The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-08-19
Jce's Dash at Poker

The most accomplished looking col
ored gentleman in the hotel porter line
in this State is Joe, who oficiates in
that capacity in the Delavan House.
Unfortunately Joe has an idea that he
IS an expert at poker. He is very often
anxious that some of the distinguished
poker experts who stop at the Delavan
should try him on those points, but
though Joe makes about 800 a week at
the Delavan, he doesn'5 usually have
money to engage in any OF the games
of these experts, because he "bucks" the
faro banks too often.
Recently a good chance vas given to
Joe to show his skill. Senator Woodin
was playing a simple game against Sen
ator Mccarthy, and both of them are
acknowledged experts in the game, when
Joe happened i'll the room. Senator
Mccarthy at once said, "Here's my a
Joe, will you take my hand for a few
moments There are several people
down stairs who want to see me-"
Joe jumped at the chance.
"Why, of course, sah," he said, "if
Mr.. Woodin is agreeable"
Mr.. Woodin was agreeable and Mr..
Mccarthy left, first giving instructions
to Joe to play his best and bet up to any
amount, depositing $4,000 in crisp
notes on the table in front of him.
"Now," said he, 81 am responsible for
anything you may do. Bet according
to your own views and III back you"
With that he went out.
ice dealt and received a couple Of
queens. Mr.. Woodin Immediately bet
$1,000. Joe's short hair stood on end.
He thought that was a pretty savage
sort of beginning. He'd like to wait
until Mr.. Mccarthy would come back.
Mr.. Woodin said that he could not sit
two or three hours over a small bet
like that, and Joe must either see him
or pass. Joe lost heart aid laid down
his hand, showing two queens. Mr..
Woodin inadvertently laid down his
hand as he pulled in the wager, and
showed a lonesome pair of deuces.
"For the lands sake, Mr.. Woodin,"
said Joe, in terror, ''you didn't never
bet all that money on them two little
ones ~
"There's the hand. If you can find
anything else in it, maybe | didn't"
Joe sighed.
"Well," said he, "if you do that often
with me, you'll be a poor man fore Mr..
Mccarthy gets back"
Mr.. Woodin bet and Joe received a
pair of aces. He bet 81 so. Mr..
Woodin promptly raised him $1,000.
Joe heaved a dreadful sigh.
CANT there no limit to this game p
he inquired, helplessly.
mo, we never play with a limit" re-
marked Mr.. Woodin, sharply.
Joe looked at him L long time.
"You tried that on me a little while
ago." said he, land | believe you're
bluting. l see you, and | want three
cards."
He put up his money and drew his
cards. Mr.. Woodin saw his counte-
nance fall. Mr.. Woodin drew one card.
Joe's anguish showed itself in the heavy
BEADS on MS corrugated brow.
LANDS alive !" he muttered.
well, it's your bet" said Mr..
Woodin.
Joe had only his two aces.
81 reckon III pass" he said.
"Well, what sort of business do you
call such u slow performance as thisg'
said Mr.. Woodin, impatiently. ''Pll
bet you $4,000 more"
Joe glared like a fallen angel and his
hands trembled until the cards ratified.
"Mr. Woodin," said lie, ~piteously,
'iest do ine a favor. | don't want to
play no other mans money, and I'll
never do it again. Jest draw all desc
bets and let me quit. Mr.. Mccarthy
can do his own betting | won't at dem
figures"
Mr.. Woodin said certainly divided
up the pot again, and then laid down
his hand. He had just exactly that
same pair Of deuces Joe rushed from
the room.
ELL. r.. ,,i~ ,...lo