W. C. Tuttle

“ This is a one man game, unless you both want to bet on the same shell. Empty again, gents. Where’s the next man who is foolish enough to think he can beat a sure-thing game?”
The Saint’s voice boomed softly as he pocketed the bet and slowly moved the two walnut shells. The yellow light from the Silver Bar windows lit up his white hair and white beard, as he lifted himself to his full height and studied the crowd in the street.
The Saint had secured a small, rough table, which he had placed in the street, using the lights from the saloon to illuminate his game. ”

“ The hand is quicker than the eye. Another empty shell.”
“Don’t nobody ever win?” asked a miner.
“Nobody, brother. Again I say to you all, it can’t be beaten.”
The crowd laughed. It was unusual for a game-keeper to declare that no one can beat his game. The Saint was deadly serious, and this amused the crowd. Another man, who had watched several bets swept from the table, moved in and tossed several gold pieces beside the shells.
“Pick up your money, friend,” urged the Saint. “You can’t win. Might as well toss your money into the dust and walk away from it. ”

“ A man elbowed his way across the street, laughing as he reached the door, and spoke to Loper.
“Woman fer a change, Loper. ‘Tejon Mary’ tried to knife a feller, but he was lookin’ fer it and shot her.”
“’S time somebody stopped her,” grunted Loper. “She was loco. Sleed was goin’ t’ ship her out, anyway.”
The crowd around the shell game began to scatter and look for another diversion. Duke went out to the Saint, whose pockets were bulging with money.
“Game is closed,” said the Saint, putting the shells in his pocket and picking up the table, “and again we have a stake.” ”

“ Packs a gun that looks like it had been used a-plenty; and he’s got the walk of a cat. The old man’s gun ain’t no ornyment either. Mebbe he’s a preacher—I dunno.”
Sleed continued to stare at the table-top.
“Want me to pack a talk to him?” asked Loper. “I can tell him to put out of here, or that he can’t run no game in Calico.”
“No.” Sleed shook his head slowly and leaned closer to Loper. “Do yuh know anythin’ about that shell game?” ”