As Mr. John Oakhurst, gambler, stepped into the main street of PokerFlat on the morning of the 23d of November, 1850, he was conscious ofa change in its moral atmosphere since the preceding night. Two orthree men, conversing earnestly together, ceased as he approached, andexchanged significant glances. There was a Sabbath lull in the air,which, in a settlement unused to Sabbath influences, looked ominous.
May 16, 1952 The Outcasts of Poker Flat (1952) Trapped in a snowbound mountain cabin, an assortment of travelers receives the unwelcome visit of a wanted outlaw.
The Outcast Of Poker Flat Study Guide
Mr. Oakhurst's calm, handsome face betrayed small concern in theseindications. Whether he was conscious of any predisposing cause wasanother question. 'I reckon they're after somebody,' he reflected;'likely it's me.' He returned to his pocket the handkerchief withwhich he had been whipping away the red dust of Poker Flat from hisneat boots, and quietly discharged his mind of any further conjecture.
The Outcast Of Poker Flat
In point of fact, Poker Flat was 'after somebody.' It had latelysuffered the loss of several thousand dollars, two valuable horses,and a prominent citizen. It was experiencing a spasm of virtuousreaction, quite as lawless and ungovernable as any of the acts thathad provoked it. A secret committee had determined to rid the town ofall improper persons. This was done permanently in regard of two menwho were then hanging from the boughs of a sycamore in the gulch,and temporarily in the banishment of certain other objectionablecharacters. I regret to say that some of these were ladies. It isbut due to the sex, however, to state that their impropriety wasprofessional, and it was only in such easily established standards ofevil that Poker Flat ventured to sit in judgment.