Butte semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1886-1890, 1886-05-05

last action startled No. /. The play was
so strong it foreboded . hand OF sunusua
confidence. However he wal now too
much involved to entertain the slightest
idea Of withdrawing. He called the bet.
No. 4 spread to the table q flush. He had
scratched three hearts to the two he re
tanned.
For a moment No. 1 looked aghast; then
in a quiet, unconcerned voice, he said:
Gentlemen, I will relinquish further play
for t. evening"" and taking up his hat,
babe us good night" and departed.
So intently did the President watch the
performance that he seemed con-
cerned over the play than either OF the
principals. Out Of courtesy No. 4 asked
Mr.. Tomlinson if he would relish joining in
a little innocent dollar ante.
II have been cnnversing with my friend
here observed the President, ION the sub
ject of poker, and though l listened with
Difference to his views on the topic, l still
cannot liberate myself altogether from
some prejudicial points I have harbored
against the game from early teachings, and
as l believe an ounce Of experience worth
two Of theory, and as I shall in the here
after be the better able to expound wherein
it may be less harmless, I will avail myself
II your cordial invitation and come into
direct contact with its vague influences. II
I lose, the loss will come out of my own
personal money. If l win I will joyfully
devote the proceeds towards the cause OF
the Relief Association of Widows and
Orphans. In either case the benificent
end I shall have in view will in q measure
plead extenuation OF my sin for this in
diligence"
He took the recently deserted seat OF No.
! and placed a roll OF bills, as big as a mod
crate sized wrist in front of him. Play had
bsen progressing but a short time ~hen a
rare but excitingly interesting turn in the
game took place. All the money on the
board became involved. When it came to
a ''show down" of cards, the best to take
the money, No. 2 had four tens; No. 3, a
queen full; No. 4, four jacks; and the presi-
dent, four aces. The latter quickly pro-
ceeded to stufing his pockets with the
stakes, and when the table was literally
cleared he said: Il trnst, gentlemen, you
will not consider this transfer Of moneys as
a loss, but as a donation to the cause of
the Relief Association of Widows and Or
peans. That SO many lal &c hands should
be out at the same time, and that mine
should be the largest on so eventful an oc-
casion, l can only account for by believ-
ing in the intervention of an unseen power,
and consequently shall nave no compunc-
ton of conscience in using the money for
the purpose l have designated. l still hope
for your further interest In behalf of the
Relief Association of Widows and Orphans.
Good night" Saying which he left.
The three losers were exchanging opinions
on the phenomenal hands" and the more
marvellous feature that they should be out
at the same time, when, on the chair yet
warm from the recent occupancy OF the
pr.sident was seen a deck of cards.
What is this exclaimed one, picking up
the cards and noting their precise similarity
to the deck on the table.
ut must be the unseen power said an
other, as looks of wild amazement and
modification settled in the faces OF the
three victims.
The President was a ringer, and had cod
decked the game. Needless to say, no more
was heard of the institution for widows
and orphans.