. As that was my father's business,
I felt very sorry for him, and I gave him $100 and left the train
at the next station. I learned from the brakeman that Bill had
dropped off a few miles back, and I knew he would show up soon; so
I left the baggage at the depot, took my gun, and made for the
woods. Robbins were plentiful, and in a short time I had eight
nice birds for our breakfast. I went back to the station, where
I found old Bill waiting for me. He was glad to see me and the
birds, so he said, "George, I'm glad I bought that gun for you,
for it saved my life to-day; besides, we will have birds for
breakfast."

I replied, "Yes, Bill, that was the worst fellow you ever met. He
would have killed you, sure, with that big gun."

GOOD LUCK.

Canada Bill and I went over from Canton, Miss., to Vicksburg at
one time, to catch a boat for New Orleans. We met all the boys,
and had a good time while waiting for a boat. The Meader boys
(Jesse and Aud) had fitted up very fine faro rooms but a short time
before our visit, and they were very glad to see us. Jesse wanted
to buy all the wine in Vicksburg for me, for he knew I was a good
producer. After he had expended about $50 for wine, he invited me
to go down and see their rooms. He did not ask me to play. He
said, "Just come down, George, and see our new place." I went down
and took a survey of the house, and then I was introduced to the
faro-table, where "Aud" was doing the honors. They knew well I
could not see a bank in full blast without changing in. I told
"Aud" to give me $100 worth of checks and I would try my luck in
the new house. I got the checks, and they gave me a front seat so
that I could bet all over the lay-out if I so desired. On the
first deal I won out about $400. "Aud" shuffled up again with a
great deal of care, and I started in again. I played three deals,
and then looked up at Aud, saying, "This is too much of a see-saw,
and I guess I will quit, for I don't want to miss that boat." I
cashed in my checks, and I had won just $1,900. Some of the boys
laughed, but Jesse and Aud looked as sober as Mose Wilson used to
look when he was on the police bench saying "Thirty, fifty." The
Meader boys were game to the backbone, and although they could not
laugh with the other boys when I made my first play in their new
house, they did ask me to have some wine, and gave me a very pressing
invitation to come and see them again; for well they kn