Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1878-02-16

His Last Game of Poker.

The Dakota Herald says: James Is.
Anderson. born in the State of Malue,
reared in affiuence, graduate OF Yale
College, and destined for the bar, ar
rived in the great city OF New York on
the 10Th day of July, 1876, and entered
upon a career Of dissipation, which chl-
minated in a determination To seek ex-
citement and adventure in the Black
Hills. He started from New York with
a companion, having in his possession
2,2O0, and arrived in the city OF Dead,
wood without having drawn a sober
breath. In Chicago he paid visit To
noted gambling hell, where he won
$1,000. He left the tigers den about
midnight, and as he was passing down
Dearborn street to his hotel he was at
tackled by two rufians, who succeeded
in hurting him to the ground, and were
about to rob him, when steps were heard
approaching, and the robbers hastily
decamped. In this adventure he had
his arm broken. He as taken TO his
hotel, where the injured limb was set.
AT the end of three weeks he was
sufficiently well to proceed on his way
to the hills, to which his companion
preceded him. lie arrived at FL Dora
da in September, and began anew his
career of dissipation. Strange 10 say,
he was most fortunate gambler
Drunk or sober, he invariably arose a
winner, and one time it is said, he ac-
tually broke faro bank, cleaning the
place out of nearly $1,000. Twice he
! was waylaid and robbed-but he ap-
pears TO have made point of carrying
| but a small amount of money. The pro-
fessiona! gamblers grew to fear and hate
him for his extraordinary good luck. 1t
is said that while he was in the Hills he
won over $4,000 and spent his money
as recklessly as he acquired it.
But fortune deserted the reckless
youth. One night he entered gam
bling hell, and encountered man nam
ed 3roy. They were introduced, had
some wine together, and sat down to
have game of poker. They played
with varying fortunes for two hours,
until at last Anderson proposed to make
the "ante" $500. Broy assented, the
cards were dealt, and Broy offered SlOO
on his hand. Anderson saw him, and
went him 5000 better. A crowd had
gathered about the table. Broy saw
the 5000 and went him $500 better.
The silence of death reigued 10 the
gambling house. Anderson looked at
his hand, aud coolly raised his opponent
$1,000 The money was deposited as
fast as called for Without hesitation
Broy saw the ZOO and went $4,000
better. The excitement became intense
A pin might be heard to drop while the
two men looked at the cards they held
The face of Anderson was very pale
while great drops of perspiration stood
out on the brow Of the gambler Broy
1t was an agonizing moment to Ander
son, whose "say" it was. He looked a
the pile of bills upon the table, saw
it, aud then gazed upon the hand upoI
which 50 much depended, aud in low
voice said: What will you do, Broy 2
The latter looked at the stake, ant
cried, pulling heavily loaded vale
from his pocket: Il see you and so yor
$4,000 better" He deposited the mon
ey. Anderson looked al the pile will
shiver. lie covered the money how
ever, and then in a low, cool voice said
"And 1 call you!" "Four kings" criec
Broy, throwing down his cards. They
were good Anderson held four queens
He laid down his cards and staggered
mp from the table, and walked uneasil, ,
out of the room. From that day tc
this nothing has been seen or heard o
james 3. Anderson.