The carrying of four revolvers had gained him the name of “Pistols,” and that he knew how to use them, too, several graves upon Sunset Hill gave testimony. He was peacefully inclined when not drinking, but when under the influence of liquor his best friends avoided him religiously, and those who saw him challenge Buffalo Bill to play cards felt that the scout had made a mistake in accepting, for they discovered that Pistols was drinking, and that meant a row they were certain. In answer to the remark of the man that he played for big stakes, Buffalo Bill asked in his quiet way: “What do you call big stakes, pard?” “What does I call big stakes?” “Yes, that is the question I asked.” “Waal, I call a game without a limit big money.” “Are you able to stand a game without a limit?” “Is I? Ask my pards if I can’t call yer at a thousand and pay if I loses.” “Oh, a thousand is your limit, then?” “Can you match me?” “If I could not I would not play with you; but when you said without limit, I wished to know what you meant, as you can size my pile at a thousand. Now you know what I can do, so say whether you will play or back down?” “Back down?” yelled the miner savagely. “Yes,” was the perfectly calm response. “I never backs down agin’ any odds.” “Then play,” said Buffalo Bill, in the coolest manner possible. The interest in the games going on in Devil’s Den very quickly were centered in the match between Buffalo Bill and Pistols. “I’m out for scalps,” the miner had said, in a voice that was heard all over the saloon. At this Buffalo Bill looked him squarely in the face and there was something in the look that controlled the man, and he said: “I see now that you have been drinking. Had I suspected this I would not have played with you, for I never play with a drunken man. Behave yourself now, or quit before trouble follows.” There was that in the words and look which mastered the man, for he made at first no reply; but then he said: “What did I say to make you mad?” “Nothing, for I am not angry; but you said you were out for scalps, and I wish you to understand that I take the same trail when there is need for it.” The man appeared cowed, for he said: “We don’t want trouble, Buffalo Bill, so shall I git a fresh pack of cards, and will yer take a drink?” “Thank you, I do not care to drink, and you take my advice and let it alone. But get the cards.” An angry gleam came into the eyes of Pistols. He made no reply, and walked to the bar after a fresh pack of cards. “Shuffles, give me a fresh pack and some whisky, too,” he said. “Here’s the cards, Pistols, but take my advice and don’t drink any more, for Buffalo Bill is a stranger here,” said Shuffles. “Waal, he wants ter git better acquainted with ther folks. Whisky, I said, straight, strong, and blistering.”