The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1908-04-01
GOODNESS AND NERVE
The Story of the Last Deal In a
Lively Game of Poker.
A FORTUNE ON THE TABLE.

The Hand That Won the Rich Stakes
and the Man Who Held It-Mhat
Senator Sharon Had to Pay to Sat
isfy His Lingering Curiosity.
There were many lively games of
poker played in San Francisco in the
old days, and many good stories have
been told of the nerve and GOODNESS of
the players who participated therein.
The following story of one Of those
games was printed in San Francisco
paper some years ago:
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 Stew
art and Jones of Nevada and Judge
Dick Mesick occurred" in the hotel at
the same time 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 SharOn's heart because of his love
for Byron and his excellent memory
he being able to quote hundreds Of
lines of the poets verse without 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 sena-
49, r., -
lobby. 1t was just before dinner, and
while they were chatting Mr.. Hall put
in an appearance. Mr.. Sharon at once
introduced Mr.. Hall to his friends and
invited the party to dinner, which was
served in Senator Sharon's room.
After dinner Mesick proposed d lit
tie game of draw" No one said nay,
though Mr.. Hall diffidently remarked
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." remarked Shar-
on. II never heard a man make that
remark yet who was not to be watch
ed" He spoke In jest. but his words
were sooth.
The cards were produced, and the
game at a dollar ante was inaugurated.
There was no limit. Now. with such
veterans as Mesick, Jones and Stewart
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
nP In
deals Mr.. Stewart hoped in with a
twenty dollar bet. Jones, evidently
pleased with his hand. saw him and
went $50 better. Mesick and Sharon
were not afraid and took some of the
pie themselves. Mr.. Hail. the dealer,
scanned his hand carefully and con-
Guided that there was something in 1t
for him. All drew-Hall one Garland
then the fun began. Round and roun1
again went the def" Stewart and
Jones dropped out. Mesick stood a few
the fight to Sharon and Hall. There
was by this time $4,000 in the pot.
''I'l raise you $4,000. Mr.. Hail.
said Sharon. his thin lips set and hfs
voice low and determined. Ia n
Halls answer was to ring the bell.
and when the waiter appeared he ask
ed him for a blank California bank
check. &ls
II presume, gentlemen, my check Is
as good as cash. he said politely.
Certainly, sir" replied Senator Shar-
on. You see our checks in the pot
already"
lo1f Ao1Uy ~ 1nA
out the check, signed it and spread the
.s,!c.ter over it without tremor Then
be pushed 1t quietly to the center or the
table and said:
81 have seen your $4,000. senator,
and go you $4,000 better"
Sharon looked at him steadily for
some moments. Halls composure was
perfect. There was a half smile Of
confidence on his face, but no indica-
hon Of bOastfulness or excitement.
"Mr. Hail." said Sharon, - feel sure |
care to waste my money. The pot Is
yours, SIR"
Without any appearance of exulta- |
ion Hall raked in the coin, bills and
checks. separated them and put them
n his pockets. Meanwhile bis hand
ay face down upon the table.
"Mr. Hail." said Sharon II will give
TOu 500 IL you will sLbw me your
aand"
Senator Sharon" replied the Bos-
oman, at Is not enough. Nor would
show it to you now for $1,000. Still,
o satisfy your curiosity, will put
his hand in an envelope, seal it up in
our presence and put it in the hotel
afe. to be called for by you ten days
ence, bat upon this condition: That
'Ou will put $3.50 in an envelope, to go
alto the hotel safe and to be delivered
0 me nine days hence"
Sharon reflected for a few minutes.
t was a struggle between curiosity
nd coin. Finally curiosity conquered,
nd both envelopes were sealed and iq-
rusted to the custody Of the clerk.
When the ten days elapsed, Mr.. ShaF-
n called for his package and exam
ned the handwriting but a pair OF
euces and ten high. He had been the
ictim Of a colossal bluff.