Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-14
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-What
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 coolness OF
the players who participated therein.
The following story Of one of those
games was printed in a San Francisco
paper some years ago:
The Palace hotel In the early days Oh
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 he not
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 afable
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 a halt.
Byron was Sharon's favorite bard. lie
had made his works his life's study,
and any one who appreciated him nad
q call on the senator's friendship.
On a 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 ana
invited the party to dinner, which was
served in Senator Sharon's room.
After dinner Mesick proposed 1T
tle 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 MS
best.
Look out for Hail." remarked Shar-
on. 81 never heard a man make that
remark yet who was not to be watcn-
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 not was not allowed to get cold Tor
lack of chipping. The men played with
varying success, and things ran pretty
even for an hour or so. Mr.. Han was
cautious and dribbled away his checks
with indifference. After one OF HAIRS
deals Mr.. Stewart hoped in with q
twenty dollar bet. Jones, evidently
pleased with his hand, saw him ano
went $50 better. Mesick and Sharon
wore not afraid and took some OF tne
ME themselves. Mr.. Hall, the dealer
scanned his hand carefully and con
cluded that there was something In i
for him. All drew-Hall one card-anc
: then the fun began. Round and rounc
again went the def" Stewart anc
, Jones dropped out. Mesick stood re"
more raises and then retired, leaving
the fight to Sharon and Hall. There
was bv this time $4,000 in the pot.
"TIl raise you $4,000 Mr.. Hail,
said Sharon. his thin lips set ana Ill
voice low and determined.
l Halls answer was to ring the pei'
and when the waiter appeared he ask
e ed him for blank California banl
. check.
81 presume, gentlemen. my checK
r as good as cash." he said politely.
certainly, sir" replied Senator shal
S on. You see our checks In the po
I already"
s Slowly and deliberately Hall nile
S out the check, signed 1t and spread 'n
: blotter over it without tremor. Inc
IS he pushed it quietly to the center OF tn
VI table and said:
S 81 have seen your $4,000, senator
o and 90 you $4,000 better"
II Sharon looked at him steadily 10
Il some moments. Halls composure Wa
y nerfect. There was a half smile
e. confidence on his face, but no indic'
l. tion of boastfulness or excitement.
"Mr. Hail." said Sharon, Il feel SUI
von hold the better hand, and DO N
as care to waste my money. Tne pot
ed yours, sir"
or without any appearance OF exult
.r. tion Hall raked in the coin, Dllls al
W. checks. separated them and put tne
IN his pockets. Meanwhile his har
ID. Law face down upon the table.
ay "NIr. Hail." said Sharon, Il VIII gi'
ou YOU 500 If you will show me yo'
at hand"
a "Senator Sharon" replied the BE
,st tonian. at is not enough. Nor wou
-er I show it to you now for $1,000. su
Ter to satisfy your curiosity, Will p
,m this hand in an envelope, seal 1t up
ng your presence and put 1t In the no'
*. safe. to be called for by you ten ga
er, hence, but upon this condition: LII
he Won will put $3.50 in an envelope, 10
into the hotel safe and to be denver
DO. to me nine days hence"
nd Sharon reflected for few minut
alf II WAS a struggle between curios
ers and coin. Finally curiosity conquer
.ou and both envelopes were sealed and
,ul- trusted TO the custody Of the Gle
re- When the ten days elapsed, Mr.. sh
ars on called for his package and exa
sci ined the hand-nothing but PAIR
oft deuces and ten high. He had been