The Mississippi Gambler

Keen trying, I guess.

Get down there.

Just can't seem to do it, that's all.

Get down there.

It I sure can't do it the way them travelers men did it.

But I'm getting better.

You're sure they were traveling men then.

Oh, Yes. they had the sample cases right with lace and garter.

You know, I swore I knew where that queen was every time.

And they took $20 of my pin money just like that.

Well, anyway, they gave me the cards to practice with.

You might end up a gambler.

Well, I'm going to try it on the folks back home till I get my money back.

Maybe I can get my money back right now.

Excuse me.

Bet you $20 you can't find that queen.

Done.

- You're a professional. - No. But I'm going to be.

You certainly are.

I never saw anyone switch cards that perfectly.

You're the first one that hadn't complained about it.

What is Your name?

Mark Patton. May I ask yours?

Polly. Kansas John, they call me, except the ones that lose money.

- Never heard of me? - No.

- You're not from this part of the country? - No. New York.

Active in gambling, eh?

Well, in a way.

There was always a game going on in my father's

fencing academy ever since I can remember.

I finally got tall enough to sit in between fencing leesons.

Well, you're a decent looking young fellow, Mr. Fallon.

I don't know why you want to get mixed up in a crooked life like this.

- I'm not. - But you said...

I get a different idea about gambling, Mr. Polly.

I'm going to deal honest cards.

Well, that sure will be a novelty on this river.

I hope you're good.

You'll be up against some mighty dirty competition.

Just for instance.

Well, you I'd steer clear of, Mr. FF Montague Caldwell.

You, boy. You there. Get this luggage aboard.

Should we follow respectfully in his wake?

If those diamonds lighten our way.

- How much of a stake have you got? - $600.

You got nerves, son.

Hold on, Put it all}

Oh, we're not late, my sweet brother. I won my bet.

You're just a maniac. You almost killed us.

You owe me $100 and a bottle of wine, which you can drink yourself.

I need it!

Gently!

Quiet.

Thank you.

I was afraid you'd tip over.

High strung thoroughbreds like those need a gentle hand.

Oh really?

Well, I've handled high strung thoroughbred successfully for quite a few years,

and I assure you I would this time.

Undoubtedly.

Sometimes horses and beautiful women are upset by whistles.

You're an expert on both?

I'm interested in both.

My sister doesn't care to discuss your interests.

So it seems.

Somebody ought to take that little pepper pot over their knee and whale her.

She didn't cure the horses that way.

Women are different. You just don't know.

$20 to ten she looks back.

Here's where I get my money back.

I think you do.

The Lord made this, and the Lord made us.

And the lord made man and woman.

Man and woman.

Everything in a whole wide creation

Come, obey to Lord, come

Now, that was just sheer luck.

I thought you had aces.

Would you gentlemen mind if 1 join the game?

Certainly not. It would be a pleasure, Sir.

The more the merrier, the bigger the pot.

Excuse me.

I think you'll find the stakes a little too high.

That's what interests me.

Could we have a fresh deck of cards?

Do you question this one?

You may enjoy losing with them,

but I like an even chance of winning.

- In other words, I'm cheating. - Gentlemen, gentlemen.

If there is any accusation, it is to me, Mr...

What is your name?

Mark Fallon, Mr. Caldwell.

I ordered these new cards from the bartender.

- Bartender! - Yes sir.

He placed them on the table himself and they were put in play.

Sometimes bartenders don't recognize

the quality of the gentleman they sell to.

Thank you, sir.

Bartender? What do you mean selling a deck like this?

What's wrong with this, Sir?

This gentleman discovered they were sacked or something.

Crooked for sharpers!

Well, believe me, Sir, I don't know.

The devil is what you don't Know.

If I ever see another one of these in play on this ship,

I'll report you to the captain.

Now let's have some legitimate seal decks at once.

Yes, sir.

One card.

One also.

Well, let's make it unanimous, gentlemen. One.

Check.

$300.

Raise 300.

I don't have quite enough here,

If you gentlemen will excuse me for a moment.

Certainly, sir.

Mr. Fallon, do you want to sign a slip?

I don't bet money I don't have, Mr. Dureau.

600 don't last long, does it? Ran you out?

I have a winning hand Mr. Polly.

Will you back my play?

- 600 to me, right? - Correct, sir.

And 600.

900 and raised.

200.

Call.

Call.

Two pair, kings high.

Flush, Queen high.

Tens full.

Thank you and good night, Sir.

It wasn't no good for me.

I hope you didn't mind waiting.

- Not at all. - How much?

4100. Is that what you make it?

This will more than cover it.

I'm not in the habit of lying.

There's appraisal for more than $7,000.

This is a family heirloom. Your sister...

It's no concern of yours whose it is or what.

Does it satisfy the debt?

Yes, thank you.

You are new to the river.

Yes. Attractive life isn't?

I don't think you'll find it so.

If you ever repeat tonight's performance.

One isn't supposed to win?

One isn't supposed to show off another player or what kind of cards he's using.

The gentlemen here have a certain code of honor.

How do you spell that, Mr. Caldwell?

They haven't found spelling to be any answer.

The waters of the Mississippi are very treacherous, Mr. Fallon.

A number of unfortunates have fallen overboard from these river boats at night.

Their bodies were never recovered.

Pleasant sleep, sir.

Mr. Caldwell.

You can tell those gentlemen that I expect

to be on the Mississippi for a long time.

And any man who turns a crooked card at my

table will be exposed and thrown out of the game.

When that kind of disgrace hits a lot of men, Mr. Caldwell.

They don't wait to fall overboard.

They jump.

Good night to you, sir.

Well, looks like we're doomed to stay in the best hotel in New Orleans.

If we stay lucky.

How long do you stop over there, Polly?

Two weeks. Then I'm broke.

- How's that? - Pharaoh?

I can't help playing that game, even though I know it's crooked.

Terrible that's this device at my age.

Excuse me.

I used to say the same thing myself.

Miss Dureau.

I'm sorry to intrude, but I believe your brother

made an unintentional mistake last night.

This is yours?

Yes.

I wanted to return it to you.

How do you mean, an unintentional mistake?

I won from him at cards.

He'd been drinking a bitter. I don't think he'd have chosen this.

My brother doesn't take my property without my permission.

Sure of that?

Quite lovely.

- You must value it because... - Mr. Fallon.

I believe that's your name.

I'm don't have the habit of talking with strangers.

And I don't accept charity from gamblers.

Morning, my sweet sister.

How dare you steal my necklace?

Your necklace?

You gave it to that gambler. He showed it to me.

- I'm sorry, Leia. I had to. - Why?

Because I was just a fool.

I got in the hand of those card shops last night.

They took all my money and 4000 besides.

And you take the one thing that I love more than anything I have.

Oh, you fool.