The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-10-11
MR.. OWEN PEPPER
IS TEMERARIOUS
Emboldcned by a Previous Ex-
plot, lie Speaks His Mind
Rashly.
ESCAPES WITH AN APOLOGY
~ DAVID A. CURTIS.

Those who enjoyed the acquaintance
Of old man Greenlaw OF Arkansas City,
and even those who did not enjoy 1t,
were forced to admit IL they were at
all fairmnded, that he was a man of
rugged force.
There was no dsputing that whatever
the private opinion OF any Of his ac-
auaintances might or might not be with
regard to any other qualities that he
might or might not have or be supposed
90 have. He was also outspoken and
by no means inclined as n general rule
to remain silent during the discussion
in his presence of any subject.
It was therefore "A matter OF surprise
to q number Of gentlemen who sat in
the back room of his little saloon in
Arkansas City one summer evening, and
who were more or less familiar with his
habits when he remained silent during
n discussion that sprang up among HEM
and seemed indeed to be disinclned to
express himself even after he had been
directly appealed to for an opinion.
II was a friendly discussion, no blows
having been struck or shots fired up
to tho point at which the appeal was
made TO the old man. II was true that
there was a tinge OF acrimony in the
tone Of voice in which certain remarks
had been made, and there had been
things insinuated which, coming from
stranger would have been likely to lead
20 hostillties. Even as 1t was, friend
ship had been strained to somewhere
near tho breaking point, but. as was
said. no open violence had yet been
attempted.
Mr. owen Pepper was in the game.
II had not been his custom for a very
long time to participate in the poker
contests that frequently occurred in the
back room Of the old mans saloon
He had taken a hand on several occa-
sions soon after he formed the habit OF
spending his leisure hours in the saloon
whenever he visited Arkansas City on
his travels. he being a travelling man.
but ne was more or less prudent. and
after n few experiences had thereafter
abytained from playing there. so that
they had long since ceased to look upon
him as a producer In n financial sense.
He was always welcomed as a coming
guest, albeit he was not infrequently
speeded in his parting. for the reason
that he often brought important news
from the outside world. but as they had
no other use for him they were not al
ways tolerant of his remaining in the
place after he had impaired his intelll-
gence.
Nevertheless, prudent as he was In
some respects, there was n temerarious
turn to his disposition and he persisted
in going to the saloon. although as was
said he no longer played poker there.
And he had endured being browbeaten so
long and so patiently that they came TO
look upon him as poor in spirit, until on
one memorable occasion he had pluckcd
up courage and a hungstarter that had
been regarded as the old mans private
weapon and had smitten him with 1t 50
deftly and so violently as to inspire great
respect. no; only in the beholders OF the
unexpected feat but in the old man.
Mr.. Pepper had thereuLon waxed
cocky. Submitting no longer to con-
tumely, he assumed n staggering de-
meanor and not only INDUCED a some
wha. inordinate fondness for stimulants
to n degree that they never had observed
d In him before. but on the occasion In
hand, being more or less affected by his
potations in the earlier part OF the eve
ming. he had declared with great bold.
ness that he was prepared TO sit in II
anybody felt disposed to try conclusion,
with him at the poker table. 1t has
been mentioned already that he was
temerarious at times.
The others listened to this declaration
with great surprise. but there was M
reluctance manifested about acceptins
the challenge. Probably there would no
have been any even II they had not OBJ
served his condition and also noted tn,
fact that he had considerable amour
of money on his person at the time Be
ing aware of those two things they dis
played almost painful eagerness in tn,
way they expedited the preliminaries o
the contest.
Some Of the incidents Of the game ii
the earlier stages of It had served t.
increase the respect they were begin
ming to entertain for Mr.. Pepper a
being more Of a man thar they ha
heretofore considered him. While n
was by no means the equal of .Jlr
Blaisdell In the cleverness with whlcI
the latter manipulated the cards--fey
men were Mr.. Blaisdells equal in tina
respect--yet he showed himself to b
fully as good a player as any of tn
rest OF them, although, of course, Their
was no one in the party on whom h
could rely for any collusive effort o.
his behalf.
Being both bold and cautious In hi
play. according as circumstances SCENE
to dictate, he won several considerabl
pots, and was for a time winner in tn
game, though not ahead to any enor
nous extent. 1t was enough, however
10 cause them to play more closely tina
they had at first deemed It necessar
to do, and gradually the tide turned /
the other direction, and Mr.. Pepper
pile of chips began to shrink.
They were playing table stakes an
ne being apparently unwilling to cor
tnue with a less amount in front
him than the others had. produced fror
time to time several successive sums
money from $40 up to $50, which h
took from his wad and added to IN
pile he had on the table. They sa-
plainly, however, that he still had none
remaining. and they played along cheer
fully without relaxing the character
their efforts in any degree.
After some time Mr.. Pepper bega
20 show some signs Of evaporation
| the way his luck was running and ha,
ing recourse to his wad again he toe
from It a 800 bill and laid that on n