boys found that it was no small task to make the cards. First they
had to cut the cardboard. This John did with a very sharp knife. Next,
they drew hearts and diamonds and other necessary markings. To be sure,
the set of cards was a very crude one when it was finished; and when the
boys began to shuffle them in the pack, they were disappointed because
of the bulky appearance and wished for a more perfect set. But John
had done a good job in cutting them out, and the marking answered the
purpose very well. So night after night, by the aid of the flickering
and sputtering light, furnished by the rag burning in the saucer of
lard, the two boys, with heads bent low, sat scheming and planning,
each striving to get ahead of the other in the game.

Long before Will's visit was ended, both boys had become so skillful in
playing that the one could scarcely get the better of the other unless
one in some way cheated. This caused them to try many underhanded tricks
and encouraged them to bet and gamble; and in course of time they had
exchanged as wagers the greater part of their simple belongings. Taking
advantage of one another became a part of the game and seemingly was the
principal aim. And the evenings that they did not spend in dancing were
spent in indulging in these dangerous amusements. (Card-playing--as does
also dancing--wields an influence that is very harmful, especially to
the young. As the interest in the game increases, the players' desire
for things that are good and wholesome is lessened. One player sees only
the pleasure that he derives from getting the better of the one he is
playing against. He fails to see that each time he stoops to unfair
methods in order to gain his purpose he helps to pave the way for other
things that are wrong and deceitful.)

When the first warm days of spring arrived and the grass of the prairie
began to unfold its tiny blades, John's uncle said it was time for him
and his family to return home. "It's a long way, Will," he said; "and
we must get there in good time to plant a big crop of 'tobaker.' You
remember we didn't have near enough to do us last year!" Will agreed;
but the boys were all sorry to be separated again, and when the day of
departure came, it was very hard indeed for them to bid one another
farewell.

During the winter months John had not thought much about his aunt, for
Will and he had been too deeply interested in other things. But now at
the last moment that old l