solid appearing gentleman came along, and appeared to take
a great interest in the game, which was just for fun. Jeffers came
up and insisted on betting, but I quickly replied that I did not
care to bet, as I was only showing my friend the game so as to
guard him against ever betting on it in case he ever saw it being
played. Jeffers was so persistent that I finally yielded, at the
same time telling him that the odds were so much in my favor that
I would not mind venturing. "Why, I can pick up the right card
every time," he said. At last, turning to my friend, I observed,
"I have a great mind to let the fool lose his money." Accordingly
I remarked, "I'll go you $100 that you can't," and at once pulled
out a big roll, which made the solid man look bad. The play was
made, and I won, which greatly amused my friend, who was anxious
for my success, as the fellow had given me the dare in a blustering
sort of way. Jeffers made no kick, but, picking up the cards, put
a spot on one of them, which he showed my friend, threw the cards
on the table, and said, "Throw again." My friend gave me a hunch,
as he did not wish to see me worsted. I paid no attention to him,
however, when Jeffers pulled out $200, played it, and won. Then,
turning to my friend, he said, "Take $200, play it for me, and I'll
pay you for your trouble." He did so, and won. I laughed, and
let the old fellow know that I didn't think he had pluck enough to
bet at any game.

"Oh, I would bet if the money I have was my own."

Then Jeffers began to work him, telling him that I was rich, and
that they might as well have some of my money as not. "Just try
it once," said the insinuating Jeffers. "Put the money in my hand,
and when you win I will hand it back to you." Jeffers next offered
to bet again, but I said I wouldn't bet with him, "but I will with
my friend here, as his eyes are not so keen as yours." At last
the old man pulled out $100, and I tried to make him put up more,
but he stuck to the $100, when I said, "I will have to raise you
$900"--as I had noticed that he had $1,000 in the roll. He wanted
to take down his money, but I couldn't see it, so Jeffers told him
if he didn't put up the $900 that he would lose what he had put
up, so at last he laid it up, turned the card, and lost. Then I
looked for fun.

At this moment the porter of the sleeper came in and told me that
my wife wanted to see me for a moment. Excusing myself, I started
ba