The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1908-02-21
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.

| IHeIe were many i'cIy Bhh'o va
poker played ia 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 a 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 II happened that Senators Stew
art and Jones Of Nevada and Judge
| Dick Mesick occurred" I'm the hotel at
the same time there was sure to be hot
work 1t happened upon one OF these
occasions that 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 or
lines OF the poets verse without halt.
Byron was Sharons 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 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
I'm 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 Meslck proposed a lit
tie game of draw" No one said nay,
though Mr.. Hall dlflidently 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. IL 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 n 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.~snd 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 MIR. Stewart hoped In with
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 1t
for him. All drew-Uall one Garland
then the fun began. Round and round
again went the def" Stewart and
Jones dropped out. Meslck stood few
more raises and then retired, leaving
the fight TO Sharon and Hall. There
was by this time $4,000 In the pot.
'1Il 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
cd him for a 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 ii and spread the
| blotter over IL without u tremor Then
he pushed II quietly to the center of 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 n half smile OF
! confidence ON his face, but no indica-
! ton Of boastfulness or excitement
"Mr. Hail." said Sharon, IL feel sure
you hold the better hand. and do not
care TO waste my money. The pot is
yours, sir"
without any appearance OF eNulta-
tion Hall raked in the coin, bills and
checks, separated them and put them
I'm his pockets. Meanwhile his hand
lay face down upon the table.
''Mr. Hail." said Sharon, IL will give
you 500 II you will show me your
hand"
Senator Sharon" replied the Bos-
tonian. 1T is not enough. Nor would
l show it TO you now for $1,000. Still,
TO satisfy your curiosity, | Will put
this hand I'm an envelope, seal IL up In
your presence and put IL In the hotel
safe. To be called for by you ten days
hence, but upon this condition: That
you will put $3.50 in an envelope. to 20
into the hotel safe and 10 be delivered
To me nine days hence"
Sharon reflected for few minutes.
II was struggle between curiosity
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.. shar-
on called for his package and exam.
ined the hand-nothing but pair OF