“I am willing to sign myself your bond slave from this hour, if that will lessen your anger against me,” he protested. “Just think, I leave Sinna Ferry to-morrow. How shall I do penance until then?”
| “‘It may be for years, and it may be forever, Then why art thou silent, O voice of my heart?’” |
She pouted and frowned a little at his warbling, though a smile eventually touched her lips, and speculation shone in her eyes.
“I will make you do penance,” she declared, “and right now, too. I haven’t any money, but I’ll put up my moccasins against five dollars in a game of poker.”
“I’ll try,” she said briefly, and her eyes sparkled; “I’ll play you and ask no favors.”
“Your moccasins are not worth five.”
“Maybe not. Call it two-fifty then and promise me two hands at that.”
“How sure you are to win!” he laughed, well pleased that she was diverted from her quick displeasure. “We’ll call it five against the moccasins. Here are the cards. And what am I to do with those little moccasins, even if I do win them?”
“Oh, I’ll take care of the moccasins!” she said, easily. “I guess they’ll not trouble you much, Mr. Lyster. Cut for deal?”