The sun., 1910-01-30

named Peters. whom Driscoll knew only
slightly as a piker OF dubious fame.
Nothing definite was known AGAINST
him but he was not liked, and 1t was
surprise TO find him with Barton. The
others were two local politicians and the
proprietor of the room. one Harkins.
A quick glance at the table showed that
the game was largo enough to make II
worth while, for chips and money to the
amount OF several hundred dollars were
in sight, and no objection being made
when Driscoll proposed to sit in he bought
stack Of chips and drew up a chair.
Table stakesI" he inquired as he sat
down. and Harkins said it was, where
upon he drew out two OF his yellow backs
and placed his chips on them
For while the game was huctuatlng,
and once or twice Driscoll was within a
narrow margin of having to replenish his
stakes, but a few good coups atterward
put him on velvet and from that on he
was tho largest winner at the table. His
skill was undoubtedly a factor. but the
run OF bad luck that had pursued him
seemed to be broken. Twice when the
odds justified him he paid to draw to
four flush and filed it, and both proved
to be winning hands.
For more than an hour nothing was
detected that gave rise even to a sus-
picion OF false play. Then Driscoll saw or
thought he saw Peters hold out card.
Whether il he'd been palmed or slipped
into some hiding place in the sleeve or
elsewhere he could not be certain, but he
Yves positive that the man who had been
so cautious cnd SO small q player In Chi
cago as to be known as a piker was at
tempting a difficult feet. Whst he felt
sure of was that Peters in discardng
his hand had thrown down four cards
only.
Saying nothing of his suspicion he pro-
fessed to find q defective card and called
for new deck. Blue this time, he eaid.
and IL was forthcoming. Then the game
continued till presently another deck
was called for end another red deck was
produced. Then Driscoll watched even
more diligently.
On the seoord deal thereafter there
was q. j.ckpot. and Peters after standing
double raise before the draw called for
Two cards. Then on the showdown he ez-
hibited an ace full and took the pot
Driscoil had passed out on the first
round and sat leaning back in his chair
with his right hsnd under the table, look
ing on with apparent unconcern, but
when he saw Peters, s hand he said quietly:
Where did you get that ace Of hearts!
"m the deal OF course. Where did you
suppose got it?' replied Peters, seeming
to be greatly amazed.
Il thought perhaps you had it in your
sleeve said Driscoll II discarded the
ace of hearts myself. so l reckon that card
must belong to some other deck. | threw
bne ldSJ req ueCk we nau over IN JhldL COI-
ner. II some of you gentlemen will
count it you'll find it one card short.
The piker had gone red and then white
while he was talking. He cast an APP
pealing glance at Barton, found courage
enough to say: You're a liar by the
Clock but checked himself suddenly
when he found himself looking down the
barrel OF a revolver. Driscoll had ex-
pected more violent retort and was
prepared.
Then when the exposed trickster cow
cred in dread he continued: you'll take
that back, and you needn't look to your
pal for help. Il know him. For the
memory of his old quarrel with Barton
came back suddenly. and made him in
cautious.
II was a fatal error, for Barton drew
instantly. and before Driscoll could
change his aim he fell with ball through
his BODY.
Il call you to witness. gentlemen, that
he drew first" exclaimed Barton, but in
the hubbub he was hardly understood.
end the wounded man only grosned.
Then suddenly he raised himself and lift
ing the revolver that was still A hfs
grasp he shot Barton through the heart.
Its no use. Harkins," he said feebly,
as that worthy started to lift him up.
= He's done me. but I've settled with him.
one thing more. I've got about
a thousand on the table and in my pocket.
Give il TO Ferguson and tell him Jack
Driecoll kept his promise
When the doctor arrived there was no
one for him to help, but Ferguson got
his money back the next day.