Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1896-03-05
A Novel Bank Security.
HOW A YOUNG MAN SECURED THE
MONEY BY WHICH HE COULD
WIN A BIG POTo-HE
HELD FOUR ACES.

Miss Nancy Norton, now of Phila-
delphia, but formerly of Richmond,
has written very bright little story
for the Philadelphia Call, which was
one of the three prize-winners of
that paper. The title Of the narra-
tive is "A Novel Bank Security"
and here is the story:
" AT the poker-table that winter
afternoon four men were playing,
and two were looking on. The game
was running rather high, though
that was not an unusual thing to
happen in Montana. The men we're
all past their first youth except Jack
Vernon, and he played in hard luck
throughout the whole evening; in
fact, Jack always did seem to have
poor luck, though he was live and
interesting fellow, thoroughly liked
by all classes. He had not been in
Helena over six months, but in that
short period had managed to see and
learn a good bit of Western life and
Western ways, and, what was worst, p,
a good bit too much of Western DO
ker games. 1t was nearly p. m. g,
when, finding his losings were some
thing like six thousand dollars, Jack
moodily announced to Martin Dunn,
seated on his left, he thought he had
had enough of poker for one day,
and after the approaching jack pot
he was going to cry quits.
Martin paid no attention to the
speech, for John Broader was deal
ing at the time, and Martin had a
way as each card was dealt to him
self of looking at it long and low
ingly, until the next card due was
dealt, and so on until he held all five
tightly squeezed in his hand. Be
sides, Martin Dunn was a taciturn
player-Conservative-Sam Howard
called him; but then Sam would
say anything just to be talking. All
during the game he had been bub-
bling over with spirits, and kept up
an unceasing volley of witty cpl
grams and shallow, well-worGed
which tended to rattle
the other players. After the deal,
Sam finished one of his bright, long
drawled sallies, and said, loudly, III
open this jackpot, boys, for what's
in there. Draw yer cards, an We'll
make it show down, being as its
pot Already
AS Broader dealt himself the last
card, each man with apparent indif-
ference studied his cards. Then the
discards were thrown aside, and |
Broader dealt to each the number
called for.
In the center of the table was
money to the amount of some ten
thousand dollars, the largest amount
played for that night. Straights and
bushes were barred. AT the conclu-
sion Of the draw each man held re-
hands of four cards alike
and Jack Vernon, drawing to a pair
)f aces, now held four-the best
hand that could be held. The game
was played among men who required
money to be put up, and as every
nan carefully and confidently
pushed the required amount to the
middle of the table, Jack Vernon
found himself without dollar. A
plan suddenly developed into his
brain.
'Gentlemen,' he said, L find my
self without the money for this Jack
pot, but If you will give me a few
minutes to cross the street and get
he necessary sum from the First
National Bank 1 will come in on
his. You can Send any man with
ne you wish,' he added.
After short consultation the men
agreed. They changed their posi-
ions, lit their cigars, and prepared
% wait. Jones, one of the onlook-
'rs, was appointed to accompany
Vernon.
Jack rose, took his cards with him,
and then he and Jones sauntered out.
Reaching the bank they were ad-
mitted by the cashier, who knew
Jones but slightly; Vernon not at
all.
Mr.. Kissam.' began Vernon, af-
ter the introduction. L want $10,-
300 now-must have it, he added,
This is an unusual time to borrow
such sum, Mr.. Vernon announced
The cashier, severely.
'Oh, hang the unusual time,' put
in Vernon. Let me have il for
only five minutes, and Ill agree to
pay you interest for every minute |
have it, The cashier was surprised.
His next question was expected.
What security can you offer p
Jones smiled, as Vernon hastily
held up to the cashiers astonished
gaze four aces and one duce. Ver-
non hastily explained, stating that
In the game straights and fiushes
were barred, consequently, he held
the best hand. But, despite his
tho cashier Indignantly
refused to lend any money on any
such security. With muttered inn
precautions Vernon followed Jones to |
the door. AS they turned the knob
they met Werner, the President Of !
the bank, coming in. With renewed
hope Vernon once again stated his |
Grand.
Let me see your security asked
Werner.
Vernon put his hand in his pocket
and drew out the five cards, and,
with an explanation, showed them |
to the amazed president and waited.
A rare smile spread over Werner's
face, Kissim,' he said, loudly, turn
ing to the cashier, pay this gentle
man 10000; take his note for the !
same, payable on demand. And let
me tell you, Kissam,' he continued,
to his astounded cashier, whenever
such a security as this is presented
again to this bank, you give any
money asked for it, and say nothing.
Why, man, we don't often have such
unquestionable security
1t is needless to add Jack Vernon