Page:Hugh Pendexter--Tiberius Smith.djvu/60

 "The visiting chief tossed a few skins and a spear beside me.

"‘Looks kind of bad for our boys now,' I observed, sorrowfully.

"‘You're worth more than that, Billy!' cried Tib, drawing near in his excitement. 'It's a shame to sacrifice a man that way. Make the old miser at least approach your value. Make him throw in another spear!'

"But I brought no more, and, to Tib's dismay, I changed owners on a pair of tens.

"‘Of all the senile monstrosities!' he roared. 'Why, my child in a gilded cage, I haven't played poker since I was young and foolish, but I'd know more than that. Tell me, what will a flush take?'

"I was ashamed to show any deep knowledge of the game, as Tib had always kept me pretty straight, but I told him, and with a low heart stumbled back of my new master.

"‘And this idiot here!' continued Tib, forgetting himself in his disgust and tapping his owner on the head, 'has thrown you away. He let slide a chance of making a flush in order to draw to a measly pair!' "Mr. Goliath gave a howl at Tib's presumption and raised a spear. But Tib was mad clear through, and shaking his dimpled fist in the other's face he pointed accusingly at the lone pair and then