This he would have rolled-up in
his LEFT vest pocket--just in case.
The drawing would begin. The victim would have to draw a "treat"
slip because all five were labeled that way. Those in the know
would draw, give a quick sort of look and put the slips in their
RIGHT vest pockets, at the same time conjecturing aloud, "Mine
was a blank. Wonder who got the treat slip," or some such remark.
One night, after being bilked three successive times, the victim
became suspicious. Feeling he had served his apprenticeship long
and faithfully, the others were ready and willing to admit him as
a full blood brother. They told him to prepare the slips and
conduct the drawing, which he of course did according to the
"official" rules--four blanks and one with "treat". To the
surprise of all, and rather contrary to the mathematical law of
averages, he again drew the "treat" slip. This convinced him that
the game was straight.
"And so," said Mr. Stoner laconically, "we saved him for another
night, until he had learned his ritual better."
Mr. and Mrs. Stoner returned to Holly Bluff last week. Later they
go to Hot Springs, Arkansas, for the baths, a semi-annual
pilgrimage; then probably to Denver and the West Coast; then
perhaps north to Oregon and Washington, where they may ship their
car along and continue by steamship to Alaska.
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