Page:Harris Dickson--Old Reliable in Africa.djvu/41

 seemed to understand music, and was particularly generous in praising the newly discovered artiste. Cap Wright encouraged these pauses, between deals, for a story or a drink. Drinks and stories bred an amiable carelessness in his players, and also gave Joe a good chance at the cards.

Colonel Spottiswoode was not conscious of sizing up the men; he did that unconsciously. Any student of character can tell more about a man in a single poker sitting than by serving for a life time with him on the same vestry. The yellow streak will show through his clothes, especially in the loser. The Colonel himself was in fine fettle for genial moralizing. Luck set his way, with a stream of gold clinging to her skirts. Twice when Cap dealt the Colonel raised 'em to a stand on prospects, and made his hand. "Now, gentlemen," he laughed jovially, "that's what I call breaking even." Torreale spread his second best hand and failed to appreciate the joke. Three times the Colonel held two pair against pat hands when Wright was dealing; thrice the Colonel drew one card and filled—unaccountable luck.

"Captain Wright," Spottiswoode remarked, "I've a hunch that you are my mascot."

Meanwhile Colonel Spottiswoode picked young Shields for a fine average American, and liked Reifenstein better than the other foreigners. The Italians seemed too eager to win; their eyes