Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-07-17
4IOE,su DASH AT POKER.
How u Beautiful Expert at the
Game Lost His Nerve.
Albany Timss.l

Albany Timss.l
The most accomplished looking
colored gentleman in the hotel porter
line in this state is Joe, who ofhcistes
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 ofthe distin-
guished poker experts who stop at
the Delevan should try him on those
points, but though Joe makes about
800 a week at the Delevan, he
doesn't 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 was given
Joe to show his skill. Senator
Woodin was playing a simple game
against Senator Mccarthy and both
otthem are acknowledged experts in
the game, when Joe happened in the
room. Senator Mccarthy at once
said, Here's my man! Joe, will you
take my hand for a few moments2
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 instruc-
tons to Joe to play his best and bet
up to any amount, depositing 10000
in crisp notes on the table in front of
him,
Now" said he, 81 am responsible
for anything you may do. Bet ac-
cerding to your own views and Ill
back you"
With hat he went out.
Joe dealt and received a couple of
queens. Mr.. Woodin Immediately
bet 1000. Joe's short hair stood on
end. He thought hat 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 and laid down his hand, show
ing two queens. MI. Woodin mad
~vertently 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 lit
tie ene's ?"
There's the hand. If you can
find anything else in it, may be l
didn't"
Joe sighed.
We'll" said he, "if you do that Of
TN with me, you will be a poor mar
fore Mr.. Mccarthy gets back"
Mr.. Woodin dealt, and Joe received
a pair of aces. He bet 81 30. Mr..
WOodin promptly raised him 81 900.
Joe heaved a drerdful sigh.
Amt there no limit to this
game ?" he asked helplessly.
mo, we never play with a limit"
remarked Mr.. Woodin, sharply.
Joe looked at him a long time.
You tried that on me a little while
ago." said he, "and | believe you're
blufing. l see you, and l want three
cards."
He put up his money and drew his
cards. Mr.. Woodin drew one card.
Joe's anguish showed itself in the
heavy beads on his corrugated brow.
Lands alivel'' he muttered.
well it's your bet" said Mr..
WOodin, calmly.
Joe had only his two aces.
Il reckon I'll pass" he said.
well, what sort Of business do you
call such a slew performance as this2"
said Mr.. Woodin, impatiently. "Ill
bet $1,000 more"
Joe glared IKE a fallen angel and
his hands trembled until the cards
ratified.
"Nr. Woodin," he said, piteously,
Jest do me 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, l won't, at
dem figures"
Mr.. Woodin said certainly" d.
yided up the pot again, and then laid
down his band. He had Just exactly
that same pair of deucesl Joe rushed
from the room.