Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1908-02-25


Byron was Sharon's favorite bard. He
had made his works his LIES study,
and any one who appreciated him had
a call on the senator's friendship.
On certain evening the three sena-
tors and Judge Mesick met in the hotel
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 lit
tie game of draw" No one said nay,
though Mr.. Hall difidently 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.
''Lcok out for Hail." remarked Shar-
on 81 never heard 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 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
with indifference. After one of Halls
deals Mr.. Stewart hoped in with q
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.. Hall, the dealer,
scanned his hand carefully and con-
cluded that there was something In It
for him. All drew-Hall one Garland
then the fun began. Round and round
again went the def" Stewart and
Jones dropped out. Mesick stood few
more raises and then retired, leaving
the fight to Sharon and Hall. There
was by this time $4,000 in the pot.
'T1l raise you $4,000. Mr.. Hail."
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 ask
ed him for blank California bank
check.
| 81 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"
Slowly and deliberately Hall filed
out the check, signed 1t and spread the
blotter over 1t without tremor. Then
he pushed it quietly to the center of the
table and said:
! II 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 half smile of
confidence on his face, but no indica-
ton Of boastfulness or excitement.
"AIr. Hail." said Sharon, II feel sure
you hold the better hand, and do moi
care to waste my money. The pot is
yours, sir"
4 Without any appearance Of exulta
ton Hall raked in the coin, bills and
checks, separated them and put then
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 youl
hand"
Senator Sharon" replied the Bos
tonian, "it is not enough. Nor would
show it to you now for $1,000. Still
to satisfy your curiosity, I will pu
this hand In an envelope, seal 1t up ii
your presence and put it in the hote
safe, to be called for by you ten day
hence, but upon this condition: Tha
you will put $3.50 in an envelope, to g
into the hotel safe and to be delivered
to me nine days hence
81, Sharon reflected for few minutes
It was struggle between curiosit,
; and coin. Finally curiosity conquered
, and both envelopes were sealed and In
trusted to the custody Of the CLERK
When the ten days elapsed, Mr.. Shal
on called for his package and exam
lhed the handwriting but pair Q
deuces and ten high. He had been th
victim OF colossal bluff.
l. p