Page:Hugh Pendexter--Tiberius Smith.djvu/66

 boost to draw cards. Tib met it after pondering a bit, and raised it two pups. Back came the limit, and back it went. This cleaned old Copperskin out of quadrupeds, and he bet no more, although he chuckled hoarsely as Tib motioned for three cards. Copperskin then laid his hand face down and signified he was satisfied with what he had. Tib's owner, fearing all was lost, began to growl and apply the point of his spear. Tib waved the weapon aside and bet an infant bow-wow. He was promptly raised the limit in spears. Again he raised, and the dogs were covered with skins. One more raise, and Sitting Bull swept all his belongings to the carpet and triumphantly threw down his hand. Tib showed three aces.

"My master, without examining his cards, gave a loud 'woof!' and began hauling in the stakes, while the other copper demon raised his spear preparatory to transfixing Tib, taking it for granted the latter's plunge had lost all. But Tib with a sharp yelp pointed to his adversary's hand, and his infuriated backer reached over and disturbed the card with his spear-point. Although the ten of hearts was on top, all the other cards were brunettes, and worthless.

"Well, sir, it simply swept Sitting Bull and his children off their feet! They had seen him palm a heart flush, and, probably knowing he was the best