The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-12-11
MIR. HALLS GOOD BLUFF.
An Unknown Poker PLAYER from Bos-
ton who Got the Best of n Senator.

san Francisco News Letter.
The Palace hotel in the early days
of its existence was the arena of some
big poker games. Senator Sharon was
an enthusiastic lover of the game, and
when 1t happened that Senators Stew
art and Jones, of Nevada, and Judge
Dick Mesick occurred in the hotel
at the same timp. there was sure to
be hot work. 1t happened upon one
Of these occasions that a certain Mr..
Hall from Boston was at the hotel.
Mr. Hall was a smooth and affable
gentleman, and completely won Sena-
tor ,Sharons heart because of his love
for Byron and his excellent memory,
he being able to quote hundreds of lines
of the poets verse without a halt.
Byron was Sharon's favorite bard. He
had made his works his lif5's study
and any one who appreciated him had
call on the Senator's friendship. or
certain evening the three senator
and Judge Meslck met at the bar 1t
was just before dinner, and an appe-
tizcr was in order. Even while Ned
Fay was mixing, Mr.. Hall appeared.
He was at once bidden to the social
glass by Mr. Sharon, who introduced
him to his friends. One cocktail fol-
lowing another. until the gentlemen
concluded to dine together, and Mr..
Hall was invited. They dined in Shar-
on's rooms, and, of course, the wine
was fine and abundant.
After dinner Mesick proposed n lit
tie game Of draw" No one said nay,
though Mr.. Hall dfidently remarked
that they did not play much in Bos-
ton, where he came from, but that still
he was willing to stand in and do his
best
Look out for Hail." laughed Shar-
on. II never heard man make that
remark yet who was not to be watch
ed" He spoke in jest but his words
We're soOth.
The cards were produced. and the
! game at 81 ante was inaugurated.
| There was no limit. Now, with such
veterans as Mesick, Jones and Stew
art. the pot was not allowed to get
! cold for lack of chipping. The men
| played with varying success. and
| things ran pretty even for an hour
| or so. Mr. Hall was cautious. and drib-
| bled away his checks with indiffer-
! ence. After one Of his deals. Mr..
| Stewart hoped in with a 800 bet.
| Jones, evidently pleased with his hand,
saw him and went $50 better. Mesck
and Sharon were not afraid, and took
| some of the pie themselves. Mr.. Hall,
! the dealer, scanned his hand careful
| ly. and concluded that there was some
| thing in it for him. All drew-Hall
one card. And then the fun began.
Round and round again went the
def" Stewart and Jones dropped out.
Mesick stood few more raises and
then retired, leaving the fight to Shar-
on and Hall. There was by this time
$4,000 in the pot.
I'll raise you 100000 Mr.. Hail." said
Sharon, his thin lips set and his voice
low and determined.
Halls answer was to ring the bell,
and when the waiter appeared he
asked him for a blank California bank
! check.
Il presume, gentlemen, my check is
good as cash." he said politely.
Certainly, sir" replied Senator Sha-
ron, you see our checks in the pot
already"
Slowly and deliberately Hall filled
out the check. signed it, and spread
the blotter over it without a tremor.
Then he pushed it quietly to the centre
of the table and said: