He pulled up a chair and studied his cards.

Those playing made that quiet study of him which is so unapparent, and yet invariably so searching.
Poor fortune was with him at first.

He received a mixed collection without progression or pairs.

The pot was opened.
"I pass," he said.
On the strength of this, he was content to lose his ante.

The deals did fairly by him in the long run, causing him to come away with a few dollars to the good.
The next afternoon he was back again, seeking amusement and profit.