"I'll tell you what," said Winchester; "let's give up child's play and have the real thing."
"What do you mean?" asked Ben.
"Let us stake fifty dollars, and done with it. That'll be something worth playing for."
Ben started in surprise. The magnitude of the stake took his breath away.
"I haven't got the money," he said.
"Oh, well, you can give me your note. I'll wait, that is, of course if I win; but I am not so sure of that as I was. You're a pretty smart player."
Ben did not hesitate long. He was dazzled by the idea of winning fifty dollars, and his success thus far encouraged him to think that he would.
"Give me thirty points, then," he said.
"I ought not to; but anything for excitement."
The game was commenced. Ben led till towards the close of the game, when his opponent improved his play, and came out three points ahead.