deplorable.

A planter went to a gambling house, accompanied by one of his
negroes, whom he left at the door to wait his return. Whilst the
master was gambling the slave did the same with another whom he
found at the door. Meanwhile a Mexican came up and stood by
looking at the game of the negroes. By-and-by one of them
accused the other of cheating, which was denied, when the Mexican
interposed and told the negro that he saw him cheat. The latter
told the Mexican that he lied--whereupon the Mexican stabbed him
to the heart, killing him on the spot.

Soon the negro's master came out, and on being informed of the
affair, turned to the Mexican, saying--`Now, sir, we must settle
the matter between us--my negro's quarrel is mine.' `Agreed,'
said the Mexican; they entered the house, proceeded to a dark
room, fired at each other, and both were killed.

About six and twenty years ago there lived in New York a well-to-
do merchant, of the name of Osborne, who had an only son, who was
a partner in the concern. The young man fell in love with
the daughter of a Southern planter, then on a visit at New
York, to whom he engaged himself to be married, with the perfect
consent of all parties concerned.

On the return of the planter and his daughter, young Osborne
accompanied them to Mobile. On the very night of their arrival,
the planter proposed to his intended son-in-law to visit the
gaming table. They went; Osborne was unlucky; and after some
hours' play lost an immense amount to the father of his