“That’s for you, Big Tom,” declared Wheels with a gruff laugh. “You’re a king — the come-on king — take it.”
Big Tom appeared in the light and took the card with his flabby hand. As the gambler walked away, Wheels Bryant turned up a second card. It was the king of hearts.
“That yours, Carpenter,” he said. “You’re the king that handles the take-off. Pocket it.”
The third card flipped up on the table as Carpenter walked away with his trophy. This was the king of clubs.
Bryant indicated this to Shifter Reeves.
“You’re the king that has the dope,” laughed Wheels in his ugly tone. “Take it; it’s yours — and hang on to it.”
The fourth card was the king of spades. Hooks Borglund accepted it.
“The fourth king,” was Bryant’s comment, “the king of spades, Borglund. When you dig, you’ll dig deep.”
Wheels Bryant fingered the last card, then he flipped it, face upward upon the table. It was the ace of spades.
“That’s the hole card,” declared the leader. “My card — the ace in the hole. That’s where it stays — out of sight — like me.”