I was on board the steamer _War Eagle_ going from Dubuque to St.
Paul. The Captain was a member of the church, and did not allow
any gambling on his boat; and any one caught at that innocent
pastime would be put ashore. While walking over the boat I met a
gentlemen who I thought had money (and I hardly ever made a mistake
in my man). I invited him to join me in a drink, and then steered
him into the barber shop. I told him I had lost some money betting
on cards, but I did not mind very much, as my father was wealthy.
While I was showing him how I had lost the money, my partner came,
and after watching me throw the cards for a little while, he wanted
to bet me $100 he could pick the card. I threw them again, and
told him to put up. He "turned," and won the money. Then, turning
to the man, he showed him one of the corners turned up, and wanted
to bet me again. I told him I would not play with a man that beat
me. The man then asked me if I would bet with him. I said I would,
providing the other fellow would not tell him which card to turn,
which was agreed to. The man then got out his big roll, and put
up $100. I told him if he won I would only bet him the one time;
and if I won I would only be even; and that I would not bet less
than $500. He put up the $500, and turned the wrong card. After
putting the money out of sight, I began to throw the cards again;
for I saw a diamond stud and ring worth about $1,000. While the
cards were on the table I turned around to spit, and my partner
marked one of the cards with a pencil, and let the man see the
mark. He then bet me $500, and won it; then he walked away. The
man began to get nervous and feel for his money; but he had only
about seventy-five dollars left, and wanted to bet that. I told
him I had just lost $500, and would not bet less than $1,000. He
insisted on betting the $75, but I told him to keep it for expenses,
and that I would bet him $500 against his stud and ring. Up they
went, and I put up $500. Over went the marked card, and he lost
again. Out he went, and when I saw him again the Captain was with
him. I knew what was in the wind, and I stood my ground. The
Captain said to me, "Have you been gambling on my boat?" "I do
not know what you mean by that question," says I. "You don't?
Well, I will tell you, my boy; you give this gentleman back all
the money and jewelry you won from him, or I will have my men take
it from you, and then land you on the bank." I laughed at him,
and told him to bring up his whole crew, and I would suffer the
death of John Rodgers before I would give up one cent. He ordered
up the mate and crew. I backed up against the side of the boat,
and told them to call for cards, as I "stood pat." They said they
did not want any, for they could see by my looks I had the best
hand, or at least I would play it for all it was worth. The Captain
then said, "You must go ashore." I said, "Land her; both sides of
the river are in America, and that big brick house up there is
where I live." The old fellow could not help laughing at my cheek,
and so concluded to let me alone.
I have often had steamboat captains tell me I must give up the
money or go ashore, and I had them to tell the suckers to go and
get more money and try it again. I have also had them to say they
would put the suckers ashore, and that would break them all up.
A sucker thinks when he sees a mark on a card that he is robbing
the gambler, and he is just as much of a robber and gambler as the
other man.
When two persons bet, one _must_ lose; and there is no law in this
country to compel a man to bet his money or jewelry on anything.
So my advice is, don't you do it.