The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1886-06-02
A GAME OF POKER.
How an Eastern Drummer Bluffed the san
Francisco Millionaires-Cold Cheek
and ImmovabIe Nerve Pan Out
Better Than Timidity and
Hard Cash

| once saw Jimmy Flood. says San Fran
cisco correspondent OF the Omaha Bee, be-
bore the days of his regeneration, in mighty
big poker game-as big, think, as ever was
playe in the Palace Hotel. This was during
Senator Sharon's lifetime, and Sharon dearly
loved a quiet game-of draw. 1t was Sunday
night when these Titans of the card table
met. About the table in this snug little
apartment off the barroom, known as the
big game room" sat Sharon, Jimmy Flood,
Hall McAllister and a gentleman named
Angel, drummer for some Eastern house.
Angel was daisy poker player, and, though
he had no money of his own, never had any
difficulty in getting capital enough to GO
into game. l think the game / speak of
was the heaviest, or certainly one of the
heaviest, ever played in the Palace. The
pot was $4,000, nice sum for a
young man with a stiff hand or q
stiff nerve TO rake down. The
betting went around. Hall McAllister raising
the crowd until TIE pot reached $4,000.
Then 4 n2el tool from his pocket a most
elabora ely Ornauented check book, and
with an ink pe, wrote thereon his check
for SO 600. He .r-~-'i II alrily on the table
and bent his eyes .'' his hand again. Now
all the big betting IT room was done by
cards. mans cara as good as his coin,
the understanding ling that the card
should be redeemed ext day, the debtor
noon. This rule was idly observed. If a
man waited until the ,fternoon to redeem
his check he was II ID out of the game
This was the comm understanding, and
all deferred to the uD Titten law.
SHARON " EAKENs.
Well, when Mr.. yel's check fell upon
the table Mr.. Sharon ached for it, and ex-
amined il curiously 1t was beautifully
written; cOpperDlat- could not be finer.
There was not a trenior perceptible in any of
the characters. Mr.. Sharon threw the check
back, and Mr.. McAllister took it up. He
looked at il and at Sharon. McAllister drew
a card from his pocket, as with the intention
of signing it. He had played in bad luck all
the evening, and was several thousand dol
lars out He moistened the pencil at his
lips, penned tore up the card, returned the
pencil to his pocket, and then drew his hand.
Jimmy Flood, who had Just come in 81 900
under ShaTon's raise, laughed and threw
down his hand also.
What, gentlemen" said Angel. blandly,
''is nobody coming in? Is all this mine ?
and he looked around inquiringlY. He then
raked in about $500 or $1,000 in gold and
notes, and the rest in cards. Sharon watched
him keenly. He pushed over twenty-five
dollar piece to him.
what is that for, Senator?' SAID Angel
For a sight at your hand" said Sharon.
'Oh, take back your money" said Angel.
cit will cost you nothing to see my hand, 4"
and he spread the cards on the table. All he
had was a pair of f)urs. Nc Allister had laid
down four full, Jimmy Flood three skies,
and Sharon an ace full. You deserve to win
for your nerve" said Sharon, "out I'd have
been some thousands of dollars in if had
stayed in the game" The cards were re-
deemed next day. Before quitting, Mr..
Angel said pleasantly, "Of course, gentle
men, We shall meet here tomorrow night"
He did meet them, and won, think, about
$1,000 more on four jacks. He played the
same game. They thought he was bluffing
and called him. But if any one had seen
his hand on the former evening, Mr.. Angel
would have skipped the town, because his
check was not worth the paper it was writ
ten on