The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-07-14
Senator Kenna Throws Down Four of a Kind
and Loses the Pot.

Senator Kenna Throws Down Four of Kind
and Loses the Pot.
Philadelphia Times.
Senator Bowen, Of Colorado, is generally ac-
knowledged to be the finest poker-player in
Washington. He is also very fond of coaching
neophytes in the science short time ago Sem
ator Kenna, of West Virginia. conceived long
ing to learn the principles of the game, about
which he had heard so much. OF course, he APP
piled to Bowen for information. The latter was
delighted. For several days he gave Kenna les
sons in the room Of the committee on enrolled
bills, Of which Bowen is chairman. The young
West Virginian seemed to make rapid advance
ment, and the Colorado Senator began to boast
of the proficiency of his pupil 1t was noticed.
too that while both were in the Senate Chamber
they usually occupied adjoining chairs and were
often in eager converse This caused some COM
ment, as the Senators are from widely separated
parts of the country, belonging to opposing par
ties, and are not committee together 1t
was generally supposed, though, that poker was
the subject of conversation, since Bowen had
been boasting of Kenna's new requirement.
Well, one night last week friendly party was
gathered in Bowen's room at the Riggs House.
Kenna was there, and so was Dolph, of Oregon,
whose skill with cards is recognized both here
and at home During the conversation Bowen
started off on his favorite theme and lauded
Kenna's progress under his tutorshp Dolph
suggested that he would give Kenna a chance to
show his ability in ifty.dollar-limit game.
kenna looked dubious, but Bowen patted him on
the shoulder and told him to go in.
Tn game began with Bowen leaning over his
pupils chair to give encouragement 1t was
stipulated beforehand by Dolph, however, that
no suggestion should come from the Colorado
man. Dolph put up his dollar ante, and Kenna
dealt The latter held pair OF queens, king,
q ten and a seven. With all the eagerness of a
neophyte he came in and, laying his pair aside,
discarded the others. At this point couple of
Western members came in, and it was some
minutes before the game was proceeded with.
Finally Kenna dealt the cards. In the draw he
got two queens and an ace. Bowen could hardly
restrain his delight and it was evident from his
expression that he longed to yell to his pupil,
"Go it. my boy, for all you're worth.
Kenna did not seem to be overpleased, how
ever AS beginners generally do. he laid his Sec
ond pair aside from the first, and, putting his
elbows on the table awaited the betting. Dolpb,
OF course, thought his opponent had two pairs.
Having three aces himself, he went about the
betting in very confident way. Putting $40 on
the table he looked hard at Bowen, to detect any
the pupil. Bowen kept the agreement honestly.
although his face was red with suppressed emo
ton and his fingers seemed to sink into the back
of the chair. Kenna. without looking at his
cards again. folded his arms and considered the
advisability of coming in. Finally, remember
ing what his teacher had told him about Dolphs
blufing schemes, he planked down the $40 and
called.
"Three aces" said Dolph. showing his hand
beats me" replied Kenna, "Pve only got two
pairs"
At this Bowen could restrain himself no longer
and yelled:
what are you talking about two pairs, Ken
nal Look at your kand, man"
II have looked at it" said Kepna, quietly. Al
had one pair of queens and drew another pair.
Two pairs, and the other card is an ace"
Then there was wild laughter from the look
ers-on except Bowen, who sank into a chair
with despairing look at his pupil Kenna
Caught on" after while, but it was too late.
He had thrown up his hand. and the pot went to
his opponent. He laughed heartily when ne saw
the point, and confessed that he had few
things to learn about poker yet Bowen has
given up his pupil, and freely expresses the
opinion that a man who does not know that four
queens beat three aces can never carry the Dem
ocratic party through the next campaign.