ket. I waited my chance,
and clinched onto four fours and a jack. I kept "going blind,"
until the chief got a good hand, and then he came back at me strong.
We had it hot and heavy. I let the buck see my hand until it came
to the draw, and then I shifted the hand, and came up with the four
fours and the jack, but the warrior did not see me get _that_ hand.
I then made a big bet. The old chief called his squaw, and she
brought him a sack of silver. He then "called" me. We showed
down; the money was mine; and then you should have seen the fun.
The buck that had been giving my hand away started to run. The
old chief jumped up, grabbed his tomahawk, and lit out after him.
I jerked off my coat, dumped all the silver into it, jumped into
my buggy, and lost no time in getting out of that neck of the woods.
As I was going at a 2:40 gait, I looked back and saw the buck and
old chief going through the woods. I never knew whether the old
man caught the buck or not, but I do know he did not catch me. I
took desperate chances to win that pot, and I was very lucky in
not losing my scalp. I never inquired when the Indians were to be
paid off again, for I had no notion of paying them a visit. Any
one who has a desire to play poker with "big injins" has my consent;
but I would advise them to play a square game, and keep their eye
skinned for the big "buck" that talks to the chief.

A RELIGIOUS CAPTAIN.

I was on board the steamer _War Eagle_ going from Dubuque to St.
Paul. The Captain was a member of the church, and did not allow
any gambling on his boat; and any one caught at that innocent
pastime would be put ashore. While walking over the boat I met a
gentlemen who I thought had money (and I hardly ever made a mistake
in my man). I invited him to join me in a drink, and then steered
him into the barber shop. I told him I had lost some money betting
on cards, but I did not mind very much, as my father was wealthy.
While I was showing him how I had lost the money, my partner came,
and after watching me throw the cards for a little while, he wanted
to bet me $100 he could pick the card. I threw them again, and
told him to put up. He "turned," and won the money. Then, turning
to the man, he showed him one of the corners turned up, and wanted
to bet me again. I told him I would not play with a man that beat
me. The man then asked me if I would bet with him. I said I would,
providing the other fellow would not tel