The carrying of four revolvers had gained him the name of “Pistols,” and that he knew how to use them, too, several graves upon Sunset Hill gave testimony.
He was peacefully inclined when not drinking, but when under the influence of liquor his best friends avoided him religiously, and those who saw him challenge Buffalo Bill to play cards felt that the scout had made a mistake in accepting, for they discovered that Pistols was drinking, and that meant a row they were certain.
In answer to the remark of the man that he played for big stakes, Buffalo Bill asked in his quiet way:
“What do you call big stakes, pard?”
“What does I call big stakes?”
“Yes, that is the question I asked.”
“Waal, I call a game without a limit big money.”
“Are you able to stand a game without a limit?”
“Is I? Ask my pards if I can’t call yer at a thousand and pay if I loses.”
“Oh, a thousand is your limit, then?”