comedy. He did not know just how the fellow intended to
work his game; he believed the method would be a novel one, but he was
ready--yes, permitting himself to be led on to the grand climax.

The wizard tramp was an expert gambler and he had taught Desmond a great
many tricks in order to put the youth on his guard, and also for
amusement during their lonely hours together. All there was to learn
about the trick Desmond already knew, but he pretended ignorance, and
let the sharp go ahead. He proved an apt scholar, however, for the
senator's son said:

"Jiminy! I don't know but I am doing wrong."

"Doing wrong?"

"Yes."

"You learn so quick you appear to be a natural gambler."

"I am pretty quick at learning points, I will admit."

"You are great."

Our hero had just about mastered the intricacies of the game when, lo,
three men entered the car, and the sharp whispered to the lad:

"Great Scott! here are a lot of 'gambs' as sure as you are alive. I
wonder if they will give me a chance at them; if they do I'll show you
some fun, if they don't you are up to the trick, you are my pupil, and
you can show me the fun."

"That's so."

"Lay low, my friend, don't go too fast or these fellows will become
suspicious. I want to catch them good, and we will if you play it
right."

Desmond was on to the trick; he saw how the game was to be played, and
he appreciated that it was indeed a neat little trick. They were working
to fleece him differently from any little game he had ever seen or had
read about.

The "gambs," as the sharp had called the newcomers in the car, did not
betray their game at once. They took a seat a little distance off and
commenced playing among themselves "only for fun," as they said loud
enough to be overheard.

"We'll catch them," whispered the sharp.

"I don't know; they do not appear disposed to let us into their game;
maybe they are acquainted with you."

"Never mind, they will go for you. Let me see, I'll go out of the car,
see! and then they will make your acquaintance. I'll be at hand in case
there is a row."

"Yes, I see."

"We must catch these fellows and teach them a lesson."

"We will."

"We will have to blind them. Let me see; have you any money to make a
bluff on?"

"Yes, plenty."

"Make believe you are making a bet with me and show a roll, then we will
bait them and they will go for you; and, oh, won't we give 'em a lesson?
You bet we will; we'll just clean them out