The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1916-04-30
he WAS A STRANGER
AND He LOST WAD
Though lie Undoubtedly Won
out in the Game at Old
Man Grecnlaw'S.
SG,!LE UNDUE EXCITEMENT
By DAVID A. CURTIS.

was seldom inclined to tarry long in
Arkansas City during those days in
which that community suffered. as
dd great sections Of the South. from
the demoralizing influences and the
disastrous effects Of the civil war. II
vas a perfectly practicable stopping
place, If one desired To stop, but be-
,ond that II was difficult for a stranger
10 discover any reason why there
should he a settlement there. Yet a
settlement there undoubt edly was. and
at intervals things happened in il.
of these things floods were the most
important. Twice a year in the sea-
son ~ Northern thaws the Missis-
sppi River misbchnves Itself. Inordi-
ratcly swollen in bulk 1t breaks over
iis banks. spreading devastation
through the land and threatening ruin
70 everything artificial in the valley.
Even so crude an imitation OF a town
as Arkansas City wa liable To extinc-
ion on these occasions. and being
hall under water as Il was whenever
hood ragged. il presented a spectacle
II desolation even more woful than
It's ordinary aspect. This seemed cruel
and unnecessary.
A visitor 20 Arkansas City in flood
lime therefore found himself almost
literally between the devil and a fair
imitation of the deep blue sea. Hav-
ing nothing but leisure TO occupy his
mind. he would ordinarily he driven
10 drink. Having drunk sufficiently
lie would he embroidered to play poker.
Hence the existence OF old man
Greenlaw's saloon. which was as easy
"' access as any other place in a
food, and which offered facilities for
the two pursuits mentioned highly
oreditahle to the enterprise OF the pro-
prietor. No visitor having the price
a turned away thirsty from his
door. No man with a wad wa de-
MED the privilege OF sitting in at the
same. And there was always a game
when a visitor was willing To play.
Buck SaNton was always willing tn
play poker. Moreover. he was entirely
lice from fanaticism on the subject
OF drink. Being country bred. and
Sifted beyond the average with physi-
cal ability. he had frequently INDUCED
in such enjoyment as he had found
AVAILABLE In the rural districts without
having suffered any serious conse-
quences thereafter. Accordingly he was
knY'rn to his associates as a real sport,
though he had never attained the
standing of a professional. either at
the poker table or at the bar.
When, therefore. Mr.. Saxton found
himself in Arkansas city at a time
when the boat service was ever more
regular than usual. on account of
The flood, and was forced to RENAL
there longer than he desired or had
expected. he did not wait to lie driven
by despair TO seek diversion in t,n
only two possible ways in which Il
Was TO he found. On the contrary
lie looked about him with something
like e%agerness for an opportunity 20
,njoy himself in either Of those two
. way.
Not being acquainted with the con-
d!tions Of life In Il large city. he w.
unable at first to locat any spot Il
which he could find the necessary IA
~c,li;ies
Accordingly he went outside and
ha.l!nG the first man he saw. qu"s-
toned him somewhat abruptly.
What kyind of II town is this ye e,
anyway" lie said. "Ain't they. no
piac' 70 nobody to stay, Only this
! shack"
: What's tn 'bjection to it," was III.
no less abrupt reply he received. To
man he had addressed Glanced to he
Mr.. Joe Bassett. who. being the Sher-
IN, had official reasons Tor upholdir-
the dignity Of Arkansas city, and who,
moreover. was somewhat impatien.,
, IN his personal capacity. Of anything
which savored of discourtesy.
We'll. I reckon mebbe they amt no
p'ticklar ELECTIONS to it If anybody
lkes it," said Mr.. SaXton. who was
nor Of speech. But / don't" he added
earnestly.
Don't stay thar. then" counselled
Bsssett.
81 won't IL they's any place else
said Saxton promptly. but that's the
trouble, $ longs I'm in tow | got
\ p stay some place. an pears like
H they amt no other tavern round"
We'll, If yo' all stays in town long
enough" retorted the other with bit
ing G "mebbe they'll be one
built 70 to suit yo'. but II yo' don't
fee! like waitin' hat long they won't
nobody have no hard feelin's il 20
vas to git out. Them that don't like
Arkansas City don't have to stay into
it
"MeDbe not on sen'l principles
vas the sur-rejoinder, also delivered
sarcastically. but that's the hell OF
II. Gawd knows I don't see but one
reason TO- stayin'. an thar is what
I'm obleeged to till they's a hoa'
4 tones along, Mebbe If ! was To xii
somepin' fl to drink. or find some
vehement y some kyind. ! mough'
feel different, but" And he shook
his head sadly. as IL unable to express
himself In proper terms.
Now Mr.. Bassett. hasty and eNen
0iarrolsome as he undoubtedly was
h'd other traits of character and was
81 '"met.mes capable Of self-restrnint
H"e.@ now n possibility of utiiizid"
Nj, SaNton for the betterment of busi-
ness conditions in Arkansas CITY. he
"','rel his tone.
W" al might git a drink up to
H;"eu.aw's place. he said almost ana
bly,. an II you're looking fo' 'citement
70 molght set into a game II they's
"A' ru!n' on
y 'iqu~r." was Mr.. iTton's
4 y = -; sufficient reply. and To- Two
t~''''.o! forthwith.
" ~ they entered the place Iias-
."'i .al mrutllned they found little "a