"How far are you young men going, did you say?" asked Colonel Hawkins.
"To the Pacific Coast," I answered.
At that the two veteran poker players looked at each other solemnly, in silence, and shook their heads.
"All the way to the coast, eh?" demanded Major Wald. Then: "Do you expect to play cards much as you go along?"
I wished to uphold the honor of New York as best I could, so I tried to reply gamely.
"Oh, yes," I said. "Whenever anybody wants a game they'll find us ready."
Again I saw them exchange glances.
"You tell him, Major," said Colonel Hawkins, walking away.
"Young man," said Major Wald, placing his hand kindly on my shoulder, "I played poker before you were born. I know a good deal about it. You wouldn't take offense if I gave you a pointer about your game?"
"On the contrary," I said, thinking I was about to hear the inner secrets of Missouri poker, "I shall be most grateful."