"Right," said Grief, as he began the shuffle. "If he's the right stuff to go to Karo-Karo, Karo-Karo won't do him any harm."
The game was close and hard. Three times they divided the deck between them and "cards" was not scored. At the beginning of the fifth and last deal, Deacon needed three points to go out and Grief needed four. "Cards" alone would put Deacon out, and he played for "cards." He no longer muttered or cursed, and played his best game of the evening. Incidentally he gathered in the two black aces and the ace of hearts.
"I suppose you can name the four cards I hold," he challenged, as the last of the deal was exhausted and he picked up his hand.
Grief nodded.
"Then name them."
"The knave of spades, the deuce of spades, the tray of hearts, and the ace of diamonds," Grief answered.
Those behind Deacon and looking at his hand made no sign. Yet the naming had been correct.
"I fancy you play casino better than I," Deacon acknowledged. "I can name only three of yours, a knave, an ace, and big casino."
"Wrong. There aren't five aces in the deck. You've taken in three and you hold the fourth in your hand now."
"By Jove, you're right," Deacon admitted. "I did scoop in three. Anyway, I'll make 'cards' on you. That's all I need."