The love of gambling is confined to no class of people. Preachers
and lawyers, doctors and men of business, are as susceptible to
the smiles of the fickle goddess of fortune as well as the roughest
men.
George Hardy and myself were once going from Jackson, Mississippi,
to Vicksburg, and, for want of something better to do, fell to
talking over old times and tricks with cards. Near by sat a
gentleman who appeared interested in our conversation, and I asked
George who it was, as I had often seen him at Vicksburg. "Why,
that's Judge so-and-so," and he introduced me. Pretty soon George
remarked, "Devol, you ought to show the Judge the baby ticket,"
and as I had just played the trick for a joke, I said, "Yes, Judge,
I have one of the best games for the drinks in the world; they play
it out West altogether now instead of dice." Of course, he was
anxious to see how it was done. Taking out some cards, the Judge
was greatly amused, and at last George offered to bet me $50 that
he could turn the card. I took him up, and he lost. Then the
Judge, not at all discouraged by George's ill luck, said he could
turn it up for $50; but I told him I did not want to bet with him,
since he had never seen the game before. At last I consented to
go him once. He turned the card and lost, and then I thought that
George would die with laughter. This only riled the Judge, who
was now bent on getting even; so he put up his gold watch and chain,
and lost them. He was satisfied then, and the next day sent around
a friend and redeemed them.
George remarked, "The Judge stands very high in this vicinity, so
never say anything about this transaction;" and as I never did, I
do not suppose George did. George had no idea that the Judge would
bet. Both the parties are still living, and will, when they see
this in cold type, heartily enjoy the story.