58 train, and so the Swede turned menacingly upon
Johnnie. For a moment their glances crossed like blades, and then
Johnnie smiled and said: "Yes, I'll play."
They formed a square with the little board on their knees. The
Easterner and the Swede were again partners. As the play went on, it
was noticeable that the cowboy was not board-whacking as usual.
Meanwhile, Scully, near the lamp, had put on his spectacles and,
with an appearance curiously like an old priest, was reading a
newspaper. In time he went out to meet the 6.58 train, and, despite
his precautions, a gust of polar wind whirled into the room as he
opened the door. Besides scattering the cards, it chilled the
players to the marrow. The Swede cursed frightfully. When Scully
returned, his entrance disturbed a cozy and friendly scene. The
Swede again cursed. But presently they were once more intent, their
heads bent forward and their hands moving swiftly. The Swede had
adopted the fashion of board-whacking.
Scully took up his paper and for a long time remained immersed in
matters which were extraordinarily remote from him. The lamp burned
badly, and once he stopped to adjust the wick. The newspaper as he
turned from page to page rustled with a slow and comfortable sound.
Then suddenly he heard three terrible words: "You are cheatin'!"
Such scenes often prove that there can be little of dramatic
import in environment.
Pages:
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33