Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-30

slightest egotistical attitude was soon
discarded for admiration.
The metamorphosis began with the
polo game staged by Howard his sec
ond day. Captaining side of cowboys
he defeated a team which included
both yelling and Dagger. yelling rode
superbly and Dagger hit accurately, but
Howard was better than the pair of
them together
The day after Dagger took him down
TO the corral and introduced him to
broncho busting. He mounted a half
wild mustang and in an hour of fren-
Zied buckings and curvettings never
once pulled leather.
But what finally won Dagger TO &C.
cept his superiority was his exploit in
the monthly craps-shooting contest,
which celebrated pay day on the ranch.
1t was she who came stealthily to him
that night after supper and suggested
. stroll in the cool of the evening.
whats doing?" he asked.
SSH! There's big game at the
bunk house."
That's no place for YOU" he replied,
mildly amused.
We'll, I'll go alone If you won't come
with me-" And honestly, If somewhat
disagreeably, THE boys like to have
me"
I'm sure of that" Howard agreed.
slow much money have you?"
Fifteen dollars-and ] won't lose it.
A gambler in FL Paso, friend of dads,
taught me how to finger the dice"
"Humph!" Howard com m ented
thoughtfully. rs that SOP"
"I'll make it good" she answered
eoldly. you watchl"
Dagger's advent at the bunk house
was received with greetings from al
sides and Howard was cordially invited
to sit in" but ne declined.
Ever play?" Dagger asked Howard
over her shoulder after time, hint of
patronage in her voice.
"Once in a while"
A cowboy named McCarty spoke up.
Horn in if you like, Mr. Howard"
Don't mind if / do" assented the
New Yorker dropping to the floor be-
tween the girl and raw-boned Texan
called Pete. The other player was q
bland lad from the Panhandle country
Familiarity known as Hank.
McCarty held the dice and threw IL.
LET it ride" he said and threw 6.
Cover you, Mac. snapped Dagger.
watch out" advised the cowboy,
s~That there's gentleman's point"
Meaning who?" she retortsd.
s"There's my T."
The dice passed TO Pete. who won.
"Shoot the works." he said.
"Cover you again." affirmed Hank.
- .'Tain't your night. feller." deridsd
PAY up and quit" mourned Hank.
I'm Just beginning" Dagger an
nounced. "I'll shoot $40"
Cover you" replied Howard.
Dagger threw a 4.
''I'll have to get Little Joe with you
covering" she remarked unconcernedly.
E1,t{ 1,tnl fOv r7oII
you what. III double my money. Will
you take me9"
That's dangerous point to double
on" he warned. Better"
II know my luck" she raped. Take
me?"
He nodded and pushed the pile of
banknotes toward her as she threw a
pair of deuces.
Leave it." she babe him. "I1l let 1t
ride"
McCarty stood up.
The games gittin' q bit too high for
this puncher, folks"
"I'il take S." Pete profTered.
"CoVer the balance" said Howard.
Holy gee!" gasped McCarty "She's
got another natural"
I'm shooting $50 this time" she an
nounced.
IT don't want TO take all your money"
Howard demurred.
"Nonscnsei" she returned furiously
SFifty now or nothing"
Covered" Howard aSsented without
temper.
And me takin' another nve Of It,"
Pete.
Dagger threw q followed by T.
There you are" she exulted. That's
half the game-drawing down at the
psychological moment"