One evening I played a game of euchre on the _Grand Republic_ with
a sucker. I gave him a big hand, and told him I could euchre him.
He offered to bet $100, and I bet him $500. Up went the money,
when down came the clerk, who I knew would stop the game; but
quickly giving my hand to my partner, I rushed up and grabbed the
clerk, good naturedly holding him until Bill had all the stuff
taken. The clerk made a holy howl and a terrible kick, but I gave
him the laugh, telling him that if he made me give up the money it
would be taking the bread and meat out of my mouth. This amused
him, and no more was said.
I was playing in a game of poker at one time, and one of the party
was a friend of mine. I saw I could win some big money if I could
get my friend out of the game. I tried every way I could to run
him out, but he was game, and would not run, so I at last ran him
up a hand, and then broke him; then he retired in good order.
After getting him out I started in and made the balance of the
party sick in less than no time. After the game broke up, I found
my friend and asked him how much he lost. He told me. I handed
him the amount, saying, "I tried to get you out of the game without
winning your money, but you would not go, so all I could do was to
break you; but I never try to beat a friend, so I want you to have
all your money back."
He thanked me very kindly, and said, "George, if you ever want a
favor that is in my power to grant, do not hesitate to ask it of
me, for I will be happy to grant it."
The above is one of the many similar circumstances that I have
experienced during my forty years as a gambler. I always loved to
play a social game with my friends, for a small limit, and I never
took any advantage, unless it was for a joke, or to run a friend
out, and then I would return all I had won.