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Brill, Mike

Bartender at the Golden Chance Saloon in Bent Forks,[1] Nebraska in 1871. (May 5, 1821 – September 20, 1908)[2]

Well-known and well-liked, Brill not only tended bar but was also owner and operator of the Golden Chance Saloon. He liked to run an honest bar with clean games. He was always wary of the few card sharps and confidence men that followed the cattle herds and buyers into town every season.

In 1871, his waitress, Molly Gleason, recommended he hire Bret Maverick as a spotter. Since she said Bret knew "all the ways cheating is done" (Bret hoped she meant it as a compliment), Brill believed he would be perfect for the job. The only trouble was, Bret was in jail for the next ten days. Brill paid Bret's bail of $100 on the condition that Bret would work off his debt at the Golden Chance.[1]

See: Point Blank