The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-06-30
HENRY CLAWS POKER GAME.
Chicago Times Herald.

Chicago Times Herald
"Olympian Springs were owned by Harry
of the West'-Henry Clay. He would not
sell and ne would not trade Grandfather
wanted the springs, mainly because they
were pretty. 1t is a certainty that he did
not intend to drink any OF the water. In the
summer of 1910 Henry Clay came TO Ken
lucky on his vacation. He said that he felt
the need of the Olympisn water. But be-
yond bathing in it nobody ever saw him fool
with it. Three nights after his arrival a
socable game began. Even then there was
a little hotel at the place, and the players
occupied room in the top story, where the
clicking of the chips would not make en-
vious the guests who were barred out. In
the game were Mr.. Clay, my grandfather,
Josiah Blackburn. John Hardin and sam
Clay, cousin of the statesman. II was o
no limit game. Those were days when
gentlemen played with gentlemen and the
yulgarlsm OF table stakes was unknown
mans word was as good as his bond, and
Whatever he bet he was able to pay. The
game began on Friday night and ran along
with varying luck. They were all old hands
and had the nerve 10 back their cards. At
u o'clock Saturday night Blackburn quit,
a little ahead. He had been married only
two months and was afraid his young wife
would think he was dead. Sunday morning
at o'clock some one raped on the door. 1t
was opened and q negro girl stood in the
hall. She had Il clean shirt in her HAND,
and on the bosom was note from Hsr-
din's wife: For John Hardin, wherever
he can be found The door was closed and
play resumed. Hardin changed his linen at
the table.
SUNDAY afternoon the men were wan, but
nobody thought of quitting, The cards were
dealt by Mr.. Clay. Ny grandfather came IN
for $50 Hardin stayed. Sam Clay dropped
out. Henry Clay stayed. My grandfather
took one card, Hardin drew two. Mr. Clay
stood pat Ny grand iather bet $3.50. Hardin
raised it $500 Hsr lin dropped out. Mr..
Clay raised back for $1,000. Ny grandfather
said he was sorry for him. and came back
with an elevation of S25O0 Mr. Clay re-
marked that 1t panied him to rob an old and
tried friend, particularly one on whose assist
0uce he counted in the fell election, but he
was compelled TO put up $4,000 more that he
knew more about poker imam any man in the
world. My grandfather bet MIN another
$4,000 in excess that he was mistaken. Mr..
Clay stated that he might have made some
errors OF politics, although he could not recall
them just then, but he had never vet over
judged a hand. That meant another boost OF
$1,000. My grandfather sighed pitylngly.
He laid down his hand, took a small pen
knife from his pocket and carefully trimmed
his nails. He shut up the knife and slowly
replaced it. He picked up the hand and
nent, upon whose high forehead two drops
CT perspiration were glittering i raise you
$50 00O.' he said gravely. Mr.. Clay thought
long and hard i haven't that much money
here, of course he said at length, and / don't
think my bank account would stand a check
for the amount But the Springs property
mere ID NhtuSN Hb VOosOOOs viii put IL u.
You are the first man that ever made me call >
What have you got? my grandfather asked
hurriedly, his iron nerve at last giving way
st is your place first TO state your hand said
Mr.. Clay lightly, but matter. Woman
woman. lovely womanl The tull measure al
lowed to a good Mussulman,' and he placed
four queens face upward on the table. In those
days the seQuent flush was not played. NY
grandfather with a sigh of relief for himself
and of regret for gallant adversary, showed
what was called 'invincible'-four kings
and an ace. The Springs have remained in
our family to this day"