The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1905-09-22

her IN q game OF poker. Il
doesn't look well. 1t conveys the Inn
preston to outsiders that they have
family jars at home"
Mrs. Bowser couldn't see It In Just
that light, but she said nothing in re-
ply. ANY opposition on her part at
this particular time would have de-
cided Mr.. Bowser on staying home.
Here is a five dollar bill for you,"
he said in conclusion, "and you will
buy your w chips. You will proba-
bly, lose every cent you take, but lose
it with a smile, as if you had millions
TO spare"
Half an hour later they were over at
the Johnsons and the game was under
way Mr.. Bowser thought it neces-
sary to explain that Mrs. Bowser had
never sat in a regular game and that
she might make mistakes, and the 9TH
er players said they would not be too
hard on her. Mr.. Bowser sat next to
the dealer and opened the first pot.
The player next to him came in, and
then Mrs. Bowser raised the ante.
But how a you?" protested Mr..
Bowser.
Its her privilege, Of course" replied
the dealer.
"Oh, of course, but I hope she won't
make a mistake and mix up the game"
She didn't. All came in on the draw,
and Mr.. Bowser bet a chip. At the
same time he gave Mrs. Bowser a
meaning look. The next player came
in, and then Mrs. Bowser raised it five.
Mr.. Bowser had only two small pairs,
but as she had drawn three cards he
raised her five when the others had
dropped out. She saw the raise and
went five better. He called, and she
took the pot on threes. He flushed up
and hitched around, but had to pretend
to laugh when some n said:
Il don't think we need be afraid Of
Mrs. Bowser mixing things up"
The next three or four hands fur
nished no particular incident, and then
Mrs. BOwser got two pairs and opened
the pot. Bowser had a pat straight
and raised it. The other players had
something to come in on. and things
were lively. Mr.. Bowser looked at
her and thought he saw her wriggIing.
That meant that she had an average
hand. He hadn't Helped his threes any,
but he made j five cent raise. Again
they were left to play it out together.
Mrs. Bowser saw and raised, and he
raised back until he finally got scared
and called. Then she showed a full
house and raked in a two dollar pot.
I'D like to know how you did that"
he demanded.
why, l held up two pairs and got
another jack" she replied.
Yes, but there are only four jacks
in the pack. 1t seems mighty curious
that you should pull one of them n"
Nonsense, Bowser!!" said Johnson.
"She simply filed, as will happen TWEEN
ty times in an evening, and a full house
beats threes."
Mr.. BoWser made no further breaks.
He made up his mind that Mrs. Bowser
should suffer %tOrtures at the stake for
scOoping him, and things went along
until the last pot, he constantly losing
and she as constantly winning. All
Clipped 10 cents to make q big pot,
"hOh NH AoN1o q pat 1Oli
house in his hand his heart 'exulted.
Mrs. Bowser held three aces this time,
and the others came in with what they
had. The draw gave them nothing
more, and the struggle was between
/ husband and wife. Mrs. Bowser had
hit the right card and had a hand of
tours. Mr.. BOwser started off with a
bet of 5 cents, and they a and raised
until his grit finally left him, and he
called. Mrs. Bowser had won nearly
81, and he was two and a half out.
He was cold and stern as they made
ready to go home. He was colder and
sterner when they got out of the gate.
They had five blocks to walk, but he
did not open his lips, while she wa
frozen to silence. AS they arrived at
their W gate he turned away.
aren't you coming in?" she asked.
Woman" he Kissed as he turned on
her, Il am going to the nearest he'll
hole! There l shall get frenzied drunk.
Then I shall come out and shout and
slay and kill and dance up and down
in the red gore. I have been insulted-
humiliated-crushed. Look out for me
My lawyer will see your lawyer IN the
morning, and"-
And he was gone to enter upon his
career of slaughter. NJ. QUAD.
Not Superstitious.