The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1898-01-26

MR.. HALLS GOOD BLUFF.
An Unknown Poker Player From Boston
Who Got the Ecttcr of Sharon.

of it's existence was the arena of
some big poker games. Senator
Sharon was an enthusiastic lover of
the game, and when it happened
that Senators Stewart and Jones of
Nevada and Judge Dick Mesick "oc-
curred' in the hotel at the same
time there was sure to be hot work.
1t happened upon one OF these occa-
sions that a certain MIR. Hall from
Bosson was at the hotel
Mr.. Hall was a smooth and affable
gentleman, and completely won Sen
ator Sharon's heart because of his
love for Byron and his excellent
memory, he being able toquote hun
dreds of lines of the poets verso
without a halt. Byron was Sharon's
favorite bard. He had made his
works his life's study, and any one
who appreciated him had call on
the senator's friendship.
On a certain evening the three
senators and Judge Mesick met at
the bar. 1t was just before dinner
and an appetizer 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 followed another until the
gentlemen concluded to dine togeth-
er, and Mr.. Hall was invited. They
dined in Sharon's rooms, and of
course the wine was fine and abun-
dant.
After dinner Mesick proposed a
little game of "draw." No one said
nay, though Mr.. Hall difdently re-
marked that they did not play much
in Boston, where he came from, but
that still he was willing to stand in
and do his best.
''Look out for Hail., laughed
Sharon. "Inever heard a man make
that remark yet who was not to be
watched" He spoke in jest, but his
words were 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
dribbled away his checks with in
difference. After one of his deals
Mr.. Stewart hoped in with $50
bet. Jones, evidently pleased with
his hand, saw him and went $50 bet
ter. Mesick and Sharon were not
afraid and took some of the pie
themselves. Mr.. Hall, the dealer,
scanned his hand carefully and con-
cluded that there was something in
it for him. All drew--Hall one card.
And then the fun began. Round and
round again went the def" Stew
art and Jones dropped out. Mesick
stood few more raises and then re-
tired, leaving the fight to Sharon
and Hall. There was by this time
$40, COO in the pot.
"I'll raise you SO, 900, Mr.. Hall. y
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 blank California
bank check.
81 presume, gentlemen, my check
is good as cash." he said politely.
Certainly, sir, - replied Senator
Sharon. "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
center of the table and said:
II have seen your $4,000, SEN
ator, and go you $15, 900 better. %
Sharon looked at him steadily for
some moments. Halls composure
was perfect. There was half smile
of confidence on his face, but no in
dioation of boastfulness or excite
ment.
"Mr. Hall, said Sharon, II feel
sure you hold the better hand, and
I do not care to waste my money.
The pot is yours, sir. -
Without any appearance of exul-
tation Hall raked i'll the coin, bills
and checks, separating them, and
put them in his pockets. Meanwhile
his hand lay face down upon the
table.
"Mr. Hail." said Sharon, 81 will
give you 500 if you will show me
your hand. +"
Senator Sharon" replied the
Bostonian, "it is not enough. Nor
would show it to you now for 81
600. Still, to satisfy your curiosity,
l will put this hand in an envelope,
seal it up in your presence and put
it in the hotel safe, to be called for
by you ten days hence. But upon
this condition: That YOU will put