Baker had learned more
about Roy than the lad was aware he had told.

"That's good," remarked Jerome Hynard. "I may decide to buy a ranch,
some day."

"Would you say it was a healthy sort of life?" asked Dennison Tupper,
who was quite pale, and looked as if he had some illness.

"It was very healthy out where I was," answered Roy.

"I guess one look at you proves that," put in Mr. Baker, in an admiring
tone. "You seem as strong and hardy as a young ox."

"Yes, and I eat like one, when I'm on a round-up," said the boy.

There was considerable more conversation, the men asking Roy many
questions about western life, and showing an interest in the affairs of
the ranch. Roy answered them to the best of his ability, and naturally
was pleased that the men should think him capable of giving them
information.

Finally, when the conversation began to lag a bit, Dennison Tupper
remarked:

"Perhaps our young friend would have no objections if we gentlemen
played a game of cards to pass away the time."

"Certainly I have no objections to your playing," said Roy, who had
often watched the cowboys at the ranch play various games.

Once more the four men exchanged glances. Mr. Baker produced a pack of
cards and soon the travelers were deep in the game. They did not seem
to be gambling, only playing for "fun" as they called it.

"Oh, I believe I'm tired. I'm going to drop out," suddenly remarked
Mr. Baker.

"Oh, don't do that," expostulated Sutton.

"No, you'll break up the game," remonstrated Tupper.

"Of course. Three can't play whist very well," added Hynard in rather
ungracious tones. "Be a good fellow and stay in the game, Baker."

"No, I'm tired."

"Perhaps our young friend from the ranch will take your place,"
suggested Sutton. "Will you--er--Mr. Bradner? We'll play for love or
money, just as you like. You must be a sport--all the western chaps
are. Come on, sit in the game, take Mr. Baker's place and don't let it
break up."

It was a cunning appeal, addressed both to Roy's desire to be of
service to his new friends, and also to his vanity. Fortunately he was
proof against both. Roy had watched the men playing cards, and, to his
mind they showed altogether too much skill. They acted more like
regular gamblers than like persons playing to pass away an idle hour.
He was at once suspicious.

"No, thank you," he said. "I never play cards, for love or money."

Something seemed to annoy at least