I set the package on the stove again, and replied:
"You must take me for a d——d fool, sure enough; but you don't look like you had any more sense than the law allows. I got that salt out of the salt-bag, and I tasted it before I wrapped it up, and I know it is salt, and that settles it."
"But, Devol, salt does turn to ashes when it is hot; and I will bet you the drinks for the crowd that there is no salt in that paper on the stove."
Then they had another big laugh at my expense, and I got mad. I jumped up and said:
"I will bet you $500 that there is nothing in that paper but salt."
Picket jumped up also, saying:
"I will just go you once, anyway."
I put up my $500 with the barkeeper; but Picket did not have but $350, and he wanted to bet that. I told him he could back out, but I would not bet less than what I had up. Then he put up his watch and chain for the other $150. One of the men that had been enjoying the fun, said:
"I will bet you $100 that Mr. Picket wins the money."
I replied, "I will not bet less than $500."