Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1895-09-12
Jay Gould and Poker.

Jay Gould rarely played poker.
His horror of all games of chance
was proverbial. About fifteen years
ago he happened to be in a Chicago
hotel, where merry party was play
ing. One of the party was bright
looking young fellow about twenty
eight years old, who was plunging
recklessly. Fortune seemed to for
sake her usual habits on these occa-
sion and showered her favors on her
tempter with lavish hand. All
drank freely.
Pot after pot was raked in by the
young man, amid the hilarious shouts
OF his companions, who were evil
IDENTIFY there for good time and lost
cheerfully.
Mr.. Gould looked on, but offered
no comments until one of the party
said he must go; then they all turned
round and asked the millionaire to
take hand. Not one of them knew
who he was. He quietly refused.
The game continued, and fresh sup
plies of wine flushed the players
faces as they grew more reckless
and made the game without limit
Finally the plunger staggered to his
feet and said to Mr.. Gould: "See
here, mister, just take hand or two.
Well make it ten cent limit, if
you will"
Gould was stung by the sarcasm.
Eyes, l will play" he said; "but
you must not alter your game. 1t
will be the first time have played
poker in years, but guess I'll soon
learn again."
The game started, and the plunger
opened the pot for 81 900. He chuck
led as he did so, and fingered his
winnings, which amounted to 81, 900.
The others stayed and Mr.. Gould
raised the pot $1,000.
"A thousand BETTER" shouted the
reckless one.
Twenty thousand BETTER" said
Gould, taking out roll of 81 900
bills and laying twenty on the table.
The young man sank back in the
chair, quite sobered by the shock.
He pulled himself together and, fore
ing smile to his now anxious face,
he said:
Il have not that amount with me
but if you'll accept my word and
that of my friends, why, I'll see
you"
"All right replied Gould, with a
grim chuckle, "I'll take your BILL"
The note was drawn out, and the
young man laid down four kings.
No good" said Gould, raking
In the pot. Four aces !" He then
left the room.
The young man was utterly ruined.
He said that after he met the note
he would not have $500 in the world,
and dare not face his wife and child.
AS he was about to leave the hotel
waiter stepped up to him and said
gentleman wished TO see him. Quite
bewildered by the nights events, he
was shown to Mr.. Gould's room.
" Young man." said Gould, 81
learn that you occupy a prominent
position in the city. You have
young wife at home who is devoted
to you, and who is probably holding
In her arms your baby boy and wait
ing for you this moment. You have
ruined yourself, your wife and your
little one for half an hours pleasure,
and it Is quite evident that you are
not a fit person to own anything
more than a 500. What Is your
wife's name?"
The plunger now sobered, told
him. Mr.. Gould sat down, and writ
ing across the note, said: "Now,
here is your note, made payable to
your wife's order.n
AS the poor fellow slowly read 1t
over and saw who was his benefac-
tor, Gould continued:
Now go home. Don't stop here
gaping, but tell your wife 1 hope she
will take better care of this money
than you can"
He rose and pushed the young
man gently from the room.