The Boy Allies at Verdun Part 36

"Well, I used to be fairly lucky myself," said Stubbs. To himself he said: "Whoever heard of a German trying to play the American game of poker?"

The man called Hans now led the way to his quarters, where he produced a table, chairs and a pack of cards. The four men ranged themselves around the table.

As the game progressed there was considerable talk of the status of the opposing armies and Stubbs gained much information that he felt would be of use. As time pa.s.sed other officers dropped in to witness the game; and chancing to look over his shoulder, Stubbs was startled to see the face of Hal. He gave a slight start, but quickly covered this up as he saw a look of annoyance on Hal's face.

"Hal objects to my gambling, I guess," Stubbs muttered to himself. "But what do I care? I'm glad to gather in a few German coins. Fortunate that I had some in my pocket."

The manner in which Hal came to be in the tent was very simple. He had walked north for some distance, and finding nothing that would prove of value, he had turned back. He had been attracted by the sound of conversation and had joined the group of German officers near the tent where the game of poker was in progress. When one of the officers had suggested going in and watching the game Hal had acquiesced. That is how he found himself standing behind Stubbs and scanning the latter's cards.

At that moment Stubbs had lost a hand to the man called Hans. Stubbs was considerably nettled, for he felt sure he should have won. He turned an eye on Hal, who stood directly behind him.

"Don't stand behind me," the little man snapped.

"What's the matter?" demanded Hal. "Superst.i.tious?"

"Yes, if you want to call it that," Stubbs answered.

Hal s.h.i.+fted his position slightly.

Again Stubbs scanned a hand that he felt sure would win. Hans was the dealer. As he drew two more cards, Stubbs suddenly gave a start. He had seen Hans slip a card from his sleeve.

Now Stubbs was not a fighter. He had shown that on more than one occasion. But the little man objected to being imposed upon. Also he had always stood for a square deal in a friendly game of cards. He had proven that more than once in his younger days. And now, seeing the man called Hans cheating made Stubbs' blood boil.

Quietly he leaned across the table and spoke.

"You," he said, shaking his forefinger in the man's face, "no wonder you say you are lucky."

"Why, what do you mean?" demanded Hans, his face turning pale, for he well realized the import of Stubbs' words.

"I mean," said Stubbs, and at that moment his hand dropped to his revolver b.u.t.t, "I mean that you are a cheat!"

Stubbs produced his revolver and levelled it straight at Hans. Then he swept the circle of surprised faces about him with his eyes.

"Sir!" exclaimed Hans, "I demand an apology for those words."

"Well, you won't get it," returned Stubbs, decisively. He turned to the man next to Hans. "Reach up his sleeve there," he said, "and if you don't find a card or two I'll make you a present of all the money I have in my pocket."

Surprised, the other obeyed and the result vindicated Stubbs. Two cards fluttered from Hans' sleeve. Stubbs got to his feet.

"You see, gentlemen," he said, "with what kind of a man you have been playing. No wonder he calls himself lucky."

The others were very angry. Seeing that the matter would be taken out of his hands, Stubbs restored his revolver to its place.

Hans stood up.

"If you think I have cheated," he said, "you are welcome to all the money I have won. As for you," he turned on Stubbs, "you shall die!"

A revolver appeared in his hand as if by magic and Stubbs shrank back.

But before the man could fire Hal leaped quickly forward and struck up the weapon.

"You are not only a cheat but a coward!" said the lad quietly.

"And who are you?" screamed Hans, now beside himself with rage. "What have you to do with this?"

"Nothing more than to prevent murder," replied Hal.

Now the other German officers took a hand in the trouble.

"Lieutenant Darnhart," said one. "I wish you never to speak to me again."

"Nor to me," from the other man who had taken part in the game, and added: "If you are wise, you will know what to do."

For a moment Hans gazed at them hardly knowing what to say. Then, slowly, he emptied the contents of his pockets upon the table.

"You are right, gentlemen," he said quietly. "I have cheated. Therefore, this money belongs to you. And do not fear that I do not know what to do.

The honor of the regiment shall be kept clean."

With that he bowed low to the others and stalked from the tent.

The others stood stiffly erect until he had disappeared; then turned to Stubbs.

"We have to thank you, sir," said one, "for opening our eyes. Long we have wondered why Darnhart was so lucky, why he always arose from the game the only winner. Now we know."

"Well," said Stubbs, "I used to play considerably when I lived in the United States, and for that reason, I guess, I was on my guard."

"At all events," said the second German, "you have done us a service and we wish to thank you."

"Why, that's all right," said Stubbs. "I am sure either of you would have done the same thing under the circ.u.mstances. And with your permission, I shall leave you now."

The others bowed and Stubbs turned toward the door.

"If you will wait a moment, sir, I shall accompany you," said a voice.

It was Hal who spoke and Stubbs waited obediently.

"First," said Hal, "I have something else to do." He addressed the Germans: "Which of you is upon the staff of General Ludwig?"

"Why, I am," said one of the men, stepping forward.

"Good!" said Hal. "I would have spoken sooner, but I was absorbed in the game. I did not remember your name, but I was sent for you. Will you follow me?"

The German nodded his head.

"Very well," said Hal. "Come."

He led the way from the tent and the German and Stubbs followed. The latter was astonished at Hal's words, but he did not show his surprise in his actions. He walked after the others without a word.

"Something up," he muttered to himself. "I guess I had better keep my gun handy."