"Now, if you have nerve, step up, but if you are afraid, go home," he said to the crowd. "The game is an honest one, gents, but it takes nerve to play it." "I'm in with you," said Maybe Dixon. "Told you I'd come, last night." "So you did," answered Sag Ruff. His full first name was Sagamore, but all called him Sag for short. The game was soon on. Mark could not follow very well, as he took no interest in cards. But he saw that Maybe Dixon was losing after the first game had been played. "Once more," said Sag Ruff, after Dixon had lost several times. The money went up on the table--the last fifty dollars which Maybe Dixon possessed--and the game proceeded. In the midst of the game Mark, shifting his position unknown to Sag Ruff, saw the gambler stick one card up his coat sleeve and produce another from his inner pocket. "Sag wins!" shouted several, a minute later. "And that busts me!" groaned Maybe Dixon. "Hang the luck, anyhow!" And he arose to go away. "Wait a minute," said Mark, in a clear voice. "I want something explained." "Hullo, Mark, I didn't know you were here." "Did that man have a right to shove one card up his sleeve and substitute another from his pocket?" "Did he what?" roared Maybe Dixon. Mark repeated his question. "Certainly not." "Well, that is what he did do," went on the youth. At this declaration several cries rang out, and a dozen began to speak at once. Sag Ruff glared at the boy as if he wanted to eat Mark up. "What are you talking about?" he growled. "You're dreaming." "I am not dreaming. I saw you put one card from your hand up your sleeve and then bring another card from your inside pocket." "Never!" "You did." "See here, boy, do you want to get shot?" blustered Sag Ruff, and made a movement as if to draw a pistol. But ere he could raise a weapon Maybe Dixon had his own pistol out and leveled at the gambler's head. "No shootin' jest yet, Sag Ruff. This boy always tell the truth." "He does not." "I say he does. I thought as how you was cheatin' me, but I couldn't get on to the game. Before we drop this matter, you'll please take off thet coat." "I won't." "I say he will. Ain't that so, men?" "If he's honest he won't mind taking off the coat," answered one burly emigrant. "Take it off," added two others. "I am not going to," growled Sag Ruff, and it was plain to see that he was greatly disturbed. Hardly had he spoken when he found himself covered by half a dozen pistols, some small and some extra large. He began to tremble, thinking he was to be shot down on the spot. "Now take it off an' be quick about it," went on Maybe Dixon. "I'll count ten. One, two, three, four, five----" "Wait, I'll take it off!" burst out the gambler, and began to take off the coat with care. Seeing this, an old miner pulled the garment from him, and out of the sleeve dropped a playing card. "The four of clubs!" cried Maybe Dixon. "Boys, look through that pack we were playing with."