Chapter 26
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, S
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