Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-02-16
WAS A PRIZE WINNER
Story Written by Miss Nancy Norton,
Formerly Of Richmond.
DEALS WITH A GAME OF CARDS.
How Young Man Secured the
Money by Which He Could
Win Big 'Pof'-He Held -Four
Aces.
Aces.

Win n Big "POt'-He Held -Four
Aces.
Miss Nancy Norton, now Of Philadel-
phla, but formerly Of Richmond. has
written a very bright little story for the
Call. which was one OF the
three prize-wlnners OF that paper. Miss
Norton is well and popularity known
here. She is a daughter Of the late Hat
ley Norton. OF this city, and has
many relatives who reside here now
a NOVEL BANK SECURITY.
The title Of the narrative 10 "A Novel
Bank Security" and here Is the story.
At the poker-table that winter after
noon four men were playing, and two
were looking on. The game was running
rather high, though that was not an I'M
usual thing to happen in Montana. mo
men were all past their first youth ex-
cept Jack Vernon. and he had played
in hard luck throughout the whole eve
ming; in fact, Jack always did seem 10
have poor luck. though he was i've
and interesting fellow, thoroughly Ikea
by all classes. He had not been IN
Helena over six months but In thlt
short period had managed 10 sec ana
learn a good bit of Western life ana
Western ways, and what was worst, a
good bit too much Of Western POKER
games. II was nearly i. VI. when'
finding his losings were something Ike
six thousand dollars. Jack moodily an
nounced to Martin Dunn, seated on ms
left, he thought h. had had enough OF
poker for one day, and after tie APP
preaching Jackpot he was going 10 cry
quits.
DURING THE GAME.
Martin paid no attention to the speech,
for John Broader was dealing at the
time, and Martin had a way a each card
was dealt 20 himself Of looking at II long
and lovingly, until the next card due was
dealt. and so on until ne held all five
tightly squeezed" in his hand. BE
sides, Martin Dunn WAS tactiturn play
onse!vatiye-Sam Howard called
him; but then Sam would say anything
just 20 be talking. III during the game
he had been bubbling over with spirits,
and kept up nm unceaslng vo.ley OF witty
epigrams and shallow, well-worded
sophstries. which tended To rattle the
other players. After the deal. Sam fin
ished one Of his bright, long-drawled
sall.es, and said loudly: II open this jack
pot, boys. for what's in there. Draw
yer cards. and Wen make II a show
down. being as It's a fair-sized pot al
ieady."
As Broader dealt himself the last card.
each man with apparent Indifference
studied his cards. Then the discards
were thrown aside, and Broader dealt 10
each the number called for.
A PILE OF MONEY.
in the centre Of the table was money
to the amount Of some ten thousand dol
lars, The largest pile played for that
night. Straights and flushes were barred.
At the conclusion Of the draw each man
held remarkable hands OF four cards
alike, and Jack Vernon. drawing to a pair
Of aces, now held fOur-the best hand
that could be held. The game was play ed
among men who required money 10 be
put W, and as every man carefully and
confidently pushed the required amount
to the middle OF the table. Jack Vernon
found himself without a dollar. \ plan
suddenly developed in his brain.
Gentlemen" he said, Il find myself
without the money for this Jackpot but
II you will give me few minutes to cross
the 81 Get and get the necessary sum
from the First National Bank l will
come in on this. You can send any man
with me you WISH" he added.
After short consultation the men
agreed. They changed their positions. III
their cigars, and prepared to wait Jones.
one Of the on-lookers, was appointed to
accompany Vernon.
APPROACHED THE CASHIER.
Jack rose, took his cards with him. and
then he and Jones sauntered out.
Reaching the bank they were adm tied
by the cashier, who knew Jones but
slightly; Vernon not at all.
"Alr. Klssam," began Vernon after the
Introduction, II want $1,000 now-must
have it," ne added, emphatically.
This is an unusual time to borrow
such a sum, Mr.. Vernon, announced the
cashier. severely.
"Oh, hang the unusual time" put IN
Vernon. Let me have II Tor only five
minutes, and Ill agree to pay you inte-
rest for every minute / have IT," The
cashier was surprised. Hls next question
was expected.
What security can you orerY'
Jones smiled, as Vernon hastily held up
10 the cashiers astonished gaze four aces
and one duce Vernon rapidly eX-
blamed, stating that in the game sTaightS
and nushes were barred, consequently
he held the best hand. But, despite his
statement, the cashier indignantly refused
to lend any money on any such security.
With muttered mprecatiOn5 Vernon fol-
lowed Jones TO the door. As they turned
the knob they met Werner, the president
of the bank. comins in. With renewed
hope, Vernon once again stated his en-
rand.
Let me see your security" asked
Werner.
SHOWED HIS "HAND."
Vernon put his hand in his pocket
drew out the five cards, ana, with an
showed them 10 the amazed
president, and waited.
A rare smile spread over Werner's face
'Kissam," he said loudly, turning to
the cashier, pay this gentleman $1,000;
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 pre-
scented again to tbs bank, you give any
money asked for IL, and say nothing
Why, mar. we cont often have such un
questionable security"
II is needless TO add Jack Vernon won
tho pot. and a few minutes later the
money was duly returned.
Past or Present; Business or Senti-
mcnt.
To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
Pardon my trespassirg again. l merely
designed generating the press from the
oborgo Of sspnt writing I'M RiclmOnQ's