Evening journal., 1891-07-31
AS A PIRATE KING
Henry Watterson Hnmmed the Tune
over Game of Poker

Henry Watterson Hummed the Tune
over "a Game of Poker.
Nat Goodwin'a most celebrated game
Of poker, says New York writer in the
Washington Post, was the historical
one In whicn Colonel Henry Natterson
of the Louisville Courier Journal fig
ured It took place one night in room
in the Morton House, then great resort
fer professional people. on Union lquare,
in New York city Edward Harrigsn,
Tony Hart. Watterson and Goodwin were
the participants Colonel Watterson
had been to the theatre and had wit
messed the frst American production of
Gilbert and Sullivan's opera, "rhe
Pirates Of Penzance He enjoyed the
performance hugely, as he said, aud he
was particularly taken with the bass
solo, Il Am a Pirate King, which he is
persisted in singing or humming during
the progress of the game.
Billy Barry, now Of Barry and Fay
came into the room where they were
playing in search Of Harrigan and when
the two had finished their business
Barry stood watching the play Ae bad
never before seen Colonel Watterson
and did not know who he was. So when
| the great editor began to talk about a
game he had once been in with General
| 5rant, Barry regarded him curiously as
though he believed him to be brilliant
liar, and behind his hand, he hoarsely
whispered to Goodwin; Il say, MAI, who
is his slobs2''
Mr.. Goodwin concealed a smile and in
formed Barry chat the gentleman was a
great editor from Kentucky, while '-his
| slobs, who had overheard the query,
looked daggers at the little Irish come
dian out of his better eye Barry selt
ashamed of himself and sought to square
himself with "the guy that writes
! notices, as he called him, by asking
permission to sit in TO the game. Il was
granted.
The inevitable jackpot came along
| Colonel Watterson took up his cards,
passed them slowly in review before his
good eye, softly hummed bar OF The
Pirate King, and opened the jackpot fol
the limit. Mr.. Barry, who held kings
and tens, remained. Mr.. Goodwin be-
gan on Two aces. and MessTs, Harrington
and Hart passed out and quietly surveyed
the scene.
Colonel Watterson requested the favor
Of one card, declaring, at the same time
in piano voice, that "he was pirate
king" Mr.. Barry asked to be helped tC
The same number, while Mr. Goodwin
drew three psstrboards. To his delight
Mr. Barry discovered that he had Sc
cured third ten, and consequently, was
the proud possessor of ten full on kings
Cautiously he bet a modest 81 which
Mr.. Goodwin called, in hopeless sort OF
away. Colonel Watterson still softly mur
muring his favorite air, raised it th,
limit, shutting his hand before hil
perfect eye.
Secure in the possession of ten full Mr.
Barry retorted in kind, and Mr. Good viii
passed out. Colonel Watterson raised
back the limit. So did Mr.. Barry. Thii
exchange OF courtesies was kept up IN
Til Mr.. Barry began to grow a little un
certain. Finally Mr.. Barry threw in
wad OF bills and said
"Well. I'll have to call you havI
ten foil on kings laying them down.
There was burst OF melody that
shook the room. Laying down four large
acKs, tue colonel reached for the pie
horic pot as he rosred out at the top o
his great voice: 81 am q pirate king
And Barry regarded him with al
expression Of mingled disgust and re
sentiment as he growled "lll be --- Il
1 don't think you arel" while Goodwin
Harrigan aud Hart rolled upon the hool
in commissions.