The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-01-21
GAMBLER AND GENTLEMAN.
INSULT FOR THE SAKE OF SENTIMENT.
A Boy Called Gambler Moore a Coward, But
the InsuIted Man Only Smiled
SCI Loved His Mother Once"
He Said.
N. Y. Tribune.I

IN Y Tribune
"I am believer" said the colonel, tilt
ing his chair, and resting his perfectly pol
ished boots on one of its rungs, Sin mans
natural goodness. ] had the pleasure once
OF knowing an honest gambler l liked
him too, for he was gentleman. The days
of this class of gamblers are past. however,
and today they seem to be scurvy lot
"Moore, when 1 knew him, was Mis-
sissippi river gambler. He travelled, in
never attempted to conceal the truth
about himself. 1t was simply Gentlemen,
am gambler by occupation, and a good
one. If you care to have me play with
you it will give me great pleasure. If you
don't. it don't make a particle OF differ
ence."
81 got to knowssMoore very well, and 1
soon discovered that when playing with
the average man. luck being equal, he
would win ninety-nine times out of
hundred. never touched cards, but L
used to like his society. He was a wonder
fully entertaining talker. On summer
nights the steward used to serve dinner on
there. After dinner we would go up to
the hurricane deck, and when Moore was
on board he would bring out his flute and
plav for US. When the moon was out and
threw thin blue veil over the water, or
when the boat carrying the passengers
swept so close to the shore that 1t brushed
the dark willows on the bank, the rising
and falling notes that came from his in
strument were gentle music to the ear.
| never knew him to propose game at
cards. lie would play there until some
one suggested a game, when he would
take his instrument apart and put it away
in an indifferent manner"
81 watched him at play one night, when
Satan seemed to throw every card to this
calm, self-composed man. There was a
cool, matter-of-fact way about him which
froze the ardor OF every one else except
young man about twenty-five years old.
This player was in iil-luck, but with
flushed face and feverish eye he made
his bets furiOusly, only 10 lose every
time. 1t soon became evident that he
was playing beyond his means. Moore
must have noticed it, for he ceased to bet
heavily against the younger man. This
angered the other.
There was a pot OF $500 once, and every
one had dropped out except Moore and
the young man. Moore had been playing
his hand like wonderful automaton, pas
sionless, but sure. No man, except his OPP
pOnent, perhaps, could doubt that he
held the winning hand. Suddenly, when
his rival had made bet of $50, Moore laid
down his hand saying, Il won't bet. /
have nothing. You PLAYED that we'll
The young men reached out feverishly
for the pile of money, and then his hand
lay on the table.
"'That is not true. he said. You have
a good hand and you are afraid to play it
against me-
"Moore shot hot glance across the
table at him and two red spots flushed
into his cheeks.
"T lay down my hand he said slowly,
but with a slight tremble in his voice.
"'And j say added the other in a low
tone, that YOU are gambler, and there
fore a coward
"'Hush,' / said, laying my hand on the
young mans sleeve. You don't know
what you are saying. He is not coward
by any manner of means
The young man shook off my hand We
hemently.
"'He is a coward. he repeated, and 1
will answer for my words at the first land
iny.'"
II looked at Moore l had seen him sit
on the hurricane deck, a revolver in hand,
and as a waiter threw champagne bottles
over the rail, raise his arm swiftly and
shatter the falling glass with bullet.
There were graverstories, too, by far, about
his deadly aim in duels. He sat stiff and
motionless with terrible fire in his eyes.
was amazed by his next words.
Does the game 60 OFF, he asked,
quietly.
"'Not with you said the young man,
bending forward. the veins in his fore
head swelling Not until j prove that
you are afraid to bet,' and with a sudden
motion he thrust his hand across the table
and Selling Aloore's hand turned the cards
face upward on the table.
81 was on my feet in an instant to ar
rest Moore's right arm, for l felt that he
would draw his revolver at the insult.
But hush fell over those around the table
and the hot-headed young man was gazing
stupidity at the cards before him. Four
aces lay there-an invincibe hand, for
straights were not D aged. There was
blue tinge in Moore's white lips, and the
young man looked bewildered. The
young fellow burst into tears.
"'We can't play together any more he
cried. You threw money into my pock
e. because was losing to much. can't
take it, he said, rising from his chair.
"'You cam said the gambler, in an
even voice. i laid down my hand. The
money is yours. Besides he added with
a little shiver, L held out an ace on YOU
Every man at the table knew that
Moore had lied. We all got up and lett
the young man sitting there before his
money. | found Moore shortly afterward
on deck, looking into the darkly whir,ing
water.
"'Give me your hand said. What
in the world did you mean? You never
cheated at cards in your life
Tut, tut! he answered, with a little
laugh that was slightly harsh, he is only
boy and loved his mother once"
Keep ny Him Lover.
my Weekly