e."

"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 passed 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. "Superstitious?"

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

Hal shifted 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,