"It is not often that we-uns gives our captives ther choice uv ther cards or ther vote, but we have agreed ter do so in this case, with only one objectin', an' he war induced ter change his mind. Now we mean ter have this fair an' squar', an' I call on ev'ry man present ter watch out an' see that it is. Ther men has been serlected, one ter hold ther cards an' one ter draw. Let them step forrud."
Two of the Black Caps stepped out, and Frank started a bit, for he believed one of them was Wade Miller.
A pack of cards was produced, and Muriel shuffled them with a skill that told of experience, after which he handed them to one of the men.
Miller was to draw!
Frank watched every move, determined to detect the fraud if possible, should there be any fraud.
An awed hush seemed to settle over the room.
The men who wore the black hoods leaned forward a little, every one of them watching to see what card should be drawn from the pack.
Barney Mulloy caught his breath with a gasping sound, and then was silent, standing stiff and straight.
Muriel was as alert as a panther, and his eyes gleamed through the holes in his mask like twin stars.
The man who received the pack from Muriel stepped forward, and Miller reached out his hand to draw.