Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-09-24
POKER.
How a New Orleans Merchant
Lost His Credit on Four
Queens.

M " DtulOCfuk.l
Michael j. Brennan is now a re-
tired capitalist, operating on the accu-
mutations of a long and successful ca
reer as a merchant, and On a credit
which he has never failed to maintain.
Now, it happened many years ago,
when engaged in a prosperous bust
ness as a young merchant, Mr.. Bren-
nan, having frequently to ask dis
counts from one Of our most liberal
and accommodating banks, naturally
cultivated the society and good will
Of the older and lordlier merchants,
who, as directors Of the bank. had to
pass on his paper when offered for dis
count. He was admitted to some
degree of intimacy and familiarity
with his older and more preten-
tious fellow-merchants, and was
frequently honored with invitations to
social and convivial parties given by
them. AT these parties the young
merchant discovered that a game of
poker was the invariable advertisement
and chief enjoyment of these lordly
directors. He had never played him.
sell, and was quite content to look and
watch and learn the game. BY close
study and observation he at last con
cluded that he had mastered the chief
points of the game, and as he had
demonstrated his ability to cope with
his seniors in commercial and inan-
eial transactions, he might safely en-
gage with them in the new sphere OF
speculation and competition. So there
happening a vacant scat at the table
Of one of these gatherings, Mr.. Bren-
nan accepted an invitation to occupy
it and try bis hand at a few rounds Of
this captivating game. Ills adverse.
ries were three Of the directors of the
bank where he obtained his "facili-
ties" Our friend played his cards
with great prudence, winning and
losing several pots with great
cOmposure and equability, and re-
ceived the commentator OF bis com
petltors of being a judicious and skill
full player.
After the game had proceeded for
some time with the usual rapid varia-
ton of luck, which made its CHIEF
characteristics, our young merchant,
having 10 start the betting, looking al
his hand, discovered that he had four
queens. With manifest anxiety he
bet ten dollars on his hand. The
other players passing out TO the last.
he saw the bet merely. as be said, out
of curiosity, though having a pair o.
aces he thought he ought to raise it
Show your hand" he called to his
adversary, and accordingly Brennan
exhibited bis four queens, Imme.
diateiy the whole table burst out in ;
loud guffaw and sneers OF tho small,
ness Of the bet on such a hand.
} Having closed the game even, oul
young merchant, quite content witt
he result, retired well satisfied with
his ability TO cope with even thu
! veterans Of poker.
A few days aiterward, having oeca,
t sion to apply TO the bank for a small
uloOVuut Vi eOlu- pAptFt DIeu
nan was greatly shocked to learn from
5 the cashier that his paper had beer
turned DOM. He inquired of tn,
r president for this sudden change il
D the disposition of the directory, whicl
S had Invariably discounted all hi
offers, and for much larger sums
Had his credit been questioned2 Ha,
e anything occurred to cast a shade o.
it?
"0h," replied the president, smil
ing, your three friends who hav
heretofore promptly voted for all you
applications, on this occasion refuse,
to pass your paper when l advised il
. | pressed them for their reason, as
had not heard anything against you
: credit. They gave the startling an
swer hat they would never consent
y discount any mans paper who had n
more sense or nerve than to bet onl
i SlO on four queens"