The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-07-27

witness Mardi Gras. The usual brass band
that played stirring airs at each town land
ing was aboard, flags were flying from the
hurricane roof, and a little brass cannon
belched forth a roar whenever the great
steamer left landing. In the cabin there
were passengers from all points along the
river and some from distant cities. The
scene on board was animated and gay. OF
course there was poker playing IN the social
hall in the .gentlemen's cabin: When
the boat landed at Matches a big game
was in full blast. A stranger, tall. hand
some and we'll dressed, came aboard. He
had an honest open countenance and won
confidence the minute anyone looked at
him. After he had registered at the clerks
desk and been assigned to state
room, he lit fragrant hayana Cigar
and slowly sauntered around. When he
came to the table where the big game of
poker was being played he sat down behind
one of the players. Now, it happened that
the man be sat behind was not profess
sional gambler, but his opponent across the
table was a blackleg Of the most expert and
though, had plenty of money and bet freely.
Several others were in the game but they
are quit superfous to this narrative. The
handsome stranger sat quitely behind the
non professional and gave pointers to the
gambler opposite. He did it in such quick
and telegraphic way that no one saw, or
even suspected him. The gambler, though,
saw and understood his signs thoroughly.
Finally the professional player began
to lose. IL he had good hand the gam
bier would either pass out or bet and
win. The stakes were raised and several
thousand dollars were on the table in one
pot. After the non-professional had dealt
four hearts and club. The antes and
raises we're too high to go out and so he
drew one card to flush and the gambler
drew four cards to king high.
"The latter never got pair and the flush
was not made. In an instant the tall
gambler that his opponent had bob-tail
flush and only queen high. Betting began
in a bluffy kind of way by the gambler put
ting up cool $1,000. The nonprofessional
saw it and went 200 better. They kept
raising each other until $4,000 was up,
when the gambler was called. He took in
the money with king high and the-same
came to an end. The next morning the tall
handsome stranger was strolling on the hur-
ricane deck when he was met by the gam
bier, who requested the pleasure of meet
ing him alone in his, the gamblers state
room. When they arrived in the gam
the 3 door s'a and said: Now, pard; | wish
to divide with you. Here are 1000, half of
our winnings The tall stranger drew
back Indignantly, and replied: I do not un-
derstand you. What do you owe me 5000
for? Then the gambler explained that he
always divided with other professionals
who gave away the hands of gentlemen at
the card table. Without being embarrassed
in the least, the stranger said I just gave
YOU D inters because l happened to sit be-
hind that man. If l had been behind you
I would have given your hand away to the
other fellow. That is the way 1 do;
don't want any money! With that remark
he walked ont of the gamblers state-room.
/ defy any one to match a phase of charac-
ter similar to that of the handsome stran-
was the last ever seen of him.