The cowboy volunteered to become the
partner of Johnnie, and they all then turned to ask the Swede to throw
in his lot with the little Easterner. He asked some questions about
the game, and learning that it wore many names, and that he had played
it when it was under an alias, he accepted the invitation. He strode
toward the men nervously, as if he expected to be assaulted.
Finally, seated, he gazed from face to face and laughed shrilly.
This laugh was so strange that the Easterner looked up quickly, the
cowboy sat intent and with his mouth open, and Johnnie paused, holding
the cards with still fingers.
Afterward there was a short silence. Then Johnnie said: "Well, let's
get at it. Come on now!" They pulled their chairs forward until
their knees were bunched under the board. They began to play, and
their interest in the game caused the others to forget the manner of
the Swede.
The cowboy was a board-whacker. Each time that he held superior
cards he whanged them, one by one, with exceeding force, down upon the
improvised table, and took the tricks with a glowing air of prowess
and pride that sent thrills of indignation into the hearts of his
opponents. A game with a board-whacker in it is sure to become
intense. The countenances of the Easterner and the Swede were
miserable whenever the cowboy thundered down his aces and kings, while
Johnnie, his eyes gleaming with joy, chuckled and chuckled.
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25