dribble of chips, and he knew that he could not
hold out much longer. Johnson was coldly surveying
his own cards, and after a studied moment
opened the pot. Jim thrust forward half his small
stack, followed by Johnson with a raise, whereupon
Jim placed all he had upon the board. That
closed the game. The other spread out his cards
generously, and Jim, glancing listlessly at four aces,
rose from the table. Turning to the window, he
saw Pat still lingering near the shack. He gazed
at him a long moment in silence.

"He's yours," he said, finally, facing Johnson.
"Reckon I'll go outside for a little air."

Outside, he made straight for Pat, removed
the hobbles, led him into the grove. As the
horse quenched his thirst, Jim sat down with his
back against a tree and removed his hat.

"Sorry, old-timer," he began, quietly, "but it
can't be helped. We -- He interrupted himself;
shoved Pat away a step. "That's better," he
went on, smiling. Then, as Pat looked puzzled,
"On my foot -- yes," he explained. "All of your
own, too, of course!" he added. "But one of
mine, too!" He was silent. "As I was remarking,"
he continued, after a moment, "we've got
to beat him some other way. You're a likely
horse."

He lowered his eyes thoughtfully. He did know
of a way to beat Johnson. That way was to
mount Pat, ride hard for the open, and race it
out against the little gray mounted by Johnson.
But already he could see the vindictive and curs-

[[183]]

p182 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p183w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p184

v?