A Game Of Draw Poker

A certain man went down f rom Chicago to Ohio, taking with him a retum ticket, lest he fall against a Cincinnati wheat speculator and be robbed of that wherewith he would fain buy flour and gum shoes for his family in the season of cold which cometh upon those who live in Chicago from the tenth to the fourth month, and finda j himself among sinners and publicans, whose mercy is strainQd even so fine that it would bother you some to discover it. And when he liad reached Cincinnati he went to an inn and gave to the landlord thereof three pieces of silver, saying: "íío monkey business ith me Charlie: 1 am from Bitter Creek." And he who kept the inn marveled greatly and said unto himself : "These be strange men that come from Chicago; never are they to be bilked by a hotel bill, and he who endeavored to outwit them is invariably headed off." But nevertheless hebethought himself of a poker game which was that night in the inn, and laughecl to himself with exceeding great joy. ïhen arose the landlord and went unto the place called Bar, where of a certainty he should flncl the man from Chicago, and approachiug him, said: "There be in this inn, even in the third story thereof, a small party of prominent citizens which do play at a game called poker. Ferchance thou might, after much ravail, secure a seat among them." And when the host of the inii kad spake these words a bewitching smile played around the lips of the Chicago man, and he answered, saying: "lam yet young, and of a certainty f ar f rom mine home and family, and fearful lest I should fall among thleves." Bat the landlord rebuked him, saying: "In this party whereof I speak are only business men, two being colonels and one judge. Would you not deem it an honor to play with these?" And the Chicago man was overeóme, and said softly: "I should twitter," which, being interpreted, means that he should blush to giggle. So they went up in that whicfi is called elevator, until threestories were below them, and the landlord knocked softly on the door of aroom in which a light gleamed brightly. And the door opened. And when the Chicago man had seated himself and bought of chips an hundred shekels' worth, he spake not, but drank heartily. And it came to pass thataftermany deals one of the colonels did bet seven shekels; whereupon bet also the Chicago man a like amount.and did vauquish the colonel, who had tbat which is called two pair. And when this liad occured thrice the colonel said unto the judge: "He is playing them close unto his stomach." And it was so. But presently there eame to the colonel a hand of exceeding beauty and strength, being f our aces. And he who held them was filled with glee and knew not fear, placing in the centre of the table great quantities of shekels. And when it came to that whicn is called the draw the Chicago man took not of the cards, saying that he was content. But the colonel drew one with great boasting, telling, with intent to deceive the others, of how he would bet if perchance he made a full, whichis a hand of great strength, and capable of overcoming threes or even a llush, but which cannot pravail against fours. And havingsaid these words ho wagered heavily of silver and gold, all of which the Chicago man did cover, and even betted more; whereupon put the colonel also his watch and diamond on the table, and wagered them freely. And when all had been betted the Chicago man said: "Straight flush," even as he spoke gathering unto himself all the treasures which the table held And when he had placed in his pocket all the shekels, and in his shirt front the diamond, and had adorned himself with the watch, he became suddenly sleepy and said: "I am too full to play well to-night I will go to my bed." And he went. But those who were left did beat their breasts and cry out, saying: "How are we knocked around and paralyzed by this stranger who cometía from Chioago and dresseth ïaot in fine raiment, but who has of money great store a$A will wager it lavishly on a hand which cannot be overeóme, lt were better we had remained this night with our wi ves and children. To-morrow night, however, we will again play with him at a game called poker, and compass liim about with a cold deck, so that he shall beoverthrown and Cast down in sjirit." But they wist not wbat they said: For in the morning the stranger departed from out their gates and came back to lus wife, who feil upon his neck and kissed hiin. And he did kiss her on the cheek, saying: "Mary, you can order that sealskin." And she made answer, and said: "Charlie, you're a darling; kiss me again. -