy-
faced dealer ft-om Georgia.

»ND.

led sales cC slaves,
crs from the Cotton
•ending cries of the
r's stand, as tbe dc-
li husbands, parents
y in the breasts of
ever hearing one of
a question in a kind
auctioneer, or do tho
n the contrary, they
jscene and scurrilous
rretches, who had no
ey would.

eighteen or nineteen
ippearanco created a
om her homo by the
iramer, to satisfy the
her. The girl was in
8 of shame and morti-
8he tried to shrink
rilous remarks of tho
. then one more bold
take hold of hers, her
ertain if the article on
Bse she would dart an
»ehind tbe auctioneer,

iking with his mallet

shall now offer you a

eighteen years of age,

tally. She understands

letic, and also all the

play the piano beau-

rs, "are we expected Ic-

ith the gait"

p some o' them ' parley

id another.

da duninutiva swarthy-

ON TO RIcaMOlTD.

Ill

" Too much on the weepin' wilier order for my cash," respond-
ed tho corpulent individual with a bloated face addressed as
Do(hl.

"A couple o' dozen with a rawhide 'II damn soon fetch that
ar' all right, and bring her into the traces, and I'm just tlio man
to do it," responder" another voice from the crowd.

"You've bit it there Gibbs, 'cos she ain't never had the skin
cracked on her yet," sung out another worthy.

But tho bidding for Alice now becoming very spirited, all tho
traders bidding, she ascended rapidly in price, from four hundred
dollars to eleven hundred. Dodd, of the bloated frontispiece, who
was from New Orleans, had tho call. I had become much inter-
ested in the girl. Her modest demeanor and her uncontrollable
distress so affected me that I resolved that, sooner than fall
into the hands of those brutes, I would bid flffcen hundred for
her, and send her to my foster-mother, should I be so fortu-
nate as to have her knocked down to me. Happily, I was re-
lieved of such a burden, and enabled to save my money, to say
nothing of escaping from the ridiculous position in which such a
course would have placed me, by having my motives falsely
construed. A new competitor now appeared on the scene, and
commenced to contest the prize vigorously with the slave-deal-
ers. He was a merchant of well-known rtspoctability, who was
influenced by some of her late father's f: itads to secure her.
The trader who was now certain of his yrey had just bidden
$1,250, when the merchant put in his bid of $1,300, and was
declared the owner of Alice; a remarkably heavy sum for a
slave to fetch in those days.

The gambling-rooms of Richmond, as I said before, ' ere the
pecuUar " stamping-ground" of these gentry, during theii- leisure
hours. The excitement attendant upon seeing and participat-
ing in the games helped to while away some of those weaiy
hours which hung so heavily on their hands from the time bus-
iness closed for them until it was time for them to seek their
several virtuous couches. They were our principal customers,
and our best ones.

Lane arrived in Richmond a few weeks after us, and was
given an interest in the bank. He and I did the dealing prin-
cipally, assisted at intervals, if we desired, by Mr. Wilson or
the Major. These latter gentlemen attended to the entertainment
of our guests, and to the management of the business in general.

' g y*^ . ytf '' . Mi ^--^,:'t^ ' J V ^ ^ ^y>^^-VJ--

■WANRERINOS OF A VAGABOND.

118

From the bo-innins cf H'o momh cf AuRUst, up to tho close of
tho To inc an" in U'-' "•"l-U. nf Noveu.l.er, Lauo and myself
To, .?t nirouiittin- xvoik, with not a raon.ent to spare.
Sntto"""" :^>U'l. w- -,r busiest t- the Major
1 d no-t cm. n..ar .ho roon,. but devoted his tlmo and at e^^^^^^^^^^
Bolclv to the turf an.l turfmen. ITorse-nuMnK was a ^^(Mlv^ess
of the Alaor's; he ;vas posted up in the pedigree «t every
tlon-Sed horse which had nu.de his mark cm tho tttrf )n h.s
tl e ^id pa ticularlv ac.,uainted with every great race that bad
b n r^in the country since the time when Eclipse and Henry
Sendod for tho hon<.rs of the turf «" , ;-« ^^^^.^^^
noted turfmen as Col. Wm. 11. Johnson, Mr. John t. bte^ens
J u CroS and others of that ilk, were <^-!-« •Vnod'ofre

the Major. And he would sooner have received '-^ ""f^ « «;

co°,iit onfr(,m one of them than from the "Hempevor of hall the

Koosh as " had he been standing before him, on his own tey soil.
The Major backed what he supposed to be t^o wnnnng hor^e.

on every available occasion ; but, like many another of his pro-

?essbn, generally camo to grief, and left tho course a sadder, if

not a wiser man.

CHAPTER XIII.
THE HORSE.

Many philosophers groping far down into tho «iist9 of time
foi the origin of tho horse, would have us believe the eaith
was eplenihed with horses, as it was repoptdated J^'th me^
from those which were saved in the ark commanded by Capta m
Sh ami as the Captain discharged his cargo somewhe e in
Hie reg o 1 of Mesopotamia, and near the head-waters ot he
'igrisS Euphrates, they insist, with tbeir ustia P^ilmacty
that from that country emanated the eqmno ^'"f ^^J' ^f ^^ f ^^
scendants are found at the present day on "^f ^ f J";^,;!
the known globe. These learned sages have based their opm-
ons^nrely oiTbiblieal authority, which informs - thf w^^^^
Joseph, of the "coat of many colors," splurged it so extens^ely
in that sacred land of cats and onions, that the hors« ^s^we "
known in Egypt. We are also informed, by the way, that the ht-

3t, up to tho close of
!!•, Lauo and niysolf
% moniont to spare,
iest time, tho :Major
s time and attention
■\u<; was a wenknosa
pediprpo of every
irk on tho tnrf in his
y great race that had
n Eclipse and Henry
Long Island. Such
,Ir. John C. Stevens,
deities in the eyes of
•eceived a nod of re-
' Hempevor of hall the
11, on his own icy soil,
be the winning horse,
iiy another of his pro-
;lio course a sadder, if

into the mists of time,
) us believe the earth
repopulated with men,
;ommanded by Captain
lis cargo somewhere in
:he head-waters of the
their usual pertinacity,
(luino breed, whose de-
on nearly every part of
have based their opin-
li informs us that when
ilurgcd it so extensively
that the horse was well-
by the way, that the lit-

TiiK uonsE.

J13

tie game of "cornering," so frequently practiced in Wall street,
was well-known to tho pious Josepli. Ho "cornered" all tiio
corn in the. country, and coinpflled tlie starviiit; inliiihitants to
excliango for it tiicir Hocks and lierds and lioiisrs and lands.
Holy writ also makes us ac(iuaintcd with the fact that, long after
tho death of Josepli, ills countrymen were driven into tho Hed
Sea liy tlio K},ryptian cavalry, and that by this speculation E;,'ypt
lost many men as well as horses.

That warbling maniac, Ilahakkuk, ulbrms us that tho Chal-
deans had horses swifter than leopards and fiercer than even-
ing wolves, leaving us to infer tliat leopards were, in the time
of that prophet, exceedingly swift of foot, and that evening
wolves were more fierce than morning animals of that species.

We arc not compelled by any means to rely solely on the
IJible for evidence of tho anticuity of the horse. Tho sculptures
excavated from tho ruins of Assyria, Persia, and Egypt, many of
which represent, in has relief, tliose animals engaged in tiie chase,
in labor, and in battle, inform us tliat tlie equine breed have
been the friends and companicms of men in those conntriesas far
back as their annals extend. Herodotus and Zeno[ili()n de-
scribed the fine qualities, and mention tho abundance of horses
possessed by the Assyrians, Egyptians, and Persians. Tho
Greeks inform us they received the horse from the I-Iu'.n ptians, but
do not mention at what jicriod. Perhaps they were unable to
do so. Homer speaks of horses being used at the siege of Troy,
but the bard places them in front of chariots, never under the
saddle. The Greeks contend that the Romans owe the Iiorse to
them ; that they introduced it among them, and taught tlieni
how to ride it. If so, the llomans ])roved themselves worthy of
the gift, for in horsemanship they were second to none. Tlie
Carthagenians, we are told, brought hors"s into S[)ain and Sicily,
from whence they could easily be dispersed through Western*
Europe.

Stubborn people exist, who believe, contrary to the received
orthodox opinion, that the horse was originally a nati-'" of
Europe, and also that portion of Asia which lies oast )f tho
Ural ^lountain chain. These cavilers contend that horses were
imported at various times into Europe, by the Colts, Saxons,
Teut(ms, Cimbri and Huns, wlio mii;rated from the great stejipes
of Asia, a region abounding in horses. These, passing into Eu-

H4 WANDEBIN08 OF A VAOADOlfD.

rone took with them their shaRRy and robust little horses and
I^ time thcVc receivLiK l^ottrr cam. the more st.mulatmg climate
SX nS Together ^vith fre.,ueMt croHsing on the native
breedl prlcera larger, n.orc powerful, and In every way

'"Cv'tbinr'also, that the countries lying west and south of
JSS Sci also principally derived f^-^-^^^l^^ZZ

sr ss^^ ^ ---- s^j^Stjj;!

lpr« broucM bv the way of the Caspian Sea, west; and from
ZLTiTi^^lXy^^^, Egypt, and «-- and by a.^^^^
gamatlon with the native breeds, became light, graceful, and

'^If ?"know little or nothing about these matters I shall dls-
pute none oTthose things, but leave tl-sc interested to sqvmbWe
Tout amongst themselves. Authentic history asscr that he
Celtic. Belgfc, German, and British tHbes ^^^^^^J^^^

,^it1i 1inra«a at. thO InVaSlOU of Julius tiLbai. x uu *»

of white horses which were sacriOccd to their gods.
From Sn have come finer breeds of horses than any other

Sed breSwas cultivated under the Cahphs, and ronde od
SX mo'e perfect, m speed, beauty, and endurance,^^^^
^tv,»r tnnwTi brccd Thls was accomplished by careuuiy
SlnfoutlioTnoB tsu^^^^^^ and stallions for breeding

culhng out tnoraosi, i ^^ training of

ST„d Xm .. ng tbe^ « £r ,xeepf under the — le.

nl. m„r»?hL pXbte tbat m. nation could have Buccocdod bo

nTLth^Ambs The. teed tlioir horses; they were tbcir

I^nalty When strloken from thesaddle, amid the .mle and car-

I..

>ND.

9t little horses, and
I stimulating climate
ising on tlio native
, and In every way

ft west and fiouth of
heir horses from the
that a trade of thlH
J era, and that horses
Sea, west ; and from
recce, and, by amal-
) light, graceful, and

matters, I shall dls-
utcrcsted to squabble
story asserts that the
3 were well supplied
,r. The Remans also
vlan tribes who wor-
rescrvatloua" a breed
loir gods.

horses than any other
ago they obtained the
ho long sojourn of the
1 cultivated the Arab
tituries this latter cele-
Caliphs, and rendered
, and endurance, than
ampllshed by carefully

stallions for breeding
jarlng and training of
scept under the saddle,
ould have succeeded so
horses; they were thehr
atures more thoroughly;
lalf to bring him to his
he Crusades, these light
savacen masters beyond
3uld else have paid the
, amid the strife andcar-

THE UORSE.

11 :>

nago of battle, the generous beast would not desert his master,
but would remain until consciousness returned, and ho feebly
crawled into his saddle, when the good horse, with the speed of
the wind, would carry him away to a jilace of safety. Tlicy wore,
however, unable to stand the shock of battle with the heavy
beasts whicli bore tlie English knights, even when tlicy out-
numbered them ten to one.

The returniug Crusaders brought with them many of these
beautiful steeds to Europe, to cross on their own breeds, and which,
no doubt, laid the foundation for those superior .animals which
are raised there at the present day. Ever since the horse has
been subjected to the will of man, and taught to do his bidding,
it Is probable that ho has made his speed to minister to his pas-
time, trials of speed having been popular from their earliest ac-
quaintance with the animal, and having outlasted all amusements
then popular, except the chase or athletic H])orts. Horse-racing
was a regular part of the pastimes of tlie Greeks and Romans,
and at the Olympic games purses wore given to winning honses ;
but what these ])eoplo chiefly deligiited in was chariot-racing, of
which numberless accounts are extant. We have, however, no
direct proof that these nations paid any attention to improving
the speed of their horses. Though Ilerodotus tells un horses
were plentiful among the Assyrians, Medes, rersiaus, and Eg:p-
tians, yet we do not need his assurance of that fact, for we see
them plentifully displayed at the present time, on the monuments
and other sculptures excavated from their ruined cities. Why is
it not more than probable that horse-racing was one of their
amusements f

The Greeks and Romans considered the Persians the best
horsemen in the world, and if we are to believe them, every man
in that vast empire rode on horseback. Luckily, we are not
compelled to swallow everything they have handed down to usT
It is, however, highly reasonable to suppose that, among nations
where horses were so plentiful, racing would he a popular amuse-
ment. No record is handed down to that effect, and we have as
much warrant to opine that the diflerent Tartar tribes inhabiting
Central Asia and Europe, and who at times swept over these
countries under Attila, Arphad, or Tenghis Kahn, and Tamer-
lane, also amused themselves with horse-racing, as well as murder-
ing and pillaging. Those freebooters were always on horse-

' I' .t^-jje^jjivi^*^*^ w^i '

116

■WANDERINGS OF A VAG \DOND.

been in.i.ro\ od. » \; ''•;''" l^^s were ul tliat ti.uo unUn.nvi. in
that country ^ -^'":;«;'; ^J r X. " ^^-rios constantly

Sn likely that t^.o -i.lU.,.;... n^^- c. L. . .^^^

PorHla.abounain^ n, ^'"'^^J'; "J ?, „ 'X, i„ „„ otlu'r ^vay.
Bonio fron. their ene.mes if ^^'^^ «\^ ■ ."^ ^ „ i„, ,,.„,,ssion

tost. John Chinaman prclera to I'^f^.^'V \, „ ititi'ui "niorra,"
.hoss,draught. ^^^^'^-^^^ '^^^^:t^y S of

,. „ ,.,„-ni inhnr The L'ovommcntom plnjatnciu,

oity wcro frequently

ii« Ifiive si)L'ciiliit'ii)n,
>(1 tlKMuUivccimiilry

H'tiU ln-nUK'l'' '" ''"^
ever iMiiuilt'il tlm.so,
«, tlocility of itMiipor,
liiotly Ity crossing Iho
ia, limt the sldfk luiH
,lio beKiiuiiiiK <»r tlio
:liat tiiuo unUiiowiiiu
.licvc— for tho Arabs

robberies coiistiiiUly
li'8, aiulit Hcciusi.ioro

of Kiiypt, Syria. uikI
\o iit least captured
liciii in no otlier way.
en into tho posspssion
lUn- or more fostering
ovo his loolw, speed,
wncrs of horses anion)?
tluiir animals far baek
10 fu'st country on tho
iicouraKed.and prizes
\vu8 really tho founda-

f tho population of tho
D inveterate Rainesters
speakins, about horse-
breed of horses exists,
10 Held, and under tho
, and seldom put to tho
i money at cards, dice,
totholtiliiiu"inorra,"
is inordinately fond of
I crickets, -grasshoppers,
icaico,andaronot even
•ornment employathcra,
ouR-hout tho empire, to
ollicials. Those horses
ire unable to endure the

THE IIOKHE.

117

heat of tho south nioro than a few years, when they lose their
streni,'tli and become completely unserviceable. The ^roat rivers
and lakes, together with their nuiiiemus canals, in a trreat
measure relieve the Cliineso from tln' uocorfeiiy for thu Borvicud
of tho noblest of tho lautu uruuliou.

UACRUM.

It la to Fngland that wo are Indebted for race horses, and our
present system of racing. Fino breeds from Spain and Arabia
have been imported Into that country during the last four
centuries. Tersla and the IJarbary States have also yielded
their best mares and horses, wliieli were brought to England to
improve the native stock by amalgamation. During the days of
chivalry, speed was not reipiired ; strentitli only was soiiudit for:
to carry the rider and liis ponderous harness of mail. Ily tho
time the Tndors ceased to reign over i^ngiaiid, the hereditary
land-owners had recovered from the elVectsof the cruel and de-
vastating wars of the Plantaganets; anil tlio chase, which had
for a long time fallen into disuse, was revived. Tiiey vied with
each other in cultivating the qualities of speetl and enduranco
in their hunters. A new era was oiiened for tho horso : speed
and beauty were retpiired in him, to render him suitable to
minister to tho amusements of the i)eople. In the reign of.Iamos
I. wo llnd that several private matches were run for heavy
wagers; the owners of the horses acting as their own jockeys.
This kind of sporting rapidly increased in favor with the public.
In the reign of Charles I., race-courses were built at Xewmarket
and at Ilyde Park. It was during his reign that the custom
wirs established of runiii ig for cu]is, instead of money, a
precedent which has l)een followuil up to the iiresent day.
During the reign of Charles H., the sports of tho turf wore on-"
couraged, and liecamo national. The Codolpliin Arabian was
imported in the reign of George II. This world-wide celebiity
vas the ancestor of some of tlie best thoroULjh-bred racers iho
world has over jiroduced ; and those who are learned in horse-
flesh are of tho opinion that there has never existed a trotter,
worthy of the name, wlio was not a dosciMidant )f the (Jodolphin
Arabian. It is said this noble animal was a present from tho
Emperor of Morocco to Louis XIV., and, after tho death of that

N^"-wiTi*^|J'*r"

118

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

monarch, fell into the hands of the English ; but there are many
conflicting opinions on the subject. *, ^ *i „

Tvvasalso during ihe reign of the second George that the
celebrated Flying Childers made his appearance; the best race-
Torse England ever had, ..d perhaps the best th. world ever
Lw He' was never beaten, and at Newmarket ran three mile,
six furlongs, and nmety-six yards, in six minutes and four

''Tbout the same time saw the celebrated EngHsh ?clipse^
This remarkable horse won for his owner over $100,000, and
was the progenitor of 334 winners of the turf. All nations seek-
ing the "thorough-bred" racer-which means, m English par-
lance, one whose pedigree can be traced, without a stain, for eigW
generations, ending with horses of eastern origin-the C-^dolphm
Arabian, Byerly Turk, or the Darby Arabian-had to seek hem
on the soil of England. She possesses five times, f /east the
amount of thorough-breds more .ban the balance of the world
and haa race-meetings at least once a week «"-«"g^°"5 ^^'J
entire year, with the exception of about six weeks in the depth
of winter. During the meetings at Derby and Newmarket
mcro money changes hands than at all the race-meotings in the
United States during the year. The race-courses are attended
by all classes of people, and are opened to the public iree of
charge, except the grand stands, to which admittance may bt
had for a few shillings. There is no distinction ; the same price
carries thC peasant as well as the prince to any part of the
course where spectators are allowed. What a contrast to the
snobocracy of America! The slaveholding aristocracy of
Charleston and New Orleans, of whom wero composed the racing
a^ociations in those cities, caused magnificent stands to be
erected for themselves and families, and their invited guests
None of their plebeian countrymen were admitted to them. . m
later, when the slaveocracy were overthrown, the shoduj, ^.
tocracy, comprising the Jerome Park Racing Association, near
New York, seized on half the grand stand, which was splendidlj
flttpd up, for the exclusive use of the lords of wealth, liiey
had also a fancy castle built, on a knoll nearly opposite the
erand stand, with coffee-houses, restaurants, etc., attacheii.
Within this hallowed precinct, none but the shoddyites and their
invited guests might venture. What are we coming to m this
free PepubUc ?

lBOND.

li ; but there are many

icond George that the
sarance; the best race-
e best the world ever
market ran three miles,
six minutes and four

•ited English Eclipse,
ler over $100,000, and
turf. All nations seek-
means, in English par-
without astaiu, for eight
n origin— the Gf.dolphin
bian— had to seek them
five times, at least, the
le balance of the world,
I week throughout the

six weeks in the depth
Derby and Newmarket,
the race-meetings in the
,ce-courses are attended
d to the public free of
hich admittance may bt
itinction ; the same price
nee to any part of the

What a contrast to the
eholding aristocracy of
ivero composed the racing
lagniflcent stands to be
,nd their invited guests.
p admitted to them. P+iU
;hrown, the shoddy ^^: ■
Racing Association, near
md, which was splendidly
3 lords of wealth. They
cnoU nearly opposite the
itaurants, etc., attached,
t the shoddyites and their
are we coming to in this

THK UOliSK.

THE HORSE IX AilEEICA

119

Was unknown before 1493, when Columbus, on his second voyage,
brought several with him to the West Indies. About 1519
the horse was introduced into Aloxico by Cortcz, and in
1530 into Peru, by Pizarro. In 1527 a Spanisli vessel in distress,
laden with horses, landed on the coast of Florida. They were
taken on shore, from whence they made their escape into the
wilderness, where they became wild, multiplied, and spread
themselves over the vast region known as the Southern States,
and far over the wild prairies, to the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
From among those introduced into Mexico by the Spaniards in
the time of Cortez, several escaped and becaiuo wild ; and their
descendants spread themselves over the North and East, so that,
in course of time, the Indian tribes wee abundantly supplied
with horses. The descendants of those introduced into South
America by tlie Spaniards— many of them escaped from the
control of man— increased in niunl)ers in their wild state, until
they can be seen in droves of tens of thousands, on the immense
llanos that stretch along the Orinoco and the Amazon, and also
on the pampas extending from the Rio de la Plata to the confines
of Pa;,agonia. The color of the American wild horse is chestnut ;
but " pintos," oi spotted horses, are found among them in
abundance. All wild horses of Spanish origin, whetlier in North
or South America, come under the appellation of mustang, and
are imbued with the Numidiau and Arab blood. Tlicse are
small, but hardy, and easily sustained, besides being capable of
great endurance under the saddle, having been frequently ridden
a hundred miles in a day. Many of them possess great speed,
from five hundred to one thousand yards, but scarcely any of
them were ever known to last a mile.

THOBOTTGH-BREDf? OF AMERICA. "*

We are informed that early in the eigliteenth century thorough-
breds were brought from England to America, and shortly after-
wards their breeding was encouraged by legislative enactment.
It is probable they were first introduced by officials sent out to
rule over the colonies. Virginia had been regarded as the race
region of America, and her ascendency on the turf was decided ;
so much so, that from time to time many of her racers were

ISO

WAXDEIUNGS OF A VAiiAllOND.

bouffht bv the colonies of Now York, Pennsylvania, Now Jersey,
an.l the Carolinas, and transferred to tlieir own boraors. n this
vay, competition was l.e-ot and fosterc.l thron-hout the length
and l.rcadth of the land, and a fancy for turf sportui- mcveased
^vlth the wealth and increase of the people. It is natural Vj
suppose that owners of lai-e plantations worked by slave- ahor,
fond of the eha.se and all kinds of Held sports, should devote
their attention to the raising of line breeds of horst-s more
esnecially as the cultivation of the racer had already become
popular with the gentry -n England. They found this cuunlry,
in soil and climate, particularly adapted to breediiig and raising
of thorough-breds; tluis the South, and afterwards the South-
west, became the home of the raco-horsc. It is true the tetatcs
of New York and New Jersey have bred, trained, and run. some
cf the best race-horses tins country has ever produced; but the
inhabitants of the South and Southwest were an ngvi cultural
people, and from their planters and stock-raisers sprung a largo
maioritv of the turfmen who established and perpetuated racing
in this "country. These men were in very many cases among
the most respected citizens in their States, and in their ranks
might be fomid statesmen, lawyers, doctors, merchants and
planters. It was this fact which made racing'popular with the
people, and in no part of the country did it take such a hold on
the masses as in the States of Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky,
Tennessee, Louisiana, and ."uuth Carolina.

The era of racing in America is said to have commenced in
1734 Four years previous. Bull Uock, a son of the Darby Ara-
bian, was imported from England, and, from time to time, for
more than a century, :>ewb!ood wasinfused into our racers l^' he
best stock which could be procured from that country. 17 J4 is
supposed to be the date of the first race for a prize-a saddle and
bridle valued at £20 ; mile heats, four entries. The altair took
place near the citv of Charleston; a course was staked out lor tlie
occasion, to which the name of "York Cour.se " was given. From
year to vear racing over this course was continued in February
or March, and the prizes given were usually a silver bowl, taiik-
ard, or waiter, about the value of X 100. In . 7r,4 another course
was established near the same city, which xvas called the New
Market," and where racing was continued up t(. 17/0. About
1765 the Gr.st cour.se of which we have any account m Virginia

ND.

Ivania, Now Jersey,
ill Ijoi'iors. In this
i-ouKliout the lougtli
f sporting iucvciiscd
Ic. It is natuml to
'kcil by slave-labor,
lorts, should devote
ds of lioi'si's, more
bad already become

found this country,
breeding and raising
xrwards the South-
It is true the States
ined, and run, soino
r produced; but the
ivere an agricultural
aisers isprung a largo
d perpetuated racing
,- many cases among
1, and in their ranks
tors, merchants, and
"ing'popular with the

take such a hold on
Maryland, Kentucky,

have commenced in
;on of the Darby Ara-
fn)m time to time, for
1 into our racers by the
that country. 1734 is

a prize— a saddle and
ries. The alYair took
I was staked out for the
u'se " was given. From
ontinued in February
ly a silver bowl, tank-
In i7.">4 another course
1 was called the "New
\ up to 1770. About
iy account iu Virginia

THE lIOItSK.

121

waa opened near Richmond, and ten years later one was mado
near Baltimore, and, if I am not wrongly informed, two more on
Long Island some few years previous to the commencement of
hostilities between the colonies and the mother comitry. Phila-
delphia, also, had her race meeun^s previous to the revolution.
During that struggle racing was, of course, suspended through-
out the country, and for several years subseipient it did not ro-
Tire in any shape worthy the name, save in South Carolina,
where it was continued up to the time of our civil war. Efibita
were made to revive it in Virginia after the close of the revolu-
tion, and also iu .Maryland, but met with but little success up to
1820. As early as 1787 racing was inaugurated in Lexington, Ky.,
which was its first introduction into the Southwest.

The revolution broke up racing in tho country, nor can it bo
said to have revived until we had somewhat recovered from the
effects of our last war with Great Britain, which places it at about
1820. No inducement was offered to put horses in training for
public racing, on accountof the scarcity of money in tho country.
Evenso far back as twenty-five years ago, when money was plen-
tiful, compared with tho close or just sul)sequent to our war with
Great Britain, $800 was the regular purso given for four-mile
heats, $600 for three, and $200 for two-mile heats, facing did
not, in fact, assume any iniportance here until after 1829, at
which time the " Turf Register " was established at Baltimore,
and to which paper the revival of that sport is, in a great mea-
sure, due. It examined into tho different pedigrees of horses,
which led to the culling out of tho pure stock from tho impure,
and kept before tho public the names of prominent turfmen,
horse-brceuei s, and upholders of tho sports of the turf. It
chronicled the different racing events which took place in the
country, all of which, combined, gave a stimulus to racing in the
Southern States, to which its circulation was chiefly confined.""
Fresh horses were imported from England, and the breeding of
them entered into largely by the stock-raisers of Virginia, Ken-
tucky, and Tennessee, who saw in tho cultivation of the racer a
source of large profit. Racing rapidly increased in popularity
with the people. From 1838 up to 1848 was its golden era in
America, previous to our civil war. In that decade there ap-
peared on the turf a larger number of first-class horses than had
ever before been seen in this country. It was during this time

128 WAXDERIXOS OF A VAGABOND.

f^. nn« nf the larcest stakes ever run for in any coun-
that a race for o»^« «™^^ stakes," (riven at Nash-

!;C"tC^ sYbfmost^^^^^^^^^
w; nnd w^ Vortli more to tbe xsinncr than any Derby or St.

Xllv » Peytona." The first match made to test the speed ot the
^' nf VhHnia and other Southern States agamst those of
E"y klSrSeU took piace in 1B.3 It took plac^on
^ 1 L^A on.l was l)ctweeu Henry and Eclipse, for $20,0UU a
Long ^'^^^^.'^^^''^J^^^'oiYiv^rAa, made the match on the
:;at of HenSandMr^ohn C. Steytns, of New York, on the part
^, V r7„ This race of three four-mile heats, was run m the
ofLchpse. rbisrace, 01 u.r spectators, and won by

presence «f ^^^ Jf ^ jVere S^ I 23 minutes and 59i
TetS, and^rHhau V2OO.OOO changed hands besides the

"^^'frw years later, the southerner again met the northerner
T SnnV This time the contestants were Post Boy, a
on Long If «^; ,™:™'„J j„ha l5ascomb,asonofBertrand,
"" "at SflhnCroXf Alabama, ^b^ backed his horse
rffo(iopSB.; was backed by Mr. Tillotson and other
S^^mSent New Yorke'rs. The race, which was ranm four-mde
EIT^ was won by the southern horse, Bertrand.
£ nirmatch between the North and South was that of

If;ltSl-S FaS'cL,.d n3,»uMs,andBos.on
match was an unequal one, ^f f 7^%"" ,^^ ^,, ^te aged.

run for in any coun-
ie8,"f:ivenatNash-
-ent which ever tools
n any Derby or St.
>s for $5,000 stalies
in the race, leaving
vorth to the winner
i Watson's chestnut
test the speed of the
tes against those of
»3. It took place on
Iclipse, for $20,000 a
vde the match on the
:ew York, on the part
icats, was run in the
jctators, and won by
23 minutes and 59i
d hands besides the

met the northerner
Its were Post Boy, a
,mb,asonofBertrand,
who backed his horse
. Tillotsou and other
1 was ran in four-mile
rtrand.

id South, was that of
lised in Virgiria and
i the victor. The race
a side. It is believed
one of the best races
n in this country. The
113 pounds, and Boston

test the speed of their
land in May, 1845, be-
leirg the victor. The
over have been made;
Lshion was quite aged,
irough th. South, only

TH£ HOKS£.

123

equaled by that caused by the battle of Bull Run. After the
defeat of Fashion, the hoofs of the high-mettled racer ceased to
resound iu the North and West. The business of raising thorough-
breds was abandoned for the more lucrative business of breeding
trotters, and racing continued to be confined to the South until
the commencement of the rebellion. From 1845 until the com-
mencement of the rebellion, racing was principally confined to
Charleston, New Orleans, Lexington, Nashville, Louisville, and
Memphis. The rebellion broke up racing in the South, and drove
those turfmen owning horses to the North, whe-o the sport had
sunk so low that scarcely any thorough-breds were owned in the
Middle or Eastern States. The Passaic County Agricultural
Society, atPaterson, New Jersey, was the first to give encourage-
ment to racing in the North. That attempt being successful,
other localities were sought, with a view to extending the field of
operation. Philadelphia was tried in the spring of 1863, with
but indift'erent success, and abandoned. In August, of the same
year, a meeting was held at the old course, at Saratoga, and its
success resulted in the building of the new and splendid course
there,, and it has become one of the most popular establishments
in the country. The races at Saratoga prompted the organiza-
tion of the American Jockey Club and the building of the mag-
nificent Jerome Park establishment, and since that the one at
Long Branch. The Jerome Park, Saratoga, and Long Branch
races proved a great success, and opened the eyes of the South
to the fact that the mudsills of the North had full as high ap-
preciation of the sport of racing as the natives of their own sun-
ny clime The revival of racing is not confined to the States
of New Fork and New Jersey. The Maryland Jockey Club have
had several successful meetings at their newly made and hand-
some course. Race meetings were held during the summer
months at St. Louis, Cincinnati, and many of the smaller cities
of the West. The South, too, has gradually recovered her abil-
ity to indulge in her favorite sport, and meetings have been held
at New Orleans, Mobile, Memphis, and Nashville.

Such is the field open to the enterprising turfman. And
hence it is in no way surprising that many gentlemen of means
are seeking and possessing themselves of the best race-horses
which can be obtained, Including many from England. Only a
few years ago, thirty or forty horses at a race were considered a

I.V l i P I J. l it L I

194 WANDERING8 OF A VAGABOND.

This revival of rating is n»»^ •» ^ B centlcinen who in-

U^emcn of wealth and f «' ^"^^^ ^ ^^t ^^0 ^^^

Acquisitions arc daily ^f "^, "^'^nd JaS p3o who k few
stables of horses being ^f "^^j*' '^"^ f "^J^l-uieeting alone,
years ago could 'f .^ V°^"-^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^ l^^Z breeding

riS-r^tS^^^^^^^^^

^tLtSr^e old school, and son. of the. wlu, co.-
pose the new, t^f the r^e^orse of to-dj vas^ mie^^^ ^.^^,

tt^at of a couple of decades ^f ^^^ ^J^f ^ f_Xnt day, or near-
this opinion, that we have no horses at ^^J^'''^^^%^ ^f the
ly none, capable of running four-mile heats. {» ^^ « - ^^^
h'orses ,;f the present day ^^ov.^^^<^,^^^\ '^^ tl "trainers
tracks are faster, which ^^J't'^'^ly /^ f ^/^^ ''peL so reasona-
are more sRiUcd in their art, which does ^"^ aPP^'\' ^ ^^^
ble. The truth is, the fogy turfman ^'^^I'^'^'ft the
time when endurance wa«a« much soug^it for as speed

ra«er, and when none but such as JP^^i^n tti, last ufteen
could be rated as first-ciass i^cers »\^„7J/Xm^;^^^^ was

Now they can be

gatheringa. More
oursos, liy three to
0(1 iu this country,
sure to the Ameri-

gentlcnien who in-
lugnientcd hy other
, short time the or-

of the members at
igh-bloodcd horses,
olc comitry became
ng associations were
, arc at the present
• race-courses within

owned and patron-
iplc in the land. xVll
ress to the American
les and regulations,
se associations, new
y people who a few
I race-meeting alone,
ouymg and breeding
oyiug that interesting

ne of those who com-
day vastly inferior to
issign as a reason for
present day, or near-
its. They say, if the
jed, it is because the
act; that the trainers
aot appear so reasona-
ums for the good old
ht for as speed in the
i run four -mile heats
1 within the last ufteen
rland or America, was
to do so. But on this
opinions of the turfmen
milers has been discon-

THE HORSE.

125

tinned, and speed is more sought after than endurance. It is
the prorailing opinion among turfmen, that, in cultivating the
racer for four-mile heats, his speed is diminished. Dash-racing,
both in England and America, has become more popular with
the public. It brings to a race meeting four time3 the number
of horses, increases the number of races, makes more betting
and excitement, and last, though by no means least, has super-
seded the cruel practice of forcing a horse to run the exhaustive
distance of twelve miles, which is much more often painful than
amusing to the spectators.

From careful investigation, there is no evidence to show that
the American racer of to-day has iu any respect degenerated
within the last fifty years; or that the English racer is in any
way his superior. Both have sprung from the same stock, on
both has been bestowed the same care In breeding and train-
ing, and whatever difference lies between them must be attri-
buted to climate, etc.

Whether we or the English have the fastest horses, has long
been a mooted question in this country. In England, but little
attention is paid to timing horses during a race ; in this coun-
try it is the barometer which informs us of the increasing or de-
creasing speed of our racers. Americans boast, and they are
good boasters, that their horses can outspeed those of England.
They cite the oft-quoted exploit of English Echpse, and claim
that many of our horses have made better time than four miles
in eight minutes, which was his maximum. They claim that
Lexington run four miles in less than seven minutes and twenty
seconds, which was, they assert, faster time than that made by
Flying Childers. The Americans assert that the elastic turf
and the straight shape of the English courses are more favora-
ble to speed than our circular ones over hard tracks. Whether
a horse can make faster time over a mile circular track, or follf
miles on an open stretch, would seem to me a very nice ques-
tion. I believe, however, it is the opinion of old turfmen, that
the circular shape of a course favors both the speed and endur-
anc- ; that in turning the curves the horse cases himself, and
that any speed which he thus loses is more than compensated
by his brushes on the stretches ; while, iu running four miles on
a straight course, he has no opportunity for recuperation by once
breaking the heavy force which presses him onward from the
score to the goal.

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

The difference in running horses on turf, the prevailing cus-
tom in England, and running them over prepared inickB, asm
thfs country, i« still unsettled. Most Americans Leiieve tl e
fo mer to bo tie fastest, hut I am not aware that any one up to
the mUent t me has g ven any convincing proof m support of
Ss Son Comparing the time which horses have made over
5 fferent courses is no' true test of their illative specd, some
courses being much better for speed than others. The Metar e
course an Uhose of Cincinnati, Saratoga, Paterson, and Prov -
dence are considered the fastest race-tracks in the country It
?8 the same with the English courses-some are elastic others
ie hard and heavy. Some of these run over a dead level pla m
while les are h'alf circular, or nearly so, and many are with
Siendtg or descending grades, consequently hor.^s are n^^^^^^
to make as fast time over some as over f'lcrs- f '8^ ™"" JJ
makinc four miles seems slow for such a horse as Eng.ish
EcS when we have had several racers who have Ixsaten it
fvSth three miles, six furlongs, and ninety-eight yards, made
bv Flying Childers in six minutes and four seconds, astounds us.
The oily true test of relative speed is to start the two hoi^e
together' on the same track; and until th;s >« ^l^ne we shall
have to suspend judgment on the comparative merits of Eng-
Srand AScai ram-s. But I doubt if this will ever bo done
to a suffitSnt extent to allow us to judge of the merits of the
horse o7 the two comitries. Nothing is more capable of di -
amngement from shght causes than the race-horse and it is
Sely that his exportation over three thousand miles of
Btomy sea would improve him. About fifteen years ago. a Mr.

Ten Broeck, an American, took ^it\l^'°; t^^^^it", „n ^Enf
horees, for the purpose of competing for the trophies of the Eng-
hsh turf These thorough-breds comprised Prior, Puoress,
I ' comp e, and Charlestonlnone of them, however, A represent,
atlvrof the American racer, and having all met with defeat at
home two' iSompte and Charleston, being but little better
rhTbrokek down. They were defeated in their first campaign,
InTthoth Prtress, in the fall of 1857, won, at New Market, the
CesarovSh stakes, after a dead heat with Queen Bess and El.
Ham Te was so favorably weighted by the handicapper, com-
pared wfth the other two dead heaters, that her subsequent v^c-
?o^ in the deciding heat, did not add much to the prestige of

the prevailing cus-
parccl i racks, as in
jricans l)elievc tlio
that any one up to
proof in support of
SOS have made over
dative speed, some
icrs. The Metarle
aterson, and Provl-
in the country. It
are elastic, others
• a dead level plain,
and many are with
ly horses are nnable
srs. Eight minutes
i horse as English
who have beaten it,
:y-eight yards, made
leconds, astounds us.
start the two horses
his is done wo shall
ativo merits of Eng-
;hi8 will ever bo done
of the merits of the
nore capable of dis-
race-horse, and it ia
3 thousand miles of
teen years ago, a Mr.
o England a stable of
e trophies of the Eag-
:ised Prior, Prioress,
-owever, fit represent-
all met with defeat at
eing but Uttle better
n their first campaign,
m, at New Market, the
li Queen Bess and El.
he handicapper, com-
lat her subsequent vic-
luch to the prestige of

TH£ UUKSK.

127

the American turf. Mr. Ten Uioock then imported a fresh lot
of American liorscs, and was .somewhat more successful. With
one of these, Starke, lio won the Goodwood Cup, and with Um-
pire carried oil' several of the two year old racers. Umpire in
the following year Itccamo a prominent favorite for the Ep.som
Derby, but in this great race was beaten. Beyond an unimport-
ant attempt in the same direction, by Robert Harlan, of Ken-
tucky, nothing has been done to test the relative speed of the
racers of the two countries.

When Mr. Ten Urocele first carried his stable of race-horses to
England, some of the papers spoke of the affiiir as an interna-
tional one, and Mr. Ten Broeck as a representative American
turfman. The truth is, he had never been a loading turfman in
this country, and hardly knew anything about racing matters.
America has had a hundred horses who could have beaten
Starke and Prioress, in their palmiest hours. The six or seven
hor.ses of Ten Broeck were contending against fourteen or fifteen
hundred picked liorses on their own ground, so that any one
can understand that his experiment was no fair test of the rela-
tive speed of the American and English horse. Mr. Ten
Broeck was one of the cleverest gamblers in the country, and
had for years beaten the most skillful at their own peculiar
games; but regarding racing matters ho was deficient. By
shrewd management he got control of the Metarle course at
New Orleans, and shortly afterwards made that celebrated match
on Lesington, against time, for $10,000. It has long been the
opinion of shrewd turfmen tliat the match for the sum stated
was no match at all, but merely a hippodroming afitiir, for the
division of the gate money. However that may be, Lexington
covered the ground inside 7.19|, the time specified, and gave to
Mr. Ten Broeck notoriety as a turfman, which was what he
wanted. Having gained his prestige, he embarked for Englanl"
with his stable of horses, which, in that country, whatever may
have been his antecedents, provided he has met his betting en-
gagements, give to a man a social standing among turfmen.
Such a position gave him a favorable opportunity for making
his matchless skill at cards useful to him— an opportunity which
he did not fail to improve. Ho also made his stable of horses a
self-supporting institution. Aside from the few races which he
won, the proceeds of which would not have supported him in

. ;*4^*^«»s->»a»w*",»

" I l# I II IW M B ■ *•■ * '« I ' g t t i' '

WANDEIUNOS OF A VAOAHOSD.

his extravagant stylo of living, six months, lio made bis borsch
ami his Dosition wi tho tiuf h-th prolitahlc to Inn.. Ho took
Ta c o make tho ac.,uaint.n.-c of such Americans visUmg Ko,-

Mr Tnn Broock? " Or If lio had uono startmg, What s >our
Mr. Tea Bro°<'^J ^;^^^^^„ « what odds arc you takmg on
ZTrV^ tIh BrooX^^ consulting his betting book for a
hira, sir r ^''° "' , ^ ' , o^^, -,„ i,i8 habitually dispassionate
Sl'Tr^^icing tloTone^^^^^^^ to two" as the case might
hr'Hil Mends wS close by hooking him down for several
S 11 InndR Those booking bets were but shams, --i those
^"T ACmtthTn B oec:, his confederates-men movin.,
J^'SherghefcircLs of socles for he .as too Bl-wd to Pjrt
S^lf in the nowor of common adventurers upon the turf,

such bets were made, when it was well ^"^^^J^^^™
and his confederates, that the horse ^ould not start in the race

at all. By such cunning ^^^^^'^Z'^^'J^^^^^tlZ^^^
superior skill at cards, he managed to ;;^^^;'"^"^J^^ '^^^^ ^^uu-
in splendid style for many years, and to return from tuai
try with an immense fortune.

TROTTERS.

Many of our students learned in-'borseology" contend that

the r Jer and the trotter are originally ^^^^^'^f^J^^^^V whose
sages proceed to say that no t^-^tt^r wor by of the name «
nediirree can be traced, is without the blood of tho Godolphin
ArabiZ and that whenever a horse is bred, tracing back

ID.

10 made his horses
tn him. no took
leans visiting Kns*
iJH linrscs, from nix-
\ m his judRmont.
iisclf. Ton Hroock,
laintance, and nioro
en toKctlior at Tat-
f, wliero tlioy would
1 tlie former soomed
lying on your horse,
•ting, " What's your

arc you taking on
8 hotting book for a
itually dispassionate
a " as the case might
ini down for several
but shams, -^d those
urates— men moving,
ras too shrewd to put
irora upon tlio turf,
iture time throw dis-
)okod in the presence
sm to take stock with
id " pals" knew per-
ivin. And frequently
nown to Ten Broock
1 not start in the race

just related, and his
lin himself in England
etura from that coun-

seology" contend that
3 same. These learned
thy of the name, whose
lood of the Godolphin
is bred, tracing back

THE iionsE.

129

through forty-nine veins, or rainillcationa, to the Godolphin, his
trotting speed will nearly C(iual that of our present racers. As
this al)struse .science of liorso-blood is too deep for mo, and as it
does not belong to the province of tiiia work, I shall leave the
subject to tho.so vorsed in ciiuinology, and hit them argue it to
their hearts' content. Sutlico it to say, that in no country on the
face of tho globo has the same amount of care boon given to the
cultivation of tho trotter as in tho rnitod States, and the select-
ive breeding of them has added millions to tho weaMi of the
country. Tho trotters hero, which can make their mile in threo
minutes, arc numbered by thousands, while those who can make
their mile in two miimtes and forty seconds are numbered by
hundreds, and many a]»[)eiir every summer on tho turf, at the
difl'erent courses, who can make tlioir mile far down among tho
twenties. And in no other country but this has tho trotter over
completed twenty miles in an hour in harness. Within the last
twenty years several attempts have been made to introduce trot-
ting races into England, but without success. Its failure may
bo attri])uted to the want of encouragement from tho land-own-
ers and other wealthy clas.se.s, who are prejudiced against any
foreign innovations on tlie .sports of the turf, or, as D'Israeli has
it, " tho noble pastime of England's aristocracy." There are
many trotters in tho country. Many have boon imported from
America, and no little attention has \mm \r,\k\, within the last
decade, to the breeding and training o{ them ; but very few have
been disthigui.shed for speed, and very few can bo found to make
their milo in threo minutes. There are no prepared courses for
trotting, and such matches an have taken place have boon per-
formed over tho public highway, or turf, which les-sens tho
speed of tho trotter in harness about ten seconds to tho mile.
These trotting matches, of which several have been made during
the last twenty years, wore well attended, especially by the low*
er and middle classes, and at some of them large sums of money
have changed hands. I think, however, the diay is still far dis-
tant when trotting will be one of the popular sports of England.
Tho people of France have paid more attention to trotting and
trotting horses than tho people of England. Within the last de-
cade several thorough -brods have been imported from America
for the purpose of breeding. In the summer of 1867 the racing
association of Rouen gave liberal purses to trotters ; this was the

130

wANUEBirns or a vaoauonu.

flrHt affair of tho kind which over took place in Enropo. Mf ny
; tho^m IV trottor«, both of France an.l KngUvml. n.et a oucn
to clpcto for tho trophies. Tlio meeting wa« largely at c.ul ed
auriTrcxtraordinaiTti-nowaH shown, in c.n.panson to what
ta commo, Ty done on Anu=rican courses, tho races gave general
atirtion' Tho late Fran^-o-Prussian -- '-. f-.^-^^.^",
iiiiuro tho advancement of trotting an.i racing In Hanco , Imt
ho deep interest taken In the cultivation of the tro or by he
wealthy landowners, and the Increasing dcslro of the wea thy
Srgenerally, living In or near Paris, to provU le U.n.se vos
with fine blooded stock, makes It presumable that m t»'o ^^ay "J
turf sports trotting races may In a few years become as popular
OS running races now arc. „„„„_,

Considerable attention has been paid by the «"-'"'^" .f.^^^^'J"
tnent to the breeding and raising of trotting horses I ho hardy
breed of Northern Russia, when Intermixed with the more n,et-
tlcsoTuo ones of tho south-eastern part of tho emp.ro, mako le-
markablygoodtrotters. Russiahas to-day ^greaternumber and
rbottor class of trotters than any country in Kuropo he favm -
He rnethod of testing their speed Is upon tho Ice, and harnessed
to ifght sledges. I^irlng the winter sea.son when t- bosom o
the Nova becomes a way of glittering ice, these trottmg-matches
are very frequent and popular with tho people.

VALTTE OP TU0TTEB8.

No kind of stock-raising has ever been, in any part of the
world, 80 lucrative as tho breeding and raising of trotters iu the
United States, and year h: year it is becomnig more so. AlK.ut
twelVo yeara ago, Flora T. - 'e, the fastest trotter the world had
evoTseon, up ?o her tim«, sold for $8,000. Jo-day any ho se
whi can rot in 2.30 will bring nearly aa much, while Worses that
Tan t?ot a mile in 2.24, 2.23, 2.22, 2.21, wi 1 ^nnR from
$15,000 to $35,000, and some, in the possession of wealthy men,
Jan^ot be bought for $60,000. Such men, howov«;-J^^;«
more money than they can spend-a pinching e^f *« ««J'2;
?hey crave notoriety, which the possession of a celebrated fast
horse can confer on them, while they, in "^urn, are unable to
confer any notoriety on the horse. However, to make a horse
wS^ aTertain price, it must bo shown that ho cai. bring back

SI).

In Europe. Mfny
?l;vn(l, met at Umicu
VfJ largely attciidftl,
•onipariaon to what
races Rave fjenoral
ban (lone much to
Ing In France; but
the trotter by the
?Hiro of the wealthy
provide thoniHclvos

that in the way of
become as popular

;ho Russian govern -
horses. The hardy

1 with the more nict-
10 empire, make re-
.grcatornumber and
1 Europe. Tlio favor-
B ice, and harnessed
, when the bosotn of
leso trottiug-matches
plo.

RS.

, in any part of the
sing of trotters iu the
Qing more so. About
; trotter the world had
[). To-day any horse
luch, while horses that
.21, will bring from
ission of wealthy men,

men, however, have
aching evil to society,
in of a celebrated fast

return, are unable to
jver, to make a horse
hat he can bring back

rUE IIOKhK.

lai

to his owner the money paid for him, ulth at IcuHt legal iutoreut,
if mi more. Fancy pricus sot upon iior.Hcs ^o for nothing. Mr.
O'Kelly, the owner of liuglish Eclipst-, a.slied lor him i^'S),iK)0
and a life annuity ofi5()() a year. Mr. O'lvolly's demanding
bis price and receiving it (whicli ho did not) are two very dill'er-
ent things. Hus.sia, England, and I'urtugal have given, to pro-
cure the finest and largest diamonds in the world, fabulous
prices, while thousands of their people were staiving for bread.
These sen.seleas stones are useless to tlKwo ooinitrics, save to
adorn tiio state of royalty; yet tlie wealth of tli«> Kotli.scliilds
would not buy one of tiiem. The Vatican, Pittl Palace, Dresden
Gallery, and that of the Louvre, contain many works of art which
origiiuiliy brought but a mere |)iltance to the toil-worn artist
under wliose hands they grew, yet at the pre.sent day untold
gold could not purchase tiunn.

It is the being wanted f(ir tlio stud whirh raises the price of
racers and trotters. Whenever a horso has established a repu-
tation by his fretpienl success on the turf, he or she is sought
after for the stud. Twenty years ago, Lexington, then tiuiught
to bo the best colt in the United .States, was ollVred for !«i'i,()00,
and also with him went half his engagements <(«• mile and two-
mile heat races. After tli(! accomplishment of his celebrated
feat again.st time, he sold for $ir),()00; that then being the
largest price ever paid for a horse in this country. His ollspring,
Norfolk, some years later brought the same price in green-
backs, which were then worth about sixty cents on the dollar.
About five years ago Kentucky sold for ,'§il.-),(KM), at auction. In
1870, Kingfisher brought $15,000, after having won his two
most important stakes for his owner. Enquirer also was sold
for $15,000, after wimiing all his important stakes, and Long-
follow, just before the close of the racing season, a year ago
(1871) was held at $120,000. It was almost unprecedented suo*
cess upon the turf, which raised the price of those horses, and
those who bought them did not do so with any expectation of
getting their money back on the turf. The price of racers haa
remained almost stationary during the last thirty years, while
those of the trotter have increased trebly during the last decade;
the reason of this being the trotter is much more profitable to
his owner than the racer. Trotting associationo hang up heav-
ier purses than racing ones; besides, trotters can .make money for

rfl

132 WAJfDEBlNGS or A VAGABOND.

iTat nearly all times a saleable article, and m considera-

selves and «^«r , ff'f'r„„re't their horses do mteucceed in
gate money, and it one or more oi i expenses eat them

:r I7a^^n S" t^^^l a^S?^l«er%e is .ery un-
up. If a "'""J''™™ 1' ^„„„ to, tiiose ahlo to support a
"rror his'cwr»nrsenie„t.or a praet.ea, turfma" •bonld

sraSu .0 do ^^^'^^ r„Ti:rres"»?ie:;

^ io^ hnt I have yet to see the <irst one among them ^vho ac
stables; but I l^ave yei to t, breeders of the racers

Srot'LTrhrSf-heiXd'; tho sports of the tur^
°a^ Xsman, of the raelng estaWishments thronghout th.

Sls^^^-xssSHHFsE

ESS .rrctr^rofT'tr-x or

or of Sk'lhlr connived at .hese or participated in them.

Many pr^rietoJs were compelled to see ^^^^^^^X^Tt
iv robbed in Silence, or have their courses rot on their hfinds lor
ly ^o\>^^'^J^^'^^ ' ^f g^^gral trotters would col-

S tosS r and Jake an agreement to trot over a certan
trselt dVnan.ed, for a division of ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^
nf r'niirse with the sanction of the proprietor of the tracK. i ae
"lurcement would appeav iu thepubUc prints, and flammg

iitside thoil- keeping
;hed by vuuning for
ah, to liie disgrace of
During a summer
lis master from three
trotter, unlike the
le, and in considera-
orerrofital)lc, aswell
owners of tlie latter
irf, to support tliem-
ad on no division of
ses do not succeed in
ir expenses eat them
racer, he is very un-
56 able to support a
tical turfman, should
ons who have any re-
ome safer investment,
many prominent turf-
large and handsome
I among them who ac-
jreeders of the racers
the sports of the turf,
ments throughout the

It trotting races have
in this country. For-
16 control of a set of
!ing the unwary. The
their swindling so suc-
settled down into the
if the sport. The own-
r participated in them,
heir patrons barefaced-
s rot on their hands for
3ral trotters would col-
; to trot over a certain
the gate money. This,
ietor of the track. The
blic prints, and flaming

THE HORSB.

133

placards, posted everywhere, announced that the race would
take place at such a time, lor a pur^o sometimes of several
thousands of dollars ; the amouuL being stated according to the
locality. A ten thousand dollar purse might be suitabJc for
New York, Philadelphia, or Baltimore, while five hundred dol-
lars would be large enough for the smaller towns of the West.
The meeting might call to the grounds from one thousand to ten
thousand or more spectators. At some of the trotting races in
the vicinity of New York, as many as thirty thousand specta-
tors have been present repeatedly. The owners of the horses,
their trainers, and confederates on the outside, had a perfect un-
derstanding with each other. Should the public make of any
horse a favorite, and bet heavily upon him, their favorite would
be very like to come out second best in the race, aad their
money would find its way into the pockets of the owners of the
horses, their trainers, and confederates. These rascally pro-
ceedings were not confined to any particular locality, but were
more or less practiced all over the country, and are so still in
many of the smaller places in the South and Southwest. These
things could not bo efTectually concealed, and the cries of the
victims of these frauds have rung out in tones not to be mis-
taken, all over the land, for many years, without any particular
remedy being applied to put a stop to them. An act passed by
the legislature would have put an end to them, within the ju-
risdiction of the State passing such act. The very worst of the
scoundrels would have hesitated before perpetrating his frauds,
if the doors of the state prison were yawning to receive him
the moment he was detected. But the generality of law-
makers with which we have been blessed, in this free and en-
lightened country, would view the stealing of a loaf of bread by
a starving man as a crime worthy the penitentiary, but would
consider the robbing a man on a race-track, by foul driving <fr
other fraudulent shifts known to some of the trotting faternity,
only a shrewd piece of financiering. But happily, whcro trotting
is conducted on a large scale, as around New York, Buffalo,
Kalamazoo, Providence, etc., etc., these track-thieves havo no
longer an opportunity to ply their vocation. Trotting associa-
tions composed of respectable citizens havo been organized in
most of the States, new rules and regulations have been framed,
and are at the present time rigidly enforced.

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.
POOL-SELLING.

When the straugor first makes his appearance in the betting-
rinl of the EnguL race-course, he may well imagme himsel
^?ng a crowd of bedlamites. A thousand throats are stretched
JTSr utmost, crying out their slang betting phrases of ''mon-
L^'-'poS" ^tenners," "fivers," "one to three," "four to
S " etc while the noise and confusion, which is over and sur-
'ids ail, is nothing less than p.ulemonium itself- remem-
ber when, in this country, men in the higher walks «/ J'f^- ""^"^
ocLpyin-^ Wj;h official positions, were not a«hamed to bo s en
^ the race-track, with money in their hands, calhng out like
Z£.^^ bl^ts they Wished to make - t^^ f;o"^«;
^,,r.h thinirs were fashionable in this country till withm the last
flftfen yefr "I'll bet five hundred dollars with any gentleman
?hat Truxton is the winner," sung out GeneralJackson, on ho
qu^tl st?e?ch of the Nashville course, the said Truxton bemg

-s: ^ir^rsy- :^^ cd. ^^^^

11 ofLk short card player, who would not bet five hundred
SLtn an^JtmnXept to have the honor of saying he made

'^^^Z'l^'^Tjt^^^':^^ any gentleman that Trux-
ton is thTir," reiterated the General, without noticing Col.

'''^^^S:-l'^TZt^, running up to the hero of New

°'Thro«neral paused in his promenade, and fixed his eyes full-

,?!, ,l^n rorjimmv then replied, in a freezing tone, quite

cockeduponCol. Jimmy,ineu 1 , understand

'°"'rTL?Mrr^^'SfivI;Urcd dollar. ..«
^ilm^nthrrnL' Lturnlng away, be c»n.inuoda
to ^,"lr his walk, and hi. "I'll he. any gentleman Ave
hundred doll." 'hat Truxton^s the wmne. ^^^

S3u^>:rhSh^l:.u»lwhl«h.h<.uldheremed,«l.

iJ),

nee in the betting-
ill imagine himself
iroats aio stretched
g phrases of "mon-
to three," "four to
ch is over and sar-
in itself. Ireraem-
walka of life, many
whamed to be seen
ids, caUing out like

on their favorites.

till within the last
with any gentleman
;ral Jackson, on tho

said Truxton being

ol. Jimmy Smith, a
aot bet five hundred
or of saying he made

entleman that Trux-
without noticing Col.

to the hero of New

nd fixed his eyes full-
a freezing tone, quite
Zon don't understand
3 hundred dollars that
iway, he continued at
3t any gentleman five

',T."

ace-course has passed
and quiet method of
. some fifteen or sixteen
race-track of any pre-
vers well enough when
ich shciiild be remedied.

tHE HORSE.

135

In the first place, racing associations charge three per cent, on
what money is won, anfl at many of the smaller of tho racing and
trotting meetings, three per cent, of tho whole amount of the pool
is charged, that is, upon the w innings and the investments. Now
this is a fraud upon the public. Racing associations make enough
from their gate-money, and should have pool-selling done gra-
tuitously on their tracks, for the benefit of their patrons. Pools
sold should be made play or pay, otherwise wrong may be done
to innocent persons, as the following circumstance, which hap-
pened a few years ago in Saratoga, will show. The night before
the race Cottrill sold as first choice in tho pools, and several
thousand dollars were invested on him. Before morning Nara-
gausett, in a trial speed, ran a mile in 1.48. This becoming known
to a few initiated, who had large stakes on Cottrill, the owner
ofthat horse announced that large spots or welts had broken out
on his horse during the night, and appealing to tho judges, they
allowed the horse to be withdrawn, so that his backers recovered
their money. Had not Naragansett run that fast trial speed, the
chances are that Cottrill would have started. If such a fraud
could be perpetrated on one of the first class race-courses, and
on one of the most fairly managed, how easily could it be done,
and no doubt often is, on the smaller and more obscure courses in
the country. Such sharp practice would tell for nothing, if pool-
selling were made to play or pay. The pool -seller has also his
favorites, and it is in his power to benefit them greatly, though by
so doing he does a corresponding iiyustice to the betting public.
At a nod from a favorite, a pool is suddenly knocked down to him,
or another sign from the same source causes the auctioneer to
dwell loud and long. The system of pool-selling gives owners
an opportunity to bet against their o-vn horses, which many of
them do if they think they will not win. Before tho system of
pool-selling obtained, the turfman betting against his own entpy
would be dishonored, and such things were not tolerated on the
turf; but turfmen of the present day practice it in the pools, and
no one considers it strange. The turfmen of old never laid against
their own stables, and though many of the modern ones do, it is
a practice which ought not to be tolerated. It cannot be denied
that pool -selling has done away with many evils of the turf, and
notably the noise and confusion which prevailed formerly on a
race-course, in the making of bets, hunting up th« holders of

136 WANDERrNGS OF A tAGABONDi

Stakes and the quarrels and figbta which ensued about the
?aSof bets Pool-scllinR is also a great advantage to tho e
ThTlay against the favorite, and who always take ^^^ ^^.^^
pool-selling, sometimes a. nmch as forty to one are 1^"J^^^'"«J
Lrtain ho^es, while rating that way m ;^° P^ ^^^J^^,,^

be obtained in the ring.

OAMBLEBS ON THE TURF.

^odlslnterestedcla^sofmenlntm^^^^^^^^^^

course, or to give purses for a race ™f °g' *^^^,,^": J^^^ Xa s
contributed liberally -^^^^^-f ^^ J^^^^^^^ ^a t^^Hnen, and
shown the same generous 8p;nt n ^«f ''V"^_"^^r"^ ...^gt Jf the
have never been found wanting m upholdmg the "^tercst o me
Zl Such at lea«t has been their record for the last half century
notwithstanding the efforts made ^^^ -"^^J^f J,7elled from
tho newspapers of the country, to cause them *« J^^ f f "'^^^^
the race-courses altogether. To be the fountam-head of au^^^^^
has been the itch of wealth, and to it the majon y of «^^^^
erelasses have pandered. Previous to the f^^^^^^^'/^Jf,^ f^
was not allowed entrance to the grand stand «« f ^J^^^^^" 7„,„

Te race Such invidious distinctions have disappeared from ou.
fa^e-crurses?:' 'tis proper they should do l^^^^ ;':^l'l^,l
nm-s Onlv the snobocracy of which the Jerome Park racnig
roeiaUo?is':omposed trLd to P^fem after th-^^^^^^^^
whren of New Orleans and Charieston ; but the ay™gant pre

ITnbeSaSr, Laid I, »gh. .h», it i= no, nece.»^

ensued about the
advantage to those
, take ibc odds. In
mo are laid against
pool it would be

lay any such odds,
ould take such odds
[\ a horse that would
ten to one could not

J u R F .

ntry have shown the
■s. Whenever funds
the opening of a new
they have invariably
Thoy have always
T needy turfmen, and
Qg the interest of the
r the last half century,
)us times, by many ol
)m to be expelled from
tain-head of authority
iiajority of our culiur-
e civil war, a gambler
md on the race-course
as. At the same time
kletario course in New
re obliged to drive to
) their carriages during
6 disappeared from our

in a free country like
e Jerome Park racing

1 after their exclusive
but the arrogant prc-

tion from the public to

them to abandon their

to make exclusivencss

; that it is not necessary

THE HORSE.

137

for a man to have a voucher, or a woman a marriage certificate
in her pocKet, in order to gain admission to the grand stand of
a race track.

Many gamblers have owned and run race-horses to their mis-
fortune, and many have owned tracks ; but, after thirty years' ex-
perience, I have never known, and I have yet to learn, of a
gambler being engaged in a fraudulent race transactior.. I have
heard, however, of several, and know of my own knowledge of two
instances, where jobs were successfully put up by turfmen, to rob
gamblers. No class of pensou. behave themselves bettor than
gamblers on the race-course, or interfere less with its good order
and management ; yet, notwithstanding this honorable record in
their favor, I agree with those punctilious gentlemen of the press,
and others, who imagine all gamblers thieves, and their appear-
ance on a race-course, otherwise than spectators, fraught with
some rascality towards the betting public — I agree with these
honorable gentlemen in so far that I think gamblers should keep
away from race meetings altogether. It would bo a saving to the
frateraity, of more than $J(K),(X)0 annually. With regard to
numbers, their presence would not bo missed, except at the pool
stands, and at the pool-selling rooms in the city during a race
week, in consequence of which the betting, which gives such a
spicy interest to the race, would greatly decrease, and perhai)s
the loss would add to the moral improvement of the spectators.
No gambler that I know of has ever yet done any good for him-
self on the turf.

Formerly it was amusing to see a young, just-fledged sport,
with a badge fluttering from the breast of his coat, while strut-
ting up and down the quarter-stretch, and calling out the name
of his favorite, and laying his money upon him. He thought the
position stylish, and imagined himself the observed of all observ-
ers. His knowledge of horse-flesh was about as profound as that
of a citizen of Venice, and he was backing his favorite because
some jockey or stable-boy had given him a " point " that he was
a " rattler," or perhaps he himself had seen him win a race the
previous spring or fall. But ho never once gave a thought to Iiis
present condition, what weight he was to carry, or the abilities
of his competitors. Such considerations did not for a moment
perplex his brain. T" lay his money was all h". wanted, and
sooner than fail in that object ho would give long odds. This isa

188

WAKDERINGS OV A VAGABOND.

fair sample of the reckleBs manner in which gamblers wquander
their money on tl lo turf. Since pool-selling has become the cus-
tom, ihe gamblers <iock to the pool-rooms in the city, dmnag a
race meeting, or to the pool-stands on a race-course. They
pitch upon their favorites without any knowledge of their capa-
bilities, except such as they learn from the turfmen, and w.
often run one up in the pool, in their eagerness to get him, until
he is made a favorite largely over the field ; often, too, when four
or more horses start in the race. Such a thing as a horse be-
coming a favorita over the field, when four or more horses start,
is in England a thing almost unknown. In the palmy days of
Gladiateur, when practical turfmen were convinced that Eng-
land had no horse to equal him in speed, tho odds were never
more than two to one in his favor when as many as five horses
contended for the prize. English book-makers have been
generally successful on the turf, simply because they have in-
variably b icked the field. " It is only fools," say they, and their
opinions should bo of some value, " that will nick u horse in a
race " There are but few professional book-makers that have
not made themselves an independent fortune in the business
There are no intelligent turfmen in this country, of th-rty years
standing, who will not acknowledge that they might now be
wealthy had they laid their money on the field mstead of the

favorites. , .

It would seem that their constant losses on the turf for many
vears would have disgusted gamblers with the sport of racing
altogether. Such, however, is not the case ; at any rate with a
large majority. To-day they are ready to re-commit the lollies
of yesterday, and, as few of them ever take the trouble to think
on the subject, I think it very unlikely they will improve. I
Bh-]1 ''ore mention another great drain on the pockets of gamb-
lers or at least some of the more successful of them. As soon as
thev have accumulated $40,000 or $50,000, their ambition is to
own a stable of racers or trotters. Tbsy expect to reap from this
notoriety as well as gain. Such gabblers have a very imper ect
knowledge of horseB, at best j consequently are obliged to call to
their aid some trainer of experience, and these gentry never
let a fat pigeon escape their fingers until they have plucked him
clean They use the gaml)ler that falls into their clutches
much the same as a raccally lawyer uses his rich client. When

gamblers wquander
lias bcromo tho cus-
1 tho city, during a
racc-courao. Thoy
ledge of tbeir capa-
3 turfmen, and will
sss to get him, until
jften, too, when four
ling as a horse be-
ir more horses start,
I tho palmy days of
onvinced that Eng-
the odds were never
many as five horses
makers have been
jcause they have in-
" say they, and their
ill pick u horse in a
»k-makcrs that have
mo in tho business,
mtry, of th'rty years'
they might now be
) field instead of the

on the turf for many
I tho sport of racing
3 ; at any rate with a
re-commit the follies
3 the trouble to think
thoy will improve. I
the pockets of gamb-
1 of them. As soon as
0, their ambition is to
:pect to reap from this
have a very imperfect
y ara obliged to call to
id these gentry never
;hey have plucked him
Us into their clutches
lis rich client. Wlieu

THJE^ HORSE.

139

horses are bought, it is by recommendation of tho trainer, who
hits generally on such as are broken down, and whose owners are
glad to get rid of them at any price. Between such persons
and the trainer a perfect understanding exists, and the horses
are sold for four or five times, and some times even ten times as
much as they would fetch at an ordinary sale ; and tho trainer
pockets the lion's sh.are of the spoils, out of which he fleeces his
master, with as little compunctions of conscience as if he were
really giving him his best judgment and advice. If the horses
are racers they never win a stake for their owaer,and the expens-
es of his stable, cost of entries and transportation, his losses by
backing them, to say nothing of what he is chiseled out of by
his enterprising trainer, finally drains him of bis last dollar, and
when he wants to turn hip horses into money, no one will buy
them on any terms whatever, and they are left worthless, as they
are, on his hands. Such has been, in nine cases out of every ten,
the fate of gamblers whoso evil genius — ambition — has led them
on to the turf. Those who have fallen into the hands of trotting
men havonot fared one whit better; infact, if possible, they have
fared worse ; their downfall has certainly been more speedy. If
a shrewd trotting trickster can flatter, persuade, or cajole him
into the purchase of a fast trotting horse, ho is lost. No artifice
is left untried to convince him his newly-acquired purchase has
extraordh)f.r> speed. When this is accomplished ho is easily in-
duced to match him against a horse which his steerers have
already agreed upon for him, and which thoy know can outspeed
his with the greatest ease. Hundreds of gamblers have, from
time to time, been inveigled and ruined in this manner by trot-
ting men. The latter know right well that no class of men will bet
their money so recklessly on a mere fancy as gamblers ; conse-
quently they are ever on the alert to fleece them. Gamblers
have been too often the victims of their wily tongues ; and if*
they continue to do so they will surely fall victims to their insid-
ious artifices.

140

-WANDEBIlfGS Of A VAGABOND.

CHAPTER XIV.

WASHINGTON CITY.

money waa so Pl^ntiM during i ^^^ ^^.^^

wiuter, — «'yr '"?„?LrirLdS°ke Ta* wto Jock

tienco they might, ^^ ^f * ^' ^;'\„^i ^nt them relief. Be-

(SZ).

WASHINGTON CITT.

141

the crowds drawn
ry had all dispersed,
nanacled siavea, had
. festive city, where
r and fall, waa now
ambler. The Major
r stay, had derived a
rom our share of the
o prospect of making
jssrs. Lane & Wilson,
n Washington for the
nakers, office-holders,
like cattle, who flock
Qgress, as crows to a

iirable suite of rooms,
•avagautly. In those
p in such sumptuous
e days ; in fact, noth-
ugh, as is always the
lays are over. Such
3d of persons having
waiting, with what pa-
istitution to open the
;rant them relief. Be-
[ce-seekers bided their
SVe found in the place
,ut still many strangers
ign there. Five faro-
full operation, one of
atic order, where none
ials, senators, membei-s
itors, and their invited
entertained gratuitous-
est wines, liquors, and

cigars. It ^as owned and coiKliK'tcd by persons calling them-
selves gamblers, from Baltimore, who lived in extravagant style,
separated themselves from the others of their ohuss, and would
no more think of speaking to a common gambler on the street
than a savagely virtuous matron would be seen in conversation
with one of the frail sisterhood. None of the other gamblers
were invited to their rooms; consequently the means by which
such an extravagant establishment was kept up was known only
to its owners. The other faro- rooms in the city wore conduct-
ed on pretty much the same basis as our own ; that is, wo made
no distinction between our patrons, treated them all wit ' .iiity,
furnished them with liquors gratuitously, and playc' exclu-

sively. We however ga\o to our patrons a limit . ^2'>, and
$100. But one other room in the city (knowing, of course, noth-
ing about what the exclusive bank gave), gave the same limit.

This place was owned by a man of the name of Samuel Shirley,
who had for many years conducted a gambling-house in Wash-
ington, and had drawn upon lilmself the ill-will of the other
gamblers of the place, on account of bis haughty disposition and
supercilious manners.

He was a very timid gambler, and the previous winter had
placed so small a limit on his gr.me as to virtually drive away
those gamblers and others who desired to play heavily. By this
means he secured the play of treasury clerks, and sorc? of those
from others of the departments, and from these ho managed to
make a respectable living.

A month or so before our coming to Washington, there ar-
rived in the place two gamblers from Georgia, who bought an
interest in his house, and opened a faro-bank, to which they in-
vited all the gamblers in the vicinity, ofl'oriug them, if they
would come there to play, a l?.rgcr limit than any other house
that could be found in the city. The principal moneyed faro-play-^
ers accepted the invitation, to their misfortune, as the bank dealt
with more than usual success. The new comeis were a Mr.
George Simpson, a man of about fifty, and his partner, Mr. John
Cotton, about twenty-one years of age. Those persons were
strangers to the gambling fraternity of Washington, no one in
tt , city knowing anything either of them or their histories.
Av.ording to the elder, Mr. Simpson, he had been a negro-
trader and a horse-trader, had roamed for several years over

142 WANDERIN09 OF A VAUAUOND.

the South and Southwest with a stable of quartor-horsos, and
while in this business amused himself, as he expressed it, by
"dealintr a came of faro occasionally, when I camo across a good-
uatured set of boys with plenty of cash." Mr. Simpson was a
large heavv-set man, with sandy hair and whiskers, whdc his
eyeb ows and lashes were nearly white. I said he was fifty
years of age, but he looked much younger. H.s flof' f«««^J"
ihe picture of health, and his blue eyes yet sparkled w h the
Are of youth. His favorite attire consisted of a green shad-
bellied" coat, with long flaps hanging over its many P"«^kot9, and
ornamented with rows of bright brass buttons embossed with
rampant steeds in the last stage of prancing. His vest, of green
ve™e?, was adorned with round gold-varnished buttons, on each
of which a dog's head shone conspicuous, and which also pos-
Ised wide pockets covered by deep flaps. His nether hmbs
were encased in a pair of drab inexpressibles, the bottoms of
which had modestly retired from public view, into the legs of a
pair of red-top hunting-boots. A broad-brimmed ^^t cmered
his head, and in the voluminous ruffle which sprang from his
shirt bosom, sparkled a largo and valuable diamond. He wore
a high shirt iollar, and around his neck, below it, the ample
folds of a largo red silk handkerchief. • A heavy embossed chain,
from which dangled a few seals and a miniature jockey's cap,
3le, spurs, horse-shoes, whip, etc., hung from h>8 watch-fob
5Jr. ^mpson wa« a sociable personage, liberal with his money m
a bar-room, had an exalted opinion of himself, and, bemg very
loquacious, seemed desirous of convincing every one ho met, of
the immense superiority of Mr. John Simpson. Mr. John Cot-
ton, his partner, had a fat, stupid-looking fa^e, the cheeks and
upper lip being covered with a small crop of peach-down; but
Kg wall eyes failed to give forth one spark of intelligenco as
he talked with you or pursued his business. His hair wa 3 tow-
colored, as were also his eyebrows, the hairs of whieh were few
and far between. Some fashionable tailor of the period had ex-
hausted his art m order to render him resplendent m broaddoth
and fine linen, and, "Solomon, In all his glory," certainly was not
arrayed Uke him. In his ruffled shlrt-bosom also blazed a
diamond, while a large gold chain hung loosely from his neck to
his fob, where it was attached to a small gold watch. Sbiriey
and Cotton were both unsocial, and of a tafliturn disposition; but

30N1>.

f quartor-borsos, and
1 he expressed it, by
I camo across a good-
Mr. Simpson was a
d whiskers, while his
I said ho was fifty
. Hia florid face was
yet sparkled with the
ed of a green "shad-
its many pockets, and
uttona embossed with
ig. Hia vest, of green
ished buttons, on each
I, and which also pos-
ips. His nether limbs
ssibles, the bottoms of
now, into the legs of a
-brimmed hat covered
A-hich sprang from his
lie diamond. He wore
U, below it, the ample
heavy embossed chain,
ninlaturo jockey's cap,
ng from hia watch-fob.
beral with his money in
limsolf, and, being very
Ig every one he met, of
npson. Mr. John Cot-
ig face, the cheeks and
9p of peach-down; but
spark of intelligence as
less. His hair waj tow-
lairs of which were few
or of the period had ex-
(splendent in broadcloth
glory," certainly was not
rt-bosom also blazed a
loosely from his neck to
all gold watch. Shiriey
taciturn disposition; but

WASUIXOTON CITT.

143

whatever wa.s lost to the firm from their resorvo, was more than
overbalanced by the loquacious and braggart Simpson.

Tho firm of Sliirloy, Simpson Sc Cotton, received some rough
handling from tho tongues of tiio sports who frequented our
rooms, many of whom had lost their all (agniust tho concern),
consequently retained no very good feeling toward any of its
members.

" I wonder where Shirley ever picked up that horse-thief,
Simpson ?" inquired a toothless old sport named Crane, an old
resident of Washington, and a rather heavy loser (against the firm
mentioned). Tho question was asked one ovoniug in cur rooms
when no pluy was going forward, but several gamblers present,
some of them citizens of tlio place, but tlio majority of them
strangers. Tho subject had been brought up by one of tho party
relating how many bets ho had lost there consecutively, on
several occasions, while playing aga!..ot Cotcou's dealing.

" Picked up hell ! " said a follow in reply to Crane's question.
"He don't know enough to pick up anything, unless it's a
pocket-book that isn't his'n, tho consumptive snipe."

"Maybe Simpson picked up Shirley, who knows?" chimed in
another gentleman.

" Shouldn't be surprised ; that feller Simpson knows his p's and
q's; he ain't no fool," said the man who had replied so con-
temptuously to Crane's question in tho flrst place.

" I'll bet he's one cf ilurrill's gang!" cried Crane.

"Did you ever notice how skeered that rabbit-faced feller.
Cotton, is o' him ? Them moon eyes o' his'n are alius looking
arter Simpson when he's dealing, as if he was doin' sutbin' he'd
no business to, and was afraid of catching hell for it. Why, he'd
overlook all the bets he'd win, if Shirley waru't a lookin' out fur
him," said another of those present.

" He deals so confounded lucky, that he can afford to over*
look half he wins and then break his party," said a gentleman
in reply.

" He looks to me as if he was dug out of old Simpson with a
crow-bar ; I wonder if he isn't his son, Crane . ' asked a Wash-
ingtonian present, by the name of Jones.

"No, he aint," snarled Crane; "ho don't look no more like
Simpson than a bob-tailed cur looks like a bridle ox."

"Look a here, boys! There's something damn strange any-

144

WAVDF.niN08 OF A

VACiABONl).

bow, ahont thatstablc of Shirely'H." broke n f' ' "J^ ,. ''j^,,'^;

t .n..ro than ten ycarK. a.ul he's all-M., been '^J;'"-^ ^
ha,l.lor, and wouldn't mix In with gan.bh-r. no i N U th

fall ho conios and tolls mo hCs 'open.'d loi horse, """ - ^
Sdin«' iml tolls 'cm all t.. cmo ami play a«ms 'cm; ^^o\\
? S ^;ll wliu aKin '.MO, and whar'syour ^-^^^..^^^
Lin them fellers eight hundred, and <Uunn mo it I hadn rather
ch ked t into the river than them thieves should have It.
TbaVs my Bcnthnents about the nudtor, publ cly express d.' ^^
"Don't cry for your money, Jacksoy, arler youvo lost It,

Banc out the consoling Crano. rntnrtPrl the

..I cries as little fur my money as any of yo, J ^''^^'^ ;°

ust onrwhy, Ibeat 'em out of a hundred and lilty in less than
-J S;:.°"!S S- S-'-S-Ct'L, one or ..0.

»^f,ro?rr^;;^'."-^^^^^^^^

forKot'l reckon when Pringle imported one 'o th«m 'ere felk^^^^^^^^
Sicbmond, an' how he played strippers on you, 'mongst the rest

^'"''no* I haven't," rep.ied his friend, "nor have I forgotten he

£ir"«:thoi'n:r:rp;jiSrv^

nothinff about it till the scoundrel was detected.
S no .l^ys sure 'o that 'are," doggedly rephed Jack8on.

BOND.

In for tho first time an
'vo known that ffUor
rt l)pen iifoiiriMi of liis
1-8, no how. Well, thin
(1 for horse, niiu', or
[)hiy asnist 'cm; well,
money t rvedroi)iM>il
11 mo If 1 hiuhi't ratlicr
it'VOH Hhould have It.
ublicly oxi)re88C(l."
arler you've lost It,"

ly of yo," rctortod the
)cs lose, I liko to do it
Vhat fur do thoy alius
\ what I want to know ?
jor ni^'ht, to got him to

five hundred, too, agin
iko a deal fur mc. only
3d and lifty in less than
unps, like a snake 'd bit

'ere, hey?" asked Mr.
)W, gentlemen," he con-

"Ib'leevo a8h)W them

Bed gambler liko you to

ends.

nd I just b'leevo It's true,

jatically.

ike to find one of those

the trick is done."

I, with a sneer, "you've

, one 'o them 'ere fellers to

5 on you, 'moDgst the rest

" nor have I forgotten he
make tracks out 'o that,
CHso Pringle, for he know
detected."
godly replied Jackson.

WASHINC.TON CITV.

urt

"Well, unless you are Ruro, you have no right to sponk of such
a tiling, nor iiave you any right to talk of Shirley's game in the
manner wlileh you have done. I've lieen around their game an
much as any one, and I don't think I've seen a dozen splits
altogether; that don't look much like playing strippers, does itf
Cotton is always in the dealing cliair, you complain. Tliey keep
him tiiero Itecauso lie's lucky, and if you wore interested ir tho
game you would do tlie same ; at least I know I should. Shirley
Is too scary to deal a largo game of farn, and as far as Simpson
iB concerned, he i)rol)ably knows more about a horse's foot tliau
he does about a pack of cards."

" You can all think jist as you please, gentlemen, this 'ore's a
free country," saitl Mr. Jackson, not the best pleased in tho
world that his friend should set up a dofonse of these parties
against his declared suspicions, and tho want of active sympathy
shown to him by his listeners. " You can think jist asyou please,
but no more o' my money does them there fellers get a ciianco to
handle. I've had enough o' their (,'amo, mind that, gentlemen !"

" You've an undoulitcd rig'.it to do as you please with your
own money, Jackson, but you ha uo right to accuse any one of
cheating unless you're able to prove it. Supposing now, some
outsider were to hear you; they would naturally suppose if a
professional gambler could bo cheated at fi'ro that they were
cheated every time they lost against tho bank. It won't do to
wag your tongue m such a careless way, Jackson," said his
friend.

"I'm glad to hear you express yourself so clearly on this point,
sir," said the Major. "Gamblers, sir, are prono to give too
much license to their tongues, sir, and it has never done them
any good, but, on tho contrary, much evil, sir."

When our visitors had left us that night, the Major said to me,
"Now, Jack, you sec what envy and selfishness will do. Those
fellows who wore abusing Simpson and his partners have no other
cause for doing so than because they could not beat their bank,
and because they could not, thoy are trying to injure the fair
name of those gentlemen. Had they been successful, Mr. Simp-
son and his associates would, no doubt, be a 'devilish nice set of
fellows, sir,' and should wo bo so lucky as to win any of their
money, it's probable they will blackguard tis in the same manner,
sir."

14G AVAKDERISGS OF A VAGAHOND.

u Well Major, if thev are willing to stand tlic lo«i-^g' ^'"^^JT";

Bomc of the gambling-houses of Richmond f ^ ^^^^^^

" Well, sir, it happened r.bout a year ago m Mi . P"»^f\7"?f

r^'y man at tlio taWo b« l»ses, ami tocliarged the young

vited us to call on him at his faro-rooms, which we promised w
To It was however, nearly a month befo.e we availed our-
SVesV^sinvitatioa ; our re^on fm- not r^.^^^

St^rouJr? r^^^SL^^-t^^

Ct h grerdelightwas in telling the Major ^^uesot^^
nuarter-racing: how ae had escaped the snares spread to entrap
2^% how'in every instance he out-jockeyed his advers.^^^^^^^
His free, open manner, his rollicking stories-whichhe told weU
-besides his knowledge of horses and ^^'^J^S'^^^'^ ™f ^.^^^^
a favorite with the Major. The little good-natured an^ p^^^^
ant attentions which he paid me, and which are seldom met
with from elderly people towards youths ^.^ ^^f «' ^^^^ Jit^
tering to my pride, and I naturally conceived a mgh opinion

ul tlic losiag, I'm wil-
l, smiling. "But what
•ipperb were played in

)iu Mr. Pringlo's house,
svas introduced to him
r, besides being honest,
ing in the house for a
a pack of 8trii)pers on
about it at the time, but

most emphatic terms:
the matter, paid back

discharged the young

tare they intended?"
'in too tatigucd ^o-nigbt
et's be otr."

led upon us a few days
play, vvhich ended with-
in leaving, invited us to
uvitation we did not im-
ised along a week or so,
ev to our place and lost
t Mr. Simpson again in-
s, which we promised to

befoio we availed our-

not returning their civil-
oess, which confined us
, Simpson would drop in
or, and talk over racing
lewas pretty well versed.

the Major stories of his
le snares spread to entrap
-jockeyed his adversaries,
tories— which he told well
i racing, easily made him

good-natured and pleas-
id which are seldom met
iths of my age, were flat-
conceived a nigh opinion

':j

WASHINGTON CITY.

147

of Mr. Simpson. Ho had carefully refrained from pressing
his invitation to call at his faro-rooms smce we had so ungra-
ciously neglected the first ones. A couple of weeks or so
after the firm of Shirley, Simpson & Cotton had received such a
turning over in our rooms, the Major concluded, for the first
time, ho would return the numerous visits of Mr. Simpson
and the calls of his partners, and requested me to accompany
him. We had closed our rooms for the night, it being about
two o'clock, A. M., when we started across the avenue to Mr.
Shirley's, to show him and his friends, as the Major expressed it,
",that we were gentlemen of good breeding." Wo found no one
hi the room, which was large and neatly fitted up and furnished,
but its proprietors. Cotton was seated in the dealing-chair,
with his two fat legs on the lay-out. Without, in any respect,
altering his position, he twisted his vague countenance into what
was intended for a smile, and drawled out, " How-de-do, Ma-
geur?" Of myself he took not the smallest notice, thinking,
no doubt, I was the Major's young man, and not wortli it.

"Well, by glory!" exclaimed Simpson, jumping from his chair
and giving the Major a hug like that of a grizzly-bear. When
he had squeezed him suSiciently, he turned and repeated the op-
eration on me. "You've found out the way over hero at last,
have you ? Well, by George, we'll have a drink on that. Major.
Here, Justice, stir your stumps and let the Major and myself
have a drink," said Simpson to his mulatto boy. " Let's have a
bottle of champagne, Justice. We can go a bottle, eh. Major ?
I knew it ! " he exclaimed, when the Major assented with a nod.

" How is my friend, Mr. Shirley ?" inquired the Major of that
gentleman, who was reclining full length on a sofa, having
scarcely noticed our presence.

" Very bad, very bad indeed," he answered, in a doleful man-
ner. ^

"No wonder, by George ! How can a man expect to be well
when you can scarcely drive him out of the house for a mouthful
of fresh air?" said Simpson, addressing his conversation to the
Major. " Fresh air's the stufif to keep a man alive, if he only
mixes it with two or three dozen glasses of grog every day, eh,
Major?— ain't that so, old cock?" asked Simpson, slapping him
on the back with his open hand.

"Better than all the d— c' doctor's stuff ever invented." m-

148 WANDERINGS OP A VAGABOND.

swcred the Major, swallowing at the same moment the glass of
wine just handed him by Justice.

When the bottle was finished, Simpson said good-naturedly,
«' There Major, is my young man at his post, ready to receive com-
mm aid ni tell v.m what, olo boy, we don't get scared here at
am thing a man puts down to us. We're blooded ^tock her°
That's it, blooded stock ! No uian shall lea^^e tl- -om havmg
it to say we were afeard to turn for hia money. Don t that show

""'"^tl t^S^Li that's the sort of gentlemen I like to gamble
with, when I'm flush of money," rejoined the Major.

" Well, thar's Cotton; give 'em a hug, ole boy .

" Not to-night, sir ! I'm not in a playing humor to-mght, Mr.

'^^Wh" t's that got to do with it? Humor's got nothing to do
with winning money when there's a chance for it Ho st out o
there. Cotton, till I shuffle np for the Major." ^he la er did as
he was ordered, and Simpson took the d.-aang chau, and apaclt
o el ds w^handed himN,y Cotton. When he hud s n.rded and

boxed them, he bent over towards us ^^ iT^te tLmitic '"
thelay-out,cryingout, ''Hereweare,olestud! I cethemm^^^

The Major was badgered into playing against, his will , but he
bongSfty dollars' worth of checks, and to keep h.m company I
invested fifty dollars in ivory also, with the determination, if I
oltthat t" lose no more. But alas for the mutability of human
resoins Where one person will make and keep such a res-
olulT twenty will break it, and be insidiously earned away
witHheir first loss, and keep risking more, m the hope of re-
crainintr what they have already lost. , , . j , „

Tn two deals the Major was the winner of $375, and I had also
been fTrtunate enough to pick up $140. when Simpson sprang
from the chair, crying out, " Here, Cotton, I'lHum these gentle-
men over to you. I don't believe I'm a good faro-dealer, nohow.

'''^^:}^Z:S^^^ than old ones; but if they'd
take'^'a^ie, they'd be a damn ^^^Z^'^
let gambling alone, and follow some other t^Yands forcibly
"That's it. Major," cried Simpson, slapping his hands focibiy
together. " I've been trying to beat that ^nto Cotton's knll ever
Bince I've known him. But it's too infernal thick for him to see

SD.

loment the gla8« of

id, good-naturedly,
jady to receive coni-
t get scared here at
ilooded stock hero,
e this room having
J. Don't that show

nen I like to gamble
Major,
boy !"
humor to-night, Mr.

's got nothing to do
for it. Hoist onto"
" The latter did as
ng cliiiir, and a pack
. he hud faniWed and
flapped his naud on
id ! Face the music !"
inst. his will ; but he
keep him company I
10 determination, if I
mutability of human
and keep such a res-
diously carried away
re, in the hope of re-

' $375, and I had also
7hen Simpson sprang
I'll turn these gentlo-
od faro-dealer, nohow.

old ones; but if they'd
ickier yet, which is to
business, sir!"
)ing his hands forcibly
nto Cotton's skull ever
il thick for him to see

WASHINGTON CITY.

149

it, so he can go to hell his own gait ; ain't that sense, eh f Here,
Shirley," he continued, " get off that sofa, and come and lookout
for Cotton; if he gets losing he couldn't see a white steer run
across the table; and Justice, open another bottle o' that wine;
we're getting infernal thirsty here."

Mr. Cotton, without hearing the remarks of his partner, put the
pack with which ho had been dealing, in the card-box, and took
from it a fresh one, shuffled it up, and put it into the dealing-box.
The first two or three riffles, which he gave to the cards, as he
began shuffling, attracted my attention. The sound struck on my
ear as harsh and unnatural. Instead of that mellow sound,
which can be compared to nothing but a covey of partridges
starting on the wing, which a fine pack of cards give forth, in the
hands of an expert shuffler, it seemed like a rough pack of paste-
board cards. No suspicion of wrong crossed my mind at that
time, however. The Major lost $400 on his deal, while I, playing
small and cautious, lost $60. Cotton again shuffled his cards,
and again I listened for the unnatural sound, but this time failed
to detect it, from which circumstance I concluded I had been
mistaken. Several deals were made with this pack, and finally
one on which the Major got oven, and won, besides, $20. Cotton
now put this pack away and took a fiosh one, and in the shuf-
fling I again detected the sound which had struck s'^ discord-
antly on my oar before, and on this deal the Major lost $600, and
I $200. Two more were made with this pack, on which the Major
and myself won a few hundreds, when Cotton again changed the
pack, and took another one from the card-box. My ears were
now on the alert to detect that singular soand, which had first
surprised me, and then aroused my suspicions that some fraud
was being practiced upon us. It was, I had observed, when a
fresh pack was brought in, that we scarcely won a bet on a deal,
and it was only on those occasions that the cards gave forth that
harsh noise while being shuffled. Another feature of Cotton's
dealing my keen sense of hearing had not failed to detect, as
unnatural. When a card is pushed from the dealing-box, while
making a turn, it glides out with a nice, fine sound, which
falls on the ear pleasantly. I discovered the monotony of this
sound broken in upon several times during a deal, and in place
of the easy, gliding sound, the cards would issue from the box
with a "cluck," as if the mouth of the box were choked; and I

1150 WAXBEKIIfGS OF A VAGABOND.

that our beta wero picked up oU ttc ■ ) »» °L ulavas at faro
cotton. Tito Idea that a ;!-''" ;»»!^*ulLbmonr Late one
„„,er onee cro^ my bram uutu I a» ■" ^^J^ „^„„ „„„„

"'*'■ 'T. SSlTiVo' ^profSSji V'a new „iek
Srorerrr^'afaroi^^^^^^^^^^

iriunrpo^sir;:^ HSeBr^ss

wicticinc it upon the unwary, and that the sftrewaesi b
pracnciut, it "i^ greenest fools. On tue

stories for thirty years; but said JJf J^^ ° ^^i,,^ ^1,0 went
4.1 „., {,y tiiPi orirked brains of the crazy gamuii.10 nuw

the subject until the evening l^^^ _:tii rfx'ard to tbo fair-
ventilate his suspielona at »» «.„^i'' If Je,ame time

deal. Simpson, after getting ^^^^ ^'^.^^ ^^^'^ted in the air,
Ti n^w firml/ o^'nced that the stupid looking youug

t to these <' clucks,"
by thf; fat Gugeva of
; his players at faro
;ichmond. Late one
ibler say, when none
on, that a new trick
mid cheat his players,

instead of one at a

around the country
3 shrewdest gamblers
eenest fools. On the
i heard to the Major,
iler could cheat his
to similar nonsensical

no other foundation
r gamblers who went
n all matters pertain-
[ thought no iBore on
on thought propf^r to
th regard to the fair-^
e. At the same time
ir h-aving been played

sulijects aroused my
lade the Major explain
It uses they were put.
;ivcd from him, I was
ppers on us ; but I felt
;e over us, which alarm-
home immediately, had
already $900 loser, and
Qce over him. He had
Uso his neckerchief, and
le, at least once in every
B going, had stretched
I feet cocked in the air,
dant tune from his nasal
p in the look-out chair.
3 stupid looking young
at he did so every time

cards, I played along

WASH 1X0 TON CITY.

151

lightly, being now loser to the tune of $450, and kept my eyes
and ears open without showing him that I harbored any suspi-
cion, lie continued changing his cards more often the farther
we proceeded in om' play, until ho only made the second deal
with one pack, when ho cxchuugeil it for a fresh one. Another
circumstance strongly coniirmed my suspicions that ho was rob-
bing us. 1 noticed that several times during a deal his fore-
flnger and thumb would press heavily against tiiat corner of tlie
dealing-box nearest him, and that whenever he did so, that in-
fernal " cluck " would be hoard as the cards fell from the box.
Then for the flrst time the thouglit struck me to count the cards
as they came from the box. I did so the next time he took a
fresh pack, and found, when the deal was ended, that but forty-
four cards had left the dealing-box. Without a word being spoken
among us, he sluiftlcd up the same pack, and gave us a new deal
with it, on which the Major won $550; he was still loser of
about $1400, and I was loser nearly $GO(J. Cotton now cast the
pack aside, and took anotlier from one of the pigeon-holes of the
card-box, and shuffled; th(! cards, during the operation, giving
forth the strange sound which flrst attracted my attention. I
vfiis now alive to the occasion, and determined to close his
career for tlie present, at least on that deal. The Major, em-
boldened by his success on the preceding deal, commenced laying
his money heavily against the bank, hoping to retrieve his losses.
On the flrst turn out of the box he won a $100 bet. Several more
turns were made without any action having taken place, when
Cotton, straightening himself in his chair, the muscles of his
thumb and fore-finger, resting on the corner of the dealing-box,
began to contract, and a card was shoved out ; it left the mouth
of the box with a cluck, and was poised between the fore-finger
and thumb of Cotton's right hand ; but before he had time to
drop it on the pack of dealt cards, I reached across the tattle
and snatched it from his fingers ; ttco cards were there, instead
of one. I separated the two cards witli my finger and thumb,
and held them both up before the terror-stricken face of Cotton.
"That's nice work, Mr. Cotton!" I said, exnltingly, shaking the
two cards in his face. Si)eechless and dumbfounded. Cotton sat
in his chair ; nor could Shirley, who had started bolt upright in
his the moment I snatclied the cards, find a word to come to
the relief of his accomplice. The Major could not understand

152

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

my behavior, and stared in speechless astonishment at me for a
time, and tlicn demanded. "Wliat tlio devil" I was "about,
sir I" "Nothing more nor less, Major, than that ihis thief has
been robbing us; and here,'' I cried, holding up the two cards
before his puzzled face, "are the proofs of his guilt." The somid
of my voice, pitched in an excited key, awolto Simpson, who
sprang to his feet vith, "Who talks of robbing f What's the mat-
ter here?"

" I do, Mr Simpson," I said, in a quiet, but firm tone, and with a
determined manner. "I have caught your dealer robbing us,
and here's the two cards I snatched from his fingers, after ho
had passed them from tie dealing-box as one," holding up the
cards for his inspection.

"Nonsense! nonsense! We rob noliody, boy, here! Major,
your young man's excited; do you know what the matter i3
with him?"

"He says we've been swindled, sir, and if I find it's true, look
out for yourself, sir," replied the irate Major.

"Now, Major, be easy; you're a sensible man, and can listen to
reason. Mr. Cotton, explain this matter ! I wouldn't have a
misunderstanding with my friend, Major Jcnks, for all the
damned money in Washington. Pray explain matters, Mr.
Cotton?"

Cotton, thus adjured, still laboring under great agitation, coiMd
barely stammer out, "There's n-n-nothing the matter, sir,
only the mouth of the dealing-box is too open for the cards, and
two sHpped out instead of one, an' ho there," pointing to me,
"thinks as how there's some think wrong, that's all the matter,

sir."

"My dear Major, I see it all ! It's only a mere accident. You
know, yourself, that cards will frequently slip out of a box when
the mouth is a little too open, or the cards a little too thin. It's
nothing more nor less, I assure you, gentlemen," explained Mr.
Simpson

" I'm not to be put oflF with any such explanation, Mr. Simp-
son," I rephed.

"But, my young friend, what good would it do the bank, to
drop two cards instead of one, or even five, hey?"

"I don't know," I rejoined, "but that's precisely what I mean
to find out;" and, suiting the action to the word, I reached over
and seized hold of the dealing-box and the cards.

IND.

shraent at iiio for a
ril" I was "about,
that Ibis thief has
g up tho two cards
s guilt." Tho sound
yolto Simpson, who
,g f What's the mat-
firm tone, and with a
• dealer robbing us,
his fingers, after ho
me," holding up the

, boy, here! Major,
what the matter is

■ I find it's true, look

lan, and can listen to
I wouldn't have a
Jcnks, for all the

splain matters, Mr.

[jreat agitation, could
ag the matter, sir,
en for the cards, and
ere," pointing to me,
hat's all the matter,

mere accident. You
lip out of a box when
a little too thin. It's
smen," explained Mr.

cplanation, Mr. Simp-
Id it do the bank, to
, hey?"

jrecisely what I mean
word, I reached over
I cards.

"WAfHltlfGTON c r.

153

"Stop, sir ! We don't allow any one to meddle with our tools,"
cried Simpson, advancing to take tho things from mo. But be-
fore ho could accomplish his purpose, the muzzle of a cocked
pistol was staring him in tlio face. My action was so unexpect-
ed, tliat, for a moment, he staggered back against the Major,
crying out, "Uo you want to murder me, you infernal assassin?"

" Yes, I do, if you interfere with mo hero," I said, in a menac-
ing manner.

•'Don't, for God's sake, Jack, do anything rash!" ejaculated
the Major.

Finding now that I had matters pretty much my own way,
and feeling no way disposed to give up my advantages, I calmly
seated myself at the end of the faro-table, and proceeded to ex-
amine tho cards, Simpson and his partners standing on the floor
in front of mo, the latter not daring to put in half a word, let
alone a whole one. I placed my pistol on the table before me,
and took up the cards and leveled them side-ways on tho table,
and then inspected the sides and tho ends of the pack. I dis-
covered that one side had been trimmed slightly; that is, that it
had a serrated appearance. I separated the narrow cards from
the full ones, that is, those which had been trimmed from those
which had not boon, and I then discovered that one-half the
cards had been slightly trimmed near the corners on one of the
sides only, while the other half of the pack remained untouched.
I found, on close inspection, that the trimmed cards were
roughed, by some process, on their faces, and the untrimmed ones
were roughed on their backs; by placing tho untrimmed cards
upon the trimmed ones, they adhered so closely a.s to appear but
a single card, and could not be separated until spread apart by
the fingers and thumbs. Simpson, notwithstanding the cocked
pistol at my side, did not permit roo to pursue my investigations
in peace. He insisted that I should restore to him the dealing-
box and cj:rd8, and repeatedly informed me he was not to be
brow-beaten in this manner in his own house. But by this time
the Major had become somewhat sobered up, and warned him
that any interference from him would result in his receiving a
hickory cane over his head, in no very gentle manner. "But
this is an infernal outrage, Major, and I'm not a going to put up
with it, damn me If I am, sir."

"He must examine those cards; he's lost his money against
them, and he has a right to know how he's lost it, sir."

154

■WANDEKINOS OF A VAOArsOND.

"I Bay ho ain't no right to grab a map.'rf cards that way, and
by God ho shan't do it in my ho'-so neither, recollect that,
Major Jenlis ! "

Cotton and Sliir'icy now for the first bcRan to display a littlo
courage and bluster Tho former told Simpson to send the boy
for a policeman, accouipunying his advice with tho remark that
things liad como to a pretty pass, when a man was to bo robbed
in his own house. Without paying any attention to their threats
or bluster, I pitched a card from my hand to tho table, then
another, and another, all of which fell as a single ( ard. I then
picked up each card, pressed it between my thumb and finger,
when it separated into two cards. ''These cards. Major," I
said, "are made to adhere together, in order that two maybe
forced from the box at once. They arc stocked in advance; tho
trimmed cards are all nines, tens, jacks and trays, fours and
fives. Tho untrimmod ones are the aces, deuces, kings, queens,
eights, sevens, and p'xcs. By shoving two cards from tho box
at once, ono o«" tlioso denominations will .ihvays win, while tho
others will as invariably lose. Xow, Major, you see how they've
been robbing us to-night ! "

"It's a damned lie! You've not been robbed, and you only
say so because you don't want to give up the money you've lost
fairly." cried Simpson.

Without making him any reply, I sprang over the table,
opened the card-lwx where the money was, every cent of which
came from our pockets, and conveyed it back whence at least
some of it came, viz., my own pocket, no attempt being made to
interfere with me.
"I'll have you arrested for robb'^ry !" roared Simpson.
"Will you, though!" I answered with a sneer: "and I'll have
the three of you in the penitentiary for swindling, and here's my
proof," I cried, holding up the cards and dealing-box.

"Major, do you countenance such robbery as this?" appealed

Mr. Simpson.

" I'll show you whether I do or not. Jack, run to the window
and cry 'police' as loud as you can. Damn me if I don't have
this matter settled by the proper authorities, sir." This move-
ment 0- the part of the Major was a stunner. Simpson believed
him to be terribly in earnest, and surrendered at discretion. He
wa« the only one of the firm that had shown any courage in a

ards that way, and
her, recollect that,

in to display a littlo
son to send the boy
ith the remark that
an was to bo robbed
ition to their threats
1 to the table, then
single ( ard. I then
y thumb and finger,
so cards, Major," I
ler that two may bo
ked in advance; the
ind trays, fours and
Duces, kings, queens,
cards from the box
Iways win, while the
, you see how they've

obbed, and you only
ie money you've lost

ang over the table,
, every cent of which
aack whence at least
tempt being made to

red Simpson.

sneer: "and I'll have

adling, and here's my

ealing-box.

iry aa this!" appealed

ik, run to the window
in me if I don't have
ies, sir." This move-
er. Simpson believed
red at discretion. He
)wn any courage in a

WASHINGTON CITY.

].)■)

bad cause, but the idea of public exposure r.-as more than ho
could stand. Not that he was ulVaitl of tlie law— ho was well
aware that there was nc law to puni.sli liiin for swindling at
caruc: but he had already done too nuich swindling in Wa.sh-
ington, and exposure would drive him from it, and brand him as
a sharper wherever ho wont. Hesides, it might bring down on
him the vengeance of some of his victims before ho could get
beyond their reach. I had started for the window in pursuance
of the Major's command, when I was arrested by llio voice of
SJmp.son calling out, "Hold on, young man; I leckon wo can set-
tle our little dillikiltics without calling in the perlieo, dou'i you,
Miijor, ehf"

"Yes, sir, wo can, on one condition, which is, that you ac-
knowledge that wo were swindled, and are entitled to have our
money back. And unless you do so, I shall place this matter in
the hands of justice. Do you accede to my terms, sir?" de-
manded the Major, bringing his cane down on the lloor.

I w;is afraid the old fellow was pushing matters a littlo too
sti'ong; I wanted only to get our money, and leave the place as
quietly as possible. I felt immeasurably relieved when Simpson,
iustciid of rejecting the terms indignantly, as I fully (wpectcd ho
would, only said, in a deprecating manner, " Well, well, ilajor,
let's take a drink on it, all 'round, and let by-gones be by-goncs."

"No, sir, I'm damned if I do," said the Major.

"Yes you will, too. Major," I broke in; "let's have no more
hard feelings about this aflair, but forget it and take a drink
with Mr. Simpson."

"No, sir! I'm damned if I do," reiterated the Major, bringing
down his cane with an emi)hatic thump on the floor. "I'm afraid
his liquor would poison me, sir ! "

"You've taken many a dose of it this evening, Major, and
you ain't dead yet," said Simpson, laughing. "But come, let us
shake hands and be friends. You can't make no money by
bearing malice; come, give us your hand, man," entreated
Simpson, holding out his own.

"No, sir! I never take the hand of a thief, if I know him to be
one." Then, turning to me, said; "Jack, let's get out of this
infernal den !" We were soon in the street and on our way
homo. It was not till I reached my room that I discovered that
I had in my pocket the cards and dealing box which I had

iiti

156

WAXDEKIJfGS OF A VAGABOND.

taken from Cotton. My first impulse was to take it back ; but I
reflected that I was ii'it MilTiciently acquaintod with the work-
inRS of the box and cards, and was very dewirous of bcinfi better
versed in their mysteries. I conchided I would wait until next
day, when I would restore both to their owners. The next
cvoning some of our patrons reported that the rooms of Mr.
Shirley were closed, and no lights to bo seen about the promises.
On the following day I ascertained that the furniture had been
removed, secretiy, no one know whither; the proprietors were
not visible, no* could any one tell where they might be found.
For several months their sudden and mysterious departure was
the subject of much speculation among the sporting fraternity of
Washington city, but uouo were made any wiser by eitlior the
Major or myself.

CHAPTER XV.

JNVENTOES.

The person who first conceived the idea of ironing a shirt waa
a genius, and the first ship-builder was a benefactor to his race.
80 says Voltaire, at least, and he was a gootl judge. We have
long been proudly er^joying ironed shirts, and the convenience of
ships, without knowing or in the least caring to inquire to whom
we are indebted for these blessings. The inventions of mankind
to supply our wants and minister to our pleasures have been
many and various, and, in the majority of cases, those who spent
years in elaborating them are lost to human memory. Many a
poor wretch has consumed the best years of his life in trying to
produce something which would be useful to his fellow-men,
and has gone down to his grave without meeting with even a
cold acknowledgment of his laboi-s— a ruined, disappointed man;
while another, more fortunate, would seize upon his invention
and enrich himself. The origin of many of the arts is lost in the
darkness of ages. In the vast ipire of China, even, at the
present day, the hand of the man of genius is paralyzed by the
thought that his eflbrts will remain entirely unknown. The
same want of respect was shown to inventors, Avith the exception
of the Greeks? aad Romans, by all the nations of antiquity. The

ake it back ; but I
(1 with tbe work-
ni9 of bcinf? better
lid wait until next
iwncrs. Tbo next
the rooniH of Mr.
,bout the promises,
furniture had been
) proprietors were
r might be found,
ous departure was
orting fraternity of
viaer by eitlior the

ironing a shirt waa
lefactor to his race,
d judge. We have
I the convenience of
to inquire to whom
'^entions of mankind
easures have been
jea, those who spent
I memory. Many a
his life in trying to

to his fellow-men,
neeting with even a
, disappointed man j

npon his invention
he arts is lost in the
China, even, at the
I is i)aralyzed by the
ily unknown. The
5, with the exception
IS of antiquity. The

INVENTOnS.

157

pyramids of Egypt have outlasted the names of their designers.
That stupendous mouuuieut f.f huiiiim skill, the great wall of
China, one thousand five hundred miles in length, thirty feet
high, and fifteen feet thick on the top, has outlived two thousand
centuries; but the name of the man wli.) ftrst conceived the
grand idea of building it is unknown. The .lamcs of cut-throat
warriors and stupid princes are ever carefully preserved in the
archives of nations, but the manwho invcntsa life or labor saving
machine is left to die unhonored and unsung. It is only within
the last two centuries or so that the inventor's talents have been
properly appreciated and acknowledged among Christian nations,
and a century has not elapsed since they have been bciicflted
pecuniarily in any proper degree, bv the productions of their
brains. At the present day a new novel, drama, picture, poem, or
opera, will electrify a whole nation of people until they become
tired of it, when they will toss the production aside like a child
the toy which no longer pleases its fancy. Ch.inge and amuse-
ment, or, I mifeht say, change of amusement, is as necessary to
mankind as the food we eat or the air wo breathe. And in these
days whoever brings forth something novel to instruct or amuse,
(but particularly the latter) or lessen the labors of his race, peana
will be shouted in his praise, every lip will repeat his name, and
wealth will be showered upon him ; and, when ready for planting,
the press will vie with each other in giving him an obituary.

After the above learned disquisition, I will come to my
subject. Card-playing has from time inmicmorial contributed
to the enjoyment of the people. Wo are told by some writers
that cards were invented by one Jaquin Gringouneur for the
amusement of his mad prince (Charles VII. of France) ; but it is
probable that this assertion of history, like many another one, is
a mistake. Wo find mentioned that John I., of Castile, in 1383^
prohibited the use of cards throughout his dominions, by an edict.
It is believed by many students of history that cards were
known in India and China long before the Christian era.
Nothing produced by the brains of man has offered so many
and various kinds of amusements as cards, or been so lasting.
Many games formerly played with them are entirely forgotten,
others obsolete, and now ones have been invented to fill their
places; goods and monej, cattle and horse?, houses and lands,
have changed hands on the issue of these games, and will con-

!-,S

WANDERIN08 OF A VAOABOKt..

158

name of tho inventor ot a sni« c "« ' , ^ ^^^ ^^ ,„an-

1„ it because tlieir creations ^•''•';,f "' .'^7;; ^^^^^^^^^^^ corsair,
kind! Why, th.-.i. neither were «^"''"^;/;;7;; , ^ „thors will
Nornm. an.l n.any other workH, » '; "J.^j ^^^ / «ervo to
livetlnouwh sueceedinR aRCs. j \'*^ ' ' "^^ "^"Uan Jo .UHplay
anumo our ^f-^^'-^^'';;'!^^Zn'tZttnMy, but HtiU
quite as nuu-h Renuis -of a «>'";;" Z,;;^. ,,,,arnunt,' conipo-

Bitions. llie R.iim, 01 loi ■' ' ,,„„,pritv it far surpasses

human nmul; tor -;:;;';;:;;!^ ^^^^ Sumo fro.n buoyattt
any known Ramo. Men have « "^^^ " ' ^it,,„ut

youth to. lrivelinRaRe,«.ru,R - -.;;;;^S;,„ ,i:,„,,i,„3.

!;:;:;;;L;rof*;;tirrah..i.^^^^^^^

l-^e^^h^M^

which may appear at a whist tal.le, m i" mechonics,

ami olh-i- Itau.™ i.UiJ.J wiili ™rd« ^^ ^^

viate in any respect from tho law «' ' ^ .,^^^^^3 ^nd

Ourcuutry has been prolific "V"rP,TmecUciMes but aa vet

telegraphs down to matches --^^^J-^^^ Trd t u t •«' * f^^^'
none have invented a game played wltn carus , ,

SJJare, honest game, acknowledged and a1«l>f ' « ^"^ ^f^
??.ehavc heen ^^eticionVn-^^^^^^^
not been wantmg as far as altering inem

lortd. Sucb, hoiewr, 1» not the ca«. Tte g.|mW<!i « »f »1«"
Tand the Somh American natlan., and also *"-« "^ Eul^pe'

iHtoncf) ; fitill, the
n irtimkiKtwii to us.
cal boiu'lU to inan-
ihoo, The Corsair,

whoso authors will
ctiouH only serve to
K»f chanco display

certainly, but still
i\ cliarniinn conipo-
andest ctVorts of the
y, it tar surpasses
time, from buoyant

its moves, without
orily to themselves,
irsued their favorite
rlo person in those
iiibinations of hands
nost skillful manner
loiuatics, mechanics,

an well as their like
ovements on a chess-
iou» hands at whist

be well posted up ia
(hould his creation de-
!S8, it would be false.
i, from railroads and
medicines, but as yet
cards ; that is, a fair,
aopted as such. But
es of hazard, wo have

to suit our own pur-
ny years has Iwen pro-
)inionamonf? foreigners
ntiflc gamblers in the
The gamblers of Mexi-

also those of Europe,

and the sharpers of
country in their manip-
iventive powers which

nfVEKTORS.

have caused foreigners to have so high an opinion of our gamb-
ling talent. Nearly every bankin.{ game of chance which has
been introduced into this countiy has been perverted from its
original fairness, in order that tli»t percentages miglit bo more
favorable to the l)ankers, or, wiiat is worse, to place them so
entirely in the hands of sharpers that they can Itid defiance to
fortune whenever they have for adversaries men iuiving moro
money than brams. As faro has in this eoimtry more play
against it than all tlie other banking games comltiiied, sjiarpers
have for tlie last tifty years concentrated on it their talents, for
the purpose of devising cunning schemes for swindling both the
dealer and the playei- ; and I shall now make it uiy butiuoaa to
exomiao how far they have succeeded.

FARO- BOXES.

In desciibing the game of faro I stated that, previous to the
Introduction of ti-.aso boxes, it was customary for the dealer to
hold the pack of cards face downward, while he turned over with
his right hand a card from the toi) of the pack This was the
playerV card ; he then turned over another, which was for the
bank, and kept on doing so until the pack was exhausted. This
method freipiently placed the bank at the mercy of shrewd and
keer-cyed men ; a blotch, bend, or scratch on a card would bo
soBnient to give them a very decided advantage over the bank,
and cause it heavy loss. To guard against such aecid snts, faro-
boxeb were introduced, and it is said were invented in the year
]'.:'22, Lv a Virginian by the name of Major Bay ley. The box
which ht invented, however, wiw a clumsy atlair ; it was wider
than it was long, ,ind was covered o.er on the top, except an ob-
long hole in the middle, jusi largo enough to push the top card
from the box with a single finger. The cards rested in the box
back upwards, and were dealt from it in the same manner as
when the dealer held the cards in his hand. These boxes were
not favorably received, and were viewed with suspicion by play-
ers, more on account of their hiding the cards than anything else.
The licensed gambling-houses in New Orleans would not use
them, nor were they received with any more favor in the North-
em States. They were used, however, in some parts of the
country until replaced by open boxes. In or about the year

f'f

160

■WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

1825 an vinrivaled genius, by the name of Graves, a vatchma-
ieHn JiSnati. invented the open dealing-box, similar to hose
in u e at the present time, though since tl'-en many improve-
ments have been made. Following on the heels of his faro-l ox
Svention, his prohfic brain discovered a method of cheatmgthe
pTayers ;ith his boxes by a cunningly demed arrangement
known to the sharpers of early days as «« gaft.'

GAFF.

This trick was played in the following manner: The plate
covei^g the mouth of the box was very thin and flexible so as
SffTve upwards, if desirable, to force two cards from the box at
once The next thin-^ required was a pack of cards that could be
stocked to sutt the an .of the manipulator. This was accom-
pUshedbytrimmin, b, :ardsofdifferent denominations in convex
and concave shapes. For example : the kings, queens aces and
Suces wee separated from the others; these were trimmed by
alonvex plate made for the purpose, while the remainder of the
nalwere trimmed with a co.-ve plate. The pack being now
?eady fou«e, the manipulator . mfflesit thoroughly m the usual
manner, then strips it in the following fashion: He holds one
S^of the pack between the fingers and thumb of bis left haM,
Hie the other end is resting on the table ; he places the fingers
and thumb of his right hand on the sides of t\o P^^l^' «\*«
middle, which makes them rest on the convex cards. He then
draws the pack apart with a quick jerk, which leaves the c^n-
tZ cards in his left hand and the convex in his "Sjt; these h,
thro ^8 upon the top of the pack, which leavos it ready for stock-
ng This-vas formerly done in the following "^^^^^^ = ^f'l«
holding the pack above the table firmly in the fingers and thumb
of the left hand, he " milks it down " wit' the thumb and fingers
of Ws right h"nd ; that is, he draws a card from the bottom of
1 m"k and one from the top at the same time, and continues
thepacKanaoneu i fifty-two cards, making a

itrcaTind^n^v^xt'efa.^

completes the stock. He then cuts the pack and puts it in the
SSox. If a king, queen, ace, or deuce (tho convex card )
a : etn o?the top in fha de^Ung-box, or at -Y t-e dur-gthj
deal after a turn is made, the manipulator wiU know that aU

OXD.

Graves, a vatchma-
■box, similar to those
hen a.any improve-
leels of bis faro-box
jtbodof cheating the
leviaed arrangement
ff."

manner: The plate
lin and flexible, so as
iards from the box at
of cards that could be
)r. This was accom-
nominationsin convex
iugs, queens, aces and
ese were trimmed by
I the remainder of the

The pack being now
loroughly, in the usual
shion: He holds one
lumb of his left hand,
; he places the fingers
s of the pack, at the
ivex cards. He then
which leaves the c^ n-
5. in his right; these he
avos it ready for stock-
owing manner: While
1 the fingers and thumb

the thumb and fingers
ird from the bottom of
le time, and continues
sr-two cards, making a
rnately together, which
.ack and puts it in the
euce (the convex cards)
r at any time during the
ator will know that all

INVENTORS.

those cards will win. Should it be for his interest to change the
stock, he shoves two cards from the box at once and the kiugs
queens, aces and deuces will all come losing, and whenever he
wishes them to como winning again he accomplishes his purpose
by pushing two more cards through the box, iu place of one.
This is done iu the following mauner: Hidden underneath one
of the fingers of his left hand, the manipulator holds his " gaff,"
a small poiuted instrument about a quarter of an inch in length
and the size of a small darning-needle, shaped like the point" of
a shoemaker's awl. This instrument is usually attached to a
gold ring worn by the operator on one of his fingers— the box
being purposely constructed to enable him to see the sides of the
cards opposite the mouth. Wheneves he wants to change his
stock he places the point of his "gaflf" against the side of the
second card, that is, the one beneath the top, and by pushing it
gently he forces it and the top card through the mouth of the
box at once, when both are seized by the fingers of the right
hand and placed upon the dealt cards.

I have serious doubts if any of the great army of fools in this
country, at .east those among them who understand the rudi-
ments of fart -playing, would submit to such a barefaced robbery
at the preser t time; but when Graves first invented this trick,
and for many years after .*'ards, sharpers worked it successfully,
and by it made untold money.

The convex strippers were also played successfully for many
years, at games of single-handed poker. The cards intended for
this purpose were all cut concave, except ten, viz., the aces and
kings, with a queen and a Jack, which were cut convex. When
the sharper's antagonist had shuffled the cards preparatory to a
deal, and passed them over to bo cut, the sharper gave them one
or more shuffles, and as a cut stripped the convex cards from the
concave ones, and placed them on the top of the pack, wheTi
the hands were dealt ofl", he could tell by his own hand whether
his partner had the best cards or not. If iu his hand he hold
three kings, he knew his adversary must hold as much .as three
aces; and if he held two pairs, kings, and aces, with a Jack, he
knew he must have kings, and aces, and a queen.

A year or two subsequent to the invention of Graves' "gafi""
trick, a genius named Savage, living in Virginia, invented a
method of cheating player.i with the Bayley boxes. The cards

.:l

- mm$m':

_ WiKDERIHGS OF A TiOiBOSD.

l«i tor this purpo«. »er, cccave »f ««7»f '^JSrTho

:rjrt^vs;^:irsro',sr"ruU-,

Irank S one direction, it shoved the lever forward, and with it
the two topmost cards from the mouth of the hox when they

were immediately caught h^ the f-f ,-?/«;,f "I^^J^S
dealer and placed on one of the piles of dealt cards. The cranic
ti now turned backwards, and the lever thereby drawn into its
rS posTtion. From the crank by which the lever was
worked, this invention was christened the "««ff««-°"^^-^^,^^f'
^hole affair was a clumsy invention, however, and was soo, de-
tected It was subsequently improved upon by Graves. J^ne
crank lever, and two cards were discarded. Ho made the boxes
?i uSly in appearance, widened the hole in the top of the
box and by a cunLgly devised piece of machinery placed near
?he opening which admitted the pack, and beneath the covering
of the box the top card was held back, and that immediately
beneath i shoved out. The pack, all of which were marked
u .on their backs, were placed in the box back upward^, and t^^^
game was dealt in the manner waich was customary before
fheTnvention of boxes. When the operat'^r saw a card wmch
he knlwwould win a large stake for the player he held it back,
whUe Ws fingers covered the hole to hide it from observation
Ind shoved out that immediately underneath it, which he placed
upon tSIplayer's pile, while the top card legitimately belonging
oSe player was cL in favor of the bank. This raud cou Idbe
prSd'on every turn made during a dea , withoiU the le^t
bun-ling or dauger of detection. This pattern of boxes, first
inven ed by Bayley, from the time of Graves' improvement re-
cJveTthe poetical name of the " horse box." It was one o the
mTsMngenious contrivances ever invented for cheating the p ayer
Sfaro. But the ungainly shape of the box, the fact of its hiding
the cards from the player, surrounded it with suspicion, and it
^uld never be used ^th any success where faro-games wero

rex strippers, which
ist depcribed. The
heir faces upwards,
manner as that do-
rhis was done fiway
breed from the box
, opposite the mouth
I the top covering of
ranli. Turning the
forward, and with it
the box, when they
id fore-finger of the
It cards. The crank
liereby drawn into its
rhich the lever was
"coffee-mill." The
er, and was soon do-
)on by Graves. The
1. He made the boxes
lolo in the top of the
aachinery placed near
beneath the covering
and that immediately
f which were marked
)ack upwards, and the
vas customary before
at'>r saw a card which
(layer, he held it back,
e it from observation,
ath it, which he placed
legitimately belonging
t. This fraud could be
deal, without the least
pattern of boxes, first
raves' improvement re-
ox." It was one of the
i for cheating the player
ox, the fact of its hiding
t with suspicion, and it
where faro-games wore

INVENTORS.

103

dealt out of the hand or with open boxes. They have existed
up to the present day, but have not been used in faro for nearly
twenty-five years, and at the present day arc used only by a set
of sharpers, for deaUug a swindling game known as "lied and
Black."

The open boxes (square ones) invented by Graves became very
popular with both dealers and players throughout the country,
and within three years after their introduction, were in use in
every respectable faro- bank in the United States. The "gaff"
arrangement had by this time been exposed to the more initiated
among the gambling fraternity, as were also the " coflee-mill "
and the "horse's box." Fools might now and then be found
who would allow themselves to be fleeced of their money by such
coarse tricks, out it required something more scientific to be
brought forward, in order to reach the professional moneyed
gamblers. The prolific brain of Graves in the year 1828 discov-
ered what are known as roughed cards, and which have held
undisputed sway with sharpers over every other invention of
the sort, up to the present time. The boxes, prepared to drop
two of the roughed cards together, were precisely similar in
shape and appearance to the s(iuare ones ; the top plate, above
the mouth of the box, being made to raise sufficiently to allow of
two cards being forced from the aperture at a time. This was
accomplished by a lever placed inside the box near the lid, which
was worked by one of the screws that fastened down the top of
the box. It was placed on the outside corner of the box next its
opening, and on the end next the dealer. Whenever the manip-
ulator desired to change his stock, by taking out two cards in
the place of on he pressed lightly downward on the screw with
his thumb, whab forced the lever to raise the lid of the box from
its mouth, which, being enlarged, he pushed, in the ordinary way,
the top card with his finger, but the card pushed out drags with
it the one immediately underneath it, and so long as his thumb
continues to press on the screw, so long will two cards pass from
the box at once ; but immediately he ceases to press on the screw
the lid of the box resumes its natural position, and but a single
card can escape at a time. Since this invention these two-card
boxes have undergone many changes and many improvements.
Many men, in different parts of the country, have at various
times made themselves fortunes manufacturing these two-card

.limiminW i

1Q4 WANDEIJNGS OF A VAGABO.'tD.

boxes Whoever was able .. add to thorn any improvement
Srcre" r it his own price from ^^arpers^ J,^| -,t-
in any of these two-ca)d boxes scarcely amounts to $25, jet the
makers have received for them from $75 to $300 each a^cordmg
Ttho fineness of tbo workmanship. There was living m Peters-
bnrtr Va., loi'g before the commencement of our civil war, a
Sken C watchmaker who was skilled in the manufacture of
'S artf es, who never made one for less than $2J, and had
always on hand more orders than he could possibly fill. But the
Sr of artisans who are able to -"^t'^f ^f ,^J,J«^^^^^^
very much increased since the war, so much ^^J^^at hey have
fallen oreatlv in price, to the immense satisfaction of the sharp
Irs rtho present day the best silver two-card boxes can be
n^hted foi $100. and from that down to $30, if not less, ac-
SfnTto the mat;rial and workmanship. The machinery used
aUhe present day in these cheating boxes is placed on a silver
cr German silver plate, and is fitted against the J'^e «f he \^^^^
beneath its mouth, which is made wide «°«"elj^ « ad™t of the
passage of two cards at a time. But a small, thin Pl^te, extend

?ng from one end of the mouth to the f «'■' P-^^^ti^a efs at-
of more than one card, if that only is desired. This plate is at
tached to the machinery hidden between the side of the box and
the false plate, and can be lowered to the tl^cknef «f a s^^^^^^^
card if the mivnipulator desires to change his stock, by taking a
braJe of card;, from the box instead of one. At tl^e Present .me
the leve- which works the plate is attached to one of the bars at
t bottor- the inside o^" the box, by -^fJl^^^me
fastened. By pressing with the finger against the ^^r, ^he f a^e
which guards the mouth of the box is lowered; the moment the
Cer ifremoved the plate resumes its natural position, and the
Sth is closed agamL the egress of more than one -rd ;a ta
time These boxes are constructed to lock in various ways ,
Ta 'is, ?o cTse the machinery from working and from the B,gh
of the uninitiated ; the object of this being to enable the box «
be shown to any person doubting its fairness. The Precaution is
sunerfluous however, as no fool capable of being imposed on by
a ?wo c rd box, would ever think of searching for f njachmery
more especially as, if he suspected fi.uid, ^e eonW detect i^^^^^^
examining the cards. I shall now retimi to the roughed cards
invented by Mr. Graves for the use of his boxes.

1 any improvement
ers. The material
AUts to $35, yet the
S300 each, according
ras living in Peters-
, of our civil war, a
. the manufacture of

than $200, and had
lossibly fill. But the
at these boxes have
1 so that they have
faction of the sharp-
o-card boxes can be

$30, if not less, ac-

Tlie machinery used
is placed on a silver
t the Ride of the box,
)ugh to admit of the
11, thin plate, extend-
, prevents the egress
•d. This plate is at-
lo side of the box and
thickness of a single
lis stock, by taking a
, At the present time
d to one of the bars at
which its springs are
linst the bar, the plate
ered; the moment the
tural position, and the
re than one card at a
lock in various ways ;
ng, and from the sight
g to enable the box to
ass. The precaution is
if being imposed on by
;hing for its machinery,

he could detect it by
I to the roughed cards
boxes.

INVENTORS.

ROTJGHBD CARDS OR "STRIPPERS.

165

I am unable to say who was the inventor of these, but they
made their appearance shortly before Graves brought forth his last
and most famous invention, and were no more than an improve-
ment ou the concave and convex cards or "strippers." The
labor ou a pack of concave or convex "strippers" was far
more than that upon "wedge strippers," of which I now pro-
pose to treat. A pack of " wedge s;rippers" are inauufactured
by trimming all the cards in the following manner : Each card
is trimmed lengthwise, on one side, leaving the corner where the
shaving away is commenced, intact; itiscontin- • i more heavily
to the other end, which takes from the card a long and very thin
wedge, and also makes the pack slightly that shape. While re-
taining this position the cards would be useless to the sharper for
cheating purposes. But turn a portion of them so tliat the un-
trimmed ends of this portion would meet with the trimmed ends
of those remaining stationary, and these respective portions could
be drawn apart by taking hold of the ends of the pack. This
operation is known among sharpers as " stripping." To render
the pack of " strippers " serviceable we win suppose that the pack
has just been trimmed into the foregoing shape : It is now divid-
ed into two piles; in one are placed the kings, queens. Jacks, aces,
deuces, trois, and two sevens, and in the other the tens, nines,
eights, sixes, fives, fours, and the two remaining sevens. The
two piles are turned half-way round and placed one upon ^he
other. The operator takes hold of the pack, while shuiHir..: u,
at both ends near the comers, and when he has mixed it lo js
satisfaction, or that of his customers, rather, he "strips" it,
leaving in one part all the kings, queens. Jacks, aces, deuces,
trois, and two sevens, and in the other the remainder of the cards.-
It was in this way sharpers first used "strippers," in order to in-
crease the number of splits in their games, which would render
the number fiv'e times greater than in the ordinary course of
things, with a fair pack of cards, during a deal. They were also
found useful in another way : whenever the sharpers found o
or more were playing in the pot, or betting on any other partic-
ular cards, these cards were turned round from the rest in the
pack, and when "stripped" and "milked down," by cutting the
pack at one end, the iiitocked caid>i would all lose, but after they

1(36 WANDEMNOS OF A VAGABOND.

were placed in the box tbo manipulator had then no further con-
trol over them ; but the renowned Grates overcame this difficul-
ty first by his invention of the " gafl." and afterwards by his
" roughed cards."

SANDED CARDS.

Simple as roughed cards may sound to the reader, when under-
8t. >d they are by no means so simple. They have boon and are
the cause of much gt^of and sorrrw to thousands of persons. To
work a pack of cards in a two-card box according to the method
invented by Graves, the principle of which is carried out at the
present day, is accomplished in the following manner. For
exdmple, we will takeapack of " strippers," and after soparating
them by drawing them apart, leave in one of the portions the
king, queen, etc., as already described, and m the other, the
tens nines, eights, sixes, fives, fours, and two sevens. Having
rubbed the faces of these latter ones with sand-paper, we will
proceed to rub the backs of the first mentioned portion m ex-
£W5tly the same manner. We will now place them togetlier and
shuffle them up, after which we will "strip" them oud "milk
them down, cut them, and finally place them in the dealing-box.
We will suppose the ace is the soda card. This mdie<^-tcs that
all the kings, queens, aces, deuces, trois, and the two sevens
will win, and that the remaining cards will lose. As the latter
denominations are sanded on their faces, and the former on their
backs, they will naturally adhere; that is, the cards which are
sanded upon their faces, coming in contact with those sanded
upon their backs, will adhere to them. Now just as bug as we
wish the kings, queens, aces, deuces, trois, and, we will say, two
red sevens, to win, wo have only to push one card from the deal-
ing-box at a time; but should we wish to alter the stock, we
have only to touch the lever moving the plate that guards
the mouth of the box, and at the same time shove the top card
from the box with the forefinger, and it will drag the one im-
mediately beneath it along with it, and the two cards will leave
the mouth of the box as one only. The consequence of taking
these two cards at one time is to alter the run of the whole
stock. The kings, queens. Jacks, etc., will now all lose, and the
tens, nines, eights, etc., will all win; ^»<i as often as two cards
are taken at once, the whole programme of the " stock ■ will be

OND.

INVKXTOKS.

?fi7

. then no further con-
vercane this difficul-
iid afterwards by his

reader, when under-
ey have been and are
sands of persons. To
!ording to the method
li is carried out at the
lowinj? manner. For
" and after separating
10 of the portions the
and in the other, the
two sevens. Having
1 sand-paper, we will
tioned portion in ex-
ce them together and
ip" them and "milk"
em in the dealing-box.
. This indic^-tcs that
8, and the two sevens
rill lose. As the latter
md the former on their
is, the cards which are
tact with those sanded
Now just as long as we
, and, we will say, two
one card from the deal-
to alter the stock, we
the plate that guards
time shove the top card
will drag the one im-
thfe two cards will leave
consequence of taking
• the run of the whole
vill now all lose, and the
id as often as two cards
I of the '< stock" will be

changed. Should an obstinate player persist in following up the
run of tho winning cards, that is, if he bet his money behind the
dfiioo, ace, etc., these being tlie wiuning cards, we should lie
obliged to take two cards from the box at once, in order that
we might win his bet, and so on, as often as ho bet on winning
cards.

About iwenty.flvo years ago an improvement was introduced,
to rpliovo tlio dealer from taking two cards too often during a
deal, and also to enable him the more readily to beat two or
more players at the same time. This was accomplished by
placing a small dot on the faces of those cards whoso backs were
sanded. This dot was placed on the margin of tho card near
tho left-haiid corner next the dealer, and was made in such a
niauuor that the operator could tell whether the card on which
it was placed was a king, queen ace, deuce, trois, or seven.
Tho inside corner of the top of the box on the left-hand side,
next the dealer, was filed away so that he could see the dots;
and as the top card dragged with it the one under it, tho plate
thus doctored enabled the dealer to see tho dot on the third card
below. In this way he could tell before ho made his last turn
which was tho winning card. By this cunning device a player,
we will say, has $100 bet on the ace and the same on tho ten.
According to the stock the ace must win, and the ten lose. The
jnanipulator makes his turns regularly, knowing the ten \,'ill lose
before tho dot on tho card below informs him that the ace will
win, on the turn. Should the latter prove to be the case, he
pushes two cards through the mouth of the box, which makes the
ace lose on the turn. If the ten docs not win on tho same turn
on which the ace has lost, on the next turn he pushes two cards
more from the box, again placing tho ten a loser. Strippers in
various shapes have held their own up to tho present time. It
was natural that in tho course of time these frauds should 15e
exposed to the farther advanced of the gamblers, and such was
the case, and it required some new invention in the line of fraud
to cheat them. Upon this class, stripping cards and milking
them were worn out ; and though such tricks might still answer
for the verdant, some new scheme had to be elaborated to baffle
the already awakened vigilance of professional gamblers. This
was accomplished in the year 1835, when a new invention waa
set afloat, known among gamblers under the name of

.— ■■ a g' -r,^. f , ! a s ^-^LT 'r

WANUElllNOS 01' X VAGABOND.
"BOUNDS "

I am unable to say by whom these were Inyentel^ Thecrodlt

Is cencn-lly awnvdod to a genius linng m ^a8hvlno, Tenn; »y

tho mc .i John Powers. A pack of rounds were n';»^«"ed

, .; ws; the kings, queens, aces, deuces, tro.s, and red sevens

z: r r hiJ^^rtr tS^rthif^^^

S;«ser:^-^S^nSS^^^^^

?he trimmed e.rT. leld tS natural position during the shuffle
ife thumb ' beincr unable to touch them ; the sand on the faces
S thSmmeTones meeting the roughed backs of the un«d
nnes thev were held firmly in their places, so that a practical
Serc'J^S shuffle a pack of rounds for more than a minute
wirseeming fairness, without in any manner disarranging his
TtockS Shuffling 'of a pack of these cards ^a^ a very d.ffer-
ent sound from that of a fair pack-it falls roughly on tbe ear , so
much °o Ihat, in many cases, it has led to their Jtec^^^^^^^^^
Rounds and strippers of all descriptions have had their stocks
aTanged in different ways. When the cards are placed in op-
posS jL follows: tens, nines, eights, sixes, fives, fours and
To sevens against the kings, queens. Jacks, aces, f eiices tro^,
and two sevens, thev are termed "one end against the other
When they are' placed in opposition as kings. Queens^ J^«J'
deuces sixes, eights, and two red sevens, against the Jacks,
S nines! fi'ves' fo^rs, trois, and *- ^l-k -ens thej ^e
termed "both ends against the middle." When all the odd

l'» H»M. *' ^ ' »'' l' '^ ''''^

ID.

entel. The credit
asbviUo, Tenn., by
were manufactured
•oia, and red sevens
lines, eights, sixes,
I in this vray. On
nit the width of the
lile the middle was
val shape; each of
[ those of the other
ed and untrimmed
Ride had a serrated
lo on the other side
ider can now easily
med from the un-
the whole pack was
shuffling a pack of
i next him, and held
resting on the trhn-
ch were untrimmed.
on during the shuffle,
lie sand on the faces
cks of the untrimmed
I, so that a practical
more than a minute,
mer disarranging his
rds has a very differ-
•oughlyontheear; so
i to their detection,
ave had their stocks
rds are placed in op-
ixes, fives, fours, and
[S, aces, deuces, trois,
d against the other."
kings, queens, aces,
is, against the Jacks,
lack sevens, they are
" When all the odd

INVENTOnS.

1G9

cards are placed in opposition to all the even cards, they are
termed "odds and evens." Cheating packs have been arranged
in many diflcrent ways, but the three combinations given above
are those which have been moat commonly in use since "strip-
pers" and "rounds" were invented. These variations were
made to prevent players from noticing the cards running one
way. When rounds were flrst invented, they were not intended
to strip, nor was it meant that they should be separated and
milked down in the presence of players. Such work would not
for a moment stand the test with gamblers. Consequently the
manipulators carried with them in their card-boxes, ready
stocked, from one to three dozen packs of cards. In the first
deal the players wero robbed, and in every subsequent one,
when a fresh pack was brought into play.

When rounds were played out on gamblers, but not until they
had been robbed, from Maine to Texas, with them, the sharp-
ers made strippers of their cards, that one pack of them might
be serviceable every deal. One half the pack were trimmed on
both sides near the corners, and the other half were made con-
cave at the middle, which made the pack both strippers an^
rounds. These were christened by the sharpers, "snow-outs."
The frequent scorchiugs which gamblers received from these
gentry made them suspicious of all faro-dealers. They imagined
that if, before shuffling, the cards were snowed out, that is, scat-
tered over the table, it would be a safeguard against fraud. To
meet this fallacy, rounds and strippers were brought nito play
combined. A skillful manipulator would shufHe them for several
minutes, then strip them -vith a quick, easy motion, as if he were
dividing the pack with both hands to shuffle in again. But no
sooner had he stripped the pack, than he held it up by the sides
between the thumb and fingers of his left hand, while with his
right he drew a card from top and bottom, simultaneously. In
this manner, with a rapid motion, he would toss the cards all
over the table, and then arrange them in their natural shape ;
that is, the shape it was intended they should come in. While
scattering the cards, he would throw those sanded upon their
faces upon thosew roughened upon their backs ; they would of
course adhere, and in this fashion the whole pack was complete-
ly stocked. To give the matter an additional appearance of
fairness, he now gathers up his cards, arranges them into the

;;

*<..ji.!

lyO WANUEKINGa OF A VAOABOKD.

1 ui.nfflps them for several seconds oy the trimmed
pack, and shuffles tueni '';| bis stock, ..uts his cards

edges, without disturbujg "/^^^^^^f,;,^^^ ^ards from it any
into the deahng-box, ^"^^ .^^ y.^f^ J^^^i. For more than a year
r lT.TZtl ZtXZ^£,^r. before it was
this game was l»^y^" ""'.,„ „rosont time "suow-outs" have
exposed, and oven up to ^^° P~ '/^^° who use them in
been the main dependence of scores ^^'l^'^'^^l ..^jiik
all their "skinning games" at faio. ^^^y^i That method

down," or "snow ^-'"^Z.ZTytl^Z^^^^^^^^ - ^-e artful
wa. abandoned some^tw-y-flvyear^ fo,i cards care-

improvement, rhoraanumm ^^^^^ ,^^j^.^^g ,,^

be accomplished only after ™vi«h F*^^^^^^^^ .^^7^^ upwards of
troduced, those not ^-f^J^^^^J^^tx^^ in fhe coun-

three years on some of the most expert m P y ^^ ^^^

try before they were do^^^^^^^^^^^ illiberal faro-bankers

cause, or one of the causes, vv ^^

to allow the keeping of cases ^fJ^J^^^^^^,^,;,^ on the
these rounds which Mr. t^«"7 ^^^'^''^^ i ^Ln at the time ac-
Majorand myself, in Washmgtm^ ^ml ^ ^^^^^J, i.y^d the
quamted with roughed ^^rds, 1^^^ cc^uW not na P > ^^^^

Lond deal upon us after ^^y «f P".^''^'ro'^^^^^^

"V"^"^

INU.

Is oy the triiiitned
lock, V'Uts bis cards
,vo cards from it any
^or more than a year
ablcrs before it vvaa
) "suow-outs" have
)cr8 who use them in
[icy no longer "milk
lorly. That method
;o, for a more artful
is his fold cards care-
,m apart, holding in
if those ho i)lacc3 to-
il other, placing each
toly together, us cor-
milked down." This
tt-in Bhuftlo," and can

The first rounds in-
played for upwards of
)-players in the coun-
Bction was the primal
illiberal faro-bankers
games. It was upon

his dexterity on the
[ been at the time ac-
not have played the
were aroused. When
loy are easily detected,
manner that its glare
)bed with sand-paper,
d, it can be easily seen,
on now became worth-
ley any farther. They
tiers, and one of them
cards till some of the
hat it was not trimmed
lowever, overcame this
) bear upon their play-
!." This took place in
, so as to stand the teat

INVKNTORS.

171

of the closest examination ; for example, we will say the following
cards, kings, queens, aces, and deuces, are sanded upon their
i)acks, and all the otlier cards in the pack are sanded upon their
faros ; the curds sanded upon their backs are dotted after the
same manner I have before described tlio rounds to bo, and are
Intended to work in a two-card dealing-box, in precisely the
same manner. The pack being examined and pronounced sat-
isfactory, the dealer puts it, after shuffling it fairly and squarply,
into the dealing-box. There hixa been no stripping and stack-
ing, consequently, why should not everything be fair and
square ? But it is not. It is all a fraud. I have stated that
the kings, queens, aces, and deuces wore sanded on their backs,
and dotted on their faces near the margin of their sides. When-
ever a turn is made, and one of these cards remains in the box,
that is, has won on the turn, and a card sanded on its face lies
next to it, it drugs it forward against the plate in the mouth of
the box, providing tlio third card is also sanded upon its back.
In that case tlio dealer can tell by the dot u.hui it what that
card is. Should it be loaded with money, ho immediately
pushes two cards from the box, in order that this third card may
fall for the bank on the turn, and keeps on doing so on the oc-
currence of evo'7 similar circumstance during tlie deal. The
introduction of cue-boxes rendered this trick harmless, and pre-
vented it from being played on any but fools, and at the present
day it is not practiced by sharpers.

When case-keeping was introduced, the old tricks practiced
upon faro-players by sharpers became useless, except in the case
of the most verdant fools; but the same introduction enabled
the noble army of the Chevaliers d'Industrie to concoct a now
scheme for robbing those who staked their money on that game.
The bankers were as yet too benighted to adopt the coppg;-
game, and the players against their bank were either compelled
to bet that case-cards would win, or run the risk of having their
money split on double cards. The inventi(m now brought on
the tapis was what the sharpers termed " tie-ups." •' Tie-ups "
were sometimes as many as nine cards, stocked so as to make
the last four cases in the box lose. These nine cards were each
pierced near the comers with a very fine needle. Through these
holes was passed a fine hair, and tied. In the hands of a prac-
ticed operator, these cards were shuffle i with every appearance

■ i

j-„ WANUKKINOH OK A VAdABOND.

z c; ;:t ' :^ --1st ;..e .>» l last .... u.,.,. .. the

?.^,l ™ it is u .0.1 tlH'HO turns tlnvt «aral.lers geucraiiy play thoir
deal, ami t is oiu Tboretorc «uo may easily seo bow

K^'^'flll w. 8 a tf trick to the pockets of the sharpers.
Solmrodrtiorof co^.er.l.ettlnB at faro destroyed for these
irnrv alTuBo o, their "Vio-ups." Their inventions arc, however.

Z:^t^^^^y^^^^^^ a deannade with tl..n
Po Id be taken from tlie box when desired, and examnicd, and if
Zii ncrfcc ly sqLe upon their sides and ends, and not sanded
or rough d,l was it possible t. cheat with themi A genius
?rom Nashville completely ^^-^^ed this aj^— -t >^ t^
ring, by the invention known as the " odd card. Tb>« "^^/^^
vice which made its appearance about the yo^r 1850, has last-
Id up to the present time, and has been successf^dly played on
manv of the gambling community, who no doubt miagined that
So idea o?any one cheating them at faro was beyond the range

"^fhe^'Scard" is the introduction of an extra card into the
mck • for example, we will say that the extra card is the deuce
of sp£. It and the deuce of spades belonging to the pack
are ?oughed upon their faces with sand-paper, no other cards n
Se pack being so roughed but them, all the others being rou-^h-
ed upon tS backs 4th sand-paper. The two deuces of shades
are marked upon their backs, in order that they may be easdy
discrered in the shuffle. Their backs are also pohshed with
S sp rmaceti. This is done in order that Jl^ c-ds may
elide easily off them whenever the pack is divided into two por-
tions for the purpose of shuffling. The Bmooth faces of the other

•s thoy wore piayctl
When the oponvtor
iibovo tho tic(l-up
While pUichiK tho
tho Hhiirp imIro of
I for that piirpoao.
(t four tuniH of tho
generally pliiy tholr
may easily see how
(ts of tho sharpers,
destroyed for thoao
itions are, however,

•tlon of case-boards,
of laro would have
cticod upon them at
callng-box was duly
all nuiHt 1)0 on tho
al made with them,
md examined, and if
snda, and not sanded
th themf A genius
rgument out of the
ard." This now do-
) year 1850, has last-
Liccessfully played on
doubt imagined that
yas beyond tho range

m extra card into the
tra card is the deuce
elonging to the pack
per, no other cards in
others being rous.!h-
3 two deuces of s^iades
at they may bo easily
ire also polished with
that the cards may
divided into two por-
ooth faces of the other

iMi^

INVENTORS.

173

cards glide easily off their polished backs, while tho sand upon
rest of tho i)acl<, and keeps them in a llrm position so timt t n

si;rr;,:™r:;el;: T"- ";- ""'" <" '■« Xi" "SJ

uniK, un( s one of tho doucos of Hpades to ho the ton card of
hat portion of the pa.k whi,.]. ho I.oI.Ih in his right nnd Be

iurb;;n;;r:;ir'.''"f '"^^"•^^' '--ticel^thJ^s u^

pack W w ; V r' "."'"'•'•'' "^^ "'''"• '>''"« "" "'"^ ^"P "f ' ho
hearts On th 1 / f ' T, "'t""™' ^^""^ '"« ''»'>'l '« »'•« k'ng of
d u e'of ;, ad s I."' 1 '" ''"!"'"? '^""^ together, ho places the
cara on the first deuce of spades, ana then glides tho pack anirt

crhirs"r'n<fr" ^'^'""'" "''""•- '^ hoslmE'.S?
le eof sna^^^^^^ ''"'"^ '"' "« A^^s the second

aouco of spades, which he shuffles on the top of tho stock and

b^'m^r^oV ^byf ..t^ca^r S^^lfr'- "-'"^■'^-'
Every card whi^. ^o!^^^' J^':'^^:^^':^;,

rcte^Srlir iT " ^'^^-«■•"^l'-• ''''- ontirTdlK!
auctea lairly untd it comes down to tho last turn. On the nro

aX To'ou"^^^^^^^^^^^ '?:' "^° ''''' '''''' •'- -"^^^^^^t
deS t ril ^ ? ""'^ ,*"'■"' ""•' "« '-appearance warns the
dealer that his work is now before him. For example, a deuco

it' in ^,o"d'Jr'"'f '' '"^ '''' '^*^""-^«''^^^' '-^ ^'»° carS rei:
on? o?H 1 H '^" '''^' ^^'^""ling to his stock ho can make

one of the deuces win or lose on the turn as he pleases. Should

It loses. But If it be for his mtorest that it should win. ho shoves
from ho box at once two cards; underneath the k ng of hearts IJ
fir"' nH t^'T ^°"'° "' ^P^^''^- ^'>° "«-^t being either a six or i

deuce SsoaSl h "'''''' ""'"' °"' '^"^'' ^"'^ ^^ ^ide the second
fr!^ .u f ^' ^"^ P'^''*" "P«" the lever, and shoves two cards
from the box the underneath one being the second deuce afteJ
it comes the "hockelty " card, which ends the dea?, Sli'a^ far

?f h^'m"? ''.r''''''^' ^"^« ^''"•"•••^^ satisfaction to thl pb^ors'
If he makes ,t wm, and turns out the king of hearts with the flS

a fo" 'ml V\ '""^^'^ ''' *'"^ ""-^^ ^-^ -"' '- eZr a ^ix or
LVnl ; i ?""^ card, and tho one following that is the
deuce of spades, the winning card, which remams in the bix.

174 WAKDBMNGS OF A VAGABOND.

The comm..nding of a single turn on a deal may seem at first

«<foiil nlav" wore the pack to come out short at the ena oi vub
diaf MoreoTer! players of this description playhigh, and make

wa nefoX tri^^^ tried to protect themselves by counting

Tho cards before playing against them, but such suspicious in-

ins manner. He hides under the lay-out next to his simramg
bourne" tra deuce of spades, and ^ ^7^^ ^^0!"™ of
alone of whom he has doubts, or who has been in tlie liaoit 01
cSlng the pack before playing against it, he hands him over
a mck!f c.,rds for examination. Should his customer decline,

the odTcid, and it will not answer for a bungler to attempt it
Ipon any except the most verdant fools It requires long prac-
.• o\,i r,rp-,i- nitience to be a skillful manipulator of this
IVlchofStsCsrsLrpers Who have attainedt^^^^^^^^
degree of excellence in this respect have in the end been fre-
quently detected in playing it upon their customers
%o make the cheat stronger, two odd «f d^/^^^^^^/^^f .^X.
A ,„^i intn thfl nack bv some sharpers, which they call Qity
Jr- But the 'work required to s'tock and ™--ge^- «f^
Ss in a pack is rather of a bungling order, and it is seldom
Sd except in aristocratic skinning-houses, where it is gener-
ally resorted to when the customers insist upon keepmg the
cases with cue-papers.

C ^

IND. '

il may seem at first
3 80 when compared
party of gamblers,
le, except upon such
jrs of any kind, and
1 they come from the
lid immediately cry
,rt at the end of the
playhigh, and make
ircumstance gives to
ough the trick called
enty odd years, it is
y faro-players, being
emselves by counting
t such suspicious in-
liarper in the follow-
next to his shuffling
ver a customer comes
1 been in the habit of
t, he hands him over
his customer decline,
it into the pack and
counts over tho pack,
3 or two deals on the
jnfldence of his man,
to work on him.
so difficult as playing
bungler to attempt it
It requires long prac-
1 manipulator of this
ve attained the highest
e in the end been fre-
customers.

cards have been intro-
which they call" flfty-
ind manage two extra
Drder, and it is seldom
.uses, where it is gener-
isist upon keeping the

(

INVENTOES.

175

Sharpers did not entirely confine themselves to frauds for the
purpose of robbing faro-players; faro-bankers were also objects
of solicitude to them. As early as 1836, a Tennesseean named
Miller iuventerl an artful trick for "snaking" faro-boxes, as it is
called in the sharper's parlance. This invention was called

"IHE TONGUE-TELL."

Although at the present time this trick is not used by sharp-
ers, nor has been for twenty years, yet for some years after it
made its appearance it was successfully played upon faro-bank-
ers throughout the country wherever faro-playing had taken a
hold. The tongue-tell was made by inserting a false plate in-
side the dealing-box and underneath its mouth. Fastened to
this was a piece of fine watch-spring, which ran lengthwise be-
tween the false plate and the side of the box, and came out m a
fine polished steel pohit under the screw on the right-hand side
of the box facing the player.

Fastened to this watch-spring was a pivot about the thickness
of an ordinary sewing needle and about the eighth of an inch in
length. This pivot penetrated the false plate through a hole
drilled for the purpose, and the point extended just sufficiently
to rub against the fourth card from the top in tlie dealing-box.
To make a pack of cards work in this box. ic was necessary to
trim them all on their sides with a concave plate, except the
"tell" cards. For example, we will say that the "tell" cards
are the queens and deuces; these are not trimmed or otherwise
tampered with, except to harden their edges ty rubbing them
with a piece of fine linen. The concave cards in dealing could
not touch the pivot, as they gradually rose up alongside of the
false plate while the deal was progressing; but the "tell" cards
would, and wlienever one of these rubbed against Vn- pivot; it
shoved back the watch-spring, which shoved out the "tongue-
tell" underneath tho screw of the box. As soon as the "tell"
card passed above the point of the pivot, the "tongue-tell" went
back again under the screw. Whenever the "tongue-tell" stood
out beneath the screw, it informed the person playing it, that
either a queen or a deuce would win on the second turn.

A French watchmaker living in Natchez, by the name of
Louis David, manufactured "tongue- tell" boxes for more than

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

176

ten vears in which time he made a handsome fortune. At first
he Sed for a silver box, the material of which did not cost
^25 S, and for a German silver, $125; but in .he course of
fL years he lowered his price to $125 each for sdver, and
$75Tor those of German silver. His boxes had attamed such a
SeSy for the superiority and fineness of their workmanship
that he was patronized by sharpers from one end of the country

''Be?ween''the ye..rs 1837 and 18.52, every faro-sharper in the
coStrv carried with K a " tongue-tell" box, and half a dozen
oHo packs 0? "tell" cards. This kit he would ring in upon
verdant gamblers who were anxious to open a snap at faro or if
InyTthese took stock with him in a faro-bank, it is needless to
aav he had a "pal" on the outside to break it.

In those aays! dealing-cards were not squared so smoothly on
the sides aTends as at the present day, but on the contrary
wereTo d by the manufacturers in a rough and uneven state,
wh ch greatlv favored the fraud of "tell" cards from being de-
Tected When squared cards became popular with dealers, t
destroyed the efficiency of the ''tongue-tell," which was short
Ty afterwards abandoned by sharpers as an article "played out.

"THE SAND-TELL,"

at the present day, answers the sharper's purpose for ridding
creen faro-bankers of their superfluous cash. Although pre-
viously, the value of sand-paper was well-known to the sharper
Scunning device was not discovered until 1842. The name of
the person who did so cannot be handed down to grateful gen-
erations of these gentry, being unknown. Any P^^s^n possessmg
a spark of mechanical genius, who has once seen a "sand-tell,
could "snake" a set of faro-tools. Cards won^ travel n a
"square" box; that is, the top card on leaving the box will no
drag forward the one immediately beneath it, because it is kept
firmly in its place by the edge resting against the side of he
box just below its mouth. By fastening a false plate on the in-
side similar to those used in the two-card boxes, not a,llowmg t
orkch the mouth by just the thickness of a smgle card t
makes a groove into which the second card is dragged as the
first leaves the box in the turn. Whatever may be the thickness

-L

rD.

I fortune. At first
vhich did not cost
it in the course of
sach for silver, and
ad attained such a
heir worliinanship,
end of the country

aro-sharper in the
:, and half a dozen
■ould ring in upon
I snap at faro, or if
nk, it is needless to
t.

xred so smoothly on
ut on the contrary
: and uneven state,
irds from being de-
lar with dealers, it
," which was short-
irticle "played out."

purpose for ridding
sh. Although pre-
lown to the sharper,
1 1842. The name of
3wn to grateful gen-
.ny person possessing
e seen a "sand-tell,"
Is won't travel in a
ving the box will not

it, because it is kept
ainst the side of the
false plate on the in-
boxes, not allowing it
;s of a single card, it
Lvd is dragged as the

may be the thickness

MHSM.

INVENTORS.

177

of the false plate, say the eighth of an inch, just that space will
the second card be dragged, till its edge comes in contact with
the mouth of the box. Such an extent of space, or even the
sixteenth of an inch, would almost certainly load to detection,
consequently the fiilse plate is seldom made thicker than about
thrice the thickness of an ordinary playing-card. If the groove
l)ctween the edge of the fiilse plate and the mouth of the box is
large enough to admit two cards, or if too small to admit one,
the "tell" will not work; therefore the groove must be precisely
as large and no larger than to admit one card at a time to enter.
When a plate of this kind is placed in a "square" box, a fair
pack of cards will travel in it, or, in other words, the top card,
while the dealer is making his turn, will drag the one unme-
diately underneath it forward towards the mouth of the box, just
a distance corresponding with the thickness of this false plate.
The box being prepared, it is now necessary to fix the cards to
make them ''tell" in it, which is accomplished as follows. We
will select, from the pack, for example, all the deuces, aces, and
trois; these we will touch lightly on their faces with sand-paper,
not molesting any of the other cards of the pack. Wo will now
shuflBe up the pack, and put it in the dealing-box. Whenever
we make a turn, we can see that the top card, as it is shoved
from the box, drags after it one of the others as far as the mouth,
unless it is one of those we have sanded on their faces. The
sanded faces of the aces, deuces, and trois, hold the cards on the
top of them steady, so the manipulator, when he sees the top card
stand firm, knows by that sign that a trois, deuce, or ace lies im-
mediately beneath it, and as long as he can see that the top
card has moved in the smallest degree, or traveled towards the
mouth of the box, he can bet behind those three cards without
fear of losing.

It requires much practice and a quick eye to work a " saud-
tell " well when the work upon the box and cards is done finely.
Sharpers at this fraud have frequently been detected, either from
the coarseness of the workmanship on the tools, or because their
avarice spurred them on to win all the money they could, for
fear the cheat would be detected. A shrewd sharper never bets
on any of the " snaked " cards until they become cases; he plays
away from them, and is careful to make no unnatural bets,
which might draw upon him the suspicions of the bankers or by-

-r ii^ fttHl>J ! ' i , W|<

178

•WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

8tander8. If he can win four or five bets on a deal, at the most,
he is satisfied, and in this manner plays along slowly till he

breaks the bank. , ,, ,, a *^^^ ••

The faro-dealers in this country who will stand the sand- teU
may be numbered by hundreds ; but they have protected them-
seivoa from this and other frauds by keeping their tools m strong
safes. At the present day there are few bankers who do not use
a safe to protect themselves from the artful dodges of these

"" ThTstealing of a set of faro-tools, in order to "snake" them,
first led to the detection of " tie-ups." The affair took place a
Columbus, Georgia, where a couple of itinerant sharpers dropped
in with a card-box full of " tie-ups." Columbu. was at r^at time
a Uvely place, and at that time contained as bard a sot of ca^^s
in the gambling line ps could be found among the whole fraterm-
tv They were all "high rollers" against faro, had plenty of
money, and, if the cards came favorably, would ".haw up ■ a
bank in double-quick time. On this party our " tie-up sharp-
ers commenced their labors, and in three nights succc u dm de-
pleting them to the amount of about $4,000. One ot • . Lolum-
blans was versed?'.! the scientific principles of the ' •^ui.l-tell,
which had been discovered a short while bofore : cousequentb
he held a consultation with several companions^ when, alter a
stormy debate, it was unanimously voted that the two .strangers
weJr^suckers, " and ought to be " goosed." The two "tie-up'
sharps opened their game every evening in the •..;■ ^oo^ «' »
coffee-house, which was fitted up for ' ;' pury- ^ ''T^ ?uL
After they had closed their game they to .c their Um wita them
to their room in the hove'-, in order to arrange their dieM)rganized
" tie-ups " to havr : , ., ent for the next night. The fact ^ the
faro-^oolsbeing.i^iuU, 'r rooms during the day came to the
knovs iedge of m ve r,f t- . Columbians. Two of them were dt^-
gated to entertain the two strangers, by showing theni the mo, t
beautiful parts of the city, while the others stole the tools from
their room and " snaked " them. The first part of the P™gran mie
being duly accomplished, the other delegates took the kit oi
tools into another room in the hotel, where it was opened by
means of false keys. When the contents of the card-box were ex-
posed to the vulgar gaze of the "snakers- i* ^''eate* ° V;!"^
astonishment. For the first time they learned the virtue of tie-

a deal, iit the moBt,
along sloT.ly till be

andtbe "sand- tell"'
ivo protected them-
thcir tools in strong
ikers who do not use
;M dodges of these

er to "snake" them,
affair took place at
ant sharpers dropped
ibufe was at f.^at time
3 hard a set of cawos
agthe whole fraterni-
t faro, had plenty of
would "liiaw up" a
our " tie-up " sbarp-
ghts8ucce< ud inde-
I. One of ■ ^ Colum-

I of the "•^uid-tell,"
befiire : consequently
larijons, when, after a
Liat llio two strangers
." 'i'bo tvm "tie-up"

II the l:.<''- room of a
/ purpo; J especially,
t their tcoia with them
Qgo thfcir disorganized
ight. The fact c^" the

the day cime to the
wo of them were de'e-
lowing them the mo,'t
ra stole the tools from
part of the programme
sgates took the kit of
lere it was opened by

the card-box were ex-
3" it created no little
med the virtue of" tie-

INVENTOBS.

179

ups," and how they had been swindled out of their money during
the last few days. The knowledge added a desire for revenge to
their cupidity ; a false plate was put into the box, the " tied-up "
stocks were not molested, but certain cards in each pack were
sanded, after which the tools were carefully returned to the place
where they were found, everything being restored to the same
position as before they were molested. The sharpers were well
acquainted with the mysteries of a " sand-tell," but so deeply
immersed were they in their own " little game," that they did not
even suspect anyone there of any designs on them, and fell vic-
tims to their cupidity and excessive confidence. The Georgians
performed their part well. The iiict of finding the "tie-ups"
convinced them that they had under-estimated the talents of the
two strangers ; that they were not quite such " suckers " as they
had supposed, and, therefore, it might be prudent to act rather
cautiously with thom. Accordingly they played along warily, but
heavily, making no unnatural bets, all playing together, in order
to win what they could before the cards came down to the ' tied-
up stock," not refusing to avert suspicion by throwing away a
portion of their gains on the " stocked" cases. This they could
afford to do, as the sharpers made at least two deals with each
pack before changing it for a fresh one. When the sharpers had
expended what "tie-ups" they had, tlioy closed their game-
losers by about $8,000— and retired to their sleeping-room for
the night. When they commenced arranging their "tie-ups"
for another sitting, they found, tn their mortification, not only
that their trick had been discovered, but, also, that their tools
had been "snaked." Not having sufficient nerve to meet the
jeers of the Columbians, they took the stage early in the morning
for Montgomery.

^<i:&

180

■WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

CHAPTER XVI

INCUBI.

It is a popular fallfwy that those terrible demons that disturbed
the rest of our forefathers have vanished, with many otliors of
the belongings of those good old days. But they are still
amongst us, though they now empty our pockets while broad
awake, instead of sucking our blood while asleep. These vam-
pires carry on their depleting process under the disgmses of
various callings, and practice upon the peaceful and industrious
their robberies and extortions under many shapes. The class of
mankind that are free from their machinations must be, m world-
ly goods, poor indeed. They toil not, neither do they spin ; but
prey upon their fellow men for sustenance. Among them may
be found hereditary landowners, monopolists of every description,
cunning priests, scheming lawyers, usurious " grip-alls," corrupt
iudgea, scurvy politicians, greedy speculators, and blackmaik-vs
of every description. The crimes of these are not within the
province of these memoirs. The pens of many abler scribes have
exposed their depredations upon peaceful industry, but they are
as powerful, rapacious, and selfish as ever, and will continue to
be so until the broad l„ht of intelligence is more generally dif-
fused among the lower classes. It is with the incubi known as
" gambling sharpers," who infest the land, " seeking whom they
may devcur," that I now propose to deal; because I am more
thoroughly acquainted with the manners, customs, and irtful
dodges of that cunning race of thieves, than of those of their
brethren in infamy.

Prejudice is filtered by ignorance. The public at large has
never had anything like a correct knowledge of gambling or gam-
blers— tho different relations and degrees of social standing
which exist among them, their manners and habits, the charac-
ter of their rooms, the patrons who frequent them, or the games
of chance played there, or the manner in which those games are
conducted. Dice-coggers, three-card throwers, red and black
dealers, strap players and their ilk, with their cappers, generally
of the worst rowdy order, have been met with at fairs and other
public gatherings, and formerly on race-cou-ses, plying their

sv.

rNCtJBI.

18]

mons that disturbed
ith many others of

But tbey aro still
•ockets while broad
sleep. These vam-
er the disguises of
eful and industrious
lapes. The class of
IS must be, in world-
;r do they spin ; but

Among them may
of every description,

" grip-alls," corrupt
rs, and blackmaik-i*5
I are not within the
iny abler scribes have
dustry, but they are
and will continue to

more generally dif-
:he incubi known as
" seeking whom they

because I am more

customs, and irtful
lan of those of their

( public at large has
B of gambling or gam-
5 of social standing
id habits, the charac-
it them, or the games
hich those games are
)wer8, red and black
eir cappers, generally
rith at fairs and other
■cou'-ses, plying their

calling. This class has been taken, by the nublic in general, as
a representative one of the gambling community , for the reason
that no opportunity has been given them for more correct judc-
meut. The press of the country, either through ignorance or
design, has placed gamblers before the people on the same grade
aa thieves and murderers; then why should the community at
large be blamed for not judging them more favorably ?

For many years the fraternity has keenly felt this cruel wrong,
and, through this misjudgment, have at various times suffered
many persecutions. Those of them able to take up the pen
in defense of the brotherhood have been deterred from doing
80 by a fear of outrage from a horde of banded sharpers, who
have become powerful in this country through their wealth and
influence. To place the gambler in his proper light before the
puohc, and expose the rascally practices of the sharper, is the
prmcipal object of this work. > » ^uo

A GAMBLER

Is a person willing to back his opinion, whenever he is in'
possession of any money with which to do so. His studies are
the doctrme of chances, and the science of playing -'short
games;" that is, popular games, like poker, brag, Boston, whist,
cnbbage, all-fours, euchre, ecarte, chess, billiards, backgammon
etc. By studying the doctrine of chances, he makes himself
acquainted with the percentage of banking games of chance,
such as faro, roulette, monte, rouge-et-noir, lansquenet, hazard
vmgt-et-un, etc. A thorough-bred gambler will hazard his
money at all short games with which he is acquainted, and often
too when he is overmatched. He will also bet his money on
banking games of chance, on elections, horse-races, boat-races
boxmg-matches, cock-fights, and even on raffles for turkeys if
nothing better offers. It would be impossible to make a correct
estimate of this class, but I scarcely think that within the broad
limit of Uncle Sam's dominions three hundred thorough-bred
gamblers can be found.

The majority of sporting men may be more correctly ciassea
aa gambling bankers. The greater part of these rely solely on
banking games of chance without playing against them or
hazarding their money at games of short cards or other sports of

- W j jWt'.ii ^ lMJ lW iitf''^

182 WANEERINQS OF A VAGABOKD.

the kind. Among them are some who will risk their money
only in dealing faro, some in banking vingt-et-un, some m
roulette, others in raonto, and still others in banking chuck. The
majority of faro bankers are as ready to play their money against
the game as to bank it ; so also will monte bankers ; but it is a
rare thing to see chuck, roulette, or vingt-et-un bankers, play
against each other's games. Many gamblers will play at short
games and against faro, who will not risk their money banknig
any game of chance. Some depend entirely on short games and
would not risk their money on any banking game whatever.
Regarding the number of regular gamblers in this country, 1
doubt if the number who may bo thus classed will reach two
thousand, and they are now more numerous than at any former
period, on account of the many produced by our civil war. But
in addition to these tUere are at least four hundred more who may
be classed as

MIXED GAMBLEBS,

Who hazard their money in banking games of chance and at
• whatever short games they play, with confidence; many of them
being inferior to none in playing poker, Boston, brag, all-fours,
whist, etc. For the most part they are men who have either in-
herited or gained a sufficient competency, and are m nowise
dependent on their play for a livelihood. Many of them move m
the highest walks of life, and among them may be found doctors,
lawyers, kotel proprietors, merchants, brokers, politicians, etc.
They are fond of gambling and the society of gentlemanly
gamblers, to whom they often loan money when in need, and
frequently take what is called a silent share in their business.
They are mostly shrewd, calculating business men, well versed
in all the phases of Ufa, good judges of character, and have
commanded generally more than ordinary political influence
among the authorities of their places of residence. They have
been the friend of the professional gambler, whenever the hand
of persecution has been raised against him. Gamblers and
mixed gamblers form the nucleus from which emanate all the
square gambling in the country. Their numbers are far less than
the public suppose. The uninitiated arc deceived by the large
number of employes, and the immense amount of hangers-on at
a suite of gambling-rooms. aA these claim to be gamblers, and

risk their money
gt-et-un, some in
iking chuck. The
lieir money against
ankers ; but it is a
-un bankers, play

will play at short
eir money banking
a short games, and
g game whatever.

in this country, I
jsed will reach two
than at any former
our civil war. But
dred more who may

)s of chance and at
mce; many of them
,on, brag, all-fours,
who have either in-
and are in nowise
my of them move in
ly be found doctors,
ers, politicians, etc.
ety of gentlemanly
when in need, and
•e in their business.
iss men, well versed
iharacter, and have
f political influence
jidence. They have
', whenever the hand
lim. Gamblers and
hich emanate all the
ibers are far less than
leceived by the large
unt of hangers-on at
I to be gamblers, aad

INCTTBI.

183

are naturally taken for such by the public at largo. I shall now
separate from the assistantsor hirelings the hangers-on and other
leeches who follow on the heels of gamblers, but who have no
real status in their community. First of all I shall marshal to the
front

THE ASSISTANT OAMBLEE.

Two persons at least are required to conduct a faro, roulette,
or monte bank. I have seen as many as ten employed at the
same time at a monte bank in the city of Mexico. All large
faro banks in this country have usually as many as four engaged
at any rate. It may happen that each of these four persons are
interested in the bank ; such is frequently the case— many bank-
ing games being conducted cutircly by their owners. But faro
bankers, like the majority of mankind who are above tho necessity,
dislike manual labor ; and the dealing of all kinds of the games
mentioned certainly comes under that head. Consequently,
there are very few faro-banks dealt in this country, that have
not at least one assistant employed, and several can be found
that keep constantly as many as four. It would be impossible
for bankers to conduct their games without their help. Nearly
all the banks on the Pacific slope have four of these retainers
employed, two to conduct the game during the day, and the
others to attend to it during the night. Years ago, it was
customary in the Atlantic States to divide among the assistants
what small change was taken at the bank during the day, and
in a few banks the custom is still retained ; but the majority of
bankers, finding themselves considerable losers by the custom,
were forced to abar'lon it. Their assistants, in many cases,
would give to outside cronies money to buy small change to play
against their bank, thus taking a chance to win and none to
lose ; for if the money was lost against the bank it was divided
amongst the employes when the game closed. At the present
time, in the Atlantic States, assistants receive from $5.00 to
$10.00 per day, and some have not been paid more than $7.00
per week ; but such cases are rare, and exist only among New
England bankers, whose custom it is to pay their journeyman
dealers very low. Many of these assistants get, in the course
of time, an interest of five per cent, in the banks where they
deal, and some as high as ten. In tho territories and on this

Ig4 WANDERINGS OF A VAOABOND.

Pacific Slope thoy arc paid $10.(K} a day, and many are allowed
a dollar each day from tlio ;4anio, for dinner monoy. In the
Western and Southern States, they receive from $o.00 to «iu.uu
per day for their services, the price varying witli tlie capability
and trustworthiness of the employe. The mass of assistant
Ramblers have no talent for card playing ; few among them
could be rated as sc(;ond class short card players, an<l scarcely
one among them has been capable of protecting the games
at which they we- e employed, against the arts of sharpers.

The dealing of all banking games is a labor which may be
taught to a person of ordinary capacity within a few weeks.

It would be impossible to make an estimate ol the numbers of
the assistant gamblers, from the fact that they spring up and
retire from sight according to the increase or decrease of gamb-
ling, both public and private. During the California excitement,
in the space of two years more than -vo thousand sprung mto
existenSe. As gambling decreased m. .y of tbese^ough other
occupations; but the great bulk of them followed the fortunes of
Gen. Wra. Walker, in his Nicaraguan expedition, where the cU-
mate, bad whiskey, and the bullets of the natives, in a majority of
cases closed their mortal career. The few who returned to Nov^
Orleans were a burden on the city ; many died m the hospitals,
and the few who remained on earth were swallowed up m the
army during our civil war. During the rebellion, gambling in-
creased rapidly all over the ountry, and before its suppres-
sion, at least ten times as many faro-banks as before flourished
in the country, and gave employment to at least fifteen hundred
assistant gamblers, who were all creations of the war.

With the ceasing of the war gamtling greatly decreased, and
the faro-banks, roulette wheels, vingt-et-un, and chuck-games
dwindled down in a proportion of ten to three. In consequence
of this, the newly-created gamblers were driven to other occupsf
tions for a livehhood. A few still hung around the gamblmg-
rooms of the different cities, living upon the bounty of profes-
sional gamblers, or by wheedling a few checks from faro-players,
borrowing a few dollars when they could, and in this way kept
soul and body together. Finally they wore themselves out, and
were obliged to seek other climes or some other pursuit for
maintenance. Perhaps one thousand f «'«^^"<i eambh^rs are 8^
present employed around the different faro-bauks in the United

many arc allowed
r money. In the
)m $5.iX) to $10.00
Yith the capability
inas.s of assistant
few among them
yers, an<l scarcely
tooting the games
s of sharpers,
bor which may be
1 a few weeks.
( of the numbers of
hey spring up and
dccrea.se of gamb-
lifornia excitement,
nisand sprung into
these sought other
iwed the fortunes of
ition, where the ch-
ives, in a majority of
■ho returned to New
ed in the hospitals;
wallowed up in the
ellion, gambling in-
beforo its suppres-
as before flourished
sast fifteen hundred
■ the war.

eatly decreased, and
1, and chuck-gamea
•ee. In consequence
veu to other occupsf
ound the gambling-
le bounty of profes-
Ijs from faro-players,
md in this way kept
I themselves out, and
ne other pursuit for
tant gamblers are at
banks in the United

^<<i L c <

18S

States and territories. I shall now bring forward a class for
whom I am unable to And a more appropriate name than

STCOPDANT OAMBLEBS.

This parasitical class hang around all kind of gambling bank-
ers, whom they contrive to leecli in one way or another. Among
them are to l)e found men of culture and rotiuomont, who con-
sider labor degrading, but are not ashamed to become the spies
.and pimps of gain'«'<M'a, from whoso pockets, as they are des-
titute of al' ^ talent, they derive their support. Some,
on account . ,-uoir comimniouablo qualities, have their expenses
paid by the banker to whom thuy cling; others make them-
Rclves useful by keeping the accounts of a gambling-house, and
transacting out-door bu.sinoss ; and not a few liavo obtained the
coMndencc of their patrons to such a dogreo a.s to l)o entrusted
witli the money licloiiging to the l)ank, and tlio control of its
donicstic aflfairs, for which they receive a salary of from $100 to
$150 per month. Others of them obtain a small interest in the
bank, for their real or supposed influence in obtaining customers.
There is als» the protector of the faro-bank, goiieraily a worn-
out prize-fighter resting on his laurels, in many places an im-
portant personage. Sometimes ho is only a bully of tho better
description, whose presence in the rougher order of gambling-
houses is a discouragement to rowdyism, and whose services are
usually requited at the rate of from $5 to .$10 per day. These
peaceful guardians of gambling-houses should not bo properly
classed among tho Sycophants, as they are generally useful ap-
pendages to it; neither should tho blackmailing class whom I
shall now marshal into line.

These worthies are generally of the lower .rder of politicians,
who have sufficient influence with the police to induce them'^to
ppare whatever house they wish to protect, and to shut up what-
ever place has made itself obnoxious to them, by tho refusal of its
proprietor to submit to their blackmailing. The stock in trade
of the political blackmailer is either fawning or bullying, or both,
and he makes either useful, or both, as the case may be, whenever
he can find a banker weak-minded or timorous enough for him
to prey upon. His pay generally depends on the liberality of his
dupe, but often on the amount of terror with which he can

WANDERINGS OF ▲ VAGABOND'.

manage to Inspire hiui. Ho has often recuived an interest of tea
per cent, in a furo-bauli, for liia mere promiso to protect it agaiuat
the raids of the poiice, and aoiuo liavo been luiovvu to receive
tweuty-tlvo per cent. It is to bo understood that, if the baulc
won, thoir share of the vviuuiiiKs luuat remain with the rest, until
tho stockholders uiiuie a dividend.

It would be utterly iun'ossiblo to esthuate tho number of
sycophants and blackmailers who hang around and feed upon
gamblers. In some places it is impossible to shake them oil",
while in others they arc i)orfectly independent of them. The
parasitical tribe aro to bo found, more or less, in every place, and
will be, 80 long as foolish gamblers exist, who will allow tliem-
selves to be leeched by thorn. They help to swell tho number of
those persons known under the name of gambler. Tho last and
most numerous of this tribe I shall place under the head of

HAN1ERS-0N.

This class outnumber all those described, fire to one. They
hover around gambling-houses of the lower order in our cities,
lounge around hotels, coflfee-houses, and billiard-rooms, and seem
to have no visible means of support. They live by begging,
borrowing, and stealing chips from the players around the faro-
tables. Whenever they can get a stake they will play It, or will
steal a sleeper from the table, if they can get away with it.
Many of them are cappers and ropers for skiuning-houses, and
not a few are dependent upon unfortunate women for support.
Numbers of them are clothed in the most fashionable stylo, and
seem to enjoy life with the wealthiest in the land. In our large
cities hangers-on are excluded from all the better class gam-
bling-houses.

Qcl au Interest of tea
tu pi'utuct it ugaiuat
u kuowu to receive
d tbut, if tlie bauk
I witli tiio rest, uutil

lUte the number of
luud aud feed upon
to shake them oD',
[lent of them. The
i, in every placp, and
ho will allow tlicm-
» swell the number of
ibler. The last and
der the bead of

flre to one. They
• order in our cities,
ard-rooms, and seem
lioy live by begging,
'ers around the faro-
)y will play it, or will
m get away with it.
Bkinning-houses, and
I women for support,
fashionable stylo, and
e land. In our large
he better class gam-

€>.

IMAGE EVALUATION
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Photographic

Sciences
Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

,-\

CIHM/ICMH

Microfiche

Series.

CIHM/ICMH
Collection de
microfiches.

Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques

— "r""*"^ —

BHABPKBa.

187

CHAPTER XVII,
SHABPLBS.

The brotherhood is numerous and varied. But the mdividual
to whom we wish to introduce our reader is the sharper who iives
under the cloaii of the gambler. To chance money on an equal
hazard is not only repugnant to his prmciples and constitution,
but in du-ect violation of his conscience. Aa he seldom possesses
any skill in playing short card games, he does not waste his time
nor risk his money on such folhes, except when he chances to
find a verdant adversary whom he can cheat. His stock in trade
is two-card boxes and gorgeously furnished apartments. The
bare thought of banking a 28-numbered roulette wheel, or a
chuck-luck box, unless the former is worked with a trigger, and
the latter in the hands of a No. 1 dice-cogger, makes )iim turn
pale and clutch his pockets tighter. If one of his tribe ever
dealt a square banking game of chance he has deluded some un-
fortunate individual into staking him. Not a farthing of his own
money goes that way. He would consider it nirst culpably
wasted. He will sometimes pi.iy against faro, which has often
impoverished him; for but a short time, however. With his two-
card box he reaps from the crop of fools that spring Up yearly,
which presently sets him again on a sound pecuniary footing, and
he flourishes like a green bay tree until his penchant for " figBt-
ing the tiger " again overtakes him. But the more sapient sharper
knows the value of his money, like the persecuted Jew, and is
better posted than to lavish it against faro-banks, or to waste it
in luxurious living, unless by so doing he can increase it a hun-
dred fold. Ability and wealth make their distinctions among
this community, as among more honest people ; therefore, in erx^
deavoring to describe thiem, I shall place them in two orders,
the proprietors of first and second-class " skinning-houses."

riKST-CLASS *'SKINNINO-HOX:SES."

In our large cities may be found numbers of these, as weH as
at our fashionable watering-places. They are magnificently
furnished, as much as $50,000 having been expended in the fit-

188 WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

tiuK UP Of some of them. The walls and ceilings are artistically
frefcoed, while from t'-e latter depend costly c^^^^^^lf '•^; J^l^'
ed with Bohemian glass shades. The finest Brussels and 1 ur-
key carpets cover the floors, and from the costly cornices hang
double curtains of rich silk and lace. The furniture is of the
most expensive and fashionable style, conspicuous among wh ch
is a magnificent side-board, loaded with silver gob ets and the
finest cut-glass, together with the choicest wines liquors and
cigars, for the free use of the guests of the house. Many of them
are adorned with valuable pieces of bronze and marble statuary,
representing horses, fawns, nymphs, etc., while costly oil paint-
ings decorate the walls. . , i„ ^r fi,-
The gaming paraphernalia consist of a faro-table of the
finest design and workmanship, and a No. 28 roulette wheel
placed on another table, quite as handsome and artistic. The
checks and other articles belonging to the games are of the most
elaborate style possible, and a large fancy safe occupies a con-
spicuous place, calculated to give a solid and moneyed look to
the establishment. Adjoining this apartment is the dining-
room, furnished in the same gorgeous manner. The table is
provided with heavily embossed and carved silver service, and
can seat comfortably thirty or forty guests. Before them are
placed, in fine porcelain and Sevres dishes, the choicest viands,
comprising every delicacy to be obtained, servedupby a' maUre
de cuisine" unsurpassed in his art. Fruits, both in and out of
season, gratify the eye and tempt the palate, and from costly
Bohemian and cut-glass expensive and delicious wines are drank.
No expense is spared in furnishing the table with everything
which would meet the approval of the most fastidious epicure
Niehtly at eleven o'clock these luxurious feasts are furnished the
patrons of the house. The expenses of these establishments de-
Send much upon their location, and also range according to their
order. For instance, to run a first-class house such as I have
described at Saratoga, or Lon- Branch, or New York city,
would probably cost $2.^,0 per day ; while so'ue of those of Balti-
more, Philadelphia, or Boston, would not require over $100 per
day and many are run that do not cost more than $.>0 per day.
Within a few years the proprietors of some of those aristocratic
" skinning-houses" have hired reporters to write articles for
insertion in the newspapers to which they belonged, descnbing

igs are artistically
handeliers, adorn-
Brusscla and Tur-
3tly cornices hang
iirniture la of tlie
nous among which
er goblets and the
fines, liquors, and
lae. Many of them
d marble statuary,
e costly oil paint-
faro-table of the
28 roulette wheel,
and artistic. The
nes are of the most
fe occupies a con-
d moneyed look to
ent is the dining-
ler. The table is
silver service, and
Before them are
le choicest viands,
,redupbya"»iattre
both in and out of
;o, and from costly
us wines are drank,
jle with everything
fastidious epicure.
;8 are furnished the
establishments de-
je according to their
use such as I have
sr Now York city,
ne of those of Balti-
quire over $100 per
e than $50 per day.
of those aristocratic
write articles for
belonged, describing

SHARPEBS.

189

their establishments, setting forth their splendor and magnifi-
cence, and laudatory of tlie manner in which they were kept.
These may be styled " ambiguous advertising dodges" for the
purposeof drawing strangers to their houses. I have selected two
of these, which will speak for themselves, and which will give the
reader an idea of the magnificence and splendor of these places,
and also of the immense sums spent in decorating and fitting up
these palatial robbing dens, and the social standing of the gulls
who frequent and support them.

A Gorgeous Gaming Palace.— Description of the " Mari/latid
Gentlemen's Club House," in Baltimore. — Scenes of Dazzling
Splendor ! — Dedication Banquet ! — TheBank opens its career
by winning a Stake of $20,000.

[Baltimort (Sept. 12) Correspondence of the JVeio Tork World.]

The great gaming house of Slater, Kirby & Parker, the open-
ing of which has been looked forward to with immense interest
by the sporting men of this city and vicinity, was inaugurated
last evening by a grand dinner, to which about two bundled
invitations were issued.

The building in itself is an old one, and has long been used as
a sporting establishment; but the proprietors becoming am-
bitious, and the "gentlemen" of Baltimore complaining at the
want of a first-class "club house," it has undergone h. complete
renovation, the floors in the upper part of the building l)eing
raised four feet each, the rooms in the second story thrown into
one, and connected with a large dining-hall in the rear, through
folding doors, and the ground-floor being devoted exclusively to
kitchen and store-room purposes. The upper story is divided
into private club-rooms, bed-chambers, bath-rooms, and wine-
closets. A large cellar extends the length of the building under-
ground, and a private entrance leads out into the open lot on a
back street, through which the visitors can pass if deskous of
shunning the main entrance.

BBGAItSLESS OF EXFEKSE.

In making these extensive preparations, no regara has been
paid to their cost, it being the intention of the proprietors to
make it the first club house in the country. The total cost, I am

ii ly

m9m''9'''>mm'mii^f''^'''^^'i''''^*^^^ff'^'''''^i^

190

WANDEKINQS OF A VAGABOND.

told, of fornishing the house, amouuted to fifty thousand loUara.
This does not include various co8*,ly works of art, such as rare
paintings and statues, and the dinner service, for whi ih the round
sum of twenty thousand dollars was paid to one European firm

alone.

Dinner was set for six o'clock. Shortly before that time about
one hundred and fifty persons assembled in the great saloon on the
second floor, where the several games of faro, roulette, etc., are
played. Special care was had in issuing invitations, to select those
only known to be fearless votaries of this game of chance, so
that by far the greater number of those present were men of at
leaat ordinary means, and many of wealth. All were dressed in

FTTLL DINNER COSTUME.

Black coats and pants, white vests, and white neck-ties.The com-
pany numbered many of the most distinguished men of Mary-
land, members of the State Legislature, Judges of the higher
Courts, and a score or so of representatives of the city govern-
ment, contractors, etc. At 6.30 P. M. the dinner was announced,
and the guests took their seats at the table. But before discuss-
ing this part of the proceedings, I will briefly touch upon the fur-
nitiore and appointments of the house, which; from personal
observation, exceeded in splendor and completeness any of the
kind in this country, or, in fact, in Europe, not even excepting
the famous estabUshment of Baden-Baden. The latter, however,
is much larger.

A GORGEOUS VESTIBULE.

The hall door which faces Calvert street, about half a block
from Baltimore street, the principal thoroughfare in the city,
opens into a small vestibule, from the ceiling of which hangs a
large bell-shaped chandelier lined with silver, and with the jets
so arranged, that the light streams down and outward in a soft
flood, revealing oak-paneled walls in etchings of gold, and a lofty
ceihng frescoed with groups of sporting naiads. Immediately be-
yond, and dividing the hall into two parts, stands another and a
more massive door of solid walnut. A colored servant in evening
dress sits behind this, and, after inspecting the visitor through a
small oval glass on one side, yields or refuses admittance, accord-

i r

r thousand lollars.
f art, such as rare
or whiih the round
ine European firm

re that time about
great saloon on the
, roulette, etc., are
ions, to select those
arae of chance, so
)nt were men of at
111 were dressed in

neck-ties.The com-
bed men of Mary-
Iges of the higher
of the city govorn-
ner was announced,
But before discuss-
touch upon the fur-
ich," fi-om persona)
ileteness any of the
not even excepting
rhe latter, however,

I B TJ LB .

about half a block
ghfare in the city,
g of which hangs a
•, and with the jets
d outward in a soft
of gold, and a lofty
Is. Immediately be-
tands another and a
1 servant in evening
he visitor through a
admittance, accord-

SHAHPEKS.

191

tog as the applicant is known to the house, or gives evidence of
being a bona-flde customer. This inner hall-way is larger than
the outer, and once over its threshold, the visitor is at liberty to
explore the mysteries above, to which a dight of steps winds slow-
ly upwards. The same paneled walls and a similar chandolior
mark this second hall, which has, however, the addition of a
velvet carpet, thick enough to stitlo the heaviest foot-fall. In a
niche in the wall, and overlooking the stairway, is a statue of
Don CcBsar do Bazau, in bronze, about half life size.

MAGNIFICENT F XT B N I T U R E .

The main saloon, to which the hall stairs conduct, occupies the
entire front of the second story, and is about sixty feet long and
thirty wide. It is gorgeously fitted up. A seamless dark blue
velvet carpet, like that in the east room of the White House,
covers the floor, over which are scattered articles of furniture of
the most massive description. On the right, as you enter, an
etagere of roso-wood that reaches up to the ceiling; two bronze
statues of Richard Coeur de Lion and PhillipeAugusterest on its
lower shelves, flanking a famous equine bronze representing a
stallion teasing a mare. A mirror forms the backing of this piece
of furniture, which was imported at a cost of three thousand, five
hundred dollars. On the left stands a side-board on which are
ranged all sorts of decanters and glasses, tlio former ^of cut glass,
and filled with various kinds of wines and liquors ; these are at
the gratuitous use of the visitors. All along the room are placed
various articles of furniture, made wholly of walnut and rose-
wood ; sofas, chairs, foot-stools, massive round tables for the con-
venience of short card jjarties, writing-desks, lounges, etc. Two
mantels of Parian marble, surmounting ranges of the most ap-
proved and costly make, are set in the west wall, over which hang
two mirrors of French plate glass set in walnut frames, with-an
intertwining of gold leaves and vine work. Other mirrors of
equally large dimensions surround the room, reflecting the
smallest object it contains.

AN ARTISTIC CHECK-BOOK.

The check-book for the use of persons who, having no ready
cash, are yet desirous of playing, together with other writing

1P2

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

luiitcriuls, is kept iu a large book-case iu one corner of th(> saloon.
This book-case is filled witb private compartments of various
sizes, in which such articles as are accidentally left behind by
the players are kept until called for. It also contains a number
of secret drawers, used to keep " collateral" hi until redeemed.

BLTTB AND GOLD.

The walls of this saloon are paneled similarly to those of the
entry, except that the background is of blue, and there is a freer
use of gold. The contrast between this and the frescoes on the
ceilings is very striking and effective, the artist having given
his figures a joyous animate exi)ression, that well accords with the
rich warn\ color. The windows are concealed by fine lace dra-
pery, backed by heavy damask curtains, pendent from cornices
of rosewood with gold borders. The room is lit by three chande-
liers similar to those already described, and a number of jets in
small clusters here and there on the wall.

THE G.VMING TABLES

are three in number. At two of those faro is played ; at the other,
roulette. The tables are as largo as possible,- consistent with
comfort, and their appointments, such as chips, dealing-boxes,
cue-cards, etc., are of the finest quality. Immediately behind
the faro-table hc.ng two pictures of Rubens, representing Sunrise
and Sunset at Sea. A third, of a French Peasant Girl, returning
home laden with fruits, is the production of a clever French
artist whoso name now escapes my memory. The dealers, of
■whom there are five, are men well known m the profession.

MOBE SPLBNDOB tTP-STAIBS.

The upper story comprises seven chambers, three of which are
used as club rooms. Appurtenances for playing all sorts of games
can be found in them, and the furniture is of the richest possible
description. Back of these rooms are three bed-chambers ele-
gantly furnished. The beds are importations, and cost five hun-
dred dollars each. Those rooms are for the use of players who
vi'mh to leave the city by an early morning train, or who, from too

^riier of the siiloon.
:tment8 of various
illy Icfl behind by
contains a number
1 until redeemed.

rly to those of the
and there is a freer
the frescoes on the
rtist having given
ell accords with the
d by fine lace dra-
dent from cornices
it by three chande-
a number of jets in

E S

ilayed ; at the other,
ble,- consistent with
iips, dealing-boxes,
mmediately behind
cprcsenting Sunrise
saut Girl, returning
of a clever French
•y. The dealers, of
the profession.

T AIRS.

i, three of which are
ng all sorts of gamea
' the richest possible
) bed-chambers ole*
s, and cost five hun-
B use of players who
"ain, or who,firomtoo

SnARPERS.

103

free libations of champagne, arc (liaincliucd to walk home. A
bath-room, with hot iukI cold water, is attached to each chamber.
Tlio liitchcn and store-room run tho whole length of the ground-
floor. The former is larger than any hotel kitchen in tho city,
and has a range able to cook provisions for one hundred persons
at a time ; its cost was three thousand, five hundred dollars. One
head and three under cooks and two scullions comprise the force
employed here. The wlue-ccUar, which is under ground, is filled
with casks and butts, and long shelves on which are deposited
various kinds of wine, of which each separate brand has its own
compartment. Twenty thousand dollars' worth of wines and
liquors are stored here already, and a largo importation, I am
told, is en route.

THE CLIMAX OF ENCHANTMENT.

Of all the various departments of the house, however, it Is re-
served for the dining hall to stand forth as the Alpha and Oi.iega
of its many splendors. The entrance to it is from the main saloon,
and it is through folding-doors of stained box-wood, the panels
of which are carved to represent various scenes of the chase.
They move on noiseless wheels in grooves an inch and a half deep,
made so on account of the great superincumbent weight. On
the day of opening, after the announcement of dinner, these doora
were thrown wide open, and the guests, headed by the proprie-
tors, were conducted to their seats at the table, which was in the
shape of a capital T. A printed menu, according to which sev-
enteen courses were to be served, lay by the side of each plate,
together with a list of wines, and the order in which they were to
follow each other.

▲ RICH A^n KARB TABLE.

The table is an immense affair, and is capable of seating eighty
persons. It is made of black walnut, supported by heavy dragon-
legs of the same material. The chairs are also of black walnut,
with soft cushions, covered with green morocco. The appoint-
ments of the table are dazzlingly magnificent. In the centre rests
an enormous silver ice-holder, which can be also used as a flower-
stand. Its sides are of solid silrer, with an embossed net-work
of branches and fruits in virgin gold ; the inside is also of the

104

WANDKIIIXGS OF A VAOABONO.

I-

Hiuno nu>tiil. Flowers to tlio amouut of two hundred and fifty
dollars tilled it, rcacbiug almost to the ceiUug. Here and there,
over the table, were smaller stands, aUso niled with (lowers, con-
nected with each cthev and tho ctMitio-piecc by links of roses, so
that each guest saw his vis-it- vis through a tlowcry screen, as it
•were.

A DAZZLING D I N N E R - S E B V I C K .

All the glass used in this establishment is cut, and of European
importation, and stamped with the initial "8." Tho glasses
have cleverly executed portraits of prominent German politicians
on their sides. Tho rest of tho dinner-service is of solid silver,
lined with gold. Among other things are two silver i)itchers,
two feet high, which were made in Geneva at a cost of oue thou-
sand dollars each.

BRIGHT AS StJNLIiJHT.

The room is lit brilliantly by two chandeliers and various side
jets. The heat and smoke from tho former pass through ap-
ertures in the roof arranged on the same principle as those
used in the Hall of Representatives at Washington. Tlio walls
are unlike those in the main saloon, being box-wood paneled
with etchings of scarlet and silver to match the doors. Half a
score of sporting prints in walnut frames are suspended about the
room. The floor is laid with a red velvet carpet, so thick and
soft that the foot falls noiselessly upon it.

It would be next to impossible to give a detailed account of the
various courses served to the 150 guests present at the banquet.
The first caterer of Baltimore had the affair in charge, and as
that city is famous for its cuisine, his efforts were of course a
success. Speeches were made by prominent gentlemen, lauda-
tory of the enterprise of the management in enacting so fine a
club room, and the establishment was unanimously christened
the "Maryland Gentlemen's Club House." After dinner the play
ranged high, the bank beginning its career by a run of luck, win-
ning about $20,000, half c: which was lost by a well-knowa City
Hall contractor.

The foregoing article first made Its appearance in the New
York World, and from thence found its way into the columns of
many of the newspapers throughout the country. It was written

INU.

hundrod aud fifty
g. liere and there,
il with flowers, con-
by links of roses, so
tlowery screeu, as it

E B V I C K.

But, and of European
"8." The jjlasses
t German politicians
ce la of solid silver,
two silver [litchers,
,t a cost of one thou-

HT.

iers and various side
3r pass through ap-
3 principle as those
aington. Tlio wa]l3
g box-wood paneled
h the doors. Half a
) suspended about the
carpet, so thick and

etailed account of the
ssent at the banquet,
dr in charge, and as
>rt3 were of course a
at gentlemen, lauda-
in enacting so fine a
animously christened
After dinner the play
l)y a run of luck, wiu-
by a well-known City

pearance in the New
y into the columns of
untry. It was written

SHARPERS.

19S

by tho order of Slater, the principal proprietor, whose inordinato
pride could not bo satistied unless tho publicwere made acquaint-
ed with his new gorgeous establishment. Besiilea, it was an ad-
vertisement to draw strangers visiting Maltiniore, on business or
pleasure, to his house. A few words will bo Huilicient to inform
the reader of the new founded institution christened at its dedi-
catory banciuet, tho "Maryland Gentlemen's Club."

Doc. Slater, as he is nicknamed, was raised in tho city of Balti-
more, and brought up to the butchering business. He brlongod
to that political cla-ss which for many years ruled Baltimore with
pistols, knives, bra,ss-knucklos, and slung-shots, known as " Plug
Uglies," among whom ho wivs a kind of loade-, up to tho time of
their suppression, which was not until tho commencement of tho
rebellion. About this time he discarded tho knife and steel, and
his stall in tho market, and went to gambling. Ho had indulged
in it surreptitiously from boyhood up, and later as an amateur ;
but never before had ho come out and taken his place among
professionals. With two oth^ s ho put up a fivro-ganio in tho
same building where the Maryland Gentlemen s Club at present
exists. This bank played for all persons, at an open limit of
te.S.'), and was almost exclusively patronized by the rougher class.
Incredible as it may appear, with so small a limit, the bank in
the course of a year, besides its expenses, won $40,000. Slater's
partners, satisfied with their share, withdrew from the partnership
and sold their share in the house to Slater. Ho now run tho bank
himself and increased the limit to $25 open. For moro than a
year success attended him, when ho closed his [house, renovat-
ed it, and furnished it respectably. He now meant to entertain
a different class of customers, and gave to his doorkeeper orders
to admit no one except those whom he had invited. To these he
furnished, gratuitously, liquors, and plain but substantial three
o'clock dinners and ten o'clock suppers. Fortune still smiled
on him ; his bank seldom lost. Young and inexperienced4n his
profession, never having met with any reverses worthy the name,
he believed it impossible for a faro-bank to lose, and felt too
proud to have it said that ho put a limit on his game. Ho invit-
ed all gamblers transiently in tho city to come and play. When
no other established bank could be found in the country to take
higher thrn $500 bets from a single player, his bank turned for
wagers of $5,000. He staked gambling-houses in Washington,

190

WANDKRINOS OK A VAUABONU

I'liiladelphia, Annapolis, and Capo May, bosides entruBtlnR
uioni-y to dillereat gamljlors, and allowing them to roam all over
tbc country with it, in seurch of faro-players. Many of thPRo
wore unable to protect it, and many made no oll'ort to do ho,
wliilo othcrH Hiicnt it among tbeiusolvea or played It off ngainst
various faro-bank8. Finally, fortune, wLo had 8o long favored,
deserted him. This hapi)ened in 18(i8, and before reverws bad
overtaken him he was worth about $80,(M)0, and had lived at tho
rate of $'iO,0(X) a year, being an " extravagant cuss." His bank
lost almost continually for two years, and after it had drained
from him his last d«)llar, he still kept it going by borrowing from
his friends until his debts exceeded $20,000. But friends soon
tired of giving up their money when it was doubtful, to say the
least, whether it would not follow what had preceded it. The
Doc's circumstances had now gotten to their lowest ebb. A lew
months of his former good luck would have reinstated him, for
the wealthiest and highest in tho land patronized his game. Rut
fortune refused to be propitiated, and would not smile again upon
him. She had once distributed to him her gifts with a lavish
hand ; but he was too dull to seize upon and appropriate them.
Some of the two-card sharpers of Washington had been for sev-
eral yeans greedily watching tho fat fish that frequented Slater's
place, and had on many occasions reminded him how easily
their money might be made to change hands through tho agency
of a two-card box, instead of allowing them to walk away with
his, through " bull-headed luck." To these overtures Slater had
turned a deaf ear, until he knew not where to obtain money to
carry on his game. Tho Parker, mentioned as one of the pro-
prietors of the Maryland Gentlemen's Club House, had made
about $200,000 by keeping a skinning-house in Washington, dur-
ing the war. Being a moneyed man. Slater courted his friend-
ship. When ho could no longer borrow money from hu friends
In Baltimore to sustain his bank, he applied to Parker, who
loaned him $5,000. When that was gone he again sought Parker,
which worthy gentleman politely Informed hlra he'd no more
money to shoot off at " squar' farrer," but If he wanted to fit up
a stunner of a house and let his man Klrby go Into It as operator,
he was willing to throw up $100,000 that way. Slater was in
desperate need; he hesitated, and then yielded, and we are in-
debted to the reporter for his description of the place, and the

)U8ide8 entruBtlnff
n to roam all over
i. Many of thcHo

oHbrt to do ho,
[lyed It off nRiiinst
id 80 lonn lavoivd,
Bforo rovcrws liiid
iid had lived at tlio
t CUS8." Ilia l)ank
:er it had drained
by borrowing IVom

But friends soon
oubtful, to say the
preceded it. Tho
lowest obi). A lew
reinstated bini, for
ized his name. But
)t smile again upon
lifts with a lavish
appropriate them.

1 bad been for sov-
frcquented Slater's
id him bow easily
through tbo agency
to walk away with
iverturcs Slater bad
o obtain money to

as one of tho pro-
) House, had made
n Washington, dur-
courted his friend -
jy from hu friends
ed to Parker, who
gain sought Parker,

him he'd no more
he wanted to fit up
■) into it as operator,
ray. Slater was in
ied, and we are in-

the place, and the

8CKNES AT LONa BRANCB.

dedicatory dinner given by Messrs. Slater, Klrby 6c Parker.
"After dinner the play ran high, tho bank beginning its career
by winning a stake of *si(),(K)0, half of which wua lost by a prom-
inent City Ilall contractor."

CHAPTER XVIII
SCEKE8 AT LONG DRAKCH.

Some Social Contrasts There— Johnny Chamberlain and hi$
Establishment at Long Branch.

chamberlain's OAMINO-nOUSB.

[From the Chicago Tribune, July 89, 18T0.1

Sitting one night on tho wide, cheerful verandah of the Wert
End, looking out upon Fisk's slx-in-hand going by, I saw that
worthy address a square-set, black-haired, black-eyed man,
riding by in a trotting wagon.

" That's Johnny Chamberlain," said a gentleman, " that fleshy
one. Do you see how he holds his buttoned coat -collar close up
to his throat with his hand ; he's got a mighty ^ad cough, has
Johnny, and if ho don't watch sharp, they'll plant him next spring
whore he won't grow any more."

" That's tho great gambler, ia It t He's young looking, and
not ill looking."

Oh, he's as good a fellow aa over you see. He's full of enter-
prise. Morrissey is a parvenue to Johnny Chamberlain. He's
put $U0,000 into that club house, and he has got up, all of his
own idea, tlio notion of a racing park here; and that majj has
put $150,(K)0 of his own money into that park before ho asked
any one to help him a cent's worth. Then ho raised $100,000
just by asking ono or two of us. He's a young man. lie's got a
wonderful memory. He's never been married, but he's a
business man right through. It's just up and up with Johnny
Chamberlain, square and sc ire. Ho never asks nobody to play
cards nor buy a chip. Ho never looks for it, ho scorns it."

" It seems rather strange that^ man can have all the business

198

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

virtues, when his occupation is to stimulate the propensity of
u^en to Tilay and ruin themselves in a night, out of a year's
labor."

Just at this time the man referred to in the talk, appeared
upon the piazza, and stood for some time leaning against the
jamb of the main door, (luietly peering down the porch amongst
the men. The proprietors and several other people went up to
him. He had a short cough now and iucu, which caused in-
quiries into his health and copious advice. Ho seemed to be a
petty man among the average of manhood congregated ihere,
in the deepening evening of the seaside. It was a beautiful
night up in the sky, and the stars were out, and the far-ofl' sails
were clearly seen riding under the moon. All the senses of men
were acute, and their cigars smoked like the blessings of provi-
dence, lulling such sharpened intellects. We all talked of the
lives of gamblers, and it was easy, in that atmosphere, to see
reasons for wickedness, and trace commercial laws out of the ebb
and flow of ineradicable sins. This gambler grew to bo a mer-
chant, that supplied a want implanted in man. His success, and
the usas ho put it to, dignified the investment. The mind
rambled il'ogically around the superflces of history, and dis-
covered, without effort, that'ie was no worse than this politician,
or that soldier, or yonder speculator. We grew upon wonder-
fully apologetic terms towards everybody in that enlivening
atmosphere, and every conviction slipped away as if it were an
unfounded prejudice now for the first time exposed and discarded.
Such are the heights, such the atmosphere when we forswear
our vows, and take merit upon ourselves, at the moment, for so
doing.

" Come over to the club house, and I'll introduce you," said
my friend, the editor. " I know him right well."

The club house was now all full of light, half emitted from its
carefully-closed window-sashes, but streaming ruddily and wel-
coming fronj the open door. Two gaudy lamps on the gate-posts
blazed red and white.

"I never played faro or bet a dollar in my life."

" If ho sees you betting anything there, he'll put you out. He
never allows us to play. There will be no hints of any kind."

"Come on ! It's part of experience."

Suppose I had been a man with a pocket full of money, what
might iiVe that experience cost me!

^^^-,^.;j*..AS*^

^.a^HA^-r.')i>5*i3t^' *•,-.'-■

>ND.

;e the propensity of
;ht, out of a year's

the talk, appeared
leaning against the
1 the porch amongst
r people went ap to
1, which caused in-
He seemed to be a
congregated ihcre,
It was a beautiful
and the far-ofl' sails
ill the senses of men
e blessings of provi-
We all talked of the
; atmosphere, to see
il laws out of the ebb
sr grew to be a mer-
m. His success, and
istment. The mind
of history, and dis-
! than this politician,
I grew upon wouder-
7 in that enlivenitig
[iway as if it were an
posed and discarded.
•0 when we forswear
i the moment, for so

introduce you," said

well."

half emitted from its

ing ruddily andwel-

mps on the gate-posts

ly life."

le'U put you out. He

hints of any kind."

; full of money, what

SCENES AT T.OXG BRANCH.

199

" These gate lamps," said my conductor, " were presents from
Bill Tiveed, of New York. T-veed is the Grand Sachem of Tam-
many Hall. The cottage, of itself cost sixty thousand dollars,
and Chamberlain claims that the whole affair cost him $90,000."
We had now passed through a wide-open gate, always closed
by day, into a very large level lawn, inclosing perhaps fifty acres,
the only buildings whereon were the club house, an ice-house
just beneath it, and a stable two rods further away ; both ice-
house and stable were roofed with variegated slate and hand-
somely capped with golden vanes and rods.

The club house itself was of a pale yellow color frame, and
three stories high ; the upper story in a tipped Mansard roof of
beautiful inlaid slate, and the whole was tipped with a gilded
balustrade of peculiar iron work. A piazza surrounded the first
story of the house, of a light and beautiful construction— green
trellis-work below, the columns painted red, with gilt Corinthian
capitals, and the balustrade above was also yellow and gilt.
There was but one entrance, and that a grand one, with a drive
meandering up to it. ,The whole edifice was a gem of carpentry,
standing high and gracefully, and I guessed its proportions to
be eighty feet square. It is the noblest cottage on Long Branch,
and but one or two pretend to cope with it.

As the sound of our feet rang on the steps, three or four per-
sons appeared, well dressed, and I thought one of them, a negro,
wore white gloves. There were plausible invitations all around
of " Good evening, gentlemen. Walk in, gentlemen."

Wo passed into an elegant house, rather extravagantly be-
decked with mirrors, and yet upholstered in places with as much
taste as cost. Copious supplies of gas filled the many softly
enameled globes of the chandeliers, and these lights were repro-
duced iu the mirrors ; while yet the rich carpets were of subdued
patterns, and the wall paper would have done credit to an edu-
cated lady's eye. The furniture was as unique and solid jfe the
workmanship of the day can afford. The time has gone by
when we can describe a master gambler by his gaudy surround-
ings. The arts find no better patrons in our time than successful
gaml/lers. The tenderest, neatest palaces they build, and are at
Hamburg, Saratoga, Baden-Baden, and Long Branch. Splits
and trumps arc sovereigns.
I am going to tell what I thought about this place at the mo-

soo

■WANDERINGS OF .. VAGABOND.

ment, and not draw morals in advance. Being in a man's own
house, aud being welcomed, I could do ni> worse than oe polite,
and I loolied about lue with something, perhaps, of Aladdin's
sensation, when ho first struck his lamp and saw .,he illuminated
caverns of the genii. It was sumptuous, and by its elegance in-
spired respect. Room opened into room, so that there were three
or four apartments into one, all brilliantly lighted, and nothing
offended the eye except the instruments that had reared this
structure and furnished it — the green tables. Behind a plain tiable
in the first room sat a man, and at his left elbow were piled up
round ivory checks, red and white. In the second room a long
handsome piece of furniture, with carved legs, reached along
the wide side of the wall, a man behind it, and in the middle
of the table a brass wheel was sunken into the baize, and
around the brass were numbers and colors in circles, and on
the verge of the table were various other plots, patterns, handles,
and so forth, betokening different means of wagering money.

Opposite this infernal machine was a third table and a man
behind it, and the engraved copy of a whole pack of cards was
enameled into the table, while at the man's elbow were piles of
ivory checks. This I knew to be the faro-bank, and a silver box
was standing upon it, the dealing-box. All the men were neatly
dressed, and they all said,

"Good evening, gentlemen."

"Where is John?" said the sditor.

"He was here just now. Perhaps he has gone over to the
hotel. Will you walk in and talce some supper ?"

As we paused, irresolutely, there were cries of "Here is Mr.
Chamberlain ; here he is ! "

The man I had seen at the hotel walked in and addressed my
friend in a hearty way, and at once led .le way to the supper-
room.

"Take seats," he said; "hero is about everything— frogs,
woodcock, quails, robins, trout, sofi-shell crabs, and terrapins.
William, some wine."

A black man, of deferential mam -^rs, gave me a plate of frogs
and robins, and filled a glr "s with such wine that all previous
vintages of my acciuaiutance seemed iL.ere cidor to it. The tible
was epicurean in every part, and ai t'jo head of it, next to the
host, was a beefsteak which seemed to do a tenderloin cut from
a megatherium, so largo and juicy was it.

C. ^

j Bi i^ i ftiJm N p y aJ^ 'i* j f i-

»ND.

3ing in a man's own
orse than De polite,
5:baps, of Aladdin's
saw ..lie illuminated
[ by its elegance in-
hat there were three
lighted, and nothing
lat had reared this
Behind a plain t<able
elbow were i)iled up
second room a long
legs, reached along
, and in the middle
into the baize, and
i in circles, and on
s, patterns, handles,
wagering money,
rd table and a man
B pack of cards was
i elbow were piles of
nk, and a silver box
the meu were neatly

IS gone over to the

icr?"

Lea of "Here is Mr.

n and addressed my
> way to the suppcr-

t everything — frogs,
crabs, and terrapins.

'e me a plate of frogs
'ine that all previous
idortoit. Thetible
3ad of it, next to the
;i tenderloin cut from

(SCENES AT LONG BRANCH.

201

"Do you fet such a table every night, John?"

".Ml dfiy and all night; I like to see my friends eat. My cook
is the best that money can hire."

A tall, 'Jiild-headed, aflable man, also a gamester, belonging to
the place, drew up to the table, and took a piece of woodcock.
Ho said that all Morrissey's furniture at Saratoga was made in
Grand street. New York, while John bought every article he pos-
sessed in Paris. The John named last here turned to me and
said he would bo happy to drive mc out to the track any morn-
ing I wanted to go.

Chamberlain was a good-looking man under forty years of
age, with the blackest eye one can see i! a man's head, large,
piercing, and animal-like, and at once beautiful and dangerous.
His forehead was good, and with large developments over the
eyebrows, so strong that I was not mistaken to see some in-
stances of a wonderful memory, so necessary to a gamester. The
lower part of his face and nose were coarser, and his moustache
•appear." d to bo dyed, while his hair was glossy black as the
crow's wing. He had a laughing manner, a good smile, and in
his features the gentleman and the outlaw were blended.
His shoulders were broad and square, and his frame waa over-
powerful, am he stood upon his feet in that posture approach-
ing bow-leggedness, which is natural in the sporting man and
the sparrer. Withal, 'ae looked his part, a man of wild in-
stincts strick(<n with a commercial ambition, and erecting his
vices into a business interest : a young man, still unmarried, but
consoling himself with the temporary possession of one of the
most voluptuous actresses in America ; dearly paid for, and fickle
as docar, his very prosperity waa pitiful ; never to know the truth
and consolation of home, to be an askant study for his guests,
and to be always considered at his worst ; to feel, perhaps, that
his winnings could bring him no blessings ; to look around, up-
on the teeming, struggling world, and know that in considering
their species, they never include him ; to catch their eye as he
rode by, and feel that the words they felt were, "bloody gam-
bler." Then, that occasional cough, which seemed to hurt him,
and I noticed, with sympathy, that the negro always got behind
him solicitously, when he coughed so, and looked down upon
Chamberlain like his own prodigal son and master.

After eating, we talked a few mmutes, and Chamberlain

"WAHDEMNGS OF A VAGABOOTJ.

described the house. There was his ftiniod side-board, made en-
tirely of inlaid wood, costing $1,20(). The upholstery of his tall-
backed chairs was praised, and the lateness of the season advert-
ed to. As wo passed through tho main gambling saloon, an
appearance of wild delight was manifested by every one of the
three employes; the roulette man spun his ball as if ho was
playing witli a ghost that "bucked" opposite; the faro man
drew off tho top card and gravely "coppered" the ace all by
hhnself ; tlie third man spun a round check at something invisi-
ble, and looked alive to business. If these were temptations to
play, I put them by, saying: "It would take a man as dumb as
myself two years to understand these things." " Take my ad-
vice," said Chamberlain, "and never learn; I am too old to for-
get them."

We took an omnibus at the door, and the host, calling, "Pete,
come with me," jumped in with us, saying he had a visit to make
down tho beach drive.

"Master Johnny, is you going off in de night air, widout
yo' ovacoati"

He put it over the gamester's shoulders, as if he were hia
fragile and best beloved daughter. What would American life
be without the negro's loyalty t A . '

Gentle reader, if you have learned anything regarding the
magnificence and gorgeous fitting up of our aristocratic skin-
ning-houses, and the sumptuous manner in which they entertain
their gaosts, from the foregoing description of Johnny Chamber-
lain and hia fashionable "Maison de Jeu," at Long Branch,
given us by that ethical blathenskite of a reporter, I am satisfied
for the present. For the insertion of that article in the " Chi-
cago Tim-js," and its subsequent transplanting to the " St. Louis
Democrat," Johnny disbursed at least the round sum of $150, if
not $200.

His description of the personnel of Johnny Chamberlain is very
good, as ia also that of his club house at Long Branch. The
statement that ho ia immarried is incorrect. He is married,
and also indulges in the aforementioned voluptuous looking mis-
tress. That dangerous cough, which so deeply aroused the
sympathies of our blatherskite reporter, is all a humbug; Cham-
berlain has the constitution of an ox, and, I will venture to say.

^i0:^^ iK ^ijw'j^:iii^ m^^yms^!-'i^ 5?^^Ra^A'->''~i>»

OOTJ.

iide-board, made en-
ipholstery of his tall-
of the scasou advert-
[janibling saloon, an
I by every one of the
lis ball as if he was
osite; the faro man
3red" the ace all by
; at something invisi-
were temptations to
le a man as dumb as
gs." " Take my ad-
; I am too old to for-

) host, culling, "Pete,
le had a visit to make

:le night air, widout

rs, as if he were his
would American hfe

p^thing regarding the
our aristocratic skin-
which they entertain
I of Johnny Chamber-
u," at Long Branch,
c porter, I am satisfied
, article in the " Chi-
Aug to the " St. Louis
round sum of $150, if

ly Chamberlain is very
, Long Branch. The
rect. He is married,
)luptuous looking mis-
) deeply aroused the
all a humbug; Cham-
I will venture to say,

SCENES AT tONG BRANCH.

203

has not the remotest idea that any one will plant him for many
years to come. After a hard night's debauch, many men are
troubled with a cough, and such, no doubt, was the origin of the
one with which Johnny was troubled when our veracious in-
formant pretends he first made his acquaintance — that learned
pundit, who informs us thn "splits and trumps" are sovereigns.

"But who is Johnny (.^lamberlain ? " mcthinks I hear the
uninitiated reader inquire. "What is therea.son of his wonderful
success in his profession?"

Gentle reader! it is to his indomitable energy, brazen impu-
dence, and a two-card faro-box. His first appearance in public
life was made as bar-tender on one of the numerous steamboats
running from the port of St. Louis. While in this capacity, he
learned the rudiments of short card sharping from those thieves,
some of whom never failed to travel on every river steamer,
and made himself useful to them in their search for suckers.
Ho assisted them in making up their games from among the
passengers, and then rung in their marked cards for them,
keeping them in his bar until wanted for use. As he became
farther advanced, he insisted on an equal share of the spoils,
and exacted the same from all three-card-monte throwers who
came aboard his boat to ply their calling. He followed up this
business successfully for throe or four years, and, being thrifty,
accumulated a considerable capital, and in the meantime ob-
tained an insight into the immense profits to bp derived from
roping suckers to brace games. Being gifted with a happy fac-
ulty of commending himself to strangers, and a willingness to
spend his money freely whenever he thought he could make
t-en dollars for one by po doing, and being well acquainted with
all the haunts of pleasure and vice in the City of St. Louis, he
made a capital "roper-in" for a two-card box establishment. In
his mind's eye, he marked out each passenger on the boat, dur-
ing her trip to St. Louis, whom he thought likely to proye a
profitable subject to him, and, after showing hin the "sights"
of the city, would bring him up standing before a "brace game,"
have him robbed, and afterwards receive half the plunder.

Johnny Chamberlain shortly became known amongst sharpers,
as the best " roper-in" in the city of St. Louis, and, in fact, the
best in all the West. Partly through the inducements of these,
but probably much more through his own knowledge of the

r i ^/j^ -ii **»! -

mffm

204

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

1 -h

(■■I

ill

profits and advantages of a skinning-house, be threw up steam-
boating, and opened one of these establishnieuts for huuself. He
was obliged to taiie with him an operator, because he was totally
unable to exercise a two-card box himself; nor do I believe he
can cheat at any of the games played for money. Even could he
do 80, his functions were on the outside, to lure customers into
his den. This business he diligently followed up, until the spring
of 1864, having increased his store of wealth thereby, up to forty
thousand dollars, and by his audacity and energy as a roper,
gained the envy of all the sharpers throughout the West. Mean-
while, however, he had become pretty well played out in St.
Louis; so much so, in fact, that any " brace dealer," having any
respect for his future bread and butter, would not be seen with
him in public. Johnny waa now desirous of taking the money he
had accumulated with him to New York, and there opening an
aristocratic skinning-house. Heretofore, he had mixed only
among second-class sharpers ; he was now anxious to be ranked
in the first division of that honorable fraternity, and more es-
pecially among those of New York city, where a wider field was
open for the exercise of his talents, and a higher goal within
reach of his unbounded ambition. To accomplish his desire, it
was necessary to have the countenance of some first-class sharper.
It must be understood that not even the Brahmins themselves,
nor those of England's aristocracy who claim their descent from
the heroes of the field of Hastings, are greater sticklers for caste,
than the American sharper. Powerful as is money — and its in-
fluence is not less among this than other classes of mankind —
it has in many cases failed in launching the keeper of a
second-class skinning-house within that magic cordon which
separates them from those of their tribe who have never been
interested in any but a first-cla^s house of the sort. Johnny
found the individual he was seeking, in the person of a worthy
gentleman from the bine-grass country in Kentucl-.y, who, for
many years previous to the rebellion, was principal proprietor of
one of the most fashionable of these places in the city of New
Orleans. When Gen. Butler was placed in command, after the
capture of the city by the Federal forces, he allowed no card-
sharping within bis dominions, in consequence of which, the aris-
tocratic skinning-house at No. 4 Carondolet street, belonging to
Mr. McGrath,was closed. When Gen. Butler was superseded in

OND.

be threw up steam-
jiits for himself. He
;cau8o he was totally
nor do I believe he
ney. Even could he
lure customers into
i up, until the spring
thereby, up to forty
i energy as a roper,
ut the West. Mean-
11 played out in St.
) dealer," having any
aid not be seen with
taking the money he
nd there opening an
lie had mixed only
inxious to be ranked
amity, and more es-
Bre a wider field was
I higher goal within
)mplish his desire, it
ne first-class sharper.
Irahmins themselves,
m their descent from
;er sticklers for caste,
8 money — and its in-
;lasses of mankind —
ng the keeper of a
magic cordon which
fho have never been
)f the sort. Johnny
D person of a worthy
I Kentucl-.y, who, for
irincipal proprietor of
s in the city of New
1 command, after the
he allowed no card-
ice of which, the aris-
it street, belonging to
ler was superseded in

SCENES AT LONG BRAlfCH.

205

command of the city, Mr. McGrath left his home in the blue-
grass country, and went again to New Orleans, with the inten-
tion of again opening his house there; but his first attempt at
doing so caused his arrest and incarceration in the parish prison,
where he was kept for more than a year by the Federal authori-
ties. On regaining his liberty, he made the best of his way to St.
Louif , where he arrived without a dollar. Being one of the best
ropers in the country, and a man of distinguished parts in a
fashionable skinniug-house, which means that ho could black-
guard his victims into playing whether they wished to or not,
besides being acquainted with many of the Border States men,
who had flocked to New York to speculate in gold and stocks,
McGrath was the "open sesame" that Johnny Chamberlain re-
quired. Together they started for New York, where they arrived
in the winter of 1864. They soon discovered that, to obtain a
desirable house in a suitable locat'on, and fit it up, and furnish it
in a manner fit to enable them to hold their own among first-
class establishments of the sort, would require more money than
Chamberlain could command. McGrath now induced two of the
wealthiest sharpers in New York to enter into partnership with
them. They bought a splendid residence near the Fifth Avenue
Hotel, and fitted it up in so gorgeous and magnificent a style,
that its equal had never been seen in the city, and I doubt if in
any other. It is said that ihe furnishing and fitting up alone
cost over sixty thousand doll lu. It is reported t;hat, within four
months after the opening of the house, it made within the neigh-
borhood of a million of dollars, and it is more than probable that
such was the case. Among its patrons were wealthy contractors,
high city ofiQcials, stock-brokers, and other speculators, many ol
whom were making their thousands pe day in the exciting
period of speculation, and some of ^them at a single sitting drop-
ped against the two-card boxes of Chamberlain & Co. as high
as fifty thousand dollars.

The firm did not get along harmoniously together, and a dis-
solution took pla«e. McGrath and Chamberlain withdrew from
it and the former returned to the blue-grass country in Kentucky,
where he invested his money in a large stock farm. Johnny now
opened an establishment on his own hook, fitting it up in the
most extravagant style. This place, for which he paid an annual
rent of f 8,000, waa located on Twenty-fourth Street, near Broad-.

■WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

way, ono of the most fashlonablo localities in the citv. The
monthly expenses of running this establishment averaged $4,000.
On every night, except Sunday, a table might be found there,
which, for the rarity, diversity, and choiccness of its viands,
wines, and liquors, the elegance of its appearance, and the
excellence of its cuisine, could not be surpassed by any in the
world. This luxurious establishment and its recherche en-
tertainments were kept up on the strength of a two-card box.
The best any one ever yet received there was two cards, or fif-
ty-four,=' and he must be a very suapicious individual, indeed,
who received as good. On opening his house he had to contend
against the envy, and In many cases with the open enmity, of
the proprietors of flrst-class " skinning-houses," who were jeal-
ous of him, and who used every effort and underhand method
they could devise to prevent his success. But his indomitable
energy and assurance overcame all obstacles and won the day.
The proprietors aud clerks of the principal hotels in the vicinity
of his place were nearly all ropers-in for it, the majority without
having the remotest idea of its character. Ho commended him-
self to the favor of many of the highest of the city officials, and
his house became their resort, where the finest of wines and the
choicest of luxurious feeding awaited them, with the hospitable
smUe of Johnny for a welcome. Beyond this,. he has no enter-
taining qualities, for he is as ignorant as an ass of everything
outside of his business. He is, however, wise enough to know
when to hold his tongue, when to smile, and at whose jokes to
laugh, and at a single glance can tell a " blood " from a " gray-
back."

All his tribe, whenever they have established a foothold, their
great desire is to gain a position on the turf, either by owning a
stable of racers or having an interest in some race-course. It
gives to them the aroma of respectability, and throws them into
the company of wealthy persons whom they can rope into their
« skinning dens," and there rob them. Johnny was by no mea'-}
false to his order. He got up a racing association and opened a
magnificent race-course at Long Branch, which is unsurpassed
by anything of the sort in the country, and has proven itself a

great success. -, j us

A year or so before he opened this course, ho fitted up ma
magnificent " Maison de Jeti " at the Branch, which haa been so

"^-^

mraas«iBsfeesi*'»«*«»^««»'i^'»=''«i'^ ■*""'

in the cltv. The
snt averaged $4,000.
;ht be found there,
ncs3 of its viands,
)pcaranco, and the
isscd by any in the
its recherche en-
of a two-card box.
3 two cards, or "fif-
individual, indeed,
a ho had to contend
;ho open enmity, of
3CS," who were jeal-
underhand method
3ut his indomitable
!S and won the day.
lotels in the vicinity
the majority without
He commended him-
the city officials, and
est of wines and the
with the hospitable
lis,. he has no enter-
,n ass of everything
rise enough to know
id at whose jokes to
ood " from a " gray-

3hed a foothold, their
•f, either by owning a
ome race-course. It
md throws them into
y can rope into their
dnny was by no mea'i
ociation and opened a
which is unsurpassed
id has proven itself a

lurse, ho fitted up hia
ch, which has been so

SECOND-CLASS SKINNINO-HOUSES.

207

graphically described by our friend, the reporter. The season of
its opening it cleared $Gf),000, and in no season since lias it
cleared less than $30,(K)0. Ills friend, Henry P. McOrath, is
again with hira in this house, and comes, to rope-in for it, every
season, from Kentucky. In addition to his other extravagances,
Johnny keeps a steam yacht, in order that ho may indulge his
patrons with a sail down the bay, if they desire it, or take them
on a fishing excursion, or clam-bake, whenever they fancy such
a relaxation. Verily, 'eader, what do you think now of " splits
and trumps being sov..eigas"t

CHAPTER XIX.

f£COND-CLASS " SKTSTNING-HOtTSES "

Are not generally fitted up and furnished in the gorgeous and
magnificent style of those just described. Still, in New York,
Philadelphia, and Washington, there are some splendidly deco-
rated establishments of this kind. None of these, however, en-
tertain their guests to suppers or refreshments of any kind, with
the exception of liquors. Some of them, it is true, have tables
set out and arranged handsomely, but they are only a sham,
and no food is set upon them unless some extra fiat customers are
in one of the dens, giving up their money freely to a two-card
box. In such a case a supper is ordered from some neighboring
restaurant, and the verdant guests are fed and wined sumptuous-
ly ; or it may sometimes happen that an important roper, having
his eye on one or more fat " gulls," may desire to invito them
round to the club to sup with him. In such a case a supper is
duly ordered from the restaurant for the expected guests. But
the only capital requir'^d to start a second-class skinning-house,
or, as they are more generally termed a " brace game," is sufiB-
cient money to hire a room, put in a faro-table, a side-board, a
dozen or two of chairs, and a carpet ; bu<^^ the latter luxury is
sometimes dispensed with. The "brace dealer needs not one
dollar after he is ready to open his game. His rounds, two-card
box, and case-keeper, is all the stock the bank requires. If some
of these sharpers fit up and furnish their "brace" rooms on a

WANDERHIOS OF A VAGABOND.

grander scale than otbora, it Is only to give to tbem a more re-
spectable appearance. Tbe "personnel" of a brace game
consists of an "artist," a case-keeper, tbrce or four "cap-
pers," and some stecrcrs or ropers ; the last two of rhich fre-
quently excbangc roles, or act in either, as the case may require.
Tbe head of this delectable concern is tbe master-sharper who
furnishes the money for fitting up the room. He is generally a
superior roper, and spends the greater portion of his time hang-
mg about hotels, coffee-houses, billiard-rooms, and other public
places, hunting up "suckers" for the purpose of decoying them
to his den to bo robbed. Next to him comes the " artist," whose
duty it is to be at all times in tbe bouse, ready to operate on any
" sucker" who may drop in accidentally, or bo roped in by the
attaches of the establishment.

The case-keeper isaman who keeps the case-box, and whenever
the " artist" takes two cards, secretly marks it up. I shall here
describe his duties, which stand second to those required of the
" artist." Each card, as it is run oflf from the dealing-box, is
marked by the case -keeper. Suppose two cr.rds are "taken"
as one, the top one only being visible ; the result would bo, un-
less there were some means of letting the case-keeper know
what the card was, he could not mark it; consequently the
swindle would be detected at the end of tUe deal. But the
"artist" is equal to this emergency. On the lower right hand end
of the losing cards, as the pack lies before the dealer in the box,
the denomination is indicated by a dot precisely the same as I
have described the dots in rounds on the winning cards. When
the "artist" finds it necessary to pull two cards from the box at
once, he does not know, before doing so, the name of the buried
card. The moment tbe cards are dropped on the pile, the under
card, being a trifle longer than that above it, reveals its name
to the dealer by the dot on its corner. By a system of telegraph-
ing, as laying one finger on the end of the box, or on its middle,
or one at each end, or two fingers in various positions, he lets
the case-keeper know the name of it, who quietly sUps up the
button while the eyes of the "suckers" are elsewhere.

"Ropers" or "steorers," and "cappers," as I said before,
occupy interchangeable positions. A roper is a man who
operates outside, and fishes for "suckers." Hia business is to
capture some verdant individual, and decoy him to the "brace

S^HKacJ^SiB^^S^fS***^^

,^%*i ;*t*S^'S|M.4i^s;'";r;">- "i^W-t.' .'^

IKD.

to tbem a more re-
' of a brace game
Tce or four "cap-
t two of rhich fro-
io case may require,
master-sharper who
He is generally a
m of his time haug-
118, and other public
se of decoying them
8 the "artist," whose
,dy to operate on any
• bo roped in by the

3e-box, and whenever
8 it up. I shall here
hose required of the
n the dealing-box, is
( cards are "taken"
result would be, un-
10 case-keeper know
it; consequently the
r th.e deal. But the
lower right hand end
;he dealer in the box,
ecisoly the same as I
inning cards. When
lards from the box at
le name of the buried
on the pile, the under
) it, reveals its name
I system of telegraph-
box, or on its middle,
ious positions, he lets
10 quietly slips up the
) elsewhere.
■s," as I said before,
roper is a man who
" Hia business is to
loyhimtothe "brace

SKCOJfD-CLASS SKUTNINO-HOUSEB.

200

rooms." In nlnety-nino cases out of every hundrod, .stocrers
and cappers for "braee Kii"ie.s" are the iuo.st ilisreputablo
loafers in existence. They uio men devoid of deeeney, honor,
or a single redeeming qiuility. They luo nearly always dead
broke, and arc so moan as to be despised l)y the proprietors of
the "brace games," which they servo, and their "artists."
During the day, they haunt bar saloons, billiard-halls, street
corners, and low brothels. Many of them belong to the class
described as "hangers-on" of the rougher class of gambling-
rooms; and of all human beings, none are lower, meaner, -nore
contemptible. Occasionally, however, are to be found among
them, men of good appearance, affable raannerc, capable of
commending themselves to strangers, and these arc the valuable
decoys for "brace games." Tlie "stoerer" is perpetually on
the look-out for verdant people who possess money, lie frequents
theatres, hotels, coffee-houses and other public places, for that
purpose, and if ho can find one whom ho regards as a promising
subject, he will use every endeavor to make his acquaintance.
Frequently a game of billiards is proposed, and during its pro-
gross the acquaintance of tlie "sucker" is assiduously cultivated.
The flfteeu-ball pool-tables are favorite angling places for these
gentry, and it is a rare thing to be about one without seeing a
steerer engaged in play with some country merchant or other
verdant fool with more money than brains, anu who has conse-
quently allowed the former fact to leak out. '

When the " steerer" thinks matters are ripe for it, be carelessly
remarks to his victim, "Well, I must quit ; I've got to go around
to the club house. I made a pretty good winning there last
night, and they want a chance to get even."

The " sucker," having probably by this time imbibed liquor
sufficient to make him feel a trifle reckless, and tlio remark
about the winning having somewhat excited his cupidity and
curio&ity, he inquires, " What club house ? "

"Oh," returns the steerer, " it's a place whore a few gentlemen
and board of trade men meet every evening, to have a little
game."

The " sucker" thinks, where board of trade men and gentle-
men meet must be all right, consequently ho is all ready to
answer afBrmatively when the steerer says, " Won't you walk
around? _They have some mighty fine brandy there. You

21U

WANDBRINOS OF A VAQABOND.

Lot's go around and have a good drink of lUiuor,

iipcdn't piny.

""ThTvlctini thinks It looks all right. Uc'll go and see the
elephant an.l got a .Irhik; ho ncodn t play, of course, unless ho
wishes And so ho uccmnpanioa the stcorcr to the " brace room.

Lot us now take a peep into tho brace room, while the steorer
and his victim are on their way to it. Tho room is brilliant y
lighted up. Tho "artist" sits behind tho table, mochamcally
Bhuflling, cutting, and butting in, a pack of cards.

Scattered about the room, in various attitudes, are some
half-dozen or more men-one or two of whom are asleep on tho
Bofas-aud several otliers playing casino, cribbago, or some game
of the sort. Tho principal subjects under disci-ssion aro the
merits of this or that prostitute, or perhaps one relates, in
choice slang, garnished with an occasional oath, his exploits of
the evening previous, and informs tlio company how much I toin,
never in any case using the word in a past tonso. Possibly the
conversation turns on tho oxcollencios of this or tiiat dealer, tho
exploits of trottiug-horscs, or any kindred subject. Their lan-
guage Is always slangy. Indecent, and blasphemous. Presently
there is a ring at tho door-bell. The negro servant answers it,
and one of the stoorors enters alone, his single ring at the bell
indicating that ho had no victim.

After a moment or two tho bell Is again rung twice In rapid
succession. Presto! In an instant everything is changed.
The " artist" slides his cards into the box. The cappers gather
round the table. Stacks of checks are passed to each of them,
bets are put on the cards, the deal has begun; when enter the
" Btecrer" from the billiard room, and his gull. " The gentlemen
and board of trade men" are deeply engaged in playing.

The steerer takes a stack of checks and commences to play,
while the sucker sits down behind him to watch tho game. The
former wius, of course. The cupidity of hist victim is excited ; he
readily sees into the game if he did not before understand it, and
begins to bo anxious to win himself. The dealer grumbles
occasionally about itsbeingabad night for tho bank, and affirms,
with an oath, that everybody's beating him. Some "capper'
relates how a man went into some bank this afternoon with a
$5 bill and broke tho concern, carrying off about $3,500. A
drink or two having been by this time administered to the

BOND.

good (Iriuk of liquor,

Ilc'll Ro and see the
r, of course, uulcsa ho
to the " brace room."
loiu, while the stocrer
'he room is brilliantly
e table, mocUuuicully
if cards.

attitudes, are some
liom are asleep on the
•ibbago, or some game
3r discrssion arc the
rhaps one relates, in
I oath, his exploits of
pany how much I win,
It tense. Possibly the
his or that dealer, the
d subject. Their lan-
isphemous. Presently
5ro servant answers it,
single ring at the bell

n rung twice In rapid
?erything is changed.
:. The cappers gather
issed to each of them,
egun; when enter the
full. "The gentlemen
Ted in playing,
id coniracncos to play,
watch the game. The
m victim is excited ; he
iforo understand it, and

The dealer grumbles
irtho bank, and affirms,

him. Some "capper"
Ic this afternoon with a
ig off about $2,500. A
le administered to the

SECOND-CLASS SKINNrNO-nOUSKS.

" sucker," ho is (piito ready to arquiesco, when his "jyirnd,'*
the "atoercr," passing over to him a stark of clieck.s, addresses
him with, "Hero's ton dollar.V worth ofciiip.s; put In another ton
with it, and we'll try our luck together, by jingo! We'll go
halves, win or lose."

The proposition is apparently a fair enough one. Ho puts in
his $10 and loses. He puts in then another #10 to retrieve his
first, and again loses, and continues to do so until he is cleaned
out. When this Is accomplished the "cappers" gradually with-
draw, and the game breaks up.

A dozen of suckers may bo playing at the same time, under
the guidance of as many different stcorers. A competent artist
will manage that number as easily as one.

The game being ended, the steorer leaves the house with his
fleeced victim, and, when he has shaken him off, which he does
aa soon as pv^ssiblo, ho roturnc to the den for his division of the
spoils. Ten per cent, goes to the case-keeper, forty-flvo per
cent, goes to the bank, and forty-flve per cent, to the "steerer,"
who brought the victim.

This is the division made, unless the "sucker" happens to be
some Influential person, and fleeced while drunk, and who, when
sober, will " squeal " for his money. In such a case, the bank re-
tains all the money for a few days, until they see what the victim
intends to do. If ho remains quiet, it Is divided ; if he " squeals,''
or threatens thorn with the law to get it back. It is returned to
him, either in part or the whole, as ho can be induced to settle.

Tho forty-five per cent, which goes to the house belongs to the
proprietor; out of which ho gives his "artist" his share, after
the expenses of tho establishment are paid. This worthy gets
generally alout twenty-five per cent, in second-class sklnnlng-
houses. Tho cappers get only whatever the bank chooses to give
them, throe or four dollars each, according to the length of
time they were employed, and that only in a long game with
heavy winnings.

All second-class skinning-houaes use nothing but rounds and
strippers. Not one of their proprietors would bank a game
dealt by the best " fifty-four " player in the country. He might
lose, and nothing could have a more disastrous effect on tho
internal economy of the keeper of a second-class skinning-house.
They play for roped games; one half of tho winnings go to the

212

V7ANDEKINGS OF A VAGABOND.

" steorer," after ten per cent, has been deducted <"jr the jase-
keeper, from the fuU amount fleeced from the vcitim. These
house? are comiucted on the same principle as when tirst estab-
lished, thirty years ago, except they are furnished more gorgeously
and the keepers of tnemhave now less fear of intrusion from the
police than fori'^erly. They have discovered the strength of
political influence, and themselves and their satellites generally
vote in a body for such magistratts as they think likeliest to
favor their thieving operations. It would be impossible to give
anythmg like a correct estimate of the number of places of this
sort at present in this country. Before the close of our tivil war,
it is possible that, throughout the country, as many aa two
hundred established robbing dens of this sort were in operation
throughout the laud, including both North and South; but at
the present time probably not more than one hundred could be
found. They increase and decrease according to the times, and
more particularly with the amount of money in circulation. They
are located exclusively in our large commercial cities. Small
towns will not support a skianiug game; but there are pomts of
transient visits, whenever the sharpers learn of a place where
any fat subjects may be found, that may be robbed with a two-
card box. It is possible that tbe city of New York contams fif-
teen established second-class skinning-houses, that do not set
suppers, and that do play for "roped gc-mes." Tb-- are located
on Broadway or on the cross-streets not far from it, and always
witnin a short distance of the first-class hotels. Phiiadelphia
supports from four to six of these delectable institutions; Balti-
more one or two ; Boston, two or three; Washington City, during a
session of Congress, from four to five; Richmond, two or three;
Charleston, during the winter season, one ; Savannah, two or three;
Augusva, two; Atlanta, two; Montgomery, one; Mobile, four;
Ne^v Orleans, from three to five; Memphis, two or three; Nash-
ville, one or two; Louisville, fcnr or five; Cincinnati, • "o or three;
Indianapolis, generally two; St. Louis, from three to lou.-; Chica-
go, about the sanis; Kansas City, two or more; Leavenworth,
one; Omaha, one; St. Joseph, one; Denver,oneor two; St. Paul,
the same; Pittsburgh, Toledo, Columbus, Cleveland, BufiiUo,
Rochester. Syracuse, Saratoga, Albany, Providence, and other
cities of the same size, have at least one " brace-house " each, and
sometimes more, which depends on the moneyed " suckers " either

IBOND.

deducted ♦"jr the jase-
om the vcitim. These
jle as .vheu tkst estab-
uished more gorgeously
ir of intrusion from the
)vered the strength of
lieir satellites generally
they think likeliest to
i be impossible to give
umbjr of places of this
16 close of our civil war,
mtry, as many aa two
i sort were in operation
»rth and South; but at
1 one hundred could be
)rding to the times, and
iiey in circulation. They
mmercial cities. Small

but there are points of
learn of a place where
yr be robbed with a two-
' New York contains flf-
lious'es, that do not set
tnes." Tbos? are located

far from it, and always
ss hotels. Philadelphia
table institutions; Balti-
Vashington City, during a
Richmond, two or three ;
; Savannah, two or three;
lery, one; Mobile, four;
(his, two or three ; Nash-

Cincinnati, • "o or three;
rom three to iou.-; Chica-

or more; Leavenworth,
iver, one or two; St. Paul,
ibus, Cleveland, Bufiiilo,
', Providence, and other
" brace-house " each, and
aoneyed " suckers" either

SECOND-CLASS SKINNrSG-HOUSES.

213

living or transiently stopping in them. Nearly every capital seat
in the country can boast of at least one brace-house, during the
session of the legislature.

The Pacific slope has been free from these nuisances during
the last ten years, so also have the principal towns in our terri-
tories. This has been entirely duo to the determined hostility
shown towards the sharpers and their practices, by the gamblers
resident in those places.

During th". building of the Pacific Railroad, the sharpers
followed it up step by stop, from Omaha to Salt Lake City, and
beyond, and in every mushroom town that sprung up along the
route, like Jonah's gourd, in a night they built gambling-houses
in which could be found nothing but thieving games. At one
time, along the line of this road, at least three hundred sharpers
were operating, with their ropers, cappers, and other stand-byes,
all of whom were engaged in conducting such games or frauds
as waxed card monte, .«ii;ippor roulettes, marked cards "vingt-
et-un," red and black lottery, and three-card monte. On all
the railroads building at this time, or that will be commenced
west of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, are or will be found
these pests of society, practicing their swindling arts on the un-
wary, and they will not cease to do so, unttl the legislatures pass
severe Jaws for the purpose of punishing, as they deserve, frauds
at gambling.

PATENT DEALEBS OR ARTISTS.

Of the different methods of cheating at faro, none have been
invented by sharpers, or even gamblers, but have principally
emanated from the brains of mechanics. The fruits of their
genius were eagerly seized upon by tlie sharper, the price paid
being generally the furnishing of capital to test the now work,
and division of the profits with the inventor, if successful.

The first requisite vrnr a suitable person to work the invr nticrh.
The inventor might create, and the sharper might fully under-
stand the value of his production, and where it might b'. made
most profitable; but neither were able to execute the nect-ssary
maneuvers, even on the most verdant player, not to mention a
party of suspicious gamblers. At least no instance of the kind
has ever fallen under my observation. There is scarcely to be
found at the present time, a smgle keeper of a first or second-

^-i

<i;

214 WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

Class skinning-house, who can manipulate a two-card box, or, in
S any of those tricks at faro, which are constantly m use
thee These operators, or "artists," ae the:' ar-, termed, are, as
a general thing, young men, some but little better han boys
but averaciuR from eighteen to twenty-five, who have been
peeked up and educated by master sharpers for this purpose.
Care trained with the greatest care, -til they are njace
perfect in the role required of them, and which they must play
before an observing, and perhaps suspicious audience The
{east la*k of skill, the slightest want of confidence in the" elv es,
or the most t.ifling mistake, would be certain to lead to the de-
tection of the fraud. Plenty of men have learned the science of
pumng?wo cards, shuffling, stripping, and stocking a trimmed
S to perfection, and can do it in an unexceptionable man-
Srbeforrthose o their own ilk, but place them before even
tZ mos verdant, who are to be taken in by the maneuver and
JhcyTse alTeonfldence in themselves, a^d^re totally unable to
operate upon them. It requires years o: constant practice for
?he most of men to become accomplished brace dealers. Occa-
sronaTy one reaches pre-eminence in his profession, m a year or
Bionaiiy, uuo ioc«. wutxnnvc.v one becomes

but such is not often the case.

an hilt BUCh IS UOl OllCU iu« j^twc- '■ "-

m^re than commonly skillful, his fame soon spreads among those
SSs tribe, and he is eagerly sought after by the master-sharp-

''tr^^SSl^rl'^L^lly taken from among the cappers, or
ca^ Lepers, I any of them show aptitude for the protession.
ITfltt thei individuals demanded half the Plundej, ^^"* ^^
fheir Tmmbers increased, their interest in the games they deaU
lradu>rbecame smaller. They receive at the present time m
fecond-Ls houses, from one-third to one-fourth of the profl s,
and in first-class houses, ten to fifteen per cent. In some a. is
J^laSc establishments, a. for instance that of Chamb^rla™' ^^
nT 8 Twenty-fifth street, and at Saratoga, they rece ve a fixed
2arv of $75 per week with board and lodging. The increase in
JSenumberorthese dealers, and the dec^ in the number of
hon-s o? this sort sinco the war, has induced tho bosB.sharpe.s
to take advantage of their artists in this respect, or, in othei
words, has compelled them to "steal" for wages.

These persons, or very few of them, outside their brace-dcal-
Jabmty.S 'never shown any skUl as card-players, and very

- timimwMm.ita"

BOXD.

a two-card box, or, in
tire constantly in use
lie:' ar-, termed, are, as
itle better than boys,
■five, who have been
pers for this purpose.
, until they are made
which they must play
icioup audience. The
ifidcnce iu tliemselves,
tain to lead to the de-
I learned the science of
id stocking a trimmed
unexceptionable man-
lace them before even
1 by the maneuver, and
d »re totally unable to
)' constant practice for
1 brace dealers. Occa-
pvofossion, in a year or
;Vhenever one becomes
on spreads among those
er by the master-sharp-

n among the cappers, or
tude for the profession,
alf the plunder, but as
in the games they dealt
re at the present time in
me-fourtb of the profits,
per cent. In some aris-
that of Chamberlain, at
oga, they receive a fixed
)dging. The increase in
crease in the number of
iduced tho boss- sharpers
this respect, or, in other
for ■wages.

outside their brace-dcal-
as card-players, and very

SECOND-CLASS SKINNINO' -HOUSES.

215

little or no business capacity. Wore they thrifty, they might
be masters, instead of slaves in their profession; because their
money could purchase them an equal interest in the frauds
which they operate ; but they are not. Money is a burden to
them, and if iboy possess it, they are restless until they play it
ofif against faro, or l-^s-- it in betting on horso-raciug, or spend it
extravagantly on themselvts or abandoned women. They take
no thought for tho morrow, but literally leave it to take heed for
the things of itself. Of the many who have sprung up since the
invention of brace-dealing, not a dozen out of tho number ha/o
Lad forethought enough to secure to themselves a home, or any
provision against a rainy day; though among them are but few
that might not have accumulated a handsome competency.
When impoverished and out of employ, which, with them, are
synonymous terms, they are the most miserable creatures on the
face of the earth.

KOPERS AND CAPPERS OF ARISTOCRATIC SKINNING-HOUSES.

These houses, as I have already mentioned, are always loca-
ted in large cities, or crowded watering-places. At one time,
during the war, New York supported as many as ten, and now
can boast of four. Washington has every winter, up to 1870,
supported from four to five, but the scarcity of moneyed suckers
has induced them to sell out, and abandon tho pUwje in disgust,
and ''Ichabod"may now be written above their former gran-
deur. They are generally temporarily opened at the State
capitals during sessions of the legislature, for the accommodation
of such wealthy law-makers as desire to make or renew the ac-
quaintance of the " tiger." Immediately after the war, three
were furnished and fitted up in New Orleans, in the most gor-
geous style, by some enterprising spirits who bore in mind the
lavish manner in which wealthy merchants and planters^ad
formerly dropped their money on the green tables, but these
were now impoverished, and tho sharpers soon discovered that
a single house was all that city would support. Previous to the
war, Charleston was every winter blessed with a magnificently
appointed skinning-honoe, but since that little "unpleasantness,"
the sharping geniiy have found but Ihin grazing there, and
have abandoned it entirely. Savannah still supports a fashiona-

j'wit tf*!^ *, '^ ' f j " t! ! U^'A ' • '

WB jwiwWWiu ii I ' l IJ i-

1 i!

■1 .■

gjQ -WANDEBTNGS OF A VAGABOND.

ble (Icn, Which is considered ono of the best paying inr.titutiona
of the sort in the country. ui„uw

For more than thirty years, Saratoga has supported a highly
aristocmt c Maison de Jru of this species. During the war, as
Tny i hreo flourished here, but the business i« a P-sent
Conducted by a party of sharpers who have «" ^^^^^^
thing in their line, to the utter exclusion of their brethren ana
who have there built and furnished one of the most magnificent
of these houses to bo found in the world.

Of their artists and cappers, the former are paid f om $40 to
$75 per week, and the latter, as is everywhere customaij, are
dependent on the generosity of the bankers.

Newport has enjoyed for thirty years a skinning-houso, which,
if reports are true, has been a very profitable one to is owners,
one of its principals, James Watson, died a short time since,
leaving an estate worth about $2.'>0,000.

ills only since the commencement of our civil war that a first-
cl^ house of this sort has been fitted up at Cape May but

ev^y season the place was visited by ^^'^-^/^ «'^Xls But a
we cities, who operated in their rooms at the hotels. But a
S of prominent Philadelphia, sharpers, seeing how popular
?hrpl^ewTbecomingas a summer resort and the numbers
who flock the.e during that searon, at once divined how advan-
Cons abnsiness might bedone there, and bought and magnif-
icently furnished a residence for that purpose, where they
entertain «u™Pt«o««^y such members of the moneyocracy as
can upon thS, for which they collect their score, with a two-

'"'Every aristocratic sk-nning-honse has its aristocratic loafers to
"cap" its games, who, from time to time, receive the axjknow-
ledgments of the proprietors,;., the ^bap^ «f ^. ^^^ "-^ 5^° ^2
biU Occasionally, when employed for a long time, and the bank
has made an unusually large stake, even twenty or twenty-five
dollars may be given to each of them. As the case-keeper stands
a Se Wgher, in these mansions, he is more mun flcen ly paul
Jhan these gentlemen; but in most houses he is entirely depend-
Inron the generosity of his employer. In some, however he
receives a regular salary, as those houses I have mentioned m
Ne^York and Saratoga. The ca«c-keepers and eappe s^^^^
usuaUy changed as often as once every mon^Y n order that their

Buj.m,! j »ii i«i .mr" '

OND.

i paying iD:,titution8

i supported a highly
During the war, as
isiness is at present
! monopoUzed every-
: tlieir brethren, and
the most magnificent

are paid from $40 to
whore customary, are

cinning-houso, which,
l)lo one to its owners,
cl a short time since,

■ civil war that a first-
up at Capo May, but
adic sharpers from the
at the hotels. But a
5, seeing how popular
lort, and the numbers
;e divined how advan-
id bought a!id magnif-

purpose, where they

■ the moneyocracy aa
leir score, with a two-

ts aristocratic loafers to
e, receive the acknow-
le of a five or ten dollar
long time, and the bank
twenty or twenty-five
i the case-keeper stands
more munificently paid
s he is entirely depend-
In some, however, he
?« I have mentioned iu
epers and cappers are
lon^^V M order that their

SECOND-CLASS SKIXXIXfi-noUSES.

217

continual presonco about the gaino injiy not excite suspicion
amoivij; its liahilin's. Asido from tlio proprietor of tlicsc brace
games, their rojiers are often lawyers, doetors, lirokers, horse-
dealers, inercliants of ail dcseriiitions, hotel and coflbe-houso
proprietors, and others en;j:a;^ed in puldio life, all of wiiom have
undoriiiiiic tlie ordonl of a two-card liox l)el'ore becoming such.
These imiiiaculate j,'eiitlenieM arc careful of their rcimtation,
and allow none, except the propnet(U' of the Louse for which
they are operating, to suspect their true calling. They seldom
meddle with any, excei)t those dupes who have their thousands
ready and willinu; to hand over to a two-eard box, and such as
are certain to make no loud complaints after their losses. This
class of fastidious ropers only iiitrodueo their victims to thedetis,
though they may, on sonic occasions, cap the game, by way of
encouragement to their dupes to play. Half a dozen of these
may meet in one of these houses, each with his "gull," without
having the remotest suspicion of each other's calling.

The next on the list is the practical roper, lie is a man who
has been well raised and who moves in good society, and has an
extensive acquaintance among business men, and men of wealth
generally. He bets on races and on short games of cards with
amateurs. He is foiid of display, liberal with his money, of
agreeable manners and easy address, and has such other ac-
complishments as will easily entrap men devoted to play or
pleasure, and well calculated for seducing those who have nc
very particular leaning towards either.

When this class of ropers get on the scent of a victim, they are
as untiring ,is a bloodhound. Should his standing at home not
admit of his entering a gambling-house, your practical roper will
follow his prey thou.sands of miles, if necessary, in order to land
him inside .some skimiing den at last.

It is absolutely necessary that the proprietor of these houses
should be widely known as a No. 1 sporting man, be the keeper
of a fa.shionabIe club house, where he gives nrherchc suppers
and the finest brands of liqiuu's and cigars to his guests. The
more widely himself .and club house are known, the more profit-
able will be his business. It is vital toliim, then, toeiiltivate the
acquaintance of .nil who can in any respect benefit his house. In
it may be found officials, from aldermen to senators, and all
other grades who have the one thing here requisite— the almighty

mmf*-

■'I'.IJ

WANDKRINGS OF A VAGABOxND.

218

^ 11 . nn.l nro wiUinc to surrender it in sufficiently lr.rge quan-
m cB^ the iJresS lo' asciuations of the t.-o-card box They

''T- ,., L effecB or ricb wines, he i8 marclicd Into tUe sa...b-

j!5te MS l,amo,al.d tbe roaletto wheel man Isspmnms 1™ ball,
dealing us B!™'-'-" commences playmg agamst

rSa^' JS bo5t a Tmtod dollars- wo«h of checks, l>n.
the to"". O";'"^ ., ,,,»„,i„t„ play; and whether he docs or not,
2:Ts «at d w Itl tie same oenrtes'y. Should he hare but llt.h

Zg to credit bin. with whatever amount he may wish to play
•"IL™ arfsemsh, craft,, and avaricious, and in no cas«

jt^z,. moved by x^''^:^r:7:zTc:^o'

■^^T^:Z£^^' -'- SL" tllevis'e anymeans

lOND.

ifflciently large quan-
two-card box. They
;he respectable clnss-
icnds of wealthy n.?n,
gives to it all air of
10 ropers for it, and
lomcut suspecting its

1 a city, is at onco set
lor the master sharper
on is all that is rcqiiir-
n the bar-room of the
;ly warmed up, he is
upper. Should the fas-
.ent, a carriage is call-
theatre, or perhaps the
shionable boxes. Per-
listriouic is suitable to

prefers visiting one of
id sbariier is at home
vncy houses, and is per-
i. Returning, the car-
use,' into which the vic-

supper, and under the
larched into the gamb-
•rouudcd by his cappers,
man is spinning his ball,
imences playing against
ars' worth of checks, but

whether he does or not,
ihould he have but littlt
aerous host is quite will-
nt he may wish to play

aricious, and in no case
generous impulses which
ire a privileged class of
ailed to devise any means
as the misfortune to come
rob, or use to carry out

SECOND-CLASS SKINNING-UOUSES.

219

their nefarious designs upon others. Whenever they make any
display of liberality, they are prompted by some scllish motive;
and whenever tliey 8i)eud a dollar it is witli the expectation of
making ten. I?y the luxurious feasts which they spread nightly
In their robbing dens, they manage to draw around them tlie
wealthy and inlluential pcr.'^ons of the place where they are lo-
cated, and obtain their countenance and protection. Tlic public
at largo looks upon them as the leading sporting men of the
country. Numbered among their nightly guests are astute
lawyers and politi(Mans, calculating bankers, brokers, and mer-
chants, who regale themselves on the elegant suppers and choice
wines of their host, without casting a thought to the problem of
where the money is procured to meet the cost of suci'. magnifl-
ceuce. Should it ever cross the mind of one of these sapient
"gulls" to inquire how such gorgeous establ-shments are kept
up, his question is answered by his friend, the gentleman-roper,
"Oh! the 'splits' at faro are something cnonmms!"

Reader, the percentage of square faro does not reach two per
cent., and it would require a play of at least C50,000 daily, to
support such establishments as I have described ; and I have
grave doubts if any bank in the world has averaged, daily, for
the 8i)ace of six months, a play of $20,000.

So conflicting are the interests of gamblers and sharpers, that
if the former possessed the power, the latter w{)uld be so com-
pletely crushed out, that not a two-card box could be found
in America. The breaiiing up of the skinning-houses in San
Francisco, and their final oxtirpntion from the Pacific slope, is
entirely due to the efiforts of gamblers. Every person robbed
there was informed of their rascally practices, and urged to
sue for his money back. Men were posted before the dons, to
warn strangers about to enter them, of their character. The
doors of square faro games were shut in the face of ropera* By
these hostile measures, they were driven from the Pacific slope.
Self-defense prompted them to pursue this course. So long as
these swindlers were allowed to operate, tliey cast a taint on
faro-banks in general. While gambling-houses were licensed in
the city of New Orleans, the gamblers did all in their power to
break un the skinning-houses; and succeeded, until the legisla-
ture, in 1836, repealed the act hcensing gambling, which opened
the way for again introducing the skinning games. The sharpers

ijiio i _L i ! i i4,:i).i i jj ii ,f;ji»* « jj;;*;;' *t'* ^ ! >^^^ ^

WANDERINGS OF A Vii C iBOND.

;:. private roo.. to opon^ ^^ Z^.^ 0:^^!^^ '^
hotels, wl.ilc their ropers were "I "" . ° ; " ,^,.,. ^i^iic phico,
c«lTce-h<.use3, hilUard-roo.us, ^^'^^^^ ^, violati..n of
picking up custoraora tor thorn. ^\^^J .'^;;'f '„,\,,h,,m otV the
?he Uuv, tho .nonoy they l^^^-^JJ-; ,^^ ^ Si-" aUng with
police and informers, ho that ^^^y ^^I'j; ;;,, ^ „„t atfor.l to ruu
but slight risk. But t^/'' -|"'^™ «ni^! leSg any game being

$1,000; and square faro cannot P^^ X^,/ "^'^thold in a place,
Wherever the sharpers have °^, *""^,J^J^J^;'' ^n e rex trnva:
they have not failed to outgenera^ '%'mac with men In high
gant entertainments bring them "^ «"";^" ^^^-^^ n.onoy

places, to secure ^^^'^^''T^'l^Z ^^l^^^^^^^ and in
freely. Not, of course, ^^ ^^^'XToZldo^V^o^ bribery ; and
many delicate ways covermg «^«'J^"«^;;;; ^,, elcctiunooring
Bometimos by advancmg a f";"";^"^"" cannot alVord to do
purposes. The square gamWmg ^^^^^ ,, ,,eddling
these things, nor do one m fifty of ^ 'nosed to having square
in elections. The sharpers are g^«f ^ ^PJ^^J^^t^ they Jould
games near their skinning-houses, «J' '\;^;;;^' Tliey fear
prevent it, in the P^-- .-^Sncfbetw:oXtif g-e^. fre-

their dupes may learn the difl«'-e"^° «^ ;5^ ; r^^^ frequenter
qncntopportunitiesof playmgagamst helat^^. 1 ^^1 ^^^^

of tho den of Johnny Chamberlain on T we uyn ^^^^^^

hasbeen for years dropping his mon y ^S^'^ J^ J^^^^^^^^ ^f .^eing

the relief of a single winning, or ^^^^^ ^^^^^ n^^^" „ ^^,, f^ct that

amend win, will "f-^^-S^^rpe S m of

there is something strange m this perpetual , ^^^ ^^^^^^^^^

himself, but in every f^' ^^ ^2\TheZon Johnny's and the
his base, and f^'f^^^^Z!^^^^. 12 Ann Street, or
square estabhshment at ^l^^J™'',^^^^^ places in the

8 Barclay, or ^^^^^^^^^ « ^^^.Suy onhe el^i'^ he rust
city, where, accordmg to tho mtabili^^^^^^^^^ ^.^ ^^.^^^^^^ ^.,^^
frequently win, himself, and a}so see inan> ^^.^

whoso knowledge of the ^^^ ;« n be^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ,,

suspicions will P'^ohably be pret y thorou^ aristocratic

has been robbed scientiflca ly ^^^ '""~;^;^"his, the square
establishment of Chamberlam In ^^-^^^ " ^^^^ ,^,,,,e

KS:;rr S^r^ ^r ^^:ictin.s of the fraudulent

"iff.i^'t^^USE?*""!

SECOND-CLASS SKIXNINO-HOUSES.

icir rooms at the
cts or around tho
Lliiu- i/iiblic place,
ted lor violiitiim of
tima bou^'ht otV tlio
? their caUing with
d not atVord to run
ig any game being

foothold in a place,
ivs. Their extra va-

witU men hi high
ch out their money
t by presents, and in
(lor of bribery ; and
J for electioneering
cannot alVord to do
r think of meddling
sod to having square

fact, if they could
located. They fear
n them, if given fre-
;ter. Tho frequenter
enty-flfth street, who
ist tho bank, without
rratiQcation of seeing
nied to the fact that
il ill lack, not only of
I. When ho changes
en Johmiy's fm<^ the
Jo. 12 Ann Street, or
.mbling places in the
the chances, he rust
ny of his friends win,
cr than his own, his
ighlv aroused, that he
allv, in the aristocratic

ion to this, the square
■0 the sharper, because
tims of the fraudulent

character of his tranniactions, whenever ho can. Under the
Know-nothing regime in Now Orleans, when tho sbarpcrs bocamu
more powerful than ever before or .since, and it is to bo hoped
ever will be again, they raised every obstacle in their power to
prevent tho square games from being openecL In tho winter of
IS-jd, but a single gaiuo of square faro was open in tho city; and
that was located ovei- a livery stable. Tho room was meanly
furnished, and tho limit was six dollars and a (luartor, with a
paroli to twenty-Uve dolL^rs. At the .samo time there were flftoea
bird sui)per (skinnir.g) hoasea in full blast. So long aa tho Know-
nothing party were in power in tho city, thesharpera could depend
on it for protection ; for tho reason that they gave money freely
toward its support, and so long as they could exclude from tho
city, squiU'O houses, so long the charge of unfairness was less
likely to be cast against them. Gamblers wore the only persons
they feared; and during tho ascendency of the Thuga in the city,
were not only ke;'t from opeuing their games, but from speaking
against tho sharpers, by dread of assassination. To illustrate
how anxious wore tho sharpers to have tho mysteries of their
dens preserved from exposure, and their great desire that their
dupes should learn nothing about the game of faro, that might
lead them to suspect they were being foully dealt with at their
places, I shall hero relate a circumstance which occurred in the
city of New Orleans in the winter of 1859. A party of sharpers
from Richmond had opened a gorgeous ostablishmfent on Canal
street. So far as their gambling relations, or the appearance of
them, went, they conducted their house on a more liberal scale
than any other of tho sort in the city. When they could do no
better they were willing to depend on tho odd card which niade
the percentage fifteen per cent, more in their favor than in a
square game^ Or when tho game had around it only small
players, they fretiuently dealt it on the square. What they
principally depended on was fleecing fat subjects who \fcre
roped into the den, or dropped in accidentally. To give their
game every appciu-anco of fairness they introduced cue-papera.
Up to that time the keeping of the cards by pencil and paper
was unknown in that city, or in any of tho Southern States south
of Richmond. This innovation created the greatest alarm
among the skin-game sharpers there. A deputation waited upon
the Richmondites, who were informed that too much money had

•WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

'C S^Snlo^ou^t arise, in ti.o ,nin.l of the roaacr^^y,
if Tho hm ers wc-re - powerful iu tlio city, tlioy allowi-.l any
^n ;m ll^tl^r, and .llvidc with tlunn the u^agniticent hanxs
reaped there every winter with a two-card box I o
answer is ieaU.nsy. Mutual preservation united tho shaipers
S'st lie mrn'rltic party, which, while in power, never ceased
?o ™uto t'^m. Conso, uently, as soon a. the Know-nothings
bargain l ho a-scon.lene; in the city, the sharpers, with one
accor^fwero its steadfast upholders, both by then- activity am
troir money. It was virtually the Know-nothings who destroyed
tho seTere'laws enacted against gambling by wiping out hat
c auso which gave one-half the fines to tho informer. Bu if
these worthier ^ f^l'y I»'»t«'^ted in their n.J: ries, a burning
Sd and "alousy exited among tl^m. Each w^ -;'«- «
the other's influence with tho authorities, and only fear of ex-
posure kept them on terms of decency and good behavior to-
wards each other. For one sharper to be. ins rumental m
leaking up the establishment of another ^'•'^''^J, 'l^"g^'^«"^ .^„^.
perimeS, as retaliation was sure to ensue. Tho aw against
Gambling was severe, and still in full operation ; but fered no
fX tolnformers, which was to tho sharpers a protection. But
Sd ono of the 0, by underhand measures, break up the den
Stother, revenge' would induce the f-ty-jured o go b^^^^

bese eaused tb; sharpers to respect the -^^^^^^^^
but against square gamblers, who, having no P^rt e" «r mfl"ence
thererwished toopen square games in the Pl'^«''^ f^^.^f^''^^'^^
unit, hostile. They were prevented f"'" °P«"'"^f^fi„ "
through fear of violence from the Thugs, who wor hand in hand
with the sharpers, and ready to commit any outrage at their

% ¥

sent standard and
) into Mio place and
, liiro. Tbia warn-
it tinco abandoned

of the reader, why,
,-, tbcy allowed any
inagnilK-eiit liarvcst
wo-card box. Tlio
united the Hbarpers
power, never ceased
, the Know-nothlnga
5 sharpers, with one
.)y their activity and
hings who destroyed
, by wiping out that
ho informer. But if
n/-': ries, a burning
Each was envious of
and only fear of ex-
d good behavior to-
be. instrumental in
■waa a dangerous ex-
le. The la'.y against
atlon ; but ofifered no
jrs a protection. But
•es, break up the den
rty Injured to go bo-
■mer. In this fratricl-
would bo broKcu up;
I Jealousy might exist
I of their frauds, which
d on a court of justice
leso reasons, and only
) rights of each other,
no particular influence
) place, they were, as a
m opening their banks
who were hand In hand
t any outrage at their

SKCON'D-CT.ASS RKIXTTIXO-nOUSKS.

223

bidding. Just before the breaking out of tlio rebellion, when
political cxcitPinent was engendering a hatred towards all per-
8on.H of norllicrn birth, some of the shar|)erM agitated a move-
ment to have all their northern brethren expelled from the city.
These re-sidenl .sharpers had been conipelleil to look (piietly on
for tlie last few years, and nee others from the North and West,
flttin;,' up gorgecms establishments, which far surpas-sed their
own. The conse(|iience wa.s, that their own business wan de-
creasing, and, blinded by jealousy .and rage, they tried to have
the new-comers driven from the State. Feeling ran very high,
jusi then, against all persons of northern birth, and those who
inaugurated the movement might very probably have succeeded,
had not their activity in the matter been viewed by a portion of
the skinning fraternity as a dodgo of the cxpulsioniata to In-
crease their own iiiterest and Influence, an<l a .suspicion that
when the obnoxious northerners were gotten rid of, the next
move of the expelling i^arty, who wero the wealthiest .sharpers in
the place, would bo to crush them out, that they might have the
monopoly of the skinning trade all to themselves. Nor were
their fears entirely groundless, if one may judge from another
move on the part of tho oxpulsionists, a few months later. They
offered a large sum to procure a bill, log-rolled through tho leg-
islature of Louisiana, licensing gaming, but confining it in
New Orleans to three houses, each of which three housea
should pay $75,000 per annum for its license, the nassage
of such a bill would have thrown all the gambling In tho city
into the hands of four or five wealthy sharpers; but corrupt as
was tho Legislature of Louisiana, at that time, it dared not arouse
the just indignation of all the decent people In the State, by the
passage of such a nefarious law.

Self-preservation and mutual jealousy were tho centripetal
and centrifugal forces, which held the oligarchy of sharpers to-
gether in New Orleans for a period of nearly six years. When
tho Thugs wero driven from the city, or, at least, the worst ol
them, this oligarchy fell asunder. Its support was gone. Nino
square gambling-houses were established in tho place within a
month after that event, and in three months more but three
skinning-houses existed in tho city, and these were not paying
their expenses.

WAXUKRINOS OK A V.UlAnOND.

!|i|

!■'

cuvrri'. 11 XX.

SUAlll'EKS.

It wouia scorn that the ^-tain-Ue.! of «ll^r '^;^^;
tunc is tl>o accumulatum o .. • J'^ ^ ^ „.,,,„; ..f the

Ireland, ami Sctlaml Las-, ' '' ,;,\ ,1, .,,,(.o(. .,wn tho

entiio lands n, tl.o .^; '" ^"\^''^', ' l^";, ,,,,,, «ineo, nhow lUat sho
lation ..r Uv.Mt Untani, t'^^;^'\ ' '^^^ ?' rollec-tioi will h1u.w that
haa l,0,«),(H)0 i)aupus, . .„,„ ^-iiiy of want, .is nuiny

In tho bacdiRVound ol ^'''^ "'''.''' ,i,"i,J,,,eo Weallh is ll.o
more must bo cnduvin,' ^''r,!" f a no . < cruelty. It ban
mother of prido, '^aud, exto. mn, i-U no^ ^n l > ^^^^.^^

divided mankind into «''^;-^' * , "^^ !" ...'fu-d lluMU.pidity
and..hiUlv.-n ^^f i'jf ^^t;,.^ " l^hU mUme, and coated
of nun, roused all that ^\^"l^\ i,;,my por cent, of

schools for tho education of tho ha. . . 1 ^,^^

the cultivated classes wo.slu pie .^^ ' , „, t,.„ ,i,ut3

brotherhood of nvan ; conse.iu H ;;^^" ,,/',;, i,an sbarpors.

of th,.ir h^l>o-.t'->;;7 »;;^^^^ ue' 1 and tare sunn-tu-
What are the mynads -f I''^^^^' ;;^„ ^^j,, ' i„t shari.ers / Or
ously every day "J"'" 'j" ^ l^^ ^,X^ uy fosterin, "n.an'sin-
what arc tho hordes of huv>us, nvu , ,,,,„,ertv, instead

Uununity to n,an," and cc. usnn^ U>c n^ t^ <;» p,^ , ^^ ^,^^^^^^^^^^^

"Vl"u iS"'"^.^ u SaUve halls to give his voice in
who linds Ins s^ ito o r .^-, ^^ ,^^^^^ ^^^^.,,,. ^^

I '

MD.

ill our social ralafor-
iilcvcr ciiiiiitry a few
liirger ixirlinii of tlio
leir wife. KiiKlaiid,
lopilliUioll of illtoilt
.l.oul '^1),<M)() own llio
iliitiHticsof till! i>i>l>u-

hIuco, hUow llial hUo
Icc'tiou will Hliow Unit
y of want, an many
ciico. Wcallh \>* llio

and cruelty. It has
Dor a«aiii.Ht nci^ilibor

U'liiptfl the iniiiitlity

naluit', anil crcatcil
Ki^lny por cent, of
I calf, and iRnoro tlio
y pr.oy upon llio vij^lits
or lfs.s llian Hliaipor.^.
(oft, and faro Huniptu-
lor, but sharpens / Or
Uy fo.slerint,' "man's in-
lU of i)roperty, instead
I cultivated m-oundrel,
Us to Kivo his voice iu
^rs wealth and power to
any, is only a sharper,
dispensiu'.,' .justito with
s vet leniently disi)osed

So loni,' as the more
■mittcd to use all their
the purpose of enriching

human race can expect
y. and "the beasts that
ih has becouio a virtue,

nnARi'ERs.

225

(Vmid has almost ceased to be a crime. "ITad not I seized the
pri/.e, nnolhcr would have done do," Is the balm that (|uiet.s tho
con.Hricntions scruples of the plunderer. ('nnsiMiucntly, swin-
dlin;,' and fiaudnlent transactions of all kinds have become
cviiy-ilay occurrences in all brandies of trade and IniluHlry, and
amon.r all classes of society. In tlio breathless hurry-scurry
Hcraiul)ie for wealth, few iuen arc really strictly iumest ; tliey
salvo their consciciico with tho Ihouiijht that when they have
aecunuilated what riches they desire, they will be so, but as tho
passion for wealth increa.ses with its accunuilation, an nonost
man is altnut as hard to Ihid as "pearls in ocean's midst."

What has caused all the sanguinary wars that have devastated
countries, and left them hopelessly im|)ovcrishcd and enslaved f
The desire of more possessions. Who brought about those wars
but scheming sharpersf If we except the few noblo souls who
have seized tho sword in order to free their country from tho
chains of tlio oppressor, like Spartacus, tho (iracchl, liicnzi,
Washington, 'i'oiiss;iint L'Oiiverture. and Uolivar, tho Rreat mass
of military heroes, m wlioso honor jjcans have been miiiK', and at
whose feet tho world has fallen down to worship, have been
nothiufx umro nor less than a set of cut-throats and plunderers.

Why then should we be surpriscl to fiiul the sharper plying
his trade nniler the ^uise of jramblin^'? It is as natural to lind
him i)layin(,' false cards, loaded dice, etc., as to find him selling
his vote in the leui.slativo halls, his decisions njioiv the bench,
or buying; up tho necessaries of life, in order to oiu'ich hhnsell
upon tho necessities of his sniVeriuK countrymen. These crinioa
are conmiitted daily, ;ind their ))erpetrator8 not only ro mi-
whipped of justjee, but the world considers them venial sins, to
bo winked at ami passed over, for they sit in hlKh places and
roll in wealth, j;ivin« to their dear live hundred friends, sump-
tuous entertainments in 8[)lendid mansions, built from tho fruits
of their dishonesty. -

I'ossibly, cheating at cardo is coeval with tho hazarding ol
money or its o.piivalent. That such unfair dealinR should be
viewed by tho fleeced jtarty as criniiual, is but natural, and that
they should punish the sharper, if ablo, is also ipiito natural, and
he richly deserves it. for doin<,' his work in such a bunRling man-
ner as to be detected; the main object beinp; generally to wrest
from him tho plunder, and, after that is accomplished, to admin*

5J26 WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

ister a sound drubbing to the offender. We frcqv^'lf r^J^^^^^

d tooted sharpers being thrown froni ^^^f 7«^"\J;' ,";';; -^ed

stairs in Europe by their -f^^Z!^'^^^^^^^
to l)olieve that one case of this soit has '<^^n na

before he was aware of it, hnd hutibeii acuiib ^u
tlvrnwu oaenl)acli will not allow Chalcas to give up but half the
, ;i,nn thl^)rince3 of Greece detected their high priest ring-
"^ u: TvS d e u on the n Unveiled from the ruins of Pompeii,
"fv f d S^: skeletons of men around a g-ing-table, the ^ce
S cia ohed in their skeleton fingers, a speechless evidence that
hrP^ohuis were in the habit of rattling the " l,larsted mbs "
Prom the writers of Home we learn that gaming was extensively
hZged in by all classes during the empire. Many of the em-
^e^^^^Zoiitca to have been gamesters. Cahgula made o
hrmUce a gambling-house for the nobility. We are told that
rK,S 8 hazanied about sixteen thousand dollars on the throw
Sal a Se sum in those days. According to Horace, the
cojng of d ce was as well understood in the days of Augustus
riafas it is in the nineteenth century: and if many of the
writers of the iLst two centuries are to be credited, in their time
Tore harpers San dupes existed in Europe. It is a great m^-

S; «rlbout the genuine sharper ar^ Ins mysjerK>us op-
erations, than those of the present day. ^^'^'^^^IIZZ,
troduced into Europe, m the early part ''f ^^^f .f f ^^"^^^J'^SS
there arose such a rage for S^^''^^^ ^'^^^ ^^^ '"''^JZ^ ^^^^
did it spread throughout the country, t'^-'^V tL v^ niis
that all good men should endeavor ^« f^'^^?^^^^ .^J^'/^'^ ;, .^ a
VTT f>f Prince issued an edict against it, but it had no entct lu
lupinCsS it. Many of the clergy traveled through the country

OND.

Ic frcquoPuly rcadof
o\v3 or kicked down

I am imich inclined
been magnified into
it would bo rather a
w one of these gentry
3 "little game." From
y were but little dis-
1 the thrower might,
;ting the role of the
() give up but half the

their high priest ring-
1 the ruins of Pompeii,
gaming-table, the dice
)cechless evidence that
g the " blarsted nibs,"
;amiug was extensively
ire. Many of the em-
Bi's. CaUgula made of
ity. We are told that
I dollars on the throw
cording to Horace, the
a the days of Augustus
■ ; and if many of the
) credited, in their time
ipo. It is a great mis-

their imagination for
le present day, when I
ling the tables on sharp-
s, blowing out of brains
T, millions won by black -
ae two latter centuries
' and his mysterious op-
. When cards were in-
3f the fifteenth century,
to such a fearful extent
that it was quite natural
;heck the vice. Charles
t, but it had no effect in
lied through the country

SHARPERS.

227

preaching against it ; but, as it was as prevalent among them aa
among the laity, their exhortations had little or no efl'ect, nor
could legislation check its growth. The most powerful weapon
of the opponents of gambling was the accusation of swindling,
nnd it was used so unsparingly by preachers, writers, and law-
makers, that the uninitiated, in reading their records, are in-
duced to believe that nothing was to be found in Europe except
gambling-sharpers. Doubtless many existed in those days; we
read, and know how they spring up in times of excitement ; but
I am far from being disposed to believe that so many ever ex-
isted in any one country at a time, as exists at this present day
in our own, or that any sharpers eve. existed who were so skill-
ful in devising means of chea,ting at play, and putting their iirta
into practice, as those of the present day. England is the first
country witliin my knowledge, that passed laws making cheating
at gambling a punishable oflense. During the reign of Queen
Anno, that law was tacked on to an act prohibiting gambling,
and as the document is rather a curious one, I quote from it, for
the reader's edification: "The statute further enacts, that if any
person cheat at gaming, and at any one time win more than £10,
he may be indicted, and shall forfeit five times the value, and
shall bo deemed infamous, and shall suffer such corporal punish-
ment as in case* of willful perjury." Since the passage of the
foregoing law, no sharper can pursue his calling in all the king-
dom of Great Britain with impunity. Should he b6 detected in
cheating, while playing at any game of hazard for money, he
stands in danger of the law, and, upon conviction, may bo con-
signed to a felon's cell. And to-day a similar fate awaits tho de-
tected sharper in every country in Europe worthy tho name of
civilized.

In tho early days of our country, the existence of the sharper
was not so pleasant as now. Running about the country with a
fast quarter-horse to ring in upon farmers and tho like ; hii'Tng
tho privilege of a race-track, and the while being obliged to keep
a strict watch upon his cappers, dice-coggers, thimble-riggers,
two-card pullers, strap players, trigger-wheel players, etc., lest
they should sink on him— it was no easy task to watch and man-
age such a gang. Nor were his labors a whit less while travel-
ing on a steamboat, with his gang of strikers plying their calling
among the deck and cabin passengers. This lino of business was

WA^-pEmNGS OF A VAOABO^'D.

not in all cases pleasant while on these excursions ^lienwotake
futVcousideiulionthathe ran cuusider.hle risk ot bom, lynched
oVsot ashore in some . ,hl cuae-hrakc, should one ot i>'-\";<^^ ^
be caught iu the act of chiselinji some verdant passengei. 1 h(.>o
ro,X days for the sharper are now over. Ue now may bo
Sd .n his gor,^eons club house, surrounded ^>y «very uxmj
am attendanc'e for which the sensualist nu;,ht w,sh Instead of
prowling about the country in search oi v.clnns, they -lU e ly
S op int^o hi. trap, or are roped in for him by Lis BuborduuU s^
Ins ead of being persecuted and driven from place to plate by
S officers of the' law, they are now his friends and c^unons,
and protect him in his swindling operatmns, or 'f ""Vi;"/^« \'^^^^^^
are conveniently bUnd to his acts The '";'"'"'''7;: J '^:^^\'^f,
ho sprea.ls draw around him both the makers of laws and their
cKcSandho is more than repaid hy their protecnon and
the l^lspectabihty .vhich their presence adds to h.s house and

"TlL sanded cards were played out upon gamblers, and sharp-
ers were forced to fall back upon greenhorns lor «<n>iwv , tl oy
could obtain more of that stock by setting up a shop and wa.t-
Sorthem, than by running around the country "J ---^ ;;J
nrev At first they opened small trap, m the by -street., near
Te^princlpal hotels, and frequently set np their games m heir
bednn^ms at hotels, whene their ropers brought hen Mct.ms
From the opening of these dens dates the marshaling of our
pi-esent army of ropers, cappers, case-keepers, and artists, under
the command of our leading sharpers , f,.K^i,i„rt

For many years the gamblers of this country lagged far behind
their brethren in Europe in the fitting np of costly gambling es-
tablishmonts. At the beginning of the present century the gamb-
lin-r-hells of London were fitted up in extraordinary style. 1 ho
funiishing alono of Fishmonger's Hall is said to have co.st
£40 000. Previous to 1837 all the gambling-romns m thiscoun^
try ivero fitted np and conducted jmrely on the democratic pnn-
ciplc. Such articles as carpets, curtains, or a «"»^';^'";»-;^;. y™
entirely unknown there. Even chairs were scan-ely tok.ate L
They wore usually located on some back street or alley, and
frequently in a cellar. To furnish these it only '•e'l"'^f; ™
chairs, and a few tables an.l benches, and to strew the lloor ^nth
sand or sawdust. No liquors nor drinks of any sort woro furmsh-

Lii^r^' ■ ,iat'',.'l^\SO.T ,-'

S'D.

jions, wlicn wo take
kof \)oiiiy; lyuched,
I ouc ')niU&lrikoi\s
I pa*soiiy,(.T. Those
lie uuw may bo
ed by every liixuvy
it wish. Instead of
ctims, they (luietly
)y his subordinates,
u phico to plaec by
(Is and coini)aint)ns,
or, if not quite that,
nilicent leasts wliicb
rs of laws and their
heir protection and
ds to his house and

jamblers, and sharp-
iis for support, tliey
lip a shop and wait-
country in search of
the by-strcots, near
their games in their
•ouglit tlieir victims.
lO marslialing of our
jrs, and artists, under

itry lagged far behind
if costly gambling cs-
■nt century tliegamb-
wrdinary style. The
3 said to have cost
ig-rooms in this coun-
the democratic prin-
or a side-board, were
ro scarcely tolerated,
c street or alley, and
it only required some
1 to strew the lloor with
any sort were furnish-

SHABPERS.

229

ed by tho proprietor, except a pail of cold water. Many of them
were, however, located convenient tosome rum-mill, from wlicuco
refreshments could bo ordered. Besides faro-l)anks, could bo
found those of roulette, chuck, vingt-et-un, etc. To these places
all sorts of characters had entrance during ilio houis devoted to
play, and to preserve order at least one bully was maintained oa
the premises.

When men wearing polished hoots and boiled shirts wore too
exclusive to play in company with the " great unwa.shed " at
faro or roulette, private games were opened for their convenience
in the ht)tel or some other convenient place. As the people grow
prosperous their Hpartan virtues gradually retire from tho field
and allow liixurics to creep in upon them. How should gamb-
lers bo expected to escape its insidious api)roach? Tlioir patrons
demanded private rooms, decently furnislied, in order that they
might not be jostled by tho unclean, tho uncouth, and the ruf-
fianly. The first genteel gambling-rooms fitted up in this coun-
try were opened in the city of New Orleans, under the old license
law. These were closed in 1836, and shortly afterwards a re-
spectably furnished gambling establishment was opened in
Richmond. After tlio suppression of gambling in \e\v Orleans,
Mobile became tho favorite gaming place in the South ; and as
early as 1837 several finely furnished rooms were opened there.
That is to say, they were furnished with carpets, curtains, side-
boards, etc. The games played in these rooms wero principally
faro and roulette, andallgenteel-looking persons wore permitted
to play at them. Tho rooms in which faro was secretly dealt,
in the French quarter of tho city of New Orleans, after gair.bling
was suppressed by law, were usually fitted up tastefully, if not
extravagantly. Hut at tliis time, excepting these and those
mentioned as in Mobile, aiu' one or two in Richmond, but very
few rooms, where square faro was dealt, weredccently furnished,
in tho whole United States. Tho faro-rooms in U«i-ge cities like
New York, IJoston, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and
Louisville, were of the most jnimitive description, located in the
rear of some doggery, in by-streets, and frequently in cellars.
In such places would congregate men of nearly every grade and
calling, for the purpose of " bucking tho tiger." Near the close
of the Slexican war, gamblers in tho Northern aiul Western
States bcgau to take an interest in fitting up, for the accommo-

^ WANDEHINGS OF A VAGABOND.

•*' ^.w.nt'iiiio fiu'o -rooms.

a.,„.or .«W« -;; -rS^aCl .0,; aeauug
If tlieso cities liad ^'^"^''"l^^'-^rtis i cau tiucl ni eviUcuco ol
iZo games of ' '- kiud^eion> «4 ..^^^^^^^^^ ^^^,.^^^. ,„ ^

tSe fact; and I ^^''"\ ^^^;';X ciuciuuati, and St. l.oms. Ho
garding the cit.os ot l;*;^^^;* ^^^ ,ii n.^t-clasa skiuniug-dens
custom of scttiug meals, a"^"!'^;;/^/ , ,,,ies, or.gim-ted under
and many square ^^%'''l'^l^^"^^^,s. establishmcats had
the old license law J" ^^^^^fifaecommodation of the propne-
their kitchens and tables to the ainners, with clar-

tor and his employes P'^l 'X,uoon at three, to which the
et wine, were seized «! > '^f^-^^" manv of his friends and
proprietor was in the hab.t o in <t m ^^ ^^^^

patrons. After ^1^° ^^^PP'^'^.^French P^^^^^ «f the city, through
?ooms run by stealth m ^^^J/^^^.P," \,eh- guests gratuitous
the connivance o the r«j7^;tom was adopted by some of the
dinners and suppers. The custom ,^^ Baltimore and

Mobile gamblers, and f "^^^'^ ^r, o 'orating in the Eastern or
Richmond. None of the K^f '^^^.^P^ f^^^^^^^^ previous to 1855.

Western cities furnished ^^f ^^^^^dX'^^^^^^^^ '"^ ''' "''' "'
I believe the fir.t attempt of ^^^^^J^^ „„ ,^, pacific Coast
New York. None of the l^^'^o f^*^' ^^ .yuen Stepen Whipple

Tver set a table, with ^^^ ;^^'XZ\n the cfty of San Francis-
opened his magnificent ostablu^hmenm the y ^ ^^ ^^^

CO, he gave to his yX'^^'^^'l^^Tvoom. no professional
finest kind. But ^f ^^''^^^'"^are game, on the Pacific
fSHnrtht^-erroflSSseve^ furnished meals to

^CfiTstfashionableskinning-hous^^^^^^^^^^

in 1832, by two ^l^-'-PJ- jX J, C^"nd. as a sharper, stood
former was a nat^-ve ^^ ^"™;' ^^rs he conducted a f^i^h-
pre-eminent. For more than t^««ty ye ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^

Fonable house in Was^.nigton auj tuejema ^^^. ^^ ^^^^^^^

^hich he met must ^« f "J^^^'^f.^^^e had st\ll acquired the
Poorly raised and J^'O^-^^ ^^^f '^^ "^^a a way of ingratiating
Hianner. of a perfect e^;;^'^^^^^^^ ^^ those of influence aa
himself with such wealthy P« /^^^he magnificent display
^•ere devoted to Pl=^y^,^f J^^^^of uis table, which, for rare

t^:^^:^^^^^:^^^^ ^^ *^^^^ -'''- ^''"

tJID.

)cct:iblc favo -rooms.

rooms for cicaliug
Uud m eviUcuco ol"
,y siil'ely bo maiio ro-
lud St. liouis. Tlio
-clasa sliiuuiug-tlena
ies, ongiui'tcd under

cstablishincats had
[vtioa of tbo proprie-
;il dimiers, with clar-
tbree, to which the
ly of his friends and
3C8, many of the faro-
n of the city, through
le'r guests gratuitous
loptcd by some of the
uses in Baltimore and
ing in the Eastern or
trons previous to 1855.
as made in the city of
i on the Pacific Coast
When Stopen Whipple
ho city of San Francis-
's aud suppers of the
rooms no professional
e game, on the Pacific
ver furnished meals to

13 opened in Washington
ton and Marshall. The
and, as a sharper, stood
ars he conducted a fiish-
remaikable success with
js own peculiar talents.
3 had still acquired the
ad a way of ingratiatmg
id those of influence, aa
The magnificent display
liis table, which, for rare
ssedbythoseoftheweal-

SHARPSRS.

231

thicst in the laud, rendered his house, during a session of Cou-
«;refes, tho resort of the rich, the omiueut, aud Ibe povveriul. Jlr.
Marshall, the couQdcutial artist of Pendletou, was a ualivo ot
Keutucky, and I shall hero close the mortal career of this geu-
tleiiKin, as far as I am concerned, by stating that he made ten
fortunes while with Pendleton, of all of which he got rid, cither
by the most reckless extravagance, or bucking at faro, and
finally died a luiserablc drunkard in his native State. They also
planted Pendleton, a short while previous to the rebellion, and,
though a reckless t', endthrift, aud an extravagant liver, he left
to bis widow an ami*ij fortune.

The success of Pendleton's trap incited the sharpers of :\rary-
land and Virginia to come and do likewise. Consequently,
from 1833 up to tb'c present time, the office-holders, oUice-'-.ek-
ers, lol)bvists, claimants, strangers, and their high mightinesses
of both houses of Congress, have had every winter from two to
eight skinning-houses in which to loaf, sup, aud be fleeced of
their money, whenever they played the unequal game against
the two-card box.

Fashionable houses of this sort were about this period opened
in Richmond and Baltimore. From these cities the sharpers
extended their operations to Philadelphia, where they opened
one or more in the summer of 1830, but they received such bad
treatment from the roughs and black-mailers in that city, that
they were forced to abandon their enterprise. Between tho
years 1844 and 1845 they obtained a foothold there, and since that
period Philadelphia has never been without two or more fash-
ionable skin games.

In the year 1840, an Irishman named Pat Hcarn fitted up, in
Barclay street. New York, a splendid suite of apartments for that
purpose, where he entertained his customers with suppers of tho
"bird" style, and " braced" them to pay the expense. From the
b6st information I can get, I believe this to have been tho first sklfi-
ning-houso opened in New York. Hearn, before his advent in
New York, was employed in a notary's office in New Orleans, but
his profligate habits and passion of gaming caused him to lose
his situation. After spending a year or two loafing around the
licensed gambling-houses in the place, the proprietors of one of
them gave him a situation to attend at one of tho games, where
he remained until public gaming was suppressed. While there

232 WANDEEIKGS OF A VAGABOND.

Uavmg, \^^'^'^\' ;^' S\'ii,\vUom he came iu contact, and those
;;:;:fS"^^^t;M^-nd.I.atnea.n a congenial

Ueam -^^^J^^^rZ extravagant style until he
his fortunes, and lived u i ^^^^^^^^ ^^.^^^^^ j^ter-

camo to New lork, ^'^^^^^ ^^ about twenty years,
ruption, to carry on '^^f ^^ » "^^r"" ,^,„y sharps titled up fash-
Meantinic, during that uiterv^ i.^W ^^^^^^^j them with

ionable «k""""g-^-"tsv^ ^elosed'f^^^^^^^ of patronage, ^vhile
various success. ^^''"^ ^^J^" '7' eiviu-' frequei^t interruptions
others were broken up f"^'j ^^^^.^'^^'f;"; ^ero compelled to close
from ^ho vowdy element ; and "«* a lew we ^^ ^^

,y the extortionate ^-^^^^^ZZ bis position, and
the years, however, 1 at "«'""; . ^..^t. His superior

weathered every political ^^o™- >>„ « "^^^^^^^^^ ,,^^1, fat subjects
,opi„g and entertaimng 'l^J^'^^^^JIi^^;^ ^'aithy classes. His
belonging to the "^j^''^ "f^J^ ^^^^^^^^ way, made

genial manners, profuse li^'^^^l^ty, ana ^^ ^^.^

Lu a favorite with ^^-^^^^^^^^
till- r support, luc money <im. i ^ ^j^.

,,.ib„t»d among the cWo6 of 'I"" I'°''"^/°'"l'^, ,,, while he
„,.d him »S»^J\ -SXZ,^nSd°o p,ey'„po„ hlc,

?:i: ^u srsr;;;".CHri.»^d to ..« ..

widow about $W,000. „„„nnf1 in New York, which

The flr.t sovgeo™ «Ui"»;"S;I'"^»™ Jp^int located there, or

could bear any compansoii ■» *;f ^, '''^"'^ ,,, „ company

";T "' ^Tn Sr ™ SSr eSl«t .as elrrls-

? „r.?"h;cis p»Jf .»a^„^;' ■-at r^. Tz

snm was expended ;° '-^f-fXlSlf alarge -hare-
t^^rX^:^T:ZlTJ:\ h.'.ho>e attention , .en

Congress was not in session.

S'D.

auy of its wealthy
I, luid beiug a man
ial dit-iiosition, aud
ibli huuiur, be coui-
. conliKt, and tboso
lleani a cuiigeuial

in the place saw in
is lie Boou recruited
igaut style until he
duiost without inter-
Lt twenty years,
arps titled up fash-
;onducted them with
t of patronage, while
equert interruptions
ro compelled to close
police. Through all
ed his position, and
ro tact. His superior
den with fat subjects
wealthy classes. His
f-handed way, made
nd they ^avo to him
which he secretly dis-
force in his ward, en-
se satellites, while he
ricd to prey upon him,
lim within the meshes
s-agant habits, at his
managed to leave his

led in New York, which
■csent located there, or
ittcd up by a company
stabhshment was chns-
>ported that a fabulous
fitting it up. It was
Q, himself a large share-

i whole attention \ aen

SHARPEES.

233

The house did not at first take well, and would probably
have proved a failure, had it not met with a ricli subject in a
cashier of one of the city banlis. This defauliing gcutleniau
dropped in the house, at varioi-s plays, about $7l»,000. Expect-
ing, no doubt, to make his losses good, ho requested Mv. Pendle-
ton and his associates to keep his losses from tlio public,
but the "swag" was too big. The fir.st desire of a sharper is to
acquire money ; the next, to let the world know of his acquisi-
tion. The cashier was arrested, and his enii)loycr8 sued the
"Crystal Palace" for the stolen money. But Pendleton ran
off to Washington carrying it with him, aud the .sharpers se-
cured tlieir prize, but, in cunscquoncc, the "Crystal Palace" was
broken up by the authorities.

It was about the counncnccmcut of the rebr 'ion that the fa.sh-
ionablo dens of New York first acquired an assured foothold in
that city; and, since then, they have been able and have bidden
deflauce to tho attacks, both of the police and black-mailers, be-
ing protected by tho higher city officials. During the last decade,
alftho proprietors of these places have become wealthy, though
always living in tho most extravagant manner. Several of them
have cither country-seats or finely stocked farms within a short
distance of tho city, while others live in palatial city residences,
supporting the most extravagant style. A few have stables of
racers or trotters, while some are managers and largo share-
holders in some of tho po])ular race tracks around tht> city.

Tho first skinniug-housc of which Boston ever could boast,
was opened there in 1844, and conducted by a man of tho name of
Lyman Brittain, with tho assistance of three or more other sharp-
ers. Their houses proved a success, and induced others to try
their fortunes there, by opening and conducting similar estab-
lishments. Those who failed did so more from want of patron-
age than any hostdity shown towards them by the authorities.
In no place in this country have .such places been better protecf-
cd by those honorable bodies than in Boston, ilr. Brittain run
his house in Boston until about 18G4, when ho went to New
York, and identified himself with one of tho most aristocratic es-
tablishments of the kind there.

Two years afterwards the wwthy gentleman handed, in his
chips, which di' strous event was caused by sizing up too
heavily against the brandy bottle.

234 WANDERINGS OF * VAGABOND.

I .avc already stated t.c — Mn ^ch^ Z u'^T"

followed tbcir calling subsequent «;^'' ''PJJ^",^,, ,„,„ucr in

mittiug public gaxumg 'l^^^^^^^\Zovsiol>. .ovoC.^o

wbicb tbey kept '^''\,^^^'l^^ ^.^^^^^^^^ at tbo botels.
tbern in by-streets or m tboir 8ie^>iug ^ ^jgr

Wbeu sued for tbo money or «l'«"«\^^^jf;,"S one and
was generally compronuBed^ .^V'-eUm migbt « squeal/' the
fears were mtertanicd that tl^o ^ "= ™ ^J ^^^ ^^y ^r a few
sharpers too. alaUeornversteamei and left ^1.0 y^^^^^ ^

days till the ^^^^ -^.^^r buJis fS about twenty .rs,
manner they conducted f <^''^^,":'V^'i.:o„j^mo skin-game. The
without once attomptmg to open a fa h.onabl^ g ^^^

first of the f'^^ «7;J^^:;irftUTlessee, named Allen
was supermtcnded ^7 ashaipei uom ^^ ^^^

Jones. The greatest care was taken "o^" ' ;^ barbarians,
within the house become know n to the ouu.

This institution, during the ^f'^'f^l'^^J^l Noplace, having
$55,000; ayomrg Portuguese Jew a ba^^^^^^^^^ ^>^^^^^^

lost $30,000 of the money. ./5\f;;!^';i^o^,,and dollars, and
some of his compeers subscribed «evemUh«^;„
with it caused the obnoxious ^^^^i^-S^' "° '^.j^i,,, .^vc to the
its most dangerous and °^7«/^f^^i^;;f;n8.5 two' additional
informer one-half the S'^^- ^^ *^^^;;°f,^ ^o "dd dignity to the
ski»ning-dens were «P^°f .l^J^^^S t^c most encouraging
^^^^ "' "^ILSrnrXSf^m nearly all pax.s of the
success. Sharpers now S^^" . ^^ -^ the fittmg up

earth to that city, and vied ^^h jach o^'
and furnishing of magmficent 5,^;^Jf ^^t no finer tables
being at that period ^''^^^^^''^J^/j'^^^^^^^
could be found in the world than ^^^t^ ^^^^^^^^^ ""^h one of these
these houses. ^^ was con-d^d a poo s^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ,^^^

when it did not clear $40 000, '^^^ .""joq qoq during a single
known to make in the neighborhood ^'f;'^/^,,,.^,,^ that
winter. It was durmg these Inely tjmes^ and Chicago, but

Tiffi>*i-'J^*««'-

"t»

SHARPERS.

ass

yhich the sharpers
)cal of the law por-
and the mauucr in
ickors to bo roped to
301118 at tho hotels,
iiforniers, tho matter
was a largo one and
night "squeal," the
loft tho city for a fow
In this uudorl' .d
about twenty irs,
iblo skin-game. The
3 winter of 1853, and
messee, named Allen
, to let what weuo on
outside barbarians,
i for its owucrs about
or in tho place, having
,ng winter, Jones and
thousand dollars, and
ig law to be stripped of
jat .which gave to the
■ of 18.54 two additional
J, to add dignity to the
tho most encouraging
nearly all parts of the
other in the fitting up
hments. Now Orleans
narket, no finer tables
J were nightly set out in
season with ono of these
me of them have been
1100,000 during a single
imes for sharpers that
isville, and Chicago, but
pport more than ono or
believe that during the
ati never supported less
iveorsix. The sharpers
)ui8ville, Nashville, or St.

Louis, during tho war, these cities being In a great measure
imdcr military rule, and, to tho credit of tho military authorities
be it said, they showed no mercy to sharpers, while they in no
way interfered with regular gamblers. Tho military detectives
found out tho character of each game dealt within their stamp-
ing ground, and swindling sharpers and their operators were not
tolerated. Many were anrstod in Louisville, Nashville, Mem-
phis, and St. Louis, and other places wlieio military authority
prevailed, after they had opened their houses, and some of them
wore imprisoned foi- months, and not a few set to work on tho
fortifications. Small wonder if, after that, •' ind all tlieir ilk
kept strictly beyond tho power of mi' authority. But

scarcely a town orcity of any size existed, auring the war, in the
East or West, which did not support a skin-gamo. I believe
that Chicago had at no time less than three, and some of tho
time six of these, which were furnished in the most extravagant
manner, and all of which kept tho most luxurious tables.

That the reader may have some idea of how openly the swind-
ling transactions of which I havo spoken are carried on, and in
what a barefaced manner tho articles which I havo described
arc oflered for sale, I append tho following copy of a circular
which is publicly sent out, accompanied by the little book therein
mentioned, containing fac-similes of tho backs of the marked
cards.

[CUT OP EAGLE. ] '

H6 cither fonrs hia fato too muob,
Or liis deserts are Hraall, ■, ■

TVlio daro not put it to the touch,
And it'in or lose it all.

E. M. Grandixe, 41 Liberty Street, New York,

Manufacturer and Lealer in Advantage and Marked-Back Play'

ing Cards, by wliich you can tell the size and suit,

by the Back as well as the Face.

EVERY STYLE OF BACK CONSTANTLY ON HAND.

These cards are an exact imitation of the fair Playing Cards
hi use, and are adapted for Bluff or Poker, Seven-up, Forty-
five, Euchre, Cribbage, Vingt-et-un, or Twenty-one, Loo, and all
other games of cards, where knowing just what y( ur opponent
holds in his hand would enable you to win. Square i;'id Marked

fV . 1

hi Mil

■WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

rards cut to order for Stocking Uauda, for every groao. Also
f"o bot Lay-out., and Tools. l^oulotto-NVWs, K^^
Ivory (ioods, liougc-et-Soir or lied and 1*1^'^.^'^^""%'^^^
ICther and Anchor, over and ^uder Seven L:gha^^^^^^^^
Dice and Faro Clotlis, and every variety ot Spoiling Imple

ill L wn\l to favor mo w tli tlieir order. Lspetiaiiy is

from U>« very best »c».mc.l au 1 " «» Vl ''^ ,u,° will ,o sort

r,;To of ta*Lpo.'».»l>lo-l'™l' acco,.l,auylug, aud.boy w,ur»
forwarded to a»i/ address.

SPECIAL NOTICE.

Anv Of tliese goods ^vin bo sent by express C. 0. D. (collect on
^r^JvvMf so desired, express charges at the purchaser's ex-
deliveij) If so f^^'J^^' \^^.^^^,,,ic. 0. D., to the amount o
pcnsc. "^"^^ /""•'', „,«,,nn n donosit of l.'i per cent, must

SlOOadepositoflOpei cent. xn». ordering, and

in case the goods are not taken by '^^ ^^^^^'^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
this rule will not be departed from No gocul. sent t i ^^

tories C 0. D. in less amounts than S~5. urueis
Amounts must be accompanied by the money^

Customers will bear m mind that in the "^ .'"^'"J i* ;

where the price of single If J- ^^^ S^-n th ^ - be sen
closely sealed, postpaid, for that price. The price per a
uet; freight at purchaser's expense.

lOND.

)r every gftoao. Also
D- Wheels, Keiio-Sets,
III Ul.ick, Uoulotto,
!vcu, Eight and Tea
y of Sporting Implo-

board, which, though
10 Hiuno pattoruH, is, iu
111! inferior to a Faro
to be obtained in thia
vo the greatest variety
Liark and Unish.
heroin advertised, are
ing goods for practical
• m-dor. Especially is
ro Checks. There are
made from green, uu-
y worthless. Especial
1 my Checks are made
ality of ivory imported,
and using will bo sent
ish for Cards, state the
auyiug, and they will be

iress C. 0. D. (collect on

i at the purchaser's ex-
). D., to the amount of
iit of 15 per cent, must
'd, if at my risk, and for

secure freight expensea
10 persons ordering, and
^ goods sent to the Terri-
m $25. Orders for less

noney.

1 the ffdowing price-list,
given, they will bo sent

The price per dozen is

SilAUi'EKS.

2:J7

Parties living at a great distance, where the express charges
would 111' very lieavy, can have Uieir cards sent by mail by iho
dozen or half-dozen, by remitting, in addition to the price per
dozen, $:} extra for postage, on oaeh dt)zen packs, and I will
guarantee safe delivery.

I hol<l myself rcsponsihir for all money sent by registered let-
ter, aXm postal mone if orders,

PRICE LIST OF MARKED CARDS.

Per pack, any stylo on sample sheet, postpaid by mail, $1.25

Ono dozen by ex[)ress for ....----. lO.OO

Two dozen "' " " ........ l^.O'J

Three doz. " " " 20.00

Six dozen " " " -.---.-. 480!)

Ono gross '.' " " 85.U0

DEALING, SQUARE, AND ADVAXTAGE CARDS.

I'EU TAIK. WAX DOZ.

Hart's Linen Eagle Faro Cards, squared for dealing, $ 1 .50 $.1 5.00
The same cut in any form, either wedges, rounds,

and straig'ats, or end rounds, 3.00 30.00

Spanish Monte Cards, 75 6.00

Ordinary Cards, cut for strippers, brief, or any

other style, 1.23 9.00

Three-card Monte Tickets, 1.00 8.00

Flag-backs, marked, per pack, 1.50 12.00

Any of the above cut for strippers, 50 cents per pack extra, or
$3 per dozen.

FARO BOXES AXD TOOLS.

Square Dealing Faro Box, German Silver, extra heavy

silver plate, $25.00

Two-card Faro Box, top sight tell, improved lever, best

in use, 60.00

Back up, second card box, for Red and Blacks, - - 35.00

Card Press without cover, 6.00

Card Press with slide cover, compartment for dealing-
box, lock and key, 10-00

? r

gag vaNDEBInos of a vauauonu.

card Press BamouH above to hold a dozen packs, double, ^ flJ-OO

Card I'uucUes, steel,

.' Bllver, with binge, '•

Trimming Sbears, double edged cutter,^ ' ■ ■ '^^^2

Kuito, mnall, ..'.'.'..' 50 (X)

" laruo, ■-'''''' ^ e (111

Stripper Plates, to U80 with knife, per sot 5.

Case-keeper, Cards, Wooden Markers, J^'

» Composition Markers, ^^;;-

« Uuest painted Ivory Markers, * " " J ""^'^

Chock Racks, _ ^ qq

" " small, , " ri' '

Card Hox, to hold Checks, Dealiug-box, Cards, Case-^ ^^ ^^

keepers. Curd-racks, . . 2.C0

SluiOJing IJoard, ", " , " i ' ' * ' l SO

Ruled Cue-pupers, or Faro Tabs, per hundred, - - J-

n *^ « ^ «- per thousand, - - - •''*•""

BROADCLOTH AND OILCLOTH SPREADS.

Broadcloth Faro Lay-outs, best quality, - • - - " » •

u i< " mounted on board • • - -'•i"^'

u «• " on fold-up board, - - - 28.00

Enameled Oilcloth Faro Lay-outs, " * " " * ' ' IJJJ

Broadcloth Roulette Lay-outs, 7 feet ^J /i douWe, - - 50.00

Enameled Oilcloth Roulette Lay-outs, 3 ft. by 3 ft. 9 in., 0. o

Red and Black or Rouge et Noir Cloth, largo, - - - ^y^l^

« " size Faro Lay-out, ^^'^^^

Eight-Dice Cloths, '" oq^^

Ten-Dico " , "ii"

Feather and Anchor Cloths. Emblems-horse head,

anchor, feather, game cock, leaf, and star, - - - i"-"
Mustang or Horse Head Cloths. Emblems-horse head, ^^^

anchor, club, spade, diamond, and heart, - - - ^^^^
Sweat Cloth, large gilt figures, - - - - " . ' " [ g^oo

Over and Under Seven, " " ' „ . ..

Different styles of above painted to order, same price. ^^
Old Faro Cloths repainted for - - •

icks, double, tl4.(K»

4.00

lO.(K)

ys.ito

ao.oo

SOW)

5.00

12.00

irj.oo

'"< (II)

crs, • - - • ~o.»'>'

5.00

4.00

Cards, Case-
50.00

2.00

drcd, - - - 1-^"
saud, - - - 12.00

OTB SPREADS.

$18.00

board - • - 23.00

,oard, - - - 28.00

10.00

• 4i double, - - 50.00

ft. by 3 ft. 9 in., 10.00

largo, - - - 1800

...... 14.00

IC.OO

20.00

ns — horse head,

ndBtar. - - - 10.00
inis— horse head,

[heart, - - - lO.OO

...... 5.00

".'--- 5.00

to order, same price.
8.00

SIlAKl'KUd. 230

F A U U C 11 K C K S .

fiwT ieconh

tJL'Al.lTY. yir.M.iiv.

1 1 1'K'bM, plain ongravlnj(, per hundred - - - (^^.(M). 28. (ct
UMci •■ " " ... [\r,m. :«M)0
Ij '• '• « ... 37.50. la.w
U " fancy ongraviiiK ** ... il',m. ;i().(KI
11). 1(1 .' " " ... a/.5(). ;J2.:)0
ij .. " '< ... 4().(M). ;r..(Mt
Coiiiitloto Faro Kit.s per sot, ' $80.00

Compri.shiK tho following: Extra heavy plated Dealing-box,
COO 1 i inch Composition Ivory Checks, 1 Oilcloth Lay-out, 1 Case-
koeixM-, 1 Chock Rack, and 1 Card Press.

Conipo.sition ivory Chcck.'i, per sot, $30.00

Per hundred, fcr any less than sot, 0.00

Tho above comprise in each set OIK) li inch Checks : 300 white,
200 red, 100 blue, with Markers, Coppers, and Splits, in neat fit-
ting box, and the same :^ sold by other parties for $50 per set.

POKER CHIPS.

Parties sending for Poker Chips will please specify the number
wanted of each color.

Ivory, size 1 inch, per hundred, $10.00

u « li " " 12.00

(I << l| " " 14.00

Composition Ivory, U Inch, will size up 4.00

Bone, cut to measure or to sizo up, I inch, per hundred, 3.00

.< «« '< li « <' 5.00

li « <• ij '« « 7.00

II « « If " '' 9.00

« « «< U " " 12.(p

DICE, ETC.

Set loaded Dice, best Ivory, 9 Dice, 3 high, 3 low, 3
square ; warranted sure, exact imitation of common

Dice, $5.00

Set 3 High or Low Dice, 2.50

Three Square, to match, .----.-.•• 1.00

I. \

! ..I

240 WANBEIUNGS OF A VAGABOND.

Feather and Anchor Dice, i iucb, per set, SiO 00. li'^^^^^J^.OO
Mustaug or Uor^ehoud Dice, i inch " 10.0 • ^^ ij-^^
liox lor ihro win- above lor i inch Dice • 2.o0. 1 i-^u

Roudo Balls, ci;rht m set, size U inch - " ' " ' ' g'^j^

Eight-sidedTop Dice, that you can spin high or low, and

force your opponent to apiu as you desu'e, - - - ^^-^^

Dead Props per set, 9 in set, . '. 2.50

Square Props, 4 in set,

KENO.

Consisting of Globe and Stand, I'roof-board, 100 Cards, ^^

90 boxwood Balls, ', ,' „/i

Keno, very handsome Onish, consisting of Globe and
Stand, Proof-board, 2u CMrds, best style, Tally-
board, 90 boxwood Pegs, and 90 boxwood Balls, ^^^^^^

medium size, " lOO Oo

Same as above, with best Ivory BalLs, - - - - - •

Extra large size, same as above, with best Ivory Balls, ^ .>.00

Boxwood Balls, ^ " * 2'i 00

Keno Cards, per set of 200, 3 rows figures, - - - -^-^ "^

" 100, 9 " " {«• '"

« « " 50, 18 " " J«-^

I, ' u It 200, 3 ♦' " *"•""

SPECIALTIES.

The Sleeve Machine, for holding out, or playing extra cards,
the most perfect piece of n'.echanism ever inventedfor this pui-
tTcse This article works in the coat-sleeve noiselessly, admi s ot
holding the hr-nds in the most natural manner, requires no lalso
movements, r'^d weighs about /o«r ounces. This article isman-
ufactured by no other firm in this country, und is guaranteed o
be all it is advertised. Price, with full directions for use $3o 00.

ntlit and Left Snap Roidette ^Vheel. small, for high or low
numbers, G inch center, price $20.00.

The Bl-eastworks, or " vest hold-out," concealed m vest front
and worked by the foot with spiral coils and catgut. Price
$25.00.

;0NI).

SiO.OO. liiicb, $14.00

10.00. 1 ■•

14.00

2.50. 1 "

4.00

. . - -

6.00

« - - -

8.00

U or low, and

ire, - - -

2.50

12.00

- . - -

2.50

d,100 Cards,

$45.00

3f Globe and

style, Tally-

xwood Balls,

80.00

100.00

t Ivory Balls,

1?5.00

100.00

s, ■" - - -

25 00

18.00

15.00

sr playing extra cards,
r invented for this \nn-
vo noiselessly, admits of
mncr, requires no false
3S. This article is nian-
•y, und is guaranteed to
rectiuns for use, $35.00.
, small, for high or low

concealed in vest front,
)ils and catgut. Price

BIOGPwAPinCAL SKETCHES.

S41

The " Bug," a contrivance for playing an extra card, utterly
defying detection, price $1.00.

This accommodating gentleman, after enumerating many more
articles, under the' head of sundries, but with which we have
nothing to do, they being articles in legitimate use in vaiious
games, and several books on games and the manly art of self de-
fense, informs his patrons that all his business is confidential,
and appends his full name at the end of his circular with as much
confidence as if the articles which he advertises were an mesti-
mable boon to his race.

CHAPTER XXI.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

It has become the custom of newspaper and magazine writers,
when thoy have designs on the pockets of some wealthy individ-
ual, to treat their readers to a biographical sketch of the victim,
enumerating his virtues, and endeavoring to force upon the world
at large the idea that he is a benefactor to his race. If the sub-
ject of their adoration be possessed of any vices, these they are
careful to keep in the background, and if he has oppressed and
impoverished many, while feathering his own nest, a discreet
silence is kept on that point also.

These sketches generally commence : " Of all the remarkable
men of our age," or, " One of the self-made men of our times." As
it is my intention to marshal before my readers a few of the most
prominent sharpers of the day, I shaii class them also as "th^
self-made men of our times." All sharpers, or nearly all, are
essentially self-made men. Most of them have sprung from the
lower, and, in many cases, the lowest order of society. The ma-
jority have not received even a common school education, and
not one in ten, in their boyhood, had any moral training. Some
of them have schooled themselves, after arriving at manhood;
but many are entirely destitute of any education whatever. I
shall now introduce to my reader,

1 1 ii

; ^:^

f. .i

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.
MR. ELIJAH BKAGGS.

, • 1 ir> thA hirkwoods of "iientucky, near
He was born ^nd ra^d n t^e backwo^^^^^^ booU-learnin,

tbe northern hue of leuucssee. lu i \-„(,wled<ve of the

Luk into the veriest i^^^ig"'^^-"^;;- 'J j^ ,^ Z^r^^ quarter
high arts of eard-pUvymg, ^^^^.^'^orr in ^^^h^
horses, andthe bnteheij^g of onesn^^^^^^^^

tlfic manner. Hero had tlio ^^"'if "'J^,'^^ J-"'"^ ^i.^ bowie-knife,
and the only law in force, thao of ^^^^ ^"J^^^"*^, *i,tv^^^^ a small
The Skaggs family, which ^^^^.^S ^f.^f an A^^^ to
farm, from -^-\^^i;^'''tt itZlL'.^o.. ambitious
keep them from starvation. ^^^ oui> particular

Bonl soared above these ««f ^^ Pj.'^^'^'^rs^^ Ho ^as

genius, wa« Elijah, tbe subject of this present se ^^^

I steady, sober, and industnou y""^^' jf .„3i„,tely fond of
avoided all ro^^^^^ eye ah uthhu to see^vhcro it
xnoney. and looked ^^'^^ ^;Zalon^^ about where he lived,
was to be made. In the r^^i^^ ..aiablaig than anythmg

there was more «^«°«y ^« ^4"^j^,f, "died the science of card-
else; consequently, young Skaggs sUiaieai .^^giderably

playing, and, a\^«!;?^;,^.;;:'lw' By. h^ prudent habits,
more about a pack of <'.^[*^^/^;^° '^^ he managed to accumulate,

r'^"^if the'lVs t^SiblTabout two thousand
from among the bojs |» "'** ° j- g^ aspiring a youth

dollars, a large ^"^^^^jS'to be xpected that so much
as young Skaggs. B^V^'.^^' ^g^^^, half-civilized settlement
genius should ««f Jji^^ ^^^^^^^^ times no! So Mr.

lu the backwoods of K^entiicKy. ^i ^^^^^

Skaggs shed ^t'^^'l^'''''ll';f^'^^^ He appeared in Nash-
and left the roof of the Pate™al Skaggs. He^^ P ^^^^^^^^^ ^
yiUe, dressed in a frock-coat and pants oi ui ^.^^

black silk vest and Pa^ent .^^f^^'^^'^^tound^^^^^^^ ^,^,,,,^
Btanding collar, and around his neck ^as ~^ ^^,^ ^-bich

OKD.

i S.

Is of iientucky, near
.ection, book-learuins
the knowledge of the
and running quarter
rs, in the most scien-
ne'd a hundred years,
; and the bowie-knife.
Mie, cultivated a small
,t hog and hominy to
mber whose ambitious
showed any particular
jsent sketch. Ho was
ho disliked strife and
,s inordinately fond of
lit hira to sec where it
about where he lived,
uQbhng than anything
d the science of card-
irs, knew considerably
By bis prudent habits,
anaged to accumulate,
3d, about two thousand
for so aspiring a youth
expected that so much
lalf-civilized settlement
sand times no! So Mr.
a suit of store clothes,
He appeared in Nash-
j of black broadcloth, a
oots, a white shirt with
8 woimd a white choker,
ck stove-pipe hat, which
ted, and awkward frame,
1 demure habits, created
ed him to be nicknamed

jver changed his style ol
a, when nearly every one

• m » v } _»]i m M^''Vf

ingijHj»WMW>i| i w ti i War i rt j^ n

BIOGRi-PHICAL SKETCHES.

S43

dressed in the rough, Skaggs still held on to his clerical style, and
his appearance in a mining camp was the cause of considerable
stir and merriment among the minors, which was only surpass-
ed by their astonishment when ho proceeded to open a faro or
montebank, instead of a prayer-meeting, as they had anticipated.

Tho rude jokes made upon his personal appearance, and the
sarcastic retiectious cast upon his habits, passed Mr. Skaggs like
the idle wind that blows. He wanted money, and he knew be
could make it, by his ability and industry.

Ho soon discovered the inconvenience of the want of educa-
tion, and the year after that in which he had launched himself on
the world, hired a schoolmaster to accompany him in his travels
while in search of faro- players, and thus picked up a good busi-
ness education.

In tho meantime he made himself acquainted with the dif-
ferent arts in vogue among sharpers for fleecing the unwary.
He possessed no inventive faculty, but luid a keen sense for de-
tecting any unnatural deviation at play, and whenever his sus-
picions were aroused, would watch for hours with tho patience of
a sleuth-hound, never drawing on himself the suspicion that he
was spying upon them. If successful in unraveling the mystery,
as soon as the game vas broken up he called aside the prin-
cipal sharper putting the trick in practice, n ^d forced him to
divide his future play with him. If unable to detect the fraud,
he tried to purchase the secret, and, if successful, when in pos-
session of it he confined himself strictly to his room until he
could play it to his satisfaction, and when it came to fraudulent
schemes for robbing players at faro, but few better executors
than himself could be found anywhere.

It is said that he watched a sharper manipulating "tie-ups "
upon his customers, for several nights, without being able to dis-^
cover the nature of the trick. Ho was convinced that a decep-'
tion existed, from the unnatu'-al movements of the hands of
the artist while shuffling the cards ; but. more from their
strange manner of running, more particularly, the last four cases
on a deal losing, while the double cards were winning, and this
occurred only when the operator took a fresh pack of cards.
Even this knowledge he could make profitable, by betting on the
double cards remaining in the box, at the close of all deals made
with a fresh pack, and thereby winning several hundreds before

.i | |j fi„uj i ii < oii l >J>' iii * i W i Ji ii <i ' '«»tf'* ' i ' ' I '"i >^ . ' -"t w ^*1 '

244

WANDERINGS OP A VAGABOND.

the sharper should drop on him. But Mr. Skaggs scorned to
take such a mean advantage of a brother sharper; besides, the
trick, once in his possession, would be a hundred-fold more valu-
able to him. Therefore, having failed to detect the nature of
the fraud, he sought an audience with the manipulator, and said
to him, " You're working on your players. I've been for some
time trying to find out what you are doing. Now I want to buy
that trick; you may just as well sell it to nie, because if you dim t
I'll follow you up everywhere you go, till I do find it out, and 1 U
play against your game, and on do^ jle cards every time I believe
they'll win. Take your choice, sell or take the consequences.
This argument being irresistible, after some haggling Skaggs
paid eighteen hundred dollars for the secret, after which ho se-
cluded himself until able to execute the trick to his entire satis-
faction, when he struck his tent and started on iv trip through
the country, to work his new fraud on moneyed gamblers, and m
less than two years time he realized from it about fifty thousand

•ioUars. * j 4. „,„

In this manner he grasped the different arts invented at gam-
ing, and skilled himself in the putting of them into practice. Of
the numerous horde of sharpers who have battened upon suckers,
I mean the keepers of skinuing-houses and the other capitalists,
among them Skaggs was the only one who could skillfully execute
the different maneuvers with his own hands. And also, unlike
these he would risk his money on the square; but always with
the expectation that he would have a shade the best of it. In
one word, in him was combined the qualities of a gambler,

sharper, and business man.

He bought the friendship of every person who added anything
in the way of new inventions to the frauds already known, by
furnishing them with means, if necessarj, to perfect their inven-
tion, or whenever the productions of their brains were m anywise
usefiil to him, he put them in practice. From among the hang-
ers-on around faro-rooms, he picked up young men of genteel
appearance, who, if they showed any signs of ability, he educated
into artists, keeping them at close study until he made them per-
fect manipulators in the science of stocking, and taking two
cards at once. When satisfied with their attainments, he waa
wont to place them in pairs under the supervision of trustworthy
agents, who were generally brothers, cousins, or some other ecu-

i'^ll

OND.

•. Skaggs scorued to
sharper; besides, the
idred-fold more valu-
detect the nature of
oanipulator, and said
I've been for some
Now I want to buy
B, because if you don't
[lo find it out, and I'll
s every time I believe
:o the consequences."
)me haggling Skagga
et, after which he se-
ek to his entire satis-
ted on a tri;> through
eved gamblers, and in
t about flfty thousand

arts invented at gam-
hem into practice. Of
jattened upon suckers,
1 the other capitalists,
could skillfully execute
uds. And also, unlike
uare ; but always with
ide the best of it. In
iialities of a gambler,

•n who added anything
ads already known, by
to perfect their inven-
brains were in anywise
From among the hang-
young men of genteel
3 of ability, he educated
intil he made them per-
cking, and taking two
lir attainments, he was
pervision of trustworthy
Bins, or some other cou-

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

245

nections of the Skagg family. These worthy mentors were well
acquainted with the localities where faro-players might be found,
and they generally took charge of the money, and attended to
the business of the firm. It may be here premised that it was
only to the most tried and trustworthy of hia artists, that Mr.
Skaggs c\'er entrusted any money.

From the year 1853 to 1850, he had scattered over the country,
from the lakes to the gulf, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific,
as many as twenty of these business associations, or firms, as I
shall call them, for want of a better name. Wherever play could
be secured, the agents were instructed to hazard the bank money,
in all cases where anv doubts existed, that any attempt at cheat-
ing might lead to detection. Consequently, their games pos-
sessed every appearance of fairness, even to the most suspicious
gambler. For more than two years his schemes worked admirably ;
but at length the true character of his games leaked out, and a
hue and cry was raised against them throughout the country,
i ill the name of " Skaggs' patent dealers," as they were termed,
was a synonym among gamblers for all sorts of frauds and dis-
honesty at the gaming-table.

Whenever Skaggs was notified by one of his firms that the
bank was broken, or its fortunes at a very low ebb, he immedi-
ately telegraphed for the members to return, and sent out a fresh
installment to fill their places. When the unlucky operators ar-
rived, they were furnished with another stake, and started off to
a new field of labor. He was liberal to his "broken" artists; in
fact, they were seldom otherwise than broken ; he furnished them
with banks, money to pay their expenses, and gave to each 25
per cent, of the profits after paying expenses. From each bank
to which he furnished money, he deducted in advance a yearly
interest of ten per cent., and if his "artists" fell into his debt, he
took their due-bills for the amount.

He nnist during his lifetime have educated and given a start to "
as many as fifty artists, a few of whom made money for him ; but
by far the greater part of them betrayed their trust. All these
individuals possessed, in common with their class, a penchant for
fine clothes, diamonds, and jewelry, and were by no means averse
to champagne and fiincy women. For the supply of these tastes
money was required, and when they had squandered their own,
the money belonging to the bank was brought into requisition.

til;

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

SkaM3 was at various periods concorned ia first-class Pkinnlng-
houses, both iu New York aud New Orleaus, and also speculated
in mules, sheep, real estate, aud bank-stocks. Ar. ear y as 1847
he owned a splendid sugar plantation, within fifty miles of the
latter city, on which he worked about two hundred as likely look-
ing nocroos as could bo seen in the State. He was m every
sense a kind master, and when, iu 1848, cholera visited that region,
he staid upon his plantation and nursed those who were stricken
down by it, aa tenderly as if they had been his own children. Ho
lost but seven of his slaves, while neighboring plantations were
almost depopulated by that terrible scourge ; the ignorant blacks
being left to its .nercy by their cowardly masters, who sought
safety in flight on its first appearance among them.

About the year 1859 he dismissed all his patent dealers, and
took no farther interest in gambling. The war breaking out
shortly afterwards proved his ruin, the slaves berag emancipated,
and his plantation and real estate property greatly depreciated
in value. At the commencement of tho war he was worth a
million of dollars, at its close he was almost a pauper. The loss
of his plantation aud negroes did not affect his energies. He ran
the blockade, speculated in cotton and sugar in and around
New Orleans with great success, and would no doubt have re-
trieved his shattered fortunes, had he not been so strong a be-
Uevcr in the ultimate success of the Confederacy, lo the last
moment he bought its bonds and money, of which he had in his
possession about three millions when that *"«tit«tion caved in.
This was the heaviest blow he had ever received and he never
rallied from it. He stood up to whiskey for relief and fought
manfully for over two years; but it finally planted him at la^t.
He died in Texas in 1870, and I doubt if he was possessed of a
dollar in the world, or its equivalent, unless it was a few acres of
unsaleable land in that State. Peace to his manes !

The ruling passion of Skaggs was tho love of money. When
worth a million he would travel a hundred miles on a stormy
night, on horseback, if by so doing he could rob any one of as
many dollars at cards. He would at times take an even hazard
at gamthng with his money, which fact placed him tar above his
tobe, who never do so suicidal athing. He showed no traits o
g"ne osityor liberality outside his own family or ''^riaveA;^ut
nevertheless, in aU business transactions, was the soul of probity.

t ]m

OND.

flrst-clasa Pkinnlng-
, and also speculated
is. Ar. early as 1847
iin fifty milea of the
indred as likely look-
. Ho wa8 in every
ra visited that region,
)so who were stricken
his own children. He
ring plantJitions were
; the ignorant blacks
masters, who sought
g them.

9 patent dealers, and
lie war breaking out
B3 being emancipated,
ty greatly depreciated
war he was worth a
it a pauper. The loss
his energies. Ho ran
sugar in and around
Id no doubt have re-
been so strong a be-
bderacy. To the last
if which he had in his
t institution caved in.
received, and he never
for relief, and fought
y planted him at last,
he was possessed of a
ss it was a few acres of
lis manes !

love of money. When
red miles on a stormy
ould rob any one of as
es take an even hazard
laced him far above his
He showed no traits of
family or kindred ; but
was the soul of probity.

BIOGRAPHIC SKETCHES.

247

COL,

BRYANT.

This gentleman for many years enjoyed the honor of being
well-known in the Southwest and California. His military title,
of which ho was vain, was, like those of many others in tlie South-
ern States, a greatness thriiPt upon him by his towns-people. He
was a native of Lynchburg, ^'a., and there received an ordiiiary
education. Before he was twenty years of ago he made his bow
to the public from the ring of a traveling circus, where he per-
formed on the slack rope, and swallowed a sword for the delec-
tation of iho audience. Becoming tired of his roving life, he left
the circus, took to himself a wife and settled down in Jackson,
Miss., where he opened a grocery store. Subsequently he kept
a hotel in the same place. In the course of a year or so he cast
this business aside also, and began trading in negroes, and it was
while pursuing this ennobling occupation that he was "dubbed"
a "Colonel. It is impossible to enumerate, at this late day, the
different sorts of business the "Colonel" was engaged in before
he threw them all aside, in order to. devote his talents cxcl'isively
to the green table ; but he had always one or more partners, and,
through some unexplaned cause, a wrangle was the un^ irying
result of any attempt at settlement on the part of the firm. The
consequence of which little misunderstanding was usually a law-
suit, of which the " Colonel " had always an unfailing assortment
on his hands, from which he always emerged second best. But
if his partners "bested " him at law, they gained no material ad-
vantage thereby, for the "Colonel" was sure to get away with
all the available plunder, in spite of sherifls or their auxiliaries.

Card-playing, if I am flot mistaken, wasoneof the " Colonel's"
accomplishments which he learned in early life, though he con-
fined his efibrts exclusively to poker, brag, and old sledge, which
games he played remarkably well. "While engaged in his differ-
ent business operations he played cards whenever an opportunity
occurred, and, having a great veneration for the profession and a
still more exalted opinion of his talents in that line, he finally
cast aside all pretensions to other business, and declared him-
self a gambler. He was naturally a heavy better, and no person
could be found capable of winning more money than he, if for-
tune favored him . He understood the advantages of display, and
spent his money freely with those who were rich, more especially

*■ 1 ■;!.!-

' ,m

,! 1

WiNDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

^hen he had designs on their pockets. He had ^^ J,™;^«^
than twenty men oucht to \^ entitled to, ami wou'd ol tani ^^hat
criTnd borrow what nu.ney ho could, with the predctermina-
Uon of never paying a cent of it. Still.no man in Cah orma or
the SonthwesL'i S^tates had more wealthy and inQuential friends

*1^^r8"dndngTgreat Mississippi land sales, when Brandon
money was almost as plentiful as mosquitoes in the swamps of
Louisiana, that he commenced his gambhng career At that
period ho knew nothing of tho arts of sharpers. But if hojj^^
Slo to fleece the verdant fools who gave him their conndenc ,
wUh a two-card box, he borrowed their money ""'^'-'^ ^'^"""^
7alse pretenses, or induced them to take an interest m his gatnes
and then " throw them off." The following anecdote will scr^ o
to bow the character of tho man, and the lengths he would go
Z obtain money. Charles Cora, the same that ^asjiftcrw"g^«
hanged by the Vigilance Committee of San Francisco m I806,
w^f at the time of the Vicksburgland sales, and those of Jackson
S in 18a5-'36, but eighteen years old. He was an ignorant
Sal an boy, and had been picked up and raised by a woman who
las nio Sper of a bouse of prostitution in Natchez A constant
freque^^t r of the low gambling dens under th^ ^11- 1^« J«" ^^"^
Seof the faro-banks there about $2,0()0. With this mo 7
STwent to New Orleans and won some $8,000 more He then
proceeded to Vicksburg, then the liveliest g''^.'"^^f S P^^^^*^^"^^
the whole Southwest. Gambling banks ^^'stcd, of various
kmds, both on the hill and under tho hill, in log-cabms, board
houses, canvas tents, and in flat-boats.. Vicksburg wa. a great
place in those days, and Col. J. J. Bryant was the l^^gsest gam-
b er in the place, being interested in several foro-banks and
varioua other banks, and was reputed to be worth hundreds of
thousands of dollars. iw„j„n

Corn, on his arrival, started in rough-shod, and soon gobbledup
seven or eight faro-banks, from which he gained about $40,000.
BrvTnt bdn.^ deeply interested in the raided banks, startod in
to get ven Cora was an uncouth boy, poorW versed in the ways
of The world, or the deceptions of men. Tho attention paid him
by so exalted a personage as Col. Bryant flattered his vanity and
fairly turned his head. Tho latter lost no time in carrying into
effect the scheme he had concocted for getting qmts with him.

3JJD.

had raoro assurance
il wou'fl obtain what
th the i)re(letermina-
iian in California or
11(1 influential friends

sales, when Brandon
ocs in the swamps of
ing career. At that
pcrs. But if ho was
him their confidence,
money under various
I interest in his games
g anecdote will servo
lengths he would go
) that was afterwards
xn Francisco in 1856,
, and those of Jackson,
He was an ignorant
•aised by a worn an who
n Natchez. A constant
r th?i hill, ho won from
()0. With this money
18,000 more. Ho then
est gambling place in
lis existed, of various
11, in log-cabins, board
Vicksburg wad a great
t was the biggest gam-
leveral faro-banks and
be worth hundreds of

lod, and soon gobbledup
e gained about $40,000.
aided banks, started in
oorlv versed in the ways
The attention paid him
; flattered his vanity and
10 time in carrying into
getting quits with him.

BIOGBAPUICAL SKETCHES.

848

Ho stated to Cora that ho had lately purchased several thousand
acres of valuable land, which, in a few days, he intended to sell
out, and expected to realize from it a million or so of dollars.
But at the present moment he was in need of money to meet
some small payments falling due, and asked him for a loan of
$10,000 for a few days. It was granted with pleasure. Why
not ? The Colmel's standing was high, and his friendship would
be a fortune to him.

Bryant handed over the borrowed money to one of his cronies,
and directed him to open an unlimited faro game with it. To
this game ho brought Cora and gave him a chanc< to win back
his own money. I have said before that the Colonel was at this
time ignorant of any means of cheating ; but if ho had possessed
a good artist, Cora would certainly have proven a bully subject.
But the best he could do was to borrow his money, and then
rope him in to play, with the expectation that he would break
himself against his own stake. But Cora was in a gale ot good
luck, and walked off with the $10,000 ho had loaned the Colonel.
The latter, though repulsed, was not beaten. He had urgent
need of $10,000 more for a few days, to meet another payment,
which Cora loaned as willingly as the first. The same disposal
was made of tho money as before. Cora was again brought be-
fore it. and told by the dealer he could win it, if so disposed, at
a single bet. He was not quite so greedy as that, but certainly
did win it in a few deals. The day following, tho Colonel again
struck Cora for $15,000, which ho also obtained. The money was
put to tho same use as the preceding $20,000, and again did
Bryant entice his victim to the bank ; but what was his chagrin
when Cora again walked off with the $15,000 in his pocket.

It is hard to tell how much longer this little game might have
lasted, had not one of those meddlesomo and envious fellows,
who, in every community, take such an interest in the affairs of
their neighbors, got tho ear of Cora, and maliciously poisonetl
his mind against tho wortliy Colonel. Cora demanded his mon-
ey. Tho Colonel had nothing to give 'Mm but promises, and ado-
sire to borrow $15,000 more, just to make tho debt an even
$G0,000. Cora was inexorable, and insisted on having his money.
Tho Colonel, in order to rid himself of his importunities, sot upon
him one of tho most noted desperadoes of the place, who man
aged to give him such a " healthy scare " that he took the steam-

250

WANDEKINGS OF A VAGABOKD.

!;!i

cr for New Orleans, Immediately. It i.s quite unnecessary to add
that ho novel received ouo ccut of the $35,000 which he loaued
to Col. J. J. Bryant.

Previous to the California excitement, which called the
Colonel to the raciflc coast, he conlincd his operations to tho
States of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississipri. Durnig tho sum-
mer season ho visited tho most frequented watering places, ana
in the winter spent his time in New Orleans, Mobile, or Jackson,
MississipMi. At this period, his inscparal)lo companion was
Allen Jones, a man whom I shall introduce to my readers in my
next sketch, This delect: ble pair were acquainted with every
business man, sporting man, professional hum, or planter, m tho
whole rcgi.^n, who could play a gaiuo of cards. To such lats as
they could sldn in a rough manner at games of short cards, they
showed but little morcy, but neither of tbcra could liavo worked
a two-card box upon the veriest fool. This ditliculty was, how-
ever, easily overcome, as they knew the principal braco-dealera
who made New Orleans or Mobile their stamping ground every
winter, and to their dons they roped their fat gulls fresh from
tho country for skinning. During each session of tho Legisla-
ture, held at Jackson, Mississippi, they ran a faro-bank m that
place, which was patronized by tho most wealthy and eminent
men of tho State, who met there for tho purpose of law-making.
These worthies attended to their game themselves. NoX even
an artist would they keep, for fear ho might become acquainted
with their patrons, and meeting them in New Orleans or Mobile,
hove them roped into houses there, and skinned. The Colonel
and his estimable partner desired a monopoly of that business.

It does not appear that tho Colonel and his partner had
accumulated any largo sum of money during the time of which I
speak. Both were extravagant livers, both had largo families,
and were fond of playing at faro, which, together, served to keep
tbem almost impoverished. These two worthies separated in
184:», and Colonel Bryant sailed for tho Eldorado to seek his

fortuue. , . . , „ , ,^4/

Tho Colonel reachou in Francisco eany in the fall of iwv*.
Within a few weeks after his arrival, he won, playing at monte,
about $75,000. He immediately sent to his family about $25,000,
and spent as much more in endeavoring to procure his election
2o sheriff in San Francisco. The gamblers of the place were hia

tD.

mncccssarj to add
J which he loaued

(ybich Ccallcd the
! operations to the
. During the sum-
itering pUiccs, and
Mobile, or Jaclison,
lo companion was
i> my rcatlers in my
iiaintcd with every
1, or planter, in the
8. To such tiata as
of short cards, they
could tiavo worked
difliculty was, how-
icipal braco-dealera
nping ground every
fat gulls fresh from
sion of the Legisla-
a faro-bank in that
wealthy and eminent
posfi of law-making.
jmsclves. Not even
t become acquainted
w Orleans or Mobile,
inned. The Colonel
ly of that business,
md his partner had
g the time of which I
ii had largo families,
ether, served to keep
worthies separated in
Eldorado to seek his

rly in the fall of imi!
on, playing at monte,
family about $25,000,
3 procure his election
3 of the place were his

JIOOBArUlCAL SKiii'CUKS.

IHU

bitterest opponents; not that they disliked him porsouuUy, but
because they cousiilered hiiu unlit fur llie ullice. lie would,
however, in all probability, have been elected, had it not been for
the opi)i)rtuno arrival of Colonel Jack Ilays IVom Texas, about
four diiys previous to the election. The undtisorvod laurels
which ho had gained in the Mexican war were yet frcih when
ho inaili) his api»earanco in San Francisco. In the ontluisiasm
of till) iiKimont, they pitted him against liryant, whom ho easily
del'oateil.

About a month after this disastrous affair, ho opened in the
city tlie finest hotel whicii had ever been seen in tlie .State. Hut
tho times were out ot joint for such a costly undertaking, and
the Coloncil sunk what money he had with him in tho country,
at tho venture.

Knowing how popular ho was with his faro-bank players, the
propiief": of the Eldorado gambling saloon in Sua Francisco
put up for the Colonel the largest far;'-ijank in tlieir house, in
which they gave him an interest of one-third of tho profits.
This bank could win or lose daily, on an average, $20,000, and
was 0110 of tho most lucrative games in tho country. Tho bank
continueil its success until something more than three months
had piussod.cand during that time, on each tri-weokly steamer
v/hich left for Panama, Bryant shipped to his wife, in Virginia,
his share of tho winnings of the bank, and so continued to do
until he had sent about $30,000. Finally fortune deserted them,
and in about six weeks the bank lost $50,(HX). The Colonel then
abandoned it, in spite of the demands and entreaties of the
proprietors, who insisted he should conduct the game until it
won him out of their debc.

After this event, I do not think tho Colonel was ever con-
nected with another banking game, but he played heavily
against both faro and monte whenever he had money, which war
not always. When broke, he relied on borrowing from business
men whom he had known in the States, and seldom paid them
back unless some extraordinary pressure was brought to bear on
him. As he would scorn to strike his victim for less than a
thousand dollars at a time, it will readily be seen how severely
ho must have punished his too-conflding creditors. Whenever
ho was successful in winning at bank as much as $10,000, he at
once shipped it oflfto his wife, to whom, if his own story be true,

Mg WANDERINaS OF A VAGABOND.

be Shipped altogether, while la California, f i'».f«; .™« ™JJJ
be luviLd freely ou his lm«e la.nily ol -»'*^; "^ ';' "''^ ;«
educatinK ami Bupportiug tlu-m iu Iho most oxtavaKaiU st.lo.
Finally he played hin.self n.n.pletely out iu Cahforma, and ni
»i.« vonr irt.Vi loft that country.

InlTe VI crof 1H58 he opened a Huite of .nagnillcent rooms

^. n„l « roet New Orleans. The lUtin- up an.l lurmshmg

on Canal street, ^^^^"•^J^^^^^^^ ^^^ the Colonel did not expend

nfthesc rooms coat about fin,"""' in '" „V m.

„;,nl nn tlioiH hut cot all tlils douo Oil tho slrcugth of ills

one l'^"»y ;" ^J? •„„" / this, he borrowed from a prominent

:5y ei^bSrt \: the place, about |^,(KK) worth of sil-

dulted The two partners who run the place with him were a-
auctcu. lu" I exercise a two-card box to per-

TTn a Id tte C lo e h^ a healthy opinion of himself as a
\ror was he cceted The house, thouRh not in the im-
;SSte V LrnCf ho S^^ -de during its first winter about
Turn TlSch the Colonel received one-half, while the other
Jlff'Tak divided between the two other partners. Mo«n;>' '«
?iS CoLe had exercised his talents outside against dilTerent
Ja^-banks! and was so fortunate as to beat them out of al>out

•'o'nTwould naturally suppose that the Colonel, beingjsuece^-
* 1 ™«nirf nav those whom he had induced to fit up his bouse on
Iredr Brno! ir one cent would he pay; it was entirely
credit. »"^ ""• , ,p^ „o8t any of his creditors got was
rioll? -ho got S furnLe bacU after it had been used
SlwiSEv^n his wine merchant he cheated, or did not pay
n« h of'two tl"ou8and dollars. He never attempted to avoid
h « cred torrhXo M scorn so mean an action as that ; besides,
'J^straid of any one. He was a ^^»;ter if ^^^ ^^
;o;t» . i«it nlwavs out off his creditors with, I can i pay you
r; Ctni Pa^you sCrtly." But that shortly never came to

'^^htroitC'lTe^^emt^

dohaJ. a suite of rooms opposite the 3t. Charles Hotel. In th«
mtg^mceres^^^^^^^^ the finest of its kind ever seen in New

Srllans, he had three partners. His success of the previous
Printer had Idled him with the most extravagant ideas. He im-

it/ji^'*.-'-;^-tff:- *^:-.0"VS»-"'

;),000. This money

,iis iiud (liiuglili'r.i,

oxtiiiViigaiU Htylo.

California, ami ii»

magnlftceiit rooms
lip anil luniirtliing
louel «li(l not expend
tlio Bircngth of his
I from a prominont
30,000 worth of 8ll-

10 Colonel ever con-
icc with him were as
wo-card box to per-
nion of himself as a
aouKli not in the im-
its first winter about
half, while the other
artnors. Meanwhile
side against dilTeront
t thorn out of about

)nel, being 80 8UCCCS3-
to fit up his house on
pay; it was entirely
Ills creditors got was
after it had been used
eatcd, or did not pay
•r attempted to avoid
ctionas that; besides,
fighter if fighting waa
with, "I can't pay you
shortly never came to

cost of forty thousand
Charles Hotel. In this
, kind ever seen in New
iccess of the previous
ivagant ideas. He im-

BioanArnic\L seetcbbs. in

aglnod that lie was going to nialtc in his new house one million
dollars rluriug the winter, and in tuder to outdo all the other
skinuiug estahliahiiients in tlio city, he wanted to have an en-
closed piiHsago liiiiii tlie second story of the .^t. Chniles Hotel,
leading across tlie street into his skiiming-deii. Ilisdjjb house
cards, emitiazoned with his name, he distributed aliout the
reading and bar-roon a, and even in tlio ladies' parlor. Hut the
proprietors would not consent to the paa.sage-way ; neverthelfss,
his house was nightly filled, and during tho winter robbed from
its foolish patrons nearly one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
The year following, murnuns of war began to disturb the equa-
nimity of tho South. Money bccamo less plentilul among the
gulls, even plantations worked by negro slaves could not bring it
forth from Its hiding-place. It began to look rather squally for
the akinning-dens. Tho Colonel thought so, and disposed of hl8
share In the house to his partners.

During tho war he fitted up in Mobile a splendid establish-
ment, which ho ran succesafiilly for about two years, when it was
closed by the military authorities. In this house he made more
than a million of dollars, which was, however, in Confederate
money. Being a strong believer in the ultimate success of the
Confederacv,ho held on to it until it became worthless. With the
close of the war he returned to New Orleans without a dollar.
He had lost one of his sons in the Confederate service, and his
wife was at that time living with one of his married daughters in
California. But in New Orleans he found his old friciul, Allen
Jones, keeping a fashionable skinning-shop, and ho extended to
the Colonel a helping hand for the sake of "auld lang syne,"
and gave him a half interest in his business. Hero he remained
until the year 1868, at which time he was killed in tho rotunda
of the St. Charles Hotel, by one Col. Tate, of Texas. He had
roped Tate to his don and caused him to be skinned of what-
money he had about him. He now asked for checks on credit,
which were furnished him; he left the house in its debt about one
hundred dollars. As he did not return to liquidate his indebted-
ness, Bryant, after tho lapse of a few days, went in search of him.
He found him seated in tho rotunda of the St. Charles. An
altercation ensued between them, in the course of which Bryant
made a motion as if he were about to draw a weapon. Tate, be-
lieving his life to be in danger, drew a pistol and shot his opponent

I ■-.-■

■ ■-m

! .i

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

254

dead on tbc spot. He was tried on the charge of murder, and

waa-'alleadbeat He bea^^^ ^.^^^^^ ^^^1^

^'"/'"'V;"lr HorsCeducat'ed and uncultivated, possessed

generous mann r ni which ho^ nor^ ^.^ ,eavy losses and

came m c • "t. ^«^/ ''^^^^ ^ ',,,, ^f frothy reputation, on
^uunngs 1 d ''^l^ZXLmed credit with the unwary, who
\^V TwJj^tZTm^^omont likely to handle large
''''T'i S.ey Hmdreds of such confiding idiots found too
Sri^rhis real Character, and cursed the hour m wh^ch

,,eyfirstmado t,e. ■^^^i:'^:\f-J^^^^^ widows!"
, ''TA^iS ma i c worn n as she gazed on the bloody and
'^1'. te of lloSicrre, as he lay in the tumbril which wa^
palhd f^^f .^f JS\^ The curse was re-echoed through

"^S'^ZyTit^^n^^or, of Hohospierre loved him, and

'^^r lSl;Si'i^{£ B^nt had also his redeeming a^-
Itir He was generous and liberal to a fault and thc.mhgent
Ities. ^ej;-^ » . . . i He would sell the coat from hia
ral^tltTs^g^^inneed. He was the foe of all cn^y^
and had plenty of nerve to oppose it, and d.d «« ""ccessfully
whenever he had an even char o. He paid liberally those who
labored for him, and never was known to cheat a small trades-
man out of his bill. With his partners he was honest^His nesro
Bervaut, Sully, lived with him over thirty years. The ^olonel
purchased him with his wife and chlldron. the latter of whom ne
caused to be educated at one of the schools in Ohio, and so
great waa the attarhmont of Sully and his wife that, J"'J"^tJ«
reign of slaverv. they followed the Colonel ^"^^^'^/jfj^^^^^
fomla and ba^k a«ain to the slave States. However straitened

argc of murder, and

debt of n thousand
lukiug ten thousand
live Americauism, he
could who was worth
tsido his own family
cultivated, possessed
liny boit, but his con-
[illicultics. His extra-
ics on whom to prey
igaut habits, and the
those with whom he
lany heavy losses and
frothy reputation, on
?ith the unwary, who
ikcly to handle large
ding idiots found too
3d the hour in which
J. Bryant.

rphans and widows!"
sed on the bloody and
;ho tumbril which was
(vas re-echoed through
pierre loved him, and

ISO his redeeming qual-
fault, and the indigent
i sell the coat from hia
vs the foe of all cruelty'
md did so successfully
aid liberally those who
cheat a small trades-
was honest. His nesrro
ty years. The (Holonel
1. the latter of whom lie
jchoolfl in Ohio, and so
Is wife, that, dnrins the
5l and his family to Call-
Bs. However straitened

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

858

might be his circumstances— auu ^o was frequently without money
for wcelvs at a time — ho could not be induced to cell one of his
slaves, nor did he fail to take the best of care of his own family.
However hard pressed he might be for money, his wife and
cbildrcn were well provided for. His sons and daugliters were
educated in the best colleges and schools; one of* the former
fell, fighting for the Confederacy, while the other is now a prac-
ticing physician in Illinois. His three daughters all married
respectable men, one of whom is an able lawyer of California.

The two characters which I have endeavored to sketch for
the reader are dissimilar in habits, manners and disposition, yet
each were no less pirates on society. One was generous and ex-
travagant, while the other was mean and stingy. One was a
fraud in nearly all his business transactions, while the other
was the soul of probity. Both of them would, however, hazard
their money at the gambling-table on the square, which places
them as far above the common run of sharpers as the brilliancy
of the diamond surpasses a piece of common charcoal. I shall
now introduce two other worthies, who are a fair specimen of
those '-iCn who are running aristocratic skinning-games in our
large '-.ities and at our fashionable watering-places.

ALLEN JOXES.

This name haa already figured in the foregoing sketch, as
the partner of Col. J. J. Bryant, and I would have spared my
readers any further acquaintance with him, had not his unpre-
cedented meanness and his v onderful success in the skinning
business rendered him conspicuous among his class.

Allen Jones was a native of Tennessee, and a saddler by
trade. In the year 1839, at which period he was about thirty
years old, he possessed a well-stocked saddlery business in the^
thriving town of Huntsville, Ala. Col. Bryant on one of his pre-
datory excursions made his acquaintance, and stripped him of
saddles, bridles, money, and all the rest and residue of his pos-
sessJons at the faecinatinpr game of poker. Being the first person
who had ever tronnred him nt that game, he conceived a very
high opinion of the Colonel's abilities, and petitioned to become
his traveling companion. The Colonel mapmanlmously consented*
and for the greater part of the next decade they were known as

256 ^VANDERINGS OF A TAGABOSD.

tbc Oreste. and Pyladcs of tl^e.^-^;^-^ f tarnity^^^^
in conuKvny, living upon an ""^ivuled pm^e and Mti^^^^^^^
other's battles. When so great a ^^jf . '"^^^^.^^^^^^^
out the land by the discovery of g^^'^.trht infection, which

nature of Bryant l»c^^^^P-f ^'"^ ^„",, '^ '^^^ ^e S «^^

he did in its niost virulent form^ But ^b Prj t.caW .^

niore gold in the cotton l'«d«/^.^^^°^^^™^ of the

traversing stormy seas to jom m t^o J^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^l, partnership
millions who were flockmg to the Goldeu ^^^^- ' .

-^r^'^'IS'^^TZf:^^^ .ay, hutL
arables parted, whether in lea ^„ j presume

neither were much given t«tl^°Xoed at iie final moment,
pocket handkerch^fs were not m^^^^^^^^^ one since he

Jones' career had "^^f*^,* ,\ _^,»._ ^ ^How the precarious
abandoned the h^cst trad o^^^^^^^^^^ the '^tiger,"in

chances of gambling. ^J^q';^'^^ ^^^ j^^^

.inchhe pretty generajy^^^^^^ ,Uem out of

impoverished. Ho beat up ' ^^ .^.^.^ dealers,"

their money at shoit c'^^^^' ^^ 5"^, the fruits of his endeavors
there to bo skinned, and SQ'^^^^^'f .*j! *!"^ ^^ jn the winter
at faro. Nor did he show any sign of ^^^^^^^^^ ^, ,^, ,,.

of 1852, when he was "ff^'-^'^J^^L^o^^^^'rif he would rope
cretly conducted skin-games of ^^w Orlea s n n

fortlle concern. This offer ^^^^J^^f^ J^i^^.Tng made him ac-
he had led for the last ten ^V^^TeS and reB^tability who
quainted with many persons of ^^alth ana p ^

iere fond of cards or "bucking tbo tiger be m ^^^

roper. This was the first bou>^« ^^ *^^„ ;"^;^X his share of
evlr been directly -to-t^^' ^ ^cSfr' ^^^^ bis

the profits amounted to about *\0;"*^'. . "•^^. ,., ^^ amassed in
true vocation, and the ready wealth ^^^^'^J. ™t\hat of Pe^ll^-
keeping a "bird-house" on the same prmo^pje as tna ^
ton's, in Washington. But it was ^angerous to mve ^^^^^
sum of money in such a house as -t "^'^^* ^^'^aT flOOO for
raided by the police, and the fine for gambling was * ^^.^^
the first offense, and $5000 for the «ocond. and on ^^

conviction the <i"om was two years jn the ^^^^
had already passed the ordeal of the ^^l^^^' J ^.^ offense
of faro in New Orleans, and '^ ^^f^f J^J^' However, he
stood in danger of being punished for telony.

ternity— fl".7indUng
and fighting each
IS caused through-
ilornia, the erratic
\G infection, which
radical Jones saw
cm States than in
3SS scramble of the
c. The partnership

years. Tlie insep-
able to say, but as

mood" I presume
It the final moment,
jred one since he
bllow the precarious
(vith the "tiger," m

best, had kept hun
jheated them out of

to " brace dealers,"
■uits of his endeavors
•m until in the winter
rest in one of the se-
ns, if he would rope
he nomadic life which
having made him ac-
ad respectability who
•," he made a capital
4 in which Jones had
ha winter his share of
Ic now discovered his

might be amassed in
ipleasthatofPendle-
rous to invest a large
-ht be at any moment
Uling was f 1000 Jo^
,nd, and on the third
the State prison, an
: two, for dealing snaps
,d of the third offense

felony. However,

BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES.

267

flung his fears to the winds, and opened, with two other sharp-
ers, a handsomely fitted up establishment on lioyal street,
which proved a great success.

This house, opened in the fall of 1853, made, during the ensu-
ing winter and spring, besides its expenses, something hke
$;^,000. The following winter the house was again opened, and
met with better success than before ; but an informer smuggled
himself into the establishment and caused Jones to bo mdicted
for dealing faro. The first information ho had of the affair, was
the finding of a true bill against him by the grand jury, and
being hauled up and obliged to give bail for his appearance in
court to answer the charge of gambling. Jones stood his trial,
was convicted, and sentenced to two years in the penitentiary,
but the Governor's pardon was presented to him before leaving
the court-house. He said he had it in his pocket during his
trial. Be that as it may, he had made powerful friends, and at
the next session of the Legislature, through the influence of his
friends and money caused the law against gambling to be
stripped of the obnoxious clause which gave half the fine to the
informer, thus virtually destroying the law. The following year
the Know-nothing party got possession of the city, and, as Jones
soon proved himself one of its ablest supporters, he was relieved
from all fears of further persecution. He now showed the most
sordid and grasping disposition; he owned his establishment,
and however many sharpers were there employed to assist, he
invariably claimed half the plunder. Not being satisfied with
this, he concocted the following scheme for robbing his partners.
Whenever his wealthy patrons desired to gamble in his house on
credit, ■ permitted them to do so, and debts of this kind firom
thirty tu fifty thousand would be owing to the house of a season.
These debts, or a large majority of them, ho would secretly col-
lect and retain the money. Every winter, from 1854 to 1860, ho*
kept a skinning-'house, and each succeeding winter had in it a
new stable of sharpers, and of all who served him, not one ever
received one cent that was duo the house when they left it. His
partners traced up, at difl'erent times, large sums of money which
he had collected, a share of which was rightfully theirs, but
neither threats nor entreaties could induce him to disgorge a
single i)enny. The only partner whom he was never known to
swindle, was Colonel J. J. Bryant; he was afraid to cut any of

258

WANDBEINGS OP A VAGABOKD.

chieftain. If one spark of

SScaTo mli be began » aecumulate a lit.le money and

™rv It IB a >vo,Lr l,e was uot uasassiuated. The year previous
ZS:ZZ, out of .110 war, be o^acd a «- P'''-^^'™" »
thP Mississiuoi River tweutv-flve mi.es above Vicksburg, on
wbich h 3 ked two hundred and twenty-five slaves, who
made in the year 1859, nine hundred bales of cotton. Besides
Ss he omied two fine houses and lots in New Orleans, for one
of wlSrrwas offered $60,000. Altogether, he must have been
worth about $400,000, all of which sprang from the magic
recesses of a two-card faro box. j j „„

In the height of his prosperity the civil war swooped down
upon Wm and tore from his grasp the large fortune he had
accumulated by the most sordid frauds. His slaves yere gone,
but he still retained his plantation and dty P-P«;;f ' '^««f^
much reduced in value. Immediately after the city of New
Srieans again fell under civil government, Jones reopened his
Scnrgln? taking as partner, as I have before stated Colonel
Brvant But money was scarce, and the wealthy planters and
merchants, who were wont to surrender their money so confid-
; ' y tothe two-card boxes, were either dead or impoverished
and skinning-houses were getting, besides pretty well played
out there, since several square banks had obtamed an ascendency.
After the death of his partner, Jones continued to keep his
house open, but with indifferent success. He "ow conmienced
Playing against the different faro-banks in the city, a thing he
had not done since the beginning of his successful career, driven
thereto, no doubt, by ennui. In the course of a year, he lost what
moi-ey he had and what money ho could raise by mortgaging
his city property, in all about $70,000. His plantation he had
made over to his wife and children at the breaking out ot the
rebellion, fearia- that retaining it in his own name ^ouUl cause
it to be confiscated. This his wife held on to, or he would most
certainly have played it off against faro At the Present time
he haa no more money to buy chips, aad consequently cannot

If oue spark of
Hen Joues, it was
little mouey aad
utirely loieigu to
eeriug disposition
13 to sucli a degree
le reign of Thug-
The year previoua
lue plantation on
ve Vicksburg, on
r.five slaves, who
if cotton. Besides
w Orleans, for one
he must have been
I from the magic

rar swooped down
ge fortune he had
. slaves were gone,
T property, though
r the city of New
Tones reopened his
ifore stated, Colonel
salthy planters and
ir money so confld-
id or impoverished,
pretty well played
lined an ascendency,
tinned to keep his
Bo now commenced
the city, a thing he
essful career, driven
a year, he lost what
aise by mortgaging
is plantation he had
breaking out of the
a name would cause
;o, or he would most
At the present time
consequently cannot

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

880

pursue his favorite amusement. He has not the general " dernier
resort" of his stripe, to open another skinuing-liouse, for he is so
completely played out that nobody would patronize his game,
and he bears among those to whom he is well known, the
unenviable reputation of being the meanest and most sordid
wretch that ever disgraced the fraternity of sharpers.

HENRY PRICE M<^GRATH.

The reader will doubtless remember that this is the gentleman
who came to New York with Johnny Chamberlain, and of whom
I have already spoken under the head of ' ' sharpers." My object
in once more bringing this "roystering • )ve" to the front, is to
demonstrate to you that good behavior and manners, suave
address and language, are by no means indispensable to the
successful roper.

In no other person with whom I am acquainted are the vices
of fraud, avariciousness, insolence, jValousy, and cowardice,
more strongly developed than in the subject of this sketch.
His entertaining qualities consist in being a good eater and
drinker, singing snatches of blackguard songs, telling stories
decidedly bordering on the indecent, and chattering learnedly
on the merits of various race -horses— a subject about which he
knows as much as he does of the method of squaring the circle,
or the secret of perpetual motion. It is a strange phenomenon
that such an ignorant, uncouth, and unmannerly loon, should
have succeeded through so many years in drawing to ' i^ skinning-
house such numbers of men of the highest cu^'i^-;ion and
intelligence, and making them his victims. Such ua.:, however,
been the case, and he is one of the most successful sharpers that
ever operated in this country.

Henry P. McGrath was born and raised in Versailles, Kentuc- -
ky. His parents were comparatively poor, but managed to give
their three sous each a commonplace education, and teach them
each tl ^ tailoring trade. The subject of this sketch was reli-
giously iuclined, and when between twenty-one and twenty-two
years old became a member of the church. Ho soon ell from
grace, however, and gave himself up to a life of dissipation and
idlcress. He renounced psalm singing and the tailoring busi-
ness 8imultaueou8l,y, shook the dust of Versailles from Ms feet,

280 ■WAKDEBIBOS OF A VAOiBOSD.

camo initiated in the mysteries of a t^""^^; ;/^°^' J^ncton. Ho
was employed .s ropev by -"-;^;;^';;=^,^fr H^t^^^^^^^^^ -do

Lexington, auu intimidating these, ho forced from

country. »[ "\:*^;'°^, uSr games without risking any money
S Ws^r fTerrlsX'compiy with his demands he pro^

sessed sufficient ^^^^^ « displeasure; because they eon-

rant ''"«= """P" .^ „a,e the ray for Us fatare greatueas.

populanty. I"'';^/"^J'„ „/ .^ ,„,scs, It being one of the
Z:Lri'rMcGr,Sr.l, neve, tow anything ho contd

fellow well met,"
lero took liis ^rst
er by capping the
•s" around races
:ncd how to swiu-
ar or two, ho be-
box, for which he
iv^ Lexington. Ho
laving on his side
ih Lexington was
lie made his name
Paris, Frankfort,
of the blue-grass
38C, he forced from
risking any money
is demands he pre-
heir gpmes. Such
luer he publicly im-
3 made it a point to
players of respecta-
If popular, he pos-
nm . patronizing any
; because they con-
s. After coramend-
ther borrowed then:
n to the first itine-
be fleeced. In this
liis future greatness.
y during the summer
, gave him a share in
■m, on account of his
squently the case, he
, it being one of the
ly anything he could

mself, and the ready
10 remarkable success
id skinning establish-
[ew Orleans, by three
dar was Mr. McGrath

BIOGllAPUICAL SKETCHES.

261

with the " bloods" in the blue-grass region, many of whom visit-
ed New Orleans iu the winter, for either business or pleasure,
they engaged him to rope for the house, giving him au equal share
iu the profits with themselves. Their foresight redounded to the
filling of their pockets ; for Mr. AIcGrath proved to be the best
roper in New Orleans, more especially among Kentuckians. The
first year the house made about .«.'>0,(MM), and every subsequeut
one up to 18G0 it made from $()(),(MH) to i?8().()(H).

In the meantime McGrath became mighty upon the turf. Ho
bought a stable of race horses (though he seldom won a race with
any of them), and what with the exi)enses of keeping them, his
losses on the turf, combined with his extravagant stylo of
living, he could barely make both ends meet, notwithstanding
the immense revenue derived from his skinnlng-honse. At
the commencement oi the war he had nothing but his share
iu the house, the property having been bought by the com-
pany. I have already related his going to New Orleans to
prospect for opening his house there, during the war, and how
he was, in con.sequeneo, captured by the military authorities,
thrown into prison, and kept there over a year. Also how, upon
his release, he accompanied Chamberlain to New York, and there
opened with a company of sharpers the most magnificent estab-
lishment ever seen in that city. From this, I believe, McGrath
received as his share about $200,000, when the partnership was
dissolved, and himself and Chamberlain withdrew from the con-
cern. He invested his money in a splendid farm a short distance
from Lexington, from whence he comes every summer to Long
Branch to assist Johnny Chamberlain in conducting his magnifi-
cent "Maison de Jeu," in that place, of which the reader has had
already a full description.

He still keeps up his stable oi racers, and at every important
race meeting iu the country some of them may be seen. The*
following was copied from a public print dated May 5, 1872, and
will give the reader an idea of the princely manner in which the
chief of sharpers entertains his friends on his splendid estate iu
the blue-grass country :

"McGrath, of beautiful and princely McGrathiana, Sun-
day last gave a dinner to his many friends gathered at
Lexington with the object of attending the races. Report
says the day was lovely and the dinner was a grand sue-

7&m?'^7iSt^

S62

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

CC83. Among tho geutlemcu who gathered round the tables
Bpread on the bluo-grass lawn, under tL'e stately locust trees,
were Mr. It. Ten Broeck, of Louisville ; ex-<Juveruor Kobinson;
A Keene Richards, Esq.; General A. Buford; GeueralJobn C.
Br»;ckinridgc ; Major Thomas; Geueral Basil Duke ; General
James F. liobinsou, Jr. ; Geueral Wm. Preston; Colouel Kobert
Wooley ; Dr. W. G. Chiplcy ; Hon. K. C. Barker, of Detroit ; Cap-
tain 0. P. Beard; Victor Newcomb; Ganiett Marshall, of Louis-
• V ,. ; Lieutenant Ward ; Mr. Grcnsted ; and others. Hospitality at
ii. , athiana is as princely as the estate is lordly ; and it is not
necessary to add that tho distinguished gentlemen thoroughly
enjoyod themselves. Not to know McGrath and McGrathiana
is not to know all the splendors of the blue-grass country."

CHAPTER XXII.
NEW YORK.

Time, that restless agent of Nature, had dispelled the frosty
breath of winter, and brought on its wings the balmy airs of May.
The trees were clothed in their vernal mantle, the shrubs with
variegated blossoms, and the fields and lawns green with rich
pasturage ; while myriads of birds of various notes and plumage
filled the air with their cheerful songs. It had been a long ses-
sion of Congress; but already was Washington deserted by the
most of its strangers, lobbyivSts, and ofiBce-seekers, and the re-
mainder were fast leaving the place, with its sultry climate and
swarms of mosquitoes, to its proud, pompous, and arrogant den-

176113

The Major and myself, having sold tho furniture and given up
our rooms, were making our final preparations to leave for New
York. Our business during our winter in Washington had been
but an unprofitable one, and to endeavor to make up for lost
time and money, we had concluded to try our fortunes in the
city of New York, by the advice and under the patronage of one
Mr. Phil. McGovern. This gentleman had, during the past
winter, made several visits to Washington, from the city of New
York, where he resided. He kept a coffee-house in Chatham street,

ruuud the Ubles
tely locust trees,
uruor Itobinson;

Geucral Jobu C.

Duko ; General
; Colonel Kobert
, of Detroit ; Cap-
arsball, of Louis-
jrs. Hospitality at
•dly ; and it is not
lernen tborougbly
and McGratbiana
iss country."

lispelled the frosty
balmy airs of May.
le, the shrubs with
IS green with rich
notes and plumage
id been a long sea-
ton deserted by the
jekers, and the re-
3 sultry climate and
and arrogant den-

niture and given up
IS to leave for New
ishington had been
a make up for lost
our fortunes in the
10 patronage of one
1, during the past
•om the city of New
;e in Chatham street,

NEW YOKK.

and also belonged to the noble army of New York ward politi-
ciaus. While in Washington, Mr. ilcGovcru had honored us by
making our faro-rooms his loiifiiiff place. IIo Kainblcd but
sligluly, but drank lieop. lie wa.s, ad his name indicated, a iialivo
of tlio '' giiu of the say,'' and a big one too, as witness a frame
six feet two, and proportional ily stout. IIo wore on the front of
his head a largo jovial red face, guiltless of beard, whiskers or
mustache, while his poll was adorned with a shaggy crop of (lam-
ing red hair, lie might have passed for a man of forty, but had
seen more years ; ho dressed a la mode, and at first sight looked
a dignified personage enough. Regarding the disposition and
manners of this worthy, the reader will- have ample scope f.
judging as we progress in our narrative. The Major was ^J ■
witched by the oily tongue of our now friend, and, after a siir.i-t
acquaintance, had come to the conclusion that he was one c' ■ ys
most noblo and generous-hearted Irishmen with whom 1 - 'lai'
ever come in contact — something new for the Major, wuj, a? a
general thing, was by no means fond of the Celtic tribo. On t,u<
other hand, Mr. McGovern swore that the Major was .i 'thruo
Varginny gintlcman o' the rale ould shtock, and a cred; 'lio

Shtato that raised 'im, by the powers." My suspicious nature
was in nowiso aroused by the sudden intimacy which sprung up
between the pair. Mr. McGovern did not seem much in tho gam-
bling mood, and I could not discern in what other way ho could
carry out designs upon tho Major's pocket, supposing him to
have them. They both loved their talk and their toddies, and
the society of each seemed nearly indispensable to tho other.

Mr. McGovern informed the Major that his frequent visits to
Washington during the winter were caused by his great anxiety
to advance the welfare of his political friends, who ho was de-
sirous should receive a share of the federal patronage of New
York city. "Damn a man won't shtand by his friends, Major ;^
that's me motto, me boy."

How far Mr. McGovern succeeded on behalf of his friends, or
whether he ever had such a benevolent project in view, I never
troubled myself to ascertain. The subject gave me no uneasiness ;
but what interested me much more, was the pains that worthy
gentleman was always taking to convince the Major he was on
the wrong road to fortune.

" It's a shame and a disgrace, so it is, that such a fine gintleman

O04 WAN-DEUliJaS OF A VAGAUONU-

dirty 1.UICC, Major, and c.nuo ^>';>^^ '""^^^^^^^^^^ i,.,,^ York Nvid .no ;
TUodivclagoodyo'lldoho,.at.ll!^^^^^ ^^^^^.^.^^ ,, yer

faith, yo'll luver '^^e^f , ,;^;^°, ^ °,,,n there." To these eon-

;::. city, t.Uung ^vith hbn y^-^^f^^'^^ „,etropoh., Mr.
Withiua^vcokufter our a m.1^2^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ,^,, .

McGovern secured for us ^J^^^ "^^ ^ ^ j^,^,^ papered, supphed
^Uich ho caused to bo plastaed, ^l-^" J'^; ^^^^ „f ehairs, a
^ithafaro.table,aiK>k -tabc^^a^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^,,,^^^1

Bide-boavd, a writing '^^^f' J^ ^rdinarv description. When
articles, all of which vvero of ho mo^t ora.n^ ^^^ ^^^^^^^^^

„s in tiio follo^^ing strain : interested in the

'°.rs.r ":'---- "» — " -'™""

the Major, in a dignified tone. -,-,|ji„„ to do wid ye's! so

..Trith.Ibelavoyo's! ^^^ I' J^^^'^.T'/^f^t" To-night I'll bring

that matthor's done for, now for tU n ^t. g^^ ^^^^ ^^^^

n.e friends and ^-^^^^^^f^^m^^^^^ Anyhow, an' with fists full
are. Bcgorra, ye'll S"'}^ ^'". f I""' -u ^,et at ye's hot and heavy,
of money, divil a ho m it ! An t^^^^yj^^^'^; \^^ jf j-e'U lot 'em,
take my word or 't, Major an bate jo^ ^^^^^^,^ ^^ ^^^^

Ijcgorra! Howld *,,^^t ^owW a M • h ^^^ ^^ ^^^^^
rCne ?o ti^f b'/s : Ture \t '11 look dacont on the
rT:ronl point of suggesting something of the kindmy-
^^KvemSriedhisconversatiouexclusivelytotheM^^

I a dirty r'^acc as
many liiro-pUvyera

lord. Lave lliis
icvo to Now York,
s'cw York wid ino ;

McGovcrn at yer
B." To these cou-
cd, and started lor

at metropolis, Mr.
rt on the lJt)\very,
i paporcd, supplied

dozen of cbaira, a
ler rcMiuisito snuiU
' description. When

who had attended
vith a bill of $514,
[aving received the
roceeded to address

ily interested in the
wouldn't for the wor-
gorra, if that was to
y, BO we'll kapo that

leasiuess," answerea

g to do wid ye's ! so
To-night I'll bring
o's can see what they
low, an' with fists full
t ye's hot and heavy,
J too if ye'll let 'em,
ire we mustn't do the
,vo or three baskets o'

II look dacent on the

hing of the kind my-
;clusively to the Major,

NEW TOIIK.

865

and never by word or look acknowledged my presence. It ia
true ho used the pluiul "yo'.s,' und opi-iicd baniuess by Baying,
" V.'o'll all bo aqually interested," etc. ; but otherwise had paid
mo no more attention tlian if I were one of tlie chairs or tables.

TheAIajor listened with profound attention to his remarks and
ackuowli'dgcd the wi.sdom of his .suggestions and instructiims,
by .sundry nods and remarks of " Very good, sir, " and concludcil
by saying, " We shall endeavor to obey your instructions, sir, as
you are undoubtedly the be.st judge of the manner in which your
town's-jjoople should bo treated."

" Lave mo alone for that. Major, mo b'y. Sure I know ivcry
mother's son o' them, an' can do as I plazo wid 'em."

" How much bank money shall we recpiire, Mr. McGovcrn f " I
inquired, for the first time putting in my oar into the conversa-
tion.

"That '11 bo a schmall affair. Three or four thousand or the
likes o' that '11 be lasbins," he replied.

" Very good ! And as wo are going to open the bank to-night,
let us make up our banking money now," I answered.

" Go on wid the money ye have wid ye's, an' whin yc'a nado
more, ye'll find the check o' Phil McGovem as good at the
Bank of America for $.'>,000 as ould Asthoi's!"

"That's all right, Mr. McGovern," said the Major, darting
a savage look at mo; then bowing to McGovern, ho said,
" Sufficient, sir, among gentlemen."

" Faith, none knows the likes o' them better nor yoursel,
Major, an' that the dirthy subject o' money shouldn't bo
mintioned betwixt and betwano 'em, till the article's naded, any •
how. So now I'll lave ye's an' order the wine, an' in the aveniu'
I'll bring up me frinds to drink it," and bowing to the Major,
he left the room with a lofty stride.

When he had left I paced up and down the room for some
time, meditating on tho sublime heights to which human im-
pudence may rise. At last I suddenly stopped in my exorcise
before tho Major, and addressed him with, "Major, this seems
to me to be a very loose way of transacting business, sir. We
don't know what kind of a game we may have to deal, nor how
much money it will require to bank it, or if it should lose, whether
Mr. McGovern will pay his share of tho losses."
"Jack, you're always finding bears and lions in the way.

206

WANDEUIN08 OF A VAOABOND.

YouTo to(. BUsplciuuH to clottl with gentlemen, sir. Mr. McGovern
l8 a L'cutlomau, sir, and of the bigheat standing in this city, and
wore be iucliued to commit a dishonorablo action, sir, towards us
hero, Uo could not aflor.l to do so. We nee.l his ass; tanco to
procuro customers, and also to protect our game, and 'twould bo
impoHHlblo for us to get on without him. But to relievo your
anxiety I'll hold myself resix.nsil.lo for his share of tho bank
money .Ir; will that bo saliafaclory f " domauded tho Major,
with some asperity.
"Certainly, Major, but— "

" Very good, sir ! Now, sir, as wo are in a strange plane and
among strange people, let's try and get. along as smoothly as
possible, sir," he said, peevishly. , . . ^

" You can't go very far amiss in keeping a strict watch npon
Btrangors with whom you are ccmcorned in money transactions,
and when I ventured to express a doubt of Mr. McGovern, 'twas
as much for your protection as for mine."

" I have arrived at that ago, sir, which needs no protection
from others," stiflly replied tho Major.

" I must bog leave to dlller with you there. Major, for you are
ready to place conftdonco in every scheming villain who talks in
a highfalutin strain about tho things that are proper between
centlomon, and Hatters your vanity to get an opportunity to pick
your pockot. I should have thought the Simpson alfair wou d
have made you more cautious; but you seem to be just as ready
to be cajoled as ever. What do you know about McGovern s
honesty f Why should you bo so ready to take his word on so
short an acquaintance f This is a matter of business, not cour-
tesy, and tho way for him to show his honesty of purpose is to
come up with his money, and not blarney about it."

'< Keep cool. Jack 1 Don't fly off at tho handle, ray boy; 1 11
be responsible for McGovorn, and you shan't bo in any way a

loser by him."

« Yes, Major, but I don't want you to bo a loser by him, either,
and it's my opinion he's beat us both, already. Look around
this room— what is there to show for five hundred and odd dol-
lars here? Why, I don't believe he's speat three hundred dol-
lars altogether, sir! I tell you. Major, this man has chiseled
us already, and he means to do it agam; and he will, too, if wo
don't take him to task pretty sharply. His big talk about his

(D.

ir. Mr. McOorern
ig in this city, and
on, air, towards us
I liirt iissi tiincc to
me, iind 't would l>o
Uit to relievo your
Hhiiro of the bunk
uauded tbo Miijor,

V strange place and
ig as smoothly as

a strict watch ui)on
lonoy transactions,
:r. McOovern, 'twas

lecds no protection

), Major, for you are
villain who talks in
arc proper between
opportunity to pick
inipson alfair would
1 to bo just as ready
J about McGovorn's
take his word on so
if business, not cour-
!sty of purpose is to
tout it."

handle, my boy; I'll
m't be in any way a

I loser by him, either,
eady. Look around
lundred and odd dol-
t three hundred dol-
us man has chiseled
indhe will, too, if we
IS big talk about his

MBW TOSX.

98f

flvo thousand dollar check in all ' popycock.' Why don't he show
up his money f This is no way to do business."

"Well, Weill" oxclaimcd the Miijr testily; "let's see first
what our prospects are, Iteforo we tonii.ience iiuailuling with
Mc(iovern. I'd stake my life he'.s an honest man, and means
well by U8. Should ho prove otherwise, I'll take the loss on my
shoulders."

" Then you intend t>) let him go ahead his own way f"

" Most certainly, nir! Do you want me to dictate to him what
bo shall do, in his own home, and among his own people f"

Finding that the Major wa» already somewhat angry with me
for my perseverance, and seeing the futility of further discussion,
I dropped the subject.

Mr. McGovern, true to his promise, made his api)earance in
our rooms, in the evening, in company with twenty or more
Individuals, whom ho characterized as the b'h'ys; and a motley
crowd they were. Nearly all were respectably dressed, and
some stylishly. Many carried in their hands gold-headed canes,
while gold and gems adorned the fronts of their shirts and
glittered on their stumpy fingers; and every face, though some
were by no means ill-looking, bore the stamp of di-ssipation and
debauchery. Their fine raiment, and the gems and jewels which
they wore, could not conceal a certain air of coarseness and
roystoring rowdyism which liung about thorn.

Mr. McGovern presented his "fri'nds," one after another, to
the Major, and each having shaken him by the hand, in the
most energetic pump-handle fashion, ho, prefacing his remarks
with a stentorian "whist," and thereby bespeaking silence,
proceeded to deliver himself of the following speech:

"Gintlemon! Major George Jenks is one of the rale ould
Varginny stock; a thrue ginlleman, ivery inch ov 'im. You can^
take me wurrud for it. He's a sthrangcr among ye's, 'an ye'll
thrate 'im kindly, for its desarvin he is of it, if he is a gambler!
He's come to dale faro to ye's, an' bo tho same token, he's
brought lashins o' money wid him, an' he'll hand it over to ye's
like a man if yor able to win it."

This address received several interruptions during its dehvory,
sever!'' of the audience calling out, "Spin yer string short,
Gove} " "0 gas!" "Dry up and bust!" "Shy yer castor and
let's driuk," with many more elegant phrases in common use

268 WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

among .his refined crowd. When the speech was concluded a
gentleman at the rear of the crowd, w)io had not opened his
mouth since entering the room, remarked solemnly :

"S'pose the by's kin tell a Wood whin they sees 'em widout
all that palaver. Faith, yc's know a gintlcman as will as the
best 0' them, but the divil a harrum in knowin' what fashion o
gentleman ycr interduced tc." ««tn«i, it

"Blarney!" "Too much chaff!" "Cheese it!" "S ash it,
Govey, ole boy, an' let's try tho Major's champagne," roared

half a dozen at once. , ■■, a »

"Yaas, Gcvey, stash it, ole boss, yer too long-wmded,"
drawled a gentleman of the "Mose" order, who was standing
immediately opposite Mr. McGovem, and who to give point to
MS remark; favored that gentleman with sucla a punch in he
ribs as brought the water to his eyes and sent bur reelmg o the
oppoSte side of the room. This scientific feat was received with
laughter from all sides, and Mr. McGovern, soemg no inoro op-
portunity for speechifying, hid his chagrin in the PoW'ng of the
champagne corks. General hilarity prevailed. T\vo dozen of
tirwefo uncorked, and the Major's health, extension of longev-
Uvaud success, drank in bumpers with vociferous cheering
to ;wch that geitleman responded in a short, but good-natured

'^Sf McGovem had meanwhile planted himself in front of the
firo-table, aid demanded $200 worth of checks, which I sup-
ped to him, but for which he oflered me no money. Severn
Sher person^ now came up to the table, bought chips, and I
s on luad a Uvely play. As no arrangement had bc.n made
relative to the limit of the game, I took it upon myself to fix it
at $2.5 and $100, when one of our players desired o '"'^^^C;^ ^«t
on a card, of $200. Some twelve men were about the tab e and
several hkd shown large rolls of bank bills, and were betting
heavily against the game. The chances were avorable for us
?o win'or'lose a considerable sum of money, -^d the conduct
the players was admirable. Not so, however, with the other
portion of the company. After hoisting in a large quant. ty of
Champagne, and brandy to top ofif with, they had gathered about
*i'e poker table. For a short time they behaved with propriety,
but the liquor they had drank having had time to loosen their
tongues, they became pretty noisy. They discussed m loud

.jK.isiagi***!**^'***-

WW YOBK.

waa concluded, a
i not opened his
nuly :

' sees 'em widout
an as will as the
n' what fashion o'

it!" "Stash it,
impagnc," roared

00 long-winded,"
svho was standing
), to give point to
h a punch in the
hhv reeling to the
was received with
seeing no more op~
the popping of the
!d. Two dozen of
xtension of longev-
aciferous cheering,
, but good-natured

Qself in front of the
iccks, which I sup-
10 money. Several
ought chips, and I
nt had been made
pon myself to fix it
sired to make a bet
ibout the table, and
!, and were betting
're favorable for us
and the conduct of
ver, with the other
a largo quantity of
had gathered about
ived with propriety,
time to loosen their
' discussed in loud

tones the merits of dififerent ward politicians, fire engine com-
panies, prize fighters, and many kindred subjects, talking all
at once, and using more profane language and slang than is
generally to be heard in assemblies of gentlemen. Occasionally,
when the uproar waxed deafening, McGovern would turn around
in his chair, and cry out, "Whist, ye divils, ye're not at a pri-
mary meeting." After such a remonstrance, comparative quiet
would reign for a few moments, when the babel of tongues would
recommence. Finally, amid their rude wit and chafifering, two
of the party had got into angry dispute relative to their respect-
ive fiie-engine companies, which resulted in one of the parties
calling the other a liar, and a square knock-down was the con-
sequence. The game had dealt up to this time with more than
usual good luck, and was nearly $3000 winner, besides $400
which McGovern owed the bank. As there seemed plenty of
money around the bank, the chances were for us to make a
good winning, but our prospects were not reahzed. The moment
that little pleasantry took place between the two worthies at the
peker table, the whole party jumped to their feet, and a deafen-
ing shout arose of "A ring! a ring! fair play! fair play!" My
players also hastened to the vicinity of the combatants ; some
had their checks cashed, while others crammed theirs hastily
into their pockets. With scant ceremony, the faro table and all
other furniture was pushed back or piled one upon the other, to
give the combatants a clear field, after which they were placed
in a position facing each other, stripped to the buff, and duly
seconded according to the established rules of the P. R. Mr.
Phil. McGovern was chosen referee, an ofiQcc which he accepted
with joyful alacrity, to the immense astonishment and disgust of
the Major.

" Fifty dollars on Jakey Grier," sung out a bystander. The
bet was immediately taken, several others were offered and
taken the moment they passed the lips of those making them.
"Jakey Grier" had the "call" over his opponent, Jimmy Riley.
Whether it was owing to the fact that he had knocked down
Jimmy, or his previous exploits in the manly art, that had given
his backers such confidence in his mettle, I am unable, unfortu-
nately, to inform my reader, but certain it is, that as the "mill"
was about to commence, the odds were $50 to $40 on Jakey, and
no takers. I suppose, altogether, about $600 was wagered upon

i«o*wi«i»fcsai*««i'»**»-

270 wANDBKnirGS of a vagabond.

the issue of the fight. The combatants pummeled each other
for something like fifteen minutes, when the " mill ' v;as brought
to a close by Jimmy Kiley delivering an upper cut with his left,
which landed underneath the ear of Jakey, knocking taat gen-
tleman completely out of time. The combat being thus closed
the spectators liquored up all round, and a double portion being
imbibed bj the combatants. Jakey, entirely " hors du combat
was asBistcQ to his domicile, while the victorious Jimmy, with
two teeth knocl; ^ out and one eye in mourning, not to mention
the general appearance of his "mug," was congratulated by his

numerous friends. j x, „ >!!«•„-

Mr. McGovern and some of his party now returned the differ-
ent articles of furniture to their places, and a general demand
was made that the faro-bank should be reopened. But the
Maior positively declined to comply with the request, alleging as
his reason, that he was afraid the police would force an entrance
into the house. "Force hell!" roared a brawny son of the Emer-
ald Isle, holding up a fist which looked as if it might have felled
an ox. "It's myself 'ud Uke to see one o' the dirty sons o
bitches poke his mug in at that dure till I'd mash it for 'im.

But neither threats nor entreaties-and both were unsparingly
used— would induce the Major to reopen his game.

"This isad--n nice hole you've roped us inter, Gov., said
one of that gen^'eman's friends; "these ere fellers are 'fraid o

*^"Th^ perlice, is it?" said another, "Be Ja-s, it's the likes o'
them I'll kapo clear o' the like-, of us; it's themselves knows
we'd put a head on ivery mother's son ov 'em if they interfare wid
the divarshins o' gentlemen." ^ ^ +i,«

"Ye's must excuse me friends; sure, they're not used to the
b'ys yet," said McGovern, apologetically. , , , „ ,

"That ain't it! They've took in a few hundred dollars, and
that 'Ulast 'em till they die," cried another worthy.

"Let 'em go to h-1 if they don't open their game," said a
gentleman in the crowd; "there's plenty o' games in town be-
sides this. Come down to Jimmy Daley's, he'll give ye farrer till

ver belly aches."

This elegant sentiment being received with great approbation,
the originator started for the door, and probably ultimately for
the domicile of the axjcommodating Mr. Daley. He was accom-

NEW YORK.

271

leled each other
lill" vas brought
cut with his left,
jcking tiiat gen-
eing thus closed,
ble portion being
' hors du combat,"
ous Jimmy, with
ig, not to mention
gratulated by his

turned the differ-
i general demand
pened. But the
;quest, alleging as
force an entrance
' son of the Emer-
might have felled
the dirty sons o'
ish it for 'im."
I were unsparingly
ime.

inter, Gov.," said
fellers are 'fraid o'

-8, it's the likes o'
themselves knows
f they interfare wid

re not used to the

ndred dollars, and
orthy.

heir game," said a
james in town he-
'll give ye farrer till

great approbation,
)ably ultimately for
V. He was accom-

panied by two or three comrades, while the remainder soon
followed suit, and stood not upon the order of their going by any
means.

"Well, Major! How do you like our game?" I inquired, soon
after our guests bad departed.

"The money I saw I liked well enough, sir; but a more dis-
gi'aceful set of ruffians than our players to-night, I have never
had the luck to meet."

"Mr. McGovern owes the bank $400; did his play count, or
not?"

" Unquestionably it did, sir ! Always does in such cases, un-
less an express understanding is had previously."

"Should he refuse to acknowledge his play as a genuine one,
are you willing to pay me one-third of what he owes the bank ? "
I coolly inquired.

"Pay you one third of what he owes the bank?" repeated the
Major, his face flushed with anger, aroused by my question.
"No, sir! I told you I'd be responsible for his share of the bank-
ing money."

" Oh ! Very well, Major, I shall speak to Mr. McGovern about
the matter to-morrow," I replied, coolly.

" Speak to him about what?" demanded the Major, excitedly.

" Why, about his play, to be sure," I rejoined. " He now owes
the bank $400. Should we to-morrow ask him for this, ho might
Bay ho was only capping the game in order to induce his friends
to play. But should we allow it to pass on without any under-
standing about the matter, he might, to-morrow night, or any
night, win two or more thousands, and put it in his pocket. That
would, no doubt, be very good for McGovern, but it wouldn't
exactly suit me, Major, and I doubt if it would you, sir."

"You mustn't act in this manner. Jack. Wait until they
show some evidence of guilt, before you commence convicting
people in this way."

"There's nothing like being on the safe side. Major."

" No, no. Jack ; whenever you enter into a business with a
gentleman, do not insult him by showing, either by word or
deed, that you doabt his honesty of purpose ; and in this case
it is especially for our interest to keep on the best of terms with
McGovern. Without his protection, how in the world are we
going to manage these brutes? To lose his friendship. Jack,
would be to have our game broken up."

27i». -WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND,

"I am desirous of continuing the game, sir, because I see
money in it; but I don't care to have Mr. McGovern get any the
best of me; and the surest way to prevent a misundjrstandmg,
is to asli him to-morrow wliclher his play must count or not.
He owes $400, therefore he cauuot bo angry at a plam (luestioii
upon the- subject. If ho says his play docs not count, we are but
slishtly the losers, and luiow what we are domg.

"Wo mustn't say anything to him," ho replied, dogged.y.
"Wo have already displeased him by closing our game to night,
and refusing to reopen it. I am sorry I did so. Just let me
manage this matter, Jack, will you? It w:ll be all right m the

^°i saw it was quito useless trying to bring him to my way of
thinlcing, consequently dropped tho subject and proposed that
wo should retire for tlio night.

Mr McGovern called at our rooms on the foWowmg morning,
and reprimanded tlie Major for closing his game on the evemng
before against the wishes of his friends. " Bad l.ck to mo if I
wouldn't rather lost a thousand dollars than h.>.,. yo s dono it.
Begorra, if that's the game yc're goin' to play, y -i ";"?JJ' J^^
thilcity. The b'ys'll not be standin' it, at all. at all ; an' u they
ivcr come here again, it's meself ye'U irav . to thank for i!
Didn't they ?wcar by this and by that, thoy'O n;ver set futmside

ver dures r.gin ? " , *' „

"Is it expected that we shall close oar m-.-^ whenever taey
want a ring fight in the room, and •:■ .-^ it ag, .0 when it is their
pleasure to demand it?" Ilaughing.ymquuv^.

" W'.at the di-n is it to you what they want', Its to win
their monny , re here, ain't it? Do yo's want .0 reform
their morals, ^00 r- e inquired, angrily.

"But m? fiif'.' politely remonstrated the Major, • 1 taro-
room is no place for a ring fight. I never witnessed so disgi iceful
a scene before, and I've been in the profession thirty years.

'Thin it's time, Major, ye were acquainted with the fashions
of New York, if ye's mane to sthay in it. Take mo wurrud for
that. An' more be token, if it wasn't gintlemin ye's had wid ye s
last ni--bt, it's out o' tlio windy yersels and yer faro tools would
a gone, by the howly St. Patrick, when ye's refused to open
yer dirty game to the first gintleaien in New York ! "

" This must be a rough couut>-y on faro dealers, said tne
Major, laughing.

NST, TOBE.

273

, because I see
k-ern get any tbe
.sumlJi-staiuliug,
it count or not.
a plain (luestion
iouut, we are but

plied, doggedly,
ir game to night,
50. Just let roe
3 all right in the

im to my way cf
id proposed that

ilowing morning,
le on the evening
id kck to mo if I
[i;i,d ye's dono it.

ys d betther lave
at all ; an' if they

to thank for it !
I' ver set fut inside

oa whenever they
,r; ^vhea it is their

ant? It's to win
'a want ,o reform

e Major, " i faro-
sscd so disgi aceful
1 thirty years."
I with the fashions
ike mo wurrud for
in ye's had wid ye's
3r faro tools would
o's refused to open
York ! "
dealers," said the

" The divil a betther set o' b'ys in the worruld, but they won't
stand any hunibuggin', mind that now, Major."

" Well, sir, I shall endeavor to please your friends in future,
My. McGoveru," said the Major. " Tell your friends that I was
afraid of the police arresting us, or I should have opened the
game when they recjuested me to do so."

" Don't let the perlace trouble yer head. It's too wise the
blaggards are, to interfere wid thim b'ys whin they're out on a
lark. But I'll lave ye's now, an' see what I can do for ye's this
avenin'." And away he went.

Early in the evening, three respectable looking men dropped
in, and commenced playing; and later, McGovern came with
four companions, but one of whom had been in our rooms on
the previous evening. Our game became lively, and lastti^l
till morning, without a "muss" ofiany kind having taken place.
Again McGovern demanded cheeks from the bank, which I
furnished, and he again neglected to pay for. As he played
comparatively small, and there was a debt of $400 hanging over
him, the circumstance gave uio little or no uneasiness. When
the bank closed, be was loser $280, and as ho rose from his chair
he turned towards the Major, and said, "I'll hand ye's that;
money in the mornin'. Major." The latter responded by a nod.
But the money was not forthcoming as promised, which led me
to believe that McGovern had no idea of his play counting, and
did not intend taking any uuiair advantage of us in that way.
As the Major was determined not to ask him whether his play
counted or not, or, in other words, was afraid to ask him, and
opposed my doing so in such a bitter maimer, I made up my
mind not to say any more to him on the Bubject nor to mention
it to McGovern so long as ho continued to lose, but to permit
him to go ahead until the end of tho month. But I had also
made up my mind, that, in case he played himself even with the
bank, I would come to an explanation with him, even if I was
obliged to call him away from the faro-table to do so.

Our play gradually increased, until we bad nightly a full table
of bei;ters. Disputes would frequently arise relative to the own-
ership of bets, which often resulted in damaged eyes and noses
and the smas.'iing of heads. These delectable amusements would
frequently end in a ring fight, similar to that which we had en-
joyed on our opening night. We got thoroughly used to this ort

^^**???*^3^~-**^--*" " ■

f.74 TVANDEEINGS OP A VAGABOND.

Of amusements, and when the combatants had P^j^^jJ f^^
other to their satisfaction, wc resumed our game. On three oc

Sn^sman scrimmages ^^^^^^.X^:^ ^ST^
^•hilo the battle was ragmg hottest the ^^'^J"^,^"" "^^^.j^^j ^^^

^r«,e rowbVn Uc„. them until "^P^-^'^^SrS

Ij thJ mtlo cccontrldtlos ot oar customed, ^tey '"oke «r
ld„w.»,,ddoor»a,,a— do^^^^^^^
the month, we were obliged to uuy iwu «
and have a new faro-table made. .^^^^^^^^

During tbese rows we were entirely^^^^ ^^^^^^^

ence, and every ^^''^''^^''Z^^ee^^.J^^^ influence to

When MeGovern was presen^^^^^^^^^^ ,„

prevent these trmls ^y bat Ho, or W , ^ ^^^ ^

more with it possibly, had not the ^J-^JO^' ; "^ , ^-^^^^ ^^
nnt phiir hune on to the card-box like griin deatn. t^ '""'"^

L money, ,vhl;* ho hold .till " '"» '™Sbr V atw

kick him about tb«l^«!^d,^^t,Vi;t\nd8 ruckout for his assail-
tous attentions, he regaine^^^^^^^^^ .^ contact with,

ants. His ^^JlfJ^'^^^^ ^^.w ^ff rather suddenly to repair
;t raSirhrdrtrhtdrand At^stretched Mm out

[D.

ad punished each
me. On three Ge-
neral engagement,
and myself seized
\cld of action, and
30 who had check8
ed our banlc on the
)nth was tlie service
lir damages caused
3. They broke our
md tables. During
■a dozens of chairs,

•om police interfer-
scienceand muscle-
1 utmost influence to
ercations leading to
en struck he was as
jlves. One night a
some sixty dollars
10 had been cheated,
car.d-box in order to
so, and considerably
■ho was in the look-
Q death. Finding he
him a stunning blow
poor Llajor sprawl-
s card-box containing
(Is. The ruffiao was
ichiof, by a blow from
aim to loosen his hole.
lehind with a chair; in
persons now began to
a spite of these solici-
ruck out for his assail-
came in contact with,
her suddenly to repair
he could disable them,
elee, a storm of chairs
lally stretched him out

NEW TOBK.

275

senseless. While in this situation he was kicked and thumped,
aud at last dragged down stairs, and thrown into the street in an
almost denuded condition. For several moments ho lay there as
lie had been thrown, and when he recovered bis consciousness
the first thing ho asked for was some whiskey. Having swal-
lowed it at a draught, he then stared around him to collect his
scattered senses. At last, as ho looked up to the building, his
eyes fell on the lighted windows of our room. Tlie sight seemed
to recall to his memory the late stirring event, in which ho had
been an important actor. Ho shook his clenched fist at our win-
dows, and muttered between his clenched teeth, •' If I'd a had a
fair show, them 'uns couldn't a whipt one side o' me." He then
got once more upon his pins, and quietly toddled ofif.

Our faro-table had been broken, and many of our chairs smash-
ed, in this fracas, so we concluded to close for the night, in order
to repair damages, and not to reopen uutil the following evening.
The Major's wounds did not prove to be so severe as I feared,
and I was much rejoiced to find that, with the exception of a few
bruises, he wa.s, to use his own expression, " as good as new, sir."
Wliilo we were on our way to our hotel, wo were overtaken by
one of our players, by the name of Joseph Chapin. Ho was a
small, attenuated specimen of humanity. That he was inclined
to be sickly one did not need to be told, for his pinched features
and shrunken form amply attested it. He did not seem to have
the least fellowship for anyone, always came and went by himself,
and rarely engaged in conversation; though scarcely thirty years
old, seemed to be burdened with the cares of age. Since we had
opened our room, he had been one of its most constant frequent-
ers. He seemed to have a sufficiency of money for his purpose,
and played almost steadily against the bank, but lightly, and the
most he would win or lose at a sitting was about $50. The life
of Mr. Chapin, and how he obtained his money, appeared to
be a mystery which the boys could not fathom. And many were
the turnings over which he got in our rooms in his absence from
them. "Where the hell does Joe Chapin get his blunt from?
I never seed 'im doin' nothin' for it; I wonder if he dusent stand
in with the cross-men ? But he never jines 'em !" Aftei which the
speaker proceeded to take several leisurely whiflfs at a remark-
ably dirty meerschaum. The speaker was one of Mr. McGovem's
friends; the time early in the evening, but few persons being

276 WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOXD.

present in the room. " Maybe his gal comes out to him,- sug-
nf«jtwl another ccutlemau present.

^-1 he dirty |,o.stI and is it him have a gall he's too .-hUe-
livered for that," laughed another.

-'He's allcrs got the blunt, anyhow, an' that tells he s a
keener," dreamily responded the first speaker, with his pipe

"ijo™Chapin, gintlcmen', is as fine a pinman as ye'll find in
the eUhy o'^New York, an' the divil a man lu it ean put h.s
name .the bottom av a check as will as Joe l^inisclf."

?h. remarks were received with many ^^^^^^'^^^^ .7-
prise and wonder, and one gentleman present gave vent to a
Kg, ?ow whistle, followed by a "Wh-a-at! and thats his

''"whaf tYe divil do ye mane by axing is that 1^- ^^^'i^-
manded Mr. McGovcrn, pretending to be very HHi'ffuant D.d
?savanvthin' wrongo'tho manT Am I a man capable of sland-
Ihevfn' a 'gintlemanf The divil a bit. Not Phil. McGovern.

^Tut" whenever Joe's foes measured tongues with him, they
«too?about as much chance as a novice would have in crossmg
swordfwith L ac omplished duelist. He had a supple tongue,
v^Sch was never at a iSss to huvl bitter gibes towards h.s adver-
Tries He seemed also to have a perfect knowledge of every
Tne? character, antecedents, and present social standing, and
Se wa^ mSe pleased to show up the deformities of poor human
natur^ Tan its redeeming qualities. The bullies held him m
resnectful fear, because, on the few occasions in which he had
bXoncerned in rows he had shown an ugly disposition to use
Sife-an instrument held in great detestation by your mus-
cular expounder of the science of hitting from the shoulder,
jt and myself had gotten on very amicably together, and he
Sten favS me with a dissertation on the characters of those
who frequented our rooms, and if any one of them ever possessed
The smlst virtue, Joe had, unfortunately, f«;g«"e°,%f^^^.

"Delightful shindy that, Major?" remarked Mr. Chapin,
when be had overhauled us. j«„v*

.'Ibrntal affair, sir, very brutal," returned the Major, doubt-
less still soffering from the weight of the fellow's fist.
^He'8 a whale If he'd had a fair start, now, he'd a cleared
out that McGovern gang."

It to liim,'' Bug-

? bc's too white-

liat tells be'a a
r, with his pipe

ii as yo'U find in
n it can put his
imsclf."

lamations of sur-
t gave vent to a
t! and that's his

it his game?" de-
inOignant. "TAi
capable of sland-
Phil. McGovern,

8 with him, they
i have in crossing
1 a supple tongue,
towards his adver-
uowledge of every
cial standing, and
les of poor human
allies held him in
3 in which he had
Y disposition to use
ition by your mus-
:rom the shoulder.
y together, and he
characters of those
hera ever possessed
argotten the fact,
rked Mr. Chapin,

i the Major, doubt-
low's fist,
low, he'd a cleared

NBW YOBS.

877

"Do you know him?" I inquired.

"Yes! His name's Jack Kline; he keeps order for Johnny
Walker's dance-house in the Points."

"He's an infernal robber," angrily cried the ilajor.

"He ain't no worse than the rest on 'em, McGovern and his
gang; they're all on it."

" On it ! On what f " demanded the Major,

"The rob," laconically replied Mr. Chapin.

"Mr. McGovern is a gentleman, sir, and my friend," said the
Major, in his stiffest manner, and stopping in his walk to eye
Chapin from head to foot with a glance which ought to have
annihilated him.

"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed Chapin, on whom the Mj\jor's
dignity did not seem to take much effect. "He a gentleman!"
What, Oily McGovern f Why, Major, he's the dirtiest thief in
New York."

"I am afraid you're somewhat prejudiced against the gentle-
man," I remarked.

"I always am against low-flung villains and cowardly row-
dies."

"Has he lived long in this city?" I asked.

"About fifteen years. He'd been transported to Botany Bay,
had he not left Ireland when he did, and he left it in a hurry,
too, I can tell you. He first opened a three-cent grog-shop
and a fence in the Five Points ; that's where he got his first start.
Three or four years afterwards he fitted up that rum-mill of
his in Chatham street, and ever since it was opened it has been
the resort of the better class of knucksmen, cracksmen, low pol-
iticians, prize-fighters, and that kind of stock."

"They say he has a good deal of political influence in the
city?" I asked, merely by way of keeping up a conversation, as
I knew anything uttered by any person whatever, against
McGovern. was anything but agreeable to the Major's feelings.

"Yes, he baa with the stock that visits his whiskey-mill, and
some among the lower orders of Irish."

"What has made him so popular with the Irish?" I asked.

"A hundred things," replied Chapin. " He gets city contracts,
and keeps them in work; trusts them for rum at his dead-fall;
gets up prize-fights for their amusement, and whenever they're
'pulled' by the police, he gets them out of quod."

"Then he must have some weight with the police?" I said.

WAKDEBINOS OF A VAGABOND.

«0b! that's coming it rather rough, ^liai'|n- y ,^

<< Well, y .u just let anybody who hasn't f''^"'^' '" ^'^^t, ^'-

swear to just what ho wants or t";^ f^"^"^™, joflucntial
S ^ny^o? ^X S. S oXrV Cclals -, that's
'°:Thara"hard customer to have for an enemy, ain't it.
""-ipllwltr^'chapin is amusing himself at our expense,"
contemptuously replied the ^^y^; heard yet of telling a

enemy sir. I never make enemies, sir," replied the Mjpr' be ^
asked Chapin if McGovern, that he knew oi, J

mailing."

'" - 'iw » "»i iiJ -»a » *i ii .«»J * »' i ti i <,w< i i6*'

*;«?fti'e»-- ^..jMi'p*^;

8, when ho can
laud, or up the

•up the river?"
jT or Sing Sing."

Is in Now York;
, that wants to ;
3 tho dogs won't
hauco o' getting

to prison?"
witness box and
th all tho dctcct-
,ud is influential
h officials ; that's

enemy, ain't it,

at our expense,"

ird yet of telling a
mt to stay in Now

10 cause to be ray
ed the Major, be-
)titionoftho"sir."
between them, I
; ever injured the

16 city for the last
[ him in some way
ig him have an in-
own money, he set
. And he has put
rested, thrown into
ling to come down
; and for no other
uldn't stand black-

NEW TORK.

279

"Well, Chapln, if that's tho caso, I'll try and keep on the
right side of him during our stay hore."

'•You can do that in only one way— by letting tho dirty thief
rob you in some way or another," said Chapin, who now, with a
"good-night," left us, and crossed the street, on his way to his
own lodgings.

"Chapin draws a pretty rough picture of Mr. Mac," I ob-
served.

"Now, Jn"'-' how on earth can you give credence to that
aloek , slanderous viperf I've never heard that fellow

speak >cil of my one yet."

"That's true, Major, nor have I over heard any ono speak well
of him. But there must bo some truth or cause for him speak-
ing in the manner he did of McGovern, and I'm afraid we'll
have trouble with him yet."

Though tho Major vouchsafed mo no reply, it waa evident to
mo that his faith in that worthy had been considerably shaken.
In one respect he was entirely undeceived. lu Washington ho
had believed him to be a gentleman in habits and manners, aa
well as in integrity of principle. In New York he found him to
be tho associate of rowdies, and entering with zost into their
brutal habits and amusements. Whether ho had begun to sus-
pect his honesty of purpose, I could not ascertain, but I thought
so. However, they always sooraed very friendly, and tho Major
invariably treated McGovern with the most punctilious polite-
ness, while he showed the Major the most respectful attention
whenever ho met him at the hotel, whore he sometimes came, or
in our gambling-room. But ho never had invited him to his
place of business, and did not seem at all desirous of being seen
in company with him on the stroe', or other public places,
though tho Major, on leaving Washington, had no doubt ex-
pected more flattering attention from his friend, Mr. McGovern,
while sojourning in the great metropolis.

Jt^ -WANDERINOS OF A TAOABOWD.

CHAPTER XXIII.

SQUARING ACCOUNTS.

The cud of tbo month arrived, and with It our day of settle-
ment. Mr. McGovcrn, the Major, and myself, wore alone m our
gambling room. When I had figured up, and given a few
preliminary " hems," I thus addrcased my audience "Gentle-
men, the bank Is winner, in the month, $8,700 cash, and the
$1,700 owed it by Mr. McGovcrn." ,„„„....

'•Is it mo owes the bank siventccn hundred dollars T
exclaimed Mr. McGovern, with a face expressive of the blankest

aatonishuiont. ,>!„„»

"That's the amount of your losings, at your varloun plays

against it," I coolly replied. .!,,„,,„.

"To h-1 with ye'sl An' Is that what yer at, ye thieves
0' the worruld! Kogorra, that's fine tratement, anyhow, an
mcself working fur yo's Ivery night o' me life to bring Pjaycrs to
ve's I An' I owe the bank slventeen hundred dollars ! faitn, ye s
won't starve for cheek, anyhow!" said Mr. McGovern rising
from his chair, and rapidly pacing the room. Ihen sudden y
stopping in his walk, ho faced mo, and said, " Begorra, I made
a great mistake when I took ye's for a gintleman."

"Such language, sir," interrupted the Major, "is outrageous
and there Is no justification whatever for it, sir. Mr. Morris
demands of you what he thinks to be right. I told h.ra mysdf
sh on the first night we opened here, that your play against the
ba^k was a genuine one, because I believed it to be so myself,

nir ' "

''A ginuwine one,islt1 The divila bit! IfI'dwanted to
playin airnest fornenst it, wouldn't I towld yo's so like a maul
There's no humbuggin' about Phil McGovei > 1

.'Very well, sir!" said the Major, "if lu say your play
against the bank was not a genuine one, have it so, sir .
^u Be J— s, It's myselfs glad to see some rason left in ye s at
anyrate, an' as the little matther Is explained, HI be clvi enough
to say I'm sorry we had any words on such a dirthy suhject.'

" In that case," I resumed, " the bank is wmner $8,700.

« Troth, it's in bad luck 'tis, not to have won fifty thousand.
But It's thankful we ought to be for shmaU thmgs."

iir day of settle-
(vcre alone iu our
ind given a few
lenco "Gentle-
TO cash, and the

ndred dollars t"
ro (if tlio blankest

ur various plays

er at, ye thieves
ont, anyhow, an'
) bring players to
[ollars ! faith, ye's
McGovern, rising
, Then suddenly
' Begorra, I made
lan."

r, "is outrageous,
, sir. Mr. Morris
[ told him myself,
ir play against the
it to be 80 myself,

If I'd wanted to
o's so like a man f
!"

■)u say your play
3 it so, sir!"
•ason left in ye's at
I'll be civil enough
, dirthy subject."
inner $8,700."
(von fifty thousand,
dings."

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23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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0^9

squABiiro Accotnrrs.

281

"Out of this Bum is to come $514 for the fitting up of this
room," I continued.

" Fair and aisy, Misther Morris. Split that small Item be-
twane jersilf an' the Major, aa ye plaze, for the divil a cint of
it comes out o' my share o' the money, mind that, now I"

" 'Tis but Tight, sir, that you should pay your share of the
expenses, sir ! " said the Jlajor.

" Divil a bit o' right in it, M^jor. The room was for yer own
convanience, entirely. 'Twas myself was to bring the b'ys to
ye's, an' didn't I bring lots uv 'em; so pay yer own expmses, for
divil a cent of it '11 ye'a get from Phil McGovern."

"Very well, sir, if youthmk that just, have it so, air!"
exclaimed the Major, in a voice choked with passion.

" Well, what shall I do now f " I asked.

" Do, is it f Settle up the game, ye spalpeen, an' give to each
man what belongs to him."

" Then there is $2,900 coming to you, sir," I politely replied,
taking no notice of his insulting manner.

" By the powers, that's good, anyhow. Thin hand mo $1,900,
me b'y, an' I'll lavo the thousand in the bank."

"Three thousand dollars, sir, is too small a sum to bank such
a game as we are dealing here, Mr. McGovern," interposed the
Major. " We should have a bank of at least $G,000."

" The divil a bit small is it, an' if yer players caa whi it, sure
I wish 'em joy of it. Whii they win thim $3,000, I'll bring 'em
twice as much more to win in the snap o' me fingers."

Three thousand dollars in bank, and one-third belonging to
Mr. McGovern! Well, that was better than when we first
started in partnership with that worthy, for he had not a single
dollar in the game.

Agam deceived I Poor, frcuerous-hcarted, chivalric old Major !
And for the fortieth time porh.ips in your life, that, meaning no
evil itself, thougUt none of its fellow creatures. Tour generous,
credulous, and unsuspicious nature ft)rmod a rich pasturage for
crafty knaves to batten ui)():i ! ,

The footsteps of McGovern had ticarccly died away upon the
staircase, when the Major seized bis hat and cane, and hastily
left the room, to find reUef for his pent-up wrath in the open air.
He felt, poor old man, humiliated, and feared my taunts; he
need not have done so, however, for I had no wish to add to hia
torments. *- — - >

WANDISBIIIGS OF A VAGABOND.

Shortly after Wb leaving, I Ufted up the ^'jdowsash and
looked into the street. There, a few doors away, stood the M^or,
motionless on the curb-stone, with his eyes fixed on va^^ncy, evi-
dently in the state of mind described L/ the phrase, a brown
S" I withdrew my head and closed the window, lest he
might suddenly turn and detect me in the a«t of watching him
That night our game ran until daylight, and we closed it loser
•490. Neither McGovern nor any of his cronies came near the
place during the evening; but shortly after Ughting up on the
foUowing one, Mcr,cvern made his appearance, and showing signs
of bemg in a s.eat hurry, he walked up to the Major and asked
him if he had $i ,000 he could loan him for a few days.

"I have not that amount of money belonging to you in the
game,sLr," replied the Major, coldly. "We lost four hmidred
and ninety dollars last night."

" An' what the divil if ye did ? Can't ye give me a thousand
dollars for a few days, when I nade it t" . , ^t _„

" Our "loney, sk, is all deposited hi bank, except what I carry
with me to bank this game, sir!" said the Major, still more coldly.
" Blood-an-ounsI Can't you untherstand a gintlemanwhenhe
Boakes EngUsh. I want the money an' must have it ; there II be
iMhuis left to oarry on yomr game, if ye's give me a thousand out
av what ye have there."

"If you desire it, sir, I will pay over to you what belongs to
you out of the banking money."
" HovT much might that be, Majort"
"Eight hundred and thirty-six dollars and sixty cents, sir," re-

piled the exact Major.

" Give it to me, thin !" . ,

The Major counted out the money and handed it over to Wm.
« Now, Major darlint, jlst Ihid me the loan of enough to make

np the thousand; sure I'll give it to ye, in yer fist, m a day or,

two'" »t ^

"I have no more money in the bank oclonging to you, an-
swered the Major, in tho freezing tones ho had used throughout

*^"is*U Sn' me the loan of a few dirthy dollars that ye arV'
roared Mr. McGovern, in a rage. "Begorra, there's fnnds for yel
S afther all I done for ye's here. By the Howly Stjathenck
I'd a bet tho full o' both me fists o' hundther dollar bills, I couia

jg i piw wmW l L I HiM I

JND. ■

le window-sash and
ay, Btood the Major,
ied on vacancy, ovi-
le phrase, "a brown
the window, lest he
act of watching him.
ind we closed it loser
ronies came near the
r lighting up on the
ce, and showing signs
the Major and asked
a few days,
mging to you in the
Ve lost four hundred

e give me a thousand

:, except what I carry
lajor, still more coldly,
d a gintleman when he
isthave it; there'll be
jlve me a thousand out

you what belongs to

md sixty cents, sir," re-

handed it over to him.
loan of enough to make'
, in yerfist, in a day or,

Dclonging to you," an-"
ho had used throughout

thy dollars that ye ar«i,"
ra, there's frinds for ye 1
he Howly St. Patherick,
ther dollar bills, I could

SQUARING ACCOUNTS.

S83

av had every cint ye had in the wurruld for the azin. It's de-
saved I was whin I took ye'a undther me wing, and brought ye's
to New York."

" Mr. McGovem, we are now, sir, arranging a business transac-
tion. I have paid over to you, at your desire, your stake in our
bank. Whenever you wish to resume your interest with us here,
you can do so by putting up your money."

The red face of Mr. McGovern waxed purple. He had made
a miss instead of a hit.

" What the divil do ye mane. Major t Bad luck to the cint I'd
touch at all, at all, only I've pressin' nade of it Just now. Haven't
I towld ye's always, that whenever ye's wanted money I'd lave
it wid ye's in a moment t"

" If you desire to retain your interest in the game, we want
your money now," replied the Major.

"Begorra, but that same's a shabby way to thrate an' owld
frind whin he's short taken."

" I'm treating you with perfect justice, sir," the Mt^or returned.

« An' I'm to get no share in the bank till I hands ye's the cash,
is it that ye mane, Majorf"

" None, sir," was the laconic reply.

"Thin take a frind's advice, an' close yer dhthy game if ye've
any respect for the heads that ye carry on yer shouldthers."

" Do you mean to threaten me, you infernal scoundrel I" shout-
ed the Major, springing to his feet and snatching his cana

"Divll a bit!" replied Mr. McGovern, in the most lamb-like
tones; " it's only offerin' ye a bit o' flrindly advice I am. Musha,
it's a grate frind I am to ye's intirely. Major. Good avenin' to
ye's, gentlemen," he said, with a mock bow, "fur fear the look of
Phil McGovem might choke ye'a, I'll take him out o' yer sight,"
with which parting salute he left the room.

The Mi^jor, after this little rencontre, paced up and down the
room in a state of terrible excitement; but according to his
custoni in such cases, he did not give vent to his feelings in
curses, as another might have done, but only paced up and down
in moody silence, with his cane stuck under his arm, at a right
angle.

"Well, Major," I ventured presently, "what do you intend
doing now T"

"I shall leave for Richmond to-morrow, and stay there, sir.

, *

WAilDBBINGS OF A. VAOABOOT).

284

It's the only place fit for a gentleman to live in ^ f }''.' ^;;;*^'^

Sf^nS, decided m. on remaining, ^»ln.t n.? better Judg-
ment— an error I noil greatly regret." ,„„„,> thm to-

"Ttoi you have conelndod to remain liero no longer tbon to

"""n" L, I duJl Btart tor Rlehmond to-morrow morning, a. I

""^ men'l .haU remain her. and deal ll.ro," I replied, with the

"T whe?.rsnddenly aronnd and gazed at me in .peeohle»
a.S„l,CSf rtt he'though. . had eurely gone demented.

-.t ."hr-^eir^r !?t;rrrpt:o ..h ^ .^
>'Tf:„s^r;r:;iztT>rin™ j,r.it.m^^^

T^oS"^ror expeot youto mnany ri.!. of the Idnd, Major,
■\rfl"h::h:ugh..wa.ontUe bluff, ''""''- "-fXS

■» -•-■;=^of "wlirSwr^S'^^ii-d; r.rm

,oin>.

, in. I feel," he said
36, "that I liavedo-
id disgusted with my-
,f unmitigated rascals
ity the next day after
Iced up the first night
the time, hut the ex-
re, and fitting up this
which I Baw a chance
Anst my hetter judg-

re no longer than to-

•morrow morning, as I

0," I replied, with the

d at me in speechless

urely gone demented.

lad!"

ptible Irish ruCaan can

iture, for all the money
ue into it. I don't be-
that brutal villain has

risk of the khid, Major;

lutwhen he found I wa»
ctly as I said, he tried
r, to dissuade me from
(ved this to be. Hebeg-
lane project, as he call-
iny being murdered or
able, and determined on

I on board the Richmond
;ood-bye," he extracted
m posted up on all my
i case I failed to succeed

IN THE LOCK-UP.

there as I anticipated, I would immediately joUi him in Rich-
mond.

Even at the last moment the old follow tried to induce me to
abandon ray foolish project and accompany him, offering toleavo
the steamer, and wait for the next one, in order to give mo an
opiiortunity for malting my preparations for leaving ; but I was
inexorable.

"Good-bye, Jack, my boy," he said, as the gang-plank was
about being withdrawn. "You know where Richmond lies, and
whatever happens, you've always got a friend there, hi Major
George Jenks."

At that moment I would have given the last dollar I possess-
ed in the world, had my baggage been on board that steamer,
and I ready to accompany the Major on his exodus from Now
York. But foolish pride withheld me, and prevented me from
putting Into execution the greatest desire of my heart.

I watched the steamer until her smoke-stacks were lost in the
dim distance, then retraced my steps to my hotel, feeling more
sorrowful and lonely than I had ever felt before in my life.

CHAPTER XXIV.

IN THE LOCK-UP.

On xny return from seeing the Major oflf for Richmond, I Im-
mediately sought the advice and assistance of Mr. Chapin, for
want of better, made him acquainted with the state of my
affairs, -and confided to him my Intention to keep open my faro-
rooms at all hazards. Having heard me to the end, he gave a
discouraging shake of his head, and at once advised me to fol-
low the Major as soon as practicable.

" You'd make a d— n nice job of It, going up against McGovem
and his bruisers. Why, they'll bust you all' up In five minutes,
and what are you going to do about itt No, no, McGovem and
his stripe rule the roost here, and my best advice to you, as a
friend. Is to close up yer crib, and make yourself scarce round
these dlggin's, fur a while, anyhow."

But this advice by no means coincided with my desires.

886

WANDKKINQS OF A VAOABOND.

"Where's that fellow, Kline, that got such a thrashing in our
rooma the other nlghtt" I asked, not even thanking him for his

advice.

" Down at Johnny Walker's dance-house."

" I'll give that fellow five dollars a night, if he can protect my

room."

" C-h-r-ls-t 1 that fellow wouldn't be a marker for that gang of
Phil McGovem'rf. But hold on, I've got It; there's Clem Jones,
another Five-Pointer, and the best fighter in North America.
Now, if you can get him and Kline joined, you'd have a full team
in harness. Could you afford to hire both f "

'« I can afford to pay for any protection."

"Then by God you're all right!" swore Mr. Chapin, jumping
up from his chair and dancing a Jim Crow jig round the room.
" C-h-r-l-8-t I " he sung out, when he had finished his exercise.
" Them two fellers can whip, in a lump, all the shoulder-hitters
in New York."

" Where is Mr. Jones to be found t "

" Well, he makes his loafing place around the Five Points."

" Couldn't you find them, and bring ihem both to my room,
right away t " I asked.

"I don't know— I'll try to;" and pff iie started without

another word.

Two hours had scarcely gone around, before Mr. Chapin
entered my faro room with the two aforementioned gentlemen.
Both were large, powertiilly built specimens of the genus homo.
Their powerful frames and bra" ny limbs, together with their
coarse, heavy features, stamped them at once with that gladia-
torial distinction which they enjoyed in common with many of
their compeers of the bloody Sixth. With them, a face was a
"mug" to be "mashed;" a man, a lay figure to be sent to
" grass," with scientific precision, by a blow from their sledge-
hammer fists. According to Mr. Chapin, they had been a terror
to the rowdies for years, who visited the low dance-houses in
the classic neighborhood of the Five Points. I opened my
business with these muscular gentlemen by offering them a dose
of whiskey, and when they had tossed it down their capacious
throats, I proceeded to explain what I required of them. We
easily came to terms; Messrs. Kline and Jones agreeing to per-
form what fighting I required, in consideration of the paltry sum

OND.

h a tbrashing in our
thanking him for bis

if he can protect mj

rker for that gang of
; there's Clem Jones,
■ in North America,
ou'd have a full team

^r. Chapln, jumping
jig round the room,
finished his exercise.
1 the shoulder-hitters

i the Five Points."
3m both to my room,

iie started without

, before Mr. Chapin
nentioned gentlemen,
sof the genus homo.
B, together with their
nee with that gladia-
ommon with many of
h them, a face was a

figure to be sent to
ow from their sledge-
;hey had been a terror

low dance-houses in
Points. I opened my
y offering them a dose
down their capacious
equired of them. We
Jones agreeing to per-
ition of the paltry sum

IN THE LOCK-L'l'.

887

of five dollars ea«h per night, payable nightly on the closing of
the bank. "The services which I require of you, gentlemen," I
said, " is to protect my room. To that end, I shall expect you
to be on hand every evening when I liyht up, and remain until I
close for the night. You are to remain in the street, and keep
yourselves from observation as much aa practicable, because I do
not wish your business here to be suspected by any one except
ourselves. I shall give you a signal by which you will know if
you are wanted. You aie not to come unless you bear that
signal, but when you do come, come with a rush." I took from
my pocket a dog whistle given me by Mr. Lane on the day we
parted in Richmond, and blew a shrill blast. "That's the signal,
gentlemen, and when you hear that you may know you're
wanted, and can't get here too quick. If I only desire you to
put some one into the street who is disturbing the peace and
comfort, and making a muss in the room, you are to do it as
gently as possible, and put the person out without hurting him
if you can. But if any rowdies attempt to break into my place,
or in any manner commit violence about the premises, I'll give
you two dollars extra for everyone of them that you will pum-
mel well."

" Bet yer guts we'll give em J — s," said Mr. Kline, with an
ominous shake of his head, at tne same time straightening his
right arm and throwing out his clenched fist with a jerk in imi-
tation of that movement known among the "fancy" as "deliver-
ing from vhe shoulder."

"Air you specting ennybuddy's goin ter make a smash,
herel" inquired Mn Jones.

" Well, I cannot say," I replied, "but I'm afraid of that Mc-
Govera gang, and if you see any of them prowling about the
place, keep your eyes open."

" I knows them roosters."

" Wa-al now, if Kline and me can't clean out them cheese-
eaters, I'll never show my mug to the Pints again," said Mi
Jones.

" There ain't no hazard there, Jonesy, old boy. It's a flake
o'snow to a brick house you fellers can doit," cried Mr. Chapin.

" I think, Mr. Kline, you've a small settlement of yoar own to
make with McGovem, if I'm not mistaken."

" Not as I knows on," he replied.

1138 "WAKUERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

<.Do you remember the flght you were engaged in, In this room,

^ ^^^M rfllcm t^^^ knoelced the Idnlcs out o'me, then,

^'°' U L because you had not a fair chanee. While you ^vere
fighing witX "hL, McGovern hit you on the head from be-
md .vith a chair, and knocked you down."

;:|cT t mdTd It wasTeo" ardly aet," I replied.

;<m'at more eould you expect from such a dirty, cowardly

^^li'p^cS hS Sii for tha,"Baid Mr. Kline, shakinga

grittiight teeth together till the sound was pai^ully distinct,

^^^\f w^Tm McG^vern that knocked Kline down the
other nigW'sJd Chapin, after they had gone; "it was Joe

''^-m'at'sthedifferencewho knocked him downf"Ireplled,"so
i,AtWnk8 it waa McGovern, it answers my purpose.
^<'ph?w!"h? whistled. ''Not a bad job for a youngster like

y^x" ., o ofrnnrr lock to bo placcd on the door, and a wicket
I erased a strong lock »» ^'^might see the faces of those de-

Z came near me, and I began to feel quite secure.

I now began to be patronized by a °io"« ^^^Pf*'**^^!,"^^
Bincel hadridthe room of many roughs .nd loafers, who had
Eaerly maSe it their loafing pla.e. But the game was nothtag
m^TlZy as it had been before. Still, it was ^^^^J^JJ^'
p^^jr^d Though under considerable expense, I had strong

I iiii>iii^

)KD.

igod in, In this rooaa,
inks out o' mo, tlien,

:e. Wliilo you were
)n tlio head from be-

" I replied.

ch a dirty, cowardly

Mr. Kline, shaking a

Bsponded.

;hat," said Mr. Kline,

•as painfully distinct,

back-bone.

■omlsing to be at their

;ked Kline down the
I gone ; "it was Joe

idownT"Ireplled,"80

purpose."
b for a youngster like

the door, and a wicket
3 the faces of those de-
1. Several persons who
there I shut out of the
ly pains, bat I happily
ans were duly at their
Neither McGovern nor
«d US in his company,
[uite secure.

mo-e i2spectable class,
,8 ind loafers, who had
It the game was nothing
111, it was every day im-
e expense, I had strong

IN THE lOCK-UP.

hopes, if not molostod, of nifikin,;^ monoy. I kept a negro Rcrvnnt
to attend the door, and paid Air. Chnpin ten dollars per day to
assist mo lu dealing tlio game. Tliis was, for tlio times, high
wages, but Chapin was u.snful in many ways to nie. lie was ac-
quainted witli many rc3peetal)Io faio-plr.ycrs, and also with tbo
rougher characters I-was trying to keep away from niy place.
For ton days cverytliiug went on smoothly and peaceably, and my
bank was about $G00 winner, besides its attendant expenses.
The constant fear of a visitation from the rouglis, under which I
first Labored, wore off gradually, and as time passed without any
demonstration from that quarter, I began to droam of security,
and to make up my mind tliat McGovern had abandoned his
hostile intentions, if ho had entertained any. But wo aro born
to disappointmeiats in this world, and I was not to miss my
birthright.

One night while tlio game was going quietly forward, and the
hands of the clock pointed to twelve, a violent ring at the bell
caused me to rise from my chair and approach the wicljot to re-
connoitre. I discovered on the outside the figures of eig. t or nine
persons, and with his face pressed closely against the wicket, Joe
Dclancy, the constant companion of McGovern, and standing
close behind him I discovered tho pock-marked features of
another of his gang, named Larry Mooney.

" What's wanted, gentlemen f " I inquired.

"Wanted, is it? We want to get in. W^hat the h— 1 do ye
suppose wo want," answered the voice of Dolancy.

"Ton must excuse mo, gentlemen; my room is private."

"Is it? Then I'll d—n soon make it public," roared Delancy,
at the same time placing his shoulder to the door, and throwing
upon it the whole weight of a by no means delicate frame. But
the door did not yield to his strergth. " Give me a lift here, b'ys,"
he shouted, and in an instant Mooney and two more of the gang
came to his assistance. " Heave ho, and hero she goes," sung
out Delancy in the true Matelot strain, and the whole party
surged with might and main against the door. Quick as thought
I rushed to tho window, threw up the sash, and, putting my
whistle +0 my lips, sounded upon it a shrill note. I then ordered
Chapin to buy In what checks were among the players ; but It
was unnecessary, as they had already passed them in, .and received
theh: money for them. But three players had any chips at the

aoo

■WANUEKINQS OF A VAQABOMD.

tlmo, consequently, that part of the buHlncss was soon flnlBbed.
idtoiether, we had but seven of our patrons present Tvhou the
attack on the door commenced, and these showed the most al.Ject
and cowardly fear the moment the party on the outsldo cm-
mencod trying to break It down. The room which looked on the
Srcet was on the second story, and had no exit except the stair-
case and door now in posscs-slon of the rowdies. Our players
rushed to the windows, and would have tried to make their es-
cape to the street below, by jumping from them, wh ch would cer-
tainly have resulted in broken limbs. If not loss of life to some of
them, had not Chapin and n.yself prevented them from doing

""'•VhoJo'snV danger, gentlemen," cried Mr. Chapin; "keep
cool a moment and you will see one of the nicest mills you over

"""jones and One were on the track of the McGoveruitcs, an.l
cat-like and unseen had been watching their movements snico
their first appearance in the street, and on their ascending the
stairway had crept to the entrance, where they waited impatiently
for the signal to commence hostilities.

A few of those powerful surges against the rickety old door
tore off its lock, and in rushed the McGovernltes (some of them
with moro force than elegance, caused by the sudden yloUhng of
the lock) with the redoubtable Delancy at their head. Ho took
a rapid survey of the room, and seeing nothing to oppose him,
and only a set of cowering men huddled near the windows ho
shouted to his followers, " Come on, b'ys, let's clane out the .V-n
crib. Dash iverything yc's find out o' the wlndys." And suiting
the action to the word, and by way of encouraging his comrades,
he seized hold of the faro-table, on which were all the tools of
the came. Some of his companions came at once to his assistance,
and the table was already lifted from the floor, and being borne
towards the windows, when the ruffians were pounced upon by
Kline and Jones, both armed with clubs. It was a complete
Burprise, and a complete walk-over for Mr. Kline and his com-
panion. The McGovemites were allowed no time to recover from
their surprise, until they were knocked off their pins, and lay
stretched on the floor, to a man. In this condition they wore
kicked and stamped by the boots of Jones and Kline, until they
lost all consciousness. After which those worthies threw them

..MiiMiiiiiiir

JKD.

18 waa soon tlDlsbed.
IS present when the
owed the most nlijcct
un the outside com-
i which looked on the
jxlt except tlio slalr-
wdlea. Our players
cd to make tboir es-
,om, which would cor-
lossoflife tosomoof
ted them from doing

Mr. Chapln; "keep
nicest mills you ever

le McGovernltes, and
heir movements sliico
11 their ascending the
ley waited Impatiently

t the rickety old door
ernltes (some of them
the sudden yielding of

their head. Ho took
)thing to oppose him,
near the windows, ho
et's clane out the (\ — n

windys." And suiting
Duraglng his comrades,
1 were all the tools of
t once to his assistance,

floor, and being borne
vere pounced upon by
8. It was a complete
Ir. Kline and his com-
QO time to recover from
off their pins, and lay
lis condition they wore
8 and Kline, nntil they
)e worthies threw them

IN TUK LUCK-UP.

801

one by one Into the struct, like so many slaughtered hogs, to re-
cover the best way they could. The whole affair, from beginning
to end, did not last more than ten minutes, and the dragging the
victims from the room, and throwing thorn Into the street, occu-.
pled at least half tliat time. Our patrons lied incontinently as soon
as the McGovoniites wore floored by the prowess of Mensrs. Jones
and Kline. Tlie work of these worthies being llnished, Chapln
and myself were fain to put out the lights, our servant having
escaped from the scene with the players. Wo then sot np the
broken door against the entrance, and descended Into the street,
which was lighted by a dim moon in Its last quarter. Lights
could be seen shining In many of the buildings along the Bowery;
but not a soul was stirring, as far as wo could see up and down
the broad street. Mr. Jones and his comrade were standing on
the pavement at the foot of the stairs, discueslng their late battle
while gazing at their victims.

I now began to feel uneasy about the condition of the de-
feated rowdies, and asked Kline If ho thought any of them had
been seriously injured.

" Ii\jured I " exclaimed Mr. Chapln, In the greatest astonish-
ment. " Why, you can't hurt one o' them roosters; they relish a
lickln' every now and then."

I went up to one who was lying doubled up near the pavo -
ment, caught hold of his leg and shook It, in order to see if I
could not bring him to a state of consciousness, when ho suddenly
raised bis foot, and let fly such a kick at me as sent me into the
middle of the street, and laid me out there on the flat of my back.
I was rescued from this perilous position by the benevolent
Jones, who soothingly remarked, " Sarved ye right, he oughter
kicked the head o' ye. Don't you know them fellers is danger-
ousest when they're dead."

On the way to my hotel, we stepped into a coffee-house and
" liquored," after which I gave my guardians their wages, and
two dollars each, as was agreed, for the eight McGovornitos
they bad so unmercifully drubbed; which they received with
many acknowledgments, and promised to be at their post on
the following night. Mr. Chapln accompanied me to my hotel,
and as he was about leaving me, I asked him if he thought I
should succeed in keeping my room open.

" Keep it open ! " exclaimed my companion, " C 1, yer up

jj92 WANDERINGS OF A VAQABOKD.

in the pictures now. Whenever one has won a first-class fight
in New York, he's established himself.'

"^ Whin I had eaten my brc-^vfast in the n^on^i°g:J^;^^"\^i7°
to the gambling room, where I fouud my servant aetthng things
after iSrSght's Bcrimmage; I sent for a carpenter and had
?he bro7en°down door repaired, and in the evemng I was onco
more ready to receive company. I still felt uneasy, lest some of
rrowdieswere severely hurt,notthatIcnU,rtam^^^^^

murder, was anything but pleasant. ^

Wirectlv Mr. Chapin made his appearance, I sent him out to

of the rowdies were dead, but, instead of that, were all Dui iwo
on their feet and ready to stand another flogging.
« And did you learn if they were seriously hurt ? -^
"One on 'cm h«H got his head mashed pretty badly."

llS^i'^er'—; kill one C them roosters with a chain

n^Lr onthat n^ght^;-^^^^^^^^^^

2, and deparL: Chapin and myself sat up until after mid-

.' »,* w nfl there were no signs of more customers, we finally

ltd l^o^Ld we^ttoU. on the following night as

!^n t " Sghted up, Chapin and my servant, as was their

^tom S'tS^ h?ur, went to their suppers, leaving rae^^^

myCm They had been gone scarcely five n^™«t««' ^^^^^^^/^

diJlu was rung violently. I hastened to opej^^« ^.'^^f^

and look out. I discovered several persons in the uniform oi

Scemen. and, a« far as I could see from my P^-^ «f ^^ tt

Sairwaywas blocked by them. Itherefo o concluded their num

bers were considerable, eight or ten at least.

"oper that door!" wa«the surly reply to my question of
f What you want, gentlement"

IBOND.

won a first-class fight

morning, I went down
servant settling things
r a carpenter, and had
the evening I was onco
Bit uneasy, lest some of
entertained, personally,
le batch died from the
I, it would not have cost
of being dragged within
of aiding and abetting

ranee, I sent him out to
flted McGovernites. In
almost have hugged his
I informed me that none
)fthat, were all but two
• flogging.
)U8ly hurt?'*
1 pretty badly."

im roosters with a chain

ring one, did any of our
had scared them away.
)ped in, played an hour or
f sat up until after mid-
ore customers, we fim\lly
a the following night, as
I my servant, as was their
ipers, leaving me alone in
3ly five minutes, when the
;ened to open the wicket
persons in the uniform of
rom my place of espial, the
jfo-e concluded their num-
t least.
r reply to my question of

IN XHB LOCK-Ur.

" On what authority must I open my door t"

"I'm a lieutenant of police. Do you see thatt" answered
the persou standing at the wicket, at the same time pointing to
the silver star on the breast of his coat.

" Yes, I see it," I replied, " but whoever you are, you cannot
come into my rooms without you have the warrant of a magis-
trate," was my answer.

" Open the door, or I'll break it in! ■' was his response.

" Do it at your peril I " I rejoined.

" Burst in the door," ordered he of the silver star. He was
immediately obeyed, and my room was filled with a swarm of
blue coats, headed by a tall, powerful, red-haired and sandy
whiskered fellow, who claimed to be their lieutenant. He
took a rapid survey of the room, and seeing no one but myself
there, he roughly accosted me with, "Where's your com-
panions, young man?"

" I am sole master here," I replied.

"None o' your impudence, youngstar! where's them hired
murderers o' yournl Kline and Jones, and that sneak thief,
Chapin?"

"You've got a d— n sight of effrontery, you mean scoundrel, to
break into a man's house without a warrant from a magistrate,
at any rate, and it may cost you dear, before it's done with."

" Put the darbies on the kid," drawled out the lieutenant to
one of his subordinates, and in a moment more I was adorned
with a portion of the jewelry belonging to the city. "Take
everything here to the station-house, and take the kid to the
lock-up," ordered the red-haired lieutenant; and I soon had
ocular demonstration of the ease with which a man, guilty of no
crime, may bo entombed in a prison.

On our arrival at the station-house I was relieved of my
"darbies," and handed over to an ancient citizen, who lost no
time In going throagh my clothes, and relieving me of my watch
and $1,024 in money. Being ever in dread of my present mis-
fortune, and also afraid of being robbed, I had, since I parted
from the Major, kept no money in my possession, except about
$J ,000, which I considered aufficleut for banking my game. The
remainder, amounting to something like $8,000, 1 kept deposited
in the Bank of North America.

I gave my name to the clerk as John Grimes, and demaiided

294

WANDBBINQS OV A VAGABOND.

of him a receipt for my money and watch. "We don't give any,
he gruffly answered. " Ther. I call upon you, and you, ^nd you,
I said, pointing to the policemen who were present, "to lake
notice that a gold watch, Tobias, maker, No. mO, and $1024,
in New York city bank bills, have been taken from mo ; I wisU
you to bear this in mind, gentlemen, for I may have to call upon
you to prove it." A general laugh was the only response to this

*^"Lock the kid in No 17," ordered a gentleman behind the desk.
In a few moments I was gazing out onto a small paved court-
yard, from between the iron bars of my cell door. I had the
apartment all to myself, "the monarch of all I surveyed," ma
limited sense. I paced the floor of my narrow quarters until I
heard the city clocks strike five, when I threw myself on the
straw in one comer, and was socn lost to life's cares and sorrows.

" Tired nature'* rweet restorer, balmy deep."

I was awakened from my slumbers by the unlocking of my
prison door, and a coarse voice fell on my ear with " Hero's yer
bruckfast." I looked up and saw two men, one of whom held in
one hand a bunch of keys, while with the other he held open the
door of my cell. The other fellow placed on tho floor a small tin
pan. The door was locked again, and both vanished. I could hear
the locking and unlocking of doors, and the buzz of human voices.
The sun was sending a small stream of rays inw my cell, and I
arose from my bed oi straw, stiflF and unrefreshed, and examined
with some curiosity the contents of the pan, in v/h ch I had been
informed was my " bruckfast." It contained about apint of thin
broth, and a bone with a few shreds of meat an iched : also vwo
ship biscuits. I had no stomach for this feast, and to procure
better I shouted through the grating of my coll door for som one
to come to me; but no one answered my call. I shouted the
louder, and kept on doing so, in hopes some one might come. Pres-
ently a coarse, ill-looking, worse clad and supremely dirty fellow,
showed his burly form before the door, and putting hU face close
to tho grating, said, In a cold, low voice, "If I comes 'ri there to
ye's, I'll make yer t-creech worse than that via cov;-hlde, ye
d— n thief." This cold-blooded threat, uttered In such s. matter-
of-fact tone, struck me with horror, and caused me to iccutt ftom
iny cell door.

OND.

We don't give any,"
, and you, ^nd you,"

present- "to lake
So. 19f<0, and $1024,
:en from mo ; 1 wish
lay have to call upon
only responart to this

jman behind the desk,
a small paved court-
jcll door. I had the
all I surveyed," in a
rrow quarters until I
threw myself on the
fe's cares and sorrows.

7 deep."

the unlocking of my
ear with " Hero's yer
one of whom hold in
)ther he held open the
m tho floor a small tin
ranislied. I could hear

1 buzz of human voices,
ys ini;i my cell, and I
freshed, and examined
1, in wh ch I had been
led about a pint of thin
jat attached ; also vwo

feast, and to procure
y cell door for som one
y call. I shouted the
I one might come. Pres-
supremely dirty fellow,
d putting hii? face close
" If I comes 'ti there to
iat v^ 3 acov;-hide, ye
;tered in such u matter-
aused me to iccuU from

IN THK LOCK-rP.

295

"What the L— 1 are ye's makln' rll that fuss about, heyt Why
don't yer spake, ye d— r •.Tb»>lpl" ho angrily demanded.

" I see no justification for such harsh language as that, sir !" I
replied.

" What do ye? want? damn yer," he again demanded, without
noticing my remark.

" I want to get somebody to go to a restaurant, and get mo
something to eat. I've money to pay for it."

"There's yer bruckfast, an' if yer don't like it, leave it, d— a
yer, and don't let mo hear any more wind from that trapo' youm,
or I'll bust it. D'ye hear, youngster!" he said, pointing his finger
at me in a threatening manner. He said no more, but, to my
great relief, now left me

About an hour before dark my cell door was again opened,
another pan was left on tho floor and the door relocked without
a word being spoken to me. The second meal offered was pre-
cisely the counterpart of tho first — some broth, a boiled bone, and
two ship biscuits. I paced m" cell until wearied down, when I
sought my bed of straw, and slept soundly until morning. My
jailers again opened my door, and again left the same kind of
meal they had before, and removed the two pans, with their con-
tents untasted. While doing so I as ted when I was to have an
examination; but they only looked at me for a moment with a
vacant stare, and then locked my cell door. Hunger had now
gotten the best of me, and although I could not yet stomach the
contents of the pan, I ate tho crackers with a great relish. In
the evening the same stereotyped meal was left me, and I passed
the night in the same manner as the two preceding ones.

During my sojourn in the city, I had taken pains to acquaint
myself with the "modus operandi" of its police courts, and also
its upper courts of justice, and was perfectly well aware that it
was the duty of the persons arresting me to have arraigned me
before some police justice on the following morning. I had also
informed myself concerning its gambling laws, and knew the ex-
treme penalty for dealing any banking game of chance was $50 ;
consequently I had no fears in that direction. Neither did I en-
tertain any concerning the thrashed McGovernites, for I had
?<iamed positively, on the day preceding my arrest, that they
were all upon their, legs again. T became convinced that these
irregular and mysterious proceedings had been taken against me

296 WAKDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

for the purpose of frightening me out of my money, and I was
K dSned that 1 would not bo robbed in that manner^

With fretful impatience, and much inwur.1 chafing, I bore my
confinement for the first two days ; but gradually becommg mora
SiTaitod, almost with indifference, the final solution of my

''Ttho fourth evening of my confinement, between the unusual
^ f ..irrht nnd nine mv cell door was unlocked by a tall,

Jrcollp ivTlS and I wasordered to come

forth 1 followed him into a wide hall, on each side of which
wore"two Soms Into one of those he ushered me, aud orctered
reLmnrSS^vfter which he left me, closing the door beh»ndh m
wfthout Tck ng it. It was a fine large apartment decently
TuSed^^ A pla in but substantial carpet covered the floor a
Selling double-bed occupied the end of the room op^po^^
the door and against n large window, hung with faded silk cur-
ufnsst'ooTa centre-table covered with blue cloth, on which
Srn«d an astral lamp. On the table were several books and
Papers an il staSand a decanter half filled with liquor, to-
. JeCw^htwoor three tumblers, f «--^ -"-;>;"«^^^^^^^
Stood about the room in a disorderly manner, and its ^f^oje ap-
STance indieated that it had quite lately beea occuged by a
mrty, and the recently used glasses proclaimed the fact that
thev had been regaling themselves.

Not wishing them to have any advantage over me in that
respect piufed son-e of tho Unuor into one of the tumblers, and,
iriSsmen thought it a good article of brandy; but to make
Sr I "put^yL outside of i^^^^ in the language of the im-
mortel Artemus, as speedily as possible. While engaged m
SJI tome then vVry Stisfaitory occupation, the door was soft-
rop^^rd-dthefe glided into the room a t^^J^^-;--
gentleman, with a pair of gold spectacl-s on h s no8«- fe w«f
Sttlred in a claw-hammer coat, vest, and pants, of seedy black
bSci; and wore an immaculate white shirt, with a h^h
SSg ^Uar, while around his neck was wound, in voluminous
;S a wWto ehoker. His head was bald, and he wore no beard
uton hTs face. To judge by his bent body, P'"f «d fea urea
and the thin sprinkling of gray hairi which formed a ring roand
the lower part of his cranium, he was hunting up fifty yeare very
fast. He approached me with a smirking face, rubbing iw

money, and I was
in that maaner.
chaflufr, I bore my
vlly becoming mora
liual solution of my

ictwoen the unusual
mlocked by a tall,
as ordered to come
each side of which
ed me, and ordered
the door behind him
ipartment decently
covered the floor, a
if the room opposite
with faded silk cur-
iae cloth, on which
3 several books and
illed with liquor, to-
ane-bottomcd chairs
ir, and its whole ap-
r been occupied by a
aimed the fact that

ige over me in that
of the tumblers, and,
andy; but to make
language of the im-
While engaged in
on, the door was soft-
m a tall, cadaverous
on his nose. He was
pants, of seedy black
lite shirt, with a high
wound, in voluminous
and he wore no beard
idy, pinched features,
1 formed a ring roand
ing up fifty years very
Qg face, rubbing bis

IN THE LOCZ-TTP;

297

hands together perpetually (which, on reflection afterwards, I
concluded was figuratively washing them from the clinging
filth of all the disreputable businesses in which they had been
engaged); he addressed me in a bland tone, with, "Good
evening, my young friend ! Taking a little comfort, eh f Glad
to see you enjoy yourself. Be seated, pray!" I complied with
his request, and patiently awaited his overtures. I was not
long left in suspense; for, after a few preliminary ahems, my
companion opened his batteries with, "Bad business 1 Bad
business this, Mr. Grimes."

I looked towards the door, supposing he was addressing a
new comer, when I suddenly recollected that I had given the
name of Grimes to the clerk, on the night of my arrest.

" Well, I don't know, sir! It looks very pleasant here. Beg
pardon, sir; but whom have I the pleasure of addressing t"

" Sedgewick, my dear young friend, of the firm of Sedgewlck
& Snipes, Counselors and Attorneys at Law, at your service,
if you need anything in our line."

" What a singular place for a lawye-'s office, Mr. Sedgewick! "
I exclaimed, gazing about the room.

" Oh ! my dear sir, our office is in Park Row. This beautiftd
room belongs to Captain Smith, but he kindly allows me to use
it whenever I visit this place to aid the unfortunate."

" Who is Captain Smith 1 " I inquired.

" He's the chief police officer of this precinct."

" Did the Captain send you here to consult with me t "

"Oh dear, no! I merely saw your name on the books among
the list of prisoners, and after examining into the charges against
you, thought I could not do better than give you a call."

" Indeed, sir ! You are very kind, and I am most grateful for
it."

" Not at all ! Not at all ! Don't mention it, my dear sir. The
duty of my profession is to aid the unfortunate."

" Why have they kept me here so long, without on examioa-
tiottf" I asked.

"Because Captain Smith, who is one of the kindest-hearted
men in the world, is anxious to save you, sir ! Had your case
been pushed on at the present time, I'm afraid it would have
gone hard with you, my dear sir I " said Mr. Sedgewick, with an
ominous stake of his head.

WANDERINOS OF A VAGABOND.

" Why, sir, what have I done to merit so severe a fate, 3lr f "
" I see, my dear young friend, that you do not seem to realize
the perilous position in which you stand. Let me holemnly as-
sure you, sir, that if matters were pushed to extremities against
you, six months on the Island would be the most lenient pun-
ishment you could expect ! "

" You alarm mo, Mr. Sedgewick ! Of what am I accused, sir! "
"There are several complaints against you, sir ! First, you
have been keeping a gambling house— a misdemeanor which the
authorities can turn into a felony, if they wish to make an
example ; and in such a position would you stand, were your
case brought before the courts. Numerous complaints have
lately been made against gaming houses, by citizens, and the
attention of the public has been drawn to the subject. You are
also charged with keeping a disorderly place, and with having
attempted the lives of several persons there, by hiring bullies to
beat, and otherwise maltreat them, while on your premises.
Such an offense, my dear sir, if proven, would send you to Sing

Sing."

" And you say Captain Smith does not wish me to be prose-
cuted?" ,. . ,j

" He wishes to save you, sir, on account of your youth 5 besides,
he believes you to have been the dupe of bad, designing men."

" Has he arrested any person concerned with this affair, with
the exception of myself t "

" You press me too hard, my dear young friend. I cannot say,
because I do not know ; but if your case could be kept out of
court, it would relieve all others who have been in any way con-
nected with you. If, my dear sir, you will leave yourself in my
hands, I will engage to snatch you from the clutches of the
relentless law. At least the firm of Sedgewick & Snipes never
yet failed to do that which they set out to do!" he added, with
a low cackle.

" How can you clear me, Mr. Sedgewick? " I inquired.

" That's my secret, my young friend," he replied. "But this
much I'll tell you, I must prevent your case from coming before
the courts. Do you see?" he asked me, placing his forefinger
alongside of his nose, while at the same moment he winked at

me with his right eye. _^ _ . ..y^

" Then you think if my case goes before th© courts I shaii oe

severely punished?"

vere a fate, 3lr t "
not seoin to realize
et me holemnly as-
Bstremities against
most lenient pun-
am I accused, sir! "
ou, sir! First, you
lemeanor which the
wish to make an
a stand, were your
18 complaints have
by citizens, and the
e subject. You are
;e, and with having
by hiring bullies to
on your premises,
lid send you to Sing

rish me to be prose-

^our youth ; besides,
i, designing men."
vith this affair, with

friend. I cannot say,
30uld be kept out of
)een in any way con-
leave yourself in my
the clutches of the
rick & Snipes never
io!" he added, with

? " I inquired,
replied. "But this
B from coming before
)lacing his forefinger
noment he winked at

the courts I shall be

IN THE LOCK-UP.

299

" With the rod of Nemesis, my dear young sir."

" What sort of a rod is that, sir ?"

"Dear me, you're nqt up in mythology, sirT Nemesis, my
dear young (i-iend, was the Grecian goddess of retributive Jus-
tice."

" I don't want anything to do with her, sir. But can't you get
me out of here, Mr. Sedgewick f I don't want to stop any long-
er. The soup is bad, the bread is bad, the lodging is bad, and
everything about the place is bad, excepting this brandy," I
added, seizing the decanter, pouring myself out another horn,
and tossing it down my throat.

" I will use my best endeavors, my young friend. Nay, I will
get you released!"
"But when, sir f"

" To-night, my dear young friend, if you follow my advice."
" All right, sir ; I'm ready to go any time."
"Well, that looks something like business," he replied, with a
disagreeable smirk, and for a moment pulled his fingers till he
made them every one snap, and then resumed, " You see, Mr.
Grimes, money can do wonders, when it is in the hands of a wise
and discreet person." Stopping for a moment, he furtively re-
garded me.
" Yes, sir," I replied ; " proceed, sir."

" Without money I could do nothing, absolutely nothing for
you, Mr. Grimes."
" Certainly not, sir; but pray go on."
"Let me see," said Mr. Sedgewick, drawing tov^ards him a
sheet of paper, and picking up a pen he dipped it delicately into
the ink. " Ahem," he exclaimed, as if in a deep study, and re-
iterating the words, " let me see," a great many times, he finally
commenced muttering to himself, as he made a suppositious cal-
culation on the paper. " He must have $1,000." At the same
time he jotted down the amount on the piece of paper before him.
"Yes, nothing less would do," he murmured, half inarticulately.
"Then there's Tibbetts," he muttered; "but 111 cut him down to
$W0. Yes, I think that will do," he said, in an absent manner;
then turning to me, whom he'd been furtively watching during
the whole of this little by-play, he said, "My dear young Wend,
it will require $1,200 to be expended on the outside. In order to
get you released. Then will come in the Httle bill of Snipes &

. • .

WANBEWNGS OF A VAGABOND.

fi«,lMwlck but we Win be very moderate In our charg-is for
mau?«CtW8 delicate business, my dear sir; ^ve ;. 11 put tl«)

friend." ^ „,„

" But I haven't got so much money '. „ , _, , t,„_,

.<5ear me! I understood you were e^ce«d»"8Y '^^l^^ f °^

could you have carried on a faro-bank unless you had more than

•*''?S?Jll' sir, I did have plenty of money, but I have lost It. My
playriave won from me all I had, with the exception of what
was taken from me on the night of my arrest."
^Dearme! how very unfortunate. With less than $1,500 it
wouK quite impossible for me to do anything or you, my
dear voung friend. You must appeal to your fronds.

f'l Ima^stra^ger, and have no friends here," I answered, dog-

^" Dear me! and those persons who were concerned with you
\r\ the ffambllnK-house, where are they 1 "
*•" * m'S tim! of my'arrest no one was concerned tbere exce^
niysrif. Some time ago an old fellow was with me, but he s sold

nr'nouKmy'dear young friend, that we might find
hlmt " said Sedgewick, with a sly smile.

" What ! and place him in my situation f

«™o means, my dear young friend, but to come down with

^'^t.r ^r^VoTrq^^eKen we parted, so therms no
hope ?i that quarter, and if there were, I should never know

'^?Sow wy'u^fortunate. I'm sure I don't know how I can

-^JCe'^SnT.^^^i^r^rtraSt^^^^ - on the

"i!?.t^:roSrrsT;srctf.^^^^^^^^

youtayouT^tremlty of distress. No, -, wewill ^isW we
S awlst you," he cried, grasping me warmly by the hand.
"-Thnm of Snipes & Sedgewick will save you, m^ear
yolng ? and while giving me this eomfortlng a«ura«ce he
shook me energetically by the hand.

I our charg-is for
; we will put the
sir. The sura re-
ig Into consldenv-
i, my dear young

lingly rich. How
you had more than

I have lost it. My
5 exception of what
It

less than $1,500 it
srthing for you, my
r friends."
5," I answered, dog-

Boncemed with you

cerned there except
ith me, but he's sold

, that we might find

t to come down with

parted, so there's no
should never know

on't know how I can

iken from me on the
[ replied.

bo cruelty to abandon
wewill assist you, we
warmly by the hand.
1 save you, my dear
nforting assurance he

IV THE LOCK-Ur.

aoi

replied, re-

"I shall be ever most grateful, Mr. Sedgewick," I
turning the pressure of his snaky fingers.

" Well, then," he continued, " lot mo see how matters stand
now," picking up from the table, where ho had dropped them,
his pen and slip of paper. " It is absolutely necessary we should
have $1,200 to obtain your release. After the accomplishment of
that, the firm of Snipes 6c Sedgewick will wait for their fee, my
dear young friend, until such a time as it may bo convenient for
you to pay it to them. Now, my dear sir, how i ch money have
you in the oflBce f "

" One thousand and twenty-four dollars." The amount was
immediately set down on the paper before him in figures, and he
inquired, "What elset"

"A gold watch, sir."

"Ah 1 yes; valued at how much, nowt "

"It cost me $150."

Mr. Sedgewick carefully set this down also on his paper, and
inquired what other property I i>o88e8sed. •

" A set of faro-tools, valued at $250, sir."

"What elsef" he asked, with his eyes still on the paper be-
fore him.

" The furniture of my room, worth about $200," I rejoined.

" According to this statement you have in money and property
$1,624," said the afiable Sedgewick.

" But we couldn't sell the property at any such price as that
at which I've valued it, Mr. Sedgewick."

" I'm aware of that, but you would rather keep your property,
would you not f"

" Certainly, sir, if I could do so."

" Well, my dear young sir, the firm of Snipes ic Sedgewick
will keep your property for you, and advance sufiQcient money to
make up the $1,200 which you require," said Mr. Sedgewick, in
his 'aost insinuating tone, and peering at me over the tops of his
gla..de8.

"It's very generous of you, sirl" I exclaimed.

"Don't mention it ! Pray don't mention it, my esteemed young
fipiend," said the delighted Sedgewick.

"Now, my dear j-oung sir, as wo have come to a friendly un-;
derstanding, let us at once arrange this business. We must all
die sometime or other, and it is customary for wise men to set

sot WAND1BIN08 OF ▲ VAGABOND.

their houses In order, for ' we know neither the day aor the
hour,'" quoted the pious Sedge wicl;, sauctimonlously raising his
*ye8 to the ceiiing, "so, as I said iMjfoie, it's bcft tf- have every-
thing in Older, before that awful moment arrives which cuts us
oflf from every hoid on life." This was delivered with a doleful
■hako of tlio head. "Now, sir," ho continued, "I will advance
one hundred and seventy-six dollars to make up the requisite
twelve hundred dollara, and to secure the firm you will transfer
to it such property as you have, together with the money, etc.,
you have in the oflftce, which can be effected by giving mo an
order for it on the clerk. And, with your permission, I'll write
out the order and you can sign it, and after you have done so I
will got vou released inside of fifteen minutes."

I made him no reply, and he presently placed before me a slip
of paper on which ho had written the "order," and presented
mo the pen he hold In his hand. " Put your signature there, my
dear sir," pointing to the spot where the autograph is generaUy
seen in such documents, and waited for me to place my name to
a paper that would give to a parcel of blood-suckers what money
and other proi^rty I hud In the possession of the city officials.
I took the oflbrod pen, and while holding it in my fingers care-
fully read the Instrument.

" Ton say that if I sign this I shall be at liberty In fifteen
minutes !" I inquired, looking Into his face.

" In less time, my dear young friend," answered the obsequlon*

Sedgewick. * , * n u

" But If you take everything I possess, how am I to live when
released from prison, sir?"

" Liberty, my dear young sir, should be the first desire of man.
Sign first, please, and you'll find afterwards that the firm of Snipes
& Sedgewick will not allow one of Its clients to suffer for the want
of a few dollars."

"Indeed!" I said with a sneer, dashing the pen down on tne
floor, and rising from my chair. "The firm of Snipes & Sedge-
wick, and the scoundrels they are jobbing for, will find I am not
quite such a fool as they seem to have Imagined. No, sir ! I shall
not sign that paper. This is a conspiracy hatched by a gang of
thieves for the purpose of robbing me, and you, you scoundrel,
are doing the dirty work of the party. But you've made a grand
mistake I You've failed, Mr. Sedgewick 1 I've no money to waste

ND.

IK THK LOCX-Cr.

ir tho day jor the
oniously raising bis
[xft tf« buvo cvery-
rivcs which cuta us
orcd with a doleful
id, "I will advance
ke up the roquisite
in you will transfer
th tho money, etc.,
d by giving mo an
ermlssion, I'll write
jovL have done so I

;ed before mo a slip
ler," and presented
signature there, my
jgrapb Is generally
J place my name to
ackers what money
of the city officials,
in my fingers care-
it liberty in fifteen
wed the obsequious
r urn I to lire when

) first desire of man.
lat the firm of Snipes
to suffer for the want

le pen down on tue
of Snipes & Sedge-
r, will find I am not
led. No, sir ! I shall
!itched by a gang of
you, you scoundrel,
jTou've made a grand
) no money to waste

on black-mailers ; but I've plenty to pay honest lawyers to pros-
ecute the thieves who have kept luo iu prisou four days without
a triul, in hoi)08 to extort from me my money and other property
OS tho price of my release, instead of at once bringing mo l»cfuro
the Justice for examination, as it was their duty to have done."

" Dour me! dear me ! how very ungrateful!" gosiMsd Mr. Scdge-
wick, aghast at the totally unexpected turn allUirs wore taking.
"I am astonished to hear such language from your lips, ungrate-
ful boy— when I was doing my best to keep you out of State's
prisou, too. Dear me !"

"You had bettor direct your efforts nearer home, and keep
yourself out, you sloek-tougued scoundrel I" I retorted.

"I'll make you repout this, you impudent-tungued puppy!"
said tho highly indignant and exasperated Sedgowick, leaving the
room and slamming tho door behind him.

Nearly an hour passed before any one entered the room. At
length, the person who had brought me there entered, conducted
me to my cell, and locked me up.

On the following morning, when I arose from my bed of straw,
tL»' sunbeams were brightly dancing on the stone floor of ray cell.
About an hour afterwards the door of my prison was unlocked
and I was bidden to come forth, and was again conducted to the
room where the previous evening I had oi^oyed the satisfaction
of seeing the redoubtable Sedgewick retire discomfited.

The only occupant of the room was the fiery-headed Lieutenant
who had arrested me. He inquired after my health in a kind,
but patronizing tone. " Qlad to see you looking so well, Qrimes;
I thought you might have some appetite this morning, so I sent
for you to breakfast with me."

I looked upon this fellow as the principal cause of my arrest,
and also of keeping me in secret confinement with the direct
purpose of robbing me. I had no proof of my suspicions, or
rather presentiments, that he was the tool of Phil McOoveru,
who I did not for a moment doubt was the primary cause of all
my troubles. The bold front I had shown to their agent, Sedge-
wick, had probably convinced them that they had a more
troublesome customer than they had bargained for. The invi-
tation to breakfiist satisfied me that a change of policy had
taken place, and that the party who held me were opening their
eyes to the fact that they had on their hands a huge elephant In

i«r ' =»

304

WANDWUJfOS or A VAGABOND.

tho person of John Grimes. I mode up my mind, howeyer, to
behavo (luletly, and Imteu to whatever my rcd-hcadcd guardian
should say to luo. . . , ,

I thanked him for his invitation, and told him I had been
whetting my appetite for tho last four days in order to do Just-

Ice to his breakfast. . , „ u. ,

Without making me any reply, he rang a hand-bell which was
upon the table, and it was answered by a big greasy looking

negro.

"Breakfastfor two. Snowball!'

"Y-a-a-s, sir," responded Snowball, rtandlng as rigid as a

^^ Well, what the h-1 are you standing there fort" demanded

tLe Lieutenant. , „ , . ,

"What's I ter fotch, sir?" responded Snowball, with a grin.

"Anything! Coflce, mutton-chops, eggs ; and be damn quick
about It, do ye heart" ..... , j

"So you don't like old Thompson's grub, eht" he taqulred,
when Snowball had closed the door beWnd him.

"Who's '"hompson, slrt"

"The prison cook." . ^ ^ »i. ju«„

"No, sir ! I should have preferred to have had my meals tlrom
the outside, but I was not allowed to do so." . - ,

"You would have been, though. If you hadn't been so Infernal
smart with that tongue o' youm the night you was pulled.

" Indeed • I was not aware that I had so deeply offended ray
Jailers that they would wish to starve me In order to revenge

^^''S' here. Grimes, alias Morris, take a bit ov IVlendly
advice, and when you get your head in the lion's mouth, draw It
Sut as easy as ye can, or yer might git It snapt off. And while
we're waiting for breakfast, I'll juf,t take the opportunity t« say
?m d-n soiry I was forced to pull you the other night, but you
see asTiow there was several complaints made to tb« Cap about
that there crib & youm, and In course he had to °o««e " «"«;
awhile, an' he ordered me to pull It. I oughter P«"«djt »Je
night & the big row. If only to save you ftom being murdered by
the fHends of Mooney and Delancy. How could you expect to
last, an' have a 'muss' In yer crib every night t Now do you
toke a hint, an' git away from this burgh as fast as yer can.

mind, howoTer, to
-headed guardian

bim I bad been
I order to do Just*

nd-bell wbich was
Ig greasy looking

ing OS rigid aa a

•efort" demanded

ball, with a grin.
,nd be damn quick

ehf" he inquired,
m.

bad my meals from

n't been so infernal
II was pulled."
deeply offended my
1 order to revenge

( a bit ov friendly
on's mouth, draw It
apt off. And while
I opportunity to say
ther night, but you
le to the Cap about
id to notice It after
ghter pulled It the
being murdered by
sould you expect to
Ightt Now do you
as fast as yer can.

MMi*

, rs THl LOCK-CF.

Don't you be a fool I Tou'ro made enemies hero that don't for-
«ot nor forgive nothln', an' tbcy'ro powerful hero, nu' the worst
8ct ()' UKiii iu the city. I'm lulvlsln' yor fur yer Rood, an' if yer
don't take it, yer fiienda iiuiy liiid yer ralssln' some Hue day."

"Then you're going to dlschurgo met" •

"Yes, I Hbiin't make any complaint agin yer; I didn't want
ter du It, ttu' I've oakod the Cup ter let yor ko, nu' bo's done It."

"Who were the pcrsous who compluluod ugaiiist uiy 'crib,' us
you call itf"

"Wo never answer such questions as tliem, youngster, and
the least said about the mutter Is tho soonest mended. I'll glvo
yor your money and watch. If you promise mo fuithful, you'll
leave tho city to-day."

"What have you dono with my faro-tools, and tho fumlturof "

"All gambling appurtenuuces,whei ever found, are confiscated
by the laws of tho State."

"Not until after conviction, I believe, and then the power of
confiscation lies In a Judge of one of the upper courts," I said, In
an uulmpassloned voice.

"Yer want to teach me the law, do yerf Now you take what's
offered yer, and bo damn thankful you've got off so easy."

"I'm sorry to say. Lieutenant, that I don't feel In the leust
thankful for your offer, nor shall I accept It. Now, let us under-
stand each other perfectly. Your 'pulling' me, as you term It,
I am perfectly satisfied was a put-up Job between yourself and
McGovern, because I did not choose to Im) black-mailed Into
giving him an Interest Into my game, where he had not put
in a single cent of money. He wanted to break up my game,
and have me robbed by you. Tot joined him, nothing loth.
You have broken up my game, but you shan't rob me out of one
single cent. If I can help It. You had one of your 'Shysters'
here In this room last night, trying to scare me Into giving blm
an order for my money and property. Ho failed, and that '
should havo satisfied you that I am not going to suffer myself
to be robbed so easily. You are anxious for me to leave tho
city I am perfectly aware why you are so, and am also willing
to accommodate you, because I don't like trouble, and dor/t caro
about distributing my money to lawyers, if I can get along with-
out it. But if you keep back from mo one cent's worth, which
is mine, I'll spend every dollar I possess, trying to bring you

iS*

306

WANDBMNGP 07 A V^CABOND.

and those concerned with you, to punishment, for falsjiy im-
prisoning me ! Now, will you give me my property or not!"

"I'm only here to obey the Cap's orders," he ans'vered, gruff-
ly, "and I can'- do noth'ng only what he tells me to."

"Then, Lieutenant, it's entirely useless fov U3 two to have any
further conversation on this subject." I had barely finished
when Snowball made his appearance with the breakfast tray on
his head. In silence we ate it, although the negro was ordered
from the room as soon as he had arranged it on the table. I
thought my man was anxious I should resume the conversation,
but I felt in no way disposed to gratify him. When he bad fin-
ished his meal, he arose from the table, lit a cigar, and after
giving five or six savage whiffs, he again turned to me and said,
in a pompous tone, "Grimes, I did want to get you out of this
scrape, as easy as possible, but you're as obstinate as a mule,
and there's no use talking to you."

" Not the least, Lieutenant ; I've told you what I wanted, and
what I would do, and you can accept or reject it, just as you
like," I said, in the same unimpassioned voice as I bad all along
conducted the interview.

" What the h — 1 do yer expect to do about it, if yer don't git
yer things f" he demanded, in a voice choked with passio.i.

" That's my business," I replied.

"You're a d— n fool. You'd fight the police, eht C tl

'-ftlio the h— 1 is going to listen to the complaints of a dirty
blackleg!"

" I don't know, but I'll try and see if the police are allowed
first to break into a man's premises without the warrant of a
magistrate, then arrest a man, and keep him in prison day after
day, without preferring any charges against him, for the purpose
of robbing him of his money and valuables."

"Now look here, youngster! don't let that there tongue o'
youm wag too strong. Enny more o' your sass, an' I'U send yer
back to yer cell, an' leave yer there till ye're fergot ! "

"I fear your threats as little as I est'^em your advice," I
retorted.

His red face ablaze with anger, and the gleam of hate that
shone in the rufQan's eyes, showed me plainly thut the villain's
fingeis were itching to be at my throat. But I was perfectly
tranquil, and satisfied that my property would be restored to me.

BOND.

iment, for falsoly im-
property ornotf"
," he ans^vered, gruff-
ells me to."
fov U3 two to have any
; had barely finished
the breakfast tray on
;ho negro was ordered
ed it on the table. I
ume the conversation,
m. When he had fln-
, lit a cigar, and after
turned to me and said,
to get you out of this
) obstinate as a mule,

ou what I wanted, and
r reject it, just a« you
roice as I bad all along

ibout it, if yer don't git
loked with passio.i.

e police, ehf C ^tl

complaints of a dirty

the police are allowed
thout the warrant of a
him in prison day after
nst him, for the i^urpose

B3."

Bt that there tongue rf
ur sass, an' I'll send yer
'e're fergot ! "
;st«em your advice," I

the gleam of hate that
jlainly tbut the villain's
t. But I was perfectly
would be restored to me.

IN THE LOCK-UP.

F:ager as I was for revenge upon those who had broken up my
business, and caused me to be imprisoned, I was perfectly aware
of the obstacles I had to eucouuter if 1 tried to carry out my
scheme. Any trumped-up charge might be brought on, and a
dozen suborned witnesses procured, who would swear to its
truth. I was fully coguizant of the dangers which stared me in
the face when I declared war on the police, and was well con-
tent to leave the city and its dangers and quicksauds, if I could
get back my property. It was, with me, a matter of pride, that
I should not let my enemies triumph over me so much as to get
my mon^y and valuables; and I verily believe, at that time, I
would sooner have lost every cent I was possessed of, in the ordi-
nary way of play, than be black-mailed out of a single dollar by
these scoundrels. I well knew the McGovernites would not fail to
do me an ill turn whenever it might be in their power, on account
of the warm reception I had gotten up for their benefit; but
their enmity I cared but very little about, buL when united with
the machinations of a powerful and unscrupulous police, who
had already injured me, and who knew I was willing, if not Jible,
to retaliate upon them for the wrongs which I had suffered at
their hands, I was satisfied that my presence in New York city
was fraught with danger to myself, and the sooner I left the place,
the better.

When the Lieutenant had allowed his temper to cool down a
little, he told me he should send me back to my cell until ho had
consulted with his Cap, as he termed him, relative to my affairs.
Accordingly, a bell was rung, and I wtis again* delivered over to
my jailer, and put under lock and key. The clock was striking
one as I was once more brought into the room, and the presenco
of the red-headed Lieutenant. "Well, Grimes!" he said, "the
Cap's consented to give yoii all your things, provided you leave
the city to-night."

'*' But I cannot ! I must sell my furniture bf fore I go,"
coolly.

•' How much do you want for it? "

" Two hundred dollars."

" Then I'll give you a hundred."

"No, sir! The sideboard alone cost that amount; but to
facilitate matters, I'll take a hundred and fifty."

" Very well ! I'll give it," and seizing a pen, he made a bill

I said,

gOg WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

Of sale of my furniture, which he pushed over to me, and ordered
me to sik'u it. I did so, after I had read it over carefully. He
Ten hauSed me the sum agreed upon, $150. "Now, sir,
which way are you going to travel!" he mquired, with some
apiiearance of interest.

'• To Richmond," I answered. , , , , *ut„

"Tliere's a boat leaves for Richmond at four o'clock this
afternoon. I'll have a carriage to come for you in ample time.

.' But there's my baggage at the hotel, and my biU there,
which I must see paid," I cried.

"Vl\ attend to that, if you'll give me an order for your

bafltffage." ,

"Several articles of my clothing are hanging round my room,
and all my things are in more or less confusion. I must attend
to them, and pack my trunk myself." ,, ^- ™»

" You can't go 1 •' he said, in a determined tone. Give me
an order, and I'll get all that belongs to you, every article, anu
have them brought to this room."

I did as he ordered me, and in something less than an hour a
time my baggage, complete in every respect, arrived. When
I had expressed myself satisfied, he brought me my watch and
money, and after I had given him a receipt, as he desired me,
he asked me if I had any more commands. I told him that, on
our way to the boat, I wished to call at the Bank of North
America. He promised to do so, though some distance out of
our way. Ho then brought my kit ol faro-tools, which were
packed in my valise. I arrac-ed all my belongings to my satis-
faction, and then signified to my red-headed friend that I was
ready to emigrate. Without uiaking me my reply, he shook his
hand-bell, and Snowball appeared iu answer to the summons.
Take this trunk and other baggage, and put it on the carnage
at the door. When Snowball had duly performed this duty,
be turned to me with a gruflf " Come along." When we got to
the door I saw a carriage, and my plunder stowed away round
the driver's legs. " Get in ! " said the Lieutenant, holding the
door in his hand. I did so. He then whispered a few words to
the coachman, and then followed me into the carriage ; and in a
moment more we were rolling over the city pavements at a

rapid pace. ^ „ , * -w^^i,

"Have you ordered the driver to stop at the Bank of Monn

rD.

;o me, and crdered
ler carefully. He
150. "Now, sir,
quired, with some

i four o'clock thia
ou in ample time."
md my bill therej

an order for your

Qg round my room,
ou. I must attend

1 tone. " Give me
, every article, and

less tban an hour's
ict, arrived. When
t me my watch and
t, as he desired me,

I told him that, on
the Bank of North
jme distance out of
o-tools, which were
ongings to my satis-
d friend that I waa
y reply, he shook his
er to the summons.
It it on the carriage
lerformed this duty,
;." When we got to
: stowed away round
utcnant, holding the
pered a few words to
lie carriage ; and in a
city pavements at a

t the Bank of North

IS THE LOCK-UP.

America f I Inquired after we had gotten fairly under way. He
nodded, laid buck un bis seat, and spoke not a word until we
drew up before the bauk.

"Hero's the bank, be quick !" ho said to me.

A few moments suflBced for nio to diiiw up a check for the
amount I had deposited. When I had received m^ money, and
again entered the carriage, the Lieutenant sung out, "To the boat,
Holmes!" Not another word passed the lips of either till the
landing was reached. My luggage having been put aboard, I
consulted my watch, and found we had at least a quarter of an
hour before the steamer would leave. I made my way to the
after-cabin, and, to my vexation and annoyance, I discovered my
red-headed guardian still at my heels. " You don't intend to
travel with me, I suppose ?" I said, testily.

" No!" answered my tormentor, with the utmost calmness, " but
I'll keep my eye on you till the boat starts." He took a step to-
wards me, put his hand on the collar of my coat, and whispered
in my ear, "Don't you ever come into this city again, youngster,
or it won't be healthy for ye."

" Neither you nor your diity clique own New York," I replied,
defiantly, " and I will come here when I please, in spite of you."

"Will you, though!" ho hissed in my ear. "If I ever catch
you here, I'll send you up the river, remember, that." Ho van-
ished from my side, and in a few moments we were steaming
down the bay of New York. Neither of my valiant guardians,
Kline or Jones, nor yet Chapin, did I ever see again since the
eventful night of my arrest by the red-headed Lieutenant. Neither
did I ever hear of my servant who waited on the door, and to
whom I owed a fow days' wages. McGovern was killed in the
summer of 1857 in one of the rows between the Plug-Uglies and
the Dead-Rabbits. For the reUef of decent people he did not die
n, moment too soon.

WANDKRIUGS OF A VAGABOND.

CHAPTER XX V

BOXERS.

We are Indebted to England for many noble pastimes, and
none stands more prominent among them tlian that of the prize-
riu" At what period this manly sport first became faahiouable
among the Britishers, I am unable to say— I doubt if they can
themselves— and I have never yet eujoyod the acquamtauce of a
single prize-fighter whose historical recollections went beyond
his own first appearance in the ring, either as second or prm-
cipal. That the prize-ring has been for more than tliree cen-
turies a favorite sport among the English, is unquestionable. It
has been patronized by the patrician and the plebeian, and those
of gentle blood have frequently "shucked themselves," and con-
tended with the peasant for the honors of the ring. It is true
that this sport has had opponents in England, as well as in this
country. Strange as it may appear, men have been so insane as
to declare the manly art brutal and demoralizing, and statesmen
in England have at different periods endeavored to suppress it by
act of Parliament ; but the besotted prejudices of such old fogies
were condemned, aa they deserved, by the almost unanimous
voice of the people. No statesman has ever made himself popu-
lar among the English bv advocating the destruction of any of
their national sports. Within the last thirty years the pnze-
ring has not only lost much of its pristine purity, but has fallen
into discredit, and from the once proud position it held in the
hearts of the people of Great Britain. While m London, I heard
a veteran of the ring bewail the degeneracy of the times some-
what in the following strain: " Why, blarst it, wh i I waa a lad
a prize-f ghtor wus a nobby cove ; the swells wus his pals, an
he'd blunt by the fist-fulls. Why, when a pair o' well matched
coves went hiuter tiainin' for a battle, ye'd seethe nobs diivm'
to the trainin'-ground, with their tandems, hand their coaches
an four's, just as if they were goin' to receive tome blarsted
furrin prince. Hevery day the papers would be looked hinter the
first thing, ter find out in what condition the men stood, and
what price they were backed at. Damn it, if 'twar a run for the
Darby the bookmakin' couldn't be 'eavler, cr more excitm'.

■ni

ND.

toble pastimes, and
an that of the prize-
became fashiouable
I doubt if they can
10 acquaiutauce of a
ictious went beyond
as second or prin-
lore than three cen-
unquestionable. It
9 plebeian, and those
lemselvcs," and con-
the ring. It is true
Qd, as well as in this
bve been so insane as
lizing, and statesmen
ored to suppress it by
ces of such old fogies
e almost unanimous
r made himself popu-
dcstruction of any of
lirty years the prize-
purity, but has fallen
)sition it held in the
ile in London, I heard
cy iif the times some-
it it, whi I was a lad
ells wus his pals, an'
, pair o' well matched
'd see the nobs drivin'
is, hand their coaches
receive tome blarsted
id be looked hinter the
n the men stood, and
t, if 'twar a run for the

ier, cr more «xcitin'

BOXBBS.

311

When the day o' battle comes, there was no sueakln' round ter
git rid o' ther peelers. The uoosepapers told the people where
the battle would come oflf; 'twas a free blow to horerybody, hand
them as couldn't ride would walk to the grounds, hand room
wus made fur heverybody to see the sport. On the ground
would be the nobility hand the gentry bin their coaches, hand
hamong 'em you'd see ladies with their 'ands full o' bank-notes
hand guineas, backin' their man, same as the swells. Blarst it !
hit makes a man feci young again, ter think o' the good old times.
None o' yer blarsted swell-mobs broke up the ring then if their
coves couldn't win, none o' yer bloody duffers wus chosen fur re-
ferees; but blooded gentlemen, the first hiu the land, who'd see
the best man win. But look at the blarsted mills the blaggti- "<)
git up now-a-days ! Blarst it, they're bloody 'umbugs 1 '
coves his matched, ha great blow his made habout it when tht
traiuin' fur battle. The sportin' papers his squared to blow up
the men an' the match; the honest patrons o' the ring his told
that the ground hand the day o' battle must be kept secret, cos
■why t the peelers will break up the mill. Three or four nights
before it's ter take place, tickets is sold fur a place hon the ground
hand hin the railroad-car, hat one, two, three, or four soverings
apiece. A tralu o- cars his 'ired to take the spectators ter the
ground, hand when hit gets a mile or so outside o' Lunnon hit
stops, hand they hare hinformed there's no fight, cos the peelers
'as pulled the coves. Hif they bask their blunt back, they gits
a laugh for their pains. The whole thing his a bloody 'umbug
from first to last. Heven the blarsted peelers his squared to pull
the coves. Hif hits an honest mill hits broke hup hin a row be-
fore the blocdy duflfers as backs the thrashed cove will give up
their blunt. No gentleman ought ter go ter one o' their blarsted
mills; hif he does 'es robbed, cos hall the thieves hand pick-
pockets o' Lunnon's there."

We Americans have always been a fighting people ; if lead or
steel has not been brought into action, the combatants have
gone at poch other rough-and-tumble, kick, strike, punch, bite,
scratch or gouge, all of which were considered fair. To assist
in the polishing of these rough traits in our charucter, England
has at divers times sent us over professors in the manly art of
self-defense. At first, these honorable parties confined their ex-
ertions to the large cities on our seaboard. Their schools and

^ WiSMEISOS OIT A TiOiUOBD.

"coul/score o„o ou bi. nob o« a --» -^J^^f ^^JCd b.

1„ the bands ot Bailors »od »^» »X%"^rd f" tbfeuS*a^
ment of a more respectable, if not Uiore Buub'^>"' Britain

self-defense. Of these gladiato.o the ^"^^.^^^.J;^", ^i^gse were

ssrsrLrr,'s«5r:^r^-

. ^ve them from throwing up the T °8« ^i?!t o^ Che Irish
rock. The partisan and ^^^'^ZSr lo^lm^y^^ a cham-
at all ring-fights, where one of the^ ^l^J^^XfouTplay, had a
pion, and tbeir unmanj d.sposU.on^t^^^^^^^^^
tendency to combme agamst them the ^ougn e
nationaUties, and in this mamier were created two nvai ia«

(D.

(1 by the English,
lud also by sailors.
US of new-fangled
mpt, very much at,

learning to dread
discovered himself
jhoulder-hltter who
id coolly step out of
at first despised he
le his preceptor also,
confined to the Im-
spectablllty, wealth,

In order to give a
until 1830, had been
j3 of the foreign ele-
rd for the eutertaln-
ghteued class. Those
■ling of Great Britain
ibitants in the art of
rere perhaps the best,
an two of these were
[Uietlyas a prize-fight
an Irlshraam be pit-
and a row was pretty
ippened he could not
jlannlsh disposition of
heir countrymen lose
md tapping." Many
their fortunes against
untry, almost invarla-
lowlng they could ex-
n the Irish, they sought
lose for their colors the
pted banner could not
wfore the green sham-
rit shown by the Irish
intrymen was a cham-
jvards foul play, had a
ugh element of all other
eated two rival fefition*

BOXEBS.

313

In New Tork and Philadelphia, and to some extent in Boston.
Had these rowdy partisans settled their disputes in the prize-
rlrg, instead of In drlukiug-saloous and around polling-booths,
thb cities named would have escaped many of the bloody and
disgraceful scenes which they witnessed. But It seems to have
been destined otherwise; when local politics marshaled the
hostile rowdy factions into their ranks, from that moment the
prize-ring became a political power, and one of the established
institutions of the country. These factions were Ireland and
Young America In the ring. At first, in politics. Democrats and
Native Americans, and when the Enow Nothing banner was fiung
to the breeze, " Dead-Rabbits" and " Plug-Uglles." Deep and
sore was the humiliation of Young America that she could not,
firom her own soil, produce a hero capable of mahitaining her
supremacy in the prize- ring. The champions of her adoption
were entirely of foreign birth, and from a country which she de-
spised and hated; even these had proven failures. The jeers of
her hated foes rankled deeply in her breast. When it came to
combats on the brick-bat, slung-shot, " knock-down and drag-
out" principle, her champions could " whale blazes" out of the
" Micks," but in a forty foot ring they found themselves no-
where. We had a tremendous country, we had the largest
lakes, swamps, and rivers, the biggest forests and tallest timber;
we raised the most corn, cotton, tobacco, and pumpkins ; built
the best and fastest ships, and could man them with sailors able
to whip all creation ; we had the largest hotels and steamboats,
and the largest railroads, and blew up and smashed up more
people than all the worid beside; we had the best mlUtary acacf-
emy on earth, the finest schools and colleges, better preachers,
abler statesmen, and more eloquent orators ; and the Englibber
always tM, "you know," we had the cleverest rascals, and more
of them than any country on the face of the globe. But as John
Bull has always been somewhat jealous of us, any of bis state-
ments regarding us should be taken with the proverbial " grain
of salt." But notwithstanding all the blessings showered upon
up by an indtvjent Providence, we were denied a flrst-class
bruiser to sustain our honor in the prize-ring, and like Haman of
old, " all this availed as nothing while Mordecai sat at the king's
gate;" and if it was intended as a punishment for our trans-
gressions we certainly felt the hifliction keenly. But at length

814

WANDEKIN08 OF A VAGABOND.

the dav8 of our mourning were ended, and a champion arose
whose prowess redeemed his country's fame The hero w^ no
whitewashed American, but one who sprung from the soil, and ..
an unblemished pedigree. Tom Hyer, in the sprius of 184J,
Stored our long tarnished fame by suitably pummcl.ng
vTukee sSuivan in a forty foot ring. The latter was the victor
of a dozen battJes; and one of the best light-weight pug.Usts m

*^lmeSan vanity claims that Burgoyne's surrender at Sara-
toga was one of the fifteen decisive battles of the wo Id. H s-
toSns teU us that it brought more hope and joy o the do-
Bponding patriots than any other battle of the Revolut on^ I
B?nt a thrill of exultation throughout the strugghng laud, which
was only equaled when the electric news flashed over the
wh-es, that the heroic Thomas had, in a battle o seventeen
rounds, pounded the celebrated "Yankee Sullivan" nearly out
of all semblance to humanity. The victory was regarded in tho
light of a new leaf added to our national laurels by thousands
who would not countenance a prize-fighter nor adorn a miU
with their presence. It is true, it was believed by many that
Svan " threw off" the fight, but " kickers" w 11 be found in
every country. For the first time in the annals of the country,
New York city had produced a celebrity-a Hyer 1 who had re-
deemed his country, not exactly from the chains of a tyrant,
but from what" entitled him to certainly as much gratitude, the
vile reproaches of insulting foreigners, that we were unable to
produce a thorough-bred boxer on our own soil, lo Young
America he was the beau ideal of all that was great and noble,
the finest gentleman in the land, and "could whip any d-d fur-
rin scoundrel that could be imported." He became a sort of
deity but, like many of those of the fabulous ages, he lacked all
the attributes. He had neither brains nor educatiri sufficient
to make hhn a political leader, when his popularity might have
earned him. He squandered the money lavished upon him by
his admirers, with a reckless hand, until he became a burden
upon them, when they shook him off. He tried to replenl^ his
revenues by tenwrizUig over certain gamblers of New York.
Some of these for a while submitted to his extortions; but
others would not give him their money, nor submit to have their
games broken up, unless he was disposed to go up against lead,

NO.

BOXEBS.

315

a champfoa arose
, The hero was no
from tUo soil, aud of
the sprluj? of 1841),
ultably pumuicling
attcr was the victor
-weight pugilists la

surrender at Sara-
jf the world. Uis-
and joy to the do-
the Revolutiou, It
•uggling laud, which
■8 flashed over the
battle of seveutceu
Sullivan" nearly out
was regarded in the
aurels, by thousands
nor adorn a "mill"
ilieved by many that
ors" will be found in
inals of the country,
I Hyer 1 who had ro-
I chains of a tyrant,
much gratitude, the
vt we were unable to
wn soil. To Young
was great and noble,
Id whip any d— d fur-
He became a sort of
}us ages, he lacked all
)r educatiri sufficient
jopularity might have
lavished upon him by
he became a burden
i tried to replenish his
mblers of New York.
I his extortions; but
>r submit to have their
to go up against lead,

or cold steel— articles held in wholesome awo, invariably, by your
muscle expounder, lie finally died in a state of destitution, iu
1864, and was buried by the charity of his friuniLs.

For several yours before llycr's victory over Sullivan, the
prize-ring was a political power. Upon the lighter who estab-
lished his reputation in the ring, were showered wealth and
honors. Being too ignorant in all cases to till any sort of ofllce,
they were usually presented by their admirers with a gorgeous
drinking-saloon, which became the general resort of all rowdies
of whichever faction was so fortunate as to enroll them under
its banner. In this manner did the prize-flghtcr find "great-
ness thrust upon him," and became prominent as a ward poli-
tician. Aspirants for political favor sought his society, and
both by flattery and bribes courted his political influence, and
woe to the unlucky candidate who refused to do so, or in any
manner expressed his disapprobation of the F. 11. ; he very shortly
found himself compelled to take a back seat. The result of this
was that the city offices were filled with none but the ignorant
and the coiTupt; men who had only the twofold object, to assist
their friends politically, and to enrich themselves at the expense
of the citizens. Had the two factions coalesced instead of split-
ting up into parties bitterly jealous of each other's power, the
wealth and power of the city had been prostrate under its feet.
But fortunately for the citizens, it split into two factions, and
very turbulent ones. Both had their fashionable head-quarters
as well as their newspapers, wliich kept the people at large post-
ed up with regard to each match that was made, the course of
training underwent by the n . pective champions, as well as their
biographies, in which their virtues and the important services
they had rendered to the prize-ring were duly recorded. Re-
porters belonging to the most respectable papers were on hand,
as well as artists with their pencils, to transmit to posterity the
mwt msigniflcant incident of the fight, ftom the building of the
ring to the throwing up of the sponge. Whenever one of the illus-
trious lights of the P. R. died, or, as more frequently happened,
was killed, the remains of the illustrious hero wovdd be followed
to its last resting place by a splendid funeral cortege, accom-
panied by bands of music, with muffled drums; all the gin-shops,
coflee-houses, and sometimes the public buildings, were draped
in black. A stranger arriving in the city, and seemg this *\ pomp

tl6

■WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

and clrcurastanco," would naturally suppose that the nation
mniimod one of her most illustrious and honored sons.
""TTMexica" war aflorded some slight relief to the cities of
New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and New Orleans, by freeing
Siem of BO ne of their rowdies. Boston sent out to Mexico one
jSghnl of her roughs, Philadelphia two, while Now Ym-k sent
one to Join the army under General Scott, and another to tali-
fornla Now Orleans sent two six months regiments, but they
were disbanded after a two months' residence In the swamps of
the Rio Grande, with the exception of those among them whoso
bines were laid there by disease. On the whole, not more than
one-half of those sent out ever returned to their homos; the
"mailr either having been killed In battle or died from
diseases peculiar to the country. The next drain upon the
?Tori" Element in our large cities, was the California excite-
ment b«t with the growth of these cities, particularly New
?ork 'and Philadelphia, increased the rowdy element, which
until tho commencement of our civil war, held the political
iSl That vent not only greatly thinned out those gentry
Ca most entirely destroyed their ruffianly rule. Now Orleans
Zt at least fifteen hundred of the worst hel -hounds that ever
Tgra^od humanity, to the Confederate armies In Virginia and
Arkansas; and Louisville sent as many aa five hundred of her
PlSSios to fight for the Confederacy, and Baltimore fur-
nSfedmore than one thousand; butthese last, instead of seizing

Jhi muskets and " dying in the last ditch," became spies and
Emrs on the flrst'c^l "to arms," Philadelphia sentflyo or
STgtmenta of roughs down Into Virginia, those among them
SSo eTaped the ravages of disease, and the ^^tt ° -Uirned
Cmn after belne mustered out of a three yea i' service, and
S nlver be induced to enlist afterwards. Since their return
Zy vote the Democratic ticket to a man, winch enables them
Sllmtt control the city govemment When the news of the
bombardment of Fort Sumter reached New York, the rowdy
-fjr«tt ToninJoverwith patriotism, formed themselves into
t:^:^^^irsoToF.mcU were officered with shln^g
Ete of the P. R Officers and men left the city with the idea
S they were going to "chaw up" the "secesh," oody and
^es but If anv among them ever returned from the front,
J^r^d with the'glory of heroic deeds, the recording scribes of

■ 'iMi.u'w ii i t iy-iwwWit '^ ' ^*" "

ND.

se that the nation
)red sons.

(liof to tho cities of
Orleans, by freeing
t out to Mexico ono
hilo Now York sent
i\d anotlior to C'ali-
rogimouts, but they
ICO in the swamps of
J among them whoso
rholo, not more than
to their homes; the
Dattle, or died from
ext drain upon the
he California csclte-
os, particularly Now
vdy elomont, which,
r, hold tho political
edout those gentry,
jrrule. New Orleans
lell-hounds that ever
rmlos In Virginia and
9 five hundred of her
, and Baltimore fur-
last, instead of seizing
;h," became spies and
liladelphla sent five or
a ; those among them
. the bfttle, returned
>e yea i' service, and
Is. Since their return
1, which enables them
When tho news of the
J^ew York, the rowdy
)rnied themselves into
officered with sbinlng
t the city with the idea
} "secesh," body and
turned from the front,
;he recording scribes of

BOXBM.

the war have either been too prejudiced to do them Juatice, or
have forgotten it entirely. A regiment of these coves, calUug
themselves the "Fire Zouaves," who had blown their trum"'5t«
remarkably loud, and threatened tho Southrons with a doom
as sanguinary as tho color of their own breeches, were brought
into action for the first time at tho battle of Bull Run. They
only waited to hear one volley from the guns of tho "seceshers,"
but threw down their muskets and started for Washington, a
distance of nearly thirty miles, and never stopped until they
reached it ; on the principle, doubtless, that

" He who fiRhta nnd mni away
May lire to fight miothor day i
But he who U la battle slain
Can never hope to light again."

Since the last terrible uprising of the roughs, in the summer of
1863, which Is still fresh in the minds of all, these gentry have
learned that it is not wise for them to indulge in such demon-
strations, and have been kept In pretty good subjection.

Plug-Uglyism, Dead-Rabbltism, and Thuggery, have passed
away with the days in which they flourished, but the material of
wliich they were composed still remains, though now held In
salutary check by a well-dlsclpUned police force, backed by the
bayonets of the military. The rowdy element still flourishes,
and Is still a power In the cities of New York and Philadelphia,
and a united one. In these cities, the commission of brutal
murders by election roughs Is of almost dally occurrence in
times of excitement, and the perpetrators walk abroad In open
day, fearlessly, as It is seldom one is punished for his atrocious
conduct. Bands of organized thieves are continually committing
buclr depredations on the community, and are either allowed to
go "scot free," or, if arrested, to purchase their freedom, or in
some way escape the punishment they so richly deserve; be-
cause, to a man, on election days, they work to elevate their
chosen friends to ofllce. The detectives "stand In" with the
thieves. Justice is administered by an unscmpulous set of men,
whose decisions are often more In accordance with their feelings,
and those of their friends, than strict justice; consequently the
laws are enforced only against obscure or friendless persons.
Let any unfortunate render himself obnoxious to any of the prom-
inent politicians of New York, a charge is trumped up against

318 WANDERINGS 0» A VAdADOND.

him, aud vUlaln. are suborned to swear "^^y J!» "^Sll^'l
Laps even his life. None who have read " M • e th «to
think, could fail to shud.lor at the ''""'^ «J''^^Jt rl";^

nracticiDK lawyers, well versed iu alUhe cunning artifices us»i
at the Slna bar-men who are consi.lered highly respectable,
lupytews in prominent churches, and outwanlly strictly ob-
Tve all the religious duties of their creed; "J° ^^^^^^ °^^^^^^^^
thev keep the outside of the platter clean, but within, all w
lottenneTs and dead tnen's bones." Why ^^ould they raise thdr
voloe in behalf of some poor, wronged, obscure wretch, who can
hr nVthem no glory, and has not even a cent to pay themt
Whv'sSd they draw upon themselves the enmity of a power-
Klltical clique, only for the sake of « elng justice done, and
. train nothing material by it elthorf

BuJwhy fhould any one desire to send an Innocent man to
Staters prison! Just so; but why are some ^v It S^
sometimes to send a rich relative to the lunatic asyl""'* Be-
cause they have something to gain by it. Policy, gain, revenge,
oXt, are generally the whips with which the devd scourges on
mankind to the commission of such deeds.

A person knowing more than ml,^ht be dosiraWe of the affal«,
or perhaps the previous life of some powerful individual, high In
Authority, might some day ventilu , his knowledge, possibly
Sfrl couft of justice; but If bis wisdom is railroaded to
State's nrison. his evidence becomes harmless. A poor, Dui
St^oSs young fellow may become popular in the ward whe^
rulr Such'rising eaglets are, ^^ ^f ^^^^f '^^^Xlnlf .^
of inquietude to the reigning P«»«<!«\/*^°'^^*«'7J° *^^^^^^^^
Booner their wings are clipped, the better. T^e Thugs^New
Orleans would have handed such as these over to the "^ssasslns ,
b« these little aflfalrs are managed in a n^ore humane nranner
by the political powers of New York city. With the assistance
of a pliable judge, a clever lawyer, and tbree ^r four subonied
witnesses, he Is ticketed and handed over to the keepers or

iND.

r hl8 liberty, or per-
" Monte Cbrlsto," I

viUiiiuy which con-
If, ftud felt relieved
creation of a fertile
10 hivvo been placed

their liberty Bwom
ch acts are no secret

among thorn being
inning artlflcoe uaed
d highly respectable,
utwardly strictly ob-

Uke the Jews of old,
1, but within, "all ta
hould they raise their
jure wretch, who can
I, cent to pay themf
le enmity of a power-
ling justice done, and

an Innocent man to
mo people so anxious
lunatic asylum t Be-
Pollcy, gain, revenge,
I the devil scourges on

loalrable of the affairs,
rful individual, high in
B knowledge, possibly
sdom Is railroaded to
irmloss. A poor, but
iilar in the ward where
icltrant, always objects
Lvorlte, who thinks the
r. The Thugs of New
e over to the assassins ;
, more humane manner
y. With the assistance
three or four suborned
over to the keepers of

BOXERS. HP

Sing Sing for a fv.w years. Love, o; rather lust, has somdtlmes
hud something to do with this ex raordiuary railroading. A
handsonio wife, sister, or daughter, may bo a desired object, and
tliuir lioiiHr may be protected as far as in them lies by a husband,
fiitlicr, or brothers. Should thcso prove troul)lc8ome, and lovo
honor better than money, the easiest way, {Msrhaps, of removing
them out of the path of the seducer, is to railroad them into the
State's prison; not a difficult task, if the modus-operandi be
well understood. Witness the following extract firom the Her'
aid, (New York), Dec. 23rd, 1860:

Jl waif from the orient.

On the application of Mr. David B. Philip, a writ of habeat
corpus was granted yesterday, by Judge Troy, of Brooklyn, in
the case of Miss Hentus Harootiima, who had been sent to the
penitentiary for the term of two months, by Justice Lynch, on a
chargo of malicious trespass. The lady, who is a native of
Turkey, finely educated, and highly accomplished, is about
twenty-flve years of ago, and very prepossessing, was brought
Into the Court of Sessions yesterday, when Mr. A. Bedrosiara,
who appeared on behalf of Mr. C. C. Oscanyan, the Turkish
Consul, acted as her interpreter, and stated her case to the
Court. From her story, it would appear that she was the vic-
tim of the most despl'-able outrage. A year or so ago, she says,
a man named C. H. Christian, a confectioner on Fulton Avenue,
Brooklyn, formed her acquaintance in Turkey, and induced her
to elope with him to this country. She had considerable money
at the time, amounting to within something like four hundred
pounds sterling, and on his promising to make her his wife as
soon as they arrived in this country, she gave him her mon«5y,
and consented to elope with him from her home, and followed
him to America. On reaching this country. Christian established
a confectionery store, with the money he had obtained, but re-
fused to marry her, and recently, when she asked him for some
money, acted in a very violent manner towards her. On the
5th inst. he had her arrested, taken before Justice Lynch, and
sent to Raymond Street Jail for ten days. On. the day of her
release she again returned to the house of her betrayer, and
rung the door-bell. Christian appeared at the door, she says,

jgO -WAND7MN08 OF A VAGABOND.

, ^-wuiWftwav Having no Other home, and not know-
and ordered her a^ay. ua g ^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^

^"*::?Ter ane^t inTlS laaiou be made a charge of tres-
caused ^^'^^^"f -^^^Sa »o», the Justice sent her to the Kmgs
pass, and, ** ***^, *;;';"Sbu8h for two months. The atten-
^'"ItL'trkrclTw^^^^^ to the case, and through
Sr"~ woman .^.Ijher^^^^^^^ ^^^^

I oL it would be just and proper *« ^^^^^^ 'leUedr

He said ho l>ad in several ins fnces be«^ compeUed i ^^^^

parties sent to prison ^^ J^^^^^J' f^f ^^ J She attention
had been -nade, and be thought t time ^, J^^' ^y ^.

of the grand jury was called to It. Theiaaywa«i.

cbargod.

Respectability ma.es Vt^oL* oS^^fritTo^ri-n^^^^^
and solidts Justice to send f n°^^«"!^^Jf ".« ^^^ of voting
months. The obsequious J««t.ce grants tf^ej^ue^^^^ ^^^^^^

Itespectability. Humanity steps in and tokes ^^^ J ^^

a hW ^J^^-f^^i^^i; XSfficifnf ell! and orders
been deprived of her liberty wuqoui District Attor-

her to b^ released. The Justice •''f J"^^'"^,'^ j^"^^^^^ he has
ney that this is by no means the fi^l^^^^n ^re „^ proper
been compelled to release P'^''^'^/^^^ ^^^1 T^ere^ jus-
and sufficient complaint wjis made ^S^^^^^J^^c of the brave!

tice for you! in the ^-"f «/ "j^^rfl^^^^^^^ io-

where the " star-spangled banner, Oaunung tersof

vaasj>.

hom«5, and not know-
house, when he again
made a charge of tres-
801) t her to the Kiugs

months. The atten-
the case, and through

jd from prison. Judge
erving a great deal of
, District Attorney to it,
bmit to thf grand jury.
3n compelled to release
re no proper complaint
now, that the attention
lady was promptly ^s-

ipaM against Obscnrity,
bscurity to prison for two
ts the request of voting
a takes Obscurity before
es that the prisoner has
fficient cause, and orders
iforms the District Attor-
iustance in which he has

1 prison where no proper
Hiist them. There's jus-
dthe home of the brave!
lunting to the breeze, in-

, from the four quarters of
ier its broad segis, prom-
What a mockery !

PBKSKCCTIOlf. SW

CHAPTER XXVI.

PERSECUTION.

Up to the commencement of the civil war few gamblers have
been so fortunate as to escape being preyed upon in some man-
ner by desperadoes, rowdies, black-mailers, or rascally officials,
reckless assassins, and rowdies. Those worthies in the Southern
and Border States and territories would not coolly "bonnet" a
dealer and deprive him of his bank, in that freebooter style so
much in vogue among the rowdies of the North. In the land of
chivalry the rights of property were generally too highly respect-
ed to tolerate such bare-faced robberies ; but in some sections,
whore armed violence had full sway, it might not be safe, at
times, for a strange- gambler to put down his money on a table.

What gamblers principally had to dread from Southern and
Border State ruffians was having their games broken up by vio-
lence, their valuable patrons driven from their banks in conse-
quence of their bets being stolen from the lay-out, or gross
abuse, if not violent assault from some desperate ruffian, because
unwilling to hand over to him their money at his mere request.
The gambler was sometimes not only forced to witness such
outrages on his players, without power to protect them, but that
he might be allowed to carry on his business was often compell-
ed to disgorge to the ruffians forced loans. They frequently,
too, chose his crowded room as the arena where they settled
their feuds ; pulling out their pistols and banging away at each
other with the greatest imaginable looseness, and the most su-
preme disregard for the safety of the other inmates; or perhaps
while the business of the house was in full blast a band of these
ruffians would enter and amuse themselves by shooting out the
lights, and otherwise terrifying and molesting the patrons until
they had dispersbd tliem.

Peaceable citizens would naturally bo deterred from visiting a
place where such scenes were constantly transpiring, and the
efforts of the owner to protect his game, had he the temerity to
make any, would place his life in constant jeopardy.

In New York and Philadelphia, aud many other Northern
cities, the gambler having the temerity to open his bank without

888

■V7ANDEBINGS OF A VAGABOND.

securing the protection of some rowdy leader, was almost sure to
be robbed. Should bo set up bis bauli ou Auu street, the Bow-
ery Chatham, or Barclay Streets, aud all persons be privileged
to plvy at it, he might count himself fortunate if one day's grace
was allowed him without having a blanket twisted over his bead
and his person relieved of whatever valuables he carried upon
it Should his ambition soar above such mediocre places, and
induce him to flt up a respectable room and open a bank m it for
select players only, the rowdies would makp a descent on him,
break down his door, run all the players out of the place, and
steal overythiug they could lay hands on, and whatever they
could not caiTy off they maliciously destroyed. While strangers
were suffering all the indignities described, a dozen or more
banks in the city carried on their business without fear of mo-
lestation. Their dealers were neither "bonneted" nor robbed,
nor in any respect disturbed at their business. The police nor
the rowdies dared raid them, because they were under the pro-
tection of the rowdy chiefs.

Many gamblers are still living who remember the establish-
ment at No. 10 Ann Street, the famous "Tapis Franc." The
front room, which was on the ground floor, contained a bar, on
the English ale-house plan. Immediately hchind this was
another long narrow room, where various games of chance vrere
played, such as chuck, roulette, twenty-ono, and faro. The
patrons of this house were from almost every grade of society-
merchants, bankers and lawyers, came here to solace their lei-
sure hours by a combat with the "tiger," as well as city politi-
cians of every grade, from the alderman to the pot-house spout-
er Garroters, pickpockets, and slavers frequented the place-
all* were welcome, so long as they came with money in their
Imnds. The ill-gotten gains of the footpad were as welcome to
the proprietors of the "Tapis Franc" as the revenue of the
millionaire, provided one bet as freely as the other. But if any
of the roughs frequenting the house conceived the idea that tney
could grab any of the banks by "bonneting" the dealers, or
breaking up by violence the games, they soon received strong
demonstration of their error, for the piopiietors were complete
masters of the logic of the "knock-down and drag-out' ar-
gument, and if overpowered by numbers, or any way over-
matched, a single cry of " Police ! " brought a detachment ofblue-
coated city guardians to the rescue.

OND.

r, was almost sure to
uu street, the liow-
ursons be privileged
ate ifouo day's grace
twisted over bis bead
»lc3 be carried upon
aodiocre places, aud
open a bank in it for
ip a descent on bim,
lut of the place, and
I, and wbatcver they
ed. While strangers
3d, a dozen or more
3 without fear of mo-
•nneted" nor robbed,
iiess. The police nor
r were under the pro-

aember the establlsh-
' Tapis Franc." The
r, contained a bar, on
ely behind this was
games of chance were
•one, and faro. The
ery grade of society—
ere to solace their Id-
as well as city politi-
) the pot-house spout-
requented the place—
with money in their
id were as welcome to
as the revenue of the
the other. But if any
ved the idea that they
jting" the dealers, or
f soon received strong
piictors were complete
ivn and drag-out" ar-
rs, or any way over-
it a detachment ofblue-

FEBSECUTIOK.

3S3

No. 98 Barclay Street was another resort of the roughs to play
at faro. The banks here were generally snaps, and the com-
pany of the most abandoned and turbulent description. But
they would not rob each other of their bank money; the old
adage which enjoins "honor among thieves" was In force to
that extent among them. A captain of police would as soontoke
his men into the heart of the Comanche nation, when all the
warriors were on the "war-path" to avenge some ii\jury done
them by the whites, and attempt to capture their chief, as to
enter 98 Barclay Street and arrest one of its patrons. No gamb-
ler having any respect for his money, if knowing the character
of the place, would dream of opening a bank there, though there
was plenty of money among the crowd who frequented it. It is
related that eight dealers were successively blanketed and rob-
bed there of their money and other valuables.

At that time it waa simply impossible for any gambler to con-
duct a game in New York city, without the countenance and
protection of some rowdy leader. Gamblers have repeatedly
arrived here, from the Ea«t, South, and West, bringing with
them plenty of funds, and invested them in fitting up houses,
where they desired to entertain a less dangerous and objection-
able class of customers, and to do so in a more agreeable and re-
fined manner than they had previously been received in erih
places ; but the moment the roughs learned that they were to
be excluded, they burst open the doors, rushed in upon the par*
ties, and stole or destroyed everything of the slightest value
they could lay their hands on. During these raids, the proprie-
tors and their patrons might consider themselves indeed fortu-
nate, did they escape to the street with unbroken bones and a
whole skin. On the day following one of these ra.ds, a leading
rough would call on the despoiled gambler, and condole with
him OP. the rough usage he had received, and advise him to give
his friend "Larry Reilly," or some other Hibernian appellation
equally euphonious, an interest in his game. " A d— n dacent
fellow. None o' the blaggards '11 come snakin' round where
Larry is. They've tasted his mutton too often for that, an be
the same token he's a gintleman iveryinch av 'im sure; bs knows
»11 the valuable players here, an' they like him too. Take hhn
b wid ye's; he'll make yer fortin fur ye."
The gambler, having abeady gone to considerable expense,

S4 WAXTDWIISQB OF A VAGABOND.

feels that he cannot afford to abandon the ^nWise, If he catt
ZSie protection enough to secure him aS*""'/ ^iSl^
fu^re, Z he consents to give "the dacent man I^r'-y ««'"['"
an interest hi his game, without his -iskinga sing.e cent in it
himself. Larry, who belongs to a political nng, hm. gamed Ida
plr TwMhe pot. np the job to have the house ra ded, sue-
Sed,and isno^^ du^ installed as one of its PropnotJ and
Jtoprot^ctor. Ho has probably just sufficient knowledge of gam-
bllJg U> play a game of euchre or romps for " drinks all round"
Kmt SJ-mUl; but among the roughs he i^ a "power^u , and
when he " opes his lips no dog must bark." Let him ^^ t nuse
his finger, aM^the most turbulrnt among them Is reduced o In-
.taut Ldience. Should any person t^? ^.^^^^^r^' ' f^^r
during his connection with it, he wiU get his head " ma»aed" for

^Al^^the thne of the breaktag out of our civil war, the rougha
of New York were begtaniag to learn that even a ganibhng.
ZZ was entitled to legal protection. A Mr. WiUlam Mulhgan,
dSt, desperado, boxer and bruiser, the hero of ttiree duete.
Zi a doze'street fights, and rmg and bar-room fighte Innu-
merable, betag expatriated flrom Callfomla by the Vigilance
Commltiee of San Francisco, found, after an absence of many
years, "his foot upon his native heath" in the city of New
York Whether muscle, steel, or lead, were brought into play,
BUly MuUlgan was found to be rather an unpleasant customer
tostagger ^against. On his arrival in New York, he was re-
celved with open arms and demonstrations of much joy, by the
great unwashed ; and why not f Was he not the hero of fifty
SSle»-the victor on many a hard-fought fiold-a leader of
political rowdyism In Callfomla-a bold and fearief > wpo^nder
of its opinions* and was he not at that moment a iL^rtyr to the
caosef Favors and money were showered on the redoubtable
Billy by his admirers, nor did It for a moment cross his mind
that he was violating any mora! or social duty in accepting
everything that was offered him. He had a strong appreciation
of the luxuries and pleasures of life, and among other things was
prone to enter Into tussles with the tiger. In which that decep-
tive animal pretty generally came off the victor. Few things In
life dulls the enthusiasm of friends so quickly as the borrowing
of money and neglecting to pay it, Mulligan's admirers began

iterprise, If he caa
ainst Buch laids In
lan, Larry Reilly,"
a singie cent ia it
,ng, hai» gained liia
house raided, suo-
itB proprietors and
knowledge of gam-
' drinks all round"
is all-powerful, and
Let him but raise
im is reduced to in-
lack-mail ♦I'O h0U89

head " maoued" for

slvilwar, the roughs
I; even a gambling-
>. William Mulligan,
lero of three duels,
r-room fights inna-
i by the Vigilance
an absence of many
in the city of New
Q brought into play,
unpleasant customer
ew York; he was re-
of much joy, by the
not the hero of fifty
it field — » leader of
ifearler^ expounder
ment a iL ^rtyr to the
i on the redoubtable
ment cross his mind
1 duty in accepting
» strong appreciation
long other things was
in which that decep-
ictor. Few things* In
kly as the borrowing
jan's admirers began

pXBSXCU'riU5.

to make up their minds that he was too expensive a luxury to
be extensively indulg-d In, consequently withdrew themselvee
in a great measure from his society. His popularity was on the
wane. Those wLom ho owed, to escape lending him more, avoided
Urn- Keepors of gambling-houses had loaned him money from
a sense of liear, in order to deter him from creating a disturb-
ance in their houses ; and when bis sources of revenue from the
outside were diminished, he confined his predatory onslaughts
to their customers, whom they had to stand calmly by and see
mulcted in forced loans, without daring o make the slightest
remonstrance. The redoubtable Billy, meating one of his ac-
quaintances before a faro-table with five or six hundred dol-
lars' worth of chips, would demand a loan of one or two hundred
dollars' worth of them, which was pretty generally granted by
the player, sootier than expose himself to hip enmity, which he
would surely gain, should be refuse ; not to mention, as often
happened, abuse and brutal violence. This man finally became
so obnoxious to faro-playem, that his appearance in a gambling-
house was sufficient to cause the players to pass in. their checks,
get the money for them, and precipitately leave the place.

The career of Mr. Mulligan was finally brought to an abrupt
olosc^by one of those redoubtable guardians of gambling-houses,
described in a former chapter, and who wivs as well a prominent
ward politician. In the establishment 676 Broadway, where this
chief reigned, Mr. Mulligan had exploited in his usual engaging
manner several times, and was finally plainly informed by its
guardian that they did not keep a loan-office, and would no
longer submit to have their patrons driven away in consequence
of his practices upon them. When a bully falters, he is lost.
Mulligan retorted upon the chief with some choice language pe-
culiar to his tongue, which, by the way, was &6 potent in its sphere
as his muscular arms and sledge-hammer fists were in theirs.
That worthy retorted upon Mulligan by stepping to the door,
calling a policeman, and desiring him to take that gentleman
out of the house ; but he prevented the officer from executing
the order, by presenting at his head a loaded pistol. He ran to
the door and rapped for assistance, and Mr. Mulligan was in-
glorionsly marched to the lock-up. His case was sent before the
criminal court ; but In the meantime he procured bail, and al-
thoogh repeatedly advised to forfeit it by his sureties, he obsti-

I* it t\'

gOe WAUDBWNOS OF A VAGABOND.

uw It was at^e time, and has ever since been the prevail-
revenge upon W°>. ^f ° J« is ver? Uttte doubt that he owed

S.° 1?C -.heir 'i8l't'»«="l»I«^!«"r "rZl^lS
ELrs, iflthoit to least .pprehenBloni. on to Kow ol

JSt^ton.™.y..2r•.iTL?p4^^^^-^^

£i0'

at none would dare
ulUgan. 'f Qe trial
a Sing 9ing at hard
!e been the prevail-
,he result of a con-
lion is the fact tliat,
B was released on a
(spirits had aroused
wei« many powerful
uity to wreak their
himself within the
doubt that he owed
known to tho legal
an obnoxious person

ry salutary effect on
wed them that they
iling-house, rob, and
off scot-free without
» taught the proprie-
man to remove from
rderly, or otherwise
nmates, without the
fore a police justice,
From the time of
ceased their raids on
now shut their doors
hysters, and check-
ins on the score of

years been under the
that time no gambler
it propitiate the favor
rowdy leader. Should
do SO; he will become'
tionist of like feather
will be staked to play
t should they lose, they
pped against the bank.
s any other despicable

PBRSBCUTIOir.

327

advantage, and should he chance to be a person who will stand
no such nonsense, and offers to make any resistance, no matter
how slight, they will break up his gamo, and pitch himself and
gambling paraphernalia out of the window. A rough place on
strange faro-dealers is Pbiladelpliia. Should one liavo the te-
merity to apply to a magistrate for'redress or protection, he will
be immediately consigned to tho Moyamensing prison for twelve
mouths, by the outraged ms^esty of the law, for dealing faro.

Tho resident gamblers of the place all spring from and be-
long to the rowdy element, and are of the most despicable
order, and so cowardly that a faro-bank of a $50 limit is fre-
quently banked by a dozen of them. They are constantly
wrangling among themselves, and meanly jealous of each other's
success ; but let a strange gambler arrive in the place and open
a bank, they will unite almost to a man, to rob him, and should
they fail in accomplishing their purpose, will employ rouglis to
break up his game, and if he has not secured the favor and pro-
tection of one of the rowdy leaders, he is fortunate indeed if he
escapes from the place with a dollar in his pocket, or an un-
broken bone in his sldn. In order to obtain this protection, he
must give up at least ton per cent, of his game ; many strange
gamblers have, at various times, secured this protection, and
been free, in consequence, from descents from the ruffians and
the extortionists and black-mailers who follow in their train.
Such skinning-houses as exist there, both first and second class,
are under the special protection of the rowdy leaders, and are
mulcted in ten or twenty per cent, of their profits, as the price
of such shelter. Several Judges and District Attorneys have at
various times tried to break up all the gambling-houses in the
city, but have invariably found, in the end, that the rowdy ele-
ment was too strong for them.

No class, on an average, has produced braver men, or more of
them in proportion to its number, than the gambling commu-
nity ; still, as all its members are by no means so, and where one
is daring, ten are mild and peaceable, and as it often happens
the bravest cannot protect themselves, in such cases they must
rely on the expedients devised by a fertile brain for protection.
The gambler, in days now gone by, was compelled to have a
protector, and it often happened nouj was more efficient or
mc e useful thai the man who h.Kl killed one or more persons in

sfeM-iftefciif^SW^

328 WANDEMNGS OF A VAGABOND.

^ f flaht or duel or had established hla reputation in •
; rtt rin« or tSe chivalrous Individual who had cover^
Jl'^^lrwltWorv by bvass-knuckllng a score or so of persons at
himself with e^^lJ'l^'r:^^ fight ; or the western gentleman,
an election ™'^';; .'*„^^[-7dlthte8; name by "gouging out" »
^ho had ^o'^ f ^^^^^[4T^ vanous frolics, not to mention
dozen or so of eyes «"""»" , overflow of his sp rlts.

p.e.nt admlrab^^B^^^^^^^^^ -- "^4 'Sl^

young bloods were ^f^ Theatres, circuses, and public
or desperado, as a P[°*«J"°"' .^„„„ to preserve order, and
balls, had theh- bullies In J^f J°;«i *„„?, serviceable than
one of these was In ^"f ^^f" .7" The presence of the lat-
half a <io-- «fJ^£rol5ec Tit J^ for a party of young
^'•■'iL but t^e a^amnce on the scene, of a noted desperado
rS, wout sXTwholesome terror to the hearts of such

lawless characters. protection from the law, he w

^ff ^"'"vii? Wmselfwi^ SeTexrb^t thtag obtainable,
lK)und to provide '\™^7,''*V' *"^^^^ on the desperado or

as well as ™*°y °J" ^^j^gre law and police were myths, no
togs, also in locaj'tles ^^e™ protected by some des-

gambler could carry ^hm S^"^^^^^^ V ^. ^^ who

perado, who was '^^Pf ^^L tS tZl So distance between
tosplred in their n^'^^* desire to^^P a i^^er-mimed

hta^^unchof flves^and^be^^^^^^^ than any emissary of
classes feared a first-class oruw* gamblers fell

the law, ««PP««;°f "^;^„^:rrppSrtSn^^^^ In those

SJ^irrgS':' Srh^'Be'Svlllzedlys, It was custom.
^tJSra^t gamblers to have traveling a^^^ys J^th them
Sie noted bruiser or pugilist, and the custom was not entirely
abandoned until since the clostag of our civil war.
"^rlave mentioned that the law offered no P'-^**;*^^^^
to the gambler; in fact, in many places t^e officer of thM^

were hta most persistent and ^'*t tSeStSst wlfl^t^
every gambler who set up his game in their midst, as a »i

;;sg(sas^®»aw?3S3sa»#yfe*»"

reputation In •
rho had covered
tr so of persons at
jstern goutlemani
"gouging out"*
s, not to mention
low of his spirits.
4e serviceable as
auguratlng of our
days many of our
some noted bully
reuses, and public
reserve order, and
) serviceable than
presence of the lat-
r a party of young
a noted desperado
the hearts of such

om the law, he w
t thing obtainable,
»n the desperado or
courses, or at fairs,
ivere public gather-
lice were myths, no
tected by some des-
id rowdies, and who
ifo distance between
i these latter-named
Ian any emissary of
, the gamblers fell
protection. In those
days, it was custom-
Qg always with them
jtom was not entirely
rii war.

) protection whatever
be officers of the law
jmies. They viewed
ir midst, as a Hit sub-

. PBRSBCTTTIOir. Mi

Jeot to be plucked by them, without the slightest compunctions
of consciouce, or any fear of cundomnation from the community
or censure iVom the public generally. The very laws which had
been framed In many of the States, to prevent gambling, wero
used by the rascally officials to black-mail gamblers. For In-
stance: In Texas, where the fines for dealing banking-games
range from $23 to $100, the amount to be fixer! by the dlscro'-
tlon of the courts. In proportion to the enormity of the offense,
the District Attorney accumulates against a gambler as many
iu(! (.ments as he possibly can, and then offers to quash them
f< a certain sum of money. This cash. It Is unnecessary to say
he pockets. In precisely the same manner does the District A
tomey of Kentucky operate against gamblers who have in-
fringed the gambling laws of the State, which provide that, for
dealing any banking-game of chance, the person so doing shall
be fined for each and every offense, $500, no more nor no less.
Half this sum goes Into the pocket of the informer, $135 to the
school- fund, and $125 to the prosecuting attorney. But these
gentry have generally looked sharply after their own pockets,
and carried on their own "little game" under the rose. It was
no uncommon thing for a District Attorney to permit a gambler
to open and run a faro-bank, and to suffer none to molest him,
and when he was about to quit the place, pass In to him his
little bill, drawn up in accordance with the sum which the bank
had won since playing in the town. If it had won nothing, his
bill for non-intervention would be $125. Should he be inform-
ed that the bank had won $2000, his demand against the banker
would probably reach as high as $500. The latter could, if he
desired, leave the place before a bill had been found against
him by the grand jury, but should he ever venture again within
the limits of the State, the District Attorney would make him
pay his little bill, or leave him In jail at two dollars per day,
until the amount of his fine had been paid. This wretched
clause was, in 1862, expunged from the law, and those portions
of the fines formerly given to the informer, now reverted to the
State. But the Attorney's fine still stands, and the cases are
few indeed, where a gambler is allowed to slip away teom a
place until I - has "planked down the dust" required by this
gentleman. The present District Attorney of Louisville realizes
yearly firom $12,000 to $15,000 firom gambling-bouses in that

WAiroilMMGB OF A. Vi-GABOHD.

«if„ Fflrh houBe 18 taxed by him according to the ifoney »
mLn^l by Wm supposed to make. This Is accomplUbed by
^oStlnra certain number of indictments against each house,
JSersondrnrsol^Sratoly for the proprietors, and presenting
hem Ih his S After coualdorable haggling, the. man of
}aw and the gambler agree upon a price, wh.ch glvea to the lat-
ter another year's respite. j„r^„-i nn ter-
In New York, the District Attorneys had to depend on ter
rorism. In orde^ to extract money from the gamble«. Two
laws were on the statute books, and "^^^^S^'^f-Jj^^^J^^^^^^
The oldest was a fine of $50 for playing or dealing any bankmg
game of c^^^^^^ and subsequently, in 1851 a law was enacted
mokinff the dea Ing of any such game a felony, punishable by a
TsSion oFflv °?ear8 in the Site's prison. This law. though
TcSd not be enforced, juries refusing to convict under It^^ad-
mlrabW answered the purposes of black-maillng lawyers, ^en-
?ve? a gambler, having strong political Influence, was tried for

Ta ing'a game of chance, he was "^"^""'"Jild tat So
old law which m such cases made and provided that ho
Bheuld be fined $50. But should the culprit be a st Wr, or a
person of little or no influence, and a fat subject for plucktag,
?hev were forced to disgorge under the new law. which threat-
SXm wUh the State's prison. This was generally accom-
Tshed b" ;jLlg the ^rlod of their trial, l^eeP'^g ^J^J
Cm one term to another, and from court to court, until the
Sm was satisfied to pay several hundreds, in order to close up
The v^ItTous business, and be rid at once of his anxiety and sua-
pense. About ten years since a few g^""? «" ^f .^^^^ ^°;'',
citv forced the courts to decide under which of theso laws
JamWers must be convicted. This was done by several gam-
K who were Indicted In different courts standing thexr trials,
and being all convicted mider the $50 fine law, thus estab-
Sng a precedent. But I need scarcely inform the reader
tha those heroic gentlemen, who sacrificed themselves to est
Sn Hoverelsnty of the two laws, were made aware of the fate
licTIwS them, before the coming off of their trials. But
Tfa few District Attorneys maybe fo«nd»n8crupulous enough
to black-mall gamblers by perverting tbe laws of t^e State
happily, there are many who are ™«ch too high -inindedto^
3 t^ such miworthy artifices in order to enrich themselves.

STD.

g to the ironey It
1b accomplished by
igalnst each house,
rs, and presenting
fgling, the maa of
ch gives to the lat-

to depend on ter-
le gamblers. Two
nlzed in the State,
leallng any banking

a law was enacted,
)ny, punishable by a
. This law, though
convict under it, ad-
Ing lawyers. When-
luenco, was tried for
convicted under the
I provided that he
,t be a stranger, or a
subject for pluckUig,
w law, which threat-
ras generally accom-
trial, keeping it over
■t to court, until the
8, in order to close up
f his anxiety and sus-
mblers of New York
which of theso laws
lone by several gam-
, standing their trials,
ane law, thus estab-
ly inform the reader
ed themselves to test
jde aware of the fate
,ff of their trials. But

unscrupulous enough
he laws of the State,
)o high-minded to doi
p to enrich themselves.

rnxsKcnnoK.

Most of these gentlemen, especially in our large cities, leave the
gamblers entirely unmolested, and the howls raised nRainat them
on that account, by some of the ultra moral press, are unjust, be-
cause a jury cculd scarcely bo empaneled who would convict
under the harsh laws on the statute books of some of the States.
In two of our large cities, Baltimore and New Orleans, gambling
is regulated by the police department, but is never interfered
wl'h, because they levy on each house a certain tax for the sup-
port of their political power. In Chicago and St. Louis the
gambling-houses are raided at the caprice of the Chiefs of Police,
and their gambling paraphernalia confiscated. In neither of
those States is there any law to Justify such high-handed pro-
ceedings, except the law of might. Repeatedly have ail the
square gambling-houses of Chicago been closed by the so-called
"authority" of the Chief of Police, while as man^ .*s two or three
sklnning-houses carried on their business full blast, liavlng lib-
erally "palmed" that worthy for his grace towards them, while
the "square" houses, being unable to act In like mannci, were
closed. Between the yars 1836 and 1859, four sharpers were
allowed to keep open their gorgeous establishment, to the exclu-
sion of all others. George Trussell, one of the partners in this
firm, was a shrewd, cunning Yankee from Vermont, and a mem-
ber of the secret police. Every gambler setting up a game in
the city, he had arrested, lmpri8oned> and mulcted In heavy
fines, besides causing their gambling tools to be confiscated.
This fellow had full sway over the gambling privilege of the
city, which his compeers and himself turned Into a stealing
privilege, for which they feed the accommodating police most
munificently. The career of this worthy was finally brought to
an abrupt close by a pistol in the hands of his mistress. The
woman, of whom he had begun to tire, sent for him to come to
her; he refused to do so, sending back by the messenger, who
was the trainer of the trotting horse Dexter, of which he was
part owner, an insulting message. The woman, who was par-
tially drunk, entered a carriage and was driven to a drlu^lng-
saloon, where she knew Trussell was, and again sent in the mes-
senger, whom she had retained with her. He replied by an
oath. The messenger then tried to dissuade her fi-om drying
further, and to Induce her to return home. She wou:.l not
listen, but got down from the carriage, and, without saying

338 WANDBRINGS OI" A VAGABOND.

another word, flred three shots at him from a revolver, which all
took effect. Ho died In a few moments. When the woman
found she had killed him, she gave way to the most frantic
S and ravings. She was arrested, tried, and, on account of
fxtenuatmg clrLmstances, received a very light sonteuco, one
JJar in the penitentiary, I believe. At her discharge, she left

Chicago and went to California. „„„^a

After the death of Trusscll, the power of the sharpers waned,
and squai-e faro-banks were once more opened '« h« ° J; »"^
should one of them neglect the ceremony of roundly palming the
CWef of Police, or should his agents fall In obtaining for him an
Serest In some well-to-do game, he Is ^niedlately seized,
suddenlv, with a virtuous zeal to put down «a«'Wlng^ the good
dty of Chicago, by the closing of all gaming establishments,
fZabe^, who do not pay tribute to him). This mode of pro-
cwdlng was for a long time fashionable in many of our other
Ze? eZ. A Police* Captain, If not satisfactorily "palmed "
would make a descent on a gambling establishment, seize all Its
inmates and the gaming appurtenances, and take them to tbe
lock-up, for no other purpose than to administer to the par es a
hSthT scare, and a lesson to all the gamblers In the vicinity of
the raided establishment, and let them know they could not
carry on their games without their connivance and assistance.
But this agreeable style of doing things has been broken up to a
ffreat extent by honest Judges, who would not concede that a
nolice officer had a right to enter a gambling-house without the
warrant of a magistrate. These kind of Judges had, on several
occasions, to rebuke their officers for their unlawful descents
upon gambling-houses, before they could succood In putting a
Stop tp such high-handed proceedings In N( v York. Such a
thing has never happened in Boston, since the redoubtable
Marshal Tukey, about thirty years ago, made such a descent,
and captured all the Inmates, some forty In all, whom he hand-
cuffed, and marched in pairs to the lock-up. New England,
with all her sins on the head of ultra Puritanism, has persecuted
gamblers less than any other States In the Union, if we may
except the single one of Arkansas.

Of the many cunning devices put into execution by officers of
the law, in order to extract money from gamblers, the following,
which happened in Louisville, Kentucky, between the years 1856

revolver, which all
When the wonmn

the most frautlo
and, on account o(
light sentouco, one
discharge, she left

,he sharpers waned,
ed In the city. But
roundly palming the
tbtalning for him an
Immediately seized,
gambling in the good
ing establishments,

This mode of pro-
i many of our other
afactorily " palmed,"
Ishment, seize all its
id take them to the
isler to the parties a
ors in the vicinity of
now they could not
ance and assistance.
, been broken up to a
d not concede that a
ig-house without the
idges had, on several
lir unlawful descents
Buccood in putting a

N(;.v York. Such a
Ince the redoubtable
nade such a descent,

1 all, whom he hand-
k-up. New England,
aniam.has persecuted
;he Union, If we may

ixeoutlon by officers of
imblers, the following,
between the years 1836

PBRSECUTXON.

333

and 18.W, caps the climax. Brewster and Gilmore, two de-
tectivcfl of that city, saw In the gambling laws, if properly
manipulated, a small fortune for themselves; but In order to
avail thenisolvos of all the advantage.'! connected therewith, it
was necessary that a magistrate sliould '• Rtund in" with thorn,' in
their plans. This Individual was found, in tlio pnraon of the
County Judge. This worthy dignitary, on the oaths of the de-
tectives mentioned, would icauo warrants of arrest for such as
were running games within his Jurisdiction. Armed with those,
Brewster and Gilmore would seize their victims and drag them
to prison. The arrested gambler might certainly give security
and stand his trial, but It would not bettor his condition. Con-
viction was certain to follow, with a fine of $500, which must be
paid by the culprit, or worn out In the county jail at $2.00 per
day.

The gambler, on his arrest, was Informed by his worthy cap-
tors, that, on the payment of $500, he was at liberty to seek fresh
fields and pastures new, and it Is needless to add that not one
in five hundred refhsed the generous oflbr. ' owster and his
"pal" soon closed every faro-room in Louisvillo ; but, strange to
say, during the whole time they were so virtuously following up,
and drivhig (h)m their midst, every gambler who da'-ed open a
game in the city, an aristocratic skinning- house flourished with-
out Jet or hindrance.

Strange gamblers, coming to Louisville, and stopping at the
Gait House, were allowed by Mr. Raines, at that time its
proprietor, and a warm friend to gamblers, to set up their games
in their sleeping-rooms. Within these hallowed precincts the
feet of Mr. Brewster, and his " pal," Gilmore, could not penetrate;
much to their disgust and chagrin. But they set their brains to
work, and finally hit upon a plan which answered their purpose
just as well. Citizens of the place, who were known votaries of
play, were invited to these banks, though none except those of
raiquestlonable Integrity, and In whose hgnor and secrecy the
most Implicit trust could be placed. Whenever one of these
transient banks was playing in the house, Mr. Raines never
allowed any of the servants to wait on that room, except his own
favorite boy, in whom he placed the utmost trust and confidence.
For some time Brewster and his " pal" were at fault, but not
The patrons of the game, returning home from the Gait

^ 'i^^aSIPiHWWW^ ■

384

WANDBRINOS OF X VAGABOND.

House, were arrested on the street, dragged before a ma.'jistrate,
and forced, under oath, to betray the names of those they had
played against. On the strength of this forced evidence, war-
rants wore issued for the arrest of the gamblers, and they were
forced to hand over to their persecutors the requisite $500. For
something like eighteen months these cecret arrests were re-
peated at intervals, until the respectable votaries of the game
began to look on each other with distrust and suspicion. Mean-
while, about fifty gamblers had been arrested, and forced to
disgorge five hundred apiece. It was evident that there was,
somewhere in their midst, a traitor, who, having recourse to the
rooms during the hours of play, was secretly giving information
to the detectives. But no suspicion fell on the real culprit, and
piObably i.k' guilt would never have become known to those who
trusted him so entirely, had it not been that Brewster could not
resist an opportunity of venting his spleen on John Raines, and
showing him how cunningly he had outwitted him. Raines had
forbidden him entrance to the hotel, since he arreoted gamblers
there, which so exasperated that worthy, that, in order to
revenge himself, he betrayed the poor slave who had trusted to
his honor. The disclosure was not made, however, until the
County Judge mentioned had retired from oflace, his term having
expired, and the man who filled his place refused to issue
warrants for arrests of gamblers, unless on the voluntary com-
plaint of a citizen; and this decision had destroyed the "little
game" of Gilmore and his companion, and being no longer able
to avail themselves of the perfidy of Raines' boy, they did not
for an instant hesitate to expose him, for the sake of a potty
revenge. The unfortunate slave, whom they had betrayed after
serving them so well, received a hundred lashes from his master,
and was afterwards sold to a cotton planter hi the South.

BOND.

d before a magistrate,
les of those they had
forced evidence, war-
ablers, and they were
e requisite $500. For
icret arrests were re-
votaries of the game
md suspicion. Mean-
Tested, and forced to
Ident that there was,
laving recourse to the
itly giving information
a the real culprit, and
le linown to those who
at Brewster could not
1 on John Raines, and
;ted him. Raines had
I he arreoted gamblers
ly, that, in order to
re who had trusted to
le, however, until the
office, his term having
place refused to issue
an the voluntary com-
i destroyed the "little
1 being no longer able
les' boy, they did not
)r the sake of a petty
iey had betrayed after
ashes from his master,
ir in the South.

2BBJUBICS8.

335

CHAPTER XXVII. '

PREJUDICES.

" Have yoalieerd ther noos. Missus Jones T" inquired a neigh-
bor of an old lady seated in her door-way e^joymg her pipe her
darter" bemg engaged hanging clothes to dry in L 2 yard

'No, I haint," she replied, taking her pipe from he™ h'
and earnestly regarding the speaker; -I hL Zrd no^S
what is it. Mister Rusht" nothmg;

" A pesky lot o' gamblers ev got inter town !" replied Mr. Rush.

h«r w T ^'■^"''"'- '^''^""^'^ *^« °'^ ^^y' springing to

her feet and screammg to her "darter" at the to^ of hef voice

"Susy, takem them ere clothes; the gamblers is comin' " '

The above anecdote illustrates the light in which gamblers

were viewed m this country half a generation since. The peop"

were taught to consider the name a synonym for a set of cS

throate whose mildest crunes were to decoy the unwary nto

then- "hells," and there rob them; that they were the patrons

of boxers bruisers, and the lowest and vilest of every claS and

recognized no laweicept the bullet and the knife, whr'tS

were ready to resort to on every occasion, to av^ngeTeal or

fancied slights or wrongs. Prom pulpit, press, and fofum were

such denunciations hurled on their devoted heads, by p^rsZ

who knew as much of their principles, habits, mann^rsf aSd cus!

toms, as of those of the people living in the unexplored ?egLns

lST^\t^T^ . ^""^'^ ^°*^^ naming a vicefconseqS
none dared defend it or its votaries, and sectarian hypocriL. m-
htical demagogues, and the " unco guid "of every style ^ hose
Stock m trade was the denunciation of sin, seized upon gan.ine
and Its votaries as capital whenever they wished to extol their
own virtues, or advance their moral or pecuniary interests in the
religious community. As a constant dripping of water will wear
even a stone, so their tirades of abuse were so frequent and vio-
lent throughout the whole country, that people at last settled
down to accept the idea that the bad things they were constantly
hearing of gamblers must be true, and no viler criminals were
tolerated by society. 'Twas not the ignorant and uneducated
alone who took up these notions, but they were adopted by men

336

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

of intelligence aud icflnemeut, wlio, never having come in con-
tact with gauiMers, or heard any (lefenso of them, believed the
vituperations of their enemies to be sober truth.

In the spring of 1641, four gamblers chartered a stage to take
them from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery, in the same State.
As the coach was passing a splendid mansion on the outskirts
of the town, a gentlemanly looking person in clerical attire hailed
it, and making a motion to hand up the valise he carried, desired
a passage to Benton, fifteen miles further on. The driver in-
formed him that the conveyance was private, and churtered by
the four gentlemen inside. The gentleman, on hearing this, ad-
vanced to the coa«h and introduced hhnself to its occupants as
the Rev. Dr. Breckinridge, of Danville, Ky., stating that he wm
engaged to deliver a lecture hi Benton that evening, and begged
a passage to that place. The gamblers with one accord invit^
him to take a seat in the stage. As the coach rolled over the road,
the reverend Doctor entertained his auditors with a fund of anec-
dote and information from his well-stocked mind, and conversed
with fluency and ease upon the topics of the day, attentively
listened to by his orderly and appreciative audience. One of
the latter, being arxious to know in what light their reverend
guest regarded gamblers, without seeming to do so, led the con-
versation into that channel. With a tongue of fire did the Doctor
pitch into gamblers; and the more denunciatory he became of
their crimes and infamies, the more attentive and interested be-
came his listeners. " They (gamblers) were a debased, depraved,
besotted class, hi both habits and tastes; treacherous and un-
scrupulous, and leaving no means untried of destroyhig the honor
and happiness of the youth of the country. The reverend gentle-
man was now under a full head of steam. "Why, gentlemen," he
continued, " they burned Mobile last winter. I suppose you have
heard of itt" None of his auditors had ever done so. " WeU,
BhB, it is a well-ascertained fact that those fiwiuent firos which
occurred there during the winter, were the diabolical work of
the gamblers living in the city."

«' I can't see why they should wish to boniup the oityl" men-
tioned one of his auditors.

" I'll tell you, gentlemen. Previous to last winter, the planters
were in the habit of sending their sons to Mobile to sell thehr
crops, and when they had received the money for the cotton, the

iug come in con-
lom, believed the

id a stage to take
u tlie same State.
1 on the outi'fkirts
erical attire hailed
le carried, desired
1. The driver in-
and churtered by
1 hearing this, ad-

its occupants as
tating that he was
ening, and begged
)ne accord invited
)lled over the road,
rithafundof anec-
iud, and conversed
le day, attt utively
audience. One of
ght their reverend
do so, led the con-
r fire did the Doctor
ntory he became of

and interested be-
debased, depraved,
reacberous and un<
estroying the honor
he reverend gentle*
^hy, gentlemen," he

1 suppose you have
ir done so. " Well,
frequent flros which

diabolical work of

lup the city)" mea>

; winter, the pUtnten
Mobile to sell their
ly for the cotton, the

PREJUDICES.

337

gamblers of the city caused them to be decoyed )ato their places,
and robbed thorn of t!ieu' money. Finding it no longer safe
to entrust these sales to their sous, this last winter the planters
themselves took their crops to Mobile and sold them, which, de-
priving them of their usual plunder, so enraged the gamblers,
that they caused the city to be fired."

" I can't see how such a proceeding wasgomg to benefit them,"
reiterated the first speaker.

"It can't, it is true !" said the reverend speaker, emphatically;
" but it shows to what extent the miscreants will go for the sake
of revenge."

At this stage of the proceedings, an old veteran of the gaming-
table stuck his head out of the window and called to the person
driving, " I say, driver, can't you give me a seat outside I It's a
leetle too damned hot for me in here."

The coach was stopped, and room made for the heated gentle-
man beside the driver. Shortly after, the coach reached Ben-
ton, when the Doctor took a cordial leave of his new acquaint-
ances, With many professions of thanks.

Dr. Breckinridge knew nothing of gaming or gamblers, save
what he had learned from the lying an*! malicious reports of the
day. He had never even seen the inside of a gambling-house,
nor been thrown into the society of a gambler, that he was
aware of. His prejudices were built upon the garbled reports
of newspapers, which were in every respect the direct opposite
of the truth. He had read and listened to these tirades of
abuse against gamblers so often, that his faith in their veracity
had become as fixed in his mind as the articles of his creed.
With all his learning and astute perception, be had never once
stopped to ask himself whether there was room for doubt, and
If he were not laboring under a delusion, as it was only right he
should have done, instead of taking everything for granted, as
he had done. He had merely looked at one side of the ques-
tion, without giving to the other the slightest thought. The
press throughout the country informed him solemnly that gam-
blers were worse than pirates, without having their courage.
When it was desirable to give to some atrocious villain a deeper
tinge of infamy, he was stigmatized as a gambler. If a gang of
counterfeiters flooded the country with their forgeries, it was the
work of gamblers. Should the mail be robbed, it was done, or

838

WANDERINGS OF A. VAGABOND.

at any rate planned, by gamblers. If an imaginary insurrection
was going to take place among the slaves, they were incited
thereto by gamblers. No dark deed of -any sort could be per-
petrated unless a gambler was at the bottom of it.

A few hours after the terrible tornado of 1840 had swept over
Natchez, a gentleman who was seated at the supper-table in
one of the principal hotels was describing to some of the guests
present, the fearful havoc made by it. Among his auditors was
a stuttering sport, who had frequently felt keenly the uniust ac-
cusations hurled against the fraternity of which he was a worthy
memben He seized the occasion to give vent to his indignation
by stuttering out, "I-I-I-I sup-p-p-pose they'll s-s-saythe g-g-g-
gamblers b-b-brought the t-t-tornado here."

I shall now endeavor to enumerate the causes, or some of
them at least, which brought the gambling community into
such bad cdor, and led to the ui^ust prejudices against them,
•which ha^ e existed for the last thirty odd years. Somewhere
abf)ut the year 1835, a man named Murrill was convicted of
nogro-stealing in the State of Tennessee, and sentenced for ten
years to the Nashville penitentiary. The principal witness
against him was a man named Stewart. This man published a
pamphlet, which had an extensive circulation throughout the
country, and upon the people living in the Mississippi valley it
exerted a most pernicious influence. Stewart, in his pamphlet,
related how he had for several months dogged the footsteps of
Murrill, following him from the State of Tennessee into those of
Mississippi, Missouri, and Arkansas, and that his labors were
finally rewarded by the discovery that Murrill was the chief of
a secret organization, a formidable band of villains, who styled
themselves "The League of Secret Brotherhood." Having
adroitly wormed himself into the confidence of Murrill, he drew
from him the facts that the "League" numbered over 3000 mem-
bers, and was composed of highwaymen, negro-thieves, counter-
feiters, and the entire gambling community, ftom the great
lakes to the gulf. Murrill, as its chief, was clothed with su-
preme power. Ho appointed and removed subordinates at
pleasure. All derelictions from duty were immediately communi-
cated to him by his secret spies, and all traitors or refractory
officers or men assassinated by his orders. The League, whose
xamifications extended throughout the entire West and South-

ginary insurrection
they were iucited
sort could be per-
ofit.

140 liad swept over
be supper-table in
some of the guests
ig bis auditors was
enly the uniust ac-
;h he was a worthy
b to his indignation
Is-B-saytheg-g-g-

sauses, or some of
g community into
ices against them,
years. Somewhere
1 was convicted of
I sentenced for ten
principal witness
s man published a
on throughout the
dississippi valley it
t, in his pamphlet,
3d the footsteps of
lessee into those of
at his labors were
ill was the chief of
villains, who styled
lerhood." Having
if Murrill, he drew
red over 3000 mem-
ro-thieves, counter-
ty, from the great
;S clothed with su-
d subordinates at
aediately communi-
Eiitors or refractory
rhe League, whose
e West and South-

PBEJI7SICES.

West, was divided into classes, each class roaming over the
country, and exercising its peculiar vocation wherever it was
found most profitable. That is to say, highwaymen, negro-
thieves, horse-thieves, gamblers, and counterfeiters, each pur-
sued their calling in separate bands, but were coinpelled by the
laws of the "League," to aid, abet, and defend each other, should
occasion arise. Each class was comiuauded by a chief, who
was subject to the order of Murrill, responsible to him for the
discipline of his band, and whatever plunder it had captured.
Members recognized each other by secret signs and grips. Murrill
soon became so impressed with the idea that Stewart possessed
extraordinary ability, that he not only initiated him into the
"League," but, made him his chief lieutenant, aud after he had
raised him to this elevated position, communicated to him a
grand scheme which he had concocted and arranged, and was
now all ready to put into execution, which would enrich the en-
tire brotherhood. He stated to Stewart that his agents had,
during the last year, been at work among the negroes along the
valley of the Mississippi, preparing them for a simultaneous re-
volt against their masters. To facilitate this movement, the
funds of the League had been invested in fire-arms and ammu-
nition for the same, from the North, and a large amount of
these were already in the hands of the slaves aud their white
sympathizers. He stated that a few months more would see their
preparations complete, and that the following Christmas had been
selected as the day on which the rising should take place. The
"League" would have its forces at Natchez, Vicksburg, and
New Orleans, ready to take instant advantage of the confusion
caused by the insurrection, and seize the treasure in the banks
of those cities, while the slaves were killing their masters. It is
needless to say that the soul of Stewart burned within him to
rid the world of such an atrocious villain; but, in order to find
out all his plans, he dissembled and appeared delighted with the
scheme. Like a sleuth-hound he trailed the footsteps of his
Tictim, until he was able to prove that the great captain of the
"League" had laid himself amenable to the law, by stealing a
slave, the property of a widow woman in rather humble cir-
cumstances. Great crimmals sometimes stoop to rather petty
crimes.
The excitement created by this pamphlet hi the valley of the

340 WANDEBINGS OF A VAGABOND.

Mississippi is not to ho described. It was eagerly perused byaU
who could road, aud those who could not, heard its contents con-
tinually ventilated from the stump by political demagogues. To
express a doubt of the truth of any thing contained m Uo pamph-
let was to lay one's self open to suspicions of being a member of
the "League;" consequently the mouths of thinkmg men were
closed. In such periods, wher the people are stirred to the
depths, and a prey to anxiety and fear, the political and religious
demagogue creeps into power. By them the constituted author-
ities are displaced and the laws set aside. As they have foisted
themselves into power through the doubts and fears of the peo-
ple, so they sustain themselves in their positions, keeping them
constantly in dread, by the terrible idea that atrocious villains
are secretly in their midst, plotting their destruction by deeds of
blood and infamy. Their trumped-up tales of hidden danger
are listened to with avidity by the people, until confidence is
destroyed, and each believing "every man's hand against him,'
resolves that "his hand shall be against every man." Their
fears induce the weak-minded and unscrupulous to cast suspi-
cions upon others, in order that they themselves may appear hon-
est. Terror holds tigh carnival, and cruelties worthy the vilest
and worst days of the Inquisition ensue ; from which the virtu-
ous and unoffending are by no means exempt. Such was the
state of affairs created by Stewart's pamphlec in many of the
scattered settlements along the valley of the Mississippi. Men
were hanged, upon the shallowest pretenses that they were mem-
bers of the obnoxious League, or, what was to many quite as bad,
cruelly lashed at the whipping-post; the banishment of men
tiom their homes, and the confiscation of all they possessed hi
the world, was considered a mild punishment by the Lynch courts
which everywhere sprung up. The demagogues were unable in
Vicksburg and Natchez to gain the confidence of the citizens
sufficiently for them to overthrow the laws until the following
event took place :

At the time of which I write Vicksburg was the central pomt
of speculation in the Southwest, on account of the sales of rich
cotton lands taking place at that period, hi its vicinity. Adventu-
rous spirits of every description gathered there, in hopes of bet-
tering their pecuniary condition ; the country was flooded with
f wlldrcat" money, then circulated at parj and hi the mania for

'ly perused by all
its contentb con-
demagogues. To
ed iu tlie pampb-
ling a member of
iDking men were
re stirred to tbc
lical and religious
instituted author-
they bave foisted
fears of tbe peo-
ns, keeping them
atrocious villains
iction by deeds of
)f bidden danger
Qtil confidence is
ind against bim,"
!ry man." Their
ous to cast suspi-
may appear bon-
worthy the vilest
which tbe virtu-
t. Such was the
)i) in many of the
Mississippi. Men
at they were mem-
many quite as bad,
misbmeut of men
they possessed in
r tbe Lynch courts
les were unable in
ice of tbe citizens
ntil the following

tbe central point
f the sales of rich
ricinity. Adventu-
B, in hopes of bet-
r was flooded with
id hi the mania for

PttZJUBICBS.

341

speculation every one seemed more or less carrie<l away. For-
tunes were made and lost in a single day. Gamblcis flocked
there from all parts of tbe Union, and at 'oast fifty banks were
opened in the city, nearly all of which did a thriving business, hi
spite of tbe abuse heaped upon their owners by the press of the
city. Aside from their profession, nothing derogatory to their
character or behavior could be alleged against them; they were
quiet and o'-derly in all their habits, and the soul of probity in all
their dealings. But owing to the feeling against them, and the
vituperations showered upon them by the press, they were final-
ly compelled to flee ftom tbe place, in order to escape the unrea-
soning vengeance of an infuriated mob.
^ The Fourth of July in 1835 was celebrated with more than
usual spender by tbe citizens of Vicksburg, and to enhance its
glories tbe militia soldiery of Natchez had come up the river to
assist in tbe glorification. While dinner was going forward, a
ruffian, named Cobbler, inspired thereto by tbe potent spirit of
old rye, amused himself by walking over the tables, among the
dishes with which they were laid. Some of his friends laid vio-
lent hands on him, captured and took him from tbe room. This
outrageous conduct created a terrible excitement, and tbe report
was somehow circulated that Cobbler was a professional gamb-
ler, which was entirely false. He was a blacksiliith of Natchez,
and while living there had gained some celebrity as a pugilist.
Considering it an easier mode of life than that of plying a
sledge-hammer, be threw up the latter and devoted his whole
attention to the cultivation of the manly art. Like most charac-
ters of his kind, be hung around gambling-houses and preyed
upon gamblers for support, and was, therefore, as is almost in-
variably tbe case, considered by tbe sapient public a gambler.
This outrage might bave passed off in tbe ordinary way, and
without creating any unusual amount of disturbance, bad not a
few demagogues taken advantage of it to inflame tbe passions of
the citizens of tbe place against tbe gamblers. A public meeting
was called, which, in the excitement of the hour, was bargely at-
tended, and tbe crowd was addressed by speakers who intem-
perately advocated the expulsion by violence, from their midst, of
every gambler in tbe city. Resolutions to that effect were carried
almost without a dissenting voice. No time for consideration
was taken by tbe meeting, or to asoertahi whether the gamblers

812

WANSERHrOS OF A TAOABOITD.

of the place were In any way rcaponslblo for the outragre rjTnmlt-
ted by Cobbler, or whetber ho was a gnmbler; that was not
what the demagogues, who wore pulling the wires of toeir pup-
pets, the people, were calming at. On the spur of the moment a
vigilance committee was organized with avowedly the express
intention of forcibly ridding the city of all gamblers within its
limits. Many of the more respectable citizens of the place ex-
pressed their disapprobation of such summary proceedings, but
the public mind, already at fever-beat from the reading of
Stewart's pamphlet and the violent attacks of the press upon
gamblers, was in no condition to listen to the remonstrances of
their peace and order loving townsmen.
**^ Facing the steamboat landing was a low groggery, the resort
of third-rate sharpers and river thieves of all descriptions, add
extensively patronized by the lower orders of boatmen, who were
frequently swindled out of their eami^g8 there, or followed by
some of its inmates or frequenters, and knocked down and rob-
bed on the dark levee. A 24 No. roulette wheel was th*) only
instrument appertaining to a banking game of chance about the
premises, and the only show the patrons of the place had to
win, should they desire to hazard their money outside of games
of cards with their immediate friends. The brawls and frequent
robberies taking place at this disreputable establishment had
brought down upon it the loud disapprobation of the citizens,
and even the river men had, at various times, threatened to tear
it down. Upon this resort, then, did the committee make their
first attack, ordering its proprietor to close up his place and
leave the city— a thing he flatly refused to do. A company of
about thirty lynchers were sent to the obnoxious house under
orders to tear it down and seize all its inmates. They approached
the premises in double file to the music of a fife and drum, and
armed with cuns and other weapons, when, after they had got
within a very short distance, a volley was fired flrom the house
into their ranks, killing and wounding several; among the first,
the leader of the party. This unlooked-for reception, together
with the fall of their leader, caused the attacking party to beat
a hasty retreat. The proprietor of the house, instead of aban-
doning it. foolishly dt!^Rrmined to defend it with his life, and
being joiuod by three friends as reckless and foolhardy as him-
JBelf, they had armed themselves and prepared for the siege.

outrage c unimit*
r; that was not
ires of taeir pup-
of the motnent a
Billy the express
Qblers within its
of the place ez-
procoedings, but
the reading of
f the press upon
'emoQstrances of

?gery, the resort
iescriptions, add
atmen^who were
I, or followed by
[ down and rob-
eel was th-i only
banco about the
lie place had to
3utside of games
wis and frequent
tablishment had
1 of the citizens,
ireatened to tear
littee make their
p his place and
A company of
ous house under
rhey approached
i and drum, and
ter they bad got
. fh>m the house
among the first,
ception, together
ng party to beat
instead of aban-
ith his life, and
(olhardy as him-
id for the siege.

PREJTTSICXS.

343

The place being but a mere sbanty built of pine boards, could
offer no resistance of any account of itself to.the lynchers, but
the inmates, on the spur of the moment, had piled furniture and
whatever loose lumber they could lay tiieir hands on, against
the doors, pierced the sides of the shanty with port-holes, from
which to fire on the advancing foe, and thus awaited the return
of the lynchers. The latter, after their repulse, retreated some
distance from the house and sent for reinforcements. On the
arrival of these, a cordon of sentinels surrounded the place at a
respectful distance, in order to prevent any of the inmates from
making their escape. A cannon was procured, a few shots from
which sent the rickety old shell tumbling about the ears of its
defenders, who were all captured. Tho four men were then,
without a moment's delay, dragged to the top of the hill, and,
without even the form of a trial, hanged on a tree. One of the
victims was tho man who run the roulette game, and the center
of the wheel was tied up to his dangling body. On the morning
subsequent to the hanging, the wife of the man who kept the
place came and begged the body of her husband, that she
might give it decent burial ; but instead of granting this pious
request, the leader of the lynchers drove her away with curses
and insults not mentionable to ears polite. I met the brute in
Brownsville, Texas, eleven years later. He was a debased and
drunken sot, so low that he was more an object of pity than re-
sentment, though the finger of scorn bad never ceased to be
pointed at him as one of the stranglers of Vicksburg.

Shortly after the repulse of the first body of lynchers, and the
death of its leader, guards were stationed around the steamboat
landing, to prevent any of the gamblers fvom making their es-
cape. Bodies of lynchers were also sent to patrol '^very avenue
of escape from the city. But before they had thought of taking
these precautions, many of the gamblers, warned of the coming
storm, had sought safety on a timely steamer bound to New Or-
leans from Vicksburg, and which left before the fatal shots were
fired. Cobbler, the cause of all the disturbance, also made h.8
escape on the same steamer. A few gamblers, conscious of com-
mitting no crime, and therefore expecting no violence, decided
on remaining until the excitement should have blown over.
When the news of the killing of the Ijmch leader spread through
the city like wild-fire, they began to apprehend danger. Fol-

344

WAKUEUI.NGS OF A VAUAl'OJJD.

lowing fast ou tUis startling news, tbo cry arose of ''Death to
[(ttiublers!" If these uiuiuous worda, fulluwiug last on the heels
of tlie killing of the leader ut° those who seat up the shout, failed
to convince the most slteptical or blanch tlie cheek of the brav-
est among them, the summary hanging of the four men con-
vinced them that their lives Imng trembling in the balance.
Many citizens, among whom wero officers of the law, gave to
them asylums in their houses until the stoiai had passed, when
they were smuggled on board etoamors. A planter living seven
miles from the city sheltered flvc of them until tbcy were able to
make their escape by a pansing steamer bound for New Orleans.

A gambler named James Hoard, bring unable to get on board
tbo steamer which carried off the first party from the city, be-
came very uneasy. He scanned the river with longing eyes both
up and down, in hopes another steamer would heave in sight,
but he was doomed to disappointment.

While ill this unenviable state of mind, the news of the killing
of the leader, and wounding of two others of the lynchers,
reached him. The tidings sent a cold chill to the heart of Hoard.
Ho started for his hotel with a rapid step, determined to lock
himself up in his room, and await the issue of events. Scarcely
had he gained the doors of this asylum, when the shout, "Death
to gamblers ! " fell like the sentence of doom upon his ears. From
that u.oment his memory was a blank, until he found himself
seated astride a log in the midst of a swamp five miles below the
city, whore he ren^ained all night, listening, ar he expressed it,
"to an orchestra composed of shrieking owls and growling
frogs." By dint of swimming and wading, after daylight again
visited him, he managed to reach " terra firma;" and soon dis-
covered, to his great joy, that he was but a very short distance
flrom the river. I". ?. few hours ? steamer on her way to New
Orleans wop hailed by hira, and at bis request he was taken on
board. Anxious to know what sort of an appearance he
presented after his forced vigi!, he walked up to -^neof the hand-
some mirrors with which the cabin was adombi.. It was some
time before he could convince himself that the image there re-
flected was that of the " bona-flde" Jimmy Hoard. The raven
locks which hsid yesterday adorned his cranium were turned to
an iron gray.

"—Cxexr it wlilto In a single night,

Ai men'i liaro grown thiongh sudden fitar."

PBUUDICXS.

145

«e of ''Doath to
last OP. the hools
tbo Hhout, fulled
icok of the brav-
i four men con-
in the bivlunco.
the law, gave to
ad passed, when
Qtor living seven
tb(.y were able to
for New Orleans.
s to get on board
pom the city, be-
onglng eyes both
1 heave in sight,

BWB of the killing
of the lynchers,

heart of Hoard,
terinlned to lock
3venta. Scarcely
le shout, "Death
n his ears. From
le found himself
e miles below the

' he expressed it,
'la and growling
sr daylight again
;" and soon dls-
ry short distance
her way to New
he was taken on

1 appearance he
:■ oneof thehand-
bi.. It was some
I image there re-
)ard. The raven
01 were turned to

1 fear."

In those sluggish days, no telegraph wires flashed the news
to the four quarters of the Union, and the next morning
told it to tbo dwellers in all the larger cities, at breakfast,
tiirougii tlie medium of the daily journals. Post-boys, stages,
and steamers, then informed the people of the United States
that they were indebted to the worthy and virtuous citizens
of Vicksburg, for the stringing up of four abandoned wretches
of tlie genus gambler, and called upon society in general
to bo properly grateful. But society was in this case, as in
many others, grossly imposed upon by false representations.
Neither of tho four strangled unfortunates were gamblers, as the
press of that day, and long afterwards, boldly asserted. That
the mob would not have scrupled to hang a myriad cf gamblers,
could they have lain hands on them, is a matter no one is likely
to dispute ; the attention Is merely called to the lying reports of
tho press of those days, r't'cli seems, certainly, to be more
pleased to have published a lie than a plain, unvarnished fact.
The man who turned the roulette wheel was the only one
among them who could. In any sense, be called a gambler ; and
a low oue indeed ho must have been, to pursue his calling In so
low a den. Gamblers, properly speaking, have never yet toler-
ated the society of men whose associates were low thieves, if
thpv knew it, or. In fact, high ones either. Tho four hanged
wretches wore all reckless desperadoes, capable, no doubt, of
conanittlng the darkest crimes. If one may Judge from the com-
pany they kept; but the fact still stands good, that, by the laws
of every civilized country on earth, tbey were justified in protect-
ing tlioir homo against tho attacks of a lawless mob, nor will all
the flue phrases In the English language convince right-minded
and reflecting people that the men who so summarily sent them
before their Maker, were more or less than cowardly assassins.

Stewart's pamphlets and the Vicksburg tragedy were the
precursors of every sort of persecution to gamblers. They were
looked upon in the South and Southwest as land pirates.
Shortly after the Vicksburg aff"alr, placards wore posted in most
of tho larye towns and cities of the South and Southwest, warn-
ing gamblers to leave, and not to return, under penalty of the
same fate. In the cities of Memphis, Nashville, Louisville, and
St. Louis, mobs arose with the avowed design of hanging every
gambler they could lay hands upon; but in such times It la

346

WAltDERIMQS or ▲ VAOABOSD.

gouorally not very oosy to catch the gamblers to bang. A mob
WU8 also orgauizod fur the miiuo purpuHu iu Ciucinnuti ; but, un-
furtuuutely, Its huuiauo iutoutlous wvro frustrated by a procln-
matlon of the Mayor, docUiriug that gamblers were entitled to
the same protection ei\joycd by the other citizens, nnd, in the
event of any disturbance occurring, or any violence being
attempted, ho should deal with the oQbndcra according to law.
In Baltimore, tlio indignant mob razed to the ground a gambling-
bouse kept by a man named Johnston.

During iheHC exciting timoo gamblers usually made "discretion
the better part of valor," and disappeared until the storm hud
passed over; or, as it was termed by the press, the "public
indignation " had subsided, when they " came forth f^om their
Tile dens like adders tempted forth by the sunshine." The press
of the country, however, kept the public bate and loathing for
gamblers alive by its constant vitui)erations and assertions of
unfair and ui^just dealing, and neither the demagogue on his
stump nor the preacher in his pulpit Allied to add his influence
to theirs. Such was the effect "f all this, that the unfortunate
objects found themselves beyond the pale of the laws, the legiti-
mate prey of fraud and violence. Should his money Int snatched
or otherwise taken from him by force, the press endorsed the
glorious act, and the moral portion of the community was so de-
lighted at the cute trick, that it Indulged In a general laugh, and
shook hands all round. The police oflBcer who, by fraud or
violence, could capture a party of gamblers while at play, and
rob them of their gambling tools nnd money, had made his mark
on the shifting sand of the world's good opinion.

While these feelings and opinions respecting the firatemity
were at their height, a fellow by the name of J. H. Greene, better
known as " Greene, the reformed gambler," furnished to a young
Kentuckian the material for writing a book, purporting to be an
exposition of the manners, customs, and habits of the gambling
community, and also pretended to expose their methods of con-
ducting their swindling games and other operations'. His book
was favorably received, and crjated considerable sensation. The
times were ripe for it, and thd public was ready to swallow any
tale, however preposterous, to ihe discredit of gamblers, no dif-
ference bow vile or monstrous. No charlatan had ever a larger
field fox Ills operations, or so many credulous subjects ready and

PIlEJUmCES.

347

bang. A mob
;iiiDiiti ; but, un-
tod by a procln-

wero entitled to
ens, nnd, in tbo

violence being
ccording to law,
uund a gambling-
made •'discretion
;il tbo storm hud
ess, the "public
) forth n-om their
jine." The press
and loathing for
and assertions ol
emagogue on his
add his influence
t the unfortunate
laws, the legiti-
oney Iks snatched
ess endorsed the
Dun4ty was so de-
oneral laugh, and
irho, by fraud or
rbile at play, and
[id made his mark
1.

ng the Aratemity
H. Greene, better
mished to a young
irporting to be an
9 of the gambling
ir methods of con-
fitions'. His book
)le sensation. The
iy to swallow any
gamblers, no dif-
had ever a larger
mbjecte ready and

willing— nay, more, eager to bo huinl)ugffed. His book taught,
first, that all gaml)ler8 wore thieves ; secondly, that they never
played on the square; thirdly, that faro liad less i)crcentage
than any other banking game, and that it was twenty per cent,
worse than stealing, anyliow. The moral Mr. Groelie, finding
his falsehoods swallowed with such avidltv, now t(M)k a toi'.r
through the country, lecturing In all the towns of any size, on
gambling, and giving Illustrations of the diffcront methods of
cheating at cards, dice, etc. While lecturing he clearly demon-
strated to his audience that he could read by their backs the
suits and denomination of every sort of playing-card niumifac-
tured.

When this Immaculate gentloman had finished his disqulsltiou
on the manners, habits, and practices of gamblers, their several
modes of cheating pulling two cards at faro, palming, stocking,
thlmble-riggin/,', bottom-dealing, dico-cogging, etc., he was accus-
tomed to announce to bin audience that every playing-card manu-
factured was scamped with secret signs, which were readable by
every gambler in the world, but wh'ch, to the uninitiated, meant
nothing ; and i;o demonstrate the truth of his assertion ho would
take a coin frc m his pocket and desire that some one would fetch
from the neanst place, where they were procurable, a pack of
cards. If, as happened in ninety-nine cases out of every hundred,
no one volunteered, each one waiting for his neighbor to do so, a
capper stepped from the audience, took the money, disappeared,
and shortly reappeared with a stamped pack of cards, which he
presented to tbo sanctimonious Greene. That spotless worthy
now shuflBed them in full view of the people, and would then tell
his astonished audience the suit and size of each card as it lay
on the pack, face downward, before exposing it to the gaze of
his bewildered and startled hearers.

Should any adventurous gentleman among the spectators,
haviug before his eyes the fear of being humbugged, snatch the
coin, and himself rash out in search of a pack, or have on hand
one of his own private packs, Greene was prepared for such an
emergency. He would take the pack from the hands of his
doubtful auditor, and calling the attention of his audience by
telling them to watch him cloeely and be sure he did not change
it, commence shufBlng. After he had done so he would aston-
ish his gaping auditors by reading eaoh size and suit correctly

84S wAyvvKmot or a vagabond.

from the back as easily as he had done the stamped ones. So
cleverly did he accomplish this trick, that some of the most prac-
tical gamblers of the day tried to acquaint themsel'. es with the
" modus-operandi," and failed to do so, though perfectly well
satisfied that a fraud existed somewhere. His lectures were at-
tended by philosophers, practical scientific men, astute lawyers,
learoed legislators, shrewd thieves, and cunning detectives, not
one of whom doubted that Greene was a true disciple of honesty;
but not a few gamblers knew him to be a fraud, but had not the
power, or, to speak more correctly, the courage, to expose him.
His trick, when known, was, as is usual in such cases, exceedingly
simple. A small piece of looking-glass being inserted or laid
upon the desk when he was lectming, showsd him the face of
the card as he removed it fh>m the pack.

According to Greene's account of b'*^self, he was the associate
of the thieves, desperadoes, and c« att "feiters who infested the
banks of the Ohio and Mississippi i e> ^ from Cincinnati to New
Orleans, for the space of fifteen yeau. His gambling seems to
have been a petty career of playing swindling games of short cards
on steamers, by playing on the unwary and verdant, stamped and
marked cards, or giving them large hands a*- ' U-fours," poker,
brag, euchre, etc., and beating them with better ones. When
not engaged in the immaculate manner described, be followed
up fal^ and race-courses, and other public gatherings, where be
entertained the v erdant with cogged dice and thimble-rigging.
It is believed by many shrewd old gamblers that revenge was
the motive whica induced the pious Greene to change his mode of
life. In those days it was customary for master sharpers to hire
the privilege of race courses. One of these enterprising worth-
ies, named John Campbell, secured, about 1847, the gambling
privilege of the race-track at Richmond. While operating with
his horde of low sharpers inside in the gambling booth, several
nomadic brethren of the lower orders had opened their p' nes of
chuck, strap, and thimble-game outside the track, and near to
the gate ; among these was Greene, who was running a small
chuck-table. Mr. Campbell, regarding these outsiders in the
Mght of an infringement on his privileges, sent several of his
hired bullies to disperse them, " vi et armis.^' In the general
melie which ensued, Greene received a most unmerciful beating.
This outran upon his person may have g<ven him serious

OND.

I stamped ones. So
)me of tbe most prac-
themsel'.es with the
hough perfectly well
Elis lectures were at-
men, astute lawyers,
nning detectives, not
le disciple of honesty;
:aud, but bad not the
irage, to expose him.
ich cases, exceedingly
Bing inserted or laid
P7sd him tbe face of

he was the associate
ters who infested the
im Cincinnati to New
is gambling seems to
J games of short cards
verdant, stamped and
at ' ■ U-fours," poker,

beivCT ones. When
escribed, he followed
gatherings, where be
and thimble-rigging,
era that revenge was
to change his mode of
laster sharpers to hire
e enterprising worth-
t 1847, the gambling
While operating with
mbling booth, several
)peued their p' nes of
le track, and near to
was running a small
hese outsiders in the
6, sent several of his
nts." In the general
»t unmerciful beating,
e given him aerioos

MonmicBS.

S49

notions of book-making, and made him bum to expose tbe prac
tices and tricks of gamblers to the whole world ; Z to mj mbd
the gam he expected to get from his exposition was quite as po-
tent a reason as the desire for revenge, and the main oblect of
his reformation. However, be that as it may, I have ne^er yet
found a single gambler willing to admit that he ever knew
Greene to be engaged in or connected with any square game in
flls life, of any description whatever, nor in his autobiography
does he once speak of being connected with a first-class square

gambler, and mentions butasingle instance of ever being in their
rooms, when he speaks gratefully of the kind treatment he there
■ received, and also of the gentlemanly and hospitable manners of
Its proprietora. It is wonderful how this low and debased fraud
ahould have deceived some of the brightest intellectsin tbe coun-
t^. His false representations again aroused, in all its virulence.

t„ti A?K ^"^ ^°'^' P^'Dnsyl^ania. Ohio, Maryland, Ken-
tukcy, Alabama, Tennessee, and even Congress, for the District of

rH^^u' ^^-^ T'^'"* '*""' *S^'°«* S^'"'"?. In some of these
States the dealing of a ban' ing game of chance was punishable
by two years, n the State', prison; while in others the penalty

cZaZ nf S^'h "^ '"!?''' '"'°'*" '"any cases, would warJ
offenders of the danger they stood in fr. m the law; therefore

m«<ori? "^ TT "«^«»™8 •defeated themselves. Finally the
majority of the States repealed these very stringent laws a few
years after passing them ; but in the States of New York Penn-
jylvania, Ohio, Maiyland, and also in the District of Columbia.
leSr. ''^ statute-books, though virtually a dead

Ihen, ^^''^^^^^^^^^^d jealous are certainly to be found Jmong
them,aa among other classes of men, but few who are meanlv
ZTw ;rH' ^^'^'^ ^ -body, they^re surpassed in gonero^
and liberality by none. In the scale of morals they will compare

c^me £f' '°V^r '° *''^ *''^"°*'7' '^"^ if th: record of

sSS, ^- ^ ^"^^ f r "'^'•"''"' «*'^"«««'' «»^«^^ that in our
States pnsons may be found men from every walk of life ex-

^d bSh of V ""' r " '^' ^""°^« throughout the .ength
and breadth of this great republic. Charias Cora was, indeed,

350

WANDKBTN08 OF A VAftABOKD.

hanged by the Vigilauoe Committee of San Francisco, and Mum-
ford by a militaiy tribunal in New Orleans; and the taking-off
of either of these men has never added much to the credit of
their executioners. Richardson, the U. S. Marshal wham Cora
killed, was a Baltimore Plug-Ugly, and a shooter and stabberof
the first water ; and when in a state of intoxication, which was
not seldom, used his weapon with the most sublime disregard of
the safety of friend or foe. While on one of his periodical sprees,
which always lasted him three or four days, he encountered
Cora at the Cosmopolitan CoflTee House, on Montgomery Street,
for the first time ; an altercation ensued which resulted m Rich-
ardson's drawing a Derringer and trying to fire it at Cora ; but
before he could carry out his design le was disarmed by his
friends and taken away. On the following evening the parties
again met at the same place as before, and, through the media-
tion of friends, a reconciliation was effected, and they drank to-
gether as a symbol that all hard feelings were drowned between
them. Immediately afterwards Richardson took Cora by the
arm and desired him to take a walk with him, which the latter
foolishly consented to do. It was now about eight o'clock; the
night was dark, and five minutes did not elapse, after they start-
ed out, before the report of a pistol nmg out on the night air,
and every person hi the crowd started for the spot from whence
the report seemed to come. On arriving, the body of Richard-
son was discovered lying across the iron grating which covered
the pavement before a large mercantile establishment one block
away ftom th 3 Cosmopolitan. Beside the dead body c : Richard-
son lay a Derringer pistol; the scabbard of his bowie-knife,
fastened to his waistband, was empty, the knife itself i^avhig
dropped into the cellar beneath, where it was afterwards found.
Cora was arrested, a few moments after the killing was done,
about a hundred yards from the scene of the tragedy. Upon his
person were found two Derringers, one loaded and one empty,
and showingthat it had been discharged but a few moments since.
This was the substance of all the evidence alleged against Cora
on the trial, which took place while public opinion was inflamed
against him to the highest pitch, lashed by a licentious press in-
to fury, for no other reason except that Richardson had borne
the honorable title of U. S. Marshal, while his murderer was
nothing in the estimation of the people but a vile gambler. In

PBXJCDICE8.

351

[SCO, and Mam-
tbe takiug-otl
the credit of
lial wham Cora
' andstabberof
;ion, which was
ae disregard of
;riodical sprees,
lie encountered
tgoraery Street,
3sulted in Rich-
it at Cora ; but
lisarmed by his
iing the parties
mgh the media-
L they drank to-
rowned between
ok Cora by the
(rhich the latter
ght o'clock ; the
after they start-
in the night air,
)ot from whence
(ody of Richard-
g which covered
bmcnt one block
body t : Richard-
his bowie-knife,
life itself Laving
ifterwards found,
ullingwas done,
kgedy. Upon his
and one empty,
tr moments since,
iged against Cora
ion was inflamed
sentious press in-
rdson had borne
lis murderer was
?ile gambler. In

those days it was not customary For a murderer to get into the
witness-box and give testimony in his otvu behalf; consequently
what took place between Cora and Richardson, after they left
the Cosmopolitan Coffee House, remained, as far as the jury and
the public in general were concerned, a profound mystery. But
being, as I was, acquainted with both men, I see no reason to
doubt the truth of the version given by Cora, while in prison, to
Ms friend, James Horton, or his counsel, Mr. McDougal. It cer-
tainly bears to my niiud every semblance of truth.

Cora's statement was to the effect that, soon after they reached
the pavement, Richardson brought up the subject of their last
night's dispute, and insisted that he (Cora) should acknowledge
himself wrong in the whole matter, which he emphatically re-
fused to do. This altercation continued until they had reached
the end of the block, still walking arm in arm, and turned down
a side street. They continued thus to walk forward until they
had gone several yards, Richardson still arguing, and trying to
induce Cora to acknowledge himself the aggressor on the night
before. Cora stUl refusing, Richardson suddenlv stopped, and
pushing his companion up against the side of a building, and
holding him with his left hand in such a manner that he could
not escape, while with his right hand he made a motion as if to
draw from his belt his bowie-knife, and demanded that he should
confess he had done hun a grievous wrong. Cora said he had
kept his own hand on his Derringer ever since his companion
had mooted the disagreeable subject, but that he also tried in
every way to conciliate him, short of the shameful acknowledg-
ment he wished to extort from him. The moment Richardson
attempted to draw his knife to onforce his demands, the contents
of the Derrmger were discharg I into his heart. The jury fail-
ing to agree on a verdict, Cora was remanded to prison to await
a new trial. Shortly after these events, James King, of Wan,
editor of the San Francisco Evening BvMetin, was shot down in
the streets by one James P. Casey, a member of the Board of
Supervisors, and the owner of a weekly newspaper published in
that city King had published in his paper a scurrilous article
reflecting on Casey, for which he was shot down by the latter on
the street hi cold blood. TJio indignation caused by this das-
tardly act culminated in the organization of a Vigilance Com-
mittee. Its first act was to avenge the death of King by hang-

%^ -wANDERnjas or a vagabond.

log Casey, and, without the remotest 8hado^r -^ law to i^^^
brntaHc , hung Cora also with him. The avo;ved p^pose of
Icommittee was to rid the city of its PO^tu^l jowdie* and
baUot-boxstufifera. Cora was uover ideutifl 3d with these classes,
nor did he anywhere bear the reputr.tion of a dangerous man.
The man Mumford, hung by Gen.ral Butler ^r tearmg down
froLTho Mint the United Sta'.es flag, was naturally a hal idiot,
and what little brains he ev(,r possessed were crazed by the ex
ive use of liquor. The world applauded when he was hang-
ed fortearing down the flag-an act which he never perpetraied.
AKlSy tended to'theroof of the Mint^^^^^^^
detatched the banner, and threw it into tj« ^t"'^^- .^"^^^^^^^^
who happeuod to be there, picked it up, and f ^S^^.f ,f ^.^"^
through ?he muddy street, at the same time tearlngjt m pieces,
and ^stributing it in a braggadocio manner to tb«««7^«^/«
met. Of cour^ a crowd gathered about him, and an army of
boys followed at his heels, to see the ^^^-^^^ZTJTcoZ
lunatics commit such barefaced follies. Butler might have con-
sidered Mumford a fit subject of which to make an example ,
but if would have spoken better for 1^"^° nL'^hf ?nid o^
,4decl far more to the credit of our nation, had he, instead of
consigning the unfortunate wretch to the rope of the hangman,

^^SS^treveT £ frorSuniry a more law-abiding class
of dSns than the gamblers. 1 know, in tl^-'^oj--^^^^^^^^
roving existence, of but a single instance of one ^*°8 ^°°?«JP^^*
to a Vigilance Committee or a lynching party of any descnption^
la our?ewStates and territories, where ^^^.^''^l^J ^J"^,
Lpled under foot the constituted authonty, among the to
persons called upon by the "gbtful officers of the law to^^^^^
in sustaining their authority, were the gamblers. In their bravery
and lovalty the utmost confidence was placed.
' In hi habits the gambler is, in ninety-nine cases out of eve^
hundred, excessively clean. Cleanlness in W^J^;*^ J^ Jj^
^ead of godliness. Personal purity is with him an indispensa
Se necesS^y. He lives on the best he can Pro«;>"«;, J°^^«^";;
rTunds himLlf and family, should 1 e possess one w^th every
comfort and luxury he can compa^. This i» 'rue both of h«
home and his gambling-house. He there treats hi' flj«°f ^^^
ie^atest liberality and hospiUlity. In mamiers he is cour-

,w to jostuy fbe
;7ed purpose of
al rowdies and
h these classes,
laagerous man.
r tearing down
illy a half idiot,
azed by the ex-
lu he was hang-
ver perpetraied.
sllmbed the pcle,
reet. Mumford,
gged it after him
ring it in pieces,
those whom he
and an army of
one but fools or
might have con-
kke an example ;
f in general, and
EMi he, instead of
of the hangman,

law-abiding class
hole course of my
I being concerned
r any description,
lobocracy so often
', among the first
the law, to assist
1. In their bravery

cases out of every
his creed is far
dm an indispensa-
procure, and sur-
s one, with every
is true both of his
Its his fiiends with
anners he is cour-

PREJinJICKS.

353

teous and affable, and seldom, oven when young and Ignorant
shows rudeness to strangers or inoffensive persons of any de'
scription. Good-behavior is one of the articles of his creed.
He is neat in his dress, too often extravagant, and in youth
generally fond of display; he sometimes also, at this period,
gives way to dissipation, though to no greater extent than other
young men having the same command of money. When gam-
blers have had the power to choose their customers, and close
their doors on such as were inclined to ruffianly behavior,
crder and decorum have invariably reigned around their games.
Even m the lower class of gambling-rooms, wrangling, blasphe-
mous or obscene language is not tolerated, and persons persU^
ing m behaving themselves with rudeness, or disagreeably, are
shut out, regardless of wealth or standing, except in some cases
where the gambler dare not refuse to admit some bully or ward
politician, fearful of violence to his game from either themselves
or their satellites. In the best order of gambling-houses may
be met men of cultivation and refinement, numbers of whom
move*! the highest walks of life, and as much decorum prevails
among the guests as would be expected in a partv of friends
during an entertainment at the house of one of their number
The proprietor treats his patrons equally with the greatest cour-
tesy and consideration. He who merely bets a single white
check is treated with the same respectful politeness as the lord
of thousands whose bets reach the limit of the bank. The gam-
ing-table equalizes all who take their seats before it. It is a
peculiar mart of trade, where cringing and flattery are not a
part of the stock, and in no way belong to it. The bankers
treat all with suavity, conceding to each his rights and nothinff
more, and no banker having the least respect for himself or his
establishment is ever seen to display the smaUest sign of jor or
pain at bis gains or losses.

VAromaSGB or i. taoabosd.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

■WOLF-TRAPS.

The ground was strewn with the many-hued leaves of autm^
when the Major and myself concluded to start out once more on
When to® f*^"' ' f ^ t. We had been loitering away

rrp?i ^m'^s TthrheaTed Urm at the White Sulphur
Spring 0? Virginia; a place which, wlthoat being very enter-
Kg, we found by no means beneflcia to our pockeU.

ArrSing at Porkopolis, we fomid the levee crowded with
steamers of all sizes, many of the larger class plying between
that port and New Orleans, having but lately been re eased from
the ioorings where they had been tied up dunng the summer
months. Their appearance at the wharf, together with the pi^
of freight with which it was covered, plainly denoted that navi-
gation was thoroughly reopened, without the corroboration given
to that fact by the swelling of the turbid waters of t^e O^o.

"Jack, would you like to take a stroll among the Wolf-
traps,' sir!" inquired the Major on the morning subsequent to

our arrival in Cincinnati.
"Wolf-traps," I repeated, "what are they t"

"They are only to be appreciated, sir, by seeing them.

"Then let us go, by all means," I rejoined. . . .„ .^.

A few moments' rapid walk flrom our hotel brought us to the
uteamboat landing. We then turned up one of the "de Btreeto
leading from it, and a few doors from the corner Pa«8ed for a
iioment at the foot of a wooden stairway. We ascended 8^d
reached a landing on the first floor, tmned and entered a side
door which opened into a long, narrow, and e^ce»>^«lyjj'^
room, which could be divided at pleasure into two »Par<:^ef *!
^sliding-doors. The whole was carpeted with a dilapidated
Btraw-matting, and decorated with several rough wooden boxes
which, being filled with sawdust, served as spittoons when .be
patrons derired to indulge in expectoration. The front win-
Sows, which looked upon the street, wero protected by green
Venetian blinds, the walls had at some remote period been pa-
nered. Hit were now so smoked that the original pattern was un-
decipherable. They wero adorned at mtervals by vanous penny

I
I

tl
b
b
h

saves of aatamn
it ODce more on
a loitering away
I White Sulphur
sing very enter-
pockets.

s crowded with
plying between
sen released from
ring the summer
ler with the piles
moted that navi-
rroboration given
I of the O^p.
nong the 'Wolf-
ag subsequent to

ling tbem.^

)rought U8 to thd
if the side streets
■ner paused for a
(Ve ascended and
id entered a side
excessively dirty
two apartments
rith a dilapidated
igb wooden boxes,
)ittoons when Ihe
The front win-
rotected by green
be period been pa*
al pattern was un«
s by various penny

WOLF-TRAPS.

3S5

glctures tacked to the wall, as well as several Ixx tnaaea reore
gating celebrated racers, distinguished generalTaS^ScZn
steamboats, flshhig and hunting scenes, etc., etc. The fmuitur^
Included a few dozen of cane-seat chairs, a poker-table covered
with a discolored green cloth, and at the furthest end of the
room a large faro ditto, also covered with the usual green
cloth on which now reposed a lay-out, a set of chips, and a
card-box. Agamst one side of the front room stood a strong
oaken side-board, which had long since seen its best days and
on It rested a wooden pail filled with water, in which a gourd
swam invitingly for those who desired to quench their thirst-
tho only entertainment of any sort which the establishment
Offered to its patrons. But on the ground floor flourished a
coffee-house, which dispensed to all who desired both heating
and cooling beverages, and the "trap" maintained a sable at-
tendant to receive the money of its patrons, and procure for
them its equivalent in whatever refreshments they miirht re-
quire. "

Casting our eyes over the room, we perceived that but three
persons were present there, besides ourselves, the hour being, as
yet, too early for customers. One of these was a little dried-up
fellow, about fifty years of age, of a swarthy visage and smaU
black eyes, and bushy whiskers of the same raven hue. When
he perceived us, he came forward quickly and shook the Major
warmly by the hand.

"Glad to see you looking so well, Mr. Bobbins," said the
polite M{^or.

"I don't feel so, sir," returned the person addressed, in alugu-
brious tone, and with a doleful shake of the head.

" No I You PUiprise me ! What's the matter, sir t" inquired the
Major.

"D— n bad here," ejaculated the moody gentleman, thumnlnir
himself on the chest.
" Well, sir ! if health's bad, trade must be good, eh. Bobbins f»
'No! no! no it ain't, Major! It's very bad, sir," replied
that worthy, speaking, if possible, in a more doleful strain than
before. " We hain't made a winning in ten days; every bank's
been broken as fast as 'twas put up, and we've put up more'n a
hundred, I'll bet."

" Can they do it always!" inquired the M^or, with a show of
interest.

356

WANDKMNGS OF A VAGABOND.

« It seems so," whined Bobbins. " D-n me If I don't Miwe
the house Is 'hoo-dood.' But where have you been so long?

he asked.
" In Virginia," replied the Mt^jor.

"After lieerds?" j . v -i

"No ' I'v e no gambling; have been engaged in busi-

nnaa " ar -"Tf-ti li'd Major, drily. . „ , . ,

^TouV .^. <T - M^or, you are," said the doleful Robbins,
with a shak. oC >.li I -■ 'd, and bringing to his face a sort of sickly
half-wav smuo. "Bu ">n't you know my partner here, Mr.
Simons!" he Inquired, poui. ng to a bald-headed, heavy-set gen-
tleman, who was dexterously balancing himself on the ex reme
tips of the two back legs of his chair, and pretendmg to occupy
hhnself with a newspaper. „

"Haven't the pleasure, but you will introduce me, I hope,

"*.?JS;'sfmZ"JSis''£els my old friend, M^or Jenks, and he's

' X\Tdowlng elgy, the Major was shaken energetically
bylS^ hS, Sr. Simons expressed his pleasure at becoming
acquainted with such an accomplished trump.

"Mr Johnstone, Major," said Mr. Robbm8,insuch atoneashe
wouW have used had he been informing him of the death of his
deTrest friend, and waving his hand towards a coarse, broad-
loSrerhard-flsted specimen of the genus lumo, who had
not, since our entrance, ceased for one moment to walk the
SSr up and down, as if doing it on time, for a wager. No cla^
ofThe human family was more disgusting to the Major ban the
bruiser tribe, and our late experience in New York had not
greatly tended to soften his prejudices, to say the eaat. The
SrZal appearance of Mr. Johnstone bore the mdelible stamp
rhTorder His mien, gait, and every action declared it to the
straneer even If It were not for his scarified face, on which was
s^TSy written the annals of many a rough-and-tumble flgh,
toat he who saw might read ; but the Major never allowed h s
p^ldlls to overcome his politeness, and of course acknowl-
Sged the favor of Mr. Johnstone's acquaintance, with his usual

*"'" tt'fallers better folks should know one anotheI^'' remarked
Mr. Bobbins, in a lugubrious tone, after the hand-shaktag attend-
ant on this ceremony had been performed.

If 1 don't boliore
a been soloagf"

engaged in busl-

I doleful Robbins,
se a flort of sickly
artner here, Mr.
d, heavy-set gen-
ilf on the extreme
lending to occupy

luce me, I hope,"

orJenks, andhe's

iken energetically
asure at becoming

isuch a tone as be
r the death of his
3 a coarse, broad-
is }u>mo, who had
ment to walk the
t wager. No class
;he Major than the
)w York had not
ly the least. The
le indelible stamp
a declared it to the
ace, on which was
i-and-tumble fight,
never allowed his
f course acknowl-
ince, with his usual

mother," remarked
nd-shaking attend-

WOLF-XRAfg.

357

"Very properly so, sir," answered the Ma^or.

In these ceremonies of presentation I was left entirely out in
the cold. The M^ur had either altogether forgotten me, or
thought mo unworthy to bo proseutcd to his friends, or, what I
believe to be quite as likely, did not consider that I wuuld bo in
any way bouoflted by their acquaiatance. Be that as it may, my
temper was in no degree ruSlcd by the slight.

I now amused myself by scanning the patrons of the place,
who were fiist filling the room, and a motley gathering they were,
both in dress and personal appearance. Among them were men
of all ages, from those in early youth to those whose hair was
white with the snows of many winters. Some were dressed in
seedy garments, some few plainly and tastefully, some slovenly,
and many foppishly ; over the persons of this latter class was
distributed a profusion of jewelry, some of it the ".Simon pure"
article, while the flashy pinchbeck chains, rings and breastpins,
which disfigured many of them, marked their status in the com-
munity more plainly than words could possibly do. The majority
were men occupying various positions on the steamboats plying
on the river ; for instance, cooks, stewards, mates, pilots, and
engineers. There was also to be seen a considerable sprinkling
of residents of the place representing the rowdy element in force,
besides some mechanics, loafers and pot-house political spouters,
and others of like grades and callings. The better-behaved
amongst them sat quietly looking about them, or reading the
newspapers, while the younger and better-dressed portion of
the crowd gathered about the faro-table, where they discussed
their own bad luck, the merits of fast women, fighting men,
race-horses, river steamers, and a hundred kindred subjects. Their
conversation was garnished by many terrible oaths and obscene
expressions. " Who'll open a snap f " was the oft-repeated ques-
tion of the crowd, and every time the doer was opened, or foot-
steps were heard ascending the stairs, all eyes were turned in
that direction, in hopes it was some one who was in the habit of
setting up a bank there. At length their patience was rewarded
by the appearance upon the scene of a slight, dandefied-looking
inividual, who was received with a yell of delight from the de-
lectable crowd assembled round the faro-table, while several
screamed at the tops of their voices, " Here's Marks; we'll have
a bank nowl" The gentleman whose arrival had raised thisebul-

358 WAND1.MN0B 0» A VAOABOSD.

Ution of feeling, and who waa now the centre of attraction to all
parties present, waa dreaaed in a ratlier genteel manner, and
wore around hia neck a heavy gold chain, and a fljie brilliant
sparkled in his olalx)ralely-cmbroidored ahirt front. He held iu
his hand a Buiall gold-heuded cane, and advanced into the room
and up to that end of it occupied by the faro-table and Its ap-
purtenances, with a perfectly blank face, and took no more no-
tice of the yelling, screeching audience, than if he had been the
sole occupant of the room. Without bestowing on any person
the smallest sign of recognition, he coolly divested himself of his
coat, folded It up carefully, and handed It to Mr. Robblns. Ha
now for the first time acknowledged the presence of his onthu-
Blastlc audience, and aald, contemptuously, " Yes, I'll give you a
bank that '11 make yer sick, yer rascals !" which polite speech was
rece' /ed with a yell of approbation by the gentlemen assembled
about the poker-table. Ho then moved with a kind of slmffle
towards the deallng-chalr, and having fixed himself there to hla
satisfaction, he took with hla thumb and finger, from his vest
pocket, a half eagle, which he tossed on the table with the ut-
most "sangfroid," at the same time crying out " Here, Robblns,
Klve us 'flab' for thls.'^ According to custom, that worthy count-
ed him out from the piles of checks on the table Ave dollars, w-
suing them at five cents apiece. When he had set Mr. Marks
bank aside, be handed him a dealing-box and a pack of cards.
The latter shuffled these according to the most approved method,
and placed them in the dealing-box, and during this operation
neither 8poke,nor hi any way noticed, even so much as oy a look,
any one around him. Silence waa evidently Mr. Marks' < beat
holt." When ready to receive company, he addressed his au-
dience In the following polite strain: "Gentlemen, I don't want no
flghtln' at this 'ere game, nor no 'queer' played In on me. Steal
everybody's checks but mine, and now, ye d— n rascals, pitch In.
Anxious to have a good view of what was going forward, I man-
aged to make my way next the wall until I got near the dealer;
but not before an indignant gentleman whom I had crowded,
and who had been in close communion with the whiskey
bottle, desirea to be informed "where the h-1 I was working
to." From the position I had gained I could aurvey the acciio
at leiaure: and it waa one to which only the pencil of a Hogarth
could have done justice. Seated and standing in every Imagm-

t).

t attraction to all
«el manner, aud
id a fi;ie brilliant
rent. He held in
ced into the room
■table and its ap-
took no more no-
f ho had been the
ng on any person
8tod himself of hia
Mr. Robbins. Ha
ince of his onthu-
les, I'll give you a
J polite speech was
itlemen assembled
I a kind of shuffle
imself there to hia
iger, from his vest
table with the ut-
it " Here, Robbins,
that worthy count-
ble five dollars, is-
lad set Mr. Marks'
id a pack of cards.
; approved method,
ring this operation
much as by a look,
Mr. Marks' " best
addressed bis au-
nen, I don't want no
ed in on me. Steal
n rascals, pitch in!"
ing forward, I man-
ot near the dealer ;
)m I had crowded,
with the whiskey
h— 1 I was working
Id survey the scene
pencil of a Hogarth
Qg in every imagiu-

WOW-TRAPS.

able attitude around the table, were tiers of men, the hindmost
row standing on tip-toe, and all watchmg with intense interest
the events of the play. Iminodiatoly around the tiiblo were at
least forty porsoiiH, of variouH miens, shapes, ages, and complex-
ions, and those among them who were hut spectators of the
game watched its tiuctuations with the same intense interest a«
those who were hazarding their mouey upon it.

The banker started ofl' a winner, which did not seem to Im-
prove the temper of some of his patrons. While the dealer was
making his turn profound silence reigned, and the suppressed
breathing of the players, and the sound of the curds as they glid-
ed from the box, were the only sounds audible; but the moment
the turn was finished, every tongue broke loose, and a clamor,
before which that of ancient Babel might hide its diminished
head, ensued. The most awfully bhisphomous language would
be uttered against fortune, by mm who had lost but one or -two
five-cent checks. To the cursing, wrangling, and squabbling
about the ownership of checks, the imperturbal,!o Marks paid nrt
the smallest attention. Occasionally he would remonstrate
when some one detained the game in placing or exchanging his
checks, then ho would bring his fist down on the table, with a

",?'}"'^'1,."P' ^~^ y®' ^" y^*" ^^°^ *» J^eep a gentleman hero
all nay t"

"There I go, again!" shrieked out a well-dressed youth, who
occupied a trout seat at the table, and who was betting one or
two flve-ccL checks at a time. "By G_d! that's the seventh
straight bet I've lost," he cried, looking around for svmpathy.
Ter too windy, Grummy," said an elderly gentleman seated
near him.

"Am If' half screamed Grummy. " If you'd lost half the bets
I have within the last two months, you'd be in a lunatic asylum
before now !" '

"Where d'ye get yer money t I never seed yer work none I"
demanded a squealing voice fi-om the crowd.

"I get it with my tongue, yer dirty lad !" retorted the elegant
Mr. Grummy. "If you had ter git youm that way, ye'd starved
to death long ago."

"I thought you pinched pockets for it," retorted the squealing
voice. *

" No I he dusen't do nothing o' the kind," sung out a voice from

HQ WANDEKINQS OP A VAOAHOKD.

the outward circle "bo's got au IndustrlouB gal, an' she allers
hocls him to a stake In ther mornlii'." ,„„„k»

Tbl8 Hully was received with roars of laughter from the delight-
ed crowd and brought Mr. Oruramy up all standing. Bogging
mone?, oi borrowing money under fuUo F^t^rf/'^ t^tX
comi.ll«hment among the men of Mr. Grummys '' ««*' b"*/° J*
publicly accused of being a thief and of being a dopcndont upon
?ho bounty of his lady-lovo, was more than flesh ;°*lb^d could
Btand "Come down stairs, yo dirty loafers, and 111 slow ye
where I gets my money," ro..red the exasperated gen lemau,
wildly flourishing his clenched Hsts above his head, and 'nvlt-
Tng his assallanrs to come and got their ^^^\'^^f^^ ^^
one gentleman was about to accept ths polite Invltat^n^^ and
several, others started to follow, to see fair P'f ' f •/°'^"«'«"«
made his appearance on the scene. Ho took hold of the bel -
getent Mr. Grummy by the shoulders, and forced him Into hU
Lt, and then Informed him, In the mildest and mos dulcet of
voices, that If he heard another word from him he'd pitch him
head-foremost down stairs. «„„ii.

The bank struggled hard for an existence, but was finally
obliged tosnccumbtocapltal. Without allowing his 111 successto
ruffle his temper, Mr. Marks quietly took out what money was
iu the card-box, lu order to redeem his check ; meanwhile
several piles were shoved under his noso for • redemption.
When he had surveyed them for a moment, he turned to their
owners and said, " You've been dealing with thieves so long, you
don't know a gentleman when you see one. Take them checks
back, and keep 'em till your turn comes, or you don't get a cent,
you ^oundrels! Do you hear!" They did hear, and obeyed,
ilthout showing any signs of rebellion. Whoever Marks was, it
seemed the rough element obeyed and respected him. When he
had redeemed his checks, Bobbins handed him his coat, which
he put on, seized his gold-headed caue in his left hand, and, with
a flourish of his right, thus addressed his patrons : "Gentlemen,
as mv term of office has now expired, allow me to thank you for
your' generous patronage, and also to carry away with me the
remembrance of the happy moments I have passed in your
society. This speech was received with boisterous cheering,
during which Mr. Marks shuffled himself out of the room.
Another dealer now put up a ten dollar bank, which was bro-

I, an' Bbe alien

om the dollght-
ding. BogglDg
I, was a rare ac-
' set," but to be
dependent upon
and blood could
nd I'll show yo
ited gentleman,
load, ond invlt-
i Bmashcd. As
Invitation, and
r, Mr. Jobnstone
old of the belll-
■ced blm into bis
I most dulcet of
u be'd pitch bim

but was finally
; bis ill success to
ivbat money was
jck ; meanwbile
for • redemption.
J turned to tbolr
ieves so long, you
ake them checks
I don't get a cent,
ear, and obeyed,
voT Marks was, it
d blm. When he
1 his coat, which
ft hand, and, with
IS : " Gentlemen,
B to thank you for
iway with rae the
e passed in your
isterous cheering,
f the room,
k, which was bro-

WOLK-TUAPH.

361

ken on the first deal. The next bank was a twenty-five dollar
one, which was also soon broken. By this time It appeared a
heavier claas of players had entered the place, and to make room
for tbom at the table, the "crabbers'" were forced to vacate, by
order of Mr. Kobbins. One dissatisflcvl gentleman ventured to
remonstrate against the making invidious •listinctions, by saying
that a gentleman was entitled to his seat, »o long as he bad a
check, but in defiance of this opinion ho was seized by the re-
doubtable Johnstone, and dragged from his chair ; after which
he spun the unfortunate "champion o' the rights of ♦»!« weaker"
around the room like a top; a warning beacon to all wno had not
learned that rig.,t is always with the strongest party.

Several banks were successively broken, and as each banker
retired discomfited, the cry would arise, "Room for another."
"Who nextt" The chair was finally occupied by a man clad in
an unexceptionable coat of brown cloth, pants of the same ma-
terial, and a white linen vest. He rejoiced in an elaborately
ruffled shirt, and his head was topped by an expensi\'e Panama
hat. He was burdened with a superfluous amount of jewelry,
comprising a long gold neck -chain, fob-chain, diamond pin, and
several diamond rings on bis fingers. This gentleman, from ap-
pearance, was about forty years of age. His frame was slender,
and though not above the middle height, stooped considerably
firom the shoulders, and ungainly in appearance. Ills complex-
ion was nearly as dark as that of an Indian, and since I have seen
the many Cherokee half-breeds, I am certain he was one of the
gamblers of that caste, who made their homes In the Indian
Territory. His eyes were dark and piercing, his eyebrows arched
and bushy, while bis head was covered by a thick shock ol
coarse black hair. Nobody seemed to recognize him, nor did
he speak to any one, so that evidently he was a total stranger in
the place. When he had taken from an inside pocket a large
roll of bank-bills, he counted out $300, and handed to Mr.
Robbins as his bank money, telling him that he desired the
denomination of his checks to be 25 cents. This was considered
a very large bank at the "trap," and some of the smaller
players began to remonstrate about the price of the checks,
which caused some spicy con- rsation between them and thoe«
who desired to be considered ' heavy rollers," to ensue. Noth-
ing is more annoytog to young bank players, or will gall them

3d2

WANDKUINGS OF A VAGABO^'D.

worse or more quickly, than to be called "pikers," or "orab-
bers," or "ciieck-sweaters'- -words almost syuouymous, and
meaaiug a person who bets one or two white checks at a time;
these are termed "pikers" and "crabbers," while the "chock-
sweater" or "check- charmer" holds in his hand a few white
checks, a3 an excuse to keep his seat at the table, which he
does more i i expectation of pouncing upon the sleepers belong-
ing to the other players, than of winning anything from the
bank himself.

Compared with the banks previously set up, the new one had
quite a lively game, none of the previous ones being over <J25.
Several $10 and $15 bets were npade, and a few as high as $20.
The sight of the stranger's money had nerved some of the more
adventurous spirits to go for it. Hidden money was brought
out of secret pockets, where it had lain " perdu." A now class
of players appeared on the scene, more venturesome and better-
behavod. Several of the more noisy "crabbers" were driven
from their seats to make room for these, and the game now be-
came very exciting.

Among the new arrivals was a tall, powerful man, well, but
plainly dressed, and aged about thirty years. His swarthy vis-
age, and dark, sinister expression, was in no way improved by an
ugly scar on his forehead and another reaching from his ear to
the corner of his mouth. Ho was accompanied by two stalwart
companions, who addressed him as Ned, and who were assisting
him, and directing him bow to bet his money. It was " Ned,
bet on the five — ^it hasn't lost yet;" or "Ned, cramp the queen
with a few dollars — she's a hummer;" or "Ned, put me a couple
of dollars on the Jack;" or remarks of Iiko significance. Ned
stood before the table with a large roll of bills in his hands, of
the denominations principally of ones and twos. When his com-
panions told him to lay a bet, he did so ; and when they asked
foi money, ho gave it to them, and did not once open his mouth
to ask a question or make a reply. But neither himself nor his
friends could pick out winning cards, nor could any other per-
son, scarcely ; for the long, bony fingers of the Indian were rak-
ing in everything before him in the shape of or of the name of
money. The roll of bills in the fingers of "Ned" was rapidly
dwindling away, but he still controlled the fiery passion which
burned within him, increasing in fury m bis losses increased,

'pikers," or "orab-
; syuouymous, and
3 checks at a time;

while the "chock-
) hand a few white
;he table, which he
the sleepers belong-

auything from the

ip, the new one had
aes being over <^25.
few as high as $20.
id some of the more
money was brought
irdu." A now class
aresome and better-
bbers" were driven
1 the game now be-

erful man, well, but
1. His swarthy vis-
(vay improved by an
ling from his ear to
lied by two stalwart
I who were assisting
ney. It was "Ned,
d, cramp the queen
■ed, put me a couple
) significance. Ned
)ills in his hands, of
'OS. When his com-
nd when they asked
3nce open his mouth
ther himself nor his
ould any other per-
he Indian were rak-
f or of the name of
"Ned" was rapidly
fiery passion which
lis losses iucreafied,

WOLF-TBAI'S.

963

and he saw his bets one after another picked up from the lav
out by the supple fingers of the dealer without a woS or s an
untU finally he held in his hand the last remaining note o S
roll It ^^^s a one dollar bill. Ao he stood before the lly ou
he twisted his absently into a cord, savagely staring It the
automaton dealer the while, whose eyes wfre on the^lay-out
and were covered from the sight of the spectators bv the Pan-
ama hat, which was slouched over his brows. In this position
he patiently awaited the disposal of his last bet by "Ned"
'You want this too. do you?" he hissed between his teeSi

muJle.Th^ '' °'"^''" "^^'^^ ^'"^ ^^yrevly, nor moved a
muscle J the former continued in the same intemperate manner,
still shaking before his face the twisted-up b=U. "You've won
forty dollars from me without paying me a single bet. See if you
can win that, you d-n thief!" At the same moment he iced
rhe bill, wisted as it was, behind the nine. Amidst a death like
silence the dealer made his tm-n. The cards could be heard

his teafh.'' ' ''" ''"'" *'' '"^- ^'''' '''' seemed to hold
The biU lost. Ned snatched it up, tore it into small bits, flun-
one to the imperturbable dealer and one to himself aUernatei;
at the same time hissing between his clenched teeth, "You take
that, and I'll take this." at every fragment

"Your conduct," said the Indian, calmly, for the first time
looking up, ",s, to say the least of it, very ungentlemanl^"
Quick as thought, the ruffian seized the dealing-box, and with
It struck him a fearful blow on the mouth, which felled h^m
senseless to the floor ; while from the cut on his upper lip, caused
by the sharp edge of tlie box, the blood spurted out profusely
Srmons picked up the prostrate man, and reseated hL in h£
chair The blood was flowing in a stream from his lip, and his
first act on regaming consciousness, was to make a motion to
put his hand behind him. Those who observed this movemem
conceived the idea that he was trying to get hold of a S
to Ittp'^'Sf "^ ^^'^" ^""^^ «"^' "Look out, Ned, he's go S
bosom of hil V r'!;' ™™ediately plunged his hand int^o h^
lZ7. f I '^' ^"^ ^ ^« P'*'^^'^"^ withdrew it, the white
hand e of a bowie-knife was seen to project, which he imme
diately replaced onmaking the discover^ that he weapoVwS

884

WANDBBINGS OF A VAGABOND.

the lAdian was trying to draw was nothing more formidable
than a white pocket-handkerchief.

At this stage of the affair, several of those belonging to Ned's
party rushed in out of the front room with the cry that "the
police are coming!" "Let's leave, Ned!" etc. Mr. Johnstone
now interfered for the first time, and entreated " Ned" to leave
before he was "nabbed" by the police. The rooms were nearly
deserted by the people who a fevv moments before had crowded
them to suffocation, and when "\ed" and his companions had
left the place, it contained no other c oants but Simons, Rob-
bins, Johnstone, the injured man, the Mjyor, and myself This
speeay riddance of the crowd was due to a custom of the police,
who were in the habit of arresting every person whom they
found in a "trap," if called in to suppress a row. The Major,
being fully aware of this, i»ied to drag me from the place as
soon as the dealer was struck, but I was determined to see the
end of the adventure, and the generous old fellow, sooner than
leave me alone, remained with me.

The injured man, unable lO make any response to the kind in-
quiries of Robbins and Simons after his hurts, could only sit
with his handkerchief pressed over the wound. Robbins settled
up the game, which had won about $180, and after deducting
the ten per cent, due the house, handed over the balance to its
owner, who put it in the pocket of hli pants, and immediately
left the house, holding his handkerchief up .to his mouth.

"There, Mtljor! Don't you think we're treated very badly t"
inquired the irrepressible Robbins, the instant the door had
closed on his retreating form, with his habitual whining tone.

"Yes, sir!" answered the Major, "but I think that unfortun-
ate gentleman who has just left us has been treated an infernal
Bight worse.

"Treated h— 1!" rejoined Mr. Robbins, contemptuously.
"What's a fight to breaking up a man's bnsiness? An' to be
treated so by yer friends too, it's devilish shabby, certain," said
the vhluous Mr. Robbins, in a very injured and desponding
manner.

"Ned La Grange is as good a feller es ever walked the airth,
but yer see, Robbins, he's lost a power o' money here lately, and
it makes 'im cross as a b'ar," apologized Mr. Johnstone.
The M^jor and myself now took our leave, and reached the

Qore formidable

onging to Ned's
6 cry that "the
Mr. Johnstone
"Ned" to leave
oms were nearly
ire had crowded
companions bad
»ut Simons, Rob-
id myself. This
om of the police,
fson whom they
m. The Major,
om the place as
nined to see the
low, sooner than

Be to the kind in-
s, could only sit
Bobbins settled
[ after deducting
he balance to its
and immediately
lis mouth,
ted very badly t"
at the door had
whinisg tone.
)k that unfortun-
eated an infernal

contemptuously,
inessf An' to be
»by, certain," said
i and desponding

walked the airth,
y here lately, and
ahnstone.
and reached the

WOLP-TEAPS.

a65

street without encountering any officers. "And that's what von
call the wolf-trap, is itf ^^ ^°^

"That's one of them, sir."

agh^"'* ^"'^ ""^"^ '""'' *^' ^*'^' ^*" ^*^'' '^«'" I mvAua,
;'Ten or fifteen, perhaps," answered the imperturbable Major.

"That's the best of them, sir."
"For fighting, you mean!" I rejoined.

Jl^V^l '''° ''^P' '° ^"®'' "'^^"^ ^^^ many of them: be-
sides, Robbms won't let any "check games" be played ii Wi
houM, nor any other kind of swindling to go on there."
mentf " "^° Johnstone-is he concerned in the establish-

''No farther than that he is hired to keep order there."
™. ^""".^^ " •»« <ii<in't tackle that fellow, 'Ned'f He talked
very warlike to that man they called Grammy, and others."
h«.. IT ^t'^^ew he couldn't win, and the attempt might

thaTrff''?.'''V''f- '^^^'^^^^-' -ho violated the ^rson o
that inofiensive dealer, is one of the worst desperados in thia
ciiy, sir, and his companions are equally as bad."

ho JJ""'^^^ ^^ *^® P®"^" -h»™ he «o brutaJly iiHured wiU
have him arrested!" "m*""** nu*

hJi'^^"! .r"'*^ ^' *™*'"°* *°* **e''haps a fine of five or ten
dollar at the utmost, and the ruffian might retaliate uiS>n h^
and cause h,m to be indicted for dealing fare. He wields some
i^lT V^ ^' authorities, because he is politicaUy powerfiU
among the rougher characters of tb. city, known as^e F^
Market Rangers, or the Flat-iron Rangers.

tinn''?/'"'"?^i°''™J.^^ ^^'^ *^** ^'^ -^^^^'h the above conveiBa-
htnuf T''^' u^"' *^^ ^^J°^ ^•^'i 'ny^elf were seated at
breakfast in our hotel, in looking over the morning paper my
attention was attracted to a paragraph which stated t^t "a
wel -known citizen named Edward La Grange was found dead a
short distance from his lodgings, from the effects of a load of
buckshot, which lod; .d near his heart. On the body, whenaiJ.
covered, was found his watch and other ornaments.^;nd iS one
of his pockets a small leather pocket-book, containing $20 In
banknotes. It is believed that revenge prompted the^aJ^!

906

■WANDERINGS OP A VAGABOND.

"Let's go to the coroner's inquest," said the Major.

We discovered, from an examination of the paper, where the
inquest was to be held, and ten minutes' walli brought ua to the
place. A large crowd of persons were congregated there, but a
much larger one before a brick house a short distance off, where,
<)n the pavement in front of it, lay the remains of the murdered
man. We managed to work our way into the crowd, and in the
ghastly features of the corpse turned up to the noonday sun we
recognized those of the " Ned," who, in so dastardly a manner,
had outraged the person of the Indian dealer by striking him in
the face with the deaUng-box. His assassin was never discovered!

CHAPTEB XXIX.

WOIF-TRAPS — CONTINUED.

From 1836 up to 1846 the gambling done in Cincinnati, in the
banking Une, was almost entirely confined to faro, and the
games were conducted, in what were called ten per cent, houses,
or, as classically rendered by the masses who patronized tlieta,
" wolf-traps," or " dead-falls." After the date mentioned, gamb-
lers began fitting up better rooms for the entertainment of the
more respectable class of customors, and shut out from them the
rougher characters who were in the habit of making tho " wolf-
traps" a place of resort. Dens of the " wolf-trap " de -., "ion
were by no means confined to Cincinnati, but were to be /ound
in St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia,
and several of the minor cities. B- 1 .» o city in the Union did
they flourish so extensively and n>. amAi numbers as that first
named, or were the re(?ort of t ' mairv .uffianly and lawless
characters.

Dens of the description of the "Tapis Franc," and the " dead-
falls" of San Francisco and Sacramento, are now matters of his-
tory only, and it seems beyond the bounds of probability that
similar haunts of vice, and the brutal and lawless scenes there
enacted, will ever again be permitted to disgrace our country,
and the name of civilization.

In Cmcinnati, the number of traps would increase or decrease

t
t
s
t
a

ii
u
tl

P
b;

i.i
bi
ai
bi
ra
th
ba
ha
ua
his

tfajor.

paper, where the
brought ua to the
ated tliere, but a
jtance oflf, where,

of the murdered
crowd, and in the

noonday sun we
stardly a manner,
»y striking him in
never discovered!

Cincinnati, in the
to faro, and the
1 per cent, houses,
patronized tlieta,
mentioned, ganib-
tertainment of tho
out from them the
naking tho " wolf-
trap" de i,«ion
, were to be lound
and Philadelphia,
y in the Union did
ibers as that first"
aauly and lawless

," and the "dead-
low matters of his-
)f probability that
svless scenes there
;race our country,

icreaso or decrease

"WOLF-TBAPS.

867

in proportion to the numbers of their patrons; at times as many
as fifteen would be flourishing full tilt, while again their number
would dwindle down to four or fire. During the summer months
they were by far the most numerous, owing to the many boatmen
ill the city thrown out of employment by the closing ot navitra-
tion on tho river. ^

These delectable institutions were located in close proximity
to the steamboat landing; cither facing it, or in some by-street
convenient. Thoy were to bo found in basements, first floors
and third floors, but most generally disconnected from rum-mills'
To fit up a " wolf-trap," It would be necessary to procure a room'
furnish It with a dozen or so common cane-seat chairs, a faro-
tablo, and a few other trifling articles, and it was ready to re-
ceive all coraera, always excepting the proscribed sons of Africa
1 he nigs," not to bo behind their white brethren, had also their
traps," which, to their credit bo it said, were conducted on a
much more orderly and honorable basis than many of those from
winch thoy were excluded. Nor did they retaliate by showing
the same spirit of exclusiveness in their dens, for the African and
tae Caucasian could frequently be seen there, seated side by side
struggling for the possession of the " filthy lucre." Neither did
the sable proprietor permit any " check " games to be played or
any other kindred rascalities frequently practiced in the "traps"
of their white brethren. The proprietor of the " traps " furnish-
ed all the requisite gambUng paraphernalia; his money was
mvested in rent, furniture, and faro-tools only; he rarely or
never put up a "snap," nor eve:i played against one. He left
that part of the business to his patrons. Whenever one of these
put up a bank he looked out for him, or dealt it for him • if the
bank won he deducted ten per cent. ; if it lost, he charged noth-
iig lor his services or the use of his house and tools. When a
b£vnk had been broken, the dealing-chair was declared vacant
ana waiting for a new aspirant to tempt fortune. The largest
bank ofiered to be eet up was given the preference, and they
ranged through all amounts from $1 to $500, but seldom liigher
tnan $.50. Soraetlmes several persons would unite to stock a
bank, and all except the dealer play against it. It frequently
happened that, early in the morning, some enterprising individ-
ual, wishing to start business for hi nself, would throw down
his dollar and declare that his bank. The proprietor of the

308

WANOERIiraS OF ▲ VAOABOm).

rooms would theu sire Llm checks for the amount, issuing them
at ten, five, or perhaps one cent apiece. Presently thirty or
forty dollars' worth of checks would be bought and ready to be
played ag? inst the dollar bank. Possibly it might lire all day
and win a few hundred dollars, but the odds were several hun-
dred to one thut it would specdly give up the ghost. The bank
being declareii broken, another one was speedily put up in its
place, and in this manner was business conducted in these es-
tablishments, and the ten per cent, derived from the winning
banks amounted in the course of the year to a very respectable
revenue for the keepers of these "traps."

These places were patronized by all classes of the community,
fh)m the laborer to the sons of the wealthy aristocracy. Trades-
men, mechanics, low politicians, river men, and river sharpers,
rowdies and thieves of every description and grade. The ver-
dant who visited tliese places were objects of prr<y to many of
the rough sharpers, who put every scheme they could devise to
work, in order to rob them. Should they put up banks, they
coi^.ld not there, as at No. 98 Barclay Street, New York, "bon-
net" and play upon ttem such jokes as the patrons were accus-
tomcl at those places to treat their bankers to. In that locality
Buch high- Handed acts of violence were not tolerated, the laws
of Cincinnati being so eccentric as to punish such little practical
jokes severely. Neither were they he;>. relieved of their money
by a two-card box. The pasturage of the " traps " was too thin
for that stock. But the rough sharpers of these institutions,
when they had a verdant to deal with, managed to get his mon-
ey by making half tunjs on him, paying his bets short, and steal-
ing his checks. Ii too well posted up to stand such nonsense,
the game would be dealt with all seeming fairness, taking the
chance of v inning his money on tUe square ; should this prove
unsuccessful, when he passed in his checks, in order to have them
cashed, he would be greeted with a laugh by both the dealer
and his tappers, and assured that the game was only a lark, and
that had Ixe lost his money it would have been refunded to him,
or poifinps they might have taken out the price of the drinks and
refundftd the remainder. But only well-known citizens would get
thfin mo'. >y refunded in this manner. Should the " sucker" be
iv itrangcr, nd win, the money he had played in would be taken
ott by a lapp: who would immediately leave the house, carry •

tj
s

n:
ct
ei
gl

ci
in

WOLF-TEAPS.

369

it, issaing them
wntly thirty or
iud ready to be
;ht lire all day
sre several hun-
08t. The bank
ly pat up in its
;ed in these es-
3m the winning
rery respectable

' the community,
icracy. Trades-
. river sharpers,
rade. The ver-
proy to many of
y could devise to
t up banks, they
ew York, "bon-
rons were accus-

In that locality
lerated, the laws
ch little practical
d of their money
♦ps " was too thin
hese institutions,
d to get his mon-
I short, and steal-
d such nonsense,
mess, taking the
should this prove
>rderto have them
rboth the dealer
isonly alark, and

refunded to him,
Bof the drinks and
citizens would get
the "sucker "be
in would be taken
) the house, can7 ■

ing It with him. If the " sucker " continued to win, and showed
signs of quitting the game, the dealer would address one of his
cronies with a request that he would take liis place for a few
moments, as he had some very pressing business to attend to
He would then leave the house. Perhaps before doing so he had
"pinched" from the card-box whatever money the "sucker"
had handed in for checks. He certainly would not make bia
appearance in the rooms again until the dupe had vacated those
premises, unless informed by a runner that he had lost back to
the bank his checks. In that case he would leisurely return and
resume his place in the dealing-chair. Should the successful
"sucker" pass in his checks, he was politelv requested to wait
until the dealer returned, by the man in the chair. Of course no
dealer returned ; the cappers would then raise a cry of robbery
and demand the name of the dealer from his representative!
That mdividual of course did not know, nor any one else in the
room. All would now be uproar and confusion, in tba midst of
winch some kind-hearted gentleman would whisper in his ear,
" Corae along o' me ; I know where to flnd-'im, and we'll make
'im pay up." If the poor dupe allowed himself to be lured from
the house with his new friend, he would be dragged from one
place to anotJier until heart and flesh both were exhausted ; and
if a stranger, he had long since lost all traces of the house where
the game took place. Should he happen to be one of those ob-
stmate " cusses " who could not be induced to leave the premi-
ses unless he had at least his own money back, the proprietor
would make his appearance, and, after listening to the gentle-
man's complaint, would refund it to him. Not because he had
any right to do so; by no means. "He wasn't responsible for
those who came to his house ; an' if gentlemen bucked aghi the
bank, 't;?as their business to see that the bank money was all
right first. 'Twas as much as he could do to look arter his ten
per cent., if it won. But then he didn't want anybody treated
mean in his house ; he'd sell his furniture before he'd allow thr'.t,"
etc. This apparent sincerity on the part of the proprietor gen-
erally smoothed the rafiBed feathers of his victim, if he was not too
glad to get his money back to know or care what he was saying.
But at times these gentry would find some rather troublesome
customers to deal with ; ^iud here, by way of a sample, I shall
instance a few cases out of many. A deck-hand on a steamer

370

WA>'DEHINGS OF A VAOABOND.

0110 night dropped into a trap. A visionary bank was imme-
diately opened lor liis especial accommodation. After a sliort
play lie won forty dollars in checks and passed them in to bo
cashed. He was informed in the usual way that tlie dealer hav-
ing charge of the bank money was out at that moment, and re-
qnestcd to wait for a short time until his return. Ho waited
until the cappers had cither lost or passed in their checks, say-
ing, "That's what I owe Mr. Smith, or Jones, or any otlier hypo-
thetical gentleman," and '.oft the apartment. The deck-hand,
having waited about an 'lour, became convinced that there
was no money for him in tUat crib, and quietly left. On the fol-
lowing night, at about the same hour, ho paid another visit to
the place, accompanied by about a dozen of his fellow-boatmen.
A snap was in progress, but none of tlio parties engaged were
those he had seen on the evening previous; but, without a single
moment's hesitation, ho seized the card-box, checks, and deal-
ing-box, and was in the act of making off with thorn, when he
was politely stopped by the proprietor, and the requisite forty
dollars produced.

The next scene which I recall to mind was one in which an
old Kentucky farmer figured as principal actor ; having been
picked up by some scamp and roped to tho den. This old fel-
low, who was much above tho ordinary size of mortals, and pos-
sessed the strength of three or four ordinary men, was prone to
indulge his leisure hours in tackling tho tiger, whenever he
found one of those animals lying around loose.

As ho entered tho "trap" a full game was already under way,
having been gotten up for his especial benefit. Feeling kindly
iisposed to "jine," he handed over to the dealer a Kentucky
flver, and received checks for it, which he soon ran up to
eighty dollars, in spite of short-paying, half-turns, and stealing
his sleepers. Ho demanded money for his checks, and was in-
formed by the dealer, after he had counted the jhecks carefully
and put them in tho bank, that his "pardner," who carried the
bank money, was out, but would bo back presently. The old
farmer then and there expressed his disapprobation of such a
mode of conducting a business, especially a faro-bank ; but in
order not to render himself disagreeable, resumed his seat to
await the coming of the visionary "pardner" with the bank
money. Dealer and cappers continued their game, in hopes the

I
t
I

ii
c
u
d

w
T
tl
bj
in

bo
th
fai

BUI

inj
rm
lay

)anlc was imme-
. After a short
1 them in to bo
t the dealer hav-
iiomoiit, and re-
urn. Ho waited
heir checks, say-
any otlior hypo-
Tho deck-hand,
need that there
left. On the fol-
another visit to
I fellow-boatmen,
cs engaged were
, without a single
becks, and deal-
1 them, when he
ho requisite forty

one in which an
or; having been
n. This old fel-
mortals, and pos-
en, was prone to
er, whenever he

ready under way,
. Feeling kindly
jaler a Kentucky
soon ran up to
ims, and stealing
ecks, and was in-
) jhecks carefully
" who carried the
38ently. The old
obation of such a
aro-bank; but in
umed his seat to
" with the bank
ame, in hopes the

WOLF-TBAPS.

371

h\.Z. '"""''^ J° °' ^* ^^ «at iu dogged silence, never taking
his eyes once off the door. The dealer now began to think thaf
his absence from the room might be conducive to his pers^nS
safety and addressing a gentleman lounging abou wSo aV
peared a mere "looker-on hi Viemia," defired him o make ^a
deal for bun while ho went to see "what tho devil had STome
of h.s pardner.'^ This obliging person consented and took the
deahng-chair, and its last incumbent made a pass for the door
thh^^'T'r^^'r"' "»^«l>»g"n, his egrL was barredb;
the stalwart form of tho Kentuckian. "Look hero, stranger'"
he ejaculated, "you can't pass here till I gits my nionoy back
nohowl" at the same time shaking m his f^e a Tdgo hamme;

" Ter a d-n fool ! ain't I goin' tor get yer money fur vo ? " do-

hTsSs^^KSr^ ^""'^--^ ^-'-' ^" -"'^ -^^^^^

"I tell yer ye can't leave this hero room till I gits my
money," doggedly reiterated the old farmer. Here several of
those present mterposed, and assured him 'twas all right, that
he d got his money, etc., etc. ; but tho obstinate old fellow was
mcapabe of listening to such undoubted logic, and persisted in
closing the door upon all persons and allowing none to depart
uutil his money was produced. Tho case was desperate! The
dealer saw no solution of the difficulty but to flght it out; couse-
quently he drew off and hit the old man with all the force he
was master of, on tho side of his head, with his clenched fist.
This had no more effect than if it had been a friendly pat on
the iron franco of the old Kentuckian, who caught his assailant
by the top of his head with one l,rawny hand, while be "mashed
m his face with the doubled fist of the other, and laid him a
sensdess heap on the floor. Tho roughs now joined their forces

wor/lf .". '°*^ ^'^ °'** ^'"""^ *" ■'^ ^'^^^y' b"t J^« '"ade short
woik of them; a blow from his fist or a kick from his cowhide
boot sending them to "grass" in all directions, from whence
tuoy soon picked themselves up and sneaked off, until the old
larmer was at last left alone in the place, "tho monarch of all he
surveyed." Ho then stepped down to the street, hailed a pass-
ing dray, and commenced loading upon it the furniture of the
room, the gambling paraphernalia, and whatever clso he could
lay hands on. The row, and the subsequent proceedings of tho

a»

WAVDSmVOS or a TAOABOim.

old fellow, had gathered nroiind him the usual crowd of cuiiOBity
seekers, who were enthusiastically cheering luin on in hia .^nod
work, when, Just as tho articles were about being hauled uway
to an auction-room, which was evidently the destination for
which the old man intended them, a strange gentleman appeared
on tho scene and represented that he was the owner of tho pro-
perty, and also ufllrmed that tho dealer had spoken the truth
when he said his partner was absent, and that he was himself
that person. That he had been detained much longer than he
hod expected to be, but was now ready to settle all claims against
the bank. "Then shell out now!" roared the old farmer. He
was finally coaxed to leave the door and come up stairs, to the
great indignation of the assembled crowd, where he paid liim
his money and finally induced him to leave without creating any
further disturbance.

John Swann was far up in the fifties, a shoemake* by profes-
sion, and had neither wife, children, nor relatives, at . ost none
that his most intimate acquaintance knew of. He was a votary
of the green tables, and since those honorable institutions, the
"wolf-traps," were first introduced into Cincinnati, had been
their constant patron. The greater part of his hard-earned
money went to gratify his passion for playing at faro. He was
an inoflcnsive old genius, rather eccentric, and the world
thought his intellect considerably impaired. The roughest of the
firequenters of the traps respected him, and should any one try
to steal bis checks from the lay-out, friendly voices were not
wanting to warn him, nor friendly hands to see that the old man
had his rights. When he got broke, he never hung about the
tables, or tried to borrow stakes from any one. Hd had no as-
sociates, was always when on tho street entirely alone, and
when at play seldom or never spoke to those aV,ont him, but
talked constantly to himself, and his singular behavior and
quaint remarks afforded a never-failing fund of merriment to
those around him. Whenever he lost two or three bets succes-
sively, he would exclaim, not addressing any one, but merely to
himself, " There I go ! 'twas a brick to a brick house that card
would lose when I staggered up against it." " Stop your wagon,
dealer," he would cry out whenever he wanted to make a bet;
"more fish in the market." Wlien he had placed his bet to his
satisfiActiOD, he would look np into the dealer's face and say, " It's

I
f
a

b
t

WOLF-TRAPS.

373

jwd of curiosity
on In hia .-jood
ig hauled away
destination for
Icman appeared
nor of the pio-
)okon the truth
he wae himself
longer than he
,11 claims against
)ld farmer. He
ip stairs, to the
ire be paid him
out creating any

lakc' by profes-
es, at . ast none
He was a votary

institutions, the
innati, had been
bis bard-earned
,t faro. He was

and the world
e roughest of the
)uld any one try

voices were not
that the old man
r huDg about the
, H(i had no as-
tirely alone, and
) aV.ont bim, but
ar behavior and
of merriment to
:hree bets succes-
ne, but merely to

house that card
Stop your wagon,
il to make a bet;
jed his bet to his
'ace and say, "It's

an apple to an orchard I'll lose that. I feel it, air I It's fate!"
Should tlio bet win after these exclamations, he would give a low
whistle, peculiar to himself, and then cry out, " There, damn me
If Susy wasn't asleep, the strumpet, or sho'.l never have let me
win that bet." " Susy " was the old man's imaginary evil mnius.
whom ho believed the source of all his ill luck, and the torment
of his life. Often while the old man would bo wending his
way homewards, having left his last t-ont in some of the " traps "
he would unceasingly discourse to himself on the topic of his bad
luck, and what ho intended doing -'"- faro-dealers when his
time should come-a millenn' .ch he never entertained

the shadow of a doubt. "My ..y '11 come !" he would ejaculate,
emphatically shaking his head, "my day '11 come, bound to come
111 win every cent in town, every cent. I'll make them fellows
wear summer suits when there's snow on the ground. Damn me
ifl don't do it, sure!"

The old man's predictions came true at last. One summer for
a space of two months he gobbled up two or three snaps u day
on an average, and in the transports of his joy he would flourish
bis spoils in the faces of whatever acquaintances he met in the
streets on tis way home.

WhUe hi the zenith of this streak of luck he happened one
night into a trap where the roughs had a " sucker " on the tow-
path. Believing everything to be all straight, he bought some
checks and pitched in. He soon won out what checks the dealer
had, amounting to $120. Meanwhile the " gull " had lost all his •
money and left the place. The old man passed over his checks
and demanded money for them. The dealer took from the card-
box the $15 he had won from the "sucker," anu also the $5
Swann had paid for checks, and remarking, "I'll be back in a
minute, and give you your money," left the place. The roughf
sneaked after bim one by one, until at last the half-crazed old
man was the sole occupant of the place. When he had waited a
full hour, and no dealer made his appearance, he began to " smell
a rat." " Sold, sartain I" he ejaculated. He picked up the lay-
out fi-om the table, and pinned it to bis shoulder, allowing it to
bang down his back below his knees, in such a manner that all
the cards were in full view, from the ace to the king. He then
pitched the checks into the card -box, and placed it under bis arm.
In such a manner that the brass eagle and thirteen stars might

374

WANDBRniOS or ▲ VAOABOXIK

bo sceu by every [xtmuu whu puHaed biui. Id bU other band be
touk tbo (luubug-box, uud tUus uccuutrud tuado bla appouruuco
uu tbu Htroot. Tbo uld follow wuti iuuuvdiutcly HunoiuiUud by
a ciowd of boys, uearly nil of wbutu wcro woll ocquulutud witb
bis occciitrlcitluu, and followed witb uuearlbly bootbigH uud Hboitt-
iu(;8 of approval, and wbo,on cntcliiug ulgbt of any of tboir com-
rades, would cry out, "Como bero, boys; old Swann's tuck In a
farrer-bauk at last !"

It was tbo last be ever captured. He never gave any reason
wbatovor for tbo change in bis conduct, but was never known
to play at faro afterwards, neitbcr did bo over enter a gambliag-
bouso.

Uo persistently refused to give up tbo tools, tbougb tbe money
duo bill), $120, was considerably more tban tbey were wortb, and
was epoatedly offered bim in excbauge ; but bo refused every
overture, and swore tbat untold wealtb could not induce bim to
part witb tbem.

Tbe roughs seldom extracted more than (100 from any one
t>ersou, when amusing tbem witb check games or other recrea-
tions of that stamp. In fact, such a sum as that would be consid-
ered by them a big haul. Of this kind of plunder, twenty-five
per cent, went to tbo bouse, and tbe balance being divided up
between tbe dealer .and tbe roper who brought tbo "gull."
Tbey gave to tbe cappers whatever they pleased. A few of tbe
proprietors of these "traps," like Robbins, would not permit any
"check games" to go on in tboir places, and when a dealer
wished to put up a bank, tbey required bim to put up bis money
in advance, and themselves gave checks for the amount, aud,
moreover, watched bim closely that he did not over-play himself.

But if a " sucker " got into the dealing-chair, every art known
to the roughs was put in practice to rob him of his money, and
not only "suckers," but the shrewdest of dealers foil victims
to their machinations. Tboir checks would be corked, tbo
horse-hair played on them, or perhaps bets dropped on them, and
frequently all three of these artful scbeinos were put in opera-
tion at one and tbe same time. As many of my readers may not
be posted up on tbe modus-operandi of these arts, I will en-
dop'-or to describe them, as far as in me lies, for their benefit.
It is said that "corking" first originated at the " Tapis Franc,"
Ann street, New Tork. I am not in a position to either contra*

rr.'?^rr*^trtv\\r"J'-' ^ ''. r *""'~

I'y*^

lU other boDd be
10 bla ai)p«)ui'uuco
ly Hunoiuicled by
ocqualuled wilb
K)tiiiga uud Mliout-
ttuy of tliolr coiu-
JwauD'a tuck lu a

gave nny roaaon
was never knowu
ontor a gambllng-

though the money
y wore worth, and
ho refused every
aot induce him to

100 from any one
)B or other rccrea-
t would be consid-
inder, twenty-five
) being divided up
•ught the "gull."
ed. A few of the
uld not permit any
ad when a dealer
I put up bis money
the amount, and,
over-play himself.
r, every art known
of his money, and
ealers fell victims
I bo corked, the
pped on them, and
ere put in opera-
ly readers may not
30 arts, I will en-
, for their benefit.
10 " Tapis Franc,"
n to either contra*

V «

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

I.U y£ ** "^

I.I

IZ5

12.2

L° I II 2.0

1.8

L25 III 1.4 ill 1.6

Photographic

Sciences

Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

^i^i.'

CIHM/ICMH

Microfiche

Series.

CIHM/ICMH
Collection de
microfiches.

Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions tiistoriques

WjLF-TnAPS.

375

diet or substantiate that fact, tlierefoie .1 shall pass it over.
It was, at ail uveuts, a very clever -Unice iu a rough way to roli
laro-Uealers. The cfiocks of a laro-bauk are generally sot up
in stacks of twenty each, the dillereut colcrs being placed sepa-
rate, and the piles ranged against the sidf of the card- box, three
or four deep. At the present day card- boxes are not in use, and
the checks are stacked in piles of twenty each, and placed iu'little
wooden trays, made for that purpose. It has generally been the
custom in gambling-houses to leave the checks on the table all
night ; however, a manipulator may cork a set of checks at any
time while a game is not going on, if he desires. It is accom-
plished by taking ten or fifteen checks fiom one of the back
piles. To hide this theft, a potato or a carrot of the same size
as the check in circumference, and precisely the height of the
fifteen extracted checks, is put iu their place, and the five left
in that pile is i)laccd on top of this vegetable or wood, and the
deception is perfect. In this manner the checks from four or
five of the back piles are abstracted ; more often but two or
three are stolen, for fear that the taking of too many might lead
to detection. The dealer, on opening his game, seeing before
him the usual number of stacks of checks, is satisfied, and when
the game has gotten well under way, the stolen checks would
be played in upon him. Sometimes the thieves around the traps
would not give the dealers a chance to win the stolen plunder,
but "palm it" to some of their pals and let them get the money
for it. On the occasions when this state of things happened,
a grand row was the general result if the bank was broken,
about the bank over-playing itself, some of the betters having
checks and no money in the bank to redeem. If the checks
were stacked up the fraud was at once discoverable, from the
finding more checks than the piles designated. In " traps " where
everything was conducted "on the square," the piles of cheeks
were examined every morning, to make sure that they had not
been tampered with iu this way; but with those who run their
dens on the " grab-all " principle, corking was one of their reg-
ular devices for ridding a verdant dealer of his money.

Dropping on a banker is probably coeval with the earliest
playing of all games of chance. It is generally done at faro,
while the dealer is making his turn. For instance, the opera-
tor seats himself in front of the table, and, while the dealer is

376 WANDBRIKGS OF A VAGABOIfD.

makiDK Uis turn, all eyes being concentrated on the dealing-box
j; see tui result, in the meantime he can drop, unperceived, a
pUe of checks, coin, or bank-notes behind the three caixls near-
est him. should he see that neither of these cards is the losing
one- thus, by a trick, having a chance to win, and none to lose.
Dropuiug money on games has been practiced successfully upon
the shrewdest faro-dealers in this country; but only when
they have placed too much conQdence in the honesty of those
who were guilty of so dastardly a deed. Even the loosest charac-
Z bearing the name of gambler would hesitate before he perpe-
trated such an act, knowing it would close -g^^n^^^ h'm tj« ^oor^^
of every respectable gambling-house where the monstrous
meanneTs became known. Such acts, however have been ar^d
will be repeatedly done by a certain class of ouisiders-men, too,
moving tn good society, who imagine the <' besting ' of a gamb-
Sr no difference by what means, is an able piece o( finesse, and
will add a feather to their caps, instead of being a dishonorable
action reprobated by all right-minded people.

Z Doctor L,yden opened in Philadelphia, in the summer of
1856 a faro-bank with a declared limit of one hundred dollars
S. A man named Kelly, a prominent political leader was
p?aying against the game one night, who was also a n^an of some
weS He laid a folded bank-note behind the ^ue^'^^f y«'^J|
man named Cheatham was deahng at the time ; he took up the
note, examined it, and found its denomination to be $oO. ue
?hn placed it back where it had lain at first j it ^as won by the
bank Several bet. of the same amount were won and lost, unt
finally the dealer turned for them without exa.mination. On
one of these bills losing, Kelly snatched it "P^a°dnl.^e a move-
ment in a passionate manner, as if he were going to tear the bill
in two pieces between his fingers, but as ^^^^^^ '^'Z^Zu^vSr
self and acting as if ashamed of his ungentlemanly behavior,
threw JheWll over to the dealer, who, on enfolding it^d^covered
it to be a flftv-doUar bill. Twice in succession did Mr. Kelly
perform this pantomimic feat. He was a Po^i^ca rowdy lea^^^^^^
Sd consequently a man of might in the community, and the
Sealer was obliged to submit to his »"le eccen^r« On
the third time the note won, and on examination, Mr. Cheatnam
discovered it to be a $1,000 bill. Cheatham, without saying a
word, payed the bet with a stack of red checks valued at $100.

dealing-box
iperceived, a
) cards neat'
i is the losing
none U> lose.
;essfully upon
; only when
esty of those
loscst charac-
bre he perpe-
him the doors
le monstrous
lave been and
jrs — men, too,
;"of agamb-
)f finesse, and
, dishonorable

;he summer of
indred dollars
sal leader, was
a man of some
iieen. A young
he took up the
) be $50. He
ras won by the
I and lost, until
mination. Ou
I made a move-
to tear the bill
■ecovering him-
lanly behavior,
ig it, discovered
, did Mr. Kelly
il rowdy leader,
lunity, and the
entricities. On
, Mr. Cheatham
without saying a
valued at $100.

Kelly insisted on the noie being paid in full: the dealer re fused.
"Pay it d— n quicli," roared Kelly, "or I'll get into that drawer
and take it." But the blufif failed to have the desired effect; it
was not exactly the way to get money from the fiery Cheatham,
who could bluff as loud and as long as tho best of them, and
would have beea a dangerous customer from whom to endeavor
to force money; in ordinary cases, by intimidation. But in tho
present instance he had no show; Kelly was above the law in
anything he wished to do to a gambler ; he started to put hia
threat into execution by violence, and was only prevented from
doing so by the remonstrances of some of his more temperate
friends, who pacified him by urging him to await the decision of
Doctor Boyden, at that time sick in his room at the Interna-
tional Hotel. Billy Cheatham positively declined to pay any more
than $100, the avowed limit of the bank. <'What, pay yoa
$1,000, you big thief I Why, you've already lost that bill twice,
and then snatched it up and put $50 in its place. Playing a
drop game, are yef Who ever heard of you betting $1,000 on
auythingt It 'd shake the liver out of ye ! At any rate if ye did
'twould be with the expectation of stealing a thousand !"

Billy's tirade hero received a check irom one of Kelly's fol-
lowers, who sung out, " Is it Kelly wouldn't bet a thousand dol-
lars? Faith he would that, an' Philadelphia on top av it if the
humor seized liim, at the toss av a copper."

"Oh! pay the money, Cheatham, d — n it, and don't try to crawl
out of it that way," chimed in another friend of Kelly's.

"If he dont, I'll fling the weasen-faced puppy out o' the
winder !" roared another gentleman, who evidently contained a
considerable quantity of whiskey.

"A nice rooster to cum here and swindle one o' the boys!"
bawled another worthy.

"Oh, the devil, Cheatham! pay the money, can't you, and let's
go on with the game," chimed in an impatient individual at the
table.

" That's right, Billy, what yor turn fur ye've got to pay," was
the verdict of another. Not a single voice was raised in favor of
the bank, and though several persona were present who would
not countenance such a fraud, they prudently held their peace,
not daring to express an opinion contrary to that of Kelly and
his party.

373

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

Cboatham now sent a mossongor to Boydon for instructions,
who, having hoard tho particulars of the atfair, directed the
money to bo paid in full aud the game to be continued. The
result proved tho wisdom of his course. Kelly lost back to tho
bank tho thousand dollars of which he had defrauded it, and
about two thousand more, and duruig a three weeks' play the
game won about $10,000.

Having so far digressed, I shall mention another instance of
the "drop-game," which occurred in Toledo, Ohio, in 1868. The
swindler in this case was one of tho best practicing lawyers in
tho place, moving in the highest circles, and wealthy. In the
city was a faro-bank, dealt by a resident gambler, at which he
was a constant player, and having been at about that period
a loser to a considerable amount, he conceived the idea of get-
ting some of it back, by robbing the proprietor through the
"drop-game." Tho limit of this game was $50, and he well
know that, even if he succeeded in dropping a thousand dollar
bill against it, he could not bully this banker into paying' it, m
tho despicable manner in which Kelly had Boyden. Consequently
a few days before putting his game into execution, he borrowed
of the banker $1,000, who, having every confidence in his in-
tegrity, loaned it to him without the slightest hesitation, asking
for no acknowledgment whatever in return. Shortly after this,
while playing at the game, he bet a folded note, which won, and
being unfolded proved to be a $1,000 bill. The dealer oflfered
to pay it with $50, the avowed limit of his game. The law-
yer insisted on payment being made to the full amount of the
bill, which the banker emphatically refused. "Then I'll pay
myself," retorted the lawyer; "I owed you a thousand dol-
lars, and now I owe you nothing." He excused this outrage-
ous conduct by saying that when he bet the note he did so
under the impression that its value was but ten dollars; but
that at gambling mistakes went for nothing, and as the bill was
turned for without anything being said about its value, the bank
was bound to pay the full amount.

Had the dealer, as was undoubtedly his duty, examined the
bill before he turned for it, and not have placed so much confi-
dence in men just because they were wealthy and bore the
stamp of respectability, he would not have lost his $1000, and
one of bis best customers with it.

WOLF-TRAPS.

379

r instructions,
, directed the
iitiuued. Tlie
It back to the
audod it, and
eeks' play tlie

ler instance of
), in 1868. The
ing lawyers in
althy. In the
r, at which he
ut that period
le idea of get-
r through the
), and he well
liousand dollar

payinj^ it, in
, Consequently
1, he borrowed
3nce in his in«
3itation, asliing
)rtly after this,
which won, and
) dealer offered
me. The law-
amount of the
"Then I'll pay

thousand dol-
a this outrage-
note he did so
en dollars; but

1 as the bill was
value, the bank

, examined the
i so much confl-
Y and bore the
t his $1000, and

But, as fashionable novel-writers are fond of saying, " mr,mn<,
a nos moutons," or, to speali more correctly, in thi« i )st lo to
our " wo i-traps." It w.is in these that the -horsc-l " ;, "
was first put m practice, and successfully played un,mLovlrv
sharpest dealers who set up banks .hero fi mm-c ttn uj
months belore being detected. When '-dropping down "on the
dealer would not be tolerated, the "horslhair game" was

in thl , '"" r'-'"'''''' ""'' ""''-P'^P'^'-^ ^'^^ «^er used
wer«^hn T/ T r'""' '^''''■""^ "f P>'^y'"e upon case-cards
were obliged to tax thoir memories in order to do so. To play

the -horse-hair game" scientifically, required two persons, a
full board of players, and many bets on the lay-out. The ma-
nipulator took a position in front of the table and played small,
until one of the cards near him became " dead." This card he
made his base for operating. His " pal," immediately upon its
becoming "dead," placed upon it a couple of stacks of white
checks of about twenty each. The operator places behind these,
ten or fifteen red ones, to the bottom one of which is attach'
ed the end of a horse-hair, the other end being fastened to one
of his vest-buttons. For example, we will say that the "dead »
or base-card, is the Jack, next i^ on the lav-out are the ten and
queen and four or five of the^e cards are still in the dealing-box.
Should he see one of these cards come winning, while the
dealer is making his turn, and all eyes are concentrated on the
cards as they fall from the box, ho leans gentlv back in his chair,
and as he does so the movement drags the stack of red checks
from otl the Jack, taking in the winning card behind it. This
tnck could be played two or three times during a deal, and on a
verdant dealer twice as often. It was finally first detected one
day, by a "sucker," who was playing in one of the "traps." He
was petrified by the extraordinary spectacle of a stack of red
checks creeping slowly from off a card, without any visible
means of locomotion. After watching them for a moment in
d.azed silence, he gave vent to his amazement by bawling out.
Look .' look !" pointing at the same time to the traveling checks,
darned if them there checks ain't alive!" It is needless to
add that this led to the discovery of the trick.

380

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

CHAPTER XXX.

SnAKP PRACTICE.

The story I am about to relate was considered, some twenty-
fl Jor thiny years ago, a good joke. When such frauds were
LcceL X carried out.'their perpetrators enjoyed their dishonest

tte r^aS ::Z:^t:^^^^^^^ ta.e a
Kp ' AuT for how many a bare-faced robbery has thismiser-

"fn'Z city ot St, Loui., dnrtag the summer of 1844, oneof
gambler, ^»^« '^^^ '^ ^'^'^■J^"'' '" the d "cove" in the

Sr m^nUr C dS^o r/old and diamonds which
deconitedhia person while limping along tbo streets he mvana-
Srheld in h^ mouth a massive gold pencil, and as the end
Drotiuded beyond the side of his face, a large brilliant flashed
Ck tie rays of the snn or the light from the gas-lamps upon
alThe merand a handsome gold-headed cane was his constant
comoanion When the remains of Mr. Ashby were planted
benS the Z and he was no more seen in the places wh.h
lately knew him, cynical and envious persons belonging to his
p^oLioTwere not wanting, who insistedthathisdem.se was

SHARP PRACTICE.

38]

some twenty-
» frauds were
beir dishonest
ind when the
sxposcrt to the
rho victim of
mthy from his
lo world; the
if he couldn't

rather to rid
)mehow would
straight-laced
jouldn't take a
has this miser-

the gambling
r committing a
5 general con-
nathing of hla

of 1844, one of
ear-eyed, lame
nes Ashby was
"cove" in the
srson with more
r the matter of
liamonds which
ets, he invaria-
md as the end
arilliant flashed
ras-lamps upon
ras his constant
' were planted
he places which
elonging to his
his demise was

greatly hastened by the enormous weight of Jewelry wi,a which
ho was nccustoined to burden himself (Uiiiiij.; his life Ashby
was very gcncniliy disliked by the si)i)rtiii>- •Vtteiiiity, as niucij
because of liis vanity and foppishness as f r his retiiont and
unsociable disposition. His furo-bunk, wliicli had played for the
space of two years with more than average luck, had lightened
the pockets of many of them, which did not tend to do away
witli or soften their animosity.

Among those wlio had played frequently at Ashby's bank,
with luck pretty generally on the wrong side, was a humorous
genius from Georgia, named Morton, much l)ettcr known by the
sobriquet of "Georgia John." He was considered a good gamb-
ler, but his improvident habits, and his inordinate fondness for
•'fighting the tiger," kept him Impoverished. His genial and
generous disposition and his many companionable qualities made
him a universal favorite with allwith whom he came in contact,
and from many of them he wheedled checks to gratify his passion
for playing against the bank. Although he was generally in the
habit of losing his money with the best grace, the frequent
Bcouriugs which had overtaken him at Ashby's liad made him
rather peevish, and disposed at times to let fly some of his pun-
gent sarcasms at the devoted head of Ashby, in revenge for his
heavy losses. The waspish nature of this latter gentleman was
not destitute of the exponent of a sharp tongue with which to
parry and tlrust, and the consequence was that some by no
means gentle bantering took place between himself and "Geor-
gia."

The latter, after one day losing his last dollar against his
bank, remarked to Ashby, "If ever I have one-tenth part as
much good luck against this cursed bank as I've had bad, I'll
send that jewelry of yours kitin' to the pawn-shop, and have
you walking the streets like a picked goose."

"Too much o' the white-washed nigger in you for that, Geor-
gia. You'll never be any account till I own youj I'm certain I
shall, some day. All I'm keeping my game open for 's to win
you!"

"I s'pose you'll take good care o' me then, won't you?" In-
quired " Georgia."

"The best in the world," returned his tormentor. "I'll only
flog you three times a week, and give you an extra dozen or bo
Sundays."

388

WAXDEniXCS OF A VAGABOND.

From that momeut "(ioor^-iu's" niiu.l was uiado up to give Asl'-
bj a chance to win Imn. Ho n,adc his plan known to a h .n.l
Su. ha.l lVe.,nuntly Htuknl l.i.n t.. play la.u, and who was n-
se a hiKh roller against that hiKhly lascinath,, mst.tat.on. I na
,„„„acnUto KC'"tlon,an was a horse-.lrover and also ownc^o a
hu-«o farn, on tho Mlssonri river, near Loxn.Kton '» ';^\^^ak.
Liko tho ninjority of th..so who trade in that <l"^^f ^° ' '"'j-
horse-flesh, i,e was not over-serupnlous as to I'-v^ '>"-«'' «
„i„nev, provided his liberty was not endangered b Ins tian. ac-
uZ: llo made frcMiuent visits to St. Lonis, and w u e there
Lesi.h^s attending to his regular business -'f '''ved to spend
considerable tin>e fighting tho tiger, notably '"""'•• >f
tainodby Mr. Ashby; and tho tiger had decidedlj tho best of
tho bargain. This gentleman then having a small axe ol Ins own
TgrS in tho .ay of getting even with Ashby, co.^-U.d -Hi
alacrity to assist Morton in his plans. Ho called on A b>,
and informed him ho had a likely negro, whom he had uused,
Z if he wanted to win him at faro at $.5.)0, ;o could do so.

-'Niggers aro money," replied that worthy. ' »""« "'°
along and let n.e see him, if ho^s worth $.5()0 I'l play for In-

N? better delineator of negro character than " Georgm ver
attained celebrity in tho annals of burnt cork. He ^ou d havo
nrnde an invaluable "end man." He con d imitate ^^y ' jj'^f,
of negro character, from the dandefted "«>!«'•« VTw'io
down to the lowest fleld-hand of the sout^iern Pl^ntat on ho
could assume their gait, speech, and peeuhan.es, until .was
impo.s8ible for even tho liegrocs themselves to detect tlio j-l ^a ;
Having mad. the acquaintance of some negro minstrels the
performing in the city, they fitted him up a '^nAfr,ea,ne
and -.vnen he pre.sente.l himself before his "massa" for approva ,
he appeared a regular cotton-field nigger. Eph. Horn himself
could not have surppsscd him.

"Here's that ImIv I spoke of, Mr. Ashby; see how you hlce
him"" said the drover, presenting " Georgia" to that gentleman

'%^fve?arrerl.s were present at tho time, and "Georgia" at
once became the centre of attraeti..n, but his ff "/^/^'^.^ "";
penetrable. His own mother could not have detected him, so
well did he assume the character bo represented.

"He's rather short, isn't he?" asked Ashby of the drover,
after taking a close survey of the pretended "chattel.

ptogive Asl'-
u to a \Yw.m\
iho wiis him-
itiition. Tliia
w owner ol' a
in that State.
<ptivo aiticlo,
lio made Ills
y li'iH traiiHac-
i wliilc tlit'rc,
ived to spend
animal niain-
lly the best of
axe of his own
•onsonted with
led on Awliby,
lie had raised,
)uld do so.

"IJilng him
play for hi.n."
Georgia" ever
Ho would have
itc every pliaso
3d gentleman,"
plantation; he
P8, until it waa
tect the cheat,
minstrels then
'^L'A/ricaine,''
i" for approval,
h. Horn himself

36 how you like
that gentleman

id "Georgia" at

lisguise was im-

lotected him, so

f of the drover,

lattel."

SUAIU' I'UACnCK.

pliedTo l^"^ "'''" '"^' ""' '^^ ^" « '^<^' «' -'k/' re.

"How old is he V incjuircd Asldjy.

"Twenty-eight years. He was raised on my place, an' I'll
eusm-o hnn to bo sound in every respect," rei.li.fi L pretended

Ashby was seated in the look-out chair during thi.s collonny
while his dealer was C(.nducting the game for the few persona
who were playing. He now turned to " Georgia," and addressed
bim m somewhat the following stylo. "What's your mimo f "

"Jacul», sah! but they calls mo Jake fur short,"

"Where were you raised, Jacobf"

" On de place, sah: ..n I cum down do ribber on do siemeboie
sah." '

" What can you d(t on a farm, Jacobf"

"I'so knows all 'bout dat, sah."

"But what can you do?"

"I'so chops do wood, an' dribes do cattle, an' makes doK ico
plows, dus mos ebryting dey tells mo, I dus!" '

"Can you wait on a gentleman ?"

"No, sah! I dusont knows do gemmena!" replied "Georgia "
stupidly scratching his wig. '

"Well, I think I'll take a crack for Jacob, anyhow," said
Ashby, at the same time roquesting his dealer to rise from tho
chair, that ho might take his place. When ho had done so, he
handed $500 woith of checks to tho horse-dealer, which he bet in
a lively tuno, at least just as much so as the bank would allow
the limit being $25 and $100. The game progressed without a
word being spoken by either.

The novelty of seeing a slave played for at a faro-bank was
something new and exciting to the bystanders, who watched the
game with absorbing interest. Tho sympathies of the crowd
were decidedly with the drover, a tact which could not overbal-
ance Ashby's luck. "Tho boy's yourn, Mr. Ashby," said the
drover, rising from his seat after losing his last check.

Ashby, delighted at his good fortune, leaned back in his seat,
looked towara his captured treasure and asked him jocoselv how
he'd like him "for a master."

"Georgia," who had watched tho game throughout with as much
interest as if bis liberty were really at stake, straightened bim-

384 WANDKRINOS OF A VAOABOND.

self up aua Bald, " I'«o likes yer berry nu.ch "«^««'^- . JT^^j'^ ^^J
g Ike ton bucks tcr buy ia8«clf ...nu, ^ -'J. ^ J ^r u
LuK do gom.uou»f r»o knows svUero .lero'a a bully suit fur

'tSyTr;;.! 'at bis Utoly won cluvttol with blank astonlsU-

'^:^::^zz r :j::irn«bby. wi. uad n. «

to ."c'riiles on tUo faces of ^--^^^l^lll^f t?;;^^-^
Rvllv and his temper not beinj? at all improved oy a
rS' '^e cintinu(!;i. "you Impudent black scoundrel ! Ill gl^o
you ten lashes with a raw -bide." „ ^ ^ j

time, old boy, but you've got mo at last, erica u b
from the room without speakmg a single wora, w u e

negro balls, tbat the cm e ^^^^^ ostracism

moreover, pass an ®^o°'"t' reached the ears

any way 'f «'-f«^''f j]'.^: J. aeorgS,"^ to win it, would

of Ashby, he concluded that «eorS>a' ' «.i:„8"8uch as the
try some masquerading scheme upon ^^^ ,"f' , 8"cn
one by which he bad been so cleverly nnpo ed upon He tti re
fore L a «Py t« --^^,^^*^^^^^^^^^ tasftireman

SriTe? ^yin^'etrn t Louis and New Orleans. Ec

a. Won't yor
r) ho look nlco
Uy suit fur tcu

lank nstonlsh-

hiitl not fiiilod
lycrs at Juko'a
by It. »' That's
idrel! I'll glvo

sport," retorted

tearing off his

"Ashby, you

,fter mo a long

led " Georgia,"

JO of "Georgia"
soon as he had
Izo tlio fact that
cane and limped
i, while deafen-
pursued him far
' In public again

Ashby revenged
he had played so

BO rudely at the
ded not to admit
ing this ostracism
)ne of them, and,
ig expelled, or in
reached the ears
sr to win it, would
ilgs," such as the
upon. He there-
to his aid a free
aan was a fireman
New Orleans. He

SHARP ritACTICE. |||

waa a willing t<K)l In tlio hands of A.sliby, or, In f^t. In the lianda
of any one who would pay him libciaiiy. Ho would stick at
nothing, was capablo ofconiniittlng every crime in tho calendar,
If ho thoiiKlit lio could in any way oscapo punishment, and
could whip everything in the siiapo of a man in tho MisslsHlnul
valley. ' ^

"Georgia," in tho character of a nigger awoll, succeeded ad-
niiral)ly at tho "culled pusHon's" ball, lie spt-nt his money liko
a prince, danced gracolully, and made himself generally agreea-
ble to the colored beautiCH. Tho flattering reception he received
from them, and their evident admiration of tho stranger, roused
tho jealousy of the " bucks," but their extreme politeness in such
cases, and tho sanctity of tho place, would not allow them to
show any rudeness to tho well-dressed stranger openly, but
"Who dat niggerf" "Who os 'imf" "Who knows 'imf" was
buzzed about among tho colored beaux, but these questions no
one could answer. "Georgia" was an unknown. Tho chances
were certainly that ho would win his hot, besides having the
unbounded happiness of passing an evening in the society of the
colored belles; but

" PlfMure* nro llkn popples uprend,
You aeixu the flower, ita bloom U shod."

Buffalo Frank had his eye on "Georgia." He had not lost
sight of him for a single moment since his arrival, but he was
waiting for him to leave the presence of the "ladies." Tho mo-
ment he withdrew from the ball-room to the refreshment room,
Frank seized the opportunity, stepped up to him and inquired,
superciliously, "Wharyou frum, niggahf"

"Frum do ladies, sah! " returned " Goorgia,"with his politest
bow.

"Yer looks a berry shlney nigger," retorted Frank, contempt-
ously ; " dus yer massa buys dese close, or dus yer steel em? "at
the same time rubbing his hand over Georgia's coat-sleeve.

"Look heah, sah!" said "Georgia," Indignantly straightening
hnnself up till he reached tho height of about five feet six inch-
es, and slapping his breast with his open palm, "Dis chile's
his own massa, and buys his own close, and what's more, he's got
de sope to do it wld."

" WJiar dub ye git de sope T " demanded Frank.

■!<pwm

B86 WAHUKKIifGS OF A VAGABOND.

•Tae tears de ribber wide open fur it on de bully Scott," re-

'^''-De buXtott, hey f Dat's do bote ycr ou, i« it? I'se been
lookin' fur 8.mo o' dat bote's niggers solho ti.uc ' said ^ •■'vul^ at
the same time giving him a siu..-- under the eye that sent
him spmwling on tlae floor, where he gave him a most un.nore,-
funacking and thumping- Through the interterence of son e of
the "bucks," he managed to make his escape, almost m rags,
with the loss of his hat and wig.

CHAPTER XXXI.

LEXINGTON BACES.

About a week after our arrival in Cincinnati, the Major one
morning introduced me to a gentleman by the "ame^.f Mn
George Roberts, a resident of Lexmgton, Ky. Mr. Robeits
was f mixed gambler, a man of means ^01^^^ P^^^^-.i ^
ington, and a person of some importance there He ^^^^^^^^^
fortv-flve years of age, married, and was the father of seveial
Sown up eWldren. Ke speculated in slaves, horses, and mules
froves of which he took each winter to the New Orleans market^
ie called himself a lawyer, though he never pranced at the
ba- and took p.n active part in the local pohtics of his place,
and an intt..st In any faVo-bank which happened to stnke his
?ancY and wl.ere he thought there was some money to be made.
HrwrJond of racing, and had at various ti-s owued so-
eood race-horses, did not object to taking a hand a* P«»^«'- »;
?^g If he found ^n easy game, and had a P"g°^>«»J,f ^P^^^ «,"
for fichtlng the tigor. Otherwise he was a peaceably inclined,
S mannered urdlvldual enough. He was. In fact, in for any-
SJmrTmake money, an article for which he entertained the
i uSCnded reve;enee; but had still so great a regard for
SrreSton that he would not for the world that there should
S, r rached to It the odious name of f ™^J-' -^J^J^-
ever he took stock with members of that profession m their bus
inl it was with the express understanding hat his connection
S'them should be strictly under the rose. The M.^or and

) bully Scott," re-

, is it? I'se been
3," sivid Frank, at
the eye tliat sent
1 11 most uninorci-
fereiice of some of
e, almost la rags,

lati, the Major one

the name of Mr.

Ky. Mr. Roberts
ig property in I..3X-
;re. He was about
le father of several
, horses, and mules,
:e\v Orleans market,
er practiced at the
clitics of his place,
)pened to strike his

money to be made.

times owned some
a hand at poker or
gnacious disposition

peaceably inclined,
., in fact, in for any-

he entertained the
great a regard for
•Id that there should
gambler, and when-
ofession in their bus-
g hat his connection
)se. The Major and

LEXINGTON KACES. 397

himself were acquaintances of louj; standing, and he had more
U.ua once been secretly concerned with the' ionner I, "

du t. L '"'' "' "'^''•"'""''' ""'^••' "« ^•'^'f'^^1 occasionally
market. '^'""^ ''''• '"""^"^^ to purchase slaves fur the southern

nn!^Lf"^'"" 7*''" *''"^'''"' *^'"* ^''^ ^'"J'"- •■^"fl nivself should try
our fortune m he city of Lexington, whore, he Informed us n^
faro-bank existed at that time, but material in plenty for sue"
cessfu lly bu.l.ling a good game. Addo.l to these encoura ' ng
facts, the races would commence tfcoro in afew weeks, and would
of course draw many strangers from all parts of the SMrroanding
country " Iwiltake a third interest in y„ur bank, plavaga sf
t myself, and also intro,luce to the game many valua?.le,^"rs
but under no c.rcumstaiices nuist it become known that I am in
any way concerned in the business." Upon being reminded by
the Major that faro-dealers had on divers occasions reeled
pretty rough treatment at the hands of the Lexington authori-
ties he answered, decisively, " Have no fear about that ; you at-

On the strength of this assurance, and the flattering prospects
he opened before us. we concluded to start for Lexington on the

withm two or three days, at the farthest. Ho furnished the Ma-
jor with an introductory letter to a Mr. Baxter, of Lexh,.ton
who he assured us would render us every assistance in his powei^
in%'rr2;t,r''^ --' ^-'^-^'"^^ it. and getting tubings
Arriving in Lexington, we found Mr. Baxter everything he

SrS'T'"'"''''-. H'' P'-"^"'«d f^'-u^a room in the most
desirable vocation m the city, caused it to be properly cleaned

ter o,?;:i ^\}\^'^ond.hmd, but good and substantial; and af.
ter.oure.«nTblishment, which contained but a single r^om, w,xs
fitted up and arranged for the reception of our friends, our en
tire outlay aid not exceed two hundred dollars. By the time we
were ready to open our game, Roberts had returned, and handed
«s one thousand dollars as his portion of the bank monev He
promised he would introduce to us what gentlemen faro-players
he was acquainted with, and would a-so himself play against' the
game, and that his play should be alegitimate one. He als- ^d-

388

WANDERINGS OF A VAUABOND.

Vised US to pav no attention to whatever stories we might bear
concerning iutorfereuco by the authorities, but to place implicit
confidence in bim, as he should t-ko measures for ensurnig oiu-

^'lcxSou, though but a small town, contained many faro-
nlavers some of whom were members of the most respectable
families in the place, and who, as soon as thoy ascortamed a
baThad been set up, called and paid their respects to us so
th"did not want for customers. Mr. Roberts, as he had
IromTscd introduced several valuable ones, and himself played
Strba^r^ order to encourage his friends to do so, but small,
SnJt the course of a week's time lost three hundred dollars.
We onened our game generally at about two o'clock P. M.,
Ised t?orsuppfr,and\fterwards run the bank until one or
two o'clockin the morning. If none of our patrons Im.ug to
our bank large suras, they came often and frequently i the bank
was able to beat them, and they showed no ill J^'^P^' '^v .ot
thPir losses nor hung growling round the tables after the> got

freoiienters of the "wolf-traps " in Cincinnati. ,

AS the time for the races drew near, our business rapuUym-
creld and, as the Major W.XS obliged to divide h.s attention
between our business and the different stables of racers which
were now eonstantly arriving, and cultivating the acquamtance
Tmtod turfmen, I was compelled to secure the services of
fyoanggentlema; resident of the city to assist me m conduct-
fDcthe game. Even B^borts was no longer seen lA air place,
but tWs S not strike me as anything strange his ser aces be-
Sg no longer required. While building up tlie gamo and so
ong as Ss aid waL needed, he had done e-rytl»ng in his pow-
er to help us, but now that our business had gotten fairly estab-
lished his visits grew less frequent. „ . ^

AmonL the many introduced to us by Mr. Roberts, was .one
cot Bowles of Blmore, who had.on t^he race-track a stable
of horsr He w..s a turfman, attended all the race-meemigs
throughout the South and Southwest with ns horses. WLer-
ever he could, he made it a point to secure the gambling pr.vi-
w on Trace-track, and had engaged it for the presen ,.eet-
nf on the Lexington course. In this gentleman's ..am besides
Sf tmSeii rubber8,riders, and racers, there followed a gang

ve might jear
place impl'cit
r ensuring oiu-

ed many faro-
)8t respectable
ascertained a
pects to us, so
rts, as he had
himself played

so, but small,
uidred dollars,
a'clock, P. M.,
li until one or
■ons brought to
iitly if the bank
nper because of

1 after they got
laracters as the

ness rapidly in-
lo his attention
>f racers, which
le acquaintance
the services of
me in conduct-
on ill >. ur place,
his ser 'ices be-
le gamo, and so
liing in his pow-
tten fairly t.=»tab-

Roberts, was .one
^,e-track a stable
le race-meetings
I horses. WLer-

garabling privi-
the present "ceet-
in's .,iain, be,?ides

followed a gang

LEXINGTON KAC£S.

of the lowest sharpers, who were in thoie days in the habit of
infesting race-coun- ., fairs, etc. This small army, numbering
more than twenty persons, was compoi^'jd of strap-players, dice-
coggers, thimble-riggers, marked-card "vingt-et-un" dealers,
snap roulette players, and their carpers. The Colonel, as I
have before mentioned, was accustomed for a certain sum of
money to secure tlio exclusive privilege of a course, v;here he
placed his worthy retainers, each to ply his special vocation. He
furnished to each a table and a certain sum of bank-money,
with which to make a show, nothing more, for at one of these
tables the only earthly chance a greenhorn would have to make
a winning, was to snatch what money was in sight, and thrash
the operators and their cappers and make off with it, and none
but greenhorns ever played at these games. The busiest mo-
ments of Col. Bowles' existence were during a race-meeting.
Besides the care of his trainers, rubbers, riders, aud race-horses,'
he was obliged to watch his sharpers to see that they did not
"sink" on him. "Knocking down" on their "pals" was a
regular part of the vocation of these gentlemen, and well was the
Colonel aware of it. He had secret spies set upon them during
their labors, who reported to him their every suspicious move-
ment, aud should he find any of them net willing to "rake
square," he would fall upon the unluckj wight with a heavy
hickory cane, which was his constant companion; but having a
hard setto deal with, in his frequent encounters ho sometimes
got hold of a customer a little too tough for him, and came out
of the meUe decidedly second best. At the time of which I
write Col. Bowles was an entire stranger to me except by name
and I was perfectly ignorant both of his character and his method
of doing business, as was also the Major. He was a abort, heavy-
set man, rather inclined to corpulency, and though far up in the
fifties, looked younger. His stumpy bandy-legs supported a
powerful frame, while poised upon a short, thick, red-looking
neck, which barely protruded above a pair of broad, round shoul-
ders, was a large bullet-snaped head. His big round face con-
tained a pair of small restless black eyea, which seemed to be
watching everything and everybody at the same time. His
face was deeply pock-marked, besides being otherwise cicatrized
by several ugly scars, the relics, doubtless, of some of those en-
countfcis into which his uagovomable passions were constantly

390

WANDERINGS OP A VAGABOND.

leading bim. The giuiueiits ot tbo Coloiiol were of the richest
uiiiluriul, but "hoivsoy " iu liiee.Mlremc— ;i stylo iimcb attected at
that period by tbo more iguoraiit class of tiiri'meu. lu tbo or-
miuiontal Hue a fine brilliant sparkled iu bis ruflled shirt -bosom,
aud another adorned the stumpy little finger of one of liis coarse
hands, aud a heavily embossed gold fob-chain, with a ponderous
seal attached, dangled against his thigh. In bis hand he con-
stantly carried the highly polished hickory cane before mentioned,
adorned with a golden head. When seated, this weapon or or-
nament, fori am ignorant in which hgbt it was viewed by its
possessor, rested between the legs of the Colonel, and when ho
slept was close to his pillow. Few men have a more exalted
opinion of their own standing and worth than had Col. Bowles.
He knew everybody and everything, whether worth knowing or
not, and had the most contemptible opinion of everybody poorer
than himself. His manners wore coarse and repulsive, and
towards those whom he considered his inferiors, pompous and
overbearing in the extrem-. while to the wealthy or influential
he was cringing and obseciuious. His language, which, to say
the very least, did not smack of the drawing-room, was garnish-
ed by a profusion of oaths and not a few obscene expressions.
He was completely versed in the various qualities of negroes,
horses, dogs, and knew the several rules appertaining to cock-
fighting, horse-racing, and card-playing, by heart, and whenever
a discussion on any of the subjects arose where he was present,
the Colonel was in his glory and monopolized the conversation,
till, to use an old-fashioned expression, " no one could get a word

in edgewise."

Although so entirely t'.ssimilar in natures, manners, and liaoits,
an intimacy to me unaccountable sprung up between Col. Bowles
and M^ior Jenks, perhaps because I had taken a dislike to him
upon his first in^roduction to our place, and had seen nothing
upon closer acquaintance calculated to soften or eradicate my
boyish prejudices. He monopolized the r :)8t of the Majors—
I was about to say, leisure hours-but I shall speak more cor-
rectly when I say the most of tbo Major's time, for it seemed as
if that chivalrous gentleman had not a moment reserved to him-
self except when he slept. As to the bank and myself, we no
longer seemed to occupy any place in his thoughts, and the only
time I eiyoyed his society was while seated at our meals, at the

of the richest
ucb atl'ected at
;u. lu tho or-
3d shirt -bosom,
le of Ilia coarse
th a ponderous
1 hand he con-
fore mentioned,
I weapon or or-
s viewed by its
1, and when he
a more exalted
ad Col. Bowles,
rth knowing or
'erybody poorer

repulsive, and
3, pompous and
ly or influential
e, which, to say
m, was garnish-
sne expressions,
ties of negroes,
;aining to cock-
t, and whenever
he was present,
he conversation,
jould get a word

ners, and habits,
rcen Col. Bowles
a dislike to him
ad seen nothing
or eradicate my
of the Major's—
speak more coi-
for it seemed as
reserved to him-
nd myself, we no
hts, and the only
our meals, at the

IJIXINGTON KACES.

391

hotel table. Col. Bowles had no appetite unless he occupied
the chair by tho side of the Major, and in these hai)py moments
he entertained his friend with tho pedigrees of celebrated race-
horses; the qualities of fine breeds of dogs; his wonderful ex-
ploits on the turf, in the cock-pit, and at the gaming-table.
Tho Colonel always figured as winner in these tales; at least be
never figured in any other role in any of them, except that of a
victorious hero. His field of operation liad been confined en-
tirely to the Southern States, of whose productiors and people,
their manners, habits, aud wealth, he had the most unbounded
and minute knowledge. But from this generous and chivalrlo
race ho had sought as associates but a few of the wealthiest,
most renowned and powerful, who were either lordly planters,
the owners of untold acres and thousands of slaves, or men hold-
ing high political positions, whose confidence he had won by his
fascinating qualities as companion, his incorruptible honesty,
and his wonderful brains. "Why, damn me, M^jor," he would
exclaim, getting enthusiastic on his subject, "if there ain't Judge
L'lcper, o' Charleston, that 'ud put up his last nigger overy time
on my mar' Molly Spiker, if I told 'im to go it !" The Colonel's
words may be written down, but his tone and manner defy de-
scription. Again and again at the dinner-table were the ears of
tho Major, and everybody present besides, regaled with the his-
tory of the celebrated main of cocks fought by himseif and
General Simpkins, of Georgia. The match was for $25,000, and
a $1,000 bet on each fight, fought between Georgia and South
Carolina. " One o' ther greatest victories ever heard on. Major!
Damn me if I don't think a million dollars changed hands on 't !"
It is quite probable that the Colonel had told this story so
often that he really believed it himself, like the convict in the
Missouri State's prison, who, during his five years' incarceration
in that delectable institution, had been in the habit of telling bis
fellow prisoners that he had deposited in tho State Bank of Mi8«
souri, $10,000. Having regained his liberty, he immediately
made for St. Louis, drew a check for the amount, and proceeded
to the bank mentioned, and presented it to the paying-teller,
without a doubt that it would be honored; he had become so
sure, from the constant repetition of the story, that it was true.
" Jack, Col. Bowles desires to take an interest in our room.
He will place Mr. Smiley hi it to assist, and between them both

392

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

they will take ono-half the game. The races commence on
Monday, and we shall have a heavy play during the week, and
may very probably be compelled to open auother bank; there-
foi-o you see it will require more labor, and also more capital to
carry on the game, than we have got. Mr. Smiley is an agrci>-
able gentleman, and capable of getting along smoothly with the
crowd of players we shall probably have to entertain."

These remarks were addressed to me by the Major one day,
before the hour at which wo generally opened our game, and
when no one was present but ourselves. The Mr. Smiley alluded
to was a tall, sicklv, modest-looking individual, extremely reti-
cent and unsocial in his manners, and seemed to care for no
one on earth but himself. Though an attache of Col. Bowles, he
seldom paid him, or in fact any one else, the customary recogni-
tion required by courtesy from one acquaintance to another.
The bond which bound this worthy couple together was at that
time a subject of some speculation to me, but I finally gave it up
as a mystery beyond my solution.

Though prepared for receiving from the Major at all tiit ^s tne
most whimsical and ridiculous suggestions, the present proposi-
tion somewhat startled me; but without showing any feeling
upon the subject, I quietly aaked him if he had saivl ""., t...:'?
about it to Mr. Roberts.

"No, sir," he answered, with some slight asperity) '-rve not
seen Mr. Roberts for more than a week."

" Have you forgotten, sir," I continued in the same quiet tone,
"that he owns one-third of this game, and that it is under his

protection f"

"I have learned, sir, that his protection ia powerless, and our
ffame would have been broken up long ago had it not been for
the influence of Col. Bowles with Mr. Dawson, the City Marshal.
He has more weight with that gentleman than fifty Roberta. No,
•sir, we want no dead-head in our game any longer. He's no
benefit to us, none at all; so let's settle up the game and give
him his money. The Colonel will protect our game, if it needs
protection, which is unlikely, and put up bis money, and don't
want any one to do his work for him. He's the man we want,
not Mr. Roberts."

"I can now see," T said, "what I was somewhat at a loss to
determine before, why the Colonel has been so very attentive to
you, Major." •

jommence on
lie week, and
bank; there-
ore capital to
sy is an agreo-
othly with the
lin."

lajor one day,
lur game, and
Smiley alluded
xtremely roti-
to care for no
Col. Bowles, he
jmary recogni-
ice to another,
er was at that
lally gave it up

at all tin: ^.s the
resent proposi-
Qg any feeling
I said ""/.Li:' (J

rity) '•'I've not

same quiet tone,
it it is under his

rerless, and our
(J it not been for
ae City Marshal,
ity Roberts. No,
longer. He's no
game and give
paae, if it needs
loney, and don't
le man we want,

hat at a loss to
very attentive to

LBXIHGTON RACES.

" I suppose, sir," said the Mr\jor, reddening up considerably,
"you know what you', j talking about?"'

"Perfectly well, Major; and I will also let you know, if you
will listen to nie, in a very few words."

•* Very well ; go ( n, sir," oxclaimod the Major, in his most
digniflod manner.

"The Colonel saw that wo had built up a valuable game, and
is now anxious to get a share in it. He was here before wo came,
had money and a ftvro-dealer at hand. Now, why didn't ho open
a game for himself? Eitlier lie was afraid of the interference of
the autlioritiea, or that ho could not get players. Now, I don't
think, after coming hero under the auspices of Mr. Roberts, and
entering into partnership with him, it would be fair to" declare
him out of the game just at this moment, when it's well built up
and likely to make more nwnoy than it has ever before ; and it's
more than likely ho won't stand any such treatment. I have no
more interest in this room than I want, and I'm not going to give
one cent of it away to Colonel Bowles, or anybody else."

The Major was not prepared for such opposition to his pet
scheme. Though his face reddened with anger, and he moved
uneasily in his cliair, he restrained himself by an effort, and pro-
ceeded to try what ettoct a little persuasion would have on me.
" '.Vhy, my dear Jack, Colonel Bowles is a man of wealth and
honor I He is known far and near as a noted turfman and sports-
man. His friendship alone is worth a fortune to any gambler. He
has the influence requisite to place you in moneyed circles, t ^Lere
you can make a fortune in a year; such opportunities, sir, a man
seldom meets with twice in a lifetime. Now, sir, Mr. Roberts,
whom I know well, cares for nobody but just himself; he knew
there was a faro-game here and no one to deal it ; we answered
his purpose as well as any, so he brought us here, as lie would
have done any others whom he found as capable of assistinghim
to work up a good game as we. He has not been near us for
more than a week, and he is of no benefit to us whatever, that I
can see, and I don't feel disposed to work for such a man ; be-
sides, sir, he has deceived us by telling us he was able to pro-
tect us, when such was not the case. Our game would have been
broken up some days ago, had it not been for Colonel Bowles,
sir!"

" I hope, Major," I replied, "that you have not so far forgotten

894

WANDERINGS OF A VAGArOND.

yourself as to tell Colonel Howies that Mr. Roberts is interested
with us, or that ho is protoctiug our game, after hia particularly
requesting us not to do so ! "

"I have never ao far forgotten myself, sir, as to commit an
ungentlcmanly action," replied the Major, in his stiffest manner.
" I never betray confldeuco, sir I Mr. Roberta' secret is bla own,
not mine to give away."

"Pardon mo, Major, but when you spoko of Colonel Bowles
having kept the Marshal from breaking up our game, and said
that Mr. Roberts was unable to protect it, 1 feared that you had
unguardedly mentioned to the Colonel tho relations existing be-
tween ourselves and Mr. Roberts."

" I have not, sir," rejoined the dignified Major. "Have never
mentioned tho name of Mr. Roberts in tho presence of Colonel
Bowles. Tho latter gentleman casually mentioned to me, some
days ago, that Dawson, tho Marshal, had spoken to him about
our rooms, and said it was his duty to close up our game, and
was oidy prevented from doing so by tho representations of the
Colonel, who exerted all his influence, and finally wrung fromhim
hia consent to allow us to go on until tho termination of the
races, providing no complaints were made against us by any of
tho citizens. Now, Jack, my boy," he continued, " you see just
how matters stand. Because you dislike Colonel Bowles, you
shouldn't stand in your own light ; he's a kind-hearted man, and
has on several occasions spoken very kindly of you ; he says you
certainly have talents, and all you want is good pilotage. Don't
treat his advances cavalierly ! he is powerful, can make and un-
make, and the friendship of such men is not so easily gained,
that one may cast it aside at will for a mere boyish prejudice.
Another opportunity like the present may never again occur,
sir, and I beg of you. Jack, don't throw it away if you have the
slightest respect for the opinion or good wishes of Major George

"Major, I don't like Colonel Bowles, that's true; but I have
seen such men a»he is before, and, with all due deference, allow
me to say that I believe you are his dupe, just as you were that
of Simpson and McGov«>rn. Men don't show such violent friend-
ship for one another on short acquaintance, unless they have got
some purpose of their own to servo in doing so. I certainly think
Colonel Bowles has got a large bundle of private and particular

s is interested
la particuliirly

to commit an
tiffest manner,
cret is bis own,

;.'olontl Bowles
game, and said
d that you had
08 existing bo-

' ' Have never
jnco of Colonel
ed to me, some
1 to him about
our game, and
uitatious of the
wrung fromhim
nination of the
st us l)y any of
, "you see just
lel Bowles, you
jarted man, and
3U ; he says you
jilotage. Don't
1 make and un-
10 easily gained,
lyish prejudice,
er again occur,
if you have the
)f Major George

rue ; but I have
deference, allow
s you were that
!h violent friend-
iss they have got
I certainly think
e and particular

LBXINOTON BACKS. ggg

vonr t ?^"^ '"*'' ^'™""^ '" '"' "'° «»S8*^«tions he is making for
your and luy government, and that of our game. Uow do voi
know whether he is telling you the truth, when he says Dawso^
wanted to break up our bank f You have nothing but his woS

hll ir M^*""' ''""? ""'■ ""''^'•'^"•ould leave his^„<,nev in thU
bank if there existed the rem<,test danger of it's beiugVaided-
he's too sensible a man for that. Didn't he warn u tt b leve
no stones wo m ght hoar, but to rely on his protection f A fw
as Colonel Bowles' wealth and influence are concerned Idon*[
beheve it will over benefit us in the smallest degree 3 on one
thn.g I an. determined, and that is that ho is not gomg to Tnter!
fere with me or my business. I am now going to Mr Kobem'

the nature of your proposition, ho is willing to accent it I shall
draw out of the game, and you and I, Maj'or, must pa;t com

ri Jr*"" ^r^'^f ^^''^^'^ ''^"'^ ''"^''y '"'"^ *''« ^•'Jo'' rose from his
chair, and said, m a cold, calm voice, accompanied by one of Ma
most polished bows, " Let the matte.' rest whe.-e it isjrlllban
expla.n your objections to Col. Bowles, and that w II be qu.te
8ufflc.e..t, sir ! He imagined, when ho oflered to take an inter S
in our bu8.ness, that he waa doing us a favor by lending us his
countenance and protection, and I can assure you, sir, I thought
the same myself; but, si,-, a« your wisdom chooses to see the
matter .n quite a different light, I beg that you will forget that
we ever had the subject under discussion." Having closed his
speech with the greatest politeness and dignity, he threw his
cane under his arm, as was his custom when irritated, and, with
the 8tr.de of a Roman senator, left tlio room

Immediately he left the place I started for the residence of
Mr. Roberts, w.th the purpose of learning from him exactly how
far we ra.ght rely on his protection, and to inform him of the re-
ported tlireats made by the City Marshal, but under no circum-
stances did I mean to let him know of the proposition for so un-
ceremon.ously turning him out of the business-a regard for mv
old fnenu, as well as policy, forbidding me from broaching the
subject. On reaching the house I was informed by the servant
who answered my ring that Mr. Roberts was in Cincinnati ; had
been gone already five days, and was not expected back bofor«
the next Saturday night. It was now Thursdav, and the races

896

WANDBRrWGS OF A VAOABOKD.

would commence on the following Monday. The absence of Mr.
Roberts, the strange Indifferencu be bad shown ol lute reya.dp.g
our business, the fact of bis leaving the city without even cunnng
to apprize us of his intention, together with the prcsoni a«i«3.-t
of affairs, all conspired to arou«e within n.y bosom for tbo iir»t
time angry feelings towards tbo absent gentleman. Had it not
been for the little misunderstanding between the Mnjor and my-
self, and the information which he had obtained from Col.
Bowles about Mr. Dawson, the City Marshal's wish to wipe out
our bank from tlie soil of old "Kentuck," I dare say I should
never have thought of anything of the kind ; but as it wa-s my
mind became the prey of anxious thoughts, and I felt a «tiong
presentiment of coming evil, which, however It might then lark
reason, proved not to be groundless In the future, as events wdl

flllOW

On the morning following our conversation just related, while
the Mf^jor and myself were at breakfast In our hotel. Col. Bowles
approached the former with an air of the greatest mystery, and
whispered in his ear, "Sorry to disturb you, Miijor, but the fact
is, I've heem sunthln' I thought you oughtor know." In order
to give his words their full effect, he seated himself on a chair
next to the Mt^jor, and having comfortably arranged himself, he
put up his hand to the side of his mouth and said, in a low, mys-
terious voice behind It, "There's sunthln dark, out, sure!
Bunthin rotten ! " and as he spoke, he divided his attention be-
tween myself and the Mi^jor, looking first towards one, and then
towards the other. It was the very first time he had over
deigned to notice me, although I had been thrown frequently
into his company, both in our hotel and In the gambling-room,
but he had always studiously Ignored my presence. I believed
bim to be a vain, arrogant, and selfish man, and, withal, a lying
blatherskite, and these causes had induced a strong dislike n
my mind towards the man, which was not, to say the least, in
any respect lessened by the indifference with which he always
treated me, for It is the nature of youth to sooner forgive a se-
rious ii\jury than a slight. , , , ^ , y. a
"Why, what do you mean, sir?" demanded the astonished
Major, turning round in his chair and gazing Inquiringly into the
pock-marked face of the Colonel.

"I tell you, M^Jor, there sunthln rotten, as sure as my name s
Jack Bowles."

absence of Mr.
■ luic rt'y;iinli'ig
ut even coming
prcsoul. asiHsct
»m for the first
II. Had it not
Mnjor and u»y-
incd from (."ol.
ish to wipe out
ro say I should
t as it was, my
I felt a strong
might then lack
B, as events will

3t related, while
)tel, Col. Bowles
St mystery, and
jor, but the fact
now." In order
nself on a chair
nged himself, he
id, in a low, mys-
lark. out, sure!
lis attention be-
ds one, and then
ne he had over
irown ficquently

gambling-room,
ince. I believed
1, withal, a lying
strong dislike in

say the least, in
which he always
>ner forgive a se-

i the astonished
iquiringly into the

ure as my name's

UCXINOTON RACXS.

397

"Good gracious ! What do you moan, sir V

••When we parted hvst night, you know "-the Mf^or nodded
U, in inmte that he did know-- wall," continued Bowles "l
mJT T ?"*^'' «'"«'««-'^»»««. «>•• thar 1 c.,u.e across ole

tell jou non, Mi^or, and when Jake Bowles tells you he knows a
man, go your money on it ! " ^ " •^"""'' «

thl'M"!' ^"Z"""'' ^ »°'l'"'8tand. But what took place f inciuired
the M^jor, becoming alarmed.

timT""'. *'"' ^T ™" '""' "''» ^>'^" ^« «"* ter talking about ole
warnu.r„nT "f""^ '''"•''''"« '" """^ K''°^'"-'««' "!"«'' kinder
truth outer them sly old ones. Wall, at last ho asked me about
you and who yer was, an' what yor wus u d.win on down thar
in yer rooms every night. He went tor work in a devilish quiet
way a fust, just as if ho didn't care a d-n fur what 1 o Vus a

tohlnd T°f ; n'' ' '*'" ""^"'^ 'l"'^'^ *'"^' ^'■'^■' ^'^« «""t^iu
«!f„T;,, . ''''" y°" """^ " ies|)ectal.lo gentleman from Uich-
mond thot you was here to 'tend the races, and how the boys
played poker of a night in yer room. Ho sorter cut mo short off
here at this p'int, and said that faro was played there a d-n
Bight ofteuer than pokor, an' then ho cums right out an' shows
his hand. Says he, 'Look a here, Bowles,' says he, 'I'm a friend

thItT„'r« t'^ r '''"'f°' ''■ ^■'''■'^•° «"^ ^">'t»^*"e to do with
that there crib git outer it, cos several religious persons has

made complaints about it ; they say young men go thar an' lose
it nohow 1^'' '' ^°"^^' ^'^^ ^''' "*''"'''' ''"' ' ''''°'* ^^^'^

"Great God!" cried the Major, excitedly springing to his feet.

Let's pack up and get away from here. Jack! I wouldn't be
arrested here for the damned infernal State !"

i'^^v."^./?''^ ^*"*®' *««'" remarked the Colonel, scorning to
etyoy the Major's uneasiness hugely.

"Yes!" retorted the irate Mj\jor, "so damned good, sir, that
they ought to put a stone fence around it, to prevent anybody
from getting mto t Come on, Jack, let's pack up and leave!
We can't be too quick about it !" i i' u loavw

" Now hold on, M^jor! don't fly off at the handle. When Jake
Bowles is a friend to a man, yer kin go yer life on him ! Let me
work this here busmess. I don't believe it's es bad as yer think

398 WANDKniNOS or ▲ VAOAnOSD.

by a d-n slffht," sal.l the worthy Cdoiiol, with a knowlnR wink.
<'01c Myorsi Uo'8 w.rlii.iK fur u puliu, I.o'h l.-l '>» luoi.oy, and
I bollovo that's hlH Kanio. I undorHta.ul thoso mattcrH, Mi^,..r,
better '» vou d.., and you jost lot .no inanatfo 'on.. Ho can t pull
yo h tnsolf, the ole cuJs , Dawaon .loos that thoro a..d he a ..u.u,,
So boat friond I've got in tho wo,ld, a.ul if he han - u >^
he'll lot .no k.,ow ti.no enough to git yor out of ^'^ '' "J ;''("; ^
«nnn,l hot vor Ufo OH 't. You trust tor Jako n.«wlus, M.\|or,
To' ulstXl toll yer! Ro you Jlst koop cool 'tlH • - >.r
Sgain." With which ad.nonltio.. tho Colo.iol dopr vod m of his
C itlnur society. Tho MaJ<.r was In no fra.no ot .nind to hood
S t ko cool, on tho co.U.-ary. ho worked hi.nsolf np to
So boiling point, a.id fumed, a.,.l raged, a.ul cursed the whole
8t!te of Kentucky, a.ul everything which grow upo,, it scjl
Roberta came in for a double shaio in his denunclatio. s. The
int a scoundrel, sir, to docoy a gentlo.nan a.noug tblcves and
then abandon hi.n I I'll give tho Hleek-to..g.,ed knave a pio^ of
my mind when we moot hi.n I Lot .no got back to Virginia once
SorC and If ever I leave there again, may I never get back
Xo" I was too wise to put myself within the circle of the
whirlpool of his wrath by making any suggestion, even had I
been capable of otToring a.iy, wlilch I was not. The nMioo
matter was, from begi.nung to end, a .nuddlo to mo, an.l tho o.,ly
iTkeUhord of .. solutt.., which I could perceive was the p,-eso.,co
of MrRoberts. Much as I distrusted Col. Bowles, aftd u.iscru-
pulous as I believed him to bo, it never once flashed across ray
mind that he was playing us a very dirty trick, and the ujterest
he was showing in our affairs 1 looked upon as a sort of free-
moso^fry existing among gamblers, which made It arbitrary upon
Zn to protect each other against all outside danger rcga.dless
of their petty slights or professional jealousies. I tried to appear
"al Sman7unc'oncer..ed as I could before the M^vi^r, but the
^end U.ieaslnes3 was tightening his hold upon me. I recalled he
frequent lokes of some of our players, who, while I was doa^ng
Lo for them, would say, "Old Darson would make a di e in
npon us when wo least expected It some tmio.' I also recol cc -
ed the stories I had heard them relate, of ga.nbler8 having their
tools burned before the court-house door, and the owners being
locked np until their la.st dollar was leeched from them by ras-
cally officials. The iron-barred doors and windows of tho Lex-

cnowlnR wink,
u mtmoy, ivnd
lattcrs, Miij.tr,

Ho ciin't pull
mid Iiu'h mine,
as to pull yt!.',
! wiiy safe ivntl
Uowiurt, Major,
'till I SCO yor
•ivetl us of Ilia
r luiml to heod

hiinHi'ir up to
raod the whole

upou Its soil,
latlous. " The
ug thieves and
navo a piece of

Virginia once
lovor get back
10 circle of the
on, even had I
t. Tlio whole
10, and tlin only
X8 the presence
38, Jiftd unscru-
shed across ray
uid the interest

a sort of free-
i arl)itrary upon
ngor, regardless
tried to appear

Miijor, but the
5. I recalled the
s, I was dealing
make a dive in

1 also recoUcct-
ers having their
ho owners being
im them by rna.-
ows of the Ijex-

LEXINOTON KACE8.

300

ington Jail, which I have ho often viewed from the strort with
Huc.li Huprcino Ju.liirenMiro, now IimiiucI durkly l)..r..io inv im-
agination, lilio Boiuo fabuioun niouHtur ready and waiting tii de-
vour mo.

Uoforo tlie sounding of the boll for dinner, tlie Colonel again
met tlie Major, with an exultant looji upon lii.s pock-marked
coiiutenanro. " I've lixed it all right. Major; kick riglit along!
Ah long as Jake Bowles is anmml ycr all right, bpt vor life on 't!"

"But what security liavo wot Tell mo tliat,'" domandea the
excited Major.

" Neow, Major, when a feller talks on ticklish .subjects with
yor big guns, he's got tor keep his Jaw closed aliout it. I've
whipped my horse to his full speed, olo Imy, an' 'tw(ml(lu't do to
tell tales al)out it outer school. But I'll tell yor this mucli, yor
Hhan't fall inter nobody's dutclies; I've tlirowed tlie tlag downoa
that, bet yor life on 't. If olo .Myers should make a divo for yo—
an' he's moan enough to do anything— I'll know it in time
ter get yor outer the way. Trust Jako Bowles fur that," said
that gentleman, tipping tho Major one of his most knowing winks
The latter thanked the Colonel for tho deep and active interest
he hail taken in his atTairs, but positively refused to ai)proach
near the faro-room while his liijorty was menaced, as he stylod
It. I told him that if wo ever expected to open our game again
It should bo done now, f(.r if wo closed, our patrons would be
taken with a scare, and wo siiouid lose tliem. I told him I should
go right away and attend to business as if nothing had happened.
Ho answered mo, "Do as you please, sir, but I shall not go near
the room." Up to this period our bank had boon about $;J,000
winner. I went over to our room, where I found a crowd of play-
ers awaiting my coming and the opening of the game, and when
I had done so a vry lively play ensued. During tho afternoon
several strange faces were seen at tho table, and more money
shown than at any time during our stay in the place before. I
closed my bank about supper time, aomo $2,200 winner. We
were -in luck.

Not finding the Major outside the hotel, nor yet in the office,
when I went ever, I went up to his sleeping-room, whore I found
him with his trunk all packed. " I have paid our bill, sir," was
the first greeting I received, " and you had better attend to your
luggage, and let ns bo prepared in case of the worst."

400

WAXDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

4^ tuof Af oinr ?•' T aakcd. " Must we leave t"
;;froi\rras'5:;;S°t U-l W. p«parcd for every

T?;fr'.l'o'uM be oWige.! to !.avc, how are ™ to arra-ge
about o„rgambli„s-ro«m«lrrnn^^^^^^ ^^^, ^

a decided coolness towards me.

;:f2:: j,rr r^r/sSe to oo>,bo.,. ,. .^,

$3,200." *!,„ omniioqi- surorise or pleasure at my news,

WiUiout evmcmg t^° ^^^^^^^^^^rdone his duty by us, sir,
the Major replied, 'Had Ml. Kooer should we

rushed up to us, and in a low voice exclaim d,'' G it i^ nxi g.t.
-Good God! explain yourself, sir!" '^f ^^^''^^^''^ ^*^,^,^" "^^^^^ „„
-Hush! we can't afford ter lot ennbody bear ««; /^"^ "^

time for cheek; let's git outer this here fuse. Is yer baggage

ready T" „ ^ „ .

"Yes," stammered the terrified Maior. _ ,„,„„*-,».

« Order it down; I'll be here with the wagon m a minute.

««t'

^' Mi'-f'-ii' '

.istwe leave f"
jparcd for every

a we to arrange

3 most dignified
g bo bad sbowu

Bowles for $200,
. Sbould wo be
)tc., is there, and

ng with Mr. Rob-
r game bas won

asure at my news,
is duty by us, sir,
xbly. Sbould we
sty, write to bim,
t bi • putting in an
ey in our bauds."
3r, and from bim I
a and packed my
jer-table. During

into conversation,
ce wbicb I sought
making him more
ices.

)ctober, had barely
ton, when we rose
I office of the hotel.

who was evidently
d who immediately
1, " Git up an' git."
ited the Malor.

hear us; thar's no
ic. Is yer baggage

fon In a minute.''

THE FLWHT.

401

It took me only a few minutes to run across to the gambling-
• room and put the gambling-tools in my valise. When I bad
agaiii reached the hotel, I found my trunlc standing beside that
ot iLe Major's, on the sidewalk in front of the door. A power-
ful pair of gray horses harnessed to a light spring road wagon
were standing there, and our luggage was placed in this convey-
ance by order of the Colonel. Having bestowed on the negroes who
had performed this ceremony a few small coins, he whispered to
the driver, -'Drive to Fall's Corner and wait for us thar." The
wagon having driven off, ho turned to the Major and myself and
said, "Let's get along; we've no time to lose."

CHAPTER XXXII,

THE FLIGHT.

We had walked rapidly for about eight blocks, when we came
in sight of the wagon which contained our baggage, waiting for
us on a street corner opposite a large lumber-yard. The place
seemed deserted and almost in the suburbs of tlie city.

"Now." said the Colouel, halting before the wagon, "111 tell
youwhat'sther matter, an' I've got but little time to do it in,
either, cos I want yer to git a good start o' ther cusses, do yor
mind ? " The Major did mind, and so in fact did I, for we were
bo*;h devoured by a voracious curiosity to know what had caused
this hasty exodus after the very cheering view of the case
which the worthy Colonel had given us but a few hours previous-
ly. "A little before dark," continued that gentleman, " I got a
message from Dawson ter come an' see 'im. I done so, ar' he
told me that Myers had gin a warrant ter ther Sheriff ter pull
you. Now yer see, the SheriflPs allera been down on gamblers,
an' olo Dawson, he ain't; he's allers let up on 'em when he's had
•* oliance, and that's jist the reason Myers didn't give him the
■ant as ho oufhter done. The Sheriff, he wanted ter pull
yer this afternoon; but Dawson, when ho calls on him to assist,
staves him off with the excuse that if they wait 'till night ther
house 'ud be full, an' they could make a big haul. Pretty cute
fur ole Dawson, warn't it t But he's my friend, an' you know I

^te^i«W^S^i*r

«tt

•WANDERmOS 0» A. VAOABOKD.

tole yer if enny danger was ulmit he'd let me know. Well, him
and the Sheriff's agreed ter pull yer all ter night when yer game's
under full headway, an' they kin nab everybody in the room an'
so have no difficulty in gittiii' witnesses agin yer. Es quick es
Dawson gin me the word, I jist sent fur Jim here, that's goiu' ter
drive yer down, an' tole him ter hitch up my road team an' drive
yer ter Louisville. So yer parceivo when ther Sheriff goes tor
make his dive fur yer, I'll have yer close on tor Frankfort. I've
tole Smiley ter see that yer gamblin'-room's all lighted up, ter
make 'em b'lieve yer there yit. D'ye see, Major t " cbuckMthe

Colonel.

" What a wonderful escape we've had from the clutches of
those villains ! And how can we ever be sufficiently thankful to
yo«, sir, for the deep interest you have taken in our affairs?"
ejaculated the Major, seizing the hand of his benefactor, and in
the heat of his gratitude trying to wring it off.

" Now don't talk that way, Major, ole boy ; I can't stan nun o'
that; what I've done I did fur a gentleman, an' that's enough;
an' ef I didn't think you'd do jist the same fur me ef I was in a
tight place, I wouldn't a done it; so git inter the wagon, ole
boss, cos I don't feel right nohow es long's yer here. I tell
yer what, the Sheriff's h— 1 when he gits started ; an' when he
finds out ye've fooled 'im, he'll wade through fire an' brimstono
but he'll capture ye. Ef yer beat 'im yer'll hev to outspeed
»im, mind I tell yer. He'll write to Turner, the Marshal, ter nab
yer ef he finds out yer've started fur Louisville, and ef Turner
ever gits thera gray eyes o' hissen on yer, yer in fur bad luck,
sure. I don't want ter scare yer, ole boy, only ter caution yer.
Now don't stop on the road one minute more 'n yer kin help. I've
gin Jim a letter ter my friend Bu.^sby when yer git ter Frank-
fort. He'll give yer as good a pa'r o' roans es ever yer cracked
a whip behind. Push on with 'em till yer caw hire a fresh team,
an' keep on doin' so till yer get ter Louisville. Try and reach
there by to-morrow night, an' when yer do, drive straight down
to the Jefferson ferry an' put the Ohio river between yerselves
an' the State o' Kentucky 's soon as possible."

We listened with the most profound attention to these admoni-
tions and instructions, and promised to follow his advice to the

letter.
When we were seated in the wagon, the Colonel, turning to

)w. Well, him
lieu yer game's
n the room an'
. Ea quick es
that's goin' ter
team an' drive
heriff goes tor
ranklort. I've
lighted up, ter
"cbuckMtbe

the clutches of
itly thankful to
n our affairs t"
lefactor, and in

^n't Stan nun o'
that's enough;
le ef I was in a
the wagon, ole
ir here. I tell
d ; an' when he
e an' brimstono
lev to outspeed
Marshal, ter nab
and ef Turner
n fur bad luck,
ter caution yer.
3r kin help. I've
git ter Frank-
ver yer cracked
ire a fresh team,
Try and reach
e straight down
itween yerselves

to these admoni-
bis advice to the

lonel, turning to

THE FLKiHT.

403

our Jehu, a big powerful negro as black as Erebus, who belong.

" Jimr''^ ^'^''^'^ '""" '" something like the following strriu:

"Tiss, sah."

'' Bugsbj's team '11 be pretty well used up by the time you get
to Rogers' ; try an' get a fresh one from him, an' when ye get to
Snyder s give 'im my respects and tell 'im to give ver another
fresh team ; do the same to Hanlan's, and that one 'li ; ake yer to
Louisville. When ye get there, drive straight down to the Jef-

bJr d"? iiLT' '"''' "'""'"''" ^^'^ ''''" ^"^S^Seou the
" Tiss, massa, Ise heah ! "

'«m ^M^'J?" **' ^°r'^ M?'**' ""^ y®"" taking acent from either of
'em, I'll skin yer ahve ! "

" Yiss, massa," responded Jim, showing his ivories from earto

" Very well then, see yer dusent. Put up at Runelson's stable,
an next day at twelve start back, an' try an' git back here by
Monday night, or I'll try an' git inter yer meat-house ! »

" Ise '11 do it, massa Jake."

"Very good; an' don't cross the river an' furgettercum back
yer black scoundrel ! " '

"De lor!" chuckled Jim. "What's Ise gwiieterdo widthem
aberlishus niggers f Dey dusen't suit Jim, nohow."

" Drive on. God bless yer, Major !" was the last greeting we
received from our disinterested friend. In a lew seconds he waa
lost to our sight in the darkness of the night.

It was close upon eleven o'clock when we reached Frankfort
and scarcely a light was to be seen glimmering in the stony
place, and we slipped into it so quietly that even the bafking
curs, which abound in Kentucky's darling seat of legieUtion, fail-
ed to announce our arrival. Wo drove np in front of a broad
low stone building, where Jim pulled up his panting team and
informed us that this was massa Bngsby's livery stable. Jim
having done mme tall pounding with a rock on the stable door,
•t was opened from the inside by a venerable individual of the
African persuasion, who held in his hand a lantern, and whose
temper appeared to be slightly ruffled, possibly by bplng so un-
ceremoniously roused from his slumbers.
" Whar'a yer massa, nigger ? " inquired Jim.

404

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

■J

" What massa is yer talk about f "

" Massa Bugsby, niRger ; ye knows dat."

" In he bed ; whar yer s'poso be am at dis time o' night t ' re-
epondol the indignant individual addressed.

"Den you go fotch 'im dis yer letter, kaso he's wanted here
right away," said Jitn, holding out the Colonel's letter to the old

man. ,• w rti

He took the missive in his hand, held it up to the light ol tne
lantern, and gazed at the direction for some moments, to the im-
mense disgust of Jim, who roared out at him, "Come, don't stan
dar peerin' at dat letter dat ar way, tryin' to make folks b'leive
ye kin read ; go right otf wid it to massa Bugsby, case how wo's

in a hurry."
"De Lor, nigger! how de words dus cum outer you! Feara

like dev was peas rattliu' onto a dry hide."

" Well, dat '11 do now, nigger ; take yersclf off an' gib dat let-
ter ter massa Bugsl>y."

" Phew ! " whistled the frosty headed old African, contempt-
uously, raising up his lantern and looking scornfully from behind
it at Jim. " De more I libs, do more fools I sees ebcry day . "
with which parting shot the old fellow moved off, chuckling, sat-
isfied at his own wit.

Nearly half an hour had elapsed when the gentleman bearing
the name of Bugsby came to the front with a lantern in his
hand, while the old negro brought up the rear, also bearing a

lantern. . ,,, „ ,,

" Good evening, gentlemen, " was the salutation of Mr, Bugsby.
"It's nearer morning, now, is it not, sir T" responded the

Mr Bugsbv hauled out a tig silver watch, which he consulted
bv the light of his lantern, remarking, "It's going on twelve;
hadn't you better tie up for the night? It's precious dark, an'
you'll find it very stony on t'other side o' the river."

" Mustn't do dat, nohow, massa Bugsby, kase de Kumcl he
sais we must git de roan team and push rite along."

"Well then, I've nothmg more to say; if that's the Colonels
orders he must be obeyed ; so, Jim, go and help Robert throw the
harness over the roans."

While the negroes were harnessing, the Major and myself
were stretching our lefjs on the ground near the wagon. Mr.

- i.mum»Mj!£}'^iP '

^
i
t
t
1
I
t
li
ii
a

c
\

k:
oi

in
tl
tl
fo
a£

he
te;
Bi

gi'
Jii

0' night t" re-
's wanted here
etter to the old

the light of the
leuts, to the Im-
)me, don't stan'
ike folks b'leive
, case how we's

Br you! Peara

an' gib dat let-

ican, contempt-
Lilly from behind
ses ebcry day ! "
, chuckling, sat-

litleman bearing
I lantern in his
, also hearing a

1 of Mr, Bugsby.
' responded the

lich he consulted

;oing on twelve;

reclous dark, an'

per."

ise de Kumel he

mg."

It's the Colonel's

Robert throw the

[ajor and myself
the wagon. Mr.

THE FLIGHT.

405

Bugsby approached as near as politeness permitted, and, by
way of apology for doing so, inquired, " What's going on in Lex-
ington, gentlemen T" At the same moment he held up his lan-
tern in such a position as to throw a strong light on the face of
the Major, who stood nearest him; but tliut gentleman, probab-
ly not feeling disposed to gratify his curiosity, quicklv turned
his back to the light. Nothing daunted by this rebuff, ho
turned his attention to me, and flashed into my face the strong
light from the opened side of his lantern ; at the same time ho
inquired, "Many people gathering in to see the races there
above f "

"A great many, I believe," I rejoined, without in the least
changing my position, or moving a muscle in any respect.
When ho lowered his lantern, after a len-theued inspection of
my physiognomy, I coolly asked him "how he liked itf "

"Like whatt" demanded Mr. Bugsby.

"My face."

"Well, youngster, I've seen a d— n sight meaner ones."

"As you have taken such pains to examine it, I am glad it
pleases you," I replied.

"I wanted to see, youngster, who the devil Jake Bowles was
killing all the horses in the country for. He's not in the habit
of wasting his powdei on poor game."

After a short delay in crossing the river, we were again push-
ing forward as rapidly as the stony road and the darkness of
the night would permit. Bugsby*8 remarks to mo had aroused
the Major's fears, or his curiosity, I am unable to say which,
for he abstained from all communication with me, but finally
asked Jim if his master and Mr. Bugsby were very intimate.

"I spects dey am, sah!" returned Jim; "dey buys bosses,
swaps bosses, arid trades in niggers, when de Kurnel es about
heal), sah."

"Mr. Bugsby was grossly impertinent when he held his Ian-
tern up in a gentleman's face," remarked the Major.

"Haw! haw! haw!" laughed Jim, "I spects how massa
Bugsby tinks ynse killed somebody, an' es streakin' it."

"And if hj were certain such was the case, he would have
given us up to the authorities, in order to get the rev.ard eh,
Jimt" asked the Major.

"Good lor! Massa Bugsby no do dat, sah ! Dat won't do

406

WANDERINGS OP A VAGABOND.

'tall, kase all do white gemineu goes to massa Bugsby when dey
gits ill Mouble. Do iiiaUe heap o' money dat way. '

"I suppose you nieun, Jim, that when the white gentlemen
get iu difficulty with the law, that Mr. Bugsby fuinish»*i them
with horsca to get nway."

"Dat's massa Bugsby, clean out, sah."
At about dayligbl we reached Rogers' tavern, where we got
some breakfast and a fresh team, and then wo again pursued
our flight, and after making two more changes and resting a
couple of hours on the road, we reached Louisville in safety.
We drove directly to the Jeirerson ferry, where Jim deposited
on the boat our trunks and valises, contrary to the wishes of
the Major, who desired him to drive us to a hotel in Jefferson-
ville; but to all his entreaties, Jim answered in the same words,
" It's agin de Kurnel's orders, massa Major, an' if I goes agin
dem ar, he won't trust mo no more." But contrary to those
other orders which he had received, the black rascal was noth-
hig loth to take the golden eagle offered him by the Major. Wo
caused our luggage to be taken to the best hotel in the place,
where we found comfortable quarters. When we had finished
supper, I wrote and posted to Mr. Roberts a letter, informing him
of our hurried flight, our present plai,o of residence, and our anx-
iety that he should join us immediately, iu order that we might
settle up our business and depart.

A single day in the qinet town of Jeffersonville was suflBcient
to give one the blues, even had not a large commercial city like
Louisville been standing on the opposite bank of the river, to
lure me to the enjoyment ol its fascinations and luxuries. Be-
sides this, the sullen and disagreeable temper in which the
Major had been since the day before our flight, rendered his
exclusive society anything but enjoyable. My refusal to admit
bis friend Col. Bowles to a share in our game, still rankled in
his breast. He openly accused me of being the sole cause of
our late discomfiture. If I tried to defend myself, he persisted
with peevishness and obstinacy in his opinion, declared he had
never known trouble till he met me, and wound up by inform-
ing me, with much dignity, that, as soon as our affairs could be
adjusted, a dissolution of partnership r ust take place. I left
him to his own gloomy thoughts, and crossed over to Louisville
without saying anything to him about my intention. My Lex-

.LJ I LlA ll iBlJI II •

[sby when dey

■»

lite gcntlenien
urnish'd tbem

where we got
again pursued
and resting a
ville in safety,
Jim deposited

the wishes of
el in Jeflerson-
io same words,
if I goes agin
itrary to those
iscal was noth-
;he Major. Wo
}\ in tlie place,
e had finished
', informing him
e, and our anx-

that we might

e was sufficient
nercial city like
of the river, to
I luxuries. Be-
' in which the
it, rendered his
refusal to admit
still rankled in
le sole cause of
elf, he persisted
leclared he had
I up by inforni-
affairs could be
:e place. I left
ver to Louisville
itlon. My Lex-

THK FLIGHT.

407

Ington scare had worn off, and I soon found myself travcrsinff
the streets of the city, with no fear of Marshal Turner before
my eyes, nor in fact of any one else. This being my first visit
to the place, I inquired my way to the Gait House, in hopes of
mootmg some person with whom I had been previously ac-
quai.ted, but was doomed to disuppointineut. I staid there
nevertheless, till dinner-time, and entering the dining-room'
took a seat at the table. Shortly after I had done so, a young
man came and took the vacant place at my side, and addressed
me with "You here, Moj-risf When did you leave Lexington!"
I recognized him at once as being a young man who was stop-
pmg at the same hotel with the Mjyor and myself in Lexington
and who had frequently been in our gambling-room, where he
had sometimes played against the bank. He had, while there
introduced himself to me as James Howard, from Georgia; said
he had been following the sporting business for more than four
years, and soon convinced mo that he was well posted up in al-
most every subject in any degree appertaining to si)orting.

':i arrived here last night, Mr. Howard," I replied: "have
you been here long?"

''T got here last Tuesday," he rejoined, "but I'm going up to
Lexington in the morning."

When I informed him that it was ray intention not to return
to Lexington, stud that the Major had accompanied me to Jef-
fersonville, he showed an unusual degree of surprise, and had
very little trouble in extracting from me the particulars of my
flight from Jjoxington, and its cause.

"And so Jake Bowles has caught another brace of fools !" he
exclaimed, as soon as I had informed him of that gentleman's
connection with our flight.

"What do you mean, Mr. Howard, by a brace of fools f" I
asked, feeling by no means complimented by either bis words or
manner.

"That he's worked a jcb on you, and run you off, that's all,"
replied Mr. Howard.

It was the very first time my stupid brain had ever been
made acquainted with such an idea. I felt so confused by the
rush of thoughts wb-ch thronged through my mind at this sug-
gestion, that I conldouly inquire stupidly, "Why, what cood
could that do him t"

406

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

"Why, Morris, you must be green, not to see his object. Ho
wanted to get the game himself. He'll iug iu Smiley upon tUa^
party, and he'll make $10,000 by the operation. Ue'U skm theui
fellers like eels."

" Can he cheat at faro!" I asked.

"Cheat! Cheat is no name for Itl Why, he's double cham-
liKhtningat it; he's cleaned out all the gamblers in Georgin
and South Carolina, and you could no sooner get one of them
into a room where he was dealing faro, than you could get them

Into a pest-house."

" I wonder Col. Bowles tolerates such a person, much less era-
ploys him," I returned, by way of extracting some more explicit
Information. ,

" Jake Bowles don't want nor won't have any other kina; ne s
the biggest beat in the South, and never was known to risk his
money on the square. He thinks of nothing else but puttmg up
lobs to rob somebody, either at cards or horses."

" Then do I understand you to infer that the authorities would
not have interfered with ust" .

"They have never yet done so with any one during race

" And you think Col. Bowles fooled us, when be induced us to
leave the place t"

" Why, it's dollars to bits he's done It.'

I now firmly believed for the first time that we were his dupes.
A thousand small circumstances, at the time unnoticed, now pre-
sented themselves to my mind, and forged such a complete chain
of evidence, that I knew perfectly well that it was quite true. I,
however, said nothing more at that time to Mr. Howard, in
whose company I visited two or three gambUng-houses, and
would have remained all night in Louisville, had I not feared my
absence would cause the Major some uneasiness. At about nine
o'clock I reached our hotel, and found him irascibly pacing up
and down the piazza in no amiable frame of mind. When I made
my appearance before him, he stopped in his promenar 3, and
scanning me from head to foot with a flashmg eye, inqmred
severely, "Where have you been, sir!"
" I've been over in Louisville, Major."
«' Then it's a d-n pity they didn't put you in prison, and keep
you there, sir !" thundered the UajoT. " Haven't we had trouble

enough, sir, without your seeking to brtag more upon usr

ia object. He
iloy upou that
le'll skiu tbeai

doable cbain-
rs iu Georgin
t one of them
jould get them

much less era-
e more explicit

therkind; he's
jwu to risk his
but putting up

it'ioritios would

lie during race

le induced as to

were his dupes,
loticed, now pre-
i complete chain
\s quite true. I,
Mr. Howard, in
ling-houses, and
1 1 not feared my
. At about nine
scibly pacing up
d. When I made
promenar i, and
ing eye, inquired

prison, and keep
*t we had trouble
e upon us?"

THK FLIGHT.

400

I had decided not to tell Iiim anything of what I had leamod
from Howard concerning Bowles, but to await the coming of Mr
Boberts, whose arrival I expected ou the following cveuini i
felt assured that if the Colonel had been playing his Zracefu
pranks upon us, he was the man who would bo sure to find iJ oit
and I knew that from his lips alone would the M^or cred^^; tho

mSe'^. Z K "'/*"•'" ^'•=^""« ^" •»« dishonit^rtiices
mv h^H ?' °f ''^"'Jyingfurthrr words with him, I retired to
my bed, leavmg him to continue his walk up and down the ni-

S^rwtm;'''''" ^''""^*"' wife.-.Lsh,ghrwratht

The next morning he made a point of insisting that I should

on no pretense whatever absent myself from him until after tho

had'^ilTn?'"''''''- ^' ""'^'^ ''''' ™y ^^^^^^'^ theday beforo

?hat thTl F?'"'- ™r'"''«' *"^ *^^» »>« ^^ satisfied
that the officers of Louisville, before this, had accurate informa-

wZ r ^.'i^^^b^^t^' '^"d description of our persons, and
were only waiting for a suitable opportunity to arVest us. To
allay his fears and satisfy him, I promised faithfully to remain
with h.m throughout the day, and, moreover, kept the proraisS

As we expected, Mr. Roberts arrived in the evening, having
received my letter on .Sunday evening and left LexingtS,^ on th!
followmg morning. Ho said he had been detained in Cincinnati,
on accountof some business difficulties, considerably longer than
he at first expected ; but having left us in a flourishing condition
and .avmg no fear of our being in any way molested by the au-
thorities, ho had no cause to feel any uneasiness on our account.
I reached Lexington," he said, " about four o'clock on Saturday
evenhig, and heard that Jack had been at my house, inquiring
for me. I walked directly down to your gambling-room, where I
found a game going forward, dealt bv Mr. Smiley, a friend of
col. Bowles. To all my inquiries respecting you, he could give
but one answer, which was that you had 'pulled up stakes and
gone,' as he expressed it. I then went to the hotel, where I was
informei. that you had left the house suddenly the evening be-
fore, in company with Col. Bowles, to whom I was referred for
further mformation. In the course of the evening I found that
gentleman, and he answered my questions relative to your sud-
den chaogeof base in this wise: «My friend Major Jenks got the
studs on and left town kithi'; the damned old fool got tired

410

WANDEBIN08 OF A. VAOADOND.

006 he'd won too much money I I tried hard tor get 'im to stay
through the races, but he wouldn't, so I bought his gambrag-
room, jlst ter oblige 'Im more 'u anything olso. I had tor put
Smiley Bomewhar, so I thought I'd stick 'im in thar.an' see If ho
couldn't do somethln' for hlsself.' I asked him where you had
gone, and he said he believed you went to Cincinnati, but
couldn't say for certahi. I tried to find out from him wlmt sort
of conveyance you left town by, but he could not tell me that
either. Your unaccountable flight gave me o-islderable uneasi-
ness, not because you had money belonging to mo— on that score
I was perfectly satisfled everything was right— but your myste-
rious and hurried departure was to me inexplicable, and I could
only account for it to myself on the ground of some extraordi-
nary fear having been brought to bear on you,"

"On the following evening I received your letter informing
me that you had ascertained that the authorities were going
to arrest you, and that you were enabled to escape through the
kind assistance of Col. Bowles. In a moment, knowing him
as I did for a scheming trickster, I saw the whole, and knew you
had been made the victims of his deception. But In order
to satisfy myself entirely, and leave no room for doubt, I called
upon the prosecuting Attorney, the Shg-lfif, and Mr. Dawson,
the City Marshal, who each separately told me that they had
never heard of any complaint having been made against you,
and that no warrant had ever been Issued for your arrest, nor
had any such thing ever been In contemplation. I have every
confidence in the assertion of these gentlemen. They are among
my warmest friends, and I know they would not deceive me.
I took the stage next morning, and here I am, and I want you
both to return with me to Lexington, to-morrow morning. I'll
show you whether I can protect your game there or not, and 1 11
make the town a d-n sight too hot to hold Jake Towles out-
side the stone-jog." _ ^, , , ...
Howard having already prepared me for something of this
kind, I was not so completely taken by surprise as was the
M^or, who was really to be pitied, though he had probably fall-
en into this self-same trap for perhaps the sixtieth time in his
life. On short acquaintance he had never been so completely
wrapped up in any one as he had been in Col. Jacob Bowles;
and now, to And that all his bombastic tales, to which he had lis-

r get Mm to Btay

t bis gambl'aK-

I bad tor put

bar, an' see if bo

where you bad

Cincinnati, but

n bim wliut sort

lot toll ine tliat

sidorable unoa»i-

10 — on tbat score

■but your rayste-

ible, and I could

aome extraordl-

letter informing
■ities were going
capo tbrougb tbo
?t, knowing bim
lo, and knew you
1. But in order
or doubt, I called
md Mr. Dawson,
le tbat tbey bad
jade against you,
ir your arrest, nor
a. I have every

They are among
I not deceive me.
a, and I want you
ow morning. I'll
are or not, and I'll
Jake rowles out-

iomething of this
rprise as was the
bad probably fall-
xtieth time in bis
een so completely
ol. Jacob Bowles;
) which he hod 11s-

Tna FLIGHT.

411

toned so delightedly, and all his flattering professions of fUcnd-
«bip, wore hut tbo artilicos „f a cunning trickster to rob him !
tZZ'"^ ";"«"»"ting. The rovolathum of the duplicity and

time actually to stupefy him an.l cause him to lose his faculty of
r?mn« ""V^''"".*"" recovorcl his powers of articulation, llko
^tS fountain which, in overcoming some obstacle has
gathered now force. n,o curses flowed from his lips in an un-

BharoT! Whi'r 'T"- ';"""'"'"^' thieving horse-jockies and
th«i?nLJl^J ' ' ''" ^'"" "'^'"' ''"l"^-^* ^»"«t I always bo
inloH^ . "''"?«'«" a™ «» thiovos, from the highest to the
lowest; the infernal tribo of villains !"

lec7thTi"""f '°™^^^''*J»'-' Moderate your language; recol-
lect that I made my debut on the turf many vcars ago. Then

Erun^MJi'''"'™'^ ^l'""^' ^'^' '^'^•^"«'»"' «"<i "^<^^y others,
taso up, Mi\jor, ease up."

am3'„'*H "^"^*":f;« ^••«ak8, sir, to sprinkle a fnw gentlemen
Jr^ ^t ,"'"""' ^^'''''''- ""* e'^° "^0 y"""- hand, Jack," ho

vou ; r ;^ '" ""''' "^ "^^ ^'''' ^" '^p"'"^^' '-^"'i^'^-" 'i«>"o

y^u a great pecuniary wrong by my folly. Had I taken your
advice, sir, that mfernal thief could never have injured us; but
youll punish him, won't you, Roberts? You can and mu;t do
II, 111 pay the expenses, whatever they may bo "

"No, sir! You'll do nothing of the sort," returned the gen- "
tleman addressed; "and rest assured I'll make Lexington a
pre ty wa,rm place for Mr. Bowles when I get back! But you're
both coming back with me, aren't yonf " he inquired.

to Vfa-ginia, and I'll stay there, too; and if I'm ever caught out-
side of it again I hope they'll stick mo in some jail, and keep
me there for the balance of my natural life!"

''And you, Jackt" he asked, turning towards me.

"I'm going to New Orleans."

Early on the following morning I crossed the river with Mr.
Roberts, and saw him oflf on tbo stage coach for Lexington, after
he had promised to write me at length, in the course of a few
days. At eleven o'clock of the same day I saw the Major start
off on the mall boat for Cincinnati, and took a kind farewell of
my dear old fHend, whom I then saw for the last time on earth,
although I did not fall to correspond regularly with him, up to

41B WAHDBRIN08 OF ▲ VAGABOND.

TvltUln a few years of his death, which event took place at Rlch-

!^nn 1 llial] no had uccumuhitod a sufflclont competency,

rp;o irof b" ilroBt m various faro-hanU- in Ri— ^

and WaHhington, to keep Uliu la comlort and respectability

'Cf pleair;t''co;resp.,ndence was broken in upon in consc-
ouence of Z rcsMeas dlHi>o8ltion, and tl>e wild, wamlorinK U o
; rdurinrmany years.' being "fto" n-tl« at ^ '.ne wh e
letters and post-offices wore, to say the 'f^^' ^^^ "\.3 "J

jtpL S China, 1 learned, to my unfeigned bo^ow ^hat th
Boul of mor George Jenks had returned to « M»J°^^^^^^^^^

a warmer heart. Peace to his ashes. recoived a

A few days after the departure of my friends, I recolvea
letter of which the following la an exact copy.

Lexington, Oct. S», itw-

Friend Jack: , j-^^. njgjjt, and

irr.:L^s t So.i:^tLS "' ..,000 e..,

Bowles shall learn to his sorrow ^^J'J* ' " j°^%Tther pleasant
his little joke wiU not turn out in-the md to be eiiner y

or profitable. Respectfully yours, ^^^^

place at Rich-

It competency,

I la Richmond

reBpcctabillty

upon In conso-
wanilorinK Hfo
it a time where
'ot in their cx-
ftcr vagabond-
g the Hhores ol
orrow, that the
its Maker, and
1 of his beloved
resting-place ol
that of one who
WB, or possessed

is, I received a

, Oct. 26, 183-.

last nlgbt, and
onol Bowles and

arrested. This
louso, they were
m bail for their

of $1,000 each,

up, and Colonel
ae with him, that
)e either pleasant

Roberts-

THE MIB8I88IPPI.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

TUK MISSISHIITI.

fn,t^r ^"^u- """'■ ^^'^ ''^""^'' TocoTdcd In the Ia»t chapter, I
found mysoil a passongcr on board the "Mediator," gliding
alo>jg the picturo8<|uo banks of the lower Ohio, onward boimd
for Now Or cans The boat was crowded with passengers-men;
womo., and children-tho greater part of whom were resident,
of tlio Crescent City, and wlio had been wandering in the North
during the hot summer months, or perhaps the East or West,
wherever business or pleasure led, in order to avoid the myriadi
of mosquitoes wliicli a kind Provl.lence bestows so bountifully on
the denizens of the sunny Soutli during the heated term, and
that t iilco-droaded scourge, the yellow fever, about which
earned medical men have wrangle.l and JaiiKlcd for more than
two centuries, without being one whit wiser to-day on the ques-
tlon of wliero the poison of this terrible disease lies, or from
whence It is extracted, than was Pore Dutertrc when he flrsi
caw the fearlul malady in the Antilles, in the summer of 1635

A few minutes' detention at that classic mud-hole denomina-
ted Cairo, and I was at length launched on the broad bosom of
the great Father of Waters, as American vanity is fond of styling
It. The yearning of years was finally gratified ; but what a dis-
appointment! The mjUestic river! The mighty river' The
grand river! The father of waters! The very first sight instant-
ly destroyed every vestige of romance engendered by these
sounding titles, and many more of the same sort, which, ft-ommy
earliest youth up, I had heard applied to these turbid and
treacherous waters. While steaming down its swift and dingy
current, not a single beautiful object in all the landscape met
"fl T' , J^ff '*™'''"y monotony. The alluvial shore on one
side lined with blue mud, while on the opposite bank the scene
waa varied by immense stretches of white sand, which the winds
in their sportive fancy, raised in clouds, and whirled hither and
thither m circling eddies. Then the shore would be for miles
covered with almost impenetrable forests of aah and Cottonwood,

414

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

underlined with a lioavy growth of thick fields of matted cane,
which confined the vision, like the river, within the banks, and
made the eye turn for relief to the blue vault of heaven, iiven
the melancholy sight of suagged steamers, which every now and
then met our view, were welcome breaks to the dreary same-
ness of the voyage, while the appearance of an occasional wood-
pile /ilong the shore gave us the assurance that we had not en-
tirely passed beyond the confines of civilization, and the hail
of a passing steamer gave more than usual confidence and plea-
sure.

What indomitable courage, what patience, what perseverance
must those pioneers of Civilization have possessed, Tho first
sailed down this unknown stream! How comparatively few
among the millions who glided over the bosom of this gigantic
ocean tributary, ever even heard the names of Marquette, La
Salle, or Jollietf Launched upon this unknown stream, In their
frail bark canoes, with nothing but vast swamps, fields of desert
sand, matted cane-brakes, and impenetrable forests to greet
their vision ; ready to fall a prey at any moment to savage beasts,
or, worse still, to barbarous and blood-thirsty men, they yet did
not despair. Each moment the current was carrying them
farther from friends, home, and all they held most dear ; per-
haps to ignominious captivity or a painful death. But, animated
by a noble resolve, they feared none of these things, -but pressed
on through discouragements and dangers sufficient to appall the
stoutest heart till their end was gained.

The whole civilized world has for generations showered prais-
es on Columbus for the courage, patience, and perseverance
with which he pursued his westerly course over unknown seas,
in search of a new world; nor would I take a single leaf from the
wreath of fame by which he is immortally crowned. He was cer-
tainly well qualified, both by nature and education, for his ardu-
ous undertaking, and had he failed, the compass which steered him
onward would enable him to retrace his steps. The sight of
birds, floating driftwood, and the finding of bottom with the lead,
enabled him to keep up the rapidly sinking spirit 'j of his crew
and reanimate them with new hopes. Behind hi n were power-
ful patrons who believed in his success, and who had furnished
him with ships, men, and means, and sent him on his dubious
and uncertain voyage. Should he be successful, as he firmly be-

.3 of matted cane,
Lin the banks, and
of hoaveu. Even
ich every now and
the dreary same-
1 occasional wood-
at we had not en-
tion, and the hail
nfldence and plea-

what perseverance
issessed, who first
jomparatively few
im of this gigantic
of Marquette, La
vn stream, In their
ips, fields of desert
[e forests to greet
[it to savage beasts,
' men, they yet did
ras carrying them
d most dear; per-
ith. But, animated
things, but pressed
icient to appall the

ms showered prais-
and perseverance
ver unknown seas,
single leaf from the
n^ned. He was cer-
cation, for his ardu-
33 which steered him
;eps. The sight of
lottom with the lead,
spirit 'i of his crew
id hi n were power-
who had furnished
him on his dubious
sful, as he firmly be-

THE MISSISSIFFL

415

lieved he was certam, in reaching the East Indies by a shorter
route than by way of the Cape of Good Hope, on his return wealth
and honors were waiting to bo showered upon him with lavish
hands.

Marquette and JoUiet had no powerful government or pa-
trons to encourage or assist them in their perilous journey. Their
five Indian companions and two birch canoes were their sole ret-
inue and means of transportation. The Potawattamie braves
heard of their project with wonder and incredulity. " Those
distant nations," said they, "never spare the stranger: their
mutual wars fill the borders with bands of marauding warriors
who never spare the captives who fall into their hands: the great
nver abounds in monstera who devour both men and canoes, and
the excessive heat occasions death." But to all these things these
mdomitable explorers turned a deaf ear, and, animated by a high
courage and noble resolve, started upon their dimgerous way.
When the shores of Spain receded from the view of Columbus,
as he started on his voyage of discovery, his future was not the
shadow of a shade darker, if as dark as that of Marquette when
he launched his frail squadron on the bosom of the Mississippi.
Columbus was surrounded by all the comforts enjoyed by sailors
at tiiat time, aud had no more danger to apprehend than that
wbich falls to the lot of ordinary mariners; his ships were sea-
worthy, and manned by picked sailors and warriors ready to en-
force his commands if necessary. Marquette and his compan-
ions knew as little where they were going, as did Columbus and
his comrades. The former knew by observation that large
streams of water made their way to the sea ; but knew not, sup-
posing himself to have overcome all obstacles, and to have reach-
ed the mouth, whether those waters were received by the At-
lantic or Pacific Ocean, or the Gulf of Mexico. Christianity, civ-
ilization, and the glory of Prance, induced him to tempt unknown
dangers, tropical heats, and intolerable insects, savage beasts
and more savage men, in order to solve this question. The sa-
cred calumet of peace, hung around his neck by the IlUnols
chieftain, was to him and his comrades a better protection than
the armed adventurers who followed Columbus. Marquette,
Jolhet, and afterwards La Salle, discovered the mighty river
from its source to its mouth; but posterity has very nearly rob-
bed them of their hard-earned and richly deserved laurels. Ex-

41«

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

cept in the pages of history, or an occasional steamer or insig-
niticant village or county which has Iwrue the names of these
heroic men, their memories are almost entirely obliterated.
Neither the chisel of the sculptor nor the brush of the painter has
transmitted to posterity the lineaments of either. Even France,
who delights to honor the memory of her brave sons, has allow-
ed their names to sink almost into oblivion, though she never
produced more daring explorers, or men who have given to her
more territory or more widely extended her fame. But it is a
general weakness with mankind to honor and laud the bloody
deeds of cut- throat warriors, more than to properly acknowledge
the services of men who, by their brains, pei severance, and
courage, have opened up to future civilization regions hitherto
unknown and unexplored. , . ,»•

The world only knows De Soto as the discoverer of the Missis*
sippi, and as such has sounded peans of praises for his deeds and
delighted to honor his memory. Ships, steamers, counties, vil-
lages and even rum-mills, have been called after him, and still
keep his memory green in the hearts of the people, not to men-
tlon that noble effort of one of our ablest artists, which adorns
the rotunda of the Capitol at Washington, representing his ar-
rival on the banks of the great river ; a master-piece which
none who have once beheld can ever forget.

But the honor falls not where It Is justly due. As a blind hog
stumbles on an acorn, so did De Soto discover the Mississippi
River After assisting In the robbing of the Peruvians, he re-
turned to Spain with his blood-stained gold ; but not satisfied
with the deeds of murder and rapine ho had committed, nor with
the amount of his ill-gotten treasures, he started from Floric^a
westward in search of adventure with more than a thousand un-
principled cut- throats in his train, ready for any deeds of vio-
lence and blood. The exploration of unknown regions for the
benefit of his race was by no means the object of the expedition;
but gold. " The Spaniard has a disease of the heart, and noth-
ing but gold can cure it," said Plzarro ; and none knew his coun-
trymen better than that cruel tyrant.

But little is known of the particulars of the expedition or
De Soto. He was not accompanied by a lying Gomara to cover
up his disgraceful and bloody deeds with the flowers of rhetoric,
aa was Cortez, but it seems that, after rambUng about for some

samer or insig-
mmes of these
)ly oblitorated.
tbo painter has
Even France,
mm, has allow-
)ugh she never
76 given to her
le. But it is a
lud the bloody
•ly acknowledge
t^veranco, and
■egions hitherto

er of the Missis-
or his deeds and
•s, counties, vil-
r him, and still
)lo, not to men-
3, which adorns
•esenting his ar-
iter-pieco which

Aa A blind hog
the Mississippi
eruvians, he re-
but not satisfied
imitted, nor with
5d from Flori(^a
I a thousand un-
iny deeds of vio-
1 regions for the
f the expedition ;
heart, and noth-
le knew his coun-

le expedition of
Oomara to cover
)wer8 of rhetoric,
: about for some

THE MISSISSIPPI.

417

time in that portion of the country which now comprises the
States of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, brutally massa-
creing the unoffending natives, buruiug their huts, and commit-
ting every possible deed of violeuco and murder, ho reached
the groat stream near the mouth of White River. From thence
he rambled on to the southern borders of the Missouri, and
from f'jcuce southward to the Ited Kiver. The outrages which
characierized the first part of his expedition were in no wise
abated. He wantonly murdered and enslaved the natives who
crossed his path, and every step of his journey was marked
with blood. Disease, together with his frequent battles with
♦he natives, had now reduced his ranks to about four hundred
men. They sought gold, but found graves. Finally the death
of De Soto, and his romantic burial by night, beneath the waters
of the Mi8sissippi,.has left behind him a strong tincture of ro-
mance, to cover the deeds of the bloody marauder, and has
impressed posterity with the belief that be fell a martyr to the
cause of civilization and the good of unborn generations of his
Icllow-men. But a very diflerent motive governed his actions:
sordid avarice spurred him and his followers on; the hope of
fiindng another Peru or Mexico, abounding with gold, which they
might obtain by murdering the untutored natives— a thing they
would have done with as little compunction as they would have
crushed a noxious insect in their path, and thereby adding to
the already bloody laurels of Spain. If it be true that the fol-
lowers of De Soto escaped the richly deserved vengeance of the
natives, and reached the mouth of the Mississippi, and from
thence across the Gulf of Mexico to the Panuco River, it is one
of the very strangest events in history, that a river of such
magnitude, whose mouth must have consequently become known
to the Spaniards, should have remained undiscovered and un-
known for more than a century afterwards. TL(3 w'lole tale
seems as fabulous as the fountain of youth, or the undiscovered
Eldorado.

In the year 1823, Captain Shreve commanded the good steamer
" General Washington," then the fastest boat that ever plowed
the western waters. In the designated year he made the
quickest time ever known, between New Orleans and Louisville,
and on his arrival at the latter port he anchored his steamer in
the middle of the river and fired twenty-five guns, being one for

418

WAJTDERINGS OF A VAGABOKD.

1 Ja '

each day consumed in making liis trip, then considered the most
wonderful voyage over accomplisbcd. Ttio entire population of
Louisville were gathered on the bank to behold that wondor of
speed, the glorious "General Washington." Captain Shrove
was feted, and borne in triumph by the huzzaing multitude
through the streets of Louisville, and in <leep-felt gratitude for
the honors showered on him, thanked his enthusiastic admirers
in an eloquent speech, while toasts were drank, and "red-eye"
flowed freely, and all declared the time made by the " George
Washington " could never be equaled. But in defiance of
this assertion the time was beaten before the end of the season,
and in 1828 the "Tecumseh " made the same trin in eight days
and seventeen hours, and in the year 1843 the "Sultana " made
the trip in four days and tweuty-twt) hours. From the time of tlie
memorable trip of the " George Washington," down to the . edy
voyage of the " Sultana," steamers have vied with each other,
both in racing and in making fast trips. As a consequence of
this delectable pastime, tne souls of hundreds of persons were
hurried before the throne of their Maker, unprepared and un-
called, by the burning of steamers, bursting of boilers, and run-
ning upon snags. In this golden era it was considered highly
dishonorable for a steamboat captain to allow his steamer,
while under way, to be passed by another boat without giving
her a race ; and these trials of speed but too often rfisulted in
the scattering of their passengers in every imaginable direction,
by the blowing up of their boilers. Whenever a steamer was
destroyed, with the majority of its passengers and crew, by a
snag, a fire, collision, or compressed steam, a body of citizens
under the title of a "committee " or a "jury of inquiry " would be
appointed to make a searching inquiry into the "appalling ac-
cident," as the public press would most probably denqminate it.
It being for the interest of steamboat owners to exonerate
themselves in the eyes of the public from the charge of running
unsafe steamers or employing incapable officers, they would
spare neither money nor trouble to have upon the examination
committee their own creatures, and the verdict rendered was in
nineteen cases out of twenty, the same old tune, "nobody to
blame." In the meantime, one or two of the most important
newspapers, near the scene of the disaster, would he squared to
inform the public that it was impossibla to guard against such

THE MISSISSIFFL

[lored the most
} population of
that wundur of
:<aptaiu Sbi'ove
ling multitude
t gratitude for
iastic admirers
and "red-eye"
y the " George
in defiance of

of the season,
) in eight days
Sultana " made

the time of tlie
nto the. edy
ith each other,
consequence of
)f persons were
spared and un-
oilera, and run-
isidered highly
(v his steamer,
without giving
rten insulted in
a<able direction,

a steamer was
and crew, by a
ody of citizens
luiry " would be
"appalling ac-

denqminate it.
1 to exonerate
arge of running
irs, they would
he examination
rendered was in
ine, "nobody to
most important
i be squared to
rd against such

419

accidents, and that the officers wore all perfectly efficient, and
had nobly performed their duty in the hour of peril. Trade and
property were so powerful, that authority dare not question the
incapabiUty or recklosauesu of rirer men, and the scale i.i which
reposed the safety of human life kicked the beam when bal-
anced against that which contained money.

In those pal'^y days, steamboat officers did what seemed
good in their own sight, with none to molest or mako them
afraid. They neither dreaded courts of justice nor were they
one whit restrained by fear of public opinion, from committing
the most brutal outrages on inofifensivo persors placed in their
charge. The mate or engineer who could . old a billet of
wood or a bar of iron the most scientifically on the heads of
deck-hands, firemen, and deck-passengers, was considered "a
regular screamer," and received the highest wages. When
laborers were plenty on the levee at New Orleans, it was common
for steamers to hire twenty-flve or tliirty more than the comple-
ment required for her crew, in order to facilitate the taking in
of sufficient pine wood to run the seven or eight hundred miles
up the rivei, and to discharge whatever way-cargo she might
have between New Orleans and Vicksburg. These men would
be discharged at the different landings on the river as fast as
their services were no longer required, having shipped with the
idea that they would be wanted for the round trip. They did
not, of course, expect that, after a few days' hard labor, they
would be discharged in a place where it was impossible for
them to get anything to do, and where it would cost them more
money than they had earned to take them back to New Orleans.
These hands were sometimes— aa a punishment for incurring the
displeasure of some of the petty officers— set ashore in impene-
trable cane-brakes, or on lonely islands, and any murmurings or
remonstrances on their part were instantly silenced by a blow on
the head with a billet of wood, and not unfrequently the knife
and the bullet were brought into requisition. Nor were passen-
gers exempt from these brutalities. To those of wealth and in-
fluence the most slavish attention was shown, while modest and
unassuming strangers were neglected and treated with rudeness
and contempt if they dared demand their rights. The smallest
mfringement of the rules of the boat has planted many a one in
a solitary state on the edge of a cane-brake, with his luggage

«n

WANDEBnros or a vagabond.

beside him. Deck passengers were stowed like hogs on the
lower deck of the steamer, where they were made to feel all ^he
degradation of poverty in the brutal and disgraceful treatment
they received from the pettj officers belonging to tha boat.

Maltreated crews of vessels and steamers, and also their pas-
sengers, had from time to time brought their wrongs before the
tribunals of their country and clamored for redress. But It was
Impossible to obtain anything like justice, where capital was the
defendant; and in no cities were these tribunals more blunted
or deaf to the cries of justice, than In St. Louis, Louisville, and
New Orleans. In these cities the majority of the river steamers
wore owned by the wealthy merchants, and the officers of these
steamers were their servants, whom they protected at al) haz-
ards. However flagrant their crimes, money and talent were
ready to stand forth in their defense and save them from the
lash of justice, and that justice was dispensed by a cultured class
who were but too ready to pander to the power of the almighty
dollar. What could Ignorant crews or obscure passengers ex-
pect, whose only reccmmendatlon to justice was that they had
been wronged, while opposed lo tbem was money and talent In
abundance— where obsequious .Judges and prosecuting attor-
neys were eager to bow the knee before the shrine of wealth
and influence. But let the accused be some Ignorant boat-hand
or some obscure passenger on trial for killing or maiming some
brutal officer, who had perhaps tantalized him into committing
the deed by his taunts and jeers, justLe did not sleep then ; but
listened to the accusation, and condemned the guilty wretch as
implacably as the presiding dignitary over the "Court of Death,"
delineated by the masterly pencil of Rembrandt Peel, meted out
his award to every culprit brought before him.

It is quite natural to suppose that men respecting no law
Ba^e that of brute force would at times fall victims to their own
dastardly deeds of violence. Such was in many instances the
case among the steamboat officers. Numbers were openly
killed or secretly assassinated by those whom they had maltreat-
ed. In the large cities these murderers were punished by law,
when arrested; but if, after the commission of their deeds of
blood, the perpetrators could gain the banks either of the Mis-
sissippi or Ohio Kiver, at any point between the ports of St.
Louis, Louisville, and New Orleans, they were safe trom all prai-

[ like hogs on tho
Tiado to feel all ^be
graceful treatment
ig to tha boat,
and also their pas-
' wrongs before the
jdress. But it was
lere capital was the
inals more blunted
mis, Louisville, and
r tho river steamers
the officers of thcso
otected at all liaz-
sy and talent were
ave them from the
[by a cultured class
ner of the almighty
lure passengers ex-
> was that they had
noney and talent in

prosecuting attor-
lie shrine of wealth
ignorant boat-band
Ig or maiming some
lim into committing
not sleep then ; but
the guilty wretch as
e" Court of Death,"
mdt P«el, meted out
m.

1 respecting no law
victims to their own

many instances the
mbers were openly
1 they had maltreat-
>re punished by law,
on oi their deeds of
Ics either of the Mis-
een the ports of St.
ire safe tram all pim-

XHB HIS8I88IFFZ.

421

tahment by the law. The people who lived in the scattered
settlements along the banks of these rivers had conceived a
deep and abiding hatred towards the generality of steamboat
officials, on account of tuelr brutal and overbearing conduct
The first season that I struck the Mississippi River, twenty-two
steamboat officers fell by the bullet and the knife, in consequence
of having violated the persons of their murderers. During the
same summer and the following winter eleven boats were
snagged between St. Louis and New Orleans, and sis were
blown up by the bursting of their boilers, and over Ave hundred
souls were hurried into the presence of their Maker. High old
times were these on the Mississippi Kiver.

The long suppressed murmurings of public opinion against the
shameful atrocities perpetrated by river men, on the western
waters, became now too formidable to be longer disregarded.
Congress passed laws regulating the navigation of all inland
steamers; the duties of steamboat officials were clearly defined ;
committees were appoint«)d to examine into the capabilities of
pilots and engineers, and also to ascertain the sea-worthiness of
vessels carrying freight and passengers; inspectors were appoint-
ed to look to boilers and machinery.^ About the same time the
people of Louisiana demanded of thei|iegi8lators that severe laws
deflnmg the relations between steamboat officers and their crews
should be passed, and the public voice compelled the courts to
enforce these laws. The former brutal treatment of steamboat
hands was no longer tolerated; such amusements became too
costly to be indulged in by their officers. The wages of crews
had to be settled before any other claims; and until that was
done the boat could be held by the Sheriff. Public opinion
frowned down steamboat racing, and fewer boilers were burst
in consequence. The "knock-down and drag-out" officers of
the "screamer" tribe were obliged to stand back and give place
to such as could direct their men in thd performance of their
duty, without resorting to oaths and violence. Steamboat offi-
cers were no longer permitted to gamble with passengers, or to
enter the cabin with loud oaths, or seat themselves at the din-
ner-table in filthy garments or their shirt-sleeves. The mess-
room and sleeping-rooms of the employes were separated from
those of the passengers; and only the captain and his clerk and
first officer, with the servants required ^here, were allowed en-

!'^*tgi>Hl?j5^'^^^^ie!fetf'»<p|ilBa53^;^^^^

4Sil

WANDESnTOS OF A VAGABOND.

tranco into the cabin. Humanity and courtesy Las made mighty
strides in this section of the country over cruelty and oppression.
The roclilessncss and brutality which once characterized steam-
boat officials has totally disappeared from our western waters ;
and to-day the traveler can nowhere meet with kinder or more
polite treatment than on board a river steamer, or with laoro
civil and gentlemanly men than their officials.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

KIVEB SHARPERS.

Day and night during our voyage on the "Mediator," from
Ijoulsville to New Orleans, were the card-tables surrounded by
the votaries of chance, and often as many aa five or six of these
tables could be seen scattered from the ladies' cabin to the social
hall of the boat, with games going forward at each.

The games which were mostly played In those days on river
Bteamers were poker, brag, whist, Botson, and old sledge ; and
if banking games were set up in the social hall, they were usually
vingt-et-un, chuck, and sometimes faro. According to the rules
of these steamers, all gambling was prohibited after ten o'clock
in the evening ; but in many instances these rules were a dead
letter, and the morning sun frequently found one or more parties
at the card-table engaged at their favorite games. In these jolly
times the steamboat officers mingled with the passengers in the
cabin as equals, and it was no uncommon thing to see uncouth
pilots, mates, and greaay engineers engaged at the card-tables
with well-dressed travelers. Passengers were privileged to
amuse themselves just as they pleased, so long as they did not
infrhige upon the rights of others, or interfere in any respect
with the duties of the officers or crew. This latitude sometimes
led to some rather strong contrasts ; for instance, there might
frequently be seen in the ladies' cabin a group of the godly pray-
ing and singing psalms, while in the dlning-saloon, from which
the tables had been removed, another party were dancing merri-
ly to the music of a fiddle, while farther along, in the social hall,
might be hoard the loud laughter of jolly carousers around the

has made mighty
ity and oppressiuu.
nracterlzod stoaiu-
ir western waters ;
th kinder or more
imer, or with uore

"Mediator," from
)le8 surrounded by
five or six. of these
' cabin to the social

each.

hose days on river
d old sledge; and
1, they were usually
!ording to the rules
id after ten o'clock

rule"? were a dead
one or more parties
mes. In these jolly
e passengers in the
ing to see uncouth

at the card-tables
were privileged to
ng as they did not
Fere in any respect

latitude sometimes
Dtance, there might
p of the godly pray-
saloon, from which
vere dancing merrl-
g, in the social ball,
rousers around the

KIVER 8HARPEB&

423

drlnldug bar, and occasioimliy chiming in with the sound of the
revelry, tlie rattling of u.onoy uud checks, uiid the sound of
voices ut the card- tables.

Previous lo tiio appourauce of the card-sharper and his newly
iuveutud schemes for cheating, on the river the card-tublcs of a
Bteumer were free to all pei-sons of gentlemanly habits and man-
ners. The gambler was not excluded from a seat there on
account of his superior skill at play; or, at leas'„, it was an ox-
ceodingly rare thing for one person to object to another on these
grounds. Pride would not permit the humiliating confession.
Nether would men holding real or equivocal positions in society,
at a who by the arbitrary laws of that society, felt themselvr,^

.mpelled to shun a professional gambler on the street, thi
their reputation compromised by meeting him as an equal on
board a steamer at the card-tables.

The votaries of chance were not yet aroused to the fact that
taey could be insidiously robbed at the card-table when every-
thing seemed perfectly fair and above-board; but when that
enlightening took place, the gambler was immediately classed
with the sharper, because the verdant wore unable to under-
stand where the gambler left off and the thief began. Thimble-
riggers, dice-coggers, trigger-wheel players, strop-players, and
card-sharpers of every description, were classed as gamblers.

These river sharpers, for their mutual advantage, traveled in
small companies, but while on board a steamer, feigned to be
total strangers to each other. Their number was always
Bufflcient fo make up a card party whenever they could induce
one or two "gulls" to "join them in a small game, merely for
amusement." Whenever one of their number could manage to
obtain a seat among a poker or brag party that would not
stand any rough nonsense in the way of "stocking," or "hold-
ing out," bis confederates would seat ♦hemselves in such a
position that they could see the cards held by his adversaries,
and " item" the strength of their hands to him by signs. This
was done variously, sometimes with the fingers, one held out
denoting a pair, two, two pairs, three, threes, four fingers, fours,
and five, a flush or full hand. Hands were sometimes tele-
graphed by twirling the head of a cane in various directions;
and men had ystems of signs which were perfectly Intelligible,
consisting in >culiar ways of puffing out cigar smoke.

-SSIBlft

-»W3 i s"? g a a 'A ' t9»y-jj,wm,iw...'j ' ^

424

WANDEUIN08 OF A VAOABOXD.

The early sharpers depouded on flecciug their adversaries at
poker, biiig, euchre, and all-foura, atid similar games, while
eii{,M)-od with them at play, by " holding out" oue or nore carda
OH them. These would bo hidden in their laps or behind the
neck, and somctimca in the joint of the knees, and " rung In"
wherever a favoral)le opportunity occurred for doing so. These
methods of cheating, as well as " iteming" hauds, are time-
honored Institutions among the sharper tribe, and were probably
practiced by their European l)rethroa a century before the pad-
dle of a steamboat made Its first revolution in the turbid waters
of the Mississippi.

Playing marked cards was a specialty with a few sharpers.
They marked their own cards on the backs, nearly every sharper
having his own secret cipher for doing so. While playing with
a single adversary, marked cards could be used most advan-
tageously; the more persons engaged with them in a game of
brag or poker, the more difficult was their labor and the more
they had to contend with. In a card party consisting of four or
five players, the marked-card player can only manage to read
the cards of oue of his adversaries hands. I have heard that
some of them could keep the run of two hands at once with per-
fect case, but having never known of such an Instance, I beg
leave to doubt the assertion.

There are plenty of stamped-card players who can keep the
run of two hands correctly in a game of poker where four or
more persons are engaged, but it seems to me beyond the range
of probability for any oue to accomplish the same feat with what
is known in sharper's parlance as "scratched paper." The
marked-card player could accomplish nothing on a steamer, ex-
cept by the connivance of the bar-tender, to whom he was
obliged to give a certain share In his profits as the price of his
assistance and silence, and for ringing In his cards upon whatever
party upon whom they thought they could be made profitable.
These worthies seldom wasted their talents an(-. their scratched
paper" on any except those who were likely to reward them
handsomely for their time and trouble.

The "tricky tribe," while playing all-fours, ecarte, eucure, etc.,
with verdant adversaries too far advanced to stand a hM-
Btock," or the "palm," would resort to marking the most ad-
vantageous cards with the thumb-nail by scratching them on

eir adversaries at
liar games, while
one or nore cards
laps or behind the
s, and "rung In"
r doing so. These

hauds, are time-
and were probably
py before the pad-

the turbid waters

h a few sharpers.
Barly every sharper
(^hile playing with
used most advan-
them in a game of
ibor and the more
insisting of four or
iy manage to read
I have heard that
s at once with per-
an instance, I beg

who can keep the
)ker where four or
e beyond the range
lame feat with what
ched paper." The
5 on a steamer, ex-
, to whom he was
, as the price af his
lards upon whatever
le made profitable.
i(. their " scratched
sly to reward them

ecarte, euchre, etc.,
I to stand a "half-
rking the most ad-
scratching them on

BIVER SUARI-KRS. 48|

their odges, generally on their sides near the comers. Some-
times th 'y would " blaze " with their flngor-uails, or otherwise
mark the tces and kings on their backs, In order to know them
at poker, Oi the braggers and aces at brag; at the latter game
the advantage > as very considerable, while with the former it
amountoti to llttU T'.'o marking of certain cards in a pack,
while engaged at u game, is not only a tedious operation, but
decidedly a dangerom undertaking if not skillfully done. Per-
sons with whom such tricks are generally tried on are those
wLjso suspicions have been aroused; and parties of this kind are
hard to cheat, or rather ai a on the alert to prevent any frauds
from being practiced upon them. None of the tribe that I ever
heard of ever succeeded in gaining any prominence among the
members of their own profession for successfully marking cards
while playing, and making them tell advantageously at a game.
Les clwvaliers dHnduatrie of Europe are far aheod of our own
in this art. Many of them, while playing at whist, ecarte,
cribbage, and similar games, mark with their thumb-nails in an
incredibly short space of time all the important cards in the
pack, and play them equally as well as the best stampod-card
player. In the year 1860 I met onejof these gentlemen in Paris,
a Frenchman by birth, of the most suave and agreeable manners
and gentlemanly deportment. I had the honor of making his
acquaintance, and one evening, while seated in my room discuss-
ing with me the various fine arts as practiced at cards, he offer-
ed to bet me a napoleon that while wo were playing four games
of ecarte, he would mark twelve cards in the pack. At any
time during the playing of the four games, if I could detect him
marking a single card by showing the spot on which It was
marked, I won the wager; or If, when the four games were finish-
ed, and I had shuflaed the pack to my satisfaction, he could
not then take up the pack, and running the cards off its back
one at a time and turning them over on the table, face up, as he
came to it, any card which he had marked, naming its suit and
size before doing so, or If he made a single mistake, he lost. I
accepted his wager, and we played the four games of carte
without my being able to detect him marking a single card.
When we had finished the games I shuffled the pack and hand-
ed It to him; he turned over fourteen cards as he came to them,
naming their suit and size as he did so without a single 'aalt.

ssssssBS^sasst-jsswwa

"w-«*Ers5ra!5»-'

wAKDKsnros or ▲ vagabond.

While we were playing our games, he h'A bandied his cards
rather awliwardly for an adopt, but thero was nothing in his ac-
tions that would in tlio ItiOHt urouso Huspiciou, and it was only
when I held the cards which ho had marked, up to the light, and
let its glare full directly u()on tlio marks, which w ero dono near
the corner by a fine blazo Ihiit was niudo by the thumb-nail, and
in various ci[)hors, that I wiis able to detect the fi'aud.

Who was the inventor of stamped cards I am unable to say,
but that they originated in this country is nearly unquestionable.
No mention is made of thorn in any of the gambling works pub-
lished in Europe ; nor among the multitude of tricks which liaTO
l)ccn exposed, both by writers on the subject and those that liaro
boon at various times ventilated before tribunals of Justice, have
I ever seen or hoard of any mention being made of stamped
cards. Even at the present day, European sharpers know but
little about them, when they might bo so serviceably used at
the various short-card games played in those countries.

Unlike our own free and enlightened country, the despotic
laws of Europe will not permit card manufacturers to fabricate
unfair cards and flood the continent with their printed circulars
informing whom it may concern that they are ready to supply
all varieties of stamped cards of different ciphors, diagrams, and
patterns. The- European manufacturer who ventured to commit
so flagrant and public a breach of honesty would uot only And
his business broken uPi but himself incarcerated in a prison. In
this country we have plenty of manufacturers of stamped cards,
who send out their circulars to all parts of the country, accom-
panied by diagrams of the difiiereut patterns of cards, and the
various ciphers used upon them. A Mr. Bartlett, of the city of
New Tork, has been engaged in this business about forty years,
and no law in the smallest degree molests or restrains him.
How would the commercial public take it, shoull some engraver
advertise that he was ready to supply counterfeiters with plates
on the different banks throughout the country.

Stamped cards were unknown in Mexcio previous to our in-
vasion of that country, nor were they known to the people of
South America, so far as I have been able to ascertain, and I
took great pains to do so, and had many favorable opportuuities
during more than a year spent in rambling through Peru, Ecua-
dor, and Chili, besides having made in California, in the early

handled bis cards
s nothing in his oo-
uu, and it wom only
up to tho light, and
lich \^ ero dono near
;lio thumb-nuil, and
ho fi-aud.

I am unablo to say,
irly unquoBtionable.
mbling workn pub-
f tricks which have
and those that have
alB of Justice, have
; made of stamped
sharpers know but
lerviceably used at
countries.

uitry, tho despotic
;turer8 to fabricate
ir printed circulars
re ready to supply
liors, diagrams, and
ventured to commit
vould not only find
ted in a prison. In
s of stamped cards,
he country, accom-
s of cards, and the
rtlett, of the city of
i about forty years,
} or restrains him.
ouM some engraver
irfeiters with plates

previous to bur In-
rn to tho people of
to ascertain, and I
arable opportunities
trough Peru, Ecna-
fornia, in the early

RIVEB SIIARreBS. ^

days of gold, tho acquaintance of gamblers from nearly everv
country of South America. Not one of these have f I-^cr ye^
met who had any idea of stamped cards, beyond what they h^
earned u California. This «on-ma„ufacturo mnong the S,m.S
ocers of thi« hemisphere convinces mo that they wore uuknow

nto tLh^IloS TT'' '''''' """'^ '""■" introduced then
In Lnv I ' ^""^ '° °" «'»'°«'' "^u'd they have been mado

so heavily advantageous and profitable to the sharper, as in "ho

and tho bankmg game of monte.

knew nothhf. t^'l'T '"".'^"'^ '^'^' """"^"-y' "'« "'"'"'«"''
knew nothing about stamped cards. When the Citv of Mexico

inrthn mn ^'^ ""''l ''''' ""^' ^y '»"y ™«»««' i" P^^rceiv-

^g the inimonso advantagb to bo gained from stamped cards

mont/rV" "" T"^^^'"'^'^™; but where were they rget the

Zt lirh^\rr'r'r^. '•"■ ^'^'^ P"'-P«««» S»™« «f the bril!
lant lights of the fraternity started for Now York, laid their
d.lemma before Bartlett, and in a few months .ue line o travel
from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico wa^ flooded with American
manufactured monte cards, all stamped. This , ompt, however
proved a failure, for neither American nor Mexican gambS
r n.^^ T'' ""' ^'•""^•^ '""'='' ""''^ thanany befi.reman
in the nt Jm f '''^n?'^'''^''"' ''"'"P''^'-''^ ^^'th those made
mnnn. ^ f '''• ^^^ ^"^'''''» govpijiment had sold tho
SlT^nfn B .'1"'""^'*''"""«^ to certain individuals in each
State in the ftepublio, and a single company in the City of Mexico
possessed the whole right of doing so in that State, and their
cards were in use by all tho gamblers on Taylor's and Scott's line

whiT ? rK^?"^°"* ™'°"'"*'* ^^« ""^ '•'ft to tbe sharpers,
which wa« to bribe the owners of this establishment. They sue '
ceeded hi doing so, by paying the manufacturers five thousand
dollars for one hundred gross of cards, of patterns shnilar to the
XTn'^'S '\''''' stipulating for an equal amomit of each
pattern. The sharpers wore to furnish the necessary plates,

bro^l//^ \T "'"^''.^ '" ^'-^"^ "^^^ »" New York"^ and
brought from thence to the manufacturers in the City of Mexico,
rhis statement I give in substance just as I received it from

no" ^^1^ w.r''*''^ "•"°'^'' "^ the fraternity, now dead, by
name Mr. WiUiam Clemmens, who was one of the committee of

-tl" ■U.J ' t.n ' JBIljil

;:;!? '

WANCEBINQS OF A VAGABOITD.

sharpers who negotiated for the manufacture of the stamped
cards. But unfortunately for the enterprising movers of this
scheme, so much time was consumed in getting the cards ready,
that about the period that their speculation was ripe, peace
was suddenly declared, aud the Americau troopa evacuated the

country.

But following close on the heels of the war came the discovery
of the golden fields of California, and in the early days of that
excitement monte was the only banking game patronized by the
shoals who flocked from all parts of the world to the golden
State. These cards npw came into good play, and during the
summer of 1849 were extensively used, many of the sharpers
having made fortunes by them.

In the following winter they returned to the City of Mexico,
and caused two hundred gross mor*? to be made, and brought
them ba^k with them to California. But in some manner sus-
picion WR3 raised agaiust these cards, which finally led to their
detection. And no sooner did it become a fixed fact that one
pattern of these cards was stamped, and therefore dishonest,
than all the cards manufactured in the Republic of Mexico were
entirely discarded and repudiated, and those manufactured in
Barcelona, Spain, were used instead. Thesa cards have n ^er
been tampered with, and retain their popularity to the present

day. ■ . XI.

Stamped cards first appeared in this country between the
years 1834 and 1835. When first discovered the secret was so
precious as to be carefully guarded and monopolized by a few
sharpers. As is usual with all new inventions of the kind, gam-
blers first fell victims to them, and continued to be so for many
years. At first they were manufactured, like counterfeit mono/,
with great secrecy, in unlikely places ; but when, they became
more fully known, Bartlett, of New York, and many others, found
in their manufacture a profitable business.

In 1837 a man known by the name of Doctor Cross commenc-
ed the manufacturing of stamped cards in the city of New Or-
leans, and continued it up to as late rs 1854, and it is more than
probable that he was the first who carried on the business in
this country. He procured his cards in an unfinished state from
the New York manufacturers, and stamped them with plates of
his own invention, or said to be such, at least. It was after his

BOND.

iture of the stamped
lisiug movers of this
tting the carua ready,
tion was ripe, peace
troops evacuated the

ar came the discovery
he early days of that
,me patronized by the
world to the golden
play, and during the
aany of the sharpers

o the City of Mexico,
e made, and brought

in some manner sus-
ch finally led to their

a fixed fact that one
d therefore dishonest,
public of Mexico were
hose manufactured in
lesa cards have n \"er
lularity to the present

country between the
jred the secret was so
monopolized by a few
tions of the kind, gam-
nued to be so for many
like counterfeit money,
)ut when, they became
and many others, found
I.

doctor Cross commenc-
in the city of New Or-
54, and it is more than
■led on the business in
,n unfinished state from
»ed them with plates of

least. It was after his

KIYER SHASFEBS.

429

manufactory became perfectly well knovra that his cards were
introdnccd on steamers, and rung in on the passengers by the
bar-keepers, who " stood in " for a share of the plunder thus ob-
tained by the sharpers for whom they operated.

At the present time none but the most verdant will stand
" bottom-dealing ;" but, like all new frauds, it had its day, with
many kindred devices for robbing the unsuspecting. From 1834
to 1840 many gamblers who considered themselves *'par excel'
teMcc"in their profession, have stood it nobly while imagining
themselves, no doubt, the victims of very bad luck. Almost any
person, with a little practice, can deal from the bottom ; but to
perform the feat while several pairs of keen eyes are concentra-
ting their gaze on your fingers and the pack held by them, with-
out being detected, requires an amount of coolness and nerve, not
to mention practice, which is possessed perhaps by not one man
in a million. Thirty years ago a No. 1 bottom-dealer was a king
among sharpers. He was dependent on no outside assistance
for fleecing his victims, and if he had a partner, it was only for
the purpose of skinning his dupe more expeditiously, by dealing
him a large hand from the bottom, while his partner would raise
from his lap or from the joints of his knee oue yet larger, with
which to beat it.

It is said that bottom-dealing; was first brought to perfection
by a man named Wilson. This desirable consummation waa
reached in 1834, and about this time first made its appearance
on the western rivers, where it was rendered, in the course of a
few years, entirely useless, through the blunders of bungling op-
erators, and the verdant learned to protect themselves against
the fraud.

Means swifter and more sure were gradually brought into re-
quisition, for robbing the votaries of chance of their money. It
is a strong advantage undoubtedly to know the strength of your
adversary's hand at poker; but the work was too tedious for
your fast sharper. Luck would sometimes protect a "sucker"
against " iteming," stamped cards, and bottom-dealing. In the
good old times, before draw-poker became fashionable, straight
poker was the favorite brag game. At this game the cards
were dealt by the winner of the pool, who could, of course, keep
on dealing as often as he could win. This rule enabled the
bottom -dealer to help himself to good cards as often as he dealt;

WANDKRINQS OF A VAGABOND.

but he might vrin twenty pools in succession without secu Ing
scarcely any money, should his adversaries hold poor hands, and
in the meantime one of them might get, by good luck, be tter
cards than those he held, and thus win A-om him a large st ike.
True, if he had a partner who was posted in the game he c )uld
give the "sucker" a big hand from the bottom, while his partner
raised from his lap a bigger one to beat it with, but it was ra ther
dangerous to attempt such a thing too often, and the leat't bung-
ling was sure to lead to detection.

Young men perfected themselves in the science of false cii ting
and shuffling " running-up " hands, "palming out "cards, and
"ringing them in," ringing in cold packs, double disi,arding, etc.,
etc. These ambitious tyros were taken under the fosturing
care of some patriarch of the sharper tribe, who assisted the m in
getting up their games and furnished them with money vben
that article was needed, which, with this kind of sharpen , was
generally the case, when a trip on the rivor was in prospec :.

The popular game of draw-poker, which has entirely super-
seded straight poker and brag, was the invention of river sharp-
ers, and was first put in practice on the Mississippi steamboats.
This game ofifers to the manipulator a hundred-fold l)et:er facili-
ties for fleecing the unwary than either of the old games. The
skillful operator can give his victim, with perfect ease, as many
big hands as he chooses, and at the sa,me time arm himself orhis
partner with better ones to beat them. But a shrewd swindler
seldom gives a sucker more than an ace-full. He first tempts
his appetite with two large pairs ; then threes of various kinds ;
after these are expended, he hoists him up a flush or a full hand
of a small denomination, and gradually increases them in size
till he beats an ace-full for him ; beyond this he is not likely to
go. Whenever they find customers who will not stand running
up hands, false shuffling and cutting, double discarding is
practiced upon them ; an advantage peculiar to draw-poker, and
not applicable to any other game. Scores of those who have
grown gray in the service of the fickle goddess, and who were
the most wary among her votaries, have come to grief through
the following artful piece of chicanery: Two partners being
seated next each other, one attends to the betting department,
while the latter manipulates the cards. He goes out with three
aoes, we will say for example, which he conceals in the joint of

tn without secu Ing
old poor hands, and
y good luck, be tter
. him a large st ike.
the game he ould
n, while his partiuer
;h, but it was ra ther
and the leat't b^ mg-

once of false cii ting
ng out " cards, and
ble disi,arding, etc.,
inder the fostoring
ho assisted the m in
a with money vhen
nd of sharper! , was
flras in prospec ..
has entirely super-
Qtion of river sharp-
sissippi steamboats.
ed-fo!d bet;^erfacili-
le old games. The
irfect ease, as many
16 arm himself or his

a shrewd swindler
1. He first tempts
3S of various kinds ;
flush or a full band
Teases them in size
Is he is not likely to

not stand running
tuble discarding is
: to draw -poker, and
I of those who have
Idess, and who were
me to grief through
'wo partners being
jetting department,
goes out with three
ceals in the joint of

KIVBR SHABPEKS.

431

his knee until it comes his turu to deal. The cards having been
dealt, he is ready to help the discarded hand.-;, and he now con-
veys from their hidiuj place the stolen cards, iu the palm of his
hand, aud places them upon the top of the pack while in the act
of lifting it from the table. Those cards are now drawn by his
partner, who is informed, by a secret " item,'' of their denomina-
tion, and discards his hand accordmgly for their reception. As
he has the first " say " or " age," and the other players may per-
haps not chip iu for the pool, it is not uecessaiy to bring out the
hidden cards ; that is, if any of the players chip in, then he tries,
by making a large brag, to run them out ; but should any of them
prove obstinate aud stand the raise, then the three aces are
brought into action. The persons who can perform this trick
well are by no means numerous.

The rough handling frequently rer<}ived by sharpers, at the
hands of their victims, during their various pilgrimages up and
down the river, finally caused them to be a little more wary, and
It was only when the steamer was about to make a wood-pile or
some port that they would venture to put the fluishing-stroko to
their nefarious work, by dealing a big hand to their victim and
then beating it for him.

When they had accomplished this *hey would leave the boat
as quickly as convenient, and get upon the next steamer which
stopped at their place of sojourn, whether going up or down
mattered very httle to them; and having leeched what "suck-
ers" they found on her, abandoned her, in turn, for ano,uer
which offered them subjects for plunder.

The gambling talents of short-card sharpers rest exclusi rely
in their fingers; scarcely one of them being capable of pla»'ing
any square game with even ordinary ability; and the non-pro-
fessionals in the country, who are greatly their superiors in all
short-card games played on the square, may be numbered by
tiiousands. It is in fact a rare thing to find a short-card sharp
who has sufficient confidence to risk his money on the square at
anything except bucking the tiger, which ravenous animal swal-
lows up most of their ill-gotten plunder. When square faro, a
two-card box, women, or kindred articles of commerce have de-
pleted their pockets of their stolen funds, they are ready for
another trip on the river, and probably are obliged to fall back
on the paternal sharper, who fattens on their skill and industry
in their nefarious business, for the "sinews of war."

490

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

Tbcso thieves became so foriuidublo iu their numbers, and so
bold iu their depredatious, as to drive almost everything iu the
shape of square gambling from the river j aud it was ouly when
a party of acquaintances sat down to the ctird-tablc, to play
among themselves, that anything like a square game couM bo
seen on a steamer. As they were all called professional gamb-
lers, the honest aud straightforward of that community had to
father their crimes and share their odium. Their rascalities
even, bad as they were, were made the themes of marvelous ro-
mantic stories by the penny-a-liners and story-tellers of every
description. Then the wonderful yarns that have been r'-culat-
ed from time to time by the lovers of the marvelous, relating to
the outwitting of gamblers at their own games by determined
heroes, who have forced them to disgorge their ill-gotten plun-
der and make restitution to every one whom they had duped, and
many more tales, all equally improbable and without foundation,
is all clap-trap. Sharpers are birds of prey, and cannot be out-
witted in faeir line of business. They practice their arts on none
bat those whom they know will stand them, and can discern at
a single glance whether the person seated before them can be
cheated at piay or otherwise. Should they chance on a tough cus-
tomer, they drop him immediately, aud seek others more suita-
ble to their purpose. , ^ , , ,

About thirty years ago the following story circulated freely
through the public press of this country. I have chosen it out
of many of the same kind of delicious morsels which the news-
papers have, for forty years, delighted to dish up to their readers,
and with which marvelous story-tellers have amused their
hearers. The talc, on its own merits, will compare most
favorably with those of that wonderful hero. Baron Munchausen.
" The news having reached the ears of a party of gamblers
that a New Orleans bank was about to send to Vicksburg an agent
having in his possession $95,000 to discharge a claim in that
city, they followed him on board the Now Orleans and Vicks-
burg packet with the intention of robbing him. During the
trip he was induced by them to take part in a game of poker,
and furnished with a large betting hand; but they did not omit,
at the same time, to generously give a member of their own
gang one with which to beat it. Several small brags were
made by the contestants for the ^ ool, when the agent went $250

EIVEIl SUAnPKRS.

488

r numbers, and so
evcrytliiug in the
I it was only when
»r<i-tablc, to play
are game coii!<l bo
in-ofessional gamb-
commuuity bad to
Their rascabties
33 of marvelous ro-
ury-tellers of every
have beenr'"culat-
:vclous, relating to
mes by determined
eir ill-gotten plun-
hey had duped, and
without foundation,
and cannot be out-
ee their arts on none
and can discern at
)efore them can be
mco on a tough cus-
others more suita-

ry circulated freely
; have chosen it out
jls which the news-
up to their readers,
have amused their
will compare most
Baron Munchausen.
% party of gamblers
I VJcksburg an agent
rge a claim in that
Orleans and Vicks-
g him. During the
in a game of poker,
it they did not omit,
ember of their own
,1 small brags were
the agent went |250

better than his opponent, which was all the money belonging to
himself which he bud about him. This was seen, and a brag of
$5,U()0 more was made by his adversary. The ugeut claimed a
Bight for his $250, stating that it was all the money he had ; but
it was refused. The object of the scoundrels being to induce him
to break int.. the package belonging to the bank, which they
knew to be in his possession, shrewdly thinking if he once did so
they would not only obtain the $5,000 on the brai?, but all the
rest of its contents. On the refusal of his adversary to allow hiai
.1 sight, he had appealed to the other members of the party, who
decided that he must call the .95,000 or forfeit all claiins"to tijc
pool. He again appealed to his opponent for a sight, but was
informed by that inexorable gentleman tlh-xt if he did not call
the $5,000 brag within five minutes he should take down the
pool. The five minutes were fast ebbing away, amid the breath-
less stillness of both the actors in the game and the spectatore,
'vhen the agent, as a ' dernier resort,' determined to save his
money from the clutches of the swindlers, took from his bosom
the package belonging to the bank and threw it on the table,
saying, 'I'll see your five thousand and go you ninety thousand
better, and if you don't call the bet in five minutes I shall take
down the pool.' The nise was so unexpected that it completely
npsct their calculations, and not having sufficient nionev to call
the brag they were compelled to forfeit all claims to the pool,
according to their own ruling, and the agent swept it into his
pockets, amidst the cheers of the bystanders."

This foolish tale was swallowed with avidity by the credulous,
and every word as implicitly believed as if it were holy writ, and
the imaginary bank-agent became a public hero. No law ex-
cept that of might denies to a player at a poker-table a sight
for what money he has before him, and it is rather improbable
that a set of sharpers would dream of perpetrating such a
robbery in so public .a place, when they knew it would be im-
possible for them to escape with their plunder. Sharpers are
much too shrewd for such bungling work. They take no
chances to lose six or seven thousand dollars, nor two or three
hundred dollars, nor even twenty dollars, at a hand of cards.
As for the tales regaiding the fabulous sums bet at poker-tables
on our western rivers, they are all pure humbug. I have grave
doubts whether a brag of two thousand dollars has ever been

*^J^ ' ' ! «_# |»^^^jj^^i^^y■M■ ri f»^W<^w ~

484

WAHDEBINGS OF A VAGABOND.

W51

lost and won at a card-table on the Mississippi River, since the
Bteamer Pennsylvania descended that stream in 1813.

Though railways have diverted a large portion of the travel
from our western waters, and consequently thinned out sou)o-
what the horde of sharpers who formerly infested the river
steamers, they are still numerous, and still find fools to prey
upon; for the crop, unlike more useful harvests, never fails. ^
But the exploits of the noble army of "chevaliers tPindustrie"
are by no means confined tc water navigation. Not at all!
They are to be found in every city, town, jind village, where
short-card playing for gain makes up a portion of the pastime
of the few or the many, and sufiQcient money is hazarded to at-
tract their cupidity. Some are satisfied with quick gains and
small profits, while others of the class are willing to wait months,
in anticipation of taking in a big pile. They can be found of
all degrees, from the lowest and most vicious, up to the most
enlightened circles of card-players, plying their calling, and
among every class find plenty of fools to batten on. Among
these short-card sharpers are shrewd and discerning men of per-
suasive powers and agreeable manners, who, having finished their
education on the river, and becoming older and more settled in
character, they seek more respectable and profitable fields for
their labor, among the upper classes whose card circles are held
in private club-rooms or apartments in first-class hotels. Into
those hallowed precincts, where none bearini^ the name of gam-
bler are allowed to enter, designing men who are identified with
mercantile pursuits, or some of the professions, easily obtain ad-
mittance. Many of these worthy and immaculate gentlemen
have been carefully brought up in the paths of morality ; some
are highly cultured and refined; but in life's breathless struggle
for possessions, their perceptions of right and wrong have be-
come 80 distorted that they look upon the fleecing of a verdant
at a card-table as an admirable piece of finesse. When their
own skill has become worn out upon their iinsuspecting adver-
saries of the green table, they manage to foist upon them some
one of the more skilFal experts of their acquaintance; perhaps
under some military title, or perhaps will tack to their names
the handle of Professor, Doctor, or Honorable. These latter,
having once obtained a foothold in the ranks of respectability,
endeavor to sustain it by every means in their power, and are

pi River, since the
in 1813.

rtiou of tho travel
tbiuned out 8ou)o-
iufested the river
And fools to prey
•vests, never fails.
taliers d'indiistrie" '
tion. Not at all!
^ud village, wliero
ion of the pastime
is hazarded to at-
h quick gains and
ing to wait months,
jy can be found of
as, up to the most
their calling, and
atten on. Among
erning men of per-
aviug finished their
nd more settled in
profitable fields for
ird circles are held
-class hotels. Into
; the name of gam-
I are identified with
s, easily obtain ad-
laculate gentlemen
i of morality ; some
breathless struggle
nd wrong have be-
secing of a verdant
oesse. When their
nsuspecting adver-
ist upon them some
uaintance; perhaps
ack to their names
ible. These latter,
cs of respectability,
leir power, and are

THBKE-CARD MON'l'K THROWERS.

435

most careful to commit no act which might draw upo^ them the
slightest subpiciou. Being unable, from their very composition
to support tho pangs of a losing, one of them is seldom seei'i
within tho doors of a gambling-houae, nor under any circum-
stances would they countenance a proiossional gambler, or
speak to him on the street, and never ftiil to warn their
verdant gulls against the association of such disreputable char-
acters.

The question will naturally arise. Is there any cure for this
crying evIK My answer is emphatically, Tes .' Make cheating,'
at the card-table a felony, punishable by the laws of the laud,
and card-shaipers and their insidious accomplices will disap-
pear like hoar-frost before the morning sun. So long as the
legislatures refuse to make stViugont laws for shielding ver-
dant card-players, so long will they be the legitimate prey of
shai'pers.

CHAPTER XXXV.

THREE-CARD MONTE THROWERS

Are the worst Pariahs who prey upon society under the cloak of
gambling. During the last five and twenty years they have in-
fested our steamers and railways, and every place of public
gathering, for the purpose of practicing their arts upon the un-
suspecting and the unwary. These pests outnumber the short-
card sharpers on our western waters four to one. The latter
claim with the former no affinity, and say they have destroyed
all short-card playing on the rivers by their three-card opera-
tions. Socially, they look down upon them much as a first-class
burglar might look down on some petty thief, at the same time
claiming that their own vocation is legitimate, and based upon
the true principles of science. For the life of me I cannot see
where this nice discrimination comes in. To attain pre-eminence
as a three-card thrower, seems to me as difficult as to become a
first-class short-card sharp, and about equally meritorious. In
order to attain pre-eminence in either of these roles, one must
possess a self-possession nothing can shake, nerves of iron, dex;-

436

WANDEIUXU8 OF A VAGABOND.

terity of hand, quickness of perception, and cool Judgment;
Bhould ho lack a single one of these qualities, he woil'l be a
bungler, and entirely unlit for his calling. Viewing both these
professions in a moral light, they stand on about he same foot-
ing, and we must conclude that both are legitimate in the eyes
of the law, since none of our legislatures have made any eflbrts
towards their suppression or punishment.

At what period wo were first blessed with this ingenious little
game with three cards, I am utterly unable to say ; but that we
are indebted for the boon to Mexico, on whose soil It first orig-
inated, is unquestionable. At the time we invaded that country,
it burst the narrow limits formerly confining it, and went on
"conquering and to conquer," until it is now probably known to
the entire English-speaking population of the globe. It made
its appearance in the city of New Orleans as early as 1^*37, — '
at once became popular with the sharpers as an ingenious do-
vice for ridding the verdant of their superfluous cash. In tho
above-named year we find that ono Phillips was in that city
convicted and sentenced two years in the penitentiary for re-
lieving a man of $700 at the three-card game. Tho ofiense was
pressed under tho head of larceny, and from tho time of that
conviction, three-card throwers did not show up in Louisiana, or
in fact in any other State in the Union, until about the breaking
out of the Mexican war.

Amongst all the followers of Taylor's and Scott's armies, not a
single three-card thrower could be found; but numbers of the
Mexican tribe, following that ingenious calling, gradually found
their way among the troops, where they plied their vocation
among the wapon trains or in the public streets, whenever they
could do so without danger of interference from the Mexican
authorities. By the Mexican gamblei-s they were styled ladrones
(thieves), and "many years previous to our invasion of the coun-
try were nil known to its inhabitants. They followed up feasts,
were to be found in the parket-places of large cities, and m
fact at all sorts of public gatberings wherever a crowd assem-

bled. .. . .

They were not permitted openiy to ply their vocation, but
carried on their business much as the three-card sharpers of
England operate ^.t the present time. Whenever they were
dragt^ d before an Alcalde, and the fact of their having robbed

[D.

d cool Judgment;
les, he wo i\i\ be a
iewlng 'ooth theao
out he same foot-
tiiuate in the eyes
3 made any eflbrts

Ilia ingoniniis little
» say ; hut that wo
e soil It first orig-
adod that country,
g it, and went on
probably known to
e globe. It made
early as IS'37 , "•' '
8 an ingenious do-
lous cash. In the
3 was in that city
)enitentiary for re-
I. The ofiense was
n the time of that
up in Louisiana, or
about the breaking

Icott's armies, not a
jut numbers of the
jg, gradually found
lied their vocation
ets, whenever they

from the Mexican
reve styled ladrones
vasion of the coun-

foUowed up feasts,
largo cities, and in
?er a crowd assem-

their vocation, but
se-card sharpers of
henever they were
their having robbed

XnKKE-CAUU JIONTE TUROWKKS. 137

any person at tlicir littlo game wa.s proven against thorn, thcv
wore cinpHlo,! f. iHun.l tlio plun.lor and pav a (ino of two
ounces (.-«;{-) ,„• .stand onimitted to work lor two luonthii in tlio
chani-gang.

Wiiilo in Haltiilo, during the summer of 1847, I recollect see-
ing ono of thcso fellows. H« was called Pancho, niul if ho ever
Had any otiicr name, no one seemed to he awan> of tlio f-ict
and 1 am sure I never ascertained it. Uo was seaireiy twenty
years old, but, young as ho was, I doubt if ho ever had a superior
ni tossing about the three cards. Uis dexterity at the business
was truly wonderful. Having collected in this manner, from the
Anierican citizens and soldiers about the camp of Uuena Vista
ami in the City of Saltillo, something like $5,000, he mado a

'^^nln ^m"'° Y'*,'' "" '^'■'''^''^" "*■ "'" '■''^'"''''•«- '^'^^y «''<=>' put up
$3,000, the whole to bo played for until wou. The conditions of

the game were tliat I'ancho should throw with American cards
and the dragoon do the guessing. The latter ''rung in"
stamped cards upon his adversary, which was a littlo too high-
stiung for I'ancho, who, losing his money, imagined doubtless
that he had "niuy mnlo sucrtc."

In the early daVs of California the country was overrun with
these three-card throwers and their confederates. Among them
were Americans, Englishmen, and Mexicans, and, with the ex-
ception of a single German, all the three-card throwers I have
over met wore comyoscd of these nationalities. Wherever a
fellow could be discovered capable of throwing three cards, the
sharpers unmediately brought him to the front. These light-
fingered gontrycould bo found plying their calling in every city

of San I-rancsco and Sacramento, numbers of them might be
seen any day seated on the sidewalk, throwing their Ss as

nrtX;Tnde m" r ^^-^'^^ ^'^^^ citles^S airndVd
" me from r f, "' ?'"' '"" *^' *■""'« "" ^''""^ ^^^Y Prevcd

thimble-rS 1 ^J.^dt. '^^^ ''"•"^'""' ^^''^P-Playing.

forth was ^:;^::^!?^:^'-' '^^^ "^^* "-

TnaT-velZ" esneehnv"""'';' '"■"""•■^ '" ^"^'^"^^ '« ^'""ething

488

WANDBRINGS OP A VAGABOND.

card throwers. They prowl around the difforont railway stations,
carefully inspcctiiiR each passonfjer, an(l,ii.s if by instinct, Jan tell
Instantly tlio pigeon from the I'lnvk. LibiMa'.ly feeing the of-
ficials, tlipy are furnished with duplicate keya to the carriage
doors, and by that means -an, if desirablo, change their carriage
at every station. Iininodiately upon the startinij of the train
thoy open their little game, and by the time it arrives at an-
other station they leave tlio carriage tlien occupied for another,
unless they have succeeded in flndiug customers An- whoso hen-
eflt it will pay them to remain. Tlusy roam from carriage to
carriage in searcli of prey until tlio train reaches its destination.
At raco-moetings, and along tlio roads loading to the courses,
they can bo soon huddled togetlier in knots, wlioro perhaps the
operator has spread nis coat upon tlio green sward, and is tossing
about his cards in hopes some passu -by may bo attracted by it,
to give him a bet ; while at the same time half a dozen cappers
arc giving liim every possil)lo assistance, by voice and action,
while in the distance are posted sentinels, to give the alarm in
case the intruding feet of a policeman approaches, whoso duty it
is to arrest them when found plying their vocation.

To conduct any banking game of chance is, according to the
laws of England, a felony, with the single exception of those at
Newmarket during race-meetings at that place, wliich are per-
mitted and are exempt from punishment by special act of Parlia-
ment. All public games played like three card monto, strap-
games, etc., are misdemeanors, and are punishable by one or two
months in the House of Correction. These, however, are in-
fringed upon, e.ipecially around race-meetings, daily; and magis-
trates are very 8lo\\ to enforce them, as public opinion regards
the penalties as being much too severe for the oflfense. But the
police break up these games wherever found, and should the
conductor of such a game bo hauled up before a magistrate by
one of his victima. for the purpose of regaining the money lost to
him, it is t^ener.ally rofnnded, on condition that the complaint be
withdrawn. Should the complainant, however, press his charge
against one of these sharps, ho will get throe months in the
House of Correction, but on an average not ^. case of the kind
occure annually.

A person who is convicted of playing scratched or loaded dice,
or of secreting cards upon his person while playing for money,

lit railway stations,
)y instinct, Jan tell
ally feeing the of-
ya to llio carriage
ango their carriage
irtiiig of tbo train
1 it arrives at an-
upifd for another,
icrs for whoso ben-
\ from carriage to
lies its destination,
njr to the courses,
wlioro perhaps the
Fard, and is tossing
1)0 attracted by it.
If a dozen cappers
voice and action,
give the alarm in
ches, whoso duty it
ation.

s, according to the
:cepti<in of those at
ICO, wliich are per-
leclal act of Parlia-
card nionte, strap-
bable by one or two
3, however, are in-
, daily ; and magis-
lic opinion regards
e offense. But the
k1, and should the
re a magistrate by
ig the money lost to
at tho complaint be
'cr, press his charge
roe months in the
. case of the kind

ched or loaded dice,
playing for money,

THREE-CARD MONTE THROWERS.

atQ

or in any manner cheating his adversary at play where m.ii.'^y is
at stake, is sentenced to a felon's cell for a term of years. The
offenses just enumerated are not a whit more grave tlian that of
the three card llirower ; but as all the lawyers in Kngland could
not convict him of cheating, except his cappers gave voluntary
evidence against him, and as all stand equally in danger of tho
law, it is not likely such a thing would occur once in a cen-
tury. The reason why tho throe-card thrower evades pun-
ishment is because there is no special act making three-card
throwing a felony, and justice is unable to fix his guilt unon
him. *^

For many years after the conviction of Phillips, not a single
three-card thrower wjis to be found in New Orleans, at least lu
any of the public places. Those chevaliers dUndustrie who
plied their vocation there did so with the greatest secrecy and
caution j and only among tho initiated in cock-pits, and in those
low dons of vice at tho swamps or down at Lake Pontchartrain
and more often along the ♦!:..- ooat landing, would ba chosen
as tho theatre of their opcrat-jiis. Their subjects were princi-
pally strangers, wlio were less likely to make complaints than
residents, before tho police courts, and unlikely to remain in the
city -during the sickly months, to prosecute. At the commenee-
ment of the Mexican war New Orleans resembled nothing so
much as a beleaguered city, except that troops were either leav-
ing or arriving there daily. Thieves and sharpers of every de-
scription nocked there to follow their nefarious business, and
while the excitement lasted, sharping of every description flour-
ished boldly and wont scot-free. Among others, the three-card
throwers, finding that justice slept and fools were plentiful,
emerged from their temporary eclipse, and began once more to
ply their vocation, with none to molest or make them afraid. No
longer was it necessary for them to seek out hidden places in
which to perform their villainies ; but they were to be met with
on the levee, in bar-rooms, and even at the public balls. Finally
they took possession of the cabins of tho river steamers, and
captains who, but a few months previously, would have set a
man ashore, if not caused him to be lynched, whom they caught
throwing three cards on their steamers, were compelled to con-
fess that a new era had dawned, and that tho legitimacy of three-
card monte was established. From that, to them, auspicious day,

■■^ lyW 1 9 ni t ^ if 4^j t:i ^ ^

410

WAITDEKINOS IF A VAOAnOND.

to lUi8, the thrco-caidiii.iiito .sUarim Imvo been following up our
liiioHiif truvel tluouglioiit Uw roaiilry, robi.iuK lliu ve'iiliiiil wilU
pcrfcct inii)unity. Fioui truvelurs uu our wcsteni rivers Imvo
they derived their greato.st i)n)lil.s. Many of the ciiptJiiiis of
pueketa leaving the ports of St. I.nui(* and New OrleauH stood in
with the shari)ers, receiving ("''(lu the thiovea ouo-thlrd of Iho
money wliieh tlioy iilundered IVom llie passengora.

On an oveuing after leaving port, the suppor-tablo having
been cleared, n table was placed In the aocial hall, ami the ma-
nipulator comincncod business, assisted by a half-dozen or so of
cappers. This party having cleaned out all tho verdant foola
which they could Hnd, then loft the steamer at tho tU-st landing,
and took tho next boat back to tho city; or perhaps they would
continuo up or down tho rivor, as tho case might bo, boarding a
boat, and, after flcocnng wiiat dui)es thoy might discover on her,
leave her at tho first landing, taking tho next that camo along
and working hor tho same way, and so on ad inflnitum.

After opening their game tliey could tell in a few momenta
wlicther there wore any Hul)ject8 aboard worthy of their attention ;
and so long aa thoy had hopes vf dragging a victim to tho sham-
bles, 80 long would thoy remain ; but when tho hope was iost,
tho boat was immodlatoly abandoned.

Three-card monte la in appearance a very simpio gamo, and
tho manner of throwing tho cards in a straight gamo is easily
loarnod in a few minutes. Tho aharper takes throe cards bctweoa
the flngera of his right hand; tho cards being, wo will say, two
red onca and a black one. He showa tho faces of these to the
company and throwa them down back upwarda on a table, tho
ground, or whatever substitute hto uses for a table, saying, "I'll
bot $10, $20, or $50, as tho case may bo, that no one here can
pick up tho black card." This gamo, when played ou tho square,
Is two to one in favor of tho person throwing the cards; but it
was never created for a fair game of chance, even in that respect,
but as a cunning device for robbing and swindling such persons
OS are only willing to risk their money on a dead-sure thing.
The rapidity with which tho cards are tossed about by the
sharper confuses tho sight of tho bystanders, and it la the pol-
icy of the former to make his dupea believe that such Is the
true principle of the gamo. ^7ero ho satisfied to let the matter
rest on this basis, with two to one In his favor, he could hardly

following up our
lliu vfitliuil Willi
U'lii rlVL'ia liiivo
■ llio Ciiptiiiiw of
OrlciiUH .stood hi
ouo-tliircl ot lUo

por-tiil»lo liiivlnR
liivU, imtl the niii-
iilf-dozen or so of
tho vcrdivnt I'oola
tho tu-st liuidiii}?,
rliaps they would
iit be, boanlliiR a
t dlacovor on lior,
that carao along
iflnitum.

I a few momenta
of tholr attention;
ictlm to the sliam-
10 hope was iost,

simpio gamo, and
gbt game Is easily
iree cards botwcca
we will say, two
ces of these to the
Is on a table, the
able, saying, "I'll
; no one hero can
lyed on the square,
T the cards; but it
ren in that respect,
llhig such persons
a dead-sure thing.
!scd about by the
, and It is the pol-
I that such is the
1 to let the matter
)r, he could hardly

TUllEE-CAnD MOXTE TnnOWERS. .141

mnlwoHl"? 7;"'* '"^^■" '"">• ^"" veriest fool.s for untugoulats,
'"" « ""Id, l.e«i,it.«, 1O.S0 more than iwo-ti.ird.s of his most valual.lo
cuHtunR.rs. It IH the drea.4 of hwing wl,i,.|, .loters the opnon.nt.s
«• gamhli„K irom risking their .noM.y at the eard-tablo. .Show
'••'» wlHMe they ,,.„ |,.. i,s.s,wed of always winning, and they
"'" i""M' i.t It with tl... alacrity of a cat pouncing upon .■, mouse-
'""■'\'"" ';'tl..-n.a-..l..ad..s„,o thing,- .'„.. thdr ionsnontio,";
•-<nipk.s wiil vai.i.sl, lilio fog l„,ibre tho scorching beams of a
munnuT hmii. I have m«on in California, lousy miners, too stingy
<> IK. V lor a bath or a shave, pull out a bag of gohl-.lust e,,uiv-

'""' to several iunxlre.l dollars, an< t it on the turning over

01 a card at three-nml monte. with an .Mgcrness which was sur-
prising, till ono relLu'ts that they bolievcl they had a dea.l
(T-rtamty of winning, as nmch us tlioy believed in the certainty
of their -nvn existence. At tho same time not one in ten of
them would hazard his money on a s(piare game of any descrir)-

;;'"• ,'"■ ;"! "yr" •^^''""^" "f '»'>• k''"!- These are the characters
Who leed tho three-raid monte throwers, strop-players, thimble-
riggers, mxl p>.cl<et-book droppers, with others "of their ilk-
it IS the gree.l of .ain that tempts ^hom, and they aro ontirolv
unuorthy of sympathy.

Three-card inonte is a deception, and herein lies tho success
01 tho Jraud. Every motion of tho sharper's tongue and fingers
IS a deception while tossing about his cards for tho luring within
lus toils of a victim; and to aid him in its consummation, five or
SIX cappers aro making sham bets and in this manner keep up
the play .so long us there is any hope of inveigling a victim. A
bystander who exprcs-ses by words, signs or looks, that he is
capable of picking out the desired card, is instantly frozen to by
one of tho cappers, and no artiflce will bo left untried to Induce
him to part with his money. Since tho first introduction of the
trick among us, many skillful baits have Ijcen introduced into it
to catch fools. The original device for this purpose was to bend
down a corner of il,,, winning card, which was usually accom-
plished in the following manner; While tho .sharper is tossing his
cards about, the cappers, in order to distract his attention, get
up a sbam fight, or one of them touches him on the shoulder in
order to induce him to look around— a play which ho performs
with much alacrity; and while tho first whispers in his ear, a
s coud capper bends tho corner of tho winning card, taking care

44S

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

that its face be distinctly seen by tbe "gull" looking on. The
sluirper, recommencing to cbiow bia cards, of course never dis-
cerns tbe bend on tbe card on wbicb.be wisbes to bet, nor for a
moment sees tbat it has a ratber deformed appearance, as be
wagers bis money tbat no one present can pick it up. He, unsus-
pecting soul, tbrows bis cards down on tbe table, crying, " I'll bet
fifty or one bundred dollars tbat no one can pick out tbe black
card," and tbe same black card is tbrown, face upwards, on tbe
table, so tbat all may see its face, as well as tbe bend in its cor-
ner. But now, wben be gives bis " flnisbiug sbuffle," as be calls
it, preparatory to taking cbe oflered wagers, be passes tbe cards
back and forward between bis Augers, and quick as thought
straightens tbe bended corner of tbe winner into its former
shape, while at the same instant another finger bends up the
corner of another card; tbe three cards are now laid side by
side, one having a bended corner, and tbe sharper is now ready
to take bets to any amount that no person can select the wm-
ning card from its two fellows.

At the present day a speck of Ir, i sand is more commonly
used. Tbe sharper selects for his j, .me three new cards of spot-
less purity, save tbe print and a small black speck on the back
of one, no larger than a piu's bead ; this of course being the win-
ning card. The capper of course drops on t'- - mark, and follows
it up by winning two or more straight be^s l.. it.- But be is not
80 selfish as to keep the golden secret solely to himself; the at-
tenUonof tbe " gulls" is called in tbat direction by tbe generous
fellow, in ord>. tbat they may get a little of the "chicken pie."
Tbe sharper, keeping a sh,- rp look-out whenever he sees cue of
his dupes having bis money ready to back the spotted card, gives
the cards a gentle shuffle, at the same moment wiping off the
grain of sand, whi,;h adheres to the ball of one of the fingers of
his right baud, wliile with one of tbe fingers of his left hand he
plants a similar speck on the back of one of tbe others. So dex-
terously and rapidly does he perform this little piece of leger-
de-main that tbe eyes of his own cappers are unable o detect
the trick. All tbe world and bis wife would not induce tne " gull
to believe he has not a dead-sure thing on tbat card, and on the
strength of his belief he sizes up all bia money. But should
craven fear seize him, and caution him to risk but a portion of
his money, the operator is suddenly seized with tbe notion that

BOND.

lU" looking on. The
of course never dis-
isbes to bet, nor for a
3(1 appee.rauco, as be
lick it up. He, unsus-
able, crying, "I'll bet
n pick out tbe black
face upwards, on the
;is tbo bend in its cor-
ig sbufflo," as be calls
s, be passes the cards
nd quick as thought
inner into its former
• finger bends up the
are now laid side by
sharper is now ready
m can select the win-
id is more commonly
ree new cards of spot-
;k speck on the back
' course being the win-
t>'> mark, and follows
s L.^ it.- Bat he is not
ly to himself; the at-
jction by the generous
of the "chicken pie."
leuever he sees cue of
be spotted card, gives
Qoment wiping off the
)f one of the fingers of
;ers of his left hand he
Df the others. So dex-
3 little piece of leger-
•3 are unable ' o detect
not induce tne "gull"
I that card, and on the
3 money. But should

risk but a portion of

1 with the notion that

THBEB-CAKD MONTE THKOWEKS.

443

he will only take bets of a certain amount, and on no account
will he take one of less; the "gull "is forced to hazard his all, and
should he not have a sufficiency of money to make up that
amount, some of those accommodating gentlemen, the caTjpors,
win take tbo balance, just to see the bet come off.

I have never yet in my life seen an elderly person throwing
three cards ; the tribe is composed exclusively of young men, or
those in the prime of life, and all belonging to the ignorant and
uncultivated class; it being an exceedingly rare thing to see one
of gentlemanly exterior or manners and habits. The ruffian
predominates largely among them, and It is impossible for them
to disguise the fact. None of them ever have, that I know of,
shown any aptitude for card-playing, and whatever gambling they
do is playing against faro or other banking games. Not a few of
them are roped in for victims of the two-card boxes, and there
fleeced. These, with the assistance of lewd women and extrav-
agant habits, strip from the mass of them their ill-gotten gains.
Still, there have been among the tribe, individuals who could not
be induced to hazard their money at any sort of gaming what-
ever; and these have, after a few years, retired with a sufficient
competency, and turned respectable. I have already mentioned
that every three-card thro- er is accompanied by a retinue of
five or more cappers, who .sually receive from him a small per-
centage on whatever plunde is obtained. These are of the low-
est and most despicable order of human b ings, and are similar
in habits and social status to those employed by the lower order
of brace-houses to cap their games.

- r«»'/i»aii,iii»to(^!»^«*ji(o,.jjs-i,-,,^

lii iiiii M' ^

WANDEKINGS OF A VAGABOND,

CHAPTER XXXVI-

THE nOG-DROVEU.

In the summer of 1858 I chauccd to bo a passenger on board
the steamer Robert P. Hale, bound from Louisville to New-
Orleans. We left Memphis in the evening, having taken ou
board at that place a cargo of three-card sharpers. The supper-
table being cleared, the chief manipulator, a tall, hungry-looking
specimen of humanity, with long dark hair and a sanctimonious-
looking face, caused one of the card-tables to be arran^i'd for
him in the social hsiU. Having takec from his coat-pockot a
pack of cards, he placed them on the table before him and com-
menced drumming up customers in som»what the following
slratn: "Come this way, gentlemen; I'm agoin' ter show ycr a
trick I was robbed at a few days ago, whilst I was on ther bote
goin' home from Memphis, by a rascally sec c' three-card monte
sharpers. Them scoundrels is allcrs traveVin' on steamboats fur
ter swindle ther passengers. They've robbed me, and I'm goiu
ter expose 'em every chance I gits. Come up, gentlemen, an 1 11
show ver how they docs it. It's the dooty of everybody to know
how to protect hisself. So come this way, gentlemen; yer can t
lose nothin' by learnin'." This appeal had the desired effect,
and in a few momenta the orator was surrounded by an atten-
tive audience, if not an admiring one. ,.. ^ u i *■
He then selected from the pack three cards, which he bent
sideways bet^veen his fingers, and then threw them face upwards
upon the table, saying, "Gentlemen, hero's the eight o' clubs, the
eight o' spades, and the queen o' hearts. The queen o' her., ts,
gentlemen, is the winning card. Now, gentlemen, this ore trick
may be simple to you, but the scoundrels robbed me of a hundred
dollars at it, an' they shan't cheat nobody else ef I kin help it.
Now, gentlemen, keep ver eyes on the keards. Pro a going ter fix
'em as them fellows fixed 'em fur me. The winning keard is
ther queen o' hearts ; don't forget it, gentlemen."

The manipulator tossed his cards backwards and forwards
between his fingers in rather a clumsy manner, after which
he left the three resting side by side before him on the table.

Then looking around on his audience, ho said, "Thar's the trick,

cnger on board
uisvillc to New
iviug taken on
8. The suppcr-
hungry-looking
I sanctimonious-
bc arniii^'i'il for
3 coat-pockot a
•0 hira and coin-
t the following
a' ter show ycr a
as on tlier bote
liree-card monte
ci steamboats fur
lO, and I'm goin'
entlemen, an' I'll
jiybody to know
emen; yer can't

desired effect,
Bd by an atten-

, which he bent
om face upwards
light o' clubs, the

1 queen o' her., ts,
en, this ore trick
I mo of a hundred
a ef I kin help it.
'm a going ter fix
ivinuing keard is

is and forwards
iner, after which
lim on the table.
'Thar's the trick,

THE nOG-DnOVER. 445

gentlemen." A perfect stillness prevailed. His audience did not
display any emotional or other sign,s that their mental ftxculties
were greatly improved by his exposition.

"What's the trick?" incjuired a tall cai)per, standing in the
outward circle, and peering over tho heads of tho bystanders
between himself and the table.

"Thar it is," reiterated tho manipulator, pointing liis index
finger at the three cards. "Yer see they l)et me a hundred dol-
lars I couldn't pick out the queen o' hearts, and I didn't; an'
that's ther way as how they stole my money from me."

"Cb 1!" swore the tall capper who had before spoken,

still peering over the heads of the crowd. "I thought after all
his fuss that feller was goin' to show us somethin' new."

" It was new enough fur me to lose my hundred dollars at,
Mister," replied the manipulator, tartly.

"To said they cheated ye, didn't yer ?" demanded a diminu-
tive, pinched-faced individual, standing at a corner of the table,
attentively regarding the operator, with both hands thrust into
the pockets of his pantaloons, and who was also a capper of the
concern.

"That's what I said, an' I sticks to it," responded the manip-
ulator.

"Well, how did they cheat?" again demanded the diminutive
gentleman.

"Didn't I tell yer they bet me a hundred dollars I couldn't
pick up the queen o' hearts f "

"An' ye bet 'em?" said the under-sized gentleman.

"Uv course I did, an' lost."

"Of course he did and lost," mimicked the tall capper. " Had
he happened to pick up the right card and won, then them fel-
lers wouldn't a' been thieves— o' no! I guess not!" he exclaim-
ed, a broad gr.u expanding over iiis countenance.

" Well," cried the operator, evidently lashed up by the taunts
of the tall individual, "I knows the game's a swindle because
nobody couldn't pick out the queen, an' them there cussed ras-
cals wouldn't a' bet me, only they knowed I couldn't a' picked
It up."

" I'll bet yon a hundred dollars I can pick the queen out o'
them three cards. Mister," said the small man.
"Not with me, stranger," replied the manipulator; "no more

446

WANDERTKGS OF A VAGABOND.

o' iny money goes that there way ; I aiu't hero ter gamble, but
ter expose a fraud, an' I bets no more money with nobody.''

At this stage of the proceedings a fine-.. 'Mng fellow, fashion-
ably attired, with a superabundance jf diamond studs twinkling
in the bosom of his shirt, and a large gold chain around his neck,
attached to a watch in his vest poc'iet, not to mention a profu-
sion of other jewelry which he cctrried about him, cried, " I'll
take tha* bet ! " All eyes were now centred on the fashionable-
looking stranger, who elbotved his way through the crowd thafr.
surrounded the table, until he stood immediately in front of it.
Taking from the inside poi'-ket of his vest a large bundle of bank
notes he pulled from it a hundred dollar bill, which he flung
carelessly on the table, at the same time casting his eyes towards
the diminutive gentleman, and saying, " Cover that if you think
you can turn over the queen of hearts."

"Thar's my soap!" replied the person addressed, bringing his
hand out from his breeches pockets, andflingmg upon the table
five twenty -dollar gold pieces.

" Pick her up, then, an' the money's yours ! "said the fashion-
ably-dressed stranger.

The little man reached over and picked up one of the cards
and turned it face upwards. It was the eight of spades. His
defoat was greeted with uproarious laughter from the crowd, who
by this time had become exceedingly interested in the proceed-
ings.

" I'll give you a chance to get even, sir," said the winner to
his defeated adversary.

"All right ! " said that gentleman, going back into his breech-
es pocket and bringing forth five more double eagles, addressmg
the operator with, " Shuffle up yer tricks. Mister."

That person complied according to the most approved method,
and laid out the three cards, ready for the hazard. The little gen-
tleman again essayed to find her majesty of hearts among the
three cards, but with no better success than before, having this
time flopped over the eight of clubs. The second time was his dis-
comfiture hailed with a shout of derision from those assembled
around the table.

" I'll go you again," said the winning gentleman, hauUng in
the stakes.
" No more o' that there thieving game ftir me," cried the llt-

' ?iiS?^^'S8,^^^^-««SMS&'-'4«**>

ter gamble, but
yith nobody.''

jg fellow, lashiou-
id studs twiukling
a around bis neck,

1 mention a profu-
t him, cried, " I'll
a the fasbionable-
{h tbe crowd that
tely in front of it.
•ge bundle of bank
II, which he flung
ig his eyes towards
r that if you think

essed, bringing his
ng upon the table

"said the fashion*

p one of the cards
jt of spades. His
•om the crowd, who
ed in the proceed-

laid the winner to

ick into his breech"
I eagles, addressmg
ster."

; approved method,
ard. The little gen-
' hearts among the
before, having this
ad time was his dis-
>m those assembled

itleman, hauling in

' me," cried the llt-

THB HOe-SROVER.

447

tie man, thrusting both hands into his breeches pockets as far as
practicablo, and staring at the three curds as if he had an appe-
tite to eat them up.

" I'll go yer a hundred fur a flyer," now sung out anothercap-
per, who up to this moment had remained a silent spectator of
the scene.

" There's my money," responded the well-dressed stranger,
carelessly throwing upon the table flvo of the gold pieces he had
taken in from the diminutive gentleman.

"I object ter throwin' these here keards enny more, gentle-
men, I ain't here to assist gamblin', but ter expose roguery,"
oaid the manipulator, gathering up his cards and returning them
to his coat pocket.

" Yer ain't bettiu', air ye? " demanded the little man, flerccp
with his arms still thrust to his elbows into his pantaloons.
Shake up yer keards ; mebbo I'll get a chance ter git oven," he
added in an undertone.

" Go on ! go on! " shouted all the cappers with one voice, to
which several of the disinterested bystanders added theirs. Such
an unanimous appeal could not of course be resisted, and the op-
erator again placed his cards on the table and selected from the
pack three new ones, and showing their faces to the bystanders
there appeared the trois of clubs, the trois of spades, and a king
of hearts. He gave the three cards a "Grecian bend," tossed
them about on the table a few times, saying as he did so :

"Gentlemen, the king of hearts is thewinnin' keard; remem-
ber that, gentlemen I" then suddenly stopping in his work, he
made an appeal to his auditors in the following fashion : " Gen-
tlemen, I'm a poor man, an' I hope yer'll throw in sumthin' ter
pay my expenses. I only wants enough, gentlemen, ter pay my
way home; an' I knows as how yer don't want me ter work here
fur nuthiu'."

" That there man's all the winner; let Mm give yer sunthin'
he km well afford it," said the diminutive gentleman, savagely
pointing over at the man with the gold chain and diamond
studs.

To this gentleman the manipulator novr turned, and in a whin-
mg voice asked him to give him ten dollars to pay his passage.

"Not a cent!" replied that gentleman, cooUy, not in the
slightest degree moved by this pathetic appeal. " I'm not giv-
ing anything away to-night."

448

■WAXUEIUNGS OF A V^OABOND.

"Theu I'm clamed if I work fur cunybody fur nuthins," re-
torted bis wortiiy petitioner, gathering up bis cards.

" Go ou ! Throw the cards, an' if I win this 'ere bet I'll pay
yer passage," sliouted the capper whr) had proposed, to go a
hundred against the well-dressed gentleman.

" And ril give you all the liquor you want to drink," chimed
ia the well-dressed party ; •' and by the way, I'll treat the crowd
now," ho added. " Hero, bar-keeper, come and see what these
gentlemen want."

The attentiro vt udcr of alcoholics was immediately on hand,
and several of the bystanders drank at tho expense of the gen-
tleman with tho jewelry, not forgetting at tho same time to drink
to his success.

•'I never drinks," whined the sanctimonious card-thrower in
a voice of a dolorous pitch, when pressed to do so by the gen-
erous winner. "An' I think it's real mean an' stingy o' yer not
ter give mo a trifle for my trouble."

"Well, if I give to anybody I'll remember you first," was the
answer ho received.

The mai.ipuiator having again sbuffled up his cards, spread
them on the table, when there appeared upon the back of one
of them a little dark speck, scarcely larger than a small pin-
head.

"Here's my himdred!" cried the capper, flinging a roll of
bifis upon the table.

The party with the jewelry opened out the roll, and having
found it quite correct, placed on it the five double eagles, and
addressing his opponent, said, "Pick out the king o' hearts and
it's all youru, stranger." The capper reached over and turned
over a trois, and the derisive laughter of tho bystanders made
the boat ring again, and again the well-dressed party raked
down tho money.

Up to this time none of tho suckers had bitten at the bait,
though it seemed mighty tempting to some of them, and all ap-
peared to be enjoying the sport hugely. Some of thtem, as the
cards were turned over by the losers, expressed to each other
their convictions that they could have knocked the centre out
of the winning card without fail. Among these latter was a
short, thick-set fellow of nervous, restless temperament, by pro-
fession a hog-drover, and from Southern Kentucky. He had

' *.v

ir nufthins," re-
ds.

'ere bet I'll pay
foposeiJ. to go a

drluk," chimed
treat the crowd
I see what these

Jiately on hand,
!nso of the gen-
nie time to drink

card-thrower in
) so by the gen-
3tiugy o' yer not

u first," was the

lis cards, spread
the back of one
lan a small pin-

linging a roll of

roll, and having
luble eagles, and
ing o' hearts and
over and turned
bystanders made
jsed party raked

itten at the bait,
hem, and all ap-
e of thtem, as the
ed to each other
3d the centre out
lese latter was a
)erament, by pro-
utucky. He had

THE noO-DROVEB,

449

brought on board at Smlthland a large number of the poroino
tribe, who were at present accoiniiiodivtod on tlio lower deck of
tile steamer, and with wliieh ho was on his way to the New Or-
leans market. He did not seem to reli.sli tlio clumsy way iix
which the cappers repeatedly turned over the wrong card, wlieii
It seoinod perfectly easy to him to pick out the winner. ITo
oven went so far as to admonish the second capper, when his
hand .was on the trois, that that was not the right card, fop
which liberty ho was politely admonished by ho of tlie jewelry,
who begged hjn remember that ho was not hazarding hia
money on tho united opinions of two persons. The drover did
not seem to relish tho reprimand nnicli, but held his peace,
nevertheless. To this individual tho tall capper immediately
froze. His lips were constantly in the closest possible pro.ximity
to his ear, where they kept up a constant buzzing, and no
sooner were fresh cards produced than his evo lighted on tho
black speck on tho winner. Such a discovery his unselfish
nature would not permit himself alone to monopolize ; ho at
onco imparted tho discovery to the drover. The manipulator,
throwing his cards face upwards on tho table, in order that all
may see their faces, the astute capper makes Mio astonishing
discovery that the card whoso back bears the Dlack speck is the
kiug of hearts, the winning card, and he secretly calls the at-
tention of his friend to the coincidence. The eyes of the hog-
man began to expand, his body became inore restless tlian ever,
and had it not been for tho restraining hand of the capper, it is
hard to tell what he might not have done, or how far his indis-
cretion would have led him. He had already wanied the cap-
per that ho was about to turn over the wrong paper, and been
admonished by the jeweled gentleman as I have related, when
he was pulled aside by the tall capper, who gave him a good
buzzing. On che return of the pair to the table, the manipula- •
tor was stirring about his "papers," and crying, "Two trois and
akmg, gentlemen; the king is the winning keard, gentlemen:
make yer bets," etc.

"Two hundred dollars!" said the capper who had lost the
preceding bet, throwing upon tho table a roll of bills.

"I'll bet a hundred on yer," exclaimed the little gentleman
with his hands in his breeches pockets, hastily withdrawing one
with five more double englcs, which he throw upon the tablo
and immediately returned hii hand to its former place.

-•'^"^•'^"''"'~*r -rri"riirinim»i M^k \

450

WANDERIVOS OF ▲ VAGABOND.

■ iVi

<' Who's to pick out the card?" inquired the fashionably-
dressed worthy.

"I'm a bettin' on that man's pick," rejoined the small raan,
pointing to he who had thrown down the roll of bills.

"All taken," was the laconic reply of the well-dressed gentle-
man, laying down three hundred dollars.

" Wei'., can't 1 1 t a hundred, too, on my own pick!" demand-
ed the '"car,

"As V M /ou want,'' was the reply of the man of dia-
monds.

The tali r;n}n!^.( . w threw on the table a hundred dollar bill,
and withoui. iioeding *' ■ hog-drover, who was plucking him by
the sleeve in an excitta i anner, for the purpose of bespeaking
his attention to some communication ho desired to make, said,
laying his hand on the marked card, "This goes for my money."

"All right," replied the party taking the bets. "What card do
yon choose t" he inquired, turning to the other gentleman; the
person addressed reached over and put his hand on what proved
to be a trois.

"Turn them over, gentlemen," drawled he of the diamond
studs, lazily. Both cards were turned over at the same instant.
The tall capper picked up his two hundred, and said, with a
laugh, "I'm quite a lunatic at this game."

The gentleman who was the loser of the two hundred bore it
with the utmost nonchalance; but not the diminutive gentleman.
He could no longer restrain his passion. As soon as he saw the
man upon whom he had bet turn over a trois, he brought his
fist down on the table with a force which made everything ring
again, crying out, "D— n the infernal thieving game; no gentle-
man oughter play at it unless he wants ter lose his money and
be swindled.

"Didn't I tell yer 'twas a thievin' game? But yer wouldn't
bleeve me," exclaimed the manipulator.

"I wish you was in h— 1 with it, before you ever brought it
here," roared the exasperated little man.

"Gentlemen who cannot afford to lose oughn't to play," said
the capper who had lost two hundred. "Mix yer cards ag'in,
ole feller," he continued, addressing the manipulator at the
table, "an' TU make another flyer." That person did as re-
quested.

the fashionably-

d the small raan,
(f bills.
Undressed gentle •

1 pick!" demand-

the man of dia-

undred dollar bill,
plucking him by
ose of bespeaking
ed to make, said,
les for my money."
;3. "What card do
r gentleman; the
id on what proved

a of the diamond
; the same instant.
, and said, with a

o hundred bore it
inutive gentleman.
3oon as he saw the
is, he brought his
le everything ring
rgame; no gentle-
)se his money and

But yer wouldn't

lU ever brought it

;hn't to play," said
ix yer cards ag'in,
lanipulator at the
person did as re>

THE noo-DRontR.

451

The tall capper and the hog-man here appeared to have a
little "unpleasantness," the latter feeling somewhat aggrieved
..hat he had not had a chance offered to bet in with the other
when he won the hundred dollars.

"Why didn't yer say so at the start, an' I'd a' let yer in with
it in a mmute," the tall capper would say.

"I tried ter speak ter yer, but yer wouldn't hear me," the
hog-fancier would reply. He was, however, soon pacified by his
lengthy friend, who took him one side and held a short consult-
ation with him, when both returned in great anxiety to the
table, where the manipulator was again laying out his cards

'Shuffle 'em again, Mister," cried the tall capper. The man
complied with his request, and then tossed the cards face up-
wards upon the table, saying (at the same time pointing at the
kiug of hearts), " That's the winning card. Remember, gentle-
men," he would repeat, as ho turned it about in his fingers, in
order that the victim might see distinctly that the card with the
black speck was the king of hearts. Having mixed them to his
satisfaction, he laid the three cards side by side, crying "AH
ready, gentlemen, make yer bets." There was the round black
speck on the back of the king of hearts, aa prominent to the eyes
of the drover as a blazing star.

"Let's try 'im with a flyer of five hundred," said the tall can-
per to his "gull." ^

" I'm thar," responded the drover, going to the inside pocket
of his coat, from whence he produced a large leathern pocket-
book and took from its contents $850, while the tall capper pro-
duced $250 more to put with it.

" Size up ter that if yer want ter sport !" said that worthy to
the well-dressed gentleman.

"It's your next play," responded the individual addressed,
covering the money.

" Up with it, my boy!" said the tall capper, slapping the drover
on the back with his hands. The latter reached eagerly forward
and raised the card bearing the speck, and on turning it up to
his astonished gaze, its face found it to be the trois of clubs in-
stead of the confidently expected "king of hearts."

"Wliat theh— I hev yer donef" demanded the tall raipper;
"ye've throwed me oflF! I know all about it J"

The drover was by far too stupefied to have mndo him any re-

4.-3

TVANDKUIVCS OF A VAOABOND,

ply, ami made no rcaiatancp when the tall capper led him from
the crowd and wahied out to the ^jiiards of the hoat.

Anxious to learn the next I'.mNe, I eiuitioiisly foMowed the pro-
clous pair, and overhauUd tiiein Htaudiiij,' near one of the cliiiii-
nies, and the noise made hy the machinery of the boat, together
with the pitchy darUiii'ss of the ui-lit, eiiahled lue to '^vi within
hearing distance without heiuy,- ohservt'd by them. I was just in
time to hoar tho excited voi(;o of tho hojj-drovor assorting, "I
tell yor I warn't mistaken ! It was that ciird had tho speck on 't."

"No! no! no! You were so d— n skeered you didn't know
what yor were about " said the capper, in a cold, calm tone.

" But I tell yor I warn't mistaken ! Couldn't bo !" reiterated
his friend.

"You think you warn't, but yer was; mistaken enough tor
throw mo ofif fur two hundred and fifty dollars, and it served mo
right, too, fur not turning over tho kcard mysolf."

" But I couIdnH bo mistaken," persisted the drover.

"Oh, yor made a bungle of it, that's what's tho matter ; but It's
no use cryin' for tho money. I'm golu' tor get mine back."

" But how 1"

"Ef you dnsn't want nothin' ter da with it I'll take It all
mysolf; l)ut if yer'U dn what I want, we'll make all tho money
we want in there."

"How I" again queried his friend.

" I guess p'r'aps you don't want nuthln' ter du with It; so I'll
jest go it alone," said tho capper, raising his voice to a higher
pitch than usual.

"I'm yer man! Go In! I'm with yer!" exclaimed the drover,

excitedly.

" I'm afeard If I trust you you'll make another bungle on 't,
though I don't see how you can do it, very well."

" Bet yer life I won't make no more mistakes."

"Well then, you do as I tell yer, an' we'll break that feller in
there, cos he 11 lose every dollar, an' them dimous too, of we kin
beat 'im."

" Go In! I'm with yer!" reiterated tho bold hog-raan.

" Well, that's settled, now to business. That there feller that
throws ther car Is allers lifts 'em high up frum tho tabic when he
gives 'em tho last shuffle. I noticed It two or three times, an'
come near gettin' behind 'im on purpose, but I'm too big fur such

ti
b

u
sr
ai

tc
hi
nc
di
Ji
la
A
ar
st<
th
wi
Tl
de

it
an

K"
to
mi
no

re]

Br led him from

lOilt.

ollowcd the pro-
uno of the cliiiii-
10 boat, together
1110 to t^ct withhi
II. I was just in
I'or assortuiK, " I

the speck oil 't."
you didn't know
I, calm tone.

bo!" reiterated

akon enough tor

and it served mo

If."

Irover.

I matter ; but it's

nine back."

t I'll take it all
ko all the money

uwith it J so I'll
•oice to a higher

imed the drover,

;her bungle on 't,

j»

(."

eak that feller In

)U8 too, ef we kin

log-raan.
t there feller that
the table when he
r three times, an'
n too big fur such

THK KOG-JJKOVBR.

458

kinder work, an' they'd catoh mo at it, and that 'd spoil every-
thing. N(.w you're josi tlio riglit size to work that way, an'
Willie you're squattin' down tor get a iicop, I'll talk ter tliom
fellers aoiosa the table, and keep ihoir attention otV vou. Dy'o
tliiiik ycr can keep cool enough ter work tliis business ?"
" Hot yer life on 't I" ioi»lied the man of hogs, oiitliusiastically.
"Efyordu we'll Hlaugiitcr that follor riglit thiirot I'll break
'ira the miiiutf! yor give mo the sign.''

" I'll give it ter yor all right, jost as true as ye sees them there
trees on that bank I" said tlio redoubtable liog-fanoier, waving
his hands towards the vegetable matter in (piostioii.

" Then ymi go right in now, an' I'll come diioctly. We mustn't
give them fellers a chance to susjx'ct anytiiiiiH-."

The table was sliii smroiiiKlod, and the cappers were keeping
up a lively betting among tiiemsolvos when I returned to the
saloon. The operator had clianged his cards for fresh ones,
and was now manipulating two black (Ives and a Jack of dia-
monds; not a spccK was to be seen on their backs. The drover
took up his position behind the card-thrower, who was throwing
his "papers" lively now, and singing out liriskiy, " rhcro kin be
no mistake, gentlemen ; there's two black fives and the Jack of
diamonds; ef you lift it, ger.tlemen, you'll win. A red Jack! The
Jack o' diments, gentlemen, remember that! Here we go fur the
la.sttimo! Keep yer eyes on the keards, ^'cntlcmen. All said!"
At the close of this preamble, he moved his cards very slowly,
and lifted them four or Ave in(?lies above the table, so that the
stooping hog- over had no di(}iculty in seeing the faces of all of
them, more especially the Jack of diamor.ds, uliich he followed
with his eye until ho saw it placed between the two other cards.
There it was, as surely as his own hogs wore grunting on the
deck below. As he arose from his stooping position, his
weather-beaten face was blanched to a deadly pallor. Ho turned
it toward the tall capper, who was attentively watching him,
and made a significant sign, as much as to sav, -'All right." " I'll
go you five luindred dollars this time," bawled out that worthy
to the well-dressed man, who was at that instant deeply im-
mersed in calculating the amount of money before him, and took
no heed of the offer.

"Say, mister, dy'e hear? T'll gd yer five hundred dollars,"
repeated the tall capper.

WANDKRINU8 OF A VAGABOND.

"I Hhau't bet any more to night," was the reply of that gen-
tleman, who now gathered up IUh money and appeared to be
about to leave the tabic.

"Oh, give U8 a chance — yoi-.'re winner of us!" said the tall cap-
per, in a half-imploring manner.

"What I've won is mine, and I've aright to do as 1 please
with it," replied the porstm thus appealed to, putting his money
in his pocket and turning away from the table.

"Why, in course it's yourn, d— n it! Who don't know that!
But give a feller a chance, won't yerf Don't git skeered 'cause
yer'vo won a few dollars."

This was too much for the fashionably-dresspd worthy.
"Scared! scared!" he repeated. "That's a nice way to talk to a
man because he's won yer money. There's twelve hundred dol-
lars that says yer can't pick up the Jack!" ho exclaimed, pulPng
from his pockets the gold and roll of bank-notes, and throwing
them upon the table.

"I ain't got that much money," said the tall capper, "but I'll
go yer five hundred. Come, what d'yer say f "

"No, sir, I'm too 'beared' to bet less than twelve hundred; so
put up or shut up."

" How much money hev yer gotf " inquired the tall capper, in
an undertone, of his friend the drover. The latter again con-
sulted his large leathern pocket-book, and dre -'. forth from its
recesses three hundred dollars more, which he handed to his
flriend.

"Here's eight hundred dollars; we'll go yer that. Mister," said
the tall capper, flinging upon the table the five hundred dollars
he held in his hand and the three hundred given him by his
iViend.

•' Twelve hundred dollars goes, not a cent less!" was the inex-
orable reply.

"See ef yer ain't got some more money," whispered the tall
capper to his dupe. Again the drover drew forth the volumin-
ous pocket-book, and prospected its interior, amid the hushed
voices of the ring of spectators, who were now wrought up to
the highest pitch of excitement. He produced from thence two
hundred dollars more, which he handed his tempter, saying,
"That's wiped her out clean as a rifle."
"Ill go a hundred ef ennybuddy else 11 go t'other," cried the

s
c

G
t,

b
n
o

in
a
dc
P«

801

to
po
to

ID.

reply of that gen-
(l appeared to bo

" said tho tall cap-
to do as I please
putting his money

) don't know thatt
git skecred 'cause

ly-drcssod worthy.
CO way to talk to a
(velvo hundred dol-

I exclaimed, pulling
)te8, and tlnowmg

II capper, "but I'll

;welve hundred; so

[ the tall capper, in
3 latter again con-
Ire -'.forth from Its
1 he handed to his

r that, Mister," said
,ve hundred dollars
1 given him by his

less!" was the inex-

whispered the tall
forth the volumin-
ir, amid the hushed
now wrought up to
;ed from thenco two
lis tempter, saying,

} t'other," cried tho

THK UOU-UUOVEK.

455

diminutive capper, producing n„,„ i.is brocchcH pockets flvn

twenties in gold, and laying then, on the table ' ^ "

"Well, its worth a Im.uhvd to see this here bet come off"

«ad^-r^^rs;r£'rsi:^rir^^^

covili I'."""'"'" 'T''""' '^'' """''^'y' ""••«'»lly cou"ntinff and
covering the several wagers, at tho same time taking caro to

Wirt h^';;"";"'.^'""" '^''^"'^ •■^"'"'' '^'■'«'- ''^^^'^ ^o sungout?

n ,! f'f ' '-•»"'Po«'«re. "Tho game is made! I{oll!"
Pick it up," said the tall capper to the man of Loirs.
With a hand shivering like an aspen-leaf, tho dr.., or niaced
his hand UTe,so;,teIy upon tho n.i.hllo card. Light as it as it

bo tho Jack as much as ho believed in the fact of his own exist-

la.d there, and no mortal band bad since touched it! Then wlrv
should ho treu.blesof Couainly not from any sense of g^lS
conviction that he was committing a fraud! No indeml' timt
was the last thing to trouble him. -Twas an In otpl in2
dread ot losing the money he had at stake. The mhffu s

tTe^At'^sShtt'T' '^''- /-^ '--^.v f-o u,si:::;!rl:t

table. At its sight he changed from the semblance of a hiun....
being to that of a lifeless corpse. He stood perfect - tupid a d
neither saw the few looks of pity directed towards i.imEvo no
of the passengers, nor heard tho derisive jeers and boisterous
shou^ts of laughter with which tho crowd ireeted hisTscom!

The manipulator hastily gathered up his cards and put them
in his pocket The game was closed. The boat shortly S
a land ng to take m wood, and when we were onco more Lvin^
down the stream, the card-thrower and his cappera Jad dJ^D
peared from our midst. '^I'v^m uaa aisap-

em^tl'JTl ih"'' ''*'• "^ '''"^^* '^^ hog-drover is the laat ruse
employed by the manipulator and his cappers, and is seldom re-
sorted to, unless the boat on which they are operating is about

^l:T:^Tr'' 7'^ r-'^™"^^'^^'^ concealed fn hist
STthn r u 'P*''''- •'"'* P™^«"« t« Pi^inff his last toss
to the cards, he palms this fivr in his left hand, and hoMing U

■ --wi^jj*-'! .i,w; ^^

ffi"'""' ""

■

45G

WANDElirSGS OF A VAGABOND.

there, moves the carda on the tablo with his right, lifting
them up so that the dupe may plainly see their faces; and hav-
ing done this, his left hand lightly touches the cards, as if ar-
ranging them in the«r places. While doing this, quick as
thought, he has pahnea up the Jack, or winning card, and de-
posited in its place the five of spades, or whatever card he has
in his left hand. It's the old tale of "the biter bit," or diamond
cut diamond.

The Log merchant, who was a fussy, forward, ana contradic-
tory fellow found on the steamer but few sympathizers, as in
fact i.3oplc who lose their cash at three-card monte seldom do.
On the di'y before we reached New Orleans I drew him into
conversatio:^. with a deairo of ascertaining his sentiments on the
subject of three cards.

At first he did not seem to be very communicative on the sub-
ject ; but when I persisted in forcing the fact on his notice that
the guesser had the best of the game, it finally aroused his ire,
and turning to me savagely, he demanded, in a sneering tone,
"If them's your sentmients, why the h— 1 don't yer foller arter

that game ? "

"Because I'm not engaged in that kind of business at pres-
ent," I mildly replied.

"Look a here, stranger," he ejaculated, " I'd like to ax yer a

question."
• "You can do so, wi^'a pleasure," I rejoined.

" S'pose, then, I had three state-rooms in that there cabin, an'
I puts a nigger inter one and two white men inter t'other tew,
without yer seein' me dew it, mind, would yer go yer money on 't
yer could pick ou t the room where ther nigger was ?"

"Well," I replied, drawling out my words and looking him
straight in the eye, "if the day was hot, an.l my nose was in
good order, and I liad the privilege of smelling at the door of
each state-room as long as you were peeping under that fellow s
cards the other night, I don't think I could make a worse blunder
in finding the room containing the nigger, than you did in find-
ing that Jack of diamonds."

His face reddened up instantly. He evidently thought no one
on board was avare of his little game. " You were watching me,
then ? " he said, with a forced laugh.

"Yes, indeed ! and it didn't look exactly the clean thing in yon

lABOND.

with his right, lifting
!e their faces; and hav-
hes the cards, as if ar-
doing this, quicli aa
;• winning card, and do-
ir whatever card he has
10 biter bit," or diamond

forward, ana contradic-
few sympathizers, as hi
-card monte seldom do.
irleaus I drew hira into
ng his sentiments on tlio

mmunicative on the sub-
le fact on his notice that
it finally aroused his ire,
ided, in a sneering tone,
I— 1 don't yer foller arter

kind of business at pres-

3d, " I'd like to ax yer a

oined.

Qs in that there cabin, an'
to men inter t'other tew,
lid yer go yer money on 't
• nigger was ? "
words and looking him
hot, and my nose was in
if smelling at the door of
3eping under that fellow's
)uld make a worse blunder
ger, than you did in find-

1 evidently thought no one
"You were watching me,

ictly the clean thing in you

THE HOa-DROVER.

467

to take advantage of a party of gentlemen in that underhand
manner ! "

" Gentlemen, h-1 ! They're nothing but a pack o' thieves • "
he retorted, fiercely.

" But how came you to make such a mistake f Didn't you see
the Jack of diamonds when you stooped down t "

"Yes ! " ho answered, emphatically, "and the other two fives
as plain es I see you now."

" I see ! I see ! " I said. " You got frightened and picked up the
wrong card. Well, I don't much wonder at it," I resumed ; " it's
but natural for one to be thrown off his feet when ho feels
he's doing a dishonest action."

The fury of hell was depicted upon his scowling countenance
on which symptoms of danger to myself were plainly depicted J
but I continued in the same cold, calm tone, without" noticing
the change iu his features: " I should have turned up those t^^o
other cards to find out whether the Jack of diamonds was amou"'
them at all." "

"Look here, stranger, what air ye drivin' at? Don't I tell
yer I seen all the keards f Yer don't think I'm such a fool I
can't see, do yer?"

"Don't fly into a passion, my dear sir; we're all liable to be
fooled sometimes. Now you picked up what you thought was
the Jack of diamonds, because you plainly saw the face of the
card when that fellow was so accommodating as to hold it up on
purpose that you should see it. You watched him lay the card
down on the table, and knew where it was laid exactly, and was
satisfied to bet on that information several hundred dollars. Is
that so?" He nodded assent. "Well, then," I continued, "you
picked up the card, and it was not the Jack of diamonds, eh?"

"What then?" he calmly asked.

"Oh, nothing! only if you'd turned over the other two cards
you'd have known whether the Jack of diamonds was among
them, on the table, or in the pocket of ihat fellow who was
throwing the cards, that's all ! "

He gazed at me for a moment in speechless astonishment, as
if a sudden flash of light had revealed to his brain a hidden mys-
tery, and finally stammered out, " Stranger, I allers suspected
there was sumthin' dark about that there Jack o'diminds!
Them fellers robbed me, sure ! Didn't they, now?"

458

AVANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

" I dout know, perhaps so," I at-jented.

" Who was that there feller 't throwed thorn keards f "

"I don't know," I replied. " I never saw him before."

"D'ye think he was consarned with them other fellers, now?"

"They al: left the boat at the wood-pile," was my reply.

"Theyrobbedmo, sartain sure. I sees it all now I Let me
clap my eye on one o' 'em again," he ejaculated, shaking his
head and gritting his teeth.

"Why, what will you do to them?''

"I'll make 'em wish they'd never seed me, nor yet my money,"
he replied, with a terrible oato

"You'd much better leave ti.em alone," I replied. "Every
one of them had revolvers or bow'-, uives buckled about their
persons, and it is nothing but fun for them to put a hole in a
man."

" I'll make 'em eat their pistols and bowie-knives ef I gi^ta my
claws on 'em," he exclaimed, casting on me a threateniujf look,
with which threat he separated himself from me, and neve r agaiu
noticed me either by word or look, while on the steamer together.

CHAPTER XXXVII.

MOBILE.

A very short sojourn in New Orleans convinced me that it was
no place of residence for a professional gambler, unless he were
a native-born Creole, and Uved in the first municipality, and
even then it was requisite, in order to be able to run a gambliug-
room on the sly, that one should have sufiBcient political Influ-
ence to protect him from poUce intrusion. Besides this danger,
he was in constant peril from the swarm of informers prowling
around in various disguises, ready to make five hundred dollars
by causing the conviction of any gambler whom they could de-
tect dealing a banking-game ; the said amount being one moiety
of the sum of which any person guilty of such an enormity was
mulcted on his first ofifense. He who had the temerity to repeat
the action was obliged to disburse five thousand dollars, and if
he still hankered after "tigers" and kindred devices of the ad-

I
]
I

B
C

k
d
e

e
f<
c;
a

P
e(

ai
di
ui

fa
la
Pl

ID.

1 keards f "

lim before."

ther fellers, now?"

vas my reply.

all now I Let me

lated, shakiDg his

lor yet ray money,"

replied. " Every
ickled about their
to put a hole iu a

inives ef I gt^ta my
I threateniujf look,
oe, and never again
steamer together.

jdOBlhE.

45!)

iced me that it was
ler, unless he were
I municipality, and
» to run a gambling-
lent political influ-
iesides this danger,
informers prowling
ive hundred dollars
hom they could de-
Qt being one moiety
;h an enormity was
I temerity to repeat
sand dollars, and if
devices of the ad-

versary, he was accommodated with a domicile at the expense
of the State, for a period of two years, which was supposed to bo
a sovereign cure for such hallucinations. Under this law, princi-
pals and their players were equally liable.

No person of sane mind, having the slightest respect for his
money or his person, would dream of opening a banking-gamo
of any kind m the American quarter of the city. Gamblers
livmg m the place had two or threo rooms in the vicinity of the
fet. Charles Hotel, where the votaries of ci-ance met, to amuse
themselves at^he green tables with short games, such not bei,"
proscribed by law. ="

Snaps of lixro were sometimes opened at these meetings; the
members being assured that no -black sheep" were present,
tven then the greatest precaution was exercised, and ovcrv
person present was obliged to make a bet at the game, even
should his stake be only a picayaune, in order that no membor
of the company might be dragged to court, and there compelled
to assist in the conviction of his neighbor. Precautions of this
kind were not always a safeguard, however; the five hundred
dollar bribe was very tempting, and caused manv to turn inform-
er; while the police had constantly their spies upon the trail
who were no respecters of persons, nor of doors either, when-
ever they suspected a banking-game of any sort to be going
forward. Many faro-dealing gamblers were, through the agen-
cy of spies, seized, with their players, by the officers of the law,
and dragged before the courts, where they were compelled to
pay over one thousand dollars each, before they could get releas-
ed from "durance vile." Several persons, unable to raise this
amount, were rusticating in the parish prison, where thev were
doomed to remain one year, to expiate their crimes, if they were
unable "to raise the wind." ^j- voiu

The glowing description which was given me, of the gamblin'^
facilities of Mobile, and the immense amount of money in circu"
lation in that city, induced me to take a lake-boat and visit that
place.

With the exception of New Orleans and Havana, there was no
commercial mart r the Gulf of Mexico as thriving as Mobile
when I first visited the place, and I doubt if there could have
been found on the face of the globe, a place with even five times
Its population, where crime, debauchery, and lawlessness of

460 WA2JDEBING8 OF A VAUABONU.

every description, reigned rampant to such a fearful extent.
The local population numbered about thirty thousand souls, of
whom more than half were negroes. In addition to these Jt
had every winter, a transient population of about tho same num-
ber ' consisting of strangers, merchants from tho interior of the
country, foreign merchants, sailors 'longshoremen, and steam-
boat-men, from Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Louisville, who vera
engaged in bringing cotton and other produce from the mtenor
of the State by the several navigable streams which empty into

Mobile Bav, to the city. , ., ^f

In the winter season tho place supported two theatres, one of
^hich was under the direction of Smith & Ludlow, and tlie
drama was there aa well represented as m any of the tbeat es
of our Atlantic cities. The godly were in force, too, m Mobile,
if one miglit venture to judge from the numerous luuulsome
churches which adorned the place. The harbor was a busy
Bcene of commerce and action, crowded with vessels and hips
of f^very possible description, while from their masts iioa ed the
flags of nearlv every nation on earth. Lying at f e wlu^rves,
either loading or unloading, crowded with cotton and other mer-
chandise, were scores of river steamers, lake steamers, coasting
vessels, and various sorts of smaller water-craft.

The stranger could see without difficulty, even on his first visit
to the place, that the godless were there greatly m the a^c.n-
dency. In nearly every single buiMing along the street facing tie
river, and also in many of those in the feets leading do^ i. o
the river, could bo found a liquor-shop of one kind or anotbr'..
In many of these places were played heavy percent:' game^:,
like chuck, rondo, craps, and similar institfttions, plar. y expo >-
ed to the public view. Located eent.ally In the c.ty, and m i 3
most business part, was a bloO rick ^f ^"S^'.^i^^'J'i,,^^,^
.'Shakespeare's Row." It w... buiit -^mewhat m the bpanish
Btyle, having on t... inside a inr^ro .„rt-yard ^)^^^J^\'^.
tered by two arched gateways ivom tho opposite streets. Ihis
court-yard contained twenty-eight rooms. Those on tlie second
and third stories were surrounded with an enclosed piazza,
which ran around the four sides of the building, and which were
reached from the court-yard by different stairways. Every one
of these rooms was occupied for gambling purposes, the on y
banking-games played there being roulette and faro, and only

a fearful extent,
housaud souls, of
iitiou to these it
)ut thfj same num-
ho interior of the
emen, and steain-
ouisville, who were

from the interior
which empty into

wo theatres, one of
Ludlow, and the
ny of the theatres
rce, too, in Mobile,
unerous handsome
larbor was a busy
I vessels and ships
r masts floated the
as at the wharves,
;ton and other nior-
steamers, coasting
•aft.

sven on his first visit
■eatly in the ascen-
the street facing the
sets leading do.sr; to
le kind or anothr':.
percent? j."aracs
tions, plai; y expoy-
the city, and in its
mildings, called the
rhat in the Spanish
•ard, which was en-
posite streets. This
Those on the second
an enclosed piazza,
iing, and which were
;airway8. Every one
y puriwscs, the only
e and faro, and only

MODILE. 461

persons of gentlemanly exterior Iwing allowed tb-^re, and the
unclean and disorderly excluded without remorse. The gamb-
ling was conducted by the better class of gamblers, with the
utmost fairness, even a heavy percentage game not being tolera-
ted in the rooms. The faro-banks dealt in the different rooms
had different limits, but they usually ranged from twelve dollars
and a half, and fifty, to that of one hundred with a paroli to eight
hundred. The roulette- wheels were usually limited proportion-
ably to tho faro games — the largest given being twenty-five
dollars on a bar or single figure, and seven hundred dollars oa
the colors, each person betting having the privilege of wager-
ing the amount mentioned, at pleasure.

While those portions of the Shakcsperian row which faced on
either street were occupied by mercantile offices, banks, jewel-
ry stores, tailoring establishments, money brokers, coffee-houses,
billiard saloons, and restaurants, its court-yard was one vast
gambling-hell, the resort, of evenings, of persons moving i.i the
difTorent upper walks of life; and from early candle-light till the
break of day, the rattling of faro-checks and the spinning of
roulette- wheels could be heard without cessation. Besides the
many in the Shakespeare row, there were scattered about the
city several other gam 1)11 ng-rooms, a few of them being of the
more respectable class, but the greater number of the lowest
possible order, located, as I said before, in low drinking-houses,
where only heavy percentage games were played, and to which
all classes, with the single exception of the negroes, were
privileged to contribute their support. Still, beyon 1 the heavy
percentage attached to these games, "chuck" having about
seventeen per cent, in its favor, those playing at them had a fiiir
show for their money, as the arts of tho sharper had not then
begun to be practiced in the public garnbling-houses of this
country. I counted at one time, in the city of Mobile, forty-four
uro games and thirty-seven roulette -wheels, most of which did
a Nourishing business, as did also the heavy percentage games.
Brandon bank-notes, and those of other wild-cat banks, were
plentiful there as hops in Kent, and most of them wore at that
time going at par.

In the suburbs of the city were several dance-houses of the
lowest order, wliere lawlessness, indecency, and debauchery reign-
ed supreme. Here thieves of both soxes assembled to prey upon

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

the unwary. Lewd women with their more degraded, associates
drove decenry to cover with their abandoned tf.lk and gestures.
Boatmen, 'longshoremen, and sailors, spent among these aban-
doned harlots their hard earnings, and dranli tlio poisonous
fluids which maddened their brains, and made them, but too
often, commit deeds of blood and violence. No police force dared
intrude their unwelcome presence on the .., s carried on in
those vile dens; rnd the peaceable and timid avoided their
vicinity as they would have done that of a pest-house.

From dark to dawn, lawlessness stalked abroad rampant in
Mobile. Gangs of drunken boatmen, sailors, and reckless ad-
venturers, staggered through the streets, making night hideous
with obscene songs and loud oaths, hunting for the next dram-
shop or a fight, both of which were conveniently on hand. The
imbecile police were utterly powerless, and could not in the least
prevent the full-deck fights which were constantly going forward,
but were compelled to stand calmly by until the combatants
had pummelod one another to their heart's satisfaction, before
peace could be in any degree restored. Every person, nearly,
secretly carried weapons upon their persons, which they used
upon the smallest provocation, and sometimes with none at all;
and even sailors, 'longshoremen, and boat-hands, whipped out
their sheath-knives and slashed away at each other, whenever
the force of anger or alcohol prevailed over reason. Nor did tha
lower class monopolize the vices an' crimes afflicting the peace.
Due i.i, street-fights, and cowardly assassinaiioas, were ordinary
pastimes among the rich and mfluential. The seduction of a
wife, followed by the cold-blooded assassination of the seducer
at the hands of tbo husbnnd, or shooting a man immediately
down for disputing tlie veracity of the slayer, were trivial mat-
ters wLloU scarcely called for a passing notice, while forgeries
and emV 0, zlements were but venial offenses which were quickly
whitewashed over. It was wall for Mobile in those days that a
divine Providence had ceased to destroy cities for the crimes and
vices of its inhabitants, or it would certainly have shared the
fate of ancient Sodom and Gomorrah.

Yet, strange as it may appear. Mobile was provided with those
necessary safeguards of life and property, such as laws, temples
.:^ jus, re, prisons, magistrates, police, executive o£Scer8,and the
iike ; but these time-honored institutions were considered as

rD.

egraded. associates
tp.lk and gestures,
iniong these aban-
iiik tlio poisonous
ide tliem, but too
• police force dared
,3 carried on in
mid avoided tlieir
5t-house.

ibroad rampant in
;, and rj'clilcss ad-
king niglit hideous
for the next dram-
tly on hand. The
uld not in the least
utly going forward,
til the combatants
satisfaction, before
ory i)erson, nearly,
}, which they used
3S with none at all;
lands, whipped out
ch other, whenever
mson. Nor did the
ifflicting the peace,
ioas, were ordinary
The seduction of a
ition of the seducer
a man immediately
r, were trivial mat-
tice, while forgeries
which were quickly
Q those days that a
>s for the crimes and
ily have shared the

provided with those
ich as laws, temples
tive ofScers, and the
were considered as

▲ "nigoek in the fence."

463

merely appendages for the adornment of the city, by the free
and tlic brave, who at that period cjuried all before them.
Larceny was the only acknowledged crime, and when thieves
were caught in the act of stealing, or the offense was clearly
proven against them, the courts were spared the trouble of try-
ing them, or the county the expense of keeping them, by the
lynchers, who escorted them to the edge of the piney woods in the
rear of the town, and then and there administered to them as many
lashes as they considered a commensurate punishn^ent for their
offense. Over murderers of all descriptions the courts held sole
jurisdiction; but none except negroes, or those who had shed
blood for purposes of plunder, were ever punished, no matter
how deep their guilt or how cowardly their deed of blood. But,
to the honor and credit of Mobile courts bo it said, they never
permitted one class of criminals to escape the halter, whenever
it was possible to fasten upon them their crimes, and these were
negro thieves. Towards them the laws were as severe and un-
alterable as the code of Draco, and even the miscreant who had
the hardihood to express sympathy for the strangled wretch
was fortunate if he escaped a similar fate at the hands of the
lynchers.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

A "NIOaER IN THE FENCE."

The principal hotel in Mobila was the " Waverly," and on the
same street, directly facing, was the best coffee-house, named
after the palace of the great Frederic at Pottsdam. On the
first floor above the "Sans Soucci" was a suite of gambling-rooms
belonging to a firm of three gamblers named Kent, Myers, and
Greene, respectively. This firm, during the winter, had fallen
into bad luck, and had lost something like $33,000, which in-
duced one member to withdraw from it, having been boug^t out
by his partners, Kent and Greene.

This establishment was composed of two large rooms, hand-
somely fitted up and furnished. In one of these apartments
the banking-games, consisting of faro and a thirty-six numbered
ronlette-wheel, wore conducted, while the other was used for

if'

464

TTANDEBINGS OF A VAGABOND.

sbort-card .games and as a general sitting-room. On the floor
above were two others, used by Kent and Greene as sloe ping-
rooms. I had made these gambling-rooms my place of resort
during the winter and spring, and had always been most cor-
dially received by these gentlemen, and also by Mr. Myers, up to
the time when he drew out from the concern.

Shortly after he left and sold out his interest to Kent and
Greene, these latter ofl'ered me an interest in the banli. I was to
take one-third interest in the game, bank my own interest, and
attend to the conducting of the bank. The place had the best
run of custom of any in the city. It was patronized principally
by business men, and largely by the higher class of steamboat
ofiacials. But the season was rapidly drawing to a close, and I
could hardly expect to 'have more than a five or six weeks' bus-
iness before the scorching sun and the parched sands of Mobile
would drive from the place every one privileged with locomotion
whoso business would in any manner permit them to seek more
eadurable localities.

My senior partner, Mr. Greene, was a strange specimen of the
"genus homo." He had risen to the surface somewhere among
the red lands of Georgia, and had groped his way along until
he finally reached Mobile, some twenty-five years previous to
our meeting, where, to use his own expression, he "started in
givin' ther boys farrer, and had kept it up ever since." Ho was
at that time (that is, when I first met him,) about sixty years of
age, tall, powerfully built, and active. He possessed a generous
disposition, and a credulous nature, which was frequently im-
posed upoD, and was, besides, exceedingly ignorant and super-
stitious. The old fellow was very popular among the play-going
portion of the community, and whenever his game fell ofi" for
want of patrons, all the rest in the city might hang up the fiddle.
The old fellow had grown-up sons and daughters, and owned a
small cotton plantation on the Tombigbee River, on which he
worked about forty slaves. If, as he was so fond of boasting,
he had been giving the boys of Mobile "farrer" for twenty-five
years, he was certainly a terribly poor loser, but, on account of
his losses, would never display any signs of ill-temper, his
motto being, "Ef yer can't afford ter lose, yer oughtn't ter
play."
Daring the winter, while his game was being badly beaten,

tn. On the floor
!ene aa slecping-
ly place of resort
} been most cor-
Mr. Myers, up to

rest to Kent and
10 bank. I was to
own interest, and
lace had the best
)mzed principally
lass of steamboat
to a close, and I
)r six weeks' bus-
d sands of Mobile
d with locomotion
hem to seek more

je specimen of the
somewhere among
is way along until
years previous to
on, he "started in
r since." He was
jout sixty years of
ssessed a generous
fas frequently im-
aorant and super-
)ng the play-going
3 game fell oflf for
hang up the fiddle.
tors, and owned a
River, on which he
) fond of boasting,
iv" for twenty-five
but, on account of
of ill-temper, his
, yer oughtn't ter

eing badly beaten,

A. "nigger is the fence.'*

465

the belief became firmly rooted in his mind that his presence la
the room was the ciiuse of this bad luck, and in order to coun-
toiact this, he would always leave the room whenever any heavy
play was {joing forward. On these occasions ho could be found
pacing backward and forward like a staked bear in front of the
Sans Soiux-i." with bout body, and both hands firmly clasped
boliHKl him, iiKluslriousiy engaged in sprinkling the puvomont
copiously with tobacco juice, which he squirted out in all direc-
tions as last as ho could masticate the precious weed Every
now and then his eyes would bo directed to the stairway leading
to Ins room, and at the appearance of a familiar face he would
accost the owner with, "How's ther cussed olo mill above grinuin'
now? II the answer was unfavorable, he would drop his eyes
on the pavement again and resume his pa«e, muttering to him-
self, " 1 here's a Jouer in that room, sure!" But should the new
comer be the bearer of good news, ho -vould invite him un to
the bar of the " Sans Soucci" to imbibe.

The old man consulted all the fortune-tellers who hung out
their shmoles in the place. And whatever instructions they
gave hiin lor his conduct, in order that his ill-fortune might be
reversed, ho followed to tlio letter. But those incantations
which ho had paid so lil)era]ly for having rehearsed, in order
that this desirable consummation might be reached, had, up to
the middle of the spring, the period when I tied my luck to his.
signally failed to have the desired efiect. The golden promises
made to him by the diviners of a doubtful future had faded
away one by one, like the " baseless fabric of a vision." One of
his acquaintances, a practical joker, being well acquainted with
the old man's peculiar weakness, put up a job to amuse himself
and friends at the old lellow's expense. This jocular worthy,
through the means of bribery, brought to his assistance an old
crone who had lately anchored in the city, and hung out a shin-
gle which informed the credulous public that she was prepared
to give information relative to the past, present, and future, by
the scientific means of the horoscope. The vulgar fortune-tell-
ers to whom Mr. Greene had heretofore applied had only con-
sulted cards, coflfee- grounds, etc., and he was now convinced
they had been telling him falsehoods the whole winter. His
mind was now ready to receive a deeper course of instruction in
these occult sciences, and when he learned of the advent in the

•WPpWi

468

WANDSRUrOS OF A TAG ABOUT).

town of this sago female of the linroacopo, who could predict
I'lituro events by the position of the stuis, lie lorthwltli Ijicd
him to her al)oclo. Tiio old cheat kept him in suspense, and his
supposed fate hanging in the balance, fi>r three days, while nho
was ccmsulting the stars and planets, and for each consultatiou
extracted from him a ten-dollar wild-cat note. The accommo-
dating heavenly bodies finally divulged to her the fate which in
the dim future awaited the faro-banli of Kent, Myers & Grcpiic,
and tlie power of guiding its future destiny was placed unre-
servedly and entirely in the hands of the last-named gentleman.
Mr. Greene was directed oy tins lady fo appear at the race-
track for nine consecutive mornings. This auspicious spot was
situated some three miles from the city, and after ho had reach-
ed it, which it was vital he should do at precisely nine o'clock, he
was to start and walk once around the track. He was assured
by the " wise woman " that, after the faithful performance of
these labors, if ho never revealed the mysterious divination to
any person living in the meantime, his bank woi ' not only re-
cover all its losses, but would win, besides, $49,<)00. Every morn-
ing any person who would take the trouble to observe might
have seen the old fellow in his buggy driving out to the race-
track, and at precisely the appointed hour might also have seen
him start on the appointed pilgrimage, which for eight successive
mornings he did not fail duly to accomplish. The joke was of
course too good to keep, and it soon spread abroad from the two
of three persons in the secret at first, till crowds could be seen
of a morning on the road in buggies, carriages, and on horse-
back, moving towards the race-track " to see old Greene do his
work," without that venerable gentleman suspecting that he was
the cause of these fashionable gatherings. The aight before the
charm was appointed to be wound up, a party rf reprobates got
hold of the old gentleman and stuffed him so oxpansively with
champagne that he was entirely unable to come to time next
morning, to his immense disgust and mortification, the more so
that his aged diviner informed him that now, having disobeyeii
the mandate of the stars, he was no longer under their protection.
But the joke having now become public property, it was not long
until the old man found out he had been hoaxed, and was so en-
raged at the thought of having made himself the laughing-stock
of the crowd, that he seized his double-barreled gun and etruok

who could predict
ho forthwith liied
1 HUspciiRR, niul his
t'O days, wliilo nho
• each consuUatioa
Q. Tho accoinino-
r tlio fate wliich in
, Myers «Jc Grcpiic,
was placed unro-
-nanied gciitloninn.
ippear at tho race-
.uspicioiis Hpot waa
nfter ho had reach-
oiy nine o'clock, ho
;, Ho was assured
ful perfornianco of
rious divination to
woi 1 not only rc-
9,()00. Every mom-
I to observe might
g out to tho race-
ight also have seen
for eight successive
. Tho joke was of
ibro'ad from the two
owds could be seen
iges, and on horse-
5 old Greene do his
ipccting that he was
["he aight before the
■ty rf reprobates got
o expansively with
come to time next
cation, the more so
V, having disobcyeii
ider their protection,
erty, it was not long
ixed, and was so en-
f the laughing-stock
ilod gun and straok

X "iflOOER IN THE FENCE." 4^7

out on tho war-path. Tho " good joko " would probably have
turned out a very serious afliiir, hud not itsiA-rpotrator taken tho
precaution to stow himself away out of the reach of his wrath-
ful foo, who for two day.s .-onstautly paraded tho city in search
of him. Finally tho Sheritf laid violent hands on tho old gentle-
man,aud lorcod him to give security for his futuro observance of
tho peace aud dignity of tho (State in bonds of f .j.OOO

My other partner in this establi.shiuent was Mr. George Kent
a negro-trader, aud, like most of his tribe, ignorant, cruel, un-
couth, and overbearing. Uo was iu person tall and raw-boned
with a sallow complexion aud black hair and wiiLskers. Uo
dressed well, but plainly, and ™ ..vols of any description.
Ho wiis born and raised in J , uxd started In •ifo upon no

other capital than his own me. its. Accordiug to tho statement
of Mr. Greene ho was at one time worth about $60,000, which ho
had accumulated at negro- tiadiug. While in possession of his
money ho became addicted to gaining. For many year-o he was
an object for tho machinations of tho harper tribe, who had
dogged his footsteps from one slave-man co another, until finally
they had plucked him as clean as a broiled snipe. But, unlike
thousands who had been victimized in the same manner, Kent
learned to play all games well n,id also to protect himself from
the arts of tho sharper, towards whom ho entertained the bitter-
est feelings, to which he frequently gave vent by declaring, " I'll
kill euuy thiof, there and then, that I ketches a cheatin' mo at
kearda." Whether upon occasion Mr. Kent would have carried
out this blood-thirsty threat, I am quite unable to say; but as
far as I ever ascertained, with all his numerous vices, ho had not
up to that period of his existence killed anybody. Mr. Kent was
a fair general card-player; the game which he played most suc-
cessfully being brag, at which he was at all hours quite ready
and willing to amuse all comers ; and when I came to the cit^
but very few gamblers in Mobile cared to attack him at his fa-
vorite game. Though burdened with a mean disposition and an
irritable temper, he lost his money at play without a whimper.
He had not, during the last three years, dabbled in the slave-
trade, but bad devoted his energies solely to gambling, and dur-
ing that period had been the constant partner of Mr. Greene.

The servant who waited on our room was the property of
Kent. He was a bright mulatto, about twenty- two years of age,

mLjiuijj i ju»B)i i

4fltl WAITDBIUNQS OF V VAOAJIOMI).

aod exceedingly Intelligent. According to his own account of
biuMoir he waa tUe sou of hi« fonuor master, at one tiuio a well-
to-do lawyer, practicing in Vorsaillo^, Kentucity. Whiskey got
the bent of him, however, and ruined him pt-cuniarily, and then
finished Its work by killing him. UIb crodilora, alter his death,
seized his estate, and among the others of its belougiugs sold
under the hammer were William Jones and his m»)ther, tlie lor-
mer becoming the properly of Kent, who waa at the time buying
up negroes in Kentucky for the Mobile m.uket, while the motlior
was bought by the keeper of a tavern at Paris, Kentucky.

William was attentive and resi^ctfui to every one with whom
he was thrown in contact. To mo ho had, long before I tli.niKht
of becoming a member of the firm, shown more than usual at-
tention, which naturally caused me to take a deep Interest in
him, which was greatly strengthened when I learned his uufor-
to'mte position. Fortune, in throwing him Into the hands of
K .at, had dealt him a cruel blow. He was a most inhuman mas-
ter, rho never spoke a kind word to his slave, or allowed him a
moment's pastime ; and whenever policy or fear forbade him to
vent his passion upon others, William was the scape-goat who
received the brunt of his anger. Frequently for the slightest,
and often an Imaginary offense, he would take the boy to his
Bleeping apartment and flog him severely . Many of the patrons
of the place noticed his cruelty toward the boy, and the com-
ments passed upon his actions were by no moans laudatory of
Mr. Kent. But public opinion exercised no influence over hia
unfeeling heart, and It was only when old man Greene would re-
monstrate with him about his barbarous treatment of the boy,
that William eiyoyed a brief respite from his persecutions.

When I first became a visitor at the rooms, Kent, seeing I was
disposed to play at his favorite short games with him, paid me
the most assiduous attention. I soon discovered, however, that
I was overmatched at these contests, and dropped them, conse-
quently; but not before I had lost to him, at brag and similar
games, about six hundred dollars. While these contests lastcl
be would exclaim, " I've broken ye in, an' ye're my meat now !
But he had made a false calculation; for no sooner h!it' my thick
Bktill received the fact that he overmatched me, than hia coarse
jests and rude bantering could not induce me to pit myself
ugahiBt him at any of the short-card games in which he was pro-

is owu account of
i ono tiuiu a well-
!ky. Whiskey got
uolarily, uud tliuu
t), alter liiu duutU,
la b«lou«iuga nold
iH luotbor, tUo I'or-
ut tlio time buying
t, wUllo tlio luotlior
I, Koutucky.
sry ono with whom
ig before I thouKht
loro than usual at-
a deep Interest in
learned his unfor-
into the liands of
most inhuman nias-
), or allowed him a
ear forbade bun to
lie scape-goat who
y for the slightest,
ake the boy to his
tf any of the patrons
boy, and the corn-
means laudatory of
9 influence over hia
u) Greene would re-
satment of the boy,
I persecutions.
(, Kent, seeing I was
I with him, paid me
ered, however, that
popped them, conae-
it brag and similar
hese contests lastd
e're my meat now !
sooner hJi(' my thick
me, than his coarse
e me to pit myself
in which he was pro-

l iUMim i l i lU i ll l utUWW.«IJ » »''-^ J -M *■'■ ■ '''' '! ''

"''^:i«'r»***"'"

.^J^>^

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

Itil^e 125

|5o i"^" m^s

■ 19

^ liB 11112.2

- ^ lllll^

I.I

I'8
1 '-'^ 1 ><^

1.25

Photographic

Sciences

Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

.4p

v#.^

CIHM/ICMH

Microfiche

Series.

CIHM/ICMH
Collection de
microfiches.

Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques

A "NIGGER IN THE FENCE."

469

flcient. The faci of the business was, I had gotten to hate the
feUow so thoroughly that I had rather at any time a thief should
steal a hundred dollars from mo than he should win one. He
did not, however, show any rudeness towards mo in consequence
of my refusal to play with him longer; on the contrary, subse-
quently, whenever I came into the room he treated mo as cor-
dially as his dirty nature would permit him to do ; but when I
became a partner of the concern he fancied that my age would
render me a fitting object for him to display his domineering
disposition upon. Old Greene had warned me that he was, as
he expressed it, " a hard man to do business with," and inform-
ed me that '• Kent is cantankerous at times, but ve mustn't mind
'im."

But I did mind " 'im," and at the very outset took the oppor-
tunity to give Mr. Kent distinctly to understand that I desired
and was not disposed to put up with any of his nonsense, and
from that time a remarkable coolness sprung up between us, al-
though we worked at the faro-game both night and day to-
gether.

I had been at various times in the habit of giving to William
small sums of money for little extra services which he rendered
me personally. Shortly pfterthe springing up of the coldness I
have mentioned between myself and Kent, while in one of his
chronic fits of ill-humor, he took the boy to his room and gave
him a flogging. While stripping himself, according to the order
of his master, to receive the punishment, a flve-dollar gold piece
dropped from his clothing, and William was compelled to ac-
knowledge that he had received it from me as a gift. The fel-
low came to me in a furious rage, handed me the money, at the
same time warning me that if I gave money to his boy there
would " be some h'ar-pullin' goin' on about the house." Well
knowing any altercation which I might have with him would only
rebound on William, and subject him to farther and more brutal
punishment, [ answered him mildly, saying I had but paid the
boy what I owed him for waiting upon me.

"I don't keep 'im here to wait on yer, by a damn sight. I
keeps him here to wait on me an' this here room, an' I don't
want yer to give 'im any more money, mind that, Mr. Morris."

"Very good, Mr. Kent," I repliod; "I shan't oflfend you agam
In this respect.''

lt«"H3»r«W»*-

470

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

On my entrance into the concern as one of its partners, its
luck seemed to talce a decided turn in our favor, whicli greatly
relieved the overcharged heart and brain of Mr. Greeue, and
caused him to be more attentive to his business, and to abandon
his former style of pacing up and down on the paveaient in front
of the Sans Soucci Coffee- House.

Though, as the close of the business season approached, our
play became perceptibly lighter, yet, on the whole, we had more
patrons than any other establishment of the same sort in tha
city. Among our patrons was a young man from Boston, by
name Joseph Forrest. He was handsome, dressed fashionably
and with more than usual taste and care. He was well educated
and possessed a large fund of general information, which he was
vain of displaying in company, for doing which he never al-
lowed an opportunity to slip. I had made the acquaintance of
this gentleman shortly after my arrival in Mobile, and in the
course of time I had formed a great liking for him — so much so
that I had upon several occasions loaned him sums of money
varying from one hundred dollars to five hundred dollars, when
I saw no sort of prospect of his paying me, unless he should win
it at faro or make it at the various short-card games he was
fond of playing. He was a good general card-player, which, in
gambling parlance, means he could play all the various short-
card games well. But Mr. Forrest had a strong predilection for
"fighting the tiger," and what money he had won at short-card
games during the season, which was considerable, was cast into
the maw of that voracious quadruped. I believe during his so-
journ in Mobile I was the only one to whom he applied for
money in his distress, it being his policy to make every one be-
lieve he was a person of means. When he borrowed from me, it
was done in private, with the greatest secrecy, and when able he
repaid me with the most scrupulous exactness. While I was in-
terested in the house he lost twelve hundred dollars to the bank,
and in the meantime about eight hundred dollars more, playing
brag with Mr. Kent.

The hot weather had struck in upon us, mercantile establish-
ments were closed, steamers were laying up, commerce, which
bad thrilled the city in every artery with busy life, was in its last
throes. Familiar faces that had lately thronged our streets and
public places had disappeared; "fly time" had arrived, and

;_ _j^._ ■_ - • .-.'. Cu-'-t-'^-i^'n"'

w^-

of its partners, its
,vor, which greatly
' Mr. Greeue, and
ss, and to abandon
> paveaient in front

in approached, our
vhole, we had more
) same sort in th3
1 from Boston, by
Iressed fashionably
) was well educated
ition, which he was
rhich he never al-
ho acquaintance of
Mobile, and in the
ir him — so much so
lim sums of money
idred dollars, when
nless he should win
3ard games he was
d-player, which, in
the various short-
ang predilection for
I won at short-card
•able, was cast into
lieve during his so-
lom he applied for
nake every one be-
>rrowed from me, it
y, and when able he
js. While I was in-
dollars to the bank,
jllars more, playing

lercantile establlsh-
), commerce, which
y life, was in its last
iged our streets and
" had arrived, and

A "NIGGER IN THE FENCE."

471

scarcely a person was to be seen of an evening in our rooms
which were lately crowded with a motley gathering. I was one''
mornmg sitting in my sleeping-room, thinking about settling up
my business with Greene <Sc Kent and leaving Mobile for the
North, when Kent's boy William rapped at the door. I opened
the door and told him to come in, but he had no sooner complied
with my request, than I began to think it strniige that he had
ventured in. Since the late unpleasantness between his master
and myself about the five-dollar piece, he had not, as formerly
come to my room to serve me, nor dare he, while at the gambling-
room, show me the same attention as the veriest stranger might
claim from him while his master was present. My first impression
was that my presence was required in the gambling-room by his
master or Mr. Greene, and that he was sent to notify me of the
lact, but I quickly abandoned this theory of his appearance on
observing his pale and haggard countenance and confused man-
ner. After paying me the ordinary compliments of the morn-
ing, he began to stammer, finally broke down altogether, and
seemed unable to utter a word. Without seeming to notice his
manner, I gave him ample time to recover himself while I
walked over to the miiTor and commenced arranging my hair.

* Is you goin' ter stay here long of massa John ? " he finally
asked, before I had completed that part of my toilet.

"In Mobile, do you mean, William t"

"Yes, sah."

"No, William; I shall probably go to New Orleans to-morrow
or next day."

"Couldn't ye take me wid yer, marster John? I'se 'd make
yer a good servant."

"I don't doubt it! But your master won't sell you, William."
No, sah! Dat he won't so long's he's got all dat money "

"Then I'm afraid I can't do anything for you. But why does
he treat you so cruelly?"

"He couldn't help it, marster John; he treats eberybody bad.
kase he bad hisself." '

"I'm very sorry for you, William, and wish you had a kinder
toaster; I'll give Mr. Kent one thousand dollars for you, and you
can tell him so if you wish."

^ "Marster Smith, de t'eatre man, he oflfer him dat fur me dis
las wmter, but he no takes it, an' I 'se seen better boys dan I is

472 ^VAXDERIXGS OF A VAGABOND.

seU hero fur six or seven hundred dollars. Ho jist keeps me fur

to spite mo, dat's all ho dus it fur."
" Well, I'm sorry lor you, my boy." , , „ ^ , , ,„

" I knows how yer could git me, marster John," he said, draw-

ing nearer to mc, and lowering his voice, while at the same time

his restless round eyes peered directly into mme.
" Speak out ! don't be afraid ! You know you can trust me.
"I knows dat ar or I ahouldn't b3 'ere."
" Well, go on then !" ,,„ , „^„ ,„

"Yer kin broke 'im at brag an' win me too. I'll make yer do

it, marster John."
" How can you manage that, William f"
" I'll gib yer his hand by do item. I'll do it ef yer say so,

marster John !" _ .^ ^, _„ ..

This proposition rather staggered me, for it was the very last
thing I was expecting from the source from whence it emana-
ted I did not give the boy credit for understanding that inge-
nious art, whereby the unsuspecting may be relieved of their
money at the card-table. This offer revealed a whole history of
unavenged wrongs, and was, besides, iu a selfish point of view, a
very tempting one to me; as of my own knowledge I knew Kent
had in his possession about ten thousand dollars ; but a moment s
reflection convinced mo that I was by no means the proper per-
son to accomplish such a feat. • .,,.,,„
" No William !" I replied in a calm voice; " I cannot do it ! m
the flrsi place he is my partner, and I must not break faith with
him; but, even outside of that, I am the very worst person you
could have selected for such an undertaking. I have repeatedly
refused to play him brag, and should I now banter him for the
game and win, it would certainly arouse his suspicious nature,
knowing, as he does, your friendly feeling for me, and would end
by getting us both into serious trouble. No, William I tha won't
do! But I want to see you out of his clutches, and am willing to
aid you, provided I can do so without being compromised in the
matter. I am not his guardian, and am therefore bound by no
law to protect his interests further than where he is concerned
with me in the faro-bank. You go and see Mr. Forrest; he s the
very man you want. Go right off and see him! Hell be very
glad of the chance which I cannot accept." ^ , „ , , ..
"I dusn't knows 'im Ukes I duz you, marster John," aaia ine

ji
r

P
fii

Til
h:

si
tl
a
se
cc

Bli

hi
to
th
no
th
ho

ap
ye
int
sai
ro(
in

Hiikm iTi in ill i'i'»r*iii^'rrf'"i rTiff "■-flfniwin i

uii'U'rl''^ '.-..-.t..^..^, .

jist keeps me fur

n," he said, draw-
at the same time
le.
ou can trust me."

I'll make yer do

it ef yer say so,

; was the very last
whence it emana-
tanding that inge-
) relieved of their
a whole history of
ish point of view, a
ledge I knew Kent
rsj but a moment's
,ns the proper per-

' I cannot do it ! In
ot break faith with
■y worst person you
I have repeatedly
banter him for the
i suspicious nature,
me, and would end
William 1 that won't
i, and am willing to
compromised in the
jrefore bound by no
ere he is concerned
[r. Forrest; he's the
him! Hell be very

ster John," said the

I ir"ittitiiinmt"ll'Ar '1 Jrfi^'-

I ,_

A "NIOOER IN THE FENCB."

473

colored boy, regarding me doubtfully; " an' maybe ha'Il go right
awuy au' tell Aliatcr Kent!"

" He'll do nothing of the sort," I rejoined, with some asperity •

" he wants money too bad for that," '

" Hadn't you better sec 'im first, marster John f"

" No, William; because I don't wish to bo known in the matter

at all by any one save yourself, and you mustn't give Mr. Forrest

reason to suspect, either by word or action, that I know any-

tiling about your business. Go and see him, and talk to him

just as you've talked to me, and I'll warrant, if you both manage

riylit, tliat you'll obtain your freedom, and break your master into

the bargain."

Ho hesitated. He feared the ordeal of placing himself in the
hands, and therefore in the power, of a second person. When I
proposed Forrest, I was almost assured ho would grasp at so
favorable an opportunity for making money with great eager-
uess, but a moment's reflection, after the first glare of the project
had subsided, convinced me that there were contingent circum-
stances belonging to the matter, requiring, at least, some con-
sideration. In the fust place, like all northern men coming to
the south, he might have a dread of entering into collusion with
a slave, and po8sil)Iy might betray him to his master. In the
second place, supi)osing William and himself succeeded in ac-
complishing his desire, what security had the poor slave that he
would deal fairly by him? Might he not win Kent's money and
the l)oy, reach New Orleans with both, and there sell him into
slavery again, and keep all the plunder f What should prevent
him fiom perpetrating such an act of treachery? The boy's
tongue was tied by dread of the lash, and even should he have
the temerity to speak in his own defense, his voice would avail
nothing in a court of justice against that of a white man. But
there was nothing better for it, and I had to rely upon Forrest's
honor in the case— a foundation, when you do not thoroughly know
your man, aa uncertain and treacherous as the quicksands of the
apparently hard and smooth sea-shore; for though but young in
years, I had thoroughly learned how closely allied are honor and
interest. After a few moments' cogitation, however, I thought I
saw my way clear, and advised William to go at once to the
room of Forrest and see liira. I told him I would follow, and wait
in the street for him, md as he came from the house, if Mr.

ii jjiii»m « Biiiu i i— i «j i

isw*"

474

WANDERINGS OP A VAOABOND.

Forrest declined, or in any way demurred at accepting the pro-
position, he was to nod and lift his hat to me at the same time ;
but if everything proved to bo satisfactory he was not to notice
me in any way whatever, but go directly to my room, whither I
would immediately follow, to hoar the particulars of the interview.
I had resolved in case Forrest refused to take up the afifair, that
I would go directly to his room and try my utmost powers of
persuasion to induce him to keep the boy's secret at least ; but
this measure was purely precautionary, as I believed Forrest
would accept William's proposition with the greatest avidity.
Then I also mentioned to William the opportunity which Forrest
would have of acting treacherously by him, in case their enter-
prise succeeded; and to obviate as much as possible the
chances against him, I advised him to hnve an explicit under-
standing with that gentleman. "Tell him," I said, " that your
freedom must be the first thing taken into consideration, if suf-
ficient money is won to buy it. Toll him that all moneys won
more than sufficient to purchase that, must bo equally divided
between you, and if the game is prolonged to diflerent sittings,
that he nmst meet and settle with you after every sitting. And
in case he should play for you, he must have a bill of sale of you
made out and signed by Kent, and, that he must be bound to sell
you again to any person you should wish to have buy you. The
intelligent boy understood my meaning and motives thoroughly,
and promised to follow my directions implicitly. I then gave
him four hundred dollars and told him that if he was successful
in coming to an agreement with Forrest, to give it to him to play
the game against Kent ; but in case they could not come to an
arrangement, not to give him the money, and in any case not to
do so unless he was willing to accede to all the stipulations men-
tioned, but to leave him and come out into the street, and give
me the sign we had agreed upon to denote a failure. I knew
well enough that Forrest was not likely to have more than one
or two hundred dollars, and that the additional four hundred
"/ould give him a pretty good stake to meet Kent with the power-
ill leverage which he would have also in his favor. I instructed
William to tell him that the money was his own, which he had
saved up without the knowledge of Kent, and after these last
instructions sent him on his errand.
As the time of William's absence lengthened, I was satisfied

1
1
I
I

s<
P

h
h
d

g
tl

re.

accepting the pro-
at tlio same tiino ;
waa not to notice
ly room, whither I
rs of the interview,
up the affair, that
utmost powers of
cret at least; but
. l)elieved Forrest
1 greatest avidity,
nity which Forrest
Q case their enter-
as possible the
an explicit under-
; said, " that your
isideratioD, if suf-
at all moneys won
[)o equally divided
different sittings,
very sitting. And
I bill of sale of you
St be bound to sell
,ve buy you. The
otiyes thoroughly,
tly. I then gave
' ho was successful
e it to him to play
Id not come to an
in any case not to
i stipulations men-
iie street, and give
, failure. I knew
ave more than one
onal four hundred
int with the power-
ivor. I instructed
)wn, which he had
id after these last

aed, I was satisfied

A "NIOOEtt IN THE FENCE." 475

that I had not boon mistaken in the matter, and that Forrest
had snapped eagerly at the prospect of getting the best of his
old adversary at brag, and my premonitions were at length
confirmed by the appearance of William in the street, where
ho immediately gave the preconcerted signal that all was well
understood. In a few moments wo were again closeted in ray
room, where he informed mo that Forrest had accepted his
proposition without a single moment's hesitation, and had sol-
emnly promised to observe all his stipulations to the very letter.
At about five o'clock in the evening, Kent, William and myself
being the sole occupants of the gambling-room, Forrest entered
with a smiling face, and after saluting us each according to his
custom, he walked up to tlio round card-table at which Kent
was sitting, and throwing down upon it, before him, a pile of
bank-bills, said: "There, Mr. Kent, is something for you to ',ake
in at brag."

"You don't tell me that, Forrest!" exclaimed Kent, hia eyes
brightening as much at che prospect of gain as of a contest at
his favorite pastime. " Why, 1 did not think thar was that much
money left in town!" and added, "Here, William, gin us some
keards," in the tone of a man in more than usual good-humor.
The paper was immediately furnished, and they took their pi-
and the contest commenced, each trying to outwit the other.
Not expecting any faro-game, and thinking my presence in the
room might incommode Forrest, I took my hat and strolled out,
and did not return again until after nine o'clock.

As I re-entered the room, a single glance at the card-table con-
vinced me that Forrest wap progressing finely. Kent had
scarcely any money before him on the table, and was sweating
profusely, and was as uneasy as a bull in fly-time.

"Give me two thousand dollars, Morris! This here Tank's
chawin' me up," was the first salute I received on my entrance.

"You must have had some bad luck," I replied, by way of
consolation ; but he interrupted me savagely with:

"I don't know what you calls it, but ef he kin beat me at this
here game, he kin win enough o' stuff ter buy hisself a stone
house ter keep hisself from freezing ter death in, in that there
damned cold abolition country o' hiss^n." While he was en-
gaged in the delivery of this neat speech, I was counting out from
the bank-money the sum he had demanded. " How much stuff

■r*-.-2'j«!ri?"*^h-^^*^rti^rt:=

476

■WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

o' raino yo pot timrt" lio iiiquirod, seeing mo occupied inrunniag
over the iKUik-notes In tiio roll.

"Do you wish mo to Hottle up tho game, slrT"

"I reckon aa how you might jist i\s> well." "laiabered — n
bank ain't goin' tcr git euny more play," he rejjlied.

I Bottled up t'lo bank-book in u fow moments, and baudod
It over to him lor inapnction.

"Five thousand eight buudrod an' thirtoea bucks ye've got
tbero o' raino, then, hey?"

"Yes, sir, that I beliovo is the amount," I rejoined.

" Wall, pitch it beab ; I reckon as bow this feller hero '11 git all
aforo mornln'."

I did as he bade mo, and immediately afterwards loft the
rooms. Forrest was then already some throe thousand dollars
wiimer of bim, and as I thought it would likely take him till
close on to daylight before bo would have cleaned bim out en-
tirely, I therefore resolved to remain up, in order to bo "in at
the death." Having loitered away among some of the other
gambling' houses of the place some five hours, my impatience to
know bow the affair was going would not permit mo to absent
myself from the scone of action, and the struggle in which I felt
myself almost vitally interested. On my return I found Kent
and Forrest still facing each other at the card-table, and direct-
ly behind bis master's chair was socitod William. A gleam of
triumph shot from his eyes as they encountered mine, and then
they fell significantly upon the table. Lying near the left hand
of Forrest was a largo pile of bank-notes, and in the center of
the table laid another pile. Of tlio five thousand eight hundred
and thirteen dollars which I bad given Kent at the beginning of
tho evening, not a cent remained near bim; and a single glance
convinced me at the momout of my entrance into tho room,
that his last dollar was up in the pool, when the silence was
broken by a wrangle concerning the issue of the game. Each
held his brag hand before bim upon the table. Kent bad been
drinking brandy pretty freely during my absence, and its effects
were now plainly visible upon bim.

The dispute, if such it could he called, originated in this man-
ner: Forrest had dealt the cards and had placed an ante oi
twenty-five dollars on the center of tho able, which was imme-
diately covered by Kent, when Forrest bet him one hundred

b
d
n
t(
b
h

Di
tl

Pl
af
K
hi

vi
or

ri(
th
ve

re!

MMSjtW^ttkiUiiMadMW

cuplod in running

"laiabero d — n
jplied.
3uts, and banded

I bucka yeVo got

Joined.

3lier bere '11 git all

;crward8 loft tbe
tbouaand dollars
oly take him till
iaiicd bini out on-
ilor to bo "in at
ome of tbe otber
ray impatience to
nit me to absent
5I0 in wbicb I felt
irn I found Kent
table, and direct-
am. A gleam of
[ mine, and then
loar tbe left band

in tlie center of
nd eight hundred

tbe beginning of
id a single glance
) into tbe room,
m tbe silence was
the game. Each
Kent bad been
ce, and its effects

lated in this man*
laced an ante of
which was imme-
tiim one hundred

A "NiaOER IN TUK KENCa."

477

dollars more. This mm also soon by Kent, after which he
shoved up into tlio p(,:tl what nionoy he iiad before him, being
his luHt dollar, and amounting to foiu' huiidred and soveuty-flvo
dollars. Forrest covered tho last bruj,' of bis adversary, which
made altogether in the pool twelve hundred doljius. Hoth con-
testants stood " pat"— that is, reniaod lo draw fresh cards. Kent,
having tlio "aKO," or first i)lay, said, "I'ii bet fivo hundred dol'
lars." " Put it up," replied bia adversary. Hut Mr. Kent did
not happen to have tlie little sura handy about him, but insl.sted
that his word was >,'ood for tho amount. Tho incrodnlous Fr)r-
rest could not see it in tliat light. It was while this little "on-
pleasantness" wiis on the "tapis" that I entered the room, and
as I a)>pr<>acbed tho table tho silence was broken by the voice of
Kent, reiterating for tho third or fourth time, "I'll bet you five
hundred dollars for tho 'pot'."

"Tho money ain't there, Mr. Kent, and I'm not going to take
a credit b^t," replied the calm voice of Forre.st.

Kent, now throwing up bis eyes to mo for tlio first time, saidi
"Put up five hundred dollars tbar, fur me, Morris."

"You must excuse me, sir," I replied.

"Ter'vo got Greene's money, hain't yer?" be iuouired.

"Yes, sir."

"Give it to me, then," he demanded.

" Not until he orders me to do so, Mr. Kent," I rejoined.

"I tell yor it's all right, Morris."

"Give me ther money," ho demanded, slapping his hand down
violently upon the table.

"It's not right with me, Mr. Kent, until I have Mr. Greene's
orders for it," I replied.

"Ob, let's show down for the 'pot,'" cried Forrest, excitedly.

" Not ef I knows my.self, I dusn't," said Kent, stretching his
right hand over the pool as if to protect it from a " snatch,"
though no demonstration of the kind had been made by his ad
versary.

" Well, then, put up your money, Mr. Kent," reiterated For-
rest.

" It'll be all thar ; don't yer fret yerself, Mr. Forrest." Then
looking up to me he said, " Morris, put up that five hundred fur
me. I've got ten thousand dollarsdepositod in ther bank 0' Mobile,
an' ef I lose the money I'll pay yer ter-morrer, sure. Put it up,

478

WXNDKKINCI8 OF A VAOABOND.

Morris; It's all right. Georgo Kent never went back on 'Is word
ylt. Bet jor llfoou'tl"

"You nuiHt cMUse luo, Mr. Kent," I replied, "I cannot ac-
comnuMlato yctu! '

Finillnu Le could noithor got Forrest to pl:iy with him on
space nor yet coax any money out of me, he thought ol'hisHlavo-
boy, perhaps for the first time, and cried out, "Come here,
William."

The boy rose from his chair behind his master, and stood be-
side him. "Hero's my boy, Mr. Forrest j I'll bet 'Im at five
hundred dollars," ho said, addressing his adversary.

" I'm not taking beta that way, Mr. Kent," replied the Imper-
turbable Forrest.

"How In h— 1 are ye takln"om, then f " demanded his op-
ponent, savagely.

"I want you to put up the money, or else let's show down hands
and the best one take the pool."

" I shan't do 't ! This here boy 's money, an' I'll bet 'im fur
five hundred dollars. What do yer do now! Come, now, no
d n nonsense with me ! " he cried, elevating his voice, and be-
ginning to look "fltlsh."

"How much do you want for the boy, Mr. Kent!" inquired
his adversary, in a very calm voice, not manifesting In any way
that ho was In the slightest degree moved by the bluster of his
opponent.

" The boy ain't for sale, but I'll play 'Im, redeemable in the
moruln', at three thousand dollars, Mr. Forrest."

" I ain't playing my money against niggers at three thousand
dollars apiece," cried that gentleman, angrily gathering up his
money and stuffing it into the pockets of his pants. "Now, Mr.
Kent," ho added. In a determined voice, " let's show down for
this 'pot,' and quit for the night." This movement of Forrest,
which was executed for the purpose of inducing Kent to give a
bill of sale of the negro, did not fail of its intended effect upon
that worthy ; to use a gambling phrase, "he was badly stuck,"
and would "have sold himself for money to continue the game ;
besides, he felt confident that his cards were the best, as he held
two braggers and an ace, and had the " age " In his favor besides.
There were but two hands left in the pack better than the one
he held, three natural aces, or a bragger with two aces. The

It back on 'Is word

pil, " I cannot ac-

pl.iy with lilm on
iKiinlit oI'liiHHlavo-
uut, "Couie bore,

ter, and stood be-

'11 bet 'im at five

jrsary.

replied the Imper-

demandod his op-

s show down hands

an' I'll bet 'im fur

f Come, now, no

g his voice, and be-

. Kent?" inquired
ifcstiug in any way
r the bluster of his

redeemable in the
ist."

at three thousand
r gathering up his
pants. "Now, Mr.
3t's show down for
ivement of Forrest,
ng Kent to give a
itended effect upon
waa badly stuck,"
ontinue the game ;
the best, aa be held
n his favor besides,
etter than the one
ith two aces. The

A "MUUKU IN TUK *KNCK.''

47U

finesse of his companion, in insisting that ho should show down
for the pool, continuod him in the idea that ho hold the winning
band, and ho wua by no nioiuiB willing to give ForroHta Might for
tho pool, wlii'n ho had a chance of winning five hundred dollars
more, or, if not called, tho pool without exposing his carus.

Without appearing to take any notice of the words or actions
of Forrest, ho again turned to me and said, " Morris, just lend
mo Qftecn hundred dollars on this 'ere boy, an I'll redeem 'im in
thor mornin'."

" I woul<ln't give you seven hundred dollars for him, Mr.
Kent," I replied.

" Lend mo five hundred dollars, then," he persisted.

"I'm going North in a few days," I rejoined, "and I don't
want to be encumbered with any slave property."

" But I tolls yer I'm gwiuo ter redeem tho boy ter-morrer."

" Don't a.sk me any more, Mr. Kent, I beg, for I cannot oblige
you," I said, (locidedly.

lie then turned once more to his opponent and asked him if he
would play for the boy at fifteen hundred dollars, redeemable in
the morning.

That gentleman appeared to study intently over the matter for
some moments, and then said, " If you promise to redeem the
boy to-morrow I'll play for him at fifteen hundred dollars ; but
you must give me a bill of sale of him now."

" William, bring me sumthin' tor write with," he cried, with-
out making any direct reply to Forrest. In a few moments the
boy had laid the desired articles before him. Tho writing out
of a bill of sale for a slave was the best part of Mr. Kent's edu-
cation ; but the brandy which )\o had so freely imbibed had
confused his brain, and it was some moments before he could
collect his scattered faculties and bend them to the task before
him. But he finiilly mastered it in a clerk-like manner, and
handed over to Forrest, for inspection, the instrument which con-
veyed to him the body, bones, flesh and blood of the boy Wil-
liam, for and in consideration of the sum of fifteen hundred dol-
lars. When Mr. Forrest had carefully examined the paper he
took from his pocket all the money he had and laid it on the ta-
ble. T'j then counted out from it the stipulated fifteen hundred
dollars, and pushed it towards his adversary, with the remark,
"I shall keep the boy in my possession till he's redeemed;
and I have your word for it you'll do it to-morrow, Mr. Kent.''

[

480

■WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

" Bet yerlife on 'tl" was the reply of that worthy, seizing the
roll of banli-notes, and, without more iido, hrowiug it on tlie
middle of the table, saying at the same moment, " Five hundred

dollars ! " , ^ .

" You bet that much for the pool! " demanded Forrest.
" Thar's ther money, an' I've said it ! " was the answer.
Forrest, without making any reply, counted from his money
fifteen hundrea dollars more and threw it into the pool, sayinp,
" I see your five hundred dollars, and go you a thousand better."
The rebound was the last thmg Kent had expected. He sat
back in his chair and gazed with amazement into the face of his
opponent for several moments. Meanwhile that goutlemau kept
his eyes on the pool, to all appearances as cool as a cucumber in
an ice-box. The surprise of his opponent was only momentary,
however. " My money's thar !" he replied, curtly.
"You call me, then?" demanded Forrest, laconically.
"Yes," was the reply. " I thought so ! " he muttered, gazing
on the two aces and a nine which Forrest had exposed upon the
table ; then throwing his own cards beside those of his opponent
he said, quietly, "You've beat me, Forrest ! "

The latter, without vouchsafing any remarks, took down the
pool and conveyed the money, together with the bill of sale, to
iiis pockets. Kent row commenced begging Forrest to continue
their game until daybreak. " 1'- e ten thousand dollars in the
bank, Mr. Forrest, an' ef yer kin beat me, yer kin win it all. I'll
go with yer soon's ther bank's open an' git ther money fur yer.
I will, sure. Play ahead, d-u it. You'll git yer money ef yer
win 1 Won't do it, hey ? Got enuff, I s'pose ! allers thought yer
was short stock !" His entreaties, promises, and insults fell alike
on steeled ears. As soon as he had safely disposed of his money,
he rose from his chair and bade Wliiiam follow him,
" Must I do it. Master Georgef " inquired William.
"Yes, yer hisssen till ter-morrer; go along wid him," replied
Kent, folding his arms upon the table and letting his head sink

upon them. , . , , . j j i

The combined influence of the brandy which he had drank
and the excit«ment through which he had passed had complete-
ly overcome him, and in a few moments he was fast asleep and
snoring vigorously, in which state I left him and repaired to my
lodgings.

worthy, seizing the
luowiug if on tlie
it, " Five hundred

led Forrest,
the answer.
1 from his money
the pool, sayinp,
thousand better."
xpected. He sat
into the face of his
lat goutlemau kept
1 as a cucumber in
3 only momentary,
irtly.

iconically.
) muttered, gazing
L exposed upon the
3se of his opponent

•ks, took down the
the bill of sale, to
Forrest to continue
sand dollai's in the
r kin win it all. I'll
tier money fur yer.
. yer money ef yer
! allers thought yer
bd insults fell alike
posed of hia money,.
iw him.
;Villiam.

T wid him," replied
iting his head sink

liich he had drauk
issedhad complete-
was fast asleep and
and renaired to my

•^

THE "XIGGEB" gets OUT. 481

CHAPTER XXXIX.

THE "nigger" gets OUT.

It seemed to me that I had only ju.st fallen asleep when I was
awakened by a rapping at luy door. I arose and opened it, and
found that Williaui was there and desired to speak with me. I
looked at my watch, and found it was nine ocluck. William had
to say to mo that, having reached the lodgings of Mr. Forrest on
tlio previous evening, he had demanded of that gentleman a
division of the money ho had won from Kent, but that Forrest
had refused, on the ground thai there might yet be some trouble
with his old master about his ownership, and that it would be
exceedingly dangerous for him to bo found with money upon his
person. "I told him," said Williaiu, "that that excuse would
not answer, and requested him to comply at once with the
terms of the compact," but he positively refused to do anything
until the matter of William's ownership was defujtely arranged
witli Kent. William then asked him for the four hundred dollars
which he had put into his hands, and that was also refused, on
the ploa that he could do nothing until he came to an under-
standing with Kent regarding himself. "I tells yer, marster
John," said William, at tlie end of this narrative, "dat man he
means no good wid dis uiggah!" I bade him at once return to
Forrest, and if he saw him making any preparations for leaving
the place, to come at once and inform me, telling him he would
fliid me either at my lodgings or at the gambling-room, and
charged liim to say nothing whatever on the subject of Lis in-
terview with mo, or of the money, to Forrest, but to leave matters
entirely h-. my hands.

I was satisfied that even if it was his intention to act foully by
the boy, he would not leave the place except he took him along;
but I was determined I would not leave it to chance. Ho had
forfeited his word to the boy already, and had even refused to
return the four hundred dollars which he had advanced him for
purposes of play. This, certainly, did not look much as if he
meant to u",t fairly in the matter. He might have thought, it is
true, that Kent would be disposed to wrangle about his slave on
the pretext that the bill of sale was givta at a gambUng-taMe,

482

WANDERIXGS OF A VARABO^ID

and ho mig)<t also have feared that, if the money were found
upon WilHaiu, ho might bo compelled under the lash to tell
how he came by it. These reasons might have hindered him
from fulfilling his contract, and ho might .still bo willing to lul •
fill it so soon as everything relating to the ownership of William
could bo amicably arranged with Mr. Kent. But my suspicions
that ho intended to behave dishonorably in tlio matter had been
aroused, and I was perfectly determined that, in the lace of all
hazard, I would prevent his leaving the cily until he had made a
just division of the money with William, and consigned the boy
to my possession. He had in his hand about five thousand dol-
lars rightfully belonging to the boy, except the four hundred
dollars belonging to me, and also a bill of sale of the boy, whom
he could convert into ready money in New Orleans, Louisville,
or any of the largo places ho would pass through after leaving
Mobile on his way northward. The prize was a tempting one
to an unscrupulous person, especially when the only person in
the world capable of unmasking his villainy was a poor tongue-
tied slave. J therefore resolved to stick closer than a brother
to Mr. Forrest until matters were settled according to my taste.

At about one o'clock in the day I mot the gentleman' at the
"Sans Soucci." He appeared somewhat nervous when I congrat-
ulated hira upon his good fortune, but replied to me by a short
laugh and a knowing toss of the head, "Oh! I know I was
boui.l to beat that fellow certain if ever the cards broke even."

"B It how in the world came you to give him fifteen hundred
dollar 3 for that boy?— he isn't worth seven hundred."

"I know that, but I was afraid of having a fuss with him,
and thouffht that the best way to get out of it; besides, I knew
to almost a cer'ainty that I could beat his hr.nd. But do you
think he'll redeem the boy?" he asked, with an anxious look.

"I don't think lie can," I replied; "but in case ho does not,
what do you intend to do with him?'*

"Take hir.i with me," he said.

"Where?" I asked.

"ToNeu 0,:eans."

' Are you foing to remain there'"

"No!" he replied; "I am going to the North almost imme-
diately."

"Well," I rejdned, "don't leave until you come to some ar-

ii
b

t:
p

w
hi

y<
ti

in
nc

m
sh
a (

oney were found
' the hisb to tell
rVC hindered him
be willing to I'll! .
crahip ol' William
ut my suspicions
matter had been
in the I'aco of all
;il he had njade a
ansigned the boy
•e thousand dol-
ho four hundred
)f the boy, whom
leans, Louisville,
gh after leaving
a tempting one
e only person ic
3 a poor tongue-
■ than a brother
ling to my taste,
entleman at the
I when I congrat-

me by a short
I know I was

'ds broke even."
fifteen hundred
[rod."

1 fuss with him,
besides, I knew

id. But do yoii
anxious look,
ase ho does not,

1 almost immo-
ne to some ar-

TUE "XIGGEK" r.Ern OUT.

483

rangeraent with Kent relative to the nigger; for ue might bo
mean cuough to make trouble for you otherwise."

iousP '^'^"^ ^'""^^^ ^""^^^ ^'^ "^'^^*' '"^^" ^° '^l^'^e'^' rather anx-

" Why, the sale was made at a gambling-table, and he might
be mean enough to dispute it on those grounds," I replied

♦, -'^.".f?" *'''"'^ ^^''^^ ^° "^"^"^ ^° '^^^^ euougli to do such a
tnmg / lie a^ked.

'I I can't tell. There's no saying what ho might do. It's your
policy to come to some agreeable understanding with hie ■ rrd
If you can do no better, to give him one or two hundred dollars
over in case ho hands over to you the original bill of sale,
whic!i ho holds, of William." '

" That's pretty good ! The d-n nigger's already cost me twice
what he's worth," he grumbled.

" That's your own lault. You say you were obliged to take
him to keep from having a fuss with Kent. Now, make the most
you can of a bad bargain," I rejoined. " At this time of the year
the boy at best will not bring over seven or eight hundred dol-
lars, and when you get to New Orleans you go to Durant 6c Coll-
ycrs-they'll give you pretty near his value for him; then you
won t have any more trouble with the nigger."

The firm mentioned was a myth, and had no existence except
in my bram; but I watched him carefully as I spoke, and I saw
my information had not fallen upon inattentive ears, and was bv
no means lost upon him.

"Who's Du ant & Collyer?" he asked.
_ "They are the largest slave-merchants in New Orleans, if not
in the whole South. They are constantly buying and selling
slaves, from one year's end to another," I replied. " It would be
a curiosity for you to see their slave-yard in that city "

" Do you know in what part of the city their place is? " he
asked.

"Yes; 110 Esplanade Street," I replied, improvismg street and

number for his especial benefit. He took from his pocket a

memorandum and made a note of it there and then, after which

10 returned it to hispocket, and then turning again to ine, asked

Have you seen anything of Ken* to-day ? "

"No," I answered; " but you'll find him in the gambling-room

tins evening, and I'd lose no time in seeing him there and settling

AVAXDEUIXUS OF A VAGABOND.

484

up your business with hiui." Uo said ho would, and then left -

"^Entcriug the gambliug-room, tho only person I mot there was
Mr. Greouo, who was engaged in stepping tho room oil, baclt-
wards and forwards, at a rapid pace, with his hands clasped be-
hind him I learned from him that he got there about ume
o'clock and found tho lights all burning and the doors wide open,
and Kent seated in a chair with his head loaning over on the
poker-table, fast asleep. That gentleman, having been aroused
from his slumbers, informed him of all that had taken place on
the previous evening, after which ho went up-stairs with tho
avowed intention of seeking his bed, where ho was at that mo-
ment supposed to bo sleeping. As soon as I had paid my re-
spects to tho worthy Greene, that gentleman stopped abruptly
in his promenade directly in front of me, and addressed mo with,
"A pretty kittle o' fish he's cooked fur hisself! " at the same
time rolling his eyes and jerking his thumbs in the direction of
the ceiling, to indicate that he was speaking of his partner
asleep in the room above. " Lose ten thousand dollars in a night
and a hkely nigger inter ther bargain ! Jehu I Did you ever hear
ther like o' 't i when everything's dead 's h— 1, too ! He'll be ar-
ter me fur a stake 1 Won't git it, tho' ! I'm d-d ef he dus ! I've
got enough weight ter pack all summer, without toatin' 'im. I
bet that Yonk robbed 'im. They're allers sneakin' 'round ter
git hold o' jist sich infernal fools as he is."

" Why, Mr. Kent said repeatedly last night that he had ten
thousand dollars deposited in tho bank of Mobile."
" Ten thousand lice ! He ain't got a cent, d— n 'im."
«' Ho told Forrest so, and wanted him to play for it, saying
that if he won he'd take him to tho bank directly it opened and
give him his money."

" He's an infernal fool when he's got any licker in 'im, an '11
allers over-play himself ef he loses; when he's all right there
ain't an hoi.ester man in Allerbamer than George Kent."

"He wanted me to give him your money, too, but I wouldn't do
it; and I don't think we shall get any more play here, so hadn't
we better se.tle up our business? for I don't care to be carrying
your money any longer."

Tho old gentleman acquiesced, and in a few moments we had
eettled up our affairs to the perfect satisfaction of both, and I

tl
ai

PE
fif

'in
wi

th
wl

sti

)uld, and then left ^

)u I mot there was
10 room off, back-
haudd claspod be-
thero about nine
e doors wide open,
Luiug over ou the
,viiig been aroused
ad taken place on
ip-stairs with the
e waa at that mo-
had paid my re-
, stopped abruptly
addressed mo with,
self ! " at the same
in the direction of
ing of his partner
id dollars in anight
Did you ever hear
I, too! He'll be ar-
-d ef he dus ! I've
hout toatin' 'im. I
Bueakiu' 'round ter

ht that he had ten

abile."

d— n 'im."

I play for it, saying

Bctly it opened and

licker in 'im, an' '11
lie's all right there
George Kent."
0, but I wouldn't do
play here, so hadn't
, care to be carrying

ew moments we had
ction of both, and I

IHE "MGGEB" GETS OUT.

485

left my venerable friend for a few hours. When I returned to
the room 1 found it occupied by Greeuo and Kent both, and the
hands of tho clock pointed to six. The latter gentleman seemed
as Ircsh as a lark, and was much better dressed than I had
over seen him previously. As soon as I entered tho room he
accosted mo with, "Well, Morris, how did I quit that fellow this
morning f "

"1 believe you lost what money you had, and WilHamat fifteen
hundred dollars," I said.

"How much money did you give me, now?" he inquired.

" Five thousand, eight hundred and thirteen dollars," I replied,
" which was your share of the bank-money, and I have a few-
hours since given to Mr. Greene the same amount.

"That's all right," he rejoined. "I only want ter know what
that d— u Yank robbed me outen. I was too drunk last night,
and that sneakin' swindler robbed me sure an' sartain."

"In course he did," acquiesced Greene; " what else could yer
expect?"

"What the h— 1 dew yer know about it, you damned olo fool f "
roared the amiable Mr. Kent, rising from his chair.

This sudden fit of anger exploding on the uevoted head of the
worthy Greene, effectually silenced that gentleman. When Mr.
Kent's wrath had somewhat cooled down, he took two or throe
turns around the room, and finally stopped in front of his worthy
partner, and said, in commanding tones, "I want yer ter give me
fifteen hundred dollars to redeem William from that are Yank."

'Let 'era go, damn 'im! ho ain't worth seven hundred!" said
Greene, in a surly tone.

"He ain't, ain't he? Well, I wouldn't take ten thousand fur
'im ; he's ther best nigger I've ever owned," retorted Mr. Kent,
with a savage shake of the head.

" What the devil were you allers whippin' 'im fur, then?" sav-
agely demanded Greene.

"Cos he's mine," exclaimed his partner, with a savage wag of
the head, "and I'd a right tor whip 'im, Mister Greene ; that's
why."

"So is my money mine, Mister Kent," retorted old man
Greene, "an' I'll keep it in my pocket."

To this ungracious speech Mr. Kent replied that he might
stick his money in a place unmentionable to ears polite, "cos he

436

WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND.

(lidu't waut nouoo'Lis favors." Ilaviug dclivci.il himself of
wliicli pleasiuy pioco of iuformutiou, bo left tUc room.

I'U—u 'im, lie thiuks 1 bclougts to 'iml" bmst out tbo old man,
stridiug up aud dowu tbo lougtb of tbo room iu f.a excited man-
ner. "Give 'im lilteeu buudied dollars fur a seveu-bundred
dollar nigger' Not for Greene— a little too late in tbe season for

that."

During this delectable interview with these two worthies, ray
eyes were anxiously watching for the appearance of him whom
I was momentarily expecting; and when Kent demanded of
Greene fifteen hundred dollars to redeem tbe boy with, my cogi-
fitions were not pleasant, to say the least ; but I was determined
he should have bis freedom, if it cost every dollar tliat Kent had
lost Tlio last named gentleman had been gone scarcely five mm-
utes when I was agreeably surprised to see him return in com-
pany with Forrest, and a single glance sufficed to tell me that
they had come to some amicable understanding on tbo subject of

'" ^"hcro a few minutes till I go up-stairs an' I'll git that fur

ye," said Kent. j -ti „

After an absence of a few moments he reappeared with a
folded paper and laid it before Forrest, which the latter took,
and then Kent asked him and myself to go down to the Sans
Soucci" and have a julep with him, which we did, leavmg the un-
invited Mr. Greene pacing up and down the room, with his
hands tightly clasped behind him. , , ,

While drinking our juleps, Kent inquired of Forrest when he

intended leaving the city; the latter answering that he intended

taking passage on tbo mail-boat, to-morrow, for New Orleans.

At parting he shook hands cordially with his companion, then

left us standing together on the pavement in front of the ' Sans

Soucci."

"What has he done? " I asked.

"Well, he couldn't redeem tbe nigger, but says if 111 keep
him, he will, whenever he's got the money."

"That's very uncertain," I replied; "but has he given you
the original bill of sale?" I asked.

"Yes," ho replied; "that was it he handed me when we were

up-stairs there." , , „ ^ *.

"WeU, that secures you the boy," I remarked, "at any rate.

k
N
d
ai
w

ivci.J himself of

) I'UOUl.

out tbo old man,
1 f.a excited man-
a Beveu-hundred
) in the seasou for

two worthies, ray
[ICO of him whom
cut demanded of
)oy with, my cogi-
; I was determined
liar that Kent had
scarcely five min-
im return in com-
cd to tell me that
g on the suhject of

an' I'll git that fur

eappearcd with a
jh the latter took,
own to thR "Sans
id, leaving the un-
le room, with his

f Forrest when he
g that he intended
, for New Orleans.
8 companion, then
front of the "Sans

.t says if I'll keep

has he given you

I me when we were

■ked, "at any rate.

THE "NIGOKB" gets OUT.

487

But do you really leave on the mail-hoat for New Orleans?'' I
asked.

" Yos," ho answered, then inquired when I myself expected to
leave ?

"I don't know yet," I replied.

"Well, 1 s'poso I'll see you again before I leave hero, at any
rate?" '

"Yes, I tliink so," I carelessly replied, and with these words
wo parted, each going his way.

William, according to appointment, came again to mo at my
room in the dusk of the evening, and I informed him that every-
thing was now amicably arranged between Kent and Forrest
with regard to himself, and that himself and his now master
wore going upon tho morrow to set off for the North, and I also
impressed it upon his mind, although it was, I believe, unneces-
sary, that he must see Forrest as .soon as possible, and try and
get him to come to a settlement. I told him to see him in his
sleeping-chamber as soon as was practicable, and demand of him
then and there a full settlement, and also to cause himself to be
properly transferred into tho possession of a certain person whom
he had chosen for his master. But I cautioned William, in case
Forrest would not comply with his request, not to mention me
as the ])erson to whom he desired to be sold, and to return
as quickly as possible and let me know the result of tho inter-
view.

The laws of the State not permitting a negro to show himself
in the streets after nine o'clock in the evening, unless in posses-
sion of a written permit from his master, I did not expect to see
Willian again before the following morning, and such proved
the case. He was at my door rapping me up as early as seven
o'clock. He informea me in substance that Mr. Forrest had re-
fus£d positively to accede to a single one of his demands. "He
means bad, marster John! He tells me 'twont do fur me to hab
munny, kase dey'll find it on me, an' makes me tell where I git
'em. When I tell 'im I wants ter stay here wid a gemmen I
knows, ho say dat ar won't do— dat I must come wid him to de
Norf, an' he set me free when I gits dar, an' gib me my part of
de money. Dat man mean bad, marster John, he mean bad
all along." I was pretty well satisfied of it before, but now I
was fully convinced. I had already made up my mind how I

488

WANDEUINGS OF A VAGABOND.

iuteiulcd to act in caso I dlscoverod tluit ho was going to pUiy
tho !)()>• false. I learned IVoiu Wiliianj that Forrest was at that
luoiueut iu his Mloei)ing-r(i()in, and a low minuto.s' brisU walli
brought mo to his doniieilt!.* I coiuuuinded William to remain
below stairs until I should call for him. Tlio door was opened
responsive to my knock, and Forrest stood bc^l'oro mo, early as it
was, completely dressed. lie bade mo cnt(!r and bo .seated, ^Yith
both of which requests I complied. "You're up early this moru-
ing, Morris," ho remarked, giving mo an unquiet look.

'•Yes, sir," I rejoined, "and Fm sorry 1 am compelled to dis- •
turb you at such an hour."

"Don't mention it. What can I havo tho pleasure of doing for
you?" ho incpiired, taking a chair within a few feet of me, and
also sitting down upon it.

WJnlo on my way I had promised myself that I would not al-
low my temper to master me during my coming interview with
Forrest, but to meet him in tho aamo friendly manner as former-
ly, and in a pleasant way force him to do justice to tho boy
whom I beliovod ho meant to use so cruelly. But wo are gen-
erally creatures of circumstance, and it requires long training
and much practice to be able to meet a person for whom you
have conceived a sudden dislike, in tho same friendly manner as
formerly, especially when one is premeditating an attack upon
him. The shrowd-witted Forrest in an instant divined that my
presence in bis room at this unwonted hour boded uo good to
himself. To his last demand I replied in a cold voice, "I'm not
here, Mr. Forrest, to ask favors for myself, but to demand that
you shall fulfill your contract with William 1 Tou know what
that is! Give him an equal division of the money you got from
Kent, and a transfer of himself, together with the two bills of
sale, to whatever person he himself shall clioose to answer that
purpose. That's my business hero, Mr. Forrest, and Fra very
sorry to be obliged to force you to do so simple an act of justice
to a poor slave, whom you evidoD".y believed tongue-tied by
dread of che lash."

Several moments after I had concluded speaking, he sat with-
out opening his lips, pale and speechless. Tho blood came and
went rapidly in his cheeks, and he finally bounced to his feet
and began to defend himself in tho following incoherent strain.
"I thought last night that I was going to have trouble with that

THE "NIUUKU"' GKTS OUT.

480

[V8 going to play
rest \Vii8 at that
ito.s' brisk wulis
illiiim to reiuiiiu
Icior was opened
•0 mo, early as it
I 1)0 Heated, ^YitU
early this luoru-
t look,
lompolled to dis- •

LSiiro of doing for
! foot of me, and

b I would not al-
g iutcrviow with
lanuor as fornier-
istico to tlio boy
But wo arc gen-
res long training
m\ for whom you
iendly manner as
f an attack upon
; divined that my
oded no good to
i voice, "I'm not
t to demand that

You know what
ncy you got from

the two bills of
se to answer that
!st, and I'm very
) an act of justice
d tonguo-tied by

king, ho sat with-
blood came and
unced to his feet
incoherent strain.
) trouble with that

d— n nigger! How could you have believed such a ridiculous lie
from him, Morri.sf He's crazy struck alter a wench here, and
begged me Ibr an hour last ni-ht to either sell him to hoiuo per-
son hero, or to buy the wench anil take them both along with me,
and when 1 relused ho concocted this infernal lie to work upon
your sympathies; and 1 don't know what other mischief ho may
have done me." ,

Still retaining my seat, I listened to this language with all duo
courtesy and attention, and when I had heard him to the end I
re. icd coolly, "That play won't answer my purpose, Mr. Vor-
rcst. I'm here for business, and not disposed to stand any non-
sense. If you push matters, you'll find my evidence will fasten
upon you tho charg* of ni'gro-stcaliug, and they hang persons
very quick in this city for stealing a slave from his master.
Let mo once give Kent an inkling of this business, and the
chances are that the lynchers will leave you in tho piney woods,
strung up to a tree, instead of your having fine times round the
Nortli, 8i)ending Kent's money. Now I want to know what
you're going to do. And be quick about it, too."

Nothing at that period created more terror in the mind of the
Northerner living in tho South, than the thought of being in any
way implicated in anything like a negro conspiracy, or entering
into any collusion with them, or in any way assisting them to
escape from their masters ; and in no city in tho whole South
were such oirenses punished more surely and speedily than in and
around ilobile. Not only had the lynchers, during the winter,
sent several individuals to their long homes with a short shrift
and a long rope, for such offenses, but one had a few weeks since
been hanged by order of tho constituted authorities of tho city
of Mobile. These facts being well known to Forrest, ray threats
were by no means lost upon him, and he felt anything but com-
fortable under them. With bloodless cheek and quivering lip he
dep'ocated my anger, and assured me that ho had not tho remot-
est idea of wronging the boy : that ho had always intended tak-
ing him with him to the North, freeing him, anil there handing
over to him his lawful ph.:- 3 of the spoils ; and that only the fear
ofsome difficulty with lent, or tho arrest of William with the
money upon his person, luid prevented him from fulfilling the
original compact, when he was desired by the boy to do so.
" Had you told me, Morris," with a persuasive smile, " that you

atewtal

'J! If)

WAXDERINfiS OF A V.VflAKOXD.

Know about tho mattor, it would liavo Ih'cii all rJKlit, for I was
iiioro scared of your ' ilropi)!!)!,' ' on tho gauio than I was of old
Kent; and ycsti'iday, when you talked to mo in the manner yon
dill alxinl .selling; the boy in New OrieaiiH, I couldn't make out
what in tlie world yon were (U-iviny; at, and was afraid you sus-
pected that Hometliinjj was wroiiLj, and I was dotermiucd not to
"bo caught in a trap, but to bo on tiie safe side."

"Well," I asked, "are you wllliny to fullill your contract
nowt"

"Of course I ami But I dou't want you, nor tho boy cither,
to think I ever had any iutcutiou of uctintj diabouorably in the
matter."

But I did think so, and was llrnily conviucort in my own
mind that such had boon his intention. However, it was policy
for mo to make him think otherwise, so I merely said, " Excuse
me. Air. Forrest, if I have wronged you in this matter. I was
induced by all the circumstances of tlio case to believe it was
your (Ixed intention to rob the boy and sell him back Into sla-
very, immcdiatoly upon reaching New Orleans. It was hard for
me to believe you could be guilty of so dastardly an act, and I
am glad to linow that my suspicionsAvcro too hasty, and without
foundation. I shall now," I added, "call in William, and we will
arrange his business," rising from my chair to fetch the boy,
who was waiting at tho bottom of the stairs. Forrest gave him
his money, and also a flctitious bill of sale of himself to me, for
one thousand dollars, together with both of tho other bills of
sale, all of which ho handed over to mo for safe keeping. This
business being finished, apparently to tho satisfaction of all par-
ties concerned, I ordered William to have all our baggage packed
and ready for the next steamer to New Orleans, and to be at the
boat himself half an hour before she started ; after which For-
rest and myself went to tho restaurant and had our breakfast. I
never let Forrest out of my sight until we were all together upon
the Now Orleans steamer; and without having bidden good-by
to either Kent or Greene, I saw the steeples of Mobile fade into
dim distance for tho last time.

Tho next morning we arrived in New Orleans, and during the
day I kept close to Forrest ; I had detected him in committing
a dirty action, and persons who will stoop to such things are
usually as revengeful as a scorned woman. An anonymous letter

fr(

flt(

th;

tie

(

se^

nid

Itui

cot

the

woi

she

pie;

I h

swi

hav

aga

trui

me;i

tho

sma

sine

oftc

villa

so V

befo

Rlav(

bvF

tardi

to bi

comr

kind

1 riRlit, for I was
tliiui I Wiis of old
in tlu> milliner you
iiiiUlirt UKiko out
iH alViiid you sus-
iloteruiiucd not to

[ill your contract

ir the boy either,
ahouonibly in the

ucod in my own
I'or, it was policy
'lysaid, "Excuse
8 matter. I was
to believe it was
iui back into sla-
It was hard for
•dly an act, and I
asty, and witliout
illiani, and wo will
to fetch the boy,
Forrest gave him
liimself to me, for
the other bills of

keeping. This
'action of all par-
r baggage packed
, and to bo at the
after which For-

1 our breakfast. I
all together upon
J bidden good-by

Mobile fade into

h and during the
m in committing
> such things are
anonymous letter

THE "NKJOEU" CKTS OCT.

401

from him to the Chief of Pol mJMi.i ^t that peri..d h;kve ei.sjiv

caused tlie arrest ..r Willlaiuand iii\.;eir, on tlieeiiai liiat I was

fltealmg the l)oy, and nii-liL have glvn m eon.sjdera tnmi.lo

bH(Me we cuM have p'tfn releas..,!. 1 l,ad n„ LHn-r reas.Mi
than mere s.ispieion for l)elieving liim capal)lo of ho mean an ae-
tinn, luit I thou«lit best to 1.0 (m tlie .safe Hide. Wiih.mt his
knowledge, Williaui and myself were that evening lunoug tlie
l.assengers of tlie " Diana," hound for Louisville.

On our arrival in Cincinnati I can.— " William to lie put in pos-
session of tlie ivipiLsito IVec papers, and also ],ande.l over his
money to liim; and at Ids re(iuest went to Paris, iventueky, and
purchased his mother for live hundred and llflv dollars, wjiowas

course also uiiinedjately set free on her arrival iu Cincinnati.
Ucrsou houglit and furnished, for the use of both, a comlortahlo
cottage, and slioued hiniself, i,i alter years, entiirlv wortliy of
tlio boon of freedom, by his .sober and industrious h.'ibits, which
won him the re^^poet and good opinion of all who knew him.

As to l.'onest, we never met again, nor did I desire that wo
«lmnld, lor our meeting could not have been productive of any
pleasure to cither j.arty. I have .since .sometimes regretted tlia'l:

1 had not made known to him my part in the conspiracy to
swindle Ivent out of his boy and his monev, for then he would
have been saved the mortilit uion of the charge whieli I brou-ht
against liim,and which I have ever believed to have beenstric^tlv
true. •'

At the time of making the compact with William, ho no doubt
meant to abi.lo by the terms most religiously and faitlifiilly. But
the amount of money tempted Ids avarice. To him it was a
small lortune, which ho could retain without the smallest danger
since drca.l of the hush tied tho tongue of tlie only person capable
(.festifying against him, and forbade tho boy to denounce tho
villain who liad wronged him. Then why should he surrender
so valuable a prize to a nigger? 'Twas trulv but casting pearls
before swine! Besides, the boy was a great sight better offin
slavery. Such were doubtless some of the nice arguments used
by P orrest to quiet his conscience, and to reconcile it to the das-
tardly act which he was about to commit ; alwavssupposino- him
to have been encumbered with such a commoditv. Thousands
conimit similar actions daily; not because the majority of mnn-
Kind are inherently vicious; but because they are vanquished by

490

WANDRRIN09 OK A VAGABOND.

some Dowerful ti'mi)tatit)ii. On tho contrary, but a very amall
minority are utterly (l('|)ravc(l; but tlio bt'Ht-bulancca minds aro
at tinu'8 tumptcd to divcrKO from tlie patby of bonor, and sncU
will not ccaHoto bo tbo case, ho Iouk as gain continues to bo tbc
cbiof purmiit of mankind. Scbillor lulls us tbat tboro bavo been
In bis life porlodH wlion bo wascapabloof conunittin« any crimo.
In that respect bo was not oiio whit worse than tho majority of
numkind, and anions those may bo ranked myriads who preacb
morality, and assunio tbo saintly Karb of virtue.

Slavery became so denioralizinj,' to tho Houtb, tbat noRroes
camo to bo considered beyond tbo pido of justice. Kvon those
bearing upon their person free papers bad no rlKbfs which were
respected by tho whitea, unless protectctl by powerful patrons.
Uundreds of tbo free noHrocs coming into tho southern ports
wore kidnapped and sold into bondage. In Now Orleans, more
especially, was this business carried on to a fearful extent.
Servants wtre decoyed from .ships and Bteamcrs, robbed of their
free papers, when thoy would bo conveyed to some of tho plan-
tations aloUR tbo coast, and there forced to work under tbo lash.

About fifty of these unfortunates were worked on a sugar plan-
tation up the river, owned by an American named I'olndexter,
about sixty miles from Now Orleans. In this fellow tbo crimps
of tbat city found a ready purchaser for their stolen chattels.

These outrages wore well known to tbo authorities of New Or-
leans; thoy were public talk upon the streets, and within tho
knowledge of law-makers, magistrates, and members of tho
gospel; yet were never denounced upon the forum, in tho pulpit,
or by the fAibllc press of tbo city. Not a single voice was raised
In favor of restoring these outraged human beings to their right-
ful liberty, All sense of justice to tbom was smothered.

"WILL SHORTLY APPEAE,

A »Egci;i. TO

"WANDERINGS OF A VAGABOND."

'hP

y, but a very anmll
Iniiaiiced minds aro

of honor, and such

continues to bo tbc
bat thcro bavo been
inniittin« any crinio.
than the niiijority (»f
myriads who preach
tuo.

South, that ncRroes
iiistlco. Kven those
10 riKbta which were
»y powerful patrons.

the southern ports
I Now Orleans, nioro
to a fearful extent,
iicrs, robbed of their
to sonio of the plan-
work under the lash,
ked on a sugar plan-
1 named I'oindexter,
his fellow the crimps
ir stolen chattels,
iithorities of New Gr-
eets, and within the
nd ineml)er8 of the

forum, in the pulpit,
nglo voice was raised

beinj,'s to their rlght-
9 smothered.

EAR,

^GABOND."