Warren sheaf., 1898-01-20

L
with uncut leaves is silly homage
to antiquity, and is fashion with
out an excuse, unless indeed the
book is unbound.-Hartford Cou-
raIt. -
MR.. HALLS GOOD BLUFF.
An Unknown Poker Player From Boston
Who Got the Better Of Sharon.
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 it happened
that Senators Stewart and Jones of
Nevada and Judge Dick Mesick "oc.
Cured" 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
Boston 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 bis excellent
memory, he being able to quote hun
dreds Of lines of the poets verse
without a halt. Byron was Sharon'e
favorite bard. He had made his
works his life's study, and any one
who appreciated him had a call On
the senator's friendship.
On 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 hidden to
the social glass by Mr.. Sharon. who
introduced him to his friends. One
cocktail followed another until the
gentlemen concluded to dine togeth-
or, 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 4
little game Of draw" No one said
nay, though Mr.. Hall diffidently 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 -
"sLook out, for Hail." laug he'd
Sharon. IL 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 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
away his checks with in
difference. After one of his deals
Mr.. Stewart hoped in with $40
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
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 $40, 1000, Mr.. Hall, ="
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. S,>
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 filed
out the check. signed it and spread
the blotter over it without tremor.
Then he pushed it quietly to the
center of the table and said:
II have seen your 1000, SEN
ator, and 60 you $15, 900 better"