I say, your stake equals mine, and we will play at evens, too.

Come, deal one hand, poker between two, and to the hilt." The other man looked at him and gazed at the heaped pile of coins and notes which lay before him.

He himself was no pale-blooded opponent, nor usually disposed to slight the opportunities of the game.

"I don't understand," said he finally.

"Certainly I am not willing to pledge my land and 'niggers,' like our friend from Belmont here.