St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-03-25
SKIHHIHG The PREACHER.
How It Was Not Done in a Poker Game
at Fargo.
A COLD DECK COPPERED.
OF Course Denny flanagan Was There,
and Was Bitten at His Own
Game.

The night was cold, but bright light
cleaned from the windows of the ''ma-
ior's" office and told that, despite the
chilly atmosphere, ''The Gang" was
holding its regular weekly meeting.
After he had securely locked his desk
and chained his overcoat and cain to a
leg of the table, the major announced
that it was the Old Sports turn.
81 distinctly remember circum-
stance" said the sport as he lit his
cigar, ''that happened several years ago,
which, although not extraordinary, was
rather amusing. OF course you have all
heard of Slippery SIMS He can't read
nor write, but he can do more with deck
Of cards than any man | ever kne w.
He plays a hold-out altogether and l
was with the crowd that brought him to
Terre Haute to play against Brace
Horse Mcdonald and a few others.
The poker room was situated directly
over clothing store. The enterprising
cothier had put up sign i'll the room
saving, The first holder of a straight
flush is entitled to silk hat" Slip
perry Sims saw the sign and smiled.
After ten hands had been played, Sims
threw down a straight flush.
Great Caesar, de mans got a
straight" exclaimed the negro in at
tendance. Say, miStah, what's Gle size
oh 70 head?'
Sims gave the dimensions of his cram
ium and the negro started after the tile.
While he was gone Sims produced
three more straightS from somewhere.
The cOlOred man returned with the hat
and Sims, pulling out three more
straights. making seven in all, said:
''Here, go get me an OvercOat."
But the most remarkable thing L
ever saw" continued the sport, twas
at Fargo, Oak. You all have certainly
heard of Preacher Wallace Well, he
looked exactly like a preacher. He
never drinks drop, and only occasion
ally INDUCES in cigar, but he was a
slick boy with the cards. George
Schoonover imported him to Fargo from
Sioux City to be done up. Wallace was
a consumptive looking duck, and rarely
smiled. The smallest hand he was ever
known to show was a four full on
dedces, and no one ever knew him to
lose Jackpot. Royey Reber, of ST.
Paul, McBane, a man named Murphy
and Gene Suder we're in the crowd,
and they made it up to ring in a
cold deck on the preacher.
Old Denny Hannafan, of Bismarck, was
in the crowd and one of the most anX-
ious to see the preacher skinned. Mike
Healey, the well-known pugilist, fixed
up the cold deck. They sat down to
play, and pretty soon Denny Hannafan
spit on the deck.
1--WE can't use those cards any more,'
said the preacher.
No" said Denny, ''give us another
deck"
Roxey handed the preacher the cold
deck, and he ran through it quickly and
separated the cards. The game began
and quite pot was Oh the table. All
smiled when Denny won it. They
played some time, with varying for
tunes, and finally some great betting
was done. All the money was on the
table, and the boys were satisfied that
they had the preacher skinned.
Reber stood pat, Denny drew two
cards and Wallace was pat. Everybody
was excited, and at the same time eager
for a show down. Finally a call was
made. RoXey triumphantly threw down
queen full, and Denny three aces and
pair of sevens. Wallace quietly laid
down four deuces. There was deep ST.
lence for minute, and then old Denny
remarked:
'Say, Preacher, I've got $4,000 worth
of property in Bismarck. I'll sell it and
give you half the proceeds, if you'll
show me how it's DONE"