Paul was surprised at their progress.

They were soon thinking for themselves, and when Paul himself did not want to play, the two would fight it out over the deerskin.
"It's a slow game, but good," said Shif'less Sol.

"It 'pears to me that a man to be at the head o' 'em all in this would hev to do nothin' else all his life." "That is so," said Paul.
"Jim, thar ain't no earthly chance for you," said Shif'less Sol.
"I guess I've got you this time, anyhow," said Jim, with a deep chuckle of satisfaction.

"Jest look at that thar board, Sol Hyde.

Ef you ain't druv into a corner so you can't move this way nor that, then you can hev the huntin' shirt right off my back." Shif'less Sol examined the deerskin square attentively.
"Blamed ef it ain't so," he said in a tone of deep disgust.