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


Who Got the Better Of Sharon
Tho Palace hotel i'll the early days
OF its existence was the arena of
some big poker games. Senator
Sharon was an enthusiastic lover of
the game, ond when it happened
that Senators Stewart and Jones of
Nevada and Judge Dick Mesick "oc.
Cured" in tho hotel ut the Same
time there was sure to be hot work.
1t happened upon one of these occa
siOns that n certain MIR. Hall from
Boston was ut the hotel.
Mr. Hall was II smooth and airnblc
gentleman, and completely won Sen.
atOr ShnrOns heart because of his
love for Byron and his excellent
memory, he being able to quote hun
drcds OF lines OF the poets verse
, without halt. Byron was Sharon's
fnvorite bard. Ho had made his
works his lifo's study, and any one
who appreciated hin. ia,. 1; call uil
tho senator's friendship.
On certain evening the three
senators and Judge Mcsick met at
tho bar. 1t was just before dinner
and nn appetizer was in order. Even
while Ned Fay was mixing Mr.. Hal!
appeared. He was mt once bidden to
the social glass by Mr.. Sharon, who
introduced him to his friends. One
cocktail followed another until tho
gentlemen concluded to dino togcth-
or, and Mr.. Hall was invited. They
dlned in Sharon's rooms, and of
course the wine was fine and abun.
dant
After dinner Mcsick proposed n
little game of draw" No one said
nay, though Mr.. Hall difiidently 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. II never heard 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 inaugIrated.
There was no limit. Now, with such
veterans as Mcsick, 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
OF SO. H!r. Hall was cautious, and
iribbied away his checks with in
difference. After one of his deals
Mr.. Stewart hoped in with $2c
bet. Jones, evidently pleased with
his hand, sc" him and went $50 bet
ter. Mosicl aud Sharon wero 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-Hnll ono card.
And then the fun began. Round and
round again went the def Stew
art and Jones dropped out. Mesiok
stood few moro raises and then re-
tired, leaving the fight to Sharon
and Hall. There was by this time
$40, GOO in the pot
"E'll raise yoi: go. 900, Mr. Hall, :"
saiti Sharon, his thin lips set and his
voice low and determined.
Halls answer was to ring tho
bell, and when the waiter appeared
he asked him for blank California
bank check
II 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 il and spread
the blotter over it without tremor.
Then he pushed it quietly to the
center of tho table and said:
II have seen your $4,000, SEN
ator, and go you $4,000 better.'
Sharon looked ut him steadily for
some moments. Halls composure
was perfect. There was q half smile
of confidence OH his face, but no in
dication of boastfulness or excite
ment. :
"Mr. Hail." said Sharon, II feel
sure you hold tho better hand, and
/ do not care to waste my money.
The pot is yours, sir"
Without any appearance of exul-
ts.tioii E"ii raksii III the coin, bills
and checks, separating them, and
put them in his pockets. Meanwhile
his hand lay face down upon the
table.
mir. Hail." said Sharon, II will
give you 500 if you will show me
your hand"
Senator Sharon" replied the
Bostonian, "it is not enough. Nor
would I show it to you now for ST.