"If it's dust that bars me," said Merry, "I might have enough to last a hand or two. I see you're playing five dollars limit, with a two bits edge."
"Why, you're plumb skinned dry!" said Big Monte. "You ain't got no stuff."
Whereupon Frank displayed a little thin wad of bank-bills, amounting to about twenty-five dollars in all.
They were astounded, for no money had been found on him when he was searched for the papers.
"How is this?" growled Monte. "Whar did ye keep it hid?"
"That's my business," said Merry. "If you're anxious to teach me this game let me in."
They made a place for him, assuring him that he would "last quick."
Now Merry was a most adept poker-player, although he let the game entirely alone, not believing in gambling. He was also a clever magician, and he could do tricks with cards to astonish far more astute men than these ruffians.
It was Pinto Pede's deal, and the Mexican handled the cards in a slick manner. Without pretending to watch him, Merry really kept a close eye on the fellow's movements.
Pede looked his cards over carelessly. Big Monte chipped a dollar, the next man raised him a dollar, and it was up to Frank, who immediately raised five.