I went on board the _General Quitman_ late one night, and as I had
been up all the night before, I got a room and went to bed. I saw
some gamblers playing in the cabin as I went through, but I was
too tired to notice them much. I had not been in my bed long until
I heard a racket out in the cabin. I peeped out and soon understood
what was up. Some one had lost his money, and was doing the grand
kicking act. I got up and was into my clothes in double quick
time, and out among them, with old "Betsy Jane" in my pocket. I
soon learned that a contractor on the levee, who had a lot of men
down on deck, had lost his money playing poker with one of the
gamblers, and he was going to have it back or he would bring up
his men and take it by force. I told the gambler to stand his
ground and not give up a red. The barkeeper told me the kicker
had sent down for some of his men to come up; so I started for the
stairs and met the contractor in the hall, waiting for them. I
asked him what was the difficulty; he said "that was his business."
Then I said to him, "You are one of those d----d scoundrels who
try to beat others out of their money, and kick like h--l when they
get the worst of anything." He did not want to say anything until
his gang was at his back, and they were then coming up. I ran out
to the head of the stairs with old "Betsy Jane" in my hand, and
ordered them to stop. They did stop, for I had her pulled down on
them, and the other gamblers were standing by me. I said, "The
first man that takes another step to come up these stairs will get
hurt." They didn't come. Then I turned to the kicker and told
him if he made a move I would cook his goose. He saw we meant
business, and weakened. The gang went back to their bunks, the
kicking contractor went to his room, and we held the fort. I was
told that the same man had lost his money about a year previous
while playing poker with John Deming, and he brought his men up,
threw Deming down, and did not only take the money he lost, but a
large amount besides. I had the same thing tried on me once; so
when I saw a fellow-gambler imposed upon, I went to the front.
Besides, if we let such a thing go too far it would ruin our
business, so I thought it was best to nip it in the bud.