I was aboard the _Sultana_, bound for Louisville, and got into a
five-handed game of poker. When we landed at the mouth of the
Cumberland, two of our party got off to take a boat for Nashville;
that left our game three-handed. For fear that another would get
away, I thought I must get my work in without further delay; so I
excused myself for a few moments and went to the bar. I got a deck
just like the one we were using, and "run up" three hands, giving
one three aces, one three kings, and myself four trays. We played
a short time after my return, and on my deal I called their attention
to something, and at the same time came up with the "cold deck."
The betting was lively. I let them do the raising, and I did the
calling until it came to the draw. They each took two cards, and
I took one, saying "If I fill this flush, I will make you squeal."
I knew they both had "full hands," and they just slashed their
money on the table until there was over $4,000 up. Then I made a
"raise" of $1,200, and they both "called." "Gentlemen, I said, "I
suppose you have me beat; I have only two pair." "Oh!" says one,
"I have a king full;" and the other one said, "I have an ace full."
"Well, boys, I can down both hands, for I have two pair of trays."
The game came to a close, for there was no more money on the other
side.