The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1895-11-23

"Not So, eqpnea Pike. "Tbat'I doO
wind up on. Let's try euchre"
Euchre was played till all were heartily
sick of it-Pike and his partner being al
lowed to win every bot
You play well, gentlemen, said one Oh
the losers-for though the three gamblers
including the partner of Pike, were really
eolleagued, it was intended of course that
their dupe should suppose them to o.
merely fellow passengers You play wen,
gentlemen--too we'll at least for me-ano
l want to try something else."
All foursW exclaimed Pike. even
guy you a chance to git yer money back.
"No-poker!'' said both of the opposl
ton.
''All foursp' returned Arkansaw.
"Pshawi Let us try them at poker" said
Pixies partner. 81 think either Of us can
beat them ut anything
'All TOURS by thunder'' persisted Mr..
Pike of Arkansaw
And all tours it was, for two weary
hours before the green dupe would consent
to have the game changed Then counting
over his winnings and finding himself
about $25 or $50 the gamer, he suddenly
concluded he would not play any more till
after supper, much to the vexation of the
gamblers.
Supper over, the tables cleared away and
the lamps lighted, the gamblers produced
their cards and succeeded at last In per
suading their good friend, Mr. Pike to sit
down to game Of poker, dollar ante For
couple Of hours the game went on with
varying success-sometimes one party
ahead and sometimes another-but all the
bets being SO small and the game SO unin-
teresting that several of those who had
watched all through the day to see Mr.
Pike victimized got tired and either re-
paired to their berths for the night or
sought to amuse themselves in some other
way. A few still fingered around the TIA
BILE, in listless, sleepy manner, but these
soon had their yawns checked and eyes
opened by hearing 10 Pike of Arkansaw
exclaim: 5@.
II sees ger $50 and goes $500 betterl''
Two of the players now threw up their
hands, but the third man, after looking a!
his cards and evidently considering the
chances for few moments, said, with cool
elaboration, as he drew large, well
stuffed pocketbook from his bosom:
II see your $500, my friend, and go S.,
600 better
A sensation among the spectators and
all looked curiously and eagerly at the
man from Arkansaw.
bluffs yer game, hey9'' said he
"Waal, thar's two kin play at that
Gumbor'
Eyes, marsel'' replied the negro, sud
denly appearing from Pixies stateroom
'tFotch me the bundle tied up in the
ulnbrel" q
The negro disappeared and quickly re
turned with an immense roll of bank
notes. The gamblers opened their eyes
and the spectators began to grow much
excited. Calmly and quietly counting over
the notes, he laid them down on the table
and said:
III sees that ther $4,000, and goes $40,
900 better!''
Slightly pale, but his small, black eyes
cleaning with a sort of malicious tri
umph, the gambler nervously produced
another package of notes, counted down
$4,000 more and exclaimed as he laid
down his hand:
II call and win. Four kings and all
ace can't be beat!"
"Yes it kin-four aces does iti' cried
Mr.. Pike, throwing down that astonish
ing hand, and the next moment covering
the money on the table with two brawny
fists, in one of which was five shooter
and in the other bowie knife.
"Foul! Foul!' cried all the gamblers.
starting up. "a cheat! A swindle
There are only four aces in the pack!''
Seems to have been five in this err
onep' said Pike coolly, "and as you three
fetched on the keerds yerselves, eff thars
any cheatery you must hey done it. Gum
bo," he added, rising to his full height
rake that ther pile, boy, and travel. Tht
fust man teohes you I'll blow his brains
out!"
In less time than it takes us to tell ii
the negro had cleaned the table and darted
into his masters stateroom. The scene
that followed beggars description. The
spectators were wildly excited, and the
gamblers raved and swore they would have
revenge. Pike coolly maintained his
ground, and as soon as he could make his
voice heard he thundered:
"Skulk, you thieves and counterfeiters
afore let's daylight through vel Yer
know that more'n half the money you re
whining oyer ar bogusi knows We Ell
yer don't know me. Yen TUX me fur
greenhorn, but yer got hold of the wrong
customer! You've heerd Of me, s'poso
I'm 10 Blueskin, at yer sarvice, and if yer
wants anything more yerkin hev itl'
This was the name of "a notorious and
desperate Texan gambler, and on learning
who their antagonist really was the three
turned pale and skunk away. At the next
landing the trio disappeared, leaving 10
Pike Of Arkansaw clear feld,-New
York News.