Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 September 1876 — He Bet In His Mind. [ARTICLE]

He Bet In His Mind.

A short time ago, the fine steamer Lee, in making her trip from Now Orleans, had her full complement of passengers. As they walked about listlessly, and were apparently annoyed, they listened willingly to a suggestion from an individual who owned a montebank, that just to pass away time, they should buck at monte. The dealer found a table handy, and opened his bank. In a short time, the most of the company were engaged in a game. After it had progressed a while, a rodgh-looking stranger, who was closely observing the game, handed to the dealer a five-dollar piece. The dealer, surprised, asked him why he had done so; when he was told that he (the stranger,) had lost it fairly, as he had bet, in his mind, on the queen. After several deals the stranger gave the dealer ten dollars, making a statement similar to the first; whereupon the banker pocketed the money, thinking that he had found a lunatic. After a short time had elapsed, the passengers, startled by a most terrific yell, looked in wonder and alarm at the contortions of the stranger who, jumping about the group, cried out at every jump: “ I’ve won! I’ve won! I’ve won it" “ Won what?” asked the banker. “Why, I’ve won $260! I bet, in my mind, on the cavier, and he won! Hand over the money.” As the banker had permitted him to lose when betting in his mind, lie had to pay him the money. The stranger received the money, and also a request to be more audible in his bets.— Vicksburg Herald.

Up to this date we figure that 1,220 miles of railroad have been constructed in the United States during 1876. This is more than twice the mileage reported in 1875 to the same time, and a third more than in the corresponding portion of 1874. The progress during the last three or four months has been especially remarkable. By the middle of April only 308 miles were reported; so that the second four months of the year have seen three times as much road built as the first four months. It is certain that the remainder of the year will see a still larger monthly rate of increase than the preceding months, and that the amount of railroad construction for the Centennial year will largely exceed that in either 1875 or 1874, indicating a genuine revival in the railroad business, a precursor of a revival in all branches of industry. —Railway Age, Aug. 24. m , t Rations for political gatherings—orations.