CHAPTER XXVI.
A DESPERADO Mr.Bickford also seemed a little surprised at Joe's coolness.
Though not a coward in the face of danger, he had been somewhat impressed by the fierce aspect of the man from Pike County, and really looked upon him as a reckless daredevil who was afraid of nothing.

Joe judged him more truly.

He decided that a man who boasted so loudly was a sham.

If he had talked less, he would have feared him more.
After his last bloodthirsty declaration the man from Pike County temporarily subsided.
He drew out from his pocket a greasy pack of cards, and after skilfully shuffling them inquired: "What do you say, strangers, to a little game to pass away the time ?" "I never played keards in my life," said Joshua Bickford.
"Where was you raised ?" demanded the Pike man contemptuously.
"Pumpkin Hollow, State o' Maine," said Joshua.

"Dad's an orthodox deacon.