Tripp and I at one time played an early train from Chicago down to
Michigan City, and there we got off to wait for another train to
take us to Detroit. We were in a saloon, and wishing for something
to turn up that we might pass the time until the next train arrived.
There was an old fellow in the saloon who was very talkative, and
we learned from his talk that he was well posted about that part
of the country. I did not think he had any money, so I had no idea
of playing him, but thought I would talk about the country, crops,
and such like. We had not talked long until I found he was waiting
for the same train that we were expecting to take. I asked him if
he would play euchre to pass the time, and he said he would.
We then sat down and began a game for the drinks. Once in a while
the old fellow would say something about poker hands, so I finally
ran him up the old chestnut of four queens and an ace, giving Tripp
four kings, and taking nothing myself. I came the old spit racket,
and exposed my hand. The old fellow says: "I've a good poker
hand."
"How much will you bet on your hand?" I inquired.