Heretofore the bets had been trifling--a dollar or two; but Backus started off with an eagle now, Wiley hesitated a moment, then 'saw it' and 'went ten dollars better.' The other two threw up their hands.
Backus went twenty better.

Wiley said-- 'I see that, and go you a hundred better!' then smiled and reached for the money.
'Let it alone,' said Backus, with drunken gravity.
'What! you mean to say you're going to cover it ?' 'Cover it?
Well, I reckon I am--and lay another hundred on top of it, too.' He reached down inside his overcoat and produced the required sum.
'Oh, that's your little game, is it?
I see your raise, and raise it five hundred!' said Wiley.
'Five hundred better.' said the foolish bull-driver, and pulled out the amount and showered it on the pile.

The three conspirators hardly tried to conceal their exultation.
All diplomacy and pretense were dropped now, and the sharp exclamations came thick and fast, and the yellow pyramid grew higher and higher.

At last ten thousand dollars lay in view.

Wiley cast a bag of coin on the table, and said with mocking gentleness-- 'Five thousand dollars better, my friend from the rural districts--what do you say NOW ?' 'I CALL you!' said Backus, heaving his golden shot-bag on the pile.
'What have you got ?' 'Four kings, you d--d fool!' and Wiley threw down his cards and surrounded the stakes with his arms.
'Four ACES, you ass!' thundered Backus, covering his man with a cocked revolver.