10. Return to Denver in 1893
Smith’s absence from Denver removed the main target of the drive for reform, and it quickly ebbed in the city. At the same time, Creede began to take on the trappings of a civilized town, and the attendant cries to clean up the city and the bad element which represented Smith’s income. Smith decided to return to Denver, leaving Creede in the nick of time. A fire swept through the largely wooden town in 1892, destroying most of the downtown area. The Orleans Club was one of the buildings destroyed in the fire. In Denver, Smith returned to operating the Tivoli Club, and as before, began opening other businesses designed to dishonestly rake in money.
By the time Soapy Smith returned to Denver he was completely honest about one thing. He readily admitted he was a conman. Soapy told a Denver reporter, “I consider bunco steering more honorable than the life led by the average politician.” A new scam was added to his ever-growing repertoire. He opened an office near the railroad station which purported to sell railroad tickets at steep discounts. When a mark entered to buy the reduced fare, they were told that the agent was absent, but invited him to join a rigged game of chance while waiting. Several different games were offered. Few marks could resist. Smith made more money.