I was playing monte one night on the _Robert E. Lee_, when a fellow
stepped up to the table and bet me $800. I knew it was all the
money he had, for he tried to make it $1,000 by putting up his
watch; but in those days I would not turn for a watch unless it
was a Juergunsen or very fine make. When he had lost his money
and spent a few moments studying, he whipped out a Colt's navy and
said, "See here, friend, that is all the money I have got, and I
am going to die right here but I will have it back." I coolly
said, "Did you think I was going to keep the money?" He replied,
"I knew very well you would not keep it. If you had, I would have
filled you full of lead. I am from Texas, sir;" and the man
straightened himself up. Pulling out a roll of money, I said, "I
want to whisper to you." He put his head down, and I said "that
I didn't want to give up the money before all these people; that
then they would want their money back; but you offer to bet me
again, and I will bet the $800 against your pistol."
That pleased him. "All right," he said, and the $800 and pistol
went up in my partner's hands. Over went the wrong card. I grabbed
the pistol, and told my partner to give me the stake money. Pulling
the gun on him, "Now," I said, "you have acted the wet dog about
this, and I will not give you a cent of your money; and if you cut
any more capers, I'll break your nose." I presented the pistol to
the mate of the boat, who kept it for a number of years, and said
that it was the best he had ever owned.
Another time on the same boat I was playing euchre with a Californian,
when we got to betting on poker hands. He lost $1,600 and his
watch, then told the clerk that he was going to his state-room for
his pistol, and going to kill that gambler on sight. The clerk
soon gave me a hint, and I got out old Betsy Jane; and pretty soon
he came along, holding his pistol under his coat, and just as he
stepped out of the cabin door I pulled down on him, saying, "I have
got you, my boy, and if you make one move I'll turn her loose."
He saw I had the drop on him, threw up both hands; and taking his
pistol away, I threw it into the river.