"I used to be in politics," he said. "Then I was in the banking business. But I've gone back to farming now, because it is the only honest business in the world. In fact--" But at that juncture the steely voices of half the other players at the table interrupted. "Ante!" they cried. "Ante, farmer!" Whereupon Colonel Hawkins, who by that time had to crane his neck to see the table over his pile of chips--a pile of chips like the battlements of some feudal lord--anted suavely. By midnight Colonel Buell, who had stood behind me for a time and watched my play, showed signs of fatigue and anguish. And a little later, after having seen me try to "put it over" with three sixes, he sighed heavily and went home--a fine, slender, courtly figure, straight as a gun barrel, walking sadly out into the night. Next Major Wald ceased to play for himself, but began to take an interest in my hand. Under his supervision during the last fifteen minutes of the game I made a tiny dent in Colonel Hawkins's stacks of chips. But it is only just to Colonel Hawkins to say that, by that time, the Missourians were so sorry for us that they were making the most desperate efforts not to win from us any more than they could help. When the game broke up, Major Wald and Colonel Hawkins showed concern about our future. "How far are you young men going, did you say?" asked Colonel Hawkins. "To the Pacific Coast," I answered. At that the two veteran poker players looked at each other solemnly, in silence, and shook their heads. "All the way to the coast, eh?" demanded Major Wald. Then: "Do you expect to play cards much as you go along?" I wished to uphold the honor of New York as best I could, so I tried to reply gamely. "Oh, yes," I said. "Whenever anybody wants a game they'll find us ready." Again I saw them exchange glances. "You tell him, Major," said Colonel Hawkins, walking away. "Young man," said Major Wald, placing his hand kindly on my shoulder, "I played poker before you were born. I know a good deal about it. You wouldn't take offense if I gave you a pointer about your game?" "On the contrary," I said, thinking I was about to hear the inner secrets of Missouri poker, "I shall be most grateful." "If I advise you," he pursued, "will you agree to follow my advice?" "Certainly." "Well," said the Major, "don't you play poker any more while you're in the West. Wait till you get back to New York." * * * * *