The young man had obeyed Merle and disobeyed Belle Demona.
Fond of gambling, he had sat nearly all day in front of his pile of chips and played fiercely.
His success was varying, and now and then the pile would grow very small to mount again and bring a gleam of triumph to his eyes.
Jem knew Riggs only since his coming to Round Robin Ranch.
He had seen the disguised detective and knew that he stood high in the favor of the couple there.
Therefore when the door of the gaming den opened and he saw Riggs standing before him, he threw down his cards and greeted him with a smile.
But the next instant Jem's face paled.
What if Riggs should tell Belle Demona that he had broken his promise?
Half a minute later Jem threw up his hand and walked over to Old Broadbrim.
"Hello Riggs! I didn't expect you here," he said, forcing another smile to his lips. "I came down here for a little time, and will throw up the cards now."