River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1891-04-09
LOST HIS LUCK.
A Bashful BiIIiardist who Couldn't Play an
Exhibition Game.

One was a commercial traveller. the
other was just common, large, quiet.
bashfnl man. They were playing bill
lizards in the hotel billiard room, which
was deserted by all save them, and the
quiet man had beaten the drummer
every game and beaten him badly.
Il know what's the matter, said the
drummer. as they chalked their cues
/ for another game, II want an incentive.
We ought to make a little bet: say a
couple of dollars on this game, and let
I it be the last one. Come. you've had il
all your own way. What do you say to
that?"
Its agreeable to me-" answered the
bashful man, taking the lead, and then
he ran off six points
The drummer made two.
( The large man got in little run of
/ fifteen, playing the balls around in the
corners softly and gently without APP
parent effort.
Il want To see the clerk about getting
/ my baggage ready for the next train, p"
said the drummer, looking at his watch.
/ al won't be gone but minute" and he
\ FASTENED out to the office, which was
I filled with commercial men and other
I guests of the house.
'Well. now we'll try again" he said,
4 cheerily. when he returned a few min
/ utes later, but he made only four points
and left "A beautiful ''set up for the
/ large man.
One or two other men had strolled in
/ from the Office and stood by while the
/ bashful player made the shot. and by
/ the time he had run the score mp to
l twenty-eight there were half a dozen
/ onloolSers standing about the table.
''Gemini, that was good shot" said
one, as the big man made very good
draw.
Then he made a difficult carOm. and
the spectators looked at each other
with that side movement of the head
which indicates both approval and sur
prise.
where are you in this game, Billy?'
asked one of them.
Il guess | amt in it at all, !" said the
drummer. leaning on his cue and watch
ing his opponent, who, seeming a little
disconnected by so much attention,
missed the next shot and sat down.
While the drummer was running off
seven points three or four more men
sauntered in and watched the game,
meditatively putting at their cigars.
The big man came up. missed and re-
tired to a seat amid the most intense
silence, and the drummer got in another
/ little run.
That's a shot can never make, re-
marked one of the spectators as the big
man advanced and stood observing the
+ balls.
Its very difficult said another.
! well, | should say SO. said a third,
1.-THE man that can make it is dandy"
! The heat of the room or something
had made the large man a little red in
the face, and he looked uncomfortable.
lie missed the shot. There was no com
ment, but every person had closely
watched the attempt, and there were
about dozen now.
The drummer made a very good run:
the bashful man missed again, and
when, finally, the drummer ran the
game out. the other stood by with a
two-dollar bill in his hand
II kind o lost my luck toward the
last" he said. with sicilly smile, as he
laid down the bill. and murmuring some-
thing about having an engagement he
went out.
'Well boys" said Billy, as he put on
his coat and picked up the two-dollar
bill. I'm much obliged to you for
coming in. | amt much of a billiardist,
but I'm very fair Judge of human
nature. Detroit Free Press.