I'm going to give it to you, for it may some day come in handy, and you won't find anything like it among the folks where you're going.

It's something unique, as those fine-art-collecting sharps in 'Frisco say--something quite matchless, unless you try to match it one day yourself! Don't open the paper until I run on and say 'So long' to your partners.

Good-by." He grasped Demorest's hand and then dropped the little packet into his palm, and ambled away towards Stacy and Barker.

Holding the packet in his hand with an amused yet puzzled smile, Demorest watched the gambler give Stacy's hand a hearty farewell shake and a supplementary slap on the back to the delighted Barker, and then vanish in a flash of red sash and silver buttons.

At which Demorest, walking slowly towards his partners, opened the packet, and stood suddenly still.