He removed the side-money, placidly ignoring the "pot" of some fifteen hundred dollars, for which the Transient, having his money all in, was entitled to a showdown.
The Transient's jaw dropped in unaffected amazement.

Dealer and Stockman drummed their fingers on the table unconcernedly.

And the Judge saw a great light.
"You, _Thompson_!" he roared.

"Turn over that hand! I feel that you have treated this Court with the greatest contemptibility!" He pawed the discard with frantic haste, producing the seven of hearts.
"Why, you pink-cheeked, dewy-eyed catamaran! What----_have_ you got, anyway ?" "Why, Judge," said Steve earnestly, "I've got a strong case of circumstantial evidence." He turned over the eight of hearts; then, after a pause, the ace, king, queen and jack of spades; and resumed the stacking of his chips.

"I discarded that seven of hearts," he said, smiling at the Merchant.
A howl of joyous admiration went up; the Transient raked in the pot.
"The Crime of the Century!" bellowed the Judge.