The morning times., 1897-01-13

as tne rest or us did, that Martin was Diutf-
ing when he stood pat, and contented HIM
self with coming in without raise every
time 1T came his bet, until the rest OF us
had dropped out. Then he raised Gilmartin
the limit. Gilmartin had u jack-high flush.
and was content SO they had it back and
forth till Gilmartin called and gave up $500
to an ace flush.
That was the heaviest pot for long
time, but presently the two got together
again, and Gilmartin lost two hundred
more. Then he grew a little nervous and
Martin grew cooler. Then Gilmartin be-
came angry though he controlled himself
tolerahly well, and 1 was sure that Martin
would beat him. SO it proved. 1t came my
deal soon after in jackpot, and Gilmartin
opened it. We all came in. standing Mar
tins raise. / had aces, but didn't better
in the draw, so 1 laid down after one raise.
Martin drew three cards, as did each OF
the others, excepting Gilmartin, who drew
two. He bet the limit, and the next man
laid down. Martin raised 1t the limit, and
another man and myself dropped out Gil
martin raised and the fourth man threw
down his cards. That left the two alone
again, and Martin raised back.
''.Ten better than you said Gill
martin, sava gely, and then with short
laugh, he added, You won't get away
with me this time
IF you think So said Martin, quietly,
what do you say to taking off the limit?'
'' That will suit me exactly said Gill
martin. and Martin pushed up his last
blue chip aud Il hundrc d-dollar bill.
"'I'll see thai and go you $500 better
said Gilmartin eagerly, and he skinned
the bills off from a big roll that he drew
from an inside pocket
docs my check go?' asked Martin. Il
haven'tso much money with me-
@ IT'S good for $50 900 and you know it,
said GiImartn.
- i raise you a thousand said Martin.
And I'll go you thousand better
exclaimed the other. He was getting ex.
cited, but nobody dared to speak, 1t was
serious matter to interfere in a game like
that.
"A thousand better was the response
'Giln:artin hesitated. De looked at his
cards and thought for moment. Then he
counted his money.
I'll have to call you.' he said finally,
for I've only got ST. 200 left
Martins face was perfectly impassive.
He. too, hestated moment, and then he
spoke.
- III put up five thousand more, if you
want TO play for it = he said.
But how can L? tell you 1 haven't
and more money said Gilmartin, looking
puzzled.
. If you will give me your promise to
go as far South as st. Louis for sixty
days and tell nobody that you're going,
I'll take that as an equivalent for the five
distinctiyeiy.
"Gilmartin flushed. He knew that every
body in the room understood the proposi-
ton. He was asked TO sell out his honor.
for going away in that fashion meant
betraying his employer and running away
with his money, as well as leaving him
in the lurch l expected to hear an indig
nant outburst OF invective and abuse, and
indeed the man was about to speak when
another thought seemed to strike him, and
; he gre dcathly white The gambling fever
had seized him, and he looked at his cards
again.
While he was hesitating Martin spoke
again and the devliSh CoolneSs OF his speech
made me shudder.
~ need not say anything TO impress
on the minds OF all the gentlemen present
tHdt tHlS IL IL private party, ne sdiu, anu
that nothing whichhappenS here ca be told
| outside while it can by any possibility
| work injury to any ono concerned
''Gilmartin looked around at every man
In the loom, and seeing by our faces that
we all rec ognzed the obligation, he seemed
uerved. as Martin lad Tuta ant that b.. should
be, to take the risk.
- IN take the bet, he said at length.
and he spoke desperately. But God help
you, Martin, If you win it. l don't believe
YOU can, for I've got almost a sure hand
- If you lose, said Martin, you have no
cause of quarrel with me. 1 am not forcing
right I'll gamble your friendship, too,
along with the rest, if YOU hke'
- so he it, said Gilmaruin. It's a call.
then Ifyoulose you pay m five thousand.
If 1 lose l leave
{" Correct said Martin, and the hands
were shown.
Martin had drawn to kings ard caught
the other two. Gilmartin had drawn to
three queens and drawn the other.
His face q S he left the room was such
picture as hope never TO see again, but
| he kept to his bargain. Atleast, imagine
he did, for he was not seen again in that
part of the country while 1 was there.
never spoke to Martin again, but his
friend was elected Senator at the next ses-
sion of the legislature by majority of two
votes. Both men are dead, or 1 would
not have told the story
TOO COLD FOR GOLF