Part 27 (2/2)
”I've a few German coins, I believe,” said Hal, and explored his pockets. ”I'll give you these for the pack of cards.”
He held forth two coins.
The German grunted.
”All right,” he said.
He produced a pack of cards, and took the money Hal extended.
”Times must be getting hard in Germany,” said Hal suggestively.
Again the German granted.
”We don't have any bread, and we don't have any meat,” he declared. ”I haven't had a good meat for a year, it seems.”
”It'll be worse before the war's over,” said Hal pleasantly.
The German grounded his rifle with a thump. ”Don't you think I know it?” he demanded with some heat.
”Well, don't get angry,” said Hal, struck with a sudden idea.
”You've got some money,” he said.
”Not very much.”
”Well, I'll tell you something. We're going to have a little card game inside. I don't have any too much money, either, and I'd be glad to win some. What's the matter with you sneaking in and getting in the game? Your money's as good to me as anyone else's.”
”And an officer'll come along, and I'll face a firing squad,” grumbled the German.
”Pshaw!” said Hal. ”Nothing risked nothing gained, you know. Besides, we're in an out of the way place here. When will you be relieved?”
”Not before 10 o'clock.”
”And it's only a little after six now. However, if you won't, you won't. You know your own business best.”
The German smiled an evil smile.
”Have you any objection to my inviting another in the game?” he asked.
”Not a bit. Who?”
”The man who is guarding the tent in the rear. He will come in handy, too. If you should try to escape, we'd do for you. We will be armed, and you won't.”
”Who said anything about trying to escape?” demanded Hal. ”This is to be a little friendly game of poker.”
”Poker?” exclaimed the German.
Again his eyes gleamed.
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