"Wait a bit, though," objected Silk very calmly. "I don't see your own stake. Here is my money. Where's yours?"
"Oh, that's all serene," said the other. "My credit's good for anything in this emporium."
"May be so," demurred Silk. "All the same," he insisted firmly, "I expect to see your money alongside of mine."
There was some quibbling, but after consulting with one of his confederates the gambler yielded and reluctantly counted the money in gold from a bulky canvas bag that he drew from his breast pocket. Probably Silk was the only stranger present who was aware that the coins were counterfeit.
"That ought to satisfy you," sneered the trickster, as he dealt out the three cards.
Very coolly and without an instant's hesitation Sergeant Silk bent over and placed his hand upon the card nearest to him, drawing it an inch or two towards him, but not turning it up.
"This is the king," he declared positively, for the first time looking the gamester straight in the eye.
"Ah, so that's your fancy, is it?" The professional swindler leant back with a satisfied smile. "Well, suppose you just turn it over and let every one see."
Silk's steel-blue eyes flashed for an instant. He knew that with his next move there was going to be trouble.