boat and let
the artist take us all in a bunch. Holland was in the middle, and
the picture flattered him; so he insisted on having a dozen copies.
I saw that the picture did not do me justice, so I wanted "Eph" to
sit alone, telling him it would cost less. He said he would pay
the bill, for he could see it was the contrast that showed him off
to so great an advantage. Well, to please him we let the artist
draw a bead on us eleven times more; for at that time they could
only take one picture at a shot. Holland paid the entire bill,
which was so large that I asked the daguerrotype man if he would
sell out. "Oh, no; I am making too much money," says he. Then I
thought, I will try and get some of it; at least the amount that
poor "Eph" had paid for his vanity. I told the old story of how
I had lost my money, and began to throw the cards. I soon had them
guessing; Alexander turned up the corner of the winner, and then
bet me $100 that the artist could turn it. I took him up, and lost
the money. The artist got excited and wanted to bet his money.
The result was, I won all he had, and told him I would give him a
chance to get even, and would bet all he had lost against his boat
and contents. He accepted the proposition. Holland made out a
bill of sale, the artist signed it, and in a short time he had lost
his home and business. Then I said to him: "You have played in
bad luck, so I will pay you a salary to manage the business for
me." He accepted the employment. We bid him good bye, and took
a boat for New Orleans. Two weeks later I saw my picture boat at
Bayou Sara. I went on board, and my employee was glad to see me
(or at least he said he was). I asked him about the business, and
he told me he was losing money; so I told him I would like to sell
out. He wanted to know my price; I told him $150. He offered me
$40 cash, and his note for the balance; so I thought, as he had
been losing money for two weeks, I had better sell. I have his
note yet, and the first time I see Holland I am going to try and
sell it to him. There was no money in the business for me, as it
was outside of my line; and I have come to the conclusion that a
man should stick to his legitimate business. "Eph" Holland was
sorry afterward that he ever had his picture taken in a group, for
the next time he went to New Orleans he was arrested on the street
and taken to the Chief's office, and there he saw his "group"
picture in the rogues