The Meeker herald. [volume] (Meeker, Colo.) 1885-current, 1909-05-15
A Straight Flush.

copyright. 1908. by T. C. Ncclure-J
II was westbound train on the
Union Pacific road In the days when
Cheyenne was its western terminus.
Major Creushaw. army paymaster. was
playing cards with several men. A
woman on the train warned him by a
look that they were sharpers. Her
warning was unheeded-indeed. resent
ed.
When the officer was thousand dol
lars ahead he looked back at the wo-
man and smiled supercillously. She
answered by shaking her head. He
was still holding his own when he
looked again. She was sleeping, or pre-
tending to. Then Of sudden luck
changed. The professional gambler
does not always have to resort to trick
cry. The tickle goddess is apt to smile
on him as on the novice. There was
square deal Of cards in which three OF
the four got good hands, and the bet
ting was lively. The major held four
tens and kept boosting the pot until
his winnings were at stake. Then hs
called to find four queens out against
him. One more hand cleaned him out
to his last dollar, and he rose up to
give place to some one else. He look
ed mt the woman, and there was
smile of pity on her face. 1t angered
him. He Clipped with government
greenbacks. He won and he lost.
For two hours the major made three
losses to one winning. Two Of the
others also lost. Luck favored only
one man. Whenever during these two
hours the ofi1cer looked at the woman
she was either mapping or looking out
Of the window. She did not try to
catch his eye again. She gave him no
attention when he finally rose up and
returned to his old seat. He hadn't
S. left in his pocket. He had used up
over 5000 Of government money. He
snt stiffiy in his seat, staring straight
ahead of him. wondering how he should
die. He was not the man to turn cur
and run away. All his friends COM
bined could not raise that amount OF
money Offhand. He had lived under
army regulations Ms an officer and
gentleman, and he would die that way.
Il was to be suicide pure and simple.
either before reaching Cheyenne or d.
rcctly afterward. The major didn't
shrink from the idea. He was trying
to plan the time and place. As he
was busy with these thoughts the wo-
man rose up and passed down the car
to the gang he had played with. The
three men were not playing Mt that
moment.
elm. how much have you won?'
asked the woman Of the lucky man.
".bout $1,000"
I'D like to play hand with you
Just the two of u.s."
The three men looked at her II sur
prise. and number Of passengers
gathered around.
II mean IT, insisted the woman az
she produced money and drafts. wen
cut for denl and have showdown.
The biggest hand takes the stakes"
THAT isn't regular. Besides, I'm
playing in great luck today and would
he sure to beat YOU"
''rhen You will be welcome to my
money. Don't Ike funker."
What are the stakes to be?"
six thousand dollars.
''Whew" whistled three or four men
In chorus. 1t was big sum Of money
to he lost or won on a showdown. 1t
staggered even the professionals.
EFF you will agree that we may dis
card and drnw after the deal III 60
YOU" said Jim after taking moment
to think and wondering If his luck
would stand by him.
al! right"
The woman sat down, the cards were
cut, and Jim got the deal. With 80
many eyes watching him he dared not
attempt any tricks. The woman said
der five cards would do. and the gam
bier held up two aces and drew three
more cards. When he saw that he had
drawn two more aces he felt sorry Tor